Hong Kong: HK, Vietnam sign immigration pact Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung began his visit programme in Vietnam today by calling on the Ministry of Public Security and witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on co-operation concerning immigration matters between Hong Kong and Vietnam. In the morning, Mr Tang met Vietnams Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and introduced to him Hong Kong's latest situation. Both sides exchanged views on the collaboration of immigration matters and the safeguarding of public safety. They then witnessed the signing of the MOU by Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Vietnams Director General of Immigration Department Pham Dang Khoa on enhancing co-operation in respect of immigration matters linking the two places. The pact will enhance exchanges of experience and information in relation to immigration matters between both places in various areas, including detecting and seizing fake travel documents, as well as preventing and combatting illegal entry and exit. The two places will also strengthen co-operation on verification and repatriation of illegal migrants to enhance efficiency. Noting that the exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam in terms of trade and people-to-people connection have been increasing over the years, Mr Tang said the signing of the MOU signifies that their close relations have scaled new heights. He welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to travel to Hong Kong and do business in the city. He also expressed his hope that more young talent in Vietnam will pursue their studies in Hong Kong and stay to develop their careers after graduation. In the afternoon, Mr Tang had a meeting with the heads of the Department of External Security, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Foreign Relations under Vietnams Ministry of Public Security, and exchanged views with them on matters including anti-terrorism and the safeguarding of national security. In the evening, Mr Tang visited a Hong Kong enterprise's investment in Vietnam to learn about its operation and the local business environment. Apart from meeting some Hong Kong people in Vietnam to understand more about the socio-economic situation there, he also briefed the group about the latest developments in Hong Kong. Mr Tang will depart for Singapore tomorrow. This story has been published on: 2023-08-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. US commerce chief embarks on China visit; high-level contacts expected to stabilize bilateral ties Global Times) 09:18, August 28, 2023 US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday night, kicking off a four-day tour that is widely anticipated to ease fraught relationship between the US and China, the world's two largest economies. She was received by Director General Lin Feng of the American and Oceania Affairs Department of China's Ministry of Commerce at the airport. The visit, seen as a litmus test to see whether the US will show sincerity in fixing bilateral ties, is unlikely to witness big breakthroughs in the trade and commerce field between China and the US, Chinese experts said. However, the US move to pursue dialogue in a trek of recent high-level China-bound visits should be deemed positive in creating a better mood for further talks amid China-US ties that are still at the lowest ebb in decades. US media outlets have expressed high expectations for Raimondo's trip. The New York Times reported on Saturday that Raimondo will likely be the "clearest demonstration yet of the balancing act the Biden administration is trying to pull off in its relations with China." Bloomberg reported on Saturday that "Raimondo may have the best chance among the Biden officials who've make the trek to China recently of taking the current tension between the world's two biggest economies down a notch." Raimondo's visit follows several high-level visits by US officials to China over the past three months or so. In June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China for the first time as the top US diplomat. In July, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited China. Also in July, US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry visited Beijing. Compared with her peers, Raimondo, as the US commerce chief whose agency is primarily engaged in the field of economic and trade which represents the broadest cooperation and closest integration of China-US interests, is thus pinned with high hopes that her visit will reach some tangible outcomes as it concerns the pragmatic interests between the two countries. During her China visit, Raimondo will travel to Beijing and Shanghai, and hold meetings with senior Chinese officials and US business leaders. She looks forward to having constructive discussions on issues relating to the China-US commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation, according to the website of US Department of Commerce. In her meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng on Tuesday, Xie called on the US side to work in the same direction as China, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the negative list, so as to make joint efforts to stabilize China-US relations. China will express its position to the US side on economic and trade issues of concern, and at the same time, looks forward to having in-depth discussions with the US on resolving economic and trade differences and promoting pragmatic cooperation, a spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming talks. Further curbs warning Despite the US showing positive signals in stabilizing bilateral ties via an array of small overtures including seeking a six-month extension of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement due to expire on Sunday, many experts in China have expressed their doubts about the US' sincerity in pursuing dialogue with China because of US' relentless crackdown on Chinese rising technology. Big breakthroughs are not likely to be yielded from the talks, they said. The extension of six months is a very well-studied result, Song Guoyou, deputy director of the Center for American Studies, Fudan University, told the Global Times. He called it a "smart and pragmatic" move for the Biden administration, which does not want to spoil the current positive atmosphere created between China and the US meanwhile giving itself some time to deal with mounting pressure from domestic lawmakers who want to scrap the agreement. "The Chinese side is likely to express its biggest concern through the dialogue with Raimondo, which is the US' continuous moves in curbing Chinese high technology development," He Weiwen, senior fellow of the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Sunday. The bulk of US' restrictions against China including the entity list and export controls that have been imposed by Raimondo's agency. Earlier this month, Biden signed an executive order restricting investments in China, intended to further stymie China's advances in cutting-edge technology areas including semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain artificial intelligence systems. Despite that the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that it will lift 27 Chinese entities out of the so-called Unverified List just ahead of Raimondo's China visit, there are still more than 600 Chinese companies and institutions on the US' entity list, which intends to cut off Chinese technology companies from obtaining relevant technology, equipment, funds and channels. In a worrisome signal, the New York Times report said the US could expand restrictions on sales of chips, software and machinery to China's semiconductor industry after Raimondo's trip. "If the two sides agree to settle certain specific issues through the dialogue, that will be a good start of improvement in the pragmatic terms," He said. He noted that the establishment of a work group dealing with those issues including investment and export controls could also be possible in the following phase. The US has sent a clear signal that the Biden administration wants to consolidate the stabilizing and improving momentum in bilateral relations, "at least not to make it spiral down for the moment till the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting when the two countries' top leader are expected to meet," Zhou Rong, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday. The APEC Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be hosted in San Francisco from November 12 to 18 this year. And recent frequent high-level contacts are thought to pave the way well for the possible meeting, according to Zhou. "The US is still seeking to maintain a channel to hold talks with China and develop cooperation in some areas," Zhou said, adding that the "areas" mainly refer to the ones that are in the US' best interests. Zhou warned that the US strategy in containing China's rise in the technology and military sectors has not changed. "During Raimondo's China visit, China and the US are also expected to touch the 'decoupling or de-risking' claim," He Wenwei said. The tone as hyped by some US politicians has posed challenges to businesses on both sides as it has roiled bilateral commercial and trade environment, He noted. The US commerce chief is likely to reiterate the rhetoric that the US is not seeking an economic "decoupling" from China, the consequence of which is "disastrous," just as warned by Yellen previously, according to He. "Yet in the meanwhile, the US would also stress its national security concerns, a concept that has been abused in political operation to crack down on China's high technologies," He noted. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday that "we are clear-minded on the US' stance on its trade and commerce policies toward China and have forged our own judgment." Also, the Chinese authority has well managed their expectations on Raimondo's visit given the US' repeated shifty moves toward China. "If, during this visit, the US touts its ill-posed trade and economic policies toward China that is marked by strengthening 'national security' and alignment among its partners in a bid to marginalize China in a world trade landscape that Washington's being pushing to reshape, then it will certainly ruin the talks, which is something that both sides don't want to see," Li said. Trade between the world's top two economies has been worsening since the start of the year as the US' unrelenting trade and tech war against China has inhibited bilateral commerce. Mexico and Canada have replaced China as the top exporters to the US. The US imported about $203 billion in goods from China in the first six months of the year, 25 percent less than in the same period in 2022, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Alice Cooper, the former Vincent Furnier, former high school track star, former resident of Detroit and Chicago, did not die this week at 75. Despite a half-century of horrifyingly playful onstage executions, he was not hanged, beheaded, impaled or electrocuted. He just released Road, his 22nd solo album, and plays Tinley Park on Sept. 1, and when we spoke the other day, he said, though he was 75, he has no plans to retire and can perform these days with more energy than I had in the 70s. I was held back then by alcoholism, but I am in the best shape of my life right now. My kids are all grown and have kids. I have no stress in my life. I have been married to my wife of 47 years, and every single thing is in order my spiritual life and financial life. There is nothing wrong with me. Not now. Advertisement But it seems appropriately ghoulish to note: Even Alice Cooper, who secured his place in pop music infamy with such songs as Dead Babies and I Love the Dead, will die. Certainly, he can still shock. Advertisement Less than 48 hours after we spoke, he was trending on Twitter because he told an interviewer for the online music blog Stereogum that, despite being an early rock voice in support of broad sexual expression, he was concerned transgender identities were becoming a fad and children were being encouraged to transition before they understood who they were sexually. Like many Twitter outrages, the shock came and went, though if it feels significant, thats because Alice Cooper, an provocative pioneer of gender fluidity in mainstream culture, sounded sincerely confused by the subject now. Indeed, when I asked if the man once synonymous with shock would even get noticed today, he replied quickly: No, the audience is shock proof now. If Alice Cooper is shocked by anything, its that were not shocked by these daily mass shootings. Its not healthy. Shock, in its many shapes and moods goading, campy, creative, violent has been such a recurring theme in the career of Alice Cooper, you may also be shocked to learn: 1. Alice Cooper bought one of the Os in the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles: It was the (signs) 75th anniversary and it was falling apart, so I started a campaign: Each letter cost $27,000 (to restore). I bought the O for my good friend Groucho. As in Marx. 2. Alice Cooper lived in Chicago for three years. We lived in Lake Point Tower, 83 to 85. In 83, I decided to get sober and (wife Sheryl Goddard) and I decided to get away from L.A. and rock n roll vampires and live in a place we never lived and start over. I needed that. I was trying to decide if I wanted to keep doing (the onstage persona) Alice Cooper. My wifes parents were in Oak Park. I had lived in Detroit so it wasnt a shock, but I was not expecting winter to go on for eight months. Half the Cubs lived there. And I remember getting in an elevator with a resident at the time, this kid Tom Cruise who was making some movie called Risky Business. I remember telling him I hope he does OK. 3. Alice Cooper has been a born-again Christian for decades. His grandfather was an evangelist, his father was a pastor. He was not close to the church throughout his red-hot 70s infamy, but eventually returned: Some songs, on a Christian level, I wont do now. At the same time, I look back at songs like Im Eighteen and Schools Out, and theyre general, you know? Theres nothing satanic. There was nothing satanic even back in the old days. I have probably 20 songs about avoiding Satan. My Christian background was always there somewhere. It just got so sensational. I mean, they were burning my records on The 700 Club and I guarantee they never heard any of them. 4. Alice Cooper wrote to Ann Landers. She did a column about my song Cold Ethyl. Nothing was that offensive (on his records) if you had a sense of humor. I was singing about a guy who keeps his dead girlfriend in a refrigerator. (Sample lyric: Ethyls frigid as an Eskimo Pie / Shes cool in bed / And she ought to be / Ethyls dead.) Ann was mad because of the necrophilia. So I wrote, Ann, if there is a gigantic rash of necrophilia because of this song, I will issue a public apology. Alas, there was no rash and humanity was denied what might have become the greatest public service announcement ever. 5. In the early 1970s, Alice Cooper lived for a couple of years in a crumbling mansion near the Connecticut shoreline, next door to Bette Davis (who had inspired his use of heavy black eyeliner). Cooper has said he and his band were treated like Munsters among New England blue bloods. After Alice and co. left the mansion, it burned down. Advertisement 6. Seven years before Michael Jackson had Vincent Price do a monologue on Thriller, Alice Cooper recorded a Vincent Price monologue for Welcome to My Nightmare. 7. Alice Coopers appearances on innocuous 70s TV like The Muppet Show, The Tonight Show and Hollywood Squares was part of an intentional charm campaign. I had become a fish out of water on every level, he said. My manager and I sat there and realized we painted ourselves into a corner and we needed to start doing things to open me up. I could make Johnny Carson laugh and people didnt expect me to tell good stories or make people laugh. When I was invited on Hollywood Squares, I asked to sit next to Paul Lynde. One of my questions was: If you are an enlisted man and you are in the shower and an officer walks in, do you salute? I asked, With your hands? Paul broke up laughing, which is all I ever wanted to do make Paul Lynde laugh. I fit well into things like that, and so I had become like a Vincent Price. Scary but digestible. 8. Alice Cooper never killed a chicken onstage. But he did throw one out into the audience. The audience killed that chicken! Then they threw it back onstage. So of course, I had to have a picture taken with Colonel Sanders. Anything that happened like that then we would look at it and ask how to promote to how do we gain from this? 9. Alice Coopers best-known fans were not who you thought they were. To audition for the Sex Pistols, Johnny Lydon performed an Alice Cooper song. Bob Dylan often cited him as an underrated songwriter, and Frank Zappa signed him to his first record deal. Most famously, before David Bowie was a star, he sought Cooper as an inspiration for his own onstage theater. We were very Dadaesque and when (Bowie) saw us he went to his band and said this is what they should be doing. 10. Alice Coopers own inspirations were not who you thought they were. We were students of the Yardbirds. And the Who. But also West Side Story and James Bond. We wanted to mix it all into the stage show. Also, I remembered in school that dead baby jokes were big. I mean, they were awful. You had to whisper them. But we became a giant dead baby joke, I suppose. The difference being, we wrote a few great songs. Rob Zombie and Alice Coopers Freaks on Parade 2023 Tour is 6 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park; tickets $25-$356 at www.ticketmaster.com Advertisement cborrelli@chicagotribune.com Tourists visit the observation deck of the Empire State Building as haze and smoke due to wildfires in Canada shroud the views of the Chrysler Building and the Manhattan skyline on June 30 in New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Smoke from Canadian wildfires sent high numbers of people suffering from asthma attacks to America's emergency rooms this spring and summer, according to two new reports. From April 30 to August 4, 2023, smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Canada increased emergency room visits for asthma by 17% over average, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. East Coast states, from New York down to Virginia, were especially affected, as were a swath of Midwest states including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. "These results highlight the need to reduce smoke exposure during wildfires and can help guide emergency response planning," said CDC epidemiologist Cristin McArdle, who led the study. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A second report focused on asthma-linked ER visits in New York state during the first two weeks of June when Canadian wildfire smoke blanketed the state. On the worst day, June 7, levels of tiny airborne particles called PM2.5 rose to levels that were six times higher than average for western New York and 13-fold higher for people living in New York City. That study was led by CDC epidemiologist Haillie Meek. PM2.5 are products of combustion and are a hazard for people with asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular health conditions (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), because they can lodge deep in the respiratory tract and even enter the bloodstream. As McArdle explained, wildfire smoke is a mixture of air pollutants, small particles and hazardous gases. The mixture is formed from the materials being burned. That can include not only vegetation but buildings, plus a wide range of other materials depending on the location of the fire. McArdle's advice: "People with asthma should be especially careful to keep track of air quality in their communities, reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors when the air quality is poor, keep the indoor air as free of wildfire smoke as possible, and pay close attention to health symptoms." And, she added that "it's also important to have a supply of medicine ready in case anyone with lung disease, including asthma, begins to feel symptoms." Dr. Albert Rizzo is chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. He believes the threat of wildfires to public health will only get worse. "We're seeing more and more issues come up as we have climate change and more and more wildfires. We know that the flare-ups are not only for people who are sensitive, those with asthma and COPD, they are also causing people to have symptoms of cough and wheezing and end up using urgent care and hospital systems," Rizzo said. "Patients with asthma or COPD already have inflammation as part of their condition," he explained. So exposure to PM2.5 particles and other pollutants "revs up inflammation, releasing more chemicals into the airway that cause the airways to tighten. That gives them the sensation of wheezing, shortness of breath and cough." There are ways to mitigate the risk. "Some of the things that I have my patients do is, first of all, have them become aware of checking air quality on a daily basis to help them plan their day," Rizzo said. "They may choose not to do some of the things outdoors that they would do on another day. That also may be the day when they realize they should close their windows and recirculate the air conditioner, use their HEPA filters." These patients are also the ones who if they have to go out, it "might be nice to have an N95 mask to wear to help on those bad days." The two new CDC studies only covered emergency room visits, noted another expert, Dr. Jacqueline Moline. She believes there were likely many more people suffering asthma flareups during bad air days who went to their doctor or simply suffered through it. Moline is senior vice president for occupational medicine, epidemiology and prevention at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y. "Unfortunately, it seems like wildfires are increasing and they're becoming more widespread," Moline said. "I don't remember ever having this kind of wildfire spread from Canada with the prevailing air flowing, but I think as everything's heating up and with changes in the climate we are going to see more people having asthma flareups." The two reports were published recently in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. More information For more on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke, head to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Clark Atlanta University has given the all-clear after Atlanta police and K-9 units investigated a bomb threat that prompted a shelter-in-place order at one campus building. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to an alert sent out by Spelman, which is also a part of the Atlanta University Center complex, Atlanta police and at least one K-9 unit searched the campus around Oglethorpe Hall, which houses the School of Fashion and Design. Officials with Clark Atlanta Public Safety said they were notified of a bomb threat in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Theyve since determined there was no threat. Local authorities conducted a K-9 sweep in the area and found no imminent threats. An all clear has been issued, CAU officials said in a statement. CAU encourages all members of their community to stay alert, be vigilant and if you see something say something Clark Atlanta is the largest of four institutions including Spelman, Morehouse and the Morehouse School of Medicine, which make up the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Earlier Monday, someone sent a threat into the Channel 2 Action News newsroom via email claiming that there were bombs on the Morris Brown campus, which is across the street from Clark Atlanta. Its unclear if police have searched the Morris Brown campus. The threat centered around the colleges new mask mandate related to COVID-19 cases. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Franklin County prosecutors were ordered to pay $5,000 after failing to file routine paperwork in a murder case. Last weeks decision was the second time in a year Judge Diana Ruff sanctioned the prosecutors office for violating Washington court rules by failing to hand over a list of the witnesses they intend to have testify at a trial. It was the offices third fine in three years. Defense attorneys Shelley Ajax and Charlie Dow argued that Ruff should dismiss the murder charge against Pedro Bucio because of the violation. But Ruff stopped short of that. Bucio is charged with shooting a friend in the head three times in 2020 and hiding his body in his bedroom covered with a tarp. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement While the Eltopia man has been waiting for a trial for more than three years, Ajax has only been on the case for part of that time. She told Ruff that she tried to work with prosecutors to resolve the case through a plea agreement. When that didnt work out, she and Dow began preparing for a trial. While they have all of the police reports and other information from the prosecutors office, they didnt have a list of the potential witnesses prosecutors planned to call to the stand. Dow counted more than 50 potential witnesses. They found themselves preparing for every possible combination of witnesses, knowing that many might never be called. We are again painted into a corner because of a lack of effort, Dow told Ruff as he argued for the charges to be dropped. What were saying is that despite the states worst efforts, weve been able to prepare for a trial. When Ruff asked Deputy Prosecutor Dave Corkrum why no witness list had been filed, he said he didnt have a good answer. However, he noted that the office has been handling a large number of cases. I didnt have the opportunity to devote my time to this case, he said. This court is well aware that were not going to bring a witness that isnt included in discovery (documents). Prosecutor Shawn Sant asked Ruff to give them more time to respond to the motion to dismiss the murder charges but Ruff decided against dropping the charges and issued the fine. Previous fines This is the third time in as many years that Franklin County prosecutors have been fined for court required paperwork problems. Ajax has been part of all three of the cases, and Dow has been there for two of them. The first happened in late 2020 after Judge Bruce Spanner ruled that prosecutors needed to trim a witness list from more than 220 to a more reasonable number in a case of illegal drug and gun possession. Spanner ruled it needed to be turned in by Dec. 29, 2020. At the time, he didnt issue a fine. After Ajax didnt receive the new witness list by the deadline, the attorney challenged the prosecutors. However, prosecutors said they sent it on the day it was due. Judge Jackie Shea Brown decided to fine the prosecutors office $2,250. The prosecutors office appealed the decision and lost. The second time was in the case of Joe Cruz Garza, who had been arrested for violating a no contact order with Breanna Gooldy. While he was later accused with leaving her outside in bitter cold weather to die, no charges connected to that were brought for months. They were later quickly dismissed. But while he was charged with violating a no contact order, prosecutors didnt turn over their information about the case or a list of witnesses. Dow also asked for the charges to be dismissed, but Ruff declined to do that and instead she released Garza from jail and fined the prosecutors office $1,000. A man was transported to the hospital via helicopter Sunday after crashing his all-terrain vehicle at the Oceano Dunes, according to California State Parks. The man, who in his late 20s, was riding a rental ATV at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area at about 9:50 a.m. Sunday when the crash occurred, State Parks ranger Kevin Pearce told The Tribune via email. The man was driving about 25 mph in a relatively flat area of the park in the Maidenform Flats when he collided with an area of sand and was ejected from his ATV, Pearce said. The ATV rider complained of pain, and emergency responders treated him for potential neck and spinal injuries before he was airlifted to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Pearce said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Drugs and alcohol are not considered a factor in the crash, and the driver was wearing all required safety gear at the time of the incident, according to Pearce. Pearce did not name the ATV rider or identify where he is from. Theres a new wave of COVID going aroundbut this one isnt quite like all the ones before. Shannon Palus considers whether the coronavirus is finally becoming more like the flu, and what that means about how we should treat COVID, and other illnesses, going forward. Plus: A new long COVID studys findings sound scarybut when you dig into the data, its actually kind of reassuring. Epidemiologist Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz helps us make sense of it. Theres one case against Trump that could actually sway Republican votersand Nikki Haley is the only one making it, David Faris argues. He lays out that case, and why its the only one that makes sense. Plus: Trump is set to go on trial on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday. Robert Katzberg explains why the former presidents attempts to delay the trial arent going to work. Courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library. On the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a darker aspect of that day is coming to light. The FBI wasnt the only one spying on the marcherspolice forces from as far away as Alabama were also conducting their own surveillance. Joshua Clark Davis delves into the little-known history. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The worst state in the country for voting rights just got even worse. Tennessee, with the most convoluted voting rights restoration process and, by extension, the highest rate of Black disenfranchisement of any state in the nation, has been the poster child for the ruinous consequences of these laws, Blair Bowie and Dawn Harrington write. Then, last month, the state Elections Division brought its voter suppression to another level. They explain why this is this is a five-alarm fire for democracy in the state. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by net-film.ru and Getty Images Plus. In the 80s, an unlikely man went to Russia and enraged America. No one knew what he was really up tountil now. Josh Levin tells his story. An illustration of a kayaker rowing into the open mouth of a whale. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Getty Images Plus. Julie McSorley is one of the few people on Earth who have been inside a humpback whales mouth and lived to tell the tale. Heather Schwedel spoke to her about what it was like, and why she liked it? much like Mark Meadows seems to have been right before his mug shot was taken. Or is that pinkeye? Perhaps its just that Fulton County golden-hour light, blazing in to accentuate every bulge and crevice on the defendants faces, Christina Cauterucci writes in her in-depth review of the 19 mug shots in the Georgia RICO case. Thanks so much for reading! Well be back in your inbox tomorrow. A Chinese-Australian writer who has been detained in China for more than four years said he fears he could die in jail, after a large cyst was found on his kidney. Yang Hengjun, an Australian citizen and democracy activist, was detained in 2019 during a visit to see family in China and charged with espionage accusations he has denied. A Beijing court held his trial in secret in 2021 but a verdict has been repeatedly delayed. In a message to supporters last Thursday, Yang, 58, said he had experienced discomfort and pain in his kidney for a couple of months. After a recent medical examination, a doctor advised Yang he has a 10-centimeter (nearly 4-inch) cyst squeezing his kidney, according to the message. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If something happens with my health and I die in here, people outside wont know the truth, Yang said in the message. If something happens to me, who can speak for me? Feng Chongyi, Yangs friend and former PhD doctoral supervisor at the University of Technology, Sydney, called for the Australian government to work with the international community to pressure the Chinese government to release Yang on medical parole. Yang Hengjun has been subjected to arbitrary detention in China by Chinese secret police for more than four years and his life is in danger, he said. His real crime is his advocacy for universal values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters he would raise concerns about Yangs health when he meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi next month. We always raise issues of Australian citizens when either myself or my ministers meet with our international counterparts, including China, Albanese said. Asked about Yangs case at a regular news conference Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China is a country with rule of law. Chinas judiciary has tried the case strictly in accordance to law, has sufficiently ensured the legitimate rights of all relevant parties, and sufficiently respected and ensured Australias consular rights, such as visitations, Wang said. Yang, who was born in China, previously worked as an official with the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Though he holds Australian citizenship, Yang spent most of his time in the United States. Before his detention, he routinely posted satirical commentaries critical of the Chinese government to his nearly 130,000 followers on X, previously known as Twitter. Yang is one of two Australians currently detained in China. Cheng Lei, an Australian TV anchor who worked for Chinas state broadcaster CGTN, is accused of illegally supplying state secret overseas and has been held for three years. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The B-2 Spirit bomber is an elegant machine for a war that never came. The flying wing stealth bomber, unveiled for the first time in 1988, represented the near-peak of the American Cold War defense industry. The first Spirit entered operational service in 1997, six years after the end of the Cold War, and only 21 of the bombers were ever built. Nineteen of those bombers remain in service (one was destroyed in a fire in 2008), and on August 9, Northrop Grumman announced the successful demonstration of transferring mission data from a ground station to an airborne bombers computer, thanks to new upgrades. It is easy, given how futuristic the B-2s appearance remains, to forget that the bomber was designed and built before the ubiquitous wireless data transfers of modern technology. Mission data, or information like where to fly and what targets to bomb, had to be inputted manually. B-2s are crewed by two pilots, and they fly long missions. An Air Force fact sheet lists the range as simply intercontinental; the Federation of American Scientists notes the range without refueling is 6,000 nautical miles (6,900 statute miles), and with air refueling the range of the B-2 can cover the entire globe. On such a long flight, or even a normal one, theres always a chance a human pilot manually entering data will make an error. The new technology is an integrated airborne mission transfer, which delivers an advanced capability that enables the B-2 to complete a digital, machine-to-machine transfer of new missions received in flight directly into the aircraft, Northrop Grumman stated in a release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Machine-to-machine transfer is a big deal, especially ensuring that it is done securely. Every B-2 bomber is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. Together with roughly half of the venerable B-52 bombers, these planes largely constitute the bomber third of the nuclear triad, a distribution of nuclear launch capabilities between ground-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles, and bombs dropped or missiles launched by planes. (US fighter jets are also capable of carrying some nuclear bombs, though these arent usually included in the discussion of the nuclear triad.) Carrying nuclear weapons is a terrible responsibility, and films like Dr. Strangelove and Failsafe show what tragedy might happen when a nuclear bomber cannot receive new information in flight. The B-2s manual system to input data mid-mission makes changes possible. But a human manually entering data can still make errors, even in the least stressful of contexts. A direct machine-to-machine update of mission data removes the possibility of human error from data entry, letting pilots devote their full attention to piloting and other tasks. In addition, as Northrop Grumman told Air & Space Forces Magazine, this allows mission data to be uploaded to the bomber without interfering with any other computer processes, keeping flight and other critical systems secure. Introducing any connectivity can risk a possible exploit of that entry point by a malicious actor, though it appears the security concerns and risks are being taken seriously. We are providing the B-2 with the capabilities to communicate and operate in advanced battle management systems and the joint all-domain command and control environment, keeping B-2 ahead of evolving threats, said Nikki Kodama, vice president and B-2 program manager, Northrop Grumman in a release. Advanced Battle Management and Joint All Domain are military concepts, heavily pursued by the Pentagon in recent years, that make it so many different tools, from fighter squadrons to bombers to ships to tanks and infantry, can be used together in a fight together. Battle management is giving tools to the commanders in charge of parts, or all these forces, to be able to send new orders as the situation changes. If soldiers fighting on one island spy the deployment of anti-air missiles, and communicate that, a commander could then use that information to redirect bombers on a course out of range of those missiles, for example. In short, the Pentagon wants to make it easier for the military to share information with itself, in a timely fashion. The integration of this digital software with our weapon system will further enhance the connectivity and survivability in highly contested environments as part of our ongoing modernization effort, said Kodama. Taking in new mission data, directly from machine to machine, reduces the steps in which error can enter the process. Its the difference between handing someone a written note or playing a verbal game of telephone, where whispered messages can lose or change meaning at every step of the process. While the B-2 fleet is small, upgrades like this could help ensure the stealth bombers can remain part of the US arsenal for years to come, while the new, more numerous B-21 Raider stealth bomber fleet is built and integrated into the Air Force. There is no retirement date set for the B-2 beyond the readiness of its planned replacement. New tools ensure that, for however long that transition takes, the US will still have a handful of stealth flying wings, ready to drop conventional or nuclear weapons across continents. A shooting erupted during a baby shower, leaving a 25-year-old man dead and three others injured, according to Ohio police and news reports. The shooting reportedly happened at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, in Mansfield, about 65 miles northeast of Columbus. Mansfield police told Richland Source there was some type of an altercation that broke out at the baby shower. Some of the people involved in the fight left and returned with guns, leading to multiple shots being fired, Assistant Police Chief Jason Bammann told the Richland Source. Officers found four gunshot victims outside the home, according to WEWS. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One of the victims, identified by the county coroner as 25-year-old Jahajee Cobb, was pronounced dead at the scene, police told WMFD. Three other shooting victims were reportedly taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. I was told it was a very chaotic scene, Bammann told the Mansfield News Journal. Individuals tried rushing the scene so the officers had to call for mutual aid to keep them out of the scene. Very chaotic. Makes it tough to investigate scenes like that when your focus is to try and protect the scene. Suspects are accused of fleeing in a dark-colored vehicle, officers told WKYC. They have not been captured as of Monday. Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch described the baby shower party as a large gathering, according to the Richland Source. He said the incident involving four gunshot victims was concerning and led to all hands on deck with their detectives. No children were injured in the shooting, the News Journal reported. As more students head back to classrooms, public health officials are keeping a close eye on the rising COVID-19 numbers around the country. The number of people being admitted to the hospital with the virus has been rising week after week, most recently jumping by 21% nationwide. Will the back-to-school season worsen the summer spike were seeing? Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, expects the trend to look pretty similar to last year. Overall, I would expect cases and hospitalizations to increase then decrease again before they rise in the late fall and early winter, Chin-Hong said. This has been the pattern for the past three years and may be where COVID may settle to: a smaller swell in the summer and a larger increase in cases in the late fall and winter. What to know about new COVID-19 shots, RSV treatments ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It isnt anything about school environments in particular that would increase the spread of the virus. Rather, its the increased gathering of large groups of people indoors. Its hard to predict [if cases will rise] but likely that as in past years, increased congregation indoors as a result of the weather will result in more cases, and therefore more hospitalizations, said Dr. Anand Parekh, chief medical advisor at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said the timing of back-to-school. The newly dominant subvariant EG.5, nicknamed Eris by some, doesnt appear to be a factor making things worse than past strains. It doesnt raise an increased level of concern compared to other variants, and it doesnt seem to be causing more severe disease, Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Yahoo Life. Rutgers will still require COVID-19 vaccine, masks An updated booster designed to target the omicron variant is expected to be released around the end of September, but its not yet clear which age groups will be cleared to get it right away. Even if the new booster is recommended for children, many parents wont be rushing to get their children vaccinated. According to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only a small minority of children in the U.S. received the updated booster released last year. Even when it comes to adults, vaccine uptake was pretty low. About 20% of people 18 and older have received the latest bivalent vaccine. While COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are rising, they are nowhere near where they were when the omicron variant first took over. Experts credit widespread prior infections, high vaccination rates among the most vulnerable populations, and improved treatment options. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. BALTIMORE -- Until the middle of January, Ryan took the bus to school. The junior at Lansdowne High School walked into the blue, silver and brick building, where he saw his friends, took Advanced Placement classes and sometimes stayed late to participate in the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. But after the 16-year-old made threats and was suspended, he spent the majority of his spring semester at home, staring at his laptop, which he used to log in to Baltimore County Public Schools Virtual Learning Program. His biomedical science class on the human body wasnt offered, a blow to the aspiring anesthesiologist. Nor was AP English, a class that could have boosted his GPA because the school system gives the course grade extra value. Online schooling did little to engage him, and his grades took a nosedive. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ryan was one of 133 students the county assigned last year to its Virtual Learning Program as a punishment. Although the school system has used various forms of e-learning as a disciplinary method since 2011, the 2022-23 school year was the first time students in trouble were enrolled in the distinct Virtual Learning Program, which the system says has more supports than other e-learning methods. Experts and parents say online learning is the wrong approach for students facing discipline, who need extra in-person support to learn, stay enrolled and avoid contact with the criminal justice system. The county school system says the Virtual Learning Program is just one disciplinary option, and offers a safe and effective alternative for students and their schools. The Baltimore Sun agreed to identify Ryan, now 17, and his mother by only their first names due to her concern that his school disciplinary record could affect his future. He was sent to the virtual program after he was accused of threatening other students because he sent them photos of himself with a gun and bullets after they said they would beat him up. Normally an engaged student, Ryan said his grades plummeted to include at least one D when he entered the virtual program. His teachers simultaneously taught two groups of students, splitting their focus between those who were learning in person and those in virtual schooling. It was bad; I had a lack of motivation, he said. His mother, Kimberly, said he was sleeping late and missing classes until she intervened. His grades later improved, but Ryan still viewed virtual learning as inferior to in-person school and something he equated with methods hed had to adapt to during the coronavirus pandemic. Its never going to be as effective or as engaging, he said. The county created the program amid the pandemic, which closed school buildings. It is classified as its own school, and educates about 700 high schoolers overall. By the end of the 2022-23 school year, the system had transferred 65 high school students, 54 middle school students and 14 elementary students to the virtual program for discipline, according to data it provided in response to a Maryland Public Information Act request. In contrast, Baltimore City Public Schools in the past two school years had referred fewer than 10 students per year to its virtual program for disciplinary reasons, according to its response to a Public Information Act request. Gboyinde Onijala, a county schools spokesperson, said in a statement that the systems response to student infractions and disruptive or dangerous behaviors varies based on the circumstances. Virtual learning is one of those options that can be utilized, and that decision involves school-based and central office staff, as well as the student and their family, the statement reads. Ryan and his mother said they fought to keep him out of virtual learning. Other options include assigning a student to one of the school systems alternative schools or a program with evening and Saturday courses at certain county schools. Onijala said the students moved to virtual for disciplinary reasons represented an extremely small percentage of the districts 111,084 students. Although virtual learning is used successfully with some students, such as those who are sick, some U.S. studies have shown it reduces academic achievement, as well as harming students well-being. Whats more, research shows discipline that keeps kids out of school can increase their chances of dropping out and push them into the criminal justice system. Even if, technically, youre at home, and you can access the internet and have a safe place to study and have online courses that, technically, would allow you to earn the credits that you would earn in school ... the isolation and stigmatization associated with being away from your school has a further harmful impact on kids learning, said Monisha Cherayil, an attorney at the Public Justice Center, a Maryland nonprofit legal services and advocacy organization. Cherayil said many students in virtual settings struggle without close relationships with peers and supportive adults at school. Also, those who are removed from their regular learning environment for more than 10 days may be stigmatized because theyre not with their peers. Maryland legislators have taken steps to improve tracking of students removed from their regular school programs due to their concerns over what State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury described as the misuse or overuse of school removals for students arrested for certain offenses. In response, the State Board of Education on July 25 amended state regulations in part to specify the data school systems must report to the state education department when that happens. It includes whether a students regular program was changed and demographic information. State Department of Education spokesperson Jena Frick said in a July 27 email that the agency does not keep data on county school systems and the use of virtual learning as a disciplinary measure. Ryans mother, Kimberly, questioned why the Baltimore County system uses virtual education for kids like him. The Virtual Learning Program is not designed to handle children in those situations; they need further support, if anything, she said. Using virtual as a means to punish is not helping the student in the long run. Ryan got into trouble shortly after a brutal stabbing at his school. In January, after a 12th grade student seriously injured a 15-year-old, Ryan made posts on social media making light of the violence. On Instagram, he joked: they playing samurai in the cafeteria. Aniya Ritenour, a friend of the 15-year-old, messaged Ryan on Instagram, according to screenshots The Sun obtained, saying that if he thought what happened to the victim was funny, you gon get beat up. Ryan posted a photo of himself on social media with a photo of what appeared to be a semi-automatic gun with the caption Aint nobody bulletproof, according to a letter from his school. He sent a direct message to another student with a photo of himself holding up a case of bullets and wrote armour piercing rounds hurt like a b---- and Ill just wait til I see aniya outside of school. He didnt just send pictures; he made threats, Aniyas father, Jimmy Ritenour, said. When you have words behind it, that makes it a little more adamant. County police investigated Ryans posts and visited him at home Jan. 11. They closed the case after interviewing him and his mother. Police didnt find any real guns, only a prop. Officers confiscated ammunition his mother said was left over from a shooting range. He was suspended for 10 days. For a Maryland school to keep a student out of their regular learning program longer than 10 days, a district staff member appointed by the superintendent must find a student presents an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or staff or engaged in chronic and extreme disruption of the educational process and that other appropriate interventions have been exhausted, according to state law. Lansdowne administrators wrote in a letter to Ryans mother Jan. 20 that they recommended her son stay out of school for a period of time because his return would create an imminent threat towards Ryan as a result of his insensitive and extreme response to the aftermath of this incident. Students are angry about the posts and were not swayed by the apologies, Assistant Principal Catherine R. Smith wrote. We believe Ryans presence in the building would trigger students and create an unsafe environment for him. At a conference in February, administrators decided Ryan would be transferred to the Virtual Learning Program. Hes not suspended, hes not reprimanded, hes transferred to the Virtual Learning Program, and thats it, his mother said she was told. For two years, Ryan had been part of an Army JROTC program and was aiming for an ROTC scholarship. Now, he could no longer participate. After his semester at home, her 17-year-old will return to Lansdowne as a senior this month. Ryan said he would have preferred to return to Lansdowne last semester, but is grateful not to be expelled or have the discipline on his record. Kimberly said she was upset that her son had foolishly put his future at risk. However, she also believed the race of her son, who she described as Black and Asian, contributed to how white school administrators treated him. For Ryan, he definitely did something, but to me, you apply inconsistent standards, she said. They looked at what was best for BCPS, as opposed to the child. Mahnaz Moallem, Towson Universitys chair of the Department of Learning Technologies, Design & School Library Media, said online learning formats range from simple face-to-face instruction to other more targeted methods that adjust to students needs and use materials developed for online delivery. She said using virtual learning as a consequence sends the wrong message about a method that has the potential to benefit students. Moallem said that although its a better alternative than students not having any learning, this process has varying impacts on students of different socioeconomic statuses. For example, a student in a low-income household might not have the learning environment of a student in a wealthier family, Moallem said. Research in the U.S. on the so-called school-to-prison pipeline has shown school discipline disproportionately affects marginalized groups, said Jessica Den Houter, a teaching fellow in Bronfein Family Law Clinic at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Studies also show that measures that exclude kids from school arent effective, Den Houter said, because they dont address underlying issues. A 2015 study cited in a Maryland state commission report found each suspension decreased by 20% the odds of a student graduating. In other research, data collected in Texas showed students who were suspended or expelled for less serious offenses were almost three times more likely to come into contact with the juvenile justice system the next year. Cherayil said many Maryland students are suspended, expelled or expelled off the books for infractions such as being disruptive or not being in class. We see it as an unfortunate response that comes into play when schools maybe just arent equipped to deal with a kid who is difficult or annoying or has some of their own internal behavior issues, Cherayil said. Jimmy Ritenours daughter also spent last semester in virtual learning, something her family requested for her safety after the stabbing and Ryans messages. However, Ritenour said the school had been pushing him to place his daughter, who struggled with behavioral issues, in virtual schooling even before the stabbing. Ritenour dismissed the virtual program as laziness on the part of the system and said it was generally bad for students, including his child. This is just a way for them not to have to deal with it, he said. Since you cant do what youre supposed to do in school, were going to send you home and have your parents deal with it. Law enforcement and first responders gather on South Street near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an "armed and dangerous person" on campus. (Kaitlin McKeown/The News & Observer via AP) CHAPEL HILL, N.C. A University of North Carolina faculty member was shot and killed in a campus building, officials said Monday. A suspect was arrested about an hour and a half after shots were reported, UNC Police Chief Brian James said at a news conference. Students and faculty at the flagship campus had barricaded themselves in dorm rooms, offices and classrooms for hours until a lockdown was lifted. Advertisement This loss is devastating and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said. He apologized to students who are feeling uncertain about your safety right now. Authorities are not releasing the suspects name and formal charges have not yet been filed, James said. Its unclear if the suspect knew the victim, who police have not yet named while they reach out to relatives, James said. Advertisement The shooting was in Caudill Laboratories, which is closed while evidence is processed, James said. He said a motive isnt known and the weapon has not been found. Emergency sirens sounded about two minutes after a 911 call came in reporting shots fired, James said. There were no other deaths or injuries, James said. About three hours after warning students to seek shelter indoors and avoid windows, the school posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, All clear. All clear. Resume normal activities. The schools first alert was sent out just after 1 p.m. At 1:50 p.m., officials posted on X that the shelter-in-place order remained in effect and that it was an ongoing situation. About 40 minutes later, the school added a post saying: Remain sheltered in place. This is an ongoing situation. Suspect at large. About two hours after the first alert went out, officers were still arriving in droves, with about 50 police vehicles at the scene and multiple helicopters circling over the school. One officer admonished two people who tried to exit the student center, yelling Inside, now! About 10 minutes later, law enforcement escorted a group of students out of one of the science buildings, with everyone walking in an orderly line with their hands up. Shortly before 4 p.m., students and faculty started emerging from campus buildings, with the lockdown over. Advertisement The report of the shooting and subsequent lockdown paralyzed campus and parts of the surrounding town of Chapel Hill a week after classes began at the states flagship public university. The university, with about 20,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 graduate students, canceled Tuesday classes. During the lockdown, a student told TV station WTVD that she had barricaded her dormitory door with her furniture. Another student, speaking softly, described hiding in fear with others in a dark bathroom. Adrian Lanier, a sophomore computer science major, told The Associated Press that he and others sat against a wall, trying to stay as far away as possible from doors and windows. They waited for hours as rumors spread. No one really felt safe enough to leave. I didnt, Lanier said. Oliver Katz, an exchange student from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, said some students crowded into gym locker rooms to get away from windows while others crouched in corners and sat on the floor, he said. Police evacuated them hours later. This never happens where Im from, Katz said. It was intense. But I was a little surprised that other people werent panicking that much. Advertisement Katz, who has only been on campus for two weeks, said hes worried his home university will bring the exchange students home early. I dont want to leave. I like it here, and I do still feel safe. Noel T. Brewer, a professor of health behavior, told the AP by phone during the lockdown that he was once held at gunpoint in his mothers jewelry store, but that Mondays events were far more stressful. Speaking from his locked office where he hid with other colleagues, Brewer, a 57-year-old married father of two, said he was getting little information. He also said he felt for anyone who might have been shot. But even in our own building, the students who are locked down and what theyre thinking about its just a lot. Its a terrible situation, said Brewer. The nearby Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school district also locked down its schools for several hours as a precaution. Advertisement Associated Press writers Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sarah Brumfield in Silver Spring, Maryland, Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, and Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report. We send Bee Opinionated to newsletter subscribers first. Get it in your inbox before it publishes online: Sign up here. Hello, this is Robin Epley with The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board, back with the best of Californias opinion journalism over the last week. The ultimate leapfrog development project in rural southwest Sacramento County should be officially dead by now. Instead, it clings to life based on a false promise of environmental sensibilities under a new name on a new website. Call it the same old Cordova Hills Project. Or call it by its new name, Braden. But lets call it one of the worst development decisions ever made by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Last week I dove into the deep and varied topic of a housing development thats been dividing Sacramento for nearly a decade, exposing its ties to a recent election measure and decrying its greenwashed marketing for a new generation who is susceptible to sustainable promises. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Opinion The town of Braden is one of the first three phases of the large development plan known as Cordova Hills, situated on nearly 2,700 acres in southeastern, unincorporated Sacramento County, near the corner of Grant Line and Douglas roads. Two other parts of the development, subdivisions known as University Village and Ridgeline Village have also been approved, according to the countys planning department. They have not yet begun to build but recently, the development company reported to the county that they would seek tentative map approval and shift their focus to the town center area now called Braden with its nearly 8,000 new homes. Building beyond the fringes of existing communities creates longer trips in cars and greater emissions, all contrary to mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, I wrote. Regardless, Sacramento County Supervisors have delayed the adoption of its Climate Action Plan for nearly as long as Cordova Hills has been in development, ensuring that developments approved before the adoption of the climate plan would not be subject to many, or even most of, its requirements. Cordova Hills has been a part of Sacramento Countys political past, I wrote, but it doesnt have to be a part of Sacramento Countys future. Sacramento County still has the power to kill this project, which would be the best outcome for everyone, and especially if you truly care about climate change. Breaking the Rules Museums like the Crocker are becoming a valuable, financially accessible haven for queer representation as classrooms around the country have come under fire amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Opinion summer intern Brain Zhang opined last week on Americans propensity to only be comfortable appreciating queer sexuality as relics, or as he put it, as pieces of history behind glass protectors or propped up in the center of the Crocker Art Museum which is currently hosting an exhibit titled Breaking the Rules, starring the work of the late, gay artists, Paul Wonner and William Thilophilus Brown. While any form of representation is important for a marginalized community, he wrote, its important to not that museums are delivering a counter narrative to current school legislation that seeks to hinder those stories from being told, but also that sexuality, its oppression, and LGBTQ+ people are not just history that belongs in museums. It is very clearly not art that offends, but rather the non-traditional romance, the newness of queerness to some straight people the very real and present love stories that make them uncomfortable. This is a problem, because this is not a question about education anymore, its a question about acceptance, which pervades every aspect of how a human being is treated by others. We find it so much easier to appreciate through the lens of critique and contemplation about a works meaning than through direct respect toward a living, breathing person, Zhang wrote. Op-Ed Roundup Is Trump ineligible to run for president? Heres what Californias top legal mind says by Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of and a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law. If (Donald) Trump is convicted in federal or state court of the crimes with which he has been charged, he should be deemed ineligible to run for president. Even if he is not convicted, there is a compelling case that the Constitution bars him from ever holding office again. Some Asian leaders decry stereotypes in Bee headline about Sacramento DA Thien Ho by Jinky Dolar, President of OCA Sacramento - Asian Pacific American Advocates, et al. The word dictator is often used to describe communist leaders around the world, most notably from the Peoples Republic of China. The choice to combine and use these words when referencing an Asian man shocks the conscience. California assemblyman and veteran calls out those profiting from opioid addiction by Republican Assemblymember Devon J. Mathis, who represents the 33rd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties. We have high standards for our military, making us the greatest in the world. Our mission is not accomplished until big pharma and companies like McKinsey are held to the same standard of accountability that our military members hold themselves to. Opinion of the Week A frightening consequence of (Lauri) Carletons murder now, in the face of these increasing attacks, would be if it causes potential allies to take a neutral stance or refrain from continuing the necessary cultural conversations around these topics. Brian Zhang and I wrote last week about the killing of a southern California woman over her display of a Pride flag and what allyship truly means to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community. Got thoughts? What would you like to see in this newsletter every week? Got a story tip or an opinion to tell the world? Let us know what you think about this email and our work in general by emailing us at any time via opinion@sacbee.com. Just a reminder: Halloweens only nine weeks away! - Robin A lawsuit challenges several new zoning regulations approved in Wilson County, stating they are illegally approved and will ultimately hurt property values and limit certain property owners. In May, Wilson County commissioners approved several zoning changes that include raising the minimum amount of land the county will allow to be subdivided in several zoning categories. The zoning changes approved in my opinion were a response to widespread public opinion to the impact of extreme growth in Wilson County and Middle Tennessee, said the county's planning director, Tom Brashear. The new regulations do not impact land within the city limits of Lebanon, Mt. Juliet and Watertown. Jay White with Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction in Lebanon, Tenn., is part of a lawsuit claiming new Wilson County zoning regulations meant to manage growth will harm existing property owners. They did this thing behind peoples backs, said Frank Bryant, a Wilson County resident and developer who owns multiple large tracts and is one of four plaintiffs. Theyve brought in all these companies and now they want to change the rules. A lot of people would never know that this would affect their farm. Zoning: The changes There is a new minimum amount of land that can be subdivided in the county for A1 agricultural zoning category for property owners without public sewer access. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Property owners could previously subdivide a minimum 40,000 square foot parcel nearly one acre for "A1 agricultural zoning for landowners without sewer access. Commissioners raised the amount of agricultural property to an 80,000 square foot minimum nearly two acres. It does affect your bottom line. It affects your net worth. If you never sell, it will affect your heirs that do sell, said Jay White, a plaintiff in the lawsuit who owns several larger tracts. White also owns Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction and communicates regularly with larger tract landowners. If there were more education and it was known there would have been a lot more opposition against this, White added. Other zoning changes the lawsuit raises concerns about are: Suburban Residential minimum lot sizes for a single-family home with access to public sewer go from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet and for duplexes from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet (R2 Suburban Residential). R1 residential zoning now mandates a 40,000-square-foot lot regardless of access to public water and sewer and eliminates the previous allowance to subdivide a 25,000-square-foot lot without public sewer access. The lawsuit alleges the change eliminates prior incentive for developers to install public sewer instead of septic systems, which attorney for the plaintiffs Elliott Benson believes could impact public health. Wilson County can pass new zoning regulations according to state guidelines. But the lawsuit alleges those guidelines were not followed in some instances. Wilson County Attorney Mike Jennings and Mayor Randall Hutto did not comment on the lawsuit. "The change to the zoning regulations in May directly impacts every piece of real property subject to Wilson Countys zoning regulations, Benson said. A landowner may not have his property for sale today to realize it yet, but property value has been taken by this regulation. What led to the lawsuit Benson believes the new regulations unfairly lower the property values of the plaintiffs and have a negative impact on overall land values in Wilson County. The new lot size requirement also eliminates a property owner parceling one acre to a family member or anyone else to build on. The plaintiffs believe: Zoning changes deviated from the required public notice about the commission meeting and limited the knowledge of affected property owners and what was proposed and then approved after the required public hearing had closed changed. Tennessee law requires a complete summary of a proposed change to a zoning regulation be published; no complete summary was provided prior to the passage of this regulation, Benson said. The lawsuit seeks to void the county commission legislation that amended the zoning regulations, which Benson said would revert all of the zones back to the prior minimum lot sizes. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lawsuit contests new regulations set up to manage Wilson County growth Think twice before you dump that butter in the bowl! Is it the right fat content? And the right temperature? Think twice before you dump that butter in the bowl! Is it the right fat content? And the right temperature? Butter is a contentious subject among bakers. Some swear by European varieties, extra churned for a higher fat content that yields a softer texture and more concentrated, fermented flavor. Others use only American-style brands with a lower fat content, a more neutral flavor and better control over consistency in baking. Theres also the salted vs. unsalted question and so much more. Pastry chefs and bakers across the nation answered these questions and more as they demystified this cornerstone of baking and shared some of their favorite treats to make with the golden superstar. The benefits of baking with European-style butter European butters improve the quality and consistency of your baked goods, said chef Adam Finzel, the sous chef at Willas in Tampa, Florida. Its especially good for baking bread and really any kind of dough. The higher fat content adds tenderness and structure because butter doesnt evaporate like water does when baked. Its the only butter I use at work and at home. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Kara Enache, the pastry chef at Floridas Black Bear Bread Co., also prefers it: It is more pliable and easier to work with, and European-style butter also creates a much bolder flavor without having to use copious amounts. I use it in almost everything in the bakery, but specifically in the lamination process. We use it for croissants, for danish and anything that has lots of layers built into it. I love making cheese danishes with European butter you have cream cheese in the filling and the dough is so soft, has so many layers. Theyre my favorite. Enache uses it in her pie dough as well, but with a twist. If youre at home and, like me, you struggle with getting great layers like my grandmother and my mom would make, fold it several times, Enache said. You automatically work more layers into your dough and then you have a great crust its the process of making croissants, but in pie dough. The benefits of baking with American-style butter Hilary Lamont, pastry chef at North Carolinas Asheville Proper, has opinions. For baking, my go-to butter is American-style. It offers wide availability, fat and flavor. The higher fat content of European style butter is also tasty, but I find it best enjoyed simply spread on some toasted bread, Lamont said. Over in Highlands, North Carolina, Oak Steakhouse executive pastry chef Anne White has a similar take. American-style fits the broad spectrum of most recipes, whereas if you try to use European-style butter in your existing recipes that just call for butter, it may not turn out right since the fat content is different, White said. I love baking brown butter chocolate chip cookies with regular unsalted butter. They have so much more dimension and warmth that is worth the extra step of browning butter! What about vegan butter for baking? Plant-based baking needs fats as well. Lauren Ocello, a French-trained pastry chef and head vegan at Twidley Bits in Chicago, always turns to Earth Balance unsalted buttery sticks. I do my measurements by weight because thats how I was trained and cutting from sticks is so much easier, Ocello said. I do a little math whenever I buy vegan butter. Ill look to see what their serving size is and the grams of fat per serving. If it is a 14 grams serving size, I want about 11 of those grams to just be fat, so that youre at least above a 75% ratio of fat to other items like water. Biscuits hit Ocellos sweet spot. They take you from breakfast all the way to dessert. A lot of times people will cut their butter content with some vegetable shortening for biscuits to make a nice, different level of flakiness. Vegetable shortening is already vegan, so its a really nice substitute to give that same bake youre used to with a conventional biscuit, but less animal product involved. Heres when its better to use oil instead of butter Growing up, my great-grandmother taught me to use oil in certain cakes, like her warm spice cake with apple caramel drizzle. And shes not alone. Enache likes oil in muffin batters because it creates a lighter texture and it doesnt dry out as quickly. Ocello goes for oil in cakes too: Oil for a cake gives you a far more tender crumb because its 100% fat. So if youve got your 14 grams of oil, it is 14 grams of fat. Theres no water in there for evaporation. Theres no extra solids like with butter. Husk Nashville pastry chef Rachel Rathgeb added: Oil acts much differently in recipes than butter because it is a liquid at room temperature vs. a solid. It can create a denser, richer product which can be ideal in things like fudgy brownies or some cakes. Oil also has a much more neutral flavor, which can let other tastes in the recipe shine. European style butter often comes in larger slabs and has a higher fat content than American style butter. European style butter often comes in larger slabs and has a higher fat content than American style butter. Salted vs. unsalted butter Everybody I talked with came down squarely on the side of unsalted butter. Baking is a more precise form of food prep than, say, savory cooking, Ocello explained. I can control the salt content and it wont mess up my leavening agents with baking soda and baking powder, salt affects how your product will rise. Lamont added, I use unsalted for consistency different brands of salted butter will vary in the amount of salt they add. I love buttery shortbread made with unsalted butter. Ive been a fan ever since I tried some Scottish shortbread. Its all about the butter and the slightly sweet and rich, buttery flavor is so simple, yet so perfect to me. The temperature of your butter can be even more important than the type Different recipes call for different temperatures melted, room temperature, ice-cold cubes, etc. Whats a baker to do when they forget to pull the sticks out hours before? Baking fails are often a result of wrong butter temperature, White said. You want it very cold when making pie doughs or biscuits so that you have small butter pockets in your dough that melt in the oven and create the flakiness. If your butter is too warm and starts to melt into the dough, it will create a denser product. When making cookies or cakes with butter, you almost always want it to be room temperature and pliable so that you can achieve the correct creaming method when beating the sugar and butter together. If its too cold when mixing, you likely will make cookies that are dense. Jessica Morrison, founder of The Baking Notification Project, has some advice gleaned from the book A Good Bake by Melissa Weller, a chemical engineer turned James Beard-nominated baker. Weller says you only need 15 to 20 minutes to soften butter. Previously I would freak out if I had forgotten to put my butter out, or I would do the thing where I put it in the microwave and make butter soup. Wellers book changed my approach. I like this idea that it only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Ill set my butter on the counter and start a timer for 20 minutes. Works every time. Related... Football season is around the corner and pretty soon, uptown Charlotte will be packed with thousands of fans cheering on their favorite teams at Bank of America Stadium alongside the College GameDay crew. Come Labor Day weekend, people from all over the Carolinas will be in town to watch the University of South Carolina take on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Dukes Mayo Classic on Sept. 2. Game day wont just be spent watching football there are several other events and activities happening around the stadium all day long. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious places in the area to grab a bite to eat on game day, whether you want a burger and fries, pasta and wine or even your favorite breakfast foods. Heres a list of some popular spots within one mile of Bank of America Stadium: Location: 303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Distance from stadium: 0.5 miles Saturday hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m. Cuisine: Italian Located inside the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, Angelines is an upscale restaurant with a modern, Italian-influenced menu known for its house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The patio of Angelines in uptown Charlotte. Location: 210 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.7 miles Saturday hours: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m. Cuisine: Thai Basil is a Charleston-based refined Thai cuisine spot less than one mile away from Bank of America Stadium. Whether youre stopping in for lunch or dinner, there are a wide variety of menu items available, including fried wontons, Thai chicken wings and crispy red curry duck. Location: 435 S Tryon St Ste 100, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.4 miles Saturday hours: 5-10:30 p.m. Cuisine: American If youre looking for an upscale, fine dining restaurant, make a reservation at Bernardins. The North Carolina-based spot offers pasta, seafood, steaks and more. Location: 710 W Trade St f, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cuisine: Italian, pizza Looking for a New York-style slice of pizza on game day? Head over to Bistone just a short walk away from Bank of America Stadium. Voted best pizza spot in Charlotte by C5 readers, you can get a single slice of your favorite flavors or get a massive sheet pizza to share with friends. Location: 600 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Cuisine: Seafood If seafood sounds good, check out Carolines Oyster Bar inside the JW Marriott. Designed as a a fanciful take on a coastal seafood place, Carolines has a Carolina-style raw oyster bar with daily oyster and seafood selections. Carolines Oyster Bar has a Carolina-style raw bar and offers daily oyster selections and seafood dishes at the JW Marriott in Charlotte. Location: 127 N Tryon St #8, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: Saturday hours: Saturday 10-2 a.m. Cuisine: American Go for the food and stay for the ambience at Church and Union. The popular uptown restaurant offers brunch, dinner and late night bites including seafood, steak and the iconic Chef Jamies lamb burger. Church and Unions Chef Jamies Lamb Burger is made with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola fondue, arugula, and secret sauce. Location: 500 W 5th St UNIT 120, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: Saturday 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Cuisine: American, desserts If youre looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a bite at Crave Dessert Bar. Known for its cakes, cheesecakes and dessert wines, the dessert bar also has small bites, handhelds and flatbreads on the menu. Crave Dessert Bars SMores Platter. Location: 600 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-11 p.m. Cuisine: Steakhouse Deans Italian Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse with an Italian twist. Located inside the JW Marriott, the uptown spot offers a wide selection of high-end steak options, along with house-made pasta, salads, seafood and sweet Italian desserts. Deans Restaurant is an American Steakhouse with Italian expressions at JW Marriott in Charlotte. Location: 305 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: 11:30-12 a.m. Cuisine: American If the name doesnt give it away, Deluxe Fun Dining is a spot where the experience is just as big as the food. The uptown spot has an ever-evolving menu and immersive atmosphere with over-the-top unique cocktails and dishes. Deluxe Fun Dinings gold-wrapped Australian Lamb chops. Location: 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.3 miles Saturday hours: 5-10 p.m. Cuisine: Seafood Named one of the best restaurants in Charlotte by Southern Living, Fin & Fino is a great spot to grab seafood. From Cajun roasted oysters to lobster tail and scallops, theres a wide variety of fish dishes to choose from. Fin & Finos lobster and shrimp roll, with mayo, lime, togarashi, sesame, chilled salad on a roll. Location: 230 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.9 miles Saturday hours: 7-11 a.m., 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Cuisine: Italian Located inside The Holiday Inn Center City, Forchetta offers a taste of Italy with a modern twist. With an award-winning chef behind the scenes, the upscale restaurant offers breakfast and dinner with dessert and specialty drinks. Location: 321 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.4 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cuisine: American, Cajun If youre looking for comfort food with a Cajun twist, French Quarter Restaurant is your spot. The local pub, one of the citys oldest establishments, offers small bites, shareables, sandwiches, drinks and more. Watch Charlotte FC at Charlotte bars and restaurants including French Quarter Tavern in Uptown. Location: 400 S Graham St #4, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.2 miles Saturday hours: 11-2 a.m. Cuisine: American Located just blocks away from Bank of America Stadium, Graham St. Pub & Patio is a great spot to grab a bite and take in the skyline view. The bar, known for its food truck-inspired menu, offers game day favorites like Buffalo chicken dip, fried pickles, burgers, wraps, tacos and more. [RELATED: Its summer time. Enjoy these 24 rooftop bars and restaurants in Charlotte] Location: 225 S Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.4 miles Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m, 5-10:30 p.m. Cuisine: American Known for its farm fresh food and unique cocktails, Haymaker is a popular spot for brunch and dinner. From PB&J pork belly and roasted Carolina shrimp to its Carolina Bramble cocktail and seasonal mules, this neighborhood restaurant and bar has a wide variety of familiar favorites with a unique flair. Haymaker serves a variety of cocktails, beer and wine. Location: 222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.7 miles Saturday hours: 11-2 a.m. Cuisine: American Ink n Ivy, located across the street from Romare Bearden Park, is a spot to eat, drink and be social open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, along with daily drink specials. Location: 300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.5 miles Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 4-11 p.m. Cuisine: French La Belle Helene offers French cuisine with a modern twist. The fine dining restaurant, owned by the group that also runs nearby Church and Union, is open for brunch and dinner on the weekends. La Belle Helene is a French brasserie in uptown Charlotte. Location: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.3 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m. -3 pm., 5-10 p.m. Cuisine: Multiple Located inside the uptown Mint Museum, Mariposa offers a world to table experience with a menu inspired by foods and drinks from around the world. Expect small and large dishes, like street corn fritters and chipotle short ribs, along with specialty cocktails and dessert. Mariposa is a multicultural culinaria at the Mint Museum in Uptown. Location: 201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.6 miles Saturday hours: 7-12 a.m. Cuisine: Argentine Housed inside the Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Mico Restaurants menu includes traditional American dishes with bold Argentinian influences. Whether you want to stop in early or late, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner through midnight. Location: 420 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 1 mile Saturday hours: Open 24/7 Cuisine: American, breakfast If game days got you hungry for waffles or french toast, head over to Midnight Diner. The casual spot serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night comfort foods all day long. Location: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.9 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cuisine: Gullah, Soul food If youre in the mood for your favorite Southern soul foods, look no further than Merts Heart & Soul. The restaurant, which opened in 1998, has been a staple for comfort food for years. From fried green tomatoes and okra soup to Southern fried chicken and shrimp creole with rice, there are plenty of Lowcountry-style foods to indulge in. Location: 327 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.5 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Cuisine: Southern Sophisticated, yet comfy but also traditional, and a bit modern is the vibe of Mimosa Grill. The farm-to-table has been a staple in uptown since the 90s, offering Southern staples with a modern twist for brunch and dinner like crab and pimento cheese puppies and brown butter trout. Location: 145 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.4 miles Saturday hours: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Cuisine: Mediterranean If youre looking for traditional Greek dishes, check out Nefelies just a short walk away from Bank of America Stadium. You can treat yourself to one of the many gyros and pitas or pizza and salads. Location: 135 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance: 0.4 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Cuisine: American Queen City Bites & Crafts, located right across from Romare Bearden Park, is a great spot for a casual lunch, dinner or late night meal. Cheer on your favorite team with a drink and some small bites, a burger or hot dog. Location: 333 W Trade St #101, Charlotte, NC 28202 Distance from stadium: 0.5 miles Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Cuisine: Mexican Que Onda Tacos + Tequila, voted one of the best taco spots in Charlotte by CharlotteFive readers, offers traditional Mexican food favorites with a modern twist. From empanadas and skillet nachos to carne asada and enchiladas, theres a lot to choose from, depending on what youre craving. The Crispy Baja Fish Taco at Que Onda includes beer battered fish topped with chipotle slaw. Location: 400 S Tryon St Unit R1, Charlotte, NC 28285 Distance from stadium: 0.4 miles Saturday hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Cuisine: Indian If youre craving traditional Indian dishes and street food, you may want to check out Tikka Shack Indian Grub. The fast-casual spot offers biryani, veggie bowls and build-your-own masalas and curries. Did we miss your favorite spot to grab a bite to eat near Bank of America Stadium? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com A bicyclist is in serious condition after colliding with a Ford F-150 pickup truck that had turned in front of the rider Sunday evening in a Kansas City neighborhood, a police spokesman said. The bicyclist, whose age was not released, was headed east on a black Pivot bicycle about 6:50 p.m. on East 30th Street near Brighton Avenue in the Knoches Park neighborhood of Kansas City, said Sgt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department said. The maroon pickup was headed west on 30th and made a left turn on to Brighton, directly in the path of the bicycle, Becchina said. The bicycle struck the passenger side of the pickup, throwing the rider off the bicycle. The rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The driver of the pickup was uninjured. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, Becchina said. ALBANY, N.Y. The Biden administration pushed back Monday at criticism that it hasnt done enough to help New York address its migrant crisis, citing two dozen areas where the city can strengthen its migrant operations. Two letters obtained by POLITICO were sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams on Monday from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in response to the city and states concerns over not getting more help from the federal government. Mayorkas mentioned structural and operational issues found during a week-long assessment of the citys operations starting on Aug. 7, but didnt give specifics, saying the recommendations would be first shared Monday with the city. The structural issues include governance and organization of the migrant operations, including issues of authority, structure, personnel, and information flow, Mayorkas wrote. The operational issues include the subjects of data collection, planning, case management, communications, and other aspects of day-to-day operations. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement An official familiar with the recommendations to the city said it includes improving data collection at intake, better communication with the migrants and bolstering information for the migrants regarding their ability to apply for work authorization and the need to apply for asylum. We are hopeful that our recommendations will equip the city to take additional steps to improve the migrant operations and maximize the value of our continued partnership and your support, Mayorkas added. The letters come after Hochul took to the podium last week saying the crisis originated with the federal government, and it must be resolved with the federal government. In her address and in a letter to the Biden administration, Hochul requested they identify federally owned land and sites to use as temporary shelters for the roughly 100,000 asylum-seekers that landed in New York City this year. In response, Mayorkas said the Biden administration provided access to a hangar at John F. Kennedy Airport and identified 11 federal sites across the state to house migrants as the city faces an influx of 100,000 asylum-seekers over the past year that has strained city services. We look forward to hearing from the city and state on the viability of these sites, he said in his letter to Hochul. In addition, he pointed to a lease for the temporary use of Floyd Bennett Field to house migrants. He said a lease was sent to the city and state on Aug. 21, by the Department of Interior and a team has been discussing the lease in person. DOI seeks to finalize that lease as soon as you are ready, he said. Avi Small, a spokesperson for the governor, told POLITICO that many of the sites proposed by the federal government have been far away from New York City, where migrants are located. He noted the state is ready to move forward with the lease for Floyd Bennett Field, but referred to City Hall as to why it has not been signed yet. As Governor Hochul has repeatedly said, this crisis will only abate once the federal government takes action on work authorization and allows migrants to be resettled permanently, and we look forward to learning additional details from the Department of Homeland Security during todays briefing, Small said to POLITICO. As for the operational and structural concerns, Small referred to a letter from Hochuls attorney sent out earlier this month detailing concerns in the citys efforts. For its part, the city said it was pleased to see the federal government more engaged in its plight. But New Yorkers deserve the facts, so lets be clear: Our requests from the federal government remain the same, and quite frankly, unaddressed, Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak said in a statement. Among the requests include a decompression strategy at the border, expedited work authorizations for asylum-seekers and the declaration of a state of emergency to get more federal aid to the city, which has spent $1.7 billion on programs and services. The city said it has already opened more than 200 sites, but a review found that 2,800 that were not useable as shelters. Todays conversation also did not address the situation on the ground where thousands of asylum seekers continue to arrive in our city with no end in sight, Mamelak added. In regards to the calls by Hochul to let them work, Mayorkas said his department is aware of the need to issue work authorization in a timely manner and is considering changes to make the process faster. But, he did note that there are statutory constraints that hinder these efforts. A White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said a specific statutory constraint holding up the process is the 150-day waiting period required before asylum-seekers can apply for a work permit. Thats along with an additional 30 days of waiting before they can receive an employment authorization document. We are exploring all options available to improve operational efficiency, including through additional staffing and technology improvements to streamline case processing, as well as improved methods of communicating information about the employment authorization process with noncitizens, Mayorkas said. President Joe Biden condemned racism and white supremacy in the wake of the racially-motivated Jacksonville shooting in which two men and one woman were killed. The incident occurred at a Dollar General store located a few blocks away from the historically Black Edward Waters University. The victims identified as Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr, 19 and Jarrald DeShaun Gallion, 29 were shot dead by 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter who hated Black people. The president issued a statement after the shooting. We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the color of their skin. Hate must have no safe harbor. Silence is complicity and we must not remain silent, he said in the statement. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Even as we continue searching for answers, we must say clearly and forcefully that white supremacy has no place in America, he said. On Saturday, our nation marked the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington a seminal moment in our history and in our work towards equal opportunity for all Americans. But this day of remembrance and commemoration ended with yet another American community wounded by an act of gun violence, reportedly fueled by hate-filled animus and carried out with two firearms. The shooting suspect was earlier spotted near the campus library and security personnel attempted to apprehend him, but he managed to flee. In the moments leading up to the shooting, the parents of the gunman contacted law enforcement, informing them that they had discovered a manifesto. The assailant had apparently phoned his parents before the assault, instructing them to check his computer. Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters characterised the writings as a repugnant ideology of hatred. President Joe Biden speaks with students at Eliot-Hine Middle School on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Washington. Biden visited the school, located east of the U.S. Capitol, to mark the District of Columbia's first day of school for the 2023-24 year. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden shook hands with middle schoolers heading to lunch and dropped by an eighth grade math class Monday to welcome students back for the new school year. The Bidens went to Eliot-Hine Middle School, located east of the U.S. Capitol, to mark the District of Columbia's first day of school for the 2023-24 year. Seventh graders coming down the stairs for their lunch into the cafeteria were giggling as the president and first lady greeted them. Inside Heather Thomas' eighth grade class, the students were bouncing out of their seats and yelling with glee as the two walked to the front of the room. Im shaking hands with the president!" one student exclaimed. Biden said he remembered how it felt to come back to school after a summer away. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement You all look so excited to be in math class, he said to the students. What's your hardest subject, by the way? The students all yelled: "Math!" The Bidens were joined at the school by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the schools chancellor. The event kicks off several back-to-school activities for the first lady, who is traveling later in the week to the Midwest to celebrate teachers and to highlight the mental health needs of students. Jill Biden is a longtime teacher. She's the first first lady to continue her career outside the White House. She teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, which is where she taught during the eight years her husband was President Barack Obama's vice president. She goes back to school on Tuesday, she told the class, and has been busy preparing lesson plans. What you probably don't know about your teachers is that no matter how long you've been teaching, the night before you can barely sleep because you're so excited," she said. Because we love our students. The students squealed as Biden went around and shook their hands. I want to shake your hand!" one boy yelled. The school was built in 1931 and was recently modernized with state-of-the-art facilities. It has about 300 students. According to its website, it is focused on rigorous academic and socio-emotional instruction, and it receives federal funding to help support low-income students. Parents Maria Cervantes and husband Ricardo Carabez, with newborn twins Violeta, left, and Julieta, have a video call to Mexico with Ricardo's sister Daysi Cecilia Caravel, at St. Anthony Hospital on Aug. 17, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Maria Cervantes was hours away from giving birth to twin girls. You never miss your family more than when youre feeling scared or uncertain, said the 34-year-old mother, propped up by pillows on her bed at St. Anthony Hospital in Little Village. Her husband, Ricardo Carabez, paced around, wearing a Yankees hat and a cutoff T-shirt that read Orlando, Florida. Advertisement Cervantes and Carabez, also 34, came to Chicago almost two decades ago from Mexico. Though Cervantes has been back to Mexico, Carabez hasnt been back for 17 years, he said. A new technology at St. Anthony Hospital is now connecting mothers and newborns with family and friends across the U.S. and Mexico. The new system is just the latest in an array of services the community hospital is offering to make its patients feel welcome regardless of citizenship status as Chicagos migrant population has grown to over 13,500 in the past year. Advertisement Hospital President and CEO Guy Medaglia initiated the idea of installing interactive TVs, said chief nursing officer Raquel Prendkowski. In April, St. Anthony partnered with MDM Healthcare to get screens with built-in security measures. Each module must have a special type of country permission, she said, to keep patients safe. The TV technology provides a hands-free method for patients who may not be able to access a cellphone or tablet while undergoing care or holding a newborn to connect with their family and friends across borders. St. Anthony is the first hospital in the city to market the technology. And were going to put every bell and whistle on that we can to appreciate our patients and make them feel the utmost at home, said Prendkowski. We seek the opportunities out to help people (who) dont have services. A large screen mounted to the wall flashed a live video of Carabezs sister, Daysi Cecilia Caravel, from Michoacan, Mexico. Cervantes looked at her sister-in-laws face and slid into easy conversation. I want it to go quickly. I hope they dont make me suffer, laughed Cervantes, speaking in Spanish to her husbands sister, who was sitting in her office in Mexico. I took the medicine, and now all we can do is wait. Maria Cervantes and husband Ricardo Carabez, seen with their newborn twins, have a video call at St. Anthony Hospital from Chicago to Mexico with Ricardo's sister, Daysi Cecilia Caravel. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) We dont care where they come from Hospitals across the city recognize the health necessities of the thousands of migrants who have come to Chicago over the last year, mostly from Central and South America, said Alicia Velasquez-Hill, manager of perinatal services at St. Anthony. The video technology is just one of the services St. Anthony provides to expectant mothers. Other resources include prenatal education, breastfeeding and birthing classes in English and Spanish, free car seats after delivery, family visitation, help enrolling in Medicaid and more, according to the hospital. St. Anthonys wider services range from surgical services to community wellness. [ Massive project to relocate Saint Anthony Hospital moves forward in Little Village after years of holdups ] But its reach is not limited within the hospitals walls. Advertisement Case managers and community resource educators from St. Anthony have been visiting the police stations near the hospital the 9th, 10th and 11th Districts on a weekly basis to provide resources for new arrivals staying there, according to health care access supervisor Karina Cordova. They provide legal advice, connection to food pantries, information about workers rights and help applying for medical benefits. Cordova said when St. Anthony started outreach at police districts in the beginning of June, they found a lot of people who were eligible to apply for benefits from kids to expectant mothers. We can actually complete these applications so that asylum-seekers can start receiving medical care, Cordova said. Thats something that were still continuing to strive for. Any self-pay patient or patient without medical insurance can work with the hospital financial services team to fill out an application for Medicaid, according to the director of patient access services at St. Anthony, Angelica Ibarra. The hospital also has a community wellness program that takes any individual from the surrounding area, regardless of whether they have used services at the hospital. Over a dozen patients often register for Medicaid and financial services in a day, Ibarra said. We want patients to come in and feel that theyre not being judged. We dont care where they come from, she said. Advertisement Ibarra said St. Anthony has brought in additional providers to extend womens health services at its Little Village Clinic and Physician Center in response to the thousands of migrants who have come to Chicago this year. Some of them are very frustrated. They come from different backgrounds, Ibarra said. We just make sure that we understand and we listen to the patient. Its hard to do at times. The maternity center Once a patient using the video technology is discharged, their video record is wiped clean, said chief nursing officer Prendkowski. St. Anthony only has built-ins for Mexico right now, but they are hoping to expand their outreach to other countries. Prendkowski said there was a mother from Guatemala who did a tour of the maternity center and when she saw the TV, she started crying. She was excited. She said, I hope this is up and running and when Im delivering that I get to call my family, recalled Prendkowski. Velasquez-Hill, who is from Little Village and speaks Spanish, beamed at Cervantes as nurses monitored how she was doing prior to the Aug. 17 birth. Advertisement They seem very happy, she said about the couple. I think they have good support system at home. Two of Velasquez-Hills own grandchildren were born at St. Anthony. Though she has a supervisor role at the hospital, she said her favorite part of the job is working the floor and being by the bedsides. The patients that come here love the staff. They appreciate the fact we can speak the language. Quite a bit of our staff can speak Spanish, said Velasquez-Hill. [ Lost in translation: How language barriers can add anguish and complicate care for COVID-19 patients who dont speak English ] Violeta, left, next to her twin sister, Julieta, at Chicago's St. Anthony Hospital on the day of their birth, Aug. 17, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) When patients feel understood by their providers According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, just under half of Hispanic adults say they have a close friend or family member who needs a Spanish-speaking health care provider or translator, and 3 in 10 say they have a close friend or family member who worries about their legal status in the U.S. when deciding whether to see a health care provider. In June, Gov. J.B. Pritzkers administration announced plans to close enrollment for a state-funded health insurance program for immigrants under 65 in the country without legal permission, and cap enrollment for those 65 and older, in efforts to cut budget costs. Jane Lee, a professor at the University of Washingtons School of Social Work, conducts research about reducing health disparities among immigrant populations. Advertisement When patients feel understood by their providers or when they feel like theyre able to communicate, it does have an impact on perceptions of their health, perceptions of the services that they receive, and ultimately on health outcomes, she said. Lee said many refugee populations have an accumulation of trauma, not just in the U.S., but also in their countries of origin. There is often an inherent sense of loneliness, she said. Just because time passes doesnt mean we forget where we come from, or the communities that we were with back home, or the reasons why we left, she said. Just because somebodys been here for a long time doesnt mean they dont hold a lot of their experiences from the past. Though Carabez hasnt been back to Mexico, he said he calls his parents almost every day. It meant a lot to them they would be able to see the newborn twins immediately upon birth, he said. [ Immigrant health care workers tend to migrants arriving in Chicago from Texas, planting a seed of hope for their future ] Welcoming Violeta and Julieta St. Anthony Hospital was founded in 1898. It has served working-class communities in Little Village and stuck out demographic and political shifts for over a century. St. Anthony has opened its doors to new waves of migrants nearby and using new technologies to become a crossroads of communication across borders. The morning after Cervantes and husband Carabez checked in, he looked at her with pride. Just hours earlier, shed given birth to their twins Violeta and Julieta Cervantes, both less than 10 pounds. The couple also has a 2-year-old daughter, Hale. Advertisement Carabez rubbed his eyes before getting up from the futon where hed spent the night. The lights were still off in the room and soft light from rain clouds touched the machines next to the window. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > He leaned against Cervantes bed as she talked with her sister-in-law on the large screen. Velasquez-Hill picked up the plastic containers where Violeta and sister Julieta were laying and leaned them at an angle toward the TV so Caravel could see her two nieces over 2,000 miles away. Violeta and Julieta were wrapped in a white sheet with small handprints and wore bows around their heads. A small patch of Violetas hair crept out from under her bow. Her sister Julieta wiggled next to her. It was their first video call. The machine that had been beeping and humming to monitor the twins heartbeats in Cervantes belly the day before sat silently in the corner of the room. Chicago Tribunes Armando Sanchez contributed. nsalzman@chicagotribune.com President Biden will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by attending a memorial ceremony in Alaska on his way back from a trip to Asia, the White House announced Monday. The president will participate in a ceremony with members of the military and their families, the White House said, while Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff attend a commemoration ceremony in New York City at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. First lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the Pentagon Memorial that honors those killed Sept. 11, when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and a field in Pennsylvania. Biden has marked the anniversary of Sept. 11 in different locations in each of his three years as president so far. He traveled to all three sites in 2021 for the 20th anniversary and attended a Pentagon ceremony in 2022. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The presidents stop in Alaska will come on the heels of a trip to Asia. Biden will attend the Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi, India, from Sept. 7-10, and he will visit Vietnam Sept. 10 as well, the White House confirmed Monday. Biden had previously said he planned to visit Vietnam in the near future. While in Vietnam, Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, the White House said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on America with an event with troops and military family members at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, White House officials announced Monday. The ceremony will follow a Sept. 10 trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Biden will fly from there to Alaska for the Sept. 11 memorial event, which is expected to include representatives from all of the military branches. This week, U.S. officials will mark the two-year anniversary of the full withdrawal of American military forces from Afghanistan after nearly 20 years of combat operations there, actions brought on by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. That day: Veterans share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001 ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On Aug. 26, Biden released a statement honoring the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in a terrorist bombing at Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport during that evacuation. We can never repay the incredible sacrifice of any of the 2,461 U.S. service members who lost their lives over two decades of war in Afghanistan or the 20,744 who were wounded, he said. But we will never fail to honor our sacred obligation to our service members and veterans, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. In addition to Bidens appearance at the Alaska base, first lady Jill Biden is expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial on the anniversary. Defense Department officials have not released full details of that event. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit New York City for remembrance events there. Nearly 3,000 individuals were killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, including 184 who were at the Pentagon. President Biden on Monday met with relatives of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders at the White House on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, underscoring the need for continued work on racial equality with the backdrop of a deadly, racially motivated shooting in Florida. Biden and Vice President Harris met with Martin Luther King III , Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda King and Bernice King , as well as the Rev. Al Sharpton, former Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young and other civil rights leaders. Kamala and I wanted to convene this incredible group of civil rights leaders for a simple reason, Biden said at the top of the meeting. To thank them, and to tell them what they tell us: We know weve got a lot more work to do. And also remind them that what they do matters more than I think they even appreciate. Harris invoked the late Coretta Scott King , echoing her belief that the push for civil rights must be kept alive by each new generation and noting multiple generations of the King family were in attendance. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The King family, Harris said, epitomized that it is incumbent on each of us at this moment in time in our country to stand for the sake of unity and foundational principles, that out of many we are one. Monday marked 60 years since the March on Washington, when roughly 250,000 people gathered on the National Mall to push for civil rights and equality and King delivered his I Have a Dream speech. LISTEN: The Switch Up March on Washington: 60 years later The 1963 march helped lead to a host of new laws, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The landmark legislation banned segregation in public places and prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Mondays anniversary and the White House meeting after three people were killed in what police called a racially motivated shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon. Biden condemned the shooting at the start of his remarks with civil rights leaders, and he pushed back against efforts in some states to ban books and shape what is taught about the nations history. Silence is complicity, and were not going to remain silent, Biden said. So we have to act against this hate-fueled violence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden will observe next months 22nd anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil at an Alaska military base with service members and their families, the White House announced. It will be the first time that a president has not attended any of the observances that have been held annually in New York City, Pennsylvania and Virginia, just outside Washington, according to an Associated Press review of media coverage of these events. Biden will stop in Alaska for the 9/11 observance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on his way back to Washington after he attends a summit in New Delhi with other world leaders and visits Vietnam on Sept. 10. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will participate in the annual commemoration at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan. First lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon. Terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, and flew them into the Twin Towers in New Yorks financial district and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks. Biden was a U.S. senator at the time. The White House did not announce which official will participate in the Pennsylvania observance. Associated Press News Researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 high school students killed, 1 person critically injured in Braddock shooting Earthquake felt in Western Pennsylvania, residents report Homicide investigation underway after male found with apparent gunshot wound in Pittsburgh home VIDEO: The Give Back: Hairstylists give free back-to-school cuts at East Liberty salon DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts President Joe Biden offered his condolences to the families of three US Marines killed in a fiery crash of a tiltrotor aircraft during military exercises in Australia. The incident took place on Melville Island, just off the northern coast of Australia on Sunday around 9.30am, when a MV-22B Osprey aircraft with 23 Marines on board crashed and caught fire. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash, Mr Biden said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. We are praying for those who also suffered injuries. The 20 survivors were flown from Royal Darwin Hospital, of whom 12 have been discharged and have returned to the barracks. Eight Marines remain admitted to the hospital, with one in the intensive care unit. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Osprey that crashed was one of the two that flew from Darwin to Melville on Sunday as part of Exercise Predators Run, which involves the militaries of the US, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor. All 23 Marines aboard the lost aircraft were temporarily based in Darwin as part of the Marine Corps annual troop rotation. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash. We are praying for those who also suffered injuries. https://t.co/sztAUHbpeB President Biden (@POTUS) August 28, 2023 Around 150 US Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year. They are part of a realignment of US forces in the Asia-Pacific that is broadly meant to face an increasingly assertive China. The bodies of the dead Marines remained at the crash site, where an exclusion zone will be maintained, with responders, including members of the Australian military and the US Marines, now focusing on recovering their remains, said Northern Territory police commissioner Michael Murphy. Michael Murphy, the Northern Territorys police commissioner, speaks during a press conference in Darwin on 28 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The mission has now changed from one of rescue to recovery, he told a news conference. The emergency operations centre will now focus on the recovery of the three deceased marines with dignity. The cause of the crash had yet to be explained and investigators will remain at the site for at least 10 days, Mr Murphy said. The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane during flight, had crashed into a tropical forest and burst into flames. Emergency responders were surprised the death toll was not higher. For a chopper that crashes and catches fire, to have 20 Marines that are surviving, I think thats an incredible outcome, Mr Murphy said. Police personnel load equipments onto a Northern Territory Police plane on the tarmac of the Darwin International Airport in Darwin on 28 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Our thoughts are with the three Marines that have died during service for their country, and our thoughts go out to their country, to the United States Marine Corps and all their colleagues and friends, he said. Australian defence minister Richard Marles was also grateful the toll was not worse. Its remarkable that in many ways, so many have survived, Mr Marles told Nine News television. This remains a very tragic incident and the loss of those lives are keenly felt, Mr Marles said. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin also paid tribute to the dead Marines. Additional reporting by agencies FILE - People watch from their vehicle as President Donald Trump, on left of video screen, and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speak during a Presidential Debate Watch Party at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Unflattering portraits of both Biden and Trump emerge clearly in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is old and confused, and former President Donald Trump is corrupt and dishonest. Those are among the top terms Americans use when theyre asked to describe the Democrat in the White House and the Republican best positioned to face him in next years election. Unflattering portraits of Biden and Trump emerge clearly in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. For Biden, the largest share of U.S. adults including both Democrats and Republicans mentioned his age. At 80, Biden is just three years older than Trump, but many Americans expressed real concerns about his ability to continue as president. Trump, meanwhile, has been indicted in four cases featuring 91 total criminal counts and elicits words such as corrupt and crooked (named by 15%), along with bad and other generally negative comments (11%). Not far behind are words like liar and dishonest (8%). Another 8% offered generally positive comments like good, though. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A deeper look doesnt improve things much for Biden or Trump. And while many of the criticisms reflect a familiar partisan divide, the poll shows neither man is immune to criticism from within his own party. He looks like he needs to be someones kindly grandpa on the arm, not someone at the wheel of power, Justin Campbell, a 27-year-old Democrat and security guard in the Brookhaven area of Mississippi, said of Biden. He was even more negative about Trump, though, saying that the former president acts like a kindergartner when people tell him no. Campbell suggested that Trump reads so little about policy and national security that he might be functionally illiterate. He said he plans to vote for Biden next year and, I eagerly await Donald Trump being in jail. Such sentiments were common. Fully 26% of respondents use words like old or outdated to describe Biden, and another 15% mention things like slow and confused. Another 10% give generally negative comments about the president, and 6% use words like corrupt and crooked. Just 6% offer words like president and leader, and 5% use those like strong and capable the top positive comments made about Biden. Biden's age was referenced frequently even among Democrats, 28% of whom mention it a significantly higher percentage than those who point to the presidency or leadership (11%) or strength and capability (11%). Trump's negative comments center not on age but on his moral standing and conduct, along with things like loudmouth and angry (6%), crazy and dangerous (6%) and narcissist (6%). Some 5% use words like strong and capable. Rami Marsha, a 58-year-old CEO of a manufacturing company in Agoura Hills, California, is a registered Democrat who voted for Trump in 2016 and for Biden in 2020 but says he'd likely leave the presidential race portion of his ballot blank if those two square off again in 2024. I think he might be having some dementia, and I dont think he has the power to run the country, Marsha said of Biden. But he was equally blunt about Trump: Ive had enough of him. That's a fairly common sentiment. The poll shows that only 24% of Americans overall want to see Biden run again, while 30% say the same about Trump and majorities say they are reluctant to support them if they are nominated again. Also, 62% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of Trump; 52% say the same about Biden. Bidens reelection campaign said the president's age is not a top motivator for voters, especially compared to the administrations policy accomplishments or key issues like abortion. It also noted that perceptions of the president and Democrats were not strong before last years midterms only to have the party defy expectations. A Trump campaign spokesman did not answer messages seeking comment, but the former president has previously used his indictments to go on the political offensive, telling supporters at rallies, I'm being indicted for you. Larry Haith, a 73-year-old Idahoan and retired president and general manager of an auto parts firm, is a Republican who described Biden for the poll as an idiot and called Trump arrogant. He said he doesn't plan on voting for either next year. Haith blamed Bidens economic policies for his cash net worth declining at least about $150,000 and said the president just needs to retire and get on with it." Though he had some kind words for Trump, Haith was also critical of the former president. I really like what he did, and I like the decisions that he made," said Haith, who added that, at first, I really liked that gruffness about him." But those feelings have cooled, he said, in part because Trump has what Haith described as a typical New York, arrogant attitude. Im not going to support him anymore, he said. Im done with him. Annie Doerr, a 60-year-old retiree from suburban Atlanta who described herself as a moderate Republican, said of Trump, I thought some of his policies were good for Americans, but hes just too much of a distraction. Doerr had problems with the president, too, comparing him to what she had seen while caring for her 95-year-old father. He reminded me a lot of Biden, just things that come out of (Biden's) mouth, Doerr said. I just dont think hes fit to be president for four more years," she added. He may have been when he first ran, but not now. The poll also illustrated familiar ideological divides. It found that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to use words like slow and confused to describe Biden, 25% to 7%, as well as words like corrupt and crooked (14% to 0%) and weak or unqualified (9% to 2%). For Trump, meanwhile, the top comments among Republicans include the generally positive (15%) along with things like strong (11%) and mentions of America or patriotism (8%), along with mentions of the presidency or leadership (6%). Even some Republicans use negative words to describe Trump, though, including labels such as loudmouth or angry" (7%). Others mentioned arrogance or pompousness (6%), narcissism (5%) or other generally negative comments (6%). Democrats are more likely than Republicans to cite corruption (25% to 4%) and dishonesty (12% to 4%) to describe Trump. Seven percent of Democrats mention racism, bigotry, homophobia or misogyny among their top words to describe the former president. Those words were hardly invoked by any Republicans in the poll. Susan Grant, a 66-year-old retired office manager for a nonprofit physician membership association from Westfield, Indiana, said Trump "does not need to run again for any office. He's not fit. But she added that, While I respect Biden, I think he's too old. I do feel like he's at the age where he probably needs to not run," said Grant, a Republican. I'm not saying he's not able. But, overall, I would like to see younger people running for president. ___ This story corrects the quotes that should have been attributed to Grant; the earlier quotes were mistakenly attributed to her. ___ The poll of 1,165 adults was conducted Aug. 10-14, 2023, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. SYDNEY (Reuters) - President Joe Biden on Monday sent his condolences to the families of three U.S. Marines killed in an military aircraft crash on a northern Australian island as rescue and recovery personnel began work to bring the remains home. An MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft carrying 23 Marines crashed then caught fire on Melville Island, just off the northern coast of Australia, on Sunday morning local time. The Marines were taking part in military exercises. "Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this dead crash," Biden said in a post on social media platform X. "We are praying for those who also suffered injuries." Eight Marines are in the Royal Darwin Hospital, with one in the intensive care unit. The remainder have returned to the barracks. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement About 2,500 personnel from Australia, the U.S., the Philippines, Indonesia and East Timor were taking part in "Exercise Predators Run 2023" when the crash occurred. Responders, including members of the Australian military and the U.S. Marines, would now focus on recovering the remains of the three Marines at the crash site, according to Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy. "The mission has now changed from one of rescue to recovery," he told a news conference. "The emergency operations centre will now focus on the recovery of the three deceased marines with dignity." Murphy did not offer an explanation for the crash and said the investigation will be "prolonged, enduring, complex". Investigators are expected to stay at the crash site for at least 10 days. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Michael Perry) President Biden on Monday spoke with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to offer federal assistance as the state braces for Tropical Storm Idalia, marking a rare interaction between the president and the 2024 GOP presidential candidate, who is a frequent Biden critic. Biden told DeSantis on the call he had approved an emergency declaration for Florida in anticipation of the storm, freeing up additional federal resources for the state to respond to it. FEMA has also deployed personnel and resources to the state, the White House said in a readout of the call. President Biden said Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath. President Biden also expressed his commitment to ongoing support for the people of Jacksonville following the horrific shooting on Saturday, the White House said in a statement. Tropical Storm Idalia is headed toward Florida, and experts said it could become a Category 3 storm as it makes its way toward land, bringing with it potentially dangerous rains, winds and storm surge. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane as soon as Monday and make landfall on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The call between Biden and DeSantis comes as the Florida governor has repeatedly excoriated the presidents policies on the campaign trail. During last weeks GOP primary debate, DeSantis took aim frequently at the White House and bemoaned that the country was in decline under Bidens leadership. But the two have set aside politics in the past, with Biden visiting Florida after a building collapse in 2021 and again meeting with DeSantis and state officials to tour storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian last year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Millions of people are being pushed off state Medicaid rolls as the U.S. dismantles one of the last major Covid-era safety nets, and congressional Democrats and health advocates want the Biden administration to do more to ensure people are protected. Nationwide, nearly 5.5 million people have been purged from state Medicaid rolls across 45 states and the District of Columbia, according to health policy research group KFF. At least 1 million of them are children, though that number is likely higher because not every state reports by age. Most people have been removed for procedural reasons, like missing or incorrect paperwork, or when the state has outdated contact information, even though they may still be eligible. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Last year, Congress gave the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) more power to ensure that states are not improperly removing Medicaid beneficiaries. The agency can tell states to pause procedural terminations, file a corrective action plan, or even yank federal funding. We certainly would like to see the Biden administration take swift and decisive action to use their enforcement tools as needed, when the number of children losing coverage is high, and in particular, when there are a lot of procedural terminations, said Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. On Capitol Hill, Democrats have been calling on the administration to take more aggressive action against states that dont try to slow high rates of procedural unenrollment. Lawmakers have been raising concerns since states started reporting data in June. At the time, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) urged CMS to threaten to withhold funding from state Medicaid programs if they dont undertake good-faith efforts to prevent procedural terminations. Most recently, the entire Texas Democratic delegation, led by Rep. Lloyd Doggett , sent a letter to CMS on Aug. 22 urging swift intervention to prevent the catastrophic loss of coverage occurring in Texas, which already has the disgraceful distinction of the most uninsured people in the country. Texas reported more than 600,000 residents had their health coverage terminated over the past four months. Nearly half a million of them were children, and nearly 400,000 had their coverage ended because of red tape. Experts said Texas should be considered an outlier because it has such a large Medicaid program and since it hasnt expanded Medicaid like most states, the majority of its enrollees are children. But the fact that 81 percent of disenrollment were among children, but they only comprise 72 percent of total enrollment, it does suggest that perhaps there may be cause for concern, said Jen Tolbert, director of the State Health Reform and Data Program at KFF. In addition, whistleblowers in the state Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) identified nearly 100,000 people who had their health coverage ended after they were erroneously booted from the program. While the state has been working with the federal government to reinstate coverage to those impacted, Doggett and the other Democrats said they dont have confidence the state will protect people. They urged CMS to step in and pause the process before the next round of redetermination begins Sept. 9. To date, the [agencys] response has been nominal and failed to ensure Texas fulfills its responsibility to families, Doggetts office told The Hill. An agency spokeswoman said, Texas is currently in compliance with CMS unwind requirements, in response to questions from The Hill. Redetermining Medicaid eligibility for approximately 6 million Texans over 12 months is a massive undertaking, and HHSC has planned this unwinding effort for more than a year. Before the pandemic, people churned in and out of Medicaid for various reasons. Participants lost their coverage if they earned too much or didnt provide the information needed to verify their income or residency. But during the public health emergency period, income changes or missed paperwork didnt matter. If someone was enrolled in Medicaid in March 2020, or if they became eligible at any point during the pandemic, they remained eligible the entire time. As a result, Medicaid enrollment grew more than 30 percent and covered more than 90 million people. But Congress ended those protections, and states have been able to reassess eligibility and kick people off Medicaid rolls since April. CMS has expressed concern for months that many states are rushing through the process, but the administration has largely tread lightly. Most of the communications with states have been behind the scenes. To date, CMS said it has required 14 states to pause Medicaid disenrollments for part or all of their populations. But CMS did not identify which ones. Officials have been reluctant to single out individual states, or even say what might trigger stronger federal action, though theres hope that approach may be changing. Earlier this month, the agency sent letters to state health officials in all 50 states and D.C., warning that many are failing to meet federal requirements about determining Medicaid coverage. It was the first time the agency publicly disclosed its oversight and enforcement priorities. The letters flagged three key areas of concern: high rates of procedural terminations, long call center wait times and call abandonment rates, and slow application processing. While much of the attention has been on the Republican-led states rushing through the process, the letters cited a total of 36 states for at least one problem, including blue states. A Senate Democratic aide said those letters were viewed as a step in the right direction, but there are still concerns over the degree of coverage losses. Tolbert said while she appreciates CMS not wanting to publicly call anyone out, its hard to tell how much of an effect the agencys efforts are having. Because we dont know where CMS is pushing and which states they are pushing, were just having to guess whether those actions are having an effect, or as strong as perhaps advocates and others in the state might want to see, she said. A CMS spokesperson said the agency takes its monitoring and oversight role during Medicaid and CHIP renewals incredibly seriously, and is doing everything in its power to help states to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to keep people covered. It added, We will not hesitate to hold states accountable for failing to follow federal requirements. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dr. Barry Arnason established the University of Chicagos department of neurology and also was an expert in the field of immunology. Arnason worked to bring the two fields together, and one area where he had great impact was in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. He played a role in clinical trials to develop a drug that works as therapy for relapses of MS, and he also helped discover how certain cells affect the development of MS, which ultimately had a positive impact on how MS patients manage the disease. Advertisement He was amongst the leaders of those who moved neurology into the modern era, namely using all emerging technologies to understand the mechanisms underlying disease development, said McGill University neurology and neurosurgery professor Jack Antel, who previously worked with Arnason at the U. of C. His focus was on multiple sclerosis but he was very open to expanding insights to an array of disorders as he initiated the department of neurology at U. of C. Of importance, he kept his focus on how research could be translated into the treatment of patients with neurologic disease, and conversely how to bring questions from the clinic to the research lab. Advertisement Arnason, 89, died of natural causes on July 17 at a family home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, said his son Stephen. Arnason, a longtime resident of the South Side Kenwood neighborhood, had been in declining health since suffering a stroke in August 2022, his son said. Born in Manitoba, Arnason grew up in Winnipeg. An immunologist by training, Arnason graduated from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine now the University of Manitoba College of Medicine in 1958. He then spent several years in training at Massachusetts General Hospital before leaving the U.S. to work in France. In 1964, he took a job on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. In 1976, the University of Chicago recruited him to come to Chicago to establish a department of neurology. The university had no stand-alone department, and they built a building and were looking for somebody to lead the new department, Stephen Arnason said. It was a unique opportunity. In addition to his research, Arnason saw patients at the U. of C, while also serving as the departments medical director and overseeing its finances, U. of C. neurology professor Anthony Reder said. We had an incredible department of people mainly centered around researching MS and autoimmune brain diseases and it was like an intellectual and research powerhouse, but people might forget that they were very good clinically too it wasnt purely research, said Reder, who joined the faculty in 1982. Arnason authored or co-authored more than 400 scientific papers on the underlying causes of autoimmunity, neurological diseases and the development of therapeutic interventions. He also assisted in conducting more than 70 clinical trials. Among the foremost trials that Arnason and his colleagues worked on were the studies that led to the FDAs 1993 approval of the drug known as interferon beta, or Betaseron, which is an immunosuppressive drug able to reduce flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Advertisement We think this is the most significant development in the history of the disease, Arnason told the Tribune in 1993. What is the most gratifying to me is that it presents the possibility to MS patients of hope and a better quality of life. Arnason later found in an exploratory study that interferon beta also could help counteract the subtle yet bothersome memory loss that people with multiple sclerosis battle. While memory loss isnt widely associated with MS, Arnason told the Tribunes Ronald Kotulak and Jon Van in 1997 that if you ask MS patients and their spouses, they will tell you that memory loss is a problem. David Brodovsky, a classmate from the University of Manitoba, recalled class reunions at which Arnason would share his work with his classmates. Some of us presented semi-scientific papers at our reunions. It was very obvious then that Barry had become an outstanding clinician and researcher, Brodovsky said. His presentations, which were to a very mixed audience of family doctors and various medical and surgical specialists, were lucid, scientific and with a touch of his wry humor which had certainly been present even when we were students. Even I, as an otolaryngologist, could understand them. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Reder said Arnason was able to read over grant proposals in obscure areas that he wasnt an expert in and make comments that would blow people away. People would say, How does he know this? Reder recalled. Advertisement Arnason retired from seeing patients in 2020, but he continued performing research until his death, his son said. Arnasons wife of 61 years, Joan, died in 2022. Survivors also include another son, Jon; a daughter, Eva; and four grandchildren. A private family service was being planned for late August, and a larger memorial service is being planned for Chicago for next year. Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. To purchase a death notice, visit https://placeanad.chicagotribune.com/death-notices. To suggest a staff-written obituary on a person of local interest, email chicagoland@chicagotribune.com. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted Washington, D.C., middle schoolers on their first day of school Monday. The president went to Eliot-Hine Middle School in northeast D.C. and met with seventh and eighth graders. This is like the Beatles, one staff member at the school said when the Bidens arrived. They first met with seventh graders during their lunch. The Bidens stood at the bottom of a stairwell and shook hands with students as they flooded down on their way to the lunchroom. The Bidens then spoke in front of an eighth grade math class. The president walked around the classroom and greeted individual students at their desks, hugging one student and talking to another about becoming president someday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Joe Biden! one student said when he entered the classroom. Biden told the students that he thought the hardest thing is to come back after three months of not doing anything and no homework and getting thrown back in classwork. He asked the students, Whats your hardest subject? and they replied, math. I married a teacher, Biden said. The first lady told the students that her first day back teaching at Northern Virginia Community College is next Tuesday and that she is working on her lesson plans. The first lady also told the students that if they are struggling with math, you know you can go to your teacher and if they are struggling at home, you can trust your teachers. The first lady will participate in more back-to-school events this week, along with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. The administration remains committed to supporting schools and the communities they serve, Jean-Pierre said. Cardona last week announced a Back to School Bus Tour set to begin next week in Kansas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Many CEOs have changed their tune on working from home. At the height of the pandemic, bosses such as Mark Zuckerberg declared remote work was the future. Some firms are threatening to fire or discipline staff who don't show up at the office. After more than three years of flexible-work policies, many white-collar employees see working from home as the status quo. Bosses, it turns out, no longer agree. Many of the CEOs who vocally praised and encouraged remote work as a way to avoid total cessation of business during the pandemic have changed their tune. Through August, firms such as Meta and Goldman Sachs have issued strict return-to-office mandates with threats to track performance or even terminate employees who don't turn up in the office often enough. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement That change threatens to reverse progress in terms of flexible working. Prithwiraj Choudhury, an associate professor at the Harvard Business School who studies remote work, previously told Insider that "when you allow flexibility, it expands your talent pool." And those employees themselves increasingly value the opportunity for remote work, with some describing flexible workplaces as equivalent to an 8% raise, The Wall Street Journal reported. In some cases, pressure to return to the office has prompted workers to unionize or even quit. Here are some of the CEOs who have most drastically changed their tune on remote work: Mark Zuckerberg said in 2020 that remote work would boost prosperity across the US Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO of Meta. NurPhoto/Getty Images At the start of the pandemic, Zuckerberg was all for working from home. In his internal weekly town hall in May 2020, two months into the first US lockdowns, he talked effusively about the larger recruitment pool that flexible working created, saying it would "open up a lot of new talent that previously wouldn't have considered moving to a big city." Like other major tech firms, Meta hired heavily in the run-up to and during the pandemic. He anticipated half of Facebook's staff would work remotely within the next five to 10 years. His praise for working from home continued into 2021. "I've found that working remotely has given me more space for long-term thinking and helped me spend more time with my family, which has made me happier and more productive at work," he told employees in June that year, per the Journal. The Meta CEO told staff they could expect him to spend half of the next year working remotely. His confidence in the future of remote living and remote work underpinned the firm's huge product, branding, and spending drive to develop the metaverse Meta's expensive, virtual-reality world. Now Meta's office workers face the ax if they don't come in Zuckerberg. Erin Scott/Reuters Forward to 2023, and Meta has laid off swathes of staff while funding for its metaverse division has been diverted to AI . The firm has cut about 25% of its staff since November 2022 in a drive toward efficiency and profitability. And accordingly, Zuckerberg made a U-turn on remote working. As reported by Insider's Kali Hays and Hugh Langley , the company laid out an updated and much more stringent return-to-office policy due to start in September. Some employees will be approved for remote work, but coming into work is strictly mandatory for everyone else most of the week. Staff will now be monitored by management to ensure they turn up and could be disciplined or even sacked if they repeatedly fail to comply. In contrast to Zuckerberg's pandemic-era support of working-from-home as a productivity driver, he now says that performance data from the company shows that "people who work from home are not efficient and engineers who come to the office get more work done." Evan Spiegel loved the chance to spend time with his family in 2020 Miranda Kerr with husband and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel. Pierre Mouton /Stringer/Getty Images Evan Spiegel was early to implement a remote-work policy at Snap in March 2020 as COVID-19 started to spread in the US. Six weeks into the pandemic, Spiegel announced he did not want to return to the office. "I told our team I'm not coming back," he told the Journal. Professing to find joy in sharing a breakfast and dinner table with his family, he said, "The thing that's been so profound for me, I'm actually a part of our family now." "This is going to take time and we don't want to force it," he said of returning to the office on CNBC in April 2020. But 2 years on, he wants to spend more time with employees Spiegel has said working in the office is key to productivity. ERIC PIERMONT By November 2022, Spiegel had seemingly had enough family time. An internal memo revealed that Snap had ordered all employees to return to the office four days a week by February 2023. "I believe that spending more time together in person will help us to achieve our full potential," Spiegel wrote. "What each of us may sacrifice in terms of our individual convenience, I believe we will reap in terms of our collective success." The "default together" policy, as Speigel described it, applies to employees in the company's 30 global offices, but Snap has an exceptions process for staff to request remote work. Earlier in 2022, Snap fired 20% of its workforce and cut projects that weren't profitable. Spiegel said in the November memo that a present office "will help us to accelerate our growth and deliver on our strategic priorities of growing our community, reaccelerating our revenue growth, and leading in AR." His workers don't necessarily agree, with one texting Insider's Kali Hays the word "no" 17 times in a message. Twitter employees were told they could work from home forever Twitter's former CEO Jack Dorsey was a strong proponent of flexible working. PRAKASH SINGH/AFP via Getty Images Under its former CEO Jack Dorsey, Twitter's employees were offered a utopia where they could work from home permanently, even after pandemic lockdowns ended. In May 2020, Dorsey replied to a tweet asking if Twitter would allow employees to work at home forever. "There are a small number of roles, like our data center folks, that require on site, but otherwise yes!" he responded. This was backed up by an official Twitter statement promising, "If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen." Even before the pandemic, Dorsey had experimented with flexible working and suggested creating a "distributed workforce'" with remote employees living far from the San Francisco headquarters. New CEO, new rules and no more working from home Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022. VCG That vision of flexible working was to change when Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022. Musk is known to prefer in-person work, and his brash reversal of Twitter's policies would put employees on a roller coaster. During a Twitter town hall in June 2022, before he officially took over, Musk told workers that he preferred in-person work unless someone is "exceptional." True to his word, in his first week, Musk banned remote work in a 2:30 a.m. email to Twitter staff. "The road ahead is arduous and will require intense work to succeed. We are also changing Twitter policy such that remote work is no longer allowed, unless you have a specific exception," he wrote, saying that he would be the one to personally assess requests for an exception. This was revised a few days later to allow employees' managers to take responsibility for assessing if they were "making an excellent contribution." Musk went on to lay off nearly 6,500 employees. He has kept up his hard-line stance. In March, the journalist Zoe Schiffer tweeted that Musk had again sent a 2:30 a.m. email to staff after noting how empty the San Francisco office had been. The "office is not optional," he reiterated. In practice, Musk hasn't been able to force employees back across the board, partly because Twitter itself can't afford to keep its offices open. In January, Twitter shuttered its Asian headquarters in Singapore and told staffers to work remotely, Bloomberg reported. Zoom was the poster child for remote work Zoom CEO Eric Yuan. Kena Betancur Besides vaccine developers, Zoom was arguably the company that became the most synonymous with the COVID-19 era, cementing itself as a verb in the English lexicon within weeks of lockdown announcements. So it would have been hard for its chief executive Eric Yuan, whose net worth reportedly peaked at $29 billion during the pandemic, to deny Zoom employees flexibility. For a while, it seemed that the company would maintain a remote-work policy. Even when offices were beginning to reopen, Zoom announced in January 2022 that less than 2% of its workforce would return to work in the office. "Workers genuinely want choice, and they are choosing to continue to work at home," Zoom's chief financial officer, Kelly Steckelberg, told MarketWatch. Unlike some of the other wealthy CEOs on this list, Yuan has always been a little skeptical of permanent remote work. He told Insider in 2020: "After the pandemic crisis is over, after we all go back to the office, I do not think we always need to go back to the office for every employee. Very likely we will become hybrid: meaning, maybe today and tomorrow we can all work in the office, and then, starting the next week, we can all work from home." Zoom wants workers back in 2023, symbolizing the death of remote work Zoom's HQ in Silicon Valley. Smith Collection/Gado In August 2023, the company told its employees to return to the office, saying that anyone living within 50 miles of a Zoom office must work there at least two days a week. Yuan said remote working made it difficult for employees to get to know each other and build trust. "Trust is a foundation for everything. Without trust, we will be slow," he said at a company meeting. In a potentially brand-damaging comment, Yuan also said that Zoom doesn't enable truly honest conversations and exchanges of ideas. "We cannot debate each other well because everyone tends to be very friendly when you join a Zoom call," he said. "As a company, we are in a better position to use our own technologies, continue to innovate, and support our global customers." Marc Benioff criticized return-to-office mandates Marc Benioff is the CEO of Salesforce. Roy Rochlin Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff was initially outspoken in his support for remote working. In February 2021, Salesforce revealed new guidelines that allowed employees to work remotely full time. Salesforce said the decision to offer new ways of working was based on employee wellness surveys the company had been sending since the onset of the pandemic. There was no room for doubt in the guidelines: "The 9-to-5 workday is dead." In June 2022, as offices started to reopen more widely, Benioff doubled down on the strategy, telling staff at a company event that "office mandates are never going to work," per Yahoo Finance. Now Salesforce says remote work isn't as productive Benioff. Justin Sullivan But this year, it seems Benioff is not so sure. Joining the growing list of CEOs who say remote work is not conducive to productivity, Salesforce revised its work-from-anywhere strategy. In February 2023, internal Slack messages at Salesforce viewed by Insider announced that employees were required to return to the office. In March, Benioff explained his reasoning. "For our new employees who are coming in, we know empirically that they do better if they're in the office, meeting people, being onboarded, being trained," he said in an interview with the podcast "On With Kara Swisher." "If they are at home and not going through that process, we don't think they're as successful." Read the original article on Business Insider Foxconn founder Terry Gou announced he's running in Taiwan's presidential election. Gou said Beijing would not be able to influence him despite Foxconn's vast business in China. Gou said investors would lose confidence in China if the country confiscated Foxconn's assets. Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn a key supplier to Apple has thrown his hat into the ring for Taiwan's presidential election. He is betting on his business ties in his bid for the island's top job. Gou said Beijing which claimed self-ruled Taiwan as its territory wouldn't be able to use the businessman's vast empire to influence him. Gou was responding to a reporter's question about how he would react to pressure from Beijing should he be elected as president. Taiwan-based Foxconn is the largest private employer in China. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "I will not be threatened," said Gou at a political event on Monday where he announced his campaign, according to Insider's translation of a recording posted on his Facebook page. When asked about Beijing's potential retaliation against Foxconn also known as Hon Hai Technology Group should Gou run for president, he said it would only hurt China's reputation and interests if it confiscated the company's assets. That's because there are many shareholders in the Taipei-listed company, including large international pension funds, he said. Foxconn told Insider separately it has over 800,000 shareholders. "If the Chinese Communist Party dares to do this, which country, which investment fund, which company would dare to invest in China?" he said. He clarified he doesn't hold any personal assets in China. Gou said Foxconn's clients include the most important names on Wall Street, including Apple, Amazon, Tesla, and the current investor-favorite, Nvidia. So, supply chains would be massively disrupted if Beijing confiscated Foxconn's assets, he said. "How would the Chinese Communist Party explain to major global brands?" he asked. "Besides, its economy is terrible now." Gou founded Foxconn in 1974. He is worth nearly $7 billion, with a substantial portion of his wealth derived from a 12.6% stake in the publicly traded division of Foxconn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The business magnate stepped down as Foxconn's chairman in 2019 in a bid to run for Taiwan's presidency. However, he dropped out of the race after he failed to win the nomination of KMT, Taiwan's main opposition party. Gou tried again this year, but failed to win the party's nomination for a second time, sparking widespread speculation that he would run as an independent candidate. In a statement to Insider, a Foxonn spokesperson said Gou "handed off the baton four years ago, stepping away from participating in the daily management of the company." Gou did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider. Gou joins a crowded race with three other candidates: Taiwanese Vice President William Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City from the main opposition party Kuomintang, and Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je, a former mayor of Taipei. The Taiwan presidential election is scheduled for January 13, 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider With miraculous speed, America's e-commerce merchants have converted Donald Trump's mug shot from iconic historic image to commercial kitsch. Trump was booked in the Fulton County Jail outside Atlanta, Georgia, on election rigging charges this past Thursday evening. Before the sun had set, the jailhouse image of the scowling former president was being plastered on every form of clothing, accessory, and dish imaginable. Whether one is in the market for a Trump mug-shot mug or a Trump mug-shot shot glass, there are dozens of options for each available on Etsy, Amazon, and numerous other online stores. The public release of mug shots is a controversial practice, with critics reasonably arguing the release serves only to rob defendants of their dignity and their right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Those same arguments apply to President Donald Trump, argued Reason's Billy Binion last week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Nevertheless, the person cashing in the most on Trump's mug shot appears to be Trump himself. Almost all the featured items in his campaign's merchandise store are mug shotthemed hats, shirts, mugs, and stickers bearing a "never surrender" caption. Politico reports that as of Saturday, the Trump campaign has raked in $7.1 million off mug-shot merch. And that's just the official haul. The former president is getting a lot of positive, earned media from the countless other MAGA merchants, influencers, and allies selling mug-shot gear with captions like "Thug Life," "Not Guilty," and "Wanted for President." There's also been an explosion of more mocking and denigrating Trump mug-shot merch on the other side of the aisle. The anti-Trump charlatans at the Lincoln Project are selling the former president's arrest photo on shot glasses with a "FAFO" (fuck around, find out) inscription. For a bit more money, one can get a whole set of mug-shot shot glasses featuring Trump's co-defendants in the Georgia case. The band Green Day is sticking it to the man by selling a new T-shirt featuring Trump's mug shot in the style of their Nimrod album cover. (Who said punk was dead?) Then there are the countless T-shirts and mug-shot mugs with more critical captions like "Make Mug Shots Great Again," "My Ass Got Arrested," and "Guilty Pleasure" (the latter can be found on custom wine labels). Many of the people purchasing these items are doing it out of ideological solidarity with Trump or his liberal foes. Many more, it appears, are just having fun with the ridiculousness of it all. The lack of any clear trademark or copyright protections on the mug shot released by the Fulton County jail is allowing this bipartisan creativity to flourish. Everyone from the former president himself to his fiercest critics can profit off the image without restriction. More remarkable still is how the trucking and bartering of Trump's mug shot is managing to simultaneously satisfy the mutually exclusive preferences of millions of Americans. Both supporters and detractors can find some swag that will allow them to express exactly how they feel about the divisive former president. Regardless of whether you want the man himself in the White House, in prison, or neither, everyone can get a healthy slice of consumer surplus from a Trump mug shot mug or shower curtain. The joy of each purchaser need not come at the expense of anyone else, regardless of their motivations. The same isn't true of the electoral and judicial processes that Trump is wrapped up in. He'll either win or lose the presidency. He'll either be acquitted or convicted in court. The desires of Trump critics and supporters can't both be satisfied by a political system that only produces binary outcomes. One side is going to be disappointed. Markets, and the voluntary, mutually beneficial transactions that make them up, can navigate these intractable divides with ease. The bipartisan boom in Trump merch gives a window into a world where more of people's political passions were devoted to mutually enriching commercial endeavors. Perhaps we can't force all party politics to play out on Etsy. The more of it that does, the better off we'll be and the less cause for division and rancor we'll have in everyday life. The post Bipartisan Boom in Trump Mug Shot Merchandise Demonstrates the Healing Power of Commerce appeared first on Reason.com. A grand jury has indicted a man more than a year after he was arrested in the 1994 cold case slaying of a California woman, prosecutors said. Sharron Eugene Gadlin was arrested and charged with murder in March 2022 after DNA taken from the saliva of bite marks on Cheri Husss body helped identify him as a suspect, the Riverside County District Attorneys Office said in a news release. Though prosecutors charged Gadlin in 2022, John Hall, a spokesperson for the district attorneys office, told McClatchy News in an email that due to the age of the case prosecutors chose to pursue an indictment via a grand jury as means of more quickly moving the case toward trial. Gadlin, who is being held without bail, is charged with a number of counts, including murder and attempted rape, according to a grand jury indictment filed Aug. 15 and unsealed at an arraignment Friday, Aug. 25. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hall said Gadlin pleaded not guilty. Case goes cold Nearly 30 years ago, Huss was found stabbed to death inside her Desert Hot Springs apartment, according to prosecutors. Blood left at the scene helped investigators determine Huss tried to fight off her attacker, prosecutors said. In addition to finding stab wounds on Husss body, prosecutors said they also found bite marks. Forensic testing showed the blood left at the scene matched DNA taken from the saliva of bite marks on Huss, according to prosecutors. Despite uploading the suspects DNA profile into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the FBIs criminal justice database, prosecutors said there were no matches, and the case went cold. Genetic genealogy leads to ID A break in the case came decades later with the help of forensic genetic genealogy, according to prosecutors. Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related. Gadlin, who lived just miles from Huss in 1994, was identified as a person of interest in February 2022 using forensic genetic genealogy, prosecutors said. Investigators got a warrant to get a saliva sample from Gadlin, and four days later testing showed it was a match to DNA from the suspect in Husss killing, according to prosecutors. I hope Cheri and her family will finally get the justice they deserve and have waited so long for, District Attorney Mike Hestrin said in 2022. Gadlin is expected to appear in court Nov. 17 for a trial readiness conference, Hall said. Desert Hot Springs is about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. Teen a beautiful soul found dead in ravine decades ago. DNA leads to conviction Man convicted in 1991 slaying of teen found shot outside foster home, MA officials say Mom found dead at playground 32 years ago, CA cops say. Now DNA leads to suspect On the heels of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Black leaders condemned the shooting in Jacksonville, Fla., that killed three people in what officials are labeling as a racially motivated attack. The Congressional Black Caucus and its chairman, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), denounced the attack in what they described as a white supremacist shooting in a statement Sunday. The caucus extended its condolences to the families of the victims who were killed in Saturdays horrific attack. On the same day that our nation reflected on the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington a day when Americans from all walks of life gathered in Washington to stand against hatred, bigotry and inequality another American community was terrorized by white supremacist violence, the caucus said in the statement. Time and again, we have witnessed efforts to roll back the clock on progress and the real consequences that come from overt anti-Blackness in our country, but we will not be deterred, the statement read. We will never stop fighting for justice and equality. Hatred and white supremacist violence will not win in America. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The gunman, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, opened fire in a Dollar General store Saturday afternoon, killing three people before shooting and killing himself. All three victims of the shooting were Black, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said at a press conference Saturday evening. He said the gunman who was white had authored numerous manifestos ahead of the shooting that signaled this attack was racially motivated. Portions of these manifestos detailed the shooters disgusting ideology of hate, Waters said at Saturdays press conference. Plainly put, this shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people. On Sunday, Waters identified the victims as Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr., 19; and Jerrald Gallion, 29. Other leaders in the Black community condemned the shooting and cited it as the latest reason that the country needs to see change. Martin Luther King III, chairman of the Drum Major Institute, called for more action on hate-related crimes in the wake of the Jacksonville shooting on CNNs State of the Union. And we have got to do something to change that. And we have not not tomorrow. We have got to do something now, he said. I know theres hate crime legislation. But its unconscionable. Its unacceptable. Its inhumane. And its not American. Arndrea Waters King, the daughter-in-law of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., drew comparisons between the Jacksonville shooting and the 1963 bombing of a Birmingham church that killed four Black girls weeks after the first March on Washington. She said on CNN that while the shooting was heart-wrenching, it was not surprising. And one of the things I immediately thought about was the parallels between 1963 and literally three weeks after the original March on Washington, the bombing and the killing of four Black girls, she said. The Justice Department announced Sunday that it will be investigating the shooting as a hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A quick scan of my mothers astrology chart tells me that today is going to be a great day for her. If she were here doing a reading with me, I would say: Pursue something today that is deeply important to you. Some people go to the cemetery when they miss their parents. As an astrologer, I look at my mothers birth chart, even though she died 23 years ago. Normally, I do charts for people who are still alive. Friends often text me when they want to know why theyre having a bad day and need a planet to blame. Saturn? Mercury in retrograde again? I also provide astrological advice to strangers, usually the person on the barstool next to me if Ive been drinking vodka martinis. Astrology sometimes gets a bad rap for being generic. How can three sentences in a womens magazine describe someone? Thats because most people dont know more than their sun sign. Using a birth chart provides a more complete picture. It shows what position all the planets were in when you were born. I look at my chart every day. I feel off when I dont, as if Ive left the house without wearing underwear. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read more: A sound bath in a neo-Gothic church? 'It's like a massage for the brain' My astrology chart is a road map for my life. It helps me determine what Im good at and where I fall short so that I can work on it. It gets me to take action in my life when Im scared to take a leap. Astrology cannot predict the future with exactitude every time the story that you think is going to happen rarely does but it never fails to give me the lesson I need the most. When I was in my 30s and learning how to read a chart, I found it helpful to study the astrological charts of celebrities, both dead and alive, whose birth information is usually public. Because their lives play out on a public stage, you can relate major events in their lives to whats happening astrologically. It made me wonder could I do that with my mothers chart? All I knew about her was that she was a Pisces. Perhaps there was some secret wisdom there for me. I barely knew her as an adult. She died when she was 56; I was 20. I remember her reading the newspaper cover to cover most days, horoscope included. Its a good one today! shed say, handing me the paper. When I left home for college, she cut my horoscope out of the newspaper, taped it to a card and mailed it to me. There was no better feeling than seeing one of her letters in my mailbox, the envelope plastered with stickers. The horoscope itself wasnt great for predicting the future. By the time Id get her letter, the future had become the past, but that didnt really matter. I just loved knowing she was out there thinking about me. She died my junior year of college. She went into the hospital for a routine medical operation and was given a blood thinner that she ended up being allergic to, but nobody realized it. It complicated her healing process, and she died within the span of several months. I blamed God. I couldnt return to the Catholic church where I was baptized, where we had her funeral. I took photos out of the scrapbooks she made for me and reprinted them into larger sizes to display around the house, but there werent many to choose from. She was always the one behind the camera. The arrival of a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Health two decades later changed everything. I had requested a copy of my mothers birth certificate to get her birth time so that I could do her chart with more accuracy. The day the envelope arrived in my mailbox, it felt like she had sent me a letter from the other side. Read more: Sharing a birthday with my mom is like our own holiday that's tricky to navigate I entered her birth information into my online birth chart calculator. In seconds, it spun out her results. An astrology chart is shaped like a wheel. All 12 astrological signs (Gemini, Cancer, Virgo) correspond to a dozen slices of the wheel, like a pie. Planets (the sun, Mercury, Venus) can fall anywhere on the chart, depending on the time you were born. There are many layers to a chart and just as many interpretations. I have been doing charts for years, and there are still parts of my chart I continue to explore and find new meaning in. The first thing I noticed in my mothers chart was her 12th house moon. In astrology, the moon corresponds to our emotions and represents the mother. Her moon was in Sagittarius, also her rising sign. My mother definitely came off like a Sagittarius funny and passionate and bright but that 12th house moon told me that there was far more underneath, that she was a spiritual and deeply emotional person at heart. It reminded me of the first weekend I came home from college. I was in my bedroom getting ready to go out for the night. When I looked up in my mirror, my mother was standing behind me. I hadnt heard her come up the stairs. The house is so empty when youre not here, she said, crying. Its a memory I think of often. I tried to lighten the mood, to pretend her hurt didnt exist. I wish now that I had hugged her. My mothers sun was in Pisces in the third house, the home of teaching and writing. She taught business and accounting courses to high school teenagers and technical school students and was working toward a graduate degree in special education. Whether my mom was in the classroom or at home, she always had style. She loved thrift store finds and treasures from the TJ Maxx sale rack. I attribute that to Venus, the planet of beauty, in Aquarius fly your freak flag. I saw Saturn and Mars hanging out in my mothers seventh house of partnership and immediately thought of my parents marriage. My mother and father were still together at the time of her death, but their marriage was rocky at times. As someone who got divorced, I couldnt ever understand why they hadnt parted ways. But Mars (conflict) and Saturn (responsibility) in her seventh house hinted that she was the type of person who didnt shy away from commitment. Her Saturn was in Gemini, a sign that believes in the power of language. Maybe Until death do us part meant something different to her than it did to me. My mother died in the hospital. By the time I arrived home from college to see her, I was too late. She was unresponsive when I tried to talk to her. I always wondered: Could I have done anything to prevent her death? I was able to enter the date of my mothers death to see what the planets were doing the day she died. Pluto (deep transformation) was lining up with my mothers moon in the 12th house of endings. Not everyone who has this once-in-a-lifetime transit dies, of course, but its not an easy transit. I had always blamed myself for my mothers death. If only I had been living closer to home, maybe I could have helped. If only we had transferred her to a better hospital sooner, maybe shed still be alive. Read more: Strange coincidences: Are they fluke events or acts of God? Seeing Pluto conjunct her moon in her chart gave me a deeper understanding of the circumstances of her death. It made me think that maybe nothing I could have done would have made a difference. I often think about the impact that her death has had on my life, how its made me a more spiritual person. I miss my mother every day and would give anything to have her back, but its hard to deny that my life has been shaped as much by her death as her presence. To this day, I still check in on my mothers chart, the way I do when my friends ask for a reading. Im comforted by the sun returning every year to the same spot it was when she was born, the moon waxing and waning through the zodiac, traveling around the wheel through all her different houses. After my mother died, I had always wondered how life would go on, how the planets would continue to spin, but its the rhythm of the cosmos that keeps me going now. Its what makes me feel as if shes still alive. When I find myself missing her, I open her astrology chart on my laptop. I click on the drop-down menu and search through my list of names for those three magical letters: Mom. Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Friends, family members and activists gathered outside the Kroger store on Sunbury Road Friday calling for justice in the shooting death of 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young. A Blendon Township police officer shot and killed Young, who was pregnant, when police said she drove her car at the officer. The body camera footage from a shooting involving Blendon Township police that left a 21-year-old pregnant mother dead will not be released until several steps are completed, including showing it to the woman's family before it is publicly released, the police chief announced Monday afternoon. Blendon Township officials are working to process the body camera footage from two officers involved in the Thursday evening incident in the Kroger parking lot at 5991 S. Sunbury Road. The shooting left 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young dead. Blendon Township Chief John Belford said in a video statement Friday that Young and several other people allegedly stole items from the Kroger store. An employee flagged down two officers who were in the parking lot on an unrelated call, who approached Young's vehicle. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At the time the officers approached Young's four-door sedan, Belford said, Young was already inside the car. One officer was on the vehicle's driver's side and the other officer was in front of the vehicle. More than a dozen verbal commands were given for Young to get out of the car and to turn the car off, Belford said. Instead, according to Belford, Young accelerated directly at the officer in front of the vehicle, who fired a single gunshot through the windshield. Young's vehicle drove a short distance, going over the curb and striking the exterior of the building. Belford said officers broke the driver's side window to get Young out of the vehicle and begin providing medical aid, with assistance from an emergency room doctor who was in the parking lot at the time. Young was taken to Mount Carmel St. Ann's hospital, where she died from her injuries. Young, who is the mother of a 6-year-old and 3-year-old son, was pregnant with a daughter that was due in November, according to her family. In his statement Friday, Belford said that processing the body camera footage will take time because of the redactions that are required to be made by Ohio law. Blendon Township is a small department without the staffing of agencies like Columbus police that have a dedicated unit of multiple people who process records requests. In an updated statement at 5 p.m. on Monday, Belford explained that the process to release the bodycam video involves identifying which redactions must be made, getting approval of the redactions and confirming they comply with the law from legal counselm giving the video to the investigating agency, the Ohio BCI, to make sure it won't interfere with its investigation; and showing the video to Young's family before releasing it to the public. "Blendon Township has a small staff, but we are still committed to abiding by Ohio public records law, which requires records like body camera video to be released in a reasonable amount of time," Belford said in the statement. Local activists and protest groups met at the Kroger on Friday night and again on Sunday evening to call for justice and accountability in the shooting. Blendon Township also canceled a previously scheduled concert that was to be held in Ridgewood park on Saturday evening. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Police bodycam footage release in Ta'Kiya Young shooting delayed Tropical senorita fish, like this one, colonized waters off the coast of central California during a prolonged ocean heat wave known as the Blob. Monterey Bay Aquarium Six years on, a prolonged ocean heat wave known as the Blob has altered the makeup of marine life off the coast of California, new research shows. The Blob, a large mass of unusually warm waters in the northeast Pacific, lasted from 2013 to 2017. The heat wave drew tropical fish further north. After the Blob dissipated, many of these creatures returned home, but a few have stuck around, according to surveys of protected areas along the California coast. Large numbers of slender, orange senorita fish have colonized the central coast, Joshua Smith, of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, told Hakai. California has also seen a surge of sea urchins and blue rockfish. Other species, such as ocean whitefish and California sheephead, which could be found off Southern California before the Blob, are now far more abundant. Even after the heat wave subsided, these changes in community structure persisted, especially in the kelp forest, shallow reef, and deep reef habitats, said the study, which was published in the journal Global Ocean Change. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Im starting to sort of question whether those communities will ever look the way they did, said Smith, lead author of the study. Warming waters around the world are spurring fish to move to higher latitudes. Now, as the Pacific enters its warmer El Nino phase, the seas are seeing unprecedented heat. Since April, global ocean temperatures have hit a record high every single month and by a wide margin. ALSO ON YALE E360 How Warming Ruined a Crab Fishery and Hurt an Alaskan Town Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis faced an onslaught of boos from the crowd at a Sunday vigil for the three victims of a racially motivated shooting on Saturday in Jacksonville. A 21-year-old white gunman fatally shot three Black people at a Jacksonville Dollar General store after he was denied entry to a historically Black college nearby, according to authorities. The gunman used an AR-15-style rifle inscribed with Nazi insignia, according to police, which said the shooter left behind evidence that he "hated Black people." DeSantis arrived at a vigil for the victims to jeers on Saturday, escalating to the point that Jacksonville County Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman asked the crowd to quiet the heckling. "It ain't about parties today," she said. "A bullet don't know a party." The boos from the crowd in Jacksonville were so loud for Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis that Councilwoman JuCoby Pittman had to stop the Governor to settle the crowd and remind them to put politics aside in this moment. pic.twitter.com/SPas87T50L Steph Wash (@WashNews) August 27, 2023 Governor DeSantis gets booed by the community as he speaks pic.twitter.com/jmCRCSrWPq Aleesia Hatcher (@AHatcherNews) August 27, 2023 In April, DeSantis signed a bill allowing state residents who legally own a firearm to carry concealed guns without a permit, legislation that was met with contempt by many Democrats. Florida has been the site of several of the country's worst mass shootings in recent years, including the ones at Pulse nightclub in Orlando in 2016 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Aside from his lax gun laws, DeSantis has faced public scrutiny from progressives for his culture war crusades and condemnation of anything deemed "woke," such as his defense of the blocking of an Advanced Placement class on African American studies in state schools. "This divide exists because of the ongoing disenfranchisement of Black people and a governor, who is really propelling himself forward through bigoted, racially motivated, misogynistic, xenophobic actions to throw red meat to a Republican base," Rudolph McKissick, senior pastor of the Bethel Church in Jacksonville, told the Associated Press. DeSantis at the vigil announced that on Monday, a state-led initiative would go into effect to provide financial support for the affected families, as well as to bolster security at Edward Waters University, the historically Black college near where the shooting took place. The governor called the shooter, who took his own life following the attacks, a "major league scumbag." "What he did is totally unacceptable in the state of Florida," DeSantis said. "We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race." Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon , a Democrat, lambasted DeSantis on Saturday, telling MSNBC that "at the end of the day, the governor has blood on his hands." "He has had an attack, an all-out attack on the Black community with his anti-woke policies, which we know very well was nothing more than a dog whistle to get folks up and riled up in the way in which it just happened yesterday. As I listened to him for the first time with that statement, my blood is literally boiling," she continued. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Nixon also referred to DeSantis's 2018 controversial and racially imbued comment about then-opponent Andrew Gillum, who is Black, saying in a television interview that voters should not "monkey this up" by electing Gillum. "This is absurd, it's ridiculous. He is one of the causes to this. This is an agenda that he has been pushing since he has gotten into office," Nixon said. "We have Republican leadership across this state who are doing everything to continually attack Black lives. They are doing everything to erase Black history. They are feeding our children propaganda. All that does is lead to the devaluation of Black lives," she added. "It's the audacity for me," Nixon tweeted on Sunday from the vigil, writing that DeSantis "is here and needs to apologize for his part in this." Its the audacity for me. @GovRonDeSantis @RonDeSantis is here and needs to apologize for his part in this. pic.twitter.com/EdMjHiDkLj State Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) August 27, 2023 Maybe you dont know who Florida state Rep Angie Nixon is, but you will now. If you care about what life is like in Florida under Gov Ron DeSantis, I urge you to listen to ALL of this. You will feel it in your bones. Thank you, @AngieNixon #Jacksonville pic.twitter.com/mIFpfS0roh Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) August 27, 2023 President Biden on Sunday decried the shooting. "Even as we continue searching for answers, we must say clearly and forcefully that white supremacy has no place in America," he said in a statement. "We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the color of their skin. Hate must have no safe harbor. Silence is complicity and we must not remain silent," Biden continued. "Jill and I are praying for the victims and their families, and we grieve with the people of Jacksonville." "On Saturday, our nation marked the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington a seminal moment in our history and in our work towards equal opportunity for all Americans," he added. "But this day of remembrance and commemoration ended with yet another American community wounded by an act of gun violence, reportedly fueled by hate-filled animus and carried out with two firearms." Read more about Ron DeSantis Karen Lauritzen is the reigning Teacher of the Year for Idaho, but she recently left her job at an elementary school in the land of potatoes for a friendlier environment. Illinois. Advertisement Shortly after receiving the top teacher honor for 2023, Lauritzen became the target of far-right activists who noted her support of gay rights and Black Lives Matter on her personal social media accounts. Abuse followed, not only from strangers but also from parents of her fourth-grade students, including one who cited a lesson she taught about the United Nations as evidence of left-wing indoctrination. Lauritzen moved over the summer to a college downstate where she teaches budding educators, and the change has been good, she said in an interview. One big difference is the states culturally responsive teaching standards, she said, which help teachers better reach their students. And she marveled about how her teenage sons new high school offers a diversity seminar that Idaho would have shunned. Advertisement Its like heaven here, she said. A little slice of heaven may not be the first thought that springs to mind among longtime Illinois residents. But Illinois does stand to benefit from a brain drain as deep-red states push culture war attacks. From Idaho to Florida, life has become increasingly hostile for a range of talented people, from LGBTQ residents to ace teachers like Lauritzen, as well as physicians facing potential criminal charges due to abortion bans and even librarians accused of harboring inappropriate books. Idaho 2023 teacher of the year Karen Lauritzen, previously a fourth-grade teacher in Post Falls in North Idaho, has left the state, chased away by far-right extremists. (Idaho Department of Education) Illinois, meantime, has doubled down on efforts to lure refugees from red states. Tony Sanders, state superintendent of education, recently published an open invitation addressing teachers who believe their freedom and professional judgment is under attack in Florida and Texas, saying, Come to Illinois. Were hiring, and wed love to have you. To an extent, this phenomenon is good for Illinois. As this page has noted repeatedly over the years, Illinois suffers when productive residents move out at a greater rate than they move in, a long-term demographic pattern that worsened during the pandemic. Reversing that pattern would be a plus. But heres the rub: While Illinois is known as a deep-blue state, favoring Democrats and progressive interests by a wide margin, anyone looking at a map showing the politics of the states 102 counties might be surprised at just how much red they see. . When Gov. J.B. Pritzker handily beat one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018, he lost 86 of those 102 counties. In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden won Illinois by a lopsided margin, but the map of the state still looked overwhelmingly red, with some downstate counties going 90% or better for ex-President Donald Trump. Advertisement Most of those deep-red counties are sparsely populated, which explains how Pritzker and Biden won in routs. But it also demonstrates something Pritzker evidently has forgotten: Illinois is a deeply divided state, and the governor needs to govern all of it, not just the blue enclaves. During a speech at the Illinois State Fair this month, Pritzker vented about the GOP: Republicans think that if they lie about something often enough, if they deny the truth long enough, maybe we will start to believe their lies. The problem is this: Here in Illinois, we have a low tolerance for bulls**t. Pritzkers low tolerance for bulls---t sounds very much like a low tolerance for conservatives. And youve got to hand it to Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, who took her turn at the State Fair podium after Pritzkers broadside, saying, Democrats tolerance for bulls---t might be low, but their tolerance for corruption is apparently sky high. She spoke just days before a federal jury in Chicago convicted Tim Mapes, chief of staff to then-Speaker Mike Madigan, long the states most powerful Democrat. For Illinois to thrive, its leaders must embrace tolerance, not partisan attacks that further divide our population. Consider how an Illinois Teacher of the Year would fare if she was a MAGA Republican. Most likely, she too would face inflammatory and false attacks, as Lauritzen did? Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > If that happened, it would be to Illinois shame if its top officials failed to offer support, as Idahos failed to support Lauritzen. Local legislators refused to even meet with her, she said. In an editorial, the Idaho Statesman rightly blasted cowardly public officials from Idaho Gov. Brad Little on down who have absolutely nothing to say when doctors, librarians and educators are driven from the state. Advertisement Lauritzen said she is encouraged by the relatively tolerant environment in her new Illinois hometown. Some neighbors display Trump flags or anti-Pritzker signs, she said, but I havent seen anything overtly hateful, and thats good. She also notes, accurately, that bringing out the best in school kids should be a completely nonpartisan exercise. I really think if legislators listen to educators, that if our expertise is honored and respected, and we are stakeholders in the process and given a seat at the table, I believe we can improve education not just in Illinois but in our country. Amen to that. Teacher of the Year, your new state welcomes you Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Bob Barker , one of daytime TVs biggest game show hosts, beloved national figure and Ozarks figure, has died at the age of 99. He graduated from high school and college in Springfield, and met his wife. Barker left the Ozarks in the late 1940s to make his career in California, but returned regularly and made generous donations to his college alma mater Drury University. Barker was well known among many community members who said he made a lasting impact on the community and the nation. Mother charged after 6-month-old found dead in Kansas City field Before he was the face of The Price is Right, Barker spent his young adulthood in Springfield, graduating from what is now Central High School in 1941 and attending Drury University (known then as Drury College). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He was always supportive of Springfield, of the public schools of Drury, said John Sellars, the Executive Director Emeritus at the History Museum on the Square. He came back many times. He would grand marshal parades and things like that and was very proud of his time here and the success he had here in Springfield. Barker left Drury for a few years to join the Navy Reserve and served in World War II. After his service ended, he returned to Springfield to finish his degree at the college and landed his first on-air job at KTTS radio, at a time when radio was starting to take off. Later, he would become the host of a game show called Truth or Consequences. His success on the show led to him being selected as the host of The Price is Right, a role he held for 35 years. He was always very friendly and kind with the people that was on his show. I mean, you know, he did the come on down thing and everything, said Daniel Vaughn, a Bob Barker fan. You know, and you just wanted to be there, you know, in his presence. Im glad he lived a good long life, 99. But death is sad, and the absence of his presence is kind of a sobering thought, said Phillip Wright, another Barker fan. But my gosh, he made a big impact upon the whole nation with his welcoming smile. KC mayor shares rendering showing Plaza with pedestrian-only streets Barkers impact stretched even beyond people as he used his platform to advocate for animal rights. He donated to Drurys animal studies program as well as the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. He is one of the ones that was so grounded, Sellars said. And so natural in what his thoughts were and what he did and attempted to do is just amazing, amazing person. Whether its the smile he put on peoples faces or the animals he helped, Barkers life and legacy will be remembered in Springfield. A street near Drurys campus is named Bob Barker Boulevard in his honor. I wish we could all smile like Bob Barker, Wright said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A 26-year-old man will spend at least the next 15 years in prison after the Boise man threatened an officer with a gun and was shot and injured by police, according to the Ada County Prosecutors Office. Fourth District Judge Michael Reardon sentenced Jonathan Manee to a 25-year prison sentence with the possibility of parole after 15 years, according to a news release from the Prosecutors Office. A 12-person jury convicted Manee in May of felony assault upon a law enforcement officer with an enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon. The responding Boise police officer arrived at this call like he does every day ready to serve and assist a person who needed help, Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said in the news release. Unfortunately, the defendant chose to threaten the officer with a gun, putting the officer and every person at that busy intersection in danger. Im grateful for the officers quick judgment and commend his actions while navigating this dangerous situation. In February 2022, Manee was blocking the road on Fairview Avenue between North Liberty and North Hartman streets with his vehicle, and he was attempting to flag down other drivers, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Police said witnesses were concerned for his welfare. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Boise Police Cpl. Cody Evans, who joined the department in 2006, responded to the scene when Manee pulled a gun out of his pocket and began walking and pointing the gun at the officer, prompting Evans to shoot and injure Manee, according to the news release. The officer wasnt injured. Boise police spokesperson Haley Williams told the Statesman by email that Evans was cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting. The shooting was one of three police shootings the Boise Police Department was involved in 2022, according to a database maintained by the Statesman. This year, Boise officers have shot six people, and four of them were fatal. Update: Police said Nickeya Williamson has been found. _______________________________________ The Borough of California Police Department in Washington County is asking for help to find a missing woman. Police say Nickeya Williamson, 40, was last seen on Aug. 25 leaving her home in the borough for work in Pittsburgh. Williamson told her family that she was working a double shift and staying at a friends house for the night. She hasnt been heard from or seen since. Police say Williams is driving a rental vehicle they think is a gray Chrysler Pacifica with a registration plate of JAJA05. It is unknown what state the registration is under. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 high school students killed, 1 person critically injured in Braddock shooting Earthquake felt in Western Pennsylvania, residents report Homicide investigation underway after male found with apparent gunshot wound in Pittsburgh home VIDEO: The Give Back: Hairstylists give free back-to-school cuts at East Liberty salon DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Find the latest live updates for Tuesday here. Local officials declared a local state of emergency and issued the first mandatory evacuation as Tropical Storm Idalia heads for Floridas west coast. Starting 2 p.m. Monday, Manatee County residents who live in Level A are under a mandatory evacuation order. A voluntary evacuation order has also been issued for Level B. Were expecting significant storm surge along the barrier islands and coastal communities for Idalia, with the earliest arrival predicted for Tuesday, said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. This is a very dangerous track that we all need to be aware of. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The latest weather forecast shows Idalia hitting Floridas Big Bend as a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday. As of Monday afternoon, Manatee County sits just within the cone of uncertainty, but the forecast could change in the coming days. In a Monday morning update to the Manatee County Commission, local public safety officials said residents need to take Tropical Storm Idalia very seriously. The storm is set to rapidly intensify into a hurricane over the next several hours and will pose a significant threat to the Bradenton area. Do not focus on the eyewall, said Fiske, who noted that the storm will create flooding, high wind speeds and possibly tornadoes in the area. You need to focus on the entire storm. Emergency Management Chief Steve Litschauer also expressed concern about Idalias path during a brief press conference. He said the storm, expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, could absolutely be more dangerous than Hurricane Ian based on the latest forecast. This storm is changing very rapidly and as it gets into the Gulf, its become very serious. Were anticipating up to a Category 3 or maybe even a 4, Litschauer said. Be prepared and heed our evacuation orders. Manatee issues Idalia evacuation order On Monday morning, Manatee officials issued a mandatory evacuation for residents who live in Level A, including low-lying coastal areas and all mobile home parks throughout the county. A voluntary evacuation order has also been issued for Level B residents. Between 30,000 and 50,000 residents are expected to be impacted by the countys evacuation order, Litschauer said. Manatee County leaders warned that storm surge is the main threat anticipated from Idalia. A surge of 5 to 11 feet is possible along Manatee Countys coast, commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said during an emergency briefing Monday afternoon. Idalia is not Ian, Van Ostenbridge said. Wind is not going to be our primary concern. Our primary concern at this point is the storm surge. Coastal residents need to heed our warnings. A king tide around noon on Wednesday will mean that water levels are exceptionally high, furthering the threat of storm surge. We do not want people traveling in the dark in the rain. Thats why we enacted (evacuations) early, Litschauer said. Please heed our warnings. Visit www.MyManatee.org/ManateeReady to check your evacuation level and view other hurricane preparedness information. Litschauer said the latest local forecasts call for sustained winds as high as 50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph and 4 to 10 inches of rain. Please pay attention to the track, public safety director Jodie Fiske said. Just because you get one forecast does not mean that it will stay the same. Van Ostenbridge said Piney Point and Lake Manatee are in good shape ahead of the storm. The city of Bradenton also held a brief emergency meeting Sunday evening to approve a resolution that frees up emergency resources to prepare for the incoming storm. We dont want people to panic, but we want you to be prepared, Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. By declaring a local state of emergency, the city qualifies for disaster recovery aid, such as reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Manatee County Government also declared a state of emergency Monday morning. Manatee County has declared a local state of emergency and a mandatory evacuation for people in Zone A as Tropical Storm Idalia works its way up the Gulf of Mexico toward Bradenton. Courtesy of National Hurricane Center Idalia poses local flood risk No matter the strength of the storm, Idalia may pose flooding risks in the Bradenton area, said Perry. Depending on the path, Bradenton could sit on the east side of the storm, also known as the dirty side, which creates higher levels of storm surge, rain and wind. One of the problems for us right now is that we are in high tide, Perry said. Combine that with a couple of feet of storm surge and we have a flood problem. Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center predict the storm will make landfall somewhere along Floridas Big Bend. Even if the storm follows that track, Manatee County is likely to see significant weather impacts, including heavy rain, potential flooding and high wind speeds. Were monitoring #TropicalStormIdalia. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for our area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before tropical storm-force winds are possible. While the path and intensity of #Idalia are uncertain, prepare now. pic.twitter.com/NdzzReYxeX Bradenton Police Department (@BradentonPD) August 27, 2023 The Bradenton area is expected to begin experiencing tropical-storm-force winds as soon as Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. As of Monday afternoon, Manatee County is under hurricane warning and storm surge warning, which means that impacts are expected within 36 hours. In a message posted to X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter, Manatee County Government also urged residents to have an emergency plan in place. While the storms path and intensity are uncertain, there is a potential for heavy rain and marine hazards, the county said Sunday morning. Current rain estimates show the storm bringing 4 to 6 inches of rain to inland Manatee and Sarasota counties and 6 to 10 inches near the coast. Where to get sandbags Self-serve sandbag centers opened at 9 a.m. Monday at the following locations: Manatee Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach Bayfront Park, 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island Rubonia, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto 66th Street West Fleet Building, (non-ADA; entrance directly across from 65th Street West), 4700 66th St. W., Bradenton Pride Park, 6032 Ninth St. E., Bradenton DeSoto Mall, 303 301 Blvd. West, Bradenton Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City Bradenton residents: Starting Monday morning, sandbags became available for city of Bradenton residents at the Public Works Annex Building, 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Sandbags will remain available there until noon Tuesday. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle. Visit www.MyManatee.org/ManateeReady to check your evacuation level and view other hurricane preparedness information. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts, including National Weather Service updates, by texting ManateeReady to 888-777. Other things to know: There will be no yard waste or recycling pickup for Manatee County customers this week. Trash pickup will be adjusted as follows: Tuesday pickup will move to Thursday, Thursday pickup will move to Friday and Friday will move to Saturday. The Lena Road Landfill will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, reopening Thursday. Manatee County parks are closed for the duration of the storm Lifeguards are not patrolling county beaches Miami Herald reporter Alex Harris contributed to this article. To their surprise, archaeologists found bricks emerging from a forest floor in Switzerland. It turned out the seemingly out-of-place objects were just the tip of the iceberg. Hidden underground beneath the bricks lay a sprawling Roman building complex dating back around 2,000 years. The rare ruins, found in the canton of Zug, marked the first such discovery made in the region in about 100 years, according to an Aug. 22 government news release. During the excavation, the stone ruins were found to include numerous rooms and span an area of at least 1,600 square feet. The site covers an area of at least 1,600 square feet, officials said. Though well-preserved, its not clear what purpose the building might have served, officials said, adding that it might have been a villa or temple. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Between the walls, a number of smaller artifacts were also unearthed. Fragments of luxury items, including tableware imported from Rome, decorated glass containers and a piece of gold jewelry were found. The bottom segment of an amphorae, a ceramic vessel commonly used to transport wine or olive oil, was also recovered. Some of the discovered artifacts include an amphorae fragment, pieces of glassware and four coins, officials said. Additionally, three copper and bronze coins were unearthed along with a single silver coin, known as a denarius. The silver coin, dating to the first century B.C., was minted during the reign of Julius Caesar, officials said. One side depicts an elephant squashing a serpent-like creature. The Romans conquered parts of modern-day Switzerland beginning around the third century B.C. and expanded their reach under the rule of Julius Caesar and subsequent emperors, according to Switzerlands Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A silver coin minted during the reign of Julius Caesar was discovered at the site. It depicts an elephant trampling a snake or dragon, officials said. The conquered territory was divided into five provinces, which were generally run by native local authorities, according to the department. Villas, mansions and baths began to sprout up throughout the provinces, and Roman deities began to be worshiped by indigenous populations. Further investigations will be carried out at the archaeological site to determine whether it was once a villa, temple or something else entirely. The canton of Zug is located in central Switzerland about 20 miles south of Zurich. Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the government of the canton of Zug. Stone wall uncovered in Italy was a Roman temple 2,000 years ago. See what remains 8,000-year-old encampment with tridents and war paint materials found in England Bumpy baby creature found on sky islands in Vietnam and discovered as new species Tom Powers, whose leadership of the Broward Republican Party since 2020 culminated in a strong performance in last years midterm elections, has resigned eight months into his second term as party chair. As many of you know, I have been battling cancer since early 2021. I have fought as hard as I can fight, but in recent months my health has deteriorated quicker than I expected. I would prefer to spend the moments I have left with my family, he said in a weekend email to party members. Powers is passionate about politics as a candidate, elected official and Republican Party activist. I want to thank my family for allowing me to spend the last years of my life fully immersed in politics, he said in the email. Powers, 66, said in December he planned to lead the party through the 2024 elections. But in a July interview, he said his health has gotten worse. He said mobility was a challenge and he had started using a wheelchair. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He said he announced his resignation via email because, Unfortunately I no longer have the strength to tender this to you in person. Powers said his resignation was effective immediately. Vice Chair Chris Marino, immediately became acting chair of the county party. He is responsible for picking a date for a special election at which Republican precinct committeewomen and committeemen from around the county will select someone to serve the remainder of Powers term, which runs through the 2024 elections. He said he has not yet decided on an election timetable. Marino, a retired firefighter who was elected vice chair in December, said he would run for the job. Also running is party Treasurer Abby Stafford. She is a certified public accountant and chief financial officer of Tiresoles of Broward, her familys commercial tire business, and was an unsuccessful 2022 candidate for Lighthouse Point City Commission. Powers endorsed Stafford as his successor in his resignation letter. Our party deserves dedicated leadership. I have given it my all, and now its time to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership. In anticipation of this day, I have spent this year mentoring others to make sure the organization is successful because of the team in place, and can carry on without me. Related Articles In some ways, Powers was a throwback to an approach that has become less common in todays political environment. He routinely answered questions from reporters but wasnt inclined toward making incendiary statements for the sake of garnering attention. He focused on the message and driving the message home. If you say something to get a reaction thats exactly what youre going to get a reaction, not results, said state Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, who served as party chair from 2007 to 2010. Under Powers leadership, the ranks of precinct committeemen and committeewoman expanded substantially, said Kevin Tynan, who was party chair from 2001 through 2003. He was an excellent chairman because he talked the talk and walked the walk. If he said, youve got to walk precincts, he was out there walking precincts with you. He did a wonderful job of raising money. Hes done a wonderful job of increasing membership to levels we havent seen in a long time, Tynan said. LaMarca and Tynan said Powers worked to bring together different factions of the party. He did a lot to bring the party together. Hes a selfless person, LaMarca said. Tynan said Powers tries to bring people up rather than bring them down. In politics you have a lot of opportunity to be negative, and he was much more positive. Powers had had a 21-year career in law enforcement with the Arizona State Police, most of it working as a narcotics agent on the Mexican border. In South Florida, he turned to politics. Powers spent six years on the Coral Springs City Commission, and in 2014 was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor. He also served as county Republican Party vice chair and president of the Coral Springs-Parkland Republican Club. Powers is something of a rarity, someone who had a successful enough experience and enjoyed the job enough to run for and win reelection as party chair. When he first got the job in 2020, he was the 10th Broward Republican leader in 14 years. Powers was challenged by Jenna Hague, who was an unsuccessful candidate for state Legislature last year. (Powers had hosted a fundraiser for Hagues state representative campaign at his home, the first time hed ever hosted a candidate fundraising event at his house.) Hagues state legislative loss notwithstanding, Republicans did well in Broward in 2022. With DeSantis at the top of the statewide ticket and Democratic voters demoralized and not showing up to vote, Republicans capitalized on the political environment. Republicans made up just 21% of the registered voters 26 percentage points behind Democrats. But DeSantis received 42% of the vote in Broward, 15 points behind Democratic candidate Charlie Crist. Thats an unusually high percentage of the vote for a Republican candidate in Broward; early last year when Powers said his goal was at least 40%, some were skeptical. Brenda Fam, a Republican, defeated a Democrat in a School Board race. And Powers was the one who administered the oath of office to Fam. LaMarca easily defeated his challenger in his northeast Broward district that had about the same number of registered Democrats and Republicans, and a large share of no party affiliation/independent voters. Even as U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, the longest-serving Democratic member of Congress in the state, won reelection with 55% of the vote, it was a lower percentage than shes ever received before in Broward. Shes averaged 63% in Broward in previous elections. LaMarca said he hopes before the contest to succeed Powers gets too intense, I would just hope that the members of the party take a minute to realize what (Powers) did for the party. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com, on Twitter @browardpolitics and on Post.news/@browardpolitics North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said Monday he would not serve as former President Trumps running mate if Trump were to win the partys nomination in 2024. No, I would not, Burgum, who is also running for president, said in an interview on CNN This Morning, when asked whether he would serve as Trumps vice president. Happy to do lots of other things. I [had a] fabulous 30 years in the private sector, a lot of opportunities there, the North Dakota governor continued. Burgum also shot down the suggestion of accepting a Cabinet post. Im not running for a Cabinet position. I mean, Im not selling a book, Im not running [for] Cabinet. All Ive ever done: CEO, entrepreneur, build businesses, attract talent, be successful, understand how the globe works, and lead stuff, like the miracle story, the success story of North Dakota, he said, touting his states economy and innovative spirit. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its common for people running for president to reject any suggestion they would consider a vice presidential nomination or a Cabinet position. But that doesnt mean such calculations cant change. Vice President Harris was once a rival to Joe Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Burgum managed to catch Trumps attention during the Republican presidential primary debate last Wednesday. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage In an interview on Newsmax following the GOP debate, Trump, who skipped the contest, invoked Burgums name when asked whether he saw any potential vice-presidential contenders on the debate stage. Burgum has avoided criticizing Trump directly and has tried to focus on his message touting his economic experience and his states energy independence. I actually like the governor. I respect him a lot. He was great, Trump reportedly said when asked about a potential running mate. He endorsed me twice, the governor of North Dakota. I think hes got something very good about him. Hes a high-quality person. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Steven M. Foley listens as the prosecution gives its opening statement on the first day of his murder trial in Worcester Superior Court. WORCESTER At nearly 3 a.m. Dec. 12, 2017 the day authorities allege he murdered an exotic dancer in his fiancees Northborough home Steven M. Foley got into a cab and made a derogatory statement about women, a cab driver testified Monday in Worcester Superior Court. Women are no good all they want is your money, Richard Breault, who was driving for Yellow Cab in Worcester at the time, recalled Foley saying. Breault was among multiple witnesses to testify Monday, the first day of Foleys murder trial, regarding interactions authorities say he had with others in the hours surrounding the death of Cynthia Webb. Webb, an exotic dancer at Marios Showplace in Webster, was found badly burned inside the trunk of her car at Hope Cemetery in Worcester Dec. 12, 2017. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In opening statements earlier Monday, prosecutors alleged Foley violently killed Webb after inviting her to his home, saying her blood was found underneath the floorboards. Cynthia L. Webb They said Foley told multiple people including his fiancee that he had placed Webb in her car and set it on fire in the cemetery after two other men had killed her without his knowledge on the second floor of his house. Prosecutors said the evidence shows Foley met up with Webb at the Lamplighter II strip club in Worcester after speaking with her inside Marios Dec. 11. He then left his SUV at the Lamplighter and rode with her in her car back to his home, they said, before calling a cab in the middle of the night to get back to his SUV at the Lamplighter II. The cab driver, Breault, confirmed that a man named Steve called for a ride from Foley's Northborough address, 76 Shady Lane, at nearly 3 a.m. Dec. 12. Breault recalled the man coming outside smelling very clean, as if he had just showered, saying he joked with the man about it. Breault said that while the man had asked to be taken to another bar when he initially called, he redirected him to the Lamplighter, which is nearby, as they approached. Breault recalled the man getting inside his Honda CRV, remarking that he had started to engage him in small talk about that make of the car, but that he just seemed like he wanted to be on his way. The cab driver said the man left in the CRV back toward the direction of Northborough. He said when he had picked the man up, he noticed a maroon car in the driveway of the home. Authorities allege that hours later, Foley drove Webbs maroon 2004 Buick to Hope Cemetery, lighting it on fire with her naked body in the trunk. Also testifying Monday was Marlene Neitlich, a former co-worker of Webbs at Marios. Neitlich said she danced with Foley the night of Dec. 11 and found him to be aggressive with her, trying to kiss her neck and face. He said, Im trying to stay calm; Im trying to stay relaxed, Neitlich recalled of Foley. I just wanted (to get) my money and leave (him). Prosecutors alleged in opening statements Monday that Foley had an argument with his fiancee before she left on a business trip to Canada that week. Neitlich testified she met Foley at the club about two to four weeks before Dec. 11, at which time he had offered her cocaine and asked her to meet up outside the club. Neitlich said she declined the cocaine and never met up with Foley. She recalled seeing him and Webb together in the club the night of Dec. 11 before she left. Foley's trial resumed Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Steven Foley trial: Cab driver describes picking up accused killer Highlighting both the plight of migrants who cant legally hold jobs and the unabated arrival of more asylum-seekers from the Southern border, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sent a joint letter Monday to the federal government requesting streamlined work authorization that would let Illinois sponsor noncitizens to work in industries facing labor shortages. As we continue to receive new arrivals who often lack sponsors, shelter, and have no immediate legal pathways to work, we have come to understand that this is not a short-term crisis, but rather a long-term reality, reads the letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Advertisement The joint ask is for Homeland Security to grant asylum-seekers parole through the Significant Public Benefit designation, in which states would sponsor individuals to work in critical industries. Among the industries identified in Illinois, according to the letter, are food processing, clean energy, health care (including in nursing and dentistry), transportation, warehousing and more. As the asylum-seekers we serve have begun to build lives for themselves and their families in Illinois, we have witnessed the dangerous work conditions and exploitation that often result when individuals lack access to legal work and the protections that come with it, the letter says. The precarious legal status of noncitizen workers exposes them to a higher risk of mistreatment, especially when employers wield the power to determine the legal presence of an employee. It is our strong recommendation that in the development of this program, worker safety and worker choice is prioritized, and a workers legal presence is not solely tied to their employment by a single employer. Advertisement Other existing parole programs for Afghan nationals, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans offer significantly shorter pathways to work authorization and have allowed many migrants to quickly achieve self-sufficiency while contributing to industries in need of workers, the letter said, noting that Illinois and Chicago had spent and obligated $250 million to help welcome and support more than 13,000 asylum-seekers who have come to Chicago from the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year. Migrants cant apply for work authorization until after they apply for asylum, and the process from start to finish can take several months or well over a year, depending on various factors, including a backlog of applicants, according to experts who spoke to the Tribune in July. The pressures of welcoming asylum-seekers was on full display Monday, as members of the Chicago City Councils housing committee debated spending $1.5 million to buy a 10-acre site on the Northwest Side to transform a vacant Marine Corps reserves training facility into housing for migrants. The OK to buy the site from the Metropolitan Water District of Chicago couldnt come soon enough, city officials said Monday. Today we have two buses inbound, we have a flight that should have landed a little while ago from San Antonio, said Lori Ann Lypson, deputy mayor for infrastructure. We are at max capacity and we are desperate for places so families, especially children have shelter and are not sleeping outside. Pressed to outline long-term plans to accommodate migrants, Johnsons deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, pointed to the need for more help from President Joe Bidens administration. The federal government although this is a federal responsibility has only invested $21 million. Thats not even covering what our monthly burn rate is. Yet, this is precisely in the jurisdiction of federal government. This week is a very important week for us strategically, Pacione-Zayas said, noting the governor had sent the letter to Mayorkas. Theres also a lot of support from the labor community, the business community, congressional leaders to put this pressure, because we know that that is a sustainable way that we can begin to address this situation, so that people can be on a path toward self-determination, self-sustainability, she said. Johnson will reiterate that message at a meeting with Mayorkas this week, she said. Advertisement Also coming Friday, Pacione-Zayas said, the state will begin the process of receiving letters of intent from various suburban municipalities to partake in the shared responsibility of welcoming our new arrivals. Pritzkers 2024 budget set aside $42.5 million to fund asylum-seeker services across the state. That could range from legal representation, shelter, transportation, health care and food to case management, translation services and workplace readiness. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus partnered with the states Department of Human Services to open up those funds to municipalities who applied. According to the MMCs website, award notification will be made before the end of September 2023. Pritzkers New York counterpart, Gov. Kathy Hochul, asked the federal government on Aug. 24 to expedite work authorizations through executive actions such as granting and extending Temporary Protected Status or, similar to Pritzker and Johnsons request, the humanitarian parole program for individuals from other countries. Hochul more forcefully asked for other resources, such as opening up federal facilities in New York to be used as temporary shelters, and also sought additional funding, including reimbursement for the states National Guard deployment to help with humanitarian operations. The location of the proposed new migrant shelter at 3034 Foster Ave. along the west bank of the Chicago Rivers North Shore Channel and adjacent to the CTAs North Park Garage and Northside College Prep has been home to a Marine Corps reserve training center and armory since 1959, according to the MWRD. Though its $10 annual lease was slated to end in 2053, the corps has vacated the buildings and the MWRDs board authorized a termination of the lease agreement earlier this month, according to board records. The $1.5 million spend lauded as a good deal by city officials will only cover the purchase itself, not any upgrades or ongoing service costs. The city plans to lease the site until the purchase is completed within the next four months, Lypson told committee members Monday. There would likely be a monthly cost of upkeep too: The Marines spent $43,000 a year on maintenance, Lypson said. Immediate timing for having shelter up and running is unclear. Lypson said there is HVAC work needed inside but the facility is otherwise up to par. Advertisement The buildings which have showers, office space, classrooms and a mess hall would be able to house 550 people, and will likely be reserved for families with school-aged children, Lypson said. It will be three weeks until the city will likely be able to get in and assess the space, she said. The city is considering either capital bonds or funds from the Lawrence/Kedzie TIF to pay for the purchase. City records show that the TIF had a balance of $25.7 million at the end of 2022. Ald. David Moore, 17th, said he could not support authorization without knowing for certain where the money would come from or the citys long-term plans. Id never stop an alderman from using their TIF money to do what they want to do with their stuff, Moore said. But when Im asking for a recreational facility and rebuilding Ogden Park in Englewood Id be foolish to vote for something to pull money from another source I could be using in my community. Moore tried to hold the item in committee essentially stop it from moving to the full City Council next month but was the lone voice of dissent, and the measure passed. Moore is not a stranger to holding up votes over infrastructure complaints in his own South Side ward. Advertisement Local Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th, spoke in favor of the project and the use of TIF money to pay for it. I think this is a really important project. After the migrant crisis subsides, the buildings would be ripe for development to benefit the public, she said. Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella contributed. aquig@chicagotribune.com Over the weekend, Fox News discussed Donald Trump s mugshot as the personification of most Americans feelings toward Bidens America, and CNN spoke to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on his opinions of white supremacy. Fox News The mugshot of America On Friday night, the Ingraham Angle, hosted by Laura Ingraham , discussed former President Donald Trumps mugshot as a representation of how the rest of the country feels toward the state of America. According to Ingraham, Trump is using the mugshot to his own political advantage and even posted it to X, formerly known as Twitter, making it his first post since Jan. 8, 2021, to prove a point to the American people. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement She added that the people who are criticizing Trump on other news stations do not understand how the majority of Americans feel about the mugshot and Trumps legal battles. I think most fair-minded people see this spectacle for what it is, Ingraham said. Its the ultimate in election tampering by the far left. The legal battles against Trump have never been about getting justice for the country but rather political revenge, she said. Ingraham mentioned that Americans, like Trump in his mugshot, are upset and frustrated with what President Joe Biden has done to the country. Whether its the economy, crime or natural disasters, the government seems to make things worse or not care at all. Like in Maui, she said. Ingraham continued, The Democrats for decades have taken the urban and the minority vote for granted, but theyre running into anger there as well. ... So establishment politicians, weak-kneed CEOs, leftist educrats, theyre all underestimating the power of the silent majority who are fed up, frustrated and feeling like the way Trump looks in that mugshot. Related CNN Ramaswamy on white supremacy Over the weekend, CNNs Dana Bash spoke to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Bash asked Ramaswamy about his comments toward white supremacy and how hes never encountered a white supremacist in his lifetime. Maybe Ill meet a unicorn sooner, Ramaswamy told the audience. Bash then asked what he thought the families of the three Black people who were shot last weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, would think about his comments that white supremacy is basically a fantasy. Im sure theyre grieving for their loss, and I don't want to politicize those victims, Dana, he said. This is a very sensitive situation. We should have nothing but foremost respect for those victims and not bring them into partisan politics. Ramaswamy added that his comments made about white supremacy were his answer to a question he received about whether or not he has personally experienced it in his recent life. Bash asked if Ramaswamy acknowledged that white supremacy still exists in America, to which Ramaswamy replied, I acknowledge that all forms of racial animus exist in the United States, including fringe branches. I mean, its clearly what was at the head of this mentally deranged individual responsible for this shooting. The Caddo Parish Coroner's Office has released the name of the 55th homicide victim in Shreveport for 2023. Shreveport Police Department received a call at 4:14 p.m. Sunday, Ag. 27 for a shooting in the 4700 block of Arnsdale Circle. Upon arrival, officers discovered Alfred D. Bell, 24, shot outside his girlfriend's home. Shreveport Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, and Bell was transported to Ochsner LSU Health, where he succumbed to his injuries at 4:43 p.m. According to the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office, the shooting remains under investigation by the Shreveport Police Department. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Bell's death marks the 57th homicide in Caddo Parish to date, and 55th in Shreveport. More: Former Shreveport Police Lieutenant charged with wire fraud for claiming unworked overtime Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Coroner identifies 55th homicide victim in Shreveport this year ARTS Auditions for the South Carolina Childrens Theatres production of Charlottes Web are Aug. 9. Appointments are required. For details, visit scchildrenstheatre.org/auditions. An Audition Workshop for A Christmas Carol is 9 a.m. noon Aug. 26 at Spartanburg Youth Theatre. The cost is $30 each. Work with the director of the show to make sure you have the best audition possible. Pre-registration is required to attend. To register, call 864-585-8278 or enroll online at www.spartanburgyouththeatre.com/auditionsworkshops. Family Connection of South Carolina presents the 2023 LOOK! photography collection at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center through Aug. 9. The exhibit will be on display at the Lexington County Library located at 5440 Augusta Road in Lexington during September and at the Irmo Branch Library during October. The 2023 LOOK! exhibit can also be viewed online at familyconnectionsc.org/look. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to offer individual photo sessions to families who have a child or youth with a disability or chronic health condition. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Display Your Art The Back Door Art Gallery in Fountain Inn has a kids art wall. Children ages 12 and younger can hang one piece of their art for free for one month. For specifications and contact information, visit backdoorartgallery.com. Art Classes for ages 6 and older are offered 4 5 p.m. Wednesdays Aug. 30 Nov. 15 at A Cut Above Maker Space in Spartanburg. For cost, registration and details, visit acutabovemakerspace.com. Voice, piano, and acting private lessons are offered from Kimilee Bryant Studio. For details, email kimileebryantstudio@gmail.com or call 864-280-9150. South Carolina Childrens Theatre offers classes for grades pre-K 12. For details visit, scchildrenstheatre.org. Spartanburg Youth Theatre offers classes for grades K4 12. For full class listings and to enroll, visit spartanburgyouththeatre.com or call 864-585-8278. Engage in music at the Lawson Academy of the Arts Private lessons and group classes are offered for musicians of all ages and levels with instruction from Converse University professors and student-teachers. Learn to play piano or enroll in an ensemble. For details, call 864-596-9022. Arts programs are at TR Makers. Programs include homeschool classes, Afterschool Makers Elementary (grades K5 5), Afterschool Art School (grades 2 6), and more. For cost and registration, visit trmakersco.org. Music Adventure Classes are at 10 a.m. Mondays at Swamp Rabbit Cafe. Classes are geared for pre-K K but all ages are welcome. The cost is $15 per class ($5 for each additional sibling) and includes a coffee and pastry. For details and registration, visit @musicadventure on Instagram or email musicadventureforkids@gmail.com. FAMILY FUN, LEARNING, AND MORE A Mexican-themed kids-only cooking class is 10 a.m. noon Aug. 1 at The Cook's Station. For details and registration, visit thecooksstation.com/collections/in-store-classes. Well Walkers is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays in August at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The arena concourse will be open from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. for anyone who wants to have a temperature-controlled space to exercise. Each loop around the concourse is a quarter mile. Well Walkers is a free event with no registration or prior notice required. Free parking for participants is provided in the VIP lot at the arena, located off Church Street. For details, visit bonsecoursarena.com. Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit is open through Sept. 10 at the Upcountry History Museum. At this play-and-learn exhibit, visitors step into the pages of author and illustrator Eric Carles colorful picture books and experience them as artist and reader, while discovering and playing with five special insects from his well-known childrens books. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org. Free admission for military The Upcountry History Museum Greenville County has joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration that provides free admission to the nations active-duty military personnel and their families to museums throughout the summer. The program runs through Sept. 4. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. For details, visit upcountryhistory.org. The Book Nook is open at TCMU-Greenville. This whimsical space transports young readers into a fantastic magical forest, complete with tree-like bookshelves, reading nooks and an imaginary fireplace. The space houses a large assortment of books of varying age levels, languages and themes, allowing children to read independently or with their caregivers. It is a cozy spot to curl up with a good book. For details, visit tcmupstate.org. Tickets for Autumn at Oz, in September at Land of Oz, are on sale. For details, visit landofoznc.com. Italian Renaissance Alive is open at Biltmore Estate. The multi-sensory experience immerses guests in the beauty and brilliance of the greatest artistic period in history as it comes to life all around you. Large-scale projections with 360-degree views set to a powerful operatic score tell the story of artists and the time periods within which they lived. Italian Renaissance Alive features Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio and more. It continues through Jan. 7, 2024. For details and ticket information, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/italian-renaissance-alive. Children ages 16 and younger are admitted free to Biltmore through Sept. 4 with an accompanying ticketed adult. This applies to two ticket types: the House & Grounds ticket and the House, Italian Renaissance Exhibition and 2-day Grounds ticket. For ticket options, visit biltmore.com/landing/ticket-options-for-summer. The Summer Music Series in Beech Mountain, North Carolina includes a full schedule of concerts. For tickets and details, visit beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series-2023. Little Learners Club, available from the Greenville County Library System, is designed especially for children under age 5 to encourage the development of kindergarten readiness skills using the Palmetto Basics. Details are at greenvillelibrary.org/kids/little-learners-club. Free Books Greenville First Steps has launched a pilot of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Greenville County. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is an early literacy program that mails free age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age 5. Currently in Greenville County, children in 29690, 29611, and 29669can sign up for Imagination Library. Registration is available at ImaginationLibrary.com. Story Time is at 10 a.m. Thursdays at Barnes and Noble at Greenridge. For details, visit stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2221. Family Story Time for ages birth 5 is Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Pendleton and Lander Memorial Libraries, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Powdersville Library, and Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org. Preschool and Toddler Story Times are offered at Spartanburg Library locations. For details, visit spartanburglibraries.org. Preschool Story Time for ages 3 5 is at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org. Toddler Storytime for ages 18 36 months is at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Anderson Main Library. Visit andersonlibrary.org. Preschool Storytimes for ages 2 5 are offered at the Pickens County Library. Call 864-850-7077 or visit pickenscountylibrarysystem.com. STRIDES Systematic Tutoring, a nonprofit program, offers individualized tutoring for ages 6 20. instruction is available. In-person tutoring is available at seven locations across the Upstate or virtually with a smart phone, tablet or desk top computer. Scholarships are available. For details, call 864-246-9898 or stridestutor.org. PARENTS MOMS Club of Spartanburg and MOMS Club of Spartanburg-North offer support for all moms in the area. The groups have regular park plays, library visits, potlucks, mom crafts, kid crafts, book club, Moms Night Out, community service projects, seasonal activities and more. For more information email, momsclubofspartanburg@gmail.com or northspartanburgmoms@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Calendar: Arts and more for August (FOX40.COM) From San Diego to the North Coast, Californias craft breweries are coming together to support the victims of the West Maui Wildfires through the Kokua Project. Maui Brewing Company in partnership with non-profit Global Empowerment Mission has created a way for breweries to use their gifts of bringing people together with delicious drinks to help raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent wildfires. The idea of the Kokua Project is that each participating brewery will brew the same exact beer from a recipe provided by Maui Brewing Co. The beer is called the Maui Strong Session IPA. Several dozen California breweries have pledged their support including Sacramento are breweries: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Auburn Alehouse Berryessa Brewing Co Bike Dog Brewing Company Burning Barrel Brew Co Crooked Lane Brewing Donner Creek Brewing Dust Bowl Brewing Co Fieldwork Brewing Lagunitas The Monks Cellar Sierra Nevada Sutter Buttes Brewing Track Seven Brewing Company For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued the Chino Valley Unified School District over its policy of outing transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students to their parents or guardians. The policy, adopted by the school board in July, requires schools to inform parents or guardians, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even without the students permission. It also requires notification if a student requests to use facilities or participates in programs that dont align with their sex on official records. In the suit, filed Monday in San Bernardino County Superior Court, Bonta asserts that the policy violates Californias equal protection clause by singling out these students; the states education and government codes, which ensure equal rights and opportunities for every student and prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression; and the right to privacy under California constitution. The suit further alleges that the policy has already placed trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students in danger of imminent, irreparable harm from the consequences of forced disclosures and that the boards plain motivations in adopting the policy were to create and harbor animosity, discrimination, and prejudice towards transgender and gender-nonconforming students, says a press release from Bontas office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement During debate on the policy, board members said that being trans, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming was a mental illness and a perversion, according to the release. The Board President went so far as to state that transgender and gender nonbinary individuals needed non-affirming parental actions so that they could get better, the release says. Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity regardless of their gender identity, Bonta said in the release. Were in court challenging Chino Valley Unifieds forced outing policy for wrongfully and unconstitutionally discriminating against and violating the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ students. The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of nonconforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home. Our message to Chino Valley Unified and all school districts in California is loud and clear: We will never stop fighting for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ students. I refuse to stand by and allow Chino Valley or any district board of education to put our children at risk or infringe upon their rights, especially not one of our most vulnerable at-risk groups, Bonta added at a Monday news conference in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports. Across the country and in our own backyard, the LGBTQ+ community is under attack, and transgender and gender-nonconforming students are on the front lines. California LGBTQ+ groups praised Bontas action. Equality California strongly supports Attorney General Rob Bontas decision to file a lawsuit against Chino Valley Unified School District challenging their recently approved forced outing policy for transgender students, said a statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang. This policy infringes on the rights and privacy of transgender students and sets a dangerous precedent that can lead to discrimination against others. The LGBTQ+ community, and transgender people in particular, have long faced discrimination, harassment and violence. Policies like those approved by the Chino Valley school board and school boards in Murrieta Valley and Temecula are intensifying the already alarming increase of anti-LGBTQ+ hate we are experiencing. California must stand up against these policies that fly in the face of the principles of equality and respect for all people. It is our duty to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity, feel safe, respected, and protected within our educational institutions. This lawsuit sends a clear message that discrimination and harassment have no place in our schools, and no place in California. The Los Angeles LGBT Center applauds Attorney General Rob Bonta for his support of LGBTQ+ youth and safe, affirming school environments, said a statement from Terra Russell-Slavin, the centers chief impact officer. Chino Valley Unified School District will learn today that when you come for our community, we show up with everything we have. For months now, the far-right attack on school boards, education, and books has come to LAs doorstep. What started with the outrageously bigoted Dont Say Gay bill in Florida has morphed into a monstrous barrage of attacks on our schools, students, and educatorseverywhere from Chino Valley to Temecula, North Hollywood to Glendale. This is a gross imposition of religion on the public school system, and a violation of Californias existing laws that protect marginalized people in public institutions. We at the center want our young people to know: There is absolutely a place for you in this world. And we will fight like hell to ensure you have the same rights as everyone else to find it. To the good people of Los Angeles especially our parents and allies we must come together to fight back against the encroachment of the far right on our communities. Make no mistake, LA: This is round two of the fight for our lives. Just like we did with Prop. 8, we need to once again link arms and show them: Hate may put up a good fight, but its love that always wins. The lawsuit came after Bontas office investigated the Chino Valley school district, and the district offered complete transparency during the investigation, a spokesperson told the Times. At this time, the district is working with its legal counsel to review the lawsuit and its contents, district spokesperson Andi Johnston added. Pictured: California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Chino Valley logo SACRAMENTO, Calif. State Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Monday to stop a Southern California school district from outing transgender students to their parents, arguing that the policy violates students civil and constitutional rights and could cause them mental emotional, psychological, and potential physical harm. Bontas suit against the Chino Valley Unified School District is the latest attempt by Democratic state officials to combat the recent adoption of such policies by conservative school boards. The outcome of the case could have bearing on other districts that have enacted similar rules in the last two months, including Murrieta Valley, Temecula and Anderson Union High School. Our message to Chino Valley Unified and all school districts in California is loud and clear: We will never stop fighting for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ students, Bonta said in a prepared statement. The policy passed last month by the Chino Valley Unified School Board requires schools to inform parents whenever a student asks to use a different name or pronoun than whats in their official record, or if a student requests to use facilities or participate in programs that dont align with their assigned sex. A similar statewide proposal, introduced by Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli, stalled and has almost no chance of becoming law in the Democratic supermajority Legislature. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Backers have characterized the policy as a parental rights issue, but Bonta alleges the board is unlawfully discriminating against transgender and gender-nonbinary students. In discussing the policy before its passage, board members made a number of statements describing students who are transgender or gender non-conforming as suffering from a mental illness or perversion, or as being a threat to the integrity of the nation and the family, Bonta said in a statement. Chino Valley and other California school districts in recent years have become the targets of religious conservatives who have recruited and helped elect local candidates in a state where Democrats dominate higher offices. Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified Board of Education, is the primary backer of the boards new policy on trans students. Prior to her election in November, Shaw said she was never involved in any politics until the pandemic revealed that Sacramento politicians were pushing perversion on our children in every possible way. To be honest with you, I didnt even know what the GOP was, she told a crowd of supporters at the state Capitol last week. Bonta, in his lawsuit, argues the policy infringes on several state protections, including Californias equal protection clause, the state education and government code, and Californias constitutional right to privacy. The tensions are likely to continue outside of the courtroom with conservative groups looking to qualify statewide ballot measures relating to schools and the Legislatures LGBTQ+ caucus prepared to introduce a bill prohibiting such policies. As I have previously explored in a series of conversations with cult and mind control expert Steven Hassan, Donald Trump meets most if not all the characteristics of a cult leader. Trump holds extreme power over his followers, who subsume their own identities and will to him. He persuades them to reject their own perceptions of reality and to trust only him and his approved messengers. To a large degree, they have lost the ability to engage in what psychologists describe as "reality testing." Trump's mug shot, taken at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta last Thursday, is an image of murderous rage and a bottomless lust for revenge. Trump has already used it to raise yet more campaign cash. In all probability, Trump's upcoming criminal trials will only make him more popular and powerful among his core followers, not less. Like other cult movements, the MAGA phenomenon is rooted in manipulation and psychological abuse. Trump effectively exploits the death anxieties and other existential fears of his followers, presenting himself as their only protector and savior. The MAGA cult is authoritarian, preying on lonely, socially isolated and otherwise vulnerable people and providing them with a sense of order, meaning, community and destiny. A poll conducted from Aug. 16 to 18 by CBS News/YouGov demonstrates just how firm Trump's power over his followers continues to be. A large majority of Republican voters view Trump as "honest and trustworthy," which would be hilarious if it were not deeply alarming. Furthermore, "Trump's voters hold him as a source of true information, even more so than other sources, including conservative media figures, religious leaders, and even their own friends and family." When asked who they believe tells them the truth, 71% of Trump voters picked him, more than picked friends and family members (63%), right-wing media commentators (56%) and religious leaders (only 42%). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Beyond the numbers, mental health expert Dr. Justin Frank, author of the bestseller "Trump on the Couch," perceives a tragic and pathetic human dimension to the CBS News poll, as he told me by email: What this poll doesn't measure or explain is the cause and effect of the profound loyalty of Trump's core supporters. It's this factor that continues to baffle pundits and call into question everything we thought we knew about American politics and the future of democracy. How did these startling figures come to be? Trump taps into specific needs certain people have to love and to feel loved in return. People who feel they have been lied to whether as children or adults yearn for a person or group to trust, in which to place unwavering faith. While I think this type of blind loyalty to Trump is a delusion, it's also a common human experience. In some people it overwhelms an otherwise healthy emotional state in which most of us simultaneously understand that authority figures can be both admirable and disappointing. Televangelists are able to captivate and exploit their vulnerable audiences for this reason. It's also why cash (from many who can ill afford it) pours into Trump's coffers each time he's indicted for a new crime. As I wrote in "Trump on the Couch," Donald Trump himself felt lied to by his parents, which binds him and his fan base even closer. Trump provides the kind of love they crave because he instinctively meets those unconscious needs, in part because he shares them unconsciously himself. Frank further suggests that Trump "invites maternal love" from many of his followers, who "are touched at a deep level by their awareness of his neediness, which endears them to him": In his rallies he repeats "believe me" the way a child does when telling a lie or feeling unloved. He is quick to ... paint himself as a maligned victim. He becomes someone they want to protect from assault ... [by] sharing his sense of betrayal with his audience and psychologically merging with their own histories of having been disappointed. What evolves is an inability to differentiate oneself from the idolized other that results in an emotional bond that is deep and thrilling to share. To those outside the mystical Trump romance, this unconditional love makes no sense. We call that kind of love a cult. How can such an overt liar and accused criminal can be so admired? What we don't remember when we see such a cult in operation, Frank says, is that all children seek to protect "the image of their loved parents from the inevitable disbeliefs and hurts that even the best parents create": They do this by splitting their early experiences into good and bad, black and white. What evolves is a yearning for comfort, aided by binary thinking, from a figure who is only good, despite any evidence to the contrary. So, here we are as a nation, confused and divided in the darkness of our deepest fears and needs. Trump offers his devoted flock a shared sense of purpose and meaning. They've been groomed to look outside for someone to safeguard their best interests and provide shared faith and support. I think it may not be possible for those diehard Trump adherents to discover that this a dangerous illusion. I also asked Jen Senko, director of the documentary "The Brainwashing of My Dad," about what insights she could share on the findings of the CBS News poll regarding Trump's hold over his followers. She said she found it "stupid, and maddening, that many on television 'news' seem shocked" by the poll's findings: Have they been living under a rock? More likely they've been living in denial because it's a lot easier than accepting the truth. ... Though many of us understand this now, too little emphasis has been put on how millions of Americans lost their minds and became right-wing zombies. It's the media, stupid! ... As someone who saw the writing on the wall decades ago and made a documentary about it in 2016, it's particularly frustrating. Too many people laughed at Rush Limbaugh. Too many people thought Fox News was a legitimate "conservative'"alternative to the "liberal media." Too many people didn't question the barrage of email propaganda (often put out by think tanks and disguised as homespun bits of wisdom) emphasizing over and over: Democrats bad, Democrats evil. Democrats not real Americans. Republicans are all that is good and holy. Limbaugh was allowed to get on the Armed Forces Network. Fox News is still on it, and became the go-to news station for bus stations, airports, restaurants, bars, doctors' offices. When humans immerse themselves in false information that gets repeated, it stands to reason that millions of them become "cultified" right-wing zombies. What can be done about it, I leave to the experts. When will America acknowledge that we are in an information war? That's what worries me every day. Former right-wing pundit Rich Logis was immersed in TrumpWorld and the MAGA movement for years, but managed to escape. He said it was an "irrefutable fact" that MAGA had a cultlike ethos: I know this because I was once quite deep in the MAGA rabbit hole. Had Trump won in 2020, I probably would have gone deeper into it, with the odds of escaping close to zero. There are two prevailing ties that bind the MAGA cult. The first is that Trump is an omniscient, omnipotent, martyred savior of America; some believe him to be sent by God. (Note that Ron DeSantis poached this heresy last year, in his re-election campaign.) Martyrdom is the final stage of cult leadership, and to those in a cult, it is the outside world who are deceived. Those in this first category are willing to see through the cult to its fiery end. The second is among those who are ... politically traumatized by their hyper-partisan, paralytic, paranoid worldview that Democrats, socialists, communists and Marxists have long conspired to tyrannically infringe upon their rights and freedoms. I knew some who fell into one, or both, categories. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Logis suggests that Trump's voters should not be dehumanized "and had some valid motivations for supporting Trump, even though he exploited those concerns and fears": We must, as a nation, build a broad consensus that electing Trump was one of the most egregious mistakes in our history. Admitting when we're wrong is an unnatural act, but it is possible and liberating. When I look back at my MAGA time, I remain stunned at the level of political trauma I put upon myself; my hope is that others will begin to recognize their own trauma, which has been, to some extent, self-inflicted. The only real hope for awakening or deprogramming MAGA cult members, Logis said, will come from "resounding losses of MAGA candidates next year, up and down the ballot. Though such losses will probably not "save" most MAGA voters, it will, likely, save some and 'some' equals millions of Americans." Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh, now a leading never-Trumper conservative and democracy advocate, described the CBS News polls findings as "the least surprising thing ever." I conclude here with his words of warning: Three and a half years ago, while campaigning in Des Moines against Trump, I asked 40 people in line to enter a Trump rally if Donald Trump had ever told a lie. All 40 Trump supporters said no, Donald Trump had never told a lie. I knew then and there that my primary challenge against Trump was hopeless, but I also knew then and there that my soon-to-be-former political party was hopelessly gone too. I knew then and there what I'd sensed for the past six years: The Republican Party is a cult, an authoritarian-embracing, truth-denying cult. So what do we do about it? Well, we all come together in 2024 to defeat this anti-democracy cult. Again. That's job No. 1. But my other job is to continue to try to rescue members of the Trump cult. That's not a job for everyone, but as someone who helped create the cult and then escaped from the cult, it's my job. It's my penance. Read more about the endless Trump crisis This article was originally published in Stateline. New Jersey resident Anna Cuqui Rivera, a high school graduate who works as a labor and civil rights activist and moonlights as a DJ, was paying almost $3,000 annually for auto insurance with one of the big companies. Now, she pays almost $2,000 less for coverage on her 2016 Jeep. The difference? Her new, smaller insurance company doesnt take into account her education level or occupation in setting her rate. A bill in the New Jersey legislature would prohibit all auto insurance companies from considering non-driving factors such as education, occupation or credit score in determining rates. A handful of states already have such bans, and more states have been considering them. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Currently, most insurance companies use those criteria, along with driving records, mileage driven and other factors including age and gender to set rates. Consumer advocates say using non-driving factors punishes people with lower incomes and people of color, who disproportionately have lower education levels, hold lower-paying jobs and have lower credit ratings. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Insurance companies argue that if they didnt consider those criteria, everyones rates would increase, including those who already have high premiums. New Jersey has the lowest rate of drivers without insurance, at 3.1%, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization. The figure shows that state residents can buy affordable auto insurance under the current system, New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, a Democrat, told the New Jersey Monitor in December, so the law may not need changing. The state Senate approved the bill last session but it died in the House. Sponsors have filed it again this session. Auto insurers Geico, Progressive and Liberty Mutual the company initially used by Rivera quoted higher rates on average for people with less education, according to a 2021 survey by Consumer Reports. Geico and Progressive also quoted higher prices to service workers compared with managers and executives, the report found. Stateline reached out to all three companies for comment and received no responses. What does your education, occupation and income have to do with how you drive? Rivera, mother of six and grandmother of 29, said. She has a clean driving record and good credit. She works two jobs and moonlights as a disc jockey, DJ Lady C. But the trade association American Property Casualty Insurance Association maintains that all those factors are valid predictors of the companies risk in insuring clients. Its our view that as long as a factor adds to the assessment of risk, and doesnt violate anti-discrimination laws, it is a factor companies can use, David Snyder, vice president and assistant general counsel of the association, said in an interview. If states eliminate some criteria, customers who are deemed less likely to claim damages would subsidize those who pose a greater risk of filing claims with the company, he said. You compensate that by weighting other factors or otherwise looking at risk. Its a shifting around of costs. Better risks pay more than they should, and the worse risks dont pay what they should, Snyder said. But a study of Michigans major auto insurance overhaul law, which was implemented in 2020, showed premiums dropped for most drivers, at least initially. The changes eliminated education, employment and credit score as risk factors, among other changes to personal injury coverage and the implementation of no fault insurance for liability. The website thezebra.com, which serves as a comparison shopping site for insurance buyers, found in its 2023 state-by-state auto insurance rankings that Michigan residents saw average annual rates drop from $3,106 in 2019 to $2,535 in 2020, an 18% decrease. But rates increased 4% in 2021 to $2,639, the report showed. Part of that uptick may have been insurance companies finding other ways to incorporate income and education information without directly asking those questions, advocates for eliminating such criteria say. Companies can use geographic regions to estimate premiums or create affinity groups for which they offer discounts. For example, members of a trade group, such as those for doctors or lawyers, or Ivy League alumni, might get better rates than others. Advocates say those discounts may be a way to entice affluent buyers to bundle their other insurances such as for a home or a boat with the same company. Eric Poe, owner of New Jersey-based CURE Auto Insurance, bucks his industry on the issue. Poe has testified in several states that non-driving factors should not be considered. He has begun writing policies in Michigan since its insurance overhaul law went into effect. He has also testified before Congress, backing a 2020 federal bill by New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, that would ban policies that include non-driving factors. That bill has not moved. Im disappointed that the rest of the industry and the rest of the state legislatures have not been able to pass these bills against what hurts the lowest-income drivers in a state, Poe said in an interview. Im the person who ratted out my own industry on the use of non-driving factors. Poe, whose company wrote Riveras cheaper policy, said other companies want to consider occupation, income and credit criteria because it helps weed out more expensive customers, such as those who are more likely to file claims for small amounts of damage to their cars in an accident. Wealthy customers often pay for small amounts of damage out-of-pocket, to avoid insurance rate increases. If you can eliminate the bottom 10% of income earners you take away a lot of the volatility and unpredictability of our business, he said. Carmen Balber, executive director of nonprofit advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, which has investigated the issue, said wealthy professionals get the good deals. Grocery cashiers, bus drivers they are never on the list. These are blatant proxies for racism and income discrimination that have no place in the insurance industry. California, Hawaii and Massachusetts have permanently banned the use of credit scores in determining auto insurance premiums, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Nevada issued a temporary ban on the use of credit information to increase premiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban was upheld by the Nevada Supreme Court and will last through May 2024. Washington state issued a permanent ban on using credit information in setting insurance rates, but a court struck it down last year. California, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts and New York ban the use of education and occupation in setting auto insurance rates, while Montana and North Carolina ban education only, according to thezebra.com. But in California, many companies offer discounts to affinity groups. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in 2019 investigated the use of those groups and found that less affluent, less formally educated consumers are less likely to benefit. Lara called on insurance companies to extend their affinity group discounts to lower-paid workers, and to stop categorizing customers by ZIP codes. Your zip code, education, or job should not determine whether you can obtain an auto group discount, he said. Snyder, of the insurance association, said insurers calculate discounts simply by assessing risk. All of this is subject to actuarial standards within the companies and rate regulatory agencies of every state department, he said. The activists are looking at this as a political issue. Were not interested in political pricing. We are interested in the risk of loss transferred to the insurance company. In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill in 2021 broadly rejecting discrimination in auto and other insurance on the basis of race, color, national origin and other descriptive factors. The law also called on the Division of Insurance to investigate whether other forms of discrimination, such as non-driving criteria, were being used to disadvantage some categories of people. The department has begun a series of hearings on the issue, mandated by the law, with an eye to revamping the use of non-driving criteria. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter. A car with two children and their 29-year-old mother inside hung in a tree after it ran off the road early Friday, according to authorities. Photos from the Charlotte Fire Departments Station 22 show the two-door car suspended on the tree, with only its rear wheels on the ground. The single-car crash happened around 3:20 a.m., close to the Hemphill Heights neighborhood, along West Sugar Creek Road in northeast Charlotte. Charlotte Fire radio traffic indicates the car ran off the road near the intersection of West Sugar Creek and Christenbury roads, where it lodged into a tree. Police cited the mother for not having the children in car seats, recklessly driving and having an open container in the car, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. There were no warrants for her arrest as of Monday afternoon, said CMPD spokesperson Michael Allinger. When police arrived, someone was climbing out of the red car, an officer said over emergency radio communications accessed via Broadcastify. Three people were trapped in the vehicle, including a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old, Allinger said Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Charlotte Fire reported the children were freed from the vehicle initially, but their mother was trapped. A crushed bumper balanced on a thin tree trunk while firefighters helped the woman. While one child had minor injuries, Allinger said the other child had abdominal pain, and their mother was in the hospital. The car appears to be a newer model Mustang. Kallie Cox contributed to this report. Enrollment for Highland District 5 has been trending downward for at least the past six years, and has dropped again in 2023. In August 2018, enrollment in District 5 schools totaled 2,878. It dropped by more than 50 students within two years to 2,821, then edged upward to 2,833 in 2021. Since then its been trending downward again, with 2,790 in 2022 and 2,776 estimated this fall. Thats a loss of more than 100 students in the past six years. Highland isnt alone. As of early 2023, St. Louis city schools had lost nearly 3,000 students and 5,500 fewer students attended St. Louis county schools, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement An analysis conducted by the Associated Press, Stanford University and led by a Stanford professor found that overall enrollment dropped by more than 700,000 nationwide during the pandemic. Some did go to private schools: about 103,000, along with 184,000 who stayed with homeschooling. The numbers also accounted for students who moved out of state and the lowering birth rates leading to fewer young children entering school than in years past. But approximately 230,000 students in 21 states had vanished from school rosters. The students didnt move out of state or enroll in private school, nor did they register as homeschooled, according to AP. In Highlands case, Superintendent Mike Sutton said he is not sure why the numbers are trending downward, but he doesnt think it will continue. I anticipate an uptick in the enrollment over the next couple of years, Sutton said. Sutton noted that the number of private school offerings in the area have increased, but that more families are choosing to homeschool and he doesnt believe the state does a good job of tracking families who choose that route. A parent who requests homeschooling simply makes the request with no formal method of tracking those students, so they can be easily lost in the system, Sutton said. As to why homeschooling is more popular, Sutton said he believes it may be a reaction to the politicalization of education, and many parents dont want anything to do with that. Nationally, homeschooling is estimated to be up 30 percent since before the pandemic, according to the PBS NewsHour. The report specifies Illinois as one of the more loosely regulated states: parents dont even have to legally notify the school district before homeschooling. Other states, including Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts, require parents to turn in curriculums and assessments. An Aurora man has been found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to a press release from the Kane County States Attorneys Office on Monday. David R. Arevalo Estrada, 30, of the 1500 block of Roanoke Avenue, was found guilty by Kane County Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo Jr. Arevalo Estrada waived his right to a jury trial, according to the release. Advertisement In court, Kane County Assistant States Attorneys Stacey Wittman and Alexandra Storto presented evidence that between 2013 and 2016, Arevalo Estrada sexually assaulted the victim, whom he knew and who was younger than 13 years old, according to the release. LoPiccolo set Arevalo Estradas next court appearance for Oct. 18 at the Kane County Judicial Center for motions and sentencing. Advertisement Arevalo Estrada faces a minimum sentence of 12 years in prison, according to the release. In addition to the prison term, Arevalo Estrada must register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act. Earl Stephens, who has the Nisga'a cultural name Chief Ni'is Joohl, centre left, with Pamela Brown, left and another member of the delegation from the Nisga'a nation pose beside the 11-metre tall memorial pole, during a visit to the National Museum of Scotland, ahead of its return to what is now British Columbia, in Edinburgh, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Members of a Canadian First Nation held a spiritual ceremony on Monday at a Scottish museum to begin the homeward journey of a totem pole stolen almost a century ago. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP) LONDON (AP) Members of a Canadian First Nation held a spiritual ceremony on Monday at a Scottish museum to begin the homeward journey of a totem pole stolen almost a century ago. The 11-meter (36-foot) pole is being restored by the National Museum of Scotland to the Nisgaa Nation in northern British Columbia one of the first times a British museum has returned artifacts to any of North Americas Indigenous peoples. The museum agreed last year to return the pole, which has been on display in the Edinburgh building since 1930. Nisgaa researchers say it was taken without consent in 1929 by an anthropologist who sold it to the museum. Chief Earl Stephens, who has the Nisgaa cultural name Simoogit Niisjoohl, said that in Nisgaa culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestors. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement After nearly 100 years, we are finally able to bring our dear relative home to rest on Nisgaa lands, he said. Carved from red cedar in the 1860s, the pole includes family crests and animal and human figures. It commemorates the Nisgaa warrior Tsaawit and stood outside his relatives home for 70 years before being removed while villagers were away for the annual hunting season. After Mondays ceremony attended by delegates from the Nisgaa, the museum and the Scottish and Canadian governments, workers will erect scaffolding around the pole, which will be carefully removed, packed and flown next month on a Canadian air force plane to British Columbia. It is slated to go on display in the Nisgaa Museum in the Nass Valley alongside scores of other artifacts recovered from museums. Amy Parent, a member of the Nisgaa Nation and associate professor of education at Simon Fraser University, said it was a very historic moment for our nation and for Scotland. Museum director Chris Breward said teams had been working for months on the complex task of carefully lowering and transporting the pole. We are pleased to have reached the point where that work is now underway, and we are delighted to have welcomed the Nisgaa delegation to the museum before we bid the pole farewell, he said. U.K. museums face multiple calls to return items taken from around the world during the period of the British Empire, including friezes that once adorned the Parthenon in Athens and the Benin bronzes from West Africa. The charitable foundation for aviators Neopalyma Kupyna will be renamed in honor of Andriy The charitable foundation for aviators Neopalyma Kupyna will be renamed in honor of Andriy "Juice" Pilshchykov, one of the three Ukrainian pilots killed in a plane crash in Zhytomyr Oblast on August 26, the late pilot's mother, Lilia Averyanova, announced on August 28. Read also: Famous Ukrainian fighter pilot Juice dies in tragic crash "For Andriy, the sky was his soul's calling and passion that defined his life's work," Averyanova said. "Even when he wasn't flying himself, all his thoughts and actions were directed towards aviation and aviators. That is why we started a very fruitful cooperation almost immediately after Russia's full-scale invasion. During this time, we have implemented many interesting and challenging projects aimed at helping our soldiers who are defending our skies." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Averyanova said that thanks to her son's unique competence and professionalism, every hryvnia from the fund has been applied with maximum benefit. "It is a matter of honor for us to do everything possible to keep his work alive and his memory alive!" Averyanova said. Read also: Juice, Minka, Prokazin more about the pilots killed in a tragic accident in Zhytomyr Oblast "Therefore, the charitable foundation that served the needs of aviators will be renamed in honor of Juice." 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 timeline of the Renaissance West project: 1970 Boulevard Homes public housing opens on West Boulevard, just east of Charlottes airport. 2007 Charlotte Housing Authority (now Inlivian) identifies Boulevard Homes as its most dilapidated and troubled property. 2009 Citing conditions that are beyond repair and dragging down the neighborhood, the Housing Authority applies for a grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to tear down Boulevard Homes and replace it with mixed income housing and a cradle-to-career support system. HUD approves demolition of Boulevard Homes. Residents are given the option to move to other public housing or to receive Section 8 vouchers for subsidized rentals elsewhere. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board votes to build a new K-8 school on West Boulevard to be part of the Boulevard Homes replacement project. 2010 HUD awards the Housing Authority a $20.9 million Hope VI grant for a project that includes mixed-income housing and an education village. 2012 Construction begins on Renaissance West housing for senior citizens. The Housing Authority creates an advisory board to discuss the education aspects of the plan. 2013 Renaissance West Community Initiative is incorporated and hires Laura Yates Clark as CEO. Renaissance West Community Initiative becomes part of the Atlanta-based Purpose Built Communities network. Residents begin moving into senior housing. Construction begins on mixed-income housing for families. Voters approve a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bond package that includes $30 million for a school at Renaissance West. 2014 Residents begin moving into mixed-income housing. 2016 Mixed-income housing is completed. William Mack McDonald is hired as Renaissance West Community Initiatives second CEO. 2017 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools opens Renaissance West STEAM Academy, a preK-8 school. United Way of Greater Charlotte, now headed by Laura Yates Clark, launches a United Neighborhoods program that will provide long-term funding and support to Renaissance West and other neighborhood-based revitalization projects. 2018 Howard Levine Child Development Center opens at Renaissance West. Renaissance West STEAM Academy gets its first school performance grade. Based on student test scores its rated F and put on the states low-performing list. 2019 Renaissance West STEAM Academy is again rated F and low performing. 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forces schools into remote learning; North Carolina suspends testing and school performance grades. Howard Levine Child Development Center closes temporarily. 2021 Child Development Center reopens under new management. In-person classes and state testing resume but the state issues no performance grades. 2022 North Carolina resumes performance grades. Renaissance West gets an F based on low proficiency but is removed from the low-performing list because of significant growth. 2023 CMS unveils plans to turn Renaissance West STEAM Academy into a middle school and relocate the preK-5 students at an unspecified date. This story was produced by WFAE with support from the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative. WFAE and The Charlotte Observer are part of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC), launched by the Solutions Journalism Network with funding from the Knight Foundation. The CJC strengthens the local news ecosystem and increases opportunities for engagement. It is supported by a combination of local and national grants and sponsorships. For more information, visit charlottejournalism.org. Chefs are always moving around in Wichita, and recently, several recognizable Wichita cooks have taken on new gigs. One has joined the staff of WSU Techs new culinary school called National Institute for Culinary & Hospitality Education (or The Niche, for short) and a few others have started jobs as adjunct staff there. Also, a highly regarded Wichita chef who last year announced plans to help open a long-awaited Wichita restaurant has taken another job instead. Heres the latest on chef movement in Wichita: Ben George: This well-known Wichita chef has a long resume. Most recently, he was the executive chef at Intrust Bank Arena, where for eight years he fed NCAA crowds, rock stars and more. He left that job in February, and recently he accepted a position as a full-time faculty member at WSU Techs new culinary school. This semester, hes teaching Culinary Fundamentals and Introduction to Hospitality. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Lexi Michael, the schools executive chef and program director for culinary arts, said that George brings special skills to the school. In addition to his years of experience in restaurant kitchens around Wichita, he knows how to prepare food for big crowds. The arena is a big place, so he brings something to the table that not a lot of us have that experience with en masse cookery. George also has worked extensively with local high school students as part of the ProStart program, and hes also led or worked in high-end kitchens at places like Siena Tuscan Steakhouse and Tallgrass Country Club. Longtime Wichita chef Kevin Derks has a new job at Vora Restaurant European. Kevin Derks: The last Wichita heard from longtime Newport Grill executive chef Kevin Derks, he had left that job to partner with Navid and Veronica Haeri at Itzcali Tacos and Tequila, the new restaurant under construction at 2819 E. Central. But that partnership has come to an end. Neither side wanted to share details on the split, but Derks has already landed a new job. Hes been working as the executive chef at Vora Restaurant European, 3252 E. Douglas, since May. Derks also was able to hire his onetime sous chef at Newport, Bobby Calvert, and theyre a strong team in the kitchen, said Vora co-owner Brad Steven. Theyve tweaked the menu and refined the presentation of many dishes, Steven said, and theyve also upped the restaurants oyster game. Its nice to have that connection that they already had, Steven said. Haeri said he wasnt quite ready to talk about who hes hired to replace Derks in the kitchen at his restaurant, set to open this fall. Josh Rathbun: Hes been leading the kitchen at Public for almost a year and a half, but on Saturday, Rathbun worked his final shift at the restaurant. Up next for Rathbun: a new project that hes not quite ready to discuss. Before Public, Rathbun worked briefly as a chef at Elderslie Farm. Before that, he was executive chef at Siena Tuscan Steakhouse for five years. Were, of course, sad to be losing his talents but we are grateful for the impact he has had on Public, said a post on the restaurants Facebook page. He has overseen the ship and helped lead us into a new era of Public & Brickyard. Britt Shoffner: This longtime local pastry chef, who once created desserts for Siena Tuscan Steakhouse and now assists Weston Townsley with the pastry program at Reverie Coffee Roasters, has a new side gig: Shes been hired as an adjunct instructor by WSU Techs culinary school. Shoffner has subbed in teaching for the school in the past, Michael said, and now, shell be teaching Advanced Baking: Cakes and Desserts as well as Advanced Baking: Chocolates. Chef Britt Shoffner will teach baking and pastry classes this fall at WSUs new culinary school, Niche. Shane Yates: The Hyatts executive sous chef also has signed on to teach as an adjunct at WSU Techs culinary school. Hell be teaching Cuisines of the United States. Aaron Hill: Roxys Downtown has just hired a new chef to prepare food for its audience members. Hill previously worked at an Ascension Via Christi assisted living center. At Roxys, hes charged with creating an entirely new menu about eight times a year. The dinner theater changes its offerings to go along with the theme of each show its putting on. For Golden Girls, which will open on Sept. 23, Hill is preparing things like Sofias Sicilian Baked Ziti, Blanches Busy Bed (of Greens) and Dorthys Depression Dredge, which is basically a chipped beef dish. Chicago police are investigating a string of robberies and a carjacking that occurred in neighborhoods across the North and Near West sides Sunday night. At least five incidents were reported in about an hour. Police said they havent yet established a pattern or connection between them. Police responded to the first robbery about 9:44 p.m. in the 2200 block of West Hirsch Street in Wicker Park. A man and woman told officers they were robbed by two unidentified men who approached them on the sidewalk after exiting a dark-colored sedan. Police said the men punched the male victim before taking their belongings and fleeing the scene. About five minutes later, according to police, three unidentified men, one armed with a handgun, exited a blue sedan and robbed a 67-year-old man and 29-year-old woman in the 2000 block of North Hoyne Avenue in Bucktown. The man was punched multiple times. He was transported to Ascension St. Mary Chicago hospital in good condition. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At about 9:55 p.m., three unidentified men exited a blue sedan and punched a 35-year-old man after he refused to hand over his belongings in the 2100 block of North Hoyne, police said. He also was taken to Ascension St. Mary hospital in good condition. Then, at 10:12 p.m., police responded to a call from a woman in the 1200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in West Town who said three men got out of a blue sedan and demanded she hand over the key to her white SUV. One of the men carried a gun, police said. Police said she complied and the men fled in the womans vehicle. About 20 minutes later, a 44-year-old woman and 23-year-old woman said they were robbed at gunpoint on the 1300 block of West Randolph Street in the West Loop, police said. The 44-year-old said two unidentified men got out of a white SUV, demanding their personal belongings. The younger woman refused so the men kicked her before fleeing the scene, police said. The 23-year-old was taken to Rush University Medical Center in good condition. Police said no one was in custody and they are investigating. rjohnson@chicagotribune.com SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Heavy rains in Chile's central south farming region last week may have caused at least $1 billion in losses, according to estimates by authorities and the industry. The extreme weather conditions led the government to declare a state of catastrophe last week as dangerous rains pounded isolated communities and at least three people dead. The government of President Gabriel Boric issued last week an agricultural emergency for 100 municipalities, approving some $8.3 million to replace irrigation infrastructure, canal systems and other aid measures for farmers, who called for more help. "We are talking about damage of more than $1 billion," the president of the National Agricultural Society (SNA), Antonio Walker , said at a press conference after meeting with Chilean Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "There is damage to small, medium and large farmers, producers that supply the local market and also a lot of orchards that are dedicated to export," he added. Aside from damage to irrigation systems and riverside areas, there were also losses of fruit and vegetable orchards and fodder for animals, Valenzuela told reporters. Besides being a top exporter of copper, the South American nation is also a strong agricultural and forestry exporter with shipments of fresh fruit and nuts, pulp, wine and wood. Walker said that urgent measures needed to be taken before the arrival of the southern spring in September, when certain crops are irrigated. Farmers also now fear that the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has brought heavy rains to central Chile after years of water scarcity, could cause further instability in the coming spring months. (Reporting by Natalia Ramos; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Sandra Maler) BEIJING (Reuters) -China's foreign ministry said on Monday that China and Japan have agreed to postpone a visit by the head of Japan's Komeito party, the junior partner in the coalition government, given current strains between the two countries. Natsuo Yamaguchi was planning to visit China from Aug. 28 to 30 in hopes of meeting China's President Xi Jinping and to hand over a personal letter from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida . "In light of current China-Japan relations, the two sides have agreed to postpone the Komeito delegation's visit to China," ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing. Wang added that China attached great importance to exchanges and cooperation with the party which has long been committed to promoting friendship between China and Japan, and "stands ready to work with it to make active efforts for improving and growing China-Japan relations". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Despite opposition both within Japan and from abroad, the country began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific last week. China has strongly opposed the move and banned all aquatic product imports from Japan. Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador on Monday after various offices received what it called harassing phone calls from China regarding the release of the treated water. Further straining Sino-Japanese ties, Kishida and the leaders of the United States and South Korea met last week and issued their strongest joint condemnation yet of China's "dangerous and aggressive behaviour" in the South China Sea. (Reporting by Andrew Hayley and Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Hugh Lawson) Photos that appeared recently on social media provide our best view so far of the first of Chinas new Type 054B frigates. With a host of advanced features, the next-generation warship continues a rapid program of expansion for the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN, with experts predicting that the frigate could become one of that services most important vessels in the future. https://twitter.com/Nickatgreat1220/status/1696025073860087903?s=20 The latest set of photos to emerge show the first-of-class Type 054B, which is apparently yet to be named, at Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai. The vessel appears almost complete, with red pennant flags arrayed along its length, as is customary for an official launch ceremony. Its unclear when the photos were taken, but as of August 27, there were unconfirmed reports that the warship had been officially launched. https://twitter.com/dafengcao/status/1695611060575723919?s=20 https://twitter.com/dafengcao/status/1696069203399225636?s=20 ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Regardless of the exact status of this particular vessel, the photos do give a very good idea of the appearance of this warship and shed light on many of its features, although there are many details that remain to be confirmed. The War Zone spoke to Alex Luck, a journalist who closely follows the PLAN, and the Type 054B in particular, for this thoughts on the new photos. So far, what we can see is that a 32-cell vertical launch system [VLS] is installed on the bow, Luck explained. However, as he pointed out, we will need to wait for better imagery to understand what kind of VLS is actually fitted. It could be the so-called universal vertical launch system, or UVLS thats found on the Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers, and which uses both hot- and cold-launched missiles. Another option is the VLS used by the preceding Type 054A frigate, which can launch HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and Yu-8 rocket-assisted torpedoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbSpP64yxpQ Previous photos of the Type 054B suggested it was fitted with a 100mm main gun, in a change over the Type 054A, which is armed with a 76mm gun. The change of gun is now confirmed, although there remain questions here, too. There are some visual similarities to the existing H/PJ-87 itself a licensed development of the Creusot-Loire 100mm Compact that equipped the sole two Type 054 frigates and various older destroyers, but its unclear what the exact relationship is between the new gun now seen and the older model, Luck explained. https://twitter.com/FaySue6/status/1695643776457310550?s=20 https://twitter.com/defence_insider/status/1695608329073012801?s=20 https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1695724413583327500?s=20 With longer-range air defense served by SAMs launched from the VLS, destruction of airborne targets at closer ranges is handled by two different close-in weapons systems (CIWS). An H/PJ-11 11-barrel 30mm Gatling gun can be seen in front of the bridge, while an HQ-10 SAM launcher is located on the single hangar. These weapons are roughly similar to the U.S.-Mk 15 Phalanx and the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) arrangement seen on U.S. and some allied ships. For anti-surface warfare, it might be expected that we would see angled launchers for one of the many Chinese anti-ship missiles (AShM) located amidships on the Type 054B. Currently, however, these are absent. The fact that [anti-ship missile launchers] have not been fitted before the launch of the Type 054Bis cause for some speculation that there is a second VLS in that position, Luck assesses. Another set of VLS cells in this location would have a precedent on the Type 052D and Type 055. Once again, however, we need to wait for better imagery for confirmation of whether more VLS cells are installed. In the meantime, the majority view assumes slanted AShM launchers instead, Luck explained. The sensor suite of the Type 054B is likely also not fully installed, although the primary radar is a prominent, double-sided, rotating active electronically scanned array (AESA) on the main mast. https://twitter.com/Nickatgreat1220/status/1695721128189436340?s=20 As expected, the frigate will carry a bow sonar, and the vessel also has fittings for a variable-depth sonar (VDS) and a towed-array sonar (TAS) at the stern. https://twitter.com/RickJoe_PLA/status/1696057787074465844?s=20 Other equipment includes box-like Type 726 launchers, one of which is mounted on either side of the aft section of the superstructure. These 24-cell launchers can reportedly be loaded with flares, cartridges full of radar-blinding chaff, active decoys equipped with small radio-frequency jammers, and even anti-submarine rockets armed with small depth charges. As such, these launchers can provide protection against incoming anti-ship missiles, but can also be used to engage submarines, hostile torpedoes, and combat divers. A screengrab from a Chinese state television broadcast showing a Type 726 series launcher on a Type 055 destroyer firing either a decoy of some kind or an anti-submarine rocket. CCTV capture via YouTube At this early stage, there has been no evidence of aviation trials, which would not be expected until after the warship goes to sea. However, it is assumed that the Type 054B will host the Z-20F, a multirole maritime helicopter that has much in common with the U.S. SH-60 Seahawk, including a very similar overall appearance. The Z-20 would provide a critical part of the Type 054Bs anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities but would also undertake utility missions and likely also anti-surface warfare. A Z-20F helicopter without any stub wings fitted. Chinese internet Bearing in mind the Chinese militarys growing interest in uncrewed platforms, it would also not be a surprise if the Type 054B class also eventually operates some kind of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone, like the type that has already conducted trials on the aircraft carrier Shandong, as you can read about here. A Sea Cavalry SD-40 VTOL drone flying above the deck of a PLAN Type 052C destroyer during a test in 2019. China Military Online Finally, the signature-reduction features built into the Type 054A design should be noted. The vessel has a stealthy-looking design that is clearly intended to reduce radar cross section, through measures such as a clean superstructure and overall shaping. In this respect, the Chinese warship can be compared with the French-designed Aquitaine class frigate, which adopts similar signature-reduction principles. https://twitter.com/louischeung_hk/status/1695972666535202971?s=20 As for the role of the Type 054B, Luck predicts that the new class will effectively be a continuation of the previous Type 054A. That means it will primarily perform ASW, with a robust anti-air warfare and ASuW role as secondary, general-purpose objectives. Luck notes, however, that the warships exact capabilities in the anti-air warfare and ASuW roles will require a final confirmation of the types of weapons and launchers that are actually installed. Either way, Luck assumes that, as an escort, the Type 054Bs primary competency will come in the shape of improved ASW compared to the Type 054A, likely including superior acoustic performance (quieting measures) when operating in that role. It is also interesting to compare the Chinese approach in designing the Type 054B with the U.S. Navys own Constellation class frigate. Although this number could grow, the Navy currently plans to build 20 of these hulls, which are larger than the Type 054B, at 7,291 tons and 496 feet long. While the U.S. warships are described as being multi-purpose, the project manager has said the Constellation is primarily an ASW platform. U.S. Navy Constellation class guided-missile frigate artist rendering, from April 2020. U.S. Navy The scale of the Type 054B program remains unclear for now, although production is known to be underway at two locations: Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai and Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou. Construction of a second Type 054B is already well underway at Guangzhou, with launch expected before the end of the year. Based on the production run of the preceding subclass, it could well be prolific, although it may well take time to approach the 40 or more examples of the Type 054A that have been built so far, at the same two shipyards. At the same time, due to advances in munitions and sensors capabilities, the potential for a frigate of this kind to overlap with the some of the capabilities of a destroyer are clear, taking pressure off those higher-end assets. Modified versions of the Type 054A have also been completed for export and the Type 054B may well also be an attractive proposition for foreign customers, too. At the same time, the Type 054A hull was adapted as the Type 818 used by the Chinese Coast Guard and its possible that a modification of the Type 054B, with its larger dimensions, might also be of interest to the expanding and increasingly capable Coast Guard fleet. An unclassified graphic published in 2022 showing the full breadth of Chinese naval forces beyond just the PLAN. Office of Naval Intelligence Indeed, the size difference between the Type 054A and the Type 054B is such that there were previous suggestions that it might be designated Type 057, representing an all-new design rather than a continuation. Overall, the Type 054B appears to be a major advance over the Type 054A, even though we cant be sure exactly what all its weapons and sensors fit will consist of. However, the new vessel is significant larger, offering considerable scope to add new capabilities at a later stage. https://twitter.com/louischeung_hk/status/1696094509430616292?s=20 So far, only estimated data is available, suggesting that the Type 054B is around 480 feet long, compared to 440 feet for the Type 054A, and with a displacement of around 6,000 tons, compared to less than 4,000 tons for the Type 054A. The Type 054B is also notably wider than its predecessor, with a beam thats closer to that of the Type 052 destroyer. https://twitter.com/AlexLuck9/status/1695719307056123946?s=20 While many more details of the Type 054B are still to emerge, the design is clearly an upgrade of the prolific Type 054A. Those two classes, as well as the Type 056A corvette, look set to eventually constitute a highly versatile surface fleet that will be suitable for a wide range of missions, both around the coasts of mainland China and Taiwan, but also for projecting maritime power further out into the strategic South China Sea, the greater Pacific, Indian Ocean, and beyond. A Type 056 corvette in PLAN service in 2013. This ship has since been transferred to the Chinese Coast Guard. via Wikimedia With the prospect of another major production run, the Type 054B will also likely be a factor in what the U.S. Navy has identified as a huge disparity between Chinese and U.S. capacity to build new naval vessels and total naval force sizes. As The War Zone recently reported, the Office of Naval Intelligence considers that Chinese shipbuilders are more than 200 times more capable of producing surface warships and submarines. The chart below gives at least a basic idea of just how much the PLAN surface combatant fleet has expanded in the space of just 10 years: https://twitter.com/OedoSoldier/status/1005680796156325888?s=20 Combining quality and increasing quantity, the Type 054B could therefore be seen as another indicator of the growing and worrisome gap in fleet sizes between China and the United States, as well as being symbolic of Beijings expanding naval capabilities at a technical level. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com Professional naturalist Stacia Novy is teaming with the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area to sponsor a guided bird walk at Wolf Road Prairie (WRP). Novy, who works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as is also a researcher at SIU Carbondale, is on the Prairie Society Board of Directors and was an early advocate to save the Wolf Road Prairie from urban development, according to a news release. Advertisement Thought is as a bird-watching paradise, the Wolf Road Prairie combines savanna, native prairie and woodland and is considered one of the best examples of native prairie left in Illinois. Novy will lead attendees through the nature reserve and lecture on the prairie ecosystem and migrating birds. Advertisement The bird walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 with a rain date Sunday, Sept. 24. The group will meet at 7 a.m. at the Wolf Road Prairie, Wolf Road & 31st St. in Westchester and the event will conclude at 9 a.m. Refreshments will be served at Franzosenbusch Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Advance registration for the free event is required and can be made by email to Michelle Niccolai at mfniccolai@yahoo.com by Friday, Sept. 22. The bird walk will be limited to 20 people. For more information, email league@lagrangearealwv.org and visit the website at www.lagrangearealwv.org. (Bloomberg) -- Chinese state media has urged the UKs most famous museum to return items stolen in past centuries, potentially widening a rift between the Asian nation and the West. Most Read from Bloomberg We formally request the British Museum to return all Chinese cultural relics acquired through improper channels to China free of charge, and to refrain from adopting a resistant, protracted and perfunctory attitude, the Global Times said in an editorial Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The newspaper said the museum had 23,000 Chinese items, and gave as examples a painting from the Tang dynasty and bronze vessels dating to the dawn of the Asian nations civilization. Most Chinese collections were certainly looted or stolen by Britain when it created and later took advantage of Chinas crisis, or even directly robbed China, the nationalist-leaning newspaper said, referring to 19th century upheaval in the Asian nation. The Global Times added that it backed other countries who sought the return of artifacts. See: UKs Cleverly Prepares to Visit China in Last Week of August The editorial comes just before an expected visit by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Beijing in a bid to repair ties hurt by the Communist Partys crackdown on Hong Kongs pro-democracy opposition and other issues. It is unclear whether the Chinese artifacts would be raised at Cleverlys talks with Chinese officials, though a British law enacted in 1963 bars the institution from repatriating objects. The British Museum is holding a summer exhibit called Chinas Hidden Century, which covers a period of the Qing dynasty from 1796 to 1912. One of the items on display is the original Treaty of Nanjing, which ended the First Opium War and ceded Hong Kong to Britain. The ruling Communist Party frequently references that period as an example of foreign powers humiliating China. The party tries to gain legitimacy in the eyes of its people now by pledging that it will never let a repeat occur on its watch and will counter any effort by the West, especially the US, to undercut Chinas development. The Global Times editorial was the top trending item on Chinas Weibo social media platform on Monday, and opinion was divided on the newspapers stance. Some internet users accused it of trying to distract the public from the nations flagging economy. The public know that the economy is on a downward trend and you are working hard to evoke a sense of cohesion for our nation, wrote one user named Niu Mingyu whose post got 10,000 likes. But populism is not a good thing. Another person suggested that the public was getting fatigued by another conflict with a foreign nation following Chinas vehement denunciation of Japan for releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The timing is quite awkward, wrote Wang Weichen. The public was focused on condemning Japan, and now another front is being opened on the West. Netizens are feeling very tired. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Chipotle has agreed to pay more than $300,000 after an investigation revealed hundreds of potential violations of the District of Columbias child labor laws at Chipotle restaurants in the city, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced. Schwalbs office said in a press release Monday that an investigation found more than 800 potential violations of D.C.s child labor laws in Chipotle restaurants in the city in the past three years. The release said Chipotle has agreed to pay D.C. $322,400. In D.C., minors are prohibited from working after 10 p.m., working more than 8 hours in a day, or working more than 48 hours in one week. They are also prohibited from working six consecutive days. Child labor laws require establishments employing any minors to keep conspicuously posted a notice of the regulations governing child labor. We applaud young people who take the initiative to work in addition to going to school. But the law limits the hours they can work to ensure they are healthy, well-rested, and able to fulfill their responsibilities as students and to their families, Schwalb said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement His office began investigating alleged violations in May 2022 after reports in other jurisdictions surfaced related to Chipotles alleged violations of child labor laws. The D.C. attorney generals office said in its press release that Chipotle cooperated with [the attorney generals] investigation and worked with the office to develop a plan to comply with DCs child labor laws. Schwalb said as part of the settlement, Chipotle will adopt a new training program, ensuring formal training for all apprentices and general managers within six months of their hire. Store managers will be required to provide all minors who are employees with a copy of D.C.s child labor policy. Schwalb said some of the settlement money will fund a Youth Employment Opportunities Grant. We will put this settlement to good use by helping connect District youth with apprenticeships and workforce training opportunities, building on our efforts to ensure that all young people in the District have the chance to thrive and succeed, he said. Reported child labor violations across the country have surged in the past few years, with incidents rising 69 percent between 2018 and 2022, according to federal data. The Department of Labor and a dedicated task force have sought to combat the problem with a whole-of-government approach. Recently, an independent Labor watchdog agency launched an investigation into the surge of violations and the departments response to the problem. In a statement to The Hill, Laurie Schalow, Chipotles chief corporate affairs officer, said the company is committed to complying with applicable laws and has since implemented an enhanced labor scheduling program in restaurants. We are committed to ensuring that our restaurants are in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations and we believe that in hiring workers beginning at age 16, we can provide younger employees with valuable experiences and an opportunity for advancement, Schalow said in the statement. We have reached a settlement with the Washington, D.C. Office of the Attorney General for the events dating back to 2020, and have implemented an enhanced labor scheduling program in our restaurants, creating a more efficient, consistent and compliant environment. Schalow further touted Chipotles investment in developing careers of younger employees, including helping cover some tuition costs and providing transparent career progression to help people advance to managerial positions. Chipotle gives workers, including younger employees, industry-leading benefits such as debt-free degrees, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year, access to mental healthcare, financial planning tools, and the opportunity for quarterly bonuses for all employees, including hourly crew members, up to a months worth of pay per year, she said. We also provide transparent career progression showing how Chipotle crew members can advance to a Restaurateur, the highest General Manager position, in as little as three and a half years, with a total potential compensation package of approximately $100,000 while leading a multi-million-dollar growing business. Updated at 5:08 pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Clarksville doctor has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for Medicare fraud. On Friday, Samson K. Orusa, 61, was sentenced for billing Medicare $ 1,885,245 for unnecessary and overbilled office visits, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. Orusa was charged in 2018 with 45 criminal violations, including 13 counts of health care fraud. During his trial, evidence showed that he required Medicare beneficiaries and other patients to visit his clinic as many as six times a month and undergo unnecessary steroid injections. He was convicted on all but nine counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Combating health care fraud is a top priority for this office, said Leventis. As a result of the excellent work done in this case by our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, this physician will now be serving seven years in federal prison for defrauding the Medicare program. Along with 84 months in prison, Orusa was ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution and serve three years of supervised release. He was also fined $195,000 and must forfeit previously seized assets worth approximately $900,000. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Clarksville Police Department; and the 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie N. Toussaint and Miller A. Bushong prosecuted this case. Reporter Kenya Anderson can be reached at kanderson@nashvill.gannett.com or on Twitter at KenyaAnderson32. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Clarksville doctor sentenced to 7 years for Medicare fraud This is a locator map for Syria with its capital, Damascus. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) BEIRUT (AP) Clashes broke out Monday between two U.S.-backed groups in eastern Syria, leaving three gunmen dead and raising tensions in the region where hundreds of American troops are deployed, opposition activists said. The clashes raise concerns of more divisions between U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters in eastern Syria that borders Iraq and where the Islamic State group once enjoyed wide presence. U.S.-backed fighters play a major role in targeting sleeper cells of the Islamic State group that still carry out deadly attacks. Mondays clashes came a day after the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces detained the commander a formerly allied group and several other members of his faction after they were invited to a meeting in the northeastern city of Hassakeh on Sunday. The SDF did not confirm the detention of Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla. He heads the Deir el-Zour Military Council, which was allied with the SDF in its yearslong battle against the Islamic State group in Syria. SDF officials did not immediately respond to questions by The Associated Press about the arrest. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said that the SDF was concerned that Khbeil was opening links with the Syrian government as well as Turkey, whose troops have carried out several incursions targeting Kurdish fighters in north Syria since 2016. Khbeil's arrest could increase tension between Kurds and Arabs because most of his supporters who were also detained belong to a powerful tribe in eastern Syria. In July, a clash between the two sides left at least one Arab fighter dead. On Monday, several opposition activists reported clashes between the sides in villages in Deir el-Zour. The Observatory and Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who follows events in the region, said three members of the Deir el-Zour Military Council were killed. Other activists said that angry Arab tribesmen cut roads in the province in protest against the SDF. The Observatory also reported that members of the Kurdish police force known as Asayesh stormed the offices of Baz news network, an activist collective, and detained five citizen journalists including the head of the network. The Observatory said the network is funded by Khbeil. Baz news network said in a statement that Kurdish fighters detained its journalists, confiscated equipment and took control of its offices. On any given day, there are at least 900 U.S. forces in eastern Syria, along with an undisclosed number of contractors. They partner with the SDF to work on preventing a comeback by the Islamic State group. ____ Associated Press writer Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report. Many Cold War veterans are nostalgic for the rifle that they carried in the service. However, whether you carried an M16A1 in Vietnam or an M16A2 in Kuwait, faithful replicas of these firearms are difficult to find and the government-issue machine guns are virtually impossible to get. Additionally, retro culture has attracted great interest in early AR-style rifles, of which there are not nearly enough on the used market to satisfy demand. So, a classic firearms manufacturer was revived to build new retro rifles. H&R was founded in Worcester, MA (Public Domain) In 1859, Nathan Harrington started a firearms manufacturing firm with Smith & Wesson co-founder Daniel Wesson. Twelve years later, Harrington's nephew, Gilbert, partnered with Wesson to form Wesson & Harrington until Wesson was bought out in 1874. The next year, Harrington partnered with another former Smith & Wesson employee, William Richardson, and founded the Harrington & Richardson Company. In 1888, it was incorporated as The Harrington & Richardson Arms Company. The original H&R was famous for its revolvers and single-shot rifles and shotguns (Library of Congress) While not a powerhouse like S&W or Colt, H&R produced high-quality firearms in low quantities. Their early 20th-century rifles and shotguns are extremely rare and highly valued by 21st-century collectors. Although the original H&R went out of business in 1986, the name was revived with H&R 1871, Inc. in 1991. The new company used original H&R designs to revive classic revolvers , single-shot rifles and shotguns. In 2000, H&R was acquired by Marlin Firearms which itself was acquired by the Remington Arms Company seven years later. Under Remington, H&R ceased production in 2015. Armorers regularly mixed parts from different manufacturers (National Archives & Records Administration) When Remington went bankrupt in 2020 , its assets were auctioned off, including H&R. The company was acquired by JJE Capital Holdings, LLC, parent company of Palmetto State Armory. Looking to bring retro rifles to an eager market, JJE hired Mike Wetteland to serve as CEO of the revived H&R. Wetteland's company, NoDak Spud, established a following by creating and selling retro rifle parts. With NDS parts and Wetteland's expertise, H&R could make complete retro rifles with proper markings. A U.S. Government-marked H&R M16A1 manufactured in Worcester, MA (H&R) During the Vietnam War, Colt was unable to fulfill the U.S. military's orders for M16s. As a result, the Hydramatic Division of General Motors and H&R were contracted to make military rifles. So, when an H&R logo is engraved onto a reproduction M16A1, it is entirely accurate. Only the production location on the receiver and the fact the rifle is restricted to semi-automatic fire give it away. Under the H&R brand, Wetteland expanded his line of retro rifles to the M16A2 as well as Colt Carbines like the XM177E2 and 723. "We're gonna flesh out the line," Wetteland told WATM of his plans for H&R. "I'm gonna try to go from late 50s/early 60s all the way up through the 90s." The only difference in the markings is that H&R is now made in West Columbia, SC (H&R) Although H&R didn't historically make other AR-style rifles like the M16A2, having genuine markings brings an extra layer of authenticity to the reproductions. Sold through PSA, H&R offers complete rifles, complete lower receivers, complete upper receivers and parts. Whether you're looking to build a clone of the Delta Force carbines in Black Hawk Down or want to pick up a service rifle like the one you were issued, Wetteland's attention to detail ensures that H&R offers quality and highly accurate reproductions. Angela DuBois' descent into homelessness started with a 2021 rear-end collision that left her with whiplash, a concussion, back injuries and chronic pain. The driver who ran into her brother's Kia, which she had borrowed for work, sped away. Angela DuBois of Bloomington has been homeless for about a year. She's been staying at Wheeler MIssion's women's shelter the past few months. But the shelter is closing at the end of August and she's looking for a new place to stay. DuBois, 55, was a home healthcare aide, a job she could no longer do after the crash. She had debilitating back pain, no car and was denied Social Security disability compensation. It wasn't long before she could no longer afford the $550 rent for her apartment in Greencastle. She rented a storage unit for her belongings and moved out. Just like that, DuBois was homeless. It's something she never expected. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Across the United States, 38% of people experiencing homelessness are women. DuBois was born and raised in Solsberry, a rural community just across the Monroe-Greene county line. At 54, she experienced homelessness for the first time. Over the past year or so, she's resided in homeless shelters in Terre Haute, Bedford, Indianapolis and now Bloomington, where the safe place she's depended on is closing in just days. Where to go? Sometimes it's family discord or failed relationships that land someone homeless. Or a lost job, an arrest, an eviction, a debilitating injury. Domestic violence, drug addiction or mental health issues can play a role. Most shelters, especially those serving women, are full and some have long wait lists. This is the case around the nation, and in Monroe County. Wheeler Mission's unexpected announcement on Aug.7 has raised local concern about the city's unhoused women. Wheeler's Women's Shelter in Bloomington stated the 40-bed facility was out of funds and shutting down in less than four weeks. On Aug. 23, 14 women were still at the shelter. "One week to go," DuBois said the next day. Wheeler Mission reports profits in 2021 Despite the lack-of-funding claim, IRS records show that Wheeler Mission generated a profit of $13.7 million in the fiscal year that ended May 31, 2021, up 72% from the prior year. The tax records show the not-for-profit's revenue increased 25%, to $29.3 million, during that fiscal year. Expenses totaled $15.6 million, a 1% increase. Former Wheeler Mission President/CEO Richard A. Alvis, now retired, received compensation totaling $211,000 that year, according to IRS records. Christian-based Wheeler Mission started out in 1893 in Indianapolis as a small shelter for women called Door of Hope. Wheeler has expanded to nine locations, soon to be eight, in Indianapolis and Monroe County. Its website lists a $16.1 million annual budget and more than 180 employees. Wheeler's two Bloomington shelters assisted 1,017 people, served 69,094 meals and provided 30,808 nights of shelter in 2021, according to a Wheeler statement. Wheeler's goal: safe relocation The residents being displaced by the Sept. 1 closing are on waiting lists for area shelters such as Becky's Place in Bedford, Magdalene House in Martinsville, Catalyst in Jeffersonville. Several of the women are in their 50s and 60s. Case managers are encouraging the women to go to Wheeler's women's shelter in Indianapolis. According to the organization's website, Wheeler every month "receives nearly 700 requests from women for beds we cant provide." They set up cots and lay sleeping mats on a gymnasium floor at night to accommodate as many women as possible. "There's about this much space between the mats," DuBois said, holding her hands up with an 8-inch span between her palms. Angela DuBois heads back to Wheeler Mission on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. She knows because during the year she's been homeless, she stayed at the Indianapolis shelter for weeks. "My medicine and my clothes got stolen. I've told them I'm not going back there." Dana Jones, Wheeler's director of community engagement and services in Bloomington, acknowledged the closing has upended Bloomington's homeless community because it displaces so many women. Jones' statement about the shelter closing said Wheeler's case management specialists "will be compassionately working with each guest to safely relocate them to fellow local/regional service providers." 'Why didn't we get more time?' DuBois has been scrambling to secure a place to stay come Sept. 1. Her future rests on the decision made regarding her appeal on her disability denial. She expects to know after an Aug. 31 court hearing, the last night she can stay at the shelter. Either way, her options are few. "They've known about this for a while and they've waited this long to tell us? Why didn't we get more time?" she wondered. She described other women who stay overnight at the shelter as being in worse situations than hers: a 59-year-old with a blood disorder and portable oxygen tank, a blind woman and a woman who uses a motorized wheelchair to get around. Angela DuBois heads back to Wheeler Mission on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. She said unhoused women are vulnerable when they don't have a roof over their heads or a safe place to sleep. At Wheeler's women's shelter on Opportunity Lane, guests arrive at 7 p.m. and wait in line to go inside. They shower and get ready for bed; lights go off at 10. Eight hours later, a manager turns the lights back on. The women must be gone by 7:30 a.m. They aren't allowed to use the kitchen to cook or the washers and dryers to do laundry. Some board a Bloomington Transit bus and head downtown, some walk a few blocks east on West Third Street to free breakfast at Wheeler's main shelter. The rest of the day is often unchartered. 'I just don't want to be in a situation where I'm in fear' You won't find DuBois at Seminary Park, a downtown gathering place for some people in the unhoused community. She doesn't feel safe there, or at Shalom, the city's day center for unhoused people, or in the crowded coed dayroom at Wheeler's men's shelter. DuBois gets steroid injections for back pain and may need surgery to repair damage. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance from Wheeler's day center this month when her blood pressure plummeted, and spent the afternoon in the emergency room. Her anxiety and depression deepen with the stress of homelessness weighing heavy on her mind. Her high school diploma and the urn containing her mother's ashes are among items lost during her moves the past year. She's left without things of value to her and no one else, important things she's unlikely to see again. DuBois said abuse by her former husband makes her leery of sleeping overnight at Bloomington's Friend's Place, where her Wheeler caseworker suggests she go. Most of the 40 overnight guests there are men. "I don't think I'd feel safe. I just don't want to be in a situation where I'm in fear." She wants to stay in Bloomington. Her brother lives close by. He brings his dogs she loves them to see her when they meet in town for visits. She's worried, but not without a plan, one that would keep her in Monroe County, and possibly a few other women too. "What if I get my disability, and then find a three-bedroom apartment and two of the other ladies could live there too? We could pool our money to pay for it and live together. That's three homeless women not homeless anymore." Number of women experiencing homelessness increases A 2020 report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness said the number of women experiencing homelessness in the U.S. increased 17%, to 115,635, from 2016 through 2020. It said the number of "unsheltered" homeless women sleeping in "somewhere not meant for habitation," such as cars, parks and illegal encampments, increased 35% during that time. The report cited a study of unsheltered homeless women that found "the health outcomes of women were worse than men ... at a higher risk of dying prematurely, that they had more chronic medical issues, and had to use acute health care more often." Numbers from a federally mandated homeless count taken every January showed that on the night of Jan. 25, 2023, Monroe County had 339 unhoused individuals, about the same as the previous year. About 130, or 38%, were female. $5 million to find solutions Mary Morgan is director of housing security for Heading Home of South Central Indiana, a six-county initiative tasked with addressing issues of homelessness and getting people housed in Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Greene, Lawrence and Martin counties. Morgan's organization holds more than $5 million in funds from the City of Bloomington and Monroe County given in 2022 and this year to fund initiatives that address the homeless crisis. The city has given $2.7 million and the county, $2.4 million. The money is nearly all unspent. Morgan said she's protective of the funding, unwilling to parse it out for stop-gap measures in emergencies. The money is intended to address the underlying crisis, she said, and is for developing long-term, substantive change. Getting people off the streets, out of shelters and into stable housing. Making homelessness rare, brief and non-repeating. These are Heading Home's goals. "We are not a direct service provider," Morgan said. "We have no authority ourselves to do anything." She said news of Wheeler Mission's women's shelter's impending closure came as a surprise. Heading Home and its local stakeholders are concerned and have met twice since the announcement. She said there are no simple solutions, but she hopes the needs of unhoused women like DuBois will be met. "I'm confident this community will have a place for the women who need shelter to get shelter," Morgan said nine days before the Wheeler women's shelter was to shut down. She wouldn't elaborate. Since Heading Home has partners from local agencies on the homeless front lines, and control of millions of city and county dollars, why not use it, Dubois asked, to create possibilities for people experiencing homelessness right now? "Continuing to talk about it is going to put more women out on the streets," she said. "If they've got that kind of money, why can't they do something? Why can't they keep a shelter for women open?" Angela DuBois chuckles as she stands near Third Street near Wheeler Mission on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. 'They say it's very complicated': Another woman's story DuBois was the only women's shelter resident willing to talk on the record about the Sept. 1 closure. Others worried that speaking to a newspaper reporter might affect their efforts to find a safe place to move. The Herald-Times considered these concerns alongside our policy on the limited use of unnamed sources. We're telling another woman's story, respecting her request to be anonymous, to help people understand the challenges unhoused women face. She's ridden a Bloomington transit bus across town to College Mall to charge her phone. She steps off into 90-degree heat and takes a seat on a bench. "Can I sit beside you?" a young man asks. "Of course." He surveys the 65-year-old woman who's wearing a sleeveless purple knit tunic, earrings and perfectly applied lipstick. Her eyes are sad. "You look like you could use a prayer." "Yes," the homeless lady says. "Yes I could." He touches her arm. They bow their heads. Praying can't hurt, she says. Kindness offers hope. She's turning 66 the day Wheeler's shelter for women closes. She'll wake up the next morning, exit the front door and stay someplace else that night. On Aug. 23, sitting on a bench outside Target, she doesn't know where that will be. She's reluctant to tell her story, canceling two interviews before mustering the courage. She's afraid of jeopardizing her chance for a new start in a place of her own. She doesn't want to make anyone mad. She's grown weary of feeling like people tasked with helping the displaced women just want to move them on, anywhere, during a time when shelters in south-central Indiana for women are full. "They say it's very complicated." Caseworkers want this Bloomington native to stay at Friend's House, where 16 of 40 beds are available for women. But she wants a small apartment or assisted-living slot, one she can afford with her Social Security disability income. Wait lists are months-long. She spent two decades working in room service at fancy hotels around the country, The Drake in Chicago among them. She struggled with mental illness and stopped working when she was 47 after qualifying for disability. She lived in Spencer for awhile after that, then moved with her son to Bloomington, staying in their mobile home after he moved away. In January of 2019, her lot rent went up $120 a month and the trailer park owners added two monthly fees: $70 for water and sewer service and $70 for trash removal. Her bills exceeded her income, and she fell behind. In the spring, she walked away from the trailer she owned. She took her German shepherd and two cats to the animal shelter. She can barely say the words. "It's so hard to pass by there. Every time I go by on the bus, I think about that day." Family heirlooms, including her mother's lamps with hand-painted birds, went into a storage unit she's paid for the past four years. She's spent months sleeping at the women's shelter. Sometimes she leaves for stints with family in another state. "I always come back. You can't stay with relatives forever." Being homeless for the rest of her life isn't something she wants to think about. "I can't keep doing this, because when you return to homelessness, it really drags you down." She's been hospitalized with bacterial infections three times since June. The last time she was discharged, she spent the day out of sight, lying on the ground under a tree on Wheeler Mission property. When someone found her, she picked up her blanket and moved on. "I'm tired. I'm so tired. As soon as I hit that bed at 8:30, I'm gone. And then right away it's 6 o'clock and they turn on the lights." She dresses, puts her hair up, does her makeup, fills the water bottle in her purse and goes out to wait for the 2 South bus. The day begins. City buses are air conditioned in the summer and heat-infused in the winter. Some unhoused people in Bloomington spend a lot of time riding the bus. "It might take us three or four hours to get to Kroger. We take our time. We've got nowhere to be. The transit drivers are really nice to us ladies. They know we're homeless." Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. H-T reporter Boris Ladvig contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Women concerned by Wheeler Mission closure of Bloomington facility A little patchy fog will give way to a mix of clouds and sunshine Tuesday, and there could be a stray shower in spots through the afternoon. Most areas will stay dry, but showers may pop up east of Pittsburgh, especially in the ridges of Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties. Showers are possible again overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, but any wet weather will wrap up before the morning commute. Cooler, less humid air settles in later this week. Download the WPXI Weather App to stay aware of changing weather conditions. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Pittsburgh Public Safety aware of use of force by officers during arrest, incident under review Pittsburgh police trying to find missing 13-year-old last seen in Beechview area Saturday 24-year-old killed in wrong-way crash on Route 43 in Washington County VIDEO: Protest held in Garfield in support of suspect in standoff situation DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, 7th Congressional District, has called for transparency from Clarksville- Montgomery County Schools following alleged complaints that teachers were exposed to Critical Race Theory and implicit bias concepts. Representatives for the school district responded that they are in compliance with state law and that principals received training on the new implicit bias law. Before welcoming students back for the new year, CMCSS teachers began their year at the annual summer training, where Green says the option to take a CRT training took place. U.S. Rep. Mark Green In a letter addressed to CMCSS director of schools Jean Luna-Vedder, Green said that CMCSS owes parents transparency and answers to what type of learning environment CMCSS is creating. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Green said during the conference, one seminar titled "The World Needs More Purple People" spread Critical Race Theory and that educators were provided with CRT-informed readings, calling the "type of divisive indoctrination completely unacceptable." CMCSS says it was in compliance In response to the letter, CMCSS communications director Anthony Johnson said CMCSS is in compliance with state law and that they don't require implicit bias training for employees. Implicit bias training provides individuals with ways to identify unconscious bias when they're interacting with others. CMCSS director of schools Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder "Principals were trained this summer on the new implicit bias training law to ensure compliance in their buildings," Johnson said. "Educators are required to teach the Tennessee State Standards and are not allowed to include prohibited concepts in their instruction." The ENGAGE conference, optional to educators, featured around 600 sessions on various topics that educators could select to attend, according to the school district. The sessions were a mix of content developed by the district and content developed independently by educators. "The World Needs More Purple People" session was developed independently by educators and not developed or delivered by the district. Although this year's, training was aligned with the district's expectations, Johnson said that going forward, there will be an additional level of scrutiny and approval placed to ensure messaging aligns with district expectations. What is Critical Race Theory The NAACP defines Critical Race Theory as "an academic and legal framework that denoted that systemic racism is part of American society." Meaning CRT teaches that racism is deep-rooted in institutions in America and that white people benefit from it. Over the past few years, there have been national debates on what CRT is and if, or how, it should be taught in schools. In 2021, Tennessee banned public schools from teaching CRT. During the time of the vote, it was unclear where CRT was being taught in Tennessee and advocates of the bill didn't give any specific examples. Reporter Kenya Anderson can be reached at kanderson@nashvill.gannett.com or on Twitter at KenyaAnderson32. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: CMCSS says staff in compliance after Rep. Green questions CRT training Attorney Alanna Myerson, left, and Robert E. Crimo Jr., center, listen to attorney George Gomez during an appearance at the Lake County Courthouse, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Waukegan, Ill. The next hearing will be on Monday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. to finalize any last-minute issues. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool) (Nam Y. Huh/AP) Alleged Highland Park parade shooter Robert Crimo III could be a witness at his fathers trial, a lawyer said during a Monday hearing, where a judge declined to dismiss reckless conduct charges against the elder Crimo. Georg Gomez, the attorney for Robert Crimo Jr., said after the Lake County court hearing, There are many scenarios where Crimo the son could be a witness in the case. Advertisement The father has a November trial date on charges that his decision to vouch for his then-underaged son in 2019 on state firearm forms constituted a reckless action. Prosecutors say Crimo III had exhibited signs that indicated he was not a suitable person to own guns. Crimo III is awaiting trial on seven counts of first-degree murder and dozens of other counts in the July 4, 2022, Highland Park parade shooting. He could possibly testify at his fathers trial, Gomez said Advertisement He may be able to shed some light on what he knew at that time, the attorney said. Gomez admitted that having the son testify would be legally complicated. The son is being represented by the Lake County public defenders office, and none of Crimo IIIs lawyers attended Mondays hearing. Robert E. Crimo Jr., waits for an appearance at the Lake County Courthouse, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Waukegan, Ill. A judge has refused to dismiss the case against Crimo Jr. who helped his son obtain a gun license three years before authorities say the younger man fatally shot seven people at a 2022 Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool) (Nam Y. Huh/AP) During the hearing, Judge George Strickland denied defense motions to have the charges against the father dismissed. The judge disagreed with Gomezs motion that the Illinois reckless conduct statute used to charge Crimo Jr. is overly broad. Strickland also rejected a defense motion that the statute of limitations had expired because he signed the firearms form in 2019. The judge, though, agreed with States Attorney Eric Rinehart, who argued that the alleged reckless conduct by the father was activated when the son is alleged to have opened fire last year during the parade. Lake County, Ill., State's Attorney Eric Rinehart listens to a question during a news conference after an appearance at the Lake County Courthouse, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Waukegan, Ill. The judge has refused to dismiss the case against the father, Robert Crimo Jr., who helped his son, Robert Crimo III, obtain a gun license three years before authorities say the younger man fatally shot seven people at a 2022 Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh/AP) When Mr. Crimo signed the form that enabled his son to get a weapon, he also had instant knowledge about his sons specific circumstances a dangerous mix that would stop any responsible parent from proceeding, Rinehart said after the hearing. Crimo Jr.s bench trial is scheduled for Nov. 6 and is expected to last about a week. We believe Mr. Crimo will be vindicated, Gomez said. Police in Charlotte say a man who was already in custody for a murder charge earlier this year is now facing a new charge for a separate killing that happened last August. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Monday, detectives charged Jorge David Flores-Palma with murder after the death of Keventz Sidney-Nesta Harris. Harris, 25, was found shot behind an apartment complex on Cherrycrest Lane. Police told Channel 9 at the time in August 2022 that they didnt have more information and that detectives were looking for a suspect. RELATED >> One person dead in south Charlotte shooting ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On Monday, Flores-Palma was charged with Harris alleged murder. Police didnt provide any more details about what led to the shooting or what led to detectives making the connection. Flores-Palma has been in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center since April on multiple charges from a separate incident, including murder and several counts of attempted murder. Channel 9 has asked the department for more information on those charges. Channel 9 reported that the separate incident happened on March 26. That was also a shooting at an apartment complex on Cherrycrest Lane. One victim, Isayah Malik Styall, was killed. A second victim was hospitalized after being shot. This is a developing story, check back for updates. (WATCH: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has been training for active survival in the event of a school shooting) CNNs political director David Chalian said Monday a GOP impeachment inquiry into President Biden could juice Bidens run for reelection in 2024. If one of the big potential vulnerabilities of a Biden reelection effort is an enthusiasm problem, were seeing that in small donors, Chalian said on CNNs Inside Politics. If you want to know how to juice enthusiasm on the Democratic side? Launch an impeachment inquiry and launch impeachment, and watch what that will do to help rally Democrats to Bidens cause. Chalian pointed to the first impeachment of former President Trump in 2019, where some Republicans rallied around the former presidents cause. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has signaled in recent weeks the House Republican-led investigations of Biden and his familys foreign business activities could lead to an official impeachment inquiry this fall when the House reconvenes. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement McCarthy said Sunday an impeachment inquiry is a natural step forward, claiming the House GOP investigations have uncovered foreign dealings involving Bidens family while he was vice president. House Republicans have in recent months embarked on a widespread investigation of Hunter Biden , President Bidens son, during his time on the board of a Ukrainian energy company while his father was vice president. Earlier this month, the House Oversight panel showcased testimony from Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer, who alleged Hunter put his father on speakerphone multiple times while in front of foreign business associates. House Republicans, including McCarthy, have claimed Archers testimony demonstrates Biden lied when he claimed he never spoke with his son about business. The House Oversight, Judiciary and Ways and Means committees have also compiled a paper trail of bank transactions and showcased whistleblowers who claimed the Department of Justice slow-walked the tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden, who now faces a special counsel investigation after his plea deal fell apart. While Republicans have not shown Biden directly financially benefited from any of his familys business activities, a recent Oversight GOP staff memo argued they do not need to show direct payments to the president in order to show corruption. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As many high school seniors head back to school, theyll actually be thinking more about next year as they start applying to college. The application process is always a tricky maze, but this year its going to be even more confusing in the wake of the United States Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in the admissions process. Its going to cause some significant adjustments in how admissions officers operate, said Gregg Cohen, the founder and president of Campus Bound which advises families through the admissions process. He says the high courts ruling eliminating affirmative action wont change the desire of colleges to create diverse student bodies. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement They realize that people have different life experiences and that helps in the educational growth of the other students because you learn a lot from the other students that are there, Cohen said. Because admissions cant be based on race, Cohen says its more important than ever for an applicant to sell themselves with a strong essay. You really want to do a good job of sharing who you are, regardless if its sharing about your ethnic background, your economic background, your geography, or your life history, said Cohen. You want to be able to get that out there and explain how it will impact a college campus, and what you can bring to their community. Cohen said colleges are now adding additional essays to their application packets. Because the admissions process is becoming more subjective, Cohen recommends applicants develop a long list of possible schools. With all these little nuances and what schools goals are and their changing goals, its a little bit harder to predict where youre getting in and where youre not getting in. Another change to the admissions process is the move away from legacy admissions which is when an institution gives preference to someone who has family connections to the school. Schools like Wesleyan University, MIT, Amherst College, and Boston University have all stopped considering legacy status on their own. Institutions of higher education should be looking at qualifications that actually add to the institution, said State Senator Lydia Edwards, a Democrat from East Boston. Honestly, just being born into the right family isnt a qualifying skill set. Edwards has filed a bill to ban legacy admissions in Massachusetts. Very simple. It bans legacy preferences at public and private institutions as a criteria for admissions to the college or university. . . I dont see how else you could do it short of having a law. The fact that some have done it is great. Its not good enough. Edwards says legacy admissions hurt other students down the line as they can be overlooked for prestigious internships and lucrative careers. Navigating all these changes can be challenging for students. Cohen says the best thing parents can do is help their children develop that long list of possible schools and make them understand the world doesnt end if they dont get into their first choice. 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 Salt Lake Police investigate a scene in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. One man is dead and another man is charged with murder after police say he fired 17 shots at a man, killing him during a property dispute in Monticello Sunday. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News An alleged property dispute ended with one man being shot and killed Sunday in San Juan County. Police say Sage Jennings Daves, 22, fired 17 shots at Lemuel Prion, 61, hitting him multiple times. Daves, of Egnar, Colorado, was charged Monday in 7th District Court with murder, a first-degree felony; plus trespassing, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, class B misdemeanors. About 8:40 a.m. Sunday, Daves received a call that Prion was "causing issues" on property owned by Daves' family. "Sage Daves left his place of employment in Dove Creek, Colorado, and drove about 20 miles to Lemuel Prion's residence," according to a police booking affidavit. "Sage states he went over to talk to Lemuel over a property dispute." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Daves told police that Prion "threatened to burn Sage's family alive" and then threatened him with a pitchfork, telling Daves that he was going to "gut" him, the affidavit alleges. "Sage then ran to his truck and grabbed his gun from the center console. Sage then states Lemuel stabbed the front of his truck with the pitchfork and continued to threaten Sage. Sage pointed the gun at Lemuel to get him to stop, but Lemuel instead lunged at Sage with the pitchfork. Sage shot 17 rounds at Lemuel, striking him multiple times," the affidavit states. Prion was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional information about the incident was not immediately available. (Photo Courtesy of Northwest Power and Conservation Council) The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released two draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the Oregon coast for the development of offshore wind energy. The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians are concerned. The tribe believes that the release of WEAs was premature and threatens fisheries, local fishing jobs, and some of Oregons pristine ocean viewsheds, some of which are sacred to the Tribe, according to a press release. The Tribe supports any green economic development project that follows the law and does not harm local fishing jobs, our environment, or Tribal cultural resources, Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper said in a press release. We cannot support offshore wind development until we are provided assurance that it will do good and not harm the Tribe, its members, and the greater community. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The WEAs draft covers approximately 219,568 acres offshore of southern Oregon with their closest points ranging from approximately 18 to 32 miles off the coast, according to BOEM. The Tribe raised a number of concerns to BOEM about wind energy development. These comments include areas of ocean views excluded from the wind areas, along with areas critical to resident and migratory wildlife and fishing. Last week, BOEM shared its initial visual impacts assessment that demonstrates that the blades and lights from these facilities could be seen from important places along the coast both during the day and at night. This is not acceptable to the Tribe, Kneaper said in a statement from the Confederated Tribes of Coos. According to the Oregon Department of Wildlife, commercial fishing generated an estimated $558 million in income for the statewide economy in 2019, which is equivalent to 9,200 jobs. Fishing is an important industry on the coast that employs tribal members and supports tribal business. Fish, including salmon, are also an important cultural and subsistence resource to the Tribe. Any impact to fish from wind development could harm local jobs and the tribe according to the statement. The Tribe has called the coast their home since Time Immemorial. The Tribe's beliefs, traditional practices, fishing, first foods and relations are interconnected and influenced by all that is encompassed in the greater ocean. The tribe consistently advocates that any projects, on land or offshore, avoid impacts on sites of traditional and religious significance to the tribe according to a statement. The Tribe remains open to working with the BOEM to resolve the issues raised in our Comments, Kneaper said. We plan to provide comments to BOEM on the WEAs, to provide testimony at the public hearings, and to coordinate with our local and state partners to address our concerns. About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com I traveled by train in Europe and thought the boarding process was confusing and overwhelming. I learned that in Europe, train cars detach at various stations to go to different locations. So you have to make sure you board the correct train car when it arrives at the platform. When I arrived at Austria's Wien Meidling station to board an overnight train from Vienna to Venice last year, the informative screens said that my train was going to Switzerland. I went into full panic mode, doubting my competence as a travel reporter. Did I book the wrong train? Did I arrive at the wrong station? Was I stuck in Vienna for another night with no accommodations booked? And after spending more than 100 hours on Amtrak trains in the US, how could I make such a mistake? Luckily, I'd arrived 90 minutes early for my ride, so I had ample time to figure it out. The platform for the author's train to Venice says it's going to Zurich. Joey Hadden/Insider Trembling and holding back tears, I got in line at the information desk to find out what happened. And thankfully, I had done nothing wrong. According to the staff, the train's cars detach at various stations to go to different locations, unlike my Amtrak trips. When the trains arrived at my platform, I had to board my assigned train car; each had a number, which was on my ticket. The author's ticket for an overnight train from Vienna to Venice. Joey Hadden/Insider And just like that, my confidence was restored. But the whole experience left me wondering if other travelers might have the same issue and how I might be able to help. So here's my advice. Get to the station early, and don't fret over multiple trains arriving at your platform An informative screen for another European train the author took from Berlin to Vienna. Joey Hadden/Insider The most important thing you can do to avoid missing a train is arrive early. Even in the US, I always arrive at the station 60-90 minutes before departure just in case something goes wrong. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Once you arrive, take a look at the informative screens and find your train. Like me, you may find that 2-3 trains with different destinations are arriving at your platform at the same time. Don't panic just make sure you're paying attention to the numbers. Once you arrive at the platform, check your ticket and make sure it matches up with the train car number that you board. If you board the wrong car, an attendant can help When the trains arrived at my platform in Vienna, I was overwhelmed by the limited amount of time I had to scan each train car before they departed. So I boarded the first car I saw that was branded with the company I was traveling with, OBB Nightjet. Once inside, I showed an attendant my ticket and they led me to the proper car and seat. Traveling by train in a foreign country can be daunting, and to me, boarding is the most confusing part. But with my tips, I think you can feel more confident and capable in an unknown place. Read the original article on Insider While the Stanislaus County sheriffs deputy accused of engaging in sexual acts with an inmate hasnt been formally charged, attorneys already have argued in court about whether the contact was consensual. The inmates attorney last week filed a motion for his client to be released on her own recognizance, claiming she is not safe in the Stanislaus County jail due to repeated sexual assaults, subsequent stigmatization, and failure to act by the Sheriffs Office. During the bail review hearing in Stanislaus Superior Court on Friday, Deputy District Attorney Beth De Jong accused Chief Deputy Public Defender Reed Wagner of grossly mischaracterizing facts in his motion, while he accused her of victim shaming. Custodial deputy Johnathan McClure was arrested Aug. 21 on suspicion engaging in sexual activity with a consenting adult who is confined in a detention facility. Under federal case law, there is a presumption that sex with an inmate is not consensual, so McClure will have the burden to prove that it was. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Wagner said in his motion that McClure used his position of power to encourage, manipulate and force a sexual relationship with his client, Vanessa Montero. The Bees policy is to withhold the names of alleged sexual assault victims unless they agree to be identified. Montero, through her attorney, agreed to her name being used in this story. Wagner argued that Montero suffered a violation of her due process rights under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits all punishment of pretrial detainees. Wagner also said the Prison Rape Elimination Act was violated when Montero was placed in administrative segregation following the Aug. 12 discovery of the sexual contact. He said Montero now has major restrictions on her rights and privileges within the jail, further punishing her for being victimized. When the Sheriff fails to protect an individual in their custody from harm, public trust in justice is shaken, Wagner wrote in his motion. When a Sheriffs Deputy is the perpetrator of the harm, justice is shattered. De Jong argued that Montero is a dangerous person with a 2019 conviction for an armed robbery of a Rite Aid drugstore. Monteros current charges stem from allegations that she stalked a woman, broke into her home, vandalized her property and attacked her dogs, killing one of them. De Jong said Montero also has a history of failing to appear at her court hearings. The prosecutor said that the relationship between Montero and McClure was consensual and that the two exchanged over 18,000 text messages on a phone McClure allegedly provided Montero. She said they both exchanged sexually explicit pictures and videos and Montero was the first to say I love you in those text messages. Wagner and De Jong were both present when Montero was interviewed by a Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office detective. He used he position as a trustee The alleged sexual contact began shortly after Montero was booked in January. But McClure allegedly first began making sexually suggestive comments to her when she was incarcerated in 2019. Inappropriate touching allegedly began in February when Montero became a trusty, an inmate who has special privileges including doing work outside her cell, like cleaning. De Jong said jail surveillance video captured what was likely the first kiss between Montero and McClure on Feb. 12, with Montero turning and smiling giddily. According to Wagners motion, McClure allegedly first had sexual intercourse with Montero in April when he used her position as a trusty to take her into a private interview room. After that, McClure allegedly would regularly wake Montero to have her clean jail bathrooms late at night, then engage in sexual acts with her, according to the motion. He also entered her cell on multiple occasions. The motion describes one incident in which McClure allegedly used force with Montero. Montero told McClure no when he attempted to perform oral copulation on her, according to the motion. She closed her legs and he allegedly turned her over and proceeded to have sex with her. At no time did Ms. Montero state that force was used as to the vaginal intercourse, De Jong wrote in her response to Wagners motion. Wagner said in court that Montero told the detective she stopped stopping McClure. That is not consent, he said. Public knowledge in the jail Wagner alleges the assaults were public knowledge in the jail among inmates and jail staff alike, with several deputies referring to Montero as Mrs. McClure. It is clear that a number of deputies within the Sheriffs Detention Center were either aware of this and turned a blind eye or offered their silent approval of Deputy McClures actions, Wagner wrote in his motion. In addition to the criminal investigation, McClure is the subject of an internal affairs investigation and is on paid administrative leave. Asked whether additional deputies were on leave or under investigation for their alleged knowledge of the sexual acts between McClure and Montero, a Sheriffs Office spokesman told The Bee, This is an active ongoing investigation and we cannot provide any details. McClure, who could not be reached for comment, posted bond on a $50,000 bail the day of his arrest. Because he bailed out, the District Attorneys Office did not need to file charges within 48 hours and instead has up to three years. After the deputy was put on leave and barred from all Sheriffs Office facilities, Montero tried calling McClure twice but he didnt answer, De Jong said in court. McClure allegedly had a third party reach out to Monteros family to pass along a message to her, De Jong said. Nothing was done against Ms. Monteros will, De Jong said. She may perhaps be a woman scorned. She told Judge Kellee C. Westbrook that Montero is a danger to the public and a flight risk and should remain in jail. Westbrook said, The allegations made are absolutely concerning regardless of whether it was consensual or not, due to the fact that the deputy was obviously in a position of extreme power in a custodial setting. But she said she would not comment further on an open case and had to consider Monteros violent past, her current charges and the lengthy sentence she faces if convicted, and her history of failing to appear in court. For those reasons, she denied reducing Monteros bail. Chief Deputy District Attorney Wendell Emerson told The Bee he expects his office will review and make a decision in McClures case this week. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, the Ohio man known as Joe the Plumber who gained national attention during the 2008 presidential election cycle, has died, his family confirmed on Monday. The 49-year-old conservative activist died Sunday, a month after announcing hed been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife and children. Our hearts are broken. We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made an impact on so many lives, Wurzelbachers wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, said in a statement obtained by Fox News. When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as Joe the Plumber but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: just Joe, she continued. He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question. In this Oct. 12, 2008, photo, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama talks to plumber Joe Wurzelbacher at an Ohio event. Wurzelbacher, who came to be known nationally as In this Oct. 12, 2008, photo, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama talks to plumber Joe Wurzelbacher at an Ohio event. Wurzelbacher, who came to be known nationally as "Joe the Plumber," died Sunday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Joe Wurzelbacher was thrust into the limelight after confronting then-presidential candidate Barack Obama during a 2008 campaign event in northern Ohio. Wurzelbacher accused Obamas tax plan of conflicting with the American Dream and ruining his goal of purchasing the plumbing business he was working for at the time. Obama countered him, saying his plan would help small businesses like the one Wurzelbacher wanted to purchase grow more quickly. The interaction led Wurzelbacher to become a surrogate for the eventual 2008 Republican presidential nominee, the late Sen. John McCain (Ariz.). During his campaign, McCain frequently referenced Joe the Plumber in fact, the name came up at least 26 times during the candidates presidential debate days after Wurzelbacher spoke to Obama, according to WTOL-TV. In 2012, Wurzelbacher attempted to run for Congress in a challenge to Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio). Kaptur won by a landslide, receiving over 70% of the vote. Wurzelbacher garnered national media attention again in 2014, when he insisted that the lives of children were not more important than his right to keep and bear arms. After a man killed six people during a shooting rampage near the University of California, Santa Barbara, the victims families blasted craven, irresponsible politicians and the National Rifle Association for opposing gun safety. In an open letter to the families, Wurzelbacher argued that gun control activists dont care about your family or your dead children at all. I am sorry you lost your child. I myself have a son and daughter and the one thing I never want to go through, is what you are going through now, he wrote. But: As harsh as this sounds your dead kids dont trump my Constitutional rights. As of Monday, a fundraiser created on the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo to help support Wurzelbachers family during his cancer battle had raised more than $140,000 of its $200,000 goal. Related... A motorcyclist was critically injured when a vehicle turned in front of the oncoming cycle, according to the Lake County sheriffs office. The motorcycle rider, a 56-year-old McHenry man, was brought to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries, following the Friday accident, police said. An update on the mans condition was not available Monday, police said. Advertisement The collision happened near the intersection of Illinois Route 137 and U.S. Route 45 near Grayslake. The motorcyclist was driving his 2010 Yamaha west on Route 137 as a Round Lake Beach man was headed east in a sedan. Advertisement The Round Lake Beach man, 26, attempted to make a left turn on the Route 45 ramp, turning into the path of the cyclist, who struck the car. The cyclist was thrown from his bike, police said. The driver of the car was not injured. The collision remains under investigation, police said. After being mired in corruption and political scandals for decades, Ukraines critically important Constitutional Court is now facing an attempt at reform, although its success is far from guaranteed. The issue took center stage when the reform of the Constitutional Court became one of the European Unions key conditions for Ukraines membership after the country became a candidate for the bloc in June 2022. Under pressure from civic activists and the West, the Ukrainian authorities finally adopted a law on Constitutional Court reform on Aug. 17. According to the law, international experts will take part in the selection of new Constitutional Court judges to make sure that they are independent and comply with integrity standards. However, doubts persist as Ukraine has a poor record of reforming the judiciary. In the past, even the participation of foreign experts did not prevent similar committees from selecting tainted candidates and rejecting the ones with clean reputation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There are risks that the process will be politicized, Mykhailo Zhernakov, head of judicial watchdog Dejure, told the Kyiv Independent. (This law) doesnt guarantee results. President Volodymyr Zelenskys spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov and Denys Maslov, head of the Ukrainian parliaments legal policy committee, did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Read also: Lawyers: New head of top Ukrainian judicial body may have Russian citizenship Discredited court Ukraines Constitutional Court has a long history of controversy. Former judges of the court have been under criminal investigation over several decisions that enabled Viktor Yanukovych , a pro-Kremlin former president, to usurp political power in 2010. According to records in Yanukovychs Party of Regions alleged off-the-book ledger, discovered in 2016, judges from the Constitutional Court received $6 million from the party for making rulings that helped Yanukovych usurp power. Oleksandr Tupytsky, a Yanukovych appointee who chaired the Constitutional Court in 2019-2022, has been involved in several corruption scandals and has been charged in several criminal cases. He fled Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and is currently wanted by Ukrainian law enforcement. As of September 2022, he resided in Vienna. The Constitutional Court has also issued numerous controversial rulings that undermined key reforms. Specifically, the court helped corrupt officials by canceling the law criminalizing illicit enrichment in 2019. It had a retroactive effect, killing years worth of anti-corruption prosecutions. In 2020, the court partially canceled judicial reform legislation, entrenched judicial impunity by canceling the law criminalizing unlawful court rulings and ruled that parts of the law on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine were unconstitutional. The Constitutional Court has also faced mounting criticism since it destroyed Ukraines entire asset declaration system for state officials in 2020, eliminating a crucial pillar of the countrys anti-corruption infrastructure. The asset declaration system was later reinstated by the legislative and executive branches. Currently, there are 13 incumbent judges of the Constitutional Court. Six of them were appointed under Zelensky without any transparent contest procedures, and judicial experts say they are controlled by the incumbent government. They make this conclusion based on the judges rulings and the fact that they were effectively appointed by the Zelensky administration through loyal selection panels. One of them is a former member of parliament from Zelenskys Servant of the People party. Currently, there are five vacancies at the Constitutional Court that must be filled by judges selected with the participation of foreign experts. Read also: Judicial reform formally completed as second top judicial body is appointed Foreign experts role Now the fate of the court is in limbo. There are different opinions on whether the participation of international experts can guarantee a successful reform of the Constitutional Court. Zhernakov, head of Dejure, admits that there have been cases when international experts made mistakes and appeared to have succumbed to pressure from Ukraines judicial establishment. He believes, however, there is a hope that foreign experts may ensure a genuine reform of the Constitutional Court. But Vitaly Tytych, a lawyer and former head of judicial watchdog Public Integrity Council, argued that, based on the past record, the participation of foreign experts would not lead to any meaningful reform. During several judicial reform attempts in the past, international experts failed to ensure genuine reform and were manipulated by representatives of the Ukrainian government, according to Tytych. (Foreign experts) dont care about people who talk about the problems of the judiciary, he told the Kyiv Independent. Tytych also argued that the authorities were likely to make sure that weak foreign experts are selected, and they will be more likely to succumb to pressure and make concessions to corrupt actors. He said that some foreign experts had always tended to find compromises with the Ukrainian authorities, even during Yanukovychs corrupt rule. In 2022, there was a controversy when a selection panel that included international experts vetoed whistleblower judge Larysa Golnyk as a candidate for the High Council of Justice, the judiciarys highest governing body, and approved several controversial and tainted candidates for council jobs. The panel also banned broadcasts of its interviews with candidates, citing alleged security risks due to the ongoing Russian invasion. Ukraines leading anti-corruption watchdogs issued a statement, saying that the panel had undermined trust in the process by taking these steps, and that the decisions may lead to catastrophic results for judicial reform. There was a similar controversy in March, when a separate selection panel including foreign experts chose candidates for the High Qualification Commission, another judicial governing body. Many independent and reformist candidates for the commission were rejected, while at least several tainted candidates managed to get top judicial jobs. Moreover, no representatives of civil society the most radical agents of reform were included in the final list. The Ukrainian members used the fact that the international experts didnt know the Ukrainian context and manipulated facts in order to reject good candidates and promote bad ones, judicial expert Halia Chyzhyk told the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Ukraines judicial reform has mixed reviews as it nears key point Sabotage of Constitutional Court reform The adoption of the current law on the Constitutional Court was preceded by what critics say was long-running sabotage of the courts restructuring. Ukrainian judicial experts and activists and Western partners have called for a reform of the court ever since it eliminated the asset declaration system in 2020. However, initially the Ukrainian authorities dragged their feet on the reform. Eventually in December 2022 Zelensky signed into law a bill on the selection of Constitutional Court judges. The legislation was lambasted by civil society and Ukraines Western partners because it did not envisage a crucial role for international experts. The law stipulated setting up the Advisory Group of Experts, which would assess the integrity of candidates for Constitutional Court jobs. According to the legislation, the advisory group would comprise three representatives of the Ukrainian government and three experts nominated by international organizations. The Advisory Group of Experts would be able to make a decision only if at least four members voted for it. After being vetted by the Advisory Group of Experts, Constitutional Court candidates would be appointed or rejected by the president, parliament and the Congress of Judges. Dejure argued that the law would have allowed pro-government members of the advisory group to block any independent candidates and promote shady ones. Since the European Union did not accept the law, the Ukrainian authorities had to pass a different one. On Aug. 17, Zelensky signed into law a bill that envisages a casting vote for international experts. According to the law, if the votes are split evenly (three to three), a second vote must take place, and the votes of the international experts prevail. Although the new law appears to be better than the December one, there are problems with this structure as well. Zhernakov said that in the past, foreign experts usually didnt want to go into conflict with Ukrainian experts and were reluctant to use their casting vote. Their decisions would be something in the middle between the Western notions of integrity and Ukrainian practices, he said. Ukraines Western partners and civil society have pushed for a different scheme one that would envisage three representatives of the Ukrainian government and four experts nominated by international organizations. Zhernakov believes that this scheme would make it easier for international experts to veto tainted candidates and promote good ones. However, the Ukrainian authorities eventually rejected this scheme. Meanwhile, Tytych believes that, regardless of whether the six-member scheme or seven-member scheme is used, there will be no genuine reform since international experts have turned out to be a failure. Why does it matter? he told the Kyiv Independent. If the foreign experts are under the pressure of psychological factors in the six-member scheme, why would they behave differently if the seven-member scheme is used? Read also: Investigative journalists: Judge supported by Western experts may be implicated in corruption Venice Commissions role The Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe, has played a crucial role in the Constitutional Court reform. However, the commission has been criticized by Dejure since it issued contradictory opinions and sometimes appeared to soften its stance on the reform. In November the Venice Commission concluded that the advisory groups decisions should not be binding, arguing that the group should not choose the candidates it prefers and that the responsibility for the choice of the future judge rests with the appointing body. The commission also said that a seventh member should be added to the advisory group but did not emphasize the recommendation and did not include it in the conclusion. Following criticism by Ukrainian NGOs, the Venice Commission issued another opinion in December. In that opinion, the commission emphasized that a seventh member should be added to the panel. The commission also argued explicitly that the advisory groups decisions should be mandatory, saying that candidates who are judged by the (Advisory Group of Experts) to be not suitable are to be excluded from further consideration and must not be chosen by the appointing bodies. In June the Venice Commission said that it regrets that its recommendation to add a seventh member to the (Advisory Group of Experts) has not been followed. However, the commission said it welcomed improvements in the bill, including the casting vote for international members. The commission argued that despite the war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Ukrainian authorities, as well as civil society, have shown an exemplary willingness to move forward with the reforms. The commission had also been accused in the past of failing to understand the Ukrainian context and playing into the hands of corrupt actors in Ukraine. The way its members were selected has also been a subject of controversy. Serhiy Kivalov, a discredited pro-Russian ally of ex-President Yanukovych, was a member of the Venice Commission in 2013-2014. Zhernakov argues that the European Union and the Venice Commission have made concessions to the Ukrainian authorities, which may jeopardize the reform. He said that the Venice Commission and the European Union first called for a seven-member advisory panel but then gave it up and agreed to the six-member scheme preferred by the Ukrainian government. The European Commission did not respond to a request for comment. The Venice Commission already explained in the opinion that a seven-member composition is preferred, but the six-member composition could be acceptable provided that certain conditions were met, Panos Kakaviatos, a spokesman for the Venice Commission, told the Kyiv Independent. They don't have anything to add beyond that explanation, as indicated in the opinion. But Zhernakov, who has been advocating for judicial reform in Ukraine, says he doesnt believe it. Its a political decision by the European Union, he said. We dont believe its right. Hello! My name is Oleg Sukhov, the guy who wrote this piece for you. I was born in Russia and moved to Ukraine in 2014 because I couldn't stand the suffocating atmosphere of that semi-totalitarian country. I used to think it might be possible to transform Russia into a liberal Western-oriented country. Now it's clear that it's a lost cause. But at least I can atone for the crimes of my homeland by exposing its barbaric aggression against Ukraine and providing objective and independent coverage of what is going on there. I'm also trying to contribute to Ukraine's transformation into a full-fledged Western liberal democracy strong enough to defeat Russia. Our publication needs help from every one of you support Ukrainian wartime journalism, become a patron of the Kyiv Independent. Read also: Oleg Sukhov: Ukrainian kleptocrats use war to entrench corruption, with Western experts as facade Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As new subvariants of the novel coronavirus circulate across the country, San Luis Obispo County is seeing a rise in cases of the deadly virus, local health experts say. We are seeing increases in the number of cases of COVID in our community, San Luis Obispo County Public Health Director Dr. Penny Borenstein confirmed. Though the county stopped counting individual COVID-19 cases in September 2022, public health officials continue to monitor the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 by looking at other metrics such as wastewater surveillance, test positivity rate, outbreaks in congregate living settings, hospitalizations and deaths. Most of those data points to an increase in COVID-19 locally this summer due to increased socializing and that trend is expected to continue into the fall along with the spread of other respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Borenstein said that, without counting each individual case of COVID-19, tracking the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in SLO County is getting harder and harder to do. Jessie Burmester is an epidemiologist for the SLO County Public Health Department who tracks COVID trends in 2022. SLO County wastewater surveillance showed steady increase in COVID-19 Wastewater analysis showed an increase in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, detected in participating sewersheds this summer, according to Jessie Burmester, infectious disease epidemiologist at the county Public Health Department. We headed into August with some noisy wastewater data for July, meaning we were seeing random increases observed at isolated wastewater sites, Burmester said. However, this noise turned into observable increases at all sites for the month of August. The most recent wastewater data from the week of Aug. 20-26 indicated a slight drop in the virus at all participating sewersheds in the county, Burmester said. Its hopeful, she said, but SLO County isnt out of the woods yet. Schools have come back from summer break and colleges are starting soon, she said. So well be watching wastewater to see if this decrease-slash-plateau sustains or changes. The transition to wastewater surveillance allowed health officials to monitor the presence of the virus without relying on public participation in disease monitoring. Wastewater offers a population-level look at the coronavirus and allows scientists to detect the virus before people become symptomatic. Wastewater monitoring is also inclusive of asymptomatic infection in a population that contributes to a particular sewershed. The shift from counting COVID-19 infection to using wastewater came around the time at-home antigen testing became more widely available and fewer people were getting tested at health care facilities, Burmester said. With fewer people getting tested in the health care setting, We dont have the same information and insights that we used to have, she said. So wastewater has been a really nice kind of supplement. Scientists analyze wastewater collected in local sewersheds for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If a person is infected with the virus, genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 disease is shed in human waste such as saliva, urine and feces, which goes down the drain and into the wastewater. Sewersheds in five locations are currently participating in county-level wastewater monitoring, she said. Nipomo, Los Osos, Cambria and the South County Sanitation District, which includes wastewater from Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Oceano, are all monitoring wastewater using the same methodologies, scales and sampling intervals, according to the SLO County COVID-19 data portal. The city of Paso Robles is also participating in wastewater surveillance, but it is analyzed differently and contained in a separate graph. The county has been successful in accessing different funding streams to continue wastewater monitoring, which can be an expensive disease monitoring strategy, Burmester said. Wastewater data from the city of San Luis Obispo stopped being imported to the county portal on July 25 because the city received a grant from the California Department of Public Health to join the Drinking Water and Radiation Laboratory Branch, which will include monitoring wastewater for viral pathogens as well as other contaminants, she said. The city of Atascadero stopped participating in wastewater surveillance on June 16, according to the data portal, although its not clear why. Tanner Duncan, a water quality lab analyst for the City of San Luis Obispo, preps a sample of wastewater to be sent out for testing. The SLO County Public Health Department uses wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID prevalence here. Hospitalizations for coronavirus spike in SLO County Health officials said metrics such as test positivity and hospitalizations are considered a lagging indicator when combined with wastewater, meaning that presence of the virus in the wastewater will rise and fall a week or two before hospitalizations and test positivity follows a similar increase or decrease. After the bump in SARS-CoV-2 detected in SLO County sewersheds in early August, coronavirus-related hospitalizations spiked from zero in the past few weeks to 12 last week, Borenstein wrote in an email. Another indicator the SLO County Public Health Department uses to gauge COVID-19 cases in the county is disease outbreaks in congregate care settings, provided by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Public Health learned of 10 COVID-19 outbreaks in congregate care settings in San Luis Obispo County as of Friday, Borenstein said. Thats a considerable increase from the typical rate of zero to three outbreaks reported in the county by Cal/OSHA each week. Borenstein said another indicator that Public Health looks at to gauge COVID-19 impacts is the amount of treatment prescribed by pharmacies in the county. Kathrine Parra helps organize COVID-19 testing kits at the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department in 2020. More coronavirus treatment has been requested at pharmacies recently, she said. Data from the state health department shows more COVID-19 tests are showing up positive in San Luis Obispo County and elsewhere in California. In San Luis Obispo County, 14.2% of COVID-19 tests taken in the seven days ending Aug. 21 were positive, according to CDPH data. That is a 2.2% increase in test positivity from the previous seven days. The test positivity rate in SLO County is slightly higher than the test positivity rate for all of California, which was 13.2% for the same period. Test positivity should not be used alone to gauge the impacts of COVID-19, Burmester said. The metric has its limits because it relies on tests taken in a health facility that are later reported, meaning that rapid tests arent counted among the numbers. While it does give us some insights, it also does have its barriers, she said. Tanner Duncan, water quality laboratory analyst for the City of San Luis Obispo, prepares a sample of wastewater for testing. The SLO County Public Health Department uses wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID prevalence in San Luis Obispo County. When are COVID-19 boosters going to be available? Scientists have identified new Omicron subvariants in California, with EG.5 and XBB lineages comprising the majority of infections in the state, according to the state health department. These iterations of the Omicron virus are more subtle changes that dont necessarily point to substantial changes in the virus or disease, Borenstein said. Distinct from when we went from Alpha to Delta to Omicron those are big shifts in the characteristics of the virus, Borenstein said. What weve been seeing ... are much more subtle variations in virus compositions, (the) genetic composition. The existing bivalent booster shot, which targets the original strain of the novel coronavirus and the Omicron strain, should still be effective at targeting the subvariants circulating today. Borenstein anticipates that a new monovalent booster, which targets only the Omicron strain, may be released in September. In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems get a second dose of the bivalent booster. Borenstein said anyone in those risk groups who has not received a first dose of the bivalent booster may want to do so. People who have not received the bivalent booster and are not at elevated risk can decide whether to obtain the bivalent booster and the forthcoming monovalent booster, or just wait for the new booster. We think that this new monovalent booster may be out as early as late September and so people may want to wait for that at this point, since were so close, she said. There is no risk that comes from getting the a first or second dose of bivalent booster now and the monovalent booster later, she said. Gracey May, 14, gets her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from Maranda Mendibles, a registered medical assistant at Bravo Pediatrics. Dr. Rene Bravo recently began holding weekly coronavirus vaccine clinics at his office in San Luis Obispo. Bump in SLO County COVID numbers is consistent with previous summers The recent uptick in COVID-19 circulating is nothing new for SLO County, health officials said. Borenstein and Burmester said the increase in COVID-19 likely has to do with summer socializing. Summer affords us the opportunity to travel, mingle and go to large events like fairs, concerts and parades, Burmester said. And that actually brings elevated risk for disease transmission. So summer illnesses by themselves are nothing new, but they have become more common with COVID-19. Though disease monitoring shows an increase in COVID-19 locally this summer, Borenstein said the numbers are less extreme than in the summer of 2021 and the summer of 2022. A costumed Donald Trump and Anthony Fauci are seen at Fiserv Forum before the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Were at an inflection point, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said. More and more public-health officials are dusting off their old face masks and encouraging Americans to do the same for the new BA.2.86 variant of COVID-19, he explained. Hearing that, Meghan McCain went to social media and spoke for an entire nation: Uh no, we aint starting this s--- again. McCain isnt some right-wing reactionary. Shes not QAnon. Shes not a wrapped-in-the-flag freedom marcher. On this issue she is very much mainstream. Her point is that the COVID endemic will be much different than the pandemic. Americans are a lot wiser now about this pathogen and the people who tried to manage it the last time around. COVID tanked our trust in public health Thats important information if youre a doctor or public health official or epidemiologist. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Were not starting at the same place we did when COVID arrived on our shores in January 2020. The American people dont trust you. Not the way we once did. Americans barely trust any of our institutions anymore, so health care is not alone on the bottom rungs in our society. But in the past two years, confidence in health-care officials has dropped 10 points from 44% to 34%, according to a Gallup tracking poll. That trust won't be easily restored In terms of trust, doctors and nurses used to occupy a high place in our society. But thats over and probably gone for a generation. As the son of a pediatric radiologist, I say that with sadness, because Ive long believed in the medical profession. Such faith was weaved into our family fabric. No more. Not after what happened with COVID. I also say this as someone not interested in settling scores over the pandemic. All of us went through this 100-year event together. We all got stuff right, and we all got stuff wrong, because these are complicated once-in-a-generation disruptors that are not easily understood in real time. Public health officials, however, got so much wrong during the COVID-19 pandemic and asserted it with such confidence that they will not soon restore the trust they once enjoyed. Anthony Fauci kept changing his tune Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ORG XMIT: DCPS103 You can begin with Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who began the pandemic telling the general public not to wear face masks. Fauci was trying to preserve the short supply of surgical masks for health care professionals, but he would soon change his tune and advise Americans to mask up. He did the same on herd immunity, changing his estimates throughout the pandemic. He began saying herd immunity would begin at about 60% to 70%, but by the end was saying 90%. As reported in The New York Times in December 2020, Fauci admitted he fudged the truth: Dr. Fauci said that weeks ago, he had hesitated to publicly raise his estimate because many Americans seemed hesitant about vaccines, which they would need to accept almost universally in order for the country to achieve herd immunity. Now that some polls are showing that many more Americans are ready, even eager, for vaccines, he said he felt he could deliver the tough message that the return to normal might take longer than anticipated. America locked down public schools Even as western Europe began to reopen its public schools, backed with new studies that public-school children were far less susceptible to COVID and its most harmful effects, the United States resisted. Teachers unions in America stonewalled and delayed the return. When students did come back, they demanded students be masked. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was file drawering their own data showing face masks mandates for students had no statistically significant benefit, reported New York Magazine, hardly a vessel of the MAGA right. Back to school: How districts are dealing with COVID-19 But it was the George Floyd protests of 2020 that really damaged the credibility of public health officials. After spending weeks condemning conservative freedom marchers for causing super-spreader events with their outdoor protests, the greater portion of the medical establishment gave its blessing to left-wing political marchers protesting police brutality. Some protests were OK, others weren't Some 1,300 epidemiologists and health workers signed a letter saying the social-justice protests must be supported, The Times reported. As public health advocates, we do not condemn these gatherings as risky for COVID-19 transmission. We support them as vital to the national public health. Some epidemiologists wrestled with the contradiction afterwards: I certainly condemned the anti-lockdown protests at the time, and Im not condemning the protests now, and I struggle with that, said Catherine Troisi, an infectious-disease epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I have a hard time articulating why that is OK. Mark Lurie, a professor of epidemiology at Brown University, said, Instinctively, many of us in public health feel a strong desire to act against accumulated generations of racial injustice. But we have to be honest: A few weeks before, we were criticizing protesters for arguing to open up the economy and saying that was dangerous behavior. Like so many of our institutions, American public health had been captured by ideology. It was putting politics before the best evidence at the time. Don't censure. Just give us the facts As we came to understand later, the threat to both sets of marchers was not particularly great. The C.D.C. vastly overstated the risks of outdoor spread of the virus, which (at least until the emergence of the Delta variant) appears to be closer to 0.1 percent than as high as 10 percent, noted New York Times columnist Bret Stephens in his July 27, 2021, column COVID misinformation comes from the top, too. As the BA.2.86 variant rears itself in America, public health is at a new starting point. Without the trust of the American people, it is more important than ever that medical professionals tell the truth and not twist it to produce desired outcomes. Dont try to censor pushback. Meet it with your best evidence. Be honest. Be transparent. Thats the approach Meghan McCains father used to call straight talk. Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: COVID is different now. America is done listening to public health Health officials in New York are hunting for a new COVID-19 variant that has raised alarms across the globe as the state braces for the recent uptick in infections to worsen. The new variant BA.2.86, nicknamed Pirola, has yet to be discovered in New York, but prior pandemic trends suggest it may soon surface as international travelers pass through the Empire State. Officials have detected the strain in Israel, Denmark, and South Africa, as well as stateside in Michigan and Virginia. It was designated a Variant Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization and appears to be the most genetically different strain since the original Omicron variant. This map shows the ZIP codes where waste water has been sampled for COVID-19. The tracking is part of the National Wastewater Surveillance System. These significant changes are important to note as mutations may allow the virus to evade prior immunity, New York health officials noted. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement While the public has returned to normal activities, the Department of Health remains vigilant for changes to the virus that could further threaten our public health, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. How bad is COVID in NY? Coronavirus Covid-19 new variant mutation. Covid pandemic, 3d illustration Concerns about heavily mutated strains come as the number of New Yorkers hospitalized for COVID has leaped 64% this month, reaching 1,050 as of Friday, state data show. COVID cases per 100,000 population have also spiked 70%, with the average rate over seven days hitting 6.3 cases per 100,000 people on Sunday. But these case statistics continue to undercount infections because many cases go unreported. Health alerts: Flesh-eating bacteria linked to NY death. What it is, and how to avoid it Wastewater surveillance testing, however, shows moderate to high levels of COVID spreading in many of the population centers statewide. Some of the highest levels include New York City and communities in and around the cities of Buffalo, Syracuse, Poughkeepsie and Binghamton, as well as parts of Rockland and Westchester counties, data show. Are new COVID variants more dangerous? COVID strains currently spreading in New York have posed a risk that remains on par with cold and flu infections, as improved medical treatments and prescription drugs reduce the virus threat. But health officials are racing to study the Pirola strain. New Yorks Wadsworth Center Laboratory of Viral Disease Chief Dr. Kirsten St. George added it is important to note that we do not yet know if it will cause more severe disease or if it will evade prior immunity. Is COVID back? COVID summer surge hits NY. How bad is it? Further, population-level immunity in the U.S. is relatively high, meaning this new strain may not cause a surge like omicron BA.1 initially did in winter 2022, experts said. That winter 2022 surge peaked in New York with 90,000 positive cases in one day, and nearly 13,000 people hospitalized for COVID, data show. How NY is searching for new COVID variant The state-run Wadsworth Center enhanced early detection efforts recently by transferring COVID genetic sequence information to Syracuse University, which routinely analyzes wastewater data across the state. The analysts searched all wastewater data from the last six months to confirm the new strain was not detected in New York, officials said, adding the pool of clinical COVID samples being submitted for analysis is being expanded to improve surveillance. Should you wear a mask in NY? As cases rise, some hospitals have reinstated mask mandates for staff and visitors, including UHS hospitals in the Binghamton area and Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. State health officials also urged New Yorkers with COVID symptoms to seek testing and treatment, including prescription antiviral pills that can prevent hospitalization and death. All New Yorkers should also stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses to prevent risk of severe illness. Older New Yorkers and those with underlying health conditions or other risk factors such as smoking should also consider taking precautions, including wearing a mask in public. When will fall COVID booster arrive in NY? New COVID booster shots are expected to roll out next month, shortly after the Sept. 12 meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. At that time, federal regulators will debate which vaccine formulation to recommend. Previously, regulators said this fall booster should target the XBB.1.5 variant and for the first time not take aim at the original virus. It remains unclear how this formulation would work on the Pirola strain, which is part of the ongoing global effort to study the new variant. What are the symptoms of Pirola? Because BA.2.86 is so new, it is not yet known if it will present any unique symptoms. As a result, the CDC said indicators to look out for and advice on protecting yourself remains the same as with existing variants. Some symptoms may include: Runny or stuffy nose Headache Fatigue Sneezing Sore throat Coughing Changes to sense of smell How to get COVID tests, treatment Health officials noted New Yorkers with COVID-19 symptoms and positive test results should consult health care providers to secure treatment options. The federal Test to Treat program also provides assistance in accessing COVID-19 tests and medications, including a searchable online tool that provides locations of providers. That help can be accessed on the website, aspr.hhs.gov, or via the hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Mary Walrath-Holdridge of USA TODAY contributed to this report This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Is COVID variant Pirola in NY? Why Health Department is hunting for it A customer walked into a Walmart donning cowboy attire with what looked like a real weapon strapped to their leg, authorities in New York said. The sighting of the cowboy set off a panic inside the store in Seneca Falls, New York, the evening of Aug. 27, according to the Town of Seneca Falls Police Department. Unbeknownst to shoppers and staff, the gun was fake, police said in an Aug. 28 news release. However, law enforcement immediately arrived at the store, which was temporarily evacuated as authorities investigated, according to police. A search of the store, review of surveillance footage and an interview with the Cowboy, led police to determine there was no threat to the public and the weapon wasnt real, authorities said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The individual dressed as a cowboy, who wasnt identified, wore the attire to an event before heading to Walmart, according to the release. In todays environment, the sight of any firearm, even if it turns out to be a replica, understandably raises alarm, police said. We are relieved to confirm that the situation was not as dire as initially perceived. Walmart spokeswoman Kelsey Bohl told McClatchy News in a statement on Aug. 28 that the company wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience at our store. Out of an abundance of caution, the store evacuated for one hour. After the investigation, the Walmart store resumed operations, according to police. Authorities urged the public to exercise caution and consider the impact when choosing to dress in themed clothing. Seneca Falls is in New Yorks Finger Lakes region, about 185 miles northwest of Albany. Woman jabs Walmart shopper in neck with needle full of foreign substance, GA cops say Driver accused of hitting 6 migrant workers at NC Walmart says it was an accident, cops say Man was in Walmart restroom stall when he saw phone recording him, Alabama cops say Boy nabbed from moms cart at self-checkout so Walmart workers step in, VA cops say Whether its a break-in at your home, the theft of a car or a mugging the criminals who are responsible should be hunted down and brought to justice. They must have no place to hide. Victims of these awful crimes are failed when police simply dont take an interest in following reasonable leads instead just handing out a crime reference number. Its completely unacceptable. Crime, on a like-for-like basis, has fallen by over 50 per cent since 2010, including neighbourhood crimes like burglary, robbery and vehicle theft. There are so many examples of great work from police officers, but they must go further in pursuing all levels of criminals and not just the big-time gangsters and drug dealers. We know that the most serious crimes flourish when lower-level criminality and antisocial behaviour are not tackled. Theft and burglary can often be run by organised crime gangs. This year, a gang was jailed for using stolen Range Rovers to carry out ramraids of jewellers, banks, and petrol stations. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But lets be clear: all crime matters. There is no such thing as a trivial crime. And the police must not indicate to criminals that they are effectively free to break certain laws. Since I became Home Secretary last year, Ive been determined to drive forward a return to common-sense policing and values. Chris Philp, the crime and policing minister, and I challenged senior officers to follow up on any and all evidence whenever there is a reasonable chance it could lead them to catching a criminal and solving a crime. This Government has secured a commitment from police forces that they will do just that. It is vital for victims and for wider society that perpetrators face justice. Improved public confidence in policing depends on it. And I know that the majority of officers are eager to do the job they applied for and solve crime. This is an agreement drawn up by the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs Council, and College of Policing and I know police and crime commissioners across the country will hold forces to account to deliver. The commitment applies to all crimes and action should still be proportionate, but we expect to see a radical change in the way the police approach theft, shoplifting and criminal damage. Every use must be made of things like CCTV, doorbell videos, GPS trackers, and witness accounts. This builds on the work we are doing to tackle flagrant and antisocial drug use and dealing in our streets. Drug-use connection Thanks to government investment, over 50,000 drug tests for cocaine and opiates have been conducted on suspects arrested in the past year. Over half of these came back positive. This is a clear indication of the connection between drug use and criminal behaviour and I will be expanding the powers for police to test for specified Class B drugs, including cannabis and ketamine. This testing is crucial for preventing further crime, as offenders are diverted towards life-changing intervention and treatment services. I want police to tackle flagrant and antisocial drug use and dealing in our streets. Officers should be making full, legitimate use of their stop and search powers to achieve this. This Government has given the police record funding. There are now more officers in England and Wales than ever before. We have also made things easier for the police by taking a scythe to red tape. I want them to be out on the streets, not filling in endless forms. We expect a further million hours of police time could be saved by having the health services respond to mental health episodes where there is no risk of serious harm or criminality. We know that it can be done. In May 2021, Steve Watson, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police made a series of public promises, including that his officers would investigate all crime and follow up every reasonable line of enquiry. He has subsequently turned that force around thanks to getting the basics right. The volume of charges for burglary, robbery, and vehicle theft has shot up. Criminals cannot be allowed simply to get away with stealing from hard-working people. If you want something, you need to work for it. People also have the right to go anywhere they want without being attacked or molested. The British people have no time for the sob stories of those committing crimes, and nor do I. Anyone who breaks the law should feel its full force. This Government is on the side of the decent, law-abiding majority. Thats why we have sent the police a clear message: we are right behind you in tackling every kind of crime. Now its time for action. 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. TRENTON A former corrections officer from South Jersey is accused of defrauding first responders of more than $620,000 through a purported cryptocurrency investment fund, authorities say. John DeSalvo, 47, of Linwood allegedly guaranteed sizable profits to about 220 investors who bought a cryptocurrency token he called Blazar. But the tokens, created by DeSalvo in November 2021, collapsed in value by May 2022. And DeSalvo allegedly diverted his victims money for his own purposes, according to state and federal prosecutors. DeSalvo, a 2010 retiree of the Department of Corrections, faces state and federal criminal charges, as well as a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement His attorney could not be identified. More: The many forms of cybercrime Rowan employees lost paychecks to scam; how scammers target you and what to do about it Whats particularly offensive about this case is that DeSalvo used his status as a former corrections officer to gain the trust of fellow law enforcement personnel, Gurbir Grewal, director of the SECs enforcement division and a former New Jersey Attorney General, said in a statement. Blazar token sold to first responders as 'crypto pension' A criminal complaint contends DeSalvo was helped in the Blazar fraud by someone identified only as a retired police officer from Williamstown. The Williamstown resident invested $25,000 in Blazar, then solicited investors and oversaw development of computer code for the token, a criminal complaint says. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey, DeSalvo allegedly marketed Blazar tokens "to police, fire personnel, EMTs, and other first responders as a crypto pension that could be used to supplement investors existing pension plans." He allegedly promised the token's value would offer more stability than any other token and over time would outperform any investment fund. A crypto token is an asset on an existing cryptocurrency's blockchain, according to Investopedia.com. It says tokens "are usually created, distributed, sold, and circulated through an initial coin offering (ICO) process, which involves a crowdfunding round." Separately, DeSalvo is accused of misusing some $100,000 from about 20 members of an online investment group between January and May 2021, alleged the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey. In a sales pitch to potential investors, DeSalvo claimed an average return on his investments of almost 1,200 percent over two years, the federal prosecutors office said in a statement. It said DeSalvo in a social media post had claimed, I am in the top 1,000th percent in the world. Thats the truth, the return rates I have been averaging are so high that I have people throwing money at me to invest. In another post, according to the SEC, DeSalvo told investors they could sit back and relax and get rich. In each case, authorities alleged, DeSalvo spent investors money for personal expenses, including credit card payments, home improvements and trading in volatile cryptocurrencies. He also used victims funds to pay some investors in the manner of a Ponzi scheme, the statement said. John DeSalvo faces state, federal charges and SEC lawsuit When the online investment groups money was gone, DeSalvo blamed poor market conditions and provided false trading records. The SECs lawsuit says DeSalvo violated investment regulations and contracts with his investors. It contends he caused Blazar to plummet in value after selling off more than 41 billion of his own tokens in May 2022. But the state Attorney Generals Office, in announcing its own charges against DeSalvo, asserted the tokens did not have any real value and that victims relied upon deceptive representations made by DeSalvo and provided him with money for investment purposes. The suit seeks a return of funds for DeSalvos victims, among other measures. State investigators arrested DeSalvo, a former resident of Marmora in Cape May County, on April 23. In federal court, DeSalvo faces two counts each of security fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey. He faces state charges of theft by deception and deceptive business practices. The charges are only aaccusations. DeSalvo has not been convicted in the case. Investigators urge possible victims to call the state Division of Criminal Justice at 800-396-2310 or federal investigators at 800-CALL-FBI. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Blazar crypto token creator John DeSalvo faces fraud charges FILE PHOTO: Man holds laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture OTTAWA (Reuters) - Organized cybercrime is set to pose a threat to Canada's national security and economic prosperity over the next two years, the national signal intelligence agency said on Monday. The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in a report identified Russia and Iran as cybercrime safe havens where criminals can operate against Western targets. Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure such as hospitals and pipelines can be particularly profitable, the report said. Cyber criminals continue to show resilience and an ability to innovate their business model, it said. "Organized cybercrime will very likely pose a threat to Canada's national security and economic prosperity over the next two years," said CSE, which is the Canadian equivalent of the U.S. National Security Agency. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Ransomware is almost certainly the most disruptive form of cybercrime facing Canada because it is pervasive and can have a serious impact on an organization's ability to function," it said. Official data show that in 2022, there were 70,878 reports of cyber fraud in Canada with over C$530 million ($390 million)stolen. But Chris Lynam, director general of Canada's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, said very few crimes were reported and the real amount stolen last year could easily be C$5 billion or more. "Every sector is being targeted along with all types of businesses as well ... folks really have to make sure that they're taking this seriously," he told a briefing. Russian intelligence services and law enforcement almost certainly maintain relationships with cyber criminals and allow them to operate with near impunity as long as they focus on targets outside the former Soviet Union, CSE said. Moscow has consistently denied that it carries out or supports hacking operations. Tehran likely tolerates cybercrime activities by Iran-based cyber criminals that align with the state's strategic and ideological interests, it added. ($1 = 1.3598 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Grant McCool) Former President Donald Trump will spend super Tuesday in a Washington, D.C. courtroom, after the federal judge overseeing the case on Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election set his trial to start the day before 15 states hold their primary for the 2024 election. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday refused to give Trumps lawyers the astounding two-year delay they requested, calling their slowdown unacceptable and choosing to start the trial just as the 2024 primaries heat up. But she also didn't completely give in to the Department of Justice's request to begin the trial in the early days of January. Instead, Judge Chutkan set a start date of March 4, 2024, which comes smack in the middle of Trump's campaign to return to the White House. On March 5, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia will hold their voting contest for the GOP presidential nomination. Trump Wants to Push Back D.C. Election Subversion Trial for YEARS ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement By the time Trump's trial starts, fewer than 10 states will have held their primary election. While it's unknown how long the case will take, most legal experts expect it to take weeks, not monthsmeaning Trump could be convicted long before the GOP convention in July. Trump faces four criminal counts for his attempt to reverse his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden, a plan that included lying to the American people about nonexistent voter fraud and scheming to interrupt the congressional certification of the vote by using fake electors and pressuring his vice president to abuse his authority. According to journalists at the courthouse, Trumps lawyers pushed back on the judges decision by claiming the early start would be unfair to the former president. Politicos Kyle Cheney relayed Trump defense lawyer John Lauros courtroom objections on Twitter. We will certainly abide by your honor's ruling, as we must. We will not be able to provide adequate representation ... the trial date will deny President Trump the opportunity to have effective assistance of counsel, Lauro said. In voicing his opposition that way, it's clear Trump's defense team is laying the groundwork for future appeals that may claim the former presidents constitutional rights were violated during this legal battle. Legal journalist Brandi Buchman noted that Lauro was coming in hot with a booming and, at times, shrill voiceand had to be calmed down by the judge. Let's take the temperature down here, Chutkan said at one point. Prosecutors stressed the importance of putting Trump on trial as soon as possible. CBS News correspondent Scott MacFarlane quoted prosecutor Molly Gastons pleas to the judge. She spoke about an extraordinary public interest in having a fair and speedy trial, citing Trumps relentless onslaught of insults and threats to judges, law enforcement, and the American public. On a near daily basis, the defendant posts on social media about this case, she said, warning that his comments potentially prejudices the jury pool. Jack Smith Reveals Trump Employee Flipped After Ditching MAGA Lawyer The case, brought by DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith, is one of two federal investigations that threaten to imperil the former presidents 2024 campaign as he once again seeks the White Housea campaign that still could interrupt those investigations and lead to Trump potentially pardoning himself. The other investigation is currently a case in the Southern District of Florida, where Trump is expected to face criminal trial in May over his mishandling of hundreds of classified records at his oceanside estate of Mar-a-Lago. Gaston disclosed on Monday that the DOJ had produced roughly 12.8 million pages of documents for Trumps defense, and she said discovery in the case was now substantially complete. While Trumps lawyer Lauro argued itd be virtually impossible to review all of the documents so quickly, Gaston pointed out, according to reporters in the courtroom, that the DOJ had supplied Trumps defense with 47,000 pages of key documents. It is essentially a roadmap to our case, Gaston said, adding that the DOJ also identified materials for Trumps lawyers that are arguably beneficial to his defense. Chutkan seemed mostly moved by that argument, according to reporters there on Monday. "The manner in which the discovery in this case has been organized indicates that the government has made a considerable effort to expedite review, Chutkan said. D.C. Judge Promises No Politics as She Imposes Rules on Trump The judge added that the 12.8 million pages of documents was not truly indicative of how much time he needs to prepare, according to reporters present. And while Chutkan said she wanted to treat Trump like any other defendant, she also pointed out that the former president had the ability to assemble a very capable team of defense lawyers. Lets not overlook the fact that Mr. Trump has considerable resources that every defendant does not usually have, Chutkan said, according to Cheney. Trump is also facing criminal charges in New York and Atlanta. He is due to appear in a Manhattan courtroom to face trial in April for faking business records, and the recent indictment filed by the Fulton County District Attorney has not yet been scheduled. This D.C. case is now set to be the earliest criminal trial Trump faces during the Republican presidential primary election season, and it will almost certainly interrupt his campaign. However, Fulton County DA Fani Willis has publicly announced an intention to put Trump on trial even earlier, which legal scholars have described as an unreasonable time frame. In setting the March 4 trial date, however, Judge Chutkan did not give the DOJ what it initially wanted. Smiths prosecutors had sought to put Trump on trial in January immediately after the winter holidays. The trial is now set to start two months after that. Still, Trump critics welcomed the faster resolution. Victor Shi, who was Bidens youngest delegate in the 2020 election, publicly thanked the judge for the way she saw right through Donald Trumps delay tactic. Meanwhile, George Washington University Law School professor and conservative pundit Jonathan Turley lamented what he called a daisy-chaining of trials that presents unnecessary and unfair challenges for the defense. At this point, Trumps late 2023 and early 2024 calendars look filled to the brim with court hearings and legal battles. Having snagged the dubious distinction last week in Atlanta of being the first ever former American president to be booked at a jail, hes due to appear in Fulton County court for his arraignment on racketeering charges next week. In October, New Yorks Attorney General is putting Trump on civil trial for bank and tax fraudpotentially bleeding dry his eponymous real estate empire and barring him from doing business in the worlds financial capital. 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. Investigators have concluded that the Lady of the Dunes, whose mutilated body was found on a beach in Provincetown, was killed by her husband nearly 50 years ago, Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced Monday. The body of Ruth Marie Terry was discovered in the dunes area about one mile west of Race Point Road in Provincetown on July 26, 1974, prompting an extensive investigation that spanned a half-century. The investigation into Terrys death was initially investigated by Provincetown police, but in 1982, the department requested the case be turned over to the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit for the Cape and Islands District. Provincetown police say Terrys hands were missing, presumably removed by the killer so she could not be identified through fingerprints, and her head was nearly severed from her body with an instrument similar to a military entrenching tool. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Woman who discovered 'Lady of the Dunes' talks to Boston 25 In a news release in 2010, the department wrote, The left side of her skull had been crushed. No weapon was found at the crime scene. Her nude body was discovered lying on a beach towel with her head resting on her folded jeans. There was no sign of a struggle and the woman lay on half the towel, as if shed been sharing it with a companion. Terrys skull was ultimately placed in police custody and never sent to the cemetery for burial with the rest of the remains. Over the years and with the development of technology, portions of the skull had been tested for potential DNA. A profile was finally obtained in 2021, leading to a positive identification. The Chief Medical Examiners Office issued Terrys official death certificate on April 5, 2023, according to Galibois office, and state police detectives were able to complete their investigation into the death Terry married Guy Muldavin in either 1973 or 1974 and they traveled after their wedding, stopping in Tennessee to see Terrys family, investigators said. Detectives later learned that Terry and Muldavin traveled during the summer of 1974. When Muldavin returned from that trip, he was said to be driving what was believed to be Terrys vehicle and had indicated to witnesses that Terry had passed away. Could 'Jaws' hold the key to the enduring P'Town mystery of the Lady of the Dunes? Terry was never seen by her family again and her brother tried to find his sister with Muldavin only stating that they had a fight during their honeymoon, and he had not heard from his wife again. Based on the investigation into the death of Ms. Terry, it has been determined that Mr. Muldavin was responsible for Ms. Terrys death in 1974. Mr. Muldavin passed away in 2002, Galibois office said in a news release. Muldavin was also said to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of one of his wives and a stepdaughter in the Seattle, Washington area in the 1960s. Muldavin has since passed away. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW U.S. Florida shooting leaves 4 people dead, including shooter Xinhua) 09:20, August 28, 2023 The screenshot taken from CNN's web streaming shows authorities responding to the scene of a shooting at a Dollar General store on Aug. 26, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Xinhua) The shooter told his father by a text message to "check his computer." The father found the documents and the family alerted the police. But by the time the police responded, the shooting had already begun. WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- A racially motivated shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, the U.S. state of Florida, left at least four people dead, including the shooter, on Saturday afternoon. The shooting happened blocks away from Edward Waters University, a historically black college, where students living on campus were told to stay in their residence halls. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a press conference that the victims -- two men and one woman -- were all black people. The suspect, a white male in his early 20s, was armed with a high-powered rifle and a handgun, wearing a tactical vest, according to police. "This shooting was racially motivated and he hated black people," Waters told reporters. The gunman, who has not been publicly identified, lived in Clay County, Florida, with his parents, said the sheriff. He left behind what the sheriff described as three manifestos outlining his "disgusting ideology of hate" and his motive for the attack. The shooter told his father by a text message at 1:18 p.m. (1718 GMT) to "check his computer." The father found the documents and the family alerted the police. But by the time the police responded, the shooting had already begun, said Waters. "This is a dark day in Jacksonville's history. Any loss of life is tragic. But the hate that motivated the shooter's killing spree adds an additional layer of heartbreak," he said. The suspect, who shot himself after the attack, was believed to have acted alone and no evidence suggested that he was part of a large group, according to police. "We know that he acted completely alone," Waters said. The police are still in the early stages of an investigation, said Waters, adding that the case will be thoroughly investigated although the shooter has died. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Calumet City man is facing a murder charge after killing a bystander at a Hammond gas station. Soloman Martin, 35, was charged July 27 with murder in the June 25 death of Ronnie Martin, 33, of Chicago. Its not immediately known if they are related. Advertisement Criminal charges were unsealed last week after he was extradited from Cook County Jail. Martin is being held in Lake County without bail. His next court appearance is Aug. 29 before Judge Gina Jones. Advertisement Hammond Police responded June 25 for a reported homicide at a Lukes gas station, 5105 State Line Ave. Officers found 13 bullet casings at the scene. Surveillance video showed Soloman Martin and a woman in a silver Ford Edge pull up around 2 a.m. He got out and went to the pay window. The woman with him got out and walked toward him. Then, an unidentified man tried to get into their running car. The woman blocked him from getting in and was visibly upset. She and Martin left the gas station for his nearby apartment minutes later. He appeared not to notice what the other man did. Less than 10 minutes later, Martin appeared to go back to confront him. He punched him, then pulled out a gun. The other man fell or dove behind a red Jaguar. That car was caught in the line of fire, charges state. Advertisement Passenger Ronnie Martin was shot once in the left chest. The driver took him to Roseland Community Hospital at 2:25 a.m. He was pronounced dead there at 3:59 a.m. The woman rented the silver car, according to court records. mcolias@post-trib.com My father is a lifelong traveler, from a childhood trip to Mexico to a family vacation in the Bahamas. He purchased packing cubes two years ago and says they've improved how he travels. "I don't have to dig through different parts of the luggage to find something," he said. One of the first things my dad showed me after we reunited in New York City last week was his luggage. The conversation about his luggage sparked while my parents and I sipped cocktails at a Manhattan rooftop bar. Hours before, they had flown from our home state of Florida to visit me in New York City, where I moved five years ago after college. "How was the flight?" I asked them, although I knew it was a cakewalk for my dad, Kevin. Lauren Edmonds and her parents in New York City. Lauren Edmonds/Insider By now, he's a well-versed traveler who can navigate most situations. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement His first major trip was a family vacation to Mexico when he was six years old, and he hasn't slowed down since. Whether it be a weeklong vacation in the Bahamas or flitting between cities on the East Coast for my summer lacrosse tournaments, he's always been organized, punctual, and prepared. But even he struggled with packing. "I've tried all the different ways," he told me. "I've tried rolling clothes, folding clothes, packing the heaviest at the bottom, but it just really never works." Fortunately, he's found a time-saving, mess-free hack: packing cubes. He purchased packing cubes on a whim 2 years ago and says they've greatly improved the way he travels Packing cubes. Lauren Edmonds/Insider After drinks, we stopped by my parents' hotel room, where my dad unzipped his luggage and showed me the $22 packing cubes. Packing cubes, or packing squares, are small to medium-sized bags meant to compartmentalize clothes inside a luggage bag. My dad stumbled upon them in 2021 while scrolling through Amazon and decided to try them despite being on the fence initially. Now, he never travels without them. "I don't have to dig through different parts of the luggage to find something," he told me. "When I get somewhere, I can pull the cubes out and put them in the hotel dressers." He said there are a lot of perks to using packing cubes He added that his clothes tend to be less wrinkled, the packing cubes take up less space in his luggage, and they save him time because he doesn't have to rummage through piles of clothes. My dad also enjoys that packing squares can be used for shoes because "You don't want the bottom of your shoes all over your clothes." A look inside a packing cube. Lauren Edmonds/Insider Unlike my mom and I, my dad begins packing days before we leave for a trip by incrementally placing items in his suitcase. He said packing cubes has made that process even easier. "If there are clothes that you know you're going to take with you and you're not going to wear before you leave, you can pack those several days in advance," he said. "So, when it's time to pack your bag, you can just drop the cube in." He's already bought my mom a set of packing cubes, and after seeing how my dad used his, I'm going to get some, too. Read the original article on Insider North Texas officials are moving forward with their push for a high-speed rail linking Dallas and Fort Worth with a stop in Arlington, but dont expect to board a bullet train any time soon. A proposal by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, already years in the works, is moving into a new phase, which includes a deeper look at plans related to engineering, environmental impact, ridership estimates, operations and maintenance and costs. The process is expected to span the next year and a half. The connection of Dallas and Fort Worth by a train that can reach 250 mph comes with a number of challenges, but could bring economic opportunities, said Allan Rutter, a senior research scientist at Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Theres a lot to be said for the sort of economic benefits to both cities by the growth of each other, even though historically Amon Carter would never agree to that, Rutter said, referring to the legendary Star-Telegram publisher and Fort Worth booster who would occasionally as a joke carry a sack lunch with him to Dallas rather than spend money there. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The council is hosting a series of open houses starting Tuesday where members of the public can learn more about the project and offer suggestions. The idea is to ultimately link the route to a proposed high-speed rail line that would connect Dallas and Houston in less than 90 minutes. The route and travel time The trip from Dallas to Fort Worth would take about 20 minutes along a route that follows Interstate 30. The Fort Worth stop is expected to be near Fort Worth Central Station. In Arlington, an elevated station between North Center Street and North Collins Street or an underground tunnel station between AT&T Way and Ballpark Way are recommended, according to a report outlining the findings from the first phase of the study. The Dallas stop would be south of downtown by the Interstate 30 and Interstate 35E interchange or beneath a station proposed as part of the Dallas to Houston rail being explored by Texas Central. The Texas Central plan has been in the works for about a decade. It has faced pushback from opponents whose concerns include land rights and potential costs to taxpayers. Texas Central and Amtrak announced a potential partnership on the route earlier in August. The North Central Texas Council of Governments, an association of local governments to help with regional development, seeks to extend that line to Fort Worth. Why would you want the end of the line to be in Dallas County and then everyone has to transfer to the TRE, which would take an hour, or transfer to some other mode of transportation, said Michael Morris, the director of transportation for the council, in a Aug. 11 interview with the Star-Telegram. Texas Central and Amtrak declined to comment. The North Central Texas Council of Governments recently applied for a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to help develop the potential Fort Worth to Houston route. The proposal, which Texans Against High Speed Rails obtained through an open records request and shared with the Star-Telegram, includes several letters of support from state and local officials, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. Potential challenges One key question is how the rail would be funded, said Rutter, with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. He expects those discussions will happen in the studys second phase. The private sector will likely get involved, but there are also federal dollars available that could help with the project, Rutter said. The United States trails other countries on the construction of high-speed rails, though several projects are in the works, and Amtraks Acela runs between Boston and Washington at 150 mph. Rutter attributes that delay to the steep price tag. Other decisions or other choices have been made, he said. Weve chosen to invest an awful lot of money into commercial aviation and giving people the freedom to have highways open up travel opportunities for both peoples and goods movement. Texans Against High Speed Rails has raised concerns about potential costs to taxpayers associated with the Houston to Dallas Project. Texas Central has previously said the project would be done without public funding, according to The Texas Tribune. But Texas Central and Amtrak said theyve applied for federal grants to study and design the proposed project in a August news release announcing their potential partnership. There are also questions of land rights and the physical construction of the Dallas to Fort Worth rail. For instance, it would likely have to be elevated given the soil type in North Central Texas and the need for a flat service, Rutter said. That can be expensive, but could also minimize the amount of space needed to build the project along I-30. Were almost all in public sector right-of-way, Morris said. So there isnt a big right-of-way element. Were in the interstate 30 corridor, and well just have to see if we can get consensus in the environmental process to move forward toward implementation. Were it to come to fruition though, the project could open new possibilities for the Metroplex as it booms. Now that comes with a price tag, but that kind of speed of travel between those two city centers could open up all kinds of possibilities for people to work in one city and live in the other, people to business between each other, Rutter said. It just might open up Fort Worth and Dallas to grow even closer. Waller County Judge Trey Duhon, president of the advocacy group Texans Against High-Speed Rail, said the group is not against high-speed rail in general, but that any project has to make sense and be feasible. He said it does seem strange to have a high speed rail connecting two cities that are only 30 to 40 minutes apart. Questions hed ask of the project include ridership projects, ticket prices and potential revenue. Ridership estimates are expected in the plans second phase. Preliminary estimates of travel demand project 27,100 to 54,300 daily rail passengers, depending on the projects connectivity to other possible high speed rail routes, according to the grant proposal. Everybody should be transparent, he said. Because if this is something that the taxpayers in Dallas-Fort Worth are going to underwrite, even if theyre not directly impacted like Ive always said, it may not come through your backyard but it may go through your pocketbook those people have a right to know how those numbers work, Duhon said. No matter ones stance on a North Texas high-speed rail, theres still time for the project to come to fruition or fizzle out. Morris said its premature to outline a timeline to construction. Rutter predicted construction is still years away, at the very least. Open Houses Aug. 29 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (616 Six Flags Drive, Arlington) Aug. 31 from 4-7 p.m. at the Fort Worth Central Station Community Room (1001 Jones St., Fort Worth) Sept. 6 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Tony Shotwell Life Center (2750 Graham St., Grand Prairie) Sept. 7 from 4-7 p.m. at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center (2828 Fish Trap Road, Dallas) Haiti National Police said Monday that they will soon launch an operation to retrieve the bodies of several church members who were gunned down over the weekend when a powerful armed gang opened fire on the worshipers as they marched into the gangs territory on the fringe Port-au-Prince. The worshipers were among hundreds of religious faithful who participated in a march led by Pastor Marcorel Marco Zidor of the Evangelical Pool of Bethesda Church on Saturday. Armed with machetes, sticks and a belief they would not be shot at, they marched from the Caradeux neighborhood, where their church is located, toward Canaan, on the outskirts of the capital. Instead of dislodging the gang, they were met with bullets from automatic rifles. Several church members were killed, others injured and others held hostage, the evidence of their captivity captured on video by the gang. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police on Monday did not provide a tally of the casualties. Two days after the tragedy, they still had not been able to retrieve the bodies. Haiti Police Chief Frantz Elbe announced the forthcoming operation during a press conference. He said an investigation is underway to determine who is responsible for the incident. The Haiti National Police have been widely criticized for not preventing the churchgoers from marching to their deaths. The police did everything they could to prevent the crowd from arriving at its destination, said. Elbe said he dispatched police officials ahead of the march to meet with the organizers, hoping to show its not a good idea for them to go to Canaan given the existence of the armed gang. When the march went ahead, he said, police set up a security pyramid to block marchers from reaching Canaan, but they broke up into several groups. They were determined because the pastor told them, They will not get shot, he said. There was a belief in this crowd; there was a determination. Elbe said that the shooting of the churchgoers happened after a confrontation. Accompanying the marchers, he said, were armed men in olive green uniforms. He did not provide any additional details. Armed groups today control at least 80% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince, which has seen an increase in violence in recent weeks as neighborhoods fall under the control of gangs, forcing thousands of people to seek refuge in open spaces. Since January, more than 2,400 people have been killed by gangs and more than 950 kidnapped, according to the United Nations. Members of the Evangelical Pool of Bethesda Church in the suburb of Caradeux in Port-au-Prince, Haiti were gunned down Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, by a powerful gang in Haiti as they marched through the gangs turf. On Monday, the church remained closed as gunshots could be heard in the vicinity. Elbe said while two decades ago, gangs in Haiti were armed with handguns, today they are outfitted with machine guns, creating far greater havoc throughout the capital and beyond. The Haiti National Police, he said, have had to adapt to the new reality, transforming the way they carry out anti-gang operations. That transformation, however, isnt happening quickly enough for some and the challenges have been enormous. Two years ago, an attempt by police to launch an anti-gang operation in a Port-au-Prince slum turned tragic when officers were ambushed and their armored vehicles seized. Video shared on social media show armed gang leaders desecrating the bodies of slain SWAT officers, whose corpses were never recovered. Despite such history, Elbe said officers are determined to take back neighborhoods from gangs, and that operations are currently underway in communities like Tabarre, where the U.S. Embassy is located, and residents on Monday were awakened at 3 a.m. by gunshots. One resident described the area around the U.S. Embassy like a war, with residents in the nearby Roseau area leaving their homes because of the violence. There is also an ongoing police operation in Port-au-Princes Carrefour-Feuilles, where a gang attack on Aug. 17 created panic and forced more than 5,000 people from their homes. Elbe said recent operations by specialized police units in Carrefour-Feuilles had led to the seizure of several arms. A number of gang members were also killed, though he did not provide specifics. We have mobilized different units inside the police, he said, declining to provide numbers on how many officers are involved in anti-gang efforts. The operations will continue. The U.N. has said Haiti has only 3,300 police officers on public safety duty on any given day, protecting a nation of 12 million. Not all are involved in anti-gang operations. The U.N. and the United States, which finances the police, have noted that while police have succeeded at times at taking back neighborhoods from gangs, the force struggles to maintain control. In October, Haitis government asked the international community for help by deploying a security mission to Haiti to assist the police. Last week, a 10-member delegation from Kenya, which is considering leading a multinational force, visited Haiti to meet with members of the government, foreign diplomatic corps and the police leadership. Kenya officials discussed their plan for a static force that would provide security for strategic installations such as the airport, seaport, police academy and main roads. That idea, however, has been heavily criticized by Haitians, who say what they need are foreign personnel willing to help the Haitian police fight gangs. During the meeting with the Kenyans, the leadership of the Haiti National Police discussed the professional assistance that the force is looking for, Elbe said. Police officials told the Kenyans: Here is the reality of the security situation in the country; here is the support we hope to have, Elbe added. The rest is to be determined, Elbe said, meaning Kenya must decide if it is willing to lead a multinational force into Haiti and the United Nations Security Council must authorize the mission. The United States has said that if Kenya agrees to help Haiti with its security crisis, the U.S. will present a resolution before the Security Council to provide the East African nation the assistance it needs. By Johannes Birkebaek COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Residents in the Freetown Christiania hippy enclave in Denmark's capital Copenhagen say they want to shut down cannabis sales on its main street following a deadly shooting on Saturday. Christiana, a former army barracks that was claimed by hippies during the 1970s, has openly sold cannabis on its main street, known as Pusher Street, for more than 50 years. The illegal drug trade has been tolerated by authorities, even as an increase in gang-related activities in the area has resulted in multiple shootings in recent years. Police remove the cannabis booths from time to time only to see them rebuilt shortly after. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "As long as there is a massive illegal cannabis trade, there will be a violent and deadly struggle for the market," residents said in a joint statement posted on Christiania's website on Sunday. A 30-year-old man was shot and killed on Saturday when two masked gunmen opened fire on Pusher Street. Four other people were wounded. The shooting was related to the illegal cannabis trade, police said. An 18-year-old was arrested on Saturday and is being held custody. Police are still looking for other perpetrators. The mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Haestorp Andersen, on Sunday told the newspaper Berlingske that she also wants Pusher Street closed permanently. Three weeks ago, Christiania residents tried to block the entrance in an effort to stop the illegal activity on Pusher Street, but the blockade only lasted a couple of hours. Residents of the enclave live autonomously with self-declared rules, although they are not recognised as their own town by Copenhagen authorities. It is a major tourist attraction, with more than half million visitors a year. (Reporting by Johannes Birkebaek; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Consequences of the attack of the Russian Federation in the Poltava Oblast The death toll resulting from Russia's missile strike in Poltava Oblast on August 28 has risen to three, according to the acting oblast governor, Dmytro Lunin. Read also: Russias missile attacks will differ from fall 2022, says Ukraines military intelligence Rescue teams are continuing to search for a person believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. The Russian strike targeted an oil refinery, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Five individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees. Previously, it was reported that two people had lost their lives due to shelling in Poltava Oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: In the night leading up to August 28, air alarms were sounded across most regions of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the launch of Russian Kalibr missiles. Russia also launched missiles at Kryvyi Rih. This resulted in the destruction of two buildings, while an additional five sustained damage. 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 Oleksii Reznikov , Minister of Defence of Ukraine, has said that he and the president have discussed the possibility of appointing Reznikov to another position, but the decision must be made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself. Source: Reznikov at a press conference on Monday Details: Journalists asked the minister whether the president offered him to resign after the scandals with the Defence Ministrys purchases. Quote from Reznikov: "We have a lot of communication with the president. But it is 98% related to our defence. Another 2% is conversations about the future of our army in the global context. But it is the right of the president to propose a person for the post of minister of defence, and if he offers me to work on the implementation of another project, then I would probably agree. Because this post, no matter who takes it up, is Calvary." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More details: Asked whether Zelenskyy offered the minister to become an ambassador to the United Kingdom, Reznikov answered evasively. Quote from Reznikov: "Back in 2021, before appointing me to the Ministry of Defence, the president had several different projects that I was ready to implement. And the president chose. The position of ambassador is not a project. But there are several different opportunities to implement these large projects, especially in the context of the project of the future of our army." Background: On 10 August, Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources, reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is looking for a replacement for Oleksii Reznikov as Ukraines Minister of Defence; there are at least two candidates. On 19 August, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, commenting on rumours that the president is looking for a substitute for him at the position of the Ministry of Defence, said that this position is "temporary" for him, and he can resign himself. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in response to a question about the chances of the dismissal of Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, has said that he will be able to comment on personnel decisions after signing relevant decrees. 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! Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov assures that the Polish Alfa company, which has overdue contracts for the Ministry of Defence worth several billion hryvnias, will either fulfil the deliveries or will have to return the money. Source: Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov at a press conference in Kyiv on 28 August Quote from Reznikov: "I read the investigation by Ukrainska Pravda. And this firm is indeed one of the foreign companies that has signed contracts with the Ministry of Defence. There are many such firms, and, unfortunately, not all of them were able to fulfil the signed contracts, even the influential players in the market. There are also Ukrainian firms that didnt deliver promised supplies, and American ones." Details: Reznikov also said several arbitration claims have already been filed against this company. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Quote from Reznikov: "This company offered us other types of projectiles; we are now studying whether they are suitable for us. And then we will either have them delivered, or we will demand the advance payment to be returned." Details: Reznikov also said that the Ministry of Defence has already won an arbitration case against another company. This gives him hope that the ministry will win other such disputes. The minister also emphasised that there is a bigger problem with Ukrainian special importers. Because these are state-owned companies that simply do not have this money; therefore, bankruptcy is not out of the realm of possibility. Background: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence entered a series of contracts with the Polish Alfa company in 2022 for the supply of various types of weapons and ammunition. However, the company failed to fulfil its obligations and, as of 2023, owes the Ukrainian MoD over UAH 3.5 billion (roughly US$94,77 million). 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! David Wood throws his hands up in celebration and poses for a photo in front of the old Iowa City Press-Citizen building at 319 E. Washington St. on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Wood first started delivering papers as a six-year-old in 1949. Twenty-five cent tips motivated David Wood nearly 75 years ago, thrilled to deliver news to an eager community. Fond memories as a Press-Citizen delivery boy brought the 80-year-old back to Iowa City for the first time in decades, hoping to canvas the daily route he once traversed as a starry-eyed six-year-old. Wood eagerly began his first job in 1949, which covered just six stops. He likely hand-delivered a front-page story about three teenage boys suspected of robbing the student cooperative store, a trio that walked away with candy, cigarettes and lighter fluid. Wood surely informed readers of the University of Iowa's impressive 18-point comeback victory over Oregon in October 1949. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A newspaper cost just a nickel, while Wood would occasionally nab tips as large as a quarter once a month from a house downtown. One of his daily deliveries even took him to the old Iowa City Press-Citizen building at 319 E. Washington St., the publication's home from 1937 to 1991. Wood's childhood job taught him about the newspaper industry, six years studying a profession of intrigue and thrills from afar, an intricate printing process long ago abandoned for computerized copy and layout. A journey of love and memories Wood was in town last week hoping to check a few things off his bucket list alongside his wife, Margarita. One of those items included retracing his exact paper route in 1949, taking him to local businesses and a few residences. I wanted to visit places where weve been happy, Wood said. Other journeys Wood hopes to check off his bucket list include a summer getaway in Nantucket and a winter trip to Vermont, pending a big-time lottery win. More: Columnist Richard Hakes believes retiring in Iowa City is a no-brainer The Iowa City trip was uniquely his, and his face lit up as he passed some of the few remaining relics from his brief but firmly imprinted time in Iowa City. David and Margarita Wood met in Buffalo, New York just over a quarter century ago. They married at Niagara Falls just a few years later. The pair recently flew from their current home in The Villages, a massive 80,000-person retirement community in Florida, to Chicago to meet up with Margaritas son, Ted Nenov and his wife, Sheri. The four drove to Iowa City the weekend of Aug. 19 to explore the remnants of Wood's childhood and to help him navigate the changing community. David and Margarita Wood pose for a photo on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Wood spent years as a paper boy in Iowa City as a child, wandering through the Pentacrest and taking refuge from cold winter temperatures in Macbride Hall, home of the UI's Museum of Natural History. An ode to a long-time profession Young, eager newspaper carriers are all but a thing of the past today, replaced by the U.S. Postal Service or adult workers. However, for Wood's generation and many after, the job was essentially a rite of passage. It taught responsibility, time management skills, and perhaps most of all, an appreciation for neighbors. Wood remembers being awestruck as he entered the Press-Citizen headquarters for the first time, one of Iowa City's tallest buildings. I remember it as a monument back then, he said. Now, it really is one. Wood was captivated by the teleprinter machines that delivered news seemingly out of thin air at a lightning pace, the best form of communication for local news outlets like the Press-Citizen. Wood worked his way up from the initial six deliveries to significantly larger routes throughout town. He remembers every one of the quickly diminishing familiar facades he saw along his journey. Wood lived in Iowa City for eight years while his father held a position as a University of Iowa geography professor. A childhood built on news Wood was initially drawn to the St. Paul Lutheran Chapel at the intersection of Jefferson and Gilbert Street when his 2023 tour began. He then passed by his familys home on Fairchild Street, where they were joined by other university faculty. Wood also pointed out his final residential delivery along Van Buren Street near Iowa Avenue, which belonged to the Heinz family. The Press-Citizen gave Wood more responsibilities as his newspaper delivery skills improved, which included trips to downtown bars to sell paper copies during happy hour. It never worked, he said. More: Harry's Bar & Grill serves up classic tastes with an homage to old bookstore Other times, he would stand out on the street corner with the late edition. He avoided yelling the cliche, extra, extra, as depicted in movies, his wife said jokingly. Once, on a blustery wintry day, he was instructed to stand on the street corner despite temperatures more than 20 degrees below zero. He remembers wrapping his face in scarves and a hat so only his eyes were visible. On those cold days, Wood found refuge in what is now the UI Museum of Natural History inside Macbride Hall, using the campus building to warm up. He couldn't pass up a return visit as a well-traveled adult. A family strengthened through a love of Iowa City The Wood family frequently visited City Park to swim or check out the animals, with raccoons caged throughout and other animals. The highlight was when lions were brought in, just as the Woods were getting ready to leave town. The family would also take a dip in the new pool and fish in the nearby pond. Last weeks trip also took the Woods to Kinnick Stadium, past the Jefferson Hotel in downtown Iowa City and to a spot where he and his father shot BB guns. His father rolled his own cigarettes and would hand the empty tobacco pouches to Wood. He'd store his newspaper money in the pouches. After six years as a paper boy and the formative years of his young life spent in Iowa City, Wood and his family moved to the East Coast in 1955 for his father's new job. "There was nothing I didn't like about Iowa City," Wood said. His 2023 tour brought back tons of nostalgia, with his eyes snapping around, looking for any relics of the mid-20th century. Though became a CPA, he has continued his ferocious consumption of news, which can be traced back to his many days spent hand-delivering it to locals. I credit my time as a paper boy for making me the news junkie I have been my entire life, Wood said. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: News never dies: 80-year-old returns to canvas childhood paper route A person posted a photo of their shredded luggage on the Delta Air Lines subreddit. They claimed that they were traveling to Europe on Air France, a Delta Air Lines partner. "It was a durable strong bag. Was is now a keyword," the person wrote. The Delta Air Lines subreddit went wild after someone said their checked bag got shredded on its way to Europe. "The way delta/airfrance returned my checked baggage. Everything is missing," a person with the username Time_Wall1561 said in a post on Reddit on Sunday. The post included a photo of what appeared to be a mangled blue and black bag with an enormous rip down the middle. "Only thing left was the airtag strapped to it," the Reddit user wrote in a follow-up post. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In other posts on the platform, the Reddit user said their bag was damaged while they were traveling to Athens via Delta and Air France. They also added that they have now been left "6100 miles away from home with one pair of underwear for 30 days." "They gave me a new nice bag, not a voucher though. Saving all receipts though hopefully for reimbursement," Time_Wall1561 said in a follow-up post on the bag debacle. Delta Air Lines lists Air France as one of its partner airlines. The Reddit user did not specify when the flight took place, and Insider was not able to independently confirm their flight details. Nonetheless, people on the r/delta subreddit were shocked by the state of the bag in the photo and how damaged it was. "Was that thing hanging out of the plane for the whole flight?" one Reddit user asked in a comment upvoted more than 500 times. Other commenters were amazed that luggage tags were somehow still intact and hanging onto the bag's handles. And some people wondered how it was even possible to shred a bag so thoroughly. "Is that bag made from tissue paper?" one person asked. "It was a durable strong bag. Was is now a keyword," Time_Wall1561 replied. The shredded bag has also become a fair warning for people thinking of checking a piece of luggage. "Wow. That's terrible. But it confirms a rule I've always had: never check a soft bag, like a duffel or backpack," said another Reddit user. Representatives for Delta Air Lines and Air France did not immediately respond to requests for comments from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Insider Democrats are stressing the need to appeal early to Black voters, a key voting bloc to President Biden in 2020 that is set to play an essential role in 2024. Four years ago, many across the country were still mourning the murder of George Floyd and facing a reckoning over race and police brutality. Demands for change and accountability brought voting rights and criminal justice reform into the forefront, inspiring more outrage and activism nationwide. While Biden has since touted major improvements for the Black community specifically, a divided Capitol Hill has put critical legislation at a standstill. And strategists now say Democrats need to show those same voters what the administration has done for them or risk low turnout numbers in November. We have to be very clear about the barrier were trying to overcome, said Terrance Woodbury, the founding partner and CEO of HIT Strategies, a Democratic consultancy. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The barrier here is not how do we make them like Biden. The barrier here is how do we convince them that government works? he said. We do that by showing how we make their lives better. Democrats see some inherent advantages ahead of the general election. For one, Black voters know and support Biden as the partys presumptive nominee. His loyalty and track record during the Obama years have afforded him credibility and allowed him to build on that established trust. He then delivered an early return on their investment when he successfully beat former President Trump in a high-stakes contest, easing Democratic voters top concern and further bolstering his positive standing. Though many expect the next fall election to be a Biden vs. Trump redux, theres a shared sentiment among the Democratic Party establishment and grassroots that Black voters need more this cycle than an anti-Trump message to inspire and motivate a diverse electorate. The message might work for some but needs to be tailored accordingly, strategists are warning. It depends on which Black voters were targeting, Woodbury said. For Black women, the threat of Republicans is quite mobilizing. The threat of more guns on the street, the threat of limiting access to abortion, the threat of limiting access to voting. Some of that is borne out in polling. Turnout among Black voters dipped during the last midterms, with some in the party citing more stability during the Biden years compared to Trump, creating less momentum and urgency to vote. While Black women still say they intend to vote against the GOP, other segments of the Black voting population, however, have expressed more apathy, Woodbury says. For that part of the Black coalition, Black men and younger Black voters, the threat of Republicans is not enough, he said. For those voters, its not even the promise of what they will do in the next four years. Its the progress of what theyve done in the last four years. Democratic campaign operatives and organizers are now turning their attention toward talking up the positive results during Bidens first term. Black unemployment numbers have significantly decreased, falling to a low of 4.7 percent, according to the White House. The administration has also invested in educational programs, including pouring nearly $7 billion in resources to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), a point of pride for the White House and Vice President Harris, who went to Howard University. Special interest groups say that the record investments in other areas like child tax credits, housing vouchers, and educational programs are policies that the Biden campaign should emphasize in great detail on the trail. Dominik Whitehead, who serves as vice president of campaigns at the NAACP, argued the funding for HBCUs should be a major part of the Biden reelection campaigns communication to the Black community. But he said more can be done on the economic front. We have low unemployment numbers in history when it comes to Black folks having jobs in this country, but then the question is how are you messaging and framing that to Black folks in states and letting them know that? Whitehead said. What are those jobs? In terms of equity, are those jobs closing the wealth gap in this country? Theres also an issue of timing. Multiple Black Democratic sources told The Hill there are plenty of initiatives Bidens team has advanced, like the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed through Congress but have yet to display the full effects. When voters cant see concrete results immediately, the challenge becomes convincing skeptical voters of a future benefit. A lot of the stuff that has been accomplished, people cant feel it just yet because its more long-term implementation, said Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright, a close ally of Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), a high-profile member of the Congressional Black Caucus who was integral to Bidens winning coalition in the presidential primary. Biden has also given other major nods to Black voters in the form of representation. The president has nominated more Black women to federal courts than all other White House occupants combined and got Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, confirmed in a challenging political climate. He also last month designated a new national monument to honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. Beyond policy and representation, Democrats are also pleased with his progress on the political front, including wading into campaign politics by pushing the Democratic National Committee to make South Carolina the first state to hold a primary ahead of Iowa or New Hampshire. Additionally, theyve celebrated major events in civil rights, setting the tone for their national significance. Biden and Harris on Monday will commemorate the anniversary of the March on Washington by meeting with community leaders and members of Martin Luther King Jr.s family, 60 years after then-President Kennedy and King met in the Oval Office. Biden will also host a reception and give remarks to commemorate the day. Black voters are pivotal members of the Democratic coalition that successfully took our party over the finish line in winning back the White House, increasing our membership in the Senate, and staving off a red wave during the midterm elections, said Tracy Falon King, director of Outreach Communications at the DNC, which is a sponsor of the March. King added the DNC is expected to redouble their mobilization and engagement efforts for Black voters, which will ultimately help them build on the momentum of key accomplishments like lowering prescription drug costs and reducing the child poverty rate by half. For all advancements, there are still points of contention, some say, over issues early into the election cycle where Biden and Democrats havent been able to move the needle. The Republican-led effort in several key states to limit access to voting rights is still top of mind for those who see voting as the most democratic and actionable way to protect their freedoms. Biden signed an executive order to direct his administration to expand access to the right to vote in March 2021. But the voting rights bill named after the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) was blocked in the Senate in November 2021 after it passed the then-Democratic House. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Many were also optimistic the Biden-led effort on student loan forgiveness, including canceling large sums for Pell Grant recipients that would directly impact many Black borrowers, would alleviate existing debt and also galvanize voters to turn out for Biden and fellow Democrats. Both of those efforts voting rights legislation and student debt forgiveness were stifled by conservatives in the Senate and Supreme Court, respectively. So far, Black voters have not turned against Biden for the limitations of a divided Washington. Instead, theres a more concerted focus on maximizing what has been done. Black voters like Joe Biden. They like him, but they are still frustrated, Woodbury said. Their frustration is as much about the state of politics as it is about Joe Bidens ability to fix the state of politics. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Hammond man is facing a murder charge after allegedly killing his father. Jaylan JJ Mendoza, 21, of Hammond was charged Aug. 24 with murder in the Aug. 20 death of Delwin McCloud, 42. Advertisement He made a court appearance Monday where a public defender was appointed. His next court date is Sept. 7 before Judge Natalie Bokota. Hammond Police responded Aug. 20 to the 3800 block of 176th Place for a reported homicide. Advertisement Witnesses said they heard arguing before gunshots. Police found eight bullet casings. McCloud had been shot in both legs, once in the right forearm, and once in the chest. Mendoza, McCloud and a woman went to a motorcycle club picnic in Zion, Illinois that day, court records said. There, they drank for several hours. McCloud and Mendoza got into a physical fight after arguing about Mendozas drinking. McCloud and the woman left him there and went home. Someone gave Mendoza a ride to his grandmothers house in Chicago. From there, she took him back to McClouds Hammond home to get his clothes. As she pulled off, she heard arguing and gunshots, but thought it was coming from a party house on the corner. A witness said they saw Mendoza standing over McCloud, saying Aww, Dad, before he ran away. Video appeared to show Mendoza arriving on the stoop with a gun in his waistband. He knocked on McClouds door, then persisted when no one answered. Advertisement Knocking at my door like you crazy, McCloud tells him. Where my (stuff) at, Mendoza said. Its right there, go get it, McCloud said. Watch out, watch out, What the (expletive), someone says, as shots are fired. mcolias@post-trib.com Ukraine will announce later on Aug. 28 the mandatory evacuation of children from two front-line districts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk said on television. "Today we will have a meeting of the evacuation headquarters, where we will announce a mandatory evacuation of children from two districts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast: the Vasylivka and Polohy districts," Vereshchuk said. "We have to evacuate 54 children from five settlements," she added. The official noted that there is already mandatory evacuation of children underway in the Vovchansk community in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast, as well as in Donetsk Oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, there are 89 children still living in the front-line settlements of Donetsk Oblast after officials announced the mandatory evacuation of minors from nine settlements in the area earlier in August. The evacuation of civilians from parts of the Kupiansk district was ordered in response to the growing concentration of Russian forces in the area since July. Read also: NGO: 11 deported Ukrainian children return home Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Alabama deputy sheriff kidnapped and sexually assaulted a woman who feared hed shoot her if she didnt cooperate, according to federal prosecutors. Now a judge has sentenced Joshua Davidson, 33, to more than a decade in federal prison, according to the Department of Justice. The case stems from when Davidson pulled the woman over around 8:11 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2020, near B&B Grocers in Selma, when she told the deputy her license was suspended and the car was her sisters, court documents say. While on-duty for the Dallas County Sheriffs Office in Alabama, Davidson questioned the woman about residue in her lap which she said was tobacco before he removed her from the car, handcuffed her and detained her in the back of his patrol car, according to court documents. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Davidson started to issue a traffic ticket before giving the woman two options: go to jail or perform oral sex on him, a sentencing memorandum filed in court says. The woman refused to perform oral sex and said he might as well take her to jail, according to the sentencing memo, which says she then asked if he could let her go with a warning because she needed to get home to take care of her young son. Instead, Davidson kidnapped the woman, who initially believed she was being taken to jail, and instead drove her down a dark road to a desolate field where he forced her to perform oral sex, according to prosecutors. At the time, his hand was placed on what the woman believed was his gun, the sentencing memo says. On Aug. 25, Davidson was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for sexually assaulting the woman, the Department of Justice announced. Todays sentence sends a clear message that officers who abuse their positions of power to sexually assault women in their custody will face significant prison time for their unlawful actions, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. McClatchy News contacted Gordon Armstrong, Davidsons attorney, for comment on Aug. 28 and didnt receive an immediate response. Armstrong previously told McClatchy News in October, when Davidson was indicted, that he was fired from his position as deputy in early 2020 and has been complying with court orders since. After Davidson was fired by the Dallas County Sheriffs Office, he has worked in the private sector, according to Armstrong, who declined to provide more details about his current employment. Davidson warns woman hed find her car if she speaks up Following the sexual assault, Davidson said he would destroy the womans traffic ticket and told her to never speak of what happened, according to the sentencing memo. If she did, he threatened to come back and find her car and charge her with the same thing down the line, the sentencing memo says. Davidson then drove the woman to B&B Grocers, told her to go inside and pretend to buy something, according to the sentencing memo. Store surveillance footage recorded the woman walking into the store around 9:07 p.m. when she was seen making a call on her phone, the sentencing memo says. The footage captured Davidson stepping inside the store a minute later and staring at the woman, who leaves, according to the sentencing memo. After leaving, the woman immediately called her sister, and told her she was assaulted by the deputy, the sentencing memo says. Around 9:20 p.m., the sister reported the assault to Dallas County dispatchers, according to the sentencing memo. Afterward, Davidson misled Alabama Law Enforcement Agency special agents about the assault, an indictment states. Prosecutors request a lengthier sentence for Davidson Before Davidson was sentenced to 12.5 years, prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo that there is no amount of prison time that can undo the lasting effects that this sexual assault will have on (the womans) life. Similarly, there is no amount of prison time that can restore public trust in the law enforcement community, which (Davidson) significantly damaged when he committed this sexual assault. They argued in support of a 20-year prison sentence. Davidson previously pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in the case, his plea agreement shows. As part of the agreement, he agreed to plead guilty to a felony count of first-degree kidnapping in the state case filed against him over the Jan. 30, 2020, incident. Now hes due to be sentenced in the state case. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Woman sues over sexual abuse at all-female prison known as rape club, she says Cop followed teen home after noise complaint, then raped her in police car, feds say Deputy threatened to kill female inmate after rape at Georgia jail, lawsuit says Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was booed by attendees at a Jacksonville vigil for three people shot and killed by a white supremacist gunman on Saturday. Your policies caused this! one member of the crowd shouted. Councilwoman JuCoby Pittman was forced to step in and address the crowds jeers. It aint about parties today, she said. A bullet dont know a party. The boos from the crowd in Jacksonville were so loud for Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis that Councilwoman JuCoby Pittman had to stop the Governor to settle the crowd and remind them to put politics aside in this moment. pic.twitter.com/SPas87T50L Steph Wash (@WashNews) August 27, 2023 On Saturday, a shooter identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter killed three people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville. Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr., 19; and Jerrald Gallion, 29, were identified as the victims. Palmeter died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Before driving to the store, Palmeter first attempted to enter the Edward Waters University campus, a historically Black institution, before being turned away. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a press conference Saturday that the shooter had left behind several manifestos aimed at his parents, the media, and law enforcement. Portions of these manifestos detailed the shooters disgusting ideology of hate, Waters said. Plainly put, this shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people. In a video statement released Saturday, DeSantis called the shooter a scumbag, and said race-based violence was totally unacceptable. We send our condolences to the victims and their families, who were the victims of a very cowardly act, he added. DeSantis campaigning in IA today calls the Jacksonville shooting horrific, cowardly and apparently racially motivated, via a video statement from his office. pic.twitter.com/C3ofm7Blvh Hannah Knowles (@KnowlesHannah) August 26, 2023 Authorities stated that Palmeter had purchased the handgun and AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting legally in June. In April of this year, DeSantis signed a law allowing the concealed carrying of handguns without a permit. Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon, a Democrat who represents the Jacksonville area, accused DeSantis of having blood on his hands, during a Sunday interview with MSNBC. He has had an attack, an all-out attack on the Black community with his anti-woke policies, which we know very well was nothing more than a dog whistle to get folks up and riled up in the way in which it just happened yesterday. As I listened to him for the first time with that statement, my blood is literally boiling, she said. Myself and other representatives, particularly Black representatives, throughout the past few legislative sessions, we have repeatedly told him what his rhetoric was going to do. And that is exactly what transpired on yesterday, Nixon added. "Look, at the end of the day, the governor has blood on his hands We have repeatedly told him what his rhetoric was going to do, and that is exactly what transpired " Florida State Rep. @AngieNixon (D), who represents Jacksonville, on DeSantis' condemnation of shooter pic.twitter.com/jwQbOIGbUu The Recount (@therecount) August 28, 2023 Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), himself a survivor of a 2016 shooting at a Halloween parade in Orlando, Florida, called for DeSantis to convene a special legislative session on gun violence prevention in the state. Its the same ask Ive had for the governor for years, and its to actually take action on gun violence prevention, Frost said. He also needs actual steps to move away and stop championing, and stop embracing, this far right-wing movement that is the home of the shooter, Frost added. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Governor Ron DeSantis visit to Jacksonville to participate in a vigil held for the three victims killed in this weekends racially motivated mass shooting generated mixed reactions from members of the community and political leaders. Action News Jax Jake Stofan reports a chorus of boos greeted the Governor as he took the podium. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< DeSantis was greeted by boos and criticisms of his policies when he took the podium at Sundays vigil. We are not gonna let people be targeted based on their race. We are gonna stand up and we are gonna do what we need to do to make sure that evil does not triumph in the State of Florida, said DeSantis. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On Monday, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan told Action News Jax she was happy the Governor made the visit. A lot of grief over the fact that this happens over and over again, and I think that its instructive for him to be here to see that firsthand, said Deegan. Republican State Representative Kiyan Michael, who represents the beaches but grew up near New Town, argued DeSantis decision to step into the situation is a testament to his leadership. At the end of it all, regardless of what someone thinks or whether they like him or not like him, it takes a lot of guts. It takes someone that has a lot of boldness, but it also and mostly takes compassion, said Michael. READ: Racially motivated mass shooting renews push for Jacksonville Chief of Diversity and Inclusion UNF Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Binder noted while the boos certainly generated headlines, in terms of campaign strategy, not showing up could have been worse. And I could certainly see his campaign spinning that to almost be a badge of honor. Listen, I show up in the tough places and I handled the boos, said Binder. State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), who represents New Town, told us she hopes the visit was more than a political stunt. There was a four-year-old. She lost her dad. She lost her dad and I hope that the image of her stays with him for the rest of his life. Because again, a lot of the hateful rhetoric that led to this has come out of his mouth, said Nixon. On Monday morning, Governor DeSantis announced $1 million for additional security at Edward Waters University, the historically Black university where the gunman initially went to before opening fire in the nearby Dollar General. Additionally, Volunteer Florida contributed $100,000 to the fund for victims families. You can donate here. [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. MIAMI Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis handling of back-to-back crises a racist mass shooting and a potentially catastrophic hurricane could help burnish his image as a can-do, effective governor or further damage his standing with Black Americans who have grown livid over his policies. Already, DeSantis attempts to show leadership in the immediate aftermath of the Saturday shooting were poorly received by some Black lawmakers, Democrats and residents in Florida. In the hours after a 21-year-old white man killed three Black Floridians near a historically Black college in Jacksonville, several state Democrats blamed DeSantis, who is running for president, for creating an environment, through policies such as loosening gun laws and ending diversity programs, that helped hate fester. DeSantis has condemned the shooting and said "targeting people due to their race has no place in this state of Florida." But attending a Sunday night vigil in Jacksonville, he was jeered and booed by people who had come out to remember the victims. At one point, a Jacksonville Democratic councilmember stepped in to calm the crowd, urging people to "put parties aside." Later during the event, a pastor took issue with DeSantis describing the gunman as a scumbag, and said he should have used the word racist instead. The vigil stood in contrast to press conferences in Tallahassee on Sunday and Monday, when DeSantis appeared visibly tired but spoke authoritatively about preparations overseeing Tropical Storm Idalia, which is forecast to become a major hurricane. He canceled campaign appearances and fundraisers, and told Floridians Sunday they could rest assured because I am here and would get the job done. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He needs to be in Florida for as long as it takes, said Adam Hollingsworth, the former chief of staff to Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who served as governor before DeSantis. His presidential ambitions could be a distraction, but first Gov. DeSantis has to dance with the one who brought him. Right now, that's the people of Florida. Though the shooting and looming storm are taking DeSantis away from campaigning for president following a high-profile debate, theyll also allow voters and donors to see the governor at work leading the hurricane response, letting the public assess how he balances multiple priorities, displays empathy and projects leadership in moments of tragedy. At the same time, the shooting has shined a spotlight on DeSantis record and vulnerabilities on race, one of the areas for which he has faced the most criticism and controversy as governor. In times of tragedy, opponents are looking for a misstep, acknowledged Craig Fugate, who led Floridas emergency division under Gov. Jeb Bush and oversaw FEMA during the Obama administration. They're looking for something to go wrong particularly for the opponents; theyre looking for something to capitalize on, Fugate said. DeSantis began his Monday morning hurricane preparedness press conference by first addressing the mass shooting. He pledged $1 million in security funding to Edward Waters University, a historically Black university that the gunman is believed to have initially targeted, as well as $100,000 toward a charity for the families of the victims. He also deployed state law enforcement officials to evaluate the campus security and make additional recommendations, pledging to continue to assist in the days and weeks ahead. But many Democrats in the state panned his response. They pointed to laws he enacted in Florida to carve up representation in a Black-majority district that eventually led a Black Democratic congressman, Rep. Al Lawson, to lose his seat. They also pointed to his policies, approved by the GOP-led Legislature, banning what he calls critical race theory in schools, as well as his defense of a public school curriculum on Black history that required middle-school teachers to instruct that enslaved people developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. Florida Minority House Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Black Democrat of Tampa, said it was absolutely the right decision for DeSantis to attend the vigil but added that she didnt want to give him a pass. The reality is, a number of wrongheaded decisions about the state of Florida, and who we are as a people, I think contributed to this charged political climate that resulted in the violence that we saw, Driskell said in an interview. The accused gunman, identified as Ryan Palmeter, had a racist manifesto and drew swastikas on his weapons. He also had a history of mental illness, having been involuntarily institutionalized for emergency mental health services as a teenager, police said. During DeSantis vigil remarks Sunday, Democratic state Rep. Angela Nixon, who represents the district where the shooting took place, could be seen glaring at the governor in videos and photos widely shared on social media. We feel the same, the NAACP wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The civil rights organization previously released a travel advisory against Florida, one the DeSantis team dismissed as a political stunt. It has become increasingly apparent that DeSantis is more concerned with appealing to an extremist minority than protecting American lives, NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement. Nixon too didnt hold back. Shortly after Saturdays shooting, she posted on social media: Its kinda hard to believe @RonDeSantis and his condemnation of the shooter, when he continually pushes anti-Black policies. A white man in his early twenties specifically went to kill BLACK PEOPLE. The governor of our state of Florida has created an environment ripe for this. Asked about the dual crises and a response to Democrats criticisms, campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin said DeSantis was focused on leading his state through these challenging moments and cited the governors actions on both the hurricane and in assisting the Jacksonville community. This is the strong leadership in times of crisis that Americans can expect from a President DeSantis. The governor's office accused "activists Democrats" of "attempting to exploit this tragedy to advance a political agenda." "The governors focus is on providing support to Jacksonville and taking action to heal the community," deputy press secretary Julia Friedland said. Hollingsworth said he thought DeSantis was doing all the right things through committing resources to the Jacksonville community and attending the vigil, saying it was important to show empathy and support for a hurting community. In times of trouble, people want to know their leaders have their backs, he said. Even before he formally launched his presidential campaign, DeSantis spent much of his time outside Florida, often drawing criticism from Democrats who accused him of ignoring the needs of the nations third most-populous state. The rush back from Caucus-first Iowa underscores the balancing act the governor faces amid a grueling campaign season. Its the bare minimum, said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat who frequently criticizes the governor. In the context of responding to a hurricane, of course you're supposed to be here and to help communicate what first responders are doing. In the context of innocent people being murdered for the color of their skin by a racist gunman, the bare minimum is to express condolences with loved ones. Anybody in state office who is also running for national office has to reckon with questions over whether voters within their own state feel they and the issues they face are being ignored, Fugate said. It always becomes a question, he said. Are they doing their day job? DeSantis has faced this juggling act before. Last year, he left his gubernatorial reelection campaign to attend to Hurricane Ian rather than continue to roll out policy plans for Florida on the trail. He stood with President Joe Biden during a news conference following Ian and during another tragedy, the Surfside building collapse. His allies considered his approach on both events to be a vindication, given that he won a historic, 20-point reelection victory in November 2022. The governor has shown an ability to very successfully manage our state through a hurricane, said Christian Ziegler, who chairs the Republican Party of Florida. I have confidence he'll do that once again. The White House said Biden and DeSantis spoke Monday morning and that FEMA deployed emergency personnel to the state. It was crucial to step up in life threatening situations and put the people first, DeSantis said Monday. We have the responsibility as Americans to come together and do what we can to mitigate any damage and to protect people, he said in response to a question about the 2024 race. But DeSantis too has moved natural disasters into the political arena, including by calling out Biden during the GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee over his approach to the Maui fires. In recent months, Florida Democrats have hammered DeSantis over property insurance costs in the state, as Republicans have said the market could take a couple of years to stabilize. Fugate said hurricanes were among the tasks that governors could not delegate to someone else, and predicted that, particularly in the case of a serious storm, DeSantis would likely get more national coverage than if he was on the campaign trail. The DeSantis campaign wouldnt be hurt if he focused on hurricane relief efforts for weeks or even a month, he said. Most of the other GOP candidates running for president are polling in the single digits, though DeSantis still remains a distant second against former President Donald Trump. The advantage he will have, he said, is that more moderate Republicans and Independents will see him in a different mode than his campaign rhetoric. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is scrapping two campaign fundraisers in South Florida as the state braces for a major hurricane to make landfall on the Gulf Coast this week, according to two people familiar with the plans. DeSantis was originally scheduled to appear at a breakfast event in Weston on Tuesday, as well as a cocktail-hour fundraiser in Miami later in the day, where he was expected to begin accepting campaign contributions in cryptocurrency. Both appearances were canceled on Monday as DeSantis and his administration prepared to respond to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a major hurricane before it makes landfall along Floridas Gulf Coast this week. A spokesperson for DeSantis campaign confirmed the cancellations to the Miami Herald. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In the face of the impending major hurricane, Ron DeSantis is focused on leading his state through this challenging moment, Bryan Griffin, the press secretary for DeSantis campaign, said. Hes now at the helm of Floridas hurricane response and is working with local officials across the state to do everything necessary to ensure Florida is fully prepared. This is the strong leadership in times of crisis that Americans can expect from a President DeSantis. The National Hurricane Centers latest forecast on Monday morning showed Tropical Storm Idalia strengthening rapidly as it moves through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The most recent projections call for the storm to hit somewhere along Floridas Big Bend as a Category 3 hurricane late Tuesday or early Wednesday. DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency and mobilized the Florida National Guard. He spoke with President Joe Biden on Monday about the hurricane and disaster relief efforts, according to the White House. The fundraiser cancellations mark the second instance this week that DeSantis has scrapped planned campaign appearances to deal with challenges at home. He was set to attend Rep. Jeff Duncans Faith & Freedom BBQ in South Carolina Monday evening, but canceled those plans on Sunday. His wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis , will attend the barbeque in his place. The fundraiser in Miami, which was first reported last week by Politico, was expected to be particularly noteworthy for DeSantis, marking his campaigns foray into the world of cryptocurrency donations. Other 2024 presidential candidates, including Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have already begun accepting campaign contributions in cryptocurrency. President Joe Biden spoke with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning as Floridas Gulf Coast braces for a potentially devastating hurricane. In the call, Biden told DeSantis that he had approved an emergency declaration ahead of the storms expected landfall this week, according to a statement released by the White House. At the same time, FEMA has already pre-deployed personnel in anticipation of the storm. The emergency declaration allows FEMA to quickly coordinate disaster-relief efforts and deploy resources to Florida. The announcement came as the National Hurricane Center released its latest forecast for Tropical Storm Idalia showing the storm making landfall in Floridas Big Bend as a Category 3 hurricane early Wednesday morning. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Over the weekend, DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for 33 counties, spanning from Lee County in Southwest Florida to Franklin County in the panhandle. He has also mobilized 1,100 members of the state National Guard. At a Monday morning press conference, he said that evacuation orders will be issued for several Gulf Coast counties. The impending storm is bearing down on Florida at a crucial moment for DeSantis, whos seeking the GOPs 2024 presidential nomination. His poll numbers have slid in the months since he launched his campaign, and hes working to make inroads in key early voting states, most notably Iowa. He was previously scheduled to attend U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncans annual Faith & Freedom BBQin South Carolina on Monday, but scrapped those plans amid challenges at home. His wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis , will attend the South Carolina barbeque in his place. Biden also spoke to DeSantis about a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville over the weekend that left three Black people dead, according to the White House. DeSantis traveled to the city on Sunday where he pledged financial resources for the victims families and to ramp up security at Edward Waters University, a historically Black university in Jacksonville. DeSantis and Biden have long had an icy relationship, yet theyve shown a willingness to set aside their differences during past hurricanes. The two met last year in the wake of Hurricane Ian, where they emphasized their cooperation during a joint appearance. Mr. President, welcome to Florida, DeSantis said at the time. We appreciate working together across various levels of government. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday warned residents of his state to heed officials warnings immediately to begin preparing for what he described as a nasty major hurricane that is expected to hit Florida early Wednesday. At a press conference Monday morning, DeSantis provided an update on Tropical Storm Idalias trajectory and the states preparation efforts, while stressing to residents the importance of using Monday and the beginning of Tuesday to prepare for the storms impact. Today, you have time to do what you need to do. Youll have some time tomorrow, too, Tuesday. As we get later in the day, youre going to start seeing potential impacts wind and some rain and whatnot. So just understand that thats what its looking like, he said at the press conference. I think as we get into the late Tuesday, early Wednesday, its going to start to get really nasty, and, of course, theyre anticipating a landfall sometime Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon. So you have time to make the preparations, you have time to do what you need to do to protect yourself and your family, DeSantis continued. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement DeSantis warned that Idalia is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, but he noted that the storm originally was expected to be a tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane, so there really doesnt seem anything to prevent it from continuing to strengthen. This is going to be a major impact. And Floridians should expect that this storm will be a major Cat 3-plus hurricane, so please prepare accordingly, he said. DeSantis noted at the press conference that he had expanded the state of emergency he issued to cover an additional 13 counties, bringing the total number to 46 counties under a state of emergency. He told counties to request aid from the state immediately, cautioning that waiting until several hours before the storm hits will make it difficult to deliver the aid in time. He also said many Floridians, especially along the coast, should expect to get evacuation orders, which will apply probably from Pinellas, maybe even Manatee, all the way up through the Big Bend. DeSantis said the evacuation orders dont mean Floridians need to flee the state, but they should seek shelter somewhere with higher ground. Keep in mind, if youre told to evacuate, you do not need to drive hundreds of miles. You do not need to leave the state of Florida. You basically need to go to higher ground. In almost every instance, you can go tens of miles to a shelter, to a hotel, to a friends house, whatever works for you, and youll be able to ride out the storm, DeSantis said. The key is to not be in those areas that are going to be hit with big-time storm surge and that are going to potentially have life-threatening situations. He said families on the coast should expect school closures in the coming days, though he said those decisions would be made on a district-by-district level. If you are in the path of this storm anywhere on that Gulf Coast from the Tampa Bay area all the way up to Franklin County in Northwest Florida, just prepare for major impacts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida are mobilizing thousands of National Guard troops and utility crews as well as dozens of search and rescue teams as Tropical Storm Idalia lurches toward the states Gulf Coast. DeSantis on Monday also spoke with President Joe Biden, who told the Florida governor that he approved an emergency declaration for the state and vowed his full support ahead of the storm, which is expected to intensity into a major hurricane. There doesnt seem to be anything to prevent it from continuing to strengthen, DeSantis said Monday during a news conference in Tallahassee. This is going to be a major impact. DeSantis said hurricane warnings were issued from Sarasota County to Franklin County along the states West Coast and warned residents to heed local emergency officials who may quickly call for evacuations. The threat of coastal flooding could prompt evacuations for the barrier islands and low lying areas from Pinellas County to the Big Bend region. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Already, Pasco County just north of Tampa and Pinellas County on the west central coast issued mandatory evacuation orders for some parts of the county, including low-lying and flood-prone areas and for people living in manufactured and mobile homes. Hillborough County, which encompasses Tampa, also ordered people in coastal areas and mobile homes to leave their homes, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa International Airport will also close at around midnight. The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a Hurricane warning that stretches between Wakulla and Sarasota counties. Storm surge warnings were also issued for a larger area, between Franklin and Collier counties. The worst storm surges were predicted for the area Idalia could make landfall, with the Aucilla River in Northern Florida potentially seeing up to 11 feet of Gulf water pushed onto shore. Greater Tampa Bay could see a storm surge of seven feet. The storms impact in Florida are already being felt, with several school districts on Floridas Gulf Coast announcing closures beginning as soon as Monday in some cases, including Hernando County north of Tampa. DeSantis compared Idalias potential to Hurricane Michael, which grew to a powerful Category 5 storm just before it made landfall in Panama City almost four years ago. Florida emergency officials warned that Idalia could become a Category 4 hurricane when it makes landfall around north-central Florida sometime early Wednesday morning. The storm is expected to hold much of its strength as it moves across the state, but easing before it enters the Atlantic coast north of Jacksonville, said Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Were expecting this to be full hurricane strength throughout the entire strength of Florida, Guthrie said. DeSantis also expanded the state emergency declaration from 33 counties over the weekend to 14 more on Monday. Some of the counties are not currently in the direct path of the storm, but that could change given the unpredictable nature of extreme weather events. Youve got waters that are warm and theres not really going to be much to slow it down, DeSantis said. We can hope for the best but I believe we should prepare for the worst. Idalia will also be another test for Floridas ailing insurance industry, which has seen dozens of companies leave due to instability in the market. DeSantis called a special legislative session last year to deal with the failing insurance market last year, but carriers have continued to leave, including Farmers insurance, which pulled out of the state in July. DeSantis said it was too early to discuss whether the GOP-led Legislature will hold another special session to create new legislation focused on insurance. Obviously, I wouldnt want the storm, that obviously would be better for us, DeSantis said. But I think that how people who have come into the market will be able to respond to this storm will be more feasible and sustainable than prior to our reform. Florida began making preparations for the storm about a week ago. DeSantis said he has already called in 2,500 members of the Florida National Guard, and he plans to call in 3,000 more in the coming days. The state National Guard is also bringing in dozens of high-water rescue vehicles and airplanes. The state Division of Emergency Management has also made a national request for helicopters from other state national guards. DEM is also gathering tens of thousands of electric utility crews who will quickly flood areas that lost power. DeSantis said there will be plenty of power outages as the storm topples trees and heavy branches. He urged local power utility companies to accept offers of help from the contracted crews. We believe time is the essence when it comes to power restoration, DeSantis said. We have the folks available and that can be helpful. ValpoNEXT Civic Pitch Night set for Wednesday ValpoNEXT is holding a Civic Pitch Night at Butterfield Family Pavilion from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday. Join us as members of the Valparaiso community present original ideas that will have a positive impact on the community. Residents attending this event will vote to select which presentation will be the winner of the first-place award ($1,000) and the second-place award ($500). The presenters were pre-selected from respondents who answered a call for submissions earlier this year. The four presentations will include Ashley Kruse, who will be presenting an idea to create a Certified Habitat and Outdoor Classroom at Memorial Elementary; Susie Young Baxter from PanoramaNow, who will be pitching an Open Mic Event open to all residents of Valparaiso; Sue Hord, who will show her idea to use lawn signs to as a way to engage with your neighbors; and Karina Trivedi, a student at Ben Franklin Middle School, who will champion a Youth Internship Program. Advertisement DOJ awards $1M to Gary for license plate reader cameras The City of Gary will be the recipient of $1 million in Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Community Project funding, U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson and Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus said in a release. The funding will be used for permanent mounted LPR cameras, stationery video surveillance cameras and associated recurring costs, the release said. The benefits of having the technology and equipment will build on officer safety, focusing on high crime targeted areas and connecting with the residents, the release said. Advertisement Agriculture Society makes $51K donation to Food Bank The Porter County Agriculture Society recently donated $51,140.00 to the Northwest Indiana Food Bank at the August fair board meeting, according to a release. Those attending the Jelly Roll, John Pardi, Zach Williams and Cory Asbury, and the Oak Ridge Boys concerts at the Porter County Fair bid on various items auctioned by Jonathan Kraft of Kraft Auction to support the statewide FAIRs Care initiative, a release said. Meat valuing $10,000 from the Porter County Celebration Sale was also donated to the food bank. Victor Garcia, CEO of the NWI Food Bank told the fair board that funds will help families with food insecurities in Porter County, the release said. The donation exceeded the 2022 by $3,826. Learn about the FAIRs Care program at https://.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/competitions--contests/fairs-care. Mayor names new IT leader for Valparaiso Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy has named Paul Pryor as the citys IT director, according to a release, replacing Ron Ziolkowski, who retired after 25 years of service. Paul has broad knowledge of the technology needed to serve our departments and community. We are pleased to have his expertise on board, Murphy said in the release. Pryor has more than 20 years of experience in corporate information technologies and served as a field system engineer for Chester Inc. for nearly 20 years. Hundreds of furniture company workers just lost their jobs after a furniture company about an hour north of Charlotte closed abruptly over the weekend. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams workers were met with signs Saturday on the office door and a gate saying the Taylorsville plant was unexpectedly unable to continue business operations. Taylorsville in Alexander County is about one hour north of Charlotte. The layoffs affect 533 employees at three sites, according to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) filed Monday with the North Carolina Department of Commerce. There are 440 workers at One Comfortable Place, Taylorsville; 47 workers at 125 Lulu Lane, Statesville; and 46 employees at 375 Sharpe Lane, Hiddenite, in Alexander County, according to the report emailed to The Charlotte Observer. This has been an extremely difficult decision, as it means the loss of many dedicated and valued employees. Thus, any assistance that you can provide in helping us to place our employees in new work would be greatly appreciated, MG+BW CEO Chris Moye said in the WARN letter to the state. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The announcement was just the latest in a line of closures to befall North Carolinas once-robust furniture-making industry. Earlier this month, Asheboro-based Klaussner Furniture Industries Inc. said it was ceasing operations with nearly 900 job losses, WARN notices filed with the North Carolina Department of Commerce show. And last year, Ashley Furniture Furniture Industries permanently closed its Statesville facility, resulting in 111 layoffs, when the Wisconsin-based company consolidated operations, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Employees at several North Carolina sites for MG+BW were told not to report to work Monday, including at the main plant in Taylorsville as well as in Statesville, Hiddenite and teleworkers. We are sorry about the difficulties this may cause, the sign said. As soon as we have a schedule to get your tools & personal belongings, we will contact you. TTaylorsville furniture manufacturer Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams has been in operation since 1989. Owners Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams (center front) are shown in this 2014 file photo. SUSAN SMITH WALKER Significant challenges in furniture industry A letter posted on the door from Moye, dated Aug. 26 to employees, said The Mitchell Gold Co. was unable to secure financing to continue operations. He said the furniture industry has had significant challenges. Because these events were unforeseen, we were unable to provide you and others with more notice of this difficult decision, Moye said in the letter shared by The Taylorsville Times. Benefits, such as health insurance, end Aug. 31. The majority of employees termination date is Oct. 25, Moye said in the letter. The furniture company has been in business since 1989, focused on earth-friendly upholstery and handcrafted furniture, according to the company website. The Taylorsville factory covers nearly 1 million square feet, according to the company. MG+BW has over 700 employees, including its stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the companys website. Company officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture maker in abruptly closed Taylorsville, Statesville and Hiddenite plants citing financial challenges. Furniture company closing devastating A number of people in the area called MG+BWs closing devastating for employees and the communities. The closing of the Mitchell Gold Plant in Taylorsville, NC (my very small hometown) IS devastating. Not just to the workers of this large furniture plant, but to the community, and the businesses that have popped up around this large factory as well, Nikki King said Sunday on Facebook. Many will have to look outside of the community for a job in places that could be up to an hour away. This will also have a significant financial impact on the cities of Taylorsville and Hiddenite, Chris Childers said Sunday on Facebook. My heart goes out to all that were affected by this cowardly act of betrayal from people that claim to love and support their communities! Alexander County had no prior knowledge of the furniture companys closing, but is working with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, NCWorks and local industries to help employees. The sudden closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Alexander County is devastating news to many of the citizens and families that rely on employment there, and our hearts go out to them, said Marty Pennell, chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, in a statement Monday to The Charlotte Observer. Other companies offering jobs People in the furniture and other industries are offering support and job opportunities for the MG+BW workers. We never want to see this happen in the furniture industry, said Alex Reeves, president of Craftmaster Furniture in the statement from the county. He said this company is in a very healthy financial position and accepting applications. Tim Little, co-president of Schneider Mills, encourages job seekers to apply with the over 100-year-old textile company. Schneider Mills makes fabric for parachutes to automotive airbags and surgical bandages, according to the companys website. As a native of Alexander County, it is especially hard to see a local company close, Brandon Kale, plant manager at Paragon Films in Alexander County said in a statement. If we can offer work that supports families, thats want we want to do. More help for laid-off workers Alexander County commissioners and staff have been working with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board and NCWorks, a workforce resources hub, to help laid off MG+BW employees, the county said Monday. NCWorks can help with career planning and coaching, resume writing and review, job preparation workshops and training scholarships, and skills assessments. NCWorks staff will be at Catawba Valley Community College Alexander Applied Technologies Center, 230 Industrial Blvd., Taylorsville, this week and next week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. NCWorks staff cant file an unemployment claim, but can explain the steps. For more information, call the NCWorks Career Center at 828-466-5535. A pregnant woman accused of shoplifting was fatally shot by an Ohio police officer last week. The incident happened Thursday evening at a Kroger grocery store in Blendon Township, Ohio, about 16 miles from Columbus, WSYX reported. The woman, 21-year-old TaKiya Young, and other individuals were accused of stealing alcohol from the establishment. TaKiya Young, 21, was fatally shot by an Ohio police officer on Thursday. She was accused of stealing alcohol from a Kroger grocery store. (Photo: NBC4 Columbus/ Youtube Screenshot) In a three-minute video statement posted by the outlet, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford said that officers were already in the stores parking lot assisting a person who was locked out of their vehicle. Related: They Just Washed His Blood Off and Then Re-opened: Father of Two Killed By Security Guard After Allegedly Shoplifting 25-cent Cupcakes from a Milwaukee Convenience Store A Kroger employee informed the officers that the individual who stole the bottles was fleeing the scene. The chief said the worker pointed to Young, who was in a car described as a Lexus sedan with no plates parked in a space for the disabled in front of the store. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Belford alleged in his statement that officers demanded she get out of the car more than a dozen times, but she turned the car on and did not comply. The woman put the car in gear and accelerated forward, the chief added. The officer who was directly in the path of the oncoming car fired one shot through the front windshield. He continued, The car kept moving, and officers ran after it for about 50 feet. It then came to a stop on the sidewalk outside the store. Because the drivers door had been locked, officers immediately broke the drivers window so they could attend to the woman and begin medical assistance. First responders were also called to the scene, and Young was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Per WSYX, her unborn baby also died as a result of the incident. In the video, Belford did not publicly name Young or mention her pregnancy in his statement. However, he did say he was in touch with the family. The officers connected to the case were placed on administrative leave amid an investigation. As The Columbus Dispatch reported, the body camera footage has yet to be released, with officials citing necessary redactions under state law that need to be made. Her family told The Dispatch that police are trying to paint their own picture of Young before the footage is released to the public. She stole something from the store, her grandmother, Nadine Young, said, per the outlet. You didnt have to shoot the woman; she would have eventually gotten out of the car. You didnt have to kill her and the baby. According to reports, Young is survived by two sons, who are 3 and 6 years old. READ MORE HERE. If you thought Lexington had a lot of coffee and doughnut places before, well hold onto your hat. Because a new one is riding into town. Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts is one of the oldest and largest doughnut brands in the nation, with more than 341 locations. (For comparison, Krispy Kreme has 375 store locations.) Founded in Houston in 1936, Shipley serves do-nuts, kolaches and coffee, either hot or iced. The company wants to expand into Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri and Kansas. They are offering incentives to potential franchisees and hope to open stores in the next year to 18 months. Shipley is largely unknown in the Bluegrass. Mike Stout, director of franchise development, hopes to change that. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Were excited about our growth in the area for the future. Its important to find folks local to the market to work with, Stout said. He said he used to live in Louisville and knowing Lexington, I feel like we would do well there. How many Shipley stores could be coming to Lexington? Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts is looking for franchisees to open new locations in Lexington and several other Central Kentucky cities. Stout said he thinks the Lexington market could support six or seven Shipley stores eventually. They will be joining a booming coffee and pastries market. Central Kentucky already has Dunkin and Krispy Kreme, plus 7 Brew, The Human Bean, Panera, Starbucks and Common Grounds, among other popular local options. Dutch Bros is opening soon, Scooters is already in Winchester and Wawa is trying to get a toehold in Lexington. Heres what is coming to the closed Richmond Road LaRosas location, and when Wawa is coming. What else is going to be built in, near Brannon Crossing? On the doughnut side, theres also Donut Days, Franks, Spaldings, Donut World, and Parlor Doughnuts. Besides Lexington, Shipley is looking at the Frankfort, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Richmond, Louisville, Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Florence, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Independence, Jeffersontown, Owensboro and Paducah markets for expansion. Some Shipley Do-Nuts locations have drive-thrus while others do not. The stores sell doughnuts and kolches made fresh daily at each store. What makes Shipley Do-Nuts special? Our heritage weve been around for 85 years and our variety make us unique, Stout said. We make our doughnuts fresh every day in the store from a proprietary formula used since 1936. Texas-based Shipley Do-Nuts is one of biggest in the country, with plans to come into Kentucky. According to the menu, Shipley has more than 60 varieties, including iced, cake and filled versions. What are kolaches? Another point of distinction is kolaches, Stout said. These are made using the same yeast dough as the doughnuts but filled with either sweet or savory fillings, including sausage, ham and cheese and jalapenos and then baked. Its just a delicious product, people like them for lunch as well, Stout said. Its our number two product. Kolaches were brought to Texas in the 1880s by Czech immigrants who adapted what had been a sweet fruit-filed treat to an everyday staple. Stout said they are testing more fillings now and expect to expand the line. Whats on Shipleys drink menu? He said they also plan to expand the beverage menu. The company is rolling out botrista computerized beverage dispensers that can deliver everything from lattes to iced energy drinks in a variety of flavors. Shipley Do-Nuts hopes to open several locations in the area and around Kentucky. Shipley has been extremely well-received in new states such as Maryland and Georgia, which we opened earlier this year, said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Flynn Dekker in a news release. This is a great opportunity for potential franchisees to bring the brand to lucrative markets like Cincinnati, St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis and many more throughout the Midwest. Whats driving Shipley Do-Nuts expansion? Formerly family-owned, Shipley was acquired by private equity about two years ago and has focused on ways to take Texas favorites to customers with high-volume sales and rapid expansion. Stout said they have three models of stores, including an in-line version that doesnt need a drive-thru as well as versions with drive-thrus. Anyone interested in learning more about Shipley franchise opportunities can go to Ownashipley.com or Shipleydonuts.com. Shipley already has more than 340 locations in 12 states and expects to nearly double in size over the next five years. Its also looking to move into Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida and throughout the Southeast. An accused hit-and-run driver fatally struck a woman and crashed into a Houston-area home, Texas authorities say. On the night of Aug. 27, a Ford Explorer left the roadway and hit 44-year-old Carolee Dwer, then slammed into a home, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a news release. A photo from the scene shows the SUV, its front end smashed, covered in brick and insulation. Dwer was visiting from out of state, friends told police, and it was her first day in Texas, Gonzalez said. She died at the scene. Investigators say Dwer was pinned between the SUV and the house, KTRK reported. The driver, 33-year-old Joshua Ivie, ran from the scene with a handgun, Gonzalez said, though he was caught and taken into custody a short time later by K9 deputies. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ivie was booked into the Harris County Jail on charges of failure to stop and render aid and felon in possession of a weapon, Gonzalez said. Nobody inside of the home was hurt, Gonzalez told KHOU. SUV tears in half in fiery crash with 19-year-old driving 100 mph, Michigan cops say Man beats pregnant girlfriend, then is shot and killed by her relative, Texas cops say Deadly struggle over gun causes major 3-vehicle wreck along Texas highway, cops say I couldve died. Steering wheel stops spear thrown into womans car, Texas video shows A game of ding dong ditch turned violent and ended with a Tybee Island mans arrest, police in Georgia said. William Cole, 49, was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault after hes accused of chasing a group of teens and choking one of them after they knocked on his door Sunday, Aug. 27, according to the Tybee Island Police Department. Cole also faces a count of child cruelty, police said in a news release. Investigators said the teens knocked on the door at Coles coastal Georgia home and took off. The homeowner chased after them, initially on foot before getting into his car, police said. At one point, Cole tried hitting the teens with his vehicle but missed, according to the release. Thats when he got back out and continued chasing them on foot. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He eventually caught up with one of the teens and started to choke them, police said. Cole fled after a bystander stepped in to stop the attack, police said. Authorities issued warrants before arresting him on Monday, Aug. 28. Police didnt provide details on the teenagers condition. Cole remained in custody at the Chatham County jail as of Monday afternoon, online records show. Tybee Island is about 20 miles southeast of downtown Savannah. 15-year-old playing ding-dong-ditch is nearly beaten to death by troopers, family says Teen texted a friend saying she was shot, Georgia police say. Then she was arrested Teen watching illegal street stunt show injured in hit-and-run, California police say Hawaiis electric utility company acknowledged its downed power lines started the first wildfire on Maui, but faulted county firefighters who declared the fire contained and left the scene before a second fire broke out in the area. The company is facing a lawsuit from the county, which blames it for the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The lawsuit threatens to cripple the electric utility, which in a Sunday statement pointed the finger at the Maui County Fire Department for bearing some responsibility. The Hawaiian Electric Company said the first fire on the morning of Aug. 8 appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high winds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The company, however, argued that the Maui County Fire Department reported it was 100 percent contained, left the scene and later declared it extinguished, only to have a second fire flare up in the same area. We were surprised and disappointed that the County of Maui rushed to court before completing its own investigation, Shelee Kimura, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, said in a statement. Calling the complaint factually and legally irresponsible, Kimura said the lawsuit may leave the utility company no choice in the legal system but to show [the countys] responsibility for what happened that day. Hawaiian Electric claimed it later came to scene of the first fire to make repairs and ensured the power lines were de-energized and the power in the area remained off. It said crews saw no fire, smoke or embers when making those repairs. Hawaiian Electric said a cause of that second fire has not been determined, while its records show its power lines to Lahaina were not energized during the second fire. There was no electricity flowing through the wires in the area or anywhere else on the West Maui coast, the companys statement said. The company said firefighters were unable to contain the second fire, prompting it to spread out-of-control toward Lahaina. Maui Countys lawsuit said the Hawaiian Electric Company should have known how to properly maintain and repair the electric transmission lines, and other equipment including utility poles associated with their transmission of electricity, and to keep vegetation properly trimmed and maintained so as to prevent contact with overhead power lines and other electric equipment. The suit claims the companys failure to maintain equipment or turn off power during Hurricane Doras high winds, combined with drought conditions on the island, made fires from downed lines more likely. Richard Fired, a Honolulu attorney serving as co-counsel on Maui Countys lawsuit, told The Associated Press that if the electric companys the power lines hadnt caused the initial fire, this all would be moot. Thats the biggest problem, Fried told AP on Monday. They can dance around this all they want. But theres no explanation for that. Scott Seu, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electrics parent company, said the lawsuit distracts from the important work that needs to be done for the people of Lahaina and Maui. The wildfires ripped through the island earlier this month, leaving 115 people dead and thousands of structures damaged or destroyed, notably those in the historic Lahaina Town, which took the brunt of destruction. While firefighters are still working to completely extinguish the fires, Maui County officials assured residents there are no active threats in the three ongoing fires in Olinda, Kula and Lahaina. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Elon Musk says Vivek Ramaswamy should be the running mate of whoever becomes the GOP's 2024 pick. "He should get it imo," Musk wrote on Twitter on Sunday. Musk was responding to a tweet speculating that Ramaswamy "wants the VP pick." Elon Musk is coming out in support of yet another controversial Republican figure. This time, he says he's throwing his weight behind the idea of GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for vice president. On Sunday, right-wing blogger Mike Cernovich wrote on X the social media platform previously known as Twitter that "Vivek is powerful." In response, an X user with the ID @AsTheWorldBurnz speculated that Ramaswamy "wants the VP pick." "He should get it imo," Musk tweeted in response to @AsTheWorldBurnz. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Musk on Sunday responded to another tweet about Ramaswamy, this time from Ashley St. Clair, a writer at the right-wing satire site Babylon Bee. "I can't help but love Vivek. The mass shooting issue is the result of a mental health crisis. We've created a society intolerable for many," St. Clair wrote on X on Sunday, appearing to refer to the Saturday shooting at a Dollar General song in Jacksonville, Florida, that left three Black people dead. "Bring back mental institutions. Stop pumping people full of psych meds. Revive a sense of purpose for humanity." "100," Musk responded. Musk, who's known for picking fights, stirring the pot, and posting hot takes on X, did not elaborate on why he's backing Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, announced his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination in February. Portraying himself as a conservative firebrand, he's carved out a place for himself in a crowded field of candidates. He's pulled high-profile stunts like rapping on Fox News and channeling Eminem at the Iowa State Fair. In the past week alone, Ramaswamy has compared Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley to the "modern grand wizard of the KKK," claimed racism is often "manufactured," and blamed former Vice President Mike Pence for missing a "historic opportunity" on January 6, 2021, to push through election reforms. Musk's interest in Ramaswamy seems to have been piqued after Ramaswamy's breakout performance at the GOP debate last week. On Friday, Ramaswamy said he would like Musk to be a White House advisor if he clinches the presidency in 2024. "I expect him to be an interesting advisor of mine," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy is not the only GOP candidate Musk has publicly said he supports. On multiple occasions throughout 2022, Musk said he would be back Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the GOP nomination, and by extension, the presidency. In May, Musk hosted DeSantis' campaign launch livestream on a glitch-filled Twitter Spaces, during which DeSantis had to speed-read his announcement. While Musk has publicly said he's behind various GOP figures, his political donations history, as tracked by Open Secrets, shows he has a history of giving money to Democrats and Republicans alike. The current frontrunner in the GOP race is former President Donald Trump, who Musk has openly feuded with. Musk's representatives at X did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Ramaswamy did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Eminem has asked Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using the rappers songs on his presidential campaign. Ramaswamy often performed (badly) as a libertarian rapper while he was at Harvard, and Eminems Lose Yourself was one of his favorite songs. Ramaswamy has since tried to reclaim his rapper status, freestyling terribly on Fox & Friends and performing Lose Yourself at the Iowa State Fair. In a letter dated August 23, Eminems lawyer informed Ramaswamys campaign that Eminem objected to their repeated use of his music during their campaign stops. It shouldnt be surprising that Eminem opposes Ramaswamy using his music. The rapper has long made his political stances clear. He released a protest song against George W. Bush in 2004 that criticized the then president for invading Iraq and Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11. In 2017, Eminem wrote a song in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and released a freestyle rap railing against Donald Trumps morals, policies, and racist behavior. Ramaswamy, on the other hand, is more interested in sucking up to Trump, battling wokeness, and insisting that 9/11 was an inside job. You are here: Business Visitors shop at the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, the capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 24, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Investment deals worth 84.48 billion yuan (about 11.59 billion U.S. dollars) were reached during the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo, which concluded Sunday in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province. A total of 99 projects were signed during the five-day expo, setting a new record in terms of project investment scale, said Lyu Haiqiang, deputy director of the executive committee of the expo. These ventures span a diverse spectrum of sectors, including new energy, modern agriculture, equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and modern services, Lyu said. Themed "Joint Development of Northeast Asia in Cooperation for the Future," the expo saw the offline participation of over 20,000 merchants from 123 countries and regions. In addition, an online exhibition platform also attracted over 1,840 exhibitors seeking cooperation opportunities in Northeast Asia, one of the most dynamic regions in the world. The China-Northeast Asia Expo has become a significant platform for building consensus and forging economic and trade cooperation between China and its neighboring countries, and even beyond. Since its inception in 2005, the China-Northeast Asia Expo has seen 14 editions, and witnessed the signing of more than 3,000 cooperation projects with a total investment value exceeding 2 trillion yuan. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy may be a fan of famed rapper Eminem , but the feeling, it appears, is not mutual. The Daily Mail reported Monday that the rapper has objected to Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur from Ohio who is surging in the polls, using his music on the campaign trail. A spokesperson for Ramaswamy's campaign confirmed the report to the Des Moines Register. Ramaswamy went viral earlier this month after he rapped Eminem's 2002 hit "Lose Yourself," his favorite campaign walk-out song, at the Iowa State Fair during an appearance with Gov. Kim Reynolds . 2024 Vivek Ramaswamy sees Iowa crowds grow after Republican debate showing ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Music licenser BMI sent a letter to a Ramaswamy campaign lawyer that says Eminem's works are no longer part of a music licensing agreement following a request from Eminem, according to the Daily Mail. "Vivek just got on the stage and cut loose. To the American peoples chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real Slim Shady, Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. Ramaswamy has risen in national polling for the 2024 Republican presidential primaries in recent weeks, with a current average of about 10.1%, according to FiveThirtyEight. Former President Donald Trump still dominates in polls, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Ramaswamy. In Iowa, Ramaswamy polled at 4% in a recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll, behind six other candidates. He barnstormed the state in recent weeks following a high-profile appearance at the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee last week. Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Eminem wants 2024 Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy may be a fan of famed rapper Eminem , but the feeling, it appears, is not mutual. The Daily Mail reported Monday that the rapper has objected to Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur who lives in Upper Arlington near Columbus, using his music on the campaign trail. Ramaswamy grew up in the Cincinnati suburb of Evendale and attended Princeton Junior High and St. Xavier High School. Ramaswamy went viral earlier this month after he rapped Eminem's 2002 hit "Lose Yourself," his favorite campaign walk-out song, at the Iowa State Fair during an appearance with Gov. Kim Reynolds . Music licenser BMI sent a letter to a Ramaswamy campaign lawyer that says Eminem's works are no longer part of a music licensing agreement following a request from Eminem, according to Daily Mail. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? "Vivek just got on the stage and cut loose. To the American peoples chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real Slim Shady, Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. Ramaswamy has risen in national polling for the 2024 Republican presidential primaries in recent weeks, with a current average of about 10.1%, according to FiveThirtyEight. Former President Donald Trump still dominates in polls, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Ramaswamy. In Iowa, Ramaswamy polled at 4% in a recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll, behind six other candidates. More: Trump declares Ohioan Vivek Ramaswamy winner of GOP debate for singing his praises He barnstormed the state in recent weeks following a high-profile appearance at the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee last week. Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Reg Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Eminem tells Vivek Ramaswamy to stop performing his song Rapper Eminem asked Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to stop using his music on the campaign trail, according to the rappers music licenser. In an Aug. 23 letter obtained by the Daily Mail, music licenser Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) told Ramaswamys campaign lawyer it was contacted by Eminem objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamys campaign use of Eminems musical compositions (the Eminem Works) and requesting that BMI remove all Eminem Works from the Agreement. BMI confirmed to The Hill a letter was sent to Ramaswmays campaign, and it has since removed all of Eminems musical works from the Vivek 2024 campaign license. Viveks campaign and BMI had entered into a music licensing agreement for Eminems music on May 24, according to the letter. A representative for BMI said the letter serves as notice that the Eminem Works are excluded from the Agreement effective immediately, and any performance of Eminems works by Viveks campaign will be considered a material breach of the agreement. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The cease-and-desist letter comes after Ramaswamy went viral at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month for singing along to Eminems Lose Yourself, which he told Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) was his favorite walkout song. In a statement shared with The Hill, Ramaswamys campaign said Vivek just got on the stage and cut loose. To the American peoples chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real slim shady, the campaign statement said. In an interview with The New York Times earlier this month, Ramaswamy addressed his love for Eminem and said he used to perform under the stage name Da Vek the Rapper while an undergrad at Harvard University. I did not grow up in the circumstances he did, but the idea of being an underdog, people having low expectations of you, that part speaks to me, Ramaswamy, whose parents emigrated from India, told The New York Times. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As the sun rose over Australia, a drone flew along the coast. The videographer was looking for sharks but was gobsmacked by an unbelievable swarm of colorful sea creatures, video shows. When the drone operator spotted the animals off the coast of Bondi Beach, I honestly did not know what I was looking at, he wrote in an Aug. 25 post on the Drone Shark App Facebook page. The tear-drop shaped swarm looked like a collection of weirdly shaped yellow and green dots, video footage shared on the Drone Shark Apps YouTube shows. They look like stars, one Facebook user commented. They looked like a big bunch of flowers, another wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The videographer had another guess. Is it jellyfish? What? Look at the colors though, he said in the video. As the camera moves closer, the yellowish blob seems to split into countless colorful animals. Theyre rays! the videographer said. Ive never seen that many before together. The Drone Shark App identified the animals as cownose rays, according to the Facebook Post. Cownose stingrays have a distinctive two-lobed head shape and are usually found in large schools near the surface, according to the Australian Museum. Although grayish in color, the stingrays can appear yellow-brown when seen from the surface, photos show. Ive never seen anything like this before, the videographer said. He estimated the epic swarm had over 200 stingrays. Video shows the countless stingrays swimming and swirling just under the surface. They almost seem to form an arrangement before suddenly shifting again. The group stayed near the rocky coastline for a few minutes before moving out toward the sea, video shows. Im gobsmacked, just in awe, the videographer said. That was just unbelievable. Drone Shark App was founded by Jason Iggleden to monitor popular Australian surfing areas for sharks, the Guardian reported. The app did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment. Bondi Beach is a suburb of Sydney. Venomous sea creature with 96 arms can turn itself inside out. See the new species Yearslong mystery of deep sea octopus garden off CA coast solved, researchers say Huge sea creature puts on an unreal show for fishermen in Australia. Most amazing What do Ankara's steps toward Kyiv mean, and is Turkey ready to relinquish its "special relationship" with Moscow? Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has chosen to play the role of an impartial arbitrator and mediator, enjoying the trust of both sides. Its policy of delicate balancing, which has occasionally drawn criticism, has proven to be a risky but generally successful strategy. By putting its own interests at the heart of any decision, Ankara has managed to maintain relations with both strategic partners in a state of war. While consistently providing Ukraine with political, diplomatic, and military support, Ankara actively developed economic ties with Russia, often bypassing sanctions and contrary to the common position of NATO member states. Read also: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This precarious balance shifted to one side or the other at different times, but invariably returned to equilibrium. However, Ankara's recent decisions in favor of Ukraine have led to talk of the Turkish scales finally tipping in Kyiv's favor. But does this mean a fundamental change in Ankara's policy? Help yourself Ankara's consistent support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and NATO membership, Zelensky's successful visit to Istanbul and the handover of Azovstal's defenders to Ukraine, the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Strategic Industries, and the intention to build a center for the production and maintenance of Bayraktar UAVs in Ukraine are steps that leave no doubt about the "pro-Ukrainian" nature of Turkey's "neutrality." Read also: Zelenskyy lands in Ankara to meet with Erdogan However, these decisions are no less dictated by Ankara's own interests. Ukraine plays a crucial role in deterring Russia's military power in the Black Sea, which poses a threat to Turkey itself. The creeping occupation of the Black and Azov Seas, obstruction of freedom of navigation and the functioning of logistics chains, militarization, and nuclearization of the Crimean Peninsula threaten to gradually turn the Black Sea into a "Russian lake." This is well understood in Ankara. Turkey's decision to provide Kyiv with attack drones, when other partners were only considering providing lethal weapons, was not least dictated by the need to prevent the establishment of complete Russian control in the region. Later, this prompted Turkey to provide Ukraine with other systems and means of defense against Russian aggression, which Ankara prefers not to discuss publicly. Moreover, the confrontation between Turkey and Russia in several regional theaters - from Karabakh and the South Caucasus to Syria and Libya - is forcing Ankara to look for partners to deter the Kremlin's expansion in the immediate vicinity of its borders. Thus, applying the provisions of the Montreux Convention (which restored Turkey's sovereignty over the straits from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean) in the first days of the full-scale invasion, Turkey blocked the straits for Russian warships not only to enter but also to leave the Black Sea, thereby limiting the possibility of logistical support for Russian forces in Syria from the occupied Crimea. Read also: Russian military forces allegedly raid Wagner bases in Syria, reports Saudi news channel By strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and developing military-technical cooperation with Kyiv, Turkey is also strengthening its own positions in the region. To this should be added the political dividends Ankara receives in relations with the West from its mediation role in the Ukrainian-Russian war, as well as reputational gains in the Global South and economic benefits from the grain initiative. This in no way diminishes the contribution to our victory of the Turkish Bayraktars, the Kirpi LNG, or the Ukrainian Corvettes currently under construction at the Istanbul docks. Instead, this interdependence of Ankara's and Kyiv's strategic interests emphasizes the almost unlimited possibilities for developing mutually beneficial cooperation. These limitations are now becoming less and less, but they remain. Crimea, Rome, and copper pipes The 2023 presidential election, won by Erdogan mainly on the back of harsh anti-Western rhetoric, is now behind us. Local elections in 2024 are ahead, in which the ruling party seeks to regain control of the country's key metropolitan areas, from Istanbul and Ankara to Izmir and Antalya. All this will require a rapid economic recovery and the favor of the opposition, secular, electorate. This means Western investment, which Russia cannot replace, even by pouring billions of dollars into the Turkish economy through the Akkuyu nuclear power plant being built by Rosatom or the relocation of Russian businesses. Moreover, Russia itself is becoming an increasingly unattractive partner. Although Turkey is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, so it is not obliged to comply with the ICC's decisions, meetings with war criminal Putin are becoming toxic. Erdogan ignores the "concerns" of Western partners, but cares about his international reputation. The Kremlin's war crimes in Ukraine, Russia's withdrawal from the grain initiative, and brutal attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure, and blatant violations of the rights of Crimean Tatars in occupied Crimea do not add points to Putin's score in the eyes of official Ankara. Read also: On the Eve of Elections, Erdogan Invites Putin. What Awaits Turkey? opinion The weakening of the Putin regime, demonstrated by Prigozhin's march on Moscow, was another nail in the "special relationship" between the Turkish president and his "dear friend" Putin. Ankara respects the strong and the legitimate. Erdogan's new cabinet demonstrates that, despite his election rhetoric, he is ready to say goodbye to hardline nationalists and pro-Russian hawks so that moderate and pro-Western professionals can shape the new government's policies. This opens a window of opportunity for Turkey's "return" to the West, which Ukraine can and should take advantage of. However, turning "towards the West" does not mean "turning your back on Moscow." Excessive weakening of Russia is still perceived in Ankara as a way to strengthen NATO, which Turkey wants to avoid. In addition, Ankara's fears of Russia's destabilization and disintegration, escalation of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO in the Black Sea, and the Kremlin's nuclear blackmail "red lines" are successfully fueled by Russian propaganda in Turkey. Russian media are still present in the Turkish information space, and Rossotrudnichestvo still enjoys the privileges of a diplomatic mission and opens new "cultural centers" across the country. Finally, Turkey's economic interests and dependence on Russian hydrocarbons, and now nuclear fuel, keep Ankara firmly within Russia's sphere of influence. Sworn friends Russia remains Turkey's primary source of energy and an important economic partner. According to official data, in 2022, Ankara purchased 45% of gas, 40% of coal, and 20% of oil from Russia for its own needs. Turkey's imports of Russian crude increased sharply after the imposition of sanctions, which Turkey did not join. Of course, payment for energy resources, as well as their uninterrupted supply, remains a lever of the Kremlin's political and economic influence on Ankara. During this period, trade between the two countries more than doubled, reaching a record $68 billion in 2022. Russia confidently holds the lead in terms of Turkish imports and is Turkey's seventh-largest export partner. In January-April 2023 alone, the country increased its exports to Russia by 83%, selling goods worth $3.2 billion (in the same period, Turkish exports to Ukraine amounted to $398 million). While Turkey is struggling with the economic crisis, Russia remains the leading supplier of tourists, and Russian capital established more than 1,300 companies in Turkey last year, which is 670% more than in 2021. turning "towards the West" does not mean "turning your back on Moscow." Grain imports are also worth mentioning. Turkey can meet its needs through its own production. However, maintaining global leadership in flour and pasta exports directly depends on the functioning of the grain initiative and grain supplies from both Ukraine and Russia (Turkey is one of the three primary beneficiaries of the grain initiative after China and Spain). In addition, Ankara and Moscow share strategic interests. Russia's presence in Syria could potentially create problems for Turkey by provoking new refugee flows. The normalization of Erdogan's relations with Assad, necessary for the return of millions of refugees home, is possible only in multilateral formats involving Russia and Iran. Finally, Turkey has repeatedly stated its ambitions to become a powerful center of power in the "post-Western world," and this desire to challenge Western dominance and U.S. hegemony also unites the two leaders. For Erdogan, Russia is the door to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS, and "Greater Eurasia," even if it goes no further than statements. In addition, contacts with Russia are an opportunity to periodically remind the West that for every undelivered NATO Patriot, there is a Russian S-400. What to expect next? Read also: Ankara's next steps will depend not only on the outcome of Erdogan's upcoming meeting with Putin, but also on the dynamics of Turkey's relations with its Western partners and the success of Ukraine's counteroffensive. As a country that remained neutral in World War Two until declaring war on Hitler's Germany on February 23, 1945, Turkey knows how to maintain intrigue. The domestic political context is also essential. It is clear that Erdogan's new cabinet will focus on strengthening Turkey's regional status, rescuing the economy, and improving ties with the United States and the EU, which remains Turkey's primary export market and trading partner with a trade turnover of nearly $200 billion. All of this, as well as the prospects for Turkish companies to participate in Ukraine's postwar reconstruction, create favorable conditions for strengthening cooperation. After all, Erdogan is a pragmatic politician. With an unstable Russia on his doorstep and a struggling economy at home, improving relations with Ukraine and the West seems like a better investment in the future than tolerating Russian blackmail. Read also: Russia negotiating new grain deal with Turkey and Qatar report However, a miracle will not happen. Turkey's interests require avoiding a sharp deterioration in relations with Russia, and therefore, balancing remains a strategic priority for Ankara, albeit with tactical adjustments to the success of the Armed Forces. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine In this photo provided by the Slovenian Government, European Council President Charles Michel speaks during the Bled Strategic Forum 2023 at the Bled Festival Hall in Bled, Slovenia, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (Daniel Novakovic/Slovenian Government Press Service via AP) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Faced with the Russian aggression against Ukraine and fears of Moscows increasing influence in parts of the Balkans, the European Union should make a bold move and accept new members by 2030, the European Council president said Monday. Speaking at an international strategic forum at the Slovenian lakeside resort of Bled attended by Western Balkan leaders, Charles Michel said that it was time for those states that have been waiting in an EU membership line for more than 20 years to be given a clear goal. We must talk about timing, we must talk about our homework and I have a suggestion as we prepare next EU strategic agenda," Michel said. We must set ourselves a clear goal: I believe we must be ready on both sides by 2030 to enlarge, he said, to a big round of applause. He said that the war in Ukraine has shown that peace and democracy cannot be taken for granted. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This war is not just devastating Ukraine: this war has a profound impact on the future of our continent. It has a profound impact on global security, he said. EU officials fear that Russia could try to destabilize the Balkans, which went through a bloody war in the 1990s, and thus shift world attention from its aggression in Ukraine. Russias Balkan ally Serbia has refused to join EU sanctions against Moscow, although Belgrade says it respects Ukrainian territorial integrity. The Balkan states are at different stages of their EU accession talks. Many have been stalling on implementing the main EU pre-conditions for membership, such as the rule of law, free elections and media. The EU's regular enlargement update is due in October, when EU officials are expected to report on progress in negotiations with the six Western Balkan states that have been waiting in line for more than two decades Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Kosovo. For Ukraine and Moldova, which also want to join, the EU will decide on opening their full-on accession negotiations at an EU summit in December. In his speech during the opening of the Bled forum on Monday, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said that the EU enlargement was a pressing issue. Some of the Balkan leaders attending the forum showed disappointment with the offered accession date. It is too far, said Montenegros acting Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic. Corendon Airlines announced a new child-free area on its flight between Amsterdam and Curacao. Over 100 seats on the plane will be dedicated to passengers 16 and over. This area in the cabin will be sectioned off by walls and curtains. Corendon Airlines has set out to extinguish the fears of a crying baby on your next flight but it will cost you $48. On August 23, the Turkish-Dutch airline announced that it would launch child-free zones on its route between Amsterdam and the Caribbean island of Curacao in November. The section, which the airline calls the "Only Adult" zone, will be located at the front of the plane and will be closed off by walls and a curtain. There will be 93 standard seats that can be reserved by passengers 16 and older for 45, or about $48, per flight. There will also be nine seats in the zone with extra legroom that will cost passengers 100, or about $108. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The airline states on its website that the adults-only section is ideal for business travelers or childless passengers. However, it also argues that dividing the cabins will help families with children as well. "On board our flights, we always strive to respond to the different needs of our customers," Atilay Uslu, the founder of Corendon, said in a statement shared on the airline's website. He added that Corendon, which is the first Dutch airline to introduce a child-free zone, is "trying to appeal to travelers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight." "We also believe this can have a positive effect on parents traveling with small children," Uslu also said in his statement. "They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make more noise." A Scoot plane at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Marielle Descalsota/Insider Other airlines have previously launched child-free zones According to Euronews, Corendon is the first European airline to offer child-free seating, but it's not the first airline in the world. Scoot, a budget Singapore-based airline, launched Scoot-in-Silence cabins in 2013, according to NBC. The cabin is reserved for travelers who are 12 or older, and it offers more legroom and adjustable headrests. Similarly, AirAsia X has a child-free zone on its A330 long-haul flights, and the Indian budget airline IndiGo also has two areas on its flights where children under the age of 12 are not welcome. Read the original article on Insider EVANSVILLE Evansville police have released photos of a person suspected of robbing an East Side credit union last week. The photos, taken from surveillance footage of Indiana Members Credit Union on Aug. 21, show a "Black male carrying a large walking stick and backpack," EPD said in a post to its Facebook page. The suspect is described as being between 5'8 and 5'10 with a thin build. They wore a black hoodie, black mask, black shoes and a hat, with sunglasses and ripped blue jeans. "The suspect demanded money but did not display a weapon," the post reads. "There was a silver Nissan passenger car parked to the south of the bank and was waiting for the suspect." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Officers responded to the credit union around 12:30 p.m., but the suspect had already left the scene, police said. The robbery caused both Harrison High School and Plaza Park International Prep Academy to go on brief lockdowns, "where classroom instruction and activities continue but no one is able to leave or enter the building," Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. spokesman Jason Woebkenberg said. Police haven't released a name or any other details about the possible suspect. They remain at large. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville police release photos of suspect in credit union robbery The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has more than tripled since late June amid a small resurgence of the coronavirus as health officials prepare to push the latest version of the vaccine this fall. Despite the summer jump in COVID cases, Baltimore doctors are optimistic the region will avoid a repeat of last years tripledemic, when an explosion of respiratory syncytial virus cases combined with COVID, influenza and an ongoing youth mental health crisis overwhelmed pediatric emergency departments and childrens hospitals. State data on the Maryland Department of Healths website updated Aug. 21 showed 189 people hospitalized with COVID-19. While thats well below the 548 people hospitalized on Aug. 21 last year, its up from 50 people hospitalized June 28 and 129 on Aug. 11. Deaths from the virus are also rising, from 14 deaths two weeks ago to 25 last week, according to state Health Department data. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement These trends show that the coronavirus is spreading more freely now than it has in about four months, said Andrew Pekosz, a professor at Johns Hopkins Universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health whose lab studies the way respiratory viruses change from year to year. Were all a little concerned about the rise in hospitalizations, especially as theres a similar uptick in COVID cases among kids coming to the pediatric emergency department at Johns Hopkins Childrens Center, said Dr. Leticia Ryan, director of pediatric emergency medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. State Health Department spokesman Chase Cook said in an email that its not unusual to see upticks in COVID-19 cases during the summer as people travel and take vacations. The department encourages Marylanders to stay up to date on vaccines, wash their hands, cover their coughs, wear a mask when appropriate, and stay home from work or school when theyre sick, he said. Beyond summer travel, waning immunity is likely another reason for the spread, because its been a while since theres been a big wave of infections or since a new booster was made available, Pekosz said. The variants currently spreading the most in the U.S. werent covered by the most recent booster, he said. During a two-week stretch from Aug. 6 to Aug. 19, the EG.5 strain of the virus nicknamed Eris was responsible for about a fifth of American cases, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The newest variants are a little bit better at infecting people than previous versions of the virus, Pekosz said, but it doesnt appear they will cause a massive boom in cases. He expects the U.S. will continue to see a slow and steady increase in infections throughout September, as children return to school and indoor activities become more common. The good news is that the CDC expects the latest COVID vaccine will be available for most people during the third or fourth week of September. That vaccine is expected to be well matched with the strains causing most of the cases in the country right now, Pekosz said. He suspects it will mark the start of a more regular vaccination schedule for the virus. I know that people are confused in terms of when they should get boosters, whos eligible, how long they have to wait, he said. I think this all will factor into a simplification of the COVID-19 vaccine program that follows what we do for influenza. However, after the federal public health emergency ended in May, these vaccines will no longer be free for everyone. Insurance companies will have to start paying for the vaccine, which is around $100 a dose, Pekosz said. Whether people will have a copay may depend on their health coverage, he said, though the government likely will roll out another program to help people pay for the vaccine. Even when the vaccine was free, however, only about 17% of the countrys population got a dose of the bivalent booster shot, according to CDC data. About 81% of the population and 95% of U.S. residents 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. A piece of bad news is that another strain of the Omicron variant, BA.2.86, which is highly mutated and resistant to vaccine and infection-induced immunity, is slowly spreading. While it has caused only about a dozen cases worldwide, including two in the U.S. as of Wednesday, experts are closely watching its transmission since it could put a wrench in the whole system, Pekosz said. Pekosz recommended that people be proactive, and plan to get themselves and their children vaccinated. He also suggested that people stock up on home COVID-19 test kits. Free test kits still may be available. Cook, the state health department spokesman, suggested that people contact their local health departments to find out. The state health department has launched a website, health.maryland.gov/vaccines, to provide updated listings of local health department vaccine clinics, Cook said. Meanwhile, doctors at the Hopkins Childrens Center are seeing more patients with sore throats and ear infections symptoms that could be from viral illnesses, said Dr. Eric Biondi, director of Hopkins Pediatric Hospital Medicine Division. But he suspects that represents a flattening of the curve, rather than a sign that a bad viral season is ahead. Last year, the big problem was, we just got hit with everything at the exact same time, over a two-week period, Biondi said. Hopefully, what were seeing now represents a more normal distribution of viral illness, rather than foretelling a big spike. In a typical year, respiratory syncytial virus better known as RSV starts spreading in the late fall or early winter and usually peaks around December or January. Last year, however, as children went back to school without masks or other guardrails against infectious diseases, RSV surged in September, peaking later that month and in early October. Since the spread of RSV and the flu had been tamped down during the pandemic, many children hadnt yet had the chance to build up immunity to the viruses, so they were especially vulnerable, said Dr. Theresa Nguyen, chair of the department of pediatrics at GBMC Healthcare. That spelled disaster for pediatric emergency departments, like the one at Greater Baltimore Medical Center the only pediatric emergency department in Baltimore County, Nguyen said. As a shortage of pediatric intensive care unit beds in Maryland developed, physicians at GBMC intubated children and kept them on ventilators until they could be sent to a larger hospital in the area. At times, the wait at the hospitals pediatric emergency department stretched to 10 hours, Nguyen said. Doctors at Hopkins Childrens Center set up tents outside the medical center to accommodate new patients, and the hospital was frequently at more than 100% capacity, Biondi said. They converted an outpatient research clinic at the center into an inpatient unit. At Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, doctors converted conference rooms into surge units and saw patients in waiting rooms. Were so much more nimble coming out of COVID, Biondi said. A couple of years ago, if you said, Im going to open an inpatient unit in this outpatient clinic, people would look at you like you were crazy, and it would have taken three years. I think we did it in about 48 hours last year. All signs point to a more normal flu and RSV season this year, doctors said, but theyre prepared for a similar surge of patients. At the University of Maryland Childrens Hospital, the pediatric emergency department is already expanding its capabilities to test for various infectious diseases and has set up separate waiting areas for infectious and noninfectious patients, said Dr. Getachew Teshome, chief of the hospitals pediatric emergency department. We would be ready this year, GBMCs Nguyen said. And often when youre ready, you dont get what you were preparing for. Its always when youre caught off guard. And no one could have anticipated what happened last year. You are here: Business China's Shenzhen Airlines on Sunday launched a direct flight route linking south China's tech hub Shenzhen in Guangdong Province with Barcelona, Spain. The first flight of this route is set to depart from Shenzhen in the early hours Monday. It is the second direct flight to Europe operated by Shenzhen Airlines, following its Shenzhen to London route. The route is scheduled to operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, with a one-way flight duration of approximately 14 hours. It brings the airline's total number of international and inter-regional direct routes departing from Shenzhen to 12. This year marks the second anniversary of the official establishment of friendly city ties between Shenzhen and Barcelona. TLDR: A confrontation this summer between Charlotte culinary power couple Greg and Subrina Collier and Starex Smith, a food critic and restaurateur from South Florida, prompted this CharlotteFive series on African-American culinary culture: what it is, what it isnt and who gets to make that determination. We looked at the initial incident, a Facebook Live feed that went viral. In this second installation, we rejoin the conversation by examining whether critical reviews by social media influencers help or harm this delicate ecosystem. Charlotte has no shortage of soul food restaurants. Merts Heart and Soul, Nana Morrisons Soul Food, Floyds and Londas Place are among the dozens, not to mention the growing number of food trucks and informal plates for sale. So why is a national food critic consistently slamming Charlottes soul food scene? Smith has made about five trips to Charlotte, the latest in mid-August, under the banner of Hungry Black Man, his popular online platform for food reviews. Smith rates Charlottes offerings as less than stellar, often publishing incendiary comments. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He hated Leah & Louise, run by Subrina and chef Greg Collier a James Beard nominee several times over. He also dissed Cuzzos Cuisine and LaWans Soul Food (which closed permanently on Aug. 27 after 23 years in business), and he called a meal from Chicken Box a no-pride plate. On that post, which featured video footage from the Chicken Box parking lot on Tryon, was a picture of the meal with the caption, Our people in Charlotte deserve so much better. It got over 300 comments and multiple shares. [READ NEXT: LaWans Soul Food Restaurant at 7520 S. Tryon St. closed Sunday after 23 years in operation.] Wings, shrimp and lobster mac and cheese are among the most popular dishes at Cuzzos Cuisine. Bird Pizzeria and Freshwaters came in for praise, and he rated North Carolina as one of his Top 5 out of 28 states as a food critic. But the negative critiques clearly get more engagement. [READ NEXT: A popular Charlotte pizzeria is among Southern Livings best new restaurants of 2023.] The criticism could also be part of his business strategy. Smith threw a question to his followers about possible locations for a Black-owned food competition and festival, then on Aug. 20 announced an upcoming restaurant concept in Charlotte. Advocates needed Uber Eats reported that Black business owners are more likely than white business owners to be denied credit and receive less credit when they do, resulting in stymied growth and higher rates of failure. Thirty-seven percent of Black small business owners have a hard time accessing financing, a 14 percentage point difference from comparable peers, Goldman Sachs found in its 10,000 Small Businesses Voices study. And with the exception of global stars like Marcus Samuelsson, finding reviews of Black-owned restaurants in mainstream publications can be a daunting enterprise. Smith founded The Hungry Black Man in 2017, after a negative experience that he ascribed to racism at an upscale South Florida eatery. I felt so powerless, he told CharlotteFive. Black people deserve options where they dont face disrespect. Hungry Black Man at Uptown Yolk in Charlotte. Smith decided to broadcast live reviews at Black-owned restaurants, distinguishing himself with blunt and often acidic reviews. His numbers skyrocketed as followers ate it up. People feel obligated to support Black-owned restaurants from a charitable function rather than your actual consumer-based decision making, he said. But if its trash, its trash. Smith has no formal culinary background or training. He crisscrosses the country, going live from the scene with off-the-cuff, glib reviews that are highly accessible if not very detailed. This was bad, that dish was good, without much explanation as to why. Its left an uneven impact on the small businesses in his wake. Chef Andarrio Johnson of Cuzzos Cuisine speculated that Smiths stance was aimed at garnering publicity and refused to respond to the negative commentary. I let the people respond for me. The customers themselves talked back, he said. As to whether or not it affected his sales, he neither confirmed nor denied. Chef Andarrio Johnson of Cuzzos Cuisine in Charlotte We just opened a third location in the Premium Outlets, and our first location [which closed due to a fire] is set to reopen in six months. So what does that say? Consequences for Black restaurants The Colliers, along with other creators in the Black food sphere, question the value of negative criticism for independent Black restaurants, especially in light of systemic barriers to success. There are real people behind these concepts and restaurants, Subrina Collier said. They may not get the same coverage as their white counterparts, so those negative reviews really hurt. Besides, theres a better way to make sure standards for Black food are being upheld. She thinks critics who want to better circumstances for Black food culture should give restaurants a chance to improve before giving reviews. Subrina and Greg Collier of Leah & Louise. Pull their coat in private, then give some time and circle back, she told CharlotteFive. Otherwise, it just looks like negativity for clout. With Black establishments already facing uneven odds, that can have dire consequences. I want to know how youre any different, any less damaging to the Black food ecosystem than [racist] white folks, Greg Collier asked. Every restaurant can have an off day, so broadcasting a bad review based on one experience is unfair. Researching the place, making multiple visits and when necessary, having private conversations with the chef or owners are whats necessary for growth. Leah & Louises Mud Island has blackened catfish, smoked catfish stew, rice grits, pickled field pea and candied pepper. Smith contends that helping grow Black businesses is not his purpose. Calling it toxic protectionism, he told CharlotteFive, I cant get with this notion of like, being dishonest for the sake of this failed unity that doesnt exist. Its an abrupt turnabout from his own 2016 post, titled Stop talking s*** about Black restaurants, where he wrote: Instead of spreading negativity about your experience on social media or through conversations, use the same platforms to help change the narrative. Go and speak to the owner or the manager, constructively share your concerns and, if possible, direct them to resources that can help. Smiths 2016 stance falls in line with the Colliers, but as his reach grows his focus appears to have shifted. The Colliers feel its a shame, because when cultural producers lose, the entire ecosystem suffers. Were 11 years in the business and still in a constant state of learning, from the consumer and the demographics of Charlotte, Subrina Collier said. You have to give people the room to grow. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday scheduled the trial in former President Donald Trump's election subversion case for March 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Jury selection in the trial is set to begin on March 4, under Chutkan's schedule, commencing one day before Super Tuesday, as NBC reported. Though Chutkan argued the trial lead-up period would be a sufficient amount of time for the ex-president's defense team to prepare themselves, attorney John Lauro opposed the date, saying he does not feel he can adequately defend Trump in that amount of time. Lauro and co-counsel Todd Blanche had previously requested that Chutkan set the trial for April 2026, which the judge called "far beyond what is necessary." Lauro during the Monday hearing argued that there was no way he could be ready for the trial without years of preparation, according to Politico, which noted the staggering amount of evidence special counsel Jack Smith's team of prosecutors has already assembled and shared with Trump's lawyers: "12.8 million pages or files, drawn from grand jury interviews, the National Archives, the House Jan. 6 select committee's evidence and Trump's campaign and PACs." "This is an enormous, overwhelming task," Lauro said, also stating that he has begun drafting a number of motions in an effort to see Trump's case diminished or altogether dismissed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The attorney went on to accuse the federal government of putting on a "show trial," claiming that he intends to file a specific motion alleging that the Justice Department is targeting Trump because he is a political adversary of President Joe Biden. "This man's liberty and life is at stake," Lauro said. "He's no different than any American." Lauro also vowed to file a motion contending that Trump possesses "'executive privilege" for his effort to subvert the 2020 election, as well as motions that will seek to dismiss each of Trump's charges. Politico noted that Chutkan "sympathized" with Lauro's undeniable "burden" in preparing for the trial; however, she was also twice forced to ask the attorney to "take the temperature down" after Lauro raised his voice to harangue against the "outrage to justice" he saw as Smith's expedited trial proposal of Jan 2, 2024. The judge added that Trump would be treated the same as any other defendant and that she would not show him "more or less deference." Trump's political obligations and campaigning, Chutkan emphasized, would not play a part in her decision-making process. "Setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendant's personal and professional obligations," she said. "Mr. Trump, like any defendant, will have to make the trial date work regardless of his schedule." Trump on Truth Social vowed to appeal the judge's ruling but former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti pointed out that a judge's scheduling order is not subject to appeal. Lauro after the ruling told Chutkan that while the legal team would abide by the schedule, "the trial date will deny President Trump the opportunity to have effective assistance of counsel." "This talk by Trump's attorney, is meant to set up a potential motion to attack the verdict later and make the judge think twice about pushing the trial forward quickly. The March trial date set by the judge will make it extremely hard for Trump's team to push past the election," Mariotti tweeted. The former prosecutor added that Lauro's "heated outburst attacking Judge Chutkan would have a big downside." "But [Lauro] has calculated that she is ruling against them anyway, so he is putting on a big show for his client (Trump) and trying to set up a public narrative that he is being railroaded," he wrote. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, who served on special counsel Bob Mueller's team, criticized Lauro's complaint about the trial date as a "thoroughly unprofessional statement." "Chutkan hearing could've been worse for Trump, but I'm not sure how," wrote former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman. "She called his lawyers misleading, obviously took their proposal as a stunt, and set a trial date about as early as she might have. Does [T]rump now fire Lauro?" "I'm all for zealous defense of a client but if you're already being warned not once but twice by a federal judge (who used to be a criminal defense attorney) to calm down, maybe, just maybe, you should rethink your approach," wrote national security attorney Bradley Moss. "It is now entirely possible Donald Trump takes the stage at the RNC in Summer 2024 having been convicted not once but twice in federal court," he added. Read more about the D.C. case Excessive heat warnings were issued for most of Arizona on Sunday afternoon and are expected to be in effect through Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. As the state moves on from the long-delayed monsoonal rains, Phoenix once again surpasses the 110-degree mark, with August record-high temperatures expected to settle in early this week. Temperatures in the Phoenix area are expected to climb up to around 115 degrees for Monday and Tuesday, according to the weather service in Phoenix. The weather service issued heat warnings affecting all of the Phoenix area, starting northwest from Buckeye, passing through central Phoenix, all the way southeast to Queen Creek. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Other parts of Arizona under excessive heat warnings include the Tucson metro area, parts of South Central Pinal County, Western Pima County, areas of Southeast Yuma County, Upper Santa Cruz River Valley, Altar Valley including Nogales, Central La Paz County, Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave. The warnings are expected to remain in effect until at least 9 p.m. Tuesday. It's a cruel summer in Phoenix. And the Hurricane Hilary that wasn't made it even worse According to the weather service, an excessive heat warning means that a period of unusually high temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. The hot temperatures were expected to bring extreme heat risk, which means the potential for heat-related illnesses significantly increases, particularly for those doing outdoor activities. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can lead to death according to the weather service. "If you are planning on working outside, please do so during the early morning or late evening hours. Make sure to have plenty of water with you at all times and keep applying sunscreen," NWS Phoenix posted on X, formerly Twitter. Some relief from the heat could come with chances of rain expected for later this week, the weather service in Phoenix said. The weather service advised residents to take action to lessen the impacts of the extreme heat. Some tips to prevent heat-related illness from the Arizona Department of Health Services include: Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside. Dress for the heat : Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors. Eat small meals and eat more often: Officials recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat. Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family and others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity : It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m. Stay indoors. Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Excessive heat warnings issued for most of Arizona Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis investigated Donald Trump for allegedly interfering in the states 2020 election results (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis will face the first real test in her multi-defendant prosecution of former president Donald Trump and his allies on Monday. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled in a US District Court in Georgia where a judge will hear arguments from Ms Willis and also the defense regarding whether the trial of ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows should take place in federal court. Mr Meadows and two others, David Shafer and Jeffrey Clark, have filed motions as part of a longer bid to obtain dismissals of the charges against them under laws prohibiting prosecution of government officials for carrying out actions taken under color of their duties in the federal government. Ms Willis argued in a motion against Mr Meadows on Thursday that the ex-Trump aide was actually violating the Hatch Act and performing services for the Trump campaign while taking part in the efforts to alter the election results in Georgia as she seeks to deny his bid. Shes expected to lay out evidence for that argument before US District Judge Steve Jones on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement While the evidence presented by Ms Willis at the hearing will be far from the extent of the evidence her office will put forward against Mr Meadows, the former president and his other 17 co-defendants, it will still be a revealing look into the strength of the DAs prepared case. The district attorney accused Mr Meadows of soliciting a public officer to violate their oath as well as a breach of Georgias racketeering (RICO) statute in the sprawling indictment last week. He and all those charged surrendered to authorities before deadline last Friday all had their mug shots taken, including Mr Trump. If a judge grants Mr Meadowss request to move the trial, it could send signals about the strength of the case compiled by Ms Willis and her team. But it would not result in an outright dismissal. Ms Willis case concerns the effort by the Trump campaign, and in particular lawyers including Sidney Powell, Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, to push Republican officials in Georgia into endorsing a slate of so-called false electors to cast Georgias votes in the Electoral College. Separately, it also involves Mr Trumps own pressurizing of Georgias secretary of state on a phone call to find more than 11,000 votes to add to his total in the 2020 election, thereby snatching victory in the state from President Joe Biden. Mr Trump has professed innocence in the Georgia case as well as in the four other criminal prosecutions currently involving him. Mr Meadows, unlike his former boss, has declined to speak to the media or release statements on social media or elsewhere regarding the charges against him. An Arizona teacher considered "an experienced and enthusiastic hiker" has been found dead after going missing last week in a national park in Utah, officials announced over the weekend. Jeanne Roblez Howell, 64, disappeared Friday during a hike on the 8-mile Fairyland Loop trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, the U.S. National Park Service reported. Howell was reported missing around 7 p.m. after failing to check in from a 2 p.m. hike, officials said. Body found in Campbell Canyon Park officials said rescue teams with the Garfield County Sheriffs office and the Utah Department of Public Safety searched the area and found Howell unresponsive at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Her body was found in Campbell Canyon, about a mile east of the Fairyland Loop. Undated photo of two hikers along the 8-mile Fairyland Loop Trail. (Courtesy Bryce Canyon National Park). An Arizona woman who disappeared hiking on Aug. 25, 2023, was found dead in the park on Aug. 26, 2023, park officials said. A Garfield County medical examiner pronounced her dead at the scene. Park officials said Howell lived in Sedona, Arizona. Her cause and manner of death were not immediately known but officials said there was flash flooding in the area around the time she disappeared. Flash flooding observed in area A Friday afternoon thunderstorm brought heavy rain to the northern end of Bryce Canyon National Park, park officials said, saying it was seen along the trail where Howell was reportedly hiking. This is a tragic event, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims friends and family, Allana Olbrich, acting Bryce Canyon superintendent said in a statement. 'An experience and enthusiastic hiker' According to her Facebook page, Howell taught math at Verde Valley School in Sedona. The school website says she taught math for more than 30 years in cities as far away as Johannesburg, South Africa, where she and her husband lived for four years. The site includes a photo of her in the outdoors dressed in hiking gear and smiling. Neither Howell's husband nor a spokesperson for the school could immediately be reached for comment. Benjamin Lee, head of school at Verde Valley School, told the Verde Valley Independent newspaper that Howell was "an experienced and enthusiastic hiker." He said that the school "was in the grieving process with the community and her family." Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sedona math teacher Jeanne Roblez Howell found dead in Utah after hike The Yermak-McFaul Expert Group on Russian Sanctions examined 174 foreign components from three drone models used by Russia to attack Ukraine Shahed-136/131, Lancet, and Orlan-10 discovering that more than 60% had come from China. The study results show that 67% of the components originate in China, with 17% of those coming through Hong Kong, according to Ukraine's Presidential Office. The next largest shares come from Turkey (5%) and the United Arab Emirates (2%). The expert group also reportedly found parts, including processors, microcircuits, and transistors, made in Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and other countries. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Many drone components are available on open platforms, making regulatory control difficult, the group noted, calling on manufacturers to do more to prevent Russia from accessing their products in circumvention of international sanctions. Read also: Media: 81% of foreign components in Russian missiles originate in US "Russia is extremely active in using drones for massive attacks on infrastructure, civilian and military facilities in Ukraine, so it is very disturbing to see that important components for the production of enemy drones come from other states, in particular Ukraine's allies. This issue requires our joint immediate response," Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said. The Yermak-McFaul Expert Group has recommended Kyiv's partners get their sanctions lists into an agreement, as well as unify the lists of dual-use goods and expand the categories of products subject to sanctions based on the codes of the Harmonized System, a global product classification system. According to the Telegraph's recent investigation, China has sent tens of thousands of shipments to Russian weapons firms since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Trade between Moscow and Beijing is on track to reach a record high this year of over $200 billion, the Telegraph wrote. These trade records contradict China's claims of neutrality and its promises not to provide either Ukrainian or Russian forces with weapons. Read also: How outcome of Russias war can tip international order Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Local residents have reported hearing a number of explosions around the occupied Crimean city of Yevpatoriya, located on the western edge of the peninsula, on August 28. The "explosion of a missile" launched from the city was recorded in the south of the Rozdolnenskyi district of Crimea, almost 50 km from the launch site, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported. The Kremlin's puppet "governor" of occupied Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, subsequently reported that two reconnaissance drones had been shot down in the north and west of the occupied peninsula, without providing any further details. Crimean wind/Telegram On Aug. 25, local collaborators reported that a Russian military base had been attacked. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement NV's sources in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that the strike on the 126th Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was a joint special operation between the SBU and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read also: How Ukraine prepared maritime drones for its successful second attack on the Crimean Bridge Reportedly, enemy positions were successfully struck by drones, and several dozen people were killed or wounded. Ammunition dumps and numerous military vehicles were also destroyed. On August 24, Ukrainian intelligence conducted a special operation, landing soldiers in Crimea. According to military intelligence, the Ukrainian special forces managed to eliminate 30 Russian soldiers and four boats. 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 be ready to deploy American F-16 fighter jets by spring 2024, according to the countrys Defense Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, in comments he made to Bild on August 27. "We anticipate this development to unfold next spring, as we have already initiated training courses for our pilots, engineers, and technicians," Reznikov said. Read also: F-16s can handle Ukrainian airfields, says Air Force spokesperson "The integration of this type of aircraft necessitates the establishment of suitable infrastructure, a process projected to take a minimum of six months." The introduction of F-16 jets would mark a "significant breakthrough" for Ukraine, Reznikov said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: F-16s unlikely to defend Ukraines airspace this fall, winter air force spox "Our objective is to put an end to Russia's aerial dominance, extending beyond the battlefield. The incorporation of F-16 aircraft into our anti-aircraft defense will elevate our aerial capabilities, reinforcing the protection of our airspace, including our urban centers, Reznikov said. This shift represents a momentous leap for us." F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine Key details In an earlier announcement, the Danish Ministry of Defense revealed that Ukrainian pilots would commence F-16 jettraining by the conclusion of August. On August 20, both the Netherlands and Denmark pledged to donate a total of 61 aircraft to Ukraine42 and 19 respectively. NV Copenhagen aims to dispatch the initial six aircraft by the onset of the new year. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed that Denmark would facilitate the supply of its jets in a carefully phased manner, prioritizing diligence over haste. On August 24, Norway solidified its commitment to provide F-16 jets. The initial batch of aircraft was anticipated to arrive in Ukraine by the end of this year. 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 San Francisco police position street barricades near the Fairmont Hotel in June. (Jane Tyska / Digital First Media / East Bay Times via Getty Images) San Francisco's police union says a city bakery chain has a "bigoted" policy of not serving uniformed cops. The San Francisco Police Officers Assn. wrote in a social media post last week that Reem's California "will not serve anyone armed and in uniform" and that includes "members of the U.S. Military." The union is demanding that the chain "own" its policy. Reem's says, however, its policy isn't against serving armed police officers. It's against allowing guns inside its businesses. The union tweeted: "We are not asking Reems or any business with a bigoted policy to serve our officers. Were asking them to own their discriminatory policy & and put up a sign so we know not to spend money in your establishment on or off duty." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read more: Youth brawls draw hundreds to 2 California malls, including in Torrance Reem's said in a statement to SFGate that its policy is to keep its employees safe by keeping guns outside of its businesses. Reems has a deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities, the statement said. This includes fostering an environment of safety for our staff and customers. In a time of increased gun violence particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people we believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer. The restaurant chain and the union didn't immediately respond to The Times' requests for comment. The president of the union, Tracy McCray, disputed Reem's statement in an email to SFGATE, writing that the bakery prohibited people "armed in a uniform." That is not our interpretation of their policy. That is exactly what they said their policy was. That is what their employee told our officer, McCray wrote. And this is our point, if youre going to have policies that discriminate against one group of people, then own it, post it publicly, and let your potential customers make the decision that best reflects their values. Read more: From 'mission accomplished' to riot: Inside the chaotic first month at Los Padrinos There have been other incidents in recent years when a San Francisco business has denied service to armed police officers. Earlier this year, an employee at Pizza Squared in San Francisco told multiple police officers they weren't welcome at the pizza shop, according to a statement from the business on Twitter. The cashier was fired; the store told him he was "out of line." In December 2021, the owners of Hilda and Jesse restaurant in San Francisco apologized after asking three officers to leave because they were uncomfortable with the presence of their multiple weapons," according to a social media post. 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. StopWatt was not created or endorsed by Elon Musk and the electricity-saving box device is a scam. Win McNamee/Getty Images Claim: An online article or product listing says that the StopWatt "electricity-saving box" was created by Elon Musk and Tesla. Rating: Rating: Scam One series of online scams that seemingly never ends is the false claim that Tesla CEO Elon Musk had involvement in the creation of an inexpensive "electricity-saving" device that's about the size of a plug-in night light. StopWatt is one of many names of a cheap and constantly rebranded "electricity-saving box" product that scammers have misleadingly associated with Musk, Tesla (the company), and even Nikola Tesla himself. Pro Power Saver was one of the other rebranded product names, as we previously reported. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to images of such products, the only words that appeared on the physical devices were, "Intelligent Energy Saver. Electricity-Saving Box. The Result Is the Best." That last bit about "the result is the best" appeared to be poorly-translated English. Names like StopWatt and Pro Power Saver don't appear on the products, since the rebranding from "electricity-saving box" was apparently only a marketing tactic and had no bearing on the creation of the device. Scams for these "electricity-saving boxes" usually begin with an online ad displayed on a website or in an email newsletter that claims the compact, inexpensive device can save homeowners 90% off of their utility bill. Those ads then lead to a scammy article that falsely claims Musk created StopWatt. StopWatt was not created or endorsed by Elon Musk and the electricity-saving box device is a scam. Just as we previously wrote about the Pro Power Saver scam, with StopWatt, we don't recommend trusting any claims that say homeowners will be able to save such an enormous percentage off of their electricity bills. If this was truly possible, it would be one of the most popular products around today. Always remember with online offers that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. As for the scammy article, it often bears the publisher name of Fox News. However, Fox News never published this story: Reducing Electricity Bills by 90%! Elon Musk's Revolutionary Device Designed Personally for Middle-aged, Elderly, and Low-income Groups Faces Suppression by Power Giants, Facing Production Crisis? Elon Musk, the genius CEO behind solar power giant Tesla has been the talk of the town lately. His most recent controversy is a genius electricity saving invention for those who can't afford fancy, expensive solar panels. The electric power companies are furious and want Elon's money saving invention banned before the American public can take full advantage of the savings. He goes on to say "The big power companies are scamming you. Yes, that's right. Believe it or not, they have been using a secret to cheat you every time you run your lights, dishwasher, blender, vacuum and anything else that draws power. This is why your power bill is so expensive every month and keeps rising with some residents paying as much as $500 a month in electric bills. Every American can slash their electricity bill by 90% using this revolutionary technology. You're welcome, America." This scam often features a picture of Musk holding one of the supposed "electricity-saving box" devices in his hand: StopWatt was not created or endorsed by Elon Musk and the electricity-saving box device is a scam. However, as readers can see at the top of this article, the photograph with Musk holding the device had been doctored. The original picture was available on the Getty Images website. Continuing with the scam article, it went on to tell a sad story of a woman named "Dorothy Smith," purportedly a Tesla employee, who died of heat stroke in her home. According to the story, her death inspired Musk to create StopWatt: But for Elon Musk, this was more than just an invention to fight back against the greedy electric companies. When tragedy struck the Tesla factory, he knew he had to take action. Dorothy Smith was a 64 year old Tesla employee who died of a heat stroke after falling behind on her electric bills and her service was shut off in the middle of a record breaking heat wave. Her youngest daughter came to check up on her after many unanswered phone calls and tragically found Dorothy lifeless on the couch with her husband. ... Seeing just how devastating electricity prices are on the average American's wallet, and witnessing his own employee, Dorothy Smith pass away tragically, Elon Musk set out to find his old drawing plans for an electricity saver invention he had made as a young genius in South Africa. The original drawing was based on a concept by his idol, legendary inventor, electrical and mechanical engineer and visionary, Nikola Tesla. After a few hours of digging through old papers, he found it! Elon immediately called one of his brightest engineers at Tesla and trusted friend, Ed Sherwood. Combining their expertise, they set out to bring Elon's electricity saving dream to life. As we previously reported, none of this was true. Articles that claim Musk and Tesla created StopWatt are both fiction and scams. Further, there's no record of a Tesla employee named "Dorothy Smith" having died of heat stroke. Sources: "Elon Musk." Tesla.com, https://www.tesla.com/elon-musk. Liles, Jordan. "Was Pro Power Saver Endorsed by Elon Musk and Tesla?" Snopes, 23 Jan. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/pro-power-saver-elon-musk/. New energy vehicles are charged in a multifunctional NEV charging station in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, July 4, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] German enterprises are doubling down on their investment in China's fast-growing new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, or planning to do so, to tap the market potential of a country that has 1.4 billion people. The country has seen a significant increase in the production and sales of NEVs this year. During the first seven months, China's NEV output was 4.59 million units, up 40 percent year on year, while sales reached 4.53 million units, rising 41.7 percent from a year ago, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed. Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, is home to a number of NEV enterprises, such as Volkswagen Anhui, NIO, and BYD, gathering more than 500 industrial chain enterprises and employing about 100,000 people. From January to May this year, the cumulative output of NEVs in the city reached 230,000, or one unit produced every minute on average. Hefei is accelerating to build itself as an important NEV industrial cluster in China and even the world. "Volkswagen Anhui is Volkswagen Group's first majority-owned joint venture for all-electric vehicles in China. It is a key pillar for the group's e-mobility push and decarbonization strategy in China and globally," said Erwin Gabardi, CEO of Volkswagen Anhui. With a planned investment of 23.1 billion yuan (about 3.17 billion U.S. dollars), the German carmaker is in full speed of building a new NEV hub, along with the complete value chain, covering R&D, manufacturing, sales and services in Hefei. "The government is very innovative and has given us a lot of preferential policies to promote the rapid progress of the project, and to support our recruitment with attractive talent policies," Gabardi told Xinhua. The company is cooperating with Hefei University and the local government to cultivate high-skilled NEV professionals. Established in 2021, Volkswagen College aims to bring a German dual education framework into Chinese vocational institutions and higher education to cultivate NEV talents for the industry's long-term growth. The first batch of "seed engineer" students from the cooperation program have graduated and joined Volkswagen Anhui, contributing to NEV research and development. Besides, Volkswagen Group reached an agreement to buy a 4.99-percent stake in Chinese NEV startup Xpeng in July for 700 million U.S. dollars and co-develop two NEV models for the Chinese market. Recently, Christian Coates, President of the Tire Division of Continental AG, paid a visit to Hefei to discuss further cooperation one month after Hefei's officials went to the company's headquarters in Hannover, Germany. The two parties agreed to seize the development opportunities of the NEV industry, speed up the construction of the fourth phase of the company's tire factory in Hefei to expand production and plan follow-up projects such as auto electronics and R&D centers. Since its official operation in Hefei in 2011, the company has achieved an annual output of 12 million passenger car tires and 3 million bicycle tires, with an output value of 6.34 billion yuan in 2022. Volkswagen and Continental are among an increasing number of German enterprises that have shown interest in investing in Anhui. On Aug. 18, the China-Germany Friendship Association organized for some well-known companies, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, to visit Anhui and discuss cooperation. The association will give full play to the matchmaking role to further promote the cooperation between German enterprises and Anhui in NEV, vocational education, youth exchanges, and other aspects, said Shi Mingde, president of the China-Germany Friendship Association. Being a world-renowned manufacturer of automobiles, Germany has a lot to gain and share when cooperating with China in terms of market access, technology innovation, and talent cultivation, among others. China has been Germany's largest trading partner for seven years. There are over 5,000 German companies that are active in China and over 2,500 Chinese companies that are active in Germany, according to Silke Besser, general manager of the German-Chinese Business Association. A faculty member was shot and killed and a suspect arrested after an on-campus shooting at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill on Monday, school officials confirmed. I am grieved to report that one of our faculty members was killed in this shooting, said UNC Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz in a statement. We are waiting for confirmation that the next of kin has been contacted before we share more information. The unidentified faculty member was found by police at Caudill Laboratories, a chemistry building. Any connection between the victim and assailant was not immediately clear. No other injuries or fatalities were reported. The violence sent the school community of roughly 20,000 undergraduates and 12,000 graduate students into a frenzy for several hours. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Students and faculty were forced to shelter-in-place as heavily armed cops combed the school in search of the suspected gunmanwhose photo, shared by authorities, matches the online UNC profile of graduate student Tailei Qi, pictured above. Nearby elementary and middle schools were also ordered to lock down as officers tried to locate the shooter. Just got this video from my friend who is in hiding right now during the shooting at UNC Chapel Hill. Hes watching the cops search for the shooter. pic.twitter.com/Himi8v6sJQ Samuel Schwartz (@samschwartz03) August 28, 2023 Around 4 p.m., police officers took a suspect into custody, issuing an all clear message to the university. WRAL News reports that Qi was the one arrestedthough UNC Police Chief Brian James said that authorities would not immediately confirm the suspects name, since no official charges had yet been filed. James also said that police were still hunting for the weapon used in the shooting, and it was too early in the investigation to announce any motive. Ayden Scott, a UNC grad student and former classmate of Qis, told WRAL that he would nave never guessed that Qi would have done something so violent. Every single time he would talk to me, he seemed very nice. When I saw his face in the reports online, I was beyond shocked, Scott said. The university has cancelled classes and campus events for the remainder of Monday and all of Tuesday, according to Guskiewiczs statement. 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. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) For more than three hours, the UNC-Chapel Hill campus was placed on a lockdown due to an active shooter situation that ended in a shooting death and one arrest. University of North Carolina Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz confirmed a faculty member was shot and killed in a campus building. Their identity was not released as police are still in the process of contacting family members. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say While one person is in custody, the weapon used in the campus shooting was still unaccounted for as of 6 p.m. Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This loss is devastating and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community. We will work to rebuild that sense of trust and safety within our community, Guskiewicz said. Classes were canceled for the remainder of Monday and Tuesday. Guskiewicz encouraged students to take advantage of mental health resources on campus. UNC said it will open a hotline starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday for concerned parents, loved ones and community members who have questions. The number is 919-918-1999 UNC officials said the suspect was taken into custody at approximately 2:38 p.m. UNC Chief of Police Brian James was unable to confirm the connection between the victim and suspect. Its a day we trained for, but we hope it never comes, James said about his departments response to the shooting event. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say Police released a photo of a person of interest Monday afternoon, but during a press conference Monday evening, would not confirm it was the same man arrested. According to the UNC website, the suspect image matches an ID photo for a student named Tailei Qi. Tailei Qi Formal charges have not been filed against the suspect in custody. University police were notified of shots fired in Caudill Laboratories at 131 South Road around 1:02 p.m. That building will remain closed until further notice. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say We want to ensure that we gather every piece of evidence to determine exactly what happened here today and why it happened. It is too early in this investigation to know a motive for the shooting, James said. While rumors circulated online about a number of injuries, James confirmed there were no other injuries reported. He said witnesses at the scene were able to help them identify a suspect. The initial alert, which went out at about 1 p.m. urged everyone on the schools campus to stay inside and avoid windows. As of 4:16 p.m., the university issued an all clear alert to resume normal activities. UNC officials added in the all-clear that everyone should remain away from Caudill Labs while UNC Police continues to investigate. In the first video CBS 17 received from inside a building on UNCs campus, law enforcement officers can be seen in a hallway within Caudill Labs. The officers are seen walking through with guns raised and wearing bullet protective vests. Video courtesy Brendan Lynch Monday night, Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger released a statement about the deadly shooting at UNC. We are heartbroken for the UNC students, faculty, and staff whose sense of safety on their beautiful campus was shattered by the days events and for those children, teachers, and staff who had to lock down on their first day back to our local schools, Hemminger wrote in part. Chapel Hill schools get all clear for dismissal, after delay from UNC active, armed person A massive presence of law enforcement and EMS vehicles are lining the road outside of the Genome Sciences Building and South Road is largely blocked off. At least four agencies are responding on the scene as of 2:15 p.m. Chapel Hill area buses were on hold due to the incident, according to a tweet sent by Chapel Hill Transit. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools were also under a Secure Mode across all campuses and offices, according to an update posted on their Facebook page. Law enforcement and first responders gather on South Street near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus. (Kaitlin McKeown/The News & Observer via AP) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Two police officers move around a building on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus. (Kaitlin McKeown/The News & Observer via AP) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) As of 3:40 p.m., Chapel Hill school officials received an all clear from authorities and will begin their dismissal process for elementary and middle schools. Chapel Hill students get all clear for dismissal, which is significantly delayed by UNC active armed person Just after 4 p.m., UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill issued an all-clear, which lifted their lockdown and resumed normal operations. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has their helicopter in the air to help in the search for armed the suspect. UNC-Chapel Hill said in an update for people to stay sheltered in place and that all classes and events are canceled for the remainder of the day. Governor Roy Cooper said via Twitter/X that he spoke with the Orange County Sheriff Blackwood and Dept. of Public Safety Secretary Buffaloe and pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus. Gov. Cooper also added that his office is in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC. He went on to say that this is a tragic way to start a new semester and that the state will provide any needed assistance in this incident. CBS 17 has multiple crews on campus working to find out more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. The Marysville School Board is voting Monday night for the 2023 to 2024 school year and with a budget shortfall of at least $17 million, many who work for the district are worried about budget cuts. Dozens of district employees rallied, before the meeting, hoping that board members would hear them out and come back to the bargaining table. The president of SEIU 925 told us their contract expires August 31 but they have a good faith clause that is supposed to carry them through to the next contract. However, she said the district told them theyd bargain September 13, nearly two weeks after that expiration date. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The district is facing a major budget shortfall and Monday nights budget seeks to address that by entering a money agreement with the county and possibly borrowing from the districts future revenues. Those who rallied said theyre worried more cuts could be made. We want to bargain for things for our members and we really need our district to be willing to bargain with us and its not just about pay of course its stuff like how many adults are with kids at recess and things like that, said Union President Christy Tautfest. The initial round of budget reductions impacted teachers, paraprofessionals, and other employees. The board is expected to vote on Monday night. Family members say a man who is accused of murdering a metro Atlanta Instagram influencer had been dating the victim. Channel 2s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was in Austell Monday, where 22-year-old Beauty Couchs body was found near her burning car. She had been stabbed to death, investigators said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Couch was a roller-skating influencer with nearly 150k followers. She went by Beauty Katera online and shared videos of herself dancing at the rink. Eugene Louis Jacques was arrested in Louisiana and charged with murder. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Newell spoke to Couchs sister, Leila Brown, who said her sisters relationship with Jacques was relatively new and that she found him odd. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement TRENDING STORIES: I thought he was a very quiet guy, Brown said. Almost abnormally quiet. Jacques did not live in Georgia when Couch met him, but had recently moved to the area. He was also a roller skater and lived in Florida previously and moved to town to be closer to Couch. Brown said that at first, the relationship seemed normal. When they were dating, because they werent dating long, he was always taking her out or buying her flowers, Brown said. Nice gestures like that Couchs mother, Kimberly Couch, had a different opinion of Jacques. Bad vibe about him. Period, Couch said. I want to really just look at him and say, Why? WHY? How could you do that to an innocent, beautiful person? Brown just said shes glad Jacques has been caught. I know this journey is far from over, she said. Pundit Alyssa Farah Griffin took a shot at GOP presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy after the Republican used Nikki Haley s maiden name on his campaign website. Of course Vivek is referring to Nikki Haley by her maiden name Namrata Randhawa on his his website, Farah Griffin , who is a political analyst for CNN and co-host of ABCs The View, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Reminder: Nikki is her name on her birth certificate & this is a dog whistle. Crazy to see it coming from a fellow Indian American. Farah Griffin included a screenshot in her posting of a passage from Ramaswamys campaign website refuting criticism Haley, another GOP presidential primary hopeful, had leveled against him on foreign policy. WRONG. Keep lying, Nimarata Randhawa, according to Ramaswamys campaign website in response to the assertion Vivek doesnt support Israel. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The desperation is showing, he wrote of Haley and others who have raised concerns about his positions on foregin policy and the Middle East. During last weeks GOP primary debate, Haley and Ramaswamy clashed in a heated argument during which Haley said the political newcomers lack of experience in the foreign policy arena shows. Ramaswamy responded by sarcastically wishing Haley well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On 29 August, Kyiv will bid farewell to military pilot Andrii "Juice" Pilshchykov, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Zhytomyr Oblast. Source: Melania Podoliak, Andriis girlfriend, on Telegram Quote: "It will be possible to say goodbye to Juice and support his mother and relatives at 11:00 tomorrow, in the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at 5 Mykilsko-Slobidska Street, Kyiv." Details: Melania also posted a photo of an impromptu memorial near the Ghost of Kyiv mural in Ukraines capital. People have been leaving flowers and candles there. Background: On 26 August, it was reported that Andrii Pilshchykov, a famous pilot who went by the alias Juice, and two other pilots had been killed in a collision between two Ukrainian training and combat aircraft in Zhytomyr Oblast on the evening of 25 August. The Vasylkiv Tactical Aircraft Brigade reported that, in addition to Andrii "Juice" Pilshchykov, Viacheslav Minka and Serhii Prokazin were also killed. The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the plane crash. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that all the circumstances of the training aircraft crash in Zhytomyr Oblast that killed the three pilots will be established. The State Bureau of Investigation has reported that the avenues of investigation include technical malfunction of the aircraft, pilot error, and a violation of the organisation of flights. The crash occurred when two planes collided during a turnaround manoeuvre. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Note: Captain Andrii Pilshchykov, alias "Juice", who hailed from Kharkiv, dedicated eight years of his life to aviation. When the full-scale war began he already had over 500 flight hours under his belt, gained while completing combat missions in challenging conditions. He had received numerous state and institutional awards. He was a pilot in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Central Air Command. The collective image of the pilots of this brigade has been dubbed the "Ghost of Kyiv" for their courageous actions while defending the city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast from Russian aircraft. Pilshchykov frequently spoke to Western media and lobbied for the supply of F-16 fighter jets to 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! A high-profile hearing in the Georgia election interference case is set for federal court on Monday. Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows was one of the 19 people indicted by a Fulton County Grand Jury accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election here in Georgia. Former President Donald Trump also was charged. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Meadows faces two charges of violation of the Georgia RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer. Meadows surrendered to the Fulton County Jail on Thursday and was released on a $100,000 bond. Meadows and his attorneys filed a motion to have his case move from state court to federal court arguing that the charges all occurred during his tenure and as part of his service as Chief of Staff and therefore should be dismissed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Fani Willis and the Fulton County District Attorneys Office argue that Meadows violated the Hatch Act and that the case should stay on the state level. Willis issued subpoenas for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and investigator Francis Watson to appear at the hearing. RELATED STORIES Meadows participated in the now-infamous phone call between Trump and Raffensperger, in which the former president pressured Raffensperger to overturn the election results and find him 11,000 votes. A week earlier, Meadows allegedly arranged another phone call between Trump and Watson, whose team was overseeing a signature match audit in Cobb County. During the signature match audit process in Dec. 2020, Meadows showed up unannounced, stayed for roughly 20 minutes, and left without speaking to the media. A federal judge scheduled a hearing for Monday at 10 a.m. in Atlanta to hear both arguments in the Meadows motion. Meadows isnt the only defendant named in the indictment who has filed to have his case moved to federal court. Former U.S. Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark, Georgia State Sen. Shawn Still, former Georgia GOP chairman David Shafer and former Coffee County GOP leader Cathy Latham also filed. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A federal judge has set a March 4 trial date for former President Donald Trumps election interference case in Washington, D.C. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan announced her decision Monday, arguing that it was made in the interest of justice and to give Trumps legal team enough time to adequately prepare, The Guardian reported. The trial date falls one day before the Super Tuesday primaries. Trump is currently the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race. The start date largely appeared to be a win for Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who proposed starting the trial in January, with the jury selection beginning in December. He estimated the trial would take four to six weeks. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Trumps legal team, in contrast, requested that the trial start in April 2026, which would be nearly a year and a half after the next presidential election. Former President Donald Trump is seen in Atlanta on Thursday ahead of his arrest on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Former President Donald Trump is seen in Atlanta on Thursday ahead of his arrest on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Chutkan called both proposals unacceptable, while Trump attorney John Lauro dismissed a 2024 trial as unjust, according to The Associated Press. Never in the history of the United States have we seen a case of this magnitude go to trial in four months, and this mans liberty and life is at stake, he said Monday. He deserves an adequate representation. Hes no different than any American. Later on Monday, Trump said he plans to challenge the trial date. Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY, he wrote on his Truth Social account. I will APPEAL! Trump, whos the first former president in United States history to be criminally indicted, faces four federal charges: 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. The criminal case is one of four that Trump currently faces. His New York trial related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels is expected to start on March 25. His second federal case related to classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida has a May 20 trial start date. A trial date has yet to be determined for his second state case related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 elections results in Georgia. He and 18 other defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 6. Related... As America grapples with a fentanyl crisis, multiple junior sailors have died from the drug aboard the base that houses the Navys boot camp in recent years, and investigators have been probing efforts to smuggle drugs onto the installation, including through the U.S. mail system, since at least 2020, according to records obtained by Navy Times. Two other sailors are facing criminal charges in connection to one of those deaths, records show. The Navys law enforcement agency launched at least five separate investigations into illicit/controlled substances being mailed to servicemembers at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in the second half of 2020 alone, according to Naval Criminal Investigative Service records. Those substances include fentanyl, cocaine and the opioids hydrocodone and oxycodone, as well as the hallucinogen LSD, Xanax and THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Numerous service members have been interviewed and related the illicit substances were being sent via the US mail and/or in re-packaged food containers, according to a December 2020 NCIS investigative summary report. These incidents and sailor deaths, which the Navy has not publicized and which have not been reported before, raise questions about how young sailors have been able to use and distribute drugs there. Fentanyl deaths among troops more than doubled from 2017 to 2021 Great Lakes contains not only the Navys basic training but also schools for newly minted sailors, and records indicate the two sailors who died and the two facing charges had already graduated boot camp. Navy officials did not answer questions by Navy Times deadline regarding how many recruits or sailors at Great Lakes had suffered drug-related deaths since 2020. They also did not answer a question regarding whether the sea service believes drug smuggling and use aboard Great Lakes to be a larger, systemic problem, nor did they answer questions related to mail screening procedures there. The Navy also did not answer questions regarding whether any other sailors had been charged in connection to drug use or drug deaths aboard the base. Meanwhile, as of Monday, NCIS had not provided reams of related records that Navy Times requested nearly a year ago under the Freedom of Information Act. The service has also refused to release specific data showing how many sailors have suffered fentanyl-related deaths in recent years. Fentanyl was involved in 174 overdose cases in the military from 2017 to 2021, with fatal fentanyl doses more than doubling during that span, according to Defense Department data released in February. In civilian America, more than 150 people die each day from overdoses of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two charged in connection with sailor overdose death on aircraft carrier While the scope of the drug problem at Great Lakes remains unclear, records obtained by Navy Times show that two sailors currently face involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide charges in the fentanyl-related death of another sailor on the Great Lakes base in late 2021, according to court records. Officials declined Friday to identify the 21-year-old seaman apprentice who died after ingesting the fentanyl on Nov. 6, 2021, and officials with the Lake County Coroners Office outside the base did not reply to a query by Navy Times deadline. The convening authority determined it was appropriate not to release the full name, rank and rate of the deceased sailor, Navy spokesman Lt. Andrew Bertucci said Friday. From our legal team and everything, its been out of respect for the privacy of the sailor. Seaman Brandon R. Ledesma, 21, and Seaman Recruit Caleb J. Taper, 23, are both charged with negligent homicide and involuntary manslaughter in connection to that sailors death, along with a host of other charges. Their Navy defense attorneys declined to comment for this report. Bertucci said that Ledesma and Taper were both awaiting orders to attend Naval Submarine School at the time. Bertucci declined to say whether any other sailors worked with Ledesma and Taper to allegedly distribute drugs on the base. We are unable to disclose those names since they would be considered ongoing investigations, he said. Ledesma and Taper are accused of giving the seaman apprentice fentanyl and then failing to contact authorities when the sailor collapsed, according to charge sheets. Both are also charged for moving the sailors body to another room in a Great Lakes barracks building known as USS Cole following the collapse. Ledesma faces an additional involuntary manslaughter charge specification for allegedly telling another sailor not to contact emergency services. Both sailors are also charged with using, possessing and distributing several illegal drugs aboard Great Lakes, including fentanyl, LSD and cocaine, at various dates from March 2021 to August 2022, according to charge sheets. Taper is accused of sneaking drugs onto the base inside a Popeyes chicken box that he got from a person outside the perimeter of the base less than a week after the unidentified sailor ingested the fatal fentanyl on Nov. 6, 2021, his charge sheet states. He faces charges for allegedly breaking restriction on multiple occasions from February to late April, according to his charge sheet. Taper is also charged for allegedly stealing nearly $160 in video games and a teeth whitening pen from the Great Lakes Navy Exchange on Feb. 8, and for fleeing from a Navy police officer that same day, according to his charge sheet. Ledesma faces his own larceny charges for allegedly stealing more than $500 in video games, clothing and hygiene items from the bases Navy Exchange store on Feb. 7, charge sheets show. As of Thursday, Taper was in pre-trial confinement at the Lake County Sheriffs Office, as the Navy contracts with the jail since there are no military brig facilities in the area, Bertucci said, while Ledesma is on legal hold at a temporary holding unit aboard Great Lakes. Graduating sailors stand in formation before their pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., in 2021. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp. (MC1 Camilo Fernan/Navy) Meanwhile, NCIS records show that another junior sailor, Seaman Apprentice Christopher R. Kayser, died a fentanyl-related death in 2020. The 21-year-old joined the Navy that year and was an avid fisherman who held a black belt in karate and liked to snowboard and surf, according to his obituary. He was in a preparatory training pipeline for future Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, or BUD/S, at the time of his overdose death in October 2020, according to NCIS records obtained by Navy Times. Kayser was found unresponsive in his barracks room on Oct. 26, 2020, and his death was later determined to have been due to drug toxicity involving fentanyl and other drugs, according to the NCIS records. That report states that a fellow sailor retrieved a package containing contraband for Kayser in order to subvert the screening process. What precisely happened remains unclear, as NCIS has not provided the full scope of records requested by Navy Times via Freedom of Information Act records request. But in an email to Navy Times Friday, NCIS spokesman Jeff Houston said no charges were filed in relation to the agencys investigation into Kaysers death. Navy spokesman Bertucci also declined to provide further details on the sailors passing. Kaysers family declined comment for this report. Arkady Volozh , tech billionaire and co-founder of Russia's popular search engine Yandex, made a formal request for the EU to lift its sanctions against him, the Financial Times reported on Aug. 26. On. Aug. 10, Volozh publicly spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it "barbaric." His petition will test how the EU plans to deal with sanctioned individuals who denounce the Kremlin. The EU is expected to discuss Volozh's request next month. "[T]here are hundreds of other sanctioned Russian businessmen watching closely to see what Brussels does," a person close to Volozh told the FT. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The EU sanctioned Volozh in June 2022, arguing that Yandex promotes pro-government narratives and is complicit in Russia's war against Ukraine. Volozh resigned as CEO of Yandex after being sanctioned. A source told the FT that Volozh then waited to condemn the war publicly until people he felt responsible for were able to get out of Russia. Last month, the U.K. lifted sanctions against Russian tycoon Oleg Tinkov after he called the war "crazy" and surrendered his Russian citizenship. The U.K.'s decision marks the first time a sanctioned individual was able to leverage their opposition to the war in order to escape Western sanctions. The EU updates its Russian sanctions list every six months. Volozh hopes that the EU will not renew the sanctions against him when they lapse on Sept. 15. Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A fisherman cleans at Tsurishihama Fishing Port after fishing in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Japan's move to discharge nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean from Thursday has prompted some Chinese tourists and tourism agencies to reconsider their travel plans to the country. Japan is among the third batch of countries that are allowed group tourism from China following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions as announced by Chinese authorities on Aug 8. But growing enthusiasm for visiting Japan could be dampened by the wastewater release. "I have received quite a number of inquiries on trips to Japan in recent weeks, but news of the nuclear-contaminated water will definitely affect tourism to the country," Di Mingyang, an employee at a travel agency in Beijing, said on Sunday. According to online travel services provider Trip.com Group, searches for trips to Japan had surpassed Thailand and Singapore to come on top on a list of favorable overseas destinations as of Aug. 17, and bookings for group tours in Japan had increased significantly this month compared to July. However, Japan's release of wastewater has prompted health concerns and condemnations from Chinese customers. "Personally, I would not promote traveling to Japan," Di said. "It is impossible to not eat Japanese-made food in Japan, and what if that food contains hazardous substances? "It strikes me as reckless behavior for a country to discharge radioactive water into the ocean. I oppose such an action, so I won't recommend traveling there," she said. A travel agent based in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, surnamed Dai, said that the number of self-guided tours to Japan has risen markedly in recent months, but the sentiment has changed following its decision to release wastewater. "I feel like everybody is watching the situation and reconsidering," she said. In 2019, 9.59 million Chinese tourists visited Japan, accounting for 30 percent of its foreign travelers, according to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. Li Xiaguang, a 33-year-old accountant in Beijing, said that he used to visit Japan about two to three times a year for sightseeing and shopping. He has not visited the country for nearly four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is planning to travel there during the upcoming National Day holiday from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6. "I am very torn now," he said. "I've already booked flights and hotels, so cancellations would cost a lot, but my parents are trying to talk me out of going there due to concerns over health and food safety. "I think I will do more research on the impact of water release before making a final decision." A school bus arrives at Winchester Drive and Paula Ann Court en route to Pleasant Grove Elementary School on the first day of school for Wake County Public School System students, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. (Kaitlin McKeown/kmckeown@newsobserver.com) Wake County parents waited at the bus stop Monday hoping that the districts undermanned transportation department would get their children to class on time. North Carolinas largest school district is starting the school year with a 35.75% bus driver vacancy rate thats forcing it to stretch existing routes to make sure students get service. Until more bus drivers are hired, around 3,000 Wake County students are scheduled to arrive after classes have started at school each day. The district says, though, its constantly trying to revise routes to minimize how many students arrive late. Wake planned to have an update later Monday on how bus service went on the first day of traditional-calendar schools. Bus service is historically slower during the first few weeks of school as students get used to bus routes and the district determines which of the 90,000 registered riders arent using the bus after all. Here Comes The Bus app Like the rest of the nation, Wake is suffering from a shortage of bus drivers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Wake has 581 drivers but also has 315 vacant positions. Thats 49 more vacancies than a year ago. Interim Superintendent Randy Bridges has asked school employees to help out at the start of the school year. Wake County school board member Sam Hershey is among the people who are undergoing training to become a school bus driver to help out. CDL Day 3. Sections today are passenger, school bus and air brakes. Tomorrow is the test. Been an easy class to sit through virtually, plenty of breaks. Please consider getting it done for @wcpss. Dont believe me, ask WCPSS principal @KristinKSmall. #wcpss #ralpol #wakepol https://t.co/WzGOxdLJyF Sam on the Wake County School Board (@SamuelHershey) August 23, 2023 The shortage has been impacting the Here Comes The Bus app that provides families with information on when the bus is coming and where its located. The app works by using the GPS unit of the bus assigned to the childs route. But if the driver is out, Wake usually assigns a different bus to cover the route. Bob Snidemiller, Wakes senior director of transportation, said they need to update the app with the new bus GPS info before the vehicle leaves the yard. He said they get most of the changes updated in the app but not all due to the rush of so many buses leaving the bus yard. Faulty AC sends students home early Wake County continues to be plagued by air conditioning problems that are sending some students home early. On Monday, East Millbrook Middle School in Raleigh dismissed classes three hours early at 11 a.m. due to our HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning )system not working at full capacity and warm temperatures in the building. At least seven Wake year-round and modified-calendar schools had previously sent students home early at one point or another this summer due to HVAC issues. Teachers at more than 50 Wake schools have complained that the air conditioning at their schools are not working properly. Wake blames a staffing shortage in its HVAC shop and parts delays for the problems. Mac attack is about to have a whole other meaning thanks to the opening of the first I Heart Mac & Cheese in Northern California. The fast-growing national franchise debuts Monday, Aug. 28, in Turlock, the inaugural location for the chain in the Central Valley and only third site so far in the state. As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in cheesy delicacies. It serves mac and cheese bowls, of course, but also grilled cheese sandwiches and seasonal novelty dishes. Turlock-based husband-and-wife franchise owners Ben and Tracy Bazar had been looking for another business opportunity for their family. Tracy left work as a business analyst with Hilmar Cheese during the pandemic to look after their two young sons. After more than a year of development and construction, the now larger family (they added daughter Taylor six months ago) is opening its first restaurant together. Ben Bazar is president of Cecil Mitchell Equities and a RE/MAX Executive, specializing in flipping and building houses. He was able to draw on his development background to build out the site at the corner of Monte Vista Avenue and Crowell Road, across from Stanislaus State University. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The chain joins Dutch Bros Coffee, Sourdough & Co. and Dominos Pizza in the Warrior Crossing shopping center. The retail strip has been slowly filling up since it was completed in 2020, and now has only one unopened space left. But that too has been claimed by national chain Hummus Republic, which soon will begin work on the site. Owners Ben and Tracy Bazar at their new I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise in Turlock, Calif., Thursday, August 24, 2023. The Bazars said the Florida-based companys flavors and options sold them on the concept. They picked the site because of its proximity to the university and nearby regional shopping centers. We thought it would be a good addition to Turlock, Tracy Bazar said. Ben Bazar said he was also impressed by the franchises marketing and its ambitious growth in recent years. The companys slick branding includes using heart-shaped bowls for its mac dishes and a cheese-shaped cursor on its company website. Founded in 2017, the chain has some 40 locations nationwide and hopes to double that by years end, including another Northern California location in Sacramento and a site next year in Fresno. The companys other open California locations are in Palm Springs and Los Angeles. The restaurant hopes to fill all your warm, creamy comfort food needs with its menu. You can try one of more than half a dozen signature bowls, from classic mac to buffalo and blue cheese, chicken Parmesan and even lobster (ranging in price from $9.99 to $23.99). Or pick from about the same number of signature grilled cheeses, including bacon and tomato, Cuban and, again, lobster if you want to feel bougie. The sandwiches run $8.59 to $23.99, and all come with a side of tater tots. Best of Both Worlds sandwich (grilled cheese with short ribs and mac and cheese baked all together) at I Heart Mac & Cheese in Turlock, Calif., Thursday, August 24, 2023. Where I Heart Mac & Cheese really excels is its customization, which allows you to build-your-own bowl or grilled cheese however you want. The company uses a corkscrew fusilli-like pasta for maximum cheese-to-sauce ratio, but you can go rogue and get tater tots, broccoli, cauliflower or even quinoa as your bowl base instead. But, who are we kidding? You dont come to a place called I Heart Mac & Cheese to eat a broccoli bowl. You can top your pasta with a range of sauces from its standard mac cheese sauce to mango habanero, pesto, sesame ginger or marinara. Then add a protein from bacon or chicken to beef to ham and the ubiquitous lobster option. They give you yet another option to add veggies (I mean, you do you but this is a mac-and-cheese restaurant so choose wisely). Finally you can amp up the ooey-gooeyness with more cheese from cheddar to muenster to Swiss and pepper jack. Customized bowls sell for $14.59 (upgrade fees for premium items or gluten-free/vegan options available). The same process is repeated for the grilled cheese options, which run $11.99. Shift leader Emma Webster prepares a mac & cheese bowl at I Heart Mac & Cheese in Turlock, Calif., Thursday, August 24, 2023. With all the options and customizations, you could eat 100 meals here and theyd all be different, Ben Bazar said. So far, the Bazars said popular picks include the classic mac, as well as hybrids like the Best of Both Worlds sandwich, which is a grilled cheese with short ribs and mac and cheese baked all together. The sandwich you shouldnt tell your cardiologist about runs $14.99. The company also runs seasonal specials, including its snack Macpanada (an empanada filled with mac and cheese, beef or spinach) for $2.99 each. Theyve replaced the Tacoroni, mac and cheese in a crispy taco shell, which the company was touting when the Turlock site was first announced last year. Im torn between sad and relieved they took those off the menu leaning a tad more toward sad. Still, who knows what other cheesy culinary challenges could be coming next. The new Turlock location has been in soft open for the past week to help train staff, but celebrates its official opening Monday. The first 25 paying customers in line by 11 a.m. when the doors open will receive the equivalent of a years worth of free mac and cheese bowls (which translates to one per week). The day will include various other giveaways and prizes as well. You also can order delivery from the chain on DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats or order online pickup through the companys website or app. I Heart Mac & Cheese, at 1205 W. Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock, will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information call 209-350-1619 or visit iheartmacandcheese.com. Maine lobster Mac & cheese bowl at I Heart Mac & Cheese in Turlock, Calif., Thursday, August 24, 2023. I Heart Mac & Cheese in the Warrior Crossing shopping center at 1205 W. Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock, Calif., Thursday, August 24, 2023. For the first time in history, a woman will lead Bostons FBI Division, officials said Monday. Jodi Cohen has been named Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Boston Field Office, FBI officials said in a statement. Cohen most recently served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Field Office in Louisville, Kentucky. Cohen joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 2005 and was assigned to the New York Field Office, where she investigated white-collar crime and health care fraud, officials said. She also worked violent crime matters on the Safe Streets Task Force. In 2014, Cohen was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and reported to the Washington Field Office to provide support to national security and criminal covert operations, officials said. In 2018, Ms. Cohen was selected as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Branch in the Seattle Field Office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In 2017, Cohen served as a team leader in the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. There, she oversaw agent-involved shooting investigations, national program reviews, and field office inspections. In 2020, Cohen served as the chief of staff for the executive assistant director and section chief in the National Security Branch of FBI Headquarters. In 2021, Cohen was promoted to Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Field Office. The FBI Boston Division includes all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Cohen replaces former Special Agent in Charge Joseph Bonavolonta, who retired from his position in June. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In recent years, weve grown accustomed to the sight of Amazon vans and courier cars bringing packages to our doors. But according to consultancy firm McKinsey, the growth of e-commerce since the Covid pandemic has put huge pressure on the last-mile delivery system the final stage of the delivery process, where parcels are transported from warehouse to customers. McKinsey estimated that in 2020, more than 100 billion packages were sent globally, a figure that could double by 2030, with last-mile delivery increasingly contributing to traffic congestion and pollution. But new innovations in logistics are taking on these challenges and transforming the way we receive packages. Here are five technologies that are shaking up the industry. Delivery robots Delivery robots are on the rise, and have been used by big-name companies such as Uber Eats and Dominos Pizza. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for service robots has only grown, with worldwide sales increasing 37% in 2021, according to the International Federation of Robotics. In Leeds, UK, box-sized robots maneuver their way along sidewalks to deliver groceries. In partnership with retail chain Co-op, Starship Technologies sends its battery-powered robots to customers doorsteps to deliver food and packages all managed through its app. Delivery robots are also helping in areas beyond food service. In Hong Kong, Rice Robotics, a startup founded in 2019, developed delivery robots viable for use across many industries including healthcare and hospitality. Electric delivery vehicles Emissions from last-mile delivery traffic will increase by 32% by 2030, according to a 2020 World Economic Forum report. Delivery giant Amazon co-founded The Climate Pledge in 2019, making a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. In Europe, the company plans to spend $972 million on electric vehicles, increasing its fleet of electric delivery vans on the continent to 10,000 by 2025. In the US, Amazon plans to have 100,000 electric delivery vehicles on the road by 2030, in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Electric Amazon delivery vans charge their batteries at an Amazon facility in Chicago, 2022. - Mustafa Hussain/Getty Images Meanwhile in India, three-wheeled rickshaws are getting the electric treatment through a company called Altigreen while Estonia-based Vok offers a four-wheeled electric cargo bike currently available in several cities including London, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Smart parcel lockers Instead of direct-to-doorstep deliveries, some companies are exploring smart parcel lockers. Belgian startup Bringme built its first lockers in the Balk van Beel apartment complex in Leuven, Belgium in 2012. Allowing couriers to cut down significantly on the number of repeat deliveries to a single location trimming carbon emissions its billed as an efficient and sustainable solution to the last-mile delivery system. In addition to being an environmentally friendly alternative to home delivery, smart parcel lockers act as secure storage when online shoppers are unable to receive a package right away. When Bringme users are ready to collect their package, they receive a QR code through their app. Users then show their QR code to the scanner and proceed to take their package from an unlocked compartment. Smart lockers can also come tailored to specific needs such as the one made by startup alfred24, which can adjust temperatures for cold grocery storage, or hot food delivery. Autonomous vehicles Bigger than delivery robots, with much more room for cargo, self-driving vehicles could play an important role in home deliveries in coming years. Last year, Uber Eats signed a deal with Nuro, beginning with trialing its driverless delivery pods in Mountain View, California, and Houston, Texas. Nuro was founded in 2019 by two former principal engineers for Googles self-driving program, and its eponymous third-generation vehicle can fit nearly 500 pounds of groceries. Modular inserts with both heating and cooling capabilities allow for transport of a range of goods. The fully battery-powered and emission-free vehicle also uses 100% renewable electricity from wind farms in Texas, according to the company. Delivery drones While Amazon Prime Air has struggled to get full FAA approval in the US, other drone delivery services have already taken flight. In early 2022, more than 2,000 commercial drone deliveries were occurring every day worldwide, according to McKinsey, and that number has only grown since. Zipline drones have been delivering medical supplies to hard-to-reach facilities in multiple African countries. Pictured: a drone makes a delivery to a hospital in Rwanda, June 2022. - Luke Dray/Getty Images In Rwanda, central Africa, US-based startup Zipline has been making drone deliveries in the health care sector since 2016. Meanwhile in Ireland, Manna Aero has been delivering everything from groceries to orders from small businesses, having completed over 100,000 drone deliveries across the country (with plans to expand further into Europe and the US). Through its app, customers order goods which stores then pack and send by drone. A Carnegie Melon University study found that of the many last-mile delivery methods, very small quadcopter drones (second only to e-cargo bikes) were among the most efficient in terms of energy consumption and CO2 emissions up to 94% lower energy consumption per package. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Architectural renderings show a planned multi-tenant commercial building on the former site of Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon. HAMBURG TWP. Hamburg Township lost a hangout when Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon was destroyed May 15, 2014, in a fire. Nine years later, owner Nick Zander has plans to redevelop the now-vacant property at 7749 E. M-36 between Pinckney and Whitmore Lake, where only the old Roadies sign and remnants of a stone chimney remain. Township officials have granted final site plan approval for a more than 22,000-square-foot commercial building with space for multiple business tenants and parking lot and site improvements. Architectural renderings show a planned multi-tenant commercial building on the former site of Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon. Requests for comment left with Zander Companies were not returned as of Friday. The site plan shows five units for lease, with loading bays and overhead doors. Four units will be about 3,400-3,800 square feet and the fifth will be more than 7,400 square feet. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The building is described as a "flex space" in township documents. While there's no word yet on who future tenants would be, the "flex space" is designed for a variety of commercial uses. "I think the approach with the flex space, it's an open box space, and they will probably build to suit," Hamburg Township Planning and Zoning Director David Rohr said. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl said he sees it as "adaptive." "It's an adaptive use that facilitates all forms of commercial development allowed in the (village center) zoning district retail, services, commercial, everything," Hohl said. "You can have a beauty shop in there and, right next door to it, you could have a restaurant, and right next to it, it could be a bookstore." Firefighters battle a blaze at Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon in Hamburg Township on Thursday, May 15, 2014. He said the property's zoning also allows for office space for service-oriented businesses, like a doctor or accountant. Rohr said some uses, like light industrial, would not be allowed. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage "No warehouse, not storage," he said. The large overhead doors on each unit could be used for loading and unloading, or a business could open them to let in fresh air on nice days. "Obviously, anytime you have a major fire at a community facility, its a major occurrence in the township," Hohl said. "Were glad they're rebuilding something that's innovative and still fits in that village center zoning district, which is our mixed-use zoning district." Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com. This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: 'Flex space' to fill former Roadies Roadhouse site in Hamburg Township Gov. Ron DeSantis reinstated Floridas affordable housing director on Friday, a month after he was suspended pending the outcome of an inspector general investigation. Starting Monday, Mike DiNapoli will be back in charge of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars for affordable housing projects across the state each year. DiNapoli, 54, was DeSantis pick to lead the corporation after its previous leader abruptly resigned in January, following the governors re-election. DiNapoli was placed on paid administrative leave July 21 pending the outcome of an inspector general investigation into allegations that he created a hostile work environment, according to current and former employees. While on leave, he was not allowed to access emails or enter the corporations headquarters in downtown Tallahassee. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The status of that investigation is unknown. Neither the corporation nor the governors office has confirmed his placement on leave or given any other statement on the subject to the Herald/Times. DeSantis office did not respond to requests for comment for this story. But in a statement to Politico, published about 20 minutes after corporation staff were notified late Friday, the governors office said DiNapoli should never have been placed on leave. The inquiry into FHFC to date has found nothing to justify the placement of Mr. DiNapoli on administrative leave, a spokesperson for the governors office told Politico. Moreover, it is clear that FHFCs administrative actions were unsanctioned and without a full board action, and did not warrant proper due process. Just before 5 p.m. Friday, the corporations longtime chief financial officer, Angie Sellers, emailed all staff, writing the governors office directed that DiNapoli be reinstated and that he would likely be in the office on Monday, according to a copy of the email seen by the Herald/Times. Lets continue to focus on providing opportunities for safe and affordable housing for the citizens of Florida, Sellers wrote. You are the backbone of our successful administration of our programs. The Florida Housing Finance Corp. was created by the Legislature in 1980 to serve as a bank that administers billions of dollars in affordable housing loans for developers, federal low-income tax credits, mortgage assistance and other programs. State lawmakers this spring assigned the corporation $711 million to build new units across the state in response to Floridas affordability crisis. DiNapoli was recommended to lead the corporation by DeSantis chief of staff, James Uthmeier, who is now directing the governors campaign for president. DiNapoli makes $185,000 per year. Before coming to Florida, DiNapoli was a financial adviser in New York City for decades until 2015, when he lost his job with the Swiss financial services firm UBS. Weeks later, a woman who claimed DiNapoli was her brother and financial adviser filed a complaint alleging that DiNapoli stole money from her account as well as forged her name to a check that was addressed to her and deposited those funds in another account. Between 2015 and 2017, DiNapoli experienced a series of legal actions relating to his personal finances, including having his bank accounts garnished to recoup outstanding debts, having his lender foreclose on his Ocala home and filing for bankruptcy. In 2017, he was hired at the Department of Economic Opportunity, now known as the Department of Commerce, as a deputy chief. He was promoted to lead the departments Office of Small and Minority Business Capital, administering the states emergency bridge loan program, which issues interest-free loans to businesses and local governments after disasters, and the Homeowner Assistance Fund, which gave money to homeowners to pay their mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic. Since he took the job in February, the office has seen a wave of resignations. DiNapoli also fired the corporations longtime general counsel, who doubled as its chief ethics officer, and the corporations liaison to the board, Sheila Freaney. Freaney has filed discrimination complaints alleging she was fired after reporting wrongdoing, including irregular spending practices, by DiNapoli, her lawyer told the Herald/Times earlier this month. The results of the inspector general investigation are expected to be released at the corporations next board meeting on Sept. 8. Update: Hurricane Idalia was hitting Florida Wednesday. Read the latest here. An earlier story is below. Hurricane Idalia, which was briefly an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, weakened slightly Wednesday morning to a still major Category 3 as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, where it made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, the National Hurricane Center said. The National Hurricane Center said Idalia was bringing "catastrophic" storm surge and "damaging" winds to the area. A Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 111 mph or more, is the first to be labeled as a major hurricane by the hurricane center, which says a Category 4 has sustained winds of at least 130 mph. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The center stressed that the "change in wind speed does not diminish the threat of catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds." As of 8 a.m. EDT Wednesday, Idalia's center was approximately 10 miles south-southeast of Perry, Fla. The storm was moving north-northeast at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour. The hurricane center said Idalia's eye was moving "just inland" from the Big Bend Coast. Vehicles on a street flooded by Hurricane Idalia on August 30, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida. / Credit: Getty Images "In this part of Florida, particularly the Big Bend coast, we haven't seen a hurricane landfall of this intensity in many, many, many years," Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, told "CBS Mornings" on Wednesday. He said the region's shallow continental shelf adds to the storm's impact, with the hurricane's circulation pushing water inland, which is leading to catastrophic storm surge. "We're gonna see, you know, not just the storm surge but potential for damaging winds extending well inland all the way across portions of north Florida, into southern Georgia, into places like Savannah, Hilton Head. We have hurricane warnings in effect for the fast-moving hurricane. It's going to bring those winds really far inland today and tonight," said Brennan. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency covering dozens of counties. Evacuation notices were posted in 22 counties and they were mandatory in eight of them, The Associated Press reports. Many school districts along the Gulf Coast were closed through at least Wednesday. Several colleges and universities were also closed. At a briefing Tuesday evening, DeSantis urged people to leave immediately if they were in an evacuation zone. "If you stay hunkered down tonight, it's going to be too nasty tomorrow morning to be able to do it," DeSantis said. "If you do choose to stay in one of the evacuation zones, first responders will not be able to get you until after the storm has passed." Tolls were suspended early Tuesday morning along Florida's west coast, according to the governor's office, and dozens of shelters opened. More than 63,000 Florida homes and businesses had no power as of 6:15 a.m., according to PowerOutage.us. Hurricane path and map Idalia made landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida Wednesday morning in the Big Bend region, with hurricane conditions extending along the coast. You can see a live feed of Hurricane Idalia radar tracking in the video below: Hurricane maps show the projected path of the storm and its impacts. Hurricane Idalia's projected path as of 5 a.m. on August 30, 2023 / Credit: National Hurricane Center What category of storm will Hurricane Idalia be? Hurricane Idalia was a Category 4 hurricane for a few hours overnight Wednesday then diminished in strength slightly to a Category 3. "This is going to be a major impact ... so please prepare accordingly," DeSantis said at a news conference Monday. Category 4 storms have sustained wind speeds of 130-156 mph and are expected to produce devastating damage, including downed trees, major damage to homes and days-, weeks-, or even months-long cuts to electricity and water, the hurricane center says. The area where a Category 4 storm hits could be uninhabitable for months, according to the center. A Category 3 storm like a Category 4 or 5 is considered a "major" hurricane due to the potential for "significant loss of life and damage," the National Hurricane Center says. Hurricane watches and warnings were in effect for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast as the storm strengthened. State of emergency in effect DeSantis expanded a state of emergency to cover dozens of Florida counties. He first issued a state of emergency on Saturday for 33 of the state's 67 counties to ensure communities "have time to prepare for the storm system which could have impacts along the Gulf Coast next week." The Florida National Guard said it was deploying 5,500 personnel to support areas of the state that are impacted. Additionally, 14 aircraft, 2,400 high-wheel vehicles and 23 small watercraft were being mobilized. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Idalia, as did Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. "We are taking every precaution ahead of Hurricane Idalia's landfall tomorrow, and I am taking this additional executive action to ensure state assets are ready to respond," Kemp said Tuesday in a news release. Parts of Florida's west coast and the Florida Panhandle as well as southeast Georgia and the eastern Carolinas could see up to 8 inches of rainfall from Tuesday through Thursday, with up to 12 inches possible mostly in areas near where the storm makes landfall, the National Hurricane Center says. That could lead to flash and urban flooding, "some of which may be locally significant." Storm surge is also expected. The water level could reach as high as 16 feet from the Wakulla/Jefferson County line in Florida to Yankeetown, Fla. If the storm surge coincides with high tides. It could reach as high as 12 feet in other areas, and 6 feet in Tampa Bay, according to the hurricane center. Tornado watches were issued for a large portion of the Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday night. A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida until 6 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/QnqruTvWSm NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) August 30, 2023 What is storm surge? Storm surge is "an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm," according to the National Hurricane Center. As a storm moves toward the coast, water is pushed to the shore and "piles up," which creates a surge. If a storm surge and high tide take place at the same time, water levels will be even higher. The combination is known as storm tide. Storm surge is one of the deadliest hazards of a hurricane. It is also "a very complex phenomenon," according to the hurricane center," because it depends on factors including a storm's wind speeds, size and angle of approach to the coastline, as well as the shape and characteristics of the coast. A storm surge warning is in effect for Englewood north to Indian Pass, Florida. A storm surge watch is in effect for Chokoloskee to Englewood, including Charlotte Harbour, as well as for the mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River, South Carolina. In Crystal River, north of Tampa, city manager Doug Baber warned about the threat of storm surge the worst of which isn't expected until high tide later on Wednesday. "The surge is going to be pushing in later today. The biggest part of the surge is going to be around 4:30 due to the high tide," he said Wednesday on "CBS Mornings," warning people against having a false sense of confidence that they can go out on the roads before the surge arrives. Brian Dakss and Nicole Brown Chau contributed to this report. Major flooding from early afternoon high tide feared in Florida after Idalia Water still rising in Florida from Hurricane Idalia Red Cross mobilizes for Hurricane Idalia response as storm heads for Georgia Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon (D) has issued a scathing rebuke of Gov. Ron DeSantis s response to a white supremacists deadly rampage in Jacksonville this weekend. Nixon, who represents the Jacksonville district where the shooting happened, told MSNBCs Yasmin Vossoughian on Sunday that DeSantis has been leading an all-out attack on the Black community with his anti-woke policies and because of this, the GOP presidential candidate is responsible for Saturdays violence. This is a governor who has done nothing but fan these types of happenings throughout our state, Nixon said. At the end of the day, the governor has blood on his hands. Nixon said that the policies DeSantis has been pushing have been dog whistles to get folks up and riled up in the way in which it just happened. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ryan Christopher Palmeter, 21, opened fire in a Dollar General store Saturday afternoon, killing three people before shooting and killing himself. All three victims of the shooting were Black. Palmeter, who was white, had written numerous racist manifestos ahead of the shooting, according to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. DeSantis condemned the shooting, calling Palmeter a deranged scumbag. Perpetrating violence of this kind is unacceptable, and targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida, DeSantis said Sunday. But Nixon dismissed DeSantiss statement by pointing out warnings she and other members of the state Legislature had given the governor over the last few years. My blood is literally boiling. Myself and other representatives, particularly Black representatives, throughout the past few legislative sessions have repeatedly told him what his rhetoric was going to do and that is exactly what transpired on yesterday, Nixon said. This is absurd. Its ridiculous. He is one of the causes to this. This is an agenda that he has been pushing since he gets gotten into office. He showed us who he was when he initially ran for governor saying Dont monkey this up. Those types of statements, it only leads to things like this. The Hill has reached out to DeSantiss office for comment. DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has come under fire for policies his administration has passed that many have called anti-Black. At the start of this year, his administration rejected the College Boards Advanced Placement course on African American studies, arguing its content is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value. Then, in June, the states Board of Education approved new standards for teaching African American history, including a rule directing teachers to instruct on how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Florida elementary school is facing public backlash after a group of Black students were targeted for low test scores on standardized tests while their counterparts werent pulled out of class. Parents told First Coast News how their children, fourth and fifth graders who attend Bunnell Elementary School in the Daytona Beach suburb of Bunnell, Florida, felt singled out last Friday. One mother, identified as Dominique, said the teacher called her daughter and her peers out of the classroom by name. Parents angered after Bunnell Elementary allegedly singled out Black students. (Photos: YouTube screenshots/NBC News) She let me know that when she looked back, all of her white classmates were still there, and all the Black children were leaving, she told the outlet. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Related: Plastered Third-Grade Teacher Arrested, Accused of Having Three Times the Legal Limit of Alcohol In Her System at Oklahoma School on First Day of Classes, Claims It Was Just Juice The students regardless of their scores were pulled into an assembly in the school cafeteria, where they were shown a presentation. One slide dubbed The Problem read: [African Americans] have underperformed on standardized assessment for the last past three years Only 32 percent are at Level 3 or higher, WESH reported. In addition, the children were allegedly told that if they are not successful in the future, they could end up being killed or go to jail, per the report. According to reports, multiple parents allege that the kids were also bribed with fast food gift cards if they improve their scores. The parents were also not informed that the assembly had happened. It became racial for me when they included and boxed all of the Black children together no matter if they were below average, average, or above average, one parent explained to WESH, adding that her daughter felt embarrassed because she had to go on stage and made it seem like she was better than them. Superintendent LaShakia Moore released a statement emphasizing that there was no malice in the intention of the assembly at the school, where the student body is approximately 19 percent Black and 61 percent white. The statement noted that the school officials failed to mention it to parents and they would do better moving forward. However, sometimes, when you try to think outside the box, you forget why the box is there, Moores statement said, per the outlet. While the desire to help this particular subgroup of students is to be commended, how this was done does not meet the expectations we desire among Flagler Schools. As Fox 35 reported on Thursday, the schools principal and a teacher were suspended and placed on paid leave while an investigation was ongoing. READ MORE HERE. A fire rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment complex in south Florida Monday morning while responding to a call for help, killing a paramedic captain on board and a woman who was inside her home, authorities said. The helicopter with the Broward County Fire and Rescue was responding to the scene of a car accident in Pompano Beach around 8:40 a.m. when it experienced mechanical issues midair and caught fire, Sheriff Gregory Tony said at a press conference. Broward County Fire Rescue Capt. Terryson Jackson, 50, died at the scene after becoming trapped inside the downed aircraft. Two other first responders inside the helicopter managed to escape the wreckage and were hospitalized for various injuries. Broward County Sheriff's Office Captain Terryson Jackson was killed in Monday's crash. Broward County Sheriff's Office Captain Terryson Jackson was killed in Monday's crash. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The name of the woman killed was not being immediately released due to pending notification to her family, Tony said. Video shared by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel online shows the helicopter flying over rooftops while leaving a trail of black smoke behind it. The aircrafts tail, which appears on fire, then appears to break, sending the vehicle spiraling to the ground. Tony said while the helicopter crew was trying to put out the fire onboard and report its distress to the airports control tower, they were also radioing paramedics to let them know that they wouldnt be able to assist the car crash victims. The helicopter was seen on fire shortly before spirling to the ground in Pompano Beach, Florida, on Monday. The helicopter was seen on fire shortly before spirling to the ground in Pompano Beach, Florida, on Monday. As they were fighting for their lives, they were thinking about somebody else, he said. Tony became choked up while identifying Jackson, a man that he said he had personally known well for over 14 years. Terryson was a rockstar. He was one of the best of us. One of the brightest. He bled this profession inside and out, all day long, he said of Jackson, who was a 19-year veteran with the countys fire and rescue department. The type of effort and commitment he had for this community: impeccable. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash. Fire and rescue personnel work in the area where a medical rescue helicopter crashed in Pompano Beach. Fire and rescue personnel work in the area where a medical rescue helicopter crashed in Pompano Beach. Related... A Florida GOP rep who backed the state's slavery curriculum is helping open a Black history museum. Rep. Berny Jacques said it's "misinformation" that the state is teaching slavery "to be a benefit." He's on a task force in charge of including the history of slavery in the state in the new museum. A Republican state representative in Florida who recently backed the state's new slavery curriculum was just appointed to a task force to help create the first state-run Black history museum, Bay News 9 reported. Rep. Berny Jacques, along with two other representatives, was tapped by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week and will help plan the building and operation of the Florida Museum of Black History, according to Bay News 9. The Speaker of the House and Senate president will each get to appoint three members, too, Bay News 9 reported. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Jacques backed the state's controversial new standards on teaching about slavery, telling Bay News 9 in an interview earlier this month, "Our curriculum teaches all of the history," adding, "It's a very robust stand-alone standard." He added: "This notion that we are distorting and portraying slavery to be a benefit is totally wrong" and blamed "misinformation." Last month, the Florida Board of Education released a newly approved set of standards for teaching Black history in the state's public schools. The standards tell Florida teachers to instruct that slaves "developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit," Insider previously reported. Slaves "made the best out of a terrible situation," Jacques told Bay News 9. "If anything it teaches about the resilience of African Americans and how they were able to uplift themselves and be a part of our economy." Now, Jacques will be a key member in opening the state's first museum to honor Black history. Jacques did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. "My main task on this task force is emphasize that Black history is part of American history," Jacques said, Bay News 9 reported. "My focus will be to make sure that this is a museum that all can have pride in and come in and to see the contributions of Black Americans here in the state of Florida." Democratic state Rep. Bruce Antone proposed the idea for the museum in March. It unanimously passed in both the House and the Senate, and DeSantis signed it into law in May. The bill says the museum will focus on the history of slavery and segregation in the state as well as notable African Americans in Florida. Read the original article on Business Insider Ryan Christopher Palmeter is shown in a still image from surveillance video holding a rifle at a Dollar Store Ryan Christopher Palmeter is shown in a still image from surveillance video holding a rifle at a Dollar Store By Julia Harte (Reuters) -A campus police officer chased a white gunman off Florida's first historically Black university a few minutes before the shooter killed three Black people at a discount store, the school's president said Monday, two days after the attack. The gunman, Ryan Christopher Palmeter, 21, parked his car on the Edward Waters University campus in Jacksonville and was putting on gloves and a military-style vest when students spotted him. They summoned the officer, President A. Zachary Faison Jr. told reporters, providing new details about what occurred. Palmeter then sped off, pursued by the officer, and headed to a Dollar General store in Jacksonville. About 10 minutes later he carried out what authorities have said was a shooting motivated by racial hatred. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement After the attack and as sheriff's deputies closed in on him, Palmeter shot and killed himself. He left behind several manifestos for media, his parents and law enforcement detailing his hatred for Black people, according to authorities, who said they may release the writings at a future date. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters on Monday said he believed a discount store - and not the university - was the gunman's intended target though investigators did not yet know why he chose the specific Dollar General store where he opened fire. Waters said Palmeter had worked at a Dollar Tree store and surveillance footage showed him entering a nearby Family Dollar store before he arrived at the university. Additionally, the sheriff said, university surveillance footage showed two young Black men getting into a car parked next to Palmeter's as he sat in it, but he did not attack them. Federal and state officials condemned the shooting on Monday. "We can't let hate prevail. It's on the rise," President Joe Biden said at the White House before civil rights leaders including the family of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., gathered for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pledged $1 million to increase security at Edward Waters University and said an additional $100,000 would be donated to a charity supporting the families of the shooter's victims. DeSantis said money for extra security would come from the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a non-profit organization that receives state and federal funding. Florida Department of Law Enforcement personnel on Monday evaluated security on campus and made recommendations for safety improvements, according to DeSantis. Some Black leaders have denounced DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, for what they say is his government's attack on Black history. Florida in January banned an Advanced Placement course on African-American history for high school students. The state in July directed kindergarten through high school history teachers to include lessons on how enslaved Black people "developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit." The governor on Sunday was booed at a prayer vigil for the shooting victims, where he told the crowd the gunman was "a major-league scumbag." Jeffrey Rumlin, a pastor at the Dayspring Church in Jacksonville who spoke after DeSantis, disagreed. "At the end of the day, respectfully, governor, he was not a scumbag," Rumlin said. "He was a racist." In an interview on Monday, Rumlin said prior statements by DeSantis and other government officials that "spew hate and divisiveness" had contributed to racist violence. Rumlin said the swift law enforcement response to the shooter's presence on campus showed that security at the university was not lacking. "The solution is not increasing security," he said. "The primary solution is to change our rhetoric." (Reporting by Julia Harte in New York; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, David Gregorio, Cynthia Osterman and Gerry Doyle) When Tropical Storm Idalia barrels into Floridas Gulf Coast on Wednesday, forecasters predict it will bring up to 15 feet of storm surge ashore in the Big Bend region one of the most surge-prone areas in the state. The National Hurricane Centers advisory at 11 a.m. Tuesday predicted the biggest surge, which could peak between 10 and 15 feet, would hit between the Aucilla River and Yankeetown. This sparsely populated area includes parts of Taylor, Dixie and Levy counties. Although much of the coastline is made up of undeveloped nature preserves which may limit the property damage and risk to human life there are populated coastal areas at serious risk, including Cedar Key. Floridas Gulf Coast is particularly vulnerable to storm surge thanks to a wide, shallow stretch of seafloor called the West Florida Shelf. The shelf extends up to 200 miles off the states west coast and runs from the panhandle to the Florida Keys. The ocean here is less than 100 meters (330 feet) deep. Read More: Idalia strengthens to a hurricane. It could be a Category 3 by the time it hits Florida You got really shallow water for a long ways off shore, which allows the wind to drag water toward the coastline more effectively, said Mark Luther, an associate professor of oceanography at the University of South Florida. The shallower the water is, the more potential there is for the wind to pile water up against the shoreline. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Big Bend, which sits in the crook of the coastline between the panhandle and the peninsula, is particularly prone to storm surge because the land on either side funnels water into it. We saw that with Hurricane Dennis in 2005, said Florida state climatologist David Zierden. The eye of the hurricane made landfall way over on the west side of Pensacola, nearly 200 miles away, but due to the shallow shelf and the geography of the big bend, here in Apalachee Bay we had 10 feet of surge, as much or more than where the hurricane made landfall. Surge risk is exacerbated by both sea level rise and this years king tides, which will bring high tides near Idalias expected path to their highest level of the year this week. Climate change has already raised Florida sea levels 8 inches since 1950, according to the Florida Climate Center. If the storm strikes at high tide, it will have an additional head start on flooding. Every little bit adds to the flooding potential, said Zierden. Scientists warn that storm surge risk is widespread and hurricane track forecasts are imprecise. Last year, Hurricane Ian turned south at the last minute, directing the worst of its fury toward Fort Myers instead of Tampa Bay. That area of Southwest Florida, much more heavily populated, suffered billions in damage, much of it from storm surge, and dozens of deaths. Lee County, home to Fort Myers Beach, had a death toll topping 70 alone, many from drowning in the coastal flooding. Read More: How will Tropical Storm Idalia affect South Florida weather? What the forecast says The biggest thing we learned is dont focus too much on the predicted tracks because that could change at any minute, said Luther. If youre anywhere close to that cone of uncertainty in those hurricane maps that the Hurricane Center puts out, be prepared to get out. The National Hurricane Centers track forecast predicts that the storms eye will come ashore somewhere in Floridas Big Bend region. But the impacts of storm surge may affect a much wider region. Surge risk rises on Floridas Gulf Coast The wide stretch of shallow water west of Florida is a perfect breeding ground for storm surge. When a hurricane passes over the ocean, its strong winds push water near the surface in one direction, creating large waves. Out in the deep ocean, deeper layers of water below the surface will flow in the opposite direction and keep the sea level more or less the same. But when the ocean is very shallow, as it is to the west of Florida, a strong hurricane can push all the water in the same direction, causing it to pile up high into a large storm surge. Since the seafloor gradually slopes up near the coastline, theres just no other place for that water to go other than to be pushed up toward the coast, said Accuweather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter. When that wall of water hits Floridas Gulf coast, there are many bays, inlets and estuaries that help funnel flood waters farther inland. During Hurricane Ian, for instance, the Caloosahatchee River helped flood waters move 14 miles upstream from the coast into downtown Fort Myers. The streets of Fort Myers during coastal flooding from Hurricane Ian last year.. Storm surge risk remains uncertain Idalias storm surge risk is widespread. The National Hurricane Center has warned about potential storm surge as far south as the Florida Keys and as far north as Mexico Beach in the middle of the panhandle. With the storm still a day or two out from landfall, theres still plenty of uncertainty about where it will hit. Even if its well behaved and follows the forecast, the impacts could extend well outside of that cone, said Zierden. Tampa Bay, in particular, is at risk. For one thing, as Idalia approaches the coast, Tampa Bay is forecast to be on the upper right or dirty side of the storm, where winds and waves are most intense. Plus, Tampa Bay is sort of like a miniature version of the West Florida Shelf: a wide stretch of shallow water where waves can pile up on themselves and create an extra tall storm surge. The Hurricane Center has warned Tampa Bay is at risk for a 4-7 foot storm surge. Tides will play a particularly big role in determining the size of Idalias storm surge because the storm will strike at the height of King Tide season. That means high tides will be extra high but it also means low tides will be extra low. There will be an almost four foot swing in sea level depending on the tide. The Hurricane Centers peak storm surge forecasts assume a worst-case scenario where the storm hits at high tide. This climate report is funded by Florida International University and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content. A Florida lawmaker bashed Gov. Ron DeSantis after the deadly, racially-motivated shooting in the state. State Rep. Angela Nixon called DeSantis' "anti-woke policies" an "all-out attack on the Black community." Nixon told MSNBC that DeSantis "has done nothing but fan these types of happenings." A Florida lawmaker bashed Gov. Ron DeSantis after the deadly, racially-motivated shooting at a Dollar General store in the state, alleging that the Republican governor "has done nothing but fan these types of happenings." In an interview with MSNBC on Sunday, state Rep. Angela Nixon linked Saturday's Jacksonville shooting that left three Black people dead to DeSantis' "anti-woke policies," saying that the presidential hopeful from Florida has "blood on his hands." "He has had an all-out attack on the Black community with his anti-woke policies, which we know very well was nothing more than a dog whistle to get folks riled up in the way in which it just happened on yesterday," said Nixon, who is Black. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement DeSantis' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Nixon's remarks by Insider on Monday. The Florida governor has condemned the Jacksonville killings, which the Justice Department is investigating as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism. "Perpetrating violence of this kind is unacceptable and targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida," said DeSantis who referred to the now-dead white shooter as a "deranged scumbag." Nixon called DeSantis' remarks "hollow statements" that she said made her blood boil during the interview with MSNBC. "Myself and other representatives, particularly Black representatives, throughout the past few legislative sessions have repeatedly told him what his rhetoric was going to do," said Nixon. Nixon specifically called out when DeSantis in 2018 warned Flordians not to "monkey this up" by voting for his Democratic Black rival, Andrew Gillum, in the state's governor's race. Read the original article on Business Insider Public murals outside two LGBTQ+ centers in Florida were vandalized over the weekend, and police confirmed an investigation is underway to find the perpetrators. The murals outside the Zebra Youth and LGBT+ Center in Orlando were spray painted with transphobic messages, Nazi symbolism, and symbols that could be interpreted as a gun's crosshairs. Gay is not okay, read one slur. Save kids lives from trans lies, read another. Zebra Youth posted pictures of the murals to social media along with a statement decrying the vandalism. We are working with the Orlando Police Department to identify and prosecute this horrible hate crime, Zebra Youth said in a post to social media, adding, We will not allow hate to win. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The LGBT+ Center of Orlando declared the vandalism Sad and infuriating! in a post to social media. It's not the first time it has happened and even though is frustrating, we are not going to stop being a beacon of light for our community, the LGBT+ Center stated. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also took to social media to promise continued support to both the LGBT+ Center and Zebra Youth, but also the greater LGBTQ+ community. Hate has no place in our city, Dyer wrote. (@) Democratic State Representative Anna V. Eskamani, an LGBTQ+ ally whose District includes portions of Orlando, called the acts absolutely disgusting and promised to do what we can to identify who did this and hold them accountable. (@) If the vandals goal was to intimidate the community, it didnt work. Staff and volunteers quickly repainted the murals to their original condition. They were joined by City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and artist Kim Murry who painted the murals and helped restore them on Saturday. The news comes against the backdrop of a recent racial mass murder in Jacksonville. While police said they are investigating both incidents, they provided no further information about potential suspects. Both Zebra Youth and LGBT+ Center of Orlando promised to continue providing services and support to the LGBTQ+ community. Floyd Bonner grew up with a love of science. He always thought hed end up in a science field maybe biology. But as he headed to college, he needed a job and his father, a longtime police officer, suggested applying to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Bonner applied. Now, 42 years later, he still loves science but has decided that the sheriffs office was his calling. He also said hes ready to take the next step in his career as he seeks the office of Memphis mayor. Elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022, Bonner, 64, heads the law enforcement agency for the largest county in Tennessee, overseeing about 2,000 employees and a $190 million budget. His election was historic, making him the first Black sheriff in Shelby County. Hes widely considered a frontrunner in the Oct. 5 race for Memphis mayor, especially in a time when a platform focused on stopping crime resonates with Memphians. He has raised $137,000 in the last reported period, bringing his campaign balance to $534,000, behind just one other candidate. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Bonners campaign has also faced some of the fiercest criticism out of all the candidates. Despite the criticism, Bonner remains firm that his law enforcement career makes him best poised to address crime in Memphis. We don't need a mayor that's going to take two to three years to figure out policing, Bonner told The Commercial Appeal in an August interview. We need something done right now. And we need someone that's going to tackle it on day one. Memphis mayoral candidate, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, can be seen outside of his headquarters on August 11, 2023 at 3125 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, Tenn. Floyd Bonner talks love for Memphis, move out of the city Bonner grew up in Orange Mound, graduating from Hillcrest High School and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice at the University of Memphis. In his time as sheriff, hes received acclaim from other law enforcement officers, including being named Tennessee Sheriff of the Year in 2023. He loves Memphis, Bonner said, and would trade it for nothing in the world. But an early feature of Bonners candidacy for mayor was a lawsuit over residency. A chancellor ended up deciding that the city has no five-year residency requirement for mayor, paving the way for Bonner and one other candidate, former County Commissioner Van Turner, to continue their campaigns. Although Bonner lived in Bartlett for years, he disputes the characterization that he just moved back to the city in January. Ive been in Memphis all my life, he said. The move out of the city was a necessary one, he said. Years ago, he lived in Whitehaven with his family, working as an undercover narcotics officer. One day, while shopping with his wife and two sons in the Southland Mall, Bonner was approached by a man whom hed arrested just a few days earlier. The man pressed something into Bonners back, threatening him. It was quite scary for me and I remember my wife walking away down the mall teary-eyed, and my boys were very small at the time, Bonner said. And I just, you know, I enjoyed my work so, but I could not let my family be in danger during that time, so we moved to unincorporated Shelby County. His work continued to be primarily focused in Memphis, Bonner said. Crime top focus of Floyd Bonner platform Hes running for mayor because the number one issue in Memphis is crime, Bonner said. His platform of prioritizing crime fighting has garnered him several major endorsements, including the Memphis Police Association, the Memphis Fire Fighters Association and the Association of City Retired Employees. Mark Lowe, a longtime sheriffs office employee who also leads the Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, said Bonner knows Memphis and the job of law enforcement well. Were dealing with a crime issue, Lowe said. Our crime in this city now is out of control. Him having a background in law enforcement gives him an edge where he can go to work right now. Lowe said his law enforcement brothers in the city need someone who can guide them, particularly as the police department is faced with challenges such as a U.S. Department of Justice pattern or practice investigation launched in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols. They need a mayor and the fire departments the same way they need a mayor who can go like that day one, hit the ground running, Lowe said. Bonner said he will, if elected, work to restructure the Memphis Police Department so more officers can be out on the streets of Memphis, rather than doing desk jobs, working as public information officers or servicing pole cameras. Instead, those things could be done by civilians, he said. To increase the number of officers, retirees could be brought back part time to work in detective divisions and recruiters would look to small towns as well as larger cities. Looking back on his time as sheriff, Bonner said hes most proud of instating a civilian hiring board to review applications and to interview potential deputy sheriffs. Both the civilian board and the sheriffs office would have to agree to hire someone. I think we're hiring a better, better person a more rounded person, a person that the community can accept because we have community leaders that are interviewing them as well as what we're looking for in the deputy sheriff from a law enforcement standpoint, Bonner said. Memphis voter guide 2023: The hub for mayoral, City Council election coverage Other priorities if elected would include cleaning up blight through nonprofit partnerships and seeking state and federal dollars to do crime intervention programs. In his interview with The CA, Bonner said his current relationship with leadership in Nashville, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, could help direct state tax dollars to Memphis. Memphis needs things like a Tennessee College of Applied Technology inside city limits, Bonner said. If you look at what I've been able to accomplish, even in my last two election, I've had Black, white, Republicans, Democrats to vote for me, Bonner said. We got to tear down those old silos and forget all of that stuff. Let's talk about Memphis. Let's talk about what's going to make our city great. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, standing next to his wife, Audrey, announces his bid for reelection during a press conference inside Clark Tower on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. As Memphis police faces DOJ investigation, sheriff's office also receives criticism If elected, Bonner will take office as city mayor as MPD undergoes a federal investigation launched in the wake of the death of Nichols and spurred by what the DOJ has called multiple reports of violence and racism by the police department. Bonners own department has faced scrutiny in recent months, particularly after the death of 21-year-old Jarveon Hudspeth during a June traffic stop and the death of 33-year-old Gershun Freeman, who died after a physical altercation with correctional officers. Bonner, whose duties include overseeing the county jail at 201 Poplar, took office as sheriff at the tail end of a memorandum of agreement between the DOJ and Shelby County regarding juvenile court, including the juvenile detention facility overseen by the sheriffs office. The jail itself has been faced with an ongoing consent decree during COVID-19 regarding pandemic safety for detainees. Bonners opponents have also criticized him for the increase in jail deaths in recent years. You know, I've been through a few DOJ investigations, but the Department of Justice when they do come in and do those types of investigation is really to help the agency make it better, Bonner told The CA, adding that he would cooperate with any recommendations the DOJ makes to MPD. You hope you get good findings. But if you dont, then you make corrective action. Bonner also defended his decision not to release video of the shooting death of Hudspeth, even though he had previously praised the city for its release of the video showing police officers beating Nichols. Release of video was delayed in Hudspeths death because the sheriffs office needed to get a statement from the injured deputy, Bonner said. Then, the office turned the information over to the Shelby County District Attorney, leaving it to the district attorneys office to decide whether to release any video. Right now its out of our hands, Bonner said. Were following the law, what the law says. Weve done everything that we needed to do to move this case along. Mayoral candidate Floyd Bonner speaks during the mayoral forum at The BLVD in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Bonner wants Memphis to tell (its) own story Ultimately, Bonner said he doesnt see a potential shift from county sheriff to city mayor as a career change. Both, he said, are about serving the community. And his campaign for mayor is something that arises out of his love for Memphis, he said. I'm running for mayor because the number one issue in our community is public safety. It breaks my heart when I hear people, businesses and people talking about leaving Memphis. I think we need to tell our own story a little bit more. I think we need to talk about the good things that are going on in our town, Bonner said. I want to be the mayor because I want to tackle that tough issue, and trust me, its going to be tough to change mindsets.Katherine Burgess covers government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Floyd Bonner in Memphis elections: Get to know the mayoral candidate The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has expressed regret that Pope Francis is spreading Russian great-power ideas, which the Kremlin uses to justify the killing of Ukrainians. Source: Oleh Nikolenko, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine spokesperson, in a comment on Monday; European Pravda Details: Nikolenko cited a quote that drew criticism from the ministry from Francis' speech to the participants of the X All-Russian Day of Catholic Youth in St Petersburg on 25 August. "Never forget your heritage. You are the descendants of great Russia: the great Russia of saints, leaders, the great Russia of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, that empire great, enlightened, great culture and great humanity. Never give up this heritage. You are the descendants of the great Mother Russia, so go forward with it. And thank you thank you for your way of being, for your way of being Russians," Nikolenko quoted Francis as saying. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Notably, the information portal of the Holy See, Vatican News, has posted the text of the Pope's address on its website, but the noted passage is not there. At the same time, a video fragment of the Pope's address with this quote is available online. Nikolenko noted that "it is with this kind of imperialist propaganda, 'spiritual bonds' and the 'need' to save "Great Mother Russia" that the Kremlin justifies the murders of thousands of Ukrainians and the destruction of hundreds of Ukrainian towns and villages." "It is very unfortunate that Russian great-power ideas, which are, in fact, the cause of Russia's chronic aggressiveness, are consciously or unconsciously coming from the mouth of the Pope, whose mission, in our understanding, is precisely to open the eyes of Russian youth to the destructive course of the current Russian leadership," commented the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier in July, Pope Francis called on Russia to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative, addressing "his brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation". 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! Sytnyk: I know for sure that there will be attempts to take control of NABU The former head of the National Anti-Corruption Agency of Ukraine (NABU), Artem Sytnyk, explained in an interview with NV Radio on Aug. 24 how the anti-corruption system functions in Ukraine, what challenges it faces, and how much pressure is exerted on it by state authorities. NV: Many corruption cases now appear in the public space. We learned about lawmakers we had never heard of. The fact that it appears in the public space, is it a sign that society is being purified? Or does that mean the level of corruption is unprecedented? Sytnyk: First of all, a large number of cases means the level of corruption is very high. And it also shows there is a very large public demand for such cases. Because if we look at the latest polls, society sees corruption as the second most serious threat to the state, after the ongoing war. Therefore, a large number of cases is a huge public demand for the fight against corruption. And to some extent, it shows the real level of corruption in the state. Read also: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement NV: The case of Supreme Court head Vsevolod Knyazev is one of the most high-profile such cases. He is charged with accepting a huge bribe. What do you expect from the case? Sytnyk: I cannot make any broad expert opinion since I havent read the case materials. But what was shown and voiced indicates the quality of the materials is very high. And the prospect of drawing a fair sentence is available and very high. Its quite difficult to predict the end date of this case because I dont know at what stage it is. But it seems to me were slightly overestimating Mr. Knyazevs experience here. Since the very scheme he organized is more akin to the level of some corrupt district judge not of such a high position held by Mr. Knyazev. NV: Look, $2.7 million, as it was reported that he could have received such a bribe. There is also a conspiracy theory as to why the amount is $2.7 million and not $3 million, because $300,000 is for transfer services, etc. Sytnyk: I didnt mean the amount of the bribe, because the position he held is really associated with huge corruption risks and enables unscrupulous people in this position to receive huge bribes. I mean the very organization of the scheme, the back office, i.e., some things that are not typical for people in such high positions, who are usually more cautious in making such intricate schemes. Its just some district judge level. Read also: Servant of the People MP Anatolii Hunko caught accepting bribe reports NV: Maybe the person was simply sure that he had immunity. Sytnyk: The person must not have read the press much, because the number of judges sentenced to actual [prison] terms by the High Anti-Corruption Court is very high. These are dozens of judges that are currently serving sentences for receiving bribes. That is why he probably had that old self-confidence that its not about me and I will somehow manage to get around it all. In fact, this case once again shows no one has immunity, no matter what position you hold. If youre involved in corruption, youll get a just punishment for it all the same. NV: Its not for me to tell you that whenever independent anti-graft bodies are established in the country, they usually face enormous tension and opposition from the authorities. What kind of opposition do you see now? Because public sector representatives talk a lot about the fact that there are certain people in the Presidents Office, particularly they mention (the deputy presidential chief-of-staff) Oleh Tatarov, who are trying to control all this, and certain bodies are already under their control. What do you see at the moment and what could you tell us about? Sytnyk: The attempt to control the anti-corruption system has probably appeared since the decision to create this anti-corruption system was made. And countering these intentions to control this system is precisely the main challenge for the heads of those institutions that make up the anti-corruption system. NABU has now received a new head, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) has a new head, while the competition for the election of a new head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) is expected to begin in the near future. And this shows that the system, despite all attempts to take it under control, despite all attempts to destroy it, has persevered and continues to work. Of course, its very important for the new heads to keep those teams that gave the results that actually created the image and name of these institutions not only in Ukraine, but far beyond its borders. Were a country that is among the second hundred countries in the Transparency International rating. Read also: Business community applauds NBU decision to issue licenses to non-banking financial institutions Of course, real anti-corruption efforts and measures will always face opposition, as well as attempts to take these bodies under control will always take place. Therefore, once we climb up to at least within the first hundred places [in the rating], it will look much better, but now any real anti-corruption measures or anti-corruption reforms will always face resistance. NV: You headed NABU from 2015 to 2022. We remember a large-scale smear campaign, particularly in the media, alleging that you are a corrupt official, that you can close or open the cases you like. How do you cope with this pressure? And given that after NABU you moved to NACP, another important institution dealing with corruption, where do you get the energy to go on? Sytnyk: In fact, its very important to realize from the very beginning that when you head an anti-corruption body, this is an integral part of your work as the head of this body. Because it cannot happen in a corrupt country that the head of an anti-corruption body does not face constant pressure, including through the media. All those involved in top corruption cases have huge administrative and media resources. And of course, when you start these investigations, you receive in response not only large-scale administrative pressures but also large-scale media campaigns. We remember those trucks with my portrait that traveled around Ukraine for a very long time. In fact, there are many examples. Therefore, unless the head of the institution realizes that this is something that will accompany him throughout his tenure, and this is precisely what he must cope with and move on, he wont succeed. Read also: Putin spends $32 million in 2022 on renovating his new yacht, investigation shows NV: As for the trucks, we remember that Sytnyk is a corrupt official was written on them, and they were also parked outside the Ukrainian parliament. Sytnyk: Many different words were written. I once counted that there were 35 bills aimed at weakening NABU or removing me from my position. And this was an indicator for me personally that we are doing everything right. And such a reaction shows that were hitting exactly where we needed to. NV: I know that you have not been associated with NABU since 2022, but Im sure you know what is happening there and are more at liberty to talk about it. In your opinion, what is NABUs main problem now? Is it underfunding? Sytnyk: There were always attempts to reduce the funding, but thanks to the support of our partners, these attempts remained unsuccessful, and we received the funding that made it possible to create the body, to ensure its operational independence from other law enforcement agencies. And we had the opportunity to independently carry out operations that would have been doomed to failure if other bodies were involved. Of course, there were and still there are certain problems that slow down the work. A huge number of these problems are solved through the implementation of the state anti-corruption program. This is, for example, the creation of an independent expert institution at NABU, or the provision of the long-awaited autonomous wiretapping, which weve been talking about since 2015. That is, a very large part of these problems is eliminated through the implementation of the state anti-corruption program. And NABU was one of the developers, participants in the development of the program. As for your impression of the detectives, I think it is objective. Read also: I would like to remind you that NABU is the first body that had an unprecedented formation of personnel potential. Only in my memory, when I was finishing my term of office, we ran more than 50,000 people through open competitions. From this huge number of people, we chose the best, really young, motivated people who were ready for the challenges they faced. Some detectives were threatened, some faced frame-ups, while some had their cars burnt. That is, there was a lot of pressure, but NABU coped with it. And thats why I already mentioned today during our conversation, I want to say once again that the biggest challenge for the new heads of anti-corruption bodies is to keep the team that worked in these difficult conditions and produced results. NV: After all, we must return to the center of influence that everyone points to, Oleh Tatarov. In our previous conversation, you mentioned how the Tatarov case was closed. He remains a person who, according to Ukrainian civil society representatives, controls the law enforcement agencies. And how does NABU or NACP manage to avoid such influence? Sytnyk: There is a very simple way: work according to the law, then youre not afraid of any influence. And when you head this body, such a body as NABU or SAPO, you should always take into account whether you have any facts in the past that can be obtained and then used to put pressure on you. When I was preparing for the NABU director competition, I didnt feel that I had facts in my biography that could be used to somehow influence my independence. And seven years of my work proved this. Read also: Results of morning bombings, Russia using newly-made missiles, major corruption arrests Therefore, I would like to emphasize once again that independence, ensuring independence is the main responsibility of the head of the anti-corruption body. Independence is both personal, as a leader, and independence of the entire body, as an anti-corruption institution that conducts investigations into top-level corruption. Its really not easy. But NABU managed to do this during the seven years I headed it. NV: It seems to me you avoid talking about Mr. Tatarov. Do you know how this influence takes place? We really dont know. Are these some kind of meetings where they tell you what to pay attention to and what not to pay attention to? Or is it just certain reports that the heads of certain law enforcement institutions or anti-corruption institutions should bring and send to the Presidents Office? Do you know the mechanism of this control? Sytnyk: I dont know this mechanism. As for NABU, it didnt have such a mechanism. I didnt participate in any such meeting. Once again, I would like to remind you of those times, we always said that NABUs independence is the key to the success of financing the entire anti-corruption system. As to whats happening now, I hope its the same as it was until April 2022. [I hope that] there are no meetings, all decisions are made based on the requirements of the law on NABU and the Criminal Code of Ukraine. NV: Anyway, we constantly hear about some person with, to put it mildly, a dubious reputation who holds a position in the Presidents Office and controls law enforcement agencies. Do you understand why the person who has a dubious reputation and casts a shadow over the entire power vertical in this regard, why does he stay there? Do you understand his value? Sytnyk: Its a highly speculative issue with a huge political context. Even a former head of the anti-graft law enforcement body should operate on facts and not go into politics, not give any political assessments. Therefore, this issue should be addressed to the Presidents Office, and not to NABU, its incumbent or former heads. I can only say that NABU and SAPO did everything at that stage to ensure that there were no officials with immunity even in the Presidents Office. We all remember those sudden replacements of prosecutor, replacements of the case investigation, when almost the entire law enforcement and judicial system was involved to counteract what the anti-corruption bureau and the anti-corruption prosecutors office were doing. And only because these bodies are independent, only because these bodies have finally created the possibility of bringing anyone to justice for specific acts of corruption regardless of position or political affiliation, only that gave us the support that we had from civil society and international partners. Since you asked about them, I can tell you that two factors that contributed not so much to the creation, as it was rather easy to create, but to gain a reputation and to maintain the anti-corruption system it was much more difficult. And sometimes it seemed that some relevant law would be passed, the anti-corruption system would be destroyed, but our partners and society were always with us. And we managed to save the system. Read also: Ukraines economic security agency charges Russian oligarch Fridman with money laundering Although there were some victories of the forces that opposed the anti-corruption system, i.e., the decisions of the Constitutional Court to cancel digital [tax] declaration, or deprive NABU of the right to file lawsuits. After we won the lawsuit against [Ukrainian oligarch Ihor] Kolomoisky, which concerned Ukrnafta [oil company], we were deprived of the right to file these lawsuits by the Constitutional Court. That is, there were certain victories of the forces that opposed it [the anti-corruption system], but in general we can say that there is now an independent anti-corruption system that is currently facing new challenges, primarily related to the change of leadership, which can challenge any person, any group of people engaged in corruption investigation, and prosecute these people in accordance with the law. NV: You mentioned digital tax declaration. Discussions are underway, including a bill in the parliament, which should bring it back. We remember its NACP that deals with these declarations. The opinion was that there are hundreds of thousands of declarations that, in fact, NACP cannot physically process them, that its impossible, that its necessary to somehow reduce it to top officials so that this volume of information can actually be analyzed. What is your opinion on what should happen with this? Sytnyk: In fact, this comment contradicts the real situation. Why? Because if there was no response to illegal enrichment and lies in the declarations, there probably would not have been decisions by constitutional judges, which repeatedly struck down the [digital tax] declaration law, and there would not have been these constant reproaches. And if everything was fine, then probably there wouldnt be such comments. In fact, even now, when e-declaration has not been restored, NACP is very closely monitoring the property lifestyle of officials. And now were submitting materials to SAPO on suspicious assets, and were going to send well-founded conclusions about criminal offenses to law enforcement agencies. Such recent high-profile cases concern the Odesa Oblast draft commissioner [Yevhen Borysov], while another well-founded conclusion was signed today, also concerning an Odesa military commission officer. Read also: Death toll rises to three after Russian attack on Poltava Oblast In other words, e-declaration is a very effective anti-corruption tool, which at the very early stage, even at the stage of a persons transition to office, gives an opportunity to assess certain corruption risks regarding this person, and subsequently to assess his tenure in office, whether his tenure in office is related to illegal enrichment or unreliable declaration data. Therefore, I think it is the resistance to the restoration of e-declaration that is the best testament that this tool is very effective. NV: If only top officials are checked, does this mean that those who are lower in rank will, in principle, have complete freedom of corrupt actions? Sytnyk: This approach is completely unjustified since all citizens must file a declaration in most countries with a e-declaration system. For example, we studied the experience of Lithuania, where all citizens must file a declaration. And everyone, not only officials, can be held responsible for getting illegal incomes. Therefore, in fact, income declaration is generally a normal world practice, when the state controls the legality of the origin of income of any of its citizens. Read also: Eleven Balkan countries adopt declaration in support of Ukraine at Athens summit full text Both on the origin of these incomes and tax payments. Therefore, I cannot categorically agree that its necessary to limit the declaration only to top officials since the corruption will go down and unreasonable assets will stick to those officials who dont file a declaration. Therefore, I categorically disagree with it. 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 ROCKWALL, Texas (KXAN) Former Disney actor Mitchel Musso , known for his role as Oliver in Hannah Montana , was arrested over the weekend in Texas, according to multiple reports from various news outlets and records from a local police department. Mitchel Musso, 32, arrested by Rockwall police in Texas (Mugshot: Rockwall Police Department) Musso, 32, was arrested by Rockwall police Saturday and charged with public intoxication and theft, in addition to other charges listed in jail records online. KXAS-TV in Dallas reported the Rockwall Police Department responded to a disturbance at a hotel around 7:15 p.m. Saturday and were told that an individual identified later as Musso who appeared drunk had entered the hotel, got a bag of chips and started eating them. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement When he was asked to pay for the chips, the man became verbally abusive and left without paying, the news outlet reported. Mussos total bail for the public intoxication and theft charges was $1,000, and the bail for his other charges was about $1,080, records showed. A records check also revealed Musso had several outstanding traffic warrants out of Rockwall Police Department, according to KXAS. Rockwall is about 25 miles east of Dallas. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. As Fort Worth Independent School District reopened its libraries to students on Monday after closing them for the first two weeks of school to review titles for sexual or violent content officials have released the districts list of more than 100 books that were pulled from shelves as a result of the state-mandated review. The books will remain in the districts professional library and unavailable to students as officials await further guidance from book vendors and the Texas Education Agency. Vendors will give certain books a sexually relevant or sexually explicit rating in accordance with a new state law that goes into effect Friday. As part of the inventory process, some books were selected for review to determine if they were developmentally appropriate. In addition, books are being reviewed to ensure that they meet current FWISD Collection Development requirement s... Selected books will be reviewed by a committee of master-certified librarians, Cesar Padilla, a spokesperson for the district, said in a statement Monday. This embedded content is not available in your region. Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 900 this summer, requiring sexually relevant books to have parental permission before being checked out by a student while removing sexually explicit books entirely from school libraries. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the legislation, every odd-numbered year, beginning January 1, 2025, school districts must review the material in their collection rated sexually relevant by vendors and determine, based on the districts collection development and reconsideration policies, if the material should remain in the collection, Padilla said. By Jan. 1, 2024, the State Board of Education must approve the state mandatory collection development standards. By April 1, 2024, vendors will provide an initial list of materials that they rated sexually explicit to TEA. By Sept. 1, 2024, an updated list must be provided to TEA. Starting on Jan. 1, 2025, school districts must review the vendor-rated sexually relevant material in the current collection and post a report on the district website, Padilla added. District officials announced in July that Fort Worth ISD was removing three books from its elementary and middle school shelves after determining them to be inappropriate: Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, Flamer by Mike Curato, and Wait What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna. A Fort Worth man who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after authorities said he shot through the door of a home and wounded an 82-year-old woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The victim was Graciela Flores, the mother of Fort Worth City Council member Carlos Flores. The bullet didnt hit any vital organs, according to the councilman, who called 911 and tended to his mother while waiting for police and medics to arrive. Jonathan R. Howard, 35, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. OConnor, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas. Howard was arrested after police said he fired into the north Fort Worth home of the 82-year-old victim and shot her in the chest around 9:40 p.m. on Feb. 23. Graciela Flores had already been taken to the hospital when officers arrived, according to the Justice Department. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Officers found cartridge casings in Howards back yard, across the alley from the victims home, the DOJ said in the news release. The next day, officers searched Howards home and car, where they found three guns: a Jimenez Arms 9mm handgun, a Glock 9mm handgun and a Taurus 9mm handgun. Because Howard was previously convicted of multiple felonies including forgery in 2011 and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance in 2019, it was not legal for him to own any guns. Howard is also facing a state charge of aggravated assault in connection to the shooting. That charge is still pending and Howard has not pleaded guilty. Tarrant County records do not indicate the next court date for the assault charge. According to the initial police report, Graciela Flores was inside her house when she thought she heard someone outside the back door. She told police that she thought the person was a family member and she called out the relatives name. Then she heard a gunshot through the door and felt pain. She saw blood and realized that she had been shot. Carlos Flores said he believed that his mother was hit by a stray bullet fired from the back yard of the suspects home. It's been over four years since police first found Faviola Rodriguez, 2, dead in 2018, four years since police arrested and charged the mother's boyfriend with the killing, four years of legal battles that took the case to the New Mexico Supreme Court, and four years of news articles and television reports about the case. But it's been four years of living in limbo for those involved. Lalo Anthony Castrillo IV is charged with intentional abuse of a child, resulting in death and tampering with evidence. Castrillo, 28, could face life in prison if convicted on the child abuse charge. The stakes are high for the family of Baby Favi as well. Baby Favi's mother, Saundra Gonzales, has worked to spread the memory of her baby across the world and pursued a conviction in the case despite numerous hurdles. Gonzales has been interviewed several times by regional publications and amassed a 16,000-person following on Facebook, where she posts about her baby's life. A glimpse of the life of baby Faviola Nova Rodriguez, who died when she was just 2-years-old of blunt force trauma. Her mother's then boyfriend Lalo Anthony Castrillo IV is charged with one count of intentional child abuse resulting in death, related to Faviola's death. But it may all come to an end this week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On Monday, the court will work to set a jury and begin the trial with opening arguments from the two sides. Castrillo will be represented by Jose Coronado, who's been with Castrillo since the beginning of the case. Prosecutors, conversely, will field their sixth attorney in the matter, according to court records. Salvador Alejandro Guardiola, deputy district attorney, and Melissa Garcia, assistant district attorney, will argue for conviction. Here's what to know ahead of the trial. Here's why it's taken six years to get to trial After Castrillo was arrested and charged in 2018, he or anyone involved in the case likley could not have anticipated it'd be 51 months and two trials before a resolution is reached. Coronado argued at a recent hearing that delay had violated Castrillo's constitutional right to a speedy trial. In a motion and again in court this month, Coronado argued that prosecutors were responsible for just at least three years of delay. The first delays caused by prosecutors lasted from September 2018 to August 2020, Coronado said, adding these delays stemmed from the prosecutor's failure to disclose medical records, expert witnesses, discovery, and other court records. Lalo Castrillo appeared in Third Judicial District Court, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, for a bond review hearing. Castrillo, who is accused in the death of 2-year-old Faviola Rodriguez last year, will remain out on bond. "The (prosecutor's) failure to do either caused delays in presenting to the case for a jury trial," Coronado said in a motion. "The defense request for (delay) in this time was caused by (prosecutors) again failing to meet its disclosure responsibilities." Guardiola pushed back on this claim, saying that Coronado's timeline was unfair and highlighting the role the COVID-19 pandemic played. In 2020, the courts held very few trials as they sought to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But the largest delay and the center of whether prosecutors violated Castrillo's rights came from the first trial in 2021. A second judge for a second trial Long-time District Judge Douglas Driggers originally oversaw this case. After three years of hearings and continuances related to evidence disclosure and the pandemic, Driggers got the case into trial in August 2021. But at the 11th hour, a battle between Driggers and then-assistant district attorney Daniel Sewell derailed the case for years. Driggers told Sewell, a long-time and well-respected prosecutor in Dona Ana County, to share a set of exhibits with the court before 5 p.m. on the Friday before the trial. According to a statement he made to the court, Sewell promised to do it but forgot, leaving the email in his drafts folder. As punishment, Driggers banned Sewell and the prosecutor's office from presenting exhibits. That meant photos, reports, and other physical items could not be shown to the jury. Driggers argued the exhibits ban did not prevent Sewell from presenting a case since he had a slew of people ready to speak about what was in the exhibits. Still, Sewell told Driggers his order went too far and requested the state Supreme Court to reverse the call. As a jury was seated and opening arguments began, the Supreme Court ordered Dirggers to halt the trial. The high court decided they would review Driggers' conduct and determine if his ban would stand. Judge Douglas Driggers, is handed the verdict in the state vs Joe Azure, the man who was suspected of breaking into his ex girlfriends home and breaking 27 bones in her face, received a verdict of not guilty to aggravated burglary and larceny, Tuesday September 18, 2018 at the Third Judicial District Court. After oral arguments and months of deliberation, the Supreme Court reversed Driggers' exhibit ban and removed him from the case. They appointed Waylon Counts of the district court covering Otero County in his place. Counts has overseen the case since and will be the trial's judge. Here's the allegations against Castrillo as outlined in the affidavit Shortly after 3 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2018, Las Cruces Police arrived at Saundra Gonzales and Lalo Anthony Castrillo's apartment. Police were responding to a call of a toddler lying on the floor and not breathing. In court documents, Police said Castrillo made the call. As EMTs performed CPR on Faviola, police noticed bruising on the child's ribs and face. They deemed the bruises suspicious. Around the same time, on-scene medical staff also expressed concern about the bruising to police. Faviola was taken to MountainView Regional Medical Center, according to court documents. Doctors and nurses attempted life-saving measures on Faviola for 40 minutes before pronouncing the 2-year-old deceased. Afterward, doctors told police that Faviola's bruises were not caused by the EMTs or hospital staff trying to save her life. A glimpse of the life of baby Faviola Nova Rodriguez, who died when she was just 2-years-old of blunt force trauma. Her mother's then boyfriend Lalo Anthony Castrillo IV is charged with one count of intentional child abuse resulting in death, related to Faviola's death. Faviola's mother, Gonzales, worked a graveyard shift during the incident. She left her then-boyfriend, Castrillo, to babysit. While at work, Gonzales told police she received calls and texts from Castrillo that went unanswered. She said she was busy working, but Castrillo's calls got through when he called Gonzales' work. Castrillo told Gonzales that Faviola wasn't breathing, according to police. Police and EMTs had already arrived when Gonzales got home. According to the affidavit, Castrillo told police that Gonzales put Faviola to bed at around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2018. After Gonzales left for work, Castrillo stayed up for a while playing video games. Around midnight, Castrillo said he got a call from Gonzales. She wanted to know how Faviola was doing. Castrillo told police he went into Faviola's room, noticed she was sleeping, and concluded the 2-year-old was doing fine. After chatting with Gonzales, Castrillo told police he went straight to bed. He said a text message on his phone woke him up at about 3 a.m. When he went to check on Faviola, she was lying on the floor and not breathing. What to expect this week Castrillo is not likely to testify. His lawyer listed a former medical examiner from Georgia as the lone witness he intended to call. The medical examiner's background will likely come into question since he was removed from his position in Georgia after an investigation found he'd used his position as Georgia Medical Investigator to enrich his business. Castrillo's lawyer has asked the court to prevent prosecutors from bringing this up before the jury. Conversely, prosecutors plan to call several of Baby Favi's family members, including her mother, to testify. Police who investigated the incident, as well as forensic and records technicians, will also testify. Justin Garcia is a public safety reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. He can be reached at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Baby Favi trial starts today. Here's what to know Fox News apologised for publishing a false news story claiming the family of a fallen US marine was forced to shoulder a $60,000 bill for the return of her remains from Afghanistan. In a story published last month, the outlet initially claimed the Gold Star family of Marine Sgt Nicole Gee had to pay for the transport because the Pentagon declined to pay the bill. The report had cited an account given by Florida congressman Cory Mills , but soon after the storys publication the Republican representative appeared to walk back his claims. Family forced to pay to ship body of Marine killed after Pentagon policy change: Egregious injustice, read the headline of the news article, which has now been removed from Foxs website. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The now unpublished story has been addressed internally and we sincerely apologize to the Gee family, a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday, according to CNN. Gee was one of 13 US troops killed in a suicide bombing at Afghanistans Kabul airport in August 2021, which happened as the Biden administration withdrew American forces from the country. The apology came after US military news portal Military.com reported last week that the Marine Corps wrote to Fox News executives to convince them to retract the story, adding that the family never had to pay a dollar. This headline correction is still misleading and your story is still false, Major James Stenger, the lead spokesperson for the Marine Corps, told the outlet about its now unpublished 25 July story. Using the grief of a family member of a fallen Marine to score cheap clickbait points is disgusting, he wrote, according to Military.com. The report said that after the initial complaint, Fox News changed the headline and certain paragraphs of the story to reflect the information it received following publication. It altered the report to indicate more prominently that the story had come from Mr Mills, while adding that comments from the Marine Corps and the Gee family were not sought ahead of publication. Fox News had said they had reached out to the Pentagon but had not received a response immediately. To be clear: Its not enough that you went back and added our statement after the original story was on your website for several hours, Mr Stenger wrote to Fox News, according to Military.com. The story should be removed entirely and a new story should replace it. Florida congressman Mr Mills appeared to walk back his original claims in a statement published on his X account on 28 July. In his statement, Mr Mills said the family of Gee were in their time of grief, confused about the transportation of the remains and that a request for records from the US Department of Defense (DoD) without the familys consent would be inappropriate. He had also said he was thankful that the department had issued a clarification on the matter. Regardless of who covered the costs in this instance, there should never be a situation in which the DoD does not proactively make it clear to families their willingness to cover transportation for servicemembers who have sacrificed their lives for our country, the statement said. Mr Mills said he will continue to work with his colleagues in Congress to ensure this is never a concern for a Gold Star family. Fox News has issued an apology to the family of a fallen Marine after publishing an erroneous July 25 report saying that they had to pay $60,000 to transport the body of 23-year-old Sgt. Nicole Gee from California to Arlington National Cemetery. Gee was among 13 U.S. service members killed in a bombing in Kabul during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Marine Corps contacted the conservative network repeatedly, asking to have the story, written by Michael Lee and founded on false allegations made by Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. Marine Corps spokesman Maj. James Stenger emailed Fox News executives not long after the article was published, writing, "The allegations originally published turned out to be false, which I suspect Mr. Lee knew in the first place, and was the reason he did not seek comment from the Marine Corps." Fox first amended the story's headline and changed the opening paragraph; however, Stenger followed up, stating that the piece was still incorrect. "Using the grief of a family member of a fallen Marine to score cheap clickbait points is disgusting," he wrote. "The now unpublished story has been addressed internally and we sincerely apologize to the Gee family," a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement after the network removed the post in its entirety. The Washington Post reported that Fox has not corrected the false report, nor has it clarified its reasons for deleting it. Fox News apologized to the family of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee for an article it published falsely reporting they had to pay $60,000 to transport Gee's remains from California to Arlington National Cemetery after she was killed in Afghanistan, the network said late Saturday. The Marine Corp had contacted Fox News several times about the July 25 article, seeking a full retraction and apology to Gee's family, according to emails obtained by Military.com and The Washington Post. Fox first modified the article, written by Michael Lee and based on since-retracted allegations from Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.), then deleted it. "The now unpublished story has been addressed internally and we sincerely apologize to the Gee family," a Fox News spokesperson said, a month after the story was "unpublished." "The allegations originally published turned out to be false, which I suspect Mr. Lee knew in the first place, and was the reason he did not seek comment from the Marine Corps," Marine Corps spokesman Maj. James Stenger emailed Fox News executives shortly after the article was published. After Fox News changed its headline and tweaked its opening paragraph, Stenger emailed again, saying both were still false. "Using the grief of a family member of a fallen Marine to score cheap clickbait points is disgusting," he wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Fox News erased the article. "Deleting an entire story is exceedingly rare in news media," CNN Business noted. "Deleting a story without offering readers an explanation or correction is widely considered to be unethical." Fox News declined media requests for comment. Gee was one of 13 service members killed in a terrorist attack outside Kabul's international airport in August 2021. The Pentagon flew her remains home to California, and a nonprofit, Honoring Our Fallen, paid for the remains to be flown to Arlington. You may also like Homepage (Bloomberg) -- Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou ended months of speculation by joining a crowded race to become Taiwans next president in the process upending an election that will have wide-ranging implications for security in the Western Pacific. Most Read from Bloomberg Despite trailing the three other candidates in polling, Gou declared his candidacy for the vote in January 2024 at a briefing in Taipei on Monday. For his bid to become official, he will need to secure the signatures of around 290,000 voters. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Over the past seven years, Ive witnessed Taiwan go from being prosperous to being on the brink of falling off a cliff in many aspects, including the economy, national defense and foreign affairs, he said. If we dont pull back now, it will be too late to save Taiwan from falling. We have to take down the Democratic Progressive Party. Ironically, his entry into the race may make a DPP victory more likely. Gous candidacy puts him in direct competition with the two candidates who support closer ties between Taiwan and China: Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan Peoples Party. All three are up against Vice President Lai Ching-te, the ruling DPP candidate who champions Taiwans status as an independent country. With Taiwan caught in the middle of an increasingly fractious relationship between the US and China, the outcome of the election will likely determine the direction of ties between Washington, Beijing and Taipei for years to come. See: Taiwans Gou Says Apple Among Reasons China Wont Pressure Him Beijing makes no effort to hide its disdain for Lai, signaling its likely to keep pressuring the DPP government if he wins the election in January. Lai has in the past described himself as a worker for Taiwan independence. Hes recently toned down that rhetoric, but that hasnt stopped China from branding him a liar whos election could compel them to take military action. Even before Mondays formal announcement, Gou has made no secret of his desire to be president. Throughout his campaign, he has leaned heavily into his goal of starting peace talks with Beijing, a strategy aimed at winning over voters who hope to eventually see some kind of unification. But by adding his name to the ballot, he is likely to take votes away from the other candidates who are campaigning on improving relations with Beijing. If Gou runs, the rest of us are done for, Ko said in an interview with Chung Tien Television earlier this month. Lai Ching-te would 100% win. We wouldnt even need to hold the election. Lai could pop the champagne right away. The KMT called Gous announcement extremely regrettable in a statement Monday, reminding the Foxconn founder he had previously promised to back their candidate Hou until the end. No matter for what reason, he shouldnt go back on his repeated promises in black and white, it said. The party also warned any of its members they would face disciplinary proceedings if they campaigned on Gous behalf. As things stand, Gous pathway to the Presidential Office appears to be limited. Just 15.2% of respondents would vote for him, according to a July poll by Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, a private think tank. That left him trailing Lai, with a support rating of 33.9%, Ko on 20.5% and Hous 18%. This raises the prospect of opposition contenders joining forces to present a stronger challenge to Lai. While Ko and Hou had initially ruled out the possibility, Ko said last week he may be open to teaming up with one of the other hopefuls. Gou made similar remarks at Mondays announcement. Out of concern for Taiwans geopolitical and economic situation, and strong belief in Taiwans democracy, Ive been attempting to bring all the opposition parties together over the past few months, he said, noting however that his efforts had made zero progress so far because the other candidates have their own considerations. Gou has tried for the presidency before. In 2019, the tycoon handed over Foxconns day-to-day operations to new management to run an ultimately unsuccessful bid. Gou criticized the DPP in an opinion piece in the Washington Post in July for causing tensions with Beijing, and called for Taiwan and China to resume direct talks under the one-China framework, a reference to the notion that Taiwan is a part of China. The DPP rejects the claim, viewing the island as an already de facto independent nation. Gou has amassed the bulk of his roughly $7 billion fortune from having his Foxconn make various gadgets for the likes of Apple Inc. and Sony Group Corp. in China since the late 1980s. The majority of Apples iconic handsets are still assembled in Foxconns main manufacturing hub in central China, a massive campus thats dubbed iPhone city. --With assistance from Betty Hou. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. [Source] Foxconn founder Terry Gou announced that he would run as an independent candidate in Taiwans 2024 presidential elections. Gous bid: Gous independent entry into the January race comes after previous failed attempts to lead the opposition party, the Kuomintang KMT. Earlier this year, the 72-year-olds second bid to be the KMTs candidate was unsuccessful as the party chose Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City. Taiwan seeks a new president to replace the outgoing leader, Tsai Ing-wen, who is ineligible to run again due to term limits. To formalize his candidacy, Guo must secure 290,000 voter signatures by Nov. 2. The elections take place during the increased tensions between Taipei and Beijing as China stages military exercises near the island to assert its sovereignty claims. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Taiwan must not become Ukraine: At a press conference on Monday, Gou pledged to fix cross-strait relations, noting his plan to unite the opposition and ensure that the self-governed island will not become the next Ukraine. He criticized the current Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) governance and expressed intentions to strengthen Taiwans economy, defense and foreign policy while avoiding conflicts with China. More from NextShark: Anti-Asian online hate speech surged 1,667% in 2020 in US and UK, according to new study Under the rule of the DPP in the past seven years or so, internationally, they have led Taiwan towards the danger of war, Gou said, according to the South China Morning Post. Domestically, their policies are filled with mistakes and have been unable to resolve the problems of industrial development and improve peoples lives. For the past few weeks, Gou has been touring Taiwan for rallies. In his pre-campaign events, Gou highlighted his main goals to get the DPP out of office and avoid war with China. Give me four years and I promise that I will bring 50 years of peace to the Taiwan Strait and build the deepest foundation for the mutual trust across the strait, he said, according to Reuters. Taiwan must not become Ukraine and I will not let Taiwan become the next Ukraine. More from NextShark: Thailand to impose total ban on plastic scrap imports by 2025 Poll results: According to a poll last week, the support for Lai Ching-te, the current vice-president and presidential nominee for the ruling DPP was at 43%, compared with 27% for Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei City and nominee for the Taiwan Peoples party, and just 14% for the KMTs Hou. Analysts suggest Gous candidacy might further divide the opposition vote, benefiting the DPP. About Guo: Gou established the tech giant Foxconn in 1974 and opened its first plant in mainland China in 1988. The consumer electronics company is known for producing iPhones for Apple. It has a substantial workforce in China and is a major player in the tech manufacturing industry. The net worth of Gou, who remains the largest shareholder of Foxconn, is estimated at nearly $7 billion. He stepped down as Foxconns chair in 2019 to participate in the KMT's presidential primary, where he came in second. More from NextShark: Restaurant customer charged for threatening Queens judge who granted Duck Sauce Killer bail Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! South Korea's Casey Phair becomes youngest player in World Cup history France will ban schoolchildren from wearing abayas ahead of the upcoming academic year, the government has said, the latest in a series of contentious restrictions in the country on clothing associated with Muslims. French Education Minister Gabriel Attal said the long, robe-like garments often worn by Muslim women wouldnt be permitted in the nations schools from the new term, which starts in September. Schools of the Republic are built on very strong values and principles, especially laicite, he told TV network TF1 on Sunday, using a French term referring to the separation of state institutions and religions, but which some argue has been hijacked to justify anti-Islam positions. For me, laicite, when put in the framework of a school, is very clear: you enter a classroom and you must not be able to identify the religious identity of students just by looking at them, Attal said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But the move was criticized by a number of opposition lawmakers. Daniele Obono, a prominent opposition politician, attacked the move as a new Islamophobic campaign on X, formerly known as Twitter. Jean-Luc Melenchon, a far-left firebrand, who placed third in Frances 2022 presidential election, described his sadness to see the return to school politically polarized by a new absurd entirely artificial religious war about a womans dress. When will there be civil peace and true secularism that unites instead of exasperating? Melenchon asked. France has pursued a series of controversial bans and restrictions on items of customarily Islamic dress in recent years, which have frequently drawn the ire of Muslim countries and international agencies. Last year lawmakers backed a ban on wearing the hijab and other conspicuous religious symbols in sports competitions. The amendment was proposed by the right-wing Les Republicains party, which argued the hijab could risk the safety of athletes wearing it while playing sports. Frances earlier ban on the niqab full-face veils worn by some Muslim women violated the human rights of those who wore it, the United Nations Human Rights Committee said in 2018. Muslim women are pictured in a shopping mall in Nanterre, France, in July. - Romuald Meigneux/SIPA/Shutterstock This type of policy stands in opposition to the liberal core of the 1905 Law on Separation of Church & State a law weve been distorting and weaponizing since the 90s, Rim-Sarah Alouane, a French legal scholar and commentator, wrote of the latest abaya ban on X. Such policies fuel the nations fractures, she added. Attal was asked on TF1 whether guidelines on hijabs would be enforced in schools, but refrained from commenting on those garments, and instead continued to discuss abayas. During my meetings with (the school heads) this summer, I sensed their need for a clear rule on the national level on the issue of abayas, so the rule is now here, the education minister said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Women wait in line before voting for the first round of the presidential election at a polling station Sunday, April 10, 2022, in the Malpasse northern district of Marseille, southern France. Frances education minister announced on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 that long robes in classrooms would be banned starting with the new school year, saying that secularism in the nations schools is being tested via the garments, worn mainly by Muslims. | Daniel Cole, Associated Press On Sunday, the education minister of France, Gabriel Attal, said students would be prohibited from wearing abayas, the loosefitting, full-length robes worn by some Muslim women, to state-run schools when the new school year begins on Sept. 4. The school of the Republic was built around strong values. Secularism is one of them. When you enter a classroom, you shouldnt be able to identify the religion of pupils, Attal said in an interview with French TV channel TF1. France has enforced a strict ban on religious signs since 19th-century laws removed any traditional Catholic influence from public education, reports Reuters. Laicite, which does not have a direct English translation, but is often described as secularism, guarantees freedom of conscience but also the neutrality of the state and of some public spaces, writes The New York Times. Laicite applies to numerous public institutions public hospital employees, for instance, cannot wear religious clothing and there is strong cultural aversion to public expressions of faith, but the focal point has traditionally been in schools. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In 2004, France banned religious symbols in schools, including headscarves, large crucifixes and Jewish kippahs, or yarmulkes. In 2010, it passed a ban on full face veils in public, angering some in its 5 million-strong Muslim community, reports the BBC. Defending secularism has become a rallying cry in France that cuts across the political spectrum, from left-wingers upholding the liberal values of the Enlightenment to far-right voters seeking a bulwark against the growing role of Islam in French society, reports Reuters. Related However, the abaya ban was met with both applause and criticism. The union of school principals welcomed the decision, saying what it needed above all was clarity from the government, its national secretary, Didier Georges, told Reuters. What we wanted from ministers was: yes or no? Georges said of the abaya. Were satisfied because a decision was made. But many on the left criticized the move, including Clementine Autain, an MP for the hard-left France Insoumise. How far will the clothing police go? she asked on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. She said it was a move characteristic of an obsessional rejection of Muslims. The abaya, typically associated with Muslim believers, falls into a gray area. While it is popular in the Gulf and in some Arab countries, it does not have a clear religious significance, reports The New York Times. The French Council of the Muslim Faith rapidly condemned this decision, saying the abaya is not a religious garment but a form of fashion, writes Euronews. Ismail Ferhat, a professor at the University of Paris-Nanterre who has studied laicite in schools, said students often wore abayas against their parents will and noted that factors like social media fads or the teenage desire to challenge school authority also played a role. The announcement is the first major policy decision by Attal, who was appointed Frances education minister by President Emmanuel Macron this summer at the age of 34, reports the BBC. Holly Richardson is the editor of Utah Policy A teenager from Stephenson County received a $1,000 scholarship at last week's Superior Young Dairy Producer Award (SYDPA) program. Eighteen 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois took part in the event to test their knowledge and compete for one of three $1,000 scholarships. Ben Bremmer of Pearl City was able to win one of the scholarships, along with youth from Richland County and from Saline County. The purpose of the contest is to create an educational activity that promotes youth development, career development and personal growth. The three-phase competition emphasizes knowledge of the dairy industry. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More: Freeport-area housing market continues to show signs of improvement The first phase was a dairy management test relating to dairy nutrition, herd health, reproduction, milk marketing, and other dairy related information. Top three contestants for this phase were Ben Bremmer of Stephenson County, August Michels of Richland County, and Dakota Schober of Boone County. The second phase was a three-station skill-a-thon on various aspects of the dairy industry. Contestants had to identify dairy feeds, identify dairy records information, and identify dairy equipment. The top three contestants in the skill-a-thon were: Ben Bremmer of Stephenson County, August Michels of Richland County, and AJ Lenkaitis of Saline County. The third phase of the Superior Young Dairy Producer Contest was a judging contest. The judging phase consisted of animal selection by placing four classes of dairy cows and two classes of heifers. The top three contestants for this phase were: Ben Bremmer of Stephenson County, August Michels of Richland County, and AJ Lenkaitis of Saline County Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year in dairy; and nine scholarships are distributed among beef, sheep and swine project members. Contestants must be 14 to 18 years of age to compete. The program is sponsored by the Illinois State Fair. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Freeport-area teenager wins Illinois State Fair dairy contest LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The average price for a gallon of gas has risen 21.7 cents over the past month in Las Vegas not exactly encouraging people to get out of town. Gasbuddy reports gasoline is averaging $4.37 per gallon in Las Vegas, ranging from $3.55 to $4.70. Gasbuddy surveys 649 stations in Las Vegas. Two weeks ago, a survey by QuoteWizard showed that higher gas prices were leading people to cancel travel plans. And the price has only gone up. Just in the past week, Las Vegas drivers are paying 2.8 cents more per gallon. Statewide, Nevadas average price is $4.45. In California, youll pay an average of $5.25. Gas is cheaper in Arizona ($4.30) and Utah ($4.21). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Labor Day weekend travel to Las Vegas is expected to be heavy again and why not? Gas is a bargain here for drivers coming in from Los Angeles. The iExit website advises drivers: If possible, try to fill up in Nevada. On average, premium prices in Nevada are 67 cents cheaper than California. You can monitor local gas prices on our website at https://www.8newsnow.com/gas-prices/. Meanwhile, the national average price of gasoline has fallen 4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.78 per gallon, Gasbuddy reported Monday. The national average is up 5.8 cents per gallon from a month ago. For the first time in weeks, the national average price of gasoline has fallen over the last week as the wholesale price of gasoline had been under seasonal pressure as we near the end of the summer driving season. However, the drop may be short-lived, as one of the nations largest refineries partially shut last week after a fire at a storage tank, and as we see more tropical activity that could lead to further disruption, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said today. While GasBuddy is closely monitoring Florida for challenges related to Idalia and is prepared to activate the fuel availability tracker, the rest of the nation could see gas price declines reversing pending the outcome of refinery issues that continue to put upward pressure on wholesale gasoline prices, De Haan said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Theyre threats and acts of harassment some Georgia Senators believe are tied to the indictment against former President Donald Trump . Ive been in office for nine years, and this has never happened, said Senator Jason Estevez told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Senator Jason Estevez says he was surprised when a pizza delivery guy showed up to his home on Friday order. It was a little disconcerting, he said. TRENDING STORIES: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement And Senator Emanuel Jones told Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln, he also received an unexpected delivery to his McDonough car dealership on Friday. Weve all been on pins and needles at this time, Jones said. Both Senators say they quickly learned at least three other Democratic senators also had delivery attempts. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] We all have been on heightened alert, Jones said. Senators also say individuals have been harassing their spouses with relentless phone calls. The State Senate Office warned senators earlier this month to be prepared for threats if Trump was indicted. The GBI director sent all 236 lawmakers an email on Monday urging them to report threats to the proper authorities. You always receive some kind of harassment or trolling online through social media, but to have folks call you, call your wife, go to your home have something delivered at your home is a new level, Estevez said. Dekalb County police confirmed with Channel 2 Action News they are investigating the threats. We learned reports were made with Henry County Police, the GBI, and the Lt. Governors Office. The number of gender-affirming surgeries in the U.S. nearly tripled from 2016 to 2019, likely due to more insurers covering the procedures, with top surgery more common than genital surgery, according to a new study. The study was published online Wednesday in the American Medical Associations JAMA Network Open. It was conducted by faculty at the medical schools of Columbia University in New York City and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, using data from the Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample and the National Inpatient Sample. The study identified 48,019 patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery from 2016 through 2020. The authors found that the number of these surgeries rose from 4,552 in 2016 to a peak of 13,011 in 2019, then declined slightly to 12,818 in 2020. The decline in 2020 is likely due to restrictions on in-person health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers observed. In the period covered by the study, 27,187 patients (56.6 percent) had breast or chest surgery, 16,872 (35.1 percent) underwent genital surgery, and 6,669 (13.9 percent) had facial and other cosmetic procedures. Some patients had more than one type of surgery. Breast and chest procedures made up the greatest percentage of the surgical interventions in younger patients while genital surgical procedures were greater in older patients, the study noted. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The study backs up what has been pointed out as states pass or debate bans on gender-affirming surgery for minors genital surgery is not usually suggested for young people and is rate among them. Among patients aged 12 to 18, 87.4 percent had breast or chest surgery, while only 11 percent had genital surgery, the researchers found. Most bans that have been enacted or proposed deal with people under age 18, with 18 considered the age of majority. Gender-affirming surgeries were most common in patients aged 19 to 30 years, the authors reported. This is in line with prior work that demonstrated that most patients first experience gender dysphoria at a young age, with approximately three-quarters of patients reporting gender dysphoria by age 7 years. These patients subsequently lived for a mean of 23 years for transgender men and 27 years for transgender women before beginning gender transition treatments. While the right wing sometimes claims there is social contagion leading more people to seek out these treatments, the studys authors proposed a different explanation. The increase in [gender-affirming surgery] is likely due in part to federal and state laws requiring coverage of transition-related care, although actual insurance coverage of specific procedures is variable, they wrote. The majority of patients in the study 60.5 percent had private insurance coverage, while 25.3 percent were Medicaid recipients. The study noted the benefits of gender-affirming care at a time when its under attack, with states banning it for minors and some banning it for certain adults, such as those whose health care is covered by Medicaid. Despite many medical societies recognizing the necessity of gender-affirming care, several states have enacted legislation or policies that restrict gender-affirming care and services, particularly in adolescence, the authors wrote. These regulations are barriers for patients who seek gender-affirming care and provide legal and ethical challenges for clinicians. As the use of [gender-affirming surgery] increases, delivering equitable gender-affirming care in this complex landscape will remain a public health challenge. The study has some limitations, the researchers added. One of them is that while we comprehensively captured inpatient and ambulatory surgical procedures in large, nationwide data sets, undoubtedly, a small number of procedures were performed in other settings; thus, our estimates may underrepresent the actual number of procedures performed each year in the US, they wrote. Still, the information is valuable, Dr. Jason D. Wright, the lead researcher and the chief of gynecologic oncology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, told The New York Times. Theres been a sense that more patients are asking about it, and ultimately pursuing it, but there wasnt good data, he said. Ours is one of the first studies to quantify the age groups and the procedures theyre undergoing. New York Republican Rep. George Santos claims to have lost nearly 100 pounds using Ozempic. He also claims that hes prepared to physically brawl with a U.S. senator, according to Page Six. Santos, who has lied about significant portions of his life and is currently under federal indictment for fraud, boasted about his weight loss using the diabetes medication Ozempic, according to the tabloid. It was also reported that he said he would defeat Utah Sen. Mitt Romney in a cage fight. Page Six reported that the comments were made during a birthday soiree at Manhattan Italian eatery Bice. There was a joking suggestion at the party that Santos, 35, enter a cage match with Mitt Romney, 76, similar to the public spat between billionaires Elon Musk , 52, and Mark Zuckerberg, 39, which ultimately resulted in no fight at all. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to Page Six, the Republican congressman from Long Island claimed he could beat the Utah senator with his jiu-jitsu skills. Id do that, but it wouldnt be fair as Im Brazilian, and Id beat his butt because I studied jiu-jitsu for five years, a source quoted Santos as saying. Business Insider reports that this is the first time Santos has claimed martial arts training. In response to the outlets inquiries, Santos spokesperson declined to comment further on his training. As for Santoss use of Ozempic, the spokesperson refused to comment on whether the congressman requires it for diabetes treatment or whether he uses it for weight loss. Due to Ozempics popularity, diabetic patients who rely on it to control their glucose levels have encountered a nationwide shortage. The drug was initially used under the radar by celebrities, Ozempics popularity has skyrocketed due to the remarkable results of its active ingredient, semaglutide. Although the drug WeGovy, which has the same active ingredient, is approved for weight loss, insurance companies have been slow to cover the medication. As a result, patients seek off-label Ozempic prescriptions from doctors. I will not comment on sensitive matters such as the Congressmans health to respect [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] law, the spokesperson replied to the outlets inquiry. Under HIPAA, health plans, health care providers, and data centers cannot disclose a patients private health care information. There is no restriction on people talking about their own health conditions in public. Santos has been charged with 13 counts of financial crimes. Santos is charged with defrauding investors and laundering stolen money in his scheme, according to prosecutors. In January, Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges. A municipal official from Baden-Baden, Germany, was fined after he wrote "F*ck UA" and drew swastikas on two cars bearing Ukrainian license plates, German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Aug. 28. The official, who serves on the city council, reportedly vandalized the cars of Ukrainian refugees in January and March of 2023. At the time of the acts, the cars had been parked in a public underground parking facility in the resort town. Read also: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One of the victims had lodged a formal complaint, leading to a criminal investigation. On Aug. 28, the district court of Baden-Baden fined the accused the equivalent of a 50-day salary for "use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations" and offensive behavior, according to the local prosecutor of Baden-Baden. The offending councilman's party affiliation has not been disclosed. Read also: Explosions rock Russian border city Kursk, local authorities report overnight drone attack Local authorities are now conducting an investigation to understand what consequences the incidents might have for the offender. 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 Trucks with trailers travel along Nevada State Route 447 through Gerlach on Aug. 23, 2016, to the Burning Man festival. (David Becker / For The Times) Climate and anti-capitalist activists blocked a road leading into Burning Man on Sunday, the annual events opening day, creating miles of gridlock and leading to clashes with motorists and tribal rangers in the Nevada desert. Video and photos posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, show a trailer blocking the road that leads to Black Rock City, along with about half a dozen protesters, some of whom locked themselves to the trailer, and banners with signs including BURNERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!, ABOLISH CAPITALISM, and GENERAL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE, also blocked the road. A sign reading Ban Private Jets was draped across the asphalt. The blockade aimed to spotlight capitalism's inability to address climate and ecological breakdown, according to a statement from Seven Circles, a coalition of activist organizations who organized the protest. The blockade is also in protest against the popularization of Burning Man among affluent people who do not live the stated values of Burning Man, resulting in the commodification of the event, Seven Circles said. The group emphasizes the current existential crisis and importance of honesty when social collapse is at risk. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read more: Our climate change challenge The protests brought clogged traffic, with many people getting out of their cars or trying to find ways around the roadblock. One video shows confrontations between the protesters and people stuck in traffic, some of whom said they needed to go to work . Several motorists tried to remove the barricade themselves, according to videos posted online . One video shows a white pickup truck that appears to be from the Pyramid Lake Ranger Station, a tribal law enforcement agency, broadcasting a message over the vehicles PA system telling demonstrators, This is a state route, and Everybody will be arrested if they dont disperse and get off the road. "Thirty seconds, send your leader to my vehicle, let's talk, get off the f road, someone can be heard saying. Read more: California is working on solutions to worsening climate change. Will they be enough? Another clip shows a rangers truck blasting through the barricade with its sirens and lights sounding through the desert. An announcement comes over a trucks PA system telling demonstrators, Im gonna take all of you out, you better move. An official then gets out of the truck with a gun drawn, yelling at protesters to get down now. The protesters do not appear to be armed, with demonstrators repeatedly saying they are nonviolent. Several protesters were put in handcuffs at the scene, according to the video. It is unclear when officers were called, how many people were arrested or why an officer pulled a gun on what appear to be unarmed protesters. Officials with Pyramid Lake did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Jonathan Brunjes, deputy administrator with Nevada State Parks, confirmed that the responding officers were not Nevada state park angers or state of Nevada employees. Read more: Models and climate activists hit the streets to protest the star-studded 2023 Met Gala In its statement, Seven Circles criticized Burning Mans apolitical stance and what it characterizes as the events insufficient steps toward attaining carbon negativity and ecological regeneration for Black Rock City by 2030. Much more can and must be done, the group said. The group has put forward three demands for Burning Man leadership, including advocating for systemic political and economic change, mobilizing Burners to collaborate with social justice and environmental movements on strikes and calls to actions to enforce bringing about systemic change and to lead by example. An online petition started by Emily Collins, a burner and co-founder of Rave Revolution, one of the groups involved in the protest, had collected 23 signatures early Monday morning. Burning Man began Sunday and runs through Sept. 4, according to the Burning Man Project website. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. At a vigil Sunday for the people killed by a mass shooter in Jacksonville, Fla., Gov. Ron DeSantis was loudly booed and heckled by attendees. A day prior, a white gunman targeted and shot three Black people to death at a Dollar General store before fatally turning the gunan AR-15 he adorned with swastikason himself. What he did is totally unacceptable in the state of Florida, DeSantis said. We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In addition to his crusade against critical race theory, DeSantis also made it easier for the Jacksonville shooter to purchase his weapon by loosening gun laws in Florida during his tenure. For the governor to feign empathy and call the perpetrator a major league scumbag Sunday night is a joke; DeSantis intentionally cultivated the grounds for this atrocious act of violence to occur. In May, the NAACP issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida explaining it wasnt safe for Black people. Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, the travel notice stated. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color. Shortly after the advisory was released, a spokesperson for DeSantis wrote it off as nothing more than a stunt. Now we know who was right. However, what happened on Saturday proved that politicians who normalize white supremacist rhetoric used by domestic terrorists play a crucial role in the rise of hate crimes. DeSantis and others like him who prop up white nationalism have blood on their handsand Black folks wont ever forget it. 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. Highlighting both the plight of migrants who cant legally hold jobs and the unabated arrival of more asylum-seekers from the Southern border, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sent a joint letter Monday to the federal government requesting streamlined work authorization that would let Illinois sponsor noncitizens to work in industries facing labor shortages. As we continue to receive new arrivals who often lack sponsors, shelter, and have no immediate legal pathways to work, we have come to understand that this is not a short-term crisis, but rather a long-term reality, reads the letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas . The joint ask is for Homeland Security to grant asylum-seekers parole through the Significant Public Benefit designation, in which states would sponsor individuals to work in critical industries. Among the industries identified in Illinois, according to the letter, are food processing, clean energy, health care (including in nursing and dentistry), transportation, warehousing and more. As the asylum-seekers we serve have begun to build lives for themselves and their families in Illinois, we have witnessed the dangerous work conditions and exploitation that often result when individuals lack access to legal work and the protections that come with it, the letter says. The precarious legal status of noncitizen workers exposes them to a higher risk of mistreatment, especially when employers wield the power to determine the legal presence of an employee. It is our strong recommendation that in the development of this program, worker safety and worker choice is prioritized, and a workers legal presence is not solely tied to their employment by a single employer. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Other existing parole programs for Afghan nationals, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans offer significantly shorter pathways to work authorization and have allowed many migrants to quickly achieve self-sufficiency while contributing to industries in need of workers, the letter said, noting that Illinois and Chicago had spent and obligated $250 million to help welcome and support more than 13,000 asylum-seekers who have come to Chicago from the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year. Migrants cant apply for work authorization until after they apply for asylum, and the process from start to finish can take several months or well over a year, depending on various factors, including a backlog of applicants, according to experts who spoke to the Tribune in July. The pressures of welcoming asylum-seekers was on full display Monday, as members of the Chicago City Councils housing committee debated spending $1.5 million to buy a 10-acre site on the Northwest Side to transform a vacant Marine Corps reserves training facility into housing for migrants. The OK to buy the site from the Metropolitan Water District of Chicago couldnt come soon enough, city officials said Monday. Today we have two buses inbound, we have a flight that should have landed a little while ago from San Antonio, said Lori Ann Lypson, deputy mayor for infrastructure. We are at max capacity and we are desperate for places so families, especially children have shelter and are not sleeping outside. Pressed to outline long-term plans to accommodate migrants, Johnsons deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, pointed to the need for more help from President Joe Bidens administration. The federal government although this is a federal responsibility has only invested $21 million. Thats not even covering what our monthly burn rate is. Yet, this is precisely in the jurisdiction of federal government. This week is a very important week for us strategically, Pacione-Zayas said, noting the governor had sent the letter to Mayorkas. Theres also a lot of support from the labor community, the business community, congressional leaders to put this pressure, because we know that that is a sustainable way that we can begin to address this situation, so that people can be on a path toward self-determination, self-sustainability, she said. Johnson will reiterate that message at a meeting with Mayorkas this week, she said. Also coming Friday, Pacione-Zayas said, the state will begin the process of receiving letters of intent from various suburban municipalities to partake in the shared responsibility of welcoming our new arrivals. Pritzkers 2024 budget set aside $42.5 million to fund asylum-seeker services across the state. That could range from legal representation, shelter, transportation, health care and food to case management, translation services and workplace readiness. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus partnered with the states Department of Human Services to open up those funds to municipalities who applied. According to the MMCs website, award notification will be made before the end of September 2023. Pritzkers New York counterpart, Gov. Kathy Hochul, asked the federal government on Aug. 24 to expedite work authorizations through executive actions such as granting and extending Temporary Protected Status or, similar to Pritzker and Johnsons request, the humanitarian parole program for individuals from other countries. Hochul more forcefully asked for other resources, such as opening up federal facilities in New York to be used as temporary shelters, and also sought additional funding, including reimbursement for the states National Guard deployment to help with humanitarian operations. The location of the proposed new migrant shelter at 3034 Foster Ave. along the west bank of the Chicago Rivers North Shore Channel and adjacent to the CTAs North Park Garage and Northside College Prep has been home to a Marine Corps reserve training center and armory since 1959, according to the MWRD. Though its $10 annual lease was slated to end in 2053, the corps has vacated the buildings and the MWRDs board authorized a termination of the lease agreement earlier this month, according to board records. The $1.5 million spend lauded as a good deal by city officials will only cover the purchase itself, not any upgrades or ongoing service costs. The city plans to lease the site until the purchase is completed within the next four months, Lypson told committee members Monday. There would likely be a monthly cost of upkeep too: The Marines spent $43,000 a year on maintenance, Lypson said. Immediate timing for having shelter up and running is unclear. Lypson said there is HVAC work needed inside but the facility is otherwise up to par. The buildings which have showers, office space, classrooms and a mess hall would be able to house 550 people, and will likely be reserved for families with school-aged children, Lypson said. It will be three weeks until the city will likely be able to get in and assess the space, she said. The city is considering either capital bonds or funds from the Lawrence/Kedzie TIF to pay for the purchase. City records show that the TIF had a balance of $25.7 million at the end of 2022. Ald. David Moore, 17th, said he could not support authorization without knowing for certain where the money would come from or the citys long-term plans. Id never stop an alderman from using their TIF money to do what they want to do with their stuff, Moore said. But when Im asking for a recreational facility and rebuilding Ogden Park in Englewood Id be foolish to vote for something to pull money from another source I could be using in my community. Moore tried to hold the item in committee essentially stop it from moving to the full City Council next month but was the lone voice of dissent, and the measure passed. Moore is not a stranger to holding up votes over infrastructure complaints in his own South Side ward. Local Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th, spoke in favor of the project and the use of TIF money to pay for it. I think this is a really important project. After the migrant crisis subsides, the buildings would be ripe for development to benefit the public, she said. Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella contributed. aquig@chicagotribune.com 24 telecom fraud suspects brought back from Myanmar to China in four days 09:20, August 28, 2023 By Wan Hengyi ( Global Times Photo: Chinese Embassy to Myanmar In just four days, 24 telecom fraud suspects have been brought back from Myanmar to China, said the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar on Saturday, highlighting the determination of a special joint operation launched by China and neighboring countries to crack down on gambling and fraud, which have long been plaguing regional countries. All parties involved will continue to crack down on gambling crimes in the region with "closer cooperation, more proactive offensive and professional actions," the embassy said in a statement on Saturday. The move came days after Chen Hai, the Chinese ambassador to Myanmar, released a joint statement on August 22, with his Thai and Laotian counterparts, calling for "stronger coordination" to crack down on scams and "resolutely reverse the high incidence of crimes." China, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos held a meeting in Thailand's Chiang Mai earlier this month to initiate a special joint operation to crack down on gambling and fraud in the region, as well as human trafficking, kidnapping, illegal detention and other crimes. The four countries have set up a coordination centre in Chiang Mai for police cooperation in tackling cyber crime gangs, a statement following the meeting said, which came after huge distress and financial harm caused by telecom and online scams to Chinese citizens. The arrest of the 24 telecom fraud suspects shows the effectiveness made by joint operation, which will serve as a deterrence to potential suspects. Cracking down on overseas criminal activities has been a difficult task in nature as the areas where telecom fraudsters are entrenched have backward economic development, imperfect legal systems and frequent armed conflicts due to political divisions, Zhuang Guotu, head of Xiamen University's Southeast Asian Studies Center, told the Global Times on Sunday. The long border between China and Southeast Asian countries and the long-standing cultural, economic and trade exchanges make the bilateral exchanges very close, which provides opportunities for criminals to carry out illegal activities to a certain extent, Zhuang noted. China successfully resolved 464,000 cases related to telecom and network law offenses and crimes last year, with 351 ringleaders and key members of criminal groups arrested. Experts say that about 80 percent of the perpetrators of telecom frauds on Chinese citizens are based abroad. This has made tackling the crimes and recovering losses very hard and costly. The joint crackdown on telecom fraud will continue as it may not be enough to completely eradicate the root causes of illegal and criminal activities in a short period of time, considering the large scope and number of personnel involved in such criminal activities, Zhuang noted. In fact, everyone may be a potential victim of telecommunication fraud, said Gao Peng, director of the Integrated Innovation Teaching and Research Center of the People's Police University of China, said that telecommunication fraud has formed a complete system from information trading, implementation and distribution of spoils, even with the assistance of big data analysis and artificial intelligence technology. Along with rising public awareness of preventing telecom fraud, the Chinese government is strengthening border control and exhorting and warning Chinese nationals who go abroad for illegal activities. In the year of 2021 alone, China's public security authorities persuaded more than 210,000 people to return home from abroad. China will also maintain close cooperation with neighboring countries to jointly promote economic and social development and the improvement of legal and regulatory systems, so as to nip the seeds of crime in the cradle, experts said. A high-profile case involving a PhD graduate from the Chinese Academy of Sciences surnamed Zhang has been rescued from a cyber fraud park in Myawaddy, Myanmar has sounded alarms for the rampant telecom fraud cases. Zhang will return to China soon, said his elder brother on August 24. The case of Zhang being tricked to Myanmar and forced to work 18 hours a day under surveillance only came to light and attracted attention after one of his friends posted a video on social media. Zhang, a post-doctoral researcher, was scammed to Myawaddy for cyber fraud because of debt problems. "He didn't want to go to Myanmar because he felt it was not safe, but he had no other choice that he has already lost his personal freedom at that time," Zhang's girlfriend told the media Myanmar, especially places like Myawaddy, became a Mecca for such illegal operations, where a well-developed scam chain was already operating and where new laws permitting foreigners to operate casinos added a gambling aspect to the vice industry. According to data released by China's Ministry of Public Security, as China strengthens its crackdown on telecom network fraud, a large number of telecom fraudsters have transferred their illegal activities to Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar, especially northern Myanmar, accounting for 68.5 percent of all overseas cases. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Flash Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei (C) and Iraqi Deputy Minister for bilateral relations Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom (R2) with some Iraqi officials during the ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Sunday held a ceremony in Baghdad to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Iraq and China. Iraqi Deputy Minister for bilateral relations Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom said in his speech that "the Iraqi-Chinese friendship is historical and rooted through the ages." "The relations between the two countries have made great progress on the basis of respect and mutual benefit since their establishment 65 years ago," he added. For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei said that the two countries enjoy a deep traditional friendship, adding that the ancient Silk Road had linked the two peoples more than 2,000 years ago. Over the past 65 years, China and Iraq have always understood, trusted, and supported each other, Cui said. He said under the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese companies are widely and deeply involved in the oil and electricity projects in Iraq, and have made great contributions to improving the country's economic growth and its people's livelihood. He also said that Iraq is currently the third-largest trading partner for China in the West Asia and North Africa region, while China is the largest foreign buyer of Iraqi oil. CHICAGO Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sent a joint letter Monday to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas requesting streamlined work authorization that would let Illinois sponsor non-citizens to work in industries facing labor shortages. As we continue to receive new arrivals who often lack sponsors, shelter, and have no immediate legal pathways to work, we have come to understand that this is not a short-term crisis, but rather a longterm reality, the letter sent Monday reads. The joint ask is for Homeland Security to grant asylum-seekers parole through the Significant Public Benefit designation, in which states would sponsor individuals to work in critical industries. Among the industries identified in Illinois, according to the letter, are food processing, clean energy, health care (including in nursing and dentistry), transportation, warehousing and more. As the asylum-seekers we serve have begun to build lives for themselves and their families in Illinois, we have witnessed the dangerous work conditions and exploitation that often result when individuals lack access to legal work and the protections that come with it, the letter says. The precarious legal status of non-citizen workers exposes them to a higher risk of mistreatment, especially when employers wield the power to determine the legal presence of an employee. It is our strong recommendation that in the development of this program, worker safety and worker choice is prioritized, and a workers legal presence is not solely tied to their employment by a single employer. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Other existing parole programs for Afghan nationals, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans offer significantly shorter pathways to work authorization and have allowed many migrants to quickly achieve self-sufficiency while contributing to industries in need of workers, the letter said, noting that Illinois and Chicago had spent and obligated $250 million to help welcome and support more than 13,000 asylum-seekers who have come to Chicago from the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year. Migrants cant apply for work authorization until after they apply for asylum, and the process from start to finish can take several months or well over a year, depending on various factors, including a backlog of applicants, according to experts who spoke to the Tribune in July. The pressures of welcoming asylum-seekers was on full display Monday, as members of the Chicago City Councils housing committee debated spending $1.5 million to buy a 10-acre site on the citys Northwest Side to transform a vacant Marine Corps reserves training facility into housing for migrants. The OK to buy the site from the Metropolitan Water District of Chicago couldnt come soon enough, city officials said Monday. Today we have two buses inbound, we have a flight that should have landed a little while ago from San Antonio, said Lori Ann Lypson, the deputy mayor for infrastructure. We are at max capacity and we are desperate for places so families, especially children have shelter and are not sleeping outside. Pressed to outline long-term plans to accommodate migrants, Johnsons deputy chief of staff, Cristina Pacione-Zayas, pointed to the need for more help from President Joe Bidens administration. The federal government although this is a federal responsibility has only invested $21 million. Thats not even covering what our monthly burn rate is. Yet, this is precisely in the jurisdiction of federal government. This week is a very important week for us strategically, Pacione-Zayas said, noting the governor had sent the letter to Mayorkas. Theres also a lot of support from the labor community, the business community, Congressional leaders to put this pressure, because we know that that is a sustainable way that we can begin to address this situation, so that people can be on a path towards self-determination, self-sustainability, she said. Johnson will reiterate that message at a meeting with Mayorkas this week, she said. Also coming Friday, Pacione-Zayas said, the state will begin the process of receiving letters of intent from various suburban municipalities to partake in the shared responsibility of welcoming our new arrivals. Pritzkers 2024 budget set aside $42.5 million to fund asylum-seeker services across the state. That could range from legal representation, shelter, transportation, health care and food to case management, translation services and workplace readiness. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus partnered with the states Department of Human Services to open up those funds to municipalities who applied. According to the MMCs website, award notification will be made before the end of September 2023. Section 570. The sum of $42,500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services for grants and administrative expenses associated with legal representation, technological assistance, shelter, transportation, basic health and first aid, food, case management, COVID-19 testing, interpretation and translation services, and workplace readiness for asylum-seekers in the approximate amount below: The proposed site at 3034 Foster Ave along the west bank of the Chicago Rivers North Shore Channel and adjacent to the CTAs North Park Garage and Northside College Prep has been home to a Marine Corps reserve training center and armory since 1959, according to the MWRD. Though its $10 annual lease was slated to end in 2053, the corps has already vacated the buildings and the MWRDs board authorized a termination of the lease agreement earlier this month, according to board records. The $1.5 million spend lauded as a good deal by city officials will only cover the purchase itself, not any upgrades or ongoing service costs. The city plans to lease the site until the purchase is completed within the next four months, Lypson told committee members Monday. There would likely be a monthly cost of upkeep, too: The Marines spent $43,000 a year on maintenance, Lypson said. Immediate timing for having shelter up and running is unclear. Lypson said there is HVAC work needed inside but the facility is otherwise up to par. The buildings which have showers, office space, classrooms and a mess hall would be able to house 550 people, and will likely be reserved for families with school-aged children, Lypson said. It will be three weeks until the city will likely be able to get in and assess the space, she said. The city is considering either capital bonds or funds from the Lawrence/Kedzie TIF to pay for the purchase. City records show that the TIF had a balance of $25.7 million at the end of 2022. Ald. David Moore, 17th, said he could not support authorization without knowing for certain where the money would come from or the citys long-term plans. Id never stop an alderman from using their TIF money to do what they want to do with their stuff, Moore said. But when Im asking for a recreational facility and rebuilding Ogden Park in Englewood Id be foolish to vote for something to pull money from another source I could be using in my community. Moore tried to hold the item in committee essentially stop it from moving to the full City Council next month but was the lone voice of dissent, and the measure passed. Moore is not a stranger to holding up votes over infrastructure complaints in his own South Side ward. Local Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th, spoke in favor of the project and the use of TIF money to pay for it. I think this is a really important project. After the migrant crisis subsides, the buildings would be ripe for development to benefit the public, she said. ____ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was heckled as he tried to address the audience at the prayer vigil for the Dollar General store shooting victims in Jacksonville. Community members, city leaders and the Florida governor gathered Sunday to pray for the three people killed in a mass shooting the day before but just behind them, a group of children separately gathered to play. As we hear just 15 to 20 steps behind us, the laughter of children, that sound is mixed today with the cries of a community, Rev. Jeffrey Rumlin said, greeting over 200 people gathered for the vigil. As the community grappled with loss, Rumlin and other religious leaders pushed for the state to call a spade a spade and condemn the attack as a racist hate crime and support the families impacted by the violence. In the midst of the laughter of the children, tears, the bereaved family, let all of us hear the anger that is at the hearts of so many, Rumlin said. But we can control our anger and use it for fuel for righteousness. Because at the end of the day, respectfully governor, [the shooter] was not a scumbag. He was a racist. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In attendance, Gov. Ron DeSantis who referred to the shooter as a scumbag promised aid to the victims families and to Edward Waters University, the states oldest historically Black college, where the gunman first stopped to change before going to Dollar General. He announced Monday morning the state would provide the university with $1 million for security, as well as $100,000 for the families of people killed the amount local City Council member Ju'Coby Pittman requested the community raise during Sundays vigil. Suspect identified: Jacksonville sheriff identifies hate crime killer and victims at Dollar General shooting More: 3 Black victims killed in racially motivated shooting at Jacksonville Dollar General You are not going to target HBCUs and get away with it, DeSantis said Sunday. Were going to hold you accountable. Were not going to let it happen. Still, DeSantis faced criticism from attendees Sunday, as they booed him immediately upon taking the microphone. Groups throughout the state have protested against policies the governor and the heavily Republican state legislature have passed throughout the past year for changes to education requirements, gun laws and voting district lines that largely affect Black residents. The NAACP went so far as to issue a travel advisory for Florida in May, telling people to "understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color." Pittman, who organized the vigil, stepped in to tell the crowd to let him speak. If the governor wanted to come here, and he's bringing gifts, you all know Im taking the gifts, Pittman said. Because weve been through enough already, and I dont want to go through no more. After a white gunman fatally shot three Black people at a Dollar General on Kings Street Saturday, JSO identified the suspect as 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter, who wrote three manifestos detailing his hatred for Black people: one to the media, to his parents and to federal agents. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters outlined a full timeline of the shooting on Sunday afternoon and identified the three people killed as Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph "A.J." Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald De'Shaun Gallion, 29. Community connected the shooting to most recent legislative session The gunman purchased the weapons he used legally, Waters said, but some activists drew a connection to a law Gov. Ron DeSantis signed earlier this year that allows the concealed carry of guns without a permit. Our Jax community and nation are shaken to the core, Katie Hathaway of Moms Demand Action said. Another horrific tragedy the United States has come to normalize for the sake of someones rights. An extremist with hate in his heart and easy access to guns targeted our Jax Black community, armed with a military-style weapon with swastikas on it. The shooting did not happen in a vacuum, Hathaway said, and she hoped people would learn to push aside political rhetoric coming from state lawmakers like DeSantis, who has said the state is where woke goes to die, and supported language in Florida education that Hathaway said whitewashed history. This language matters, Hathaway said. And it's no wonder that this tragedy happened here in our state of Florida. State Rep. Angie Nixon attended the vigil and was the first to alert Pittman of the Saturday shooting. She did not speak during the event but told the Times-Union she hoped the community would demand action from their politicians and hold DeSantis feet to the fire to stop rhetoric that only added fuel to the fire. Hold me and my fellow elected officials accountable because at the end of the day, we're supposed to be here for them, Nixon said. They elected us. We work for the community. It's not the other way around. Moving forward Council member Pittman did not know DeSantis would be in attendance, she told the Times-Union after the event, but that she hoped he kept his promise of delivering funds and security to Edward Waters University. Im sure hes not going to come here to not make good on a promise, Pittman said. Pittman additionally encouraged community members to donate to help the families affected by the violence with a goal of collecting $100,000, by going to jfrd.com. She has not yet confirmed if the site will still be taking donations after DeSantis met the goal with a donation from Volunteer Florida Monday morning. The weekend held historical significance Saturday was also the anniversary the 2018 Jacksonville mass shooting, Sunday the anniversary of Axe Handle Saturday and Monday the celebration of the March on Washington but the feeling of the local vigil came from even more recent history, the Rev. Rumlin said. A whole lot of people are not aware of that, but what a whole lot of people are aware of [are] Sandy Hook, Buffalo, Uvalde, Rumlin said. That's recent history, and so I think that heaviness [of the vigil] comes not by looking at the civil rights era, but looking at our present-day era. The service Rumlin led Sunday was heavy but still hopeful, he said, and he hoped people continued to come together and have conversations necessary to acknowledge the problem of ongoing racism and violence. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Gov .Ron DeSantis offers aid at vigil after Dollar General shooting Russian troops struck the village of Sadove in Ukraines southern Kherson Oblast at around 10:40 a.m. local time on Aug. 28, reported Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. The attack hit a residential building, killing a 63-year-old woman on the spot, according to Prokudin. A 58-year-old man was hospitalized in critical condition with abdominal and leg injuries, the oblast governor said on Telegram. Sadove lies on the Kyiv-controlled west bank of the Dnipro River, some 20 kilometers east of the regional capital. Earlier the same day, Prokudin wrote that Russia had launched 69 attacks against Kherson Oblast on Aug. 27, firing 395 projectiles from various weapons. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One person was reportedly killed in the region, and two more were wounded. Kherson and other settlements on the rivers west bank have been subjected to daily Russian attacks since they were liberated 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. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. There are 89 children still living in front-line settlements in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said in a television broadcast on Aug. 27, according to Suspilne News. Kyrylenko said local authorities are working to evacuate the children in the coming weeks. "All services are working hard in the hottest areas, including Kramatorsk and Bakhmut districts, and settlements along the front line," Kyrylenko said. He also said that mandatory evacuation of children from the region has been in effect since August of 2022, and that "the government approved the decision to force evacuation" in March 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On Aug. 5, officials announced the forced evacuation of 130 children from nine settlements in Donetsk Oblast. Kyrylenko said that persuading parents to leave their homes with their children has been difficult, but that authorities are working to get residents to cooperate. "We tell the parents of children about the possible dire consequences of being under fire, and if they refuse to evacuate, they are warned about administrative and criminal liability," Kyrylenko said. Mandatory evacuations have been carried out in multiple regions of Ukraine as Russia's full-scale invasion continues into its second year. Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rescuers have found another person's body under the rubble of an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast, the regional governor Dmytro Lunin reported on Aug. 28. This brings the total death toll of Russia's overnight missile strike to three. The search continues for one more person under the rubble, according to Lunin. "A great loss for all of us. We express our condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased. The enemy will surely be punished!" the official added. Lunin didn't clarify how many people are known to have been wounded at the moment. Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak earlier said that five people had sustained injuries in the attack on the industrial facility in the village of Hoholeve, Myrhorod district. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hoholeve lies around 50 kilometers northwest of Poltava, the capital of Ukraine's east-central Poltava Oblast, which is rarely subjected to Russian attacks. According to the Air Force, Russia launched four Kalibr cruise missiles and two Kh-59 guided aerial missiles at Ukraine overnight on Aug. 28. Two Kalibr missiles and all the Kh-59 ones were reportedly shot down. Read also: Zelensky: We will not let go of our independence Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Governor Ron DeSantis joined Mayor Donna Deegan, Sheriff TK Waters, and a bipartisan coalition of local elected leaders Sunday night at a prayer vigil held near the scene where three Black residents lives were taken in Saturdays racially motivated mass shooting at a New Town Dollar General. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The victims, Angela Michelle Carr, Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr., and Jerrald DeShaun Gallion, were gunned down by a 21-year-old racist gunman, who crossed county lines to target the predominantly Black area of Jacksonville. Today is about showing up for these residents that did not deserve what happened, said Councilmember JuCoby Pittman (D-District 10), who represents the New Town area. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It was a display that has become increasingly rare in Florida politics in recent years: Leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum standing shoulder to shoulder united in their message condemning the racial violence inflicted upon Jacksonvilles Black community. No more division. No more hate. We cannot tolerate against our Black community, said Mayor Deegan. We are not gonna let people be targeted based on their race. Were going to stand up and were going to do what we need to do to make sure that evil does not triumph in the state of Florida, said Governor DeSantis. During the Governors remarks, many members of the crowd made it clear they didnt believe the racist killings happened in a vacuum. Boos and critiques of DeSantis policies rang out from the audience as he began to speak, but in a moment of bipartisanship, Councilmember Pittman stepped in and urged the crowd to settle. It aint about parties today, because a bullet dont know a party, said Pittman. Nikki Fried, Chair of the Democratic Party of Florida, said she understood the crowds frustration, and added she hopes the Governor heard the voices of the community. That in this community we need love, we need compassion, we need unity, said Fried. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] As the Governor went to depart, he was confronted by State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville), who asked for a meeting with the leader whom she has often found herself at odds with through the years. In front of the media, youre telling me youre going to meet with me? said Nixon. Private meeting, DeSantis replied. Afterward, Nixon told Action News Jax she plans to hold the Governor to that commitment. To squash the rhetoric, the hateful rhetoric and the gaslighting and things like that, which has been running so rampant my entire terms in office. Its just time to end this so we can start healing as a community, said Nixon. Councilmember Pittman said donations can be made to help the victims families at JFRD.com. Governor DeSantis and Mayor Deegan were also both committed to looking for opportunities to better fund and protect the New Town community moving forward. [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. You know it was a remarkable week when dumping tons of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean wasnt even the lead story. Thats right: While much of the globes attention was on the former American presidents legal battles and the mug shot seen around the world, Japan started its 30-year plan to release the diluted yet still contaminated water that was stored at the now defunct Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Back in 2011, the most powerful earthquake in Japans recorded history led to a devastating tsunami and the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Damage to the plant led to radiation of a huge volume of water, which the facility has been storing ever since. After two years of research, and the blessings of the International Atomic Energy Agency, authorities are slowly releasing the heavily treated water into the ocean because well, because Japan is running out of room. The folks behind this plan will tell you that this shouldnt scare people as much as it does. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read more: Opinion: California's San Onofre nuclear plant is a Chernobyl waiting to happen And yet. The prospect of releasing radioactive water into the ocean should scare people more than a little. Anyone trying to persuade us otherwise is preying on our flawed old thinking about water and the ocean that theyre infinite and unchanging. Read more: Letters to the Editor: Can nuclear power really save us from the worst of climate change? Like Japan, Canada has struggled to store radiated water thats a byproduct of nuclear reactions. A power plant company in Canada wants to store waste from its reactors within half a mile of one of the Great Lakes . Yes, those Great Lakes. The ones that make up more than 20% of the worlds fresh water . The ones that provide drinking water for 30% of Canadians and 10% of Americans. Since the 1980s, nations have been trying to figure out what to do with nuclear waste. Burying barrels of it under a mountain in Nevada was never going to be a sustainable plan . Shelving the stuff at former plants like Californias San Onofre down the coast from San Clemente isnt much better. The alternatives get pretty wild. Theres even a technique to turn it into glass. Read more: Editorial: 10 more years of nuclear power? Gov. Newsom needs to make the case But who seriously had store it next to drinking water on their nuclear-waste bingo card? Burning fossil fuels sends carbon dioxide into the air, contributing to global warming. Last month was the hottest July on record . August hasnt been much of a reprieve, particularly in the southwest corner of the country. Nuclear power advocates would say now's the time to move aggressively to nuclear, which doesn't add to greenhouse gas emissions. Read more: Op-Ed: California needs to keep the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant open to meet its climate goals There are roughly 440 operating nuclear reactors in 32 countries , with upwards of 60 more currently under construction. That may be good news for air quality. Unfortunately, the water we drink is now, frighteningly, up for discussion. Canadas prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has prioritized nuclear over oil and gas. About 15% of his nations electricity comes from nuclear, and he intends to increase production. Struggles between our two nations regarding storing nuclear waste are not new, but we generally have managed to cooperate over the years. The talk of storing contaminated water near Lake Huron near Flint, Mich., of all places will test that. Trudeau is expected to make a decision on the waste next year. Read more: Editorial: No, California shouldnt extend the life of its last nuclear plant. There are better ways to fight climate change Which brings me back to Japan. No ones drinking that ocean water, but the sea does feed billions of people. In response to the decision to dump radioactive water, China has already banned all Japanese seafood imports, a crushing blow given its one of Japan's top seafood export destinations. The statement released by the government read in part that by dumping the water into the ocean, Japan is spreading the risks to the rest of the world and passing an open wound onto the future generations of humanity. Quite rich given Chinas environmental record . The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been testing products from the Fukushima area and last month reported none of these samples contained detectable levels of Cesium. Yet, 90% of area residents are still concerned about the effects releasing the contaminated water will have on fishing. Read more: Letters to the Editor: Our fears of nuclear power are vastly overblown. Don't close Diablo Canyon Theres no reason to think the consequences of dumping would be only local or only short-term. The Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami led to 5 million tons of debris being dumped into the Pacific in 2011. Most of it landed at the bottom, but some of it reached our shores. Over the years, even refrigerators made the journey from Japan to the West Coast. Why further normalize the polluting of the planets oceans? Or the contamination of Michigan drinking water? Read more: Column: If Biden is serious about the climate crisis, he should put nuclear power on the table Scientists have offered assurance that properly treated radioactive water will have only negligible effects when further diluted in the ocean. But experts also assured us that the Fukushima power plant was safe, until it wasnt. The reason Japan is in this situation, with vast volumes of radiated waste to purge, is that life doesnt happen in a controlled environment. I hope Trudeau remembers that as hes weighing the options for Canadas toxic waste. @LZGranderson If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Wildfire still rages on the region of Evros Wildfire still rages on the region of Evros By Stamos, Prousalis,, Alexandros and Avramidis ATHENS (Reuters) -Hundreds of Greek firefighters were battling a huge blaze on Monday that has killed at least 20 people over the past 10 days, Europe's deadliest wildfire so far this summer as record-setting heatwaves unleash blazes across the continent. The fire, which began near the city of Alexandroupolis, has raged uncontrolled in northeastern Greece's Evros region, turbocharged by near-gale force winds and high temperatures. All but one of the victims killed so far were irregular migrants hiding in the forest. "It is the definition of what we call a megafire," government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service said the Evros blaze had burned more than 77,000 hectares of land, making it one of the biggest on European soil in years. "We tried to wet the land with hoses a bit, for protection, but the water was evaporating in no time," says 40-year-old beekeeper Michalis Tsolakis, who lost 350 beehives in the village of Kirki, in Evros region. "t just wasn't possible to save anything." Marinakis said the country's climate crisis and civil protection minister and other senior government ministers had visited the area to assess the damage. Lawmakers were expected to discuss the impact of the devastating fires and state preparedness in parliament on Thursday. Firefighting forces from Cyprus, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria and Slovakia have been assisting Greece's efforts to put out the blazes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a wildfire on the outskirts of Athens that began last Tuesday had abated, the fire brigade said. Scores of people have had to flee their homes across Greece as hundreds of wildfires erupted across the country in the second major fire outbreak of this summer. In July, some 20,000 foreign tourists were evacuated from the island of Rhodes, where a wildfire burned resorts and hotels. (Additional reporting by Karolina Tagaris, Lefteris Papadimas and Renee Maltezou; Editing by Peter Graff and Alex Richardson) A burned house stands in Acharnes suburb, on Mount Parnitha, in northwestern Athens, Greece, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. More than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from several European countries, backed by a fleet of water-dropping planes and helicopters were battling three persistent major wildfires in Greece Sunday, two of which have been raging for days. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas) ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greek authorities reinforced firefighting forces in the northeastern part of the country Monday, where a massive deadly wildfire was burning for a 10th day with no signs of abating. The fire in the Alexandroupolis and Evros areas near the Turkish border has been blamed for 20 of the 21 wildfire-related deaths in Greece last week. The fire department said 474 firefighters, backed by 100 vehicles, seven planes and two helicopters were battling the flames. The forces included reinforcements from several European countries. Authorities are investigating what sparked the blaze, which over the past week has destroyed vast tracts of forest, scorched homes and triggered the evacuation of thousands of people. The bodies of 18 people were found in an area near the city of Alexandroupolis last Tuesday, while a body had been found in a forest in the region the previous day and another was found on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The bodies are believed to be those of migrants who recently crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Greeces Disaster Victim Identification Unit has been activated to identify the remains. A man also died last week in a separate fire in central Greece, reportedly while trying to save his livestock from advancing flames. The wildfire has scorched more than 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres) of land, the European Unions Copernicus Emergency Management Service said Sunday, making it one of the largest single fires ever to have struck a European country. Copernicus is the EU space programs Earth observation component and uses satellite imagery to provide mapping data. The situation at another major fire burning for days on Mount Parnitha on the northwestern fringes of Athens appeared significantly improved by Monday, although it was still not officially under control. The fire department said 260 firefighters backed by 77 vehicles, one plane and one helicopter were still fighting flare-ups in the fire which had burned homes and entered a national park that is one of the last green areas near the Greek capital. Greece has been plagued by daily outbreaks of dozens of fires over the past week as gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions combined to whip up flames and hamper firefighting efforts. Across the country, firefighters were battling 74 wildfires on Monday, with 27 of them having broken out in the 24 hours between Sunday evening and Monday evening, the fire department said. Arson has been suspected in some of the blazes, with several people arrested. Greece imposes wildfire prevention regulations, typically from the start of May to the end of October, limiting activities such as the burning of dried vegetation and the use of outdoor barbecues. By Friday, fire department officials had arrested 163 people on fire-related charges since the start of the fire prevention season, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said, including 118 for negligence and 24 for deliberate arson. The police had made a further 18 arrests, he said. With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has called for help from other European countries. Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian, Albanian, Slovak and Serb firefighters are helping on the ground. Flash Greek firefighters are battling wildfires on Andros island in the Aegean Sea and the Evros region in northern Greece on Sunday, according to the Fire Brigade. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating causes of the blazes that scorched over 120,000 hectares of forests and farmland this year so far, according to the National Observatory of Athens. A total of 119 arrests for arson by negligence and 27 by intention were made by the Fire Brigade from May 1 until Saturday, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias posted on social media over the weekend. In three days from Thursday to Saturday, four individuals were arrested for arson with intent while two by negligence, he added. In the case of the fire that started on Saturday on Evia island, authorities believe it was due to lightning strikes, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. Over 1,000 wildfires have been reported this summer. Only this week firefighting forces faced over 400 blazes across the country, the Fire Brigade said. Last month, Kikilias said most of the blazes this season were caused by "human hand," either negligence or arson. Despite some lingering confusion about how it will be implemented, the Greene County Commission voted Monday to follow the state's lead and freeze property taxes for Social Security retirees. Senate Bill 190, signed July 6 by Gov. Mike Parson , authorized counties across the state to provide seniors receiving Social Security retirement benefits with property tax credits. The amount of tax credit received would be the difference between a given year's property tax and the tax on the property from the year in which the owner became eligible. The bill received strong bipartisan support passing in the Senate 33-1 and in the House 154-2. There are two paths for tax benefits to be adopted in individual counties. One is the one Greene County took, with the county directly passing an ordinance; the other requires citizens to gather signatures in a petition that would place the question on the ballot. The latter option can be pricey. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "If this was not adopted at the commission level, it most assuredly would be put on the ballot by initiative petition, which would then cost the county probably $250,000 minimum to run the election and most likely it would pass," Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said at the Monday commission briefing. Headache for counties across the state The state bill went into effect Monday, opening the door for counties to begin discussing the tax credit locally. However, with the bill passing at the end of the legislative session, counties have been left guessing about a number of details. Dixon said a Missouri Association of Counties task force was established, chaired by the Greene County Collector of Revenue Allen Icet, for counties to figure out how to best implement the bill consistently and accurately. "The important thing is that we have to abide by the law as it's written, even if it's unclear," Dixon told the News-Leader. With the bill in effect, the tax freeze could be implemented this year. However, with how late things have begun and the requirements for tax bills to be sent out in early November, Dixon said that's impossible, especially with the county tasked to determine eligibility. Next year will likely be the first year that eligible seniors can take advantage of the freeze. Dixon said he is hopeful that the next legislative session will provide more clarity and detail on what the legislation truly intends to do and how to best implement it. "The concern is not offering that relief, I think we all want to do that," Commissioner John Russell said. "The concern is the law is very confusing, and the logistics to get to this point are going to be difficult." According to a Greene County Commission news release, several counties have asked Parson to call a special session in September of 2023 to provide further clarity. Among the most confusing portions of the bill are the inconsistencies in language. While the ballot language that is established by the bill for use in sending the tax freeze to county voters includes relief for "senior citizens," the legislation itself outlines this as only applying to those receiving Social Security retirement benefits. These are not the same, Dixon said. The freeze, as it stands now, applies to property tax as a whole, not just the county's portion of it. The date as to which year should apply for the freeze is also unclear. More: New round of tax cuts to income, corporate rates passes Missouri House Dixon said about 2-5% of property taxes that individuals pay go to the county, the rest goes to other entities like schools, libraries and parks. These entities' revenues will see the biggest changes after the freeze goes into effect. "They are going to be impacted. We don't know how much, it's impossible to know," he said. Now, the county will continue to figure out how to implement the freeze and what it may look like in action. The same bill also established maximum income tax deductions for all recipients of Social Security benefits, regardless of filing status and adjusted gross income. Previously, single tax filers who made more than $85,000 or those filing jointly who made more than $100,000 would have owed some income tax on Social Security. Those eligible can start taking advantage of this new benefit for tax year starting January 2024. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, individuals can become eligible for Social Security starting at 62 years old if they have paid into the system. This excludes some professions like teachers, ministers, civil servants, rail road workers and others, according to the news release. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Greene County senior property tax freeze receives commission approval Food packaging seems to be getting more and more ridiculous, whether its a single green onion in a plastic pouch or plastic-wrapped avocados. One Redditor recently proved this theory when they showcased an infuriating find packages upon packages of two celery stalks wrapped in a styrofoam container. Photo Credit: u/RemyDon6 / Reddit While the picture originally appeared in the r/StupidFood subreddit, commenters summed up the post perfectly by suggesting other subreddits it could appear in: r/Anticonsumption, r/EgregiousPackaging, and even r/A******Design. Single-use plastics already seem almost unavoidable in todays grocery stores, and their environmental toll is cause for concern. In 2014, of the 258 million tons of municipal waste generated in the U.S., more than 63% was packaging materials. To further the problem, only 35% was recycled or composted. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Aside from that, we can agree that food packaging was created to make food safer and cleaner, more reliable, and shelf-stable. But a new study from Cambridge University Press suggests that not only is plastic packaging wasteful, but its also seeping toxins into our food. Many Redditors were rightfully frustrated with the ridiculous packaging. I guess were rationing now one quipped. Thought Id seen it all, another added. But, maybe surprisingly, others pointed out how the packaging actually appealed to them. I get the impulse, one person explained. I almost never use an entire celery bunch and often wish I could buy stalks individually. And they bring up a good point. In the U.S. each year, around one-third of all food ends up in the garbage. Thats about 42 billion pounds in our homes alone. But that doesnt mean single-use plastic packaging is the answer. There are many tricks to making food last longer, like bathing berries before storing them or keeping mushrooms in paper bags. Redditors were quick to point out other options for food youre afraid of wasting. I buy a whole bunch, dice it up, and freeze it in 1-stalk portions. It goes mushy when you thaw it, but its fine if youre frying it up for mirepoix, one person explained. Its celery, dice it up and add it to rice or whatever ffs, or when it gets wilty pop it in the freezer for the next time you make stock, then compost it, another offered up. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. I had my kids try one of the most expensive kinds of seafood in the world. They loved it despite how it looks. My grandmother was from Galicia, and she introduced me to percebes. Also known as goose barnacles, percebes are expensive because of how hard it is to get them. Prices change depending on availability and usually range from $170 to $250 per kilo. Growing up, I would travel from Argentina where I'm from to Galicia in the north of Spain to visit my mom's side of the family. Galicia is on the country's northwest coast and is known for its delicious seafood, which includes grilled octopus, tuna empanadas, and percebes, one of the most expensive kinds of seafood in the world. Percebes, known as goose barnacles in English, are incredibly hard to harvest, which is why a pound of them usually 15 to 20 barnacles cost about $100. The price also varies depending on the size of the barnacle and can reach $500 a pound. Fishermen have to jump into rocky waters and swim through caves to gather the rubbery-looking barnacles. It is said that the more dangerous the spot is where fishermen dive, the better the barnacle. I had my kids try percebes while in Galicia Recently, my family of five embarked on a trip around Spain with my parents. Our first stop was Galicia to visit my mom's family and swim in the frigid ocean. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On our first night there, I ordered a double portion of percebes to share with my mom. I didn't think to offer any to my kids, because like most 5- and 3-year-olds, they can be particular about what they eat. But one of my twins kept looking at me eat one barnacle after the other, so I offered her one to try. The author's mom behind a plate of percebes. Courtesy of the author I was surprised when she not only agreed but ate one and asked for more. I then offered one to my other twin, who was skeptical at first because of how weird-looking the barnacles are they have a rubbery bottom you need to twist off and a dinosaur-claw-looking point that holds the meat. They couldn't get enough percebes I figured they would each try one and move on to their grilled fish and french fries plates, but I was wrong. They both kept asking for more and suddenly our entire order was gone. This is not my kids' first time eating something weird from the ocean. A year before their experience with goose barnacles, I had taken them periwinkle, or sea snail, foraging on the coast of Maine. We cooked the little snails, and while I intended to serve them with pasta, my kids ate bowls of boiled snails as a snack. The preparation for both periwinkles and percebes is similar, so maybe the taste was familiar to them. Local Galicians recommend boiling the barnacles in salted water for a minute before serving them hot. After that initial introduction to percebes, wherever we went next for food, my kids asked for more "bichitos," or little bugs in Spanish, which turned eating out into a really expensive feast for us. To commemorate their bravery for trying a new food, one that will forever remind me of my grandmother, I got a percebes tattooed on my arm. I'm sure I will get a lot of questions about it, but I have a great story to tell. Read the original article on Insider A Port-au-Prince human rights group is calling on Haitian authorities to take action against the perpetrators and accomplices of a weekend massacre that left several church followers dead at the hands of a heavily armed gang on the outskirts of Haitis capital. On Saturday, several parishioners of a local Haitian pastor, Marcorel Marco Zidor of the Evangelical Pool of Bethesda Church, were shot and killed when men in the Canaan community at the northern edge of Port-au-Prince opened fired on them as they marched against gang violence. Fondasyon Je Klere/Eyes Wide Open Foundation said that prior to the march, which some people followed live on social media, Zidor gave a pastoral speech advocating violence as he called on his flock to arm themselves in order to bring down armed gangs. Bringing citizens to arm themselves against each other, provoking violence in pastoral speeches, are criminal acts provided for and punished by the Haitian penal code, the human rights group, headed by Marie Yolene Gilles, said in a statement. Three to 15 years in prison is the penalty provided by the law in this matter. Its time to enforce the law. Those who by their speech provoked this massacre and the perpetrators of this massacre must answer for their actions. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Pierre Esperance of the National Human Rights Defense Network said prosecutors in the Croix-des-Bouquets district on Sunday summoned Zidor. I hope it just doesnt stand there, said Esperance, who applauds prosecutors intervention. There needs to be an investigation and the authorities need to take their responsibility. The march, he said, was no secret and police were well aware of Zidors intentions to have his church marchers go after the gang with their bare hands. The police was supposed to take every effort to stop the people from going to Canaan. If they had, the massacre would not have happened, he said. Again, this is another example of the weakness of the leadership of the high command of the Haiti National Police. The police have not made any official comment about the tragedy, and its unclear if they have even been able to access the settlement to retrieve the bodies. The killings have shaken Haitians of all faith and raised questions about the roles of the police, state and pastor in failing to prevent the deaths, and about ongoing efforts by Haitians to take the law into their own hands. With violence by armed groups escalating in Haiti, vigilante killings by so-called self-defense groups have been on the rise as individuals go after and publicly lynch suspected gang members. A source in the police high command told the Miami Herald that contrary to reports police officers did not accompany churchgoers as they marched to Canaan, known to be the stronghold of a dangerous gang led by a warlord named Jeff. The marchers, who numbered in the hundreds, held only rocks, sticks and machetes. Relatives of Haitian churchgoers killed during a religious march the day before express their anger Sunday in front of the church. Videos on social media show gang members, dressed in shorts, firing automatic weapons at marchers running for cover behind wrecked cars. Also filmed: the bloodied corpses of dead churchgoers, wearing yellow and white shirts with the insignia Pastor Marco, sprawled on the ground. In one video, two victims dressed in yellow t-shirts were prone on the gravel, while in another five bodies wearing white shirts, including that of a young girl, were covered in blood. Exactly how many people were killed, injured or held captive by the gang is unclear. Also unknown is the fate of Zidor. Created after the devastating Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake, Canaan was once a quiet community where aid groups provided water, schooling and other assistance to the population. Today it is a symbol of the failure of Haitis post-quake reconstruction efforts as Jeff and his armed men maintain a tight grip. The gang has been accused of mounting attacks against the nearby womens prison in Cabaret, and invading the otherwise peaceful farming community. In a recording circulated Sunday, in which he identifies himself, Jeff refused to take blame for the tragedy. He instead accused Zidor of using his flock to curry political favor with a prospective candidate in the area by having his church members march on the gang. He also accused police of not impeding the violence, and standing by with their arms crossed. I wonder if the country understands what Pastor Marco did? said Jeff, asking who among them is the real criminal after what happened. Pastor Marco crossed almost two communities, he said, adding that the pastor lives in Torcel, a community east of Canaan, and had his followers pass another armed gang in the Croix-des-Missions community to come destabilize a group of armed men in Canaan. As the group approached Canaan, the gang leader gave orders for his men to shoot in the air, he said. But they were fired upon, he said, by a group of armed men accompanying the churchgoers. They started a confrontation with us, Jeff said. I did all I could to prevent a lot of people from dying. He acknowledged that he currently has some worshipers in his custody, and said he plans to release them on Monday. Pastor Marco has never had his faithful go before the prime ministers office to demonstrate against hunger, the misery and suffering of the population, the gang leader said. Hes never taken a group of people in front of the palace, given what is happening to the population. But he can take a group of people to leave his home in Torcel, cross Croix-des-Missions and come to Canaan to dislodge an armed group. While police have remained mum on Saturdays gang killings, they did release a statement about their efforts that day to go after another gang, which has been terrorizing residents in Port-au-Princes Carrefour Feuilles neighborhood. The police communications office said a lot of armed men were killed Saturday in a battle. An ongoing attack, launched against the residents by the Grand Ravine gang and its allies, has forced more than 5,000 people to seek refuge in public plazas, schoolyards and a local gymnasium, the United Nations and local human rights groups said. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The director of Haitis National Police vowed Monday to hold accountable those who encouraged hundreds of parishioners to take up machetes and sticks over the weekend to try and rid a community of gang members, only to be fatally shot by them. Police Chief Frantz Elbe said the groups religious leader, identified as Marcorel Zidor, participated in the protest Saturday and was accompanied by unidentified people clad in olive green carrying assault rifles as they and the parishioners marched toward the community of Canaan. Elbe said the group drew gunfire from gang members, and that multiple people were killed and several kidnapped, though he did not provide numbers. He said police were trying to recover the bodies of those killed in Canaan, a community established north of the capital by survivors of the country's devastating 2010 earthquake. The community is controlled by a powerful gang whose leader goes only by Jeff, and who is an ally of another gang known as Five Seconds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police said in a statement that they had tried to convince the religious group to stop their plan to avoid a carnage by criminals who have an arsenal of war. Elbe noted that the group had not notified police about the protest as required, and that officers were unable to halt the crowd partly because it had split up into two groups. Police did everything to stop them, he said at a news conference, calling the event a tragedy. Zidor, the pastor, could not be immediately reached for comment. An Associated Press team visited the church on Monday, but its big metal gates were closed, and no one responded to requests for entry. Tranquil Florant, a 32-year-old homeopathic doctor who is a member of the church, told the AP that the pastor announced plans for the weekend march on Thursday during an all-night prayer. This was really a crazy idea, Florant said, adding that he didnt participate. People have to make good judgements. He arrived Monday at the church after hearing that families of victims were going to gather there, but he found no such gatherings. Shooting broke out shortly afterward, scattering people in the area. Elbe stressed that police are trying to neutralize gangs, which are estimated to control up to 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. These gangs are burning peoples houses and creating panic. But we are fighting night and day to stop them and push them back, he said. From Jan. 1 until Aug. 15, more than 2,400 people in Haiti were reported killed, more than 950 kidnapped and another 902 injured, according to the United Nations. In addition, more than 300 people have been killed by a violent civilian movement known as bwa kale that began in April and targets suspected gang members. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley slammed rival presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy s foreign policy positions on Monday, reupping criticisms made at last weeks Republican primary debate. At a town hall in Indian Land, S.C., Haley, who also served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, blasted the biotech entrepreneur for not valuing the United States relationships with key allies and not taking security threats from Russia and China seriously. When you have somebody on stage say, Im going to let Russia have this part of Ukraine, and Im gonna tell them you cant do anything with China going forward, its completely naive, Haley said to applause from the audience. And the other thing that bothers me it is completely narcissistic to think that America doesnt need friends. We do need friends. We do need allies, Haley continued. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Haleys comments come on the heels of last weeks debate in Milwaukee, where several candidates, including Haley, took Ramaswamy to task for his foreign policy positions. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, Haley said in one of the most watched moments of Wednesdays debate. Haley also said that Ramaswamys policy toward Russia amounted to his choosing a murderer. Ramaswamy, who outlined his foreign policy vision in an op-ed for The American Conservative on Monday, has said he would try to improve relations with Russia in order to sever the Russia-China relationship and has pledged he will end aid to Ukraine if elected president. He has also pushed for a client relationship with Israel, a key Middle Eastern ally, and has said his administration would not defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion after the U.S. achieves semiconductor independence. Ramaswamys campaign dismissed Haleys criticism on Monday. Vivek is running for president of the United States, not a board seat on Lockheed Martin, Tricia McLaughlin, a senior adviser to the Ramaswamy campaign, told POLITICO. An area Tim Hortons shut down early Monday morning after a suspect reportedly shattered a door with a hammer and threatened an employee. Springfield police were dispatched to a weapon call at the Tim Hortons located at 2000 East Main Street around 8:40 a.m., according to a Springfield police incident report. Dispatch advised police that there was a man there with a hammer breaking things, and another man was there chasing him with a gun, the report said. It was also reported that a shot had been fired. >> Driver accused in deadly Clark Co. school bus crash appears in court for bond hearing Police arrived on the scene and found that the front door to the business had a large hole in it and was completely shattered. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement An employee told police a man wearing a black hoodie and a facemask had approached the store and began hitting the outside of it with a ballpeen-like hammer. The employee reported that the suspect raised the hammer at her as if to strike her while she was behind the counter. She then went to the office area. >> Car crashes into garage in Springfield One customer told police he was inside the store when the suspect entered and that the suspect moved behind the counter area and began knocking over coffee and tea machinery. After the suspect entered the store, another customer displayed his pistol that he was carrying and chased him out, according to the report. The customer followed him until the suspect approached a car. He told police that he believed the suspect was getting a firearm from the car, and he fired a shot into the air. Witnesses told police they saw the suspect flee the area in a black sedan with dark-tinted windows and a blacked-out license plate cover. According to the report, a store manager told police the suspect was there because his girlfriend had just been a customer at the drive-thru window and was unhappy with her order. The two started arguing over it, which caused the suspect to become angry with the store. No arrests have been made at this time. News Center 7 will continue updating this story as we learn more. Former Disney star Mitchel Musso , known best for his role in Hannah Montana , was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of public intoxication and theft, according to online jail records. Rockwall, Texas, police responded to a report of a disturbance at a hotel about 23 miles northeast of Dallas involving someone who appeared to be intoxicated, a department press release stated. Police said the individual was 32-year-old Musso, who is accused of taking a bag of chips from the hotel without paying. Actor Mitchel Musso arrives at a premiere on Jan. 9, 2018, in Hollywood, California. Actor Mitchel Musso arrives at a premiere on Jan. 9, 2018, in Hollywood, California. Upon arrival, officers contacted the complainant who advised an individual who appeared intoxicated entered the hotel, selected a bag of chips and began eating them, the press release states. When the subject was asked to pay for them, he became verbally abusive and left without rendering payment. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Officers said they spoke to Musso outside the hotel and that he demonstrated signs of intoxication. They arrested him on suspicion of public intoxication and theft of less than $100 and took him to the Rockwall County Detention Center. Police said Musso had several outstanding warrants related to traffic offenses in Rockwall. He spent one night in jail and was released on $1,000 bond, according to jail records. A representative for Musso did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. A different alcohol-related arrest derailed Mussos rise as a Disney star following his album release and a run on Hannah Montana as Oliver Okens, the best guy friend of Miley Cyrus character. In 2011, he was arrested in Burbank, California, after he allegedly failed to slow down when coming to an intersection where a police officer was directing traffic. Musso, who was 20 years old at the time, was charged with driving under the influence. The case led him to lose his starring role in Pair of Kings and to the cancelation of his reality prank show, PrankStars. According to E! News, Musso pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation and ordered to complete alcohol education classes. In becoming an adult, I have learned first hand that stepping up and taking responsibility is the best way to move forward. I am especially thankful to my family and fans for their unwavering support and encouragement. I am glad to now put this in the past, Musso told E! News in a statement in February 2012. After that, Musso continued to work as a voice actor, most prominently in Phineas and Ferb. Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline. Related... Vice President Harris said Monday that the United States is experiencing an epidemic of hate in response to the deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Fla., over the weekend. [L]et us continue to speak truth about the moment we are in: America is experiencing an epidemic of hate. Too many communities have been torn apart by hatred and violent extremism, she said in a statement. Too many families have lost children, parents, and grandparents. Too many Black Americans live every day with the fear that they will be victims of hate-fueled gun violenceat school, at work, at their place of worship, at the grocery store. A white gunman opened fire at a store near a historically Black university in Jacksonville on Saturday and killed three Black people, according to authorities. Officials quickly described the incident as racially motivated. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Every person in every community in America should have the freedom to live safe from gun violence. And Congress must help secure that freedom by banning assault weapons and passing other commonsense gun safety legislation, Harris said in her statement. The vice president acknowledged that the shooting occurred while Americans marked the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. She also noted that the gunman used an assault-style rifle and handgun for the shooting. Harris noted that federal law enforcement has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting, treating it as a possible hate crime and act of domestic violent extremism. Also on Monday, President Biden commented on the shooting, which he said was reportedly fueled by hate-filled animus. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Gov. Healey has issued a statement regarding the shootings in Boston and Worcester this past weekend. Im heartbroken over the gun violence that occurred this weekend in Boston and Worcester amid proud celebrations of culture, community, and joy, Healey said in a statement. On Saturday, eight people were injured and four were arrested after a shooting in Dorchester near the Caribbean Parade route. Six adult males and two adult females were shot, according to Boston Police. Five of the men and one of the women were taken to nearby hospitals. Two victims suffered graze wounds and declined treatment. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Im deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of law enforcement, public safety personnel and first responders whose quick actions have saved lives, Healey said. Our administration is committed to being a strong partner to cities and towns by collaborating on a coordinated approach to get illegal guns off the streets, address the root causes of violence, and ensure safe communities for all. On Sunday in Worcester, two people were shot, including a 15-year-old teen, near the Carribean Festival. Healey also mentioned the spike in violence in Springfield this summer This comes as the city of Springfield faces a devastating spike in violence this summer. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire communities that have been impacted by these senseless shootings, said Healey. Earlier this summer, Governor Healey dedicated her time to meeting with community partners, state public safety officials, District Attorneys, and police to discuss community partnerships on public safety. According to the statement, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has invested nearly $1.5 million in federal grant funds to support violence prevention, response, and community engagement efforts through the summer and fall months when violent crime is often at its peak. 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 Flash U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday night for a four-day visit. During her visit, China will state its position on economic and trade issues of concern to the U.S. side, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry, who added that China looks forward to in-depth discussions on resolving economic and trade differences and promoting practical cooperation. In an "in-depth, pragmatic and constructive" discussion with Raimondo in Washington D.C. ahead of her visit, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said as China and the U.S. are in the same boat, no one can stay aloof, still less profit at others'expense. "The only right way forward is to pull together," said Xie. Xie stated China's position on economic and trade issues of China's concern, requiring the U.S. side to attach great importance and take action to resolve them. He called on the U.S. side to work with China in the same direction, make the list of cooperation longer and shorten the negative list to make joint efforts to stabilize China-U.S. relations. This story is part of a Modesto Bee series on climate change impacts for Stanislaus County. The heat stress on farmworkers is getting worse as the climate warms in Stanislaus County and other parts of the San Joaquin Valley. As average temperatures increased and heat waves and drought struck the state, reports of work-related heat illness tripled in California in the past 20 years. Firefighters, police officers and farmworkers suffered the highest rates of illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, according to the CalEPAs Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment report last year. By 2065, global climate change is expected to expose Valley farmworkers to hazardous afternoon temperatures four times as often as today if nothing is done to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A Fresno-area farmworker died in August after working in triple-digit temperatures amid a hot spell that prompted a hazard alert from Cal/OSHA. Though the Fresno County coroner said the 59-year-old worker died from heart disease, farmworkers are known to perish from heat-related illness 20 times more often than people in other occupations. In July, the United Farm Workers Foundation called on the Department of Labor and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to establish nationwide heat protection standards for farmworkers. The foundation cited two on-the-job deaths in July: a 29-year-old farmworker in Florida and a 26-year-old worker in Arizona. Farmworkers are at the front lines of climate change as extreme heat continues to expose them to more danger, UFW Foundation Chief Executive Officer Diana Tellefson Torres said in a statement. We must prevent heat-related deaths and we can do so by establishing a permanent heat standard that provides workers access to shade, paid rest breaks, training and water. A blog for the California Climate Agriculture Network last year said farmworkers in the San Joaquin Valley could be facing two months of unbearable heat days with temperatures above 100 degrees as heat-trapping carbon dioxide keeps warming the planet near the end of the century. Heat waves already are baking the Valley, with areas around Fresno and Bakersfield recording two dozen to three dozen days at 104 degrees or higher in 2021, while Merced had more than 15 days of that heat. The UC Merced Community and Labor Research Center conducted a comprehensive survey of farmworkers, concluding that climate change concerns are especially relevant for inland agricultural areas of California including the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys and Imperial Valley. Temperatures in those regions already can exceed 110 degrees. Projections for California anticipate average maximum daily temperatures will increase 4 to 5 degrees in Stanislaus County and other parts of the San Joaquin Valley by 2050. A UC Merced researcher said agriculture in inland California may become more like farming in hotter states, such as Arizona, with more emphasis on water conservation, heat-tolerant crops and field work pushed to early in the day or night. I dont think there is concern agriculture will leave the state, but its conceivable that we will see a change in work time and crops that are grown, said Rodrigo Alatriste-Diaz of the Labor Research Center. The Valleys warming environment is putting more onus on measures and safety standards designed to protect agricultural workers. The UC Merced survey of 1,242 farmworkers seemed to reveal spotty compliance with Californias current standards. What the survey revealed In the study, released last year, 43% of farmworkers said their employer never provided them with a heat illness prevention plan required under California law. One in six workers were not receiving the mandated number of 10-minute breaks for rest. One in six farmworkers said wildfire smoke made it hard to breathe while on the job, and one-third said respiratory masks were not provided. Many survey respondents did not find relief from summer heat after daily working hours, as almost 40% had problems keeping their dwellings cool. Those issues will only increase risk of heat-related illness (for farmworkers) as climate change exacerbates temperature extremes, the study concluded. Heat stress is an everyday occurrence for farmworkers, who do physically demanding work in direct sunlight and wear layers of clothing to guard against insects, farm chemicals and sunburn. The UC Merced study cited a need to elevate health and safety standards for the agricultural workforce. The study also recommended expanded access for farmworkers to the healthcare safety net. Most of these workers, with average income of $43,600 per year, live in communities with few primary care physicians and high rates of poverty and infant mortality. Many other studies have described poor health outcomes of farmworkers, who may struggle with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity and psychological stress. Other conditions are threats to farmworkers Heat is not the only climate threat for the workers who raise and harvest crops in the Valley. Wildfires, sparked in the dry conditions of prolonged drought, envelope the San Joaquin Valley in smoke, creating dangerous air quality for anyone working outdoors. In addition, studies suggest that exposure to pesticides will increase for farmworkers with climate change. Farm chemicals lose their effectiveness in warmer temperatures, as the active ingredients are lost as vapor, requiring a heavier application to get the same results. Climate change also has ties to extreme weather, from extended drought to unusual flooding, which will impact crop production and worsen economic hardship for these workers. In a report called Farmworkers at Risk, the Union of Concerned Scientists said policies to protect farmworkers from extreme heat and pesticides are essential. The 2019 report included recommendations for Congress and federal agencies to guarantee farmworkers rights to rest breaks, shade and sufficient water. The research group, combining science and advocacy, also said the U.S. Department of Agriculture should work with other federal agencies to develop and improve systems that alert farmers and workers to dangerous heat conditions. Also, federal and state policymakers should take action to combat climate change and achieve deep cuts to heat-trapping emissions that warm the planet, the group said. Henry Winkler says its hardly Happy Days for the United States as the country faces a very scary time amid former President Trumps surrender at a Georgia jail. Nobody is above the law. Right? Winkler told The Messenger in his Los Angeles home Saturday at a fundraiser for This is About Humanity, an organization that aims to support families at the border of the United States and Mexico. This country is at a very scary moment, said Winkler, who played Fonzie on the 1970s sitcom. How can we so dislike each other just for having a point of view? That is insane I mean, if you looked insanity up, that would be the definition, Winkler said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Winklers comments came after Trump surrendered to authorities in Georgia last week following an indictment by a grand jury on 13 criminal counts stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the Peach State. Its not the first time that 77-year-old Winkler a Trump critic who joined some of the Happy Days cast for a virtual reunion benefitting the Democratic Party of Wisconsin in 2020 has weighed in on the 45th president. In 2017, Winkler said in an interview that Trump had imposed a veneer that keeps him like hes in bubble wrap, like he is not connected to, or doesnt have the empathy to be connected, and has created this thing where do we love to hate him? I dont love hating him because I wish it was different, Winkler said at the time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Lexington Herald-Leader on Monday named as its new executive editor Richard Green, the former editor of The Courier Journal in Louisville who led that newspaper to a 2020 Pulitzer Prize and two 2021 Pulitzer finalists. Green is currently executive editor at The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, Calif., north of San Francisco. He will start work in Lexington on Sept. 25. I am so honored and incredibly excited to be returning to Kentucky and for the opportunity to work with the talented Herald-Leader newsroom. I have admired that staff for decades, and I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and join it, Green said. Green succeeds Peter Baniak, the Herald-Leaders editor since 2009. In June, McClatchy promoted Baniak to become its vice president of news for small and medium markets. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The privately owned McClatchy publishes more than 30 newspapers around the country, including the Herald-Leader. Green will also be McClatchys Central Region Editor, working with newsrooms in Illinois and Pennsylvania as well as Lexington. On Monday, Baniak said Green first impressed him as a relentless competitor and leader when Green led The Courier Journal. I cant tell you how excited I am for him to lead the Lexington newsroom and to bring his energy and love of our craft to the Herald-Leader, Baniak said. Rick is an innovative editor and journalist with boundless energy for the work we do, Baniak said. He loves to break news, dig deep and right wrongs and he knows the critical importance of growing the audience that supports our journalism. He also knows Kentucky. Green is an Ohio native with many ties to Kentucky. His birth family has roots in Eastern Kentuckys Lawrence County. His wife, Laura Lydon Green, is a Louisville native whose family still calls the city home. Two of their four adult children are in the state, one is a junior at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the other works in Louisville. Green also has an adult son who lives in Covington. Greens experience Green started his journalism career as a 15-year-old high school sophomore at his local newspaper in east-central Ohio, The Coshocton Tribune. In 1987, he finished his journalism studies at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and joined the Gannett Co. about an hours drive away as a reporter at The Chillicothe Gazette. He spent the next several decades rising in the newsroom ranks at the Gannett chain of newspapers, with stints at the Cincinnati Enquirer; The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif.; the Des Moines Register; and The Record/North Jersey Media in Bergen County, N.J. In 2018, Green was named editor at The Courier Journal in Louisville. His newsroom staff won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for its breaking news coverage of former Gov. Matt Bevins controversial pardons and commutations as he left office. Greens newsroom was a two-category finalist in the 2021 Pulitzers in breaking news and public service for its coverage of the shooting death of Breonna Taylor and the subsequent summer of protests and for the newspapers dogged investigation of the Louisville Metro Police Department. He accepted a buyout from Gannett in December 2020 and relocated to California. Now hes relocating right back to Kentucky. Ive loved the redwoods, vineyards and Pacific Ocean coast here in Sonoma County and the team that has delivered powerful journalism for this region north of San Francisco, Green said. But theres no place like home, and thats how I view Kentucky, even though Im a proud native Ohioan. Its an honor to do the kind of consequential work that I love closer to my family and friends in a place that I love at such an important moment in the commonwealths history. Green said Herald-Leader readers and subscribers should expect a sharp focus on fair and fearless journalism. Our credibility is only as good as the sophisticated content we produce. That means our staff will have just one objective: to be the best newsroom of its size in the country, defined by our memorable storytelling, breaking news coverage and watchdog journalism, Green said. Well defend the First Amendment, cover news as it happens digitally and protect the most vulnerable among us across the commonwealth. Pittsburgh police are investigating after a man was found dead in his Lincoln-Lemington home from a gunshot wound. Just after 9 a.m. on Saturday, officers arrived at a residence in the 1500 block of Westmoreland Avenue for an unknown trouble call, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. They were met by two juvenile girls who said their father was upstairs bleeding and that he was not moving. Officers found a man sitting on the floor in the kitchen with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified the man as James Davenport, 49. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Pittsburgh Public Safety aware of use of force by officers during arrest, incident under review Pittsburgh police trying to find missing 13-year-old last seen in Beechview area Saturday 24-year-old killed in wrong-way crash on Route 43 in Washington County VIDEO: Protest held in Garfield in support of suspect in standoff situation DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts FILE - A woman walks past a promotional banner of the national security law for Hong Kong, in Hong Kong, on June 30, 2020. A group that promotes Cantonese shut down on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 after Hong Kong authorities accused an essay submitted to a competition it held three years ago of violating the national security law, in the latest example of the city's erosion of freedom of expression. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) HONG KONG (AP) A group that promotes the Cantonese language shut down Monday after Hong Kong authorities said a fictional essay depicting a decline in liberties in the city on the groups website violated the national security law, in the latest example of the citys erosion of freedom of expression. Andrew Chan, chairperson of the Societas Linguistica Hongkongensis, said in a Facebook post that national security officers visited a home where some of his family members live without a search warrant last week when he was out of town. The officers asked him to remove the essay from his groups website immediately, he said. Chan said he decided to halt the operation of his association due to the legal risks and a lack of resources. I am so shocked and I still cannot believe its happened, he said in an email to The Associated Press. He also said he was sad to see that even though he was running something only related to arts and literature," he was still "targeted by the national security police. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police declined to address the matter directly in an emailed response to a request for comment, but said that any moves by police were taken according to the circumstances and the local laws. After Beijing imposed a national security law in Hong Kong in 2020, following massive pro-democracy protests, dozens of civil societies have disbanded and more than 260 people have been arrested. The shutdown of Chans group showed that the crackdown on dissidents has been expanding to cultural activities. The fictional article in question is about a Hong Kong-born man who had emigrated with his parents to the United Kingdom when he was young and revisited his birthplace, according to a webpage archive provided by Chan. It was written by a third party who used their pen name. In the article, the government changes the names of places to erase colonial elements and suppresses religious freedoms. It ends quoting a famous phrase by late Czech writer Milan Kundera: The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting. Chan said he had been running the group to promote the mother language of many Hong Kongers for 10 years. The Facebook page of the group has 57,000 followers. Chan said he believed it was the basic right for Hong Kongers to promote their own language and culture, and the group could help foster social harmony. But the action of the authorities proved that his belief was wrong at least in their eyes, he said. It is a pity that we could not continue since we have contributed a lot to Cantonese affairs, he said. While most classes in Hong Kongs schools are still taught in Cantonese, many have added Mandarin to their curriculum as Hong Kong government promotes integration with the mainland. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to China in 1997 and was promised that its Western-style civil liberties can be kept intact for 50 years after the handover. Critics say the freedoms promised to the financial hub have greatly declined after the enactment of the security law. The Hong Kong government says the law has helped restore stability and warned against acts of soft resistance. Columbus has long been a home to veterans of the military with Fort Moore, formerly Fort Benning, having been a part of the area for over 100 years. Some of these veterans struggle with life after the military. And in Columbus, some veterans are becoming homeless and dying alone and being buried in pauper graves. While services for veterans are available through the Veterans Administration, sometimes these benefits arent easily accessible to veterans. A few local individuals and organizations are helping to both help homeless veterans and preserve the memory of those veterans who have passed away. As a result, a developing trend that is disturbing to those monitoring veterans and their plight is that homeless and indigent veterans are being buried in pauper graves within Columbus. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One of those watching the problem develop is Patricia Liddell. As a member of American Legion Post 333 in Columbus, Liddell works with the families of veterans who have died to help ensure they receive a funeral with full military honors. Patricia Liddell, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant, is part of American Legion Post 333 and is the Veterans Service Officer for Alabama and Georgia and helps arrange funeral services for indigent and homeless veterans. 08/11/2023 Liddell has helped multiple families make sure their loved ones are sent off with the honor they deserve and with comrades there to wish them goodbye. She said shes usually notified before a homeless or indigent veteran is buried so she can arrange for a full military funeral at Fort Mitchell in Alabama. However, this isnt always the case. In some instances soldiers are buried in pauper graves in Columbus and that presents challenges in getting them buried properly. Liddell said she is currently working on getting a full military funeral for three veterans who have been buried at Porterdale in Paupers graves in Columbus. For a typical military funeral for a homeless or indigent veteran Liddell will contact the funeral service at Fort Mitchell and schedule the funeral and then have an acquaintance send out a press release to other veterans so they can give their fellow soldier a proper send off. Liddell said at one soldiers funeral about 40 people showed up to the funeral. This soldier served his country and he needs to be sent home in a proper manner,Liddell said. However, when a soldier is buried in a pauper funeral the process can take time to get them a proper burial. Liddell has to get the family to see if the veteran has a form that has the veterans service history. The family must then fill out an affidavit allowing for the exhumation of their loved one. Afterwards, the funeral service company must take it to the health department which must approve the exhumation. Liddell said in one case shes working on right now the affidavit for exhumation was filled out approximately a month prior and the veteran had not yet been exhumed. In that case she said the veteran was an up and coming young man before taking a turn and died two blocks away from where his mother lived and didnt let his family know about his situation. Liddell said his sister found out about her brothers death while searching for her nephews obituary and her brothers name popped up. Liddell said the individual died in 2017 and just found out about his death this year. In another case, a friend of one veteran found out his friend had passed after his buddy didnt meet with him at Oktoberfest in Columbus like they would each year. That soldier now lies in a pauper grave in Porterdale cemetery with grass overgrowing the cross placed above his grave. The Graveyard The pauper burial section of Porterdale Cemetery has grass ankle deep in some sections with uneven ground throughout. Some graves are marked with crosses and a select few have headstones. However, some lie with no marking at al. In a row near the pauper section is the final resting place of four World War I soldiers. Some of the few with a proper military headstone. Some graves are intricately decorated while some have only a mound of grass above them. We are our brothers keeper, said Liddell U.S. Army veteran Cecil Bannister is buried in the indigent area of Porterdale Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. 08/11/2023 Liddell walked around the pauper section of Porterdale Cemetery as thunder rumbled, lightning cracked and rain poured down from the dark gray clouds above. A somber scene for a final resting place. This is heart wrenching, Liddell said as she stood over the grave of one former soldier. He served to give us the right to stand here, and look at how hes buried. Im having real issues right now, Liddell went on to say. It makes you want to cry, and Im trying to hold back the tears. Liddell said she believes that Columbus should have its own national cemetery due to the large number of veterans that live in the area. As Liddell walked through the cemetery she kept repeating one phrase, This is horrible. Homeless Veterans For homeless veterans, The Plummer Home is a respite from the streets. Founded in 2010 by the late Reverend Roy G. Plummer as a shelter for homeless veterans, the organization has helped more than 500 homeless veterans, said Plummer Home Board Chairman Greg Jordan. From 1998-2014, retired Col. Roy Plummer was director of Army instruction for the JROTC program in the Muscogee County School District. During his tenure, the districts JROTC program grew from approximately 400 cadets to 1,200. We restore veterans lives, said Jordan. Plummer served as a colonel in the Army, finishing his career as the chief of chaplains at Fort Benning, was a pastor for Faith Tabernacle Community Church for 28 years and was director of Army instruction for the JROTC program in the Muscogee County School District, according to Ledger-Enquirer reporting. The Plummer Home currently has a house for male veterans shelter at 1214 18th street, a female veterans shelter at 965 Coral Drive and has partnered with Safehouse ministries for additional shelter should the need arise. Jordan says Plummer Home has a partnership with the Freedom Home and has 25 allotted bedrooms for overflow. We take care of every homeless veteran in our community and beyond, Jordan said, stating that the Plummer Home has helped homeless veterans from outside of Columbus. Jordan said one of the goals of the Plummer Home is to continue to grow to be able to do more for homeless veterans. The Plummer home recently closed on the house on 18th street and plans are underway to renovate the structure. Jordan explained that they both seek out homeless veterans to help and have veterans come to them seeking help. At the time of the interview Plummer Home had six veterans at the 18th Street house, two veterans at the Coral Drive location and a dozen at a third location, according to Jordan. A count conducted by Home for Good in January of 2023 showed that there were at least 16 homeless veterans with 12 being unsheltered and 4 being in emergency shelter. National effort to help stem the tide of homeless veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs announced in March a goal to help find permanent housing for 38,000 homeless veterans across the country. A department spokesperson said of the 40,401 Veterans housed by VA in 2022, 2,443 returned to homelessness at some point last year. The VA said 2,443 of those rehoused veterans became homeless again last year, but 86% of those Veterans were rehoused or on a path to rehousing by the end of the year. For veterans needing help, the department urges those struggling to call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Unless Spirit Halloween stores scares up as yet unannounced location, Lebanon County could have Spirit-less Halloween. According to the company's store locator website, there are no locations coming soon to Lebanon County. While she was not able to divulge information on how the company acquires real estate or opens its stores, Spirit spokesperson Maria Storaci did say in an email that being a seasonal retail store has its advantages and disadvantages and at times there are challenges in securing locations. The Spirit Halloween location at the Colonial Park Mall in Harrisburg advertising that they'll soon be open. Where can you go for costumes and decorations? She was able to provide a list of some of the locations close to Lebanon County opening up this Halloween season: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement 4600 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg. Location of the former Sears at the Colonial Park Mall. The opening date for this location is still to be determined. 4690 High Pointe Boulevard, Harrisburg. Opening date for this location is still to be determined. 1801 Columbia Ave., Lancaster. Opening date for this location is still to be determined. 898 Plaza Boulevard, Lancaster. Opening date for this location is still to be determined. 2350 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster. Planned to open Aug. 29. 3045 North 5th Street Highway, Reading. Planned to open Aug. 26 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing. Location of the Former Gap Kids at the Berkshire Mall. Currently open. MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Sarah Watkins of Washburn helps her daughter Violet, 3, try on a Halloween mask on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, at the Spirit Halloween store at 105 N. Main Street in East Peoria. Big box stores To look for additional locations around Central Pennsylvania, as well as when they're open, use the company's locations near you webpage: stores.spirithalloween.com. And while other retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowes and Home Depot do offer a wide range of Halloween decorations and costumes, those looking to buy Spirit Halloween exclusive props, collectibles and costumes, are able to order directly online from the website. Daniel Larlham Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at DLarlham@LDNews.com or on X, formerly twitter @djlarlham Regionalized police: North Lebanon Township weighs the pros and cons of regionalized police department This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Horrors! No Spirit Halloween store in Lebanon, Pa. this year? Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is proposing two amendments to an appropriations bill that would defund the various prosecutions of former President Trump. He is adding to the defense of the former president mounted by Trump allies in the House as they circle the wagons in the face of four indictments. Clyde, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday announced plans for two amendments to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) fiscal 2024 appropriations bill that would prohibit the use of federal funding for the prosecution of any major presidential candidate prior to the upcoming presidential election on November 5th, 2024, according to a press release. One amendment would pertain to federal prosecutions and the other addresses federal funding for state prosecutions. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement That bill, one of 12 regular appropriations bills, is expected to be marked up in the House Appropriations Committee after the House returns in mid-September. Clyde said he is taking aim at special counsel Jack Smith, who has led charges against Trump relating to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and retention of classified documents; Manhattan, N.Y., District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who charged Trump in relation to 2016 hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels; and Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis (D), who charged Trump again in relation to the 2020 election. Due to my serious concerns about these witch hunt indictments against President Trump, I intend to offer two amendments to prohibit any federal funds from being used in federal or state courts to prosecute major presidential candidates prior to the 2024 election, Clyde said in a statement. The American people get to decide who wins the White House not Deep State actors who have shamelessly attacked Donald Trump since he announced his first bid in 2015. It is imperative that Congress use its power of the purse to protect the integrity of our elections, restore Americans faith in our government, and dismantle our nations two-tiered system of justice. Im fully committed to helping lead this effort, and I call on my House Appropriations colleagues to join me in this righteous fight. Other staunch allies of Trump in the House have also pledged to use the funding process to defund the prosecutions against Trump. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has said she would introduce an amendment to defund Smiths office, and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in July introduced a bill to do so. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) earlier this month introduced a bill to defund Smiths federal salary. But because Clyde sits on the Appropriations Committee, he will have the first crack at getting a recorded vote on the matter. Such an amendment could be contentious within the GOP. In July, a Clyde amendment to rescind funds for a new FBI building a push supported by Republicans who have criticized the agency for alleged bias against Trump failed due to lack of support from Republicans. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Participants in a recent Tough Mudder event have come down with rashes and infections, California authorities say. And participants say hundreds of people may have fallen ill. Sonoma County health officials issued an Aug. 23 health advisory to participants in the obstacle course race Aug. 19 and Aug. 20 at the Sonoma Raceway. The advisory warns that some participants have reported rash with fever, muscle pain, or nausea following the event. Anywhere on my body that touched the ground had red spots, participant Chris Palakos told KTVU, adding that as many as 350 people who took part in the event have fallen ill. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement You wake up the next day and youre like, what is all this on my arm? Like what is going on here? And its on both arms. Thats where I was digging and doing army crawls and its on the inside of my knees where I was pushing off of as well, Nicole Villagran told KGO. Tough Mudder events involve obstacle courses in which participants crawl through mud and overcome challenges such as climbing over logs or traversing rope courses. In a statement to McClatchy News, organizers said the health and safety of the Tough Mudder community is always our top priority and encouraged anyone with medical concerns to contact a doctor. Tough Mudder officials also said they have reached out to all participants and opened an investigation to determine the cause of the illnesses. The Tough Mudder race involved extensive skin exposure to mud, the Sonoma County health advisory said. Most affected persons have pustular rash, fever, myalgias, and headache. Those symptoms may indicate a minor illness known as swimmers itch, but also could suggest a staph infection or a more serious bacterial infection such as Aeromonas, the advisory said. Aeromonas hydrophila is a type of bacteria natural to mud and brackish water, according to Canadian health officials. It can cause numerous kinds of infections. Some of those who reported falling ill after the Tough Mudder event say they are already recovering. Pretty much gone, you cant really see much of it but from the elbows up and knees down, I was just covered in these like pimply red blister type things, Curtis Vollmar told KGO. Health officials advised anyone with rashes or other symptoms to contact a doctor or call the agency at 707-565-4567 for more information. After-game brawl between 49ers, Raiders fans erupts at California In-N-Out, reports say Overdue 64-year-old hiker found dead in canyon at Utah national park, rangers say Hundreds of bats found infesting high school as classes begin, Utah officials say The presence of so-called "good Russians" in the Ukrainian media shows that there is a faction of them no longer aligned with Moscow, according to Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) spokesman, Andriy Yusov, in an interview with ISLND TV on August 27. "There is a faction of Russians who are no longer entirely aligned with Russia. There's Alexander Nevzorov , who has apparently obtained a Ukrainian passport. There's also Mark Feigin, who also spends a lot of time here," Yusov said. Read also: Russian citizens will require a visa to enter Ukraine from July 1 However, their presence in Ukraine's media landscape is not enough, and they should be actively engaged in supporting Ukraine against Russia, Yusov said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "They should be engaging with the [Russian] audience, combating the propaganda of dictators, usurpers, and doing everything possible to influence their own country," he said. Read also: Russian oppositionists claiming Ukraine killed POWs are FSB agents, says ex-Duma MP On June 22, 2022, prominent Russian journalist and blogger Alexander Nevzorov showcased two Ukrainian passports on his YouTube channel, presumably implying that they belonged to him and his wife Lidia. "Here's something extremely important," he said. However, Nevzorov did not reveal the interior of the passports or their ID pages. His citizenship status remains unknown. Mark Feigin is a former lawyer who previously represented Russian opposition activists like Pussy Riot, and former Ukrainian MP Nadia Savchenko, who was detained in Russia. Feigin also frequently appears on podcasts with the former strategic communications advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Oleksii Arestovych. Read also: Ex-State Duma member assesses Russias chances in possible new offensive As of July 1, 2022, Russian citizens can no longer travel to Ukraine without a visa and accompanying security clearance due to their country's full-scale invasion of 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 Flash People attend a rally to protest against the Japanese government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Protesters in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines voiced against Japan's release of the nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean over the weekend as concerns about its environmental impact are mounting. Tens of thousands of ROK citizens gathered on Saturday and called on the government to take retaliatory action. In Manila, fisherfolk expressed solidarity with Japanese fishers in protest against the Japanese government's "ill-conceived action". The massive rally in Seoul was held near City Hall, with the participation of some 90 civic groups and members of four opposition parties, including the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, or DP, Yonhap News Agency said. Addressing the protesters, DP leader Lee Jae-myung said Japan should immediately stop releasing nuclear water that threatens the health of people all over the world. Lee said Japan is starting another Pacific war by conducting environmental crimes and it should apologize to the ROK, the nearest country suffering the most damage. About 50,000 people participated in the rally, the organizers said. Police put the number at around 7,000. Kim Young-bok, vice-chairman of the National Fisheries Federation, urged the government to ban the import of Japanese marine products and protect the lives of people by filing a complaint with the international maritime court. The ROK has banned seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures near Fukushima since 2013. The DP has launched a petition to call for an end to the toxic water release. More than 660,000 people had signed the online petition by Sunday noon, leaving comments like "Let us protect our children together", "I oppose the release of nuclear-contaminated water", and "Please stop the release of the nuclear water". In a briefing on Sunday, Kwon Chil-seung, DP chief spokesperson, said ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol should respond to the people's request to ask Japan to stop its toxic water release. The ROK sent a team of three experts from the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety on Sunday to the Fukushima office of the International Atomic Energy Agency. On the same day, four ROK lawmakers attended a protest in Fukushima organized by the Social Democratic Party of Japan. Falling consumption A statement by people working in the fisheries industry in the ROK, which was published on the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives' website on Friday, said seafood consumption had fallen rapidly even before the release of nuclear-contaminated water. In Manila on Saturday, Philippine fisherfolk, youth and environmental groups protested in front of the Japanese embassy to oppose the discharge. In a joint statement, the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines, the Earth Island Institute and the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, said the Japanese move is "simply unacceptable". Ronnel Arambulo, a national spokesperson of the fisherfolk organization, said it will continue to reach out to the international community to pressure Japan to suspend its water discharge and seek alternative ways to dispose of its nuclear waste. As Hurricane Hilary barreled toward Southern California last week, the storm made international news as forecasters warned of the possibility for life-threatening and catastrophic flooding from heavy rains, especially in the mountains and deserts. Officials issued the region's first-ever tropical storm watch later upgraded to a warning for a broad swath of the Southland as the cyclone's path grew more clear, likely to become the first storm of that strength to hit the region in decades. And although the system turned out to be historic for Southern California dumping record summer rainfall and hitting tropical storm wind speeds recorded only twice in the last century weather officials say the situation was not unheard-of for the region. While some areas experienced flooding, damage was limited and there were no reports of deaths associated with the storm in California. Crews and residents on Horizon Road dig out from mud as deep as 4 feet after Hilary. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) "We had been actively planning for and practicing for a scenario such as Hilary," said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center. "Scientifically, it wasn't beyond the realm of understanding or that atypical. It's rare, it doesn't happen all the time, but it certainly has happened enough times in the past that we knew it could happen again." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He called Hilary's path and strength "unusual, but not unprecedented." The last tropical storm to move across California was Nora in 1997, which tracked over the state's southeastern border with Arizona before quickly weakening into a tropical depression, according to the National Hurricane Center. It brought heavy rains and minor flooding across much of Southern California even damaging waves on the Orange County coast but the most significant flood damage hit farmers in the Imperial Valley, according to The Times' archives. Read more: Hurricane Hilary forecast recalls infamous 1939 storm that killed scores of Californians The other tropical storm that hit the region in recent history which traveled directly over the Los Angeles Basin, as Hilary did was an unnamed system that made landfall around San Pedro in 1939, dumping more than 5 inches of rain on L.A. in 24 hours and leaving dozens dead, according to a National Weather Service document. The storm became known as El Cordonazo, or The Lash of St. Francis," records show. In the aftermath of that storm, federal officials created their first forecast office in Southern California, noting that residents had been "generally unprepared" for the tropical storm, the archived document said. And therein may lie perhaps the biggest difference between Hilary and the other two tropical storms that most recently hit Southern California: The National Weather Service had recently bolstered its operations and alert systems for this exact situation. Hilary becoming the first West Coast storm to get an official tropical storm warning which officials have credited for increasing awareness and minimizing harm didn't necessarily mean Hilary was a stronger, wetter or more dangerous system. The storm just happened to come right after local forecast offices gained the capability to issue such a warning. Rebecca Garnica shovels mud out of her driveway to try to free two stuck vehicles. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) "Just in time," said Philip Gonsalves, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego. It required training of personnel, it required adding software to our computers and establishing protocols with the National Hurricane Center." In July, the National Weather Service offices in San Diego and Oxnard, which provide forecasts for the majority of Southern California, completed a "years-long process" to enhance tropical storm response, he said. Read more: 'I think I'll be able to get out today': Residents trapped by Tropical Storm Hilary begin to dig out Previously, forecasters may have just issued high wind and flash flood warnings, said National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld, but the newly implemented system which forecasters already employ along the Gulf and East coasts could better alert and prepare Californians, who are overwhelmingly inexperienced at dealing with tropical storms. "We had been actively working in this area to prepare for and enhance our messaging and our products to be as prepared as we could be when something like this unfolds," Rhome said. He said it's still too early to determine with certainty the success of the system's first activation, but initially he thought it went well, noting that forecasts, especially for rainfall, were pretty accurate. The stay at home, stay informed and stay safe messaging played a major role in reducing exposure to potential dangers, Los Angeles Fire Capt. Erik Scott said. We were fortunate because first responders and Angelenos were prepared, heeded warnings, and the weather was less severe than expected. And the conditions that came with Hilary were not entirely extraordinary for Southern California. Forecasters said the region has seen albeit not regularly this kind of heavy rain and flooding from other tropical systems, even without an official tropical storm making landfall. You dont have to have the tropical systems move right up into California or Arizona," said Paul Iniguez, a forecast verification analyst for the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Storms that are hundreds of miles away can have a big impact. Ronald Mendiola surveys the scene after a boat and four vehicles ended up lodged under his olive tree. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) That's not to say this storm didn't do damage. Interior pockets of Southern California saw the heaviest rainfall, prompting dangerous slides and flooding in the mountains and deserts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties with many communities still digging out days later. Although there haven't yet been any official deaths attributed to the storm in the Golden State, at least one woman remains missing from a San Bernardino mountain town inundated by flash floods and debris flows. But for much of the San Diego and Los Angeles metro areas, the catastrophic flooding that many braced for simply never came though there was still significant precipitation, power outages and localized flooding. Read more: Photos: Clean up is underway after tropical Storm Hilary arrives in Southern California Forecasters said Hilary's rainfall across the region "obliterated" daily historical records, and in some cases the rainfall also pushed well past monthly records, according to the National Weather Service. Most of those new monthly records broke prior highs set in 1977, when the remnants of Hurricane Doreen hovered just off the Southern California coast not reaching land at tropical storm speeds, but still dropping a ton of moisture inland. A number of tropical depressions or other cyclone remnants have blown over and near Southern California in recent decades, leaving behind paths of wreckage, including Kathleen in 1976, which caused multiple deaths and damage across the Imperial Valley; and Norman in 1978, which tossed around ships in harbors and killed four on Mt. Whitney, according to a National Weather Service document. Gonsalves noted that despite Hilary's heavy precipitation, most areas did not set new monthly rainfall records including San Diego, Riverside, Idyllwild and even Palm Springs leaving highs still unsurpassed from 1977, when remnants of Doreen blew through, or even 1984 records, when there wasn't a specific tropical storm but probably just a strong plume of tropical moisture that made its way north. Areas that did set new monthly records after Hilary include Newport Beach, which reached 2.55 inches, well past the August 1977 record of 1.82 inches; Victorville in San Bernardino County at 2.63 inches, more than an inch over its prior record of 1.43 inches in 1977; and Camarillo's airport at 2.59 inches, more than double its record from 1977. August monthly records were also shattered in downtown L.A., Long Beach and at UCLA, National Weather Service data show. Rainfall for August this year breaks all time August total rainfall records at many sites! pic.twitter.com/qV2bhaby0d NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 22, 2023 Despite winds reaching tropical storm strength, Schoenfeld said this storm didn't touch Southern California wind records. The most unusual part of Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Hilary was its path, forecasters said, which moved so quickly and directly north to southwestern California. "They usually head more toward Hawaii," Schoenfeld said, pointing to the track of Hurricane Kay last fall, which diverted west once it hit cooler waters but still brought significant rainfall to Southern California. For such storms to make landfall over California, Rhome said, certain weather conditions must align to pull them north as happened with the high pressure system over the central U.S., which had a strong southerly flow that helped spin Hilary north, and fast. "These systems, they tend to wind down slowly as they move north because they've lost their energy, but because this one was moving so quick it was able to just hang on that momentum just long enough to carry it into Southern California," Rhome said. Read more: They went from 110-degree days to having to dig out after Tropical Storm Hilary slammed California That speed helped minimize the destruction of the rainfall, officials said, because it didn't linger too long over one area as did the timing of the storm. We didnt have commuter traffic that we might normally see, said Shane Reichardt, spokesman for the Riverside County Emergency Management Department. It also helped that the brunt of the storm happened in the evening and overnight hours. So all those factors together combined to help make that a little bit easier. While some have wondered whether the storm was overhyped, weather experts have pointed to the increased awareness and likely appropriate alarms especially given the destruction that did occur in many parts of southeastern California. "Ideally if people take precautions and mitigation is done ahead of time, you would have fewer impacts and less bad things would happen which is a good thing, Iniguez said. The system worked. Ronald Mendiola walks barefoot through the mud in Cathedral City. He and his family had been forced to climb onto their roof to escape flooding from Hilary. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Times staff writers Rachel Uranga and Rong-Gong Lin II 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. Last week, Tropical Storm Idalia didnt even have a real name. It was just called Ten because it was the tenth storm to brew in the Atlantic this year. Today, its in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, well on its way to becoming a hurricane and making landfall Wednesday as Florida and Georgia residents and officials prepare for high winds and heavy rain. As Idalia swirls from 80-degree water off the coast of Cancun toward the 87-degree water near Floridas west coast, it is picking up fuel and strength. Hurricanes enjoy warm environments, they are essentially giant heat engines, Climate Scientist Daniel Gilford said. The warmer the sea surface temperature, the more fuel to spin faster. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Gilford is part of a team at Climate Central that will soon release a study that examines what weather trends can be attributed to climate change. It is difficult to say whether 1 degree C would mean in chance to up a category of a hurricane, he said. An incredibly rough estimate suggests that for every 1 degree C, it could increase a hurricanes speed by 15 mph. Gilford also suggests that comparing what the sea surface temperature was last summer or the summer before isnt an effective argument for climate change. Climate creeps more than it jumps out at you, he said. The climate influence is really looking at what things have changed since 30-40 years ago. Its difficult to discern the impact of climate change on specific storms in real time. Climate science isnt there, yet. What we can say with a lot of certainty is there is more water in the atmosphere, Gilford said. Last year, atmospheric scientist Kevin Reed at Stony Brook University prepared a study immediately after Hurricane Ian and found there was 10% more rain because of climate change. The local impact National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Nadler said Columbus can expect wind with gusts up to 25 mph Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Savannah will have storm surge and heavier rain [than Columbus] with gusts between 40-50 mph, he said. Columbus will see high humidity and some rain showers over the next few days. The city is a potential safe area for people who decide to evacuate that are in the path of the hurricane. The Red Cross local chapter director, Adelaide Kirk has been monitoring Idalia since it was a small blob in the Caribbean late last week. Weve pre-positioned supplies and teams across Florida and southern parts of Georgia, Kirk said. As of now we dont feel there will be impacts in the Chattahoochee Valley. Kirk suggests folks considering evacuating or wanting to know more about emergency services download the Red Cross Emergency app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS Anything can happen in the next 24 hours, Kirk said. Some local governments in Florida are beginning to mandate evacuations. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to bring life-threatening storm surge to much of Floridas northwest coast as it intensifies into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, the National Hurricane Center said. According to a 2 p.m. update, T.S. Idalia was moving north around 8 mph about 80 miles south of the western tip of Cuba. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. Monday Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to continue its current track north through Monday evening bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Cuba. Currently, Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles out from the center. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement LIST: Evacuation zones announced ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia Forecasters say conditions remain favorable for T.S. Idalia to strengthen into a category 1 hurricane by Monday evening. Tuesday By early Tuesday, the center of Idalia is forecast to pass over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico as a category 2 hurricane. Wednesday The National Hurricane Center said Idalia is forecast to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida by early Wednesday. The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, the NHC said. Portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Georgia, and the eastern Carolinas could see between 4 to 8 inches from Tuesday into Thursday. Isolated higher totals of 12 inches are possible near landfall in northern Florida. On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Warning for portions of the west coast of Florida including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Hernando counties. TIMELINE: Tracking Idalias impacts in Tampa Bay Officials said the water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: Aucilla River, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL7-11 ft Chassahowitzka, FL to Anclote River, FL6-9 ft Ochlockonee River, FL to Aucilla River, FL4-7 ft Anclote River, FL to Middle of Longboat Key, FL4-7 ft Tampa Bay4-7 ft Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Englewood, FL3-5 ft Englewood, FL to Chokoloskee, FL2-4 ft Charlotte Harbor2-4 ft Indian Pass, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL2-4 ft Mouth of the St. Marys River to Altamaha Sound, GA2-4 ft Chokoloskee, FL to East Cape Sable, FL1-3 ft Flagler/Volusia County Line, FL to Mouth of the St. Marys River1-3 ft Florida Keys1-2 ft Once the storm moves out of Florida, it could bring scattered flash and urban flooding to southern Georgia and heavy rain in parts of the Carolinas. WFLA.com will have interactive streaming coverage on Tracking the Tropics starting at 10 a.m. Be prepared with the WFLA Hurricane-Ready Guide 2023 and stay ahead of tropical development with the Tracking the Tropics newsletter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Two hurricanes will brush North Carolina this week, bringing the potential for rip currents along the coast, flash flooding in Southeastern North Carolina and heavy rain as far inland as I-95 midweek. Hurricane Franklin will bring rough seas NOAA meteorologist say Hurricane Franklin will stay several hundred miles offshore as it passes between North Carolina and Bermuda starting Monday night. But forecasters say that will be close enough for the storm to generate rough seas, especially in the area from Cape Hatteras to Cape Fear. In that area, seas will be up to 6 feet Monday, forecasters said, increasing Monday night to 9 feet and running up to 10 feet through Tuesday night. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement With those rough seas comes the risk of rip currents, with the highest risk in the stretch from Kill Devils Hills to Cape Lookout, according to NOAA maps. NOAA maps show areas of possible flash flooding in Southeastern North Carolina from Lumberton to Carteret County as a result of Idalia. Idalia timeline: Moving in on Wednesday Idalia which National Hurricane Center meteorologists pronounce ee-DAHL-yuh is expected to become a hurricane Monday afternoon. Forecasters say it will begin to move through the Gulf of Mexico Monday and Tuesday toward the point where the Florida panhandle meets the peninsula. By the time it makes landfall in that area on Wednesday, forecasters say the storm could be a Category 3 hurricane with peak winds of 129 mph. NOAA says the storm will move to the northeast, bringing tropical storm conditions to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina Wednesday night. Local forecasts show more than 6 inches of rain is possible along the N.C. coast from the South Carolina line to Hatteras. Flash flooding is possible, especially in the area of Southeastern North Carolina from Lumberton to Carteret County, including Wilmington and Jacksonville. The marine forecast calls for winds of up to 40 mph Wednesday night through Friday along the North Carolina coast, with waves up to 13 feet. Idalia could bring 4 to 6 inches of rain as far inland as I-95. From I-95 to just east of Wake County, forecasters are calling for an inch to 4 inches of rain. From Wake County to the mountains rainfall amounts vary from none to as much as 4 inches. Idalia could bring more than 6 inches of rain to coastal North Carolina Wednesday night, NOAA says. Other parts of the state could see 1 to 4 inches. Will Raleigh get much rain? Raleigh is expected to get very little rain from Idalia, except from isolated thunderstorms. What about the weather on Labor Day Weekend? Conditions should improve on Thursday, with clearing skies and cooler temperatures compared to recent weeks. North Carolina beach forecasts are calling for sunny skies and highs in the low- to mid-80s Friday through Monday, with lows in the 70s. A NOAA map shows coastal North Carolina could get winds of up to 40 mph as Idalia moves past, beginning Wednesday night. 5 steps to take right now to be safe and comfortable when a hurricane hits North Carolina Heres what colored flags at North Carolina and other U.S. beaches mean. How to stay safe. A man is accused of relentlessly harassing his estranged wife after she moved out, including by tracking her and setting fire to their shared Oregon home twice, according to court documents. From Oct. 7, 2020 through Dec. 24, 2020, Joel Waters, 44, of Wallowa, Oregon, traveled to Boise, Idaho where his then-wife had moved into her parents home following an argument between the couple, which resulted in her wanting a divorce, federal prosecutors and court documents say. In Boise, Waters stalked and intimidated his wife, stole her dog from her parents home, slashed her and her parents tires one day after she served him with divorce papers and put a tracking device on the car she drove, according to a plea agreement and memorandum filed in court. The woman learned of the tracking device after Waters stole both her dogs from the vehicle while it was parked outside a Boise Home Depot with the windows slightly down on Dec. 15, 2020, the memorandum in support of Waters pretrial detainment says. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A mechanic discovered the device hidden near a passenger side tire, according to the memorandum. During the nearly three months Waters is accused of stalking the woman, he also set her car on fire in addition to setting their Oregon home ablaze on two separate occasions and sent her a series of harassing emails, prosecutors said. On Aug. 25, Waters pleaded guilty to interstate stalking, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho announced in a news release. Mike French, an attorney representing Waters, declined a request for comment from McClatchy News on Aug. 28. In stalking his wife, Waters is accused of violating a civil protection order his wife obtained against him in Oregon, prosecutors said. Two days before the Boise Police Department arrested Waters on a felony count of stalking on Dec. 24, 2020, his and his wifes divorce was finalized, according to the memorandum. He was held on a $1,000,000 bond and remained in state custody until he appeared in federal court, where he was charged with interstate stalking in April 2021, the memorandum says. Waters faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine at his sentencing hearing scheduled for Nov. 8, according to prosecutors. Wallowa is about 215 miles northwest of Boise. Deputy sexually assaults handcuffed woman he kidnapped during traffic stop, feds say FBI contractor threatened suicide if teens didnt send him explicit images, feds say Woman sees herself in revenge porn on companys Facebook page, SC cops say. Ex charged Jack Thomas was 66 years old when he went missing on June 15, 2016, while hiking in the backcountry near Atlanta, about 35 miles east of Idaho City. Seven years later, his remains were finally found, Boise County officials told the Idaho Statesman on Monday. Boise and Elmore County officials searched for Thomas for about two weeks after he went missing near the Queens River trailhead, according to prior Statesman reporting. The Nampa man had transmitted his location using a satellite GPS device on June 15 but did not return as expected the day after. Boise County Sheriff Scott Turner told the Statesman some backcountry hikers in the Sawtooths located some of Thomas personal items in late July. They shared the GPS location of the items a wallet, some clothing and a hiking boot with Elmore County officials who determined the location was actually over the Boise County line. Turner told the Statesman officials were 99.9% sure they had located Thomas thanks to the items they found. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Turner said it took a few weeks to coordinate a search effort. The agency hired Sawtooth Outfitters to lead Boise County Sheriffs Detective Max Sprague, Boise County Coroner Pam Garlock, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement personnel, Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue officials and a cadaver dog to the site where Thomas items were found. Garlock in an interview said she was able to identify Thomas remains with certainty due to the serial number on a medical device used in a knee replacement. She said Thomas probably succumbed to hypothermia due to a fall. Jack Thomas went missing in the Sawtooths in 2016 while hiking. His remains were recently discovered. He loved that place, detective says Sprague told the Statesman in an interview that the group covered 20 miles of backcountry on horseback the first day of the trip in early August. The following day, they reached the area where the wallet and clothing were found, about half a mile from Benedict Lake, and began to search. Sprague said as they located more items, like Thomas ice axe, iPod and cellphone, they had a clearer picture of where to continue searching. Eventually they located skeletal remains, a day pack and a satellite GPS device. Thomas was a seasoned hiker who loved spending time in the backcountry alone, Sprague told the Statesman. He said he believes Thomas, whose remains were about half a mile from the trail, had left the route to visit nearby mountain lakes. On his way back to the trail, he may have experienced a tragic event that left him incapacitated, Sprague said. If something happened where he couldve asked for help, he would have, Sprague said, noting Thomas was carrying a satellite GPS. He was a guy out there doing exactly what he loved to do, Sprague added. He loved that place. Tropical Storm Idalia is headed toward South Carolina. Are you ready? Idalia is expected to strengthen to a hurricane later today before it reaches the Florida coast, according to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center. Current models has the storm reaching South Carolina around late Wednesday and early Thursday. South Carolina is expected to have an above-normal hurricane season for the remainder of the year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The latest forecast, which includes the entire hurricane season that lasts from June through November, calls for 14-21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which six to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). And of those, two to five could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). These updates include storms that have already formed this season. Prior to any storms making their debut, its essential to start making preparations to help keep you and your family safe in the event of an evacuation or to endure potentially dangerous or deadly weather from such a storm that may be expected to impact South Carolina. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If something were to occur, its important to already have a list of important contacts and resources on hand. Here is a compiled list of essential phone numbers, websites to check, Facebook pages to monitor and other emergency resources to help stay up-to-date on important, live information amid any emergency situation this year. Some of the following information has changed from previous years. Local Agencies for Beaufort County Beaufort County Sheriffs Office: https://bcso.net/. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency dispatch, call 843-524-2777. For a routine law enforcement question, call 843-255-3200 for Northern Beaufort County and 843-255-3300 for Southern Beaufort County. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaufortCountySheriffsOfficeSC/. Twitter: @bcsopio. NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/sc/beaufort/beaufort-county-sheriffs-office-2/. Nixle: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/1550. Town of Hilton Head Island: Storm updates: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/updates/. Flood hazard guide: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/flood/. Hilton Head Island Hurricane Resource Center: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/. Have any additional questions or concerns after checking the provided sources? Contact Thomas Dunn, Hilton Heads Emergency Manager, at ThomasD@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-682-5156. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/townofhhi/. Twitter: @TownofHHI. Town of Bluffton: www.townofbluffton.sc.gov and https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/656/Hurricane-Season. Information and important resources brochure: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2020/Town-of-Bluffton-Hurricane-Season-Information-Brochure-PDF. Town of Bluffton Evacuation routes: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1397/Town-of-Bluffton-Evacuation-Routes-PDF. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownBlufftonSC. Twitter: @TownofBluffton. City of Beaufort: https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/. Hurricane readiness information: https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/602/Hurricane-Readiness. 843-525-7070. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityBeaufortSC. Twitter: @CityBeaufortSC. Town of Port Royal: https://www.portroyal.org/ and https://www.portroyal.org/259/Emergency-Preparedness. 843-986-2200. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortRoyalSC/. Twitter: @TownofPortRoyal. Bluffton Police Department: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/211/Police. For emergencies, call 9-1-9. For non-emergencies, call 843-524-2777. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blufftonpolice/. Twitter: @BlufftonPolice. Hilton Head Island/Beaufort County Reentry hotline: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/hurricane/return/#:~:text=You%20can%20call%20the%20Hilton,254%2D6400%20for%20more%20information. Hotline: 833-254-6400 for more information. Residents must make sure to bring either a photo ID that contains their local address or a utility bill with their name and island address on it to reenter Hilton Head Island. Local Radio Stations According to the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office, Beaufort County residents may tune into the following local radio stations during emergency situations as they will broadcast information for the Sheriffs Office. These include, DBC Radio Group Bluffton Savannah Lowcountry Radio Group Statewide Emergency Management Contacts South Carolina Division of Emergency Management: www.scemd.org. 803-737-8500. Twitter: @SCEMD. Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCEMD/. Instagram: @scemd. Email: WebAlert@emd.sc.gov. Code Red Alerts sign-up: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-alerts/codered-alerts/. Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov. South Carolina/Region 4 general contact: 770-220-5200. FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362. Twitter: @fema. Facebook: www.facebook.com/FEMA/. Region 4 email: FEMA-R4-Info@fema.dhs.gov. National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov. Twitter: @NWSNHC and @NHC_Atlantic. Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSNHC. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMasters Office: https://governor.sc.gov/. 803-734-2100. Twitter: @scgovernorpress. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenryMcMaster/. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Hurricane Resource Page: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/main/index.html. Twitter: @NASAAtmosphere. Federal Alliance for Safe Homes: https://www.flash.org/ and https://flash.org/peril/hurricane/. 850-385-7233. Twitter: @FederalAlliance. Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/federalalliance/. Email: info@flash.org. South Carolina Department of Public Safety: https://scdps.sc.gov/. Real time traffic updates: https://apps.beaufortcountysc.gov/traffic-cameras/. Traffic and road closure information: 511sc.org and SCDOT 511 app. South Carolina Highway Patrol contact: 803-896-7920 as well as Troop Six Headquarters Post C (Beaufort/Jasper Counties) 843-726-8801. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scdps.pio/. Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCDPS_PIO. Dominion Energy: https://www.dominionenergy.com/south-carolina/vanities: (Features South Carolina programs, safety tips, information on outages, emergency contacts for downed lines and detailed information and links for how to report a power outage in your area, as well as other preparation tips and helpful links.) South Carolina homepage: https://www.dominionenergy.com/south-carolina. Downed/Sparking Lines: 888-333-4465. Gas Leaks: 800-815-0083. Map of outages in the area: https://outagemap.dominionenergysc.com/. Twitter: @domenergysc. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominionenergy. Palmetto Electric Cooperative: https://www.palmetto.coop/. If you have already checked your main breaker and are experiencing a power outage, call PowerTouch at 866-445-5551 or login to MyEnergy Online at https://epayment.palmetto.coop/onlineportal/. If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1. Hilton Head Office: 843-681-5551. New River Office: 843-208-5551. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoElectricCoop?ref=sgm. Twitter: @PalmettoCoop. South Carolina Office of Attorney General: https://www.scag.gov/. To report price gouging at gas stations: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/south-carolina-s-price-gouging-law-now-in-effect/, email: pricegouging@scag.gov, call 803-737-3953, Tweet @SCPriceGouging or more information at https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/how-to-report-suspected-price-gouging/. Twitter: @SCAttyGenOffice. Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCAttyGen. South Carolina Department of Transportation: https://www.scdot.org/. Road conditions: https://ris.scdot.org/RoadConditionsForm.aspx?&zoom=8er=33.673795076577846,-80.93943916500001. SC 511: https://www.511sc.org/#zoom=6.798938790502389&lon=-80.98257578840082&lat=33.28370007547154&dmsg&rest&cams&other&cong&wthr&acon&incd&trfc. Twitter: @SCDOTLowCountry and @SCDOTPress. Emergency Notification Subscriptions SCEMD CodeRED emergency alerts: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/emergency-alerts/codered-alerts/. BCSO Nixle alerts: https://bcso.net/beaufort-county-sheriffs-office/advisories/. Town of Hilton Head Island emergency alerts: https://www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov/services/esubscribe.cfm. Town of Bluffton emergency alerts: https://www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/AlertCenter.aspx. City of Beaufort emergency alerts: https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/AlertCenter.aspx. Town of Port Royal emergency alerts: https://www.portroyal.org/AlertCenter.aspx. Hurricane-Related Resource Apps SC Emergency Manager: This is the official app of SCEMD. It allows users to build emergency plans, keep track of supplies, stay connected to friends and family and have access to a tools section which contains a flashlight, emergency locator whistle and the ability to report any damage to emergency officials. Coastal residents can use the maps features to locate the nearest emergency shelters, know when they are open and locate their flood zone. The app also has the ability to function without the need of a data connection, which can be helpful in case of emergency. Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sc-emergency-manager/id1378105431 Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scemd.app SC 511: This is an official app by SCDOT that provides real-time traffic information on all South Carolina interstate highways as well as some highways along the coast. This statewide system is also linked to a website for additional use and provides users with information on construction, lane closures, crashes, congestion and severe weather affecting traffic and is up-to-date and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/511-south-carolina-traffic/id657933886. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iteris.itisc511&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1. FEMA: The FEMA App allows users to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards as well as other helpful resources. Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fema/id474807486. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android&hl=en. In addition, users may also download the FEMA app via text messaging. On an Android device, text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA); On an Apple Device, text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA). Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live: This app allows its users to view animated real-time weather radar images and hyperlocal storm patterns in addition to seeing weather highlights from your lock screen. Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/noaa-weather-radar-weather-forecast-hd-radar/id749133753. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apalon.weatherradar.free&referrer=adjust_reftag%3DcpZd5T2LETvQO%26utm_source%3DWebsite%2BButton Weather - The Weather Channel: A reliable source for anything weather-related. This app helps keep you up-to-date with radar, weather tracking, videos, news stories and more. It is offered for iPhone/iPad and Android. Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-weather-channel-forecast-radar-alerts/id295646461 American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has several helpful free-to-download apps that are helpful in case of emergency. Hurricane App: Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-american-red-cross/id545689128. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa. Emergency App: Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emergency-by-american-red/id954783878. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hzd. First Aid App: Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red-cross/id529160691. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.fa. Pet First Aid App: Apple App Store download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pet-first-aid-by-american/id780415389?ls=1. Google Play download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.pfa. South Mississippi is likely to see some impacts from the outer bands of Tropical Storm Idalia as the storms path tracks toward Floridas west coast. The Gulfport-Biloxi metro awoke to thunder and rain Monday and temperatures are forecast to be in the low to mid-90s this week, rather than the high 90s and over 100 experienced during much of August. Rain is also forecast to continue all week after South Mississippi saw little rainfall during the past month and is in drought conditions. At the 10 p.m. CDT update Monday, the National Hurricane Center says Idalia could become a hurricane at any time and is expected to become a powerful hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Mississippi Gulf Coast could get 1-2 inches of rain from the hurricane, with some areas seeing 2-4 inches. Winds from Idalia arent forecast to reach South Mississippi. Outer bands of Hurricane Idalia could bring much-needed rain to South Mississippi. The forecast is for 1-2 inches for most of the Coast, with some higher amounts possible. As with Hurricane Ian last year, the track of Tropical Storm Idalia continues to change. On its current path, it is expected to become a hurricane when it nears western Cuba on Monday. The latest forecast puts landfall on the west coast of Florida, between Tampa Bay and the Florida Panhandle Wednesday as a major Category 3 hurricane. Storm surge and hurricane warnings are issued for portions of the west coast of Florida, and the National Hurricane Center advises: Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida. The track of Idalia puts the stron hurricane making landfall on the west coast of Florida Wednesday morning. Two major hurricanes brewing in Atlantic Basin The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters, based in Biloxi, are flying into Idalia and Hurricane Franklin, which is expected to rapidly intensifies into a category 4 hurricane. Franklin is bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast of the Southeast U.S. as Labor Day Weekend approaches, and a tropical storm watch is up for Bermuda, as the forecast track is for the hurricane to pass to the north. This could be the first time since 2017 two major hurricane systems are in the Atlantic basin, says Jim Cantore , meteorologist with the Weather Channel. Morning Viz of Cat4 MAJOR Hurricane Franklin. Its possible we have 2 majors at the same time in the basin. Last time that happened: Irma and Jose in September 2017 per @wxmattjones pic.twitter.com/M8gIsuSRzD Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) August 28, 2023 Idalia strengthened Monday as aimed at Florida. Areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally significant, are expected across portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia Tuesday into Wednesday, spreading into portions of the eastern Carolinas (NC & SC) Wednesday into Thursday, the NHC advisory said. Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a hurricane Monday as it tracks toward the west coast of Florida. South Mississippi could get some much-needed rain from the storm. Weather forecast for South Mississippi After enduring an extremely hot and dry August, the final few days will bring a mixed bag of weather to South Mississippi. Patchy smoke from the Louisiana wildfires is drifting east into Mississippi, producing a moderate air quality. The forecast from the National Weather Service in New Orleans shows a chance of showers and thunderstorms all week in Gulfport and across the Coast: Monday Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4p.m. Chance of precipitation 80%. High near 94. Tuesday Showers likely, then thunderstorms, 80% chance of precipitation. High near 91 Wednesday 40% chance of thunderstorms. High near 93 Thursday 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 92 Friday Chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 91 Saturday Chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 90 South Mississippi is in a severe drought, according to the drought monitor, and a moderate drought in southeastern Jackson County. Several Florida airports have shut down as Idalia expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane gets closer to the Sunshine State. The storm will likely cause delays at airports both inside and outside of the state, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Atlanta, Charlotte and Denver, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Sometime tomorrow afternoon we are going to start to see the winds pick up and some rain showers and possibly thunderstorms moving to airports like Naples, Fort Myers, and very late in the day, perhaps Tampa, National Weather Service - National Aviation Meteorologist Joe Carr said on Monday. During the overnight hours tomorrow night, we anticipate that maybe Orlando and Gainesville will begin to be impacted. READ MORE: Are there delays at South Florida airports? What to know as Idalia approaches state Here is the most recent information as of Tuesday afternoon: Hey travelers, @NWS National Aviation Meteorologist Joe Carr has the latest on Tropical Storm #Idalia's possible travel impacts tomorrow to @MCO, @GNVAirport and other Florida airports as it develops into a hurricane. Monitor https://t.co/smgdqJN3td. #FAAWeatherSquad pic.twitter.com/J9FgM5iKsC The FAA (@FAANews) August 28, 2023 Tampa airport remains closed Tampa International Airport closed at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, and it will remain closed until it can assess any damage later in the week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement READ MORE: Watch how Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach look as Hurricane Idalia gets closer to Florida The closure will allow the airport and its partners to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before Idalias expected landfall early Wednesday as a potential major hurricane, the airport said Monday. Some cargo and private aircraft operations could continue overnight, but all air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. The airport, including the main terminal, is closed to all visitors and is not equipped to function as a shelter, officials said. Shutdown at St. Pete airport St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport closed at 3 p.m. Tuesday and plans to reopen at 3 p.m. Wednesday. READ MORE: Floridas Gulf Coast is vulnerable to storm surge. Idalia is pushing up to 15 feet of it PIE will close 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 29th due to Tropical Storm Idalia and plans to reopen Wednesday, August 30th at 3:00 pm. Passengers should check with their airline for flight information updates. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (@iflypie) August 28, 2023 Sarasota-Bradenton airport to shutdown Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport closed 7 p.m. Tuesday and that will reopen 8 a.m. Wednesday. As Hurricane Idalia approaches, The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will be CLOSED starting at 7pm today, 8/29/2023. SRQ plans to reopen at 8am tomorrow, 8/30/2023, pending damage assessment. Reminder: SRQ is not a shelter. Stay Safe!#FlySRQ pic.twitter.com/kbwC3ti8Sa SRQ Airport (@SRQAirport) August 29, 2023 READ MORE: Idalia isnt hitting South Florida. But there may be flooding thanks to king tides Delays, cancellations likely at Orlando airport Orlando International Airport said Monday that flight delays and cancellations are likely to occur with heavy rainfall and gusty winds in the area. Please check directly with your airline for any updates in regards to your flight, the airport said. On Tuesday, it said: We do not foresee any significant impact to our operations at this time. If conditions warrant, a temporary cessation of commercial operations may occur. Our airport is open and operational. We continue to monitor the status of Hurricane #Idalia - we do not foresee any significant impact to our operations at this time. If operational changes occur, we'll post about it. Please check with your airline in regards to your flight. pic.twitter.com/qB5nv6C2b8 Orlando International Airport (@MCO) August 29, 2023 READ MORE: Did you miss the last Florida hurricane tax holiday? Heres how to save on supplies Tallahassee airport to close Tallahassee International Airport will shutdown Tuesday at 11 p.m. Customers are encouraged to verify the status of their commercial flight with their airline prior to heading to the airport, officials said. Due to Hurricane Idalia, TLH will be closing Aug. 29 at 11 p.m. Customers are encouraged to verify the status of their commercial flight with their airline prior to heading to the airport. For more @CityofTLH service updates, visit https://t.co/IWfP2z3Jrb #Idalia #IdaliaTLH pic.twitter.com/WtDO6ZhoWS Tallahassee International Airport (@TLHAirport) August 29, 2023 Check flight status at Gainesville airport Gainesville Regional Airport reminded passengers to check their flight status with their airline prior to coming to the airport. Dear GNV Travelers: Pls see below for American, Delta and Silver Weather Alert info. Pls check your airline before coming to GNV as we get through this. Stay safe...Orange and blue skies soon!!https://t.co/MqaYHNSdUghttps://t.co/5b0cRrlUIHhttps://t.co/1p6Vwb4Hto pic.twitter.com/SfWqs8iepm Gainesville Airport (@GNVAirport) August 28, 2023 Naples Airport begins preparations The Naples Airport began preparations for Idalia on Monday. On Tuesday, the Naples Airport Authoritys administrative office remained closed, and limited fixed base operator and air traffic control services were expected. READ MORE: Did you miss the last Florida hurricane tax holiday? Heres how to save on supplies Tenants and customers are encouraged to review the storm preparedness plans, the airport said on Monday. Possible delays at Fort Myers-area airport Southwest International Airport in the Fort Myers area hadnt announced it had plans to close as of Tuesday afternoon. There may be delays or changes to your flights today, Aug. 29, due to changing weather conditions, officials said. The staff of the Bradenton Herald contributed to this report. Ian, Irma, Ivan and now Idalia. Hurricanes starting with the letter I have produced major impacts in Florida over the years. Idalia is a tropical storm near western Cuba as of Monday, but it is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Centers latest forecast. The naming of tropical storms and hurricanes started in the early 1950s. By 1979, male and female names were given to storms in the Atlantic basin, according to the National Hurricane Center. Names are picked on a six-year rotating basis with some names getting retired after use. This, though, is not done by the National Hurricane Center. Rather, the World Meteorological Organization chooses the storm names. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement No letter has produced more retired hurricane names than I storms. Ida was the 12th I hurricane retired, the Seattle Times reported, before last years devastating Ian made it a bakers dozen for the letter. Others retired include Ione, Inez, Iris, Isidore, Isabel, Ivan, Ike, Igor, Irene, Ingrid and Irma. Heres a look at some of the retired hurricane names and their impacts: Hurricane Ian On Sept. 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds at 150 miles per hour. Its impact to Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties was devastating, but just the start as it cut through central Florida in a northeastern fashion to Jacksonville and out into the Atlantic Ocean. Once there, Ian regained strength before barreling into Charleston, South Carolina. In total, Ian was recorded as the third-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. A car drives down El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton where a line of trees fell down following Hurricane Ian on Sept. 29, 2022. Hurricane Irma Like the more recent Ian, Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 storm in 2017. Irma weakened slightly into a Category 4 hurricane when it ravaged the Florida Keys. Then Irma headed toward southwest Florida. After initially having a projected path toward Tampa Bay, the storm continued to shift before making landfall for a second time in Florida. This time, it was a Category 3 hurricane making landfall near Marco Island. Irma caused more than $62 billion in damages in adjusted cost based on the 2023 Consumer Price Index, according to the NOAAs National Centers for Environmental Information costliest tropical cyclone report. Despite not making initial landfall directly in Manatee County, the area was not spared any damage from the storm. A mobile home suffered roof damage in the 6600 block of Cortez Road in Bradenton in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Ivan Similar to Ian and Irma, Ivan was also a major September hurricane. Reaching Category 5 status in 2004, Hurricane Ivan did not make its initial landfall in Florida when it came to the United States. Rather, it left a destructive Caribbean path and landed just west of Gulf Shores, Alabama. However, the outer bands made an impact in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties along Floridas panhandle. Ivan had a historic storm surge at the time and packed winds reaching 120 miles per hour. Hurricane Ivan dealt the highest rainfall totals to Pensacola. A total of 15.79 inches were tallied in Pensacola over a 48-hour period. The storm also looped back around into the Atlantic and through South Florida. More than 200 workers from outside Electric Utilities are heading to Tallahassee to help with the potential impact of an increasingly dangerous Idalia. Past major storms have knocked as much as 90 percent of the power grid offline. Electric mutual aid is coming from Kentucky, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Ohio, said Mayor John Dailey during a press conference of local officials at the Public Safety Complex on Easterwood Drive. "Your city of Tallahassee, like Leon County, is fully prepared, and I cannot encourage you enough to be prepared as the storm event comes to our community," Dailey said. Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox urges residents to prepare for Idalia during a news conference at the Public Safety Complex on Aug. 28, 2023. He was joined by a number of other city and county elected officials. City spokesperson Alison Faris said the extra utility personnel would arrive in Tallahassee by Tuesday night, and that the added crews would triple the city's manpower. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox announced a local state of emergency, adding that the county's Emergency Operations Center was activated ahead of Idalia's expected landfall on Wednesday. "Leon County is bracing for strong winds and driving rain," Maddox said. "These high winds could arrive as early as Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. And as we all know, high-speed damaging winds can present unique challenges to our community." More: Live Big Bend updates: Leon County under state of emergency as Idalia threatens area In Tallahassee, city offices will be closed Wednesday, but the customer call center will be available 24/7 starting 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dailey said. "Ladies and gentlemen life is paramount. Safety is paramount. Residents should prepare their households for the worst while we all hope for the best," Dailey said. As of Monday afternoon, Tallahassee is expecting tropical storm force winds between 39 to 73 mph, said Leon County Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters. More than 100 first responders from 25 local organizations have mobilized at the county's EOC. Leon County Schools will open four shelters Tuesday evening at Rickards High School, Lincoln High School, Chiles High School and Fort Braden School. The shelters are for both evacuees and local residents, Peters said. The district will shut down activities Tuesday night and close school campuses on Wednesday, said Superintendent Rocky Hanna. Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College will also close. "I was a 20-year-old when Hurricane Kate came through here, and it was a baby," Hanna said. "It was a baby hurricane, a (Category) 1, I believe, when it came through. And it devastated this community, and it took weeks and weeks to recover. So please, please, please prepare for the worst." This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Idalia: A Tallahassee state of emergency; utility crew reinforcements Experts have predicted for years that as climate change worsens, extreme weather events will become both more intense and more frequent. Among other things, scientists observe that tropical storms will more often turn into hurricanes as they hit warmer waters while heading to the shore. That very thing appears to now be happening with Tropical Storm Idalia. As the super-storm barrels through Cuba en route to Florida, it is heading toward warmer-than-usual waters that are expected to turn it into a full-fledged hurricane that will hit the mainland later this week. "Idalia is now forecast to become a major hurricane before it reaches the Gulf coast of Florida," explained the National Hurricane Center in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "The risk continues to increase for life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as late Tuesday." The Biden-Harris Administration urged residents to start preparations Monday in a release by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The underlying problem is that Idalia which is currently projected to be a Category 3 tropical storm when it hits Florida between Tampa and Tallahassee is forecast to pass over parts of the ocean where the sea surface temperatures average close to 90 F. The warmer ocean water could fuel the tropical storm and intensify its features. This is not the only occasion in which climate change has worsened bad weather. Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that this year's hurricane season could be more aggressive thanks to warmer ocean temperatures. Meanwhile, the June 2023 Canadian wildfires are likewise believed to have been exacerbated by climate change. More broadly, the combination of heatwaves and droughts are expected to cause more severe weather events like wildfires, a "new abnormal." Parts of Lake County were under a tropical storm watch on Monday and Sumter County was under a hurricane watch as Idalia strengthened. Here is what we know: The latest forecast According to Weather Tiger, "Idalia will likely bring catastrophic surge to a broad swath of the west-central Florida and Big Bend coastline, and a core of destructive winds to an unlucky but still unknown swath of North Florida." Read the full report. Citizens information line The line is available at 352-253-9999. It will be open until 70 p.m. Monday. Schools will be closed Wednesday Lake County schools and offices will be closed Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Villages Elementary and Lost Lake Elementary will be used as storm shelters. Both will serve special needs guests and are pet friendly," the school district said in a news release. Lake County government In a Sunday evening Facebook post, Lake County government advised residents to monitor the storm. Sandbags Sandbags will be available starting at 11 a.m. Monday. Bring your own shovel. Limit 10 bags per household. Fill your own bags. The locations: Idalia forecast: Tropical Storm Idalia expected to be Category 3 hurricane before Florida landfall East Lake Sports and Community Complex, 4809 Wallick Road, Sorrento. North Lake Regional Park, 40730 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla. Astor Fire Station 10, 23023 State Road 40. Minneola Athletic Complex, 1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave.) PEAR Gateway Park (Front Entrance), 26701 U.S. 27, Leesburg. Four Corners Fire Station 112, 16240 CR 474, Clermont. Hickory Point Recreation Complex, Tavares + Old Fire and Train Station, 424 E. Alfred St., Tavares This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: What you need to know as Idalia approaches The perpetrators did not receive any permits or licenses Ukraines Bureau of Economic Security (BES) has arrested five individuals involved in operating an illicit chain of gaming parlors in the southern city of Odesa, according to a press release on Aug. 28. According to the statement, assets exceeding 2.4 million hryvnias ($65,000) were confiscated during the operation. All five men operated without valid licenses. Read also: Journalist exposes alleged clone of online casino banned in Ukraine Their establishments were discreetly located on the ground floors of residential buildings in Odesa, ensuring entry only to insiders or those with prearranged access. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In the process of executing search and seizure protocols, law enforcement agents impounded the organizers vehicles and confiscated over 200 computer systems, monitors, computing paraphernalia, as well as surveillance cameras. Gambling is technically legal in Ukraine; however, much of the industry remains in a grey area or operates outside of the law entirely. Holders of gambling licenses must have a share capital of at least 30.7 million ($1.1 million) and cannot be controlled by Russian residents, nor have a Russian person as a shareholder or ultimate beneficial owner. 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 It has long been illegal to drive without a seat belt across the U.S. as a way to save drivers from serious harm or death in a wreck. By that same reasoning, it is illegal in South Carolina and other states to text on a smartphone and drive at the same time. So then, what about driving with inappropriate footwear or no footwear at all? Not wearing proper shoes while driving could potentially lead to mishaps. Heres what South Carolina law says about footwear while driving. SC footwear and driving law Despite popular belief, it is completely legal to drive in South Carolina or any other state without shoes on, according to Beach Automotive Group in Myrtle Beach. The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, P.A., based in Florida, also states that South Carolina has no law that prohibits driving without footwear. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Many drivers assume that it is illegal to drive barefoot in the US, The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn states on its website. This belief has become somewhat of an urban legend in the country. However, the truth is that there is no federal law prohibiting people from driving without shoes. Driving in flip flops There are also no driving laws in South Carolina or other state that prohibits wearing flip flops, according to findlaw.com. While drivers are required to operate vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, states dont list acceptable and unacceptable footwear in their traffic statutes, findlaw.com states on its website. What about safety? Just because something is legal, that does not mean it is an advisable thing to do. Beach Automotive Group states that without proper footwear, theres always the chance that your foot could slip off a pedal, which could lead to an accident. Also, your socks or discarded shoes may get caught under the brake or gas pedal, which again could lead to an accident. And then there are flip flops, which could slide off while youre driving, an action that would be less than ideal. SC court problems While it isnt illegal to drive without proper footwear, you may still face repercussions in an accident. The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn states that getting into an accident while driving without shoes may lead to the other driver suing for damages. Once you go to court, the judge may decide that by not wearing shoes, you were negligent or reckless and rule against you, the law office states. Also, many car insurance companies may not cover drivers involved in accidents who didnt have on proper footwear. This is because car insurance companies believe that barefoot driving is more dangerous than driving with shoes, the law firm states. I was born and raised in Helena, Montana, and go back a few times a year to visit family. Over the years, I've seen and heard of tourists doing unacceptable and frankly stupid things. The worst offense of all? Messing with the state's wildlife. Having grown up in Montana and spent much of my life traveling, I can confidently say that Montana is a remarkable place to vacation. The state's pristine landscape and seemingly endless skyline earned it the nickname Big Sky Country, and millions of people experience it for themselves each year. In fact, according to data from the Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research, about 12.5 million people visited the state in 2022. Given the state's population is just over one million, that's a substantial influx of tourists and with that many people coming into the state, there's bound to be some mishaps here and there. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement And while there's not much that irritates locals to our core hell, you can dress like Kevin Costner in "Yellowstone" if that's what makes you happy there's one thing that's sure to make the locals mad: harassing the wildlife. Without fail, every year, we're met with new stories about unruly tourists, with the most egregious offenses typically coming out of Yellowstone National Park, which we share with Wyoming and Idaho. The poor behavior is so widespread that the Instagram page Tourons Of Yellowstone, is dedicated to documenting it. Earlier this month, footage from the page showed hordes of excited tourists crowding a bear and her cubs. In June, a viral video showed a shirtless man chasing a bear. Even though there were no reported injuries from either incident, it's not unheard of. Bison have gored several tourists in recent years, NBC News reports. Oftentimes, though the animals bear the weight of human interaction. In May, a baby bison was euthanized after a tourist attempted to help it across a river, according to a news release from the US Department of Justice District of Wyoming. The same thing happened in 2016, when a group of tourists put a bison calf in their car, thinking it looked "cold." In a statement following the 2016 event, the National Park Service released a statement warning visitors that approaching wildlife can "drastically affect their well-being and, in this case, their survival." Park regulations require visitors to stay at least 300 feet from bears and wolves, and 75 feet from deer, bison, and other animals. It's time tourists start listening. Read the original article on Insider Radio Liberty has published an image taken by the Plant.com service which shows the aftermath of the Ukrainian attack on the "air defence polygon" in annexed Crimea on 23 August. Source: Crimea.Realii (a project by Radio Liberty) Details: The image is not clear but the affected area can be seen. Planet.com 23.08.2023 Planet.com showed an image of the aftermath of an attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a Russian air defence system in Crimea on 23 August 2023 Photo: Radio Liberty Background: On 23 August, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that an S-400 Triumph, Russian long and medium range anti-aircraft system, was destroyed on that morning near the village of Olenivka on the Tarkhankut cape. The Russian sources reported the destruction of an S-300 anti-aircraft system and a tank truck. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On 24 August, the Independence Day of Ukraine, the Defence Intelligence reported that at night, the Ukrainian special forces swam up to Crimea and disembarked near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak. The Ukrainian flag was raised above the Russian-occupied peninsula. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! In response to Saturdays racially motivated mass shooting, Duval County Public Schools wants the community to know that there is support for children struggling to cope. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Schools throughout the county will be providing help and support for those in need. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] DCPS said in a statement that students in many schools will be directly impacted due to friends and relatives who may be among the victims. Social workers and mental health therapists will be made available. In addition, DCPS is partnered with several community organizations that will provide grief and mental health counseling for children at all schools. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement RELATED STORY: Jacksonville Dollar General mass shooting: $1M to boost security at EWU, FDLE evaluating campus DCPS partners available for grief support include Daniel Childrens Home Society and the Family Foundation. DCPS asks that you just ask the principal or school counselor about how to access these services. Counseling and grief support from home While students may not be directly impacted, hearing of a tragedy of this nature so close to home may also have an emotional impact. In a statement issued by DCPS concerning at-home support: In addition to the in-school services listed above, you can access mental health support directly from home using our Hazel Health service. Hazel Health services are also available at school with parent consent. However, many students like the remote service because they can get the help they need from the comfort and privacy of their home. Hazel Healths licensed mental health professionals specialize in helping children and teens understand and cope with grief and loss, anxiety, anger, stress, depression, sleep problems, and many other emotional issues. DCPS on grief support from home To learn more and to access these services, visit the Hazel Health webpage by clicking here. DCPS wants parents and guardians to know that the district is grieving with the entire community. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Our teachers and school leaders almost all have child mental health first aid training, and we will be vigilant to work with you to help students get any support they may need, DCPS said. We want to do everything we can to help you support your childs wellness as our community walks together through the impact of Saturdays senseless violence. 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. New Delhi Authorities in central India's Uttar Pradesh state have shut down a private school after video of a teacher asking her students to slap their Muslim classmate went viral and sparked outrage. The state police registered a case against the teacher, identified as Tripta Tyagi, as the video of the August 24 incident spread online. The scandal erupted at a time of growing tension between India's predominantly Hindu population and its large Muslim minority. The video, which was verified by police, shows Tyagi telling her students to slap their seven-year-old Muslim classmate. At least three students come up to the Muslim classmate one by one and hit him. An image from a video that went viral in India and was verified by Indian police in Uttar Pradesh state shows teacher Tripta Tyagi at the Neha Public School seated as she tells other students to come up and hit a young Muslim student, seen in the foreground, on August 24, 2023. "Why are you hitting him so lightly? Hit him harder," the teacher is heard telling one child as the Muslim boy stands crying. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Hit him on the back," she tells another student. Satyanarayan Prajapat, a senior police officer in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district, said the teacher told students to hit the boy "for not remembering his times tables." But the teacher also mentioned the boy's religion, according to Prajapat. The teacher from the Neha Public School admitted she'd made a "mistake" by asking other students to hit the boy as she is disabled and couldn't do it herself, but she also defended her actions as necessary discipline. "This wasn't my intention. I am accepting my mistake, but this was unnecessarily turned into a big issue," Tyagi told India's NDTV news network. "I am not ashamed. I have served the people of this village as a teacher. They all are with me." The Muslim student's parents took their son out of the school and reported the incident to the police, but they were not pressing charges against the teacher. "My seven-year-old was tortured for an hour or two. He is scared. This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. We want the law to take its own course," the boy's father told Indian news networks. Several politicians accused India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of creating an atmosphere in which the incident was able to take place. Rahul Gandhi, senior leader of the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, accused the teacher of "sowing the poison of discrimination in the minds of innocent children." "This is the same kerosene spread by BJP which has set every corner of India on fire," Gandhi wrote in a social media post. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently said it does not discriminate against the country's more than 200 million Muslims. In June, during a visit to the U.S., Modi told journalists there was "absolutely no space for discrimination" in India. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh government officials said the school was being shut as it did not meet the education department's "criteria," with all students set to be transferred to other schools. Judge sets March 2024 trial date for Trump federal election interference case Employers in bidding wars for low-wage workers, changing relevance of minimum wage The long-lasting legacy of the March on Washington After three years of seeing more than 200 homicides annually, IndyStar is tracking each killing to better understand violence in the city and remember the victims. This list is preliminary, and the number of homicides can change as authorities investigate the circumstances of each case, determining whether the slaying was criminal, justified, accidental or suicide. IndyStar has excluded cases ruled accidents, suicides, fatal overdoses or hit-and-run deaths unless they were deemed intentional. This information is compiled using data from Indianapolis police, court records and interviews with family and friends of those killed. Anyone with information that could help a homicide investigation is asked to call the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 to remain anonymous. Are we missing information? Email Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com or Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. June | July | August Antwain Turentine Jr., 18, dies in shooting on North Emerson Avenue July 28: Just before midnight officers responded to a report of a person shot outside a business in the 3400 block of North Emerson Avenue. On arrival, IMPD found 18-year-old Antwain Turentine Jr. with gunshot wounds, and he was transported to Methodist Hospital in critical condition. The victim was pronounced dead just after arriving at the hospital. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The suspect fled on foot, according to IMPD. Detectives believe the victim was shot while sitting in a parked car. Business patrons who fled the scene for safety reasons are being asked to let IMPD know what they recall from the incident. Lead detective: Doug Swails, Douglas.Swails@indy.gov Ryan Henderson, 28, dies in shooting on Eugene Street July 27: About 11 p.m. officers responding to calls about a person shot found Ryan Henderson, 28, fatally wounded in the backyard of a home in the 600 block of Eugene Street on the city's north side near West 29th Street and Doctor MLK Junior Street. Police believe the shooting was the result of a disturbance. Detectives have identified everyone involved and questioned a person of interest who was released pending further investigation. Lead detective: Christopher Higgins, christopher.higgins@indy.gov Drelyn Porter, 18, dies days after shooting on Breen Drive July 25: Drelyn Porter, 18, was shot and critically injured on July 23 succumbing to his wounds at the hospital days later. About 10:35 p.m. July 23 officers in the area of E. 38th Street and North Post Road "heard numerous gunshots" coming from the area of 3800 Breen Drive. When officers arrived they found Porter with gunshot wounds and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Three people were detained on unrelated charges at the time of the shooting. Police didn't immediately identify them because it is not clear what their role in the shooting is and officers don't want to negatively impact the investigation, a news release stated. Lead detective: Gary Smith, gary.smith@indy.gov. James Moore III, 42, found with gunshot wounds in west-side pond July 23: Officers were called to the 1500 block of Hillcot Lane on the west side of Indianapolis on a report of a body in the water. They found James Moore III, 42, unresponsive in the water. Firefighters recovered Moore from the water, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He had gunshot injuries. Police believe Moore's death is related to a shooting that took place nearby. The day prior, just after 4 a.m., officers were called to the 1500 block of Hillcot Lane for a shooting. Investigators learned there was a disturbance between a homeowner and Moore. Police believe that Moore fled after he was shot. Detectives tried locating Moore, including by using a drone. His vehicle was located nearby, but Moore was not found immediately after the disturbance with the homeowner. Lead detective: Christopher Edwards, Christopher.Edward@indy.gov Brandon Sanchez, 32, shot and killed on Wallace Avenue July 23: Just before 3 a.m. police were dispatched to a person shot call in the 3300 block of Wallace Avenue. When police arrived, they found Brandon Sanchez, 32, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives believe the shooting occurred during a disturbance, according to the release. A person of interest remained on scene and is cooperating with detectives. Lead detective: Det. Michael Wright, Michael.Wright@indy.gov. Erica Pedroza, 35, shot in her southwest Indy home on Orchard Grove Lane July 22: Erica Pedroza, 35, was found shot inside her home in the 8600 block of Orchard Grove Lane on the southwest side of Indianapolis. Officers were dispatched to the home and found Pedroza about 7:30 a.m., according to a police report. Medical personnel later pronounced her dead at the scene. IMPD Lt. Shane Foley said in a statement that homicide detectives did not find signs of forced entry into the home. Lead Detective: Larry Craciunoiu, Larry.Craciunoiu@indy.gov. Nouridine Moctar Mahamadou, 19, killed in early morning shooting on Indys northwest side July 21: Officers were called to St. Vincent Hospital on a report of a person, who walked in with gunshot injuries around 12:30 a.m. Nouridine Moctar Mahamadou, 19, was in critical condition and later died at the hospital. Investigators believe the shooting took place at the intersection of West 71st Street and Georgetown Road on the northwest side of Indianapolis. Lead detective: Christopher Morgan, christopher.morgan@indy.gov. Anthony Christopher Drummer, 52, shot and killed near World War II Memorial downtown July 20: One man was killed and one person was detained just before 7 a.m. after a shooting near the Indiana World War II Memorial downtown. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers had the area around the memorial and park, near North Pennsylvania Street and East Walnut Street, blocked with crime scene tape. Anthony Christopher Drummer, 52, died at the scene, said IMPD Lt. Shane Foley. Several witnesses have spoken with police and investigators were waiting on search warrants to look inside backpacks found in the park, Foley said. Howard Moffitt was arrested in connection with Drummer's death. Lead detective: Detective Brad Nuetzman, Brad.Nuetzman@indy.gov More: Bag of rocks, fired shell casing and a backpack: Details of the killing in downtown Indy Neftaly Jaime Gaytan, 28, found shot and killed inside vehicle in Villa Avenue alley July 13: IMPD officers were called for a non-responsive person in the 300 block of Villa Avenue around 6:30 a.m. on the east side of Indianapolis. Police found Neftaly Jaime Gaytan, 28, inside a vehicle with gunshot injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the shooting occurred during the overnight hours. Detectives are attempting to find information on a silver Ford Focus with a license plate from Chihuahua, Mexico, that was at the scene. Lead detective: Detective Ron Sayles, Ronald.Sayles@Indy.gov Elijah Martin, 19, shot and killed at apartment complex on North Meridian Street July 12: Officers were flagged down after Elijah Martin, 19, was shot in the 3300 block of North Meridian Street around 12:20 p.m. He died after being taken to a hospital. Preliminary information suggests that the teen was shot inside an apartment complex and moved outside, where he was found with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Lt. Shane Foley said. Two people were arrested in connection with the case. Lead detective: Detective Ryan Clark, Ryan.Clark@indy.gov More: Indianapolis gun deal may have led to gunfire in death of Elijah Martin Sheriff's deputy John Durm, 61, killed during attempted escape at CJC Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy John Durm July 10: John Durm was killed during an escape attempt at the Community Justice Campus. Durm served as a deputy for 38 years and was pronounced dead at Eskenazi Hospital after he was strangled to death by a detainee at the Adult Detention Center. Orlando Mitchell, 34, is now facing charges of murder, felony murder, robbery and escape. Mitchell is accused of using his handcuffs to strangle Durm in the sally port of the Community Justice Campus, then stealing the jail's transport van. The van crashed just outside the CJC on Prospect Street and Mitchell was taken into custody. More: What we know about Orlando Mitchell, accused of killing Marion County Sheriff's Deputy 'He was a good man': Deputy John Durm remembered as kind, generous James Caldwell, 49, found dead on Arnolda Avenue July 4: IMPD officers were called to the 700 block of Arnolda Avenue about 4 a.m. and found 49-year-old James Caldwell with traumatic injuries, according to a release. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Lead detective: Christopher Winter, christopher.winter@indy.gov Serenity Wilson, 16, killed and 4 injured at Forest Manor Avenue block party July 3: Officers were called to the 3200 block of Forest Manor Avenue just after 11 p.m. on a report of a person shot, according to an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department release. They found Serenity Wilson dead at the scene. Within minutes, two people with gunshot wounds arrived at Community East Hospital and one with a gunshot wound arrived at Community North Hospital in what police believe are related cases. A fifth person, with injuries not related to gunshot wounds, appeared at a local hospital in good condition. Detectives believe the shooting erupted at a block party on Forest Manor Avenue and all involved were attending. David Snider, who lives on Forest Manor Avenue, said cars were parked up the whole block. After hearing the shots, he said, he saw people fleeing in their cars and a woman lying in the grass across the street from his house. Ravalon Matfield woke up to find two cars on his property damaged by what he believes were bullets. His car mirror was broken off and the other car's window shattered. Lead detective: Kyle Hoover, Kyle.Hoover@indy.gov Fernande Chery, 35, dies in suspected murder-suicide in East Washington Street salon shooting July 2: Officers were called to New Look Hair Salon at 10041 E. Washington St. on a report of two people shot around 3:20 a.m. They found Fernande Chery, 35, and David Samedy, 34, dead inside the business. Detectives spoke with witnesses and learned the hair salon was closed when the shooting happened, but there was a gathering taking place inside. Detectives believe it likely was a murder-suicide and will continue to investigate, police said. Lead detective: Gary Toms, Gary.Toms@indy.gov This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis killings in July 2023 In March, social media influencer Danielle Miller pleaded guilty to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. The court has now ordered her to forfeit numerous luxury items she obtained with the money. Miller has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, which each hold a prison sentence of up to 20 years. In March, 32-year-old influencer Danielle Miller pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief loans to fund her lavish lifestyle, including buying designer goods, chartering private jets, and renting a luxury apartment. According to a Notice of Forfeiture posted on Monday, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts has now ordered her to forfeit some of these luxury items. Among them are a Rolex watch, a Louis Vuitton bag, several Rimowa suitcases, and more. Miller, who has over 34,000 Instagram followers, was arrested in May 2021 and indicted by a grand jury a couple of months later. On March 6, she pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to a press release from the Department of Justice, the scheme included her impersonating more than ten people from July 2020 to May 2021 to acquire a total of $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which were supposed to be for small businesses in need. The release stated she created fake business names and counterfeit driver's licenses to do so. The US government has now seized more than $600,000 from Miller's residence and bank accounts, according to the Notice of Forfeiture. The influencer is also required to give up the following designer goods she purchased with the loan money: a Louis Vuitton bag, a Rolex watch, a pair of Dior shoes and a Dior blouse, and two Rimowa suitcases. In an interview with New York Magazine in February last year, Miller seemed to tout her schemes proudly. She told the outlet that she considers herself more of a "con artist than anything" and disclosed more details of how she used the fraudulent money to flaunt a decadent lifestyle to her Instagram account, including pictures of herself standing next to luxury cars and holding expensive handbags. Miller had already spent time at Rikers Island, which houses New York City's largest jail, for using stolen credit card information to book appointments at a spa on the Upper West Side. While there, the magazine reported that she met Anna Sorokin, the infamous scammer also known as Anna Delvey, whose crimes inspired the Netflix series "Inventing Anna." Before Miller made news headlines for her recent COVID-19 fraud, she was the victim of one of the earliest cases of viral revenge porn on the internet. Known as "Swiffer Girl" when she was only 13 years old, Miller told New York Magazine as an adult that she found that the reputation it gave her was nearly impossible to escape. Miller's story was the subject of an episode of the Hulu docuseries "The Age of Influence" released earlier this year. Miller pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, which each hold up to 20 years in prison; she also faces two charges of aggravated identity theft, which each have a mandatory two-year prison sentence after other sentences are imposed. When reached, Miller's attorney, Mitchell Elman, told Insider they would not comment on the case until after the sentencing date, which he said will be on September 7. She's currently serving a five-year sentence for a separate bank fraud case in Florida that involved her attempting to use a fake passport to obtain money at a Chase drive-through window in 2020. Read the original article on Insider A homicide investigation is underway at High Desert State Prison in Northern California after two inmates reportedly attacked and stabbed a third inmate over the weekend. This marks at least the second inmate death and homicide probe this year at the Susanville facility. A little after 8:15 on Saturday evening, 33-year-old Alexander J. Jasso was stabbed multiple times by Jesse E. Diaz, 32, and Jose A. Nava, 29, according to officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Officials said an inmate-manufactured weapon was recovered at the scene. No other staff or inmates were injured. Jasso was taken to an outside medical facility and received life-saving treatment, but he was declared dead around midnight, authorities said. Both Diaz and Nava have been moved to restricted housing, CDCR said in a news release. The High Desert State Prison investigative services unit is working with the Lassen County District Attorneys Office and the Lassen County coroner to investigate the death. The coroner will determine Jassos official cause of death. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Jasso was transferred into state prison custody from Monterey County in June 2011 to serve life with the possibility of parole. He was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon and discharge of a firearm in an inhabited dwelling, vehicle or aircraft. He received enhancements for street gang activity. Diaz also came to CDCR from Monterey County and has been in state custody since April 2014. He is serving life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. He also received enhancements for the use of a firearm and street gang activity. Nava entered CDCR custody in October 2017 from San Mateo County. Hes serving 23 years for attempted second-degree murder and discharge of a firearm in an inhabited dwelling, vehicle or aircraft. He also received enhancements for use of a firearm and street gang activity. The News Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has installed two loyalists at the flailing New York State Democratic Party in the hopes that his home state can carry him to the Speakership. Jeffries former campaign manager, Lizzy Weiss, will head the battleground effort, and Jeffries longtime ally, Andre Richardson, is a senior advisor at a new arm of the state party. Jeffries, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , and Gov. Kathy Hochul first announced the new initiative to donors they hope will underwrite the coordinated campaign in June over a Zoom call. The new effort is a muscle flex by one of the most powerful Democrats in the country to refocus his home states Democratic party on 2024 House races. They are, for now, retaining staffers close to Hochul, including New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, whose performance in the midterms inspired a campaign calling for his removal, and Executive Director Alex Wang. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Weiss and Richardson have met with and interviewed congressional candidates, and are present at some of the most sensitive meetings with Democratic leaders and members of the delegation. The campaign will be adding additional organizers between now and the 2023 elections, which, Im told, should yield younger, more dynamic candidates that are going to hustle, a person familiar with the strategy told Semafor. The initiative is already making investments in key county and municipal seats. Theres also a dedicated push to organize on college campuses throughout Long Island, Central New York, Southern Tier, and in the Hudson Valley all areas that overlap with competitive House seats in 2024, three of which Republicans flipped during the 2022 midterms. The separate battleground effort to target Republican incumbents in five key congressional races, a number close to the slim majority now held by House Republicans, includes Reps. George Santos, Anthony DEsposito, Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Brandon Williams. In 2024, we believe that investing resources in coordinated get-out-the-vote efforts in New York State presents a unique opportunity to impact the national political landscape, said Wang. The Governor has already raised over $1.5M to support party-building efforts this year. Kadias view The shakeup is the first clear sign that Jeffries is taking the woes in his home state dead seriously and sees New York as a path to the speakership. His theory of the case: The youth vote could provide the margins. Democrats have an opportunity to motivate a new crop of voters driven by the decision. Polling from Voters of Tomorrow and The Generation Lab show abortion as the second most influential issue motivating 18- to 29-year-old voters after jobs and the economy. During the midterms in New York, I really felt like no one understood the potential of young voters, Jack Lobel, a spokesperson for Voters of Tomorrow, an organization centered around mobilizing the youth vote, which has spoken to people involved in the coordinated campaign, told Semafor. No one understood that we would be the difference between a win and a loss. Echoing national talking points on abortion wasnt as successful for New York Democratic candidates. Motivating youth voters could help, but its unclear how much without a state-specific plan that addresses public safety and the influx of migrant people in the state who are now being relocated to the suburbs represented by newly-elected Republicans. Reversing course would mean a carefully crafted plan carried out by trusted allies, in particular, people who understand the terrain of New Yorks electorate. Some New Yorkers involved quietly griped about national committees hiring non-New Yorkers to oversee the areas political campaigns. Room for Disagreement Some people Semafor spoke to expressed skepticism about making such an aggressive turnaround ahead of the 2024 elections. Its still unclear to me what the new plan is all those losses in the last cycle happened under Jay/Hochuls watch, and if Hakeem Jeffries is not significantly elbowing them out of the equation, were getting the same result, one Democratic lawmaker told Semafor. Many party insiders are betting that state courts will let them redraw congressional districts, again, to their benefit. Notable In contrast, Republicans are gearing up to hold onto their 2022 gains. The number 3 Republican, House Chair Elise Stefanik, also hails from New York and is planning a $100 million campaign push to ensure her GOP colleagues in New York hold on to their seats. LOCH NESS, Scotland The legend of the Loch Ness Monster has fascinated generations of curious minds. Over the weekend, 90 years after its first modern supposed sighting, enthusiasts descended again on this picturesque lake in a quiet corner of the Scottish Highlands in hope of turning myth into reality. Organizers billed the weekends events as the largest organized Nessie hunt for 50 years. And the hunters came armed with high-tech help: sonars for mapping the lake bed, thermal-imaging drones for scanning the surface and hydrophones to hear strange sounds from the depths. The events were even opened to the global public hundreds of people were invited to a livestream of the waters surface to add more eyes to the search. A group of visitors from Inverness take a tour on the Loch Ness Project Research Vessel to search for the famed monster. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) Even with all the machines and added manpower, the gathering at Loch Ness was as much about reviving old lore as settling hard science. Organizers said they planned the weekend to excite interest in the legend among a new generation of Nessie hunters. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its about inspiration, said Alan McKenna, the head of Loch Ness Exploration, an independent research group based on the lakes shores that planned the event as a kind of call for volunteers. For very selfish reasons I dont want the Loch Ness mystery or interest in Loch Ness itself to diminish in any way whatsoever at all. Those selfish reasons dont include a commercial motive, said McKenna, who added that he is an unpaid volunteer. Though the legend could bring in as much 41 million pounds (about $52 million) every year to Scotlands economy, according to a 2018 study reported by Scotland's Press and Journal newspaper, enthusiasts like McKenna say the search is really just about having fun, keeping faith and exploring the natural world. Alan McKenna, the head of Loch Ness Exploration, poses for a portrait. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) Like the surface of a lake, the Loch Ness legend seems to reflect the hopes of those who gaze into it. I think she has babies and shes looking after them right now, Alba Sydow, 8, said as she surveyed the loch with her parents from the Deepscan, one of the organizers search boats. So thats why shes hiding from us. Albas father, Malcolm Begg, 47, a pharmaceutical company employee, had his own remarkably specific ideas about the monster. I think its like a diplodocus with fins, he said, referring to a Jurassic-era dinosaur, while lamenting that most images of the monster have been too grainy to discern a definitive shape. The bow of the Loch Ness Project Research Vessel. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) The focus of the two-day event was at the Loch Ness Centre, which organized the proceedings in partnership with Loch Ness Exploration, a voluntary research team. The recently renovated center is housed in a former hotel where Aldie Mackay, a hotel employee, sighted a beast or whale-like fish in 1933, the first modern sighting of the monster that set off the global phenomenon. But the legend dates to writings from the seventh century in which an Irish monk reported having encountered a water beast that had mauled a swimmer. Nessie has been so popular for so long that her myth can sometimes feed herself (if, like Alba, you imagine the monster as female). Alistair Matheson, the skipper of the Deepscan, which trolled the lake with volunteer searchers like Alba, showed how the boats sonar technology had recently spotted a perfect outline of a huge Nessie-shaped monster. But the shape on Mathesons radar screen turned out to be a sunken Nessie model that had been made for a movie about the monster and then abandoned at the bottom of the lake. The pilot of the Loch Ness Project Research Vessel. tells visitors about the technologies that have been used in the past to search for the monster. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) Even the Loch Ness Centres logo the instantly recognizable picture of a sort of humped eel cruising through waves on the lakes surface comes from a fuzzy 1934 black-and-white photo that was later proven to be fake. Still, Matheson describes himself as a believer, though he imagines the monster as something from this Earth or something a bit more realistic than some kind of ancient, alien or supernatural being. Scientists have speculated that the sightings could be huge catfish or giant eels. But short of emptying the entire lake, Matheson said, nothing will ever truly disprove a legend that has become a matter of faith for so many. A search boat takes visitors out across Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) People come here, theyre desperate, theyre looking, theyre searching, he said. And they really, really want to be able to hope that there is something that us humans you know, we think we can know everything, to an extent. The weekend in the Scottish Highlands attracted some for whom Nessie is more of a vocation than a hobby. Ken Gerhard, an American cryptozoologist who researches and writes about animals that live on the fringes of our known reality, like Bigfoot, Chupacabra and Mothman, traveled to Scotland from the states just for the event. Im 90% convinced she exists, said Gerhard, who also seemed to believe in the monsters femininity. Ive never had a sighting or an observation, but if you immerse yourself in the evidence, you have over a thousand good sightings that are very consistent. Ken Gerhard, an American author who has written books on Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, among others, joins the search for the Loch Ness Monster. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) Beyond the shaky photographic proof, believers primary argument in favor of Nessies existence is that the lakes immense size and dark, peaty waters make it impossible to rule out the existence of even a large creature. Several volunteers mentioned that Loch Ness contains more water than all of the lakes of England and Wales combined. Indeed, McKenna said they heard some fantastic bizarre sounds Friday, but unfortunately the recording equipment hadnt been plugged in. It may well be gas escaping from the bottom of the loch, he said. It could be an animal. Of course, it could be the elusive Loch Ness Monster, he added. So if any of the attendees were expecting the weekend to yield a revelation, they went home disappointed. Nessie figurines outside a gift shop in Drumnadrochit. (Emily Macinnes for NBC News) Nobody found the monster but maybe that was never the point. For many, it was a pilgrimage of faith a kind of rejoinder to the high-tech dictates of hard facts that have left us so little room for magic and mystery. I think theres always going to be a small part of me that wants to believe, said Craig Whitefield, 29, a medical administrator from Scotland who spent the weekend scanning the lakes surface with binoculars. Like other volunteers, Whitefield said that only emptying one of the largest lakes in the world and checking every nook and cranny of the lake bed would satisfy his curiosity. Its the same with every legend out there, he said. It just takes one person to believe, and it just continues. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A gunman carrying a rifle emblazoned with a swastika killed three people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday before taking his own life. The shooter, 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmete, was white. All of his victims52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr, 19-year-old Anolt Joseph "AJ" Laguerre Jr., and 29-year-old Jerrald Gallionwere black. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters has said that the murder spree was racially motivated and Palmete specifically targeted black people. The sheriff also noted that the guns Palmete was carrying were legally purchased. As is so often the case with crimes like these, people are casting about for someone other than one racist psychopathor "deranged scumbag," as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis put itto blame. Some have settled on "divisive rhetoric" as the culprit. "When we have this kind of divisive rhetoric, this is exactly what happens," journalism professor and Jacksonville councilmember Rahman Johnson told MSNBC's Symone Sanders-Townsend. He mentioned Florida's attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings, African-American studies programs in schools, and transgender people. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The division has to stop, the hate has to stop, the rhetoric has to stop," Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said. An op-ed in the Florida Times-Union blamed the city's reaction to antisemitic banners and light displays, saying the response wasn't "forceful enough." Those "public demonstrations look like terrible harbingers of what was to come," wrote columnist Nate Monroe. Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon blamed attacks on "wokeness," which she called "a dog whistle. That wokeness that they want to die is Black people, and it was evident yesterday by what happened," Nixon said. Needless to say, plenty of people hear the same rhetoric Palmete may have heard about diversity trainings, wokeness, and so on but don't go on to commit atrocities. And openly bigoted speech, as represented by those antisemitic banners, is much less common now than at most points in U.S. history past. We do not know what route Palmete took to the politics of the swastika, nor what combustible collection of mental health issues those politics may have ignited. But laying the blame on the political rhetoric or actions of state or city leaders both overplays the role of policy makers and absolves Palmete of too much responsibility. "Divisive rhetoric" didn't kill three people on Saturday. Palmete did. FREE MINDS More panic about kids and screen time. A widely covered study published last week purportedly showed more dangers from letting very young children be exposed to screensTVs, phones, etc.in any capacity. "Age 1 is too young for any amount of screen time," Fast Company reported of the findings. "'iPad kids,' or babies and young children who have access to more screen time have a higher likelihood of developmental delays," reported Fox News. Once again, the actual findings behind the headlines are rather mundane. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that one-year-olds exposed to more screen time had "a higher risk of developmental delay at age 2 years in the communication, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal and social skills domains." By age four, delays in fine motor, personal, and social skills had disappeared but children with more screen time were still at higher risk for communication and problem-solving deficits. "In particular, more than 4 hours of screen time per day was associated with developmental delays in communication and problem-solving across ages 2 and 4 years," the researchers say. It doesn't take special training to see some problems with using this study to draw major conclusions about kids and screen time in general, or using it to demonize any and all screen exposure for very young children. For one thing, the effects may not be so much about the detrimental effects of TV or the internet but the fact that more time spent doing that means less time for other developmentally enriching activities. A young kid who spent four hours per day on any one activity to the exclusion of others may experience delays in certain cognitive or physical domains. The bigger problem is that families who let very young children spend a lot of time in front of screens tend to differ in a lot of other ways from those who do not. And indeed, "mothers of children with high levels of screen time were characterized as being youngerand having a lower household income, lower maternal education level, and having postpartum depression" than mothers of children with less screen time. There were also differences in number of siblings and presence of a grandparent. The researchers attempted to control for some of these differences, but "we should continue to worry that there are significant other unobserved differences," economist Emily Oster points out. She concludes: Correlation is not causation, and it's hard to convince yourself that the choice of an hour a day versus four hours a day of television for a 1-year-old is a random choice. To be clear: four hours of screens a day for a 1-year-old will leave relatively little time for other things, so it is worth being intentional about how you use screen time. But this study shouldn't change how you think about that. It's also worth noting that the researchers didn't differentiate between types of screen time. It's possible some types have a negative effect and some have a positive effect. A meta-analysis published last year, for instance, looked at 478 studies on small children and exposure to television and found watching TV linked to both positive and negative effects, depending on the type of programming that was viewed and the circumstances of that viewing. FREE MARKETS Did banks hand private financial data to the FBI without legal process? The House Judiciary Committee is currently investigating that question. But "there's no doubt about the threat to civil liberties posed by the government's leverage over the financial industry; that's long established," writes J.D. Tuccille. And while the current investigation is focused on whether banks were too quick to share data related to the January 6 riots, the larger problem needs to be fixed no matter what lawmakers discover in this instance. "Financial institutions have long operated as surveillance arms of the state, tracking transactions and movements, making assumptions about what they might mean, then turning that information over to government officials under regulatory pressure," notes Tuccille. The government exerts this pressure through customer due diligence rules, the Bank Secrecy Act, mandated suspicious activity reports, and the USA PATRIOT Act. The results have included the Obama-era Operation Chokepoint and the exclusion of sex workers from risk-averse banks and payment processors. "Just as politicians have leaned on the tech sector to muzzle speech, they have long pressured banks to spy on customers and deny services to people whose existence offends officialdom," Tuccille points out. Whether or not the House Judiciary Committee Chairman finds evidence of "a dangerous escalation in the abuse of government officials' leverage over the financial industry," this issue deserves as much attention as government pressure on tech platforms. QUICK HITS A new poll from the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 77 percent of those surveyed think Biden is too old to be an effective president for another full term. This view was shared by 89 percent of Republicans and 69 percent of Democrats. France is moving to ban the abayaa full-length robe that some Muslim women wearfrom state-run schools. Reason's Nick Gillespie interviews Semafor editor (and former BuzzFeed News editor) Ben Smith about his book Traffic and the digital media explosion of the early 21st century. Former President Donald Trump "has raised $7.1 million since he was booked at an Atlanta jail Thursday evening," reports Politico. "On Friday alone, Trump raised $4.18 million, making it the single-highest 24-hour period of his campaign to date, according to a person familiar with the totals." Wisconsin's Supreme Court, long dominated by conservatives, has swung left. The post It Isn't 'Divisive Rhetoric' That Kills People appeared first on Reason.com. (Bloomberg) -- Israels latest attempt to forge fresh alliances in the Arab world hit a stumbling block in Libya, sparking criticism at home and prompting anti-government protests and the suspension of the North African nations top diplomat. Most Read from Bloomberg Demonstrators gathered late Sunday in the capital, Tripoli, and other western Libyan cities, some of them burning Israeli flags, following the announcement that Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen had met his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush in Rome the week before. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cohen described the encounter as the first step in the relationship between Israel and Libya, which have no official ties. Former Libyan strongman Muammar Qaddafi, killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising after four decades in power, was a frequent opponent of Israel and often espoused his support for the Palestinian cause. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who heads one of two dueling administrations in Libya, appeared to quickly quash Cohens hopes, referring Mangoush for investigation. Local media outlet Almasar TV reported shed left the country, although it wasnt immediately possible to verify the claim. In Israel, too, there was backlash as the opposition criticized Cohen for not keeping the meeting a secret. Its a potential embarrassment for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , whos been striving to expand ties with more Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries. More Alliances The drama highlights the difficulties for Israel as it tries to build on 2020s landmark Abraham Accords, under which the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco joined Egypt and Jordan in recognizing the country. Much of the focus is now on deepening links with Saudi Arabia, the Arab worlds biggest economy. Libya an OPEC member with Africas largest proven oil reserves thats been embroiled in conflict for the past decade seemed a hitherto unlikely candidate. Read More: A Saudi-Israeli Peace Deal? Who Wants What and Why: QuickTake Partly thats due to Libyas persistent instability and political divide, which pits Dbeibahs Tripoli-based administration against a parliament in the east that wants him replaced. United Nations-backed efforts have failed to restore a united government, although this month saw a rare success in the reunification of the central bank. The eastern assembly condemned Mangoushs meeting. Enormous Potential The size and strategic location of Libya give ties with it great importance and enormous potential, Cohen said Sunday. The Israeli minister also raised with Mangoush the need to preserve the heritage of Libyan Jews, nearly all of whom immigrated to Israel in the 1950s, and the renovation of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Libya, according to a statement. Libyas Foreign Ministry said on its Facebook page that the meeting was informal and unprepared and didnt include any discussions, agreements or consultations. The fervid reactions and mixed messages partly resemble the last time Israel tried to establish formal ties with another nation ruled by a splintered government Sudan in 2020. Then, too, there was a meeting between top officials in a third country, disavowals from some politicians and the later disciplining of a Foreign Ministry employee. Eventually, Sudan did make a deal with Israel, although the civil war that erupted in April between the army and a paramilitary group with which it shared power means theres been little official enactment since. Qaddafis regime backed Palestinian militant groups in the 1970s and fiercely criticized leaders that normalized relations with Israel. His tone, though, shifted in his final decade when he proposed to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict by combining them into a single state he called Isratine. Israeli media reported that his son and heir apparent, Saif al-Islam, had discreet contact with Israeli officials in the later years of his reign. The Rome meeting, too, should have remained secret, according to Israels former premier, Yair Lapid. As prime minister and foreign minister I held talks that no one will ever know about, said Lapid, who was succeeded by Netanyahu late last year. The foreign policy of a country like Israel is complicated and at times explosive and must be managed cautiously and with wisdom. Secret meetings that were never leaked have built relationships that, over the years, turned into historic agreements with countries of the region, he said. This isnt what happened now. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday his ministry would unblock funds for Arab communities that he suspended saying the money was fuelling crime, triggering outrage from Arab mayors and some Arab and Jewish lawmakers. Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nationalist-religious government, said this month that some of the budget funds meant for Arab local councils were a political pay-off by the previous cabinet that could end up in the hands of "criminals and terrorists". Arab councils held a strike last week in protest and community leaders demonstrated outside government offices. The National Committee of Arab Local Councils in Israel accused Smotrich of racism. In a statement on Monday, Smotrich appeared to reverse course and said an oversight mechanism had been created to transfer funds to the Arab communities. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "We are stopping the criminal organisations from taking over the budgets that go to the Arab authorities," Smotrich said. Arab citizens of Israel, most descendants of Palestinians who remained in Israel after the 1948 war surrounding its creation, make up about a fifth of the country's population. Crime in the Arab sector communities is disproportionately high to their makeup of the overall demographic. At least 157 Arab citizens in Israel have been murdered since January, more than double the fatalities over the same period last year and the highest toll since 2014. (Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Alison Williams) JERUSALEM The Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers met secretly in Italy last week, Israels Foreign Ministry announced Sunday, in what it said was the first-ever meeting between the countrys top diplomats. The meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Najla Mangoush, foreign minister of the Tripoli-based government, marked a small breakthrough for Israels government, whose hard-line policies toward the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for relations between the two countries, Cohen said in a statement. He said the meeting was hosted by Italys foreign minister in Rome. Cohen said he discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyas former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A Libyan government official said normalization of relations between the countries was first discussed in a meeting between the Tripoli-based prime minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and CIA Director William Burns, who visited the Libyan capital in January. According to the official, Burns proposed that Dbeibahs government, which is recognized as Libyas internationally backed government, join the group of four Arab countries that normalized relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The Libyan premier gave an initial approval, but he was concerned about public backlash in a country known for its past support for the Palestinian cause, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. The late Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi, was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Libya was plunged into turmoil after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled Gadhafi, who was later killed, and left the country divided between rival governments in Benghazi in the east and Tripoli in the west. The United Nations has been struggling to shepherd the country toward new elections. Dbeibah is close to Italy and the West. Then-President Donald Trump brokered the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been eager to expand ties with the Arab world, but his government has come under heavy criticism due to its support for West Bank settlement construction and ongoing military raids on suspected militant strongholds in the occupied territory. Right-wing Russian bloggers dismissed the state's attempts to quell critique by publishing videos of well-equipped front-line soldiers, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on Aug. 28. On Aug. 25, multiple Russian commentators complained that units of the 205th Motorized Rifle Brigade the same brigade that blew up the Kakhovka Dam in June lacked sufficient artillery support. They claimed that soldiers "were suffering significant casualties under Ukrainian artillery fire on an island in the Kherson direction" and that their commanders ignored repeated calls for additional artillery. In response, Russian state media released footage on Aug. 26 allegedly showing five soldiers of the 205th in new uniforms. In the video, the soldiers ask Russian bloggers to stop harming the brigade's operations by complaining about artillery shortages. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The soldiers add that military commentators who want to aid Russia's invasion can volunteer to "fight on the front lines" themselves. However, the bloggers weren't convinced. According to the ISW, several writers "claimed that the video was clearly staged to deflect criticism from the brigades leadership," and by extension, the Russian Defense Ministry. The Russian Defense Ministry has often equated criticizing Russian military command in Ukraine with harming military operations at the front. The ministry has "consistently tried throughout the full-scale invasion to silence criticisms in the Russian information space," the ISW said. This has brought pro-war Russian nationalists into conflict with the government over the war in Ukraine. Read also: Putin cracks down on pro-war opposition as all-out war falters Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Italy approved a decree on Monday that empowers the state to take a stake in Telecom Italia SpAs network business, part of an effort by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni s increasingly activist government to assert more control over strategic assets. Most Read from Bloomberg Telecom Italia shares rose as much as 3%, to their highest since April, in early trading in Milan following the decree, which gives cabinet backing to an agreement with US private equity firm KKR & Co. to jointly control the carriers grid. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Under the deal, in the works for months, Italy is entitled to take as much as 20% of the business, the most valuable asset in the former monopolys portfolio. Our vision is the one that the center-right has always backed: assuming strategic control of the telecom network and protecting jobs, Meloni said during the cabinet meeting, according to a statement distributed by her office. She called the move a first step, which will be followed by more market-driven decisions. KKR signed a preliminary agreement this month to include the government in its 23 billion ($25 billion) bid for the network, which Telecom Italia is offloading in an effort to trim gross debt of more than 30 billion. The government is ready to spend as much as 2.2 billion on the deal, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said at a news conference in Rome. A role is still possible for state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti compatible with antitrust limits, he said. How and for how much to sell the asset has for years been a contentious issue with the companys largest shareholder, Frances Vivendi SE, which earlier opposed the deal. The news in our view significantly raises the chances of the transaction being realized, given the clear and strong political support from the top government levels, Equita analyst Domenico Ghilotti wrote in a note. The transaction would resolve Telecom Italias excessive debt issue. While the company is privately owned, the telecommunications business falls under the oversight of the government, which has the right to veto deals involving what it considers strategic assets. Melonis coalition has pledged to protect Telecom Italias 40,000 employees but for months disagreed on the best way to proceed. The former telecoms monopoly has been grappling with a complex mix of high labor costs and the need for ever-expanding investments to modernize infrastructure. --With assistance from Chiara Remondini. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday she was convening a ministerial panel for national security to improve her government's response to a surge in migrant arrivals. Italy has been struggling to accommodate arrivals from North Africa and the Balkans and the country's Red Cross called on Monday for more international efforts against migration "chaos". Meloni said after a cabinet meeting she had activated the Inter-ministerial Committee for the Security of the Republic (CISR), which would remain in permanent operation in order to address the spike in arrivals. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Our aim is to tackle the problem in a pragmatic way, with rapid and coordinated decisions," Meloni, who has made the fight against illegal immigration a cornerstone of her political career, said in a statement. Lampedusa island, Italy's southernmost outpost, had more than 4,200 migrants on Sunday after more than 110 weekend boat arrivals, local police chief Emanuele Ricifari told Reuters. He said that despite the "record numbers", the authorities were in control of the situation. In Trieste, near the border with Slovenia, Mayor Roberto Dipiazza was less sanguine as he complained to the Corriere della Sera daily about an unprecedented "invasion of migrants". "I have been dealing with problems related to migrants since the 1990s, I have seen everything and more, but I could not imagine such a thing. The city is in an emergency," he said. Italy has recorded around 113,500 sea arrivals in the year to date, compared with around 55,800 in the same period last year, according to interior ministry data. The statistics showed a spike over the last three days, with about 2,300 arrivals on Friday, more than 3,000 on Saturday, and almost 1,000 on Sunday. RESCUE SHIPS In Lampedusa, incoming sea migrants are crammed in a so-called "hotspot" with an official capacity of a few hundred places, before being transferred to the larger island of Sicily. The facility is routinely overcrowded, with Italian news agencies reporting on Monday that it was hosting nearly 3,600 migrants. The Italian Red Cross (CRI) took over the running of the facility on June 1, replacing a cooperative that had been criticised for failing to provide adequate care. "I hope that not only Italy ... but the whole European and international community will be able to respond effectively and not give in to chaos," CRI President Rosario Valastro said on Facebook. The Italian government has restricted the activities of charity rescue ships, impounding three of their vessels last week. But with the country facing a shrinking population and labour force shortages, it has also raised entry quotas for non-EU migrant workers to 452,000 for 2023-2025 from around 83,000 in 2022. On Monday, 56 NGOs issued a joint statement accusing the Rome government of hindering the work of sea rescue charities, and warned this could lead many, if not all of them, to suspend their operations, putting lives at risk. (Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Additional reporting by Gavin Jones; Editing by Alison Williams) As Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students start school on Monday, teachers and administrative staff will be on the lookout for prohibited items on campus. At least two guns were found on CMS campuses last year, after the district set a new record with 23 firearms found during the 2021-22 school year, The Charlotte Observer reported. The district responded by installing body scanners in its 48 middle schools, the Observer reported. The technology already existed in all CMS high schools. Data also show that a relatively new form of cigarette may also become more common on school grounds. More than 2.5 million middle and high school students reported using electronic cigarettes, commonly referred to as vapes, in 2022, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Here are the items that students are banned from bringing to CMS schools, and the punishments they could face if theyre caught with them. What items are prohibited in CMS? According to the CMS Code of Student Conduct, students are not allowed to bring drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaporizers, pornographic material or weapons to school. Prohibited weapons include: Toy knives Toy guns Weapons not capable of propelling missiles Knives Guns Box cutters or razor blades Camouflaged weapons Objects thrown from buses Ammunition Fireworks Bombs Airsoft, BB or pellet guns Any object or substance that could cause injury Toys and electronic games are not allowed without permission from the school, the code of conduct says. Can CMS students bring cellphones to school? CMS students can bring cellphones to school, but they must be turned off and put away during school hours, according to the code of conduct. Cell phones can be used in school for educational purposes, including student education, research and career development, the code of conduct says. Students who use cellphones during school without permission can have them confiscated and returned to their parents. What is the penalty for bringing prohibited items to school? Punishments for bringing banned items to school vary, according to CMS. Level I responses, the minimum response for infractions, provide programs and/or school options for students who are at risk for behavioral issues and may be disenfranchised from school or commit minor infractions on an infrequent basis, according to the code of conduct. These responses may include a verbal warning, parent contact or in-school suspension. Students who commit serious offenses can face long-term suspension or expulsion from school, the code of conduct says. By law, students who bring firearms or other destructive items to school must be suspended from school for 365 days. Jeffrey Long is a radiation oncologist in Kentucky. He's also the founder of the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation. He says studying near-death experiences has made him a better cancer doctor. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jeffrey Long. It has been edited for length and clarity. Thirty-seven years ago I was an oncologist resident, learning about how best to treat cancer using radiation. These were the pre-internet days, so I did my research in the library. One day, I was flipping through a large volume of the Journal of the American Medical Association when I came across an article describing near-death experiences. It stopped me in my tracks. All my medical training told me you were either alive or dead. There was no in-between. But suddenly, I was reading from a cardiologist describing patients who had died and then came back to life, reporting very distinct, almost unbelievable experiences. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement From that moment, I was fascinated with near-death experiences or NDEs. I define a near-death experience as someone who is either comatose or clinically dead, without a heartbeat, having a lucid experience where they see, hear, feel emotions, and interact with other beings. Learning more about these experiences has fundamentally changed my view of the universe. Near-death experiences have common threads When I finished my residency, I started the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation. I started collecting stories from people who had NDEs and evaluating them with the mind of a scientist and doctor. I made opinions based on evidence and came into this as a skeptic. But in the face of overwhelming evidence, I've come to believe there's certainly an afterlife. No two NDEs are the same. But as I studied thousands of them, I saw a consistent pattern of events emerging in a predictable order. About 45% of people who have an NDE report an out-of-body experience. When this happens, their consciousness separates from their physical body, usually hovering above the body. The person can see and hear what's happening around them, which usually includes frantic attempts to revive them. One woman even reported a doctor throwing a tool on the floor when he picked up the wrong onesomething the doctor later confirmed. After the out-of-body experience, people say they're transported into another realm. Many pass through a tunnel and experience a bright light. Then, they're greeted by deceased loved ones, including pets, who are in the prime of their lives. Most people report an overwhelming sense of love and peace. They feel like this other realm is their real home. I haven't found any scientific explanation for these experiences These experiences may sound cliche: the bright light, the tunnel, the loved ones. But over twenty-five years of studying NDEs, I've come to believe that these descriptions have become cultural tropes because they're true. I even worked with a group of children under five who had NDEs. They reported the same experiences that adults didand at that age, you're unlikely to have heard about bright lights or tunnels after you die. Other people report seemingly unbelievable events, which we can later confirm. One woman lost consciousness while riding her horse on a trail. Her body stayed on the trail while her consciousness traveled with her horse as he galloped back to the barn. Later, she was able to describe exactly what happened at the barn because she had seen it despite her body not being there. Others who hadn't spoken to her confirmed her account. I'm a medical doctor. I've read brain research and considered every possible explanation for NDEs. The bottom line is that none of them hold water. There isn't even a remotely plausible physical explanation for this phenomenon. I've also studied fear-death experiences, like near-miss car accidents I take a particular definition for NDEs. The person must be unconscious. But there's another type of phenomenon that fascinates me too: what I call "fear-death experiences." These are situations when you feel your life is in imminent danger. It might be a near-miss car accident or a sudden fall. These people generally don't experience the tunnel and light, but they often report their life "flashing before their eyes." While some people with NDEs report these life reviews, they're more common with fear-death experiences. People even recall events from toddlerhood that they can't consciously remember but that we can later confirm by talking with family members and others. Studying NDEs has made me a better cancer doctor While I'm passionate about NDEs, my day job still revolves around helping patients fight cancer. I don't tell my patients about my NDE research. And yet, my work with NDEs has made me a more compassionate and loving doctor. I'm able to help my patients face life-threatening diseases with increased courage and passion. My goal is to help them have more healthy days here on Earth. But I firmly believe that if and when they pass, they will be at peace. Read the original article on Insider Jack Antonoff has shared his response to several high-profile musicians ditching Scooter Braun as their manager in recent days. Talent manager Braun, 42, has been credited with launching the careers of several stars, namely Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Within the space of a few days last week, however, multiple reports emerged of clients parting ways with the manager, including Grande, Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel. On Sunday (27 August), producer Antonoff weighed in on the public fallout by sharing a meme on his Instagram Stories. The image was taken from the life simulation video game The Sims, and showed a woman using a desktop computer intently while a newborn baby is aflame on the floor. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The accompanying quote read: Not now sweetie, mommy is trying to figure out why Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel just fired Scooter Braun as their manager. Antonoff, 39, is a close friend and frequent collaborator of Taylor Swift , who has had a tempestuous relationship with Braun for several years. The manager and Anti-Hero singer have been embroiled in a feud since Braun purchased the master recordings of Swifts first six studio albums in 2019, before later selling them on in an investment fund in a deal that is believed to be north of $300m (238.5m). Jack Antonoff shares Scooter Braun meme (Jack Antonoff / Instagram) At the time of the original sale, Swift condemned Braun, labelling him a bully and the definition of toxic male privilege in our industry. She claimed to have never been given the opportunity to buy the masters for herself, and has since been re-recording her old material as a means of regaining ownership of her sound. In an interview in 2021, Braun voiced his regret at Swifts response to the deal. Since the reports of celebrity clients moving on from Braun surfaced, the managers public comments have been minimal. Sources have denied that Bieber and Grande have ceased working with him. All of Scooter Brauns clients are under contract and negotiations have been going on for several months as Scooter steps into his larger role as HYBE America CEO, a source close to Braun told Variety. People are spreading rumours based on what they know, but they are off. Scooters team at SB Projects are still handling both Justin and Ariana as they work through what this new structure looks like. You can find a list of all of the artists who have reportedly split from Braun here. On Twitter/X on Tuesday (22 August), Braun broke his silence and appeared to make light of the situation. Breaking news Im no longer managing myself, he said. Yevhen Hrushovets, Head of the Public Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, has admitted that the purchase of jackets for the Armed Forces was accompanied by "minor flaws", but insisted that the deal to purchase winter jackets was carried out in accordance with all necessary procedures. At the same time, the Anti-Corruption Council is going to find out whether the Turkish company is "connected with a representative of the authorities or the MPs". Source: Svoboda.Ranok, a project of Radio Svoboda (Liberty) Quote: "There are some minor flaws with these jackets; if I'm not mistaken, they concerned the labels. However, a commission was set up with the participation of the Logistics Forces Command and the Ministry of Defence Quality Control, and given the urgent need for these jackets for the winter season of 2022-2023, they were all accepted. Therefore, today the Public Anti-Corruption Council is planning to visit the warehouse or warehouses where these jackets are stored. We are communicating with the military. For me, there is no question whether these were summer or winter jackets. They were definitely winter jackets." Details: Hrushovets said that the Public Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defence will also try to answer the question of whether the Turkish company is connected to a representative of the government or the MPs. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This is of great importance. If it really was a plot, then it's one story, as it's corruption. If it wasn't a plot but assistance for the Ukrainian army to have these jackets, it is assistance to the Armed Forces. That is why we are trying to answer all these questions," he said. Hrushovets also stressed that the Anti-Corruption Council found that the Ministry of Defence did not have the invoices that the journalists had at their disposal. "It is the invoices that contain the price in Turkish documents. Because these documents are submitted exclusively by the Turkish side when it ships the goods. And, basically, the Ministry of Defence should not have had these documents," he explained. In addition, the public council is going to find out whether there was a corruption component in the price. However, he stressed, "we understand that it is impossible to buy a winter jacket for US$30." At the same time, Hrushovets said, the issue of inflated prices does not concern the Ministry of Defence. "When contracts were signed there, the contract specified the price. And, given that this is a non-domestic product, how the manufacturer will declare this product in its country of origin, and then in the countries through which these jackets transited, it essentially doesn't concern the Ministry of Defence," he said. Watch more on the topic (with English subtitles): Servant of jackets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Who is making money out of the war in Ukraine? Background: On 10 August, the media outlet Dzerkalo Tyzhnia reported that in 2022, a Turkish company had sold summer jackets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine under the guise of winter jackets. The outlets website, ZN.UA, has a package of supporting documents for one of the batches of goods from Vector Avia. It shows how 4,900 jackets worth US$142,000 were transformed into 4,900 jackets worth US$421,000. On their way from Turkish to Ukrainian customs, the jackets gained in value from US$29 to US$86 per piece. At a meeting of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, it was reported that the scandal-ridden procurement of jackets and trousers for the Armed Forces involved a fake invoice scheme, that the supplier company was probably set up specifically for this supply, and that about 120,000 sets of uniforms are now in the hands of the military. Ukrainian Pravda found out that Vector Avia turned out to be co-owned by Oleksandr Kasai. He is the nephew of Hennadii Kasai, a Ukrainian MP and member of the Sluha Narodu (Servant of the People) party who sits on the Verkhovna Rada (Parliamentary) Committee for National Security, Defence and Intelligence. Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov responded to the accusations by offering Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach and MP Anastasiia Radina a wager. However, he did not comment on the fact that the co-owner of the Turkish company Vector Avia is the nephew of MP Kasai, nor could he explain "why some Turkish documents indicate the price of a winter jacket at US$29". Reznikov said that the Public Anti-Corruption Council at the Ministry of Defence was dealing with it. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! In the wake of a racially-motivated mass shooting that killed 3 Black people at a Dollar General on Saturday near the campus of Edward Waters University, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced $1 million to boost security at the HBCU. The initial, immediate award of $1 million is coming through the Volunteer Florida Foundation, according to a news release from DeSantis office. This is in addition to an award of $100,000 to help the impacted families of this tragedy. We are not going to allow our HBCUs to be targets for hateful scumbags, DeSantis said in the release. Ive directed my administration to use every resource available to ensure the Edward Waters campus is safe following this shooting and to help the impacted families as they mourn their loved ones. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began visiting the campus on Sunday, providing additional security including during the vigil, and began monitoring social media for any additional threats. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass is visiting with EWU President Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. on Monday to begin the assessment of the campus security infrastructure. The Governor originally announced the awards when attending a prayer vigil for the victims in Jacksonville. In the release, DeSantis said his office will continue to stay in contact with Faison, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters to ensure that the community has the resources they need as they process this tragedy. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] State Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) called the funding a band-aid offer and issued the following statement: Let me be perfectly clear: no amount of money can erase the pain caused by years of marginalization and oppression. Our historically Black institutions have faced an uphill battle for decades, and I invite DeSantis to go back through unfilled budget requests and line item vetoes to begin to provide the funding theyve needed for years. For it to take murder for him to dig in his overflowing coffers for support is appalling. The recent Jacksonville shooting, which targeted Black individuals, is a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of unchecked racism. While DeSantis may feign concern now, his track record speaks louder than his hollow words. We need actions, not publicity stunts. I urge the Governor to do more than make empty gestures and call folks names. Its time for him to truly reckon with the damage he has caused, to apologize for the harm he has inflicted, and to actively work towards undoing the racist system hes helped uphold and grow. 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. An artist from Dallas, Texas is painting a mural, honoring the three victims killed during Saturdays racially motivated mass shooting at the New Town Dollar General store. Roberto Marquez came to Jacksonville after he heard three people were killed. I went to the store and got some flowers, and lumber from the neighborhood, so I started building the crosses, people came later and told me the names of the people that died, Marquez said. A memorial is growing in New Town with flowers, and crosses, for all three victims who lost their lives. A heartbroken community is grieving the loss of 29-year-old Jerrald Gallion, 52-year-old Angela Carr, and 19-year-old Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Police said the gunman, 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter, from Oakleaf wanted to kill black people. Now as the community comes together, Marquez wants to paint a ray of hope. This might not be too much, but once again its a gesture of support, Marquez said. [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. Ryan Palmeter, the alleged gunman who shot dead three people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday was able to buy the weapons he used in the attack legally, despite once having been taken into the states care after suffering a mental health episode, law enforcement has said. Palmeter was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a Glock handgun and was wearing a tactical vest and face mask when he arrived in the discount stores parking lot around 1pm on Saturday and fired 11 rounds into a black Kia, killing the driver, 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr. He subsequently entered the store in the citys New Town neighbourhood and allowed some shoppers to leave before opening fire on those who remained, shooting dead store employee Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr, 19, and customer Jarrald DeShaun Gallion, 29, before finally turning one of the guns on himself. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff TK Waters explained that Palmeter had left several manifestos behind for his parents to find on his computer at the home he shared with them in Orange Park, Clay County, that outlined his white supremacist beliefs. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Portions of these manifestos detail the shooters disgusting ideology of hate, Sheriff Waters said. Plainly put, the shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people. He wanted to kill n******. Thats the one and only time Ill use that word. I want to be very clear that theres absolutely no evidence that the shooter is part of any large group. We know that he acted completely alone. However, the sheriff said there had been no prior reason to believe Palmeter represented a threat: There was no criminal record, nothing. There were no red flags. As for the weapons used, Sheriff Waters said they had been acquired legally in April and June this year. In this situation, there was nothing illegal about him owning the firearms, he said, stressing that the weapons had not belonged to the suspects parents, who had refused to allow him to keep firearms in their home. A photo shared on the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Facebook page over the weekend showed a close-up of one of the guns with at least two swastikas marked on it. The AR-15-style weapon had Palmetto State Armory and PA-15 engraved on it, with the manufacturers website describing the PA-15 model as our interpretation of the legendary AR-15 rifle that you have grown to love. Ryan Palmeter (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union/AP) While Palmeter had no criminal record, he was previously involved in a 2016 domestic incident involving his brother James who is reportedly now serving a jail sentence for armed robbery but was not arrested, the sheriff said. More significantly, he was also held in state custody in 2017 under Floridas Baker Act, a statute that allows for people to be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination for up to 72 hours if they are considered a danger to themselves or others during a mental health crisis. Speaking to CNN later on Sunday, Sheriff Waters explained: If there is a Baker Act situation, theyre prohibited from getting guns. Asked why, in that case, Palmeter had been able to buy them, the sheriff said: We dont know if that Baker Act was recorded properly, whether it was considered a full Baker Act. The investigation is ongoing but the sheriffs words appear to outline two possible scenarios administrative error or a favourable ruling on Palmeters wellbeing that might explain why he was allowed to purchase the weapons after having been flagged as a cause for concern and taken in for examination by medical professionals under the Act. Since Saturdays attack, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has chosen to mount a defence of AR-style weapons, declaring on social media: Millions of law-abiding citizens own and use AR-15s to defend themselves and their families. The family of a 29-year-old man killed in this weekends massacre at a Dollar General store in Florida has revealed how the young man planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughterbut was shot before he got a chance to see her. Jerrald Gallion had only just entered the discount store with his girlfriend on Saturday when he was shot dead in what is being described as a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville. The suspect, Ryan Christopher Palmeter, died after storming the store with two gunsa handgun and an AR-15-style rifleone of which was reportedly decorated with a swastika. Authorities confirmed the 21-year-old turned a gun on himself and died by suicide. My brother shouldnt have lost his life, Latiffany Gallion told the Associated Press on Sunday. A simple day of going to the store, and hes taken away from us forever. Two family members did not immediately reply to a request for comment from The Daily Beast. A family member of 29-year-old Jerrald Gallion leaves a message for the community @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/FLpIWIAhiy Aleesia Hatcher (@AHatcherNews) August 27, 2023 Several other relatives told the Associated Press that Gallion was a devoted father, and though his relationship with the childs mother didn't work out, he still had the respect of her family. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He never missed a beat, Sabrina Rozier, the childs maternal grandmother, said Sunday at a vigil honoring the victims. He got her every weekend. As a matter of fact, he was supposed to have her (Saturday). Rozier said the family had not yet told the 4-year-old, Je Asia, and were struggling to decide how best to tell her. She revealed Gallions last conversation with his daughter was hours before his death, at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, when she couldnt sleep. The pair were supposed to meet later that day. My heart melted for my granddaughter, because she was his world and he was her world. And now were trying to figure out how to tell her, because we havent told her yet and shes only 4. Hes been active since day one, this guy changed his whole life for her, he worked hard to take care of his daughter, they was looking forward to their father-daughter dance coming up in February, so now her uncles got to step in and take his place right now, Rozier added. Its hurtful, I thought racism was behind us and evidently its not. Bishop John Guns, whose St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Gallion attended in Jacksonville, was also at the vigil Sunday. In two weeks I have to preach a funeral of a man who should still be alive, Guns said. He was not a gangster, he was not a thughe was a father who gave his life to Jesus and was trying to get it together. A prayer vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at the Dollar General has just completed. Angela Michelle Carr Anolt Joseph "AJ" Laguerre Jr. Jerrald Gallion Remember their names and hold their families close to your heart. No more hate. No more division. pic.twitter.com/Y1PatDmZlP City of Jacksonville (@CityofJax) August 27, 2023 The Sheriffs Office named the three victims Sunday, including 29-year-old Gallion. The other two victims are 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr and 19-year-old Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr. Few details are known on the other victims, though Carr was shot in her car and Laguerre in the store as he tried to flee. In a series of Facebook posts, a man who identified himself as Angela Michelle Carrs son expressed sorrow at not telling his mother he loved her before her death. I love you Im sorry for everything I wish I wouldve told you this yesterday, he wrote. Dollar General also confirmed in a statement to CNN that Laguerre was an employee at the store. There is no place for hate at Dollar General or in the communities we serve, the company added. Right now, we are focused on providing support, counseling and resources to our teams and their loved ones, and we are evaluating how we can best support and stand with the greater Jacksonville community during this sad and difficult time. In a statement Sunday, President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are praying for the victims and their families, and we grieve with the people of Jacksonville. Even as we continue searching for answers, we must say clearly and forcefully that white supremacy has no place in America, Biden continued. We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the color of their skin. Hate must have no safe harbor. Silence is complicity and we must not remain silent. 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. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday that labor unions serve as a pillar of the U.S. middle class and argued for making it easier for employees to bargain collectively to improve their pay and working conditions. Yellen made her remarks as the Treasury Department released a new report analyzing the economic contributions of unions and making the case for a reinvigorated labor movement. The share of workers belonging to unions has been declining for decades a fact the agency says has held wages down and made the economy less equal. These findings challenge arguments that unions hold back growth, Yellen, a former chair of the Federal Reserve, told reporters. Unions can contribute to reversing the stark increase in inequality weve seen in recent decades, promoting economy-wide growth. She said the report was Treasurys first major effort to lay out the rationale for why we think this is so important. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The report found that union workers earn wages that are 10% to 15% higher than non-union workers performing the same jobs, and are more likely to enjoy benefits like a retirement plan and subsidized child care. Yellen said the findings showed that unionization has a spillover effect in which workers at non-union firms see their wages go up as the firms compete in hiring. Our research also finds that unions fuel equality, Yellen said. Todays unions benefit all demographic groups and reduce race and gender wage gaps. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said unions could be Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said unions could be "fuel equality" in the country's economy. The Treasury report endorsed a number of pro-union proposals pushed by the Biden administration, including the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act, a grab bag of labor law reforms that would remove barriers to forming unions. The legislation has stalled in Congress and stands virtually no chance of passing while Republicans control the House. Vice President Kamala Harris, who heads up a White House task force on promoting collective bargaining, said the report was the first of its kind by the Treasury Department. She said the research reinforces what President Biden and I always knew to be true: union workers make our middle class and our entire economy [stronger]. Collective bargaining still has a robust role in U.S. government jobs, but union membership has fallen to a rate of just 6% in the private sector down from more than 30% in the years following World War II. Although there are several reasons for the decline, research has shown that employers have grown more hostile to collective bargaining in recent decades. Unions can contribute to reversing the stark increase in inequality weve seen in recent decades.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen The Treasury report argues that a more robust labor movement could reverse some of the negative trends faced by the middle class since the 1970s: stagnating wages, deteriorated retirement preparedness, and decreased leisure time. The last couple of years have seen a surge in new organizing as workers at companies like Starbucks, Trader Joes and Apple seek to form new unions. The National Labor Relations Board has reported an increase in the number of union election petitions filed by workers compared to before the pandemic, though its still too early to say whether the boost in organizing will lead to lasting gains for the labor movement. Biden has cast himself as the most pro-union president in the offices history, and the White House used the Treasury report to highlight some of his union-friendly moves. That includes reshaping the labor board with progressive appointees to support more organizing and crack down on illegal union-busting. On Friday, the board released perhaps its most consequential decision of the Biden era, creating a new standard for when an employer must recognize and bargain with a union. NLRB members said it should remove some of the incentive for employers to use illegal tactics when resisting a union drive. H-IIA No. 47 is on the launching pad at Tanegashima Space Center on the southwestern island of Tanegashima By Kantaro Komiya and Rocky Swift TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's space agency suspended a planned launch on Monday of a rocket carrying what would be the country's first spacecraft to land on the moon, with operator Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) citing high winds. Although the H-IIA rocket, the Japanese flagship launch vehicle, has a 98% launch success rate, unsuitable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere forced a suspension 27 minutes before the planned liftoff. "High-altitude winds hit our constraint for a launch... which had been set to ensure no impact from debris falling outside of pre-warned areas," said MHI H-IIA launch unit chief Tatsuru Tokunaga. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Strong winds of nearly 108 kph (67 mph) were observed at an altitude of 5,000-15,000 metres (16400-49200 ft), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) safety manager Michio Kawakami said. Multiple typhoons around Japan could have affected the wind conditions, he added. The new launch date has not been decided, but will be no sooner than Thursday because of necessary processes such as re-fuelling, Tokunaga said. MHI and JAXA have said a launch could take place as late as Sept. 15. The rocket was to be launched from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on Monday morning; it had already been postponed twice since last week because of bad weather. It will mark the 47th H-IIA Japan has launched. 'MOON SNIPER' MISSION The rocket is carrying JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), which would be the first Japanese spacecraft to land on the moon. Tokyo-based startup ispace's Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander crashed on the lunar surface in April. JAXA was planning to start SLIM's landing from lunar orbit in January-February 2024 after Monday's launch, aiming to follow the success of India's Chandrayaan-3 moon exploration mission this month. Dubbed the "moon sniper", the SLIM mission seeks to achieve a high-precision landing within 100 metres of its target on the moon's surface - a technological leap from conventional lunar-landing accuracy of several kilometres, according to JAXA. The rocket is also carrying an X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite, a joint project of JAXA, NASA and the European Space Agency. H-IIA, jointly developed by JAXA and MHI, has been Japan's flagship space launch vehicle, with 45 successful launches in 46 tries since 2001. However, after JAXA's new medium-lift H3 rocket failed on its debut in March, the agency postponed the launch of H-IIA No. 47 for several months to investigate the cause. Despite its goal to send astronauts on the lunar surface in the late 2020s, Japan's space missions have faced recent setbacks, with the launch failure of the Epsilon small rocket in October 2022, followed by an engine explosion during a test last month. (This story has been refiled to restore a deleted 'a' in paragraph 1) (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Rocky Swift; Editing by Kim Coghill and Gerry Doyle) New Jersey families with children who had gathered in Princeton on Saturday to enjoy a drag queen story hour event were forced to evacuate the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice after somebody threatened it with violence. An unknown person sent the Princeton Police Department an email containing derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community and the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice shortly before 11 a.m., police said, Patch reports. The person said that explosive devices were placed around the center's property. Police responded immediately to this threat, directing people to leave the center. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The organizers of the drag queen story hour maintained calm and still put on a celebration. While authorities investigated the reported threat, drag queen Carrie Dragshaw, who had to leave her wig behind during the evacuation, led kids and parents down the road with the motto "The show must go on." The group enjoyed an outdoor reading on the stoop of a nearby building. The safe space we offer to our LGBTQIA youth, intersectional families, and all our beautifully diverse folx is not only a physical entity but indeed something we carry within our hearts and our souls, said Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, founder and chief activist of the BRCSJ. These despicable actions threatened, this dishonest, bigoted rhetoric espoused, this abhorrent hate will only ever be answered by a stronger, braver, and more empowering message of love. He said the bomb threat didn't deter the organization's gathering. We want to thank all the family and community members who showed up and glowed up, our drag queen Carrie Dragshaw, whose lack of wig was made up by far more spirit, and the Princeton Police Department, who were kind and considerate as they did their due diligence to keep us all safe, Seda-Schreiber added. The improvised drag queen story hour allowed communities to connect meaningfully, Seda-Schreiber said. After Dragshaw read to the children a drag queen celebration book a parent had brought, the crowd engaged in conversations that Seda-Schreiber said might not have happened otherwise. It allowed for this other experience that we wouldnt have had otherwise. And whos to say it wasnt, if not, as good, maybe even better, that we had this special moment this meaningful moment together, he noted. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden will mark the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington at a memorial ceremony in Alaska with members of the military, first responders and their families, the White House said Monday. The commemoration will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage and is expected to include units from the Air Force, the Army, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves and others. Biden will stop in Alaska while returning from the Group of 20, or G-20, summit of world leaders in New Delhi, India. Before arriving in Alaska, Biden plans to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sept. 10 and meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused Vietnamese economy, expand ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change and increase peace, prosperity and stability in the region, Jean-Pierre said. President Joe Biden will mark the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington at a memorial ceremony in Alaska. Nearly 3,000 people died when terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the World Trade Centers twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon outside of Washington on Sept. 11, 2001. Another hijacked plane believed to be headed for the U.S. Capitol crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all 44 people on board. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will participate in a commemoration ceremony at National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. First lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to honor the lives lost on 9/11. Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, @mcollinsNEWS. Sept. 11 by the numbers: Facts from a tragic day in American history From the archives: The day before an American tragedy: dispatches from Sept. 10, 2001 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sept. 11: Joe Biden to mark 9/11 attacks at memorial event in Alaska Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, commonly known as ' Joe the Plumber ', who rose to fame during the 2008 presidential campaign after he confronted Barack Obama about his proposed tax plan, died Sunday, according to multiple media reports. The American conservative activist and commentator was 49. "Our hearts are broken. We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made an impact on so many lives," his wife Katie Wurzelbacher wrote in a statement released to Fox News. "When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as Joe the Plumber but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: just Joe," she told the outlet. "He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Who is running for president in 2024? A closer look at each candidate ahead of the election Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, appears with Republican presidential candidate John McCain at Washington Park in Sandusky in October 2008. 04 watchdog Joe the Plumber's Stage 3 cancer diagnosis Wurzelbacher had recently been battling Stage 3 Pancreatic cancer, according to a fundraising page created this year to help his family with medical bills. According to the page, he was undergoing treatment at the Ann Arbor, Michigan, VA Hospital as well as the University of Michigan Hospital. "It's with great sadness that I post this update: Joe passed away earlier this morning and entered our Lord's heavenly home," an updated comment on the post read Monday. "Recently, Joe made this comment during a Faithwire interview and it sums up his life journey: 'God doesnt promise us an easy road. He just promises to be there for us when we go on these roads.'" As of Monday afternoon the fundraiser had garnered more than $140,000. Republican lawmaker praises Nikki Haley's abortion stance: 'You cannot go after women and attack them' Who was 'Joe the Plumber'? Wurzlebacher, a native of Toledo, Ohio, made national headlines after the exchange with Obama in the 2008 campaign, when Wurzlebacher expressed concern that Obama's then-proposed tax policy would increase taxes for small businesses. GOP Presidential candidate John McCain and his supporters soon stepped in and started publicizing 'Joe the Plumber' "as a stand in for the average working American" at campaign stops. Wurzelbacher would later join in campaign appearances. He was also a 2012 Republican candidate for U.S. Congress from Ohio's 9th district. Contributing: Chris Woodyard Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Joe the Plumber', Samuel Wurzelbacher, dies of cancer at 49 A picture released by the Jordanian Armed Forces website shows what it said is a drone that was flying into Jordanian territory from neighbouring Syria By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - The Jordanian army said it downed a drone heading from Syria on Monday in the third such incident thi s month, while officials said an increase in weapons being smuggled across the border was raising concerns about a new Iranian-instigated threat beyond drugs. The army said in a statement that the drone was brought down in its territory but did not say what it was carrying. Officials have recently revealed weapons were being smuggled as well as narcotics by drone. Jordanian officials said the increasing use of drones carrying explosives was adding a new dimension in a relentless cross-border billion-dollar drug war the staunch U.S. ally has long blamed on Iranian-backed militias that hold sway in southern Syria. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This is Iranian targeting of Jordan helped by the presence of their militias near our border. It poses a security threat that goes beyond drugs," Samih Al Maitah, a former minister familiar with developments along the border said. Syria is accused by Arab governments and the West of producing the highly addictive and lucrative amphetamine captagon and organising its smuggling into the Gulf, with Jordan a main transit route. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government denies allegations by Jordan and the West of its involvement in drug-making and smuggling, or complicity by Iranian-backed militias protected by units with the Syrian army and security forces. Iran says the allegations are part of Western plots against the country. Jordanian officials say talks with senior Syrian officials to curb Iranian-run smuggling networks face hurdles with the inability of Damascus to impose order over a southern region where a state of lawlessness prevails. Jordan, which has intensified military drills along its border with Syria, announced 10 days ago it had foiled a large smuggling operation, the latest bust that officials say refute allegation by Damascus it was tightening controls along the border. During a visit by the top U.S. general last week, Jordan raised getting more U.S. support for its efforts to curb drug trafficking by Iranian militias and Syrian army units linked to it, Jordanian officials say. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed in an interview with state-owned Al Mamlaka TV that Washington was working closely with its ally to provide equipment, training and advice to deal with the growing drug trafficking threat. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Bill Berkrot) House Republicans are asking the Justice Department to lay out the scope of the Hunter Biden investigation after prosecutor David Weiss was appointed as a special counsel in the matter. Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware who has been leading a five-year investigation into Biden, was appointed as special counsel earlier this month after a plea deal in the case fell apart. But GOP lawmakers who previously called for the appointment of a special counsel in the matter have opposed Weisss elevation, suggesting that the matter should have been handed to an outside figure. It is not clear why you have only now, after the investigation has been going on for five years, opted to appoint Mr. Weiss as special counsel, especially after you and the Department represented that Mr. Weiss already had ultimate authority over the case, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) wrote in a letter also signed by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The letter asks Attorney General Merrick Garland for all documents and communications relating to Weisss elevation as well as any related memos. The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the letter but declined to comment. Weisss appointment follows the release of transcripts from two IRS whistleblowers critical of the prosecutors handling of the case, arguing Weisss team slow-walked the investigation and showed Biden preferential treatment. The whistleblowers, both IRS investigators, suggested that Weisss team found stronger evidence of tax crimes in California and Washington, D.C., but that he faced resistance in bringing charges outside his district. Both Weiss and Garland have denied that, saying he was given ultimate authority to handle the investigation as he saw fit and could be elevated to a special attorney status if he deemed it necessary to bring charges elsewhere. Weiss did not approach Garland about special counsel status until early August, with the announcement of the appointment followed by numerous filings in Bidens case. Those filings solidified that the deal which had Biden pleading guilty to two counts of willful failure to pay taxes has completely dissolved, with prosecutors suggesting charges may instead be filed in California or D.C. The letter from the three chairmen was sent hours after attorneys for former President Trump appeared in a D.C. courthouse alongside prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smiths team for a hearing to determine the trial date in his election interference case, now set for March of next year. Garland appointed Weiss in the midst of the last hearing in the case. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Who is Steve Jones, the judge deciding whether to move Fulton County defendants cases to federal court? Federal Judge Steve Jones of the Northern District of Georgia is slated to hear requests from the Fulton County defendants who are seeking to move their cases to federal court. Jones was appointed by former President Obama and was confirmed by the Senate in 2011 in a 90-0 vote. Before serving in federal court, Jones had served as a judge of the 10th Superior Court District of Georgia since 1995. Jones was born and raised in Athens, Ga., and attended the University of Georgia for both his undergraduate and law degree, which he received in 1987. Jones will hear from at least five defendants seeking to move their cases, who are among 19 individuals charged with attempting to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia: Mark Meadows , former President Trumps White House chief of staff; Jeffrey Clark , a former Justice Department official; David Shafer, a fake elector and former Georgia Republican Party chairman; Shawn Still, now a sitting state senator; and Cathy Latham, the then-chairwoman of the Coffee County, Ga., Republican Party. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The judge has already weighed in on the Georgia election case by denying requests from Meadows and Clark to block their arrest in Fulton County last week. The co-defendants had argued that their arrest and state proceedings should be halted as they attempt to move their cases to federal court. As Meadowss arguments and cases cited to the contrary are not persuasive, the Court denies Meadowss request for the Court to decide its jurisdiction over his criminal case before holding an evidentiary hearing, Jones ruled in Meadowss case. Meadowss hearing on whether his case will be moved to federal court began Monday morning. Jones has also made other significant rulings in the state. Just last month, he refused to dismiss lawsuits alleging that Georgias congressional and legislative districts illegally discriminate against Black voters, saying that he must hear the facts in a full trial. He also ruled in 2020 that a six-week abortion ban in the state was unconstitutional, saying that a woman has a constitutional liberty to have some freedom to terminate her pregnancy. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In each of former President Donald Trumps four indictments, he has been allowed to stay out of jail before his trial so long as he abides by certain conditions commonly applied to most people accused of crimes in the U.S. In the federal case in Washington, D.C., that concerns Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump is under a protective order barring him from speaking to people involved in the case except through or with his lawyers. In a document unsealed on Sept. 15, 2023, special counsel Jack Smith has also asked the judge in that case to issue a narrow, well-defined gag order against Trump to protect witnesses and the jury pool. In the New York state case regarding alleged falsification of business records, Trump has been ordered not [to] communicate about facts of the case with any individual known to be a witness, except with counsel or the presence of counsel. In the federal case in Florida, about his handling of classified documents, he is under a similar order. In the Georgia racketeering case about the alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, Trumps bond agreement imposes limits like those imposed by the other judges and also says he may not intimidate or threaten anyone involved in the case, including by posting on social media. Trump has objected to all of these restraints, saying they limit his First Amendment rights to free speech and in particular his right to discuss the cases while campaigning for the presidency. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement As an attorney, professor and author of a book about the boundaries of the First Amendment, I see all of those orders as efforts to, in fact, protect both Trumps First Amendment speech rights and his rights under another part of the Constitution the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to a fair trial. Protecting Trumps rights Key to a fair trial is the idea that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. That means the jury must be free of bias against either the defendant or the prosecution and open-minded to assessing guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented in court without regard to any outside influences. All the orders Trump is subject to are designed to protect that presumption. To do so, they limit his ability to speak publicly about the cases against him, but they do so within the limits of the Constitution. The federal protective order imposed by D.C. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ostensibly limits Trumps ability to share evidence collected by the Department of Justice in its investigation of the conspiracy and obstruction crimes with which he is charged. However, in an Aug. 11, 2023, hearing, the judge made clear that she intends to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings both inside her courtroom and in the court of public opinion. To that end, she warned that all parties take special care to avoid prejudicing the jury pool or intimidating witnesses. The Georgia bond order adds specificity to that warning and bars Trump from making any direct or indirect threats by any manner, including posts and reposts to social media, against his co-defendants, unindicted co-conspirators, witnesses or victims of his alleged crimes. These limits without doubt restrict Trumps ability to speak freely but theyve been imposed because his own actions led to criminal charges. And the courts are bound to protect his constitutional right to defend himself before an unbiased jury, even if he prefers to speak more freely. In any event, First Amendment rights have often been subject to restrictions based on when, where and how a person speaks, for the purpose of balancing free speech with other competing social purposes. For instance, the reason someone may not yell fire in a crowded theater if there is not an actual fire is the resulting threat to everyone elses safety. Both the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial serve individual interests, but also the interests of society at large. In Trumps cases, the restrictions on his speech are to protect his right to a fair and impartial jury pool, as well as societys right to hear testimony from witnesses who are not afraid to tell the truth. Former President Donald Trump says his free speech rights to campaign should overrule courts pretrial restrictions. AP Photo/Butch Dill The courts of law and public opinion Trump has a right to speak and the public has a right to be allowed to listen if they wish. In fact, the audiences rights are often one key protection against censorship of a speaker. A criminal defendants First Amendment right to publicize his theory of the case protects not only his interests, but also the interests of the public, by serving as a check on overreaching by the prosecution or the judge. However, the court of public opinion in legal terms, the public forum remains a relatively ungoverned space. A speaker can generally make all manner of statements, whether true or false, as long the statements do not incite lawless action or terror in the audience. But the same is not true of the courtroom. Speech there is constrained by rules of evidence, which are designed to protect the principles and standards of the criminal justice system; [l]egal trials are not like elections, to be won through the use of the meeting-hall, the radio, and the newspaper, as Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black put it in a 1941 ruling. In other words, a defendants Sixth Amendment right to be judged by an unbiased jury of their peers combines with the right of the public to justice and fairness in court proceedings. Threats and intimidation targeted at participants in a criminal trial jeopardize the judicial system. Unfiltered evidence published outside of the courtroom can hamper the abilities of all parties to move the case forward quickly, affect testimony of witnesses at trial and infect the jury pool making it difficult to find a group that will judge the case only upon evidence introduced at trial. Trump has not been silenced. Even in the face of all four orders in place, and any gag order that might be issued, he still retains his First Amendment right to assert that the federal and state charges against him represent a miscarriage of justice. He can demand scrutiny of the motivations behind his prosecutions. However, he may not use that right to subvert societys constitutionally protected right to the integrity of the criminal justice system. First Amendment protections are not absolute; simply because someone seeks to communicate does not guarantee its full protection. It is not his thoughts and opinions that are being restricted by the protective order or the bond order it is the manner in which he expresses them. At the conclusion of the proceedings, of course, many of the speech restrictions will be lifted, and Trump can speak his piece with the megaphone that the press is sure to provide. This is an updated version of an article originally published Aug. 28, 2023. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Lynn Greenky, Syracuse University. Read more: Lynn Greenky does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Tennessee Democrat state Rep. Justin Jones is planning to call for a vote of no confidence in the state House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R), he announced Monday. This morning, my office delivered this letter to Speaker Cameron Sexton and my legislative colleagues, sharing the intent to call for a vote of no confidence in the Speaker due to his continued abuse of power and dishonor to the public office he holds, Jones wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Tennesseans deserve better, he added. Jones wrote in the letter that Sexton is determined to continue leading our state down the path to failure, humiliation and authoritarianism. He accused the speaker of violating the mandate of public service, saying that his actions have desecrated the standing of this body, which is why is he calling for the vote of no confidence. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Jones listed out a dozen examples of why he was calling for a no confidence vote for Sexton, including enacting rules that restrict signs, his unwillingness to engage in conversations about gun violence and continuing to silent members who express dissent personal to him. It is for these reasons that the House must perform its duty to hold the Speaker to account and exercise an internal check on power, he wrote. In the face of these serious accusations it is the responsibility of this body to be fair and impartial and decide a course that is best for Tennessee. However, it is unlikely a vote of no confidence will succeed in the Republican-controlled House that voted to oust two Democratic lawmakers earlier this year. Jones, alongside Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson, interrupted House proceedings in late March to protest for gun control after a mass shooting at a Nashville school. Republicans succeeded in expelling Pearson and Jones, who are Black, from the body, while Johnson, who is white, was not expelled. Both Jones and Pearson were reelected earlier this month and have rejoined the Legislature representing Nashville and Memphis, respectively. Since then, Jones, Pearson and Johnson have been dubbed the Tennessee Three as they garnered national attention. The three of them also railed against new House rules earlier this month that attempted to limit what members could say on the floor. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MANHATTAN, Kan. (KSNW) Kansas State University is expanding a program that helps more students get free or almost tuition. K-States Land Grant Promise, which was only open to students from 10 counties last year, is now available to all Kansas counties. It includes students at all K-State locations, including Manhattan, Salina and Olathe, and K-State Online. FOX4 newsletters: Get the latest news delivered to your inbox A student has to meet specific guidelines: Be a Kansas resident with an active Kansas address at the time of application to K-State. Students who have met the states qualifications for residency exception for military personnel or indigenous students may qualify. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Must be Federal Pell Grant eligible as determined by FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Must meet satisfactory academic progress each semester. Annual combined family income of $70,000 or less demonstrated by FAFSA Complete the FAFSA by the published priority deadline each year. Be an undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each term, pursuing their first baccalaureate degree. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Promise is that the student will receive a total grant and scholarship aid package up to the equivalent cost of 15 credit hours of in-state tuition. K-State will automatically evaluate each student to see if they qualify. If the student qualifies and their existing grants and scholarships do not cover up to 15 hours a semester, K-State will automatically provide them a Land Grant Promise award. Click here to learn more details about the Land Grant Promise. Leavenworth woman loses nearly $100K in celebrity impostor scam We are committed to improving student access and success at K-State, said Karen Goos, vice provost of enrollment management at K-State. Of the Land Grant Promise recipients this fall, more than 48% identify as first generation or first in their family to pursue a bachelors degree. Removing financial barriers to K-State, a university that celebrates the highest retention and graduation rates of any university in the state, provides a pathway to a bright future full of opportunity. Students who do not qualify for the Land Grant Promise may be eligible for other aid, including micro-retention grants, completion grants and emergency assistance. Click here to learn more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Vice President Kamala Harris , left, stands onstage with California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the conclusion of an event at the IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in San Leandro, Calif., on September 8, 2021. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster Several Biden and Harris advisors have reservations about a potential Newsom-DeSantis debate, per NBC News. Some Democratic advisors think the debate could boost DeSantis ' struggling presidential campaign. And some of Harris' allies think Newsom would use a debate to elevate himself ahead of 2028. California Gov. Gavin Newsom hasn't been shy about going after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the past year, and in the process has grown his profile as one of the most recognizable Democrats in the country. While Newsom was thought to be a potential 2024 Democratic primary challenger to President Joe Biden, he poured cold water on those rumors months ago and has been one of the the president's biggest surrogates, holding fundraisers for his political ally and traveling with him throughout the state as they champion the administration's policies. But some of Biden's political advisors are annoyed with Newsom, according to NBC News, as the governor is set to debate DeSantis on Fox News in a event to be moderated by conservative anchor Sean Hannity. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement And the frustration extends to allies of Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the news outlet. Harris, who would be a natural successor to Biden in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, would likely face a crowded field of ambitious politicians looking to win the party nomination given her early stumbles as vice president. Several of Biden's advisors feel as though the debate might give the impression that there's a contested primary, which could cause issues for the party coalescing around the president next year given that some Democrats have expressed reservations about nominating him for a second term. Some Biden advisors also feel the debate could boost DeSantis, whose presidential campaign has so far failed to erode former President Donald Trump's dominance in the GOP primary, per NBC News. However, some advisors feel as though the debate won't affect the Biden campaign and might actually allow Democrats to use one of their younger leaders to advance the party's policies. Still, Harris' allies see the debate as Newsom's attempt to leap ahead of his fellow Golden State counterpart in the eyes of Democratic voters looking ahead to the 2028 presidential race, according to NBC News. An outside advisor to Harris told the outlet that Newsom's actions were "disrespectful." "Joe Biden is running with Kamala Harris. That's the Democratic ticket," the outside advisor said. The debate might not happen, as the two sides had gone back-and-forth over the terms of the event. Harris declined a debate invitation from DeSantis after she criticized him over new standards adopted by the Florida Department of Education regarding the teaching of slavery in public schools. But Biden could benefit from the governor of the largest state in the country defending his record as the president still struggles to make headway with convincing most Americans that his economic policies have been working. In a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Biden had a 42% approval rating overall, but had a 36% approval rating when it came to his handling of the economy. A Biden advisor who spoke to NBC News praised Newsom over his strong support of the president's reelection bid and didn't have major reservations about the governor potentially debating DeSantis. "What he's doing here is appropriate for a surrogate. It would not be appropriate for the president or the vice president," the advisor said. "We're in close touch with him. This is the kind of thing we want surrogates to do," the advisor added. Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz told NBC News that the campaign didn't have an issue with the debate. "Governor Newsom is a strong partner and surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign," Munoz wrote in a text message. "We coordinate closely on campaigning, whether it's fundraising or media. When he brought the debate idea to us, we endorsed it." Read the original article on Business Insider A restaurant owner in small-town Kansas is defending herself against accusations that her complaint about the reporting tactics of a local newspaper led to an unprecedented police search of the publications offices and the death of an elderly woman, raising alarms from First Amendment advocates across the country. You can knock me down, but you cant kick me out, Kari Newell of Marion told the Kansas City Star. A lot of people take straightforward honesty as abrasive, she added. People arent familiar with hearing the truth. On 7 August, Ms Newell, who owns two restaurants in the town, complained at a city council meeting that the Marion County Record had illegally accessed her personal information as it investigated a potential story on the business owners past offences involving drunk driving and driving without a licence. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The paper began investigating the past offences after local residents, including Ms Newells estranged husband, were circulating claims about Ms Newells history on social media using an alleged screenshot from a government website. A reporter for the Record, Phyllis Zorn, used information from the screenshot to investigate the claims, a move the Kansas Department of Revenue later said was legal. It would have been irresponsible to just take the word of someone out there, Ms Zorn later told The Washington Post. The paper ultimately decided not to run the story. Nonetheless, after Ms Newells public complaint, police searched the offices of the Record, on 11 August, seizing computers and cell phones. They also searched the home where the papers editor, Eric Meyer, lived with his elderly mother. In harrowing home video footage, Ms Meyer can be seen yelling at police to leave. She died the following day. After the raid, the story got even more complicated. Press advocates say its extraordinarily uncommon and alarming for police to raid a newspapers offices, especially for accessing a public website, in this case the Kansas Revenue Departments page. Newsroom searches and seizures are among the most intrusive actions law enforcement can take with respect to the free press, and the most potentially suppressive of free speech by the press and the public, read a letter signed by 34 prominent news and media groups after the search. Front pages for the Marion County Records latest weekly edition are displayed on a window at its offices "There appears to be no justification for the breadth and intrusiveness of the search particularly when other investigative steps may have been available and we are concerned that it may have violated federal law strictly limiting federal, state, and local law enforcements ability to conduct newsroom searches." The warrant for the raid on the papers offices alleged that the paper was either impersonating [Newell] or lying about the reasons why the record was being sought. Meanwhile, Ms Newell said shes been deluged with violent hate mail filled with expletives and comparing her to Hitler. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. On Friday (August 25), the family of a 19th-century Scottish slaveowner in Guyana apologized on behalf of their ancestor. But the apology didnt just come from any old slaveholders loin fruit it came from the mouth of a descendent of a former British head-of-state. Charles Gladstone is the great-great grandson of William Gladstone, who was the British prime minister from 1868 until 1894. William Gladstones father, John, was considered one of the largest slaveowners and human traffickers between Great Britain and the Caribbean, and the money he earned helped his son get started in politics. The Gladstones of today went to Guyana with a formal apology telling at gathering at the University of Guyana, It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestors involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity, we apologize to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana. In doing so, we acknowledge slaverys continuing impact on the daily lives of many. Yeah, sure. But what about that bag? UK news outlet The Guardian reported that by some estimates, Great Britain owed descendants of former enslaved people in Guyana pretty much all the money: Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In writing this heartfelt apology, we also acknowledge Sir John Gladstone s role in bringing indentured laborers to Guyana, and apologize for the clear and manifold injustices of this, he remarked. One day prior to Gladstones visit, Guyana President Irfaan Ali called for reparations and condemned descendants of European slave owners. John Gladstone was the father of 19th-century British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, and the recipient of more than 100,000 pounds in exchange for hundreds of slaves. However, Ali nor any other senior government officials were present for Gladstones speech. The crowd consisted of a students, university employees and grassroots organizations. Protestors stood outside the auditorium where Gladstone spoke, with several of them calling Gladstone and his family murderers. Some also held signs that said The Gladstones are murderers and Stolen people, stolen dreams. Cedric Castellow, who led the protest, called the apology perfunctory. The British government and others benefited from the slave trade, their descendants and heirs, Castellow stated. They owe us, and the legacy will affect future generations as well. Castellow is rightapologies are worthless if they arent attached to the billions in reparations owed to Caribbean countries. 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. The cold case murder of Ruth Marie Terry, also known as the "Lady of the Dunes," has officially closed with Massachusetts investigators saying her husband, Guy Muldavin, killed her in 1974. Terry's body was found in the dunes about one mile west of Race Point Road in Provincetown on July 26, 1974. She had died from blunt force trauma to the skull. Investigators could not identify Terry until DNA testing was performed in 2021. The violent circumstances of Terry's murder had prevented authorities from identifying her for years, CBS News previously reported. The killer removed Terry's hands, possibly to hide fingerprints, and her head was crushed and nearly severed from her body. Ruth Marie Terry. / Credit: FBI Boston Muldavin died in 2002. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Massachusetts State Police took over the investigation after Terry's remains were identified. Detectives learned that Terry and Muldavin were married in either 1973 or 1974 and traveled for their honeymoon in the summer of 1974. Guy Rockwell Muldavin / Credit: Massachusetts State Police The Cape & Islands District Attorney's office said Muldavin returned from the trip and was driving Terry's car. Muldavin told witnesses that Terry had died. According to Terry's family, Muldavin only said they had a fight during their honeymoon and he had not heard from her again. Muldavin was also a suspect in the deaths of his previous wife and a stepdaughter in Seattle in 1960. "Based on the investigation into the death of Ms. Terry, it has been determined that Mr. Muldavin was responsible for Ms. Terry's death in 1974," the DA's office said in a statement on Monday as they announced the case was closed. Terry, 37 at the time of her death, was born in Tennessee. Police have said she was "a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother." CBS News contributed to this report. Rita Moreno looks back at attending March on Washington 60 years ago A rare look at one of the "I Have A Dream" speech drafts Georgia students embrace new AI-driven curriculum A Republican Party activist and lawyer died after he was fatally stabbed in the neck inside his home in New Hampshire over the weekend, an autopsy found. Alexander Talcott, 41, was pronounced dead in his Durham home on Saturday morning. A news release the following day from the states attorney generals office said his death had been ruled a homicide and the parties involved in the incident have been identified. It added that authorities believe there is no danger to the public, with investigators looking into whether the person who stabbed Mr. Talcott acted in self-defense. DeSantis New Hampshire GOP Event Hits a Snag No arrests have yet been announced in connection with Talcotts death. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement William OBrien, the state director of the New Hampshire chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) told NBC 10 Boston that Talcott was a staunch advocate for the core values of the Republican Party. His unwavering belief in liberty, free markets, and limited government resonated deeply in his role as a lawyer, OBriens statement continued. He added that Talcott was an exceptionally skilled champion for the rule of law and the importance of fair and honest elections. We will forever honor Alexs selfless dedication and profound contributions to our shared vision of liberty through legal processes, OBrien said. In August 2021, WMUR-TV described Talcott as a real estate finance attorney and GOP activist who was named New Hampshires leader of the RNLA earlier that month and had said he was honored to be named to the post at a meeting of the group in Atlanta during the same year. According to his LinkedIn profile, the Talcott worked as a general counsel and director of real estate firm New Constellation Capital as well as an an adjunct instructor in business law and finance at the University of New Hampshire. In an interview published online last November, Talcott said he received public schooling in an affluent New York suburb and, in college, he met and later married a prestigious prep school alumna. And today we homeschool our three kids! he added. Talcott was quoted later in the interview as saying he was thirteen years sober and, when asked about the primary motivation of his work, he answered: I feel called to do my part to make my society as just and glorious as possible. Chris Ager, who said he worked alongside Talcott for 15 years, said Talcott was passionate about his work with the RNLA. He always wanted to do more and he was very helpful, Ager told WMUR-TV. He wanted to help. He came to me many times just asking, Hey, Chris, how can I help? Never asking for anything in return. He was that kind of person. Were really going to miss him a lot, Ager added. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Royalist is The Daily Beasts newsletter for all things royal and Royal Family. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox every Sunday. A royal show of support for Prince Andrew over the weekend was intended to signal that King Charles wants to welcome his controversial brother back into the family, a source close to the monarch told The Daily Beast. Prince Andrew was driven to church in Balmoral by Prince William Sundayin clear view of the waiting photographersafter months of ostracization following allegations about his entanglements with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew wont ever have the same ceremonial role within the family, he is no longer and never will be a working royal. That is clear, a friend of the king told The Daily Beast. But he is part of the family. He is the kings brother. He has not been found guilty of any crime and I think its fair to say that the king is making it clear that he wont turn his back on his brother. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The very visual inclusion of Andrew in the bosom of the family Sunday represents a dramatic change of fortunes for the duke, who was kicked out of the ranks of working royals, losing his office, personal protection and annual stipend of around $300,000 in the final months of the late Queen Elizabeths reign. He resigned his roles after he gave a disastrous interview to BBC Newsnight in which he denied recalling ever having met Virginia Giuffre , the Jeffrey Epstein trafficking victim who accused him of raping her, and subsequently brought legal action against Andrew. He implied that a photograph of him with his arm around the bare midriff of a teenage Giuffre was a fake. Andrew ultimately avoided what would have been a humiliating trial by paying Giuffre a reported multi-million dollar settlement, whilst maintaining his innocence. Charles is understood to have spearheaded the expulsion of Andrew from the inner circle of the working family at the time, as well as effectively striping him of his HRH title, which makes Sundays appearance alongside senior royals all the more remarkable. Royal Family Fears Unexploded Bombs Around Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein The historian and writer Andrew Lownie, who is currently working on what many expect will be the definitive biography of Andrew, told The Daily Beast that Sundays trip to church was particularly interesting because the relationship between William and Andrew has never been good. He said that suggested this was a carefully choreographed move. The family have been using the Prince and Princess of Wales to get them out of trouble a lot lately, and once again, they are doing the heavy lifting here, fixing problems not of their creation. This was clearly a very important event, and Williams had to put aside his objections... to agree to be in a car with him when they knew it was going to be filmed is an extraordinary development. Lownie said the royal family must have decided on an entirely new public relations plan to try and re-integrate Andrew. Until now, the family have been trying to distance themselves from Andrew, but Sundays ballet suggests that theres been a change of strategy. The question is, why? Andrew is still very toxic. I mean, if I was advising them on PR, I would have him locked up in Balmoral and out of sight. So, why have they apparently decided they need to be showing some sort of support for him and that theyre all in this together? Lownie said this was the latest example of the fruits of Andrews tireless lobbying and self-promotion. Last week Britains former home secretary, Priti Patel issued a grovelling apology to the king after it emerged that she had written to the kings private secretary, Clive Aldertonon Andrews behalfsuggesting that the decision to remove Andrews taxpayer-funded bodyguard should be reviewed. Theres a lot going on behind the scenes in terms of his lobbying. Sundays car ride shows that he has clearly been quite successful, Lownie said. While most of the headlines in British newspapers Monday focused on Andrews presence next to William, another figure was also being quietly rehabilitated in the great royal mime show; Lady Susan Hussey. Hussey, who was a lady-in-waiting for the queen and is Prince Williams godmother, resigned after Black British charity director Ngozi Fulani said Hussey had repeatedly asked her, Where are you from? at a Buckingham Palace reception. On Sunday, she was back at the heart of the family at the Balmoral service. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace declined to comment on what conclusions might be drawn from yesterdays appearance by Andrew at Williams side. 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. As the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington approaches, Bernice King reflects on the legacy and meaning of her father's historic address. Bernice King 's father knew, she said, that the days would come when the oppressed and marginalized would need words of reassurance to continue their struggle when he might not be around. That, she said, was on the mind of her father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. , as he prepared to address more than 200,000 people at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963. He knew there would be other days in the future, whether he was here or not, where we would be faced with some resistance, she said in a conversation with USA TODAY in which she recited passages from and reflected on her fathers historic speech. King revisited the speech, widely considered one of the greatest public orations of all time with its famous four words "I have a dream" ahead of the 60th anniversary of its delivery. She considered how portions of the address have been forgotten and its overall purpose muted, even as many of its themes and goals remain relevant today. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Bernice King, who was 5 when her father was assassinated, is now CEO of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. While people often say how much they love the I Have A Dream portion of her fathers speech that day, its important to consider his words in their entirety, she said. King referred to a portion early in the speech in which her father compared the words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to a promissory note "to which every American was to fall heir," meaning, he said, they would be "guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Instead, she said, her father compared the plight of Black Americans to having been given a check reading "insufficient funds." Thats what people need to understand, that my father spoke in so many challenging ways to us as a nation, she said. Because he wanted us to be our best self. Explore the series: MLKs I have a dream speech looms large 60 years later He knew we had it in us Bernice King said her fathers "insufficient funds" metaphor, describing the state of unequal opportunity that Black people faced in 1963, was crucial because it set the tone for the rest of the address. The early 1960s were a time of strife and turmoil, when the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 were goals whose achievement yet remained in question. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks to thousands during his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. Actor-singer Sammy Davis Jr. is at bottom right. But he said We have hope, she said. And I still have that hope. ... He knew we had it in us. But we had to wake up to that and understand our responsibility to each other. King said her fathers words captured that kind of restless energy in young people that we even see today that were tired of waiting for these things to be manifested. That similar issues of economic and racial inequality exist today defy characterizations of the march as that was then, this is now history, she said. A lot of similar conditions still exist, she said, noting that event organizers had prepared a 10-point list of demands that in addition to civil rights legislation and desegregation of all public schools included a national minimum wage and federally funded job training and placement for all unemployed workers, Black or white. People always forget that this was part of a greater strategy, she said. Its not about being colorblind King also brought up the portion of her father's speech in which he said his dream included a time in which his children would be judged not "by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." She said people have often approached her and told her they side with her father, that they dont see the color of other peoples skin. But thats not what he meant, she said what he meant is that laws and practices should not serve to subjugate one race to another. Ive been trying to tell people, she said, if youre going to fight for justice and right the wrongs of this society, use the example of Martin Luther King. He taught us how to be love. She said her father and mother, Coretta Scott King , had arrived late to Washington the night before her father delivered his historic speech, and they were up into the wee hours as he polished his address. Then, as was his custom, he let his wife read it over to get her input. She was so proud of him, Bernice King said. I dont even think he understood that moment at a level she understood it. Thats why the work she did to help to institutionalize his work, his words and his contributions have been so important. Because without her we wouldnt be talking about him like this today. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, on famed 1963 speech Officials at UNC-Chapel Hill placed the campus on lockdown Monday afternoon while police searched for an armed and dangerous person reported just after 1 p.m. Police gave an all-clear at 4:14 p.m., more than three hours after the initial alert of an armed person on campus was sent out to students, faculty and others, advising to shelter in place. Shortly after 2:30 p.m., UNC police released a photo of a person of interest in the ongoing situation and advised people on campus to keep their distance if they saw the individual, and call 911. During a news conference Monday evening, university Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz confirmed that a member of the UNC faculty had died in the shooting. UNC Police Chief Brian James said a male suspect was taken into custody and said local law enforcement as well as the FBI were on scene at Caudill Labs, the location of the shooting, collecting evidence. People console one another after being released from a lockdown area on South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Timeline of active assailant situation on UNC campus 1:02 p.m.: UNC is notified of shots being fired inside Caudill Labs, according to the university. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement 1:03 p.m.: An initial alert from UNC states that campus police have reported an armed and dangerous person on or near campus. Students walk along South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. 2:04 p.m.: A follow-up alert states that the campus remains on lockdown as the active assailant situation continues. The alert advises that anyone on campus should stay sheltered in place, and anyone off campus should stay away from the campus. 2:31 p.m.: Officers take a suspect into custody, according to university Chief of Police Brian James. 2:35 p.m.: UNC police release a photo on social media of a person of interest in the ongoing situation. Police say that if anyone sees the individual in the photo, they should keep their distance and put their safety first, and call 911. 2:43 p.m.: Gov. Roy Cooper says in a tweet that hes spoken with Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood and N.C. Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, and has pledged all the state resources that are needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus. 3:14 p.m.: Another alert from the university advises everyone on campus to remain sheltered in place until an all-clear is given. The alert says all classes and events have been canceled for the rest of the day. 3:51 p.m.: UNC police continue to advise people on campus to stay sheltered in place. 4:14 p.m.: UNC police give the all clear, advising in an alert that people on campus can resume normal activities. 4:33 p.m.: Officials lift guidance to shelter in place but advise people to stay away from the universitys Caudill Labs. Heavily armed North Carolina State Troopers walk down South Road toward the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. 5:20 p.m.: UNC officials confirm that shots were fired during Mondays active shooter situation, stating in an update that the university was notified of shots being fired inside Caudill Labs at 1:02 p.m. A suspect was taken into custody at around 2:38 p.m. The update advises that James and Guskiewicz will hold a news conference at 5:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m.: More than a dozen FBI agents arrive at the Wilson Library, which stands next to Caudill Labs. A large bullet hole has shattered a window to the right of the librarys north entrance. Police officers are seen patrolling the edges of the building, searching bushes and storm drains with flashlights and a K-9 dog. 6 p.m. Guskiewicz confirms during a news conference that one UNC faculty member died in Mondays shooting. Guskiewicz says the shooting has damaged the trust and safety that is taken for granted in this community, and thanks UNC police and other law enforcement for their response. James, the police chief, says that officers took the suspect into custody at 2:31 p.m. and verified his identity and secured the rest of the campus before giving the all-clear nearly two hours later. James says officials arent naming the suspect since he has yet to be formally charged. James also says that another person was detained by police based on the description provided to them of the suspect, as well as the persons proximity to the location of the shooting, but that police quickly determined the person was not the suspect. Josh Shaffer contributed to this report. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol had a seafood lunch on Monday, his office said, to allay public concern over the safety of local fish products after Japan began discharging treated radioactive water from its Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan started releasing water from the wrecked plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, sparking protests in Japan and neighbouring countries. Chinese consumers have been particularly upset, and Beijing has announced a blanket ban on all aquatic products from Japan. In South Korea, the government has said it has found no scientific or technical problems with the release, but public concern remains high over seafood and ocean contamination. During his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo , Yoon had a seafood lunch. The presidential office cafeteria also had raw fish on the lunch menu for its staff, it said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The presidential office decided to provide Korean seafood products on the lunch menu at our cafeteria every day for a week starting Monday, hoping our people consume our safe seafood products without concerns," it said in a statement. Tests of seawater near the Fukushima plant have not detected any radioactivity, Japan's environment ministry said on Sunday, days after the discharge began. Fishery industries, however, still fear a sharp decline in seafood consumption. In a July public survey by pollster Media Research, 62% of South Koreans said they would cut back or stop consuming seafood once the discharge goes ahead, despite government assurances that it would closely monitor the release. Kim Hi-soo, 55, a vendor at Noryangjin, the largest fish market in Seoul, said on Monday: "One of our regulars came days ago and said he came to consume as much as he can before (the discharged water) spreads ... It's heartbreaking ... when I think about the slump that we'd have to face in months." Prime Minister Han said on Thursday that bans on imports of Fukushima fishery and food products would stay in place until public concerns eased. (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi and Daewoung Kim; Editing by Tom Hogue) MOSCOW (Reuters) - The passage of a second ship from Ukraine along a temporary Black Sea corridor has nothing to do with the prospects for reviving a grain deal involving Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. Kyiv said on Sunday a vessel carrying steel products to Africa had left Ukraine's port of Odesa through a temporary "humanitarian" corridor in the Black Sea, the second ship to do so since Russia withdrew last month from a U.N.-brokered deal that had allowed for grain to be safely exported. At a regular Kremlin briefing, Peskov reaffirmed Moscow's stance that reviving the grain deal would depend on whether the West delivered on promises regarding Russia's own grain and fertiliser exports. "The prospects for the renewal of the grain deal depend on the actual implementation, not just in words, of the promises, the pledges given to the Russian side, which means implementing the part of the deal pertaining to Russia," Peskov said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Russia's grain and fertiliser exports are not subject to sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow over its military actions in Ukraine. But Russia says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have remained a barrier to shipments. Kyiv announced the "humanitarian corridor" in the Black Sea earlier this month to release cargo ships that have been trapped in its ports since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. "That (temporary corridor) is a totally different matter, (to the grain deal) and our defence ministry is monitoring it as necessary," Peskov said. Russia has carried out a series of missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian ports since letting the grain deal expire. Kyiv has responded with sea drone attacks on Russian warships near a key Russian port and a Russian tanker near Crimea. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters. Nearly 33 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain was exported during the year that the Black Sea deal was in operation. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Gareth Jones) Russian President Vladimir Putin s administration is choosing opponents for Putin in the 2024 presidential election and has decided that it will not register candidates under 50 so that Putin does not look like an old man. Source: Meduza, a Latvia-based Russian independent news outlet Quote: "The political bloc of the Russian presidential administration, headed by Sergei Kirienko, has decided on sparring partners who will compete with Vladimir Putin in the 2024 presidential election. As two media sources close to the Kremlin said, one of the main criteria for their selection was age. There should be no politicians under the age of 50 among the registered candidates. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to Russian presidential administration officials, the presence of such candidates on the ballot may make Russians think that 70-year-old Putin is no longer the man who came to power with a firm hand." Details: Putin's administration expects representatives of three parliamentary parties to run in the election: the Communist Party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) and the New People Party (Sergei Mironov, the leader of A Just Russia, has announced that his party would not nominate a candidate and would support Vladimir Putin). The Kremlin sees Gennadiy Zyuganov as a candidate from the Communist Party. In the 2008 presidential election, Zyuganov received 17%, and 18% in 2012. Such stability in ratings is important to the Kremlin, as it is planned that Putin will score a "record result" in the upcoming elections. Putin is expected to receive more than 80% of the vote with a turnout of more than 70%. According to the Kremlin's plan, Leonid Slutsky, the Liberal Democratic Party's leader, should be a candidate. As a source close to Putin's administration said, Slutsky wants to run for office himself "because he loves PR". A source close to the LDPR leadership confirmed this information and added that Slutsky "likes to be seen in public" and intends to "raise his personal popularity". The New People candidate is more complicated. The Kremlin would like to see the party's chairman, businessman Alexei Nechaev, run. However, this plan has not yet been agreed upon with Nechaev himself. According to two Medusa sources close to the Kremlin, he understands that "hell not be allowed to win a lot of votes, and he doesnt want to make do with a few crumbs from the table and be a Lyosha with just 2% [possibly a reference to Alexei Navalny ed.]". It is reported that Nechaev is proposing Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma [the lower chamber of the Russian parliament ed.], who is currently running for mayor of Moscow, but this candidate does not suit the Putin administration. The fact is that Davankov is 39 years old, loves PR and can speak well in public. The Putin administration believes that a young and active candidate could make voters think about the president's age, and this would be an unfavourable contrast. The Putin administration is thinking about the outlook in a couple of years time when people will think that Putin is certainly good, but it is time for someone younger to come in. It is also reported that Russian officials have begun to treat Putin differently since his 70th birthday. While media sources used to refer to Putin as "the first", "the chief", "the supreme" or "dad", now they most often refer to him as "granddad". One of the sources close to the Kremlin, when asked about the reasons for this, said: "Well, a grandfather is a grandfather; it's not negative. He is of that age". 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 former retail shopping property in Eaton will house a new Kroger, according to two spokespeople from both Kroger and Reid Health. >>TRENDING: Ohio Task Force 1 activated in preparation of strengthening Tropical Storm Idalia Officials of the Cincinnati/Dayton division of Kroger, Reid Health, and community members gathered on Monday to announce the new store at the former Kmart property on 1705 Barron St. The new Kroger will be 72,000 square feet and will feature fresh products, Kroger Pickup, a Pharmacy with a drive-thru, and a Fuel Center, the spokespeople said. Reid Health got the former Kmart site in 2019 and has since thought of ways to expand healthcare services and economic development. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement >>TRENDING: PHOTOS: Car crashes into garage in Springfield Were excited to work with Kroger on this project. Our mission to lead our communities to well-being, one person at a time goes beyond healthcare services. This new store will expand Krogers offerings here and enhance the quality of life for those who call Eaton and Preble County home, Reid Health President/CEO Craig Kinyon said. A new Kroger store with expanded offerings is something the citys residents have wanted for several years. The expanded service and grocery availability, as well as the new employment opportunities this project will bring, are welcome additions for the City of Eaton, Eaton City Manager Brad Collins said. Details about the construction timeline will be announced on a future date, the spokespeople said. The Air Force warned overnight on 27-28 August of a missile threat in Kyiv and several oblasts of Ukraine. Source: Air Force Quote: "There is a missile threat in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts!" "Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, there is a missile threat! Do not ignore the air-raid warning!" Details: Subsequently, an air-raid warning due to a missile threat was issued in Odesa Oblast. It was also extended to the eastern, northern and central oblasts of Ukraine. The Air Force noted that it had detected possible launches of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. At 04:30, an air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement After 04:30, this was extended to the western oblasts. The Air Force also reported that air defence systems were responding in Dnipro Oblast. Update: At around 05:00, the all-clear was given in the oblasts. 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! LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman was shot and killed Friday in an officer-involved shooting after stabbing a Metro officer in the head, police said. According to Assistant Sheriff Sasha Larkin, the LVMPD were called to the 3600 block of East Lake Mead Boulevard near Pecos Road after a man called 911 and said that his sister, identified as Sandra Lopez-Ochoa, 25, had battered him. Metro police officer stabbed, suspect killed during domestic dispute call in northeast Las Vegas valley Larkin said that Lopez-Ochoa called 911 to report a domestic disturbance shortly after her brothers call. Officers arrived at an apartment complex in the area where they spoke with the suspects brother at around 1 a.m. After speaking to the brother, police determined there was probable cause to arrest Lopez-Ochoa for domestic strangulation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Officers found Lopez-Ochoa inside the apartment on the couch. When an officer grabbed her wrist to arrest her, Lopez-Ochoa grabbed a knife and stabbed him on the top of his head. Warning the following photos may be disturbing. (KLAS) Suspect weapon from Aug. 25 officer-involved shooting (LVMPD) Still from body-warn camera of officer-involved shooting on Aug. 24. (LVMPD) Lopez-Ochoa turned toward another officer at the scene, Officer Rudy Sacba, 32, who shot and killed Lopez-Ochoa. Larkin said that Sacba fired his weapon five times. Officer who shot, killed suspect Aug. 25 identified The injured officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition and was released later in the day. Larkin said he was at home recovering with his family. Officer Sacba has been employed with the LVMPD since 2021. If Lopez-Ochoa had survived, she would have faced charges of battery strangulation, attempted murder on a first responder, and assault with a deadly weapon on a first responder. This is the fifth officer-involved shooting for 2023. The last one was on July 21. According to Larkin, there has been a 4.8 percent decrease in domestic violence-related incidents for the LVMPD compared to this time last year. Domestic violence-related homicides have had an 85 percent increase. Our agency takes the violence in these calls very seriously, Larkin said. Historically, these are the most dangerous calls our officers ever go on. In every case, we make an effort to provide adequate resources and follow-up for our victims to seek help. For a list of local and state resources for domestic violence and abuse victims, visit this link. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. PLA holds encirclement drills around Taiwan island following US arms sale approval 09:22, August 28, 2023 By Liu Xuanzun ( Global Times A J-10 fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Southern Theater Command takes off for a flight training exercise on August 15, 2023. Photo: China Military The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently conducted another, unannounced large-scale joint exercise encircling the island of Taiwan featuring sudden actions and sophisticated buildups after the US approved a $500 million arms sale to the island. A total of 32 PLA aircraft and nine PLA vessels were detected around the island of Taiwan from Friday morning to Saturday morning, the defense authority on the island said in a press release on Saturday. Some 20 of the detected aircraft, a TB-001 armed reconnaissance drone, a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone, two Su-30 fighter jets, eight J-10 fighter jets, a CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone, four JH-7 fighter bombers, a Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft, a KJ-500 early warning aircraft and a Y-9 command and control aircraft, crossed the so-called median line of the Taiwan Straits or entered the island's self-proclaimed southwest, southeast and northeast air defense identification zones, it said. According to a map illustrated to display the PLA activities, the PLA aircraft's flight paths completely encircled the island of Taiwan. In addition, two PLA H-6J bombers flew across the Miyako Strait and entered the West Pacific waters to the east of the island of Taiwan on Friday, before returning from the same path, Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release on that day. Japan also detected two PLA drones when they flew from the East China Sea along the east side of the island of Taiwan into the West Pacific on Friday, and their flight paths were similar to those of the TB-001 and the BZK-005 drones reported by the defense authority on the island of Taiwan on the same day, indicating that they were likely referring to the same aircraft. Since the Chinese Defense Ministry or the PLA Eastern Theater Command did not make any announcement, the latest large-scale exercise is likely a routine one, but it featured more forces and more complex training courses, a Chinese mainland military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday. Coming only a week after the previous large-scale military exercise around the island of Taiwan in a countermeasure against the island's separatist deputy regional leader Lai Ching-te's provocative "stopovers" in the US, the latest exercise again displayed the PLA's fast reaction and swiftness in launching a sudden large-scale exercise without having the outside world noticing, the expert said. It came after the US' announcement on Wednesday of its approval of a possible $500 million sale of infrared search and track systemsfor F-16 fighter jets to the island of Taiwan. Expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the planned arms sale, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said in a statement on Friday that the PLA is always on high alert to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A Black firefighter filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Fire Department claiming he was retaliated against after telling the Department of Justice about the racism he experienced on the job. In response, the Feds are taking a magnifying glass to the department themselves. A Kansas City Star investigation blew the lid off the pattern of racial discrimination alleged by members of the KCFD. The report says three Black firefighters were interviewed by the DOJ over the past few years on their racism claims citing a hostile work environment and being cheated out of promotions that defaulted to the white employees. One of those firefighters, Battalion Chief Stephen Seals, claims he was retaliated against for meeting with the federal investigators in a lawsuit he filed last week. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Seals filed a grievance that was denied months later, in 2023. Since then, he has experienced continuous acts of discrimination, retaliation and discipline, his lawyers say. Seals is also alleging retaliation in violation of a state employee whistleblower law. An initial hearing in the lawsuit has been set for December. Across the department, Black firefighters told The Star horrifying stories of having their oxygen tanks drained on fire sites, having nooses placed on them by white employees and being called racial slurs. Black women employees even raised concerns of sex discrimination and harassment to point of a judge writing a court order to ban department employees from bringing strippers to the station, The Star reported. The city paid over $2 million to settle suits filed by employees based on these allegations. Since the departments internal investigations didnt flag the discrimination mentioned by the employees, it seems the Feds are going to have to sniff out whats really going on at the firehouse. If youre not the right color, not the right sex, you are going to have a problem, said retired Black firefighter Therese Brown via The Star. 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. Kaushal Niroula. The parents of a woman who was beaten to death at a county jail last year are suing the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, alleging failures by several of its leaders and deputies allowed her to be killed by her cellmate. Chief among the failures, the lawsuit says: Deputies gave Kaushal Niroula, who was transgender, a sex offender cellmate with a violent past. The new court case, filed Friday in federal court, adds to the cascade of similar suits over inmate deaths that have been recently against the department, which is also being investigated by the state attorney general over the deaths and other allegations of misconduct and civil rights violations. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A record 19 inmates died in the jails in 2022. The suit states that the department acted negligently and in violation of both the U.S. Constitution and state law by allowing Niroula to be housed in a cell with Ronald Sanchez, a man who was a convicted sex offender and had a history of violent behavior. The sheriff's department manages all jails in Riverside County. The suit states that sheriffs personnel knew Sanchez posed an imminent threat to Niroula, who was particularly vulnerable because she was transgender and HIV-positive, and yet the sheriff's department allowed the two to be housed together at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta. Niroula, who was 41, was in jail because she had been charged with being a part of a group of people that attacked and killed 74-year-old Clifford Lambert at his Palm Springs home in 2008. The Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta in one of five jails operated by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Niroulas death was announced by the sheriffs department on Sept. 7 of last year, one day after she died. The department said at the time that Niroula died after getting into a confrontation with Sanchez, who was 61. The suit, which cites the coroners investigation into Niroulas death, states that surveillance video shows the door of the shared cell being closed from the inside at the time the attack is believed to have happened. The video also shows multiple inmates who walked up to or near the cell and are believed to have been aware a beating was taking place. The suit alleges that the video shows Sanchez high fiving and shaking hands with other inmates shortly after the attack. The suit also states that no jail staff came to check on Niroula while she was being beaten for 68 minutes, despite having an obligation to conduct cell safety checks once every hour and protect inmates from violence more generally. Attorney Denisse O. Gastelum also writes that jail staff only came to the cell after being summoned by inmates and that Niroula was dead by the time they arrived. The complaint notes Niroula was killed just three days before her trial was set to begin. Gastelum alleges in the complaint that the family has learned Niroula had been assisting state and federal investigators looking into illegal wiretapping at the jail. Upon information and belief, the brutal and violent assault of Ms. Niroula had been planned for some time and was a coordinated effort of both inmates and staff, Gastelum wrote. The suit, filed on behalf of Niroula's estate by her parents, Radha Niroula and Krishna Niroula, seeks unspecified damages. It cites 11 causes of action, including the failures to protect Niroula from harm, to provide medical care to her as required under the Constitution and to hire and train sheriffs staff who would enforce policies protecting Niroula from harm. Among those named in the suit is Sheriff Chad Bianco and two other jail officials who the suit states acted with deliberate indifference, gross negligence and reckless disregard of the safety, security, protection and constitutional and statutory rights of decedent Kaushal Niroula and all other persons similarly situated." The suit is at least the fifth to be filed this year by people alleging that the deaths of their family members in Riverside County jails couldve been prevented by the sheriffs department. Paul Albani-Burgio covers breaking news and the city of Palm Springs. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Lawsuit: Transgender inmate killed after getting sex offender cellmate SACRAMENTO, Calif. State Sen. Mike McGuire, a moderate North Coast Democrat, will be the next leader of the California Senate, winning enough votes Monday from his colleagues in a leadership succession in sharp contrast to the divisive contest in the Assembly. McGuire was chosen after a weekend of vote-whipping to replace Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego, who will be termed out next year. Atkins, during a joint news conference, said McGuire has been a partner by my side in many legislative and political battles. She also stressed her strong desire to have a respectful and unified transition. You may ask, Why now, why today? Atkins told reporters. A big reason for the decision today is because the caucus concluded that a long, drawn-out successor campaign would not be in the best interest of the Senate, nor the people who were elected to represent. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement McGuires term would be brief no more than 2 years, since hes termed out in 2026. He and Atkins are negotiating a transition that could begin as soon as January, though the exact timing wasn't specified. The decision came after a relatively short period of whipping votes and some brief discussions Monday. McGuire edged out other candidates, including Monique Limon; John Laird; Maria Elena Durazo; and Steve Padilla. McGuire and Atkins emerged together after a closed-door caucus meeting, which lasted about two hours. "We are going to work hand in glove with the pro tem to finish out the important work that we've all fought so hard for this year, McGuire said. His ascension comes after months of growing speculation about who would follow Atkins, the first woman and openly gay lawmaker to hold the post. He had pitched himself as an interim leader who can serve as a bridge between an outgoing class of veteran senators and a large group of newer members some with future leadership aspirations of their own. The process was devoid of the drama and prolonged leadership clash that just played out in the Assembly, where Speaker Robert Rivas pushed out Anthony Rendon in a fight that fractured the caucus. The Senate leadership contest was worked out within roughly 24 hours of McGuire telling colleagues he had secured the votes. Many senators and staffers also said they had hoped to avoid the Assemblys fate. Still, there was some consternation from fellow senators about the process, with members raising concerns about a rushed decision with an uncertain timeline, according to one lawmaker who attended the caucus meeting. McGuires coalition was largely driven by more moderate-leaning senators, including several on their way out the door. That means he will likely face pressure to include more progressives as well as people of color, women and LGBTQ members in his leadership team. The incoming pro tem who represents a sprawling North Coast district, from Marin County to the Oregon border has been a member of Atkins leadership team as the chambers majority leader since 2022, a role that often has him conducting traffic on the Senate floor. Before McGuire was elected to the Senate in 2014, he was a member of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and served as mayor of Healdsburg. The succession push comes as Atkins weighs her own political options outside of the Legislature. She has been actively fundraising for a lieutenant governor committee, but is also seen as a potential contender for the 2026 governors race. ABOVE: Raw video of Columbus police evacuating Easton Town Center Sunday. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One person is dead and two teens have been arrested after a mall in Columbus, Ohio, was locked down following a shooting Sunday evening. According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the initial call for the incident at Easton Town Center was received at approximately 6:14 p.m. Shelter in place order lifted after threat in Sunbury Within one minute of the call, the victim was found by an officer working special duty at the center, Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said. The officer rendered aid to the victim, but the person was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. at a local hospital. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police confirmed on Monday morning that the victim was a juvenile male and that two 13-year-old boys were arrested, with one charged with murder and the other charged with obstructing justice. Albert said law enforcement officers immediately locked down the area and began investigating near where the victim was found and also escorted shoppers and employees from the area safely. Give the Gift of Music to a central Ohio child during donation drive Early indication is this is an isolated incident, Albert said. This does not appear to be an active shooter situation. This was an isolated incident in front of the mall. Watch the full press conference from Columbus police in the video player below. Initial reports of a second victim were not true, Columbus Police Deputy Chief Greg Bodker said. During a press conference Sunday night, Bodker said a number of juveniles, were detained in connection with the shooting but did not know of any arrests. There were a lot of children at Easton today, and there were a lot of adults at Easton today, Bodker said. These (juveniles) are people who should not have guns in the first place, and so if you are under 18 and youre carrying a firearm, youre doing it illegally. Woman, two children rescued after alleged abduction in South Franklinton A WCMH reporter was evacuated from the AMC Theater by officers carrying rifles, while another WCMH employee at the scene said the entire town center was being evacuated, with lots of people running without being told what was happening. A statement from Easton Town Center management said that as of 7:39 p.m., the situation was no longer an active situation. A weapon was fired at Easton at an outside area of the North District at approximately 6:15 p.m., the statement read. At this time, Columbus Police are on site. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A Lexington mother who had a manslaughter charge dropped after a judge ruled that she acted in self-defense has pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and could face three years in prison. Jennifer Kashuba, 36, was charged with manslaughter, abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence after Lexington police discovered the decomposed body of James Jimmy Medlock wrapped in plastic near a dumpster in February 2022. Kashuba admitted to stabbing and hiding Medlocks body in a closet after he attacked her in her home in 2021. But a Fayette County judge ruled Kashuba shouldnt face the manslaughter charge because she was defending herself and her children from Medlock. She still faced the other charges after the manslaughter charge was dismissed. On Monday afternoon, she pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence. The abuse of a corpse charge was dismissed. Kashubas attorney, Marcel Bush Radomile, said the plea was a good resolution. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Jennifer acknowledges when she did not report the death and discarded or disposed of the knife, she used and removed the body, she did tamper with evidence, Radomile said. She is taking responsibility for what she did she does not take it lightly. Radomile said they will ask the judge for Kashuba to be conditionally discharged or receive probation. Unlike most people who get here, she doesnt have a criminal record, Radomile told media after the hearing. She is eager to get back with her children. We have tried every opportunity to get her out and get her released. How Lexington murder case was reduced to tampering Kashuba was originally charged with murder, but that charge was reduced to manslaughter following a grand jurys ruling. Medlock was transient and would stay on Kashubas couch, according to testimony. The day of the stabbing, Medlock came home and began assaulting Kashuba in front of her three young children, according to court testimony. Fayette Circuit Judge Julie Goodman dismissed the manslaughter charge two weeks ago. Goodman presided over Mondays hearing too. Goodman said there was no question Kashuba killed Medlock and hid his body, but added there was not a scintilla of evidence to suggest that Medlock was not the original aggressor. Kashuba is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 26. She is just looking forward to putting this all behind her, Radomile said. People burn photos showing Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush in Tripoli, Libya, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Cohen and Mangoush met in the Italian capital, Rome, last week, according to the Israeli foreign ministry. (AP Photo/Yousef Murad) CAIRO (AP) Libya's foreign minister on Monday was suspended and fled the country, a day after Israel revealed that its chief diplomat met with her last week news that prompted scattered street protests in the chaos-stricken North African nation. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who heads one of Libya's rival governments, said he suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush and referred her for an investigation over the meeting, which was the first ever between top diplomats of Libya and Israel. Dbeibah did not clarify on what grounds Mangoush would be investigated. However, it is illegal to normalize ties with Israel under a 1957 law in Libya, which has long been hostile toward Israel. Mangoush fled to Turkey following the Israeli announcement of the meeting, according to a Libyan Foreign Ministry official. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Mangoush met in Rome last week. It was a small breakthrough for Israels government, whose hard-line policies toward the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cohen said they discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyas former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management, according to Israels Foreign Ministry. The Libyan Foreign Ministry tried to play down the meeting, calling it unprepared and an unofficial meeting during a meeting with Italys foreign minister." It said in a statement that Mangoushs encounter with Cohen didnt include any talks, agreements or consultations. Dbeibahs decision to suspend Mangoush suggested that he was not aware of the meeting. However, two senior Libyan government officials told The Associated Press the prime minister knew about the talks between his foreign minister and the Israeli chief diplomat. One of the officials said Dbeibah gave the green light for the meeting last month when he was on a visit to Rome. The prime ministers office arranged the encounter in coordination with Mangoush, he said. The second official said the meeting lasted for about two hours and Mangoush briefed the prime minister directly after her return to the capital, Tripoli. The official said the meeting crowned U.S.-brokered efforts to have Libya join a series of Arab countries establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. The official said normalization of relations between Libya and Israel was first discussed in a meeting between Dbeibah, and CIA Director William Burns, who visited the Libyan capital in January. The Libyan premier gave initial approval for joining the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, but he was concerned about public backlash in a country known for its past support for the Palestinian cause, the official said. The official, meanwhile, said Mangoush, who was surprised by the Israeli announcement, quickly fled the Libyan capital on a private flight to Istanbul. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety. Jalel Harchaoui, an associate fellow specializing in Libya at the London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies, said Dbeibah has sought to please foreign governments as he has come under growing pressure from the U.N. and other countries over the political stalemate in his nation. Harchaoui said the Libyan prime ministers decision to suspend his foreign minister undoubtedly aimed at calming public anger. In New York, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric wouldnt comment on the suspension, calling it an internal issue, but said: We are concerned about the safety of the foreign minister. There are reports that shes been threatened and she had to flee the country. Her safety is paramount. A day after proudly announcing what it called a historic meeting, Israel's Foreign Ministry on Monday put out a statement saying that neither Cohen nor the ministry was responsible for leaking the news. An Israeli official said the ministry was forced to go public Sunday after an Israeli news site planned to publish a report on the meeting. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes diplomacy, said that Israel informed the Libyans about the leak and said that both countries had previously agreed they would announce the meeting at an unspecified time. Libya was plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil-rich country has been split between the Western-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the countrys east. Each side has been backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Gadhafi was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups. Sundays announcement of the meeting prompted scattered protests in Tripoli and other towns in western Libya. Protesters stormed the foreign ministry headquarters to condemn the meeting, while others attacked and burned a residence for the prime minister in Tripoli, according to local reports. In the town of Zawiya protesters burned the Israeli flag, while others held the Palestinian flag. There were also protests in the city of Misrata, a stronghold for Dbeibah, according to footage circulated on social media and verified by The Associated Press. Khalid al-Mishri, an Islamist politician who was the chair of the State Council, a Tripoli-based legislative body, condemned the meeting and called for the dismissal of Dbeibahs government, which is close to the U.S. and the West. This government has crossed all prohibited lines and must be brought down, he wrote on the X platform, previously known as Twitter. The House of Representatives of Libya's rival government in the east also slammed the meeting as a legal and moral crime. It convened an emergency session Monday in the eastern city of Benghazi, and called for the country's public prosecutor to probe Dbeibah's government communications with Isreal. In Israel, Yair Lapid, a former foreign minister and prime minister, criticized Cohen for going public with the sensitive meeting. "Countries of the world this morning are looking at the irresponsible leak of the meeting of the Israeli and Libyan foreign minister and asking themselves: is it possible to manage foreign relations with this country? Is it possible to trust this country? Lapid said in a statement. ___ Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed. I grew up in mid-Michigan, the proud daughter of a GM employee. Born in 1978 in South Korea, I was adopted shortly after to my family in Owosso, Mich. Many people arent aware, but Michigan is one of the highest receiving states for Korean children sent abroad for adoption. Adoption has impacted countless more families across the country and around the world. Now, I currently serve other intercountry and transracial adoptees throughout Michigan as a licensed therapist. Since the end of World War II, especially after the Korean War, the U.S. has welcomed hundreds of thousands of adoptees from countries abroad with the promise of "a better life" with rights, protection, and opportunities. Despite these promises, governments, agencies and legal systems alike failed to ensure all adoptees were placed in safe homes, and their citizenship secured. As a result, a number of adoptees are not American citizens, despite being legally adopted by American parents. Christine Carrothers The U.S. Congress and the Clinton Administration attempted to fix this issue with the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, which granted automatic citizenship to adoptees who were under 18 at the time of its enactment, and future adoptees. But because of the arbitrary cut-off date, a number of adult adoptees were excluded from its relief. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Can you imagine growing up believing youre a citizen nearly your entire life, only to find out you do not have legal presence in the only home youve known? More: Biden's immigration policy may be as restrictive as Trump's, Michigan advocates say More: Opinion: Detained immigrants desperate for help in Michigan and Biden policies to blame Or working for years, and finding out you cant access the Social Security you have been paying into? Can you imagine being separated from your family and friends, unable to return home, cut off from your support systems? Can you imagine being deported to a country you potentially cannot remember ever being in, may not know anyone, and may not even speak the language? Adoptees without citizenship face such unfair threats, while their daily lives are extremely difficult, too. Fortunately, my parents had friends who advised them to obtain citizenship for my sister and me, and my parents took the necessary steps. Neither the courts, U.S. government, or adoption agencies ensured this happened. It wasnt until adulthood that I understood the impact legal presence status (or lack thereof) could have on someones life. Now, as a therapist to transracial and intercountry adoptees, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact that a lack of legal presence status can have in my clients lives. I have become acquainted with peers who have been deported, and with some who have to essentially hide due to their legal presence status. In the U.S., while citizenship is required to access ones basic right to a voice on issues through voting, the lack of legal presence status robs thousands of hard-working, tax-paying Michigan residents of support through social programs paid for by their taxes, legal and dignified work, and more. In many states, including Michigan, adoptees without legal presence status cannot even obtain drivers licenses. More: Michigan lawmakers want undocumented immigrants to be able to get driver's license, ID In most of Michigan, to get anywhere work, grocery stores, medical appointments, pharmacists, childrens school events, churches you need transportation, and because there arent public transportation options in much of the state, that meams a car and a drivers license. For adoptees without legal presence status, this means being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Fortunately, there is currently a package of bills in the Michigan Legislature, House Bills 4410-4412 and Senate Bills 0265-0267, the Drive SAFE bills, that would address this issue. The bills will restore the access to driver licenses for all Michigan residents without changing their immigration and citizenship status, just as 19 other states and Washington, D.C. have already done. All the bills say to all Michigan residents is simply this: you live here, you work here, you pay taxes here; then you should be allowed to drive here. Restoring access to drivers licenses makes Michigan safer by ensuring more drivers have appropriate training and information and increasing the chances that people will make better decisions in emergencies and accidents. Passing the Drive SAFE bills is an easy, common sense way to dramatically increase the safety of all Michigan residents and create a more accessible Michigan for everyone including adoptees. I call on all Michiganders to demand your legislators vote Yes on Drive Safe bills in the 2023 session. Christine Carrothers, MA, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan who focuses on serving intercountry and transracial adoptees. She currently resides in southeast Michigan where she raises her children and dogs. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Driver's license bills will make Michigan safer for people like me With a touching final radio call and a cake, police in Placentia, California honored a beloved K9 officer who retired last week. We would like to thank K9 Kyra for her 38-and-a-half dog years otherwise known as eight human years of distinguished service to the Placentia Police Department, the dispatcher says in a video posted to social media featuring the nine-year-old Belgian Malinois and her handler, Officer Jeff Irvine. You can now take your well-deserved rest, chase squirrels instead of bad guys and enjoy some belly rubs and back scratches. Your presence will be greatly missed. Go enjoy being a dog. Good girl, Kyra. Good girl. Members of the Placentia Police Department pose with K9 Kyra. Aug. 25, 2023. (Placentia PD) Placentia Police shared a photo of local children sharing messages of gratitude to retiring K9 Kyra. Aug. 25, 2023. (Placentia PD) K9 officer Kyra enjoys her retirement cake. Aug, 25, 2023. (Placentia PD) In her eight years of service, Kyra recovered $10 million to $15 million in cash, over 100 kilograms of narcotics, and ensured the safety of our community each and every shift, police said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Department also shared photos of Kyra enjoying her retirement cake and local children sharing messages of gratitude. Kyra will enjoy her retirement years with Officer Irvine and his family, where she has lived since she and Irvine became partners in 2020. Placentia is located in northern Orange County near Anaheim. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Alan McKenna, organizer of the Loch Ness Monster Hunt, squats on a pier on the shores of Loch Ness on August 27, 2023. Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images This weekend about 200 volunteers joined the biggest search in 50 years for the Loch Ness monster. Volunteers searching for the creature widely considered a myth heard mysterious noises underwater. However, they were disappointed to find that their recorder was not plugged in. Volunteers searching for the fabled Loch Ness monster said they heard mysterious underwater noises, but were disappointed to find their recorder was not plugged in. This weekend about 200 volunteers joined the biggest search in 50 years for the elusive creature, affectionately nicknamed "Nessie," in Scotland. Alan McKenna, a search leader from Loch Ness Exploration, was on a boat on Friday using a hydrophone system to record sounds underwater, British newspaper The Telegraph reported. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "We did hear something," he said. "We heard four distinctive 'gloops'. We all got a bit excited, ran to go make sure the recorder was on, and it wasn't plugged in." The recording mistake meant that the sounds could not be further examined and organizers later conceded that the "blubbing" sounds could have in fact been ducks, per the newspaper. McKenna said that despite the "horrific" weather, volunteers from around the world had banded together to search for the monster, per The Telegraph. Volunteers were each given sections of the 23-mile long loch, just outside Inverness, to search for any signs of the creature. Many came equipped with flying and underwater drones, although bad weather meant they were difficult to use, per The Telegraph. Thousands of people also tuned in to watch a livestream of the loch and were told to report anything "inexplicable." One of the volunteers, Craig Gallifrey, said that some at the loch and some watching at home had reported unusual activity, which was being collated, The Telegraph reported. The mythical Loch Ness Monster has captured modern imaginations since a photograph was published in 1934, which appeared to show the creature's head and neck rising out of the water. It was published in the Daily Mail newspaper and many have since been fascinated with the idea of finding the monster, despite most now agreeing that the photo was a hoax. Although made popular by that photo, there have been rumored sightings of such a creature in the loch for centuries. Read the original article on Insider Somewhere in California, two small water districts propose to leave a big agency that has long provided the water for another that can provide the very same supply. They agree to hire an outside expert to help a county commission find a fair financial solution. The expert recommends an exit fee of sorts if the water districts want to leave. The commission goes along with the expert. And now the big agency has come to Sacramento looking to abuse the state legislative process in order to undo a perfectly legal local decision. These water districts all happen to be in San Diego County. But this is an abuse of power that can happen anywhere if the Legislature gets into a dangerous habit of changing local decisions about boundaries and governance simply because a powerful government in town wants a different outcome. Opinion ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement What we have here is a water dispute that should stay in San Diego County. Two water agencies that serve communities in northern San Diego County, the Rainbow Water District and Fallbrook Public Utility District, want a different water future. We want to leave the San Diego County Water Authority and join a neighboring agency, the Eastern Municipal Utility District. Why? Both agencies receive the same imported supplies via the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California from the very same distribution facilities. In the far northern end of the Water Authority service area, we have no physical access to the authoritys reservoir system or its desalinated supply. Switching to Eastern has two big potential appeals: Easterns supply will be less expensive in the long run given its long history as a well-run district, and we have long felt that the leadership of the Water Authority, dominated by the City of San Diego, does not listen to us or care about us. Meanwhile, their decisions have made our water among the most expensive in the state. Changing government boundaries is the job of a local county agency formation commission, which exists within every California county. Over three years ago, Rainbow and Fallbrook applied to the San Diego Agency Formation Commission (SDLAFCO) for the boundary shift. But the Water Authority has demanded exorbitant exit charges from us. We have contended that little to no charge is appropriate. The commission voted to approve the switch last month, subject to a sizable exit fee (less than the authoritys proposal) to offset the financial impacts as calculated by SDLAFCOs outside expert. Unwilling to accept a compromise, the city of San Diego and the Water Authority has turned to Sacramento to undo the results of the local process. Assembly Bill 399 by Tasha Boerner, D-Encinitas, seeks to strip the local agency formation commission of its decision-making power. Instead, it proposes an election among the 3.3 million residents who are eligible voters in the entire Water Authority service area. With the vast majority of the countys population, San Diego voters could overwhelm the smaller rural areas, making such a boundary election a nearly impossible hurdle. The current legal system has long required a public vote of those within the boundaries of the agencies that may shift. They face the risks and benefits of the decision. The local LAFCO ruling frames the factual background for that decision. This is a tried-and-true process that is not broken. AB 399 makes it open season on local boundary decision-making. LAFCOs in every county are the watchdogs, the adults in the room, to sort out thorny issues and adjust boundaries and services so that government is as efficient as it can be. That is why the statewide organization representing these commissions is opposing this bill. Key votes are pending in the state senate. Legislators must oppose AB 399 and send a clear message to agencies like the City of San Diego and SDCWA: Play fair, play by the rules. And if you lose, dont go crying to the Legislature. Tom Kennedy is the general manager of the Rainbow Municipal Water District. Jack Bebee is the general manager of the Fallbrook Public Utility District. First of all a very happy 57th birthday to dear sister Verena. May she have many more happy, healthy years. She still misses sister Susan so much. We all do, but Verena most of all because they lived together all their lives. Yes, life brings us many changes. Its good we cant see the future and only take one day at a time. God is a great help as we travel into the unknown future. Family night was held at daughter Verenas house on Friday evening. It was also granddaughter Kaitlyns seventh birthday. Daughter Lovina made a cake for her and decorated it. Kaitlyn was so excited to blow out the candles. She kept telling Lovina how it was her bestest cake ever. Its cute how everything is her bestest at this age. Shes a darling and has won our hearts since she joined our family. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she said craft things, so we gave her a few different craft sets, and she was so excited about it. She had also said she likes fruity ChapSticks, so we added that to the gift. Her eyes lit up when she saw what she had in the bag. Kaitlyn started school last week. She attends the Amish school in our church district. She is in first grade. On Monday, Abigail, six; Jennifer, five; and Isaiah, five, started at our small public school, which our children have attended since our move to Michigan. There are less than 300 students in K12. It is a small, close-knit village about three miles from here. Abigail is in first grade, and Jennifer and Isaiah are in kindergarten. They were all excited to go to school. Im sure daughter Susans house felt extra empty this morning when three of her five children left. She has Ryan, four, and Curtis, three (He will be four next month) at home with her. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Wednesday night, most of our church families gathered at neighbors Joas and Susans house for their annual fish fry. Joas loves to fish and always has plenty of fish to fry. Everyone brought a dish, and the tables were filled with lots of food for everyone. My husband Joe stayed home because he has some sores on his legs that wont heal. The boards at work bang against them, and it seems that once he gets a sore, it wont heal very fast. I have been putting bandages on them with a medicated cream from the doctor. We did find out his sugar level was higher than normal, so that could be a reason for it not healing fast. Hes been trying to cut back on foods that arent good for that. His legs were so swollen, so he decided to stay home and elevate them, so I took Stormy and the pony wagon to pick up sister Verena to go to the fish fry. On the way home, some of the grandchildren wanted to ride with me and Verena. Sister Emma and nephew Benjamin, Crystal, and son Isaiah were stopping in at daughter Loretta and Dustin's to meet their sweet little Byron Liam. I asked sister Verena if she wanted to stop in there too to see the baby again. So Tim and Elizabeth and Ervin and Susan also came to pick up their children, who had been left with us. Tim and Elizabeth had just left with the children when we heard a crash outside. A car had run the stop sign by Dustins house and hit a young girl heading east. We ran to help the girl, who was very shaken up. An ambulance was called, and there was quite a commotion for the next few hours as police and fire rescue trucks came. Son Joseph had gone home earlier from the fish fry and walked our mower down to sister Verenas house to mow her grass. This same car that had run the stop sign earlier that night almost hit him and the mower. So we were thankful no one was killed. There are bad memories when we hear of an accident. I always feel bad for the ones involved. It is just after 5 a.m. now. Daughter Lovina walked over to be with Loretta and the little ones when Dustin left for work. Joe and son Joseph left for work, and son Benjamin will leave in an hour. Take care, and Gods blessings to all! Peaches and Cream PiePie Crust:1 1/2 cups flour1 1/2 tablespoons sugar1/4 cup corn oil1/8 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons milkFilling:8 ounces cream cheese2 tablespoons milk2 tablespoons sugar23 fresh peaches, diced16 ounces whipped topping, divided1 (3.4 ounces) box instant vanilla pudding1 cup milk1/4 teaspoon almond flavoringCrust: Mix ingredients and press into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.Filling: Mix cream cheese with 2 tablespoons milk and sugar, and fold in 2 cups whipped topping. Spread in pie crust. Press diced peaches into the filling. Mix pudding with 1 cup milk and almond flavoring. Let set for 5 minutes, fold in the remaining 2 cups of whipping topping. Put on top of peaches. Garnish with whipped topping and peaches, as desired. Lovinas Amish Kitchen is written by Lovina Eicher, Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight. Her newest cookbook, Amish Family Recipes, is available wherever books are sold. Readers can write to Eicher at Lovinas Amish Kitchen, P.O. Box 234, Sturgis, MI 49091 (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply); or email LovinasAmishKitchen@MennoMedia.org and your message will be passed on to her to read. She does not personally respond to emails. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Amish Kitchen: Another school year begins for Lovina's grandchildren Hundreds of people gathered Sunday to remember and mourn the loss of three Black people who were fatally shot in what authorities say was a racist attack in Jacksonville, Florida. Authorities say the suspect, 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, who wore a tactical vest while carrying an "AR-style" rifle and a handgun bearing a swastika, opened fire at a Dollar General store in the predominantly Black neighborhood of New Town on Saturday, killing two men and a woman. He then fatally shot himself. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters identified the victims as Angela Michelle Carr, 52; A.J. Laguerre, 19; and Jerrald Gallion, 29. This is a community that has suffered again and again. So many times this is where we end up, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said Saturday. This is something that should not and must not continue to happen in our community. Suspect made two stops before shooting Waters shared new information on the shooting Monday. He said Palmeter previously worked at a Dollar Tree store in southwest Jacksonville from October 2021 to July 2022. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On the day of the shooting, Palmeter made two stops before going to the Dollar General store where he fatally shot three people, then himself. First, Palmeter drove to a Family Dollar store in Jacksonville, wearing a mask over the lower part of his face shortly after noon on Saturday and left a few minutes later carrying a small bag, according to the sheriff. Surveillance video shows Palmeter opening and holding the door for two Black customers one of them a child before exiting the store and two Black female customers entering the store behind him. Palmeter then drove to Edward Waters University where he parked at M.B. Salter residence hall at 12:48 p.m., according to a timestamp on the video. There, he put on a tactical vest and blue, button-up shirt retrieved from the rear hatch before getting back behind the wheel. At 1:18 p.m., the video shows Palmeter backing out of his spot and driving off the lot as one of two security guards exits their vehicle and walks toward Palmeters car. Soon after, Palmeter drove to the Dollar General store in Northwest Jacksonville where he fatally shot the three victims before he turned the gun on himself. Waters said Monday that he doesnt believe the university or its students were a target. I dont believe that EWU was a target, Waters said, noting that two Black men were sitting in another car parked nearby. It looks to me that he went there to change into whatever he needed to change into, he previously said, referring to the shooters tactical gear. "He had an opportunity to do violence there; he did not. University President and CEO A Zachary Faison, Jr., though, disagreed with Waters, saying Monday afternoon he believed the university to be the initial target. As the oldest HBCU in Florida, Faison said its long, proud history of educating Black students would have made the school a target. "It was that history, that progress, that Black excellence that this feeble, virulent-minded, white domestic terrorist sought to stamp out by aiming his original target at Edward Waters University," Faison told reporters at a Monday news conference. Faison said he would not directly "take qualm" with what Waters said, but that he believed the interaction could not have been a coincidence. "[The shooter] came to where he thought African Americans would be, and that's Florida's first HBCU," Faison said. "It's also not lost on us he came to the New Town community. This is the heart of the black community in Jacksonville." The U.S. Department of Justice announced Sunday that it is investigating the shooting as a hate crime. Here's what we know so far about the shooting victims: 'A BEAUTIFUL SOUL': Loved ones of Buffalo shooting victims mourn losses to tight-knit community Jarrald De'Shawn Gallion, 29 Jarrald De'Shawn Gallion, a customer, was the last person fatally shot. He entered the store with his girlfriend as the shooting was taking place, Waters said. During the Sunday evening prayer vigil, family and community members remembered Gallion as a devoted father who had planned to spend the weekend with his 4-year-old daughter. Gallion's family recalled his sense of humor and work ethic, and that he viewed his job as a restaurant manager as a way to provide for her. "My brother shouldnt have lost his life," his sister, Latiffany Gallion, said Sunday. "A simple day of going to the store, and hes taken away from us forever." Sabrina Rozier, the childs maternal grandmother, said Gallion "never missed a beat" and that he was supposed to see his daughter on Saturday. Bishop John Guns said Gallion attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville. "In two weeks I have to preach a funeral of a man who should still be alive," Guns told the crowd. "He was not a gangster, he was not a thug he was a father who gave his life to Jesus and was trying to get it together. "I wept in church today like a baby because my heart is tired. We are exhausted," he added. Angela Michelle Carr, 52 Armisha Payne, left, and her mother Angela Michelle Carr, 52, one of three people killed in Jacksonville, Florida, on Aug. 26, 2023, in what law enforcement officials are calling a racist attack. Angela Michelle Carr, the first person the gunman killed, was sitting inside her black Kia sedan in the stores parking lot, Waters said, showing footage preceding the shooting. Carr worked as an Uber driver, company spokesperson Sarah Casasnovas confirmed to USA TODAY. Carr had completed her last trip more than an hour before the shooting and had logged off the app. Her son Chayvaughn Payne told The New York Times Carr had dropped off a friend at the store moments before she was killed. Payne said Carr was someone who would invite people to cookouts and other family events. "She would give her shirt off her back for people," Payne told the Times. "This is really hard to process. To lose a mother for nothing." Carrs cousin Kawana Staffney-Ashe told Keys Weekly that Carr was originally from Key West but left years ago. She never bothered anybody, Staffney-Ashe said. She didnt deserve this, just because of the color of her skin. Carr is survived by her son Payne, two daughters and 14 grandchildren, Payne told USA TODAY. Anolt Joseph "A.J." Laguerre Jr., 19 Anolt Joseph "A.J." Laguerre Jr., a store employee, was shot as he tried to flee when the gunman entered the Dollar General. "The DG family mourns the loss of our colleague Anolt Joseph 'AJ' Laguerre Jr., who, along with two of our customers, were the victims of senseless violence yesterday, Dollar General said in a statement. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends as we all try to comprehend this tragedy." Contributing: Charles Ventura, USA TODAY; Gary T. Mills, The Florida Times-Union; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jacksonville killings: Devoted father, loving mother mourned Medical Forces Command did not conduct a general inspection of the tourniquets provided to the Armed Forces, which was supposed to have been conducted by 14 August, said Solomiia Bobrovska, member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee of National Security. Source: Bobrovska on Facebook and in comments made to Ukrainska Pravda Quote from the deputy: "Results of the meeting on 23.08.23. There was no general inspection of tourniquets for military personnel. A random inspection of tourniquets took place in the 82nd brigade of the Air Assault Troops. The inspection consisted of placing a tourniquet and a visual inspection, although this was not conducted in laboratory conditions. Since the tourniquets did not break, the conclusion was that the tourniquets were "of good quality," do not require replacement or removal, and are suitable for use by the armed forces. Since there are no standards for quality, if they don't tear - theyre good!". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Details: Bobrovska added that at the meeting an order marked No. 7 was discovered, dated 07.01.2017, by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: "Collection of descriptions of sets of medical property", which sets out all the medical and technical requirements for the composition of first-aid kits, and which includes a requirement to check the tourniquet to a standard of "up to 12 points". At the same time, Tetiana Ostashchenko , the commander of the Medical Forces, informed the members of the committee that these points "do not meet the requirements of today's war." In response to a question on what Medical Forces Command was using to check first-aid kits and tourniquets, the committee heard that "there is no new document from the General Staff, and that they do not use the order from 2017." Details: Bobrovska also added that there are still no new quality standards for tourniquets and first-aid kits for the defence forces - they will only be developed in collaboration with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Defence. But why Medical Forces Command has not yet done this is unknown. The MP reported that the committee also proposed including in their decision a clause appealing to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence regarding the incompatibility of the position held by Tetiana Ostashchenko, the head of Medical Forces Command, but 5 votes were lacking. She emphasised that the person who was responsible for the purchase - Volodymyr Prudnikov, the head of the procurement department of the Department of Medical Supply within Medical Forces Command - has not yet been fired. According to the head of Medical Forces Command, he is either on vacation or on sick leave. According to Bobrovska, the committee recommended: a mandatory audit of first-aid kits in accordance with order No. 7, to instruct the Chief Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defence to conduct an inventory of individual first-aid kits and tourniquets stored in warehouses and issued for supply to military units, to check their record-keeping and debiting, and to determine the need for procurement. "There is also a proposal in the committee to refer to Glavkom regarding the situation with Medical Forces Command," Bobrovska concluded; in her comment for Ukrainska Pravda, she specified that Valerii Zaluzhnyi will be asked to report in September. Background: In the summer, a scandal erupted over poor-quality tourniquets at the front. In particular, in the 82nd separate brigade of the Air Assault Troops. Hemostatic tourniquets did not work during an attempt to stop bleeding by servicemen from the 82nd separate brigade of the Air Assault Troops during combat missions. The scandal gained publicity on 20 July when volunteer Oksana Korchynska wrote about it on social media. Her post started a large public discussion on the problems of tactical medicine in Ukraine. According to Korchynska, 50,000-60,000 Chinese tourniquets may have reached the front. The worst part is that these tourniquets had to go through Medical Forces Command - a body that, in theory, should not allow defective medical supplies such as these to reach the front. Medical Forces Command, in turn, stated that after this story, it had checked the tourniquets and that "the information spread in the media about malfunction of the tourniquets in the specified first-aid kits is unconfirmed." On 31 July, the Committee for National Security, Defence and Intelligence of the Verkhovna Rada heard Medical Forces Commands account of the situation regarding tactical medicine and gave them two weeks to check all the first-aid kits of military personnel in Ukraine. In mid-August, it became known that law enforcement officers were investigating criminal proceedings regarding possible violations in the formation of first-aid kits for the Armed Forces. Anton Shevchuk, the head of the medical service of the 82nd separate brigade of the Air Assault Troops, who asked Medical Forces Command to replace poor-quality Chinese tourniquets, and asked volunteer Oksana Korchynska to help with this task, was given a "severe reprimand". 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! Its fitting that our recent conversation about civil discourse in politics and policymaking happened over lunch at Culvers. After all, its one of the few institutions in Wisconsin that nearly everyone can agree on. Over ButterBurgers earlier this year in Hartland, we met to discuss the future of the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, where we serve as director and a member of the board of visitors, respectively. During our wide-ranging talk, one topic animated us like nothing else: the La Follette Schools efforts to promote civil discourse in its planned curriculum for a new undergraduate major in public policy. There we were, two people from different backgrounds finding common ground on a topic important to both of us, not just as an academic or a businessman, but as Americans. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Like many, we have grown frustrated with the polarization and rancor that has come to dominate politics and policymaking. This is why we are in lockstep when it comes to viewing the promotion of civil discourse as one of the most urgent actions the La Follette School can take going forward. We are not the only Wisconsinites who feel this way. Last year, the La Follette School helped to host four public forums across the state where we invited people from all political perspectives to join conversations about the issues that concern them. We learned many things during our tour, but one of the biggest takeaways was that there is a desire across Wisconsin for thoughtful and respectful conversations about the issues of the day. The voters we talked to want policymakers to work together in a bipartisan manner to solve societys problems. We called this the Main Street Agenda Project, and we found that participants treated each other with respect and dignity, even when they held different views on public policy. They modeled the very civil behavior that is often in short supply these days in politics, the news, on social media and even sometimes on college campuses. Attendees listen to the speakers during the Wisconsin Main Street Agenda: Green Bay Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, at Brown County Central Library in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Americans find discussing politics stressful, trust at all-time low In fact, most Americans want something different from the status quo. Nearly six-in-ten U.S. adults say they find political conversations stressful, less than a third of Americans trust each other, trust in political institutions is at an all-time low, and some researchers warn that polarization has reached dangerous levels. A lack of frank public policy conversations is bad for society, but it is also bad for college campuses, especially if students dont feel the ability to freely discuss ideas on campus. A recent UW System survey suggested that students refrain from expressing their views on controversial topics at times because they worry about the reaction of students from different political backgrounds. While the vast majority of UW-Madison students felt respected by faculty and instructors, we must provide an enriching educational environment where students politically conservative, independent, and liberal voices are heard in the classroom. Its how we learn from each other and discover that there are far more perspectives out there. Its how political discourse happens. More: More than half of UW students choose not to express controversial views in class, survey finds Elevating civility at this moment in time is one of the clearest ways we believe the La Follette School can embody the Wisconsin Idea, the foundational UW-Madison principle that education should make an impact outside of the classroom. For a start, La Follette is now developing classes where UW-Madison students will be able to process and debate controversial public policy topics in a way that encourages dialogue and difficult conversations. We hope this will become a centerpiece of the schools undergraduate major in public policy that we are currently developing. The majorwhich would be the first of its kind for UW Systemplans to emphasize skills in political negotiation and compromise, as well as data analytics and policy analysis methods. We know there is strong interest among UW-Madison undergraduates for this type of education. The major would build on the La Follette Schools four decades of training graduate students to become nonpartisan, evidence-informed leaders. Susan Webb Yackee, left, and Curt S. Culver. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, there are no other public policy schools in the country building civil dialogue so clearly into their undergraduate curricula. If we can lead the way for other public policy schools to take this up in their own institutions, we all will benefit. The UW System is putting attention on this important topic too. System President Jay Rothman has instituted Its Just Coffee events with students across UW schools to encourage conversation from a variety of political perspectives and backgrounds. UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is also leading on this issue, connecting civil dialogue, free speech, and belonging on campus. Meanwhile, the Discussion Project at our School of Education trains faculty and instructors to create welcoming, engaging, and academically rigorous classroom environments through dialogue and listening. This all may seem ambitious, but dont call it Pollyanna-ish. Universities like UW-Madison have a responsibility to work toward the betterment of society, and they have helped tackle many major challenges before. If the La Follette School can help move the needle, its worth doing. Our 2022 Main Street Agenda Project helped to underscore how urgent this matter is in Wisconsin, where more than 60 percent of residents reported that they lacked confidence in the federal government and more than half lacked confidence in the state government, according to the schools first-ever Policy Poll. In 2024, we hope to serve, again, as a community convener to identify areas for policy compromise and to promote civil discourse. As an educator and a businessman, we recognize that it is far easier to talk about issues with people who tend to agree with you. But, in school and in the workplace, there is immense value in debating and listening to people who quite frankly dont. Just like a ButterBurger, wed like to think this is something nearly everyone in Wisconsin can agree on. Susan Webb Yackee is a professor of public affairs and director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison. Curt S. Culver is the non-executive chairman of MGIC Investment Corp. and its principal subsidiary, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC), the nations leading private mortgage insurer. He is a founding member of the La Follette Schools Board of Visitors. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Civil discourse priority at La Follette school in ere of incivility. This story has been updated at 4:10pm EDT with comment from U.S. SOCOM and the latest news from NOAAs National Weather Service The base commander at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, has issued a mandatory evacuation of families and non-essential staff to be completed by Tuesday morning, as forecasters currently expect Idalia to make landfall early Wednesday. Col. Adam Bingham, MacDills base commander, issued the installation-wide evacuation announcement on Monday for all non-mission essential individuals and dependents in a statement. The National Hurricane Center expects Idalia to become a hurricane later Monday and turn into a dangerous major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday. They are well rehearsed in this, being on the Florida coast, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Monday. This is something that they train for and are prepared for to ensure continuity of operations. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Military personnel and civilian employees at the base must receive approval to evacuate from their chain of command, according to the statement. The Limited Evacuation Order, meant to reimburse personnel for travel expenses during an evacuation, will be released in the near future, it said. MacDill is home to two combatant commands U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command and more than two-dozen other military units including the 6th Air Refueling Wing, which flies the KC-135 Stratotankers. Our hazardous weather procedures continue to allow us to accomplish our mission, while ensuring the safety of our personnel and their families, the CENTCOM news desk emailed Military Times. SOCOM is not going to minimum staffing, Lt. Col. Allie Weiskopf, a spokesperson from the command, emailed Military Times. Personnel who live on base are being relocated inland, and SOCOM HQ essential personnel will be operating out of multiple contingency locations to ensure there is no degradation to our mission. Well return when local / federal authorities say its safe. Last September, Category 4 Hurricane Ian forced MacDill to evacuate personnel. Ian avoided a direct hit on the base, but 13 people were killed during the storm. In addition to the base evacuation, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in a statement that the Florida National Guard is mobilizing 1,100 personnel to support anticipated areas of impact. A dozen aircraft and 2,400 high-wheel vehicles are also being mobilized as an emergency response to the hurricane. A jury deliberated less than 15 minutes before finding a Pennsylvania man guilty of killing an 8-year-old, court records show. Keith Lamont Burley represented himself in court while he was on trial for the stabbing death of 8-year-old Mark Markie Mason, according to WKBN. This meant that when Masons mom, Maram Ford, testified, she had to answer Burleys questions in court. At one point during his questioning he began asking Ford about their relationship and Facebook posts, to which she stated none of that mattered because he killed her son, the New Castle News reported. Burley was arrested in July 2019 after, police say, he attacked Ford in her car, then kidnapped Mason and his 7-year-old brother. Burley took the boys to a home where he stabbed Mason more than 140 times in front of his brother and two other youths, according to a criminal complaint. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Masons brother testified he saw Burley come out of a bedroom with a knife and a gun then he jumped on Markie and was stabbing him. He said he watched Burley stab his brother and he hit Burley with a chair to try and stop him, New Castle News reported. When District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa asked Ford about the kids relationship with Burley she said, They liked him a lotThey called him Bud, according to the New Castle News. Lamancusa told the court evidence showed Mason had been stabbed 146 times, the Sharon Herald reported. The jury deliberated for less than 15 minutes Monday, Aug. 28, according to WKBN. Burley was found guilty of first degree murder, second degree murder, two counts of kidnapping to inflict injury, and simple assault, court records show. He will be sentenced on Sept. 19. In Pennsylvania, someone convicted of first degree murder can be sentenced to life imprisonment, according to the state statues. Man accused of killing 8-year-old forces childs mom to recount the slaying in court 13-year-old charged with murder after shooting that locked Ohio mall down, cops say Fresno man convicted of shooting 10-month-old in the head sentenced to prison MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is in custody after being accused of dragging his ex-girlfriend down the street while repeatedly stabbing her in the neck. According to Memphis Police, on August 24 at 9:44 p.m., officers responded to an aggravated assault/domestic violence call in Nutbush. The victims cousin stated there was a physical altercation between the victim and her ex-boyfriend. Elderly woman shot 4 times, suspect still on the loose Police say that the cousin heard screaming coming from the bedroom, so he knocked on the door to see what was going on, but the door was locked. He then broke the door down to get inside the room and saw the suspect, Yasser Chaviano-Gomez, standing over his cousin and choking her, police say. The cousin was able to separate them, allowing the victim to run out of the house before Gomez started following her, reports state. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police say that a witness was sitting outside on his porch when he saw Gomez drag the victim down the street and stab her multiple times with a knife before leaving the scene. The victim was taken to Regional One Hospital in extremely critical condition, where she was unconscious with weak vital signs. She suffered from several severe cuts to the right side of her neck, which required her to get 11 stitches, and cuts to her chin, nose, hands, and the back of her left leg. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid South. Officers say that while the victim was in the hospital, she stated her ex-boyfriend Gomez choked her, which restricted her from breathing, and told her he was going to kill her while he was stabbing her. According to reports, when officers checked the surrounding areas, they were able to find Gomez on Macon Road and Berclair Road before taking him into custody. Gomez stated he drank four to five beers but did not remember choking or stabbing the victim, police say. He is being charged with Criminal Attempt-First Degree Murder and Criminal Attempt Felony. Gomez is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 29-year-old man is behind bars after police said he and 20 other drivers attempted a takeover on Interstate 24 in Davidson County. The Metro Nashville Police Department said the incident occurred in the eastbound lanes of I-24 near the Bell Road exit. 1 critically injured in shooting off I-65 in North Nashville According to investigators, Carl Jackson was driving on I-24 in a Dodge Charger when he and about 20 other Dodge Chargers were seen lining up on the shoulder. Carl Jackson (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Witnesses said the Chargers pulled into the lanes, weaved in and out of traffic, and nearly caused multiple collisions. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Upon arrival, officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to disperse the Chargers. Officials said Jackson was seen among the group driving a gray Charger. Jackson finally stopped for officers after he reportedly drove three miles on I-24, police said. According to authorities, multiple vehicles involved had red stickers on them that spelled out NGE. Jackson allegedly told officers that the letters stood for Nash Gang Elites. During a search of his Charger, officers reportedly found a ledger that contained multiple documents related to NGE, which included monthly dues and membership records. Jackson was taken into custody and charged with aggravated reckless driving, refusing to disperse, and drag racing. Records show Jackson was released from Metro Jail just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A game of Ding Dong Ditch turned violent over the weekend, according to Tybee Island police. Early Sunday, a group of teens knocked on the door of William Coles home as part of a game called Ding Dong Ditch, but Cole didnt take this lightly, according to police. After chasing the teens from his home, Cole got into his car and continued to follow the teens. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cole then attempted to hit them with his car, according to police. After his attempt to strike them with his car, he started chasing them on foot. After catching one of the teens, police said Cole choked them until a witness intervened. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement TRENDING STORIES: He then fled the scene, according to police. Cole was arrested on Sunday. Cole faces two counts of aggravated assault and one charge of child cruelty. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A man in his 40s was rushed to hospital Friday after he was attacked by a shark off a beach north of Sydney, paramedics told AFP. New South Wales Ambulance said the man had been bitten on his "upper and lower leg" while in the water at Lighthouse Beach, a popular surf spot made notorious by several shark attacks in recent years. There was no immediate word on the man's condition. This photo taken on April 29, 2016 shows a sign about a shark spotters meeting at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina in northern New South Wales. / Credit: PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images Both great white sharks and aggressive bull sharks are known to prowl the waters around Lighthouse Beach, about four hours' drive from Sydney. A 16-year-old girl was killed by a shark in Western Australia earlier this year, after jumping into the water near a river mouth to swim with a pod of dolphins. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A large great white shark mauled a British diving instructor to death as he swam near Sydney in February 2022. The International Shark Attack Files, a University of Florida group that aims to compile all known shark attacks, classified the attack on Simon Nellist as "provoked" because people were fishing nearby, which attracts sharks. Across the globe, unprovoked shark bites have decreased over the past decade. In 2022, there were 57 unprovoked bites worldwide, which is significantly lower than the 10-year average of 74 unprovoked bites annually, according to the University of Florida's data. "Encounters with sharks are extremely rare. An individual is far more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bitten by a shark," Dr. Robert Latour, professor of marine science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, told CBS News. The U.S. tops the charts when it comes to unprovoked shark bites, accounting for about 72% of those recorded worldwide in 2022, according to the University of Florida's records. Australia recorded the second-highest number of unprovoked shark bites in 2022, representing nearly 16% of the 2022 worldwide total. Jennifer Earl contributed to this report. TikTok star Tanara Mallory on viral success of food commentary videos Changing the Game: Ashley Rouse on unique flavor jam brand, "Trade Street Jam Co." How a Michelin Star chef is transforming the view of hospital food A former Springfield man convicted of killing an 80-year-old woman in her near north-side duplex in early 2019 will be sentenced in Sangamon County court on Tuesday. David Dale Smith, 58, of Lindenwood, faces between 20 years and life in prison for the murder of Donna Lea Bricker in her home in the 700 block of West Elliott Street. Smith, who had been released from prison for aggravated battery of a senior citizen in a 1994 incident in Vermilion County, was a former neighbor of Bricker's. At 100, Evelyn Brandt Thomas reflects on working every day and her company's early days Bricker was found in her home on Jan. 6, 2019, by family members when she didn't show up for services at Third Presbyterian Church, where she was a longtime member and volunteer. An autopsy confirmed that Bricker had died from ligature strangulation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Sangamon County First Assistant State's Attorney Derek Dion explained at Smith's trial in late June that work done at the Illinois State Police Crime Lab helped police identify Smith as the suspect. DNA results showed that a specimen on a pair of scissors used to stab Bricker in the chest matched Smith. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. Smith's actions, Dion said at the trial, were "exceptionally brutal and heinous." Donna Lea Bricker Smith had moved to Lindenwood, an unincorporated area in northern Illinois between Rockford and Rochelle, before he was apprehended by authorities in mid-March 2019. At age 70, Bricker's volunteer work included running a food pantry in one of Kentucky's poorest counties in the Appalachian Mountain region. Ashlea Squires, Bricker's niece, told The State Journal-Register in 2019, that one of the women Bricker helped in Kentucky drove through a snowstorm to speak at Bricker's funeral, "a testament that people really loved her and wanted to show how they felt about her." According to her obituary, Bricker also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Tuesday's hearing will be before Circuit Court Judge John Madonia. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Former Springfield man faces life sentence for elderly woman's murder A 21-year-old Fairfield man pleaded guilty this month to targeting and robbing four Asian women last year in Sacramento, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office said Monday. Latravion McCockran pleaded Aug. 8 in Sacramento Superior Court to three counts of robbery, one count of grand theft and four hate crime allegations, the District Attorneys Office said. He was sentenced to eight years in state prison. The charges stemmed from a series of 2022 robberies in south Sacramento. McCockran and a juvenile suspect targeted Asian women leaving stores in the area of Stockton Boulevard and 65th Street. McCockran was known to be the driver in the robberies, helping his juvenile partner take purses, cell phones, cash and other valuables by force, sometimes with a firearm, the District Attorneys Office said in a news release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On one occasion, McCockran followed the victim to her home and robbed her of her cell phone inside of her garage, the news release said. During the investigation, detectives with the Sacramento Police Department discovered messages between McCockran and the juvenile showing they were choosing the victims because of racial bias. The discovery of that critical evidence allowed the District Attorneys Office to seek and obtain a conviction on the hate crime allegations in this case, the District Attorneys Office said. The judge ordered McCockran to pay restitution to the victims. A citizen of Mexico was sentenced to prison Monday for trafficking a large amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the Department of Justice. Erick Guerrero-Acosta, 36, was sentenced to ten years in prison by the U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Guerrero-Acosta was arrested Nov. 22, 2022, with nearly 30 pounds of fentanyl in pill and powder form, 15 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $25,000 in cash, and a gun in his car. At the very time Mr. Guerrero-Acosta was bringing fentanyl pills to Western Washington, more than one person each day was dying of a fentanyl overdose in King County alone, said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Between January 1, 2022, and October 15, 2022, 70% of 710 overdose deaths were attributable to fentanyl. Based on these percentages, pills just like the ones seized from Guerrero-Acosta killed approximately 490 people, leaving only heartache for families and loved ones. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Once undercover agents bought drugs from Guerrero-Acosta, agents moved in to arrest him. According to the Department of Justice, Guerrero-Acosta had prior convictions for drug trafficking in Arizona in 2007 and 2011. He was also convicted of illegally returning to the U.S. after his deportation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist in the investigation of a deadly shooting in Telfair County, Georgia. On Friday, at about 12:20 a.m., Telfair County 911 dispatch received a call that a man, later identified as Richard Harris, 29, of Lumber City, Georgia had been shot. The investigation revealed that Harris hit a man multiple times with a bat. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The man then shot Harris, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. During the incident, two other people were also shot and received minor injuries. No arrest has been made at this time. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The investigation is active and ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be given to the Oconee District Attorneys Office for review. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A man wanted for two separate armed robberies in Georgia and South Carolina was arrested Sunday in North Augusta. Jeremiah Shearouse, 43, of Pooler, Georgia, is charged with disposal of a stolen vehicle, according to jail records. Just before 3 p.m. Saturday, North Augusta Public Safety officers were assisting with a funeral escort when Shearouse was seen walking on Georgia Avenue near Medlin Road, according to an incident report. Officers recognized him as the person of interest in two armed robberies, in Savannah, Georgia and Dorchester County, South Carolina, and a carjacking earlier in the day in Aiken County, according to the report. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement When officers tried to speak with Shearouse, he fled into a wooded area between Medlin Drive and West High Street, according to the report. Officers chased Shearouse on foot but lost sight of him in the woods. He ran into an empty home on the 1800 block of Marion Avenue and SWAT arrived on scene, according to the report. SWAT found Shearouse hiding in the attic and he was arrested. Shearouse was transported to the Aiken County Detention Center and was later granted a $10,000 bond, according to jail records. Burke County Middle threat: Update: Burke County Middle School 'deemed safe' after bomb threat This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: SWAT arrests wanted Georgia man in North Augusta A mandatory evacuation of children from the Vasylivka and Polohy districts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast is planned for Monday, 28 August. Source: Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Ukraines Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, on the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "Today [28 August ed.] we will have a meeting of the evacuation staff, where we will announce a mandatory evacuation of children from two districts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Vasylivka and Polohy districts. We have to evacuate 5 settlements, 54 children." Details: Vereshchuk says that the mandatory evacuation of children from the Vovchansk hromada in Kupiansk district, Kharkiv Oblast, is ongoing [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Evacuation is also ongoing in Donetsk Oblast. A total of 89 children remain in 11 settlements. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Background: On 13 July, one person was killed in Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, due to Russian shelling, and the invaders destroyed three houses. Six people were injured, including a seven-year-old girl; one man died in hospital, and another remains in a critical condition as a result of the shelling of the village of Prymorske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 14 May. On 10 August, the authorities announced mandatory evacuation in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast due to increased Russian attacks. Residents of 37 settlements close to the combat zone were offered the opportunity to leave for Kharkiv and then, if they wished, to travel on to other regions of Ukraine. Approximately 480 people had been evacuated from the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast as of the morning of 18 August, and the authorities are preparing evacuation routes in case of a threat of occupation of the city of Kupiansk. 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 exterior of the Manitowoc County Courthouse as seen, Friday, June 11, 2021, in Manitowoc, Wis. MANITOWOC - A 38-year-old Manitowoc woman is facing reckless homicide charges as a suspect in a death caused by drug overdose. Sylvia C. Richmond is suspected of causing a drug overdose death by supplying the person with the drugs that caused their death. She has been charged with felony first-degree reckless homicide and misdemeanor bail jumping in Manitowoc County Circuit Court. According to the criminal complaint, police were called to a residence on Greet Street in Manitowoc for a person who was found dead in the bathroom of an apparent overdose on May 13. The victim is not described or identified in the criminal complaint. Richmond, who lived at the Green Street residence, told police she used heroin before falling asleep with the victim in her bed at the time. When she woke up several hours later, she found the victim dead in the bathroom. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Westfield Park shooting: Manitowoc man sentenced for role in February 2022 shooting near Westfield Park Police found more heroin and items commonly used for ingesting drugs in Richmond's residence during a search and the drugs tested positive for fentanyl, according to the complaint. Richmond told police she bought the drugs from a dealer in Milwaukee and was selling drugs to several individuals in Manitowoc County. Richmond was arrested at her residence on May 13 and has since been held at the Manitowoc County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Reckless homicide is a Class B felony and carries a potential punishment of up to 60 years in state prison. Her next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 1 at Manitowoc County Courthouse. Fulfilling our obligation: This report is part of the Herald Times Reporter's mission to follow criminal cases from arrest to their conclusion. Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc woman charged with reckless homicide in May overdose death Credit - Getty Images In third grade, Cristyonna mostly got As and Bs on her report cards. At parent-teacher evenings, teachers were positive about her learning. So Shareeda Jones, her mother, was surprised when they moved neighborhoods and schools and her daughters new teacher told her Cristyonna was three grade levels behind in reading. I was shocked, Jones says. Many American parents would be shocked to know where their kids were actually achieving. Nationally, 90% of parents think their children are reading and doing math at or above grade level. In fact, 26% of eighth graders are proficient or above in math and 31% are proficient or above in English, according to Learning Heroes, an organization that collects data and creates resources to improve parent-teacher relationships. Whats worse, 80% of parents say they are confident they understand how their child is achieving academically, and more than three-quarters say they feel their kids are prepared to enter and succeed at college and in the workplace. They dont seem to know theres a problem. Which means they wont see any reason to try and help, by securing support at school or accessing tutoring services that may be available. More From TIME Teachers are a bit more clear-eyed about parents insights into their kids attainment levels: 58% of them say most or all parents have a clear understanding of how their child is achieving academically. Thats a lot of parents who do not know where their child is performing. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There are two reasons for the staggering mismatch between what teachers know and what parents think. The first is that many report cards do not measure just achievement, or what a child knows, but a basket of items including attendance, effort, homework completion, and behavior. These are critically important inputs, and research shows they have a long-term impact on student outcomes. But they can muddy the waters in terms of what parents know about what their child has learned academically. A second grader might raise his hand a lot, work hard to complete his homework, and take part in class activities but be reading or doing math at a first grade level. Report card grades mask grade-level achievements, explains Bibb Hubbard, co-founder of Learning Heroes, which regularly surveys representative samples of parents and teachers. If your kid is bringing home a B you assume they are performing at the grade level. This is often not the case. A child might be trying really hard and the teacher rewards that with good grades. But they are far behind on grade level work. That may never come up in conversation. In NYC, for example, 83% of parents report their kids get As or Bs on their report cards. In reality, 26% are performing at grade level with math. Read More: Parents Are Almost As Depressed and Anxious As Teens The second reason parents are in the dark about their childrens performance is that teachers are neither trained nor given ample time to have honest conversations with them. They rightly fear that they will be blamed, not believed, or not supported by their principals if they tell parents exactly where their children are performing. They are not required to provide results from diagnostic tests such as MAP and iReady, so called formative assessments teachers use to test where a child is performing as the year goes on. Standardized tests, measured against benchmarks and sent to parents, often arrive after the school year is over. In between unaware parents and stretched-too-thin educators sit millions of children who are languishing. Few parents will seek tutoring, summer school, or community help if they don't know theres a problem. And no teacher can get 70% of a class up to grade level without broad level support, including a public acknowledgement that theres a problem which the teachers did not create but they are meant to solve. Hubbard is adamant that most parents are natural problem solvers and will take action if they know they need to, in spite of widely held views that some parents simply don't care. There's a ton of bias that certain parents dont care, she said. Thats not what we have foundever. They care deeply. That B or C is masking a lot. Why It Matters There has never been a more vital time to get school systems and parents on the same page. Students are still behind academically after the COVID-19 pandemic, and without support, their losses will compound, especially for low-income and minority students who already faced significant gaps. Data collected for the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaboration with researchers at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University (CEPR) and Stanford Universitys Educational Opportunity Project show that by the spring of 2022, the average student was half a year behind in math and a third of a year behind in reading. Students learned far less in math, reading and history over the past three years compared to previous years. COVID-19 also exacerbated gaping pre-existing achievement gaps. By 2022, the typical student in the poorest districts across the country had lost three-quarters of a year in math, more than double the decline of students in the richest districts. Children have resumed learning at largely the same pace as before the pandemic.But catching up will require more time in classrooms or with tutors, which is unlikely to happen if parents dont know how far behind their kids are, and dont know what to do about it. The hardest hit communitieslike Richmond, VA, St. Louis, MO, and New Haven, CT, where students fell behind by more than 1.5 years in mathwould have to teach 150% of a typical years worth of material for three years in a rowjust to catch up, says CEPR faculty director Thomas Kane. Are we just expecting them to talk a lot faster? Kane asks. The Problem With Report Cards Parents consistently say on surveys that the number one indicator they use to understand their childs academic progress is report cards and grades. But ask teachers and you get a very different answer. When told to select the four most helpful sources of information that let you know whether a student is performing at grade level, report cards come are near the bottom of the list, after results from classroom tests and quizzes, in-class observations, results from short low-stakes tests administered during the year such as MAP, iReady, results from end-of-year tests and interactions with students. Only one-third of teachers select report cards as a top indicator of a students academic progress. Many hoped that Covid-19 would shed more light on the problem of both poor student performance and parents lack of knowledge about it. That did not happen. Schools have had to scramble with other issues, from staff shortages to declining enrolment, and parents are mostly happy to have kids back in school and learning. When 2022 state data came in, many state education departments celebrated gains over 2021an unusually bad year. In truth, 2022 was still a difficult year compared to 2019, when things were hardly bright and sunny. That parents are in the dark about their childs progress is not that surprising. They are not curriculum specialists, and state standards have changed dramatically in the past 20 to 30 years. The U.S. has 50 definitions of grade level, and what is communicated to parents at two or three meetings a year varies by teacher, school, district and state. Rather than clarify things, Covid-19 made them murkier, with grades put on hold, assessments changing and the assumption that everyone was behind. Its not true that everyone is in the same boat, says Kane. And of course, no one really knows what boat they are in. Peter Bergman, an associate professor of economics at the University of Texas Austin, has spent his career trying to understand why such deep misperceptions exist between parents and schools. Before becoming a professor he was a teacher in Harlem, and the problem he faced wasnt that everyone was getting As and Bs but rather Ds and Fs. Most parents in the school were low-income, very busy, and confused by report cards. If they're not hearing anything terrible going on, they're going to assume things are fine, he said. They're not fine. Read More: Culture Wars Could Be Coming to a School Near You Bergman and his colleagues surveyed parents in West Virginia schools about how much work parents thought their children had missed in school. More than 50% said none. Only 20% of kids were getting all their work done, meaning a lot of parents were mistaken about that work. Bergman has explored ways to improve communications. In a pioneering study published in 2019, Bergman and a co-author found that sending parents weekly text messages about students absences and missing assignments, and a monthly warning about failing grades, improved high school students attendance by 12% and reduced course failures by 28%. Others have replicated the findings. Bergman says researchers are still figuring out what works best, but so far, they know that to be effective the messages need to be personalized to the student, timely, and offer actionable information. When kids miss a lot of assignments, the mountain can feel too big to climb. Missed assignments pile up so quickly, he explains. If you wait six weeks for report cards to come out, its just too much to make up all at once. Since the 1990s, many districts have moved to standards-based grading, a way of separating academic mastery from other important engagement measures such as attendance, participation and homework completion. But these have proven to be confusing to parents, as they provide so many different data points (1-4, 1-5) on a variety of standards. One is certainly cause for worry, but is two? Or three? Sue Brookhart, professor emerita of education at Duquesne University says the move to standards-based grades is important and long overdue. There's a lot that goes into grades that shouldnt, she says, including things like effort and behavior. It's not that you shouldnt assess thatjust assess it separately. What to do While educators debate whether letter grades, standards-based grades or no grades is the best way to motivate students and improve achievement, parents need to ask how their child is performing. In April, Learning Heroes launched a multi-city campaign called Go Beyond Grades to encourage parents to ask where their children are and help them find the resources they need. The organization suggests parents do three things, and provides scripts and resources to do each one: 1) Ask the teacher if your child is on grade level; 2) Be in the know about what is expected for grade level (the organization explains how); 3) Connect to programs that can help get your child the support they need, be it tutoring or after-school help. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government has allocated $190 billion toward pandemic-related learning issues, including statewide tutoring programs and summer enrichment work. But parents wont use those programs if they dont know their children are behind. Besides shock, Jones said she felt a little embarrassed and a little sad, to find out Cristyonna was so far behind. We could have been working on her reading if I knew there was a problem. When she found out, she went on Amazon and bought Hooked on Phonics, which she had used as a child. It was money she did not have to spare, but she needed a plan. You do what you have to do when it's your kids, she says matter-of-factly. Jones now checks on Cristyonnas reading, and spends more time reading with her. Cristyonnas school is helping, though they were reluctant to get involved until they saw Jones take charge. This is not an uncommon pattern, say education experts like Kane and Hubbard. Schools are often reluctant to raise red flags when they cant offer much in the way of support (again: teachers are stretched thin). But some parents feel lost. We have to give each other grace, Jones says. It's not that we [parents] don't want to help, its that we don't know what to do. Its the same with the teachers. It's not that they don't want to help, they just dont really know how to do family engagement. Contact us at letters@time.com. 911 dispatch trainee Loren Bengston works at a computer in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The city's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert) DENVER (AP) Christian Glass was a geology geek, a painter and a young man beset by a mental health crisis when he called 911 for help getting his car unstuck in a Colorado mountain town last year. When sheriff's deputies arrived, he refused to get out of the car after saying that supernatural beings were after him, body camera video shows. The officers shouted, threatened and coaxed. Glass made heart shapes with his hands and prayed: Dear Lord, please, dont let them break the window. They did, and the 22-year-old grabbed a small knife. Then he was hit with bean bag rounds, stun gun charges and, ultimately, bullets that killed him and led to a murder charge against one deputy and a criminally negligent homicide charge against another. As part of a $19 million settlement this spring with Glass parents, Colorados Clear Creek County this month joined a growing roster of U.S. communities that respond to nonviolent mental health crises with clinicians and EMTs or paramedics, instead of police. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The initiatives have spread rapidly in recent years, particularly among the nations biggest cities. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June, The AP found. Funding sources vary. If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, law enforcement is not what they need, said Tamara Lynn of the National De-Escalation Training Center, a private group that trains police to handle such situations. There's no aggregate, comprehensive data yet on the programs' effects. Their scope varies considerably. So does their public reception. In Denver, just an hours drive from where Glass was killed, a program called STAR answered 5,700 calls last year and is often cited as a national model. Its funding has totaled $7 million since 2021. In New York, a more than $40 million-a-year program dubbed B-HEARD answered about 3,500 calls last year, and mental health advocates criticize it as anemic. Representatives from some other cities were frank about challenges staffing shortages, acclimating 911 dispatchers to sending out unarmed civilians, and more at a conference in Washington, D.C., this spring. Still, officials in places including New York see no-police teams as an important shift in how they address people in crisis. We really think that every single B-HEARD response is just a better way that we, the city, are providing care to people, said Laquisha Grant of the New York Mayors Office of Community Mental Health. Federal data is incomplete, but various studies and statistics show that mentally ill people make up a substantial proportion of those killed by police. Often, the dead are people of color, though Glass was not. The alternative approach dates back decades but gained new impetus from calls for wide-ranging police reform after the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. There also were specific pleas for better responses to psychiatric crisis after such tragedies as the death of Daniel Prude that year in Rochester, New York. Prude was just out of a psychiatric hospital and running naked through snowy streets when he was suffocated by police who had been called to help him. He was Black, as was Floyd. Reports of mental distress made up about 1% of police calls in a 2022 study involving nine police agencies; theres no nationwide statistic. A long-established civilian response program in Eugene, Oregon, says it diverts 3% to 8% of calls from police. The Vera Institute of Justice, a police reform advocacy group, suggests alternative teams could handle 19% if homelessness, intoxication and some other troubles were included. In Denver, STAR teams arrive in vans stuffed with everything from medical gear to blankets to Cheez-Its. In one recent instance, they spent three hours more time than police could likely have spent -- with a Denver newcomer who was living on the streets. The team helped him get a Colorado ID voucher, groceries, and medications and took him to a shelter. Its really about meeting the needs of the community and making sure we are sending the right experts, so we can actually solve the problem, says Carleigh Sailon, a former STAR manager who now works elsewhere. STAR responded to 44% of calls deemed eligible last year, said Evan Thompkin, a STAR program specialist. A Stanford University study found that petty crime reports fell by a third and violent crime stayed steady in areas that STAR served in its earliest phase. Throughout the program's three years, police have never been called for backup due to safety concerns but have helped direct traffic, Thompkin said. Some observers wonder if safety worries will grow as non-police programs do. While theres an appeal to the idea of pulling cops out of psychiatric crisis calls, the challenge is identifying those calls, said Stephen Eide, a senior fellow specializing in mental health issues at the conservative Manhattan Institute think tank. In New York, dispatchers must gauge the potentially life-or-death risk of imminent harm while deciphering sometimes frantic 911 calls that often come from bystanders or relatives, not the person in crisis. Officials say B-HEARD answered 53% of eligible calls in the last six months of 2022, the most recent data available. But that was 16% of all the mental health crisis calls within the program's limited territory. Combined, staffers answered about 2% of the 171,000 such calls citywide throughout last year. Very unimpressive, says Ruth Lowenkron, an attorney involved in a federal lawsuit that seeks changes in B-HEARD. Grant says the city is exploring whether more calls could qualify. Meanwhile, officials note that B-HEARD's social workers and EMTs resolve about half of calls by talking to people or taking them to social service or community health centers, rather than the hospitals where armed officers have traditionally brought people in crisis. Plans call for extending B-HEARD citywide. Grant credits the program with providing people with more options and letting people know that they can stay safely in their homes, in their communities, with the connection to the right resources. John Barrett, however, wanted to go to a hospital to get some physical and mental health problems checked out one June day. He asked 911 for an ambulance, but police came, he said. Then two other people showed up unannounced, in bulletproof vests and face masks. They totally escalated the situation for me, recalled Barrett, 45, a former door technician. Between them and the police being there, I was just totally terrified. He said he learned only by asking that they were with B-HEARD. (Teams can be summoned by on-scene police, and staffers are allowed, but not required, to wear ballistic vests.) Barrett said the two performed medical tasks such as taking his blood pressure, and eventually a social worker appeared in plain clothes and sought to talk with him, but he wasnt interested. An ambulance ultimately took him to a hospital. The city mental health office said it couldnt discuss any individual responses. Barrett said he went home from the hospital the next day, still shaken by the response to his call for help. Im saving money for an Uber next time," he said. ___ Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed from Washington. Peltz reported from New York. Jesse Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Student-loan company Nelnet's call center and website temporarily shut down due to "technical difficulties." It's at least the second time this has happened in the last month, following an influx of questions from borrowers. The student-loan payment pause is set to end on Friday. The student-loan payment pause is ending in a matter of days, but many borrowers are already facing challenges. On Monday, borrowers whose debt is managed by student-loan company Nelnet found they were unable to log into their accounts to view their payment information due to technical difficulties. Their luck wasn't much better when they attempted to call the company's customer service office. "Our automated phone system and online accounts are currently unavailable due to technical difficulties, and we're working quickly to resolve the issue," Nelnet wrote in a statement on its website. "We apologize for the inconvenience. Please check back here for updates." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Nelnet did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, but borrowers indicated on X, formerly Twitter, that the outage had been ongoing for at least two hours at the time of publication. After over three years, the federal student-loan payment pause is about to end. Interest will begin to accrue again on balances in September, with bills becoming due one month later. As Insider previously reported, the payment resumption has sparked confusion among many borrowers due to lack of clarity surrounding what their monthly payment will be, and getting answers from their servicer has not been easy because of long hold times due to an influx of questions from borrowers. Earlier this month, Nelnet's call center shut down because of technical difficulties, with the company responding to a borrower on X that "we apologize for the higher than normal hold times as we are currently receiving an influx of calls." The company responded to a different user that "we are currently working emails as quickly as possible due to an influx of emails. There isn't an exact turn around time that I am able to give," and it recommended borrowers call 888.486.4722 or email nelnetcustomersolutions@nelnet.net. Nelnet has since disabled the capability for borrowers to comment on its posts on X. An Education Department spokesperson previously told Insider that the department is in frequent communication with servicers to ensure it is delivering timely information to borrowers about the payment resumption. The department has also previously acknowledged that a lack of funding from Congress for Federal Student Aid limits the resources it can allocate to implement new programs quickly and effectively. However, it's a critical time for student-loan borrowers to ensure they can financially plan for the payment resumption, and these technical issues are not making matters easier. One borrower wrote on X that "I've finally gathered the courage to look at my student loans and figure out a game plan (very triggering) and yet the website is completely not workinghow is this right?" And another wrote that "your systems are down days before student loan interest restarts. Trying to login to my account to start repayment planning. Houston, we have a serious problem." Are you experiencing challenges with the student-loan payment resumption? Do you have a story to share about student debt? Reach out to this reporter at asheffey@insider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider The conviction of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan s longtime chief of staff on perjury charges last week exposed more than just the extraordinary set of lies that Tim Mapes told to try to protect his boss. The nearly three-week trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse also ripped a deeper tear in the veil covering the secretive Madigan political machine that prosecutors have called a criminal enterprise. One FBI agent testified that Madigans style was similar to a mafia don. Wiretaps and email exposed the full extent of the panic that Madigan could have been toppled in 2018 over his allies #MeToo scandals. Evidence also captured the once-formidable speakers cutthroat moves to banish anyone who might hurt his struggle to hang onto power. The Mapes trial also previewed the outlines of an ill-fated Chinatown land transfer deal that is included in the sweeping racketeering case filed against Madigan himself. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement And it revealed a bizarre meeting Mapes had with the FBI in Springfield in January 2019, just days after different federal agents had knocked on the door of a top ComEd executive and pressured him into cooperating in the still-secret probe. Whats clear from it all is that prosecutors still have not put all their cards on the table when it comes to the Madigan probe, which included more than nine months of wiretaps on the cellphone belonging to longtime Madigan confidant Michael McClain, as well as undercover video recordings of Madigan made by then-Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis. Like the revelations in the Mapes case, a trove of additional evidence is expected to be unveiled in the months leading up to the April 1 racketeering trial of Madigan and McClain, who are accused of using Madigans official office to marshal power and enrich their friends. Madigan, who lost his speakership in 2021, and McClain have denied the allegations. Their attorneys are in the middle of a protracted legal battle to get much of the evidence gleaned from the wiretaps suppressed due to alleged malfeasance by prosecutors. Attorneys for both Madigan and McClain have argued in previous court filings that federal investigators, in their zeal to land a prized political target, cut corners in the investigation and ultimately filed charges that misuse the bribery statute and attempt to criminalize legal lobbying and politicking. A simple case Mapes case meanwhile, was decidedly more simple. Telling the truth or rather Mapes seemingly allergic reaction to telling the truth to grand jurors was at the heart of the allegations that led last week to a jury returning swift guilty verdicts against Mapes for perjury and attempted obstruction of justice. For days, prosecutors dug into Mapes defense that he tried his level best to tell the truth to the grand jury on March 31, 2021, but that he just couldnt remember the answers to a series of basic questions about Madigans relationship with McClain. An ex-lobbyist, McClain, who served with Madigan in the state legislature decades ago, was convicted this year in the high-profile ComEd Four case, queuing him up with the companys former CEO and two other lobbyists for potentially hefty prison sentences. The Madigan-McClain alliance was well-known for years at the Illinois Capitol, and prosecutors brought a series of current and ex-lawmakers to attest to their close friendship. Trial testimony highlighted how McClain despite working as a lobbyist for ComEd and other major firms frequently camped out in a Capitol conference room right between the offices of Madigan and Mapes. Even after his retirement in 2016, McClain was given special assignments by the speaker, an indicator of how much trust Madigan placed in his longtime friend, according to testimony. Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, testified Madigan, McClain and Mapes represented a triangle of power over House Democratic legislators along with their political and legislative agendas. To help explain the power dynamic, Rita used his hands to draw a triangle for jurors to see. Madigan sat at the apex. Mapes and McClain held down the two other corners of this organizational structure that held major sway over critical decisions in Madigans world of government and politics in Illinois. Yet prosecutors described Mapes grand jury testimony as so evasive that he came off as the only person in Springfield who didnt know McClain was taking assignments from Madigan or performing tasks the speaker asked him to do. Mapes low-key grand jury testimony, coupled with his quiet manner at the defense table during the trial and halfhearted attempts to hide from news photographers, belied years of mean-spirited bravado during his 25-year run as Madigans chief of staff, a guy who flaunted, and sometimes abused, the power granted to him by the longest-serving speaker in American history. He is also the same guy Madigan told to resign the coveted jobs of chief of staff, House clerk and executive director of the Madigan-run Democratic Party of Illinois within hours after a staffer accused Mapes of years of sexual harassment and fostering culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an extremely difficult working environment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur and Julia Schwartz maintained Mapes lies, despite getting immunity to testify before the grand jury providing he told the truth, demonstrated his desire to put loyalty over truth. MacArthur told jurors Mapes responded with I dont recall, I dont remember as a total dodge. His effort to hide behind I dont recall is ridiculous. A look behind the curtain While the evidence in the ComEd Four trial earlier this year was largely focused on that alleged bribery scheme, the wiretaps and emails revealed during Mapes trial gave the public a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how Madigans team handled a much more public scandal: the #MeToo sexual harassment allegations involving misbehaving allies. Madigans inner circle immediately jumped into a defensive crouch, with McClain firing off a desperate-sounding email calling for taking the gloves off and quit playing punchy bags above the belt. In one email to Mapes, McClain described how Madigans operation hired SKDK to handle this problem and develop a plan to be assertive and met with the firms Anita Dunn, a top player in the Obama and Biden administrations, to develop a strategy that included beginning with an op-ed. Mapes had initiated the email exchange on Sept. 21, 2018, the day a Madigan-signed a commentary in the Tribune said he took responsibility for failing to do enough and promising to do more to address inappropriate behavior in Springfield. Records showed the Friends of Madigan campaign fund paid more than $200,000 to SKDK over 2018 and 2019 for advice on how to address the #MeToo issues. It came around the same time that McClain gathered a group of utility lobbyists including political gurus Tom Cullen and Will Cousineau to work out arrangements to send checks to help Kevin Quinn after Madigan had tossed him from the speakers organization due to the longtime lieutenants own #MeToo scandal. Cullen and Cousineau were among a group of former Madigan allies who testified for the government in the Mapes trial after securing non-target letters that assured prosecutors didnt have them in their sights. Quinn, brother of 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, was caught sending a stream of inappropriate texts to campaign worker Alaina Hampton, who called him out in February 2018. She later sued and settled with Madigans political operations in a case charging she was blackballed from his political organization once she made her allegations public. Hampton, at the courthouse to see the Mapes verdict Thursday, expressed surprise that SKDK was working for Madigans political organization while she was getting help from Times Up Legal Defense Fund, a national group that helps women confront sexual harassment allegations, while her lawsuit was pending. Public relations specialist Joanna Klonsky, confirmed she was being paid by the Times Up fund to help Hampton and that SKDK worked as a liaison with her on behalf of Times Up. But Klonsky called it deeply concerning that she had contact with SKDK and Times Up on the Hampton matter while SKDK worked with the Madigan organization. SKDK, a powerful Washington-based Democratic-leaning firm, has long worked on communications for Times Up in efforts to support women victims and provide training to prevent harassment. A statement last week from SKDK partner Jill Zuckman said, SKDKs work for Times Up Legal Defense Fund involved connecting women with PR representatives around the country. That was wholly separate from any work helping Speaker Madigan address systemic cultural problems within his office. New testimony Madigans scramble to get the #MeToo scandals behind him was only one part of the never-ending political intrigue in the Mapes trial. For the first time, the public heard testimony involving one of the centerpieces of the Madigan racketeering case: An alleged effort to transfer a parcel of state-owned land in Chinatown to a developer who was looking to build a hotel. The indictment alleges Madigan attempted to shake down the developer for tax appeal business for his private law firm. The trial testimony exposed the ease with which Democratic lobbyists such as McClain, a former state lawmaker, allegedly would not hesitate to reach out to people with bipartisan connections when they really want to cut a deal. Lobbyist Nancy Kimme, formerly a top aide to GOP Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, testified that McClain first reached out to her about the Chinatown project in late 2017, and that she later met at Solis 25th Ward office with McClain, Solis and the developers seeking to turn a parking lot into a hotel complex. By then, Solis was wearing a wire. Kimme testified she understood that Madigan supported the transfer, but the Illinois Department of Transportation, which owned it, was opposed. By the spring session in 2018, then-Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval, head of the Senate Transportation Committee, apparently intended to block the deal. Attempts to pass the legislation ultimately failed in the House. But by then, Solis had allegedly captured Madigan on tape saying he was looking for a colleague to sponsor a House bill approving the land sale. I have to find out about who would be the proponent in the House, Madigan allegedly told Solis in the March 2018 conversation. We gotta find the appropriate person for that. I have to think it through. The Madigan indictment accused the ex-speaker of illegally soliciting business for his private property tax law firm during discussions about the hotel project. A random meeting The Mapes trial also exposed what can only be characterized as an only-in-Illinois federal corruption probe coincidence. In January 2019, Mapes agreed to meet with an FBI analyst and special agent from the agencys Springfield bureau, who had reached out to him as part of an initiative to develop background sources in the political sphere in the Capitol and better understand the public corruption threat, according to court testimony. Mapes, who knew the analyst, Kim Edge, through a mutual friend and had seen her recently at a funeral, met Edge and then-FBI Special Agent Terry Moody at the Papos Cafe in Springfield, according to testimony. The meeting happened to take place just eight days after FBI agents in Chicago had approached then-ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, who agreed to cooperate after they played him wiretapped calls involving the long running scheme to hire Madigans friends as do-nothing consultants for the utility. In the ensuing weeks, Marquez made numerous recordings of phone calls and meetings with McClain and other members of the scheme that are at the heart of the ComEd bribery allegations. But Edge testified her reach-out to Mapes had nothing to do with the investigation unfolding in Chicago. In fact, she didnt even know it existed. Still, Mapes found the encounter unusual enough to write up a three-page memo about it shortly after the meeting ended. He then called Sheldon Zenner, one of Madigans criminal defense attorneys, and told him about it, according to testimony. Mapes also wrote that hed brought a copy of the Chicago Tribune with him that day, and that on the front page was a story about Ald. Daniel Solis wearing a wire on then-Ald. Edward Burke. There was a brief discussion about the article, Mapes wrote in his memo. But much of the rest was friendly chitchat. When Mapes testified before the grand jury more than a year later, he brought the memo with him and gave it to prosecutors. Asked why hed prepared it, Mapes said, Because I thought this meeting was unusual. They were reaching out to me to to be wired up against some members of the General Assembly, Mapes testified, even though there was nothing like that in his memo. Mapes told the grand jury that hed reached out to Zenner simply because he was a former federal prosecutor and wanted to get his thoughts, as well as possible advice on whether he needed his own legal representation. I thought (Zenner) might have perspective of why they had an interest in me after I had left the government, Mapes testified. Mapes said he also mentioned it to McClain for the same reasons. I was looking for people that would have a legal perspective because this was something new to me and if they had any reflections or thoughts on the FBI seeking my dialogue, Mapes testified. (McClain) just thought it was unusual Every lawyer I talked to thought it was an unusual approach to me. But prosecutors said Mapes was being evasive, and that the real reason Mapes called Zenner and McClain was to get word to the boss about the encounter. In a wiretapped call from Feb. 15, 2019, about three weeks after his meeting at the coffee shop, Mapes told McClain hed talked to Zenner about it, and they agreed it likely had something to do with reports that Solis had worn a wire. He has the same view that its being precipitated by whats going on in the Northern District, Mapes said on the call. Right, McClain answered. All good though. So, I, Im just reporting in, Mapes said. McClain laughed. I heard ya, I heard ya In her closing argument last week, Schwartz told jurors that recording proved Mapes lied when he said his relay to McClain and Zenner about the meeting was informational. What he was doing instead was reporting in, Schwartz said. This is a man who is loyal, who does not give any ground, who refuses to provide any insights into Madigan and McClain. ____ The conviction of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigans longtime chief of staff on perjury charges last week exposed more than just the extraordinary set of lies that Tim Mapes told to try to protect his boss. The nearly three-week trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse also ripped a deeper tear in the veil covering the secretive Madigan political machine that prosecutors have called a criminal enterprise. One FBI agent testified that Madigans style was similar to a mafia don. Wiretaps and email exposed the full extent of the panic that Madigan could have been toppled in 2018 over his allies #MeToo scandals. Evidence also captured the once-formidable speakers cutthroat moves to banish anyone who might hurt his struggle to hang onto power. The Mapes trial also previewed the outlines of an ill-fated Chinatown land transfer deal that is included in the sweeping racketeering case filed against Madigan himself. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement And it revealed a bizarre meeting Mapes had with the FBI in Springfield in January 2019, just days after different federal agents had knocked on the door of a top ComEd executive and pressured him into cooperating in the still-secret probe. Whats clear from it all is that prosecutors still have not put all their cards on the table when it comes to the Madigan probe, which included more than nine months of wiretaps on the cellphone belonging to longtime Madigan confidant Michael McClain, as well as undercover video recordings of Madigan made by then-Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis. Like the revelations in the Mapes case, a trove of additional evidence is expected to be unveiled in the months leading up to the April 1 racketeering trial of Madigan and McClain, who are accused of using Madigans official office to marshal power and enrich their friends. Madigan, who lost his speakership in 2021, and McClain have denied the allegations. Their attorneys are in the middle of a protracted legal battle to get much of the evidence gleaned from the wiretaps suppressed due to alleged malfeasance by prosecutors. Attorneys for both Madigan and McClain have argued in previous court filings that federal investigators, in their zeal to land a prized political target, cut corners in the investigation and ultimately filed charges that misuse the bribery statute and attempt to criminalize legal lobbying and politicking. A simple case Mapes case meanwhile, was decidedly more simple. Telling the truth or rather Mapes seemingly allergic reaction to telling the truth to grand jurors was at the heart of the allegations that led last week to a jury returning swift guilty verdicts against Mapes for perjury and attempted obstruction of justice. For days, prosecutors dug into Mapes defense that he tried his level best to tell the truth to the grand jury on March 31, 2021, but that he just couldnt remember the answers to a series of basic questions about Madigans relationship with McClain. An ex-lobbyist, McClain, who served with Madigan in the state legislature decades ago, was convicted this year in the high-profile ComEd Four case, queuing him up with the companys former CEO and two other lobbyists for potentially hefty prison sentences. The Madigan-McClain alliance was well-known for years at the Illinois Capitol, and prosecutors brought a series of current and ex-lawmakers to attest to their close friendship. Trial testimony highlighted how McClain despite working as a lobbyist for ComEd and other major firms frequently camped out in a Capitol conference room right between the offices of Madigan and Mapes. Even after his retirement in 2016, McClain was given special assignments by the speaker, an indicator of how much trust Madigan placed in his longtime friend, according to testimony. Rep. Bob Rita, D- Blue Island, testified Madigan, McClain and Mapes represented a triangle of power over House Democratic legislators along with their political and legislative agendas. To help explain the power dynamic, Rita used his hands to draw a triangle for jurors to see. Madigan sat at the apex. Mapes and McClain held down the two other corners of this organizational structure that held major sway over critical decisions in Madigans world of government and politics in Illinois. Yet prosecutors described Mapes grand jury testimony as so evasive that he came off as the only person in Springfield who didnt know McClain was taking assignments from Madigan or performing tasks the speaker asked him to do. Mapes low-key grand jury testimony, coupled with his quiet manner at the defense table during the trial and halfhearted attempts to hide from news photographers, belied years of mean-spirited bravado during his 25-year run as Madigans chief of staff, a guy who flaunted, and sometimes abused, the power granted to him by the longest-serving speaker in American history. He is also the same guy Madigan told to resign the coveted jobs of chief of staff, House clerk and executive director of the Madigan-run Democratic Party of Illinois within hours after a staffer accused Mapes of years of sexual harassment and fostering culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an extremely difficult working environment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur and Julia Schwartz maintained Mapes lies, despite getting immunity to testify before the grand jury providing he told the truth, demonstrated his desire to put loyalty over truth. MacArthur told jurors Mapes responded with I dont recall, I dont remember as a total dodge. His effort to hide behind I dont recall is ridiculous. A look behind the curtain While the evidence in the ComEd Four trial earlier this year was largely focused on that alleged bribery scheme, the wiretaps and emails revealed during Mapes trial gave the public a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how Madigans team handled a much more public scandal: the #MeToo sexual harassment allegations involving misbehaving allies. Madigans inner circle immediately jumped into a defensive crouch, with McClain firing off a desperate-sounding email calling for taking the gloves off and quit playing punchy bags above the belt. In one email to Mapes, McClain described how Madigans operation hired SKDK to handle this problem and develop a plan to be assertive and met with the firms Anita Dunn, a top player in the Obama and Biden administrations, to develop a strategy that included beginning with an op-ed. Mapes had initiated the email exchange on Sept. 21, 2018, the day a Madigan-signed a commentary in the Tribune said he took responsibility for failing to do enough and promising to do more to address inappropriate behavior in Springfield. Records showed the Friends of Madigan campaign fund paid more than $200,000 to SKDK over 2018 and 2019 for advice on how to address the #MeToo issues. It came around the same time that McClain gathered a group of utility lobbyists including political gurus Tom Cullen and Will Cousineau to work out arrangements to send checks to help Kevin Quinn after Madigan had tossed him from the speakers organization due to the longtime lieutenants own #MeToo scandal. Cullen and Cousineau were among a group of former Madigan allies who testified for the government in the Mapes trial after securing non-target letters that assured prosecutors didnt have them in their sights. Quinn, brother of 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, was caught sending a stream of inappropriate texts to campaign worker Alaina Hampton, who called him out in February 2018. She later sued and settled with Madigans political operations in a case charging she was blackballed from his political organization once she made her allegations public. Hampton, at the courthouse to see the Mapes verdict Thursday, expressed surprise that SKDK was working for Madigans political organization while she was getting help from Times Up Legal Defense Fund, a national group that helps women confront sexual harassment allegations, while her lawsuit was pending. Public relations specialist Joanna Klonsky, confirmed she was being paid by the Times Up fund to help Hampton and that SKDK worked as a liaison with her on behalf of Times Up. But Klonsky called it deeply concerning that she had contact with SKDK and Times Up on the Hampton matter while SKDK worked with the Madigan organization. SKDK, a powerful Washington-based Democratic-leaning firm, has long worked on communications for Times Up in efforts to support women victims and provide training to prevent harassment. A statement last week from SKDK partner Jill Zuckman said, SKDKs work for Times Up Legal Defense Fund involved connecting women with PR representatives around the country. That was wholly separate from any work helping Speaker Madigan address systemic cultural problems within his office. New testimony Madigans scramble to get the #MeToo scandals behind him was only one part of the never-ending political intrigue in the Mapes trial. For the first time, the public heard testimony involving one of the centerpieces of the Madigan racketeering case: An alleged effort to transfer a parcel of state-owned land in Chinatown to a developer who was looking to build a hotel. The indictment alleges Madigan attempted to shake down the developer for tax appeal business for his private law firm. The trial testimony exposed the ease with which Democratic lobbyists such as McClain, a former state lawmaker, allegedly would not hesitate to reach out to people with bipartisan connections when they really want to cut a deal. Lobbyist Nancy Kimme, formerly a top aide to GOP Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, testified that McClain first reached out to her about the Chinatown project in late 2017, and that she later met at Solis 25th Ward office with McClain, Solis and the developers seeking to turn a parking lot into a hotel complex. By then, Solis was wearing a wire. Kimme testified she understood that Madigan supported the transfer, but the Illinois Department of Transportation, which owned it, was opposed. By the spring session in 2018, then-Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval, head of the Senate Transportation Committee, apparently intended to block the deal. Attempts to pass the legislation ultimately failed in the House. But by then, Solis had allegedly captured Madigan on tape saying he was looking for a colleague to sponsor a House bill approving the land sale. I have to find out about who would be the proponent in the House, Madigan allegedly told Solis in the March 2018 conversation. We gotta find the appropriate person for that. I have to think it through. The Madigan indictment accused the ex-speaker of illegally soliciting business for his private property tax law firm during discussions about the hotel project. A random meeting The Mapes trial also exposed what can only be characterized as an only-in- Illinois federal corruption probe coincidence. In January 2019, Mapes agreed to meet with an FBI analyst and special agent from the agencys Springfield bureau, who had reached out to him as part of an initiative to develop background sources in the political sphere in the Capitol and better understand the public corruption threat, according to court testimony. Mapes, who knew the analyst, Kim Edge, through a mutual friend and had seen her recently at a funeral, met Edge and then- FBI Special Agent Terry Moody at the Papos Cafe in Springfield, according to testimony. The meeting happened to take place just eight days after FBI agents in Chicago had approached then-ComEd Vice President Fidel Marquez, who agreed to cooperate after they played him wiretapped calls involving the long running scheme to hire Madigans friends as do-nothing consultants for the utility. In the ensuing weeks, Marquez made numerous recordings of phone calls and meetings with McClain and other members of the scheme that are at the heart of the ComEd bribery allegations. But Edge testified her reach-out to Mapes had nothing to do with the investigation unfolding in Chicago. In fact, she didnt even know it existed. Still, Mapes found the encounter unusual enough to write up a three-page memo about it shortly after the meeting ended. He then called Sheldon Zenner, one of Madigans criminal defense attorneys, and told him about it, according to testimony. Mapes also wrote that hed brought a copy of the Chicago Tribune with him that day, and that on the front page was a story about Ald. Daniel Solis wearing a wire on then-Ald. Edward Burke. There was a brief discussion about the article, Mapes wrote in his memo. But much of the rest was friendly chitchat. When Mapes testified before the grand jury more than a year later, he brought the memo with him and gave it to prosecutors. Asked why hed prepared it, Mapes said, Because I thought this meeting was unusual. They were reaching out to me to to be wired up against some members of the General Assembly, Mapes testified, even though there was nothing like that in his memo. Mapes told the grand jury that hed reached out to Zenner simply because he was a former federal prosecutor and wanted to get his thoughts, as well as possible advice on whether he needed his own legal representation. I thought (Zenner) might have perspective of why they had an interest in me after I had left the government, Mapes testified. Mapes said he also mentioned it to McClain for the same reasons. I was looking for people that would have a legal perspective because this was something new to me and if they had any reflections or thoughts on the FBI seeking my dialogue, Mapes testified. (McClain) just thought it was unusual Every lawyer I talked to thought it was an unusual approach to me. But prosecutors said Mapes was being evasive, and that the real reason Mapes called Zenner and McClain was to get word to the boss about the encounter. In a wiretapped call from Feb. 15, 2019, about three weeks after his meeting at the coffee shop, Mapes told McClain hed talked to Zenner about it, and they agreed it likely had something to do with reports that Solis had worn a wire. He has the same view that its being precipitated by whats going on in the Northern District, Mapes said on the call. Right, McClain answered. All good though. So, I, Im just reporting in, Mapes said. McClain laughed. I heard ya, I heard ya In her closing argument last week, Schwartz told jurors that recording proved Mapes lied when he said his relay to McClain and Zenner about the meeting was informational. What he was doing instead was reporting in, Schwartz said. This is a man who is loyal, who does not give any ground, who refuses to provide any insights into Madigan and McClain. 2023 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Joseph Maloney just spent 19 weeks in training to become a New York City firefighter at the departments Randalls Island academy. There, he carried heavy fire hoses, fought simulated fires and ended the training with a 5-mile run. Still, Maloney had only the second-hardest job in his family this summer. His wife just had a baby. Maloney is one of 303 firefighters graduating Tuesday from the FDNYs latest class of trainees during a 10 a.m. ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. He is also one of three legacy graduates, children of FDNY and NYPD members who lost their lives in the line of duty on 9/11 or from World Trade Center-related illnesses. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I was in the fifth grade. I was 11 years old at the time, Maloney said, remembering the dark morning when his father, Joseph Maloney, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack. It was tough on my family, my mom, my sister, all his siblings, he added. Members of the FDNY family really did help. My dads best friends always made sure they were there. That first year, wed go to functions and we were always taken care of. Thats the most exciting part, getting back into the family. A new generation of firefighters came through for Maloney after his wife Meredith gave birth to their son, Joseph, who was also named after his father. Maloney said he hasnt gotten much sleep, and the other probies, despite their competitive nature, helped him with his studies. They really did help me when I was only getting one or two hours of sleep, Maloney said. They really showed me how much they were my family before any of us graduated. Officials said this years group of graduates represents the departments increasing diversity, with people of color comprising 46% of the class. About 27% identify as Hispanic, 15% as Black and 4% as Asian-American. The class includes 11 women, as well as 67 veterans from various branches of the military. Becoming a New York City firefighter takes hard work and dedication, and these men and women have shown they have what it takes to join the ranks of New Yorks Bravest, said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. These new firefighters have trained with the best, and are ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year to any emergency. Christopher Murden, 31, is a Marine veteran, and said he was drawn to the FDNY because of its similar structure. Theres a lot of bonding here to help us get through the days, Murden said. Ive made plenty of lifelong friends here. Even though his family is a little worried about the dangers of the job, his two young daughters have been his biggest backers. Im anxious to go to their schools for career day, Murden said. My daughters lose their little minds every time a fire truck speeds by. ATLANTA Mark Meadows testified Monday in federal court that his job as Donald Trump s White House chief of staff was so wide-ranging that he routinely called officials about issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan or at-home COVID-19 tests, along with results of the 2020 election. I certainly believed it was part of my role, Meadows said at the hearing before U.S. District Judge Steve Jones.. Serving the president of the United States, and I want to be clear with his honor, takes all kinds of forms. Jones held the hearing to gather evidence about Meadows request to move his criminal racketeering charges with Trump from Fulton County Superior Court to federal court. Meadows lawyers argued that his federal job protected him from state-level charges. During his testimony, Meadows also disputed two acts described in the indictment as part of his participation the alleged criminal enterprise. He denied asking a Trump political aide for a memo and he said a text allegedly sent to one Georgia official was sent to another person. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One of Meadows' lawyers, George Terwilliger, said the decision to move the case to federal court is at the lowest evidentiary burden you can imagine." If he went out and shot a protester in Lafayette Park, that would obviously be a violation, Terwilliger said. Prosecutors in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office contend Meadows couldnt be acting under his federal authority because federal law bars officials from working on politics. Mr. Meadows came before the court today unprepared to define his duties, Francis McDonald Wakeford said. The scope of government duties ends when you reach political activities. Jones said he needed to take some time to reach a decision because it could set a precedent. He said if he hasn't ruled by Sept. 6, that Meadows would have to be arraigned. The decision could have broad impact. Four other co-defendants have also asked to move their cases from state to federal court. Meadows has asked for his charges to be dismissed in federal court. Here is what we know about the case: Then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks with reporters at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Washington. What did lawyers argue about Meadows' role? Meadows is charged with racketeering and soliciting Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office for participating in Trump's call Jan. 2, 2021, asking to "find" enough votes for him to win the state. Raffensperger testified the call sounded like a campaign call rather than from government officials. Those were Trump campaign lawyers, so I thought it was a campaign call, Raffensperger said of participants on the call. Terwilliger walked Meadows through his duties as chief of staff, setting appointments, arranging calls and setting time limits on meetings. Terwilliger asked about actions Meadows took that are cited in the indictment, including traveling Dec. 22, 2020, to the Cobb County Civic Center to try to observe an audit of ballot signatures or sending texts to investigators who monitored the election. In each case, Meadows said he engaged in the activity in his role as chief of staff. He said he considered ensuring fair elections part of his job. I thought there were additional things that needed to be investigated, Meadows said. Anne Cross, one of the prosecutors, asked Meadows whether Trump ever asked him to do something outside his role. I dont know that I did anything outside the scope of my role as chief of staff that weve discussed here today, Meadows said. I cant come up with an example. US President Donald Trump walks with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows after returning to the White House from an event at the WWII memorial in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2020. Donald Trump was indicted August 14, 2023 on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after a sprawling two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia, according to a court filing. The indictment named a number of co-defendants including Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who pressured local legislators over the result after the election, and Trump's White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Judge questions Meadows about role as chief of staff Jones, the judge, asked Meadows about the extent of his role under Article 2 of the Constitution, which set up the executive branch. But Meadows said he wasnt learned enough to say. Jones also asked what kinds of communications Meadows would have with state officials. Meadows said he routinely spoke with governors and secretaries of agriculture about subjects other than the election. Meadows said he would call other officials about issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan or at-home COVID-19 tests. There were times when I felt like my phone number was plastered over every bathroom in America, Meadows said. The phone calls just kept coming. What does the indictment say about Meadows? The indictment cites several steps in addition to the Raffensperger call that Meadows took to try to overturn the election. Meadows joined Trump in asking political aide John McEntee sometime during December 2020 to prepare a memo outlining the strategy for Vice President Mike Pence, in his role as Senate president, to reject electoral votes from certain states during the congressional count on Jan. 6, 2021, and returning them to state legislatures. Pence refused to participate. Meadows denied under oath Monday asking for the memo. When this came out in the indictment, it was the biggest surprise for me, Meadows said. Me asking Johnny McEntee for this kind of a memo just didnt happen. Meadows visited the Cobb County Civic Center in Georgia on Dec. 22, 2020, seeking to observe the audit of ballot signatures being performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the secretary of states office. Local officials prevented him from viewing the audit, which was not open to the public. The next day, Meadows arranged for Trump to call Watson and claim he won the state by hundreds of thousands of votes, according to the indictment. Trump told Watson that when the right answer comes out youll be praised, according to the indictment. Meadows sent Watson a text on Dec. 27 asking if there was a way to speed up Fulton county signature verification if the Trump campaign provided financial assistance, according to the indictment. Meadows testified Monday he didn't text Watson, but rather Jordan Fuchs, the secretary of states chief of staff. The indictment charged former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows with violation of Georgia's RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer. What is each side arguing about a move to federal court? Meadows' lawyers contend the Constitutions supremacy clause protects federal officials from state-level charges while carrying out their duties of office. The lawyers cited a Supreme Court decision in 1890 about the provision that prohibited suits under state law against federal officials carrying out their executive duties. Meadows' lawyers also argued that the allegations in the indictment such as visiting a Cobb County vote-auditing site and setting up a presidential phone call arent illegal. "The States prosecution of Mr. Meadows threatens the important federal interest in providing the President of the United States with close, confidential advice and assistance, firmly entrenched in federal law for nearly 100 years," Meadows' lawyers said in one filing. But Willis called the request "meritless" and "futile." She argued that Meadows acknowledged his activities cited in the indictment were political rather than official duties of his post. "Having admitted that all of his pertinent activity is political, the defendant has acknowledged that all of the activity falls outside the scope of his duties and his 'color of office' because he could never, as Chief of Staff, engage in such political activity without violating a federal statute," Willis wrote in her argument. "The defendant fails to satisfy the first requirement for removal because he has stated his actions are, by definition, of a type that can never be taken 'under color of office,' or even bear a 'connection' or 'association' to such office. The inquiry can end there." Meadows disputed that his actions were political and said it wouldn't matter if they were. "While the state's characterization of Mr. Meadows's conduct and official duties are largely irrelevant at the removal stage, they are also wrong," his lawyers Terwilliger, John Moran and Michael Francisco said in a filing. "Neither the duties of the Chief of Staff nor the laws and Constitution of the United States draw a clean line between federal authority, on the one hand, and elections and politics, on the other." Jeffrey Clark declined to be fully interviewed by a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Jeffrey Clark, David Shafer, Shawn Still, Cathy Latham also asked to move cases Five co-defendants including Meadows have each argued the Constitution protected them from state prosecution for carrying out their official duties. Jeffrey Clark, a former assistant attorney general, was charged wtih attempting to make false statements for drafting a letter misstating Justice Department findings about Georgia's election. David Shafer, the Georgia Republican Party chairman, faces eight charges including for being an alternate elector and allegedly making false statements. Shawn Still, who is now a state senator, faces seven charges related to being an alternate elector. Cathy Latham faces 11 charges related to being an alternate elector and for conspiracy to allegedly tamper with Coffee County election equipment. Clark drafted the letter on Dec. 28, 2020, for acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to sign and send to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders. The letter falsely said the department identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple States, including the State of Georgia, according to the indictment. Clarks lawyer, Harry MacDougald, called the accusations scurrilous. Shafer argued that serving as a Republican presidential elector chosen in March 2020, he was a federal official acting in his official capacity. He seeks to present several federal defenses to his actions, including official immunity, supremacy clause immunity and the First Amendment. Neither the state of Georgia nor any of its localities has the authority to prosecute Mr. Shafer for these actions, and this Court should exercise its clear authority to correct this injustice and halt this unlawful and unconstitutional attempted prosecution now, his lawyers Craig Gillen and Holly Pierson wrote. Still described himself as the owner of his family's pool construction business in the Atlanta area who was chosen as a Republican presidential elector in March 2020, months before the election. Still said he relied on lawyers who told him to meet with Shafer and other alternate electors in case Trump's legal challenges were upheld in court. "Thus, Mr. Still, acting as a presidential elector, was a federal officer," his lawyer, Thomas Bever, said in a court filing. "Mr. Still, as a presidential elector, was also acting at the direction of the incumbent President of the United States." Latham was another alternate elector who is also charged with several conspiracy counts dealing with the alleged tampering with Coffee County election equipment. She also argued her post as elector protected her from local prosecution. "The purpose of the statute is to protect federal officers from interference by hostile state courts, and to provide a federal forum where the officers must raise defenses arising from their official duties, and where they can receive a fair trial on the merits free from local interests or prejudice," her lawyer, William Cromwell, wrote in a court filing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Meadows testifies Georgia charges target official federal duties By Jack Queen ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump 's onetime White House chief of staff Mark Meadows testified on Monday that he was doing his job when he helped Trump try to reverse his 2020 election loss, as the former aide sought to have his criminal case moved to potentially more favorable terrain in federal court. Meadows argued that a state court in Democratic-heavy Fulton County was not the proper venue for a sweeping case that accuses Trump and other co-defendants of racketeering and other crimes. Meadows is accused of arranging calls and meetings in which prosecutors say Trump pressured election officials to change the vote count in his favor. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Prosecutors argued that those acts were not "necessary and proper" duties for a U.S. president and his chief of staff, but Meadows said they were part of his portfolio as Trump's top White House aide. "There was a political component to everything we did," Meadows testified in federal court in Atlanta. Federal law prohibits states from prosecuting the activities of U.S. officials carrying out their duties. The hearing is the first major court battle in the case in which prosecutors accuse Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and 18 of his Republican allies of trying to overturn his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, whom Trump asked during a phone call to "find" enough votes for him to win, was called to testify at the hearing by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, an elected Democrat who brought the charges. Raffensperger said in his testimony that Meadows facilitated the call, which occurred after the Secretary of State's office had conclusively found there was no widespread fraud in Georgia. The federal government has no role in administering state elections, Raffensperger said. POTENTIAL FOR PRECEDENT U.S. District Judge Steve Jones said little during the hearing but appeared skeptical of Meadows' argument, asking at one point if there was any part of the U.S. Constitution that outlined a role for the president in administering state elections. Jones' decision on the matter could have implications for Trump and his co-defendants, some of whom also have sought to move their cases to federal court. Federal court also would draw from a larger and more politically diverse jury pool than in Fulton County, the Atlanta-area Democratic stronghold where Meadows and the other defendants were indicted. Trump is a defendant in three other criminal cases, including a federal case in Washington that also accuses him of illegally trying to subvert the 2020 election. His lawyer in that case, John Lauro, told a judge on Monday that he intends to file a motion soon arguing that Trump is immune from prosecution because he was acting in his official capacity as president. Trump has denied wrongdoing in all four cases and has characterized them as an effort to prevent him from retaking the White House in the November 2024 election. State law would still apply if the Georgia case is moved to federal court. The president - including Trump if he is elected - could not pardon any defendant. Meadows lawyer George Terwilliger said during closing arguments that the bar is extremely low for federal officers to move their cases to federal court. The tie doesnt go to the state, Terwilliger said. Jones said he would issue a written order as soon as possible but noted that the case raised novel legal questions. "Some of the things I rule on might set precedent for future cases," he said. (Reporting by Jack Queen in Atlanta; additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington; writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Cynthia Osterman and Rosalba O'Brien) ATLANTA Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows took the witness stand in federal court Monday in a bid to get the criminal case charging him with tampering with the 2020 presidential election results moved out of state court and, ultimately, dismissed. Meadows spent more than three hours testifying, declaring that he took an extremely wide-ranging view of his responsibilities as chief of staff and saw that role as encompassing nearly all his actions prosecutors say amounted to corrupt pressure on Georgia officials. If a federal judge agrees that Meadows actions plausibly fell within the scope of his federal duties, the case may get moved into federal court, and Meadows may be immune from the charges against him, which prosecutors brought under state law. Other defendants in the case, including Donald Trump himself, are expected to raise similar immunity arguments. It was a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week kind of job, Meadows said during questioning by his lead attorney, George Terwilliger III. It was a very broad responsibility. I found myself on defense a lot with things coming at me from a million different directions. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Meadows appearance was a gamble by his defense team, opening him to cross examination by the prosecution and locking him into a specific description of events in a way that will be difficult for him to vary from if the case goes to trial. However, it gave Meadows a chance to try personally to persuade U.S. District Court Judge Steve C. Jones that the charges brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis following a lengthy grand jury investigation intrude on fundamental federal responsibilities. Earlier this month, Willis charged Trump, Meadows and 17 other defendants with a sprawling criminal enterprise aimed at overturning the election in Georgia and other states. The hearing Monday also gave prosecutors an opportunity to present some of their best evidence: an audio recording of the famous Jan. 2, 2021, phone call that features Trump pleading with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find nearly 12,000 votes to overturn Joe Bidens victory in the state. Meadows participated in that call along with other Trump advisers. Prosecutors called Raffensperger to the stand Monday afternoon and had him certify that the audio recording one of his deputies made of the hourlong call was accurate. Then, they played several clips from the recording in open court. The recording was aired widely back in 2021, but as Trumps voice played out in the federal courtroom Monday it was a vivid indication of the many urgent legal problems he faces, including the Georgia prosecution, a New York state criminal case and two federal criminal prosecutions. We have all the votes we need, Trump could be heard saying. I think we probably did win it [in Georgia] by half a million. Did Trump win Georgia by 500,000 votes or anything close to it, prosecutor Anna Cross asked Raffensperger. No. He did not, the secretary of state said, before taking issue with nearly every assertion Trump and his allies made on the call about underage voters, dead voters, felons, unregistered voters and more. Prosecutors also played audio of Meadows telling Raffensperger that his office was off base when it said only two dead people were recorded as voting. I promise you there are more than that, Meadows insisted. Raffensperger said Meadows was right, to a degree: Investigators ultimately found four people statewide who were deceased but were recorded as having cast ballots. You add all that up. None of it was able to come near the total of 11,779 votes needed to change the result, Raffensperger, a Republican, said. However, as Raffensperger testified for nearly an hour, it became clear there were limits to his usefulness for the prosecutions case. During cross-examination, the secretary of state said that despite rebuffing a couple of earlier attempts by Meadows to contact him he didnt consider what the Trump aide said on the call disturbing. I didnt think it was inappropriate, Raffensperger said. At the close of the hearing, Jones issued no immediate ruling and offered no particular timeline for a decision. He acknowledged that his ruling is likely to set precedent, and he warned that if he hasnt ruled by the time of Meadows scheduled arraignment on Sept. 6, that event will have to take place as scheduled. Its a very important case, said the judge, an appointee of President Barack Obama. Ill rule as quick as possible. While Jones did not explicitly indicate that he was favoring one side or the other, the judge sounded skeptical that Meadows or Trump had a legitimate, official interest in Georgias election tally. Is there a role under Article II of the Constitution for the president in a state election or any election? Jones asked during Meadows testimony. I dont know enough to opine, said Meadows, describing his responsibility as to keep [Trump] well-informed and well-advised on a variety of issues. However, Meadows and his lawyers took an extraordinarily broad view of his chief-of-staff duties. They argued that any matter capable of distracting Trump or diverting his attention fell within the scope of those duties and should therefore be covered by a federal law that allows some state criminal cases against federal officials or former federal officials to be moved to federal court. He is federal operations, Meadows lawyer, George Terwilliger, told Jones during closing arguments at the day-long hearing, calling Meadows Trumps alter ego and at one point arguing that the chief of staffs official duties were even broader than Trumps. Prosecutor Donald Wakeford ridiculed that notion. It is limitless. It has no horizon. It never ends, he told Jones. Everything [Meadows] does is within the scope of his duties. Mondays hearing was one of the only times Meadows a former Republican member of Congress and once a ubiquitous power player in Washington has been heard from in a public forum since Jan. 6, 2021. The hearing was set to continue Monday afternoon after a midday break. As part of her effort to resist Meadows efforts, Willis has teed up potential testimony from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who resisted pressure from Trump to find enough votes to reverse Joe Bidens victory in the state. Meadows joined Trump on a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump implored Raffensperger to reverse the results. Willis also was prepared to call three other witnesses one of Raffenspergers election inspectors and two Trump-affiliated attorneys in a lineup that might foreshadow much of the case Willis plans to make at trial, as well as potential defenses to her allegations. Meadows insisted in his Monday morning testimony that all the actions hes charged with in the indictment that he has a recollection of were part of his official duties as chief of staff a claim that would require moving the charges against him into federal court. But Jones repeatedly pressed Meadows on what precisely he viewed as part of the presidents enumerated constitutional powers. Is there a role under Article II of the Constitution for the president in a state election or any election? asked Jones, an appointee of President Barack Obama. I dont know enough to opine, said Meadows, describing his responsibility as one to keep [Trump] well-informed and well-advised on a variety of issues. During cross-examination that at times grew chilly, prosecutor Anna Cross challenged Meadows to come up with any situation that he would view as outside of the scope of his job duties. The only one the former chief of staff offered was speaking at a campaign rally. He said generally that he thought the federal government had a legitimate interest in accurate and fair elections, and referred repeatedly to Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice involvement in promoting that goal. Meadows took the stand shortly after 10 a.m., clad in a blue suit and striped blue tie. His testimony occurred at the same moment another former senior Trump White House aide, Peter Navarro, was testifying in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., on charges for defying a House Jan. 6 select committee subpoena for testimony. That simultaneous testimony underscores the pile-up of criminal cases facing Trump and those who once occupied his inner circle. Attorneys for Trump himself were also in court in Washington, D.C. Monday morning, where a judge set a March 4 trial on federal charges that he tried to subvert the 2020 election the same day Willis has eyed for the Georgia case. Meadows is facing two charges in the Georgia case: racketeering and soliciting Raffensperger to violate his oath of office. The indictment also references several acts Meadows took in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy, like arranging phone calls between Trump and state legislative leaders and offering campaign funds to help speed along Georgias recount process. Jones decision will carry enormous significance for Willis broader case against Trump and the other defendants. Two of them attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell have invoked speedy trial rights under Georgia law, teeing up October trials. Four other defendants have joined Meadows in seeking to move their cases to federal court. They include three GOP activists from Georgia who posed falsely as legitimate presidential electors as part of Trumps bid to stay in power. The other, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, is slated for a similar evidentiary hearing on Sept. 18. Gerstein reported from Atlanta. Cheney reported from Washington, D.C. Donald Trumps former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows wants a judge to move the sweeping criminal case against him in Georgia to a federal court, marking the debut of the prosecutorial team that charged the former president and 18 of his allies for their alleged attempts to overturn 2020 election results in that state. His testimony at a hearing in a federal courthouse on 28 August comes two weeks after a grand jury indictment under Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis presented the largest and most significant case yet facing Mr Trump and others connected to an alleged racketeering scheme in which they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election to ensure he remained in power. Mr Trump, Mr Meadows and their 17 other co-defendants were booked in Fulton County jail and released on bond last week. An attempt from Mr Meadows to move the state case into federal court is the first in a series of courtroom battles as attorneys spar with Georgia prosecutors over requests for a prompt removal of the case to a federal courtroom. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Mr Meadows faces two counts in the sprawling 41-count indictment outlining dozens of acts that encompass the conspiracy: one count of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO statute, and one count of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. His legal team is citing federal law that allows US officials to remove civil or criminal trials from state court over alleged actions performed under color of their offices, with Mr Meadows performing such acts during his tenure as White House chief of staff. His lawyers said they then intend to file a motion to dismiss the indictment as soon as feasible, according to court filings. Nothing Mr Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se, his attorneys wrote. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things. Prosecutors, however, have argued that Mr Meadows was acting on behalf of the Trump campaign, performing acts that were all unquestionably political in nature and therefore, by definition, outside the lawful scope of his authority as chief of staff. Even if the defendant somehow had been acting as authorized under federal law (rather than directly contrary to it), that authority would be negated by the evidence of his personal interest, malice, actual criminal intent, they wrote. During the hearing on Monday, which was not broadcast, Mr Meadows himself argued that he was both a principal figure and an observer in meetings with and about Mr Trump, and was invited to almost every meeting that the president had, CNN reported. Mr Meadows is one of five defendants in the Georgia case who want to transfer the case out of Fulton County. Former assistant US Attorney General Jeffrey Clark and three people wrapped up in the so-called alternate elector scheme David Shafer, Cathy Latham and state Senator Shawn Still are also asking a judge to move the case to federal court. Mr Trump also is expected to do the same. Mark Meadows (Fulton County Sheriffs Office) US District Court Judge Steve Jones, who was appointed to the bench by Barack Obama, is overseeing the hearing. Ms Willis has subpoenaed Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to testify at the hearing; Mr Meadows joined a phone call from Mr Trump to Mr Raffensperger urging him to find then-President Trump enough votes to win the state after decisively losing to Joe Biden. She also has subpoenaed his former lead investigator Frances Watson. Mr Meadows met with Ms Watson in December 2020 during a state-run audit of absentee ballot signatures that Ms Watson was overseeing. Mr Trump called her the next day. On 27 December 2020, Mr Meadows asked if there was a way to speed up Fulton County signature verification in order to have results before Jan 6 if the Trump campaign can assist financially, which Ms Willis is likely to use to bolster prosecutors argument that Mr Meadows acted on behalf of the campaign, thus not immune from federal protections allowing his removal. This is a developing story Man arrested in Marlboro hit-and-run that left boy in coma arraigned on reckless driving charges A man is facing charges in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Marlboro over the weekend that left a boy hospitalized in a coma. Andy Lopez, 19, was arraigned Monday in Marlboro District Court on charges including reckless driving, driving without a license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Lopez crashed into Dominic Matos, 12, near 300 Boston Post Road shortly before 12 p.m. and drove away without stopping. Prosecutors say Matos was riding his bike after buying milk at a convenience store when he was struck. Investigators found milk splashed on Lopezs vehicle, as well as DNA from the victim, according to police. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Matos remains in a coma at UMass Memorial Hospital after he lost half of his skull and suffered a severe brain bleed. Its also possible that the boy lost his vision from the injuries sustained, prosecutors added. A GoFundMe page was created to help with the boys medical bills as he receives treatment. Lopez is being held on a $5,000 cash bail and was ordered not to drive and stay away from the boy and his family. An investigation remains ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,'" declared the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., 60 years ago today. In 1963, the United States was surely far from living out that creed. Addressing 250,000 people from the steps of a monument to the man who had issued the Emancipation Proclamation a century earlier, King pointed out that the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. In 1963, I was a 9-year-old about enter my recently desegregated fourth grade in Washington County, Virginia. That was nine years after the Supreme Court's unanimous Brown v. Board of Education decision had ruled that America's public schools had to be racially integregated. Despite the ruling, Virginia's legislature adopted a program of "massive resistance" to racial desegregation, at one point closing down schools rather than admitting black students to the same classrooms as whites. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement My fourth-grade history book, written and approved by the Virginia History and Textbook Commission, was published in 1957 and was taught in the state's public schools through the early 1970s. That text declared that 1619 was, owing to three important events, a "red letter" year for the Virginia colony. One was that the colonists were permitted to make their own laws. Another was that young English women immigrated to become wives of the colonists. And the the third was that "the first Negroes were brought from Africa." The textbook went on: "There were about twenty of these Negroes. They were sold as servants to some of the planters. Soon other Negroes were brought to Virginia. They helped the planters do the work on their plantations." Later, my seventh grade history textbook asserted that the "regard that master and slaves had for each other made plantation life happy and prosperous" and that the "Negroes went about in a cheerful manner making a living for themselves and for those for whom they worked." The book reported that it was regrettably necessary sometimes to "punish disobedient Negroes" by whipping them. But that was fine, it added, since "in those days whipping was also the usual method for correcting children." It further elaborated that most slaves did not long for freedom and thus "were not worried by the furious arguments going on between Northerners and Southerners over what should be done with them. In fact, they paid little attention to these arguments." (Virginia History Geography Politics) My 11th grade textbook infamously maintained that an enslaved person "did not work as hard as the average free laborer, since he did not have to worry about losing his job. In fact, the slave enjoyed what we might call comprehensive social security." In other words, Virginia's schoolchildren were taught that slavery was a safety net. One of the authors of that 11th grade textbook, Marvin Schlegel, explained at a 1957 conference why he chose to portray the history of slavery in Virginia the way he did. "When it is necessary to discuss the Negro, he should be praised for those qualities which are approved by the whites, his loyalty to his master for example," he said. But "the realistic version" of history, he noted, would "put our ancestors in too severe a light." After the end, in 1865, of what my public school history texts were pleased to call the War Between the States, civil equality for America's black citizens were embodied in the 13th,14th,and 15th amendments to the Constitution. But these promises were betrayed as Virginia and other Southern states erected a new version of their old racial caste system. Under the so-called Jim Crow laws, every white citizen was legally superior to every black citizen. The erosion of civil rights sped up after the Supreme Court's vile 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision, which ratified a Louisiana law requiring that white and black railroad passengers ride in separate cars. The majority opinion, written by Associate Justice Henry Brown, rejected "the assumption that the enforced separation of the two races stamps the colored race with a badge of inferiority." In a brilliant dissent, Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan pointed out that the court's majority opinion had now ratified "a power in the States, by sinister legislation, to interfere with the full enjoyment of the blessings of freedom to regulate civil rights, common to all citizens, upon the basis of race, and to place in a condition of legal inferiority a large body of American citizens." Harlan proved all too prescient: Virginia and other states quickly established an oppressive system of legal apartheid that, in the main, persisted even as the Martin Luther King was speaking in Washington. "Whites Only" signs were still pervasive throughout the South, limiting access to all sorts of public facilities and accommodations. A 1947 report by the Civil Rights Commission recounted in gory detail how federal, state, and local governments regularly violated the civil rights of several minority groups, but chiefly those of African Americans. The report described lynching, widespread police brutality, and bureaucratic discrimination. It also highlighted how black citizens (and many poor white ones) were systematically denied the vote by means of poll taxes and unequally applied "understanding clauses" that required would-be voters to explain a state's constitution to the satisfaction of a registrar. As a result of this discrimination, the report estimated that only about 10 percent of potential voters in the seven poll-tax states participated in the presidential elections of 1944, as against 49 percent in the free-vote states. Even more egregious was the creation of "whites only" Democratic Party primaries in seven states. The report concluded that "the separate but equal doctrine has failed," declaring that "it is inconsistent with the fundamental equalitarianism of the American way of life in that it marks groups with the brand of inferior status." Consequently, the commission recommended "the elimination of segregation, based on race, color, creed, or national origin, from American life." Shortly afterward, on July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, mandating the desegregation of the U.S. military. The Civil Rights Commission's report and Truman's desegregation of the military alarmed segregationists. They were among the reasons Virginia's white leaders created the state's textbook commission in 1950. Just two months before King spoke, the U.S. Civil Rights Commission issued its 1963 report. "In seven States," it noted, "the right to votethe abridgment of which is clearly forbidden by the 15th amendment to the Constitution of the United Statesis still denied to many citizens solely because of their race." "There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, when will you be satisfied?" King said in his famous speech. His answer: We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: for whites only. By the time I entered the fourth grade, the percentage of white Americans who agreed that black and white children should go to the same schools had essentially doubled from 32 percent in 1942 to 64 percent. (96 percent now do.) In a 1963 poll, more 60 percent of whites said that whites had the right to bar blacks from their neighborhoods. That fell to 15 percent by 1995, when the question was last asked. In 1948, 30 states still had laws making it crime for black and white citizens to marry; today, thanks to the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, it is legal everywhere. In 1958, only 4 percent of American adults approved of black-white marriages; now 94 percent do. A year after King declared his dream that our country would soon "live out the true meaning of its creed," Congress finally enacted federal legislation aimed at dismantling the South's system of legally imposed and enforced racial apartheid. Such state and local laws made it illegal for businesses to accommodate both black and white customers even if they wanted to do so. First, Congress passed the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned discrimination at places of public accommodation on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin. This overturned such regulations as a South Carolina ordinance that had mandated racially segregated eating areas in "any hotel, restaurant, cafe, eating house, boarding-house or similar establishment." That South Carolina law decreed that there must be a seating distance of at least 35 feet between white and black customers and that meals be served using clearly marked "separate eating utensils and separate dishes." Congress then passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which eliminated "tests and devices," such as literacy tests and poll taxes, that had been used to prevent black citizens from successfully registering to vote. After its adoption, the percentage of blacks registered to vote in Virginia rose from 19 percent in 1956 to 46.9 percent in 1966. By 2020, 72.7 percent of Virginia's black residents were registered to vote. Sixty years later, overt and legally enforced racial discrimination has receded. But even now, various state legislatures are attempting to enact racial gerrymandering to hem in the votes of their black citizens. How history should be taught remains contentious in Virginia. Witness Gov. Glenn Youngkin's first executive order, which instructed K12 public schools "to end the use of inherently divisive concepts." But the state's current history and social science standards of learning for the fourth grade explicitly include describing "the laws that established race-based enslavement in the colony" and "how the institution of slavery was the cause of the Civil War." Later in the year, fourth grade history classes will explain "the social and political events connected to disenfranchisement of African American voters in Virginia in the early 20th century, desegregation, court decisions, and Massive Resistance, with emphasis on the role of Virginians in the Supreme Court cases, including, but not limited to Brown v. Board of Education." In addition, students will learn about the political, social, and economic contributions of prominent black Virginians such as Maggie Walker, Oliver Hill, Sr., and Douglas Wilder. Instead of teaching that slavery amounted to a kind of "comprehensive social security," 11th grade history will now discuss "the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the 1963 March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965." Those 11th graders will also "evaluate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including "A Letter from a Birmingham Jail," civil disobedience, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the 'I Have a Dream' speech, and his assassination." This is all far better than the lessons inflicted on my peers and me. Any glance at the state of America's prisons and public schools will reveal how much more must be done before all Americans enjoy fully equal rights. But 60 years after King's famous speech at the Lincoln Memorial, we can celebrate how much closer we are to his dream of rising from "the dark and desolate valley of segregation" and into "the sunlit path of racial justice." The post Martin Luther King's Lofty Dream Turns 60 appeared first on Reason.com. Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones endorsed Angela Alsobrooks on Monday as Alsobrooks seeks to fortify her bid to succeed the retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin in the 2024 election. I want to make history. I want to see a Black woman from Maryland in the United State Senate. But most importantly, I want someone who will get it right, Jones said. Alsobrooks, the county executive of Prince Georges County, is a Democrat. Jones is a Democrat representing a Baltimore County district in the House of Delegates, and is both the first woman and the first Black person to lead either General Assembly chamber. Jones said Alsobrooks was a leader in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as on reforming law enforcement and developing community policing. She said Alsobrooks is someone who wont just accept things because thats the way it has always been done. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In remarks after the event, Jones said she chose Alsobrooks because she trusts the county executive, with whom she forged a relationship. I know Alsobrooks and have seen her commitment to the public, she said. U.S. Rep. David Trone, Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando and activist Jerome Segal have said theyre also seeking the Democratic nomination, while Steven Seuferer and Brian E. Frydenborg of Montgomery County and Andrew Wildman of Carroll County have filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections to run in the May 14 primary. The filing deadline is Feb. 9. Trone recently was endorsed by 27 colleagues in Congress, including Rep. Adam B. Schiff of California and Illinois Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson, the son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Jones endorsed Alsobrooks at a news conference at Gwynn Oak Park in Woodlawn on the 60th anniversary of the integration of an amusement park there. More than 300 people were arrested at a protest July 4, 1963, against the businesss whites only policy. After then-Baltimore County Executive Spiro Agnew negotiated a deal with the owner to end the policy, 11-month-old Sharon Langley was the first Black child to ride the merry-go-ground on Aug. 28, 1963. County Council Chair Julian Jones Jr., who has not endorsed a Senate candidate, said Monday that he grew up coming to Gwynn Oak every Sunday as a child after it was integrated. He said he was very excited and proud to attend Mondays announcement. Also attending the news conference were two Democratic leaders whod already endorsed Alsobrooks: County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. and U.S. Rep. Kwesi Mfume of Baltimore. The election of Alsobrooks would help break up an old, male congressional delegation here in Maryland, Mfume said. By bringing somebody in not just because they are Black, though, but because they are experienced and dedicated. She has served as a prosecutor, as a county executive, and is beloved by so many people. Marylands eight representatives and two senators are men. Mfume and Democratic U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey are the delegations Black members. The delegation has three members over 70; the rest are in their 60s. Alsobrooks is 52. Some businesses and universities are requiring masks again in areas of the country where cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again, but dont expect that to happen in Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday. His answer came in a press release issued Monday, following a report from CBS News called Is masking coming back? and media speculation. The simple answer to the question being posed by experts is: no. We will not return to widespread masking or COVID rules, Reeves said. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Mississippi, yet remain much lower than in the three previous years. Cases began rising in June and for the first time since March, the number of medical visits by people complaining of COVID-like symptoms has surpassed 1,000 a week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A few people in South Mississippi continue to wear a mask in public and the CBS News article suggests others may want to bring out their masks again during flu and COVID season, including those 65 or older and those who are immunocompromised An order will not come for Mississippi residents, however. Mississippians will not and should not submit to fear again, Reeves said. In the early days of COVID, there was understandable uncertainty. We did not yet know what we were facing, he said. As the months unfolded, it became clear that there were two pandemics, he said. A disease that was easy to spread and that was deadly for many vulnerable people. And a pandemic of fear stoked by the expert class that demanded total subjugation of the American people. Reeves said those early days of national unity, when people, stayed home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it seemed ridiculous that bureaucrats and medical experts were trying to seize power. Now, it seems ridiculous to assume they wouldnt try it again, he said. Reeves said those who want to take extraordinary measures to protect themselves from getting sick should go ahead and put on their masks in public. That is your right and you should do what you think is best., he said. Maybe youre the smartest of all of us. People have the right to make their own decisions in Mississippi, he said But we are never going back to 2020. And no matter what pronouncements come down from the Biden/Fauci administration, he said, we will go to school, we will go to church, we will go to work, and we will play sports. We will live in self-determination, not top-down fear. A Massachusetts State Police trooper is hospitalized in the ICU with critical injuries after he was involved in a crash in Utah last week, officials said. Trooper Matthew McRae, of the state police Belchertown barracks, was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Salt Lake City that was struck early Friday morning by a driver who was later arrested for operating under the influence, according to the State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara. While McRae remains in the ICU at the University of Utah Hospital, his health is slowly improving, McNamara said. McNamara noted that McRaes immediate family has traveled out to Utah to be by his side as he recovers from the crash. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a statement, McRaes family said, We would like to express our immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for Matthew and our family...Matthews current condition remains critical. In light of that status, we have witnessed firsthand the fight and determination Matthew has within him. We know him to be a fighter and one who stands up for the things he believes in. In a GoFundMe that has been set up on behalf of McRae, his family said he suffered several broken bones including a broken neck and spinal injury, in the wreck. The goal of this GoFundMe is to raise money for a potential medical transport flight as well as any care he may need as he progresses, the fundraiser stated. The expenses for Matthews medical treatment and other unforeseen costs may be significant and any little bit will help. McRae has been a trooper for four years, according to his family. He previously served three years with a local police department. The crash remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW [Source] Following the launch of a new program by Gov. Maura Healey s administration, Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older can now go to community college for free. Revealing the news: Healey, 52, announced the new program, MassReconnect, during an event held at Massachusetts Bay Community College's Wellesley Hills campus. Key details: According to Healey, MassReconnect will be available for Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older. Residents who attend one of Massachusetts 15 community colleges can expect the state to cover their tuition fees and other school needs, such as books and supplies. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The program is limited to residents who have not previously earned a college degree (associates or bachelors) who enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at a community college, Healeys office noted. More from NextShark: Some People Think Kimchi Can Fight the 2019 Coronavirus To qualify for the program, which is expected to help between 6,500 to 8,000 community college students in its first year, applicants must have been a Massachusetts permanent resident for at least one year. Additionally, they need to enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at one of the states community colleges and complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. Flexibility: Although most community college programs start in early September, there is no deadline to sign up for MassReconnect. Other details: Healey also announced that each community college has received $100,000 for the "quick implementation of the program" in the fall. This money comes from the $20 million that Healey specifically invested in MassReconnect, which was part of her administrations $55.5 billion Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget announced in March. More from NextShark: Man accused of killing 2 people at Houston Vietnamese restaurant charged with capital murder Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! UN deletes satirical article on benefits of world hunger: No one works harder than hungry people 83-Year-Old Japanese Grandma Becomes Porn Star to Shoot With Younger Men Editor's note: This story contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers related to child abuse and murder of a child. The capital murder trial of Corey Trumbull turned into a battle of the medical examiners Monday. Corey Trumbull with defense attorney Will Hull at Trumbull's capital murder trial Monday. Trumbull, 35, is accused of killing 11-year-old Logan Cline in a Wichita Falls hotel room on Dec. 14, 2019. More: Live blog for Corey Allen Trumbull's murder trial for 11-year-old's death: Day one On Monday, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on Cline in Dallas said the boy died of blunt force trauma. Dr. Stephen Hastings of the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science testified Cline had injuries all over his body, but the most severe were to his head where he suffered a laceration and massive hemorrhage. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More: Live blog for Trumbull's capital murder trial: Day two Although the body was decomposing when it was examined, Hastings determined the cause of death was homicide. Hastings was the last prosecution witness before the state rested its case and the first witness called by defense attorneys refuted Hastings' claims. Dr. Thomas Young, who has a private consulting firm, said Trumbull's claim that Cline had seizures, fell, and struck his head, is consistent with the injuries he suffered. Young said he read the autopsy report, viewed photos, and listened to recordings of interviews by Trumbull and Cline's mother, Stormy Johnson, to reach his findings. More: Day three of live blog for Trumbull's capital murder trial: Court recessed until Monday Autopsy photos shown to jurors showed what appeared to be massive bruising over much of the boy's body. "Decomposing bodies can have a lot of things that look like bruising," Young said. Cline's partiality mummified body was found in late February of 2020 in an abandoned car near the hotel where he was allegedly murdered. Alcohol and methamphetamine were found in his blood and Young said meth can also give the appearance of bruising. He said it cannot be determined the child was beaten to death. Outside the presence of the jury, District Attorney John Gillespie's questioning of Young became contentious at times as Gillespie accused the pathologist of not directly answering his questions. Hastings said Cline had no signs of sexual abuse but weighed just 69 pounds at an age when he should have weighed about 110 pounds. Trumbull and Johnson had lived with Logan and his sister for several weeks in the Red Roof Inn when Logan died. Johnson is still awaiting trial. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Medical examiners disagree at Trumbull murder trial Monday (Bloomberg) -- Two years out from Germanys next national election, the debate about who the opposition conservatives should pick to run against Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz is heating up. Most Read from Bloomberg As chairman of the Christian Democrats, Friedrich Merz would typically be a shoe-in as the candidate for the CDU/CSU alliance. With a healthy lead in the polls and the ruling coalition hamstrung by infighting, he should be relishing the prospect of unseating Scholz in the fall of 2025. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But the 67-year-old lawyer a former BlackRock Inc. director and a champion of the partys pro-business wing is seen by many as a relic of a back-slapping, right-wing old-boys club that alienates younger generations of voters. That has directed attention toward Hendrik Wuest, an up-and-coming regional politician who could take the CDU/CSU, which has run Europes biggest economy for the bulk of the postwar period, in a different direction. Wuest, the premier of Germanys most-populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia, presides over a region of 18 million that is about the same size and population as the Netherlands. Although relatively inexperienced the fresh-faced 48-year-old has only been in office since October 2021 and has never served at the federal level he won plaudits for comfortably holding the traditional Social Democratic bastion for the conservatives in a state election last year. In a sign that hes flexible enough to work with political and ideological rivals, he rules in a coalition with the Greens. On the back of his electoral success, Wuest was named Germanys Politician of the Year for 2023 by magazine politik&kommunikation, following in the footsteps of previous winners such as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, both former Greens leaders. Wuest reflects a new image of the young, likable conservative, Cornelia Woll, president of the Berlin-based Hertie School and a professor of international political economy, told Bloomberg. This is good for the CDU, which is struggling with its own rejuvenation. Wuests alliance with the Greens in North Rhine-Westphalia could be key to his continued success, according to Woll, as it gives him the opportunity to tap into younger voter groups. Moreover, if the conservatives were to take back the federal chancellery, they would probably need to form an alliance that includes the Greens, who are currently polling at around 15%. Such a two-way coalition - known in Germany as black-green after the party colors has never before been in power. Wuest has declined to comment publicly on whether hes weighing a run. If he were to make a bid in 2025, he would first have to persuade members of the CDU/CSU bloc that hes the best candidate to take on Scholz, who came from behind to win in 2021. That wont be easy. Merz remains a force among the the partys grass-roots members, and particularly in his and Wuests home state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Merz has said a decision on the candidate wont be made until late summer 2024 at the earliest. On Sunday, he indicated in an interview with public broadcaster ARD that it could be delayed until after three regional elections in eastern Germany in the fall of next year. What may work in Wuests favor is Merzs enduring unpopularity among German voters even those within his own camp. The corporate lawyer and hobbyist pilot attracted widespread criticism last month by appearing to open the door to cooperation with the AfD a taboo in German politics. While he later sought to row back the comments, he nevertheless appears ill-equipped to stem the flow of voters to the anti-immigrant party, which has surged into second place behind the CDU/CSU in the polls. Beyond Merz and Wuest, Bavarias pugnacious premier, CSU Chairman Markus Soeder, also has a genuine shot at securing the candidacy. The 56-year-old made a strong push before the 2021 election only to be thwarted by then-CDU Chairman Armin Laschet, Wuests predecessor in North Rhine-Westphalia. The messy dispute was seen as damaging to Laschets campaign and the conservative alliance will be keen to avoid a repeat. An Insa poll for Bild newspaper published this month showed that 29% of those surveyed believe Soeder would have the best chance of winning the next election for the conservative alliance. Wuest scored 18% and Merz 13%. In a separate poll for public broadcaster ZDF, 69% said they didnt think Merz is equipped to run Europes biggest economy. Fully half of CDU/CSU voters surveyed agreed. Regional elections in Bavaria and Hesse on Oct. 8 are likely to influence the race for the candidacy. Poor results for the conservatives would hurt Soeder and Merz and possibly boost younger pretenders like Wuest. Hes well positioned for a national run simply by dint of leading North Rhine-Westphalia, according to Woll of the Hertie school. The post is a good school for the chancellors office given that the state is grappling with many of the same challenges facing Germany at large, she said. These include a changing industrial landscape, the challenge of better integrating urban and rural areas, an outdated infrastructure and demographic change. One factor that could dent Wuests prospects, however, is that he wasnt always seen as a moderate. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, during his stint as secretary general of the regional party, he was considered an accomplished thug and a hard-nosed ankle biter with views well to the right of where he now purports to stand. A keen hunter, Wuest told the taz newspaper in 2007 that Id be lying if I said that taking trophies on the hunt wasnt fun. Ursula Muench, director of the academy for political education in Tutzing, Bavaria, said Wuest appears to have accepted that a certain open-mindedness and modernity is required in German politics, given that parties need coalition partners to forge a viable majority. Thats positive for the CDU, but there are also many who would say hes a bit too adaptable, Muench told Bloomberg. So you can read that in different ways. During a visit with Wuest to a wind farm last week, Scholz was asked whether he was standing next to his likely challenger at the next election. Im a lot of things but Im not the spokesman for the CDU, the German leader said with a grin. So I think you should check with them in Berlin to get an answer on this. --With assistance from Arne Delfs, Michael Nienaber, Patrick Donahue and Chris Reiter. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. MSNBCs Mehdi Hasan called out Donald Trumps long history of racism going back well before he entered politics and pointed out how the former president has been particularly vicious and bigoted toward Black women. So there is a huge irony to the fact that at the center of his many legal troubles right now are three strong Black women, he said. He named Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who indicted Trump and 18 others for alleged interference in the election in Georgia; U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal election interference case; and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has a civil case against Trump going to trial in the autumn. Hasan said: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its never not a good time to thank Black women in America for their services to the republic, for stepping up again and again to save American democracy through their sacrifices, their strength, their activism, their votes. But this month in particular we should thank Black women for doing what a bunch of white guys have failed to do for years: hold Donald Trump hold a former president accountable for his alleged criming. And the fact that theyre the ones doing it must be killing Trump, he concluded. See his full segment below: "We should thank black women for doing what a bunch of white guys have failed to do for years: hold Donald Trump, hold a former President accountable... and the fact that they're the ones doing it must be killing Trump." - @MehdiRHasanpic.twitter.com/1lqUADxEB9 The Mehdi Hasan Show (@MehdiHasanShow) August 28, 2023 (Bloomberg) -- The presidential candidates for Mexicos ruling party made their last bids to voters before a nationwide survey begins to determine whom the party will select to represent it in the 2024 election. Most Read from Bloomberg The Morena party of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is not eligible to run again next year, has decided that candidates will have to end their campaign tours this weekend. In a process marred by accusations that the party leadership had played favorites, it was the last chance for the six candidates from Morena and its allied parties to appeal to the undecided. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, who has led in most polls so far, headed to Veracruz state on the east coast, while ex-Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, another top candidate, ended his tour on Sunday with a speech at an auditorium in Mexico City. Morena will announce its pick on Sept. 6. Whoever ends up with greater support in the nationwide survey will be designated the partys national coordinator, since its too early to announce formal candidates under election rules. NOTE: Mexico Ruling Party Morena Picks Firms for Election Survey In response to accusations that the polling firms chosen to help measure voter sentiment might be biased, party leader Mario Delgado told reporters that the process will be carried out with transparency and a great deal of professionalism. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. In a legal victory for businessman Raul Gorrin, a close ally to Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, a judge in the Southern District of Florida ruled that two Miami luxury properties belonging to him could not be seized as compensation by the family of a Colombian guerrilla kidnapping victim. The ruling issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Kevin Michael Moore protects a $34 million Fisher Island mansion and a $14.3 million Collins Avenue property from the efforts of Antonio Caballero to collect on a $140 million, plus interest, settlement awarded for the death of his father at the hands of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) two decades ago. Caballero had claimed that Gorrin and his brother-in-law and business partner, Gustavo Perdomo, had been laundering money for the FARC. Gorrin belongs to a small number of Venezuelan businessmen suspected by U.S. officials of earning billions of dollars through their close ties to Maduro and other top dignitaries of the Caracas Socialist regime. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Sanctioned by the Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Gorrin, the main owner of Venezuelan TV network Globovision was charged in a South Florida federal court for his alleged role in a billion dollar corruption and money laundering scheme in Venezuela and is considered a fugitive by U.S. officials. While Caballero alleged that Gorrin provided assistance to the FARC, Moore said in his ruling that the plaintiff failed to provide evidence supporting that claim. The judge found that there were no facts suggesting that Gorrin and Perdomo laundered money for Maduro or for the benefit of the FARC, Gorrins lawyers said. The Court rejected Caballeros six-degrees-of-separation theory that threatened to label as a terrorist-agent anyone who ever did business with Venezuela, lawyers Lisandra Guerrero and Howard Srebnick said in the press release. According to the ruling, Caballero failed to offer evidence about the amount of financial support the FARC allegedly received directly or indirectly from Gorrin and Perdomo and also failed to demonstrate how the businessmen assisted the FARC. Instead of bolstering his statements with factual support, Plaintiff merely cites numerous pages in expert reports. Yet the expert reports are also full of conclusory statements with little to no factual basis, the ruling says. Caballero, who lives in the United States, has been struggling to collect the settlement awarded to him in 2014 for the death of his father in 1999 after he was kidnapped by the FARC. Gorrin has been among a group of Venezuelan businessmen under investigation by U.S. authorities in Miami since 2016 for allegedly paying millions of dollars in bribes to senior government officials in Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA and the national treasury in exchange for access to energy contracts and currency exchanges that produced massive profits. He allegedly played a central role in a $1.2 billion corruption scheme involving loans in bolivars acquired by PDVSA from companies allegedly controlled by Venezuelan businessman Francisco Convit and that were repaid almost immediately by the oil company using the highly favorable and exclusive official exchange rate, which granted huge profits, according to the indictment in the case introduced by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. But the main case against Gorrin involves accusations that he allegedly participated in a massive money-laundering racket to drain more than $1 billion from Venezuelas government and launder the illicit money through U.S. banks and luxury real estate investments in New York and South Florida, according to court documents introduced in relation to this second case. The money-laundering scheme was carried out during a period of extreme economic hardship for many Venezuelans, who have struggled to afford basic necessities such as housing and food under the socialist government. YORK Michael Harris has been named the new principal at Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York. The School Committee voted to hire Harris at a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the York School Department Central Office. The interview committee comprised administrators, teachers, school counselors, support personnel, school board members, parents, and community members, all of whom had input into the selection process. Harris began his career in the York School Department, where he was a second and fourth-grade teacher at Coastal Ridge Elementary and a 6th-grade science teacher at York Middle School. Upon leaving the York School Department, Harris was hired as an assistant principal at the Harriet Beecher Stow Elementary School in Brunswick, Maine, for four years. Michael Harris has been named the new principal at Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York. Coastal Ridge is an outstanding school; returning as principal is an honor and privilege, Harris said. I look forward to the year ahead to begin working with the teachers, students, and York community. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Harris replaces Sean Murphy, who resigned from Coast Ridge Elementary School's principalship in July. Harris attended the University of Southern Maine to receive a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership, the University of Southern Maine to receive a masters degree in education, and Pace University Pleasantville, New York, for a bachelor's degree in business administration. Harris resides in Portland, Maine. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Michael Harris named new principal of Coastal Ridge Elementary School FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the SelectUSA Investment Summit, May 4, 2023, in Oxon Hill, Md. Whitmer is expected to call on state lawmakers Wednesday, Aug. 30, to pass legislation proactively protecting key provisions in the Affordable Care Act, including no-cost preventive services, as the nation's health law continues to face legal challenges in federal court. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LANSING, Mich. (AP) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will call on state lawmakers this week to pass legislation proactively protecting key provisions in the Affordable Care Act, including no-cost preventive services, as the nation's health law continues to face legal challenges in federal court. Whitmer, who is in her second term and working for the first time with a Legislature under complete Democratic control, will call for a plan to codify the Affordable Care Act during a speech Wednesday where she will outline her legislative priorities for the second half of the year. It comes as one of the Affordable Care Act's most popular provisions that requires insurers to cover preventive services faces a threat in federal court. Writing the Affordable Care Act into state law will ensure Michigan residents arent at risk of losing coverage, due to future threats, Whitmer said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The plan, according to the governor's office, must include measures that prohibit insurers from denying or limiting coverage based on preexisting conditions and would further protect a range of no-cost preventive services. Whitmer also wants legislation that requires all insurers to cover a set of essential services, such as ambulance services, birth control, maternity care and mental health. The nation's health law, often referred to as Obamacare, has faced numerous legal challenges in its 13-year history, including several that have made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this year, a federal judge in Texas struck down an Affordable Care Act provision that requires most insurers to cover preventive services that include screenings for cancer, diabetes and mental health. It's among the most popular features of the law, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimating 150 million individuals in private health plans have benefited from the no-cost preventive services. While a court agreement put a stay on the judges ruling as appeals are pursued, Whitmer directed state departments and the state Legislature in April to take action to ensure residents were not stripped of protections if federal law was changed. These are life saving measures that are protected by the ACA. So as long as Democrats have these majorities, it is important that we can protect these services in perpetuity," said Dr. Rob Davidson, the executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care. A version of the Whitmers proposal was passed by the state House in June but was never introduced in the Senate. It included a ban on annual or lifetime benefit limits and would protect a provision that requires insurers to allow young adults to stay on a parents plan until they turned 26. A number of states added similar protections several years ago as the ACA faced a federal lawsuit challenging the laws constitutionality. But self-funded plans established by private employers are exempt from most state insurance laws, stunting the impact of any state measures, according to Krutika Amin, the associate director of the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation s Program on the ACA. State-based approaches make it so that some people in the state continue getting valuable services, such as zero-cost preventive services, but it wont apply to the most people with private insurance, Amin said. Actor Amber Heard displays a makeup kit during her testimony at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Virginia on May 16, 2022. Actor Amber Heard displays a makeup kit during her testimony at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Virginia on May 16, 2022. Milani Cosmetics posted on social media over the weekend about Womens Equality Day, and users quickly reminded the cosmetics brand about its controversial TikTok about actor Amber Heard. Shout out to all the inspirational, powerful women in our lives! Happy Womens Equality Day today, and everyday, the company wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday. Users then quote-posted, criticizing the brand for getting involved in the 2022 Amber Heard-Johnny Depp defamation case, which detailed the alleged physical and emotional abuse between the two former spouses. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement do u remember when amber heard used a color-correcting milani palette as a court prop & yall took her out of context to frame her as a liar AND create a space for others to laugh at her? now its happy womens day?? lolz, one user posted. do u remember when amber heard used a color-correcting milani palette as a court prop & yall took her out of context to frame her as a liar AND create a space for others to laugh at her? now its happy womens day?? lolz. https://t.co/ZCEGwmg93O (@femaletrag3dy) August 26, 2023 During the defamation case between Depp and Heard, Heards attorney told the court that Heard carried a color correction makeup palette with her at all times to cover up bruises that Depp allegedly gave her. The attorney held up a Milani Cosmetics palette as an example of the product in question. Youre going to hear the testimony from Amber about how she had to mix the different colors for the different days of the bruises as they developed in the different coloring and how she would use these to touch those up to be able to cover those, attorney J. Ben Rottenborn said in his opening statement in April 2022, according to NBC News. That same month, Milanis TikTok account posted that it would be impossible for Heard to have used that specific palette during her relationship with Depp because it hadnt been created before she filed for divorce in 2016. You asked us... let the record show that our Correcting Kit launched in 2017, the TikTok caption reads. The post has more than 1 million likes. After facing backlash for weighing in on the trial, Milani said in a statement that the video was to verify the claim that our eagle-eyed and loyal fan base made about the product named in the trial and insisted that the company wasnt taking a formal stance on the trial, evidence or future outcome of the case. When Heard testified in May 2022, she held up the color correction kit and said, This is what I was talking about as a color correction kit. This is not obviously the exact one I used to carry, but I used to carry it with me all the time. Even though its been more than a year since the trial which ended with a jury finding both sides liable for defamation but awarding far more damages to Depp people have been freshly reminded of it after Netflix released Depp v. Heard, a three-episode docuseries, earlier this month. Milani Cosmetics did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But on X, there were more than 300 quote-posts from users denouncing the brand. You participated in the public humiliation of an abuse victim. Never forget that you hypocrites, one X user wrote. You participated in the public humiliation of an abuse victim. Never forget that you hypocrites. https://t.co/W4xGacE4Tn Artemis (@SaintAssya) August 26, 2023 it was super empowering and feminist when you guys jumped on your official tiktok account to try and discredit amber heards domestic violence testimony based on the release date of a concealer palette (which her lawyer clearly stated was just being used as an example product), another user posted. it was super empowering and feminist when you guys jumped on your official tiktok account to try and discredit amber heards domestic violence testimony based on the release date of a concealer palette (which her lawyer clearly stated was just being used as an example product) https://t.co/EDTXaI5HaO kathleen (@holdenfordfocus) August 26, 2023 Related... Miley Cyrus believes the reason she and her father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, have had a "wildly different" relationship to fame has everything to do with how they each grew up. The "Used to Be Young" singer grew emotional while speaking about her father in her recent special "Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions)" streaming on Hulu. Glastonbury Festival 2019 (Samir Hussein / WireImage) She noted how Billy Ray's upbringing in Kentucky and her childhood as the daughter of a prominent musician made a difference in how the two of them have handled fame in their music careers. "My dad grew up the opposite of me," she says in the special. "I grew up on a soundstage, in a house with a family that was super close and all lived under the same roof. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "And I grew up financially stable and emotionally stable I think in my relationships also," she continued. "And thats something that my dad didnt have. Ive seen how that affects a lot of people that go from having nothing to everything. Its a really dangerous place. So I think thats where me and my dads relationship to fame and success is wildly different." The elder Cyrus had the No. 1 country song in the nation in 1992 when Miley was born and played to sold-out shows behind his hit "Achy Breaky Heart." "Him feeling loved by a big audience impacted him emotionally more than it ever could me," she said. "When he feels special or important, it's like healing a childhood wound, and I've always been made to feel like a star. "It makes me emotional," she continued while holding back tears. "So I think that's the difference." Cyrus, 30, also shows old footage of her watching her father play guitar and sing when she was a young child. "I do have a lot of great memories singing music with my dad, and learning and watching his voice and the way that he's using the instrument," she said. "I will say that I feel, vocally, my dad was underappreciated." Another clip shared by Cyrus on TikTok shows Billy Ray telling an interviewer that a young Miley loved to dance and "will bring a lot of hope to the world." "I'm just grateful that that was projected into the universe before I could even fathom what that meant," she said. "There's gratitude for that being the energy that was attached to my vessel because it became a reality." Cyrus purposefully released her new single, "Used to be Young, " on Aug. 25 partially because it's her father's birthday. The song reflects on her career at 30. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The U.S. military has identified the Marine Corps pilot who was killed Thursday when his combat jet crashed near a San Diego base during a training flight. Maj. Andrew Mettler was piloting an F/A-18D Hornet when it went down at 11:54 p.m. Thursday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement from its headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Searchers recovered Mettlers body at the site, and the crash remains under investigation. PREVIOUS: US Marine Corps pilot from NC dies in San Diego plane crash Known as Simple Jack, Mettler was a native of Georgia and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. He was commissioned in 2007 and was a leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals, at the time of his death. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile, Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict, the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. Mettlers career awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal. The crash site was described as government property east of the air station. The site about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego is an area of largely vacant land. (WATCH BELOW: 3 found dead in car at NC gas station identified as Marines stationed nearby) Russia's arsenal currently includes at least 585 missiles with a range of over 500 kilometers, not counting older Kh-22 missiles, spokesperson of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) Vadym Skibitskyi told RBC-Ukraine on Aug. 28. Russian forces possess around 270 Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles, 140 Kalibr cruise missiles, roughly 100 cruise missiles of Kh-101, Kh-555, and Kh-55 designs, and around 75 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, according to Skibitskyi. In addition, Russia likely has around 150 older Kh-22 missiles in stock, which it seeks to modernize and transform into Kh-32 missiles. At the moment, the Russian industry can deliver no more than 10 units of this newer model every month, the spokesperson said. As RBC-Ukraine noted, Russia decreased the frequency of its missile strikes in the summer months compared to May. According to the HUR's spokesperson, Russian forces are becoming more selective with their targets and use the missiles more sparingly. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This is likely part of Russia's strategy to accumulate its arsenal ahead of the winter season, Skibitskyi said. It is also one of the reasons why Russian forces use the advanced Kh-101 missiles less often, he added. Another factor is that the Russian defense industry fails to reach its production targets due to a shortage of foreign components, he added. As a result, while Russia planned to produce six Kinzhals, 42 Iskanders, 20 Kalibrs, and 40 Kh-101s this month, it lags behind its targets in the case of some of these models, namely Kh-101, Skibitskyi said. In addition to its missile stockpiles, Russia also plans to produce up to 1,300 units of domestic-made versions of Shahed kamikaze drones in the second half of 2023, the military intelligence told RBC-Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have warned that Moscow is likely to intensify its strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the following fall and winter as it did in late 2022 and early 2023. However, the HUR's spokesperson said that while Russian forces will likely increase the frequency of their strikes, these will not reach the scale of the previous fall and winter when Russia at times launched around 70-100 missiles at the same time. Moscow has likely realized that such attacks do not reach the desired strategic goal and only serve to exhaust its stockpiles, Skibitskyi noted. Kyiv has appealed to its Western partners to curb Russia's ability to acquire foreign-made components needed to produce its missiles. In June, the Ukrainian news site Liga.net reported that up to 81% of foreign components found in Russian missiles originate in the U.S. Read also: Media: 81% of foreign components in Russian missiles originate in US Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The number of victims of the Russian missile attack on the village of Hoholeve in Poltava Oblast has increased to three; the body of one more person was recovered from under the rubble. Source: Dmytro Lunin, Head of the Poltava Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Lunin: "Rescue workers continue to dismantle the rubble after the missile strike. They found the body of another person." Details: The head of the Oblast Military Administration added that the search for one more person is currently ongoing. Background: On the night of 28 August, the Russians launched a rocket attack on a civilian industrial facility in the village of Hoholeve, Poltava Oblast. At first, it was reported that there were 2 dead and 2 wounded. However, the Office of the President reported there were 5 victims. These people worked their night shift. As a result of the explosion, the premises of the oil mill caught fire. The Ukrainian Air Force destroyed four of the six missiles that Russia launched at Ukraine on the night of 27-28 August. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) Leaders with Mississippi State University (MSU) identified the student who was found dead on campus on Sunday, August 27. The deceased student was identified as Maxwell Curtis Pennebaker, 19, a sophomore building construction science major from Madison. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. According to MSU officials, Pennebaker was found unresponsive in a parked vehicle in an on-campus parking lot. Foul play is not suspected in his death. MSU Police Chief Kenneth Rogers said MSU police received a phone call reporting an unresponsive person in a parked vehicle just after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt pronounced Pennebaker dead at the scene. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Mississippi State student found dead on campus President Mark E. Keenum and MSU First Lady Rhonda Keenum shared their condolences with the family and friends of the student and met Sunday with the men of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity to express their sympathies, encourage and pray with them. Counseling services and other support for any students or staff impacted by the incident are available through the Division of Student Affairs. At this time, our communitys thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the student who has died. The university is offering counseling and other appropriate services to those most closely impacted by this tragedy, said MSU Vice President for Strategic Communications Sid Salter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa won another five-year term in Aug. 23-24 elections that international observers said were deeply flawed, and his main rival rejected the outcome as a sham that didnt reflect the will of the people. Most Read from Bloomberg Mnangagwa won 52.6% support and Nelson Chamisa , 44%, results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, in the capital, Harare, on Saturday showed. There were 6.6 million registered voters and 68.9% cast ballots. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The election process in Zimbabwe was shamelessly flawed, violated the constitution of Zimbabwe, as well electoral laws, Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor who heads the Citizens Coalition for Change, told reporters in Harare. We reject this sham result and flawed process. We have won these elections. Mnangagwas Zimbabwe African Union-Patriotic Front retained control of most rural areas in the parliamentary vote, while the main opposition prevailed in Harare and other urban centers. A compilation of the preliminary tallies by the local media indicated that the ruling party won 136 of the 210 National Assembly seats and the CCC 73. The final results still have to be officially announced. Zanu-PF has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from the UK in 1980, while Mnangagwa, 80, has held power since longtime ruler Robert Mugabe was ousted in a 2017 coup. The country has lurched from one economic crisis to the next, government services have almost completely collapsed, unemployment is rampant and every vote since 2000 has been marred by allegations of violence, intimidation and rigging. Opposition attempts to have previous election outcomes overturned in court have proved fruitless. Chamisa didnt respond to questions as to whether the CCC will file a lawsuit challenging the latest results. Doubts over whether the vote was credible will complicate Mnangagwas efforts by to restructure the nations debt arrears of $18 billion. Creditors including the African Development Bank have warned that any deal would be contingent on a fair contest. Mnangagwa denied there had been any foul play. I can assure you that I did not conduct the elections. I competed to win, he told reporters in Harare on Sunday. Those who feel the race was not run fairly should know where to go to complain. Observers from the Southern African Development Community, a regional bloc, however, said the election fell short of the required standards. European Union monitors and the US and UK embassies in Harare were even more scathing, saying the process was marred by violence and intimidation and the playing field was heavily titled in favor of Mnangagwa and the ruling party. Mnangagwa accused some observer missions of overstepping their mandates when they criticized election legislation that Zimbabwe as a sovereign nation had every right to adopt Read More: Zimbabwe Election Fell Short of Standards, Say Observers Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Florida mom under court order to surrender her 10-year-old son shot the boy instead, along with her teenage daughter, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Brandy Hutchins then turned the gun on herself, Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference. All three were found dead around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, at a home in Lake Wales, Judd said. Lake Wales is about 60 miles east of Tampa. We get a call today ... the information we had was that she was inside this mobile home with her 19-year-old daughter and her 10-year old son, Judd said. Heres what we know: Brandy Hutchins ... from every indication in our investigation now, has murdered her 10-year-old child and her 19-year-old child. ... And then subsequent to that, she shot herself. I cant imagine a more horrific set of circumstances. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Investigators believe the shootings were a result of a custody order issued Aug. 24 calling for Hutchins to turn over her 10-year-old son to his father (her ex-husband), who lives in Maine, Judd said. However, Hutchins never showed up at the prearranged time and place to turn over the boy, and was not heard from again, he said. There was absolutely zero evidence in the court order or testimony that he was ... in any danger, Judd said. She has no criminal history. She has no history of (mental illness). There was no indication that there should be any violence, but it was violent. Murder-suicide Up to 600 murder-suicides happen each year, according to the FBI. They account for about 1,000 deaths a year. Although uncommon, such incidents vary widely in terms of the persons involved, how they are related, and where the crimes take place, the FBI reported. Usually, law enforcement personnel deal with murder-suicides involving two people in domestic settings or relationships. About 65% of murder-suicides involve intimate partners, officials said, and 81% happen in the home. Mom accused of strangling her 13-year-old son to death in bed, Florida sheriff says Angry parents confront man inappropriately touching kids at beach, Florida cops say 11-year-old inspired by YouTube challenge arrested in abduction hoax, Florida cops say North Miami Beach residents will finally get a chance to elect a new mayor, nearly six months after former mayor Anthony DeFillipo was arrested and suspended from office amid allegations of voter fraud. Residents will cast ballots for a new mayor during a Dec. 5 special election. Qualifying for the race is from Oct. 16-21, according to the Miami-Dade County elections website. With the mayoral seat vacant, Commissioner Jay Chernoff has been serving as acting mayor. RELATED: Governor suspends North Miami Beach mayor following arrest on voter fraud charges Two people Evan Scott Piper and David Zapen have already filed paperwork to run for the office. Piper was appointed commissioner in 2018 when Frantz Pierre was removed from office by then Gov. Rick Scott. Piper is president of The Piper Companies, which focus on construction, automotive and marine services, and medical services. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The city is in a little bit of a difficult time right now. There is a lot of different things that are going on there, Piper told the Herald. And I feel that Im one of the few, if not only person, that has the the background, the skills, the ability, and what it takes to start being effective on day one. READ MORE: North Miami Beach mayor arrested on charges related to voting irregularities Piper, 59, a professional speaker, was on the citys planning and zoning board for 25 years and served as chairman. He is currently president of the North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Zapen, 52, a systems analyst, has not previously held an office and has not served on any boards with the city. He said hes running to guarantee basic housing, food and other needs for every citizen and not as a privilege for outsiders with cash. Announcement of the special elections comes nearly three months after DeFillipo was arrested at his North Miami Beach condo on allegations he voted outside his registered area three times. The arrest came amid allegations that DeFillipo lives in Davie, which he has repeatedly denied. The North Miami Beach city charter requires elected officials to live in the city. READ MORE: Embattled North Miami Beach mayor acknowledges he took a seat on Davie homeowners board Despite filing documents to update his address with the North Miami Beach clerk in 2021, he did not change his address with the Department of Motor Vehicles until December 2022, according to an arrest warrant. Florida law requires a change be made within 30 days. DeFillipo also had not changed his address with the Miami-Dade County Elections Department until after he voted in the elections, according to an arrest warrant. Three commissioners refused to attend commission meetings in protest of DeFillipos purported residency issues, leading to ongoing legal disputes among commissioners. Last week, a judge scheduled a Nov. 13 trial date for the case, two months back from the initial Sept. 5 date, according to online court records. The mayors arrest is among a string of controversies the city has endured for more than a year, which include: the firing of the city manager, the resignation of the city attorney, and the suspension of a commissioner who was later reinstated. Russias top domestic security agency is accusing a local employee of the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok of collecting information for American diplomats, according to The Associated Press. Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) is accusing Robert Shonov of gathering information about the special military operation, mobilization processes in Russian regions, problems and the assessment of their influence on protest activities of the population in the runup to the 2024 presidential election, The AP reported. The FSB, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB intelligence service, said it served summonses to question two U.S. diplomats that it alleges instructed Shonov to collect the information. The State Department did not immediately return a request for comment. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Shonovs arrest was first reported in May, though Russian authorities provided no details at that time. The U.S. condemned his arrest at the time. The charges against Shonov come from a new article in Russian law that criminalizes cooperation on a confidential basis with a foreign state, international or foreign organization to assist their activities clearly aimed against Russias security, the AP reported. Critics of the law say it allows the Russian state to prosecute crimes against a broad swath of the public who have any foreign connection. The law carries a prison sentence of up to eight years, per the AP. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in May that the allegations against Shonov are wholly without merit. Mr. Shonovs only role at the time of his arrest was to compile media summaries of press items from publicly available Russian media sources, Miller said, adding the arrest highlights the Russian Federations blatant use of increasingly repressive laws against its own citizens. Miller said Shonov had worked for the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok for more than 25 years. The consulate was closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian government in April 2021 forced the termination of locally-employed staff at U.S. missions in Russia. Shonov continued work for the U.S. mission in Russia by working for a company that contracted with the U.S. government to support its embassy in Moscow, Miller said. The AP, citing Russian news reports, said Shonov is being held in Moscows Lefortovo prison. Also being held in Lefortovo is Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist for The Wall Street Journal who was arrested on March 29 by Russias security service on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government have denied. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A woman is now facing charges after a baby was found dead in the woods earlier this summer. Raeleena Barlett has been charged with abandonment of a corpse in Jackson County. Court documents say Kansas City police responded to a vacant lot in the area of 41st Street and Pittman Road on May 13. Thats where officers found a deceased 6-month-old infant in a field. The child was later identified as Khaliya Bridgewater. KCPD searching for suspects in November apartment shooting Two days later, court documents say Barlett, the infants mother, told a witness her child was deceased but didnt say anything else about the death. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Barlett told police the 6-month-old died May 6 when she found the child cold and stiff. The woman said she didnt know how her daughter ended up in the field. The Jackson County Medical Examiner has ruled the childs cause of death as undetermined. Court documents say there were no signs of physical abuse found in the investigation. The case remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. HOLLAND TWP. A woman has pleaded no contest, again, to a crash near Holland that killed her three children, all under five years old. On Monday, Aug. 28, Leticia Gonzales pleaded no contest to one count of operating while intoxicated causing injury and three counts of moving violation causing death. A judge rejected a plea deal earlier this year, leading Gonzales to withdraw her previous plea, which did not include the counts of moving violation causing death. More: Mother in Holland triple-fatal rollover withdraws plea after judge sentences her to 4-15 years She is scheduled to be sentenced again on Sept. 25. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The charges stem from a crash on Feb. 17, 2022, in Holland Township. According to police, Gonzales was driving an SUV with her sons Josiah, Jerome III and Jeremiah when she hit the curb and flipped into an icy pond. Gonzales was able to exit the vehicle, but all three children were trapped in icy water for 10-17 minutes. First responders extricated them, but Jerome and Jeremiah were pronounced dead at the scene. Josiah died several hours later at an area hospital. According to a probable cause affidavit, Gonzales misused a prescription drug hours before the crash, with elevated levels of methadone in her system. While it's legal to drive while taking methadone in Michigan, the drug sometimes prescribed to treat an opioid use disorder can be abused. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage The affidavit states Gonzales took a prescribed dose of methadone at a clinic the morning of the crash, but a witness said they gave her another, not prescribed dose a few hours before the crash. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing. The Holland Sentinel contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Mother in triple fatal rollover pleads no contest a second time Hundreds of mourners gathered in Moscow to mourn the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against Russia's military, was killed last week after a jet crashed outside Moscow. The public mourning of Prigozhin shows how his popularity endures even after clashing with Russian President Vladimir Putin . In the aftermath of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, hundreds of Russian mourners gathered at a makeshift memorial in Moscow to pay their respects to the founder of the paramilitary organization, according to the New York Times. Heartbroken grievers praised Prigozhin, with one person comparing the 62-year-old Russian billionaire tycoon who staged a short-lived mutiny against Russia's military two months ago to the likes of Soviet leaders Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. The public mourning of Prigozhin near Moscow's Red Square shows how the mercenary chief's popularity hasn't waned, even after he clashed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described Wagner's armed rebellion in June as a "betrayal." People pay tribute to late head of Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin at a makeshift memorial in Moscow, on August 27, 2023. NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images A mourner named Alyona told the Times that Prigozhin was feared. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "That alone is worth respecting. He didn't just make people fear him, he created a system that no one else had, did something that no one else had done," she said. Alyona added, "In our history, there was only one Lenin, one Stalin, and one Prigozhin." Another mourner who paid tribute, a 23-year-old student only identified as Sergei, told the Times that Prigozhin won his respect for the "simple fact that he went against this system." Even some Wagner fighters appeared at the makeshift memorial to pay their respects to Prigozhin. Prigozhin and nine others were killed last week when a Wagner-linked private jet crashed outside of Moscow. Preliminary information from the US intelligence community suggests the plane crashed as the result of an intentional explosion. The Kremlin has denied allegations that it had anything to do with the crash. Read the original article on Business Insider The pandemic revealed all sorts of problems in Pennsylvanias education system. School districts struggling to recruit school bus drivers was an overlooked one, and the problem hasnt abated. PennDOT, however, took a step forward recently in removing a licensing requirement thats long been a stumbling block. Earlier this month, the agency announced it would waive the under the hood requirement for school bus drivers, which it called an outdated requirement. Previously, potential drivers had to pass a portion of the CDL test where they identified components of the engine even though they are barred from leaving the buss cabin with children on board. Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the commonwealth should help people succeed, not get in the way. Under his direction, PennDOT is working to make our services more accessible and effective for the people of Pennsylvania, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a press release. This modernized test is another way PennDOT is enhancing its services to better serve our CDL applicants while still ensuring the safety of school bus passengers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On preserving safety, PennDOT officials were emphatic that the waiver doesnt pose a concern. Knowing the components of a school bus engine does not impact a school bus drivers safe driving skills, Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton said. School bus drivers lauded the change. Its a win, its moving in the right direction, Aaron Sepkowski, president of Pocono Transportation and first vice president of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association. Sepkowski had warned the House Republican Policy Committee in May of how the daunting process to become a school bus driver created headaches, as The Center Square previously reported. Aside from the waiver, he would still like to see a school bus-only CDL more focused on safety and student management than on mechanical knowledge. Though hes not opposed to screening workers, the clearance process from multiple background checks can drag on for months, which deters workers. Twelve weeks is a long time when you can go to McDonalds for $20 an hour, $15-$20 an hour, and have a job tomorrow, Sepkowski said. The waiver, however, isnt a permanent solution at least, not yet. While the waiver took effect on Aug. 26, its dependent on a federal waiver that expires in November 2024. Despite the uncertainty over the under the hood waiver, state officials in the executive and legislative branches have paid attention to school bus issues. In 2022, the Joint State Government Commission released a report on school bus driver shortages in Pennsylvania. That report recommended a federally created school-bus-only-CDL to boost worker retention and recruitment, revising the state transportation funding formula to cover growing transportation costs, and reducing how far drivers are required to take students to non-public schools, among other ideas. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Memphis Police Department has released a photo of the shooters car from the fatal shooting in Downtown Memphis on Sunday. ORIGINAL STORY: One dead, two injured in Downtown Memphis shooting A total of three people were shot, leaving a woman dead and two injured. Businesses were also damaged during the shooting, breaking windows on Main Street. Police say the shooter was last seen leaving the scene in a newer model gray four-door Dodge Charger with a black spoiler. A witness, Robert Rowan, was on the roof of a building downtown just before 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. For about 20 seconds there it felt like a combat zone, Rowan said. We were kinda getting close to going inside because it was bearing down on us pretty quickly. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He said he was getting footage of the storm rolling in before he started hearing loud sounds. Well at first we were facing toward the river so when we heard the gunshots over our shoulder it sounded like an explosion, Rowan said. So we were thinking like lightning had struck a transformer. Man wanted in deadly South Memphis shooting Rowan says it was actually gunfire. Just a few cracks of gunshot and then it really ramped up. You could hear the change in the caliber of the rifle, he said. When I heard the gunshots I knew there was going to be a fatality. According to MPD, this was a targeted attack. This shooting also comes after law enforcement ramped up security downtown following a mass shooting that injured eight people. When WREG reached out to MPD about the violence still happening despite the added patrols and street closures, they released the following statement: As you are aware, the shooting did occur outside of the Downtown Traffic Control area; however, the Memphis Police Department is continuing to monitor the downtown area and will make adjustments as needed. But at this time, no new adjustments have been made. We are committed to maintaining the safety and security of the citizens of Memphis and visitors alike. Police chase ends with crash at Memphis church Rowan says that partisan politics is a contributing problem. Unless we have sensible firearm registration, background checks, red flag laws, banning of assault weapons, this is only going to get worse, he said. This is my home, I love this city but it never gets any easier when you hear and you see that stuff and you see crime scenes and you hear the stories. Its exhausting. If you have any information about this incident, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Former President Trump was booked Thursday at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia. His campaign has promoted a series of products plastered with his mug shot. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via AP) If a picture is worth a thousand words, the mug shot of a former president is apparently worth over $7 million. President Trumps mug shot, taken when he was booked last week in Georgias Fulton County Jail on his fourth criminal indictment, prompted an explosion in sales toward his presidential reelection campaign, a spokesman said. Trumps campaign seized on the history-making photo, capitalizing on its unique earning potential to promote a series of products plastered with the picture. The campaign earned $4.18 million Friday a record in single-day sales, Trumps senior advisor, Jason Miller, confirmed Monday. By Saturday evening, Trump had raised $7.1 million, according to his campaign and reporting by Politico. Its an impressive haul, and representative of the grassroots support President Trump has all over the country, Miller told The Times. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Times cannot independently verify totals until the campaign reports its earnings to the Federal Elections Commission. The next quarterly report is due Oct. 15. Read more: Trump gets March 4 trial date in federal case over efforts to overturn 2020 election Trump's mug shot was released Thursday afternoon shortly after he left the Fulton County Jail. Minutes later, his campaign website uploaded a slew of products featuring the image including posters, mugs and drink koozies with prices ranging from a $12 bumper sticker to a $34 T-shirt. Every item is accompanied by the slogan Never surrender! an ironic title, given that the mug shot was taken as Trump surrendered to local authorities. Donald Trump Jr. also promoted a line of products featuring his father's mug shot. To be clear all profits from this on my Web Store are going to be donated to the Legal Defense Fund to fight the tyranny & insanity were seeing before us, he wrote on X , the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Read more: Full coverage: Former President Trump pleads not guilty to classified documents charges Trump is the first former U.S. president to be criminally charged and have his mug shot taken. Anticipation for the history-making photo peaked Thursday, with the hashtag #TrumpMugshot trending online even before the photo was released. Trump even returned to X on Thursday for the first time since January 2021 to post the photo of his steely glare and promote his campaign website. Fulton County Dist. Atty. Fani Willis charged Trump and 18 others two weeks ago, alleging they were involved in a conspiracy to undermine the 2020 presidential election results. All 19 defendants turned themselves in last week, including the presidents former attorneys Rudolph W. Giuliani and John Eastman , as well as his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows. Willis began investigating after a recording was released in February 2021 of Trump telling Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger during a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call to find him 11,780 votes, enough to win in Georgia. Trump has insisted that, as president, he behaved appropriately in making the call. Trump also is facing felony charges in connection with efforts to stay in office after losing the 2020 election. The federal judge in that case has set his trial date for March 4, the day before the Super Tuesday primaries. Times staff writer Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. MUNCIE, Ind. A Muncie man accused of attacking a corrections officer at the Delaware County jail has been released to participate in a rehabilitation program. Drake Lee Ramsey, 23, is charged with five felonies attempted aggravated battery, battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety official, battery with a deadly weapon, strangulation and resisting law enforcement in the attack on the jail officer, alleged to have taken place on Feb. 6. According to an affidavit, Ramsey on that day reported he had become ill in his cell, prompting the jail officer to allow him to leave the cell to make way for an inmate assigned to clean-up duty. Investigators said Ramsey had tied two socks together, creating a "strangulation device" which he wrapped around the officer's neck and pulled her to the floor. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Witnesses said Ramsey was on top of the officer, with the socks still around her neck, when the other inmate tried to pull him away. The officer left with a "large knot on her head" caused by the fall was treated at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. The most serious of the five charges against Ramsey is a Level 3 felony carrying up to 16 years in prison. A trial date in the case is not currently set. Ramsey also faces a domestic battery charge filed in Circuit Court 2 in August 2022. Last week, Delaware Circuit Court 2 Judge Kimberly Dowling ordered Ramsey who had been held in the jail under a $40,000 bond released to participate in a treatment program, expected to last six to 12 months, at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. A Salvation Army website said the "faith-based program enables participants to identify the root cause of being a substance abuser and seek rehabilitation through strength from God." In an order, the judge noted Delaware County Community Corrections officials had recommended Ramsey be allowed to participate in the program. While in Indianapolis, Ramsey will be required to report to Community Corrections via phone on a weekly basis. Deputy Prosecutor Maricel Driscoll objected to releasing the Muncie man from jail. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man charged with attacking guard released to treatment facility (NewsNation) New reports shed light on nearly $1 billion in land purchases by a mysterious company near a California Air Force base that raised national security concerns. Since 2018, a group called Flannery Associates invested more than $800 million on almost 54,000 acres of agriculture-zoned land surrounding the Travis Air Force base in Solano County, California, public records show. Despite early speculation China was behind the purchases amid concerns that companies with ties to China have been ramping up efforts to buy American farmland legal representation for Flannery has maintained the group is controlled by U.S. citizens, with 97% of its capital coming from U.S.-based investors. However, after eight months of investigation, federal officials were not able to confirm or deny this to be true, and were not able to determine exactly who was backing the company. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Now, reports from The New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle reveal Flannery is comprised of a group of ultra-wealthy Silicon Valley investors acquiring vast parcels of land northeast of San Francisco with the mission to build a new California city from scratch. Arizona woman arrested, accused of poisoning Air Force husbands coffee According to the reports, the investors plan for the land involves creating a new urban center that could accommodate the growing demands of the tech industry and provide a fresh environment for innovation and economic growth. The goal, according to the reports, is to establish a new city that caters to the needs of Silicon Valley tech companies and professionals, potentially alleviating some of the challenges posed by congestion, housing shortages and high costs of living in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that these land acquisitions have been met with a mix of excitement and concern from local communities and government officials. Democratic California Rep. John Garamendi called developments around Travis Air Force Base a critical national security issue. The fact they chose to buy all three sides of the Travis Air Force Base even raises immediate questions about national security, Garamendi said. To pull off the project, according to the Times, the company will have to use the states initiative system to get Solano County residents to vote on it. Garamendi said utilizing an initiative means theyre going to override the local protections that are in place for Travis Air Force Base. According to Garamendi, the area is heavily impacted by some very severe restrictions that prevent development and other kinds of activities that would somehow degrade or harm Travis Air Force Base. Used car market is unusual right now: Expert The Air Forces Foreign Investment Risk Review office is currently investigating Flannery Associates. Garamendi says there are valid concerns that Flannerys land acquisitions could be tied to foreign enemies. Wherever the money is coming from, he said, the underlying problem of securing Travis Air Force Base remains. Garamendi also said the organization has been just playing nasty, referring to farmers in the area being targeted in a lawsuit from the group. Please understand that this group spent five years secretly and in my estimation, using strong-arm techniques that would best be associated with monsters to acquire the land, he said. Garamendi said hes been in contact with the families of farmers who handed over their land to Flannery, saying they didnt want to sell in the first place. Since no California laws require them to sell, the land was bargained for by both parties at a much higher price. But now, Flannery is suing those families for $510 million, accusing them of conspiring together to inflate the value of the land. Its a suit designed to force the farmers to lawyer up, spend tens of thousands of dollars on lawyering and maybe at the end of the day, bankrupt themselves, Garamendi said. In fact, that has happened to at least one family that I know of and Ive heard rumors that another family simply said, We cant afford the lawyers. NewsNation correspondent Emily Finn contributed to this article. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. SANAA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A huge fire has destroyed 70 tents in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yemen's central province of Marib, local authorities said on Monday. The fire occurred Sunday evening in Al-Faw camp, which is situated in the eastern sector of the province's eponymous capital, according to the official Saba news agency. The fire lasted till night before the civil defense teams managed to put it out. There were no casualties as the displaced managed to flee the fire, according to local authorities. It was not yet clear what caused the fire as investigations are going on. The oil-rich Marib province hosts around 2 million IDPs, according to the estimates of the Yemeni government. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced nearly 4 million, and pushed the country to the brink of collapse. New Hampshire Republicans have erupted in a feud over a longshot effort to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot in 2024, with the chair of the state GOP insisting Monday that the frontrunner for the partys nomination will be included. In New Hampshire and elsewhere, some legal scholars and Trump critics have long argued the former president should be disqualified from the ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars those whove taken an oath to support the Constitution from holding office again if theyve engaged in insurrection against the United States or given aid or comfort to its enemies. But the dispute is taking off in New Hampshire, where Bryant Corky Messner, an attorney who ran on Trumps endorsement as Republicans 2020 U.S. Senate nominee, is questioning Trumps eligibility for the ballot and wants to see the courts address it. Im a Constitutional conservative. The words say what they say, Messner said in an interview. I quite frankly believe it is in Donald Trumps best interest to get this looked at as quickly as possible. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Yet any effort to keep Trump off the ballot will face a steep climb, including in New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation primary state. Chris Ager, chair of the state Republican Party, said in an interview that I dont think the effort to limit the options for our primary voters has any legs whatsoever. I am very confident that all of the known presidential candidates who are campaigning in New Hampshire, when they apply, they will be put on the primary ballot, said Ager, who is neutral in the primary. Corkys a friend of mine and I respect him. I just totally disagree with him on this issue. And the Republican Party will fight to make sure that candidates are not denied access to the ballot. The idea of invoking the 14th Amendment to disqualify Trump from the 2024 ballot has been kicking around since he launched his third White House bid last November, but has gained new life as Trump faces criminal charges for his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Free Speech for People a legal advocacy group that previously filed 14th Amendment legal challenges against Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and then-Rep. Madison Cawthorne (R-N.C.) sent letters to top elections officials in nine states last month asking them to bar Trump from the ballot. Two pairs of legal scholars have since amplified that argument: William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen, of the conservative Federalist Society, in the Pennsylvania Law Review; and retired conservative federal judge J. Michael Luttig and liberal Harvard professor emeritus Laurence Tribe in The Atlantic. These authors make a very compelling argument that in fact Jan. 6 was an insurrection. And they also make a compelling argument about aid and comfort given by former President Donald Trump simply by doing nothing for a couple of hours or so after the Capitol riot began, Messner said. I would suggest someone in Trumps camp get working on an equally thorough law review. Messner isnt the only Republican seemingly swayed by the legal argument. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a longshot presidential candidate, invoked the idea during last weeks debate in Milwaukee. Over a year ago, I said that Donald Trump was morally disqualified from being president again as a result of what happened on January 6th. More people are understanding the importance of that, including conservative legal scholars, Hutchinson said to a mix of cheers and boos from the audience. Im not going to support somebody whos been convicted of a serious felony, or who is disqualified under our Constitution. The uproar in New Hampshire comes as the filing deadline to appear on the primary ballot nears. While New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan has yet to set a date for the states 2024 presidential primary, candidates will likely have to fill out their paperwork and pay their $1,000 filing fee this fall, Ager said. Both Ager and Messner have contacted Scanlan over the disqualification dispute. Scanlan told the NH Journal hes seeking legal input from the attorney general and others on the matter. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a text that the people who are pushing this political attack on President Trump are stretching the law beyond recognition much like the political prosecutors in New York, Georgia, and DC. There is no legal basis for this effort except in the minds of those who are pushing it. Ager dismissed the Constitution-based argument to keep Trump off the ballot as the latest effort by Trumps critics to knock down a Republican politician who remains wildly popular with the partys base. The people who are opposed to President Trump have tried every trick in the book, Ager said. It really is up to the people to decide who they want their nominee to be, and no one else. With the cold season just around the corner, the race is on to prepare Ukraine for another winter of discontent after a series of Russian attacks devastated the countrys energy system last winter. Naftogaz, Ukraines state-owned oil and gas giant, has successfully overcome the first hurdle by accumulating the 14 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas reserves needed by the end of summer and is on a path to far surpass the 14.7 bcm target by the start of November. We have 14 bcm, Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov told the Kyiv Independent in an interview. With such a volume we can even step into winter. The result is well ahead of last year when Naftogaz only hit 14 bcm in early October. But keeping the country warm in winter will be a prodigious task, particularly in the face of relentless Russian aggression. Transforming Naftogaz Following a bleak period in 2022 that saw the lowest gas production in two decades, Naftogaz turned the tables this year, pledging to increase production by 8% under the new management of Chernyshov. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The company has launched 54 new and refurbished gas wells across the country since January, providing an additional 5 million cubic meters (mcm) per day the highest drilling pace in 15 years, all without asking the government for any financial support, according to Chernyshov. Its an impressive feat given the circumstances and one that has Chernyshov confident for the coming months. The new CEO took over the role in November 2022, heading the company during a rocky period of financial vulnerability and depleted gas reserves. Chernyshov says he immediately began the selection process for a supervisory board that had been absent for over a year and successfully plugged Ukraines gas shortage with support from international allies such as Europe and Canada as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). At the same time, Chernyshov said that the company lost $1 billion last year in physical and financial terms and spiraled into default after failing to meet debt obligations. Nevertheless, Naftogaz recently negotiated debt restructuring with its eurobond holders after lengthy discussions and the company is once again able to access financial markets, banks, and international partnerships. Ukraine's path to energy independence With the company seemingly back to full health, Chernyshov is hoping to make history by ensuring Ukraine is totally self-reliant on gas this year, without importing any supplies, a first for the country. Nearly every production site is operational and the volume of gas in storage units is 500 mcm higher than the same time last year. We have been absolutely energy independent from Russia since 2014, but this year we have managed and we are planning to be absolutely energy independent, according to the CEO. Ukraines private gas producers have also contributed to energy security and independence this year. Following the governments decision to ban gas exports last year, private producers saw a 15% drop in production in 2022 as they lost their markets in the West. In response, Naftogaz restarted cooperation with these producers, purchasing 800 mcm of gas over the summer. An employee from UkrTransGaz, part of Ukraine's state-oil giant Naftogaz, walks past gas pipes at the Dashava underground gas storage facility in Striy, Lviv Oblast on May 28, 2015. (Photo by Vincent Mundy/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Naftogaz oversees Europes largest underground gas storage (UGS) facilities capable of holding 31 bcm, with 10 bcm available for foreign traders to rent. International companies largely refused Naftogazs offer last year, due to the lack of commercial insurance, but have since started returning, encouraged by competitive storage tariffs. Over 20 companies currently storing a total 1.5 bcm of gas in Ukraine. Chernyshov expects the companies to double their volume of storage in just a matter of weeks, noting that Europes own storage facilities are close to full. He also assuages fears that Ukraine will withhold European gas if theres a particularly harsh winter, stating that the country has enough gas of our own. War-time challenges Although Naftogaz is satisfied that Ukraine can sustain itself, there is the omnipresent threat of Russian attacks completely flipping the situation. Russias full-scale invasion has caused millions in damages to the companys facilities. During the interview, Chernyshov pulls up an image of a burning oil deposit in Rivne, the victim of a strike the previous week. Naftogaz is constantly suffering from attacks, he explains. It's not in the future, it's already happening and weve got to be prepared. While UGS facilities are safe deep underground, it's a different story for above-ground facilities. Chernyshov stresses the need for air defense, although acknowledges that systems such as Patriots are in thin supply. Naftogaz has purchased anti-drone equipment, but the results are limited, as in the case of the now-destroyed facility in Rivne. Ensuring a constant supply of electricity and heating is a balancing act that relies on sufficient reserves of gas, coal, wood, fuel, and energy (including nuclear and renewable). As Chernyshov explains, it is not just about having enough gas to meet everyones needs, but also having reserves in the event gas has to partially replace another energy source due to attacks on facilities. As a precautionary measure, Naftogaz has a 300-million-euro direct credit line with the EBRD for a special reserve volume of gas for additional consumption, which the company expects to use. The thing we expect, our government expects, is that energy production might be lower as a result of potential attacks, this would cause more generation of electricity from gas. That is why we are preparing more gas, this reserve volume, based on the EBRD emergency loan, as our precaution, he said. How citizens can help While Chernyshov makes it clear that energy is a weapon in Russias hands, he says citizens also bear the responsibility for energy stability. Naftogaz announced last week that heating tariffs for households will remain unchanged, but the CEO nonetheless urges citizens to be cognizant of consumption and enforce energy-efficient measures. He recommends checking households and radiators to ensure everything is prepared for winter and criticizes the Soviet-era legacy of leaving windows open while the heat is on. Apartment buildings and non-residential buildings built during the Soviet era generally have centralized heat, which means the temperature cant be controlled. With extremely high indoor temperatures during winter, residents often open their windows, letting the heat escape, and wasting energy. If you are not in the war zone and you are wasting energy, you are not helping the nation, he states. Ultimately, he presses the need to introduce market reforms in the energy sector post-war, which he believes will be the crucial step in encouraging conscious consumption, but adds that prices should still be capped for vulnerable citizens. Despite the economic consequences of the war, customers have paid their bills at higher rates than pre-war. Ninety-one percent of private households have paid in full, although this is noticeably lower for municipalities at 55%. Chernyshov thanks the company's customers and emphasizes the importance of paying bills, with Naftogaz providing a sizable chunk of the state budget in taxes. Last year this amounted to nearly Hr 100 billion ($2.7 billion) and over Hr 48 billion ($1.3 billion) in the first seven months of 2023. We should treat energy as an asset, and in certain hands, this asset is a weapon, Chernyshov stated. Its a serious thing and we should save it. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Naftogaz, Ukraines state-owned oil and gas giant, has accumulated the 14 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas reserves needed by the end of summer, Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov told the Kyiv Independent in an interview published on Aug. 28. We have 14 bcm, Chernyshov said. With such a volume we can even step into winter. According to the CEO, the company is on its way to far surpass the 14.7 bcm target for the start of November. The result is well ahead of last year when Naftogaz only hit 14 bcm in early October. But keeping the country warm in winter will be a difficult task, particularly in the face of relentless Russian aggression. Since January, the company has launched 54 new and refurbished gas wells across the country, providing an additional 5 million cubic meters (mcm) per day the highest drilling pace in 15 years, all without asking the government for any financial support, according to Chernyshov. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Russias full-scale invasion has caused millions in damages to the companys facilities, the CEO said. Last fall and winter, Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy system devastated energy infrastructure, causing blackouts across the country. Read also: Naftogaz CEO: Ukraine hits autumn gas storage target ahead of upcoming heating season Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Former Trump White House official Peter Navarro testified in federal court Monday that former President Trump made it very clear executive privilege should be invoked over testimony he was subpoenaed to give the House Jan. 6 committee investigating the Capitol attack last year. Navarro was charged with contempt of Congress after refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The two counts stem from his failure to appear for a deposition before the House committee investigating the attack and for failing to produce documents requested by the committee. He has pleaded not guilty. It was clear during that call that privilege was invoked very clear, Navarro said Monday of a Feb. 20, 2022, call with Trump, which came days after Navarro had been subpoenaed by the House panel, according to multiple reports. He later added there was no question that the privilege had been invoked from the get-go none. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Justice Department prosecutors have argued in multiple executive privilege battles that only the current president not the former one holds the power to block officials from testifying. Judge Amit Mehta, who is overseeing Navarros case, called Navarros defense arguments pretty weak sauce and noted that the court still did not know what Trump had said to the former White House aide to leave him with the impression that executive privilege had been invoked, according to the reports. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon was also charged with and later convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress for evading the House Jan. 6 committee. Bannon was sentenced to four months in prison, though he has not yet served that time after a judge said he could remain free pending appeal. Navarro served as an economic adviser to Trump and promoted his false claims of election fraud after the 2020 presidential election. Navarro was appearing for a pretrial hearing over whether his own testimony can be used in his contempt trial set to begin Sept. 5. A ruling is expected Wednesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Conservatives have long blamed universities for turning young people into snowflakes and social justice warriors. And they complain a lot about kids these days. Such was the case with a North Carolina congressman who recently took to social media to lament what he called negligence in higher education. There is a theme in some circles of higher education to pamper students rather than prepare them for the real world, U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy said last week in a tweet. Some colleges and universities have turned into coddle farms with safe spaces and trigger alerts. There is a theme in some circles of higher education to pamper students rather than prepare them for the real world. Some colleges and universities have turned into coddle farms with safe spaces and trigger alerts. Heres the result of their negligence https://t.co/OhMfoSeGdg Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) August 20, 2023 Coddle farms? Really? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Murphys tweet included a link to an April survey in which nearly 75% of managers said Gen Z is more difficult to work with than other generations. The same survey found that more than a quarter of managers say they have fired a Gen Z employee during their first week or month on the job. According to the survey, one of the top reasons that Gen Z employees get fired is because they are too easily offended. For some conservatives, that was proof that Gen Z really is the snowflake generation after all. Young people are used to hearing rhetoric like this, both explicitly and implicitly. People view Gen Z as entitled, lazy and overly sensitive. Of course, that isnt new or unique to my generation. A decade ago, they were saying the same thing about millennials. Its no surprise that Murphy tried to attribute Gen Zs perceived shortcomings to the so-called brainwashing that occurs on college campuses. The same people who call me woke will say that I must have been indoctrinated at my alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill (I wasnt), or that I must have gotten my degree in gender studies (I didnt). Higher education in North Carolina has been under attack for years. Republican lawmakers have stripped the UNC System of funding, meddled in campus affairs and appointed former colleagues and allies to leadership positions. More recently, theyve threatened to eliminate tenure and more heavily scrutinize faculty research in an attempt to muzzle the supposed libs who are educating North Carolinas impressionable youth. Unsurprisingly, none of this has improved the quality of education that students receive, because more time spent on politics means less time spent on academics. So if these coddle farms are no longer preparing students for the real world, perhaps Republicans like Murphy should look inward when deciding who to blame. But the truth is that conservatives dont actually think young people are stupid. Its the opposite. Theyre scared of what young people can do. Ridiculing Gen Z and targeting higher education is about one thing: gaining control over a group of people that they see as a threat. Its why they try to bully us into silence and submission, hoping their words will cause us to doubt our own power. When Donald Trump was president, he used his platform to publicly smear climate activist Greta Thunberg, who at the time was still a teenage girl. Last year, GOP congressman Matt Gaetz body-shamed a 19-year-old abortion activist on social media. Its why some Republicans want to disenfranchise young voters, including here in North Carolina. Back in April, GOP legal strategist Cleta Mitchell balked at the ease of campus voting, calling it this young people effort that they do. She lamented that polling places are basically next to the student dorm so they just have to roll out of bed, vote and go back to bed. The horror! Some conservatives even suggested that we deprive young people of the right to vote altogether. After Gen Z showed impressive turnout in the 2022 midterms, fending off an expected red wave, some activists and pundits suggested the minimum voting wage should be raised to 21 or even 28. Young people are powerful. Those who say otherwise arent skeptical that our power exists theyre just afraid well try to use it. A crowd of surfers attempt to ride a wave together on a hot and humid day this month in Laguna Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Temperatures are expected to soar into the triple digits in many parts of Southern California during the first half of the week as forecasters warn of dangerous heat, especially in the valleys. The three-day heat wave is expected to peak Monday and Tuesday, when highs across the region will reach into the upper 90s and 100s, according to the National Weather Service. Woodland Hills is likely to see the area's highest temperatures, with the mercury forecast to reach up to 109, said meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld of the weather service's Oxnard office. The rest of L.A. County, save the coastline, is expected to see highs in the 100 to 103 range, Schoenfeld said. "The hottest temperatures will occur today and Tuesday, when near record heat will develop," the National Weather Service's Monday forecast discussion said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A ridge of high pressure over Southern California is behind the spike in temperatures, Schoenfeld said, but it's not expected to last, with cooling forecast after Wednesday. Read more: How to stay cool and safe during California's first heat wave of the summer Thursday is when its really going to drop off everywhere, and then continue to drop off Friday, and stay cool through the weekend," Schoenfeld said. A heat warning is in effect almost everywhere in Southern California except right along the coast through Tuesday evening, with officials urging people to stay inside and take precautions. In the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, Inland Empire and other inland valley areas, forecasters are warning of "dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 98 to 109 degrees expected," according to the National Weather Service's excessive heat warning. Hot conditions expected for early this week with widespread moderate to major heat risk! Make sure you are taking precautions to avoid heat illness. Cooler conditions are expected for the end of the week. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/lfoqEjMlPH NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 27, 2023 A heat advisory, warning of highs in the 90s up to 105 degrees, is in effect for most of the rest of southwest California, from the Santa Clarita Valley to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and into inland Orange County, as well as across the mountains of San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The hot, dry conditions also are creating an increased threat for wildfires, Schoenfeld said, especially in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Despite getting rainfall from Tropical Storm Hilary, [we] dont want to get a false sense of security about fuel moisture in the area," Schoenfeld said. "There's elevated fire weather conditions." 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. Ukraine has eliminated 490 Russian troops over the past 24 hours, according to the latest report of the Ukrainian General Staff. Read also: Ukraine sees advances on Bakhmut and Melitopol fronts General Staff As of Aug. 28, total Russian losses are now as follows: Personnel: 261,310 (+490) individuals eliminated. Tanks: 4,400 (+4) units. Combat armored vehicles: 8,562 (+8) units. Artillery systems: 5,425 (+22) units. MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems): 730 (+2) units. ADS (Air Defense Systems): 499 (+1) units. Aircraft: 315 (+0) units. Helicopters: 316 (+0) units. Tactical UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles): 4,383 (+5) units. Cruise missiles: 1,415 (+4) units. Ships/boats: 18 (+0) units. Automobiles and tank trucks: 7,866 (+12) units. Specialized vehicles: 809 (+1) units. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: One in five Russian aircraft losses not combat-related in Ukraine war Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. In the first year of the conflict, the Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully liberated Kharkiv Oblast and the right bank of Kherson Oblast, including the city of Kherson itself. Beginning in June of this year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a counteroffensive in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. This strategic push has led to the gradual liberation of occupied territories and the establishment of fortified positions along the occupied frontlines. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson pushed back on claims that the government is hiding information about UFOs and aliens from the American public. Do you think the government is that competent, that they can actually keep such a secret? Oh, my gosh, when did you get that much confidence in the U.S. government? Tyson said to TMZ. Tyson argued that with the availability of smartphones and cameras, more people besides the U.S. government would know if there was an alien invasion. Heres what Id rather think: that if we had an alien invasion, more than the US government would know about, he said. We would know about it. We, with cameras and smartphones, we are crowdsourcing an alien invasion of Earth because everybody has a camera, high-resolution camera. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He added, however, that the government should investigate UFOs. We have things we dont understand in the sky. I think the government should investigate them, he said. Because I dont want to be susceptible to a risk that we dont otherwise know about. Tysons comments come as the topic of UFOs has gained prominence in U.S. politics in recent months after David Grusch, an Air Force veteran and former member of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, claimed the government is holding back information about them. The subject was touched on at last weeks Republican primary debate, when GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie was asked whether he would be transparent with the American people about what the government knows regarding UFO encounters if he were president. I get the UFO question? Christie joked in response to the question, before calling for more transparency on the topic. The job of the president of the United States is to level with the American people about everything. The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth, the former New Jersey governor said. A House Oversight subcommittee last month held a hearing into unidentified aerial phenomena, or UFOs, where witnesses, including Grusch, and lawmakers accused the Pentagon of covering up information regarding the phenomena. Grusch made numerous claims, but often told lawmakers he could only provide specifics in a confidential setting when asked to provide details. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said it's too early to weigh in on the constitutionality of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 's move to create a new statewide education department to consolidate the state's early childhood and higher education programs. But, for now, Nessel doesn't see a conflict between the authority of the State Board of Education and Whitmer's education overhaul. Whitmer signed an executive order last month establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) aimed at bringing the state's early childhood and higher education programs within a single department under her administration's control. Whitmer's order takes effect Dec. 1. But earlier this month, State Superintendent Michael Rice asked Nessel to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the new department. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Midwest Dems: Minnesota Democrats may have provided path for Michigan to follow In addition to providing administrative support to the board, the state's Education Department currently certifies teachers, provides funds to educational organizations, assists school districts and provides early education support for low-income families. Under the state constitution, the State Board of Education is tasked with appointing Michigan's superintendent of public instruction. Rice asked Nessel earlier this month whether Whitmer's order creates duplicative education departments under the Michigan Constitution with overlapping authority. In a letter to Rice on Monday, Nessel called an opinion on MiLEAP "premature." "At this point, the [executive order] is not yet effective and therefore has not been implemented by MiLEAP," Nessel wrote. But she said the order "is clearly not unconstitutional on its face." Nessel noted that Whitmer's order establishing MiLEAP says the new department will "partner with the Department of Education and the State Board of Education, complementing their existing long-term planning efforts." But Nessel didn't foreclose the possibility that a constitutional conflict might arise in the future. After Whitmer's order goes into effect, MiLEAP could take steps that the State Board of Education argues breach its authority under the Michigan Constitution to supervise public education in Michigan. "It is at that point, where a specific set of facts exists, that an opinion may be appropriate," Nessel wrote. Rice said in a statement that he "appreciates the attorney general's review and initial reflections, as well as the letters ramifications." Board of Education President Pamela Pugh indicated in a statement Monday that the board will continue to scrutinize the new department. "Given the response from the attorney general, I believe that the actions and possible encroachment of the new department will be closely monitored," she said. "The State Board will not stand by and watch its authority be threatened or stripped away, at the expense of our children's future." The board unanimously approved the motion earlier this month directing Rice to seek an opinion from Nessel. Pugh, a Democrat, said Whitmer's MiLEAP department "threatens the very essence of our education system a cornerstone of our democracy," in a statement following the board's vote. Whitmer pushed back. "You know what? The biggest threat to education is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result," Whitmer told reporters earlier this month after touring an early education center in Detroit. Whitmer argues that a new department bringing together programs currently scattered across state government will boost education attainment and bolster the state's economy. "This is a way to pull it all together so that we can have a real strategic focus on improving outcomes and incomes," she told reporters earlier this month after touring an early education center in Detroit. In addition to the new education department, Whitmer has also asked an advisory council focused on developing recommendations for reversing Michigan's sluggish population growth to look at improving the state's PreK-12 education system and lowering costs for postsecondary education. Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nessel weighs in on new Michigan education department FILE PHOTO: Finland hosts first military exercise in the High North above the Arctic Circle as NATO member, in Rovajarvi HELSINKI (Reuters) - NATO's newest member Finland plans to spend 2.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence next year, its defence ministry said on Monday. In July, NATO's 31 member-nations agreed to spend a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defence. Previously the 2% target had been a goal to aim for over time and only seven allies met the target in 2022, according to NATO. Finland joined the alliance in April, in a historic security policy U-turn in response to neighbouring Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It said it planned to spend 6 billion euros ($6.48 billion), or 2.3% of its GDP, on defence in 2024, which is some 116 million euros less than the estimate for 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Finland's defence spending has increased significantly in recent years, even before it became a NATO member, because it is replacing its ageing fleet of F/A-18 combat jets with F-35 fighter jets. Finland is also spending on military aid to Ukraine, with the total value of its military equipment donations reaching 1.3 billion euros last week. "From the point of view of the future security order of Europe and Finland, it is a core issue that Russia's aggressive efforts can be dammed in Ukraine," defence minister Antti Hakkanen said in a statement to announce the latest donation. ($1 = 0.9255 euros) (Reporting by Anne Kauranen; Editing by Alex Richardson) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) A tourist poses for photos at the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an exterior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists pose for photos at the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an exterior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) A tourist poses for photos at the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) A tourist poses for photos at the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows a statue at the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2023 shows a facade view of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Tourists visit the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran, on Aug. 27, 2023. Golestan Palace is one of the oldest complexes in Tehran, originally built during the Safavid dynasty in the historic walled city. Following extensions and additions, the site received its most characteristic features in the 19th century, when the palace complex was selected as the royal residence and seat of power by the Qajar ruling family. (Xinhua/Shadati) Despite the threat of flooding, a 266-home planned development in Bolivia was approved in August. A flood-prone property in Bolivia will soon see hundreds of homes. At its August meeting, the Brunswick County Planning Board approved an application for a 266-home planned development dubbed Danford Tract despite concerns from residents and planning staff regarding the flood zones present on the 121-acre site. Wilmington-based design firm H & W Design is the applicant on the project. The firm specializes in land planning, landscape architecture and site design, according to its website. Read this: This small Brunswick County town is getting a Dollar General. Here's what you need to know ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The development is to consist of 76 single-family homes and 190 townhome lots, creating an overall density of 2.19 units per acre. Dan Weeks with H & W Design said the construction of the development is set to occur in phases, with the single-family homes to be constructed first and the townhomes to come in a second phase. More than 40 acres of the land is identified as wetlands, the site plan indicates. While the entire property is 121 acres, the single-family homes will sit on just 13.3 acres of the property and the townhomes will sit on 14.2 acres. None of the proposed homes are set to be erected within the flood zone- or wetlands area, plans indicate. The development will be accessible by two entrances off of Danford Road. Of some concern to residents, staff and the board was the fact that one entrance is located in a flood hazard area. There is a significant flood zone on the property, said Marc Pages, principal planner for the county. But the entire development area, with the exception of the second access, everything else will be outside that flood zone. Pages added that the developments main driveway is located outside the flood zone, and the one located in the flood zone is a secondary entrance. Weeks said flooding is a concern with many developments. Pages said neither fire officials nor the flood plain administrator had objection to the development based on the location of the secondary entrance. STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest Brunswick County news by signing up for the Brunswick Today newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. This embedded content is not available in your region. The required open space for the property is just over 24 acres, and the developer is proposing 48.2 acres of open space. Over 3.5 acres of recreation space is required where the developer has proposed 4.5 acres of recreation space. The property is zoned for medium-density residential use in the county. Danford Road intersects with Old Ocean Highway near Bolivia Elementary School and the Bolivia Fire Department. The planned development is anticipated to garner an additional 1,830 vehicle trips in a given 24-hour weekday. Water and sewer services will be provided by the county, and the roads within the development will be private. The planning board unanimously approved the development at the recommendation of county planning staff. Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Danford Tract housing in Brunswick approved Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis (D) on Monday will have her first major courtroom faceoff after indicting former President Trump and 18 others in the Georgia election case. At a Monday morning hearing in Atlanta, prosecutors are set to battle with attorneys for former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , who wants to move his charges to federal court so he can assert immunity. Although Mondays hearing technically regards only Meadows, the proceeding could have implications for the other co-defendants. If Meadows succeeds, Trump and the others could automatically go to federal court along with Meadows. Even if not, the same judge will soon consider similar removal requests from other defendants, and the judge on Monday could provide insights into his thinking on the issue. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The requests are also quickly complicating the case as Willis aims to begin a trial for all of the defendants on Oct. 23. Prosecutors went all-in for the Meadows hearing by subpoenaing the testimony of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) and two other participants on an infamous phone call, in which Trump asked Raffensperger to help find 11,780 votes. That call sparked the criminal case in which Meadows now faces two charges. He is the first of five co-defendants attempting to convince U.S. District Judge Steve Jones to move their charges to federal court, though Trump and others may follow. A successful effort would widen the jury pool to less Democrat-heavy areas of Northern Georgia, have a federal judge oversee the proceedings and likely prevent a televised trial. Meadows is hoping to make the jump so he never has a trial, however. He has already requested the federal court dismiss his charges upon taking over the case. To switch courts, Meadows must show he was a federal officer, the allegations relate to an act taken under color of such office and he has a plausible federal defense. The indictment lays out Meadowss various meetings with state legislators in the wake of the election, his attempt to observe a signature match audit during a Georgia trip and two calls he set up between Georgia election officials and Trump, including the one with Raffensperger. These and the other acts that form the basis for the charges against Mr. Meadows all fall squarely within his conduct as Chief of Staff, Meadowss attorney wrote in court filings. Williss office responded by subpoenaing the hearing participants on both calls. Raffensperger and two uncharged Trump attorneys on the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, conversation Alex Kaufman and Kurt Hilbert are expected to testify, court filings show. Willis also subpoenaed Frances Watson, an employee in Raffenspergers office who was investigating alleged signature mismatches on election ballots. Watson spoke to Trump days earlier once Meadows visited Georgia and connected the duo. Williss office is expected to leverage the witnesses on Monday to argue Meadowss conduct was impermissible political activity. In court filings, they noted a government watchdog agency found Meadows and other Trump officials political activity in the lead-up to the election violated federal law. Since the defendant was forbidden by law to use his authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election or otherwise participate in activity directed toward the success of Mr. Trump as a candidate for the presidency, every single one of these activities fell outside the scope of his duties, both as a matter of fact and as a matter of law, prosecutors wrote to the judge. If it is deemed in the scope of his duties, Meadows must also show he has a plausible federal defense. Among other arguments, he contends the Constitution provides him immunity from the charges. This is precisely the kind of state interference in a federal officials duties that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits, and that the removal statute shields against, Meadowss attorney wrote. A group of eight prosecutors and federal officials, all of whom served in Republican administrations, filed a brief backing prosecutors in their opposition. The group includes J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appeals court judge who testified before the Houses Jan. 6 committee. [T]he purpose of the federal-officer removal statuteto protect federal operations by preventing retribution in state court for locally unpopular exercises of federal authoritywould not be served by removal here, they wrote. To the contrary, removal would be perverse, as this prosecution arises from interference with state-government operations and seeks to vindicate Georgias voice in a federal election, the very contest from which federal authority flows. Mondays hearing could also impact the other co-defendants. One open question is whether the other co-defendants charges will be automatically moved to federal court if the attempt succeeds. Meadows has sought to separate himself from the other defendants and have his effort considered in isolation. But Jeffrey Clark, a Trump Justice Department official who is similarly attempting to move courts, has argued the relevant precedent requires the defendants to move together. Clarks hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18. Also seeking the jump are the three individuals charged with signing documents purporting to be the states valid presidential election: David Shafer, the then-chairman of the Georgia Republican Party; Shawn Still, now a sitting state senator; and Cathy Latham, the then-chairwoman of the Coffee County, Ga., Republican Party. Trump could soon follow in their footsteps. Trump unsuccessfully tried to move his New York hush money criminal case to federal court earlier this year, though he is appealing that decision. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A fight between teenagers Sunday evening at Easton Town Center in Columbus escalated to gunfire, leaving one teenager dead and two others facing criminal charges. The shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. Sunday in an outdoor area of the shopping, dining, entertainment, residential and office complex located along the south side of Morse Road west of Interstate 270. The victim, a male whose name has not yet been released by Columbus police, died at 6:50 p.m. at Mount Carmel East hospital. Sgt. Joseph Albert said a Columbus police officer who was working a special duty assignment at Easton responded to the scene within a minute of the shooting and started performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Easton: What we know about the Easton Town Center shooting ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Two 13-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. One has been charged with delinquency murder and the other with a delinquency count of obstructing justice in Franklin County Juvenile Court. The Dispatch is not naming the teens at this time because of their ages. In hearings on Monday afternoon in Franklin County court, Magistrate Greta Huna ordered the teen charged with delinquency murder to be held in the county's juvenile detention center. His next hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Easton shooting: Why it is easy for a 13-year-old to get a gun in Columbus| Robinson Prosecutors said the teen charged with murder, who did not appear in person during the hearing, is accused of killing the victim and hiding the weapon in a restaurant trashcan while running away from the scene. Under Ohio law, murder is one of the charges where a teenager can be tried as an adult. However, Ohio does not allow anyone under the age of 14 to have their case transferred, so the 13-year-old's case will stay in juvenile court. The second teen, who is charged with felony obstruction of justice, was released by Huna and required to wear an ankle monitor. Prosecutors said that teen lied to officers who were questioning him about where he was during the shooting. Officers were later able to confirm the teen was at the scene of the shooting and involved "in some capacity," prosecutors said. The teen released on ankle monitor was ordered to not have any access to social media and can go to classes. His next hearing will be in September. One person has died and another person was injured after a shooting at Easton Town Center on Sunday evening. Columbus City Schools confirmed Monday that both suspects are current students in the district, but did not release their grade levels or the school they attended. Columbus police, leaders call for accountability Mayor Andrew J. Ginther promised the community on Sunday that those responsible would be held accountable. "We're going to identify and capture all who were involved," Ginther said. "We will not allow these shootings to diminish our sense of safety." Ginther and Columbus police Chief Elaine Bryant also called on state legislators to take action on gun safety regulations. "These are people who should not have guns in the first place," Asst. Chief Greg Bodker said, referencing the young ages of the victim and possible suspects in Sunday's shooting. Ohio law prohibits the purchasing or possessing of a handgun by anyone under the age of 21. Ginther assured the community on Sunday that Easton and other shopping and lifestyle centers like Polaris Fashion Place, where two shootings occurred in 2021, are safe. "These are both places I go to regularly," Ginther said. "But what has happened is disturbing and unacceptable. It's the type of shootings and violence we're seeing in neighborhoods throughout the city that increasingly are involving more and more juveniles." John Fortney, spokesman for the Ohio Senate Republicans, said the mayor shouldn't be scapegoating the legislature for the tragedy. "When crime is out of control in Columbus look no further than the mayors office," he said in a statement. "Criminals, juvenile offenders and thugs dont check the revised code before committing car jackings, armed robberies and shootouts at malls. They are already breaking the law. The mayor, city council and the city prosecutor should back the police, keep criminals in jail and find some political backbone instead of political excuses, and simply do their jobs." On Monday afternoon, City Council President Shannon Hardin issued a statement also calling for accountability and the community to unite. "We will not allow incidents like this to become the norm in Columbus," Hardin said. "We are a resilient community, but this senseless violence involving youth needs to stop." Witness said people ran after hearing gunshot James Jones, 29, who works at Easton said he was outside taking a smoke break near Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern when he heard a gunshot, and someone told him to run indoors. "That's when everyone ran (shouting) 'They're shooting, they're shooting,'" he said. A security officer told a Dispatch photographer at the scene there were many teens and young adults at the mall Sunday, adding it was more than they'd ever seen. Sunday was National Cinema Day and AMC Easton 30, the movie theater in the mall store at the complex, was offering $4 movie tickets all day. Easton Town Center releases statement Easton management released a statement Sunday evening. "There is no longer an active situation," the release said. "A weapon was fired at Easton at an outside area of the North District at approximately 6:15pm. At this time, Columbus Police are on site." Easton stores close at 6 p.m. on Sundays but the movie theater was still open. Easton visitors were asked to shelter in place Patrons who were at Easton at the time of the shooting, including at Mitchell's Ocean Club restaurant, were initially asked to shelter in place while Columbus police with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Gahanna police went through the mall store by store to evacuate shoppers and employees. Albert said the large law enforcement response was able to get the mall locked down quickly and escort employees and shoppers safely from the area. Ramps from Interstate 270 temporarily closed Ramps to and from Interstate 270 to Easton Way were temporarily closed during the incident as police worked to locate possible suspects, but were eventually reopened. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Columbus police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 13-yr-old charged with delinquency murder in fatal Easton shooting A day after its boss made an ominous threat toward Russian occupation forces in Crimea, Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate says it destroyed an S-400 Triumpf surface-to-air missile system there. The attack took place around 10 a.m. local time near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut, the GUR announced on its Telegram channel. As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles installed on it, and the personnel were completely destroyed. A video released by the GUR opens with a drones eye view of what it claims is the S-400 system. It then explodes in a bright yellow flash, followed by a huge column of blackish-gray smoke pouring skyward and white plumes of smoke darting out from the struck system. However, there does not seem to be any visual indication of what caused the blast. https://twitter.com/DI_Ukraine/status/1694289486073524483 ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cape Tarkhankut is the westernmost part of the Crimean peninsula, jutting out into the Black Sea. Olenivka is about 90 miles south of the front lines in Kherson Oblast and about 115 miles southeast of Odesa. It is clearly a highly logical and strategic location for a long-range air defense battery. Taking out this battery would potentially open a hole in Russia's air defense overlay of the peninsula and the northwestern Black Sea. This could go a long way to ensuring the survivability of standoff strike weapons, like Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG, and other attacks, such as those by long-range kamikaze drones. The S-400 site near Olenivka is about 90 miles south of the front lines in Kherson Oblast and 115 miles southeast of Odesa. (Google Earth image) Geolocated satellite imagery shows the battery about two miles north of the seaside town of Olenivka, from where images emerged of a large plume of smoke rising in the distance taken from the beach. https://twitter.com/kromark/status/1694346200466534721 The long-range S-400 Triumpf is Russia's most advanced and capable of its widely fielded air defense systems. Each self-propelled or semi-trailer-mounted launcher has four missiles, which have ranges up to 250 miles depending on the variant. That range is also highly conditions based, including the target, it's flight profile, and many other factors. Normal engagement ranges are usually significantly less than that. Search and tracking radars, including those in the X- and L-bands, give the complete system the ability to spot and engage both short-range ballistic missiles and low-flying cruise missiles, as well as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. The Russian S-400 air defense system. (Russian MoD) There are also reports, so far unconfirmed by any official agency, of an attack on a Russian K-300P Bastion-P coastal defense missile system that launches P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles in that same part of Crimea which we will talk more about later in this story. The GUR did not say what weapon was used in the strike on the S-400 system, so we reached out for further details and will update this story if they are provided. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) has yet to say anything about the attack. Threats From Within? While the GUR did not offer specifics on Wednesday, the directorates commander, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, a day earlier hinted that strikes would happen on Crimea in the coming days, and that they could involve local citizens. He made those comments In an interview with the ITV news agency Tuesday ahead of todays Summit of the Crimean Platform - where international leaders and organizations are attending in person and virtually to show their support for the liberation of the peninsula. Among them was U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1694379095881081159 Budanov stated that efforts to liberate Crimea will involve resistance in the temporarily occupied territories and the removal of occupiers from our Crimea. Our actions are apparent now, with more to come in the next few days." Asked by The War Zone for more details about what he meant, Budanov offered a typically cryptic response. "We will see," he said. "Wait." https://twitter.com/DevanaUkraine/status/1693964738319782179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1693964738319782179%7Ctwgr%5E1edf4f76e0817dad7c2cf8a1a47870fea6252506%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-kyivs-forces-enter-robotyne As we noted in our reports on drone strikes on airbases deep inside Russia over the past few days, there are increasing signs that such attacks are coming at the hands of partisans, something the GUR directly told us Monday. People recruited by the GUR came from central Russia, did their work and went back to their place, GUR spokesman Andrii Yusov told The War Zone Monday when asked about its involvement in drone strikes on the Soltsy-2 and Shaykovka airbases. GUR continues operations in Russia. In the border regions, in the deep rear and in Moscow. So it is possible that GUR has a network of Crimean residents who could have carried out the attack today, perhaps using drones. Or it could have been carried out by an elite Ukrainian unit operating inside Crimea. We have written about both possibilities in the past. Russian Speculation Meanwhile, there was rampant speculation among Russian Telegram channels about what caused the explosion. And, perhaps even more concerning to those channels, was how the Ukrainian drone that captured the explosion was able to operate with impunity over such a sensitive site. The speculation ranged from air-launched cruise missiles to anti-ship missiles. The enemy publishes footage of an attack on the S-400 air defense system in the Olenivka area in Crimea this morning. What was struck is currently unknown, however, presumably, it was a [U.K.-donated] Storm Shadow cruise missile, the Russian Grey Zone Telegram channel suggested. According to preliminary information, a strike on an object in Crimea this morning could have been inflicted by Harpoon anti-ship missiles from the side of Zmeiny Island [Snake Island] or other guided missile weapons, the Russian Military Informant Telegram channel posited. The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel also said the attack was carried out from the Black Sea supposedly delivered by anti-ship missiles. It can be both Harpoons and Neptunes, which are Ukrainian-developed anti-ship missiles. Using Harpoon or Neptune anti-ship missiles would require them to be deeply modified to carry out such a precision land strike. This is not outside the realm of possibility, nor is the idea that Ukraine has developed a land-attack variant of Neptune, but there is no evidence of this at this time. The Harpoons and Neptunes are also valuable commodities for anti-ship applications and have helped keep Russia's Black Sea Fleet at bay. Neptune was famously used to hit the Russian Navys Project 1164 Slava class cruiser Moskva in the Black Sea in April, 2022. You can read more about that in our story here. In its rationale for suggesting that anti-ship missiles were used against the S-400 system, Rybar pointed to activity that took place in the Black Sea on Monday, saying it was a precursor to todays attack. As we reported yesterday, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed it destroyed two Ukrainian vessels in the Black Sea, including a U.S.-supplied Willard Sea Force high-speed patrol boat with a Ukrainian landing force attacked east of Snake Island. The Russian MoD even posted video of that incident, claiming the vessel was destroyed. https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1693970259710034158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1693970259710034158%7Ctwgr%5E1edf4f76e0817dad7c2cf8a1a47870fea6252506%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-kyivs-forces-enter-robotyne However, today, the GUR posted a video of its own showing what it says was one of those Ukrainian vessels firing at the Russian jet with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). The video cuts out before any impact is seen, so we don't really know what happened. https://twitter.com/DI_Ukraine/status/1694326240188973535 In addition, Russia also claimed Tuesday that it chased away two drones - an MQ-9 Reaper and a TB-2 Bayraktar - operating near Crimea yesterday, which we wrote about as well. All those incidents, Rybar claimed Wednesday, were a lead-up to the attack on the SAM system. All this is unlikely to be connected to this attack. But it is worth pointing out given the Ukrainian threats of further action against Crimea and the fact that the GUR said it carried out todays attack to pave the way for future actions there. Given the limited number of such complexes in the enemy's arsenal, this is a painful blow to the air defense system of the occupiers, which will have a serious impact on further events in the occupied Crimea, the GUR said. Airspace Protection Concerns The Russian Telegram channels expressed a great deal of concern that Ukraine was able to operate a drone over the SAM system long enough to capture the video and relay it back. A Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV hung unhindered directly above the positions of the air defense system, exercising objective control, the Russian Grey Zone Telegram channel reported. Such incidents raise legitimate questions about the quality of air defense coverage in one of the most missile-hazardous regions of Russia. It should be noted that the enemy has the ability to fix the defeat by means of objective control over the Crimea in the real time mode, the Romanov Telegram channel warned. An extremely interesting question is, by what technical means did the enemy obtain footage of today's attack on Crimea? the Two Majors Telegram channel asked. The reality is that small drones are hard to detect using traditional air defense systems, especially ones that are barely moving. Even if they can be detected, shooting them down can be even more problematic. In addition, air defenses come on and offline for maintenance and tactical reasons, they are not running constantly unless there are multiple layers of redundancies. On the other hand, a large static air defense site in such a key location should have had closer-in point defense systems to protect them from near threats. It isn't clear if this was the case here or not. Regardless, it was ineffective if it was. Bastion Strike Claim In addition to the attack on the SAM system, there were unconfirmed reports that Ukraine also struck a Russian Bastion coastal missile system, known by the NATO designation SSC-5 Stooge, which launch P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles. Those have been also used in their secondary surface-strike role for attacks on Odesa and Mykolaiv. Russia began launching those attacks from Crimea in the early phase of the invasion. You can read more about that in our story here. The claim about the attack on the Bastion system was made on the Telegram channels of Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, and Crimean Wind, a Ukrainian outlet dedicated to news about the peninsula. https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1694282899002888548 While those reports have not been officially confirmed, it would make sense to attack a weapons system that has been directly threatening Ukraine, especially if it is in the same general area as the SAM system. Combined with attacks on bridges - like those on the Kerch Strait Bridge as well as those across the Chongar Strait - this appears to be the latest effort to hit targets inside Crimea, wear down Russian defenses there and choke off vital logistic supply routes. With Ukraines counteroffensive moving slowly, and time running out before the bad weather of October sets in, making progress even harder, it remains to be seen how much all this effects Russias ability to defend the territory it has seized and still holds. Undoubtedly, however, there will be more such attacks like the one today. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Though its been around for about 23 years in Montgomery, NewSouth Bookstore is only now starting to flourish as a honest-to-God independent community bookstore. Its been an evolution, said co-owner Suzanne La Rosa, a partner in business and life with Randall Williams. That evolution includes a name change. For a few years, the bookstore operated as Read Herring. In March of this year, the bookstore reverted to NewSouth. The bookstore is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. NewSouth Bookstore co-owners Suzanne La Rosa and Randall Williams sit in the children's book section that's part of a new store extension. Enter through the glass door at 105 S. Court St. and youll see wall shelves and displays packed with books from authors around the world and close in Montgomery classics, new and notable, Alabama history, civil rights, Black history, LGBTQ works, biographies, memoirs, fiction, poetry, drama, and more. They also stock books that many schools have banned for one reason or another everything from Charlottes Web to Captain Underpants. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement We take a lot of pride in the offerings that we have, La Rosa said. Frequent visitors will notice new quotes on the walls from authors, including Fran Lebowitz's "Think before you speak. Read before you think," and Margaret Fuller's "Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." NewSouth Bookstore co-owner Randall Williams speaks with a customer in the store's front area. Displays in the middle of the front room are mobile because, for now, the space doubles as an event center where authors, creatives and various groups hold gatherings. The bookstore even hosts concerts. That front room used to be the extent of the store. Most of the rest of the building was a publishing company, NewSouth Books. After selling their publishing business last year, La Rosa and Williams began a bookstore expansion. We really never had had time to devote to the bookstore until then, Williams said. Simon Tam, left, and Joe X. Jiang of The Slants get the audience to sing with them at Read Herring Bookstore in Montgomery on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Now, theres a new section in back. Part of it theyre especially proud of is designed for young readers. I want to do more with the youth in our city If we dont grow readers, then we have no future at all, La Rosa said. Connecting with the community at large is also important, and La Rosa said they've made improvements to their website newsouthbookstore.com, and put more emphasis on social media. They're using that and an in-house white board to promote upcoming 5:30 p.m. events like: Sept. 7: A program with Dr. Lee Farrow on Russia's great 19th-century writers. Sept. 14: A talk and book signing with Victor Luckerson, who wrote "Built From the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street." Sept. 19: Sickle cell anemia awareness event with the UAB children's hospital. Sept. 28: A evening of live music and stories with the Vikings: Nils Maeetoft, Karren Pell and friends. NewSouth Bookstore is using social media to promote special book offerings. Developing NewSouth into a true community bookstore in Montgomery has been in the back of their minds since Thomas and Cheryl Upchurch closed 65-year-old Capitol Book & News in early 2016. They were a great bookstore with a big history here in Montgomery, Williams said. Take a selfie with civil rights history This couch belonged to Montgomery civil rights leader Johnnie Carr. It's now a centerpiece of NewSouth Bookstore's new extension. Toward the back of NewSouths new extension is the stores historic centerpiece a couch that belonged to late civil rights activist Johnnie Carr. Fellow icons and friends likely sat on it while visiting the Carr home Rosa Parks , Fred Gray, E.D. Nixon, Robert and Jeannie Graetz and many others. One day, back in 2005 or thereabouts, the phone rang, said La Rosa. I happened to pick up, and it was Mrs. Carr. Carr was hoping Williams could bring a truck over to her home, because I am redecorating and I am done with this couch, Carr told La Rosa. He can just cart it away to the city dump. I explained that we would haul the couch away, if she wouldnt mind if we put it to use in the bookstore, La Rosa said. Since then, La Rosa and Williams have encouraged visitors to take selfies on the Carr Memorial Couch. Thousands and thousands of people by this time have sat on it, La Rosa said. You just feel a tingle when you sit there. More growth to come The front entrance to NewSouth Books on South Court Street in Montgomery. NewSouths current expansion wont be its last. In the near future, the bookstore will expand into a section on the left being used by AfriAmeri, an African clothing store and gift shop thats outgrown the space and plans to move, Williams said. NewSouth will likely use it to host events, so that displays from the stores front dont have to be moved every time they host an event. We want this to become a hub for conversation, for people to meet, La Rosa said. Theres also room to expand the bookstore into the buildings second floor and basement. The store is about half of the space that it will be in a year or so, Williams said. Looking back on NewSouths origins Suzanne La Rosa and Randall Williams in the office of NewSouth in 2000. We ran it with only modest effort, La Rosa said of NewSouth Bookstores early years. Thats because La Rosa and Williams were focused on their publishing company, NewSouth Books. Through that, Williams said hed edit around 25 projects a year. Weve edited and published close to 900 books, Williams said. NewSouth Bookstore co-owners Suzanne La Rosa and Randall Williams sit in the children's book section that's part of a new store extension. NewSouth Books began in the spring of 2000. That same year in the summer, they purchased the South Court Street building. Randall and I are urbanists, La Rosa said, explaining part of why they picked that downtown location. We really believe in the urban experiment. We like walking. We try not to use cars. The building was also affordable, La Rosa said. At the time, this kind of downtown Montgomery real estate wasnt in demand. This building had been vacant for a long time prior to us buying it, La Rosa said. By the fall, they realized they had both the facility and inventory to open a bookstore. It was really for the publishing company, but it had this retail space out front, and we had a lot of books, Williams said ones theyd published and plenty of personal ones. He said they also had the inventory of two or three Montgomery bookstores that had gone out of business. We had some people come in," Williams said. "But it was pretty clear to everyone that we were a publishing company, not a bookstore, at that time. NewSouth Bookstore co-owner Randall Williams is shown near a display of books that have been banned by some schools, including "Charlotte's Web" and "Captain Underpants." Thats how things remained, at least until they sold their publishing company to the University of Georgia Press in June of 2022. The building wasnt part of the deal. So is there any part of the publishing business theyre going to miss? All of it, La Rosa said. We do miss it. It was a bittersweet thing to sell our business. We never felt like we had a job, because we were doing something that we love doing, Williams said. The front room of NewSouth Bookstore in Montgomery, which has been updated as part of a store renovation project. To an extent, they still are. The University of Georgia Press maintains the NewSouth Books imprint, and La Rosa said she and Williams still recommend literary projects to them. Williams said that hes still editing projects. Since last year, he has sent around a dozen books to press that were in the works before the publishing business sold. And we have a few more, Williams said. We might retire when were 100, La Rosa said. Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: NewSouth enters new phase as a true community bookstore in Montgomery The parents of a South Carolina college student are mourning the loss of their son after he was fatally shot when he entered the wrong house by mistake. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, was a student at the University of South Carolina and lived at the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity house, his parents told local news station WTNH. According to the City of Colombia Police Department, Donofrio was mistaken for a burglar and shot in the early morning hours of 26 August after he tried to enter a residence a few houses away from the fraternity on South Holly Street. Authorities said that a 911 call was initially made regarding an ongoing burglary, but it later escalated to a shooting situation. Donofrio was pronounced dead at the scene. The young man had recently moved into the fraternitys off-campus home ahead of the start of his junior year at the university. Donofrio, a Kinesiology and Exercise Science major, was looking forward to living at the fraternity home with four close friends. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement [Nick was] a great son, loving, compassionate, all the traits you would want in a son, Donofrios grieving parents said in a statement to WTNH. Donofrio was originally from Madison, Connecticut and graduated high school in 2021. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a deceased male on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the upper body, the City of Columbia Police said in a statement. Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio who resided on South Holly Street attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot. Classes at the University of South Carolina resumed on 23 August. Our Student Affairs team is providing resources and support to those who may be affected by this tragedy, and we remind all of our students that help is always available to them, the university said in a statement to The State. In South Carolina, individuals have no obligation to retreat and are allowed to use deadly force if theyre not engaged in unlawful activity and are in a place where they have a right to be such as their home or place of business. The states stand your ground laws also limit law enforcements ability to immediately arrest the shooter if they claim they were attacked first or acting in self-defence. The City of Columbia Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and it will consult with the solicitors office regarding the circumstances surrounding the case and whether charges could be filed. The News Republicans worried about Democrats leveraging abortion (again) to make gains in 2024 want GOP candidates to take a page out of Nikki Haley s debate prep playbook. Haley dismissed the idea that a 15-week national abortion ban could pass through Congress. Instead, she argued the focus should be on finding consensus around banning late-term abortions, sustaining access to contraception, allowing doctors who dont support abortion refuse to perform them, and preventing women who get abortions from being penalized. Know More Defeated Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon bluntly said on Fox News that Republicans would lose the messaging war in 2024 unless they followed Haleys perfect response in the debate. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement No one really understood how important abortion would be in 2022 because no one had run in a post-Roe world, so we suddenly got attacked, viciously attacked, by the Democrats, and it is a winning message for them, she said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted Dixons opposition to rape exceptions in abortion bans in their contest, which took place alongide a ballot initiative guaranteeing abortion rights that passed by a wide margin. The only candidate on the stage that talked about how we should protect women and not demonize them was Nikki Haley, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. said Sunday on CBS of the first GOP presidential debate. And that is a message that we have to carry through. We have to be pro-woman and pro-life. You cannot go after women and attack them because they make a choice that you dont like or dont agree with. And Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who represents a district President Biden won in 2020, told Semafor at a watch party last week: She had probably the best-packaged message on abortion that Ive heard, I want to say, in my entire adult life. Haley might have won herself some fans, but her position wasnt a favorite within the anti-abortion movement, which has rallied around a 15-week federal ban as a minimum ask for candidates. Former Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) said Sunday that the political organization No Labels is scheduled to hold its nominating convention in Dallas next April. Lieberman, the founding chairman of No Labels, told host Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday that the organization will only pursue its bipartisan ticket if the third party had a shot at winning the election. He said that the groups goal is to get on the ballot in all 50 states to offer a unity ticket. This fall, were going to bring together a process that will be open, where well begin to consider what that ticket might be, who might be on the ticket, he said. And we will offer this line if we think next year, as the race clarifies and really, if it is Trump and Biden whether we want to go forward and run according to the standards that I mentioned just a few moments ago. And we already have scheduled a bipartisan convention. Think about it. We havent seen that ever in recent history. A bipartisan nominating convention for Dallas, Texas, in April of next year, he added. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Lieberman reiterated that polls show that voters want an alternative to President Biden and former President Trump, who are the front-runners for the 2024 election. However, he noted that the organizations push for a bipartisan ticket is not meant to be a spoiler for the 2024 presidential election. If we run its going to be a bipartisan ticket, so not only will we have concluded that it really can win, but because its bipartisan were confident its going to take equally from both parties, so the idea that were going to spoil it and reelect President Trump just isnt realistic, Lieberman said. No Labels has been pushing for a bipartisan ticket to land a third-party bid to the White House and has recently launched a campaign in New Hampshire. The group has also stoked fears among Democrats that its third-party push will create headaches for Bidens campaign. Ben Chavis, the Democratic co-chairman of No Labels, also told NBC News in June that the group is not and will not be a spoiler in favor of Donald Trump in 2024. No Labels confirmed to The Hill at the time it will end its third-party push if Biden is ahead in the polls next spring. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Waylon Bailey, a resident of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, made a joke on Facebook that alluded to the 2013 Brad Pitt zombie movie World War Z. "RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE ISSUED THE ORDER," he wrote, that "IF DEPUTIES COME INTO CONTACT WITH 'THE INFECTED,'" they should "SHOOT ON SIGHT." He added: "Lord have mercy on us all. #Covid9teen #weneedyoubradpitt." That post went up on March 20, 2020. The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office (RPSO) was not amused. Detective Randell Iles was immediately assigned to investigate the matter. That same day, about a dozen deputies wearing bulletproof vests descended upon Bailey's home with their guns drawn. They ordered him to "put your hands on your fucking head" and get on his knees, handcuffed him, and arrested him for violating a state law against "terrorizing," a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. While Bailey was being handcuffed, one of the deputies elicited laughter from his colleagues by advising the perpetrator that his next Facebook post "should be not to fuck with the police." The RPSO announced the arrest on Facebook, and local news outlets reported that Bailey had been charged with terrorism. For very good legal reasons, the Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office declined to prosecute Bailey. But when Bailey sued Iles and Sheriff Mark Wood for violating his constitutional rights and making a false arrest, U.S. District Judge David C. Joseph dismissed his claims with prejudice, concluding that his joke was not covered by the First Amendment, that the arrest was based on probable cause, and that Iles was protected by qualified immunity. On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that Joseph was wrong on all three counts. "I'm relieved that the court recognized that the deputies were wrong to arrest me for making a joke on Facebook," Bailey said in a press release issued by the Institute for Justice, which represented him when he appealed Joseph's decision. "I'm glad that I will be able to hold the detective and sheriff accountable, and hopefully my case will stand as a strong statement to officers about what the First Amendment protects." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Joseph thought Bailey's joke was not constitutionally protected because it posed a "clear and present danger." The judge said "Bailey's post publishing misinformation during the very early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and [a] time of national crisis" was "remarkably similar in nature to falsely shouting fire in a crowded theatre." That was a reference to the much-abused analogy that Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes drew in the 1919 case Schenck v. United States, in which the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the Espionage Act convictions of two anti-draft activists. Writing for a unanimous 5th Circuit panel, Judge Dana M. Douglas says Joseph "applied the wrong legal standard," overlooking the well-known fact that the Supreme Court modified the "clear and present danger" test in the 1969 case Brandenburg v. Ohio. Under Brandenburg, even advocacy of criminal conduct is constitutionally protected unless it is "directed" at inciting "imminent lawless action" and "likely" to do so. Bailey's joke plainly did not satisfy either of those prongs. "At most, Bailey 'advocated' that people share his post by writing 'SHARE SHARE SHARE,'" Douglas writes. "But his post did not advocate 'lawless' and 'imminent' action, nor was it 'likely' to produce such action. The post did not direct any person or group to take any unlawful action immediately or in the near future, nobody took any such actions because of the post, and no such actions were likely to result because the post was clearly intended to be a joke. Nor did Bailey have the requisite intent to incite; at worst, his post was a joke in poor taste, but it cannot be read as intentionally directed to incitement." Another possibly relevant exception to the First Amendment is the one for "true threats," defined as "statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals." In a deposition, Iles claimed to view Bailey's post as threatening because it was "meant to get police officers hurt." The joke was especially dangerous, he said, because there were "a lot of protests at the time in reference to law enforcement." As Douglas notes, that claim was patently implausible "because Bailey was arrested in March 2020, while widespread protests concerning law enforcement did not begin until after George Floyd's murder in May 2020." In any case, Bailey's joke clearly did not amount to a true threat. "On its face, Bailey's post is not a threat," Douglas writes. "But to the extent it could possibly be considered a 'threat' directed to either the publicthat RPSO deputies would shoot them if they were 'infected'or to RPSO deputiesthat the 'infected' would shoot backit was not a 'true threat' based on context because it lacked believability and was not serious, as evidenced clearly by calls for rescue by Brad Pitt. For the same reason, Bailey did not have the requisite intent to make a 'true threat.'" Furthermore, the 5th Circuit held, Iles should have known that Bailey's post was protected speech. "Based on decades of Supreme Court precedent," Douglas says, "it was clearly established that Bailey's Facebook post did not fit within one of the narrow categories of unprotected speech, like incitement or true threats." Iles therefore could not find refuge in qualified immunity, which shields police officers from civil liability only when their alleged misconduct does not violate "clearly established" law. Joseph interpreted Bailey's First Amendment claim as a complaint that Iles had retaliated against him for his constitutionally protected speech. Such a claim requires plaintiffs to show that "they were engaged in constitutionally protected activity," that "the defendants' actions caused them to suffer an injury that would chill a person of ordinary firmness from continuing to engage in that activity," and that "the defendants' adverse actions were substantially motivated against the plaintiffs' exercise of constitutionally protected conduct." According to the 5th Circuit, Joseph erroneously concluded that Bailey did not meet the first element of that test. Even if Bailey's post was constitutionally protected, Joseph said, he had not adequately alleged a "retaliatory motive." But as Douglas notes, "Iles admitted that he arrested Bailey at least in part because of the content of his Facebook post, rather than for some other conduct." And it was clear that Bailey's speech was chilled, since he agreed to delete the post after Iles told him the RPSO otherwise "would contact Facebook to remove it." What about Iles' claim that he had probable cause to arrest Bailey? Louisiana defines "terrorizing" as "the intentional communication of information that the commission of a crime of violence is imminent or in progress or that a circumstance dangerous to human life exists or is about to exist, with the intent of causing members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety; or causing evacuation of a building, a public structure, or a facility of transportation; or causing other serious disruption to the general public." State courts have made it clear that the crime requires both "false information intentionally communicated" and "an immediacy element concerning the false information or threat that causes sustained fear or serious public disruption." It also requires "specific intent" to "cause members of the general public to be in sustained fear for their safety, or to cause evacuation of a public building, a public structure, or a facility of transportation, or to cause other serious disruption to the general public." When he decided to arrest Bailey, Douglas notes, Iles had read the Facebook post along with the comments below it, which confirmed that it was meant in jest. According to Iles, Bailey, when confronted by the sheriff's deputies, apologized, saying he had "no ill will towards the Sheriff's Office" and "only meant it as a joke." Iles also knew that "nobody reported the post to law enforcement." The only basis for the arrest was the content of the post, combined with the fact that the detective's supervisors had asked him to investigate it and "the general social conditions" at the beginning of the pandemic. "These facts and circumstances are not sufficient for a reasonable person to believe that Bailey had violated the Louisiana terrorizing statute," Douglas writes. "The statute's requirement that the communication have 'an immediacy element concerning the false information' is lacking. Moreover, 'causation of "sustained fear"' is clearly an essential element of this part of the statute. Here, however, there were no facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that Bailey's post caused sustained fear. No members of the public expressed any type of concern. Even if the post were taken seriously, it is too general and contingent to be a specific threat that harm is 'imminent or in progress.' Nor would a reasonable person believe, based on these facts, that Bailey acted with the requisite 'specific intent' to cause sustained fear or serious public disruption." As with the question of whether Bailey's post was constitutionally protected, the 5th Circuit held that Iles should have recognized that he did not have probable cause to arrest Bailey. "Iles is not entitled to qualified immunity," Douglas writes, "because no reasonable officer could have found probable cause to arrest Bailey for violating the Louisiana terrorizing statute in light of the facts, the text of the statute, and the state case law interpreting it." In addition to resuscitating Bailey's claims under the First Amendment's speech protections and under the Fourth Amendment's prohibition of "unreasonable searches and seizures," the 5th Circuit said he also could pursue a state claim based on false arrest. "The parties agree that Bailey's state law false arrest claim turns on whether there was probable cause for his arrest and that the Fourth Amendment probable cause analysis is thus determinative of this claim," Douglas writes. "Further, the parties agree that if Iles is liable for false arrest, then Wood is vicariously liable under Louisiana law for the tort of his employee." The 5th Circuit's decision in Bailey v. Iles "makes clear that the First Amendment applies with full force to online speech," said Institute for Justice attorney Ben Field. "Government officials can't get away with stretching criminal laws to go after people who make jokes at their expense. This is a victory for free speech and common sense and against the pernicious doctrine of qualified immunity." The post 'No Reasonable Officer' Would Have Arrested a Guy for a COVID-19 Joke, the 5th Circuit Says appeared first on Reason.com. BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The construction of "the tallest building in Africa," with a designed height of 385.5 meters, in Egypt has been facilitated by the tower cranes, lifts, truck cranes and concrete pumps coming from China. Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology introduced its equipment and took part in the entire process, from construction to capping of the project. An array of advanced products, such as 101-meter carbon fiber boom concrete pump trucks and AI-based harvesting machines, has consistently enhanced the global competitiveness and impact of Chinese machinery brands, while also playing a role in economic recovery. In the first half of this year, the added value of the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 6.5 percent year on year, contributing 53.9 percent to the growth of all industries above the designated size. SOPHISTICATED TECH China views enterprises as the main body of innovation, dedicating efforts to nurture world-leading firms and those employing specialized and sophisticated technologies to create unique products. A smart industrial base of Zoomlion situated in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, features eight world-leading "lighthouse factories," 300 smart production lines, more than 600 patented technologies for production lines, and eight national platforms for scientific research and innovation. Zoomlion's super-large tonnage crawler crane ZCC3200NP played an important role in the construction of China's several domestic nuclear power projects. On April 20, another tower crane of this enterprise, named R20000-720, rolled off the production line in a smart plant in Hunan's Changde. Incorporating 158 innovative breakthroughs and 305 patented inventions, the R20000-720 utilizes over 60 core technologies. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 720 tonnes and a maximum lifting height of 400 meters, which is equivalent to lifting 500 cars to the height of 130 floors at a time. In addition, the multi-source information fusion intelligent control system propels the tower crane to achieve rapid millisecond-level responses. The development of modern infrastructure in Africa has accelerated in recent years. The demand for high-quality and high-performance construction machinery has become urgent in order to adapt to the complex terrain and the unpredictable and challenging conditions of certain projects. Chinese construction machinery manufacturers have specifically crafted numerous advanced products to cater to the African market. For example, Zoomlion has developed a specialized rice machine, fueled by a turbo engine, designed to swiftly harvest high-yield plots and minimize food losses during the process. Additionally, an innovative wheat harvester, outfitted with a front camera, can effectively monitor and identify crop lodging. BENEFITTING THE WORLD When constructing a transportation hub in Egypt, the project required a type of large-diameter thick-walled structural pipe of more than 1,000 tonnes, a challenge that numerous manufacturers in Europe and the United States couldn't meet. China's Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Co., Ltd. stepped in and delivered the necessary products, ensuring the project's timely completion. "China has long been exporting its construction machinery and equipment," said Wu Weiheng, a vice-general manager of Zoomlion's overseas business. "In recent years, the construction machinery industry's overseas revenue and orders have increased significantly." At present, Zoomlion has subsidiaries in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria, and set up a joint venture factory in Algeria. In 2022, the company's sales performance in countries like Indonesia, India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey exceeded 100 percent year-on-year growth. According to Zoomlion's 2023 first-quarter report, its overseas revenue increased by 123 percent year on year. Also, China Railway Engineering Equipment Group (CREG) has introduced its tunnel boring machines to Europe in recent years. In 2015, CREG won the bid for a project in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 2019 and 2020, it exported shield tunneling machines to France and Poland, respectively. To date, CREG has secured orders for over 1,400 sets, with exports reaching more than 30 countries and regions. According to the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), the country's construction machinery exports maintained a high growth rate in the first half of 2023, firmly supporting the stable operation of the construction machinery industry. STABLE GROWTH After CCMA analyzed customs data, it was found that China's import and export trade volume of construction machinery reached 26.31 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 23.2 percent year on year, in the first half of 2023. The trade surplus was 23.67 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 5.31 billion U.S. dollars year on year. Much like the performance of overseas businesses, China's machinery industry registered stable domestic growth in the first half of 2023. In the domestic market, sales of eight categories of construction machinery products saw growth, with the most significant increase of 27.9 percent occurring in the truck crane segment, according to the CCMA. The China Machinery Industry Federation said the sector's added value went up 9.7 percent from a year ago in the January-June period, driven by vibrant electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing and automobile production. Indicating a swift transition propelled by innovation, the business revenue and profits of strategic emerging industries in the machinery sector surged by 10.4 percent and 15.6 percent, respectively. By the end of June, the number of innovation platforms in the machinery sector reached 260, offering support for the stability of the industrial chain. By Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL (Reuters) -The United States, South Korea and Japan staged joint naval missile defence drills off the Korean peninsula on Tuesday, as North Korea denounced the "gang bosses" of Washington and its allies for increasing the risk of nuclear war. The three nations staged exercises in international waters off South Korea's southern Jeju island to improve their ability to detect and track targets, and share information in the event of provocation by Pyongyang, South Korea's military said. The drills come as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for "radically" modernising the weapons and equipment of his country's naval forces, criticising an increased presence of U.S. strategic assets in the region. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a speech to mark Navy Day, Kim said the "gang bosses" of the United States, Japan and South Korea announced regular joint military exercises, news agency KCNA reported, apparently referring to their Aug. 18 summit at Camp David, Maryland. "Owing to the reckless confrontational moves of the U.S. and other hostile forces, the waters off the Korean Peninsula have been reduced to the world's biggest war hardware concentration spot, the most unstable waters with the danger of a nuclear war," Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying. In the first standalone meeting between the leaders of the U.S., South Korea and Japan, the three agreed to deepen military and economic cooperation as they seek to project unity in the face of China's growing power and the North's nuclear threats. Japan said the sharing of information on ballistic missiles was part of the drills on Tuesday. "The exercises will strongly facilitate trilateral cooperation and demonstrate the commitment of Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea to protect a free and open international order based on the rule of law," Japan's defence ministry said in a statement. South Korea and the United States last week began the Ulchi Freedom Shield summer exercises, designed to enhance their joint responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. Pyongyang has long denounced the drills as a rehearsal for war. As part of the exercises, the allies' special operations troops practised infiltrating an enemy's coastline from the sea, riding rubber boats and emerging from the waves with diving gear and guns. (Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi in SEOUL, additional reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Chang-Ran Kim in TOKYO; Editing by Grant McCool, Michael Perry and Nick Macfie) Video of a Black woman being pulled out of her vehicle by a sheriffs deputy in Pompano Beach near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was released on Aug. 24. The incident happened on May 7, 2022. The video was shared by the podcast Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey and begins with Broward Sheriffs Office Deputy Steven Davis approaching Kianna Cooper as she sat in her parked vehicle waiting for a friend while talking with her mother on the phone. Broward Sheriffs Office Deputy Steven Davis forcibly removes Kianna Cooper from her car in Pompano Beach, Florida, on May 7, 2022. (Photo: Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey screenshot/ YouTube Screenshot) How you doin? said Davis. You got an ID on you, maam? Cooper began to look for her identification as she politely replied with a soft voice, Why am I giving my ID? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The tone in Davis voice was audibly different as he replied, Because I asked for it. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO. Because you asked for it, echoed Cooper, prompting Davis to say, yes maam. Cooper then stated that she no longer felt comfortable because she didnt have a problem. OK, well, Im asking for your ID, and if you dont produce it, Im gonna take you to jail, said Davis. As Cooper asked her mother if she heard the conversation, Davis said he wasnt going to ask her again. Cooper then tells her mother she wasnt being told why Davis wanted to see her ID and referenced being arrested. These people could kill me, Mom, said Cooper. Related: I Had Higher Expectations: Cops Shamelessly Laugh at Army Vet with Medical Condition Who Wet Himself After Security Officers Deny Him Access to Restaurant Bathroom Davis told Cooper he would give her one more chance or and then Im gonna pull you out of the car. Cooper replied that he would not be pulling her out of the car as he reached over and opened her car door. She could be heard asking why he was being so aggressive. Sir! Please! Why are you being so aggressive? Davis pulled Cooper out of the car and tackled her to the ground as a tussle ensued. Youre not gonna fight me what are you doing? asked Cooper as Davis appeared to be trying to hold her hands in place while yelling, Stop! Stop! Cooper can be heard saying, Whats wrong with you? You just hit a woman. The 28-year-old was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and battery on a law enforcement officer. Cooper testified in court last July that Davis hit her several times in the head and that she received injuries to her arms, face and legs after being attacked by Cooper. During a court hearing on Aug. 24, Davis claimed that it was Cooper who became aggressive with him, adding that he forcibly removed her from her vehicle because she was noncompliant, according to Local10 News. He also testified that he was bleeding profusely from his head after Cooper attacked him. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Broward Circuit Judge Peter Holden sided with Davis during the August hearing and ruled that the case against Cooper would continue. The judge said that prior to the video, Davis had been responding to a report of an assault arising out of a dispute over what witnesses say was Coopers attempt to hold multiple parking spaces at the beach, and bystanders allegedly pointed out Cooper as the assailant as Davis responded to the call. The deputy didnt ask once, not twice, not three times, but at least four times, said Holden. Davis was sued for another arrest where he pulled a woman from her vehicle during a traffic stop. Gregory Barkley and his wife Michelle Barkley filed a lawsuit stemming from their arrest in 2005 for parking illegally in front of a Publix grocery store. As her husband was being handcuffed, Mrs. Barkley exited the vehicle out of concern but returned to the car after being directed by her husband. Davis reportedly used a Taser on her two to five times before forcibly removing her from her vehicle and arresting her for battery against a police officer and obstruction with violence. Another woman named Lauren Holliday also accused Davis of pulling her from her vehicle while arresting her in 2020. Holliday said Davis harassed her about walking her service dogs on the beach, and in retaliation, he arrested her days later, charging her with resisting arrest with violence and driving on a suspended license. Davis didnt even tell me why he was arresting me, she said in a letter to the judge. He just pulled me out of the car and kneed me to the ground. His gun flew out of his holder. It has been the most terrifying event in my life. Coopers attorney, Steven Melnick, plans to call Holliday as a witness. The next scheduled court date is Oct. 19. The Honorable Melissa L. Pope, chief judge for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Court, received the 2023 Judith S. Kaye Award for Judicial Excellence during a ceremony at the American Bar Association in Denver. This award recognizes dedicated service by judicial officers who demonstrate knowledge of domestic and sexual violence and exemplary leadership developing courtroom responses to these issues. I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected by the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence to receive the Judith S. Kaye Judicial Excellence Award, Judge Pope said. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Since being appointed as chief judge of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court, she has been involved with the efforts of NHBP to address the epidemic of violence against Indigenous People. As a delegate of the Intertribal Technical-Assistance Working Group on Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction (ITWG) and the NHBP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Enactment Team, Judge Pope worked in collaboration with NHBP Staff to develop the infrastructure, programs, and services needed to adopt a Domestic Violence Code that included restored jurisdiction pursuant to VAWA. She has served on the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court since February 2011. Judge Pope was reappointed to a four-year appointment in December 2022. Additionally, she has also served in the elected position of Chief Justice of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court of Appeals since 2009. In addition to her duties as judge, she has been teaching American Indian Law as a Member of the Adjunct Faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law since 2007. Receiving this Award not only reminds me of the Seventh Generation to come that I must work to protect so that violence, hopefully, does not touch their lives, but fills my heart with gratitude for the Seventh Generation who came before me and who sacrificed so much - many their very lives - so that I may do this work today, said Pope. I honor all those who have worked, are currently working, or will work in the future to end the violence that permeates the lives of Indigenous People, Tribal Nations, and Indigenous communities. Judge Pope has been actively engaged in the Anti-Violence Movement throughout her life. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Starting September 5, many nurses moving to Pennsylvania will be able to bypass the state's time-intensive licensing process, a change with enormous benefits not just for those nurses but for patients. Created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a standardized system through which a nurse licensed in any active member state is cleared to work in any of the other member states. Pennsylvania is turning to it as the state faces a severe nursing shortageby some measures the worst in the nation. More than 20,000 registered nurse positions are unfilled in the state, a vacancy rate of over 30 percent. A recent report from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania suggested that, absent a change in policy, the number of registered nurse vacancies in the state would exceed 26,000 by 2026. "Our hospitals and health care systems need nurses now," said state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D18th District) in an August 22 press release. "Allowing nurses who have a compact license from another state to start work without unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to jump through is a great first step." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Under Pennsylvania's old licensure system, a prospective out-of-state nurse would often wait several months, and sometimes closer to a year, before being allowed to work. The NLC helps streamline the process, allowing Pennsylvania's health care facilities to draw on a wider pool of qualified applicants. Gov. Josh Shapiro's move, announced last week, stops short of full participation in the NLC: Nurses from other member states will be cleared to work in Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania nurses will not yet be cleared to work in other member states. A spokesman for the Democratic governor's administration explains that the State Board of Nurses currently lacks access to the FBI database needed to run background checks, a prerequisite for the multistate licenses. In theory, Pennsylvania joined the NLC back in 2021, after its nursing shortfall was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is only now becoming an active member. It is unclear why it took the state two years to proceed with this partial implementation, nor how long it will take to clear the hurdles to fully join the NLC. The Nurse Licensure Compact includes 40 other states, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The remaining holdouts include California and New York, both of whom are among the five states where nursing shortages are expected to be most severe by 2030. If they want to ensure that both patients and nurses are treated well, they should follow Pennsylvania in climbing aboard. The post Nurses from 40 States Will be Eligible To Practice in Pennsylvania appeared first on Reason.com. The city is biting back against FDNY chiefs suing Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, arguing that allegations of her poor decision making and discussions about department brass who are not part of the wide-ranging ageism suit are scandalous and prejudicial and have nothing to do with the case. In a motion recently filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court, city lawyers demand a judge strike several pieces of the 88-page lawsuit that do not even remotely go to any of the material elements of (their) claims. Plaintiffs [the chiefs] have now filed multiple versions of the complaint, each with more hyperbolic allegations than the last, the citys Law Department said. The vast majority [of the issues in the latest version of the complaint] have nothing to do with plaintiffs fanciful age discrimination and retaliation claims. The chiefs are expected to respond to the citys motion by mid-September. A judge is expected to look over the arguments in October. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Jim Walden, the attorney defending the chiefs, scoffed at the citys filing. The city cries crocodile tears, Walden told the Daily News. Among the points the city wants erased from the compaint are a reference to an insinuated affair between Kavanagh and a deputy commissioner, JonPaul Augier, who is a defendant in the chiefs suit. The chiefs suit mentions five-year-old rumors of a relationship between Kavanagh and Augier, without offering any evidence. The city also wants dropped from the suit mentions of retirements and terminations of FDNY personnel who are not plaintiffs in the suit, and claims Kavanagh made unethical or ill-advised decisions at the FDNY. Assistant Fire Chiefs Michael Gala, 62, Joseph Jardin, 61, and Michael Massucci, 59, Frank Leeb, 54, retired EMS Chief James Booth, 59, and EMS Computer Aided Dispatch Programming Manager and Deputy Director Carla Murphy, 56, say they were targeted by Kavanagh and her team because they were at or near the age of 60 according to their lawsuit in Brooklyn Supreme Court. At 40, Kavanagh, the citys first woman fire commissioner, is also one of the citys youngest commissioners. The plaintiffs claim they were harassed, maligned and ultimately demoted because they were too old in Kavanaghs eyes. The ageism lawsuit outlines several instances where the chiefs were allegedly harassed, transferred or belittled because they spoke up to Kavanagh. It also makes claims seemingly unrelated to the ageism issue. Among them are claims that Kavanagh and her teams decisions delayed an after-action report regarding the murder of EMT Lt. Alison Russo, and that she browbeat into retirement FDNY Chief Richard Blatus, who oversaw the departments firefighting boats including one involved in an East River crash last year that killed a firefighter visiting from Belgium. Blatus is not a plaintiff in the suit and many of the allegations made about departmental decisions are entirely unrelated to age discrimination or retaliation, the citys legal motion states. Since the initial lawsuit was filed, the chiefs and Walden have gone on a press tour to discuss this case and attempt to humiliate the commissioner, city attorneys said in the papers filed July 31. Their allegations and statements to media organizations demonstrate that the plaintiffs are attempting to litigate this case in the media and court of public opinion in an effort to scandalize and prejudice defendants, inflame the public, and pressure the Mayor to intervene and replace defendant Kavanagh with a commissioner of plaintiffs own choosing, city attorneys said. Walden said the citys desire to cut away sections of the lawsuit wont dilute its message. The Commissioner targeted these exceptional FDNY heroes exactly because they were pushing back on some of her dangerous and ill-conceived policies, he said in a statement. Bluntly, she wanted younger yes men and women. Only now she must realize they were right all along and she cant even find replacements for them! The city wants to strike these true allegations because they dont want a jury to know the truth, Walden said. I predict the citys motion will go up in flames. The lawsuit against Kavanagh was filed in March, about a month after she demoted Gala, Jardin and Assistant Chief Fred Schaaf to deputy chief. Their demotions sparked a mass protest by FDNY chiefs who criticized Kavanagh and asked to be demoted in rank and moved out of department headquarters. So far, Kavanagh hasnt signed off on any of the demotion requests, FDNY officials said. Asked about the citys request to remove claims from the chiefs lawsuit, a Fire Department spokesperson said the language in the court filing is a pretty strong comment and speaks for itself. Police officers in Ohio shot and killed a 21-year-old Black pregnant woman, who was also the mother of 6-year-old and 3-year-old sons, outside a Kroger store on Thursday. The police allege the woman stole liquor from the store and claim she tried to drive over an officer who got in front of her car. The woman, TaKiya Young of Columbus, Ohio, was six months pregnant and set to give birth in November. Youngs shooting death is currently being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the officers responsible for it are currently on paid administrative leave, Blendon Township police Chief John Belford confirmed. The police department is expected to release body camera footage of the incident this week, per the Columbus Dispatch. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Youngs death comes after several disturbing videos collected from body camera footage showed Los Angeles-based cops brutalizing Black women, including one who was holding her baby when an officer appeared to punch her in the face, earlier this year. Earlier this month, a Black woman in Detroit sued the local police department for arresting and jailing her while she was eight months pregnant over a facial recognition error. Research from last year linked the ongoing threat of police violence to worsened maternal outcomes for pregnant Black women. Friends of Youngs described her to a local news station as the life of the party and a ball of energy. Her personality is like second to none. So, she will truly be missed for her personality. I know her kids will miss her, thats the saddest part of all of it, one friend said. I just wish something else couldve been done to intervene with the situation. More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Aug 24, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Universitys next president, Walter "Ted" Carter Jr., talks about his experience and goals for leading the school. Ted Carter has spent his entire life around politics, but even in an increasingly polarized world the next president of Ohio State University has somehow managed to avoid taking sides. Growing up, Carter's father worked as an administrator in the Rhode Island State House. Carter himself joined the Navy, was an aviator, went on to become a vice admiral and spent countless hours in the halls of power in Washington, D.C., testifying before Congress and meeting with legislative leaders. He was appointed to lead the Naval War College in 2013 and a year later, the U.S. Naval Academy under former President Barack Obama , a Democrat. And he served and saluted alongside former President Donald Trump, a Republican, leaving the academy in July 2019. Opinion: How much will Ohio State's new president earn? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Even Carter's voter registration shows that he has never declared an affiliation with either of the nation's two major political parties. That apolitical persona is one he spent years cultivating, and it's on purpose, said Carter, who will become the 17th president of Ohio State University on Jan. 1. "I decided as I got into higher ed that that's how I should lead a campus, regardless of what state I'm in and whatever the politics of the moment are," Carter told The Dispatch. "I'm mission oriented." Although it's not forbidden, it's often frowned upon for members of the military to declare their support for one political party or another, said Janine Davidson, a former undersecretary of the U.S. Navy who overlapped with Carter's tenure leading the academy. Davidson, who also is an Air Force veteran and is now herself president of Metropolitan State University in Denver, said there's a long-honored tradition of military officers trying to remain above the political fray. She joked that even though she's known Carter for years and still talks to him on occasion, she has no clue which way he votes in elections. For Carter, having remained publicly neutral gives him a "level of humility and diplomacy that serves him well," Davidson said. That will help him in collaborating with Ohio legislators as it did in working with congressional leaders, shed said. "I'm not surprised to hear that he's not registered with a party," Davidson said. "To not ever have been shows he takes that very seriously as a military person. He's well versed in trying to tread that line." Is Carter the man for the moment? But even if Carter has never taken a political stance, legislation at the Ohio Statehouse could soon force him to pick sides. Lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 83 a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to reverse what Republicans see as a rising liberal tide on Ohios college campuses. The bill would ban most mandatory diversity training, create new American civics classes and penalize professors who fail to create "classrooms free from bias." The bill passed in the Ohio Senate in May and is expected to be debated by the House this fall. The Ohio State Board of Trustees has come out against the bill, which Carter said he's still studying. In the meantime, Carter said he's making connections with state legislators and leaders so he can remain informed about the legislation. "I don't know what the path of that (bill) is going to be," Carter said. "But as I said to a number of people, my number one job when I come in here is to make sure we do no harm." Ohio State Universitys next president Ted Carter talks to The Dispatch Thursday afternoon about his experience and goals for leading the school. Carter cited his work with lawmakers in Nebraska's unicameral legislature as evidence that he can get things done with politicians. The soon-to-be Buckeye also said that he tries to avoid using words that have become political lightning rods, such as "woke" and culture war lingo like "DEI," which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, authored S.B. 83 and told The Dispatch he likes what he's heard about Carter so far. Cirino complimented Carter's military background and higher education experience, and said when it comes to Ohio State, he hopes the new president will "make sure it's following the proper mission." When it comes to S.B. 83, Cirino said he's not sure what Carter's role could be in shaping the possible law. If the bill is passed by the legislature's lower chamber and heads to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk this fall, it's possible it could become law before Carter even starts his new post. Read More: New Ohio State president Q&A: He almost didn't take the job, Intel, the Wexners and more "It's too soon to tell," Cirino said about Carter. "I do believe that the board of trustees was looking for somebody who will be able to work with the legislature. I'm hopeful Ted Carter will do that." Although Carter is intent on remaining apolitical, it's clear S.B. 83 will force him to get involved, said Pranav Jani, president of the Ohio State chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Jani, who is also an associate professor and director of Asian American Studies at Ohio State, said he hopes that Carter comes out forcefully against the bill. Although Carter may not be a political animal, history shows he does appear willing to stand up for issues that have become politicized. In November 2021, Nebraska's Republican governor criticized the state's flagship school the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for its chancellor's plans to address racial inequity on campus. In response to the governor's attacks, Carter penned an open letter about how he supported the chancellor's plan and why it was important for the university to better reflect the residents of Nebraska and the U.S. as a whole. Jani hopes Carter still has that fight in him on issues that matter when he arrives at Ohio State. "Broadly speaking, if someone says they're apolitical because they want to signal they're open-minded, objective and focused on education, that's good," Jani said. "But I'm hoping 'apolitical' doesn't mean he's unwilling to take a stand on critical issues." What about the campus politics of Ohio State? Whether Carter can float above Ohio's politics remains to be seen, observers say. Someone with Carter's credentials is typically brought in to borrow a Navy metaphor to right a ship, said Judith Wilde, a professor at George Mason University who has extensively studied university presidents' contracts and national search firms. It's unclear, Wilde said, whether Carter was hired to better manage the legislature or something else for Ohio State. What's equally unclear, she said, is whether he'll succeed as presidents with less experience in higher education sometimes run into difficulties in the top job. "The nontraditional candidates tend to be one of two things: either very successful, or ... complete failures," she said, referring to presidents who end up serving less than three years in office. Read More: Next Ohio State president Ted Carter will make millions in pay and job perks One college president who went from controversial to successful was former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Wilde said. Daniels led Purdue University from 2013 through 2022. Likewise, Davidson Carter's old boss has proven a military background can provide useful experience in making universities run like well-oiled aircraft carriers. Still, the search for Ohio State's next president was shrouded in secrecy, said both Wilde and Jani. As many other colleges do nowadays, Ohio State hired a private search firm that allowed the university to shield most of its hunt for a new leader from the public. That can prevent buy-in from faculty, students and community members who were left out of the search process, said Wilde. So, too, may the fact that Carter could be the first president in Ohio State's history or at least since the 1800s to lack an advanced degree, both Wilde and Jani said. "There are people who are raising questions about that, but I think people are going to be welcoming," Jani said. "We want a leader. We don't know President Carter yet, but we're very open to working with him." Carter knows he may not have the same academic credentials of past presidents. He knows some people consider him to be "a guy who just served in uniform on (aircraft) carriers and just gives an order and everybody does it." Despite the military stereotypes, though, Carter said that's not exactly how it worked. At one point, while living on an aircraft carrier, Carter said he oversaw 50 ships, along with airplanes and nuclear reactors. He also oversaw multiple operations from counter-piracy to counter-drug, to combat missions and protection of shipping lanes. To ensure such a behemoth of an enterprise is running the way it should, Carter said he had to give his people what they needed and then get out of their way. That's, in part, how he plans to run Ohio State, he said. "You have to empower them to do their job," he said. "You make sure they have the resources they need to do what they're supposed to do, and then you let them go do it. That's my leadership style." USA Today Ohio Statehouse Bureau reporter Anna Staver contributed to this story. mfilby@dispatch.com @MaxFilby Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State's Ted Carter says he's apolitical, will avoid culture wars O.J. Simpson on Sunday released a video suggesting Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is onto something but said he should untie himself from some in the party, floating the idea he could run alongside fellow candidate Nikki Haley . Just like the debates, the Republican debates, I said, Hey, this guys onto something, Simpson said of Ramaswamys performance at the first GOP presidential debate last week and an appearance on NBC Newss Meet the Press over the weekend. Then hell say something else, oh my god. I attribute it to his youth. The disgraced former running back said he has a little problem with Ramaswamys foreign affairs positions, but he chalked it up to the candidates youth and lauded his fresh perspectives. He said one way to fill that gap in foreign experience was to consider fellow GOP candidate Nikki Haley, a former ambassador, as a running mate, which Simpson said would give Ramaswamy a chance. I think he gets in trouble when he seems to want to try to placate some other politicians in his party, Simpson added. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In his Sunday Meet the Press appearance, Ramaswamy said hed make former President Trump who is facing several legal battles as he runs for another White House term an adviser and mentor if he wins the office. Hes pitched himself as a nonpolitician and a new generation for the GOP, but he has also been vocal in his support for the former president, promising to pardon Trump if hes convicted in one of his cases. Ramaswamy was a top target for his fellow candidates on last weeks debate stage in Milwaukee. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Former Vice President Mike Pence made an apparent swipe at the youngest candidate on stage, saying we dont need to bring in a rookie. Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations, blasted Ramaswamy with a jab that you have no foreign policy experience, and it shows. Hes also stepped into recent controversy over remarks last week comparing Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) to grand wizards in the Ku Klux Klan, comments that he doubled down on in another Sunday show appearance on CNN this weekend. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This article originally published by St. Louis Public Radio, a BND content partner. The Old Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge, the only connection for vehicles to Choteau Island and Gabaret Island in the middle of the Mississippi River, currently stands in jeopardy and is the subject of a lawsuit. The aging bridge owned by the city of Madison, Illinois, needs repairs $4 million for a band-aid fix and $26-28 million for full repairs or farmers, utility companies and government agencies may not be able to get anything heavier than a car across. Theres a lot of reasons we really need to have that bridge open, said John Hamm, Madisons mayor for the last 25 years. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Madison, population 3,171, doesnt have the cash or tax base to fund either option, Hamm said. Thats led the city to look for a solution from state or federal grant money or possible financial support from some of the entities that own land or do business on the island. Both Illinois Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation denied the city grants to help fund the project. The government transportation agencies cited a small amount of traffic on the bridge, the mayor said. The bridges state has created a situation where those who need access to the island have turned to creative but sometimes expensive alternatives, like barges, that may need to become normal and unpredictable if a solution isnt found. Youre at Mother Natures mercy, Hamm said of using barges. The river is up. The river is down. Where do you get off? For some land owners, like Keller Farms based in Collinsville, the need to fix the bridge cant be understated. When the city dropped the weight capacity from 23 to 7 tons last year, that kept owner Craig Keller from taking any heavy farm equipment over the bridge. We had it all planted to find out that we werent allowed to go back out there to harvest, Keller said. Its gotten bad enough that Keller filed a lawsuit against the city earlier this year along with a family of Granite City farmers. In the original complaint filed in Madison County Circuit Court this February, the Cionkos of Granite City alleged Madisons negligence led to the city dropping the weight limit. For the Cionkos, they couldnt harvest and sell their soybean crop last year. They want Madison to give them $50,000 in damages, cover court costs and any other money the court deems relevant, according to the complaint. Keller, who rotates his fields between corn, soybeans, wheat and horseradish on the island, tried hiring barges last fall to transport his equipment, but the water level of the Mississippi River was too low, he said. This spring, his solution was to come through the New Chain of Rocks Bridge to the north. Keller got permission from the construction company doing repairs to the I-270 bridge and used a ramp to get his equipment on the island. Thats how he planted again this spring. Keller said hes now using drones to fertilize the 200 acres he owns and another 100 he leases on the island. Overall, the whole ordeal hasnt been cheap for Keller or easy to navigate. Its harmful to us, Keller said. But what are you going to do? You cant fight the government. Madison took control of the bridge from the Illinois Department of Transportation in 2002, according to the mayor. Along with the bridge, IDOT gave the city $4.45 million for upkeep. Three or four years ago, the engineering firm hired by the city found deterioration in the bridges steel structure that led them to drop the weight limit, Hamm said. Eventually, the engineers dropped the weight capacity to 7 tons. Exactly how much work the city has done to repair the bridge is unclear. Madisons engineering firm, Juneau Associates Inc. based in Granite City, declined to comment for this story, citing the advice of legal counsel. When asked for further comment, Hamm declined to provide additional details. In a previous interview, Hamm said Juneau Associates engineers inspected the bridge again this month. The outcome of the inspection is unknown. Aging steel on the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 in Madison. What does this mean for others on the island? Illinois American Water, a publicly traded utility company, operates an intake facility on the northwest corner of the island. The company takes water from the river and pumps it to its Granite Citys treatment plant and some to the East St. Louis facility, said Terry Mackin, a company spokesman. It is essential to water service that our employees, contractors, vendors and equipment companies have access to our water intake and pumping stations on Chouteau Island, Mackin said. The fear of Illinois American Water thats shared by others is what happens if the weight limit drops further to 3.5 tons. That could mean even fewer vehicles would be allowed onto the island. If the bridge isnt repaired, Mackin said the utility company doesnt anticipate it would affect daily service. However, it too would need to use barges to transport any heavy equipment needed on the island. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources owns 2,000 acres of land thats used for hunting and conservation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and maintains levees on either side of the canal. The only way to work on either island with heavy equipment will require a barge and more people, said spokesman George Stringham. Without using the bridge, it would cost more and is more inconvenient to load, transfer and unload the equipment to Chouteau and Gabaret islands, Stringham said. St. Louis Pipeline Operating LLC. sends jet fuel to St. Louis Lambert International airport via a pipeline that runs across the island. The company could not be reached for comment. Hamm said he will continue to keep his eye out for any grant opportunities. The city has also engaged with state and federal lawmakers to discuss funding opportunities. Mackin, with Illinois American Water, said the company is also working with the city to find the needed money. For Keller, the farmer, he said doesnt care how it gets done. He just wants a solution sooner rather than later. Just get me over the bridge, Keller said. Political guys, do what you got to do. Give me access to what I rightfully had that they took away from me. Commentary: China-Africa cooperation ushers in better future following BRICS Summit Xinhua) 10:10, August 28, 2023 JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China-Africa ties have been reinvigorated with a milestone dialogue event co-chaired on Thursday by the BRICS member countries of China and South Africa, which were also attending the 15th BRICS Summit here this week. At the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on Thursday, China unveiled a host of new initiatives and plans to help the continent with economic integration and modernization, rolling out a heartening picture for the future of the Global South. Such measures as the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development are on track to assist Africa in transforming the manufacturing sector, delivering food self-sufficiency and training high-caliber talents. The latest pledge from China reaffirms the country's long-term commitment to promoting stability, development and prosperity of the continent and the wellbeing of the African people. The industrial initiative stressed that through the nine programs under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, as well as cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China will channel more resources of assistance, investment and financing amid a push for industrialization. The agricultural plan indicated that China will help Africa expand grain plantation and encourage Chinese companies to increase agricultural investment in Africa. It aims to help Africa achieve food self-sufficiency and independent sustainable development, promote food production in Africa, effectively boost Africa's ability to safeguard its food security, and help it reach related goals in agricultural modernization. And the talent plan seeks to train 500 principals and high-caliber teachers of vocational colleges every year, and 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa. All these efforts speak volumes for China's Africa policy with the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, of which China has remained a practitioner over the past 10 years. Booming bilateral economic and trade cooperation also underpins the enduring China-Africa relations that have weathered the vicissitudes of time. China has remained Africa's largest trading partner over the past decade and the largest export destination for Africa. Official data show that bilateral trade grew 11 percent to 282 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. The bilateral trade ties continue to enjoy steady growth despite an unbalanced world economic recovery and a sluggish global business environment. Latest data from China's customs authority showed that trade between China and Africa rose 7.4 percent year-on-year to 1.14 trillion yuan (about 158.36 billion dollars) in the first seven months of this year. Looking ahead, China will work with Africa to enhance the synergy of their development strategies, and will continue to support Africa in speaking with one voice on international affairs to keep improving its international standing. As was pledged, China will also work actively at the G20 summit next month to support the African Union to gain full membership in the group, and supports making special arrangements on UN Security Council reform to meet Africa's aspiration as a priority. The two sides also share a keen aspiration for self-strengthening. China is pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Africa is making all-out efforts to build a new Africa that enjoys peace, unity, prosperity and strength. Notably, this 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg was themed on "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." China and this year's host country South Africa, both key members of the group, are expected to play pioneering roles to help amplify the voice of the Global South for more balanced development. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) CAIRO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Monday that Egypt is committed to supporting the role of the United Nations in resolving the Yemeni crisis. Shoukry made the remarks during his meeting in the Egyptian capital of Cairo with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, Shoukry stressed the importance of an inclusive political process for all parties that preserves Yemen's unity and stability. He also stressed Egypt's commitment to support the UN efforts towards seeking a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and alleviating the humanitarian sufferings of the Yemeni people. For his part, the UN envoy expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, hailing Egypt's hosting of large numbers of Yemenis since the outbreak of the conflict. Grundberg also briefed the Egyptian minister on the outcome of his ongoing contacts with various Yemeni and regional parties. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa. PETA sued what it described as "one of the worst roadside zoos in America," located in South Carolina. The charity reached a settlement with the zoo, which means it will close its doors forever. The lawsuit accused the zoo of depriving animals of water, food, space, and veterinary care. A lawsuit brought by PETA against a roadside zoo in South Carolina that exhibited emaciated animals has ended in a settlement that means Waccatee Zoological Farm will close for good. Under the terms of the settlement, the operators of the zoo in Myrtle Beach will also be banned from owning or exhibiting wild or exotic animals, breeding domestic animals for profit, or working or volunteering at any other roadside zoos, PETA said in a news release last Thursday. PETA sued the zoo in April last year. The settlement was reached on August 4, though the details of it only became public late last week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Reese Boyd III, an attorney for Waccatee Zoological Farm's owner and operators, told The Washington Post the defendants settled due to the cost of litigation and confirmed the settlement's terms. However, they deny PETA's allegations, and the settlement didn't include any admission of wrongdoing, he said. Insider contacted the zoo's legal representatives for comment but did not immediately receive a response. PETA said a tiger was amaciated and some lemurs had masses on their chests In PETA's complaint against Waccatee Zoological Farm, the animal rights charity alleged that the facility was "one of the worst roadside zoos in America." It accused the zoo and its operators of depriving the more than 460 animals of adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. The complaint cited several examples of alleged animal neglect, including that a tiger called Lila, who died in late 2020 or early 2021, was so severely emaciated that her skeleton was visible through her skin. Photos included in court documents show a hairless tiger that PETA said was Lila, whose ribcage was visible. According to the complaint, some lemurs had "abnormal" masses on their chests and bellies, indicating that they failed to receive adequate veterinary care. It also said in the complaint that one tortoise had a deformed and split shell. Photos included in court documents also appear to show animals at the zoo with ulcerated lesions. In February last year, the US Department of Agriculture issued the owner of the zoo a citation and a penalty of $7,800 for multiple alleged violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, citing the conditions of the animals and the enclosures, according to the complaint. The charity sued after it received more than 150 complaints from members of the public, according to the complaint. Two members of the public, both from South Carolina, joined PETA in the lawsuit. In December, months after the lawsuit was filed, the charity alleged in an emergency motion that the zoo was secretly transferring animals to another roadside zoo in North Carolina. The charity said in the motion that it had hindered PETA's ability to collect evidence about the animals' treatment. PETA managed to rescue some captive animals that had remained at Waccatee, with the charity transferring them to The Wild Animal Refuge in Colorado, it said in a news release published in May this year. PETA's general counsel for captive-animal law enforcement, Brittany Peet, said in a statement Thursday that the survivors are now "thriving in their new sanctuary home." She added: "This victory blocks Waccatee's operators from ever again mistreating wild animals as they did for decades." Read the original article on Insider Hi OnPolitics readers! Former President Donald Trumps trial on charges he tried to steal the 2020 election has a start date: March 4. Its a tentative date, but it comes in the heat of the 2024 presidential campaign, USA TODAYs Bart Jansen reports. The date is one day before the Super Tuesday presidential primaries and caucuses in 15 states as Trump campaigns for the Republican nomination. What else? The March date would mean the election case will occur before the other federal case Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting against Trump, alleging Trump mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House. The documents case has a tentative start date of May 20. Trump has called for postponing his criminal trials until after the 2024 election. Its an argument U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has rejected. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The public has a right to prompt and efficient resolution of this matter, Chutkan said. I want to note here that setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendants personal or professional obligations." Read more here: Trump's federal election interference trial set for March in heat of presidential campaign Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for our OnPolitics newsletter This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump receives March Trial date for 2020 election case Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have revealed the specifics of a drone strike on the location of the 126th Coastal Defence Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in temporarily occupied Crimea. Source: Press service of the Special Operations Forces Quote: "Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, together with other units of the Defence Forces, attacked the facilities of the 126th Coastal Defence Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. During the attack, several attack UAVs were used to strike at the location of the enemy unit in Perevalne, Crimea. As a result of the strikes, the enemy suffered casualties, both killed and wounded." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Details: The Special Operations Forces explained that the operation was difficult due to certain terrain features. However, the drones successfully covered the route and reached their targets, as the Special Forces pointed out. The photo released today shows one of the UAVs that took part in the operation. Background: Ukrainska Pravdas sources in the Security Service of Ukraine said that on 25 August, Ukrainian defenders, together with the Security Service, used a group of drones to strike the 126th Coastal Defence Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, based in the village of Perevalne in temporarily occupied Crimea. Ukrainska Pravdas sources said that the Russians suffered dozens of killed and wounded. 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 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on Aug. 28, 1963. (Associated Press) Sixty years ago this week, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom indelibly etched the civil rights movement into our nations collective memory through the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s speech about a dream of justice for our collective future. As a sociologist, I have studied the uses and misuses of Kings memory over the past 40 years. I witnessed just how deeply immigrant communities like my own are shaped by and indebted to the legacies of the civil rights movement. More powerfully, I found that learning about and grappling with the racial history of the United States offers immigrants new modes of consciousness and interconnection, opening up their worlds in powerful ways. Yet the messy work of learning about the nations racial past also requires more painful, uncomfortable and ultimately transformative work: reckoning with our own immigrant communities histories of anti-Blackness. Read more: Op-Ed: Martin Luther King Jr. was a trouble-maker. That's why we need him ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Though the image of King and his visionary words have been foundational to the nations story of redemption and rebirth in the post-civil rights era, a recent Pew survey shows theres a perception gap of the countrys racial progress. While almost 60% of white adults believe there has been progress on racial equality in the last six decades, only 30% of Black adults believe so. But almost half of Latino Americans and Asian Americans polled share white Americans rosier picture of racial progress. The results are unsurprising in light of the long history of pitting immigrants against Black Americans to discredit claims of systemic racism and calls for racial justice. For a scholar and a child of nonwhite immigrants like me, most glaring in the survey is the story that lies within the significant gap between white and Black Americans perceptions of just how far weve come, and how far we have to go. The story of the nonwhite, non-Black immigrants is the story we Californians ought to heed as we witness the anti-democratic politics that creep across the nation and threaten us all. After all, immigrants have the civil rights movement to thank for the legal and cultural infrastructures that would be adopted to enfold Latino and Asian Americans in the multicultural democracy Black Americans fought for. The wave of the minority rights revolution of the 1970s and 1980s that included Latino rights and Asian rights activism was built on the backs of the Black Americans who fought for collective freedom. These immigrant movements would compare themselves to Black Americans as a strategy, claiming they were like Black to make demands that would resonate with the public, to garner the political power necessary to win recognition and political, material and social resources. These movements, however, rarely acknowledged that the Black freedom struggle never ended, and that, in their pursuit of upward mobility, their own communities had excluded and even harmed Black communities. Two decades ago, when labor organizers in Los Angeles began working to raise political consciousness around the exploitation of immigrant workers, they devised an Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride inspired by the civil rights movement's Freedom Rides of 1961. The strategy would draw public attention to immigrant workers rights as civil rights deserving of political protection. Having received the support of Black civil rights leaders, 900 riders boarded 18 buses departing from 10 cities with 100 planned stops, including major sites of civil rights struggles. The ride had a transformative outcome. In learning about and visiting the living histories of the civil rights movement, immigrant activists were better able to see their own experiences of exploitation, discrimination and invisibilization through a new lens. Their lives and collective struggles were interconnected with Black Americans'. Similarly, in June 2018, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim American civil rights organization known as CAIR, embarked on a civil rights tour in Alabama. The monthlong campaign followed 30 Muslim American civil rights leaders and activists from around the country on a tour of symbolic sites significant to the civil rights movement. Through their reflections on social media, Muslim leaders made powerful connections between the present-day violence, surveillance and day-to-day discrimination experienced by Muslim American immigrants and the persistent violence and bravery of Black civil rights activists in the 1960s. They were overcome with emotion when they learned the roots of Muslim history in the United States, one rooted in the experiences of Black enslaved people. And many became more aware of their immigrant communities strategic distance from Black Americans and their buy-in to the model minority identity. Muslim immigrant activists confronted the realities that their communities have also been anti-Black. Through an honest, emergent understanding of their place and complicity in the racial order, Muslim organizers understood that reckoning with the past provided them a bridge for coalition-building with Black Americans. Read more: Op-Ed: How Mexican immigrants ended 'separate but equal' in California Historical reckonings are messy work. They require a commitment to collective reflection and discomfort. Groups have to recognize when defensive postures emerge and examine the roots of their resistance. They must allow for the admission of harm they have caused and a dedication to doing better. Reckonings come with the recognition that change does not come quickly or easily, but with faith and persistence, in the spirit of the ongoing Black freedom struggle. Theres no better place for these reckonings than California, where immigrant histories are diverse and deep, where the work to eradicate anti-Blackness would yield immeasurable gains in forging a wide solidarity politics across race and class among communities. As King wrote in his letter from the Birmingham jail just months before the March on Washington: We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Hajar Yazdiha is a professor of sociology at USC and author of the book The Struggle for the Peoples King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement. @HajYazdiha If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editors note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is the host of SiriusXM radios daily program The Dean Obeidallah Show. Follow him on Threads at www.threads.net/@deanobeidallah. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. On Saturday, three African Americans were shot to death in Jacksonville, Florida, by a young White man who authorities say was motivated by his hatred of Black people. Dean Obeidallah - CNN Armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, the gunman killed the three victims at a Dollar General store before killing himself, according to the Jacksonville sheriff. The gunman used racial slurs and left behind racist manifestos, authorities said. He had been turned away from the campus of Edward Waters University, a historically Black college in the area, a short time earlier. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, left the campaign trail Sunday to return home as his state reeled from the racially motivated shooting and faced a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. In response to the shooting, DeSantis released a video calling the shooting horrific. He denounced the shooter as a scumbag, adding, This shooting was racially motivated. He was targeting people based on their race. That is totally unacceptable. Thats right, but DeSantis must do more than simply denounce this hate-fueled shooting as unacceptable. Given the fact that the GOP holds a supermajority in the Florida Legislature, the governor must champion legislation to address gun violence and the apparent cause of this shooting: White supremacy. And since hes a leading presidential candidate, DeSantis should also be advocating a federal approach to both these issues. A great example of a governor who effectively addressed these two vital issues came after the May 2022 shooting in Buffalo, New York, by a teenaged White supremacist who targeted Black people in a rampage that left 10 people dead. In response, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democratic-controlled state legislature swiftly enacted a sweeping legislative package. The legislation included banning the purchase of semi-automatic rifles by anyone under age 21, closing gun purchase loopholes, strengthening the states red flag laws by expanding the list of people who can file extreme risk protection orders and more. When the legislation was signed in June 2022, Hochul said, Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers wont fix this, but taking strong action will. As to the underlying cause of that Buffalo shooting, White supremacy, Hochul was full-throated in her denunciation of this cancer. The governor called the Buffalo shooting an act of White supremacy terrorism. She also bluntly stated that the most serious threat we face as a nation is White supremacism. Its White nationalism, and its time we confronted it head-on. But Hochul did far more than just denounce the attack. In a lesson DeSantis should follow, she signed an executive order within days establishing a new state entity focused on the threat of domestic terrorism, together with addressing the role social media were playing in spreading hate. The executive order specifically cited the rise in White supremacist and other like-minded terrorist attacks and plots. To back up this commitment, in August 2022, the governor announced that $10 million was being made available to New York City and the states 57 other counties to address the threat of such terrorism. At the time, Hochul declared, In the wake of the horrific White supremacist attack in my hometown of Buffalo, we committed to confronting and eradicating the scourge of domestic terror. That is what leadership looks like. And it is exactly what DeSantis needs to do to show his commitment to address both saving lives from gun violence and the threat posed by White supremacy. Florida saw 3,142 deaths involving a firearm, the third most in the nation, in 2021 the last year statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available. This year alone, Florida has experienced more than 20 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization that defines mass shootings as any in which four or more people are wounded or killed excluding the shooter. And the states gun laws received a C-minus from the advocacy group Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. In contrast, New York scored an A-minus from the center, which ranked that states gun laws as the fourth-strictest in the nation. Florida has also seen an alarming uptick in White supremacist extremism. The Anti-Defamation League released a report last year titled Hate in the Sunshine State, which found extremist incidents involving racial hate and antisemitism rose by 71% between 2020 and 2022. The report detailed that several extremist groups, including the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, are operating in Florida. The racist-fueled shooting in Jacksonville is the perfect time for DeSantis to denounce White supremacy and like Hochul in New York dedicate resources to combating this scourge before more people are killed. When DeSantis is passionate about issues such as his anti-woke agenda that has led to restrictions on the teaching of Black history in Florida he is outspoken and demands legislation be enacted. Its time that he shows the same passion for both saving lives from gun violence and combating the poison of White supremacy. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editors Note: Steven Lubet is the Williams Memorial Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. He is coauthor of Modern Trial Advocacy and has written many other books and articles on legal ethics and law practice. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN. The best defense former President Donald Trump has against his indictment in Washington for multiple conspiracies to defraud the United States as part of the events of January 6, 2021, hinges on his purportedly sincere belief that he actually won the 2020 election. According to the prosecution, Trump and his co-conspirators attempted 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. Steven Lubet - Randy Belice/Northwestern Law The indictment uses the phrase knowingly false another 32 times, underscoring the allegation that Trumps various machinations were all part of a scheme to remain in power through intentional trickery and deceit. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Trump defense lawyer John Lauro, however, told NBC News, among others, that Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, believed in his heart of hearts that he had won that election. We already have a good idea of how the prosecution intends to prove its case at trial. The indictment lists over 100 allegedly false claims and statements by Trump, with times, places and witnesses. And there is no doubt more where that came from. The tougher question is how Trump will respond to such an overwhelming case. Because criminal defendants are not required to produce any evidence at all, with the burden of proof on the prosecution, Trump could, in theory, simply stand mute and rely on his attorney to argue that the prosecution failed to prove that his statements were knowingly false. Given that, Trumps lawyers may well advise him to stay off the witness stand and avoid the risks of cross examination but demure silence is hardly in his nature. Trump has already signaled that he intends to mount an aggressive defense, and he has seldom, if ever, passed up an opportunity to tell his story of persecution by the deep state. Furthermore, Trump himself would be the logical witness to his own innocent beliefs. Testifying, however, would carry many risks for him. To start with, upon voluntarily taking the stand, Trump would waive the Fifth Amendments protection from responding to questions whose answers could be self-incriminating, thus exposing himself to cross examination on every aspect of the charged crimes. He could not refuse to answer questions, as he did over 400 times in a deposition taken in the New York attorney generals civil suit concerning his business practices. (He has denied any wrongdoing in this case as well.) The result would likely be devastating. At a minimum, Trump would be questioned about every false statement alleged in the indictment. If he denied making the claims, there would almost certainly be prosecution witnesses to contradict him. If he maintained that his statements were all true, there will be a mountain of evidence to contradict that. And if he continued to insist that he believed everything he said about alternate electors, finding 11,780 votes in Georgia and Mike Pences authority to reject electoral votes his cascade of denials would soon become self-evidently implausible. Despite his mastery of the debate stage, Trump has already proven to be a poor witness, as was seen in the video of his deposition in E. Jean Carrolls sexual abuse defamation and battery suit. That examination by Carrolls lawyer, conducted with open-ended questions to discover evidence and not as a part of a cross-examination on the witness stand, was actually relatively mild compared to the leading questions Trump can expect under the firm command of a seasoned federal prosecutor. Moreover, having Trump on the stand would aid prosecutors in sketching out a clear narrative of events for jurors. Typically in trials, separate witnesses testify in piecemeal fashion about different events, resulting in a patchwork of evidence that the prosecutors can tie together only in their closing argument at the trials end. In Trumps cross examination, however, the prosecutors would be able to confront him with his false statements one after another, seamlessly telling their entire story of Trumps duplicity in his own words. And in waiving the Fifth Amendment, Trump could potentially face a contempt citation if he persistently refuses to answer particular questions. That would likely lead to what is sometimes politely called an adverse inference by the jurors. Trump himself once drew such an inference, asking, If youre innocent, why are you taking the Fifth? It gets worse. Trump evidently also plans to raise the advice of counsel defense, relying on assurances from his lawyers that his tactics were all lawful and thus negating criminal intent. As Lauro told NPR, He got advice from counsel very, very wise and learned counsel on a variety of constitutional and legal issues. Mounting an advice of counsel defense, for its part, means waiving attorney-client privilege. In other words, John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani and the entire gaggle of crackpot lawyers, as Mike Pence called those who advised Trump, could not claim confidentiality if subpoenaed by the prosecution to testify against their erstwhile client. The lawyers, some of whom have been identified as unindicted co-conspirators, could assert the Fifth Amendment for themselves, but that would just undermine Trumps defense. Moreover, the privilege waiver would also apply to any of the lawyers who confidentially told Trump he had lost the election, making them available to testify against him even over his objection. Trumps lawyers could attempt to establish their clients defense through White House personnel instead, calling them to testify to the innocence of their bosss beliefs. Even assuming there are still employees willing to stand by him, however, Trumps cronies would not exactly be the most convincing witnesses. Furthermore, most such testimony would be generally inadmissible under the definition of the hearsay rule, which prohibits out-of-court statements being supplied in testimony in order prove the truth of the matter asserted. Although there would be a hearsay exception for statements showing Trumps state of mind, that would only allow the witnesses to testify to Trumps actual words. They could not opine on whether he was truthful or sincere. In the end, Trump will have to deal with the key accusation in the indictment: Despite having lost, the Defendant was determined to remain in power. So for more than two months following election day on November 3, 2020, the Defendant spread lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election and that he had actually won. These claims were false, and the Defendant knew they were false. For once in his life, Trump cannot count on talking his way out of it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The developer of hundreds of new Indian Land residences wants a decision on whether the company will have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in school impact fees. NR Property Owners has filed an appeal for The Lodges at Indian Land claiming the company shouldnt have to pay, despite adding more residential units to the plan. The additional units came after the impact fee was established. The county board of zoning appeals will hear the case Aug. 29. Lodges is a 39-acre project at 680 Fort Mill Highway, near Rosemont Drive in Indian Land. Work on new residential construction there began in 2019. In 2021, the county approved a master plan with the developer to allow 137 apartments and 80 townhomes. Last year, the county approved an additional 44 apartments. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Between the master plan approval and the added apartments, the county established impact development fees for the panhandle area. The county informed the developer fees wouldnt be charged on the first set of residences, but would be charged on the 44 apartments approved after fees were set up. In April, the developer submitted amended civil plans for the project and was told by county staff that impact fee payments must be paid to get permits. The developer asked for information on impact fees and whether the company would have to pay them. The county rule finalized in September of 2021 sets school impact fees at roughly $8,200 per single-family home and $8,700 per apartment. At those rates, an additional 44 apartments would cost more than $380,000. A fire service impact fee on those same units, at about $1,200 each, would add another $55,000. In June, the developer paid the fees under protest. In July, the developer paid more than $60,000 for public safety and recreation impact fees that were on the books prior to the school and fire fees. The developer received permits for five new apartment buildings. Determining impact on schools Attorney Dan Ballou, representing the property owner, has appealed the county decision to charge impact fees on the new apartments. In the appeal, Ballou argues the school impact fees are based on unit count but dont account for the size of residences, and size better indicates the impact on schools. Despite more units with this project, the development still has the same total number of bedrooms, Ballou wrote. So fees shouldnt be assessed, he argues. School impact fees should account for the unit mix and the number of bedrooms to gauge impact to the school system, Ballou wrote. County rules dont break down homes or apartments by bedroom count. Instead, they list fees based on the total number of residential units. Ballou also takes issue with the timing of payments. Impact fees typically are charged at the beginning of construction, when construction permits are pulled by county staff. By charging them up front in this case, Ballou argues, theres no accounting for the more than 200 units approved before the new impact fees were established. Permits should be released for units approved before impact fees were established, and then the charges should come for the new ones, Ballou argues. Lodges construction The payment under protest plan allows the developer to build on what is a visibaly active construction site. Yet there have been challenges. Earlier this year, a lack of water and sewer service on site caused a construction delays. Water pressure wasnt up to typical development standards. The developer and county came up with an unorthodox compromise. The county would allow construction on buildings within hose reach of a fire hydrant. With two hydrants on the property, that plan essentially allowed work on front and corner areas but not on the back middle section. Remaining areas would have to wait on increased water pressure. Permits have been issued so far for five buildings containing 30 units. Meeting demands of growth Development impact fees are a popular tool among area counties, cities, towns and school districts. The concept is growth pays for growth, by setting charges on new construction to help pay for schools, police, fire, recreation or other needs in growing communities. Lancaster County set up fees for its sheriffs office, fire service, recreation and EMS as of Oct. 1, 2021. They apply from just north of Lancaster up to the northern tip of Indian Land, at the Charlotte and Ballantyne line with North Carolina. The county set up a school impact fee for the Indian Land panhandle, a slightly smaller area, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Fees vary by area and category. They also vary by land use. A new fast food restaurant wouldnt pay the same cost as a new home, for instance. In the first nine months of EMS, fire, recreation and sheriffs office fees, Lancaster County collected almost $75,000 combined to help fund those services. In the first six months of school fees, the county collected almost $140,000. LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 11: People shop and work in Santee Ally as covid numbers rise and masks may soon be mandatory again in LA County on Monday, July 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Coronavirus cases are continuing to rise locally and across the nation. Experts say travel, the back-to-school season and new Omicron subvariants are the likely culprits. New outbreaks have been reported in Los Angeles Countys nursing homes, and one Hollywood studio temporarily imposed a mask mandate after several employees were infected. Experts say the numbers remain low but are urging caution. The pandemic isnt over," Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego, said in a recent blog post. Los Angeles County In Los Angeles County, COVID-19 levels have risen for the fifth consecutive week. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Coronavirus-positive hospitalizations have been increasing in L.A. County. For the week that ended Aug. 19, there were an average of 422 such patients in hospitals per day, a nearly 30% increase from the prior week. Coronavirus levels in county wastewater are at about 28% of the peak from last winter, during the regions last significant spike. That concentration has been increasing since early July, when coronavirus levels were at about 8% of the winter peak. Read more: With coronavirus on the upswing in California, new vaccine coming sooner than expected While hospitalizations are increasing, the current levels are still far lower than what was seen in 2022 during the summer peak, when there was an average of 1,287 COVID patients hospitalized each day, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said. There were 39 new coronavirus outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities in L.A. County for the most recent week of data available, up from 20 the prior week. While resulting hospitalizations and deaths among skilled nursing facility residents are lower than at other points during the pandemic, nonetheless, increased transmission of COVID-19 at nursing homes carries heightened risk for frail elderly, officials said. One studio's experience A mask mandate was imposed on employees at Lionsgate headquarters in Santa Monica. The policy change came after several employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal memo. The change requires employees on two floors to wear a medical-grade face covering when indoors, unless actively eating, drinking or alone. In L.A. County, workplaces, hospitals and other indoor settings with crowds of people are required to mask up when outbreaks occur, according to the Department of Public Health. Read more: COVID-19 is 'heating up all around' this summer. Should we be wearing masks again? The big picture Nationally, there were 12,613 weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations for the week that ended Aug. 12 double the number from the start of this summer, but just one-third the level at this time last year. Areas of the country that are seeing particularly notable increases in new weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations are in the South, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. In California, there were 1,930 new weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations for the week that ended Aug. 12. Thats more than a 60% increase from the start of summer but still relatively low historically. Read more: With coronavirus uptick, should I get a COVID shot? When are new vaccines available? What the experts are saying Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a UC San Francisco infectious-disease expert, said many people who have been infected with the coronavirus this summer did not require hospitalization, likely because they were vaccinated, had been previously infected or both. Even those who have been hospitalized generally require shorter stays than earlier in the pandemic, he said. Still, hospitalized patients tend to be older and havent received a COVID-19 booster shot in the past year meaning they are not considered up to date. Topol described the recent increase in transmission as a wavelet that could pick up steam but is more likely related to waning immunity and behavior than the latest subvariants. The fact that the inexorable evolution of the virus continues to find new hosts and repeat hosts cannot be ignored, he wrote. At the moment theres no reason for alarm. ... What well see in the weeks ahead is whether [variant] BA.2.86 takes hold or not. If it does, that will pose a new challenge, and make the updated booster shots considerably less helpful than what was conceived when XBB.1.5 was selected as the target, Topol wrote. 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. With kids heading back to school, there are new concerns about how much time theyre spending and what theyre seeing on social media sites. A nationwide survey just highlighted how damaging these apps could be to kids mental health. Its her face superimposed onto Emmett Tills body being hung from a tree. It is her in a coffin, like her face superimposed on someone in a coffin with the KKK behind her, said Laquanta Bivens-Hernandez, a Texas mother. Laquanta Bivens-Hernandez is describing one of several racist images cyberbullies made of her daughter when she was just in 8th grade. She said these images were shared on TikTok and Instagram. Bivens-Hernandez said her daughter was out of school for weeks and worked with a counselor for the ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I was worried about suicide attempts, you know, different things because that does affect children mentally. Bivens-Hernandez along with ParentsTogether, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Psychological Association, Fairplay and Design It For Us are calling on social media companies to take action. This month, those groups collectively sent letters to Snap, Meta, Google, TikTok and X, formerly known as Twitter. It outlines their concerns about the potential harm of these apps. How are things like that getting through - the algorithms and all those things, said Bivens-Hernandez. How are we protecting the children? The groups are also recommending several changes like eliminating endless scrolling and suspending push notifications to students during the school day and at night. They can do this now. They dont have to wait for regulation. Thats what parents and teachers are saying together, said Randi Weingarten , President of the American Federation of Teachers. The Washington News Bureau reached out to all of these apps. Snap sent this following statement: As a messaging service for real friends, we care deeply about protecting teens from the ills of traditional social media platforms. Snapchat doesnt encourage popularity or stranger contact, and we dont broadly distribute unmoderated public content, which helps prevent the discovery of potentially harmful material. Earlier this summer, Meta announced new tools for parents and teens. This includes showing parents how much time teens spend on Messenger. It also started notifying teens when theyve spent 20 minutes on Facebook as a prompt to take a break. But teachers believe more protections are desperately needed. How many times are kids going to get cyberbullied? How many issues around potential suicide? How much is too much where somebody says enough? And I would say we have far reached that point, said Weingarten. A man shows the damage of a house destroyed by bombs dropped by U.S. forces in Hesarak District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2023. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua) JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nazar Gul, an Afghan doctor respected by households far and near his village, was killed during a bombing by U.S. forces in 2019. Until now, one of his patients still keeps the medicine Gul had prescribed before his death as a memorial from the deceased hero. "Everyone feels his absence in our village," said Haji Sharif Khan, Gul's elder brother, also a resident of the Naserkhil village of Hesarak District in east Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province. Khan recalled that his brother treated 150 to 200 patients daily. "Gul used to go to the clinic from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. After lunch, he would go to his private clinical office for another round of examinations of his patients until evening." Gul used to work for a government-funded clinic called "Adda Institution" and ran a personal clinic office near his village. The attack hit the village at around 3 a.m. on March 9, 2019, according to Khan. "A bomb was dropped on their house, and a kid shouted, 'They hit my uncle.' Hearing this, Mrs. Gul and her children hurried to the bombarded room," Khan said, adding that they were heartbroken when they found the body of Gul. Khan said everyone in the village stayed home with extreme fear, "no one dared to see what happened," and neighbors did not come out until morning prayers. "About six planes came for bombardment from three sides, which continued for over three hours. M4 ammunition, helicopters, jets and even B-52 aircraft were included in this attack," he said. Thirteen people, including Gul and his five daughters, were killed in this airstrike. Their bodies are now buried in the village, Khan told Xinhua. Khan's family is still living in three rooms of the old house that belonged to his deceased brother, and some of the family members moved to the provincial capital of Jalalabad. "No one has even asked about our condition, and no humanitarian organization helped and assisted us," said Khan. "The United States has oppressed the whole land of Afghanistan with its plans and programs." In 2017 the U.S. military relaxed its rules of engagement for airstrikes in Afghanistan, which resulted in a dramatic increase in civilian casualties, according to a report named Costs of War conducted by the Brown University. From the last year of the Obama administration (2016) to the last full year of recorded data during the Trump administration (2020), the number of civilians killed by U.S.-led airstrikes in Afghanistan increased by 330 percent, the report noted. "They (The U.S. forces) killed a two-and-half-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl and another one-and-half-year-old girl. What was the crime of those innocent children?" Khan said. A man shows the damage of a house destroyed by bombs dropped by U.S. forces in Hesarak District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2023. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua) A man walks past a house destroyed by bombs dropped by U.S. forces in Hesarak District of Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, July 30, 2023. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua) SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO) People across South Dakota are rallying behind a family facing a difficult situation described as a parents worst nightmare. Charlie Murano is 15 months old and recently was diagnosed with PNET, a rare, aggressive form of cancer that attacks the brain. Now the family is doing what they can to Fight for Charlie. Its been the longest and the fastest two weeks of our life, said Charlies mother, Abby Murano. Abby and Joel Murano and their son Max, welcomed the newest member of their family, Charlie, in May of last year. Charlie was always the happiest-go-lucky kid, he, he was the easy baby. He was the baby that slept through the night at two months. And he just always had this like calming and just really enjoyable personality, Abby told Nexstars KELO. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement NASCAR driver awake, alert and mobile following terrifying crash at Daytona But a few weeks ago, the Muranos began to notice Charlie displaying signs of paralysis. After doctors did scans of his brain, they found rapidly progressing tumors attacking his brain and spinal cord. Charlie was diagnosed with PNET, a rare aggressive cancer. Cancer in Charlies age group is very rare in and of itself. And were being told that its very possible that the type of cancer that Charlie has, he may be the only child diagnosed with that in his age group this year, said Joel. This is definitely a parents worst nightmare. When we learned that it was rare, and things were elevated very quickly. You know, we prepared ourselves for that. And this was just harder than we could have ever imagined, Abby said. For the last two weeks, the family has been at the Sanford Childrens Hospital, where little Charlie has been undergoing radiation treatments. The radiation treatment seemed to be easing the pain and discomfort that was associated with the pressure on his brain and spinal cord. Every day, he keeps getting incrementally better and regaining his functions and his abilities, Joel explained. While this experience has been difficult, the Muranos said the support they have received from doctors, family and the community has been remarkable. Former Navy SEAL who claims he killed Osama bin Laden arrested: report Now we have a diagnosis, a preliminary diagnosis, and we have a plan to fight this, Abby told KELO. And were very optimistic with all the support and the love and the prayers. And we have faith that Charlies gonna get through this. The Murano family plans to continue Charlies treatment at the Fairview Childrens Hospital in Minnesota. Joels brother Doug started a GoFundMe to raise funds for the family. It has since raised more than $42,000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. The last time Karen Garcia saw her sister Mara seven years ago, she accompanied her sibling to dialysis treatments during a trip home to her native Venezuela. But months after the visit, Mara, a renal failure patient who needed a kidney transplant, died from an infection. Her sister didnt get the life-saving antibiotics she needed, said Garcia, who has lived in the United States for over two decades and wasnt able to go home and say goodbye to Mara. She didnt have much of a future in Venezuela, but there was no way to get her out, she said. In early 2022 Garcias father, Edgar, contracted COVID-19. Garcia feared what could happen to him or her brother in Venezuela, where many still struggle to receive necessary medical attention and die as a result. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I didnt want to go through that pain and desperation again. The hospitals are a disaster, she said. But legally there was no way to bring them. And I thought, Theres nothing more we can do. Then in October, the Biden administration announced a parole process that allows Venezuelans to come to the United States on humanitarian grounds. Garcia quickly applied to sponsor her father and brother. They joined her in Orlando before Christmas. Garcias brother, Jose, now works in a Puerto Rican restaurant. Her father braved a relocation to a new country in his late 80s. Edgar reunited with a son he hadnt seen in 20 years and spent time with three granddaughters he had never met. Hes gotten to know his newborn great-grandchild through Garcias late sister. On the day he arrived, he scribbled a heart and wrote in black thin letters in his journal: We arrived to the land of the free!! Hes so happy about being here. Hes grateful for the mere fact of having water, electricity, air conditioning, food, said Garcia about her dad, Its a matter of survival. About giving him dignity. In January of this year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expanded the humanitarian parole to also include Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua. Florida is home to almost 974,000 Cubans, nearly 342,000 Haitians, almost 105,000 Nicaraguans, and about 264,000 Venezuelans who were all born in their home countries, according to 2021 data from the US Census Bureau. For many residents of the state where three-quarters of its 4.6 million foreign-born population hail from Latin America and the Caribbean the Biden administration program has opened a new avenue for people to bring loved ones from the four countries to the U.S. Several Florida-based sponsors and beneficiaries told the Miami Herald that the new parole processes have expanded their previously limited, slow-moving options to reunite with family members, sometimes after years of separation, and offer them safety, medical care and economic opportunity. For Garcias family and for many applicants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela, where American consular services have been extremely limited or nonexistent the last few years the fact that the parole program application is fully online has been a way to circumvent the need to go to an in-country embassy. But uncertainty looms over the programs future as a federal trial wraps up in Texas. The governors of 21 Republican-led states, including Texas and Florida, sued to have the program declared unlawful. The states have argued to U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton that Homeland Security did not have the authority to create the program, which they say will irreparably harm their states by incurring costs to support the new arrivals. A ruling from the judge is not expected until after late September. Garcia has no family left in Venezuela, but said she wont stop supporting the program. I want all the people who are living elsewhere and have people who can bring them to live the blessing we are living right now, to have their people nearby and be able to provide for them. And knowing that if they get sick, they can get the help they need, she said. Homeland Security launched the parole programs to curb irregular migration from the four countries to the U.S.-Mexico border as well as the flow of Haitian and Cuban boats to South Florida and Puerto Ricos shores. More than 181,000 people from the four countries arrived in the United States as of the end of July through the program. Meanwhile, border authorities saw an 89% drop in weekly encounters with Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians during the first six months of this year, according to agency statistics. The government caps the amount of people who can come in through the program at 30,000 a month. But the humanitarian parole processes have generated high interest, and some who applied in January are waiting to hear back about their travel approvals. There were at least 1.5 million sponsorship applications, according to a CBS News report from May. To kick off the application process, potential beneficiaries first must have a sponsor fill out paperwork committing to financially supporting them during the two-year parole. Then they must pass background checks and medical exams and submit information to Customs and Border Protection. The agency decides whether to approve the potential beneficiary for travel to the United States. When cleared for travel, parolees are responsible for their own airfare and must arrive by plane within 90 days. Once they arrive, CBP determines whether they can enter the country under the parole program, which also gives beneficiaries work eligibility. The Biden administration has not yet said what will happen to the lawful status of beneficiaries after the two-year period expires. The U.S. government was expected to finish its closing statements in court on Friday. Talia Inlender, Deputy Director at UCLAs Center for Immigration and Law Policy, one of the organizations representing sponsors in the case, told reporters shortly after trial ended on Thursday that they were defending the freedom to welcome. Until the judge makes a ruling, sponsors and beneficiaries in Florida will live in uncertainty about what the case could mean for them and the future of the program. Alisa Pereira on the day she arrived to the United States from Managua as a beneficiary in the Biden administration parole process for Nicaragua. Alisa Pereira, a 27-year-old beneficiary of the program living in Miami, is among them. Pereira received a scholarship from the prestigious University of Central America, a Jesuit-run private university in Managua, Nicaragua, where she graduated with a business administration degree. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega seized the university this month. But despite her academic preparation, she could not find a job that could develop her career or a salary that could keep her afloat. I never wanted to risk my life and reach the border in an illegal way, she said, This is an opportunity I could have never imagined. Before the parole program, she said her options included waiting for her aunt, a U.S. citizen who has lived here for more than 30 years, to petition a green card for her mother. And then her mother could have in turn petitioned for Pereira. But green card processes can take years to complete, leaving people in limbo. Pereira came to the U.S. in February, after her mothers sister offered to sponsor and house her. Now in South Florida, shes working in a childrens care center. Her aunt is helping her study English and get settled in the United States. Pereira said that other people from her neighborhood and her city have also come to South Florida through relatives and friends. Now, Pereira and her relatives are evaluating whether her parents and her brother could come to the U.S. through the parole program too. I worry for Nicaragua, my friends and my family. I hope to God I can reunite with them through this program, she said. And I hope it happens in the not too distant future. But the specter of the federal court case in Texas looms large over Pereiras hopes to bring her immediate family. For me, this lawsuit could end the possibility of reuniting with my family in this free country. And for me, it means uncertainty, because I dont know what will happen to me if this program ends, she said. Gerard Straub and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Jean-Louis Straub, 34, met at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, after she had been forced to leave her hospital job just outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti, because of gangs blocking the roads. She asked Straub for a job at Santa Chiara Childrens Center, the orphanage he runs out of Haitis capital. Straub had a couple of nurses, but he needed a doctor. She began to work three nights a week. Gerard Straub at the Santa Chiara Childrens Center, the orphanage he runs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Shortly after, Gerard contracted a serious case of COVID-19 that left him bedridden. A group of Missionaries of Charity, nuns who follow Mother Theresa, arranged oxygen for him. I could hardly move, I could hardly breathe, and I said, well this is it, But I kind of said to God, Well, Im ready, but what about the children? said Gerard Straub, who is 76. Jean-Louis Straub was able to find doctors and nursed Straub back to health. The pair slowly became friends and married in December 2021. Now they live together in the orphanage, taking care of 45 children and teenagers with the support of a staff of 40. Most of the kids are from Cite Soleil, the largest slum in Haiti. Its this oasis of peace and love in the middle of a sea of complete despair, said Straub. We teach the kids non-violence. Straub survived an abduction attempt in January. But despite the violence and insecurity that plague Port-au-Prince, the couple doesnt want to leave. They have dozens of children to take care of. The Haitian government gave him custody of seven children who now have his last name, he said. They just built a new dorm for the older girls and are in the process of fundraising for construction a new schoolhouse for their center because its too dangerous to leave. But he spends one week in the U.S each month to handle work for the orphanage and to take care of his medical needs. He wants his wife to be able to travel with him so she can offer him the support he needs and so they can resolve their immigration woes. But when they went to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti to petition for a tourist visa so Jean-Louis Straub could come with him to Fort Pierce, it was closed because of gang violence, said Straub. I dont want to leave Haiti forever... I want to go back and forth with my husband, said Jean-Louis Straub. Dr. Stephanie Jean-Louis Straub with some of the girls from the Santa Chiara Childrens Center Straub and his wife completed the application process for Jean-Louis Straubs parole in February. But they still havent heard from the federal government about when she will receive her approval to travel to the U.S. We just want to stay unified, stay together, said Straub. I dont know what we would do. It would be devastating if this thing is canceled. A passenger on a Delta flight that had a layover in Atlanta earlier this month says her dog was lost by the airline's staff after she was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The passenger, Paula Rodriguez, posted in a Facebook group called "Atlanta Area Lost and Found Pets" with a plea for help after she said she lost her dog on Aug. 18. "For 2 straight days I have not received any information whatsoever on her whereabouts, and just today I received info from Delta that she escaped her kennel on the airport ramp and that airport staff was looking for her," Rodriguez wrote on Aug. 21, sharing a photo of her dog, Maia. Rodriguez asked Atlanta-area shelters to keep an eye out for her dog, and asked members of the Facebook group for suggestions. "I am truly desperate and every minute counts," she said. The post got more than 1,000 shares and the story gained national attention when Rodriguez said on CNN this weekend that her dog was still missing. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Rodriguez, who said she was flying to San Francisco from the Dominican Republic with a layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, claims her tourist visa wasn't approved by border officials and she had to spend the night at a detention center as she awaited the next flight back home. Her dog, she says, was not allowed to stay with her at the center, and a Delta agent took the pet. She claims staff told her the dog would be waiting at the gate for her the next day, but that wasn't the case. "I asked everyone I told them I needed time to locate her, that she was sick and I wanted to clean her kennel, and they said, 'Let's go to the gate, she should be there,'" Rodriguez told CNN. She said the gate staff tried to locate Maia, and she even got rebooked on the next flight so she could wait until they found the dog but that never happened. Rodriguez says she has "filed every claim possible" and received a call from a Delta representative two days after Maia went missing. "He said that she was being transported [to the plane] on the runway, and staff had opened her kennel, and she had got out of the car and escaped into the middle of the runway," she told CNN. In an email to CBS News, a Delta representative confirmed the dog escaped her carrier "while teams were transporting the pet in the operations area outside of terminal buildings," but she would have otherwise been returned to Rodriguez before her Customs and Border Protection-mandated flight. The representative confirmed U.S. Customs and Border Patrol does not allow cabin pets those who traveled on the plane in a carrier under the seat at their detention facility. "Delta people are heartbroken over what this customer and her family are going through. Delta remains in contact with her as we continue to keep all eyes and ears open for her dog," the representative said in a statement. Delta has been searching around-the-clock for the dog, even using night-vision goggles, the representative said. Notices about the dog have been placed in the airport and at local animal shelters, and communities have been asked to look out for the dog. Rodriguez told CNN her mother flew to Atlanta to represent her as the search for her dog continues. The Delta spokesperson said the airline has been in constant communication with Rodriguez and has given her mother "complimentary hosting," including access to the airfield so she can assist with search efforts. The specifics of how and why the dog went missing are still being investigated, Delta said. Library of Congress marks 60 years since March on Washington Where U.S. election safety stands ahead of 2024 How will Trump balance campaign duties with busy legal schedule? NEW YORK (AP) Artificial intelligence has been the buzzword of 2023 ever since ChatGPT made its public debut earlier this year, with businesses, schools, universities and even non-profits looking for ways to integrate AI in their operations. John Kim, chief product officer for PayPal, spoke with The Associated Press about how the company is using the early proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies in its business, as well as PayPal's future in payments when there's so much competition. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: How have security issues changed since youve been in this role or similar roles? How much more complicated or sophisticated are threats or opportunities to protect customer data? A: One way you you can put it is that the fraud is a pretty big business, it's growing and getting more sophisticated by the day. It used to be that you would get, lets say, an email sent to you and youd find something off about it, right? Like theres a misspelling and you think "Gosh, I dont see this person misspelling this common thing" or the email seems to imply that it doesn't have a deep understanding of who I am. Then it became voices over the phone trying to convince you to do something. Now people can create whole identities using AI. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Q: How are you integrating AI into the work youre doing? Where do you see the most promise for AI in payments? A: We're planning on launching three new products with ties to AI in the next 120 days. For example, we have a checkout feature we are rolling out that uses AI to keep track of all the permutations of your addresses and personal information that you might use, and use AI to predict the right one to use with the right merchant. We currently try to detect unusual patterns for example, patterns where fraudsters are trying to test your stolen card out to see if it's good or not and alert you through the PayPal wallet so you can get that card shut down with your bank quickly. But detecting these patterns can get really complicated, and the patterns can change on the fly, so AI we believe will help us anticipate these changes and keep us ahead. Q: But on that same point, where do you think AI is being oversold in some ways, or where do you think that the use case in your industry isnt really there quite yet? A: I think AI has captured a lot of people's imaginations this year. It's made its way to boardrooms, into stores, every product conversation. Some people have been skeptical, and I think some skepticism is healthy. For example, we want to use AI to increase our chatbots' capability to engage with customers, but how much do we invest in such technology which can be expensive to develop and run when a customer service agent could do it better? Cost is going to be a massive issue. But in this short timetable since ChatGPT launched in March, I think you can't dismiss any claim you hear about AI at the moment because it's moving so fast. Q: A lot of competition has entered into the payments space in the last several years. Apple Pay. Google Pay. Buy now, pay later. PayPal is the oldest company in the online payments industry. What challenges have there been in trying to differentiate PayPal from the competition? A: PayPal really was a one-of-a-kind company for much of the early part of its life. So back then it was really about just getting scale. You didnt really have to sell the value proposition. But now we really have to focus on the value proposition. Customers every day choose how they wish to pay for things, so you need to provide value above just being a method to pay, like security and fraud protection, or letting people now they are fully protected while at the same time making us the easiest way to pay. Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence is introduced at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Less than 24 hours before Donald J. Trump was to be "proudly" arrested, booked, finger printed and have his mug shot taken at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta (in primetime!), eight of the Republicans gathered for the Fox News debate in Milwaukee. We are going to take a brief moment to talk about the elephant, not in the room, co-moderator Bret Baier said, acknowledging Trump, who ducked the debate. They were then asked to raise their hands if they would support Trump as the GOP nominee if he is convicted on any of the 91 criminal charges he now faces. Six of the eight candidates raised their hands including former vice president Mike Pence with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looking down the line to see who else would. Others raising their hands included South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott , former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley , biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum . Two other former governors, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Chris Christie of New Jersey didn't. Watching Pence raise his hand was a surreal moment. He has spent most of his life aspiring for the presidency. Last March at the Reagan Library, Pence had said of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, President Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable. Make no mistake about it, what happened that day was a disgrace. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A disgrace. Howey: Trump and Hoosier Republicans? Well, its complicated It used to be in American history that anyone who acted in a disgraceful manner would be disqualified for the highest office of the land. In a column Pence wrote during the era of President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, the future Indiana governor and vice president had said, If you and I fall into bad moral habits, we can harm our families, our employers and our friends. The President of the United States can incinerate the planet. Seriously, the very idea that we ought to have at or less than the same moral demands placed on the Chief Executive that we place on our next door neighbor is ludicrous and dangerous. Throughout our history, we have seen the presidency as the repository of all of our highest hopes and ideals and values," Pence continued. "To demand less is to do an injustice to the blood that bought our freedoms. Christie seemed to be equivocating, seemingly half raising his hand. Asked by the moderators to clarify, Christie said, "Heres the bottom line. Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct. Whether or not you believe the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States. Christies remarks were met with boos as well as some cheers and whistling by the Milwaukee audience. From left, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy joke with one another during a commercial break at at the first Republican presidential debate on Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. Christie said during the debate that Pence deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure. At a later point in the debate, DeSantis was asked whether Pence was right to reject Trumps pressure campaign to overturn the 2020 presidential election. DeSantis deflected, complaining about the weaponization of the Department of Justice. Howey: Indiana is becoming an abortion restriction island Pence wouldn't let him off the hook. The American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day. Theres no more important duty, so answer the question, he said. Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, DeSantis said. Christie mocked DeSantis's answer, adding, Pence deserves not grudging credit; he deserves our thanks as Americans. Other candidates agreed. Absolutely, he did the right thing, said U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley added, "I do think Mike Pence did the right thing." North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum agreed, adding, "Mike Pence did the right thing on January 6th. Hutchinson went further, citing a recent analysis by conservative legal scholars William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulson both members of the Federalist Society who say the Jan. 6, 2021, rebellion disqualifies Trump under the 14th Amendment, arguing the section is still in effect and is ready for use, by state officials who can bar Trump from the ballot. (From left) Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence, Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence, Republican presidential candidate Florida governor Ron DeSantis, Republican presidential candidate Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate former former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, and Republican presidential candidate North Dakota governor Doug Burgum are itake the podiums at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. - Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The bottom line is that Donald Trump both engaged in insurrection or rebellion and gave aid or comfort to others engaging in such conduct, within the original meaning of those terms as employed in Section Three of the 14th Amendment. If the public record is accurate, the case is not even close, Baude and Paulson wrote. He is no longer eligible to the office of Presidency, or any other state or federal office covered by the Constitution. Hutchinson said during the debate that Trump could even be disqualified under the 14th Amendment from being president again as a result of the insurrection. The question facing Mike Pence, who has called Trump's actions leading up to Jan. 6 "a disgrace," is how he could then support the former president should he win the GOP nomination. Brian Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and Twitter @hwypol. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Howey: How can Pence still back Trump as GOP nominee for president? Pennsylvania State Police has removed the college credit requirement for people who want to serve as state troopers. Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the decision on Monday. Policing is [a] noble profession, and this is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation. We need to show those who want to serve that this door of opportunity is open and we want you on our team, said Governor Josh Shapiro. Our State Police Academy trains highly capable public servants who work hard to make our communities safer. Our Administration has worked to emphasize skills and experience in Commonwealth hiring practices, and now the PSP have dropped the college credit requirement for state troopers to empower those who want to serve their community and open even more doors for Pennsylvanians to chart their own course and succeed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Previously, 60 college credits were required for applicants. Leaders believe waiving this requirement on a trial basis will help attract more candidates. Filling the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police with women and men dedicated to serving the people of Pennsylvania is of utmost importance, said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. The elimination of the college credit requirement will open the door to a rewarding career for many who would make exemplary troopers but would not have otherwise had the opportunity. Applicants must be at least 20 years old when applying and must be between ages 21 and 40 when they enter the training academy. Cadets must be Pennsylvania residents and have a valid drivers license at the time of graduation. For more information, click here. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 high school students killed, 1 person critically injured in Braddock shooting Earthquake felt in Western Pennsylvania, residents report Homicide investigation underway after male found with apparent gunshot wound in Pittsburgh home VIDEO: The Give Back: Hairstylists give free back-to-school cuts at East Liberty salon DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Pa. Pressroom is a regular recap of politics in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. To submit tips and news leads, contact USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania state capital bureau reporter Bruce Siwy at bsiwy@gannett.com or on X at @BruceSiwy. Pennsylvanians insured individually and through small-group markets can expect rates to increase by an average of 4.2 and 4.1%, respectively, in 2024. Companies offering these health insurance plans are required to file proposed rates with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department for review and approval before plans are sold. State officials, meanwhile, estimate that 100,000 or more residents are missing out on significant savings by not purchasing their plans through Pennie, the state's public-private marketplace. Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley said Pennie can provide subsidized plans to those not covered by Medicare or Medicaid and making less than 400% of the federal poverty level, which is about $54,000 a year for an individual. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "We have people who are paying full price for regular market plans who could be getting reduced rates if they went through Pennie," Trolley said. "What we find is that nine in 10 people who enroll are receiving lower premiums, and in total one in four are paying less than $30 per month." Open enrollment at pennie.com is Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. General rate changes, meanwhile, remain under review by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, which has authority to reject "inadequate, excessive or discriminatory" proposals. Insurance Commissioner Mike Humphreys said this year's increase requests are below the rate of medical inflation and are less than what was seen last year. The public comment period on proposed rate changes is set to close Sept. 8. Feedback can be emailed to ra-in-comment@pa.gov. "There's really push and pull every year," Humphreys said. "We'll push on assumptions." Proposals include: Capital Advantage Assurance Co. , average rate request of 7.9%. Cigna Health and Life Insurance Co. , average rate request of 13.1%. Geisinger Health Plan , average rate request of 7.3%. Geisinger Quality Options , average rate request of 7.1%. Highmark Benefits Group Inc. , average rate request of 13.2%. Highmark Coverage Advantage Inc. , average rate request of 9.9%. Highmark Inc. , average rate request of 11.2%. Independence Blue Cross , average rate request of -2.7%. Keystone Health Plan Central , average rate request of -0.3%. Keystone Health Plan East Inc. , average rate request of -3.5%. Oscar Health Plan of Pennsylvania Inc. , average rate request 6.8%. Pennsylvania Health & Wellness Inc. , average rate request of 2.3%. UPMC Health Coverage Inc., average rate request of 7.6%. UPMC Health Options Inc., average rate request of 6.2%. Rate filings for 2024 health insurance plans were sent to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department in May. The final approved rates are scheduled to be announced in the fall. Inside the Beltway An Erie County union strike is increasingly attracting attention, all the way up to the halls of Congress. On Aug. 17, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) urged Wabtec company leaders and workers with UE Local 506 to reach an agreement to end a two-month impasse at the Lawrence Park Township plant. Wabtec employs more than 2,000 people and has built locomotives in the community for more than a century. "It is important to remember that nobody can get everything they want from a negotiation," Kelly said in a news statement. "I believe it's not the government's role to involve itself in union negotiations. But I also believe it is in the best interest of Erie's economy, Western Pennsylvania, and the 1,400 families impacted by these negotiations for all parties to reach a deal as soon as possible." United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 506 in Erie has been on strike at Wabtec since June 22. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman rallied on behalf of the laborers in Erie on Aug. 21. He told the crowd, "One of the most amazing and powerful things ever invented is called a union." As result of the strike, business leaders at the local and state level have warned that the company may close the plant and shift operations to a facility in Texas. "A plant shutdown would lead to an immediate domino effect on local businesses that rely on the patronage of the 1,400 union workers and their families," James Grunke, CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, wrote in a column for the Erie Times-News. "From small shops and restaurants to service providers and suppliers, the livelihoods of countless other families hang in the balance." The union's most recent proposal seeks a 4% raise, followed by increases of 3.5%, 3% and 3.5%. Wabtec's last offer provides a 3.4% raise in the first year and a $3,000 bonus on ratification. This proposal calls for two more wage increases of 2.5%, each as well as another $2,000 lump sum later in the contract. And the horse race Another Republican contender is lining up to tackle one of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable members of Congress. State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) announced in July his challenge to U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) in the 7th Congressional District. Politics PA lists Wild among the three congressional incumbents in Pennsylvania most susceptible to defeat. Mackenzie has served in the state House of Representatives since 2012 and was appointed by former President Donald Trump to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Local Government Advisory Committee and the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Makenzie joins a GOP field that includes Maria Montero and Kevin Dellicker. Montero is a lawyer who served in former Gov. Tom Corbett's administration, while Dellicker is a veteran and business owner who lost his bid for the office last year by falling in the Republican primary to Lisa Scheller. Wild beat Scheller in both 2020 and 2022, by 4 and 2 points, respectively. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: PA residents urged to use Pennie amid 2024 health insurance proposals The Pentagon is about to make a huge bet that it can field thousands of autonomous systems within two years an attempt to use technological innovation to counter Chinas much larger stockpile of traditional weapons. The ambitious effort, named Replicator, will be spearheaded by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks , who previewed the push in an interview. Hicks will formally announce the initiative Monday in a speech at the National Defense Industrial Association's Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference. China, China, China: Hicks said the time is right to push to rapidly scale up innovative technology. The move comes as the U.S. looks to get creative to deter China in the Indo-Pacific and Pentagon leadership has taken stock of how Ukraine has fended off Russia's invasion. "Industry is ready. The culture is ready to shift," Hicks said. "We have to drive that from the top, and we need to give it a hard target." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The great paradox of military innovation is you're going to have to make big bets and you've got to execute on those bets, she added. The plan: With Replicator, the Pentagon aims to have thousands of autonomous systems across various domains produced and delivered in 18 to 24 months. Hicks declined to discuss what specific platforms might be produced under the program such as aerial drones or unmanned ships citing the competition landscape in the defense industry as well as concerns about tipping DOD's hand to China. The Pentagon will instead "say more as we get to production on capabilities." Why now: The Pentagon is pushing to counter threats posed by China in the Pacific amid concerns that Beijing may accrue the military might needed to invade Taiwan before the decade is out. Defense leaders are also fighting an arduous battle to quickly ramp up the industrial base to replenish military inventories of missiles and other weapons that have been sent to Ukraine, but that could also be of use in a China-Taiwan conflict. Why this tech: Autonomous weapons are seen as a potential way to counter China's numerical advantages in ships, missiles and troops in a rapidly narrowing window. Fielding large numbers of cheap, expendable drones, proponents argue, is faster and lower-cost than exquisite weapons systems and puts fewer troops at risk. Rinse, repeat: Another major aim of the Replicator initiative is to provide a template for future efforts to rapidly field military technology. She said lessons from the Replicator program could be applied throughout the Pentagon, military services and combatant commands. "The pieces that work well, they can be replicated throughout the department where they see what we've been able to do," Hicks said. "So if it's cutting years off of a process because we've got the standards figured out and right. If it's because there's a lack of communication between two components and we fixed that problem, that kind of speeding can happen through this formal process." Funding: Hicks predicted the price tag would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars rather than billions of dollars. She noted that the Pentagon is harnessing many programs that are already underway, but added the Pentagon may need to "augment" some spending. "Dollars are not the major challenge," Hicks said. "Getting the production up and running and getting it at scale is." We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. McClatchy newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. You love your home, and who can blame you? Maybe youve lived in the same house for decades, or perhaps you just purchased your dream home a couple of years ago. But at the same time, you may be finding household tasks and personal care becoming a little more difficult to handle every day. Heres where Miamis in-home care providers come in. Home care gives you the extra help you need while you relax in the comfort of your own home. You can receive assistance with personal care tasks, housecleaning, laundry, meals and errands. Youll also enjoy companionship and the peace of mind that comes from personalized attention and support. You can have your pick of home care caregivers in Miami. With one of them working with you, youll be able to enjoy all the city has to offer with its beaches, sunshine and attractions. Explore Miamis top home care providers below and discover your perfect match. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Speak to a family advisor Visiting Angels Best for Flexibility Key Features: Flexible scheduling Strict caregiver training and screening Self-directed care Visiting Angels offers home care flexibility. Caregivers are available 24/7, so you can book shifts to fit your schedule. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays are all covered. Even if you need help 24 hours a day, Visiting Angels will be right beside you. Whats more, you get to direct your own care. Visiting Angels allows you to build a customized care package and choose your own caretakers. Rest assured that all Visiting Angels caregivers are fully screened and trained. They have the qualifications and education to serve you, and according to reviewers, care providers communicate well and provide top-notch support and care. Synergy Home Care Best for Specialized Services Key Features: Specialized services No contracts A broad range of care When it comes to specialized services and a broad range of care options, Synergy Home Care has a great reputation. If you need specialized services, such as memory care, wellness programming, emotional support or fall prevention, the caregivers at Synergy are available to provide assistance. Youll be able to design a care plan to meet your individual needs, whether those may simply be personal assistance, transportation occasionally or 24-hour or live-in care. Youre not locked into a care package by a strict contract either. In fact, Synergys service agreements change easily to match your evolving needs. If you require more or less care than before, all you have to do is say so, and Synergy caregivers will help you rediscover the right services for you. Reviewers are pleased with their flexibility and with the providers efficient and respectful response to their needs. Right at Home Best 5-Step Approach to Care Key Features: 5-step approach to care Specialty care Helpful guides Reviewers of Right at Home rave about the helpful caregivers that provide services and companionship to every client. Right at Homes 5-step approach to care ensures that you receive the help you need when you need it. First, a care manager makes an in-home visit to learn about your situation and preferences and then creates a custom care plan just for you. Next, Right at Home matches you with a caregiver wholl deliver the very best care possible. Finally, the care manager checks in often to make sure everything is going well. Right at Home provides companion care and personal care, but it also offers a variety of specialty care geared toward clients with dementia, diabetes, Parkinsons disease and other chronic conditions. You can access several helpful guides to learn all about paying for care, preventing falls and other topics relevant to seniors like you. Home Instead Best for Companionship Key Features: Companion care Hospice care Care consultation Home Instead takes pride in providing caregivers who immerse themselves in caring for you and developing a relationship with you and your family. Companion care is a special part of Home Insteads service package, and it includes everything from playing cards to doing crafts. Companion care is also a critical element in the providers hospice care program, which includes 24-hour home care, medication management and emotional support for everyone involved. At Home Instead, your home care journey starts with a care consultation. You have a chance to express all your needs and concerns to a care manager who helps you create the right care plan and matches you with a caregiver whos a perfect fit. Reviewers love this helpful, professional service from Home Instead. Advancare Best Locally Owned Provider Key Features: Locally owned Experienced caregivers Wide range of services Advancare is locally owned and proud to offer home care to Miamis seniors. The agencys caregivers have years of experience caring for clients and their own families, so theyre ready to give you the very best service. You can choose from a wide range of care options, too everything from personal care to meal preparation and housekeeping. Reviewers of Advancare remark that their caregivers have made a huge difference in their lives through compassionate service and fun companionship. The Bottom Line Home care offers the best of both worlds, providing the help you need right in the comfort of your own home. We understand that searching for the ideal in-home care provider can be overwhelming. Our list of top providers is here to alleviate the stress and assist you in finding the perfect fit for you or your loved one. Speak to a family advisor Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a decade of experience working in and writing about health care, the last five of which she has focused on senior health and senior living. Before joining Caring.com, Rachel worked with websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, MedicareGuide.com, and BetterHelp.com. She studied health science as an undergraduate at Boston University and continued her education in health communication at BU in 2019. She can be reached at editorial@caring.com. U.S. Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman pays his respects to the late fellow officer William Billy Evans, who lies in honor in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in Washington. | Drew Angerer, Associated Press President John F. Kennedys book Profiles in Courage, which won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 1957, was about eight senators Kennedy believed had shown tremendous courage in the face of adversity. In recent years, we have had other people who have shown bravery and leadership, people who have intervened on behalf of others and performed heroic acts. These heroes have been plucked out of obscurity and catapulted into the limelight of notoriety. They will be written about in the annals of history and celebrated as champions and role models. They are African Americans, and these five heroes pose a challenge for history revisionists. How can you say something didnt happen when we witnessed it? How do you erase something from history when it has been uploaded, downloaded, screenshot and shared by millions of people? How do you debate the experience when it has been memed, monetized and memorialized on the internet? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement You cannot. Who are these people, you ask? Here they are: Eugene Goodman On Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump loyalists and rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in opposition of the certification of Joe Bidens election, Goodman was the lone police officer who lured the rioters away from the chambers of Congress. It was due to his quick thinking and diversionary tactics that the rioters identities were recorded, lives were saved and damage was minimized. Goodman was later awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden. Justin Jones A 27-year-old state representative in Tennessee, Jones was expelled by Republican lawmakers for protesting on the House floor for stricter gun control legislation. His protest was a direct result of a mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, where six people were killed. He was reappointed a few days later and reelected in August 2023. His radical resistance to laissez-faire and traditional politics has been heralded as heroic and iconic. Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, holds a sign in the House Civic Justice Committee of 1st Extraordinary Session meeting during a special session of the state legislature on public safety on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV, Associated Press Related Justin Pearson A 28-year-old Tennessee representative, he was expelled, along with Jones, by the Republican-controlled House for protesting on the floor for stricter gun laws. After public outcry, they were reappointed a few days after expulsion. Pearsons unapologetic refusal of acquiescence to the status quo has merited him recognition as a national justice influencer and revolutionary. Ruby Jewel Freeman A former poll worker in Fulton County, Georgia, she is the mother of Wandrea Shaye Moss, and both women refused to be intimidated by pressure and threats to change their statements related to the vote. For her ability to stand her ground in the face of bullies, Freeman is now recognized as a heroine and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal. Wandrea Shaye Moss, a former Georgia election worker, is comforted by her mother, Ruby Freeman, right, as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to reveal its findings of a year-long investigation, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The mother and daughter who were election workers in Georgia brought the sense of danger into stark relief. They testified they feared even to say their names in public after Trump wrongly accused them of voter fraud. | Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press Wandrea Shaye Moss Another former poll worker in Fulton County, Moss stood up to false accusations that she had processed fake ballots during the 2020 election and later testified before Congress, even though the incessant threats have, she said, turned my life upside down. It takes a certain kind of gumption, gravitas and grit to take a risk, to stand alone and be unpopular for doing what is right, truthful and just. That is what these history-makers have in common. Their interest was not racial or partisan. Their interests were protecting democracy, telling the truth and representing the future interests of all Americans. They are African American, and they are Americans who believe in the greatness of this country. They represent the highest standards of integrity. Their actions, which are uneraseable and undeniable, are in meeting minutes, congressional records and police and hearing reports. Their story might not be captured in some school books or told in classrooms, but in the African American community, we are in awe of their sacrifice and fidelity to democracy. They were scared to death while believing in democracy. Scared to death while advocating for justice. Scared to death while protecting others. Scared to death while telling the truth. They did these things anyway. This is what courage, fortitude and service look like. We applaud and salute their bravery, resiliency, stalwartness and leadership. The Rev. Theresa A. Dear is a national board member of the NAACP and a Deseret News contributor. BEIRUT, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, said on Monday that any assassination committed against a Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian, or Iranian on Lebanese soil will not go unanswered. Nasrallah's remarks came after an exchange of threats between Israelis and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) over the past few days. "We will not allow Lebanon to be opened for assassinations, and Israelis must know that changing the rules of engagement is not allowed," Nasrallah said in Bekaa, a Lebanese region that borders Syria. Last week, right-wing Israeli ministers and lawmakers reportedly called on the government to return to the so-called "targeted killings" of Palestinian militants amid a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis. In response, Hamas' deputy political chief Salah al-Arouri threatened a "multi-front war" if Israel tried to assassinate more Palestinian leaders. On Sunday, Netanyahu made an explicit threat against al-Arouri, who is seen as a figure responsible for the Hamas' military forces in the West Bank, saying whoever tries to harm Israelis will "pay a heavy price." Nasrallah added that "these threats do not make the resistance back down... Neither the threat nor its execution will weaken the resistance." A former top White House aide to Donald Trump made a last-ditch bid to scuttle his upcoming trial for contempt of Congress, testifying to a federal judge on Monday that Trump directed him to defy the House Jan. 6 select committee. Peter Navarro, a top trade adviser who pushed discredited claims of fraud about the 2020 election during Trumps final days in office, is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 5 on criminal contempt charges for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the committee. But Navarro has argued that Trump asserted executive privilege to shield him from having to cooperate with the committees request for testimony and documents. If Judge Amit Mehta agrees, he may order the charges dismissed. At Mondays hearing, Navarro took the stand and described his communications with Trump and his aides about two congressional subpoenas he received: one from the Jan. 6 panel and another from a separate congressional committee investigating the coronavirus pandemic. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Navarro said Trump communicated to him that he had invoked executive privilege, a legal doctrine that allows the president to withhold certain confidential communications from the other branches of government. Navarros lawyer, Stanley Woodward, asked Navarro if he went to a Jan. 6 select committee deposition. I was directed by the president not to, Navarro replied. Mehtas decision is likely to turn on whether he buys Navarros description of his conversations with Trump, which were not backed by any documents or written confirmation that have accompanied other privilege assertions that Trump has made. John Crabb Jr., a prosecutor handling the case, pressed that point in his questioning of Navarro. After the questioning, Woodward conceded that they wished they had something in writing from Trump stating explicitly that he had invoked executive privilege to shield the former trade adviser from testifying to the Jan. 6 panel. The panel wanted to question Navarro about his work with Trump ally Steve Bannon on a strategy for members of Congress to mount numerous and lengthy objections to Joe Bidens electoral votes during the Jan. 6, 2021, session of Congress. Navarro has indicated that Trump himself approved of the strategy. Navarro also published reports making discredited allegations of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Trump touted one of those reports in a Dec. 19, 2020, tweet in which he urged supporters to descend on Washington D.C., for his stop the steal rally. On Monday, Mehta, an appointee of Barack Obama, pressed Woodward on why he didnt have any language from the former president invoking privilege. I still dont know what the president said, Mehta said, adding he had no inkling of Trumps words. It doesnt matter, Woodward replied. It has to matter, Mehta said. On Monday, Woodward cited grand jury testimony from Justin Clark, who was deputy campaign manager for Trumps 2020 campaign and also advised him after his presidency. Portions of Clarks grand jury testimony would be admitted as evidence for Navarros upcoming trial. According to Woodward, Clark testified that he didnt think Navarro needed a written invocation of executive privilege because he had his own direct line of communication to Trump. Navarro also testified about a separate conversation he said he had with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in April of 2022 after lawmakers voted to hold Navarro in contempt. According to Navarro, Trump expressed second thoughts about his decision to block Navarro from testifying. There was no question after that conversation that privilege had been invoked from the get-go, Navarro testified. None. Mehta, however, seemed unimpressed by Navarros description of the Mar-a-Lago meeting. Thats pretty weak sauce, it seems to me, he said. Woodward argued that Trumps intent, rather than his specific language, dictated the invocation of the privilege. And he said that allowing Navarro to face criminal charges because he didnt have a direct quote from Trump did a disservice to the doctrine of separation of powers. Mehta also quizzed the prosecution. When Crabb pointed out that there was no evidence Trump looked at the Jan. 6 subpoena Navarro received, Mehta asked whether he would have had to lay eyes on the document to invoke privilege. Crabb replied that Trump wouldnt have had to see the document himself. But, he added, it wouldnt be appropriate for him to invoke executive privilege just because he thought the congressional probe was a witch hunt. That argument didnt seem persuasive to the judge. He said shielding presidents from embarrassment is a key feature of executive privilege, since it protects frank conversations between presidents and their advisers. Mehta suggested it wasnt appropriate to question a former presidents motives when deciding how executive privilege worked. It doesnt become invalid because the president thinks this is a witch hunt, he said. Crabb, however, said that reasoning matters when former presidents invoke executive privilege. He said the president must have some knowledge of the material being sought and not just of the fact that his political foes were seeking it. We dont believe its true that the president can invoke executive privilege willy-nilly, he said. At the end of the hearing, Mehta said he would give the issues some thought and rule at a pre-trial conference on Wednesday. If the case heads to trial and Navarro is convicted, he could face up to two years in prison. The National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch Monday for portions of Northern California, the first of the year for the region, as wind and low humidity move in along with hot temperatures. Due to the high wildfire risk, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said public safety power shutoffs were likely to occur Wednesday in portions of seven Northern California counties. The shutoff event could begin around 3 a.m. and affect about 8,000 homes and businesses, the utility company said. PG&E in a news release said it may cut power to customers in parts of Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Shasta, Tehama and Yolo counties. The largest potential shutoffs were set for Shasta and Tehama counties; roughly 3,800 customers and 3,200 customers, respectively, could be blacked out in those counties. About 500 customers could lose power in parts of Colusa County and just over 350 in Glenn County, PG&E said. Fifty or fewer customers were forecast to lose power in the remaining counties. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The weather services fire watch will go into effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday for fire zones that cover most of the Sacramento Valley. The advisory extends to the following counties, according to the weather service: Sacramento Yolo Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Glenn Tehama Portions of Shasta, mainly near Redding Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the northern, central, & western Sac Valley Tuesday night to Wednesday evening. Breezy north winds + low humidity may lead to critical fire weather conditions. This is NWS Sacramento's first Fire Weather Watch of the year. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/RhNfVaMwGo NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) August 28, 2023 A fire weather watch is issued when critical fire conditions are forecast, according to an update from the weather service. The mix of wind and low humidity could cause a wildfire to grow quickly in both size and intensity. In the capital region, maximum temperatures are forecast to range from the mid 90s to high 90s through Friday, according to the weather service. The area could see some smoke early Wednesday morning, coupled with winds from 6 mph to 10 mph. The highest threat will be on the western portion of the Sacramento Valley, along Interstate 5, according to the weather service. Winds are expected to whip between 15 and 25 mph, coupled with gusts from 30 to 35 mph, On Tuesday night, humidity levels are expected to range between 30% and 45%, according to the weather service. By Wednesday afternoon, levels are forecast to decrease significantly. Pinellas County officials declared a local state of emergency Monday morning as Tropical Storm Idalia continued to move toward Floridas Gulf Coast. The declaration declaration was followed a short time later, just after 1 p.m., by evacuation orders for residents who live in flood prone areas designated as Zone A, or in mobile homes. The evacuation order was effective at 7 p.m. Monday. Residents were encouraged to evacuate to an area higher than Zone B. Coastal areas could experience several feet of storm surge. The county was planning to open John Hopkins Middle School 7 p.m. for residents with special needs. The school is located at 701 16th St. S. An additional 10 shelters will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday. For a list, go to disaster.pinellas.gov. Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive in Pinellas around 7 p.m. Tuesday and last until about 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, Cathie Perkins, the countys emergency management director, said at an emergency Pinellas County Commission meeting. Much of the countys coastal area, including its barrier islands, could face storm surge of up to 6 feet, with greater surges possible in some pockets, according to the National Hurricane Center. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Perkins said the projected effects based on current forecasts could be similar to or greater than those of Tropical Storm Eta, which caused widespread flooding in the Tampa Bay area in 2020. She also said officials and residents need to keep in mind how fast a storms path can shift, especially after last year, when Hurricane Ian took a sudden turn that caught southwest Florida by surprise. Were telling people, now is the time to get set, County Administrator Barry Burton said. They need to be making sure theyre finalizing everything in their kit. We need to make sure people know what (evacuation) zone theyre in. Residents can find information about their evacuation zones at kyz.pinellas.gov. See the Tampa Bay Times hurricane guide for suggestions on what makes a good hurricane kit. There are a couple of factors that could somewhat soften a blow from Idalia, Perkins said. Forecasts show 6 to 10 inches of rain in Pinellas County, but the fact that its been a dry year so far means that water could drain fairly quickly. And the storm is on pace to arrive before the peak of a super-high tide Wednesday night. But the storm could still slow down, intensify or change course, all of which could make things worse for Tampa Bay. The plan as of 10 a.m. Monday was to prepare two shelters at Pinellas County schools after school later in the day, Burton said. But should evacuation orders be issued, more schools will close and more shelters will open. It takes the county an estimated 17 hours to clear its first evacuation zone, he said, so residents need to be on their toes. When we make that call, we need people to heed that warning, he said. According to the countys website, mandatory evacuations are issued when the probability of storm surge is high and loss of life could occur if residents dont leave. It is illegal to stay in a home under a mandatory evacuation order. Refusal to follow an evacuation order is a second-degree misdemeanor under state law. A 13-year-old boy who was reported missing out of the Beechview area over the weekend has returned home safe. According to Pittsburgh police, Isaiah Kennedy returned to his home. Police thank everyone for sharing the information. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Pittsburgh Public Safety aware of use of force by officers during arrest, incident under review Protest held in Garfield in support of suspect in standoff situation Steelers make first 8 cuts to roster VIDEO: Family suing nursing home after nurse accused of giving 83-year-old man lethal doses of insulin DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Theres a new plan to bring hundreds of homes to Richburg, in Chester County. Chester County Council approved the first of three votes needed to rezone property for the new subdivision. A public hearing will be needed. The properties combine for more than 170 acres on Gaston Farm Road, just west of I-77. Plans from the company now known as Gaston Springs may look familiar. This past spring Chester County saw two large residential projects that, combined, could have added 1,500 new homes. A D.R. Horton proposal for 1,100 homes, on close to 500 acres on Lancaster Highway south of Richburg, was withdrawn. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The other project was a Fielding Homes offering called Richburg Meadows. It would have put 400 homes on about 180 acres on Gaston Farm Road, by 2029. The Fielding Homes plan was withdrawn too. The property owner told county officials a new plan with a new builder would follow. Would 1,500 new homes make Chester County better? The decision comes due soon That new plan appeared when the property owner and partners presented it to the county planning commission in July. Fielding homes was replaced with Dream Finders Homes. The project still is for 400 homes. There are new right turn lanes into the property from each access point. There are four parking spaces per home, including a garage and driveway. The site will have 40 acres of open space and a pond. Homes would be in the 2,200- to 2,600-square-foot range, company reps told the planning commission. Council heard more details last week on the subdivision that would have three main home products with the middle one priced in or around the low $300s, according to the builder. The property owner also said a development agreement would come before the next council meeting and there was an agreement for a $5,000 per home development fee. Council still had questions on a range of issues from building density to whether homes would have front or side garage access, which would impact how many homes could go on the property. A workshop on zoning and other issues related to the plan is expected prior to a final approval vote. We have two more readings on this, said Chairman Joe Branham. All this does is just keeps the process moving. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) reported that among the avenues of investigation of the recent crash of two training aircraft in Zhytomyr Oblast, which killed three pilots, they considered a technical malfunction of the aircraft, a pilot error, and a violation of the organisation of flights. The crash occurred due to the collision of two planes during a turnaround manoeuvre. Source: Tetiana Sapian, communications adviser of the SBI, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "Now the investigation will consider versions such as a technical aircraft malfunction, and a pilot error. The third line of enquiry is a violation in the organisation of flights." Details: Sapian said specialists from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Air Force Command will be involved in the investigation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Sapian says that to confirm any avenue of investigation, it is necessary to conduct a whole range of examinations: a forensic examination, the decryption of black boxes, and a comprehensive forensic aviation and technical examination. Quote: "At present, preliminary information indicates the crash occurred due to a collision between two aircraft during a turnaround manoeuvre. This is what we received from our investigators this morning." Preliminary qualification of an offence: violation of flight rules or preparation for them (Article 416 of the Criminal Code). The sanction of the article provides for a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment. Background: Andrii Pilshchykov who went by the alias of Juice and two other pilots were killed in a collision between two Ukrainian training aircraft in Zhytomyr Oblast on the evening of 25 August. The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the plane crash. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that all the circumstances of the crash of training aircraft in Zhytomyr Oblast that killed three pilots would be established. 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! By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Poland has filed legal challenges attempting to annul three of the European Union's main climate change policies, which the Polish government argues would worsen social inequality, documents published on Monday showed. The legal actions, brought by Warsaw to the EU Court of Justice in July, target policies including a law agreed this year which will ban the sale of new CO2-emitting cars in the EU from 2035. "The contested regulation imposes excessive burdens connected with the transition towards zero-emission mobility on European citizens, especially those who are less well off, as well as on the European automotive companies sector," Poland said in its challenge, which the European Commission published on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A second EU policy setting national emissions-cutting targets "threatens Poland's energy security", while a third law to reform the EU carbon market may reduce coal mining jobs and increase social inequality, Poland said. Poland produces around 70% of its power from coal. The government wants all three laws annulled. Each was passed by a reinforced majority of EU member states, but Poland said they should have been passed with unanimous approval given the impact they could have on countries' energy mixes. The challenges are directed at the European Parliament and the council of the EU, the two bodies that negotiate and pass final EU laws. A Parliament spokesperson declined to comment. The council did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the European Commission, which proposes EU policies, said it was analysing the legal actions and may request to intervene in the case. "The Commission maintains that the measures in question are fully compliant with EU Treaties and law," the spokesperson said. The EU has among the world's most ambitious climate change policies, and has urged governments to use EU money to help vulnerable communities invest in clean energy to bring down bills and cut health-harming air pollution. A 17.5 billion euro EU "just transition fund" is designed to support communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels, notably with help for retraining workers. The biggest share of that fund is earmarked for Poland. (Reporting by Kate AbnettEditing by GV De Clercq & Shri Navaratnam) FILE - Ukrainian refugees embark a train bound to Warsaw, at the Przemysl train station, southeastern Poland, on March 11, 2022. Polish security authorities are investigating multiple cases of disruption to railway traffic, after unauthorized radio signals stopped several trains over the weekend. On some of the signals, the Russian national anthem could reportedly be heard in the background. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File) WARSAW, Poland (AP) Polish security authorities are investigating multiple cases of disruption to railway traffic, after unauthorized radio signals stopped several trains over the weekend. On some of the signals, the Russian national anthem could reportedly be heard in the background. Poland's railway is the main transport route for international military support going to neighboring Ukraine, which is fighting Russia's aggression. The network also transports Ukraine's agricultural exports to markets further west. Two men in their 20s were arrested Sunday after they generated intercom signals that halted five passenger trains and one cargo train near Bialystok, in the northeast. Prosecutors have opened an investigation. One of the two suspects arrested was a police officer, and police in Bialystok said Monday their agency had opened a dismissal procedure against him. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Similar radio-stop signals briefly stopped some passenger and cargo trains in other regions across Poland over the weekend. In some cases, the Russian anthem could be heard over the intercom, Polish media reported. Authorities said there was no threat to public security and no one was hurt. Stanislaw Zaryn, the deputy coordinator of the intelligence services, said Monday there was nothing to indicate that the problems appeared at the inspiration of a foreign country. But the geopolitical situation demands that we analyze the matter very closely (to determine) who might be behind such incidents, he said. He said the issue of unauthorized radio-stop signals was not new to Poland's railway and had appeared previously. Over the weekend Zaryn said that the Internal Security Agency, or ABW, was checking whether these could be sabotage cases. At this moment, we are not ruling out any scenarios, he said. We know that attempts to destabilize the Polish state have been going on for months, he said. Such efforts have been carried out by the Russian Federation in cooperation with Belarus, and for this reason we are not underestimating any signals that reach the ABW. Previous cases of minor derailments contributed to the concern over the railway system's vulnerability at a crucial time. Experts say that the outdated radio communication system renders Polands underinvested railways vulnerable to pranks and sabotage at a time when it plays a key role in maintaining transport links with Ukraine. A planned upgrade to a digital communication system has been delayed. The ABW told The Associated Press on Monday that so far 16 suspects, mostly foreigners, have been arrested on allegations of spying for Russia, including gathering information on the railway system. Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania will completely close their borders with Belarus if a "critical incident" occurs, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said on Aug. 28. Such measures will be taken regardless of whether it is at the Polish or Lithuanian border, Kaminski said; however, he did not state what exactly would be defined as a "critical incident." Read also: Nervous Poland will send more troops to the border with Belarus "We demand from the authorities in Minsk that the Wagner Group immediately leave the territory of Belarus and that illegal migrants immediately leave the border area and be sent back to their home countries," Kaminski said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If there is a critical incident, [...] we will retaliate immediately. All border crossings that have been opened so far will be closed. Wagner Group in Belarus: What is known On June 24, the Wagner PMC, led by their owner Yevgeny Prigozhin , ended their one-day mutiny after negotiations with self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko . Russian dictator Vladimir Putin then gave the Wagner Group three options, including exile to Belarus. Read also: They stress me out Lukashenko complains to Putin about Wagners wishes to march on Warsaw The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine stated that the republic could deploy about 8,000 Russian mercenaries on its territory. The Armed Forces of Ukraine did not rule out the possibility that Wagner units could be used in the border areas of Poland and Lithuania to complicate the supply of weapons to Ukraine. On Aug. 23, a plane crashed in Russias Tver Oblast, carrying allegedly Prigozhin and his "right-hand man" Dmitry Utkin. Four days later, they were finally pronounced dead. At the same time, Lithuania and Poland believe that this fact has changed little. Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik said that there may be about 3,500-5,000 Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, and reports that they allegedly want to leave the country "are not true." 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 Union City Police have found the parents of a toddler who was found alone in a parking lot. Hours ago, police were asking the public for help in finding the parents of a 2-year-old found at a local Quik-Trip Sunday afternoon. Officers said the African-American child was found at 3:49 pm wearing a pink, Mickey Mouse, long-sleeve t-shirt, pink and white leggings, and pink shoes. They said she was not able to give them a name. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Union Citys Criminal Investigations team was called out to the convenience store at 4745 Jonesboro Road to investigate and try to figure out how the child got to the store. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement They took her to the police station and notified Georgias Department of Family and Children Services. TRENDING STORIES: Union City Police said they are interviewing the parents. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LUANDA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's sincere cooperation with African countries yields "tangible and positive outcomes" that foster mutual benefits and shared progress, said an Angolan expert. During its cooperation with Africa, China has established essential infrastructural foundations for economic and social development across the continent, leading to industrialization and enhancing the continent's commercial value, said Osvaldo Mboco, an expert in international relations at the Technical University of Angola, in a written interview with Xinhua following the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue held on Thursday in South Africa. "China, in recent times, has become the leading economic and financial partner for African nations. Beyond laying down infrastructural frameworks, the country sees the African continent as a promising business market, going beyond its role as a mere source of raw materials," Mboco said. Angola has now emerged as a pivotal market in Africa, experiencing a growing influx of Chinese enterprises establishing or planning to establish industrial production facilities and assembly lines, said the expert, adding that these Chinese companies are helping create employment opportunities for the local Angolan population. According to data from the Chinese Embassy in Angola, in recent years, Chinese companies, by renovating or constructing 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100 schools, 50 hospitals, and more than 100,000 social housing units, have contributed to Angola's progress. Chinese goods have gained significant popularity in the Angolan market, resulting in mutual trade and investment benefits for both nations. Regarding the potential direction of China-Africa cooperation, Mboco envisions a trajectory towards high technology, with a particular focus on imminent areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and related domains. "China boasts an exceedingly advanced technological landscape. It stands out among nations with substantial technological advancements," he said, adding that China and other countries can help with Africa's technological progress. Channel 9 has learned police were called several times to a murder suspects home before he was charged in Allisha Watts death. The calls to James Dunmores home in University City varied from welfare checks to disturbances to domestic violence. Police say Allisha Watts was last seen at Dunmores house before she disappeared and was later found dead. READ MORE: Judge denies bond for man accused of killing Allisha Watts Earlier this month, Channel 9s Genevieve Curtis requested all calls for service at Dunmores residence and 911 calls made in the past three years. While only calls from this spring were available, it gave a glimpse into the person now accused of killing Allisha Watts. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its going to be a major problem out here. So I want you to get 911, get the police out here now, Dunmore says in one recording. On May 8, two months before Watts disappeared, Dunmore, her boyfriend at the time, called 911 multiple times. He said his wife and her family were taking items from their home when they thought he wasnt there. That incident was days before a judge granted Dunmores wife a restraining order against him. Records we just received show the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was called to his home nine times between December of 2020 and July 19 -- when Allisha Watts was reported missing. That includes multiple calls involving alleged domestic violence and disturbances and welfare checks. READ MORE: During two calls, Dunmore becomes so agitated that two dispatchers have to tell him to calm down. Oh my God, oh my God, dude, oh my goodness, he says. 9 FOCUS STORIES: Allisha Watts Case Just try to relax. Take it easy, the dispatcher says. As Channel 9 previously reported, in March, Dunmores wife filed a police report with CMPD saying he kidnapped her, assaulted her, threatened to kill her, and held her against her will for three days in their home on Pamela Lorraine Drive. A CMPD detective closed the case as unfounded. Weve asked police but havent been told why. Just weeks later, Dunmores next romantic partner, Allisha Watts, was killed. James Dunmore was charged with first-degree murder in her death and faced a judge on Monday. He was denied bond. Channel 9 has also previously reported that Dunmore has served time in prison in Virginia for kidnapping and domestic violence involving other women. (WATCH PREVIOUS: Cases such as Allisha Watts present challenges when they involve multiple agencies) Writing in this newspaper, Suella Braverman , the Home Secretary, welcomed the agreement of police chiefs to instruct their officers to investigate every crime. It is a sign of the times that it is even necessary to ask them to take offences like burglary and theft seriously. As the Home Secretary said, it erodes public trust in the police if victims feel they have been ignored and the violation of their home or person deemed trivial. It boils down to a question of priorities. Critics say focusing on so-called low-level offences risks taking officers away from investigating rape or domestic assault. But no one is suggesting that. The police should be diverted from delving into matters that are not even crimes at all. Why, for instance, was a Conservative councillor in Northampton arrested for sending a tweet about the way police treated a Christian street preacher? Why, for that matter, were the police confronting the preacher at all over his opposition to LBGT pride campaigning? What business is it of theirs to investigate an opinion because someone is offended by it? This cavalier approach to liberties and free speech needs to end. The police are there to enforce the law not proselytise on behalf of campaign organisations like Stonewall. Sir Mark Rowleys promise to stop Met officers waving rainbow flags or wearing pride badges is at least a start. Police say they have too much to do looking into hate speech and acting as glorified social workers and lack time to investigate thefts. But if they stopped intruding into areas that the great majority would not consider criminal acts, they might restore public faith in a policing service once rightly regarded as the worlds best. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The agreement with the police is that an investigation should be proportionate and that reasonable evidence should exist to justify the deployment of officers. Mrs Braverman should set out what it is unreasonable to investigate and for the police to concentrate on activity that most people regard as crimes. The Home Secretary said it is vital for victims and for wider society that perpetrators face justice. However, there is a large backlog of cases in the courts which will grow larger still if more criminals are brought to book. Victims of crime will be pleased to see the police taking their cases seriously but will take little comfort if the culprits get away unpunished because of shortcomings elsewhere in the system. 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. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) For more than three hours, the UNC-Chapel Hill campus was placed on a lockdown due to an active shooter situation that ended in a shooting death and one arrest. University of North Carolina Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz confirmed a faculty member was shot and killed in a campus building. Their identity was not released as police are still in the process of contacting family members. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say While one person is in custody, the weapon used in the campus shooting was still unaccounted for as of 6 p.m. Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This loss is devastating and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community. We will work to rebuild that sense of trust and safety within our community, Guskiewicz said. Classes were canceled for the remainder of Monday and Tuesday. Guskiewicz encouraged students to take advantage of mental health resources on campus. UNC said it will open a hotline starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday for concerned parents, loved ones and community members who have questions. The number is 919-918-1999 UNC officials said the suspect was taken into custody at approximately 2:38 p.m. UNC Chief of Police Brian James was unable to confirm the connection between the victim and suspect. Its a day we trained for, but we hope it never comes, James said about his departments response to the shooting event. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say Police released a photo of a person of interest Monday afternoon, but during a press conference Monday evening, would not confirm it was the same man arrested. According to the UNC website, the suspect image matches an ID photo for a student named Tailei Qi. Tailei Qi Formal charges have not been filed against the suspect in custody. University police were notified of shots fired in Caudill Laboratories at 131 South Road around 1:02 p.m. That building will remain closed until further notice. VIDEO: Armed officers in UNC Caudill Labs where 1 killed in shooting, officials say We want to ensure that we gather every piece of evidence to determine exactly what happened here today and why it happened. It is too early in this investigation to know a motive for the shooting, James said. While rumors circulated online about a number of injuries, James confirmed there were no other injuries reported. He said witnesses at the scene were able to help them identify a suspect. The initial alert, which went out at about 1 p.m. urged everyone on the schools campus to stay inside and avoid windows. As of 4:16 p.m., the university issued an all clear alert to resume normal activities. UNC officials added in the all-clear that everyone should remain away from Caudill Labs while UNC Police continues to investigate. In the first video CBS 17 received from inside a building on UNCs campus, law enforcement officers can be seen in a hallway within Caudill Labs. The officers are seen walking through with guns raised and wearing bullet protective vests. Video courtesy Brendan Lynch Monday night, Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger released a statement about the deadly shooting at UNC. We are heartbroken for the UNC students, faculty, and staff whose sense of safety on their beautiful campus was shattered by the days events and for those children, teachers, and staff who had to lock down on their first day back to our local schools, Hemminger wrote in part. Chapel Hill schools get all clear for dismissal, after delay from UNC active, armed person A massive presence of law enforcement and EMS vehicles are lining the road outside of the Genome Sciences Building and South Road is largely blocked off. At least four agencies are responding on the scene as of 2:15 p.m. Chapel Hill area buses were on hold due to the incident, according to a tweet sent by Chapel Hill Transit. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools were also under a Secure Mode across all campuses and offices, according to an update posted on their Facebook page. Law enforcement and first responders gather on South Street near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus. (Kaitlin McKeown/The News & Observer via AP) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Two police officers move around a building on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus. (Kaitlin McKeown/The News & Observer via AP) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) As of 3:40 p.m., Chapel Hill school officials received an all clear from authorities and will begin their dismissal process for elementary and middle schools. Chapel Hill students get all clear for dismissal, which is significantly delayed by UNC active armed person Just after 4 p.m., UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill issued an all-clear, which lifted their lockdown and resumed normal operations. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has their helicopter in the air to help in the search for armed the suspect. UNC-Chapel Hill said in an update for people to stay sheltered in place and that all classes and events are canceled for the remainder of the day. Governor Roy Cooper said via Twitter/X that he spoke with the Orange County Sheriff Blackwood and Dept. of Public Safety Secretary Buffaloe and pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus. Gov. Cooper also added that his office is in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC. He went on to say that this is a tragic way to start a new semester and that the state will provide any needed assistance in this incident. CBS 17 has multiple crews on campus working to find out more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Becky Edwards chats after an interview at the Deseret News office in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Edwards is a Republican primary candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Stewart. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The winner of next weeks Republican primary in the sped-up election cycle to replace Rep. Chris Stewart will be anyones guess. Nearly a majority, 47%, of 2nd Congressional District Republicans who plan on voting in the Sept. 5 special primary election are undecided as to which of the three Republican candidates they will vote for, according to the latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. But the results also show that one candidate has a clear advantage among certain segments of the voting pool. Former state lawmaker and U.S. Senate candidate Becky Edwards leads her GOP opponents, with 32% of respondents saying they would vote for her if the primary were held today, compared to 11% of respondents who said they would vote for entrepreneur and party committeeman Bruce Hough and 9% who said they would cast their ballot for former Stewart staffer and GOP convention winner Celeste Maloy. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The poll of 471 registered 2nd Congressional District Republican voters was conducted by Dan Jones & Associates from Aug. 7-14. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.51 percentage points. Mail-in ballots were sent to 2nd District voters on Aug. 15 one day after the poll was completed. This means the poll likely reflects a snapshot in time before many voters fully engaged with the race. This is such a unique race because of the timeframe and the limited ability that these candidates have had to truly get a message throughout the 2nd Congressional District, said Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. A consistent dynamic of a special election is theres always a candidate or two that people dont know very well, Perry said. But, he added, this is a pretty big dont know for being so close to the election time. Whats more, Perry said, while people remain uncertain about who they will vote for, ballots have already been mailed out and are already sitting on voters counters. This means the different strategies used by Edwards, Hough and Maloy to reach voters over the coming days will have an immediate impact as people make their final decisions, Perry said. Maloy and Hough participated in a rigorous schedule of 11 debates over the past few weeks. The first 10 took place between Aug. 4 and Aug. 15 overlapping with the time the poll was conducted and were organized by Maloy in concert with local Republican parties across the state. The debates culminated in a live televised debate on KSL one day after the poll was completed. The two gathered for one final debate in West Valley on Aug. 23. Edwards did not attend any of the debates, with a spokesperson saying they were her opponents campaign events. Instead, she opted to hold her own voter outreach events, sometimes with several scheduled each day. Candidates Bruce Hough and Celeste Maloy smile at the conclusion of a televised debate at KSL-TV in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. The two are running in the GOP primary to replace Rep. Chris Stewart in Utahs 2nd Congressional District. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News We are optimistic about the results of the poll and thrilled with the tremendous support weve received this far, said a spokesperson for the Edwards campaign in a written statement. We know from talking to thousands of voters across the district that Utahns are ready to send a proven, common-sense conservative to Washington. All three candidates have made efforts to reach out to undecided voters in the two weeks since the poll was taken. Edwards launched a TV and radio ad campaign at the beginning of August, paid for by the more than $300,000 she raised in the second quarter of 2023, with $100,000 of that money coming from a loan Edwards made to her own campaign. Were confident in our ability to connect with the undecided voters in the 2nd District, Edwards spokesperson said. Our strategy in the days leading to the election ... (includes) personally connecting with voters at their doorsteps, in group settings, and on the phone, engaging in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to them. Hough also made a substantial donation to his own campaign. Of the more than $500,000 he has raised as of Aug. 16, more than $334,200 of that came from a loan he made to his campaign. Houghs campaign has invested in Fox News ads as well as talk radio ads. His social media includes several well-produced videos and graphics, most of which include attacks on Edwards for her record of voting for Democratic presidents or Maloy for her failure to vote in recent elections. Its basically a deal-killer for so many people who want to vote for the authentic Republican candidate, Hough told the Deseret News. Hough also said he has reservations about poll results gathered during such a rapidly moving campaign. Hough called the poll stale, and said his campaign has done polls, and they all show a much stronger position for our campaign and our trending is very much on the positive trajectory. And we expect to win. Maloy has raised over $300,000 so far and she has not loaned her campaign any money. She has also launched an ad campaign, with placements on TV, radio and online, Just not as much as my competitors have, she said. I havent taken my foot off the gas, Maloy said. Im just going to keep working, keep being optimistic, keep getting my message out there and well see what happens on the 5th. After her surprise win at the GOP convention, Maloy says she has more confidence in her chances at another upset than she does in poll results. What Im seeing when Im out talking to people is a groundswell. At the grassroots level theres a lot of enthusiasm for my campaign and I trust that more than I trust a poll, she said. Perry attributes Edwards lead to her high name ID, developed over five terms in the state House of Representatives and during her bid to unseat Sen. Mike Lee in last years GOP primary. Becky has a substantial advantage, Perry said. She not only has held office before, but has has built her name ID through a Senate race. Edwards also has been able to rely on an already existing network of volunteers and an expansive social media presence to get her message out, which is likely one reason she chose not to participate in the debates with Hough and Maloy, Perry said, and the reason why her decision to focus her campaign along the northern Wasatch Front seems not to have hurt her. According to the poll, Edwards is performing disproportionately well among self-described moderate Republicans. Nearly half, 43%, of moderates said they would vote for Edwards if the primary were today, with 4% saying they would vote for Hough and 1% for Maloy. The remaining 52% are undecided. Edwards maintains her lead among those who consider themselves as somewhat conservative and very conservative, receiving 28% and 20% of these voters support, respectively. Hough received the support of 14% of those who are somewhat conservative and 18% of those who are very conservative, with Maloy trailing at 10% and 13%, respectively. But the most important number to look out for, according to Perry, is the huge percentage of people on the entire political spectrum for them to make their case to over the next few days. Half of the respondents in each of the three ideological categories said they were undecided. To reach these voters, candidates should focus on two things, Perry said: getting people to show up in what is normally a low-turnout election cycle and differentiating yourself from the other candidates on the issues. All ends of the Republican spectrum are up for grabs right now, Perry said. And to those people in the state of Utah who right now dont know, you are going to be a deciding factor in this race. Pope Francis has been criticized for telling young Russian Catholics to uphold their heritage as "heirs of great Russia" and invoking the legacy of tsars Peter I and Catherine II. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko reacted on Aug. 28 by saying that similar narratives on Russia's imperial legacy are used by Kremlin propaganda to justify its aggression against Ukraine and the killing of thousands of Ukrainians. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself referred to Peter I's imperial holdings when providing reasons for Russia's war of conquest against Ukraine. The pope's statement also attracted criticism from Estonia's ex-president Toomas Hendrik Ilves , who called his words "revolting," and from the Belarusian independent news outlet Nexta. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, said that the two Russian monarchs are the "worst example of imperialism and extreme Russian nationalism," warning that the pope's words "could be taken as support for the nationalism and imperialism that today has caused the war in Ukraine." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The examples given by the Holy Father actually contradict his doctrine of peace, because he has always condemned any form of manifestation of imperialism in the modern world," said the leader of the Eastern Rite church that formally recognizes the Holy See's authority. The pope made the speech during a video conference with the Russian Catholic youth in the Basilica of St. Catherine of Alexandria in St. Petersburg on Aug. 25. "Never forget your heritage. You are the heirs of great Russia: great Russia of saints, rulers, great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that empire - great, enlightened, (country) of great culture and great humanity," the head of the Catholic Church said as heard in a video recording. "Never give up this legacy, you are the heirs of the great Mother Russia, go ahead with it. And thank you. Thank you for your way of being, for your way of being Russians." In the rest of Francis's speech published by the Vatican, he also told the Russian youth to be "artisans of peace" and to "sow seeds of reconciliation." Notably, the text released by the Holy See did not contain the controversial references to the Russian tsars. On Aug. 29, the Holy See Press Office rejected the interpretations of the pope's words as praise of imperialism, stressing that Francis is a "convinced opponent and critic of any form of imperialism or colonialism, in all peoples and situations." While repeatedly denouncing the Russian invasion in the past and calling for peace, Francis has made several controversial statements regarding the Russo-Ukrainian War. Last year, he suggested that NATO expansionism may have played a role in provoking Russia into attacking its neighbor. Read also: Zelensky meets Pope Francis envoy, urges Vatican to support Ukrainian peace formula Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Philip Pullella and Joseph Campbell VATICAN CITY/ULAANBAATAR (Reuters) - Mongolia's Catholics - all 1,450 of them - could be squeezed standing into St. Peter's Basilica dozens of times over and their number is smaller than the congregation of a small parish in some small towns. So why is Pope Francis , 86 and in need of a wheelchair, travelling 8,278 km (5,143 miles) to visit them this week? Essentially, to paraphrase British climber George Mallory 's response in the 1920s as to why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, because the Catholics are there. "I can't even fathom this," said Arvanai Hashdorj, 19, a university student who attended Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar on Sunday. "So I am very grateful". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hashdorj told Reuters he had recently returned from the Catholic Church's World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon, where young people from countries with millions of Catholics noted in conversations with him that the pope had not yet visited their countries. Visiting places where Catholics are a minority is part of Francis' policy of drawing attention to people and problems in what he has called the peripheries of society and of the world. He still has not visited most of the capitals of Western Europe. Francis, who will be attending an inter-religious service in Mongolia, said at his weekly noon address on Sunday that he would be visiting "a Church that is small in numbers but vivacious in faith". Last year, Francis named Archbishop Giorgio Marengo, an Italian, the first cardinal to be based in Mongolia, where he is the Catholic Church's administrator. "The originality of this trip is related to the originality of the country sparsely populated and with such a small Catholic community," Marengo said last month in Rome. "This shows how for him (the pope), every single member of the faithful is important," said Marengo, who has been a missionary in Mongolia for more than 20 years. Mongolia has nine parishes, compared to 25,500 in Italy. The smallest one, hundreds of miles from the capital, has only between 30-40 members. Still, the visit will show how far it has come since locals watched "these funny foreigners praying," Marengo said. 'GREAT RELIGIOUS TRADITION' Francis said on Sunday that he felt honoured to visit "a noble and wise people" with a "great religious tradition". About 60% of Mongolians identify as religious. Among those, 87.1% are Buddhist, 5.4% Muslim, 4.2% Shamanist, 2.2% Christian and 1.1% followers of other religions, according to the U.S. State Department. There are only two native Mongolian Catholic priests. "I wanted to show the world that there is a Catholic Church (in Mongolia) and it's beautiful," said one of them, Father Peter Sanjaajav, after saying Mass at the Cathedral the pope will visit on Saturday as part of the Aug. 31-Sept 4 trip. The country of about 3.3 million people is strategically significant for the Roman Catholic Church because of its proximity to China, where the Vatican is trying to improve the situation of Catholics amid sometimes scratchy relations with the communist government. Mongolia was part of China until 1921 and still has close ties with Beijing. Diplomats say it could be used as an intermediary with China. It was not clear if any Catholics from China would be allowed to cross the border to see the pope. China is by far Mongolia's biggest export market, buying most of its coal, copper and cashmere, and Ulaanbaatar also relies on China's rail network to deliver its goods to third countries. Mongolia has seen a revival of Tibetan Buddhism since the collapse of the Soviet-backed Communist government in 1990, and the Dalai Lama is regarded as its main spiritual leader. However, China has repeatedly put pressure on Mongolia not to allow the 88-year old exiled Tibetan leader to visit, branding him a dangerous separatist. (Additional reporting by David Stanway in Singapore; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis came under criticism on Monday for telling Russian youths to remember that they are the heirs of past tsars such as Peter the Great , who President Vladimir Putin has held up as an example to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine said the comments, which Francis made on Friday in a live video address to Catholic youths gathered in St. Petersburg, were "deeply regrettable". Francis read his prepared speech in Spanish but at the end, shifted into impromptu Italian and said: "Don't forget (your) heredity. You are heirs of the great Russia - the great Russia of the saints, of kings, the great Russia of Peter the Great, of Catherine II, the great Russian empire, cultured, so much culture, so much humanity. You are the heirs of the great mother Russia. Go forward." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Vatican released the text of the address on Saturday but did not include the last, improvised paragraph. A video of the pope making the comments was posted by religious websites. "It is precisely with such imperialist propaganda, the 'spiritual ties' and the 'need' to save 'great Mother Russia' that the Kremlin justifies the killing of thousands of Ukrainians and the destruction of Ukrainian cities and villages," Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, said on Facebook. "It is deeply regrettable that such notions of being a great power, which contribute, in essence, to Russia's chronic aggressiveness, are voiced by the pope, either knowingly or unknowingly," Nikolenko said. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of Ukraine's Eastern Rite Catholic Church, said in a statement that the pope's words had caused "great pain and worry" and feared they could "inspire the neo-colonial ambitions of the aggressor country". He asked the Vatican for an explanation. An editorial on Italy's Il Sismografo website, which specialises in Catholic affairs, called the pope's words "odd" at a delicate moment in history. It noted that Catherine, commonly known as Catherine the Great and who ruled from 1729 to 1796, annexed Crimea in 1783. It also noted that Catherine protected Jesuits in Russian-controlled lands after Pope Clement XIV suppressed the order worldwide in 1773. Pope Francis is a Jesuit. TRIBUTE TO TSAR Last year Putin paid tribute to Tsar Peter the Great, the other Russian leader mentioned by the pope, drawing a parallel between what he portrayed as their twin historic quests to win back Russian lands. Putin has repeatedly sought to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine, where his forces have devastated cities, killed thousands and put millions of people to flight, by propounding a view of history that asserts Ukraine has no real national identity or tradition of statehood. "This is truly revolting," former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the pope's remarks. Nexta, a site that reports on Belarus from Poland, said on X: "By the way, the Catholics of Poland, Lithuania and Belarus raised uprisings three times against this 'enlightened empire'". Francis has called Russia's actions in Ukraine brutal, cruel and ferocious and has said that the invasion violated a country's right to self-determination. He has spoken of a "martyred Ukraine" at nearly every public appearance since the invasion in February 2022. But he also has made a series of apparent gaffes when speaking extemporaneously. Last year, he upset Kyiv by referring to Russian ultra-nationalist Darya Dugina, who was killed by a car bomb near Moscow, as an innocent victim of war. The comment prompted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to summon the Vatican's ambassador in Kyiv to protest, saying the pope's words were "unfair" and had "broken Ukraine's heart". (Additional reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Alex Richardson) By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis has lamented what he called a "reactionary" Catholic Church in the United States, where he said political ideology has replaced faith in some cases. In the 10 years since his election, Francis has been criticised by conservative sectors of the U.S. Church who are opposed to reforms such as giving women and lay Catholics more roles and making the Church more welcoming and less judgmental towards some, including LGBT people. Francis made his comments on Aug. 5 in a private meeting in Lisbon with members of the Jesuit order, of which he is a member, during his trip for World Youth Day. They were published on Monday by the Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a question-and-answer session, a Portuguese Jesuit said that during a sabbatical in the United States, he was saddened that many Catholics, including some bishops, were hostile to the pope's leadership. "You have seen that in the United States the situation is not easy: there is a very strong reactionary attitude. It is organised and shapes the way people belong, even emotionally," the pope responded. Religious conservatives in the United States often have aligned with politically conservative media outlets to criticise the pope over a host of issues such as climate change, immigration, social justice, his calls for gun control and his opposition to the death penalty. "You have been to the United States and you say you have felt a climate of closure. Yes, this climate can be experienced in some situations," Francis said. "And there, one can lose the true tradition and turn to ideologies for support. In other words, ideology replaces faith, membership in a sector of the Church replaces membership in the Church," he said. Francis said his critics should understand that "there is an appropriate evolution in the understanding of matters of faith and morals" and that being backward-looking is "useless". As an example, he said some pontiffs centuries ago were tolerant of slavery but the Church evolved. One of the pope's fiercest American critics, Rome-based Cardinal Raymond Burke, wrote in an introduction for a recent book that a meeting of bishops called by Francis for this October to help chart the future of the Church risked sowing "confusion and error and division". (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Angus MacSwan) A captured Russian soldier has described a number of issues currently plaguing Russian occupation forces, including a dire lack of food and drinking water, and little to no logistics, according to a video posted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Aug. 28. The 32-year-old, Klim Maksimovich Berdniguryaev from the Republic of Kalmykia, is a private in the 1008th Regiment of the Russian Army. He previously served time in prison; however, he was recruited from a military recruitment office after serving his sentence. Read also: Russian POWs shown film about Russian army war crimes in Ukraine, says ombudsman Berdniguryaev said that he signed a service contract on July 13 and was promised that his criminal record would be cleared and that he would be paid 200,000 rubles ($2,100), but only received 3,500 rubles ($37). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Upon arrival in Ukraine, Berdniguryaev reported that his base had no drinking water, and his unit was forced to forage for food. There was no proper logistics infrastructure, and predictably, corruption was rampant. During an assault on Ukrainian positions, during which he was captured, Berdniguryaev said he was concussed and left behind by his comrades. Read also: Ukraine forming joint medical commissions to exchange POWs with Russia Over the past day, 490 Russian troops were eliminated in Ukraine. In total, Russia's losses since the beginning of the full-scale invasion have exceeded 261,000 soldiers. 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 presidential primary season is sailing onward without Gavin Newsom . As someone who relishes the national stage, hes finding himself, for now, without one. Back at home, he is bogged down in a surprisingly difficult fight to reform the states mental health services, and he otherwise seems content to remain in the shadows with little to say about the states legislative business as scores of matters head toward closure. Newsom is in no-mans land. Hes probably going to reside there for a while. Opinion Aspiring leaders like Newsom want to be part of the chatter in the system. Now, there is no room for him in that system. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Republicans, unlike the Democrats, are having a real primary season. Republicans have announced candidates, real debates and real action in states throughout the map. There are now 10 candidates for president in 2024: There are the eight Republicans who qualified for last weeks debate in Milwaukee. Then there is the front-runner, Donald Trump , who skipped the debate. And there is the incumbent, Democrat Joe Biden . The chatter for now stops there. They and they alone command the stage. If the Trump-less Republican debates become the norm, they will be the engines of political mystery. Who will emerge as the alternative to the indicted? Will it be the current second-runner, Floridas Ron DeSantis , who struggles for dominance in the debate format? Or will someone else emerge, such as Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old entrepreneur, who exudes a confidence that suggests the presidency is easy? The Democratic Party is acting as if there is nothing to debate because it has an incumbent. That lack of party debate is almost undemocratic. Consider that polls have Joe Biden nationally with a two-point lead over Donald Trump at the moment. Trump has proven difficult to poll accurately. Put another way, Hillary Clinton had a bigger lead going into the November 2016 election than Joe Biden has right now. While there is a long way to go, one thing is clear: The Republican Party is busy searching for its best candidate that can beat the opponent, while the Democratic Party is not. Newsom is finding no comfort at home, on the sidelines. He finds himself being labeled the bad guy as he tries to expand Californias spectacularly inadequate mental health system, particularly its ability to reach homeless people in need of treatment. The governor is seeking to place a $4.68 billion bond on the March ballot to expand mental health facilities and services and better prioritize services for the homeless. But this upsets the status quo of state-funded mental health services at the local level and the providers who deliver these services. They are not on the governors side. Neither has been the Legislative Analysts Office. Newsom deserves credit for confronting the existing, inadequate system. It is an example of what a governor can do when engaging directly in the legislative process. In the rhythm of the Sacramento political summer, the lawmakers take a recess in July after passing the budget in June. They have now returned in the heat of August to deliberate the surviving bills that are roughly two-thirds of the way through the process. This used to be when all observers of all things politics would hang on the governors every utterance for direction on how to proceed. Newsom seems to have little to say beyond his mental health agenda. He chose May to make his major policy move, a streamlining of processes to help launch big infrastructure projects. He got most of what he wanted. The governor should hunker down for a while come Sept. 15, when the legislative session is over and he will have hundreds of bills to decide whether to sign or veto. His predecessor was known for avoiding the public limelight for weeks while reading and then writing legendary rejection memos. Jerry Brown knew those were some of the most important weeks of his job. Its too bad that it takes political stunts by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, such as when DeSantis flew plane loads of migrants to Sacramento, for Newsom to act like he is equally interested in Sacramento-based affairs. The moment cries out for Newsom to show leadership and to actively and publicly land the many legislative efforts demanding his attention. For now, Gavin Newsom is relegated to a nothing-burger status on the presidential stage and seems to have chosen the same silent path for his day job in the coming weeks, just as things inside the Capitol are getting hot. ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's entry into the BRICS mechanism is expected to facilitate the country's economic growth, and help forge strong and lasting political cooperation with the BRICS family, Ethiopian experts have said. BRICS leaders agreed on Thursday to invite six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to join the group. Their membership will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. "Working with these countries advances our economic development by attracting foreign direct investment for industrialization and infrastructure projects," Balew Demissie, an associate professor at Addis Ababa University, told Xinhua in a recent interview. Highlighting the potential advantages of Ethiopia's collaboration with BRICS, the professor said "the cooperation can improve connectivity within the country and with neighboring nations, facilitate trade, promote regional integration, and create new economic opportunities." Demissie further emphasized Ethiopia's aim to modernize its agricultural sector, increase productivity, and improve food production and distribution through the utilization of advanced agricultural technologies and know-how from BRICS countries. He believes Ethiopia's entry into BRICS can also expand the group's influence and reach. "As an African country with a rapidly growing economy, Ethiopia can contribute to the collective strength of the platform and bring a fresh perspective to the African continent," Demissie noted. Mukerrim Miftah, an assistant professor at the Ethiopian Civil Service University, agreed, saying that "Ethiopia serves as a political anchor in East Africa and Africa as a whole, helping the BRICS counter the dominance of the West on the African continent." Miftah believes that admission to BRICS "will help Ethiopia forge strong, lasting economic and political cooperation with the BRICS family," enabling the East African country to pursue political relations in an institutionalized and mutually beneficial manner. "The BRICS must have seen mutual benefit in admitting Ethiopia as a member. This move will strengthen the already strong economic relationships Ethiopia has with countries like China and Russia, making those relations institutional, long-lasting, and based on trust and legal conditions," he told Xinhua. Miftah further underscored Ethiopia's potential in conflict resolution, peace-building, countering terrorism and promoting sustainable development, which has contributed to its selection as a member of BRICS. Ethiopia's entry into the BRICS mechanism is expected to open up new avenues for economic growth, strengthen political ties, and enhance regional cooperation, making it a significant milestone in the country's development, he said. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) hit back at GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy s remarks toward her last week, when he compared the congresswoman to grand wizards in the KKK. Pressley responded to Ramaswamys comments about her and progressive author Ibram X. Kendi on MSNBCs PoliticsNation with host Rev. Al Sharpton on Sunday. Reverend Al, the verbal assault lobbied against myself and Dr. Kendi is shameful. It is deeply offensive. And it is dangerous, she said. It is not that long ago that we were besieged by images of white supremacists carrying tiki torches in Charlottesville. It was not that long ago that a white supremacist mob seized the Capitol, waving Confederate flags and erecting nooses on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Ramaswamy doubled down on his remarks toward Pressley on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, claiming that his assessment of her comments should spark an open and honest discussion. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement We all agree that the KKK was an awful organization. That is a toxic stain in our national history. So given that, we can start from that point of agreement. Now that allows us to say, well, who actually sounds more like that organization today? The people who are calling for more racial discrimination on the basis of skin color, he said. In her response, Pressley, who is Black, said she remains focused on pursuing racial justice in the U.S. In one of my childhood memories that is deeply embedded in that my own ancestors and living family members have been brutalized, lynched, raped by the Ku Klux Klan, she told Sharpton. I recall when my family member had moved into a predominantly white cul-de-sac in the 80s when I was a child. And we had a cross burned in our lawn. So, for me, as deeply shameful and offensive and dangerous as his words are, he is not occupying any real estate in my mind, she continued. I remain squarely focused on the work of undoing the centuries of harm that has precisely been done to Black Americans and charting a path of true restorative justice and racial justice forward. The remarks at the center of the issue came from a campaign event of Ramaswamys on Friday when he was responding to comments made by Pressley in 2019 in which she said: We dont want any more Black faces that dont want to be a Black voice. We dont want any more brown faces that dont want to be a brown voice. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A lawsuit filed in federal court last week to halt diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility standards for teachers at Californias community colleges. The suit was filed by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression on behalf of instructors at Clovis, Madera and Reedley community colleges and seeks to declare the regulations as unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth amendments. The schools are part of the State Center Community College District, which includes Fresno City College, though no instructors from that school signed on to the suit. The DEIA standards were first proposed in 2022 and adopted by SCCCD in March. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to a news release from FIRE, the regulations explicitly require professors to pledge allegiance to contested ideological viewpoints and forces them to incorporate anti-racist viewpoints into classroom teaching. The Fresno-area instructors are complaining that, among other things, they have been forced to change their syllabi and teaching materials, lest they face repercussions, as performance and tenure are now evaluated based on commitment to and promotion of the viewpoints, the release said. According to the suit, the Chancellors Office in June 2022, released its Model Principles and Practices for DEI in Curriculum to set out curricular priorities that districts were encouraged to incorporate. The document instructs faculty to not weaponize academic freedom and academic integrity as tools to impede equity or inflict curricular trauma on our students with material that runs contrary to the DEIA viewpoints, the suit said. These regulations are a totalitarian triple-whammy, said Daniel Ortner, an attorney with FIRE. The government is forcing professors to teach and preach a politicized viewpoint they do not share, imposing incomprehensible guidelines, and threatening to punish professors when they cross an arbitrary, indiscernible line. The district last week said it had not yet been officially served with the summons and complaint and legal counsel would need to review the suit, but on Friday, SCCCD said it was not able to provide comment on the lawsuit, as it is in active litigation. Madera instructor part of lawsuit Loren Palsgaard has worked as an English instructor at Madera Community College for 25 years. Conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion have been happening on campus for years, and he said theres never been a time when those things werent on his mind. Its one the things he appreciates about the mission of the school. But when the state starts making mandates thats, to me, when it became problematic. According to the suit, Palsgaard has stopped assigning course material that might generate debate on race and questions of diversity or equity because he is afraid of violating the DEIA Rules and the faculty contract. The politics and ideology behind the regulations arent really at issue here, Palsgaard said, pointing out that the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression filed a similar suit against Floridas Stop WOKE Act last year. Palsgaard hopes this latest suit will send a strong message to the state. We cant lose the First Amendment and academic freedom. Prior First Amendment lawsuit at Clovis campus This isnt the first time FIRE has filed a First Amendment suit against SCCCD. Last year, it represented a group of conservative students in a suit against Clovis Community College alleging the school violated their First Amendment rights by ordering them to remove pamphlets they had posted on bulletin boards around campus. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court upheld an injunction in that case, saying the schools policy on posting flyers on campus invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse s high national profile as a liberal fighting to combat climate change and eliminate dark money in political campaigns often overshadows his unwavering support for Americas servicemen and women. Some may not give him enough credit for the amount of time, energy and political capital he has invested on behalf of veterans and the military. Is that perhaps because his strong progressive views on other issues may distract us from his really solid body of work on our behalf? Or is it because we think his military chops pale compared with those of his friend and Senate colleague Jack Reed, a West Point grad and a goliath in the Senate who chairs the Armed Services Committee? In his own way, however, Sheldon Whitehouse has quietly built a strong resume when it comes to supporting our veterans and military values. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Whitehouse made numerous trips to combat zones. By 2010 he had made his fourth trip to Iraq, and by 2013 he had already visited Afghanistan six times. In 2009, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, left, spent a week in Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan with fellow Senate Democrats Mark Warner and Patrick Leahy, second and fourth from left. I am not alone in thinking his veteran credentials have flown under the radar. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Senator Whitehouse is a tremendous advocate for Rhode Island veterans, said Kasim Yarn, director of the state's Office of Veterans Services. When I asked Sheldon recently what message he would like to get across to veterans, he replied, This is pretty personal with me. Dedication to country runs deep in the Whitehouse family After Pearl Harbor, young men across America rushed to sign up for the military. My father and uncle were two of those boys, Sheldon said. Dad was a Marine Corps dive bomber pilot; my uncle was a carrier-based fighter pilot. My uncle was killed over the Philippines. With his family in attendance, Charles Whitehouse is sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to Laos in 1973 by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Future U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is standing between his father and Rogers, and his mother, Molly Rand, is at left with his siblings, Charles and Sarah. During his early days in the Senate, Sheldon traveled regularly with Navy hero John McCain. Visits included trips to Vietnam in 2012 and 2014. One of those trips took them to the Philippines. He rose at dawn to visit the Manila American Cemetery, to see the name of his uncle on the memorial: George Bruen Whitehouse. George was a 21-year-old Navy ensign flying fighters from the USS Cowpens. His plane was shot down on Dec. 12, 1944, and his body was never recovered. His name is carved high up in the marble as a last memorial of his sacrifice, Sheldon said. His father, Charles Whitehouse, went on to a storied career in the CIA and then the State Department. His service included two tours of duty in Vietnam. While living in Southeast Asia with his father, the U.S. ambassador to Laos, young Sheldon Whitehouse speaks with Royal Lao Army Maj. Gen. Vang Pao. Although the Paris Accords had ended fighting in Vietnam, a proxy war continued in northern Laos. Pao led the Secret Army, highly trained, CIA-sponsored guerillas who fought Communist forces with American support. He served in difficult, challenging, poor and war-torn countries his whole life," Sheldon said. "He then came out of retirement to set up the Special Operations Command in the Pentagon for President Ronald Reagan. I was raised in that life. We were often in dangerous and war-torn places, and we faced the discomforts, the diseases and the dangers of those faraway postings. Visiting battle-torn An Loc in 1972 The Battle of An Loc lasted for 66 days in the spring of 1972, as the North Vietnamese advanced toward Saigon. U.S. airpower and the determined stand of soldiers from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam repulsed the attack. Almost every B-52 in Southeast Asia was called in to strike the massing enemy tanks and infantry. On May 11 and 12, the U.S. Air Force managed a B-52 mission every 55 minutes for 30 hours straight using 170 B-52s and obliterating regiments of North Vietnamese regulars in the process. The battle ended in June, but sporadic fighting continued in the environs for another two months. In July 1972, Charles Whitehouse came to Saigon as deputy U.S. ambassador. Charles Sheldon Whitehouse with his young family while he was serving as a diplomat in Africa. His wife, the former Molly Rand, holds young Sheldons hand while baby Charles is in his fathers arms. Because of my father's position, I was able to go live with him," Sheldon recalled. "I think I was the only U.S. dependent there during the Vietnam conflict certainly during the heavy fighting. I was 16 years old. My father was the first civilian to visit An Loc after the NVA were driven off, and for some reason, he thought it was a good idea to bring me along. That was the closest Sheldon ever got to actual combat. He recalls that escorting aircraft fired suppression fire into the jungle outside the town. He remembers the destruction was like that of European cities reduced to rubble in World War II. Somewhere I have a photo of myself there, Sheldon said. I'm a scrawny little kid wearing a helmet thats way too big, and a flak jacket that comes almost to my knees. Speaking about his son, Charles Whitehouse told Journal reporter M. Charles Bakst in 1998, I think he got a look at what suffering the people there had undergone, and some sense of risk. How Sheldon Whitehouse spent his childhood vacations Sheldon was a high school senior when he returned to Saigon in early 1973 to teach English to Vietnamese youngsters 10 to 14 years old. Theres a photo of him standing in front of the class, Bakst wrote in 1998. He looks 12. Actually, he was 17. While he was there, the Paris Peace Accords was signed and the POW exchange took place. Everyone remembers the POWs from North Vietnam boarding their flights to freedom at the Hanoi airport. At age 17, Sheldon Whitehouse teaches English to Vietnamese students in Saigon in early 1973. Less known is the second repatriation involving prisoners held by the Viet Cong in South Vietnam. They were to be brought to a rally point, where they would board helicopters for Saigons Tan Son Nhat airport. I was there the night that happened, said Sheldon. We went out to witness this extraordinary scene. Logistical problems arose with the Viet Cong getting the POWs to the rally point, and day turned into night. We finally heard the noise of the helicopters," he said. "Bright lights for the TV cameras illuminated the scene. Out of the dark came the helicopters, perfectly lined up. They all hovered together in the pool of light, about four feet off the ground, and then they all set down together. Then they all shut down together. The huge racket of the Huey engines stopped. Suddenly, it was super quiet. On May 30, 2022, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, center, joins Sen. Jack Reed, second from left, and Rep. David Cicilline, right, at a Yellow Ribbon sendoff for Company A, 1-182 Infantry, Rhode Island Army National Guard. Out of the helicopters came these incredibly gaunt figures. I particularly remember how pale they were, probably heightened by the klieg lights. Some were able to walk; others had to be carried. But as these ghosts of men, scarecrows of men, appeared, everyone present seemed to come together, forgetting for a moment the divisiveness back home. Fast-forward to todays challenges I asked Sheldon which piece of veteran-related legislation was most important to him. The 2022 PACT Act topped the list. It improved care and benefits for thousands of veterans nationwide exposed to toxic substances. He had been an early advocate for expanding care and compensation for such exposures; several pieces of his legislation eventually evolved into the PACT Act. More: Filing a claim for toxic exposure under the PACT Act His advocacy for the PACT Act, which extends VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, will provide impacted veterans and their families with supports they earned and deserve, said Yarn, of the Office of Veterans Services. The senator added, We're working very hard to ensure that every single veteran in R.I. is aware of this new suite of benefits. Once again, this is personal for him. Burn pit exposure from Iraq and Afghanistan had real resonance for me, he said. During my fathers first tour in 1970, he worked at Bien Hoa Air Base, about 20 miles northeast of Saigon. At the height of the war, it was said to be the busiest airport in the world. One of the missions operating from Bien Hoa was Operation Ranch Hand, the moniker given to the Air Forces defoliation mission. The National Library of Medicine says nearly 19 million gallons of herbicides were sprayed in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971, of which at least 11 million gallons was Agent Orange. With the black humor common to combat zones, the motto of those who flew such missions was, Only you can prevent forests, a takeoff on Smokey Bears slogan about forest fire prevention. Service members endured an enormous amount of exposure to chemicals, said Sheldon. As did the Vietnamese civilians. One of those people was his father. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse at his Providence office in April. He eventually died of cancer, Sheldon said. Can we prove cause and effect? No, but the evidence linking toxic exposure to cancer is significant. I can clearly see how people can get sick later in life from exposure to dangerous chemicals. Part of Bien Hoas chemical dump was blown up in the Tet attacks. So there was stuff all over the place while my father was there. They are still cleaning up Bien Hoa, and will be doing so for many years to come. In April 2019, Sen. Patrick Leahy led a delegation of nine senators to Bien Hoa, where they launched a 10-year, $300-million project to clean up dioxin residues. When we put this trip together, I carefully picked workhorses, not show horses, he told George Black of The New Republic. One of the workhorses Leahy selected was Whitehouse. This subsequent cleanup project is considered one of the largest chemical remediation projects in world history. Other Whitehouse initiatives to benefit service members and vets Since 2007 he has co-sponsored (and in some cases, helped shepherd through Congress) legislation to address wait-time backlogs at the VA; raise disability compensation and survivor benefits; expand dental care; and lengthen the grace period of foreclosure protection for service members. Recently, he co-sponsored a bill that would provide suicide prevention resources for transitioning service members and veterans. Well done, senator! Calendar Wednesday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Veterans Coffee Social at the Warwick Public Library. Organizer is Timothy Ruel from Operation Stand Down RI. Questions? Email truel@osdri.org Friday-Sunday, Sept. 8-10, Traveling Vietnam Wall, at Rocky Point Park in Warwick. The American Veteran Traveling Tribute Memorial will be free to visit 24 hours a day until 5 p.m. on Sept. 10. At 2:09 p.m. each afternoon, the names of the 209 Rhode Island service members lost in the Vietnam conflict will be read. Gaspee Days Committee, the City of Warwick, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), and RI 250 are hosting the event. To make a donation or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the events page of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island OSDRI.org. Thursday, Sept. 14, 4:30-7 p.m.; Learn to Surf Cast for Free, at Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett. The Providence Vet Center is teaming up with the Narragansett Surf Casters and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to offer a class to 15 service members/veterans. All the equipment you need to learn to catch fish from shore, along with instruction, will be provided by members of Narragansett Surf Casters. Food and refreshments will be provided as well. Please sign up with Justyn Charon by phone at (401) 739-0167 or via email at Justyn.Charon@va.gov. To report the outcome of a previous activity, or to add a future event to our calendar, please email the details (including a contact name and phone number/email address) to veteranscolumn@providencejournal.com. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Combat zones to Capitol Hill: Senator Whitehouse is veterans' advocate LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) An 84-year-old Michigan woman, known by her friends and family as The Captain, was killed when a tree fell on her home Thursday, but a survivor emerged from the wreckage the following day. Vernita Payne lived in the house with her two dogs. The family thought only one of the two dogs survived the storm. This here is a survivor, said Paynes nephew, Charlie Dean, pointing to the surviving dog. He survived the madness that happened last night. When they couldnt find Paynes second pet, a puppy named Baby, they presumed the pup had died until they heard a familiar sound on Friday night. They heard crying from the house and hurried to rescue Baby. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Now, they say they have a piece of Vernita back. Shes a valuable piece of our puzzle in life. And we lost that little puzzle piece, said Dean. Vernita Payne, 84, of Lansing was killed during Thursday nights storm. (Photo/ Payne family) Payne leaves behind a huge legacythe family said she has 95 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and that the memories at her house are endless. Were gonna miss this lady; this lady did a lot for us and for this community. This is a neighborhood people should come and see, said Dean. These kids over here have been treated well. As a neighborhood, Im proud to be a part of it. Every single last one of us have lived and played in that house, slept in that house, played in that park. So we really are a community, said a family member who didnt give her name. This is over 60 years worth of family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. (Photo Courtesy of Puyallup Tribe of Indians ) The Puyallup Tribe of Indians received a $7.5 million grant to remove fish passage barriers in the Puyallup River to improve in-stream habitats for fish tributaries. As well, the nearby Port of Tacoma received a $2 million grant to rehabilitate the failing Wapato Creek culvert. The funding was allocated from the Department of Transportations Federal Highway Administrations (FHWA) Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage Program (AOP), championed by U.S Representatives Derek Kilmer (D) and Marilyn Strickland (D). It is the first federal program devoted entirely to culvert restoration, according to a press release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The tribe has been actively working on fish restoration in this watershed. So this is just one more piece of the restoration puzzle thats being put back together to improve habitat quality, natural function and provide an overall improvement to the fisheries environment, Puyallup Tribe Fisheries Program Director Russ Ladley said in an article from Puyallup Tribal News. The AOP grants are part of an announcement by FHWA of $196 million going to 56 Tribal, state, and local governments that will fix or remove 169 culvert barriers to improve fish passage. Outdated culverts and other infrastructure can cause roads to flood and severely restrict or altogether block fish passage, which is key to the health of fish runs and important to fishing and the health of Tribal communities. The Puyallup Tribes project will replace outdated culverts on Swan, Squally, Clear, and Canyon creeks. The Fall Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Chum Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Bull Trout, and other resident trout populations are expected to benefit from the removal of the barriers, according to the press release. Some of the culverts that are going to be replaced are over 100 years old. They dont meet todays scientific criteria for fish passage, and were going to replace them with actual bridges. It opens up the stream channel tremendously, said Ladley in an article from Puyallup Tribal News. Additional grant recipients include $4.2 million for the Jamestown SKlallam Tribe that will be used to replace two complete fish passage barriers on Chicken Coop Creek, located in Clallam County. The creek is the heart of traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering areas for the SKlallam People, and the project will restore access to four miles of spawning grounds and habitat. About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com Racist housing practices left Minneapolis with an extreme heat problem. Now, the city is rushing to reverse the lasting effects of environmental racism. One Planet Banner Test Insider Children gathered on a warm summer night in Minneapolis. Rita Reed/Star Tribune via Getty Images Minneapolis has been found to have neighborhood temperature disparities influenced by redlining. The city hopes to rectify its history of environmental racism with a new Climate Equity Plan. Local organizers hope this plan is a first step toward addressing rising heat in their communities. This article is part of "Journey Toward Climate Justice," a series exploring the systemic inequities of the climate crisis. For more climate-action news, visit Insider's One Planet hub. For years, Minneapolis was seen as a progressive haven in the Midwest, with Democrats having long controlled the city. But as the 2020 murder of George Floyd laid bare, the Minnesota capital's reputation had largely belied the conditions on the ground. The city ranks near the bottom for racial equality: Black families earn less than half of what white families make, and the Black incarceration rate is 11 times that of white residents. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The city is also one of the worst perpetrators of environmental racism. The George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty A 2020 study by the data firm CAPA Strategies found Minneapolis among the three US cities with the largest surface-temperature differences between formerly redlined and non-redlined neighborhoods. At its most extreme, that difference was nearly 11 degrees Fahrenheit. A Home Owners' Loan Corporation redlined map of Minneapolis. Mapping Inequality/National Archives Redlining refers to a discriminatory housing practice. In the early 20th century, the federal government created maps marking each area of the city with one of four classifications. Red, the lowest tier, was deemed "hazardous." It was also the only place Black people were allowed to purchase housing in the city. These formerly redlined areas still experience an outsize share of hazardous environmental conditions. "It's always communities of color facing the brunt," Tee McClenty, the executive director at MN350, a grassroots organization in Minneapolis advancing climate policy, told Insider. "I want to see communities of color Black and brown like me have a seat at the table to talk about what are the plans to improve the lives of those most impacted." MN350 and other local environmental advocacy groups have pushed the city to address this discrepancy before it leads to a larger climate disaster. Last month, the city revised its 2013 Climate Plan, laying out a comprehensive timeline, union protections for jobs created under the plan, as well as a higher annual funding threshold. The new plan also emphasizes racial-equity provisions. Hotels and cafes in the Gateway District in Minneapolis in 1939. John Vachon/Library of Congress A history of restrictive housing practices In the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal hoped to stimulate the economy through homeownership. These programs, however, offered federal aid only to white Americans. The Home Owners' Loan Corporation created maps of major US cities that classified areas by risk-based characteristics to help banks determine how different properties should be valued. The existing racial makeup of neighborhoods often played an explicit factor in the classifications. Neighborhoods that had Black or Asian populations were considered less desirable and were redlined. The areas with the highest grades were given to rich, white neighborhoods. Racist housing restrictions also guaranteed that houses would be bought only by white owners. Contractual agreements known as racial covenants would prohibit homes from being bought by particular groups of people. One early housing covenant, from 1910 in Minneapolis, proclaimed that the area "shall not at any time be conveyed, mortgaged or leased to any person or persons of Chinese, Japanese, Moorish, Turkish, Negro, Mongolian or African blood or descent." People marching toward City Hall in Minneapolis in 1934. Anthony Potter Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images Black people had begun to come to Minneapolis in the early 20th century during the Great Migration. They were quickly pushed into these redlined areas. Because of this, Black residents at the time primarily resided in the north side and in certain pockets of the south side of the city, reinforcing housing segregation. Today, the north and south sides are cut off from the rest of the downtown area by major highways and interstates. In 1960, the neighborhoods where highways were routed were home to 82% of the city's Black residents. This has resulted in higher rates of polluted air, water, and asthma for those communities. Industrial manufacturing and chemical plants were also built in those areas, which also tended to lack tree canopies and green spaces. Neighborhoods with the highest percentage of low-income residents of color are over twice as likely to not have the appropriate number of tree canopies, according to a Star Tribune investigation last year. "For a variety of reasons there's not enough tree canopy in northern Minneapolis, and I think that is the hottest part of the city," Ulla Nilsen, a senior organizer at MN350, told Insider. "Low-income and communities of color tend to not have as much access to air conditioning, substandard housing it's not well insulated, so it lets the heat through. Across the country, Black Americans are the most at risk for heat-related illness." For all these reasons, previously redlined neighborhoods suffer from extreme heat. Extreme heat can be deadly, and heat waves continue to intensify around the world during the climate crisis. A lack of tree canopies and green spaces, the construction of highways and industrial manufacturing plants, paved surfaces, and income inequality have all created a climate crisis for communities of color in Minneapolis. A coordinator gathering children in Minneapolis to attend summer activities. Darlene Pfister/Star Tribune via Getty Images A flawed Climate Action Plan In 2013, the city adopted a 47-page environmental road map that had high ambitions to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. Called the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan, it sought to achieve that objective through energy-efficient homes and businesses, affordable carbon-free buildings, 10% of electricity from local renewable resources, grants for small businesses working toward the plan's objectives, and new green jobs. Organizers, however, say there was a major problem. The plan didn't detail a timeline, funding streams, or labor protections for jobs created by the plan. Nilsen also wanted the city to ensure those jobs would be accessible to lower-income, undocumented, and formerly incarcerated people. After years of outcry from activists, the city council submitted a new draft of a 10-year plan, titled the Minneapolis Climate Equity Plan, soliciting public comments. The new plan put environmental justice at the forefront; in a letter that introduces the document, Mayor Jacob Frey wrote that the new plan "is about prioritizing low income and BIPOC communities first." MN350 launched its own campaign, ensuring that community members had the opportunity to give their thoughts. "There were more than 800 people that submitted comments," Nilsen said. "The city listened to the comments. They didn't fix every single thing, but the plan was greatly improved." The new plan includes a comprehensive timeline, union protections for new jobs, as well as $8 million to $10 million in annual funding. Nilsen said they were also able to include explicit language guaranteeing that the city wouldn't add an additional tax burden on lower-income residents to make up for the funding shortfall. Under the new plan, green spaces will be prioritized in the north and south sides of Minneapolis, air-quality monitors will be implemented to track and reduce pollution, green energy sources will be emphasized, and all homes will be insulated and weatherized. A young girl hula hooping in Minneapolis in 2001. Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images Next steps Minneapolis follows other major cities such as Portland, Oregon, which has its own history of redlining and is trying to undo the impacts of environmental racism. Earlier this year, Portland passed its 43-Step Climate Action Plan, which has similar objectives to the Minneapolis plan. The next steps for MN350 will be hosting community forums and recruiting more volunteers and organizers of color. Organizers want to make sure communities are aware of what the city has promised so they can hold them accountable. "We're happy," McClenty said, "and we're in a moment to celebrate the work that we've done." Read the original article on Business Insider RAMAPO - A 21-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy have been charged with burglarizing synagogues and other religious facilities in Monsey, police said. The break-ins occurred at buildings on Blauvelt and Forshay roads on Thursday, leading to the dual arrests of the Monsey residents on the same day following an investigation, Ramapo Police Detective Lt. Chris Franklin said in a release. Police also charged the 21-year-old Yoeli Al-Nahari, aka Alnahari, with burglarizing another Monsey private school on Saddle River Road on July 30 and possessing proceeds from a separate burglary in Montebello when arrested. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police also learned Al-Nahari faced a charge of second-degree robbery in Bergen County, New Jersey. Ramapo police charged both with multiple felony counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. The charges also included misdemeanor counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Al-Nahari was ordered held in the Rockland County Jail on $10,000 bail set by a Ramapo justice. He faces an extradition hearing to Bergen County, New Jersey, as a fugitive from justice on the robbery count. The police didn't release the name of the 12-year-old because he's a minor. Police released him on an appearance ticket. Police said his charges will be adjudicated in Rockland County Family Court in New City. Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal. Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Monsey NY religious facilities burglarized, two people charged GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has sparked a firestorm with comments comparing Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Black Democrat representing Massachusetts, to modern grand wizards of the Ku Klux Klan. Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old businessman who has been running a GOP campaign in the mode of a millennial Donald Trump, initially made the remark Friday during a campaign stop in Iowa before doubling down in the face of criticism Sunday and Monday. Republicans seem to have decided that in order to stop Democrats, they have to stop Black women, Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, an organization focused on mobilizing Black voters, told The Hill. Were not rewriting history or turning it on its head to suggest that a grand wizard is anything other than what it is, Shropshire said. This language has never been about persuading Black voters. It is about stirring the racist stew that they have cooked up in their party and throwing it at Black women. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The fight started when Ramaswamy on Friday in Iowa criticized remarks Pressley made in 2019 as racist. Pressley at the time during an event at Netroots Nation, a liberal conference said that Democrats dont need any more brown faces that dont want to be a brown voice. Pressleys spokesperson at the time told The Washington Post that Pressleys point was that diversity at the table doesnt matter if theres not real diversity in policy. On Sunday, after Pressley ripped him for the remarks, Ramaswamy said he brought up the 2019 comments to provoke an open and honest discussion in this country, he told CNNs Inside Politics. Pressley had hit back at Ramaswamys comparison on MSNBCs Politics Nation over the weekend, calling the verbal assault from the presidential hopeful shameful and dangerous. It is not that long ago that we were besieged by images of white supremacists carrying tiki torches in Charlottesville. It was not that long ago that a white supremacist mob seized the Capitol, waving Confederate flags and erecting nooses on the West Lawn of the Capitol, Pressley told the host, the Rev. Al Sharpton. She added that her ancestors and living family members have been brutalized, lynched, raped by the Ku Klux Klan. But the congresswoman said Ramaswamy isnt occupying any real estate in her mind as she continues her work on racial justice. Ramaswamy continued the conflict Monday. Its racist. Itd make the Grand Wizard of the KKK proud. Its driving reactionary attacks. It needs to end, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Ramaswamy included a portion of the 2019 Netroots Nation remarks from Pressley in his post. Ramaswamys campaign team stood by the remarks when contacted by The Hill on Monday, directing a reporter to his post on X. The backdrop for the verbal sparring has been charged. On Saturday, thousands descended on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to mark the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther Kings March on Washington, a cornerstone of the civil rights movement. Later that evening in Jacksonville, Fla., three Black people were killed by a white gunman who police say was targeting African Americans. The gunman later shot and killed himself. Ramaswamy is one of a few people of color running for the GOP presidential nomination. Ramaswamy, who is Indian American, has sought to use his background to appeal to GOP voters. Earlier in August, he promised that if he secured the GOP nomination, he would bring along voters of diverse shades of melanin in droves to win the general election. Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright said Ramaswamys comments toward Pressley which he labeled disgusting indicate a disconnect between the GOPs desire to win the support of more diverse voters and their actions toward those demographics. I think its further proof that the Republican Party and those who are seeking to lead their party are not serious or intentional about bringing along, or bringing into the fold, voters of color, people of color nor are they serious about understanding the ever-changing diversity of this country, Seawright said. MAGA extremist [candidates] are not serious about anything other than trying to embrace the extremism that now makes up the Republican Party, he added. He also suggested Ramaswamys comments are an effort to say anything to get a reaction out of anybody. Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter, added that Ramaswamys comments might not be what Black voters are listening to, but it doesnt mean they wont have an effect on who shows up at the ballot boxes for 2024. I dont think most Black voters were really paying attention to the Republican debate or the conversations in the aftermath. Most people arent even aware of what Ramaswamy was saying, who he is, Albright told The Hill. Still, Albright said, Ramaswamys comments do speak to a core of the Republican Party. Theyre speaking to their base, which is hungry for that type of red bait, said Albright. Theyre certainly not speaking to Black voters, theyre not really speaking to any reasonable or serious voter outside of the base that just wants more of the same. Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson on Sunday criticized Ramaswamy for not really looking at real life in America. The Hill has reached out to other GOP presidential campaigns for comment. Seawright warned that Ramaswamys rhetoric could cause real harm, detrimental harm to Pressley and others in the wake of the Jacksonville shooting. Weve seen what happens when politicians use certain words and theyre not checked in real time. Weve seen historically what that has led to, and the power of hate, the power of bigotry, the power of division and racism, Seawright said. This could potentially lead to Ayanna Pressley an innocent Black woman, a mother, wife, member of Congress having to rearrange her life because shes become a target. Shropshire added that over the last five years, surveys from BlackPAC have shown Black voters consistently identified racism as one of their top three motivating issues. She said such rhetoric could cause an outpouring of Black voters come 2024 and not for Republicans. If the Republican Party wants to inspire record Black turnout, they should continue down this path, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. CAIRO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A regional conference on combating irregular migration kicked off on Monday in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, with the participation of 27 nations from Europe, Africa, and North America, as well as international organizations concerned. The three-day event is organized by the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP), according to the state-run Ahram Online news website. The conference aims to enhance the efforts of national bodies operating in fighting irregular migration and protecting immigrants, especially unaccompanied children. In statements to the official MENA news agency, Naela Gabr, the head of the NCCPIM&TIP, stressed Egypt's interest in enhancing regional cooperation to fight illegal migration and human trafficking. "It is very difficult to combat them without regional cooperation and exchanging expertise," MENA quoted Gabr as saying. Egypt used to be a desired destination for illegal migrants who tried to cross its territories to Libya towards Europe through the Mediterranean Sea in hopes of fleeing difficult economic conditions in their homeland. With improved security conditions, Egypt has prevented the influx of illegal migrants since 2016. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy unveiled a foreign policy platform Monday that would significantly reduce the United Statess international involvement, declaring, We will be Uncle Sucker no more. Ramaswamy said in a post in The American Conservative that the U.S. squandered its opportunity immediately following the end of the Cold War to remain the worlds lone superpower, allowing Russia and China to work together to threaten the countrys position at the top. He cited several former leaders of the U.S., including Presidents George Washington and Richard Nixon, as guides for his foreign policy. Rather than spending billions projecting power into global vacuums where our allies will not spend to maintain it themselves, we will put America First againas George Washington urgedas we recalibrate and consider our true interests, Ramaswamy said. He said the first inaugural address of President Thomas Jefferson , known as the Washington Doctrine of Unstable Alliances, provides inspiration of where the country should begin with its foreign policy. The doctrine was the originator of the famous early warning against entangling alliances. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Ramaswamy said he admires Nixons foreign policy the most of any president, noting that the 37th president ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam and met with Chinese leader Mao Zedong instead of counting Maos crimes or launching a moralistic push for his downfall. Ukraine and Russia Ramaswamy said he similarly would plan to visit Moscow as president in 2025 to negotiate terms to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He said he would accept Russian control of the territories that its forces have taken and promise to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO in exchange for Russia ending its military alliance with China. He said he would also end sanctions that have been placed on Russia and return it to the global market. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a list of principles that are necessary for the war to come to an end, including total Russian withdrawal from all occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Ramaswamys position on Ukraine drew plenty of fire during the first GOP presidential debate last week. He was the only candidate on stage to raise his hand when moderators asked who would not keep supporting Ukraine. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley retorted that he was choosing a murderer over a pro-American country, and earned applause when she told him: You have no foreign policy experience and it shows. Ramaswamys position is also in direct contradiction to the policy of the Biden administration and European allies. They say that Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law and Ukraines sovereignty and have refused to recognize Russian President Vladimir Putins asserted control over occupied territories. They, along with Republican supporters of Ukraine, say that international economic and military assistance to Kyiv is essential to help push Russias invading forces out of Ukraine and demonstrate that military aggression over a sovereign countrys borders cannot stand. But Ramaswamy contends a finite NATO border must be established with no greater expansion, and that European members should step up their defense spending. Uncle Sam should not serve as Uncle Sucker to Europe. While European and American interests remain aligned, our spending priorities are not. No longer will America subsidize European weakness, he said. Taiwan and China Ramaswamy said he would call for strategic clarity on defending U.S. interests in Taiwan instead of the current U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity. China has considered Taiwan, which is a self-governing democracy, to be part of its territory and seeks reunification with the island. The U.S. has recognized China as the only legitimate government and considers Taiwans status to be unsettled. The conservative entrepreneur said Taiwan would need to increase its defense spending and military readiness to acceptable levels if they want to partner with the U.S. for its defense. He added that he would ensure Taiwan has the weapons it needs to defend itself for a seaborne invasion and, in the future, for a long-term insurgency against any occupying force, if needed. He said he would put pressure on India to have closer ties to the U.S. and make a deal for the two countries to share nuclear submarine technology. He said the U.S. should be able to rely on India to assist with a naval blockade of a passageway China uses to import oil if China invades Taiwan. Ramaswamy said he would call on U.S. allies such as Japan and Australia to expand their defense budgets, and France and the United Kingdom to invest in poorer countries to limit Chinese economic influence. The Middle East Ramaswamy said he hopes for a rollback in U.S. involvement in the Middle East, arguing that an uneasy equilibrium has been reached with developments such as the Abraham Accords the agreement brokered during the Trump administration that established ties between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and further U.S. involvement would only cause imbalance. We should therefore return to the Nixonian wisdom of keeping a minimal footprint in a region beset by historic grievances that Americans neither can change nor should even try to change with social engineering, unless a major great power threat emerges, Ramaswamy said. He previously stirred controversy earlier this month over comments he made saying he hopes Israel can be at a place that by 2028, additional aid wont be necessary. The candidate said he wants to reinvigorate the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Western hemisphere closed to further intervention by European powers, by keeping out other countries influence. A safe Western Hemisphere makes for a safe America, he said. To our foes who wish ill upon us and our hemispheric partners, I say keep your distance or you will be made to regret it. Laura Kelly contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy unveiled a foreign policy platform Monday that would significantly reduce the United Statess international involvement, declaring, We will be Uncle Sucker no more. Ramaswamy said in a post in The American Conservative that the U.S. squandered its opportunity immediately following the end of the Cold War to remain the worlds lone superpower, allowing Russia and China to work together to threaten the countrys position at the top. He cited several former leaders of the U.S., including Presidents George Washington and Richard Nixon, as guides for his foreign policy. Rather than spending billions projecting power into global vacuums where our allies will not spend to maintain it themselves, we will put America First againas George Washington urgedas we recalibrate and consider our true interests, Ramaswamy said. He said the first inaugural address of President Thomas Jefferson , known as the Washington Doctrine of Unstable Alliances, provides inspiration of where the country should begin with its foreign policy. The doctrine was the originator of the famous early warning against entangling alliances. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Ramaswamy said he admires Nixons foreign policy the most of any president, noting that the 37th president ended U.S. involvement in Vietnam and met with Chinese leader Mao Zedong instead of counting Maos crimes or launching a moralistic push for his downfall. Ukraine and Russia Ramaswamy said he similarly would plan to visit Moscow as president in 2025 to negotiate terms to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He said he would accept Russian control of the territories that its forces have taken and promise to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO in exchange for Russia ending its military alliance with China. He said he would also end sanctions that have been placed on Russia and return it to the global market. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a list of principles that are necessary for the war to come to an end, including total Russian withdrawal from all occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. Ramaswamys position on Ukraine drew plenty of fire during the first GOP presidential debate last week. He was the only candidate on stage to raise his hand when moderators asked who would not keep supporting Ukraine. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley retorted that he was choosing a murderer over a pro-American country, and earned applause when she told him: You have no foreign policy experience and it shows. Ramaswamys position is also in direct contradiction to the policy of the Biden administration and European allies. They say that Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a violation of international law and Ukraines sovereignty and have refused to recognize Russian President Vladimir Putins asserted control over occupied territories. They, along with Republican supporters of Ukraine, say that international economic and military assistance to Kyiv is essential to help push Russias invading forces out of Ukraine and demonstrate that military aggression over a sovereign countrys borders cannot stand. But Ramaswamy contends a finite NATO border must be established with no greater expansion, and that European members should step up their defense spending. Uncle Sam should not serve as Uncle Sucker to Europe. While European and American interests remain aligned, our spending priorities are not. No longer will America subsidize European weakness, he said. Taiwan and China Ramaswamy said he would call for strategic clarity on defending U.S. interests in Taiwan instead of the current U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity. China has considered Taiwan, which is a self-governing democracy, to be part of its territory and seeks reunification with the island. The U.S. has recognized China as the only legitimate government and considers Taiwans status to be unsettled. The conservative entrepreneur said Taiwan would need to increase its defense spending and military readiness to acceptable levels if they want to partner with the U.S. for its defense. He added that he would ensure Taiwan has the weapons it needs to defend itself for a seaborne invasion and, in the future, for a long-term insurgency against any occupying force, if needed. He said he would put pressure on India to have closer ties to the U.S. and make a deal for the two countries to share nuclear submarine technology. He said the U.S. should be able to rely on India to assist with a naval blockade of a passageway China uses to import oil if China invades Taiwan. Ramaswamy said he would call on U.S. allies such as Japan and Australia to expand their defense budgets, and France and the United Kingdom to invest in poorer countries to limit Chinese economic influence. The Middle East Ramaswamy said he hopes for a rollback in U.S. involvement in the Middle East, arguing that an uneasy equilibrium has been reached with developments such as the Abraham Accords the agreement brokered during the Trump administration that established ties between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and further U.S. involvement would only cause imbalance. We should therefore return to the Nixonian wisdom of keeping a minimal footprint in a region beset by historic grievances that Americans neither can change nor should even try to change with social engineering, unless a major great power threat emerges, Ramaswamy said. He previously stirred controversy earlier this month over comments he made saying he hopes Israel can be at a place that by 2028, additional aid wont be necessary. The candidate said he wants to reinvigorate the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Western hemisphere closed to further intervention by European powers, by keeping out other countries influence. A safe Western Hemisphere makes for a safe America, he said. To our foes who wish ill upon us and our hemispheric partners, I say keep your distance or you will be made to regret it. Laura Kelly contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally spoke to a national audience on stage at last weeks Republican presidential debate, he gloated about the way he spitefully sacked two radical left-wing district attorneys in his state who wouldnt do their job. What American viewers werent told is that, behind the scenes, the governors office had quietly conspired with local sheriffs to tarnish the reputations of these democratically elected prosecutorsturning local cops against the state attorneys theyre supposed to partner with and trust. In the latest instance, the governor did one sheriff a huge favor by firing Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell just as she was about to crack down on a wide-ranging cover-up by deputies who, she says, were faking documents to hide lethal and abusive behavior. They thought that I was overly critical of law enforcement and didn't do anything against real criminals, Worrell told The Daily Beast in an interview last week. Apparently theres a difference between citizens who commit crimes and cops who commit crimes. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement DeSantis Heckled at Vigil After Racially Motivated Jacksonville Shooting Worrell continued that there are approximately 20 law enforcement agencies in Central Florida. And they were all working against me, because I was prosecuting their cops, the ones who used to do things and get away with them, she said. Her account was backed up by two people who spoke to The Daily Beast on condition of anonymity. In a frenzied bid to raise his national profile as he pursues aspirations to enter the White House, DeSantis has intensified his anti-woke crusade in his home state. In 2021, he banned trans students from girls sports. In 2022, he implemented a Dont Say Gay law to muzzle teachers from mentioning the mere existence of gay parents to kids, targeted woke math, and rejected certain textbooks that mention race. This year, his administration formed a grade school book-banning council staffed with conspiracy-theorist moms. But of all his stunning power grabs, perhaps the most shocking was the vengeful way DeSantis removed two progressive prosecutors in Central Florida. In August of last year, he fired Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, citing the prosecutors stated refusal to jail women for having an abortion that violated Floridas increasingly stringent and conservative laws. State Attorney Monique H. Worrell holds a press conference, on March 9, 2023, in Florida. Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Warren sued to get his job back and lost. A federal judge stated emphatically that the Florida governor had violated his own states constitution and the prosecutors free speech rights, but refused to undo the suspension. But the trial uncovered something sinister: the way DeSantis tapped his so-called public safety czar to become the governors cloak-and-dagger political hatchet man. Larry Keefe, whose chummy relationship with congressman Matt Gaetz helped him land the U.S. Attorney spot in Floridas panhandle under President Donald Trump, left the Department of Justice and became DeSantis legal commando whose job it was to punish undocumented migrants seeking shelter in the United States. But his less explored role has been to coordinate the purely political and unceremonious removal of local prosecutorsaggressive operations that seek to embarrass Democrats all in the name of public safety. Keefe appears to have kept a similar mode of operation when conducting both jobs. When coordinating the controversial contracts that rounded up desperate migrants and sent them to Marthas Vineyard on potentially illegal flights, he seemed to try dodging public records laws by using a non-government email address named after Clarice Starling, the protagonist from The Silence of the Lambs. In that same fashion, court transcripts show, he used a private email address to coordinate Warrens downfall with Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and asked to shift correspondence to the encrypted app Signal, where messages can auto-delete. Ron DeSantis Cancelled An Elected Official, Just Like He Did to Me Internal documents unearthed at trial revealed that DeSantis also targeted Worrell, but decided against removing her because she hadnt yet crossed a line like Warren had through his public promise. But there was work underway in the shadows. Just as DeSantis staff was readying to pounce on the Tampa prosecutor's office, Worrell began to get odd vibes from her own local sheriffs near Orlandowho seemed to be aligning themselves alongside the DeSantis administration, too. It became most apparent on a Zoom call her executive staff had with Orlando County Sheriff John W. Mina and his top brass in July 2022, which was first uncovered by the Orlando Sentinel. I was at home and had COVID. I got on the meeting, and the call was being recorded. No one told me in advance that it was going to be recorded. In that call, the sheriff's disposition was very aggressive and accusatory, Worrell told The Daily Beast, describing what happened next as an ambush. According to Worrell and another person with knowledge of the call, Mina began to pepper her with specific questions about cases that her office had failed to prosecute. The problem was, the cases actually reflected police misconduct and ineptitude, rather than forgiving or forgetful prosecutors. For example, both said the Orlando County sheriff complained about the state attorneys failure to jail a particular known gang member fresh out of prison who was caught with a gun in his car. However, Worrells staff on the call countered that description of the case, noting that the felon had actually been illegally accosted by detectives who spotted him at a gun show, where they demanded to know what he was doing out free, followed him into the parking lot, and proceeded to break every rule in the book. They took him into custodywithout a warrant. Went into his pants pocketwithout a warrant. Clicked key fobwithout warrant. Went inwithout warrant, Worrell recalled. Detectives found a gun, but junior prosecutors quickly determined the case didnt stand a chance in court. Theres this little thing called unreasonable search and seizure, and you cant get evidence without a warrant. We were unable to go forward with charges because it was an illegal search and seizure. And we had lots of communication with the sheriffs office about this case, trying to salvage the case, she recalled last week. As the state attorney, were not here to rubber-stamp what the sheriffs office does. We cant condone that. From there, things only got more heated. Email records obtained this week by The Daily Beast offer a look at the mounting pressure campaign. Brian Snyder In February, the governors office wrote a stern letter directly to Worrells team, demanding a vast and detailed record of unprosecuted casesfishing for the very statistics and cases it could wave around to justify her removal. The next month, the state attorneys general counsel assembled a simplified snapshot of dropped cases going back several previous elected prosecutors and warned DeSantis people that they were barking up the wrong tree. The unfounded assertions and conclusions in your letter are certainly disappointing and quite frankly, irresponsible, the state attorneys general counsel, Kamilah L. Perry, replied. The suggestion that our offices policies promote crime are empty political statements not supported by facts. These misleading claims pose a danger to our community, which is being intentionally misled by this political fear mongering. As the months went by, local sheriffs began pulling prosecution statistics that found their way to the governors office 220 miles away in Tallahassee. But the way they did it turned heads at the Ninth Judicial District State Attorneys Office. The aptly named Sunshine State is celebrated for its particularly transparent public records laws, which allow the average person to easily demand all kinds of government documents. But its not how partner law enforcement agencies get information from each other when working on official business. Thats why it seemed odd to Worrell and her advisers when, sometime around May, the records department received a request for copies of its exchange with DeSantis people from the Orange-Osceola Police Chiefs Association. The organization, which doesnt appear to be registered at Floridas division of corporations, is a private entity thats led by none other than Carl Metzger, whose day job is actually campus police chief at the University of Central Florida. Going through official channels, prosecutors could have simply turned over sensitive case details and entire files, but that would have required the request to be part of official government work. This wasnt. It is our understanding that OOCPCA is not an agency as that term is defined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and, therefore, the records are not being requested in connection with official agency business, records officer Jonathan Dubose wrote back. Instead, DuBose offered to send over redacted portionsand told the police chief hed get in line like anybody else for the rest of the paperwork. Meanwhile, Osceola Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez had gathered statistics that became the backbone to the governors eventual executive order plucking Worrell from office. The document, signed Aug. 9, complained about how only three people out of 32 arrested by Osceola for drug trafficking had gotten mandatory minimum prison sentencesand similar statistics for gun crimes. The statistics were stretched beyond belief, counting as failures even cases resulting from December 2022 arrests that werent magically finished in court three months later in March. DeSantis Cracks Down Hard on Offenders of New Anti-Trans Law The order was released the same day that DeSantis sent a takeover squad into Worrells office in Orlandoonce again led by Keefe. In his announcement, DeSantis tallied a list of incidents he called evidence of her neglect of duty and incompetence. Among them, he pointed out how Worrells office had failed to prosecute Lorenzo Michael Larry, a 17-year-old who was under investigation for gunning down a young woman but remained free until he killed his pregnant teenage girlfriend. Prosecutors have countered that the detective hadnt yet turned over the official paperwork allowing the lawyers to indict him and keep him behind bars pending trial. The governor also noted how 28-year-old Daton Viel was arrested for raping a teenage girl and let out on bond, only to shoot two Orlando police officers months later. The takeover was swift and aggressive. Text messages shared with The Daily Beast show how Worrell was coordinating with her own investigators to quickly turn over all of her official government items, which included her Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol, badge, and office-issued iPad. She left her Chevy Tahoe outside her home packed with stuff, as she wouldnt be home for hours given the press conference shed give that day. But that didnt stop her replacement from apparently informing local reporters that Worrell had neglected to turn over the taxpayer-funded equipment. In reality, investigators had finished the job by 3 p.m., as instructed. The heavy-handed approach was also directed at her chief of staff, who was at home on maternity leave breastfeeding her infant daughter when State Attorney investigators knocked at her door with a bulletproof vest-wearing Orange County sheriffs deputy in tow. 1243831545 Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The sudden change of leadership was jarring and forced the regions criminal court to close for much of the day, according to local station WFTV. But the impact could be more far-reaching. Unbeknownst to locals, Worrells investigators were actually in the final stages of a long-running investigation into corruption at that very same sheriffs office in Osceola Countyand the interruption would be welcome relief to majors who kept phoning friends at the State Attorneys office nervously checking for updates in recent weeks. Worrell told The Daily Beast that two incidents in particular had called prosecutors attention. In one, a deputy made headlines when he decided to repeatedly tase an annoying dirtbiker whod led cops on a chaseonly his decision to fire his taser happened at a Wawa gas station, setting off a fireball that caused injuries and was caught on tape. In the other, two deputies opened fire on a group of four men in a car at a Target parking lot who appeared to have stolen items from the store minutes earlier. One died, and two others were gravely injured. But as the State Attorneys own investigators dug around, they started finding evidence of police covering for each others lies in several other cases, she said. As we were investigating, there was all sorts of illegal activity that started coming up: officers signing each others reports, getting them notarized in someone elses name when they signed them themselves, fraudulent documents, she told The Daily Beast. Worrell is now concerned that investigation could get railroaded with her DeSantis-appointed replacement, Andrew A. Bain, a former prosecutor whom the governor previously appointed as a circuit judge before giving him the reins at the Ninth Judicial District State Attorneys Office. Bains team did not respond to a request for comment over the weekend. Neither did the Orange County Sheriff, Osceola County Sheriff, nor the UCF police chief. Worrell said shes less than two weeks away from making the final decision of whether or not to sue the state over the way it handled her ousting. But shes already developing a plan to run for re-election next yearpotentially facing her replacement as an incumbent. 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. Knowing CPR can help save a persons life. Researchers said administering the technique improves survival chances outside the hospital, but relying on artificial intelligence for guidance is risky. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation outside of a hospital setting increases the chance of survival, though research published Monday finds that it can be risky for those not already trained in CPR to rely on artificial intelligence for guidance. Concerned that potential non-medical rescuers might not get all the information they need to perform CPR, researchers at Mass General Brigham, New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Boston Children's Hospital looked at how artificial intelligence as it relates to the life-saving measures. "They found that the directions provided by voice assistants lacked relevance and came with inconsistencies," the report in JAMA Network Open showed. This, the study indicated, could frustrate and confuse bystanders tasked with trying to save a life. Researchers posed eight verbal questions to four voice assistants -- Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Google Assistant's Nest Mini, and Microsoft's Cortana. They also typed the same queries into ChatGPT. All responses were evaluated by two board certified emergency medicine physicians. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the results, nearly half of the responses from the voice assistants were unrelated to CPR, such as providing information related to a movie called CPR or a link to Colorado Public Radio News. Only 28% suggested calling emergency services. In addition, only 34% of the responses provided CPR instruction and 12% provided verbal instructions. Researchers said ChatGPT provided the most relevant information for all queries among the platforms tested. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that use of existing AI voice assistant tools may delay care and may not provide appropriate information. They noted that limitations to this study included the asking of a small number of questions and not characterizing if the voice assistants' responses changed over time. "Our findings suggest that bystanders should call emergency services rather than relying on a voice assistant," said senior author Adam Landman, the chief information officer and senior vice president of digital at Mass General Brigham and an attending emergency physician. "Voice assistants have potential to help provide CPR instructions, but need to have more standardized, evidence-based guidance built into their core functionalities." AI has already shown promise in everything from mammograms to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Scripps Research said last month that its scientists have developed a machine-learning system that could help track the evolution of epidemic viruses and predict the emergence of variants. They said the system could have predicted the emergence of new coronavirus "variants of concern" ahead of their official designations by the World Health Organization. Ayanna Pressley on Sunday hit back at Vivek Ramaswamy after he compared her to a KKK grand wizard. "It is deeply offensive," she said of Ramaswamy's comments while on MSNBC's "PoliticsNation." Ramaswamy first made the remarks last week in Iowa after answering a question regarding race. Last week, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy tore into Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and "How to Be an Antiracist" author Ibram X. Kendi on the campaign trail, comparing the high-profile Black figures to "modern grand wizards of the modern KKK." The response came as Ramaswamy whose parents immigrated from India to the United States was asked if his critics might try to lump him in as part of white supremacy. In making his comments last week, Ramaswamy argued that Pressley and Kendi didn't embrace diversity of opinion among members of minority groups. During a Sunday appearance on MSNBC's "PoliticsNation" with the Rev. Al Sharpton, Pressley firmly rejected Ramaswamy's remarks, calling his words "dangerous." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The verbal assault lobbied against myself and Dr. Kendi is shameful," she told Sharpton. "It is deeply offensive. And it is dangerous." "It is not that long ago that we were besieged by images of white supremacists carrying tiki torches in Charlottesville," she continued, referencing the infamous 2017 white supremacist rally in the Virginia college town. "It was not that long ago that a white supremacist mob seized the Capitol, waving Confederate flags and erecting nooses on the West Lawn of the Capitol." Pressley, the first Black woman elected to the Boston City Council and one of the most progressive members of the House of Representatives, then said that her ancestors had been "brutalized, lynched, raped by the Ku Klux Klan." "I recall when my family member had moved into a predominantly white cul-de-sac in the '80s when I was a child, and we had a cross burned in our lawn," she told Sharpton. "So, for me, as deeply shameful and offensive and dangerous as his words are, he is not occupying any real estate in my mind. I remain squarely focused on the work of undoing the centuries of harm that has precisely been done to Black Americans and charting a path of true restorative justice and racial justice forward." In criticizing Pressley, Ramaswamy pointed to a comment made by the congresswoman at the 2019 Netroots Nation conference, where she spoke of the need to be bold and proactive in Congress. "This is the time to shake that table. We don't need any more brown faces that don't want to be a brown voice," Pressley said during the event. "We don't need any more Black faces that don't want to be a Black voice." At the time, the then-spokesperson for Pressley said that the congresswoman sought to articulate that "diversity at the table doesn't matter if there's not real diversity in policy." Kendi, while speaking with MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi on Sunday, remarked on the need for real equity and referenced the importance of elderly citizens receiving COVID-19 vaccines before other groups due to the increased vulnerability of their immune systems. "That could be described as age discrimination, but it was actually an equitable policy that saved lives," he said. "And similarly, when Black people are deprived and have been deprived for centuries of rights and resources, how else are we going to create equity if not providing specific resources and rights to them?" Read the original article on Business Insider Oh, state Rep. Matt Maddock , you rakish scamp you, trying to be kinda Lincoln-esque with your warnings about civil war. Not quite on the level of a "house divided cannot stand," but there you were, saying that if law enforcement keeps going after conservatives, there will be civil war, then warning your guys will be mushed. Lordy, lad, breathe oxygen, please. Saying there will be violence in fact, a civil war or revolution predicting it, saying it should be expected, was, however, not the most disturbing thing the Milford Republican has said recently. Most disturbing was what Maddock did not say. For not once did he oppose violence, say it was wrong, or that no one should encourage violence. John Lindstrom Nope, Maddock said "someone" will get super mad, shoot someone else, there will be civil war, and "we" meaning, one presumes, todays conservatives will suffer more violence. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Which makes what he said irresponsible and dangerous. The threat of mass political violence in America is nearly as high as just before the real Civil War, 160 years ago. Maybe not quite to that level though some suggest thats the road were on but tragedy is possible. Therefore, we all have a responsibility and political leaders like Maddock have an especially acute responsibility to discourage political violence. Yes, be outspoken about your views, try to convince people that you're right, or to vote for your candidates. Be snide, if you must, but its best to be polite when doing so. But always remember: Your enemy ain't the guy who voted a different way. Matt Maddock, center, and Meshawn Maddock, right, talks to talk to State Rep. Bob Bezotte during a protest outside of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing demanding a forensic audit on Feb. 8, 2022. The American Anocracy? Violence is so close. Just this past weekend, a California woman was murdered for displaying the pride flag outside her shop. Similar flags she had flown before had been vandalized or stolen. In metro Detroit, people have reported pride flags and Black Lives Matter signs stolen or damaged (this reporter has personal knowledge of a suburban church that has been so victimized). Of course, we have seen mass political violence in America. And recently. Nine people died because of that violence. Most of us were horrified by it and what it meant. Hundreds of people have been charged, and convicted, for that violence. One particular individual has recently been indicted for his alleged role in fomenting that violence. But now millions of people equate the Jan. 6, 2021 violence with a Sunday walk in the park. They call for pardons for those convicted. That individual, former President Donald Trump , leading and indicted Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, said he would pardon the convicted Jan. 6 criminals. More from Lindstrom: Opinion: Thank Trump for swell of third-party interest in Michigan This is who Michigan's next senator should be That horror helped lead the Center for Systemic Peace, which studies political violence, to declare the U.S. is losing its democracy. Is the U.S. now an anocracy half-democracy/half-dictatorship? Depressingly, backing violence isnt isolated to some Trump supporters. A survey by the Chicago Project on Security and Threats at the University of Chicago projects that startling numbers of American adults believe radical or even violent means may be required to achieve their political goals, whether it's restoring Trump to the presidency, or reinstating national abortion rights. I recently wrote that the 2024 election will be decided by the angriest voters, and that we must restore the idea of deciding elections on policy, not personality. I recognize that anger, if managed, can be a positive motivating force (most societal improvements in civil rights, health care, education, pick an issue, resulted because people were angry at current conditions.) I also know uncontrolled anger leads to violence. And I know we all must take every opportunity to denounce, discourage, derail all threats of violence in all forms. Sadly, Matt Maddock angry that his wife, former Michigan GOP Chair Meshawn Maddock, was indicted for her role in trying to overturn the lawful, certified 2020 election results failed to take this moment to warn against violence. Protest her indictment? Sure. I understand wanting to protect someone you love, no matter the circumstances. But not by saying violence should be expected. District of Columbia National Guard stand outside the Capitol, Wednesday night, Jan. 6, 2021, after a day of rioting protesters. It's been a stunning day as a number of lawmakers and then the mob of protesters tried to overturn America's presidential election, undercut the nation's democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House. A question I didn't expect Which brings me to a moment in 2008. A moment showing the sad state we now face, when too many people on all sides think political violence may be necessary. In 2008, my publication (Gongwer News Service-Michigan Report) sponsored several journalists from Nigeria. They were here to study and report on the U.S. electoral process. The visiting reporters covered a rally with then-U. S. Sen. Barack Obama, soon to receive the Democratic presidential nomination. They attended other political events, and interviewed a number of top state and political officials, among them, Michigan Republican State Chair Saul Anuzis. One journalist, Yemi Kolapo, asked Anuzis if he thought the presidential election between Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain would be particularly intense. Yes, Anuzis said, things were likely to get pretty heated. Kolapo nodded, then asked, How many people do you think will be killed? Lindstrom on Trump: Can Trump win Michigan in 2024? These factors could affect his fate This is America? Anuzis was gobsmacked by the question. His eyes wide as dinner plates, practically leaping out of his chair, he shouted, WHAT!?! It made sense to Kolapo. Hundreds of Nigerians had been killed in election violence the year before. It was the only electoral system she knew, and it was a natural question. But to Anuzis and me, it was absurd. Cmon! This is America! Wed had more than 200 years of peaceful transfers of power. Sure, you might be angry your side lost, but you accept the peoples decision. We trusted our system, we trusted the people and processes. We understood you lost because your candidate ran a lousy campaign, or failed to connect on the issues, or wasnt likable, or ... you dont kill people over that, not here, anyway. I won't soon forget that exchange I was present for in 2008, the way it sadly demonstrates how shockingly and wretchedly we have lost touch with each other, and with what the miracle of this nation has always been. Can we hearken back to the civil disagreement and implicit trust we had in our own fellow Americans just 15 years ago? Or and let me put this to Rep. Maddock in 2024, will I have to contact Yemi, and read to her the U.S. political death toll? John Lindstrom has covered Michigan politics for 50 years. He retired as publisher of Gongwer, a Lansing news service, in 2019. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: After Jan. 6, Maddock's comments about election violence are dangerous Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov during a press conference on Aug. 28 refuted reports that the defense ministry had procured summer jackets instead of winter ones for inflated prices, Ukrinform reported. Earlier in August, an investigation by Dzerkalo Tyzhnia said that the ministry had signed a contract with a Turkish company in September 2022 on the purchase of $33 million worth of "winter" clothes for the military, which were, in fact, summer clothes. Dzerkalo Tyzhnia also uncovered that the documents accompanying the shipment had been manipulated. The price of some jackets worth around $29 was in another document reportedly "amended" to $86. Reznikov said during the press conference that prices for military jackets at around $29 are unrealistic, as they usually range between $80-$120. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Presenting examples of both summer and winter jackets at the conference, the minister said that the clothes provided were suitable for the winter conditions as the ministry has not recorded any complaints from the military personnel. Reznikov added that the delivery in question included 180,000 jackets, of which around 45,000 are in warehouses and around 135,000 in use. Reznikov criticized the media's investigation, saying such reports "mislead society, and worst of all, they also mislead our partners." "Because from the outside it looks like it's a mess, and then questions arise: should we trust this country?" he said during the press conference. The investigation added to the pressure against the defense ministry's leadership, already facing several corruption scandals, such as the procurement of food products for the military at inflated prices uncovered in January. In reaction to the accusations regarding the jackets' purchase, Reznikov said that he is ready to resign if they are confirmed. The minister also promised to provide "all documents, evidence, facts and materials" related to the case so that the winner of the dispute would be obvious. In turn, he suggested that lawmaker Anastasia Radina, who accused the Defense Ministry of dishonest schemes, and Mykhailo Tkach, a journalist who reported on the scheme for another outlet Ukrainska Pravda, resign from their positions if the claims prove untrue. Read also: Media: Defense Ministry purchased summer jackets instead of winter attire for military in 2022 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CAIRO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation on Monday said the latest round of negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute concluded in Cairo with no "tangible results." Stalled talks between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan resumed on Sunday in the Egyptian capital Cairo over the long-running dispute regarding the GERD. After years of fruitless negotiations, "the new talks aimed to reach an agreement on the rules of filling and operation of the GERD," the statement said. However, "tripartite talks did not witness any tangible change in the Ethiopian positions," it added. "Egypt continues to exert utmost efforts to reach, as soon as possible, a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam that serves Cairo's interests and positions of safeguarding water security, and avoiding the infliction of harm, while realizing the mutual benefit of all three countries," it added. All negotiating parties should adopt a comprehensive vision that will reflect positively on the upcoming rounds of negotiation, the statement added. Ethiopia started filling the dam in 2020 despite the opposition of Egypt and Sudan, which eventually led to the suspension of relevant tripartite negotiations in 2021. Addis Ababa announced in July that the fourth filling of the dam would extend until September and the downstream countries would not be harmed. Ethiopia started to build the GERD in 2011 and expects the giant hydropower project to generate more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, but Egypt and Sudan are worried that it might reduce their proportion of Nile water. Ukraine has managed to significantly increase domestic weapons production and new "powerful players" will soon arrive on the country's arms market, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Aug. 28, as reported by Ukrinform. "By the end of this month or at the beginning of September, there will be good news about powerful players arriving on Ukraine's arms market," Reznikov said at a press conference. "In addition, we are preparing to hold a defense industry forum together with the Foreign Affairs Ministry," he added, saying that the event will likely be held in late September with the participation of around 50 arms companies. According to the minister, Ukraine has made good progress in setting up a Bayraktar drone factory in the country. All the necessary documents have been signed and the next main issue under discussion is the plant's location, Reznikov revealed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the minister, Ukraine proposed a suitable place already before the start of the full-scale invasion, and the Turkish manufacturer Baykar is willing to build there even though it is not located in the comparably safer western regions of Ukraine. Kyiv and Ankara signed the deal on opening a Bayraktar factory in Ukraine last February, before Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine's parliament ratified the agreement on Dec. 13, 2022. Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin said back on July 10 that the construction of the plant had already begun. According to Reznikov, Ukrainian companies are signing agreements with German partners on the maintenance of Leopard tanks. In July, the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced its plans to build a factory in western Ukraine to produce and repair armored vehicles, such as the Fuchs armored personnel carriers. Not all cooperation with foreign arms producers is harmonious. According to Ukrainska Pravda, the Polish company Alfa signed a deal with Ukraine's Defense Ministry to provide various types of armaments and ammunition, but it has not fulfilled its side of the deal and now owes Ukraine more than Hr 3.5 billion ($95 million). Reznikov commented that many other firms, including some of the most influential ones, have also failed to fulfill their contracts. However, Alfa will either complete its deliveries or Kyiv will demand a refund, he added. The Ukrainian defense industry is now able to produce its own 155 mm artillery shells, Reznikov said. While the 125 mm tank ammunition is currently being tested, there are difficulties with producing 122 mm artillery shells, he said. At the moment, Ukraine has several missile and anti-missile programs but the most appropriate allocation of funds is still being discussed. Kyiv hopes that the new missile weaponry can enter into operation in 2024-2025, according to the minister. Assuring sufficient arms production to defend the country against Russian aggression became one of the primary goals of Ukrainian policymakers since the start of the full-scale invasion. A part of these efforts was the transformation of Ukraine's state weapons manufacturer Ukroboronprom into a joint-stock company called Ukrainian Defense Industry in June. The firm's new leadership was tasked with weeding out corruption and increasing the production of ammunition and military equipment. Read also: Rheinmetall confirms Luna drone system for Ukraine in 2023 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. There's a lot of talk these days about what will become of the Republican Party once Donald Trump is gone. That seems a bit premature: Trump is still very much with us, and whether he wins or loses next year, he's not going anywhere until he's six feet under. Still, the man is 77 years old, so it's natural to consider what's going to be left of the hulking wreck of the GOP once he leaves this mortal coil. The fact that Trump remains the runaway favorite to win the 2024 Republican nomination despite the 91 felony charges he faces in four different cases really says it all about where the party is today. Polling over the past couple of weeks confirms that most Republicans still claim to believe the Big Lie and say that that Trump's legal troubles are trumped-up charges made by a Democratic "deep state" conspiracy. How many Republican voters actually believe that this is unknowable, but it's clear that for now they're sticking with their man regardless. Criminal or not, they like what he's selling. No, actually they love it. And what he's selling, essentially, is transgression. They love Trump's crude defiance of all social norms, and the way he acts as if those norms don't even exist. They love that he doesn't follow the rules, or even the law, if that's what it takes to get what he wants. They love it that their enemies can't make Trump capitulate even when he's caught red-handed. They believe that he is being persecuted just as they believe they themselves are persecuted for saying or thinking things that aren't "woke" or politically correct, and they love that he won't stop doing it no matter what. They love that he will do literally anything to "own the libs," even when that seems self-destructive or senseless, because that is what it will take to make America "great again," or at least to feel like it's theirs again. Are the underlying attitudes that fuel this love for Trump the new ideology (if you want to call it that) of the Republican Party? I hope not, but I really don't know. The sinking of the good ship DeSantis shows that it takes more than "anti-woke" policies to capture these voters' attention. Trump has proved that policy in general is pretty much an afterthought in today's GOP. After all, the party didn't even bother to publish a platform in 2020, just opting for a statement that essentially said, "We'll have whatever Trump is having." He has no ideology and holds no fixed political positions, and neither do his MAGA followers. It's all about defiance, disobedience and breaking the rules. He makes it OK for his followers to let their freak flags fly (or at least the giant Trump flags on their F-150s), just as he does. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There's a term for people who do this: "edgelords," defined as those who "intentionally expresses opinions that are likely to shock or offend people, especially on the internet, as a way of making others notice or admire them." I'm reminded of one young fellow who joined the white supremacists and neo-Nazis marching at Charlottesville in 2017 who explained what that was all about for him: It's kind of a fun idea. Just being able to say, like, "Hey man, white power!" You know? To be quite honest, I love to be offensive. It's fun. Don't underestimate the fun factor in the Trump phenomenon. A recent New York Times/Siena poll of likely Republican voters actually asked whether Trump or DeSantis rated as more "fun" and it wasn't close. When it comes to traditional personal qualities one might seek in a president, such as being "likable" and "moral," the two were rated about even. But when asked who was more "fun," Trump led by 53% to 16%, closely matching his overall position in the race. That's what makes him stand out: He makes owning the libs feel like a good time. So where does all this go from here? We caught a glimpse this past week of how that might play out in a Trump-free world. At last week's Republican debate the nation was introduced to a charismatic gadfly named Vivek Ramaswamy, a previously unknown biotech entrepreneur who has made a surprising surge in the polls after impressing audiences in Iowa. Even in that one appearance, you could see that Ramaswamy has a flair for the dramatic and cared nothing for the usual rules and norms of these political events. Like Trump in the 2016 debates, he insulted the other candidates, calling them all "bought and paid for" and launching obnoxious unprovoked attacks, all while pledging undying fealty to Donald Trump. He backed the idea of invading Mexico, denied the significance climate change (even agitating for more use of fossil fuels) and promised to pardon Trump if he wins the election. And all of that was delivered with a big, playful smile that gave the audience permission to enjoy the edgelord fun. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Most of the stuff Ramaswamy says is frankly bizarre, seemingly designed for the express purpose of going viral. He talks a lot and he talks fast and most of the time it makes no sense. Here's one example that will make your head spin: Dear @VivekGRamaswamy: ICYMI, here is the Schoolhouse Rock video on how a bill becomes a law. https://t.co/dIGROrcCJZ https://t.co/ovITaNG7qD Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) August 27, 2023 This is a guy who graduated from Harvard and then Yale Law School, and who says he wants all students to pass a civics test. Not that any of that matters: The Republican base doesn't care that what he says is nonsense, they just like the sound of it. Ramaswamy was called to task on the Sunday shows for a couple of particularly odious comments he made on the issue of race. As CNN reported, he once declared: I'm sure the boogeyman white supremacists exist somewhere in America. I have just never met him. Never seen one. Never met one in my life, right? Maybe I will meet a maybe I will meet a unicorn sooner. And maybe those exist too. Ramaswamy has also described Rep. Ayana Pressley, D-Mass., a Black progressive, as a "modern grand wizard of the KKK" and then complained that he was offended when journalist Kara Swisher referred to him as "Rama-smarmy," citing that racist. That's a quintessential edgelord trick: Make a heinous comment and then cry victim over something much less egregious, laughing all the way. CNN's Dana Bash and NBC's Chuck Todd pushed him hard but he just kept on talking, spouting gibberish and right-wing buzzwords until there was nothing left to say. There isn't much good news in all this, I'm afraid. Ramaswamy certainly isn't going to become the 2024 nominee not while they still have Trump, anyway but he's the only other candidate who gets what the new crop of Republican voters respond to. He's a smart, highly educated, savvy, modern hustler with sharp political instincts. I'm afraid that the era of the GOP edgelord is already here, and there's a lot more right around the corner. That's not likely to be much fun for the rest of us. Read more about the sudden rise of Vivek Ramaswamy Boston Police officers who were monitoring the area on Talbot Avenue moments before Saturdays mass shooting feared an immediate threat to the general public as rival gangs stared each other down during a popular Caribbean festival, police said in their report. The officers observations led them to have major concerns for the safety of all officers, civilians and party goers around them, police said. This information combined with the officers immediate knowledge of the history of violence between these rival gangs combined with the significant violence that surrounds Caribbean Festival weekend led officers to believe they needed to act as soon as possible to maintain a safe environment for festival goers. Around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, as officers began to walk towards the rival gang members, gunfire erupted in the citys Dorchester neighborhood. When officers were about 15 yards away from the group, they heard multiple gun shots begin to ring out from the location of the group they were approaching, police said. Officers then heard what they believed to be be return gunfire from another location. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Party goers began to dive for cover and run in all directions as they were in fear of being shot, police said in their report. Arrests made, firearms recovered after shooting in Dorchester that injured 7 people Eight people were shot on Talbot Avenue near the Boston Carnival Jouvert Festival, police said. Four people were arrested. Police said that officers were prepared for gun violence that has been seen in previous years during the festival. Officers were in full Boston Police uniforms with high visibility green traffic vests, badges prominently displayed on their outermost garments, with Body Worn Cameras affixed to the outside of their vests, police said in their report. Officers were aware that the Caribbean festival weekend is historically plagued by gun violence, responding police officers said in their report regarding Saturdays mass shooting. Officers were also aware that a festival of this size often brings together members of rival gangs from throughout the city. Police Commissioner Michael Cox, however, said during a press conference on Saturday that the mass shooting was not related to the Caribbean Carnival Festival taking place nearby, and that the shooting occurred on the outskirts of the scheduled parade route. On Saturday, officers were specifically assigned to the Boys and Girls Club at 15 Talbot Ave. to monitor the area, police said. Two different groups of males were congregating on opposite sides of the street, and the two groups were continually staring across Talbot Avenue at each other while ignoring the ongoing parade/festival, police said in their report. Police recognized the males as rival gang members with violent histories that include previous gun charges, the police report states. Both sides were actively taunting each other. Officers then decided to move toward the suspicious males, fearing that delaying contact with these individuals would be an immediate threat to the general public, police said. As they approached the males, gunfire rang out. Officers unholstered their department issued firearms and began to move towards the sound of gun fire while scanning the crowd for any possible suspects and victims, police said. Officers then began administering first aid to several gunshot victims on scene. The Boston shooting was the first of two shootings to happen near Caribbean festivals in Massachusetts over the weekend. On Sunday afternoon, one day after the Boston shootings, two people were shot, including a 15-year-old teen, near the Caribbean Festival in Worcester, police said. The victims were shot near Salisbury Street and Boynton Avenue and were taken to a nearby hospital, Worcester Police said. The shooting occurred while the 10th annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival was taking place at nearby Institute Park. 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 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was loudly booed while at a weekend vigil for victims of a racist mass shooting in Jacksonville. A white man opened fire in a Dollar General store in a predominantly Black neighborhood on Saturday, killing three people, all of whom were Black. The shooter, who then killed himself, used a Glock handgun and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, at least one of which was painted with a swastika. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the shooter hated Black people and acted alone. DeSantis attended a vigil Sunday night. But when he tried to give a speech, the crowd began booing him so loudly that he was drowned out. Some people also shouted Black Lives Matter! and Black history matters! This was a reference to DeSantiss administration blocking an AP African American Studies course and rewriting the states Black history curriculum, which now requires teachers to tell students that enslaved people learned valuable skills from slavery. Jacksonville Councilwoman JuCoby Pittman stepped in and told the crowd to stop, saying, It aint about parties today. A bullet dont know a party. But the boos for DeSantis are understandable. In addition to his attacks on Black history, the governor has signed multiple bills this year that make it easier for people to access firearms. In April, DeSantis signed a law that would allow people to carry concealed loaded guns without any permits, training, or background checks. A month later, he signed a law preventing credit card companies from tracking firearm and ammunition sales, making it harder to track suspicious weapons purchases. A 21-year-old white man wielding a gun with a swastika emblazoned on it shot and killed three Black people at a Dollar General store in a Black neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday, after being turned away from a historic Black college. The shooter, of course, had an extensive trail of white supremacist internet ramblings. Then Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), whos defended a new public school curriculum that teaches the benefits of slavery for enslaved people, somehow mustered the courage to show up to a Sunday vigil for the shooting victimsand his appearance and remarks went over about as well as anyone (but DeSantis) could have predicted. The Associated Press reports that DeSantis was loudly booed as he addressed the crowd, requiring JuCoby Pittman, a Jacksonville city councilwoman representing the neighborhood where the shooting happened, to intervene to and ask the crowd to listen. Pittman declared that it aint about parties today, but, of course, the backlash against DeSantis seems less about his status as a Republican and more about every action hes taken to harm especially Black communities, including policing the teaching of Black history and his jarring attacks on voting rights. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement What he did is totally unacceptable in the state of Florida, DeSantis said of the shooter. We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race. The comments are similar to his remarks at the Florida governors office, also on Sunday, where he stated that targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida. Never mind that Florida is such a notoriously hostile place to Black people that the NAACP literally issued a travel advisory there this year. Black teachers in Florida could be investigated and punished for talking about their own lived experiences in the classroom. Black students will have to hear that slavery was beneficial. One of DeSantis former campaign aides shared pro-Nazi social media content. The call is coming from inside the house! DeSantis, at least, may have been a bit shaken by the booing: Since the Sunday afternoon vigil, Politico reports that the governor has canceled campaign events across the state. But that also could just be because Tropical Storm Idalia is set to make landfall later this week. Probably best not to assume this man is capable of any kind of self-reflection! More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Russian forces have struck Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, with cluster munitions launched from Uragan rocket artillery, killing at least one person and injuring three, Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office reported via Telegram on Aug. 28. Read also: Ukraine submits report on use of cluster munitions to Pentagon, says CNN According to the report, the Russian army shelled Toretsk, supposedly using Uragan MLRS cluster munitions around 6:00 p.m. A 39-year-old woman who was doing household chores in her yard at the time of the attack was killed, the message said. "Three more local residents sustained shrapnel injuries and concussions, including a married couple aged 72 and 73, and an 88-year-old woman," officials from the prosecutor's office added. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: Russian shell bus stop in Toretsk, killing eight, injuring four According to the report, all the victims were at home during the attack. It is reported that they have now been transported to a hospital for medical treatment. 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 Some elements indicating that the Shahed attack UAVs are being assembled in Russia have been discovered following recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, and Russia is currently planning to ramp up production of drones on its territory. Source: Vadym Skibitskyi, representative from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), in a comment to RBC-Ukraine news agency; DIU on Telegram Quote from Skibitskyi: "Following recent Shahed attacks, we have discovered certain elements indicating that the final stage of assembly of these UAVs is taking place in Russia. An increase in the number of Russian parts in the drones is a testament to this. Furthermore, we are aware of the aggressor's plans to expand the production of Shaheds in Russia." Details: He further pointed out that during one of Russia's defence industry exhibitions, the country's military-industrial complex said Moscow wanted to develop around 60 UAVs of various modifications by 2030. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Skibitskyi said DIU's preliminary intelligence data indicates that the Russians plan to produce 1,300 Geran-2 drone units, i.e. Shaheds, in the second half of this year. They plan to use components of both foreign and domestic production. Meanwhile, the DIU representative believes that Russia is not currently capable of producing such a large number of UAVs. The DIU is currently collecting intelligence on the actual capacity of the Russian production facilities where they assemble these drones and what companies in Russia are involved in supplying parts. Skibitskyi also said Russia has been able to boost missile production since the beginning of the spring. For example, the Russians expected to produce about a total of 118 pieces of Kinzhals, Iskander-M, Iskander-K, Kalibr, Kh-101 and modified Kh-22 (Kh-32) missiles in August. Quote from Skibitskyi: "Besides the six Kinzhals, the Russians are planning to produce a total of 30 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 12 Iskander-K cruise missiles, 20 Kalibrs, and about 40 Kh-101s in August. Moreover, they are improving the Kh-22 cruise missiles, with the redesigned models bearing a new version number, the Kh-32. We estimate that the Russians can produce no more than 10 upgraded missiles monthly." Details: The DIU estimates that the Russian arsenal currently has 585 missiles with a range of over 500 kilometres. These include about 270 Iskanders, 140 Kalibrs, and about 100 Kh-101s, Kh-555s, and Kh-55s with a warhead. The Russians also have about 75 Kinzhal air-to-ground ballistic missiles and 150 Kh-22 missiles, which they are seeking to improve. Meanwhile, he added that Russia is being forced to reconsider its strike tactics due to limited stockpiles and the production of certain types of missiles. The Russians are deploying various classes of missiles, selecting targets with greater precision, and paying considerable attention to determining cruise missile and UAV flight routes to avoid Ukrainian air defences. The DIU believes that the change in the tactics of missile attacks may be related to Russia' intention to amass weapons before the autumn-winter period in order to attack Ukraine's energy systems again. Meanwhile, Skibitskyi says such massive attacks as those of last October, November and December, when the Russians fired 70-100 missiles at a time, are unlikely to happen again. 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 Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense units shot down two drones flying over Bryansk Oblast on the night of Aug. 28. Shortly after, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that another drone was destroyed over Moscow. No casualties were reported in either area. Sobyanin said that air defense shot down the Moscow-bound drone near Lyubertsy, and that emergency services were working at the scene. Earlier that night, Russian media reported that Moscow's Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports had both been temporarily shut down. The Russian Defense Ministry attributed the attempted drone strike to Ukraine. Kyiv has made no comment. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A day earlier, on Aug. 27, Russian officials claimed that a drone was destroyed over the Trubchevsk district in Bryansk Oblast. Drone strikes in Russian territory have increased in recent weeks. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense forces had destroyed two drones and a cruise missile over the Crimean peninsula on the morning of Aug. 28. According to the Russian proxy head in occupied Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov , the reconnaissance drones were downed in Crimeas north and west. In his Telegram post, Aksyonov didnt mention the downing of the cruise missile. No casualties were reported by Russian occupation authorities. Earlier, local Telegram channels wrote, as cited by Krym Realii media outlet, that sounds similar to the air defense work were heard near Yevpatoriia on Crimeas west coast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: Official: New Ukrainian-made missile used to strike Crimea The Kyiv Independent couldn't immediately verify these claims. The Russian Defense Ministry blamed Ukraine for the attack. Kyiv hasnt yet responded to the accusation. Reports of drone attacks in occupied Crimea have increased in recent weeks. On Aug. 16, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) officially claimed credit for a July 17 strike on the Crimean Bridge, carried out with an experimental sea drone. On Aug. 24, Ukrainian troops landed in the Russian-occupied Crimea and raised the Ukrainian flag as part of an operation with the Navy. Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. by Sun Nan, Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- BRICS is set to bring further positive, stabilizing and constructive strength to the world with China playing a key role in global development affairs, said a Bangladeshi politician. Chinese President Xi Jinping is committed to his "community with a shared future for mankind" concept, M Sadrul Ahmed Khan, a leader of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party, told Xinhua. Describing Xi's BRICS statements as very timely and thoughtful, Khan said China plays a key role in helping other countries integrate with the global economy through the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi's call for a more just and equitable world order and true multilateralism is a positive step toward world peace and security, he said, adding that Xi's speech has also demonstrated China's renewed commitment to sharing development opportunities with the rest of the world. The relations between China and other BRICS countries are based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, he said. "We look forward to deepening bilateral relations with China and strengthening cooperation in BRICS and other multilateral groups," he added. The BRICS mechanism of five major emerging economies has traveled a glorious path since its inception 17 years ago, he noted. "I believe that BRICS cooperation would add fresh impetus and inspiration to global efforts for peace and prosperity," he said. The expansion of the BRICS mechanism would bring new development opportunities to Bangladesh and other developing countries, he added. Khan advocated for granting Bangladesh's membership in the BRICS group, saying it would help to bolster trade between Bangladesh and countries in the region and beyond immensely. Given Bangladesh's strategic location as a gateway between South Asia and Southeast Asia, he said BRICS has the opportunity to communicate and coordinate through Bangladesh with regional trade groups, such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. By harnessing the momentum generated by the substantial infrastructure initiatives proposed by China, BRICS could play a pivotal role in supporting regional organizations across South and Southeast Asia, he added. The Russian military launched six missiles against Ukraine during the early hours of August 28, with air defense units intercepting four of them, the Ukrainian Air Force has reported. "The enemy fired four Kalibr cruise missiles from a frigate in the Black Sea near Feodosia. Russia also attacked Ukraine with two Kh-59 guided missiles from two Su-34 aircraft," the Air Force said in a press release. Read also: Russias Independence Day missile attack on southern Ukraine entirely ineffective Air raid alerts rang out across Ukraine early on Monday morning. Two people were killed, and five others were injured in a strike on an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In Kryvyi Rih, two houses were destroyed, and five more were damaged; however, no casualties have been reported. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Moscow may have cancelled the next ZAPAD (West) exercises due to a lack of personnel and equipment, as well as concerns about criticism. Source: UK Ministry of Defence review dated 28 August on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: The review states that Russia has most likely cancelled the so-called ZAPAD joint strategic exercises, which were supposed to be the conclusion of the annual cycle of military exercises. The manoeuvres were to take place in September 2023. UK Defence Intelligence recalls that in the period after 2010, "joint strategic exercises" took place alternately in different regions of Russia, but since 2021 have become more frequent in the western region, demonstrating that the priority is "confronting what it perceives as the threat from NATO". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Quote: "The Russian militarys under-performance in Ukraine has highlighted how JSEs [joint strategic exercises ed.] have had limited training value and have largely been for show. Russia has likely cancelled ZAPAD 23 because too few troops and equipment are available. There is a realistic possibility that the Russian leadership is also sensitive to domestic criticism liable from running another slickly presented JSE during wartime," UK Defence Intelligence notes. Background: In the previous review, it was reported that Ukraine and Russia are fighting for strategically important gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea, the so-called Boyko towers. In addition, UK Defence Intelligence suggested that in the coming months, the Russian command will intensify its offensive in the areas of Kupiansk and Lyman. 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 Russian military is studying Ukraine's energy facilities and air defense systems to determine its fall bombing campaign tactics, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson Vadym Skibitsky, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on August 28. The tactics of Russian air strikes will depend on how well the enemy identifies critical energy facilities. It would take one to three strikes aimed at a single facility to completely destroy it, Skibitsky said. "However, there will likely not be such massive strikes as there were last October, November, and December, when they launched 70-100 missiles at a time," Skibitsky said. Read also: Russians hit Smila, Cherkasy Oblast, with missiles, knocking out water & power supply ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The Russians realize that they may not achieve their goal, and instead will only deplete their stockpiles, as they did last year." "The HUR will work to protect critical facilities, detect preparations for attacks in a timely manner, and provide recommendations to the energy industry to prevent serious damage." Earlier, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine was forming a multi-level defense for energy facilities amid the threat of Russian missile strikes in the fall and winter. 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 Kremlin is already paving the way for Vladimir Putin to win Russia's presidential elections next year by handpicking several politicians to "run against" the current president, according to Meduza. The Kremlin has reportedly given the green light to the leader of the Communist Party, Gennady Zyuganov , 79, and to the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), Leonid Slutsky, 55, to run against Putin, two sources close to the Kremlin told Meduza. One of the main criteria was making sure potential opponents are over 50 years old, since the Kremlin harbors concerns that Putin may appear too old to the Russian voting public, the sources said. One of the top characteristics Russian people dislike in Putin, according to a Russian Field survey from May of this year, is his age. No dark horses, one source said, referring to the Kremlins alleged orchestration of candidates. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Putin, 70, has not officially declared his intention to run, but if elected, it would be his fifth term. The Kremlin began preparations for the 2024 election earlier this year, under the impression that Putin would run, Kommersant reported. The presidential elections are slated for March 17, 2024. Putins New Dirty Trick to Win Elections Has Candidates Battling Their Doppelgangers Its just the latest sign that the Kremlin is seeking to rig the presidential elections in Putin's favor from behind the scenes. An August poll from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) shows Russians trust in Putin currently stands at 77.3 percent, according to the state-backed news agency TASS. The alleged attempt to control the outcome of the presidential election cycle comes just weeks after Wagner boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin made a major public challenge to Putins years-long rule by marching on Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian casualties in the war on Ukraine continue to mount, and Kyiv has stepped up its efforts to hit back at Moscow inside Russian territory with drone attacks in recent weeks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated in an interview published this month that Putins election is inevitable. Our presidential election is not really democracy, it is costly bureaucracy, Peskov said in an interview with The New York Times. Mr. Putin will be re-elected next year with more than 90 percent of the vote. Peskov told RBC that it is possible that Putin could cancel the elections since the outcome is evident already. Although elections are a requirement of democracy and Putin himself has decided to hold them, theoretically its possible not to hold them, Peskov said. Because its already obvious that Putin will be elected. Putin has been laying the groundwork to cement his rule for years. He signed legislation in 2021 changing the Russian constitution in order to allow himself to remain in office until 2036. The previous constitution would have required him to step down in 2024. The reported decision to zero in on Zyuganov as a "candidate" at this time appears to go against the Communist Partys plans for the election. Dmitry Novikov, a deputy for the Communist Party, said earlier this year that the party intended to select a candidate for the presidential elections after the September regional elections in Russia, likely in November. November will be a month of close consultations, during which we will decide on a specific candidate," Novikov said. Former Moscow Officials Reveal Why Theyre Laughing at Putin Now The Kremlin sees Zyuganov as a safe option since he has run for president in several other elections, and is a known entity to voters. As a party leader, Putin knows himand so do voters. He has a ceilingthe Communist Party of the Russian Federation has a solid electorate, he will not attract new voters, one source said to Meduza. In both 2008 and 2012, Zyuganov reportedly received under 20 percent of the vote. The Kremlin also wants Slutsky to run since he is the head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) but doesnt have high ratings. He is quite suitablea serious man, in office, in a jacket. No one will say that this is a pure spoiler, one source said. According to the VCIOM poll from this month, Russians trust in Zyuganov and Slutsky stand at 33.1 percent and 17.4 percent, respectively. The "A Just Russia For Truth" party in Russia has already indicated it will be supporting Putin in the 2024 election cycle and that it will not be putting forward its own candidate. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russia has sent elements of an elite paratrooper division to the south of Ukraine, reports say. Ukraine says it has broken through the first line of Russian defenses and liberated a village in the area. Analysts say that Russia's move suggests it lacks sizable reserves. Russia has sent some of its most elite paratroopers into battle in the south of Ukraine to halt the progressing counteroffensive, reports say, indicating they are short on reserves, according to experts. Earlier this week, elements of the 76th Guard Air Assault Division were seen close to Robotyne, a frontline village near the city of Zaporizhzhia, where Ukraine has been pushing through Russian defenses, according to think tank The Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The 76th is arguably Russia's best division and is "relatively fresh," according to Rob Lee, an analyst with the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ukraine claimed on Monday to have "liberated" Robotyne from Russia, with plans to continue pressing forward towards the Sea of Azov where it aims to split Russian forces in two, Reuters reported. Ukraine's capturing of Robotyne is one of its most significant achievements since its counteroffensive began over two months ago. Ukraine's progress has been slower than expected, as troops have come up against complex Russian defenses. Both sides are reaching deep into their reserves to put up a good fight in the south. Ukraine recently sent its powerhouse 82nd Air Assault Brigade into battle in Robotyne, which helped it achieve its breakthrough, per Forbes. Using the 76th in the south suggests Russia lacks reserves, experts say Elements of Russia's elite 76th Guard Air Assault Division have been deployed in key parts of Ukraine throughout the conflict. Russia's decision to redeploy elements of these units to the south suggests that Russian forces lack sizable operational reserves, the ISW said. A Ukrainian reserve officer who goes by the name @Tatarigami_UA on X, formerly known as Twitter, similarly said that while moving units to the south would strengthen Russia's operational capacities, it would impair "combat-ready reserves for rapid deployment." The units sent to Robotyne appear to have been moved from the Kremmina area in eastern Ukraine, ISW noted. This suggests that as Ukraine's counteroffensive continues to push forward in the south and east of the country, Russia will have to make difficult decisions about which sectors of the frontline to prioritize, the think tank said. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian attacks against Ukraine killed two civilians and wounded three on Aug. 27, causing damage to people's homes and civilian infrastructure, regional authorities reported. A total of nine Ukrainian oblasts were targeted in the past day Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kherson and Kharkiv. Casualties were reported only in the last two regions. Russia launched 69 attacks against Kherson Oblast on Aug. 27, firing 395 projectiles from various weapons, the regional governor wrote. One person was killed, and two more were injured, according to Oleksandr Prokudin. The attacks reportedly hit residential areas and a park in Kherson. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Russian military struck four districts in Kharkiv Oblast, killing a 39-year-old woman and wounding a 16-year-old girl in the village of Odnorobivka, according to the oblast governor. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts The attacks damaged houses, an agricultural enterprise, a gas pipeline, two kiosks, and a car, Oleh Synehuibov reported. Twenty-seven settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast were targeted 104 times, the regional administration reported. The attacks damaged or destroyed 13 homes and civilian infrastructure facilities, reads the report. In Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks damaged nine houses and a mine building, said Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Two homes were also damaged in Russian strikes against the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the Seredyno-Buda community in Sumy Oblast, according to the regional authorities. Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian embassy in South Africa has posted a map with potential new BRICS [BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa ed.] members, in which Crimea is recognized as a Ukrainian territory. Source: Russia in South Africa on the X (Twitter) social media platform Details: On 28 August, the Russian embassy in South Africa tweeted a map of the countries that may become the members of BRICS in 2024, and on this map, Crimea is shown as a territory of Ukraine and does not turn green like the Russian Federation. "Reality of a new multipolar world," this is how the Russian embassy captioned their dream about extending the BRICS group. Background: On 22-24 August, South Africa held the BRICS summit between Brasil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The leaders of the four countries were physically present at the summit. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, did not come as he may be arrested under the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court in March. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The main result of this meeting was the decision to extend the group: on 24 August, the leaders of the BRICS countries adopted a decision to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE and Saudi Arabia to become rightful members of the alliance. On 1 January 2024, these countries, as expected, will join BRICS. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Russian forces attacked eight communities on the Sumy Oblast border on Aug. 27, causing 171 explosions, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported. The Russian military fired at the border 22 times, striking the communities of Khotin, Seredyna-Buda, Druzhba, Esman, Bilopillia, Shalyhyne, Velyka Pisaryvka, and Putyvl. The attacks damaged a private house in Seredyna-Buda. No other casualties or damage were reported. Throughout the day, Russian forces launched various weapons at the border, including missiles, mortar, and mines. Multiple attacks happen almost every day in Sumy Oblast, which borders Russia to the northeast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will not attend the G20 summit in India in September 2023, having decided to send Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in his stead, Reuters reported on Aug. 28. Read also: Putin most likely behind Prigozhin's alleged death, says former British army chief During a phone call with Indian PM Narendra Modi , Putin announced that Moscow will be represented at the summit by Lavrov. The Indian government indicated that Modi expressed understanding for Russia's decision. On March 11, Bloomberg reported that Putin may attend the G20 summit, which will take place on Sept. 9-10 in New Delhi. India did not invite Ukraine to the summit, saying that G20 does not engage in "conflict resolution." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Nevertheless, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mykola Tochytskyi later stated that Kyiv is still working to secure an invitation to the summit. Read also: BRICS bank NDB not planning new projects in Russia due to sanctions Putin's scheduled appearance at the BRICS Summit was to be his first overseas trip following the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for him on March 17. The ICC has accused Putin of unlawfully deporting children from Ukraine to Russia since February 24, 2022, thereby committing war crimes. Putin is now liable to arrest in 123 countries, including South Africa, that have ratified the Rome Statute. Read also: Ukraine working on attending G20 summit in India, says Presidents Office The ICC Prosecutor's office had urged South Africa to "do the right thing" if Putin were to visit. However, on July 18, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that detaining Putin at the BRICS Summit would amount to a declaration of war on Russia. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russia launched four Kalibr cruise missiles and two Kh-59 guided aerial missiles at Ukraine overnight on Aug. 28, the Air Force wrote. Ukraine's air defenses shot down two Kalibr missiles and all the Kh-59 ones, according to the Air Force. The attack hit an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast, killing two people and destroying the production workshop, Governor Dmytro Lunin said on Telegram. First responders are working on the site and searching for people under the rubble, he added. Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak later clarified that the attack happened in the village of Hoholeve, Myrhorod district. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Five people are known to have been injured as of 8:50 a.m. local time, Yermak said, adding that the victims were the facility employees working the night shift. According to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak, Russian missiles also struck Kryvyi Rih in the morning. Seven country houses and a farm building were destroyed or damaged, Lysak reported, but there were no casualties. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HANOI, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is considering upgrading top hospitals to reduce the number of local patients traveling abroad and attract more foreign patients to the country for medical treatment, local media reported on Monday. The health ministry is setting up a project to develop high-tech healthcare to retain local patients while luring foreigners and overseas Vietnamese to come to Vietnam for medical examination and treatment, Vietnam News reported. The five tertiary referral hospitals, also the country's leading ones, that are proposed to get upgraded are Bach Mai, Viet Duc and 108 Central Military Hospital in the capital city Hanoi; Cho Ray Hospital in southern Ho Chi Minh City; and Hue Central Hospital in central province of Thua Thien-Hue, the newspaper reported. One of the advantages of Vietnam's healthcare is its lower cost compared to other countries in the region, said Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the Department of Medical Service Administration. Medical services such as endoscopic surgery, cardiovascular intervention, porcelain crowns and denture are performed in Vietnam at a cost reduced by half or one third compared to the services in other countries, Khue said. Vietnamese people spent about 2 billion U.S. dollars to travel abroad for medical services in 2017, mostly to Singapore, Thailand and South Korea, according to the report. Russian forces launched a strike against Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on Aug. 28 most likely using cluster munitions, killing a woman and injuring three more residents, the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported. "On Aug. 28, 2023, at 6 p.m., Russian forces launched a strike against Toretsk, most likely using cluster munitions (launched by) the Uragan multiple-launch rocket system," the prosecutors said. "A 39-year-old woman was killed by an enemy projectile while carrying out household chores in her yard." Three more civilians sustained shrapnel injuries and contusions while in their homes, including a married couple aged 72 and 73, and a 88-year-old woman, according to the report. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement All three injured victims have been hospitalized, the prosecutors clarified. The rocket strike also reportedly damaged several residential houses and apartment buildings. Russian forces have repeatedly used cluster munitions against civilian targets in Ukraine. On July 25, a Russian cluster munitions strike killed or injured several people, including children, in Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. While Kyiv has also acquired the cluster munitions, the Ukrainian military said they will be deployed only against concentrated Russian military positions and far from heavily populated areas. The weaponry in question is controversial due to the risks it presents to non-combatants. The shells carry smaller bomblets which are spread over a wider area upon detonation. Bomblets that do not explode right upon impact can bring harm to civilians long after the hostilities are already over. Over 120 countries signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, banning their use, transfer, production, and stockpiling. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are not among the signatories. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. At least four civilians were injured in Russian strikes against the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Aug. 28, Governor Serhii Lysak reported. According to the official, Russian forces carried out an artillery strike against the Marhanets community and launched a kamikaze drone against the district's central city of Nikopol. Four people were injured in the attack on Nikopol and are now recovering in their homes, Lysak said. The strike also started a fire in an administrative building, which has already been extinguished by the emergency services, the governor added. Five cars were also damaged in the attack. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast lies not far from Russian-held parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast across the dried-up Kakhovka Reservoir and suffers regular strikes by Russian forces. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblasts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Russian army launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on the morning of 28 August. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: The Russian army hit Kryvyi Rih with missiles in the morning, using tactical aircraft from the south. As a result of the missile attack, two country houses were destroyed. Five more dwellings have been damaged. An outbuilding caught fire. Quote from Lysak: "There were no casualties. The aftermath of the attack is being established." In addition, Russian forces shelled Nikopol district twice with heavy artillery. They targeted Marhanets hromada in the evening and Myrove hromada at night. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Lysak said a private residential building was damaged. But there were no casualties. 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! Two people were killed, two were wounded and two more are considered missing as a result of a Russian missile attack on an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast on the night of 27-28 August. Source: Dmytro Lunin , Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote: "Two people were killed, two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries as a result of the enemy attack, and the whereabouts of two more people are currently unknown." PHOTO: ANDRII YERMAK ON TELEGRAM Details: Lunin added that search operations and debris removal are ongoing at the scene. In addition, Lunin said the Russian missile completely destroyed a manufacturing facility. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Background: On the night of 27-28 August, the Air Force said that there was a missile threat in Kyiv and several oblasts of Ukraine. Dmytro Lunin, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration, reported that Russian forces attacked Poltava Oblast, hitting an industrial facility. The Air Force reported that they had destroyed four of the six missiles that Russia launched against Ukraine on the night of 27-28 August. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! The Russian Ministry of Defence reported the downing of two drones over Bryansk Oblast on the night of 27-28 August. Source: Russian Ministry of Defence Quote: "Last night, another attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aircraft-type UAVs against targets in the Russian Federation was stopped." Details: The report claims that two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by regular air defence systems over the territory of Bryansk 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! The Russian occupiers announced an attack by drones and missiles on Crimea; they added they allegedly shot down all aerial targets. Source: Sergey Aksionov, so-called head of Crimea, on Telegram; Russian Defence Ministry Quote from the Russian Ministry of Defence: "Around 10:30, another attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by two aircraft-type UAVs was stopped... Two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by the air defence system over the territory of the Republic of Crimea." Details: Collaborator Aksionov clarified that this happened in the northern and western parts of temporarily occupied Crimea. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Later, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation stated that around 11:30, Ukraine allegedly launched a cruise missile over the peninsula and that it was destroyed in the air over the Black Sea near the coast of Crimea. Background: Earlier, the sources of Ukrainska Pravda in the Security Service of Ukraine reported that on 25 August, Ukrainian defence forces, together with the Security Service of Ukraine, launched a drone strike on the base of the 126th Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, deployed in the village of Perevalne in temporarily occupied Crimea. So far, several dozen Russians are reported to have been killed or wounded. On 28 August, the Special Operation Forces showed the UAVs used in that attack. 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 Russian military is resorting to using decoy missiles due to a severe shortage of the required components, according to Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, who spoke in an interview on Aug. 28. In this way, the Russians are trying to compensate for their shortage of missiles. As such this is a sparing approach, but still, every missile is a threat," she said. Read also: Russia using decoy targets to search for Ukraines air defenses Air raid alerts rang out across Ukraine early on Monday morning. Two people were killed, and five others were injured in a strike on an industrial facility in Poltava Oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In Kryvyi Rih, two houses were destroyed, and five more were damaged; however, no casualties have been reported. Read also: Air Force explains why Russia used dummy nuclear warhead in Kh-55 missiles 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 After six consecutive days of drone attacks on the Moscow region last week, one would think the shock of sudden late-night explosions might compel some Russians to consider what Ukrainian civilians have endured during 550 days of relentless Russian attacks. Instead, some residents near the Russian capital have taken to social media to vent about the inconvenience of being woken up in the middle of the night, question why the international community isnt coming to their rescue, and blame Ukrainian terrorists for targeting civilian areas. (Never mind that Moscow has repeatedly attacked residential areas in Ukraine with Iranian-made Shahed drones.) No injuries have been reported in the recent string of attacks, and Russian officials claim to have shot down most of the drones that they say caused only minor damage to a building in Moscow City and several broken windows elsewhere. Kyiv has not confirmed or denied involvement in the drone strikes. Russian media widely covered the attacks, airing interviews with residents who showed off their broken windows. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It was scary to go up to the window, said one man recounting his shock to wake up and find his window shattered. This is the first time anything like this has happened to me. Explosions Rock Moscow in Brazen Early-Morning Drone Attack Separately, he told Deutsche Welle, At first, there was panic. I thought the building had been hit by a shell. Its very scary. What if it hits the house next time? another resident told DW, noting that she has a young child in the home. Who would have declared such a war on us in Moscow? she asked, unironically. In a video that went viral, a well-known blogger complained about how rude it is for drones to be launched when people are sleeping. Ukraine is going crazy. Drones at three in the morning. Have you lost your mind? Hilmi Forks said. I got scared and jumped off the couch from this explosion... If even one more drone crashes anywhere here in Moscow... Ill pick up a rifle and go to the front. You got that? Other residents have reportedly called for restrictions on the use of fireworks because they say they are so on-edge over drone attacks. Every time there is a rumble of firecrackers exploding late in the evening or at night, we think that this is again a drone attack, one resident was quoted saying by local media, telling the regional governor in a plea to stop the lawlessness of nearby restaurants setting off fireworks. While Russian officials have squarely blamed Ukrainian neo-Nazis for what they describe as terrorist attacks on Moscow, experts have said at least some of the drone strikes are more likely to have originated from Russian territoryotherwise the drones would be flying hundreds of miles across Russian territory without being intercepted by missile defenses. . 3 . , ? . , . pic.twitter.com/UxJnBs7i3d (@ru2ch) August 23, 2023 Sergei, a resident of the Moscow region who spoke to The Daily Beast on the condition of anonymity, said he and his colleagues at work had become skeptical of the drone attacks precisely because of the distance the drones would have to travel unimpeded. We have a theory that these drone attacks are done by our government in order to justify a new mobilization, he said. Sveta, his wife, said people were generally unfazed by the strikes unless they were personally affected: Nobody cares, she said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Aug. 28 that it had detained a former employee of the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok, a Russian citizen named Robert Shonov, on espionage charges. Shonov was allegedly gathering information on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, mobilization, and protest activity in Russia ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, carrying out the task from September 2022 until his detention, the FSB claimed. According to the statement, the man was supposedly working for monetary reward at the behest of Jeffrey Sillin and David Bernstein, two employees of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Although both Russian security services and media have labeled Shonov as a spy, the Kyiv Independent could not verify the claim. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Shonov faces up to eight years in prison. The FSB added that it plans to question the two aforementioned diplomats in relation to the case. The Russian media first reported on Shonov's arrest in May, saying that the 62-year-old resident of Vladivostok had been arrested and was being held in the Lefortovo Prison in Moscow in pre-trial detention. While the FSB did not specify the date of his arrest, the Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti reported that Shonov was detained in March, citing an undisclosed source. On May 16, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow denounced the accusations levied against Shonov. The Vladivostok resident reportedly worked for the U.S. Consulate General for over 25 years until Russia lowered the limit for local staff working at a U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia in April 2021. Since then, Shonov has been employed at a private company contracted by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. At the time of his arrest, his only role was to "compile press summaries from publicly available Russian media sources," a work that was "in strict accordance with Russian law and regulations," the U.S. Embassy said. The consulate's ex-employee is not the first person arrested in Russia for alleged espionage for Western countries since the start of the full-scale invasion. Arguably the most high-profile figure held in Russia remains Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in March. The U.S. denies the espionage allegations against the journalist. Read also: CNN: Moscow court denies US journalist Gershkovichs appeal, remands him in custody Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) -Russia will be represented by its foreign minister at the G20 summit in New Delhi, President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone call on Monday where the two leaders also discussed bilateral ties. The two leaders also spoke about the planned expansion of the BRICS group of emerging economies - comprising India, Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa - as well as a summit of the G20 club of major economies that New Delhi will host next month. Last week, Modi and Putin both took part in the BRICS summit in South Africa, though the Russian leader attended only via video link because of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin, which strongly denies the ICC allegations, has said Putin would also not attend the G20 gathering in India. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Putin told Modi Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to a statement from the Indian government. "While expressing an understanding for Russia's decision, PM thanked President Putin for Russia's consistent support to all initiatives under India's G20 Presidency," the Indian government said. Russia has sought to further strengthen already warm ties with India after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered sweeping Western sanctions on Moscow. India is a major buyer of Russian oil. "Topical issues of Russian-Indian relations, which are progressively developing in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership, were considered (in the call)," the Kremlin said in a statement. "The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation was affirmed," it added. Both Russia and India launched lunar probes this month, but only the Indian one landed successfully on the moon while the Russian craft crashed. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Chinas proposed joint military exercises and patrols with the Philippines are unlikely to be held. The proposed joint military exercises with the Philippines was pitched in July. However, details are still indefinite. Gen. Romeo Brawner said the countrys memorandum of agreement on defense cooperation has been existing since 2004. Since then, the military has been sending over Filipino officers and enlisted personnel for schooling in China. Although given Chinas aggression in the South China Sea, the government has halted sending over these officers. Brawner also said China should stop what he called coercive and dangerous tactics in the disputed waters when the military are resupplying their stations in islands and occupied features like the Ayungin Shoal. The military chief also says proposals from China could still be studied, reflecting President Marcos independent foreign policy. At a Planning and Design Commission Meeting last week, associate city planner Laura Tuller disclosed that Sacramento will back off at least for now on enforcing what has been touted as a key policy in combating climate change. The city will not currently preclude mixed fuel development, Tuller told the city council-appointed commission. during an update on the citys building electrification strategy. Her statement referred to enforcing an ordinance passed by the council that would, with some exceptions, ban natural gas hookups in new construction projects starting in 2023. Methane from natural gas is a potent contributor to greenhouse gases and climate change. State and local leaders in California have identified what is called building decarbonization relying on cleaner electric power as a crucial way to achieve its zero carbon emissions goal by 2045. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Tuller explained that the decision to pause enforcement is the result of a recent court ruling. Other cities such as San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz have made the same determination. In April, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the city of Berkeleys building electrification ordinance in a lawsuit backed by the Sacramento-based California Restaurant Association. The court said that the city had stepped on the federal governments role regulating energy markets. The ruling has, for the moment, put a chill on what building decarbonization advocates say is a sensible movement. Prior to the Berkeley ruling, 76 cities from Los Angeles to Sacramento had passed electrification ordinances banning natural gas hookups in new construction. Sacramento leaders say they cant enforce the gas ban until they see what happens with the City of Berkeleys appeal of the decision. State policymakers are similarly nervous about the implications of the Berkeley ruling. A Sacramento Bee investigation earlier this month found that donations to CRA and its foundation from SoCalGas, the nations largest gas utility, soared after CRA launched its lawsuit. Critics of SoCalGas as well as the California Public Advocates Office, which is an independent state watchdog arm of the California Public Utilities Commission, have accused SoCalGas of financially backing the Berkeley lawsuit with millions of dollars. It strains credibility to suggest that the utility did not fund research that supported the California Restaurant Associations litigation, the watchdog said in a filing this month. The restaurant association has vigorously denied any coordination with Southern California Gas Co. on the lawsuit. The CRA said its motivation for the lawsuit was purely to protect new restaurants who prefer using gas, especially Chinese restaurants that prefer gas-powered woks. SoCalGas has vehemently denied that it in any way funded the CRAs lawsuit. The recent Bee investigation noted that contributions to the CRA and its foundation from SoCalGas and its parent company Sempra grew from $174,594 in years 2015 to 2018 to $1.8 million from 2019 to 2022 a tenfold increase. The original Sacramento electrification ordinance passed in 2021 and went into effect, albeit briefly, on Jan. 1. Restaurants, however, were exempted until 2026. But through its role as members of a technical advisory panel advising the city, the CRA along with two allies connected to Chinese restaurants, argued the gas ban was culturally insensitive to the tradition of wok cooking. Several Asian chefs that The Bee spoke to, including celebrity chef Martin Yan, pointed out that induction wok cooking is becoming more common in Asia, and that the industry needs to do its part to combat climate change. Many chefs believe cooking with electric-powered induction woks although more expensive is better than cooking with gas-powered woks, especially when environmental and health effects are considered. At the technical advisory panels recommendation, in November 2022, the city council adopted infeasibility waiver guidelines that included a key clause;: If the business was found to make a legitimate claim that precluding them from using natural gas would prohibit socio-cultural traditions that communities practice, they could be exempted. I was shocked when I read that. It just felt like this secret gutting, Rosie Yacoub an activist with the climate group 350 Sacramento told The Bee. She added, What does that even mean? It seems like anyone could make that case. At a City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Darrell Steinberg and City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela said that The Bee investigation raised questions about the citys conflict of interest policy for advisory groups like the technically advisory panel, though stopped short of any specific suggestions for reforming the process. Charlie Spatz, research manager at the Energy and Policy Institute, said that the conflict of interest issue raised thorny questions. The question here is whether the utility money was motivating or influencing the restaurant associations engagement with the city council, he said. Theres nothing wrong with restaurants engaging in electrification policy, but its important to remember that gas utilities are spreading disinformation to restaurants with the goal of blocking electrification policy. Its a bad faith campaign designed to drive unfounded fear in the restaurant industry and it only serves the interests of gas utilities. That disinformation, Spatz and others note, centers on what they believe are dubious studies that try to undermine research such as that performed by Stanford University that concludes gas cooking can be harmful without proper ventilation. There are signs that even if the Berkeley decision is not overturned, market conditions at least in Sacramento, which has through SMUD some of the lowest electric rates in California, are pushing new construction to be all-electric. A tool that the city links to called Xerohome appears to typically show cost savings in utility bills of $600-$1,100 annually when homeowners opt for modern all-electric appliances. Brian Hanly, president of Next Generation Capital, says his company has increasingly opted for all-electric developments in Sacramento, including the 21-unit development, Icon @14C, which was completed in 2020. We were a bit afraid of the consumer response in the beginning, Hanly told The Bee. He added, Its above my pay grade to understand the environmental ramifications between natural gas and electric, but weve had a positive experience. A salmon shark, which lives in saltwater, washed up on the shore of Idaho's freshwater Salmon River. The sharks are usually only found in parts of the Northern Pacific Ocean. They grow up to 10 ft. and 1,000 lbs., but experts say Idahoans shouldn't worry about sharks. Residents of Idaho were hooked by an unusual sight in mid-August when they came across the body of a washed-up salmon shark. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was flooded with calls after people stumbled on the shark on the banks of the freshwater Salmon River, per KTVX's reporting. A post from Clearwater Region fisheries manager Joe DuPont on the IDFG website confirmed the shark did appear to be a salmon shark, which can't live in freshwater. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Salmon sharks can grow anywhere from six and a half to over 10 feet long and may weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They are especially interesting because unlike many shark species, which like warmer water, salmon sharks have the best endothermic capabilities of any shark the ability to raise their blood temperature to match or even exceed that of their surrounding waters, per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Usually, they can maintain a constant body temperature of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the water temperature around them. The ADFG also notes salmon sharks are usually found in subarctic and temperate parts of the Northern Pacific Ocean a fair distance from landlocked Idaho. Despite the whole fishy situation, DuPont didn't seem worried. He thought the entire case might be a prank. "It is safe to assume that somebody dropped this on the shore for a good laugh. I certainly have laughed about it. This would have been a great April's Fools Joke," DuPont wrote. "Rest assured, we have no sharks swimming around in Idaho." It's unclear how someone would transport a salmon shark from its usual habitat to Idaho, at least alive. Per the University of Florida, it's only become possible for sharks to be taken out of the water and put into other habitats safely because of large equipment like stretchers, extreme gentleness with the sharks' bodies, and machines that can pump water over their gills constantly. Residents weren't wrong for feeling some alarm. There have been cases of mistaken shark sightings this summer from officials like Ted Cruz, "cocaine sharks" off the coast of Florida, and generally strange behavior from the kings of the sea, like an increase in attacks in New York. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Insider, sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Insider The San Franciscopolice officers union reacted with outrage last week when Reems, a local bakery chain, refused to serve an officer in uniform. NO COPS ALLOWED, the San Francisco Police Officers Association wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Thats the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reems. One of our officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform. Reems confirms that they will not serve anyone armed and in uniform. Presumably, this includes members of the US Military. The union also claimed the policy was bigoted and discriminatory. Reems, a bakery serving Arab food, with locations across San Francisco and Oakland, confirmed the indicent took place at its Mission neighbourhood store, but said the policy applies to all armed people and that officers were welcome to come in while off duty. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Reems has a deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities, the business wrote in a statement on Instagram. This includes fostering an environment of safety for our staff and customers. In a time of increased gun violence particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people we belive that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer. Many members of our community have been impacted by gun violence, whether that be experience on the streets of San Francisco, having come from war or occupation, or having increased fears due to a growing climate of political extremism, the bakery continued. All too often, Black and brown people, and poor people are the victims of this violence. At Reems, we aim to provide a space where people can eat delicious Arab food and work together to strengthen our community, without fear of violence or harassment. The Mission neighbourhood is a diverse area home to numerous immigrant communities from different countries. San Francisco police say a bigoted local bakery refused to serve a uniformed officer (Getty Images) Its not the first time such a controversy has occured. A cashier was fired from a San Francisco pizzeria earlier this year for refusing to serve a police office. Meanwhile, in 2021, the San Francisco restaurant Hilda and Jesse apologised for refusing to serve three uniformed SFPD officers. The San Francisco Police Department has a well-documented record of disproportionate violence against people of colour. Black people are 6.5 times more likely to be shot by the SFPD than white people, while Latinx people are 3.6 times more likely, according to data from Mapping Police Violence. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A San Francisco restaurant is feuding with police on social media after the business implemented a policy that bans armed officers from entering. Reems California announced the policy in an Instagram post on Friday, saying the reason is to have a deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities. FOX4 newsletters: Get the latest news delivered to your inbox In a time of increased gun violence particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people we believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer, Reems wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The San Francisco Police Officers Association, a union that represents officers, called out the restaurant on X, formerly known as Twitter. On Thursday, they said one of their officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform. Reems said they dont refuse service to police officers in general its only when they are in uniform and armed. We are not asking Reems or any business with a bigoted policy to serve our officers, SFPOA said. Were asking them to own their discriminatory policy & and put up a sign so we know not to spend money in your establishmenton or off duty. We took the liberty of designing one for them. Parked BMW involved in KCFD fire investigation after carport is destroyed The SFPOA posted the design on X. As of Friday, Reems Mission District location was temporarily closed, according to the restaurants website. There was no reopening date announced. The police union has not tweeted anything about Reems since Thursday afternoon. Reems last posted about the matter on Friday afternoon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. There is no visible damage on satellite images Recently released satellite imagery of a military airbase in the Russian city of Kursk does not show damage or destroyed aircraft, according to Tyler Rogoway, the chief editor of the U.S. publication The War Zone, in a Twitter/X post on Aug. 28. The newly released images come after a drone attack on the city the day before. Rogoway stated that further analysis is required before a conclusion can be drawn about the efficacy of the attack. Read also: Explosion at Kursk train station, Moscow flights grounded overnight, Russian officials blame Ukrainian UAVs "This is a cursory examination. Commercial satellite imagery has its limitations. Small damage could exist that did not cause secondary explosions, but widespread damage is clearly not the case," Rogoway said. @Aviation_Intel/X @Aviation_Intel/X @Aviation_Intel/X Several powerful explosions rocked the Russian border city of Kursk overnight on Aug. 27, with the oblasts governor, Roman Starovoyt, reporting that a drone had hit an apartment complex. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: Kursk railway station explosion aftermath in photos In total, 10 explosions were recorded across Kursk Oblast. The Russian Ministry of Defense subsequently reported that air defense units in both Kursk and Bryansk oblasts had successfully downed several drones, blaming the attack on 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 NEW BRUNSWICK Rashid Ali Bynum, the 29-year-old Virginia man charged with fatally shooting Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour 14 times in what prosecutors are calling an "ambush," was ordered Monday to remain behind bars pending the outcome of the case. A not guilty plea was entered on all charges on behalf of Bynum by his attorney, Thomas Ashley, before Superior Court Judge Joseph Paone during Bynum's arraignment and detention hearing. Bynum, dressed in a green jail uniform with his shoulder-length hair covering much of his face, did not speak during the court proceeding. Bynum was indicted by a Middlesex County grand jury earlier this month on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the February killing. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Bynum, who was arrested May 30 in Chesapeake, Virginia, will remain in the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center in North Brunswick pending the outcome of the case. He was extradited to New Jersey in late July. Bynum's next court date is scheduled for late October. Mother of Eunice Dwumfour arrested Mary Dwumfour, the councilwoman's mother who had been sitting behind Bynum along with other family members for the hour-long proceeding, cried at times during the hearing and allegedly threw a water bottle toward him as he was being led from the courtroom at the end of the proceeding. It's unclear if Bynum was struck. Former Assemblyman John Wisniewski , attorney for Mary Dwumfour and her husband Prince, said she was handcuffed by Middlesex County sheriff's officers in the courtroom, fingerprinted and charged with a disorderly persons offense. He said that case will be heard in New Brunswick Municipal Court, and he will represent Mary Dwumfour. Mary Dwumfour, left, Eunice's mother, stares at Rashid Bynum during his arraignment and detention hearing Monday in New Brunswick. To her right is Eunice's husband, Peter Ezechukwu. "The entire family is very emotional. This is the first time they've been in close proximity to the individual who is accused of taking their daughter's life. It's very traumatic and very upsetting to them. I think that in part is what influenced what happened in the courtroom," Wisniewski said, adding the family understands that it is not something that should have happened. He added it was "unfortunate" that Mary Dwumfour was handcuffed. During the hearing Ashley, whose co-counsel is attorney Michael Ashley, tried to get the detention hearing adjourned, noting there were 6,000 pages of discovery that he had not had a chance to fully review and discuss with his client. He also argued there is no identification of Bynum by any witnesses, just circumstantial evidence. But the judge noted the detention hearing had already been postponed several times, some at Ashley's request, and the evidence has been available since at least Aug. 1. Thomas Ashley said he has reviewed the affidavit of probable cause and understands there is video surveillance capturing the suspect allegedly fleeing the scene, but he plans to challenge the accuracy of the footage. He also challenged whether the description of the suspect matched Bynum as well as whether Bynum was the driver of a vehicle spotted at the scene and whether a cellphone reportedly detected in the area of the slaying is connected to his client. "There is no indication Mr. Bynum had any reason at any time to shoot the victim," Ashley said. Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour On Feb. 1 around 7:22 p.m. Dwumfour, a Republican and Sayreville's first Black elected official, was shot multiple times inside her car outside her home in the area of Check Avenue in the Parlin section of the borough. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Assistant Prosecutor Amber Gibbs, whose co-counsel is Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Pridgen, said Dwumfour was shot 14 times while sitting in the car outside her home, shortly after her daughter got out of the vehicle. She said 14 cartridge cases of 9mm bullets were found at the scene. Eunice Dwumfour and Rashid Bynum shared an apartment The killing happened just months after Dwumfour, 30, a single mother, got married with ceremonies held in both the United States and Nigeria. Gibbs said Dwumfour, a pastor in her church, and Bynum knew each other. They met years ago when she was recruiting members join the church, Gibbs said. Bynum was recruited to join the church in Virginia, brought to New Jersey and lived with Dwumfour, her daughter and other church members for some time to provide guidance, but it became apparent to church members that Bynum was not following church practices, and he was asked to return to Virginia, she said. More: Man accused of killing Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour Googled church, guns: cops Wisniewski said the church rented several apartments in the Sayreville area, and it was while Dwumfour was living in SkyTop Gardens that Bynum and other church members also lived with her. He said her family was unaware of any relationship the two had. After police received several 911 calls about the shooting, surveillance video captured a suspect fleeing the scene in the area of Ernston Road. Witnesses reported seeing a thin man, about 6 feet tall with ear-length braids or dreadlocks and a suspicious white Hyundai on Gondek Drive minutes before the shooting. Video footage also showed a person walking from the vehicle on Gondek Drive toward Check Avenue just before the shooting and firing into Dwumfour's vehicle. Rashid Bynum makes his first appearance in Superior Court in New Brunswick on Monday in the killing of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. Court papers indicate a cellphone associated with Bynum traveled from Virginia to New Jersey and back to Virginia on the day of the shooting and the phone was in the area of Gondek Drive and Ernston Road just before the shooting. The investigation also found Bynum's cellphone traveled through E-ZPass locations in Newark, Woodbridge and Linden at the same time as a white Hyundai Elantra with a Virginia license plate. The registration for the vehicle indicated it was owned by someone in Virginia who offered the vehicle for rent. Gibbs said records show Bynum called the owner the day before the shooting and had a rental agreement, photo of Bynum and his driver's license and a statement from the registered owner confirm Bynum made a cash transaction to rent the white Hyundai Elantra on Jan. 31, 2023, in Virginia, and on Feb 1 he traveled from Virginia to New Jersey and then returned to Virginia. Court papers also show Bynum was listed as a contact in Dwumfour's cellphone, in association with Fire Congress Fellowship, a church with which Dwumfour and Bynum had both previously been associated with. On the day of the murder Bynum alleged conducted an internet search on Sayreville, particularly the Parlin section. 'Ambush' On May 30 when Bynum was arrested, a search warrant was executed at the Smithfield address and a Glock 19 handgun was found in a black fanny pack belonging to Bynum, Gibbs said. The New Jersey State Police ballistics laboratory compared the recovered discharged cartridges and test cartridges from the pistol at the Smithfield address, and the results showed the 14 cartridges from the shooting location were identified as being discharged from the same Glock 19 handgun that was found inside the black fanny pack, Gibbs said. "Based on this information the state believes the weight of the case is strong. While counsel mentioned we have not provided a motive, it is not the state's obligation to explain to the defense why someone does something. We are here to make sure it's clear to the people that this is the who committed the offense, not why," Gibbs said. Gibbs said Bynum planned, premeditated and drove hours from Virginia to New Jersey, lied in wait and "ambushed an unassuming individual in her car while she was waiting outside of her home right after she let her daughter and friend go inside the home and shot her 14 times, unloading the entire clip of the magazine, and then got back into his vehicle and drove back to his state where he hid. There can be no more serious case then when someone lies to ambush another." Email: srussell@gannettnj.com Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour shot 14 times in 'ambush' Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported on Aug. 28 that it had detained a local woman accused of providing Russia with locations of Ukrainian positions in Kherson. Over the past month, the woman has tracked the whereabouts of Ukrainian forces, trying to determine their approximate number and identify military equipment, the SBU wrote. Then she allegedly sent Russian special services the gathered information, which Russia has used to carry out regular attacks against Kherson with Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and kamikaze drones. According to the investigation, the suspect is a Kherson resident whom Russia remotely recruited after the city's liberation last year. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: As more soldiers go missing, desperate families left in limbo "She interested the enemy with her destructive activity on pro-Kremlin Internet resources, where she left anti-Ukrainian comments," according to the SBU. The woman was charged with treason committed under martial law. She remains in custody and may face life-long imprisonment. On Aug. 8, the SBU detained a collaborator in Kherson who purportedly took part in the Russian repressions against locals during the city's occupation. Ukrainian troops liberated the city of Kherson and other settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022. The part of Kherson Oblast located on the river's east bank remains under Russian occupation. Read also: Tortured Khersonians speak of Russias crimes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines SBU security service and the National Police have exposed a vast scheme that allowed draft-eligible Ukrainian men to leave the country in exchange for bribes, SBUs press service reported via Telegram on Aug. 28. According to the report, more than ten officials of the military medical commission and doctors were detained. Read also: Corruption in Ukraine at its lowest level for 20 years, says finance minister The organizer of the scheme offered eligible citizens to escape abroad with the help of forged documents attesting to their mobilization exemption on health grounds. He charged each individual $3,000$10,000, depending on the diagnosis and the period of its issuance. In total, law enforcement officers established more than 200 such criminal offenses. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: Ukraines SBU apprehends four more military and medical officials profiting from draft dodgers When the suspect received an "order," he turned to his accomplices from the local military medical commission, who were responsible for falsifying health examination reports. Read also: Reznikov to resign if uniform procurement corruption allegations prove to be true This way, the corrupt officials created a formal basis for striking conscripts from the military register, after which the dodgers could go abroad. During the searches, law enforcement found money obtained through corruption, documents, and computer equipment with evidence of illegal activities. The offenders face up to ten years in prison with confiscation of property. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine On a Friday in early July, the Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons was working on a sermon to be delivered the next Sunday at his Greenville church when he opened an email from a fellow he went to school with in Scotland 25 years before. The Rev. Kenneth MacKenzie was asking if Gibbons would like to be a guest preacher at the Parish of Braemar and Crathie in Crathie, Scotland in August. MacKenzie added in an almost oh-by-the-way comment, the king and queen would be in attendance. Balmoral Castle is about a half-mile from the rural church. Gibbonss first thought was it had to be a mistake. MacKenzie couldnt have meant him. Preaching for King Charles III and Queen Camilla? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Then his mind moved to how overwhelming the idea was. Then to how to get there. He said to his wife, Ruth, Im afraid youre going to have to buy a new hat. Growing up in Scotland, Gibbons revered the royal family, but the closest he ever got to one of them was his TV. Now hed be in a pulpit perhaps 15 feet away. Preaching. Hes no stranger to praying in front of dignitaries. Last July, he opened a session of the U.S. House of Representatives. Someone asked him about that. What other important people had he prayed in front of so far. He was tempted to respond, Does God count? but he held himself back. Sometimes mischievousness can get me into trouble, he said. To prepare for the service in Scotland, he went to a favorite passage, Ephesians 3:14-20, in which Paul prays for the faithful to know the depth of Christs love, to know He is with them always. To know He strengthens them. Gibbons and Ruth left on Aug. 17. They couldnt tell anyone where they were going or what they were doing until after the service on Aug. 20. He thinks the congregation was expecting someone with a Southern accent rather than a preacher who sounds a lot like them. Gibbons said it would have been tempting to preach directly to the king and queen but knew his mission was to talk to the whole congregation of about 85 people. To not only tell them but to have them feel that whatever their burden was God would not leave their side. He ended the sermon by telling them he had a heart attack in 2005 as he was picking his son up from the dentist in Inverness in Scotland. At the time, Gibbons was working for the Church of Scotland. He didnt have a pulse, but was revived on the fourth try. As he was lying in a street, God was with him, he said. He was out of work for three months and when he was well, he applied to be pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. That was 2007. The church now has 2,700 active members and recently completed a $34 million worship and arts center expansion. I am blessed beyond measure, he said. Richard and Ruth Gibbons visited with King Charles at Balmoral Castle. A bonus for the four-day time in Scotland was meeting with King Charles at Balmoral after the service for 25 minutes, MacKenzie, the minister of the Parish of Braemar and Crathie, drove the Gibbons through security. Gibbons said he was tempted to give the royal wave, but held himself back. They met with the king in a drawing room, and Gibbons was impressed with how much King Charles knew about Greenville, the Upstate and South Carolina. They were given a drink Gibbons thinks it was Sprite, but he barely touched it, so enthralled he was with the kings friendliness and insight. A man who works for the South Carolina Department of Corrections found himself behind bars Sunday after an arrest on a DUI charge, the Richland County Sheriffs Department said. Carlton Scott, a 35-year-old Gadsden resident, was charged with DUI, less than .10, (first offense), according to Richland County court records. The legal blood-alcohol content limit in South Carolina is 0.08, according to state law. At about 1 a.m. Sunday, a deputy saw a vehicle driven by Scott speeding in the center lane on ONeil Court as it headed toward Two Notch Road, the sheriffs department said Monday in a news release. Thats in Columbia, in the area between Parklane Road and Trenholm Road. As the deputy continued to follow the vehicle on Two Notch Road and then Interstate 20, he observed multiple traffic violations and initiated a traffic stop near Exit 74, according to the release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement During the stop on I-20, the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle, the sheriffs department said. The deputy conducted field sobriety tests and determined that Scott was impaired, according to the release. Scott was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, the sheriffs department said. A $992 personal recognizance bond was set Sunday and posted Monday, according to court records. Scott is not listed on the inmate roster at the county jail. There was no word if Scott faces any punishment from the S.C. Department of Corrections. Scott is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 2, court records show. China-proposed BRI provides solid platform for international cooperation: symposium speakers Xinhua) 10:16, August 28, 2023 Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, speaks at an international symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Aug. 25, 2023. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has provided a solid platform for international cooperation, said speakers at an international symposium held in Tanzania's commercial hub of Dar es Salaam. The symposium, with the theme of "China-Africa Vision: Towards a Sustainable Future," was held Friday to mark the 10th anniversary of the BRI, proposed by China in 2013 with a view to promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds among all countries in the world. Mussa Azzan Zungu, the deputy speaker of Tanzania's National Assembly, said the BRI has been another milestone in the China-Africa partnership that complements the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). "This initiative has attracted many African members of the FOCAC, where they have joined the Belt and Road Initiative family. This has indeed injected strong motivation into the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership," Zungu told the symposium, which was organized by the Chinese embassy in Tanzania in collaboration with China Global Television Network (CGTN) and the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation. He said the BRI presents an opportunity for East African nations to acquire financing and material support for infrastructure projects. "It is clear that, while many infrastructure projects have been implemented, the region still has inadequate railways, roads and energy pipelines, to name just a few," said Zungu. Deng Li, vice minister of foreign affairs of China, said in a video address to the symposium that during the last 10 years, the BRI has grown in influence, scale and participation. "It has become a popular global public good and a platform for international cooperation involving more than three-quarters of countries in the world and over 30 international organizations," Deng said, adding that China has signed BRI cooperation documents with 52 African countries and the African Union Commission in active support of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Deng said China and Africa will work together to promote the peaceful development of Africa, move toward modernization and press ahead hand-in-hand in building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said that over the past decade, the BRI has evolved from idea to practice, from blueprint to reality, and provided a solid platform for international cooperation. She stressed that the BRI has brought important development opportunities to African countries and built a new bridge for the China-Tanzania friendship. "In the past 10 years, Belt and Road cooperation has mobilized nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment worldwide, established more than 3,000 cooperation projects, and created 420,000 jobs for participating countries, lifting nearly 40 million people out of poverty," Chen said. Joseph Butiku, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, said China and Africa share a common vision and a common destiny. "In the course of implementing the BRI, China and Africa have to move together, using the available resources for the development of humankind," Butiku said, calling for the promotion of peace, unity and people-centered development. Mussa Azzan Zungu, deputy speaker of Tanzania's National Assembly, speaks at an international symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Aug. 25, 2023. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The election and gun ban period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October officially began on Monday. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) also declared that the six-day period for filing certificates of candidacy (COC) for the barangay and SK polls is open until Sept. 2. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the commission was surprised at the number of candidates who flocked to the filing venues on opening day. "Hindi namin inanticipate na ganito kadami kaagad ang magfi-file ng candidacy sa unang araw. Kahit hindi namin expected naging maayos ang unang oras ng pag fifile ng candidacy," Garcia said. "Asahan natin na magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba ng termino ng mga dating barangay at SK officials. At nakailang postponement na tayo," he added. [Translation: We did not anticipate this many people filing for candidacy on the first day. Even if we did not expect this, the first hour of filing has been okayWe should expect a heated fight as the terms of the outgoing barangay and SK officials have been prolonged because of several postponements.] RELATED: Comelec to issue revolutionary guidelines vs. vote buying According to the revised calendar of activities released in March, Comelec said the election period will run from Aug. 28 to Nov. 14, with a gun ban also enforced. The poll body said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also set up checkpoints in preparation for the election period. The PNP regional office in Eastern Visayas said it is deploying more than 11,000 police personnel to ensure safe, secure and honest polls this October. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 and Comelec started setting-up checkpoints in main entry and exit of every locality in the region. Security forces from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Navy also man some of the installed checkpoints. 'Areas of concern' PRO8 Regional Director PBGen Vincent Calanoga said there are "areas of concern" in Eastern Visayas which are mostly places with a history of violence and untoward incidents in the previous election. "Meron tayong mga (We have) listed areas of concern from the previous election, it's still subject for review after the deadline on filing of certificate of candidacy," Calanoga said. "Kailangan natin 'to para maging accurate ang ating assessment. Hindi pa natin masasabi ngayon until na meron na tayong review ng ating security assessment," he added. [Translation: We need this for the accuracy of our assessment. We can't say now until we have a review on our security assessment.] Meanwhile, Comelec Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros reminded law enforcement personnel manning check-points that they are only allowed to do "plain sight" checks unless there is valid ground to order that a vehicle be opened. CNN Philippines correspondent Paige Javier and Tacloban-based correspondent Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report. Journalist Stephan Lamby has gained access to the transcript of a conversation between German hancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron during which they discussed their talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin . Source: European Pravda, citing German media outlet Bild, which referenced the transcript The talks between Scholz and Putin were held on 4 March 2022, day nine of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Scholz revealed in his conversation with Macron that the situation "is not getting better". "There is something that concerns me more than the talks: he [Putin] does not complain about the sanctions at all. I dont know if he mentioned them in his conversation with you. But he did not mention them at all to me," Scholz told Macron, who replied: "He didnt to me either." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The German chancellor remarked that Putin was imposing his vision of Ukraine again: "He was sharing all his ideas on how to find a compromise. He was talking about demilitarisation and denazification [of Ukraine ed.]". After that, he said, Putin "asked me to recognise Crimea as a part of Russia" and recognise the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics. "When I asked him whether a meeting about Ukraine will be held at some point with you, me, Zelenskyy and him, Putin, he did not completely refuse. But he named two conditions. Firstly, it must not be a reason for a ceasefire. And he only talked about three of us: you, me and him. Not Zelenskyy," Scholz revealed. He added that Putin also talked about conspiracy theories: "He then stated that the Ukrainian delegation went to Poland because they wanted to talk to the US president to receive their instructions." In response, Macron said: "That is very similar to the conversation I had with him [Putin ed.] yesterday." Earlier, German Vice Chancellor Robert Gabeck was indignant about the fact that the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), unlike other intelligence agencies, was mistaken in its assessment of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, Scholz stated in May that he planned to talk to Putin again one day, though he did not give an approximate date of when this might happen. The Kremlin complained in February that Macron and Scholz had not called Putin for a long time. 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! Flooding events can be catastrophic when in progress, but when it comes to the environment, the aftermath is also a huge problem. However, research from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has found a solution to improve soil quality after floods. One of the main problems soil faces following flooding events is the presence of pine slash, a waste product from commercial forestry. When this is washed away and mixed with soil, the chemicals it contains can prevent the future growth of plants. But new research shows that chipping pine slash and mixing it with a kind of fertilizer known as urea is an effective way to encourage plant growth, particularly when dealing with silt-covered soils. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The study saw oats planted in the different soil samples featuring a mixture of natural materials to see which produced the best results. According to masters student Mingyuan (Kathy) Liu, oats are particularly helpful when stabilizing a soil structure, and the growth results in the sample using the pine slash mixture were encouraging. We could immediately see the difference in the crops grown in pine sawdust mixed into the soil, Liu said in a news release republished by Phys.org. A tweet showed a picture of samples grown in silty soil with different additions. Pine slash a major problem after recent flooding events could be chipped and used to rehabilitate soil, new research from the University of Canterbury and ESR suggests. Oat growth trials:https://t.co/tX4n9Ozr6O pic.twitter.com/ECuKFxqTVN Wrath Of Gnon (@wrathofgnon) July 24, 2023 University of Canterbury science professor Brett Robinson hailed the findings and noted that although pine slash has substances that inhibit plant growth, it was effective as an addition in the tests at affecting the structure of sediment or silt. Essentially, it acts like a sponge and breaks down to humus which is beneficial to the soil, Robinson said. The next step is field testing, and if the chipped pine yields similar results, it could have a transformative effect on growth after flooding. With NASA discovering that global temperatures have risen by 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880, flooding events could happen more regularly worldwide. Brian Soden, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami, told the AP, When a thunderstorm develops, water vapor gets condensed into rain droplets and falls back down to the surface. So as these storms form in warmer environments that have more moisture in them, the rainfall increases. But the solution to utilize pine slash waste could encourage quicker growth and recovery for crops and vegetation on a global scale following floods. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Police marked the position of spent cartridges in the street following the July 30 shooting that killed one and wounded 17 at Hackley and Willard streets in central Muncie. MUNCIE, Ind. Muncie police on Monday arrested a second city man in connection with a July 30 shooting spree that saw 18 people hit by gunfire. Justin Elliott Bonner, 29, is preliminarily charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony with a maximum 12-year sentence. Justin Bonner was the brother of Joseph Bonner, a 30-year-old Muncie man who was fatally shot during last month's shooting spree. In the wake of the July 30 shootings which took place at an early morning block party at Willard and Hackley streets Delaware County resident John L. Vance Jr., 36, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated battery, along with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Vance has received a Jan. 29 trial date in Delaware Circuit Court 2. More: Delaware County man charged in block-party shootings receives January trial date The charges against him do not specifically refer to the death of Joseph Bonner, who died at the scene of gunshot wounds. Witnesses told Muncie police they saw Joseph Bonner and Vance who was reported to be brandishing a handgun exchanging blows shortly before the gunshots were heard. In an interview with city police on Monday, Justin Bonner reportedly said he was at the block party and saw Vance shoot his brother, who then fell to the ground. Bonner said he then pulled his own 9mm handgun from his waistband and shot "at and towards" Vance. Seventeen other people have survived gunshot wounds suffered at the scene. In addition, a woman was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle in the wake of the gunfire. Justin Bonner last November pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in Delaware Circuit Court 1. However, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show up for a sentencing hearing in February. According to court records, Justin Bonner has also been convicted of carrying a handgun without a license, dealing in a narcotic drug, false informing and driving while intoxicated. Deputy Police Chief Melissa Criswell said Monday the case "is still an ongoing investigation." Anyone with information on the incident is asked to the Muncie Police Department's detective division at 765-747-4867 or dispatchers at 765-747-4838. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Second Muncie man arrested in block-party shooting spree A security guard was shot and killed while confronting men caught breaking into cars at an Atlanta parking garage, police told news outlets. The shooting occurred at about 2 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, on Spring Street in Midtown, according to the Atlanta Police Department. Officers arrived to find a 33-year-old man shot in the neck, police said in a preliminary report. He wasnt alert or breathing and died at the scene. Early reports said the guard confronted two people trying to break into cars at the garage before gunfire erupted, WAGA reported, citing investigators. Police now say the man was an innocent bystander caught in the chaos as the thieves fled the scene. Authorities confirmed the man was a security officer, but not at the garage where he was shot. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A group of people were leaving a nearby club and caught the suspects in the act when they returned to their car, WSB-TV reported, citing police. Shots were fired, though its not clear who fired first. As the suspects fled, investigators said the men started shooting randomly into the deck, hitting the security guard, according to WANF. Were taken aback by the incident, Atlanta police Lt. Germain Dearlove told WAGA. The homicide unit and the Atlanta Police Department are taking this investigation very seriously. No arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Man being robbed of backpack pulls a gun and is killed by police, Colorado cops say Two found shot dead on NC Army base in 2020, feds say. Now, man faces murder charge Deputies shoot driver pointing flashlight at them during traffic stop, Texas cops say An Arizona woman who disappeared hiking on Aug. 25, 2023, was found dead in the park on Aug. 26, 2023, park officials said. An Arizona teacher considered "an experienced and enthusiastic hiker" has been found dead after going missing last week in a national park in Utah, officials announced over the weekend. Jeanne Roblez Howell, 64, disappeared Friday during a hike on the 8-mile Fairyland Loop trail at Bryce Canyon National Park, the U.S. National Park Service reported. Howell was reported missing around 7 p.m. after failing to check in from a 2 p.m. hike, officials said. Body found in Campbell Canyon Park officials said rescue teams with the Garfield County Sheriffs office and the Utah Department of Public Safety searched the area and found Howell unresponsive at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Her body was found in Campbell Canyon, about a mile east of the Fairyland Loop. A Garfield County medical examiner pronounced her dead at the scene. Park officials said Howell lived in Sedona, Arizona. Her cause and manner of death were not immediately known but officials said there was flash flooding in the area around the time she disappeared. Safety guide: Here's how to hike more safely Flash flooding observed in area A Friday afternoon thunderstorm brought heavy rain to the northern end of Bryce Canyon National Park, park officials said, saying it was seen along the trail where Howell was reportedly hiking. This is a tragic event, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims friends and family, Allana Olbrich, acting Bryce Canyon superintendent said in a statement. 'An experience and enthusiastic hiker' According to her Facebook page, Howell taught math at Verde Valley School in Sedona. The school website says she taught math for more than 30 years in cities as far away as Johannesburg, South Africa, where she and her husband lived for four years. The site includes a photo of her in the outdoors dressed in hiking gear and smiling. Neither Howell's husband nor a spokesperson for the school could immediately be reached for comment. Benjamin Lee, head of school at Verde Valley School, told the Verde Valley Independent newspaper that Howell was "an experienced and enthusiastic hiker." He said that the school "was in the grieving process with the community and her family." Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jeanne Roblez Howell found dead after hiking Utah national park From emerging Black designers to runway legends, this seasons New York Fashion Week is refreshingly ripe with Black talent. As the fashion world prepares for New York Fashion Weeks formal kick-off on Sept. 8, the events main organizer and operator, IMG, has revealed that this seasons official itinerary will be rich in Black style. Alongside next years spring-summer collections, taking place between Sept. 8 through Sept. 13, NYFW: The Talks will launch on Sept. 10 with Black Excellence in Fashion: Championing Representation and Entrepreneurship, presented by UPS. The talk will be preceded by the invite-only Black Beauty Roster Excellence Luncheon on Sept. 8. (Left to right) Co-founders of Studio 189 Rosario Dawson (left) and Abrima Erwiah (far right) with Bozoma Saint John during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Spring Studios on Feb. 9, 2019, in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG) Womens Wear Daily reports that fashions famed Battle of Versailles will receive a well-deserved, albeit early celebration of its 50th anniversary. Designer Stephen Burrows, who brought a cast of Black models to the now-legendary 1973 runway faceoff between American and European designers, will be joined by Donna Karan, veteran models Alva Chinn and Pat Cleveland, and model-moderator Jasmine Tookes for the panel Battle of Versailles 50: The Making of Fashion History presented by Anne Klein. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Black creativity will rule this seasons runways, as well; on Sept. 8, a trio of designing HBCU alums will get their shine at Big Motion, a UPS-sponsored fashion show featuring designers Undra Celeste New York, Chelsea Grays, and The Brand Label. From Sept. 9 through Sept. 13, the Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showrooms return for a seventh year, featuring a roster of emerging Black designers presented by Rakuten. This years designers will include Ciara Chyanne, Fumi The Label, Kaphill, Korlekie, Khoi, Kilentar, Lurelly, Onalaja, Tia Adeola and Tejahn Burnett. On Sept. 12, producer-director Roger Ross Williams (The 1619 Project) and several as-yet-to-be-disclosed guests will join director Larissa Bills to discuss their new four-part Apple TV+ documentary series, The Super Models, which chronicles the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. As for this seasons designers, Project Runway All-Star Bishme Cromartie, Chuks Collins, Frederick Anderson, LaQuan Smith, N.Digo, Sergio Hudson, Studio 189 (co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah), Tiffany Brown Designs and Whensmokeclears are all scheduled to show on the official NYFW calendar, with many of the shows on demand and more surprises undoubtedly in store. According to WWD, Sergio Hudson and Tiffany Brown Designs are also among over two dozen designers participating in IMGs premium experience provider On Location. Offering exclusive NYFW access to ticketed attendees, an IMG spokesperson notes the array of high-end experiences fluctuate each season and range pending the package offering from $750 to $75,000. Ready to see whats next in fashion? Download the official schedule for NYFW: The Shows at NYFW.com/schedule. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrios Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to Writing Black with Maiysha Kai. The post September 2023 New York Fashion Week has Black excellence on the itinerary appeared first on TheGrio. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday named Lana Myers, a former state appeals court judge in North Texas, as his counsel for the upcoming impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton . It was Patricks second effort at selecting a legal adviser for the trial after his first pick, Marc Brown, backed out amid questions about his impartiality. Myers was a Republican justice on the Dallas-based Fifth Court of Appeals from 2009-2022. She previously was a Dallas County district court judge and assistant district attorney for the county. Paxtons trial is set to start Sept. 5. Justice Myers is an extremely well-qualified candidate with courtroom experience as an attorney and a judge, Patrick said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Patricks previous appointment Brown, a former state appeals court judge in Harris County backed out of the role a day after he was announced earlier this month. After The Texas Tribune asked Patrick about a $250 donation that Brown gave to one of Paxtons primary challengers in 2021, Patrick announced that Brown was declining the position, citing the donation. Myers political donation history appears to be less conflicted. Records with the Texas Ethics Commission show she has mostly given to GOP groups in North Texas, like the Grayson County GOP and the Golden Corridor Republican Women's Club. She also contributed to former Gov. Rick Perry in 2010. Perry appointed Myers to the Fifth Court of Appeals in 2009. She did not seek reelection in 2022. The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program. [Source] A San Francisco pet store owner is willing to pass down his beloved store to a new owner for free but under one condition. Looking for takers: John Chan, the 58-year-old owner of Pet Central in San Franciscos Chinatown, posted on Nextdoor about his store last week. He is looking for potential candidates interested in running the business he has taken care of for the past 40 years, he told SFGate. Pet store for sale. Owner retired. Looking for some one [sic] who loves animals. And take good care of my customers. Asking price is $0," Chan wrote. Why hes doing it: Chan told CBS News that he wants to spend more time with his family. He shared that he worked 10-hour shifts at the store for six days every week and never took a vacation of more than a couple of days. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More from NextShark: NJ Police Chief Steps Down After Alleged Derogatory Comments on Asian American Prosecutors He also added that Pet Central has been a part of his life ever since he was young, as he would often spend time in the shop before taking over the business once his parents retired. Whats the catch: While Chan is willing to pass down his business which is reportedly estimated to have a value of $300,000 for free, he will take the stores inventory to keep for himself. The inventory is estimated to be around half of the stores total worth. The right buyer: Stating that money is not an issue, Chan told CBS News he wants to find people with a good heart. That's the most important thing." He shared that he has already received 100 calls and emails since advertising his store. He also noted that Pet Central still has four years of its building lease left and has a good relationship with its landlord. More from NextShark: Chinese student goes viral after he stands up during opera performance to sing male lead Other details: Pet Central sells different kinds of animals, such as reptiles, birds and fish. The store used to have three employees and operated seven days a week before the COVID-19 pandemic shut San Francisco down. More from NextShark: Tony Hsieh Faced Inner Battles Before His Death Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Rina Sawayama announces dates, venues for her North American tour Kari Newell whose role at the center of a Kansas newspaper raid has cast her as a villain sat on the front porch of her cafe, Karis Kitchen, holding a cellphone full of strangers hate texts from across the country. YOU FASCIST, reads one. Kari IS the DEVIL, reads another. F*** Kari, says a third, but without asterisks. They call her a killer. They call her Hitler. The messages since the Aug. 11 raid have been so vile, shes shut off the comments and online reservations for her other restaurant across the street, Chefs Plate at Parlour 1886, inside the Historic Elgin Hotel. Newell, 46, sat in silence for a moment last week, staring into the middle distance. Chin rigid, her eyes welling with tears. She looked tired, beleaguered, angry. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A little beaten up? she asked, rhetorically, wiping a teardrop with the back of her hand. Because as hurt and attacked as Newell feels lifted by her defenders, but also vilified by fresh critics she also remains defiant, unapologetic and righteous in her belief that whatever villains exist in the controversy that has engulfed Marion, she is not one of them. In her view, she is being unfairly demonized. From perhaps an unexpected quarter, another player in the controversy said he thinks the same: Eric Meyer, the editor and publisher of the raided Marion County Record. She is a pawn, Meyer said, seated in his newsroom office last week. I think she was a convenient excuse used by other people to get at us. I think shes a patsy in that regard. Kari Newell shed tears outside her business, Karis Kitchen, in Marion, Kansas. Newell, 46, has received widespread condemnation as a figure tied to the police raid on the towns newspaper, the Marion County Record. Blood on my hands Newell took a breath. I dont even know where to start, she said of all that has happened. The Marion City Council meeting on Aug. 7 may be the place. Thats when Newell, as many in the nation now know, spoke up in her town of a decade, on the edge of the Flint Hills, population less than 2,000. Opinionated, accused sometimes of being abrasive A lot of people take straightforward honesty as abrasive, shed say. People arent familiar with hearing the truth Newell rose to complain. She believed, she said, that a reporter for the weekly Marion County Record had illegally obtained private information about her from a Kansas Department of Revenue website. The information showed that Newell had a record for driving under the influence of alcohol from 2008 and had been driving without a valid drivers license for 15 years. (She previously faced misdemeanor violations for driving with a canceled license, driving with no proof of insurance and driving while suspended, according to court records.) Newell has said the mounting cost of settling her DUI diversion fines kept her from getting a new drivers license. A decision whether to give Newell a two-year liquor license for her Parlour restaurant was on the council agenda. The paper denied it did anything illegal, because the state website is public record. Meyers paper had already decided not to pursue a story about her DUI. Under Kansas statutes, a past misdemeanor DUI has no bearing on getting a liquor license. Karis Kitchen, one of Kari Newells two restaurants in Marion, Kansas. At the meeting, Newell nonetheless castigated the paper. She castigated a council member, Ruth Herbel, who she claimed got the information and negligently and maliciously shared it with others. Newell said she would notify the Marion County attorney, the brother-in-law of the owner of the Elgin Hotel where she has her restaurant. She told the council, This is going to become a case. It did. Four days later, Marions new police chief, Gideon Cody a former Kansas City police captain who left the force in April facing discipline and possible demotion raided the Marion County Record newsroom, taking computers and cellphones, and igniting a national firestorm on press freedoms. With a warrant signed by a magistrate judge with her own history of drunken driving, police raided the home of Herbel. They also descended on the home of Meyer, where he lived with his 98-year-old mother, the papers co-owner. In a powerful home-security video, Joan (pronounced Joanne) Meyer can be seen and heard stomping her walker, demanding that a brood of officers and sheriffs deputies leave her house. Dont you touch any of that stuff! she shouts. This is my house. Get out of my way! What are you doing? Those are personal papers! To one officer, she would ask, Does your mother love you? Do you love your mother? Joan Meyer died the next day. Residents left flowers outside the Marion County Record in central Kansas in remembrance of co-owner Joan Meyer, who died a day after police raided the newsroom and her home. Blame pooled at Newells doorstep. Ive probably got 600 or 700 messages saying I have blood on my hands, that I should go to jail for manslaughter, sued for wrongful death, that I killed that poor woman, Newell said. Im probably approaching 5,000 pieces of hate mail. Newell didnt attend Joan Meyers funeral Aug. 19. The service was held at the church across the intersection from her restaurants. She closed for the day out of respect. Now, some residents said, it might have been best had Newell never reopened. They question whether her businesses will, or should, survive. After what she has done, Im not going to go to her place any more. And theres about 100 people telling me the same thing, said Jack Webb, 88, a resident for 52 years. He knew Joan Meyer well. He used to cut her grass. Lloyd Meir, 77, walked into the local pharmacy, red Make America Great Again hat atop his head, cowboy boots on his feet. He minced no words in expressing his disdain for Police Chief Cody, the mayor, choice city leaders and Newell. They need to pack their bags and hit the road, he said. What they did to that newspaper is pathetic. And to him (Eric Meyer) and his mother: Hell, they killed her. They need to go to the penitentiary. She needs to go with them. Blame game in Marion, Kansas Newell has no intention of going anywhere, or bending to critics. You can knock me down, but you cant kick me out, she said. When she stood at the City Council lectern to complain about what she believed to be identify theft, she felt, and still feels that it is the Marion newspaper that committed the real wrong. Kansas Department of Revenue officials have since said that the information was, indeed, a public record. I still question the validity and the legality of that, Newell said. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating. Even so, Newell said, on the evening she confronted the City Council she had no idea that police would swoop into the newspaper four days later. Absolutely not, Newell said. Or into Joan Meyers house. No, she said. Certainly she is angry over being blamed. Absolutely, she said. I didnt go in and raid the newspaper. I didnt incite the raid. Nor does she think Chief Cody should be blamed. For doing his job? she asked. I mean he had to get permission for what he did. Had to be signed off by an attorney and a judge. He didnt make the call on his own. He didnt manipulate anyone into doing that. They read what he typed up and they signed off on it. Once its signed off on, youve got to do it. Hes done a beautiful job. I really think Cody wanted some kind of success here. And I think, unfortunately, instead, this has killed his career. Rarely lacking strong opinions, Newell at first refused to answer, but then touched on the question of whether Codys police raid might have led to Joan Meyers death. She was 98 years old, Newell said. Its very sad. Its very, very tragically sad. It doesnt matter what we think. God called her home. Is it going to unring this bell? Its not. Its not. Over the last few weeks, she said, she has been casting about, scouring as to where to place my hurt and my anger and my blame. First on her mind is her estranged second husband, Ryan Newell, the father of two children. Newell herself has four children from previous relationships. A wounded veteran of the war in Afghanistan, he lost both his legs above his knees. The couple met through friends and, records show, married in 2018. Now theyre in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. Newell is aware that it was her husband who passed along to a friend the personal information needed to access her driving record. The friend passed it to the newspaper. Do I blame my estranged husband? she considered. Do I cast the blame to his female friend? Also on her list: Eric Meyer for being guided by what she thinks is personal animus, a vendetta. Hellbent, she said, to try to destroy my name. (Even though the paper decided against publishing the DUI story.) To Newells way of thinking, part of the reason goes to a slight in early August, when she was holding a meet-and-greet at her cafe for U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican from Kansas 2nd District. She asked for Meyer and one of his reporters to be ejected because she said it was a private affair. Journalists contend it was an open meeting. The person she does not blame: herself. No, she said. No, not really. I dont think I can be angry at myself for standing up for myself. Eric Meyer, the editor and publisher of the Marion County Record, stands outside the newspapers office after police raided both the office and his home. In the crosshairs She does have defenders. The vile texts: Newell is convinced they are not coming from Marion residents, but instead are trolls, hate-mongers from the outside. Do you think I care what random Joe Schmo from Florida has to say? she said. What are the odds that hes ever going to step in my restaurant and say it to my face? Like Newell, her supporters tend to be residents critical of what they view as an overly aggressive local newspaper, but one that others say is just doing its job. Shes being treated unfairly, yes, said one lifelong resident, who asked The Star not to use her name. A number of Newells supporters made similar requests for fear of alienating neighbors with strong opposite views. I do support her, said Summer Johnson, 38, new to Marion from Denver a year ago. Sometimes reporters have nothing to report, so theyre digging into peoples private, past lives. We all have pasts. Now these jerks want to ruin their lives just to make a story? Sometimes reporters have nothing to report, so theyre digging into peoples private, past lives, said Marion resident Summer Johnson, 38, who thinks Kari Newell is being unfairly vilified. Melody Bryson, a friend of Newells in Sedgwick County, called The Star to vouch for her friend of four years. She lauded her character and commitment to helping others, such as disabled veterans. She recalled when Newell, while being a caregiver to her husband, took care of three other people, all of whom had been injured in motorcycle accidents. She has a huge heart, Bryson said. She will do anything for anybody who is in need. People who are vilifying her dont understand the details. Do you think Kari ordered this raid? You think she filed the complaint? No, she didnt. She wanted to be left alone. Thats the opposite of what happened. I think I put myself right in the crosshairs inadvertently, Newell said. I think that tensions have been boiling up in this town between the newspaper and the city, and the newspaper and the citizens, and the citizens and the city for years. And my spark of a finger shake and tongue-wagging started the whole fire. Meyer agreed that the mess that has enveloped Marion, he said, is not about Kari Newell. Its the stuff of small town politics, including tension with the watchdog paper, that stretches back years. He described a complicated stew of city leader actions past and present, competent and not of Gideon Cody, whom his reporters were investigating, along with the bad blood among City Council members with animosities that are personal, professional, petty and otherwise. Into that morass stepped Newell, Meyer said, with her identify theft complaint, handing the police chief and others a convenient excuse to dig into what the paper knew. Ive said this could be a movie, Meyer said, but it would be too long and nobody would believe it. He went on. If the lightning rod attaches to her, Meyer said of Newell, everybody escapes. If anyone should draw heat, he said, its got to go to the mayor, and the police chief. The county attorney has some culpability here. And that magistrate judge. She was a safeguard. The county attorney was a safeguard. Back at Karis Kitchen, Newell served cold drinks on a 100-degree day like it was any other. That evening, she mingled with her restaurants guests. I support her any way, any how, said a resident. Things are not going to scare her off. Shes too tough. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed Kari Newells previous driving infractions before her 2008 DUI. That list is corrected in this version. Southern Resident Orca Tokitaes tragic ending is still sending ripples of grief to those who followed her story. The 57-year-old orca died suddenly on Aug. 18. Before her death there were plans to release the orca back into her home waters before Thanksgiving. An installation ceremony was also already scheduled for Sunday at Friday Harbor to install a story pole in honor of Tokitae. The ceremony then took a somber shift, as the story pole is now the center of a celebration of life ceremony to honor the orca. The mourners also said theyre going to keep fighting for the members of her family still swimming the western coast waters. Weve been feeling it with all of oy the sense of confusion of what happened and why did it happen and wanting these answers to so many questions we had, said Lummi Nation Chairman, Anthony Hillaire. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Those feelings of grief and sadness are still being felt by those who worked and hoped to see Tokitae back in her home waters. Shes coming home. Maybe not the way we wanted her, but she will be swimming with her family again in spirit, said one of the people speaking at the ceremony. Tokitae began to show signs she was sick the Wednesday before she passed. Tribal members say her pod mates still came to welcome her home. The gathering of the orcas that were out here the very day she died. She came home not physically but spiritually, he said. Now the people gathering could only share memories of her instead of hopes for her future. I havent seen her for a while and when I sang to her she did the same thing. she went out in the middle of the tank, and she went down and she came up went up in the air like that. The caretaker said she knew you, she knows the connection between you and her and she was happy to see you and hear you sing to her, said one woman. The people mourning her loss also said while Tokitae is gone, the message of conservation still lives on. She opened up the ability to tell that story and the fact that was once a great river on this west coast, weve turned into a lake for our own benefit. Things are happening at a very fast pace on our watch. we have to think about this youth and the future generations, she said. Tokitaes remains will be returned to the Lummi Nation. She will be cremated and laid to rest in a private cultural ceremony. A date for when that will happen still hasnt been set. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Monday claimed that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) spent its 125 million confidential funds in 2022 in only 19 days. Castro, the House deputy minority leader, alleged that the OVP spent the funds in 2022 even without Congressional authorization. She said there was no appropriation for confidential expenses for the OVP under that year's General Appropriations Act. Hindi ito authorized at nakita natin there was a contingent fund from the Office of the President na nanggaling itong 125 (million) confidential fund (This was not authorized and we saw there was a contingent fund from the Office of the President where this 125 million confidential fund came from), she told CNN Philippines The Source on Aug. 28. In a separate statement, Castro said the Budget department released on Dec. 13, 2022 the 2022 SARO-BMB-C-22-0012004 for the OVP amounting to 221,424,000 "to cover Financial Assistance/Subsidy and Confidential Fund per Office of the President Approval dated November 28, 2022." SARO refers to Special Allotment Release Order. This amount includes the 125 million allocated for confidential funds and more than 96.4 million for medical assistance, she noted. "In its Statement of Appropriations, Allotments, Obligations, Disbursements and Balances (SAAODB) as of December 31, 2022, the OVP reported that of this amount, as of the Quarter ending December 31, 2022, it had obligated and disbursed Php 155,000,000, with Php 66,424,000 remaining as unobligated allotment," Castro explained. The OVPs SAAODB as of the quarter ending June 30, 2023 reported the same amount of 66,424,000 under Contingent Fund: Financial Assistance/Subsidy-Others. Castro said this implies that the 125 million in Confidential Funds was already spent by Dec. 31, 2022, along with Php30,000,000 of the Financial Assistance, for a total of Php 155,000,000." This means that OVP spent the whole 125 million in just 19 days from Dec. 13 to 31, 2022, which translates to almost 7 million per day, the lawmaker pointed out. Castro previously said that Vice President Sara Duterte could be held liable for a number of criminal cases, including for alleged technical malversation and illegal use of public funds, and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. "We ask that the OVP provide a detailed public accounting of how the Php 125 million was spent. We hope that Vice President Sara Duterte will use the OVP budget hearing to personally clarify her position on this sensitive issue," Castro wrote in a statement on Saturday. She said the Commission on Audit had committed to look into the matter and to submit a report to the House appropriations committee. Castro earlier clarified it's too early to discuss an impeachment complaint against Duterte, but maintained her position that the OVPs use of confidential funds last year was "illegal." The legislator made the clarification after she said she will study ways to hold Duterte accountable for alleged violations in relation to the confidential funds her response when asked by the media if she is studying the vice president's possible impeachment. Duterte on Thursday hit back at Castro, saying: "All she did was wildly and masterfully arrange some allegations against me and the OVP, which will all be answered once the probe is done and during the budget hearing." CNN Philippines is seeking comment from the OVP on Castro's latest statement. FORT PIERCE Police are investigating two shootings that happened Friday, though initial indications suggest they are not related, a Fort Pierce police spokesperson said Monday. Police were called about 7:55 p.m. Friday to the area of Ohio Avenue and Colonial Road regarding shooting activity, said Larry Croom, police spokesperson. Investigators found a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg. He said he was struck while riding a bicycle on Ohio Avenue. About 9:28 p.m., police went to the 1400 block of Avenue K, and found a 49-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the right calf. Croom said police are looking for a white Toyota Corolla (2020 to 2023 model) that was seen heading east on Avenue K right after the shooting. He said the vehicles occupants are considered armed and dangerous. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Friday shootings, both of which were not considered life-threatening, follow fatal shootings earlier in the week. A 21-year-old man died and a 54-year-old woman was wounded in an Aug. 24 shooting, Fort Pierce police stated. Police went to an apartment complex in the 1100 block of North 27th Street regarding shooting activity, police said. Investigators reported finding the man and woman injured with gunshot wounds. One Aug. 23, a fatal shooting happened at Rocket Fuel in the 3200 block of South U.S. 1. Brigham Lesleigh Miller, 23, of the 1800 block of East Royal Tern Lane in Fort Pierce, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge after the incident that killed Brandon Gregory Kormanec, 33, of Sebastian. Those with information about the Friday shootings are asked to contact Detective Michael Dini at 772-467-6867 (office); 772-979-1404 (cell); or mdini@fppd.org. Information also can be supplied to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-TIPS. No arrests in 2-year-old homicide: Mom leaves flowers on son's grave every weekend 'Explosive growth': Where are new fire stations planned in St. Lucie County? Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on Twitter @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Police investigate two non-fatal shootings that happened Friday Bibb County Sheriff David Davis again issued suspension letters for alcohol licenses this week, taking licenses from two downtown Macon bars in the wake of a recent shooting in the area, according to a statement from the sheriffs office. Davis linked the two local watering holes Hoops Bar & Lounge and Recess Bar & Lounge located next to each other on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to an Aug. 20 shooting that left one dead and another injured, the statement said. The shooting happened at about 4 a.m. at the corner of Poplar Street and MLK less than 100 yards from the two lounges and came after a fight among several people. Robert Evans, 30, died from a gunshot wound. Davis told both the businesses in their suspension letters that they create a particular and severe risk of injury or death to any person or to any member of the public at large, according to documents from the sheriffs office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Davis also noted in the letters that both the bars stayed open past 3 a.m. multiple times, violating local ordinances. Hoops Bar and Lounge also sold liquor past 2 a.m., according to the documents. The businesses will not be allowed to sell liquor for up to 90 days, the documents said. The revocations continue a trend of Davis and the county disciplining, and sometimes fully closing, business that are often linked to violence. Some other prominent closures and license revocations include: The downtown bar The Thirsty Turtle made headlines in 2021 when Davis revoked its liquor license after a fatal shooting before it closed three months later. M&M Grocery on Montpelier Avenue had its liquor license taken and was forced to close temporarily multiple times, most recently in February of this year. The store reopened under restricted hours. Another convenience store, Friends Food Mart on Houston Avenue, closed last year after three teenagers died in shootings there within a two-month span. It later reopened under similar restrictions to M&M. Davis ordered Rodeo Bar, a watering hole in south Bibb near Rocky Creek Road, to close following a fatal shooting in September and revoked its alcohol license. Budget motels around the Interstate 475 interchange at Eisenhower Parkway were also the focus of nuisance complaints filed by former Bibb County district attorney David Cooke in 2020. In a region associated with tropical weather and the boating lifestyle, dilapidated and wrecked vessels on Floridas waterways often become part of the seascape when the two Sunshine State staples come together. For owners, removing swamped and sunken craft can be a financial burden beyond reach. For others on the water, there are dangers of collision or hazardous leaks. And for law enforcement, the hours involved in tracking ownership and ultimately removing smelly, barnacle-encrusted hulls can add up to months or more. And yes, there can be legal consequences. Just a few weeks back, I sent a law enforcement officer up in Pennsylvania to an address said Officer Michael Skinner of the Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol, explaining a recent attempt to track the owner of a decaying sailboat in city waters. So we kind of go above and beyond (for a) misdemeanor investigation At the end of the day, we want to do our due diligence to find that owner and make contact. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A map published online by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows hundreds of vessels reported to be derelict statewide, mostly along the coast but some on inland lakes and rivers. Among the four dozen or so marked from Port Manatee to near Englewood are a collection of power and sailcraft, some listed since not long after Hurricane Ian passed through in September 2022. Police tackle sunken ships A large sailboat was hauled ashore by Sarasota Police in July, eventually broken up and taken away for disposal by the city from the parking lot of the 10th Street boat ramps. Police said it had been in need of removal for three months. State officials launched a plan in 2022 in which owners can voluntarily give up ownership, paving the way for rapid removal without the financial cost that can reach thousands of dollars and the time to track down absentee owners. The Vessel Turn-In Program is grant-funded and works on a first-come, first-served basis. When used, it relieves owners of the boat and the responsibility of paying for its removal. Its a great program, (but) its not going to last forever; they received grant funding for that, so until they run out of money or the program closes, Skinner said. Right now, boat owners are still eligible for it. There are three qualifications that define a vessel as derelict by law, such as the inability to move on its own; being involved in a boating accident that caused damage to the point of inoperative; or being substantially dismantled and therefore unable to meet safety standards. A vessel only has to meet one of these requirements to be considered derelict, at which point the owner must be notified to move the boat or be held financially liable. Police can also cite owners on a variety of factors that could lead to a derelict boat, such as an anchor line that is free or about to break, extensive underwater growth indicating a period without use, windows or ports that are not closed, allowing water into the vessel, or an inoperable water removal system. Abandoned boats an ongoing issue On an annual basis, SPD spends between $20,000 to $30,000 on vessel removals. Last year, the department worked on 36 derelict vessel investigations and removed 25 vessels. Each year, the Marine Patrol Unit of SPD applies for grant money through the West Coast Inland Navigation District for hazardous removals. Vessel removals can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $25,000, depending on the level of difficulty While Sarasota has removed boats on its own, other jurisdictions often rely on contractors to do the work. Were tired of seeing the taxpayers get stuck fitting the bill for removals, especially of salvage companies, Skinner said. Weve had boats cost upwards of $25,000 to be removed from state waters, and we just say (to the court) we dont want jail time, we just want that money back. Through the procedure of placing a hold on the drivers license of the owners responsible for these removals, SPD has recovered a little over $10,000 in the last two years. One offender Officer Skinner deals with regularly has had six derelict vessel investigations, four removals, and despite the holds on his license, continues to allow his vessels to fall into disrepair. In Venice, Hurricane Ian wrecked about a dozen boats that were left to become derelict. We had anywhere between 10 and 13 vessels that were impacted by Hurricane Ian, said Paul Joyce, a master patrol officer of the Venice Police Department Marine Unit. Our biggest issue was the vessels that were anchored in the anchorage area of Roberts Bay, (as) they had to be dealt with very quickly because (they werent well-maintained by their) owners Just in that area alone, I had six vessels that were impacted by Hurricane Ian, whether they were partially sunk, completely sunk, sail and masts broken; basically, a no longer navigable boat. Police often make good use of vessel removals, allowing dive teams the opportunity for realistic training in situations similar to what they may encounter in other investigations; with limited visibility, low light or otherwise hazardous environments that recreational divers wouldnt choose to dive. Catherine Hicks is a reporter for the Community News Collaborative. Reach her at chicks@cncfl.org Three Uber passengers died when a driver ran a red light and rammed into the car, California police say. Now theres been an arrest. On Aug. 26, Los Angeles police responded to reports of a car crash after a man, later identified as Gregory Black, 31, ran a red light and hit a ride-share car, according to an Aug. 28 news release by the police department. The car was hit and spun out of control before landing on the median, police said. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Two of the passengers killed in the crash were identified as Kimberly Izquierdo, 27, and Veronica Amezola, 23, police told KABC. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The two were described as both bright and full of life, with so much more life to live. They were known to give so much love through their kindness, intelligence, compassion, and joy, according to a GoFundMe page. Police told KTLA the other passenger who died in the crash was identified as Juvelyn Arroyo, 23, according to the outlet. Police said the crash led to one of the women being ejected from the back of the Uber, FOX 11 reported. Arroyo was a childhood friend of the sisters, according to the GoFundMe page. The 38-year-old ride-share driver and Black were taken to a local hospital in stable condition, according to police. McClatchy News reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for more information Aug. 28 and is awaiting a response. Black is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call 323-421-2500, according to the release. Driver swerves off road, fatally hits woman on her first day visiting Texas, cops say SUV tears in half in fiery crash with 19-year-old driving 100 mph, Michigan cops say Semi-truck drags man in crosswalk hundreds of feet in hit-and-run, Nevada cops say The Skokie Community Foundation will award $25,000 in its 2024 grant cycle, and the deadline to apply for it is Sept. 6, says executive director Jim Szczepaniak. Last years winners included Connections for the Homeless, which received $15,000 to provide emergency funding to Skokie families in danger of losing their homes. A $10,000 grant went to the Early Childhood Alliance, which went to bringing in a social worker for preschools within Niles Township. The Skokie Community Foundation has given 40 grants since 2015 totaling to $225,000. Previous winners also include a $10,000 grant to Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69 for a pilot program that provided 34 uninsured or underinsured children with access to cost-free dental, vision and mental health services. In 2019 Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center was awarded $5,000 to partner with Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.). The grant provided hands-on training to 12 adults with mental illnesses and taught them how to live and work with animals. Proposals can be sent online at skokiecommunityfoundation.org and the rubric for questions that will be asked by the directors to the applicants are on the site. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Two organizations must co-apply to provide services that benefit Skokie residents. One of the co-applicants must be a nonprofit organization, a government or social service agency, or theoretically a business, said Szczepaniak. Szczepaniak said the partnerships allow for groups within Skokie to work with each other. It sort of encourages agencies that are nonprofits that are already doing a good job to step out of their normal siloed way of doing business and think Who else can we be working with, to meet some unmet need in Skokie, that we can use this money for? Szcepaniak says most of the funding the Skokie Community Foundation gets is from individuals who give on a recurring basis and from personal donations from Village of Skokie employees through their employee annual charity campaign. They only receive a relatively small percentage of their dollars from the business community. He says this year they received $5,000 from First Bank of Chicago. If we could find four more businesses to give us $5,000, we could double the amount we give in grants from $25,000 to $50,000 a year, which would be of course amazing, said Szczepaniak. And the more money we can give out in grants, the more success stories we have to let people know the good work that the Skokie Community Foundation is doing, he added. Lexi LoBosco, a partner with SWFL Health & Hydration, gets a Fastvitamin IV infusion during a presentation by Kasey Cook in Florida in 2021. The South Dakota Department of Health doesnt inspect or license IV hydration clinics, which are increasingly popular places to treat ailments such as hangovers, fatigue and jet lag with supplements delivered intravenously. The clinics have appeared as retail storefronts, medical spas and Sturgis Rally vendor booths in South Dakota. The IV cocktails can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 with ingredients such as Vitamin C, magnesium or folic acid. The states oversight is limited to administrative rules for medical professionals, a set of elective IV infusion guidelines from the South Dakota Board of Nursing and a statute declaring that only licensed medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners or physicians, can start IVs. That concerns some medical professionals in South Dakota. Dan Somsen, a member of the state Board of Pharmacy and a retired retail and hospital pharmacist, broached the subject of IV hydration at the boards recent meeting and expressed concern about the lack of regulation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement IV hydration means youre bypassing the skin, which is a major protection from any adverse infections, Somsen told South Dakota Searchlight. I just feel there needs to be some control and responsibilities to maintain proper sterile technique. Thats my concern. The federal Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the elective treatment, which isnt typically covered by insurance. According to a report published by the FDA in October 2021, the agency has become increasingly aware of insanitary conditions where drugs are being mixed, particularly in IV hydration clinics, medical spas and mobile IV services. That has long been a topic of concern for health care professionals who say medical facilities require proper oversight and inspections to ensure safety, sterile environments and infection control. Medical experts also say the treatments need more study. Patients can be significantly harmed when drugs are compounded in a way in which sterility or quality cannot be assured, according to the FDA. In addition, sterile compounding activities being performed by business entities such as IV hydration clinics present risk and require continued evaluation. State Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt is an advanced practice registered nurse and is listed as the CEO and founder of SG Essentials in Watertown, a medical spa offering IV hydration services. The department did not respond to requests from South Dakota Searchlight for an interview with Magstadt. Denise Hanisch, president of the South Dakota State Medical Association, said clients should only seek retail medical care if theyve talked about it with their physician. A person should know who is administering it and whether they are qualified, Hanisch said in an emailed statement. Ideally, there should be a physician there so if something were to go wrong, there is appropriate care and infrastructure to respond effectively. Somsen would like to see the state Department of Health expand its authority and license IV hydration clinics. Kari Shanard-Koenders, executive director of the Board of Pharmacy, mentioned during the boards June meeting that the department licenses and routinely inspects other medical facilities in the state. Its just one of those gray areas we have to get resolved, Shanard-Koenders said. In email correspondence with South Dakota Searchlight, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health did not say if the department is looking to expand its authority. Such a move, either by law or rule changes, would require the Legislatures approval, according to the department. However, the department said IV hydration clinic operators such as nurses, doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are regulated by their respective licensing boards. But that only concerns professional licensing and complaints. The professional boards dont inspect facilities like the Board of Pharmacy, which inspects each pharmacy in the state. Legislators serving on the Administrative Rules Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed rule changes for the Board of Nursing in October, some of which would modernize intravenous therapy practices, said Executive Director Linda Young at the boards Aug. 25 meeting. Lindsay Olson, board staff, nursing practice consultant and the Center for Nursing Workforce director for the state Department of Health, added later in the meeting that states across the country lack a standard of regulation regarding IV elective services. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota doesnt inspect or license growing IV hydration clinics PEMBERTON TWP. - A school district employee here is accused of trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a juvenile female student. Christopher J. Perry, a 34-year-old information technology coordinator, came under investigation last month after he allegedly contacted the 15-year-old student through Snapchat, said the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. "The students parents notified school officials, who contacted police," the prosecutor's office said in a statement. It said an investigator continued the text exchange with the Pemberton Township resident, who believed he was still communicating with the girl. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Woman gets prison term for sex assault Former Willingboro substitute teacher sentenced for sex offense with student "During the text exchange, Perry described in detail the sexual acts he wanted to perform on the student," the statement said. He arranged to meet the girl at a Browns Mills park on Friday, Aug. 25, but arrived to find law enforcement officers were waiting for him. Perry had been seen a short time earlier buying condoms at a drug store, the statement said. Anyone with information about Perry that might help investigators is asked to call the Pemberton Township Police Departments tip line at 609-894-3352. Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw praised the girl's parents for reporting the alleged incident to school officials. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for parents to be aware of what their children are doingonline," she said. "This case strongly demonstrates how easy it is for the predators who prowl around cyberspace to quickly materialize in person as very real, very dangerous threats," the prosecutor added. Perry, a Piute Trail resident, is charged with attempted sexual assault and enticing a minor, attempted criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges are only allegations. Perry has not been convicted in the case. He was being held in Burlington County Jail, pending a court appearance. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Pemberton Township school district employee faces criminal charge A Southwest flight from Texas to Missouri made an unscheduled stop in Kansas. The detour allowed a flight attendant needed on another flight to get off. Despite the unexpected detour the flight arrived in Missouri less than an hour late. A Southwest Airlines flight made an extra stop in a different state so a flight attendant needed on another plane could be dropped off. The Friday morning flight was scheduled to take passengers directly from Dallas Love Field, Texas, to Kansas City International Airport, Missouri. But data from tracking site FlightAware shows the Boeing 737 stopped off at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas on the way. It then landed in Kansas City less than an hour behind schedule. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Southwest told Insider that it had to bring a flight attendant to Wichita so that a flight could take off after one scheduled to work had fallen sick. "We don't have flight crews based in Wichita, so we rely on crews that finished their duties the night prior and stayed overnight there to start their next duty day," a spokesperson said. The airline said that the alternative would have been to bring a flight attendant on the next flight to arrive at Wichita, "which wasn't until much later" and would have "heavily" delayed flights throughout the day. The first Southwest flight to land at Wichita each day is one from St Louis, Missouri, due at noon. The rerouted flight from Dallas arrived more than three hours before this. Southwest has a crew base in Dallas, and bringing in a flight attendant from there led to just a "small arrival delay" into Kansas City and supported "the entire day's operation," the spokesperson said. "Very creative and quick thinking from our teams," they added. Flying a pilot or cabin crew to another airport so they can work a flight is known as "deadheading." This happens, for example, if a flight attendant calls in sick at the last minute and a replacement must be found to comply with aircraft staffing rules. A passenger on the flight told View From the Wing, the aviation site that first reported on the detour, that passengers were only told of the stop just before boarding. The pilot apologized and said that he'd never experienced such a situation, they added. Read the original article on Business Insider If you have traveled recently, chances are you have either stayed or considered staying at a short-term rental, one of the nightly lodging properties offered through online platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. They're often convenient and maybe even cheaper than a hotel but what happens when those short-term rentals move in next door? In most cities, property owners have to go through a permit process in order to operate a short-term rental. While applications that meet all requirements typically don't go in front of Springfield City Council, those that do often spark a debate about the process as a whole and the role short-term rentals play in the housing market and economy. According to AirDNA, provider of data and analytics for the short-term rental industry, there were 1.51 million available listings in the U.S. in July. The same month saw a new record for most short-term rental stays in the period. With these numbers, it is undeniable that the industry is becoming a bigger part of available housing in cities, leaving local municipalities to find the best way to regulate the practices. The Springfield process Springfield's regulations have been around since 2019 and passed within two years of the first drafts. In 2017 and 2018, there was almost no short-term regulation across Missouri cities. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Senior Planner Daniel Neal said that there are currently 280 licensed short-term rentals in Springfield; most of these, around 187, are properties that the owner does not live in and are in areas zone for single family residential or townhouses. Operators of these short-term rentals in the city have to fill out an application, hold a neighborhood meeting and attempt to gather signatures from at least 55% of the adjacent property owners. If that threshold is not met, the application goes before Council for approval. "Really, that's the most important aspect of getting licensed and registered, is that you get the 55% or more signatures," he said. Since the ordinance was passed, Neal said only about two dozen applications have gone before council due to insufficient signatures. The requirement to hold a neighborhood meeting is unique to Springfield among other cities in the state. Neal said this is a way for neighbors to learn about the rental and connect with the owner if any concerns were to arise. As far approving a permit, city code only mandates a meeting be held any opposition that may arise is recorded, but is not considered as a factor in issuing the applicant a permit. There are also density limitations to short-term rentals. According to city code, there cannot be more than one short-term rental on one of side of the street per every eight houses in a block face. Future of short-term rental regulation uncertain At the Aug. 21 City Council meeting, the process was called into question yet again. Presented with a short-term rental permit application that did not receive any signatures from adjacent property owners, council members debated the state of the industry and its effects on the city at large. Councilman Craig Hosmer was the most outspoken, blaming the increase in short-term rentals for the state of the housing market and lack of affordable housing in the city. "[Short-term rental legislation] doesn't protect any community. It doesn't protect any neighborhood," he said. "We're inflicting our own wounds." There's support for that argument: A report by the Economic Policy Insitute published in 2019 found that the presence and increase of short-term rentals like Airbnbs that often convert long-term rental properties into short-term can cause significant housing price increases, leaving less affordable housing available for residents of the city. However, with the 5% sales hotel/motel tax now applying to short-term rentals in the city following voter approval in April 2022 there are some economic benefits. According to a 2021 study by the Harvard Business Review, the increase in property value that comes along with short-term rental investments can boost tax revenue, which in turn can be reinvested in the community and spur more development in the area surrounding a rental. Neal said this year saw the sharpest increase in permit applications since the regulations have been in place. With the trend likely to continue, he said the department will continue to monitor the situation and any impact it may have on housing. Another point of contention is that not all short-term rentals in the city are registered. An online search of available rentals in Springfield on Airbnb turns up more than 400 listings, despite there being only 280 licensed properties on the city's books. Currently, failure to license a short-term rentals is only enforced on a complaint basis. Neal said the city's finance department is looking into software to track short-term rentals and catch those operating illegally. Cindy Hodges cottage was built in 1932 by Carl A. Bissman. In 2019, the home served as an Airbnb rental and layover spot for Cindy and husband Brian Esther when they visited Springfield. The role of signatures in the licensing process has also been debated. According to Springfield's code, these signatures must be from adjacent property owners as listed on the assessor's record. This becomes harder when adjacent properties are occupied by renters. Neal said that the most recent change to the ordinance was made about a year ago, which added the mailing of protest petitions to adjacent property owners when applications were heading to council. It states that if those petitions are not returned, it will be interpreted as a lack of opposition to the short-term rental. Hosmer noted that this does not mention anything about support. Drawing a comparison with voting, he said he finds the notion of allowing short-term rentals without direct neighbor support ridiculous. More: Springfield Visitors Bureau could receive $3M in proceeds from updated lodging tax Councilman Abe McGull said that, as the city process stands right now, council's role is applying the ordinance consistently when the applicant has done everything the process has asked of them. If those at the adjacent properties could not be bothered to state their opposition, he said they do not get to complain. "We live in a democracy, and it requires us to participate, not just sit back on our laurels," he said. Hosmer replied by saying that as much as people have the right to vote, they have a right to have their representatives represent them with their and the city's best interests in mind. Multiple council members agreed that the permit process could use updates and improvements, yet ultimately noted that the issue of a single permit cannot be used as the basis for upending the entire system. "So far, there hasn't been a consensus to make any major changes, or any changes for that matter, to the process," Neal said. Despite the criticism of the process, Springfield's regulations have been offer more opportunity for direct input from neighbors than other Missouri cities. Kansas City Springfield's signature requirement was modeled after the regulations that were passed in Kansas City in 2018. But Kansas City abandoned the requirement in May as part of adjustments to its short-term rental policy, because of the large volume of applications that would go before the city council when the signature requirement was not met. One of the biggest changes included in the May revisions was a prohibition on additional non-occupant short-term rentals in areas zoned as residential. Other changes included moving the permits from the Planning and Development to the Neighborhood Services Department and requiring booking platforms to remove unregistered rentals. St. Charles St Charles has been among the most stringent in its approach to short-term rental regulations. The city adopted its regulations in August 2022. A mere year later, it declared a year-long moratorium on new short-term rental permits in residential zones. According to city documents, the moratorium was passed to allow time for the city and staff to evaluate the impact of short-term rentals on residential neighborhoods. The St. Charles regulations also include yearly safety inspections, a requirement that all applications go before the city council and have a public hearing, and set a maximum density of short-term rentals of 0.5% of total housing units. All short-terms rentals are required to be equipped with noise monitoring devices and must be at least 500 feet apart. The living room of the "Earthouse" in Springfield, available for booking on Airbnb. The home was built in 1981 by Dennis Spencer, owner of Spencer Architects. The home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Columbia Columbia has been trying to regulate short-term rentals since 2017, but is only now getting close to actually passing an ordinance to establish a registration process. The process has been stop and go, but Patrick Zenner, development services manager for Columbia, said he is hopeful that the ordinance will finally receive council approval by the end of this year or January 2024. The current draft of the ordinance requires those operating a short-term rental but not using it as their primary dwelling to obtain a conditional use permit, which requires city council approval. While the ordinance in its current state does not prohibit short-term rentals in certain zoning districts and does not establish a density limit, it limits the number of licenses per owner to only one. The draft went before Columbia's Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday. Zenner said that changes are still possible with public comment and rounds of commission hearings ahead. "What we really need in order to be able to get a handle on the short-term rental impact within the city of Columbia is we have to have a registration process," he said. "Once we have that, we can do effective enforcement as well as have the ability then to modify whatever standards have been developed to be more responsive to the ever-fluid environment that we're in right now." More: 9 unique places to stay in the Ozarks, including a cave, grain silo and 1920s gas station He said Hosmer's concerns about affordable housing in Springfield were echoed in the community feedback heard during the drafting of the ordinance in Columbia. When working on the regulations, hundreds of comments came from residents wanting to protect their neighborhoods as well as operators who want to continue their investments and have the ability to use their property as they see fit. While the process has been thorough and deliberate for community input, it will likely not suit everyone, he said. "But I have a feeling, at the end of the day, there's going to be some topic areas that we will have to agree to disagree on with the community, as well as internally." City of St. Louis Like Columbia, the City of St. Louis has been working on short-term rental regulations for years. The proposal currently in the works establishes a permitting process that limits the number of permits that a non-occupied short-term rental operator can hold to four and requires the applicant to notify adjacent property owners of the permit application. The ordinance also includes guidelines to address short-term rentals that have received three nuisance complaints for a single property, with penalties that include the revocation of the permit for that property for a year, as well as any pending permits. The bill was first read by the Board of Aldermen in May and has since been held in the Transportation and Commerce Committee. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Cities across state continue to navigate nightly rental regulation The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) is considering three versions of the fatal collision of L-39 jet trainers in Zhytomyr Oblast that caused the death of three pilots, the DBR's communications advisor Tetiana Sapian said on Aug. 28. These include a technical malfunction, human error on the side of the pilots, and safety violations in the organization of the flights, she said. According to the most recent data, the planes collided during a U-turn maneuver, Sapian clarified. The bureau's investigators, in cooperation with military specialists, will conduct a thorough medical and aviation forensic examination of the incident and inspect the black boxes of the planes. Sapian noted that is a process that will "not be done in a single day." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Three Ukrainian pilots, including a well-known pilot from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade with the call sign Juice, died on Aug. 25 when their two training jets collided in the sky above Zhytomyr Oblast. Read also: Air Force: 3 pilots killed in crash above Zhytomyr Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) Public school teachers and students are all set for the opening of academic year 2023-2024 on Aug. 29, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday. In general, I can say that all systems go for the opening on August 29, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas told CNN Philippines The Source. According to DepEds Aug. 27 data, over 22 million learners out of the projected 28 million have enrolled for the upcoming academic year. Of the 22 million enrollees so far, 19 million are from public schools while three million are from private institutions. Calabarzon logged the highest number of enrollees at over 3.4 million, followed by Central Luzon with over 2.5 million, and the National Capital Region with over 2.4 million. While enrollment ended on Aug. 26, Bringas said the latest tally is expected to increase this week as late enrollees come in. Schools open amid the lack of classrooms a persistent problem in education in the Philippines. Under the 2024 budget, DepEd is proposing 10 billion that can only build around 7,100 classrooms, which is far from the accumulated shortage at 159,000. Bringas said the total shortage includes school facilities that were destroyed by natural disasters. To address this, he said DepEds long term solution is institutionalizing blended learning. We have learned from our two years of pandemic that there are many best practices that were conducted or that were done in several schools all over the country and we intend to look at these best practices to incorporate them into our system of developing a standard and institutionalized blended learning, he noted. Bringas said several alternative delivery modes will be adapted like the modified in-school, off-school approach, and digital and distance learning modalities that includes digital and printed materials. In the institutionalization of blended learning, the education official said we will be redefining our definition of classrooms and we will be looking into a new definition for learning spaces. While DepEd is working on this, classes schedule on shifts will continue especially for congested areas, Bringas said. The department is also still looking into possibly leasing facilities of private schools that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, he added. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said in another interview that the government must prioritize providing more funds for classrooms to finally address this perennial problem. She also mentioned some of her concerns ahead of the opening of the classes like class size, scheduling of teachers, and school facilities. The state of California is taking action in an attempt to stop a controversial Chino Valley Unified School District policy involving transgender students from being enacted. Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday announced that the state Department of Justice is suing the CVUSD board over its requirement that parents be notified if their child asks to use a name or pronoun other than that listed on their birth certificate or school records, something described as a forced outing policy. The policy also requires notification if a student requests to use facilities or participates in programs that dont align with their sex on official records, Bontas office said in a press release. The policy was approved last month with a 4-1 vote, despite a decidedly mixed response from those in attendance at the meeting. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement School boards nationwide have been urged by conservative parents and groups to enact such policies, though their efforts havent always been successful at higher levels. For instance, Assembly Bill 1314, which has yet to be passed in the California State Assembly, would require parental notification if a student uses a gender other than that listed in school records or birth certificate. The CVUSD board passed a resolution supporting the bill, which was also approved in a 4-1 vote. Bonta said such a requirement wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home, an argument echoed by many opponents of such bills. Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity regardless of their gender identity, Bonta said in a statement. Were in court challenging Chino Valley Unifieds forced outing policy for wrongfully and unconstitutionally discriminating against and violating the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ students. Supporters of such policies, including CVUSD Board President Sonja Shaw, said last month they are intended to support parental rights. Were going to safeguard parental rights, Shaw said. That is a constitutional right and were going to make sure that our parents at Chino Valley know theyre sending their kids here to be taught, not to be anything else. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The immensity and destruction of the 2018 wildfires in Sonoma County, California, left a visceral impression on Mark Freed. He was 54 and had recently moved to the area with his then wife to escape the crowded city of San Francisco; hed never lived through a wildfire season before. The walls of flame make you feel like an ant, he said. You dont feel human, youre just a thing to burn. In 2018 alone, California saw 7,948 wildfires destroy 1,975,086 acresthe Mendocino Complex Fire near Sonoma set the then record for the largest fire in state history. For the next few years, as Freed saw fire after fire, he felt a growing sense of helplessness and foreboding. He would wake up and immediately feel the heaviness set in, filling the quiet. In his panic, he researched places that seemed the most protected from climate change, where fire and extreme heat wouldnt touch him again for at least some years. But despite continually preparing for the worst to the best of his abilitiesmoving somewhere he thought would be safer, stocking up supplies, reinforcing his househe still couldnt shake the feeling that disaster is inevitable. Its like theres no control over whats going to happen to us, he told me. In trying to name his emotions, Freed said what he was experiencing wasnt quite anxietyit was deeper and heavier than that. That looming feeling, he said, was dread. When burdened by the tangible angst and unease around the future of our planet, a term like climate anxiety can seem insufficient. It can feel paltry and shallow, implying we are fretting or fussing over an imagined future. In reality, seeing the mounting global disasters and learning of evidence-based projections of our changing world comes with a heavy emotional gravity. For some, anxiety simply doesnt do it justice. For people like Freedand myself, and potentially you, reading this nowthe phrase climate dread, better than climate anxiety, legitimizes the real and tangible threat coming toward us and communicates that fear to others. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The importance of this distinction is not just etymological. The emotion of dread affects us differently from anxiety. Understanding how can provide insight into our reactions to climate change, and why it can be so hard to spur people to climate action. Defining dread is a tricky taskany two people might define (or feel) various emotions, including dread, differentlybut Andreas Olsson distinguishes dread as being heavier and more concrete than anxiety. Olsson, a professor of psychology at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, told me that anxiety doesnt always have a tangible or definite cause, while dread is more targeted. You might feel anxious before a large party, for example, but you might dread that party if you know youll have to see and talk to an ex. You might feel anxious about the state of climate change, but you might dread the extreme heat of the coming weekend, the next hurricane season, or the consequences of us failing to meet our carbon emission goals by 2050. Dread is unique because we feel it when we know, or at least strongly suspect, that something bad is coming and we cant stop it, said Kate Sweeny, a social psychologist at the University of California, Riverside. The anticipation, waiting, and feeling of inevitability are what make dread so unbearable, she said. In my conversations with Freed, where he called climate change a credible threat, he seemed to feel the heaviness of the coming decades too. Were probably all going to die horrible deaths thanks to climate change, he told me. Waiting with dread is particularly unpleasant when you dont know when the proverbial shoe will drop, Sweeny told me. She found in one study of law students that indefinitely waiting for results for the bar exam was so painful that finally getting those results brought immense relief to her test subjectseven when they found out they had failed. Other studies show that people would rather experience a higher voltage electric shock immediately than wait for a less intense jolt and that they make similar choices even when deciding the shocks for someone else. None of us can choose to pull dreaded climate events forward and into the present just to eliminate the waiting. And a consequence of constantly seeing those inevitable and immovable disastersand knowing that more, and worse, catastrophes are comingcan be a feeling of overwhelming doom and helplessness, said Barbara Easterlin, co-president of the Climate Psychology Alliance of North America. You get this sense of not being able to act or move forward, she said. When dread freezes us like that, it creates emotional effects akin to depression, tamping down on our energy and making it hard to take action. Thinking about the enormity of climate change feels bad; a common instinct is to just avoid those thoughts entirely. Unfortunately, that avoidance creates a feedback loop where the issue becomes only more distressing: where your brain learns and relearns that this subject is terrible and must be avoided at all costs. As Britt Wray, a researcher on climate and mental health at Stanford University, writes in her book about climate anxiety, Generation Dread, Most of us dont deeply engage with this reality, not because we dont care, but because it is painful. Were just so deeply caught in the double bind that we become immobilized. Its a slippery slope from helplessness to resignation and acceptance, and mass resignation and acceptance are not strategies that will steer the world off its current disastrous trajectory. But how can you stop feeling dread when you also feel like our world is doomed? Perhaps the better question to ask is, How can we transform dread into something more workable? said Easterlin. Youll hear this over and over again: Action is one of the antidotes to dread. Research seems to support this. A study published this month found that, among teenagers and young adults experiencing climate distress, those who reported making even small life changes or decisions for climate reasonslike reducing single-use plastic consumption, opting to commute via bike instead of car, or participating in political activismstill experienced anger and frustration but were also more likely to feel positive emotions like hope. Those who made fewer of those choices, by contrast, were more likely to experience guilt, shame, sadness, and fear, without the hopeful counterbalance. Participating in even small actions and thinking about where and how you can be effective can move dread into something positive and hopeful, said Easterlin. It can pull you out of that forward-looking dread and into the current moment, where you can see yourself acting capably and with impact. It takes you out of the role of a passive victim and into a position of agency and strength. While its overwhelmingly seen as a negative emotion, there are some positive side effects of experiencing dread, experts say. Like many emotions, dread is contagious, said Olsson. Whether we express it in person or online, it catches and amplifieswhich can, paradoxically, help bring more attention and awareness to the issue at hand and possibly bring like-minded people together. This helps us all establish what we communally think is undesirable or should be avoided. As Wray writes: What we choose to mourn shows what we choose to value. When everyone is in agreement to feel dread over something like climate change, we can collectively establish a target to work against. Research shows that community can act as an important tool for personal resilience against climate disasters. One 2010 Australian study of more than 500 children who experienced Cyclone Larry (a category 5 storm) found that those who had more social connections were significantly less likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than their peers. Another 2016 paper studying communities in Ghana, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Vietnam found that groups were better at recovering from shocks, including hurricanes and tropical storms, when they had stronger social ties. When it comes to dealing with your own individual and internal sense of dread, climate-aware experts told me that a number of things can help. The first step is to always acknowledge that climate dread is a feeling that is warranted: Were living through an unprecedented ecological breakdown of our own making, and its natural to feel strong emotions. The second is to realize that dread is not sustainable, and constantly focusing on helplessness can cause you to ignore elements of your life that are meaningful. Some therapists have found that patients respond well to methods like cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and forest bathinga process where patients spend time in a forest, immersed in its atmosphereto reconnect with nature. Mark Freed began talking to a therapist about his dread in 2020. They validated his emotions and helped Freed confront the real consequences of wildfires he experienced, as well as how he imagines fires worsening in the future. He tried forest bathing. And while hes paused therapy, Freed says his unease is now manageable. He has his routines, he plays with his dogs, he devotes time and energy to the things he cares aboutand thats what makes life livable. I asked him if his dread still bothered him. Its less uneasy, he told me. Its not gone, gone. Maybe it will [go away]maybe one day, when we have a better world. Back to school in Worcester! First through 12th graders walked back into schools throughout the city. Its still technically summer, but students at Worcesters Clark Street Community School were excited to show off their brand-new clothes and backpacks at drop-off. You need to get me this stuff, you need to get me back to school stuff so she was really ready to come back to school today, said Kojoo Boyake as he dropped off his daughter. Balloons, music, and a large crowd of teachers, the Mayor, and the Superintendent were all there to welcome students on their new year. January first people are excited about what can be in the school world, it is the first day of school of what can be, said Superintendent Rachel Monarrez. Every teacher gets a brand new start with a brand new group of children and every principal gets a brand new start as well so theres nothing better. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Clark Streets Principal Fjodor Dukaj, who won the districts administrator of the year award, talked about the new approach teachers are going to have with their students---and their parents. You cant do good work unless you work in partnership with a family, said Principal Dukaj. And thats one thing we recognized thats of priority. We see a need to support our families and to support the kids at home in meeting their social and emotional needs. And meeting their academic demands. Worcester Public Schools is encouraging students to be the sparkwhether its using their innovation or creativity to get ready for whatever the future holds. After school, our children are creating all kinds of things in the technology world theyve got their YouTube videos that theyve got going online businesses podcasts, we need to bring those into our classrooms, especially for our older students and have that be a part of showing their learning, said Superintendent Monarrez. The district has been able to find $3.5 million in savings after it brought its school bus operations in-house. It reallocated some of that money into teacher supply budgetshelping provide better tools in the classroom. PreK and kindergarten start on Thursday. This year, there will be full-time paraprofessionals in kindergarten classrooms 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 CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man had to be airlifted to a Nashville hospital after he was shot inside a home overnight in Clarksville. Deputies said the shooting occurred in the Rowdy Trail area in the early morning hours of Monday, Aug. 28. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County At the scene, deputies discovered a man who had been shot in the chest. The victim was flown to Nashville to receive treatment for injuries that were sustained in the shooting. His current condition remains unknown. Investigators said after conducting interviews, Toni McGee, 66, was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. No other information was immediately provided. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. There were few storm-related flight delays and cancellations at South Florida airports on Monday, but officials expected the number of affected flights to rise as Idalia moved closer toward the Gulf Coast this week, potentially as a Category 3 hurricane. The Tampa International Airport will close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday ahead of Idalias landfall in Florida, the airport posted on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. And what happens in Tampa, and anywhere else in the state, will have an impact on us at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, said Celina Saucedo, the airports Chief Administrative Officer in Fort Lauderdale. Its a domino effect. As of Monday afternoon, there were 12 delayed arrivals, 11 delayed departures and 1 cancellation, possibly because of the storm. Saucedo said these numbers are very, very minimal to Fort Lauderdales overall traffic. Still, its a changing situation with the storm coming to Florida. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At Miami International Airport, the numbers showed less inconvenience: Just two arrivals and two departures to and from Cuba were canceled early Monday because of Idalia, according to a spokesman. As of Monday, there were no flight cancellations at Palm Beach International Airport, according to tracking site FlightAware. Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Twitter @LisaHuriash Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) Typhoon Goring maintains its strength as it moves northward over the Philippine Sea, the state weather bureau said Monday afternoon. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Goring is enhancing the southwest monsoon, which is seen to bring rains over parts of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas over the next three days. The enhanced southwest monsoon may bring gusty conditions over Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Camiguin, and most of Zamboanga Peninsula. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Batanes, northern and eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands and, eastern portion of Isabela. PAGASA said Goring is seen to closely approach Batanes between Wednesday morning and evening, where landfall may occur. "Goring is forecast to maintain its strength in the next 24 hours, then gradually intensify before passing close to Batanes area," it added. The agency earlier warned that higher storm signals may still be raised in extreme northern Luzon and the northern or northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan on Monday or Tuesday. Hoisting of Signal No. 3 or 4 over the Batanes-Babuyan Islands area is also not ruled out, it added. Goring was last spotted 260 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 190 kph. Goring is projected to turn generally northeast and north until Tuesday, then generally northwest on Tuesday towards the Bashi Channel and the vicinity of Batanes. The weather system is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning or afternoon. PAGASA earlier said it is also monitoring a tropical cyclone expected to enter PAR by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning and will be called "Hanna." READ: Potential typhoon may enter PAR this week Tampa International Airport (TPA) announced it will close Tuesday ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is forecasted to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday as it threatens Florida with dangerous rains, winds and storm surge. TPA said it will suspend all commercial operations beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT Tuesday and will remain closed until the airport can assess the damages later in the week. The airport said it anticipates reopening Thursday morning and will provide updates on its account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Some cargo and private aircraft operations may continue overnight Tuesday, but all air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday, TPA said. In a post on X, the airport urged travelers to check with airlines for flight updates and emphasized TPA is not being used as a shelter. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Several portions along Floridas Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region, are under storm surge, hurricane or tropical storm warnings, as they prepare for likely flash flooding and destructive winds Tuesday into Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. As of 2 p.m. Monday, the National Hurricane Center said Idalia was moving north and is expected to pass near or over western Cuba by Monday night and then over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday. Idalia is predicted to reach the Gulf Coast of Florida by Wednesday. On a call with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) Monday, President Biden said he approved an emergency declaration for Florida ahead of the storm, freeing up additional federal resources for the states response. Tropical Storm #Idalia is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane before a mid-week landfall, DeSantis wrote in a post on X. Floridians should prepare now for heavy rain, flooding and power outages. If an evacuation order is issued for your area, remember you do not need to leave the state. Travel tens of miles, not hundreds of miles to get to a safer location DeSantis added. DeSantis said the state is activating 5,500 members of the Florida National Guard, staging 200,000 gallons of fuel, and preparing seven urban search-and-rescue teams. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it also has activated its Response Coordination Center and deployed two incident management assistance teams to Florida. FEMA said it is also working with Georgia and South Carolina, where flooding is also expected. The Florida Division of Emergency Management said Monday the State Emergency Operations Center is activated to a Level 1 to respond to the storm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The first official day of fall is less than a month away, and while youre keeping an eye out for the leaves changing colors, you might also see something else tarantulas. Tarantulas will soon be seen walking through grasslands in Kansas looking for mates. While it may be referred to as a migration, the spiders are really just moving across the road to find females, according to state Department of Wildlife and Parks wildlife diversity coordinator Daren Riedle. The males kind of start going on a walkabout a little bit, Riedle said. Females tend to find a burrow that they lie in ... the females are pretty much homebodies. But once the males reach sexual maturity, they will take off walking in search of females. Riedle said the tarantulas can be found in Kansas year-round, usually under rocks, fallen debris or trees. They will be more visible, however, when they search for mates during the late summer and early fall season. This will occur largely in southern Kansas. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement August through September, into early October, you will see the males cruising across the road, he said. While this may seem frightening, Rielde said you most likely wont see huge numbers of the spiders on the move at once. You might see a dozen ... just enough to really kind of say, Oh, wow theres a lot of spiders out today, he said. As far as seeing huge numbers of them, Ive never been that lucky, but when the weather is right [and] the conditions are right, there might be a few across the road. What kind of tarantula is that? If you spot a tarantula in southern Kansas, itll be a Texas brown tarantula, scientific name aphonopelma hentzi. Female Texas browns reach around 2 inches in size, while the males are usually a little smaller, measuring about 1.5 inches. These tarantulas feed off of insects they find while roaming in grasslands. For the most part, the group of tarantulas we see in the U.S. are pretty similar, Riedle said. Kind of a brownish .... to blackish color, the body tends to be more brown and the legs tends to be a lot darker. Texas brown tarantulas are venomous, but will only strike when provoked. The ones here, as far as humans go, at worse [the venom is] like a bee sting, Riedle said. Riedle said the Texas brown tarantula is the primary species found in Kansas. It can generally be found in states west of the Mississippi River, into New Mexico and Colorado, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. How to treat spider bites If you do come across a tarantula, dont worry. They only strike when provoked, and their venom is similar to a bee sting. If someone is extremely allergic, however, the bites can be serious. Healthline, an online medical community, reports the spot of a tarantula bite will become warm and red after striking. Other symptoms may not show up until later, but can include a rash, itching and swelling. In severe cases, symptoms can include trouble breathing, rapid heart rate and eyelid puffiness. If you experience severe symptoms, contact a medical provider right away. For non-severe spider bites, the Cleveland Clinic recommends you: Wash the bite with warm water and soap Ice the bite Take over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen If the bite is more severe, Cleveland Clinic says to ask your doctor about getting a tetanus shot. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two teachers were placed in handcuffs and escorted out of a school board meeting in Clark County, Nevada, on Thursday. The Clark County School District and Clark County Education Association (CCEA) are engaged in tough negotiations over a new contract for teachers. According to CCEA, nearly 5,000 teachers showed up to rally ahead of the board of trustees meeting. Parked BMW involved in KCFD fire investigation after carport is destroyed The meeting began on time but was disrupted when dozens of teachers began shouting and chanting, asking for better pay and calling for the ouster of the superintendent. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Officers from the Clark County School District Police Department placed two teachers in handcuffs. Police removed another man from the board meeting without handcuffs. School board President Evelyn Garcia-Morales tried to temper things down and restore order to the meeting on Thursday. We cannot conduct business, Garcia-Morales said. CCEA is clearly interrupting the business of our organization. It is very clear that CCEA has intentions to ensure that we do not conduct this meeting. The previous school board meeting on August 10 was recessed without any agenda of the items being discussed due to similar disruptions. Contract negotiations began in March, and shortly after CCEA began running television ads criticizing Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jaras leadership and seeking his removal. 1,800 acres of Mormon-owned land up for sale in Lees Summit If were in the business of providing instruction, then we need to ensure that were doing everything we can to retain our educators, and to recruit educators here, CCEA President Marie Niesess said. One elementary school teacher said the offer CCEA is proposing is transformative. Right now, teachers arent making it, Marijo Burroughs, a teacher at Barber Elementary School, said. Youre going to school, but youre not able to pay your rent. And so were just asking for the wages that were due to make rent. Nevada lawmakers made a historic investment into public education this past legislative session. CCEA is hoping to use that money for teacher salaries, asking for a 10% increase in the first year and 8% in the second year. CCSD has countered, offering in its latest proposal, 8.5% the first year and 2% the following year. After the arrests, a few teachers walked out and the board meeting continued. New reward offered for missing Prairie Village mom CCSD released the following statement regarding Thursdays meeting: Throughout every negotiation session, the Clark County School District continues to advocate at the bargaining table for increasing pay and benefits for deserving teachers and correcting the old salary schedule with a new equitable schedule. Negotiations with the CCEA will only be resolved at the bargaining table, not by disrupting the business operations of the school district. As stated at Thursdays board meeting, violating the law by disrupting a public meeting results in consequences. CCSD is charged with educating Clark Countys children, and those who seek to disrupt the Districts business operations will not deter us from fulfilling our mission. Once the most unruly agitators were removed from the meeting, the Board of Trustees were able to continue the meeting and complete their business. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The teenager charged in the shooting death of Rev. Autura Eason-Williams was indicted for two additional criminal charges in early August. Miguel Andrade, 16, was indicted for two counts of first-degree murder and one count of especially aggravated robbery in February. The teen was transferred from Shelby County Juvenile Court to be tried as an adult in January. The new charges against Andrade, who has been out on bail since February, are in connection to a carjacking he is accused of committing following Eason-Williams killing in July 2022. According to the indictment, Andrade is charged with carjacking and use of a firearm with intent to commit a felony. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Andrade was charged alongside two other people, including another teen and 22-year-old Eduard Rodriguez Tabora. The other teen entered a guilty plea, and will not be named since he was sentenced as a juvenile. Neither Tabora nor the other teen were indicted for this carjacking. Previously: Video shows man accused in death of reverend was not the shooter, will face grand jury Assistant District Attorney Forrest Edwards said that he could not go into details about if second indictment for Andrade, but said that if he was accompanied by anyone else during the alleged carjacking they would probably be in this indictment. The indictment does not name anyone other than Andrade. Prosecutors believe the case is nearing a close, with Edwards saying he and the defense attorneys have been working towards a resolution. I would be surprised if we went to trial for the Tabora and Andrade cases. The two defendants will next be in court on Sept. 26. Eason-Williams was found dead in her driveway on July 18, 2022, and her Infiniti Q50 was missing. A police affidavit said there were six bullet casings found on the ground. Her cause of death, which was presented in Taboras October 2022 court appearance, was listed as multiple gunshot wounds. An affidavit said she was shot and then pulled from the car before it was stolen. Surveillance footage that was presented at Taboras court appearance in October showed the Infiniti being driven away by an individual prosecutors say was Andrade, who prosecutors identified as the shooter. At this point, the co-defendant [Andrade] is in the vehicle, said Sgt. Qadeer Smith of the Memphis Police Departments homicide bureau when reviewing the footage during Taboras court date in October. [Andrade] actually runs over the victim as hes backing out of the driveway. They leave together well one vehicle going one direction and the other vehicle going into a different direction. Eason-Williams was the district superintendent of the Metro District in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference, the pastor of Capleville United Methodist Church and a Memphis Theological Seminary alumna. Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Teen charged with pastor's 2022 murder indicted for same-day carjacking A Midlands teenager died after leading South Carolina law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash, according to the Sumter County Coroners Office. Ravon Harris, a 17-year-old Sumter resident, died Sunday from injuries suffered days earlier in the accident, Coroner Robbie Baker said. Harris was trying to escape from members of the Sumter Police Department and Sumter County Sheriffs Office when the single-vehicle collision happened at about 5:30 p.m. Friday, according to Baker. The sheriffs office said that Sumter police requested its assistance as officers pursued a 2014 Cadillac CTS following an altercation with guns at the Broad Street Red Lobster. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement No injuries were reported from the incident at the restaurant. Further information about that incident was not available. As the chase moved about 5 miles away from the Red Lobster, a passenger armed with a handgun got out of the car and ran off near the intersection of Old Pocalla Road and Manning Road, according to the sheriffs office. The driver of the Cadillac, later identified as Harris, then sped away from a deputy who had activated the patrol vehicles blue lights and was trying to make a traffic stop, the sheriffs office said. Harris refused to stop and continued driving south on Manning Road and onto U.S. 521 South at speeds exceeding 100 mph, according to the sheriffs office. Near the intersection of U.S. 521 and Wood Rock Road, Harris lost control of the Cadillac and hit an embankment, causing the car to flip several times and go up in flames, the sheriffs office said. Emergency responders, including EMS and firefighters, were called to the scene and Harris was pulled from the car and flown by helicopter to Prisma Health Richland hospital in Columbia, according to the sheriffs office. Harris, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the hospital Sunday, Baker said. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The juvenile passenger who ran away from the Cadillac and was taken into custody by police and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia, according to the sheriffs office. That teen, whose name is not being made public because of his age, was not injured and no other injuries were reported. Five pistols, and a small amount of marijuana, were recovered from the teens, and several of the guns were confirmed to have been stolen in a string of motor vehicle break-ins in the city and the county on Aug. 24, the sheriffs office said. Both police and the sheriffs office are continuing to investigate the events that led up to the chase, while the coroners office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating the crash and death. No other arrests have been reported. It is hard to imagine young people who should be enjoying some of the best days of their lives, getting involved in crime especially crime that involves guns and running from law enforcement, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said in a news release. I am grateful that the actions of the suspects did not cause injury to civilians or the police officers and our deputies. ... I also pray our young people learn this lifestyle never has a happy ending. A Texas law that prevents health care providers from administering gender-affirming care to transgender minors will take effect as planned this week after the state attorney generals office filed to appeal a judges temporary injunction. Texas District Judge Maria Cantu Hexsel on Friday temporarily halted the states ban on gender-affirming health care for minors, writing in a decision that Senate Bill 14 infringes upon the Texas Constitutions guarantees of equality under the law by enacting a discriminatory and categorical prohibition on evidence-based medical treatments for transgender youth. In response, the attorney generals office filed an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court, automatically pausing Cantu Hexsels injunction and allowing the law to take effect Sept. 1. The attorney generals office said in a Friday statement gender-affirming treatments, including puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries, are experimental and unproven and emphatically pushed by some activists in the medical and psychiatric professions. Gender-affirming health care for transgender minors and adults is considered safe, effective and medically necessary by every major medical association. The American Medical Association during an annual meeting in June adopted a resolution that formally opposes any and all penalties against individuals seeking gender-affirming care, as well as their families and providers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Medical decisions should be made by patients, their relatives and health care providers, not politicians, the Endocrine Society, which introduced the resolution, wrote in a June news release. Texass attorney generals office on Friday pushed back against the medical communitys support for gender-affirming health care, arguing there is a lack of evidence demonstrating medical benefit. The OAG will continue to enforce the laws duly enacted by the Texas Legislature and uphold the values of the people of Texas by doing everything in its power to protect children from damaging gender transition interventions, the attorney generals office said Friday. Fridays appeal makes Texas the fourth state to have its previously blocked gender-affirming health care ban reinstated. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals last month accepted a request by Tennessees attorney general to lift an injunction issued by a lower court, becoming the first federal court to allow a ban on gender-affirming health care to take effect until a final ruling is made in the case against it. The 6th Circuit last month also allowed Kentuckys ban to take effect. A panel on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals last week lifted an injunction that had for more than a year prevented Alabama officials from enforcing a 2022 law that makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for doctors to provide puberty blockers or hormone replacement therapy to transgender people younger than 19. The preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of Alabamas law will remain in effect, however, at least for the next two to three months, and possibly longer, the group representing the plaintiffs in Alabama said Monday. Laws that heavily restrict or ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youths have been passed by 24 states since 2021, with a majority of bans enacted in the South. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This week marks the deadline for Texas school districts to have armed law enforcement officers at each of their campuses. But with cities across the state struggling to recruit enough officers to staff their own departments, schools in the Fort Worth area are scrambling to come up with alternative plans that keep their campuses secure. House Bill 3, which Texas lawmakers passed earlier this year, requires that school districts have at least one armed officer at each campus during regular school hours. Complicating matters further is the fact that the bill only provides enough state funding to cover a fraction of the cost of those officers, leaving school districts and cities to come up with the rest. The bill includes a deadline of Sept. 1 for school districts to either comply with the law, or come up with another plan to provide security at each of their campuses. School officials in Fort Worth say theyre working toward that goal, but it could take time to get there. We want to get the right people on our campuses, and if we can do that and be compliant with the law and get there by September 1, thats ideal, said Mark Foust, superintendent of the Northwest Independent School District. But were not going to rush something, to take unnecessary risks, because these folks are responsible for protecting our children and our campuses. Armed officer bill passed in response to Uvalde school shooting The bill, which was passed in response to last years massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, states that on-campus officers could be members of the districts own police department, school resource officers or off-duty law enforcement officers hired as private security. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cities across Texas are struggling with a shortage of law enforcement officers. Fort Worth is no exception: The city currently has about 140 unfilled police officer positions. Many of the citys current police officers are reaching retirement age. During a city council budget workshop earlier this month, Dianna Giordano, the citys director of human resources, told council members that about 22% of the departments current officers will be eligible to retire by 2026. School districts that cant comply with the new law, either because they cant afford to or because they cant find enough qualified personnel, can request a waiver. Those districts school boards are required to come up with an alternative plan, such as hiring trained school marshals or designating a current faculty or staff member who has gone through school safety training to carry a handgun at school. The bill doesnt outline penalties for districts that fail to comply. The bill raises the per-student state funding that districts get for campus security, and gives each district an extra $15,000 per campus. But that money offsets only a small part of the cost of hiring security personnel, meaning some districts have to spend millions of dollars to comply with the law. Fort Worth ISD will miss deadline, citing officer shortage Officials in the Fort Worth Independent School District have said they dont expect to be able to have an armed officer on every campus before the end of the school year. The districts school board approved a waiver application last week, giving officials time to come up with an alternative plan to provide security at each campus. The district has 89 campuses that are without a school resource officer. All but six of those schools are in the Fort Worth city limits. Two are in Benbrook, one is in Westworth Village, one is in Haltom City and two are in Forest Hill. Currently, Fort Worth ISD partners with the Fort Worth and the Benbrook police departments to place school resource officers at its middle school and high school campuses. Under an agreement with those two cities, the district pays for half the cost of the officers, and the police departments pick up the other half. During a Fort Worth ISD school board meeting Tuesday, Deputy Superintendent Karen Molinar said the district will need to hire 77 additional officers, at a total cost of about $8.3 million. The district only expects to receive about $2.7 million in additional state funding to pay for those officers, she said. Although the cost to the district is substantial, Molinar said the main hurdle keeping the district from complying with the new law is a lack of available officers. The district is trying a few strategies to make the best use of the officers it already has, she said, including reassigning a few from high schools that had two officers to elementary schools and assigning one officer to cover two or more schools that are within two miles of each other. The district will also request more school resource officers from the Fort Worth and Benbrook police departments over the next few years, and try to hire off-duty officers to provide campus security, she said. During a press conference on the first day of school in Fort Worth ISD, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said the city has to work with school leaders to place school resource officers on campuses who are a good fit for the role. The job of a school resource officer is unlike that of other police officers, she said, because they not only serve as law enforcement, they also act as mentors and informal counselors for some students. Finding enough officers who can do that job successfully can be a challenge, she said. Rocketship charter schools hire off-duty FWPD officers SaJade Miller, the Texas superintendent for the charter network Rocketship Public Schools, said the network plans to hire off-duty Fort Worth police officers to act as school resource officers. The network operates two campuses in Fort Worth: Rocketship Dennis Dunkins Elementary School, located on Berry Street in Stop Six, and Rocketship Explore Elementary School, located off Interstate 820 in eastern Fort Worth. Miller said school leaders looked at other options, including recruiting school marshals and hiring private security guards. But the network ultimately decided that off-duty police officers provided several advantages that other options couldnt match. Police officers, even when theyre serving off duty, are plugged into the rest of the department, he said. If an emergency happens, a police officer can radio for backup and get a response more quickly than if a private security guard had to dial 911, he said. Police officers also get regular briefings about criminal activity across the city. That can give officers and school officials important insight into trends in the neighborhoods around campuses, Miller said if police learn about a series of break-ins at businesses nearby, campus leaders could decide to tighten security for a few days. But a private security guard most likely wouldnt have that information, he said. Because the network is hiring off-duty police and not full-time school resource officers, they cant ensure that students will see the same officer at school every day, Miller said. The network plans to place rotating groups of five or six officers at each school, he said, so students might see each officer one or two days each week, he said. That approach means that school leaders and the officers themselves will need to be more intentional about building relationships with students, he said. Officers cant simply show up to school, he said. School leaders will need to introduce them to students and make sure they understand that the officers are there to help, he said. Miller, whose mother served for 15 years as a school resource officer in Fort Worth ISD, acknowledged that many of his students have difficult histories with the police. But having officers in schools on a day-to-day basis can give students a clearer picture of the role police play in the community, he said. Much of that will also depend on the approach those officers take, he said, but hes been encouraged by Chief Neil Noakes commitment to community policing. If officers take the job as an opportunity to build relationships with students, they can help change kids perspectives about what the police are about, he said. Its about relationship and mutual respect between law enforcement officials in the community, he said. Northwest ISD to hire private security guards at 22 schools In Northwest ISD, board members approved a plan last week to file for a waiver and contract with five security firms to place security guards at each of the districts 22 elementary schools. Foust, the districts superintendent, told board members the district couldnt afford to hire police officers for each of those campuses. The cost of hiring a school resource officer in Northwest ISD ranges from $80,000-100,000 per year, depending on the jurisdiction. The district covers all or part of 14 cities and towns in three counties. The district already had school resource officers in place at middle schools and high schools, a district spokesman said. District officials expect to have security guards in place in time to meet the Sept. 1 deadline. Contracting with a security firm is different from hiring school resource officers, Foust said. Resource officers often work in the same school for years, developing long-standing relationships with students there. While the district would prefer that its security guards do the same, contracting with outside security firms means the district gives up a certain amount of control over staffing decisions, including which guards are posted at which schools, he said. District officials will work with security firms to make sure they get the best possible guards posted at elementary schools, Foust said. But he acknowledged that the new requirement puts school districts in uncharted territory. Finding the best solution could take time, he said. During last weeks meeting, Tim McClure, the districts assistant superintendent for facilities, said the role of those guards will be different from that of the school resource officers at middle and high schools. Security guards will be responsible for monitoring entrances, patrolling a perimeter around the school buildings and making sure that doors into the building are properly secured another requirement state lawmakers passed after the Uvalde shooting. But those guards arent police officers, McClure said, so they cant enforce the law or respond to an emergency situation. If an emergency arises that calls for a police response, school administrators will still need to call their nearest school resource officer or dial 911, he said. Before voting to approve the contracts, board President Steve Sprowls said he was annoyed that lawmakers left local school districts to pick up most of the cost for the new requirement. You would think that if it was important enough to pass this kind of legislation, they would fund it, as well, he said. I couldnt disagree with that statement, McClure replied. CIUDAD JUAREZ A Texas National Guard soldier on duty in El Paso fired a shot toward a Mexican national, who was found wounded along the banks of the Rio Grande in Juarez over the weekend. The victim, identified by the Mexican authorities as Darwin Jose Garcia, 37, originally from Veracruz in eastern Mexico, was shot in his right leg. After being treated by paramedics on the scene, he was transported to a Juarez hospital, where he was later released, according to various Juarez officials. The shooting occurred about 8:50 p.m. Saturday on the Mexican banks of the Rio Grande near Rafael Perez Serna Avenue, which is adjacent to the Bridge of the Americas, according to official reports. Authorities from the Texas Military Department confirmed via email to La Verdad that on Saturday night, a Texas National Guardsman assigned to Operation Lone Star in the El Paso sector fired a weapon in the incident. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Texas Military Department declined to respond to questions from El Paso Matters about the shooting, including whether a National Guard soldier fired into Mexico. The agency issued only a brief statement On the night of 26 August, a National Guard service member assigned to Operation Lone Star discharged a weapon in a border-related incident. The incident is under investigation. More information will be made available as the investigation progresses, the statement said. A spokeswoman for Gov. Greg Abbott referred questions about the incident to the Texas Military Department. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar , D-El Paso, said Monday on a social media post, My office and I are following this incident closely and are staying in frequent contact with all relevant officials. As information continues to come to light, I will be calling for a full and thorough investigation. State Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, called the shooting an escalation in Operation Lone Star, which he has long criticized. I am deeply troubled by this escalation in force on our border by the State of Texas. We are not at war with Mexico, Blanco said. U.S. Border Patrol officials told El Paso Matters that the agency was not involved in the shooting and that the incident is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. Special Agent Jeanette Harper, spokesperson for the FBI in El Paso, confirmed that the shooting investigation is being led by the Rangers, with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations involved for the non-documented individuals. More: El Paso Border Patrol clips ninja-turtle style smuggling try in manhole tunnel Harper said the FBI is serving as a liaison between state and Mexican authorities. The Border Network for Human Rights based in El Paso on Monday said the injured man was not attempting to cross the border, but was practicing sports near the border while a group of migrants was crossing the border. The organization is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the disproportionate and illegal use of lethal force. In a press release, the group also called for the removal of Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers from border communities. We are deeply appalled by the actions of the Texas National Guard, which under Gov. Abbotts leadership has continued to usurp Federal authority and unleash unnecessary chaos at our southern border, BNHR Executive Director Fernando Garcia said. Texas National Guard soldiers keep guard on the Rio Grande at gate 42 preventing migrants from entering further into U.S. territory at the border wall in El Paso, Texas on Thursday, May 11, 2023. The shooting was reported to Juarezs 911 center at 8:51 p.m. on Saturday, according to the State Public Security Secretary of Chihuahua. The Chihuahua State Attorney Generals Office would only say that a male had been injured in the vicinity of the international bridge and that investigations are being carried to find out where the man was when he was shot. The attorney generals office did not provide any other details. Chihuahua Health authorities confirmed that the injured man was taken to the General Hospital, where he was treated for a bullet wound to his right leg, which had an entry and exit wound. After being stabilized, the man was discharged, according to Ministry of Health spokesman Rodolfo Cortes. Since December 2022, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed guardsmen to El Paso as part of the controversial Operation Lone Star. Earlier this year, a Texas National Guardsman shot and wounded a migrant in Mission, a city in Hidalgo County just west of McAllen. The guardsman, Spc. Angel Gallegos, wont face civilian criminal charges in the Jan. 13 shooting, the Texas Tribune and Military Times reported. This is a developing story and will be updated. El Paso Matters Assistant Editor Cindy Ramirez contributed to this report. El Paso Times Reporter Lauren Villagran contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas National Guard shoots man found wounded at Rio Grande Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended for 90 days the driver's license of the former police officer who drew a handgun on a cyclist in a viral road rage incident in Quezon City. In a statement on Monday, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II clarified that the suspension of Wilfredo Gonzales license to drive motor vehicles will be in effect while the investigation into the incident is ongoing. "Ang ipinataw nating preventive suspension ay isang mabilis na aksyon mula sa inyong LTO upang matiyak na hindi na niya uulitin ang nangyaring pananakit at paglabas ng baril sa isang bicycle rider," Mendoza said. [Translation: The preventive suspension that we have imposed is a quick action by LTO to ensure that he does not repeat the incident of assaulting and pulling a gun on a bicycle rider.] "Hindi pa ito ang final decision. Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ang kasong ito at depende sa outcome ng pag-iimbestiga, maaring permanent revocation at lifetime na hindi na siya maiisyuhan ng driver's license," he added. [Translation: This is not the final decision. This case is currently being investigated and, depending on the outcome of the investigation, there may be a permanent revocation and he may not be issued a driver's license for life.] Mendoza pointed out that while Gonzales' inappropriate behavior was "glaring" in the video, the LTO respects Mendoza's right to due process. Despite this, Mendoza emphasized that the LTO has the authority to suspend Mendoza's driver's license under Sec. 27 of R.A. 4136, in cases of grave offenses like the viral incident. The LTO official said Gonzales will also be summoned to the LTO to explain why his driver's license should not be permanently revoked. Mendoza said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista was informed of LTO's action. RELATED: PNP confiscates more guns from driver in viral road rage incident, revokes permits BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Thousands of protesters on cars and motorbikes took to the streets of Colombias main cities on Monday to reject recent hikes in gasoline prices that have drastically increased the price of fuel in the South American country. Protesters say that the monthly price hikes set by Colombias first leftist government are making it harder for small businesses to operate, and could push up the price of food. But the government of President Gustavo Petro says the gasoline subsidies cost about $11 billion a year. It says it must eliminate the subsidies to pay debts to the national oil company Ecopetrol, which produces most of the countrys fuel, and to free up more funds for social programs. The protest comes as discontent grows with Petro's administration a year after he took office promising to reduce poverty and make peace with the nations remaining rebel groups. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Petros administration has struggled to stop violence in rural parts of the country, and to boost Colombias economy, which is expected to grow by just 1% in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund. This government is making decisions that are anti-business, said Alejandra Mendoza, the manager of a small company that transports frozen food and other goods for supermarkets in Colombia. She attended Mondays protest wearing her companys yellow jacket. Our costs have gone up by a third, and we have to adjust our budget each month because of the gasoline hikes Mendoza said. The price of gasoline in Colombia has risen from 9,000 pesos a gallon in August of last year (US $2.50) to more than 14,000 currently ($3.40) as Colombias government cuts back on subsidies each month. Officials in Colombias Finance Ministry have said they want gasoline to reach a price of 16,000 pesos per gallon --about $4 -- by the end of the year, which would mirror current gas prices in the U.S., where the federal minimum wage, however, is more than four times greater than Colombias minimum wage of $280 a month. In July, the ministry said that subsidies for diesel, which is used by most cargo trucks in Colombia. will be removed after municipal elections in October, and that the price of diesel fuel will double by the end of next year. Petro has argued that the nations gasoline subsidies mostly benefited wealthier Colombians who own vehicles. But he has shown signs that he is willing to negotiate gasoline prices with some groups. Over the weekend, Petros administration cut a deal with the nations taxi driver unions, under which gasoline prices will be frozen for the countrys estimated 200,000 yellow taxis. However members of Colombias opposition say that the government needs to go further because gas hikes are also hurting delivery workers, drivers and small business owners who are struggling to recover from the pandemic. Jennifer Pedraza, a congresswoman who helped to organize Mondays protest, pointed out that the government could moderate the hikes in fuel prices, by charging less sales taxes on gasoline and diesel. The people are asking the administration to negotiate a different gasoline policy she said, adding that its time for Colombias national oil company to take an interest, in making gasoline affordable for all. Thousands more children in the Monroe County suburbs will get free breakfast and lunch at school this year thanks to a one-year investment in the state budget. They include all students in Brockport, East Rochester, Gates Chili, Greece and Wheatland-Chili as well as most in Rush-Henrietta. All children in the city of Rochester already received free meals. "This is something our students wont have to worry about, whether they have a good meal during the school day," Rush-Henrietta food services director Geraldo Torres said. The change results from $134 million in the state budget to close a gap in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Program. Theresa Cirigliano and her three children James, (bottom), Lucas and Travis come for breakfast everyday at English Village Elementary School as part of the summer meal program at the Greece school district. Any student who receives public assistance of certain types SNAP benefits or Medicaid, for example gets free meals at school. Under the Community Eligibility Program, schools where more than 40% of students meet that threshold can serve free meals to most or all of them, eliminating logistical problems for both families and food service workers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Until now, some schools were counted as impoverished enough for most but not all students to get free meals. The additional money in the state budget eliminates that in-between category, so that any school or district meeting the 40% threshold can provide free meals to all its students. Sara Ford, a cafeteria worker at English Village Elementary School wraps peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the lunch hour as part of the summer meal program in the Greece school district. "Honestly, this provides equity for our district," Brockport Superintendent Sean Bruno said. "Every single student walking into our schools every single day is going to be prepared to learn." The additional state funding is a sweetener on top of the federal free school meal program. Districts now are hoping change is coming on the federal level as well. A proposed rule change in the USDA would lower the eligibility threshold from 40% to 25%, making many more children eligible for free meals. Most students in the United States received free meals in 2020-21 and 2021-22 thanks to COVID-era eligibility waivers from the USDA. Those expired last year, and many states have taken steps to maintain greater availability for free food. A push for universal free meals in New York failed last budget season; the new expanded access was a compromise measure. "The case is pretty simple," said Mike Bulger, healthy communities coordinator with Healthi Kids, a part of Common Ground Health. "Kids learn better, develop better and grow better socially, emotionally, intellectually, academically and physically when theyre well fed." A 2021 study by Tufts University researchers found that school cafeterias are "the single healthiest place Americans are eating," and a critical source of nutrition for poor families in particular. The expanded eligibility will help families who struggle to pay for food yet do not qualify for assistance, Bulger said, and will remove the stigma of getting free meals in the cafeteria when others are paying. Sara Ford, a cafeteria worker at English Village Elementary School makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the lunch hour as part of the summer meal program in the Greece school district. She says peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a a favorite among the kids. "Families are really appreciative of it, especially those that are just on that line where they dont qualify for free or reduced," Bruno said. "This benefit still really helps, because that doesnt mean the family isnt in need." Justin Murphy is a veteran reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle and author of "Your Children Are Very Greatly in Danger: School Segregation in Rochester, New York." Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CitizenMurphy or contact him at jmurphy7@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Free meal program expansion aids Rochester-area children Before boarding a flight from San Francisco to New York last month, Luke Lucky Harper was pulled aside and subjected to a search of his body and his belongings in front of other passengers waiting to board. The experience would have been even more upsetting if it wasnt the third time in several weeks. Harper was also searched in airports in Nashville, Tennessee and Salt Lake City, Utah. His name was called out on a loudspeaker; officials swabbed his hands, seeking traces of explosives. Related: Daily horrors are happening there: dark side of jail where Trump surrendered The 27-year-old aspiring writer had recently been released from jail in Dekalb county, Georgia, after being arrested on state domestic terrorism charges at a music festival on 5 March. He is one of 42 people facing the same charges in Georgia in connection with continuing protests against a planned police and fire department training center known as Cop City. Another dozen or so people have been arrested and charged with felony stalking of a police officer after handing out flyers and money laundering, among other charges. Some were jailed in solitary confinement for days without explanation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Although nearly a year has passed since the earliest arrests, no one has been indicted. The terrorism charges have been denounced as part of a broader attempt to smear protesters as national security threats in a letter by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other groups. As with Harper, the lives of the arrestees have been upended. Some have lost jobs or been barred from attending school. Most are living with the psychological impacts of the criminal justice system being wielded against them with little to no publicly released evidence of having committed any crimes. At least 13 of them have posted fundraisers online to help with everything from housing to mental health. Harper was arrested after arriving at the public park near the Cop City site the day before a 5 March music festival, part of a week of activities against the training center. I was there because I was curious, Harper said. He had never been to the forest before. During the festival, at least 100 people walked into the woods, crossed a creek and knocked over a fence where construction of the training center had begun. Some of them threw rocks and burned equipment. Harper was arrested hours later and accused of participating, in part due to his clothes being muddy and to a photo allegedly showing him at the scene. Related: Philadelphia police change narrative in killing of Eddie Irizarry by officers During his arrest, police separated several dozen people according to where they were from Georgia or elsewhere. All 23 arrested that day were charged with domestic terrorism and only two were Georgia residents. This is notable because the state has consistently labelled the movement against Cop City as the work of outsiders, in part because of the out-of-state residences of those arrested. The arrests have also produced a chilling effect on the movement against the training center, which persists in its third year and came to global attention after police shot dead Manuel Tortuguita Paez Teran, an environmental protester, in a January raid on the forest the first incident of its kind in US history. The state says Paez Teran shot first, but video footage from police nearby raises the possibility that one officer wounded another in the raid. A special prosecutor is evaluating the case. The arrests mark the first time in the US that state domestic terrorism charges have been brought in connection with environmental and theyve seldom been used against other protestors. The underlying statute has been challenged in court as unconstitutionally vague, according to attorney Stanley L Cohen, who filed the petition. One of the two prosecuting agencies the Dekalb county district attorneys office withdrew from the cases altogether in late June, leaving the state attorney general to pursue them. But none of that has altered the states approach. On 31 May, Atlanta police staged a Swat-style raid in an Atlanta neighborhood, entering a house with long guns drawn. They arrested Marlon Kautz and two colleagues at the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, one of nearly 100 similar organizations across the country that helps arrested protesters with bail, legal defense and related needs. Demonstrators protest Copy City outside the Atlanta city hall on 5 June 2023. Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA The three were charged with money laundering and other financial crimes. Within days, a judge presiding over their bail hearing said he didnt find the states case real impressive. Georgias governor, Brian Kemp, called the three criminals [who] aided and abetted domestic terrorism. Speaking to the Guardian in June, Jocelyn Simonson, who analyzes bail funds in her new book, Radical Acts of Justice, said the arrests were unprecedented. Reached at a co-working space recently, Kautz summed up the states approach as repression that seems motivated by fear [as] nothing seems to be working to slow down the movement. Having police arrest him and his colleagues at gunpoint and take their computers, files, phones and other belongings has been incredibly disruptive, he said. The group also runs a project collecting and distributing tons of produce each week at a handful of Atlanta locations; donors withdrew support for several months because of fear of getting swept up in the arrests meaning people who counted on free food were also affected. The arrests, Kautz said, are within the legal system, but outside the trial system to make people feel uncertain, threatened and vulnerable all the time. Its bad for my mental health. It affects my ability to focus, he said, adding that at the same time, Im not changing anything Im doing. Kautz has seen community members show concern about being targeted by authorities after their arrests; several asked him if it was safe to [volunteer to] collect signatures from voters for a referendum in an upcoming election on whether Cop City should be built. That captures the level of fear that they have. Speaking on the phone during the last week of a summer camp in Michigan, Charley Tennenbaum was admiring a yellow butterfly that had landed on their hand. It was an appreciated moment of calm in nature, only weeks after being released from nearly three months in jail. Tennenbaum, who uses they/them pronouns, was one of three arrested in late April for posting a flyer on mailboxes in a Bartow county neighborhood where one of the state patrol officers who shot Tortuguita lived. The flyer called the officer a murderer and was addressed to the neighborhoods residents. It made no threats. Tennenbaum was arrested and charged with felony intimidating a police officer. The FBI tried to pressure them into being interviewed. For their first four days in jail, police kept them in solitary confinement with lights on for 24 hours. The case raises serious first amendment concerns, the ACLU of Georgia told the Guardian at the time. It is also part of a broader pattern of the state of Georgia weaponizing the criminal code to unconditionally protect law enforcement and to silence speech critical of the government, the organization said. Tennenbaum was supposed to spend the summer working at the summer camp, but lost the opportunity after being denied bond several times. A prosecutor from the states attorney general office convinced a judge in the rural county that records showing Tennenbaum had bought and been reimbursed for art supplies for a childrens event at the forest near the proposed Cop City site was evidence that they were somehow linked to domestic terrorism. Fear is always used to send a message to the larger movement and also to tie up energy, momentum, money and time Journalist Will Potter Getting arrested has absolutely changed my life, Tennenbaum said. After being released from jail and driving from Georgia to Michigan, their car got a flat tire. On pulling over to the side of the road while calling for help, there was a knock on the window. A police officer asked, Do you need any help? I had a brief moment of panic, they recalled. Every police encounter feels like it could go wrong. Tennenbaum has also been doxed on social media by rightwing extremist Andy Ngo. The worst part: People close to me were included in my doxing [and] could be harmed. They live in Atlanta, but are afraid to go back. Their bond conditions as with most of the arrestees include not having contact with a host of people the state connects to the movement against Cop City. Atlanta is still my home, but its scary I may want to go somewhere but if a certain person is there , Tennenbaum said. Arrestees, attorneys and legal experts who have spoken with the Guardian about Cop City arrests to date have noted that the state may wind up not moving on the charges for years, only to later drop them. The way these processes take so much time is a form of punishment that is normalized, said Tennenbaum, who is 36. I may be dealing with this until Im 40. After hearing about the Cop City arrestees, journalist Will Potter, author of Green Is the New Red, said it feels like flashbacks. Potters book details the federal governments legal campaigns against animal rights and environmental groups such as Earth First and the Animal Liberation Front, in the 1990s and 2000s. From my reporting on the history of government tactics, he said, fear is always used to send a message to the larger movement and also to tie up energy, momentum, money and time. The idea, Potter said, is to marginalize dissent; his research has led him to doubt if the charges actually matter to the state. Im not convinced the plan is to solve a crime, or to protect the public, he said. Its all political theater. Taking a cruise may be an adventure, but there are downsides that could outweigh the positives. As author and TikToker Jason Pargin (@jasonkpargin) showed in April, the profligate Icon of the Seas cruise ship set to debut in January might be the worst of the worst offenders. Am I the only one who finds this terrifying? he says. This is like floating anxiety to me. Something about it its too much. Its not that Im afraid it would sink; Im not scared of boats. Its that I kind of want it to. The image on the screen showed an obscenely tall vessel packed with colorful amenities, including slides, pools, and decks. The setting didnt seem like it offered enough room to walk around, let alone enjoy oneself. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The caption summed everything up: Hey I hate this boat. The Icon of the Seas is 1,198 feet long, has 20 decks, and can ferry nearly 10,000 passengers and crew members. A seven-day cruise aboard the ship will cost around $2,000 on the low end. For some, a vessel this size with so much packed on it likely represents a lot of fun with ongoing activities and freedom from boredom, Tom Davis, a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, told CNN. For others, they may have never been on a cruise and think this is too much to take in all at once. The cruise ship has garnered much hate since it was unveiled in October and was featured on Reddits r/Anticonsumption page. As CNN noted, negative responses included calling the ship Icon of Disease and comparing it to a hellscape. And the cruise ship industry is notoriously bad for the environment. Unfortunately, everything that cruise ships come in contact with are likely to be harmed along their journey, Friends of the Earth stated. The air, water, fragile habitats, coastal communities, and wildlife are all affected. Last summer, Reuters noted large crafts excessive carbon pollution greater than that of 12,000 cars and waste production of more than a ton per day. It also reported that Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade association, does at least project zero-emission vessels and fuels the default choice by 2030 with a goal to reach net-zero carbon pollution by 2050. One TikTok user called the Icon a floating migraine. Others said theyd avoid it at all costs. Id pay NOT to go, one wrote. I just dont understand the need to do all of this on top of the ocean??????? another commented. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. A St. Paul city official has withdrawn her name for consideration as the person to staff the citys new reparations commission. She removed her name after Black leaders in the Minnesota capital pushed back, asserting that the role should be filled by a Black person. Black leaders and residents gather outside of Saint Pauls City Hall to voice their opposition to Jennifer Lor being selected to lead the citys reparations commission.(Photos: Twitter/Facebook/Ankhet Hesi-Ra) Jennifer Lor, who currently serves as a policy aide for Council member Nelsie Yang, is Asian-American. Related: Right These Wrongs: Guyanas President Boldly Demands Reparations, Posthumous Charges for British Plantation Owner As Descendants Issue an Apology for Slavery A group of leaders from the Black community assembled in front of Saint Pauls City Hall to express their disapproval of the City Councils choice to appoint a policy aide who is not of African-American descent to serve on the reparations commission. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The protesters were clear that this was not a personal attack against Lor but an important marker for the Black community. Its not about the person. Its just that we need somebody who has the lived experience, knowledge of reparations, knowledge of the racial wealth gap and how it impacts the descendants of slavery who reside in St. Paul, said Trahern Crews, one of the leaders of St. Pauls reparations movement. President of the African American Leadership Council Tyrone Terrill said he considered the decision to hire Lor as total disrespect for the Black community. Were not going to stand for it, he declared at the protest. Chauntyll Allen, leader of Black Lives Matter Twin Cities and a member of the St. Paul school board, joined the cry to have the City Council reevaluate the applicant pool. She emphasized that the council should consider capable Black candidates, proposing a reposting of the job listing and active recruitment of African-American applicants. The job listing, posted in June, indicated that the person hired would divide their time between handling reparations policy and serving as the councils district liaison. This was seen as the initial slight to the community, which many believed represented the tone deafness of the council. That in and of itself is a problem the fact that we cant be allotted a full-time position to work on something thats so much work, so deeply rooted and so historical, Allen said. Were talking 400 years of oppression that needs to be addressed. Following a yearlong study, the council decided in January it would establish a lasting advisory board. This board would be tasked with advising city officials on reparations policies and budget matters concerning descendants of chattel slavery in the city of St. Paul. The initial 11 members of the commission were selected in late June. Lor, had she stayed in the running, would have been considered to staff this collective. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. As Tropical Storm Idalia approaches, Action News Jaxs First Alert Weather Team is tracking its potential impacts. WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS Here is the latest information from the First Alert Weather Center: Forecast landfall is Big Bend north of Tampa early Wednesday as a category 3 hurricane. Weakens while moving swiftly northeast across Northwest Florida to west and north of Jacksonville but still strong enough to produce sustained tropical storm force winds (39-73 MPH) and hurricane wind gusts (74+ MPH). Forecast to be near Lake City on Wednesday afternoon (2 p.m.) with 90 mph winds. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement LISTEN: Mike Buresh All the Weather, All the Time Podcast Local (Jacksonville/NE Fl./SE Ga.) Impacts (BASED ON CURRENT FORECAST & SUBJECT TO CHANGE) centered on Wednesday with rapid improvement Wed. night/Thu.: Rain - An average of 2-4, locally more west of Highway 301.... 1-3(+) from Highway 301 to I-95... 1-2(+) east of I-95 to the beaches. The fast movement of Idalia will keep amounts lower than whats experienced with slower-moving storms. The area has also been unseasonably dry the last few weeks so there is not an overly large amount of water in the system which will help some when it comes to freshwater flooding. Winds - averaging 40-60+ mph west of Highway 301 with gusts 70+ mph. Closer to I-75 - from Lake City to Waycross - sustained hurricane-force winds of 74+ mph will be possible. From Highway 301 to the beaches, sustained winds Wed. averaging 30-50 mph with gusts 60+ mph. If Idalia turns east sooner (faster) then its possible sustained winds could be stronger - near hurricane strength - for a larger part of NE Fl. & SE Ga. Direction: Winds will be out of the S/SE Tue. night then out of the south by early Wed. veering out of the SW by midday then out of the west & eventually NW by late afternoon. Coast/beaches: windy with winds of 30-50 mph & gusts of 50+ mph. There will be a high rip current risk enhanced by distant hurricane Franklin & an easterly swell. A full moon Wednesday evening will also give an astronomical boost to surf. Based on the current forecast, this should not be particularly severe for our beaches from an erosion standpoint (compared to Nicole & Ian from last year, for example). Seas will peak at an average of 5-10 feet Wed. with surf averaging 4-8 feet, locally higher. The best advice is to stay out of the ocean through midweek but if you do insist on going in the water, always swim & surf with a buddy & as close to a lifeguard as possible. Winds will become offshore & clean up the surf by late Wed./Wed. night but with a continued high & dangerous risk of rip currents. INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood Storm surge is forecast to average 1-3 feet along the NE Fl. coast & St. Johns River... & 3-6 feet for the coast of Southeast Georgia. St. Johns River: Based on the latest forecast... strong winds from the south will push water northward to downtown causing potential flooding, the extent of which will depend on how close & how strong the center is to Jacksonville. Once the center of Idalia moves by & away, strong winds on the backside out of the west & northwest will help to empty some of the water to the east. All areas along the river & its tributaries - from Putnam Co. through Clay/St. Johns & Duval Co. will be subject to flooding & backwash. Small unique topography along the river, Intracoastal & coast can & will lead to localized higher surge & flooding. As a whole, storm surge is forecast to average 1-3 feet. Tornadoes: Tornadoes are expected late Tue. through late Wed. centered on sunrise Wed. through early afternoon Wed. Damage: Idalias winds will be the biggest threat along with a few tornadoes. The most widespread & significant wind damage looks to be west of I-95 so largely an inland storm. There will be some storm surge along the coast, St. Johns River & its tributaries. Power outages can be expected & may become widespread & long-lasting if Idalia remains relatively powerful well inland - possibly to or near Jacksonville due to its relatively fast movement. Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh said to realize all these impacts are based on current forecasts that will change to at least some degree and understand impacts will be much greater closer to landfall (Panhandle & Upper Florida West Coast). Buresh also said to remember that the forecast cone only involves the expected path of the storm. Dont get fixated on the center and realize impacts from the storm will extend far away from the center. Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates: Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs SHARE WITH US: Send us photos of the weather youre seeing in your area As Idalia approaches Central Florida and is expected to strengthen, communities ask residents to be prepared. Here is a list of the sandbag locations being offered this week ahead of possible storm impacts. Orange County Orange County Public Works is making sandbags available to residents preparing for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia. Five sandbag locations will open to residents on Monday at noon. The sites will operate from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, pending severe weather. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Parks and Recreation Division and the Public Works Department will have bags and sand available on a self-serve basis. Residents will need to bring their own shovel or spade to fill their bags. Orange County will provide 10 unfilled sandbags and direct residents to the sand pile. Individuals with special needs who need sandbag assistance should contact Orange County 311 beginning Monday at noon. See the list of locations below: West Orange Recreation Center: 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Clarcona Horse Park/Clarcona Outpost: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703 Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Ave., Orlando, FL 32820 Meadow Woods Recreation Center/Meadow Woods Park: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824 Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando, FL 32825 For additional storm preparedness information and to sign up for OC Alert, the countys emergency alert system, click here. Winter Park Winter Park residents can pick up sandbags on Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Rollins Softball Field parking lot located at 452 Harper St. There is a limit of eight bags per resident or business owner within the city limits. You are asked to bring proof of residency, either a drivers license, valid ID or utility bill statement. The bags are available as a fill-it-yourself model with the city providing shovels, bags and sand on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are physically unable to fill your sandbags, city staff will be available to assist those in need. Read: Florida activates price gouging hotline ahead of Idalia landfall this week Osceola County Osceola County residents may fill and make sandbags at Osceola Heritage Park, located at 1211 Shakerag Road, on Monday from noon to 7 p.m. *UPDATE* The sandbag distribution will continue on Tuesday. Officials said 21,000 bags were distributed on Monday. Supplies will be provided, including bags and sand, in a joint effort between the county, St. Cloud and Kissimmee. Residents are allowed 25 sandbags per household and must bring their own shovel or filling tool. Supplies are limited, and sandbags will be available for filling on a first-come, first-served basis. Read: Tropical advisories issued for some Central Florida counties as Idalia continues to organize Seminole County Altamonte Springs There will be two pickup locations in Altamonte Springs on Monday while supplies last. Those locations will be in Eastmonte Park, 830 Magnolia Drive, and Westmonte Recreation Center, 624 Bills Lane. Both will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Each household is limited to 15 bags. While the location does not provide shovels, park rangers will be there from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help. Read: DeSantis warns Floridians to be vigilant ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia impacts Oviedo The City of Oviedo announced it would open a sandbag location at the Public Works Facility starting Monday, Aug. 28. Officials recommend entering and exiting the location off of Evans because the entrance and exit leading to Lockwood will be closed for operations. Staff will assist residents in using a new sandbag-filling machine. The location will open at 7 a.m. Sanford The City of Sanford will offer sandbags for residents to prepare for the storms possible impacts. Starting Sunday, there will be empty bags and sand at 800 W. Fulton Street from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. People will need to bring their own shovels and gloves. Longwood Longwood will have sandbags available at Candyland Sports Complex on Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bags are self-serve and there is a maximum of 10 bags per family. Winter Springs The City of Winter Springs and Seminole County will continue to offer sandbags at Central Winds Park on 1000 Central Winds Drive through Tuesday. The self-serving sandbag operations will be available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or while supplies last. Each household is limited to 15 bags. Residents should bring their own shovels and gloves. Read: Hurricane supply checklist: What should you include in your kit? Volusia County Daytona Beach The city of Daytona Beach will offer sandbags to residents from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Monday. Sandbags can be filled at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Avenue. Officials said there is no charge for sandbags. However, there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle. If demand and conditions warrant, sandbag operations will be extended to Tuesday. DeLand The city of DeLand will open a sandbag location ahead of possible storm impacts. The site will be in the parking lot south of Melching Field on 601 South Woodland Boulevard, at the corner of East Hubbard Avenue and South Woodland Boulevard. It will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday and hours to be determined on Tuesday. *UPDATE* The hours will continue at the same location from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Bring a shovel and ID for proof of residency. There will be a limit of 10 bags per residence. Port Orange Port Orange will open up its sandbag distribution site on Monday for residents. The site is located in the field next to the REC Center at 4655 City Center Circle, Port Orange. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday. The site will also be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, depending on the weather. This is a self-service site. You must bring your identification and a shovel. Staff will provide bags for use. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per person. The site is in the City Center Complex between Dunlawton Avenue and Herbert Street on the northwest side of City Hall. Deltona The city of Deltona is opening sandbag locations ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia. Two sandbag locations will be open Monday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Festival Park: 191 Howland Blvd. Day Rd. Location: 2931 Day Road This is a self-service operation where bags will be provided to our residents, but you should bring a shovel and someone to help with the bagging process. Read: DeSantis warns Floridians to be vigilant ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia impacts Lake County Sandbags are available at seven Lake County locations beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday. Residents must bring their own shovels and are limited to 10 bags of sand per household. Residents should bring their own shovels and are responsible for filling their own bags. Sandbags will only be offered before the storm, and no sandbags will be dispensed once storm conditions begin. See the list of locations below: East Lake Sports and Community Complex: 24809 Wallick Road, Sorrento, FL 32776 North Lake Regional Park: 40730 Roger Giles Road, Umatilla, FL 32784 Astor Fire Station 10: 23023 State Road 40, Astor FL 32102 Minneola Athletic Complex: 1300 Fosgate Road (13930 Education Ave) Minneola, FL 34715 PEAR Gateway Park (front entrance): 26701 US Hwy 27, Leesburg, FL 34748 Four Corners Fire Station 112: 16240 CR474, Clermont FL 34714 Hickory Point Recreation Complex: 27315 SR 19, Tavares FL 32778 *UPDATE* These locations will also be open on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Marion County The following sandbag locations will be open from noon until 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 7 a.m. until weather conditions prohibit operation on Tuesday. All sandbag locations are self-service and bags will be provided. Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th Street, Belleview Dunnellon Public Works, 11924 Bostick Street, Dunnellon Ed Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth Street, Ocala Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Avenue, Ocala Martel Recycling Center, 296 SW 67th Avenue, Ocal Tuscawilla Park (Reilly Arts Center), 800 NE Sanchez Avenue, Ocala, FL Flagler County Flagler County and the Flagler County Sheriffs Office will have sandbag stations at: Hidden Trails Community Center, 6108 Mahogany Blvd., Bunnell (Daytona North), from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bay Drive Park, 30 Bay Drive, Palm Coast (The Hammock), from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, and again on Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Polk County Polk County is making sandbags available throughout the county at Roadway Maintenance Units on Monday only. The locations below will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sandbag site locations are: Mulberry 900 NE 5th St., Mulberry, 863-519-4734 Lakeland 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland, 863-815-6701 Fort Meade 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade, 863-285-6588 Frostproof 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof, 863-635-7879 Auburndale 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale, 863-965-5524 Dundee 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee, 863-421-3367 Poinciana Park 5109 Allegany Road, Kissimmee 34759 A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household Check back to this story for updates. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A tree worker was rushed to the hospital after sustaining severe injuries from a fall in Marlborough Monday afternoon. Crews responding to the area of Shawmut Avenue around 1:42 p.m. for a reported fall found a 38-year-old man who had fallen at least twenty feet out of the bucket on his work truck, according to the Marlborough Fire Department. The man was transported via medical helicopter to a nearby hospital with injuries that officials consider to be life-threatening. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Pueblo man is standing trial for the 2022 murder of 51-year-old Anthony Valdez. James Tafoya, 37, is charged with first-degree murder, prohibited use of a weapon, vehicular eluding, and obstructing government operations after Valdez was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound on May 23, 2022, in a laundry room adjoining a garage in a residence in the 1500 block of North Lacrosse Avenue. During a police interview, Tafoya allegedly confessed to shooting Valdez in the back of the head, Pueblo police detective Jose Medina testified in a September 2022 preliminary hearing. An autopsy later confirmed Valdez died of a gunshot wound to the back of the head. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Medina testified during the preliminary hearing that Tafoya believed Valdez was "into human trafficking and prostitution," and also mentioned "witchcraft." Tafoya allegedly believed that Valdez was hurting Tafoya's daughter and her mother, Medina testified, but the police department's investigation found no evidence to support those claims. Medina also stated Tafoya told him he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the shooting, including methamphetamine and heroin. While questioning Medina during the preliminary hearing, Tafoya's attorney Michael Stuzynski argued that the shooting happened late at night, which is "not a time that you usually have guests over." Stuzynski emphasized that Valdez also had meth in his system when he was killed. Tafoya was contacted by a police officer at the scene on May 23 but fled in his car. A short car chase ensued but the chase was called off after Tafoya was identified as the driver, according to court documents obtained by the Chieftain. Tafoya was arrested after a short foot chase along Fountain Creek a few days later. His trial is set to continue through Friday, with jury selection beginning Monday afternoon. Pueblo public safety news: Man shot and killed, three people injured in early Sunday morning shooting in Pueblo Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo man standing trial in May 2022 homicide Both Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia are intensifying as the Atlantic hurricane season is beginning. Idalia was off the coast of Cuba on Monday, potentially on a path to strike the Southern US as a major hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Franklin has been gaining in power and grew into the first major hurricane of the Atlantic season, increasing in strength overnight. At 8am ET, it had winds of 130 mph, meaning that it had become a Category 4 storm. It would begin to lose power on Tuesday afternoon, forecasters said, according to CBS News. While there were no coastal warnings or watches published regarding Franklin, its still expected to lead to life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the eastern coast of the US, the hurricane center added. Swells generated by Franklin are beginning to affect Bermuda. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At 8am on Monday morning, Franklin was about 490 miles southwest of Bermuda and it was moving northwest at about 8 mph. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing on Monday that we do expect Hurricane Idalia to be a major hurricane that will strike the state of Florida. Franklin struck the Dominican Republic last week (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) He told Floridians to prepare for major impacts along the states Gulf coast. Earlier on Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with Mr DeSantis, approving an emergency declaration for Florida, according to the White House. At 11am ET on Monday, Idalia was around 80 miles south of the western end of Cuba. It had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving north at 8 mph. The hurricane center said that a warning had been sent out from the centre of Longboat Key north to the Ochlockonee River, as well as for Tampa Bay. A number of counties around Tampa issued evacuation orders early on Monday, according to WTSP. Idalia is set to grow into a hurricane on Monday and will become a dangerous major hurricane over northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday, the hurricane center said. It noted that Idalia may reach the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday. Franklin flooded the Dominican Republic last week (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida, the center said. Usually, major hurricanes are above a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which goes up to five. These storms may cause devastating and catastrophic damage, the hurricane center has said. On the west coast of Florida, as much as 11 feet of ocean water could crash ashore. Mr DeSantis said on Sunday that this thing hasnt even gotten to Cuba yet, and the water in the Gulf is very, very warm and so that will provide some fuel for this thing to pick up some more speed. The deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, Jamie Rhone, said on Sunday that large swathes of western Florida are vulnerable to storm surges. So it will not take a strong system or a direct hit to produce significant storm surge, he said, according to CBS. So if youre anywhere along the Florida Peninsula, western Florida Peninsula, so lets say from about Fort Myers northward to the Panhandle, youve really got to be paying attention. The Florida Division of Emergency Management urged residents on social media to keep at least half a tank of gas in their cars. This will ensure you can evacuate tens of miles inland to a safe location should the need arise, they said. As many as 1,100 members of the National Guard have been mobilized in the state and they have at their disposal 2,400 high-water vehicles, as well as 12 aircraft that can be used for rescue and recovery efforts, the governor said. If you are in the path of this storm, you should expect power outages, he added. So please prepare for that, particularly if this storm ends up coming in the Tallahassee region, theres a lot trees that are going to get knocked down, the power lines are going to get knocked down that is just going to happen, so just be prepared for that and be able to do what you need to do. Floridas emergency management agency said that 33 counties in the state are under a state of emergency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said that this years hurricane season will be more active than previously thought, in part because of the high ocean temperatures. The hurricane season lasts until 30 November, with the peak usually hitting in August or September. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) On National Heroes Day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said every Filipino has the potential to make immense contributions to nation-building as he pushes for a new Philippines. In a message on Monday, the president honored the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the countrys independence. But Marcos said that heroism should not be limited, as he also saluted the unsung champions who played pivotal roles in shaping our nation. If all of this means anything, it is that each of us has the capacity to be a hero of our nation, he said. As we recognize our forebears whose uncelebrated legacies our society is built on, let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities, Marcos added. May this consciousness then ignite us to be dedicated in our agenda of creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations. Marcos led the commemorative ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, where he also honored frontliners in key sectors, such as teachers, electric linemen, and overseas Filipino workers. The president also described the late Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Toots Ople as a hero. She is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes, he said. Ople died on Aug. 22 at the age of 61. Idalia is expected to intensify early this week and hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a major category three hurricane, according to officials. The system was forecast to become a dangerous "major hurricane" over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 system or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Hurricane watches are in effect along the Gulf Coast from Sarasota County all the way north to Franklin County, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a Monday morning news briefing. So, this is going to be a major impact and Floridians should expect that this storm will be a major category three plus hurricane, so please prepare accordingly, DeSantis said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement DeSantis said the storm is expected to impact the areas between the north of Tampa all the way to Tallahassee, but warned residents elsewhere can still be impacted. "So, pretty much anybody on the west coast of Florida, I mean, you can see major, major impacts and so please prepare accordingly," he said. Idalia could bring "life-threatening storm surge, hurricane force winds and scattered flash and urban flooding" along parts of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle as early as Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Tropical Storm Idalia approaching Cuba on Aug. 28, 2023. (NOAA) The storm is expected to bring 7 to 10 feet of storm surge to areas like Pinellas County, according to Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director. "Storm surge can be life threatening at just 2 to 3 feet, some of these areas are going to experience storm surge well over seven," Guthrie said at the Monday morning news briefing. Guthrie warned that Idalia will also bring "tornadic activity." As in Hurricane Ian, the very first warning that we had that something was going bad was a tornado in Palm Beach County," he said. The hurricane center said parts of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Georgia and the eastern Carolinas could see around 4 to 8 inches of rain from Tuesday into Thursday, with isolated totals of 12 inches possible. Areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally significant, are expected across portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia Tuesday into Wednesday, spreading into portions of the eastern Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday, it said. Already, the storm was intensifying as it approached Cuba on Monday morning, the hurricane center said. As of 8 a.m. ET, Idalia was about 375 miles southwest of Key West, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to Guthrie. DeSantis has issued an emergency executive order in 46 counties, including Franklin, Gulf, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Evacuation orders will be issued to all counties along the Gulf Coast, indicated on the evacuation zone map as zones A and B, according to DeSantis. Florida residents ordered to evacuate should be prepared to get to higher ground, DeSantis said, adding that it's not necessary to travel hundreds of miles or leave the state. This is going to be a major hurricane, this is going to be a powerful hurricane," said DeSantis. "And this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida in many, many different ways. So please, please heed the directives from your local officials, please make the appropriate accommodations and take the appropriate precautions. A hurricane warning, which means hurricane conditions are expected, was in effect for the city of Pinar del Rio in Cuba, while a tropical storm warning was in place for the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel, in Cuba, along with the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning was also in place for the Dry Tortugas in Florida, while a storm surge watch was also in effect for Chokoloskee to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay, according to the hurricane center. A hurricane watch, which means hurricane conditions are possible, was in place for Englewood to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Hurricane Idalia was downgraded to a tropical storm as it crossed Georgia on Wednesday. It walloped Florida as a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 125 mph, heavy rain, and storm surge. The storm's forecast to cause continued flash flooding, strong winds, and power outages on Thursday. After walloping Florida's Gulf Coast, Hurricane Idalia weakened to a tropical storm as it churned through Georgia toward the Carolinas on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center said Idalia's forecast to bring continued flash flooding and winds up to 60 mph along North Carolina's coast before heading back out to the Atlantic on Thursday. The storm should reach Bermuda over the weekend. Tropical Storm Idalia moves over Georgia and South Carolina on Wednesday evening. NOAA GOES-East The cyclone made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning. Its eye moved inland near Keaton Beach, Florida, around 7:45 a.m. ET, the NHC said, with maximum sustained winds near 125 mph. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It was the first time a major hurricane struck Florida's Apalachee Bay since the National Weather Service began keeping records in 1851. Idalia was forecast to push up to 16 feet of seawater onshore in a devastating storm surge. Two storm-related deaths have been reported so far people who died in separate car crashes related to Idalia's rainfall, Fox 35 Orlando reported. The storm went on to pummel Georgia and southern South Carolina with hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall for several hours. On Wednesday night, rapid flooding hit downtown Charleston, South Carolina, with tide levels rising above 9 feet, according to the NWS, posing a serious risk of further coastal flooding. Watches and warnings still in effect in Idalia's path NHC As of 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, all hurricane warnings have been discontinued. However, a tropical storm warning shown in blue above is still in effect from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to the North Carolina-Virginia border, Pamlico County, and Albemarle Sounds. A storm-surge watch, which indicates a danger of life-threatening flooding from waters pushed inland by the storm, is in effect in areas of North Carolina, including from Beaufort Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet, and along the Neuse and Pamlico rivers. "Water actually is the leading cause of fatalities due to hurricane," Rosimar Rios-Berrios, a hurricane scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, told Insider. That includes the initial storm surge, but also the flooding that happens afterwards as streets fill with water from rain. Peak storm-surge forecasts show how much seawater Idalia is expected to push inland along different parts of the coast. National Hurricane Center Power outages and evacuations Idalia brought hurricane-force winds to southern Georgia and southern South Carolina. The NHC warned on Wednesday morning that residents there "should be prepared for long-duration power outages." On Thursday morning, more than 140,000 Florida households were still without power, in addition to about 97,000 in Georgia, 10,500 in South Carolina, and 13,000 in North Carolina, according to poweroutage.us. In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, DeSantis said the state had dispatched 1,500 linemen, staged 420,000 gallons of gasoline, and activated all of the state's urban search and rescue teams to prepare for the hurricane. "Not all heroes have capes some have hard hats," Jimmy Patronis, chief financial officer of the state of Florida, said during the presser. The sheriff's office of Florida's Pasco County reported evacuating more than 60 people from flooded homes. The Tallahassee National Weather Service said it was getting reports of water rescues in Georgia's Lowndes county as the storm moved through. A truck passes through flooded streets caused by Hurricane Idalia passing offshore, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Some Florida counties have begun to lift evacuation orders, though 10 still had some kind of order in place on Thursday morning, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis said she and her three children were safe after Idalia's winds knocked over a 100-year-old tree onto the governor's mansion in Tallahassee. Florida airports reopening after storm damage Tampa International Airport said it would reopen to incoming flights only on Wednesday afternoon. The airport sustained "minimal damage," it announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It opened up for departing flights Thursday morning. The Gainesville airport wass set to reopen Wednesday night, and the Tallahassee airport on Thursday morning, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a briefing on Wednesday. Long-term problems with infrastructure orange and red paths show hurricane idalia's wind history across cuba, florida, georgia, and the carolinas NHC After rescue crews take care of the immediate dangers, there are still many effects of a hurricane left behind to deal with, said Rios-Berrios with the National Center for Atmospheric Research. "We worry about what can happen after the storm," she said, giving the example of 2017's Hurricane Maria. There, she said power outages persisted over a hundred days. People trapped in their homes sweltered in the heat waves that followed the storm. And people in nursing homes and hospitals were without power too, robbing them of access to life saving electrical equipment. An estimated 2975 people died in the aftermath of Maria, according to researchers from George Washington University. Though they can't all be attributed to lost power, Rios-Berrios said that definitely played a role. So rebuilding infrastructure and reestablishing access to utilities is of key importance in the days following these storms. "Now I'm not sure this would be the case with Hurricane Idalia, but it's very important to take that into account that for the possible hazards that could come after the hurricane," she said. Warm seas to fuel an above-average hurricane season Hurricane Idalia (left) is approaching Florida while Hurricane Franklin (right) approaches Bermuda. NOAA GOES-East; Insider The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season earlier this month, predicting an "above normal" season with up to 11 hurricanes, with two to five of them reaching Category 3 or higher. Scientists can't attribute any single storm to the climate crisis without further analysis. On the whole, though, rising global temperatures are driving a trend of increasing hurricane strength (aka wind speed). That's because cyclones feed on warm waters and can rapidly gain strength in high ocean temperatures. Indeed, NOAA cited "record-warm" Atlantic seas as a major reason for its heightened season forecast. Storms can also dump more rainfall now because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. Storm surge ocean water that a cyclone pushes onto the land can also creep higher due to sea-level rise. Climate change may even be slowing down the progress of cyclones, meaning they sit over an area for longer, wreaking more destruction. DeSantis declared a Florida state of emergency ahead of 'really nasty' hurricane "This is going to be a powerful hurricane and this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida in many, many different ways," DeSantis told reporters during a Monday press briefing, ahead of Idalia's arrival. The Republican governor and presidential hopeful added that conditions were expected to "get really nasty." DeSantis declared a state of emergency in more than 40 counties in the state and urged Floridians to listen to evacuation orders from local officials and to prepare for the storm. President Joe Biden said he had spoken to DeSantis and approved an emergency declaration in Florida ahead of the storm. "President Biden said Florida will have his full support as they prepare for Idalia and its aftermath," the White House said in a statement. Idalia hit Cuba with rain, wind, and flooding on Monday Commuters cycle through a street flooded by rain brought by Hurricane Idalia in Havana, Cuba, early Tuesday. AP Photo/ Ramon Espinosa Idalia swept through Cuba on Monday. There, days of torrential rain and maximum sustained winds of 70 mph caused knee-deep flooding and evacuations, Reuters reported. The storm hit while the country was still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which struck last year. Coastal and rural parts of the island were hard hit, especially western tobacco-producing regions. As the storm churned through the Gulf of Mexico north on its path toward Florida, it intensified to a Category 4 hurricane. Read the original article on Insider Idalia strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday morning as it barreled toward Florida's Gulf Coast, where it could become a Category 3 hurricane before it's forecast to make landfall on Wednesday morning as the United States' first major hurricane of the season. Hurricane warnings and watches are in effect, while evacuation orders are being issued for more than 20 counties along the state's Gulf Coast as the National Hurricane Center warned of "life-threatening storm surge inundation." Here's a list of evacuation orders from the New York Times. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has also activated the National Guard. This is going to be a major impact, he said during a press conference Monday, warning that residents should prepare for the storm to be a Category 3 or higher. Read more from Yahoo News: Where is Storm Idalia? See radars tracking the storm, via Naples Daily News ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Yahoo News spoke with Joel Cline, a tropical meteorologist with the NHC, about what to know if youve been told to evacuate ahead of a hurricane. Some responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. 1. Top things to do to prepare for an evacuation The No. 1 thing you want to take is a large sealable plastic bag to protect all the important papers that you don't want ruined in a flood: insurance certificates, proof of ownership, family photos. Read more from Yahoo News: Can you get home insurance while Idalia targets Florida? What to know before the storm, via Miami Herald The basics for survival: your clothes and food that you want to take. If youve got a pet, make sure the place you're going will allow a pet to stay. A lot of times, places that prepare food will not allow pets because they don't want the risk of food getting contaminated. Thats why its important to plan ahead. Read more from Yahoo News: Hurricane season with pets: How to include furry friends as Idalia approaches, via the Fort Myers News-Press Also, since gasoline lines are going to be long and grocery and hardware stores are going to be packed, be sure to get an early start on supplies. 2. Evacuate if and when local officials tell you to If youre in a hurricane evacuation zone and local officials are telling you to leave, do it. People often engage in so-called anchoring that is, they latch on to a fact that supports what they want to hear, like the storm wont be as bad as it could be, so they make a decision based on hope instead of facts. Read more from Yahoo News: Here's what the hurricane categories mean, via CBS News Also, dont think about a previous storm system that happened years ago. People might think, I lived in Florida and I survived that hurricane just fine. Well, yes, youre several hundred miles away, or maybe 50 miles away. So the impacts arent the same. But this storm is different. Pay attention to the latest information about this storm and make your decisions based on that information, not what you think went on during a storm from years past. The key question to consider is: What are you going to do if you stay? Theres no help coming. Youre staking your life on that decision. 3. Its not necessary to travel hundreds of miles to evacuate The NHC urges people to go tens of miles, not hundreds of miles. We want you off the road and not clogging it up. Get away from bodies of water you dont want to be next to a river or on the low side of a dam. If youve evacuated to a hotel thats well inland but right near a river, you may not have done anything to save your life. 4. Keep updated on the forecast Go to a trusted source like your local government officials, hurricanes.gov, noaa.gov, weather.gov all those places will take you to information about the actual hurricane and what the latest impact will be from wind or storm surge, rainfall and flooding or a tornado event. Check multiple times during the storm, because the forecast changes. Thats why we work around the clock so that we can update the forecast every three hours. When it gets closer to land, they have hourly position points as well. 5. Consider the short-term and long-term effects of a storm Its as if there are two time scales when it comes to hurricanes. Short-term effects are large, in-your-face kinds of things with storm surge, rain, flooding and high winds, and if youre in the direct path, its more than likely going to be one of the worst things that youve ever witnessed in your life. But after the storm passes, there is the longer-term impact that many people often dont consider: being without power for several weeks and not being able to travel in your car because theres flooding between you and the place you want to go. Flooding can be immediate, but it can also continue for weeks afterward. When monitoring #Idalia, remember: - The cone only represents the probable track of the CENTER of the storm, it does NOT show the size of the storm - Impacts will extend far outside of the area that is shown - You should have your plan in place & heed all warnings from officials pic.twitter.com/QRMt9NifsK FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) August 28, 2023 Travis Allen, left, and his father Tony Allen fill up sandbags at Bethune Point Park in Daytona Beach on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Officials say Volusia and Flagler counties could start feeling tropical storm force wind gusts and heavy rain by early Wednesday as Idalia continues its trek toward Florida. Heres what you need to know about how local officials are preparing for the storm: What can Volusia, Flagler expect? In the 11 p.m. National Hurricane Center update on Monday, the storm could become a hurricane at any time as it lingered near western Cuba and was expected to become a major hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Florida east coast and the southeastern Georgia coast from Sebastian Inlet northward to Altamaha Sound, an area that includes Volusia and Flagler counties. The warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the area within 36 hours. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Idalia was moving north at 8 mph, with a minimum pressure of 983 mb and maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, with higher gusts. A northward motion is expected through Monday night, followed by a faster north-northeast motion on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is forecast to move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday and reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday as a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher. Also, Volusia and Flagler counties were both added midday Monday to the state of emergency executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis, while President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida. Residents pick up sandbags at the Nova Community Center in Ormond Beach on Monday. Get updates in real-time: Live coverage: Tropical Storm Idalia puts Volusia, Flagler on watch, officials urge preparation In Volusia County, Emergency Management officials are anticipating wind gusts that could approach tropical storm force on Wednesday, according to a county news release. Isolated power outages and pockets of damage are possible. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches could cause street flooding and travel delays. This is potentially a serious situation for Volusia County, said Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham. We encourage everyone to monitor weather reports, make a family plan, and consider stocking a disaster supply kit. Mecham said the Emergency Operations Center is currently under a level 2 activation. County staff is maintaining continuous communication with the Florida Department of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, local municipalities, Volusia County Schools and other partners. The Emergency Operations Center is staffed and will transition to partial activation if conditions warrant. When will Volusia open its Citizen Information Center? Volusia County will open its Citizens Information Center from noon to 6 p.m. Monday. It will also be open 24 hours beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, until further notice. Residents may call 866-345-0345 for information about the storm, sandbags, disaster preparation and community resources. What coastal impacts are Volusia County officials expecting? In light of the projected easterly swells from Hurricane Franklin and the impending elevated high tide levels coinciding with the upcoming full moon on Wednesday, there is the potential for dangerous rip currents and heightened beach erosion, according to the county. Residents and visitors are advised to stay out of the ocean until these conditions subside. All coastal contractors must secure their work sites by end of day Tuesday, Aug. 29, and remain offsite until further notice, the county stated. Are sandbags available in Volusia County? These sites had sandbags available as of Monday: Volusia County will operate self-service sandbag stations from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the following locations: Road and Bridge facility, 2560 W. State Road 44, DeLand Road and Bridge facility, 200 State Road 415, Osteen Residents can also pick up pre-filled sandbags at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Road, Daytona Beach, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. There is a limit of five bags per vehicle. Other sandbag locations: Daytona Beach: The City of Daytona Beach will offer sandbags from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. Residents are asked to bring a shovel to fill sandbags. There is no charge for sandbags, and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle. If demand and conditions warrant, sandbag operations will be extended Tuesday. DeBary: Sandbags are available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 16 Colomba Road. Residents should bring a shovel and identification. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence. Deltona: Two self-service sandbag locations are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at: Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd. 2931 Day Road Bags will be provided. Residents should bring a shovel and someone to help with the bagging process. Edgewater: The City of Edgewater stocked three locations with sand piles: Fire Station 57, 2628 Hibiscus Drive (open 24 hours a day) Mango Tree Lake, 901 Mango Tree Drive (currently closed) Airpark staging area, 1898 Airpark Road (currently closed) Residents should bring their own shovels and bags. New Smyrna Beach: Sand and fillable bags will be available to New Smyrna Beach residents at the Sports Complex, which is located at 2335 Sunset Drive, from noon-6 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday. City staff will provide a roll of 15 bags with proof of residency, according to a news release. Sand piles will remain available to residents after hours through Wednesday, Aug. 30. Residents must bring their own shovel. Orange City: Residents may pick up sandbags from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Waggin Trail Dog Park, 1201 S. Leavitt Ave. Residents should bring a shovel and identification and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. ID is required. If the demand is still high at 4 p.m., the site will remain open to serve residents. Ormond Beach: A self-serve sand pile and fillable sandbags are available at the Nova Community Center, 440 N. Nova Road, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Ormond Beach residents can show their ID to receive up to 10 fillable bags. Residents should bring a shovel and fill and load the bags into their vehicles. Ponce Inlet: The Town of Ponce Inlet is providing sand and sandbags from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S. Peninsula Drive. Residents should bring a shovel and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident, and identification is required. Hurricane passes will also be available. Port Orange: The City of Port Orange will operate a self-service sandbag site from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, in the field next to the REC Center, 4655 City Center Circle. Residents must bring identification and a shovel. Staff will provide bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per person. South Daytona: Sandbags are available from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Piggotte Community Center, 504 Big Tree. Residents should bring proof of residency. How can residents stay in touch with county updates? Residents can stay informed by visiting www.volusia.org/pin and downloading the Volusia County EM app, which is available for free on the Google Play or App Store. The app features weather alerts and current conditions, preparedness checklists, links to county sites, locations of the nearest open shelter and sandbag distribution sites, evacuation information, push notifications and more. Residents are also encouraged to follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook, subscribe to the County of Volusia YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/vcyoutubesub Will Volusia Schools be closing due to the approaching storm? On Monday morning, Volusia Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin issued a statement that schools at this point are scheduled to remain open for students countywide. "We wish to assure you that we are collaborating closely with Volusia County Emergency Operations Center to 3esnure that you receive timely and accurate updates throughout this event," Balgobin stated. "As of now, our schools are expected to remain open. No announcements have been made regarding the activation of shelters." How is Daytona's flood-prone Midtown neighborhood preparing? The Rev. Derrick Harris, pastor for 28 years of Master's Domain Church of God in Christ in Daytona Beach, was coordinating efforts Monday morning to help his elderly church members get sandbags. Men in the church were filling sandbags at Bethune Point Park for anyone unable to fill and place the bags themselves. "We're just trying to get the word out to the elderly and anyone else in need," Harris said. Both children and adults were rescued out of Daytona Beach's Midtown neighborhood and other badly flooded areas in the city after Tropical Storm Ian swept through central Florida Sept. 28 and 29. Harris is also the owner of a Midtown barbershop, Derrick's Cut Masters, on Orange Avenue. The barbershop has repeatedly flooded, as has the rest of Midtown, and was badly damaged by the deluge of water from last year's Tropical Storm Ian. Last year Harris drove a large, lifted truck into Midtown to help rescue residents trapped by floodwater. He and others also rescued people with boats. "I hope we don't get flooded again," he said Monday morning. Ahead of the storm, the city of Daytona Beach is also draining ponds, cleaning basins and staging pumps and generators. City staff started that preparation last week. Cynthia Slater, head of Daytona Beach's branch of the NAACP, also was busy Monday morning coordinating efforts to get ready for the incoming storm. "I sent out a message for people to prepare," said Slater, who has lived in the flood-prone Midtown neighborhood for more than 60 years. "We don't know where it's going, but it's coming. You never know about storms in Florida. It can easily shift." Slater was telling Midtown residents, many of whom are still recovering from last years pair of tropical storms that deluged the neighborhood, to get batteries, flashlights, water, medicine and important papers together. "The main thing is to keep an eye on where the storm is going, and know where you can evacuate to if you need to," said Slater, who evacuated to Jacksonville last year during Tropical Storm Ian when floodwaters overtook her Midtown home. She said she's in touch with the Red Cross and the city of Daytona Beach about emergency measures. "A little rain is like a flood in Daytona," she said. West Volusia also prepares for Idalia's impact Deltona and DeLand, both of which experienced flooding in areas after Tropical Storm Ian last year, opened sandbag stations Monday. Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. said he has reached out to the governors office about opening the Big Ditch ahead of receiving emergency authorization from the St. Johns River Water Management District. Avila said opening the gates for the Lake Doyle to Lake Bethel emergency overflow interconnection would help alleviate potential flooding in the Lake Theresa basin. He said he is most concerned about District 1, which saw the worst flooding after last years back-to-back tropical storms. District 1, which is home to Three Island Lakes and Dupont Lake, is located in the northeastern part of the city. Deltona previously asked the St. Johns River Water Management District for permission at least three times between 2005 and 2022 to open the flood control structure to drain water. The city currently faces a class-action lawsuit from 40-plus Stone Island property owners who say the city routed floodwaters from Ian into their neighborhood. Deltona's drainage system, which was built more than 30 years ago, routes floodwaters into the St. Johns River and area lakes. In the lawsuit, Stone Island residents say their property was used and damaged or destroyed when Deltona opened the Lake Bethel dam shortly after Hurricane Ian (the "Deltona Dam Program")." The lawsuit also states, in part: Deltona was aware opening the flood control structure could result in flooding impact downstream. In the days after Ian, a tropical storm when it hit Volusia County, Deltona opened the flood control structure without seeking permission from the St. Johns River Water Management District. Opening the structure resulted in "hundreds of millions of gallons of floodwaters being redirected to, through, and over Stone Island." The flooding "caused Volusia County to tum off sewer lift/pump stations in Stone Island, resulting in a non-functioning sanitary system, in sewage backing up throughout the community, and resulting in further damage." In DeBary, the city is taking steps to lower lake levels in an effort to alleviate potential flooding, according to a news release Monday. Much of the St. Johns River in West Volusia, including DeLand, Astor and Lake Harney, saw record-breaking flooding that lasted several weeks after Ian. Hard-hit Wilbur-by-the-Sea braces for Idalia In Wilbur-by-the-Sea several homes were heavily damaged by Ian and Nicoles storm surge, which even led to some houses collapse into the ocean. That was the case with Ken Meisters house on Atlantic Avenue, which saw most of its backyard crumble after Ian and then half of the structure be swept away by Nicole. We are halfway through constructing my seawall, Meister said. But nothing else has been done. So Im hoping we dont have any damage from the storm. He said he is still unsure about whether Idalia will pose a storm surge and high wind risk in Volusia County, or if it will be a primarily rain event. That is part of the reason why Meister has not made other preparations for the upcoming storm. Another reason is the fact he has been living in Naples since November, because his Wilbur house remains inhabitable. There is nothing really I can do to prepare, Meister said. Im hoping there is no further damage to whats remaining of my home, and that we can get the seawall completed in the next two weeks or so. Another Wilbur-by-the-Sea resident, Dan Epperson, echoed Meisters uncertainty about what the real risk of storm surge from Idalia. will be to his house on Atlantic Avenue. It doesnt look like we are going to have that much in the way of high surf at this point. I dont see anything that is a solid projection yet, Epperson said. I plan on closing all the hurricane shutters today and drag the furniture in, and that will be it. How is Flagler County preparing for Idalia's impact? Flagler County officials are urging residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia and will also open two sandbagging stations, according to a release. The storm will start impacting the area late Tuesday and continue making its presence felt all day Wednesday. Starting early on Wednesday, we expect to see tropical storm force winds, potentially over 50 mph and some minor coastal flooding primarily due to the lunar high tide, said Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. We urge all of our residents to complete preparations, on Monday, as if a Category 1 Hurricane is approaching our area, even though our impacts will likely be more tropical storm like. Residents should secure loose, light outdoor items so they dont become flying projectiles, Lord recommended. They should also ensure that their disaster supply kit is stocked and ready for the next seven days. Residents can get more details by going to www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency and clicking on the Disaster Preparedness Guide. Evacuations might be required on Tuesday afternoon for residents of mobile homes and RVs. Flagler County and the Flagler County Sheriffs Office will be supporting sandbagging stations at: Hidden Trails Community Center, 6108 Mahogany Boulevard, Bunnell (Daytona North), from 3p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, August 28, and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bay Drive Park, 30 Bay Drive, Palm Coast (The Hammock), from 3p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, August 28, and again on Tuesday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information about emergency preparedness, residents may visit www.FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency or call 386-313-4200 during normal business hours, the release stated. News-Journal reporters Eileen Zaffiro-Kean, Sheldon Gardner, Katie Kustura, Brenno Carillo and Frank Fernandez contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Here's the Tropical Storm Idalia forecast for Volusia, Flagler As Tropical Storm Idalia brewed near the western tip of Cuba on Monday morning, with the forecasters predicting the storm to soon strengthen to a hurricane, an early glimpse at the potential threats to Beaufort County unfolded. Between 4 and 8 inches of rain, strong, gusty winds, flooding, dangerous rip currents and severe erosion could pummel the Lowcountry beginning Wednesday evening, according the National Weather Service Charleston Office. Early Monday morning, Idalia was about 90 miles south of the western tip of Cuba and had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. If the storm continues to track as expected, slowly moving northward and intensifying before reaching Florida, the soon-to-be predicted hurricane would make landfall between Tampa and the Big Bend region on Florida on Wednesday morning. Idalia would then continue to track along Georgia and South Carolina coast as a tropical storm Wednesday and Thursday. City of Bradenton, Fla. employees fill sandbags for residents in preparation for Idalias expected strengthening and approach on August 28, 2023. Throughout the week, Beaufort County was at a moderate risk for flash flooding and potential tornadoes throughout Wednesday, according to the local service Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Steven Taylor, meteorologist with the NWS Charleston office, said weather conditions will begin to steadily deteriorate Wednesday and peak in the evening and into early Thursday. However, he added during a Monday morning weather briefing that it was too soon to talk specific wind ranges and surge values, as they are dependent on the timing of the wind shift associated with the center of Idalia as it pushes through the Lowcountry. If the winds stay onshore and the system ends up being slower, the risk for coastal flooding and significant impacts will increase along parts of the Georgia coast and linger even longer up in the lower South Carolina coast, Taylor said. According to tide charts via the US Harbors site, Beaufort Countys Wednesday morning high tide will reach 8.2 feet at about 9 a.m. The evening high tide at 9:30 p.m. will swell to 9.1 feet. Thursday mornings 9:50 tide is predicted to reach 8.6 feet. Those values are without potential rainfall amounts from Idalia. Taylor said the big concern from Idalias wrath will be rainfall and freshwater flooding, which when considering the already-high tides, could devolve into major flooding. Marine conditions, including dangerous rip currents that are currently rippling along the southeast coast, will also be of concern. Throughout Tuesday, rip current conditions will grow stronger as swells increase, Taylor said. There were no watches or warnings issued for the Lowcountry as of Monday morning but, according to Taylor, that could change. In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted there would be 12 to 17 named storms this year, and on Aug. 10, NOAA upped its estimate to 14 to 21. Tropical Storm Hilary, the first tropical storm to crash into Southern California in 84 years, sent record-breaking flooding onto roads and caused mud and rock slides on Sunday. Tropical Storm Harold, which was the first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season to make landfall, pounded southern Texas with heavy rains and whipping winds on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Tropical Storm Franklin battered the Dominican Republic, damaging homes and roads, leaving one man dead, and rendering hundreds of thousands without power and over a million without potable water, The New York Times reported. By Monday morning, since upgraded to a hurricane, Franklin intensified to become the strongest storm of the year so far. With maximum sustained winds up to 145 mph, Franklin is considered a Category 4 hurricane but is not considered a threat to land, however its wake could cast wide enough to require watches for Bermuda later Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Franklin is expected to weaken Tuesday afternoon, the center said. Loved ones gathered Sunday to honor the life of an 11-year-old killed in a bus crash last week. Aiden Clark was on a Northwestern Local Schools bus on Aug. 22 when it was hit by a van on State Route 41 (Troy Road), near Lawrenceville Road causing it to overturn. He was pronounced dead on the scene. At least 20 other students were injured. >> RELATED: Clark Co. deadly school bus crash: Heres how you can help the families impacted The 11-year-old loved sports, old-school board games, and doing word searches by flashlight in bed, according to his obituary. He was described as a truly unique, caring, and inquisitive soul. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Family and friends gathered at Fellowship Church Sunday afternoon to remember and honor Clark. Lines stretched outside the door with many wearing Northwestern, Warrior Strong t-shirts. News Center 7 has previously covered how the German Township community and strangers alike have come together in support after the crash. >> RELATED: Driver accused in deadly Clark Co. school bus crash makes initial court appearance A roadside memorial at the crash site continues to grow with dedications to Clark, stuffed animals, flowers and balloons. The schools buses were decorated with ribbons representing the schools colors as students returned to class. As state troopers continue to investigate the crash, many are wishing for justice and closure for Clarks family. I just feel so sorry for them. [They] lost their child. Its devastating and I just pray for them and hope they can get through this the best they can, Cari Stockdale, a Clark County resident told News Center 7. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, at Fellowship Church with a community meal to follow. To send flowers to the family in memory of Clark, you can visit Littleton & Rue Funeral Home and Crematorys website. (Bloomberg) -- Former President Donald Trump and 18 others accused of trying to steal the 2020 election through false claims of voter fraud are scheduled to be arraigned on state charges in Georgia on Sept. 6. Most Read from Bloomberg Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAffee in Atlanta on Monday scheduled 15-minute hearings for each co-defendant to enter their plea in the case, starting with Trump at 9:30 a.m., court records show. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Trumps appearance will be followed immediately by those of three lawyers charged in the alleged conspiracy: Rudy Giuliani , who represented Trump in failed legal challenges to the election result; John Eastman , who allegedly crafted a scheme to prevent Joe Bidens victory from being certified by Congress; and Sidney Powell, an architect of the rigged-election conspiracy theory. The former president, who surrendered for booking last week after agreeing to a $200,000 bond, has denied wrongdoing and claims the case is part of a political witch hunt against him. Its one of four criminal cases Trump is facing as he campaigns to return to the White House in 2024. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who brought the Georgia indictment on Aug. 14 after a 2 1/2-year probe, previously said all the defendants would be arraigned starting Sept. 5. She is separately fighting to keep former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows from moving his case to federal court, where hell argue hes immune from the criminal charges. Trump lawyer Steve Sadow didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. The case is The State of Georgia v. Trump, 2023SC188947, Superior Court of Fulton County, State of Georgia. Read More: Trump Surrenders in Atlanta on 2020 Election Probe Charges (Updates with all defendants being arraigned on the same day.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Donald Trump s former chief of staff was in federal court in Atlanta on Monday, trying to get his racketeering trial moved out of Fulton County Superior Court. Meadows insists everything he did was as a federal employee and therefore the case should be heard in federal court. Channel 2s Richard Elliot was inside the courtroom Monday and said Meadows couldnt fully explain how many of his actions included working with the Trump campaign. Federal employees are forbidden from working with campaigns. Thats a violation of the Hatch Act. Meadows is one of the 19 people, including Trump, who have been indicted on racketeering charges and charges they attempted to criminally interfere in Georgias 2020 election. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Meadows wants a district court judge to remove his case from Fulton Superior Court and put it into federal court. RELATED STORIES But to do that, he and his lawyers have to convince that judge that everything Meadows did was in his official capacity as a federal employee and chief of staff -- that includes setting up that now infamous phone call between his boss and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. In court, Meadows insisted he set up that call as part of his job responsibilities. I dont know if theres anything I did thats outside my scope as chief of staff to the president, Meadows testified. But under sharp cross-examination, Meadows had difficulty explaining how that call benefitted anything other than the Trump campaign, especially since it did not include White House counsel and did include Trump campaign attorneys Kurt Hilbert and Alex Kaufman. You also have the attorneys that represent the president, Kurt and Alex and Cleta Mitchell, who is not the attorney of record but has been involved, myself and the president, Meadows said. Elliot said a ruling on whether the case will be removed to federal court was not expected Monday. RELATED NEWS: Former President Trumps trial in Washington over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results is set to begin one day before Super Tuesday, when voters will head to the polls in more than a dozen states in the Republican presidential primary. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan set Trumps D.C. trial for March 4 after special counsel Jack Smiths team asked for a Jan. 2 trial date. Trumps team suggested a trial date in April 2026. Super Tuesday will take place March 5, when hundreds of delegates will be up for grabs in the Republican presidential nominating contest. Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia will hold their primaries that day. American Samoa will hold its caucus, as well. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Trump is the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, leading his rivals in the primary by double-digit percentages in nearly every national poll of Republican primary voters. But Trump is facing multiple court dates already next year, and the timing of the cases could mean Trump could be kept off the campaign trail for long stretches of time. The D.C. trial is one of three that has been scheduled for 2024 during the primary process, and a fourth in Georgia has yet to be scheduled but may also fall during the campaign season. Trump is scheduled to go on trial March 25 in Manhattan, N.Y., over an alleged hush money scheme to cover up an affair in the lead-up to the 2016 election. That trial date would fall two days after the Louisiana primary and one week before the April 2 primaries in Delaware, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Trumps trial in Florida over his retention of classified documents after leaving the White House is scheduled for May 20. While that date may get moved as Trumps team fights for delays, the current date would see the trial begin one day before Kentucky and Oregon primaries hold their respective primaries. There would be just six more primaries on the calendar after that. The former president has previously decried that his mounting legal woes could keep him off the campaign trail. During a rally earlier this month in New Hampshire, Trump bemoaned that his legal cases would force him to spend time and money away from the campaign trail. Im sorry, I wont be able to go to Iowa today, I wont be able to go to New Hampshire today, because Im sitting in a courtroom on bullshit because his attorney general charged me with something, Trump told the crowd. Terrible. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to realign some 2,700 body-worn cameras to police officers stationed at Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints to ensure that they will be observing proper decorum. "'Yung ating 2,700 na body-worn camera na naka-issue sa ating mga kapulisan nationwide ay ire-realign natin at dadalhin natin doon sa mga Comelec checkpoints," PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Rederico Maranan said on Monday. [Translation: Our 2,700 body-worn cameras issued to police officers nationwide will be realigned and brought to Comelec checkpoints.] The election and gun ban period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October officially began on Monday. READ: COC filing, gun ban for BSKE period begins The PNP said they are still waiting for the Comelec resolution on areas where these body-worn cameras will be used. Police previously said that they have identified 27 hotspots nationwide. "'Yung 27 na sinasabi ng PNP ay 'yun ay sa amin lang and we will still wait for the en banc resolution coming from the Comelec para ma-finalize 'yung talagang mga nasa red category after workshop and validation," Maranan said. [Translation: The 27 areas are only from the PNP and we will still wait for the en banc resolution coming from the Comelec to finalize the areas that are in the red category after the workshop and validation.] According to the PNP, aside from ensuring that proper procedures are followed, these cameras will also serve as protection for police officers against accusations of abuse. The police will be exercising the plain view doctrine in checkpoints. This means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints. The PNP gave assurance that utmost courtesy and respect for human rights will be exercised by police personnel deployed at checkpoints. Regional directors have been ordered to supervise directly the checkpoints and ensure that police officers conduct procedures in well-lit areas, wear proper uniforms, and use marked vehicles, Maranan said. "Sundin to the letter 'yung ating police operational procedures at siyempre 'yung pinakamahalaga yung strict observance of human rights at pagiging courteous sa mga passing motorists," he added. [Translation: Police operations procedures should be followed to the letter, and most importantly strict observance of human rights and be courteous to passing motorists.] Former President Trump attacked federal officials connected to the Biden administration as fascist thugs just ahead of a Monday morning hearing before a judge who previously warned Trump that inflammatory statements would compel her to speed up his trial. Mondays court hearing is intended to determine a start date for the Trump trial on charges brought be special counsel Jack Smith. In a post Monday morning on Truth Social, Trump called Smith deranged, suggested federal officials investigating his actions were political SleazeBags and accused Biden allies in the White House of being fascist thugs. It has just been reported that aides to TRUMP prosecutor, Deranged Jack Smith, met with high officials at the White House just prior to these political SleazeBags Indicating me OVER NOTHING, Trump wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If this is so, which it is, that means that Biden and his Fascist Thugs knew and APPROVED of this Country dividing Form of Election Interference, despite their insisting that they knew nothing. Its all a BIG LIE, just like Russia, Russia, Russia, & not knowing about sons business dealings. DISMISS CASE! Trump continued. Trump in the post appears to be referring to reports that White House officials met with aides to special counsel Jack Smith ahead of the federal indictment involving Trumps efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. Trump also referred to controversies surrounding Hunter Biden , President Bidens son. Trumps attack comes just before his attorneys and federal prosecutors are expected to appear in court to argue about a prospective trial date in the federal criminal case related to the 2020 election. Prosecutors are pushing for a Jan. 2, 2024, start date, while Trumps attorneys have pushed for an April 2026 trial. Trump has made no secret about his strategy of pushing off his court fights until after the presidential election. If Trump is elected president, his Justice Department could end his federal prosecution, or Trump could pardon himself. Earlier this month, however, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, warned both sides in the case to refrain from making any statements that could intimidate witnesses or prejudice the jury pool. She said making such statements would compel her to speed up the trial. The more a party makes inflammatory statements about this case, Chutkan said at the hearing, the greater the urgency will be that we proceed to trial quickly. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ever since Donald Trump became a former president, news outlets and commentators have cited polls showing that many Republicans believe violence might be needed to save the country. As Trump's legal woes worsen, so do mainstream media warnings about the specter of violent response. But we've heard virtually nothing about the connections between two decades of nonstop U.S. warfare overseas and attitudes favoring political violence at home. For more than 20 years, a bipartisan approach in Congress and the Oval Office has made sure that the United States uses enormous and lethal violence abroad. Stripped of the usual noble rhetoric, that approach amounts to "might makes right," an easy conceit when the U.S. military is by far the most powerful in the world. Reinforced in the name of a "war on terror," this self-righteous posturing has made perpetual war seem normal. When Trump loyalists attacked the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, a disproportionate number of those who led and participated in the assault were military veterans. By then, two decades of ongoing U.S. warfare had fueled the presumption that using deadly force is justified when all else fails. War is all about inflicting sufficient violence to achieve goals. That was the basic method of the pro-Trump mob that attacked the Capitol in a desperate attempt to prevent Joe Biden from becoming president. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Those who laid siege to the Capitol two and half years ago were responding to what they understood as an order from Trump, their commander in chief. Many of the assault's leaders drew on their military training and knowhow to pull off the successful breach of security on Capitol Hill. "It was like a war zone," some House and Senate members have recalled, using identical words to describe and deplore what they saw that day. But Congress actually likes and lavishly subsidizes real war zones. Hefty majorities of Democrats and Republicans keep approving huge appropriations to create faraway war zones or make them more deadly. As a result along with several million deaths inside attacked countries as well as terrible injuries to bodies and minds the still-continuing "war on terror" has meant large numbers of violence-traumatized veterans. "Between 1.9 and 3 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and over half of them have deployed more than once," the Costs of War project at Brown University reports. "Many times that number of Americans have borne the costs of war as spouses, parents, children, and friends cope with their loved ones' absence, mourn their deaths, or greet the changed person who often returns." All along the way, the U.S. media and political establishment has glorified the ostensibly heroic exploits of the Pentagon's forces as they've implemented vast violence. War-making is routinely equated with ultimate patriotism. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The war machine does not have an automatic "off" switch when soldiers return home. Military drills can morph into political maneuvers. And some key takeaways from the rigidly authoritarian structure of the military are well-suited for MAGA forces. "With thresholds of acceptability declining in domestic political life, the Trump frenzy came more and more to resemble the mentalities of warfare," I write in my new book "War Made Invisible." And "the insurrectionists, exhibiting loyalty to the man at the top of the command structure, escalated to violence when all else had failed. ... Trump was drawing on a deeply militaristic cultural mentality, fueled by nearly 20 years of nonstop war at that point; the 'training' of his militant and dangerous supporters was most importantly about mindsets." The classic military strategist Carl von Clausewitz wrote two centuries ago that "war is nothing but a continuation of politics with the admixture of other means." Now some of Trump's true believers are eager to adapt the violent precepts of perpetual war to American politics. Read more from Norman Solomon on the costs of America's wars Former president Donald Trumps federal trial for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election defeat has been scheduled to begin on 4 March 2024 despite the ex-presidents legal teams push to have the case delayed until nearly two years after the 2024 general election. Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday issued a trial schedule that will start on 9 October, when both sides will face a deadline to file any pretrial motions. On 27 December, both sides will file any motions in limine to govern what can be said during Mr Trumps trial, and proposed questions for potential jury members will be due on 15 January 2024. Jury selection will begin on the 4 March start date one day before Super Tuesday, the height of presidential primary season. The former president issued an irate reaction in the form of a series of posts to his Truth Social website, writing that a biased, Trump Hating Judge had only given a two month extension over the 2 January 2024 trial date initially sought by the government and accusing Judge Chutkan of election interference. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a statement attributed to an unnamed Trump Spokesperson, the ex-presidents campaign said the trial schedule ordered by the judge deprives President Trump of his Constitutional right to a fair trial, a seminal bedrock of America, and continues to expose the corruption of the witch hunts being thrown against President Trump. In granting a trial date far closer to what the government had wanted than the long delay sought by the defence, the judge a former defence attorney said she understood all too well the need for Mr Trumps counsel to prepare for trial, but she pointed out that the governments efforts to organise evidence turned over in pre-trial discovery would aid those efforts. I take seriously the defences request that Mr Trump be treated like any other defendant ... but I also want to point out that most defendants do not receive this level of ... organised and summarised discovery, she said. She added that the prosecutions desired date did not give Mr Trump adequate time to prepare, but said Mr Trumps desired April 2026 start date was far beyond what is necessary. To try this case five years later risks that witnesses become unavailable or that memories will fade ... the public has a right to a prompt and efficient resolution of this matter, she said, adding later that Mr Trump has a team of zealous, experienced attorneys and the resources necessary to mount a defence. I have seen many cases unduly delayed because a defendant lacks adequate representation ... this is not the case here I find that a trial starting on March 4 2024 would give adequate time to prepare. A trial start date of March 4 2024 gives Mr Trump seven months, which I believe is sufficient time ... to prepare a defence, she added. My primary concern ... is the interest of justice. Earlier this month, a federal grand jury in Washington returned a four-count indictment against the ex-president. The charges conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction; and conspiracy against the right to vote arose out of Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation into Mr Trumps efforts to remain in office against the will of voters after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. The former president pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arrangment in early August, at which point Magistrate Judge Moxilla Upadhyaya said Judge Chutkan intended to set a date for the ex-presidents trial at todays session. In court papers requesting a trial starting 2 January 2024, Mr Smiths team said setting such an accelerated schedule would vindicate the publics strong interest in a speedy trial an interest guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law in all cases, but of particular significance here, where the defendant, a former president, is charged with conspiring to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election, obstruct the certification of the election results, and discount citizens legitimate votes. Mr Trump, who in his myriad civil and criminal legal proceedings has exhibited a penchant for doing whatever he can to cause interminable delays, asked for his trial in this case to be scheduled for April 2026 well after next years general election. In a response to the governments proposed schedule, the ex-presidents legal team argued that Mr Trumps legal issues including three other pending criminal cases against him plus multiple civil matters set for trial preclude holding his trial before that time. They also argued that the amount of evidence turned over to them as part of the pre-trial discovery process would nessicitate a long delay because it would take an extremely long time to review page-by-page. But at the outset of Mondays hearing. Judge Chutkan said she said neither the defence nor the government proposals were acceptable. She said she could not identify a single case in which the interval between indictment and trial was as short or as long as either side had suggested in their proposed schedule. But regarding Mr Trumps claim that preparing a defence required such a massive amount of time given how long the government had been investigating him, Judge Chutkan rejected that argument. Defence argues that they need years ... to finish the governments initial production ... the government responds that characterisation is misleading because much of what theyve turned over is duplicative or was already available to Mr Trump, she noted. Asked how much discovery Mr Trump had access to before the start of the case, prosecutor Molly Gaston replied that of the 12.8 million pages turned over to Mr Trump, approximately 61 per cent or 7.8 million pages were from entities associated with the defendant and were already available to him. The other five million pages included every grand jury transcript made available to Mr Trump as well as accompanying exhibits, she said, adding later that the government has already flagged for Mr Trumps team key documents in the case, including approximately 47,000 pages such as case agent summaries, agent testimony, and other documents that the government intends to use at trial. Its essentially a road map to our case, she said. Judge Chutkan said the manner in which the discovery has been organised ... indicates that the government has made considerable effort to make it easy for Mr Trumps team to review the evidence against him. Asked why that would not help the defence prepare, Trump attorney John Lauro responded by shouting at the judge and accusing the government of wanting a show trial when Mr Trump is entitled to a fair trial. We have to do our job as defence lawyers ... this is a solemn obligation I have a special obligation to make sure my client is adequately represented ... for a federal prosecutor to suggest we could go trial in four months ... is a violation to the oath to do justice, he said. We need adequate time to prepare, he said. For the government to suggest I can do that in four months is an outrage. Judge Chutkan, a former defence attorney herself, admonished Mr Lauro to take the temperature down and asked Mr Lauro why the governments efforts to produce discovery in a searchable form and flag key documents wouldnt help speed up defence preparations. Its not all sitting in a warehouse ... so why wont the manner in which the discovery has been turned over speed up the review process? Mr Lauro responded that Mr Trumps legal team has not had access to the documents Mr Trump may have had access to. When Judge Chutkan pointed out that the information was not new to him, he responded by shouting that it was. Some of this material are statements created by your client ... thats not brand new information, is it? Mr Lauro replied: Of course it is, drawing a sceptical look from the veteran jurist. He also drew a raised eyebrow from Judge Chutkan when he told her that no documents would be reviewed electronically by him, and continued to shout despite her admonitions while complaining that Mr Trump needed years to prepare. Judge Chutkan did not appear impressed by his arguments. Youre not going to get two more years this case is not going to trial in 2026, she said. She told the defence counsel that the investigation has been known for two years and the identity of witnesses have also been known for just as long. So why would the defence need two years to investigate? she asked. She added that a good defence attorney, knowing his client was under investigation by a grand jury, would have been able to prepare ahead of time. But Mr Lauro said the case against his client is enormous and overwhelming on the facts alone. Mr Trump is entitled to a defence that is reasonably prepared, he said. Judge Chutkan replied that she intends to ensure that Mr Trump gets time to prepare, and again asked Mr Lauro why he needs so much time to review duplicative discovery when Mr Trump and his legal team has been aware of much of the evidence. Im sure any able, diligent, zealous defence counsel would not have been sitting on their hands while waiting for indictment ... a lot of this material was in the hands of Mr Trump or his counsel for a significant time before the grand jury was convened, she said. A lot of this may not be relevant and [reviewing] does not take, in this courts estimation, two years. You and I have a very different estimate of the time that is needed ... Mr Trump will be treated with no more or less deference than any other defendant will be treated, she added. Judge Chutkan also said she does not consider Mr Trumps status as a former president or a presidential candidate to be relevant to the defence request to delay the trial, but Mr Lauro also said the defence would bring a motion as early as this week arguing that the case is being selectively prosecuted to advantage President Joe Biden, as well as motions related to core first amendment issues and presidential immunity. All of those are novel issues, he said. This is one of the most unique cases, from a legal perspective, ever brought in the history of the United States. Asked about Mr Lauros argument about the time to review discovery, Ms Gaston noted that a reason Mr Lauro refused to answer Judge Chutkans question directly is because modern tools for document review would make it possible for the defence to be prepared well before the 2026 deadline theyve asked for. She also noted that Mr Lauro called the indictment against Mr Trump a regurgitation of the House January 6 select committees report in an interview after Mr Trump was indicted, and said Mr Trump would have long been aware of witness identities because his political action committee has been paying witnesses legal fees. Ms Gaston also pointed out that Mr Trump has claimed to have a report previewing any defence he might raise about the conduct of the 2020 election. We are not starting fresh in this case, she said. The thing that all of this shows is the importance of setting a trial date and working backwards from a schedule ... the question before the court today is ... the balance of the defendants right to prepare ... and the publics interest in a speedy trial here. The defendant ... is accused of historic crimes ... there is an incredibly strong public interest in a jurys prompt consideration of those claims in open court, she continued. We need to continue to trial ... because the defendant continues to post about the case on social media, she said, adding that Mr Trumps posts attacking prosecutors, the charges, and the courts potentially prejudice the jury pool. Mr Trump also faces three other criminal trials next year, all of which will take him off the campaign trail in the thick of the 2024 presidential election season. In March 2024, he will go on trial in his former home state of New York for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up an affair during the home stretch of the 2016 election. Two months later, he will be tried in a federal court in Florida on charges of wilfully retaining national defence information, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy. He is also set to face a jury in Fulton County, Georgia next year on a sweeping racketeering and conspiracy case in which he has been charged alongside 18 other co-defendants. Judge Chutkan said she is aware that Mr Trump faces trial in other state and federal criminal cases and has considered those cases in her decision. When she announced her ruling, she said she had consulted with the judge overseeing the New York case, and notified him that there might be overlap with his planned trial schedule. But she also said it would not be appropriate to consider the ex-presidents personal or professional obligations in setting a trial schedule because there is also a societal interest in ensuring that defendants receive speedy trials. Former President Trump is set to face trial in March 2024 in the Justice Departments case targeting his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. The decision from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to begin jury selection on March 4 comes after special counsel Jack Smiths team asked for a Jan. 2, 2024, trial date, while Trumps team suggested a trial date in April 2026. These proposals are very far apart and for reasons Ill get into shortly none of them is acceptable, Chutkan said at the start of the hearing. While Mr. Trump has the right to prepare, the public has a right to prompt and efficient resolution of this matter, she added later. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In setting the date, Chutkan noted Trump would face trial more than three years from the day a mob of his supporters ransacked the Capitol after attending his rally. Chutkan at turns criticized both prosecutors and Trumps legal team for proposing a trial date either too soon or too distant, risking either failing to give a defendant time to prepare or having witnesses memories fade. Chutkan also noted that a trial date cannot and should not depend on a defendants professional obligations, seemingly nodding to Trumps third bid to capture the presidency, noting that if a professional athlete were on trial it would be inappropriate to set a trial date to accommodate her schedule. The trial will now kick off the day before the Super Tuesday suite of primaries. Though at one point Chutkan criticized Smiths team for failing to point to large cases that went to trial in the five-month timeline they suggested, her exchanges with Trump attorney John Lauro proved more heated, with the judge telling him twice to take the temperature down as he voiced concerns over the trial date. Lauro repeatedly referenced his sacred obligation to diligently represent Trump and spent much of the time arguing there was simply too much evidence in the case for him to be able to prepare for trial in just a few months. He said prosecutors wanted a show trial, not a speedy trial and that their request was absurd and ridiculous. This is a question of whether or not one man, one U.S. citizen gets a fair trial or not, and Im telling you, your honor, based on what Ive seen so far, this is a gargantuan task, he said. Prosecutors in their arguments pointed to how vocal Trump had been about the case in justifying the need to quickly proceed to trial. He has publicly disparaged witnesses, he has attacked the court and citizens of the District of Columbia which is our jury pool, Justice Department prosecutor Molly Gaston said, adding that Trump is accused of historic crimes: attempting to overturn the presidential election disenfranchise millions of Americans and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Prosecutors told Chutkan that discovery in the case has reached some 12.8 million documents. A quarter of those documents are associated with Trumps campaign or political action committees that have supported it, according to Gaston. Transcripts of grand jury testimony and accompanying exhibits make up five million of the documents, and three million documents originated from the Secret Service. But Trump has had access functionally to about two-thirds of the total documents, Gaston said. Some 7.8 million documents are from entities associated with the defendant, from National Archives documents to open-source material like tweets, Truth Social posts or information made public by the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the Capitol attack. So what is in the other 5 million pages, which is what we are really talking about? Every grand jury transcript in this case up to indictment and the accompanying exhibits, she said. The government also produced 47,000 key documents to the defense, including an annotated indictment Gaston said is a road map to the governments case. Chutkan and Lauro went on to spar over the extent Trumps team would need time to review the evidence in the case, echoing prosecutors in stressing that Trump and his network of attorneys created much of the evidence in the case through their actions and public statements. I dont doubt for a minute that you have been working diligently, but you and I have a very different estimate of what time is needed to prepare for this case, Chutkan said. Trumps briefs filed ahead of the hearing had balked at the total pages, creating a graphic that stacked them next to monuments while suggesting they would take years to read. Chutkan went on to critique Lauros assertion he would need to personally review each page of evidence in the case, noting that much of trial preparation rests on electronically searching the large batches of evidence. Discovery in 2023 is not sitting with boxes in a warehouseWe both know the first cut is reviewed by electronic searches, she said, adding that no ones sitting there going page by page. Lauro would respond that he had a duty to do so in order to adequately prepare for trial, noting that in a large white collar case no one would blink an eye at a case with large sums of money at stake taking years to litigate. The statements of my client are miniscule compared to the avalanche of information here, he said. Chutkan said in response, I can tell you right now you are not getting two years. This case is not going to trial in 2026. Chutkan would later note that the Justice Departments organization of the case exceeded what is offered to most defendants and added that the length of the pending investigation presented an opportunity for Trumps attorneys to prepare for the scenario they now face. Mr Trump has been ably represented by experienced counsel during the whole pendency of this investigation. Its not a surprise he got indicted.Mr. Trumps counsel has known this was coming for some time and any able, zealous defense counsel would not be sitting on their hands waiting for an indictment, the judge said. After Chutkans decision Lauro offered one last statement. In light of the enormity of this case I feel the need to put this on the record. [I] feel that date is inconsistent with President Trumps right to due process, he said. Trumps attorneys during the hearing also previewed several defenses they will soon assert in the case. Lauro said Trump will file a motion asserting immunity this week or early next week. Lauro called the prosecution a flawed legal theory, indicating Trump will file motions to dismiss each alleged conspiracy. Trump will also file a motion arguing he is being selectively prosecuted as a political persecution, Lauro added. As Chutkan made her decision, she indicated she spoke with Juan Merchan, the judge who is overseeing Trumps hush money criminal case in New York, to let him know she was looking at setting an overlapping trial date. Trumps hush money trial is set to begin March 25, 2024, three weeks after Chutkans start date. The former president also faces two other pending criminal cases. His classified documents trial is set to begin on May 20, 2024. In the Georgia election case, a trial date for Trump has not been set. Prosecutors had initially requested to start the same day as Chutkans newly set date, but prosecutors have since revised their proposal to instead begin this October. Updated 12:29 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Former President Trump is set to face trial in March 2024 in the Justice Departments case targeting his efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. The decision from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to begin jury selection on March 4 comes after special counsel Jack Smiths team asked for a Jan. 2, 2024, trial date, while Trumps team suggested a trial date in April 2026. These proposals are very far apart and for reasons Ill get into shortly none of them is acceptable, Chutkan said at the start of the hearing. While Mr. Trump has the right to prepare, the public has a right to prompt and efficient resolution of this matter, she added later. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In setting the date, Chutkan noted Trump would face trial more than three years from the day a mob of his supporters ransacked the Capitol after attending his rally. Chutkan at turns criticized both prosecutors and Trumps legal team for proposing a trial date either too soon or too distant, risking either failing to give a defendant time to prepare or having witnesses memories fade. Chutkan also noted that a trial date cannot and should not depend on a defendants professional obligations, seemingly nodding to Trumps third bid to capture the presidency, noting that if a professional athlete were on trial it would be inappropriate to set a trial date to accommodate her schedule. The trial will now kick off the day before the Super Tuesday suite of primaries. Though at one point Chutkan criticized Smiths team for failing to point to large cases that went to trial in the five-month timeline they suggested, her exchanges with Trump attorney John Lauro proved more heated, with the judge telling him twice to take the temperature down as he voiced concerns over the trial date. Lauro repeatedly referenced his sacred obligation to diligently represent Trump and spent much of the time arguing there was simply too much evidence in the case for him to be able to prepare for trial in just a few months. He said prosecutors wanted a show trial, not a speedy trial and that their request was absurd and ridiculous. This is a question of whether or not one man, one U.S. citizen gets a fair trial or not, and Im telling you, your honor, based on what Ive seen so far, this is a gargantuan task, he said. Prosecutors in their arguments pointed to how vocal Trump had been about the case in justifying the need to quickly proceed to trial. He has publicly disparaged witnesses, he has attacked the court and citizens of the District of Columbia which is our jury pool, Justice Department prosecutor Molly Gaston said, adding that Trump is accused of historic crimes: attempting to overturn the presidential election disenfranchise millions of Americans and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Prosecutors told Chutkan that discovery in the case has reached some 12.8 million documents. A quarter of those documents are associated with Trumps campaign or political action committees that have supported it, according to Gaston. Transcripts of grand jury testimony and accompanying exhibits make up five million of the documents, and three million documents originated from the Secret Service. But Trump has had access functionally to about two-thirds of the total documents, Gaston said. Some 7.8 million documents are from entities associated with the defendant, from National Archives documents to open-source material like tweets, Truth Social posts or information made public by the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the Capitol attack. So what is in the other 5 million pages, which is what we are really talking about? Every grand jury transcript in this case up to indictment and the accompanying exhibits, she said. The government also produced 47,000 key documents to the defense, including an annotated indictment Gaston said is a road map to the governments case. Chutkan and Lauro went on to spar over the extent Trumps team would need time to review the evidence in the case, echoing prosecutors in stressing that Trump and his network of attorneys created much of the evidence in the case through their actions and public statements. I dont doubt for a minute that you have been working diligently, but you and I have a very different estimate of what time is needed to prepare for this case, Chutkan said. Trumps briefs filed ahead of the hearing had balked at the total pages, creating a graphic that stacked them next to monuments while suggesting they would take years to read. Chutkan went on to critique Lauros assertion he would need to personally review each page of evidence in the case, noting that much of trial preparation rests on electronically searching the large batches of evidence. Discovery in 2023 is not sitting with boxes in a warehouseWe both know the first cut is reviewed by electronic searches, she said, adding that no ones sitting there going page by page. Lauro would respond that he had a duty to do so in order to adequately prepare for trial, noting that in a large white collar case no one would blink an eye at a case with large sums of money at stake taking years to litigate. The statements of my client are miniscule compared to the avalanche of information here, he said. Chutkan said in response, I can tell you right now you are not getting two years. This case is not going to trial in 2026. Chutkan would later note that the Justice Departments organization of the case exceeded what is offered to most defendants and added that the length of the pending investigation presented an opportunity for Trumps attorneys to prepare for the scenario they now face. Mr Trump has been ably represented by experienced counsel during the whole pendency of this investigation. Its not a surprise he got indicted.Mr. Trumps counsel has known this was coming for some time and any able, zealous defense counsel would not be sitting on their hands waiting for an indictment, the judge said. After Chutkans decision Lauro offered one last statement. In light of the enormity of this case I feel the need to put this on the record. [I] feel that date is inconsistent with President Trumps right to due process, he said. Trumps attorneys during the hearing also previewed several defenses they will soon assert in the case. Lauro said Trump will file a motion asserting immunity this week or early next week. Lauro called the prosecution a flawed legal theory, indicating Trump will file motions to dismiss each alleged conspiracy. Trump will also file a motion arguing he is being selectively prosecuted as a political persecution, Lauro added. As Chutkan made her decision, she indicated she spoke with Juan Merchan, the judge who is overseeing Trumps hush money criminal case in New York, to let him know she was looking at setting an overlapping trial date. Trumps hush money trial is set to begin March 25, 2024, three weeks after Chutkans start date. The former president also faces two other pending criminal cases. His classified documents trial is set to begin on May 20, 2024. In the Georgia election case, a trial date for Trump has not been set. Prosecutors had initially requested to start the same day as Chutkans newly set date, but prosecutors have since revised their proposal to instead begin this October. Updated 12:29 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. It seems like Donald Trump was in the mood to gossip on Monday. The former president used his platform Truth Social to share some rumors about Republican rival Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), not long before learning his Washington, D.C., trial is set to start the day before Super Tuesday primary voting. Rumors are strong in political circles that Ron DeSanctimonious, whose Presidential run is a shambles, and whose poll numbers have absolutely crashed, putting him 3rd and 4th in some states, will be dropping out of the Presidential race in order to run, in Florida, against Rick Scott for Senate. Now thats an interesting one, isnt it? he posted. DeSantis press secretary Bryan Griffin painted Trumps rumor-mongering as a weak intimidation tactic, telling The Messenger, They know this is a two-man race, and we will carry this on to a win in this presidential primary. Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media after being booked at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media after being booked at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Instead of pushing fake news from New Jersey, the Trump campaign should be focused on getting their candidate on the campaign trail in Iowa and on the debate stage before its too late. While DeSantis poll numbers are still trailing behind Trump, his mild appearance at the first Republican presidential primary debate provided a small bump in support. According to a poll from Emerson College released on Monday, DeSantis share of likely Republican voters inched up from 10% to 12% after. Meanwhile, the number of likely voters supporting Trump dipped by 6% following his decision to skip the debate. Additional August polls from Iowa, Florida, Pennsylvania and South Carolina each showed DeSantis is still technically Trumps closest competition, at least by the numbers. Primary campaigning could also be a logistically struggle for the politician, who will be juggling court dates in four separate criminal cases. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan set Trumps Washington, D.C., trial date for March 4, 2024, just one day before voters in 15 states pick their primary candidate. Trumps legal team previously asked for the trial to start in April 2026, nearly 1 1/2 years after the next presidential election will be decided. Related... Former President Trump will face trial on March 4, 2024, for four felony charges related to his alleged efforts to stay in power after he lost the 2020 election. That means jury selection would begin a day before Super Tuesday on March 5, when California, Texas and a dozen other states hold their presidential primaries. Read more: Trump indicted over efforts to overturn the 2020 election U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said her decision could not take into consideration the former presidents other responsibilities. Trump is again seeking the Republican nomination in 2024, and has called the criminal charges he faces an attempt to interfere with his chance to win the election. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on a person's personal and professional obligations, Chutkan said. Mr. Trump, like any other defendant, will have to make the trial date work regardless of his schedule. Trump's attorney John Lauro said the defense would abide by the trial date, but wanted to note for the record that he believed the date would deny Trump's right to effective representation. Chutkan responded by saying that the grand jury convened in September 2022 and the trial date gives Trumps defense seven months to prepare. In a Truth Social post Monday, Trump said he would appeal the trial date and called Chutkan "a biased, Trump Hating Judge." Special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with engaging in conspiracies to overturn the results of the 2020 election in order to stay in power despite having lost to Joe Biden. The charges are conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, conspiracy against rights, and obstruction of or attempting to obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty. Smith, who was in the front row of the courtroom Monday, had requested a Jan. 2, 2024, trial start date, arguing there is public interest in seeing the case resolved before the election. Smith said in a court filing that his team would need four to six weeks to present its case at trial. Lauro asked the court in a filing for an April 2026 trial date, citing the amount of evidence he has received from the government. He said the prosecution would also need four to six weeks to present a defense. These proposals are very far apart and... neither are acceptable, Chutkan said before announcing the trial date. His voice raised, Lauro said the suggestion that he could be ready by Smith's original Jan. 2 requested date "is an outrage an outrage to justice." Lauro repeatedly became animated despite Chutkans instructing him twice to take the temperature down. "This man's liberty and life is a stake!" Lauro shouted at one point in the hearing. Chutkan, a former trial attorney, pushed back on Lauro's argument that reviewing the evidence is an "overwhelming task" for the defense, saying that Trump has known he was under investigation for a year and that his legal counsel had to review documents, such as items from the National Archives, before they were handed over to prosecutors. Youve known this was coming, Mr. Trumps counsel has known this was coming, Chutkan said, adding that his indictment should not have been a surprise. Chutkan instructed prosecutors to describe in court how evidence already turned over during the discovery process was organized and placed into a searchable database. Much of the millions of pages of evidence provided by the special counsel is duplicative, or already in the public domain, such as materials used by the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, said prosecutor Molly Gulland Gaston. For example, the same exhibit might appear in grand jury testimony in addition to when it was presented to a witness. Among the 47,000 "key documents" provided to the Trump team is an annotated version of the indictment, which she called essentially a road map to our case. Chutkan dismissed Lauro's argument that the defense would have to review millions of pages by hand. "Discovery in 2023 is not sitting in a warehouse with boxes of paper looking at every single page," she said, adding that most criminal prosecutions start reviewing evidence using keyword searches in databases. Chutkan said the well-organized discovery that Trump's team has received is far more complete and detailed than what most defendants receive from the government, showing that the special counsel has done his due diligence. Lauro said the lengthy time to prepare is needed because of the complex legal issues that will be raised. "This is one of the most unique cases brought in terms of legal issues in the history of the United States, ever," Lauro said. Lauro said the defense expects to file motions related to executive immunity, along with a selective prosecution motion accusing the Justice Department of bringing the case to influence the 2024 campaign and as retribution for attacking Biden's son, Hunter Biden . Gaston argued that the issues Lauro raised have already been well litigated. She said that public comments by Trump and Lauro in recent weeks discount the claims of needing years to prepare, including Lauros recent comments on television about his preparations and strategy, and Trumps claims of a 2020 election report that he threatened to publish last week before being arrested in a related state-level case in Fulton County, Ga. Gaston also said that Trump had already litigated executive privilege issues related to testimony of 14 witnesses in five sealed proceedings between August 2022 and March 2023, confirming reports for the first time with the permission of the chief judge of the court. Gaston said a speedy trial is particularly urgent because Trump posts on social media about the case almost daily, attacking witnesses, the court and Washington, D.C., itself, which she said could taint the jury pool. The March 4 date complicates Trump's already full calendar, which, along with events for the 2024 GOP presidential primary, includes several civil and criminal cases before summer 2024. Chutkan said she had already warned the judge in Trumps New York City criminal case that she was considering a date that would interfere with the March 25 start date of his trial over an alleged hush-money payment made to a porn actor in the final days of the 2016 campaign. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The News A federal judge set a March 4, 2024 trial date for former U.S. President Donald Trump s case related to Jan. 6 and the 2020 election. Trumps team had requested for the trial to begin in April 2026, while federal prosecutors had asked for it to begin on Jan. 2, 2024. During Mondays hearing, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said both proposals were obviously very far apart and that neither were acceptable. March 4 is a day before Super Tuesday in the Republican primary for president. Trump is accused of operating a criminal scheme to reverse his 2020 election loss, and faces four federal charges: 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. Know More A March 4 trial is likely to overlap with Trumps Stormy Daniels hush money case out of New York, where a judge scheduled the trial to begin March 25. Chutkan reportedly said she spoke to the judge in that case and let him know the cases might overlap. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement March 4 is also the trial date proposed by prosecutors in Georgia, where Trump was indicted earlier this month on election interference-related charges. But legal experts have acknowledged that would be a difficult timeline to follow given the scope of the Georgia case, which includes 19 defendants. A judge has not yet set a trial date for the Georgia case, but March 4 appears to be off the table. Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday set a March 4 trial date for former President Donald Trump 's election conspiracy case in Washington D.C., The Associated Press reports. Chutkan denied Trump lawyers' bid to push the trial until April 2026 but set a date later than the January 2 start date proposed by special counsel Jack Smith. "These proposals are obviously very far apart," she said. "Neither of them is acceptable." Trump attorney John Lauro argued that the date was unfair to the former president. "We will certainly abide by your honor's ruling, as we must. We will not be able to provide adequate representation ... the trial date will deny President Trump the opportunity to have effective assistance of counsel," he said, according to Politico's Kyle Cheney. Chutkan agreed that Trump needs more than five months to prepare, referring to the DOJ's recommendation, but said that the date proposed by Trump is "far" too long, arguing that the public has a right to a speedy trial in the case. "Mr. Trump is represented by a team of zealous, experienced attorneys. And has the resources necessary to review the discovery I've seen many cases delayed because the defendant lacks adequate representation. That is not the case here," Chutkan said, according to CBS News' Scott MacFarlane. Chutkan earlier in the hearing told the Trump attorney that his presidential campaign would have no bearing on the schedule. "Setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendant's personal and professional obligations. Mr. Trump, like any defendant, will have to make the trial date work regardless of his schedule," she said, according to The Guardian's Hugo Lowell. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confiscated three more guns of the driver who drew a handgun on a cyclist in a viral road rage incident, following the revocation of the motorist's gun permits. In a video posted on Monday, PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said they revoked on Sunday the License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Firearm Registration (FR), and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) of the motorist, identified as Wilfredo Gonzales. Gonzales drew his firearm, loaded it, and pointed it at an unarmed cyclist near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Aug. 8, the PNP Civil Security Group said in a statement. A video of the incident went viral on Sunday. "This morning, we confiscated the firearms under the name of Mr. Gonzales, which consist of four firearms three caliber 45 and one 9 millimeter pistol," Lucas said. Gonzales, who was seen driving a red sedan, said he had already settled the issue with the biker before the video went viral. He, however, did not disclose details of their agreement. The PNP also confirmed that based on their records, Gonzales is a former police officer. He was dismissed in 2018. The now-deleted video showed Gonzales confronting the cyclist who had bumped his vehicle, hitting the cyclist on the head, and drawing his handgun. Gonzales said he "voluntarily" surrendered the gun to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Aug. 8. Lucas said the QCPD would turn over the gun to the FEO. "As a reminder to all licensed citizens, it is of utmost importance to be responsible gun owners at all timesThe possession and ownership of firearms are not absolute rights but rather a privilege," the PNP said. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against Gonzales after his video went online, while LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza also ordered an investigation into the incident. The LTO said its initial findings showed Gonzales was not the registered owner of the vehicle he was driving during the incident. Gonzales and the car owner are to face the LTO on Aug. 31 to explain why they should not be facing complaints of Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Quezon City mayor's appeal Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is urging the cyclist to come forward and coordinate with the city government in filing necessary complaints. In a statement, Belmonte said she also ordered the city's People's Law Enforcement Board to probe how the QCPD handled the case, expressing dismay on why the Galas Police Station allowed the incident to quickly in an amicable settlement. "We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzale[s], whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable," she said. Belmonte said the local government would extend legal assistance to the biker and they would put him and his family "in our protection," stressing she would "not allow this case to be whitewashed." She also assured the biking community in Quezon City that "the city is willing to exhaust all means to demonstrate to them that we will act in their interest and in the pursuit of justice." "Should the biker come forward, the city is looking into filing possible complaints such as Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Imprudence, Physical Injuries, Violations of Republic Act 10591 or absence of a License to Own and Possess a Firearm; absence of Permit to Carry," the statement read. The city government said it also has an ordinance that penalizes motorists obstructing bicycle lanes and walking paths. CNN Philippines senior correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report. Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts via AP, Getty Images (2), Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images Jan. 6 election interference Judge sets March 4 trial date for Jan. 6 case against Trump Key players: U.S. Judge Tanya Chutkan, special counsel Jack Smith Chutkan ruled Monday that the trial of former President Donald Trump on charges that he illegally sought to overturn his loss in the 2020 election would begin on March 4, 2024, Reuters reported. That start date falls one day prior to Super Tuesday, when 14 states will vote in the Republican presidential primary. Trumps lawyers argued that the trial shouldnt begin until April 2026 because they need more time to review the governments evidence in the case during the busy campaign schedule. Mr. Trump will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule," Chutkan said Monday. Trump faces four criminal counts: conspiracy to violate civil rights, conspiracy to defraud the government, corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to carry out that obstruction. Smiths team had asked for the trial to begin on Jan. 2, 2024. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Why it matters: Scheduling the trial in March means it is possible that the case could be argued in court and a verdict rendered prior to the November presidential election. Georgia election interference Trump and 18 co-defendants will be arraigned in Georgia on Sept. 6 Key players: Trump, Judge Scott McAfee, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis According to court documents released Monday, Trump and his 18 co-defendants will be arraigned in Fulton County, Ga., on Wednesday, Sept. 6, on charges that they conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state, CBS News reported. At 9:30 a.m. ET, the former president is scheduled to be the first of those charged to be arraigned, though Trump could seek a court waiver to avoid appearing in person. Giuliani is scheduled to appear at 9:45 a.m. The other defendants will then appear in 15-minute increments until 3:15 p.m. All are expected to enter pleas of not guilty. Willis has requested an October start date for the trial against Trump and his co-defendants. McAfee has yet to rule on when the proceedings will begin. Why it matters: Trumps legal calendar is quickly filling up. In addition to the March 4 start date announced in the Jan. 6 election interference case, the former president will face 34 felony counts of falsification of business records in New York that same month. In May, he is scheduled to be tried on 40 felony counts related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Mark Meadows takes the stand Key players: Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Judge Steve C. Jones Meadows took the stand Monday in an attempt to have the Georgia charges against him moved from state to federal court, ABC News reported. Meadows testified that everything he did in Georgia, including pressuring election officials to speed up their counting and arranging a phone call between Trump and Raffensperger, was part of his role as chief of staff. During that call, Trump asked Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes, the approximate margin of Joe Bidens victory in the Peach State. Prosecutors argued that Meadowss actions were outside the lawful scope of his authority. Why it matters: If Meadows and other defendants succeed in getting their cases moved to federal court, they could benefit from a larger jury pool that would include potential jurors from outside Fulton County. They could also be eligible for federal pardons if found guilty. Read more: Bloomberg: When will Trump be in court? These are the dates to watch. New Republic: Let the flipping begin: Key witness in classified docs case turns against Trump Los Angeles Times: How much is Trumps mug shot worth? Over $7 million, campaign says. Former President Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to either impeach President Biden or fade into oblivion. The Republicans in Congress, though well meaning, keep talking about an Impeachment Inquiry on Crooked Joe Biden. Look, the guy got bribed, he paid people off, and he wouldnt give One Billion Dollars to Ukraine unless they got rid of the Prosecutor, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Biden is a Stone Cold Crook You dont need a long INQUIRY to prove it, its already proven, he continued. These lowlifes Impeached me TWICE (I WON!), and Indicted me FOUR TIMES For NOTHING! Either IMPEACH the BUM, or fade into OBLIVION. THEY DID IT TO US! Trump in a subsequent post said that he NEVER HAD AN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY, I HAD AN IMPEACHMENT, WHICH I WON! IT WAS STARTED IMMEDIATELY, NO MEETINGS, NO STUDY, NO DELAYS. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement THE LUNATIC FASCHISTS & MARXISTS PLAY THE GAME DIFFERENTLY, he added. THEY ARE OUT TO DESTROY AMERICA. MAGA! House Republicans have floated opening an impeachment inquiry into Biden for months, and some members have signaled that they are ready to do so. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told Fox Business recently the lower chamber could launch an impeachment inquiry when it reconvenes in September. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee, led by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) has been looking into the Biden familys foreign business dealings. During the August recess, the committee has released transcripts of committee interviews and sent requests for information. If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry, McCarthy said Sunday on Fox Businesss Sunday Morning Futures. Trump is the only president in U.S. history to be impeached twice. He was acquitted both times in the Senate. He has repeatedly called on Biden to be impeached, questioning on the campaign trail why Congress has not done it yet. Updated at 10:28 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Trump and his allies are looking to weaponize his mounting legal woes after he and 18 co-defendants were indicted Monday night by a grand jury in Georgia on charges related to interference in the 2020 presidential election, the fourth criminal case brought against Trump this year. The 98-page indictment alleges Trump and his allies pushed a pressure campaign against Georgia election officials to reverse the former presidents 2020 loss and put forth an alternative slate of electors to assert he had won. The charges facing the former president include multiple counts of conspiracy, soliciting a public officer to violate their oath of office and racketeering a statute normally associated with mobsters. Trump lashed out at investigators even before the indictment was handed up and did not waste any time in responding, denouncing the indictment itself as election interference intended to hurt him as he runs in the 2024 presidential race. He re-raised arguments he made in the aftermath of the other three indictments, saying that they show a double standard of the justice system specifically targeting him. The former presidents allies will now likely seek to capitalize on the indictment, painting a picture of a weaponized federal government in order to help Trump lock up the Republican nomination for the presidency and try to set up a path back to the White House. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Saul Anuzis, a Republican strategist and former Michigan GOP chairman, said he thinks Trump has done a very good job of framing his legal woes, facilitating his supporters to buy into his premise of two-tiered, targeted justice. More from The Hill Most of these indictments right now are being viewed by his supporters as being politically motivated, Anuzis said. I think, until they actually come to fruition somehow, they are probably helping him solidify his base [and getting] others to think he is unfairly being treated, Anuzis said of the four indictments, but he noted that Trump can still take advantage of them via fundraising or media attention if they do progress further. After more than two years of investigation led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) into Trump and his allies attempts to intervene in his reelection loss in the state, Trump is now facing 13 new charges, bringing Trumps tally across his four indictments this year to 91 criminal counts. No, I didnt tamper with the election! Those who rigged & stole the election were the ones doing the tampering, & they are the slime that should be prosecuted, Trump wrote in one Truth Social post. Trump and his campaign have argued that the Georgia case could have been brought years ago, alleging that the indictment comes now as election interference as Trump tries to get back to the White House in 2024. The former president has similarly dismissed each of the indictments hes faced so far and pleaded not guilty to all charges at arraignments for the first three cases. An arraignment for the Georgia case has yet to occur. Trump was first indicted in April on charges of falsifying business records following an investigation from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D). After two probes led by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, Trump faces charges related to his classified and sensitive document handling, as well as charges related to the 2020 transfer of power surrounding Jan. 6, 2021. Judges appointed by Republican lawmakers are overseeing two of Trumps four criminal cases: Judge Scott McAfee, appointed by Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, will handle the states case against Trump, and Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon is presiding over Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents case. To Trump supporters looking at the legal battles, which Anuzis described as all from very partisan [district attorneys] and anti-Trump sectors, the latest indictment in and of itself does appear to be a way to weaponize the legal system against Trump, he said. Trump himself has made those arguments, bashing Bragg, Smith and Willis and arguing that hes the target of a witch hunt. The former president also moved immediately to fundraise off his first federal indictment, framing it as an existential threat and warning that we are watching our Republic DIE before our very eyes. Trump has threatened to appoint a special prosecutor to go after President Biden and his family if he were reelected. As a 2016 presidential candidate, Trump regularly stoked chants of lock her up against his opponent, Hillary Clinton, and called for her to be investigated and jailed. He also said at a 2016 campaign rally that a president under an indictment would cause a constitutional crisis, as first noted by CNN. With all of his legal challenges, hes used a similar tactic, which is to cast it as a political prosecution that hes being targeted, that the justice system is treating him one way and treating the Bidens and others differently, said GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak. That message has been pretty consistent, irrespective of the charges, the specific charges, the jurisdiction, the people involved, he said, arguing that tactic has been pretty successful at rallying Republicans as Trump campaigns for 2024. I think hes gonna be really consistent and use this to fundraise, Ron Bonjean, a GOP strategist and former Senate leadership aide, said of Trump and his indictment messaging, adding that the former president will use his grassroots MAGA supporters to try to really capitalize on this significant moment. Bonjean said alleged political persecution is the only topic Trump has been able to remain on message with when addressing voters. Nineteen people [indicted] tonight, including the former President of the United States, me, by an out of control and very corrupt District Attorney who campaigned and raised money on, I will get Trump, Trump said of the Georgia charges in another Truth Social post. Trump also referenced an incident Monday in which Reuters published a premature report of the indictment. The outlet later clarified that the Georgia courts website briefly posted a document listing criminal charges before taking the document down without explanation. The charges that the document listed ultimately were the charges that the grand jury approved for Trump later in the day. The Fulton County clerks office later said in a statement that the document was a sample working document being used for a trial run. And what about those Indictment Documents put out today, long before the Grand Jury even voted, and then quickly withdrawn? Sounds Rigged to me! Trump said. Others in the GOP have piled on to back up Trumps claims as each of his latest legal complications have come down. Trump has been indicted again. Every time there is bad news about Hunter and Joe Biden, another Trump indictment immediately followsdo they think the American people are stupid? Its beyond belief total weaponization, said Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) after the news of the Georgia charges. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused Biden and Democrats of weaponizing the justice system because they are afraid of the voters. This is disgraceful, it is wrong, and it is an abuse of power by angry Democrats who have decided the rule of law doesnt matter to them, he said during an appearance on Fox News. All of these communist indictments are about silencing President Trumps speech and ultimately YOUR free speech, said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Greene called out a clarification on the indictment document that had been prematurely shared, writing, Fani Willis thinks were stupid. The charges against President Trump were published on a government website, now they are fictitious??? But Republican strategists predict that Trumps long-standing framing of the legal woes as a witch hunt will likely mean this fourth indictment doesnt alienate his base or even tip the scales for some undecided voters. I dont think theres that many undecided people that are being moved by this. I do not believe any of his supporters are pulling away because of it. And for his opponents, its just one more talking point, Anuzis said. Bonjean, though, underscored that the stacking indictments could be crucial during the general election if Trump wins the GOP nomination and goes against likely Democratic nominee President Biden as the former president looks to secure swing voters. This is not helpful for swing voters. I mean, swing voters are looking at the landslide of indictments, Bonjean said. And that does work against him in a general election. But right now he can easily play the victim. Mackowiak said the effectiveness of Trumps strategy of focusing on alleged political motives and not on the specifics of the case will become more limited as the general election approaches, and as the various cases progress. What will be interesting to see is whether his political strategy ultimately starts to diverge, and whether theyre able to thread that needle. Generally, lawyers dont want you talking about active litigation, active cases, he said. Were in a unique circumstance here where we have an active candidate for president of the United States running for president again. And so, hes gonna want to both win in court and with public opinion, with the electorate, and those two things may be in direct conflict here before too long. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump s standing in the Republican presidential primary race dropped slightly in a poll taken after he skipped his partys first debate and was booked in a Georgia jail on felony charges, although he remains the frontrunner. Most Read from Bloomberg In a survey taken on Friday and Saturday by Emerson College Polling, Trump had the support of 50% of Republican primary voters, down six percentage points from a pre-debate survey by the same pollster. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The poll also showed slight increases for several other candidates, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis up two points to 12%, former Vice President Mike Pence up four points to 7% and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley up five points to 7%. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, meantime, dropped one point to 9% despite drawing attention for his debate performance. While Trump saw a slight dip in support, the question from this poll is whether this is a blip for Trump or if the other Republican candidates will be able to rally enough support to be competitive for the caucus and primary season, said Emerson Executive Director Spencer Kimball. The poll of 1,000 registered voters nationwide was conducted Aug. 25-26. It has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Former president Donald Trump warned that Republicans could face OBLIVION if they do not impeach President Joe Biden on charges rooted in false claims. The twice-impeached, four-times-indicted former president posted on his Truth Social platform that Republicans need to move beyond an impeachment inquiry of the president. The Republicans in Congress, though well meaning, keep talking about an Impeachment Inquiry on Crooked Joe Biden. Look, the guy got bribed, he paid people off, and he wouldnt give One Billion Dollars to Ukraine unless they got rid of the Prosecutor, he posted. Mr Trump was referring to claims that Mr Biden, who was then vice president, urged Ukraines then-president Petro Poroshenko to fire Ukraines top prosecutor Viktor Shokin as a means to protect his son Hunter Biden from an investigation Mr Shokin was conducting into Burisma. At the time, Hunter Biden sat on the board of Burisma. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Mr Shokin has claimed he was fired because of this, even though Mr Biden was repeating not only the wishes of then-president Barack Obama, but also the wishes of the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and other international organisations. Mr Trump later asked Ukraines next president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to investigate the claims in exchange for defence aid money for the country, which led to his first impeachment trial. Biden is a Stone Cold Crook-You dont need a long INQUIRY to prove it, its already proven. These lowlifes Impeached me TWICE (I WON!), and Indicted me FOUR TIMES - For NOTHING! Either IMPEACH the BUM, or fade into OBLIVION. THEY DID IT TO US! Republicans have been aggressively investigating claims that Mr Biden was bribed but have not been able to find a clear link or claim of impropriety on behalf of Mr Biden when he was vice president. Mr Trumps words come as as he faces four indictments: one on charges related to hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in New York County; a federal indictment for his handling of documents related to national defence; another federal indictment for his scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election results; and charges with 18 others in Fulton County, Georgia for his attempt to overturn the election results in the state. Donald Trump s election interference case is set to begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday. District Judge Tanya Chutkan made the decision on Monday. The trial date makes Trumps upcoming campaign calendar incredibly tricky. Super Tuesday is one of the most important days in the primary calendar. It is the day when the largest number of states hold primary elections and caucuses. Trump will have a harder time rallying voters ahead of Super Tuesday because he needs to prepare for the trial. Trump was indicted for his role in the January 6 insurrection and other attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, one of four indictments. He faces four counts that include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to corruptly obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against the right to vote. Special counsel Jack Smith, who investigated Trump for this indictment and for his alleged mishandling of classified documents, requested that the trial begin in January. Trumps team proposed the trial begin in April 2026, well after the presidential election. The hope was likely that Trump would have been re-elected by then and could avoid federal charges. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement These proposals are obviously very far apart, Chutkan said Monday. Neither of them is acceptable. She said Trump will have to prioritize the trial, and the schedule will not change based on his professional obligations, meaning campaign events. She pointed out that this is no different from how she would treat any other defendant. This trial will also land just two months before Trumps trial in the classified documents case. The second trial, which is set for May 20, is expected to take two weeks. If it does, it will overlap with primaries in Kentucky and Oregon. The schedule also would leave no time to host events ahead of primaries in Washington, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota, which will all occur immediately after the trial. This article has been updated. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump s Washington trial over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election was set for March 4 the day before the Super Tuesday primaries central to his bid to regain the White House. Most Read from Bloomberg US District Judge Tanya Chutkan announced the date on Monday after hearing arguments in the federal case, in which Trump is charged with conspiring to obstruct the election. Special Counsel John Jack Smiths office had asked to start on Jan. 2, kicking off Trumps crowded campaign and legal calendar next year. Trump argued to delay the trial until April 2026, long after voters decide whether the former president will get a second term. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Chutkan said during the hearing that while Jan. 2 would be too soon, Trumps proposed date is far beyond what is necessary and risked witnesses becoming unavailable and memories fading. She said the public had a right to a prompt resolution. Setting schedules in the four criminal cases facing Trump has been an early source of conflict, especially as the presidential primary season picks up. Super Tuesday is the day 14 states, including delegate-rich Texas and California, hold their contests. And its only a few weeks before Trump is scheduled to stand trial in New York on March 25 on state charges that he falsified business records in connection with hush money payments to a porn star. Then, on May 20, he is scheduled to go to trial on federal charges that he mishandled classified documents and conspired to obstruct government efforts to get them back. Read More: Trump Faces Prospect of Up to Six Trials During Primary Season Trump, 77, has pleaded not guilty to the charges in all of the cases and has denounced them all as politically motivated attacks. In a social media post on his Truth Social platform Monday, Trump called the trial schedule just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY, and added, I will APPEAL! Trial date orders typically cant be appealed, and at the hearing his lawyer John Lauro didnt tell the judge the defense planned to pursue such a course. Due Process Lauro did lay the groundwork for an appeal if Trump is convicted. He told the judge that while Trumps defense team would abide by her order, it couldnt provide adequate representation within that time frame, and that Trump would be denied his right to effective counsel and due process. Lauro also offered a preview of the defenses strategy. He said he planned to argue, among other things, that this is a selective prosecution aimed at helping President Joe Bidens re-election bid, that Trump is entitled to executive immunity given his position as president during key events in the indictment, and that the specific charges cant apply to the alleged facts. He said the defense might ask to pause the entire case while it pressed the immunity claim, and signaled it was an issue Trumps lawyers were prepared to take to the US Supreme Court a process that could take months. Read More: Trump Georgia Trial Could Start Day Before Super Tuesday Prosecutor Molly Gaston had argued the judge should set a date as soon as the defense could reasonably be ready, because Trumps online posts attacking the integrity of the court and citizens of Washington risked prejudicing the potential jury pool. Later in the hearing, Chutkan said she would be watching for anything that might affect the courts ability to seat a jury. 12.8 Million Pages Gaston pushed back on a years-long schedule, saying the government had already turned over the vast majority of evidence totaling roughly 12.8 million pages, though she added the US didnt believe that was the best measure of the defenses workload. Gaston said the evidence included a road map to the governments case: an annotated version of the indictment that matched pieces of evidence to paragraphs in charging papers. That material was part of a core set of 47,000 pages of key documents turned over to Trumps team, Gaston said. Lauro had called the idea that they could get to trial in four months an outrage to justice. Raising his voice at times, he argued the defense needed far more time to prepare. He rebuffed the governments claim that Trumps lawyers had plenty of notice about the evidence and expected charges, given the earlier congressional investigation into the 2020 election and secret fights over grand jury testimony before the indictment. Chutkan at one point asked Lauro to take the temperature down. She questioned why it wouldnt speed up preparation to have evidence produced electronically in an easy-to-search format. Lauro said it was still a gargantuan amount of material to absorb. Judges Talking Chutkan said she had spoken to Manhattan State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan about the schedule in the hush money case, but didnt share details about that conversation. When asked if Merchan would delay the New York state trial, a court spokesman confirmed the judge had spoken with Chutkan about the two trials on Thursday and that at this time there is nothing further to impart. A spokeswoman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to comment. In an earlier interview Bragg suggested he might be open to changing the schedule in New York, depending on what happened in the other cases, saying he wouldnt sit on ceremony in terms of what was charged first or things like that. In Atlanta, where Trump most recently was indicted on state charges related to his efforts to overturn the election, his legal team is expected to fight a request by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to start the trial in October. Prosecutors had originally asked for an early-March date but moved that up after one of Trumps co-defendants invoked his right to a speedy trial schedule. The Washington election case is US v. Trump, 23-cr-257, US District Court, District of Columbia. --With assistance from Patricia Hurtado. (Adds Trumps reaction to trial date in first section and judges discussing schedules in last.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Trump has been indicted 4 times in state and federal court in 2023 alone. One of his attorneys, Alina Habba , said he won't need to be "prep much" for his upcoming trials. She said he's "not your average person" and "incredibly intelligent," so he should be fine. An attorney for former President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Trump will not need "much prep" at all for his impending cases in state and federal court. On "Fox News Sunday," host Shannon Bream asked one of Trump's go-to attorneys, Alina Habba, how his legal team plans to prepare the embattled former president for his upcoming trials in four criminal cases in jurisdictions across the country. Trump has been charged with 91 felonies in Georgia, New York, Florida, and Washington, DC, over allegations he worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election, paid "hush money" to an adult film star, and mishandled classified documents after his time in office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In response to Bream's question, Habba said preparing Trump for the trials simply won't be an issue as Trump is "not your average person," "incredibly intelligent," and "knows the ropes." She said she believes Trump is well aware of the facts of the various cases and will not need to "prep much" for the trials amidst his presidential campaign. Trump has a massive lead in the race to become the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nominee. According to an average of national polls deemed "major" by FiveThirtyEight, Trump brings in an average of 49.2% support, or 34.2 percentage points more than the candidate in second place, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But he did lose some support in national polls after he declined to appear at the first GOP presidential debate on August 23, which he skipped to instead appear on a pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson. In the event that Trump wins the Republican presidential nomination but is also convicted in any of his cases, his dreams of re-joining the White House may not be completely dashed two presidential candidates have run for office from behind bars and six of the eight GOP candidates at the recent debate said they'd still support him if he gets convicted after clinching the nomination. Read the original article on Business Insider Vivek Ramaswamy , a candidate for the presidential nomination from the Republican Party of the USA, who is in the top three in terms of popularity among Republican supporters, promises to recognize the Russian occupation of Ukraine and block its path to NATO if elected president. Source: Ramaswamy in the programme article for The American Conservative Details: Part of the material concerning Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine repeats the thesis expressed by the Republican that the greatest danger for the United States is the rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing. At the same time, Ramaswamy draws parallels with the foreign policy of Richard Nixon (who decided to establish diplomatic relations with the PRC to oppose its rapprochement with the USSR and, incidentally, got involved in the war in Vietnam). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Quote: "As U.S. president, I will respect and revive Nixons legacy by rejecting the bloodthirsty blather of the useful idiots who preach a no-win war in Ukraine that forces our two great power foes ever closer." More details: Ramaswamy thinks that "the longer the war in Ukraine goes on, it becomes ever clearer that there is only one winner: China." Therefore, the candidate for the Republican nomination in the presidential elections in the USA wants to repeat Nixon's act and go to Moscow in 2025 to "deliver peace in Ukraine" on "terms that put American interests first". Quote: "To that end, I will accept Russian control of the occupied territories and pledge to block Ukraines candidacy for NATO in exchange for Russia exiting its military alliance with China. I will end sanctions and bring Russia back into the world market. In this way, I will elevate Russia as a strategic check on Chinas designs in East Asia." For reference: 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy is the youngest candidate to participate in the presidential elections in the United States from the Republicans. He was previously engaged in a successful business in the biotechnology field. Ramaswamy views himself as a libertarian in his views, but simultaneously actively opposes the so-called "leftism" a set of progressive policies to fight discrimination. Although Ramaswamy was not involved in politics before the current campaign, his approval rate now hovers around 5-6%, and the media regularly interview him. At the first and so far the last debate of the Republican candidates most of the audience preferred Ramaswamy to Trump's most likely rival Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. 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! Trump's election interference trial date is set for the day before Super Tuesday. Such a timeline injects a huge level of potential chaos into the GOP presidential race. But Trump has indicated that he would fight through his charges and won't drop his 2024 bid. Former President Donald Trump will face one of his four criminal trials during the 2024 presidential race, as US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a March 4, 2024, trial date just one day before the highly consequential Super Tuesday contests. In the case regarding Trump's efforts to overturn now-President Joe Biden's 2020 presidential victory, Chutkan didn't heed arguments made by the former president's legal team, who tried to make the case for a April 2026 trial. "You're not going to get two more years. This case is not going to trial in 2026," the judge told Trump's legal team on Monday, according to MSNBC. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In making her decision, Chutkan said that she wasn't taking the 2024 GOP presidential into consideration. And setting the start of the trial one day before one of the most critical dates on the primary calendar would seemingly affirm her thinking. "Mr. Trump, like any defendant will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule," she said on Monday. Chutkan set the March date after prosecutors spoke of the need for a speedy trial given Trump's public comments about his pending cases which they feel could tarnish the jury pool. But regardless of the trial date, Trump is going full speed ahead on his campaign, and with his continued dominance of the GOP field, he shows no signs of stopping his bid. Super Tuesday is especially important, as the results could show Trump having effectively locked up the nomination or in the process of doing so. Read the original article on Business Insider Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) Ombudsman Samuel Martires stood by his offices decision to file graft charges, and not plunder, against officials and private individuals involved in the alleged anomalous purchase of billions of pesos worth of medical supplies from start-up Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. in 2020. Martires said there was simply no evidence that would constitute the crime of plunder in the transactions covered in the resolution. Sino sa kanila, sa mga public officer dalawa lang naman silang medyo high-ranking and that is (former Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service head Christopher) Lao and (former PS-DBM procurement group director Warren) Liong ang nag-amass ng ill-gotten wealth? Martires told reporters on Monday. Wala naman on record na nagsasabing nangomisyon 'yung dalawa, ang maliwanag sa records is that PS-DBM favored Pharmally, he added. [Translation: Which of these public officers and there are only two who are high-ranking and that is Lao and Liong amassed ill-gotten wealth? There is nothing on record that says they received a commission, what's clear is that PS-DBM favored Pharmally.] The Ombudsman approved the finding of probable cause to file graft charges against Lao, Liong, and 11 others for unwarranted benefit to Pharmally in the purchase of thousands of RT-PCR test kits despite the companys small capital and lack of experience. Senator Francis Escudero questioned why the Ombudsman did not recommend plunder charges considering the amount involved is more than the threshold of P50 million for the non-bailable offense. Former Senator Richard Gordon, who led the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into the Pharmally deals, also asked why plunder was not recommended. He also questioned why other big players were not included in the respondents, such as Michael Yang and Lin Wei Xiong who were identified as financial backers for Pharmally. Yang, a Chinese national who was based in Davao City, was connected to former President Rodrigo Duterte as his special economic adviser in 2018. Martires, however, said he cannot file cases against individuals based on testimonial evidence alone. Ang hirap nun patunayan sa husgado eh iyong he said, she said. There should be concrete evidence. If our purpose is to harass an individual, we can do that, pero kung ganyan ang magiging role ng Ombudsman, magre-resign na lang siguro ako, Martires said. [Translation: He said, she said it is difficult to prove in court. There should be concrete evidence. If our purpose is to harass an individual, we can do that, but if that's going to be the role of the Ombudsman, then maybe I would resign.] Martires said he plans to proceed with the filing of the Pharmally cases before the Sandiganbayan without waiting for parties to file a motion for reconsideration to avoid possible dismissal over inordinate delay. Inordinate delay can lead to the dismissal of a case against a defendant who invokes his constitutional right to a speedy trial. The timing would seem less than ideal for someone seeking the presidency. Donald Trump 's trial in federal court on charges he allegedly tried to steal the 2020 election was scheduled on Monday to begin one day before the biggest primary date on the 2024 GOP presidential calendar, Super Tuesday. But the real electoral peril for Trump and opportunity for his chief opponent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may not be over that stretch of 48 hours in early March 2024 when 15 states hold their votes. It could come in the subsequent weeks, when the state where Trump faces another legal peril holds its election and, later, when the state Trump and DeSantis both call home holds an election of its own. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The week after Super Tuesday is the primary in Georgia, a place where GOP voters have not been shy about spurning Trump in recent primaries and where Trump is on trial for his efforts to overturn that states election results. The week after that, on March 19, is when things could get really interesting. Florida is DeSantis home base and a big delegate prize. It will be holding its primary alongside Arizona, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio. And per the Republican National Committee's rules, the March 19 primaries are the first ones that will be winner-take-all in which the first-place candidate captures all of the states delegates, rather than dividing them proportionally. That sets up a real political tripwire for Trump: the possibility that he could be cooped up in a Northwest D.C. courtroom instead of on the hustings. Should he stumble ever so slightly on Super Tuesday and need to turn things around, the subsequent few weeks could be a uniquely dangerous time for his chances at a third consecutive nomination. One could make the case that the same would be true for Super Tuesday itself. But the fact is that yanking the former president off the campaign trail 24 hours before primary day in 15 states is unlikely to change the dynamics in those states. Yes, Super Tuesday includes the two most populous (and delegate-rich) states in the nation: California and Texas. But in both states, significant numbers of voters will have already cast their ballots by the time Election Day comes around. Texas has robust early voting, even among Republicans. And California's elections are conducted almost entirely by mail. As of now, Trump is still well ahead of DeSantis and the other GOP challengers, both nationally and in the early states. Perhaps more consequentially for the race, his operation has proven deft at turning his legal foibles into political benefits, something it tried to do in a fundraising email shortly after the trial date was set. "The Obama-appointed judge has scheduled a TRIAL DATE in the Biden DOJs witch hunt against me on the DAY BEFORE SUPER TUESDAY when I am expected to be declared the PRESUMPTIVE GOP nominee for President, the email read. But in setting the March 4 trial date, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan made it so that Trumps political and legal paths will firmly cross and no longer be moving largely in parallel lines. And she refused to consider how the trial will affect Trumps campaign. Setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendants personal and professional obligations, Chutkan said during the court proceedings. Mr. Trump, like any defendant, will have to make the trial date work regardless of his schedule. There is some evidence that Trumps team was hoping to avoid just this. For starters, his campaign operation is spending millions on legal fees, though it has also been able to effectively fundraise off of his indictments and arraignments too. More specifically, his legal team had initially requested an April 2026 trial for this specific election interference trial, a timeline that Chutkan dismissed as far beyond what is necessary. It may, in the end, be a moot point. Without major changes in the race's dynamics, Trump could essentially clinch the nomination on Super Tuesday, leaving Georgia and Florida voters with no capacity to change the course of the race. But if DeSantis or another Republican emerges as a real threat to Trump in the early voting states, the race could turn on Trump's trial. Kyle Cheney contributed to this report. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) During the 12-year period between 1986 and 1998, there were three Tennessee State University students who vanished without a trace, and whose disappearances remain unsolved. Then 20-year-old Alice Mae Sullivan was a sophomore business major at the historically Black university in Nashville in 1986. According to investigators, Sullivan moved to Nashville from Gallatin and was living at Town Terrace Apartments with her young son and boyfriend. Unsolved cases: 18 missing people who disappeared from Nashville She left for school around 8 a.m. on Aug. 28, 1986, and was supposed to return home around 1 p.m., but hasnt been seen since that morning. Investigators know that Sullivan attended classes in the morning hours, but much of the timeline in-between remains unclear. Alice Mae Sullivan (File photo) She was last seen around 10 a.m. in one of her friends dormitory rooms in Hankal Hall. Her friend told police Sullivan was alone in her room when she left for her own classes. Sullivan may have also been spotted walking near the universitys Gentry Center that day. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Her parents traveled to Nashville the next day to report her missing after Sullivans boyfriend told them she hadnt come home. Sullivan was close with her parents, who have previously stated that they dont think she would have left without warning. Police suspect that there may have been foul play involved in her disappearance, but have not officially named any suspects, despite there being a few people of interest in the case. TN Missing: TSU senior missing since 1998 Now, 37 years since Sullivan disappeared, Metro Nashville Police Cold Case Detective Matthew Filter said in an email there have been no new tips or developments. But Sullivan is not the only TSU student whose disappearance remains unsolved. Then 20-year-old Donald Johnson vanished just a little over three years later. Although an enrolled student, Johnson was suspended from attending classes because of financial problems. He was last seen at Boyd Hall, a dormitory on the universitys campus, on Nov. 18, 1989. From left to right, Alice Mae Sullivan, Marcus Rutledge, Donald Johnson (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) About nine years passed before the next unsolved disappearance. Marcus Rutledge, a 23-year-old senior at TSU, was reported missing by his girlfriend on June 8, 1998, after she was unable to get ahold of him and couldnt find him at his apartment on Park Dale Drive. Investigators said his dog was found shut in the bathroom with no food and only the toilet to drink from, which was out of character for Rutledge. His car, a 1995 Plymouth Neon, was found about a month later in an apartment complex on the west side of Nashville. UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries No one has heard from or seen Johnson or Rutledge since. All three cases remain open, with the students now close to or in their 50s. Sullivan, who would be 57 years old today, was wearing black jeans, a white shirt and a black silk jacket when she was last seen. She is 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs about 90 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on any of these cases is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-CRIME (615-742-7463). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Scoop Warner Bros. Discoverys search for an outsider to run CNN has taken it to two high-profile veterans of the BBC. Semafor broke the news last week that a leading contender for the job is Mark Thompson, the former New York Times and BBC chief. But the company has also spoken to another prominent British journalist, James Harding, who led BBC News from 2013 to 2017 and then founded the British digital media outlet Tortoise. The news of an imminent appointment has come as a surprise inside CNN, where many staffers expected the current, three-person interim leadership to last until the 2024 U.S. election. But hopefuls have been lobbying Zaslav for months, in at least one case through his lawyer and confidant Allen Grubman, a person familiar with the process said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But Thompson who presided over high-wire television in London and led a corporate turnaround at the Times is Zaslavs leading candidate for the role, a person familiar with the recruiting process confirmed after Puck first reported Friday that Zaslav has made up his mind. Maxs view The challenges that the next leader of CNN will inherit have been in full view over the past several weeks as the streaming television business convulsed and the network lost market share to MSNBC amid the rolling indictments of former President Donald Trump . While CNN previously competed with MSNBC on big Trump-related breaking news days, the liberal network has begun to pull away significantly on these days: MSNBC was number one the night of Trumps arrest in Georgia, while Rachel Maddows Hillary Clinton interview on the night of Trumps indictment in Georgia drew nearly 4 million viewers. By contrast, CNN has barely broken one million viewers in certain primetime hours, a far cry from the networks primetime ratings during the first years of the Trump administration. At one point during Wednesday nights broadcast covering former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis surrender to a jail in Fulton County, Georgia, CNN broke away to cover the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin a reasonable news choice, but an obvious ratings killer. Surrendering those viewers was, at least for a time, part of the plan. Zaslav and former CEO Chris Licht decided to cede the anti-Trump viewers former CNN chief Jeff Zucker won from MSNBC, in hopes of restoring CNNs centrist brand and winning back some conservative viewers. But the strategy has failed to find a new audience of people who watch cable television, and Ive sensed palpable apprehension within the network about the failure to benefit from the Trump indictment bump. Meanwhile, after scrapping CNN+ last year, earlier this week, the company announced that CNN would launch a 24-hour livestream channel on the streaming platform Max. CNNs next president will face several daunting questions: Will the network tack back to a more confrontational stance on Donald Trump to goose ratings? Can the 24-hour stream inside Max possibly justify its cost versus cheaper and more popular programming? And will the Warner chief be able to convince a high-profile and respected candidate to take a job that will likely involve years of cost-cutting and layoffs as the cable business inevitably shrinks? Still, the pull of the iconic American news brand is strong perhaps especially to British media figures. And the breadth of the search reflects a moment when media giants have been looking for executives outside the traditional ladder of their own top producers. Last year, NBC News hired Rebecca Blumenstein, a New York Times veteran with no senior level television experience, to head up the network. Notable In last weeks media newsletter , Semafor reported that former CEO Chris Licht had called to congratulate several on-air personalities for promotions they received in the new scheduling lineup. If Thompson is tapped to lead CNN, he could also bring a unique management style that once included biting a staffer. In those days it seemed quite acceptable for senior people to bite junior colleagues, a colleague said at the time. Hardings hiring would also represent another return to prominence in US media for a top executive who lived through the phone hacking scandal at News Corp. Harding resigned in 2012 after presiding over aggressive coverage of his own company. Rebekah Brooks, who was charged and acquitted of phone hacking, had been poised for a top role in the ill-fated talks merger between News Corp and Rupert Murdochs other company, Fox Corp. Fire as a result of a hit in Hoholeve Ukraine was rocked by multiple air raid alerts in the early hours of Aug. 28 after Russia launched multiple missile attacks, with two fatalities reported in Poltava Oblast. "A strike targeted a civilian industrial facility in Hoholeve, located within the Myrhorod district of Poltava Oblast. As a result of the attack, two people were killed and five were injured," the President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak , reported this morning. Two people are still missing, and search and rescue operations, along with debris clearance, are currently underway, according to the Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration Dmytro Lunin. Read also: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Four Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from an enemy frigate in the Black Sea near Feodosia in occupied Crimea. Additionally, Russia deployed two guided Kh-59 missiles from Su-34 aircraft, targeting Kryvyi Rih from airspace over occupied Kherson Oblast. Air defense units also operated in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, with explosions heard in Kryvyi Rih. Four aerial targets were successfully destroyed. 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 After questions about her claimed Native American heritage swirled for more than 15 years, Andrea Smith will resign from UC Riverside, according to a separation agreement that allows her to retain her benefits. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 8:33 a.m. Aug. 30, 2023: An earlier version of this article indicated Andrea Smith pushed to disband a Native studies reading group because it had no Native members. The group did have Native members but was not exclusive to them. David Shorter still remembers a haunting interaction he had with Andrea Smith in the late 1990s after she helped disband a Native studies reading group he was in while they were in graduate school at UC Santa Cruz. Smith, who said she was Cherokee, told Shorter and others that they should not have a reading group in which there were people who were not Native. Her word as a Native woman carried weight, and the group fell apart. Soon after, Shorter saw Smith walking across a parking lot outside Oakes College and asked about her opposition to the reading group, saying he thought good work could be done by allies. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "She was really upset I had bothered her. She dismissed me with a literal wave of her hand," said Shorter, now a professor at UCLA. "She said, 'I don't have time to explain to you what it means to be Native. I have to go take care of people back home.'" Several years would go by before Smith's claims about having Native American heritage would be called into doubt. Read more: Myriam Gurba took down 'American Dirt.' It might be the least interesting thing about her Now, after those allegations swirled for more than 15 years, Smith will resign from her position as a professor of ethnic studies at UC Riverside, according to a separation agreement with the university. "This is good news but late news," Shorter said, noting that Smith's identity as a Cherokee woman was initially disputed by Cherokee Nation officials in 2007. "But this is the academic world; things take a really long time to do legally." Smith's resignation comes after 13 professors at UC Riverside filed a complaint against her last year alleging she made "fraudulent claims to Native American identity," violating the school's policy. Smith "denies and disputes" the allegations against her, according to the separation agreement between her and the university, but the two sides agreed to settle to avoid costly litigation. Smith did not respond to requests for comment. The agreement was signed earlier this year and was first reported this month. UC Riverside confirmed Smith's resignation but said no investigation was done into the allegations against her. Read more: In a surprise move, Occidental College president says he's stepping down due to health "The parties have reached the mutual decision to end their employment relationship on the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement," the separation agreement reads. "Professor Smith agrees to not make any affirmative claims of Native American heritage in connection with her University work for the duration of her University employment. However, if asked about her heritage in connection with her University work, Professor Smith is permitted to disclose her opinion on her Native American heritage," the agreement reads. As part of the separation agreement, Smith will continue until August 2024 as a full-time professor. She will then be eligible to receive all her retirement benefits and will retain the title of professor emeritus. To tribal officials and others who doubted her Native American ancestry, Smith had been hiding in plain sight for years. The professor, currently on sabbatical, has written numerous books about Native issues. She even wrote in a 1991 essay that New Age white "feminists" were co-opting and taking advantage of Native spirituality for profit. But in 2007, Cherokee Nation officials had already begun to ask about her identity after realizing she was not enrolled with the tribe, according to the New York Times Magazine. Read more: Florida officials apologize for singling out Black students for assembly on low test scores Articles about her alleged misrepresentation popped up as early as 2008. That same year she got a job teaching at UC Riverside. Questions were raised again in 2015 after the scandal surrounding Rachel Dolezal, an activist and college instructor accused of trying to pass as a Black woman. "Meet the Native American Rachel Dolezal," read the headline of a Daily Beast story about Smith published that year. At the time, UC Riverside defended Smith, telling the New York Times Magazine that it "does not comment on the ethnic backgrounds of specific employees. The magazine story, published in 2021, reignited interest in Smith's background, leading to the 2022 complaint filed by professors at UC Riverside. 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. Russia has "highly likely" canceled this years Exercise Zapad (West), its large-scale joint strategic exercise (JSE), due to the lack of available troops and equipment, the U.K. Defense Ministry reported on Aug. 28. "There is a realistic possibility that the Russian leadership is also sensitive to domestic criticism liable from running another slickly presented JSE during wartime," the ministry wrote in its latest intelligence update. The exercise should have taken place in September and become "the culmination of the militarys training year," reads the update. From 2010, Moscow ran a four-year cycle with JSE rotation across the country, according to British intelligence. However, starting in 2021, Russia has based the JSE in western Russia at least every two years as it prioritizes countering what it sees as a threat from NATO. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Zapad exercise in 2021 was the largest Russian military exercise since Soviet times. "The Russian militarys under-performance in Ukraine has highlighted how JSEs have had limited training value and have largely been for show," adds the report. In its previous intelligence update on Aug. 27, the U.K. Defense Ministry wrote about skirmishes between Ukraine and Russia's maritime and air forces over strategically important gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea. Read also: Ukrainian soldiers on Independence Day: We, our families, future still in danger Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Britains opposition Labour party is facing a backlash from its left wing after ruling out wealth taxes and promising to cut business regulations as it looks to shore up its economic credentials ahead of a general election expected next year. Most Read from Bloomberg In an interview over the weekend, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said Labour would not propose any tax increases beyond those already committed because the burden is already high enough, as she sought to neutralize traditional Conservative party claims that Labour lacks economic discipline. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It also marked a major shift by reversing leader Keir Starmers pledge from 2020 to increase the top rate of income tax. Reeves had also previously said that people who get their income through wealth should have to pay more. The focus on fiscal prudence, with Reeves insisting her rules are non-negotiable and the party scaling back its green investment plans to demonstrate borrowing will remain under control, appears to be paying off. A YouGov poll published by The Times Tuesday found that Labour is now more trusted than the Tories on tax. Reeves told the Sunday Telegraph the party was very much in favor of wealth creation and didnt see the way to prosperity as being through taxation, but through business investment and growing our way there. She said her spending plans do not require more tax rises. However, the commitment met resistance from socialist pressure group Momentum, which was influential under failed former leader Jeremy Corbyn , and several left-of-center economists. They are concerned about a lack of funding for Britains struggling public services, the Independent newspaper reported Monday, citing a letter by the group, signed by 70 economists and academics. The economists wrote that Labours plans would perpetuate the economic orthodoxy that has made this country poorer, less cohesive and more unequal than fifteen years ago. Tax Proposals Labour has proposed a 3.2 billion ($4 billion) tax on non-domiciled residents, value-added tax on private school fees worth another 1.6 billion and to abolish a 400 million income-tax loophole for private equity partners. Reeves said the party no longer planned to raise capital-gains tax or the 45% top rate of income tax and would not introduce a mansion tax. Reeves pledge was her boldest yet as the party prepares for Octobers conference season ahead of an election that must be held by January 2025. Labour leads the Conservatives by 20 points in the polls but wants to remove any lingering fears that it cannot be trusted with the public finances. The party will put its plans to the test as early as October after Nadine Dorries, the former Tory culture secretary and Boris Johnson loyalist, quit in protest at Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks leadership at the weekend. Her Mid-Bedfordshire seat is now up for grabs. Labours shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, Anneliese Dodds, told the British Broadcasting Corp. the party was in pole position to overturn Dorries 25,000 majority. The Tories lost two of three seats recently contested in by-elections. Reeves said she planned to remove planning restrictions to make it easier for businesses to build new houses and wind farms, and to invest in clean-energy technology. She is looking to the private sector to boost growth because she is not going to be able to turn on the spending taps as chancellor, the Telegraph cited her as saying. The money is simply not going to be there. Momentum said on X, formerly known as Twitter: This is a political choice to favor big business and the 1% over ordinary people. Shameful. In the letter letter seen by the Independent, the signatories said they are concerned about Labours decision to stick with current fiscal rules, which involve spending cuts. The economists, who include Ha-Joon Chang of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London as well as Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson, the authors of the influential book The Spirit Level, urged Reeves to learn from the last Labour government, which increased spending on services. Labour has said its main fiscal rules will be to pay for day-to-day spending with taxes and to have debt falling debt as a share of the economy by the end of the next parliament. Responding to the letter, a spokesman for the party said: The Tories crashed the economy, saddling working people with a Tory mortgage bombshell and less money in their pockets. This means an incoming Labour government would have to make tough choices. Labour said on Monday that it would ensure hospitals have functioning medical equipment by allowing the National Health Service to buy in bulk. Using a freedom of information request, Labour estimated that almost 7,000 incidents that threatened the safety of staff or patients may have been caused by faulty equipment in the last five years. (Updates to add YouGov poll in fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. In his recent speech, Pope Francis has extolled the supposed virtues of Russias imperial past, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said in a Facebook post on Aug. 28. In his message, Nikolenko noted that such imperial propaganda is used by the Kremlin to justify the killing of thousands of Ukrainians and the destruction of hundreds of Ukrainian towns and villages. Read also: PACE passes resolution on political consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine "It's very disappointing that Russian great-power ideas, which are, indeed, the cause of Russia's chronic aggression, consciously or unconsciously, echo from the Pope, whose mission, as we understand it, is precisely to open the eyes of Russian youth to the ruinous course of the current Russian leadership," he wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The pontiff addressed Russian youth during the All-Russian Catholic Youth Meeting in St. Petersburg on Aug. 25 via a video message and urged them not to forget their heritage, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Moscow said in a message on its website. Read also: International center for investigating Russian aggression against Ukraine opens at The Hague You are heirs of the great Russia: the great Russia of saints, of rulers, the great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that empire great, enlightened, [a country] of great culture and great humanity, the pope said. Never renounce this legacy, you are heirs of the great Mother Russia, go on with this. And thank you. Thank you for your way of being, for your way of being Russians. 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 (CNN) Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has alleged that Russian President Vladimir Putin must have killed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and said there can be no peace negotiation with Putin on Ukraine. Writing in a Daily Mail op-ed on Saturday, Johnson speculated about Prigozhins last moments, just days after a plane believed to be carrying the Wagner boss crashed in a field northwest of Moscow while en route to St. Petersburg. It is not clear yet what caused the plane crash, but US and Western intelligence officials that CNN has spoken to believe it was deliberate. It cant have been more than a few seconds between the explosion aboard the otherwise reliable Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, and the moment the Russian thug blacked out in his vertiginous acceleration to earth; and yet in that instant I am certain that he knew with perfect clarity what had happened, Johnson wrote. He knew whose hidden hand was sending him 28,000 ft down, to be immolated with the rest of his Wagner group companions in a fireball in the countryside of the Tver region north of Moscow and then on downwards, of course, for the shade of Prigozhin: down, down to Hades and the Tartarean pit below. He went on to say that the man allegedly behind the killing of Prigozhin was the very same man who authorised, for instance, the poisonings in the UK of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal. As the detonation sucked the air out of the aircrafts cabin, I would wager that the last thought in the doomed dome of Prigozhins skull was Putin!, preceded by one of the many profanities in which the former jailbird and hotdog salesman was so fluent, Johnson wrote. The plane crash thought to have killed Prigozhin came exactly two months after the Wagner boss launched a short-lived rebellion in Russia. Experts have questioned whether the Wagner group can survive without Prigozhin. The Kremlin on Friday said that all necessary examinations, including genetic testing, were underway to determine whether Prigozhin was killed in Wednesdays crash. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov vehemently denied claims that Russian authorities might have been involved. All this is an absolute lie, he said. On Thursday, Putin said he had known Prigozhin for a very long time, and called him a talented man, a talented businessman. In his op-ed, Johnson called it the height of conceit for Prigozhin to think Putin would forgive him for contesting his government. As we watch the chilling footage of that plane spiraling to earth, we are witnessing something historic. This is the violent liquidation on TV of his enemies by an existing head of state. I cannot think of another example of such ostentatious and uninhibited savagery by a world leader not in our lifetimes, Johnson wrote. The mask is now fully off. Putin stands exposed as a gangster, and his absurd televised tribute to the dead Wagnerites is straight from the pages of The Godfather, Johnson concluded. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Boris Johnson: Prigozhins last thought was Putin!" Ukraine claimed Monday its forces had liberated Robotyne, a key town in the southeastern front that Kyiv has tried to fully seize for months. Holding the town could give Ukraine the momentum it needs to push deeper into the Zaporizhzhia region as its forces inch toward their main objective of crossing through thick Russian lines toward the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on Telegram that Russian troops were struggling against Ukraines advance in Robotyne and described Ukrainian forces as entrenched in the liberated area. Ukraines Defense Ministry said the flag was raised over Robotyne five days ago but the capture of the town was confirmed Monday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The ministry also shared a video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, apparently commemorating the victory. The video shows Ukrainian soldiers from the 47th Mechanized Brigade discussing the operation to take the town and its importance to the overall counteroffensive. Because we only have one Ukraine and we must do absolutely everything to keep it whole and great, one soldier with callsign RAM said in the video. Russian sources are claiming the fighting is ongoing in Robotyne and there has been no breakthrough past the town and toward other areas. Russias Defense Ministry said Monday that its forces repelled attacks around Robotyne. Ukraines Maliar also claimed Ukrainian troops were advancing toward the town of Tokmak, which is south of Robotyne and much deeper into Russian-occupied territory. Taking Tokmak would be a major step toward taking the city of Melitopol a waypoint near the Sea of Azov. If Ukrainian forces can hold Melitopol and reach the coast just past the city or take the city of Berdiansk to the northeast they would effectively cut off the so-called land bridge connecting Russia to the Crimea Peninsula, severing a crucial supply route. Ukraine has has faced heavy difficulties in that objective from entrenched Russian lines since it launched its slow-moving counteroffensive in early June. But military analysts say Ukraine can still achieve a breakthrough that would begin a faster-paced counteroffensive movement once Kyiv blasts through Russias main lines. Its unclear if liberating Robotyne would mark that kind of breakthrough, but analysts with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in an assessment this week that the next series of Russian defensive lines are potentially less heavily mined, likely to give Russian troops the ability to retreat. But the next defensive layers may still be heavily defended, ISW analysts said. They said the layers appear to contain an array of anti-tank ditches and dragons teeth anti-tank systems. Russia is also conducting a counteroffensive of its own in the directions of Kupyansk and Lyman, in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions up north. As Ukraine continues to gradually gain ground in the south, Russias doctrine suggests that it will attempt to regain the initiative by pivoting back to an operational level offensive, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in an intelligence update over the weekend. Kupiansk-Lyman is one potential area for this. In another ongoing operation, Ukraine has also liberated about 17 square miles around the embattled town of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PRAGUE (Reuters) - Ukraine strongly opposes the imposition of any restrictions on the import of its grain by neighbouring countries after a European Union ban ends on Sept. 15, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Monday. After the Russian invasion blocked Ukraine's Black Sea ports, large quantities of the country's grain - which is cheaper than EU crops - stayed in Central Europe due to logistical bottlenecks, hitting prices and sales for local farmers. The EU in May allowed Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seeds until Sept. 15, while allowing transit of cargoes for export elsewhere. The five countries want the ban extended until the end of the year and some have threatened to introduce their own restrictions if Brussels does not act. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Kuleba said Kyiv was "adamantly against" any such steps. "This move will violate rules of common market," he said during a visit to the Czech capital Prague. "This move will violate the Ukraine-EU association agreement...it will go against the principle of solidarity." He said Ukraine was ready to seek solutions but that grains should not be hostage to domestic political processes in the countries involved. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka, writing by Alan Charlish; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Ukraine's Eurovision organizer, the public broadcaster Suspilne, has officially confirmed Ukraine's participation in Eurovision 2024 in a press release on Aug. 28. The content will be held in May in Malmo, Sweden. The musical producer for the National Selection competition will once again be undertaken by Ukrainian musician and leader of the band Pianoboy, Dmytro Shurov. Read also: Ukraines Tvorchi gains one of the best results among Eurovision 2023 acts "In a few days, we will start accepting applications for participation in the National Selection and the new season of Eurovision in Ukraine, Shurov said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I encourage everyone to engage; we are in need of crafting and selecting the next song that the nation will take pride in a song that will capture the hearts of Europe and herald a new Ukrainian star. Read also: King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla light up Eurovision 2023 stage in Liverpool This year, an exciting surprise awaits you the opportunity to personally choose one of the finalists. Ukraine's participation in Eurovision is important as the contest is a cultural platform that seizes global attention, according to Oksana Skybinska, the head of Ukraine's Eurovision delegation. "Sweden has consistently demonstrated exemplary expertise in orchestrating this international affair; notably, Eurovision 2016 in Sweden garnered a record-breaking viewership of 204 million, Skybinska said. Ukraine's presence at this global event holds paramount significance, particularly amidst these challenging times of conflict. It grants us the means to convey Ukraine's voice and message to the world." Read also: UK honors Ukrainian artists during Eurovision 2023 Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian forces pierced the first line of Russian fortifications in the nations southeast and are fighting to widen the breach, the nations defense chief said, in a bid for a potential breakthrough after its counteroffensive bogged down to the chagrin of Ukraines allies. Most Read from Bloomberg Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Ukrainian soldiers, on foot and mostly at night, had made slow progress in clearing heavily mined areas to create approach corridors for a larger force that has now fought through the first main line of Russian trenches, bunkers and tanks traps. We broke the first line, and now we are expanding our foothold, Reznikov told reporters Monday in Kyiv. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said after meeting the chief executive officers of Ukraines defense industry that he is pushing for guns made in Ukraine, projectiles made in Ukraine, drones, missiles, armored vehicles. He said in his nightly address that Ukraine can do it, though without offering details. Latest Coverage Ukraine Says It Pierced Russian Defense Line in Occupied South Ukraine Probes Jet Crash That Killed Decorated Pilot Juice Ukraine Says Second Ship to Sail From Odesa Reaches Romania Ukraines Slow Counteroffensive Boosts Putin and Worries Allies Erdogan Plans to Meet Putin Next Week to Discuss Grain Deal Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Ukraine has carried out a drone strike on a local HQ of Russias OMON special purpose riot police in occupied Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhya Oblast. Aerial footage of the strike was published by Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) in a Telegram post on Aug. 28. The operation, coordinated by the HUR agents, was successfully carried out by local resistance forces. Read also: Mobile radiation laboratories spotted in occupied Enerhodar and Mariupol resistance report At 9:50 a.m., Ukrainian forces directed fire towards makeshift barracks of the Akhmat-1 OMON unit within a structure at 46 Budivelnykiv Street. The building, once housing a Ukrainian banks office, had been seized by enemy troops after the citys occupation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: HUR spokesman describes how good Russians can help Ukraine The attack set the building on fire. Firefighters and emergency medical services rushed to the site. Detailed information on enemy losses is still being verified, according to the message. The report says there were no civilian casualties. Read also: Russia planning to seize homes in Enerhodar to house Russian workers for Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Plant HUR According to sources within intelligence circles, in the wake of a series of explosions, the occupants urgently evacuated the local administration. Security sweeps are underway in Enerhodar, with internet access being limited. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence (MoD) entered into a series of contracts with the Polish company Alfa in 2022 for the supply of various types of weapons and ammunition. However, the company failed to fulfil its obligations and, as of 2023, owed the Ukrainian MoD over UAH 3.5 billion (roughly US$94,77 million). Source: UP article "Money on Blood. How an ordinary Polish company took tens of billions from the Ukrainian Armed Forces" Details: Ukrainska Pravda reported that the Ukrainian MoD has entered into several agreements with the Polish company Alfa since April 2022. The Polish company was obliged to supply the Ukrainian MoD with the flak jackets and helmets but failed to do so on time and did not fulfil the order by 100%. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Meanwhile, the Ukrainian MoD concluded a range of other unfavourable agreements with Alfa, and as of early 2023, the company owed the Ukrainian Defence Ministry over US$94,77 million under various contracts. The Polish firm received and withdrew billions of hryvnias from Ukraine. However, it failed to deliver the paid-for weapons. UP is aware of at least 7 agreements concluded by the Ukrainian MoD directly with Alfa. Some of them are being disputed in international arbitration. The first contract The Ukrainian MoD entered into its first contract with Alfa on 11 April 2022. It was a deal to supply 20,000 ballistic helmets, 20,000 flak jackets and 40,000 armour plates. The deal is worth 24.5 million with 100% advance payment. Alfa managed to deliver all the bulletproof vests and plates, albeit behind schedule. However, 11,000 of the 16,000 helmets it supplied were instantly returned as unsuitable, and another 5,000 remained in storage, not accepted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The second wave of contracts Three agreements worth about UAH 3.3 billion (almost 64.4 million) were signed with Alfa on 22 April 2022. The Polish company received a 50% advance payment under each of them. These included supplying several Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, 122mm ammunition for the D-30 howitzers, and 122mm missiles for the Grad multiple rocket launchers. As far as the UP has learned, only a tiny amount of the contracted weapons has arrived. Only 1/10th of the D-30 ammunition arrived late, 1/3rd of the Grad missiles, and although all the Gvozdikas came, they were in a condition that does not exactly match the technical class stated in the contract, and the Ukrainian MoD is now trying to get compensation from the supplier. Alfa had almost UAH 1.7 billion (roughly US$46,03 million) in receivables from the Ukrainian MoD as of early 2023 under three April 2022 agreements. The third wave of contracts The Ukrainian Defence Ministry awarded three more contracts worth about UAH 2.6 billion (roughly US$ 70,4 million) on 13 June 2022, aware that the company was breaking previous agreements. The company received half of this amount as an advance payment. All three agreements were reportedly signed on behalf of the Ukrainian MoD by Vladyslav Shostak, Chief of the Military-Technical Policy Department, who will be dismissed a week later in June 2022. This time, the contracts included the supply of: 120mm mines (over 11 million in advance); 152-mm shells for the Giatsint howitzer (18 million in advance); 152-mm shells for the Dana self-propelled artillery system (13 million in advance). About 40% of the ammunition for Giatsint arrived; 120mm mines were delivered less than 1% of the contract, and no ammunition was delivered to Dana at all. At present, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry is trying to recover 27 million in prepayments and almost 13 million in fines for disrupted deliveries. Eighth transaction (no prepayment) Regardless of the supply disruptions, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence once again ordered another 20,000 helmets and 50,000 flak jackets from Alfa on 25 October 2022, worth almost 50 million. This time, no prepayment was required. The helmets never arrived in Ukraine and half of the flak jackets delivered failed ballistic tests. Deal through the Ukrainian company Progress The Ukrainian MoD entered into three contracts on 27 April 2022 with the Ukrainian state-owned arms importer Progress, which was to supply similar types of ammunition as the Polish company. The total value of the three agreements with the state-owned company was over UAH 17 billion [roughly US$460,29 million]. Meanwhile, the UP reports that Progress was supposed to purchase Bulgarian ammunition for D-30 and D-20 howitzers and Grads rockets through the same Polish company, Alfa. As far as Ukrainska Pravda knows, the deals with the Poles at Progress were overseen by Oleksandr Myroniuk, Ukraine's Deputy Director and former Deputy Defence Minister, known for the search in the criminal case of the purchase of low-quality flak jackets, during which millions in various currencies were found in Myroniuk's sofa. Meanwhile, the price of the ammunition through a Ukrainian intermediary was 57% higher than the price under the Ukrainian contract. The Polish company was to supply 122mm full-charge rounds for D-30/2C1 howitzers for 760, while Progress was to provide the same munitions for 1,195 per piece, with a margin of 435 euros per round. The Polish contractor performed this contract for Progress much more efficiently than its own contract for the supply of the same projectiles, but at a 57% lower cost: the Alfa contract was completed by 10%, while Progress' fulfilled about 80% with delays. However, despite the inflated price under this agreement, Progress owed the Ukrainian MoD over UAH 200 million (roughly US$5,41 million) at the beginning of 2023. Polish Alfa was founded as a limited liability company back in 2005. The company is engaged in selling various products, including military ones. The company reported a profit of PLN 1.23 million (slightly more than 300,000) in 2020, and Alfa earned PLN 7.4 million (about 1.8 million) in 2021. Alfa has not yet submitted its financial statements for 2022 when the company signed contracts worth hundreds of millions in Ukraine. On the contrary, the company has amended its data in the registers 4 times in the first half of 2023, which may be a way to delay the submission of reports. 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! Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar has confirmed that Ukraines Defence Forces have completely liberated the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Source: Maliar on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "In the south, we are carrying out an offensive. This is our main offensive front. In Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, the enemy is on the defensive. As you know, Robotyne has been liberated, and our troops are moving southeast of Robotyne and south of Mala Tokmachka." Details: Maliar specified that the areas in question are Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka, as well as Mala Tokmachka and Ocheretuvate. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "These are the fronts where our forces are currently advancing, despite the enemy's fierce resistance," Maliar said. She also added that Ukrainian troops liberated one square kilometre on the Bakhmut front last week. Quote from Maliar: "On the Bakhmut front, you can see on the map that it looks like a horseshoe around the city. And the dominant heights that are occupied go to the southern and northern flanks and really look like a horseshoe. We are making progress on the southern flank of Bakhmut, and last week another square kilometre was liberated there, bringing the total of our territory liberated there to 44 square kilometres." Background: On 22 August, it was reported that Ukrainian defence forces from the 47th brigade had entered the recently captured settlement of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and organised the evacuation of civilians while the Russians were shelling the village using artillery. On 23 August, Andrii Kovalov, the spokesmanfor of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that Ukrainian troops had successfully gained ground near Novoprokopivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and were consolidating their positions. On 23 August, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, posted a video from the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which Ukrainian troops had recently entered, with the Ukrainian flag already flying over the village. 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 occupiers from the so-called "LPR" (Luhansk People's Republic) have sentenced Serhii Boichuk, a serviceman from the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to 20 years in prison. Source: Investigative Committee of Russia Details: Boichuk is a mechanic and driver with the 108th Separate Mountain Assault Battalion (military unit A3715) of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade (military unit A4267) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He has been convicted of allegedly "shelling residential buildings in the Popasna district" in the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast. The Ukrainian defender has been sentenced to 20 years in a maximum-security penal colony. 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 defenders struck 10 areas where Russian military manpower was concentrated over the past day. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 28 August Details: Russian forces launched another missile attack on the territory of Ukraine over the past day. Air defence systems destroyed four cruise missiles. Russian forces launched a total of 11 missile and 48 air strikes over the past day, and carried out 54 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. The Russian terrorist attacks unfortunately resulted in casualties among the civilian population. Residential buildings, schools and other civil infrastructure facilities were destroyed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Thirty-four combat clashes occurred over the past day. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces conducted airstrikes near Volfyne in Sumy Oblast and Okip in Kharkiv Oblast. They carried out mortar and artillery attacks on over 30 settlements. On the Kupiansk front, Russian forces conducted airstrikes near Nadiia and Tverdokhlibove in Luhansk Oblast. The settlements of Kamianka, Dvorichna, Synkivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka and Berestove in Kharkiv Oblast came under Russian artillery and mortar attacks. On the Lyman front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Novoiehorivka in Luhansk Oblast. Over 10 settlements were hit by Russian artillery fire. On the Bakhmut front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast. Over 15 settlements were affected by Russian artillery fire. On the Avdiivka front, more than 10 settlements came under Russian artillery fire. On the Marinka front, Ukraines defence forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops near Marinka in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces conducted an airstrike near Krasnohorivka in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Hostre, Marinka, Katerynivka, Paraskoviivka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast were hit by artillery fire. On the Shakhtarsk front, Russian forces conducted airstrikes near Zolota Nyva and Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements of Bohoiavlenka, Shakhtarske, Vremivka, Staromaiorske and Rivnopil in Donetsk Oblast were affected by Russian artillery shelling. On the Zaporizhzhia front, Russian forces conducted airstrikes near Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne and Novodanylivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Over 25 settlements were affected by artillery shelling. On the Kherson front, Russian forces conducted airstrikes near Mykolaivka, Mykilske and Antonivka in Kherson Oblast. More than 15 settlements were affected by Russian artillery fire. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defence forces continue to conduct an offensive operation on the Melitopol front, consolidating their positions and conducting counter-battery operations. During the past day, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 10 strikes at areas where Russian military personnel were concentrated and one strike on Russian anti-aircraft missile systems. Units from Rocket Forces and Artillery hit one ammunition storage point, two radio-electronic warfare stations, and four pieces of artillery at their firing positions. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on the development of unmanned aircraft in Moscow (Reuters) - Russia said it shot down a Ukrainian drone flying towards Moscow in the early hours of Monday in an incident that once again briefly disrupted flights over the capital. Authorities have reported more than a dozen attempted drone attacks on Moscow within the past month, a number of which have forced temporary airport closures. The drones appear to be probing Moscow's air defences from different angles, with Monday's brought down in the Lyubertsy region to the southeast of the capital, according to the defence ministry. State aviation agency Rosaviatsia said three airports temporarily restricted flights but later returned to normal operation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Moscow reported the first drone attacks on the capital in early May, when two were fired at the Kremlin without causing damage. Since then they have become a frequent occurrence. Most have been intercepted by Russian air defences, but several have hit buildings in a business district of the capital. Ukraine hardly ever takes responsibility for strikes on Russian territory, though officials have often expressed satisfaction over them. (Reporting by Reuters, writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Feature: Fukushima residents slam Japanese gov't for breaking promise Xinhua) 10:23, August 28, 2023 TOKYO, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Haruo Ono, a fisherman in the town of Shinchi in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, has been fishing in the sea for 56 years since he was 15 years old. Shinchi is located in the eastern part of Fukushima Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. The waters here are where the warm Kuroshio Current meets the cold Oyashio Current, thus a natural high-quality fishing ground. Its seafood was once the "darling" of fish wholesale markets in big cities such as Tokyo. But after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan on March 11, 2011, which is also known in the country as the Great East Japan Earthquake, wholesalers at Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market were reluctant to purchase fish products from Fukushima. It was not until the past few years that the prices of Fukushima seafood returned to pre-earthquake levels. Despite the raging opposition of the international community, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, sparking concerns among many fishermen about their livelihoods. The 71-year-old fisherman told Xinhua in a recent interview that "for us, the ocean discharge is a matter of survival." The Japanese prime minister and the minister of economy, trade and industry have visited Fukushima many times, but they have not met directly with the fishermen, nor have they asked for their opinions, Ono said. Even more unacceptable to fishermen is the government's failure to keep its word. Ono said that fishermen have been voicing opposition, but the government still made a hasty decision, which was unacceptable. In 2015, the Japanese government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, promised local fishermen that they would not release the radioactive wastewater into the sea "without the understanding of relevant parties." Yoshio Satomi, who lives in Fukushima's Iwaki City, also said it was unacceptable. Iwaki City is over 50 kilometers away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Satomi, who runs a hot spring hotel with a history of more than 300 years in the city, told Xinhua that after the nuclear disaster in 2011, there were fewer visitors from outside Fukushima and almost none from abroad. In recent years, the number of tourists has finally started to pick up, but now news of the nuclear-contaminated water discharge has spread all over the world, and Fukushima has been implicated again, Satomi said. Satomi said, "The government promised the fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture not to discharge nuclear-contaminated water arbitrarily, and now it has decided to discharge it, so the government lied." The Japanese government claimed that without emptying and removing the tanks storing radioactive wastewater in the nuclear power plant, there will not be enough space for the decommissioning of the reactor and Fukushima will not be able to be revitalized. From Satomi's point of view, this is simply a lie. In Futaba Town and Okuma Town, where the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is located, the government has poured money into building many beautiful houses, but only 10 percent are now occupied, and most of those who left Fukushima 12 years ago have long since settled somewhere else. Satomi said, "So no matter how much money is spent or how the government talks about revitalization, the reality is that people don't come back." Pediatrician Yoichi Yatsuda is one of the residents who have returned to Futaba since the evacuation order was lifted in August last year. Futaba had a population of more than 7,000 before the accident, but so far only about 80 have returned, Yatsuda said. Yatsuda and his wife found it hard to leave their hometown behind, so they returned shortly after the evacuation order was lifted, although their children chose to stay in Sendai, a city in Miyagi prefecture. Ono, a lifelong fisherman, said he has no other career choice and will continue to be a fisherman even if the price of fish is low. "This is both a fisherman's pride and a wish for consumers to taste delicious sea fish... Do politicians understand this? The sea is not a dustbin." Ono said that he has joined the plaintiffs to take the Japanese government and TEPCO to court to stop the release plan and will file the lawsuit in the Fukushima District Court in early September. Ono's three sons are all fishermen. "I stand against it now so that my sons will not be forced to struggle to live in the future." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In August, the Defence Forces of the southern part of Ukraine destroyed a Russian mobile coastal radar station for over-the-horizon detection Predel-E, worth $200 million. Source: Defence Forces of the South on Telegram Quote: "Mobile coastal radar station of over-the-horizon detection with increased secrecy Predel-E this is how ambitiously and pompously the Russians presented the novelty of their military-industrial complex to a narrow circle of specialists in June this year. Then they sent it to the temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast in secret to monitor our actions both at sea and on land." Details: The military added that although the exclusive Predel-E was also covered by a quite modern Leyer-2 electronic warfare system, but "nothing can be hidden from us on our land". 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 colonel of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has been found dead in his office in the city of Kyiv. The man was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Source: SSU press service in a comment for Ukrainska Pravda; Ukrainska Pravda sources within law enforcement agencies Details: The SSU has confirmed the death of the officer. Quote: "The circumstances of the death of the SSU employee are being examined within the framework of a criminal investigation, which is being conducted by investigators from the National Police of Ukraine. The SSU expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased colonel. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Service is providing assistance to the National Police for a full, objective and unbiased investigation." Details: Ukrainska Pravda sources within law enforcement agencies reported that the deceased was found in his office with a gunshot wound to the head. 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 Alpha V rocket carrying the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission sitting on a Cape Canaveral launch pad on August 25.Image: United Launch AllianceImage: ULA Update: August 29, 8:13 a.m. ET: ULA announced last night through an emailed statement that the launch has been postponed indefinitely because of the approaching Hurricane Idalia, which was just recently upgraded from a tropical storm and is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning. ULA also said in the statement that the rocket and payload have been returned to the bases vertical integration facility. Original article follows. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Launch is currently scheduled for 8:34 a.m. ET on August 29. A ULA live feed, provided below, is scheduled to begin streaming at 8:15 that morning. However, the incoming Tropical Storm Idalia may pose a threat to Tuesdays launch as the storm is set to be upgraded to a hurricane before it makes landfall in Florida on Wednesday morning. SILENTBARKER/NROL107 will strengthen the NROs ability to provide a wide range of timely intelligence information to national decision makers, warfighters and intelligence analysts to protect the nations vital interests and support humanitarian efforts worldwide, ULA said on its website. The Atlas Vs RD-180 engine systemwhich features a single engine and two thrust chamberswill launch the the Silent Barker payload into orbit. The rocket will burn highly-purified kerosene known as Rocket Propellant-1 and liquid oxygen to create over 860,000 pounds of thrust. Five boosters will each provide over an additional 371,000 pounds of thrust; ULA refers to this particular Atlas kit as the bruiser configuration, as its the most powerful variation of the rocket. The Silent Barker satellite will rest inside a 16-foot-long (5-meter-long) sandwich-style payload fairing that is meant to split apart when the launch reaches its final stage. Increased space domain awareness is an important goal for the U.S. Space Force as the military branch continues to assert the countrys presence in orbit. Managing threats from other countries during wartime is an indelible aspect of space domain awareness, but Space Force has another, more pressing obstacle to overcome: space junk. The European Space Agency estimated in December 2022 that there were 32,300 pieces of debriseverything from spent rocket stages to flecks of paintcurrently orbiting Earth, with potentially millions more that havent been tracked. According to NASA, pieces of space debris can reach speeds up to 17,500 miles per hour (28,160 kilometers per hour), orbiting Earth once every 90 minutes. Space debris can completely incapacitate a satellite or mission traversing through orbit, so characterizing those pieces of debris and anticipating where they may move is of utmost concern for space-faring nations and companies across the board. For more spaceflight in your life, follow us on Twitter and bookmark Gizmodos dedicated Spaceflight page. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. CAIRO (AP) The United Nations' top official in Yemen warned Monday that the Arab world's poorest country will remain a powder keg for renewed war unless its rival factions work out a new cease-fire deal. Hans Grundberg, the U.N. special representative for Yemen, told The Associated Press the situation in the conflict-stricken country is fragile nearly a year after the internationally recognized government and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels failed to renew a U.N.-brokered cease-fire. The conflict has been restrained since then, with only sporadic clashes, but Grundberg said a resumption of all-out fighting is a threat. The risk of a flare-up is always there, he said. The situation remains fragile and will remain fragile until we have reached an agreement that offers a cease-fire agreement. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The end to the cease-fire arrangement was a blow to U.N. efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the conflict, which has devastated the country and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters. Yemens war began when the Houthis descended from their strongholds in northern Yemen and seized the capital of Sanaa in 2014, forcing the government to flee to the south and then into exile in Saudi Arabia. The Saudis entered the war in 2015, heading a military coalition that sided with the government and the conflict became a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Speaking after meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Grundberg noted Yemen's warring parties have separately been involved in peace efforts in recent months, but he said more effort is needed to establish a firm nationwide cease-fire and restart political talks on ending the conflict. The envoy welcomed international and regional efforts to end the conflict, including direct discussions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. He said such efforts would help the U.N. to craft a proposal for a nationwide cease-fire and the start of political talks between Yemeni factions to end the war. The fact that there is direct discussions ongoing between the Houthis and the Saudis can be of support ... to the U.N. mediation efforts, he said. The Saudi-Houthi talks gained momentum after Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with Iran last March to restore diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift. The two sides reached a draft deal to revive a cease-fire and usher in a return to direct Yemeni political talks under the auspices of the United Nations, according to Saudi and Houthi officials. Yemens government has said earlier this year it was briefed on the Saudi-Houthi talks and had given an initial approval to an earlier draft deal. But movement has been stalled by several points of dispute, including the payment of salaries for military personnel and civilians in Houthi-held areas and guarantees that the rebels will engage in a political process with the other Yemeni factions, according to Yemeni officials. The Saudi-Houthi talks have so far managed to prevent both sides form resuming full-fledged fighting. There is a unity among the international actors on the need for the Yemeni conflict to be resolved, and also about the fact that the United Nations is the main the mediator, Grundberg said. Members of the United Nations commission investigating allegations against Russia of human rights abuse are traveling Monday to Ukraine for the groups third fact-finding mission. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will travel to several locations in Ukraine, including Uman in Cherkasy Oblast and Kyiv, departing Aug. 28 and returning Sept. 4. The trip is part of the ongoing effort to investigate alleged human rights violations and abuses, and international humanitarian law violations and to meet with victims and witnesses. The commissioners will meet with government officials, members of society, UN agencies representatives and international groups and the diplomatic corps, according to a press release Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The commission was established first in March 2022 and was extended in April 2023 for an additional year. In March 2024, the commissioners are expected to submit a comprehensive report of their findings. The commission has previously found substantial evidence of human rights abuse, according to its last report, including two incidents that qualify as war crimes. In its report from earlier this year, the commissioners recommended further investigation, specifically into Russias waves of attack on Ukraines energy-related infrastructure and the use of torture by Russian authorities, which may amount to crimes against humanity. The Commission has concluded that Russian armed forces have carried out attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas with an apparent disregard for civilian harm and suffering. It has documented indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, and a failure to take precautions, in violation of international humanitarian law, the March 2023 report read. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE PHOTO: U.N. General Asembly holds high-level meeting on adoption of resolution on Ukraine in New York By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - A United Nations body on Monday updated a key treaty designed to protect children's rights to strengthen their hand in fighting climate change, as they emerge at the forefront of the battle to protect the planet. From wildfires in Portugal to fossil fuel projects in the U.S. state of Montana, young plaintiffs have been taking the lead in a burgeoning number of lawsuits seeking more government action on climate change. In the document, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child calls environmental degradation, including the climate crisis, "a form of structural violence against children". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement It says that states should provide access to justice for children, including through "removing barriers for children to initiate proceedings themselves". "This could definitely strengthen their hand because now there's a fully articulated set of guidance that pulls everything together in one place," said Ann Skelton, chair of the committee and a South African lawyer, adding that she also hoped businesses and policy makers would draw on the document. Some 16,000 children across more than 100 countries were consulted as part of a broader dialogue during the two-year drafting period for the guidelines. Tania dos Santos Maia, a 14-year-old from Brazil, said she expected the U.N. document to make children and adolescents more aware of their rights. The guidance was broadly welcomed, however, some say it does not go far enough. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg asked the committee "to be more vigorous and somewhat bolder" during consultations, U.N. committee member Philip Jaffe told Reuters. Thunberg was not immediately available for comment via a spokesperson. Lawyers representing six young people from Portugal, who are taking 32 countries before the European Court of Human Rights for what they see as government inaction over climate change, said they think it will reinforce their case. All U.N. countries, barring the United States, have ratified the 1989 child rights convention, which addresses environmental matters but needed updating, given the pace of climate change. The committee's guidance on the convention is often cited by lawyers, and sometimes by courts in rulings. Thunberg's delegation was not alone in calling for more ambition. "I think this was such a missed opportunity it's an exercise in incrementalism instead of taking quantum leap forward," said Kelly Matheson, deputy director of Global Climate Litigation at Our Children's Trust which represented youths in a case where a state judge found against the U.S. state of Montana this month. She said the U.N. body's guidance limits itself to the 2015 Paris warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius -- a rise she says is already dangerous for children. Skelton said the U.N. had to balance its actions as some states were already saying it went too far. (Additional reporting by Catarina Demony in Lisbon and Clark Mindock in New York; Editing by Sharon Singleton) Hey, everyone! Drew here. Lets get right to the news. A screen grab from ABC11 shows a large presence of emergency vehicles on the UNC campus Monday afternoon after reports of an armed and dangerous suspect on campus. ABC11 UNC-Chapel Hill and the surrounding area remain on lockdown while police search for an armed and dangerous person reported on or near campus this afternoon. The university issued and Alert Carolina emergency message at 1:03 p.m. An update at 2:04 p.m. said the campus remains on lockdown as the active assailant situation continues. If you are off campus, stay away from campus, the update warned. Korie Dean continues to update this story. This graphic created by the National Weather Service/NCEP Weather Prediction Center (WPC) shows the projected path. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER SUN HERALD BOT As Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the U.S., severe weather is expected in the Charlotte area over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The storm, which is expected to become a hurricane, is forecast to make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast late Tuesday night. Evan Moore on what Charlotte can expect from the impending weather. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture maker in abruptly closed Taylorsville, Statesville and Hiddenite plants citing financial challenges. Hundreds of workers just lost their jobs after a furniture company about an hour north of Charlotte closed abruptly over the weekend. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams workers were met with signs Saturday on the office door and a gate saying the Taylorsville plant was unexpectedly unable to continue business operations. Catherine Muccigrosso has more on the companys shutdown. Scott Ross, local bee hobbyist, tends to SPX FLOWs two beehives. His wife suggested putting hives at the companys headquarters, and volunteered Ross for the role of beekeeper. Courtesy of SPX FLOW Bees? Yes, bees! Multiple companies here in Charlotte have put up beehives as corporate sustainability projects, and as an attraction to employees. SPX FLOW, an industrial manufacturing company, set up their two hives this summer. Audrey Elsberry shares more on whats got Charlotte buzzing. 5. Some more stories to read --- Thats it for now. Thanks for reading! If you dont already, subscribe to the Charlotte Observer here. If youre already a subscriber (thanks!), download our iOS or Android app to stay connected. Find more updates at charlotteobserver.com, and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok to see more from us. Enjoy your day! Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can sign up here. Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer. A faculty member at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill was shot and killed in a campus building, prompting a multi-hour lockdown on campus, officials said Monday. The suspect was identified and taken into custody shortly after 2:30 p.m., more than an hour after police reported an armed and dangerous person near the campus, UNC Police Chief Brian James said in a press conference Monday. This loss is devastating and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said in a statement. No further information on the faculty member was released as authorities notified the victims next of kin, Guskiewicz said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Authorities have not released the suspects name and formal charges have not yet been filed, James said. He said a motive is currently unknown and it is unclear if the suspect knew the victim. James confirmed the shooting took place in Caudill Laboratories, which is currently closed while evidence is processed. James said no other injuries or deaths were reported. UNC police first issued an alert around 1 p.m. reporting an armed and dangerous person near campus, urging people to go inside and avoid windows. Police later released a photo of the person of interest and warned people to keep their distance and to call 911 if they see them. In a separate alert just after 2 p.m. students were told the shelter-in-place was still active. James said the suspect was arrested shortly after 2:30 p.m., though the lockdown remained while authorities searched for the weapon. James said the weapon has not been recovered at this time. Guskiewicz said police issued an all-clear to campus around 4:15 p.m, adding there is no longer an immediate threat to the community. Earlier Monday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said his office was in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC. This is a tragic way to start a new semester and the state will provide any assistance necessary to support the UNC community, Cooper wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The nearby Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school district also locked down its schools for several hours as a precaution. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Start your week in #ncpol #ncga with our latest Under the Dome politics podcast. Dawn Vaughan here, your News & Observer Capitol bureau chief and podcast host. For the week of Aug. 28, 2023, I talk with retired UNC Chapel Hill history professor Reginald Hildebrand and N.C. Sen. Natalie Murdock about the new North Carolina Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh. Hildebrand and Murdock both served key roles on the parks planning. The pair explained why I cant breathe, the words spoken by George Floyd before being killed by Minneapolis police in 2020, is among the quotations inscribed on the walls of the new park. Freedom Park leaders decided what historical quotations to include in a park that honors the African American struggle for freedom including some very recent history. I cant breathe, a quote from George Floyd, who was born in North Carolina and killed by Minneapolis police in 2020, sparking a summer of protests across the country, is inscribed in the wall of North Carolina Freedom Park across the street from the Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh, N.C. The park opened Aug. 23, 2023. I think the more that we thought about it, we wanted it to be quotes that will outlive one specific moment, Murdock said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Particularly for me being a millennial, I felt that that was the moment of our time: Particularly when I say young people, I mean elementary, middle school, will remember where they were when they saw the video of George Floyd being murdered, she said. Remember that pain in his voice, the angst in his voice, and how in the midst of a pandemic, it rallied people to say, weve got to do something about police brutality. The I cant breathe inscription on the park wall is near the entrance to the park on Wilmington Street, across the street from the Legislative Building. You see it as you enter the park, because I think its also unfortunately, sobering, because its a moment that showed us how much farther we have to go, she said. Listen to the entire episode to hear more of what Murdock and Hildebrand had to say about the quotations, site selection and other aspects of the new downtown destination, including the Beacon of Freedom at its center. Reginald Hildebrand speaks during a ceremony marking the opening of North Carolina Freedom Park on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. The park honors the African American struggle for freedom. Hildebrand said North Carolina Poet Laureate Jackie Shelton Greens poem about the Beacon of Freedom serves the purpose for the beacon that Emma Lazarus poem does for the Statue of Liberty. Send me your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. And our counterpoint from George Floyd is I cant breathe. His uncle, Roger Floyd, during the opening, was sitting by that quote on the bench there, Hildebrand said. There were three cousins of Julius Chambers, who gathered around [Chambers] quote. These were meetings that Ive hadnt fully anticipated what these things might mean to family members.. Listen to or watch the podcast to hear more about what the legacy of the park may be, as well as the status of the African American monument on the Capitol grounds, a separate project that has been stalled since the George Floyd protests of 2020, when protesters tore down some Confederate statues. N.C. Sen. Natalie Murdock, left, and historian Reginald Hildebrand, right, pictured in The News & Observer studio after a recording of the Under the Dome politics podcast hosted by Dawn Vaughan. Headliner of the Week Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week. Both my pick and Murdocks are education-related, as this is the week that traditional-calendar public schools begin the year. And Hildebrand notes a potential major shakeup in the 2024 election with the resignation of N.C. Supreme Court Justice Michael Morgan, as well as the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. Listen to our latest episode below and catch up on previous episodes. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music and Stitcher. Now you can also watch video of our Under the Dome podcast on our N&O YouTube page. The University of Dayton is partnering with the City of Dayton to complete critical projects through a new Urban Research Initiative, according to a spokesperson from the university. >>TRENDING: Driver accused in deadly Clark Co. school bus crash to make next court appearance today The initiative was created by two UD alumni, Tim and Mary Riordan, and will research, generate, and implement solutions to issues around the city, which will be identified by the city manager. It will also provide technical assistance through workshops to nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations, the spokesperson said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The training is free and will include financial management and grant writing. This effort gives the City of Dayton more hands for key work that will help shape a successful and resilient future for our region, Fitz Center executive director Nancy McHugh said. >>TRENDING: 2 teens charged in deadly shooting at Columbus shopping center Urban Research Initiative Director Amy Jomantas has created a website to gather city, county, and state data on resources like health, education, and housing to help neighborhoods measure progress, assess local needs, and write grants. UD undergraduate and graduate student assistants, staff, and a faculty board from the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community will help with the initiative. >>TRENDING: 3 children among 5 family members found dead inside northern Ohio house The City is always excited to partner with the University of Dayton. The technical assistance provided to the City organization through this collaboration is a value add and will help advance some key initiatives. As we continue this partnership, we look forward to progressing the work that in future will be a benefit to both the City and the community, Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein said. A 20-year-old University of South Carolina student was fatally shot early Saturday when he tried to enter the wrong home, police said. Columbia police found Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, dead of a gunshot wound to his upper body on the front porch of the home on South Holly Street, about 2 miles from the university campus, police said in a news release. Police say Donofrio lived on the street and tried to enter the wrong home when he was shot. A 911 call first came in shortly before 2 a.m. reporting a home burglary, and the call was upgraded to "a shots fired call" while officers were on their way to the scene, the release said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Richland County Coroners Office identified Donofrio, police said. Nick Donofrio. (Dina Donofrio via Facebook) Police investigators "will continue to consult with the Fifth Circuit Solicitors Office regarding the circumstances of the case," the news release said. A police spokesperson said charges had not yet been filed. South Carolinas stand your ground law allows people to use deadly force in self-defense if they are not breaking the law and in places where they have a right to be, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a nonprofit advocacy organization. The state does not require gun owners to be licensed to own or purchase guns, it says. Donofrio is originally from Connecticut, police said. His parents could not immediately be reached for comment Monday. Donofrio graduated from Daniel Hand High School in Madison, a town about 20 miles east of New Haven, in 2021, Madison County schools Superintendent Craig Cooke and the school's principal, Anthony Salutari Jr., said in a statement. A University of South Carolina spokesperson said in a statement that Donofrio was a sophomore and that the university's Student Affairs team is providing support to students. Donofrio was studying kinesiology and exercise science, according to his LinkedIn profile. The fatal shooting is the latest in a string of similar tragedies, in which people have been shot sometimes fatally for making mistakes. In April, Andrew Lester, a white man in his 80s, shot Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black boy, after he rang the wrong doorbell as he was intending to pick up his younger brothers in Kansas City, Missouri. Yarl survived but has said he is suffering lingering effects from the shooting, including difficulty concentrating. Lester has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $200,000 bail and ordered to surrender his passport, give up his firearm and have no contact with Yarl. If he is found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison on the assault charge and three to 15 years on the gun charge. Days after the shooting of Yarl, Kevin Monahan, 65, fatally shot Kaylin Gillis, 20, after the car she was in mistakenly turned into his driveway in upstate New York. Monahan was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder, to which he pleaded not guilty. Also in April, Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr., 25, was charged with deadly conduct, a third-degree felony, in the shootings of two Texas cheerleaders one of whom was injured critically after one got in the wrong car in the parking lot of a supermarket about 25 miles northeast of Austin. It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had entered a plea and whether he remains in custody, and a police spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment. Experts and gun control advocates have blamed the incidents on lax gun laws and increasingly incendiary mainstream political discourse. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Township of OHara Police Department is explaining why theres an increased police presence at Kerr Elementary School. Police Chief Jay Davis says an unsubstantiated threat was made in the general vicinity of the elementary school. The Fox Chapel Area School District closed Kerr Elementary School to visitors Monday, citing potential law enforcement activity near the campus. Students are set to return to school on Tuesday. Davis said there is no threat to the public and the increase in officer presence is strictly precautionary. A Channel 11 photographer at the school saw several Fox Chapel police cars in the area. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The department will issue another release when the increased officer presence has ended. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 high school students killed, 1 person critically injured in Braddock shooting Earthquake felt in Western Pennsylvania, residents report Homicide investigation underway after male found with apparent gunshot wound in Pittsburgh home VIDEO: The Give Back: Hairstylists give free back-to-school cuts at East Liberty salon DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts In the summer of 1963, countless Americans were making arrangements for the March on Washington. They attended meetings where speakers urged audiences to travel to the Aug. 28 rally. They scoured bus schedules, and they made their way to train stations. They grabbed their cameras to document the big day. Most of these people preparing for the march planned to travel to Washington to demand an end to legalized racial discrimination. But some of them were police who secretly watched those who protested. Its common knowledge that J. Edgar Hoovers FBI blanketed Martin Luther King Jr. with surveillance. Historians have also long known that more than 100 employees of the bureaus Washington field office were assigned to observe the march. But through my research in municipal records from Chicago, Birmingham, and New York City, I have learned another uncomfortable truth: Local police officers in secretive intelligence units across the country also spied on the activists who attended the March on Washington. Some police without jurisdiction in the nations capital even traveled hundreds of miles to monitor the rally in person. Why? This question is far from academic. In our current moment, on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and as local law enforcement spies on a new generation of activistsfrom Black Lives Matter organizers in Colorado to those calling for defunding police in Los Angeles to the Stop Cop City movement in Atlantaits well worth considering the history of the police who weaponized surveillance against movements for racial justice. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The standard account of law enforcement and the March on Washington, the one told by media in 1963 and repeated by historians, goes something like this. Some 1,900 of Washingtons policenearly two-thirds of the citys entire forcepatrolled the march. They were assisted by an assortment of 400 additional military police, reservists, and park police, for a total of 2,300 officers. Law enforcement at the march far outnumbered the 1,800 police who had guarded John Kennedys presidential inauguration in January 1961a much larger event that drew an estimated 1 million people. In anticipation of mass violence at the march, Washington police banned the sale of alcohol for more than 24 hours and transferred 350 individuals incarcerated in the citys jail to other facilities to free up space for mass arrests. To put it bluntly, white people in Washington were afraid of Black people coming to their city to demand their rights. But there was also the Guardians Association, a group of Black off-duty officers primarily from the New York and Philadelphia police departments who traveled to Washington to serve as volunteer marshals. Organizers hailed the off-duty cohort as the marchs own police to maintain order and internal security among the marchers. They had good reason to believe that the Guardians would be more dedicated to protecting the crowd than most white police officers. Nearly 1,500 Guardians took up the call to serve at the march. Bedecked in gold armbands and white caps in honor of Gandhi, they regarded their duties not only as an assignment to keep the march safe and orderly, but as the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to serve the movement and be a part of history. Several of them appeared on national television, standing just one row behind the podium as the days speakers addressed the crowd. Yet these were just the police who openly watched the March on Washington. Back in New York, the NYPDs intelligence unit, known as the Bureau of Special Services, or BOSS, quietly monitored the extensive logistical planning carried out by the marchs organizers headquartered in the city. In the days leading up to Aug. 28, BOSS compiled inventories of the more than 400 buses and 100 trains scheduled to travel from New York for the event. Intelligence officers tracked the plans of established civil rights organizations already under their watch. But they also took note of other groups arranging travel to the march: churches and unions, a local chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and small businesses with less-than-subversive names like Whimpeys Restaurant and Harlem Steak House. NYPD surveillance file of the March on Washington. Courtesy of the New York City Municipal Archives. BOSS officers at Penn Station and various departure points on the morning of Aug. 28 monitored thousands of marchers as they boarded trains and buses. They shared the information with Washingtons Metropolitan Police and made sure to photograph individuals on their way to the march, filing the images away in BOSSs extensive dossiers. In Chicago, local intelligence detectives obtained lists of residents planning to attend the march, and they conducted surveillance at the citys Grand Central Station to record the names of individuals leaving by train on Aug. 27 for the following days events in the nations capital. One of the more disturbing responses to the March came from the all-white police department in Prince Georges County, Maryland, just outside Washington, where officers feared the march might spark disturbances beyond the Districts city limits. As a precautionary measure, police officials contracted the National Institute of Mental Health to train their departments newly formed Civil Disturbance Unit in mediating contemplated interracial conflict in the public streets. Government psychologists quickly found their assignment more difficult than they had anticipated. A majority of the officers in the trainings shared their opinion that Black Americans had no reason to protest. As part of the weeklong session in July 1963, the intelligence units leadership chose to screen Operation Abolition, a propaganda film produced by the House Un-American Activities Committee that claimed that those who opposed its work were Communist subversives intent on fomenting riots and anarchy. NIMH psychologists reported hearing several officers excitedly sharing fantasies regarding what battle would be like with large crowds of Negroes and whites under riot conditions, and they noted with concern that these policemen relished violence and were quite at home in it. But the NIMH team also detected a palpable anxiety among the officers as they contemplated the new, unfamiliar, and unexpected behavior on the part of Negroes embodied by the march. As one of the psychologists later admitted, his team left the training feeling slightly defeated, exhausted, and uneasy about how the officers would behave when confronted with a live challenge in the street. At least two police departments felt it necessary to dispatch officers to travel far beyond their jurisdictions to monitor events firsthand in Washington. In Philadelphia, Commissioner Howard Leary assigned James Reaves, a Black inspector heading the Police Community Relations Division, to travel to D.C. by himself to attend the event in plainclothes and write a report on what he observed. This was in spite of the more than 50 Philadelphia Guardians who were already attending the event who could have easily shared their impressions of the day with Leary. But Reaves had a different assignment in Washington. The 47-year-old veteran officer had a long record of working closely with George Fencl, the head of Philadelphias intelligence squad, also known as the Civil Disobedience Unit. Among other responsibilities, the CDU was tasked with creating a file card for every demonstrator it could identify at protests in Philadelphia. Reaves later recalled that he initially had his concerns about the march and had been hesitant to attend for fear of trouble. Law enforcement justifiably expected violence, Reaves contended years later, because riots and demonstrations were the order of the day in many urban communities, and the expression long hot summer was well understood. Therefore any information on the subject was anxiously sought. This was a strange rationale for traveling to Washington, essentially a rewriting of history, considering that virtually no urban riots occurred that decade until uprisings in Harlem, Rochester, and Philadelphia erupted in the summer of 1964. Reaves described in his memoirs his joy in witnessing the march. He was especially glad that there were no embarrassing incidents to mar the events of the day, hinting at his fear that the march would somehow reflect unfavorably on Black people. But his positive impression in no way precluded him from sharing his surveillance with police leadership. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he reported to Commissioner Leary how peaceful the march had been, which he concluded was due largely to the security provided by the Guardians. But Leary, as Reaves recalled, seemed more interested in who was there, who spoke, and the attitude of the speakers as well as the crowd. He was so impressed that he had me give a verbal report at the following inspectors meeting in his office. Apparently, Philadelphias police leadership did not think that the wall-to-wall media coverage of the march sufficed to demystify the days activities, so they needed their plainclothes colleague to share the things he had seen that had somehow escaped the notice of thousands of reporters. Surveillance photograph from the Birmingham Police Department. Courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library. In Birmingham, the citys all-white police department assigned at least one unnamed officer to the march as well, sending him more than 700 miles beyond their city limits to Washington. The surviving documentation for that trip is a cache of 20 surveillance photographs from the march, archived at the Birmingham Public Library, one close-up after another in which the subjects betray no sign of recognition that their picture is being taken. The photographs provide a window into the racial anxieties of the white Southerner who took them. One shows a Black police officer directing traffic; another shows an interracial couple holding hands, and yet another a Black man and a white woman chatting amiably. All three are sights that were virtually unthinkable in Birmingham. And yet, ironically, as invasive as the photos are, theres also a beauty to several of them. In one shot, amid an almost entirely Black crowd massed in front of the Washington Monument, members of Local 144 of the Hotel and Allied Services Union from New York City can be seen listening in rapt concentration to a speaker out of frame. Its an image that could be easily mistaken for one of the dozens of shots of the crowd taken by storied photographer Leonard Freed. Surveillance photograph from the Birmingham Police Department. Courtesy of the Birmingham Public Library. As it turned out, of course, the March on Washington was free of violence. But for police officers across the country, the very idea of hundreds of thousands of Black people assembling to demand equality was dangerous. No matter how peaceful they were, the objectives of those who marched on Washington made them a threat. The impressive logistics that went into transporting 250,000 people to and from Washington for a day of protest must have alarmed police. Because if organizers could pull that off, theyd have no problem staging demonstrations in other cities. At the root of polices insistence on spying on the march was a fear that the rally would radicalize its attendees, that the days activities in Washington would incite those on the National Mall to organize their own local marches and protests when they returned home. Today, the march is revered across the political spectrum. Even the right claims it as a shining moment of multiracial democracy in action, praising Kings speech as the ultimate endorsement of colorblind meritocracy. The very police departments that expended so much time and energy surveilling the march now celebrate King and even approvingly repeat his refrain of I have a dream. But as law enforcement agencies rush to assure us of their respect for Dr. King, we should not forget that in August 1963 they witnessed the gains made by a national movement against racism with dismayand they eagerly spied on those who marched on Washington. AUGUSTA, Ga. The U.S. Army subjected an in-the-works aerial jammer to testing and soldier scrutiny, with initial feedback proving positive, according to one acquisition official. The Multi-Function Electronic Warfare-Air Large, or MFEW-AL, is part of the Armys reinvestment in sophisticated electronic warfare technologies after years of neglect. Lockheed Martin is spearheading development of the self-contained pod, which was initially intended for mounting aboard an MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone, made by General Atomics, but is now being considered for wider use. Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, the program executive officer for intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors, or PEO IEW&S, on Aug. 15 told C4ISRNET a developmental test was conducted at the China Lake weapons range in California and that the service is getting MFEW in the hands of troops. Weve had soldiers both at China Lake and then up at 10th Mountain Division, Barker said in an interview on the sidelines of the AFCEA TechNet Augusta conference in Georgia. The software and hardware is stable. I think were in pretty good shape. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Electronic warfare is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse tethered to the electromagnetic spectrum. Militaries rely upon the spectrum and its manipulation for weapons guidance, navigation and communication, among other vital tasks. Dont ditch soldiers for machines, combine them, Rainey says The Army and other services are reprioritizing electronic warfare as the Pentagon prepares for potential conflict with Russia or China. The spectrum would be hotly contested in a fight with either. The targeting of military chatter, networks and drones in Eastern Europe is adding to the urgency. Barker and others are awaiting formal feedback from the Army Test and Evaluation Command. The info will help inform the next phase, when it comes to a procurement decision for MFEW, he said. Army Undersecretary Gabe Camarillo last year expressed excitement about MFEW-AL after viewing a prototype in the field. What concerned me, always, is that weve got to keep pace with the threat over time, Camarillo told reporters at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, at the time. Im really impressed with the MFEW program that the Army has, its different configurations and where its going. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced Monday that she and her Chinese counterpart agreed to discuss export controls in an ongoing effort to ease tensions between the two global economic powerhouses. In a statement Monday, Raimondo said she met with Peoples Republic of China Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, and they agreed to take several concrete steps in an effort to deepen bilateral discussions. Raimondo and Wang agreed to launch the export control enforcement information exchange, which will hold its first in-person meeting Tuesday. Raimondo said the information exchange will serve as a platform to reduce misunderstanding of U.S. national security policies. Raimondo also announced the establishment of a new commercial issues working group among government and private-sector officials to seek solutions on trade and investment issues and to advance U.S. commercial interests in China. That group will meet first in early 2024 and then meet twice annually. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Export controls have been a key source of frustration for Chinese officials. Washington has taken several steps to boost domestic production of semiconductors while curbing Chinas access. The administration last year banned Chinese companies from buying U.S. semiconductors or the necessary manufacturing equipment without a license a move that has been fiercely criticized by Chinese government officials. The bipartisan CHIPS Act also sought to boost domestic production of semiconductors and discouraged investments in Chinese technology by blocking companies that accept federal funds from investing in the Chinese technology. Recently, the White House announced further restrictions, blocking Americans from investing in certain Chinese sectors, citing national security concerns. In the meeting with Wang, Raimondo stressed opportunities to promote economic exchange where it aligns with U.S. interests and values, according to the Commerce Department readout. Secretary Raimondo reinforced the Administrations commitment to taking actions necessary to protect U.S. national security and reiterated the Administrations small yard, high fence approach, underscoring that export controls are narrowly targeted at technologies that have clear national security or human rights impacts and are not about containing Chinas economic growth, according to the readout. The United States is committed to being transparent about our export control enforcement strategy, Raimondo told reporters at U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burnss official residence, The Associated Press reported. We are not compromising or negotiating in matters of national security, she said, according to the AP. But this is meant to be a dialogue where we increase transparency. Raimondo also defended Washingtons steps recently to boost domestic production of semiconductors and to produce additional supply to reduce chances of disruption, the AP reported. It is not intended to hinder Chinas economic progress. We believe a strong Chinese economy is a good thing, Raimondo told Wang, the AP reported. We seek healthy competition with China. A growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. Raimondos meeting follows visits from other Cabinet officials in recent months, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July. President Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2022. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In The Know by Yahoo If you've never cleaned your washing machine filter before, you may be surprised to find what's lurking in there. By David Shepardson and Paul Grant (Reuters) -The United States Transportation Department (USDOT) on Monday fined American Airlines $4.1 million for unlawfully keeping thousands of passengers on the tarmac for hours, the largest-ever penalty for violating the rule. Of the $4.1 million assessed, $2.05 million will be credited to the airline for compensation provided to passengers of impacted flights. USDOT said an extensive investigation by its Office of Aviation Consumer Protection found that between 2018 and 2021, American allowed 43 domestic flights to remain on the tarmac for lengthy periods without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane in violation of the department's tarmac delay rule. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement On one of the 43 flights, passengers were not provided with food and water as required. Most delays occurred at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. The tarmac delays affected a total of 5,821 passengers. This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, DOT will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable. American told USDOT these delays were the result of exceptional weather events, and that the flights represented less than 0.001% of the approximately 7.7 million flights operated by American and its regional partners during the period of 2018 to 2021. "We have since apologized to the impacted customers and regret any inconvenience caused," the airline said on Monday. The airline said it has committed "substantial time and resources to improve its performance on tarmac delays." While accepting this compromise settlement "American respectfully disagrees that certain of these tarmac delays warrant enforcement action under the extreme circumstances presented," it added. In 2016, USDOT fined American Airlines a then record-matching $1.6 million after it found the carrier had allowed a number of domestic flights to remain on the tarmac without allowing passengers an opportunity to get off the plane. USDOT in January said it planned to seek higher penalties from airlines and others that broke consumer protection rules, saying they were necessary to deter future violations. The department has fined numerous airlines in recent years, including a $135,000 penalty on British Airways over a 2017 tarmac delay in which it failed to ensure the timely deplaning of passengers. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Paul Grant; Editing by Rami Ayyub and Bill Berkrot) By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump will stand trial in March 2024 for trying to overturn his 2020 presidential election defeat, one day before Republican voters in more than a dozen U.S. states will decide whether to give him a chance to recapture the White House. U.S. Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday set a trial date of March 4 for the federal case in Washington, one of four criminal prosecutions the former president faces. That is one day before "Super Tuesday," a potentially decisive date in the Republican presidential nominating contest, when states from Maine to California will hold their nominating contests. Opinion polls show Trump leading his rivals by a wide margin. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Chutkan's decision means that Trump will likely have to stand trial in at least three separate criminal cases while he is campaigning for the party's nomination to take on Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election. A trial date in a fourth criminal case has not yet been set. He is also a defendant in three civil trials scheduled to take place over the coming six months. Trump's lawyers had pressed for an April 2026 trial date, but Chutkan said they did not need that long to prepare. Mr. Trump will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule," Chutkan said. Trump said he would appeal, but legal experts say scheduling decisions cannot be appealed until a verdict has been reached. Trump's lawyer John Lauro said he would abide by Chutkan's schedule. Trump is due to stand trial in New York on March 25 on state charges of concealing a hush money payment to a porn star. Chutkan said she would consult with the judge in that case to work out any potential scheduling conflicts. A third trial is scheduled for May 20, 2024 on federal charges in Florida, alleging that Trump illegally retained classified records after leaving the White House and tried to obstruct justice. A trial date for the fourth criminal case in Georgia has not yet been set. Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis has requested a start of March 4, but Chutkan's decision means that timeline will likely shift. Trump did not attend Monday's hearing. He has previously lashed out at Chutkan, saying, without evidence, that she is biased against him. Chutkan has warned that Trump should stop posting inflammatory statements online about witnesses or others involved in the case. Trump has portrayed all four criminal prosecutions as politically motivated attempts to stop him from returning to power. He has pleaded not guilty in three of those cases, and is due in Georgia on Sept. 6 to enter a plea in that case, according to a court filing on Monday. That case also stemming from his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat. One of his 18 co-defendants in Georgia, his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, is pressing to move his trial to federal court, where he might face a more sympathetic jury. In Washington, Trump's attorneys said they need time to sort through the government's evidence, which totals about 12.8 million pages. This mans liberty and life is at stake and he deserves an adequate representation, Lauro said. Prosecutors say much of the evidence consists of public materials, such as Trump's statements and congressional records. They said on Monday that they have handed most of it over. Chutkan said Trump's legal team should have already gotten a good start. "Mr. Trumps counsel has known this was coming for some time, she said. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has congratulated Moldova on its Independence Day and thanked it for its support of Ukraine. Source: Blinken, quoted by the US Department of State website Quote: "On behalf of the United States of America, I extend a warm congratulations to Moldova and its people on 32 years of independence from the Soviet Union." "We are also grateful for Moldovas unwavering support for its neighbour, Ukraine, in addressing the impacts of Russias war of aggression, and commend the Moldovan peoples efforts to welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Details: Moreover, Blinken noted that "the United States values Moldovas shared commitment to strengthen democratic institutions and judicial reforms, foster economic growth, enhance its security, and promote respect for human rights". He added that the US supported Moldova on its path to EU integration. 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! Workers across California are grappling with yet another climate change-induced threat: a rapidly spreading fungus that can land its unsuspecting victims with prolonged flu-like symptoms, or far worse. The culprit is a soil-dwelling organism called coccidioides, which is now spreading the disease coccidioidomycosis known as Valley fever farther and farther north of its Southwest origins. Rather than spreading from person to person, Valley fever results from the direct inhalation of fungal spores spores climate change is now allowing to flourish in new places. While the disease was previously concentrated in Californias lower San Joaquin Valley and in parts of Arizona, its presence has surged over the past 20 years, according to a report from Californias Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Over the past two decades, California has been seeing dramatically increased incidence in certain areas that are sort of at the fringe of what was historically thought to be the endemic territory, Jennifer Head, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, told The Hill. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The annual incidence of reported cases in 2001 was 4.3 per 100,000 people, according to OEHHA figures. In 2021, it had risen to 20.6 per 100,000 people. Although most people who contract Valley fever experience self-limited respiratory symptoms that last for a few weeks to months, about 5 percent to 10 percent exhibit more serious health consequences, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those complications include long-term problems in the lungs, as well as infection spread to the bones, joints or central nervous system. When an individual inhales the spore, it takes about seven to 21 days to show symptoms, Head said. Most likely to inhale the fungus are farmers, field workers and construction crews or anyone who is outside and interacting with the soil, according to Head. The California Department of Public Health has also identified disproportionate spread among Hispanic and Latino residents, with 47.4 percent of cases occurring in these communities, which only represent 37.3 percent of Californias total population. Meanwhile, residents of Black or Filipino background, as well as pregnant individuals, older adults and people with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of contracting severe disease, the OEHHA noted. Two species of soil-dwelling coccidioides can cause Valley fever one particular to California and the other primarily in Arizona and other parts of the Southwestern U.S. and Central and South America, per the OEHHA. While the Valley in Valley fever refers to Californias Central Valley, cases have increasingly been detected in both adjacent counties and in locations farther north over the past decade, according to the OEHHA. As the climate is warming and places are getting drier, these areas now have enough heat and enough dryness for the dispersion of the spores to take place, Head told The Hill. During periods of drought, dust and particulate matter that contain coccidioides spores can spread deeper into the soil and lay dormant far underground, the OEHHA noted. But when rain returns, that dormant fungus becomes active and plentiful. Change is really not about consistently hot or cold or wet and dry, Shaun Yang, a clinical microbiologist at UCLA Health, told The Hill. Its really going from one extreme to the other extreme, very rapidly. This type of weather shift creates a perfect moment for cocci, he added, using another common name for Valley fever. Earlier this year, we had so much rain, it just flooded everywhere, and then we really had three or four months of no rain, Yang said. And now, suddenly, we have this tropical storm that [came] out of nowhere. With a few dry months now in the forecast, he said the state is seeing a pattern of very extreme, hot and cold, wet and dry. Head echoed Yangs sentiments that when a wet period follows drought, the effect on coccidioides spread is even more powerful. We would expect that this wet winter did give the fungus enough moisture to grow, she said. Coccidioides can grow in soil developing long branching chains underground before fragmenting in the soil into individual spores, according to Head. Those spores can then become airborne either via wind, erosion of the soils or via direct digging in the ground, she explained. Head and her colleagues showed how drought conditions are exacerbating the transmission of coccidioides in an October 2022 report, analyzing more than 81,000 Valley fever surveillance records amassed by state and local agencies over two decades. They found that in 2016-17, two wet years that followed a 2012-15 drought, there were almost 2,500 excess cases of Valley fever that could be attributed to the impacts of drought on disease spread. Scientists have two main hypotheses as to why coccidioides can thrive during drought the first being that potential competitors in the soil die off, according to Head. But coccidioides is pretty hardy, so its maybe just hanging out in the soil and in a spore form and then when the rains do return, it can grow without as much competition, she said. A second hypothesis cited by Head is that the fungal growth follows the life cycle of rodents, which provide nutrients to the soil through their skin, hair, nails and dead bodies. When wet conditions return following a drought, the rodent population sort of skyrockets back up again, Head added. In addition to the impacts of drought, increased winds driven by climate change and wildfire could also be inducing spore spread, according to the OEHHA. Outbreaks have occurred among wildland firefighters, particularly those engaged in activities that cause soil disruption, per the research. With climate change experts also forecasting an easier start to the summer in the years to come, the OEHHA report likewise highlighted the potential for an extension of Valley fever season, leaving residents and summer visitors in endemic areas more vulnerable to infection for longer periods of time. As the coccidioides fungus and therefore Valley fever spreads north, an added complication is the fact that physicians outside of California may not be as familiar with the illness, according to Yang. Until recently, maybe until five years ago, cocci has been really seen as very endemic only to Southwestern states, he continued. Its very unfamiliar for doctors in other areas such as more northern or more mountain areas. But Yang said its possible that the fungus could spread to the whole west side of the United States, or west of Mississippi. States such as Montana, Idaho and Washington which has already experienced some incidence of Valley fever could see increased cases in the future, according to Yang. Washington had a very dry year last year and they also have a lot of farms, so all of these are perfect conditions for cocci, he said. While elements of coccidioides spore spread are unique among other microorganisms, Yang said he also views the fungus and the disease it causes as representative of other climate change-driven illnesses on the rise. For almost 100 years, we didnt really have locally transmitted malaria, and now we are seeing malaria being found in Florida locally transmitted, he said. Similarly, he said its probably just a matter of time until mosquitoes begin spreading Dengue fever considered a tropical illness in the U.S. as well. Yang also identified the bacteria B. pseudomallei which causes a slow but fatal illness years later called melioidosis, or the Vietnamese time bomb as a type of pathogen that could spread north because of climate change. This bacterium is typically found only in Southeast Asia and Central and South America, but a few years ago, the CDC identified it locally in Texas, Yang noted. America has to embrace these kind of changes of dealing with that in what normally would not fall in like the northern hemisphere, he said. Though Valley fever may be just one of many climate-driven diseases, Yang described it as the most striking one due to its dramatic rise in just the past decade. Ten years ago, wed only see one or two cases a month, and now we see one or two cases a week, he said of his hospital. Also problematic is the difficulties doctors face treating Valley fever, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as antifungals effective enough to quash coccidioides dont really exist, according to Yang. Cocci patients at his hospital come in on a daily basis, and some present with invasive infections such as cavitary lung lesions, neuromas or even meningitis, he noted. While potential vaccines to combat Valley fever are under investigation, Yang said he believes that such a tool would probably only provide a limited response. More critical, he contended, is in the development of antifungals that are safe and effective against Valley fever prioritizing strong treatment rather than prevention. Theres really not much you can [do to] prevent the climate change at this point, Yang said. This is a global problem; not even the United States alone can solve this issue theres no way to stop it. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Victoria's Secret will be streaming its first fashion show since 2018 on September 26. It previously hosted its famous runway 23 times between 1995 and 2018. Photos taken over the years show the event's daring lingerie, famous models, and more. Susie Heller and Celia Fernandez contributed to an earlier version of this article. The first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place at the New York City Plaza Hotel in 1995. 1995 marked the first year that the Victoria's Secret fashion show was held. Ron Galella/Getty Images Models who walked the runway that year wore slinky slips and shiny bras. By 1996, the runway had a more high-fashion focus. Once again, the show was held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Mark Cardwell/REUTERS Baby-doll dresses were prominently featured at the time. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But it really started to become a bigger deal by 1998. The 1998 outfits had a lot of matching elements. REUTERS Victoria's Secret models wore themed costumes and Angel wings for the first time that year, and the stage design was more extravagant than in years past. By 1999, Angel wings had become the show's focal point. White lingerie remained a staple of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. REUTERS The show had an ethereal feel, with some models even soaring through the air above the runway. And models like Tyra Banks were owning the runway. Tyra Banks walks the Victoria's Secret runway in 1999. AP Banks walked the runway that year in silver lingerie with a billowing cape behind her. In 2000, the show was held at the Cannes Film Festival as a part of the Cinema Against AIDS gala. Gisele Bundchen walks the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway on May 18, 2000. Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images Models like Gisele Bundchen walked the runway that year. In 2001, the show moved to Bryant Park in New York City. Molly Sims walks the Victoria's Secret runway in 2001. AP The brand's Angel wings had grown massively by the early 2000s, with some even coated in glitter. The 2002 show was also held in New York City but at a different venue, the Lexington Avenue Armory. Protestors onstage alongside Gisele Bundchen in 2002. AP One of the show's most memorable moments and one of the most iconic moments ever in the show's history happened when Gisele Bundchen was followed down the runway by PETA protestors who were angered by the model wearing fur. During those early years, Victoria's Secret began to recognize a core group of models including Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, and Gisele Bundchen. Karolina Kurkova, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, and Adriana Lima. AP The three Victoria's Secret Angels walked the 2003 runway alongside Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, and other legendary models. After a hiatus in 2004, Victoria's Secret debuted its biggest wings yet in 2005. Heidi Klum and Seal at the 2005 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. AP The accessory was worn by Heidi Klum, who also donned a light-up lingerie set. She wore them while being serenaded down the runway by her then-husband Seal. 2006 was the year of Victoria's Secret's playful sub-brand Pink. Pink became a mainstay in the show. AP The brand's faceless dog made an appearance onstage alongside models at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, California. In addition to Angel wings, Victoria's Secret models began wearing other large accessories in the early 2000s. Heidi Klum's look really stood out in 2007. AP Heidi Klum walked the runway that year while wearing a silver lingerie set and a giant snowflake on her back. The 2008 show was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Selita Ebanks walks the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Outfits were dramatic as always that year, and models like Selita Ebanks stole the show while Usher performed. In 2009, the fashion show returned to the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City. The Pink brand has a unique personality. AP Some of the runway looks were more casual that year, and models debuting Pink outfits got to wear artistic pairs of wings. But Victoria's Secret always aimed bigger every year. Just look at the wings in 2010. These wings were seriously huge. AP Karolina Kurkova wore some of the biggest wings that year. Hers were made from peacock feathers in giant circles that extended across the catwalk. In 2011, Victoria's Secret opted for a superhero-themed spectacle. Kanye West and Karlie Kloss at the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Kevin Kane/Getty Images Kanye West performed, the runway was covered in sparkles, and models like Karlie Kloss donned Avengers-style leotards, capes, and boots. Before Savage X Fenty existed, Rihanna performed at the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Sui He and Rihanna at the 2012 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images She performed in different lingerie-inspired outfits alongside models like Sui He. The 2013 show wasn't too much of a departure from other years. The 2013 show was more classic than innovative. AP Models wore colorful lingerie with feathered wings and walked down a glitter-covered catwalk. The following year, however, was the complete opposite with a changing stage. Hozier performs at the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Not only were there giant props onstage throughout the show, but the runway itself was a screen that changed patterns to match the outfits being modeled. It was also the first and only year that Victoria's Secret featured two Fantasy Bras onstage. Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images The bras, valued at $2 million each, were modeled by Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio. In 2015, the show featured fashion it-girls like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Kendall Jenner walks the 2015 Victoria's Secret runway. AP Though Jenner didn't wear wings onstage, her outfit did feature a wide, flowing skirt. It was also the year that Maria Borges wore her hair natural on the runway for the first time. Maria Borges. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images "I told my agent I wanted to walk in the Victoria's Secret show with my natural hair," Borges told Essence at the time. "I was nervous, but I had to do it. When they said 'yes' I didn't expect it, but I was so happy!" The 2016 fashion show was held in Paris, France. Victoria's Secret models onstage for the 2016 show. Dominique Charriau/Getty Images Of the 51 women who walked in the show that year, 18 of them were newbies. And the 2017 event was held at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China. The full cast of 2017 Victoria's Secret models. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 56 models walked the runway that year, including 13 Angels and 14 newcomers. But in 2018, the show returned to New York City after two years abroad. The 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Of the 60 models who walked in the show, 18 were newcomers. That year, Kelsey Merritt made history as the first Filipino woman to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Kelsey Merritt walks the runway at the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Then 22 years old, the model shared an Instagram video of her emotional reaction to being cast in the show. It was confirmed in 2019 that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show would not return. The 2018 fashion show was the last. Photo by J. Lee/FilmMagic Leslie Wexner, the former CEO of the brand's parent company L Brands, originally sent an email to employees that the runway show would "evolve" and not be broadcast on network TV, according to Harper's Bazaar. Viewership of the show dropped after Ed Razek, the former chief marketing officer of L Brands, said in a 2018 interview with Vogue that he didn't believe the annual fashion show should feature "transsexuals" because "the show is a fantasy." Razek later issued a formal apology, but less than a year later, Victoria's Secret announced it was not moving forward with its annual event at all. Victoria's Secret announced in 2021 that it would bring back its annual fashion show without its famous Angels. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Megan Rapinoe, two current faces of Victoria's Secret. Andreas Rentz/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Victoria's Secret CEO Martin Water told investors at the time that the company was going to "get back into the fashion show business" and "redefine it in a way that's culturally relevant," according to CNBC. Then in June 2021, Victoria's Secret announced there would be no more Angels. Instead, the brand partnered with a group of inspirational women including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Megan Rapinoe to be part of a new group called the VS Collective. Some members of the group will be featured in "The Tour '23," a new take on the fashion show that's part runway and part documentary. The show will stream on Prime Video beginning on September 26. Read the original article on Insider FILE - This undated photo provided by the Sayreville, N.J., Borough Council shows Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, Rashid Ali Bynum, the church associate charged with gunning down Dwumfour, a New Jersey pastor and councilwoman, was indicted on murder and weapons charges. (Sayreville Borough Council via AP, File) NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) A Virginia man charged with killing a New Jersey pastor had lived with her and her child for a time before returning to their Sayreville home early this year and shooting the charismatic church leader 14 times, prosecutors said at the suspects detention hearing Monday. Rashid Ali Bynum, 29, of Portsmouth, was denied bail after pleading not guilty to first-degree murder and weapons charges in the Feb. 1 slaying of Eunice Dwumfour. As the hearing ended, the victims mother was detained and handcuffed after a brief scuffle and was being cited for disorderly conduct, according to a lawyer for Dwumfour's family. Attorney John Wisniewski, who called the charge against Mary Dwumfour, a native of Ghana, unfortunate and said the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office "shouldve used better judgment. Eunice Dwumfour, 30, was ambushed in her vehicle as she arrived home at an apartment complex in Sayreville, a central New Jersey town where she also served as a council member. She was deeply involved in a Nigerian church, Champions Royal Assembly, and married a fellow church pastor in Abuja weeks before her death. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In court Monday, prosecutors said she had recruited Bynum into the church and a Bible study organization she had started, Fire Congress Fellowship, when they both lived in Virginia. He then moved to Sayreveille, where she frequently lived with other church members. Bynum returned to Virginia after his relationship with the church soured, Assistant Prosecutor Amber Gibbs said Monday. But Gibbs did not disclose a specific motive for the slaying in court. According to a NJ.com news report, the small scuffle that led to Mary Dwumfour being detained occurred as Bynum was being led out of court. The entire family is very emotional, said Wisniewski, adding that the family was seeing Bynum up close for the first time Monday. Its very traumatic and very upsetting for them. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately return an email seeking information and comment on the mother's disorderly conduct charge. A couple walks along the beach in Kihei, Hawaii, just over a week after wildfires hit West Maui. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) Tourists were initially urged to stay away from the Hawaiian island of Maui in the immediate wake of a wildfire that killed at least 115 people and devastated the historic town of Lahaina. But now, nearly three weeks after the catastrophic wildfire, officials and some locals are urging visitors to not cancel upcoming trips to other parts of the island, saying the tourism dollars are needed to keep locals employed. Maui update. South Maui resorts (Lahaina is West Maui) NEED visitors. Furloughs and layoffs starting because people think the whole island is closed. It is not, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii tweeted Thursday . If you are planning a trip to Wailea or Kihei, dont cancel. If you want to come to Hawaii pls consider South Maui. Weary tourists gather at Kahului Airport to head home, two days after a wildfire devastated Lahaina. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) 'Aina Momona, a community organization that discouraged visitors from coming immediately after the fire, is now offering advice to tourists who do come to the island. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read more: Fearing economic disaster, Maui wants tourists to return. But feelings are complicated "If you decide to travel to Maui, behave with solace, empathy, compassion," a recent Instagram slideshow urges. The bottom line, it says, is that people should visit, spend and go home. Tourism has historically been a fraught subject in Hawaii and the recent fires have brought those tensions to the forefront. But for those who do visit the island in the coming weeks and months, officials, community leaders and other locals offer some advice for being a respectful visitor and minimizing negative effects on the island: Do not go to West Maui The No. 1 message from community leaders and officials is that tourists should steer clear of Lahaina, which was ravaged by fire, and nearby towns such as Kaanapali and Kapalua, which are housing relief efforts and displaced fire survivors. Dont "rubberneck" around the affected communities, said Kainoa Horcajo, a cultural consultant and organizer with mutual aid organization Maui Rapid Response. "But the rest of the island is open and it needs support," Horcajo added. Read more: After Lahaina fire, 16 relatives crowd into one Maui house Stories about tourists taking selfies in front of the destruction in the immediate aftermath of the fire compound the anger and frustration of people in the community who have already lost so much, said James Kunane Tokioka, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Tokioka reiterated the message that the rest of the island and state are open, but urged tourists to act with respect. Popular South Maui towns such as Kihei and Wailea are far from the destruction, as is Paia on the North Shore. Travelers are welcome in Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana, as well as the neighboring Maui County islands of Lanai and Molokai, according to official state guidance. Act with sensitivity and empathy "Come with respect, humility and reverence for our Maui community, especially West Maui. There is a lot of cultural and emotional sensitivity at this time," said Jeana Naluai, a Native Hawaiian who runs a spa in Maui's Upcountry that specializes in traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi techniques. "The families are hurting and deserve your consideration and care." Trisha Kehaulani Watson, 'Aina Momonas co-founder, underscored the fact that many people tourists encounter including hotel, restaurant and retail workers may have a personal connection to the fires. "We really need tourists to be patient and kind and compassionate and understand that people here are deeply traumatized and really beginning to cope with this," said Kehaulani Watson, a natural and cultural resources management consultant. Tourists should know that recovery remains the island's priority and expect that some places could be short-staffed and some attractions may be closed, Kehaulani Watson said. Gemma Alvior, a local designer who has a boutique at Maui Mall Village in Kahului, also urged visitors to "always remember to watch how you speak about your vacation because you dont know who is listening. Everyone is emotional and hurt." Patronize small businesses and tip well "Support the economy by shopping at local stores, restaurants, food trucks and shopping Hawaiian products," said Naluai, who runs Ho'omana Spa. She suggested that tourists use the Kuhikuhi database to find Native Hawaiian-owned businesses or shop them virtually and take as many selfies as they want supporting local businesses in unaffected areas. Many people are looking for jobs, and local businesses need to absorb the workforce until things rebuild, Naluai said. "Only thriving business can continue to offer opportunities. We all need to survive so we can continue to serve for the long haul towards restoration." Read more: How to help Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires Volunteer or donate The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism urges visitors to check mauistrong.hawaii.gov for the latest Maui emergency management and recovery information, as well as information about how to help. 'Aina Momona suggests that tourists consider volunteering with Maui Food Bank, Maui Rapid Response or Common Ground Collective. Read more: Pets still wander the ruins of Lahaina. Weary animal rescuers are on a mission Alvior, the Pulelehua boutique designer, also suggested that people consider volunteering with the Maui Humane Society or donating goods. "They can also bring an extra luggage full of items that are needed here. Dont come empty-handed," Alvior said. (Needs have shifted relatively quickly over the last few weeks, so it's best to connect with local groups beforehand or on social media.) Kilakila Nunes, a Maui resident whose pool services business works with local resorts, suggested that travelers consider making "a small monetary donation to a credible agency if possible" while enjoying the rest of the island. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy said Sunday that, if he wins the 2024 election, he would ask former President Donald Trump to serve as his adviser and mentor. I want to build on the foundation Trump laid, the former biotech businessman told NBCs Chuck Todd. I dont want to relearn the same lessons. I want to pick up where he left off in taking on the administrative state. Ramaswamy, who in the absence of front-runner Trump attracted the most attacks from his rivals in last weeks first GOP primary debate, suggested Trump had been duped by his own White House advisers who warned against firing swaths of federal employees. Read the law, he urged Todd. Turns out those civil service protections only apply to individual firings, not to mass layoffs. Mass layoffs are absolutely what I will bring to the D.C. bureaucracy. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Elsewhere in their interview, Todd sparred with Ramaswamy over his contradictory comments about former Vice President Mike Pences certification of the 2020 election. Last week, Ramaswamy faced criticism for comparing Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), who is Black, to one of the modern grand wizards of the modern KKK. Watch the interview here: WATCH: @VivekGRamaswamy said Trump was the best president of the 21st century Wednesday, but he's running against him in 2024. He says he'd invite Trump to be an "adviser" and "mentor" in his WH on #MTP. "I don't want to re-learn the same lessons." pic.twitter.com/pR3wLvBWqN Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) August 27, 2023 Related... Two days after being spotlighted during the first Republican presidential debate, Vivek Ramaswamy saw a surge of Iowans flock to his campaign stops in central Iowa ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses. Ramaswamy, an Ohio biotech entrepreneur and an unabashed supporter of former President Donald Trump, found himself the focal point of 16 attacks during last week's presidential debate in Milwaukee, more than any other candidate, according to NBC News. The attention has heightened interest in Ramaswamy, who described himself as "a skinny guy with a funny last name" at the debate and who has been relegated to the middle of the pack of presidential contenders in a recent Iowa Poll. Just 4% of likely Republican caucusgoers named him their first choice, putting him in seventh place in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. GOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy meets with prospective Iowa caucusgoers in Pella, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Yet by Friday morning, throngs of Iowans packed Ramaswamy's appearances. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Iowa State Senate President Jake Chapman, Ramaswamys Iowa co-chair, said they planned for 75 to 100 people to attend an event at Fireside Bistro in Indianola, Iowa, last Friday morning. Instead, 300 people showed up, he estimated. The turnout was so large that the campaign ordered more food for attendees. This was a clear sign that Ramaswamy got a bump in interest after the debate, Chapman said. What I think everyone saw was you had seven against one, and he came out the winner, Chapman said. The reason why I think hes catching on fire is because hes not talking about fighting against Joe Biden or policy differences. Hes leading with a vision of what is America. Sara Woodcock went to Ramaswamys Pella, Iowa, event later that morning during her husbands lunch break. They watched the debate and learned about him for the first time, David Woodcock said. David Woodcock had supported Trump but said he is over him now. Sara Woodcock still calls Trump her first choice. But they were both curious to learn more about Ramaswamy after his debate performance drew high marks from media pundits and many Republicans. He really stood out at the debate, David Woodcock said. I thought he and Nikki Haley stood out probably the most. (Florida Gov. Ron) DeSantis was OK. I never knew who this guy was until the debate, Sara Woodcock said. After seeing Ramaswamy speak Wednesday, David Woodcock said he would consider voting for Ramaswamy.I like what he stands for, he said. Sara Woodcock said Ramaswamys youth is an asset. The 38-year-old touts himself as the first millennial to run for U.S. president as a Republican. Ramaswamy his youthfulness is a reason for voters to vote for him. The fact that he might be able to reach some millennials that nobody else can, Sara Woodcock said. Theres still a lot of other people in the race that I like, but I was very impressed by what he had to say. This is great to have fresh blood in there, David Woodcock said. GOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy meets with people after speaking in Indianola on Friday Aug. 25, 2023. Ramaswamy holds several positions similar to Trump. Last week, Ramaswamy said the next election has to be a landslide election to prevent questions from being raised about the winner. Im the only candidate who has a (Ronald) Reagan 1980-style victory with a multi-ethnic, working-class coalition, particularly with people who are not just older, but people who are younger who we are bringing into our party, Ramaswamy said. Laurence Ladwig is a retired Vermeer Corp. employee who lives in Pella. Like the Woodcocks, Ladwig thinks that Ramaswamys youth is a plus, but he said his inexperience is a negative. Ramaswamy has never held elected office. Ladwig was curious about Ramaswamy after seeing clips of him speaking on the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair. Ladwig is still trying to figure out who to vote for, though he likes Trump. But Ladwig likes how Ramaswamy can reach people, even if his inexperience is an issue, he said. Foreign policy, he doesnt know what it is to run a government, city government, state government, nothing, Ladwig said. He couldnt meet foreign leaders, I think, on the level. GOP Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks in an Indianola restaurant on Friday Aug. 25, 2023. Pritesh Patel, 34, of Indianola, described himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Patel chose Ramaswamy as his preferred candidate before Wednesdays debate. A hotel owner in Indianola, Patel said Ramaswamy seems authentic and focused on things he can control. He understands the problems from our generation, Patel said. Hes inspiring. Patel also thought Ramaswamy helped himself with his debate performance. He laid out a vision for the U.S. in the future, and its an enticing vision, Patel said. Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Vivek Ramaswamy speaks to overflow Iowa crowds after Republican debate By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia pledged at the United Nations on Monday to keep providing "comprehensive assistance" to Mali, where about 1,000 fighters with Russia's Wagner mercenary group are helping the West African state's junta fight an Islamist insurgency. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash last week and Russian President Vladimir Putin then ordered Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state. Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that bilateral cooperation between Russia and Mali and the military junta's "sovereign choice" of international security partners "are keeping our former Western partners up at night". ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Russia, for its part, will continue to provide Mali and other interested African partners with comprehensive assistance on a bilateral, equal and mutually respectful basis," he told the U.N. Security Council. The 15-member council in June voted to end a decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali after the military junta abruptly asked the 13,000-strong force (MINUSMA) to leave - a move the United States said was engineered by the Wagner group. Mali has struggled to stem the Islamist insurgency that took root following an uprising in 2012. U.N. sanctions monitors reported to the Security Council this month that "in less than a year, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has almost doubled its areas of control in Mali". Mali's junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, teamed up with Wagner in 2021. "As many of us feared, the transition government's decision to close MINUSMA has already triggered renewed violence on the ground," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the Security Council on Monday. "Additionally, MINUSMA's withdrawal limits the ability of the international community to protect civilians from the predations of Wagner, whose activities contribute to greater insecurity in the country," she said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Alex Richardson) Waiting to help until after someone becomes homeless is costing Tri-Cities taxpayers far more than just prevention programs would. An analysis of program costs compiled by the Washington Department of Commerce shows that prevention programs in the Tri-Cities cost taxpayers an average of $18 each day, compared to $62 daily to support emergency shelters. Even rapid rehousing programs, to help someone at risk of eviction find a new place to live, come in at half the cost of emergency shelter. The states definition of emergency shelter is the cost to get someone out of a situation where they are sleeping somewhere not meant for habitation. It can include shelters like the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission or just paying for a hotel room for a family living in their car. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Not all residents of the shelter would be considered emergency by the state though, as Gospel Mission offers longer term options for people enrolled in programs to help them build long-term success. Tri-Cities housing officials say the pandemic-related funding boosts to homelessness prevention programs prove that these initiatives are working. But that money has dried up, while demand remains high. Unless something is done about the funding, thats going to cost taxpayers a lot more in the long run. United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties President LoAnn Ayers likened it to only being able to get medical care at the emergency room. The problems compound until its an emergency, and then its much more difficult and expensive, to fix. Its pay me now or pay me more later, Ayers told the Herald. In addition to nonprofits and community members pitching in, Ayers said Tri-Citians can also support their local elected officials as they ask state and federal lawmakers to find a way to replace the outgoing federal boosts to homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing programs. The numbers show that these programs also lead to much better outcomes, and leave recipients less likely to fall back into homelessness. Tri-Cities housing officials say the pandemic-related funding for homelessness prevention programs prove that the initiatives were working. But that money has dried up, while demand remains high. Cost of homelessness An analysis from the Municipal Research and Services Center, a Washington nonpartisan nonprofit that analyzes government policies and spending, concludes that preventative measures are by far the most cost-effective way to address homelessness. Homelessness prevention programs cost taxpayers just $18 a day in Benton County, while rapid rehousing costs averaged $34 and emergency shelter cost $62, according to the Department of Commerces 2022 Homeless System County Performance report card. The cost to successfully take someone from emergency housing or rapid re-housing to permanent housing averaged about $10,000. In Franklin County the cost per day for homelessness prevention programs was just $19. About half of all participants tracked fell into that category. Rapid rehousing was the second largest category with 41 participants, at a cost of $37 per day. Emergency shelter costs were $98 per day, with four total participants. Because these participants were higher need, the cost per exit was much higher. The research centers statewide estimates show similar savings. Their 2019 numbers show prevention costs at $16.55 per day compared to $30.21 for supportive housing, $28.98 for transitional housing and $36.77 for emergency shelter. The cost for successful exit for prevention averaged $4,202 compared to $15,805 for transitional housing and $11,114 for emergency shelter. The research centers analysis stated that the most effective way to address homelessness is through prevention. Prevention results in fewer individuals being displaced from their current residences, often accomplished through governmental programs. That means preventing homelessness by helping people keep their housing it costs about half as much as re-housing them and only a quarter of what it would cost to help them in an emergency shelter. Ayers said the people most at need for this type of service are likely to be senior citizens on a fixed income or people fleeing domestic violence. In 2022, about half of the people in these programs fell into those categories or had a history of homelessness. Benton and Franklin Counties didnt have cost breakdowns for transitional and supportive housing, but in other counties those costs tend to fall between the average per day cost of rapid re-housing and emergency shelter. The Bishop Skylstad Commons housing facility in Pasco is a recently opened apartment-style complex that offers resources for the unhoused. Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington opened Bishop Skylstad Commons in Pasco earlier this year. It is the first large supportive housing project in the Tri-Cities. Rent is determined on a sliding scale based on a percentage of income, typically one-third. Kennewick Housing Authority employs a similar model at its tiny house village. Statewide there were 74,300 in homelessness prevention and response programs in 2022. The average length of homelessness in the state was 208 days, with 38% of recipients moving on to permanent housing and 10% returning to homelessness. The statewide cost of running the programs amounted to $57 a day for homelessness prevention programs, $48 per day for rapid rehousing, $64 a day for emergency shelter and $66 per day for transitional housing. The costs of running these programs is significantly cheaper in the Tri-Cities than the Seattle area, and the outcomes are better across the board, according to the data. This embedded content is not available in your region. How many are at-risk in Tri-Cities? Benton County Human Services Director Kyle Sullivan said one of the biggest challenges theyre facing right now is how to continue paying for rapid rehousing and eviction prevention at the level its being requested. The federal funds had enabled them to help most applicants, but now theyre having to prioritize people at the highest need, at a time when rent has risen dramatically in the Tri-Cities, while vacancy rates have only eased up to about 5%. While its illegal to discriminate against renters, landlords do have legal avenues to deny applicants such as credit requirements and income thresholds. A single mother fleeing domestic violence might not have income at all, to say nothing of earning the standard three times the rent. That means if a two-bedroom apartment is renting for $1,500 per month, they would need an income of $54,000 to qualify. Working a full 40 hours per week at Washingtons $15.74 minimum wage only brings in about $32,800 annually. Nearly 6,000 in the Tri-Cities are considered at-risk of falling into homelessness or already are, according to the states 2023 Continuum of Care snapshot, which uses data from enrollment in social services programs. That count shows 4,086 people are considered either homeless or in emergency shelter in Benton and Franklin counties. And 5,854 are considered unstably housed or homeless. Thats up 7% year-over-year, and 34% higher in the past five years. While data from the state Department of Commerces Continuum of Care dashboard shows that people needing aid programs has risen, the number of people contacted during the Point in Time count fell. Those contacted during the Point in Time count are considered the people with the most critical need, and often face the most difficult path to obtaining and keeping assistance. It is a nationally mandated count that every community participates in, allowing community leaders and volunteers to make in-person contact with people experiencing homelessness. This years Point in Time homeless count reflected lower numbers of people experiencing homelessness, thanks in part to the successful voucher programs that helped keep many people housed. The count typically provides cities with a look at the daily challenges unhoused people are facing. While this years count reflected the success of pandemic related housing aid in getting people off the street, unfortunately, most of that aid ended last month. The 2023 Point in Time count was conducted at the end of January, and found about 150 people either unsheltered or in emergency housing. In Benton County, 37 were considered unsheltered and 15 were in Franklin County. Another 89 who were in emergency housing were contacted in Benton County. Fewer than 11 people who said they were currently in emergency housing were contacted in Franklin. The count masks any number low enough that it could be used to identify participants. That number represents the people volunteers made contact with in homeless encampments or out in the community. More: The property tax rate may drop, but residents may still pay more. Here's why Corpus Christi City Hall, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. Taxpayers who want a say in how big their property bills will be can speak out during a public hearing Tuesday. The hearing launches the process of formally laying out exactly how much residents can expect to pay, and how that money will likely be allocated across the budget. As proposed by staff, the new rate would be 60 cents per $100 valuation and while it is a two-cent drop compared to the current rate of about 62 cents per $100, for many taxpayers that wont mean their bills will similarly drop. Tax impacts are ultimately based on individual circumstances some will go up, some will go down but generally, its an effective 8.3 percent increase when taken in aggregate, compared to last year. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Many homeowners whose property appraisals increased over last years will ultimately pay more. In addition to bumps in property tax appraisals, the increase is also attributable to new properties on the tax roll. Its estimated the city would draw an additional $13.5 million under the proposed tax rate, compared to last year, records show. The rate in which the city would draw the same revenue as the previous year would be about 55 cents per $100 valuation, about five cents less than what is currently proposed to support the budget. At least 60 percent of councilmembers must vote in favor of a final tax rate, if that tax rate exceeds the no-new-revenue tax rate, according to statute. Texas law requires that a tax rate be adopted by the end of September. Tuesday will also be the City Councils first of two votes in approving a property tax rate, as well as its budget and rates and fees for basic services. The second is scheduled for Sept. 5. If you go What: Public hearing on the city of Corpus Christis proposed tax rate Where: Council chambers at City Hall, 1201 Leopard St. When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here's how much tax you may pay in the city of Corpus Christi in 2023 In 1962, a 33-year-old freelance writer who had little institutional or academic standing published a book widely credited with helping inspire the creation of Medicaid, Medicare, Head Start, and food stampsrepresenting the commitment of the federal government to a war on poverty. No one expected The Other America to have such an effect, including its author, Michael Harrington , who insisted hed be pleased if it managed to sell a couple of thousand copies. Instead, boosted by a glowing review in The New Yorker, it sold 70,000 in its first year. Harrington came slowly to write about poverty. By the time he did, he was himself on the social margins, albeit by choice. He had grown up the only child of a middle-class family in St. Louis, gone to college, and flitted in and out of law school and a Ph.D. program in English. In the early 1950s, he joined the Catholic Worker movement, the radical lay Roman Catholic organization led by Dorothy Day, which asked believers to take a vow of poverty. He lived in the communal Catholic Worker house on Chrystie Street in New Yorks Lower East Side, ministering to the impoverished denizens of the Bowery. As his spiritual faith waned, he left Days orbit and joined another band of outsiders: the Young Peoples Socialist League, a group of Trotskyists and former Socialist Party members who denounced the Communist Party and capitalism with nearly equal ferocity. Thats where he was when the editor of Commentary asked him to write an article looking into the problem of poverty in the affluent society (to quote John Kenneth Galbraith) of 1950s America. The opening pages of The Other America set out the problem: There was a familiar America of postwar prosperity, of televisions and radios and automobiles and suburban homes, and then there was a shadowlandanother Americaof between 40 and 50 million people who lived in poverty. The poor might not be literally starving, as they were in other countries, but they were maimed in body and spirit, their lives twisted and deformed by material lack, and their existence invisible to the broader society. Matthew Desmonds latest book, Poverty, by America, sets out from a very different starting point. In the early 1960s, when Harrington published his book, poor people were hardly part of political discourse at all; today, there are few who would be so naive as to claim to simply not know poverty exists in American society. As a result, Desmond presents his book not as an expose but as an effort to answer the question: Why? Why is there still so much poverty in the United States? Poverty for Desmond is not the result of invisibility, of being left behind. Rather, the root cause of poverty is exploitation. People are poor because other people benefit from the presence of poverty: To understand the causes of poverty, we must look beyond the poor. Those of us living lives of privilege and plenty must examine ourselves. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Desmond is in many ways better placed than Harrington ever was to launch an appeal to the moral conscience of the nation. From precarious, just-about-middle-class origins, Desmond has risen to become the equivalent of academic royalty: He teaches sociology at Princeton University, has won the MacArthur genius grant, and received the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction for his 2016 book, Evicted, which made the striking argument that losing ones home affected future economic chances and position at least as much as incarceration. Yet The Other America has a moral hopefulness that Poverty, by America cannot quite summon, and todays political circumstances make it almost unimaginable that Desmonds book will have a similar effect. The institutionalization of the study of poverty has changed what it means to chronicle it. The Other America emphasized the tremendous variety of ways to be poor. Harrington wrote that American poverty deserved a novelist to chronicle its textures and sensibilities, and in the spirit of George Orwell going to Wigan Pier, he observed communities of impoverished people: migrant farmworkers; the aged poor; the alcoholic poor; the Black residents of poor, urban neighborhoods; bohemians who were voluntarily poor. But in all these cases, his analysis of poverty treated it as a problem, in large part, of exclusion. Poor people were those shut out of middle-class affluence. They lived in geographically remote regions, in segregated inner cities or in rural Appalachia. They lacked the skills and education to participate in the great postwar economic boom. Leaving some people out and including others, technology and progress generated poverty just as they generated wealth. Perhaps the most famous idea in The Other America is that of a culture of poverty, Harringtons borrowing of a concept developed by anthropologist Oscar Lewis, whose scholarship focused on poverty in Mexico. Being poor in the United States meant more than not having money; it was a culture, an institution, a way of life. On one level, Harrington was describing the escalating series of crises that might define life in poverty and prevent an individual from rising out of it. A child might develop asthma, an allergic response to a dusty, run-down building; her mother might have to miss work for a day to take her to the doctor. For a middle-class employee, this would be covered by a sick day; for a poor worker, it could mean getting fired. Lost wages might mean lost rent and then eviction. The older sister of the asthmatic child might then shoplift to get food or medicine or a trinket, leading to a stint in jailand so forth. The complex web of forces that shaped the life of an impoverished person gave the lie to glib ideas about individualism whereby hard work equals upward mobility. But Harrington went further still, to argue that poor people lived in a cultural universe apart from the rest of the United States. There is, in short, a language of the poor, a psychology of the poor, a worldview of the poor, he wrote. To be impoverished is to be an internal alien, to grow up in a culture that is radically different from the one that dominates the society. Because poor people were so radically distant from the larger society, they could not act on their own politically. Any solution to their plight would have to depend on appealing to liberal middle-class people and the labor movement, to create the vast social movement that would be needed to end poverty. Harrington believed that middle-class America would rise to the challenge. He ended his book with a call to this constituency. How long shall we ignore this underdeveloped nation in our midst? How long shall we look the other way while our fellow human beings suffer? The war on poverty of the 1960s had many limits and challenges. Its means-tested programs were targeted only at the poorest of the poor, rather than being universal in scope, like Social Security. It was accompanied by funding for local police that helped to swell the carceral state. But at the same time, it did represent the sole expansion of the American welfare state in the twentieth century to follow that of the 1930s and 1940s, which had grown out of the national emergencies of Depression and war. The national health insurance programs that it established remain the major form of public health insurance, an essential bulwark and commitment to human dignity and well-being. The food support it created kept millions from the worst hunger (and still does, though weakened by repeated attacks). The number of people living in extreme poverty fell to 30 million from 39 million between 1959 and 1966, and despite Harringtons pessimism about poor peoples capacity for political activism, the civil rights movementwith its broad call to recognize the dignity of subaltern Americansand the power of organized labor created the politics that made this possible. And yet, over 60 years later, how different are conditions really? Recent decades have seen the social safety net hollowed out in countless ways, with time limits and work requirements imposed on programs that were already means-testedlike food stamps. More than a million American schoolchildren are homeless. Almost two million American households lack running water. And, Desmond writes, if Americas poor founded a country, that country would have a bigger population than Australia or Venezuela37.9 million as of January 2023. Desmond describes poverty as living in a sense of constant emergency. The constant danger and fear that comes with being poor are core to his vision: Poverty is the colostomy bag and wheelchair, the night terrors and bullets that maimed but didnt finish their cunning work. He is also powerful on physical pain: the two amputations a week in the meatpacking industry when an arm or a hand gets caught in a band saw; the skin rashes and migraines of maids who clean our office buildings, homes, and hotel rooms with products containing ammonia and triclosan. Poverty, for Desmond, results from the myriad forms of predatory inclusion, to use Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylors phrase, rather than exclusion. People are poor because they are underpaid, charged too much in rent, and exploited by financial institutions such as payday lenders. Poor people do not occupy some distant cultural universe; their labor and their needs create opportunities for wealth for others. They are people like Julio Payes, a Guatemalan immigrant (a permanent resident of the United States) who lives in a small city in Northern California and works 80 hours a week at two minimum-wage jobsan overnight shift at McDonalds and a day shift at a temp contracting firm that sends people to jobs in construction, maintenance, distribution, and facilities. Or Crystal Mayberry, who survived a violent childhood to find herself paying 73 percent of her income in rent; following eviction, she lost her Supplemental Security Income, and ultimately found herself homeless, engaging in prostitution to survive. These conditions, Desmond argues, persist because employers, landlords, loan sharks, andless directlylarge swaths of the upper middle class benefit. In this analysis, Desmond is building on his work on evictions, which pins much of the blame for the high eviction rate and consequent disaster on small landlords, whose own economic security rests on the apartments they rent to even poorer people. Many of these landlords are people who have little access to steady or stable jobs, and so turn to property ownership as an alternative. But then they behave with ruthlessness toward tenants like Mayberry. Similarly, in the broader economy, the low wages and precarious conditions of poor workers like Payes underwrite the economic security of well-off professionals. If upper-middle-class people can afford takeout food, household help, childcare, restaurant meals out, new clothing each season, and much else, its in large part because the workers in those fields are paid so poorly. This kind of self-interest, Desmond argues, has also distorted the welfare state, so that poor people have to scramble for scraps of aid while the affluent receive handsome tax breaks. Even though government spending on means-tested programs that are aimed at poor people, such as Medicaid and food stamps, has grown since the early 1980s, from $1,015 per person in 1980 to $3,419 a person early in Donald Trumps presidency, the programs are more difficult to access than they were in the past. Money that is supposed to go to poor people in fact is devoted to the state apparatus that determines whether theyre poor enough to receive it. Money that is supposed to go to poor people in fact is devoted to the state apparatus that determines whether theyre poor enough to receive it. Desmond illustrates this point with the story of his former roommate, Woo. Woo stepped on a rusty nail in his dilapidated apartment; unable to take the time and money to go to the doctor, he developed an infection that spiraled due to his diabetes and ultimately lost his lower leg. Woos initial application for Social Security was deniedas are about two-thirds of all first-time applicationsalthough later, with the help of a lawyer, he was able to access the program, which paid him much less than his work as a security guard once had. These pointless legal hassles and barriers to access help to explain why, as Desmond puts it, a dollar allocated to an antipoverty program does not mean a dollar will ultimately reach a needy family. On top of this, states get block grants under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (the revamped Clinton-era welfare program) and can spend money on things like abstinence-only sex education and Christian summer camps that have a dubious relationship to ending poverty. Of the $31.6 billion in federal welfare spending in 2020, only $7.1 billion actually was realized in cash payments to poor people. Compare this system to Aid to Families With Dependent Children, the welfare program in place from the Great Depression until the early 1990s, which Desmond argues managed to deliver almost all of its funding into the hands of poor people themselves. Government assistance has become tilted toward those who have money already. Desmond contrasts the labyrinthine and inefficient programs for the poor with the considerable welfare state for the affluent, comprising a host of tax benefits. Many of these benefits are invisibletax-advantaged IRAs, for example, or 529 college-savings plans, or mortgage-interest tax deductions. But just imagine what it would look like if people paid the full amount of their taxes and then got a check equivalent to the credit. Desmond suggests that the average household in the bottom 20 percent of the income distribution receives about $25,700 a year in government benefit, while the average household in the top 20 percent gets about $35,300. Why is this welfare state politically acceptable, but not one that effectively serves poor people? The answer may not be that complex or ideological. Starving the public sector allows the affluent to purchase ever-larger cars, houses, and consumer goodies. We have lavish vacations, giant SUVs, and McMansion second homesbut we get to them by driving past homeless encampments, and our public school teachers pay out of pocket for school supplies. This is no accident, but rather marks the complicity of the upper middle class in the sustenance of poverty. Harrington was a socialist when he wrote The Other America, but he refrained in the book from any direct or explicit criticism of capitalism that might prevent it reaching a wider audience. Desmond makes a similar move, insisting that he is not calling for anything as radical as redistribution, but simply for the IRS to start cracking down on tax cheats and for a little rebalancing of the social safety net so that it offers less help to the rich and more to the poor. (He estimates that the government could lift all poor families above the poverty line for about $177 billionan amount far less than what it loses through tax avoidance each year.) Raising the minimum wage and making it easier for workers to organize unions are, for Desmond, among the most important anti-poverty programs. A higher minimum wage, he writes, would be a sleep aid and an antidepressant. Desmond calls attention to the political movements of poor people in a way that Harrington never did. Although Harrington was writing after the Montgomery bus boycott, as the civil rights movement rose in the South, he said relatively little about italthough this was a mobilization in large part of the working poor. Desmond, by contrast, cites tenants movements, the Fight for $15, and union campaigns such as those at Amazon and Starbucks. He calls on the middle class to support, participate in, and learn from these movements, rather than engaging with them superficially. Its now common for local businesses to hang trans rights flags or BLACK LIVES MATTER signs in their store windows, he observes, but how about also posting starting wages? Right-thinking liberals seek out organic, sustainably produced fruits and vegetables, but rarely ask what the farmworkers are paid; they boycott chains because of their political donations and public stances, not their pay and benefits. Desmond asks that we treat these seemingly economic issues as the moral and political ones they really are. People should become poverty abolitionists, invoking a tradition of abolitionism from the abolition of slavery to the campaign to dismantle the carceral state. Despite Desmonds exhortations, a note of impatience, frustration, even disillusionment runs through his book. Harrington believed that if only people knew and recognized the extent of poverty in the United States, they would take action against ithow could they not? By contrast, Desmond notes that he feels rude when he mentions that people benefit from poverty in all kinds of waysits like a dog urinating on a car. One imagines academics shuffling their papers and looking down, conference attendees staring into the middle distance. They are happy to produce white papers and journal articles, but not to support union drives or pay their housekeepers more. Complexity is the refuge of the powerful, he writes. Hungry people want bread. The rich convene a panel of experts. Its clear why Desmond is exasperated. After all, the United States has been talking about poverty for six decades, and yet the problem remains. Desmond himself has built an entire academic career out of documenting the causes and extent of poverty, part of a professional subfield that didnt exist when Harrington wrote The Other America. Then, Harrington positioned himself as an outsider bearing moral witness. The extensive, rich footnotes of Poverty, by Americafar more extensive and scholarly than for Harringtons booktestify that the body of knowledge about poverty has vastly grown. Journal articles, books, conferences, foundations, and pilot programs proliferate, yet the poor remain poor. The contrast between the studied concern of the sociologists and the actual lives of poor people is painfuland enraging. It is as though an entire elaborate intellectual edifice has been built to tell us what we already know: that it is a horror to live in cities where thousands of people sleep outdoors and wander the streets begging for change, where mothers strap their children to their backs and sell candy on the subways, where young men lose their feet because they cannot go to the doctor to treat infected wounds. Desmonds work is deeply rooted in this academic universe, even as he acknowledges its limits. We dont need to outsmart this problem, Desmond writes. We need to out-hate it. Yet Desmonds discouragement at the complacency of his class peers does not fully capture the economic dynamics at play. Part of what has happened over the 61 years that separate these two books is the turn from a political economy that managed to distribute wealth more evenly to the current level of extreme inequality and hierarchy. In the early 1960s, Harrington argued that the poor lived lives of insecurity and deprivation that were far from the American norm because so many are enjoying a decent standard of life, there are indifference and blindness to the plight of the poor. Today, thanks to capital flight, anti-unionism, deindustrialization, the proliferation of low-wage jobs, and the proletarianization of many professional occupations (such as academia), the insecurity of poverty has spread to many of those who might once have occupied the middle class. Despite the many differences of status and education, factory workers, retail clerks, professors, and journalists (among other occupations) alike share downward pressure on their wages and increased lack of control over the conditions of their work. Although Desmond is technically correct that the majority of the American population owns some stocks, and thus indirectly benefits from exploitation that might boost share prices, this does not translate into security and privilegemost who do own stock do so as part of a retirement plan, which can easily be wiped out in a downturn, and few outside of the elite derive any significant part of their income from finance. The middle class today in fact shares a great deal with the poor, which means that its guilty self-excoriation can only get so far. There is some room for hope in this bleak fact. Many of the social and political investments that Desmond suggests to reduce extreme povertymaking it easier to organize unions, expanding investments in affordable housing and tenant protections, raising the minimum wagehold the potential for broad and commanding appeal. Such policies likely would provide a net material benefit for many beyond the very poor. They could also extend less tangible gains in security and in freedom. Desmond concludes by evoking the weariness that can come from living in a society that tolerates human desperation, as ours doesthe tendency to dehumanize those who show that there is no limit to how far one might fall, the dissociation that becomes necessary to walk down the street and remain sane in the presence of frightening misery. He asks that people imagine a different kind of society: one no longer haunted in this way. Seeing the fight against extreme poverty as a building of necessary solidarity might even help to ignite a new period of political creativity in the United Statesas Harrington called for, more than 60 years ago. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. Life has been a whirlwind the past six months with home construction, being displaced by construction and trying to keep our head above water in all ways after our big house move. Without a real kitchen, which was being completely remodeled, I wasnt feeling terribly inspired since we were relying heavily on easy dinners and doing pretty much no entertaining. Thankfully, the kitchen is now 99% completed. Were just waiting on one last detail to be installed, and its a cosmetic install. So life in our new home is starting to settle in and feel like the new normal. Were back to having friends for dinner occasionally and cooking most nights. A few weeks ago I took a quick day trip up to Kansas City to visit my dear friend, RoxAnn, for the afternoon. The ironic thing is RoxAnn and I used to take day trips to shop in KC, and now she lives there. She made reservations at a fun, chic restaurant called The Restaurant at 1900 for lunch. We dined there and really enjoyed our food and the ambiance. She had a salmon salad that had a Mediterranean twist and included some lebana (strained yogurt) topped with a light fresh combo of veggies including fresh fennel. I chose the fish and chips, which were stuffed with beans. I would say there were beans in the batter there wasnt anything stuffed inside the actual fish. But it was delicious nonetheless. The chips were a couple of small, crispy, fry-like yucca sticks, and there was a tasty slaw on the side. Its a restaurant Id like to return to for dinner and perhaps linger longer. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Our last and perhaps most memorable stop was at Babas Pantry, a Palestinian deli at 1019 E 63rd St. that had so many offerings to go, I had to borrow a cooler. The interior was bright and beautifully designed, and Baba himself greeted us as we walked in the door. Then, we went to town, almost clearing out all the delicious offerings. I purchased marinated Castelvetrano olives, lebana (which they called lebne), feta dip with roasted olives, avocado hummus (Babas wife enthusiastically sold me on this), freshly fried pita chips, and some pickled turnips. Last fall, Babas Pantry was written up in Bon Appetit magazine as one of the 10 Best New Restaurants 2022. As we checked out with our baskets overflowing, RoxAnn said, Oh, wed also like to try your lemonade. Avocado ginger and pomegranate were the available flavors, and we got one of each, of course. Off we walked with our arms loaded down by bags of Palestinian treats and lemonades, smiling from ear-to-ear. I would drive to Kansas City just to go to Babas Pantry and load up again. Everything I bought at Babas Pantry was delightfully delicious. And the feta and roasted olive dip got my wheels turning. I found a recipe that is similar although served warm. It comes from a blog called Food Dolls authored by two beautiful, young Egyptian women. These dolls know how to cook. Enjoy this delicious dip with pita, pita chips or crostini. How to make Warm Feta Dip with Marinated Olives Gather and measure out the ingredients for the dip: feta cheese, whipped cream cheese, Greek yogurt and mozzarella cheese. Pulse these ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer this to an oven-safe baking dish or skillet and bake until warm and bubbly. While baking, combine the ingredients for the marinated olive topping in a separate bowl: chopped Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, olive oil and crushed red pepper. Let marinate at least 20 minutes. Spread the marinated olives over the warm feta mixture. A suspect in two recent armed robberies in Central Florida has been caught thanks to good, old-fashioned police work, according to the Volusia County Sheriffs Office. The agency said in a news release that a 21-year-old was arrested Thursday night after detectives served a search warrant at his home in Deltona, about a half hour north of Orlando and less than a half-mile from the scene of both incidents. According to a sheriffs office Facebook post, the first case was reported around 10:30 p.m. Aug. 18 outside a Pizza Hut, in which an employee sitting in her vehicle was approached by a robber who demanded money at gunpoint. The robber was described as wearing a black hoodie with his face covered by a black shirt or bandanna. The second case was reported around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at a Circle K station nearby, where the clerk reported he was robbed at a gunpoint by a man wearing a so called Scream mask, part of the killers costume in the hit horror movie franchise. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement When detectives followed a suspect as he went to his job at McDonalds, they noticed he was wearing the same style blue latex gloves he wore in surveillance video of the Circle K robbery. They were also similar to gloves found near the crime scene, police say. On Thursday morning, with his trash out on the curb for scheduled pickup, detectives pulled four garbage bags to search for evidence. Among the items they found were a Scream black and white ghost face mask, a womens wallet containing the Pizza Hut victims ID cards and the blue latex gloves. After obtaining a search warrant for the home, detectives also found a backpack containing a Heckler & Koch .22 caliber rifle, ammunition and more gloves in his bedroom. Although he initially denied any knowledge of the crimes, the suspect later confirmed that he committed them alone, says the sheriffs office. He was arrested and taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail on two counts of armed robbery and remains in custody on $60,000 bond. Still reeling from the destruction left by Category 3 Hurricane Ian last year, Cubas westernmost province of Pinar del Rio will be hit by another storm, Idalia, which is on a path to become a hurricane before its center passes over or near the islands western tip on Monday evening. Idalia was just 50 miles away from Cape San Antonio in the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, the islands westernmost tip, at 2:00 p.m. Monday, but was moving very slowly at eight miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Cuban authorities issued a hurricane warning for Pinar del Rio, the nearby province of Artemisa and the Isle of Youth. The National Hurricane Center said Idalia could bring up to 10 inches of rain in certain areas, which could lead to flash flooding and landslides across western Cuba. Several towns in Pinar del Rio were reporting strong winds in the afternoon, and a local radio station published pictures of the flooded streets in Guira de Melena in Artemisa. Cuban authorities were rushing evacuation and last-minute preparations amid the rain. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In Bahia Honda, a coastal town in Artemisa, authorities were evacuating patients to a local clinic, fearing possible flooding. Pinar del Rios local authorities said they were working to guarantee the distribution of bread and food to residents and safeguarding crops and state production facilities. Local newspaper Guerrillero said 8,000 people in the province have self-evacuated to family and friends homes following the warning from authorities. In Cuba, citizens rely on the government for hurricane preparedness because water, food and other necessary items that Americans stock up on or use to reinforce their houses are in short supply or out of reach for most of the population. Idalia will hit Cuba at a particularly difficult time when the cash-strapped government cannot pay for the fuel or the maintenance to properly run basic services like running water and trash removal, with piles of garbage becoming part of the landscape in Havana and other cities and some residents getting running water only a few days a week or less. Commenting on the official news site Cubadebate, one reader, Deyner Castillo Delgado asked, Taking into account Idalias trajectory, will the lifetime piles of garbage ever be removed and the street drains cleaned? Cuba is also facing a housing crisis, with many old buildings crumbling due to the lack of maintenance. In Pinar del Rio, one of the countrys less developed territories where 80% of the islands tobacco is produced, many residents in rural areas live in huts with flimsy zinc roofing. All of that makes hurricanes all the more dangerous for Cubans, even if they do not reach the devastating levels of Ian, which damaged half of all residences in Pinar del Rio and totally destroyed more than 10,000 in late September last year. Ian also caused five deaths and knocked out the countrys already dilapidated electrical grid. Earlier this month, government officials said 39% of the damaged residences in Pinar del Rio had been repaired, but less than 400 destroyed homes have been rebuilt. One hundred and seventy schools were awaiting repair, and the government workers still needed to build 4,000 new tobacco houses for this years harvest. Many couples who've already had a baby struggle to conceive again. Many couples who've already had a baby struggle to conceive again. Infertility is a complicated issue that can impact people in surprising ways. Some couples who had no trouble conceiving and delivering their first child find themselves struggling to expand their families further, for instance. In fact, survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about 6% of married women ages 15 to 49 who have previously given birth are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, and 14% have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. But why does this happen and what can be done? Below, experts break down what you need to know about secondary infertility, the potential causes, steps to take in response, and how to support a loved one dealing with this issue. What is secondary infertility Secondary infertility is the inability to achieve a pregnancy after previously getting pregnant naturally and giving birth, said Dr. Banafsheh Kashani, an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist. This occurs if you have been trying to get pregnant for over one year and are under the age of 35 or trying for over 6 months and are over the age of 35. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement This situation is not rare. Many couples struggle to become pregnant despite having previously been able to conceive a child and give birth. Secondary infertility is about as common as primary infertility, affecting around 11-12% of couples in the U.S., said Rachael Jones, a nurse practitioner and director of clinical client implementations at the family-building benefits company WIN. Approximately 50% of the patients we see are seeking support for secondary infertility, said Dr. John R. Crochet Jr., a fertility specialist at Shady Grove Fertility. What causes it? The potential reasons someone might be experiencing secondary infertility are wide ranging. Unfortunately, it is also similar to primary infertility in that it can be a number of things, Jones said. One of the more prominent causes is age-related decline. If the couple had their first child later in their 30s and therefore then starts even later for their second child, then for the egg producing individual there is usually an age-related decline in quality and quantity of eggs remaining and with that a higher propensity for miscarriage due to genetically abnormal embryos. There might be be scar tissue in the uterus due to a difficult cesarean section, or it could be due to a change in sperm count or quality, which might be related to aging as well. The causes of secondary infertility can be related to many factors including age, chronic medical conditions, factors surrounding the last pregnancy or delivery, or any interval changes in the health of either partner, said Dr. Priyanka Ghosh of Columbia University Fertility Center. Blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, damaged uterine lining, weight gain, problems with ovulation and autoimmune issues can also be a cause. However, sometimes there is absolutely no explanation, which we then refer to as unexplained infertility, said Dr. Jonah Bardos, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist and the medical director at CCRM Fertility of Miami. There are many potential causes and treatment options for secondary infertility. There are many potential causes and treatment options for secondary infertility. What can be done? For anyone struggling with secondary infertility, definitely seek the advice of a reproductive endocrinologist who can help conduct a full evaluation, Ghosh said. Secondary infertility can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that many individuals are able to achieve success after an evaluation and treatment. The sooner you set up a consultation, the sooner you can get an individualized treatment plan and act accordingly. Oftentimes, people postpone going to the doctor when they have been able to get pregnant in the past, Kashani said. This could be because they are busy with the child they already have, or are convinced that since it was able to happen before, it will happen again. But in women over 35 and particularly women over 40, age is a very important factor in your ability to achieve a successful pregnancy, so its best not to delay getting assessed and treated. Your consultation will likely involve taking your pregnancy and post-pregnancy history as part of a diagnostic work-up to evaluate anything thats getting in the way of conceiving. Additionally, I will ask if there were any ectopic pregnancies, surgeries, recent illnesses, significant weight gain or loss, changes in lifestyle, new activities, or changes to the menstrual history since the prior pregnancy, Bardos said. Typically, the patient and partner will undergo bloodwork, a pelvic ultrasound, possibly a hysterosalpingogram an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes and a semen analysis. You might also want to seek out a supportive community. Crochet noted that Shady Grove Fertility offers a secondary infertility support group. There are also countless online groups that can help you navigate this emotional and challenging experience. The most important thing to remember when you are experiencing secondary infertility is that you are not alone, he said. What should you do if a loved one is experiencing secondary infertility? Secondary infertility can be quite challenging, with some feeling like everything used to work, so what happened? Bardos said. Others may feel guilty that they want another child when others havent been able to conceive their first. Being present and supporting your loved ones through this process is an important part of the journey. Often people will blame themselves, when in reality its not their fault. He suggested giving them fertility affirmation cards like the ones sold by Glitter Enthusiast. Acknowledge how difficult this situation can be and reach out periodically to check in. And in general, try to be mindful of the comments you make to people. You may feel that a comment is a cute rib, but it can actually be hurtful when you dont know whats happening, Bardos explained. A few common and not so harmless comments include: So when are you going to have another one? When are you going to make so-and-so a big brother or sister? You dont want to spoil your child by being an only child! You dont have to know the exact, perfect thing to say. Offering a shoulder to cry on is helpful in itself. Many who experience secondary infertility can feel surprised, alone and unclear how to share their feelings with their friends and family, Crochet said. They may experience unwelcome reactions from friends and family who may not understand why theyre so upset. It can be very difficult to make sense of these challenges and to stop feeling so distant from everyone around them. Remember, if your loved one is confiding in you about their secondary infertility struggles, that means they feel comfortable opening up with you. My advice is simply to be a good listener, Crochet added. And resist the urge to insert your opinions simply stick with phrases like, I am here for you, or Thank you for trusting me as a friend/family member to share whats been going on. Related... Former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder moved to a federal prison in Oklahoma City. He had been incarcerated at the Butler County Jail. Former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder is now in a federal prison, nearly two months after he was sentenced to 20 years and taken into immediate custody. Householder, 64, moved from the Butler County Jail to the federal transfer center in Oklahoma City, which is run by the federal Bureau of Prisons. The center, which is adjacent to the Will Rogers World Airport, incarcerates more than 1,300 men and women. It is used as a temporary hub before inmates are assigned to other prisons. After a seven-week trial, a federal jury in March convicted Householder and co-defendant Matt Borges , former chairman of the Ohio GOP, of racketeering conspiracy. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Householder led and Borges supported a scheme to use $61 million in bribes to return Householder to political power and then in turn pass a $1.3 billion bailout law known as House Bill 6 for FirstEnergy Corp. FirstEnergy admitted to pumping the money through dark money groups to purposely hide the scheme. Beyond financial greed, I think you just liked power, U.S. District Court Judge Tim Black said to Householder at sentencing. You werent serving the people. You were serving yourself. Black sentenced Householder to the maximum 20 years in prison. He sentenced Borges to five years, which he is serving at the federal prison in Milan, just south of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Borges and Householder both started their sentences in the Butler County Jail until the federal Bureau of Prisons was ready to take custody. It is unclear if or when anyone else may be charged in the case. Federal prosecutors said they continue to examine evidence. Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio House speaker Larry Householder moved to federal prison NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) With the special session heading into its second week, there hasnt been much movement on any legislation. The Senate opted to table scores of bills whole cloth, instead opting to focus on three bills designated as priorities by Gov. Bill Lee and the requisite funding bill for the session. The House, meanwhile, has spent more time taking up a host of bills on topics from guns and school safety to TBI reporting requirements and blended sentencing, putting the chambers at odds with each other in an increasingly longer stalemate between the controlling party caucuses. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom So where are the bills now? Gun-related bills HB7064/SB7020 This bill by Rep. Chris Todd (RMadison County) would allow anyone with an enhanced carry permit to go on on school property for any pre-K-12 school in Tennessee, as well as active duty military, retired military, off-duty law enforcement and retired law enforcement. It would also eliminate a requirement for any off-duty law enforcement officer to notify a school principal of their presence while carrying. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The bill was unpopular among those on Capitol Hill who hoped to see the special session end with some new laws on guns, like members of the Covenant Families Action Fund. They gave testimony against the bill in the House committee hearings, pleading with lawmakers not to put more guns in schools. Todds bill passed the Civil Justice Subcommittee and full Civil Justice Committee along party lines but hit resistance in the Education Administration Committee. In addition to the four Democrats on the committee, Todd also lost support from five Republicans, with the final vote ending in a 9-9 deadlock. Because it did not receive a majority of the votes in committee, the bill failed. HB7086/SB7019 This bill by Rep. Ryan Williams (RCookeville) would have allowed for teachers in all Tennessee schools to carry on school grounds, so long as they meet certain requirements. In order to qualify to carry on school grounds, they would be required to obtain an enhanced carry permit, submit to psychological evaluation by their law enforcement agency and complete 40 hours of active shooter training with their local law enforcement. Williams said the bill would create a deterrent in all K-12 schools in Tennessee by being able to post a sign on the facilities letting the public know the school was protected by more than just their local law enforcement or school security officer. Covenant families also protested Williams bill, saying some teachers at the March school shooting were so frightened that day that they couldnt even lock their classroom doors, let alone operate a firearm in school. They asked lawmakers to look at alternatives for school safety rather than putting more guns in learning institutions. At the Civil Justice Committee meeting on Aug. 23, Williams opted to take the bill off notice in the House, citing the Senates lack of movement on the companion legislation. 2023 Special Session: Senate and House Republicans square off in cold war HB7043/SB7023 Brought by Rep. Jody Barrett (RDickson), this bill would allow anyone in the state with an enhanced handgun carry permit to carry on school grounds unless a person knows that school provides for armed security on the property. It also allows community corrections officers to possess handguns on school property and prevents a school system from prohibiting employees or contractors from being armed on campus of all K-12 schools. This bill was another measure criticized by Covenant families and other gun reform advocacy groups like Moms Demand Action. Like Williams bill, Barrett ultimately took his bill off notice, effectively killing it for the special session. Barrett said he would like to have more discussions with stakeholders and make it better before bringing it forward again. Barretts decision led to the room-clearing incident by Rep. Lowell Russell (RVonore), for which he later apologized. HB7073/SB7027 One of Sextons priority bills would enact blended sentencing for juvenile offenders if they commit certain offenses from age 16 on. It would require juvenile courts to transfer those juveniles to adult criminal court upon certain findings. The measure has been criticized by gun reform groups like Moms Demand Action as well as experts from the juvenile court system and public defense system. Critics say the bill would also eliminate judicial discretion on certain crimes for juveniles until they turn 19, as well as require judges to sentence juveniles to additional years in adult prison after they turn 19 if they commit certain crimes. The bill sailed through committees in the House along party-line votes and was set for discussion on the House floor Monday, Aug. 28. The Senate, however, laid the bill on the table almost immediately upon introduction in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB7035/SB7079 This bill would create a new loan forgiveness grant program for individuals who become psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. Under the terms of the bill, people who qualify for the grant would be required to stay in Tennessee for at least five of seven years from the date of the grant application. According to the fiscal review committee, the law would cost an estimated $21,850,000 annually. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The program met resistance in House committees but ultimately passed and was set to be heard on the House floor on Monday. The Senate, however, laid the bill on the table, effectively killing it for the special session. HB7032/SB7091 This bill would require all Tennessee health insurance carriers, including TennCare providers, to provide coverage for mental health services and treatment to the same extent that the carriers and providers provide alcoholism and drug dependence services. The bill sailed through all House subcommittees and committees on voice votes and was set to be heard on Monday afternoon, but the Senate laid it on the table in the Commerce and Labor Committee. Find the latest news from the Tennessee State Capitol as WKRN News 2 brings you coverage of the special session. Click here to read more. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia counties are starting to release information about sandbag availability as Idalia moves toward Florida. Action News Jax will continue to update information as we track Idalia. Here is the information we have received from the following local counties: WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APP Bradford County Currently, Self-Serve Sandbag Sites are open at BCFR Station 40 (21412 NW State Road 16, Heilbronn Springs) and BCFR Station 90 (13641 SW County Road 227, Sampson City). Pre-filled sandbags are currently being put together and an announcement will be made when they are ready for distribution. Clay County Sandbag locations will be open at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning as weather permits. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Fleming Island - 4387 Lakeshore Drive Green Cove Springs - 25 Roderigo Avenue Keystone Heights - City Hall for bags at 555 South Lawrence Boulevard and Keystone Heights Cemetery for sand on State Road 100 Orange Park - 1086 Fromhart Street Sandbags are limited to 10 per resident. Bags are first come, first served and have a limited supply. The county will refill the sites as needed. You will have to fill up your own bags. Shovels are not provided. Residents should bring their own to fill their bags. We will continue to offer bags until they are gone or if it becomes unsafe for our employees to be in the conditions. Nassau County Residents in flood-prone areas should take appropriate precautions. Sandbags are available at two locations: Yulee Road Department: 86200 Gene Lasserre Boulevard, Yulee, FL 32097 Hilliard Road Department: 37356 Pea Farm Road, Hilliard, FL 32046 Both sites will close at 7:00 p.m. Monday. On Tuesday, the sites will operate from 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. The bags are pre-filled and ready for pickup. Public Works personnel will be onsite to assist residents. Residents will be required to show proof of residency. Putnam County Sandbag sites will be opening Monday at 2:30 pm at the following locations: Huntington Landfill, 1551 County Rd 308, Crescent City East Palatka Community Park, 223 Putnam County Blvd, East Palatka Chesser Pit, 145 West Washington, Hawthorne Welaka Water Plant, 51 Sportsmans Dr, Welaka Riverside Fire Station 19, 101 Gail Dr, Satsuma Palatka Fire Department, 1101 St Johns Ave, Palatka Bardin Fire Department, 107 Johns Rd, Palatka You will need to bring a shovel. St. Johns County St. Johns County is providing free sandbags starting at 12 p.m. Monday, at six locations throughout the county in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia. The sand and bags are provided free of charge. The public must provide their own transportation and shovels and will be responsible for filling their own bags. There is a maximum allocation of 20 bags per person. The sand and bags will be available Monday, and beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, until weather permits at these locations: Windswept Acres Park 5335 SR A1A S. Solomon Calhoun Community Center 1300 Duval St. Hastings Community Center 6195 S. Main St., behind the building Mills Field 1805 Race Track Road, in the overflow parking area Palm Valley Under the Palm Valley Bridge, on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway North Beach Park 3721 Coastal Highway, at the walkover Starting Tuesday at 8 a.m., the City of St. Augustine will provide free sandbags until 5 p.m. or until the supply is depleted at Francis Field, located at 25 West Castillo Drive. The sand and the bags are free of charge and there is a limit of 20 bags per person. Members of the public must provide their own transportation and shovels and are responsible for filling their own bags. Vehicles should enter Francis Field from the west off Riberia St. and follow directions. The service will continue until the supply is depleted or the weather deteriorates until it is unsafe to do so. For additional information, please call the General Services Department at 904-825-1010. St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center Information Hotline is open at 904-824-5550. Camden County Sand and a limited number of sandbags are available for Camden County residents. You must visit the Public Works Department, during regular business hours, to retrieve sandbags. All locations are self-service and you need to bring your own shovel. More details online: https://bit.ly/45HGJJz. Sand locations: Kingsland: 132 Royal Parkway (sand only) St. Marys: 819 Point Peter Road Woodbine: 1144 Godley Avenue (Camden County) 1714 Bedell Avenue (City of Woodbine) Glynn County Sand is available at Ballard Park, self-service only. We do not have bags, just the sand. It is available on a first come first serve basis. The City of Brunswick is holding a Sandbag Filling Event on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at Glynn County Stadium, 5 Community Action Drive, Brunswick GA 31520. Must provide proof of residence within the City of Brunswick limits. Bags will be available until they run out, or you can bring your own for filling. Volunteers will be available to assist. Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates: Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma SHARE WITH US: Send us photos of the weather youre seeing in your area 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. Several fires are burning parts of Northern California, including Humboldt and Trinity counties, all of which started mid to late August. Coupled with the fires in southern Oregon, smoke has been pushed to the northern Sacramento Valley, affecting the air quality in the area. Spare the Air is forecasting moderate air quality in the Sacramento region from Monday to Thursday. The National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for the Valley between Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening. The areas under the watch include the entire Sacramento Valley, including Sacramento and Redding, as well as the foothills of Butte and Placer counties in the Sierra foothills and the coastal mountains west of Glenn, Colusa and Tehama counties. A fire watch means forecasters are anticipating critical fire conditions a precursor to a red flag warning. The weather service says the highest threat is on the west side of the Valley for foothills west of the Interstate 5 corridor. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Pacific Gas and Electric said public safety power shutoffs, known as PSPS, were likely to occur Wednesday in that same area. The utility said it was monitoring conditions that may prompt a shutoff in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Shasta, Tehama and Yolo counties. PG&E said the threat was likely to persist in Shasta County on Thursday, as well. Current wildfires on California-Oregon border Map: NATHANIEL LEVINE | Sources: U.S. Department of the Interior, IRWIN, NIFC, NASA, NOAA and Esri According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters are working at six major incidents across Northern California they include complex fires illustrated in the above map as of Monday, Aug. 28: This embedded content is not available in your region. South Fork Complex The South Fork Complex fire, according to Cal Fire, started in Little Pilot Rock, Bridgeville, in Humboldt County about 240 miles from Sacramento. According to its Facebook page, the fire has burned 2,905 acres and is at 25% containment, as of Monday. The cause of it is still under investigation. Deep Fire The Deep Fire is located by the Stuart Fork drainage in Trinity County about 208 miles from Sacramento. According to the federal incident information system, the fire has burned through 3,852 acres and is 58% contained. There arent any current road closures for this fire and the cause is not known yet. Updates are posted on the Deep Fires Facebook page. SRF Lightning Complex The Six Rivers National Forest Lightning Complex started mid-August in Humboldt. According to the system, which covers the SRF and Redwood Lightning Complex, there are 18 fires total. This includes Lone Pine, Pearch, Mosquito, Blue Creek, Hancock, Devil and Glenn Fires. It has burned about 9,056 acres and is at 15% containment. On Aug. 15, 150 lightning strikes hit the forest, starting seven of the fires in the complex. Klamath National Forest Lightning Complex The Klamath National Forest Lightning Complex is at the Klamath and Scott Rivers in Siskiyou County. Caused by lightning, there isnt information yet on its acreage and containment. There are evacuation orders for multiple areas, including east of Horse Creek Road and north and south of Highway 96, according to Cal Fire. There are also evacuation warnings for 13 zones, including north of Fort Jones Road and north of Scott River Road. For those who need shelter, the Kahtishraam Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtrishraam, Yreka, is open. You can reach them at 530-340-3539. Those traveling should be aware that the Pacific Crest Trail is closed and Highway 96 is operating on a one-way traffic control. Happy Camp Complex Still under investigation, the Happy Camp Complex fire has burned 19,205 acres and is at 29% containment. It started in Klamath National Forest and Happy Camp Ranger District near Scott Bar. Smith River Complex The Smith River Complex started south of the Oregon border, northeast of High Plateau Mountain. Its currently at 6% containment, burning 70,716 acres. Residents in several areas in Del Norte County are being warned to evacuate based on levels. Those in level 3 Go Now include residents in Little Jones Creek, Patrick Creek, and all communities between Slant Bridge Road north to the Oregon Border along Highway 199, French Hill Road. Level 2, or Be Set include those in Rowdy Creek, Big Flat and Rock Creek. Residents in Hiouchi from Slant Bridge to the east end of North Bank Road are advised to Be Ready, at level 1. There are also road closures, which include Highway 199 in Del Norte County from Slant Bridge Road to Oregon Mountain Road and at the Agriculture Station near the Oregon border. You can find the full and latest update on the fire Facebook page. 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. By Steve Holland and Jarrett Renshaw WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden and top White House officials railed against white supremacy on Monday, asking Americans to unite against hatred in the wake of what authorities describe as a racially-motivated killing of three Black people in Florida over the weekend. "Hate will not prevail in America," Biden told civil rights leaders and administration officials in the East Room of the White House. "Now is the time for all Americans to speak up. History is being erased, books are being banned." Biden hammered home the message in two separate meetings at the White House, one attended by the family of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. to mark the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. He hailed his administration's work to fight against hate crimes, voter suppression and ensuring equal rights for all, as well as making lynching a federal hate crime. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Silence is complicity and were not going to remain silent, Biden said. "White supremacy is a poison."A 21-year old white gunman shot and killed three Black people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday. The shooter, Ryan Christopher Palmeter, later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Biden said the killings were being investigated as a hate crime. Local sheriff T.K. Waters has said the shooting was racially motivated. Authorities say the shooter left behind several manifestos for media, his parents and law enforcement detailing his hatred for Black people. Hate crimes in the U.S. surged nearly 12% in 2021, according to the latest data available, the FBI said in March, with the majority fueled by racial or ethnic bias. "We have to act," Biden insisted, noting that white supremacy was now the greatest terrorist threat facing the United States. "All of us need to say clearly and personally, as forcefully as we can, that hate will not prevail." Vice President Kamala Harris, in the East Room, warned that "there are those who are intentionally trying to divide us as a nation." Americans have "a duty not to let factions sever our unity," she said. "Over the last 60 years this country has come a long way" to battle racism and white supremacy ideology, Stephen Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, told reporters at a White House briefing. "People of good will have to lean into that progress." Biden had spoken with Jacksonville's mayor and sheriff about the shooting, Benjamin said. "There's a whole group of extreme people trying to erase history," Biden said in the East room, an apparent reference to attempts by Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, to change how slavery is taught in the state's public schools in a way that critics say minimizes its brutality. Benjamin said it was important to teach all of the country's history. "I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that trying to rewrite American history is wrong, but also encourages our children and those among us not to lean in to the beautiful and also the painful past of what our history looks like and encouraging people to move forward together," Benjamin said. (Reporting by Steve Holland and Jarrett RenshawEditing by Heather Timmons, David Gregorio, Rosalba O'Brien and Shri Navaratnam) A federal hate crime investigation is underway in Jacksonville, Florida after law enforcement says a white shooter brandishing a swastika on his gun targeted and killed three Black people at a Dollar General store on Saturday. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the weekends violence at the start of the briefing. We must say clearly and forcefully that white supremacy has no place in America, said Jean-Pierre. Our Washington News Bureau was on a phone call Monday afternoon that provided updates from the FBI, U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) and Jacksonville law enforcement about the shooting. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I want to be crystal clear from my part. From everything we know now, this was a targeted attack, said FBI Director Christopher Wray. A hate crime that was racially motivated. Wray said the suspects own writings and actions point to a hate crime. According to the latest available data from the FBI, reported hate crimes increased 11.6 percent nationally from 2020 to 2021. That publicly released data does not yet include last years deadly mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York supermarket that investigators say was racially motivated against Black people. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the DOJ Kristen Clarke weighed in on the Departments response to the rise in hate crimes during Mondays call. We will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of hate crimes, said Clarke. We spoke with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a nonprofit that tracks hate crimes around the country. No matter how many times we experience this, the weight of these atrocities never lessens, and frankly I think people also get a sense that its getting closer and closer to home, said Oren Segal, Vice President of the ADLs Center on Extremism. According to the ADL, the rise in racially motivated crimes has been especially prevalent in Florida, and the group released a report dubbed Hate in the Sunshine State. Since 2020 in Florida, new white supremacist groups have formed, while some existing neo-Nazi and accelerationist groups have broadened their audience through both online and on-the-ground activities, the report said. While the vast majority of extremist incidents are tied to white supremacist and far-right extremist groups, anti-government and Black Nationalist extremist groups have also been active in Florida. The ADL is urging all people to forcefully speak out against hate crimes and to report these incidents to law enforcement and to the ADL. That means elected officials speaking out against hate and extremism consistently and constantly, said Segal. That means not being purveyors of conspiracy theories and other ideas that we know helps normalize these ideas. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Governor Bill Lee has ordered all flags at the State Capitol and state office buildings to be flown at half-staff until further notice. The proclamation was announced on Monday in memory of Tennessees 47th Governor Don Sundquist, according to the state government. Former Governor Don Sundquist passed away at a Baptist East Hospital in Memphis on Sunday, Aug. 27 following surgery and a short illness. RELATED | Former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist dies at 87 He was elected as Tennessee governor in 1995 and re-elected in 1998. During his tenure, the state was able to set record levels of economic development, establish a ground-breaking welfare reform program and implement comprehensive crime laws that focused on victims rights. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Numerous Tennessee lawmakers, including Gov. Bill Lee, expressed their condolences to the Sundquist family following news of the former governors death Governor Sundquist was an impactful leader and principled statesman who devoted his life to public service. As Tennessees governor for two terms, he contributed to our states legacy of fiscal responsibility and expanded opportunity for Tennesseans through historic economic development. Maria and I join all Tennesseans in honoring Governor Sundquists remarkable life, and we pray Gods comfort over Martha and their family in the days ahead. Gov. Bill Lee Flags began flying at half-staff at the start of sunrise on Aug. 28 and will remain that way until further notice. Funeral arrangements for the former governor have not been released at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The Loch Ness monster has been a creature of interest for decades, and this past weekend The Loch Ness Centre conducted the "biggest search for the legendary beast in more than 50 years," NPR reported. While the search ended without any findings aside from "four distinctive noises," it reignited the hype around the search for the creature, per The Independent. Interest in the monster took off in April 1933, when the first sighting was reported. Since then, there have been 1,140 official Nessie sightings, including the famous "Surgeon's Photograph" taken by English physician Robert Wilson (see above). This photo was later revealed to be staged, NPR continued. Despite this, Nessie still brings thousands to the Scottish Highlands 100 years later. Thrill of the unknown Many joined the search to "solve the age-old mystery once and for all," stated BBC. People are inherently interested in mystery and that which is unknown. "Though there's no evidence of the monster's existence, the myth has endured for decades and has always sparked [research], explorations and discoveries." Namrita wrote in The Print. "Many 'expeditions' have been organized over the years to find proof that the Loch Ness monster exists." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Much of the interest in the creature stems from the fact that it still goes undiscovered even after decades of searches. "The enticing unknown still exists, lurking in the twilight zone of fertile imagination," Jug Suraiya wrote for The Economic Times. "What better mystery than made-up monsters, seductive serpents of a forsaken Eden?" The thrill of potentially proving the existence of the notoriously elusive creature is enough to draw monster hunters from all over the world. However, the interest stops once a discovery comes to light. "If such a discovery were ever made, the monster would surely lose the mystique that draws thousands of tourists and Nessie hunters to the Highlands every year," wrote Paul Wilson in The Scotsman. "The things that captivate us the most are often those left to our own imaginations." He added, "As long as the monster confines herself to the murky depths, her place in folklore is secure." Money matters The potential to see Nessie has been a huge source of tourism for the Scottish Highlands. "The renewed interest in the monster legend had led to 'unbelievable' bookings across this summer season," wrote Libby Brooks in The Guardian. "There have been sporadic eruptions of public interest driven by fresh "sightings" or, some skeptics suggest, by the needs of the local tourism industry," stated an editorial in The Irish Times. The tourism industry isn't the only one that benefits. The search crew used "modern technology, such as drones, that produces thermal images of the lake," allowing them to "search the waters in a way that has never been done before," reported The Associated Press. "Some say they will take a selfie with the creature, securing the money shot that will serve as hard evidence," leading to fame and fortune, wrote Jennifer Hassan for The Washington Post. Brooks added that while the creature draws people in, "the area has much more to offer than a mythical monster." You may also like Homepage If you sit out in the African bush for a few days, as I have just done, and watch wild animals come and go across the plains in large numbers, it is hard to imagine that these ecosystems might be under grave threat. On the western border of Zimbabwes Hwange National Park, massive herds of elephant and buffalo move in and out of view, prides of lions lurk in the shade of acacia trees scanning for suitable prey zebras, eland, roan antelope and families of warthogs scuttle past pairs of young male cheetahs, similarly on the alert, ready to hunt down the evening meal. Zimbabwe is where I spent much of my colonial youth half a century ago, and in the bush it remains much as I remember it. Hwange is bursting with wildlife and if there is a problem, locals tell me, it is that there are simply too many elephants in Zimbabwe, and in neighbouring Botswana and South Africa. Here lies one of the conundrums facing 21st century African conservationists. Ask interested observers in Europe or the US and they would probably tell you that the elephant is endangered. Here in southern Africa, especially, there are now about 275,000 elephants roaming across Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. And if the population continues to overwhelm ecosystems, as it has been over the past few decades, those animals will destroy vast swathes of the woodlands and thus threaten the lives of the other animals with whom they share this food source. For example, it has been estimated that the maximum carrying capacity of South Africas Kruger National Park (just 440 miles south of Hwange) is 7,000 elephants yet today it is thought there are more than 22,000 in the park. And its not just Kruger the African elephants territories have been shrinking across the continent and that, combined with the growth of the human population, means theyve been crowded into smaller and smaller territories. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Local scientists say the next inevitable drought in southern Africa will trigger a doomsday scenario. This will likely lead to an elephant die-off far greater than the calamity at Kenyas Tsavo during the early 1970s, when an estimated 10,000 elephants died of starvation. A southern African tourism executive who asks not to be identified warns that when this happens, it will be logistically impossible to produce enough food to keep these animals alive. But there will also be cattle dying in droves and people starving to death. The cry in the West will be, Save the elephants, but the rural Africans will be saying, Screw your elephants, what about us? A lion kill, Northern Cape - David Chancellor Solutions to the complex matter of Africas wild-species survival are constantly being analysed and debated by scientists and environmentalists, but nobody has come up with definitive answers to the problem of animals and people competing for the same habitat. And as Africas human population continues to explode about 1.4 billion today, predicted to reach almost 2.5 billion by 2050 and around four billion by the end of this century these environmentalists continue to argue among themselves about the best way forward. What they agree on is that the greatest threats to biodiversity are illegal poaching, mainly orchestrated by international criminal syndicates; habitat loss caused by turning wild lands into agricultural space; and wildlife-human conflict as a result of shrinking rangelands and ever-growing rural populations. In this complicated eco-environment, it is also broadly agreed upon that wild animals have to pay their way, as it were, if they are to survive; to bring in benefits to the people who share the land with them. Meanwhile, some 7,500 miles away from the African plains in our Houses of Parliament, British MPs have been attempting to push through a piece of legislation that they believe will contribute to the saving of Africas wildlife. Propelled by social-media activists and a chorus of celebrity voices, the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill is intended to curtail trophy hunting, a practice seen by some Western advocates (proponents of the Bill include film stars, media personalities, animal-rights activists and many vote-blue-go-green Tories) as an evil central to wild Africas decline. Personally, I find big-game hunting distinctly unappealing and the idea of shooting an animal and then mounting its head on ones study wall wholly distasteful. As a young boy growing up in then-Rhodesia in the 1960s, I did hunt many of us hunted. Then, at age 16, on a weekend holiday at a friends farm, I shot a duiker, a small antelope. Being a pretty lousy shot I only wounded it and I then had to chase the limping creature across the bush, catch it and put it out of its misery. It was a deeply upsetting experience and the last time I shot an animal. A trophy hunter sits with the elephant he shot and killed during the night, Zimbabwe - David Chancellor It is easy to see why anti-hunting activists are appalled by the images of hunters that now appear with grim frequency on social media. The sight of a corpulent Texan hedge-fund manager squatting over a lion kill or a Botoxed Barbie in combat gear gurning over a giraffe she has just shot, leaves a horribly sour taste. Hunters do themselves no favours. However, the arguments here should not revolve around individuals emotions and many scientists and environmentalists, who are not hunters, oppose the Bill. No doubt there is malfeasance in the hunting industry as there is in many commercial operations across Africa. Bribes are paid, animals are lured into hunting blocks from protected areas (which is how the famous case of Cecil the lion, hunted outside Hwange, happened), and money is misappropriated. There is also the ghastly business of South Africas canned lion-hunting industry, where lions are bred purely to be shot, but that practice is so universally reviled that the government is under pressure to end it. However, controlled, well-regulated trophy hunting of signature species such as lion, elephant and buffalo has been a well-documented success in many African countries, and their pro-use lobby says that much of that land could well be turned over to agriculture or development. According to Dr Chris Brown, CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, African countries that pursue a rights-based, sustainable use approach to wildlife management that includes hunting have a higher density of animals than those that have adopted a protectionists approach. The protectionist, anti-hunting countries, with no exception I am aware of, have declining populations. The Hunting Trophies Bill is advertised as a conservation measure with the aim of protecting the worlds threatened species. Yet it has caused an uproar in the southern African conservation community. These are people on the ground trying to deal with the issues of marauding elephant herds destroying maize crops, and lions preying on precious cattle, who accuse British parliamentarians of condescending colonial finger-wagging. To Professor Patience Gandiwa, Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authoritys director of international conservation affairs, it exhibits a master-slave attitude. It is baffling that they can plan legislation without understanding the issues, she adds. In June, while the Bill was trundling through the House of Lords, Gandiwa was part of a group of British scientists and African high commissioners and community leaders who attended a meeting in Parliament hosted by Lord Mancroft to put their case to a small group of peers, in the hope of amending, even torpedoing, the Bill. At the end of the meeting she presented Lord Mancroft with a folder that carefully, scientifically, laid out Zimbabwes conservation programmes, the benefits to rural communities, and the significant role that trophy hunting is playing in their successes. One of the programmes cited in the folder focused on the Bubye Valley Conservancy, regarded by many African conservationists as a role model for the continent. Situated in Zimbabwes arid south-eastern lowveld, this was once colonial Rhodesias most successful cattle ranch. With the arrival of the white colonials around the turn of the 20th century, the wild animals that had long occupied the landscape were driven out, buffalo and wildebeest because of the risk of transmitting diseases to the cattle herds, and predators such as lions because they hunted and ate cows. A trophy hunter and his guide target a lion, Northern Cape - David Chancellor A series of devastating droughts towards the end of the 20th century ended the viability of cattle ranching. The Bubye Valley Conservancy was founded in 1994 by conservationists who understood that wild animals were better adapted to cope with local conditions. The conversion from cattle ranching to wildlife was complicated and expensive. Today, however, Bubye boasts the worlds third-largest black rhino population, Zimbabwes largest lion population more than 500 plus elephants and other game. Key to the financial upkeep is the sale of 16 lion-hunting licences every year, which give the community an annual income of 1.2 million, much of it used to protect the rhino population from poachers. (Rhino poaching is rife across the continent, largely because of a market for rhino horn in Vietnam and China, where it is used in traditional medicine. Illegal African rhino horn sells for 16,000 a kilo.) According to Professor Gandiwa, Bubye is a source of great pride for us. It has proved that the private sector, communities and government can work together and grow the wildlife cake. She says if the Hunting Trophies Bill were to go through, and thus income from hunting licences were hit, the knock-on environmental effect would be catastrophic. In short, Bubye would lose its rhinos. African conservationists fear a domino effect if the Bill passes. Although the British trophy-hunting community is relatively small, the fear is that European countries will follow suit. It is understood that the French, who have already banned the import of lion trophies, are looking at introducing similar legislation, and the Germans may not be far behind (the Netherlands has already banned trophies from about 200 species). It seems unlikely that any of the MPs who have been voting through the Bill will have found time to examine the Bubye story. Scientists who oppose the Bill have found that many MPs decision-making appears to have been based on misinformation or complete ignorance of the subject. Dr Dilys Roe, chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, says, We looked at all the statements made by MPs for and against the Bill and found that 75 per cent of the statements were incorrect. For a third of those MPs speaking in favour of the Bill, every statement they made was misleading. Among the incorrect statements were: British trophy hunters are among the worlds most active killers of endangered species. The UK does not even rank in the top 20 for countries importing trophies from endangered species. Kenya, which banned trophy hunting in the 1970s, is today an African conservation success story. Kenyas wildlife numbers have declined by around two-thirds since the ban. It is regarded by many African conservationists as a great failure. The UK is a world leader in nature conservation. In truth, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. By contrast, the top countries for large-mammal conservation are South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana; all would be affected negatively by the ban. The trophy fee for shooting a lion is around 20,000, but the same lion can instead generate 1.5 million in revenues from photo safaris. The scientists could find no evidence for this. If this were true, lions would generate many billions per year. In fact, protected areas with lions generate less than 315 million annually. On average, local communities receive only three per cent of revenue from trophy hunting. According to the scientists, such an average has never been calculated. This figure appears to be based on a study conducted in Tanzania in 2008 and is no longer relevant even to that country. In fact, some local communities in key southern African countries receive between 20 per cent and 100 per cent of hunting concession fees. In countries where trophy hunting is now permitted, a blind eye is effectively turned to poaching. This is blatantly untrue. In many trophy-hunting concessions the operators fund anti-poaching patrols. Their incentives are clearly to protect their assets, but that is the key point here. These are but a handful of the inaccurate statements made. It has also previously been claimed that the proposed legislation will protect nearly 7,000 threatened or near-threatened species. But, among the species covered, there are 2,000 corals, 1,500 bird species, more than 300 species of frogs and toads, 96 molluscs, 69 bats, 58 insects and two species of medicinal leeches. Dr Roe remarks rather sarcastically: This will be the toughest act in the world of conservation as no other government is currently tackling the trophy hunting of medicinal leeches. Added to which, the stated intention of a Bill to banish hunting in the name of conservation rather overlooks the UKs own hunting industry. Every autumn our hunters go in search of stags with big antlers, and those antlers are invariably kept as trophies. Here we dont call it hunting, says Roe. We call it deer stalking. Many of the Africans I speak to see it as sheer hypocrisy that we are entitled to hunt deer in the UK and yet legislate against trophy hunting in Africa. Equally the British stalking industry is often defended because the meat from hunted animals is eaten consumptive use. However, as every MP should know, meat from hunted elephants and buffalo may also be eaten, not by the hunters but by local communities. Dr Chris Brown of the Namibian Chamber of Environment says, Such paternalistic, arrogant and misinformed approaches will only encourage our countries to look eastwards to grow alliances and markets for our natural resources. It is not widely known in the West that more than half of Africas wild animals live outside protected parks, in remote areas among rural communities. Thus living with wild elephants and lions produces a clear and present danger to family, friends and to their crops. In this rural African scenario, if these animals do not have economic value, and the beleaguered local people are not the beneficiaries, then they would quite happily be rid of the animals. There is no room for sentimentality in this landscape. One scientist who has extensive experience of human-wildlife conflict on the ground is Professor Amy Dickman, director of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford. Dickman spent many years studying lion populations in Tanzania and saw for herself levels of retaliatory killings that were 50 to 100 times higher than would be allowed in trophy-hunting areas. This is because they have no economic value to these people. The killing of Cecil ignited public fury - Mark Kreusch/Splash News She remembers on one occasion, her team being called out because villagers had apparently killed a lion that had been attacking their cattle. [The team] responded and when they arrived they found that not only were there actually six dead lions but also the bodies of 75 critically endangered vultures scattered across the bush. The lions had been poisoned with a potent insecticide and the vultures had fed off the carcasses. And this was not an uncommon event. Its happening across rural Africa. One can understand why so many in the African wildlife industry want to be financially self-sufficient, neither dependent on Western do-gooders nor on aid packages from the old colonial masters. It is a criticism Professor Gandiwa levels at Kenya. The Kenya model is not sustainable because it is anchored on donor funding, she says. We do not want to be dependent on donor aid. We want trade, not aid. Equally, they argue that the photographic-tourism business is not the magic solution many in the anti-hunting lobby may suggest. Although the luxury-safari industry makes a significant contribution to the upkeep of national parks, provides employment in rural communities and acts as an anti-poaching deterrent, these camps are found in relatively small ecosystems in and around national parks. Thus there are clusters of camps in Botswanas Okavango Delta, Kenyas Maasai Mara, Zimbabwes Hwange, South Africas Kruger and so on. It is in more remote, harsh areas, where most of Africas wild animals live, that you tend to find hunting concessions, particularly where photo tourism is not viable. So, as the Hunting Trophies Bill continues to make its way through Parliament, the debate rages on in the conservation community. Many of the people with African connections I have spoken to in researching this article heads of wildlife NGOs, executives of travel companies are united in the belief that if enacted, the legislation will significantly damage the conservation of African wildlife. Yet many implored me not to name them because their organisations depend on public support and funding, and currently public sentiment, driven by emotion and amplified by social media, is with the animal-rights lobby. As a senior executive said, Cecil has inadvertently done more damage to African wildlife conservation than any other single animal. And if evidence were needed that emotion will almost certainly triumph over scientific judgment, it was provided by a meeting Professor Dickman and Dr Roe had with Zac Goldsmith, one of the main protagonists of the Tory anti-trophy-hunting movement, several years ago. They, like Professor Gandiwa at the House of Lords, had brought a sheaf of documents that offered the scientific justification for supporting a regulated and closely monitored big-game hunting industry in Africa. They led Lord Goldsmith through their documentation, and say he was attentive to their presentation. We cannot expect the poorest people in the world to maintain something that is largely valued by the richest people in the world. That is not a sustainable model, Dickman told him. Lord Goldsmith listened, absorbed the information and then said: I hear what youre saying. But hunting. I just hate it. I hate it. 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. Distance. Cost. Curriculum. Educators. These factors and countless others are what drive American parents to choose one type of schooling for their kids over another. And once the pandemic shattered the steady rhythm of in-person learning, even more parents found themselves wanting an option outside of the public education system. Public school enrollment dipped nearly 3% nationwide from 2019 to 2020 and hasn't rebounded, though declining birthrates and immigration patterns were projected to cut into this population long before the pandemic. Homeschooling surged, and though it has dipped some since the height of enrollment, the option is still more popular than before the COVID-19 crisis. Charter schools gained and retained hundreds of thousands of students. National data showcasing private school enrollment predates the pandemic, but some surveys suggest enrollment increased at these institutions, too. Other options such as learning pods, which group together as few as three students, are also showing they have staying power. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At the same time, school choice advocates are capitalizing on parent dissatisfaction with public schools to create new alternatives to traditional education. Some of that disaffection spawned during remote teaching at the start of the pandemic. Several states this year passed legislation that entitles every child's family to use public funds for essentially any option. In Oklahoma, for example, legislators in May passed a bill granting all state students school choice options. Parents can receive up to a $7,500 tax credit for their children to attend the school of their choice starting in January. Parents who homeschool their children can also receive up to $1,000 per child in a tax credit for school-related costs. Lawmakers in Arizona, Florida and Iowa adopted legislation that either implements new school choice programs or expands existing ones. Parents are taking states up on the offer even as critics worry there is too little accountability for the money that goes along with them. A May survey from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation of 2,483 parents with kids in schools found that nearly 46% of them "plan to send at least one of their children to a new school this fall. More than half of those "school-switching parents" said "that they want better or safer education environments for their children." The group advises parents to consider a variety of factors, including a school's learning environment and their child's strengths and weaknesses when choosing a school. Ahead of the new school year, USA TODAY spoke with four families about the routes they chose. School choice supporters outside the Supreme Court in 2020. Charter schools for the Mora family Charter schools are independently run public schools. Some specialize in programs encompassing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), international studies, arts education or other subjects. Others mimic traditional public schools. School officials can decide who they hire, what they teach and which students they accept. Many have lottery systems and require parents to join waiting lists before enrolling. The schools are accountable to state or local education boards and are required to have their charter agreement renewed every few years. Reeve Mora, a mom of three children from New Mexico, decided during the pandemic that a charter school was right for her family. Two of her kids attend Corrales International School in Albuquerque, which focuses on international studies Reeve Mora's kids attend a charter school in New Mexico. Compared with the public school her kids attended before the pandemic, Mora said the charter her kids go to now has smaller class sizes, and the teachers there are able to work more closely with her family because of it. Prior to the pandemic, she applied to several charter schools and received an acceptance letter for one in March 2020. Her kids continued with traditional public education during distance learning for the rest of the 2019-20 school year and shifted to the charter school in the 2020-21 school year. Her son Ezequiel Palacio, 13, will be an eighth grader in the fall. His younger brother Thaddeus Palacio, 8, was a kindergartener when the pandemic hit and a fourth grader this school year. Mora's kids initially shifted from their neighborhood school to a charter school where they won seats in a lottery after applying. Then she moved them to Corrales, drawn by its proximity to home and its dual-language program. She said her kids are thriving academically. Teacher and staff turnover, a threat of violence on the school bus and what she called a lack of help from administrators when she needed them most all contributed to her decision. But she had considered making the move much earlier. "I think in my heart I wanted to believe in the public school system," she said. Florida just expanded school vouchers: Here's what it could mean for public education For the Kosem family, the preference is homeschooling Homeschooling surged in popularity during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Census data from early 2021 showed "an increase of 5.6 percentage points and a doubling of U.S. households" with kids in homeschooling at the beginning of the 2021-21 school year compared with the previous school year. Many parents took on a more active role in their children's education when schools pivoted to remote schooling, while some discovered their kids learned better at home. Others felt homeschooling was safer for their children or found another reason to pursue the option. But learning at home is not the same as the remote education many kids experienced during the pandemic. Instead of tapping into the lessons many other students are learning at the same time in traditional public schools, homeschooling allows parents or tutors, whoever is their primary teacher, to teach lessons they want kids to learn. They also must buy their own curriculum, books and supplies, although a growing number of states are helping to subsidize those costs. Ashley Kosem's kids will be starting third and sixth grade at home this fall. They attended public school during the pandemic until Kosem began homeschooling them during the 2020-21 school year. Now, she says she has more control over what her kids learn and can curate lessons on the values that align with her family, including teaching empathy and respect. Ashley Kosem homeschools her child in West Virginia. Kosem, who lives in West Virginia and is a stay-at-home mom, said she "will always regret (her) decision to not start sooner." She said the stigma attached to parents who choose to homeschool prevented her from trying homeschooling earlier. The critiques she heard included a lack of rigor and missed social opportunities for kids. She couldn't be happier with her choice. "Virtual school was hard, controlled by people who don't live in my home, and honestly not super effective especially for younger children," she said. "Homeschooling is family, freedom, individuality and love." The Singh family chooses private schools Private schools are independently run and funded. They can cost a few thousand to tens of thousand of dollars a year. Parochial or faith-based schools, which are also private, focus on religious education. Both generally have total control over what they teach, who they hire and which students they will accept. Raj Singh moved his son Sachin, 10, to a private school during the pandemic amid tension between parents and public school administrators over when to reopen schools. Raj Singh's son Sachin Singh attends a private school in Cupertino, Calif. Singh, who lives in Cupertino, Calif., said he and his wife were unhappy with how long his local school board took to reopen schools because they didn't want the then-7-year-old to learn completely online. Instead of waiting for schools to reopen, they decided to spend thousands on a private school nearby during the 2020-21 school year that was operating classes in person. "We moved him to private because (public) schools wouldn't reopen, and we kept him there because he likes it, and also because (there is) less drama," said Singh. Public schools for the Bustos family Traditional neighborhood public schools are the most common choice for kids in America. About 49.4 million U.S. children, the overwhelming majority, attended public schools in the fall of 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many families are tied to the public schools closest to their homes, but in a growing number of places, choosing another school within your area or a neighboring district is an option. When deciding where to send her son, Maria Bustos chose her neighborhood public school. Her son Erick is a rising fifth grader at Downer Elementary School in San Pablo, Calif. Bustos said she wanted her son to go to school with other kids in the neighborhood because they come from similar backgrounds, and the nearby school provides the best pathway to that option. "We know everybody at the school," she said. "It's our community." She also felt supported by the teachers during remote schooling during the pandemic. What it means for students and schools: School choice remains popular following COVID closures Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @kaylajjimenez. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parents are choosing schooling options outside of public schools ASHEVILLE - A Waynesville woman charged with sending fictitious arrest writs to Western North Carolina public officials and private individuals, accusing them of corruption, treason and more, has been convicted and sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Darris Gibson Moody, 57, created these fake "writs of execution" using an antigovernment website created by Timothy Michael Dever, 57, of Naperville, Illinois. The website issued fictitious court judgments convicting hundreds of public officials and private individuals across multiple states of bogus crimes. Dever pleaded guilty to five counts of aiding and abetting threatening interstate communications and was sentenced Aug. 24 by Judge Martin Reidinger in U.S. District Court in Asheville. Dever was ordered to serve 10 years in prison plus three years of court supervision after he is released. Moody also pleaded guilty to making threatening interstate communication and was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to court documents and proceedings, Dever created and administered a website under the factitious entity, Peoples Bureau of Investigation, said an announcement from Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for N.C.'s Western District, and Robert M. DeWitt, special agent in charge of the FBI in the state. On this website, Dever hosted, maintained and provided content for PBI, including templates for court judgments, or writs of execution, issued by a fake court called the U.S. Environmental District Court, the release stated. Devers website claimed these writs gave private citizens the authority to conduct a citizens arrest of individuals falsely accused of bogus crimes by the fake writs, and those who did so could receive a monetary award of $20,000. The website also claimed, according to the news release, that those arrested could face punishment of monetary fines, imprisonment and even death. Moody, a PBI group member, used the website in the summer of 2022 to generate fake arrest writs and notices, which she then faxed to targets she accused of having been convicted of corruption, environmental charges and even treason, the news release stated. One of these documents included a writ of execution Moody sent on June 24, 2022, according to additional court documents obtained by the Citizen Times Aug. 25. Most of the 57 individuals Moody targeted reside in the Western District of North Carolina, including sheriffs, judges and other government officials and private individuals, the news release detailed. Originally when I got the phone call that the arrest warrant was posted in our local post office I thought it was a joke, Waynesville Town Council Mayor Tempore Julia Freeman told the Citizen Times, adding that the warrant listed almost every single town councilperson, former Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher, his chief deputy at the time and other local Haywood County officials. She said the warrant specifically accused them of poisoning the Waynesville water system. It became very real the minute that the FBI called me, Freeman added. They listed my personal home address, my business addresses, my office address and they also had the confidential shelter address of the domestic violence program I work with. How they got that, I have no idea. Freeman said she felt threatened then, and still does today. Shes now most concerned about retaliation against the victims who stood up in federal court. According to Freeman, there were four victims who presented in court Aug. 24 with a victim impact statement, including councilperson Anthony Sutton, Head District Court Judge Roy Wijewickrama, Judge Donna Forga and Freeman herself. The website contained a link to Telegram channels, a digital app permitting encrypted text messaging and chat rooms, where PBI members exchanged ideas and discussed the use of the writs. One PBI member named Dee Thomas Murphy wrote, I have a lot of guys there just waiting to start these arrests and collect that money. Theyve been waiting for about 5-6 years now, according to a court document establishing a factual basis for the guilty pleas, obtained by the Citizen Times Aug. 25. The arrest teams shall be in teams of 12, Murphy also wrote. We have near 500 that are ripe for the arrest. The PBI website listed personal identifying information, including names, home addresses and personal information, of over 900 victims located in about 32 different states, who had been falsely named as convicted defendants in the fake writs. U.S. Attorney King was listed as one of the scheme's victims, according to spokesperson Lia Bantavani, although King did not receive one of Moodys arrest warrants. The documents accused these individuals of being "enemies of the people" due to "crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide and traitorous treason," according to a sentencing memorandum obtained by the Citizen Times Aug. 25. According to the memorandum, the writs also "warned that the victims had been targeted by a large group of people and that anyone willing to abduct the victims would be rewarded with a sizeable cash bounty." More: Asheville, Brevard men plead not guilty to Jan. 6 attack on Congress charges More: Asheville serial bank robber sentenced; used 'toxic gas,' 'motion sensor;' hit 3 states Devers anti-government rhetoric and fake arrest writs were more than a nuisance. They put hundreds of lives at risk, King stated in the news release. The websites writs, which Dever promoted as a mechanism for removing federal, state and local officials from their positions, were available for download on the PBIs website, alongside other documents and videos explaining their purpose and how to use them. These writs notified victims that they were subject to "citizen arrest" which could be conducted without a warrant within 30 days from when the writ was received, according to court documents obtained by the Citizen Times. Those who shared Devers warped ideology, including Moody, became self-proclaimed bounty hunters that turned innocent victims into targets of harassment, intimidation, and death threats, King also stated. But, unlike Dever and Moodys sham court proceedings, my office has legitimate authority to hold these defendants accountable for their actions. Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. News tips? Email Ryley at rober@gannett.com. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Waynesville woman sentenced in US District Court for fake arrest writs The flesh-eating infection that almost took Jennifer Barlows life and ultimately her leg started with vague symptoms that escalated quickly. It was January 2023, and the U.S. Army veteran had just come back from a vacation in the Bahamas. At 33, she was healthy as an ox and a regular gym-goer, she says. Jennifer Barlow (Courtesy Jennifer Barlow) But as she returned home to Atlanta, Barlow started feeling a little off, then very weak. After lying in bed for four days, she noticed her right knee started ballooning up and became red and hot to the touch. It was so swollen it was at least three times the size of my left knee. It was really scary, Barlow, who was a geospatial engineer in the U.S. Army, tells TODAY.com. I was in excruciating pain. Jennifer Barlow (Courtesy Jennifer Barlow) When she went to a local emergency room, doctors treated her knee as a sprain and sent her home with crutches and pain medicine, she says. But the knee kept getting bigger and looked like a giants leg. Then, she suddenly passed out. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement When Barlows brother found her unconscious on the kitchen floor, she was taken to the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center. Thats where doctors saved her life, she says. 'Her life was in grave danger' Tests showed Barlow had severe sepsis, says Dr. Jonathan Pollock, a surgeon who first saw her on Jan. 23. I was very concerned that she would not survive this, Pollock tells TODAY.com. It is fair to say that her life was in grave danger. Sepsis, the bodys extreme response to an infection, is a life-threatening medical emergency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns. Barlow was in septic shock, the most severe complication of sepsis, and had kidney failure and signs of liver failure, says surgeon Dr. Tamra McKenzie-Johnson, who was also involved in her care. Barlow required a breathing machine and medication to maintain her blood pressure. The veteran was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection with bacteria that can cause flesh-eating disease, the CDC notes. Even with treatment, up to 20% of patients die, according to the agency. The infection gets deep under the skin to the lining of the muscle and moves along that surface very rapidly, destroying tissue, Pollock says. Patients need aggressive radical surgery to remove as much of the dead flesh as possible, so doctors kept having to take out the soft tissue of Barlows thigh the skin and the underlying tissue, he adds. Jennifer Barlow (Courtesy Jennifer Barlow) Barlow was in a medically induced coma for 10 days. When she woke up, she had already undergone 12 surgeries, she says. I was confused and scared, she recalls. I never in my life had heard of sepsis and I had never heard of flesh-eating bacteria. What causes necrotizing fasciitis? Barlows infection was caused by group A strep, a particularly virulent form of the bacteria that cause strep throat, Pollock says. Its the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis, the CDC notes. Healthy people can get streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis, but it most commonly affects people who have a weakened immune system, it adds. The bacteria can get into the body through a small cut in the skin, or they may already be present somewhere else in the body and get seated at the site of a small injury like a bruise, Pollock says. Since she became ill just after returning from the Bahamas, Barlow suspects she may have been exposed to the bacteria in the warm water. But thats associated with another type of bacteria Vibrio vulnificus which naturally live in certain coastal waters and can also lead to necrotizing fasciitis, according to the CDC. Ultimately, doctors cant say for sure where Barlow was exposed to the pathogen. Once a person becomes infected, early diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis is notoriously difficult, with one study showing its misdiagnosed 71% of the time, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Meanwhile, sepsis is one of the top five misdiagnosed dangerous diseases in the U.S., a recent study found. Seeking help for a prosthesis After doctors got the infection under control with antibiotics, they tried to preserve as much of Barlows leg as possible, but they kept having to remove more dead tissue, McKenzie-Johnson says. We were all the way down to muscle on the thigh on her leg, she recalls. When the wound looked healthy and Barlow was stable after two weeks of care, she was transferred to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, which has experience in managing such extensive wounds, McKenzie-Johnson notes. More surgeries followed Barlow says she underwent almost 30 total but the limb could not be saved. Almost her entire leg was amputated in March. Grady Memorial Hospital did not respond to a doctor interview request. Jennifer Barlow (Courtesy Jennifer Barlow) After months of hospitalizations, Barlow was finally able to come home at the end of May. Shes learning how to do day-to-day activities as an amputee, and is grateful for friends and neighbors for making her life as normal as possible. Barlow is raising money for medical expenses on GoFundMe. Shes using a walker and a wheelchair to get around, so her focus now is to find a prosthesis that will fit her unique case. The Atlanta VA says it will assist and cover her prosthetic needs, but Barlow also hopes she can meet with experts at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There are so many innovations and technology for prosthetics, she says. Im extremely open to linking up with somebody who could help me. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A woman was arrested after being accused of attempting to kidnap a baby while wielding a kitchen knife, Utah police said. Ambrey Lynn Welch, 35, was found heavily intoxicated with a 10-inch kitchen knife and a beer can, Lt. Will Farr with Ogden police told McClatchy News. On Aug. 27, police were dispatched after getting reports of people fighting in the street, Farr said. The woman told officers she was investigating the fighting she heard outside, according to ABC 4. Welch is accused of walking down the street and opening the back door of a strangers car and unbuckling the moms one-year-old baby, Farr told McClatchy News. The mother and child were getting ready to leave a family party. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Witnesses told police they heard Welch say she was surprised the childs mother would let them be taken, according to Gephardt Daily. Documents obtained by the outlet state the mother feared serious harm because the woman had a knife in her hand as she unbuckled the child. Welch, smelling like alcohol and having slurred speech, told police she had many beers throughout the night, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KSL. Police ordered Welch to drop the knife and she complied, Farr told McClatchy News. Police are awaiting the results from a blood sample to determine Welchs blood alcohol concentration, Farr told McClatchy News. Welch was arrested and booked on charges of carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence, aggravated kidnapping, intoxication, obstruction of justice among other charges, according to Weber County Sheriffs Office jail records. Ogden is about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. Deputy sexually assaults handcuffed woman he kidnapped during traffic stop, feds say Quick thinking at gas station saves woman kidnapped by fake Uber driver, AZ cops say Accused kidnapper tries to rape 19-year-old, then dumps body in field, CA officials say Tourists walk through the Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in August 2023. George Schinas/NurPhoto via Getty Images An Australian couple fell 33 feet from a medieval wall in Dubrovnik while intoxicated, police said. The wall and surrounding area are featured in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The woman has life-threatening injuries, which include brain damage, a doctor told local media. An Australian woman is fighting for her life after she and her partner fell around 33 feet from a medieval wall in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik early on Saturday morning, according to reports. The couple slipped and fell from a wall between two restaurants in Pile, a neighborhood in Dubrovnik's Old Town, at around 2.35 a.m. on Saturday, Croatian media outlets reported. The area, which is near the city center, is featured in numerous scenes in seasons two and three of HBO's "Game of Thrones." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The couple fell when the woman, who is 26, leaned against her partner, who is 34, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The incident appears to have been accidental, with no indication that anything criminal took place, Andrijana Biskup, Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department spokesperson, said in a statement to the local news outlet Dubrovacka Televizija. Breathalyzer tests revealed that the couple was under the influence of alcohol, Biskup said, according to the news outlet. Biskup said that the man had a blood alcohol reading of just over 0.2, while the woman's was 0.3. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at these levels, a person may experience confusion, vomiting, drowsiness, or even alcohol poisoning if over 0.3%. The woman was put in a coma The couple was taken to General Hospital Dubrovnik, which is in the area. The hospital's director Dr. Marija Bekic told the local media outlet Dubrovacki Vjesnik that the young woman is in an intensive care unit in an induced coma. She is in a life-threatening condition, Bekic added, per the outlet. Dr. Ivan Bencic, a trauma specialist at the hospital, said the woman had spinal and brain damage, as well as vertebral fractures, according to the Croatian broadcaster HRT. "We are constantly monitoring her and doing everything we can to fight for her life," he said, according to a translation by The Herald. "As far as the male is concerned he had a far better run than she did." The man had surgery on a broken leg but is in a stable condition, Bekic said, per Dubrovacki Vjesnik. Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. In a statement provided to Insider, a spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is providing consular assistance to the two Australians. Read the original article on Insider Deputies say a Columbus, Georgia woman kicked a deputy in the face while being arrested for DUI in Macon. On Friday, August 11, just after 7 p.m., a deputy responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Walden Road. When the deputy arrived, he saw the driver, Bridgit Gresham Alvarez, standing at the passenger side of her vehicle with her passenger. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The deputy said Alvarez appeared extremely intoxicated. The deputy noticed vomit on the passenger side stepboard and floorboard of the car. The passenger said the vomit was hers. A roadside sobriety test was performed on Alvarez but was ended because the deputy said Alvarez was unstable on her feet and didnt want her to injure herself. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, Alvarez became vulgar when she was placed into the back of the patrol car. After Alvarez was inside the patrol car, the deputy said he heard her speaking to someone. The deputy opened the door to the patrol car and saw Alvarez was speaking on her phone. TRENDING STORIES: While the deputy was removing her phone from Alvarez, he says she turned sideways while in her seatbelt and kicked him in the face. The deputy said on the way to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center, Alvarez became apologetic and said she acted inappropriately and that she was sorry. Alvarez was charged with driving without having her license on her, driving under the influence, and felony obstruction. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A 23-year-old woman was hiking alone in Arizona when she was attacked and killed 36 years ago, deputies said. DNA testing just identified the suspect as now-deceased Bryan Scott Bennett in the killing of Cathy Sposito, the Yavapai County Sheriffs Office said in an Aug. 25 news conference. Sposito was hiking Thumb Butte Trail in Prescott on June 13, 1987, when she was hit with a rock and a ratchet wrench, stabbed and shot, Sheriff David Rhodes said during the conference. People heard Sposito screaming, but when they got to her, she was dead and the suspect had run off into the woods, Rhodes said. Evidence was collected at the scene, but the case went cold for 36 years. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement How could such an incredibly awful and atrocious thing happen in such a wonderful place? he recounted people saying after the brutal killing. Investigators look into case decades later An investigator and cold case volunteers began looking into Spositos case again in 2015, according to Lt. Dan Pritchard. DNA samples were taken from the wrench used in the killing of Sposito and the top DNA contributors were Sposito and Bennett, authorities said. It was 28 times more likely that Bryan Bennett and Cathy Sposito contributed to the DNA presence on that ratchet wrench than anyone else statistically in the world, one of the cold case volunteers said during the news conference. They also looked into other crimes that happened at trails, parks or forests and identified a similar case. Another woman had been attacked and sexually assaulted at Thumb Butte in 1990. The assault happened around the same time of day and at the same location as Spositos attack, Rhodes said. Bennetts remains were exhumed and sent to a lab to develop a DNA profile, deputies said. In March, officials confirmed his DNA was a match to both cases. Bennett is also accused of trying to sexually assault a woman at a house party in 1990 in Chino Valley, deputies said. Then on June 2, 1993, he approached a woman at a post office in Prescott and held her at knifepoint before sexually assaulting her multiple times, Rhodes said. He was detained after both crimes, but because of a lack of evidence, he was never convicted. On Jan. 27, 1994, he died by suicide after leaving the state for Kentucky. He was a junior in high school when he was accused in the killing of Sposito. Prescott is about 100 miles north of Phoenix. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or 800 273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741. 75-year-old vanished from Oregon in 2013. His remains were just identified, CA cops say Man convicted in 1991 slaying of teen found shot outside foster home, MA officials say Kayaker discovered body in river a year ago, Washington cops say. Now hes identified A married woman falsely claimed she was sexually assaulted in order to access free STD testing after having an affair. Renee Skoglund, 30, will spend two years on community control and eight years on probation after striking a plea deal with Tampa prosecutors. During her sentencing hearing last week, prosecutors said Skoglund travelled from South Dakota to Hillsborough County, Florida to cheat on her spouse, FOX13 reports. The one-night stand on 8 March reportedly made Skoglund fearful that she could have caught a sexually transmitted disease. Looking to get free testing, Skoglund then made up an elaborate story about being raped on an interstate while she pulled over to check her car. I was just raped, like 45 minutes ago, a tearful Skoglund told 911 operators, also claiming that her supposed rapist had put a towel on her head, tied her hands and feet with a rope, and forced her into the backseat of her vehicle. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Authorities noticed several inconsistencies in Skoglunds story after reviewing her cell phone. They also found surveillance video of Skoglund buying a rope at a Walmart that she later claimed was used during the rape. She later reportedly confessed to making up her rape allegations and was charged with making a false police report. Skoglund, 30, confessed to making up her rape allegations and was charged with making a false police report (HCSO) She had consensual sexual intercourse with an individual in Hillsborough County, prosecutor Jessica Couvertier told the court during Fridays sentencing. Then she felt guilty about it because of her marital status, and she wanted to get checked out for a sexually transmitted disease. In addition to probation, Skoglund must also pay $17,245 to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. Skoglund told police her supposed rapist had used a rope to tie her hands and feet. Authorities later found surveillance froma Walmart that showed her buying the rope (HCSO) This case is truly disheartening, Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a May press release. There are far too many victims faced with this type of trauma. This woman took advantage of our 911 emergency line and diverted attention from actual victims who need the viable resources available in these investigative scenarios. My twins were assessed to see if they were kindergarten-ready at age 5. We got mixed feedback so we decided to keep them in preschool for another year. Starting kindergarten a year later gave them more confidence and better social skills. I waved goodbye to my daughter from the door of her classroom, then raced to catch a glimpse of my son's red hair before his door shut breathless from the ups and downs of making it on time to our first day of kindergarten. Mixed emotions rolled like a marble between my head and heart as I vividly remembered holding them for the first time in the NICU as preemies with hoses and IVs taped carefully to their tiny bodies. We had made it through the early years, marked by the seemingly impossible job of doing the best for each of them individually and for both at the same time. They started kindergarten a year late After our twins' assessment for kindergarten at age 5, we received mixed feedback but were told they could enter kindergarten. "Kindergarten readiness" evaluations are administered by many public and private schools to assess the skills and maturity of a child entering kindergarten. Some of these skills include pencil grip, letter recognition, and the ability to follow directions. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement My instincts told me our children needed an extra year of half-day preschool rather than a full day of kindergarten, and my husband agreed. We also didn't want to put our twins in a situation where, at the end of the year, one needed to repeat kindergarten, and the other moved to first grade. Valerie Andrews, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist in Los Gatos, California, recommends keeping twins together in the same grade, so if one isn't ready, it makes sense to wait. "Studies show that holding a child back after the kindergarten year has proven detrimental effects," Andrews said. But she warns against holding children back in general from starting kindergarten. "If there is a learning disability or underlying issues, holding a child back doesn't help," she said. I also called friends who were kindergarten teachers, moms of twins who were older than mine, and an expert in child psychology to get their input. Their collective advice was not to rush and to consider their 12-year school journey ahead instead of just kindergarten. It was the right decision for them It's been one year since our twins started kindergarten "late," and I can honestly say we were right on time. Studies show kids generally learn to read between the ages of 6 and 7. Their school expected them to learn to read in kindergarten, and my twins learned phonics and blended letters alongside their classmates. They were not "bored" or ahead of their peers. They were both able to relate to their peers in healthy ways in the classroom and on the playground. Both of their teachers gave me positive feedback that they were thriving with friends. They had an extra year to develop more control over their bodies and focus better. They would have struggled more to follow directions and receive academic instruction over a full school day at the age of 5. Six was perfect for them. Both children had a positive first year of their 12-year school career, which, as any teacher knows, cannot be underestimated. They both grew more sure of themselves in school subjects and socially. They bonded with kind adults who believed in them and felt excited to go to school every day. With kindergarten behind us, they're now entering first grade together and are a year older than most of their classmates. They're happy, and for that, this twin mom can smile and take a deep breath. Read the original article on Insider Wright Patterson Airforce Base has announced changes to base access for Department of Defense civilian retirees. Starting Sept. 1 DoD civilian retirees will be required to show a registered Real ID card for base access. >> Ohio Task Force 1 activated in preparation of strengthening Tropical Storm Idalia Before using their Real ID For access retired civilians must register a Real ID at the pass and Identification office by providing: A copy of their SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action Documentation of their retirement along with a valid and current drivers license or U.S. passport Retiree IDs are property of the U.S. Government and must be returned to the Department of Defense. They can be surrendered at the bases installation gates or the customer support ID card office in Building 2, the base said. More information on the transition can be found here A Washington State Department of Transportation worker was hit by a pickup on Highway 18 Monday morning. The worker was helping a driver who was having car trouble when he was struck shortly before 6 a.m. According to the Washington State Patrol, a Nissan Altima was stalled in the second lane of westbound SR 18, west of State Route 167, when a WSDOT Incident Response Team truck arrived with its overhead lights flashing. It stopped behind the Altima and the worker got out of the truck. At some point, a Nissan Frontier pickup traveling in the second lane hit the WSDOT truck from behind, pushing it into the WSDOT worker and into the disabled Altima. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Nissan pickup then came to a stop in the first lane. The driver of the pickup had non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Valley Medical Center. Troopers said the WSDOT worker was taken to St. Frances Hospital. His injuries were not serious. The driver of the Nissan pickup, a 65-year-old man, may be charged with negligent driving, according to a report from WSP. The woman who was in the Nissan Altima was not hurt. WWI aviation enthusiasts rejoiced on Saturday, August 19, 2023, when the National WWI Museum and Memorial hosted its third annual Great Balloon and Puppet Glow in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Partnering with StoneLion Puppet Theatre and Cumulus Radio, the event painted the summer sky with an awe-inspiring spectacle, all in a celebration that resonates with the history of WWI aviation. The Great Balloon and Puppet Glow Event Beginning at 4 p.m., the public gathered on the Museum and Memorial grounds. Together, they enjoyed live music, local food trucks, communal picnicking and plenty of WWI artifacts and stories. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the night came alive with radiant displays that lit the Kansas City skyline. On the North Lawn, tethered hot air balloons fired up, creating a canvas of color. At the same time, on the south side, illuminated puppets, aerialists, and glow performers embarked on a magical journey "around the world in 80 days." If you're wondering about the connection between puppets and balloons, Vice President of Collections and Senior Curator Dr. Christopher Warren explains. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This annual event is an opportunity for balloon enthusiasts to come to the property and enjoy the balloons. It offers a nice end of the summer festival for kids in the community," Warren said. The plus side is that, while on the museum's grounds, visitors could inspect the balloons and wander the museum. Inside, the collection's latest gem stands poised to be viewed and admired. "Just a few weeks ago, the museum acquired an actual hot air balloon basket from WWI. It's one of only a few in existence," Warren said. Remarkably, what visitors saw the night of the event is similar to what balloonists use today. In fact, the technology of basket construction hasn't changed much since the Great War. That's a stark contrast from the rest of aviation, which has changed considerably over the last 100 years. Balloons and Zeppelins "In the era of WWI, the technology of tactical hot air balloons served as an eye in the sky, providing a real-time vantage point over the battlefields. The recent acquisition of an actual WWI hot air balloon basket by a museum presents a rare opportunity to glimpse into a unique aspect of military history. These baskets played a vital role in observation and artillery fire, elevating warfare to new heights," said Warren. During WWI, balloons played a crucial role in collecting reconnaissance, floating miles above front lines to observe enemy movements. Warren notes that WWI marked the beginning of new, real-time combat. Balloons are a big part of the reason why. That's because WWI service members didn't let not having comms stop them from innovating and adapting. "Elevating to anywhere from three to five or six thousand feed, and manned by a few pilots, balloons provided a view of the trenches, enabling direct fire in real-time," said Warren. Of course, the work was hazardous, as balloons became targets for enemy aircraft. With no weapons in the balloons, the only escape was via parachute. But it wasn't all doom and gloom since attacking balloons were also a hazard to the enemy aircraft. Take, for example, the museum's prized piece of an L-49 Zeppelin. The P-Class WWI German Navy Zeppelin took part in eight recon missions with three attacks on England. It was damaged by ground fire during a raid on London. Then, French pilots at Escadrille at Bourbonne-le-Bains, France, quickly got to work dismantling it. "Remarkably, it was brought down intact and the captured crew became POWs. The French, eager to uncover its construction secrets, dismantled it. The fabric was then cut into pieces, turning fragments of the Zeppelin into souvenirs. These remnants serve as a vivid reminder of wartime innovation and a mission carried out against all odds," said Warren. WWI aviation event at National WWI Museum and Memorial Sky heroes Eugene Bullard was born in Georgia to a miserable childhood. After running away from home, he found himself in Scotland and London, where he learned to be a boxer. In turn, he ends up in France just before the start of the war. When the war starts, Bullard joins the French Foreign Legion. While serving in the French Foreign Legion, Bullard's experience differed from what he knew to be true in the U.S. "Racial prejudices were different, so he had more freedom. He wasn't thought of as "other," so his service was welcomed," said Warren. After being severely wounded, Bullard decided to apply to flight training . He received his pilot license in 1917. By then, there was an American squadron unit operating in France called the Lafayette Escadrille. Bullard requested a transfer, expecting to be aligned with his fellow Americans. That didn't happen. "Even though they knew he was a combat pilot. They didn't allow him to fly. The official reason given was because American pilots had to be officers. But the actual reason was because of race." Discrimination didn't allow him to fly for his nation. Still, he's credited with being the first Black combat pilot in American history. It's stories like Bullard's that the museum aims to bring to life. Ruth Law and inclusivity The National WWI Museum and Memorial acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those involved in WWI. As such, it is committed to being a space where equity, inclusion, and diversity converge to create a sense of belonging. Take, for example, the story of Ruth Law, an aviation pioneer and a leading figure in aviation during WWI. Warren quickly pointed out that Ruth Law " wasn't just an aviation pioneer for women. She was an aviation pioneer, period." Ruth Law was a trailblazer in the early days of aviation. She began her career just five years before the Great War. Then, she quickly got to work breaking records. In addition to becoming the first woman to fly at night, Law is also credited with being the first female professional pilot. Oh, and she's also the first woman to execute the "loop the loop" maneuver. After setting a record for a 950-kilometer non-stop flight, Law's career really took off and she quickly started earning up to $9,000 a week for exhibition flights. But Law's ambition didn't stop with personal glory. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, she was determined to serve her country. Despite initial rejection with the curt response, "We don't want women in the Army," Law's persistence paid off. She became the first woman permitted to wear a noncommissioned Army officer's uniform. She utilized her flying skills to help her nation. By performing recruitment and promotional flights for Liberty Loan drives, she served as a patriotic figure and an advocate for women's roles in the military. One of her most notable acts was dropping leaflets resembling smoking bombs, urging people to buy liberty bonds with the words, "I've bought my liberty bond, will you buy yours today? Ruth Law." Her tenacity, skill, and commitment to her country make Ruth Law an enduring symbol of aviation prowess and gender equality. Today, a few of those leaflets are carefully preserved inside the museum's collection. Check it out for yourself It's items like those that make these exhibits at the museum not just remarkable but keenly intimate as well. The Zeppelin's fabric, Ruth's leaflets, and the combat-weathered basket all encompass what separates this WWI museum from others around the country. With its regular offerings of events and exhibitions, the museum transcends traditional boundaries, connecting the local community and visitors alike to the rich history of WWI. Whether through the vibrant Great Balloon and Puppet Glow event or its commitment to inclusivity and education, the museum continues breathing new life into a bygone era. It's not just a place to learn about history but a living space where history is experienced, understood, and honored. By bridging the gap between the past and present, the National WWI Museum and Memorial stands as a beacon of history and heritage, inspiring and enlightening those who walk through its doors. Reports that X's (formerly Twitter) downloads decreased after Elon Musk's rebranding of the microblogging social network only tell part of the story. Twitter's renaming also saw its weekly active users drop 4% over the following weeks after the rebrand (August 6-20), while the X app fell four spots in the Overall category rankings to No. 36, according to a new analysis from app intelligence firm Sensor Tower. This analysis follows the controversial rebranding of Twitter to X, which saw some forecasts estimating the company was destroying billions in brand equity. That seemed to be true, as initial reports, including one by Eric Seufert of Mobile Dev Memo, indicated Twitter saw a dramatic decrease in its Top Downloaded chart position across both iOS and Android, following the app's renaming to X. But there is one notable bright spot for the app previously known as Twitter: revenue surprisingly increased post-rebrand. From August 6 through August 20, revenue substantially jumped by ~25%, primarily driven by revenue from iOS (up 24%), Sensor Tower found. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Still, the rebrand appears to have led to consumer confusion on the app stores. Although many tech-savvy users were aware of the name change, a number of mainstream consumers looking for Twitter in the app stores were not. So when they typed "Twitter" into the app store's search bar, they would only find the app Twitter Lite, designed for emerging markets, returned. This experience seems to have driven a large spike in Twitter Lite installs in the first week of the rebranding (July 23-August 5). During this time, Twitter Lite downloads jumped up by around 350%, said Sensor Tower. Combined with X, the Twitter ecosystem of apps saw downloads grow by 11%, driven by installs in India, the U.S. and Indonesia. X revenue also fell during this first week (July 23-August 5) by 3% overall, primarily due to an 8% decrease on iOS. The X rebrand additionally impacted other apps, like rivals Bluesky, Instagram Threads and Mastodon. In the first week (July 23-August 5) of the rebrand, Threads downloads dropped 70%, leaving the app ranked 16th Overall. But Bluesky and Mastodon saw downloads increase by 180% and 15%, respectively -- an indication that those fleeing the new X largely turned to Bluesky instead. However, in the weeks that followed (August 8-20), Threads saw an uptick in downloads with growth up by roughly 50% while also moving up one spot to 12th Overall in the category rankings. By this time, Threads had also rolled out a number of new features, including a chronological feed. Bluesky and Mastodon, on the other hand, saw downloads decline after the rebranding of X subdued, with installs dropping 25% and 40%, respectively. The "X-odus," in other words, has not settled on a new platform. X, meanwhile, fell 4 spots to 36 at this time as its own installs decreased by 8%. That includes a decline across both iOS and Android, down 22% and 18% respectively, Sensor Tower noted. But one X-owned app continued to do well -- Twitter Lite downloads increased, up 50% from the previous time frame. It seems the brand name "Twitter" still holds some clout on the app stores, and is stealing away potential installs from the newly renamed X. The Yolo County Sheriffs Office held its first anonymous gun buyback event Saturday in Davis, authorities said. The event at the Yolo County Health and Human Services building on A Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. saw 150 firearms collected, which included long guns and handguns, according to Sheriffs Office spokesman Lt. Juan Ceja. The Sheriffs Office and the Davis Police Department, which partnered to put on the event, each provided $5,000 so that buyback officials could distribute $10,000 in Visa gift cards, Ceja said. We did have $10,000 in Visa gift cards, which we ran out of at approximately 1 p.m., Ceja said. Many elected to still turn in firearms after we ran out. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Sacramento Police Departments most recent gun buyback event in May roped in 128 firearms, and similarly the department handed out roughly $10,000 in rewards then. The Yolo County Sheriffs Office on Saturday rewarded $50 per handgun and $100 per long gun or privately manufactured firearm, more commonly known as a ghost gun. Participants could only drive up with unloaded firearms in the trunk of their vehicle, officials said. Walk-ups were prohibited for safety purposes. Ceja said Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez wanted to host the event to provide a safe and anonymous option for anyone to turn in unwanted firearms to help prevent violent or accidental incidents involving firearms. He said the Sheriffs Office hopes to hold events in the near future in West Sacramento and Woodland, but no dates have been set yet. Any firearms turned in that are determined to be stolen will be returned to their owners, according to law enforcement. The others will be destroyed at a later date, deputies said. This event was hosted in partnership with Davis police and with support from the Yolo County District Attorneys Office, the Yolo County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, the University of California, Davis Police Department, the Woodland Police Department, the West Sacramento Police Department and the Winters Police Department. A local volunteer firefighter relief association spent $9,835 in undocumented expenditures, according to the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General. The Voluntary Relief Association of Community Fire Company, No.1 of York New Salem was one of four associations in Pennsylvania that could not account for state funds during audits, a news release states. These VRFAs couldnt account for a combined $76,611 that was meant to support local firefighters, Auditor General Timothy DeFoor said in the release. Our auditors found significant issues with each of these VFRAs that could lead to the possible future withholding of funds. They still have the opportunity to correct these errors and implement our audit recommendations to make sure they do not lose funding. The department distributes aid, which comes from a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies, and audits how the associations use the funds, a news release states. The money can be used for training, equipment and insurance, and paying for death benefits for volunteer firefighters. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The relief associations are separate from the fire companies they support, the release states. What the audit report found According to the news release, the June 2023 audit report of the Voluntary Relief Association of Community Fire Company, No.1 of York New Salem found: Unauthorized expenditures Failure to maintain surety (fidelity) bond coverage Inadequate financial record-keeping system Failure to maintain a Pennsylvania sales tax exemption number Untimely receipt and deposit of state aid Failure to conduct annual physical equipment inventories Failure to maintain a complete and accurate membership roster Inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds The time period involved Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2021, the report states. Big cats: Are there mountain lions in Pennsylvania? A reported sighting in York reignites the debate Auditor general recommends the money be reimbursed to the relief association Some of the undocumented expenditures included training, maintenance and a payment to an out-of-state fire company, the report states. Officials with the relief association said the transactions were made prior to the current officer's terms, and they could not explain why they occurred. The auditor general's office recommended that the relief association provide supporting documentation, such as invoices and/or itemized receipts, or that the $9,835 be reimbursed to the relief association, the report states. The relief association management agreed with the finding, the report states. They said a spending freeze would be placed on the account until the money is reimbursed. The audit also noted $2,655 in unauthorized expenditures, and the auditor general's office recommended that this amount be reimbursed to the association. The relief association management said they would comply with the recommendation. Andrew Martin, president of the relief association, could not be reached for comment. Save at the pump: Sheetz lowers price on Unleaded 88 to $2.99 a gallon during the dog days of summer This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York New Salem PA fire relief assoc. can't account for $9,835: auditor The prolific rat problem in New York City is caused at least in part by poor food waste disposal, experts say. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images New York City has a pest problem so prolific, the mayor hired a dedicated rat czar earlier this year. Previous efforts to reduce the rat problem include brutal traps, poison, and birth control bait. Experts say the real problems are in human behavior and the rats just do what they can to survive. Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed the city's first Rat Czar to oversee efforts to rid the Big Apple of a prolific pest problem that's led to viral memes like Pizza Rat. But experts say people, not rodents, are behind the persistent infestation. In her role as director of rodent mitigation, Kathleen Corradi a former school teacher credited with creating the city's Zero Waste Schools initiative while she worked at the Department of Education has been given a Sisyphean task: To reduce, by whatever means necessary, New York's rat population. Corradi was appointed after residents reported almost 3.2 million rat sightings to the city's 311 service request line last year, Insider reported. The rats are so iconic to the city that tourists go on walking tours just to catch a glimpse of them. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Rats are a symptom of systemic issues, including sanitation, health, housing, and economic justice," Corradi said when her hiring was announced. "As the first director of rodent mitigation, I'm excited to bring a science- and systems-based approach to fight rats. New York may be famous for the Pizza Rat, but rats, and the conditions that help them thrive will no longer be tolerated no more dirty curbs, unmanaged spaces, or brazen burrowing." Representatives for the New York Mayor's Office and Department of Sanitation did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. The city has historically focused on population control methods, including brutal spring traps and hazardous poisons to keep the pests at bay. Scientists even developed a rat birth control to be used in baits, according to an essay published Sunday in The New York Times by Jason Munshi-South, a professor of biology at Fordham University. However, it was too costly and ineffective for real-world usage. But despite years of trying to shoo away or kill the rodents, which can carry and spread parasites and disease, rats in the city are still frequently seen on the subway, in trash cans, and simply walking down the street in search of their next meal. Rats aren't the real enemy, Munshi-South and other experts, including Michael Parsons, an urban rat researcher and visiting scholar at Fordham University, agree. Parsons previously told Insider the "real city rats" are "the men and women of bureaucracy and their two-and-a-half centuries of bad practice." "Ms. Corradi needs to change to science-supported steps rather than unproven, 'gimmicky' approaches," Parsons said, giving examples like relying on unproven methods like composting to reduce the presence of rats. Instead, city officials should study rodent biology, conduct cleaning during the day while the rats are less active, and develop a more efficient waste disposal system citywide, he said. Munshi-South also argues that people are the problem more than rats, which are just seeking food out of survival could ever be. "For rats to go away, everyone in the city plus our restaurants, schools, grocers must be willing to address the fundamental issue of food waste," Munshi-South wrote for NYT. "New Yorkers waste roughly 6.5 million pounds every day, which amounts to as much as a pound per person. To really have fewer rats, New York norms of takeout and eating outside would have to change." With a citywide population of over 8 million people, according to 2022 Census records, that challenge may prove more difficult than Corradi bargained for when she accepted the $155,000-per-year position. She may have been prepared to deal with the rats, but Parsons said the key to her success will be to "understand that rat control begins by changing people's habits, hygiene, and expectations." Read the original article on Business Insider Why is Young Thug sitting in jail but Donald Trump is out on bond? Thats the question the Atlanta rappers father asks the whole world. Over the weekend, a picture of Thugs father, Jeffrey Williams Sr., was shared on social media. The photo showed him wearing a shirt that said FREE YSL and a poster that read, FREE YSL. TRUMP & CREW GOT BOND, YOUNG THUG & YSL FACE THE EXACT SAME CHARGES BUT NO BOND? MAKE JUSTIVE FAIR!! WE DESERVE A FAIR FIGHT TOO FANI. Read more ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He was released on a $200,000 bond shortly after his already infamous mugshot was released to the public. In the case of Thug, he and many other members of his Young Stoner Life imprint were charged more than a year ago in a 56-count court indictment, alleging that they are members of a criminal street gang. The charges include conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, murder, armed robbery, and criminal street gang activity. Thug has been denied bond multiple times. In July, an Atlanta judge refused to release the Atlanta rapper from jail again despite him being behind bars for the past year. It was the fourth time his bond was denied. Why is Thug behind bars and not Trump? Simply put, lives arent in danger in the Trump case, they allegedly are in the YSL RICO case. When the Hot rapper was denied bond last month, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville alluded to conversations prosecutors have had with witnesses, saying that some of the witnesses suggested that Thug was asking for permission to harm others, according to Billboard. As a result, Judge Glanville denied his bond, saying, The court finds that would pose a significant risk to the community. While Trump is an absolute nuisance to all who despise him and the charges leveled against him are extremely serious, no witnesses are claiming that their lives are in danger because of him at the moment. As much as I want to be angry about one being out on bond and the other not, I cant. One is being accused of non-violent offenses, the other is. Its pretty simple. 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. Protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, preparing for winter, and the results of inspections of military physician boards, in addition to the situation at the front, have been discussed at the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff meeting on 28 August. Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "Today, maximum attention is paid to offensive operations and providing the front with weapons, everything necessary. There were reports of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, commanders Syrskyi [ Oleksandr Syrskyi , commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine], and Tarnavskyi [Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the operational and strategic group of troops Tavriia]. Implementation of the plan for the protection of critical and energy infrastructure [has been discussed], as well as preparation for winter and development of a program for transition to promising types of aircraft." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy said a report on the inspection of military physician boards will be presented at the next meeting of the National Security and Defence Council. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the rank of third-division police general to the head of the Patrol Police Department, Yevhenii "Marshal" Zhukov. Source: Presidents decree dated 24 August, made public on Monday Quote: "The special rank of third-division police general shall be assigned to police colonel Yevhenii Oleksandrovych Zhukov, head of the Patrol Police Department (interregional territorial body) of the National Police of Ukraine." Details: Other decrees assigned the rank of third-division police general to Serhii Kobets, Head of the National Police Personnel Department, Ihor Korol, head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kherson Oblast, and Yurii Vykhodets, Head of the Cyber Police Department. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement For reference: According to Novynarnia, Yevhenii "Marshal" Zhukov was a professional soldier and commander of a Separate Reconnaissance Air Assault Company of the 79th Air Assault Brigade. From 2007 onwards he served with the Mykolaiv brigade, moving up from the position of platoon commander to deputy battalion commander. Zhukov played an active role in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the East of Ukraine and the defence of Donetsk airport. He was appointed deputy head of the Patrol Service Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in September 2015 and received the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel in the new National Police of Ukraine in November that same year. Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the creation of a single body for business inspections as this would meet the requirements of Ukraine's international partners, he said in an interview on August 27. Read also: EU commissioner assesses Ukraine's progress with reforms "Businesses do not want any inspections. They said that inspections started coming to them because the state reintroduced inspections," Zelenskyy said. "But there must be a balance. For me as president, it is very difficult to maintain balance during the war." The President's Office currently has a platform for businesses where presidential advisers meet with representatives of businesses every few weeks and solve their problems, Zelenskyy said. However, he admits that this does not represent a systematic solution. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Read also: EU commissioner assesses Ukraine's progress with reforms "The International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, and our international partners If we do not bring back the tax system that we had before the war, if we do not bring back the inspections, we will have questions raised during the negotiations on future EU membership." Zelenskyy suggested to the business community that legislation be amended so that only one body has the right to inspect businesses. Read also: Ukraines SBU apprehends four more military and medical officials profiting from draft dodgers "I will find a balance between European law and their requests: to have inspections, but not with different bodies taking turns paying visits," he said. "Our businesses should offer what kind of body it can be, who this person can be, etc." 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 inaugural Iron Blossom Music Festival is the perfect combination of Richmonds favorite things: live music, food, art and craft beer. Complete with cornhole, muralists and a Ferris wheel, the festival kicked off without a hitch. Doors opened at noon to music fans lined up outside the gates of the Bon Secours Training Center, excited to see what Iron Blossom had to offer. By 2 p.m., the perfectly manicured lawn was filling up with blankets. Acts such as Lord Huron, Noah Kahan and Hozier drew folk and indie music fans from all over Virginia and beyond. Hayley Daniels traveled from Michigan to join her aunt for the festival. Im here for Noah Kahan and Hozier, she said as she proudly showed off her Hozier tattoo. Food vendors including Mexi Grill, Pizza Nova, Dank Nugs and Rosies Kitchen lined the venue along with beverage carts offering popular canned drinks from Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Richmonds Starr Hill Brewery. Richmond native Alexa Turner attended the festival with her best friend and was impressed by the venue. Ive been to a few festivals and so far this one has probably been the most organized and probably the cleanest Ive been to, Turner said. The festival was originally planned for Richmonds Monroe Park but was moved due to overwhelming response, according to organizers. Two-day VIP tickets sold out, and there was a low-ticket alert for the others in early August. The space held all the festival attractions without being too crowded, offering shorter walking distances compared to other outdoor festivals. To beat the heat, some festival-goers clung to the outskirts for shade under the trees while others didnt mind dancing under the blazing sun. Fans of Briscoe, an Austin, Texas-based folk rock band, clapped and stomped their feet to a harmonica solo. Fans of North Carolina folk quartet Mipso swayed and sang along. The two stages were side by side, making it easy for attendees to move from stage to stage. Artists were split between the stages with no overlap in performances, so attendees never had to pick between sets. A unique attraction was the Craft Bazaar. Housed under a tent, the makeshift marketplace featured diverse vendors from the Richmond area. Paper fans were flying from vendors such as Enlighten, while others sold creative art pieces and upcycled clothing. Dean Whitbeck, one-half of Jake + Dean Uncommon Coasters, stood proudly behind his table filled with one-of-a-kind coasters of famous athletes and music stars. Whitbeck was pleased with the vendor process and organization. Its been seamless, he said. So far, one of the most thoughtfully conceived festivals Ive seen. They used the space beautifully, Whitbeck added. Its really, really well-done. Richmond food truck favorites such as Boka Tako and JiJi frozen custard were lined up behind the Ferris wheel, and Richmond treasure King of Pops popsicle cart dished out frozen treats to help attendees cool down. Lines for the water stations moved swiftly while the merchandise tent remained packed with Noah Kahan fans itching to buy a T-shirt. Other music lovers were sprawled out on blankets under the big purple tent, taking photos, braiding hair and applying sunscreen. Huge Iron Blossom-branded signs were placed all around the venue for attendees to snap photos of what seemed to be the perfect scene for end-of-summer fun. Noah Clark, a first-time music festival-goer, hopes this will be the first of many. Everything so far looks amazing, Clark said. Bring it back for sure. The festival will resume Sunday at 1 p.m. Doors open at noon. The concept for Iron Blossom originated roughly three years ago. The two-day music festival is organized by Charlottesvilles Starr Hill Presents, Virginia Beachs IMGoing and Richmonds Haymaker Productions. The Bon Secours Training Center is located at 2401 W. Leigh St. Find more information at ironblossomfestival.com. The Lynchburg Police Department continues to search for a city woman who was first reported missing late last week, deeming her disappearance suspicious in a Monday update, according to a news release from LPD. Last week, the department said at 5:41 p.m. on Aug. 23, officers responded to the 1400-block of Gates Street for a report of a missing person. Avriel Hooks, 20, was last seen by her family at about 8 p.m. on Aug. 22, LPD said, and was reported missing the following day. The department describes Hooks as a white female, about 55 in height, with dyed red hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing black leggings, a black tank top and pink nail polish. On Monday, LPD said its missing persons search for Hooks continues, as theyve been in constant communications with Hooks family. The department later added her disappearance is suspicious due to her lack of communication with her family and abnormal absence. According to the news release, LPD detectives have interviewed individuals who Hooks communicated with regularly and are using all available investigative resources. The department added detectives, with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, searched an area of the city where Hooks frequently travelled on Sunday, but her whereabouts currently remain unknown. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hooks is urged to contact Detective C.T. Davis at (434) 455-6166 or the Lynchburg Police Department. NEW YORK (AP) About 2 in 3 Americans say their household expenses have risen over the last year, but only about 1 in 4 say their income has increased in the same period, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. The Chinese Tinci Materials facility in Morocco whose construction was announced end of June this year will produce 100,000 tons of Lithium hexafluorophosphate and electrolytes. The manufactured materials are intended for electric vehicles in the European market, the European Union (EU) having announced a ban on the sale of internal combustion vehicles by 2035, reported Afrik21 media outlet. The Chinese company Tinci Materials had announced its plans to move from the Czech Republic to Morocco, where it anticipates finding a more stable political environment. Tincis affiliate in Singapore allocated $280 million (2.7 billion MAD) to build its firm in Morocco that will produce and sell lithium-ion battery materials. The Chinese companys choice for this location was dictated by the large potential of Moroccos natural resources, particularly in terms of phosphorite ore, cobalt, and lithium. On a worldwide basis, these raw minerals are desired for decarbonization due to their great energy storage capability. Tincis two new plants in Morocco and the United States will address the rising demand for battery components. Tincis Texas-based lithium battery electrolyte factory will have a 200,000-ton annual manufacturing capacity. The company recorded an increasing demand for lithium battery materials, which doubled the business revenue last year, as 93% of the companys total revenue came from the lithium battery material industry. Tincis net profit increased by over 160% to about $789.7 million. Few weeks before Tinci announced its plans to set up a plant in Morocco, another giant Chinese battery cell manufacturer and Volkswagen partner, Gotion High-Tech, agreed with the Moroccan government on building in the country a 100 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery facility, Africas first gigafactory. The agreement also includes setting up integrated industrial ecosystem to produce batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. The estimated investment could reach up to $6.4bn and the project is expected to create 25,000 jobs over 10 years. Morocco is engaged in global race for hosting a gigafactory to support its auto industry as it goes electric. To attract FDI in the EV supply chain, the North African Kingdom highlights its competitive edge, political stability, lower operating costs, the presence of major automakers, including Renault and Stellantis, their suppliers and the availability of cheap renewable energy. Despite setbacks from military coups in Mali and Niger, the European Union is planning to launch a new military-civilian mission in Africa in the fall, whose aim is to prevent instability triggered by jihadi groups, a German newspaper has reported. EU member states have agreed to launch the mission in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, with police and soldiers deployed to Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast, German newspaper Die Welt am Sonntag reported on Sunday (27 August), citing diplomats. According to the report, the mission should pursue four key objectives: in addition to a general strengthening of the security forces, particularly in the north of the four countries, through advice and training, there should also be specific pre-deployment training for anti-terrorist operations, technical support and confidence-building in the security sector. The mission is to be launched once the EU foreign ministers have made a formal decision to this effect at their meeting in Luxembourg in October. High-ranking EU diplomats involved in the planning of the operation said the reason for the planned mission is the EUs concern that jihadist groups in West Africa will expand their activities from the Sahel region towards the southern coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea, thus further spreading instability in the region. The governments of Benin and Ghana had already sent formal letters of invitation for the EU mission to be deployed on their territories. Militant activity from extremist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida have rocked countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in recent years. Brussels also wants to counter Russian influence in the region which has been spread through Wagner mercenaries who have supported military regimes in the Sahel. The situation in the region and in Niger in particular is also important for the EU because it is one of the most important transit countries for African migrants on their way to Europe. On Sunday August 27, 2023, the leader of Zimbabwes opposition, Nelson Chamisa, challenged the re-election of outgoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, officially announced the day before, and claimed victory, following an election with numerous shortcomings, the regularity of which has been called into question. We won this election. We are the leaders. We are even surprised that Mnangagwa was declared the winner []. We have the real results, declared Nelson Chamisa, a 45-year-old lawyer and pastor who heads the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), at a press conference in Harare. Zimbabwes elections commission said late on Saturday that incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa had won this weeks presidential election with roughly 53% of the vote. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said Mnangagwas main challenger, Nelson Chamisa, who leads the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, secured 44% of the presidential vote. Mnangagwa also narrowly defeated Chamisa at the last presidential election in 2018. The opposition alleges that the election was rigged but the constitutional court upheld the result. Zimbabwes re-elected President Emmerson Mnangagwa suggested on Sunday that anyone questioning the results of last weeks election take their case to court as an opposition leader accused him of gigantic fraud. International election observers have noted problems with the election, held on Wednesday and Thursday, citing an atmosphere of intimidation against Chamisas supporters. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings . Patrice Talon, the President of Benin, is expected in Algeria for a State visit in view of boosting ties with the North African country, the Algerian Foreign ministry has announced. The ministry said the invitation came from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The visit aims to open a new era of bilateral relations between the two countries, the ministry said. President Talons visit comes in the context of a diplomatic tour he is undertaking, mandated by President Tebboune, to strengthen ties between Algeria and Benin. This move reflects the importance attached by both leaders to deepening relations between the two nations, the department added. The ministry did not provide details on the date of the future visit. The trip also comes in the wake of a visit to Benin by Algerias top diplomat Bakari Ajadi last week, in the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in neighboring Niger. Niger is currently ruled by a junta that toppled on July 26 elected President Mohamed Bazoum, and the regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) including Benin, has demanded the restoration of the ousted leader. The bloc has also prepared a military contingent to intervene in Niger should the diplomatic approach fail. China has added three new areas for investment to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) focusing on the African continent where it has spent billions of dollars in infrastructure. The new areas are namely industrialization, increase in agriculture investment and talent development. President Xi Jinping launched the three-pronged plan during a China-Africa leaders roundtable meeting held at the tail-end of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg with at least eight African presidents and other officials from the continent attending, Zawya reports. China will channel more resources of assistance, investment and financing toward programs for industrialization, Xi said. The Chinese top leader indicated that Beijing will encourage Chinese companies to increase agricultural investment in Africa to help the continent modernize the sector and improve food production. Xi also posited that China would provide food assistance to some countries in need. As for talent development, the Asian giant would train thousands of technical personnel and invite similar numbers of African government officials to workshops in China to learn new skills. China has pumped billions of dollars into Africa through its BRI initiative. The investments went into road building, railways and ports across Africa. China had helped build more than 6,000 km of railway, over 6,000 km of highway, and 80-plus large-scale power facilities on the continent, and the focus would now be on modernizing other sectors in Africa, Xi reportedly said at the meeting. Speculations about an upcoming normalization of ties between war-torn and de facto divided Libya and Israel came to the fore following news of a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries, an incident that was described as historic in Israel but led to the sanctioning of Libyas foreign minister by her government. The first ever high-level meeting between Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart, Najla Mangoush, took place last week in Italy, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on August 27. The two parties discussed cooperation prospects in fields including the protection of Jewish heritage sites in Libya in addition to means to offer Israeli humanitarian aid as well as help with agriculture and water management, the ministry said. The size and strategic location of Libya provides enormous importance and enormous potential for the State of Israel to establish ties with it, Cohen said, describing his meeting with Mangoush as historic. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for our countries with such ties, as well as the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyan Jewry, including renovating synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country, he said. However, the enthusiasm and optimistic tone of the Israeli foreign ministry was not shared by Mangoush, who represents the UN-recognized government based in Tripoli. Mangoush had rejected a meeting with representatives of Israel and described the meeting with Cohen as an unprepared, casual encounter during a meeting at Italys Foreign Affairs Ministry. Libyas prime minister suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush on Sunday and referred her for investigation. Israel has normalized ties with influential Arab countries over the last three years and seeks to extend Abraham peace accords to other states including Saudi Arabia and reportedly Tunisia and Mauritania. Thousands of Nigeriens gathered over the weekend in the capital Niamey and near Frances largest military base, demonstrating against French interference in their countrys internal affairs, as Paris rejected the juntas demand for the French ambassador to leave the country. Tens of thousands of people rallied Niamey Saturday (26 August) in support of last months coup, a day after the countrys new military rulers gave Frances ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, 48 hours to leave the country, claiming he refused to meet with the new rulers and citing French government actions that were contrary to the interests of Niger. Hundreds of protesters also gathered Sunday (27 August) near a French military base in Niamey to demand the withdrawal of French troops from the West African country. The demonstrators also chanted slogans against the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has decreed economic sanctions against Niger and has threatened military action to restore constitutional order. Paris has since rejected the demand by Nigers junta, saying that the putschists do not have the authority to make this request, the ambassadors approval coming solely from the legitimate elected Nigerien authorities. The military junta said recently that it had revoked several military accords the West African country signed with France, a move Paris dismissed and said the military leaders have no legitimate authority to do so. In response to the French refusal to withdraw its ambassador, Nigers military administration has cut off water and electricity to the French Embassy in Niamey and French consulate in Zinder, with no food deliveries allowed, multiple reports on social media said Sunday. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Governor Ron DeSantis was heckled and booed at a Sunday vigil held to honor victims of the racist mass shooting at a Jacksonville store the previous day. The boos began from the moment the Florida governor was introduced and continued as he tried to deliver his remarks. DeSantis acknowledged JuCoby Pittman, the city councilwoman who organized the prayer vigil, and promised assistance from the state government to go toward security for Edward Waters University, a historically Black university that the gunman initially visited prior to the shooting. Your policies caused this! Ron DeSantis is booed so much at vigil for the Jacksonville shooting victims, hes forced to stop talking. pic.twitter.com/833Vp4BIvX Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 28, 2023 Were not going to allow these institutions to be targeted by people, he said, stopping as the noise from the crowd grew even louder. At that moment, Pittman got up and grabbed the microphone from the stand and addressed the hundreds of people gathered, telling them to let DeSantis continue. It aint about parties today. A bullet dont know a party, she said. The BBC reports that DeSantis was ultimately able to finish his speech, reiterating comments he had made the day of the shooting. The fact of the matter is you had a major-league scumbag come down from Clay County here and what he did is totally unacceptable in the state of Florida, he said. We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race. Were going to stand up and were going to do what we need to do to make sure evil doesnt triumph in the state of Florida. During his tenure, DeSantis has faced criticism for his weakening of gun laws statewide, as well as his ongoing war against what he callsanti-woke ideologies, which has resulted in drastic changes to Florida school curriculums and a rejection of a planned AP African American Studies course. On Saturday, Christopher Palmeter, a 21-year-old white man, entered a Dollar General store and shot three people before killing himself. The victims have been identified as Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr., 19; and Jerrald Gallion, 29 all of whom were Black. The gunman had first stopped by the university, which was less than a mile away. First Coast News reports that he encountered on-campus security and left after refusing to identify himself. The New York Times reports that the shooter was wearing a tactical vest and had two legally purchased weapons: a Glock handgun and an AR-15-style rifle. The gunman left behind a manifesto full of racist writings on his computer, which Jacksonville sheriff T.K. Waters described as the diary of a madman, per the Associated Press. The Justice Department has opened a federal hate-crime investigation in the wake of the shooting. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump will face his first of four criminal trials during the 2024 presidential election, a federal judge ordered on Monday. In a Washington, D.C., hearing on the case over his efforts to overturn the last presidential election, Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the trial to begin on March 4, 2024. The trial date is a major loss for Trumps legal team, who had argued that the case go to trial in April 2026 due to the millions of pages of discovery material handed over in the case and not coincidentally at a point in time when Trump may be president again and abort the case. Youre not going to get two more years, Chuktan told Trumps attorney, John Lauro. Though Chutkan also refused special counsel Jack Smiths preferred timeline that would begin jury selection this December, a March date is a lot closer to what the government requested. These proposals are obviously very far apart, Chutkan said. Neither of them is acceptable. Chutkan also said she would not take the Republican primary into consideration, as evidenced by the trial starting one day before Super Tuesday when a considerable share of states will cast ballots. Mr. Trump, like any defendant, will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule, she said. Chutkan determined the date in March after prosecutors noted that a speedy trial would be especially important due frequent comments from Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, about the case that could taint the jury pool. As for the other cases against the former president, the judge overseeing the case against Trump in Georgia has not yet determined a trial date, with the number of co-defendants (19) causing some scheduling issues. The federal case against Trump for withholding classified documents will begin in May 2024 after the majority of Republican voters have already weighed in with their primary choices. And while the criminal case in Manhattan against Trump will also begin in March 2024, District Attorney Alvin Bragg has previously said he would be willing to request the trial be pushed back to make room for Smith. But if Trump were to be found guilty at a trial in next spring, GOP voters would have to reckon with electing a convicted criminal as their choice for president a prospect many of his supporters appear to have no problem with. The conservative pundit Mollie Hemingway recently shared a letter from a listener of her podcast explaining why Ron DeSantiss presidential campaign is faltering. The missive, which she called a particularly good and straightforward analysis, attributed DeSantiss struggles to his decision to disparage Donald Trump: Keep in mind that supporting Trump came with costs never associated with supporting Bush, McCain, or Romney. Trump supporters lost friendships. Brothers and sisters stopped talking to each other. There are parents whose children disowned them, and grandparents who will never see their grandchildren again because they stood by Donald Trump. Every Republican has these stories. Every Republican knows Republicans who have these stories. Attacking Trump was effectively telling every Republican who made real sacrifices that they were stupid for doing so because Trump was just a poser. Despite its odd premise that DeSantis somehow could have defeated Trump without criticizing him directly, the letter manages to capture the elemental bond that has formed between the Republican base and the candidate it seems determined to nominate as president for the third straight election. Trumps followers have subsumed their identities to him in a way they never have on behalf of a previous leader. Last winter, I considered DeSantis the favorite to win the primary. Today that prospect seems remote. His supporters and critics alike attribute the collapse of the DeSantis campaign to a combination of organizational and tactical errors and the inherent limitations of his unsettling speaking style and overall misanthropy. It would be flattering to my prognostication to blame the failures on small things like DeSantiss messaging choices. But I think the truth is that I made the larger error of analyzing the primary as though it were a normal party nomination, when in reality DeSantis is attempting the far more difficult task of displacing the leader of a personality cult. In 2016, Trump dumbfounded prognosticators, who assumed the conservative base was motivated by conservatism, by adopting a series of heterodox positions without suffering the customary penalty. The apparent lesson was that Republican voters cared more about confrontational affect than policy substance. DeSantis, absorbing this conclusion, served up relentless hostility against the left, which he promised to humiliate and destroy, using authoritarian methods if necessary. But it wasnt mere pugilism that Republican voters turned out to crave. Trump had redefined the partys identity around loyalty to himself. That loyalty could mean posing as a champion of gay rights and posing with a Pride flag, as Trump did just three years ago, praising Chinas response to COVID, flattering Democratic leaders, or any other act that would normally be evidence of betrayal. Trump has regularly described his own appointees, whom he once lavished with praise, as pathetic losers. His fans have grown accustomed to altering their beliefs about everything and anything to conform to their leaders ever-changing line. Evidence of the personality cult is ubiquitous. Mike Pence is now disapproved of by most evangelical voters, his refusal to cooperate with Trumps coup attempt outweighing an otherwise untarnished record of devotion to Trump and right-wing ideology. A source familiar with the DeSantis campaign told the New Yorkers Ben Wallace-Wells that pollsters found 70 percent of Republican voters would agree that COVID lockdowns were awful, but if told that Trump had authorized the lockdowns, 70 percent would approve of them. (It would be illuminating if a pollster tested shooting someone on Fifth Avenue versus Trump shooting someone on Fifth Avenue.) DeSantis tried to make the case that it was self-defeating for the party to subject its values entirely to the whims of a single mercurial figure. If youre not rooted in principle, he warned, if all we are is listless vessels that are just supposed to follow whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning, thats not going to be a durable movement. Even this indirect criticism generated blowback, and pretty soon his allies were scrambling to clarify his remarks. Merely alluding to the personality cult was heresy. The Trump cult is hardly a new development, of course. How did I miss it? My error was to assume the cult could be manufactured by political elites. George W. Bush enjoyed a robust cult following in his heyday. Conservative media figures routinely described him in terms that bordered on the religious, or pornographic, or both he was the swaggering, clear-eyed Good Man sent by God to lead America through a decisive struggle. The most striking aspect of the Bush cult phenomenon was how quickly it disappeared. In 2006, after the Iraq War and his failed attempt to privatize Social Security had tanked his popularity, Republican elites quickly and ruthlessly cut Bush loose. Conservative media suddenly sent out the message that Bush was not the true son of Reagan after all, but a heretic who had betrayed conservatism. Some combination of right-wing elites Rupert Murdoch, the Republican groups convened by Grover Norquist seemed to have its finger on the button that could turn the cult on or off. What I took away from the experience was the belief that Republican loyalty to a single leader could be transferred quickly and easily from one object of worship to another. But what may have been true before 2016 seems to no longer hold. Murdoch spent a year overtly trying to build a DeSantis cult through his media empire, only to find the button had stopped working. Trump supporters have graduated from engaging in displays of obeisance to performing them overtly. Here is Benny Johnson displaying a large, visible tattoo of Trumps mug shot on his upper arm; here is Trump spokesman Steven Cheung asserting that Trump is always right, an echo of Orwells Animal Farm (Comrade Napoleon is always right). Obviously this behavior does not represent the entirety, or even the majority, of the Republican electorate. But they are extreme manifestations of what has become its prevailing belief system. Defeating Trump in a contest determining who can most effectively advance ideological or party goals is difficult but attainable. It is obviously impossible to defeat Trump in a contest of who is most loyal to Trump. Trumps rivals had the stage to themselves, with mixed results. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images Prior to the first Republican presidential debate on August 23, the punditocracy diverged significantly on whether skipping the event was a smart or dumb move by Donald Trump. Unsurprisingly, some Fox News personalities tended to think it was a bad idea for the former president to miss their networks big night, as Yahoo reported: Former White House press secretary and nowFox News host Kayleigh McEnany said Donald Trump is making a major strategic error by skipping the GOP primary debate this week. This is a huge political miscalculation, she said on Fox News Outnumbered Monday. You give others the opportunity to shine. You give others two hours to throw lobs at you. And I know former President Trump can dance across the debate stage, can defend himself. But youre not there to do it yourself, youre counting on maybe others to step in. Politicos Jack Shafer made perhaps the most adamant case for Trump staying away: A person shouldnt eat when hes not hungry, drink when hes not thirsty or debate when hes already won. So if Trump has already acquired the nomination and stowed it in a box in his Mar-a-Lago bathroom for reopening on the week of the Republican convention, theres no reason, outside entertaining his fans, for him to appear on the Milwaukee dais. We now have five national public polls with post-debate findings by which to judge its effect on the GOP race, and they can be neatly divided into two groups. Three of them showed no loss of support for Trump. Morning Consults tracking poll had Trump at 58 percent before and after the debate. Reuters-Ipsos showed Trump actually gaining ground (from 47 percent to 52 percent) between early August and the day after the debate. And New York PostLeger in its first poll of the race put Trumps post-debate support level at a sky-high 61 percent. Two national surveys, however, showed Trump losing support, albeit from a high level. A mid-August Emerson poll gave Trump 56 percent; in its post-debate poll, the former president dropped to 50 percent. And Insider Advantage polls just prior to and just after the debate showed Trumps support dropping from 51 percent to 45 percent. In the RealClearPolitics national polling averages, Trump slipped from 55.2 percent the day of the debate to 53 percent now. The debate might have also helped or hurt Trump, of course, in its effect on the rest of the field. Most handicappers of the debate thought Ron DeSantis did relatively well, even if he mostly stuck to his usual talking points and wasnt at the center of the events more dramatic moments (indeed, his creepy forced smile made a bigger impression than his words on many observers). Did the debate do anything to reverse the Florida governors monthslong slide in support? Actually, his national polling average (per RCP) dropped from 14.2 percent the day of the debate to 13 percent now. But the same two pollsters that showed Trump losing ground after the debate gave Team DeSantis something to tout: Emerson gave him a two-point post-debate bump, and Insider Advantage showed him nearly doubling his support, from 10 percent to 18 percent. The best numbers for DeSantis came from a post-debate Iowa poll from Public Opinion Strategies (a firm known for some pro-DeSantis outlier state surveys earlier this year), showing him leaping from 14 percent just prior to debate to 21 percent afterwards, cutting Trumps advantage in Iowa from 28 percent to 20 percent. Two candidates trailing Trump and DeSantis throughout 2023 were thought to have had breakout performances in Milwaukee, but its not clear either is gaining enough ground to be considered a significant challenger. Vivek Ramaswamy held onto but didnt improve his third-place standing in the national polls (his RCP average was 7.4 percent before the debate, 7.5 percent nationally) or in any particular poll. Nikki Haley enjoyed major bumps in the same two polls that found a lot of movement among the top-two candidates: Emerson showed her improving from 2 percent to 7 percent; Insider Advantage had her zooming up into an unprecedented third-place double-digit showing at 11 percent. The POS Iowa poll that gave such good news to DeSantis also showed Haley moving into third place there at 11 percent. All in all, unless you buy the DeSantis is surging in Iowa narrative POS alone is showing, the debate didnt significantly change the GOP race. Perhaps DeSantiss free fall is ebbing; perhaps not. Ramaswamys MAGA star turn in Milwaukee makes him a more valuable wingman for Trump, but not a serious candidate for the nomination. Nikki Haley is still miles from viability and will have to deal with heightened debate expectations going forward. The candidate many observers thought might be poised for a DeSantis-deflating breakout, Tim Scott, was all but invisible in Milwaukee. And for all the drama candidates like Chris Christie, Mike Pence, and Asa Hutchinson were able to generate in isolated moments of the debate, theyre all too deeply unpopular among Republican primary voters to be taken seriously. The bottom line is that Trump skipped the debate and maintained a 40-point lead in the national GOP race. None of his rivals gained enough ground to matter, even as the clock continues to tick down toward the early 2024 contests that could quickly clinch the nomination for the overwhelming front-runner. Right now, the shadow of the jailhouse door and the effect his legal saga is having on general election voters remains the most important obstacle to the 45th presidents third straight GOP nomination. Recently, I ordered a pair of balloon-leg pants with white daisies for my 4year old from a childrens boutique called Playground Love. I had been under the impression that the clothes were original designs, but when the package arrived, I noticed the tag read AD Baby. Shortly after, I started seeing Instagram ads for the same daisy pantsbut from different stores. Milk Teeth had them for $42, while RiRi-Kus were marked down to $28 from $45. Curious, I reverse-Google image-searched and found them on Etsy and AliExpress, too, where they were listed for a third of the price ($14 on sale). I ordered them, and they were the exact same as the ones I got from Playground Love. This is standard retail practice, of course: buying wholesale from a distributor, then marking up the price. But the lesson here is the next time I see something that doesnt have a brand name, I might be inclined to do a reverse image search to compare prices. Lauren Ro Buzzi Unicem USA Challenges OSHA Citations Over Mississippi River Accident The company contests claims it failed to provide personal floatation devices or install guardrails. Buzzi Unicem USA is fighting back against OSHA citations at its facility in Natchez, Mississippi. In a statement, the cement manufacturer which operates as River Cement Sales Co.announced its decision to wholly contest two of the five citations it received on August 11. The OSHA investigation followed a February 2023 incident in which a worker drowned after falling from a barge into the Mississippi River. OSHA proposed $62,500 in penalties, $15,623 per citation. The contested citations specifically allege Buzzi Unicem USA violated OSHA standards by failing to ensure workers wear personal floatation devices and by not providing guardrails to prevent workers from falling off the dock barge. The other three citations are unrelated to the employees death, with violations including a lack of first aid training and no eyewash station. A rep for Buzzi Unicem USA said via a statement that the company objects to any characterization by OSHA that the citations are a final determination that the company violated any OSHA regulation or caused the death of [its] employee. In addition to the two violations Buzzi Unicem USA aims to refute, the company is also contesting elements of the other three. Notably, Buzzi Unicem USA also has active appeals in three previous OSHA cases. OSHA Levies Heavy Penalties on NOX US After Continued Safety Failures The company faces $545,853 in new penalties. NOX US LLCthe Ohio-based vinyl tile manufacturing arm of South Korea's NOX Corp.is once again under scrutiny by OSHA for recurrent safety violations. In a release dated August 24, OSHA revealed that recent investigations into NOX US's Fostoria, Ohio, plant resulted in the identification of a total of ten violations and $545,853 in proposed penalties. These include the lack of necessary safety guards on machinery, which led to a 56-year-old machine operator suffering a finger amputation in February 2023. Other violations include deficiencies in lockout and tagout procedures and insufficient worker training. This is not the first brush with OSHA for NOX US. In October 2022, OSHA flagged similar safety failures at the same plant and proposed penalties totaling $1.2 million, a matter NOX US is currently contesting. Since 2017, 14 workers have experienced injuries, with many instances of severe amputations at the Fostoria facility. This consistent breach of safety norms led OSHA to place the plant under its Severe Violator Enforcement Program that same year. "Despite repeated citations and penalties, the company continues to expose employees to dangerous hazards and allows them to operate unguarded machines," OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago said in a statement. "NOX US is failing to meet their legal responsibility to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment, and they must change the way it operates before another employee is needlessly injured." Founded by NOX Corp. in November 2015, the Fostoria plant currently employs about 200 people and is a significant contributor to the company's global vinyl flooring production, serving customers across over 50 countries. NOX US now has 15 business days to comply, seek an informal discussion with OSHA, or challenge the agencys findings. Solar energy is making inroads into North Koreas power sector as residents are looking to install panels to have the lights on, at least partially, as the regime is failing to supply its citizens with electricity while prioritizing power to factories. North Korea, under sanctions and banned from importing petroleum products, is importing such from China and Russia and is thought to be active in smuggling oil products in and coal exports out. The country has long relied on old coal-fired power plants and other plants running on fuel oil, as well as hydropower generation from facilities built decades ago with Soviet help. Hydropower continues to generate most of the renewable energy in North Korea, but the country appears to have identified the benefits of harnessing renewable energy in the mid-2000s, Martyn Williams, senior fellow at the Washington DC-based think-tank Stimson Center and primarily working on the centers 38 North project about North Korea, wrote earlier this year. There have been claims in North Korea that the country has been assembling solar panels from solar cells, yet it is unclear whether the cells are manufactured locally or imported, according to Williams. Related: Suriname Oil Boom Back On Track As New Discoveries Excite Investors Defectors from North Korea have told Natalia Slavney, a Research Analyst at the Stimson Center and Assistant Editor for 38 North, that personal solar installations have soared as citizens look to cater for themselves amid an astounding lack of state-provided electricity. While alternative forms of energysuch as diesel power and illegal power grid hook-upsexist, for many, the answer is a solar panel, Slavney wrote in May. Defector interviews, along with DPRK state media and satellite imagery, point to an uptick in personal solar installations over the last decade as many citizens have seemingly given up expecting the government to provide adequate and consistent electricity and are adopting a do-it-yourself attitude in order to live their lives, she added. The solar panels are small but generate enough power to provide at least 100 watts and run a small appliance each evening. North Koreans in government and party jobs with more money use an illegal power grid hook-up to the industrial electricity supply, one defector told 38 North. Others living in rural areas only have electricity only several days a year, on New Years Eve, national holidays, and days to mark the birthdays of North Korean leaders. So, for many North Koreans, solar power has become a way to have electricity to power some appliances in the evening, if the day has been sunny to allow charging a battery with solar energy. North Korean citizens buying and installing solar panels at their homes illustrates not only the challenges they face but the initiative they show in replacing basic services the state doesnt provide, the Stimson Centers Martyn Williams told the Financial Times. Solar power is estimated to account for around 7% of North Koreas electricity supply, a report by the Seoul-based Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) showed earlier this year. North Korean households are thought to have installed some 2.88 million solar panels, most of which have been imported from China since 2009, according to the report. Around 1.63 million solar panels are estimated to be bought from China between 2009 and March 2018, suggesting that another 1.25 million solar panels have been smuggled into North Korea, the report by the South Korean institute found. An insufficient and unstable power supply is one of the critical challenges North Korea struggles to address, 38 Norths Slavney wrote in May. ADVERTISEMENT While solar energy has provided one way for citizens to better cope with this reality, it is incapable of supplying enough power to satisfy everyday operations and needs. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In the heart of the Russias coal-mining Kemerovo region, residents struggle with the harsh economic realities of declining wages, obsolete mine facilities, and chronic medical conditions that come from life below, and above ground. Many are retired coal miners like Vladimir Miroshenko, 71, who recalls the halcyon days of the 1970s, when Prokopyevsk became a sister city with Horlivka, in the heart of Ukraines Donbas coal-mining region. Miroshenko also recalls his service in the Soviet Army in the early 1980s, during the decade-long invasion of Afghanistan. We trained for a month and a half and then were sent to man the howitzers. I won't even tell you what happened there. When I came home, I just started drinking, said Miroshenko, whose last name has been changed at his request. Now whats going on in Ukraine -- the oligarchs; they were getting fat and theyre just getting fatter, he said. Its the same thing that happened in Afghanistan. And for what? Whats the point? Its not clear. I heard here that 50,000 people have already returned from [Ukraine] with disabilities, he told RFE/RLs Siberia.Realities. Why did they go? For the money, mostly. You yourself understand that now no one will go to war for Stalin, nor for Putin. More than 18 months into its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is grappling with the mounting toll from what has become the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Anonymous U.S. officials have put Russias military casualties at close to 120,000 killed and up to 180,000 injured. And the toll is hitting impoverished, remote, shrinking regions of Russia even harder. Like in Kemerovo, widely known as the Kuzbass, where economic opportunities are fewer and the allure of war wages in Ukraine and compensation for the dead draw capable young and less-young men, further draining the region of able workers -- and fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands. At least 46 men from Prokopoyevsk, a city of around 170,000 people, have died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to an unofficial tally compiled by Siberia.Realities. Many are buried in a special section of a cemetery in Vysoky, a village southwest of Prokopyevsk. According to Tatyana Yefremova, who sells flowers and funeral bouquets at the cemetery, the fresher graves include two riot police officers who died on February 25, 2022, just three days after the invasion was launched. In the plots where new casualties of the war in Ukraine are buried, the graves are so close together that the wreaths appeared to be intertwined and entangled. They include Ilya Piryazev, 45, who grew up and went to school in Prokopyevsk and who went on to serve as a conscript during the First Chechen War in the 1990s, then during Russias intervention in Syria in the 2010s, and also in Libya. According to his daughter Polina, a month after deploying to Ukraine in April 2022, he was killed in the southern Zaporizhzhya region. In recent years, Polina said, she and her mother had had little contact with Piryazev; her parents divorced in the 2000s. We didn't even know he was in the war. We only found out when he died, she said. He went to Ukraine on his own, Polina said. He didnt need money, unlike many. It was just patriotism, the conviction that the country must be defended. He never spoke about the war, didnt say why he constantly returned there. Not far from Piryazevs grave is that of Andrei Yartsev, 22, who died on November 22, 2022, somewhere in the Luhansk region while serving as a marine infantryman attached to the Pacific Fleet. Yarstev had served as a contract volunteer soldier for several years before enrolling in the law department at Novosibirsk State University. He was in his third year last fall when the Kremlin ordered a partial mobilization to bolster troop strength in Ukraine; Yartsev volunteered to fight, according to an acquaintance, who gave his name as Andrei. Apparently, he was smitten with this whole romantic army ideal: like, brother for brother, and so on, Andrei said. Seems to me that he had no idea what was really going on there, in Ukraine. It's too bad for the kid; he spent only a few weeks at the front. 'We Don't Have Any Other Options' At the mining technical school in Prokopyevsk, where engineers and other mine personnel are trained, officials put up a memorial plaque for dead graduates on May 5, 2023. The names included Yevgeny Kobzarev, a 37-year-old riot police officer who died on the second day of the invasion. On the social media site formerly known as VKontakte, someone published a page about the memorial plaque for the dead alumni. Soon enough there wont be enough walls, one anonymous poster wrote. When you look at the death toll, its a little creepy, another graduate told Siberia.Realities. But if they call me, Ill go too, but where should I go? I dont have any kids yet, though strangely enough, many go there [to fight] because of their children: to make some money for an apartment or for education. We dont have any other options. Then theres the case of Ilya Krumin, 21, who served as a driver and mechanic for a tank unit. He stayed in the military after completing his mandatory conscription service. An orphan, Krumin died about a month after the invasion. What choice did he have besides the army? said one of his friends, who gave his name only as Aleksei. As an orphan, theres no one to take care of you, you have to live somehow. So this is the most obvious choice. Yes, and these kinds of soldiers are beneficial to the army: you dont have to pay compensation later to relatives. 'We're Dropping Like Flies Around Here' Like many towns in the Kuzbass, Prokopyevsk has seen better days. Residents complain regularly about the state of city services, including the main local hospital where equipment frequently doesnt work. Years of heavy industrial emissions, including coal ash and other toxic chemicals, has polluted wide swaths of the region, and left chronic health problems for many. We're dropping like flies around here. Some in the mines, some in the war, said Vitaly Smorodin, a 55-year-old retired miner and lifelong resident who now works as a municipal security guard. And the rest of them: from [the environment]. Every other person has [cancer]. City officials are also happier to trumpet the sister-city relationship between Prokopyevsk and Horlivka, which is now mostly under Russian control in Ukraine, than they are to publicize the exact number of locals who have been killed or wounded in the war. For residents jaded by endemic corruption on the local level, the cynical view is that the sister-city relationship will just be another way to steal municipal funds. Vil Ravilov, who works as a photographer, pointed to the example of Mariupol, the Ukrainian Sea of Azov port that was all but obliterated during a Russian siege soon after the invasion began. Russian officials are now hurriedly building new apartment housing, and other structures in the city, but reports of shoddy construction abound. Ravilov drew a parallel to what happened after the 2014 Sochi Olympics, when some of the public infrastructure built for the event was marred by bad-quality construction. What is happening in Ukraine is a huge tragedy, what else can I say? Ravilov said. I doubt that the houses that are being built in Mariupol or any other [Russian-controlled] territories are made with high quality. Most likely, everything is stolen, all this infrastructure is waiting for the same fate as the buildings after the Olympics, when asphalt paths were washed away after the rains. Everything is done for the sake of appearances, he said. ADVERTISEMENT By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: European and U.S. benchmark natural gas prices rose early on Monday amid concerns about supply due to still unresolved labor issues at Australian LNG export facilities and planned maintenance reducing Norwegian pipeline gas deliveries to Europe. Prices at the Henry Hub in the United States were up 2.6% early on Monday. In Europe, the front-month futures at the Dutch TTF hub, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, had increased by 1.9% to $35.08 (32.65 euros) per megawatt (MWh) as of 10.35 a.m. GMT on Monday. Earlier in the trade, European gas prices rose by 4% at opening, after Norwegian operators on Saturday halted supply from the giant Troll gas field due to regular maintenance, and said maintenance was also being held at fields delivering gas into the Segal network for the UK. The lowered supply from Norway, which has replaced Russia as the single-biggest gas supplier to Europe, has pushed European prices higher, together with still unresolved issues between unions and Chevron at the U.S. supermajors Australian LNG facilities, Gorgon and Wheatstone. At the end of last week, the workers union in Australia reached an in-principle agreement with Woodside Energy over pay and work conditions that averted a strike at Woodsides North West Shelf facilities. This sent European gas prices tumbling on Thursday. But the threat of strikes at Chevrons facilities hasnt been eliminated yet. On Monday, workers voted to allow their unions to call strikes if necessary. The unions must give Chevron a notice of seven working days ahead of an industrial action. Chevron representatives have told Reuters that the company continued with negotiations as we seek outcomes that are in the interests of both employees and the company. Meanwhile, European LNG imports slumped last week by 18% with more cargoes headed to Asia, according to Kpler vessel-tracking data reported by Montel. Gas demand in Europe is still depressed, and gas storage facilities are already more than 90% full, well ahead of the EU deadline for reaching that target by November 1. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Despite multi-layered international sanctions on Russia following its 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putins special energy project developing the countrys massive gas and oil resources in the Arctic took a major step forward last week as it was confirmed that the flagship Arctic LNG 2 will begin operations before the end of this year. Over and above the significance of Russia being able to complete such a financially and technologically challenging project despite swingeing sanctions in place against it, Arctic LNG 2 is of vital importance to Russia for several wider reasons. Given the scale and scope of Russias broader plans for the Arctic, it is also vitally important to the U.S. and its allies how Russia proceeds there. One reason why the Arctic is so important to Putin is the sheer size of its gas and oil reserves, much of them in Russian territory. According to various Russian authorities, the countrys Arctic sector comprises over 35,700 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas and over 2,300 million metric tons of oil and condensate, the majority of which are in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas, lying on the south side of the Kara Sea. These may well be underestimates, according to a senior source in the European Union energy security complex exclusively spoken to by OilPrice.com recently. Within this, Putin has long believed that Russias presence in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market does not reflect its enormous presence in the broader world gas and oil markets, and that the perfect foundation stone for this to be addressed is the Arctic LNG projects, as analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. According to comments from Putin, the next 10 years or so will witness a dramatic expansion in the extraction of these Arctic resources, and a corollary build-out of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as the primary transport route to monetise these resources in the global oil and gas markets. Related: Global Warming To Exceed 2 Degrees Celsius Limit By 2050: Exxon The key market into which much of this Arctic gas and oil output will flow will be China - the second reason why the region is so important to Putin. Over the past 30 years, there has been a complete switch in the power relationship between the two former great Communist powers, with China now being the more dominant partner. Crucially, though, for Russia, it still holds some power with China in the matter of its gas and oil flows to the country. These flows mean that Moscow can continue to count on the military and political force-multiplier effect of Beijing as a major presence in the Asia Pacific theatre of potential conflict, if not directly in the European one. Given Russias poor performance in the Ukraine war to date, this force multiplier effect of its relationship with China has never been more important to it. In precisely this vein, around the same time as the invasion of Ukraine, Russian state gas giant Gazprom signed a deal to supply 10 bcm per year (bcm/y) of gas to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). This built on another 30-year deal between the two companies signed in 2014 for 38 bcm/y and this in turn was a part of, but significantly bolstered, the Power of Siberia pipeline project managed on the Russian side by Gazprom and on the China side by CNPC that was launched in December 2019. The third reason why the Arctic LNG projects are so important to Putin is that LNG is the worlds emergency gas form, as was dramatically highlighted again most recently in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine, as also analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. Unlike gas supplies delivered through pipelines, LNG does not require years of laying pipelines and building out corollary supportive infrastructure. It also does not require extensive, time-consuming negotiations over complex contracts. Instead, it can be picked up quickly in the spot market and shipped expeditiously to wherever it is required. With the world increasingly needing LNG supplies, given the spike in demand for them in Europe after flows from Russias gas pipelines stalled, Putin knows that increasing Russias own LNG supply capabilities has never been more geopolitically important to it. The importance that Russia is placing on being able to move LNG quickly to its key target markets of China, and in Asia more broadly, is underlined by the fact that it has pushed hard with the build-out of its trans-shipment LNG facility on the Russian Far East coast in Kamchatka and its Northern Sea Route as well. A final key reason at play in Russias Arctic gas and oil drive is its capacity to subvert the U.S. dollar-based hegemony in the energy market, as also analysed in my new book, particularly as it features one of the worlds biggest oil and gas producers and one of its biggest buyers. Very early in the Arctic LNG projects history, Novateks chief executive officer, Leonid Mikhleson, said that future sales to China denominated in renminbi were under consideration. This was in line with his comments on the prospect of further U.S. sanctions - following Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 - that they would only accelerate the process of Russia trying to switch away from U.S. dollar-centric oil and gas trading. This has been discussed for a while with Russias largest trading partners such as India and China, and even Arab countries are starting to think about it... If they do create difficulties for our Russian banks then all we have to do is replace dollars, he said. Such a strategy was tested in 2014, when the state-run Gazprom Neft tried trading of cargoes of crude oil in Chinese yuan and roubles with China and Europe, to reduce Russias dependence on crude trading in dollars, in response to the initial Western sanctions against Russias energy sector. Putins determination to push ahead with the Arctic LNG projects was truly seen after Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea region. Moscow not only initially bankrolled the US$27 billion flagship Arctic LNG project in the Yamal Peninsula from the beginning with money directly from the state budget but also later in 2014 after the U.S. had imposed sanctions on Russia over Crimea - supported it again by selling bonds in Yamal LNG (the program began on 24 November 2015, with a RUB75 billion 15-year issue). It further provided RUB150 billion of additional backstop funding from the National Welfare Fund. After that, April 2016 saw two Chinese state banks agree to provide US$12 billion to the Yamal LNG project in euros and roubles. The project was further helped by a tumble in the rouble in late 2014 that effectively cut the cost of Russian-sourced equipment and labour at a key moment in the construction. As it now stands, according to comments from China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) which holds a 10 percent stake in the three-train 19.8 million metric tonnes per year (mt/y) Arctic LNG 2 project - the first 6.6 million mt/y train will start up before the end of this year. This follows its recent installation on the foundation in the seabed at the Utrenniy terminal on the Gydan Peninsula. Additionally, according to CNOOC, all the other stakeholders Novatek 60 percent, and 10 percent each for CNPC, Frances TotalEnergies, and a consortium of Japan's Mitsui and Jogmec have continued to pay the funding required on schedule. The start-up of the first train of Arctic 2 LNG is in line with Novateks plans to build out its LNG export capacity up to 70 million mt/y by 2030, including the 19.8 million mt/y Arctic LNG 2. In turn, this dovetails into Russias plans for LNG production of 80-140 million mtpa by 2035, which would be greater than that of LNG powerhouses Qatar and Australia. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On August 29-31, first the EU's defense ministers and then the bloc's foreign ministers will meet in the Spanish city of Toledo for informal talks. These types of gatherings -- referred to in EU parlance as "Gymnich" after a German castle where the first such meeting took place -- happen twice a year, typically in January and after the summer break at the end of August. They aren't formal council meetings, like the monthly EU foreign affairs councils in Brussels where policy decisions are taken. Rather, they are supposed to be more like fireside chats among ministers, who often rock up without their customary suits and ties so they can kick back to discuss the more long-term goals and strategies of the European Union. These informal meetings are often considered the start of the fall political season and a warm-up ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in early September. Two items will dominate the agenda in Toledo: how to further help Ukraine militarily and the Niger coup and its consequences on the bloc. Deep Background: Regarding Ukraine, much of the discussion will center on increasing EU arms deliveries to sustain Kyiv's war effort. There have already been seven tranches of EU military aid through the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-EU budget funding mechanism where member states contribute according to their gross national income. So far, those contributions have amounted to 5.6 billion euros ($6.1 billion). An eighth tranche -- another 500 million euros ($540 million) -- is waiting to be approved, and it's possible it could get a sign-off in Toledo. For that to happen, though, Hungary would need to lift its veto that has been in place since early summer. The Hungarian red light stems from an unrelated dispute around a blacklist produced by Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention. On that list, the Hungarian bank, OTP, is labeled an "international sponsor of war" as it continues to do business in Russia, a designation that has angered both the bank and the Hungarian government. Typically, Budapest has made its support for the next chunk of EU cash conditional on Ukraine delisting the bank. There will also be more talks in Toledo on the possibility of a longer-term EU fund for military assistance to Ukraine. The EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service (EEAS), circulated a discussion paper to EU capitals before the August summer break about the need to provide Kyiv with 5 billion euros a year for the next four years. That plan could face some hurdles, though. Hungary has already questioned the wisdom of spending more on military aid to Ukraine. And Germany -- the bloc's single largest financial contributor -- has raised issues, such as the need to discuss the military funding within broader negotiations over the EU's budget. Drilling Down The EEAS discussion paper, seen by RFE/RL, and titled A Proposal For A Dedicated Ukraine Envelope Under The European Peace Facility (Ukraine Defense Fund) notes that European Union leaders have already confirmed "the EU's readiness to provide sustainable military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes." It also states that "having a dedicated envelope for Ukraine under the EPF would allow for continued political unity and financial solidarity," adding that it "would ensure the necessary predictability required in financial planning by member states at [a] national level." The EEAS text also explains the need for supporting Kyiv militarily to the tune of 5 billion euros annually, noting that while the EU will provide an estimated 4 billion euros in 2023, more is needed. According to the paper, that is because there will be "a shift in focus from destocking to procurement, the delivery of more sophisticated military equipment, as well as evolving needs by the EU military training mission for Ukraine, EUMAM." EUMAM, which was set up in the fall of 2022 and largely operates from Poland, has a budget of approximately 100 million euros a year. It has so far trained 25,000 troops, with plans to increase that number, double its budget, and possibly even allow for some training inside Ukraine if conditions allow. Separately but very much related to the issue of military aid, the EEAS also issued another discussion paper on what other security guarantees the bloc can offer. This comes as Ukraine is currently negotiating bilateral security arrangements with the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations and other Western allies. This paper, also seen by RFE/RL, states that "Ukraine will continue to need [the] EU's long-term commitment and support to secure its free and democratic European future, notably in a scenario where Russia is unlikely to abandon its goal to subjugate Ukraine and Ukraine cannot stop defending itself. Ukraine's EU membership would be in itself a security commitment." It also outlines 11 other suggestions of security support for Ukraine, such as the maintenance and repair of donated equipment, enhanced cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defense industries, continuous sharing of intelligence, more demining support, and assistance in bolstering Ukraine's cybersecurity and tools to fight against disinformation. Not all the focus in Toledo will be on Ukraine. The recent military coup in Niger is likely to take up a significant amount of the ministers' conversation. The issue is complicated as the Economic Community of West African States, which is a partner of the EU, has indicated that it is pondering a military intervention in Niger, something it has never done before. There are, however, divisions among the various West African states. What is clear from conversations with EU officials is that they fear a widening of the conflict and, as a result, a new wave of refugees coming to Europe. The issue of the Russian mercenary group Wagner's presence in Niger will also be debated by EU foreign ministers. It's not clear how the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in an August 23 plane crash will affect the group; the current EU line is that there is no conclusive evidence that Wagner fighters are active in Niger. One European diplomat who wasn't authorized to speak on the record told me that images of the local population waving Russian flags indicated that "Moscow, one way or another, is very present there." A Meeting In Athens Gives Some Clues About The Future Of EU Enlargement What You Need To Know: Last week, on August 21-22, there was a rather unusual meeting in Athens, which brought together both the European Council President Charles Michel and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with a number of leaders from countries from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe who are hoping to join the EU. Also invited to the Greek capital were leaders from countries in the region that are already members of the EU: Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania. The meeting provided some clues as to how the enlargement of the bloc might shape up in the coming years, as well as revealing the fissures that could scupper the whole thing. This gathering has been a regular event for several years now, usually involving the six EU candidates and potential candidate countries from the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The meeting is a chance for Greece to demonstrate leadership in its neighborhood, where it already plays a critical political and diplomatic role. This year's meeting also marked the 20th anniversary of the historic decision in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, which for the first time proclaimed that all of the states of the Western Balkans would one day join the EU. Deep Background: This year, there were also some new attendees: Moldova and Ukraine. That slightly shifted the focus from the usual regional cooperation to discussions about EU enlargement, as both Kyiv and Chisinau are newly minted EU candidate countries and hope to start accession talks by the end of the year. Yet the addition to the group also raised questions, most notably: Why weren't the other EU hopefuls, Turkey and Georgia, also in attendance? EU diplomats I spoke to on the condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to speak on the record were quick to point out that Greece extended the invitation to Moldova and Ukraine but also acknowledged that this arrangement was "debatable" and "ad hoc" and that this format wasn't intended to be permanent. When asked why Turkey and Georgia weren't present, one diplomat explained: "The countries invited appear to be the most advanced on their path [toward EU membership]." This assertion may seem accurate at first. Georgia is, after all, one step behind Moldova and Ukraine, as it isn't yet an EU candidate country. And Turkey's EU accession talks have been frozen for years due to disagreements between Ankara and the EU on a number of issues. ADVERTISEMENT Technically, however, Turkey remains further advanced along the path to joining the EU than most other prospective members, having started accession talks back in 2006, which at least nominally places it in the same front-runner category as Montenegro and Serbia. It's also worth noting that Kosovo, invited for the Athens powwow, is not even recognized as an independent state by the EU. Drilling Down Something else could be at play here. One of the political themes likely to dominate EU discussions this fall will be "absorption capacity": how the EU could bear the burden and how it could function if it underwent further enlargement. France and Germany have established a joint working group on this issue, which will present its initial thoughts to other member states in September. When the European Political Community, which brings together all European countries apart from Belarus and Russia, convenes in the Spanish city of Granada in early October, "absorption capacity" will certainly be discussed. If there are any political and institutional decisions to be made on this issue, that could happen at the EU summit in Brussels in December. When EU officials discuss "absorption capacity," they often contemplate how an "EU of 35" would function -- adding eight new states to the existing 27. The issue here is that there are in fact 10 countries -- not just eight -- seeking to join the bloc: the six Western Balkan states, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine. So, which two are not being considered? While diplomats I speak to insist that the term "EU of 35" isn't linked to specific countries, the absences from the Athens meeting might be an indication to the contrary. According to diplomats involved that I spoke to on background, the meeting was deemed a success, as they said it brought Western Balkan countries closer to their Ukrainian and Moldovan counterparts. EU officials I've spoken to previously have said there are lingering fears among the six Western Balkan nations that Kyiv and Chisinau might "jump the queue" and join the EU ahead of them. The summit also resulted in a joint declaration , with all participants pledging to support Ukraine's territorial integrity. Serbian President Alexander Vucic did later boast that he had managed to remove references to Russia sanctions in the document, but several Brussels insiders I spoke to on the condition of anonymity said that the draft texts they had seen never contained any language about sanctions. Vucic was most likely just playing to his domestic audience, many of whom have positive political views of Russia. More significantly, though, was the first face-to-face meeting between Vucic -- who has so far refused to align with EU sanctions on the Kremlin -- and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. While Belgrade won't be exporting arms to Ukraine any time soon, there were pledges of continued humanitarian and medical assistance to the war-torn country. The main news story from the Athens meeting was that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama wasn't invited. The reason for this was the arrest of Fredi Beleri, a man running for mayor in the southern Albanian town of Himare under the banner of a Greek minority party aligned with an opposition coalition. Beleri was arrested in mid-May on suspicion of vote-buying. Despite winning the mayoral election, he remains in custody, triggering loud protests from Greece and counteraccusations from Tirana of political meddling. There's now a real possibility that Greece will block Albania from officially opening EU accession chapters later this year, showing once again how beholden the bloc's enlargement process is to the whims of national or even local politics. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Canada is raising its diplomatic profile in the Caucasus, as domestic and foreign policy considerations are pushing Ottawa into the thick of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly is expected to attend the opening of a Canadian embassy in Yerevan in September. Canada is also set to become the first third-party state to join the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA), under which unarmed observers monitor conditions along Armenias side of the frontier with Azerbaijan. The mission strives to contribute to human security in conflict-affected areas in Armenia, as well as foster better Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Canadas observers will be drawn from the ranks of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a source with direct knowledge of the arrangement told Eurasianet. Canadas interest in South Caucasus security appears connected to an ongoing diplomatic tussle with Turkey. Canadian officials announced their decision to join the EU monitoring mission just days after NATOs annual summit in Lithuania, where Ottawa reportedly reopened talks with Turkey about the export of Canadian defense technology. Canada canceled military export permits to Turkey in 2021, after receiving credible evidence that Turkey transferred Canadian-made technology to Azerbaijan that was then used to great effect in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. This use was not consistent with Canadian foreign policy, nor end-use assurances given by Turkey, said former Canadian foreign minister Marc Garneau. In exchange for supporting Swedens NATO bid, Turkey is demanding that its NATO allies, Canada included, drop embargoes on defense technology. A Reuters report cited an unnamed Turkish official as saying it was unacceptable for NATO allies to impose export restrictions on each other. During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, drones played a major role in helping Azerbaijan recapture large swathes of territory. Amidst the fighting, Armenian forces shot down a Turkish-made TB2 Bayraktar drone, which was equipped with what Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said was an ultramodern optical unit that was produced in Canada. The component was indeed the MX-15D targeting system, made by Canadian defense manufacturer L3 Harris Wescam. Its the brains of the system, Chris Kilford, Canadas former military attache to Turkey, told Eurasianet. Without sufficient air defenses, the Armenian military suffered heavy losses from attacks by Azerbaijans fleet of TB2s. And it was this Canadian component that was critical to the drones effectiveness. I think what will happen is that the embargo will be lifted, but it will come with certain export controls, Kilford said. Canada is hoping, it appears, that by joining the EU border monitoring mission in Armenia, it can hedge against any potential political fallout of lifting the embargo. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government doesnt want to create complications for NATO by maintaining the embargo, but neither does it want to alienate a small, but influential domestic constituency, the countrys Armenian diaspora community. The government here might be weighing up the domestic damage that could be done by lifting the embargo, Kilford said, referring to the potential for vocal diaspora opposition. Canadas next federal election wont take place until 2025, but the popularity of Trudeaus Liberal Party is sagging, and the government already faces an uphill struggle to retain power. Joly already seems to be vigorously courting diaspora support. On August 20, she met with representatives of a diaspora organization, the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), during which they presented policy recommendations to ease hardships faced by Armenians in Karabakh. Joly also spoke at an annual festival of diaspora Armenians, held in Montreal from August 18-20, saying that Canada would play an active role in troubleshooting Karabakh-related issues. It is important for Canada to play a very important role in the region, Joly said in a video distributed via the @301arm channel on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Armenians are facing a real threat in Artsakh. Jolys use of the term Artsakh, which is the Armenian word for the contested enclave, certainly pleased her Montreal audience, but its use in diplomatic dealings would be sure to alienate Azerbaijan. While Kilford believes the embargo will ultimately be lifted, Canada could still block Turkey from importing the targeting pods from L3 Harris Wescam. Yet, even if Canada does so, the Turkish defense industry appears close to producing a suitable replacement. After Canada initially canceled its permits, Turkey developed its own targeting system for TB2s called CATS, made by Turkish defense manufacturer Aselsan. Ive visited many of Turkeys arms manufacturers over the years. If they have to rely on their own CATS systems, it will become better and better, Kilford said. The main reason for Canadas increased engagement with Armenia, Kilford says, is to exert a greater degree of influence over future developments, including the possible normalization of relations between Armenia and its Turkic neighbors. While the EU monitoring mission has faced criticism over its inability to deter sporadic fighting along the border, it is still useful in the margins, said analyst Eric Hacopian. The patrols increase the potential political cost Azerbaijan could pay for conducting potential military operations on Armenian territory, he added. ADVERTISEMENT By Fin DePencier via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Austrian government is looking to lower the threshold for a windfall tax it imposed on oil and gas companies last year. Thats according to a new Bloomberg report, which noted that until now the threshold for the windfall tax, which covers 40% of above-threshold profits, was set at 20% above the average profit level for the period 2018 to 2021. The new threshold under discussion would be 10% above the companies average profit level for 2018 to 2021. Its not acceptable that energy companies profit from the crisis when clients are bombarded with horrendous bills, Austrias Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, said. Windfall profit taxes became a tool for European governments to mitigate the impact of the energy crunch on households, businesses and their own finances. As gas prices soared in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine and the European sanction response, and oil prices followed, the companies producing and selling these commodities saw their profits soar along with prices. In the middle of an energy transition away from oil and gas, this could not sit well with governments, so they were quick to point the finger at the oil and gas industry and oblige them to pay more into state coffers. Companies warned this could interfere with their investment plans for future production but the governments did not relent and windfall profits were introduced across Europe last year. In the UK, the warnings have already turned into action, with some North Sea operators revising their investment plans for the region after the government introduced a 35% additional levy on the industry. According to Aramcos CEO, Amin Nasser, these windfall profit taxes would also interfere with decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas industry. ADVERTISEMENT Decarbonizing existing resources also costs a lot of money, Nasser said in January. So we need to see the support from the policymakers and from the capital markets at the same time. Capital markets [are] putting a lot of pressure also on these companies, where it makes it too difficult for them to make some of these investments and get the right funding and capital. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chinas giant refiner Sinopec Corp. has said it will not acquire Shell Plcs (NYSE:SHEL) refinery or petrochemical plant in Singapore but will instead invest in Saudi Aramcos Jafurah natural gas project alongside TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE). Sinopec engages in the oil and gas and chemical operations in Mainland China, Singapore, and internationally. The company explores and develops oil fields, produces crude oil and natural gas, processes and purifies crude oil, and manufactures and sells petroleum products. Last year, Sinopec was among several Chinese companies that delisted from the NYSE. Saudi Aramco is currently in a "listening phase" on proposals from refining giant Sinopec and Total for a slice of a shale gas development project worth about $10 billion. Saudi Aramco has said it expects the giant gas field to produce about 2 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2030, at a total cost of $24 billion. Last year, Saudi Aramco announced that it was kicking off the biggest shale gas development outside of the United States. Saudi Aramco said it plans to spend $110 billion over the next couple of years to develop the Jafurah gas field, which is estimated to hold 200 trillion cubic feet of gas. The state-owned company hopes to start natural gas production from Jafurah in 2024 and reach 2.2 Bcf/d of sales gas by 2036 with an associated 425 million cubic feet per day of ethane. Aramco later announced that instead of chilling that gas and exporting it as LNG, it will instead use it to make much cleaner fuel: Blue hydrogen. The company said that its immediate plan was to produce enough natural gas for domestic use to stop burning oil in its power plants and convert the remainder into hydrogen. Blue hydrogen is made from natural gas either by Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) or Auto Thermal Reforming (ATR) with the CO2 generated captured and then stored. As the greenhouse gasses are captured, this mitigates the environmental impacts on the planet. By Alex Kimani for Oilpirce.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Italys energy major Eni said it started on Monday oil and gas production from an offshore field in Cote dIvoire in West Africa less than two years after the discovery. Production at the Baleine field, currently the largest oil and gas discovery in Ivorian sedimentary basin, started via a refurbished and upgraded Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit capable of handling up to 15,000 barrels per day of oil and around 25 Mscf/d of associated gas. With a second and third phase of development, the field will see production rise to 150,000 bpd of oil and 200 Mscf/d of gas, the Italian company said. The gas production from the Baleine field will be delivered onshore through a newly constructed pipeline, enabling Cote dIvoire to meet its domestic electricity market demands, facilitate energy access, and strengthen its role as a regional energy hub for neighboring countries, Eni noted. Europe and Eni are also increasingly betting on Africa to import large volumes of pipeline gas and LNG to replace pipeline gas supply from Russia, which was Europes top gas supplier before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Eni has been particularly active in securing more natural gas supply for Europe from Africa and has fast-tracked projects in Africa to meet Europes gas demand in the absence of Russian pipeline deliveries. In April, Eni launched the construction works for the first natural gas liquefaction project in the Republic of the Congo, which is expected to supply LNG to Europe. Early this year, Enis chief executive Claudio Descalzi told the Financial Times in an interview that Europe should look to Africa for a south-north energy axis that would deliver gas from Africa to the EU. At the announcement of the 2022 results in February, Descalzi said, During the year, we were able to finalize agreements and activities to fully replace Russian gas by 2025, leveraging our strong relationships with producing states and fast-track development approach to ramp-up volumes from Algeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Congo and Qatar. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iran has summoned the charge daffaires of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran to voice its strong objection over the U.S. seizing an Iranian oil tanker that has been sitting for months offshore Texas, the AP reported on Monday. Since the 1979 crisis with U.S. hostages at the embassy in Tehran, Switzerland has acted as the country looking for U.S. interests in Iran. The oil tanker, Suez Rajan, was suspected of carrying Iranian crude oil. It has offloaded the crude near Texas, the AP reported last week, adding the cargo was offloaded on another tanker. The U.S. seized the Suez Rajan in April this year, prompting quick retaliation from Iran, which seized a Chinese-owned, Turkish-operated tanker that was loaded with crude for delivery to Chevron. Iran claimed that the tanker collided with an unidentified Iranian vessel just hours prior to its seizure, with several crew members reportedly falling overboard while others were left injured. The tanker then fled the scene and ignored radio calls for eight hours before a court ordered its seizure. The Suez Rajan, according to an FT report from June, had received a license from the U.S. Treasury Department to import Iranian crude into the United States. Its cargo is some 800,000 barrels of crude and, per an unnamed former member of the Biden administration, its arrival in Texas was likely the result of a deal that got struck between the administration and the owners and operators of the vessel. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said today that Tehran expressed its strong objection to the seizure. The remarks come at a particularly sensitive moment in U.S.-Iranian relations. The two countries are negotiating over five Iranian Americans being held in Tehran, billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, the supply of Iranian drones to Russia, and a broader military buildup in the Gulf. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: ADES Holding, an oil and gas drilling services provider, is headed to the Saudi stock exchange in an initial public offering of 30% of its share capital in what could be one of the largest IPOs in Saudi Arabia this year. ADES Holding is backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and has ADES Investments Holding and Zamil Group Investment as its major shareholders. The shareholders of the oil and gas driller, which is active in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, now plan to sell 338,718,754 ordinary shares in the planned IPO, ADES in a statement carried by Reuters. The share sale will mean that 30% in ADES stock capital will be traded on the Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul. The IPO could bring in more than $1 billion, according to sources who spoke to Reuters at the end of last year. ADES International spent time as a listed company on the London Stock Exchange between 2017 and 2021. PIF and the ADES shareholders took the driller private in 2021 in deal that valued the firm at some $516 million. Our IPO will support us in continuing to deliver growth and cement our position as the leader in the jack-up drilling market in Saudi Arabia and globally, ADES Chairman Ayman Abbas said in a statement carried by Reuters. According to Bloomberg, the price range per share in the IPO is expected to be announced on September 18, while the final price in the share offer will be communicated after a book-building process. If carried out this year, ADES Internationals IPO could become one of the biggest listings in Saudi Arabia in 2023, after a slower start to share sales in the Kingdom so far into this year, per Bloombergs estimates. ADVERTISEMENT Share listings on the Saudi stock exchange have raised so far this year in total less than $900 million, down by 82% from last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Physical bookstores in Beijing gain new vitality 10:25, August 28, 2023 By Shi Fang ( People's Daily Photo shows an outlet of the internet-famous bookstore Zhongshuge in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Du Jianpo) In the evening, in the Bi'an Bookstore on Huayuan Road, Haidian district, Beijing, customers were browsing books while several young people were engrossed in their studies in a self-study room. Dozens of readers with membership waited quietly for a music concert to start. "We are holding seven activities today, and there are also many customers coming to buy books," said Zhao Yuechao, founder of the bookstore. "We hope to attract more readers through quality books, creative displays, thoughtful service, and rich activities." In recent years, brick-and-mortar bookstores have faced pressures like business transformation. To alleviate such pressures, involved authorities in Beijing introduced relevant support measures. "Since 2019, Beijing has invested 100 million yuan ($13.72 million) in supporting physical bookstores each year, which helped a total of around 1,000 bookstores," said an official with the publicity authority of Beijing. Government departments have coordinated resources, helped bookstores develop on e-commerce platforms, and conducted live streaming marketing events, continuously expanding bookstores' sales channels, the official added. "These support measures have boosted the confidence of brick-and-mortar booksellers and underscored the importance of reading for everyone," said Ma Lijie, manager of the Chunfengzai Bookstore. For two consecutive years, the Chunfengzai Bookstore has received subsidy. Seventy percent of the subsidy it received last year was used to purchase quality books, and 15 percent to renovate and upgrade in-store facilities. Persons with disabilities and literary enthusiasts attend a writing seminar by a renowned author at the Shanyuan Bookstore, Beijing. (Photo from the official account of the Shanyuan Bookstore on WeChat) Wei Yushan, head of the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication, said that Beijing's physical bookstore industry overall showed stable development and quality improvement thanks to the strong support from the government. Since 2016, the number of physical bookstores in Beijing has continued to grow, exceeding 2,100 as of the third quarter of 2022, according to Wei. In 2022, Beijing held over 30,000 featured reading activities, reaching and joined by over 20 million people. In the view of Liu Mingqing, chairman of a Beijing-based cultural industry research institute, Beijing's successive policies supporting physical bookstores are not simply about helping bookstores get by, but energizing and encouraging them to make innovations and achieve lasting development. Whether in bustling commercial districts or remote suburbs, people in the Chinese capital can always encounter featured bookstores. Beijing has introduced a special support policy to help pair bookstores with communities. The policy encourages each bookstore to collaborate with 5 to 10 nearby communities so residents can buy and borrow books and participate in diverse cultural activities right at their doorsteps. Zhang Hongyi is a beneficiary of the policy. The Nanting Xinyuan community where she lives, located in Fengtai district, used to have no bookstores nearby. "It took me nearly one hour on the bus to get to the nearest bookstore," she said. In 2021, a bookstore opened in the community, much to the residents' delight. Zhang's child has become a regular customer of the bookstore. "My child goes to the bookstore right after school and doesn't want to leave once there," said Zhang. Some people, due to visual impairments, cannot read ordinary books. Others in wheelchairs cannot hit bookstores due to mobility issues. How can their reading needs be met? These "pain points" are perfectly solved at the barrier-free bookstore Shanyuan, which means good will in Chinese. The Wangfujing Bookstore in Beijing launches a livestream book promotion event in collaboration with editors from multiple publishing agencies and livestream hosts. (Photo from the official account of Beijing Entity Bookstore on WeChat) In the bookstore, shelves are split into 6 tiers, with the bottom kept clear as an 80-centimeter-tall opening. The tables and counters have open sections underneath, creating ample space for people in wheelchairs to easily access and browse the books. Following accessible design concepts, the edges of the shelves and furniture are curved to prevent injuries. Apart from the hardware design, the bookstore also provides braille and large font books. "The biggest significance of accessible bookstores is allowing persons with disabilities to access knowledge equally like the able-bodied," said Liu Daming, who has osteogenesis imperfecta and often goes to the Shanyuan Bookstore. "I hope more and more of such bookstores will open," he noted. "Why do readers come to bookstores? How to keep them there? How to make them come back again?" These are questions Qi Hang, manager of the Youmo Bookstore, has always pondered, and also questions physical bookstores cannot avoid in the internet age. The Youmo Bookstore takes a meticulous approach to curating specialty themes. They offer professional and amicable services to pique readers' interest, ultimately spurring purchases. "Physical bookstores are becoming integrated platforms, using books as the medium, gathering diverse cultural elements, and building rich business models," said Liu Aicheng, founder of the Shanyuan Bookstore. According to an official with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press and Publication, Beijing has preliminarily built a public reading service network that enables residents to find a public library, comprehensive book mall, featured bookstore or community bookstore in 15 minutes of walk, which adequately fulfills people's cultural and literary needs. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser The Prefect of the Municipality of Bucharest has ordered checks on all 380 fuel and liquefied gas LNG stations in Bucharest, after two explosions on Saturday at an LNG station in Crevedia resulted in two deaths and dozens of injuries. The second explosion occurred during the intervention of firemen leaving two people dead and another 41 hospitalized. Some 27 firefighters were admitted to the Floreasca Emergency Hospital, several in critical condition, while another eight patients were transported to specialist hospitals in Germany and Austria. Initial investigations have determined transshipment from one tanker to another as the cause of the explosions while other tankers had technical problems. According to the National Agency for Environmental Protection, ANPM, the former LNG station at Crevedia should have been decommissioned in 2020 since its environmental license expired and it was not renewed. We will assess the damage and provide support from the governments reserve fund. I want to be very clear: all those directly or morally responsible for this tragedy will pay, regardless of who they are and what positions they hold. The law must be applied to the letter, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday. This year has witnessed several major accidents occur at oil and gas facilities. Earlier in the year, China's Panjin Haoye Chemical Co Ltds entire oil refinery and petrochemical complex was shut down after a huge explosion killed five people and left eight missing. According to Chinese state television, the explosion occurred when the plant was undergoing maintenance work at an alkylation facility. Xu Peng estimated that the Haoye facility was processing at 62.5% of its crude refining capacity of 130,000 barrels per day (bpd). Back in June, two oil tankers collided in the Irkutsk region in Russia thanks to a captain operating under the influence of alcohol, causing oil spillage into a local river. According to Irkutsk governor Igor Kobzev, one tanker carrying 138 metric tons of gasoline sustained significant damage. The governor estimates that as many as 60 to 90 tons of fuel spilled into the Lena River, the world's 11th longest. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The UK Ministry of Defence has reported that Ukraine and Russia have been fighting over strategic oil and gas platforms in the Black Sea. The platforms are operated by the Chernomorneftegaz, an oil and gas company located along Krymgazseti in Simferopolompany that was seized by pro-Russian authorities in Crimea in 2014. "The platforms are operated by the Chernomorneftegaz company, which was seized by the pro-Russian occupation authorities in Crimea during the 2014 annexation. Ukraine has struck several Russian-controlled platforms. Both Russia and Ukraine have also periodically occupied them with troops," the report says. According to the report, the platforms offer "valuable hydrocarbon resources" and can also be used to hold missile systems, land helicopters, or as forward deployment bases. The Black Sea has become a hotbed of military activity in the war in Ukraine. Ukraine has repeatedly struck several Russian-controlled platforms in the Black Sea, including three gas platforms. Ukraine also frequently uses many of its hi-tech sea drones in the area, and has successfully paralyzed Russia's Black Sea fleet using the drones Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov has revealed. According to Budanov, the naval drones have proven to be a highly effective "deterrent" despite 60-70% of them being destroyed by Russian forces. Meanwhile, Kremlin-controlled gas giant Gazprom has maintained gas flows to Europe via Sokhranovka point despite an ongoing transit dispute with Ukraines Naftogaz. Ukrainian transit flows have remained stable at slightly above 40 million cubic meters per day according to data from Gazprom, as reported by Energy Intelligence. Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller had earlier threatened to slap sanctions on Naftogaz as it continues to pursue an arbitration case for non-payment of transit fees by Gazprom. Gazprom has seen its revenues and profits crash after Europe drastically cut gas purchases from Russia after it invaded Ukraine. The companys profits for FY 2022 clocked in at 1.226 trillion rubles ($15.4 billion), 41% lower than in 2021 with the company citing a windfall tax imposed by Moscow last year as the reason for the decline. The state controlled company has decided not to pay dividends for the entire year 2022, having previously paid an interim dividend of 1,208 billion rubles ($15 billion) last autumn for the results recorded in the first half of 2022. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The United States considers Kurdistans oil and gas industry an important source of supply, the newly appointed US Consul General to Erbil said on Monday. Mark Stroh, who was recently appointed as the new US Consul General to the capital city in the Kurdistan region, met with Kurdistans Minister of Electricity, Kamal Mohammad Saleh, to discuss the energy and oil industries, according to a readout from the meeting reported by Shafaq News. Last week, Stroh met with the Kurdistan Regional Governments Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani. Stroh highlighted the U.S. commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering strong bilateral ties with the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said in a statement. During Mondays meeting with Kurdistans Minister of Electricity, the US Consul General discussed issues related with the energy and oil industry and expressed hopes that the federal government of Iraq and the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan would manage to work together and ratify the new hydrocarbon law. The two officials also discussed the ongoing half of crude oil exports from Kurdistan via a pipeline through Turkey and the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean. Turkey is in the process of brokering a deal between the central Iraqi government and the authorities of Kurdistan on sharing the revenues from crude oil production in the northern Iraqi region. The deal, according to Bloomberg, which cited unnamed Turkish officials, would help resume the operation of the pipeline that takes the crude from Kurdistan to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Kurdistans crude oil exports were halted on March 25 by the federal government of Iraq. The halt came after the International Chamber of Commerce ruled in favor of Iraq against Turkey in a dispute over crude flows from Kurdistan. Iraq, OPECs second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia, is currently exporting oil only via its southern oil export terminals. Around 450,000 bpd of exports from the northern fields and from Kurdistan continue to be shut in due to the dispute. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Turkey is in the process of brokering a deal between the central Iraqi government and the authorities of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region on sharing the revenues from crude oil production in the northern Iraqi region. The deal, according to Bloomberg, which cited unnamed Turkish officials, would help resume the operation of the pipeline that takes the crude from Kurdistan to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Kurdistans crude oil exports were halted on March 25 by the federal government of Iraq. The halt came after the International Chamber of Commerce ruled in favor of Iraq against Turkey in a dispute over crude flows from Kurdistan. Iraq had argued that Turkey shouldnt allow Kurdish oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline and the Turkish port of Ceyhan without approval from the federal government of Iraq. The ICC ruled that Turkey owned Iraq damages to the tune of $1.5 billion. The suspension of oil flows out of northern Iraq and Kurdistan via Ceyhan forced companies to either curtail or suspend production because of limited capacity at storage tanks. At the time, this pushed oil prices higher for a while. Iraq, OPECs second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia, is currently exporting oil only via its southern oil export terminals. Around 450,000 bpd of exports from the northern fields and from Kurdistan continue to be shut in due to a dispute over who should authorize the Kurdish exports. Since then, attempts to reach a final agreement and restart the pipeline have not really stopped but they have also failed to produce any specific results. According to Turkey, the damages are an internal Iraqi matter that Baghdad and Erbil should settle. Baghdad, on the other hand, wants Turkey to collect the dues from Erbil. Erbil, finally, has laid a claim to all oil export revenues for crude produced in Kurdistan. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: According to UN human rights experts, Saudi Aramco is threatening human rights by expanding its oil production due to the adverse impacts on human rights caused by activities such as the exploitation of fossil fuels which contribute to climate change. The concern was expressed in a letter authored by a group of unnamed UN human rights experts and sent to the Saudi state energy giant. Reuters noted in a report that the letter did not spell out in detail what the adverse impacts of oil production on human rights was, but the Financial Times said that Aramco was the worlds biggest corporate CO2 emitter. The latter statement is contradicted by this rating of the worlds biggest emitters, which was compiled by the Carbon Disclosure Project. According to the CDP, the biggest emitter in the world is China Coal, which accounts for 14.3% of total global emissions. In that rating, Saudi Aramco is second, with 4.5% of global emissions. Whats more interesting in the FT report, however, is the fact that the UN experts had also contacted the banks that Aramco works with, including Citi and BNP Paribas, to warn them that their Saudi clients may be violating human rights laws. There was a hint of a threat in the letter to the banks, as it said that if the lenders were aware of Aramco violating human rights and failed to act on this awareness, it can be viewed as enabling the situation, the FT reported. Businesses should avoid infringing on human rights by taking proactive steps to identify, prevent, mitigate and address adverse impacts with which they are involved, including impacts resulting from climate change, the UN officials said. ADVERTISEMENT Energy Intelligence OPEC correspondent Amena Bakr noted that the authors of the letter to Aramco and its banks had given no reason why they had only targeted the Saudi energy giant. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A Douglas County judge lowered the bail for a man charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a 30-year-old man during what prosecutors have described as a gunbattle. Judge Marcena Hendrix lowered Mark Keesler Jr.s bail from $1 million to $50,000 during a preliminary hearing Monday. Prosecutors say 31-year-old Keesler killed Deving Willis-Smith during a gunbattle on July 19 in a residential neighborhood near 27th and Whitmore Streets in Omaha. Keesler allegedly produced a rifle during a dispute between a friend and Willis-Smith outside Keeslers friends house. Willis-Smith retrieved a handgun from a car, and there was an exchange of gunfire, Chief Deputy Douglas County Attorney Brenda Beadle said last month. Beadle added then that Keesler shot numerous times, more than 10. Four kids were said to be in the car, but they were not injured. Willis-Smith suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the Nebraska Medical Center after being taken there by ambulance. In addition to manslaughter, Keesler is also charged with use of a firearm to commit a felony. Keesler remained in the Douglas County Jail as of Monday afternoon. He must pay 10%, or $5,000, of his $50,000 bail in order to be released. Keesler has been ordered to stand trial in district court. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 A gradual return to high temperatures in the 90s is expected with little chance for rain this week as eastern Nebraska residents head toward Labor Day. We dont have any rain in the forecast this week, Van DeWald, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Sunday. We do expect temperatures in the 90s later in the week and possibly going on into Labor Day. The Omaha forecast calls for high temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s from Monday through Wednesday, DeWald said. Highs in the low to mid-90s are predicted for Thursday through Sunday. Its not going to be anything as bad as we saw last week, he said. The temperature will get into the 90s and possibly stay that way into the following week. A weak front is expected to pass through eastern Nebraska on Tuesday that could potentially cause a few showers. That eventuality, however unlikely, will require monitoring, DeWald said. Meteorologists also will be watching to see whether the dewpoint temperatures remain under 70 degrees. If thats the case, the heat index is expected to remain under 100 degrees. We have had, relatively speaking, a pretty decent summer, he said. We had those two especially hot periods in late July and mid-August, but in all its been very good (weather). Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 Increasing numbers of Latinos in the United States speak English proficiently, have gained U.S. citizenship and have lived in the country for at least a decade, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis. As patterns of immigration from Latin America change, Venezuelans have now become the fastest-growing Latino group in the U.S., according to the report, which also noted that immigrants make up a declining share of Latinos in the country. While immigration is still an important part of the nations Latino story, the share of the Latino population that was born outside the United States is in decline, and it is really births to U.S. Hispanic parents in the United States that is now driving that population growth, said Mark Hugo Lopez, director of race and ethnicity research at the Pew Research Center. Between 2010 and 2021, the Venezuelan population in the U.S. increased by 169%, from roughly 240,000 to 640,000, researchers found. Dominicans and Guatemalans followed with growth rates of 60% each. While Mexicans remain the largest Latino origin group, they had the slowest growth rate 13%. Lopez noted that it has become harder to enter the U.S. despite recent increases in asylum-seekers being apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border. Many of them are not Mexicans, he said. Part of this may also be that people are returning to Mexico in order to retire, Lopez said. The five largest Latino populations in the U.S. by origin group, according to Pew, were Mexicans (37.2 million), Puerto Ricans (5.8 million), Salvadorans (2.5 million), Dominicans (2.4 million) and Cubans (2.4 million). The Pew analysis based primarily on data from the U.S. Census Bureaus 2021 American Community Survey shows that about 32% of all U.S. Latinos were immigrants in 2021, down from 37% in 2010. Lopez said its important to better grasp the diversity of Latinos in the U.S. and understand that not all Latino people necessarily share the same point of view. When it comes to elections, for example, they may not necessarily appear as a strong voting bloc, but instead may vote in different ways depending on the parts of the country that you look at, Lopez said. Homeownership rates, household incomes and the attainment of U.S. citizenship and bachelor degrees vary among different Latino groups. In 2021, about 81% of Latinos living in the country were U.S. citizens, up from 74% in 2010. Spaniards (95%), Panamanians (90%), Cubans (82%) and Mexicans (81%) have some of the highest citizenship rates, according to Pew. Hondurans and Venezuelans have the lowest rates, at 51% each. The Spaniard category includes recently arrived immigrants from Spain and Spanish immigrants children born in the United States. Lopez said the category also includes people in areas such as New Mexico, Colorado and West Texas who say they have a Spanish background. U.S. citizens include people born in the U.S. and its territories (including Puerto Rico), people born abroad to American parents, and naturalized immigrants, Pew noted. Additionally, nearly 80% of Latino immigrants have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years, up from 64% in 2010, the researchers found. Panamanian and Mexican immigrants are the most likely to have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade. When it comes to higher education, Venezuelans (57%) and Argentinians (46%) had the highest shares of people 25 and older with a bachelors or more advanced degree. Guatemalans (11%) and Salvadorans (13%) had the lowest shares. Lopez points to the 15% of Mexican adults in the same age group with a degree. Compared with Venezuelans, thats a pretty big difference, Lopez said, especially given that the Mexican origin population is by far the biggest. Its the immigrants from Venezuela, who are coming to the U.S., those who are able to come to the U.S. to make that journey, oftentimes, may have more resources at their disposal, Lopez said. They have a college degree or an advanced degree already when they arrived in the United States. That seems to be part of the story, he said. When looking at median household income, Argentinians were found to have the highest at $80,000, while Hondurans and Dominicans had the lowest at $50,000 each. Similarly, Latinos with the highest homeownership rates in 2021 were Spaniards (63%) and Argentinians (62%), compared to Dominicans (31%) and Hondurans (31%), the groups with the lowest rates of homeownership. Language adds another layer to the diversity of the Latino population. In 2021, Spaniards (95%), Panamanians (87%) and Puerto Ricans (83%) had the highest shares of English proficiency. Hondurans (47%), Guatemalans (51%), Venezuelans (56%) and Salvadorans (56%) had the lowest. Overall, 72% of U.S. Latinos age 5 and older either spoke only English at home or spoke English very well, up from 65% in 2010. During this time frame, both U.S.-born and immigrant Latinos became more proficient in the language, Pew found. The share of U.S.-born Latinos who were proficient in English grew from 88% to 91%, and the share among immigrant Latinos grew from 32% to 38%. A 28-year-old man from Mexico was arrested after the Nebraska State Patrol said he was transporting 133 pounds of marijuana through the state. Around 7:40 a.m. Friday, a trooper stopped an eastbound Cadillac CTS for speeding along Interstate 80 in Dawson County in south-central Nebraska, according to a press release from the State Patrol. The trooper smelled marijuana coming from inside the sedan. A vehicle search conducted by the State Patrol turned up more than 100 packages of marijuana. The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana measuring more than 1 pound, possession with intent to deliver and no operators license. He was taken to the Dawson County Jail. Hours after the Nebraska Attorney General Office offered its opinion that the offices responsible for investigating the states child welfare and prison systems are unconstitutional, inspectors generals access to those agencies case management systems ended abruptly. The Office of the Inspectors General, as well as the states ombudsman office, were shut out of the online systems that track incidents, disciplinary actions, grievances and other reports for inmates, children in the care of the state, as well as employees who work with what officials describe as vulnerable populations. Its the first time the offices created by the Legislature to provide oversight and offer transparency to state senators have lost access to those systems in the decade since theyve been in existence, according to Julie Rogers, the states public counsel. Less than a week later, on Tuesday, employees of both the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Correctional Services were directed to refer any inquiry or request from the inspectors general to the legislative liaisons of their respective agencies. According to nearly identical letters from top lawyers at HHS and Corrections, if anyone from the Office of the Inspector General, the Ombudsman or the Office of Public Counsel showed up at an agency facility they should be denied entry other than access that would be granted to any other member of the public. Instead, those inspectors general should be referred to the legislative liaisons to discuss requests for access, the letters state. The change in how the offices of the inspector general can access information from the agencies they are charged with performing oversight on comes on the heels of an opinion written by Attorney General Mike Hilgers at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Correctional Services. Hilgers, in the 38-page opinion, said the inspectors generals untrammeled power to impede, control and access information from other government branches violated the separation of powers clause in the Nebraska Constitution. The letters circulated by HHS and Corrections did not detail how the change came about. But Gov. Jim Pillen, through a spokeswoman, called the attorney generals opinion thorough and well-reasoned, but stopped just short of saying the governor directed the change. Spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor was responsible for ensuring that agencies within the executive branch comply with the constitution and Nebraskas laws. Since the issuing of the AGs opinion, the agencies have operated consistent with that responsibility, she said. Anthony Schutz, an associate professor of law at the University of Nebraska College of Law, said the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that while attorney general opinions are entitled to substantial weight, justices have noted in multiple opinions across four decades that those opinions do not carry the authority of a judiciary decision. In theory, it means these opinions ought not guide conduct until theyve gone to the judiciary and the judiciary has made its determination, Schutz said. Still, the attorney generals opinion has had an immediate impact on how the state ombudsmans office does its work, said Rogers, who was appointed to the position by the Legislature in 2020. We no longer have the ability to sift through what is accurate and what is not when an allegation comes to our attention through our intake process, she said. We are now trying to figure out how to do our work without those systems. Its definitely slower. Rogers said what impact requiring the inspectors general to make an appointment with or reach out to a legislative liaison in either office will have on their ability to provide oversight to state lawmakers remains to be seen. We do not yet know the full practical implications for continuing our work, Rogers wrote in a letter to the Legislature this week. Jennifer Carter, inspector general of Nebraska Child Welfare, and Doug Koebernick, inspector general of the correctional system, co-signed the letter. The abrupt changes have raised concerns among state lawmakers, including Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, who leads the Legislatures Judiciary Committee and has introduced several proposals aimed at reducing prison overcrowding in Nebraska. Wayne said the changes have made performing oversight much more difficult. State senators and their staff can walk into any Corrections facility at any time, Wayne said. By that rationale, he said the inspectors general who he considers legislative staff members should be able to as well. Im not sure whats changed, he said. Nobody can explain whats gone wrong. A group of state lawmakers plan to meet to address the situation next week, and it will likely come up when the Legislature reconvenes in January for its 60-day session. But what form any legislation will take as well as how the executive and judicial branches of Nebraskas state government respond to it remains to be seen. State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington, also a member of the Judiciary Committee who relies upon the inspectors general to help inform her work as a legislator, said she views the recent change made by the agencies as a stopgap measure until the Legislature can craft a more permanent solution. Inspectors generals should still be able to access the staff and facilities they are charged with performing oversight on, DeBoer said, even if they have to jump through an extra hoop to do so. She said the offices are important to current and future legislators, particularly at a time where turnover in the body is high and committees can have entirely new membership every few years. Im hopeful that well be able to find a solution that recognizes the need for the Legislature to have that expertise, especially in an era of term limits, DeBoer said. That experience with Corrections is valuable to members of the judiciary. State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who oversees the state ombudsmans office as the chair of the Executive Board, echoed DeBoer, saying hes confident the Legislature can find a path forward that will satisfy any constitutional concerns laid out by the attorney general. All branches of government have a shared and common interest in ensuring these programs are ran in the best way possible, Briese said. But that requires all parties to show a willingness to cooperate to some degree, he added. LINCOLN Situated just off 48th Street in Lincoln's College View neighborhood, The Loft by Lee Douglas Interiors gives off a muted vibe from the outside. So much so that the retail store which operates out of a century-old home at 4821 Lowell Ave. often goes unnoticed by passersby. That made it a perfect fit to be included in this year's Nebraska Passport tourism program, which showcases "hidden gems" across the state and encourages travelers to visit a variety of museums, parks, restaurants, wineries, retail stores and more. "It's surprising how many people come in and say, 'You know how many times I've pulled into this parking lot over here and I have never come in?'" said Brenda Nore, the retail division manager of Lee Douglas Interiors. "We are one of those hidden treasures, those gems, that people aren't aware of what we have to offer." The store has 11 rooms on two floors, each room following a theme to display hand-selected furniture and home decor. Nore said The Loft has a somewhat regular client basis, but seeing new faces and such a variation in foot traffic since being a part of the passport program has been exciting. Last week, Lincoln residents Rod and Judy Strothkamp were visiting the store for the first time. The couple said it's the second year they've participated in the Passport program and have traveled as far as Crawford in northwest Nebraska to visit stops. But they've also discovered many new places in Lincoln that they never knew existed thanks to the program. Because of its distinct storefront, the Lincoln location is "unparalleled," said Michael Murphy, director of marketing for Lee Douglas Interiors. Having to compete with big-box retailers and online stores, Murphy said Lee Douglas Interiors strives to create an all-senses experience that competitors can't match. "You might not always remember Lee Douglas Interiors or The Loft, but you'll always remember the place that had the Fireballs," Murphy said, gesturing to the bowl of Fireball hard candies that welcomes guests at the main entrance. "You'll always remember the place that had the really cool music playing or the amazing candle, the tangible things that that lead you back to this." In addition to helping locals find new businesses that they might not be aware of, the Passport program also aims to provide out-of-state visitors with ways to have an experience truly unique to the state. Murphy said there has been a definite uptick in business since being featured as one of the 70 stops in this year's program which runs until Sept. 30 and he encouraged shoppers to make their way to The Loft. "We have a wide variety of products, we would just really love the opportunity to help them see what they need," said Nore. "One of our core values is treat each other like family; we want that individual connection, that one-on-one." DECATUR Weeks before thousands of visitors prepared to descend on the so-called "Super Bowl of Agriculture," a lone camper parked quietly at the Farm Progress Show grounds. Rick Wild, manager of the massive agricultural expo, arrived in Decatur with his camper on July 24 and plans to leave about Sept. 15. From Tuesday to Thursday this week, he will be joined by crowds of people viewing the latest farm equipment, farmers watching corn harvest, tillage and tiling demonstrations, and people eating, talking and exploring exhibits. Usually Im pretty much here by myself at first, said Wild, who calls St. Louis home the rest of the year. Wild's early arrival in the city allowed him to meet with first responders and residents well ahead of the event. The week after Wild settled in, members of his crew started showing up. Electricians and landscapers began their work. By second week in August, there were trucks, trucks, and more trucks arriving to deliver equipment and materials for the 90-acre show. The big iron starts arriving today, he said Aug. 16. His tasks before the guests arrive include helping to lay out lots, working with vendors and host farmers, and getting things in order for field demos. He said its a lot easier now with 10 years of experience setting up the shows in Boone, Iowa, and Decatur, which trade off hosting duties each year. In all, he has been involved with the Farm Progress Show for 29 years. The biggest factor Wild has to juggle during exhibitor move-in is to make sure everyone stays within the lines laid out to separate them. When there are 660 exhibitors, some may not have measured exactly. We have to police the lines. There are a lot of lines not to cross, said Wild. Last year in Boone, Iowa, harvest demonstrations were canceled because the corn wasnt ready. This year with a few more warm and sunny days, harvest should be ideal, he said. While the parade of vintage tractors from Farmer City to Decatur on Monday offered plenty of nostalgia, the Farm Progress Show generally features the latest in agricultural technology. This year, several companies teased the products they planned to unveil. Additionally, the show has expanded its "Ride and Drive" areas, which allow farmers to test out new equipment that might otherwise prove challenging to test drive. In the past, five or six companies offered those hands-on opportunities; this year, the number is 14. The no-hands-on area of autonomous vehicles this year also has more to see than ever. Drone technology will have more flying room this year, too. Keep an eye in the air for Ryse Aero Technologies aerial vehicle a man can fly in, Wild said. NEXAT Technologies also will be displaying equipment that seemed like science fiction a few years ago. A combine, a sprayer, and a planter is all in one machine, Wild said. This year the Varied Industries Tent is going to be the biggest ever, holding more small, innovative and startup companies. To demonstrate the versatility of soy, the Illinois Soybean Association is funding 2 acres of soy-based asphalt and using soy-based dust suppressant on the gravel roads inside the exhibit grounds. Thousands of attendees and exhibitors attend Farm Progress Show, so its the perfect time and place to showcase the versatility and usefulness of Illinois soy, said ISA Chairman Ron Kindred. Utilizing soy-based products over their traditional counterparts has several benefits, is better for our environment, increases demand and new markets for Illinois soybeans. ISA and Illinois Corn are also jointly highlighting biodiesel and ethanol with the theme Fueling Progress in their shared booth. It will include games and activities for kids, hands-on learning experiences, like an interactive display of ISAs Trade and Export Journey map, and opportunities to see what corn and soybean checkoff dollars are doing. 10 industries where truck drivers earn the most 10 industries where truck drivers earn the most #10. Natural gas distribution #9. Communications equipment manufacturing #8. Spectator sports #7. Medical and diagnostic laboratories #6. Couriers and express delivery services #5. Support activities for water transportation #4. Coal mining #3. Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution #2. Rail transportation #1. Deep sea, coastal, and Great Lakes water transportation 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. 28, 1923: The final rites over the body of Emma Von Elsner, whose death occurred in Chicago, were held yesterday afternoon at the chapel in the Evergreen Cemetery. Her body was interred in the family lot beside that of her famous sister, Marie Litta, her brother, Don Von Elsner, and others of this family of famous musicians. 75 years agoAug. 28, 1948: Wanted: Rain, to make the ground plow easier for McLean Countys Contour Plowing Contest and Field Day next Wednesday. The men entered are Bud Percy, Fred Alsene, Carl Knuth, Floyd Mohr, Kenneth Williamson, Roy Barclay and Bernard Jacobs, all of Bloomington and Normal. 50 years agoAug. 28, 1973: An offer to build a city hall and police station on a lease-purchase agreement was made to the Normal City Council. David Norris, co-chairman of the councils Central Area Development Committee, offered a downtown location and building as an alternate to a Gregory-Adelaide site. 25 years ago Aug. 28, 1998: A walkout by members of United Auto Workers Local 2488 was delayed hour by hour early today as progress inched along on a new contract with the Mitsubishi auto plant. The old contract expired at midnight. 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' 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. Answer: Both are turning 40 this year. Sam Walton opened the first Sam's Club on April 7, 1983, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, 21 years after he founded Walmart. Meanwhile, Costco traces its origins to 1976 but didnt become Costco until Sept. 1, 1983. Thats when the first Costco warehouse location was opened in Kirkland, the Seattle suburb. While Costco has yet to discover B-N there's a Costco in Champaign and East Peoria Aug. 28 is the 20th anniversary of a Sam's Club opening in Normal. Social Security is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve. This includes people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their childrens care needs. Supplemental Security Income provides monthly financial support to low-income families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. These include ASD and physical impairments. For more information on SSI, visit ssa.gov/ssi. People with ASD may have questions about how ASD affects their employment options. They may also see their ASD as a barrier to employment. Employers have started to recognize that many people with ASD can bring a variety of skills and strengths to the workplace. Our Ticket to Work Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security and want to work. The program helps get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals and other employment support services. For more information, go to ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10061.pdf. We recognize the need to support, understand, accept, include and empower those on the autism spectrum. Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media! Disability Q: I am expecting a child and will be out of work for six months. Can I qualify for short-term disability? A: No. Social Security pays only for total disability conditions that render you unable to work and are expected to last for at least a year or end in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability, including benefits while on maternity leave. Q: What is the waiting period for Social Security disability benefits? A: The law states Social Security disability benefits can be paid only after you have been disabled continuously throughout a period of five full calendar months. Social Security disability benefits begin with the sixth full month after the date your disability began. You are not able to receive benefits for any month during the waiting period. Learn more at ssa.gov/disability. VA health care access under Pact ActUntil 11:59 p.m. local time Sept. 30, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2002, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This special enrollment period gives veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. This enrollment period is part of the PACT Act, which became law Aug. 10, 2022. Veterans of service in the combat zones above are eligible for VA health care enrollment and for toxic screenings. More than 344,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care and more than 4.2 million enrolled veterans have been screened for toxic exposures. The VA emphasizes that even though you dont need this care now, you may need it in the future and once you are in, you have access for life. But dont wait the deadline is Sept. 30 so go to VA.gov/PACT and enroll today. Did you know?As many as 100 spouses of deceased service members are expected to descend on Capitol Hill in late September to lobby for a bill that would eliminate financial penalties imposed for decades on husbands and wives who want to remarry. Congress decided in the 1960s that widows and widowers would lose compensation, health care, educational opportunities, commissary access and other benefits if they remarry before age 55. Now surviving spouses and advocates are asking lawmakers to undo those rules. At least 30,000 surviving spouses would benefit from the proposed legislation. While most spouses receiving compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs are in their 70s and 80s, the average age of a spouse at the time of their partners death is now 25 to 35. The cost of this bill, if passed, is estimated to be $2.7 billion over 10 years. An advocate for this bill believes that The notion that a widow or widower will no longer need those benefits if they remarry before 55 is misguided, because it implies survivors become the responsibility of their new spouses. 9/11 observanceA local observance to remember the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and to recognize and honor the heroic actions of the firefighters both nationally and locally for their sacrifices, will be held at the Firemans Memorial in Miller Park in Bloomington. The event will start at 10 a.m. and will include a prayer and keynote speaker. The American Legion Honor Guard will provide a rifle salute, Taps and a bagpiper. Please attend this remembrance ceremony and recognize firefighters whose daily actions protect us all. POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony The American Legion Honor Guard will conduct a short ceremony on the east steps of the McLean County Museum of History at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 15. The ceremony will include a prayer, a keynote speaker, Taps and a rifle salute. There are still MIAs totaling 73,515 from World War II, 7,841 from the Korean War, 1,626 from Vietnam, 126 from the Cold War and six from conflicts since 1991. Veterans or family members of veterans who were POWs or MIAs may contact Butch Ekstam, executive director of the American Legion Honor Guard, at 309-825-2703 if they would like to have a veteran recognized at the ceremony. Arrowsmith Auxiliary Veteran FundraiserArrowsmith Witt-Webber-Carrell American Legion Auxiliary Unit 617 will hold its annual garage sale, bake sale and lunch on Saturday, Sept. 2, starting at 8 a.m. at the Arrowsmith Community Building. All proceeds from this event go to support veterans in our community. The Bookmobile will visit from 8:45 to 9:45, and a local Sunday school class will sell snow cones and cotton candy. Bring your pets for the parade. Support this fundraiser and enjoy music later in the day with your friends. Quote of the dayAmerica has been politically and culturally subdivided into communities, groups, parties, ideologies, interests and agendas. The nation seems to be at war with itself! We should heed the following quote. America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln Photos: How a Florida nonprofit is helping veterans overcome PTSD Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has announced the graduation of 20 women in its Women in Technology Incubator programme. The women entrepreneurs participated in a comprehensive incubator aimed at empowering women-led start-ups and providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive. After a rigorous pitch process, five (5) outstanding participants were awarded seed funding of GHS110,000 each to invest into their businesses. The programme is implemented in partnership with the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, an Ashesi University business incubator. The Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator programme speaks to the Banks strategy of investing in women- owned businesses to bring greater prosperity and diversity to the communities in which they operate with emphasis on supporting innovation, infrastructure and technology. Through this initiative, women entrepreneurs have a platform to build capacity and realize their full potential in the world of business. Yvonne Gyebi, Consumer Private & Business Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC commented, As a bank we celebrate these incredible women, a powerful testament to the limitless potential of diversity and innovation. With our Women in Tech programme we are championing economic inclusion for female businesses. We are inspired by their journey of breaking down barriers that truly reflects the world we live in. Speaking at the event, Ruka Sanusi, Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, expressed her profound enthusiasm for the significant strides being taken to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in our ever-evolving technological landscape and she highlighted the pivotal role that collaboration, knowledge exchange, and empowerment of women entrepreneurs play in propelling our society towards a greener and more prosperous future. In addition to the seed funding, the businesses will receive portfolio management support over the next 10 weeks, exposure to potential investors who are looking to support women-led businesses and they will also be joining the global SCWIT alumni network where they will have access to additional networking events, resources, content, and business scaling opportunities. The five winners are: Natalie Fordwor Wonderspace website - https://www.wonderspaced.com/ Lucie E Blay - Legal Find website - https://trylegalfind.com/ Naa Kukuokor Owoo - Esse Studios website - http://esse-studios.com Umar Farouk Mubaraka - Kodu Technology website - http://kodutechnology.com/ Laura Pepera Virtutoronline website - https://www.virtutoronline. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The World Bank has provided the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) with $27.7 million concessionary funding to improve services, especially for the poor and vulnerable. The funding will enable the scheme to increase its population coverage, register more poor and vulnerable people, and ensure the prompt processing and payment of claims for primary health care (PHC) providers. The PHCs comprise community-based health planning services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and maternity homes under the Primary Health Care Improvement. Dubbed Programme for Results (PforR), the amount was provided by the World Bank with some support from the other donors under the umbrella funding group called Global Financing Facility. A health economist with the World Bank, Enoch Oti Agyekum, confirmed the funding to the Daily Graphic last Thursday on the sidelines of a training programme for claims management in Accra. He indicated that although increasing the number of people, especially the poor and vulnerable, was good, the number of people who got the service was also of utmost importance. Review Mr Agyekum stated that available data from the public expenditure review conducted by the World Bank indicated that over 80 per cent of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) facilities were made up of health centres, maternity homes and CHPS compounds, but constituted 17 per cent when it came to claims to those facilities. Mr Agyekum said at a training programme that it had been realised at the third-tier level the primary health care that the facilities were the least efficient in processing claims and that over the last three years, we see that efficiency going down. The health economist said the facilities were disadvantaged because a lot of the people who resorted to those centres were people who could not afford the co-payment if the facilities wanted to charge because they were the very poor in the communities. Mr Agyekum said it was believed that by improving claims payment, it would establish trust between the NHIS and the facilities at all levels of care. This is important because the NHIS is at the forefront of delivering a very important social contract between the government and the people, he explained. The health economist said he knew that the NHIS had the capacity to deliver more and better with the support of the Ministry of Finance. Indigent population The Ag. Corporate Affairs Director of the NHIS, Oswald Essuah-Mensah, in an interview, said under the facility, the NHIA in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service and the Health Facility Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) was to improve on relevant aspects of accreditation of healthcare providers. The collaboration would also lead to improvements in the monitoring and financing of primary healthcare services. The Corporate Affairs Director added that the NHIA and the Social Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) would continue to collaborate to boost enrolment of indigent populations, such as the disabled, orphans, widows, women and children in the scheme. New vision Mr Essuah-Mensah added that under what is described as the New NHIS leaderships ultimate goal, the team was building a resilient health insurance scheme that responded to the needs of all by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare services on a sustainable basis. The Executive Managements strategy towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the adoption of pro-poor pathway interventions fastened to the legal framework that every Ghanaian should register with the NHIS, he added. To that end, he said, the Chief Executive, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, his deputies and some directors had completed a tour of all 16 regions to connect with staff and the citizenry and also discussed how to strengthen the NHIS and the role it played as a vehicle for Ghana to achieve UHC. 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 Financial Controller for the Environmental & Sanitation Cluster of Jospong Group of Companies, Mrs. Adokarley Okpoti-Paulo has been honoured by the National Business Honours at a spectacular event in Accra. She received the Excellence In Leadership Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership skills, relentless efforts, and her contribution to the growth of corporate governance in the country. Receiving the awards, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, who also doubles as the Finance Director for Zoomlion Ghana Limited, was confident the recognition will motivate not just her but other female executives to excel in their chosen career, "knowing that whatever they do in their small office someone somewhere has seen them and will reward them in due course". Other awards won by the Group on the night are Excellence in Leadership of the Year (Printing Services) Jacqueline Afful from Appointed Time Printing Press, Outstanding Printing Company of the Year - Appointed Time Printing Press, National Hospitality Company of the Year - AH Hotel and Conference and National Business Hero of the Year - AH Hotel & Conference. The rest are National Business Hero of the Year -AH Hotel &Conference, Transformational Company of the Year - Dredge Masters and Excellence in Leadership Award of the Year (Environment Sustainability) - Captain Ansar Ahmed The 3rd edition of the National Business Honours took place on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, under the theme Navigating uncertain Times; Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future. The National Business Honours seeks to recognize companies and individuals for their visionary leadership, trade skills, resilience, innovation towards business growth and sustainability, market development, and overall business competitiveness. As a high-level public- private award, the National Business Honours provides a unique platform for government to deepen their strategic relationship with the business community, including CEOs, Board of Directors, and investors for national development. The National Business Honours is a C-level, high-impact, economic empowerment, and leadership awards program developed by Global Ovations to champion business growth, economic empowerment, and job creation in Ghana. With the business community at heart and Ghana's future in mind, the National Business Honours is committed to promoting professionalism and high standard of operation among sector players across the country. The National Business Honours is a climax to the National Business Week 2023. The National Business Week highlights the critical growth enablers that will ensure business continuity and drive momentum across all Industries in the future. It also provides an opportunity for commercial entities to exhibit their organizations, products and services. She received the Excellence In Leadership Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership skills, relentless efforts, and her contribution to the growth of corporate governance in the country. Receiving the awards, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, who also doubles as the Finance Director for Zoomlion Ghana Limited, was confident the recognition will motivate not just her but other female executives to excel in their chosen career, "knowing that whatever they do in their small office someone somewhere has seen them and will reward them in due course". Other awards won by the Group on the night are Excellence in Leadership of the Year (Printing Services) Jacqueline Afful from Appointed Time Printing Press, Outstanding Printing Company of the Year - Appointed Time Printing Press, National Hospitality Company of the Year - AH Hotel and Conference and National Business Hero of the Year - AH Hotel & Conference. The rest are National Business Hero of the Year -AH Hotel &Conference, Transformational Company of the Year - Dredge Masters and Excellence in Leadership Award of the Year (Environment Sustainability) - Captain Ansar Ahmed The 3rd edition of the National Business Honours took place on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, under the theme Navigating uncertain Times; Empowering Businesses for a Resilient Future. The National Business Honours seeks to recognize companies and individuals for their visionary leadership, trade skills, resilience, innovation towards business growth and sustainability, market development, and overall business competitiveness. As a high-level public- private award, the National Business Honours provides a unique platform for government to deepen their strategic relationship with the business community, including CEOs, Board of Directors, and investors for national development. The National Business Honours is a C-level, high-impact, economic empowerment, and leadership awards program developed by Global Ovations to champion business growth, economic empowerment, and job creation in Ghana. With the business community at heart and Ghana's future in mind, the National Business Honours is committed to promoting professionalism and high standard of operation among sector players across the country. The National Business Honours is a climax to the National Business Week 2023. The National Business Week highlights the critical growth enablers that will ensure business continuity and drive momentum across all Industries in the future. It also provides an opportunity for commercial entities to exhibit their organizations, products and services. 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 (Photo : Robyn BECK / AFP) (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) The suspect in the Jacksonville shooting that resulted in the death of three Black people was identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters revealed the gunman's identity responsible for killing three Black people in a racially motivated attack at a Dollar General store on Saturday. Waters also said that the shooter, 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter, had legally purchased the two guns he used in the fatal shooting earlier this year. He was found to have bought a handgun in April and then an AR-15-style rifle in June. Jacksonville Shooting Suspect Officials said that the suspect lived with his parents in nearby Orange Park and was not found to have had a criminal arrest history. However, he has been temporarily, involuntarily held under the Baker Act, which involves potentially mentally ill people, in 2017. The Jacksonville sheriff added that in that particular situation of buying the guns, there was nothing illegal about Palmeter owning them. According to CNN, the news conference where the suspect's identity was revealed came a day after the gunman conducted what authorities believe was an anti-Black hate crime. Additionally, Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the Justice Department was already investigating the shooting and considering it a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism. Authorities noted that the gunman also used racial slurs, left behind a racist screed, and even drew swastikas on his firearm. Palmeter was found to have had the AR-15-style rifle and handgun he bought while also wearing a tactical vest and blue latex gloves during the crime. Officials identified the shooting victims as 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr, 19-year-old Anolt Joseph "AJ" Laguerre Jr., and 29-year-old Jerrald Gallion. A relative of Gallion, Sabrina Rozier, described the deceased as a fun, loving young man with a four-year-old daughter. Authorities also said that the gunman was spotted near the nearby Edward Waters University library, where security guards tried to take him into custody but failed. Shortly before the deadly shooting, Palmeter's parents called law enforcement to say they found what they believed to be a manifesto, according to the Independent. Read Also: Fake Uber Driver Arrested After Woman Rescued from Alleged Kidnapping Hate-Filled Crime The shooter allegedly called his parents before fatally shooting the three Black people and told them to look at his computer. Waters described the gunman's writings as a "disgusting ideology of hate." Palmeter, after killing his victims, took his own life. Waters said that Palmeter's sickening ideology did not represent the values the Jacksonville community holds dear. The sheriff added that they were rejecting the so-called "inexcusable violence" that the gunman conducted. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said they need to do everything in their power to dissuade the hate that Palmeter represented. She noted that the horrific incident happened five years after a mass shooting at a video game tournament in Jacksonville. At the time, a gunman shot and killed two people and injured nearly a dozen others before committing suicide. Mayor Deegan said that Palmeter referenced that particular incident in his writings. Officials from Edward Waters University also issued a public safety alert following the shooting, notifying its students of the development. ABC News said those who were already in their residence halls were kept there until the scene was cleared. Related Article: Retired Police Killed 3 at California Bar, Shot Ex-Wife During Mass Shooting @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An important milestone was reached on August 25th with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan, the World Chair of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), and Ambassador Abu Zein, the Head of IHRC Africa Region, Ambassador At Large and Senior Deputy World Chairman of IHRC. The MoU signifies a deep commitment to advancing human rights on both a global and regional scale. By bringing together the leadership of IHRC at the world level and its distinguished regional representative, this collaboration aims to amplify efforts to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights across Africa. The signing ceremony, held in Accra, is a testament to IHRC's dedication to fostering partnerships that drive positive change. Through joint initiatives, advocacy, and sharing of knowledge and resources, IHRC seeks to strengthen its impact in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals in the African region. Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "This MoU signifies our shared commitment to upholding the values of human rights and working towards a more just world." Ambassador Zein Abu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective action in advancing IHRC's mission across the African continent. This partnership aligns with IHRC's overarching goal of creating a world where human rights are universally protected, regardless of geographical boundaries. As IHRC continues to champion human rights causes, this collaboration serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for all. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ministry of Energy has debunked claims in a report authored by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and IMANI Center for Policy & Education regarding an enquiry report by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy pertaining to the Gas Sales Agreement between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Genser Energy Ghana Limited. The ACEP and IMANI in their report, among others accused the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, of inconsistencies when he appeared before the Parliament's Select Committee on November 24, 2022. In a swift rebuttal, the Ministry finds it needful to respond to what it termed as false accusations of wrongdoing of the Energy Minister by the two organizations. In explaining the statement by the Minister that the Ministry was not aware of the gas price negotiated between Genser and GNPC, it said the Minister indicated that the Ministry is not a party to the contract and therefore could not speak to the detail pricing components off-head, especially when the matter was in court. He however, informed the Committee that upon a written formal request, the Ministry will assist in providing the details of the contract, as well as any other issue of importance to the Committee, the Ministry clarified. On the issue of the Committees claims during the hearings that Genser was given DIDT status by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry stated that Genser was first issued a DIDT by the GNGC in 2017 and subsequently DIDTs were issued by the Ministry to other industrial customers (ceramic manufacturing companies) as an incentive to boost gas consumption in the period of excess gas with the associated take or pay commitments. However, it must be made clear that the DIDT policy predates the assumption of office of the current Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who has since advocated for the removal of the DIDT policy, a statement by the Ministry further elaborated. It continued; The Ministry states unequivocally that, in as much as it has oversight responsibility over energy sector institutions, it is not obliged to meddle in direct contract negotiations between the sector institutions and potential investors unless, the Ministrys assistance is expressly sought. The Energy Minister must therefore, be understood within this context. The Ministry implored the public to disregard any attempt to soil the reputation of the Energy Minister whose major preoccupation since assuming office has been to bring to the barest minimum disruptions in power supply and has made the energy sector resilient. Read full statement below: Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The World Bank Group is offering Twenty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred Thousand ($27.7 M) to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), to increase the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) annual active membership, and facilitate Claims processing and payments for primary healthcare providers comprising CHPS, Health Centers and Maternity Homes under the Primary Health Care Improvement Program for Results (PforR). The monumental program is financed through a World Bank facility with co-financing grants from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), Canada, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Operation (FCDO), and the Gavi Alliance. The program will be implemented for four (4) years, spanning from 2022 to 2025. The funding is allocated based on the Disbursement Linked Result (DLR) achieved per the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) of the program. The DLis under the program include increase in the membership of the NHIS, increase in the enrollment of vulnerable populations in the Scheme and improvement in claims processing and payment for the primary healthcare facilities. Under the facility, the NHIA in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Health Facility Regulatory Authority (HeFRA) are to improve on relevant aspects of accreditation of healthcare providers, monitoring, and financing of primary healthcare services. The NHIA and the Social Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) collaborative effort will boost the enrolment of indigent populations, such as the disabled, orphans, widows, women, and children in the Scheme. This will be done through linkage with the National Household Registry which is also supported by the World Bank. New NHIS Leadership Vision The New NHIS leaderships ultimate goal is building a more resilient Health Insurance Scheme that responds to the needs of all by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare services on a sustainable basis. The Executive Managements strategy towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the adoption of pro-poor pathway interventions fastened to the legal framework that every Ghanaian should register with the NHIS. The Chief Executive, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, his deputies, and some Directors have completed a national tour of all 16 regions as a way of connecting with staff and the citizenry and discussed how to strengthen the NHIS and the role it plays as a vehicle for Ghana to achieve UHC. Leadership is determined to open more offices in strategic locations to make the NHIS accessible to all. Some additional offices recently commissioned are the Western North Regional Office, Bono East Regional Office, Ahafo Regional Office, Dormaa East, Jamaan North, Asunafo North, Asutifi North, Obuasi, Asawase, Atwima Kwanwoma, Ejisu, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) Mion, Kumbungu, and Nanton. Bono East, Sunyani Municipal, Jaman South, Kintampo Municipal, and Techiman Municipal have received newly branded operational vehicles. Relevance The NHIS has grown to become a major instrument for financing healthcare delivery in Ghana and it is the financial mainstay of over 4,600 credentialed healthcare service providers. Over 80 percent of the internally generated funds of most healthcare providers are from the NHIS. The NHIS continues to provide financial access to many people who otherwise could not afford the cost of their healthcare services. Many are now seeking medical attention early and avoiding unnecessary deterioration in their medical conditions and possibly death as a result. Digitalization Drive The NHIA is leveraging the national digitalization drive to improve efficiency. Some of the recent novelties include MyNHIS App, Claim-it Application, and Online-credentialing capability. MyNHIS App As the most recent innovation, MyNHIS App empowers individuals and groups to use their Ghana Cards to register, renew and link to the NHIS without necessarily visiting any of the NHIS district offices for the same service. The App can be downloaded on the Google play store or Apple Store, thus operating on both Android and iOS smartphones. It issues digitized NHIS cards and provides a mechanism for the NHIA to fulfill its statutory obligations. The new App also enables NHIS members to securely pay registration and membership renewal fees from their mobile money wallets, and bank cards. The App delivers a vastly improved renewal experience to NHIS members as it saves time and money, thereby making the Scheme more accessible to all. Electronic Claims Management The NHIA is determined to attain nearly 100 percent electronic Claims management (submission, vetting & payment) by the end of the year 2023. The essence is to eliminate wastage and ensure prudent use of available resources to provide the best healthcare services to NHIS active members. The introduction of electronic claims processing in 2013 has greatly improved efficiency in NHIS claims management over the years, decreasing claims processing time from months to 1-7 days for vetting of Provider Claims. Claim-it The Claim-it system was introduced in restricting fraudulent activities such as the submission of escalated Claims. Claims submitted via Claim-it makes it easy for vetting at the Claims Processing Centres (CPCs) in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Cape Coast. The pragmatic nationwide rollout of the Claim-IT application to nearly 95% of Providers in the year 2022 saw an increase in the number of providers submitting electronic claims from about 40% in 2021 to 60.3% by December 2022 and 86% by March 2023. The NHIA Claims Directorate and its Claims Processing Centres are actively assisting providers with challenges in electronic claims submission to ensure near 100% implementation of electronic claims processing. Online Credentialing Healthcare service providers typically apply for credentials from the NHIA to enable them to serve Ghanaians under the NHIS. In creating efficiency, the NHIA introduced an online application system on its official Web Portal making it possible for Service Providers and prospective applicants to submit and renew applications electronically. Development Partners Support The NHIA has recurrently received support from development partners including the World Bank Group, World Health Organization (WHO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Korea Foundation for International HealthCare (KOFIH), among others. The support has positioned Ghanas NHIS as a remarkable social protection model in Africa and this is evidenced by the number of foreign delegations who have so far visited the NHIA to understudy the NHIS operations. The World Bank Groups recent financial support is therefore key and timely in the National Health Insurance Authoritys (NHIA) quest to achieve UHC by the year 2030. Your browser does not support iframes. Source: ABDUL KARIM NAATOGMAH 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 spokesperson for the onion sellers in Ghana, Yakubu Apendiba, has disclosed that 55 stranded onion trucks in Benin have made it home following intervention by the Ghanaian ambassador to Benin. According to him, the onion being transported in some 44 trucks went bad because the trucks could not arrive in Ghana on time due to the closure of the border in Niger. On August 9,2023, stranded traders at the Benin border called on the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to intervene on their behalf to prompt the release of 70 trucks carrying onions from Niger to Ghana through the Benin border. In an interview with Citi FM, the spokesperson for the onion sellers indicated that since most of the onions have gone bad, they are relying on those from Nigeria which does not last longer compared to the one from Niger. The Ghana ambassador to Benin went there and spoke to the patrol, and they opened it for just two hours and closed it again and this is affecting our business because the onions are rotten. About 55 cars have come within the last three days all being forty-footer trucks and all went bad, and so we are now doing the local ones and getting it from Nigeria, but that one doesnt last, he said. Yakubu Apendiba further noted that the price of onion has reduced slightly because they are procured from Nigeria. As we started going to Nigeria to bring the Nigeria one, the price has gone down a little bit. We were selling a bag last week for between GH1,600 and GH1,500, but now we are selling a bag between GH1,300 and GH1,200. Sourcing from Niger is expensive compared to the one that we buy from Nigeria because if you go to buy in Niger, you will not get any place to pass and come to Ghana. All our cars in Niger have all come back to Ghana and nobody is there, and the onions have all rotten, he added. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Nigerien junta has reportedly ordered utility supply to the French embassy to be cut, according to reports by a regional security expert. The president of the National Support Committee for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CNSP), Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima, has asked all partners of French bases in Niger to suspend all water and electricity supplies and food products, said the reports. In addition, any partners who continue to help the French in the process of supplying the goods and services will be considered enemies of the sovereign people, the reports added. The order to Nigelec, the power distributor and water distributor, Societe d'Exploitation des Eaux du Niger (SEEN), comes days after the junta issued a quit order for the French ambassador. Even though the order was confirmed, the French government said it would not obey the junta's order and asked its envoy to remain in Niamey. The ambassador Sylvain Itte was given 48 hours to leave the territory, which time frame elapsed on Sunday. The junta held a rally on August 26 to mark a month after the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum but reports indicate that it was a poorly attended gathering at the national stadium in Niamey and leader of the coup, General Abdouramane Tchiane was conspicuously absent. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Mrs. Linda Asante, a Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) was, on Friday, August 25, 2023, awarded by The Business Executive as the MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE IN OIL AND GAS at the 9th Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards, held at the La Palm Beach. This honour, according to the organizers, was conferred on Mrs Linda Asante in recognition of her stellar contribution to the growth of the nations oil and gas industry having worked in that space for over two decades achieving significant milestones. She is, indeed, the first Female in Ghana to occupy this top Executive position in the nations petroleum downstream sector. In her brief remarks after receiving this coveted award, Mrs. Linda Asante thanked the organizers for this great honor, and dedicated the award to the board, staff and management of the NPA particularly her immediate boss, the Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid for being the pillar behind her success. She also made a special mention of her husband, Mr. Bright Kwasi Asante, for his endless support, without forgetting her friends and other family members for their prayers and guidance. The Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards scheme was established to identify, publicly recognize and reward women in Ghana and across the globe who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in various forms of endeavor across both the public and private sectors, such as entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate executives, diplomats among others. The Business Executive, organizers of the longest-running annual awards scheme for outstanding conduct and performance among women in Ghana, is a Pan-African media organization and events firm with a track record of successfully organizing awards schemes, international summits and other corporate events across the globe. The 2023 edition of the awards was held on the theme, Empowering Women to Drive Ghanas Economic Recovery. Other notable awardees included ace broadcaster, Gifty Anti of the Standpoint; Marina Lamptey of the GIPC, Gifty Tetteh, CEO, Africa Women in Energy; Gladys Nana Akua Cobbina, Founder - Glendycob Enterprise; Mrs Adelaide Siaw Agyepong, CEO, American International School. All the award winners have been admitted to the prestigious Feminine Hall of Fame, which is the top most connective female network platform in Ghana. 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 Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia took a giant step towards becoming the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections when he won over 68% of votes in the party's Super Delegates Conference held on August 26. The Vice President has a final contest with four other aspirants in November when over 200,000 voters elect a successor for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as flagbearer. Reacting to Bawumia's victory, aide to former president John Dramani Mahama, Stan Dogbe observed that Bawumia failed to make the 70% projection that his team had touted before the vote. "More than 30% of NPP super delegates reject VP Bawumia; do not think hes the best to represent the NPP in 2024," Dogbe tweeted. His views are echoed by some Members of Parliament like Clement Apaak who tweeted that Bawumia failed to hit 70% despite the advantages he wielded as senior political office holder. "So with all the money, freebies and machinations, the Lying One, the establishment candidate, couldn't even garner 69% mpo. Hon. Kyei, Annor and Co were all over the place saying he would get kominini?" he tweeted on August 26. Outcome of August 26 primary: At the end of the August 26 super delegates conference of the NPP, official results showed a big victory for Vice President Dr Bawumia, over nine other contenders, ahead of the main primary in November. He polled 629 votes, coming first, Kennedy Agyapong garnered 132, placing second, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen polled 95 of the votes, placing third, and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto had 36 votes, placing fourth. Mr Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai Nimoh had nine votes each, thus tying at the fifth position. The rest were Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; Six, Joe Ghartey, Four, Kwadwo Poku, three, and Kofi Konadu Apraku zero. There were a total of 923 valid votes cast. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video It has emerged that Former President John Agyekum Kufuor may not have taken part in the just-ended Super Delegates Conference of the governing party. He was expected to vote at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Headquarters as a former President and card-bearing member in good standing but at the close of polls the man nicknamed the Gentle Giant did not show up in person Reasons have not been ascribed to his failure to show up in person to vote was as a result of the fact the party had made room for proxy voting which some delegates utilized as in the case in point Kwabena Agyapong voting proxy for Otiko Afisa Djaba, former National Women Organiser of the party. The Election Committee of the NPP and the former Presidents office are yet to communicate what might have accounted for President Kufuors absence from the elections. The party headquarters where the former leader was to vote had 204 delegates on the register made up of founder fathers of the party and card bearing minister of state and other highly placed party members in good standing. At the end of polls, only 176 of eligible voters cast ballots. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious sweeping more than 80% of the total votes cast. Mr. John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen polled 25 votes, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia 107, Kennedy Agyapong 32, Boakye Agyarko 0 and Francis Addai Nimo had 6 votes. 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 Brutalising opponents in an election has no place in modern society, especially among members of the same party, former President John Mahama has said while condemning the violence that characterised the special delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party on Saturday, 26 August 2023. During the internal election, the North East regional coordinator for the Alan Kyerematen campaign team suffered untempered violence. Ali Zakaria was brutally attacked and left hospitalised. The assault occurred after Ali Zakaria questioned voters publicly displaying their ballot papers to other delegates. He recounted being outnumbered and caught off guard, becoming the target of aggressive individuals. The attack reportedly came from supporters of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. In a separate incident, another flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, alleged that his agent had been chased out of the voting centre. A video circulating online captured the Assin Central MP vowing to confront both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia over the issue. "President Akufo-Addo, I will give you a showdown in this country. I swear to God". "Vice President, I will give you a showdown for chasing my agent away. I swear to God". "You will hear what will happen here", he hinted. "I swear to God, I will challenge President Akufo-Addo big time", Mr Agyapong swore. Commenting on the reported violence, Mr Mahama X-ed: "Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019 and the murder of 8 innocent citizens in 2020 remain a stain on the legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo and Mahamudu Bawumia". Mr Mahama siad: "Violence has become the new normal for the NPP. Acts of violence during what should be a peaceful civic exercise must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. More so, in an internal contest involving [people] who belong to the same party". Source: class fm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A contestant in Saturday's NPP Special Delegates Conference, Kwabena Adjei Agyepong has slammed the attempts by some aspirants to undermine the outcome of the election. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged winner of the election, polling 629 out of 961, while Kwabena Agyepong failed to make it into the top 5. However, speaking in an interview with Joy News, Kwabena Agyepong accepted the outcome of the election as the will of delegates. Some of the aspirants have been trying to undermine the process by alleging intimidation and vote buying but Kwabena Agyepong disagreed, insisting that the process was generally free and delegates freely expressed their will without coercion. "I am happy with the way the election itself was conducted and kudos to the election committee," he said. "So far, all the reports, apart from one or two places that there were some physical altercation which were unnecessary, I think it was a simple walk-in process; no gatherings, no addresses; just walk in and vote and express your opinion." "I don't believe in looking for excuses because at the end of the day, everybody went and voted for the person they favoured. Nobody held anybody's thumb. Whether they were influenced or were given money is neither here nor there. I don't like that. When we have an election, we should accept the results and move on." He urged those finding excuses to refrain from it and similarly accept their outcome. "I am disappointed I couldn't make the cut but I accept the result. The party, the delegates have decided. And as someone who believes in majority rule, that's it. You have to respect the decision of the majority," he said. 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 A Haiti Gang opened fire and killed at least seven people during a church-led protest in a suburb of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday. The director of the human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere, Marie Yolene Gilles, said that a Christian church leader gathered hundreds of people. They allegedly marched in Canaan, a northern suburb of the capital, and rallied against gang violence. Haiti Gang Shooting Then, a local gang opened fire at the crowd using machine guns that they brought with them. Additionally, Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights director Gedeon Jean said that the number of fatalities is likely higher because of the number of parishioners who attended the march. Jean noted that a double responsibility is to be established because of the horrific incident. The first is the pastor who took the innocent people to the butchery, and the second is the judicial and police authorities who could not prevent the killings, as per CNN. There was also an unknown number of people injured because of the gang's attack, and Jean said they believe there were as many as ten others who were kidnapped amid the chaos. Video footage of the incident shared on social media showed a crowd marching down the street, many of whom were wearing yellow shirts associated with the religious group. A local human rights group also shared a video that showed bloody bodies covering the ground as they wore the religious group's logo. Other footage on social media platforms showed similar gruesome scenes of the streets of Haiti. Read Also: Putin's Chef Cooked for Real: Russian Authorities Confirm Yevgeny Prigozhin's Death Extreme Violence The Canaan area is controlled by a gang led by a man who identified himself only as "Jeff" and is believed to be allied with the "5 Seconds" gang. In Haiti, gangs have grown even more powerful following the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. According to Yahoo News, the groups are estimated to have control over more than 80% of Port-au-Prince. More than 2,400 people in the country were reportedly killed from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15, while another 950 were kidnapped and 902 were injured. Angry and fed up with the surge in gang violence, residents organized a violent movement last April, known as "bwa kale." The movement targets suspected gang members, and since the uprising, more than 350 people have been killed, the United Nations said. The Haitian government in October requested the immediate deployment of a foreign armed force to help suppress gang violence in the country. On the other hand, the Kenyan government offered to lead a multinational force, and a delegation of top officials from the eastern African country recently traveled to Haiti as part of a reconnaissance mission. The situation comes after the UN decried the "extreme brutality" unfolding in Haiti last week as it released new statistics regarding the ongoing violence in the region. The situation in the nation is a result of a variety of factors, including political and economic instability, said Aljazeera. Related Article: Emmerson Mnangagwa Wins Second Term in Zimbabwe Elections @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Deputy Minister of Finance Abena Osei Asare says President Akufo Addos proclamation that Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen will be the next leader after him will be fulfilled on November 4, 2023. In our party ,there is historic antecedent,that when the leader blesses you as the next leader it comes to pass. Former President Kuffuor, told Akufo-Addo to be patient because after him he will be the next leader ,and indeed it came to pass because we reward long service. "President Akufo-Addo also told Alan to continue serving in the party that after him he(Alan) is the next to lead. So on November 4, that is what we delegates are going to stand on to vote for Alan Kyerematen, Abena Osei Asare who doubles as Member of Parliament for Atewa East told Journalists in Koforidua. Alan Kyerematens poor performance in August 26, 2023 super delegates conference placing third position after Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has triggered conversation by some political analysts downplaying his chances of becoming next flagbearer of the NPP. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged top position out of the ten candidates with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote. Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%. Addai Nimo and Boakye Agyarko will go for rerun on September 2,2023 after a tie of 9 votes each for the winner to join the top four for the November 4,2023 national delegates conference. However according to the Deputy Finance Minister, the results of the super delegates election is not reflective of sentiment of the grassroot of the party calling on Alan Kyerematen to lead the party since it was few privileged electoral college. What majority of members of the party are saying is that, this is just like justify your inclusion. The Over 200,000 delegates clamouring for Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen are eager for this process to end for the real deal. The grassroot are those crying for Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen to lead the party. Source: starrfm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minority in parliament has rejected the Police proposed route for the Bank of Ghana picketing on September 5. In a letter to the Greater Accra regional police command, COP Dr. Sayibu Pabi Gariba, the Minority leader Cassiel Ato Forson said the proposal in the Police 23rd August, 2023 letter "was not an option discussed with us when my delegation met with you." "Your attempt to deny us an opportunity to terminate our #OccupyBoG protest at the Headquarters of the Bank of Ghana on the pretext that it is a 'security zone' is untenable, troubling and unwholesome for the Ghana Police Service's motto of Service with Integrity," part of the letter said. "How is the Bank of Ghana Headquarters designated by the Police as a security zone and the Cedi House, another Bank of Ghana edifice that the Police proposed that we march through not a security zone? I do not want to believe that you are citing or hiding behind "security zone" to thwart our planned protest and for the Poiice to shirk its constitutional duty of providing security for persons who desire to publicly manifest their revulsion and abhorrence at the central bank's reckless managemerit," it added. The NDC at a press conference dubbed the "Moment of Truth" on August 8, 2023, called for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, over alleged mismanagement of the nations central bank. The party threatened to occupy the central bank if the governor and his team refused to vacate their positions after the 21-day ultimatum. In this regard, we call for the resignation of the Governor of the central bank and his deputies within 21 days from today," it said. The call comes after the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Bank of Ghana (BOG) revealed that the BoG had recorded a loss of GH60.8 billion, which is equivalent to $6 billion and recorded negative equity of over GH55.1 billion. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has however justified the construction of a new headquarters, insisting that its current head office, built in the 1960s, is no longer fit for purpose. Read attached the Minority's full statement Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Hon. Alex Segbefia, Director of International Rations of the National Democratic Congress has applauded the SA NDC Chapter for their monumental contributions, outperforming their peers across the world. In my capacity as the Director of International Relations of the NDC, "I deal with over 30 or 40 countries and South Africa stands tall. What they have been able to achieve in this short space of time is commendable", averred Mr. Segbefia He made these remarks when the SA NDC Women's Wing donated assorted food items to the Eye of the Lord Orphanage on Sunday, August, 27, 2023 at Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency of the Eastern Region According to Mr. Segbefia, the idea to support an orphanage run by a visually impaired person is very remarkable. "We're in an orphanage, headed by someone who is visually impaired, ironic... That people who don't have parents are being looked after by somebody who is visually impaired and people in South Africa decided that they would come to honour the orphanage. It's a true spirit of what Ghanaians are", he stated and added, "It's a true reflection of what God can do", an emotional NDC Director of International Relations stated. According to him, it's very instructive the name of the orphanage is the "Eye of the Lord", ".... for someone who doesn't see and has decided to let children who don't have parents see for him. I was actually quite touched that this was the choice South Africa decided to come and make a donation to", he solemnly stated. Mr. Alex Segbefia took the opportunity to thank the NDC South African Chapter especially the Women's Wing in particular for the honour done the orphanage. "What you've done is in order and very commendable", but was quick to add that what happened at the NPP's Super Delegates' Conference signals that some people don't have the interest of Ghana at heart. He also thanked the Chairman, Mohammed Bukari, Prof DK Maduku Vice chairman, Nuhu Baba Andani, General Secretary, Mrs Wilbertina Bah-Buxton Women Organizer, Mr David Ntakpe, Acting Organizer, Mr Martin Adeku Treasurer, Mr Benjamin Djan, youth Organizer, Mr Fred Ananie Norgbey, Communication Director for their contributions in making SA NDC Chapter stand out amongst the rest. "Change is coming, but it would not come easy. So, everybody should brace themselves for what is to come", he ended. 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: An archaeologist at the 3,000-year-old tomb discovered in August 2023 in Pacopampa, Peru. A group of Japanese and Peruvian archaeologists have discovered the 3,000-year-old tomb of a priest alongside ceramic offerings in northern Peru. "We have recently discovered the tomb of a 3,000-year-old figure at the Pacopampa archaeological site," in the Cajamarca region, 900 kilometers (560 miles) north of Lima, archaeologist Juan Pablo Villanueva told AFP on Saturday. "He is one of the first priests in the Andes to have a series of offerings," the researcher said, adding that "the funerary context is intact." The body, its lower extremities partially flexed, was oriented from south to north. On the western side of the tomb were small spherical ceramic bowls, a carved bone spatula and other offerings. Two seals were also found, one with designs of an anthropomorphic face and the other with that of a jaguar. The body and the offerings were covered by at least six layers of ash and earth. The tomb is circular, three meters in diameter and one meter deep (10 feet by 3.3 feet). Powerful leaders "The find is extremely important because he is one of the first priests to begin to control the temples in the country's northern Andes," Japanese archaeologist Yuji Seki, who has been working at the site for 18 years, told AFP. Researchers estimate that the priest lived around 1,000 BC. Seki said the find helped demonstrate that even that long ago, "powerful leaders had appeared in the Andes." In September 2022, the same group of archaeologists had discovered the tomb, more than 3,000 years old, of a man they called the "Priest of the Pututos," along with musical instruments made of seashells. Pututos or pututus are conch-like shells that the inhabitants of ancient Peru could use to make trumpet-like sounds. The Pacopampa site, at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), includes nine monumental ceremonial buildings of carved and polished stone. Other burials found in the same site include those of the "Lady of Pacopampa," found in 2009, and of two "Jaguar Serpent priests," discovered in 2015. They are estimated to date from around 700 to 600 years BC. Archaeologists from the National Museum of Ethnology in Japan and from Peru's National University of San Marcos participate in the work in Pacopampa. 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: California Spotted Owl in Sequoia National Park. Credit: Connor Wood, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. For the first time, researchers have estimated the spotted owl population across the entire Sierra Nevada ecosystem. The analysis, which was led by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, suggests that there are 2,218 to 2,328 adult owls on federally managed lands. This research is published in the journal Ecological Indicators. The Sierra Nevada is the home of the California Spotted Owl, one of three subspecies of spotted owl, and the only one that does not yet have federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. That is likely to change soon, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated in February that the Sierra Nevada population is likely to be listed as "threatened." According to Connor Wood, a Cornell Lab researcher who contributed to this analysis, getting a range-wide baseline estimate of the population will be critical for conservation. "For years the spotted owl conservation community has wanted to understand what's happening with the owl across broad areas, and we've finally been able to provide an answer," Wood said. The researchers drew on an array of over 1,600 autonomous recording units deployed across 24,000 km2. The key innovation that enabled the population estimate was figuring out how to combine data from hundreds of thousands of hours of acoustic data processed with cutting edge machine learning tools and conventional owl survey data from much smaller areas in which crews locate owls at night by imitating owl calls. The ecological complexity of the Sierra Nevada and its rapid pace of change makes the broad scale of this survey particularly important. "As the landscape of the Sierra Nevada changes due to drought, fire, and rising temperatures, this baseline will help us understand how each of those factors and more are affecting this iconic species," said Kate McGinn, a University of Wisconsin researcher who contributed to the analysis. More information: Kevin G. Kelly et al, Estimating population size for California spotted owls and barred owls across the Sierra Nevada ecosystem with bioacoustics, Ecological Indicators (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110851 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: Light-evoked malemale courtship behavior in Drosophila. (a) Schematic drawing of the behavioral arena, LED strip lighting and webcam configuration. Eight males were loaded into each of the four circular behavioral arenas (regions of interest, ROIs). An LED strip surrounding the arenas illuminated fly behavior with minimal shadowing, and a webcam above recorded activity. (b) Intense light triggers malemale courtship behaviors including chase (left, orange track chasing cyan track), as well as chain and wing extensions (right). (c) In a modified arena equipped with a microphone, intense light triggered pulse and sine songs among male flies, resembling qualitatively songs recorded during malefemale courtship. (d) Quantification of light-induced malemale courtship behaviors. Eight males were subjected to a two-min low-light intensity period, followed by a two-min high-intensity light, and a two-min low-light recovery period. For each successive time bin (10 s), the presence or absence of respective behaviors was scored (1 or 0). Data points presented show the average score pooling from 12 ROIs for the various behaviors. Error bars indicate SEM. (e) Total scores in (d) are summed over 2-min periods and shown with SEM and ROIs. One-way ANOVA, Bonferroni-corrected t-test post hoc was applied for comparisons between first low-light and high-light, as well as between high-light and the second low-light. Credit: Open Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220233 A recent study published in Open Biology reports that exposure to intense light almost instantly provokes courtship behavior in male fruit flies (Drosophila). Surprisingly, the researchers observed both male-male and male-female courtship behavior under these conditions. While male-male courtship behavior among fruit flies is not a new discovery, the findings of this study suggest that intense light exposure specifically precipitates it. A research team including members from the Department of Biology and the Iowa Neuroscience Institute at the University of Iowa and from the Department of Biological Sciences at University of Alabama made this discovery while observing the general behavior of male fruit flies in intensely-lit test arenas. Earlier studies have found that internal drive, previous experiences, and sensory input from external sourcesincluding gustatory, olfactory, visual, and mechanosensory signalsall factor into male courtship behavior toward receptive females in Drosophila melanogaster. Male flies typically make a show of chasing, licking, extending their wings, and using them to produce courtship "songs" before ultimately mounting the targeted females. Similar male-male courtship behavior has appeared among mutant flies in previous research involving manipulation of specific genes, but this new study began with observations of wild-type Drosophila melanogaster from two different strains. Initial experiments on wild-type flies Using arenas specially equipped with adjustable LED lighting, microphones, webcams, and a fly tracking system, the team ran multiple experiments to observe the flies' behavior. Beginning with flies in male-only groups, the researchers measured their activity under varying light intensities, beginning with an exposure time of two minutes at 0.4 kilolux (abbreviation: klx, which approximates a normal room lighting level), then increasing to 18 klx for another two minutes, and then another two minutes at 0.4 klx. To test the effects of non-LED light sources, they also ran similar tests using incandescent light at a peak intensity of 25 klx and sunlight at a peak of 90 klx. Among the notable results in experiments across the light sources, flies from both strains began their courting attempts within seconds after the light came on, and their activity heightened considerably during exposure to the brightest light levels. In each strain of flies, the researchers observed wing extension, chasing, and also "chaining" behaviorin which the flies formed a linepreviously only seen among mutants in other studies. The flies also produced male-male courtship songs with features similar to those of songs produced during male-female courtship. The research notes a relationship between song production and wing extension induced by light. The researchers additionally tested whether high-intensity light exposure would unleash similar courtship behaviors in mixed-gender groups, and their results were similar to those observed in male-only groups. Visual mutation After running tests on the wild-type flies, the team sought to understand how different sensory systems might be involved in light-triggered male-male courtship, and looked at flies with a range of mutations. Among completely blind mutants exposed to intense light, they noted no courtship activity. Visually impaired (but not completely blind) mutants missing the R 7 central photoreceptor for UV light also failed to exhibit male-male courtship under intense light. Males with certain mutations of the white gene, lacking visual screening pigments (a condition that leads to increased light sensitivity but degraded image processing ability), displayed locomotion in the test arena but did not specifically court other males. Similarly, the team observed decreased male-male courtship behavior by eye-color mutants with bright orange eyes and white eyes. Auditory and mechanosensory cue manipulation In contrast, the research highlights that alterations to auditory and mechanosensory cues in the form of wing cuts did not change the affected flies' ability to produce courtship song, and they were able to participate in chasing and chaining. Even flies with a single wing were able to achieve wing extension frequency close to that of wild-type flies. Olfactory mutation Mutant male flies with diminished and completely absent olfactory abilities provided particularly surprising results. At lower light levels, their male-male courtship behaviors measured higher than those of wild-type malesso high in flies of diminished olfactory ability, in fact, that any behavioral increases they might have shown could not be measured during intense light exposure. Those who were completely smell-blind exhibited milder increases during low-light exposure, and thus the team was able to measure increases in their activities during peak light intensity periods. When the team examined male-female courtship behaviors among smell-blind and smell-diminished males, they found similar results. Overall, the research suggests that exposure to intense light heightens courtship behavior of male fruit flies toward both females and other males, but does not switch their sex preference. Furthermore, the findings also indicate that unimpaired visual processing is likely critical to intensified courtship behavior under high light levels, and that further examination of the role of olfactory processing in the courtship behavior of male Drosophila may provide a broader understanding of this topic. More information: Atsushi Ueda et al, Intense light unleashes malemale courtship behaviour in wild-type Drosophila, Open Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220233 Journal information: Open Biology 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: MCM 8/9 DNA structure. Credit: Baylor University Scientific research requires patience. The rewards are not always immediate, and the technology needed does not always exist. Michael A. Trakselis, Ph.D., professor and director of graduate affairs for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Baylor University, understands this. For 15 years, Trakselis has been interested in the MCM8/9 enzyme. Part of the minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM) family, MCM8/9 is directly linked to ovarian insufficiency, infertility and cancers including ovarian, testicular and colon cancers, yet little is known about how this enzyme works and its connection to disease. There was no understanding of the relationship between the structure and function of the enzyme. The researchActivity, substrate preference, and structure of HsMCM8/9 helicasewas published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. With this new information, researchers in the Trakselis Laboratory and elsewhere have a roadmap to better understand the function of this enzyme complex and how mutations may be connected to disease. "Mutations in MCM8 or MCM9 can cause infertility and cancer; yet, we don't know why we get certain diseases when there are mutations in this protein," Trakselis said. "Having the structure might help us figure out some of that." Before that could happen, Trakselis had to overcome two barriers: technology and a stable protein solution needed to conduct the research. Until recently, the technology needed to understand MCM8/9 was not readily available. The Single-particle cryo-Transmission Electron Microscope (cryo-EM) is a highly sensitive and expensive microscope that has only been available for use for about eight years. Computer generated model of MCM8/9 enzyme. Credit: Baylor University "It's a massive instrument, but it works to image really tiny things," Trakselis said. The cryo-EM helps visualize and solve what the structure looks like by shooting electron beams into the material. "Based on how the beams are reflected or refracted, you can start to build a structure." On this research, collaborating with researchers from Rice University and the University of Texas Health Science System in Houston, Dr. Trakselis was able access a cryo-EM. The next barrier was creating a stable and pure protein solution. An impure or unstable sample would prevent the cryo-EM from revealing any precise structural information on the MCM8/9 complex. Trakselis and his team tried several approaches to expressing and purifying various constructs of MCM8/9, but they were of low purity and solubility. After much trial and error, the team ultimately tried insect cells for expression of this human protein, which finally resulted in stable pure protein that allowed cryo-EM imaging of the MCM8/9 complex. With the barriers removed, Trakselis and his team were able to unravel the structure of MCM8/9 bound to its substrate product, ADP. For Trakselis this is only the beginning. There are more questions to be answered. "We described the basic structure-function relationship, but we don't know what it does in the cellular level and in what context," Trakselis said. More information: David R McKinzey et al, Activity, substrate preference and structure of the HsMCM8/9 helicase, Nucleic Acids Research (2023). DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad508 Journal information: Nucleic Acids Research This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The UK's brightest pupils' chances of getting top GCSE grades are actually lower in grammar schools than in comprehensives, according to a major new piece of research. The study, which was based on test results and other information from all pupils in England, challenges the common belief that high achievers do better in more academic schools. Findings, published in Educational Review, demonstrate those with the highest scores at age 11 were less likely to achieve five top GCSE grades if they went to grammar school than if they attended a comprehensive, once other background factors were taken into account. Lead author Dr. Binwei Lu, a member of Durham University Evidence Centre for Education, and now an assistant professor at Zhejiang University in China, says the results show "no evidence of a superior academic effect of selective systems on pupils' academic outcomes." "While the general results for the effects of the two systems reveal neither system to be superior, an internal pattern implies negative results from the selective system, from which both high-performing and low-performing pupils may suffer." Overall, the results show little difference in GCSE pass rates between areas with grammar schools and areas which were non-selective. The paper concludes that expansion of England's 163 grammar schools would be expensive and unwise, given the lack of evidence that it would raise standards. The team, which also included Dr. Jake Anders, from the UCL Institute of Education in London, as well as Professor Nadia Siddiqui, and Dr. Xin Shao from Durham University, looked at data on almost 500,000 pupils who attended state schools in England and who took GCSEs in 2016. In addition to their SATS test scores at age 11, it took into account social background, ethnicity, special educational needs, gender and the month in which they were born, all of which can affect exam performance. It found grammar school pupils had about 90 percent of the odds of achieving five A or A* grades compared with those in non-selective areas. This remained the case when the sample was restricted to those with high scores at age 11 and was also true for those who attended non-selective schools in selective areas. Since 2016 the grading system has changed and this now equates to grades 9, 8 and 7. The research also looked at how selective and non-selective areas fared in getting pupils five GCSEs at grades A*-C (now grades 9-4), and found no difference between selective and non-selective areas. While there was a slight positive effect for those attending grammar school, there was an equivalent negative effect for pupils in non-selective schools in those areas. The researchers concluded that, contrary to popular belief, educational selection was detrimental to high performers. They suggested three possible reasons: The 'big fish little pond effect'pupils in selective schools might see themselves as less able in comparison to their classmates, and this might be demotivating. The stress of a competitive system might have a negative effect on performance. There might be wider issues which the research could not identify: for example, high performance in London, which does not have many grammar schools, could pull up the average for non-selective systems. Meanwhile, they said, there is a risk that pupils who do not get into grammar school suffer from a lack of role models, a sense of failure and a higher concentration of disadvantaged pupils in their non-selective schools. Co-author Dr. Shao, says any further expansion of grammar schools would be likely to disadvantage the able pupils they were designed to help. "Our study adds to the evidence that the expansion of grammar schools and the selective system is unlikely to raise national academic standards," she explains. "The costs of reorganizing our education system to have more selection would be high, and there are much more important priorities for investment to support equalizing opportunities for those regardless of their family background: expanding the selective system would not be a wise decision." Limitations of the research include the linear and logistic regression model used. The authors recommend that future studies add a regional element to this new analysis to "further explore the 'London effect' in the effectiveness of selective schooling." More information: Binwei Lu et al, How do academic selection systems affect pupils' educational attainment? New evidence from an analysis of large-scale data on England, Educational Review (2023). DOI: 10.1080/00131911.2023.2240977. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/1 0131911.2023.2240977 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 ancient craft of goldbeating enters the nanoscale where gold nanoparticles as tiny as ~18 nanometers are compressed into ultra-thin 2D sheets. Credit: University of South Florida Goldbeating, an age-old craft pioneered by ancient Egyptian artisans more than five millennia ago, involves the meticulous thinning of bulk gold into gossamer-like leaves. Throughout history, this intricate process has adorned various masterpieces, such as the tombs of Thebes and Saqqara, and has cemented its place in art and adornments across cultures. Today, nanoscale gold is used not only for decorating fancy desserts, but is indispensable for modern applications ranging from microelectronics to nanomedicine. Bridging the gap between ancient arts and modern technology, researchers from the University of South Florida, Clemson University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have discovered that even nanoscopic gold ingots can be compressed into 2D leaf forms, replicating the ancient process of goldbeating, but at the nanoscale. "We were intrigued by the idea of borrowing ancient craft for modern nanomanufacturing processes," said researcher Michael Cai Wang, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at USF. "The ability to fabricate 2D thin films from nanoparticles opens up new frontiers in nanotechnology and materials science, as we further pursue green ways to engineer gold at USF." The researchers' recently published article in PNAS Nexus, "Nanoscale Goldbeating: Solid-State Transformation of 0D and 1D Gold Nanoparticles to Anisotropic 2D Morphologies," explores and offers insights into the world of nanoscale metallic deformation and 2D leaf formation. The understanding gained from this study can lead to the development of a broad palette of nanocrystals and nanometals, paving the way for exciting future applications in renewable energy, quantum computing, and nanomedicine. Mechanical Engineering doctoral students Md Rubayat-E Tanjil and Zhewen Yin working in the NanoMechanics, NanoMaterials, NanoManufacturing Laboratory (NM3L) of Assistant Professor Michael Cai Wang. Credit: Ryan Wakefield "The inception of this solid-state 2D transformation technique is merely the starting point. Its versatility extends beyond gold, making it applicable to a diverse array of materials," said Md Rubayat-E Tanjil, a USF doctoral candidate in Mechanical Engineering and a first author on this paper. "As we share our findings with the scientific community, we eagerly anticipate advancing our understanding of nanoscale metallic deformation and unveiling new science." The study revealed that the induced 2D morphologies of the gold leaves were dependent on various factors, including the precursor nanoparticles' original shape, size, and ordering before their compression. Because of the malleability of gold, this nanomanufacturing technique has the potential to precisely control the 2D gold leaf's shape, lateral size, and thickness, opening up new avenues in diverse applications. "The effort we put in towards achieving uniform large-area compression of nanocrystals paid off in the end," said Keegan Suero, a Mechanical Engineering junior and USF S-STEM Scholar who has been working in Wang's lab throughout his undergraduate studies. "I am thrilled to be a part of this remarkable endeavor, and, of course, there is a wealth of science yet to be unearthed." With the convergence of ancient artistry and nanotechnology, this study not only expands our understanding of nanoscale materials but also showcases the timeless appeal of gold and its significance in shaping our past, present, and future. More information: Md Rubayat-E Tanjil et al, Nanoscale goldbeating: Solid-state transformation of 0D and 1D gold nanoparticles to anisotropic 2D morphologies, PNAS Nexus (2023). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad267 Journal information: PNAS Nexus This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A monarch butterfly as seen on Northeasterns Boston campus. Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University The monarch butterfly is one of the most widely recognized and admired creatures native to North America. The iconic critter, identified by its vibrant, sunset orange color and speckles of white dotting its black borders, has suffered significant population loss in recent decades. Last year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the monarch butterfly as endangered. But the U.S. has yet to do the same, and many states that harbor the migratory insect don't list it as a species in need of conservation, according to new Northeastern research. "What's unique about the monarchs is their conservation needs are really about their migratory behavior, and because they are susceptible to a wide range of stressors that affect populations," Damon Hall, an associate professor of marine and environmental sciences in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, who co-authored the study published in the Conservation Letters, says. Hall and his colleagues analyzed state wildlife agencies' efforts to conserve the monarch butterfly. In lieu of federal lawsthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that monarchs warrant an "endangered species" listing, but hasn't listed them due to "lack of agency resources," the study saysit's up to the individual states and their wildlife agencies to enshrine species protections. As part of those protections, states are tasked with identifying "species of greatest conservation need." Based on an analysis of all available state wildlife action plans, which each state submits to the federal government as part of a broader conservation effort, the study notes that 15 states that play host to "critical monarch migration corridors" don't list the monarch butterfly as a species of conservation need. Ten of these states have critical monarch breeding habitat, the study says. Critical to conserving the monarch butterfly is the protection of its food source: the milkweed plant, the availability of which has been diminished as a result of urbanization and agricultural intensification, the study says. As a result, states have focused on propagating milkweed plants to sustain monarch butterfly populations. But seven states had no references to monarch butterflies or milkweed in their action plans; five of themIndiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico"host the monarch butterfly as part of the eastern or western migration populations." States, on the other hand, with frequent monarch and milkweed mentions in their plans and strong conservation programs include Arkansas, Idaho, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island and Texas. "This limited attention in critical areas of monarch flyways is troubling," the study notes. The monarch butterfly is known to seasonally migrate some 2,500 miles to avoid the cold climates during the winter. Using air currents and thermals, millions of the insects travel from as far north as Canada to locales in Southern California, Texas and Mexico, where they overwinter. "They have a couple of breeding cycles they go through as they migrate throughout the continent, and the habitat that supports them throughout those stops are very important," Hall says. Rather than point fingers at states, Hall notes that the inconsistencies in the different state approaches run counter to the broader effortnational and internationalto conserve the species. "What was telling was when there would be a state that had zero mentions of monarchs or zero mentions of milkweedand they're located in critical breeding areas or migratory habitat," Hall says. "That's problematic." As part of the study, Hall and his team inquired into the federal government's decision to hold off on listing the monarch butterfly as endangered. Among the rationale, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited "higher-priority listing actions." "What we heard from some of the folks within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is that there were a number of interstate coordination activities occurring around that time, and so they wanted to see how those efforts were going to go first before throwing the full weight of their biologists and the money to begin the process of listing," he says. A pollinator, the monarch butterfly, while not as ecologically important as the endangered bee, carries considerable "cultural" significance, Hall says. Although the western population showed some rebound last year, the monarch butterfly saw a decline of 91% since 1996. "Also their migratory behavior is really unique, and so there is a kind of charismatic value," Hall says. "There are many ways to articulate the value of nature, and one of those is the cultural value of it." "The iconic monarch is often the only butterfly people can identify," Hall adds. More information: Katie M. Harris et al, Who cares about monarch butterflies? Comparing US State Wildlife Action Plans 20152025, Conservation Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1111/conl.12976 Journal information: Conservation Letters The US Air Force now wants to build thousands of AI-powered Valkyrie aircraft. To do this, the military service branch requested a multibillion-dollar budget from the US government. US Air Force to Build Thousands of AI-Powered Valkyrie Jets! According to Business Insider's latest report, the USAF wants to build between 1,000 to 2,000 unmanned defense aircraft XQ-58A Valkyrie units. The budget requests of the defense department, which the US Congress hasn't approved yet, estimate that the overall cost of these advanced AI-powered fighter jets could reach $5.8 billion. This multibillion-dollar budget would be used for production expenses over five years to build the AI-powered aircraft fleet. Analysts said each Valkyrie aircraft could cost between $3 and $25 million. This may look expensive, but cheaper than constructing manned fighter jets. USAF explained that the AI-powered Valkyrie fleet will be a part of its "Next Generation of Air Dominance" program, the department's 6th-generation air superiority initiative. This defense project already garnered widespread military support. If the US Congress doesn't approve the entire $5.8 billion budget, there's a chance that USAF will receive sponsorships from partners and supporters. Read Also: US Agrees To Train Ukraine's F-16 Pilots as Norway Becomes Latest To Supply Jets to Kyiv Why USAF Wants Thousands of Valkyrie Jets? The X-58A Valkyrie aircraft is designed to be an unmanned fighter jet for scenarios where manned defense planes have a hard time. It acts as a robotic wingman, providing cover and efficient maneuvering around areas where human pilots could have extreme difficulties. Aside from this, the National Museum of the United States Air Force explained that Valkyries no longer need expensive runways. Instead, it is launched with rocket assist from a launcher/transport trailer. When it lands, the AI-powered jet will use parachutes and airbags to cushion its impact. USAF's XQ-58A also addresses attrition tolerance, maintenance, and cost issues. However, some human rights advocates are concerned that these unmanned war jets could negatively affect humanity. XQ-58A Valkyrie Creates Concerns Human rights advocates against AI-powered fighter jets claim that the Valkyrie aircraft could lead to a "Terminator"-like dystopian future. Mary Wareman, the Human Rights Watch's arms division advocacy director, said that allowing computer sensors to kill humans instead of real people crosses a moral line. The non-profit Future of Life Institute and other AI-weapons critics argued that these "slaughterbots" could increase threats of rapid conflict escalation and unpredictability. Related Article: US Navy Wants Lockheed Martin's Helmet-Mounted Displays; How Will These Help F-35 Fighter Jet Pilots? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce 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: Through the facile electrochemical method, copper nanowire assemblies were fabricated that combine photothermal, heat-conducting, and superhydrophobic properties to achieve highly efficient de-icing and defrosting. Credit: By Siyan Yang, Qixun Li, Bingang Du, Yushan Ying, Yijun Zeng, Yuankai Jin, Xuezhi Qin, Shouwei Gao, Steven Wang, Zuankai Wang, Rongfu Wen and Xuehu Ma. Scientists at Dalian University of Technology propose a design of copper nanowire assemblies that can sufficiently enhance the de-icing and defrosting efficiency without conventional energy input. Specifically, the defrosting efficacy approaches 100%, a record-high value compared to reported studies. The research, published in International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, shows a simple electrochemical method for fabricating nanowire assemblies with controlled pattern, hierarchy, and size. This enables the simultaneous presentation of photothermal, thermal conductive, and superhydrophobic properties, which are otherwise impossible for conventional surfaces. The photothermal property ensures the efficient sunlight absorption, the thermal conductive property endows the fast lateral heat conduction after sunlight absorption, while the superhydrophobic property propels the sliding or rolling away of ice/frost upon melting from the surface, with the defrosting higher than the previously reported. Ice and frost buildup continuously pose significant challenges across various fields, ranging from cryogenic freezing of nanoscale cells to flight of macroscale aircraft. "Traditional de-icing/defrosting solutions mainly rely on mechanical, thermal, and chemical approaches, yet, all of which are either energy-intensive, labor-intensive, or environmentally unfriendly. Additionally, some of these active approaches required direct contact with the material surface, posing risks to delicate coatings. To achieve energy-saving and eco-friendly deicing/defrosting without compromising the surface functionality, most efforts have shifted towards passive approaches via surface modifications," said Siyan Yangthe first author of the paper, who is now a Postdoc at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Recent interest has centered on photothermal surfaces with superhydrophobicity capable of being heated by sunlight, a green energy source abundant on the earth. However, most surfaces suffer from localized and uneven heating due to the inferior thermal conductivity. Thus, further assembling these surface properties with thermally conductive materials, especially metals, holds great potential for de-icing and defrosting, which, yet, remains largely unexplored. "To address the above issues, we develop a facile fabrication approach to produce controllable copper nanowire assemblies. We found the morphology, height and scale of the assemblies can be well tuned by adjusting the electrochemical parameters. Through wettability and photothermal tests, we found that most of nanowire assemblies can be treated [as] superhydrophobic, with a sunlight absorption rate larger than 95%. Because of the high conductivity of copper materials, nanowire assemblies, especially the design with upright nanowires and an average microgroove width of 2-3 m, enable superior de-icing and defrosting performances," said Qixun Li (Ph.D student, now at Dalian University of Technology), the first co-author of the paper. This innovative design can lead to 2-3 times shorter in overall defrosting durations than other three nanostructured surfaces merely with superhydrophobicity, photothermal effect, or a combination thereof. Impressively, this design achieves the highest defrosting efficiency (~100%) compared to previous works. "In principle, infusing the easy fabrication, high controllability, and diversity in morphology, the design of nanowire assemblies is promising in broad de-icing and defrosting applications that remove the need for traditional energy input. However, the durability, scalability, and chemical stability of the nanowire assemblies are limited in practical applications involving complex working conditions. It is necessary to develop more general micro/nano material processing methods to improve manufacturing efficiency, material scale, and surface durability. Despite this, the design concept of this work serves as a compass for future research endeavors, especially in cold areas facing power shortage," noted Xuehu Ma, a chemical engineering professor at the Dalian University of Technology and the corresponding author of the study. More information: Siyan Yang et al, Photothermal superhydrophobic copper nanowire assemblies: fabrication and deicing/defrosting applications, International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (2023). DOI: 10.1088/2631-7990/acef78 Provided by International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing 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: Colors show the change in the frequency of heavy ice precipitation, like hail and graupel. Red shows a decrease moving from the pre-monsoon to monsoon seasons. There is an agreement between a decrease in top heights and the frequency of heavy ice precipitation. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University and other institutes have studied new satellite data showing the diameter of rain droplets and the distribution of heavy ice in the atmosphere worldwide. They focused on the Asian monsoon region, finding larger droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land before the actual monsoon season. Their findings shed new light on the features of the pre-monsoon season, such as more intense precipitation and lightning, potentially informing better weather prediction. As adverse rainfall events rock the world, scientists are trying to understand the mechanism behind precipitation based on finer details than simply "how much" it rained. Recently, information has become available through the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Core Observatory, a satellite which houses, among other things, a Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR), a radar platform that yields information on the "microphysical" properties of rain around the world. Amazingly, this includes the mean size of rain droplets and whether it is hail or graupel (soft hail), both on land and out at sea. In a research scene dominated by a focus on rain volumes, it remains to be seen what such properties can tell us about precipitation around the world. A team including Drs. Moeka Yamaji and Hiroshi Takahashi (Tokyo Metropolitan University) has been studying the Asian monsoon season using newly available data from the DPR. In previous work, they found that the pre-monsoon season on land in Asia actually saw significantly heavier rainfall than the monsoon region, i.e., there was less rainfall in total, but the rain that did fall fell in stronger outbursts. Shifting their attention to finer properties, they have now shown that rain droplets over land during the pre-monsoon season were larger, and there was an elevated amount of heavy ice precipitation. This agreed well with seasonal changes in "top heights," the altitude at which precipitation originates. The new study is published in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. Colors show the change in the altitudes at which precipitation forms; red shows the top heights decreasing going from the pre-monsoon season to the monsoon season. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University Importantly, their analysis revealed that the correlation between the amount of rainfall and the size of droplets was not simple. Periods were found with similar total rainfall but different droplet diameters, showing how important it is to recognize different precipitation characteristics. They were also able to support previous findings on the nature of the pre-monsoon season. For example, it was known that there was a considerable amount of damage from lightning and tornadoes before and after the monsoon season; the team have now been able to correlate this with a similarly double-peaked trend in heavy ice precipitation, giving new insights into the mechanism behind both. The team's findings provide a fresh perspective on the inner workings of the Asian monsoon season, a devastating seasonal event with the potential to evolve under the influence of climate change. They hope that mechanistic clues like these might help improve weather prediction and mitigate damage during adverse climate events. More information: Moeka Yamaji et al, Seasonal Differences of Precipitation and Microphysical Characteristics over the Asian Monsoon Region Using Spaceborne Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar, Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1175/JAS-D-22-0198.1 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: Workflow of stimulated Raman activated cell ejection (S-RACE). Credit: Jing Zhang, Boston University Researchers have developed and demonstrated a new method for high-throughput single-cell sorting that uses stimulated Raman spectroscopy rather than the traditional approach of fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The new approach could offer a label-free, nondestructive way to sort cells for a variety of applications, including microbiology, cancer detection and cell therapy. Jing Zhang from Boston University will present this research at Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science (FiO LS), which will be held 912 October 2023 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma (Greater Seattle Area), Washington. "Our approach (stimulated Raman-activated cell ejection, S-RACE) offers an innovative way to sort cells based on their intracellular chemical composition in a high-throughput manner," explains Zhang. "Various downstream phenotypic and/or genomic analysis could be applied to the separated cell populations. Furthermore, its compatibility with small cells is advantageous for sorting bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, by employing S-RACE, pathogens or cells exhibiting specific metabolic profiles could be directly captured from their natural habitat, e.g. water bodies, soil, or gastrointestinal tract. Subsequent sequencing enables tasks such as cell taxonomy identification and ecological function assessment." Flow cytometry is used in many biomedical fields to rapidly count and characterize various types of cells, including blood cells, stem cells, cancer cells and microorganisms. Sorting cells based on their size, granularity or expression of cell surface and intracellular molecules can be used to gain insights into biological processes or to separate out cells with certain characteristics for additional analysis. Although most current high-throughput cell sorting methods rely on fluorescence signals for sorting, fluorescence labels can disturb cell function and can't be used with small molecules. Raman spectroscopy is a promising alternative because it offers label-free and non-destructive single-cell measurement by obtaining a chemical fingerprint of the cell. However, it has been difficult to achieve both a strong Raman signal and a practical microfluidic setup for imaging cells. In the new work, the researchers describe how they overcame this challenge by using stimulated Raman spectroscopy, which produces a signal several orders of magnitude higher than the more commonly used spontaneous Raman scattering. For sorting, stimulated Raman images are acquired to identify objects or cells of interest, and then 2D galvo mirrors point a 532-nm pulsed laser to the cell. Finally, an acousto-optic modulator is used as a fast pulse picker so that single laser pulses can be used to push the selected cell into the collector. Each ejection takes only about 8 milliseconds. The researchers first demonstrated their stimulated Raman-activated cell ejection method using a mixture of 1-micron polymer beads, achieving around 95% purity and 98% throughput with about 14 ejections performed each second. They also showed that the method could be used with fixed bacteria. To apply the sorting method to live yeast cells, the researchers added a thin layer of agar to the ejection module to protect cells from heat and drying and used an agar dish as a collector to provide more cushioning and moisture during cell landing. The researchers used the system to eject approximately 340 yeast cells and observed successful cell growth in the receiving dish after around 40 hours. They also showed that other genomic analysis approaches such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction could be integrated with the sorting approach. Provided by Optica 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: Lead authors Vanessa Olaya Agudelo and Dr Christophe Valahu in front of the quantum computer in the Sydney Nanoscience Hub used in the experiment. Credit: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney Scientists at the University of Sydney have, for the first time, used a quantum computer to engineer and directly observe a process critical in chemical reactions by slowing it down by a factor of 100 billion times. Joint lead researcher and Ph.D. student, Vanessa Olaya Agudelo, said, "It is by understanding these basic processes inside and between molecules that we can open up a new world of possibilities in materials science, drug design, or solar energy harvesting. "It could also help improve other processes that rely on molecules interacting with light, such as how smog is created or how the ozone layer is damaged." Specifically, the research team witnessed the interference pattern of a single atom caused by a common geometric structure in chemistry called a "conical intersection." Conical intersections are known throughout chemistry and are vital to rapid photo-chemical processes such as light harvesting in human vision or photosynthesis. Chemists have tried to directly observe such geometric processes in chemical dynamics since the 1950s, but it is not feasible to observe them directly given the extremely rapid timescales involved. To get around this problem, quantum researchers in the School of Physics and the School of Chemistry created an experiment using a trapped-ion quantum computer in a completely new way. This allowed them to design and map this very complicated problem onto a relatively small quantum deviceand then slow the process down by a factor of 100 billion. Their research findings are published August 28 in Nature Chemistry. Credit: University of Sydney "In nature, the whole process is over within femtoseconds," said Olaya Agudelo from the School of Chemistry. "That's a billionth of a millionthor one quadrillionthof a second. "Using our quantum computer, we built a system that allowed us to slow down the chemical dynamics from femtoseconds to milliseconds. This allowed us to make meaningful observations and measurements. "This has never been done before." Joint lead author Dr. Christophe Valahu from the School of Physics said, "Until now, we have been unable to directly observe the dynamics of 'geometric phase'; it happens too fast to probe experimentally. "Using quantum technologies, we have addressed this problem." Valahu said it is akin to simulating the air patterns around a plane wing in a wind tunnel. "Our experiment wasn't a digital approximation of the processthis was a direct analog observation of the quantum dynamics unfolding at a speed we could observe," he said. In photo-chemical reactions such as photosynthesis, by which plants get their energy from the sun, molecules transfer energy at lightning speed, forming areas of exchange known as conical intersections. This study slowed down the dynamics in the quantum computer and revealed the tell-tale hallmarks predictedbut never before seenassociated with conical intersections in photochemistry. Co-author and research team leader, Associate Professor Ivan Kassal from the School of Chemistry and the University of Sydney Nano Institute, said, "This exciting result will help us better understand ultrafast dynamicshow molecules change at the fastest timescales. "It is tremendous that at the University of Sydney we have access to the country's best programmable quantum computer to conduct these experiments." The quantum computer used to conduct the experiment is in the Quantum Control Laboratory of Professor Michael Biercuk, the founder of quantum startup, Q-CTRL. The experimental effort was led by Dr. Ting Rei Tan. Tan, a co-author of the study, said, "This is a fantastic collaboration between chemistry theorists and experimental quantum physicists. We are using a new approach in physics to tackle a long-standing problem in chemistry." More information: Direct observation of geometric-phase interference in dynamics around a conical intersection, Nature Chemistry (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01300-3 Journal information: Nature Chemistry Provided by University of Sydney (Photo : Photo by ANGELOS TZORTZINIS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP via Getty Images) A local resident gestures as he holds n empty water hose during an attempt to extinguish forest fires approaching the village of Pefki on Evia (Euboea) island, Greece's second largest island, on August 8, 2021. Greece continues to grapple with a relentless onslaught of wildfires that have wreaked havoc across the nation, leaving destruction in their wake. Three big wildfires were still burning as of Sunday, putting firefighters' resiliency to the test and sparking a concerted worldwide effort to put out the fires and assist the impacted towns, according to DW. Greece's Unyielding Battle Against Devastating Wildfires The disaster's scope is mind-boggling; two of the wildfires have been blazing for days, made worse by gale-force winds and the dry, hot summer weather typical of Greece. With support flooding in from other European countries, more than 600 firefighters have volunteered to join the front lines. A coordinated effort is being made to put out the fires thanks to the deployment of a fleet of water-dropping aircraft and helicopters. Greece has been battling a daily barrage of flames that reached a total of 105 on Sunday. 46 of them startledly ignited within a 24-hour period, showing the scope of the difficulty encountered by firefighting forces. Investigations are being conducted to ascertain the causes of the fires, with arson being suspected in certain cases, as authorities fight feverishly to put out the flames. In the northeastern regions of Evros and Alexandroupolis, a mammoth wildfire has raged for an astonishing nine days, accounting for a substantial portion of the 21 wildfire-related deaths reported in the past week. This massive fire, which was created when several smaller fires combined, has destroyed a wide area of woodland and homes in Alexandroupolis. The tireless efforts of 295 firefighters, seven planes, and five helicopters are targeted at containing the flare-ups that continue to fuel new fire fronts. In response, evacuation orders have been issued for two villages, underlining the precarious situation that communities are facing. The impact of the fires is staggering, with 77,000 hectares (297 square miles) of land scorched and 120 active hotspots identified, as reported by the European Union's Copernicus Emergency Management Service. This program, which uses satellite imagery for mapping data, highlights the use of technology and teamwork in the fight against the crisis, as per the South China Morning Post. Read Also: Greece Wildfires Kills at Least 20 People, Leading Authorities To Arrest Dozens of Alleged 'Arsonist Scum' Pope Francis Offers Prayers Amid Greek Wildfire Crisis Pope Francis added his voice to the outpouring of support by expressing his solidarity with the Greek people and praying for the victims. The fires have been dangerously close to the Greek capital; one huge inferno nearby Athens, which had previously destroyed homes and a portion of a national park on Mount Parnitha, is now only causing flare-ups. As the nation grapples with these infernos, a third major wildfire erupted on the Cycladic island of Andros, defying attempts to be brought under control. Lightning strikes are suspected to have ignited this particular blaze, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such disasters. There are no longer any national boundaries in the fight against these flames. Due to the severity of the crisis, Greece is in need of assistance from other European countries. International firefighters from various countries are donating their skills on the ground, and countries like Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Cyprus have sent planes to help with firefighting efforts. Officials from the European Union have expressed worry that the key suspect in the escalating wildfires across Europe is still climate change. Southern European nations are especially vulnerable to these catastrophes because of their hot, dusty summers. Greece's wildfire prevention laws, which are in effect from May to October, are intended to lessen such incidents, yet the problem still exists. As the wildfire season progresses, about 163 people have been arrested around the country on fire-related offenses, including negligence and intentional arson. Greece's continued struggle against these fires demonstrates the valor of its firefighters, the tenacity of its citizens, and the critical value of global solidarity in difficult circumstances. The country is unified in its commitment to restore its territories and rebuild its communities, despite the flames still posing a threat to homes and landscapes, New York Post reported Related Article: Over 100 Reported Safe Since Maui County Released Names of Missing Persons @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. ATLANTIC CITY Its like something out of a movie several million dollars worth of chips from a closed casino were buried in the middle of Mississippi and later found by accident. That is what happened with chips from the former Playboy casino found more than 1,000 miles away from the resort, buried in the ground. The history of the chips has come back up after the state Division of Gaming Enforcement issued an order closing an account with more than $875,000 in it that was dedicated to the redemption of chips from the former Playboy Hotel and Casino and Atlantis Casino Hotel. The agency ruling states the chips were not properly disposed of when the property closed three decades ago. In April 2008, a construction worker was digging a path connecting the police station to the community center in Hernando, Mississippi, and hit a massive concrete slab that housed the multimillion-dollar jackpot. According to reports, officials with Green Duck Manufacturing, the company charged with destroying the chips, did not know how the chips ended up buried at the site. Residents of the town came to the site with tubs and five-gallon buckets to collect the chips, according to reports. The situation led the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office to open an investigation into the discovery, according to reports. At first people thought it was neat and folks were grabbing handfuls of them, including the (Hernando) mayor and police chief, I understand, said Daniel Heneghan, a gaming consultant and former gaming regulator. In the chip collectors world, alarms started to go off. Casino Control Commission delays ruling on Playboy chip fund The state Casino Control Commission on Wednesday delayed ruling on what it is going to do with $875,000 from a closed account dedicated to the cashing in of chips from the former Playboy Hotel and Casino. The discovery impacted both collectors and state gaming regulators. First, gaming regulators had to figure out who was trying to redeem chips they won at the Playboy and who was trying to cash in chips that came from Mississippi, said Heneghan. The state Casino Control Commission requires closed gaming halls to put aside money that would pay for any outstanding chips to be redeemed. But if the chips were never in circulation and were meant to be destroyed, payment is unlikely. When it became obvious that there was something odd going on, the commission discussed the situation with the DGE and Treasury and devised a process where anyone who would show up to redeem a chip, that person would have to fill out a certification in which they swore under oath that these were chips that they had received from the casino and they had not come from this hole in the ground in Mississippi, Heneghan said. I understand that significantly slowed the request for redemption. Collectors saw a flood of chips enter the market, said Ricky Pushkin, owner of all-chips.com, a website dedicated to the resale of casino chips. The discovery of the chips led to the saturation of the market and reduced the value of the Playboy chips on the secondary market, Pushkin said. They were very valuable until the discovery, he said, adding a $100 Playboy chip could fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market before the cache of chips was discovered in Mississippi. But then the market got saturated. Playboy chips have always been popular in the secondary market, Pushkin said. Playboy is not just for chip collectors, Pushkin said. There are people out there who collect anything Playboy. Waiting to cash in those Playboy Casino chips? Well, it's too late now! Earlier this month, the state Division of Gaming Enforcement closed a $875,000 account dedicated to the cashing in of unused chips from the former Playboy casino, which later became Trump Plaza. Division Director David Rebuck wrote in a ruling that the fund was meant to benefit original patrons of the casino who had winnings and was not an open-ended invitation for subsequent acquirers of such chips to cash them in. The history of the Playboy casino in the resort dates to the early 1980s. The hotel/casino project was initiated by Playboy Enterprises, which later took on Elsinore Corp. as a partner. In 1982, the Casino Control Commission denied the application of Hugh Hefner, CEO of Playboy Enterprises, for a plenary casino license while granting the application for licensure of Playboys partner in the joint venture that operated the Playboy casino, Elsinore. As a result, Playboy sold its interest in the casino to Elsinore. While the property stayed open, with Playboys license denial, the property had to undergo a name change. The property then became the Atlantis. The Casino Control Commission is still trying to figure out what to do with the money from the account. The commission was due to vote on it during its meeting this month, but that was postponed. Commission Chair James T. Plousis said following the meeting there are still things that needed to be worked out. GALLERY: Hugh Hefner's Atlantic City Playboy Casino Playboy Hotel -- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES -- Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel and Casino 1.jpg Playboy Hotel and Casino 2.jpg Atlantis Casino Hotel opens 1.jpg Playboy Hotel and Casino.jpg Atlantis Playboy Hotel and Casino opens playboy open april 14 81.jpg EYESORES: Former Playboy site Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel Playboy Hotel SEA ISLE CITY The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined a contractor more than $18,000 for violating multiple procedural standards at the time of a balcony collapse in February that led to a workers death. The federal agency issued the fines to Ferguson Contracting Inc. of Yardley, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 23, nearly six months after Jose Pereira died while working at the Spinnaker Condominiums with several others. The citations are the result of an investigation that immediately followed the accident. Investigators were given a six-month timeframe to complete their analysis, OSHA spokesperson Leni Forsten previously said. OSHA reprimanded the company for poor preparatory work before starting what the agency said was a project to restore cement balconies attached to the building that involved cutting away at the structures. Ferguson has 15 business days to pay its fine, according to OSHAs citation notice obtained Monday. It also was given a Tuesday deadline to make some of the corrections related to the violations. Ferguson did not respond to a request for comment. The agency said Ferguson broke the Occupational Safety Act of 1970. The company didnt have the balconies inspected by a competent person as the work progressed to determine if shoring or bracing was needed, resulting in a fine of about $4,688, one of three of the stiffest penalties issued against it. OSHA also fined Ferguson that same amount for not instructing its employees properly on avoiding unsafe conditions at the worksite and improper issue of lifelines for fall protection. Ferguson also faces fines of about $2,000 for not identifying respiratory hazards and weighing their risks. The company also did not maintain on site a written hazard communication program related to those hazards, OSHA said. OSHA did not fine Ferguson for two other violations tied to not maintaining a safety data sheet for chemicals and not properly training its employees to handle hazardous materials. Fergson has until Tuesday to correct two items. The remaining ones must be corrected by Sept. 19, according to OSHAs filing. Pereira, 43, of Philadelphia, was on the seventh-floor balcony of the Spinnakers south tower Feb. 24 when the eighth-floor balcony split from the building, falling on top of him and crushing him. First responders worked into the night to recover his body. Both buildings were closed but were reopened about a month later. A review of their structural integrity found they were stable enough to house tenants, but refurbishing projects were recommended to preserve their strength. Months later, neither balcony involved in the collapse has been replaced. A balcony near the buildings bottom floor also continues to be held up by wooden supports. Karim Kaspar, an attorney representing the Spinnaker, said in April that aspects of the project done by the employees were not in the desired scope of work asked for by the condominium management. Spinnakers association had authorized work by Ferguson addressing needs to both the pool and balconies, Kaspar said. Ferguson frequented the Spinnaker for about seven to eight years before the collapse to work, he said. Immediately after the collapse, the citys construction office issued stop-work orders, with officials believing Ferguson did not have proper permitting to perform the job. GALLERY: Sea Isle City balcony collapse OCEAN CITY The consensus among residents who spoke at the Thursday meeting of City Council was that elected officials deserve a raise, but some thought it should not be quite so much. Council members expressed some discomfort over voting themselves more money, but just the same managed to unanimously approve an amendment that close to doubles the pay for the seven members and the mayor. As approved, the vote sets an salary of $40,000 for the mayor and $20,000 for each member of council. The current annual salaries, according to city records, are $20,600 for the mayor, and $10,300 for members of council. I do not disagree with the fact that you should consider a pay increase. I just disagree with the amount, said resident Robert Forman during the public hearing on the ordinance. Several speakers said something similar, that the elected officials deserve an increase but the jump in pay was too much to justify. You guys absolutely deserve a raise, said resident Bill Hartranft. But he questioned the percentage of the increase. Resident Donna Moore cited city debt at $189 million as a good reason to be frugal. Some other residents also mentioned the citys debt. Mayor Jay Gillian bristled at the discussion of the citys debt, saying the city professionals take debt service very seriously. We dont spend money haphazardly, Gillian said. Everybody can say the debt is high, but its well managed, and we can handle it. Others residents were all for the increase, including David Hayes, who said, If you want to attract good talent, youve got to pay for it. Several of the speakers said council members and the mayor put in long hours, responding to emergencies, answering constituents and attending events on weekends and evenings. Marie Hayes, the wife of David Hayes who pointed out at the meeting that she is not the same person as Cape May County Surrogate E. Marie Hayes, said she has sometimes opposed things approved by City Council. She cited a contract to use birds of prey to keep seagulls in line on the Boardwalk and around town. The raptors are paid $125 an hour, with benefits including regular hours, frequent breaks and all the food they can eat, Hayes said. That cost includes the pay for the falconer. City administrator George Savastano presented the proposal at a council meeting earlier in August. He said the current salaries for elected officials have not changed in years and were not commensurate with the responsibilities of the office. To a large degree, this is really an ideological question: Should our elected officials be provided with more than just nominal compensation? Savastano said. Should they be fairly compensated, to the degree that we can determine what amount can be considered fair? Some on council described the vote as awkward, and Council member Karen Bergman said it is difficult to vote for a raise for yourself. I dont do this for the money, but it does take a lot of time, she said. One element of the ordinance was amended before the final vote. The ordinance provides for regular pay increases for council members and the mayor. Those were originally tied to the union contracts for some city workers, but some residents saw that as a conflict of interest. Now, the increases will take effect each year, starting Jan. 1, 2025, and will be tied to increases in the consumer price index, but is not to exceed the negotiated increases in the contracts for city workers. That means if the CPI is up 3%, and city employee contracts include a 2% raise, council will get the 2% that year. At the previous meeting, Savastano argued that the increase will have a negligible impact on the average tax bill, and said the city has a contract of $99 million. Under the previous ordinance, the council president received an additional stipend of $1,000, and the vice president got an extra $500. The amended ordinance does not include any stipends for members. WILDWOOD After three significant power outages this summer, local officials want answers, and action. On Saturday evening, a downed wire on Schellenger Avenue cut power to 3,650 customers. The majority were restored within an hour, said Frank Tedesco, a spokesperson for Atlantic City Electric. Moreys Piers and the Boardwalk took longer, with the power back on in about two hours. Tedesco cited an issue with energy infrastructure causing a downed wire for the outage. Tedesco said this was unrelated to another downed wire on Schellenger Avenue that cut power to Boardwalk rides and other customers Aug. 15. In that instance, video of visitors being evacuated from rides was shared on social media. It also was not related to a July power outage caused by a fire at Atlantic City Electrics Lake Avenue substation, which left thousands without power starting on a summer Friday. Most of the power was back on by that Saturday, with the remaining customers restored Sunday. At that time, Mayor Pete Byron said businesses in the community lost millions of dollars, as hotels sent visitors home, sales could not be completed in stores and restaurants, and other businesses shut down. Cable fire suspected in Wildwoods power outage A fire to a cable is believed to be behind a blaze at an electrical substation in the city that led to a loss of power across the Wildwoods earlier this month. On Monday afternoon, Byron met with representatives of Atlantic City Electric at City Hall. He said the power company has been responsive to the city, and communicated what had happened soon after the lights went out and what was being done to correct the issue. Byron wants Atlantic City Electric to improve communication with residents, beyond posting information on social media, but said he was satisfied that the company was doing what it could. They feel pretty confident that this was not going to happen again, Byron said. Over the weekend, he expressed frustration with yet another outage, suggesting the infrastructure was not built to handle modern demands for power and new construction in the Wildwoods. The electric company has to get in front of this, Byron said. Will Morey, co-owner of Moreys Piers and a member of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, said something similar after the last outage, saying communities like Wildwood may be small towns in midwinter, but they have the population of a significant city in the summer, with a citys demand for reliable power. In both outages this month, power lines were down on Schellenger Avenue not because of an accident, a storm or extreme winds, but because of issues with energy infrastructure. Tedesco declined to give details on how the power lines fell. Byron said power company officials said crews had checked the lines along Schellenger Avenue on Friday, including using thermal scans to look for problems, and found no issues until the outage the next day. He said utility officials said there is no reason to believe the three outages were connected. I find it hard to accept that, but thats what theyre saying, Byron said. Wildwood gets temporary transformer amid probe into substation fire A spare transformer was being brought into the Wildwoods on Monday to help support the power supply throughout Five Mile Island while officials continue investigating a substation fire nearly two weeks ago. By most measures, Saturday was a mild evening, without thunderstorms, strong winds or even exceptionally high heat that might have spiked demand for electricity to power air conditioners. It was dry and humid with temperatures in the 70s. As crews worked on getting the power back on, police issued a warning that traffic lights were out at numerous intersections, and asked drivers to use caution and obey stop signs placed at those intersections. There is a process for businesses to submit claims for lost revenue and inventory because of lost power, Tedesco said. But he added claims from the July outage were still being processed, and he could not say how many claims were submitted. Tedesco said Monday the investigation into the cause of the fire at the Lake Avenue substation continues, and the exact cause has not been determined. But Tedesco added Atlantic City Electric spends millions on maintaining and upgrading the energy grid each year. That includes projects in the Wildwoods, he said. In November 2020, a contractor used sky-crane helicopters to deliver materials for a project upgrading four miles of utility lines entering Five Mile Beach along a former railroad right-of-way, which Tedesco said created more redundancy in the power supply system bringing electricity to the barrier island. That was part of a large-scale project aiming to upgrade the power grid in South Jersey, including replacing some poles with new steel poles said to be able to withstand winds of up to 120 mph. This summer, Tedesco said, crews have inspected lines throughout Wildwood and the neighboring communities, making repairs or replacing systems as needed. A new powering the future project will upgrade substations and modernize technology that will allow Atlantic City Electric crews to get power back on soon after there is an outage. We are continuing to collaborate with all stakeholders and elected officials throughout our coverage area, including officials in the Wildwoods, Tedesco said. Mayor: Wildwood blackout may have cost businesses millions The total cost to local businesses from an island-wide power outage last week could be in the millions of dollars, Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron said Thursday. For beach towns, most businesses make most of their money for the year in July and August, and a significant amount of that business takes place on the weekends, making a Saturday outage particularly significant. It has not been good, was how Tracey Boyle-DuFault, executive director of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, put it Monday. Its an economic disaster for our businesses. But she did not blame Atlantic City Electric, even though she does not remember another summer with so many outages, especially without a storm or other apparent cause. Weve never had anything like this. Ive been here 18 years, she said. I cant remember so many issues with the power. Atlantic City Electric is always on the island doing repairs. Theyre always there for us. Theyre a phone call away. Boyle-DuFault said she would not cast blame until there is a lot more information on the cause of the outages and on what steps are underway to prevent more of them as the Wildwoods move toward a series of weekend events after Labor Day. She said Morey is leading the response to the outages. Morey did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. After the other August outage, which impacted far fewer customers, Morey questioned how Atlantic City Electric was handling the issue. Im concerned and interested in how the electric company is staffed during the summer, during peak season, to respond to emergencies, Morey said at the time. Are we adequately resourced for a reasonable number of contingencies? Will Morey is going to get to the bottom of this, Boyle-DuFault said Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is currently in Pune for various meetings and events. These include a review meeting for the Ganpati festival and the Shri Chhatrapati Awards ceremony at Balewadi, Pune. During his media address, Ajit Pawar was questioned about his regular weekly meetings. A comparison was drawn to the working pattern of the current Guardian Minister, Chandrakant Patil, who holds such review meetings only once a month. Ajit Pawar responded, "I conduct meetings believing that their effect remains strong for about a week, hence the weekly frequency. However, it seems Chandrakant Patil's meetings have an impact lasting over a month." Ajit Pawar, the former guardian minister of Pune, followed a similar approach. In contrast, Chandrakant Patil, the present guardian minister, doesn't hold regular review meetings, leading to the comparison with Ajit Pawar. In a lighthearted manner, he responded to a reporter's anticipation of him becoming the Guardian Minister, saying, "May your mouth be filled with sweets." Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Monday refused to make any comments on state minister Chhagan Bhujbals controversial remark made against NCP chief Sharad Pawar during a public rally in Beed on Sunday. Bhujbal had alleged that Sharad Pawar's name was also mentioned in the Abdul Karim Telgi stamp paper scam, and yet he asked the former, who was the deputy chief minister, to tender his resignation. This comment made quite a stir at the rally where Ajit Pawar was present on the dais. However, when asked about his reaction to it at a press meet where the leader was briefing about the decisions taken for the upcoming Ganeshotsav, the deputy CM said: I could not hear Bhujbal's speech although I was on the stage. Because the speakers were towards the audience. So, I could not his statement. But during any speech, everybody should use good language and maintain harmony. While Bhujbal criticised Sharad Pawar in Beed, former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray targeted prime minister Narendra Modi from Hingoli. Talking about it, Ajit Pawar said, Our state has the political legacy of Yashwantrao Chavan. Therefore, it is necessary to do anything in a civilized manner, even while accusing someone. If someone's feelings are hurt, we should control our speech. Pawar also clarified his political position: While working with Shinde-Fadnavis, we are all working in a competitive environment. I am a person who goes forward with the thoughts of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar. On the national presidentship of the party, Pawar clarified, During any speech, debate the language should be balanced. All senior leaders and ministers should talk with patience. Now, all NCP leaders have decided on me as the national president of NCP; why does it concern the media? When I joined the Shinde-Fadnavis government, I clarified that Sharad Pawar was told that prime minister Narendra Modi would become the PM in 2024. I also clarified that the NCP should join and support Narendra Modi's leadership. PM Modi is a workaholic, a globally accepted leader. He makes fast decisions. I was impressed and decided to join the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. Now, PM Modi gives moral support to ISRO scientists and their teams. I liked and accepted his leadership. No single leader is seen as a PM candidate against him. The heartland of America beats with the rhythm of agriculture, and nowhere is this spirit more alive than at Husker Harvest Days. This year, Chief, the premier sponsor of Husker Harvest Days and a company associated with quality, innovation and trust, is set to unveil a monumental expansion that will captivate the interest of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts alike. Chief's All-American Farm on Seventh Street, an embodiment of the American farming dream, has grown from four lots to an astounding 12 lots, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the very essence of farming life. Stepping onto Chief's All-American Farm, visitors will find themselves transported to a picturesque farmstead, complete with a cozy BonnaVilla home, a resilient Chief Buildings metal building for equipment storage and a cutting-edge grain system designed to streamline operations. An eye-catching structure of this showcase is the new 140,600-bushel grain bin, a product of outstanding design and engineering. With a 61-foot, 10-inch diameter and the innovative 2023 V-Rib roof, this bin boasts improved structural integrity, enhanced weather resistance and increased wind resilience a welcome relief for farmers who have faced nature's fury. "We are a company that truly believes in the agricultural economy. For todays farmers and the next generation of farmers, we want to share that Chief is your partner. We are your All-American partner," emphasizes Beth Frerichs, director of marketing and communications for Chief. Chief has a trusted history of providing grain storage, metal buildings and manufactured homes that stand the test of time a testament to their commitment to farmers' success. The 60-by-80-foot metal building on the new Husker Harvest Days site embodies both tradition and innovation. The structure serves as an unwavering investment made into a generational farm. The metal building ensures the continuity of efficient operations and safeguards the assets for the farms prosperity for years to come. Nestled amidst the expanse of a flourishing farm, a family house emerges as a poignant testament to the deep-rooted connection between land and family. BonnaVillas custom made home at Husker Harvest Days is composed of 2,136 square feet with three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The family house is not just a dwelling; it's a vessel that carries the values, traditions and aspirations of the family through time. With the highest quality of construction, a BonnaVilla home stands the test of time and can be passed from generation to generation, helping to preserve the legacy of the family farm. The Chief lot at Husker Harvest Days isn't just a display of products; it's an invitation to envision a future farmstead. "The Chief lot at Husker Harvest Days allows agricultural producers to envision being on an All-American Farm and what it can hold for future generations," says Frerichs. This immersive experience empowers farmers to dream big and plan for a legacy that will resonate for generations to come. The All-American Farm by Chief, nestled at Lot 846, is a testament to Chief's dedication to the agricultural community. As Frerichs aptly points out, "It is about bringing the latest in innovation directly to farmers, where they can see the product, touch and feel the material and ask questions of our company leaders." In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Chief stands as a beacon of progress, consistently investing in state-of-the-art machinery and techniques to empower farmers to excel in their vital role of supplying food to the world. As Chief expands its footprint at Husker Harvest Days, it remains firmly grounded in its Nebraska heritage. "This new build at Husker Harvest Days supports the people who are in our backyard who support us and who support our community," Frerichs underscores. Chief's growth isn't just about showcasing products; it's about fostering a sense of unity, collaboration and shared purpose within the local community. The invitation is extended to all: Visit the All-American Farm by Chief on Lot 846 during Husker Harvest Days, from Sept. 12 to 14 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where the past and the future converge, and where Chief stands as your unwavering partner in the journey of American agriculture. With Chief by your side, the dream of an All-American Farm becomes a vibrant reality a place where aspirations are sown, nurtured and reaped for generations to come. For more updates on the progress of the Chief site at Husker Harvest Days, check out this playlist. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com. The Kremlin on Friday rejected allegations it was behind a plane crash presumed to have killed mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who conducted a brief mutiny in Russia two months ago. Prigozhin was eulogized Thursday by President Vladimir Putin, even as suspicions grew that the Russian leader was behind the crash many see as assassination. A Kremlin spokesperson flatly rejected the allegations. "Right now, of course, there are lots of speculations around this plane crash and the tragic deaths of the passengers of the plane, including Yevgeny Prigozhin," Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "Of course, in the West those speculations are put out under a certain angle, and all of it is a complete lie." Asked whether the Kremlin received an official confirmation of Prigozhin's death, Peskov referenced Putin's remarks from a day earlier: "He said that right now all the necessary forensic analyses, including genetic testing, will be carried out. Once some kind of official conclusions are ready to be released, they will be released." The Google Gmail spam filter lawsuit of the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been dismissed by a federal judge. Now, here's what went wrong with the legal action, which was filed back in 2022. Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against GoogleHere's Why In October 2022, the RNC accused Google of sending millions of RNC campaign emails to Gmail spam folders. The American political committee claimed that the spam filtering activity of Google was suspicious since it was during the month when the RNC's fundraising was successful. Because of this, the RNC wanted Google to reimburse for the donations it reported lost because of the Gmail spam filtering. But, the Republican committee will no longer be able to get what it wants after a federal judge decided to dismiss the lawsuit, as reported by Engadget. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Calabretta called the lawsuit a "close case." He said that the search engine giant was effectively protected by Section 230 of the U.S. law. The judge added that the RNC wasn't able to provide enough proof that Google acted in bad faith by filtering out campaign emails. Meanwhile, Google argued that the emails that RNC was complaining about were flagged as spam because of user complaints. The search engine giant also cited RNC's frequent mailouts and domain authentication issues as among the issues that led to the said complaints. Read Also: Facebook Settlement: Last Day of Claiming Your Share; Here's How! Other Lawsuits Against Google Google won the legal action against RNC. But, the search engine giant is still facing other lawsuits. Forbes reported that some tax prep website users in seven U.S. states filed a class action lawsuit against Google. Specifically, the legal action was filed by nine plaintiffs from Georgia, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and California. They claim that the tech giant is conducting wiretapping; accusing Google of involuntary transmission of sensitive personal details. These include refund amounts, filing status, scholarship information, as well as income. This class action lawsuit also affects Meta. To learn more about this new legal action against Meta and Google, you can click here. Related Article: Apple Lends Support to California's Right To Repair Bill, a First for the Company @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. It is the vehicular equivalent of being caught in a crossfire between police officers and suspects. Dozens, if not hundreds, of times a day across the nation, officers set off in hot pursuit of suspects or erratic motorists, and most of those chases end without injury or loss of life. But that is not always the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2011 and 2021, 3,842 people across the U.S. were killed during vehicular police pursuits: more than one per day. Of those 3,842 fatalities, 135 occurred in Virginia. In 2021 the most recent year for which data is available 432 people in the U.S., 20 of whom were in Virginia, died in vehicular police pursuits. Two recent cases in Virginia highlight the potentially tragic and deadly consequences of such chases. Short Pump's growth has reached the Goochland line. Where will it go next? Some residents of eastern Goochland County are determined to keep their home rural. But development is knocking on their door. On July 29, a high-speed police chase in Hopewell came to a fatal conclusion when the driver of a pickup truck being pursued by Prince George County police ran a red light at Ashland Street and Oaklawn Boulevard and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle Andre Bassette Jr., 45, of Jacksonville, Florida was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to police. Rosyln Morton, Geo Mortons aunt, said her nephew was biking home from work at a Wendys when he was killed. She described him as quiet and very intelligent. He was doing what he needed to do, Roslyn Morton said. He was working; he was getting excellent grades. She said the family initially was told that Geo had been in a bad car accident. It was not until later that they learned the accident happened during a police vehicular pursuit. Such bystander deaths are hardly an uncommon occurrence. According to HG.org, one of the worlds largest legal information and resource sites, more than 5,000 bystanders have been killed during vehicular police pursuits since 1979. PursuitSAFETY, a nonprofit organization that works to limit vehicular police pursuits, reports that more than 1/3 of the people killed (in vehicular police pursuits) are innocent bystanders. Bassette and Morton were two of the most recent cases in which bystanders were killed. In March 2021, Kenneth E. Crosby Jr., 61, of Dumfries a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and 9/11 survivor was killed when a Richmond motorist fleeing police struck Crosbys vehicle head-on on Interstate 95 in Prince William County. That same month, the death of Calvin Majette III of Portsmouth, due to a vehicular police pursuit through reportedly heavily trafficked areas in Portsmouth, eventually led to an $11 million settlement with the city. We could all potentially be innocent victims, said PursuitSAFETY Executive Director Esther Seoanes, 47, of Austin, Texas. Seoanes is speaking from experience. Her husband died in a police vehicular pursuit in Austin in 2012 after police chased the suspect of a car theft at a mall. The suspect was caught on camera, and the officers had identifying information for the vehicle, Seoanes said, but police initiated the pursuit anyway. It ended when the suspect ran a red light and collided with Seoanes husband, who was killed instantly. It didnt have to happen, she said, adding that she was told afterward by police that nothing wrong was done and all relevant polices were followed. You can never replace someone, Seoanes said, and unless it has happened to you, you cant really know the impact. In light of recent deadly incidents, the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained and reviewed the vehicular pursuit policies of police departments in our region of the state. Heres how different departments are doing: Prince George County Prince George County Police Departments policy states that police vehicular pursuits are only permissible under one of two conditions: 1) reasonable belie(f) that the occupant/s of the vehicle has/have committed or attempted to commit a felony crime, or 2) the existence of an extreme, unusual situation where human life is reasonably believed to be in imminent jeopardy. The policy specifies that suspect driving behavior should not be considered grounds to a pursuit. When weighing whether to initiate a pursuit, Prince George police are required to consider the seriousness of the offense; risks to the public, officers and suspects due to population density, traffic (impacted by the time of day and day of the week), and road and weather conditions; and the likelihood the fleeing suspect(s) can be apprehended at a later time, among other factors. There was one death due to a police vehicular pursuit in Prince George County in the 10 years between 2011 and 2021, according to NHTSA data. The pursuing agency was not immediately clear. In the Bassette case, according to police, the suspect was being stopped for reckless driving by speed, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Since it appears that there was no felony crime involved, this particular pursuit seems to have occurred in violation of department policy. It is not clear why the pursuit was initiated. Prince George police declined to comment and said the investigation is ongoing. Henrico County The Henrico County Division of Polices vehicular pursuits procedure allows Henrico police to initiate a vehicular pursuit if the occupants of a vehicle have committed or attempted to commit a felony, firearm-related offense or violent misdemeanor. Officers are authorized to initiate a chase if the fleeing vehicle presents an immediate threat of bodily injury or death to any person. The procedure does not establish specific safety-related criteria that must be assessed for the initiation of a vehicular pursuit. It does state that officers must terminate vehicular pursuits if safety risks due to population density, excessive speed, roadway conditions and environmental factors outweigh the danger to the community if the suspect is not apprehended, or if the suspects capture in the vehicular pursuit is unlikely and later apprehension is feasible. With proper training and supervisory authorization, officers may use techniques such as ramming and the deployment of tire deflation devices. Unlike other policies, which generally stipulate that they are for internal use only and do not enlarge an employees civil liability in any way, Henricos procedure states that officers and supervisors can be held civilly liable for damages and injuries that occur during a pursuit. There were eight deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Henrico between 2011 and 2021. Virginia State Police Virginia State Police may initiate a pursuit when a driver fails to stop after the sworn employee has given a lawful order to stop by activating emergency lights and/or siren. Sworn employees must consider factors like those listed in other policies: the seriousness of the offense, likelihood of apprehending suspects by other means and potential harm to persons and property due to traffic and roadway conditions. The order forbids sworn employees from conducting vehicular pursuits against the lawful flow of traffic, and says that no vehicle shall be intentionally rammed unless extraordinary circumstances exist. It is not clear on how many occasions the Virginia State Police was the pursuing agency in the 135 fatalities due to police vehicular pursuits in Virginia between 2011 and 2021. Richmond A redacted copy of the Richmond Police Departments vehicle pursuit procedure was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. A FOIA coordinator said the redacted material contained procedural or tactical information, which, if disclosed, would jeopardize the safety of Richmond Police officers. The procedure entitles Richmond police to initiate a vehicular pursuit in the event that a suspect has committed or attempted to commit a felony, reckless driving offense, crime with a firearm or any misdemeanor that would typically require a full custodial arrest. Richmond police officers must evaluate the seriousness of the offense; pedestrian and vehicular traffic conditions and their variance based on location, time of day, and day of the week; visibility conditions; roadway conditions; and weather conditions. They are entitled to disregard posted speed limits and traffic signals with due regard to the safety or persons and property. Richmond police officers are prohibited from deliberately making contact with fleeing vehicles and forcing them offroad. There were three deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Richmond between 2011 and 2021: Aug. 25, 2015, at the Midlothian Turnpike-East Broad Rock Road intersection; March 1, 2019, at the U.S. 360-East Second Street intersection; and July 15, 2021, on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Chesterfield County Chesterfield County Police Departments vehicle operations and pursuits policy, provided with redactions, bars vehicular pursuits under several circumstances, including when no serious or violent offense has been committed and when suspects pose no threat to public safety. Chesterfield police must account for all circumstances affecting public and office safety, including road conditions, weather and traffic volume; speed and/or hazardous maneuvers by the violator; the mental condition or possible impairment of fleeing violator; the presence of minors or hostages in fleeing vehicle; and the officers knowledge, training, and experience. Forced termination techniques are permissible in limited circumstances, although redactions made these circumstances unclear. There were five deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Chesterfield between 2011 and 2021. Roanoke The Roanoke Police Department authorizes officers to initiate vehicular pursuits if they observe ... violation(s) or if suspects have warrants on file. Non-hazardous traffic violations are excluded from the criteria for initiating pursuits. Roanoke police must evaluate the factors commonly listed in other department policies: the nature of the offense; dangers presented by traffic, road, weather and visibility conditions; the driving behaviors and abilities of the suspect; and the possibility of arrest by other means. The directive notes that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that forcible stopping techniques, such as ramming, can constitute use of deadly force. Roanoke police may employ such techniques only in circumstances wherein suspects pose a continued imminent threat to officers and civilians. There were two deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Roanoke between 2011 and 2021. Lynchburg The Lynchburg Police Department declined to disclose its vehicular pursuit policy. A spokesperson said any policies, procedures or directives that would jeopardize the safety or security of our law enforcement personnel and/or the general public if released will not be disclosed. There were three deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Lynchburg between 2011 and 2021. Charlottesville The Charlottesville Police Departments general order on emergency operation of police vehicles permits officers to initiate a vehicular pursuit in the event that the stop(ping of) a vehicle is deemed necessary due to the nature of (a) violation or suspected violation. The order instructs officers to weigh weather road conditions, time of day, location of pursuit, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, etc. in making a determination as to whether to initiate pursuits. According to the order, officers driving most departmental vehicles in a vehicular pursuit are temporarily relieved of the obligation to comply with certain traffic regulations. Both sirens and emergency lights must be activated during vehicular pursuits. There were no deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Charlottesville between 2011 and 2021. Fredericksburg The Fredericksburg Police Department declined to disclose its vehicular pursuit policy. Lt. Ben Johnson, speaking on behalf of the department, said the pursuit directive contains specific tactical plans that, if released, could endanger officers and citizens. There were no deaths due to police vehicular pursuits in Fredericksburg between 2011 and 2021. Beyond the data The Virginia lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the internal process of drafting police vehicular pursuit policies and the perspectives of law enforcement officers on the topic. Thomas Gleason, 68, of Tallahassee, Florida a 36-year veteran of law enforcement departments in Alabama and Florida said police need to take an honest look at how we do things and (whether) its benefiting or harming the public. Gleason currently works with PursuitSAFETY. He has 22 years of experience training officers in vehicular pursuit techniques and Stop Stick deployment, has served as an officer driving instructor and has taught through the Florida Public Safety Institute and the Department of Justices VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Initiative. Gleason said issues with police vehicular pursuit policies can exist on multiple levels; those issues can either be present in the policies themselves, he said, or can be related to training, adherence and accountability. You should only pursue for forcible felons, Gleason said of department policies, adding that procedures that allow for the vehicular pursuit of nonviolent offenders or misdemeanor suspects can be overbroad and lead to more chases than necessary. If the risks outweigh the outcomes, he said, pursuit is not called for. In other words: If the hazard of a vehicular pursuit to the public outweighs the risk posed by the escape of a nonviolent violator, the pursuit fails to serve the public adequately. But even when a more restrictive policy is in place, Gleason said, it is only as good as it is trained and adhered to. Well have the policies, and then well have what is actually going on. And what is actually going on is completely different. Gleason said officers need to be thoroughly trained on and familiar with the vehicular pursuit policies of their departments. When a vehicular pursuit occurs, he said there should be a rigorous case review process in which all dashboard or body-worn camera footage, audio recordings, witness testimony and other evidence is collected and analyzed by a pursuit review board, which should produce a corresponding report that evaluates the pursuit against the policy. If you dont have a policy review process, the policy is not any good, Gleason said. If and when vehicular pursuits violate that policy, he said everybody has to be held accountable all the way up the chain of command. This can include additional training, referrals to internal affairs and sometimes disciplinary action, according to Gleason. We serve the public, Gleason said, and we need to be looking out for them. Remember these Richmond-area restaurants? MIAMI Tropical Storm Idalia formed Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico on a potential track to come ashore as a hurricane in the southern U.S., the National Hurricane Center said. Forecasters said they expected Idalia to become a hurricane on Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico and then curve northeast toward the west coast of Florida. Initial forecasts suggest Idalia could approach Florida on Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane. Large parts of the western coast of Florida are at risk of seawater surging onto land and flooding communities when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. That part of Florida is very vulnerable to storm surges, Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, said Sunday. "So it will not take a strong system or a direct hit to produce significant storm surge," he said. "So if you're anywhere along the Florida Peninsula, western Florida Peninsula, so let's say from about Fort Myers northward to the Panhandle, you've really got to be paying attention." The storm was not expected to menace southwest Florida, where deadly Hurricane Ian struck last year. Mexico's National Meteorological Service on Sunday warned of intense to torrential rains showering the Yucatan Peninsula, with winds as fast as 55 mph. It said the storm could cause anything from powerful waves to flooding in southern Mexico, mainly around coastal cities in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo states. It asked citizens to stay alert. Florida emergency officials on Sunday urged residents to keep their vehicle gas tanks at least half full in case they need to evacuate. "This will ensure you can evacuate tens of miles inland to a safe location should the need arise," the Florida Division of Emergency Management said on social media. Cozumel businessman identifies aggressor after being threatened with extortion Cozumel, Q.R. During a weekend crime prevention tour, Cozumel police were hailed by a business owner who reported being threatened. Police were cruising on Calle 55 and Calle 8 in the 10 de Abril neighborhood when a man flagged them down. He reported that moments before, a guy he knows by the nickname El Burgos entered his store and threatened him, saying he was a representative of a criminal gang and that he would have to pay him when he returned. The alleged aggressor, El Burgos, then removed a knife from his waist before walking away. Cozumel police began a search for the aggressor, who was located just a few meters from the place. Police located a male on foot with the characteristics described by the complainant, for which reason he was told to stop several times, however, he ignored them. Police eventually got out of their unit and cut him off. He identified himself to police as 39-year-old E.A.F.B. alias Burgos. He was returned to the scene and positively identified by the store owner. After his arrest, Cozumel Police reported that this person has a long criminal record including physical injuries, robbery, home invasion and more than 12 administrative offenses. CHRISTIANSBURG The Uptown mall property is again for sale. Uptown Christiansburg formerly the New River Valley Mall is one of a number of retail sites in town shown on the online property listings platform LoopNet. The listing marks the latest turn for the more than three-decades old property, which at one time was one of the primary draws in the retail corridor built around North Franklin Street and Peppers Ferry Road. The mall was renamed to Uptown Christiansburg about three years ago, a rebranding that occurred some months after it was bought by Houston-based real estate investment firm RockStep Capital. The Christiansburg mall is one of a number of RockStep-owned properties branded with the Uptown name. Andy Weiner, president and founder of RockStep, said the company decided to list the mall due to interest in the property. Basically, we have had a series of unsolicited offers on the property, and we thought the best way to deal with all the offers is to put the property officially on the market and let our broker deal with the interested parties, Weiner wrote in an email Monday. The mall has had somewhat of a mixed trajectory over the past decade or so, a period that has on a greater scale seen a continued decline in mall operations nationwide as online retail activities have surged. The property is located in the town's fast-growing northwest section, an area that includes the revamped Christiansburg Marketplace and new multipurpose park that is set to open soon. The mall area is also the targeted site for a future passenger rail station. While the Christiansburg mall has lost a few key tenants over the years, it has gained some in more recent times and they have included entities that reflected efforts to diversify the propertys uses amid a changing landscape. The mall experienced an uptick in new tenants during the late 2010s. The new arrivals at the time included conventional occupants such as retailers Kirklands and Ulta Beauty, but also gym chain Planet Fitness and Wonder Universe: A Childrens Museum. In 2017, the mall lost one of its anchor tenants, JCPenney, which occupied space that was redesigned for Ulta and Kirklands. About a decade ago, the mall lost Sears, which was replaced a few years later by department store chain Kohls. Other tenants that left the property within the past decade included apparel retailers The Gap, PacSun and Aeropostale, each of which were once common fixtures in malls across the country. The malls assessed value has also dropped over the past several years. When an affiliate of global asset management firm Farallon Capital Management LLC bought the 54-acre property for $27 million in 2016, it was at the time valued at $57 million for tax purposes. The mall has a current valuation of $17.4 million, according to Montgomery County property records. RockStep bought the mall during the fall of 2019 at a sale price of $21.6 million, county records show. The malls past owner, the Farallon affiliate, also sold the adjacent Regal New River Valley movie theater property in 2018 for just under $13 million to a Phoenix-based company that news reports say was later acquired by Realty Income Corp. of San Diego. RockStep didnt immediately return requests for comment on the malls listing. National news reports earlier this year said the number of malls nationwide fell from roughly 2,500 during the 1980s to around 700 now and that less than 200 are expected to still be around over the following decade. Five men this year have relinquished their firearms to Roanoke law enforcement in accordance with Virginias red flag law. But the fifth, a teenager, was the first to face related criminal charges when an officer found him running from a stolen vehicle and carrying a handgun. Virginias red flag statute went into effect in 2020. It permits law enforcement officers to petition to issue an emergency substantial risk order to a person who may be a threat to oneself or others. If the petition is granted and the risk order is served, that person voluntarily hands over their firearms and is prohibited from purchasing, possessing or transporting any firearms while the order is in effect. According to court documents, a Roanoke officer responded on April 23 to an active disorder involving a mother who said her son, 19-year-old Iveon DeJuan White, was making homicidal and suicidal statements while brandishing a firearm. When the officer got to the scene of the disorder, a handgun was located outside of Iveons room window. The officer submitted a petition for an emergency substantial risk order to a Roanoke magistrate, who granted the request. When the order was served, court documents note, White relinquished a black and turquoise handgun. White appeared before Roanoke Circuit Judge Christopher Clemens on May 3, five days before the emergency substantial risk order was set to expire. In its place, Clemens issued another substantial risk order, which was set to expire six months later on Nov. 3. But on June 13, about a month after his hearing with Clemens, White was arrested and charged with possessing a firearm while under a substantial risk order, a misdemeanor. According to a search warrant, Roanoke police officers on that day were pursuing a red Oldsmobile that had been stolen. The stolen cars occupants got out of the vehicle near the northwest intersection of 12th Street and Orange Avenue and started to run, one officer relayed. The officer saw one of the individuals, whom police would identify later as White, running north on 12th Street, wearing light blue jeans and a dark long sleeve shirt. The officer said White stopped running, turned and began reaching down the front of his pants. The officer believed he could be reaching for a firearm. White ran across Orange Avenue, between houses on 11th Street and 12th Street and was captured and arrested by other officers, the warrant continued. The officer said he found a loaded tan handgun with a black slide, no serial numbers, and Whites shoes in backyards in the 700 block of 12th Street, along the same path he had observed White, according to the warrant. Police seized a DNA buccal swab from White on June 14. During the August meeting of Roanokes grand jury, he was indicted on the firearm possession misdemeanor and a vehicle grand larceny felony. White pleaded guilty to the felony in circuit court on Monday and was sentenced to two years of incarceration. Once released, hell be placed on two years of supervised probation. During that time, he is to continue to receive mental health treatment. In exchange for his plea, the prosecution, represented by Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Jason Morgan, agreed not to pursue the firearm possession misdemeanor. Because he is now a convicted felon, White is prohibited from carrying firearms. But Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Alyssa Smith said White will remain under a substantial risk order until November, when a judge may choose to extend or terminate it. BLACKSBURG The town is seeking public feedback on a plan to turn a prime downtown property into a retail cooperative and incubator program. Blacksburg officials are asking for feedback using the letstalkblacksburg.org site to provide comments on the future of the Cooks Cleaners building at 414 N. Main St. The long-vacant property, which the town bought several years ago for close to $1 million, is undergoing remediation and rehabilitation work as part of a greater plan to renovate the 5,000-square-foot space into a community retail cooperative and incubator, according to a recent town announcement. Building renovations are expected to be done by the end of 2026. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith said the space is an important one for the town due to its central location a busy downtown area within proximity of not just other businesses, but also Virginia Tech on the other side of North Main Street. Theres a multi-faceted vision for it, but we may come up with other ideas, too, as the public weighs in. Its a great place to redevelop, the mayor said Friday. For many reasons, its not only a strategic location, but its also a convenient location. The towns recent announcement stated that the building, situated between the Tech campus and the entrance to downtown, is in an ideal location to become a central hub for a vibrant retail sector. The development of a retail cooperative and incubator program will spur growth in the small business retail sector and provide opportunities for civic engagement and activity, the announcement reads. Pointing out the challenges of launching a business in a downtown storefront, the town said providing physical retail space at a low cost and along with an array of support resources and services could help level the playing field for those interested in starting and growing a retail business. The towns announcement includes a brief description of the function and benefit of incubator programs, which the locality said helps accelerate the development of businesses via benefits such as the provision of more affordable spaces and direct exposure to mentors and consultants. Additionally, the organization Downtown Blacksburg Inc. will be in the building and be responsible for managing the retail incubator program. The town said DBI will, among other functions, organize events to increase traffic to the businesses and work with local economic development partners to help meet the needs of the participants. The town said it will provide participants and DBI with subsidized and reduced rent, favorable lease terms, building insurance and common space. Hager-Smith said other ideas that have been floated around for the property have included the provision of office space for nonprofit work, possibly gallery space and even public restrooms the latter of which she said has long been in demand. ORISKANY Traffic, trespassing and the end of rural remoteness were on Jim Stadtlanders mind recently. We are afraid of how it would change that thing of loving it to death, the Botetourt County resident said. Stadtlander, a professional wood sculptor, moved his work and family from Ohio five years ago to find a more peaceful, out-of-the-way living experience. But in January, he was alarmed to learn that a former railroad bed running next to his new residence was the site of a planned 26-mile hiking, biking and horseback-riding trail. He spent much of the months since then digging into what little information is available about the proposed Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail, and rallying opposition to it through a group he helped form called DeRail the Trail. Discussed off and on for decades, the proposed trail between New Castle and Eagle Rock was largely out of the limelight until the start of the year. Thats when a burst of publicity accompanied the announcement that the Commonwealth Transportation Board allotted $1 million for what was termed preliminary planning on the project. Public information meetings about the trail are scheduled for Sept. 20 at Eagle Rock Elementary School and for Sept. 21 at Craig County High School. Both meetings are set to run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Last week Stadtlander spoke to the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, expressing frustration about his attempts to learn why the trail project, discussed in the 1970s and 90s, was revived. He thumped down a bundle of 250 pages gathered through a Freedom of Information Act request and said he thought that supervisors could have made residents more aware of what was coming. Since the county contributes money to the regional Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, an advisory board that Stadtlander described as a trail advocate, it would only be fair to also fund the DeRail group at an equivalent rate, he said. Stadtlander presented supervisors with a bill for $14,710. They made no comment. Later, however, Supervisor Richard Bailey, whose Fincastle District includes Stadtlanders home near Oriskany, responded to a reporters email by writing that the proposed trail will be in the early study phase for probably at least another year. He advised checking a Virginia Department of Transportation web page on the project for new information as it becomes available. As one would expect there are people opposed and in favor of the proposed trail, Bailey wrote. Again, its very early in the process with lots to learn. In time there will be enough details to develop opinions based on facts. The state highway department official coordinating the trail project could not be reached late last week. According to the state webpage about the trail, it is to mostly follow the route of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroads long-vanished Craig Valley Branch. In 1961, after rail operations ceased, the Western Pocahontas Corp. donated the right-of-way to Virginia. Some parts of the former train route became little more than paths through the woods, roughly following Craig Creek and used as driveways by people who lived nearby. Other sections became public roads, like the narrow, gravel-covered Virginia 817, also called Old Rail Road, that Stadtlander lives along. The highway department site states that about 9 miles of the trail would use low-volume secondary roads in a share the road scenario. Trail opponents say that 11 miles of road, not nine, would be included in the trail and that these roads are the only access to 190 or more properties, some of them residential and others used for agriculture or woodlands. On Thursday, Stadtlander opened a gated section of the former rail route and talked about how crowds of trail users could change the character of wide sections of two counties. The state put up the gates to limit trespassing and property damage, he noted. Residents were given keys. But a trail could effectively unlock the entire route. Virginia 817 presently is so little-traveled the highway department says it sees 43 vehicles per day that it does not even have a bridge at one of the places it crosses Craig Creek. Instead, vehicles must drive through the creek. Stadtlander said that the route often become impassable even to larger trucks when it rains. While the ford is not on the section of the road proposed for the trail, it is very close to it. And it demonstrates potential problems with even well-meaning visitors, Stadtlander said. Craig Creek is popular with kayakers and canoeists. Boaters often mistake the gravel slopes where Virginia 817 enters the water for an official put-in, and paddle away leaving their vehicles parked in the middle of the public road, Stadtlander said. On Saturday, Stadtlander and more than a dozen people in DeRail the Trail T-shirts held a Walk for Awareness in downtown Buchanan, carrying signs along sidewalks in the historic district. Participants expressed a range of reasons for opposing the trail, from personal safety to wider concerns about taxes and democracy itself. Stadtlander carried a sign that read, We dont want it, Terry, a reference to Del. Terry Austin, R-Buchanan, who in January called the trail a potential economic driver such as the Virginia Creeper Trail between Abingdon and Damascus. Standing among the DeRail protesters Saturday, Dwayne Martin described the proposed trail as a playground for criminals. Martin said hed spent much of his life in Botetourt County and though now living elsewhere, still often visits family property near Eagle Rock. He said he thought that Austin and the all-Republican Board of Supervisors could face a political reckoning. This area has always voted red. Because of whats going on with the trail all the residents are turning blue and independent, Martin said. Lewis Hopkins called the trail emblematic of a larger problem, saying county residents should be allowed to hold a specific vote about such a large project. Handing a brochure to a man walking past, Hopkins said that he was standing up for the Constitution. We the people, we dont live in a democracy, we live in a dictatorship, Hopkins said. Do you want your tax money spent on a recreational project we dont need? The man hed given the brochure to said that hed rather the money be spent improving roads and said that he would call Supervisor Billy Martin, who lived near him. When the sidewalk was empty, Hopkins said that he also had a more personal worry about the trail hed moved from Roanoke to Oriskany 18 years ago for a more country way of life and now wondered if trail-planners might see part of his property as a good spot for a parking lot. The area around Oriskany is like youre stepping back a hundred years in time. Theres not very many places like that, Hopkins said. Vickie Graham called the possibility of having to drive a narrow, curvy road among crowds of bicycles, horses and hikers really scary for those of us who live there and just accidents waiting to happen. Mary McDaniel, who said that she raised beef cattle along both sides of Craig Creek, and both sides of the proposed trail, guessed that trail-users would bring more litter than business to the area, and also might increase liability concerns for property owners. McDaniel said that she already went through a lawsuit with neighbors who had an access to cross her land to the creek, and who sued her over a tree-cutting project. The lawsuit went nowhere, McDaniel said, but still cost her $8,000 in attorney fees. Would there be a similar situation if someone left the trail and crashed their bicycle on her land, she wondered. Jeremy Parr said that his family has owned land on Craig Creek since the 1850s and has had problems for years with people who already use the former railbed as a path for horses and four-wheelers. They walk right past posted signs and steal gates, Parr said. He estimated that about once each spring and fall, he or a relative confronts someone they find trespassing. The people always leave and usually say they didnt see any signs but the signs are all around them, Parr said. Parr said that he agreed with others at the protest that public money would be better spent maintaining existing parks. Facilities at the Fenwick Mines Day Use Area near New Castle and the Roaring Run trail near Eagle Rock, both overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, need repairs and seem little visited, he said. Why are you going to create a new one, Parr asked, when people arent using the ones you have? No overall cost for the Craig Botetourt trail is listed on the state website, but Parr said that it would have to be expensive because the trail would cross bridges that may not have been maintained since their railroad days. Larry Drummond, who said the trail would come right in front of his porch, said the trail would cross six bridges in all, including some already used for roads. In an email written after Saturdays event finished, Stadtlander called the opposition to the trail not about Democrat, Republican, etc. Its about right and wrong, treating people properly, being honest, truthful, transparent, smart with money, smart growth, with good conscience, protecting liberties, freedom, values, and so on. And I keep forgetting to say this: We are not against all trails, Stadtlander continued. People hear DeRail the Trail and think we hate all trails. Absolutely not true. We are against this one for the many reasons you have heard. For more, see the state highway department web page on the trail project: www.virginiadot.org/projects/salem/craig-botetourt-scenic-trail.asp; and DeRail the Trails site: www.derailthetrail.org. Danville Police Chief Scott Booth is the finalist for Roanokes open chief position. Residents will have a chance to meet Booth at a 6 p.m. Wednesday open house at Berglund Hall in the Berglund Center. The open house is the last step toward a formal job offer. Booth has served as Danvilles chief since 2018 but hes been featured in two other police chief searches over the last year. Booth was previously a finalist for the police chief position in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in January, but was not selected for the job. Before that, he was a finalist for chief of police in Aurora, Colorado, in September 2022, but withdrew his name from consideration. Booth has stayed relatively close to Virginia throughout his law enforcement career. Booth got his start in law enforcement at the Richmond Police Department in 1996, according to a page on the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website. In 2015, he began working for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in Washington, D.C. In July of 2017, he took a position with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security where he served as the Deputy Federal Security Director for the Charlotte, NC region, coordinating transportation security efforts for the Federal Government, according to Booths page on the Virginia DCJS website. Since 2020, Booth has been a member of the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. He currently serves as the commissions vice chairman. The Monday afternoon city press release announcing Booth and the open house stated that Booth has a proven track-record of leading the Danville Police Department in community engagement and crime reduction. Almost exactly a month ago, Booth received the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award, making him one of several Danville public servants to receive recognition from the National Gang Crime Research Center for their efforts to reduce gang-related violence. Booth is the only Roanoke finalist who has moved forward to the community open house stage of the interview process, city Communications & Community Engagement Specialist Carol Corbin told The Roanoke Times Monday. I look forward to introducing Chief Booth to the community on Wednesday and completing the recruitment process so that he is able to join us as soon as practical, City Manager Bob Cowell said in the Monday afternoon press release announcing Booth as the finalist. The city hasnt formally offered Booth the police chief job, yet, though if that happens, it will come after Wednesdays open house. An Aug. 9 press release from the city indicated that an offer to a candidate was expected by Sept. 1. That is still the case, Corbin confirmed Monday. Danville Register & Bee reporter John Crane contributed to this report. RICHMOND Virginia Parole Board Chairman Chadwick Dotson will become director of the Department of Corrections, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday. The prison agencys current director, Harold Clarke, plans to leave the post in early September. Patricia West, a former judge who served as a member of the State Corporation Commission, director of juvenile justice and secretary of public safety under Gov. George Allen, and as chief deputy attorney general under Ken Cuccinelli, will become chair of the parole board. I will work every day to support DOCs front-line personnel ... and will focus efforts on addressing the ongoing staffing shortages faced by corrections systems across the country, said Dotson, a former Wise County judge and a former dean of students at the Appalachian School of Law. We will be laser-focused on ridding our prisons of drugs, especially deadly fentanyl. But most of all, I want to ensure that our department never loses sight of our overriding purpose: public safety, he said. Virginias corrections department houses some 25,000 inmates in its prisons, and is responsible for probation officers and a range of alternatives to incarceration, as well as for programs to help inmates return to society when they have served their sentences. Clarke was named director of the department by Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell in 2010 and was reappointed by Democratic governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam. Under his watch, for four of the past seven years, Virginia has seen the lowest rate in the nation of former inmates returning to prison on new convictions. In the other three years, the state had the second-lowest recidivism rate. I really wanted to focus on re-entry ... helping people get out of the quagmire of punishment and then more crime giving people a second chance; thats what creates public safety, he said. Clarke began his corrections career in Nebraska and became that states director of corrections in 1990. He was appointed secretary of the Washington State Department of Corrections in 2005 and, in 2007, became commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections. After 49 years, its time, he said. Ive been a director of corrections since 1990, in four states without a break. The Virginia Department of Corrections has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks. The Associated Press reported Aug. 9 that the prison agency has refused to release records of complaints by inmates at the Marion Correctional Treatment Center in Southwest Virginia that is under scrutiny in the 2022 death of an inmate. The AP reported that allegations that multiple inmates were treated for hypothermia arose as part of a lawsuit over Charles Givens death last year. The lawsuit alleges that Givens, who was intellectually disabled, was tortured and beaten by guards off camera. On Aug. 3, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported the department confirmed that three inmates at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt had died within 48 hours due to drug overdoses. Youngkin has made reform of the parole board a priority of his administration. Under previous administrations, the parole board failed to uphold the law and undermined the confidence of our citizens, he said. While there is more work to be done, I am proud of Chairman Dotson for implementing changes to consider victims and their families, increase transparency, and follow the law, Youngkin said. He said he is confident that Wests appointment will keep those changes on track. I appreciate Chairman Dotsons desire to continue serving Virginians as the head of the Department of Corrections; Im grateful for the service of Director Clarke and his years leading Virginias largest government agency, Youngkin said. The parole board, which decides when or if inmates can be released early, drew fire from Youngkin and from Attorney General Jason Miyares for its releases of inmates as the COVID-19 pandemic peaked. Days after he was sworn in last year, Youngkin fired the board, saying an investigation revealed some of the inmates released had shortly before been denied parole, raising questions about the lawfulness of those abrupt reversals. He said the board violated victims rights and broke state law by not giving the required notice to victims. Miyares said the board had been in a parole-granting frenzy early in 2020 and had endangered public safety by releasing dozens of violent felons. Earlier this year, Dotson issued a report saying the board did not have the funds or staff to deal with a backlog of 2,000 applications that it amassed in recent years. Last year, the board received 3,320 applications for parole and granted 78. Virginia abolished parole in 1995, but offenders sentenced before then are still eligible. China allegedly makes harassing phone calls to Japan, as confirmed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirozuka Matsuno, the chief government spokesman. This alarming activity from China was announced on Monday, Aug. 28. Now, is the controversial Fukushima nuclear wastewater to blame? China Allegedly Makes Harassment Phone Calls to Japan According to Reuters' latest report, the harassment phone callswhich are allegedly from Chinabegan after Japan decided to release the wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. "A lot of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are occurring in Japan," said Matsuno. "These developments are extremely regrettable and we are concerned," added Japan's chief government spokesperson. Aside from random phone calls to residents, Japanese facilities located in China are reportedly receiving harassment phone calls as well. Because of the harassing phone calls, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano had to summon Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao. Okano also encouraged China to ensure that its residents react calmly during the tension between the two countries because of the Fukushima wastewater release. The Japanese officials did this to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens and facilities in China. Read Also: China Slams Japan's Fukushima Wastewater Release by Banning Tokyo's Seafood Exports Is Fukushima Wastewater Release to Blame? Since the harassment phone calls began after the Fukushima water release, many experts said that nuclear wastewater could be the main reason behind this alarming activity from China. However, the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo claims that it is also receiving nuisance calls, which allegedly come from Japan, as reported by The Strait Times. Because of this, it is unclear if the harassment calls received by Japanese residents and the Chinese Embassy in Japan are connected to one another. As of writing, Japanese officials are mostly concerned about residents living in China. Recently, the Japanese government warned nationals in China to lie low and avoid any conflict because Chinese residents are still disappointed with the Fukushima wastewater release. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised Japanese residents traveling to China to leave an itinerary, as well as contact numbers with their employers, families, and friends. If you want to learn more about the worsening tensions between Japan and China, you can click this link. Related Article: Japan Starts Releasing Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater, Prompting China to Boycott Seafood From Tokyo @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. " " In this photo, you can see Augustine Volcano steaming. The Alaska volcano located in Cook Inlet is part of the notorious ring of fire, as is Mount Tambora, the eruption of which caused the Year Without a Summer in 1816. Chlaus Lotsche/Getty Images When a butterfly flaps its wings in the Amazon, chaos theory goes, it causes a tornado in Texas. And when the biggest volcanic explosion in human history takes place in Indonesia, Mary Shelley writes "Frankenstein" in Switzerland. Well, amongst other things. 2016 was the 200th anniversary of the Year Without a Summer, caused by the near-catastrophic environmental changes that occurred when Mount Tambora erupted in April 1815 in Indonesia. The blast killed 10,000 people on the island instantly. A dozen cubic miles of debris were thrown into the atmosphere, in a blast 100 times more powerful than Mount St. Helens. Advertisement But it isn't just debris that's flung into the air when a volcano erupts. Gases, including sulfur dioxide, reach the stratosphere. The sulfur dioxide is converted to sulfuric acid, where it can stay in the atmosphere for a couple years. Those acid aerosols act as reflectors that allow less energy from the sun to reach Earth's surface and cooling occurs. And for the Northern Hemisphere, cool it was. In June, there was 20 inches (51 centimeters) of snow in New England, and the white stuff provided for festive sleigh rides in Virginia. From May to September, it rained 142 out of 153 days in Ireland. A cholera epidemic swept Asia. Crops failed in North America, Europe and China. The American West started enticing failing New England farmers, creating the jumping-off point for a great migration westward. The dark, miserable weather of 1816 also inspired Lord Byron to suggest to his summer guests in a Swiss villa to try their hand at ghost stories. A young Mary Shelley took to her room with candlelight to pen the beginnings of "Frankenstein." But let's be clear that the summer-that-wasn't-summer also was part of a larger cooling trend in the early 19th century, and the Southern Hemisphere seemed to be largely unaffected. Still, the no-summer-summer caused significant global ripples. Now that's Interesting While we've focused on the global impact, it's important to stress how catastrophic the effects of Mount Tambora's eruption were for Indonesia. An estimated 90,000 people died on nearby islands many of starvation, after crops and forests were killed and freshwater was contaminated. Geek Ventures is the latest venture capital firm to launch its first fund and has $23 million in capital commitments to invest in immigrant tech founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Ihar Mahaniok founded the firm in 2021 after working for more than 20 years as a software engineer for companies, including Google, Facebook, WeWork and Lightning AI. Prior to starting the firm, Mahaniok was an active angel investor, getting in on the ground floor of companies like Instacart, PandaDoc, People.ai, Chainalysis, Airbyte and Jeeves. An immigrant himself, growing up in Belarus, he saw how difficult it was for immigrant entrepreneurs to make connections within the U.S. venture capital ecosystem. Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not, Mahaniok told TechCrunch via an email interview. I want to create more opportunities for the amazing talent that originates everywhere in the world. Lots of them end up moving to the U.S. where they have the best environment to grow the business and then often grow their teams in countries of origin, which creates amazing job opportunities for talented people there. It was that connection aspect that also led Mahaniok to design Geek Ventures as a firm to build those venture capital connections. Through immigrant-focused networking events, founders have an opportunity to grow their professional networks and break into the U.S. market. Mahaniok began fundraising for his debut fund back in October 2021 with the intention of only raising $15 million. He found limited partners resonated with his immigrant-focused thesis, as other VC firms have found, including One Way Ventures, Unshackled Ventures and BGV. Mahaniok closed the fund in June with $23 million. Backing Geek Ventures is a group of investors, including Applovin founder and CEO Adam Foroughi, PandaDoc founders Mikita Mikado and Sergey Barysiuk and Decile Capital Premier Fund I. Working with Mahaniok is Vadim Rogovskiy, who is splitting his time as partner at Geek Ventures and as co-founder and CEO of 3DLOOK, and investment analysts Maksym Strukov and Sviatoslava Luhovets. So far the firm has invested in 35 companies, including Filmustage, NewHomesMate, ShapesXR, FoodReady and Spice AI. Story continues The team plans to invest in one or two companies a month and is targeting 60 total investments for Fund I, with investments ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. We look for the right balance between solving real customer problems now (or in the near future), and a very ambitious vision for the future five to 10 years from now, Mahaniok said. The best early founders can have a small working solution with happy customers now, and a picture of how they can grow it to a world-changing company later. By Rishika Sadam HYDERABAD (Reuters) - Skyroot Aerospace, which launched India's first private rocket in 2022, aims to double its planned launches starting next year on a likely boost to the country's fledgling private space sector from the success of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission. The Hyderabad-based company, backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, is also aiming to raise more money by the end of next year, co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana told Reuters in an interview. "From 2024 and later, we're looking at at least two launches per year and will probably ramp up as we move further," said Chandana, whose company is set to send its second rocket to space by the end of the year. Chandana, a former scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation, said he was receiving "a lot of messages from global and domestic investors" who want to understand Skyroot's business ever since India became the first country to achieve a safe landing on the lunar south pole. The company conducted India's first private rocket launch looking to cut satellite launch costs in an industry fast getting crowded as various firms build out networks to deliver broadband services, which need small satellite launches. Chandana said the company plans to ramp up its 280-member workforce by 20% in the next two years to support the expected increase in launches. It is also planning a fundraising in 2024, more than the $51 million raised in its last round led by GIC, Chandana said, without giving further details. "We're well funded for now. So, the next large fundraising round, the Series C round, will probably be in 2024 end," Chandana said. (Reporting by Rishika Sadam; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Dhanya Ann Thoppil) Customers browse traditional Chinese herbal products inside a Eu Yan Sang store in Singapore, on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. Photographer: Munshi Ahmed/Bloomberg By Elffie Chew, Vinicy Chan and Manuel Baigorri (Bloomberg) A Tower Capital Asia-led consortium is considering selling its consumer health-care company Eu Yan Sang International Ltd., according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Singapore-based mid-market private equity firm, along with Temasek Holdings Ptes unit Blanca Investments and members of the founding family, are working with financial advisers on the planned disposal of their majority stake in the traditional Chinese medicine company, the people said. A deal could value Eu Yan Sang International, which was taken private in 2016, at about $800 million, said the people. The remaining shareholders outside the consortium may participate in the potential sale, the people said, asking not to be identified as the process is private. Deliberations are at an early stage and the consortium could decide to hold onto the asset, the people said. A spokesperson for Temasek declined to comment, while representatives for Eu Yan Sang International and Tower Capital Asia didnt respond to requests for comment. Eu Yan Sang International has been in business for 144 years, tracing its roots to a shop in Gopeng, Perak, north of Kuala Lumpur in 1879, according to its website. Its roughly 900 products include bottled birds nest and Hou Ning powder. Research collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong led to products including a pill to address menstrual and menopausal symptoms for elderly women, and an anti-viral formula for use during the SARS epidemic, the website shows. The Singapore-headquartered company currently has over 170 retail outlets, about 25 TCM clinics and three medical centers across greater China, Singapore and Malaysia, according to the website. It also manufactures TCM products at plants in Hong Kong and Malaysia. In 2022, Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co. agreed to participate in a Tower Capital Asia fund that is an investor in Eu Yan Sang, according to a statement. Mitsui also backed US supplement maker Thorne HealthTech Inc. four years earlier, and the two firms have jointly established a Singapore entity, the statement shows. With assistance from Xiao Zibang. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Embracing the Digital Age: Mdm Cheng overcomes struggles to master smartphone and connect with family via WhatsApp at 87. (PHOTO: Lions Befrienders) SINGAPORE Digital transformation is reaching every age group in Singapore. However, behind the scenes of this tech wave, a struggle is unfolding. Seniors, eager to adapt, are finding themselves grappling with their limited familiarity with technology amid this digital tide. As the city-state forges ahead, the emotional toll of digitalisation on its elderly population is becoming increasingly evident. Still, there are success stories. Cheng Siew Kee, 87, started her journey into the digital world four years ago with a Samsung smartphone, which was initially unfamiliar and intimidating to her. She recalls, "I was struggling to operate it, and it took me a while. I just played with it and asked if I wasn't sure." She now proudly states, "Now, I know how to use WhatsApp to call my grandson." Fuelled by a determination not to be left behind by younger generations, Cheng embraced the challenge of learning technology head-on. She shares, "Seniors need to learn and not just remain quiet. We don't stop learning; we have to continue learning so that we can be on a par with the young people." Empowering seniors through active ageing centres Singapore is one of the fastest-ageing nations in the world. Currently, about one in five Singaporeans is a senior aged 65 and above. According to the Population In Brief 2022 report, that ratio will rise to nearly one in four by 2030. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the concern of isolation faced by seniors, particularly those who live alone, in his National Day Rally speech on 20 August. He emphasised his dedication to expanding the network of Active Ageing Centres (AACs) to support seniors in maintaining engagement and social interaction. These centres play a crucial role as places where seniors can discover companionship, participate in activities, and access digital resources. Edward Tang, assistant manager of Care Corner Seniors Services, notes the dual nature of seniors' relationship with technology. Story continues "While digital devices have empowered some to cope better, they also pose challenges, including fear of scams and intimidation from unfamiliar interfaces," he observed. Care Corner Singapore, a social service agency that enhances the well-being of seniors, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With nine AACs serving over 3,500 seniors, Care Corner acknowledges that the emotional toll of digitalisation cannot be ignored. Their initiatives focus on providing access to digital tools and alleviating the emotional strains that seniors may experience in this digital age. Through tailored programs and support systems, Care Corner aims to bridge the emotional gap that technology widens, by providing not only digital devices and training but also a support network that empowers seniors to navigate the digital waters with confidence. Tang explains, "During the circuit breaker, we realised that digitally connected seniors coped better; however, it also unveiled challenges like intimidation and fear of scams. "With the expansion of AACs, it should definitely help. Seniors need that sense of confidence and assurance. They don't mind trying things out if they know they have a centre and a worker to turn to. It gives them peace of mind knowing they have assistance." Fostering connections and combating Isolation Organisations such as Lions Befrienders (LB) are also emerging as beacons of support for seniors. LB's reach extends wide, encompassing over 8,000 elderly beneficiaries - including Cheng - as they navigate the uncharted waters of digitalisation. LB recognises that technology can be a double-edged sword: It can be a powerful facilitator of connections, but it can also be a crippling source of isolation. Its solution to combat senior isolation is the i-OK@LB device. Amid the challenges of the circuit breaker period during the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, the tablet offered a lifeline for seniors, as it served as a virtual assurance system, enabling seniors to communicate their well-being thrice daily. Beyond its role as a communication channel, the tablet also aids in medication reminders and facilitates tele-consultations with doctors, as home visits became challenging during the pandemic. All the while as LB shifted its focus towards virtual platforms, it never sacrificed the human touch, as each of its 10 AACs was equipped with the tablets to bridge the physical gap between seniors and their caregivers. Breaking Isolation Barriers: LB's i-OK@LB device emerges as a lifeline, providing connectivity and support for seniors. (PHOTO:Lions Befrienders Website) Karen Wee, the executive director of LB Service Association, draws parallels between seniors' hesitation to embrace technology and the learning curve they faced when using buses. "In the past if you told a senior to use a card and tap it as you board the bus, they would be like, 'Huh, what is that?' They were used to putting coins and, getting a ticket, and then telling the bus driver how much," she explained. "Now it's intuitive; every senior knows how to tap in and out. "During COVID-19, it's the same thing. 'Oh, I don't know, I don't want to use QR codes,' but they started using them when they had to go to the malls and scan QR codes." Wee acknowledges the pivotal role of necessity and how it has pushed seniors to grapple with technology. A significant mindset shift is therefore required. "It's a matter of how long it takes for them to buy in. Technology has to be intuitive, and you must make it so that (the seniors) have almost no choice if they want to stay healthy, stay connected to their family overseas, and have these essential tools," she said. Jennifer Tan, a 55-year-old homemaker, also sheds light on a facet of the digital age's emotional tollthe impact on familial connections. As her 23-year-old eldest son embarked on a study exchange program in the United States, Tan realised that she had to start navigating modern communication tools and social media in order to connect with him. "When I found out from the younger one that my eldest had posted Instagram stories, I was like, why am I not in the loop?" she shared. "Of course, being away that far, you worry about their security, the kind of people they meet, or if they're doing things you want to know about. "To a certain extent, you need to keep up with the trends. If everybody is on Telegram, and then you have to be on Telegram, right? If you're not on Telegram, how are you going to connect?" Exploring Digital Age's Impact on Family Bonds: Jennifer Tan, a 55-year-old homemaker, reflects on her son's study exchange in the United States amidst the realm of modern communication tools. (PHOTO: Jennifer Tan) Bridging the gap for seniors in the digital age Sammy How, assistant director of elder education at Fei Yue Community Services, recognises the intricate dance between technology and emotional well-being. Time constraints and economic factors can hinder seniors' ability to embrace digital tools, often resulting in a lack of connection or a sense of belonging. How advocates for a deliberate effort to establish virtual communities that cater to seniors' intrinsic motivations and interests. "Even if you are living with family, you can still feel lonely because everyone has their own activities and world," he said. "A lack of communication can lead to loneliness even if you have digital skills. That's why having a virtual community is important, Through this virtual community, seniors can explore their interests and build friendships, which encourages them to engage more." Fei Yue also actively promotes intergenerational bonding through digital initiatives. Their Intergenerational Learning Programme (ILP) encourages seniors and youths to connect via Skype and Facebook. These programs aim to foster intergenerational solidarity and promote social cohesion. As the digital age reshapes the landscape of ageing, seniors in Singapore are navigating uncharted waters. The emotional toll of digitalisation cannot be underestimated, and social service agencies like Lions Befrienders, Care Corner Singapore and Fei Yue Community Services stand as guiding lights to lead seniors through these turbulent waters. Navigating Uncharted Waters: Seniors adapt to the digital age's emotional impact. (PHOTO: Getty Images) Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Seet Wai Song's classic Mercedes Benz is a 50-year-old W115 model. (Photo: Seet Wai Song) By Natasha Joibi When F&B entrepreneur Seet Wai Song announced to friends and family that he wanted to drive from Malaysia to Germany, many thought he was crazy. After all, travelling across 21 countries and covering a whopping 25,000km in 60 days is no easy feat. But the truly crazy part was that Seet intended to do just that in his ol' faithful his 50-year-old Mercedes-Benz W115. And regardless of the various views and obstacles, the resolute 65-year-old was not about to give up on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure dream. Fondly known by many in the industry as "Chef on Wheels", Seet said he was first bitten by the adventure travel bug in 1983, when he spent a year backpacking solo around India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Since then, he's made various other trips. He even lived in Switzerland for seven years, working there as a hotelier with his wife. Seet has also done long drives in the W115; like in 2018, when he travelled 11,000km in 11 days from Kuala Lumpur to Cambodia with his son. Travelling overland to Stuttgart, Germany, however, is a different beast altogether. And Seet said the journey required meticulous planning, vehicle maintenance and medical preparation as well as emotional anticipation of the challenges ahead. To Stuttgart with love Aside from being an avid traveller, Seet is also a vintage car enthusiast. He collects and refurbishes classic cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz W115, which he bought from a neighbour about 10 years ago. The car was broken down when he got it but has since gone through major repairs. And it was only natural, Seet says, that after having invested loads of money and time into the vehicle, he would want to do something really special with and in it like drive it to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. But while the journey, which started in KL on July 3 and has taken him through Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey so far, has been good for the most part, it has not been without incident. Story continues Road conditions, Seet said, were at times bad, and the old Benz did not escape unscathed. "It is not easy to drive 400 to 500 km a day. The roads are not like Malaysian highways. My car's muffler and exhaust were damaged a few times and had to be repaired. "(But) I consider this a personal achievement ... there's a lot to prepare almost daily; physically and mentally," Seet remarked. Besides, he has thoroughly enjoyed being able to encounter and interact with people of various communities on this trip and, of course, sample the local cuisine. Navigating through cultures and cuisine Seet said he maintained a tight budget, took with him a supply of dry food from Malaysia, and kept eating out to a minimum. However, from time to time, he would "spoil" himself and indulge a little. "Being a chef, I'm inclined to be adventurous when it comes to food. So, occasionally, I treat myself to meals in cafes and savour local specialities." Seet added that his gastronomic curiosity knows no bounds, and he even tried unusual dishes, such as the sheep's head he encountered in China and the dish composed of duck blood he sampled in Laos. In Russia, meanwhile, Seet did not pass up the opportunity to dine on caviar and says he spent an entire afternoon in Astrakhan, supposedly the caviar capital of the world, learning about the delicacy. But what has made this particular journey truly special is that he always intended for it to be more than about travel and adventure. Driving for a cause Having experienced the loss of relatives and acquaintances to cancer, Seet wanted to raise awareness about the disease in his own meaningful way. So, for every kilometre he travels, he aims to raise RM10 for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. Whenever possible during his journey, Seet said he also visits medical centres or facilities dedicated towards cancer treatment. So far, he has visited a hospital in Thailand and Clinic Vivamedi in Georgia. Relating his experience in Georgia, Seet says that he arrived at the medical centre with no prior appointment or referral. "I just walked in and introduced myself and my intentions. With little knowledge of English, they seemed to understand what I was there for. I was introduced to (the centre's director) Professor Zurab Chkhaidze." Seet with Professor Zurab Chkhaidze (right) and a surgeon at Clinic Vivamedi in Georgia. (Photo: Seet Wai Song) He added that he was surprised and humbled that the prof took time out of his busy schedule to give a briefing and interview, provide a short tour of the facility as well as introduce him to a number of surgeons. At the time of writing, Seet was in Turkey. He is due back in Malaysia in early September. You can keep track of his journey via Facebook and Instagram. Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Singapore presidential candidates Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ng Kok Song address mental health concerns among youths and combat political corruption during the show. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Caroline Chia) SINGAPORE Amid a global upswing in mental health concerns among young people, two of the candidates of the Singapore presidential election have emphasised the need for heightened awareness and support for the well-being of the youth. Ng Kok Song and Tharman Shanmugaratnam was responding to recorded questions posed by young Singaporeans during The Straits Times' Ask The Next President Anything session on Sunday (27 August). The issues addressed spanned a broad spectrum, reflecting the diverse concerns of Singapores youth. The candidates delved into the presidents role as a figurehead, and strategies to combat corruption within the political sphere. A notable absentee was the third presidential candidate, former NTUC Income chief executive Tan Kin Lian, who declined participation. Here are the four key takeaways from the session: 1. Mental health among youths One question revolved around the pressing issue of mental health among young individuals. Jeng Yeu, 22, asked, With the rising mental health issues among the youth, what can the future president do to address those issues? Tharman responded by advocating for recalibrating societal attitudes to reduce stress on both children and parents, and encouraging a more balanced approach to education that encompasses leisure and play. I think the first thing we have to do, both for parents and kids, is dont be so stressed when the kids are young. Dont stress the kids out. Give them time to play; give them free time. Dont spend so much time preparing for examinations," the 66-year-old former senior minister said. "The whole system has to help. The Government is making changes in the education system to destress the system. I think parents and kids have to realise that life is a long game. You may not be No.1 or even No.5 in school, but life is a long game you can keep learning and keep improving. So when we are young, weve got to broaden ourselves, have a range of enjoyable experiences, make friends, and dont let stress build up in our system. I believe thats very important." Story continues Ng also noted the detrimental effects of societal pressures amplified by social media. He highlighted meditation and mindfulness as tools in fostering self-assurance and authenticity. The 75-year-old former GIC chief investment officer said, Mental health issues arise when our youth feel that they have to conform, they have to comply, they have to perform to the expectations of their parents, their teachers and their peers. "I think social media has a lot of advantages, but it also has the downside of requiring our youth to appear good in the eyes of their peers. I have discovered from my own experience to let go of images that I would like to portray to other people. So its very important for all our children and youth to have confidence in themselves. Addressing Youth Mental Health: Jeng Yeu, 22, raises a question about the role of the future president in tackling the rising mental health concerns among young individuals. (PHOTO: Getty Images/iStockphoto) 2. Corruption by politicians Beyond addressing the discourse on mental health, the candidates delved into more systemic concerns, including political corruption. A 37-year-old man named Haja asked how they would handle a situation like corruption by our politicians. This follows a series of recent events, including the arrest of Transport Minister S. Iswaran in a corruption probe. Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan were also acquitted of corruption allegations concerning the rental of two state-owned bungalows. Ng highlighted the unique role of the elected president in combating corruption, particularly in matters related to the misuse of reserves and appointments influenced by personal connections. He asserted, The elected president was specially designed to deal with the problem of possible corruption among our politicians.So, if I come across a situation where I suspect corruption in the spending of our reserves, or when I suspect corruption in appointing untrustworthy people to key public service positions, I would object. I would exercise my veto." Tharman likened corruption to cancer, stressing the necessity of early intervention. He mentioned, We must be a special country where zero corruption is the order of the day. And that involves the prime minister, and it involves the president. "So the president has to be especially sensitive to any indiscretion that involves personal gain by politicians. No prime minister has ever denied a request by the director of CPIB for an investigation, but you never know in future. The president is always there." 3. Perceptions of the President merely serving as a figurehead Clara, 33, asked during the ST session, Some people say that the president is just a figurehead what are your views on that? Tharman said the president does have executive powers on certain issues. "They are not minor powers: They are major powers to do with the reserves, to do with the appointment of key public officials. "It helps greatly if the president has independence of mind, has the knowledge, and the ability to stand his ground. Those are three very important requirements: independence of mind, knowledge and expertise and being able to stand your ground. Its critical. Ng concurred, saying that the elected president of Singapore is more than just a figurehead. The elected president in Singapore is very special because of two key responsibilities as the president. First, to protect our hard-earned financial reserves. Make sure that the reserves that we have accumulated over a long period of time are not misspent or squandered. I dont think any other president or head of state in other countries have got this responsibility," he explained. The second important and unusual role of the elected president in Singapore is to uphold the integrity of the public service. This is also a very unique responsibility of our president." Singapore's Istana, the official residence and office of the nation's president. (PHOTO: Getty Images) 4. Expectations of the candidates in becoming the ninth President Danni, aged 34, asked, President Halimah Yacob and President S R Nathan had different personalities and leadership styles. If you were elected as the next president of Singapore, what can we Singaporeans expect from you, our ninth President of the nation? Ng said he wants to be known as a compassionate president. He said, "I want to be known as the meditating president because meditation has helped me become peaceful, more energetic, more sympathetic to the interests of all Singaporeans, especially the younger generation and low-income Singaporeans. "So I feel that as president, I would like the people of Singapore to know I will be their friend, a friend at the Istana... I would be a unifying figure for all the people of Singapore because Im a non-partisan president." Tharman stated that he will be a president who actively promotes a culture of respect for every Singaporean. "Im a president who, because of my experience, would never be fooled on any matter to do with the reserves or on governance. I can never be fooled on the matter. Finally, Ill be a president with a heart for every disadvantaged group respect everyone, never look down on anyone," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. SIOUX CITY -- A federal jury has found a Sioux City man guilty of two Woodbury County armed robberies and an attempted bank robbery. Jurors also acquitted Kevon Spratt of robbing an Onawa, Iowa, bank. At the conclusion of a five-day trial in U.S. District Court in Sioux City Friday, jurors returned guilty verdicts on three counts of use of a firearm during a violent crime, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and single counts of attempted bank robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Spratt was acquitted of one count each of bank robbery and use of a firearm during a violent crime. He had been accused of pointing a rifle at tellers in BankFirst in Onawa and taking $11,510 in cash on Oct. 21. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. Spratt, 30, threatened employees with a handgun during an Oct. 22 robbery of Bluff's Stop in Sergeant Bluff in which $482 was stolen. Two days later, he threatened two employees of Check Into Cash in Sioux City at gunpoint before they handed over approximately $4,855. On Nov. 14, Spratt assaulted a bank employee outside Pioneer Bank in Salix, Iowa, before entering the bank and searching through teller drawers before fleeing without taking any cash. Spratt was arrested later that day after authorities spotted him driving on Interstate 29. A handgun matching the appearance of a gun used in the robberies was found in the car, which closely resembled a car captured on surveillance videos at the scene of the other robberies. FBI agents reviewing Spratt's social media accounts found photos of him dressed in clothing matching clothes the robber was seen wearing in surveillance videos, holding a handgun consistent with the one seized from his car and holding an 8-inch-thick stack of cash. Tattoos in the photos also matched those seen on the suspect in the surveillance videos. Spratt was suspected of robbing a Dakota City, Nebraska, convenience store and attempting to rob a Jefferson, South Dakota, convenience store during the same time period. A search of online court records found no charges against Spratt in state or federal courts in Nebraska or South Dakota. SIOUX FALLS A Winnebago, Nebraska, woman was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer. Trista Whitewater, 33, pleaded guilty in June in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls to one count of assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer. She will be on two years' supervised release after completing her prison sentence. A second count of assaulting a federal officer was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Whitewater was booked into the Bureau of Indian Affairs Yankton Sioux Correctional Facility in Wagner, South Dakota, on June 8, 2022, for several charges. Whitewater assaulted a correctional officer during the booking. SIOUX CITY A 33-year-old Sioux City man is facing felony charges following a high-speed chase, early Monday morning, in Morningside. At around 12:41 a.m. Monday, officers observed a vehicle driven by Alan Lloyd Adams, a wanted felon. After officers attempted to stop Adams' vehicle, he eluded law enforcement at a high rate of speed throughout Morningside. Investigators say Adams bailed from the vehicle, leaving a juvenile behind. He then ran into a residence. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. Once inside, officers located Adams, along with two other wanted subjects: Juan Manuel Segovia, 32; and Charles Joseph Sully, 21. Adams has been charged with felony eluding and child endangerment. China imposed a seafood ban against Japan after Tokyo made the controversial Fukushima wastewater release. Experts claimed that the seafood import restriction could benefit not only the two Asian nations but also an unlikely countryRussia. China's Seafood Ban Against Japan Could Greatly Benefit Russia According to Business Insider's latest report, China's massive seafood market is attracting Russia after the ban imposed by the Chinese government to restrict seafood imports from Japan. Russia's food safety watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said that the Russian government sees the Chinese market as a promising place for fish products. "We hope to increase the number of certified Russian companies and ships, the volume of products, and its range," the food safety agency explained on Friday, Aug. 25. As of writing, Russia is among the largest marine product suppliers to China. Rosselkhoznadzor said that over 890 Russian companies have clearance to export seafood to the Asian country. In 2020, these Russian firms were able to import over $15 billion worth of seafood. Meanwhile, in 2022, Russia was able to export 2.3 million metric tons of seafood worth around $6 billion. Now, experts believe that Russia's marine products have more opportunities in China as the seafood restrictions against Japan continue. Read Also: China Slams Japan's Fukushima Wastewater Release by Banning Tokyo's Seafood Exports Beijing Defense Seafood Ban China claims that the latest seafood ban against Japan is its way of protecting Chinese residents, as reported by CNN Business. The Chinese government explained that the marine product restriction is needed to prevent the risk of radioactive contamination of food. Beijing even accused Tokyo of being extremely selfish and irresponsible since the Chinese government thinks it disregarded the international public interest. Before the controversial nuclear wastewater release, Japanese officials already explained that the water from Fukushima had already been treated, saying it only contained negligible amounts of radioactivity. However, China rejects Japan's explanations. On Weibo, many Chinese residents shared their disappointment about the Fukushima water release. Many of them even suggested banning all Japanese products, including those that don't come from the sea. Related Article: China Allegedly Making Harassment Phone Calls to JapanIs Fukushima Wastewater Release to Blame? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Donald Trumps first lawyer and reviled early mentor Roy Cohn famously observed: Dont tell me what the law is, tell me who the judge is. While Cohn was reportedly referring to the corruption then existing in the New York state judiciary, the quote only minimally overstates the courtroom reality even in todays most ethical and respected courts of lawwho the judge is generally is key to the outcome. That insight was reinforced this morning in when Tanya Chutkan, the federal judge presiding over the indictment charging the former president with seeking to overturn the 2020 election, set a trial date of March 4, 2024some two years earlier than the April 2026 date requested by attorneys for the former president. Although the schedule creates near-impossible realities for Team Trump, as noted below, there is no realistic appeal, despite the former presidents immediate threat to do so. As a former federal law clerk in the same D.C. District Court, and a federal prosecutor and white-collar defense lawyer for the decades that followed, I can report that there is nothing more sacred to a federal judge than his or her courtroom calendar. Absent unusual elements that do not exist in this case, the date selected by Chutkan will be changed only if she says so. With that in mind, lets address a few of the painful realities that the March 2024 trial date creates for Donald Trump. Advertisement First, in a problem second only to the great strength of the case against a client about to be tried in an unfavorable venue, the defense is now under unimaginable time pressure. Related From Slate The One Trap Every Trump Prosecutor Needs to Avoid Read More Given the enormous scope of discovery already provided, those on the trial team will have their work cut out for them trying to digest it all and preparing to address the same at a trial six months away. Many thousands of additional hours will be consumed by the drafting of pretrial motions addressed to the indictment, the evidence provided in discovery, and the unique aspects of the case itself. There are time constraints on these as well: Chutkan set a Nov. 6 deadline for filings on non-evidentiary motions. However the pretrial filings are decided by Chutkan, additional efforts by the losing side requesting that the D.C. Circuit reverse these decisions, and then seeking Supreme Court review, would require many thousands of additional hours. Advertisement Advertisement In this regard, few pretrial motions are appealable, but defense counsel will surely take the position that at least some are interlocutory and thus appealable. Given the extraordinary speed with which the D.C. Circuit affirmed Judge Beryl Howells denial of Evan Corcorans claims of privilege earlier this year, while these filings will take time to create, they will likely be disposed of quickly enough to not impact the trial date. Advertisement Advertisement Making the time pressure even more intense, given the uncontrollable nature of the client, additional time-consuming efforts to prevent him from being held in contempt of the court-imposed protective order will likely take away even more precious time that cannot be recouped. Not only would Trumps contemptible conduct not push back the trial date, given warnings already given by Chutkan, it could have the opposite result. Advertisement Second, the firm trial date seriously impinges on Trumps campaign to return to the Oval Office even before the trial begins in March. In my experience, in federal cases juries are typically selected much faster (in hours) than in most states (in days) because in federal court the voir direquestions asked of jurors to speak the truthis conducted by the judge, not the lawyers. Counsel for both sides present the court with questions they want the prospective jurors to be asked, but whether and how these questions will be addressed are strictly up to the judge. In highly publicized cases, the voir dire takes much longer, and of course it is difficult to imagine a publicity problem more difficult to screen than the one with Donald Trump. Adding the fact that the Trump jury will be anonymous and thus take a little longer to select, it is reasonable to expect jury selection to take a week or more. Advertisement Advertisement As such, unless he is allowed to waive his physical presence at jury selectiona long shotTrump will be off the campaign trail shortly before Super Tuesday, through perhaps late April or early May of 2024, assuming a trial of least one month followed by jury deliberations taking an unknown number of additional days. Finally, the media messaging that Trumps campaign will require in his absence from campaign and fundraising events will be drowned out by daily trial reports deluging the voting public with evidence of his criminality. While previous indictment news cycles have bolstered his fundraising and polling among GOP voters, its unclear how this will all play once theres actually a trial taking place. Even if Republicans somehow remain coalesced around Trump and he ends this period as the presumptive GOP nominee, it is a reality that hardly promises to help him avoid jail, let alone obtain the presidency. In sum, today was a really bad day for Team Trump. That Chutkans forceful control over the proceedings brings to the fore the insight of the man who mentored a young Donald Trump in developing his well-documented disdain for the rule of law is both ironic and consequential. While nothing will ever remove that disdain, it is about to be accompanied by a realization by the former president that his lifelong, frighteningly successful ability to evade justice is nearing the end. Yes, were in yet another wave of COVID. Maybe people in your circles are getting sick; maybe youve called out from work yourself. Maybe youre trying to figure out whether you can trust an expired test (the answer is: perhaps!), or maybe youre just biting the bullet and ordering more. Youre probably going to need them, after all. But this wave is distinctly different. Hospitalizations, while they are ticking up and may well continue to, are currently not much higher than they were at a previous pandemic low point, and theyre at a third of what they were this time last year. So its definitely not a wave with as serious implications as the other onesits maybe just a wave that is attributable to waning immunity, or increased travel, or increased travel with waning immunity. Although there is a new variant going around called EG.5informally, erisits an offshoot of omicron, and it doesnt appear to elevate our risk of severe disease, according to the World Health Organization. What is even considered a wave now is much different from a wave pre-vaccine, or that first explosive go-round of omicron, when so many people faced their inaugural COVID infection. These days, a wave is decoupled from the severe overburdening of hospitals. Staying home is no longer a primary form of infection control. Advertisement We have not only vaccines but an effective treatment that can be taken at home that can greatly reduce the likelihood of severe disease for people who are at high risk. If you catch COVID and you are otherwise healthy, you can expect maybe a few shitty days of sickness. In a COVID wave today, experts advise putting a mask on if youre somewhere crowded, or testing before seeing elderly family membersnot rearranging your life. Advertisement Advertisement This is not to say that COVID is not a concern at all. But it is a concern in the way that other illnesses that we deal with all the time are a concern. We have a special, even impossibly heightened level of awareness around COVID; we have lived through the deadly peaks of a pandemic. This awareness was correct. But these days, we are somewhere a little bit different, and many of us are probably still trying to figure out exactly how much concern is warranted. To that end, if early observations of COVID being on par with the flu were deadly wrong, its now worth revisiting them: Are we finally at the point where we, in our day-to-day lives, can think about COVID like the flu? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little bit, but not entirely. COVID still stands to kill more people than the flu does. A report published in JAMA in April compared death rates of COVID and flu patients, finding that COVID still killed hospitalized patients nearly twice as often (though it used to be several multiples). The flu appears to be confined to a clearer season than COVID currently is. Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina laid out in a recent edition of her newsletter the scenarios that could happen if BA.2.86thats the next variant thats on scientists radarseither explodes or fizzles in the coming months. In an optimistic scenario, according to models, COVID kills 55,000 Americans over the next two years; in a worst-case scenario involving a new variant, it could be as many as 450,000 Americans. (Thats roughly the death count due to COVID in a single year, 2021.) For reference, the flu kills some 12,000 to 52,000 Americans annually. Estimations like these are, well, estimations, but the takeaways are still useful. What Im taking away is that even in an upper bound of a worst-case scenario with COVID going forward, we are in a better spot than we were previously. In the best case, it really is on par with the flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think were probably past the era where we have to worry about hospitals getting overrun, Bob Wachter, the chair of the University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, told me, noting that the variants at play, contra a worst-case scenario, do seem to be respecting our immunity. And there is essentially no one that doesnt have some level of immunity at this point, he said, whether thats from vaccines, infection, or both. Globally, and mostly out of sight from the increasingly unconcerned public, health leaders have been thinking for months now about a shift in how we consider COVID. I think were coming to that point where we can look at COVID-19 in the same way we look at seasonal influenza: a threat to health, a virus that will continue to kill, but a virus that is not disrupting our society or disrupting our hospital system, said Michael Ryan, executive director with the WHOs Emergencies Program, at a press conference in March. That specific pointa squishy one, based on metrics but also qualitative observationsseems to have come in May, when the WHO downgraded COVID from a global public health emergency. COVID has achieved a level of equilibrium, a certain type of coexistence with the human host, K. Srinath Reddy, the former president of Indias Public Health Foundation, put it to the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given this shift in global public health thinking, the question of how to handle an uptick in COVID as an individual is perhaps less about COVID and more about how we should all handle illness in general. How you deal with COVID can become more and more like what you do when there is any kind of gnarly bug going around. What do you do when youre sick with anything else? What do you do to accommodate others, perhaps particularly those with heightened risk of getting sick? How should we organize our lives given that we exist alongside many viruses, balancing the need for connection with the need for safety? Advertisement Each person will answer this slightly differently, perhaps based on how they lived their lives before, but also, probably, with an increasing awareness of what we all just went through, and what we learned from it. For my part, I think that the answers should shift in the direction of not taking COVID quite as seriously as we did (well, as a portion of Americans did), but also in managing other infectious disease in our daily lives a little bit more like we managed COVID. One of the reasons we should do this is due to one of the chief remaining concerns around COVIDthat it can lead to lingering symptoms, and even, in some instances, severe disability. This risk is real, even if recent data suggests that risk of ongoing symptoms is relatively low (and that the risk can be made lower by taking Paxlovid). Advertisement Advertisement The concept of post-viral illness has particular salience when it comes to COVID, but its actually not unique. Patients with extreme cases of long COVID joined those who had long been suffering from ME/CFS, an illness that may be caused by a viral infection. Some researchers are studying symptoms now referred to as long flu. Long symptoms after any viral illnessthis is something that we in infectious diseases know is actually not an uncommon thing, Celine Gounder, a physician, told Andy Slavitt on a recent episode of In the Bubble. The fact that so many people were feeling these post-viral effects all at once just made it much more obvious that this was the case, Gounder told Slavitt. Our idea of what it means to catch whatever bug is going around should factor in the small possibility that the sickness will not necessarily pass within a matter of a week or two. Long COVID should wake us up to the fact that getting sick is not good, said Jeremy Faust, an emergency medicine physician at Brigham and Womens Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement In early 2020, a formulation of headline went: Dont worry about the novel coronavirusworry about the flu. That directive turned out to be very, very wrong. COVID killed more people than the flu does. Now its finally true that the flu could actually use more of the attention thats been paid to COVID, a disease that earns headlines every time theres a shift in its prevalence. The flu, after all, kills so many people. It has for years and years. We even have better treatments for COVID than we do for the flu, notes Faust, and there should be more urgency around finding medicines that work against the latter. We need a much better antiviral than frickin Tamiflu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So perhaps here is the final takeaway of where we are today, with this pandemic, and yes, even after this pandemic: It is useful to be aware of COVID and how much it is currently spreading. That allows you to know when to mask if you want to, and it might also serve as a good reminder to stay up to date on boosters and vaccines. But also, keep the lessons we learned during this pandemic, and apply them to everything. When you are sick, dont soldier through it; rest, and try not to spread it. It doesnt have to change your whole life. But with a little attention, what we went through with COVID might apply, just a little bit, to everything else. Waves of COVID may never end; in that way, it will become like any other illness. Wed do well to stop considering it so special. Are you looking to make money on Google? There are several different ways to do that, including AdSense and placing an app in the Google Play Store, to name just a few. Google Blogger is another option. Its a mobile app that allows you to post and view what you write. This blog is going to walk you through how to make money on Google using Googles various monetization tools. The Basics: Understanding Googles Monetization Tools The search engine has a couple of key monetization tools. Google Ads was previously known as Google AdWords. It allows small businesses to manage and create their own pay-per-click campaigns. This is paid advertising. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here The other big tool is called Google AdSense. This allows content creators, bloggers, and website owners to make money by displaying targeted Google ads. Read on to find out more about each. Google Adsense: Pay-per-click Advertising This tool uses whats called contextual targeting. That matches up ads with the content thats on any specific webpage. It leads to higher click-through rates because it helps users to find relevant advertising. The Google AdSense Program: Monetizing Your Website Website owners can use Google AdSense by applying for an account. Google will take a look at the content to make sure it meets its criteria. Small Business Deals They will be looking for compliance with Googles terms of service as well as original content. Once approved, a publisher gets access to the platform and starts creating different ads. These can include video ads, display ads, and text ads. They are generated by JavaScript code and HTML that are provided by AdSense. AdSense displays the relevant ads that boost click-through rates. Advertisers bid to have their ads displayed. Publishers earn money through the cost per click when visitors click on ads. Theres also the cost per impression based on the number of views any ad gets. How to Open a Google Adsense Account Heres how a small business can open an Adsense Account. Check your content to make sure its good, and your website adheres to Google Adsense policies. Go to the website and click the sign up now button. Small businesses can use Google Account credentials. You need to check a few boxes and add your websites URL Next, youll need to add some personal information and accept AdSense policies. Then you can verify your ownership by adding a small piece of code to your website. Choose a payment method and start setting up ads by selecting colors, sizes, and formats. Then you can add the code to your pages. AdSense Custom Search Ads: A Unique Opportunity These Custom Search Ads are provided by Google AdSense. This tool displays targeted ads for searches. The ads get generated by the search query. That makes them more likely to be relevant. Website owners earn money through clicks. Website owners get to customize results to match branding. This tool is different because Google Ads has a broader reach. Adsense lets website owners make money by displaying ads on their contentnot just in search results. The Google Display Network: Expanding Your Reach This is a collection of digital platforms that includes apps and websites. The Google Display Network has millions of websites in it, and estimates say it reaches over 90% of Internet users across the globe. Small businesses that use it can focus their ads on a target audience or specific industry. You can even use remarketing/retargeting campaigns. Feature/Aspect AdSense Custom Search Ads Google Display Network Purpose Displays targeted ads for searches on websites. Displays visual ads on various websites and apps. Relevance of Ads Generated by the search query, increasing relevance. Based on targeting criteria, might include interests, demographics, etc. Reach Specific to the website where the search is conducted. Over 90% of Internet users globally across millions of websites and apps. Customization Website owners can customize results to match branding. Advertisers can design different ad formats and sizes. Revenue Model for Publishers Website owners earn money through clicks on the ads. Website owners earn money through clicks and sometimes impressions. Targeting Based on search queries entered by users. Multiple targeting options, including remarketing/retargeting, interests, location, etc. Best for Websites with a custom search function and wanting to monetize search results. Businesses looking to expand their reach and brand awareness across the web. How to Make Money on Google Maps Small businesses can make money on Google Maps too. You can use Google My Business which is a free tool to get started. Then use Google Posts to share in events, promotions, and updates. Try to generate reviews to drum up business. The Google Local Guides Program The Google Local Guides program is another way for businesses to be successful. Its a program where Local Guides can upload photos of your business. They can share details about special events and promotions. Using Ads on Google Maps to Earn Money Online This is another excellent way to make money online. Small businesses can showcase location-based ads to nearby users. That drives foot traffic. They can also promote events and specific deals on Google Maps. How to Make Money on Google Ads There are a few other strategies to help you make money online with Google Ads. Create excellent copy that includes keywords and a clear call to action. Choosing the Right Keywords for Google Ads Longtail keywords that accurately reflect your goods and services are helpful. You can use keyword research tools to take a look at competition levels and search volumes. Writing Effective Copy for Your Google Adsense Ads Writing good copy that improves conversions and click-through rates is critical. Make sure to match up the ad copy with the content on your landing page. Plus, it needs to be compelling and clear. Measuring Success with Google Ads Analytics Google Ads Analytics helps small businesses and advertisers get information about the performance of their ads and campaign strategies. It provides numbers on good metrics like keyword performance and other benchmarks like cost per conversion. Other Ways to Make Money on Google There are other ways to make money on Google, like the following. Create Your Own Website Having a website isnt just a digital storefront; it represents your brand, your voice, and your business. A website with engaging, relevant, and consistent content can attract many potential customers. By integrating Google AdSense, website owners can display ads that are pertinent to their audiences interests. Every time a visitor clicks on an ad, you earn revenue. Over time, as traffic grows, so does the earning potential. Earning from Surveys with Google Opinion Rewards Google Opinion Rewards is a simple way for users to earn credits by participating in short surveys. For businesses, its a tool to gather invaluable feedback from real users. By creating surveys, businesses can gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and opinions. Its a win-win where participants get rewarded, and businesses get the data they need to improve their offerings. Selling on the Google Play store The Google Play Store isnt just a platform; its a vast marketplace with millions of users looking for the next best app. To make the most of this, its essential to optimize your app listings. Use the right keywords to improve searchability and write engaging descriptions to entice users. High-quality screenshots and user reviews can also boost credibility, leading to more downloads and increased revenue. Monetizing Video Ads Video advertising is a powerful medium, given its ability to captivate and engage audiences. If youre promoting or selling something through video, the Call To Action (CTA) overlay on YouTube can be a game-changer. This overlay allows you to share more information, redirect viewers to a purchase page, or promote another related video, enhancing viewer interaction and conversion rates. Use Google Cloud Marketplace Google Cloud Marketplace offers many software solutions, from development tools to virtual machines. By selling your goods and services here, you tap into a global audience seeking top-tier cloud solutions, amplifying your potential for sales and partnerships. Google Play Books Author Program In the digital age, establishing thought leadership can set you apart. By writing and publishing original e-books on Google Play Books, you share knowledge and position yourself as an expert in your domain. It can increase trust, brand visibility, and potential business opportunities. Google Play Music and YouTube Music Subscription Musicians and artists can benefit from these platforms by reaching global audiences. Every play can generate royalties. Besides income, it also provides a chance for artists to gain recognition and grow their fan base. Google Workspace Reseller Program Google Workspace offers a suite of productivity tools that many businesses find indispensable. As a reseller, you have the opportunity to bundle these services, offer additional support, or integrate them into your solutions, providing value to other businesses while generating a profit. Google Podcasts The popularity of podcasts has surged in recent years. With Google Podcasts, creators can reach a wide audience, discuss passionate topics, and monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, or listener support. Google Cloud Platform Consulting The digital transformation wave has left many businesses seeking expertise on cloud solutions. If youre well-versed in the Google Cloud Platform, offering consulting services can be lucrative. From guiding enterprises on best practices to helping small businesses migrate to the cloud, your expertise can make a differenceand lead to substantial earnings. FAQs: How to Make Money on Google How much money can you realistically make using Googles platforms? You can make different amounts depending on the tools you use. However, the range is from several hundred to a few thousand dollars every month. You can also explore other ways to make money on your phone and online to supplement this income. Check out our guides for how to make money watching ads, how to make money on Pinterest, how to make money on PayPal, and how to make money on Pinterest to get started. There are even passive income options that can help those interested in learning how to make money on maternity leave or while traveling. Can I make money on Google Maps without a physical store? Yes, sell digital products like consulting services and photography. You can sell most services that can be delivered remotely. How can having my own ads increase my AdSense earnings? Build content that specifically focuses on your target market. AdSense can help you make more money that way. How do advertisers pay for ad impressions on web pages through the AdSense program? They use a bidding system thats named Cost Per Mille (CPM). Specific amounts are bid for every 1000 ad impressions. How does the visibility of my site on search engines affect my ability to make money online with Google? More visibility equals more traffic and more clicks on AdSense ads. Use effective search engine optimization tools. Starting a hotel can be both a thrilling and daunting venture. From boutique havens to franchising giants, this guide sheds light on the myriad pathways and decisions in crafting your dream establishment. Whether youre seeking to revolutionize guest experiences or pondering how to start a hotel business on a shoestring budget, get on this journey with us as we unveil the essentials of the trade. Understanding the Hotel Industry Before diving into the nuts and bolts of starting a hotel, its vital to familiarize oneself with the industrys landscape. The hospitality world is vast, dynamic, and ever-evolving. Lets get you acquainted. Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here Current State of the Hospitality Industry Trends: With the rise of technology, many travelers prefer booking their stays online, giving birth to the significance of online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com and Airbnb. Sustainability has also become a key concern, leading to a surge in eco-friendly hotels and practices. The Hotelchamp also provides some additional trends that hoteliers need to keep an eye on in 2023:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JHiq5tmZfU Challenges: While promising, the hotel industry has its hurdles. Seasonal fluctuations can impact revenue, and theres always stiff competition from other hotels and alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals. Opportunities: The digital age has brought a world of possibilities. Direct bookings through hotel websites, partnership opportunities with local businesses, and experiential packages like wellness retreats or cultural excursions are drawing guests. Many hotels may also serve as a wedding venue. Before starting, consider the different opportunities you may explore so you can include those in your plans. For example, you may research a wedding venue business plan instead of simply writing one for a basic hotel. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Hotel Every entrepreneurial journey starts with understanding the financial landscape. Starting a new hotel is no exception. Costs can vary greatly depending on location, scale, and type. Heres a range to help you gauge your investment: Low-end Hotels : $60,000 $500,000 Typically includes budget accommodations, smaller guest capacities, and basic amenities. : $60,000 $500,000 Mid-range Hotels : $1 million $5 million Offers additional features like pools, restaurants, and larger room capacities. : $1 million $5 million High-end Hotels & Resorts : $10 million $50 million (or more) Think luxury. Spas, gourmet dining, prime locations, and top-tier services. : $10 million $50 million (or more) Converting an Existing Building Repurposing an old building can be a brilliant move. Heres a breakdown of the costs: Small Business Deals Purchase Prices : $100,000 $5 million. It greatly varies based on location and the buildings size and condition. : $100,000 $5 million. It greatly varies based on location and the buildings size and condition. Renovation Costs : $50,000 $2 million. This includes structural changes, aesthetic improvements, and the addition of amenities. : $50,000 $2 million. This includes structural changes, aesthetic improvements, and the addition of amenities. Compliance with Regulations: $10,000 $100,000. Ensuring that your building adheres to safety, health, and other local regulations is crucial. Buying a Building to Convert Seeking a building with potential? Keep these in mind: Initial Purchase Prices : $250,000 $10 million. The price tag is influenced by factors like location, building potential, and market demand. : $250,000 $10 million. The price tag is influenced by factors like location, building potential, and market demand. Renovation Costs : Similar to the above, expect to pay between $50,000 and $2 million. : Similar to the above, expect to pay between $50,000 and $2 million. Compliance with Regulations: Anticipate spending between $10,000 and $100,000 to meet standards. Buying an Existing Hotel Sometimes, stepping into an already functioning hotel is the best move: Costs : This ranges significantly from $1 million to $100 million based on the hotels reputation, location, and profitability. : This ranges significantly from $1 million to $100 million based on the hotels reputation, location, and profitability. Benefits : Faster start, as the groundwork is already laid. Immediate cash flow. : Drawbacks : Potential legacy issues. Less room for personalization. : Crafting Your Own Hotel Business Plan Crafting a hotel business plan is more than just paperwork; its about mapping out your vision, setting clear goals, and understanding how to achieve them. Heres how you can create a plan that speaks volumes: Component Description Executive Summary A snapshot of your hotel's overview, including its mission, vision, and basic details. Business Objectives Define what you aim to achieve in the short-term and long-term. Market Analysis Insights into the current market, trends, competition, and potential customer segments. Marketing Strategies Tactics to attract guests, from online campaigns to partnerships with travel agencies. Operations Plan Day-to-day management, staffing, and hotel procedures. Financial Projections Estimated earnings, costs, break-even analysis, and profit and loss predictions for the upcoming years. Appendix Any additional data or resources supporting your plan like market research findings, legal documents, or resumes of key team members. Executive Summary: Description : Provide a snapshot of your business. Example : Sunset Inn, a 30-room hotel located in San Diego, aims to provide travelers with a blend of luxury and comfort, all while ensuring eco-friendly practices. : Provide a snapshot of your business. Market Analysis: Description : Dive deep into the current market scenario. : Dive deep into the current market scenario. How-To : Conduct surveys to understand what guests value most in a hotel. Study market trends using tools like Google Trends or Statista. : Example: In San Diego, theres been a 20% rise in eco-conscious travelers in the last two years. Our hotel will appeal to this demographic by ensuring sustainable practices. Competitive Analysis: Description : Understand your competition. : Understand your competition. How-To : Visit competitor hotels or their websites. Analyze guest reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor. : Example: While Beachfront Luxe offers sea-view rooms, they dont provide eco-friendly amenities. Sunset Inn can fill this gap. Marketing & Sales Strategy: Description : Detail how youll attract and retain guests. : Detail how youll attract and retain guests. How-To : Engage in social media marketing targeting travel enthusiasts. Collaborate with travel bloggers for reviews. : Example: Launching a Stay 3, Pay for 2 nights promotion for the first two months. Financial Projections: Description : A clear picture of expected revenues, expenses, and profit. : A clear picture of expected revenues, expenses, and profit. How-To : Use past financial data if available. Forecast based on market trends and expected occupancy rates. : Example: Predicting an average occupancy rate of 75% in the first year, with room rates at $200 per night, we project a gross revenue of $1.6 million. Operational Plan: Description : Describe day-to-day operations. : Describe day-to-day operations. Example: Housekeeping will operate on two shifts, ensuring rooms are always clean. The front desk will be manned 24/7 to cater to guest inquiries. Management & Organization: Description : Detail your team and their roles. : Detail your team and their roles. Example: Jane Doe, our general manager, brings ten years of hotel management experience, previously working with The Ritz. Your business plan is your compass. It should be clear, detailed, and guide every decision you make in your hotel venture. Always remember, the more research and preparation you put into it, the more confident youll feel as you take each step. Steps to Launching Your New Hotel Business Launching a hotel is a sequence of deliberate, interconnected steps. Each phase builds upon the other, setting the foundation for your establishments success. Heres your roadmap: Research & Feasibility Study: Before any concrete plans, gauge the feasibility of your hotel idea. Survey your target area, analyze demographics, and assess the competition. Business Plan Development: This step is all about detailed planning, as we covered earlier. A strong business plan acts as your roadmap, outlining your goals, budget, and operational strategies. Location & Property Selection: The essence of the hotel industry is Location, Location, Location. Choose a site that aligns with your target market and brand. Legalities & Licensing: Ensure all legal boxes are ticked, from acquiring building permits to securing a liquor license or zoning permissions. Design & Construction: If building from scratch or renovating, this is where your hotel starts taking shape. Collaborate with architects and interior designers to bring your vision to life. Hiring & Training: A hotel is only as good as its staff. Recruit wisely and invest in their training. Soft Launch: Before the opening, have a trial run. Invite friends or industry partners to experience your hotel and provide feedback. Grand Opening: Roll out the red carpet and make your official debut in the hospitality world! Building a Strong Team for Your New Hotel Its guests experiences define a hotels success, and your hotel employees craft those experiences. Hiring Process: Prioritize attitude over skills. Skills can be taught, but attitude often cant. Use role-specific tests or simulations during interviews. Training: Implement an orientation program that instills the hotels values, mission, and service standards. Team Building: Organize regular team-building activities to foster camaraderie and morale. Continuous Feedback: Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions help staff grow and address concerns. Empowerment: Empower your employees to make decisions. When they feel ownership, theyre more likely to deliver top-notch service. Hotel Pre-launch Marketing Creating a buzz even before you open your doors is essential. Digital Presence: Launch a user-friendly website with SEO optimization. Also, create engaging profiles on popular social media platforms. Collaborations: Partner with influencers or travel bloggers. A shoutout or a blog post can introduce your hotel to a wide audience. Email Marketing: Gather emails through your website or contests and send newsletters about opening offers, sneak peeks, or behind-the-scenes content. Press Releases: Send out a press release to local newspapers, magazines, and travel sites. Loyalty Programs: Introduce early bird loyalty programs to incentivize bookings. The Grand Opening Your hotels opening is more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It sets the stage for future operations and creates a lasting impression. Local Collaboration: Partner with local businesses for mutual promotions. Maybe a wine tasting from a local vineyard? Event Marketing: Host a theme-based event. For instance, how about a beach-themed party if youre near the coast? Local Celebrities: Invite local influencers or celebrities. Their presence can attract media attention and generate buzz. Guided Tours: Offer guided hotel tours, showcasing unique features and rooms. Feedback Collection: Set up feedback stations or provide cards. Initial feedback is golden for improving services swiftly. How to Start a Boutique Hotel The allure of boutique hotels lies in their intimate, unique, and personalized environments. Unlike mainstream hotels, boutique hotels are typically smaller, offer tailored experiences, and often have a distinct personality. Distinguishing Factors : Size : Typically, boutique hotels range from 10 to 100 rooms. Personalized Service : With fewer rooms, staff can offer personalized services. Unique Theme or Style : Boutique hotels often boast distinctive atmospheres, whether its an art deco design or a literary theme. : Unique Challenges : Brand Recognition : Unlike chain hotels, boutique hotels dont have instant brand recognition, which can be a challenge in attracting initial customers. Economies of Scale : Their smaller size means they might not benefit from bulk purchasing or operational efficiencies that larger hotels do. : Opportunities : Niche Market : You can cater to a specific audience, such as art enthusiasts or eco-conscious travelers. Local Experiences : Integrate local art, cuisine, and traditions to offer a unique, immersive experience. : Exploring Franchising in the Hotel Business Franchising allows you to get a head start. Youre leveraging an established brands name, operational methods, and support. Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) all offer popular hotel franchise models. Pros : Brand Recognition : Youll benefit from immediate brand trust and loyalty. Operational Support : Many franchises offer training, marketing support, and operational guidelines. Supplier Discounts : Bulk purchasing agreements can reduce supplies and services costs. : Cons : Initial Franchise Fee : This can be hefty and doesnt include operational costs. Royalty Payments : A percentage of your gross revenue will typically go to the franchisor. Less Flexibility : You must adhere to the brands standards, limiting creativity. : How to Start a Hotel Business with No Money Starting a hotel with no money might sound like a dream, but its achievable with determination, creativity, and resourcefulness. Crowdfunding : Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe can be used to raise capital by showcasing your unique hotel concept to the public. : Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe can be used to raise capital by showcasing your unique hotel concept to the public. Vendor Financing : Negotiate with suppliers to provide goods and services upfront with deferred payments. : Negotiate with suppliers to provide goods and services upfront with deferred payments. Property Lease: Instead of purchasing, consider leasing a property and converting it into a hotel. Leveraging Partnerships and Investments Partnerships and investments can be the lifeline for aspiring hoteliers with limited capital. Joint Ventures : Partner with someone with the capital or resources you lack. For instance, if you have hotel management expertise but lack funds, find a partner looking for operational expertise. : Partner with someone with the capital or resources you lack. For instance, if you have hotel management expertise but lack funds, find a partner looking for operational expertise. Angel Investors : Individuals who provide capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. : Individuals who provide capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. Venture Capitalists : Professional groups that manage pooled funds from many investors to invest in startups. They usually come in when you have a proven business model and want to scale. : Professional groups that manage pooled funds from many investors to invest in startups. They usually come in when you have a proven business model and want to scale. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with travel agencies, local businesses, or even established brands to co-run or promote the hotel. Starting a hotel business, especially with limited capital, requires innovation, tenacity, and smart strategies. Frequently Asked Questions How long do hotel businesses typically take to start? Starting a hotel business can range from 8 months to several years, depending on factors such as property construction or renovation, licensing, and market research. A turnkey operation or purchasing an existing hotel can be quicker, while building from scratch is more time-intensive. Additionally, those who already know how to start a business may save time on the paperwork and logistics, while new entrepreneurs may need to dedicate additional time and resources to education. How can a hotel owner create a successful hotel business? Success in the hotel business hinges on thorough market research, an effective business plan, a prime location, exceptional customer service, and continuous marketing efforts. Regularly updating offerings and staying tuned to industry trends also play pivotal roles. As you get started, find or create a comprehensive business startup checklist to stay organized and reach your goals. What are some trends in the current hotel market that potential hotel owners should be aware of? Some current trends include: Eco-friendly Operations : Green practices and sustainability are in demand. : Green practices and sustainability are in demand. Local Experiences : Guests seek authentic local experiences, from food to activities. : Guests seek authentic local experiences, from food to activities. Tech Integration : Smart rooms, touchless check-ins, and integrated apps are becoming standard. : Smart rooms, touchless check-ins, and integrated apps are becoming standard. Health & Wellness: Hotels are focusing on wellness amenities, including spas, fitness centers, and healthier menu options. What are the common characteristics of successful hotel owners? Prosperous hotel owners are visionary, adaptable, customer-centric, and financially savvy. They often possess strong leadership skills, are adept at building relationships, and have a deep understanding of the hospitality industrys nuances. What are the typical responsibilities of a hotel manager in a successful hotel business? Hotel managers oversee daily operations, ensures guest satisfaction, manages staff, handles budgets, and collaborates on marketing strategies. They also troubleshoot issues, engage with vendors, and play a key role in setting the establishments tone and service standards. They also understand the importance of online reviews, and make sure that customer service and all other elements that go into each visitors experience are worthy of five stars. The souvenirs tourists are interested in, remembering the Slovak National Uprising, and rain expected after many hot days. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Monday, August 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in fewer than five minutes. Two holidays this week, don't forget to do shopping Together Against Fascists, reads the banner. (Source: TASR) Slovakia is observing two national holidays this week, meaning that most shops and other retail outlets will be closed. Tuesday, August 29 will mark the 79th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP). There were several reasons, military and political, behind the SNP. If you want to learn more about this part of Slovakia's history, this podcast can explain it to you in 30 minutes. The uprising was a significant moment in Slovakia's history. However, it was not just Slovaks who fought; there were foreigners as well, including Americans and French soldiers, who showed great bravery in the battle of Strecno. On Friday, September 1, the country celebrates Constitution Day, marking the 1992 adoption of the supreme law by lawmakers. Most people will have the day off work on both of these days. In addition, most retail shops such as grocery stores and those selling clothes, shoes or toys must be closed, so do your shopping in advance if you need to. There is an exception allowing businesses to open if the owners are there themselves, but they cannot involve their employees. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE Politics: "The past" of Far-right Republika's Miroslav Suja is creeping up on him. He strongly opposes environmental protection, but was on the Green Party's slate. "The past" of Far-right Republika's Miroslav Suja is creeping up on him. He strongly opposes environmental protection, but was on the Green Party's slate. Air space: Flight through Slovak airspace very expensive, more than double than the price over Hungary for example. Flight through Slovak airspace very expensive, more than double than the price over Hungary for example. Last Week in Slovakia: What Sme Rodina leaves behind at the intelligence service, and what message it is sending to potential coalition partners. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR MONDAY Tourists not bothered by lack of "made in Slovakia" souvenirs Corn husk dolls called supolienky. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) Drinking glasses depicting the works of Czech painter Alfons Mucha or Gustav Klimt, T-shirts professing love for Bratislava and Slovakia. A torrent of magnets and wooden barrel organs. Matryoshka dolls. All this can be found in souvenir shops in Bratislava. According to shop owners, visitors are more interested in the price and whether they can transport the souvenirs in their own luggage than in phrases such as "Made in Slovakia" or "handmade". EVENT FOR TOMORROW Remembering the Slovak National Uprising Last year's Povstanie Pokracuje (Uprising Continues) antifascist march in Bratislava. (Source: TASR) Tuesday marks the 79th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. In Bratislava, an informal initiative of people opposing any kind of oppression, called Povstanie Pokracuje (Uprising Continues), is once again holding a march through the capital. Starting at Namestie SNP square with speeches including the father of Daniel Tupy, a murder victim of Neo-Nazis, the event will continue with the march towards the Tyrsovo Nabrezie embankment where concerts and a documentary showcase will take place. For more information about the programme, click here (in Slovak). IN OTHER NEWS The Defence Ministry has received bids for air-defence systems from six of the eleven countries that have been approached. The ministry is currently evaluating the bids and would like to complete the process by the end of August. The ministry is currently evaluating the bids and would like to complete the process by the end of August. According to the 2021 census, a total of 564,228 adults in Slovakia (population of 5.5 million) live in a single household with at least one of their parents. Men make up almost 70 percent of the group ; in the age category of 30-49 years, it is more than 73 percent. The number is a significant reversal in societal trends in comparison to the 2011 census, when it was mostly women in their thirties who lived with their parents. ; in the age category of 30-49 years, it is more than 73 percent. The number is a significant reversal in societal trends in comparison to the 2011 census, when it was mostly women in their thirties who lived with their parents. The construction of a 9.3-kilometre section of the R2 expressway between the villages of Krivan and Mytna, Banska Bystrica Region, could be delayed due to the unexpected size of a waste dump near Krivan, says the National Highway Company. The original documentation stated that the 50-year old landfill would be ten times smaller than it actually is. According to the company, it could increase construction costs by 5-7 million. due to the unexpected size of a waste dump near Krivan, says the National Highway Company. The original documentation stated that the 50-year old landfill would be ten times smaller than it actually is. According to the company, it could increase construction costs by 5-7 million. Both Smer and the far-right Republika parties have refused to take part in election debates on private television network Markiza, questioning the TV's objectivity and impartiality. Markiza responded by stating that its news are produced according to strictly set editorial rules, based on objective, impartial facts, in accordance with the law and respectful of human rights. According to Smer, its representatives will not show up until the network returns to operating as a serious, broadly watched medium. WEATHER FOR TUESDAY Mostly cloudy, in many places showers, rain, and storms expected. Daily temperatures between 22 C to 27 C, and up to 33 C in southern areas. Level 1 storm warning applies from Monday evening to Tuesday morning for the west half of the country and later Tuesday for southeastern districts. See map. (SHMU) Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator). https://sputnikglobe.com/20230827/thai-consumer-council-calls-for-thorough-checks-of-seafood-imported-from-japan-1112936613.html Thai Consumer Council Calls for Thorough Checks of Seafood Imported From Japan Thai Consumer Council Calls for Thorough Checks of Seafood Imported From Japan The Food and Drug Administration for Thailand called for thorough inspections of Japanese seafood in wake of the release of water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. 2023-08-27T23:27+0000 2023-08-27T23:27+0000 2023-08-27T23:27+0000 asia japan food and drug administration (fda) tokyo electric power company (tepco) thailand fukushima /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0a/1111780146_0:156:3088:1893_1920x0_80_0_0_b7ba4531750b413606ef6592b4564023.jpg The seafood needs to be checked for radioactivity due to Tokyos decision to start the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP), the chairman said.He also noted that China, Hong Kong and South Korea had suspended imports of all types of seafood from Japan, while no Thai agency announced any measures to reduce security risks, the report said, adding that Thailand is a major importer of fish products from Japan. At the same time, FDA deputy secretary-general Lertchai Lertvut reportedly said that consumers should not worry about their safety as the FDA, Department of Fisheries, narcotics suppression police and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology are conducting regular checks of all imported seafood. On Thursday, Japan started dumping the treated water from the Fukushima NPP into the Pacific Ocean, having diluted it with sea water in advance. The NPP's operator, TEPCO, claimed to have purified the water of all radionuclides except tritium, which was still within the permitted limit. Tokyo said earlier in the year that it had to discharge the treated water as it urgently needed to free up space at the disabled NPP. The move faced criticism from a number of countries, including China, South Korea and North Korea, who fear radioactive contamination. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that Tokyo's activities were consistent with international safety standards and that the wastewater would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. In March 2011, the Fukushima NPP had three of its reactors melt down after the nation was shaken by a magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a massive tsunami. Fukushima is considered the worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl accident in 1986. japan thailand fukushima Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International fukushima water safe, radioactive fish in japan, what are the effects of fukushima, is fukushima safe now? https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/australia-receives-f-35-jets-deployed-by-japan-abroad-for-1st-time-ever---defense-ministry-1112948202.html Australia Receives F-35 Jets Deployed by Japan Abroad for 1st Time Ever - Defense Ministry Australia Receives F-35 Jets Deployed by Japan Abroad for 1st Time Ever - Defense Ministry MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Australia has welcomed two F-35A fighter jets from Japan on its military base in Tokyo's first ever deployment of these aircraft abroad, the... 28.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-28T16:04+0000 2023-08-28T16:04+0000 2023-08-28T16:04+0000 military sputnik australia japan defense department f-35a /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/09/1092131270_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_feee67de760b8ed53c7f97ce81523e10.jpg The jets and 55 personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Force are being hosted at the Tindal base from August 26-29, the ministry noted.Moriarty stated that Australia would sent its F-35A jets to Japan in September to take part in the Bushido Guardian 2023 drills as part of efforts toward "supporting an open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific."On August 14, the Reciprocal Access Agreement between the two countries went into effect. The pact allows the Australian Defense Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces to enter each other's territory. In December, Australian troops are also expected to take part in the Yama Sakura drills, a command post exercise co-sponsored by the United States. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230813/does-new-japan-australia-defense-pact-bring-asia-pacific-closer-to-war-1112563049.html australia japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sputnik, australia, japan, defense department, f-35a https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/biden-too-old-to-serve-second-term--poll-1112941500.html Biden Too Old to Serve Second Term Poll Biden Too Old to Serve Second Term Poll US voters have repeatedly remained downbeat about Joe Biden's physical and mental competence to perform his duties, especially in light of next year's presidential election 2023-08-28T12:25+0000 2023-08-28T12:25+0000 2023-08-28T12:35+0000 americas us joe biden poll survey health republicans democrats voters /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/1c/1112940655_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_00803ca13ffc991ead4ad1caa5d96491.jpg At least 77% of respondents believe Joe Biden is too old to serve as the US president in a second term, a new poll has revealed.According to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey, 89% of Republicans insist Biden wont be effective for four more years due to his age, a view that is shared by 69% of Democrats.Meanwhile, 26% of GOP respondents referenced POTUS age, while 15% more used the words slow, confused or potato when referring to Biden. The US presidents age was also mentioned by 28% of Democratic voters, who referred to Biden as president, leader, strong or capable. However, one respondent dubbed Biden senile.The margin of error for all 1,165 respondents in the poll, which was conducted on August 10-14, is plus or minus 3.8%.The poll followed the publication of several similar surveys, which reflected US voters doubts related to Biden's physical and mental ability to perform his duties.A week ago, the Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey indicated that a large majority of Democrats had admitted to being worried about the 46th US presidents ability to discharge his duties in office given his age.The research revealed that 75% of Biden voters were "concerned" to some degree by the fact that he was 80.In February, US Congressman and former White House physician Ronny Jackson accused the US administration of concealing reports on POTUS mental health after a physical examination found him "fit for duty."The congressman also pointed out that the document made no mention of Biden taking a cognitive test amid his "deteriorating mental health."Biden turned 80 in November 2022. He became the oldest president to have ever been inaugurated, taking the oath of office at age 78. If he seeks reelection in 2024 and wins the race, he will turn 86 before completing a second term as the US president. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230623/bidens-disapproval-rating-notches-up-to-surpass-half-of-americans---poll-1111426260.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg joe biden's health, joe biden's mental ability, poll on joe biden's ability to serve as us president, us voters https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/double-trouble-florida-braces-for-major-hurricane-in-gulf-as-powerful-storm-eyes-atlantic-coast-1112952768.html Double Trouble: Florida Braces for Major Hurricane in Gulf as Powerful Storm Eyes Atlantic Coast Double Trouble: Florida Braces for Major Hurricane in Gulf as Powerful Storm Eyes Atlantic Coast Meteorologists are warning that two powerful hurricanes could soon exist off North Americas Atlantic coast, one of which is on an impact course for the US state of Florida. 2023-08-28T21:19+0000 2023-08-28T21:19+0000 2023-08-28T21:17+0000 world gulf of mexico us national hurricane center (nhc) florida hurricane storm surge /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/1c/1112952438_0:134:897:639_1920x0_80_0_0_1ac537fc76de8b1885f282f00977fe75.png The Atlantic hurricane season made a rude entrance on Monday after having been upstaged by a rare West Coast hurricane last week. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Tropical Storm Idalia, currently churning northward through the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba, would strike the Gulf coast of Florida by the middle of the week as a major hurricane.Idalia is expected to reach hurricane-strength winds in excess of 75 miles per hour later on Monday, and the NHC said it will become a "dangerous major hurricane over northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday," with winds at least 110 miles per hour in strength. Landfall is expected later on Wednesday.Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told residents at a Monday conference to prepare for major impact on the Gulf coast and has placed 33 counties under a state of emergency.According to NHC estimates, a long stretch of coast from Tallahassee to Tampa should expect a storm surge of between 6 and 11 feet as the storms strong winds literally shove the sea up onto land ahead of its arrival. However, storm surge alerts extend as far south as the Florida Keys and even include parts of Floridas eastern coast, where Idalia is expected to exit to the sea after crossing the peninsula.Storms of such strength are capable of causing catastrophic damage not just from storm surge, but from their powerful winds as well, and inland flooding triggered by huge downpours for hours on end. Tornadoes can also spawn in a hurricanes storm bands, adding to the chaos.The Gulf of Mexico is unnaturally warm this year. A month ago, observed temperatures along the Florida coast peaked at 101 degrees Fahrenheit - more than 15 degrees above normal - amid a prolonged heat wave. Still, on Monday, sensors along Idalias projected path showed waters up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Since hurricanes feed off the warm water they pass over and become stronger, unnaturally hot waters is feared by meteorologists to be the progenitor of unnaturally strong storms as well.However, Idalia isnt the only storm out there, either. A look at the expected wind fields in the region shows a deadly beast lurking in the east.A few hundred miles off Floridas Atlantic coast sits Hurricane Franklin, which crossed Hispaniola last week as a tropical storm and causing flooding and damage in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where the storm is blamed for at least three deaths. After reentering the Atlantic, Franklin slowly churned northward for several days, and by Monday afternoon had intensified into a powerful Category 4 hurricane - the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.Franklins trajectory presently takes it through the gap between the US East Coast and the British overseas island of Bermuda, before hooking eastward and going out to sea. While it wont strike land with its powerful eye wall, Franklin is disturbing the seas for hundreds of miles in every direction. The NHC has warned of "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions" all along the US East Coast, and noted the storm will have a more significant impact on Bermuda. gulf of mexico florida Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier hurricane idalia; florida hurricane; major hurricane; franklin https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/libyan-govt-removes-foreign-minister-from-office-due-to-meeting-with-israeli-minister-1112937009.html Libyan Govt Removes Foreign Minister From Office Due to Meeting With Israeli Minister Libyan Govt Removes Foreign Minister From Office Due to Meeting With Israeli Minister The head of the Government of National Unity of Libya, Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeibeh, suspended Foreign Minister Najla Al-Mangoush for meeting with the Israeli foreign minister. 2023-08-28T02:17+0000 2023-08-28T02:17+0000 2023-08-28T02:17+0000 africa israel israeli foreign ministry libya libyan foreign ministry italy palestine eli cohen tripoli /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/17/1095000826_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_148baf0f722dbabe3646dd5a9eb525e2.jpg On Sunday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that last week, the first-ever meeting of the foreign ministers of Israel and Libya was held in Italy. The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation between the countries, among other things. Later, the Foreign Ministry of the Government of National Unity said that the meeting was "random and unofficial." The ministry also stressed that it does not support the normalization of relations with Israel and takes a firm stance on the Palestinian issue. Libyan media reported on Sunday that protests began in a number of cities in the country after reports of a meeting between Al-Mangoush and Cohen emerged. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the foreign minister. Libya and Israel have never had diplomatic relations. Since Libya gained independence in 1951 and throughout the reign of its longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been part of the Arab boycott of Israel and has always voted against the country in international organizations. At the moment, Libya is ruled by two contending governments. Libya's western part is controlled by the UN-backed Government of National Unity sitting in Tripoli, while the eastern part is under the Government of National Stability sitting in Sirte. The south of the country remains in turmoil due to civil unrest, the persisting terrorist threat and armed tribal violence. africa israel libya italy tripoli 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 libya israeli relations, libya suspends foreign minister, najla al-mangoush, eli cohen, abdul hamid al-dbeibeh A new survey revealed that Zoom's AI experiment is doing more harm than good to the company. The new study was conducted by Home Security Heroes; a research firm focusing on identity theft. Zoom AI Experiment: Survey Shows Majority of Users Lost Their Trust According to PC Mag's latest report, the majority of Zoom users are losing their trust because of the video telephony software giant's AI training activities. As of writing, many tech firms are already embracing the rise of artificial intelligence, such as Meta and Google. But, there are some companies that are just moving too fast to integrate AI into their products. Zoom is one of them, as stated by experts. Recently, the video app company claimed that it would not train its artificial intelligence with user data. Zoom said that it will ask for consent from its consumers before doing this. However, it was discovered that Zoom adjusted its TOS (terms of service to remove the part about user consent. Despite this discovery, the app company still reiterates that it doesn't use video, chat, screen-sharing, attachments, and other in-app content to train AI. However, the sudden TOS change already affected Zoom's reputation as the Home Security Heroes revealed that almost all its survey respondents lost their trust. Read Also: X to Remove Headlines From News Links; Elon Musk Confirms New Feature, but Why? Majority of Zoom Users Lose Trust Via its official website, the Home Security Heroes shared its key findings. The research firm's survey covered over 1,000 U.S.-based users. The Home Security Heroes observed their negative thoughts and reactions regarding the AI training activities of Zoom. Here's what the latest survey revealed: Over 96.2% of Zoom users said they immediately uninstalled their app after knowing the TOS adjustment made by the company. They said that they are willing to switch to other competitors. More than 74% of respondents disagree with Zoom using their sensitive data to train the app's AI technology. Over 85% of participants said Zoom should ask for their consent before using their data for AI training purposes. They also see this activity as a data privacy threat. Around 78% of Zoom users said they are losing their trust because of Zoom's AI training issue. More than 70% of the survey's respondents said that the clarification statement was only made by Zoom because of the backlash against its AI training activities. Related Article: 'Text With Jesus': What to Know About This Controversial AI App-Will You Use It? @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/macron-france-to-support-ecowas-military-effort-against-niger-1112950581.html Macron: France to Support ECOWAS Military Effort Against Niger Macron: France to Support ECOWAS Military Effort Against Niger MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Paris condemns the attempts by the US and several other countries to contact the Nigerien military authorities who had displaced President... 28.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-28T18:51+0000 2023-08-28T18:51+0000 2023-08-28T18:51+0000 world niger france paris emmanuel macron economic community of west african states (ecowas) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/0e/1112592301_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d633bd183f6ea451cf4341601ca3d029.jpg "I often hear from other capitals that France is too much involved in supporting [ousted Nigerien President Mohamed] Bazoum. But what would we do if such a coup took place in Romania or Bulgaria? Would it be right if we just say, 'We were offered a prime minister so we will work with him? We shouldn't dig our heels in, it's not our country.' This is unacceptable," Macron said at the annual conference of France's ambassadors in Paris.Paris will continue to support Bazoum and will not recognize the rebels' government, the French leader said. Neither will the French ambassador leave Niger as was demanded by the military leaders, he said.The French leader reiterated Paris' support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in all its decisions on restoring the constitutional order in Niger.On August 7, acting US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland traveled to Niger and met with the rebel-appointed chief of staff, Moussa Salaou Barmou, and three of his colonels in Niamey. She described the talks with them as "frank and difficult." On August 19, new US Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon arrived in Niger, but the US Department of State said she would not formally present her credentials due to "the current political crisis" in the country.The takeover occurred in Niger on July 26 during which President Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. Following the power shift, the ECOWAS suspended all financial aid to Niger, froze rebels' assets and imposed a ban on commercial flights to and from the country. In early August, during a summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, ECOWAS leaders agreed to activate a standby force to potentially compel the Nigerien military to reinstate Bazoum. On Friday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah said that ECOWAS general staff chiefs had agreed on a date for the beginning of military intervention, but would not make it public. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230825/niger-military-leaders-give-french-german--us-ambassadors-48-hours-to-leave-country-1112900038.html niger france paris 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 niger, france, paris, emmanuel macron, economic community of west african states (ecowas) https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/passage-of-ship-along-grain-corridor-unrelated-to-talks-with-russia---kremlin-1112945559.html Passage of Ship Along Grain Corridor Unrelated to Talks With Russia - Kremlin Passage of Ship Along Grain Corridor Unrelated to Talks With Russia - Kremlin The passage of the second ship along the grain corridor is unrelated to talks with Russia on the resumption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. 2023-08-28T12:56+0000 2023-08-28T12:56+0000 2023-08-28T12:56+0000 dmitry peskov russia ukraine black sea grain deal grain supply grain exports kremlin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/03/1098077900_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_a97b7be7a1e217a4b2be12d1c6af1c0d.jpg Ukrainian media has reported that the second ship which was docked in Odessa since February 2022 left Ukraine and is on the way to Bulgaria. "No, this has nothing to do with the prospects for resuming the grain deal. The prospects for the resumption of the grain deal directly depend on the substantive fulfillment of those promises and those obligations that were made towards the Russian side. This means the implementation of the deal in its Russian part, this is a completely different substance, and here our military department, of course, carries out the necessary monitoring [of the movement of ships]," Peskov told reporters. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230725/russian-african-leaders-to-adopt-declaration-joint-action-plan-at-summit---diplomat-1112126248.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International kremlin, grain deal, kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov, grain supply, grain exports from russia, grain deal, agricultural products, food security, security cooperation, black sea grain initiative, rosselkhozbank, swift, grain exports, food exports, grain supply, ukrainian grain, russian grain, fertilizer exports https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/pentagon-says-us-has-given-ukraine-more-than-31mln-artillery-rocket-rounds-1112949412.html Pentagon Says US Has Given Ukraine More Than 3.1Mln Artillery, Rocket Rounds Pentagon Says US Has Given Ukraine More Than 3.1Mln Artillery, Rocket Rounds WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States has provided Ukraine more than 3.1 million rounds of artillery, rockets and other long-range munitions, Deputy US... 28.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-28T17:41+0000 2023-08-28T17:41+0000 2023-08-28T17:42+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine pentagon ukraine us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0d/1111856554_0:117:3074:1846_1920x0_80_0_0_f290ca89bbabe2db7d386cd945994c59.jpg The US has also cooperated with the private sector to help Ukraine access commercial technologies that aid them on the battlefield, Hicks said. The US has provided more than $43 billion in total military assistance, Hicks added. ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International pentagon, ukraine, us https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/putin-erdogan-talks-to-determine-future-of-grain-deal---source-1112937533.html Putin-Erdogan Talks to Determine Future of Grain Deal - Source Putin-Erdogan Talks to Determine Future of Grain Deal - Source The upcoming talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will largely determine the future of the grain deal, and the process will be monitored by the United Nations, a source involved in the negotiation process on the grain deal told Sputnik. 2023-08-28T04:41+0000 2023-08-28T04:41+0000 2023-08-28T04:41+0000 world vladimir putin recep tayyip erdogan dmitry peskov ankara the united nations (un) kremlin black sea black sea grain deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/1b/1110629344_0:150:3109:1899_1920x0_80_0_0_04bab363a6ed52770f561930de617338.jpg On Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin's meeting with Erdogan would take place in the near future. Later, a diplomatic source in Ankara told Sputnik that the meeting between the two leaders would be held in early September, before the G20 summit. "There are very high hopes for these negotiations, in many ways they will show clarity on the future [of the grain deal], all relevant departments [of Turkiye] are working in this direction. The process is coordinated with the UN, they will also follow these negotiations. We very much hope that they will be held constructively and opportunities will be opened for the resumption of the work of our initiative," the source said.Earlier, a source involved in the negotiation process told Sputnik, that Turkiye and the United Nations are exploring opportunities for holding talks on the grain deal with the Russian delegation in Istanbul."We are now working on the possibilities of this meeting. We are preparing specific proposals for discussion. Contacts are made through the appropriate channels. The process does not stop," the source 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 Tolyatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/putin-russia-being-deliberately-obstructed-in-world-market-by-unlawful-western-sanctions-1112794412.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230816/russia-actively-exploring-alternatives-to-grain-deal-with-partners-1112643411.html ankara black sea 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 putin, erdogan, grain deal, black sea https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/putin-reportedly-agreed-to-meeting-in-spring-of-2022-with-scholz-macron---but-refused-zelensky-1112950770.html Putin Reportedly Agreed to Meeting in Spring of 2022 With Scholz, Macron - But Refused Zelensky Putin Reportedly Agreed to Meeting in Spring of 2022 With Scholz, Macron - But Refused Zelensky According to a new book, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed early into the special operation in Ukraine to discuss the conflict with the German and French leaders, but refused to include the Ukrainian president in the talks. 2023-08-28T19:13+0000 2023-08-28T19:13+0000 2023-08-28T19:13+0000 world olaf scholz volodymyr zelensky emmanuel macron vladimir putin negotiations ukraine crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/02/0f/1093063030_0:126:3193:1922_1920x0_80_0_0_6e9e8a0b77b7fda1af15d9055f3fa55f.jpg The revelation comes from a new book by filmmaker and journalist Stephan Lamby called Emergencies: Governing in Times of War, which was released earlier this month.Lamby published a description of a conversation between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, in which Scholz informed his fellow NATO ally about his recent conversation with Putin. The story is told from Scholzs perspective and the excerpt from Lambys book is described in a German daily.Although the author doesnt give an exact date for the conversation, Putin spoke with both leaders on March 4, 2022, about a week after the special operation in Ukraine was declared and Russian forces intervened in the country, and reportedly agreed to tripartite talks at that time.However, Scholz said he and the Russian leader discussed more, too."Something bothers me more than the talks: He is not complaining about all the sanctions, Scholz reportedly said to Macron. I don't know if he did that in conversation with you. But he didn't even mention the sanctions.At this point it should be remembered that prior to the launching of the special military operation, Moscow had been trying for months to negotiate with Kiev and the NATO powers to defuse tensions, including elaborating Russias security red lines that precluded Ukraine joining the NATO alliance and the positioning of NATO weapons on Russias borders.Russia had previously worked with France and Germany to create the Minsk Accords, aiming to put an end to the conflict in the Donbass region. However, Kiev did have been neglecting the implementation of the agreement, continuing constant attacks against the people of Donetsk and Lugansk for eight years, which resulted in thousands of deaths. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/ukraines-pilots-wont-be-competent-to-fly-f-16s-let-alone-boost-kievs-offensive-1112907390.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier scholz; macron; vladimir putin; zelensky https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/republican-congress-leader-slams-bidens-culture-of-corruption-1112939991.html Republican Congress Leader Slams Biden's 'Culture of Corruption' Republican Congress Leader Slams Biden's 'Culture of Corruption' The Biden family's network of foreign clients at first dismissed by the mainstream media as a "conspiracy theory" during the 2020 election campaign is gradually coming to light. But will the US President face impeachment? 2023-08-28T12:51+0000 2023-08-28T12:51+0000 2023-09-20T13:29+0000 americas us joe biden kevin mccarthy congress republican republicans hunter biden internal revenue service (irs) hunter biden charges /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/13/1112723423_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7f65c4ab6690f3992226b155b97284c9.jpg Republican Congress leader Kevin McCarthy has condemned the "culture of corruption" shot through President Joe Biden's family.In a TV news interview on Sunday, the House of Representatives speaker laid into the Democrat chief over the long list of revelations about how his son Hunter's foreign business dealings including alleged influence-peddling linked back to the former senator and vice-president.The Republican pointed out that Biden's repeated claim that he had no involvement or even knowledge of his son's business dealings was now exposed as a lie.The extensive network of graft uncovered so far implicates most of the Biden family, the Republican stressed.The Republican also slammed the Biden administration and the federal agencies under its control for letting Hunter Biden escape a series of indictable charges. "The special prosecutor David Weiss, actually let the statute of limitations run out on Hunter Biden's taxes. We found that the FBI actually informed Hunter Biden and the inaugural committee prior to our ability to go and interview him," McCarthy said. "We also have a DOJ that gave us tried to give a sweetheart deal to Hunter Biden, and the judge said no." The Congress leader reiterated his threat to begin impeachment proceedings against Biden. "If you look at all the information we've been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry," McCarthy stressed. "That provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need.""We have an attorney general that could have lied to the American public... now named a special prosecutor," along with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistle-blowers who "have come forward that show that there's two forms of justice when it comes to America," he added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/ex-ukrainian-prosecutor-sacked-for-sniffing-out-biden-corruption-breaks-silence-1112912983.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png us president joe biden, biden crime family, hunter biden plea bargain deal, biden corruption https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/russian-air-defense-downs-two-ukrainian-drones-destroys-ukrainian-missile-over-crimea-1112942018.html Russian Air Defense Downs Two Ukrainian Drones, Destroys Ukrainian Missile Over Crimea Russian Air Defense Downs Two Ukrainian Drones, Destroys Ukrainian Missile Over Crimea Russias air defense systems downed two Ukrainian drones over Crimea, the Defense Ministry stated. Earlier in the day, Crimean head Sergey Aksyonov said that two reconnaissance drones have been destroyed in the region. 2023-08-28T09:47+0000 2023-08-28T09:47+0000 2023-08-28T09:47+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine drone warfare ukrainian crisis russia crimea russian defense ministry drone attack terrorist attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/11/1111945461_0:3:3635:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e30419c58714ca2349257f38cc018735.jpg "Today, at around 10.30 [07:30 am GMT], another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by two aircraft-type UAVs on facilities in the territory of Russian have been thwarted. Two unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by deployed air defense over the territory of the Republic of Crimea," the ministry reported.In addition, Russian air defense destroyed a Ukrainian missile off the Crimean coast, the ministry stated. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230827/russian-air-defense-shoots-down-2-ukrainian-drones-over-bryansk-kursk-regions---mod-1112921083.html russia crimea 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 special military operation, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, us weapons, nato equipment, nato-supplied military equipment, us arms for ukraine, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attemt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, nato arms for ukraine, drone warfare, drone attack, terrorist attack https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/russias-air-defense-destroys-2-ukrainian-drones-over-bryansk-region---mod-1112936757.html Russias Air Defense Destroys 2 Ukrainian Drones Over Bryansk Region - MoD Russias Air Defense Destroys 2 Ukrainian Drones Over Bryansk Region - MoD MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two Ukrainian drones were shot down by the air defense systems over the Bryansk Region on Monday night, the Russian Defense Ministry said on... 28.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-28T01:12+0000 2023-08-28T01:12+0000 2023-08-28T01:12+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia bryansk ukraine drone strikes /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/06/1112416255_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_b8f643289aae3e49a7e5fd72f97f8d34.jpg "Tonight, another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the Russian Federation was thwarted. Two UAVs were destroyed by air defense forces on duty over the territory of the Bryansk region," the ministry said.On Sunday, Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Bryansk and Kursk regions. That attempted attack was preceded by an attack on Friday that involved 42 drones, nine of which were brought down using electronic jamming technology and 33 were taken out by Russian air defenses.Kiev has consistently used drones during Russia's special military operation, including in civilian areas. Most of the attempted terrorist attacks on civilian populations by Ukraine forces have been thwarted by Russian air defenses. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230827/russian-air-defense-shoots-down-2-ukrainian-drones-over-bryansk-kursk-regions---mod-1112921083.html russia bryansk ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, bryansk, ukraine, drone strikes https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/russias-fsb-says-stopped-illegal-activity-of-informant-of-us-embassy-in-moscow-shonov-1112938312.html Russia's FSB Says Stopped Illegal Activity of Informant of US Embassy in Moscow - Shonov Russia's FSB Says Stopped Illegal Activity of Informant of US Embassy in Moscow - Shonov The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday that it had stopped the illegal activities of the informant of the US Embassy in Moscow and an ex-employee of the US Consulate General in Vladivostok, Russian citizen Robert Shonov. 2023-08-28T06:00+0000 2023-08-28T06:00+0000 2023-08-28T07:14+0000 russia russia moscow russian federal security service (fsb) russian special forces /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/19/1110577890_0:79:1594:976_1920x0_80_0_0_96e0c044f81e976445ee8a71b53c00d3.jpg Shonov faces charges related to alleged confidential collaboration with a foreign state or organization aimed at undermining Russia's national security, according to the Lefortovo court that prolonged his arrest for three more months in May. Since September 2022 until the arrest in March 2023, Shonov had been carrying out tasks of the employees of the political department of the US Embassy in Moscow, Jeffrey Sillin and David Bernstein for material reward, the statement read. In particular, he was instructed to "collect information on the progress of the special military operation, mobilization processes in the regions of Russia, on problematic moments and assess their influence on the protest activity of the population on the eve of the presidential elections in Russia in 2024." The two US diplomats are to be interrogated in the case of informant Shonov, the FSB said, adding that in this regard, corresponding subpoenas have been sent to the embassy in Moscow. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230816/four-ukrainian-saboteurs-killed-as-trying-to-cross-into-russias-bryansk-region---fsb-1112642367.html russia moscow 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 fsb, russia, us, ukraine, special operation, presidential elections https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/trump-trial-in-january-6-case-will-not-extend-into-2026---judge-1112947814.html Trump Trial in January 6 Case Will Not Extend Into 2026 - Judge Trump Trial in January 6 Case Will Not Extend Into 2026 - Judge Federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who presides over the criminal case of former President Donald Trumps alleged role in the January 6 events at the US Capital, rejected on Monday a request from Trump's legal team that his trial be held in 2026. 2023-08-28T15:51+0000 2023-08-28T15:51+0000 2023-08-28T15:51+0000 americas donald trump georgia washington tanya chutkan us criminal probe us election 2020 2024 us presidential election donald trump's indictment /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/19/1112871416_0:294:1098:912_1920x0_80_0_0_7136ce9d289596c33b6daafb5b717172.png "You are not going to get two more years. This case is not going to trial in 2026," Chutkan said, according to a Sputnik correspondent in the courtroom. However, the governments proposal to start the trial in January 2024 is also unacceptable, the judge noted. The court is aware of and considering other charges and scheduled trials involving Trump as it sets its own trial date, Chutkan added. Meanwhile, a court in Washington has set the start of Trump's Capitol storming trial for March 4, 2024.Trump faces criminal charges in the state of Georgia as well for his alleged role in efforts to overturn 2020 election results. The legal cases also come amid Trumps re-election bid in the 2024 US presidential election. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230827/trumps-georgia-mug-shot-supercharges-fundraising-raking-in-71-million---report-1112921652.html americas georgia washington 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 trump, president donald trump, investigation, probe, criminal probe, georgia criminal probe, 2020 us presidential election, donald trump's indictment, donald trump's indictments, donald trump, trump supporters, fulton county jail, trump booked, donald trump indictment, donald trump mug shot, trump fundraising Feature: Afghans mourn for respected doctor, civilians killed in 2019 U.S. bombing Xinhua) 10:32, August 28, 2023 JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nazar Gul, an Afghan doctor respected by households far and near his village, was killed during a bombing by U.S. forces in 2019. Until now, one of his patients still keeps the medicine Gul had prescribed before his death as a memorial from the deceased hero. "Everyone feels his absence in our village," said Haji Sharif Khan, Gul's elder brother, also a resident of the Naserkhil village of Hesarak District in east Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province. Khan recalled that his brother treated 150 to 200 patients daily. "Gul used to go to the clinic from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. After lunch, he would go to his private clinical office for another round of examinations of his patients until evening." Gul used to work for a government-funded clinic called "Adda Institution" and ran a personal clinic office near his village. The attack hit the village at around 3 a.m. on March 9, 2019, according to Khan. "A bomb was dropped on their house, and a kid shouted, 'They hit my uncle.' Hearing this, Mrs. Gul and her children hurried to the bombarded room," Khan said, adding that they were heartbroken when they found the body of Gul. Khan said everyone in the village stayed home with extreme fear, "no one dared to see what happened," and neighbors did not come out until morning prayers. "About six planes came for bombardment from three sides, which continued for over three hours. M4 ammunition, helicopters, jets and even B-52 aircraft were included in this attack," he said. Thirteen people, including Gul and his five daughters, were killed in this airstrike. Their bodies are now buried in the village, Khan told Xinhua. Khan's family is still living in three rooms of the old house that belonged to his deceased brother, and some of the family members moved to the provincial capital of Jalalabad. "No one has even asked about our condition, and no humanitarian organization helped and assisted us," said Khan. "The United States has oppressed the whole land of Afghanistan with its plans and programs." In 2017 the U.S. military relaxed its rules of engagement for airstrikes in Afghanistan, which resulted in a dramatic increase in civilian casualties, according to a report named Costs of War conducted by the Brown University. From the last year of the Obama administration (2016) to the last full year of recorded data during the Trump administration (2020), the number of civilians killed by U.S.-led airstrikes in Afghanistan increased by 330 percent, the report noted. "They (The U.S. forces) killed a two-and-half-year-old girl, a two-year-old girl and another one-and-half-year-old girl. What was the crime of those innocent children?" Khan said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Biometrics have been regarded as one of the safest security measures because it is impossible to fake, and it's not an item that can be stolen. Amazon-owned Whole Foods has added the pay-by-palms service to select stores and aims to expand to other branches. Payment Through Biometrics Stores already have had cashless payment methods for years, and buyers are also opting for the option since it's a much more convenient way to pay for their purchases. However, it's still not as foolproof as biometric scanning. Credit and debit cards can still be risky since they can be stolen, and threat actors are sometimes able to steal credit card information and use them for fraudulent activities. It's not so easy to do with a person's biometrics, although it's not entirely impossible. As for using them to pay for items, more than 200 Whole Foods Market stores already have the Pay-by-palm method in the US, according to CNBC. Before 2023 ends, the grocery store intends to add the feature to over 500 more stores nationwide. Customers can pay with their palms through the Amazon One program, which means that they have to sign up for the biometric-based payment form. It uses both face and palm print to authorize transfers. Signing up requires customers to provide certain information like credit or debit card details, a phone number, and a valid ID. They can then scan biometrics such as the palm, face, and fingerprints to pay in eligible locations. Regarding the safety of the mentioned payment method, it's still not 100% safe, as mentioned before. Due to the advancement of AI, it has become more possible to replicate a person's voice, likeness, handprint, fingerprints, and more. When stolen, credit and debit cards can easily be canceled and replaced so that they can no longer be used. Physical features like prints, however, do not share the same choice, which means that having them stolen will spell trouble. There's also the chance that the database of a private company could be breached, and threat actors could get a hold of the biometric data. Amazon, getting ahead of the issue, uses liveness-detection to determine whether the palm being scanned is a live one. Read Also: WhatsApp Now Offers Biometric Locks for Private Chats Why Biometrics Are Still Better Despite the risks of it being copied using artificial intelligence, there are still more reasons why biometric scanning is better than traditional passwords and the use of credit or debit cards, and being hard to steal is the top reason. Another is that you won't have to remember a password since technically, you already are the password. Even if you do get phished online, it will be of no use since fraudsters can't exactly steal your face or palm print. Systems can opt for multi-modal authentication to make the method more secure, where the user or customer will use a combination of biometrics like face, iris, finger, and palm scanning, as mentioned in Biometric Update. It is also quicker and user-friendly, especially for people who are not as tech-savvy. While the scan may sometimes take more than one try, it still saves more time compared to typing in passwords. Related: Google Adds Biometric Authentication Lock to Chrome Incognito Tabs https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/ukraine-loses-over-185-soldiers-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-day-1112946048.html Ukraine Loses Over 185 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Day Ukraine Loses Over 185 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Day Kiev has lost more than 185 troops in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. 2023-08-28T13:22+0000 2023-08-28T13:22+0000 2023-08-28T15:33+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian defense ministry russia ukraine donetsk ukrainian crisis russian forces zaporozhye joint direct attack munition (jdam) multiple-launch rocket systems (mlrs) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/1c/1112946220_0:62:3219:1873_1920x0_80_0_0_7736c4731df20862de8376babd0c6068.jpg During the past day, the Russian armed forces repelled two attacks in the Donetsk direction, seven attacks in the Zaporozhye direction, two in the South Donetsk direction, and two in the Kupyansk direction. "Enemy losses in the Donetsk direction amounted to more than 185 Ukrainian troops, three armored combat vehicles, two vehicles, a Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery mount, as well as a Grad Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) combat vehicle," the ministry stated. Ukraine also lost up to 160 servicemen in the Zaporozhye direction and up to 100 soldiers in the South Donetsk direction, the ministry added. Moreover, Russian air defense systems have intercepted three Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guided bombs, 27 drones and one High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) shell over the given period, the ministry reported.Krasny Liman DirectionFurthermore, Russian troops repelled two attacks of Ukrainian forces in the Krasny Liman area, with the Kiev regime losing up to 60 servicemen and six pieces of equipment, the ministry noted."In the Krasny Liman direction, two attacks by units of the 12th Special Forces Brigade and the 42nd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near the settlement of Kuzmino of the Lugansk People's Republic were repelled by coordinated actions of units of the Tsentr Battlegroup, strikes by aviation, artillery fire and heavy flame-throwing systems. The enemy's losses in the Krasny Liman direction were up to 60 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured combat vehicles, two pickup trucks, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit and a D-30 howitzer," the ministry stated.Kherson DirectionRussian units destroyed up to 35 Ukrainian servicemen, three vehicles, a US-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery unit and two D-30 howitzers in the Kherson direction over the past 24 hours," according to the ministry."Up to 35 Ukrainian servicemen, three vehicles, a US-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery unit, as well as two D-30 howitzers were destroyed in the Kherson direction as a result of strikes overnight," the ministry emphasized.Kupyansk DirectionThe Kupyansk direction also saw losses among Ukrainian troops: Russian soldiers of the Zapad Battlegroup drove two attacks of the Kiev regime off, destroying up to 30 enemy servicemen and six pieces of equipment, the ministry reported. "In the Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Battlegroup of troops in the course of active actions supported by aviation and artillery fire repelled two enemy attacks near the settlements of Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Novoselovkoye (Lugansk People's Republic). Up to 30 Ukrainian servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, three vehicles and a D-20 howitzer were destroyed," the ministry pointed out. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230825/ukraine-uses-phosphorus-munitions-in-zaporozhye-direction---military-doctor-1112879548.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/russian-armed-forces-repel-seven-attacks-in-krasny-liman-direction-1112902702.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230825/ukrainian-military-shoots-at-own-fighters-for-desertion-near-kherson---source-1112872724.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230825/ukraine-loses-about-310-soldiers-in-donetsk-kupyansk-directions---mod-1112885095.html russia ukraine donetsk zaporozhye 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 special military operation, ukrainian losses, ukrainian soldiers, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, us weapons, nato equipment, nato-supplied military equipment, us arms for ukraine, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attemt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, nato arms for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/us-commerce-secretary-arrives-in-china-on-4-day-visit-to-discuss-cooperation---reports-1112936863.html US Commerce Secretary Arrives in China on 4-Day Visit to Discuss Cooperation - Reports US Commerce Secretary Arrives in China on 4-Day Visit to Discuss Cooperation - Reports US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has arrived in China to discuss issues of business and tourism, a British paper wrote on Sunday. 2023-08-28T01:18+0000 2023-08-28T01:18+0000 2023-08-28T01:18+0000 world washington beijing micron china us commerce department /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0b/1d/1091124667_0:32:3073:1760_1920x0_80_0_0_6db8497a42ba15262e47c41822d019e9.jpg Raimondos visit will last until August 30. On Thursday, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokeswoman Shu Jueting said that during the visit of Raimondo, the Chinese government plans to discuss eliminating differences with the US in economic relations. The latest trade clash between China and the US took place in late May, when China said US semiconductor manufacturer Micron had failed a cybersecurity check, therefore, critical Chinese information infrastructure should stop purchasing the company's products. US lawmakers, in response, reportedly urged the US Department of Commerce to blacklist Chinas integrated semiconductor manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies. In April, the US reportedly asked South Korea to restrict its semiconductor exports to China after it launched a security probe into Micron. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230808/cruel-realities-await-us-partners-in-anti-china-semiconductor-trade-wars-1112447346.html washington beijing 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 gina raimondo, shu jueting, chinese us trade deal, semiconductor trade war https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/west-wanted-to-create-second-ukraine-out-of-belarus---russian-security-council-1112946708.html West Wanted to Create Second Ukraine Out of Belarus - Russian Security Council West Wanted to Create Second Ukraine Out of Belarus - Russian Security Council The West wanted to create a second Ukraine out of Belarus even before Russias special military operation, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexey Shevtsov has said. 2023-08-28T13:59+0000 2023-08-28T13:59+0000 2023-08-28T13:59+0000 world russia belarus vadim shevtsov russian security council ukraine biowarfare biological weapon biolab /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104770/53/1047705390_0:170:3039:1879_1920x0_80_0_0_904f2e5a6e40485614a4cb8770f9f3f8.jpg Western countries, even before the special military operation, increased military, political and economic pressure on Minsk, openly sponsored Belarusian zmagars [supporters of opposition], trained militants. In fact, they wanted to create a second Ukraine out of the country, another anti-Russia, Shevtsov told a Russian newspaper in an interview. The official added that the Western sanctions had a reverse impact and strengthened ties between Moscow and Minsk even more.Therefore, the deployment of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is a response to aggressive actions of the West near the borders of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the deputy secretary emphasized.Russian Security Council Says Confirmed Fact of US Developing Biological WeaponsThe fact that the United States is developing biological weapons, including such aimed at certain ethnic groups, has been confirmed, Shevtsov stated.The Pentagon has to disguise its military biological developments as civilian research institutes, the deputy secretary said, adding that the US is trying to transfer its biological weapons program to other states, establish control over biological research and collect bio-materials and pathogens, including especially dangerous ones. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/how-russian-tactical-nuclear-weapons-ensure-belarus-national-security-1111729104.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230819/us-seeks-license-to-encircle-russia-china-with-offensive-strategic-bio-labs-1112721451.html russia belarus ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-belarus relations, russian tactical nuclear weapons, russian tactical nuclear weapons stationed in belarus, belarus nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons in belarus as deterrence, west poses security challenge to belarus, western-backed political unrest in belarus, alexey shevtsov, us biolab, biological weapon, biowarfare, american bioweapon, biomilitary activity, russia-belarus relations, russia-belarus cooperation, russia-belarus military cooperation https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/western-instructors-struggle-to-teach-ukrainian-soldiers-trained-in-soviet-era---reports-1112943639.html Western Instructors Struggle to Teach Ukrainian Soldiers Trained in Soviet Era - Reports Western Instructors Struggle to Teach Ukrainian Soldiers Trained in Soviet Era - Reports Western instructors admit they have difficulties in training Ukrainian commanders who have already received basic training in Soviet times, a British news agency reported on Monday, citing Western military officers. 2023-08-28T10:51+0000 2023-08-28T10:51+0000 2023-08-28T10:51+0000 military ukraine ukrainian crisis josep borrell germany nato military training /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/18/1107775217_0:0:3145:1770_1920x0_80_0_0_f88ce04f95bb971f1f057ba553c01e63.jpg One of the German instructors told the newspaper he had friction sometimes with senior Ukrainian commanders, who have received training in the Soviet Union and therefore "think they know better." Western instructors also say the age and abilities of the Ukrainian military arriving for training vary dramatically. One of the Ukrainians who was sent to Germany was 71 years old, the report said. Following the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations launched training missions for Ukrainian soldiers and officers. Western instructors teach them advanced tactics and how to operate modern military equipment, including tanks and jets. In June, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc had trained as many as 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers and was planning to continue its training mission to support Kiev. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/ukraines-pilots-wont-be-competent-to-fly-f-16s-let-alone-boost-kievs-offensive-1112907390.html ukraine germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato support for ukraine, military training, nato training for ukrainian soldiers, german military aid to ukraine, ukrainian conflict escalation, nato military aid to ukraine, russia nato war, russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, us weapons, nato equipment, nato-supplied military equipment, us arms for ukraine, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attemt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, nato arms for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/why-has-ukraines-zelensky-agreed-to-hold-elections-in-2024-1112949130.html Why Has Ukraine's Zelensky Agreed to Hold Elections in 2024? Why Has Ukraine's Zelensky Agreed to Hold Elections in 2024? The Ukrainian president has signaled his willingness to hold democratic elections amid the conflict if Western partners provide financial assistance. He had earlier ruled the possibility out. What's behind the president's apparent "change of heart"? 2023-08-28T18:32+0000 2023-08-28T18:32+0000 2023-08-28T18:32+0000 us analysis ukraine volodymyr zelensky lindsey graham victor pinchuk russia european union (eu) kiev elections /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/0a/1094652172_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_f2f11eab51395c0e4fbe733f8ed97f48.jpg In an interview with a Ukrainian broadcaster aired on August 27, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the country may hold elections despite the ongoing martial law.The Ukrainian president added that Western observers would have to go to the trenches, "so that we have legitimate elections for us and for the whole world", and that the West should help Kiev set up additional voting access for millions of Ukrainian refugees overseas, especially in the European Union.Zelensky's words differ greatly from the stance he voiced in May and later, in June, that elections would be possible only when hostilities are over. In mid-August, the Ukrainian president extended martial law for 90 days, until November 15. Normally, the Ukrainian parliamentary elections should have taken place no later than October 29, 2023, and presidential elections early next year.West Pushing for New Elections in UkraineZelensky's apparent "change of heart" came after the visit of a bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers led by influential Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on August 23. Graham and his Democratic counterparts, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren, met Zelensky in Kiev and made it clear to him that he should hold presidential elections in 2024."And I believe that it is time for Ukraine to take the next step in the development of democracy, namely to hold elections in 2024," Graham reiterated.It's not the first time Western leaders have urged the Kiev regime to hold elections: in mid-May, Tiny Kox, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) stated that Ukraine must hold parliamentary and presidential elections despite martial law being in effect.In response, Oleksii Danilov, the secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), told the European body at the time: "I want to stress that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has to realize that we have our own Constitution and our own laws, which we must observe." Speaking to the Washington Post at the time, Zelensky summed up: "If we have martial law, we cannot have elections. If there is no martial law, then there will be [elections].""These people, they do not want to lose power under any circumstances. The World Bank's recently estimated reconstruction and recovery costs in Ukraine up to US $411 billion (equivalent of 383 billion), 2.6 times the countrys estimated 2022 GDP. An opportunity too good to miss."Does Washington Want to Get Rid of Zelensky?It appears that Zelensky was forced to bow down to US congressmen's insistence on holding the elections even though the timing does not look perfect: the botched Ukrainian counteroffensive and gargantuan losses on the battlefield don't play into the hands of the Ukrainian incumbent and his entourage. International military observers doubt that the Kiev regime has any chance of tipping the balance in its favor. But that is not all.The question then arises as to why the US lawmakers as well as PACE politicians are pushing for elections in Kiev. Some Russian and Ukrainian observers believe that its not actually the democratic values that are at play in Ukraine but theearthly and vested interests of Kiev's Western patrons.Per Russian political observers, the US foreign policy establishment has some sort of "Zelensky fatigue." The Zelensky cabinet is not easy to deal with; the Ukrainian president is trying to twist Washington's hand into providing more weapons and money which Team Zelensky is reportedly routinely embezzling. In April, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh cited the CIA's estimates that Zelensky and his entourage embezzled at least $400 million From US aid in 2022 alone.In addition, Russian observers suggest that London's influence on Kiev is still stronger than that of Washington. That's why US policymakers are seeking to either make Zelensky "more agreeable" given that the elections pose a certain challenge to him or replace him with another political figure altogether. According to the observers, a likely US favorite in the Ukrainian potential presidential race is Serhiy Prytula.Prytula is a Ukrainian actor and stand-up comedian who switched to politics after 2019. He is named as an initiator of the "People's Bayraktar" project and campaigns to gather money for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian press earlier reported that Prytula's political campaign is a brainchild of Victor Pinchuk, an influential Ukrainian oligarch famous for his longstanding ties to the Clinton political dynasty.Between 2008 and 2021, Prytula worked for Ukrainian TV channel "Novy Kanal", the ultimate beneficiary of which is Victor Pinchuk and his wife Olena Franchuk, daughter of the second president of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma. Some observers suggest that the way Prytula is still being "advertised" by Pinchuk replicates Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoisky's project of bringing comedian Zelensky to power in Ukraine.Is the US Establishment Interested in Keeping Zelensky in Power?Some Ukrainian observers, most notably Tatyana Montyan, a Ukrainian lawyer and former politician, appear to hold a different stance: she presumed on her Telegram account that the US foreign policy establishment does not want to get rid of Zelensky in whom they have already invested a lot.What Graham and his peers are seeking is to further legitimize Zelensky through the new presidential elections and continue to push ahead with their perpetual war in Ukraine till the last Ukrainian, as per the Ukrainian lawyer. She doesnt believe that elections pose a challenge to the Ukrainian incumbent after he subjected the nation's political arena to nothing short of cleansing and got rid of opposition politicians and journalists.Once Zelensky wins another five-year term, the US foreign policy establishment will be free to continue its proxy war against Russia while trying to reinvigorate support for arming Kiev among US voters, who have been increasingly losing appetite for Biden's Ukraine adventure.The elections also offer an additional opportunity for Team Zelensky to cash in.As the Kiev regime's counteroffensive has stalled and its army has bogged down, the narrative of the "victory of democracy" is aimed at breathing new life in the Western Ukraine narrative which is currently falling out at the seams. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/bloody-jester-volodymyr-zelenskys-rise-to-power-1110465049.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230529/russian-interior-ministry-puts-us-senator-graham-on-wanted-list-over-russophobic-remarks-1110765904.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/alexander-mercouris-how-zelensky-blackmails-the-us---1112524718.html ukraine russia kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukrainian elections 2024, ukrainian presidential elections, ukrainian parliamentary elections, ukraine martial law, volodymyr zelensky, serhiy prytula, igor kolomoisky, ihor kolomoisky, victor pinchuk, leonid kuchma, lindsey graham, us bipartisan delegation in ukraine, ukrainian constitution, war in ukraine, democracy in ukraine, corruption in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/why-ukraines-military-production-is-an-illusion-1112949790.html Why Ukraines Military Production is an Illusion Why Ukraines Military Production is an Illusion On Sunday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kiev had increased its weapons and ammunition production. Does Ukraine have resources for an industrial boom? 2023-08-28T19:20+0000 2023-08-28T19:20+0000 2023-08-29T09:22+0000 us military volodymyr zelensky ukraine kiev nato european union (eu) s-200 starlink t-64 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/11/1111938569_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f74dc4b7443ae15785e241b9cd378496.jpg Earlier this month, the US mainstream media reported that Ukraine has been ramping up production of arms and ammo as NATO stockpiles dwindle and the US and EU search for new sources of ammunition to quickly supply it.Per the New York Times, Ukraine's weapons industry produced twice as many mortars and artillery rounds last month than it did for all of 2022. However, when it comes to numbers, Ukraine's minister for strategic industries, Alexander Kamyshin, refused to comment - citing security issues. He described the amount just as "an important input to the counteroffensive." However, given that the Ukrainian counteroffensive failed to meet both Kiev and the West's expectations, it appears that the Ukrainian military-industrial boom is overestimated."They have factories that remake old Soviet weapons systems. They recently converted [the Tupolev Tu-141] Strizh (Swift), Soviet reconnaissance drones, into some sort of cruise missiles. Now they are doing the same with missiles of the S-200 complex: they make ground-to-ground missiles from anti-aircraft guided missiles. And we see that they began to appear in the reports. That is, they have long since run out of Soviet-made operational-tactical missiles. Some tactical weapons supplied by the West have run out. Therefore, they are trying to compensate for this deficit on their own," Leonkov continued.The West provides the Kiev regime with components to assemble or modernize rockets and delivers modules for drones that operate through Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system, according to the military expert. These Ukrainian drones are either being shot down or thwarted by Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems.What Did Ukraine Inherit From the USSR?Back in the 1990s, Ukraine had a huge Soviet legacy in terms of military-industrial facilities, as per the military expert.A large number of Ukrainian enterprises were part of clusters, such as aircraft manufacturing and aircraft repair clusters. There were facilities for the production of ships and marine equipment, including engines."There were also rocket artillery enterprises, for example, the well-known Luch Design Bureau, which was just engaged in the modernization of all missiles. Well, there was also Yuzhmash [Production Association Yuzhny Mashinbuilding Plant in Dnepropetrovsk] which is famous for rocket modernization technology," the military expert stressed.According to some estimates, all in all, Ukraine inherited 447 enterprises from the Soviet Union. For a limited period of time in the 1990s Ukraine had been listed as a leading arms exporter. On top of that Ukraine was home to around ten arms depots, with weapons stockpiles which would be enough to equip 10 armies, as per Leonkov. Some of those weapons were sold but a lot of those arms were retained on the territory of Ukraine and used during the recent conflict.Nonetheless, over the past 30 years the Ukrainian military-industrial complex has faced stagnation and fragmentation. Lack of investment hindered the development while endemic corruption led to the degradation of Ukraine's once state-of-art assets and competencies.Leonkov explained that the remainder of the Ukraine's military-industrial sector became a primary target of the Russian military since the beginning of the special operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine.Does Ukraine Produce NATO-Grade Artillery Shells?According to Zelensky, NATO-caliber artillery shells are also being produced in the country. The Ukrainian leader noted that "this is still not enough for the front, but many times more than it was."It's more likely that Zelensky was speaking about the places in Ukraine where such shells are stored, presumed the military analyst. Why would the US ask its allies to provide Ukraine with NATO-caliber shells if they were produced in Ukraine? Per Leonkov, it is no coincidence that Ukraine has switched to cluster-type munitions, provided by the US. This is yet another confirmation of the fact that neither Ukraine nor the West has enough 155 mm ammo.Are There NATO Military Factories in Ukraine?Per Leonkov it's highly unlikely that Western military factories and plants are operating in Ukraine.Presently, the military production in Ukraine is largely an illusion, according to the expert. Yes, there are specialists in Ukraine who deal with the issues of repair and modernization of what remains in the form of the Soviet military industrial-legacy. But it's a far cry from what Ukraine really needs to tip the balance in its favor, as per Leonkov.Meanwhile, the Russian intelligence services are looking for Ukrainian military-industrial facilities for subsequent destruction in order to accomplish Moscow's task of demilitarizing the Eastern European state. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/no-biden-cant-wage-forever-war-in-ukraine-1112913227.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221103/when-did-ukraine-give-up-nuclear-weapons-and-why-have-fears-of-kievs-pursuit-of-nukes-reemerged-1103684050.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/dangerous-improvisation-of-ukrainian-troops-with-cluster-shells---reports-1112941889.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/ukraines-pilots-wont-be-competent-to-fly-f-16s-let-alone-boost-kievs-offensive-1112907390.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230828/pentagon-says-us-has-given-ukraine-more-than-31mln-artillery-rocket-rounds-1112949412.html ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova ukraine military production, ukrainian military industry, ukrainian military facilities, ukraine production of shells, ukraine 155 mm shells, nato caliber projectiles, nato caliber shells, western production facilities in ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, war in ukraine, ukraine war map, ukraine war news, ukrainian military, ukrainian counteroffensive Kioti was back in action Sunday, Aug. 27 at The Track On 2, rebounding from having a six-race win streak snapped last time out by pacing the fastest mile ever recorded at the Alberta oval. Kioti started from post six in the seven-horse field of non-winners of six pacers contending for the $5,500 purse. Pilot Mike Hennessy hustled Kioti from the outset, racing to a parked out lead through the opening quarter of :27 as Mr Dillion and Logan Gillis were hesitant to relinquish the lead to the favourite on the opening turn. Kioti cleared on the backstretch before leading the field to the halfway point in :55.2. Kioti maintained his lead on the final turn, however, with a new pursuer in tow as Tin Can Timmy and David Kelly moved into the pocket position through three-quarters in 1:23.3. The duo turned for home in front, separating themselves from the field as Tin Can Timmy tipped from the pocket to make his move on Kioti. Kioti found more in deep stretch, powering home in :27.3 to stop the time in 1:51.1, two lengths clear of Tin Can Timmy on the line. Needabankloan and Brandon Campbell rounded out the trifecta. Kioti paid $3.50 to win. Trained by Douglas Stout, the four-year-old rookie son of Mystician-Blue Star Beauty picked up his 11th victory in 19 outings in 2023. The 1:51.1 effort was a lifetime best for Kioti and established a new all-age track record at The Track On 2 which was previously set by HF Thegreatpumpkin (1:52) in 2020. Kioti didn't have the lone record performance on the 10-race card for driver Mike Hennessy, as Im Outrageous Too paced to a new track record for two-year-old fillies. Im Outrageous Too left alertly from post six in the seven-horse two-year-old maiden, quickly grabbing the lead through an opening quarter of :28.3. Hennessy tapped the brakes on the backstretch as Im Outrageous Too slowed things to the half in :57. Im Outrageous Too began to let out on the lead by three lengths around the final turn as he brought the field to three-quarters in 1:26.3. Im Outrageous Too left no doubt in the lane, floating home in :28.2 to score by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:55. Living To The Max and Brandon Campbell rallied for second, with Born A Spy and Logan Gillis finishing third. Im Outrageous Too paid $3.40 for the victory. The win was the first in three career outings for the Outrageous Art filly. Trained by Travis Ellis, Im Outrageous Too has banked $2,300 for owners Trevor Williams and Timothy Gordon. To view results from Sunday's card at The Track On 2, click the following link: Sunday Results - The Track On 2 Tioga Downs hosted the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for both three-year-old colts and geldings as well as the three-year-old fillies on Sunday, Aug. 27. Huntinthelastdolar ($3.10), driven by Wally Hennessey, was a gate-to-wire winner in the $117,750 EBC first division for pacing colts and geldings. Huntinthelastdolar charged right to the front and led to the quarter in :27.3. He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.4. Tickertape Hanover (Dexter Dunn) went first-up to challenge going down the backstretch. Huntinthelastdolar was first to three-quarters in 1:23.4. As they reached the stretch, Huntinthelastdolar powered home with a :27.1 final quarter and cruised to a 1:51.1 victory. Peppermint Man (Matt Kakaley) finished second with Tickertape Hanover settling for third. Huntinthelastdolar is a gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by George Kerr, Brad Grant and trainer Gregg McNair. It was his fifth win this season in seven starts and he now owns seven career victories. Thunder Hunter Joe ($4) and driver Tyler Buter captured the $119,000 EBC second division for pacing colts and geldings. Thunder Hunter Joe went to the front-end early and led to the first quarter in :27.2. He used a 28-second quarter to take the field to the half :55.2. He cruised to three-quarters first in 1:22.3. As the field turned for home, eventual second-place finisher Goldin Greatness (Jason Bartlett) and third-place finisher Metal Man (Matt Kakaley) both made late bids in the stretch, however, Thunder Hunter Joe held on by a length at the line to earn the victory in 1:50.3. Thunder Hunter Joe is a gelding by Huntsville. He is trained by Nicholas Devita for owners David Hamm, Glenn Phillips, Chris Giaccio and Devita Racing Stables. He has earned all six of his career wins this season from nine sophomore starts. Vivians Dream ($15) and Wally Hennessey scored in a wild finish to take the $107,000 EBC first division for pacing fillies. Vivians Dream took the field to the opening quarter in :27.2. Southwind Bella (Jack Pelling) then took her turn on the lead with a circuit to go and led to the half in :56. Light And Tight (Dexter Dunn) then brushed from fourth and took control just before hitting three-quarters in 1:23.2. As the fillies made the turn for home, Vivians Dream made her move first-over as Sweet Cheyanne (Marcus Miller) came flying on the outside and High Fashion Star (Jordan Stratton) found an opening on the inside to make it four across the track. Vivians Dream was not to be denied and scored the victory by a half-length in 1:52. Sweet Cheyanne finished second and Light And Tight held for the third spot. Vivians Dream is a filly by American Ideal. She is owned by Forrest Bartlett and trained by Kevin Lare. The win was her second in 11 starts this year and her ninth victory overall. Twin B Joe Fresh ($2.10) and driver Dexter Dunn cruised to an easy win in the $107,000 EBC second division for pacing fillies. Twin B Joe Fresh immediately went to the front off the gate and was first to the quarter in :27.3. Earthwindfire (Jack Pelling), who had yet to taste defeat in her three-year-old campaign, followed in the pocket. Twin B Joe Fresh backed the pace down in the second quarter, reaching the half in :57.3. She continued to have things her way on the front to three-quarters in 1:25.4. As they made the turn for home, Twin B Joe Fresh had plenty in the tank, unleashing a :25.4 final quarter on her way to win easily in 1:51.3. Earthwindfire finished second while Windsun Tiara (Mike Merton) rounded out the trifecta. Twin B Joe Fresh is a filly by Roll With Joe. She is owned by Dunn, Peter Trebotica, Barry Spak and trainer Chris Ryder. It was her sixth win this season in nine starts. A winner of 14 races lifetime from 19 starts, she is approaching the million-dollar earnings mark. Tioga Downs also played host to two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old pacing fillies. Leannes Choice (Marcus Miller) prevailed in the $52,000 NYSS first division in 1:53.2. Camerican (Jordan Stratton) finished second and So Well Dressed (Matt Kakaley) was third best. Leannes Choice is a filly by Courtly Choice-Village Madonna. She is owned by Ron Michelon, Doug Overhiser and trainer Erv Miller. She paid $18 to win and it was the third win of her career. Sea Pearl (Dexter Dunn) took home the $52,500 NYSS second division in a lifetime best of 1:54.4. Peace Talks (Jason Bartlett) was second with Hunting Hula (Pat Lachance) third. Sea Pearl is a filly by American Ideal-Lady Captain. She is owned by Brittany Farms and trained by Linda Toscano. It was also her third career victory and she paid $7.60 to win. Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday, Sept. 2 starting at 6:15 p.m. (With files from Tioga Downs; Photo, clockwise from top left, Huntinthelastdolar, Vivians Dream, Twin B Joe Fresh and Thunder Hunter Joe) On Sunday, Aug. 27 at Saratoga Casino Hotel, the Gary Levine stable produced three winners on the 13-race card. Ea American (pictured above) was the first of the triad to get her picture taken with Matthew Athearn in the bike for Levine in a $9,500 condition pace. Ea American secured the early lead with Danceforthemoney (Shawn Gray) battling for the front from the outside. After the first panel in :27.2, Danceforthemoney cleared the lead and Fine By Me (Luke Hanners) pulled first over, leaving Ea American back to third through the half in :57.2. Voom Voom (Jay Randall) was the next to make a move against the leading Danceforthemoney at the three-quarters in 1:27. Danceforthemoney fended off that challenge, but Ea American sprinted home in the stretch to nab the win by a half length in 1:56.3. Danceforthemoney took second with Lucky Cora (Chris Long) grabbing third. Levine co-owns the three-year-old American Ideal mare with Fbp Racing Stable LLC. Billy Dobson piloted the next two victories for Levine, starting in an $8,700 condition pace with Shake N Blake, who shared her win in a dead heat with Vegan. Vegan (Wally Hennessey) was the pacesetter for the mile and clicked out panels in :28, :58 and 1:26.4. Shake N Blake got away third at the opening panel, moved first over through the half and settled into second for the remainder of the mile. Down the stretch, the pair evened out and crossed the wire in unison in 1:57. After a review of the wire photo, it was determined to be a dead heat between the two pacers. Classical Friskie (Gray) completed the ticket. Levine owns Shake N Blake, a three-year-old Hes Watching daughter, and Paul Dudka trains Vegan, a sophomore daughter of Stay Hungry, for owner Tina Rafferty. Major Makover completed the training hat trick with Dobson steering him to a gate-to-wire victory in a $5,600 condition pace. Leaving from post three, Major Makover made every pole a winning one through panels in :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.2 en route to a one-length victory in 1:54.4. Love The Blues N (Brett Beckwith) finished second with Four Foot Gimme (Jay Randall) rounding out the top three. Donald MacRae co-owns the five-year-old son of Art Major with Levine. Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel continues on Friday, Sept. 1 with this weekend being the last of the 6:45 p.m. post time. The following week, racing at the Spa will move to a Saturday through Monday schedule with a first post at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and a 12 p.m. post on Sundays and Mondays. (Saratoga Casino Hotel) The Standardbred Horse Sales Company has announced details about its 85th Annual Yearling Sale Preview. The 85th Annual Yearling Sale Preview will be posted soon on the company's website at theblackbook.com. Yearling video links will be posted closer to the sale. As always, Standardbred Horse Sales provides multiple search functions and downloadable PDF packets on its website to help in finding your next champion. The convenient My Black Book feature allows customers to store lists of yearling prospects with pedigrees, video links and personal notes in a confidential format that is accessible from any internet-capable device. The Yearling Sale dates are Monday, Nov. 6 through Wednesday, Nov. 8, featuring 840 fabulous yearlings (360 trotters, 480 pacers). The sale will be held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and includes: 449 by Pennsylvania sires 98 by New York sires 148 by Ontario sires 116 by New Jersey sires 18 by Ohio sires two by Indiana sires seven by Kentucky sires four by overseas sires First crop yearling sires include: American History (one) Cattlewash (17) Dancin Lou (one) Gimpanzee (seven) Green Manalishi S (23) Printed catalogues will be mailed Sept. 22. Standardbred Horse Sales will offer catalogues formatted for the Ipad through the Equineline.com Sales Catalog App. (With files from Standardbred Horse Sales Co.) Actor Ahn Jae-hong plays the role of Ju Oh-nam in the Netflix original series "Mask Girl." Courtesy of Netflix By Lee Gyu-lee Actor Ahn Jae-hong's transformation into a half-bald, beer-bellied character in Netflix's latest Korean original series, "Mask Girl," came as a surprise to viewers, with the actor becoming almost unrecognizable. Actor Ahn Jae-hong / Courtesy of Netflix "I read the script and thought that the character has a unique and quirky side. I felt that burying my actual face would make the viewers get confused like 'What kind of character is this?' and give a sense of strange and unfamiliar feeling," the actor told The Korea Times during the interview, Friday, held at a cafe in Gangnam District. The seven-part crime thriller series, which was released on Aug. 18, follows the life of an insecure office worker, Kim Mo-mi played by actors Lee Han-byeol, Nana and Go. While working at an ordinary desk job, she invents a double life, putting on a mask as an internet personality, "Mask Girl," every night, until a chain of ill-fated events overtakes her. The series, based on the webcomic of the same name, is scripted and directed by filmmaker Kim Yong-hoon, who previously led the 2020 crime thriller film "Beasts Clawing at Straws." Ahn plays the character of Ju Oh-nam, who is Kim's coworker and a dedicated fan of her internet personality. When he connects the dot and discovers Kim is "Mask Girl," he develops a twisted hope to find romance in his lonely, socially withdrawn life A scene from the series "Mask Girl" / Courtesy of Netflix The actor shared that it took a meticulous process to create the look of Ju, which helped him get into the character. "I asked the director that I wanted (Ju) to have a bizarre look that can show his character with a glance. So the special effects makeup director gave a lot of ideas too. At first, I thought 'Should I go this far?' We tested out different versions to create Ju's appearance and physique," he said. "And when we finally had Ju's look that you see in the series, from the moment I stepped out of the dressing room, I felt like I'd found this strong ground as a character." Ahn spent two hours for the special effects makeup every shoot for the look and physique on top of gaining 10 kilograms for the character. But the actor explained he also put in a deep thought to develop minor details aside from its appearance. "He's not the type of person who communicates a lot with other people. So I felt he would have a hoarse voice whenever he spoke. And I also came up with weak, unconfident voice and poor posture for the secluded character, locked up in his own space," he said. The series "Mask Girl" released on Aug. 18. Courtesy of Netflix Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has endorsed Terese Matricardi for Culpeper County School Board Salem District, according to a campaign release on Friday. Terese will vote for common sense policies for your children and will be a leader in our shared fight to protect parents rights in our schools, Earle-Sears said in a statement. Terese will be a strong voice for parents, teachers and students in Culpeper as she works to prioritize school safety and academic excellence. A resident of Culpeper County for 17 years, Matricardi is a licensed school psychologist and mother of three children who graduated from Eastern View High School. She homeschooled them prior to high school with classical curriculum and they are now attending or have graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Matricardi has been endorsed by the Culpeper County Republican Committee in her bid for the Salem District School Board seat against retired school principal Kelley Pearson, running as an independent. Also endorsing Matricardi are Attorney General Jason Miyares, State Senator Bryce Reeves, Del. Nick Freitas and Culpeper County Supervisor Tom Underwood, along with Moms for America. Matricardi said she was honored to have Earle-Sears support for her campaign for parental rights, academic excellence and school safety in Culpeper County Public Schools. Salem District voters urged me to run for the School Board because they want to be represented by someone who shares their conservative values and supports Gov. Youngkins educational agenda, Matricardi said in a statement. The candidate said Salem District voters are 80% conservative and desperate for a representative who has the integrity and courage to stand against the Leftist establishment which is eliminating parents and common sense in public education today. Matricardi went on, Salem District voters dont want more of what the last 30 years in public education has produced, which is plummeting academic scores and skyrocketing mental health and violence. These are the issues Salem District voters demand real solutions to, and I will be honored to serve them with courage, intelligence and integrity. There is nothing more important than faith and family, she said of why she is running for school board. My last name, Matricardi, means Mothers Heart and it is my mothers heart which compels me now to stand up for our children, our schools and our nation. The left has brought the battleground to the playground and thats why this mothers heart is ready for battle, the candidate said. A Charlotte man has been charged in a fatal Iredell County shooting that occurred in 2020. Kadeem Jamar Fetherson, 32, of Charlotte, is charged with murder. The charge stems from the death of 35-year-old Aaron Bruce Holland, the Iredell County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Holland was found dead at his home at 115 Damron Lane in Harmony on June 25, 2020, the sheriffs office said. Fetherson is currently serving time at a South Carolina prison for multiple drug and weapons charges. He will be served with the arrest warrant for the murder charge upon his release in February 2026. The charges that Fetherson is serving time for are unrelated to the shooting, the sheriffs office said. The homicide investigation began on June 25, 2020, when deputies found Holland dead at the Damron Lane home. Deputies responded to a 911 call after a person went to check on Holland after not hearing from him for several days, the sheriffs office said. The cause of death appeared suspicious. Detectives recovered evidence from the scene and conducted interviews with Hollands neighbors and family. At the time, there were no leads or suspects in the case, the sheriffs office said. An autopsy was conducted by the N.C. Medical Examiners Office. Hollands cause of death was determined to be from a gunshot wound. During the investigation, detectives received information that identified Fetherson as a potential suspect, the sheriffs office said. At that time, detectives did not have any physical evidence connecting Fetherson to the homicide and continued to investigate, the sheriffs office said. On July 2, 2020, detectives learned that Fetherson was arrested in Forsyth County after a high-speed pursuit with law enforcement which resulted in a car crash. Forsyth County Sheriffs Office deputies found a stolen firearm, 31 grams of methamphetamine, 44 grams of crack cocaine and 141 grams of marijuana in Fethersons possession, the Iredell County Sheriffs Office said. Forsyth County deputies also seized cellphones and other electronic devices that were in Fethersons possession during the pursuit, the Iredell County Sheriffs Office said. The Iredell County Sheriffs Office obtained search warrants for the electronic devices to look for possible evidence in the homicide investigation, the sheriffs office said. Due to advanced technology and security features on the devices, detectives had to contact digital evidence recovery experts, the sheriffs office said. The devices were turned over to the evidence recovery specialists. The sheriffs office said detectives were able to recover digital evidence which placed Fetherson at the scene of Hollands murder. That evidence was used to charge Fetherson with murder, the sheriffs office said. Fetherson is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. American Armenians have called on Kim Kardashian to speak out about the humanitarian disaster in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Over the weekend, dozens of American Armenian protestors blocked the entrance to the exclusive Hidden Hills community in Calabasas, CA where the 42-year-old American Armenian reality star lives with her children, The Daily Mail reported. Several other members of the celebrity family live in the community, including sisters Kourtney, 44, Khloe, 38, Kylie Jenner, 26 and their mom Kris Jenner, 67. During the demonstration, the protesters waved Armenian national flags and held up signs that read Kim, Speak up for Artsakh and Kim, Your People Need You. The protestors have been staging traffic blocks around the greater Los Angeles area for few weeks to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in Artsakhwhere some 120,000 ethnic Armenians livedue to its blockade by Azerbaijan. Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram An attorney couldnt imagine life, most especially in this region, without the presence of the Family Resource Center over the last 40 years. Maria Timoney, an attorney who worked with the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society and the center for many years in addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, said, The Family Resource Center (FRC) is a trailblazer. Timoney dubbed the FRC as a pioneer because it was addressing these problems before many people in the agencys service area of Wythe, Smyth, Bland, Carroll, and Grayson counties, and the city of Galax were aware they existed. Timoney was one of the people the FRC honored Saturday night as it celebrated its 40th anniversary and reflected on its work that many described as lifesaving. The FRCs Regina Pack Eller said Timoney possesses a servants heart as she described her working with many of the non-profits clients as they sought protective orders and helping keep the agency on track after fire destroyed one of its homes. At the time, Timoney served as the FRCs board chair and she, Eller said, led us through the process of rebuilding in multiple ways. The lifesaving moniker is true. Karli Meagher, FRCs executive director, shared these statistics Saturday. Over the last four decades, Meagher said, the FRC estimates: It has received more than 46,400 hotline calls; Sheltered 3,500 families; Provided 80,000 nights of shelter; Advocated for 23,800 adults and 8,700 children; Provided 158,000 instances of counseling and support; Offered 60,000 instances of crisis intervention; Led 19,500 safety planning sessions; Provided 12,000 therapy sessions; and Provided 10,000 instances of court support. Among others honored by the FRC was Andy Kegley, the executive director of the regional non-profit Open Door Community, formerly H.O.P.E. Kegley called 40 years a big deal and that he was glad to see the agency celebrating by telling the stories of people whove supported it and people who were served. Its a good way to pass the torch, he said and told the agencys staff and leaders that the need continues to exist. Keep on keeping on, he urged. The FRC recognized several members of its staff, including Pack Eller, who has served with the agency for 37 years. Noting that Pack Ellers work touches every facet of their work, the FRCs Sissy Gravely said Pack Eller is establishing a legacy of grace and service. Pack Eller reflected that her life has been shaped by her career and said that co-workers and clients have honored me with sharing their stories. The gathering also heard from Ashley Manuel, who has left the FRC to head up Virginias LAP (Lethality Assessment Protocol) through the Attorney Generals office. She implemented the FRCs LAP program, which connects law enforcement with victim services. Earlier this year, Manuel received an Unsung Hero Award from Attorney General Jason Miyares for her work. Noting that a family member was a domestic violence victim, Manuel honored the law enforcement officers who work with the FRC for saving lives and preventing serious injuries. Among those officers the FRC honored were Tony McCormick and Dusty King of the Smyth County Sheriffs Office and Lt. Harry Street of the Wythe County Sheriffs Office. McCormick reflected that hes grateful to the FRC for their training and guidance in handling domestic violence calls. At the celebrations conclusion, Meagher said she hopes the FRC will be able to continue another 40 years or until the day when no more abuse occurs. Based in Wytheville, the FRC also has offices in Marion and Galax. Its services are free and confidential for people affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. Learn more at https://www.frcinc.org/. Victims of domestic and sexual violence may call 1-800-613-6145 24 hours a day to get information, safety planning and crisis intervention assistance. One pastor traveled 46 hours to reach Southwest Virginia, but all of their journeys were challenging in some aspects. Still, they all described the experience as a blessing. Pastor Mlungisi Mhlope, of Marions Life Giving Global Center, brought two groups of international travelers with him to meet the towns leaders Monday evening. One group of young visitors, who traveled from Zimbabwe, was here on a trip in collaboration with Emory & Henry College, even attending some classes, according to Mhlope. They were taking part in a nearly month-long cultural exchange tour with Youth Ablaze Global Zimbabwe. The mission describes itself as a global movement of young ambassadors. The mirrors reflecting radiance of Kingdom life from schools, churches, community based organizations, and community at large. We cause vibration, and shake the world! They caused a vibration that brought smiles to many Monday evening as they sang for the council. For some of the youngsters, Mhlope said, this trip marked the first time some of them had stepped on an airplane, much less stepped onto U.S. soil. The second group accompanying Mhlope were bishops and pastors, who had traveled from Australia, South Sudan, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania. They were speaking at the Kingdom Builders Conference, part of the Global Awakening Summit, held in Bristol last week. The bishops and pastors, Mhlope said, all want to return to the area because of their warm welcome. Mayor David Helms said that it was honor to welcome the visitors. He noted that South Sudan is one of the worlds youngest countries. He wished them all safe travels. After the council meeting, the group was heading to a Marion familys home to get a taste of American food and life here. An HMM ship at sea / Courtesy of HMM Domestic maritime and port industry opposes HMM's sale to overseas company By Anna J. Park Following the end of preliminary bidding early last week to acquire HMM, some of the container transport company's minority shareholders have come together to support an acquisition bid by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd. According to the financial industry and the minority shareholders' association, some of the minority shareholders of the group have been gathering shareholder proxy statements through their online community set up in Naver Cafe platform, aiming to endorse Hapag-Lloyd as the most suitable candidate for the acquisition. "Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) have made decisions that undermine the shareholder value of HMM," Hong Yi-pyo, the head of the minority shareholders' alliance, said. "The minority shareholders' alliance sees Hapag-Lloyd as the candidate that can enhance HMM's corporate value, when considering its dividend payout ratios and business synergy effects," Hong added. According to the investment banking and M&A industries, LX International, Dongwon Group, Harim-JK Partners consortium three companies headquartered in Korea and German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd participated in the preliminary bid to acquire HMM. Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world's top five shipping companies, equipped with ample cash power to afford the mega-sized M&A deal. The sale price of HMM, including its management premium, is expected to reach over six trillion won ($4.5 billion). Since the preliminary round of bidding closed last Monday, the KDB is currently reviewing the bidding documents submitted by the firms and plans to select second-round qualified bidders by the end of the month. "The KDB plans to select second-round qualified bidders by the end of the month among the companies that joined the preliminary bidding, after assessing their suitability. Following the selection, months-long due diligence will be conducted, and a preferred bidder is expected to be chosen as early as November during the main bidding process," an official from the KDB told The Korea Times, Monday, adding that the state-run lender plans to complete the sale contract by the end of the year. While some of the minority shareholders are preparing to express their endorsement for the German company's acquisition of HMM, the domestic shipping industry is voicing opposition, stating that Hapag-Lloyd's acquisition of the country's largest shipping company could pose a threat to the national economy. "Selling HMM to Hapag-Lloyd could lead to an overseas leakage of Korea's priceless national assets, such as maritime logistics know-how accumulated for decades and container transportation and terminal system management," reads the statement issued by the Federation of Korea Maritime Industries and the Busan Port Development Council. Korea Sea Journalists' Association also expressed strong opposition to acquisition by foreign shipping companies: "It's out of the question that selling national key industries to foreign entities is unacceptable," the statement read. The group, however, also raised concerns over private equity funds (PEF) playing an excessive role in the acquisition deal, as participating local companies might partner with PEFs to finance the deal. The group pointed out that such partnerships with PEFs might impair the stability and sustainability of HMM as a crucial player in the domestic maritime industry. KDB explained that the participation of foreign investors in the bidding process is not restricted in principle, emphasizing that the stable sustainability of the domestic shipping industry will be comprehensively assessed in the selection process. However, KDB Chairman Kang Seog-hoon had emphasized the significance of HMM as a national shipping company at his press conference in June. "Considering the significance of HMM as a Korean shipping company, we hope that a company with a strong determination to contribute to the Korean maritime industry and that has enough capital and management capabilities will acquire HMM," Kang said. This Suweida protest transcends sectarian boundaries, encompassing not only the Druze population but also Christians, residents of various faiths, and tribal Muslims, according to Saba Madwar in al-Modon. The ongoing events in the Suweida Province cannot be dismissed as mere protests against economic and living conditions. Such a perspective would, at best, stem from misunderstanding, short-sightedness, a lack of foresight, and inadequate information. The reality is that the happenings in Suweida reflect a long-deferred aspiration of its people to shape the destiny of this crucial and sensitive region. There are multifaceted reasons underlying this movement, including eradicating corruption, ending state-sanctioned violence, curbing the influence of paramilitary groups (shabiha), and countering drug trafficking facilitated by the citys strategic location. Additionally, theres a prevailing sentiment among the people of Suweida that the regimes downfall is imminent. This movement transcends sectarian boundaries, encompassing not only the Druze population, which forms the majority, but also Christians, residents of various faiths, and tribal Muslims. They unite under shared demands: the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254, the departure of the regime, the release of detainees, and the liberation of Syria from external influences. These demands echo the aspirations of Syrians nationwide and remain core tenets of the revolution. At a time when the regime seemed unassailable, the resurgence of this movement defies the narrative of its invincibility and the perceived failure of the revolution. It reinstates the revolutionary spirit and the call for regime change at a pivotal juncture. Critics sometimes denigrate the Syrian Druze for their perceived lack of involvement in the revolution, alleging their support for or at least acquiescence to the regime. Yet, this viewpoint oversimplifies the complexities at play and disregards historical nuances. Suweida indeed played a role in the early stages of the revolution, exemplified by the actions of Rijal al-Karama and the late Sheikh Walid al-Balous, who paid with his life for his opposition to the regime. However, the rise of extremist elements that distorted the revolutions image and principles led to a retreat by those who sought to protect their movement from extremism and terrorism. With the retreat of extremist organizations from the southern region, the Syrian landscape is reshaping. Suweida rekindles its long-delayed aspirations, bolstered by public discontent and the support of its traditional religious leaders. These leaders hold a firm conviction that the Assad regime is ineffectual, perpetuating the same mismanagement, oppression, and dependence on illusionary power. The significance of Suweidas movement extends beyond being just another city joining the ranks of the revolution or opposing the regime. This governorate boasts unique attributes, from its predominantly Druze population to its strategic location bordering Jordan. It wields influence within the internal, regional, and international contexts, impacting broader field arrangements. Situated at the heart of the Syrian upheaval, Suweidas border with Jordan makes it a crucial gateway for the regime and Iranian militias Captagon trafficking into the Gulf region. Its loss would strip the regime of a pivotal economic and political leverage point against Gulf states. Suweida neighbours Daraa, the revolutions birthplace and a core opposition stronghold. Its eastern expanse extends to the Al-Sham desert, reaching the Iraqi-Jordanian border and the Al-Tanf basea hub of significant developments under U.S. leadership. Given its strategic location, Suweidas movement directly influences the surrounding events. It can serve as a barrier against Iranian militias and drug smuggling. The regime is wary that violent suppression of the movement would carry hefty costs and draw international scrutiny. Caught in a conundrum, the regime attempts to downplay the movement by associating it with Druze secessionist motives. This manipulative approach seeks to portray the movement as a minority rebellion aiming to fragment Syria. However, this narrative contradicts the movements overarching patriotic goals. Regime-affiliated elements and shabiha propagate this distortion, justifying violence as a means to prevent supposed partition. The regimes potential strategies include resorting to terrorism against the movement. This could involve either fueling extremism among the population or falsely claiming ISIS infiltration to justify repressive actions. To counter these potential tactics, coordination between the Suweida movement, other rebel strongholds, and their leaders is imperative. Transforming the movement into a formidable political force amid a delicate and precarious context is paramount. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Sabbagh currently occupies the position of Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations, but will be transferred from his current role, according to al-Watan. President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree appointing Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates. According to the decree, Ambassador Sabbagh, who currently holds the position of Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations in New York, will be transferred from his current role at the permanent delegation in New York to the central administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. Subsequently, he will assume the role of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. This transition, along with the necessary travel arrangements, is expected to be completed within a span of two months from the issuance date of the decree. Ambassador Sabbagh took over the position of Syrias representative to the United Nations in November 2020, succeeding Ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari. Prior to this, Ambassador al-Jaafari was designated Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates before subsequently becoming Syrias ambassador to the Russian Federation. Hailing from Aleppo, Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh holds a degree in political science and boasts an extensive diplomatic career. He has previously served as the Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to Austria and acted as the Permanent Representative to various United Nations offices and international organizations in Vienna since 2010. Furthermore, his diplomatic tenure encompassed key roles such as Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague starting in 2013. In addition, he has held positions such as Director of the Department of the Private Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2010, Counselor to the Permanent Mission in New York from 2001 to 2006, and diplomat at the Syrian Embassy in Washington from 1995 to 2000. Comment by the Syrian Observer In Syria, it is customary for the Foreign Deputy Minister to assume the role of the Minister in the event of the retirement or passing of the incumbent. This transition took place when Walid al-Mouallem succeeded Farouk Sharaa, after serving as the Deputy Minister. Similarly, Faisal al-Mekdad assumed the position of Minister after being Mouallems deputy. Through this strategic maneuver, President Assad effectively neutralized Bashar Jaafari, who had the backing of Iran, and who was a rival to Bassam Sabbagh. Jaafari occupied the position of Deputy Minister before he was alienated and sent to Moscow as Ambassador. However, sources tell us that he has not given up on regaining his position. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Syria is currently a manifestation of the international and regional power play, Athr Press claims. Over the past months, Damascus has made significant strides in various political endeavours. These advancements include improved relations with Arab nations, a pathway to Syrian-Turkish reconciliation, and a revitalized role in both Arab and international events. However, the positive outcomes of these achievements have not been translated into improvements in the Syrian populations living conditions. Instead, the countrys economy has further deteriorated, and political processes have stalled, including vital economic support initiatives. Fayez Sarah, a prominent Syrian writer and politician, recently characterized Syrias situation as the darkest since the onset of the Syrian conflict. In an op-ed published by Asharq al-Awsat, Sarah pointed out that a combination of internal and external factors has contributed to this bleak scenario. The complexity of the situation has made finding solutions and a way out more challenging than ever before. External factors, notably the lack of international will to pursue solutions, have hindered progress. Even initiatives that emerged last year have regressed. Journalist Hussein Ibrahim, in an article for the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar, analyzed US actions in the region. He asserted that Washington and its allies are attempting to leverage the Syrian arena. This is evident in their diverse approaches, including recent military activities in the Badia region and efforts to discourage countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE from engaging with Damascus, particularly in terms of the aid they had promised, such as the $5 billion from Riyadh. These measures are aimed at reinvigorating the opposition that had remained dormant for years. Nonetheless, Ibrahim dismissed the notion of these complications escalating into a full-scale military operation. He argued that several factors suggest that the US is not seeking a major war against Damascus and its allies, like Iran. Rather, they aim to secure concessions and avoid direct confrontation. Many confrontation zones between the two sides are relatively calm, with Iraq serving as a prime example. Additionally, the ongoing demonstrations and their dynamics differ significantly from those seen twelve years ago. Notably, the current wave of demonstrations began in the Suweida governorate, which had not been involved in the previous conflict. Similar circumstances apply to certain areas of Latakia. In a parallel perspective, Dr. Khayyam al-Zoubi, writing for Rai Al-Youm, contends that Syria is currently a manifestation of the international and regional power play. This intricate game, orchestrated by the US and its allies, seeks to reshape Syrias situation according to their interests and ambitions. This pursuit is driven by Americas quest to realize its strategies and goals through various tools operating within Syria. Amidst these developments, Syrian political efforts have hit a standstill. Initiatives such as Syrian-Turkish reconciliation, Arab rapprochement with Syria, and the implementation of the Amman Agreement have all encountered hurdles. Concurrently, the countrys economic and living conditions have worsened. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The SDF's security arm, Asayish, is also besieging other leaders in the Khashman region of Hassakeh, according to al-Souria Net. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have apprehended Ahmed al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, the commander of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council. This comes amidst reports that the SDFs security arm, Asayish, is also besieging other leaders in the Khashman region of Hasakeh. Deir ez-zor is a constituent part of the SDF, but their relationship has been marked by tensions, occasionally escalating into conflicts. The latest bout of clashes recently de-escalated with the intervention of the International Coalition. According to news outlets, on a recent Sunday, the SDF extended an invitation to Khabil and other frontline leaders associated with him for a meeting at the ministers rest house in Hassakeh. While Khabil was apprehended during this meeting, other frontline commanders, as well as a group led by his brother, Sheikh Jalal al-Khabil, were put under siege. Jalal Khabil, one of Abu Khawlas aides, appeared in a video circulating on social media, where he was seen carrying a firearm within a vehicle. He discussed a situation where the SDF had cordoned off the councils leaders following their invitation to the ministers base in Hasakeh. He stated that Abu Khawla had been arrested upon attending the meeting with the SDF, clarifying that the councils leaders were opting for resistance rather than surrender. Khabil also urged members of his tribe, known as al-Akidat, in Deir ez-Zor to initiate attacks against SDF checkpoints and encircle them. In another video, Abu Khawlas brother, Adham al-Khabil, issued a warning to what he referred to as ISIS militants zero. He hinted at an escalation if the situation remained unresolved. Campaign under the guise of ISIS The arrest of Abu Khawla and the subsequent siege of the Deir ez-Zor Military Councils top leaders by the SDF have yeet to be officially confirmed by the SDF, despite being widely reported by various media outlets. Reports from sources such as journalist Ibn Ain al-Abidin from Deir ez-Zor suggest that the SDF has deployed military forces to the governorate and the areas where the Deir ez-Zor Military Council operates. This move follows the arrest and encirclement of the councils frontline leaders. The SDF released a statement explaining their actions, stating, In response to the wave of terrorist operations that have targeted residents, local dignitaries, and security forces by ISIS cells in the Deir ez-Zor region, our forces, in coordination with and supported by the international coalition forces, initiated a security operation in the Deir ez-Zor area at 8:00 PM this evening. Journalists from Deir ez-Zor have raised questions about the timing and motives behind the SDFs operation, particularly given its alignment with the arrest of Abu Khawla and the subsequent siege of his leadership team in Hasakeh. What to expect? In the midst of these developments, Sada al-Sharqiya network reported that a tragic incident occurred on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of three members of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council. The fatalities stemmed from intense clashes that transpired in the village of al-Rabidah, situated in the al-Sur district to the north of Deir ez-Zor. These clashes pitted special groups linked with the SDF, albeit associated with a different faction, against the Deir ez-Zor Military Council. The strategic maneuver by the SDF follows persistent speculation about a potential U.S.-orchestrated strategy aimed at countering Iranian-affiliated militias in Albu Kamal through the collaboration of local tribal members. This notion was put forth by Samer al-Ahmad, a researcher associated with the Omran Center for Strategic Studies. Additionally, the SDFs recent actions coincide with concerns among their leadership regarding the activation of a tribal role in this context. Reports have emerged suggesting that leaders of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) have expressed reluctance to partake in any efforts against Iranian forces. In a related vein, journalist Zain al-Abidin highlighted a significant development: a majority of the key leaders within the Deir ez-Zor Military Council are currently in SDF custody. Some of these imprisoned leaders have reportedly issued appeals from their confinement, urging their fellow members to lay down their arms. The journalist also remarked that as anticipated, there has been no observable involvement by the broader Akidat and al-Baggara tribes in support of Ahmed Khabils forces. This lack of support is likely attributed to Khabils checkered history within the region, which appears to have influenced this outcome. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. the Israeli attack caused significant damage to the airport's runway and rendering it temporarily non-functional, according to Baladi News. The Aleppo Airport experienced a disruption in its operations on Monday, due to an Israeli aerial bombardment that took place at dawn. The Syrian state news agency, SANA, cited an anonymous military source from the Ministry of Defense who stated that the Israeli attack had specifically targeted Aleppo Airport, causing significant damage to the airports runway and rendering it temporarily non-functional. The source further elaborated that the Israeli airstrikes were carried out by planes originating from the Mediterranean Sea, west of Lattakia. This incident follows a similar event on July 19th, where Israeli missiles struck military installations near Dimas Airport and the Sabboura area. These locations are in close proximity to Damascus and house the Fourth Division battalions and storage facilities used by the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The attack resulted in fires breaking out at the targeted sites, resulting in primarily material damages. Throughout the course of this year, 2023, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented a total of twenty instances of Israeli attacks on areas controlled by the Syrian government. These attacks have targeted a variety of locations, including regime military sites as well as Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah installations, encompassing weapons and ammunition depots located in different regions. Its worth noting that Tel Aviv rarely confirms its involvement in strikes within Syria. However, Israeli officials often express their intent to counter what they perceive as Irans efforts to strengthen its military presence in the region, particularly in proximity to Israels borders. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria. On Sunday evening, a collective of former officers revealed a new initiative in Suweida and its surrounding areas. The initiative involves the formation of an interim council and a military committee, following the closure of all governmental institutions within the governorate. Furthermore, in the third such occurrence this month, the Jordanian army successfully intercepted and brought down a drone that was en route from Syria. Syria says Israeli attack puts Aleppo airport out of service An Israeli air attack put Syrias Aleppo airport out of service on Monday, the Syrian defence ministry said, while regional intelligence sources said an Iranian arms depot was hit. The Israeli enemy carried out an air attack targeting Aleppo International Airport. The aggression caused material damage to the airports runway and put it out of service, a military source said. But Reuters says that the Israeli military declined to comment. Two regional intelligence sources said the attack targeted an underground munitions depot run by Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps within the compound of Nairab military airport next to Aleppo airport. Nairab military airport, which has been used regularly for Iranian arms deliveries and the movement of troops, was repeatedly hit by Israel in previous strikes, they said. Israel has intensified strikes on Syrian airports and air bases in particular to disrupt Irans use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to its allies, including Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has also deployed fighters to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Irans militias led by Hezbollah have a strong foothold in Aleppo province, where they maintain several major bases and extensively support paramilitary groups that operate there. Damascus denies allegations that Iran, whose top military officials frequently visit Syria and have signed deals to supply advanced weapons, has an extensive presence in the country, saying they only have military advisers who help its armed forces. Syrian protests enter second week with calls for Assad to go Protesters gathered in the southern city of Suweida on Monday, closing provincial roads. The province of Suweida has remained under government control since Syrias 2011 uprising and is home to much of the countrys Druze minority, The Guardian reported. Video shared by the activist-led organization Suweida24 showed several hundred people gathered in a central square waving Druze flags and chanting Long live Syria, and down with Bashar al-Assad. Another video circulating online showed activists chanting on Sunday evening after welding shut the doors of a branch of the ruling Baath party in the town of Melh in the east of Suweida province. One protester explained that they targeted the building due to its role in suppressing previous protests calling for an increase in basic services such as water and electricity. He then directed his cries towards the Syrian president, who has worked to stamp out all dissent since protests against his rule first erupted in 2011. From Melh we call on you, Bashar al-Assad we say leave, we dont want you, youre going to fall. He added: You have two options: either you leave with your dignity, or you are destined to die. Protests spurred by a rise in fuel prices and anger at economic corruption and mismanagement quickly morphed into anti-government demonstrations, including repeated calls for Assad to leave. Demonstrations have grown steadily throughout Syrias south. In Suweida, people held signs citing a UN Security Council resolution demanding a transitional government, or calling for the release of thousands who have been forcibly disappeared by the Syrian security apparatus since protests first gripped the country 12 years ago. Suweida hasnt witnessed a civil strike and movement like this before. People dont want reforms. This regime is not able to provide people with any of their needs, said Rayan Marouf, the exiled head of Suweida24. These protests have awakened hope in Syrians. Their demands are clear, and no one is making economic demands. People in Suweida also protested over the past few years and nothing changed. The demonstrations in majority Druze areas, which have drawn support from local clerics and other groups in the area, like Bedouin, represent a further blow to the Assad regime, which has long touted its defence of the countrys minorities. The government has offered little comment on the protests, apart from the states head of reconciliation, Omar Rahmoun, who posted on social media to accuse protesters of acting as a conduit for extremist groups. Project announced for local administration of Syrias Suweida A group of retired officers announced on Sunday evening an administration project in Suweida and its countryside by establishing a provisional council and a military committee after shutting all government institutions in Suweida Governorate, southern Syria. North Press reported that retired Brigadier General, Nayef al-Aqel, issued a statement after meeting with Hikmat al-Hajiri, leader of the Druze al-Muwahhidun, involving eight articles on organizing work and administering the governorate. One of the articles stated to establish a specialized body consisting of all communities of Suweida and confirmed the unity of Syrian territories. One of the statements articles stressed on establishing a military council under the supervision of Brigadier General Nayef al-Aqel to unite the factions and supervise their operations to achieve social security across all Suweida. Another article stipulated withdrawing confidence from the members of Peoples Assembly (Syrian Parliament) and local administration representing Suweida. The article also stated to establish a temporary administration council to manage the governorates affairs. The retired officers called for opening a border crossing with Jordan to promote economic development in Suweida. The statement was supported and approved by al-Hajiri. The protestors have not yet declared their position about the statement. Jordan Downs Drone from Syria in Third Incident this Month Asharq Al Awsat reports that the Jordanian army downed a drone heading from Syria in the third such incident this month. The army said in a statement that the drone was brought down in its territory but did not say what it was carrying. The Jordanian army published two photos of the downed drones, according to the Arab World Press. Meet Syrias newest peaceful opposition group: The August 10th Movement A new opposition group has been launched in Syria, The 10th of August Movement, emphasising peaceful, non-sectarian resistance and the eventual ousting of the Bashar Al-Assad regime. According to The New Arab, the 10th of August Movement, which says it has thousands of members within regime-held areas, promises that it is a new type of Syrian opposition, having learned from the violent aftermath of the 2011 Syrian uprising. The movement is decentralized, online and primarily led by Syrian youth. It is attempting to give a voice to those who dont have a voice in the current Syrian picture, Youssef Wannous, a spokesperson for the movement, told The New Arab under a pseudonym. The movement, primarily led by Syrian youth, operates online and focuses on building political consciousness among the Syrian people. It seeks to avoid street protests until it gains enough support to prevent violent suppression by the regime. The movements core demand is for dignity and a way out of Syrias economic crisis. It began in Latakia but has spread throughout the country, with decentralized cells in every city under regime control. The movement aims to bridge divisions among Syrians and has gained support from some within the security services. It is linked with other underground opposition groups and faces challenges from the regimes security services. Despite a culture of fear, the movement receives both threats and support through private messages from Syrians. A Woodland woman faces multiple first-degree child molestation charges after a youth came forward with accusations of sexual abuse. According to court documents, Catrina Renae Hussar, 41, was arrested on Aug. 18 and is facing three counts of first-degree child molestation. She is scheduled to appear for an arraignment hearing at the Cowlitz County Hall of Justice in Kelso on Thursday, Aug. 31. Hussar since has posted a $7,500 bail bond. Hussar is under a no-contact order, requiring her to maintain a distance of about 100 yards from the child and make no effort to communicate by any means. As reported in the probable cause statement, on July 26, the childs stepmother emailed Woodland police that her stepchild, described as younger than 12, alleged Hussar inflicted mental as well as physical abuse on the child. According to court documents, the alleged abuse occurred between January and August of this year, and the child suffered a panic attack when they were told they would be visiting Hussar. After the medical episode, the victim revealed that Hussar encouraged the child to lie to a judge, including fabricating a story that their stepbrother touched them inappropriately, according to the probably cause statement. In early August, the child participated in a forensic interview in Oregon. They said there were times when they asked Hussar to stop but that she continued with the abuse, according to the probably cause statement. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News. The child said they would take showers together, and interactions made them feel weird about the encounter. Hussar does not have a prior criminal history, according to court documents. The Woodland Police Department was also notified by the Oregon Department of Human Services of the alleged child abuse. U.S Highway 30, east of Clatskanie, has reopened after an early Monday morning fatal crash that caused an hourslong closure. Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy told The Daily News that two vehicles were involved in a collision and that there was a confirmed fatality. The Oregon Department of Transportation issued an alert at 5:30 a.m. that the highway was closed due to a crash at Milepost 59, and motorists were asked to use alternate routes or delay their trips if possible. The closure was lifted after 1:15 p.m., and Kennedy said a news release likely would be issued Tuesday, after notifications are made. Theres no debating the fact that the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most scenic destinations in the Pacific Northwest, jam-packed with sights, sounds, smells and tastes to experience. The only real question is: How do you go about seeing it? With so, so, so much to do on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the river, exploring the Columbia Gorge can feel like an overwhelming excursion. Most locals opt to see it one piece at a time, making many day trips over several years to all the waterfalls, trails, beaches, viewpoints, farm stands and small towns. That said, theres something so epic about a singular road trip through the gorge. Whether you stop at every site along the way isnt the point the drive itself is one of the most scenic in the Pacific Northwest. Still, the question remains, how do you do it? The straightforward, sensible approach would be to go east on one side of the river, cross The Dalles Bridge, and head back west on the other side. But why be sensible? Heres a zanier idea: a zig-zag road trip, crossing all the bridges over the Columbia River, braiding your way across the gorge. Before we get into the details, a few things to keep in mind: Yes, with all the bridge crossings, this does mean more money in tolls. Passenger vehicles pay $3 to cross the Bridge of the Gods and $2 to cross the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge (thats $1.25 and $1 respectively with the BreezeBy toll transponder), adding up to $10 in total. The Dalles Bridge, which youll cross once, is free. Which side of the river do you start on? You could make arguments for both, but here, starting from Portland, Ive opted for the Washington side. Heading east starting in Washington means you can easily pull off at the Cape Horn viewpoint in the morning (which is on the south side of the highway) and end with the popular waterfall corridor later in the day, when it may be less busy. Dont forget your park passes! U.S. Forest Service trailheads require a $5 parking permit or display of an annual federal lands pass, both available online. Washington State Parks require a Discover Pass, which are $11.50 for the day or $35 for the year. Rooster Rock State Park in Oregon charges a $5 parking fee, which can be paid at the park. Those visiting Multnomah Falls will need a timed-entry permit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26-Sept. 4, which can be reserved online. LEG 1: CAPE HORN TO BONNEVILLE DAM Start out on Washington State Route 14, which enters the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area just past Washougal. With apologies to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (which is beautiful), the first big stop is the scenic Cape Horn Lookout on the side of the highway. Beacon Rock State Park is next, where hikers can also find an incredible trek up Hamilton Mountain. Get a peek into the Bonneville Dam at the Washington Shore Visitor Center, or start a hike from the neighboring Bonneville Trailhead. LEG 2: PAVED TRAILS TO WATERFALLS The Bridge of the Gods leads across the river to Cascade Locks, where you can easily spend an entire day. Continue east on Interstate 84 to find the Wyeth and Starvation Creek trailheads for the Historic Columbia River State Trail, a paved biking and walking path that runs past several viewpoints and waterfalls. Viento State Park gives access to the banks of the Columbia River, while the Mitchell Point Trailhead (temporarily closed) leads to some difficult hikes. LEG 3: WILDFLOWER CORRIDOR Hood River is a great place to stop for a meal, or to stay the night if youre taking your time. When youre ready to continue, cross the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge to White Salmon, a smaller town with a good dining and outdoor recreation scene of its own. Going east down the highway youll enter the Wildflower Corridor, which blooms in late spring and includes beautiful hikes at Coyote Wall, Catherine Creek and the Lyle Cherry Orchard. LEG 4: MEMALOOSE AND MOSIER Cross The Dalles Bridge back into Oregon, where you can find food, shops and attractions in the town of The Dalles, including the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Jump onto the parallel Historic Columbia River Highway to reach the Oregon side of the Wildflower Corridor, with stops at Rowena Crest, Mosier Plateau and the Memaloose Hills. In the small town of Mosier, you can also find the Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead which leads to the famed Mosier Twin Tunnels. Back on Interstate 84, Memaloose State Park offers a nice campground (just bring earplugs for the trains). LEG 5: STEVENSON AND SKAMANIA LODGE Back in Hood River, cross the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge into Washington and continue west. Dog Mountain, one of the most beautiful and strenuous hikes in the region, is the big highlight here (permits are required on spring weekends). The town of Stevenson is worth a stop, with a cute downtown and a number of good places to eat. Nearby Skamania Lodge is a great place to stay the night, where youll also find the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. LEG 6: WATERFALL CORRIDOR Go back across the Bridge of the Gods and go west on the Interstate to find the famous Waterfall Corridor. The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the regions very best, but an adventure that can take an entire day (or more). The Wahclella Falls and Horsetail Falls trails are perfect side trips, as is the Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls. Multnomah Falls is the gem of the corridor (make sure to get your permit, and head back to Interstate 84 for the main parking lot), and is the starting point to an incredible waterfall loop hike. Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway to find the Angels Rest trailhead and a number of side-of-the-road waterfalls: Bridal Veil, Shepperds Dell and Latourell. Farther down is the historic Vista House at Crown Point and the Portland Womens Forum viewpoint. Down on Interstate 84 youll find the sprawling Rooster Rock State Park, known for its popular nude beach. Israel's Defense Ministry and the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on Sunday that they completed two years of outfitting an aircraft with advanced intelligence gathering technology, and that test flights have already begun. The spy plane, known as the ORON, is a Gulfstream G550 Aerospace equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, cameras, artificial intelligence, and advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. Israeli authorities displayed the plane for the first time at the Paris Air Show in June. It operates at an altitude of up to 40,000-50,000 feet with a flight range of 1,000 km. The ministry said the ORON's real-time monitoring capabilities will provide larger amounts of intelligence than unmanned aerial vehicles. Installing the technology on the plane took two years, the ministry said. The Defense Ministry said test flights have already begun under the joint efforts of the ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), the Israel Defense Forces, and IAI. The ORON will be operated by the Israeli Air Force's Nachshon 122nd squadron out of the Nevatim Air Base near Beer Sheva. ORON is a joint multi-domain, multi-sensor solution which will provide the IDF with game-changing capabilities to counter threats far and near, said the aircraft's head, Lt Col Yoed. The system's ability to accurately track multiple targets over vast distances and challenging conditions will enable a prompt and precise response to threats, he stressed. gettyimagesbank More than half of respondents say childbirth is not necessary By Yi Whan-woo Only about one out of every three Koreans aged 19 to 34 have a positive perception of wedlock, illustrating the mentality among young people towards matrimony, which is resulting in a sharper decline in the number of marriages and a deepening demographic crisis, according to a report, Monday. Titled, "A social inquiry on shift in young people's perception," the report released by Statistics Korea showed that only 36.4 percent of the people in the aforementioned age group had a positive perspective toward marriage in 2022. Last year's figure marked a steep fall from 2012 when 56.5 percent of young Koreans responded positively when asked about their views on marriage. The 2022 figure was also lower than that of the entire group of survey respondents aged 13 or older. Some 50 percent of them had positive views of marriage last year. Ever since NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope, it has contributed to a number of new discoveries such as finding ancient galaxies, black holes, deep space phenomena, and more. Now, the James Webb telescope data has contradicted the theory of the presence of supermassive black holes. Webb Telescope shows that they are rarer in numbers in the early universe than NASA expected. Check what the researchers found. Findings on black holes According to research published in The Astrophysical Journal, scientists found slowly growing supermassive black holes. This discovery was made with the help of Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). Allison Kirkpatrick, an astronomer at the University of Kansas and the study's lead author of the research said, As it turns out, these black holes are likely growing at a slower pace than previously believed, which is intriguing, considering the galaxies I examined resemble our Milky Way from the past. He also added that research also enabled them to study bright galaxies. The study tool was placed in the portion of space called the Extended Groth Strip, positioned between the Ursa Major and Bootes constellations near the Big Dipper. Supermassive black holes are like giants in space. They weigh hundreds of thousands to billions of times more than our Sun and have strong gravitational fields. They can be found in the centres of galaxies where they pull in some of the materials and then spit some of it out. However, these black holes do not grow at a rapid rate and absorb very less space materials, but they are very bright compared to other massive black holes. Additionally, they do not have a severe impact on their host galaxy as they are less in number. This discovery broadens our understanding of such massive black holes and how they have an impact on the biggest galaxies. With Webb's telescope, scientists will be able to unravel more mysteries of black holes and active galactic nuclei, or AGN. Earlier, it was found that these supermassive black holes are growing rapidly but now with more study, the scientists have discovered new information. According to a Space.com report. the University of Kansas research has been given more time with the JWST to expand knowledge on black holes and the future study aims to examine about 5,000 early galaxies. Kingston Technology Europe Co LLP, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, emphasizes the compelling reasons behind the adoption of Data Center SSDs for upgrades, shedding light on the advantages they offer for companies looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. In an era where technology evolves rapidly and investment security is paramount, Kingston underscores the benefits of upgrading systems with its cutting-edge solutions, empowering organizations across diverse industries. In todays dynamic business environment, investing in technology is synonymous with making high-value commitments. While newer technologies, such as NVMe, offer undeniable advantages, the existing SATA technology continues to be widespread and reliable. Kingston recognizes that numerous companies have built their infrastructures around SATA-based systems, designed with a lifecycle of at least three years. When the lifespan of these systems comes to an end, businesses face the challenge of either replacing the entire infrastructure or optimizing it. Kingston acknowledges that companies are often constrained by budget considerations and operational disruptions. As a result, Kingston believes that upgrading existing systems, instead of always opting for complete replacements, provides an effective pathway to maintaining performance while maximizing return on investment (ROI). In scenarios where fast data access requirements and unforeseen server loads become a constant, exchangeable parts such as SSD upgrades enable devices to perform better without the need for new purchases, ensuring seamless integration and operation, commented Antoine Harb, Team Leader, Middle East, Kingston Technology. At Kingston Technology, reliability is the core of our business. Our Data Center SSDs are designed with a stringent set of development requirements and a thorough testing process. This results in consistency for workloads requiring a balance of high random read-and-write IOPS performance, plus power-failure features keep mission-critical environments up and running all day, every day ensuring that critical data is available when needed most. The global shift towards remote work, coupled with increased security demands, has compelled businesses to adapt rapidly. Many companies, including Kingston Technology, have invested in security tools and faced unexpected server loads not initially foreseen during the planning phase. Modern enterprises rely on data-intensive applications that demand high endurance from storage solutions. Kingston Technologys Data Center SSDs are engineered to meet these demands, offering impressive endurance levels that can withstand the rigors of constant read and write operations. This endurance factor and high performance is particularly critical in Data Center environments, where continuous operations are a necessity. Moreover, according to data gathered via Twitter polls, Kingston SSDs take no more than five minutes to be installed. The company has introduced the DC600M Data Center SSD amongst its line-up of products. This is a fourth-generation data center SATA 3.0, 6Gbps SSD with 3D TLC NAND designed to provide high performance, reliability, and endurance for data center applications, making it an ideal choice for companies seeking to optimize their IT infrastructure without the need for complete overhauls. With the DC600M, Kingston Technology continues to deliver innovation that aligns with the ever-evolving demands of modern businesses, offering them the tools they need to stay competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing technological landscape, while at the same time ensuring the best possible ROI. 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: Porous volumetric solar receivers volumetrically absorb solar radiation and achieve efficient solar-to-thermal energy conversion. Despite recent advances, however, challenges must be overcome for their widespread commercialization. Credit: Nsttf from Wikimedia Commons Amidst the growing demand for clean and renewable energy, different solar energy harvesting technologies are being actively developed. Among them, concentrating solar power (CSP) systems have emerged as a promising candidate for effectively producing electricity from sunlight. CSPs use multiple mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central receiver, which absorbs the sunlight and turns it into heat that is ultimately used to generate electricity through other mechanisms. The solar receiver is one of the most important components of a CSP system. Over the past few decades, many studies have been conducted on porous volumetric solar receivers (PVSRs) made of porous materials. The pores not only allow for a deeper penetration and better absorption of sunlight but also provide a substantial surface area for the conduction of accumulated energy to the surrounding heat transfer fluid. However, despite such potential of PVSRs, many aspects still remain to be improved. Recently, a research team led by Professor Ya-Ling He from Xi'an Jiaotong University in China has comprehensively reviewed the latest advances and challenges in the development of atmospheric and pressurized PVSRs. Their article was made available online on 18 June 2023, and will be published in Energy Reviews. The review covers the progress in experimental research on PVSRs, presenting an overview of the successes and hurdles since 1980s, as well as the insights gained along the way. It then discusses the different criteria by which the performance of a PVSR can be evaluated: outlet air temperature and thermal efficiency of the system. Unfortunately, directly comparing the performance of the two criteria remains challenging, since the possible range of values for the outlet air temperature and thermal efficiency vary greatly with test conditions. Thus, there is a need for a more standardized approach, which remains to be developed and validated. The review next highlights developments in the theoretical aspects of PVSRs. These studies are aimed at accurately understanding fluid flow and heat transfer processes within the porous material of a solar receiver. Overall, scientists have employed two distinct strategies on this front: direct pore-scale and volume-averaging simulations. Pore-scale simulations involve making sophisticated three-dimensional reconstructions of the structure of the porous media; these techniques are very computationally intensive and usually difficult to set up but can provide the most detailed insights. In contrast, volume-averaging simulations do not consider the detailed structure of the porous media and instead rely on a set of governing equations to make predictions. While these simulations are easier to set up, the considered parameters and equations must accurately match the actual system, which is challenging to ensure. The article then summarizes recent advances aimed at improving the performance of PVSRs via approaches based on theoretical and experimental insights. One promising way for better volumetric solar absorption is through geometrical parameter optimization. Put simply, such strategies involve making the porous media non-uniform to accurately match the non-uniform solar energy concentrated onto the receiver as well as capture the non-uniform characteristics of energy transfer within the porous material. "Some examples include building porous receivers composed of different layers or gradually varying structures," points out Prof. He. The other main research front dedicated to performance optimization of PVSRs is spectrally selective absorption. Here, the objective is to adjust the material and structural properties of the receiver such that the energy absorption in the solar spectrum is maximized while the emission in the infrared spectrum is minimized. Finally, the researchers highlight one of the main issues holding back PVSRs: the lack of evaluation methods to compare different designs. Moreover, there are still a few gaps to fill, both in the theoretical and experimental realms, before a meaningful breakthrough can be achieved in PVSRs that will enable their widespread commercial application. "Hopefully, this review will provide a better understanding of the development and research methods for PVSRs, and will inspire future studies aimed at improving their performance," comments Prof. He. We too hope that the PVSR technology soon reaches the level of maturity needed to generate ample renewable energy for a sustainable future! More information: Ya-Ling He et al, Advances in porous volumetric solar receivers and enhancement of volumetric absorption, Energy Reviews (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.enrev.2023.100035 Provided by Energy Reviews 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: In this image made from video, South Korean lawmakers from left, Kang Eun-mi, Woo Wonshik and Yang Jung-suk, hold placards which reads "Withdraw the discharge of the wastewater from Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean" during a protest in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. South Korean lawmakers attended a protest in Iwaki in Fukushima prefecture against the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the region's crippled nuclear plant into the ocean. Credit: AP Photo At a small section of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant's central control room, the treated water transfer switch is on. A graph on a computer monitor nearby shows a steady decrease of water levels as treated radioactive wastewater is diluted and released into the Pacific Ocean. In the coastal area of the plant, two seawater pumps are in action, gushing torrents of seawater through sky blue pipes into the big header where the treated water, which comes down through a much thinner black pipe from the hilltop tanks, is diluted hundreds of times before the release. The sound of the treated and diluted radioactive water flowing into an underground secondary pool was heard from beneath the ground as media, including The Associated Press, toured the plant in northeastern Japan for the first time since the water release began. "The best way to eliminate the contaminated water is to remove the melted fuel debris," said Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings spokesperson Kenichi Takahara, who escorted Sunday's media tour for foreign media. But Takahara said the scarcity of information from inside the nuclear reactors makes planning and development of the necessary robotic technology and a facility for the melted fuel removal extremely difficult. "Removal of the melted fuel debris is not like we can just take it out and be finished," he said. This photo taken during tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows the treated water transfer switch at the central monitoring room, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Okuma town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool The projected decades-long release of treated water has been strongly opposed by fishing groups and criticized by neighboring countries. China immediately banned imports of seafood from Japan in response. In Seoul, thousands of South Koreans rallied over the weekend to condemn the release, demanding Japan to keep it in tanks. Japan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday issued a travel advisory to Japanese citizens to use extra caution while in China. It said act of harassment, including massive phone calls, have targeted to the Japanese embassy, consulate and Japanese schools in China, and it urged Japanese in China to stay away from those places and from protests of the water release, and not to talk loudly in Japanese to avoid attention. Managing the ever-growing volume of radioactive wastewater held in more than 1,000 tanks has been a safety risk and a burden since the plant was wrecked by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. The tanks are already filled to 98% of their 1.37 million-ton capacity. This photo taken during tour of a treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows staff work at the central monitoring room, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Okuma town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool Releasing the water into the sea is a milestone for the decommissioning of the plant, which is expected to take decades. But it is just the beginning of the challenges ahead, such as the removal of the fatally radioactive melted fuel debris that remains in the three damaged reactors, a daunting task if ever accomplished. The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, started releasing the first batch of 7,800 tons from 10 of the group B tanks, among the least radioactive water at the plant. They say the water is treated and diluted to levels that are safer than international standards, and so far, testing by TEPCO and government agencies has found no detectable radioactivity in seawater and fish samples taken after the release. The Japanese government and TEPCO say releasing the water is an unavoidable step in the decommissioning of the plant. This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows staff work at the central monitoring room, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Okuma town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool Since the earthquake and tsunami destroyed the plant's cooling systems and caused three reactors to melt, highly contaminated cooling water applied to the damaged reactors has leaked continuously to the buildings' basements and mixed with groundwater. Some water is recycled to cool the nuclear fuel, while the rest is stored in the tanks. The release started at the daily pace of 460 tons and moves slowly. TEPCO plans to release 31,200 tons of treated water by the end of March 2024, which would empty only 10 tanks because the site will continue to produce radioactive water. The pace will quicken later and about 1/3 of the tanks will be removed over the next 10 years, freeing up space for the plant's decommissioning, said TEPCO executive Junichi Matsumoto, who is in charge of the treated water release. The water will be released over 30 years, but as long as melted fuel stays in the reactors, it requires cooling water under the current prospect. This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows a staff works at the central monitoring room, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, (TEPCO), in Okuma town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool About 880 tons of radioactive melted nuclear fuel remain inside the reactors. Robotic probes have provided some information but the status of the melted debris remains largely unknown, and the amount could be even larger, says Takahara, the TEPCO spokesman. A trial removal of melted debris using a giant remote-controlled robotic arm is set to begin in Unit 2 later this year, though it will be a very small amount, Takahara said. Spent fuel removal from the Unit 1 reactor's cooling pool is set to start in 2027. The reactor top is still covered with debris from the explosion 12 years ago and needs to be cleaned up after putting a protective cover to contain radioactive dust. Inside the worst-hit Unit 1, most of its reactor core melted and fell to the bottom of the primary containment chamber and possibly farther into the concrete basement. A robotic probe sent inside the Unit 1 primary containment chamber has found that its pedestalthe main supporting structure directly under its corewas extensively damaged. This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows staff work at the central monitoring room, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Okuma town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows TEPCO official Kenichi Takahara explains about a facility to take samples of treated radioactive wastewater after dilution for testing before release, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Futaba town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows a journalist looks at the water sampling rack, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Futaba town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows TEPCO official Kenichi Takahara explains about a facility to take samples of treated radioactive wastewater after dilution for testing before release, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Futaba town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool This photo taken during the tour of the treated water dilution and discharge facility for foreign media shows TEPCO official Kenichi Takahara explains to the media on the discharge tunnel, part of the facility for the releasing treated radioactive water to sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), in Futaba town, northeastern Japan, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool Most of its thick concrete exterior was missing, exposing the internal steel reinforcement, prompting regulators to ask TEPCO to make risk assessment. The government has stuck to its initial 30-to-40-year target for completing the decommissioning, without defining what that means. Rushing the schedule could cause more radiation exposure to workers and more environmental damage. Some experts say it would be impossible to remove all the melted fuel debris by 2051 and would take 50-100 years, if achieved at all. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Buses cross a bridge from North Korea's border city of Sinuiju to China's Dandong, Aug. 16. Yonhap More than 300 North Korean workers returned home Monday from a Chinese border city, multiple sources said, a day after Pyongyang reopened its borders for its citizens abroad for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 300 to 400 North Koreans left Dandong in northeastern China earlier in the day for the North's border city of Sinuiju by bus, according to the sources. It marked the first time for North Koreans to return home by road transportation since the two countries closed their borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, North Korea announced it would allow its citizens overseas to return home amid eased concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the reclusive regime's official reopening of its border. (Yonhap) An official checks radiation levels of fish to be sold at a fish market in Daegu, Aug. 28. Yonhap Korea on Monday launched a special inspection into the marking of country of origin for imported seafood products to dispel public safety concerns following Japan's release of contaminated water from its crippled nuclear power plant, the oceans ministry said. On Thursday, Japan began releasing "treated" radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean amid concerns and opposition raised by its fishing population and neighboring countries. The 100-day intensive inspection is meant to check if importers, distributors and retailers properly mark the origin of major seafood items coming from overseas, such as scallops, sea bream and sea squirts, Vice Oceans Minister Park Sung-hoon said during a regular briefing on the Fukushima issue. "The government has been monitoring the country of origin marking all year round. But we will carry out a special probe on an unprecedented level as concerns are growing over the distribution system of Japanese and other imported seafood," Park said. Korea banned all seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures near Fukushima in 2013 on concerns over their radiation levels in the wake of the meltdown incident in 2011. 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 Heavy rains and periodic gusty winds from Tropical Storm Idalia will be felt in Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties beginning Wednesday. Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said the department spent Monday monitoring the forecast and making sure the county is ahead of cleaning out clogged drains and ditches so they are able to handle the expected heavy rains. Flooding rains are our biggest threat and potential impact, Staley said. He said there is also a potential threat of tornadoes and severe weather. It is still a good ways out, Staley said. We are still in that error cone. We are not really sure where the forecast track will go. It may be Tuesday evening before we have a pretty good idea of where it will track. Staley encouraged local residents to monitor the forecasts and to use caution on Wednesday. If we get heavy rainfall, we have a lot of low-lying areas, Staley said. We don't want people getting out and driving and stalling out because they are stuck in water. If traveling, give plenty of time to do what you need to do, Staley said. The National Weather Service on Monday morning was predicting between 4 inches and 6 inches of rain on Wednesday and Wednesday night, with locally higher amounts possible. Higher amounts will be possible in the eastern part of the region, for areas such as Holly Hill and Eutawville. The storm's greatest rainfall impact will be felt from about 8 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday, according to the NWS. Flooding is expected to be the greatest concern from the storm as it moves off the state's coast. In a Monday weather brief, the National Weather Service said flash flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and other flood-prone locations. The NWS notes that flooding kills more people than just about any weather-related hazard. Most deaths associated with floods occur either at night, or when people become trapped in automobiles that stall while driving in areas that are flooded. A flood watch and a flash flood watch may be issued for the region as Idalia moves closer. Other potential impacts will be highly track/strength dependent, but could include gusty winds and tornadoes, mainly Wednesday into Thursday morning. The NWS is forecasting maximum sustained winds of about 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph possible for the Orangeburg area. The timing of the strongest winds is forecast to be Wednesday from about 8 p.m. to midnight. According to the National Hurricane Center, there is about a 5 percent to 20 percent chance the area will see sustained winds at tropical storm force of 39 mph and over. Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities spokesman Randy Etters said consistent forecast runs over the past few days have shown the storm's center inching toward the east. The current forecast track shows we will be spared from the more dangerous aspects of the storm, Etters said. We are hoping that track will be the one that it follows. If it shifts west 50 or 75 miles, that could bring some significantly higher concerns to the DPU. DPU crews are ensuring all equipment is ready to meet whatever the storm has to offer. He said crews are on alert. Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said a decision on whether county administrative functions will be closed will be determined later as the track of the storm continues to be monitored. The Orangeburg County School District on Monday said there has been no decision made on school closings and delays. However, we are keeping a close eye on the weather, the district said. During inclement weather situations, we are in constant contact with the county and regional emergency teams, and we're also keeping tabs on forecasts from the National Weather Service and local experts. Safety's always our first priority, so we're making sure we've got all our bases covered before making any calls. Idalia is forecast to track northeastward through Georgia and near the coast of South Carolina. Uncertainty does remain on the track of Idalia as its still a few days out from affecting our area, which leads to some uncertainty in associated hazards, the NWS said in its forecast discussion Monday. The primary hazard remains the potential for heavy rain and associated flooding risk given the antecedent conditions of recent rainfall. Other hazards are highly dependent on Idalias track, the NWS statement continues. Currently, Idalia is anticipated to affect the forecast area Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. As of Monday morning, Tropical Storm Idalia was packing sustained winds of 65 mph and was forecast to become a major hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph before landfall around the big bend area of Florida late Tuesday night or Wednesday. A major hurricane (Category 3) according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, has sustained winds of at least 111 mph with wind gusts of 140 mph. Prior to the arrival of Idalia, a stationary front is expected to remain draped across the region through Tuesday, resulting in unsettled weather. The rain may be moderate to heavy at times, resulting in localized flash flooding. The rains from the stationary front could mean flooding issues upon the arrival of Idalia. After Idalia moves out of the area, a taste of fall will be felt as much drier and cooler air moves in behind the system to close out the week. Highs for the weekend will be in the 80s and lows will be in the 60s. (TBTCO) - Quang Ninh uoc anh gia la vung at co nhieu tiem nang, loi the phat trien. Song, giai oan tu nam 2010 tro ve truoc, viec thu hut nguon von lon, cung nhu cac nha au tu tam co tai Quang Ninh rat khiem ton. Tinh Quang Ninh a som nhan dien uoc nhung iem nghen e co nhung buoc i, cach lam sang tao, bai ban, khoa hoc, tao nen nhung gia tri khac biet, lam thay oi dien mao o thi, co so ha tang cua ia phuong. To address persistent problems with homeless camps around Casper, the city wants to give its urban camping and squatting laws more legal muscle. City Council is eyeing two different measures: One that aims to stamp out squatting on private property, and another thatd ban camping near the North Platte River. In Casper, its already illegal to live on private land without the owners consent. The problem, officials say, is that the law is pretty hard to enforce. Its not uncommon for people without shelter to target abandoned or neglected buildings places where the owners arent around and its easier to lay low. And absent owners can be hard to track down. Someone taking refuge in a blighted home may claim they have permission to live there without any way for the city to check whether thats true. We have nobody that we can contact, and yet the debris, the public safety (and) health hazards all those things are presenting themselves, Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters told councilors in an April meeting. So, the Councils considering changing the law to require suspected squatters to meet a higher burden of proof obtaining written consent from the owner. City officials are also weighing setting a time limit for camping on private property, even for people who have permission to be there. We have had instances where you may have a, for lack of a better term, neer-do-well property owner whos gonna let everybody and their brother come in and camp on their property, City Attorney Eric Nelson told councilors during a Tuesday work session. In an Aug. 18 memo briefing the Council and city staff on the proposals, Nelson pointed to a Fort Collins law that prohibits people from camping on private property for more than one week at a time, and more than two weeks in a calendar year. Should Casper follow suit, the rule wouldnt be aimed at people who are clearly camping recreationally with the owners consent, Nelson noted itd be targeted more toward people who pose safety threats or have become public nuisances. How would the city handle people found to be violating the law? That'd be up for Council to decide. There is a spectrum of options that we can utilize everything from citing them immediately to giving them a time period to leave and abate, whatever the appetite of Council may be in terms of that enforcement, Nelson told councilors during the work session. Council also asked city staff to draft an ordinance thatd make it illegal to camp within a certain distance of the North Platte River. Thats because homeless camps, where people might have little or no ability to properly dispose of waste, can be a serious health hazard especially when located near waterways. There was some discussion over whether Casper should adopt a law restricting people from camping in cars parked on public property as well, but the Council decided to drop the idea for now. I might like to see us take a sort of sequenced approach, Councilor Amber Pollock, who represents Ward 1, said during Tuesday's meeting. I have known a number of individuals where the vehicle was the last line before they were literally on the streets. The city hasnt ironed out further details on what the squatting and camping ordinances would look like; the Council isnt expected to review formal drafts of the legislation for at least a few weeks. Constitutional questions Laws addressing homelessness aren't without controversy, and some communities that have tried to get tougher on urban camping have been challenged in court. A 2018 ruling from Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, for example, struck down the ability of the city government in Boise to enforce a law allowing police to clean up local homeless camps. The decision held that the practice was cruel and unusual punishment a violation of the Eighth Amendment because Boise didnt have enough shelter space for all the homeless people it was booting from city streets, sidewalks and parks. Put a different way: You cant punish people for living on public property if they have nowhere else to go. In a 2022 Ninth Circuit case, a panel of three judges ruled against a camping law adopted by Grants Pass, Oregon, which prohibited the use of a blanket, pillow or sleeping bag while sleeping in public. The court found that to be a violation of the Eighth Amendment, too. Should that serve as a warning to Casper? Its unclear. The city is under the jurisdiction of the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, so the Boise and Grants Pass rulings arent binding precedent, Nelson said in the Aug. 18 memo. The Tenth Circuit also tends to lean more conservative than the Ninth Circuit. Its hard to say with any degree of certainty how the courts here would rule, Nelson told the Star-Tribune previously. But that could soon change: Grants Pass has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to give its case another look. If they do, then we'll have binding law that will guide us as we continue to address these issues in the public sphere, Nelson said. Work in progress The recommendation to give Casper's camping laws more teeth came from a new group of city officials and community organizations aimed at addressing homelessness. The group was formed amid concerns from downtown business owners that a suspected increase in homeless people in Casper was driving up behavior like illegal camping, vandalism and disorderly conduct around town. As part of the group's efforts, city departments, social services, nonprofits and religious organizations are working on gathering more data on trends in homelessness around the community. Casper law enforcement, for example, say a notable portion of people that were booked into the Natrona County Detention Center in spring and early summer self identified as homeless, the Star-Tribune previously reported. Still, the group has yet to pool and synthesize its data so for now, the bigger picture of the scale of homelessness in Casper, and what effect it has on the city, remains largely tenuous. 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. The Natrona County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deaths of two Casper men. Deputies responded to a report of a shooting around 5:15 Friday evening on the 4700 block of Boles Road. "Upon arrival, deputies found two unconscious individuals each suffering from gunshot wounds," a Monday statement from the department reads. EMS pronounced both men dead at the scene, according to the statement. The Natrona County Coroner's Office has identified both men. The victim is 58-year-old Stephen Skaj, and 33-year-old Ryan Rosty is the suspect. Rosty and Skaj had a "physical altercation," according to the sheriff's office. After the altercation, Skaj walked away from Rosty who shot Skaj and then himself, the statement says. "The fight and shooting were witnessed, and the physical evidence on scene was consistent with the witnesss statement," the office said in its statement. The sheriff's office asks that anyone who has information that may assist in the investigation to call 307-235-9282 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Central Wyoming at 307-577-8477. ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Hae-yong delivers a speech during the "Seminar on ASEAN-Korea Tourism 2023" at the Westin Josun Seoul, Aug. 23. Courtesy of AKC By Kwon Mee-yoo Tourism policy makers and industry experts from the 10 ASEAN member states and Korea gathered in Seoul on Aug. 23 to discuss and explore innovative approaches to sustainable local tourism development at the "Seminar on ASEAN-Korea Tourism 2023" at the Westin Josun Seoul. Hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), the seminar shed light on both public and private sector involvement in the local tourism landscape. AKC Secretary General Kim Hae-yong emphasized the importance of the tourism sector in the ASEAN region and its growing appeal for travelers from Korea. "In ASEAN, the tourism sector contributed to over 14 percent of regional GDP, providing 13 percent of employment in the region before the pandemic. Especially, Korean tourists visiting ASEAN countries have brought back the rich culture of ASEAN to Korea, from best-known cuisine to traditional artifacts," he said during opening remarks. "As Korean culture continues to gain popularity in ASEAN, ASEAN is also getting closer to Korea. This phenomenon represents a harmonious fusion of flavors, seamlessly blending the essence of ASEAN and Korea." Songkane Luangmuninthone, ambassador of Lao PDR and chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, acknowledged the toll COVID-19 has taken on tourism in both ASEAN and Korea and highlighted the role of digital transitions in changing travel behavior. "The rapid digital transition has also altered regional and global travel behaviors to rejuvenate global travel. To adapt to the shifting global tourism, it is necessary for member countries and other partners to involve the community in order to enhance local tourism," the ambassador said. "Community-based tourists will not only increase local income, but also provide travelers with hands-on experiences with another culture, a greater connection with people and place as well as an awareness of other cultures." Key participants to the "Seminar on ASEAN-Korea Tourism 2023," hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, pose at the Westin Josun Seoul, Aug. 23. Courtesy of AKC In line with global trends, tourists visiting both ASEAN and Korea are increasingly seeking unique, authentic and eco-friendly experiences and the seminar served as a platform to discuss the best practices in local tourism and ways to strengthen ASEAN-Korea collaboration for sustainable development in the sector. The seminar began with a presentation by Jeong Seon-hee, executive director of the Digital Transformation Department at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) on the evolving landscape of the tourism sector, particularly emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies. "It is high time that experts in the tourism sector need to exactly and accurately identify what is going on in the tourism sector," she said, introducing the KTO's Data Lab as an essential resource for understanding real-time tourism trends. She also noted how data can aid in addressing the challenges of depopulated areas and create more targeted and sustainable policies. "We also work with academia when we develop an algorithm on how to facilitate tourism in an area. The factors include age, gender and income levels. These parameters are put into the algorithm to make a prediction on which month would be the high season and which months would be the low season," Jeong explained. "Algorithms can be developed for this and we work with academia and provide information for policy making." Park Jun-kyu, CEO of Surfyy Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, and Lee Jeong-mi, COO of Haenyeo's Kitchen on Jeju Island, shared their approaches to bring innovation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of local tourism within their respective regions, while also focusing on community engagement. Surfyy Beach has been working to make Yangyang appealing to novice surfers and expanding into diverse leisure activities, while Haenyeo's Kitchen transformed traditional Haenyeo diving practices into an educational experience. Participants from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Lao PDR speak during a panel discussion on sustainable tourism strategies in their respective countries during the "Seminar on ASEAN-Korea Tourism 2023" at the Westin Josun Seoul, Aug. 23. Courtesy of AKC WHEN the rice finishes, we make dumplings. Thats the reality for one family because they simply cannot afford to replenish food until the next pay cheque. Living pay cheque to pay cheque is a dilemma many households are facing in Trinidad and Tobago. A disabled grandfather is being hailed as a hero after he rescued his nine-year-old grandson from their house in San Fernando when it caught fire on Saturday. Chief Justice Ivor Archies recent call for acceptance among judges suggests that at least some of them have not been dispensing justice impartially to all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking at the Caribbean Judges Forum on HIV Health and Human Rights last Thursday, the Chief Justice asserted, As lawyers and judges, we must begin from the premise that it is possible to construct functional, moral or ethical codes of behaviour without adherence to any particular doctrine, regardless of how strongly we may hold our personal religious convictions. PHOENIX The federal government is finally ready to drop its lawsuit against Arizona over the storage containers it contends were erected illegally last year on Forest Service land by Gov. Doug Ducey. But its going to cost state taxpayers another $2.1 million to put this all behind them. Thats on top of the $95 million the state paid to AshBritt Management & Logistics to install the ersatz border barrier in the first place. And it doesnt include another nearly $66.6 million, also of taxpayer dollars, to tear it down, transport the containers to Tucson and start restoring the site to the way it was before the controversial barrier went up. So why another $2.1 million? Thats what the Forest Service contends it actually will take to fully remediate the damage done by the containers in the first place. And the deal filed in federal court and inked by the attorneys for all the parties, spells out that once the bill is paid, the case will be dismissed. Christian Slater, press aide to current Gov. Katie Hobbs, said Monday that has now happened. All that awaits is a final judicial order. There was no immediate response from the former governor. But Dan Scarpinato, who was Duceys chief of staff when the state paid to buy the containers, erect the barriers and then take them down, said his former boss stands by the project. The feds have been so wildly out of touch regarding this crisis that something needed to be done to amplify security and get the attention of the administration, he said. Scarpinato said installing the wall of double-high containers resulted in the Biden administration finally agreeing to close gaps in the existing wall which otherwise would never have happened. Duceys successor, however, doesnt see it that way. We are glad to be one step closer to ending this political stunt that wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, said Slater. He noted the construction costs came out of a $335 million Arizona Border Security Fund approved by lawmakers in 2022 as part of the state budget. Those dollars had strings, including requirements they be spent solely to erect a barrier. By contrast, the budget signed earlier this year by Hobbs instead allows her to use border cash to provide direct aid to affected communities. And Slater said the new governor has done just that, providing grants for additional staff for law enforcement, technology and supplies. The deal marks the end of what had been a highly publicized move by Ducey to close gaps in the reinforced barrier that was started by Donald Trump and canceled by Joe Biden his first day in office. Ducey arranged to purchase storage containers and installed them in a 10-mile gap in Cochise County in the Coronado National Forest. A separate wall of containers was installed along 3,820 feet near Yuma. The Department of Justice called the move illegal, citing a 116-year-old president declaration that gives the federal government exclusive control of a 60-foot swatch along the Arizona-Mexico border precisely where Ducey was placing the containers. Ducey responded by filing suit, seeking a declaration that President Theodore Roosevelt had not legal right to simply declare all land along the border to be the property of the federal government. The feds responded in kind with their own lawsuit accusing the state of trespass. Both cases were consolidated. The change in administration in Arizona changed everything. Even before taking office, Hobbs announced she was going to halt further work on the wall of storage containers. Its not our land to put things on, she said. Its a political stunt. All that became moot when Ducey, in his last days in office, agreed to remove the shipping containers, declaring they had served their purpose in spurring the Biden administration to action. But it also came as a federal judge was considering the request by the Department of Justice to force Arizona to remove the hundreds of double-stacked containers or allow the feds to remove the items and then bill the state for the costs. And having Ducey announce the removal before leaving office denied that opportunity to his successor. Even with the containers now gone from the border and being sold off for less than the state paid that still left the question of restoring the property to the way it was before. Documents filed by the two sides last week with U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell said that the state, in removing the containers, conducted extensive remediation efforts on the Forest Service property. But the agreement said more needs to be done. So the Department of Justice and the state entered into a deal where the Forest Service would submit an advance bill to the state and Arizona paying that bill, which will allow outstanding remediation work to be completed. That bill was sent to the states Department of Emergency and Military Affairs the agency that was tasked with building the barrier and then tearing it down last week for $2,126,030. Still, there are things left to do. And the biggest is finding a home for the approximately 2,200 shipping containers that are now being stored. State officials have given first dibs to government agencies and nonprofits that work with the government. But Megan Rose, spokeswoman for the state Department of Administration, said at this point, just 142 of them have been sold off. The rest, she said, will be offered to the public beginning Oct. 1, with price depending on size and condition. For $2,000, you can get a 40-foot Grade C container, listed as having extensive corrosion with a multitude of dents with interior markings and scratches. Too dear? A Grade D container is $1,500, with extensive corrosion and holes as well as major damage. There also are a number of 20-foot containers, at $1,000 for Grade C and $500 for Grade D. Rose said that transportation costs will be added to the final bill, as cash and carry is not an option. Were making sure that everyones safe, she said. We dont want somebody to jury-rig something and then end up on the freeway and then have a problem. Rose said the state already has been in contact with a trucking firm that will do the job, with the ultimate price depending on the distance involved. The containers removed from Cochise County are at the state prison in Tucson; those taken off the border at Yuma are at the state prison there. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Re: the Aug. 23 article AZ must protect outdoor workers during extreme heat. In the November 7th general election for mayor of Tucson there are four candidates: a Democrat, Republican, Independent, and Libertarian. If all four candidates remain on the ballot, it all but assures the Democrat candidate will win. Given the over two-to-one registration advantage for Democrats within the city limits, any non-Democrat candidate must win the entire Republican vote, a big majority of the Independent vote, and 20% of the Democrat vote. Not a likely outcome for either the Republican or Independent candidate if they are splitting the non-Democrat vote. Could the Republican candidate win if the Independent withdrew? Only if you believe that nearly one in five voters still registered as a Democrat will vote for a Republican. The current Republican candidate is encouraged that 5% of the Democrat primary voters did not vote for the current mayor and that Democrat participation was down while Republican participation was up over 2019. She ignores the fact that in 2019 the Democrats spent over $2 million in a hotly contested primary and there was no Republican mayoral candidate. But let us assume, as implausible as it is, that the trends hold for the general election, Republican participation is 10% higher than Democrat participation and she gets 5% of the Democrat vote. If she also gets 60% of the independent vote, she still loses. So, no, the mayor of Tucson will not be a Republican next year. What if the Republican candidate withdrew? It is plausible that an independent candidate could get the Democrat vote needed to add to the Republican and Independent vote for a win? The current mayor has an ultra-progressive agenda, demonstrated that she is against police and fire, is anti-business, and unwilling to address the crime, fentanyl, and homeless issues. The city is in disarray, and it is time for a change. There are enough Democrats who see the need for change even though they wont vote for a Republican. For the first time in four election cycles, a candidate other than a Democrat could win the election for mayor. The challenge is all about the vote count. To win, the Republican and Libertarian candidates should drop off the ballot and voters should elect Tucsons next Mayor, Ed Ackerley. A person of honor, a person of integrity, and a person of principle. Korean Environment Minister Han Wha-jin, left, meets with Oman's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources Saud Hamoud Al Habsi in Muscat, Aug. 27, in this photo provided by the Ministry of Environment. Yonhap Korea and Oman have agreed to cooperate in achieving carbon neutrality and revitalizing green industries, the Ministry of Environment said Monday. The memorandum of understanding on cooperation for green transformation was signed by Korean Environment Minister Han Wha-jin and Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Sunday, the ministry said. Oman is a country where a Korean company recently secured exclusive business rights for green hydrogen. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen generated by renewable energy or from low-carbon power. The two ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the establishment of green hydrogen infrastructure, installation of hydrogen charging stations, expansion of hydrogen commercial vehicles and development of waste-to-energy businesses, the ministry said. Han also met with Oman's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources Saud Hamoud Al Habsi on the same day to discuss ways to cooperate in achieving carbon neutrality in the agriculture and fisheries sector, the ministry said. (Yonhap) The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: I felt like a second-class citizen when the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion last summer. After a handful of religious men (and one woman, Amy Coney Barrett) stripped women of the 49-year-old right to decide what to do with their own bodies, it was clear: If you were a woman, your body was no longer your own. Ironically, in Idaho where I live, the abortion controversy is making it harder for women to have the babies they want. This year the Idaho Legislature defunded research into preventing maternal deaths, and the state also chose not to extend its postpartum Medicaid coverage. Then, in March, the only hospital in the northern Idaho city of Sandpoint announced it would no longer provide obstetrical services. Patients must now drive 46 miles for labor and delivery care. Why? Physicians were leaving the state, the hospital board explained, and recruiting replacements would be extraordinarily difficult. The board also cited the Idaho Legislature, which had passed bills to criminalize physicians for doing nothing more than providing nationally recognized standards of care. In Idaho, once evidence of a heartbeat is detected in a fetus, abortion is illegal except in documented instances of rape, incest or to save the mothers life. A doctor I interviewed told me about a patient in her late second trimester of pregnancy. The fetus was severely malformed and would not survive, she said, and standard of care called for aborting this fetus. But Idaho law meant it had to die inside the mother. Idaho legislators also say that bringing a minor across state lines for an abortion is trafficking. The hysteria continues with a new law that allows family members and the father of an aborted fetus to file civil lawsuits against doctors. Theres also the legal push in courtrooms to bar mifepristone pills that induce safe early abortions. This spring, U.S. Solicitor Gen. Elizabeth Prelogar sent an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the justices to block lower court rulings that had banned the drug. She noted that the abortion pills have a safety record of more than 20 years, and no federal judge had ever overruled the FDAs judgment about the safety of a drug. In April, the high court ruled that access to mifepristone may continue while litigants seek to overturn FDA approval. Another drug used along with mifepristone, misoprostol, has many uses in reproductive health. Its on the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines. Yet this year, Wyoming banned the use of any medication, including misoprostol, that could be used for abortions. Days before the law was to take effect, Teton County Judge Melissa Owens blocked it, pending the outcome of a lawsuit. The litigants are also suing to stop Wyomings near-total abortion ban, enacted in March. Judge Owens suspended that ban as well and combined the two lawsuits. Federal law, which requires doctors to treat patients in emergency situations, trumps state law. But a federal investigation reported by the Associated Press, found that two hospitals Freeman Health System in Joplin, Missouri, and University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City violated federal law when they refused to provide an emergency abortion to a pregnant woman who was experiencing premature labor. Doctors said the fetus would not survive and her health was at serious risk, yet they would not abort the fetus because a heartbeat was detected. But when you look at the ballot box, abortion has fared well, especially in California, Vermont and Michigan, where voters added the right to abortion to their constitutions. A pro-choice judicial candidate won in a landslide in Wisconsin, and the states of Kansas, Kentucky and, most recently, Ohio, saw voters reject measures that could have led to bans. Then this July 13, the FDA approved Opill, the first daily oral contraceptive available for use in the United States without a prescription. If that option had been available to me as a teen in the 1970s, I would not have had to sneak off for an abortion at age 16. Sandra Bullock is said to be taking comfort from the wave of love and support she has received online after her longtime partner's death. The 'Speed' actress, 59, was left devastated at the start of August when her photographer boyfriend Bryan Randall passed away aged 57 following a three-year battle with fatal motor neuron disease ALS, and a source has now said she has been keeping her spirits up by viewing the messages of support she's had on the web, and in person from her close pals and Bryan's family. An insider told People: "(She has) seen the incredible outpouring of support toward ALS research since Bryan's passing. "It was very important to her that when she and his family made the initial statement of Bryan's passing, those who were on this journey with her and Bryan, from the beginning, were recognised she is so grateful to all those who have donated and is happy that out of something so heartbreaking came something so positive for others." Bryan's family said in their statement announcing his death: "It is with great sadness that we share that on Aug. 5, Bryan Randall passed away peacefully after a three-year battle with ALS. "Bryan chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and those of us who cared for him did our best to honor his request." "We are immensely grateful to the tireless doctors who navigated the landscape of this illness with us and to the astounding nurses who became our roommates, often sacrificing their own families to be with ours." Sandra has been reportedly planning to scatter her late partner's ashes at a luxury sea resort where they secretly exchanged "vows". Sources have told DailyMail.com she is considering saying her final goodbye to him at the Three Bees in the Bahamas, where she apparently wants to scatter his remains in the sea. The outlet said they pair had an unofficial wedding ceremony at the resort in 2017, three years before his devastating diagnosis with ALS - though they never formally married. An insider said: "The place was just so special to them both. They would take over the entire island so they could just be themselves. It was a place where they shared some of their happiest times together and with the kids and friends. "They would go there for weeks at a time. It holds a lot of meaning and it just makes sense for that to be where she says goodbye to him." Bryan's daughter Skylar Staten Randall, 29, took receipt of her father's ashes earlier this month after a representative from the Hollywood Forever Cemetery made the delivery to her Los Angeles apartment three days after he passed away. DailyMail.com reports Sandra and Bryan exchanged vows on the beach in the Bahamas in an intimate ceremony witnessed by friends and family on 31 December, 2017. Sandra first met Bryan after hiring him to take photographs at a birthday party for her son Louis, now 13, in 2015. They went public as a couple in October of that year, at the premiere of her movie 'Our Brand is Crisis'. The actress had not been in a serious relationship since her bitter split from her cheating ex-husband, Jesse James, in 2010, which was the same year she adopted Louis. Iggy Azalea was forced to stop her concert in Saudi Arabia after her pants split open on stage. The 'Problems' rapper, 33, was scheduled to do a full headline slot at e-sports and gaming event 'Gamers8' at Boulevard Riyadh City on Friday (25.08.23), but has now taken to Instagram to explain she ended the show early due to Saudi dress codes and laws over what flesh females can show in public. She told her fans alongside a clip of the moment her pants ripped during the start of her show: "Saudi Arabia Wasssssss. probably the worst possible place to have my pants split and unfortunately I wasn't permitted to end the show. "BUT silver lining. "The promoters were amazingly kind to me and the PEOPLE who came were the absolute most supportive. "I love you guys this was not what I intended for the show but it's a memory I'll have forever and ultimately showed me how kind, loving and supportive people can be while you're having such an embarrassing moment" The Australian rapper also addressed the incident on X, stating she and her team "all wanted to continue but were not allowed by authorities because of my pants splitting'. She added when she shouted during the gig: "Ladies make some noise, it's a woman's world!" it "apparently sent the authorities over the edge" - signing off: "Lol." Iggy also concluded: "I'm cool I just didn't want the fans to be sad or angry at the show organizers cause it wasn't their control or mine it." It is unclear if Azalea plans to reschedule her show. According to a website for Saudi Arabia immigration, the dress code for women in the predominantly Muslim country has evolved in recent years, but female visitors should still "cover as much flesh as possible to avoid drawing unwelcome attention". It said: "The key to following the Saudi clothing code is modesty. You will be OK as long as you dress modestly." James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Elliot Nelson has to pause for a moment to figure out just how many restaurants he has opened in the past 19 years. I think its around 15 or 16, Nelson said, during a conversation in the dining area of Jimmys Chophouse, the newest addition to the McNellies Group of which Nelson is the founder and CEO. Named in honor of his father, Jimmys Chophouse is something of an homage to flavors and experiences from Tulsas culinary past, drawn from Nelsons memories of visiting steakhouses such as Eddys and Jamils, the Italian Inn and the Celebrity Club. The new restaurant is already earning high praise from diners, as well as getting one of the highest ratings of any new restaurant this year from the Tulsa World. But Nelson and the McNellies Group are not resting on laurels. Three new restaurants are in the works and are projected to be open by the summer of 2024. First up will be City Hall Steak & Cocktail, which is planned for a spring 2024 opening. The restaurant will be at 123 E. Main St. in downtown Jenks, taking over a building that had once served as the towns city hall. When the project was announced, the new restaurant was described as having a blend of modern design and vintage accents that celebrate the buildings unique history. The atmosphere will be ideal for intimate dinners, special occasions, business meetings, gatherings with friends or just a glass of wine at the bar. That one is going to be closer to the traditional steakhouse than Jimmys, Nelson said. Steaks are certainly a main thing at Jimmys, but the menu here has a fairly broad variety of dishes, Nelson said. The focus at City Hall will be more on steak. City Hall Steak & Cocktail is part of a citizen-led effort to rebrand the citys historic Main Street as The Ten District, a reference to that particular corner of Main Street being 10 miles from downtown Tulsa, Bixby, Sapulpa and Broken Arrow, and also 10 blocks west of the Arkansas River. Another project in the works is Maple Ridge Grocery, which will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space near the intersection of 18th Street and Cincinnati Avenue. Nelson said he hopes this restaurant will be open by March of 2024. The building used to be a print shop, Nelson said. Its just a block or so away from (Council Oak Elementary) school, and I envision parents dropping off their kids, and then swinging by for a coffee or breakfast. Its also going to be on my way home from the office, so I can imagine people leaving work and stopping by there. The third project is a proposed Italian restaurant that will be part of the Santa Fe Square development at the corner of Second Street and Elgin Avenue downtown, which will likely open in the summer of 2024. Nelson is one of the developers of this multi-use location. Although a few of the concepts the McNellies Group has opened over the years have closed (the Mexican restaurant El Guapo, which had locations downtown and in south Tulsa, for example), the majority of the companys restaurants are still open. That includes Nelsons first endeavor, McNellies Pub, which opened in 2004 and has since expanded to three locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The original location, at 409 E. First St., is now part of a bustling landscape of restaurants, clubs and other businesses. But that was not the case when Nelson first opened his version of an Irish pub. I remember there was a welding shop on one side and a machine shop on the other, he said, laughing. It was pretty rough going the first couple of years. I think the thing that really saved us was that we were one of the first places to capitalize on the craft beer trend. It was something that got people to come downtown to an area that, at that time, wasnt all that inviting. One of the McNellies Group restaurants plays off the less-than-savory reputation of that neighborhood: Red Light Chicken, which opened last year in the spot that formerly held El Guapo, is named for the fact that one of the citys most notorious brothels once occupied the building next door (a painting of Pauline Lambert, owner of the May Rooms, adorns one of the walls in the restaurant). It has been a busy couple of years for the McNellies Group. Besides Jimmys Chophouse and Red Light Chicken, the company has opened a stand-alone location of its popular Mother Road Market restaurant, Howdy Burger, on 11th Street; Mr. Kims, a uniquely personal reinterpretation of the traditional Korean steakhouse; and Bar Serra, an upscale bar and cafe that is the first new restaurant concept to open in Utica Square in nearly a decade. When asked if opening some 20 restaurants in 20 years, among other projects, is enough, Nelson gave a quiet laugh. Well, there are still voids in the Tulsa dining landscape that we can fill, he said. But at this, we have so many employees who have been with us for a long time, and who have real ownership in the company. All our restaurants are wholly owned subsidiaries, and this allows us to offer more chances for ownership for them. Our employees work so hard, and put so much into the successes weve had, and we want to provide as best we can the opportunity for them to retire comfortably, Nelson said. Were just trying to be the best employer we can. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Schools in session: Thursday is the first day of classes for Tulsa Classical Academy. Election deadline: Monday is the last day to request an absentee ballot for the Sept. 12 special election. Sapulpa and Allen-Bowden each have a multimillion-dollar bond package going before voters that day. Early walk-in voting is scheduled for Sept. 7-8 at the Creek County Election Board, 230 E. Hobson Ave. in Sapulpa. See you at the library: Registration opens Friday for the Tulsa City-County Librarys Homework Club. Open to students in grades 3-8 who have a library card, the Homework Club provides after-school, weekly, one-on-one homework help sessions at five library branches: Broken Arrow, Brookside, Kendall-Whittier, Martin Regional and Maxwell Park. Sessions start on Sept. 18, and preregistration is required through the Tulsa City-County Librarys website at tulsalibrary.org/after-school-homework-club. Life after high school: Two suburban districts are hosting evening college fairs that are open to the public. Union Public Schools will host its College Night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday at the Union Multipurpose Activity Center, 6836 S. Mingo Road. Along with representatives from more than 60 colleges, universities and trade schools, the event will have information sessions on financial aid and admissions. Broken Arrow High School will host a college fair from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the schools auxiliary gym. Families are encouraged to preregister online at app.strivescan.com/registration in order to provide extra time to speak with college representatives while at the event. Help wanted: In collaboration with AmeriCorps, the Cherokee Nation is hiring 20 tutors to help improve school readiness for children attending the tribes Head Start and Early Head Start locations throughout its reservation. Applications are available online at loom.ly/vgyBpho. Emergency certification count: As part of the consent agenda at Thursdays meeting, the Oklahoma State Board of Education approved 1,268 emergency teaching credentials, including 217 renewals. Since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, the board has approved 2,452 emergency certification requests. Stay home days: Monday is a distance learning day for Liberty Public Schools. Friday is a distance learning day for Broken Arrow and Catoosa. Classes are not in session Friday for Glenpool Public Schools. School board calendar: The boards of education for Tulsa Tech and Woodland Public Schools are scheduled to meet on Monday. Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma is downsizing its vehicle fleet. State agencies have turned in 655 underused vehicles that will be sold as surplus. As of February, the state had a fleet of 10,800 vehicles. My fleet modernization effort is a practical strategy for cutting down on unnecessary resources and delivering more efficiencies within state government, Gov. Kevin Stitt said. The state fleet is a valuable tool in supporting essential services and facilitating government operations. However, as governor, Im always looking for ways to make government more accountable to Oklahoma taxpayers. An annual evaluation of state assets determined that 7,955 vehicles are driven fewer than 12,000 miles per year and are considered underused, according to Stitts office. Our goal is not to replace underutilized vehicles, said John Suter, state chief operating officer and Office of Management and Enterprise Services executive director. We are purposefully eliminating underutilized vehicles from the states fleet. But if an agency determines that it turned in too many vehicles, leaving an impact on its services, the agency can work with OMES to buy more new vehicles, he said. So far, the Department of Public Safety leads the list, turning in 138 vehicles, followed by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, with 109 vehicles, according to information from OMES. The average model year for vehicles turned in is 2009, Suter said, while the average mileage is 145,197. The oldest vehicle is a 1981 GMC truck, he said. A 1997 International 4700 had the highest mileage at 362,851. The state isnt known for very exotic or interesting vehicles, Suter said. However, a few odd varieties include a six-wheeled dump truck, SweepMaster broom truck and a Bluebird bus. The state has 307 compressed natural gas vehicles, though the fleet relies mostly on gas-powered vehicles. We are looking to soon explore EV (electric vehicle) opportunities with some agencies where the application makes sense, Suter said. Stitt issued his initial executive order about downsizing in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the states focus. He issued a second executive order on May 8, saying more work needed to be done. Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ has cut the states restricted financial company list by half as his office continues to police banking and pension policies alleged to be hostile to the states energy industry. Some of the states seven pension systems prepared to exercise an exemption in the law that would prevent them from having to divest assets from banks on the list, according to letters and emails to the treasurer obtained under the states Open Records Act. Trustees of the Oklahoma Public Employee Retirement System, which has more than $10 billion in assets for retirees, voted Wednesday to take the exemption so it wont have to divest more than 60% of its holdings from BlackRock Inc. Russ was the lone no vote, saying the system may be opening itself up to legal challenges. He said outside interest groups or the energy industry might be interested in filing a lawsuit to force pension systems to follow the banking law. Thirteen large banks and financial firms were placed on the first version of the restricted companies list Russ released in May. Just six companies remain on the list: BlackRock Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., JP Morgan Chase and Co., Bank of America, State Street Corp. and Climate First Bank. Oklahomas pension funds are grappling with implementing the policies from House Bill 2034, the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act. Lawmakers passed the law in 2022 as part of a multistate effort by some conservative policy groups to target what they perceive to be out-of-control climate change policies put in place by large banks and financial firms. They claim that such policies discriminate against oil and gas interests, which are major contributors to the states economy and tax base. Russ, who took office in January and voted for the bill as a state representative, held a closed-door meeting this month with pension system representatives to talk about implementation. His office has been aided by the State Financial Officers Foundation, a Kansas-based nonprofit that has provided talking points and publicity for dozens of Republican state treasurers whose states have passed similar laws to Oklahoma. Letters and emails between the Treasurers Office and pension officials show the confusion and concerns over implementation of the law. Cities and counties have also struggled with the uncertainty of how they might be affected under the law. A section of the law for political subdivisions forbids contracts more than $100,000 with financial firms that boycott energy companies. The treasurers inclusion of certain companies on the list of Restricted Financial Companies is arbitrary, Ginger Sigler, executive director of the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System, wrote in a June 1 letter. The underlying basis for placement on the list has not been disclosed. Sigler said the police pension systems investments with restricted companies are for financial reasons, not policy ones. All of these financial companies have been retained by the states pension systems for pecuniary reasons to make profit for the exclusive benefit of members and beneficiaries, not to penalize fossil fuel-based energy companies, or even promote an ESG (environmental social and governance) agenda, Sigler wrote. In an Aug. 17 inteview, Sigler said the police pension system has investments with just one company on the updated list, a real estate trust fund managed by JP Morgan Chase. Sigler said an investment adviser brought in by Russs office said that type of investment wasnt covered by the law. Jordan Harvey, Russs chief of staff, said the treasurers closed-door meeting Aug. 1 was meant to be an informal venue to air concerns and ask questions. Harvey said the seven banks and financial firms removed from the treasurers restricted company list were either not publicly traded or had failed to respond to the offices initial questionnaire earlier this year. Non-responses were presumed to be boycotting the energy industry until the Treasurers Office heard otherwise. The Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement Board may have to find a new custodian bank for its $3.5 billion system after State Street remains on the treasurers updated list. Custodian banks provide a wide range of services for pension systems, including moving money around from a systems various investments and portfolios. State Street has been the systems custodian banker for more than 40 years. Chase Rankin, executive director of the firefighters system, said the pension system issued requests for proposals for a new custodian bank. But the number of financial institutions who provide those services is limited. Two of the four firms are on the treasurers restricted list: State Street and JP Morgan. Northern Trust and Bank of New York are the other two. But only State Street and Northern Trust responded to the firefighters system request for proposal. Were going to evaluate the cost to transition, but primarily were going to make a business decision at the end of the day, Rankin said Friday after the systems monthly board meeting. If the business side of this says its not good to move from State Street, then well seek an exception for that. Rankin, who said hes had productive conversations with Russ about implementation, said he worries that Northern Trust might end up on future versions of the treasurers restricted company list. If I make this change, its going to be a permanent change, he said. This is something where you cannot change your custodian bank very often. Meanwhile, J.D. Strong, director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the agencys pension fund could lose an estimated $234,000 if it had to divest from its holdings invested with BlackRock. The pension fund, the states smallest, has about $130 million in assets. The ODWC is a non-appropriated agency, Strong wrote in a June 1 letter. Losses of this nature to our pension funds would affect our unfunded pension liability and cannot be made up with appropriated monies. The Wildlife Department asked the treasurer if it could take an exemption to the law, but it did not receive a response. Its eight-member commission has not yet voted on any possible exemptions, said Amanda Storck, the departments chief financial officer. Oklahomas two largest trust funds, run by the Commissioners of the Land Office and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, are not covered by the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act. Combined, those trust funds have more than $4.1 billion in assets, with the investment earnings going toward state education and health programs. Despite that, land office commissioners voted in June to stop using BlackRock and JP Morgan Chase as investment managers. The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, known as TSET, has an investment contract with State Street that was already in place when the law took effect, according to an email from an assistant attorney general to the Treasurers Office. Russ chairs TSETs investment board. My recommendation would be to leave the TSET/State Street contract alone at this time, the attorney, Benjamin Graves, said in a June 8 email to Harvey, Russs chief of staff. The BOI (board of investment) does not have statutory authority to divest from State Street under the EDEA (Energy Discrimination Elimination Act), and doing so would open up the BOI to potential liability. About Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state. <&rule> LOCH NESS, Scotland -- Hundreds of hopeful volunteers joined a two-day hunt for Scotland's fabled Loch Ness monster on Saturday and Sunday, in what organisers described as the biggest search for the elusive "Nessie" in more than 50 years. The Loch Ness Centre, which partnered with voluntary research team Loch Ness Exploration to organise "The Quest", said they would be using surveying equipment that had not previously been tried at the loch, including thermal drones. People wait to enter The Loch Ness Centre as volunteers take part in the largest Loch Ness Monster hunt for 50 years in Scotland, Britain, August 27, 2023. Photo: Reuters Volunteers from around the world were allocated locations around the 23-mile (37-km) long lake from which to monitor for any signs of Nessie, while others took to boats. A hydrophone was also used to detect acoustic signals under the water. "We did hear something. We heard four distinctive 'gloops'," said search leader Alan McKenna. "We all got a bit excited, ran to go make sure the recorder was on and it wasnt plugged in." Volunteers get ready to take off in the Loch Ness Project Research Vessel, Deep Scan, as they take part in the largest Loch Ness Monster hunt for 50 years in Scotland, Britain, August 27, 2023. Photo: Reuters The first written record of a monster relates to the Irish monk St Columba, who is said to have banished a "water beast" to the depths of the River Ness in the 6th century. The most famous picture of Nessie, from 1934, showed a head on a long neck emerging from the water, but 60 years later it was revealed to have been a hoax that used a sea monster model attached to a toy submarine. Countless unsuccessful attempts to track down the monster have been made in the years since. A metal sign is seen as people take part in the largest Loch Ness Monster hunt for 50 years in Scotland, Britain, August 27, 2023. Photo: Reuters U.S. volunteer Caroline McNamara's interest in Nessie began when she was at school. "I chose the Loch Ness monster as my essay assignment, and I thought, 'oh 20 years later it comes full circle so I might as well come and join the hunt' since I heard it was happening," she said, adding that so far they had not found any evidence. A general view of Urquhart Castle as people take part in the largest Loch Ness Monster hunt for 50 years in Scotland, Britain, August 27, 2023. Photo: Reuters "The waves were really choppy. The rain was really coming down and there were a lot of boats on the water ... they all came up and waved and Im like, 'this is a bad time, were trying to listen for Nessie' but it is what it is." Nessie enthusiasts who were unable to make the trip were invited to take part by watching live streams from the team's web cams for any mysterious sightings across the waters. Working in the sweltering heat of the Brazilian Amazon, Jose Diogo scales a tree and harvests a cluster of black berries: acai, the trendy superfood reshaping the worlds biggest rainforest for better and worse. Diogo, 41, who lives in a poor, remote community founded by escaped slaves, is a world away from the upscale supermarket aisles of New York or Tokyo, where berries like these are sold in sorbets, smoothies, juices, powders and pills, popularised by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle. But he has a front-row view of the changes the acai craze is bringing to the Brazilian Amazon. Since acai rose to international fame in the 2000s, touted for its rich nutritional and antioxidant properties, it has unleashed an economic boom for traditional farmers in the Amazon region, and been lauded as a way to bring green development to the rainforest without destroying it. But experts say it is also threatening the Amazons biodiversity, as single-crop fields of acai palms become increasingly common. Diogo, who lives in the village of Igarape Sao Joao, in the northern state of Para, is building himself a brick house thanks to the money he has made from acai. Things get a lot better for us every harvest season, he says, scraping the small berries into a large basket. He can fill 25 such baskets on a good day, bringing home between 300 and 625 reais (US$60 to US$128), he says. The berries are brought by boat to Belem, the state capital, where sweating workers carry huge loads of them to market to be sold as quickly as possible, before the fragile fruit goes bad. Long eaten by Indigenous groups, acai is a culinary mainstay in northeastern Brazil, eaten with manioc flour or used to accompany fish and other dishes. Its deep-purple pulp shot to popularity across Brazil over the past two decades, often drunk as juice or made into a sweetened sorbet and served with fruit and granola. From there, acai went on to win fans worldwide, from the United States to Europe, Australia and Japan, where it can sell from around US$5 per bowl to upwards of US$20 for a 100-gram packet of organic acai powder. Brazilian exports of acai and its derivatives surged from 60kg in 1999 to more than 15,000 metric tonnes in 2021. Para, the source of 90 per cent of Brazils acai, produced almost 1.4 million metric tonnes of it in 2021, worth more than US$1 billion for the states economy. But studies show the expansion of acai palms in the Amazon is causing a loss of biodiversity in some regions by replacing other species. Leave nature to its own devices, and you get 50 or maybe 100 acai plants per hectare, says biologist Madson Freitas of the Museu Goeldi research institute in Belem. When you go beyond 200, you lose 60 per cent of the diversity of other native species. He has published a study on the phenomenon, which he calls acai-ification. The loss of other plant species in turn has a negative effect on acai, which becomes less productive because of a loss of pollinators such as bees, ants and wasps, he says. Longer dry periods in the Amazon, which may be exacerbated by climate change, are also hurting acai, which tends to grow on land that floods during the rainy season. Freitas, like Diogo, comes from a quilombo, communities founded by runaway slaves in Brazil in the 17th and 18th centuries. He says stronger conservation laws and policing are needed to combat single-crop farming as well as incentives for farmers to preserve the rainforest. Salomao Santos, a local leader in Igarape Sao Joao, admits acais dominance could become a problem. Those of us who live in the Amazon know we cant live on one single species, he says. He recalls the commodity booms and busts of the past, such as sugar cane and rubber. He wants compensation for quilombo residents and others who preserve the Amazon, whose hundreds of billions of carbon-absorbing trees are a vital resource against climate change. We provide a huge environmental service to the world, he says. An acai palm tree plantation in Abaetetuba, Para State, in the Brazilian Amazon forest. Photo: AFP Farmer Jose Santos Diogo climbs an acai palm tree to pull out its fruit bunches to harvest berries at his plantation in Abaetetuba, Para State, in the Brazilian Amazon forest, on August 4. Photo: AFP Acai berries at a market on the shores of the Guajara Bay in Belem, Para state, Brazil on August 4. Photo: AFP This photo, provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), shows JCS Chairman Kim Seung-kyum, right, shaking hands with Angus Campbell, Chief of the Defence Force of Australia, ahead of their meeting in Seoul, Aug. 28. Yonhap The top generals of South Korea and Australia held talks Monday, during which they discussed responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, regional security and bilateral military cooperation, Seoul officials said. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Kim Seung-kyum met Gen. Angus Campbell, chief of the Australian Defense Force, earlier in the day, and they also shared their assessment of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to boost military cooperation, the JCS said in a statement. Kim and Campbell agreed that North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, including a recent botched attempt to launch what it claims to be a military spy satellite, not only threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region but also the international community. The meeting took place as an annual South Korea-United States military exercise is under way. Kim thanked Campbell for Australian forces contributing to the stability of the peninsula by taking part in the drills. Personnel from Australia are taking part in this year's joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, as it is a member country of the United Nations Command. Separately, Campbell met with Vice Defense Minister Shin Beom-chul in Seoul, and they discussed defense issues. (Yonhap) Selling jackets with built-in fans, neck coolers and T-shirts that feel cold, Japanese firms are tapping into a growing market for products to help people handle the summer heat. Japan -- like other countries -- is seeing ever-hotter summers. This July was the warmest in 100 years, with at least 53 people dying of heatstroke and almost 50,000 needing emergency medical attention. Workman, which makes clothes for construction workers, launched a version of their fan-fitted jackets adapted for the high street in 2020 as demand grew. The mechanism is simple -- two electric, palm-sized fans powered by a rechargeable battery are fitted into the back of the jacket. They draw in air to then deliver a breeze -- at variable speeds -- onto the wearer's body. The jackets retail for 12,000 to 24,000 yen ($82-164). "As the weather gets hotter, people who have never worn fan-equipped clothing before want to find ways to cool down... so more people are interested in buying it," Workman spokesman Yuya Suzuki told AFP. "Just like you feel cool when you are at home with a fan, you feel cool just by wearing (the jacket) because the wind is blowing through your body all the time," he said. Ageing population at risk Japanese summers are known to be hot and humid, but this July Tokyo really sweated. The average temperature was 28.7 Celsius (83.7 Fahrenheit), the highest on record since 1875. Heatstroke is particularly deadly in Japan, which has the second-oldest population in the world after Monaco. More than 80 percent of heat-related deaths in the past five years have been among senior citizens. "Some people die from heatstroke," said Nozomi Takai of MI Creations, a company selling neck-cooling tubes mainly to factory and warehouse workers. "Individuals as well as companies are putting more and more effort into measures against it every year," Takai said. The gel inside his firm's brightly coloured tubes -- priced at 2,500 yen -- is cool enough to use after 20 minutes in the fridge. Wearing it on the neck will "considerably cool the whole body" for about an hour, she said. Takai's company joined an expo this year on "measures against extreme heat" in Tokyo to showcase new products that help users stay cool in the scorching heat. At another booth, Tokyo-based company Liberta had a series of clothing including T-shirts and arm sleeves using prints that make users feel cool -- especially when they sweat. The prints use materials such as xylitol that feel cool when reacting with water and sweat, they said. Chikuma, an Osaka-based company, has even created office jackets and dresses equipped with electric fans. "We developed them with the idea that it could be proposed in places where casual wear is not allowed," Yosuke Yamanaka of Chikuma said. Regular fan-fitted clothes can make the wearer look puffy, as they need to be zipped up, and cuffs are tight. But jackets developed jointly by Chikuma, power tool maker Makita and textile giant Teijin do not need to be buttoned up, thanks to a special structure that sandwiches the fans in two layers and keeps the cool air in, Yamanaka said. Men adopting parasols Parasols, which are commonly associated in Japan with skin-tone-conscious women protecting against a summer tan, are now proving more popular with men too. Komiyama Shoten, a small, luxury umbrella maker in Tokyo, began making parasols for men around 2019 after the environment ministry encouraged people to use them. Before, many male customers thought parasols "were for women and they were embarrassed", the owner Hiroyuki Komiya said. "Once you use it, you can't let go," he added. On the busy streets of popular tourist destination Asakusa, Kiyoshi Miya, 42, said he decided to "use his umbrella as a parasol". "It's like I'm always in the shade and the wind feels cool," he said. Another visitor, Shoma Kawashima, wore a wearable fan around his neck to stay cool under the blazing sun. "It's so hot I want to be naked," the 21-year-old said. Gadgets are helpful, but "not a solution" to rising temperatures, he added. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong reached a consensus on considering upgrading bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership at their talks on Monday. Singaporean PM Lee arrived in Hanoi on Sunday afternoon to pay an official visit to Vietnam. His visit will wrap up on Tuesday. PM Lees trip is aimed at marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Singapore diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership between the two nations. During their talks on Monday, the two prime ministers discussed bilateral cooperation and tabled some measures to deepen the relationship in the future. The two top officials are eyeing the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Besides, the two leaders of Vietnam and Singapore are determined to hold regular meetings between the two prime ministers to discuss bilateral cooperation and other issues. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) suggests boosting cooperation in culture exchange between Vietnam and Singapore. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Vietnam and Singapore will effectively implement high-level agreements and cooperative mechanisms, said the two leaders. The two also underlined that it is necessary to efficiently tap the Vietnam-Singapore digital and green economy partnership, which was set up in February. The two prime ministers highly valued the joint efforts in upgrading the framework agreement on connecting the two economies, which contributes to expanding economic cooperation to some fields such as clean energy, energy transition, and innovation. PM Chinh suggested Singapore facilitate the export of Vietnamese goods to its market as well as the development and transformation of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) to smart, green, low-carbon industrial parks, moving toward an industrial-urban ecosystem. The Vietnamese government chief also proposed Singapore expand its investment in Vietnams priority and core fields, while helping Vietnam spur supporting industries. The two sides agreed to heighten cooperation in national defense and security via the signing and implementation of relevant cooperation agreements. The two prime ministers expected the two nations to boost their cooperation in digitalization and building a national database center. The Vietnamese prime minister proposed Singapore help Vietnam build and operate a big-data center to increase efficiency in the fight against cybercrime. PM Chinh also hinted at connecting Vietnam's system with the electronic identification and authentication system in Singapore as soon as possible to make it easier for their citizens to travel, live, and work in both countries. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee speaks at the talks with his Vietnamese counterpart in Hanoi, August 28, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre The two prime ministers agreed to promote collaboration in other key fields, including finance, banking, and tourism by opening more air services and cruise destinations between the two nations. Both prime ministers on Monday witnessed the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two nations departments and ministries. Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung (R) shakes hands with Singaporean Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng in Hanoi, August 28, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan swap a cooperative agreement in Hanoi, August 28, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Vo Van Hoan (R) and Lavan Thiru, executive director at Infrastructure Asia, pose for a photo with their cooperation deal in Hanoi, August 28, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre Vice-chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Vo Van Hoan signed a memorandum of understanding between the municipal Peoples Committee and Singapores Infrastructure Asia to foster sustainable infrastructure development in the southern Vietnamese city. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and a high-ranking delegation enjoyed dinner and took a stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi following his arrival in the Vietnamese capital city on Sunday. Society -- Phase 2 of the Vinh Tuy Bridge is expected to open to traffic on Wednesday, helping reduce traffic pressure and connect provinces and districts in the east of Hanoi with the city center, according to the municipal Peoples Committee. -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered an investigation into the collapse that killed four people in a coal mine in the countrys mining center of Quang Ninh Province on Saturday night. Education -- A total of 414 scholarships were granted to K-12 students, college students, and graduate students at the Vallet scholarship awards ceremony held at the Municipal Theater in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. The Vallet Scholarship program is funded through the contributions of Odon Vallet, a scholar in French jurisprudence and a professor of religious history at Sorbonne University in France. Lifestyle -- Le Hoang Phuong, 27, from south-central Khanh Hoa Province, was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 during the grand finale in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday evening. -- The Biet Dong Saigon - Gia Dinh Museum was officially opened on Sunday morning at 145 Tran Quang Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. -- Yen Tu Pagoda, located in Quang Ninh Province, is scheduled to welcome the worlds most massive jade statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the coming time. Sports -- Cong An Hanoi FC claimed Vietnams top-tier V-League 1 2023 title following a 1-1 draw against Thanh Hoa FC on Sunday night. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Elementary, middle, and high schools in Vietnam welcomed their students back on Monday morning for the 2023-24 school year. Millions of students across the country were eager to return to school after their summer holiday, which begins in early June each year. Students pose for a photo on the first day of the new school year at Bui Thi Xuan High School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on August 28, 2023. Photo: Nhu Hung / Tuoi Tre Over 1.7 million students attended the back-to-school festival in Ho Chi Minh City this morning, up 35,055 year on year. As many as 2,325 schools citywide reopened their doors to K-12 students. Students attend a flag-raising ceremony at Cao Ba Quat Elementary School in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City on August 28, 2023. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre Kindergartens, middle, and high schools saw the number of students going to school for the new school year soar, while elementary schools witnessed a year-on-year decrease of 28,165 students. A first grader shows a V sign at Dinh Tien Hoang Elementary School in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Bui Thi Minh Tam, principal at Au Lac Middle School in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, said that the school welcomed 1,330 students for the new academic year. Vo Xuan Tien, a parent living in Tan Binh, recounted that his daughter was eager to go back to school. Tra My, an eighth grader at Au Lac Middle School, said, I expected to see my friends soon this morning, so I woke up early to come to school. Students show their new notebooks, pens, and pencils. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre After three months of the summer holiday, I was excited to see my friends and teachers again. This school year is so important to me as it is my last academic year at school, said Xuan Nghi, a 12th grader at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Nguyen Van Be Middle School in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City was equipped with a series of new rooms, such as a music room, a fine art room, and two computer rooms, to improve the teaching and learning quality, said principal Dinh Thi Thien An. On Monday morning, many roads and streets in Binh Duong Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, were crowded with students returning to school. All-level schools in the southern province welcomed more than 548,090 students, up 37,232 year on year, reported Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper. The capital city of Hanoi opened the doors of over 66,000 classrooms for the new school year, up 846 year on year. More than 2.2 million K-12 students were back to school in Hanoi to prepare for the 2023-24 school year, up around 69,000 against the previous academic year. A teacher and her students pose for a photo at Luong The Vinh High School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nhu Hung / Tuoi Tre A homeroom teacher meets with her students at Cao Ba Quat Elementary School in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Quyen / Tuoi Tre Two students are eager to see each other again in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre Ngoc Anh encourages her son to enter school in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre My Anh, a first grader at Dinh Tien Hoang Elementary School in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, is excited on the first day of her new school year on August 28, 2023. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Teachers give seedlings to sixth graders at Minh Duc Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on the first day of their new school year on August 28, 2023. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Up to 68,096 hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have been reported in Vietnam so far this year, soaring 52 percent over the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Health. The death toll due to HFMD reached 18 during the given period, up 15 cases year on year. In the 33rd epidemiological week (August 14-20), the country saw 5,727 HFMD cases and no deaths, falling 12 percent against the previous week. Ho Chi Minh City has witnessed a declining number of HFMD cases in recent weeks, with 1,869 infections reported in the 33rd week, compared to 2,401 cases in the 31st week and 2,665 cases in the 30th week. A report from the Hanoi Center for Disease Control revealed that the Vietnamese capital logged a weekly average of 40-50 HFMD infections over the past few weeks. Total HFMD infections in Hanoi have reached 1,169, as recorded since the beginning of the year, down almost 100 cases year over year, despite 36 HFMD clusters. Health experts said that most HFMD infections in Vietnam were caused by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackie A16 strains. People of all age groups are susceptible to HFMD, but up to 90 percent of the infections occur in children aged under three. The EV71 strain causes serious HFMD with a high risk of death. The Vietnam General Department of Preventive Medicine, under the Health Ministry, noted that the start of a new academic year will increase the spread of this infectious disease if schools, especially kindergartens and nursery schools, are slack in adopting measures to prevent HFMD. The department advised people to maintain the following practices to avoid and reduce HFMD cases, including keeping personal hygiene; ensuring food safety and hygiene, disinfecting toys and play zones at home, kindergartens, nursery schools; collecting and treating waste properly; monitoring and timely detecting HFMD symptoms among children; and timely isolating and sending kids to medical centers if they show infection signs. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! More than 1,000 couples joined Couple Run 2023 in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 7 on Sunday morning as a fundraising drive for a mass wedding scheduled for this October in the southern metropolis. The participating runners could both improve their physical health and make contributions to the mass wedding ceremony for less well-off workers, said the organizer. Some 150 economically-distressed couples are expected to tie the knot at the upcoming mass wedding. The couples will include workers of industrial parks and export processing zones, as well as state employees, teachers, and demobilized soldiers in the city and neighboring areas. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Couple Run 2023, Le Hoang Minh, director of the Young Employee Assistance Center in the city, said the mass wedding ceremony would help honor Vietnams traditional culture and promote the spirit of sharing and mutual affection. It [Couple Run] is a truly meaningful event making all runners happy, runner Phi Hoang said after finishing the race. The mass wedding has been held in the southern metropolis over the past 13 years, with 1,022 couples in financial distress having a proper wedding ceremony. To join this years edition, couples should register before August 31. Runners are excited to join the race to raise funds for a mass wedding scheduled for this October in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre A runner writes wishes for couples of the mass wedding. Photo: Tuoi Tre A family join the race. Photo: Tuoi Tre Couples overcome challenges in the race. Photo: Tuoi Tre A couple finish a 5km-long race. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Le Hoang Phuong, 27, from south-central Khanh Hoa Province, was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 during the grand finale in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday evening. Phuong outshined 43 other contestants to win the title on the coronation night at Phu Tho Gymnasium in District 11 . She succeeds last years winner Doan Thien An and will now prepare to compete in the Miss Grand International 2023 pageant, to be held at the same venue this October. Contestants dance during the opening of the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre Bui Khanh Linh was named first runner-up while Truong Qui Minh Nhan, Le Thi Hong Hanh, and Dang Hoang Tam Nhu were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. Reigning Miss Grand International (MGI) Isabella Menin from Brazil graced the glittering event as a special guest, alongside the MGI pageants executives Nawat Itsaragrisil and Teresa Chaivisut. Two contestants compete in the introduction round at the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre The 44 contestants participated in five rounds during Sundays finale, namely introductions, swimsuits, evening gowns, speeches, and the Q&A portion. Nguyen Vinh Ha Phuong, who stood out for her use of operatic vocal techniques, earned the Best Introduction prize. Nguyen Thi Thu Hang was recognized with the Best in Swimsuit prize, which also made her the first contestant to secure a spot in the top 20. The top 15 contestants don swimsuits at the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre After the first three rounds, the panel of judges selected the top 10 contestants for the speech round, where each participant shared their views on various topics, such as family discord, experiences with school violence, and effective interpersonal communication. The contestants exhibited confidence in expressing themselves in Vietnamese and English. The 10 contestants don evening gowns at the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre The top five contestants proceeded to the Q&A portion, taking turns drawing questions and providing responses. It was noted that all five questions were considered quite simple and were available before in various contexts. The five finalists compete in the Q&A portion at the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre Eventually, Le Hoang Phuong, a 27-year-old fashion model and architecture graduate from Khanh Hoa Province, was announced the winner. No stranger to pageantry, the new Miss Grand Vietnam is a former contestant at Miss Universe Vietnam. She placed in the top five in 2022 and bagged the Best in Swimsuit and Best Face prizes in 2019. Le Hoang Phuong dons an evening gown at the grand finale of Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, August 27, 2023. Photo: Kieng Can Team / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! This week on Foreign Correspondent is Citizens of the Reich: the rise of Germanys far right by reporter Eric Campbell. In December last year an attempted coup in Germany took that nation and the rest of the world by surprise. But the movement behind the coup, the Reichsburger group, has been fomenting discontent for decades. This week Foreign Correspondent travels to Germany to take a close look at this far-right sovereign citizens movement, many of whom believe they are not bound by German laws. Some are now on trial for shooting police and engaging in acts of terrorism. Reporter Eric Campbell visits the State of Thuringia, where a self-styled prince allegedly plotted the coup in his royal hunting lodge. He meets intelligence officials who claim the Reichsburger are now in a dangerous alliance with a far-right political party, the AfD. Its radical policies to end migration and stop action on climate change have made it the second most popular party in Germany. But State Intelligence chief Stephan Kramer, who is Jewish, describes the AfD as Nazis in suits and says hell take his family out of Germany if they come to power. This is an intriguing and disturbing look at how the far right is surging in support in the one country that has shunned far right extremists since the end of World War II. 8pm Thursday on ABC. Since 2012 ABCs Kitchen Cabinet has seen host Annabel Crabb interviewing more than 40 politicians from Prime Ministers to backbenchers. But when the show originally began it took some persuasion and arm-twisting to get her subjects to warm to the idea of baking and conversation in their own home. After all the format was nothing like an interview on 7:30 or Insiders. Now in Season 7, there are even some politicians lining up for the privilege. Its much easier now than it used to be. In the first season when nobody had ever seen the show before, it was my stupid, crazy idea and all of the politicians were very hesitant about it, Crabb tells TV Tonight. I had to talk Penny Wong (Ed: her very first episode) into doing it and she was giving me the eyebrow! But now people can go back and see we dont shoot it to make people look like idiots. We dont shoot it to make them look bad at cooking. We shoot it to be as revealing as possible about the person. I am in their home so I am polite, but Im also quite nosy and I take full advantage of being able to ask the sorts of things in a friendly conversation in someones kitchen that you could never ask somebody if you get a studio. So you wouldnt say Tell me about your failed first marriage or Tell me about being called a potato all the time? You couldnt say to Lydia Thorpe Who are you friends with? Do you have any friends? Theres just a level of directness that you can employ when youre having a friendly conversation with somebody that you cant when youre at loggerheads with them. At the heart of it, journalists and politicians do not have the same goals. We want them to tell us stuff that they dont want anyone to know yet. This week Crabb speaks with ALPs Linda Burney, while episodes with Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe and Labor Minister Anika Wells are still to come. Crabb believes the informal insights are relevant to the electorate. This format is a bit of a dropping of the weapon. You can find out stuff that is revelatory about who they are, their priorities in politics, what their experiences have been in their life, that actually gives you a really good set of clues as to why they behave the way they do in the public eye. While those tactics have recently been employed by other shows, such as an at home interview with Scott Morrison by 60 Minutes, similar approaches dont faze her. Its like any format. Theres plenty of room for everybody. Karl Stefanovic did an interview with Lidia Thorpe a few weeks ago, which was a terrific interview. But I mean, mines better!{ she laughs. I hate it when people get sniffy about (interviewing style) I do not have that attitude at all. Im always interested in interesting interviews, and I never (think people are) copying. The only people that really say that sort of stuff are in Year Five or under! Kitchen Cabinet screens 8pm Tuesday on ABC. A new-look Shark Tank is unveiled tonight on 10, introducing 5 new Sharks ready to hear pitches from eager entrepreneurs seeking investment. Shark Tank previously aired on 10 from 2015 2018 produced by Shine. The new season from Sony-owned Curio Productions sees Sarah Harris return as narrator. Sabri Suby Business Archetype: Hero Motto: Where theres a will theres a way Net worth: $75 million Social Media: 176k IG followers / 90.4kYouTube Age: 37 Sabri Suby is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of King Kong Digital Marketing Agency. With an impressive track record of client success, Sabris agency has gained recognition by appearing twice on the prestigious AFRs Fastest Starters lists. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Sabri is the author of Amazon bestselling book Sell Like Crazy. Known for his unwavering dedication and strong leadership, Sabri has earned the respect of his staff, who describe him as intense yet fair. His confidence and relevance in the ever-evolving business landscape have been instrumental in the agencys success. Sabris journey began after a disappointing experience early in his career where he faced harsh criticism from his boss. Motivated to overcome this setback, he took matters into his own hands and founded King Kong, an agency that has transformed the lives of 58 individuals, propelling them to millionaire status. Having grown up in a single parent family, Sabri witnessed firsthand the challenges his mother faced in making ends meet. This experience ignited a motivation in him to succeed and create a better future. Sabris multicultural background reflects his diverse heritage, with an Australian mother and a fusion of Yemeni, Egyptian, Lebanese, and French ancestry from his fathers side. Sabri is happily married and the proud father of three daughters, who serve as a constant reminder of his commitment to building a legacy and providing a prosperous future for his family. With his exceptional drive, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence, Sabri continues to make significant strides in the business world, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As a Shark, Sabri is unafraid of confrontation and is known to fervently express his opinions in the Tank, demonstrating his unwavering determination to win pitches and make an impact. His mastery in the field of digital marketing is unparalleled, and with the online world constantly evolving, Sabris skillset is of immense value to the Entrepreneurs who bravely step into the Tank. Dr. Catriona Wallace Business Archetype: Sage Motto: Leave the world better than you found it Social Media: LinkedIn 21k followers Age: 57 Dr Catriona Wallace is a highly esteemed figure in the business world, often referred to as the leader of the pack. Renowned for her expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), she is recognised globally as a world authority in this field. Acknowledged by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) as the Most influential Woman in Business and Entrepreneurship, Catrionas contributions to the field of AI are unparalleled. She is the founder of the Responsible Metaverse Alliance, a testament to her dedication to the ethical and responsible development of virtual worlds that increasingly intertwine with our everyday lives. Alongside the Responsible Metaverse Alliance, Catriona is the Executive Chair of Boab AI, and the Founder of Ethical AI Advisory (now part of the Gradient Institute, where she is a Director). She is an international keynote speaker, philanthropist, human rights activist, an Adjunct Professor at the Australian Graduate School of Management UNSW..and a mother of five. In an industry dominated by men, Catriona has established herself as an entrepreneurial authority figure, known for her expertise and incredible insights into the future of technology. She is the second woman ever to run an ASX-listed company and has never bowed to the pressures of how a female CEO should look, dress, or act. Beyond her expertise in AI, Catriona is deeply interested in the realm of natural medicine. She continually strives to challenge norms and foster innovation in this field. Moreover, she is a strong advocate for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, consistently working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society. In the Tank, Catriona is interested in showing her support for minorities and has a commitment to ethical investments and sustainably made products. Catrionas unwavering commitment to her principles and individuality is evident from the time turned down a substantial $1 million investment from a board of investors. Despite their demand for her to remove her nose ring, she boldly stood her ground and wore a nose ring three times the size when declining their offer. This act of defiance highlights her steadfast determination and refusal to compromise her identity. With her unparalleled knowledge, visionary mindset, and unyielding determination, Catriona continues to shape and revolutionise the business landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the world of AI, natural medicine, and social change. Her pursuit for a better world and a more inclusive society will have a huge impact on Shark Tank Australia. Davie Fogarty Business Archetype: Magician Motto: Making dreams come true in and through the business Net worth: $500 million Social Media: IG 80.3K followers/YouTube 311k subscribers Age: 28 Davie Fogarty, an Adelaide-born entrepreneur, is recognised for his remarkable intelligence in the business world. As an Ecommerce prodigy, Davie has achieved unprecedented success without losing his composure. As the Founder of Davie Group, he oversees the operations of ten consumer brands. Among his notable ventures are The Oodie, Pupnaps and Calming Blankets, which have gained significant recognition and success. With an innate entrepreneurial spirit, Davie continues to expand his business empire while maintaining a close relationship with his hometown of Adelaide. Despite spending a year in Melbourne, he found himself longing for home and subsequently returned to Adelaide. He has garnered immense popularity on YouTube and Instagram, with a recent Instagram post titled how I went from $500 to $500 million in five years, showcasing his extraordinary journey.With his deep understanding of Ecommerce, Davie generously shares his knowledge through a free guide to building ecommerce on YouTube. His channel boasts an impressive subscriber base of 311,000, a testament to his ability to connect with and educate aspiring Entrepreneurs in the online space. In his role as a Shark, Davie seeks out exciting products and ideas that he can leverage his Midas touch upon. He eagerly looks forward to taking a seat in the Tank, investing in ventures that capture his enthusiasm and have the potential for remarkable growth. Davie Fogartys positive attitude, intellect and passion for business have propelled him to great heights. With his innovative mindset and genuine desire to help others succeed, Davies presence on Shark Tank will inspire a new generation of Entrepreneurs to propel their businesses to the next level. Jane Lu Business Archetype: Creator Motto: If you can imagine it, it can be done. Net worth: $55 million 159k IG followers / 61k LinkedIn / TikTok 109k Age: 37 Jane Lu is a dynamic and spirited entrepreneur known for her unwavering determination and fierce independence. As the CEO of Showpo, an online fashion boutique that makes over $100 million a year, Jane has established herself as a prominent figure in the business world. She is also the co-founder of a female entrepreneur community group on social media which has garnered over 170k members (Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine) and hosts a podcast, The Lazy CEO. Janes professional journey began after working as an accountant at a big international firm, where she had a game-changing idea: selling clothes online. This inspired her to take the leap and start Showpo. Initially, her Chinese Australian parents were apprehensive about her unconventional venture of selling clothes from their garage in 2011. However, Janes incredible success has since proved her parents wrong, as she has not only paid off their mortgage but also bought them a car. Jane has been recognised by featuring in the Australia Financial Review Rich List every year since 2017. Her entrepreneurial prowess and strategic vision have propelled Showpo to great heights, cementing its position as a leading online fashion destination. Showpo is particularly popular in Australia and the U.S. Balancing her role as a CEO and mother of two, she continues to exemplify her tenacity and ability to excel in multiple spheres. Janes infectious energy and competitive spirit have propelled her to remarkable success. Her Chinese Australian heritage, coupled with a strong work ethic, has fuelled her drive to defy expectations and build a thriving business empire. Jane is an undeniable force on Shark Tank Australia, inspiring Entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and redefine what is possible. Robert Herjavec Business Archetype: Global Citizen Motto: Love your neighbour as yourself Net worth: $1 billion business Founder, Herjavec Group / U.S Shark: Shark Tank Social Media: IG followers 769k Age: 60 Robert Herjavec is a globally recognised business figure, renowned for his extraordinary expertise as a commercial leader, motivational speaker and CEO of cybersecurity company Cyderes. Over the past 15 years, Robert has become a household name as one of the Sharks on the Emmy Award-winning U.S series of Shark Tank. Additionally, he is a founder and investor on Canadas Dragons Den. Born in Eastern Europe, Robert and his parents arrived to North America on a boat after escaping Communism in the former Yugoslavia. From delivering newspapers and waiting tables, to launching a computer company from his basement, his drive to achieve has led him to the fulfillment of a better life for himself and his family. He married fellow Dancing with the Stars competitor, Australian dancer Kym Johnson in 2016. The couple welcomed twins named Haven and Hudson in 2018 and moved to Australia in 2022. Robert is extremely energetic and playful. His business acumen and nose for a lucrative deal are legendary and these qualities make him an incredibly engaging and watchable Shark. The inspiring narratives in Roberts books Driven, The Will to Win, and You Dont Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success have made their way onto numerous bestsellers lists, with two appearing in the top 10 simultaneously. Roberts dynamic presence has lit up stages in front of audiences ranging from 50 to 20,000 people, sharing the spotlight with luminaries such as Tony Robbins and Oprah. Boasting an impressive portfolio in investment, live entertainment and on-screen executive production, Robert brings an exciting blend of skills to the table. His background and wealth of experience is not only inspiring but truly transformative, making him an incredibly engaging and powerful Shark on Shark Tank Australia. 7:30pm Tuesdays on 10. Headquarters of Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Osong, North Chungcheong Province / Courtesy of Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Prosecutors raided the headquarters of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on Monday as part of an investigation into allegations that a drug company illegally lobbied the agency to get approval for clinical trials of its COVID-19 medication. Investigators from the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office searched the office of the MFDS minister in Cheongju, 112 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and two other locations to seize evidence over allegations that a former minister, surnamed Kim, violated the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The case grew out of an investigation into suspicions that a businessman, known by his family name Yang, gained 900 million won ($680,735) in illegal profits in 2021 from a drug company seeking his help in winning the agency's clinical trial approval for its coronavirus medication. The company later won the agency's approvals for the phase two and three trials for its medication. During the investigation, the prosecution has reportedly obtained a recording that suggests Yang, via the mediation of a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker, enlisted the help of then MFDS minister Kim for getting the agency's approval in favor of the drug company. Prosecutors suspect Yang sent a text message to the lawmaker and the lawmaker in turn contacted the former MFDS chief, and is looking into whether Yang in fact illegally lobbied high-level MFDS officials via politicians as a broker for the drug firm. (Yonhap) British-born actor, action performer, dancer and choreographer Emiko Ishii was once told by her theatrical agent that there were no roles for Japanese actors. But shes proved them wrong with her vibrant and multi-stranded career, which has included critically acclaimed theatre, action movies and Bollywood films. Shes also a professional dancer and choreographer, and owns her own company, Epika Dance, a troupe that fuses Indian and Japanese dance, hip hop and martial arts. She says: I want to represent the beauty of global dance to a wider audience. Here she talks about her career and her achievements in acting, dancing, choreography and action performances. Theatre Kate: Tell us about your role in the play "The Mistake"? Emiko Ishii: Its one of the most exciting and challenging roles that Ive had, playing multiple characters. Its an urgent play about the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was written by Michael Mears, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and then completed two runs at Londons Arcola Theatre by popular demand, receiving 4-star reviews from "The Times and The Scotsman". Youre also a great dancer and have danced in movies. Did you perform at any events too? "Mad About Dance" was my debut as an actress in a Bollywood feature Film. It was a dream to be able to combine both Indian dance and acting in this role. I have 18 years of professional dance experience as a performer, choreographer and qualified instructor. With Threebee Dance, I was a semi-finalist in "Britains Got Talent". Then, in 2012, I was part of the choreographic team, assistant dance captain and featured dancer at the London Olympics opening ceremony. Bring on the Bollywood UK Tour pushed me in another way, combining different styles of Indian dancing, singing and acting. Ive appeared in film, TV, theatre, fashion shows and award shows in the UK and abroad, including the Asian Achievers Awards, Antalya Film Festival, Olivier Awards, Comic Relief, National Lottery Live; and Cannes Film Festival. Choreography work How do you combine this with choreography work? Choreography was a natural progression for me from all the disciplines that I do, including dance, acting and martial arts. I love being creatively challenged. Fulfilling the vision of each project is unique, so the choreography should reflect this and elevate the overall piece. Ive also incorporated all my disciplines through my international Bollywood company, Epika Dance. What was your first acting experience? I was born and raised in the UK. I was very shy and quiet as a child I couldnt even look people in the eye. When I was 13 years old, I was given the opportunity to play the first witch in Shakespeares "Macbeth" and Titania in "A Midsummer Nights Dream" in my school play. I stood on the stage feeling comfortable and confident. From that moment, I knew acting was my calling. How did you get into the industry? I joined a local performing arts agency to kickstart my acting and dance career. I also trained in different forms of martial arts to expand my range in acting. After a year I was told by the agency that there were no roles for Japanese girls. I believe in never giving up on your goals and dreams. Being Japanese, I wanted to be an actress who connects people by understanding their history, culture and sentiment. Prior to pursuing my career in acting, I went to Kings College University London to read film, American history and literature, as my overachieving Asian parents wanted me to get a real job as a third AD on a major feature film but I rebelled and took a role as an actress in a Bollywood feature instead the rest is history! Inspiration Who has inspired you to follow your dreams? My parents have always inspired me, showing that hard work, honesty and passion always pays off. My great aunt, Machiko Soga, was an actress in Japan and she taught me to always be myself and to fight for my dreams, as she has. Doing basic military training for four years has given me the mental and physical endurance to tackle any obstacle, as well as the value of teamwork. My gurus and senseis in dance and martial arts have also played a huge role in training me to face any challenge head-on. Air travel in the UK has been disrupted after air traffic control systems suffered a "technical fault" on Monday morning. The issue was "identified and remedied" around 3.30pm on Monday - but that doesn't mean a swift end to disruption. Here's what we know so far. What is the fault? NATS, the National Air Traffic Controllers said it had "identified and remedied" the technical issue affecting its flight planning system. "We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible," it said in a statement. "Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system's performance as we return to normal operations." The fault had affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans, which means they had to be inputted manually by staff. As this cannot be done at the same speed, traffic flow restrictions had to be enforced. Earlier on Monday NATS said it had been hit by a "technical issue" but said the UK's airspace was "not closed". They reduced the number of aircraft that could take off and land at a given time to manage flow. What's happening to flights? For passengers, the changes to traffic flow restrictions means delays and possible cancellations. Flights were being held on the tarmac or diverted to airports in Ireland or mainland Europe, travel journalist Simon Calder told Sky News. "There are hundreds of planes up in the sky heading to the UK," he said - meaning hundreds of thousands of passengers could be affected. The August bank holiday is one of the busiest days of the year for air travel. Mr Calder said some flights would be able to land as air traffic controllers switched from digital to "much more analogue" systems, but the rate would be much slower. How long could the disruption last? Even if the issue was fixed quickly, the system would likely be in "disarray" for at least the rest of Monday and possibly longer, Mr Calder said. Story continues Aviation analyst and former BA pilot Alastair Rosenschein told Sky News it was "very difficult" to say when things would be back to normal. But he offered some reassurance, saying the disruption looked to be "delays of hours rather than anything longer". He said the issues appeared to be a case of "patchy failure rather than total shutdown". Which airports are reporting disruption? Airlines have released similar statements while they assess the likely impact of the situation. Dublin Airport said there were some delays to flights in and out of the airport due to Air Traffic Control issues in the UK "We advise all passengers due to travel today to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travelling," it said. Ireland's Cork Airport has said the air traffic control issues are causing delays for some departing and arriving flights. Gatwick Airport has warned cancellations are "likely" and it is "seeing delays", after earlier saying flights were running as normal. Luton Airport says: "We are aware of an air traffic control issue affecting UK airspace, resulting in disruption to flights. "We are working with all relevant authorities to understand the full impact of the issue and when normal operations are likely to resume. "Passengers should check with their airline for the latest status of their flight." Birmingham Airport says: "We are working to understand the full impacts of the air traffic control failure across UK airspace, and the likely timescales for to be resolved. "Customers due to fly in or out of BHX are advised to keep a close eye on the latest information from their airlines, as well as live flight data on our website and on screens in our terminal." Heathrow Airport says it is "working closely" with NATS and other airports to "minimise the impact" on passengers. ' Stansted Airport says it is "fully operational" and is not experiencing any issues. Liverpool John Lennon Airport warned of disruption, saying: "Whilst aircraft will be loaded on time, some flights may be subject to a delay." Newcastle International Airport says passengers face "disruption" and "some cancellations". Edinburgh Airport asks passengers "not [to] come to the airport before checking with their airline on the status of their flight". What are airlines saying? Scottish airline Loganair, one of the first to report disruption, said there was a "network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems" on Monday morning. "Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights may be subject to delays," the airline posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. It urged passengers to check its website for updates. British Airways said it had been forced to make "significant changes" to its bank holiday schedule. "If you are travelling on a short-haul service today, Monday August 28, please do not travel to the airport without checking the status of your flight, as it may no longer be operating," the airline said. EasyJet said: "We are providing customers on cancelled flights with the option to transfer their flight free of charge or receive a refund." What should I do if I'm travelling? If you're due to fly in or out of the UK today, check the status of your flight with your airline - this is what each airport and airline is currently advising. If you're already at the airport, keep an eye on display screens. This article will continue to be updated with all the latest information you need if you're due to travel. You can also follow our live blog which will have updates on what's going on. What are my rights if my flight is delayed? Disruption to air traffic control counts as an "extraordinary circumstance". That means it is out of the airline's control - so they don't have to offer compensation. But if your flight is delayed by two hours or more, airlines must offer assistance under UK law. They have a duty to provide: two free phone calls, faxes or emails (often by refunding the cost of your calls) free meals and refreshments appropriate to the delay (often in voucher form) free hotel accommodation and hotel transfers if an overnight stay is required. Sometimes airlines may be unable to provide assistance to all passengers, particularly where staff are stretched - which could be the case with the mass delays seen today. If this is the case, the Civil Aviation Authority says passengers should organise their own assistance and claim the cost back later. "If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable," its website says. It cautions airlines are unlikely to reimburse for alcohol or luxury hotels. Some airlines provide guidelines on what counts as reasonable expenses. Passengers have been told to expect delays of up to 12 hours after air traffic controllers across the UK experienced a technical fault. In an updated statement this afternoon, the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said the "technical issue" affecting its flight planning system had been "identified and remedied", but travellers continued to face disruption. Brits stuck abroad as warnings disruption could last into the week - live updates "We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible," NATS said. "Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system's performance as we return to normal operations. "The flight planning issue affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. "Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight." Read more: What we know about system failure and how it's affecting flights NATS did not give an estimate of how long it would take to fix the problem, or what had caused it. London Gatwick has said it plans to operate a normal schedule on Tuesday following the disruption. However, passengers have been advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport. Heathrow Airport has said flights will remain "significantly disrupted" for the rest of Monday despite the technical issue with air traffic control being resolved. A spokesperson said: "We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating. "Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock-on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected." Story continues Meanwhile, British Airways has told passengers no flights will take off until 6pm on Monday and all check-in desks are closed. Transport Secretary Mark Harper has written on X, formerly known as Twitter, that "despite resolving the technical issue behind today's air traffic control issues, flights are still unfortunately affected". He added that he would encourage all passengers to read the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance and "be aware of their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled". Home Secretary Suella Braverman has sympathised with anyone impacted by the air traffic control problems. "This issue is evolving right now, as we speak," she told broadcasters on Monday afternoon. "What we do know is that there has been a national outage at national air traffic control and that this has affected UK air space. "It will affect all incoming and outgoing flights and also those aircraft which are in the UK air space right now. "I am very cognisant that this will disrupt people's travel plans - those who are waiting to arrive in the UK, those waiting to depart, and I do sympathise with any disruption they may be experiencing." European air traffic authority Eurocontrol and Irish air traffic controllers AirNav Ireland both warned of significant delays across Europe after the fault was first announced. The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to hold an urgent COBRA meeting, while the Labour's shadow transport secretary said the fault was "extremely concerning". Some 3,049 flights were due to depart from UK airports today and another 3,054 flights were scheduled to arrive - with around one million passengers on board. Travellers have been told to expect severe delays of up to 12 hours. BBC presenter Gabby Logan said she had been caught up by the issue. She posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost three weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. "And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait." Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore is one of the passengers stuck on a British Airways flight at Heathrow after flying back from San Francisco overnight. Speaking from the plane, he said the aircraft actually landed ahead of the schedule - but since then they have been stuck on the tarmac. "The pilots told us that we are in a queue for a gate because all the aircraft giving priority to land can't get away, so everything is stacking up now," he said. "We have an update saying that they're trying to find space for all the aircraft that are coming in and having to wait, having to queue, because this is going to have a big impact. "There are planes taking off, but what we are being told is that various aspects of computerised systems used by air traffic control aren't talking to each to other, so everything is having to be done manually. "That means things are taking a lot longer than they would be. "Normally this would be one of the busiest runways in the world, but it is looking very, very quiet." Sky News producer Georgia Ziebart was stuck on a plane in Palma, Majorca for three hours before being moved off the aircraft and back into terminal. She said passengers have been told all planes that were in the air at the time the systems went down have been diverted to other countries. Speaking while still on the plane, which is set for London Gatwick, she said: "We're on the tarmac in Palma, Majorca - we got on the plane an hour ago and shortly after we got on the plane, the pilot made an announcement to say it doesn't look like we'll be leaving for a while because there are issues with air traffic control across the whole of the UK. "We've been sat on the plane now for about an hour, still haven't moved, still haven't had much information. But staff just said there's no point in us moving because we can't actually go anywhere. "There are people who have been sleeping at the airport since yesterday so it's completely at capacity inside as well. "There's a lot of children on board here, a lot of babies. It's a three-hour flight. I haven't got any food. They've come around and offered water to everyone but that's it at the moment." Ryanair and Aer Lingus were the first airlines to confirm several flight cancellations to and from Dublin and Cork airports. The Eurostar said it would add an extra train from Paris to London at 8.43pm this evening after the airline disruption. Royal Black Institution Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson is concerned about the ongoing impact of lockdowns on his members.(Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry) On Saturday large crowds turned out to see 17,000 members of the Royal Black Institution and 350 associated bands parade in Loughhall, Artigarvan, Dromore, Larne, Lisburn, and Moneymore, marking the end of the summer parading season. However the many church services across Northern Ireland held by the loyal order held in the run up to the event were also quietly raising funds to kick start a project to support individuals who are still struggling to adjust to the lifting of the unprecedented Covid lockdowns. The head of the Royal Black Institution, Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson, told the News Letter: "I know that leading up to the last Saturday, there were quite a few of the districts and counties holding church services. And quite a lot of those collections are already coming in for this new charity - Operation Hope. "Following the lifting of the Coronavirus restrictions I suddenly became aware of a lot of our people struggling with issues that they probably wouldn't have struggled with in the same manner beforehand. Particularly things like mental health and well being. There were a lot of people that just seem to find it difficult to settle back into the routine of their life again. So I looked at starting this as a project. "Our aim is to raise money and launch a programme across the twin pillars of education and the second one being wellbeing." "The education topics will include, of course, faith and all of those sorts of issues in a secular society, family life, bereavement, financial planning, and all of those sorts of things. "We want to have that encompassing view of hope for people. them as well. The wellbeing topics will include mental and physical health, isolation, retirement and all those sorts of issues." The project will cover the institution's "main focus" of the Christian faith, he said. "But it will also be about applying that in their everyday lives. It is fine when we are nicely contained in church without the world's problems pressing in on us. But what about the day after when we go out and have to go out into the world and face that problem at work or with a health issue? How do I draw hope from my faith in that situation? Story continues The first stage is to raise enough funds to recruit a support worker who would travel to give presentations to members throughout both Northern Ireland and probably Scotland and England. Other overseas members will likely be supported by podcasts and video clips. "But if people believe that they are good enough to be shared outside we will consider that as well." The private funder advised him to focus on supporting those inside his organisation first and build from there, he said. "They said that then they will be able to help the community around them. So you start at the base of the wall and you build from there. That is the foundation we hope to place throughout our organisation." Fundraising will go on throughout next year, he added. China's southern tech hub Shenzhen launches direct flight to Barcelona Xinhua) 10:35, August 28, 2023 SHENZHEN, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhen Airlines on Sunday launched a direct flight route linking south China's tech hub Shenzhen in Guangdong Province with Barcelona, Spain. The first flight of this route is set to depart from Shenzhen in the early hours Monday. It is the second direct flight to Europe operated by Shenzhen Airlines, following its Shenzhen to London route. The route is scheduled to operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, with a one-way flight duration of approximately 14 hours. It brings the airline's total number of international and inter-regional direct routes departing from Shenzhen to 12. This year marks the second anniversary of the official establishment of friendly city ties between Shenzhen and Barcelona. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Korea University President Kim Dong-one speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office at the university in Seoul, Aug. 17. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk President of school strives to narrow gap between university and industry By Jun Ji-hye Korea University will drastically raise the ratio of foreign students and teaching staff to 30 percent each to create a more cosmopolitan and diverse campus. This is the strategy of its President Kim Dong-one to boost the school's global competitiveness and overcome difficulties stemming from the country's falling population. "The current ratio of foreign students at the university stands at about 10 percent, and that of foreign teaching staff is far lower," Kim said during a recent interview with The Korea Times. "I am aiming to raise these figures to 30 percent each within five years to strengthen our global positioning." Kim, who took office in March this year, noted that Korea was among the world's top 10 economies in 2020 and 2021, but not many domestic universities have entered the top 100 of the world university rankings. "Competitiveness of the domestic universities is quite low, compared to the country's economy," Kim said. "That is why I want to make Korea University a globally prestigious school." As part of efforts to achieve that goal, Kim recently toured South American countries to discuss methods of cooperation and student exchange with heads of major universities there. Kim said diversifying the nationalities of foreign students coming to Korea University is as important as increasing the number, vowing to strengthen cooperation and exchange with educational institutions in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa. "I will actively attract extraordinary foreign students and teaching staff and fully support them, so they can settle well here," Kim said. Foreign students pose at Korea University's campus in this undated photo. Courtesy of Korea University Another important task Kim has been focusing on is bringing the university closer to industries by adjusting curricula and expanding field training opportunities for students. He has been also pushing to increase the number of professors who have had industry careers. Kim said that, amid technological changes in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there has been a major mismatch between what universities teach to students and what kind of human resources industries need in reality. "So now, IT and bioscience-related curricula are included in our compulsory courses. And almost all departments require students to gain field experiences before graduation," he said. In a bid to better adapt to the technological advances, the university created its guidelines for ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in March in a first for domestic universities. The guidelines are aimed at encouraging students to rationally accept AI and learn more actively, rather than constraining the spread of the technologies. "Historically, most technologies have been helpful for humans, helping them overcome their limitations. Humans have not blocked the advancement of technologies," Kim said. "What the university needs to do is teach students how to better utilize ChatGPT and how not to misuse the technologies." Korea University's main building / Courtesy of Korea University Home Secretary Suella Braverman has insisted the Bibby Stockholm barge is safe (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire) Suella Braverman has insisted that the Bibby Stockholm barge is safe after firefighters raised the possibility of legal action over concerns about the safety of those on board. It comes as the Home Secretary declined to rule out reports the Home Office is considering fitting asylum seekers arriving in the UK via unauthorised means with electronic tags. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has sent a pre-action protocol letter to Ms Braverman outlining its concerns over safety aboard the vessel moored in Dorsets Portland Port. The union previously branded the giant barge, initially designed for about 200 people but modified to house 500 migrants, a potential death trap. The first asylum seekers placed on board Bibby Stockholm earlier this month were removed days later after tests revealed Legionella the bacteria which can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease. This barge has accommodated people in the past - asylum seekers, oil rig workers and barges of this kind have been used to accommodate asylum seekers, for example in Scotland, so I'm very confident that this barge is safe for human habitation Home Secretary Suella Braverman The FBU is demanding a response to its legal letter by Thursday. Let me be clear that Im confident barges are safe, Ms Braverman told BBC Breakfast. This barge has accommodated people in the past asylum seekers, oil rig workers and barges of this kind have been used to accommodate asylum seekers, for example in Scotland, so Im very confident that this barge is safe for human habitation. We followed all of the advice and protocols in anticipation of embarkation. She accused the trade union of launching a political attack on the Government but was unable to say when asylum seekers would be returning to the barge. The Home Secretary also said ministers were considering all options after The Times said officials are mulling electronic tagging as a way to prevent migrants who cannot be housed in limited detention sites from absconding. Story continues The Illegal Migration Act places a legal duty on the Government to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally, either to Rwanda or another safe third country. However, as spaces in Home Office accommodation are in short supply, officials have been tasked with a deep dive into alternatives, according to the newspaper. While the preferred solution is to increase the number of detention places, electronic tagging has been mooted, as has cutting off financial allowances to someone who fails to report regularly to the Home Office. Ms Braverman told Sky News: Weve just enacted a landmark piece of legislation in the form of our Illegal Migration Act. That empowers us to detain those who arrive here illegally and thereafter to swiftly remove them to a safe country like Rwanda. The Times said officials are considering it as a way to prevent migrants who cannot be housed in limited detention sites from absconding. She said: We need to exercise a level of control of people if were to remove them from the United Kingdom. We are considering a range of options. We have a couple of thousand detention places in our existing removal capacity. We will be working intensively to increase that but its clear were exploring a range of options, all options, to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our systems swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the United Kingdom. Home Office data this week showed Channel crossings topped 19,000 for the year so far, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks pledge that he will stop the boats. The asylum backlog has soared to a record high, with more than 175,000 people waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application at the end of June, with the bill for the taxpayer almost doubling in a year to nearly 4 billion. Some senior Tories have pushed for the Government to commit to leaving the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the Rwanda scheme continues to be blocked. Ms Braverman stopped short of saying the UK should leave the international court on Monday, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme: My personal views are clear. Its a politicised court. Its interventionist. Its treading on the territory of national sovereignty. But no-ones talking about leaving the ECHR right now. Were working to deliver our plan. Weve enacted landmark legislation. We are confident in the lawfulness of our agreement with Rwanda. By Sameer Manekar and Yelin Mo (Reuters) -Chinese automaker BYD said on Monday its electronics unit has struck a deal with U.S.-based manufacturer Jabil Inc to buy its mobile electronics manufacturing business in China for 15.8 billion yuan ($2.2 billion). The deal will expand BYD Electronic's (BE) customer base, product portfolio and its smartphone components business as it looks to capture Jabil's potential growth in the sector. Singapore-based Jabil Circuit, which manufactures printed circuit boards, established a unit this month that absorbed its product-manufacturing businesses in Chengdu and Wuxi, which will now be sold to the Chinese group. Shares of Jabil rose 6% to $109.50 in early trading. BYD Electronic's shares initially fell as much as 9% in Hong Kong, but reversed their losses and closed flat, while the broader market ended 1% higher. The Hong Kong-listed stock of its parent, BYD , closed 0.7% up. Although now best known for its electric vehicle business, BYD started out by selling electronic components. In 2007, it listed its BE unit on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. BE's major business has been selling electronic components for consumer electronics products such as smartphones and laptops. This was one of three key business segments for BYD Electronic, accounting for more than 70% of its total revenue in 2022. "For BYD, I think it's a reminder that they do more than just dominate in EVs," said Tu Le, founder of consultancy Sino Auto Insights, adding that they were higher up in the mobile supply chain and were a supplier to Apple Inc. Citi analysts said in a note that they believed the deal involved Jabil's Green Point metal casing operations in Wuxi, and that it could see BE further penetrating into Apple's casing supply with higher market share. BE will likely have to fund the acquisition with loan and equity issuance, they added. BYD and BE did not disclose how they planned to finance the deal. Story continues BE did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. "While improving BE's market share of products, the acquisition will effectively synergize with BE's existing products, enhance the overall competitiveness, ensure long-term sustainable development," BYD said in an exchange filing, without divulging any further details about the acquisition. If the deal is completed, the definitive agreement would enable Jabil to "enhance our shareholder-centric capital framework, including incremental share buybacks", Chief Executive Kenny Wilson said in a statement. The deal would allow Jabil to further invest in "electric vehicles, renewable energy, healthcare, AI cloud data centers, and other end-markets," Wilson added. UBS Research analysts said Jabil's board has been focused on addressing the "lack of growth" at its mobile parts business. The deal could streamline Jabil's portfolio at a time the company's business from key customer Apple has been steadily declining, down from 28% of fiscal 2018 revenue to just 19% in fiscal 2022, according to UBS analysts. Jabil Circuit works with companies in healthcare, telecommunications, computing and storage, with an aim to drive supply-chain intelligence, according to its website. BYD first entered the car industry in 2003 when it acquired Nanjing-based automaker Qin Chuan, which held a permit for car manufacturing. ($1 = 7.2890 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru and Yelin Mo in Beijing; Additional reporting by Brenda Goh in Shanghai and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates, Mike Harrison and Shinjini Ganguli) Migrants are escorted back to Dover after being picked up in the English Channel. Migrants are escorted back to Dover after being picked up in the English Channel. Government plans to put electronic tags on immigrants to prevent them from absconding have been branded immoral and unworkable. Home secretary Suella Braverman this morning refused to rule out the move, which was reported by The Times and the Daily Telegraph. Asked about the plan on Sky News, Braverman said the government needed to exercise a level of control of migrants. She added: We are exploring all options to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our system swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the United Kingdom. Justin Madders, Labours shadow employment minister, accused the Home Office of planning to treat asylum seekers like criminals. He said: The only people you tag are criminals, so my understanding is that people who are coming into this country seeking asylum are not criminals, theyre usually people fleeing persecution. If theres a problem absconding this is the first Ive heard about it and clearly the solution to that is to get on and process the asylum applications a lot quicker than is happening and this is just another gimmick that is not dealing with the root of the problem at all. 'The only people you tag are criminals, people that come into this country seeking asylum are not criminals.' Justin Madders MP tells Sky News that asylum seekers are fleeing persecution and shouldn't be treated as criminals.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/u7pRF1xHNx Sky News (@SkyNews) August 28, 2023 Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: This is another addition to the Conservatives immoral, ineffective and unworkable immigration plans. Story continues Ministers seem happier to entertain unworkable and frankly wrong gimmicks rather than getting to grips with the real issues we face. Suella Braverman and her Home Office have failed the British people catastrophically and this latest intervention proves it. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, told The Times: Its treating people as objects rather than vulnerable men, women and children in search of safety, who should be treated with compassion and humanity. The plan was even called into question by right-wing Tory MP John Redwood. He told Times Radio: I would need to be persuaded about the role of the electronic tag. Im grateful for the clarification that its only going to apply to those who have been found to be illegal migrants. I think the bigger problem is to work out how many people in the system are illegal migrants and therefore need a safe place to return them to, and how many are asylum seekers. Related... ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia soon to discuss the collapsed United Nations deal that had allowed Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain, a spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party said on Monday. The UN- and Turkey-brokered deal lasted a year but ended last month after Moscow quit. Ankara is seeking to persuade Russia to return to the agreement, under which Odesa's seaports shipped tens of millions of tons of grain. Since the grain-export deal collapsed, Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian ports with volleys of missiles and kamikaze drones. Omer Celik, the AK Party spokesperson, said Erdogan would visit Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi "soon" but did not specify whether he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. "After this visit there may be developments and new stages may be reached regarding" the grain deal, he told reporters. The Kremlin said on Friday there was an understanding the two leaders will meet in person soon. Bloomberg cited two anonymous sources in reporting that Erdogan is expected to meet Putin in Russia next week, possibly on Sept. 8, before he travels to a G20 meeting in India. (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Conor Humphries) Demonstrators rallied around the Escadrille roundabout, near the French military base in Niamey's outskirts. They demanded foreign troops to leave the country, chanting, "We don't want the French army in Niger, let them go." Since ousting Nigers democratically elected president a month ago, the junta has been exploiting grievances among the population toward former colonial ruler France and has turned to Russian mercenary group Wagner for help. France has about 1,500 troops in Niger helping local forces fight Islamic extremists. The military cooperation has been suspended since the coup. Their leaders say Bazoum's government wasn't doing enough to protect the country. From left, student Beth McGann, Barry Neilson Chief Executive CITB NI, Amanda Stevenson Project Manager CITB NI and student Caelan Fisher. Picture: Paul Burgman The Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) is giving 12 first year full time students from across Northern Ireland the opportunity to obtain 1,000 towards the cost of their training. To qualify applicants must have applied to study a third level Built Environment-related qualification at Level 4 or above with a Northern Ireland training provider. Following the completion of an application form, applicants are entered into a random computer draw for one of the 12 awards. With such varied and wide-ranging opportunities, a career in construction is challenging, exciting and rewarding. From the design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, tunnels, and waterways, construction boasts a variety of careers including skilled trades, IT, marketing,project management, design and much more. New emerging digital technologies are rapidly changing the Built Environment landscape. With Building Information Modelling, Drone usage and Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and even nanotechnology on the rise, companies are actively seeking to recruit people with these skills. Announcing the 12 bursary awards for Built Environment students, CITB NI Chief Executive, Barry Neilson OBE said: CITB NI is delighted to announce that applications for the Built Environment Bursary Award for third level students are now open. This is fantastic support for undergraduates in their first year. The bursary aims to encourage school leavers to consider a career in construction and undertake a third level Built Environment related qualification. Read more: Final call for entries to Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards "All applicants need to do is visit our website, ensure they meet the criteria set out in the terms and conditions, fill in and submit the application form. We wish everyone applying this year the very best of luck. Applications for the Built Environment bursary are now open until October 16 at 4pm. Exterior photo of Cork garda station where man was arrested over allegedly library protests. Twitter @A2Architects https://twitter.com/A2Architects/status/1510263719124733952/photo/1 A Cork library protester was arrested on Saturday, August 26 2023, on charges related to reports of alleged harassment. The man in question presented himself at the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork after Gardai went to his address earlier in the day but he was not home. He was arrested and detained at the Garda station on Saturday evening. The person arrested is believed to be involved with protests opposing LGBTQ+ books in Cork City Library. Since March, there have been several reports of people entering libraries in Ireland, destroying LGBTQ+ books, and calling staff paedophiles and groomers. Gardai confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the man has since been released and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cork City Libraries (@corkcitylibraries) Gardai are also investigating an incident that occurred earlier on Saturday when Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy was attending the North Main St carnival. McCarthy was confronted by far-right demonstrator Ross Lahive on a Cork City street and challenged over his recent comments regarding Mr Lahives planned protest which led to the temporary closure of Corks public library. When Lahive asked if McCarthy knew who he was, McCarthy responded: Yes, Ive been waiting for this, and then performed the Oklahoma musical show tune, Oh What a Beautiful Mornin! while Lahive recorded the interaction on his phone. Ross Lahive confronted the Mayor in Cork, and the Mayors response was f*cking ICONIC!! pic.twitter.com/fYiVlVujYo Bolshie Bish (@BolshieBish) August 27, 2023 Library staff across the country and abroad continue to face intimidation and harassment from far-right protestors objecting to the presence of LGBTQ+ books. According to Gardai sources, some protesters who participated in the recent anti-LGBTQ+ rally at the Cork library were linked to far-right groups in Britain. Last week, a library in California and a nearby school were forced to evacuate after an anonymous caller using anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech made a bomb threat. The threat came one day after a right-wing group tried to host a transphobic event, prompting library staff to inform speakers that misgendering trans people violates the librarys code of conduct. The post Cork library protester arrested over alleged harassment appeared first on GCN. Newcastle United attacking midfielder Elliot Anderson has been named in the Scotland squad. (Photo: George Wood) Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson has been handed a maiden senior international call-up after he was named in the Scotland squad for two upcoming fixtures. The 20-year-old has earned caps at youth levels for the Tartan Army but will now step into the senior setup with Steve Clarkes side as they prepare for a Euro 2024 qualifier with Cyprus and an eagerly anticipated friendly with England. Anderson qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother but did briefly switch his alligiences to England when he appeared for an Under-19s side in a friendly game against Arsenal Under-23s in March 2021. But the Magpies prospect has since returned to the Tartan Army ranks and he earned a first Under-21s cap when he played the entire 90 minutes of a goalless draw against Belgium in June last year. The Whitley Bay-born attacking midfielder enjoyed a productive pre-season with Newcastle as he scored four goals in five appearances but has been limited to substitute appearances in each of the Magpies opening Premier League fixtures. The youngster did receive the backing off United manager Eddie Howe earlier this month as he hailed Andersons development during his time at the club. He said: I think what hes done is put himself where we view him as a first-team player and on a par with everybody else fighting for places, when I first arrived he was viewed as a young up and coming prospect. That is a big jump. And that is down to him. Anderson could earn his first senior cap when Scotland travel to Cyprus on Friday 8th September before they take on England at Hampden Park four days later in a friendly set up to mark the 150th anniversary of what is considered to be the first international fixture to take place between the two countries. The life and musical achievements of Gwangju-born musician Jeong Yul-seong, and his social stature in China, are presented in Korean and Mandarin along the walls of a street named after the musician in Gwangju's southern Nam District, Wednesday. Yonhap By Lee Hae-rin A plan to build a park in Gwangju in honor of communist composer Jeong Yul-seong, who was born in the city in southwestern Korea, has sparked sharp division in public opinion. The controversy escalated when the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-shik publicly criticized the municipality for the initiative last week. "Gwangju City's plan to commemorate someone who was at the forefront of bringing down the Republic of Korea as a free country is deeply alarming. It must be completely withdrawn," Park wrote on his Facebook, Tuesday, explaining that Jeong "contributed to the establishment of the North Korean government and sounded the invasion march to South Korea during the 1950-1953 Korean War by writing a North Korean marching song." Announced in May 2020, the project to build the Jeong Yul-seong Historical Park aims to celebrate the composer's life and musical accomplishments. With a budget of 4.8 billion won ($3.6 million), the park is set to be completed by the end of this year near Jeong's birthplace in the eastern Dong District. Jeong, also known as Zheng Fuen in China, is a renowned musician of Korean ethnicity who composed the military anthem for the People's Liberation Army of China and a marching song for the North Korean People's Army. Kyosuke Tagawa and Kenneth Vargas should be involved for Hearts against PAOK. Pic: SNS Three Hearts players have been given permission to travel to Greece for Thursdays European tie against PAOK Salonika following UK visa issues. Japanese striker Kyosuke Tagawa, Costa Rican winger Kenneth Vargas and Australian midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof got the all-clear from the Home Office after missing the trip to Norway earlier this month. Tagawa and Nieuwenhof could not travel to Trondheim for the away leg against Rosenborg because they were awaiting documents accompanying their visa which would allow them to leave the UK. Vargas was absent because his work permit was not finalised in time. All three are now available for this weeks match in the Toumba Stadium as Hearts look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg at Tynecastle Park. The eventual winner of the Europa Conference League play-off tie will progress to the competitions lucrative group stage and earn a guaranteed 5million in income. Nieuwenhof is unlikely to be on the Hearts charter flight which departs Edinburgh for Thessaloniki on Tuesday as he is struggling with a calf injury. However, Tagawa and Vargas are both down to travel and are expected to feature in the match against Razvan Lucescus team. Winger Barrie McKay sustained a knee injury in the first leg and is not available, whilst midfielders Peter Haring and Jorge Grant were not named in the Tynecastle squad for this round. Haring is injured and Grant is out of favour, although the Englishman did appear as a substitute in Sundays league defeat at Dundee. Fellow midfielder Beni Baningime has an outside chance of being involved against PAOK. Gerard Butler was pictured with a member of the Silent Adventures team, who run the silent disco at Bristo Square in Edinburgh. Photo: Silent Adventures Gerard Butler has been spotted on quite a few occasions recently as he takes in the Edinburgh Fringe and now the Hollywood superstar has been pictured at the silent disco on Bristo Square. Fringe-goers were left gobsmacked when Butler, whose movie roles include How to Train Your Dragon and P.S. I love You, put on a pair of headphones and had a silent dance to some pop classics. The team at Silent Adventures, which run the hugely popular silent disco tours in Edinburgh, took to social media to share a photo of the actor. Posting the image of the 53-year-old, they wrote: "Fun Fridays on Silent Adventures." Paisley-born Butler was also seen in the crowd at the Famous Grouse Nations Series final test match between Scotland and Georgia on Saturday. The actor happily posed for pics as he watched his team win 33-6 at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. His latest public appearances come just days after he stunned staff and customers at an Edinburgh restaurant when he dropped in for bite to eat. Butler, who worked as a trainee lawyer at an Edinburgh law firm before becoming an actor, visited Merchant Street restaurant Divino Enoteca to enjoy some Italian cuisine. He posed for a picture with owner Alberto Crolla, which the restaurant shared on their social media channels. Butler isn't the only A-lister to have been spotted out and about in Edinburgh during the Fringe this year. A fortnight ago, Ewan McGregor turned heads when he popped into an Edinburgh for a coffee. The Star Wars and Trainspotting actor posed for a picture with a member of staff at Cappuccino on the city's Jeffrey Street, which the cafe later shared on their Instagram. And chart-topping star Example paid a visit to The Ox on London Street, near the bottom of Broughton Street, ahead of his sellout show at the Capitals O2 Academy. Example, whose hits include Changed the Way You Kiss Me, Playing in the Shadows and Kickstarts, was joined by his crew at the popular venue, which was recently named by The Guardian as one of the best places in the UK to get a Sunday roast. The star happily posed for pictures, and even went outside to take a selfie with a member of staff. Court report (Photo: Bruno Vincent:Getty) Brian Kelly was nearly three times over the limit when stopped on Sunday afternoon as he prepared to leave the Europa Hotel in a hire car for the next leg of the trip for his wifes birthday. The 64-year-old, from San Diego in California, was fined 250 and disqualified from getting behind the wheel again for 12 months. Police were alerted that an intoxicated guest had driven a short distance from Glengall Street to the front of the hotel on Great Victoria Street from When officers arrested Kelly he replied: But Im a tourist. He was taken into custody and failed a breath test. Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court, the US citizen pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol. Defence solicitor Paul Dougan argued that Kelly has learnt a very salutary lesson. Mr Dougan said: The defendant was most surprised at the very high reading, almost three times over the limit. As Kellys wife attended in the public gallery, the court heard that the couple have been touring Ireland before travelling on to the next part of their holiday in Europe. Its a very unfortunate end to this part of their trip to this island, Mr Dougan acknowledged. He (Kelly) was moving the car from the car park to the front of the hotel to put luggage in the vehicle when he was detected. With the defendant now disqualified and his wife believed to be unable to drive their hired car, the couple will have to make alternative travel arrangements. Its going to place their travel plans in disarray. This has been a very costly experience, Mr Dougan added. Banning Kelly from driving for 12 months, District Judge John Meehan confirmed that he will then be required to retake the motoring test. Mr Meehan also insisted that the 250 fine must be paid before the defendant is released. Marwell Zoo has welcomed the birth of an African wild ass foal. (Photo: Marwell Zoo) The team at the zoo has been overwhelmed with happiness at the birth of a Critically Endangered African wild ass. The African wild ass foal was born on August 20 and the birth is particularly important because there are fewer than 200 left in the wild. Native to Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, African wild asses are preyed on by African lions and Ethiopian wolves and they have also been hunted by humans for food. Marwell Zoo has welcomed the birth of an African wild ass foal. (Photo: Marwell Zoo) This has resulted in very low numbers of these animals surviving in the wild and the numbers continue to decline. The new arrival at Marwell is reported to be doing well and can be seen with mother, Nadifa, in the paddock opposite Okapi Playground. SEE ALSO: Emsworth Show was a success this Bank Holiday Monday The father, Lars, has been moved into an enclosure next door to the banteng whilst Nadifa bonds with her new arrival. Nadifa was born at Marwell Zoo in 2007 and the arrival of her foal is a continuation of Marwells commitment to conserving this Critically Endangered species, which they have had at Marwell since 1993. This is Nadifas third foal and Lars has become a father for the fifth time and keepers have confirmed the foal is male but have not given him a name yet. Darren Ives, Senior Animal Keeper, Hoofstock, said: The team is very excited after a year-long wait for the foal to be born, and what makes it even more special is we havent had an African wild ass foal born at Marwell since 2020. The foal has already been seen doing zoomies around the paddock and is looking nice and healthy. The foal has also caught the attention of the addax (who are also Critically Endangered) in the enclosure next to them as they have been seen watching each other though the fence. With so few of these animals left in the wild, its more important than ever to ensure there is a healthy, genetically diverse population of African wild asses in zoos as a back up for populations in the wild. For more information about Marwell Zoo and the animals they have, click here. Maskot/Getty Images My husband and I have five children who initially were all in in-person school. Our three oldest chose to be homeschooled for different reasons, and the youngest wanted to stay in school. They taught me to honor them as individuals with their different needs. I cannot imagine being homeschooled myself. Such an effort would have been totally beyond the interest and ability of my mom and dad. When my husband and I began raising our five kids, I devoted all my energy to creating some semblance of peace and order. By the time the family dinners were served and the bedtime stories read, I was exhausted and congratulated myself that at least I was doing a better job than my parents had. I rejoiced as my offspring boarded those bright yellow buses every day, headed for well-trained educators in an atmosphere conducive to learning. And so, for many years, my kids learned their lessons from the professionals. I assumed we'd continue as we'd begun, with all five in traditional schools. 3 chose to be homeschooled for different reasons But then, our oldest son decided to pursue music seriously. By 10th grade, Sheridan was juggling a full course load in public school plus countless additional hours of music composition and instrument practice. I remember going to the high school guidance office and being told that they couldn't accommodate a shortened school day for him. And so, his choice was made: he'd begin homeschooling. We registered with the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Association and were able to access the school district textbooks on our own. Sheridan would need to complete his school work independently and be evaluated at the end of each year. It became clear that classes that usually stretched over a seven-hour school day in rooms full of students could be polished off solo in two hours. Those remaining five hours were pure gold. He plunged into his music and was accepted to his top choice conservatory. Rose, our older daughter, spent her junior year of high school in Thailand as an exchange student. When she returned home after a year of incredible adventure, Rose felt very disconnected from the high school world of study halls and senior proms. She'd proved to us that she could navigate an extremely challenging international experience, and we agreed when she opted to become Pennsylvania Homeschooler number two. Like Sheridan, she was able to get her work done quickly and efficiently, with time to spare. Happy college years in Boston followed. Story continues Seeing how well some of her siblings did out of school, our younger daughter Julie lobbied hard to complete her studies at home too. As with Rose and Sheridan, Julie aced her work, ending up at a wonderful college. In all three cases, I mainly served as supervisor, checking in to make sure everyone stayed on track and they did. Meanwhile, our other two sons had no desire to leave high school. Evan and Patrick were thriving there, enjoying all the traditional programs offered. They also weren't as self-motivated as the other kids; I'm afraid I'd have yelled and nagged and generally made life a homeschooling misery. The guys graduated, went on to fine post-grad institutions, and, best of all, our good relationships remained intact. I learned that everyone needs something different My experience tells me that honoring each of my children as individuals made a huge difference. And knowing myself didn't hurt either. It was a bit scary to cut loose from our school district at times, but it would have been disastrous had it been during kindergarten. I lack the patience and focus to guide little ones all the way through school, though I applaud those who have those gifts. For us, making those decisions later, in high school, was definitely the way to go. Read the original article on Insider (Bloomberg) -- Poland and the Baltic nations called on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to expel Russian mercenaries from his country and agreed on a plan to potentially shut the border in response to escalating tension. Most Read from Bloomberg In the event of an armed incident or an organized influx of migrants across the frontier, Poland and the Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will coordinate on shutting the border with Belarus, the four nations agreed in Warsaw on Monday. They warned of the threat posed by Wagner mercenaries even after the death this month of the groups leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Were expecting potential incidents also of a military nature carried out with the members of that group, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski told reporters. We are determined to undertake joint action at the frontier, he said, adding that the mechanisms also count for the states direct borders with Russia. Authorities on NATOs eastern flank raised the alarm in recent weeks after the mercenaries decamped to Belarus, part of a deal with Prigozhin after his failed mutiny against Russias military leadership in late June. Polish authorities announced the deployment of additional troops to the border, while a senior official in Warsaw called for the complete isolation of Belarus. But even before Prigozhins death in a plane crash this month Russian investigators confirmed Saturday that he was on board the aircraft that went down reports emerged that Wagner camps within Belarus were shrinking, while Ukrainian authorities said many mercenaries were returning to Russia. Story continues Considering that Prigozhin is no longer there, the anxiety has decreased a bit, Latvian Interior Minister Maris Kucinskis told TV3 before the meeting. Still, with Russias war in Ukraine in its 18th month, leaders in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have been on alert. Belarus plans to host military drills with allies from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization during the first week of September. Key exercises will take place along the Polish border in western Belarus. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said Wagner personnel have been deployed near Suwalki, a narrow strip of the Polish-Lithuania border, almost equidistant between Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. The 100-kilometer (62-mile) corridor has been identified by NATO officials as a potentially vulnerable choke point separating the Baltic member states from the rest of the military alliance and the EU. The border area has also been a source of tensions since 2021, when Belarus sent migrants from the Middle East and Africa into Poland and the Baltic states, a move decried by EU authorities who said it was meant to create havoc and destabilize the region. We are ready to act in a united fashion to come to the rescue, to take decisive decisions including closure of the border, Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite told reporters on Monday. Lithuania plans to close two more of its six checkpoints with Belarus after shutting two earlier this month. --With assistance from Aaron Eglitis. (Updates with comments from Polish minister, further context, from third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Dr. Timothy May, associate dean of the College of Arts & Letters and professor of Central Eurasian history at the University of North Georgia (UNG), provided insight and expertise in a British film project highlighting the Mongolian military. May said he is contacted by production companies several times a year with a random question or an invitation to be more heavily involved. "This project all started one morning in May 2022 when I was contacted by Lion TV, the British production company, who said they were currently producing a three-part series for the Smithsonian Channel. who was involved with the project, recommended me because Lion needed someone to talk about the Mongol military, and that's my specialty," May said. Lion filmed at UNG's Dahlonega Campus and out at R Ranch in Lumpkin County, Georgia. The 85-minute documentary aired on ARTE, a French broadcasting company, earlier this year and received favorable reviews. Marie Favereau (the French scholar in the show) was the one who encouraged Lion TV to reach out to May. The Smithsonian Channel is currently airing the first of three 45-minute parts. Students under the direction of Dr. Jeff Marker, director of UNG's School of Communication, Film & Theatre in the College of Arts & Letters, assisted as runners and received advice and insight from the director and film crew. Vinamilk a at nhung dau an uy tin tren thi truong the gioi voi cac san pham chinh phuc thi truong quoc te. Members of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union hold a press conference in southern Seoul, Aug. 25. Yonhap A progressive teachers' union filed a complaint Monday against Education Minister Lee Ju-ho for warning of disciplinary actions against teachers planning to take a leave of absence to attend a protest rally. Many school teachers plan to take a day off Monday next week to attend a rally commemorating a young teacher's death and to demand enhanced teachers' rights, a cause which gained momentum following the 20-something female elementary school teacher's suicide in southern Seoul last month. On Sunday, the education ministry warned such collective action by teachers constitutes an illegal strike, and teachers and school principals could face disciplinary actions as severe as dismissal or a criminal charge if they irregularly take the day off or approve teachers' leave of absence. The Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union (KTU) said they lodged a complaint against the education minister with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials on charges of abuse of authority. The KTU accused the education ministry of using intimidatory expressions against teachers, saying taking a day off is part of teachers' basic rights as long as it does not disrupt education activities and the total number of class hours remains unaltered even if teachers go on a leave of absence. (Yonhap) HA NOI Sugar stocks all posted a weekly gain last week after India is expected to ban sugar exports in the next season starting in October. The move is the first in seven years due to a lack of rain, cutting cane yields. Reuters citing a government source stated that New Delhi's primary focus is to fulfil local sugar requirements and produce ethanol from surplus sugarcane. However, due to unfavourable weather conditions, the country will not have enough sugar for export in the upcoming season. India allowed mills to export only 6.1 million tonnes of sugar during the current season to September 30, after shipping a record 11.1 million tonnes last season. In 2016, India imposed a 20 per cent tax on sugar exports to curb overseas sales. After the news was reported, investors interest shifted to sugar stocks, with all shares traded on three stock exchanges soaring on August 24, of which three out of five ticker symbols hit the ceiling prices. Specifically, shares Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa JSC (SBT) and Lam Son Sugar JSC (LSS) traded on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) jumped 7 per cent, while Kon Tum Sugar (KTS) on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) logged the biggest daily gain of 10 per cent. Son La Sugar JSC on HNX and Quang Ngai Sugar JSC (QNS) on UPCoM also surged 7.4 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively. Despite the market correction in the last trading session of the week, sugar stocks still tasted sweet, with SBT, LSS and KTS up in a range of 0.6-5.3 per cent. For the week, sugar shares registered increases of 5-11.1 per cent, of which KTS grew the most, up more than 11.1 per cent. Opportunities from rising prices Concerns about scarce supply weighed on global food security, pushing sugar prices to hover at 11-year highs. The price of raw sugar in the US was last quoted at 24.83 cents per pound, a gain of 26.4 per cent over the beginning of the year. Higher sugar prices on the international market is one of the drivers boosting domestic sugar stocks. According to the Vietnam Sugarcane Association (VSSA), domestic sugar production is expected to reach 871,000 tonnes, up 16.6 per cent for the year 2022/23, while sugar prices are set to remain high and in line with the global sugar prices in 2023 as imported sugar accounts for two-thirds of the countrys sugar supply. Meanwhile, a report from the US Department of Agriculture said that Viet Nams sugar consumption in 2023 is estimated at nearly 2.4 million tonnes, an average of nearly 200,000 tonnes a month. As a result, the amount of sugar produced domestically can only meet four months of consumption demand and the sugar import quota this year is about 319,070 tonnes. This means domestic sugar outputs and officially imported sugar can only meet 50 per cent of demand in 2023. Therefore, the Government Office has just issued an express dispatch to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on proposal to purchase an additional 600,000 tonnes of sugar from international markets. This will benefit domestic refineries that have to import raw sugar. KB Securities Vietnam JSC (KBSC) forecasts that the price of cane sugar will continue to stay at a high level, supporting the growth momentum of sugar producers in the country and in the world before entering a clearer correction phase. In a recent report, SSI Research also said that the price of refined sugar will remain around VN20,000 per kg (US$0.83 per kg), up 12 per cent year-on-year, starting the second quarter of 2023. Anti-subsidy and anti-dumping policies applied to Thailand's sugar to protect domestic enterprises are other drivers contributing to long-term improvement of domestic sugar production and sugar prices. Even though the Ministry of Finance is consulting on the excise tax on sugary drinks with the draft revised Law on Special Consumption Tax to be submitted to the National Assembly in May 2024, SSI Research believes that the excise tax will have little impact on domestic sugar consumption. Therefore, it believes that business results of the sugar industry will develop positively in the future. In four quarters of the fiscal year 2022/23, sugar producers posted mixed business results. In particular, Lam Son Sugar and Thanh Thanh Cong - Bien Hoa reported losses of 78 per cent and 66 per cent on-year, respectively, in their profit after tax. On the contrary, Quang Ngai Sugar, Son La Sugar and Kon Tum Sugar all recorded strong growth of up to 620 per cent year-on-year. The fiscal year of the sugar industry starts from July 1 of the previous year to June 30 of the next year. VNS HA NOI Tuna export orders are likely to increase sharply in the last months of the year due to decreasing inventories in major export markets and the recently signed Viet Nam-Israel Free Trade Agreement, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) forecasts. VASEP said domestic tuna exporters could expect positive prospects in the second half of this year. The association said the stockpiled quantity of tuna in the US - one of the main markets of Viet Nam has begun to decrease and importers were considering speeding up imports. By the end of the year, major markets such as the US will have many festivals, so consumer demand will increase. Meanwhile, preferential tariffs are an advantage that has pushed EU importers to seek orders from Viet Nam. Over the past seven months of this year, Viet Nam's tuna exports reached nearly US$445.6 million, down 31 per cent year-on-year, VASEP said. While exports of high-value fresh, frozen and dried tuna products decreased 46 per cent, shipments of processed and canned tuna goods saw a modest rise of 4 per cent to over $204 million, it said. Besides, exports to the EU, Mexico, Israel and Thailand had recorded high growth over the same period of 2022. The EU market showed signs of recovery, with a growth rate of 28 per cent in June and July, earning Viet Nam a turnover of $12 million per month. Notably, in the bloc, exports to the Netherlands also continuously grew remarkably while that to Germany maintained an increase of 30 per cent in June and July. At the same time, Vietnamese tuna exports to Mexico and Chile also recorded significant hikes of 100 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, tuna shipments to Thailand also soared 65 per cent in the last two months. Positive prospects of tuna exports to Israel Nguyen Ha, tuna market expert of VASEP told daibieunhandan.vn that in the context that exports to the main traditional markets had all declined, Israel had emerged as a potential market. In the first half of this year, Vietnamese tuna exports to Israel hit nearly $25 million, up 92 per cent over the same period last year. Frozen tuna meat and fillets still accounted for the highest proportion of 47 per cent. The export value of this product group saw a yearly hike of 29 per cent. Meanwhile, the export turnover of canned tuna increased 375 per cent and other processed tuna products surged 83 per cent. Despite being a small country, with no natural resources and limited domestic labour resources, Israel's consumer demand was quite large and solvency was high, so there remained ample room for Viet Nam's tuna exports to the market, Ha told the online newspaper. Typically, the Viet Nam-Israel FTA (VIFTA) would open up opportunities for Viet Nam's seafood exports, including tuna, to access the Israeli market and lucrative Middle East region, Ha said. To penetrate the Israeli market, VASEP Secretary General Truong inh Hoe suggested that tuna exporters ensure product quality, carefully study market information, promote credibility and be responsible. He vowed that VASEP would accompany, research carefully and disseminate market information to businesses. To facilitate tuna exports, businesses petitioned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to grant more quotas for imported raw tuna as domestic tuna raw material could meet only 25 per cent of demand for processing and export, Binh inh Fishery JSC Co suggested. VNS Thu Tra HA NOI KASIKORNBANK (KBank), one of the leading commercial banks in Thailand, views Viet Nam as the epicentre of growth for Southeast Asia as it expands its reach across diverse territories in the region. "With consistently high GDP growth rates over the past decade, Viet Nam has solidified its position as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region," the company said in a statement. "By 2030, it is expected to rank 30th in terms of global GDP ranking. The emergence of a thriving middle class and working-age population in Viet Nam is significantly reshaping the countrys consumer landscape in the long run." "At the same time, while urban areas in Viet Nam are undergoing rapid development, many rural regions continue to lack access to essential financial services. This discrepancy underscores an essential role that KBank can undertake and extend financial inclusion to empower underserved communities and contribute to equitable growth," according to the company. Pipit Aneaknithi, President of KASIKORNBANK said KBank has made a resolute commitment to foster empowerment, cultivate value, and enhance connectivity to engage with various segments of Viet Nam's population. This serves as a clear manifestation of the bank's dedicated determination to leverage its expertise and partake in a positive transformation spanning the entire nation. "Through these endeavours, KBank aims not only to propel the country's economic advancement but, more significantly, to empower its customers and elevate their quality of life across the entire socio-economic spectrum, he said. Empower connectivity for SMEs Acknowledging the pivotal role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economic ecosystem, KBank is steadfast in its endeavour to empower these entities. Despite over 97 per cent of businesses in Viet Nam being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), they only account for 20 per cent of the market share in the credit capital structure, KBank said. To assist these enterprises in accessing more capital, with KBank, online businesses have the opportunity to access loans to fortify their operations exclusively through online channels, eliminating the need for physical bank visits, it added. Presently, the bank has cultivated this portfolio to approximately US$40 million by year-end. The institution aims to facilitate the seamless amalgamation of business operations with tailored financial solutions, thus furnishing SMEs with the essential tools to cultivate sustained growth. Chat Luangarpa, Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK said: We are focusing on serving all customers in Viet Nam from Corporate; SMEs; and retail by empowering them to be able to capture this economic opportunity through both financial and non-financial support." "With our purpose to empower every customers life and business we have launched various products for micro and small merchants such as K PLUS Vietnam; lending and trade solutions for medium to large corporates; during our first two years of business and are launching many more to ensure that our customers are equipped with the suitable financial solutions every stage, he said. As of August 2023, KPLUS Vietnam had 760,000 users and is well on track to reach 1.3 million users by year-end. As the banking population of Viet Nam continues to grow, KPLUS Vietnam said it hoped to achieve about 8.4 million users by 2027. Solidifying commitment KBank said its ambitious expansion into Viet Nam is reinforced by robust quantitative measures. With a projected capital investment poised to surge from US$285 million in 2023 to an impressive $735 million by 2027, the bank underscores its resolute commitment. At the same time, KBank's workforce is primed for exponential growth, ascending from 350 employees in 2023 to 1,700 by 2027. This trajectory of remarkable expansion is further fortified by the invaluable backing provided by the KASIKORN Business Technology Group (KBTG), whose instrumental role in furnishing essential IT infrastructure support stands pivotal to KBank's endeavours in Viet Nam. In 2027, KBank is dedicated to empowering local customers through innovative banking in collaboration with partners, with an incremental budget of US$7 million allocated to KASIKORN Business Technology Group - its technology arm, $735 million to the banking sector, and $336 million to KVision the investment arm for potential companies. As part of its expansion strategy, the bank launched the "Kay! Kay! KBank" Campaign on August 16, a resolute initiative that seeks to foster financial inclusivity. Acknowledging the transformative potential of integrating the unbanked and underbanked into the mainstream financial ecosystem, KBank's campaign is engineered to rebuild trust in banking across Viet Nam."KBanks stride into Viet Nam is not merely a geographical expansion, but a profound testament to its resolute commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence," the bank concluded. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nams exports are set to recover in Q4, driven primarily by a bottoming out of the US inventory cycle, but also by an acceleration in the relocation of manufacturing from China to Viet Nam, according to Michael Kokalari, chief economist at VinaCapital. The US is Viet Nams biggest export market, accounting for about one-quarter of its total exports, but its exports to the market fell by more than 20 per cent yoy in the first seven months. US retailers and other consumer product companies bought too many Made in Vietnam/Made in Asia products last year in anticipation of a post-COVID re-opening boom. But instead of buying more manufactured products when COVID lockdowns lifted, US consumers splashed out on services like travel and going out to eat. These have resulted in the inventories of companies like Walmart, Target, and Nike ballooned by over 20 per cent yoy in late-2022. US retailers slashed orders at factories in Viet Nam this year in response to their bloated inventories, which explains why Viet Nams exports to the US fell. US firms have been aggressively de-stocking throughout 2023 and the ISMs Inventory Sub-Index hit a nine-year low in June and bounced slightly in July, suggesting that the rate of inventory depletion has hit bottom. The aggressive inventory reduction efforts of firms like Walmart and others drove the plunge in Viet Nams exports in H1, but that destocking is now approaching its conclusion, and Viet Nams exports to the US increased by nearly 7 per cent month-on-month in July. Consequently, the year-on-year decline in Viet Nams exports to the US improved from a 26 per cent yoy drop in June to a 14 per cent yoy decline in July, which helped reduce the fall in Viet Nams total exports from 12 per cent yoy in H1 to 2 per cent yoy in July, he said. In addition to a cyclical recovery in exports to the US, Viet Nam is also benefitting from companies moving their production from China to Viet Nam, which helps explain why Viet Nams exports fell 2 per cent yoy in July versus a 15 per cent yoy drop in China, a 16 per cent drop in Korea, and a 10 per cent decline in Taiwan. All Asian exporters should be benefitting to some degree from a de-stocking-driven export recovery, but Viet Nam is the only country in Asia that is also significantly benefitting from the establishment of new factories in the country. Related to this is the fact that FDI inflows to China hit a record low in Q2. Sustainable export rebound Kokalari said the improvement in Viet Nams exports will accelerate as 2023 progresses based on several reliable leading indicators, including Viet Nams import growth finally caught up to export growth on a sequential basis in July, after having lagged significantly for much of 2023, the ongoing decline in export orders for Viet Nams factories finally eased in July, and firms inventories of raw materials increased in July for the first time since late-2022. The decline in firms export orders moderated significantly last month and factory output grew 4 per cent month-on-month in July, both of which helped push Viet Nams PMI up from 46.2 in June to 48.7 in July. We believe firms are ramping up their imports/purchases of raw materials in anticipation of a resurgence of factory orders later this year. Consumer electronics, smartphones and garments will drive export recovery, he said. Speaking to the media recently, Pham Tung Linh, deputy general director of uc Giang Corporation, one of the leading garment and textile firms in Viet Nam, said the market has shown positive signs since the third quarter of the year, with a return of export orders, especially from the US and EU markets. His company has orders to the end of 2023 and is looking for orders for 2024, he said. Viet Nam ranked among the worlds largest wooden furniture exporters. And a preliminary survey by the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City found that export orders of enterprises in the industry began to recover in July ahead of the global year-end furniture shopping season. We expect a full recovery in Viet Nams exports and manufacturing activity next year (back to 8-9 per cent growth for manufacturing), which will in-turn drive a recovery in the countrys GDP growth from below 5 per cent in 2023 to 6.5 per cent in 2024, Kokalari said, adding that recent Government measures to support the countrys economy, including policy rate cuts, will also support Viet Nams economic growth next year. The export-driven recovery in Viet Nams economy should help propel an increase in the earnings growth of the VN-Index from 6 per cent in 2023 to over 20 per cent in 2024, which should support the VNI in the months ahead, he added. VNS HA NOI The 17th Vietnam - Singapore Connectivity Ministerial Meeting took place in Ha Noi on August 27 under the co-chair of Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Singaporean Second Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng. The event gathered the two countries officials related to the five economic cooperation pillars of energy connectivity, sustainable development, infrastructure, digital techniques and innovation, and connectivity (including in such sectors as education, finance, information technology and telecommunications, tourism, investment, trade, services, and transport). The five pillars are specified in an upgraded connectivity framework agreement expected to be signed during Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs ongoing official visit to Viet Nam. The existing connectivity framework agreement, signed by the two Governments in 2005, is a cooperation programme focusing on finance, education and training, transport, information technology and communications, investment, trade, and services. To explore new potential cooperation areas, the two Governments agreed to expand the deals coverage to energy and sustainable development. In the first 10 months of 2022, bilateral trade reached US$7.7 billion, up 15.8 per cent year on year. Singapore is currently one of the leading foreign investors in Viet Nam, with about 3,030 valid projects worth nearly $70.3 billion. Among those projects, the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs), which cover over 7,000ha of land, attract about $18 billion in investment and create more than 312,000 jobs, are considered symbols of the countries economic partnerships. At the meeting, Minister Dung stated that Viet Nam pledges to continue improving the investment climate, perfecting the legal system and foreign investment attraction policies, and assisting Singaporean investors. He suggested the city state transform the VSIPs into ecological ones; boost investment in the key and priority fields of Viet Nam such as electronics, big data, high technology, new materials, renewable energy, supporting industries, e-commerce, and smart city building; and help Viet Nam develop such industries as textile-garment, wood processing, shipbuilding, industrial infrastructure, chemical production, and petrochemistry. As education - training and human resources development play an important role supplying high-quality manpower for both countries economic development, the official called for Singapores assistance in improving Vietnamese cadres capacity amid digital transformation. The Vietnamese side continued asking Singapore to import more farm produce from Viet Nam; help with improving the aviation, navigation, road transport, and logistics capacity; coordinate to open new air routes linking Singapore and outstanding destinations in Viet Nam; work together to implement trade promotion programmes and introduce Viet Nam to major cruise ship operators to develop tourism; and keep sharing experience in terms of education and finance - banking, especially in the building of international financial centres. At the event, the two sides reviewed the cooperation results obtained since the 16th meeting held in Singapore in December 2022; informed each other about the implementation of the countries memorandum of understanding (MoU) on digital economy and green economy, signed last year; discussed orientations for expanding ties in such new areas as energy and sustainable development. On this occasion, the two ministers witnessed the signing of an MoU on innovation cooperation between the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam (NIC) and the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre under Singapores Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), along with another on cooperation in training Vietnamese interns in the fields of supply chains and logistics between the Vinh Phuc provincial Peoples Committee and the YCH Group Pte. Ltd of Singapore. VNS HA NOI The 17th Viet Nam-Singapore Connectivity Ministerial Meeting took place in Ha Noi on Sunday under the co-chair of Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Singaporean Second Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng. The event gathered the two countries officials related to the five economic cooperation pillars of energy connectivity, sustainable development, infrastructure, digital techniques and innovation, and connectivity (including in such sectors as education, finance, information technology and telecommunications, tourism, investment, trade, services, and transport). The five pillars are specified in an upgraded connectivity framework agreement expected to be signed during Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs ongoing official visit to Viet Nam. The existing connectivity framework agreement, signed by the two Governments in 2005, is a cooperation programme focusing on finance, education and training, transport, information technology and communications, investment, trade, and services. To explore new potential cooperation areas, the two Governments agreed to expand the deals coverage to energy and sustainable development. In the first 10 months of 2022, bilateral trade reached US$7.7 billion, up 15.8 per cent year on year. Singapore is currently one of the leading foreign investors in Vietnam, with about 3,030 valid projects worth nearly $70.3 billion. Among those projects, the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs), which cover over 7,000ha of land, attract about $18 billion in investment and create more than 312,000 jobs, are considered symbols of the countries economic partnerships. At the meeting, Minister Dung stated that Viet Nam pledges to continue improving the investment climate, perfecting the legal system and foreign investment attraction policies, and assisting Singaporean investors. He suggested the city state transform the VSIPs into ecological ones; boost investment in the key and priority fields of Viet Nam such as electronics, big data, high technology, new materials, renewable energy, supporting industries, e-commerce, and smart city building; and help Vietnam develop such industries as textile-garment, wood processing, shipbuilding, industrial infrastructure, chemical production, and petrochemistry. As education-training and human resources development play an important role supplying high-quality manpower for both countries economic development, the official called for Singapores assistance in improving Vietnamese cadres capacity amid digital transformation. The Vietnamese side continued asking Singapore to import more farm produce from Viet Nam; help with improving the aviation, navigation, road transport, and logistics capacity; coordinate to open new air routes linking Singapore and outstanding destinations in Viet Nam; work together to implement trade promotion programmes and introduce Viet Nam to major cruise ship operators to develop tourism; and keep sharing experience in terms of education and finance - banking, especially in the building of international financial centres. At the event, the two sides reviewed the cooperation results obtained since the 16th meeting held in Singapore in December 2022; informed each other about the implementation of the countries memorandum of understanding (MoU) on digital economy and green economy, signed last year; discussed orientations for expanding ties in such new areas as energy and sustainable development. On this occasion, the two ministers witnessed the signing of an MoU on innovation cooperation between the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam and the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre under Singapores Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), along with another on cooperation in training Vietnamese interns in the fields of supply chains and logistics between the Vinh Phuc provincial Peoples Committee and the YCH Group Pte. Ltd of Singapore. VNS by Dr Mattias Larsson* If you did not know it you are more bacteria than human! That is if we look at the number of cells. The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These tiny inhabitants reside mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, but also populate other areas like the skin, mouth, and reproductive organs. The intestinal microbiome includes approximately 500-1,000 species whose collective genomes are estimated to contain 100 times more genes than our own human genome. In Vietnamese there are two words for bacteria vi khuan - the pathogens that cause disease, and loi khuan - the good bacteria. The good bacteria that live in symbiosis with us, in us and on us, and that are necessary for our survival. The microbiome is a complex and diverse ecosystem comprising loi khuan, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. When it is in a state of balance, it can support several essential bodily functions. These include digestion, synthesising vitamins, regulating the immune system, and preventing the growth of harmful vi khuan. Additionally, the microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, which is vital for overall gut health. The incidence of allergies, such as asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food allergies, has been on the rise over the past few decades. Researchers have found intriguing links between the microbiome and the development of allergies. The early-life establishment of the microbiome seems to play a pivotal role in shaping the immune system's response to potential allergens. Children born through natural birth are exposed to their mother's vaginal and fecal microbiota, which begins the colonisation of their gut. On the other hand, babies born via C-section are colonised by microbes from the hospital environment, which can differ significantly from a vaginal birth. Studies have shown that children born via C-section might have a higher risk of developing allergies and being colonised by vi khuan compared to those born vaginally. Additionally, the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome during infancy and early childhood have been linked to the development of allergies later in life. An environment that is too clean might not expose the intestinal tract and immune system to enough diversity and stimulation, it then starts to react on substances that dont pose a threat to the body, such as pollen or various different food items. A lack of microbial diversity and an imbalance of certain bacterial species, particularly during the first years of life, can lead to an increased risk of allergic conditions. Research has shown that Sweden, a high-income country, has higher rates of allergies compared to Estonia, a middle-income country, with a similar climate. The gut microbiome may influence the development and progression of various diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. The gut-brain axis, a communication network between the gut and the brain, is modulated by the microbiome where imbalance can affect mental health, increasing the risk for conditions like depression, anxiety, and even neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to combat bacterial infections. However, antibiotics kill both loi khuan and vi khuan. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have become a global health concern, as some bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance. Bacteria can share resistance genes though plasmids, just like programs can be transferred between computers. These genes can spread among both loi khuan and vi khuan turning the microbiome into a pool of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In Viet Nam we have found that there is a high rate of colonisation and disease with multi resistant superbugs, please see previous articles in Viet Nam News. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to use antibiotics judiciously, prescribing them only when necessary and considering potential alternatives whenever possible. The human microbiome is an intricate ecosystem that profoundly influences health and disease. Its role in modulating immune responses protecting against allergies, and contributing to disease susceptibility highlights the importance of nurturing this delicate balance through various means, including prudent antibiotic use, can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. Family Medical Practice *Dr Mattias Larsson is a pediatric doctor at Family Medical Practice and associate professor at Karolinska Institutte and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German and some Spanish. Visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi 24/7 at 298I Kim Ma street, Ba inh, Ha Noi. To book an appointment, please call us at (024).3843.0784 or via Whatsapp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com. FMPs downtown location in Ho Chi Minh is in Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan ave., Ben Nghe, district 1, and 95 Thao ien ave., district 2. Tel. (028) 3822 7848 or email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com. Criminal law professor Ryu Ki-chyon, right, and his wife Helen Silving in this undated photo / Korea Times file Professor emeritus uncovers legacy of mentor who lived ahead of his time By Kang Hyun-kyung Choi Chong-ko, a professor emeritus of law at Seoul National University, has found life after college inseparable from his mentor and advisor, the late Ryu Ki-chyon (1915-1998), better known by his English name, Paul K. Ryu, to people living outside of Korea. He met his mentor in the late 1960s when Choi took Ryu's criminal law course. Their bond deepened as they continued to exchange thoughts about their areas of academic focus and issues of mutual interest as a professor and a student. When Ryu passed away in 1998 in San Diego, California, Choi teamed up with several like-minded classmates to initiate a campaign to establish a foundation to commemorate his mentor, his legacy and academic accomplishments. Their years of coordinated work bore fruit in 2004 with the launch of the Paul K. Ryu Foundation in Seoul. Having served as president of the foundation since, Choi released Ryu's biography titled, "Ryu Ki-chyon, An Intellectual of Justice and Freedom," in 2009. He will present a paper about Ryu's academic legacy at a seminar on Friday at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Ryu's nephew, Chicago-based neurologist Jeong-ho Ryu, and several experts who were either his students or familiar with his academic accomplishments will be joining the event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the foundation. "Dr. Ryu was a towering figure in criminal law," Choi said during a Korea Times interview in Seoul on Aug. 18, a week before the seminar in Honolulu. "His sharp insight into criminal law and thorough knowledge of other related fields, such as psychology, arts and humanities as well as social sciences, were admirable." Choi said Ryu laid the groundwork for Korea's criminal law system through his over two decades of teaching and research activities as a professor at Seoul National University, which includes a 14-month stint as president of the university. Choi said his mentor was able to leave a lasting impact in Korea's criminal law, perhaps because of his academic partnership with his wife, the late Helen Silving (1906-1993). "Mrs. Ryu is more famous than her husband. In the United States, some people called her 'queen of criminal law.' Their marriage symbolized a life-long partnership of two intellectuals who left profound impacts on criminal law," he said. Ryu met Silving at a dinner hosted by then dean of Harvard University. He was then a visiting scholar and was invited to the dinner. Choi Chong-ko, a professor emeritus of law at Seoul National University / Korea Times file Choi said it was love at first sight, adding Ryu instantly fell in love with her. "Dr. Ryu was one of the greatest scholars of all time in the fields of arts, humanities and social sciences," Choi said. "As a scholar, he was thorough and strict. But sometimes he was eccentric. He was upset when he heard that his mentor and independence fighter Cho Man-sik married again two months after the passing of his first wife and tore down the picture of him that he treasured." Choi said he and other students of Seoul National University's College of Law were able to receive a top-notch education in law during the 1960s and 1970s, despite the poor academic environment at the time, because Ryu kept trying to inform his students of the latest academic trends he learned while pursuing a juris doctoral degree at Yale University and tried hard to open his students' eyes to the complex but intriguing world of criminal law. Albeit sharp and multi-talented as a scholar, Choi said his mentor was an unfortunate intellectual who lived ahead of his time. Ryu faced calls to resign from his students when he assumed the presidency of the university in 1965 as they believed he was a pro-government scholar. Choi denied the allegation. He said Ryu was a libertarian and prioritized freedom above all other values. Ryu Ki-chyon HCM CITY A photo book about the life and revolutionary career of late President Ton uc Thang, founder of the first workers union in Viet Nam in 1920, has been published. The work, Cuoc oi va Su Nghiep Cach Mang cua Chu Tich Ton uc Thang (The Life and Revolutionary Career of President Ton uc Thang), was written by well-known historians and cultural researchers. It includes seven chapters and many black-and-white photos. Each page and photo from the book about late President Thang offers readers useful knowledge on his life and revolutionary career, and his contribution to the revolutionary cause of the Party, the liberation of the nation and to the movement of international communists and workers. The book is part of HCM Citys cultural activities to celebrate the 135th anniversary of President Thangs birthday. Thang was born in 1888 in An Giang Provinces Long Xuyen City. He joined the patriotic movement against the French colonialists at a young age. He moved to France and participated in the workers movements there, as well as the uprising of the French Navy in the Black Sea in support of the October Revolution in Russia. In the 1920s, he returned to Viet Nam and led the workers movement in Sai Gon (now HCM City) with the Ba Son strike, the most prominent example of the movements activities. He joined and became a leader of the Viet Nam Revolutionary Youth Union. In 1929, the French colonialists arrested and sentenced him to 20 years in Con ao Prison. One year later, he joined the Communist Party of Viet Nam while he was in prison. After the August Revolution in 1945, Thang regained his freedom and joined the resistance war against the French invaders. He was assigned many important missions by the Party. He was the second President of Viet Nam, serving from 1969 to 1976. Thang made great contributions to the Vietnamese revolution, the world peace movement, and international friendships. He was the first person to receive the Sao Vang (Golden Star) Order from the Party and Government. He was also awarded the Lenin Order and the Lenin Prize of the Soviet Union. He died in 1980. In HCM City, Ton uc Thang Museum opened in 1988 and houses many artefacts, images and documents featuring Viet Nams history and people during the French and American wars. The Communist Party of Viet Nam and its establishment, role, leadership and development in different periods, are also highlighted. Ton uc Thang Museum attracts around 2 million visitors per year. It helps young people learn lessons about patriotism and the international proletariat, said the museums director Pham Thanh Nam. In 2020, the city spent VN275.7 billion (US$11 million) from its budget to renovate the museum located on Ton uc Thang Street in District 1. The rebuilding will be completed next year.VNS If you did not know it you are more bacteria than human! That is if we look at the number of cells. The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These tiny inhabitants reside mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, but also populate other areas like the skin, mouth, and reproductive organs. The intestinal microbiome includes approximately 500-1,000 species whose collective genomes are estimated to contain 100 times more genes than our own human genome. Panamanian ambassador Eligio Salas III wrote to Viet Nam News on August 28, the 48th anniversary of friendship between the two countries. Viet Nam and Panama are half a world away by distance and our countries differ greatly in size and population but our peoples share very common values when it comes to the belief in peaceful coexistence and the welfare of our nations. So even though we are separated by a great ocean our similarities are a testament to the affection, closeness, and mutual bonds of friendship we cherish. On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Panama and Viet Nam, I would like to compile several important milestones of our relationship and our vision for the future. On August 28, 1975, the Republic of Panama and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing diplomatic relations between both nations. In September 1979, then Prime Minister H.E. Pham Van ong arrived in Panama, marking the first and most important visit ever made by one of Viet Nams highest leaders to Panama. During this official visit, both sides discussed the future relationship, and the many ways the relationship could grow and develop going forward. Months later on November 6, 1979, as a direct result of the official visit of the Prime Minister, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam became the first country to adhere to the Protocol of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, a fact never forgotten by the Panamanian people. During this long and fruitful 48 years of friendship, we have accomplished several agreements between our two countries, leading to more prosperity and well-being for our peoples, and that have brought our nations closer together. As an example of this, in June 2019, both countries signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports and the prompt implementation of the Visa Free Agreement that provided free entrance for up to 90 days to Panamanian tourists to Viet Nam and vice versa. By doing this, we became the second country in Latin America to have this type of agreement with Viet Nam. This in turn provided the framework for and increase in the flow of tourists between both sides. On the economic front, based on statistics of the Vietnamese General Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance, we have increased our commercial exchange from US$74 million in 2006 to US$435 million in 2022, with the main products that Panama imported from Viet Nam being oil refined products, textiles, computers and electronic accessories, phones, agricultural machinery, coffee, frozen fish and seafood, wood, manufactured wood articles, shoes, plastics and bamboo and rattan products. On the other hand, we can highlight that earlier this year, Panama exported around 63 tons of fish flour, opening a new market for this type of Panamanian export to this country and the ASEAN region. Taking into consideration that Viet Nam and the ASEAN region are an important potential market for our products, our government has presented to the National Assembly for approval the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) that will provide a legal framework for a closer relationship and commercial cooperation between our nation and the ASEAN region, bearing in mind that this is one of the most important regions in the world in terms economic growth and foreign investment. This treaty will provide Viet Nam and ASEAN a gateway through Panama to Latin American markets. Panama has in the Colon Free Zone, one of the largest free zones in the region and it is a well-known fact that the connectivity and logistical services that we have developed provide Viet Nam with a formidable platform to export Vietnamese products to the entire American continent. Viet Nam offers Panama access for our products to all ASEAN countries, for example, frozen fish and seafood, gourmet coffees, precious woods, and other products. The Republic of Panama maintains more than 8,662 registered vessels and added more than 5.9 million Gross Register Tons during the first half of 2023, making it one of the biggest maritime registries in the world. Vietnamese seafarers make up a good number of the crew aboard said vessels and the Panama Maritime Authority, through our consulate in Ho Chi Minh City makes sure that these seafarers are issued the appropriate certificates to serve on board these ships. It is of the utmost importance for the Panama Maritime Authority that Panamanian flag vessels possess the greatest safety levels and that the crew enjoy excellent working conditions, and thats what our maritime authorities strive for. Finally, to our Vietnamese friends, on the occasion of the commemoration of the first 48 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations, I would like to thank you in the name of the government and people of the Republic of Panama for all the friendship and cooperation in all fields of human endeavour and wish that it further develops in the years to come. Panama will always stand with Viet Nam as an excellent partner and friend. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony in Ha Noi on Monday morning for his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong who is on an official visit to Viet Nam. The two Prime Ministers then visited a photo exhibition featuring the land, people and relations of Viet Nam and Singapore, jointly organised by the Vietnam News Agency and the Viet Nam Government Office. After that, they held talks to discuss measures to bolster bilateral relations and witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two countries. Before the welcome ceremony, the Singaporean PM laid flower wreaths and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum. Earlier on Sunday evening, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tried Ha Nois cuisine and took a stroll on the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of the capital city right upon his arrival. In his stroll, the Singaporean leader visited and offered incense at Ngoc Son Temple national relic site - one of the famous destinations of Ha Noi. Upon his arrival, PM Lee posted a status on his personal Facebook page that Xin chao from Hanoi! I am in Vietnam for an Official Visit at the invitation of PM Pham Minh Chinh. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and the 10th anniversary of the Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Partnership. Beyond diplomatic relations, Singaporeans and Vietnamese also share many common interests, such as a love for good food, he shared. This is Lees fifth visit to Viet Nam in his position as the Prime Minister of Singapore, showing the closeness and cohesion between the two nations. It is among a wide range of activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership. On this occasion, PM Lee is expected to attend many important activities and events. VNS HA NOI Singapore has become the largest investor in Viet Nam in the first eight months of this year with newly registered capital of more than US$3.6 billion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong said during their talks in Ha Noi on Monday. After PM Chinh hosted an official welcome ceremony for the Singaporean guest in the morning, the two sides held talks during which they expressed optimism over the rapidly developing relationship between the two countries, saying that it has never been as good and comprehensive as it is now. Important cooperation agreements, including the results achieved during PM Chinhs visit to Singapore in February 2023, have been actively implemented, they said. PM Chinh emphasised the significance of PM Lees visit in the context of the two countries celebrating 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and 10 years of establishing strategic partnership relationship (2013-2023). He believed that the visit would contribute to further promoting the strong relationship between the two countries. Chinh congratulated Singapore on economic recovery and development while expressing confidence that Singapore will soon achieve the goal of Green Plan 2030, develop a harmonious and increasingly prosperous society, contributing to building a strong, united and resilient ASEAN Community. PM Lee Hsien Loong thanked the Vietnamese leader for the respectful and warm welcome, saying that he highly appreciates Viet Nam's great achievements of post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery and development. PM Lee expressed satisfaction with the development of Viet Nam-Singapore relations and highlighted that Viet Nam is Singapores important regional strategic partner. The two leaders agreed to consider upgrading the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the near future. They agreed to continue increasing visits at the Party, Government and Parliament levels and hold an annual meeting between the Prime Ministers to discuss bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern. They also vowed to effectively implement high-level agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, and coordinate to organise the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of forming the strategic partnership relationship in 2023, including the event Spotlight Singapore in Viet Nam in October. The two Prime Ministers emphasised the need to strengthen the green and digital economy partnership established in February 2023. During their talks, PM Chinh and PM Lee spoke highly of the upgrade of the framework agreement on connecting the two economies, which helps expand and deepen economic connectivity in new fields such as clean energy, energy transformation and innovation. PM Chinh requested Singapore create conditions to import more Vietnamese products, develop and convert traditional Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) into smart, green, low-carbon industrial parks towards the development of an urban-industrial ecosystem. PM Chinh also hoped that Singapore would expand investment in key areas and priority groups of Viet Nam, such as the electronics industry, smart manufacturing industry, information technology, digital technology, new materials, as well as assist Viet Nam in developing supporting industries for textiles, furniture processing, shipbuilding, industrial infrastructure development, chemicals, petrochemicals, and liquefied natural gas. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and security by promoting the signing and effective implementation of relevant cooperation agreements. Chinh asked Singapore to help Viet Nam build and operate a large database centre to improve its effectiveness in fighting against crime, especially hi-tech crimes. He proposed the two sides soon promote the connection between the Vietnamese system and Singapores electronic identification and authentication system to facilitate the two nations citizens in travelling, living and working. On this occasion, the Vietnamese Prime Minister asked Singapore to continue to support and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Singapore. The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue promoting cooperation in education, training, finance and banking, tourism and culture. Chinh proposed opening new flight routes and expanding the connection of destinations for cruise ships. The two sides highly appreciated each others support in elections and candidacy for UN agencies and active coordination with other ASEAN countries. They spoke highly of each other in ensuring solidarity, unity and together with other ASEAN countries maintaining ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issues. Both emphasised the importance of freedom and safety of navigation and overflight; ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); creating a favourable environment, striving to develop a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). After their talks, the Vietnamese and Singaporean Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of seven cooperation agreements. The two ministries of foreign affairs signed an agreement on a research programme and thematic research programme for senior officials of the Communist Party of Viet Nam from 2024 to 2026. The Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry signed a letter of exchange on upgrading the framework agreement on connecting the two economies. The Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Singapore Viet Nam Innovation Talent Exchange Programme. A Memorandum of Understanding in the employment and skills development between the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Singaporean Ministry of Manpower was also inked. Other cooperation documents signed included the letter of intent on continuing to implement the Memorandum of Understanding under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement between the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry; Memorandum of Understanding on education cooperation between the two ministries of education and training; Memorandum of Understanding on promoting sustainable infrastructure development in HCM City between HCM City People's Committee and Infrastructure Asia. VNS HA NOI Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee Vu Hai Ha received in Ha Noi on Monday received a delegation from Cuba-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group led by its Vice President, Governor of Cubas Artemisa Province Ricardo Concepcion Rodriguez. Ha, who is also President of the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Parliamentarians Group and the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Association, emphasised that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people always attach great importance to and wish to further tighten the traditional relationship of solidarity, friendship, and traditional cooperation with the Party, State and the people of Cuba. Viet Nam is willing to accompany Cuba in the process of national construction and defence and to share the countrys experience so as to help Cuba overcome difficulties and challenges, he said. Ha spoke highly of the increasingly close, effective, and practical cooperation relationship betweenBinh Duong Province and Artemisa which contributes to consolidating and strengthening the traditional friendship between Viet Nam-Cuba. He suggested the Friendship Parliamentary Groups of the two National Assemblies strengthen exchanges and cooperation. For his part, the Cuban official emphasised the delegations visit to Viet Nam is an opportunity for them to learn more about the country and people of Viet Nam, and of Viet Nam's experiences in the national development, thereby contributing to further tightening the solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries, National Assemblies, and peoples. He said that Cuba attaches special importance to promoting cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in the context that Cuba is facing many difficulties due to the economic embargo and the COVID-19 pandemic. The official wishes to have more opportunities for cooperation between localities of the two countries in general, and between the provinces of Artemisa and Binh Duong in particular, especially in the fields that the two sides are interested in and have advantages. VNS HA NOI Director General of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang on Monday had a meeting with a delegation from the Governments of the French-Speaking Community of Belgium (Wallonie-Bruxelles) and the Walloon Region in Viet Nam. At the meeting, Trang congratulated Nicolas Dervaux, Representative of the Governments of the French-speaking Community of Belgium and the Walloon Region in Viet Nam, for completing his term and welcomed his successor, Pierre Du Ville. Telling her guests about the development of the VNA, Trang said that it was officially established on September 15, 1945. It broadcast the Declaration of Independence which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in three languages Vietnamese, English, and French. She emphasised French was one of the first two languages that the VNA used for its external service information. Currently, the VNA has carried out this kind of service in 10 languages, and French is still used as a key language of the agency's foreign service information work. Trang said over the past time, the Governments of the French-speaking Community of Belgium and the Wallonia region has implemented cooperation projects with Viet Nam in various fields, bringing practical benefits to Viet Nams ministries and sectors, especially in human resources training. The VNA is also a beneficiary of the effective cooperation relationship between the two sides, Trang said, noting the project to improve French proficiency and journalism skills for VNAs French-language reporters. She also expressed her hope that within the framework of a visit to Viet Nam by the King and the Queen of Belgium in 2024, the VNA can cooperate with Wallonie-Bruxelles to open a photo exhibition or multimedia show featuring products of beneficiaries of the project. At the meeting, Nicolas Dervaux affirmed the successful cooperative relationship between the Government of Wallonia-Bruxelles and Viet Nam in general, and between its diplomatic mission and the VNA in particular. The Wallonie-Bruxelles government highly values the cooperative relationship with the VNA, taking the new agency as its important partner. Meanwhile, Pierre Du Ville said that in 2023 and 2024, the two sides will have a lot of activities to implement cooperation, especially the visit to Viet Nam by the King and the Queen of Belgium in 2024 which will open a new cooperation relationship. He said that he will subsequently inform Belgiums King and Queen as well as Vietnamese leaders about the cooperation relation with the VNA. VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong on Monday hailed the ongoing visit by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as an important milestone in the development of the ties between the two countries. During a Ha Noi reception for the Singaporean leader, he highlighted the visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1973-2023) and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Expressing delight at the development of bilateral relations, the leader affirmed attaching importance to the enhancement of ties with Singapore, a neighbouring nation that holds a pivotal position regionally and internationally and has extensive experience in various fields. Lee, who is in Viet Nam from August 27-29, stressed that bilateral ties have been growing robustly and expanded into various new areas, adding Singapore values the further strengthening of its relationship with Vietnam. He informed the host of the outcomes of his talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other Vietnamese leaders, and agreed with the Party leader's cooperation proposals, considering them crucial and strategic directions for bilateral ties in the near future. The guest expressed his wish to strengthen coordination to contribute to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. He reaffirmed the shared stance on the maintenance of peace in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), respect of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), toward reaching an effective and substantial Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). The two pledged to enhance the sharing of experience in improving the capacity and position of the ruling parties, including the party building, personnel training and human resources development for Viet Nam, and to work together more effectively at global and regional forums, as well as intensify high-level meetings and exchanges among different sectors and levels. VNS HA NOI National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue met with visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Ha Noi on Monday, during which he underlined the necessity for the two countries to effectively implement their partnership in green economy & digital economy established in February this year. The Vietnamese top legislator stressed that Singaporean PM Lees official visit holds special significance in the year when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973-2023). He congratulated Singapore on its strong recovery and development after the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising that Singapore has always been an example of national governance, corporate governance, and corruption combat; and a model of transparent, efficient, and intelligent administration. NA Chairman Hue spoke highly of the results of the talks between the Singaporean PM and his Vietnamese counterpart on the same day morning with the signing of seven cooperation documents, and the upgrade of the framework agreement on connecting the two economies. He expressed his pleasure with the substantive development of the bilateral relations over the past half century across all fields, saying that the two countries have seen increasing close and trusted political relations through strengthening cooperation and exchange of delegations at all levels and channels, including the Party, NA, Government, localities and businesses of the two countries. Hue emphasised that Viet Nam and Singapore need to expand partnership in new areas such digital connectivity, digital society, circular economy, innovation, clean energy, which are global issues and of Singapore's strengths. The two sides should also further foster economic, trade and investment cooperation in a more effective manner. The two Governments should consider to expand the model of Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) in the green - clean - smart direction towards developing an industrial - urban ecosystem, NA Chairman Hue stressed. For his part, Lee said Singapore is interested in developing renewable energy, and willing to support Viet Nam as well as discuss potential cooperation projects in this field in order to enable Vietnam to export renewable energy to Singapore. Carbon credit is an area where the two sides can cooperate, especially when the two countries set a goal of cutting emissions to net zero by 2050, he stated. Emphasising that VSIP is a symbol of successful cooperation between the two countries, the Singaporean guest expressed his hope that more VSIPs will be developed in Viet Nam in the future. Both leaders underlined the importance to further enhance cooperation in key areas such as defence and security, labour, education and training, culture, and people-to-people exchange, saying that the two sides should consider signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on culture exchange as soon as possible. The two countries should proceed to open more direct flights from Singapore to Viet Nams tourist destinations, and expand connection in cruise ship tourism as these are open and effective cooperation fields, the leaders said, noting that these contribute to boosting economic development of both Viet Nam and Singapore. Briefing the guest on Viet Nams new, more open e-visa policy, NA Chairman Hue said the Vietnamese parliament always supports and creates favourable conditions for the successful signing and implementation of cooperation agreements between the two countries. He suggested the two sides soon complete negotiations and related procedures for the signing of important cooperation documents, including an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; an extradition agreement; an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons; and a memorandum of understanding on rescue. Hue proposed PM Lee support the legislative bodies of the two countries to effectively implement their Cooperation Agreement signed in May 2022, serving as a legal basis to further promote substantive relations between the two legislatures; strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and share experience in parliamentary activities and issues of mutual concern. Viet Nam wishes to share and learn experience in building a legal framework for important issues such as carbon market, green finance mobilisation, and global minimum tax, NA Chairman Hue said. During the meeting, the two leaders emphasised the importance of building a united and resilient ASEAN community, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, settling disputes by peaceful measures, and fully implementing the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and soon concluding negotiations on an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). The Singaporean PM took the occasion to invite NA Chairman Hue to pay an official visit to Singapore at an appropriate time. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health has proposed to upgrade five tertiary referral hospitals to modern hospitals to attract foreigners to come for medical examinations and treatment, according to the plan for the national health care network for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. The five hospitals are the biggest and most capable ones managed by the ministry across the country's three regions: Bach Mai, Viet uc and 108 Central Military Hospital in Ha Noi, Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City and Hue Central Hospital in Thua Thien-Hue Province. The ministry hopes that the upgrade will help reduce the number of Vietnamese needing to go abroad for medical treatment as well as to attract foreign patients to the hospitals. In addition, the health ministry also proposed to invest in 47 provincial-level general and specialised hospitals to serve as regional healthcare facilities in the northern midland and mountainous, Hong (Red) River delta and south-eastern regions which have high population density. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the ministry's Medical Services Administration, one of the advantages of Viet Nams healthcare is that the costs are lower than other countries in the region or in the world, while the treatment quality is not inferior. Vietnamese doctors, especially in tertiary referral hospitals, have mastered many advanced and specialised techniques such as organ transplants, in vitro fertilisation, dental porcelain, stroke treatment, endoscopic surgery, cancer treatment, angioplasty, heart surgery, hip and knee join replacement and musculoskeletal treatment, Khu said. "This development in medical technology has attracted a lot of overseas Vietnamese to return home for treatment, even foreigners in some major hospitals, in recent years, he remarked. Vietnamese doctors are able to perform organ transplantation of heart, liver, lung, kidney, pancreas and intestines, master the technologies of endoscopic surgery, cardiovascular intervention, porcelain crowns and denture at a cost reduced by half or one third compared to the services in other countries, according to Khu. This allows patients to access the latest technologies in the treatment of serious diseases as well as attract many overseas Vietnamese and foreigners for treatment, he said. In the field of oncology, the application of advanced technology in diagnosis and treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and endocrine and biological therapy increases the cure rate of some diseases, especially for breast cancer, to over 70 per cent. This result is equivalent to the results of Singapore and developed countries in the world. In terms of specialised health care, HCM City is the leading locality in the country in professional and technical development with the successful implementation of many difficult techniques to treat fatal diseases so the citys residents are getting the best health care conditions in the country and neighbouring localities have also benefited greatly from this. HCM City has also become a destination for medical examination and treatment of people from neighbouring countries. According to Khue, at present, the healht ministry is setting up a project of developing high-tech healthcare to not only retain domestic patients but also attract foreigners and overseas Vietnamese coming to Viet Nam for medical examination and treatment. One of the other strengths of Vietnamese health care is traditional medicine. "I think this has potential for us to attract overseas Vietnamese and foreigners. But we need to continue to pay attention and invest resources to bring Vietnamese traditional medicine into full play in the health care system, the doctor added. VNS Teachers stage a rally in front of the National Assembly, Saturday, calling for measures to better protect teachers' rights and unearth the truth behind the July 18 suicide of a young elementary school teacher. Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye Tens of thousands of educators across the country are poised to take yearly leave on Sept. 4, with nearly 500 schools moving to designate the day a discretionary holiday, as part of protests against the government and the National Assembly as teachers call for measures to better protect their rights in the workplace and call for justice following the suicide of a young teacher in July. The day marks the 49th day since a teacher in her 20s ended her own life inside her classroom at an elementary school in Seoul's affluent Seocho District on July 18. She allegedly had been in conflict with the parents over an incidence of violence involving some of her students. In many Buddhist traditions, 49 days is the total mourning period, as Buddhists believe that rebirth takes place within 49 days of death. The Ministry of Education warned that it will respond sternly to any illegal collective actions, saying that educators' moves to take their yearly leave and designate the day as a discretionary holiday could be in violation of the National Public Service Law. "The collective actions could provoke another conflict," Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said, Sunday. "The most important task of teachers is to teach students. Their collective action will infringe on students' right to learn." As the suicide of the young school teacher shed light on the suffering of many educators, teachers across the country have since staged large-scale rallies every Saturday in Seoul. Teachers pay a silent tribute to the late elementary school teacher who took her own life inside her classroom, during a rally in front of the National Assembly, Saturday. Yonhap The collective actions for Sept. 4 have been pushed by two separate groups. One was pushing to stage a large-scale rally in front of the National Assembly on that day. The other was pushing to designate the day "the day of stopping public education," during which teachers and schools would stop their educational activities and commemorate the death of the young teacher. The former canceled its plan following the education ministry's announcement of its will to mount a tough response. The group said that some think the plan could cause damage to other teachers who do not want to participate in the rally. "We also concluded that the cancelation of our plan will help lessen the burden of the other group that is pushing for the day of stopping public education," a leader of the group said. The second group pushing for the day of stopping public education has changed its slogan to "the day of normalizing public education," following the ministry's announcement. Still, it said it would continue its campaign calling on teachers to take their annual leave on that day. As of 2 p.m., Monday, the number of teachers who expressed a will to take annual leave on Sept. 4 stood at 82,789. The number of schools that designated the day as a discretionary holiday was 494, according to the group's website. Teachers' groups criticized the education ministry, claiming it "threatened teachers and infringed on the autonomy of schools." The Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union filed a complaint with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials against the education minister, accusing him of abuse of authority, Monday. Education Minister Lee Ju-ho speaks during a National Assembly session, Friday. Yonhap "The ministry labeled teachers' volunteer campaign to commemorate the late teacher as an illegal act," the union said in its statement. "The ministry should stop abusing its power, as teachers and schools are exercising their rights in accordance with laws and principles." Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon also expressed his support for the teachers' Sept. 4 plan, saying he "will become an umbrella" to protect teachers. This signals the seeds of conflict between the Seoul education office and the education ministry. Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon, left, speaks during a meeting with heads of education offices of cities and provinces at the Government Complex in Seoul, Aug. 18. Yonhap HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked ministries and agencies to investigate the cause of a coal pit collapse that left four miners dead. The tragedy happened at a mining company in Uong Bi City in northern Quang Ninh Province on Saturday. The PM made the request in an official dispatch sent on Sunday to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, the Commission for the Management of State Capital, and the Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin). The accident occurred at around 7.20pm when four miners were working in a mine of Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, a unit of Viet Nam's State coal miner Vinacomin in Uong Bi City. An hour after the collapse, the bodies of the victims were recovered. They have been named as Luong Hoai Nam, 30, Truong Van ai, 33, Nguyen uc Thao, 35, and Pham Tien Dung, 36. In the dispatch, PM Chinh extended condolences to the families of the deceased workers. He also urged the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee to provide support and assistance to the families of the victims. He instructed all relevant agencies to collaborate closely with Vinacomin in investigating and clarifying the cause of the accident, determining the responsibilities of related organisations and individuals, and taking strict action against any violations. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Commission for the Management of State Capital and Vinacomin, was directed to thoroughly review the regulations and procedures for mining operations in order to promptly address any limitations and ensure absolute safety for workers, especially under current unusual weather conditions. He also requested the enhancement of inspection on labour safety regulations in coal mining operations to prevent similar incidents. The Commission for the Management of State Capital directed Vinacomin to closely collaborate with the Quang Ninh provincial authorities to overcome the aftermaths of the coal pit collapse. They were also urged to provide material and emotional support to the affected families and work with the departments to review the regulations and operational procedures for Vinacomins mining operations. On the same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien met with the leadership of Quang Ninh Province, Vinacomin, and Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company to provide guidance on addressing the consequences of this serious accident. The relevant ministries and agencies paid a visit to the families victims and supported each family with VN120 million (US$4,983). According to Pham Van Minh, director of Vang Danh Coal Joint Stock Company, preliminary investigations indicated that the accident was a result of prolonged heavy rainfall in the Vang Danh coal mining area over the past period, with water levels reaching 30-70mm. This led to water infiltration in the area. Consequently, mud and coal washed down from the upper area, preventing these workers from reaching a safe zone in time. VNS How does an education at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS) become a stepping stone towards Vietnamese students becoming global citizens? Louise Bishop, the schools director of Admissions and Marketing As part of the Nord Anglia Education Family, BIS is the largest international school in Vietnam, with 2,400 students from 55+ nationalities. We are a diverse and multicultural school that fosters a sense of community and international-mindedness. All of our students, including our large body of Vietnamese students, connect and collaborate with students from around the world on our global campus platform. Through our collaborations with international organisations, UNICEF, and our use of the UN Sustainable Development Goals which are interwoven in our curriculum, our students have the opportunity to discuss, debate, and create innovative solutions to global problems. On service expeditions in Cambodia and the Philippines, our secondary students work with local communities, assisting in the building of local schools, as well as participating in environmental cleanups. The students also connect with communities in some of the most remote regions of the world, through the FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) Race for Good competitions. In one recent competition, our students met virtually with a family in Haiti and developed a business plan for the family to create soap using goats milk. The students had a limited budget to spend to buy resources for the family, so they were able to implement the plan. The family now make and sell homemade goats milk soap at the local market, which has had a huge impact on their financial income. Its through initiatives like these that our students develop a more profound understanding of the world, local communities, and cultures, becoming global citizens who aim to make the world a more peaceful and sustainable place. What are the advantages of BISs education programme and curriculum to support high results and student success internationally? From early foundation stages through to sixth form, the students follow a carefully considered blend of English and international curricula. This includes IGCSEs and the IBDP programme, which set the standard for global education and provide pathways to outstanding higher education across the world. Our IGCSE programme, which students study between age 14-16, offers them the chance to personalise their learning journey, as well as giving students the opportunity to develop their exam skills. Following IGCSE, students will then continue to IBDP, developing their critical thinking and reasoning skills. This pathway is extremely successful for our students, who consistently achieve results way above the UK, Vietnam, and global averages, opening doors to the best universities in the world. Hundreds of our Vietnamese students have graduated and gone on to study at top universities world-wide, including in the US, UK, and Australia. In 2022, seven students were awarded top Vietnam awards from Cambridge, of which two Vietnamese students took the title for art and design (fourth in the world) and physics. Our class of 2023 achieved an average IBDP score of 36.7, compared to the global average of 30.2, with three students achieving a perfect score of 45 points. This graduating class has received offers from the top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Stanford, and Imperial College London. To achieve this outstanding education, we recruit the very best British and international teachers. Compassionate and committed, energetic and enthusiastic, the carefully selected teaching team has a proven track record of delivering truly transformative learning experiences. This is not only in the traditional classroom. With hundreds of co-curricular activities and world-leading collaborations, every day is enriched by learning opportunities including sport, music, art and design, performing arts, community service, and expeditions across Vietnam and globally. How do you value Vietnamese culture and language in an international school environment? Whilst BIS is a British school, respect for Vietnamese culture is woven throughout. The blending of two cultures is perfectly represented across all three campuses that make up the entire school. From primary school, all students study Vietnamese culture, whilst Vietnamese lessons are offered to both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese students. We are incredibly thankful for our host country, and some of our biggest events at school include Lunar New Year, where students from around the world proudly dress up in ao dai and enjoy traditional lion dance performances. From August 2024, we are very excited to be able to offer our Vietnamese students the opportunity to study Vietnamese as a first language for IGCSE. In the IBDP, Vietnamese students have the option of taking the bilingual course and studying Vietnamese literature. BIS HCMC students achieve among best IBDP results worldwide British International School Ho Chi Minh City is incredibly proud of the IB Diploma Programme results awarded to the Graduating Class of 2023. BIS Hanoi students achieve the world's highest mark in Cambridge examination Cambridge Assessment International Education recently awarded three students from the BIS Hanoi (British International School Hanoi) for achieving the highest mark in the world for their IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Mathematics papers. Pham Thi Vinh, director of woodchip maker Ha Long 12-11 JSC in the northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh, claims that her company has been waiting for billions of Vietnam dong as a VAT refund since 2020, while the company has debts with banks and local farmers alongside many bills to pay. Wood exporters are facing numerous hardships on solving their tax refund proposals Vinh and other 10 woodchip makers in Quang Ninh province have sent a petition to National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, and relevant management agencies, seeking for a combined VAT refund amount worth VND1.1 trillion ($46.4 million), which they have not yet received. The requests of these 11 businesses have so far been blocked due to requirements on verifying the origin of export woodchips according to the provisions of Official Letter No. 633/TCT-TTKT. Ty Long, one of th businesses, reported that in fact four afforestation households can be verified every day, while businesses possibly buy from thousands of forest owners in many locations. It might take five years to revisit them all. In the petition for help, businesses suggest the verification of woodchip origin for tax refund to just engage businesses who directly purchase woodchips from individual households growing forests, removing the regulation on the verification of individual forest growing households. The reason is that woodchip products are taxed at the commercial stage, while producers sell them without tax. In another case, An Phat Global Import-Export Trading JSC has been present in many meetings of the NA Standing Committee in the past two months. On August 9, the General Department of Taxation issued an Official Dispatch to directors of Tax Departments of centrally governed localities on accelerating the settlement of VAT refund dossiers. Notwithstanding, as of August 14, the company's VAT refund applications had not yet been resolved by the Hanoi Tax Department. In a third letter of appeal sent to VIR, the company wrote that the reason the business was not entitled to a tax refund was because relevant Chinese businesses didnt honestly declare their goods origin with Chinese tax authorities, arguing that that is the responsibility of Chinese enterprises to the law enforcement agencies of that country. This does not affect the implementation of VAT refund process for Vietnamese businesses. Earlier, within the framework of the 25th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee launched on August 14, NA Chairman Hue emphasised that fighting tax fraud and errors should not delay the tax refund of businesses. What businesses should prepare for the tax inspection As tax authorities are tightening their grip on tax collections, taxpayers in Vietnam need to prepare for the growing number of inspections in the upcoming years. VAT refund delays cause fear of bad debt for wood groups As VAT refunds represent a crucial part of the cash flow of timber processors, the current delay is throwing a wrench in the operations of woodchip, furniture, and other timber-based producers, leading related associations to call for easier regulations. VAT refund delays tick off woodchip makers A number of woodchip exporters in Vietnam are rejecting orders as they are waiting for more than $170 million in pending VAT refunds. Dao Xuan Duc - Chairman Ho Chi Minh City Industrial Zones Business Association The pivotal challenges encompass how Ho Chi Minh City can concurrently adapt and burgeon, embrace energy efficiency, transition towards a sustainable green model, and strategically intersperse industrial zones (IZs) amidst residential sectors, all while adhering strictly to environment, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards. A citys vibrancy lies in its harmonious blend of industrial vigour and residential serenity. It is imperative for Ho Chi Minh City to devise urban solutions that allow IZs and residential areas to coexist symbiotically, ensuring economic growth does not come at the expense of residents quality of life. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on ESG criteria when selecting IZs. Many large foreign corporations are not just looking for space; they are seeking zones that mirror their commitment to sustainable and responsible growth. In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City has vigorously pursued investment into its IZs. Beyond the established Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone, the city boasts an additional 18 export processing zones and IZs with an occupancy rate exceeding 80 per cent. It is not that Ho Chi Minh City lacks land, but the challenge lies in securing vast tracts without compromising our green and ESG commitments. Regrettably, several investors have shifted their focus to neighbouring regions like Dong Nai and Binh Duong in search of larger land parcels. To address these challenges, Ho Chi Minh City proposed the development of two new IZs, Pham Van Hai 1 and Pham Van Hai 2, spanning 668 hectares. With the endorsement for this planning adjustment secured earlier this year, the city now looks forward to both zoning and tender processes to draw in ecologically mindful major investors. In terms of time-sensitive matter, Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone, having operated for 32 years, will see its land lease expire in 2041. Several other IZs are on a similar trajectory. If Ho Chi Minh City delays strategising the future of these zones over the next 20-30 years, opportunities may be missed. In anticipation, Ho Chi Minh City has initiated a blueprint delineating the growth trajectory for these zones up to 2030, with an extended vision to 2045. This plan, approved and underway, earmarks five areas as pilot projects, with broader expansion targeted for mid-2024. Moreover, as Ho Chi Minh City drafts criteria for investment capacity across sectors, the emphasis on sustainability is evident. Current investment density stands at $5 million per hectare. Yet, in alignment with its green vision, the city aims to elevate this to $12-15 million per hectare, tailored to the sector, thereby attracting projects that align with its sustainability ethos. Addressing land scarcity innovatively, Ho Chi Minh City has piloted multi-storey workshop models in zones like Tan Thuan and Linh Trung. These 9-10 storey factories are conceived to suit projects in domains such as IT and high-tech, offering solutions that both maximise space and adhere to the citys evolving green trajectory. Regional collaborations can improve prospects for ESG Environmental, social, and governance criteria are not merely a hot trend, but a development goal of many enterprises. Benjamin Soh, founder and managing director of STACS, discussed the considerations with VIRs Minh Dat. Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) will organise the groundbreaking ceremony for the airports No. 5 package on August 31. Dong Nai revoked a total area of 4,900 hectares in Long Thanh district, at which, in the first phase, the area completed land clearance is 1,810ha from local residents and 722ha from organisations. Long Thanh Peoples Committee has to arrange the resettlement area for 5,500 households, to date, 4,239 households have new resettlement. Previously, on August 24, ACV announced that the Vietur consortium had won the bidding package worth VND35 trillion ($1.47 billion) to build a terminal of the Long Thanh International Airport project. The consortium consists of Turkish conglomerate IC ISTAS, and nine local firms, including Vinaconex and Newtexons, Ricons, and Hancorp. According to ACV, the contract will be implemented in 39 months, including New Year holidays in accordance with Vietnamese law from the date of the signing scheduled to fall between August 25 to August 30. Long Thanh, which will become Vietnam's largest airport, has the investment capital of around $14.2 billion. Its construction is divided into three phases. In the first phase, a runway and one passenger terminal along with other supporting facilities will be built for 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo each year. Once fully completed by 2050, the airport will be able to handle 100 million passengers and five million tonnes of cargo annually. Profit potential for winning bid at Long Thanh Airport project Amidst a downturn in the private real estate market, Package 5.10 of Vietnam's Long Thanh International Airport has emerged as a financial lifeline for domestic and international contractors, potentially generating a net profit of up to VND1 trillion ($41.67 million) for the winning bidder. Deputy PM demands scrutiny over Long Thanh Airport bid The Hoa Lu consortium, spearheaded by Coteccons, has lodged a complaint against the Vietur consortium over a VND35 trillion ($1.46 billion) package at Long Thanh International Airport, citing violations of bidding regulations. Responding to the petition, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has ordered a meticulous review of the petition. MPI intervenes in Long Thanh International Airport bidding dispute Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has directed the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to address proposals from the Hoa Lu consortium related to the Long Thanh International Airport terminal package 5.10, according to Tuoitre. Business leaders debated the likely trends for industrial real estate in Vietnam and beyond, photo Le Toan Deputy CEO of KN Holdings, Ton Thi Nhat Giang, shared her insights into the intricate maze of environment, social, and corporate governance (ESG) challenges within the industrial real estate sphere at VIRs Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City last week. Realising the ESG benchmark is an intricate dance, fraught with complexities, Giang said. Zooming in on the environmental facet, energy development stands out as a significant hurdle. Giang spotlighted an intriguing paradox: while the government has unrolled its national power plan, there still exists a lack of clarity in translating the blueprint into tangible, efficient energy sources. This opacity stunts the growth of renewable energy in industrial zones (IZs), making the field a tricky terrain for investors. We have a situation where partners, enthusiastic about backing green initiatives, are left in limbo due to unclear mechanisms when they wish to enter contracts with renewable energy developers, Giang said. The global theatre further complicates the narrative. With Europes October move to implement cross-border carbon taxes, Vietnamese enterprises, including those in real estate, face heightened import costs that could ripple through to consumer prices. However, the social responsibility aspect is equally pressing. Giang discussed the paramount importance of ensuring the wellbeing of the workforce within IZs. The narrative converges on the pressing issue of social housing. For Giang, the challenge lies not just in creating housing, but in making it truly accessible and sustainable for the workers its meant for. The housing sectors policies can be a double-edged sword. While they aim to uplift worker lives, they need to be meticulously crafted to encourage real investment, she said. Pivoting to sustainability, Trang Le, head of Research and Consulting at JLL Vietnam, emphasised the transformative stance on ESG factors. While merely the location defined the competitive edge for IZs five years ago, todays players differentiate themselves with ESG-driven value-added services for manufacturers, she said at the forum. Previously seen as a nice to have, ESG is now a non-negotiable. Foreign investors now underscore the urgency to embrace ESG swiftly, lest the associated costs become prohibitively expensive. Moreover, ready-to-occupy assets like pre-built warehouses and factories, underpinned by strong ESG foundations, could prove more attractive. Furthermore, the scope of investment is diversifying beyond the major cities. Land costs and the availability of labour are crucial, but the sustainability ethos is the new drawcard. Le highlighted a pivotal trend emerging in Vietnams property landscape, pointing to provinces with affordable land prices as the next epicentres of sustainable investment. While she has not zeroed in on exact locations, Le sees untapped potential, particularly in the North Central Vietnam and northern region provinces. Around 5-7 years ago, our clientele primarily sought prospects in hubs like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. But the winds of change are evident as interest now spreads to lesser-known cities, all steered by ESG imperatives, Le said. Future trends in industrial real estate development echo current practices, but with a pronounced ESG accent, she added. Modernisation, enhanced construction quality, and, crucially, sustainability practices are becoming key attributes. Linking this trend to tangible shifts in energy sourcing, the appetite for green energy is palpable, especially in the industrial heartlands. Le Hong Khanh, deputy director of Binh Duong Power Company, offered a case in point. He emphasised the burgeoning demand for rooftop solar solutions in the province. Preliminary data from his unit indicates at least 26 businesses have registered for solar installations, amounting to a combined capacity of a whopping 60MW. Should the authorities lay down a clear framework championing rooftop solar ventures, Binh Duong could well be at the vanguard of this transformation, given the visibly pent-up demand, Khanh said. On a similar note, Bui Trung Kien, deputy CEO of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation, acknowledges the rising trend of businesses in the citys IZs and export processing zones leaning towards rooftop solar installations. While management boards are supportive, the core issue is to establish policies that enable businesses to utilise the installations for their operations. Kien that while there are policies in the pipeline, businesses are clamouring for a prompt mechanism to hasten installations. Besides that, there should be policies and mechanisms to incentivise investors to set up energy storage systems, ensuring power stability with backup electricity sources, Kien added. A director from the textile industry, which is undergoing a challenging year, voiced a similar sentiment. According to him, competition criteria for securing orders nowadays is not solely price or product quality; it also involves green certifications. Hence, textile enterprises need to invest in green standards to clinch every order. However, the lack of a policy framework acts as a barrier for businesses wanting to self-install rooftop solar systems. Adopting renewable energy will help reduce costs, grant green certifications for products, and enhance competitiveness in the international market. We eagerly anticipate a prompt mechanism for businesses to install rooftop solar systems, the representative said. Regional collaborations can improve prospects for ESG Environmental, social, and governance criteria are not merely a hot trend, but a development goal of many enterprises. Benjamin Soh, founder and managing director of STACS, discussed the considerations with VIRs Minh Dat. Big deals making a mark within industrial real estate The trend of shifting supply chains to key destinations, including Vietnam, has provided an opportunity for the country to attract foreign capital flows and become a focal point of the industrial real estate sector. Hanoi tops the whole country in FDI attraction in the first eight months of this year. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Hanoi got over 2.34 billion USD of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first eight months of this year, topping the whole country in FDI attraction during the period. The figure is up 2.89 times against last year. Hai Phong came second with over 2.08 billion USD, increasing by 72.2 per cent, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Giang, and Binh Duong. Meanwhile, the capital city attracted nearly 2.3 billion USD of FDI in the first seven months of this year, with 233 new projects worth 97.5 million USD and 108 projects permitted to increase investment capital by 193.5 million USD. According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam lured close to 18.15 billion USD in FDI from the beginning of this year to August 20, up 8.2 per cent year-on-year. In the period, there were 1,924 newly registered projects with a combined capital of 8.87 billion USD, up 69.5 per cent and 38.6 per cent compared to the same period last year, respectively. Meanwhile, over 4.53 billion USD was added to 830 existing projects, down 39.7 per cent and up 22.8 per cent year-on-year, respectively. Regarding investment partners, in the first eight months of this year, 100 countries and territories have invested in Vietnam. Among them, Singapore is leading with a total investment of more than 3.8 billion USD, accounting for more than 21.2 per cent of total investment capital in Vietnam, down 15.4 per cent from the same period in 2022. China ranked second as Chinese investors poured nearly 2.69 billion USD into Vietnam, accounting for 14.8 per cent of total investment capital. The implemented capital of foreign investment projects also saw an increase compared to the same period in 2022. As of August 20, 2023, it is estimated that foreign investment projects had disbursed about 13.1 billion USD, an increase of 1.3 per cent over the same period in 2022 and 0.5 percentage points compared to the first seven months of the year. Localities report downgrade in FDI attraction amid land shortages Localities such as Dong Nai and Thanh Hoa are struggling to provide enough available land for some of the biggest manufacturers, currently relying only on the interest of smaller-scale ventures. But the introduction of Pillar 2 of the upcoming global minimum tax (GMT) has rattled emerging markets, including Vietnam, and it has been a subject of discussion in the last two years. In general, financial and economic experts have opined that the GMT would not lessen Vietnams investment attractions because the country has many other socioeconomic elements to offer and thus, would unlikely have a significant impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam soon. Vu Ngoc Thang - Tax manager Dezan Shira & Associates While we agree with most of the experts opinions on this subject, we would like to supplement a few points from a tax advisors perspective and based on our experience in assisting many foreign investors to enter Vietnams market over the years. In a nutshell, the GMT applies to the entities in Vietnam of which annual consolidated turnovers of ultimate parent companies exceed the 750 million ($816.4 million) threshold and allows the tax jurisdictions of such companies to impose a top-up tax equal to their shortfall taxed income. Such implementations would likely have a significant impact on the potential FDI inflows from large investors that Vietnam is seeking to entice. According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), there are over 1,000 foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in Vietnam that will be subject to GMT upon implementation. The main question of whether it will negatively affect decisions to invest in Vietnam of large international conglomerates is unpredictable. Firstly, the implementation of GMT measures will negate the benefits of the key tax incentives that most large foreign investors are interested in (see table). We can see that if tax incentives are invalidated in Vietnam and there are no appropriate measures in place, other countries will benefit from top-up taxes and the nation will miss out on billions of US dollars of tax outflows to other countries budgets. Secondly, we need to see from the Vietnamese governments perspective. In the global context, the major stakeholders are quickly responding to the adoption of Pillar 2. Specifically, it is being implemented by the EU, the UK, and South Korea in 2024. Vietnam desires investors from these countries, as well as the United States and other powerhouses. On the other hand, Malaysia and Thailand are implementing Pillar 2 in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Moreover, these countries will likely apply a qualified domestic minimum top-up tax and they are deemed competitors of Vietnam in wooing FDI inflows. In this respect, Vietnam must devise certain measures to protect its taxing rights and maintain sustainable FDI inflows by offering alternative incentives. As of August, the MoF released a draft resolution to adopt GMT for public comments before submitting it to the National Assembly for ratification in October. Two primary rules are proposed, which are a qualified domestic minimum top-up tax that targets foreign inbound investors in Vietnam and an income inclusion rule that targets outbound investments from Vietnam. On the other hand, there have not been any announced alternative incentives to compensate for additional burdens borne by FIEs subject to GMT. The current information about alternative policies is still vague. At this point, the public only knows that such incentivised policies are related to land, research and development expenditures, and administrative reforms. Finally, we can now view the scenario from the potential foreign investors point of view. Whilst assisting potential foreign investors to explore their investment options and strategies in Vietnam, the most common questions are related to available tax incentives and tax rebate schemes. If we had the slightest doubt about their ineligibility for tax incentives, we could tell that such investors enthusiasm in Vietnamese markets would remarkably reduce and almost disregard the fact that Vietnam has many competitive advantages in terms of labour costs, young demographics and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, interested foreign investors and our clients have provided a lot of direct and constructive feedback regarding the challenges that they have faced during operations and market research stages. Some notable feedback is that the current minimum wage level does not provide a fair view of actual living standards, which often results in disputes between FIEs and their factory workers. Such companies rely on statutory data and are not obligated to understand the basic living standards of their workers. To rectify this matter, the minimum wage levels must be reviewed and adjusted periodically so that they can actually cover the workers basic living costs. The VAT refund processes have been painfully slow over the last three years. VAT refund is one of the crucial elements in the cashflow planning strategy of an exporting entity or a new investment project. Simplifying and accelerating the VAT refund process is also an alternative benefit that Vietnam can consider offering, along with other business support policies. Last but not least, although Vietnam has anti-corruption laws, the enforcement of such laws is not on par with the investors expectations, and it is one of the main reasons for them to self-question their decisions to enter the Vietnamese market. While tax incentive is not the sole factor for investors to consider before entering Vietnam, it has been instrumental in attracting large tranches of FDI inflows to date. Given the GMT will take effect next year and tax incentive is no longer an effective option to woo big investors, Vietnam should focus on rectifying the current core issues and consider offering alternative incentives to enhance the countrys investment climate. Just over 19 km of Ring Road 4 will traverse Hung Yen, with construction begun in late June 2023, with the total investment amount predicted to be a little under $220 million. Ring Road 4 will pass through Yen My ward in Hung Yen which has a high concentration of industrial zones (IZs) such as Pho Noi A, Det May Pho Noi, Thang Long II, and Yen My. The project hopes to alleviate traffic concerns while also providing an additional connection to neighbouring localities. The road is expected to provide a boost to real estate value wherever it passes through. Along the connection between the Hanoi-Haiphong and Cau Gie-Ninh Binh motorways, there are several IZs being built currently, such as Industrial Zone No. 5 and Ly Thuong Kiet residential area with a total area of over 290 hectares (ha) and more than $100 million in total investment value. "Industrial Zone No. 5 is currently finalising basic facilities after construction commenced in March, and is now ready to welcome secondary investors," said Nguyen Tuan, director of Yen My IZ Investment JSC. Sach industrial zone, which is shared between the wards of Khoai Chau and An Thi, has a total investment of $77 million and spans about 143ha. According to the Management Board of Hung Yen Industrial Parks, there have been eight foreign-invested projects in Sach, with a total investment of $40 million. Also of note is the Pham Ngu Lao - Nghia Dan IZ with a total area of 75ha, which is also close to completion. At present, there are 17 IZs in Hung Yen, nine of which have been or are being built along the Hanoi-Haiphong motorway with a total area approximating 4,400ha. 11 IZs have been so far cleared to receive investment and are currently in operation, with total investment of $9 billion, accommodating 437 projects, including 249 overseas funded and 188 domestic projects, creating 78,300 jobs. These projects generated an estimated $5.5 billion in total revenue in 2022, with $3.1 billion coming from exports and contributing $114 million to the local budget. According to Tran Quoc Van, Chairman of Hung Yen Peoples Committee, to attract investment to Hung Yen, the province will focus on developing facilities for industrial and technology companies. "The main aim is to turn Hung Yen into a major industrial and IT centre for the Red River Delta region, and we have investment strategies for developing transportation facilities and connections up to 2050," said Van. According to Van, by 2030, Hung Yen plans to have developed 30 IZs with an area of over 9,500ha, increasing to 35 IZs covering 12,000ha by 2050. Yen My Industrial Zone JSC held a launching ceremony in July for the Taiwanese high-tech zone in Industrial Zone No.5, along with Taipei's Vietnamese Office for Economy and Culture, and businesses from the technology sector. Speaking at the ceremony, Tran Hong Kham of the Vietnam-Taiwan Business Association, said, "This Taiwanese high-tech zone marks an important milestone and highlights the advantages for Taiwanese electronics companies to operate in Hung Yen." The Japanese Sumitomo Corporation is currently expanding the third phase of its Thang Long II park and is planning for the fourth phase of the expansion. Thang Long II is currently home to 106 foreign-invested projects, with a total investment of close to $3.35 billion. The investors are primarily Japanese such as Kyocera, Hoya, Nippon, Daikin, Toto, and Panasonic. COT Corporation from Singapore has also picked Hung Yen as its Vietnamese base. According to preliminary plans, COT will rent 6.6ha of real estate in Thang Long II and may expand its scope to about 20ha with a total investment of between $500 and $800 million. Hung Yens IZs have proved their ever-increasing appeal by landing such big tenants, and they are opening up new opportunities for the province to become a robust development centre within the high-tech industry sector. Nguyen Huu Nghia, Secretary of the Hung Yen Party Committee, said, We will continue to focus on attracting large international corporations in the high-tech sectors to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain. Industrial real estate firms to benefit from land fund shortage The demand for industrial land for lease in Vietnam remains high, but the supply of industrial land is low. Hung Yen lures in $374 million to industrial zones Industrial zones in the northern province of Hung Yen have taken in $374 million in newly committed and supplemental capital so far this year, bringing total cumulative investment to nearly $7.2 billion. Hung Yen focuses on high-tech and supporting industries By prioritising large-scale projects in high-tech and supporting industries along with developing associated facilities, Hung Yen province is creating leverage for economic development. About 351,000 Indonesian migrant workers have valid visas in the Middle East country (Photo source: hejakartapost.com) Jakarta The Indonesian government has lifted a moratorium on sending Indonesian citizens to the Middle East as domestic helpers but cautioned that those who take up offers of employment in the region must follow the proper procedures to ensure they are fully protected. Speaking in a press meeting, Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah said that the decision is intended to improve the governance and protection of Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East. The minister emphasised that workers need to follow the procedures prescribed between the two countries as well as the laws of the host country so that the government can protect workers during the process of going to work until returning to Indonesia. In 2015, Indonesia made it illegal for migrant workers to be sent to any of 19 Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, to work for inpidual employers, citing abuses that workers had encountered there. The measure came as several Middle Eastern countries have been accused of unfairly treating migrant workers under the Kafala patronage system (the legal framework that allows private citizens and companies in most Gulf states to enjoy near-total control over the employment and immigration status of foreign workers). The Kafala sponsorship system requires migrant workers to have a host country sponsor, usually the employer, who is responsible for the migrant worker's visa and legal status. This means that employers can control the movement of workers - including entry, extension of stay, termination of employment and job transfer - powers that the International Labor Organization has warned that it is easy to turn into forced labor. According to January 2023 data from the Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry, about 351,000 Indonesian migrant workers have valid visas in the Middle East country, of them about 264,000 women. Indonesia urges ASEAN to jointly fight cross-border crimes Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called on member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to cooperate together in the fight against cross-border crimes. A staff member is served a tray of sliced raw fish at the in-house cafeteria of the presidential office in Seoul, Aug. 28, in this photo provided by the presidential office. Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo ate seafood during their weekly lunch meeting Monday, the presidential office said, as the government tries to promote seafood safety in the wake of Japan's release of radioactive water into the ocean. Seafood was also served at the in-house cafeteria of the presidential office. The top office has said various kinds of seafood will be served at the cafeteria throughout the week, beginning with sliced raw fish and grilled mackerel Monday. Cryptocurrency machines in Champasack province. (Photo source: AIF Group) Vientiane - Electricite du Laos (EDL) has announced that it will no longer supply electricity to cryptocurrency mining operations in Laos, local media reported. The notice, issued by EDL on August 24, states that Laos experienced drought conditions during the first six months of 2023, with extreme heat causing high electricity demand, while hydropower plants struggled to generate enough electricity. According to EDL, 95 per cent of the nations electricity is generated by hydropower plants through its system, and it plans to supply electricity locally, as well as export large volumes to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to supply the Thai power grid through the upcoming dry season in 2024. The Governor of EGAT said that if the drought in Laos becomes severe, hydropower plants in Laos will generate less electricity, reducing export capacity. Meanwhile, Lao authorities said that cryptocurrency mining operations have failed to repay mounting debts. In September 2021, the government of Laos authorised six companies to trade and mine cryptocurrencies to trial mining and trading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Laos continues to searching for Vietnamese driver missing in landslide The Lao government and military have continued to search for a Vietnamese driver missing in a landslide incident on a section of National Highway 8 between Khammuan and Bolikhamxay provinces after having rescued 45 Vietnamese citizens trapped in the same area, Lao media reported. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visits The Huc bridge (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tried Hanois cuisine and took a stroll on the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of the capital city on August 27 evening right upon his arrival. Lee is paying an official visit to Vietnam at an official invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh. In his stroll, the Singaporean leader visited and offered incense at Ngoc Son Temple national relic site - one of the very famous destinations of Hanoi. Right upon his arrival, PM Lee posted a status on his personal Facebook page that Xin chao from Hanoi! I am in Vietnam for an Official Visit at the invitation of PM Pham Minh Chinh. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and the 10th anniversary of the Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Partnership. Beyond diplomatic relations, Singaporeans and Vietnamese also share many common interests, such as a love for good food, he shared. This is the fifth visit to Vietnam by the Singaporean leader, showing the closeness and cohesion between the two countries. Two Singaporean investors push development of factories in Nam Dinh Two companies from Singapore are ramping up the development of their manufacturing bases in the northern province of Nam Dinh. Singapore investigates 18 bomb threats Singapore police have launched an investigation into bomb threats targeting 18 locations around the state, including government buildings and embassies. Saola brushed past the northeast of the main island of Luzon, Philippines on August 27 and continued south just off the Pacific coast packing winds of up to 185 kilometres per hour. (Photo source: AP) Hanoi The Philippines rescue force on August 27 said that hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes as floods unleashed by super typhoon Saola swept through mainly rural villages in the northwestern region of the country. Saola brushed past the northeast of the main island of Luzon overnight on August 26 and continued south just off the Pacific coast packing winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour. The typhoon came within 125km of Tuguegarao, a city housing approximately 160,000 residents. Ruelie Rapsing, a rescue official in Cagayan province, described the situation as the rains poured relentlessly overnight. A total of 388 inpiduals were evacuated from four Cagayan towns, while the water levels in two other towns continued to rise. The aftermath of the deluge was captured in photos shared on the provincial governments Facebook page, revealing knee-deep floodwaters inundating homes in the municipality of Aparri. As the typhoon made its way south along Luzons east coast, the state weather service predicted that it would remain in coastal waters without making a direct landfall. This brought some relief to nearby provinces such as Isabela and Aurora, where authorities reported no immediate damage or casualties. However, the threat of heavy rain persists, with the potential to trigger flash floods and landslides. The Philippines, located in the typhoon-prone Pacific region, experiences an average of 20 major storms annually. Super typhoon grazes Philippines on its way to China Strong winds and rain lashed the northern Philippines as Typhoon Doksuri made landfall on July 26, causing rivers to overflow and leaving thousands without power. Waco finally saw some rain Sunday as a patchwork of brief but powerful storms ended a record 56 consecutive rainless days. The storms brought a respite from brutal heat and dropped 0.34 inches of rain at the official gauge at Waco Regional Airport, while some areas got more and some got none at all. But that rain was too little to dent the ongoing drought, fill the parched North Bosque River or reverse declining levels at Lake Waco, which is more than 10 feet down. Jessica Emmett-Sellers, city of Waco utilities spokesperson, said the city is looking at moving up to Stage 3 water restrictions in the second week of October unless there is major rain before then. She said the rain Sunday was only a small weather event that may help bring down water usage for a day or two but will do little to relieve the drought. Waco has been under Stage 2 water restrictions since July 2022, limiting homeowners to watering outside twice a week. Stage 3 restrictions would limit watering to once a week. at 451.8 feet above sea level, holding only 60.3% of its capacity under the normal elevation of 462 feet. Miles Langford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Fort Worth office, said a cold front, or a slightly less hot front, can be credited for the brief rainstorms seen in North and Central Texas Sunday. Langford said the cold front has now moved south, though winds will continue to blow north throughout the week bringing slight respite from the heat. Langford said Waco can expect to see temperatures in the mid to upper 90s until at least Wednesday, with 100 degree temperatures expected to return by the end of the week or over the weekend. He also said there is a slight chance of rain before sunset Monday. Shane McLellan, McLennan County AgriLife extension agent, said the northern side of the county saw the most rain from Sundays storms, with area around West seeing as much as four inches of rain. He said rain clouds built up in North Texas and were expected to move south, but stayed put and dissipated around the northern city limits of Waco. A flood gauge at the U.S. Geological Services flood gauge on the North Bosque River in Valley Mills showed 2.5 inches of rain, but the gauge registered only a brief influx in the river itself before returning to zero flow. All of McLennan County was in either extreme or exceptional drought as of last weeks U.S. Drought Monitor report. McLellan said the rain will only bring a short relief to the area, which needs more widespread and consistent rain for drought conditions to improve. Before Sunday, June 16 was the last day Waco had measurable rain a 71-day streak second in length only to the record drought of 2011. July 1 is the last time the city saw even a trace of rain, making this the longest stretch of completely rainless days on the record books. Also for the record books, 2023 is No. 7 on the list of total days at or above 100 degrees, with 54 so far. It saw a 29-day streak of 100 degree days from July 17 to August 14, tied for fifth all time. August 2023 has also been one of the hottest months on record for Waco, with 26 days above 100 degrees, tied for ninth all time. This August has also set seven daily temperature records, including records of 107 Thursday, 110 Friday and 107 Saturday. McLellan said typical summer months in Waco bring 2 to 6 inches of rain, but this summer has brought little or none. As hot as its been and with no moisture at all, it will take a substantial amount of water to rebound, McLellan said. Were far behind. Compared to last year, which had the second most 100 degree days and the third most consecutive 100 degree days, McLellan said Waco was lulled into a false sense of security by a wet spring. He said 2022 started dry after a dry fall in 2021, saw prolonged periods of low rainfall through the spring and summer. Last year Waco saw 20.76 inches of rain total, making it the driest year since 1999. Between January and May 2022, Waco saw only 8 inches of rain. On the other hand, 2023 started off with much more rain, with 15.26 inches through May. This summers rainfall has flipped the script, with only 0.74 inches, compared to 3.41 inches in summer 2022. WATERLOO Rochdale Capital, a community development loan fund out of Arlington, Virginia, will provide a $412,000 revolving line of credit to a downtown grocery store currently under construction. The loan will cover final building costs for All-In Grocers and provide working capital after the store opening in October. The loan funds mission is to promote cooperative and community ownership; advance equity, diversity and inclusion; and provide capital access in under-resourced communities. Located on Waterloos northeast side, the store will be a 20,000-square-foot full-service grocery store that will provide fresh fruit and vegetables in a U.S. Department of Agriculture-defined food desert. The location will help address the lack of access to basic needs and improve the quality of health and standards of living in the community. The building will also include Grandmas Hands, a family-style restaurant; Clean Laundry laundromat; and the 1619 Freedom School. The main challenge to a community that has not seen investment dollars in decades is finding that right financial partner who truly understands the journey ahead, Rodney Anderson, co-owner of All-In Grocers, said in a news release. The team at Rochdale Capital was the perfect fit to finalize the seven-year battle our project took to complete. Once work is finished, the store will create around 60 full- and part-time jobs. Access to healthy and affordable food is essential for a thriving community, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rochdale Capital John Holdsclaw IV said in the release. As a community loan fund with a mission to serve under-resourced areas, we are proud to work with All-In Grocers in providing the necessary funds to complete construction of the new grocery store and combat food insecurity. Getty Images Bank By Jung Da-hyun Korea's demographic challenges, marked by the lowest birth rate in the world and an aging population, are fueling discussions on the need for more comprehensive immigration policies. The National Assembly Research Service released, Monday, a report titled "Relationships with Foreigners in Korean Society: Exploring Directions of Immigration Policy." In light of the increasing societal interest in immigration policies, the report aims to provide an overview of the status of foreigners residing in Korea and the need for a unified strategy on immigration. As of December 2021, foreign nationals made up approximately 3.8 percent of Korea's population, totaling around 1.96 million residents, according to the report. Statistics Korea predicts the number to rise to 3.23 million, or 6.4 percent of the population, by 2040. These statistics highlight the urgency for formulating an inclusive immigration policy. Front page of the report, titled "Relationships with foreigners in Korean society: exploring directions of immigration policy", released on Monday by the National Assembly Research Service / Courtesy of National Assembly LONDON (AP) Zebra stripes are dazzling particularly to flies. That's the conclusion of scientists from the University of Bristol and the University of California at Davis who dressed horses in black-and-white striped coats to help determine why zebras have stripes. The researchers found that fewer horseflies landed on the cloaked horses than on the ones without striped coats, suggesting that zebra stripes may offer protection from blood-sucking insects that can spread disease. "This reduced ability to land on the zebra's coat may be due to stripes disrupting the visual system of the horse flies during their final moments of approach," said Martin How, a research fellow at the University of Bristol. "Stripes may dazzle flies in some way once they are close enough to see them with their low-resolution eyes." From a distance, the flies were equally attracted to both horses and zebras, with the same number of insects hovering around both types of animals. But when the flies got closer, things get dicey. The flies landed less frequently on the zebras and the horses covered in striped coats. "Once they get close to the zebras, however, they tend to fly past or bump into them," said Tim Caro, a professor in the U.C. Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. "This indicates that stripes may disrupt the flies' abilities to have a controlled landing." The work , reported in the journal Public Library of Science ONE, seeks to answer one of the oldest questions in zoology why do zebras have stripes? Charles Darwin had his theories. So did British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. But the scientists from Britain and California sought to examine that question by studying both horses and zebras at the Hill Livery in Britain, which works with zoos in Europe on conservation for zebras. That provided a controlled environment where the horses could be dressed up and closely observed to test the theory. "It's one of those pieces of research that you say, 'why hasn't someone done this before?'" said Tim Woodfine, the director of conservation at Marwell Wildlife in southern England. He did not take part in the study. "It's simple and neat. I think it's a great piece of work," he said. How, an expert on animal vision, told The Associated Press on Thursday there are reasons to be "quite excited" about the research, which he said helps scientists understand what's happening in the mind of a fly. The insights have broader implications for technology such as driverless cars, which are inspired by insect vision. If stripes disrupt a fly, they might also disrupt a driverless car's systems, according to How. "What we needed to do is get our mind into the eye of the fly," How said. "They have very different eyes from us." Erica McAlister, the senior curator of flies and fleas at the Natural History Museum in London, said the research contributes information to a subject long debated by scientists. "We've been arguing about zebra stripes for 75 years," said McAlister, who was also not involved in the study. But there are also human applications. How says from now on, he's wearing stripes while riding his bicycle during horse-fly season. Caro hopes the study will underscore the wonders that remain to be discovered in the natural world. "If we can try to pique the public's appreciation of the wonders of nature, they'll be less cavalier about destroying it," he said. "That's my hope." By DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press WATERLOO Leader Valley announced the selection of the first cohort of Leadership & Legacy Scholars, marking an important milestone in its mission to empower and support minority youth in the Cedar Valley. The inaugural scholars are: Brooke Dunn, a graduate of West High School, who will be attending the University of Northern Iowa to pursue early childhood education with the aspiration of becoming an elementary school teacher. Hawra-Lizetth Aldurazi, a West High graduate, who will attend UNI and major in political science, aiming to engage in missionary work in third-world countries after graduation. Jordan Jones-Whitaker, a Cedar Falls High School graduate, who plans to major in elementary education at Grand View University and return to teach in the Cedar Valley. Keiana James, a graduate of Cedar Falls High, who will major in political science with an emphasis in nonprofit leadership, public leadership and public policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Peyton Chambers, a West High graduate, who will be attending UNI. Sierra Meeks, a West High graduate, who will be majoring in environmental and water resource economics at the University of Arizona with the goal of attending law school to pursue a career in environmental justice and civil rights law. The scholarship is awarded to Cedar Valley high school graduates who are entering their first year of college. This initiative has a special focus on empowering minority students in Black Hawk County, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. The scholarship program is the brainchild of CBE Companies Chairman Tom Penaluna and his wife, Ginger. Selected students will be provided with scholarship funds for each year of their four-year college education. In addition to financial support, these scholars will access summer leadership seminars designed to equip them with the necessary skills to become successful leaders in their respective fields upon graduation. These scholars were selected by committee members Beth Hollingsworth, Kyle Kuhlers, Shantavia Parker, Madelyn Ridgeway, Albert Smothers, Gina Weekley and Aysha Weekley. 10 states where college enrollment has dropped the most over the past decade 10 states where college enrollment has dropped the most over the past decade #10. Wyoming #9. Oklahoma #8. Missouri #7. Illinois #6. Hawaii #5. Arizona #4. Michigan #3. New Mexico #2. Alaska #1. Iowa Now 51 years old, Perpecto Rico Perez sits in the Linn County Jail in Cedar Rapids awaiting sentencing for a two-decade-old offense. A hearing is scheduled for December, and he faces up to 10 years in prison and will likely be sentenced to three years with removal from the country. MacKenzie Scotts quest to give the bulk of her wealth to charity continues. So far this year, 24 nonprofits have announced theyve received unrestricted donations from Scott through her Yield Giving fund, according to a Chronicle of Philanthropy tally. The gifts total $146 million and range from $1 million to $15 million. Nearly half went to charities focused on early-childhood education and early-childhood development. Scott has now given more than $14.1 billion to at least 1,621 charities since 2020. To encourage people to focus on the charities rather than on her, Scott has stopped announcing her donations as she had in the past. Now she leaves it up to the charities to decide whether to publicize her gifts. Given the scale of her giving in previous years, it is likely the 24 announced contributions represent only a portion of what she has actually donated so far this year. Charity leaders say they appreciate Scotts decision to let nonprofits choose whether to publicize the gifts because it lets them decide whats best for the organization. It was in our best interest to announce this donation and to share the victory with our peers in the movement, says Sean McCarthy, who manages donor relations at the National Housing Trust. The affordable housing group landed a $10 million gift from Scott last month, its largest donation to date. We view this gift as a vote of confidence. Still, there were pros and cons to consider. Trust officials wanted to announce the gift to show that a high profile philanthropist like Scott has faith in the trusts mission and its ability to manage a gift of that size. They discussed the potential downsides to publicizing it, too, such as concerns that other donors would think Scotts gift provided the trust with all it needs to carry out its mission. The reality is that this is a very large problem that were trying to solve. Theres a shortage of over 7 million affordable homes here in the United States alone, and so when we decided to publish this, we wanted to ensure that we werent sharing that we now have all the resources we need to pursue our mission, McCarthy says. Were still in need of support from a variety of sources. Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, an early-childhood education advocacy group, had similar reasons for wanting to publicize the $3 million gift the organization received this summer. It was a win for Early Edge to be recognized, and its the first time in our history that we got a gift of this size, Lozano says. It was a recognition of our work and all our successes. Our work is very specifically around advocacy, so we thought it would be a good thing for us to show our funders and possible partners that were trusted and recognized. Scott launched Yield Givings website in December to answer the nonprofit worlds call for more transparency. The site names groups that received gifts and, in some cases, the amount they got. But it hasnt been updated since last year, so its unclear exactly how many gifts she has made this year. That has left the philanthropy world wondering what to make of Scotts latest donations. Philanthropy as a whole would benefit from more knowledge about the organizations getting the grants and why theyre getting them, says Joanne Florino, a Philanthropy Roundtable official who advises donors and foundations. Debate about transparency and privacy in the philanthropy world is nothing new, says Katherina Rosqueta, who leads the University of Pennsylvanias Center for High Impact Philanthropy. Some wealthy donors give anonymously because they want privacy and, like Scott, want people to focus on the work of the nonprofit they support. Others are willing to forgo some privacy because they know attaching their name to a large donation encourages their peers to support that charity. Scotts case is unique because of the size of her wealth, currently estimated at roughly $37 billion, and because her fortune was generated by her stock in Amazon, one of the highest-profile companies in the world, Rosqueta says. There have always been wealthy people who have chosen to be quiet about their giving, who have chosen to give unrestricted gifts to grantees, who have trusted organizations, Rosqueta says. But what we have with MacKenzie Scott is probably the highest-profile version of it, and because of the level of wealth she has, she is able to give at a scale and a pace that those who have adopted the same practices cant. In March, Scott announced a $250 million open call to community-focused charities to apply to Yield Giving for grants and plans to give $1 million apiece to 250 charities. Previously, Scott gave only to organizations that she and her advisers selected and researched; the move marked the first time Scott has given nonprofits a chance to apply for grant money. More than 6,000 nonprofits have applied, and winners will be announced early next year. Philanthropy 50: Here's a look at Americas top 50 donors of 2022 Philanthropy 50 1. Bill Gates 2. Michael Bloomberg 3. Warren Buffett 4. Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos 5. John and Laura Arnold 6. Ruth DeYoung Kohler II 7. Sergey Brin 8. Denny Sanford 9. Alice Clark 10. Harry and Linda Fath 11. Pierre and Pam Omidyar 12. George Roberts 13. Leonard Lauder 14. Sobrato Family 15. Audrey Steele Burnand 16. John and Kathy Schreiber 17. Jeff Bezos 18. Irwin and Joan Jacobs 19. Edward Avedisian 20. Brian Chesky 21. (tie) Gerry Lenfest 21. (tie) Marvin Mann 21. (tie) John Paulson 24. Craig Newmark 25. Stuart and Molly Sloan 26. David Baldwin 27. Anthony Wood 28. Eric and Wendy Schmidt 29. Fred Smith 30. Richard and Melanie Lundquist 31. Adrienne Arsht 32. (tie) Marc and Lynne Benioff 32. (tie) Stewart and Judy Colton 34. Joseph Gebbia Jr. 35. Robert and Karen Hale 36. Tilman Fertitta 37. Richard and Nancy Kinder 38. (tie) Jon and Mindy Gray 38. (tie) Roy and Diana Vagelos 40. (tie) Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang 40. (tie) Thomas Kline 40. (tie) Peter Paulsen 43. John Metz and Ali Khan 44. Gordon and Joyce Davis 45. Harriet Macomber 46. John Martinson 47. David and Kathleen LaCross 48. Bastian Family 49. (tie) David Frederick and Sophia Lynn 49. (tie) Murry Gerber After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, Louisiana Republican state Sen. Beth Mizell looked for a way to address her states abysmal record on infant and maternal mortality, preterm births and low birth weight. Louisiana has one of the nations strictest abortion bans, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Mizell and her colleagues borrowed an idea from neighboring Mississippi: a state tax credit program that sends millions each year to nonprofit pregnancy resource centers, also called crisis pregnancy centers. Theyre private anti-abortion organizations, often religiously affiliated, that typically offer free pregnancy tests, parenting classes and baby supplies. They are not usually staffed by doctors or nurses, though some offer limited ultrasounds or testing for sexually transmitted infections. I see [pregnancy resource centers] as a touchpoint for pregnant women who may not know where to go for services or where to begin, Mizell said. Louisiana has roughly 30-40 pregnancy resource centers scattered across the state. If we dont use everything with an open mind to give women the services they need, were only hurting women in our state. Legislators in states with some of the strictest abortion bans are pouring millions into pregnancy resource centers, painting them as solutions to poor birth outcomes and the lack of access to adequate prenatal and postpartum care. In Iowa, the Legislature this year doubled to $1 million the state funding for a program that supports crisis pregnancy centers. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds had asked for $2 million. But while Republican lawmakers have increasingly positioned pregnancy resource centers as a backstop for maternal health care, critics say those taxpayer dollars should be used to shore up more comprehensive medical and social services. Mizells bill, which was signed into law in June and went into effect Aug. 1, allows both individuals and corporations to claim an income tax break for donations made to pregnancy resource centers, which the law calls maternal wellness centers. The tax credits are capped at $5 million per year. Mississippi passed a similar tax credit law last year and expanded its cap this year to $10 million annually. In 2017, Missouri became the first state to issue tax credits for donations to pregnancy resource centers and it recently removed its limit on how many tax credits the state can issue. Alabama, Kansas and Nebraska considered their own tax credits in this years legislative sessions. The tax breaks are much larger than those awarded for donations to most other types of charities. Some critics of Louisianas new law question its cost, when so many residents struggle to get prenatal care. We have many areas around the state where there are no obstetricians, no birthing centers and its very difficult for people to get access to prenatal care, said Michelle Erenberg, executive director of Lift Louisiana, a reproductive rights advocacy organization. I think these centers are trying to rebrand as being maternal care centers. But theyre not providing any actual medical services. Theyre not licensed. Theyre not regulated. Is that a good value for $5 million a year of Louisianas tax dollars? What could be bad? Matt Mitchell, the CEO of Oasis Medical Center in Corinth, Mississippi, calls his center the best first stop for pregnancy concerns. Located in the rural northeast corner of the state, Oasis is a pregnancy resource center that does not offer comprehensive medical care, but does provide pregnancy tests, non-diagnostic ultrasounds, testing for sexually transmitted infections, adoption referrals, parenting classes and community resource referrals, all for free. Mitchell doesnt think his centers role has changed since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, he told Stateline in a written statement, but I think more people are aware of the important role we play. The Southeast is home to about 900 pregnancy resource centers, more than a third of the national total, according to the Crisis Pregnancy Center Map created by University of Georgia researchers Andrea Swartzendruber and Danielle Lambert. From a public health perspective, I think awareness about what crisis pregnancy centers are, their mission and goals, is really low, Lambert said. Her work with Swartzendruber has focused on the public health impact of pregnancy resource centers, which they found tend to be more common in states with abortion bans. When we talk to policymakers and advocacy groups, Lambert said, the narrative is, What could be bad about helping women who are in need and pregnant? They have images on their websites of people in white coats. Swartzendruber said she has noticed a significant increase recently in the number of pregnancy resource centers that offer limited, non-diagnostic ultrasounds or have changed their names in ways that suggest they provide health care. But weve found on the whole, the services theyre offering arent in line with national medical standards, she said. Louisianas new tax credit law requires maternal wellness centers to provide certain resources to their clients, including a list of the closest OB-GYNs, as well as information on applying for Medicaid and federal food assistance programs. And, as with the Mississippi and Missouri laws, the centers cant be associated with abortion providers or refer clients for abortions. If I had put a requirement on the bill that they had to have a licensed medical provider there, I wouldnt have had buy-in from the pregnancy resource centers because thats too much of a financial burden on them and thats not the role of the center, Mizell said. Critics of pregnancy resource centers say they often use a bait-and-switch approach, targeting vulnerable women by offering abortion consultations or pre-abortion screenings that spread false claims about the dangers of abortion. Swartzendruber and Lambert said theyve documented instances of centers providing misinformation about reproductive health, including about contraceptives. Some centers, such as Oasis in Mississippi, offer abortion reversal treatment. Its a controversial practice that uses doses of the hormone progesterone to stop a medication abortion after a patient has completed the first part of the two-step abortion process. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says the treatment is not supported by science and does not meet clinical standards. A small 2019 study designed to test the effectiveness of abortion reversal was halted after three of the 12 participants required a trip via ambulance to the hospital to be treated for severe bleeding. But Mizell said she hasnt seen evidence of danger or misinformation from the centers. I just think its a paper tiger of an argument, she said. We have 40-something of these centers all over the state, including in the rural areas. Theyre not intimidating, and they have all of these buckets of information available and can point the pregnant person in the right direction. More bang for your buck The tax credit programs are structured to make donations to pregnancy resource centers far more lucrative for donors than contributions to other types of charities, said Lillian Hunter, a research assistant at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center who has studied how states have amended their tax policies in the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization ruling that struck down constitutional protections for abortion. This is because a tax credit allows filers to reduce their taxes owed, as opposed to reducing their taxable income. If youre a Louisiana resident and you donate $500 to a pregnancy resource center and apply for a state tax credit, youll reduce the total amount of state taxes you owe by $250, because the tax credit for that donation is 50% of the donated amount. If you donated that same $500 to any other charitable organization, youd save yourself just $21.25. This is because your donation would reduce your taxable income by $500, and Louisianas top state tax rate is 4.25%. It really privileges this type of donation over donations to every other charity, Hunter said. And while a handful of states have tax credits for other types of charitable donations, theyre not typical. For example, Missouri offers a 50% tax credit for donations of $100 or more to diaper banks. Its tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers is 70%, which means a donation of $100 to a diaper bank would result in a $50 reduction in state taxes, but the same donation to a pregnancy resource center means a $70 reduction. After Missouri lawmakers removed the limit on how many tax credits the state could issue for donations to pregnancy resource centers, Missouri authorized more than $7 million in tax credits for the centers in the first quarter of 2022, according to an analysis by ProPublica. That jump was more than three times higher than in any other quarter. In Mississippi, Mitchell said donations to his center increased after the state passed its tax credit law last year, and he hopes more businesses and individual taxpayers will take advantage of the expanded tax credit this year. Transparency and oversight Its hard to say what the impact of the tax credits will be on birth outcomes. States with strict abortion bans and high numbers of pregnancy resource centers, mostly in the Southeast and Midwest, already tend to be states with some of the worst birth outcomes. My biggest concern is that states enact these tax credits and dont invest in programs that we know work, like expanding earned income or child tax credits, said Hunter, the research assistant at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. They might spend less on maternal health or food assistance programs, she said, because they already have something they can point to that theyre doing to help families. The principal author of Mississippis tax credit expansion this year was Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn, a vocal opponent of abortion rights. Last year, he twice blocked bipartisan efforts to expand Medicaid coverage in Mississippi for mothers up to 12 months postpartum. Aside from the new tax credit programs, at least 18 states directly fund pregnancy resource centers through state grants and by funneling federal welfare dollars to them and many have bumped up their funding, according to Equity Forward, a research and watchdog group focused on reproductive rights. Some notable increases in state spending on pregnancy resource centers from 2022 to 2023 include Floridas increase from $4.5 million to $25 million and Tennessees from $3 million to $20 million, according to Ashley Underwood, director of Equity Forward. The cascade of funding is thanks, in part, to organized national pregnancy center groups that shop tactics across state lines, she said. She pointed out that Louisianas law even requires pregnancy resource centers to be affiliated with a national pregnancy center organization before they can go on the state-approved donation list. The Louisiana law also requires pregnancy resource centers to self-report that they meet the criteria to be eligible for tax-credit donations, including that they offer information about local obstetricians and how to apply for government assistance programs. But the law does not give the state department of health regulatory authority over the centers. I just think that if our tax dollars are being put towards this, whether its a direct program or a tax credit program, there needs to be more requirements that they show theyre actually doing something to improve maternal health outcomes, Lift Louisianas Erenberg said. Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries Pre-1850: Abortions in early America are commonplace Mid-1800s: Birth of the American Medical Association shifts abortion oversight from midwives to doctors; abortion is criminalized 1960s: 'Back-alley butchers,' birth control, and protests 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift 1980s-2000s: Legal challenges to Roe v. Wade introduce restrictions Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (27 August 2023) Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a strike with long-range airborne high-precision weapons against an airfield near Pinchuky (Kiev region). The objective of the strike has been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged. In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces, supported by aviation, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrowers, repelled 11 attacks by assault detachments of the 43rd, 44th, 115th mechanised and 68th Jaeger brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the day in the areas of Sinkovka (Kharkov region), and Novosyolovskoye and Novoegorovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses in Kupyansk direction amounted to up to 120 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, as well as a U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian grouping of forces, using the results of air strikes and artillery fire, successfully repelled five attacks by assault groups of the 116th Mechanised, 82nd Air Assault, and 46th Airmobile brigades of the AFU of Rabotino and Uspenovka (Zaporozhye region). Over the day in Zaporozhye direction, up to 200 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, four vehicles, two US-made M777 artillery systems, German-made Panzerhaubitze 2000 and Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems, a D-20 howitzer, and a U.S.-made M119 gun were neutralised. In Donetsk direction, two enemy attacks were repelled close to Pervomaiskoye and Nevelskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) by concerted action of the Yug Group of Forces in co-operation with aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrowers. The enemys losses in Donetsk direction amounted to up to 240 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, three armoured fighting vehicles, five pick-up trucks, a Grad MLRS combat vehicle, a U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and two D-30 howitzers. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire repelled three attacks by assault groups of the 42nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). During the day, the enemys losses in Krasny Liman direction amounted to more than 80 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, and two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery units. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, air strikes, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrowers inflicted fire damage on clusters of AFU manpower and hardware in the areas of Novodonetskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The enemys losses amounted to up to 130 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, as well as D-20, Msta-B, and D-30 howitzers. In Kherson direction, Russian units eliminated up to 15 Ukrainian servicemen, five motor vehicles, a U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and a D-30 howitzer as a result of a complex fire attack. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Armed Forces grouping of troops (forces) engaged manpower and military hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 144 areas. In addition, a P-37 radar station used for detecting air targets, guiding fighter aircraft, and targeting anti-aircraft missile systems was destroyed near the city of Zaporozhye. An ammunition depot of the 47th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU has been destroyed near Slavgorod (Dnepropetrovsk region). The Russian fighter aviation shot down a Mi-8 helicopter of the Ukrainian Air Force near Zalivnoye (Zaporozhye region). Air defence forces shot down two Su-25 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force close to Malaya Tokmachka and Novodanilovka (Zaporozhye region). Nine HIMARS multiple rocket launchers were intercepted during the day. In addition, 30 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Nikolayevka, Privolye, and Topolevka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Lozovoye, Ivanovka, Semigorie, and Podgornoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Novoye, Chapayevka, Tokmak, and Skelevatoye (Zaporozhye region) and Vasilievka (Kherson region). In total, 466 airplanes and 247 helicopters, 6,152 unmanned aerial vehicles, 433 air defence missile systems, 11,527 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,145 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 6,079 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,463 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR During his postgame question and reply connected Sunday, Reds head David Bell was answering a mobility and noted, our bullpens sounded a lot. Even though starter Graham Ashcraft worked into nan seventh inning connected Sunday, he had to move it complete to Ian Gibaut, making his 60th quality of nan season. Gibaut, 29, had made 61 big-league appearances successful his career earlier 2023. The adjacent clip he pitches, hell person doubled his profession appearances successful this play alone. His 60 appearances are nan second-most successful nan National League. And its not conscionable Gibaut. Alexis Diaz has sounded successful 58 games, arsenic has Buck Farmer. Lefty Alex Young, now connected nan injured list, has appeared successful 57 games. Like Gibaut, Diaz will scope double his profession appearances successful his adjacent outing, appearing successful 59 games arsenic a rookie past year. Farmer, 32, is nan overseas man retired for not matching his profession full coming into nan season. He really has 2 seasons pinch much appearances. All of that said, nan usage seems to beryllium catching up pinch nan Reds. On nan past time of July, Diaz picked up his 32nd prevention of nan season, retiring each 3 Cubs he faced connected a full of 9 pitches. He gave up 3 runs successful his adjacent outing erstwhile Bell tried to widen him into nan 10th inning, arsenic nan Reds mislaid to nan Nationals. Since then, he has simply been good, arsenic opposed to superhuman. Digging into his numbers, hitters are making amended interaction (92 mph mean exit velocity successful August versus 89.6 mph starring up to it). Hes allowed arsenic galore homers (two) this period arsenic he did successful nan different 4 and much importantly, hes throwing less strikes. In nan first 4 months of nan season, 61.2 percent of nan pitches he threw were for strikes. In August, it was 53.9 percent. His strikeout complaint has gone down from 12.93 per 9 innings to 8.68 per nine. His locomotion complaint has accrued from 3.8 per 9 innings earlier August to 6.75 per 9 this month. The Reds do person a time disconnected to remainder connected Thursday, but Fridays doubleheader will beryllium nan 2nd successful 2 weeks for a squad thats already tired. Augusts schedule was a gantlet and that will proceed into early September, pinch a bid successful San Francisco against nan Giants and past a homestand starting pinch nan Cubs, who now beryllium up of nan Reds successful nan standings, and nan surging Seattle Mariners, now starring nan American League West. After that, though, nan Reds person conscionable 3 games nan remainder of nan measurement against teams pinch a winning record: a location bid against nan Twins. Thats a bully thing. But nan Reds person to get location first and thats going to beryllium reliable if they cant decorativeness disconnected games. Tiebreaker successful hand Although nan Reds did suffer nan four-game bid successful Phoenix against nan Diamondbacks, winning 1 of nan 4 games location secured a tiebreaker complete Arizona acknowledgment to nan expanse nan Reds recorded astatine Great American Ball Park earlier this season. Its important to retrieve that location are nary longer tiebreaker games; instead, ties are surgery by regular play performances. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head grounds betwixt tied teams. The Reds person nan tiebreaker against nan Diamondbacks and suffer nan tiebreakers to nan Brewers and Phillies. The Reds divided a four-game bid pinch nan Giants successful Cincinnati, truthful nan victor of nan three-game bid successful San Francisco will get that tiebreaker. Later this week, nan tiebreaker pinch nan Cubs will beryllium determined. The 2 teams play 4 games astatine location and nan Reds are presently 5-4 against nan Cubs. The Reds divided six games pinch nan Marlins, truthful it would spell to nan teams intra-division record. If thats nan same, it goes to nan inter-division record, nan games successful nan convention but retired of nan division. The Reds are presently 16-23 against nan NL Central pinch 13 games remaining against section teams 4 against nan Cubs, six against nan Cardinals and 3 against nan Pirates. The Marlins are 15-21 successful nan NL East. Rookie of nan Year watch Matt McLain has 14 stolen bases successful nan fields aft swiping 10 bags successful Triple A. (Katie Stratman / USA TODAY) While nan Reds person respective Rookie of nan Year candidates, nan squad sewage different up-close look astatine nan favourite for nan grant successful nan National League successful nan Diamondbacks Corbin Carroll. In nan bid astatine Chase Field, nan 23-year-old Corbin went 6-for-12 pinch 2 triples, a homer and a double, arsenic good arsenic a brace of stolen bases. He besides walked 5 times and struck retired conscionable two. On nan season, Corbin is hitting .281/.364/.520. But he has struggled (this past bid excluded) successful nan 2nd half, hitting .264/.360/.457 successful nan 2nd half aft hitting .289/.366/.549 successful nan first half. Not only has that dropped him from nan MVP conversation, but its besides helped push Reds rookie Matt McLain into nan speech for nan grant for nan leagues champion rookie. McLain is hitting .290/.357/.507 pinch 16 homers and 14 stolen bases. Thats not bully capable to return nan grant from Carroll, but its still good. The grant is really Carrolls to lose, and hes a heck of a talent, arsenic nan Reds saw this week. Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer and Andrew Abbott will apt garner votes for nan award, on pinch nan Dodgers James Outman and Bobby Miller. Sunday, Carroll stole his 40th guidelines of nan season, making him nan 4th rookie to grounds 20 location runs and 40 steals. Of nan different three, 2 won nan Rookie of nan Year. Tommy Agee won nan 1966 American League Rookie of nan Year while a personnel of nan White Sox, hitting 22 homers and stealing 44 bases. In 2012, Mike Trout had 30 homers and 49 steals, nan astir successful shot that year. Trout won nan Rookie of nan Year successful nan AL that twelvemonth and vanished 2nd successful MVP voting to triple-crown victor Miguel Cabrera. In 1977, nan As Mitchell Page vanished 2nd successful voting to Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, hitting 21 homers and stealing 42 bases. The week that was The bully feelings of nan expanse successful Anaheim were mitigated by losing 3 of 4 successful Arizona. Overall, nan Reds still person a winning grounds truthful acold connected this trip, but they were expected to hit nan Angels and had a chance to abstracted themselves from nan Diamondbacks successful nan wild-card race, but now beryllium 1 1/2 games down Arizona for nan 3rd chaotic card. The week ahead This whitethorn beryllium nan astir important week of nan season, pinch 3 games successful San Francisco against nan Giants and 4 astatine location against nan Cubs. Those 2 teams are successful nan playoff hunt pinch nan Reds, pinch nan Cubs successful sole possession of nan 2nd chaotic paper astatine nan infinitesimal and nan Reds and Giants looking up astatine nan Diamondbacks for nan past one. Injury Updates LHP Nick Lodolo (left tibia accent reaction) returned from his rehab duty aft an MRI showed a recurrence of nan accent guidance successful his near tibia. He is scheduled to get a 2nd sentiment soon. RHP Tejay Antone (right elbow flexor strain) agreed to an hold to his rehab stint recently. He sounded 3 much times this week and didnt let a tally successful immoderate of nan 3 appearances and notched a strikeout successful each. He hasnt allowed a tally successful immoderate of his past 5 appearances, including his back-to-back outings connected Aug. 18 and 19. He is expected to return soon. C Curt Casali (left ft contusion) was returned from his rehab duty earlier this week owed to illness. RHP Justin Dunn (right enarthrosis strain) sounded an inning for Louisville connected Tuesday but was returned from his duty pinch a setback pursuing nan one-inning outing. He threw 20 pitches, gave up a homer and walked a batter successful that inning. OF Stuart Fairchild (concussion) played astatine Louisville this weekend, picking up a azygous successful 5 at-bats pinch a locomotion and a strikeout. He is eligible to return from nan IL connected Monday. OF Jake Fraley (stress fracture successful near 4th toe) is expected to subordinate Louisville for a brace of rehab games earlier returning later this week. LHP Alex Young (left hamstring tightness) is eligible to travel disconnected nan IL connected Sept. 9. IF Jonathan India (left ft plantar fasciitis) took batting believe successful Anaheim, Calif., and worked retired astatine nan teams outpouring training analyzable successful Goodyear, Ariz., while nan Reds were successful Arizona. 1B Joey Votto (left enarthrosis strain) is eligible to return from nan IL connected Sept. 3. Minor League Roundup Tripe-A Louisville (65-59): SS Jose Barrero had a brace of homers and a double for 10 full bases Wednesday against Toledo. This period hes hitting .289/.311/.614 pinch six homers pinch 20 RBIs. He did person conscionable 2 walks and 29 strikeouts successful nan month. On nan play hes hitting .271/.331/.562 astatine Triple A. Double-A Chattanooga (65-54): RHP Carson Spiers is 4-1 pinch a 3.00 ERA since nan commencement of July. Sunday he allowed 2 runs connected 2 hits pinch 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. Over nan past 2 months he has 65 strikeouts and 20 walks successful 48 innings pitched. On nan season, nan 25-year-old retired of Clemson is 8-3 pinch a 3.69 ERA. Spiers was signed arsenic a free supplier successful 2020 erstwhile nan draught was constricted to 5 rounds. High-A Dayton (60-60): OF Hector Rodriguez was promoted to Dayton astatine nan opening of nan week. He had hits successful 2 of his 3 games aft nan promotion and went 2-for-10 wide pinch a double and an RBI. He hasnt walked aliases struck retired astatine nan higher level. In Daytona, nan 19-year-old left-handed hitter deed .293/.347/.510 pinch 16 homers and 18 stolen bases. Class A Daytona (51-66): OF Ethan ODonnell, a sixth-round prime of Virginia successful past months draft, was hitless successful his first 4 games astatine Daytona, but since past has hits successful 9 of his past 11 games, including aggregate hits successful 4 of his 5 games successful past weeks bid against Ft. Myers. In 12 games astatine nan level, hes 13-for-42 (.310) pinch 2 doubles and a triple. (Top photograph of Alexis Diaz: Albert Cesare / Cincinnati Enquirer / USA TODAY) CONSTANTINE, MI -- Two group escaped from a burning location successful Southwest Michigan, and 3 dogs died successful nan fire, according to nan Constantine Fire Department. At astir 4:14 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, nan Constantine Fire Department was dispatched to a reported building occurrence successful nan 200 Block of Plum Street successful nan colony of Constantine. Fire units arrived connected segment wrong minutes and recovered nan backmost structure of nan location afloat progressive successful fire. Fire crews quickly attacked nan rear of nan house, and nan occurrence was knocked down by 4:30 p.m., nan section said successful a news release. The occupants reported that they heard an detonation and opened nan backmost doorway to find dense fume and flames connected nan porch. Both occupants exited nan house, but 3 dogs were not capable to get retired and died successful nan fire, Chief Mike Haydon told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. The White Pigeon Fire Department, Constantine Fire Department, White Pigeon Police Department, Constantine Police Department, and St. Joseph County Victims Services Unit assisted astatine nan scene. The origin of nan occurrence remains nether investigation. Anyone pinch accusation is asked to telephone St. Joseph County Central Dispatch astatine 269-467-4195. Want much Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark nan local Kalamazoo news page aliases motion up for nan free 3@3 Kalamazoo regular newsletter. Also connected MLive: Driver stabbed successful thorax astatine reddish ray successful Michigan road rage attack Activist sentenced for conflict pinch constabulary astatine Kalamazoo bum campy sweep Lake Michigan metropolis adds New Holland Brewing to offseason societal district Michigan region rejects constitutional county proposal Amtrak train hits personification connected tracks adjacent Kalamazoo Michigan region to inquire Gov. Whitmer to region its sheriff aft drunk driving crash A bust of independence fighter Hong Beom-do is seen outside the Ministry of National Defense's headquarters in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap Gov't considers relocating bust of independence fighter from defense ministry By Lee Hyo-jin Ideological conflicts surrounding historical figures are escalating among politicians, as the government seeks to relocate the bust of independence fighter Hong Beom-do, which currently stands near the defense ministry building. The Ministry of National Defense said Monday that it is considering relocating the bust citing Hong's past involvement with Soviet communist forces. The plan has triggered protests from opposition parties and an association representing independence fighters. The dispute is a recurring theme in Korean politics where conservatives and liberals tend to hold different views on Korea's history following its independence from Japanese colonial occupation from 1910 to 1945. "There have been recent indications about General Hong Beom-do's affiliation with the Communist Party and other activities related to it," said defense ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu during a briefing. The move is in line with the ministry's plan to remove the busts of five independence fighters including Hong from the Korean Military Academy in Seoul, also due to their past collaboration with the Soviet Communist Party. Regarding this, Jeon said, "The installation of the monuments (at the military academy) was pushed ahead somewhat abruptly in 2018 without a general consensus, leading to various disagreements within the military, as I understand." Born in 1868, Hong is a renowned independence fighter who was the commander-in-chief of the Korean Independence Army. He led some 1,300 freedom fighters to victory against Japanese forces at the Battle of Bongodong in 1920. In 1921, Hong moved to the Soviet Far East, seeking refuge from Japan's attempts to capture him. He was forced to relocate to Kazakhstan in 1937 under then Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin's policy, along with many other ethnic Koreans. "It is regretful that the legacy of the independence fighter has become a source of political and ideological debates," political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon told The Korea Times. "If we look at the history of Korea's independence movement as a whole, General Hong Beom-do cannot be described as a communist." Busts of six independence fighters stand near the Ministry of National Defense's headquarters in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. The independence activists represented are Hong Beom-do, Ahn Jung-geun, Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang, Kang Woo-kyu and Park Seung-kwan. Yonhap Some critics viewed that the plan to remove the monuments of independence fighters aligns with the Yoon administration's recent tactics of branding its opponents as "communists." In his Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15, Yoon lashed out at "anti-state forces" which he described as "blindly follow(ing) communist totalitarianism," and urged the public not to be deceived by such forces. Rhee commented that the government's anti-communist ideology would only appeal to the far-right supporters, and thus would not be helpful to the Yoon administration in the long term. The presidential office said it is up to the defense ministry or military academy to make a decision on the relocation or removal of the busts of independence fighters. Rep. Woo Won-shik of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), who heads a foundation commemorating Hong, condemned the defense ministry's move. "The abrupt announcement about the removal of the bust, citing vague reasons, brings humiliation to the independence fighter," he said during an interview on a local radio program, Monday. Woo explained that there are no records indicating that Hong actually engaged in the activities of the Communist Party, although the independence fighter had briefly joined the party in 1927 to make ends meet. "It's really hard to understand why they would bring up the issue which has already been settled under former President Park Chung-hee, during the so-called Cold War era," the lawmaker said. Hong was rewarded with the Order of Merit for National Foundation posthumously by Park in 1963. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) took a cautious stance on the matter. Rep. Yoo Sang-bum, the party spokesperson, told reporters that "the defense ministry and the military academy will make a reasonable decision considering the public opinion." Similar disputes arose surrounding Gwangju Metropolitan Government's controversial plan to build a park in honor of communist composer Jeong Yul-seong. Conservative civic groups hold a rally in front of the Gwangju Metropolitan Government, Monday, demanding the city government to withdraw construction plans for a park commemorating communist composer Jeong Yul-seong. Yonhap Ricky H. Bailey BAD AXE, MI Nearly 3 years aft a Huron County man was killed by 2 masked intruders who barged into his home, constabulary person recovered nan execution limb successful different state. Ricky H. Bailey, 59, was changeable doubly erstwhile 2 masked men collapsed into his location astatine 2374 Rapson Road successful Verona Township astir 11:30 p.m. connected Dec. 30, 2020. Baileys 20- and 11-year-old sons were location astatine nan time. If you acquisition a merchandise aliases registry for an relationship done 1 of nan links connected our site, we whitethorn person compensation. By browsing this site, we whitethorn stock your accusation pinch our societal media partners successful accordance pinch our Privacy Policy. Its Tropical Storm Idalia now. And its gotten a batch stronger. The National Hurricane Center connected Sunday said nan ninth named large wind of 2023 had formed successful nan northwest Caribbean. It is forecast to move into nan Gulf of Mexico and could go a hurricane by Monday. It had winds of 60 mph precocious Sunday. Hurricane-force winds statesman astatine 74 mph. As of Sunday nighttime Idalia (pronounced ee-DAL-ya) was forecast to make landfall successful Florida connected Wednesday. The hurricane halfway accrued nan strength forecast precocious Sunday and said Idalia could beryllium adjacent Category 3 spot by nan clip it reaches Florida. Hurricane and large wind surge watches person now been issued for parts of Floridas westbound coast. " ...it should beryllium stressed that further strengthening to awesome hurricane spot is becoming progressively apt earlier Idalia reaches nan Gulf seashore of Florida, nan hurricane halfway said precocious Sunday. Interests wrong nan large wind surge and hurricane watch areas are urged to hole for imaginable important impacts and show early updates to nan forecast. The large wind surge forecast is concerning -- 7 to 11 feet of surge could beryllium imaginable on parts of Floridas Gulf Coast. The forecast cone of uncertainty has narrowed and shows that nan halfway of nan large wind could make landfall anyplace from Apalachicola to Tampa, pinch nan halfway of nan cone focused connected Floridas Big Bend region. But it should beryllium noted that dense rainfall and winds from Idalia will beryllium felt acold extracurricular nan cone, which only shows wherever nan halfway of nan large wind is forecast to go. Alabama is not included successful nan cone arsenic of Sunday. The National Weather Service offices successful Mobile and Birmingham were keeping a adjacent oculus connected nan large wind successful lawsuit nan way shifts and nan imaginable for much important effects go imaginable successful nan state. Idalia will bring an accrued consequence for rip currents to nan Alabama seashore this week. The upwind work successful Mobile urged those on nan Alabama and northwest Florida coasts to enactment alert: No watches aliases warnings are successful effect for our area astatine this time. No section impacts are expected done Monday. High consequence of rip currents and precocious surf are expected to ramp up precocious Tuesday done Thursday. Please proceed to intimately show nan advancement of this strategy complete nan adjacent fewer days and DO NOT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN. The large wind is forecast to way crossed bluish Florida, past into Georgia and could look into nan Atlantic disconnected nan seashore of nan Carolinas, spreading dense rainfall and gusty winds acold inland crossed nan Southeast. As of 10 p.m. CDT Sunday, nan halfway of Tropical Storm Idalia was located astir 145 miles southbound of nan occidental extremity of Cuba and was astir stationary. Idalias sustained winds roseate to 60 mph from 45 mph connected Sunday evening. Here are nan watches that person been issued for Florida: * A large wind surge watch has been issued for nan Gulf seashore of Florida from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * A hurricane watch has been issued for nan Gulf seashore of Florida from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * A tropical large wind informing has been issued for nan Dry Tortugas. * A tropical large wind watch has been issued for nan Gulf seashore of Florida southbound of Englewood to Chokoloskee and for nan Lower Florida Keys westbound of nan westbound extremity of nan Seven Mile Bridge. A hurricane informing has been issued for occidental Cuba, and tropical large wind warnings continued on parts of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. Some important large wind surge could beryllium imaginable on nan Florida coast: * Aucilla River to Chassahowitzka -- 7-11 feet * Chassahowitzka to Anclote River -- 5-8 feet * Ochlockonee River to Aucilla River -- 4-7 feet * Anclote River to Middle of Longboat Key -- 3-5 feet * Tampa Bay -- 3-5 feet * Middle of Longboat Key to Chokoloskee -- 2-4 feet * Charlotte Harbor...2-4 feet * Indian Pass to Ochlockonee River 2-4 feet * Chokoloskee to East Cape Sable 1-3 feet * Florida Keys --1-2 feet The large wind could bring a batch of dense rainfall to areas successful its path. For Florida, nan hurricane halfway is forecasting 3 to 6 inches pinch nan imaginable for up to 10 inches for areas on nan westbound seashore and Panhandle arsenic good arsenic confederate Georgia. HURRICANE FRANKLIN Hurricane Franklin could go a Category 3 large wind soon but is not a nonstop threat to nan U.S. The hurricane halfway besides continued to way a strengthening Hurricane Franklin connected Sunday. Franklin poses nary nonstop threat to nan U.S., but it will way adjacent to Bermuda this week. Franklin is forecast to fortify into a awesome hurricane and could go a Category 4 large wind earlier its done. As of 10 p.m. Sunday Hurricane Franklin was located astir 530 miles southwest of Bermuda and was moving north-northwest astatine 8 mph. The halfway of nan large wind is expected to walk westbound of Bermuda successful 3 aliases 4 days, forecasters said. Franklin was a Category 2 hurricane pinch 105 mph winds arsenic of Sunday night. The hurricane halfway said Franklin could go a Category 3 hurricane by Monday. It could highest arsenic a Category 4 hurricane later this week pinch winds arsenic precocious arsenic 130 mph. Franklin could make deadly rip currents on nan southeast seashore of nan U.S. this week. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers remarks at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Coast Guard's establishment in Incheon, Monday. Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged Monday to support the Coast Guard's modernization as he marked the 70th anniversary of its establishment during a ceremony in the western port city of Incheon. Yoon attended the ceremony at the Ara Seohae lock gate along with some 2,000 people, including government officials, foreign diplomats and the family members of Coast Guard officers killed at sea. Thanking front-line officers for their service and expressing his respect for the officers killed in the line of duty, Yoon said the Coast Guard has guarded the nation's maritime sovereignty and security while defending the people's lives and safety over the last 70 years. "Thanks to your work, illegally operated foreign vessels have decreased, while the rate of people rescued from maritime accidents has exceeded 99 percent," he said. "More than any other time, our seas are being managed safely, but disasters can happen anytime at sea and maritime accidents grow into a large threat if the response is even a little late," he added. "I ask you to do your utmost to thoroughly prepare against and swiftly respond to maritime accidents in order to protect the people's lives and safety at sea." Yoon also said the nation can grow into a "new maritime power" at the forefront of the global market only when the Coast Guard is safely defending its seas. "To achieve this, the government will actively support the establishment of a maritime information platform that is based on cutting-edge technologies," he said, noting the system will use satellites, drones, robots and reconnaissance aircraft to analyze data and expand the Coast Guard's coverage of waters to help it better respond to maritime disasters. (Yonhap) Board of Director Changes Brisbane, Aug 28, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - North American lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( DML:FRA ) ( SYAXF:OTCMKTS ) announced today changes to the Board of Directors as it transitions to the next stage of growth. Mr Brett Lynch has resigned from his position as Managing Director and CEO for personal reasons and will depart the Company with immediate effect. Mr James Brown, currently a Non-Executive Director, has been appointed interim CEO and will guide Sayona's operations and Board restructure through the transition to new leadership. In addition, Mr Philip Lucas, an experienced corporate lawyer, has been appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director. Since joining Sayona in July 2019, Mr Lynch has been strategically involved in the acquisition of the North American Lithium (NAL) operation in Quebec, Canada which recommenced lithium production in March 2023, as well as other expansion projects. Mr Lynch has resigned from his position of Managing Director and CEO effective immediately, however he will facilitate a mutually agreed handover period. The Board wishes to thank Brett for his service to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavours. Non-Executive Director, Mr James Brown has been appointed as interim CEO to allow a smooth transition and continuity of the Company's business as Sayona continues its previously announced Board restructure. Mr Brown has over 30 years of mining and management experience, including over 10 years in lithium development and operations. Details of his appointment are outlined below. Mr Brown continues as a Director of the Company. Newly appointed independent Non-Executive Director, Mr Lucas is a vastly experienced corporate lawyer with a particular focus on equity markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and Australian Securities Exchange regulations and compliance. He also has extensive experience with cross-border M&A transactions, including those involving Australian, U.S. and Canadian companies. The Board would like to welcome Mr Lucas and looks forward to his strategic input. As an independent Non-Executive Director Mr Lucas will also join the Audit and Risk and Remuneration and Nomination Committees. The Board will take this opportunity to undertake a thorough review of operations and the strategic direction of the Company to further enhance shareholder and stakeholder value. The Company holds a valuable position by recently entering the lithium concentrate production phase with its 75% shareholding in NAL. NAL recently delivered its first shipment of spodumene to the international lithium market. Sayona will focus on NAL's production and sales ramp-up whilst simultaneously adding value via exploration and assessment of its existing portfolio, including the northern Moblan Lithium Project. The Company will continue to engage with its joint venture partners and other key Quebec stakeholders and potential project partners, as it seeks to further advance its position as North America's leading hard rock lithium producer. About Sayona Mining Limited Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:SYAXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia. Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au Related Companies Achieved FY23 EBITDA guidance with a return to organic growth; FY24 EBITDA guidance of $30 million - $35 million FY23 Results and Guidance Sydney, Aug 28, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Symbio Holdings Limited ( ASX:SYM ), a leading software company specialising in voice communications, today announced its financial results for the full year ended 30 June 2023 ("FY23"). The company achieved its FY23 EBITDA guidance at the higher end of its revised range, with stabilised market conditions driving organic growth across its three business divisions and a proactive program of initiatives to optimise operating costs successfully delivering a lower cost runrate for FY24. Symbio expects to achieve EBITDA of $30 million - $35 million in FY24. Financial highlights: - Recurring Revenue up 8% to $121.3 million (FY22: $112.3 million) - Recurring Gross Margin up 6% to $69.4 million (FY22: $65.8 million) o Now contributing 70% of total Gross Margin of $99 million - Underlying EBITDA of $27.7 million o Within the upper end of its revised guidance of $26 million - $28 million - Continuing NPATA of $12.2 million (FY22: $20.1 million) - Earnings per share of 2.08 cents per share (FY22: 17.29 cents per share) - Fully franked dividend of 3.4 cents per share (FY22: 8.0 cents per share) - Net Revenue Retention (NRR) rate of 105% for top 10 customers - Phone number growth up 11% to 7.3 million (FY22: 6.6 million) - Strong balance sheet with $35.8 million in cash and no debt as at 30 June 2023 Commenting on the results, Symbio Co-founder and Group CEO, Mr. Rene Sugo said: "Symbio has adapted to the challenging market conditions faced in the first half of FY23. We responded quickly by optimising expenditure across the business, including $2 million in CapEx, reductions in discretionary spending, and further reductions across the business. "With operating conditions now stabilising, we have returned to organic growth, retained all strategic customers, and achieved long-term contract renewals. We have also grown our market share in the face of increased competition. "Our Australian and New Zealand businesses have performed in line with expectations, albeit at a slower pace given the softness of the economy. Our Asian expansion also continues apace, and we were able to almost double our total addressable market (TAM) by launching our domestic Malaysian network in record time. "Our three specialised business divisions continue to drive growth both domestically and in Asia. CPaaS recorded a 11% growth in phone numbers, TaaS SIOs grew by 10%, and UCaaS seats grew by 143%, including organic growth and growth from our acquisition of Intrado Australia's Ciscofocused end-to-end Cloud Calling, Contact Centre, and Collaboration business in February 2023. "This year also saw the launch of our South-East Asia Hub, a key pillar of our Asian expansion, providing multi-country access to customers through one interconnection location. By reducing costs associated with managing multiple interconnections, the Hub model allows Symbio clients to grow, connect, and expand in a rapidly digitising region. "Our strong cash generation and balance sheet have allowed the board to declare a final fully franked dividend of 1.7 cents per share." Operational highlights Phone numbers on the network reached 7.3 million as at June 2023, up 11% on the previous year. This included the large 400,000 phone number order flagged to the market in the company's December 2022 trading update, which will generate revenue from FY24 onward. The growth in phone numbers drove Symbio's recurring revenue, which increased 8% to $121.3 million and supported a 6% increase in recurring gross margin to $69.4 million. Total gross margin increased 4% to $99 million. With a renewed focus on cost control, Symbio's board and management are committed to maintaining a flat cost base across operating and capital expenses for the medium term. This included a CapEx reduction of $2 million and limited discretionary spending. In total, due to prudent cost management, a $7 million reduction in CapEx and OpEx was realised throughout FY23. While implementing these cost reductions, the Symbio team has managed to execute and deliver the bulk of the FY23 strategic projects aimed at positioning the Company for a successful FY24 and beyond. Symbio also maintained its strong balance sheet with $35.8 million in cash and no debt as of 30 June 2023. Strategic highlights Delivering Growth in Asia Symbio's Asian expansion continued to advance this year, with the company almost doubling its total addressable market (TAM) by launching its domestic Malaysian network. The company also established its South-East Asian (SEA) Hub, unlocking Singapore and Malaysia through one interconnect. The SEA Hub will offer Symbio's proprietary intellectual property, providing cost savings and a compelling value proposition for customers seeking multi-country access and growth in a rapidly digitising region. Taiwan remains a key investment area, with keen interest being expressed by Symbio's global customers. The company is now building a revised business case for an organic market entry after local acquisition targets did not meet its pricing parameters following the completion of due diligence. Symbio plans to announce further details about this revised market entry approach in the near future. Symbio is currently focused on its market entry into Taiwan and achieving profitability in Singapore and Malaysia. However, it remains interested in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam as it looks to continue its Asian expansion strategy, providing further opportunities for customers to grow into new markets. Strategic Investment The business invested in improving its technology platforms and launched major new product initiatives across all divisions, including automation, low code/no code, and self-service tools. Highlights include the launch of Microsoft Operator Connect, a cloud-based telephony solution allowing businesses to connect to the public switched telephone network through Microsoft Teams. Significant progress has also been made in automation and customer self-service tools with the launch of CPaaS' Connect customer portal, and UCaaS' Enterprise Portal, allowing customers to manage their services through a single interface. These software platforms will reduce the amount of time spent on customer-facing tasks and increase the speed at which customer requests are processed. Notably, the TaaS division retired its legacy platforms, reducing costs and allowing the division to enter FY24 on a unified platform. Outlook & Guidance Commenting on the outlook, Rene Sugo said: "Despite setbacks in the first half of FY23, the strength of our business, unique value proposition, and clear strategic vision continue to drive business outcomes and position Symbio for long-term recurring revenue and margin growth. "Looking ahead at FY24, Symbio will continue to implement strategic projects that allow us to reduce our cost base, creating further efficiencies that will set us up to return to EBITDA growth this financial year. The board and management are committed to maintaining a flat cost base across operating and capital expenses for the medium term. "The company expects to achieve EBITDA of $30 million - $35 million in FY24. "Our strategic vision has not changed. We remain profitable, debt-free, and continue to deliver on our Vision 2030 plans as we expand further into Asia. "With the right structure and technology in place to execute our strategy, we remain focused on investing for growth. Our recurring revenue continues to increase due to our unique offering and quality customers, including some of the world's largest software companies which are increasingly demanding our services across the Asian-Pacific region. "We are on track to reach cash flow breakeven in Singapore this financial year and will continue to scale our South-East Asian Hub - growing our Malaysian network and launching into Taiwan. "Guided by our ambitious vision to have 100 million numbers on our network by 2030, our focus for FY24 will be on execution, software leadership, and profitability." Results briefing There will be a webinar and results presentation held on Tuesday 29 August at 9:00 am. For registration and details, please visit: https://investors.symbio.global/ To view the Investor Presentation, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/U7BVDD59 To view the Annual Report, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/OG40493Q About Symbio Holdings Limited Symbio Holdings Limited (ASX:SYM) is a software company changing the way the world communicates. Symbio's technology replaces old-fashioned telecom networks with software, making it faster and easier to deliver modern cloud-based communication services, unlocking endless new applications for calling, messaging and phone numbers. Symbio is the backbone for the global cloud communication industry. Over 500 service providers - from telecom start-ups to the world's biggest software companies - rely on Symbio for the connectivity, quality and expertise they need to solve complex communication challenges. Headquartered in Sydney, Symbio powers billions of calls and messages each year, owns networks in three countries and employs over 450 staff worldwide. For more information about Symbio visit www.symbio.global Related Companies Celebrity The actor, who is famous for playing Oliver Oken on 'Hannah Montana', was arrested on Saturday evening, August 26 after he reportedly stole an item at a food market while he was under the influence. Aug 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Mitchel Musso seemingly regrets his trouble with the law. Having been arrested for public drunkenness in Texas, the actor known for playing Oliver Oken on "Hannah Montana" looked sad in his mugshot. According to TMZ, the former Disney star was arrested on Saturday evening, August 26, and was later booked into the Rockwall County Detention Center. It arrived after police responded to a call for service at a nearby hotel, where folks claimed Mitchel had been acting "belligerent." Mitchel allegedly stole a snack of the potato variety from a food market. When employees urged him to pay for it, Mitchel reportedly became verbally abusive to them and left the building "without rendering payment." Police later found Mitchel outside the hotel and he was unveiled to have been under the influence. Rockwall PD claimed they also discovered a number of traffic warrants in his name, prompting them to arrest him. Mitchel has since been hit with several charges. They include public intoxication, theft (under $100), expired registration, failure to display a driver's license and violating a promise to appear notice. However, authorities said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital that Mitchel only "spent one night in jail and bonded out late Sunday afternoon after posting $1000.00 bond." This marks Mitchel's first run-in with the law in more than a decade. Back in 2011, he was arrested for driving under the influence in Burbank. The now-32-year-old reportedly avoided a six-month sentence by pleading "no contest" to the charges. Mitchel, who also plays Jeremy Johnson on the animated series "Phineas and Ferb", was later sentenced to 36 months of informal probation. The sentence also required him to attend alcohol education classes and pay a fine. You can share this post! Facebook/Cover Images/JOHN NACION Celebrity In a post shared via social media by his clothing brand 4hunnid, the 'Why You Always Hatin?' rapper sells black and white short-sleeved tees with graphics of the former president's mugshot. Aug 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - YG is selling new merchandise featuring Donald Trump's mugshot. The "Why You Always Hatin?" rapper revealed the new designs of his clothing brand's products via social media amid many trolls coming in on the former president ever since his arrest. In a post shared by the 33-year-old hip-hop artist's lifestyle brand 4hunnid, it could be seen that his clothing line is dropping new products of short-sleeved tees that came with graphics of Trump's mugshot on it. Photos of the designs were released via Instagram on Friday, August 25. Slightly under the picture itself, there is a bright red sign that read, "F**KED," and the logo of the brand "4HUNNID" written in the same color. The T-shirt comes in two choice of colors, black and white. Along with the photos, the brand informed that the shirts can be purchased online through their website by writing in the caption, "Donald Trump mug shot tees available now on www.4hunnid.com." It did not take long for the post to be flooded with online responses. In the comments section, one Instagram user expressed, "No way u selling this," adding a slew of smiling faces with tears of joy emojis. Meanwhile, another appeared to like the new merch and claimed, "Already get me the 2 colors lol." A third, in the meantime, stated, "Knew yall would hop on it as soon as they released the mugshot [a rolling on the floor laughing emoji] love it." A fourth pointed out about the tee design, "Definitely f**ked. But he's the last motherf**ken face id want on my shirt." The "West Coast Weekend" rapper's new merch came after the former star of "The Apprentice" was roasted over his mugshot by many social media users. One troll in particular was rapper Plies. On Thursday evening, August 24, he tweeted, "The Look U Give When U Been Yelling Lock Her Up & The Biden Crime Family .. But U The B***h Thats Really The Criminal!!!! U Can Fool Everybody But God!!!! #Plies #IGotMotion." Giving a similar yet different take was fellow hip-hop star Chief Keef. That same day, he shared on Instagram Story an edited photo of Trump showing off a "blood" sign. Over the picture, he wrote, "Nah my boy in dat b***h bangin on dem folks. I know whatever deck he on he good in the hood for sure he finna run the prison. That boy finna be eating like a MF all da Blacks finna have my boy back." Earlier that day, Trump surrendered at Fulton County Jail for the 13 counts that he is facing in Georgia due to his alleged interference in 2020 election results in that state. He stepped his feet at the jail one day earlier than the deadline. You can share this post! TLC TV In the new episode of the TLC reality show, Jasmine shockingly tells Gino that she filmed her intimate session with her ex-boyfriend Dane a month ago ahead of their marriage. Aug 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jasmine and Gino got into another explosive fight in the Sunday, August 27 episode of "90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days". In the new episode of the TLC reality show, Jasmine shockingly told Gino that she filmed a sex tape with her ex-boyfriend Dane a month ago. In the episode, Jasmine expressed her frustration because her K-1 visa took time to get approved. She later asked Gino if he was willing to pay for her apartment in Panama until she's able to come to America. Gino wanted Jasmine to get a cheaper apartment, but Jasmine believed that he could afford it. After Gino called Jasmine "spoiled," she accused Gino of spending much more money on other people including his ex, calling him "a f**king piece of trash." As Jasmine started throwing his things and kicking him out, Gino fought back by throwing her stuff on the ground. Jasmine went hysterical and yelled at him that he was "a cheap weirdo." Later, she attempted to talk to Gino even though she was still crying hysterically. She said she was tired and felt like Gino didn't want to be with her. Meanwhile, Gino said she never gave him credit for financially supporting her for the past few years and pointed out how Jasmine spent a lot of money on her high-end apartment in Panama. Jasmine, however, insisted that she never felt Gino supported her amid her anxiety battle. During confessionals, Jasmine slammed Gino and called him a "f**king idiot" for not putting her as his top priority. Gino eventually walked out while they cursed at each other. Jasmine labeled Gino's family "trash" and claimed that she was going to "f**k my ex that knows how to f**k me." She said, "He's the best man that I have ever had and I'm going back to him. He is the most important person in my life." Gino told her to "go to hell," to which Jasmine responded by telling him that she had a video of her having sex with her ex, Dane, that was from only a month ago. That prompted Gino to call Jasmine a "w***e." Jasmine appeared to give up on her relationship with Gino entirely. "I don't want to see Gino. I don't even want to be breathing the same oxygen," she admitted. "This is it. This is it." You can share this post! President Yoon Suk Yeol clinches his fist as he speaks during the ruling People Power Party's annual seminar in Incheon, Monday. Joint Press Corps President sets ideology as foremost value of country By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol slammed the opposition and the press for criticizing his administration's response to Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, saying it is impossible to govern the country full of such "unscientific forces." Since Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the disabled nuclear power plant on Aug. 24, Yoon has been refraining from making direct remarks on growing public concerns over the safety of seafood and the opposition's mounting criticism that the government is being too lenient on Tokyo. Monday's remarks are interpreted as Yoon's response to such criticism, signaling an escalating dispute with the opposition regarding a wide range of issues. "With the opposition lawmakers controlling the majority of seats at the National Assembly and the media largely favoring their perspective, our government faces criticism around the clock," Yoon said during a ruling People Power Party (PPP) seminar in Incheon. "Look at the responses to the Fukushima issue. What these people are saying is that adding one and one equals 100, and they claim this to be scientific. We have no choice but to confront them," he said. So far, the Yoon government has maintained that it trusts the International Atomic Energy Agency's scientific assessment of the safety of the Fukushima wastewater release plan. However, opposition parties have been raising doubts about the UN nuclear watchdog's assessment, while media coverage in Korea has focused on health concerns voiced by consumers and fears of declining sales suffered by the country's fisheries industry. "They stress political cooperation," Yoon said. "But as I said earlier, a bird can fly with its left and right wings only if they are headed in the same direction." He added, "While we are trying to move ahead, they are moving backwards. When they have the wrong idea of the direction of the flight, it simply won't work." He also denounced the liberal Moon Jae-in administration and compared it to "an insolvent company" plagued by "accounting fraud." President Yoon Suk Yeol applauds during the ruling People Power Party's annual seminar in Incheon, Monday. Joint Press Corps Facebook/Instagram Celebrity The 'Anna Wintour' raptress makes use of Instagram to weigh in on the 'Barbie World' femcee's fashion taste, while dragging the 'Break My Soul' hitmaker and her record-breaking 'Renaissance' tour. Aug 28, 2023 AceShowbiz - Azealia Banks showed love to Nicki Minaj, while dragging Beyonce Knowles in the process. On Saturday, August 25, the "Anna Wintour" raptress made use of her Instagram account to weigh in on Nicki's fashion taste. Reposting a picture of the "Barbie World" hitmaker sporting a revealing outfit, Azealia wrote, "Like I would never even think you'd like something like this." She added, "THIS IS THE BEST LOOK I HAVE EVER SEEN [YOU] IN. EVERRRRRRR OKAY?" She went on to gush, "Nicki I have never seen you this comfortable in your own skin I'm not even trying to shade you But you have never ever looked this chic, stylish, sexy, at ease." While Azealia has positive words for Queen of Rap, it is the opposite when it comes to Queen Bey. When a fan asked the New York femcee to share her thoughts on Beyonce's "Renaissance" tour, she didn't hold back in criticizing the R&B star. "I stayed home. I decided I didn't want to see Giselle and Blue Ivy's cabaret," Azealia said. "I wasn't leaving the comfort of my mansion to hear her sing Mary J. Blige covers and literally watch the same show I can watch on Instagram. In a big way, I kind of got over her that night." Dubbing the Grammy winner "nasty," she added, "For a woman who's done so much nasty stuff behind the scenes to stifle other Black female artists yet STILL is too afraid to come at Adele for ki'ing on her little 'Lemonade' stunt and tearing a Grammy in half while she's in the front row pregnant???" Beyonce is far from being the only artist who faced Azealia's online wrath. Recently, the latter called out Skai Jackson, Julia Fox, Franz Ferdinand, CupcakKe and Primary Talent International CEO Matt Bates for their hypocritical and wannabe behavior. "Skai Jackson is still in the trenches looking stupid. And you all defended this wannabe at my expense. A woman's intuition is always right. I've literally grossed tens of millions of dollars for people like Matt Bates at @primarytalent agency for him to decide he was too proper to associate himself with my so called 'bigotry' yet had NO PROBLEM profiting off of my extremely vulgar and explicit rap music," she wrote on Instagram alongside a screenshot of a 2021 article about Zayn Malik's assault scandal involving Gigi Hadid's mom Yolanda Hadid. "@rinsefm I'm looking DIRECTLY at you - wimpy, trash, need more riboflavin jumble tooth hot breath rolets pork rind scented, musty tea kettle tap water guzzling excuses of men who tried to Digitally lynch me for defending myself," she added. "@franz_ferdinand I remember you played out losers trying to jump in on it too! Oh and WHERE IS @cupcakkeafreakk??! Did u ever get the attention you were begging so hard for that day by defending this roach? Or did he ignore you and let you know, that you were also not good enough for his tweets?" She further ranted, "As for Ms. Ratbreeder @juliafox the girl who's got mice running around pissing and pooping on all of her childrens toys and belongings thinking it's CUTE - actually had the nerve to physically threaten me, (oh yes honey, you better have that same energy the next time we cross paths) do you think your 8 year late opinion on this is still warranted?lmao also, slow down on whatever stimulant youre on because you're developing a tick. Drug abuse, and child neglect ." You can share this post! Dentsu India proudly congratulates the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. To mark this unanimous victory, the network launched a DOOH (Digital-Out-Of-Home) campaign across Mumbai, expressing its heartfelt respect and support for ISRO. Chandrayaan-3's spectacular landing marks a significant milestone for India's space program, showcasing the country's technological prowess and determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. Designed and executed by Posterscope India - dentsus OOH specialist agency, each digital hoarding carried a congratulatory note from dentsu to celebrate this humungous success. The hoardings, strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai (Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar), featured striking visuals to capture the essence of Chandrayaan-3's mission and landing - allowing Mumbaikars to share in the joy of ISRO's accomplishment while passing through the bustling cityscape. As the vibrant festival of Kerala's culture and heritage, Onam, approaches, News18 Kerala is all set to present a unique array of Onam-themed programs. With the aim of providing a profoundly enriching cultural spectacle, the channel has meticulously curated a special line-up. The festivities will be showcased from the 25th to the 29th of August, exclusively on News18 Kerala. Commencing on the 25th of August, the program 'Natt Onam' will cast a spotlight on the cultural rituals and observances of Onam in various villages across Kerala. Another program will feature Onam festivities from 5 colleges within the state. Anchors from News18 Kerala will visit colleges to participate in students' Onam celebrations, including activities like Pooviliyonam which is onam farming, Thiruvathira performances, and even flash mobs. The renowned talk show "Onam Band Show" will feature some of the distinguished bands hailing from Kerala, followed by an impressive performance. An interesting session Onam Pattonam session which will play the Onam special. Furthermore, the channel will present a captivating game show titled 'Reel Life v/s Real Live,' spotlighting four couples from social media reels, and welcoming guests from various corners of Kerala. There will be many special shows and activities like Poochantham a special Onam flower market, Azhakinte Onam which is Handloon Onam, Sakhavinte Onam an E P Jayarajan interview, Chamanjonam A celebration with LGBTQIA+ community, and many more to make the festivities special. In addition to these, there will be a special telecast of a ritualistic ceremony at the Aranmula Temple, where the illustrious 63-item feast is served. Notably, the channel will also cover the celebrated Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Witness the amazing cultural exchanges of Onam for 5 days, from 25th August to 29th August 2023, only on News18 Kerala Strict EU rules have been enforced on tech platforms and they are now required to follow the rules and regulations prescribed by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires them to be more clear about their algorithms and protect the users from malicious content. The EU has called out 19 platforms, including Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Microsofts Bing, and Snapchat. The rules are effective from 25th August, 2023. Under DSA, users will be getting a non-personalised feed which is not on the basis of profiling. In a blog post, Linkedin on Friday informed that the change has been executed for the mobile and desktop version of the network. The EU is moving forward in order to provide approval to the first law in the world, regulating AI, within the end of this year. The Chief Digital Safety Officer of Microsoft, Courtney Gregoire, said new safeguards will be employed by Microsoft in order to fight against new risks associated with AI. He further informed that among other measures taken by Microsoft to maintain the regulations prescribed by DSA, involve creating an ad library, and providing European users access to the information about the adverts they come across to on the platform. A similar step has been taken by Linkedin. Measures will also be taken by Microsoft to explain to the users in a better way as to how Bing search works, including its moderation policies, principles for ranking and user controls. Snapchat has also announced new changes in its app, which include permitting the users to have control over the content they witness and also putting a restriction on targeted advertising to children within the age group of 13-17 years, in the EU as well as Britain. More information will be provided by Microsoft on targeted adverts. Momentus Digital has announced their expansion in the Middle East market with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This move is part of the companys global growth strategy, and positions Momentus Digital to provide innovative and effective digital advertising solutions to businesses in Middle East. Middel East is a rapidly growing market with a booming digital marketing landscape. According to recent reports, the digital advertising industry in the MENA region is expected to grow to over $9 billion by 2025. This represents a huge opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach and achieve success in the region. Middle East is a dynamic and rapidly growing market and we believe that our experience and approach will help businesses achieve their goals in the exciting environment. We are excited to bring our expertise and innovative digital advertising solutions to the Middle East market, said Ms. Arooshi Dharamdasani CEO of Momentus Digital. Momentus Digital has provided top-notch services and solutions for digital advertising to companies across sectors in India. Momentus Digital aims to bring their unique approach to digital advertising to Middle East, providing businesses with customized and innovative solutions that drives growth and engagement. It is a Unified Media Advertising Partner, who is designed to provide the full extent of audiences through Native, Programmatic, Search, Display and Gaming audience. It specializes in a vertical where brands work with us on Brand Engagement or Performance Marketing. Its brand engagement also works on the lines of giving the right audience through the right channel at the right time. Momentus Digital is one of the few homegrown digital advertising companies with an expanding international clientele. We are actively seeking to increase our worldwide footprint through India and Middle East. Momentus Digital has a proven track record of success in the Indian market and we believe that our approach will resonate with businesses in Middle East, said Mr. Ashwani Mehta, Co-Founder, Momentus Digital. We look forward to building strong relationships with our clients and helping them achieve success in this dynamic and exciting market, said Ms. Chavi Tandon, Sales Director-International, Momentus Digital. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 28.08.2023 - During a visit to Slovenia, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today signed an agreement on the implementation of Switzerland's second contribution in Ljubljana. The agreement provides for the financing of projects aimed at improving Slovenia's energy efficiency and developing its renewable energy resources. Mr Cassis also attended the Bled Strategic Forum, where he took part in a panel discussion on the future of multilateralism. Flanked by the Slovenian minister for cohesion and regional development, Aleksander Jevsek, Mr Cassis underlined the strong ties between Switzerland and Slovenia. "As Alpine nations, we share our experiences, our challenges and our expertise," declared Mr Cassis at the signing ceremony. The partnership will be underwritten by CHF 16 million in cohesion credits from SECO until 2029 as part of the second Swiss contribution. Its objective is to boost Slovenia's energy efficiency and develop renewable energy resources. Swiss funding and expertise will help to create, among other things, a national digital platform to improve oversight of energy planning and to run pilot projects to build solar energy capacity on agricultural land. Switzerland's contribution to selected EU member states an investment in Europe's security, stability and prosperity is part of the broader framework of relations with the EU. Between 2007 and 2017, Switzerland had already provided CHF 21 million in funding for various projects in Slovenia. Following on from this contribution to EU enlargement, Switzerland and Slovenia have jointly defined the themes and funded the projects on which they plan to cooperate. Bled Strategic Forum focuses on geostrategic situation The Bled Strategic Forum is an annual international conference hosted by the Slovenian government which brings together some 3,000 participants. The 2023 edition, held under the banner of 'Solidarity for Global Security', addresses the current geostrategic situation and the challenges of multilateralism in a context of growing insecurity and uncertainty. At a panel discussion on the future of multilateralism, Mr Cassis spoke about Switzerland's experience on the UN Security Council and as a host state for international organisations. He explained Switzerland's position in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and reaffirmed its commitment to the Ukrainian people and the country's recovery. In a spirit of solidarity and in response to a request from Slovenia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced that Switzerland will support Slovenia with 200,000 Swiss francs in aid of victims following the floods in the country. He also announced Switzerland's willingness to contribute to the exchange of reconstruction know-how following the widespread damage. Mr Cassis also took the opportunity to hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts on the sidelines of the forum, and held more extensive talks with the foreign ministers of Slovenia and South Korea. He also spoke briefly with the Canadian foreign minister about his upcoming visit to Canada. Contact FDFA Communication Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Lorenz Jakob, information officer Economic Development Cooperation, SECO Tel. +41 58 468 60 56 lorenz.jakob@seco.admin.ch Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html State Secretariat for Economic Affairs http://www.seco.admin.ch These days, India is going through a lot of communal disharmonies, and the hate has made its way to the schools. Educational institutions have become political targets. Indian democracy is questionable. There are constant communal attacks in India. In the name of the so-called Hindu Rashtra, we are seeing atrocities. Thanks to Indian politics, the hate has not spared the future of India, and those are the young minds. Section 17 under the Right to Education Act 2009 completely bars corporal punishment on children, and the sentence under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act would be rigorous imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, but when hate is supported by the government and ruling authorities, then there will be reward for such atrocities. There was one viral video on social media where a Muslim student was slapped by his classmates on the instruction of the teacher. The teacher was telling some Hindu students to beat the Muslim student repeatedly. Soon after the controversy, Uttar Pradesh teacher Tripta Tyagi put out a video message, stressing that she had no communal motive behind asking students to slap their Muslim classmate. With folded hands, she repeated that she had made a mistake and sought forgiveness. The incident, which happened on August 24, came to light only after a video of Tripta Tyagi asking her students to slap a Muslim kid went viral. In the video, Tripta Tyagi is seen asking the students to slap a Muslim child and also allegedly making a communal remark. The student is seen standing near the teachers desk, crying, as his classmates take turns to slap him, as the teacher looks on. Tripta Tyagi is also heard asking one of the students to hit the Muslim kid harder. Defending her actions, the Muzaffarnagar teacher has termed the incident a minor issue. She said though it was wrong on her part to get a student slapped by his classmates, she was forced to do it as she is handicapped and was not able to stand up and reach the student who had not done his homework. The Uttar Pradesh governments Basic Shiksha Adhikari served a show-cause notice to the school. The school was given government affiliation for a period of three years in 2019, which expired last year, but the management did not try for its renewal. In spite of all this, the school will not be closed, and normal teaching activities will continue there in the interests of students until an alternate arrangement is made for them. Meanwhile, the man who shot the video has said that the Muslim kid was beaten because he had not done his homework. The father of the kid has, however, maintained that there was no communal angle to the incident. He has withdrawn his child from school and will not be filing a complaint against the school. A case was registered against Tyagi under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code on the complaint of the victims family. If educators are doing such things, the repercussions will be seen in society when their students grow up and take up important jobs. If other students are hitting one student in front of the entire classroom, then this is shameful. Above all, she gave one arrogant interview to the media, and the biased media promoted that video without any hitch. No one in the media asked her why she brutalized a kid. So, obviously, no action and no arrest. Its pretty clear that she was instigated by the ideology she followed. Youngsters are unemployed; children are treated like this in school; girls and women are not safe in the country. Its high time to stop the hatred and focus on things that are beneficial to the country. Currently, 50 students study at the school. Tripta Tyagi, the school teacher involved in the incident, continues to teach at the school. The school has been shut for now, and its students would be shifted to other schools nearby. State education department authorities are finding a solution to damage control. The boys father was very upset after the incident and could not eat for a couple of days. He had also started rambling at home after the traumatic experience. The child is doing better following a medical check-up but is still mentally upset even today. Idalia was nearly a hurricane on Monday night as it headed for the Gulf of Mexico -- and an eventual landfall in Florida. Storm surge and hurricane warnings have now been issued for Floridas west coast and were extended westward along the Panhandle earlier this afternoon. The National Hurricane Center continued to forecast Idalia to become a Category 3 -- or major hurricane -- before it makes landfall on Floridas Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Idalia (pronounced ee-DAL-ya) could bring winds up to 120 mph (an increase from 115 mph earlier today), storm surge of 8 to 12 feet (also an increase from earlier) and possibly a foot of rain to parts of the Sunshine State. Idalia was still a tropical storm late Monday but was expected to become a hurricane at any time, the hurricane center said. When it does it will be the third hurricane of 2023 in the Atlantic. The hurricane center on Monday was also tracking powerful Hurricane Franklin, which had strengthened to a Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds and will pass to the west of Bermuda in a few days. The forecast path for Idalia has stayed fairly consistent, however the hurricane center urged those along Floridas west coast to not let their guard down: Although the track forecast has been quite consistent, there is still some spread in the guidance by 48 hours, and it cannot be emphasized enough that only a small deviation in the track could cause a significant change in Idalias landfall location in Florida due to the paralleling track to the west coast of the state, forecasters said Monday. As of 10 p.m. CDT Monday, the center of Idalia was located 10 miles northwest of the western tip of Cuba and was on a path northward at 8 mph. Idalias winds were holding at 70 mph, just 4 mph shy of hurricane strength. Category 3 winds start at 111 mph, and Idalia is forecast to reach that threshold by late Tuesday or Tuesday night. The hurricane centers forecast cone on Monday stretched along Floridas Gulf Coast from east of Apalachicola to south of Tampa. The cone only shows where the center of the storm could go, however. Idalia is expected to spread wind and rain far from the center. The storm is forecast to move across northern Florida -- still at hurricane strength -- and then into the western Atlantic and up the coasts of the Carolinas as a tropical storm before turning out to sea later this week. Alabama is not in the forecast cone at all but could feel some effects from Idalia. The National Weather Service in Mobile will raise the risk of deadly rip currents to high from late Tuesday until Thursday along the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches. Seas are also expected to be rough. Here are the updated watches and warnings for the U.S. The have been extended westward some to include more of the Florida Panhandle: * Storm surge warning from Englewood northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * Hurricane warning from the Middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * Tropical storm warning for the Dry Tortugas, from Chokoloskee northward to the Middle of Longboat Key, from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach and from Sebastian Inlet, Fla., to Altamaha Sound, Ga. * Storm surge watch from Chokoloskee northward to Englewood, including Charlotte Harbor and from the mouth of the St. Marys River to South Santee River, S.C. * Hurricane watch from Englewood to the Middle of Longboat Key. * Tropical storm watch for the Lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge and from Sebastian Inlet, Fla., northward to South Santee River, S.C. The forecast for storm surge has increased. The hurricane center said Idalia is forecast to move into an area very susceptible to storm surge, and regardless of the cyclones landfall intensity, there is increasing confidence of a significant storm surge event. Here are the updated amounts possible in Florida: * Aucilla River to Chassahowitzka -- 8-12 feet * Chassahowitzka to Anclote River -- 6-9 feet * Ochlockonee River to Aucilla River -- 5-8 feet * Anclote River to Middle of Longboat Key -- 4-7 feet * Tampa Bay -- 4-7 feet * Middle of Longboat Key to Englewood -- 3-5 feet * Englewood to Chokoloskee -- 2-4 feet * Charlotte Harbor -- 2-4 feet * Indian Pass to Ochlockonee River -- 3-5 feet * Chokoloskee to East Cape Sable -- 1-3 feet * Florida Keys -- 1-2 feet Idalia could also bring a lot of rain and cause flash flooding in Florida. The hurricane center said 4 to 8 inches of rain will be possible for parts of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Georgia and the eastern Carolinas. Isolated areas near the landfall point could get up to a foot of rain. Idalia will also spread the threat for tornadoes across the Florida peninsula and north Florida as it moves onshore. HURRICANE FRANKLIN Hurricane Franklin was a strong Category 4 storm with winds of 150 mph late Monday. It is forecast to pass close to Bermuda on Wednesday. The hurricane center also was tracking Franklin, which has rapidly strengthened into 2023s first major hurricane in the Atlantic. As of late Monday night Franklin was a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds up to 150 mph. (Category 5 winds begin at 157 mph.) Franklins center will pass west of Bermuda on Wednesday, but the storms wind field will be big enough that a tropical storm watch has been issued for the island. As of 10 p.m. CDT Monday, the center of powerful Hurricane Franklin was located about 420 miles west-southwest of Bermuda. Franklin was moving to the north at 9 mph. The hurricane center said some additional strengthening is possible tonight, but gradual weakening is expected to begin late Tuesday. Franklin wont directly affect the U.S. but could cause deadly rip currents along the East Coast this week. Xi stresses greater efforts to build beautiful Xinjiang in pursuing Chinese modernization Xinhua) 08:06, August 28, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech when he is briefed about the work of the Party committee and government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) URUMQI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged firmly grasping the strategic positioning of Xinjiang in the overall national situation and better building a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when he was briefed in Urumqi about the work of the Party committee and government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. He demanded thorough, meticulous, concrete and sustained efforts to develop a beautiful Xinjiang that is united, harmonious, prosperous, and culturally advanced, with healthy ecosystems and people living and working in contentment, in the process of pursuing Chinese modernization. Xi was in Xinjiang after returning to China from the 15th BRICS Summit and a state visit to South Africa. Recognizing Xinjiang's achievements in various aspects, Xi said the work related to Xinjiang is of special importance in the work of the Party and the country, and concerns the overall task of building China into a strong modern socialist country in all respects and promoting the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Efforts should be made not only to address prominent problems currently constraining Xinjiang's development and stability, but also to make long-term arrangements to promote fundamental, basic and long-term work for enduring prosperity and stability in the region, he said. Maintaining social stability is a top priority, Xi said, urging efforts to coordinate the work of maintaining stability and advancing development, the two aspects that are mutually promoted. He also called for efforts to enhance the rule of law to build a solid legal foundation for enduring stability. The mechanism for forestalling and defusing major risks and potential dangers should be improved, Xi said, adding that the fight against terrorism and separatism should be integrated with law-based and constant work of maintaining stability. Forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation is a focus of the CPC's work on ethnic affairs in the new era and all work in areas with large ethnic minority populations, Xi said. He said the education on standard spoken and written Chinese must be resolutely carried out to enhance people's consciousness and capability to use it. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the protection and use of cultural relics and heritage to help officials and the public develop an accurate understanding of state, ethnicity, history, and religions. Xi called for enhanced education on modern civilization and science among the youth and teenagers and encourage them to get involved in modern life. He emphasized advancing people-centered new urbanization and promoting exchanges and interactions among all ethnic groups. Xi said Xinjiang should take the initiative in grasping fresh opportunities arising from the nation's drive to create a new development pattern, advance high-quality development and push for Chinese modernization. Xinjiang should advance innovation in science and technology, foster and develop industries with unique advantages, and actively develop emerging industries. Efforts should be made to accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system that reflects Xinjiang's characteristics and strengths, and help Xinjiang advance on the track of high-quality development, he said. To achieve social stability and high-quality development in Xinjiang, the most arduous task is in rural areas, Xi said, emphasizing the work to consolidate and build on the achievements of poverty alleviation and promote rural revitalization. He called for more industrial cooperation and personnel exchange between Xinjiang and the rest of the country, and encouraged people from Xinjiang to work outside the region and people in other parts of the country to start business and live in Xinjiang. With unique geographical advantages, Xinjiang should accelerate the construction to make itself the gateway of China's westward opening up, Xi said. Xi asked Party members and officials to stay engaged with the people and their communities. He said Party organizations at the primary level must be strengthened to learn about the people's concerns and timely respond to their difficulties and problems. He stressed the need to better tell Xinjiang stories in the new era through multiple channels to show an open and confident Xinjiang, while refuting fake and baleful statements targeting Xinjiang. Xinjiang will open more widely for tourism and encourage domestic and overseas tourists to travel in the region, he said. Xi stressed upholding the Party's overall leadership and strengthening the Party building in Xinjiang. He underscored the importance of resolutely upholding the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the briefing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech when he is briefed about the work of the Party committee and government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech when he is briefed about the work of the Party committee and government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as well as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Malaysia should maintain good, friendly relations with China: ruler of Malaysia's Johor state Xinhua) 14:12, August 28, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia should maintain good and friendly relations with China, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the ruler of Malaysia's Johor state, said. Describing China as a "good and reliable" investment partner, Sultan Ibrahim said Johor state has had a long-standing good relationship with China since the time of his ancestors, when he was interviewed by Sin Chew Daily, a Malaysian local media. Recounting the presentation of the "Imperial Order of the Double Dragon" award to his great-great-grandfather by the Chinese Emperor during the Qing Dynasty, Sultan Ibrahim said his ancestor had soon after invited the Chinese to conduct economic activities in the state. "After that, the Chinese were invited to Johor to cultivate gambier and pepper," he said. Sultan Ibrahim also recounted how he had personally worked to foster better ties between both countries, particularly in the palm oil and construction sectors, and urged Malaysia to strengthen and enhance relations between the two countries, especially to expand economic opportunities. "By offering better incentives to foreign investors, our products can go further, reaching more markets," he explained. He added that China will always have a special place in his heart as it reminds him of his son, the late Tunku Abdul Jalil, who traveled to the country for medical treatment in 2014. Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with nine sultans or rulers, who head their respective state and act as the religious leader, taking turns to serve as the king for a five-year term. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) By Yi Woo-won I taught my first Korean language course, Elementary Korean 111, at Camp Carroll Education Center in Waegwan in the fall of 1965. I was exhilarated and proud to teach a college course for a fully accredited university in the United States. I had about 20 students enrolled in my first class, 2 military officers, 1 DAC person and the rest being enlisted men and women. Except for a few students who wanted to learn the language of their host country out of curiosity, the rest were taking the course for their university or college degrees. They all seemed to be keenly obsessed in learning the fabulous Korean language "Hangeul." Then in the mid-1970s, I taught Korean Life and Culture (KORN 198 and 398), in addition to Intermediate Korean Language (KORN 112 and 114). I was busy teaching four nights a week including the classes in Daegu. For those advanced courses in Korean Life and Culture, I devoted all my energy trying to prepare fully for my classes. And everything seemed to be going well and smoothly until around the end of the 1970s, when I encountered a problem that I had never anticipated. It was about the new policy for the academic degree of all Asian language faculties, requiring them now to have the minimum of a master's degree. I was stupefied and disheartened by the sudden news. But I wasn't ready to give up the great privilege of teaching the college programs that I had been enjoying for over a decade. I went to my alma mater, Kyungpook National University where I had studied for my B.A. 23 years before and enrolled hastily for the graduate course on English education. It was spring in 1980 and I was 49 years old. It was rather tough and laborious to return to school at that age, plus feeling embarrassed about being with young classmates whose average age was in the twenties. And yet, I always came to school earlier than others and took my seat in front of the podium where I could see better the writing on the board. So, by virtue of ferocious diligence, I earned three scholarships during the four-term period. Additionally and importantly, I was genuinely delighted when I was offered to teach conversational English to freshmen at my alma mater on completion of the degree. After teaching my first class of conversational English, I continued to teach other courses such as College English, English Composition, AV (audiovisual) English and Current English. Among them, I really loved teaching Current English, because I chose the current edition of my favorite "Reader's Digest" for its textbook. I was thrilled to see so many students, close to 200, who packed the largest classroom on campus, some of them standing against the walls or sitting on the floor, trying to make the most of my lecture. When I was leaving after class, I was always followed by half a dozen industrious and assiduous students, all of them with some questions or doubts in the textbook to be clarified. I had taught both at my alma mater and for the University of Maryland until 1994. But I still continued teaching irregularly at several different universities and colleges until I was close to 80 years old. Teaching is rigorous and demanding to a degree. However, when you are fully committed to it professionally, you'll realize in the long run that teaching is incredibly intriguing, gratifying and rewarding. Teaching, most of all, is a mission the responsibility to make a positive impact on your students' lives by inspiring, motivating and influencing them to shape their future and destinies. Another important thing is the technology for effective teaching, requiring teachers to have qualities such as patience, skills, dedication and passion. Teachers must be constant learners, creators or even strivers who develop and expand their knowledge. Looking back over more than 50 years of teaching at so many different schools, I acknowledged now that I had learned more for myself to teach than what I had actually taught my students. Yi Woo-won (yiwoowon1988@gmail.com) lives in Waegwan, North Gyeongsang Province, and has been writing since 1986. Tropical Storm Idalia continued to strengthen as it neared the southern Gulf of Mexico on Monday. As of 4 p.m. Monday Idalia had 70 mph sustained winds, just 4 mph short of hurricane strength. The National Hurricane Center expects Idalia (pronounced ee-DAL-ya) to become a hurricane later today and make landfall on Wednesday on Floridas Gulf Coast as a dangerous Category 3 storm with winds up to 120 mph. It could also bring 8 to 12 feet of storm surge to parts of Floridas Big Bend region. The hurricane centers cone of uncertainty on Monday stretched from east of Apalachicola to south of Tampa. The cone shows only where the center of the storm is expected to go. Idalia could spread wind and rain far from where the center comes onshore. Hurricane warnings have now been issued for Floridas west coast. They were extended a bit westward along the Florida Panhandle as of the 4 p.m. update. So what does that mean for Alabama? The National Weather Service offices that cover the state -- in Mobile, Birmingham and Tallahassee, Fla., were keeping a close watch on the storm on Monday. No one was ready to let their guard down just yet, but the threat for significant effects for Alabama seemed to be decreasing with the forecast track for the storm shifting more eastward toward Florida. Although the trends have been positive with regard to our area and no definitive tropical impacts related to Idalia are currently indicated for our forecast area based on the latest NHC information, but residents should continue to closely monitor this situation for the next day or so, the weather service in Mobile said in its Monday morning forecast discussion. No part of the state was in the forecast track cone as of Monday, but that doesnt mean Alabama wont feel that a hurricane is nearby. Along the coast, expect seas to get rougher starting today, according to the weather service. But the biggest and potentially most deadly hazard will be the threat for rip currents along the coast. The weather service in Mobile is already forecasting a high risk for rip currents along the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches starting on Tuesday night and lasting into at least Thursday. Heres the rip current forecast as of Monday: Idalia will bring the threat for deadly rip currents to the Alabama and northwest Florida beaches starting on Tuesday. Areas in southeast Alabama, though well inland, will be the closest to the storm and could feel the most from Idalia. The weather service said gusty winds and heavy rain will be possible as the storm makes landfall. However, Alabama will be on the west side of the center of the storm and wont have the threat of tornadoes to contend with. Rain rates could be less as well. The rest of Alabama may not have to contend with Idalia at all except for an increase in rain chances by Wednesday, according to forecasters. Winds could be breezy, but the weather service expects them to stay under the threshold for a wind advisory. A civil rights activist who organized bus and car rides from Birmingham to the March on Washington 60 years ago has died. Andrew Marrisett, one of the first paid field staffers in Birmingham for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, did not attend the March on Washington himself on Aug. 28, 1963, but organized transportation for others who wanted to go. Marrisett, of Birmingham, died on Aug. 14. He was 87. I wanted to go, but I thought it was better to stay behind to help those who were trying to go to the courthouse and register to vote, Marrisett recalled to The Birmingham News in 2013, on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. That was our task, talking to people explaining to them how to register to vote. Many activists from Alabama rode buses, drove cars and took trains to get to Washington for the march and rally best remembered for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech. Any way you could get there, Marrisett said a decade ago. Each neighborhood might have been doing its own thing and you wouldnt know about it. Marrisett joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference field staff in 1963, and was arrested on April 15, 1963 during demonstrations led by King in Birmingham. We lost an icon, said his ex-wife, Evangelist Floris Marrisett of Stone Mountain, Ga., who officiated a memorial service for him on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Pooles Funeral Home in Birmingham. I always told him he should write a book. Marrisett is mentioned in some civil rights histories, but much of what he knew about King and the Birmingham movement died with him. In Carry Me Home, civil rights historian Diane McWhorter mentions Marrisett joining the group of lieutenants to King who became minor legends on the SCLC staff: Andy Young and Bernard Lee, the old Alabama State sit-in leader who was now Kings aide-de-camp, helped (James) Bevel break in a corps of young lieutenants, recent high school graduates like Andrew Marrisett and James Orange, who would go on to become minor legends as SCLC staff members. Marrisett was trained in non-violent protest training workshops led by SCLC staff member James Bevel, then later led those workshops himself. Andrew Kwanza Marrisett II said his father didnt speak of his SCLC work much to the family. I guess theres kind of a foot soldiers creed, he said. Marrisett, who was born in Birmingham on May 4, 1936, had done occasional Facebook Live commentaries in recent years in which he offered up his opinions on current events and politics and encouraged people to vote. Marrisett was outspoken in his criticism when a protest in Birminghams Linn Park downtown turned violent after the killing of George Floyd in 2020. The way to do it is organization, having a spokesperson, having an agenda, having a fixed goal, knowing what we are marching for, Marrisett said in 2020. All those things can come together. It has to be organized. Marrisett said he was sickened by watching the video of Floyd dying with a police officers knee on his neck. My soul still hurts, he said. I am totally in agreement with peaceful protest, said Marrisett. Police brutality throughout this country needs to stop. But I dont condone violence in any form, especially when youre fighting for your rights. See also: Birmingham activists from 60s lament violent protest Mayor recalls Confederate monument removal, turmoil in Linn Park March on Washington: Birmingham marchers remember New Orleans- born rapper Juvenile made a stop in Birmingham to celebrate 25 years since the release of his classic hit album, 400 Degreez. The album went 4-times platinum when it was released in 1998 with hit songs like Ha and Back That Azz Up. The rapper is also known for other popular songs like Slow Motion, Project Chick and Hot Boys featuring Lil Wayne, B.G., Turk, and Big Tymers. Rapper Juvenile performs at Avondale Brewery. Photo cred.: Cody D. Short/ (cshort@al.com) Juvenile has always had a huge fan base in Birmingham, and that showed during his performance in front of hundreds of fans at Avondale Brewery on Sunday. The rapper performed for about 45 minutes, and in the middle of his set he thanked the crowd for supporting him through the years while wiping his forehead with a towel, This that Alabama heat, boy! Rapper Juvenile performs in front of hundreds at Avondale Brewery. Photo cred.: Cody D. Short/ (cshort@al.com) DJs have been supporting his music since he first started, Birmingham disc jockey DJ Gorgeous said. His music is the epitome of hip-hop. We can still drop a Juvenile song in the club, and people will go crazy like he just made the song yesterday. We appreciate the love hes shown us throughout the years and on his 25th anniversary. Rapper Juvenile performs at Avondale Brewery. Photo cred: Cody D. Short/(cshort@al.com) Its exciting to see him when he comes to Birmingham because he brings the nostalgia back from the early 2000s and the late 90s where hip-hop really got its wings to take off where it is today, business owner and Juvenile fan Andrew Jones said. Juvenile recently regained national acclaim after his appearance on NPRs Tiny Desk Concert that has more than 5 million views. Watch it below. A 20-year-old University of South Carolina student was shot and killed when he accidentally tried to enter the wrong home, police say. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio was shot at about 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a statement from the Columbia Police Department. Police say Donofrio lived in a home on the same street where the shooting occurred. The Daily Mail reports Donofrio lived in a fraternity on the street. Donofrio, who was from Madison, Connecticut, was dead at the scene when officers arrived, police say. School officials tell ABC 11 that Donofrio had just started his second year at the university. The home where the shooting occurred is located several blocks from the university, reports say. Police did not report any arrests and said they will consult with prosecutors on the case. Huntsville police have arrested a second man in connection with a shooting on the campus of Alabama A&M University last week. On Friday, Christopher Thomas, 20, was booked into the Madison County Jail around 10 p.m. on an assault charge, according to Huntsville police. Thomas was arrested after his discharge from the hospital. Last Wednesday, Willie Brandon Nance, 23, was also arrested on an assault charge. Police say the two were involved in a shooting Tuesday afternoon at about 5:40 p.m. outside the Knight Complex at 4900 Meridian Street. The shooting was termed as an isolated incident stemming from an altercation between two people. The Knight Complex is a five-story suite-style residence hall, where approximately 800 male and female undergraduate students live. In a letter to the university community, Alabama A&M President Daniel K. Wims thanked students who displayed an incredible amount of patience and vigilance during an evolving emergency situation. The Auburn University Board of Trustees Friday approved a 3% increase in tuition at Auburn and Auburn University Montgomery for the 2024-25 school year. Under the new tuition and fee structure, undergraduate resident Auburn students will pay $459 per credit hour and $12,890 in annual tuition and fees, about $354 more than the current costs. An out-of-state undergraduate will pay $1,377 per credit hour and $34,922 in annual tuition and fees, a $978 increase. Undergraduate resident AUM students will pay $368 per credit hour and $11,968 over a year, a $330 increase. Out-of-state AUM students will pay $825 per credit hour and $25,678 for a full-time year, about $720 higher than this years costs. The increases were first approved Friday morning at the boards Finance Committee on a voice vote. The full board approved the increases on a voice vote at its regular meeting, with little discussion. Kelli Shomaker, Auburns senior vice president for business & administration and chief financial officer, told the boards finance committee in a presentation Friday that most of the universitys revenue comes from tuition and legislative appropriations. Together they make up almost 65.4% of the total budget. More from Alabama Reflector As we look towards revenues, the university has numerous and diverse revenue sources, but it relies heavily on state appropriations, and tuition and fees, she said. The Auburn University system is slated to receive $362 million from the education budget approved by legislators this spring. For the 2023-24 academic year, Auburns tuition and fees are $6,268 per semester for an in-state student and $16,972 for a student who lives out-of-state. The credit hours were $446 for in-state and $1,338 for out-of-state. In the 2023-2024 school year, AUM students pay an estimated tuition and fees of $11,638 for in-state and $24,958 for out-of-state students per year. The credit hours were $357 for residents and $801 for non-resident students. Simon Kitchen, aviation management major, and Reagan Youngblood, chemistry major, are two out-of-state students at Auburn. They both accepted the increase Friday. So, the 3% buff I guess that they gave tuition is just at this point, its something I got to kind of roll with as long as Im just getting my classes done, said Youngblood. Its not really that big of a deal. Were also upperclassmen, so its not like we have time to transfer, said Kitchen. Kyle Baldwin, an in-state senior majoring in political science, said that the increase would not impact him due to his Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship. I have a scholarship that pays my tuition but I mean, I know that a lot of people, especially out of state, that would be a massive difference, he said. Auburn University, like most other colleges and universities, has raised tuition in recent years. In 2008, the financial crisis led to cuts from the state legislature, which is often seen as a source of much of the tuition raises in recent years. Alabama has an above average net tuition revenue, the money that comes from students excluding any aid or discounts, according to the State Higher Education Finance Report. A Birmingham business owner gunned down in apparent robbery attempt is being remembered as an incredible soul with a big heart. Snir Lalum, an Israeli citizen affectionately known by his friends in the U.S. as Sonny, was shot to death in the early morning hours of Aug. 24. Lalum, co-owner of Insta-Movers, was opening the business for the day when investigators believe he was targeted for robbery and followed to the warehouse from a nearby convenience store. The slaying of the Vestavia Hills man has been a blow to those who knew him best. This tragedy is so shocking, said Brianna Lee, who worked for Lalum and became a close friend. If you knew him, he was a happy-go-lucky character who would dance around the office and sing, Lee said. He took me under his wing, and I became family. A GoFundMe has been started to help Lalums wife, Karin, and his 6-year-old son, Yarin. Snir Lalum, a loving husband, and a doting father, was a cherished friend to many, wrote friend Assaf Hazan on the fundraising site. His infectious laughter, kind heart, and unwavering support touched the lives of all those around him. South Precinct officers were dispatched at 5:15 a.m. Thursday to Insta-Movers at 115 Walter Davis Drive. South Precinct officers were dispatched at 5:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, to Insta Movers at 115 Walter Davis Drive. (Carol Robinson) When they arrived, they found Lalum suffering from a gunshot wound inside a warehouse bay. They attempted life-saving measures on him until Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service arrived to take him to UAB Hospital. Lalum was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:50 a.m. Police have not yet announced any arrests. Those who knew Lalum said he was loved by many. Weve lost an incredible soul with a big heart and an even bigger smile, one friend wrote on Facebook. Another friend described Lalum as a man full of goodness and giving. In a world of sarcasm, you were the truth, he wrote. You are the one who taught us all how to be better. Snir Lalum, 44, was shot to death Aug. 24, 2023, during a robbery attempt at his Birmingham business, Insta-Movers. He is survived by his wife and young son. (GoFundMe) Lalum each morning would take the workers up to the gas station to buy them drinks and snacks before the long workday started. It was in that routine moment, police believe, that Lalum became a target. Lee said Lalum was generous beyond belief. I know everybody says this after somebody passes but if youre walking around without a shirt on, he would give you his, she said. Hed done that with some of our workers before. I you needed money, or just wanted money, he gave it to you, Lee said. He wanted you to succeed as much as he wanted to succeed. I thanked God for him, she said. My life completely changed for the better since he came into my life. Friends said Lalum doted on his young son. His son was his world, Lee said. His wife would bring Yarin to the office when he had a good day at school and he would take him on a ride in a big truck for doing good in school. Snirs wife, Karin, now faces the daunting task of relocating while dealing with the immense loss of her partner and the uncertainty of the future, Hazan wrote in the GoFundMe. As if coping with the grief wasnt enough, she must provide the best care for their precious 6-year-old son, who requires special attention and lots of resources. With heavy hearts, we rally together to alleviate some of the burdens this grieving family now carries, he wrote. The funds raised will support the relocation costs, ensuring a stable environment for Snirs wife and son as they navigate this challenging chapter of their lives. Additionally, the funds will contribute to specialized care and therapy for their child, providing him with the tools necessary for his growth and development, he wrote. Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here. The business reopened Monday for the first time since last weeks deadly shooting. Today is difficult but we all know what Sonny would want and that is for us to move on, Lee said. He had a passion about working and for the moving industry so we all keep reminding each other with lots of tears and hugs that this is what he would want us to do continue. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Workers rights and immigrant advocacy groups are among several calling on Hyundai to guarantee new job standards and equity measures in the aftermath of the companys use of child labor in auto manufacturing in Alabama. The groups, in an Aug. 27 letter to Hyundai Motor America CEO Jose Munoz, are urging the Korean automakers American operations to enter a community benefits agreement with the groups. A CBA is a private contract between community groups and an employer which calls for certain measures from a developer or company toward members of the community. Its provisions could be enforced through binding arbitration. In the letter, the groups say they are deeply concerned about several issues, including Hyundais recent track record with child labor in its supply chain in the U.S. Among the groups included are the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Alabama Arise, Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Alabama Forward, Coosa Riverkeeper, Faith in Action Alabama, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Central Alabama Labor Council, Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Alabama Interfaith Power and Light and others. Reuters originally reported last July that children were employed at SMART Alabama, which has supplied parts for Hyundais Montgomery plant since 2003. Two suppliers, SL Alabama and SMART, have terminated their relationships with third-party staffing agencies which, the company said, falsely certified that they had screened and cleared children as being eligible to work. Both SL Alabama and JK USA, an Opelika temporary employment agency, earlier this year paid fines from federal court and the Alabama Department of Labor, after investigators found workers as young as 13 employed in one factory. In February, Hyundai announced plans to divest its majority stake from an auto supplier in Alabama following its investigation, as well as other measures to report the use of underage labor. Hyundai earlier this year announced it would build an electric vehicle plant in Georgia. This month, Hyundai announced it is investing $290 million to upgrade production at its Montgomery plant, to support ongoing production of the Tucson SUV and the Santa Cruz. Get the Down in Alabama newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to the daily Down in Alabama newsletter: Week in Review Quiz This weeks topics include endangered species, a Walmart ban and Church of the Highlands. Click here to take the quiz. Mobile heat It took until Saturday, but Mobile reached its hottest all-time temperature after all, reports Leigh Morgan for AL.com. The mercury rose to 106 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday afternoon, the hottest temp ever recorded in Mobile. The previous highest reading on record was 105 back in the summer of 2000. Saturdays 106 was followed up by Sundays 105, a record for Aug. 27. As a matter of fact, Mobile has broken or tied daily record highs for seven of the past eight days, breaking some records thatve stood since 1938, 1925 and 1924. Of course, the heat wasnt contained to the Gulf Coast. Among other records being broken in the state over the weekend, Montgomery hit 102 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, breaking records set in 1943 and 1938, respectively. Some good news, unless you love triple-digit temperatures, is that by Tuesday there should be some level of relief statewide. No need to bring in the houseplants yet. But even today, in parts of north Alabama it may stay in the bone-chilling 80s. Coffeehouse strike During a nationwide push to organize Starbucks employees, only two locations in Alabama have unionized -- one in Birmingham and one in Scottsboro. AL.coms Amy Yurkanin reports that employees at the Scottsboro location went on strike Sunday to protest their working conditions and unfair labor practices. One of the employees said werent going to work their Sunday shifts but would be back to business as usual today. She alleged that the workers there are overworked, that some employees have been unfairly fired, and that some have been injured because of water leaks at the store. A resume builder NASCAR Truck Series driver Grant Enfingers race team, GMS Racing, has announced its shutting down after this NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. Enfinger, whos from Fairhope, mightve helped his job search on Sunday. AL.coms Mark Inabinett reports that his No. 23 Chevrolet was out front 95 of 175 laps and won the Clean Harbors 175 at the Milwaukee Mile. The win puts Enfinger in the playoffs Round of Eight. Quoting Im blessed to say that I have recovered well and was back at it today. -- U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, who had taken some time off and even spent time at the hospital after experiencing facial numbness beginning a few weeks ago. More Alabama news On the calendar Saturday: UMass at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. on ESPN Saturday: Middle Tennessee at Alabama, 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network The podcast Alabama for the first time has released a protocol describing how it plans to carry out executions by nitrogen hypoxia. Attorney General Steve Marshall on Friday asked the Alabama Supreme Court to set a date to execute Kenneth Eugene Smith by nitrogen hypoxia, which would be the first nitrogen execution done by any state. The Legislature passed a bill in 2018 authorizing executions by nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative to lethal injection. The concept is that the inmate would die from oxygen deprivation by breathing only nitrogen, but the method has never been used by any state. Marshalls office has said previously the Alabama Department of Corrections has been working on the method and was close to finishing a protocol. But the state had not released any description of how it would work until Friday. The protocol, with some redactions, is attached to a motion Marshall filed in federal court asking to have Smiths lawsuit dismissed. The state tried to execute Smith by lethal injection in November but called off the procedure because the execution team could not access his veins. According to the protocol: The condemned inmate will be escorted to the execution chamber and placed on a gurney. A pulse oximeter will be secured on the inmate. The execution team will place and adjust a mask on the inmates face. One team member will monitor the pulse oximeter while the execution team captain verifies that the mask is properly placed. The inmates spiritual advisor, if there is one, will be escorted to the execution chamber to carry out any previously approved written plan. The warden will order the curtains to the witness rooms opened after verifying there are no last-minute stays. The warden will read the execution warrant. The inmate will be allowed up to two minutes to make a final statement. The warden and assistant warden will leave the execution chamber. The warden will make a final check with the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections that there there are no last-minute stays. The execution team will conduct a final inspection of the mask. The warden will activate the nitrogen hypoxia system. Nitrogen gas will be administered for 15 minutes, or five minutes following a flatline indication on the EKG, whichever is longer. Once the execution is carried out, the execution team captain will be notified via radio and will close the curtains. The spiritual advisor, if any, will be escorted from the chamber. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Oklahoma authorized nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative to lethal injection in 2015, and several other states followed. But none had announced a protocol as of May 2022, the DPIC said. Smith was twice convicted by juries and sentenced to death for the murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett, a pastors wife from Colbert County, in 1988. Court records showed that Smith and John Forrest Parker punched, beat, and stabbed Sennett to death in expectation of a $1,000 payment from Sennetts husband. Parker was executed in 2010. Read more: Former sheriff recalls womans horrific murder-for-hire by pastor as Alabama prepares execution By Choo Jae-woo The public must have experienced something unusual while watching the trilateral summit between South Korea, the United States and Japan on Aug. 18 at Camp David, the retreat of the U.S. president. This is so that they could watch Korea's transformation. When the United States and Japan were secretly engaged more than 120 years ago, Korea was annexed to Japan. The so-called "Taft-Katsura secret treaty" served as a justification for the annexation and Korea quickly lost its sovereignty. Korea was sacrificed in the struggle of great powers against imperial Russia whose expansion they wanted to stop. However, the summit revealed Korea's altered status and reputation to the world. It is impossible not to boast of it as a historical moment that opened up a new chapter in Korea's diplomatic history. This is due to the fact that Korea has been resurrected as an essential partner nation that stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and Japan in responding to common threats rather than serving as a scapegoat. There is no disagreement over the fact that the summit has opened a new horizon for the relationship between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan. The key is now to continue and maintain what has been agreed in the future. Some skeptics are concerned about the feasibility. Just in case Donald Trump is elected as president again in 2024, they worry the outcomes of the Korea-U.S.-Japan summit will all become futile. Moreover, the possible earlier exit from power by the incumbent leaders Joe Biden, Fumio Kishida and Yoon Suk Yeol may give rise to such concerns. Given past experience, however, communication channels at high and working levels will continue regardless of the leadership changes. The so-called "2 plus 2 dialogue" at the defense and foreign affairs ministries has prevailed for decades. For this precedent, so will the newly agreed annual meetings by the national security advisers, and ministers of commerce, industry and finance respectively flourish in the future. Also intriguing is the new dialogue forum the leaders of the three nations have established. These channels of communication, which were scheduled to take place yearly, were set up in accordance with the challenges the three nations were confronting. At the Indo-Pacific Dialogue, the three countries agreed to coordinate and cooperate to implement the strategy's major tasks. These tasks include dealing with the threat of disinformation, the shady use of foreign information and the exploitation of surveillance technology. To further the coordination and cooperation of development policies, a new dialogue was launched the Trilateral Development Policy Dialogue. Its inaugural meeting was scheduled for this October. The most notable part of the results of the trilateral summit for Korea's strategic interests was information sharing. Information sharing is a prerequisite for the success of all cooperation. Without fulfilling it, cooperation or policy coordination would be hard to come by. Countries must have high confidence and trust in each other to feel comfortable sharing information that is sensitive to their respective interests. It is in this vein we can see the level of confidence and trust that the U.S. and Japan have in Korea. Other skeptical concerns in Korea were raised against possible punitive measures from China for Korea's joining of the U.S. and Japan to strengthen trilateral cooperation. It would be difficult for China to follow such a suit as they did in 2016 by adopting sanction measures against Korea when it decided to join the U.S. decision to deploy THAAD. The Chinese economy is in shambles and such decisions would only backfire should it decide to sanction Korea while it is in the middle of strengthening a trilateral relationship. Another reason is the changes in the structure and nature of the Korea-China economic relations. Korea, as one of the ten largest economies in the world must overcome its obsession that the trade surplus with China will perpetuate. The reality speaks otherwise. None of the top ten economies except Japan records a trade surplus with China. The Korean public must accept the reality that our trade balance with China is turning into a deficit, and it will continue as Korea must rely on cheaper goods from China for its consumption. Also, the U.S., South Korea and Japan were ranked first, second and third in terms of total trade with China in 2022. In terms of direct investment (FDI) to China, South Korea, Japan and the United States ranked first, second, and third as of 2021, except for areas with unclear investment sources such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the Virgin Islands. For this reason, the reality is that the more these countries strengthen their cooperation, the less China can take retaliatory or unfriendly measures. Korea's strengthening of relations with the U.S. and Japan is less likely to translate into a loss of the Chinese market. The U.S. and Japan also depend heavily on the Chinese market. It appears to be a self-evident result that if we join the U.S. camp at a time when they have severed economic relations with China, we will lose the Chinese market. However, it may not be so. Those concerned about losing the Chinese market need to recall one fact, i.e., the purpose of the U.S.-led strategy to keep China in check. The U.S. strategy is aimed at correcting China's unfair and illegal economic behaviors. This means that once China accepts this, everything will be normalized. It must be acknowledged that China's correction of economic behavior also best serves Korea's national interest. Until then, we should put aside concerns about losing the Chinese market for a while. On a grand scale, it is time to show the wisdom of giving bipartisan and pan-national support to the Indo-Pacific strategy and subsidiary measures pursued by the Korean government. Choo Jae-woo (jwc@khu.ac.kr) is a professor of international relations at Kyung Hee University and director of the China Center at the Korea Research Institute for National Security. He was a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution. The Talladega City School system is encouraging students to wear masks as COVID hospitalizations have been on the rise across Alabama. In a Facebook post, the school district stated, this is not a mask mandate, but a general encouragement to be more conscious of our health. There were nearly 200 hospitalizations in the state during the week of Aug. 12, the most recent data available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alabama has seen nearly a 300% increase in COVID hospitalizations since early July, although the numbers are still far below the surges the state has seen in the past. CDC data also shows Alabama has some of the highest rates in the country for both regular and ICU hospital beds that are filled by COVID patients, and the percent of emergency department visits that were diagnosed with COVID. According to the Alabama Hospital Association, the EG.5 variant is probably playing a role in the higher numbers, along with waning immunity, both from natural immunity and vaccines. Alabama remains near the very bottom of the list for vaccinations, according to the CDC, with just 8.1% of people considered up to date on their vaccines. Only Mississippi and Texas had lower rates. Kinterbish Junior High School in Sumter County also asked students, staff and visitors to wear masks beginning last Tuesday due to the slow rise of COVID cases in the area. When taking inventory of their rush outfits, the sorority hopefuls at the University of Alabama typically get bogged down in the jewelry. Clothes for the week-long August ritual colloquially known as Bama Rush tend to be simple: Imagine the kind of cute little sleeveless dress that a high-school cheerleader might wear to her older cousins outdoor wedding, and youre on the right track. If you had to spend all day traipsing up and down Tuscaloosas sorority row in the stifling late-summer heat, you too would probably throw on your most diaphanous sundress and wedge-heeled sandals and call it a day. The jewelry, by comparison, piles upstacks of mostly golden rings and bracelets, layers of delicate chain necklaces, a pair of statement earrings to match every flippy miniskirt. On #BamaRushTok, the informal TikTok event that has coincided with actual sorority recruitment at UA since 2021, a subset of the roughly 2,500 prospective sisters documents the experience in real time for an audience of millions. These missives frequently take the form of a long-standing internet staple: the outfit-of-the-day post, or OOTD. In their videos, the girls offer an update on the secretive rush process, plus an exhaustiveor, as the week wears on, exhaustedaccounting of everything theyve put on their bodies for the day ahead, sometimes including details as small as hair accessories or as invisible as perfume. The result is a rapid-fire onslaught of brand names local and global: Kendra Scott, Free People, the Pants Store, Cartier, Target, David Yurman, Enewton, Louis Vuitton, Shein, Francescas, Dior, Lululemon (not to be confused with Lulus, which is also popular). To those without much interest in fashion, the lists can sound like gibberish. One RushTok star had to clarify to viewers that when she said that her shoes or bracelets were from Colombia, she meant the country of her mothers birth and not a boutique theyd never heard of. Most of the outfits are a mishmash of brands at wildly disparate price levels; listen closely, and youll hear about Hermes bangles on the same wrists as those from Amazon. Bama Rush may attract a huge audience because it offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at an intensely cloistered world, but these outfit inventories are fascinating for the opposite reason: Theyre a point-by-point lesson in how America shops. [Read: Theres no secret to how wealthy people dress] At first blush, it would be fair to think that the habits of those partaking in Bama Rush dont have much to tell us about broader trendsin consumerism, or in anything else. At UA, rush participants come from a very narrow demographic. Theyre overwhelmingly thin, well-tanned, conventionally attractive teenagers. A startlingly high proportion of them are blond. (Startling even for me, having spent a semester as a Delta Gamma at the University of Georgia in the mid-2000s.) Panhellenic sororities long resisted integration and are still by any measure white organizations, especially in the Deep South; in 2021, Alabamas rush class was almost 90 percent white, even though white people make up about two-thirds of the states overall population. The University of Alabamas admissions stats show a preference for wealthy students that isnt much different from that of the Ivy League, and data available suggest that students from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to pursue Greek membership. But its precisely this demographic narrowness that makes potential new sorority membersPNMs, in Greek jargona useful case study in status-seeking, and therefore in modern consumerism. In instances of extreme privilege, broad shopping trends have traditionally not been all that hard to parse: Rich people buy nice things, and a shared understanding of those possessions helps them identify one another as members of the same exclusive class. In part, sorority recruitment at schools like Alabama formalizes this process according to each campuss chapter hierarchies. At the top of the sorority heap, youll usually find houses full of the most conventionally attractive girls from wealthy, socially prominent families. The potential upsides of an invitation to a good sororityone in which your sisters parents have the power to give you a dream internship or write you a particularly compelling recommendation letter to your first-choice law schoolare not lost on these young women, even if they also very much want to forge real friendships, meet cute frat boys, and find a sense of belonging. This mixture of ambitions would be identifiable in almost all college students, but Greek life gives it structure. As is the case with any type of high-status group, the best way to gain entry is usually to demonstrate that you already belongin this case, that you understand the norms and expectations that knit the group together. Thats why rush outfits have long been a point of emphasis among PNMs, and why they have primacy on RushTok. When youre getting relatively brief periods of face time to make your case for joining a socially and economically elite group, your clothing and appearance really matter. A head full of obviously unnatural but perfectly toned bright-blond hair, for example, costs hundreds of dollars a month to maintain. Its presence suggests both a fluency with the groups aesthetic standards and access to the economic resources necessary to adhere to them at all times. So, too, do $600 Golden Goose sneakers and a wrist full of $400 David Yurman bracelets (stacked with one $7,350 Cartier Love bracelet, if your parents really want to let the world know theyve raised a queen bee). [Read: Fashion has abandoned human taste] Now, however, the RushTokers just as cheerfully admit to wearing unbranded Amazon junk and some of the cheapest apparel on Earth. For much of mass-market-fashion history, the very highest- and lowest-end products would have made strange bedfellows in a single outfit. Consumers have long existed in more predictable price strata and stores, which had to contend with the limiting realities of geography and real estate while serving consumer bases that were fairly well defined. There was little reason for a rich person to browse racks of clothes intended for those of more modest means. There were exceptions, but they were widely regarded as eccentric or daring; Sharon Stones pairing of a crisp, white Gap button-down and a Vera Wang skirt at the 1998 Oscars immediately became a milestone in fashion history. At the time, wearing high fashion with a mass-market mall brand (which wasnt even that cheap!) was unthinkable, and particularly so in a moment of intense fashion scrutiny. The twin forces of online shopping and garment-industry deregulation changed that. The internet has caused a kind of consumer-context collapse: Youre no longer seeking out products to evaluate and choosing which establishments you enter. Instead, those products are pursuing your attention, usually unbidden through targeted ads online and especially on social media. The mechanics of spending $10 or $1,000 through your phone feel largely identical. While Americans have been getting used to this new system, the domestic clothing market has been flooded with cheap clothes from overseas factories in volumes that would have been illegal to import a few decades ago. If you come across a cute $20 dress, of which there are now thousands available online, why not try it? Not even moments of intense, explicit status-seeking such as sorority rush can blunt the allure of fast fashion, regardless of the habits obvious wastefulness or the buyers financial wherewithal. Cheap clothes omnipresence has come to feel normal to many people, and especially to those who are young enough to have known no previous reality. Under those circumstances, even the people who can afford (or, often in the case of Bama Rush, whose parents can afford) the best of everything tend to end up wearing an Amazon workout set that a friend on their high-school track team swore by, or some jewelry from H&M to make their layers of real gold necklaces and bracelets look a little more robust. By the same measure, luxury goods have become much more aggressively marketed to middle- and working-class people in the past several decades, which has helped luxury conglomerates expand their sales to a far larger market. Rich people trade down in search of quantity and ease, less rich people trade up in search of status and quality, and everyones buying habits start to look more similar than they ever have before. Once everyone has agreed that its fine to fake it a little bit, refusing to play along eventually just makes you look like a try-hard or a snob. The norms and expectations you have to live up to have shifted. Make no mistake, though. Youre still trying very, very hard. ___ 2023 The Atlantic Monthly Group. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Alabamas largest school system, for the first time, is adding armed law enforcement officers to some of its schools. The Mobile County Public School System, through unanimous approval from the School Board on Monday, agreed to spend approximately $1.8 million annually for 12 deputies within the Mobile County Sheriffs Office. The hiring was part of a memorandum of understanding, also approved Monday by the Mobile County Commission. That agreement allows the Sheriffs deputies to be employed full-time within the school system and assigned to one of its high schools. In our opinion, this is the best option for us, said board member Douglas Harwell. The agreement comes at no cost to the county commission. A sheriffs deputy is a sworn officer, and so I think it adds another level, said Commissioner Connie Hudson. The security officers would have to call the sheriffs department to get the deputies on site, so its having someone on site who can potentially, if necessary, react quicker. Andy Gatewood, director of safety and security with the Mobile County Public School System, meets with the local media on Monday, August 28, 2023, in Mobile, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Andy Gatewood, director of safety and security with Mobile County Public Schools, said he is hoping to add the new deputies as soon as possible, but noted there are some logistical challenges that need to be resolved such as getting vehicles in place and hiring the deputies. Mobile County Commissioner Randell Dueitt, who used to work in the Mobile County Sheriffs Office, said he hoped that recently retired law enforcement officers, who can pull from their pension while still earning money, would be interesting in taking on the role. Theyre young theyre in their late 40s, early 50s, Dueitt said. Itll give them the opportunity to draw their retirement and also be able to supplement their retirement by working in the schools, and theyre more than capable. The 12 armed deputies will join the dozen unarmed student resource officers who have played a role within the school systems security since 2007. The unarmed SROs will remain within their schools, helping to develop relationships with students and assisting in security issues, Gatewood said. Gatewood said he anticipates the deputies receiving training through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), based in Hoover. He said they will undergo active shooter training and will be required to get familiarized with the schools within their assigned feeder pattern. Each feeder pattern is anchored by a high school and includes its middle and elementary schools. The districts high schools are: Mary G. Montgomery, B.C. Rain, Citronelle, Baker, Blount, Williamson, Murphy, Davidson, John L. LeFlore Magnet, Vigor, Theodore, and Alma Bryant. I want them to learn their campuses inside and out, Gatewood said. With that many campuses, and if we have an issue in a classroom or a cafeteria or gymnasium, they will be able to know exactly where to go and when to get there. Mobile County schools has long held off on adding armed law enforcement officers, despite a growing number of public school systems throughout the state adding NASRO-certified SROs to their systems. Baldwin County Schools, the states third-largest district, was among the first in the state to add armed SROs in 2018. The school system made the move less than one month after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 dead. Baldwin County Schools now employ 56 SROs including supervisors who can float to campuses as needed, said Chasity Riddick, a school spokeswoman. She said that each of the districts school campuses have at least one SRO, but many have more than that based on the size and the need. Smaller school systems are also adding SROs. Elmore County Schools, based in Wetumpka, has 14 SROs and 16 schools. Gatewood said the addition of armed law enforcement officers in Mobile County has been part of a progression for the school system on school safety. We have seen that unfortunately things throughout the country have not necessarily gotten better as far as the violent acts occurring, he said. I think we realize that this is an additional layer we can put into place. School board member Johnny Hatcher said that adding armed law enforcement officers at the schools was a priority of his after he was sworn in as a new board member in December. The issue has also been a priority of other school board members, including Reginald Crenshaw, who pitched the idea last year of establishing a police force within the school system. It has been a long time (coming), Harwell said. Sherry Dillihay-McDade, the boards president, said the new deputies are part of a pilot program that could lead to hiring of additional armed deputies who would be placed within middle or elementary schools. Hatcher said he believed having deputies at as many schools as possible serves as the most logical way to secure the buildings. Im a fan of immediate action, he said. These deputies will have access to high-power weaponry and body armor so when they go into these schools (during a troubling incident) they will be prepared. I want to make sure whoever is doing harm to our children doesnt leave on their own (accord). Period. The saying, After me, the flood, should have been attributed to Methuselah. In French, it is attributed to Louis XV of France, who preceded the Revolution. It is certainly applicable to Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. Mahmoud Abbas is Yasser Arafats successor as head of Fatah, which runs the present Palestinian Authority. It is probably more accurate to say Abbas is the imposed-on-Arafats successor. At the 2000 Camp David Summit -- where it was hoped that a final peace deal would be nailed down -- Arafat walked out without making a serious counter-proposal. The chief issue seems to have been that Arafat refused to give up the right of return for Palestinian exiles. Israel would never accept such a right as it would push the Jews into a minority demographic. And frankly, Arafat probably surmised that any acceptance of a lesser Israeli proposal would make him a marked man. The Palestinians, [] insisting on the identification of return to Israel as one of the options open to refugees... Ben-Ami is not sure of what numbers the Palestinians proposed, but mentions 150,000 per year for ten years. If this number is accurate, coming to a total of 1.5 million returnees, it is totally untenable. Ben-Ami indicates that Yossi Beilin responded with a total of 40,000. Clearly, they were far apart, but the principle that there is no unlimited right of return appears to have been conceded. This discussion of the size of the cap came very late in the day. We do not know if it could have been bridged. It is quite possible that even if the negotiations had gone on for several more months, this gap would not have been closed. -- The Palestinian Peace Offer, Haaretz, October 1, 2000, Jerome Segal Two months after the failure of those peace talks, Arafat authorized the start of the quite bloody Second Intifada (2000-2005), where over 1,000 Israelis died -- two thirds of them civilians. Naturally, the United States and Israel wanted to get rid of Arafat, and Israel eventually put his presidential compound under siege. Prior to this, in the past, Israel had considered assassinating Arafat -- and some discreditable rumors claim Israel finally poisoned Arafat during the Second Intifada, using polonium. Something had to be done to rein in Arafat. The United States democratic reform has consisted in imposing on the Palestinians and their elected president a prime minister who the overwhelming majority of Palestinians rejected as a new Quisling. The prime minister was -- surprise! -- Mahmoud Abbas, alias abu Mazen -- Achcar, Gilbert (2004). Eastern Cauldron: Islam, Afghanistan and Palestine in the Mirror of Marxism, page 44 Mahmoud Abbas was considered a moderate to the West. It was believed that he was someone the Americans and Israelis could work with. As bureaucrats go, Abbas is rather authoritarian (he has to be), and he has some singularly unbelievable credits to his name. He has the equivalent of a doctorate for a book he wrote: The Connection between the Nazis and the Leaders of the Zionist Movement, where he accuses the Zionist Movement of being co-responsible for the Holocaust. Not exactly a sterling intellectual achievement. Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority are noted for being incredibly corrupt. Fatah survives by making deals with local clans and their sheikhs. If you are in the privileged clan, you will prosper. Outside the clan, you are on your own. Palestinians furious and fed up with corruption of Abbas's 'mafia' PA -- Middle East Eye Those who criticize Abbas and his administration are arrested and tortured. Abbas critic Nizar Banat was beaten to death. According to a recent public opinion poll published by the Palestinian corruption monitor Aman Coalition, 91 percent of Palestinians surveyed said they do not trust the PA. -- Middle East Eye Now, to be sure, the Palestinian Authority is not North Korea. As long as one does not interfere with the nepotism, theft of public coffers, and corruption -- nor publicly complain about it -- one will probably be left alone to fend for oneself, because getting a job will not be easy. But make no mistake about it, Hamas is even worse in Gaza. At least the Palestinian Authority/Fatah (PA) does not impose Islamic law. The Israelis regularly accuse Abbas of encouraging violence against Jews, which indeed he regularly does. So why does Israeli put up with him? Because anybody else would be much, much worse. The sad truth is that Abbas may have little choice but to put on a show of resisting Israel. If Abbas didnt, he would be assassinated. He is detested as a collaborator with the Israelis, and he knows it. That may sound incredible to Israelis who see him as a violent opponent, but to the Palestinian street, Abbas is seen as not violent enough. Israelis accuse Abbas of refusing to hold elections, of being a tyrant; but again, this is disingenuous. The last time, fair elections were held, Hamas won in 2006. Israel and America had to encourage Abbas and Fatah to overturn the vote. The result was a civil war in Gaza where Hamas took over, and Fatah had to violently suppress Hamas in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). When Abbas tried to form a unity government with Gaza in 2017, Israel said it would not negotiate with it. The election was called off, and if truth be known, that is what Israel wanted. The last thing Israel should want is genuinely fair elections. The youth are radicalized. The PA (Palestinian Authority) has to regularly suppress student activity. Often the Israelis intervene. As bad as Fatah is, every other option is worse, and the Israeli government knows it. After the recent Israeli raid on Jenin, when Abbas visited the city, he had to be under heavy guard. Many now also see the authority less as a vehicle for national emancipation than as a corrupt and authoritarian body that helps Israel police the West Bank. Mr. Abbas has not held national elections for 17 years, the Palestinian Parliament has not met for more than a decade, and Mr. Abbas now rules by decree. -- New York Times To the Palestinians, Fatah is now seen as much the enemy as Israel. Their officials are attacked: The deputy to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was driven out of a Jenin funeral for those killed in fighting with the IDF in recent days, with participants shouting out as they raged against the PA. The Fatah-led PA is increasingly seen by some Palestinians as collaborating with Israel rather than fighting for their rights. -- Times of Israel So Abbas, as bad as he is, may be the best Israel can get. But why is Netanyahu so keen on the PAs survival? Netanyahu wants the PA to survive simply because he does not want the Israeli occupation administration and military to be fully responsible for the welfare of Palestinians in the West Bank and the security of the illegal [sic] settlers -- Arab News After Abbas, genuinely radical, jihadist groups will take over, and the Israel government will wish they had Abbas back. There is no hope for peace, and Abbas, for all his corruption and fulminations, was a sort of respite. Abbas is now 87. He cannot last forever, and after he goes, the flood. Image: U.S. Gov. A few weeks ago, Joe Allen responded to my "Artificial Intelligence: The Facts" by suggesting that the real danger of AIs is that the best, most efficient models will be operated by the Deep State and its technofascist allies, rendering opposition difficult if not futile: AI won't be a "digital defense" against "the WEF" and "tech giants" when the latter have the most powerful systems. This is a perceptive comment, towering well above the SkyNet is comin with his cyborgs nonsense that this discussion usually attracts. Vernor Vinge, an outsized influence on infotech culture, once speculated that a truly efficient totalitarian system wouldnt consist of jackbooted secret police and continuous surveillance but in fact would scarcely be evident. Things would just happen to enemies of the state, accidents that nobody could predict or explain. For instance, an individual presenting a problem for the powers would order something for dinner that arrives chock full of botulin toxin, injected in the lab that transforms insect proteins into edible food. As the toxin hits, his phone, internet, and monitoring equipment all go down. After the job is done, they all come back up, their logs edited to show nothing at all unusual. When the body is discovered, theres no evidence of anything out of the ordinary. Death by misadventure. What ya gonna do? And so it would go on, day after day, year after year, the bonds growing ever tighter, and nobody even noticing. Youd need AI to handle things on this level of efficiency. In fact, youd need quite a few, all optimized to operate a particular system: surveillance, analysis, and what might be called assassination by Siri. Its quite a plausible nightmare. But how feasible is it? For that, we need to return to a basic principle of computer science: GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out. Its not difficult to see how the garbage would get into an AI system in the first place. Despite what the public has been taught by media and film, AIs require human interaction to learn anything at all: AI learning is accomplished through supervised learning, in which mere humans set the parameters and goals, oversee the process, and examine and judge the results. Until now this human interaction has proven strictly necessary -- unsupervised learning, when it has been attempted, usually goes off the rails pretty quickly. (Note here that were talking about App AI such as ChatGPT or the art AIs, which are limited to a single area of activity. General Intelligence AI, the HAL 9000s and Skynets of the movies, doesnt exist and likely never will.) Clearly, any AI is going to directly reflect the attitudes and ideas of its creator(s), and if that creator is a woke cancel-culture nitwit or an entire clown car full of them then youre going to wind up with a pretty lame Artificial Intelligence. A system based on conspiracy theories, wish-fulfillment daydreams, and delusions, developed and programmed using whatever intellectual fad happens to be dominant at the moment. The cybernetic equivalent of a B-list Hollywood actor. The elites fail because they have no principles, no knowledge, and no understanding. How can we be sure of this? Because elites have always acted this way. It comes with the territory. The possible examples are myriad, but well look closely at the 1960s, the first decade in which the liberals held dominance enough to attempt to remake society to match their vision. The result was the welfare state, urban renewal, race riots, the crime explosion and the Vietnam war. Its rare in history when you can find one single individual responsible for any given disaster. But in this case, that individual was Secretary of Defense Robert Strange McNamara, along with his whiz kids. Theyd examined the concept of war closely, with their Ivy League learning, their vast perspicacity and insight, their familiarity with all the relevant social sciences literature, and they were going to outdo every past military thinker -- Sun Tzu, Vegetius, and Clausewitz included. Well, it didnt work out that way. It didnt work out that way because none of them had any idea what they were doing. Vietnam was an attempt to prove that wars could be won through proper application of management theory. In truth, micromanaging, by McNamara himself and whoever else he could convince, up to and including President Lyndon B. Johnson. (The two of them actually spent time crouching on the floor of the Oval Office, selecting bombing targets.) The result was disaster for the Vietnamese, humiliation for the U.S., and a promotion for McNamara to head the World Bank, where his actions were even more asinine. I f McNamara was a whining neurotic, then Assistant Secretary John T. McNaughton was a full-blown schizo. McNaughtons idee fixe was a belief that war was an exercise in semiotics, that is, a play of signs and symbolic actions. McNaghton was convinced that if the proper semiotics were employed, then both sides could signal their intentions and no fighting at all need take place. Following this schema, a squadron of USAF B-57 Canberras, an effective light bomber, was sent to Bien Hoa Air Base in 1964 and ordered to fly at very low altitude over areas known to be under Viet Cong control, with McNaughton confident that the Viet Cong would be so impressed by this display of U.S. power theyd simply give in. The VCs semiotic response was not long in coming. It consisted of a massive heavy mortar barrage of Bien Hoa that destroyed many of the planes on the ground. Similarly, when SAM missile sites were spotted under construction in North Vietnam, U.S. pilots were ordered to fly low and slow over the sites. This, McNaughton reasoned, would inform the North Vietnamese and their allies that we knew of the sites but had chosen not to bomb them, which would encourage them to respond semiotically by not firing the missiles when ready. The response came in August 1965, when a USAF F-4 Phantom was shot down by the first completed SAM site. Hundreds of U.S. planes were later downed in this fashion. (McNaughton himself died in a plane crash in 1967, just weeks before he was slated to become secretary of the Navy.) We need not look closer at urban renewal, MAD, or the rest. They were all just as stupid and just as disastrous. Its very likely (unless theres a historical episode Im forgetting) that the U.S. in the 1960s was the worst performance by a national elite since the Polish nobles agreed to allow the European powers to partition their own country in the 1790s. At least the U.S. was still around when the 60s ended. The elite mindset has not changed one iota in the past 60 years. It is haunting and not a little creepy how closely the attitudes of the 2020s mirror those of the 60s.The same arrogance, the same cockiness, the same ignorance of history, human nature, and simple common sense, the same contempt for the masses. In the 60s, they had their mainframes. Todays elites have or will have their AIs. After that, theyll have control of it all. Its just a matter of time. The Great Reset, their Agendas, the Smart Cities nothing can stop it. Or so they think. Using enhanced intelligence to do stupid things is a contradiction in terms. Our elites will learn that with a vengeance. These people know nothing of the 60s, or the Polish nobles, or the Ancien Regime, or any other incompetent ruling class back to the Roman Senate. They will make the same mistakes, amplified by infotech, and suffer the same fate. Our job is to help them along. So what about the opposition? The first argument here is that AI tech would simply be too expensive for individuals or small groups. Thats the case at the moment. Neural network chips, the type used in AI systems, start at about $10,000 apiece and go up from there. But its not going to stay that way. Moores Law (which is really the experience curve applied to chips) tells us that chip prices will drop as soon as the technology becomes widespread, and drop precipitously. Back in the 1950s the purchase price for a mainframe computer was so high that only governments and large corporations could afford them. Today your phone has more computing power than all the mainframes of that decade combined. Soon enough, working AI will be available to well-to-do individuals, small organizations, and hackers. And what happens then? Lets consider the surveillance aspects. How about a system trained and dedicated to track, collate, and analyze all known Biden financial transactions, including associated or probable transactions, ranked in order of probability? How about tracing all available communications and actions of the DoJ, collating them and utilizing them to provide a framework to predict potential future actions? How about going the whole route and creating on the cheap a private AI duplicate of that installation out in the Mormon state, the one with the same name as the well-known Hudson Valley arts center, and track all known government communications? A cheap AI boom could lead to a revitalization of the hacker ethos (which badly needs it). The customary hacker anti-authoritarian attitude has been noticeable by its absence in recent years. Apart from hackers, it would be very interesting to see what James OKeefe and Glenn Greenwald would do with such systems. To take a step further, consider AIs as a means of strategy, planning, and organization if worst comes to worst and an actual attempt is made to set up an authoritarian state in Gods country. (Its interesting to note that one of the earliest convincing fictional AIs was that of Robert Heinleins The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, which involved that exact premise.) In this context, a system of private AIs would comprise a distributed network, a series of independent units each operating with the same goals but not as part of traditional command structure. Historically, distributed networks are in the long run generally successful against top-down hierarchies, like the one that the technofascists are now trying to build. (The Viet Cong and the PAVN formed exactly such a network, something that McNamara and his whiz kids would never have been able to understand.) AI is nothing to be afraid of. At worst, they will simply tempt the globalist elites to even further overreach and eventual downfall. Nor will they have a monopoly on them independent app AI systems will exist. And at best well, we need to start thinking about that right now. Image: PxFuel The illegitimate Deep State's war against Donald Trump and MAGA-supporting Americans has taken on a stench of defeat similar to that of the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War. In that botched attempt to take control of the Ottoman straits and seize Constantinople, the Entente powers suffered roughly 300,000 casualties over a year of desperate fighting just to make it off the beach. It is rightly considered a colossal failure of military planning and execution and a symbol of deadly Establishment hubris. The Battle of Gallipoli began in 1915. A century after Gallipoli, Donald Trump descended the golden escalator in the atrium of Trump Tower to announce his candidacy for president of the United States. Hillary Clinton and the Democrat-controlled corporate press immediately encouraged his efforts, convinced that his nomination would doom the Republican Party. When he finally did clinch the nomination, the same corporate news media that had insincerely sung his praises for most of the previous year quickly turned all their firing power against him. They executed one fake news story after the next in order to sink his chances in the general election and shamelessly pushed the Russia collusion hoax propaganda created out of thin air by Hillary Clinton's campaign operatives and Barack Obama's corrupt Intelligence Community. First the Establishment busybodies not so subtly supported Trump's rise in the Republican Party, and then they set out to annihilate him a man who had run in many of their same social circles and had been recognized for decades as an American icon and pop-culture celebrity. Obama adviser David Plouffe wrote emphatically: "It is not enough to simply beat Trump. He must be destroyed thoroughly. His kind must not rise again." His warning to fellow "insiders" was too late. Inflated by hubris and driven by the delusion that they had created and could therefore crush Donald Trump, the Establishment Class did not understand that it had unwisely undertaken this century's version of the Gallipoli campaign. Of all the politicians in America, why did toads such as David Plouffe, Bill Kristol, and communist CIA chief John Brennan eventually see Donald Trump as such a threat? First, because Donald Trump has always been his own man unowned and unbowed by the cabal of corporate oligarchs, Intelligence Community shadow dictators, and institutional Marxist globalists that are now correctly understood as the permanent Deep State. For all the ruling class's talk of "democracy," it abhors anything independent enough to exist beyond the managed control of its secretive clique. Second, because Donald Trump articulates a vision of economic nationalism that threatens the interests of multinational corporations and one-world-government enthusiasts. Enriching and protecting Americans, abiding by the limits of the U.S. Constitution, and defending individual liberty and national sovereignty these straightforward goals are all antithetical to the Marxist collectivism and technocratic despotism of the World Economic Forum's planned new world order. When Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in 2016, his victory sent shockwaves throughout the globe. All the "very best people" had been assured that no such outcome was possible. How could Donald Trump using a skeleton staff, a paltry campaign war chest, and limited media resources best the internationally supported Clinton and Obama Machines? Clinton's one-sided advantage in money and organization had her cocky enough to campaign in Texas instead of Wisconsin, for goodness' sake! Her embarrassing loss despite having had the universal support of the D.C. Uniparty and the Mockingbird Media and several corrupt assists from the Department of (in)Justice should have proven that Trump's message mattered far more than the well funded astroturfed operations of Clinton's cursed campaign. Smart people would have taken a step back and looked around and perhaps noticed that the sand beneath their boots gave them unsure footing and that the well defended hills above their beachhead made their position weak. But these are people filled with self-destructive hubris, so fanciful explanations had to take reason's place. It had to be Russian bots who led the common people astray! It was the scourge of sexism and racism! It was "fake news," misleading Facebook posts, and mean tweets! It was, in other words, anything and everything that might allow the ruling class to escape blame and save face. The simplest explanation was the only one that they would not publicly countenance that a long slumbering American majority had finally been jolted awake. That possibility had to be expunged before it could be written into any history book. If the news media had engaged in honest reflection and acknowledged that irate Americans who voted for Trump were actually fighting to take their country back from the parasites who had been draining America of its spirit and vitality for decades, then only one explanation for Hillary Clinton's humiliation could suffice: Americans were repudiating the failures, betrayals, and anti-American allegiances of D.C.'s own Establishment elite. Everything that has happened since the ruling class's 2016 election catastrophe has been motivated by the Establishment's desperation to pretend that Hillary never lost and that the American people are not serious in their desire for change. "Elite" thinking has been as straightforward as it has been misguided: as soon as Donald Trump is discredited, his supporters will turn against him and fade away. So they created a "Me Too" movement to shame his Christian supporters, but that movement took out more Uniparty pervs than the ruling class could afford to lose. They pretended his hotels were Emolument Clause violations hiding foreign influence, even while President Trump lost wealth in office and worked for free. They threw the Mueller Inquisition at him to paint Trump as a Russian spy and common criminal. And when Trump had the audacity to question how the Biden Crime Family could rake in tens of millions of dollars in foreign bribes, Nancy Pelosi and Mitt Romney turned quid-pro-quo Joe's treason into a Trump impeachment. However, the American people saw through the Establishment's ploys and kept them stranded and frustrated on the soggy beach. Then came the COVID-contorted, mail-in ballotmanipulated, fraud-filled 2020 election. The stolen election was never as important as the all-out effort to humiliate and vilify Trump and dispirit his voters. So they locked up J6 election protesters as political prisoners. They labeled all political dissent as "disinformation." They promoted Capitol Police lieutenant Mike Byrd for gunning down unarmed veteran Ashli Babbitt in cold blood. They prosecuted anyone who questioned how a dementia-addled, child-sniffing, lifetime politician who had never been popular outside Delaware could have won fifteen million more votes than "rock star" Obama and more votes than any politician in U.S. history. Destroying what is left of the "rule of law," corrupt political partisans posing as prosecutors now seek Donald Trump's lifetime imprisonment for the Establishment-engineered "crime" of refusing to consent to the ruling class's treachery. How have Americans responded? President Trump's popular support has only risen. His mug shot has become a battle cry to "never surrender" to tyranny. While Joe Biden is booed loudly as he vacations in upscale Lake Tahoe, black Americans who spotted Donald Trump headed toward Georgia's notorious Fulton County jailhouse cheered him on in encouragement. It is as if Americans of all backgrounds are coming to realize that Donald Trump's destiny is inextricably linked to their own. D.C.'s "Gallipoli Campaign" against the American people will continue, and the Establishment will invariably suffer a similar fate. I am reminded of the humorous, telling tale of the mason who is asked as he falls from the top of a tall building, "How's it going?" "Not bad so far," the mason replies, "but we will see at the end!" The end is not far away. Image: Fulton County Sheriff's Office. We call them "Abbott buses," and they keep driving in just about every direction. Number 10 just made it to Los Angeles, and here is the story: As President Joe Biden's open border continues to wreak havoc on the United States, one Democratic city is suffering the consequences. Over the weekend, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) sent its tenth bus full of illegal migrants to Los Angeles just days after its mayor criticized the border state for sending migrants. Democrat Mayor Karen Bass got a rude awakening when a bus of 39 illegal migrants showed up on her doorstep. The bus, which included 12 families and 21 children, was sent five days after Abbott sent the ninth shipment to the liberal city during Tropical Storm Hillary. "LA has not extended an invitation asking for people to come. This is a political act," Bass said, despite declaring Los Angeles a sanctuary city in June. The mayor of L.A. is complaining that they didn't invite the migrants. She is blaming Governor Abbott for playing politics. Of course, the reality is that Los Angeles did invite them when it pronounced itself a sanctuary city. My guess is that some of these cities did not really think that someone would call their bluff on the matter. It was a great talking point when they were behind the microphone or on campaign mode. Now they are dealing with people actually showing up on their location. It looks a lot different now, doesn't it? PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: PxHere. Gavin Gao, president of Chinese display maker BOE, speaks during BOE Innovation Partner Conference in Beijing in this July 11 video. Captured from BOE's YouTube channel By Baek Byung-yeul Chinese display maker BOE was scheduled to make technical presentations at the International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) conference in Busan, last week, but the company abruptly canceled scheduled presentations without notice, leaving attendees frustrated, according to industry officials, Monday. Co-organized by the Korean Information Display Society (KIDS) and the Society for Information Display (SID), this year's IMID conference was held at BEXCO convention center in Busan from Aug. 22 to 25. Featuring prominent display companies and researchers, the global event is known as a place to glimpse the latest technology trends in the display industry. The event also featured technical presentations by display industry officials and researchers on industry trends and their research results. BOE officials were scheduled to present at the OLED Manufacturing II session from 2:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. and the Emerging Materials and Devices for Display session from 4:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. They were expected to make technical presentations on manufacturing processes and materials for OLED displays, which are considered the next generation of displays after LCDs. However, without prior notice, BOE officials did not show up for the two sessions, according to a participant at the event. "We were not told before the start of the session that BOE officials would not be attending," the participant said. Due to their sudden absence, speakers who were scheduled to speak after the BOE officials had to make their presentations earlier than scheduled. An official in the display industry here said it was disrespectful for BOE to not show up at an international event that brought together prominent figures of the display industry. The IMID was an important venue to share the latest trends in the industry, as various devices that use displays, including mobile devices and automotive displays, are increasingly adopting OLED displays from LCDs. The official added BOE's absence at such a crucial event was inexplicable. "It is disrespectful for BOE to not take part in this event without any notice. This is an international event that brings together the best minds in display and industry to present and share their research and latest trends," the official said. "It is disrespectful to the organizers and attendees of the event to not show up for such a high-profile presentation of their latest technology." At the K-Display exhibition held in Seoul from August 16 to 18, BOE described itself as the world's largest display panel manufacturer and stated that it operates 17 display factories and development lines and R&D centers across China. BOE is also fiercely competing with Korean display makers that have been focusing on high-value OLED displays to avoid being overtaken by Chinese makers, which are still more focused on LCD. Among the Korean makers, BOE, which is regarded as a last mover in OLED, is at odds with Samsung Display as Samsung recently sued BOE in the U.S. for infringement of its OLED patented technologies, including its Diamond Pixel technology. Regarding the alleged patent infringement, BOE has not yet made an official statement. In any other part of the country, one drives one's shiny new Tesla to show off one's wealth, prestige and hip environmental consciousness. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it's a little different: So Im driving on interstate 880 heading to the Oakland Coliseum from Hayward and I notice so many vehicles driving with their rear wing window smashed out. Many were @teslas. Im hearing those are the most expensive to replace and there is a backlog for replacement parts. pic.twitter.com/0NTA9LXfWm Stanley Roberts (@StanleyRoberts) August 27, 2023 Yes, these people have money to repair even expensive broken car windows. The problem is, so many have been broken, and so many have been the victimized by smash-and-grab car burglars that the supply chain for their replacement windows apparently has buckled. So, they have to drive around with that sort of ugly black eye on what has to be, for some of them, their prized baby, as they wait in line for parts and repair. Cost to repair it, according one person on this Tesla owners' bulletin board was $400 in 2018. and the owner who had it would have to wait 10 days for an appointment. Naturally, the driver was from the Bay Area and the victim of a car break-in. Indicators now show that the cost is higher and the wait times are now longer -- this Tesla bulletin board indicates the cost of a back side window replacement is now $500 to $673. Not all of them have insurance deductibles for glass, so out of the pocket it comes, if they can find someone with the parts at all. And that's the effect of just one of the crimes the Bay Area is swamped with. According to this NBC report summary from 2021: In the heart of San Francisco, alongside popular tourist attractions, car break-ins have spiked nearly 200% since last year, turning visitors into victims and creating what some business owners say is an economic crisis. On average, the city suffers about 74 car break-ins per day, according to police records for the month of October. The District Attorneys Office lays blame with police, pointing to the fact that officers only make arrests in less than two percent of car break-in cases. The Police Department, however, says whenever arrests are made, the District Attorney releases offenders without substantive penalties, making car break-ins an easy crime for organized gangs. ...and this more updated one: The San Francisco Chronicle publishes an auto break-in map as a community feature here, updated as recently as yesterday. Don't take your car to North Beach, the Cole Valley, UCSF, Union Street, the Marina, Fisherman's Wharf, the outer Richmond, downtown, or the Western Addition. Actually, don't take it anywhere in that city given all those double-digit dots. According to KTVU: San Francisco police said there have been 13,000 car break-ins to date. The highest number of break-ins was in 2017 when there were over 31,000 car burglaries. 2017 was back when people reported crimes to the cops. Today, many don't. That the cops have only now begun to set up bait cars for the city's prodigious auto burglars tells us the problem is worse than ever. On Thursday, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins held a news conference on how the city is going to address car burglaries. Scott said his department is going to use bait cars, in hopes of catching repeat offenders. He also said since the city's new budget allows for more police overtime, which will increase officer patrols in tourist areas like the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, and Fisherman's Wharf. As they were making that announcement for the television cameras -- another car got broken into. The thieves don't even care anymore if anyone sees it, so they do it in broad daylight. And it's important to note that Oakland is even worse. And now a common sight is oodles of Teslas, driving around with broken windows like broken-down ghetto cars. You know they talk about it. You know they can see it. Beautiful new cars now driving around with broken windows is bound to become some kind of tourist bingo card attraction. What a sad development. Until they can learn to change their voting patterns over there, this is bound to become some kind of institution. That's some status symbol they've got emerging over there. Image: Twitter screen shot In the belly of the blue beast of San Francisco, things are spiraling. Yesterday, the Gateway Pundit reported that Reem's, an American-Lebanese bakery, refused to serve a police officer, because the business observes a "strict" anti-gun policy, and naturally, the officer was armed. When the San Francisco Police Officers Association got wind of the story, they reached out to Reem's for their side of the story. The business responded via email, saying: At Reem's we do have a policy to not serve anyone that is armed in a uniform. All officers are welcome to come to our establishment when they are off duty and not armed. SFPOA posted the exchange on X, as well as an additional find; see below: We are not asking Reems or any business with a bigoted policy to serve our officers. Were asking them to own their discriminatory policy & and put up a sign so we know not to spend money in your establishmenton or off duty. We took the liberty of designing one for them. pic.twitter.com/aITQFLOFG0 San Francisco POA (@SanFranciscoPOA) August 24, 2023 At some point, Reem's proudly displayed a sign that read, "Existing while black should not be a death sentence." Yeah, you're telling me...and all the little black babies in utero who wind up executed by an abortionist for simply...existing. In response to the publicity, Reem's posted a statement on their social media, which read: Reem's has a deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities. This includes fostering an environment of safety for our staff and customers. In a time of increased gun violence particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people we believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer. Many members of our community have been impacted by gun violence, whether that be experience on the streets of San Francisco, having come from war or occupation, or having increased fears due to a growing climate of political extremism. All too often, Black and brown people, and poor people are the victims of this violence. At Reems [sic], we aim to provide a space where people can eat delicious Arab food and work together to strengthen our community, without fear or harassment. We invite our community to step up and join us in creating that culture of care and resilience. #wetakecareofus A "growing climate of political extremism"? Like the "mostly peaceful protests" or the "trans" school shooter in Nashville? Or perhaps when Joe Biden, the man sitting in the White House, says the government's patience with freedom-lovers is "growing thin"? Sounds a bit democidal, wouldn't you say? Would Reem's really maintain the policy if an ax-wielding murderer barged through the doors? What about an active shooter situation? Are these anti-gun "principles" of "safety" really objective principles? (After all, that what a "principle" is: a fundamental truth that is not subject to time, circumstance, culture, etc.) No, of course not they're just leftist bigots with a penchant for schadenfreude. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. To the left, Elon Musk is a bad guy. And bad guys need to be "controlled." Enter Ronan Farrow, who did a longggg piece for the New Yorker calling for that, didn't get the response he probably thought it would. The comments section of Ann Althouse's blog (hat tip: Instapundit), where she slices off a quote from the Farrow piece and watches the responses, pretty well tells us all we need to know. "Musk has become a hyper-exposed pop-culture figure, and his sharp turns from altruistic to vainglorious, strategic to impulsive, have been the subject of innumerable articles..." "... and at least seven major books.... But the nature and the scope of his power are less widely understood. More than thirty of Musks current and former colleagues in various industries and a dozen individuals in his personal life spoke to me about their experiences with him. Sam Altman, the C.E.O. of OpenAI, with whom Musk has both worked and sparred, told me, 'Elon desperately wants the world to be saved. But only if he can be the one to save it.'" Writes Ronan Farrow, in "Elon Musks Shadow Rule/How the U.S. government came to rely on the tech billionaireand is now struggling to rein him in" (The New Yorker). What it drew was a litany of scorings that makes one want to see just how bad the article might have been: Musk has been clickbait for at least 5 years. Like Trump, the experts pretend to understand him. 8/26/23, 1:40 PM Lem the misspeller said... Lem the misspeller said... Ronans me too hit piece. 8/26/23, 1:41 PM RideSpaceMountain said... RideSpaceMountain said... "Elon desperately wants the world to be saved. But only if he can be the one to save it." Funny. You could say the very same thing about every purple-haired pierced-septum adolescent at the New Yorker, New York Times, and j-school in this country. 8/26/23, 1:42 PM That's the first three. This one is particularly good: Jersey Fled said... Is it the U.S. governments job to rein people in? Apparently The New Yorker thinks so. 8/26/23, 2:27 PM And so is this: Original Mike said... "Some people who know Musk well still struggle to make sense of his political shift." Being manhandled by government bullies will do that to you. 8/26/23, 3:36 PM That pretty well outlines the scope of the problem with the piece. Amazing what a comments section can do! The whole premise of the piece was that the U.S. government wanted to control him, and somehow, they always ended up the Keystone Kops or Wile E. Coyote in their efforts. It opens with an interview of uber-Deep-Stater Colin Kahl, who's one of the worst of them, talking about how he wanted Elon Musk to pay for Ukraine's $400-million internet service for its troops in the field instead of the Pentagon paying for it. Like Raytheon would consent to something like that. Something wrong with this picture? It never occurs to Kahl, or any of them, that maybe they should pay for this service if it is so important to them. What a cheapskate. Then there was a gushy section on Gen. Mark Milley, who, along with Kahl, served as one of the architects of the Afghanistan pullout, with Farrow missing the fact that maybe something is wrong with this picture of these incompetents calling the shots at anything, let alone Musk. Farrow dutifully reports as if these guys had some kind of superior claim on Musk. There's a heavens-to-Betsy shiver from these guys at the thought of Musk talking with Vladimir Putin, and maybe modifying his stance because of it, which is what open-minded people do. They, on the other hand, remain mired in their absolutist war and its consultant contracts. Farrow left out the despicable behavior of Ukrainian officials when Musk so much as broached the topic of negotiations with Russia. The piece, which gets the premise wrong, but nevertheless is very engagingly written, then goes into each and every wrangle that Musk has had with the federal authorities from the FAA interfering with his SpaceX rocket launches to his Twitter purchase, which really upset them, to the Tesla factory COVID lockdowns that Musk rightly protested and then pulled his manufacturing operations over to Texas because of. Farrow leaves out the repulsive, despicable behavior of the California state elected officials who insisted on lockdowns in his description of what happened, but we all remember it only too well. I blogged about them here and here. Farrow didn't get into the latest harassment of Musk brought on by the Department of Justice, suing him for hiring too many American citizens at SpaceX, probably because the story is too new. But unwittingly, Farrow did show how entitled the government feels to "control" him even as he brings one innovation after another to the market, and how many times they've tried to do it the list is long and disgusting. That's not what he was after; the idea was to portray him as sort of a wild animal in need of taming, with big government just the organ to do it. They don't see an entrepreneur, a visionary, or a genius. They see a problem to rein in. That's a fundamental misunderstanding of Musk and his millions of fans. No wonder Musk keeps winning. Nice try, Ronan, but you didn't discredit Musk. All you did was make his Deep State opponents look even worse than we thought they were. Image: JD Lasica via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Back in the days of old-fashioned vinyl records particularly the 45 RPM single records we thought of an A-side, the main song the producers hoped would be a hit, and a B-side, hopefully another good song, but probably secondary in popularity. This B-side gave rise to the term "flip side," which remains in our lexicon long after vinyl records were replaced by cassettes, CDs, and other media. There have been times in the history of recorded music, to everyone's surprise, when the B-side got noticed, years later, becoming a hit in its own right, eclipsing the number it was originally intended just to support. Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog," the Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," and the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" are just a few examples of numbers intended to be the secondary song but eventually eclipsed their respective A-sides in popularity, when people gave them a second look. What we are witnessing today, and have only begun to notice in recent years, is a flip side to one of the greatest economic treatises of all time and we need to absorb this lesson as soon as possible (if it's not too late already). In December 1958, economist Leonard Read, the founder of the Foundation for Economic Education, published a short essay in FEE's periodical, The Freeman. In the 65 years since its introduction, this masterly work has become the most recognizable element of the Austrian School of economics. "I, Pencil" was conceived as a fanciful anthropomorphism, the genealogy of that most common of household tools, the lead pencil. In those few pages, Leonard Read demonstrated the magic woven by the Invisible Hand of the free market. In the generations since, millions of us have learned to respect how countless different industries, countless people, all over the world, unknowingly come together to contribute the necessary components to make it possible for someone to manufacture a pencil (or in fact, any other product). These farmers, chemical companies, lumber mills, miners, and metalworkers do their daily jobs, often unaware that somewhere, half a world away, someone will be using their paint, their graphite, their wood, their metal, their rubber to manufacture the millions of pencils we all depend on for school, work, crafts, and art. It's an amazing story, brilliantly told. It's likely that every reader of this publication could recite some lines from it by heart; it's that familiar to the modern conservative mind. But there's a flip side, Gentle Reader, which your humble correspondent never really noticed until recently. The story is written from a positive perspective. There are all these industries everywhere in the world; nobody has to order any of them. These industries exist because there's a market for their products, so as long as they make their products, those resulting pencils will be made. The message is one of education and optimism. We don't need five-year-plans like what the communists dream up abroad; we don't need a national industrial plan like what American Democrats propose here at home. There will always be pencils because the free market enables it to happen. Isn't it glorious? In recent years, however, we have learned that the pencil really, not just the pencil, but everything that is made with these myriad components is in jeopardy. The primary lesson of "I, Pencil" was that we don't need a government to mandate the manufacture of a pencil, because the market will provide it without such a mandate. The public demand the choice of the consumer is an infinitely more effective mandate. But there is secondary lesson, buried just beneath the surface: government must not meddle with all those contributing industries. The magic of the Invisible Hand depends upon the government behaving itself. It depends on the government leaving well enough alone. What if the government were to ban the logging industry, so those cedar shafts were no longer available to the pencil maker? Or what if the government were to forbid the harvesting of the rubber that we need as a binder to make the eraser? Or what if the government decreed that the chemical industry pollutes too much, or isn't equitable or diverse enough, so it bans the manufacture of the yellow paint on the outside, or the "graphite lead" in the inside? It turns out that government does have a role to play in the production of pencils, albeit the simplest role of all: as the Hippocratic Oath directs, "in the first place, do no harm." That's all. If government just leaves everything alone, there will be pencils. Magically, almost miraculously, all these materials from all over the world will come together to provide enough pencils to satisfy demand. But if government starts meddling, then, indeed, there will be no pencils. If government shuts down the logging industry, for example, because of some environmental concern or philosophical overreaction, perhaps without even thinking about pencils as one of their outputs, everything dependent on wooden components will be lost. Without lumber, there will be no pencils, no paper, no cardboard boxes, no wooden furniture. No books or magazines, no wooden bookshelves, no wooden decks, no 2x4s for housing construction. It's amazing how many different products, besides pencils, are dependent on just this one raw material. The same goes for countless others. In 1958, our fear was that foolish Western governments would copy the Soviets and the Red Chinese, issuing five-year plans to compel manufactures, gumming up the works. In 1958, we never dreamed that our greatest risk would be the reverse. Today, the Western economies once called market economies; if only it were true are shutting down industry after industry, for the most outrageous reasons. We ban oil drilling, creating unnecessary shortages of energy and plastics. We ban smelting and other metalworking, creating a dependence on failed third world economies or the use of substandard materials. We ban any form of manufacturing that's labor-intensive at home, leading to the unspoken reality of furthering miserable child labor conditions abroad. In the generations since Leonard Read wrote "I, Pencil," in fact, governments have mastered the deviant art of thoughtlessly banning whole industries "for our own good." This has made us dependent on "foreign low-cost countries," primarily Red China, for not only finished products, but a huge percentage of the components for the products we manufacture here. And what does this very un-market-like situation really mean in the end? It means that when the global supply chain is interrupted by port strikes or railroad congestion, by COVID lockdowns or cargo ship shortages, by civil war or natural disaster the pain is shared globally, because we have intentionally handicapped our once free market with a host of unnecessary, unnatural constraints on both supply and delivery. The A-side message of "I, Pencil" was "Don't worry; the Invisible Hand will take care of everything." We are now seeing the flip side of that brilliant allegory, a warning for all time: "The Invisible Hand must not be shackled and bound." If you chain the thumb, bind the wrist, and fold down three fingers so that only the pinky is allowed to work, don't expect it to work the magic it once did. Government must leave industry free, because we don't know we cannot know how interdependent we all are on every single producer, every inventor, every contributor, every material flow. Just as no one person can make a pencil all by himself, no one bureaucrat can ever fully identify the damage that can be done by shutting down the production of the immeasurable ingredients in the global marketplace. John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation professional and consultant. A onetime Milwaukee County Republican Party chairman, he has been writing a regular column for Illinois Review since 2009. His book on vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel) and his political satires on the current administration (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I and II) are available on Amazon. Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. It is an absolute joke when people from the Washington Post, CNN, MSNBC, the New York Times, ABC, CBS, and NBC, lecture others about spreading misinformation when they have been intentionally spreading misinformation for years. The examples are endless. But start with this one: Following Elon Musks lead, Big Tech is surrendering to disinformation Social media companies are receding from their role as watchdogs against political misinformation, abandoning their most aggressive efforts to police online falsehoods in a trend expected to profoundly affect the 2024 presidential election. An array of circumstances is fueling the retreat: Mass layoffs at Meta and other major tech companies have gutted teams dedicated to promoting accurate information online. An aggressive legal battle over claims that the Biden administration pressured social media platforms to silence certain speech has blocked a key path to detecting election interference. The WaPo and others colluded with the Democrats to spread lies about Russian collusion for years as they sought to destroy Trump. There was never any evidence Trump colluded with the Russians but the media continuously used Adam Schiff as a source to spread misinformation. The media colluded with Democrats to challenge the 2016 election and call Trump an illegitimate President but now they act like anyone challenging an election is a threat to democracy. The media colluded with Fauci and others to block an investigation of the Wuhan lab as the source by falsely calling it a disproven conspiracy theory. They sought to silence those who disagreed with government talking points and edicts. The media participated in spreading the hands up dont shoot lie to gin up racial hate, division, and violence against white cops. How many cops have been injured or killed because of that intentional lie? The media has allowed Biden and others to lie for years about what Trump said in Charlottesville in order to perpetuate the lie that Trump is a racist. They know that Trump repeatedly denounced white supremacists and Nazis but dont care. The media and other Democrats always play the race card because they dont want to defend their unpopular policies. The media, especially the WaPo, sought to destroy Judge Kavanagh with unverified accusations. There was not one ounce of evidence showing this was true but the media and other Democrats didnt care. They are the party of personal destruction. They seek to destroy anyone who gets in their way whether the people are black like Clarence Thomas or Tim Scott or women like Sarah Palin or Kari Lake or an orange man like Donald Trump. All that matters is that they are conservatives or Republicans. The WaPo even sought to destroy Christian boys for the crime of wearing MAGA hats. They were accused of being racists. There were videos showing the allegations werent true, but the truth hasnt mattered for a long time. The media also spreads the lie that Trumps tax rate cuts cost the government trillions and only benefited the rich. Both are verified lies. Revenues have risen substantially after the rate cuts and the rate cuts went to everyone who paid taxes. The media colluded with the Justice Department, former intelligence officials, and other Democrats to hide the truth about Biden family corruption even though they have known for years about the Bidens lining their pockets with foreign money. To this day, they continually pretend that Joe Biden didnt participate and didnt get benefits from the millions in kickbacks because they havent found a direct deposit. They know that there was a joint account and that Hunter said he paid daddys bills but that makes no difference to the media. Maybe the media and other Democrats can explain why Senator Menendez is being investigated for corruption since the kickbacks appeared to have gone to his wife. And the biggest amount of misinformation is about climate change. They never give scientific data showing a direct link between oil, coal, meat, dairy products, etc and temperatures, sea levels, and storm activity but claim the science is settled and claim that anyone who disagrees with the radical green agenda is a denier. So, pardon me if I dont care when journalists who willingly spread misinformation on a daily basis claim they are worried about Twitter and other tech companies spreading misinformation. Image: Free.SVG // CC0 public domain Vivek Ramaswamys political ascendency has drawn attackers. All the attacks boil down to the same thing: Vivek is a Manchurian candidate. He came from nowhere (unlike Trump, who, while not a politician, was known to all), and his past belies many of his current stands. Were told hes a WEF or Soros creation, supports 9/11 conspiracy theories, and hates Israel. Viveks team has now created a page that rebuts the charges against him. Its good, but there is still one piece missing. You can find the pageTRUTH. Over Mythat Viveks campaign website. It rebuts the following charges: The World Economic Forum Connections: Vivek Supports Legalizing Hard Drugs: Vivek Doesnt Support Israel: Vivek is really just a secret Trojan Horse for George Soros: Vivek Supports Mask Mandates: Vivek Supports a Death Tax: Vivek Has Done Business in China!?! Vivek Wants Transgender People in the Military: Vivek is Part of Big Pharma and Made $$ on a Failed Alzheimers Drug: Vivek Didnt Vote Very Much in His 20s Vivek is a 9/11 Conspiracy Theorist! Image: Vivek Ramaswamy. YouTube screen grab. All the rebuttals make sense. For example, I heard from many Jewish friends who were worried that Vivek said he wants America to stop funding Israel. My suspicion was that this couldnt be true. I knew hed said he would expand the Abraham Accords. I also assumed hed come down hard on Iran. This is an approach holding that the best defense Israel can have is to live in a friendly neighborhood. And indeed, my assumptions were correct: Vivek Doesnt Support Israel: WRONG. Keep lying, Nimarata Randhawa. The desperation is showing. By the end of Viveks first term, the US-Israel relationship will be deeper and stronger than ever because it wont be a client relationship, it will be a true friendship. The centerpiece of Viveks Middle East policy in Year 1 will be to lead Abraham Accords 2.0 which will fully integrate Israel into the Middle East economy by adding Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Indonesia to the pact which was one of President Trumps crowning foreign policy achievements. Vivek will also partner with Israel to ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear capabilities. Thats a hard *never.* Most importantly, he wont cut aid to Israel until Israel tells the U.S. that it no longer needs the aid. Thats what true friends do: theyre honest with each other. We expect that of our friends in Israel, And when Israel gets to that point, we should all rightly celebrate it as a mark of achievement and pride for both the U.S. and Israel. Thats what Vivek actually said, so dont believe the opponents lies that he wants to cut aid to Israel which makes zero sense as a foreign policy priority any time in the foreseeable future. We will not leave Israel hanging out to dry ever. (But that didnt stop his opponents from pouncing to lie about his position). Good friends also learn from each other, and Vivek has said we have much to learn from Israel. Hes traveled there countless times with one of his most important business partners a founding investor at Roivant who is based there. Vivek wants the U.S. to learn from Israels border policies, crime enforcement policies, national identity, and missile defense capabilities and will lead the U.S. accordingly. The above may not be the Israel policy some people desire, but its certainly not an anti-Israel policy. Its also significantly better than what the Biden administration is doing, which is funding Iran while giving the nudge-nudge-wink-wink to further nuclear development and keeping money flowing to the genocidal Palestinians. Still, while each rebuttal is solid, Viveks effort still fails. Thats because he doesnt address the central issue, which is how he got to his current fundamentally conservative stances. The response to the claim that Vivek Didnt Vote Very Much in His 20s goes part way there, but he needs more: The truth is Vivek was libertarian in his college days and voted for the libertarian candidate for U.S. President back in 2004 when he was 19 years old. He wasnt inspired by George Bush and John Kerry. Or by McCain and Obama. Or Romney and Obama. So, like most young people, he sat it out for his 20s. That certainly describes me in my 20s, although I was a Democrat in the 1980s, not a libertarian in the early 21st century. But having read all the bullet points, I still dont knowand nobody else doeswhere Viveks current conservative (not libertarian) views come from. What we need to hear from Vivek is his Road to Damascus moment, whether that moment occurred in a blinding instant or was an accretion of smaller moments. Voters will not trust him if he cannot explain his political journey. No matter how much Vivek explains his past or his policies, if there is no visible bridge from past to present, he will always be viewed as untrustworthy. He can silence the criticism against him only if he fills in the blanks. Taking after our good friends across the border in Canada, the U.S. alcohol czar has decided that we are now to have just two beers a week. According to the Daily Mail: Americans could be urged by officials to drink no more than two beers a week as part of strict new alcohol guidelines. Biden's health czar told DailyMail.com the USDA could revise its alcohol advice to match Canada's, where people are advised to have just two drinks per week. Dr George Koob who admits enjoying a couple of glasses of Chardonnay a week said he was watching Canada's 'big experiment' with interest. What kind of nonsense is this? It's sure as heck not 'science' given that some people can handle and enjoy quite a bit more of that, and some people cannot. Some people have cultures that thrive on it, and others do not. The point here is that people are the best judges of what's good for them and if beer is their thing, that's their "pursuit of happiness" as the Constitution guarantees. Oh sure, it's just a 'recommendation.' But in the Age of COVID, since when have "suggestions" stayed suggestions? We know our health authorities "recommended" COVID vaccines -- and heaven help anyone who said 'no.' We know what they are up to. Haven't we tried this once before? Hint: It starts with 'P' and we got rid of it as soon as we could. That they are making Canada of all places the model state to emulate now is enough to give anyone the willies. Canada, recall, is that place where waiting lines are so long for health care the locals often come here, paying full fare. It's land of the Jordan Peterson reeducators. It's the country of trucker persecutors. It's the nation of Mark Steyn silencers. It's the abode of Justin Trudeau. It's just the place to take advice from, in the world of Joe Biden and his alcohol czar. For normal people, it's the example of 'what not to do.' Which raises the real question from this recommendation: Why the heck do we have an alcohol czar? Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License From left, Jeong Jae-kyung, a Hanyang University professor and a 2023 Merck Award winner; Yun Yong-kuk, country lead of Display Solutions Business at Merck Korea, and Kwak Jeong-hun, a Seoul National University professor pose during the Merck 2023 Award ceremony at BEXCO convention center in Busan, Aug. 24. Courtesy of Merck Korea By Baek Byung-yeul Two Korean researchers won awards, including the top prize, at the award ceremony put on by German IT company Merck, for their excellence in the display sector, Merck Korea said Monday. The company said Jeong Jae-kyung, a Hanyang University professor, won the top honor Merck Award, being recognized for his research including his contribution to the mass production of AMOLED products and successfully implementing oxide thin-film transition technology. Kwak Jeong-hun, a Seoul National University professor, also won the Merck Young Scientist Award, for contributions to improving the efficiency and lifetime of QLEDs based on the first development of the inverted QLED structure. The Merck Award, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is an award established at the International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) in 2004 to commemorate outstanding achievements in the display sector. Merck presented the awards and celebrated the winners at the IMID 2023 event in Busan held from Aug. 22 to 25. Jeong, the top prize winner, has published 194 research papers related to oxide semiconductors and has registered 200 international patents. Commenting on his win, Jeong said, "It is a tremendous honor for me to receive the prestigious Merck Award, recognized as the highest accolade in the display field. Moving forward, my dedication remains steadfast in researching future display backplane technologies. By doing so, I aim to ensure the sustained prosperity of our domestic display industry." Kwak, a winner of the Young Scientist Award, said, "I am very pleased and honored to receive the Merck Young Scientist Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the display field. It seemed like a technology of the distant future, but it seems that the day when it will become a reality is not far away. I will continue to do what I can to advance display technology in Korea." WooKyu Kim, managing director of Merck Korea, said he expects the display industry to converge with other industries to create even more new markets, and the company will continue to look for collaboration opportunities with other researchers and companies. "Displays will be even more embedded in our daily lives than it is today, optimizing spaces and objects. In particular, convergence with other industries will accelerate the creation of new display markets," Kim said. After years of providing users with unlimited cloud storage, Dropbox is finally abandoning the all the space you need storage plan. This decision comes in response to users exploiting the service for activities such as crypto mining and reselling storage to others. In a blog post, Dropbox also pointed out a notable instance involving the cryptocurrency Chia, which heavily relies on storage capacity as a fundamental component of its mining process. The currencys proof of space and time model, which rewards users based on their ownership of plots, each demanding 100 GB of storage on physical hard drives, led to crypto miners combining their storage resources. Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, weve seen a surge of this behaviour in the wake of other services making similar policy changes. Weve observed that customers like these frequently consume thousands of times more storage than our genuine business customers, which risks creating an unreliable experience for all of our customers, reads Dropboxs blog post. New plans As a result of the shift, the companys Advanced plan, which includes three active licenses, will now provide 15TB of shared storage space, sufficient for storing approximately 100 million documents, 4 million photos, or 7,500 hours of HD video content. Additionally, Dropbox emphasizes that users who utilize less than 35TB of storage will retain their current storage capacity and receive an extra 5TB of pooled storage credit for five years. However, for businesses exceeding the 35TB threshold, the company will offer a similar arrangement, including a 5TB credit for one year, up to a maximum total of 1,000TB. Moreover, starting September 18 for new customers, Dropbox will introduce new storage add-ons, which will provide an extra 1TB of storage at a monthly rate of $10 or a discounted rate of $8 per month for annual purchases. However, it is important to note that the company will introduce the changes gradually from November 1st, giving users at least 30 days notice before their scheduled migration date. Following a successful beta testing phase, ElevenLabs has officially launched its new AI platform, which can convincingly mimic voices in an impressive array of 30 languages. According to ElevenLabs, the big breakthrough centers around its new Multilingual v2 AI model, which can not only detect languages automatically, including Korean, Dutch, and Vietnamese, but can also generate these languages with their particular emotional nuances. This AI model, combined with a user-friendly interface where users only need to upload a few speech samples to clone their voices, simplifies the process for everyday users. Advertisement Advertisement In terms of options, ElevenLabs offers two types of voice cloning services. The first is a text-to-speech tool, which transforms written content into spoken words. The second is the VoiceLab, designed to clone specific voices. With this release, were one step closer to making this dream a reality and making human-quality AI voices available in every dialect. Our text-to-speech generation tools help level the playing field and bring top-quality spoken audio capabilities to all the creators out there, said ElevenLabs CEO and co-founder Mati Staniszewski. Ethical and moral complications While this new development is certainly a big step forward in AI, several major concerns persist. These include the potential misuse of voice cloning software by threat actors to replicate the voices of prominent figures for promoting hate speech and misinformation. However, the company has acknowledged those concerns and has implemented safeguards, including limiting voice cloning to paid accounts and introducing AI-based detection tools. Another concern involves AI potentially replacing the jobs of voice-over artists, as companies may find using AI more cost-effective. Additionally, the fact that publishers like Lukeman Literary are already using AIs to translate their audiobooks into other languages suggests that this trend will grow further with time. It used to take Lukemans team weeks to produce a single audiobook because it required them to find the right voiceover artist, book a recording studio, record and manage the post-production. Now, the entire process takes a few hours, said ElevenLabs. Microsoft Office and Google Workspace are two of the most popular office suites on the planet. Theres no doubt that there are people who use both in their professional lives. The issue is that these services dont really talk to each other. However, according to 9To5Google, Google Calendar can now show Microsoft Outlook attendees. Its not uncommon for users to be thrust in to more than one software ecosystem for their job. Folks could use Google Docs to type up documents and share this document to their colleagues using Microsoft Outlook. Thats why this feature is so welcomed. Advertisement Advertisement Outlook users have the ability to invite Google Calender users to meetings. This is useful if youre inviting someone from a different company to a meeting in yours. However, the experience hasnt been the greatest. When the Google Calendar user receives the invitation, the Outlook users name wouldnt be visible in the list of attendees. Obviously, youd want to know whos going to be attending your meeting. Now, Google Calendar users will be able to see Outlook attendees Google announced this in a short blog post. When an Outlook user organizes a meeting, they will be visible as the meeting organizer to the Google Calendar user. This will eliminate any guessing game as to whos going to be involved in the meeting. This feature stands apart from most other Workspace updates, as its available to all accounts. It applies to all plans whether theyre paid or not. Its rolling out starting today, so theres a chance that you wont see it right away. If you dont see it, then youll want wait a little bit. This is a gradual rollout thats going to be taking place over the next two weeks. Speaking of Google Workspace If you operate a business, and youre thinking about taking it to the next level, then you should getting a Google Workspace membership. Youll gain access to a ton of useful business tool and additional features that free users dont have. You can find out more by filling the link below. Learn more about Google Workspace When it comes to facing challenges, in recent times, Google AR projects have been going through a lot. First, with the long-awaited Project Iris AR glasses and now the mixed reality headset the company is building. Yes, the next evolution in tech is AR and Google knows this, but it is seriously struggling to get things in order. The mixed reality product is going to be a partnership between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm. Each tech company has a major role to play in this partnership to ensure that this product is a success. Google will handle software features (and some hardware elements as well), Samsung will handle the products specifications (and possibly its design), and Qualcomm will provide the processor itd run on. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people might expect this partnership to be in the best interest of the coming mixed-reality headset. While this might be the case, it turns out that Google is losing its grip on the project. Samsung, on the other hand, is gaining control of the project and calling the major shots. Samsung might limit Googles reach with the coming Google AR product According to reports for the folks at SBS Biz, Samsung is already taking control of the Google mixed reality headset. This control involves telling the specifications and features of the coming product. Reportedly, Samsung is also responsible for pushing back the production process of this product, which will affect its launch. Google might also be in favour of the extension of this headsets production, but its staff have different views. Despite the delay, some staff members at Google say that the product is still too early and might not be well-baked. Well, on its part, Samsung might be more than ready with the hardware of this product, but in terms of software, Google might need some more time. It is good to take to mind the changes that have occurred in the AR department at Google. These changes have seen the rise of new project leaders who might consider doing things differently. While the hardware and specifications of this AR product need to be spot-on gorgeous, its software also needs to be impressive. Both Google and Samsung are up against a common rival with this coming mixed reality headset. Apple is already on track to launch its Vision Pro headset, which it showed off a few months ago. Sadly, Apple seems to be more organized when it comes to the development of its AR product. Despite the challenges Google is facing regarding its entry into the AR industry, it isnt giving up. The company still plans to launch its Project Iris AR glasses, but this might take some time. During this wait period, Google might have the opportunity to perfect its art and stand a chance against the competition. In recent years, SIM swapping has emerged as a popular option for threat actors looking to gain unauthorized access to peoples phones and steal their hard-earned money. Now, according to a report from crypto detective ZachXBT, several high-profile personalities and institutions have fallen victim to SIM-swapping attacks, resulting in a collective loss of a staggering $13 million. Prominent figures, including Mira Murati (OpenAIs CTO), Daniel Alegre (CEO of Bored Ape), the Aptos Foundation, Stellar Development Foundation, Bryan Pellegrino (LayerZeros CEO), Garry Tan (Y Combinators CEO), along with Pleasr DAO, and Peter Schiff, have fallen victim to SIM swap attacks this year. Additionally, even Bart Stephens, the founder of Blockchain Capital and an early investor in Coinbase and Kraken, suffered a significant loss of $6.3 million in a recent attack. Advertisement Advertisement So, what exactly is SIM swapping? As the name suggests, these attacks involve threat actors exploiting vulnerabilities within cellular providers systems, manipulating them into transferring victims phone numbers to new SIM cards under the attackers control. Once achieved, cybercriminals gain full access to the targets calls, texts, and online activities, rendering the original SIM card obsolete. Additionally, what makes these attacks even more concerning is the minimal requirement for hacking expertise. This is because threat actors only need personal data obtainable from social media, illicit online markets, or phishing scams to convincingly assume the identity of their targets. Indicators of such an attack include unfamiliar calls and messages regarding changes in cellular service, as well as loss of account access on your device. Unfortunately, victims of the attack often remain oblivious until threat actors do considerable damage, which may involve password resets, deactivation of two-factor authentication, and unauthorized access to sensitive banking accounts. Therefore, if you ever see any of the mentioned signs, then the best course of action would be to contact your carrier. Protecting from such attacks? Although its not possible to completely shield themselves from such attacks, users can adopt certain measures to enhance their protection. These include utilizing built-in security features such as PINs and passwords for additional layers of defence and employing your carriers Number Lock feature, which would lock your phone number with them, thus disabling unauthorized transfers. Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil its ChatGPT-like generative AI tool next month. According to the Korean media, the company will demo the new tool during its Real Summit 2023 event in Seoul, South Korea on September 12. The latest edition of the annual tech event will focus on generative AI and cloud technologies. Samsung is known to be developing an in-house AI tool since at least May this year. Local media said the company has teamed up with domestic tech firm Naver on the project, which doesnt yet have a name. Its co-CEO Kyung Kye-hyun confirmed the plans the following month. However, he didnt reveal when the tool will arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, reports suggested that Samsung would rush to launch the product. It appears the company is now ready to show the tool to the world. The Korean firm will demo the AI solution to its clients and the media during the tech event in a couple of weeks, Korea Daily reports. Its unclear whether it will be the final product or if Samsung is bringing an early version of the tool to Real Summit 2023. Samsung will keep its generative AI tool private to itself Generative AI is all the rage lately. Almost every online tool we use today comes with some sort of AI-powered generative features. ChatGPT started the trend, but we now have hundreds of such products. Some are standalone tools capable of answering every question, while others have expertise in a certain field or come integrated with existing products. Samsungs AI tool, meanwhile, will be a little different. The unnamed service is designed to help the company improve and speed up business processes. It plans to use the tool in various business areas, including data analysis and information sourcing for chip production, cost management, transcription of audio files or voice notes, translation of documents, and customer service. In other words, Samsungs ChatGPT alternative will be private to the company. It wont be available to the public, at least that isnt the plan right now. The Korean firm developed the tool to use internally after some employees inadvertently leaked critical chip information through ChatGPT. This happened when Samsung allowed employees to use OpenAIs AI tool to speed up some work earlier this year. The company has since banned the use of all third-party generative AI tools on official devices and internal networks. But this means its missing out on potential business advancements with the help of AI. This is likely why Samsung is rushing to launch its in-house solution. It remains to be seen whether the Korean behemoth ever launches a public version of the tool to go head-on against ChatGPT, Google Bard, and others. Samsung today has begun selling its first 5K monitor, the ViewFinity S9, available directly through Samsungs website and at participating retailers. Samsung officially announced the ViewFinity S9 monitor at CES 2023 back in January. Its a new premium monitor with a sleek design that should easily fit into any setup. Now this isnt a gaming monitor so its not what wed suggest if youre looking for something of that nature. But it is going to be perfect for home offices, a work display, or even schools. Its a 27-inch panel so its not super large. It also boasts high color accuracy with DCI-P3 99% color gamut. Which means it should be nice for photo editing, video editing, digital art and the like. To top that off its Pantone Validated, with Samsung saying it has authentic reproduction of more than 2,000 Pantone colors and 100 Pantone SkinTone shades on screen. It can also easily be turned vertical if you need it to. Advertisement Advertisement The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is available for $1,599.99 Just because this isnt a gaming monitor and because its smaller, doesnt mean its inexpensive. In fact, being a 5K display, and Samsungs first one at that, was reason enough to suspect this would have a high price tag. The interesting thing is that while this isnt really a gaming monitor, it can still be used for some light or casual gaming. It boasts a 60Hz refresh rate. And thats not bad for many games. It also comes with Samsung Gaming Hub pre-installed. And you can use that to connect to services like Xbox Game Pass, GeForce NOW and more for playing games in the cloud. The monitor will support both Windows and Mac and comes with some neat extras. Like the modular slim 4K webcam that can be attached and detached. Theres also a remote for menu and setting management. Additionally, it has a slim metal build. It just might be the perfect display for digital artists and photo editors. Samsung ViewFinity S9 - Best Buy Samsung ViewFinity S9 - Samsung (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 28 - Premier Giorgia Meloni told cabinet Monday that the 110% superbonus for green home improvements had been the biggest scam ever against the state. "We cannot afford waste, we are paying heavily for the disaster of the 110% Superbonus, and I invite Giorgetti to show us the numbers of this accounting tragedy that weighs on the shoulders of all Italians. In all the building bonuses introduced by the Conte 2 government, including the facade bonus, the documents of the Agenzia dell'Entrate tell us there are more than 12 billion irregularities. "So much for those who accuse the centre-right of being 'friends' of evaders and fraudsters. Thanks to badly written rules, the biggest fraud against the State has been allowed," said the PM. The scheme was rife with fraud, she said. (ANSA). Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, center, speaks during a press conference at the Government Complex in Sejong, Monday. Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk The land minister said Monday that he will visit Ukraine in September to help Korean companies take part in a $140 billion project to rebuild the country's transport and energy infrastructure once the war there ends. "At first, we will focus on governmental assistance and loans for Ukraine, a feasibility study on the reconstruction projects, backup operations in Poland and the establishment of personal, physical and systematic footholds to organize consortiums for the project," Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong told reporters, adding that the date of his visit could change. He was initially expected to visit Kyiv this month with executives of Korean companies, which had sent their representatives to a meeting in Poland last month for Ukraine's reconstruction projects. Samsung C&T, Hyundai E&C, Kolon Global, HD Hyundai XiteSolution, Hyundai Rotem, Yooshin Engineering, Naver, Korea Land & Housing Corp. (LH), Korea Water Resources Corp., International Contractors Association of Korea and Export-Import Bank of Korea took part in that meeting, which was attended by Won, as well as President Yoon Suk Yeol, who paid an unexpected visit to Ukraine. Among the Korean firms, Hyundai E&C signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ukraine's Boryspil International Airport for reconstruction and expansion projects. Samsung C&T signed a smart city development deal with Lviv, a city in western Ukraine. Once the land minister visits Ukraine, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is expected to send a business delegation comprised of executives from energy suppliers. During Monday's press conference, Won also mentioned the ministry's plan to impose a 10-month suspension of business on GS E&C over the collapse of an underground parking garage at an apartment building under construction in Incheon. GS E&C, one of Korea's largest builders, took part in the construction of the parking garage. "We warned that the leading building developer should have been more careful about preventing such an accident," the minister said, although he did not rule out the possibility of the construction company filing a lawsuit against the punitive measure. Won emphasized that LH and land ministry officials will also face punishment for habitually overlooking poor construction work. He also said that the ministry will focus on "fine-tuning" steps, so that people do not believe that the declining supply of houses will lead to another sharp rise in domestic apartment prices. Suella Braverman has insisted that the Bibby Stockholm barge is safe after firefighters raised the possibility of legal action over concerns about the safety of those on board. It comes as the Home Secretary declined to rule out reports the Home Office is considering fitting asylum seekers arriving in the UK via unauthorised means with electronic tags. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has sent a pre-action protocol letter to Ms Braverman outlining its concerns over safety aboard the vessel moored in Dorsets Portland Port. The union previously branded the giant barge, initially designed for about 200 people but modified to house 500 migrants, a potential death trap. The first asylum seekers placed on board Bibby Stockholm earlier this month were removed days later after tests revealed Legionella the bacteria which can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires disease. The FBU is demanding a response to its legal letter by Thursday. Let me be clear that Im confident barges are safe, Ms Braverman told BBC Breakfast. This barge has accommodated people in the past asylum seekers, oil rig workers and barges of this kind have been used to accommodate asylum seekers, for example in Scotland, so Im very confident that this barge is safe for human habitation. We followed all of the advice and protocols in anticipation of embarkation. She accused the trade union of launching a political attack on the Government but was unable to say when asylum seekers would be returning to the barge. FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: We are sounding the alarm over the Bibby Stockholm because it is our duty to do so. Suella Bravermans comments are a cheap and nasty attempt to undermine this. The Fire Brigades Union will always stand up for public safety. If ministers find that fact uncomfortable, so be it. The Home Secretary also said ministers were considering all options after The Times said officials are mulling electronic tagging as a way to prevent migrants who cannot be housed in limited detention sites from absconding. The Illegal Migration Act places a legal duty on the Government to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally, either to Rwanda or another safe third country. However, as spaces in Home Office accommodation are in short supply, officials have been tasked with a deep dive into alternatives, according to the newspaper. While the preferred solution is to increase the number of detention places, electronic tagging has been mooted, as has cutting off financial allowances to someone who fails to report regularly to the Home Office. Ms Braverman told Sky News: Weve just enacted a landmark piece of legislation in the form of our Illegal Migration Act. That empowers us to detain those who arrive here illegally and thereafter to swiftly remove them to a safe country like Rwanda. The Times said officials are considering it as a way to prevent migrants who cannot be housed in limited detention sites from absconding. The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset this month (Ben Birchall/PA) She said: We need to exercise a level of control of people if were to remove them from the United Kingdom. We are considering a range of options. We have a couple of thousand detention places in our existing removal capacity. We will be working intensively to increase that but its clear were exploring a range of options, all options, to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our systems swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the United Kingdom. Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon criticised any plan that would involve electronic tagging. Its treating people as mere objects rather than vulnerable men, women and children in search of safety who should always be treated with compassion and humanity in the same way we welcomed Ukrainian refugees. This is not who we are as a country nor the Britain we aspire to be. Home Office data this week showed Channel crossings topped 19,000 for the year so far, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks pledge that he will stop the boats. The asylum backlog has soared to a record high, with more than 175,000 people waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application at the end of June, with the bill for the taxpayer almost doubling in a year to nearly 4 billion. Some senior Tories have pushed for the Government to commit to leaving the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if the Rwanda scheme continues to be blocked. Ms Braverman stopped short of saying the UK should leave the international court on Monday, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme: My personal views are clear. Its a politicised court. Its interventionist. Its treading on the territory of national sovereignty. But no-ones talking about leaving the ECHR right now. Were working to deliver our plan. Weve enacted landmark legislation. We are confident in the lawfulness of our agreement with Rwanda. Labour hit out at the Government after the latest data on Channel crossings, as the party pointed to 12 consecutive days of small boats arrivals. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said: Rishi Sunak said he would stop the boats. You cant believe a word he says. The time for gimmicks is over. The Tories need to stop chasing headlines and implement Labours plan to tackle the dangerous small boat crossings, by going after the criminal gangs, negotiating a deal with the EU based on returns and family reunion, and clearing the asylum backlog which is costing 6 million a day in emergency hotel bills. Denis Villeneuve says it would be the dream to make his two-part sci-fi epic Dune into a trilogy, as Warner Bros announced the release of part two would be delayed. The films, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, are based on a series of novels by author Frank Herbert. Dune: Part One, released in October 2021, was nominated for ten awards at the 94th Academy Awards, including best picture, and won six. Warner Bros recently announced that the release of Dune: Part Two had been postponed from November until next year, amid the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strike. The film will now be scheduled for release on March 15 2024. While the strike by members of actors union Sag-Aftra is taking place, members are not permitted to take part in any promotional activity for on-screen projects. Speaking to Empire magazine about the possibility of exploring the Dune story past the first two films, Villeneuve said: I will say, there are words on paper. If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream. A former Gurkha who met Prince Harry through Walking With The Wounded has said he is embracing his second life as he stars in a film about the Nepalese soldiers which will premiere in Leicester Square. Ritesh Chams, 39, joined the Gurkhas soldiers from Nepal who have been recruited into the British Army in his late teens and served two terms in Afghanistan before he was injured and pivoted into an acting career. He stars as Corporal Birkha Bahadur Rai in Gurkha Warrior, which sees the former soldier draw on memories and stories of his grandfather, who also served in the Gurkhas during the Malayan Emergency (1948 to 1960), the historical event around which the film is based. Mr Chams told the PA news agency: I think this is the biggest opportunity to tell my experience to the world, adding: We want to tell our untold history to the wonderful and nice British people. The movie Gurkha Warrior will premiere in Leicester Square on September 10 (Gurkha Warrior/PA) Mr Chams grew up hearing about the Gurkhas in Nepal and joined the Nepalese soldiers in his late teens as it was a pride and privilege to be in the Gurkhas, to follow in the footsteps of our forefathers. He said serving in the Royal Gurkha Rifles for 11 years gave him a chance to visit many places around the world, which included undertaking his basic training in Yorkshire and working in places such as Bosnia, Kosovo and the Falkland Islands. He was on his second deployment in Afghanistan when he was shot while on patrol in 2010, forcing him to be medically discharged five years later. While recovering from his injury, he began working with Walking With The Wounded, a British charity helping injured British armed forces veterans integrate back into civilian life, when he met the Duke of Sussex then Prince Harry in 2011. He said: We trained together for a few sessions with all of the team from Walking With The Wounded and volunteers for the Everest 2012 expedition. I was the only one in Walking With The Wounded as a Gurkha and he was more than welcoming to me. He was really nice to me and the whole team as well. Ritesh Chams photographed in 2008 (Gurkha Warrior/PA) Mr Chams is embracing his second life after he graduated from Pinewood Studios acting school in London in 2017 with a Masters in acting and pursued a career in the arts. He has taken a role in a film about Gurkha soldiers cut off from their platoon behind enemy lines during the Malayan Emergency, when British troops were deployed to combat an insurgency against colonial rule. Mr Chams said: At that time my granddad was serving so this is the story of my granddad too. The film is based on a true story passed down through the families of survivors involved in the original mission and is corroborated by historian and author Gordon Corrigan MBE. The director, executive producer and leading actor are all former Gurkhas. Mr Chams said: I wanted to give something back to the community the Gurkha community and the military community and then tell our victory to the people who dont really know it. The movie Gurkha Warrior will premiere in Leicester Square on September 10 (Gurkha Warrior/PA) He said it was challenging to don a military uniform again and be transported back to the reality of serving in Afghanistan. Mr Chams said: It put me back in real time of the anxiousness and anxiety and it was a fresh memory, you know, Afghanistan. He added though that basic skills of being in the military, how would we position ourselves carrying the weapon, the posture, that really helped get into character. Director Milan Chams, a former Gurkha, said: This story is one that had to be shared with the world before it is lost to history. We have a saying that Gurkhas are born in Nepal but made in Britain so its only fitting that we have the worldwide premiere of this new feature length film here in London. Gurkha Warriors international premiere will be held at Imax Cineworld in Leicester Square on September 10, before it goes on general release in the UK on November 10. Imagine Dragons urged their fans to leave politics and religion along with whatever is burdening them at the door during Reading Festival. Opening with My Life, Dan Reynolds sang ardently to the Little Johns farm audience as confetti hailed down amid blue and orange lights. Before Its Time, the 36-year-singer said: Whatever is burdening you, leave it at the door; politics, religion, leave it. Free your mind. Feel what you need to feel; anger, peace, joy, grief. Were here, well do everything we possibly can, thank you for this incredible honour. Thank you for allowing us to be here (at) one of our favourite festivals. We will give you everything, I promise you that. The US pop rock band from Las Vegas have faced criticism ahead of a planned concert in Baku, Azerbaijan on September 2. Serj Tankian, the frontman of heavy metal band System Of A Down, said he sent a letter to Imagine Dragons urging them to reconsider playing their show in Azerbaijan as it would help whitewash the leaders of the country. Serj Tankia. (Suzan Moore/PA) The Armenian-American musician said on Facebook that his letter, which referenced human rights issues in Azerbaijan, had no response. There has been long-running tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, where a separatist war was fought in the early 1990s. Several organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticised Azerbaijans human rights record. At Reading, Reynolds dedicated his performance of Thunder to his children as he sang dressed in baggy shorts and no top. The crowd jumped around and moved to the thumping music music as Impossible, Bad Liar and Radioactive were belted out by Reynolds. Imagine Dragons also referenced Arcane: League Of Legends by contrasting colours on screen during Enemy- which they made for the animated series. Reynolds also spoke about depression and the people he has lost ahead of singing Demons. Imagine Dragons (Ian West/PA) He told the audience: Who feels lost in their mind? Who feels numb? Who feels like its endless? You are not alone in that There are so many, just like who have walked the road, just the same road and who feel the same thing that you feel, please do not be alone in it. Do not keep it to yourself, talk to your friends, talk to your family. If its available to you, please go and see a therapist. I have a therapist, for many years, this does not make you broken, this does not make you weak. It makes you wise. I promise you, you must stay with us, stay alive. Your life is always worth living, your life is always worth living. Too many friends who thought that their life is no longer worth living and its devastating (for) all of the people around us, please stay with us. Please, we need you, we need you, we need you. Thats it. Stay with us. Thats all. Labour peer Lord Alan Haworth has died aged 75, the party has confirmed. He was a secretary of the parliamentary Labour Party from 1992 to 2004, then became a member of the House of Lords. The party said he died on Monday morning on holiday in Iceland with wife Maggie Rae. The pair had been on a cruise of Greenland and Iceland when Lord Haworth fell ill last week. He was helicoptered to hospital in the capital Reykjavik and was treated for bacterial pneumonia. He died of a heart attack on Monday morning. Ms Rae praised the doctors and nurses who treated her husband. I am obviously heartbroken but I cannot speak highly enough of the Icelandic health service and the doctors and nurses who looked after him, she said. I will never be able to thank them properly for their kindness and their professionalism. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer led tributes to the Blackburn-born peer, who had a keen interest in the partys history, co-authoring a book on the first 29 Labour MPs elected in 1906. Alan Haworth was a dedicated servant of the Labour Party and a diligent student of its history, said Sir Keir. Alan worked for the party in both the House of Commons as PLP secretary and then in the House of Lords as a working peer, without fuss or fanfare but with an absolute determination to make life better for working people. He played a key role in delivering Labours 1997 landslide and ensuring the party was re-elected. Alan will be greatly missed on both the green and red benches in Parliament. My thoughts are with Maggie and all his family and friends at this terrible time. Labours leader in the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, said: Alan was Labour to his core with an entertaining, warm-hearted and encyclopaedic knowledge of parliamentary colleagues past and present. He was great company and held the respect and affection of all in the Labour Peers Group. I am shocked at this news and will miss him dearly. Former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair said: Alan was one of my close friends, a wonderful, warm and witty companion. You never had a dull evening with Alan, and I had many of them. And there was no one whose counsel I found wiser or more perceptive. He and Maggie were fantastic hosts, generous and loving friends. Of course Alan was a huge Labour Party stalwart. But the kind that was no nonsense, lets get elected so we can do instead of talk. And in all the years I knew Alan, he never wavered in his belief in, and commitment to, the party. He served it with distinction and true and dedicated loyalty. So I will miss him very deeply indeed. On many different levels. In many different ways. It is a sad day for me, Cherie and all our family. There will be a private funeral with a memorial celebration planned for a future date. The UK air traffic control fault will have a major knock-on impact on flights to and from Ireland, Irish minister of state for international transport Jack Chambers has warned. The UKs leading provider of air traffic control services said it has applied traffic flow restrictions on Monday to maintain safety following a technical issue. DAA, which operates Dublin Airport and Cork Airport in Ireland, said the issues were resulting in delays to some flights in and out of the major hubs. It said it would advise all passengers due to travel on Monday to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travelling. My department has been informed by @AirNav_Ireland of a major technical issue affecting air traffic control in the UK which is impacting flights to & from Irish airports. This will result in flight delays and passengers should check with their airline for more information Jack Chambers TD (@jackfchambers) August 28, 2023 Passengers due to travel today are advised to check the status of their flight with their respective airline in advance of travelling. Ryanair and Aer Lingus have cancelled a number of flights out of and returning to the airports on Monday. Speaking to RTE Radio One, Mr Chambers said: Theres traffic flow restrictions have been introduced to maintain safety in the sky and it will have significant impacts on passengers flying in and out of Dublin, and there are multiple slot restrictions. So, wed encourage customers to contact their airline for an update but it will have a major impact on Irish travel because, obviously, the nature and the proximity to UK space. Some delays/cancellations likely to/from the UK today, 28 Aug due to UK ATC failure pic.twitter.com/dyAKoQHswq Ryanair (@Ryanair) August 28, 2023 There will be an impact and delays of several hours for many passengers and wed encourage them to contact their airlines. The Aer Lingus airline said: Due to a failure of the UK air traffic control flight planning systems, which is outside of Aer Lingus control, there are severe restrictions on all flights into the UK and flying over UK airspace today. We would ask you to check the status of your flight before coming to the airport today as delays and cancellations are likely. Ryanair said: Due to another UK ATC failure, Ryanair will be forced to delay/cancel a number of flights to/from the UK today, Mon Aug 28. https://t.co/7ReFgKGB3N Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) August 28, 2023 All affected passengers will be notified of their options to change flights (free of charge) to another Ryanair flight or receive a full refund. Shannon Airport said the forced restriction of aircraft flow has resulted in the cancellation of the outbound (FR1182) and inbound (FR1183) Ryanair Gatwick service, and the inbound (EI385) and outbound (EI386) Aer Lingus London Heathrow service. A spokesman for Shannon Airport has advised all passengers due to travel from Shannon on Monday afternoon to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travelling. Ireland West Airport, also known as Knock Airport, said there is no certainty as to when flights will be back on schedule. In a statement, it said: As a result of air traffic control issues in the UK, passengers are advised to expect delays and disruption to some flights. A police officer has told an inquiry he cannot remember whether consent was given to him when entering a house treated as a crime scene following the death of Sheku Bayoh. Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained on the ground by six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3 2015. The Sheku Bayoh Inquiry is investigating the circumstances of his death and whether race was a factor. Police constable Rhuaridh Fraser, 49, gave evidence at the inquiry where he also admitted he could have attempted further to communicate with the residents of the house, believing none of them spoke English. The officer, who has worked for Police Scotland since 2009, was questioned on a 2015 incident where officers investigated a property being treated as a crime scene. Mr Fraser had been accompanied by another police officer and later two CID detective inspectors to the property. Saadia Rashid, previously, told the inquiry of her traumatic nightmare experience when the officers asked her and her family to vacate their home on May 3 2015. She said the officers told her they did not need a warrant and that she was left feeling she had no choice but to leave. Angela Grahame is senior counsel to the inquiry (Jane Barlow/PA) She also said she was not aware of anything that would connect Mr Bayoh to the house. She said: What did Sheks death have to do with our house, why were we being thrown out of our house, what were they looking for in our house, what were they searching for that could possibly have to do with Sheks death? Angela Grahame KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, asked Mr Fraser if police obtained consent to enter the property. He replied: I believe I must have been afforded entry into the house. I didnt know any of the details of the people. But in order to speak to the people within, I can only assume, I dont recall, but I can only assume I knocked on the door and the door was opened. Ms Grahame then asked if the resident opening the door in itself would be considered consent for entry. The officer replied: No. A person can, in numerous ways (give consent), they can verbally say it, or they can just motion or walk away; leave the door open. Ms Grahame asked the officer if he remembered if anyone on the property made any gesture or signal as to whether he could enter the house. He replied: I dont remember. Mr Fraser also said he did not think any of the residents at the property spoke English. Mr Fraser said he felt unwelcome at the property, partly because of the language barrier, and also because he felt he was causing anxiety to the residents. However, he admitted he may have left the property too quickly. He said: There was no English forthcoming from the room, so it was my assumption after the first person I tried to directly communicate with and there was no English with that person. So my assumption thereafter was that nobody had a good grasp on English or felt confident to speak. He added: I maybe left the property too quickly and didnt try to engage with others, but I may have felt that I had overstepped the mark that I was far from welcome in the house and I didnt want to make matters worse. And that maybe others, i.e. the CID, would have a better knowledge of what would be occurring. So, in order to placate, I certainly felt the right option was to leave. He was later questioned by the Bayoh family lawyer, Claire Mitchell KC, on unconscious bias and on his understanding of racism after Mrs Rashid said she felt the family may have been treated differently due to their race and religion. The officer said this was not the case, and added that while his race training took place in the early days of his police training, he does not have any overt or unconscious biases. The inquiry, before Lord Bracadale in Edinburgh, continues. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) took aim at the progressive Democratic primary challengers to President Biden. NBCs Chuck Todd asked Sanders on Meet the Press whether he believed there should be a competitive Democratic primary. Sanders instead called for unity among progressives for 2024, saying that the threat of former President Trump taking office should be a call to consensus among the left. Well, I think in this particular time, this particular moment in American history, when were taking on the former President, who in fact does not believe in democracy, he is an authoritarian, and a very, very dangerous person, he said. I think at this moment there has to be a unification of progressive people in general in all of this country, people who are prepared to make sure that women control their own body, that we deal with climate change, that we represent the needs of the working class of this country, and take on the billionaire class, he continued. He also defended his endorsement of Biden on CNNs State of the Union and pushed back against criticism from third-party progressive candidate Cornel West, who accused the senator of supporting Biden because hes fearful of neo-fascism of Trump. Where I disagree with my good friend of Cornel West is, I think in these really, very difficult times where there is a real question whether democracy is going to remain in the United States of America, Sanders said on CNNs State of the Union when asked about Wests remarks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning reunite in The Equalizer 3, nearly 20 years after they first shared the screen together in Man on Fire. The 2004 thriller was one of Fanning's breakout roles as a child star and Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua says he was excited to pair the actress as an adult back with Washington. "We watched her grow up, so for me to be able to put them together again and to see their chemistry even behind the scenes, see them talking and laughing it's like a father-daughter relationship," Fuqua tells Yahoo Entertainment, noting he was a "big time" fan of Man on Fire. "[Denzel] would look at me [on set] and just go, 'She's a grown up now,'" Fuqua recalls. Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington attend the Man on Fire premiere in 2004. (WireImage) Washington, 68, reprises his role as former government assassin Robert McCall in the final film of the Equalizer trilogy. As he gets ready to go up against the Mafia in Italy, he enlists the help of a young CIA analyst, played by Fanning, whom he's never met before. "She's challenging [Denzel] in the scenes," Fuqua says of the 29-year-old Fanning. "It was fun. It was probably one of the most pleasurable things to see." As for how the highly anticipated reunion came to be, Fuqua reveals Fanning's agent called one of the producers of the film and said she was interested in the role. Fuqua remembers he immediately set up a meeting. "We went to lunch, I loved her, fell in love with her of course," he shares, "and I called Denzel after, I said, 'Dakota Fanning?' He said, 'Absolutely, grab her, snatch her up.' It was pretty cool." Equalizer 3 was also a familiar reunion between Fuqua and Washington being the fifth film they've done together. Fuqua says it's Washington's ability to completely embody a character that sets him apart from other leading men in Hollywood. "There are very few actors who are on that level," the Training Day director explains. "He's just one of the greats, he's a GOAT." Washington first played Robert McCall in the 2014 film and Fuqua says the Oscar-winning actor is still up for all the action scenes maybe too up for the action scenes. "He's still got it," Fuqua laughs. "He trains every day. I'd have to tell Denzel, 'Let me get the stunt guy to do this one,' He's like 'I got it!' You have to protect him from himself!" The Equalizer 3 lands exclusively in theaters on Friday, Sept. 1. A woman stays in front of a makeshift memorial for Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, and Dmitry Utkin, group commander, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Aug. 27. Reuters-Yonhap Russian authorities on Sunday confirmed the death of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, putting to rest any doubts about whether the wily mercenary leader turned mutineer was on a plane that crashed Wednesday, killing everyone on board. Genetic testing on the 10 bodies recovered at the crash site "conform to the manifest" for the flight, Russian Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said in a statement. Russia's civil aviation authority had said Prigozhin and some of his top lieutenants were on the list of seven passengers and three crew members. The Investigative Committee did not indicate what might have caused the business jet to plummet from the sky halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg, Prigozhin's hometown. But the crash's timing raised suspicions of a possible Kremlin-orchestrated hit, while Prigozhin's chameleon-like background allowed for speculation that he wasn't on the plane or had somehow escaped death. Two months ago, Prigozhin, 62, mounted a daylong mutiny against Russia's military, leading his mercenaries from Ukraine toward Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin decried the act as "treason" and vowed punishment for those involved. Instead, the Kremlin quickly cut a deal with Prigozhin to end the armed revolt, saying he would be allowed to walk free without facing any charges and to resettle in Belarus. Questions remained about whether the former ally of Russia's leader would face a comeuppance for the brief uprising that posed the biggest challenge to Putin's authority of his 23-year rule. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that an intentional explosion caused the plane to go down. As suspicions grew that the Russian president was the architect of an assassination, the Kremlin rejected them as a "complete lie." One of the Western officials who described the initial assessment said it determined that Prigozhin was "very likely" targeted and that an explosion would be in line with Putin's "long history of trying to silence his critics." Prigozhin's second-in-command, Dmitry Utkin, as well as Wagner logistics mastermind Valery Chekalov, also were killed in the crash. Utkin was long believed to have founded Wagner and baptized the group with his nom de guerre. People stand next to an informal street memorial for Wagner Group's military group members killed in a plane crash on Sunday, Aug. 27, near the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. AP-Yonhap WASHINGTON The judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps election interference case in federal court set a trial date for March 4, 2024, a schedule that could have a crucial impact on the 2024 race for the White House. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's decision sets the trial in the middle of the Republican presidential primaries and the day before Super Tuesday. During a hearing on Monday, Chutkan heard arguments from Trump's lawyers and federal prosecutors about when the case could be set for trial. Special counsel Jack Smith proposed that the trial start in January, with jury selection beginning in December of this year, while Trumps team said the trial should be pushed back until April 2026, after the presidential election. "These proposals are obviously very far apart," Chutkan said Monday. "Neither of them is acceptable. Chutkan said that Trump will have to prioritize the trial and that she wouldn't change the trial schedule based upon another defendant's professional obligations, say, for a professional athlete. The public has an interest in the fair and timely administration of justice, Chutkan said. Trump's lawyer said that going to trial next year would violate the former president's rights, noting the millions of pages of discovery that prosecutors have turned over. This is a request for a show trial, not a speedy trial, Trump lawyer John Lauro said of the special counsel's proposed schedule. Mr. Trump is not above the law, but he is not below the law." After Chutkan made her ruling, Lauro stood to make an objection on the record and state that Trumps defense team will not be able to adequately represent their client with that trial date. Chutkan noted his objection and moved on. Earlier in the hearing, Chutkan said that while the special counsel team's proposal was too soon, Trump's proposal of 2026 wasn't reasonable. Discovery in 2023 is not sitting in a warehouse with boxes of paper looking at every single page, Chutkan said. This case is not going to trial in 2026, Chutkan said. She pointed out that Trump's team has had time to prepare already; the public has known about the existence of the grand jury investigating Trump since September 2022 and the identity of many of the witnesses has been known. A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on four charges this month: 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. Trump, during his arraignment hearing in early August, pleaded not guilty. In their request for a January trial, federal prosecutors said that start date would vindicate the publics strong interest in a speedy trial an interest guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law in all cases, but of particular significance here, where the defendant, a former president, is charged with conspiring to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election, obstruct the certification of the election results, and discount citizens legitimate votes." Attorneys for Trump, in their proposal for commencing the trial in April 2026, cited the large amount of discovery in the case as well as Trump's ongoing legal issues in other jurisdictions. Trump faces three other criminal cases: state prosecutions in New York and Georgia, and a federal prosecution in Florida in connection with his handling of classified documents. The New York trial is also scheduled to start in March, beginning on the 25th, and the trial in Florida is set for May. The judge in the Georgia case, in which Trump was arrested, booked and released Thursday, has yet to schedule trial proceedings. Trump did not and was not required to attend Monday's 10 a.m. hearing at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, which overlooks the site of some of the most brutal violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Chutkan, who has already received death threats in connection with the case, previously warned Trump against intimidating witnesses. Mr. Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech," she said. "But that right is not absolute." Donation bins sit outside the closed Iowa City Animal Shelter on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. The shelter asked the community to help support the influx of more than 100 dogs with donations of food, flea and tick medication, poop scoopers, bleach and more late last week. The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption has closed its doors temporarily to slow a small outbreak of canine parvovirus. The facility was providing shelter for 131 dogs Monday morning, more than six times its usual population. The local canines were recovered from Sunset Valley Farm Aug. 24 in Riverside after an investigation by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship uncovered poor living conditions. Two dogs were found to have contracted the disease, forcing the shelter to close because of the virus' ability to quickly spread to other animals, according to a City of Iowa City press release. The pair was placed in a week-long quarantine to hopefully curtail the infection. The Iowa City facility has been closed since Friday, and will remain so through Tuesday, Iowa City officials announced. The newly sheltered dogs will continue to be monitored for the additional spread of the disease and will be spayed and neutered in the coming weeks. Animal services expect that some of the dogs will be available for adoption in about two weeks. 131 dogs were recovered from a property at 3027 500th St. SW in Riverside on Thursday and surrendered to the Iowa City Animal Shelter and other locations throughout the area. Inspection details poor conditions of more than 100 dogs A concerning Department of Agriculture inspection at Sunset Valley Farm inspired the entity to call on law enforcement last week, Ag department spokesperson Don McDowell told the Press-Citizen. The sheriff's office and local animal groups visited the facility to transport, rehouse and care for the animals. The state inspector revealed the Sunset Valley Farm facility was in disrepair, creating dangerous and unsanitary living conditions for the dogs, according to a report filed Aug. 24. The indoor housing facility at 3027 500th St. SW had only one exhaust fan, which the report said was insufficient to remove sweltering heat from the building. A large number of flies, both dead and alive, were scattered throughout the campus. The inspection occurred amid a heat wave that saw temperatures reach triple digits for the first time in nearly 10 years. Many dogs could not escape the heat, with temperatures above 90 degrees throughout the building. Temperatures cannot fall below 50 or rise above 85 for more than four consecutive hours with dogs and cats present, according to the Department of Agriculture report. The inspection also said the "whelping facility's" heating and cooling system was unregulated. The ceilings, walls and floors were not maintained under state regulations while excessive weeds and holes in the ground were observed in the outdoor dog runs, used as an exercise area. Inspectors discovered Sunset Valley Farm was significantly understaffed for a facility housing 131 dogs. A total of 16 female mothers were in distress from the heat and the vast majority of other dogs were dirty and matted. What is canine parvovirus? Canine parvovirus or parvo is a highly contagious disease that impacts all dogs in contact with contaminated surfaces, nesting in the animal's gastrointestinal tracts. Parvo can be spread in several ways, including contact with contaminated feces, kennel surfaces, water bowls, leashes, and the hands and clothes of people who are handling the dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The virus can also spread to a dog's paws or hair. Parvo is especially lethal in unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months. Most deaths occur within the first two to three days of infection. Symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea that is often bloody and dehydration. More: FRYfest 2023 will celebrate 75 years of Herky While no specific treatment or medication is available, neutralizing the most lethal symptoms especially dehydration will help, the AVMA says. The survival rate is more than 90 percent with strong, specific treatment. Canine parvovirus cannot be transmitted to humans, but humans can transport it between dogs without proper hygiene. A sign hangs on the staff entrance door outside of the Iowa City Animal Shelter on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. The shelter has been closed since Friday and will remain so through Tuesday. Two dogs are in isolation after contracting canine parvovirus, a potentially fatal disease that can cause dehydration and diarrhea. Local shelter calls on community for help The Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, located at 3910 Napoleon Lane, was blessed with an outpouring of support over the weekend, accepting various donations of dog food, dish soap, flea and tick medication. Public safety information officer Lee Hermiston told the Press-Citizen in an email on Monday that the shelter usually houses between 25 and 30 dogs. However, the city found additional space to accommodate an unexpected influx. In the meantime, the shelter will not accept additional animals, encouraging people who come across stray dogs to try and find the owner rather than bring them in. Monetary donations can be contributed to the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation online. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Outbreak of canine parvovirus forces shutdown of Iowa City animal shelter By Stamos, Prousalis,, Alexandros and Avramidis ATHENS (Reuters) -Hundreds of Greek firefighters were battling a huge blaze on Monday that has killed at least 20 people over the past 10 days, Europe's deadliest wildfire so far this summer as record-setting heatwaves unleash blazes across the continent. The fire, which began near the city of Alexandroupolis, has raged uncontrolled in northeastern Greece's Evros region, turbocharged by near-gale force winds and high temperatures. All but one of the victims killed so far were irregular migrants hiding in the forest. "It is the definition of what we call a megafire," government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing. The European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service said the Evros blaze had burned more than 77,000 hectares of land, making it one of the biggest on European soil in years. "We tried to wet the land with hoses a bit, for protection, but the water was evaporating in no time," says 40-year-old beekeeper Michalis Tsolakis, who lost 350 beehives in the village of Kirki, in Evros region. "t just wasn't possible to save anything." Marinakis said the country's climate crisis and civil protection minister and other senior government ministers had visited the area to assess the damage. Lawmakers were expected to discuss the impact of the devastating fires and state preparedness in parliament on Thursday. Firefighting forces from Cyprus, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria and Slovakia have been assisting Greece's efforts to put out the blazes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a wildfire on the outskirts of Athens that began last Tuesday had abated, the fire brigade said. Scores of people have had to flee their homes across Greece as hundreds of wildfires erupted across the country in the second major fire outbreak of this summer. In July, some 20,000 foreign tourists were evacuated from the island of Rhodes, where a wildfire burned resorts and hotels. (Additional reporting by Karolina Tagaris, Lefteris Papadimas and Renee Maltezou; Editing by Peter Graff and Alex Richardson) A Port-au-Prince human rights group is calling on Haitian authorities to take action against the perpetrators and accomplices of a weekend massacre that left several church followers dead at the hands of a heavily armed gang on the outskirts of Haitis capital. On Saturday, several parishioners of a local Haitian pastor, Marcorel Marco Zidor of the Evangelical Pool of Bethesda Church, were shot and killed when men in the Canaan community at the northern edge of Port-au-Prince opened fired on them as they marched against gang violence. Fondasyon Je Klere/Eyes Wide Open Foundation said that prior to the march, which some people followed live on social media, Zidor gave a pastoral speech advocating violence as he called on his flock to arm themselves in order to bring down armed gangs. Bringing citizens to arm themselves against each other, provoking violence in pastoral speeches, are criminal acts provided for and punished by the Haitian penal code, the human rights group, headed by Marie Yolene Gilles, said in a statement. Three to 15 years in prison is the penalty provided by the law in this matter. Its time to enforce the law. Those who by their speech provoked this massacre and the perpetrators of this massacre must answer for their actions. Pierre Esperance of the National Human Rights Defense Network said prosecutors in the Croix-des-Bouquets district on Sunday summoned Zidor. I hope it just doesnt stand there, said Esperance, who applauds prosecutors intervention. There needs to be an investigation and the authorities need to take their responsibility. The march, he said, was no secret and police were well aware of Zidors intentions to have his church marchers go after the gang with their bare hands. The police was supposed to take every effort to stop the people from going to Canaan. If they had, the massacre would not have happened, he said. Again, this is another example of the weakness of the leadership of the high command of the Haiti National Police. The police have not made any official comment about the tragedy, and its unclear if they have even been able to access the settlement to retrieve the bodies. The killings have shaken Haitians of all faith and raised questions about the roles of the police, state and pastor in failing to prevent the deaths, and about ongoing efforts by Haitians to take the law into their own hands. With violence by armed groups escalating in Haiti, vigilante killings by so-called self-defense groups have been on the rise as individuals go after and publicly lynch suspected gang members. A source in the police high command told the Miami Herald that contrary to reports police officers did not accompany churchgoers as they marched to Canaan, known to be the stronghold of a dangerous gang led by a warlord named Jeff. The marchers, who numbered in the hundreds, held only rocks, sticks and machetes. Relatives of Haitian churchgoers killed during a religious march the day before express their anger Sunday in front of the church. Odelyn Joseph/AP Videos on social media show gang members, dressed in shorts, firing automatic weapons at marchers running for cover behind wrecked cars. Also filmed: the bloodied corpses of dead churchgoers, wearing yellow and white shirts with the insignia Pastor Marco, sprawled on the ground. In one video, two victims dressed in yellow t-shirts were prone on the gravel, while in another five bodies wearing white shirts, including that of a young girl, were covered in blood. Exactly how many people were killed, injured or held captive by the gang is unclear. Also unknown is the fate of Zidor. Created after the devastating Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake, Canaan was once a quiet community where aid groups provided water, schooling and other assistance to the population. Today it is a symbol of the failure of Haitis post-quake reconstruction efforts as Jeff and his armed men maintain a tight grip. The gang has been accused of mounting attacks against the nearby womens prison in Cabaret, and invading the otherwise peaceful farming community. In a recording circulated Sunday, in which he identifies himself, Jeff refused to take blame for the tragedy. He instead accused Zidor of using his flock to curry political favor with a prospective candidate in the area by having his church members march on the gang. He also accused police of not impeding the violence, and standing by with their arms crossed. I wonder if the country understands what Pastor Marco did? said Jeff, asking who among them is the real criminal after what happened. Pastor Marco crossed almost two communities, he said, adding that the pastor lives in Torcel, a community east of Canaan, and had his followers pass another armed gang in the Croix-des-Missions community to come destabilize a group of armed men in Canaan. As the group approached Canaan, the gang leader gave orders for his men to shoot in the air, he said. But they were fired upon, he said, by a group of armed men accompanying the churchgoers. They started a confrontation with us, Jeff said. I did all I could to prevent a lot of people from dying. He acknowledged that he currently has some worshipers in his custody, and said he plans to release them on Monday. Pastor Marco has never had his faithful go before the prime ministers office to demonstrate against hunger, the misery and suffering of the population, the gang leader said. Hes never taken a group of people in front of the palace, given what is happening to the population. But he can take a group of people to leave his home in Torcel, cross Croix-des-Missions and come to Canaan to dislodge an armed group. While police have remained mum on Saturdays gang killings, they did release a statement about their efforts that day to go after another gang, which has been terrorizing residents in Port-au-Princes Carrefour Feuilles neighborhood. The police communications office said a lot of armed men were killed Saturday in a battle. An ongoing attack, launched against the residents by the Grand Ravine gang and its allies, has forced more than 5,000 people to seek refuge in public plazas, schoolyards and a local gymnasium, the United Nations and local human rights groups said. Luke Bryan is back on the road after several show cancellations do to illness. During a performance in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 17, he updated the crowd on his health and the response he's been getting from his fans. The "Country Girls" singer was under a doctor's care for a "head cold" and forced to cancel concerts on August 4, 5, and 6. He returned to the stage on August 10 and 12 and "powered through"those performances before another cancellation on August 13. Luke was upfront with his fans and shared updates on social media, explaining that the situation was "heartbreaking" and "frustrating" for him. Jason Kempin During his Cincinnati show, he reportedly told concertgoers, "Finally my voice is backIm not 100% Never in my career have I ever had to cancel a show, much less four, but man you really learn there are some a**holes out there," according to Country Now. The 47-year-old reportedly continued, "But were not gonna focus on one a**hole. I want to thank all the fans that have my back and supported me Thank yall so much!" Country Now reported that Luke was talking about one fan in particular who was giving him a hard time on social media. But in true Luke fashion, at the end of it all, he showcased his sense of humor, saying, "Over the past couple of weeks Ive lost a tremendous amount of money. Im gonna need yall to buy a couple extra t-shirts tonight." Show was great tonight. Thanks everyone for the prayers and well wishes. Sorry for the inconveniences to my fan the last few weeks. Love yall Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) August 18, 2023 After the concert, he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), "Show was great tonight. Thanks everyone for the prayers and well wishes. Sorry for the inconveniences to my fan the last few weeks. Love yall." Luke's tour continues through October, with dates across the country, and he recently announced that he has extended his Las Vegas residency with new dates into January 2024. Plus, he'll be retuning to host season 22 of American Idol in the spring. We hope he finds some time in his busy schedule to rest up! You Might Also Like A man was killed Saturday night in a crash that temporarily blocked a busy Richland County road, according to the Columbia Police Department. The collision happened at about 9 p.m. in the 3300 block of Two Notch Road, police said. A vehicle hit a pedestrian, who was taken to an area hospital where he died, according to police. The Richland County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the pedestrian. No other injuries were reported in the crash that blocked all directions of the road, police said. Information about the crash was not available, but it is being investigated by the police departments Traffic Safety Unit. This is at least the third fatal collision involving a pedestrian in Columbia in the past six days. On Aug. 21, a 69-year-old Columbia man was killed when he was hit by a Jeep as he was walking on Broad River Road near the intersection with St. Andrews Road. Another pedestrian died Friday, when a 68-year-old Columbia resident died at the scene of a crash on Bush River Road. Through Wednesday, 646 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2023, and 101 were pedestrians, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,091 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 40 people have died in Richland County crashes in 2023, according to DPS data. Last year, 67 deaths were occurred in the county, DPS reported. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is heading to Vietnam next month to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other Vietnamese leaders, the White House announced on Monday. The president will travel to Hanoi on Sept. 10, tacking on the one-day visit to the Vietnamese capital after attending the annual Group of 20 leaders' summit in India. The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand our people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. The White House also announced on Monday that Biden will stop in Alaska on his way home from Vietnam to mark the the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. He will take part in a memorial ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage with members of the military, first responders and their families, Jean-Pierre said. The announcement about Vietnam comes after weeks of Biden hinting at a possible visit. He said at a July 29 campaign reception in Freeport, Maine, that Vietnams leader wanted to meet him. He then told donors at a New Mexico reception earlier this month that he would be going to Vietnam shortly because Vietnam wants to change our relationship and become a partner. Ive gotten a call from the head of Vietnam, desperately wants to meet me when I go to the G20, Biden said at the Freeport reception. He wants to elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China. What do you think thats about? No, Im not joking. Vietnam is an authoritarian state ruled by a single party, the Communist Party of Vietnam. Human rights groups have raised concerns in the past about the Vietnamese curtailing freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and the arrests of dozens of critics of the government. Asked about Vietnam's rights record, Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden never shies away" from bringing up human rights with any leader. Biden has put a premium on improving and expanding relationships in southeast Asia throughout his time in office amid growing U.S. concern about Chinas growing military and economic influence in the region. At the same time, Biden and his aides have repeatedly said they seek to improve communication between the two governments to work on issues on which the Democratic administration says they have common interest such as global efforts to combat climate change and avoid unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. The United States for years has sought to strengthen relations with Vietnam, which has cautiously approached entreaties by Washington. Both China and Russia have long served as key trading partners for Vietnam. The Vietnam visit was announced after Biden earlier this month hosted the leaders of Japan and South Korea for a historic summit at the U.S. presidential retreat of Camp David to cement a new economic and security agreement. Biden has worked to bring South Korea and Japan historic rivals closer together amid their shared concerns about Chinese assertiveness in the Pacific and North Korea's nuclear program. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Vietnam next month to meet with top officials on issues ranging from technology and the economy to regional stability and climate change, as Washington eyes closer ties in a region where China looms large. Biden will meet with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other top Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on Sept. 10 before traveling to Alaska to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, the White House said. Washington is eager to upgrade relations with Hanoi, considering it a key partner in the region at a time when U.S. relations with Beijing are increasingly strained. Vietnam, meanwhile, must weigh the reaction of its powerful neighbor as China becomes more assertive. The Biden administration has sought to strengthen U.S. relations in Asia, and Biden will arrive in Vietnam from India, where he is scheduled to visit from Sept. 7-10 and attend a G20 summit. However, he is not attending the ASEAN meetings early next month, instead dispatching Vice President Kamala Harris. Diplomats have said it would be a significant disappointment if Biden did go to the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits in Jakarta. While in Hanoi, Biden and Vietnamese officials will discuss deepening the two countries' ties as well as boosting "a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy", the White House said in a statement after Biden earlier this month announced plans for the trip. Vietnam's foreign ministry on Tuesday said the visits by the leaders of the two countries will strengthen the Vietnam-U.S. relationship. The visits "will develop bilateral relationship in a sustainable, substantive and long-term manner, contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and in the world", Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said in a statement. Washington is focused on Vietnam as a key regional partner, especially as the memory of the Vietnam War era increasingly fades. Biden and Trong spoke by phone in March, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the southeast Asian nation a month later. The U.S. is Vietnam's largest export market, and the two former foes are celebrating the 10th anniversary of a "comprehensive partnership" this year. Trong, Vietnam's most powerful figure, last year became the first foreign leader to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing after the Chinese leader secured a precedent-breaking third term. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Trevor Hunnicutt; additional reporting by Khanh Vu; Editing by Rami Ayyub, Sandra Maler, Paul Simao and Ed Osmond) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo speaks during an event about high-speed internet infrastructure, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., June 26. AP-Yonhap U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in Beijing late on Sunday for a four-day visit aimed at boosting business ties between the world's two largest economies while declaring American national security trade measures off-limits for debate. "If you wanted to put a tagline to the trip and the mission, it's protect what we must and promote where we can," Raimondo told reporters on Friday before departing for China. "I'm not going to pull my punches next week when I am there but I intend to be practical." Relations are tense as the United States works with allies to block China's access to advanced semiconductors, while Beijing is restricting shipments from prominent chip company Micron Technology and raided and fined U.S. firm Mintz Group $1.5 million for doing "unapproved statistical work." Raimondo, who was greeted upon arrival by Chinese Commerce Ministry official Lin Feng, will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese officials on Monday and Tuesday in Beijing before she heads to Shanghai. She will be joined by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. Raimondo spoke to President Joe Biden on Thursday about her visit and his message was enhanced dialogue with China can ease tensions. "We want to have a stable commercial relationship, and core to that is regular communication," Raimondo said. "We need to communicate to avoid conflict." Republicans in Congress have criticized the possibility Raimondo will establish a working group with China during the visit to discuss U.S. semiconductor export controls. Raimondo did not confirm plans for any working group but emphasized she would tell Chinese officials "when it comes to national security we don't negotiate. We don't give concessions. We don't compromise." The United States is using government incentives and tax policy to wean American businesses off Chinese supply chains and ramp up U.S. semiconductor production. "Just because we're investing in America does not mean at all that we want to decouple from China's economy," Raimondo said. China's ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, who met Raimondo last week, said China seeks "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation". The White House this month moved to start prohibiting some U.S. investment in sensitive technologies in China and plans to soon finalize sweeping export restrictions on advanced semiconductors adopted in October. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, second from left, shakes hands with Lin Feng, Director General of China Ministry of Commerce as U.S. Ambassador to China Nick Burns, right, looks on as she arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Aug. 27. Reuters-Yonhap TORONTO (AP) Third baseman Matt Chapman was put on the 10-day injured list Monday by the Toronto Blue Jays because of a sprained right middle finger. Shortstop Bo Bichette was not in the lineup for Mondays game against Washington. The two-time All-Star was scheduled for an MRI on the sore right quadriceps that forced him out of Sundays 10-7 loss to Cleveland after five innings. Bichette leads the AL with 152 hits. He returned Aug. 19 after missing 16 games because of right knee tendinitis. Toronto went 8-8 without him. Bichette was batting .314, second in the AL behind Tampa Bays Yandy Diaz. Bichette has 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games. Chapman left in the sixth inning Sunday. The former All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner missed three games this month because of the injury. Chapman jammed his finger returning a dumbbell to its rack in Torontos weight room. Ernie Clement started at shortstop Monday after being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo. Rookie Davis Schneider started at third base, his third position in three games. Schneider started at second on Saturday and in left field Sunday. Chapman is batting .248 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs in 125 games. Hes in the second season of a $25 million, two-year -contract and is eligible for free agency after the World Series. Chapman was traded to Toronto in March 2022 following five seasons with Oakland. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, announced on Monday a bid to be Taiwan's next president in 2024 elections, saying to wanted to ensure the island did not become "the next Ukraine". Gou is the fourth person to throw his hat in the ring for the January election, but his poll numbers before his announcement put him well behind the front-runner, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) William Lai, who is currently vice president. Gou, 72, stepped down as Foxconn chief in 2019 and made his first presidential bid that year, but dropped out after he failed to win the nomination for Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang KMT. The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China, whose government claims Taiwan as its own territory. Earlier this year, Gou made a second bid to be the KMT's candidate for the presidential election, but the party chose instead Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City. Gou has spent the past few weeks touring Taiwan and holding campaign-like rallies, fuelling speculation he was planning to run as an independent. Speaking at a Taipei conference centre under two large Taiwanese flags, Gou lambasted the DPP. "Under the rule of the DPP in the past seven years or so, internationally, they lead Taiwan towards the danger of war. Domestically, their policies are filled with mistakes," Gou said, adding "the era of entrepreneur's rule" has begun. "Give me four years and I promise that I will bring 50 years of peace to the Taiwan Strait and build the deepest foundation for the mutual trust across the strait," he said in a plea to Taiwan voters. "Taiwan must not become Ukraine and I will not let Taiwan become the next Ukraine." The DPP champions Taiwan's separate identity from China, but the government it leads has repeatedly offered talks with China that have been rebuffed. AVOID WAR Gou's main theme in his pre-campaign events has been that the only way to avoid war with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, is to get the DPP out of office. Gou must gather close to 300,000 voter signatures by Nov. 2 to be qualified as an independent candidate, according elections regulations. The Central Election Commission will review the signatures and announce the results by Nov. 14. Huang Kwei-bo, an associate professor of diplomacy at Taipei's National Chengchi University and a former KMT deputy secretary general, said Gou would further divide the opposition vote. "Any split on the non-DPP side would mean Lai's sure victory in January," Huang said. Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je of the small Taiwan People's Party has generally been running second in the polls, with Hou third. A poll last week by the My Formosa online newspaper put Gou's support at just 12%. Gou reiterated a call for "unity" amongst opposition parties, urging Ko and Hou to sit down with him and discuss plans to join forces in order to win the election against the DPP. The KMT expressed "extreme regret" at Gou's bid and urged Gou to support the party's candidate, Hou. Ko's party said it respected Gou's right to run but was working hard on Ko's own campaign. The run up to the election is taking place at a time of increased tensions between Taipei and Beijing, as China stages regular military exercises near the island to assert its sovereignty claims. When asked about the issue of conflict of interest with Gou being a major shareholder of Foxconn, which has massive investment in China, Gou said he's willing to "sacrifice" his personal assets in China in the event of a Chinese attack. "I have never been under the control of the People's Republic of China," he said. "I don't follow their instructions." Foxconn said in a statement that Gou was no longer involved in day to day management of the company having "handed over the baton" four years ago. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee; Editing by Michael Perry and Lincoln Feast) TRIPOLI/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Libya's prime minister sacked Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush on Monday in an effort to contain a growing furore over Mangoush's meeting with her Israeli counterpart last week, which prompted protests overnight in several Libyan cities. Mangoush had said her meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Rome was unplanned and informal, but an Israeli official told Reuters it had lasted two hours and was approved "at the highest levels in Libya". The meeting is contentious because Libya does not formally recognise Israel and there is widespread public support across the Libyan political spectrum for the Palestinian cause of creating an independent state in territory Israel occupies. The dispute over the meeting has fed into Libya's internal political crisis, giving ammunition to Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah's internal critics at a moment when the future of his interim government was already in question. Libya has been without a stable central government since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Dbeibah's interim government, in office since 2021, is not recognised by some major factions and there is growing political momentum to replace it with a new unified administration aimed at holding national elections. Protesters demonstrated in front of Libya's Foreign Ministry late on Sunday, causing some damage outside the building, where a large security presence was visible early on Monday. Protests took place in other parts of Tripoli, as well as other cities. Burning tyres blocked some major roads in Tripoli on Monday and the Palestinian flag was raised in central Benghazi, but there was no sign of violence. Mangoush's office tried to quell the anger late on Sunday, saying she had rejected a request for an official meeting with Cohen, but that they had met during an unplanned encounter while she was meeting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The Israeli official disputed that account. "The meeting was coordinated at the highest levels in Libya and lasted almost two hours. The Libya prime minister sees Israel as a possible bridge to the West and the U.S. administration," the official said. A second Libyan official said Dbeibah had asked Italy to arrange the meeting in the hopes of gaining stronger U.S. and other international backing for his interim government. "The government is afraid that international support will get weaker and disappear," the official said. A diplomatic source in Italy said Libya's and Israel's foreign ministries had been in contact "for some time" before the meeting without Italy's involvement, but that the two had asked for Italy's help in providing a location to meet. Since 2020 Israel has normalised relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan through the so-called "Abraham Accords" brokered by the United States, which sees further agreements with Arab states as a key regional goal. DIPLOMACY Dbeibah's Government of National Unity (GNU), installed through a U.N.-backed process, has pushed for stronger ties with all countries involved in Libya, including the UAE and Israel's main ally the United States. Libya's parliament based in the east, which rejects the GNU, said on Sunday it would hold hearings into the meeting with the Israeli minister. The Tripoli-based Presidency Council has asked Dbeibah for clarification on the meeting and the High State Council, another important body, condemned it. After fighting in Tripoli this month, many Libyans will be watching whether armed factions opposed to Dbeibah use the dispute as a pretext to move against him. Diplomacy has focused on national elections to resolve the internal conflict. Last week the U.N. envoy to Libya said a new unified government was needed for a vote to take place, raising questions about international backing for Dbeibah. Italy has a small military contingent in Libya, oil and gas contracts in the country and an interest in stemming migration from Libyan shores to Italy. Francesco Galietti, head of Rome-based political risk consultancy Policy Sonar, said by hosting the meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni aimed to raise Italy's diplomatic profile but the move had proved "a boomerang." (Reporting by Reuters Libya newsroom, Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Francesca Landini and Gavin Jones in Rome; writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by James Mackenzie, Peter Graff, Mark Heinrich and Conor Humphries) By Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan said on Monday it was extremely regrettable that there were many instances of harassing phone calls from China regarding the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific. Japan started the water discharge on Thursday in a key step toward decommissioning the Fukushima plant, which suffered triple meltdowns after being hit by a tsunami in 2011 following a powerful earthquake. China strongly opposes the move. "A lot of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are occurring in Japan ... These developments are extremely regrettable and we are concerned," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the chief government spokesman, told a regular news conference. Such calls prompted vice foreign minister Masataka Okano to summon the Chinese ambassador, Japan's foreign ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the calls were also occurring at Japanese facilities in China, and urged the government to take appropriate action promptly and ensure the safety of Japanese citizens. The Fukushima city hall started receiving calls with country code 86, which is for China, on Thursday, and the number of such calls exceeded 200 the following day, flooding phone lines and disrupting city employees' ordinary work, a city official said. On the same day, elementary and junior high schools in the city, 60 km (38 miles) northwest of the crippled plant, received 65 similar calls, he said. When a person who understands Chinese took one of those calls, the caller made a comment to the effect that, "Why are you releasing tainted water into the Pacific Ocean, which is a sea for everyone," the official said. Other municipalities, hotels and restaurants have also been getting such calls since the day the water release began, domestic media said. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo, Martin Pollard in Beijing; editing by Jacqueline Wong and Mark Heinrich) By David Shepardson BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo opened talks with Chinese government officials on Monday, saying it is "profoundly important" for the world's two largest economies to have a stable economic relationship. Raimondo is looking to boost business ties as U.S. firms have reported increasing challenges with operating in China, while China has sharply criticized U.S. efforts to block its access to advanced semiconductors. Raimondo said the world expects the United States and China will have a stable economic relationship; the two countries share more than $700 billion in annual trade. "It's a complicated relationship. It's a challenging relationship. We will of course disagree on certain issues," Raimondo said. "I think we can make progress if we are direct, open and practical." Raimondo, who is holding three days of talks with Chinese and business leaders to boost ties, met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday for just over two hours. Wang said US-China economic relations matter not just to the two countries, but also the rest of the world and expressed appreciation of Raimondo's remarks that she likes trade with China. He said he was ready to work together to "foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation between our businesses to bolster bilateral trade and investment in a stable and predictable manner." Raimondo said the United States and China have "worked over the summer to establish new information exchanges and working groups that will enable us to have more consistent engagement in our relationship." Some Republicans in Congress have criticized the suggestion that the United States would agree to a working group with China on export controls on advanced semiconductor chips. Raimondo has declared off-limits any discussion of U.S. export curbs aimed at slowing Beijing's military advances. "Of course, of matters of national security there is no room to compromise or negotiate," she said, adding the vast majority did not impact national security concerns. At an event later on Monday, Raimondo showed off a number of personal care products made by U.S. companies and sold in China to make the case that trade can flourish outside products with national security implications, and said 99% of trade between the two countries is unrelated to export controls. "No one can argue that health and beauty aids interfere in our national security," she said. "The plan, and the hope, is that our commercial relationship, if done right, can stabilize the political relationship." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Michael Perry, Clarence Fernandez and Mike Harrison) DUBAI/AMMAN (Reuters) -An Israeli air attack put Syria's Aleppo airport out of service on Monday, the Syrian defence ministry said, while regional intelligence sources said an Iranian arms depot was hit. "The Israeli enemy carried out an air attack ... targeting Aleppo International Airport. The aggression caused material damage to the airport's runway and put it out of service," a military source said. The Israeli military declined to comment. Two regional intelligence sources said the attack targeted an underground munitions depot run by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps within the compound of Nairab military airport next to Aleppo airport. Nairab military airport, which has been used regularly for Iranian arms deliveries and the movement of troops, was repeatedly hit by Israel in previous strikes, they said. Israel has intensified strikes on Syrian airports and air bases in particular to disrupt Iran's use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to its allies, including Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has also deployed fighters to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Iran's militias led by Hezbollah have a strong foothold in Aleppo province, where they maintain several major bases and extensively support paramilitary groups that operate there. Damascus denies allegations that Iran, whose top military officials frequently visit Syria and have signed deals to supply advanced weapons, has an extensive presence in the country, saying they only have military advisers who help its armed forces. Fighters allied to Iran, including Hezbollah, now hold sway in vast areas in eastern, southern, and northwestern Syria and in several suburbs around the capital. (Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Suleiman al-Khalidi, Writing by Clauda Tanios; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Nick Macfie) Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts via AP, Getty Images (2), Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images Jan. 6 election interference Judge sets March 4 trial date for Jan. 6 case against Trump Key players: U.S. Judge Tanya Chutkan, special counsel Jack Smith Chutkan ruled Monday that the trial of former President Donald Trump on charges that he illegally sought to overturn his loss in the 2020 election would begin on March 4, 2024, Reuters reported. That start date falls one day prior to Super Tuesday, when 14 states will vote in the Republican presidential primary. Trumps lawyers argued that the trial shouldnt begin until April 2026 because they need more time to review the governments evidence in the case during the busy campaign schedule. Mr. Trump will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule," Chutkan said Monday. Trump faces four criminal counts: conspiracy to violate civil rights, conspiracy to defraud the government, corrupt obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to carry out that obstruction. Smiths team had asked for the trial to begin on Jan. 2, 2024. Why it matters: Scheduling the trial in March means it is possible that the case could be argued in court and a verdict rendered prior to the November presidential election. Georgia election interference Trump and 18 co-defendants will be arraigned in Georgia on Sept. 6 Key players: Trump, Judge Scott McAfee, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis According to court documents released Monday, Trump and his 18 co-defendants will be arraigned in Fulton County, Ga., on Wednesday, Sept. 6, on charges that they conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state, CBS News reported. At 9:30 a.m. ET, the former president is scheduled to be the first of those charged to be arraigned, though Trump could seek a court waiver to avoid appearing in person. Giuliani is scheduled to appear at 9:45 a.m. The other defendants will then appear in 15-minute increments until 3:15 p.m. All are expected to enter pleas of not guilty. Willis has requested an October start date for the trial against Trump and his co-defendants. McAfee has yet to rule on when the proceedings will begin. Why it matters: Trumps legal calendar is quickly filling up. In addition to the March 4 start date announced in the Jan. 6 election interference case, the former president will face 34 felony counts of falsification of business records in New York that same month. In May, he is scheduled to be tried on 40 felony counts related to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. Mark Meadows takes the stand Key players: Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Judge Steve C. Jones Meadows took the stand Monday in an attempt to have the Georgia charges against him moved from state to federal court, ABC News reported. Meadows testified that everything he did in Georgia, including pressuring election officials to speed up their counting and arranging a phone call between Trump and Raffensperger, was part of his role as chief of staff. During that call, Trump asked Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes, the approximate margin of Joe Bidens victory in the Peach State. Prosecutors argued that Meadowss actions were outside the lawful scope of his authority. Why it matters: If Meadows and other defendants succeed in getting their cases moved to federal court, they could benefit from a larger jury pool that would include potential jurors from outside Fulton County. They could also be eligible for federal pardons if found guilty. Read more: Bloomberg: When will Trump be in court? These are the dates to watch. New Republic: Let the flipping begin: Key witness in classified docs case turns against Trump Los Angeles Times: How much is Trumps mug shot worth? Over $7 million, campaign says. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) A shooter killed a faculty member in a science building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday, police said after a lockdown that paralyzed the campus community as authorities searched for the suspect. Police arrested the suspect over three hours after the initial reports of shots fired came in from Caudill Labs, officials said at a news conference. Charges were pending, and the suspect was not immediately identified. University officials also did not immediately identify the staffer who was killed and said it was too soon to offer a possible motive. This loss is devastating, and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said. Emergency sirens sounded about two minutes after a 911 caller reported gunfire around 1 p.m. at the laboratory in the heart of the flagship campus, UNC Police Chief Brian James said. Students and faculty barricaded themselves in dorm rooms, offices and classrooms until the lockdown was lifted around 4:15 p.m. No other injuries were reported. Adrian Lanier, a sophomore computer science major, told The Associated Press that he and others sat against a wall in a gym, trying to stay as far away as possible from doors and windows as rumors spread. No one really felt safe enough to leave. I didnt, Lanier said. Oliver Katz, an exchange student from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, said some students crowded into gym locker rooms to get away from windows while others crouched in corners and sat on the floor, he said. This never happens where Im from, Katz said. It was intense. But I was a little surprised that other people werent panicking that much. Katz, who has only been on campus for two weeks, said hes worried his home university will bring the exchange students back early. I dont want to leave. I like it here, and I do still feel safe. During the news conference, Guskiewicz apologized to students who are feeling uncertain about your safety right now. James, the campus police chief, said it was unclear if the suspect knew the victim. He also said the weapon has not been found. We are looking for a firearm. It is too early to determine if the firearm was legally obtained, he said. During the lockdown, the university repeatedly sent alerts urging campus community members to remain sheltered in place. About two hours after the first alert went out, officers were still arriving in droves, with about 50 police vehicles at the scene and helicopters circling over the school. It took about an hour and a half to lift the lockdown after the arrest because authorities were making sure they had the right suspect in custody, James said. Police also had received calls around campus about other potential victims and gunshots that needed to be checked out, he said. We had to ensure that the entire campus was safe, James said. The building where gunfire broke out is a stone's throw from the school's iconic Bell Tower and just doors down from the store that sells students books and other merchandise. Classes started at UNC, the nation's first public university, a week ago. The university, with about 20,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 graduate students, canceled Tuesday classes. During the lockdown, a student told TV station WTVD that she had barricaded her dormitory door with her furniture. Another student, speaking softly, described hiding in fear with others in a dark bathroom. Noel T. Brewer, a professor of health behavior and a 57-year-old married father of two, told the AP by phone as he hid with colleagues in his locked office during the lockdown that he was once held at gunpoint in his mothers jewelry store, but that Mondays events were far more stressful. ___ Robertson reported from Raleigh, North Carolina, and Rankin reported from Richmond, Virginia. Associated Press writers Sarah Brumfield in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, contributed to this report. Passengers wait in a departure lounge at Heathrow Airport in London - NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Holidaymakers have been warned to expect flight chaos until the end of the week following a network-wide failure of the UKs air traffic control system on one of the busiest days of the year. Thousands of passengers were stranded at departure gates after a fault at National Air Traffic Services (Nats) forced controllers to manually process flight plans on Monday morning. More than 500 flights were cancelled by early afternoon and hundreds more delayed, leaving passengers stuck abroad with no flights back to the UK for up to a week. Others were left aboard grounded aircraft for hours, while some arrived at airports to find their flights had been cancelled or delayed by up to 12 hours. Around one million people were expected to travel through UK airports on the August bank holiday, with 3,049 flights due to depart and another 3,054 scheduled to arrive. But just after midday Nats announced a nationwide failure of the flight planning system, meaning controllers had to enter the information manually, significantly reducing the number of flights permitted to take off and land. By early afternoon, around 500 flights had been cancelled, while data showed that 78 per cent of flights at Heathrow and 74 per cent of those at Gatwick had been delayed. Previous National Air Traffic Services problems Nats announced that it had identified and remedied the issue shortly after 3pm, but Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, warned that flights are still unfortunately affected. Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, urged passengers affected to contact their airlines and said: I am very cognisant that this will disrupt peoples travel plans those who are waiting to arrive in the UK, those waiting to depart and I do sympathise with any disruption they may be experiencing. On Monday night Juliet Kennedy, the Nats operations director, said the system failure would be very thoroughly investigated, adding that incoming and outgoing flights had to be reduced to manage safety. She added: It will take some time for flights to return to normal, and we will continue to work with the airlines and the airports to recover the situation. Security sources said the fault appeared to be a genuine technical problem and was not believed to be the work of cyber-hackers or a hostile foreign state. Senior figures in the airline industry said it would take time for services to return to normal because planes would need to be moved and pilots would need to rest. Joel Stansfield, the general secretary of the Independent Pilots Association, which represents commercial pilots, warned passengers that delays were likely for days to come, adding: Pilots have strict, legally binding limitations to their working hours this is to ensure safe working practices and to lessen fatigue. It is my suspicion that the impact of these limitations will become more significant in the coming days as airlines try to align these limitations with their recovering schedules. Passengers at Gatwick are given information amid the ongoing flight chaos - Steve Reigate Gabby Logan, the BBC broadcaster, who was returning from the World Athletic Championships in Budapest, was among those caught up in the chaos. She tweeted: After almost three weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. Around half the British team were also said to be stranded in Budapest, and were forced to find hotels to stay for the night. On Monday afternoon, British Airways told passengers that no flights would take off until 6pm and that all check-in desks were closed. It advised passengers on short haul flights that anyone due to travel on Tuesday could move their flights to a later date free of charge. Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted airports all said the disruption was likely to continue, with planes at the wrong airports because of the disruption. Paul Charles, the chief executive of The PC Agency, a travel consultancy, said This six-hour outage will impact flights for five days. The reason for that is that you have so many planes and crews that are out of position. It always takes three days to recover anyway. Then you have the higher volume of people travelling at the moment, with numbers back to approaching pre-pandemic levels. That means this relatively short outage will impact for five days. A senior airline executive said: It is going to be at least a couple of days of disruption. The knock-on effect could be longer than that for some airlines and destinations, but the majority should be back in a couple of days. You have aircraft out of position and crews out of hours. There is a knock-on impact. Any other weekend would have been manageable. It is a terrible time to happen. Passengers are going to have to grin and bear it. It is going to be different variances of bad there are no good outcomes here. The executive called for a government investigation into the unstable air transport infrastructure. Do I get a refund if my flight gets delayed or cancelled? Passengers and airlines are expected to be out of pocket to the tune of tens of millions of pounds because of the Nats technical meltdown leaving flights cancelled or delayed. Airlines will have to offer the choice of a refund for the flight or alternative travel arrangements at the earliest opportunity, as well as hotels, taxis and meals if passengers are delayed overnight. Travellers will not be entitled to any cash compensation because the outage is classed under the rules as an extraordinary circumstance outside of their control. In a statement issued at 3.15pm, three hours after first announcing the fault, a spokesman for Nats said: We have identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning. The flight planning issue affected the systems ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually, which cannot be done at the same volume hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. A former air traffic controller who was among the passengers caught up in the disruption said the problem had been related to a failure of the flight planning system. Michele Robson, who was waiting on the tarmac at Jersey Airport to travel back to London, said: It will show them what the aircraft is, what type, the call sign it is and what route it is taking to get where it is going. Obviously, they need that information to be able to control the aircraft safely. She said the system stores around four hours worth of data, so that after failing in the morning it continued to operate pretty normally until the afternoon. After that however, she said, controllers were forced to input all the flight planning information manually, which takes a lot longer. This is one of the longest failures I can remember, she added. 08:24 PM BST That's it for live coverage Our live coverage of todays air traffic control chaos is now coming to a close. Thanks for following. 08:06 PM BST An air passenger rights lawyer has advised people to know their compensation rights Anton Radchenko, an air passenger rights lawyer and founder of aviation claims management company AirAdvisor , says travellers affected by these disruptions should familiarise themselves with their compensation rights. Mr Radchenko said: Passengers could be entitled to a range of compensation, from meal vouchers to hotel accommodations, and even any airline fees associated with their flight delay or flight cancellations When youre stuck at the airport, miles away from your destination or home, its easy to feel helpless. Thats why knowing your rights as a passenger is empowering. It shifts the balance, even if just a little, back in your favour. 07:53 PM BST Heathrow Express experiencing delays and cancellations 'into the evening' Heathrow Express is experiencing delays into the evening because of trespassers on the railway. In a statement shared to Twitter the company, which provides direct trains between central London and Heathrow Airport, said: Services are delayed by up to 15 minutes or subject to cancellations due to to trespassers on the railway. In reply to a passenger asking for further infomation, it said: There are disruptions heading into the evening. 07:43 PM BST NATS - 'We will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today' A message from our Operations Director about todays disruption. pic.twitter.com/C4LWX7VyM8 NATS (@NATS) August 28, 2023 Todays travel chaos will be very thoroughly investigated, the Operations Director of NATS has said. In a video statement released this evening, Juliet Kennedy said: First of all, I would like to apologise for the impact on peoples travel plans today. The issue we had earlier meant that our automatic system, which provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route, wasnt working. Instead, to manage safety, we had to limit the number of flights we could manage. Our teams worked hard to resolve the problem and Im pleased to say it was fixed earlier on this afternoon. However, it will take some time for flights to return to normal and we will continue to work with the airlines and the airports to recover the situation. Our absolute priority is safety and we will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today. Again, I would like to apologise for the impact on the travelling public and to tell you that our teams will continue to work to get you on your way as soon as we can. 07:34 PM BST London Stansted - flights arriving and departing on 'slightly adjusted schedules' Update: Flight disruption As a result of the nationwide technical problem experienced by @NATS on Monday 28 August, there continues to be some delays and cancellations. Please check the status of your flight before travelling to @STN_Airport. pic.twitter.com/jdTvWG71FC London Stansted Airport (@STN_Airport) August 28, 2023 07:31 PM BST Jet2 cancels several outbound flights Jet 2 has cancelled 17 outbound flights this evening, as the company says it continues to experience significant delays. Flights to holiday destinations Kos, Tenerife, Malaga and Ibiza are among the routes affected. A statement on the website says: All Jet2.com flights departing and returning to the UK are expected to experience significant delays. As a result of the disruption, we have taken the decision to cancel some outbound flights today. Customers booked to travel tomorrow should go to the airport as normal unless we advise otherwise, it added. 07:22 PM BST East Midlands Airport - delays and cancellations continue Update: Flight disruption As a result of the nationwide technical problem experienced by @NATS on Monday 28 August, there continues to be some delays and cancellations. Please check the status of your flight before travelling to @EMAairport. pic.twitter.com/yRS9RSUy37 East Midlands Airport (@EMA_Airport) August 28, 2023 07:20 PM BST Flight chaos to 'last for days' after air traffic faults Disruption to flights will continue into next week following technical faults in air traffic control systems today, aviation experts have warned. Paul Charles, chief executive of the travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: This six hour outage will impact flights for five days. The reason for that is that you have so many planes and crews that are out of position. It always takes three days to recover anyway. Then you have the higher volume of people travelling at the moment, with numbers back to approaching pre-pandemic levels. That means this relatively short outage will impact for five days. Not every destination has daily flights. Some destinations might only have one flight every week, so you have to wait for the next one. A senior airline executive said: It is going to be at least a couple of days of disruption. The knock-on effect could be longer than that for some airlines and destinations but the majority should be back in a couple of days. You have aircraft out of position and crews out of hours. There is a knock impact. Any other weekend would have been manageable. It is a terrible time to happen. Passengers are going to have to grim and bear it. It is going to be different variances of bad. There are no good outcomes here. 06:58 PM BST Its frustrating but what are you going to do? Irene Franklin, 60, had her Delta flight from Heathrow to Austin, Texas - with her daughter, son-in-law and two friends - cancelled at the last minute. She told the PA news agency outside Terminal 3: It was (saying delayed by) two hours, now its cancelled. Its now not until tomorrow morning at 10. Its frustrating but what are you going to do? Asked if she had been offered compensation, she said: No. Not for a place to stay tonight, not for a cab ride. The Delta customer service was really helpful, he got us on to the same flight with seats together but he didnt really do anything else. We have a hotel booked but we have to pay for it and our meals. 06:55 PM BST Passengers wait for luggage in Edinburgh Airport amid ongoing disruption to flights About 2000 people waiting for luggage of cancelled flights in Edinburgh #airtrafficcontrol pic.twitter.com/cqh5a8hXms Rachael (@rachael_1267) August 28, 2023 06:49 PM BST EasyJet Holidays - 'proactively contacting' passengers We'll share further updates as they become available. pic.twitter.com/sqlckbsXKz easyJet holidays (@easyJetholidays) August 28, 2023 06:19 PM BST Liverpool John Lennon Airport - a 'knock-on effect' will cause delays and cancellations, Although the country-wide flight planning systems failure has now been resolved, there will be a knock-on effect causing some delays and cancellations. We advise all passengers to check with their airline for information about their flight. Once again, we apologise for any pic.twitter.com/aXriwaPwDN Liverpool John Lennon Airport (@LPL_Airport) August 28, 2023 06:17 PM BST Police seen taping off alcohol section at Leeds Bradford airport Police tape off alcohol section at Leeds Bradford airport amid ongoing disruption to flights - David John/N/a 06:10 PM BST Couple consider returning home by train after flight cancellations A German couple are considering returning home by train after their flight from London to Stuttgart was cancelled amid chaos in the UKs air traffic control system. Myria Mebold, 36, also said that British Airways didnt know anything at all when she and her partner asked about the situation and their flight. She told PA: We are waiting for any information and checking if we can go back by train or anything, I dont know. Somehow we have to get back home. Asked if BA was helpful she replied: No, they didnt know anything at all. They said the system doesnt work and they cant give any information and we have to come back at 6pm and maybe then they can give more information. It was a nice day in London but now it is starting to get annoying. She said the flight had been delayed to leave the UK after 1am on Tuesday, but planes cannot land at Stuttgart during the night. 05:38 PM BST Heathrow Airport - schedules still 'significantly disrupted' Long queues in Heathrow's Terminal 5 as passengers wait for further updates - Jenny Manning /n/a A new statement from Heathrow Airport says: The technical issue which limited UK air traffic today has been fixed by NATS. Schedules still remain significantly disrupted. Please only travel to the airport if your flight is confirmed to be operating. We are working hard to minimise the impacts and assist those affected. 05:36 PM BST Passengers may be stuck for up to six days in flight delay A British journalist who faces being stuck in France for up to six days due to the technical issue affecting air traffic control systems said there is uncertainty over who will pay for the extended stay. Rory Dollard, 40, a cricket correspondent for PA Media, said he and other passengers stuck at Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport have heard absolutely nothing about what caused the technical fault, which led to his Ryanair flight not taking off. He added that he was told it may take up to six days before he and his family - wife Joanne, 40, and children Emily, 10, and Arthur, eight - can return home to Skipton, North Yorkshire. He said: Ive never been in a situation like this before and because of the language barrier, its hard to work out exactly whos responsible for which part of the cost. If you need to find a hotel for the next five/six nights, whos paying for this? Is it Ryanair? Is it your insurer? Is it somebody else? He added that he could miss covering three England matches, while his wife, who is a social worker, could face delays to important cases. 05:28 PM BST Transport secretary - flights still 'unfortunately affected' Despite @NATS resolving the technical issue behind todays air traffic control issues, flights are still unfortunately affected. Id encourage all passengers to read @UK_CAAs guidance & be aware of their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled https://t.co/K4coeXbUCX Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) August 28, 2023 05:21 PM BST Departures board at Heathrow Airport shows cancellations amid ongoing disruption Departures board at Heathrow Airport shows cancellations amid ongoing disruption - Alberto Pezzali/AP 05:20 PM BST Passengers look at the departures board at Heathrow Airport Passengers look at the departures board at Heathrow Airport - Alberto Pezzali/AP 05:09 PM BST Family wedding plans 'ruined' by flight cancellations Lyudmila Hristova, 57, said her and her husbands plans to attend her nieces wedding in Bulgaria were ruined after BA cancelled their 2pm flight from Heathrow to Sofia. Mrs Hristova, from Catford in south-east London, told PA: The flight was cancelled and now we are looking for some information on how we can arrange another flight. It is so difficult, they just got us out of the airport, it was very rude. There was no information, just some leaflets and thats it. Everything is ruined. We dont know (when we will be able to fly). We are waiting for emails from them. Her husband Hristo Hristov, 60, said: It was not good customer service at all. They gave us a leaflet and numbers. They have not rebooked our plane, they only gave us a 10 coffee voucher. 05:05 PM BST Birmingham Airport - 'operations starting to stabilise' Following today's UK-wide air traffic outage, operations at BHX are starting to stabilise, however there has been a number of flight cancellations and delays impacting customers. Customers should monitor their airlines' advice and latest info info on our website. Birmingham Airport (@bhx_official) August 28, 2023 04:53 PM BST Heathrow Airport - flights will be 'significantly disrupted' for the rest of today Flights will remain significantly disrupted for the rest of Monday despite the technical issue with air traffic control being resolved, a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said. They said: We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating. Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock-on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected. 04:43 PM BST British Airways tell passengers no flights will take off until 6pm British Airways told passengers this afternoon at Heathrow that no flights would take off until 6pm and all check-in desks were closed. Lawrence Sinclair, 26, who works for a holiday company, told PA he had to book on to a new BA flight to Gothenburg in Sweden, which leaves at 8.50pm, after his earlier flight was cancelled. He said: I dont know if the later flight is going to go or not. I was supposed to go at 3.50pm. Hopefully I will fly at 8.50pm but that is going to be delayed, isnt it. Its annoying, Im going to see my girlfriend in Sweden, but if I dont go today Ill go tomorrow. British Airways have been approached for comment. 04:33 PM BST British Airways - 'We're working as hard as possible' A statement from BA: Like all airlines using UK airspace, our flights have been severely disrupted as a result of a major issue experienced by NATS Air Traffic Control earlier today. While NATS has now resolved the issue, it has created significant and unavoidable delays and cancellations. Were working as hard as possible to get customers whose flights have been affected on their way again and have apologised for the huge inconvenience caused. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be rebooked on other BA flights and alternative carriers. Those booked to travel today or tomorrow, 28th August or 29th August can move flights free of charge to a later date, subject to availability. 04:22 PM BST Suella Braverman - 'I do sympathise with any disruption' Home Secretary Suella Braverman sympathised with anyone impacted by the air traffic control problems. This issue is evolving right now, as we speak, she told broadcasters on Monday afternoon. What we do know is that there has been a national outage at national air traffic control and that this has affected UK air space. It will affect all incoming and outgoing flights and also those aircraft which are in the UK air space right now. I am very cognisant that this will disrupt peoples travel plans - those who are waiting to arrive in the UK, those waiting to depart, and I do sympathise with any disruption they may be experiencing. Whats happened is that the automated systems have failed and therefore procedures are having to be carried out manually. That is taking more time. Engineers are looking into the case right now as we speak to ascertain the cause and remedy the problem. 04:19 PM BST NATS - We are sincerely sorry NATS has released a new statement on the technical issues affecting air traffic control. It says: We have identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning. We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the systems performance as we return to normal operations. The flight planning issue affected the systems ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. 03:57 PM BST 'It's a joke' Rafaela Molina, 48, an English teacher, who lives in Malaga, Spain, had been studying a six week course at the University of Southampton and was due to fly home on Monday. She told the Telegraph: Its hilarious, its a joke, I already changed my flight from Saturday because of the train strikes, and now this. I arrived in good time for my flight tonight, and for what? Im very annoyed because they could have told us something, anything, but Ive been checking my emails and see nothing. 03:54 PM BST How flight plans are manually processed The Telegraphs Crime Correspondent Will Bolton writes: It is understood that the fault is with a system that automatically processes flight plans meaning every single journey has to be approved manually. Normally, when a flight plan is entered the system will approve it automatically as long it complies with restrictions. As a result of the technical issue, a person has to physically do that dramatically slowing down the process. 03:53 PM BST Transport Secretary - Technical issue affecting traffic air control now 'resolved' The technical issue affecting @NATS has now been resolved. Aviation Minister @CharlotteV and I are continuing to work with NATS to help them manage affected flights and support passengers. All passengers should still contact their airline for specific flight information. https://t.co/IWgZJlXl91 Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) August 28, 2023 03:49 PM BST Flight disruptions and cancellations continue, London Stansted warns Flight disruption We are aware of a nationwide air traffic control issue that is affecting flights across the country. Please check the status of your flight with your airline and arrive at the airport at the time they advise. : https://t.co/peWe86iRLm pic.twitter.com/pwmHv55jn0 London Stansted Airport (@STN_Airport) August 28, 2023 03:48 PM BST Passengers wait at Heathrow Airport amid ongoing disruption Passengers wait at Heathrow Airport after a'huge network failure' hits UK air traffic control - Tony Kershaw/SWNS 03:46 PM BST British Airways warns passengers not to travel without checking flight status British Airways posted on X, previously known as Twitter, saying: Like all airlines using UK airspace, our flights are being severely disrupted by a major issue affecting NATS air traffic control. As a result, we have had to make significant changes to our schedule today. If you are travelling on a short-haul service today, Monday August 28, please do not travel to the airport without checking the status of your flight, as it may no longer be operating. You can do this by visiting www.ba.com/managemybooking and checking your email inbox. 03:41 PM BST NATS - Technical issue 'identified and remedied' The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) have said: We have identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning. We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the systems performance as we return to normal operations. The flight planning issue affected the systems ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. 03:36 PM BST EasyJet offering refunds to passengers on cancelled flights Passengers on cancelled flights with EasyJet will be allowed to transfer flights for free or receive a refund. In a statement shared to X, formerly known as Twitter, EasyJet said: We are providing customers on cancelled flights with the option to transfer their flight free of charge or receive a refund and recommend that all passengers flying with us today, regardless of their destination, check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker for real time information before travelling to the airport. The company apologised for inconvenience caused, and added they are doing everything possible to minimise the impact of the disruption. 03:32 PM BST More than 500 UK flights cancelled More than 500 flights to and from the UK have been cancelled following a technical issue with air traffic control. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the countrys leading provider of air traffic control services, said controllers are having to input flight plans manually due to a fault with its systems. It apologised for the disruption caused by the failure, which is causing significant delays at UK airports. The BBC has reported more than 500 UK flights, 232 departing and 271 arriving, have been cancelled as of 2.30pm according to data collated by aviation analytics firm Cirium. Many more are likely to be delayed with passengers told to expect waits on the tarmac of up to 12 hours 03:26 PM BST Passengers wait at Stansted Airport Passengers wait in Stansted Airport as flights delayed by ongoing technical issues - Bav Media/ Bav Media 03:19 PM BST Cheers at Stansted Airport as two flights announced for boarding Ryanair passengers waiting at Stansted Airport in Essex said there were cheers when two flights to Copenhagen and Paphos were announced for boarding amid delays caused by a UK air traffic control failure. They told the PA news agency that they had heard airlines cancel around five flights while they had been waiting at the gate. Flights are continuing to take off across the UK at reduced levels due to technical issues. 03:17 PM BST Queues build up at Manchester Airport amid ongoing disruption Queues build up at Manchester Airport amid ongoing flight delays and cancellations - Paul Cousans/Zenpix Ltd.. 03:16 PM BST Transport secretary urges passengers to contact airlines for updates UK airspace remains open but traffic flow restrictions are in place.@NATS is working at pace to fix this and Aviation Minister @CharlotteV and I are doing all we can to support them. In the meantime, passengers should contact their airline for up to date flight information. https://t.co/RxqPhicsbK Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) August 28, 2023 03:04 PM BST Annoying, frustrating, and expensive. A 21-year-old university student is facing mounting costs as a result of his flight being cancelled today. Teva Brachi, who was booked to fly from Gatwick to Lyon, France with Easyjet at 7pm today, told the Telegraph: He told the Telegraph: I have no idea what Ill do now, Ive heard nothing from the airline. I think at the earliest Ill fly tomorrow. Now Ill have to go back to London and find somewhere to stay for the night. I have my car parked at Lyon Airport and my time runs out today, so Im probably in for a fine because of that too. Who knows how much it will cost? He added: Its very annoying, its going to be expensive, thats the most frustrating bit. 02:56 PM BST Passengers 'have no idea' when flights home will take place Michael Duncan, 78, from Guernsey, was due to fly home with his wife Carol Duncan after the two enjoyed a week long cruise around the Norwegian fjords. But their 4.15pm flight with Aurigny was cancelled at around midday on Monday. Mrs Duncan told the Telegraph: We want to to get home today, we have no idea whether that will happen, and the airlines dont seem to know themselves. Hopefully we should find out soon. Its very frustrating, if we dont fly today who knows what we will do as everyone will be trying to find hotels in the areas. 02:53 PM BST Flight plans 'being input manually', air traffic control firm confirm The National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the countrys leading provider of air traffic control services, said controllers are having to input flight plans manually because of a fault with its systems. In a statement, NATS said: This mornings technical issue is affecting our ability to automatically process flight plans. Until our engineers have resolved this, flight plans are being input manually which means we cannot process them at the same volume, hence we have applied traffic flow restrictions. Our technical experts are looking at all possible solutions to rectify this as quickly as possible. Our priority is ensuring every flight in the UK remains safe and doing everything we can to minimise the impact. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. We are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. 02:49 PM BST Technical issue 'affecting all flights due to fly into or out of UK airspace', passengers told Board at Heathrow Terminal 5 showing delays and cancellations to flights - Jenny Manning/n/a Air control issues are currently affecting all flights due to fly in or out of the UK, Easyjet passengers have been told. A message sent to travelers, seen by the Telegraph, said: We have been advised of an air traffic control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into or out of United Kingdom airspace. We are working with the relevant authorities to understand the impact of this issue and the timescale for normal operations to resume. If you are already onboard one of our places waiting to take off then our crew will keep you updated. If you are in one of our airports waiting to board then please continue to check the flight information screens in the terminals. The company added: Whilst this disruption is outside of our control we sincerely apologise for the disruption to your travel plans today. 02:34 PM BST WhizzAir faced with 'heavy delays and possible cancellations' A WhizzAir spokesperson said: Unfortunately, due to the UK-wide air traffic control technical issue, Wizz Air, along with other airlines, is faced with heavy delays and possible cancellations today. We are working closely with the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) to do everything possible to minimize the impact this will have on our passengers. The airline will contact passengers affected by the delays via email and text. 02:29 PM BST Shadow transport secretary calls delays 'extremely concerning' Labours shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said news of delays to flights in and out of the UK was extremely concerning for air passengers. In a statement on X, formally known as Twitter, she said: Extremely concerning for passengers travelling in and out of the UK on one of the busiest days of the year. UK airspace is not closed but significant delays expected thanks to a technical fault. Surprised not to see our Transport Secretary make a statement yet. 02:25 PM BST East Midlands airport warns of 'possible flight disruption' We're aware of a nationwide air traffic control issue that is affecting flights in and out of airports across the country. This may cause disruption to some flights at East Midlands Airport. Please check the status of your flight with your airline and arrive at the time they advise. We'll provide further updates as soon as possible. 02:22 PM BST Ryanair and Aer Lingus cancel a number of flights to Dublin Airport Ryanair and Aer Lingus have cancelled a number of flights out of and returning to Dublin Airport as a result of air traffic control issues in the UK. Services are also understood to be impacted at Cork. The Aer Lingus airline said: Due to a failure of the UK air traffic control flight planning systems, which is outside of Aer Lingus control, there are severe restrictions on all flights into the UK and flying over UK airspace today. We would ask you to check the status of your flight before coming to the airport today as delays and cancellations are likely. Ryanair said: Due to another UK ATC failure, Ryanair will be forced to delay/cancel a number of flights to/from the UK today, Aug 28. All affected passengers will be notified of their options to change flights (free of charge) to another Ryanair flight or receive a full refund. We sincerely apologise for this UK ATC failure which is beyond Ryanairs control and is affecting all airlines operating to/from the UK. 02:20 PM BST Air traffic controllers processing some systems manually Air traffic controllers are inputting data manually as a result of the technical issue which has brought widespread disruption to airports across the country, it has been claimed. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS) are having to process some systems manually. A passenger at Heathrows Terminal Five who is flying with British Airways, told the Telegraph: A British airways lady has just told me that they are operating ATC manually and trying to get some flights out, but as certain aircraft cant follow other aircraft its taking a bit of planning. A WhatsApp message received by British Airways crews and seen by the BBC suggests that while flights are still able to take off and land, the air traffic control system is having to carry out some processes manually. It said a decision by National Air Traffic Services (Nats) to fall back to manual processing means there are punitive regulations driving significant delays, the BBC reported. NATS and Heathrow Airport have been approached for comment. 02:06 PM BST Liberal Democrats call for the PM to convene a Cobra meeting The Liberal Democrats have called on the Prime Minister to convene a Cobra meeting after a technical fault hit air traffic control in the UK. Transport spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: Rishi Sunak and his ministers need to get a grip on this issue urgently and hold a Cobra meeting. Millions of holidaymakers could be facing huge disruption in the coming days due to this fault and we cant risk this Government being missing in action yet again. Brits need to know that the Government is doing all it can to make sure people arent hit with major delays and disruptions in the coming days. 02:03 PM BST Passengers at Gatwick complain of 'insane' delays Telegraph reporter Alex Barton is at Gatwick today. Callum Walker, 29, who was due to be flying to Oslo, Norway, with his fiance Vanja Peterson, 28, was notified of his Norwegian Airlines flights cancellation at the bag check in. The couple, who had been in the UK as part of a summer holiday, had flights booked to return home to Norway today. Mr. Walker told the Telegraph: We have no idea how long itll take, and Im meant to be back at work tomorrow, but weve heard nothing, no information. They have given us no estimates of times or anything. We dont know whether we should stay here at the airport or go. Its insane, its gone from welcome aboard to cancelled without warning. 01:52 PM BST Irish transport minister warns of 'major' impact to UK-Ireland flights The Irish minister of state for transport Jack Chambers has warned of a major knock-on impact on flights to and from Ireland as a consequence of the UK air traffic control fault. Theres traffic flow restrictions have been introduced to maintain safety in the sky and it will have significant impacts on passengers flying in and out of Dublin, and there are multiple slot restrictions, Mr Chambers told RTE Radio One. So, wed encourage customers to contact their airline for an update but it will have a major impact on Irish travel because, obviously, the nature and the proximity to UK space. There will be an impact and delays of several hours for many passengers, and wed encourage them to contact their airlines. 01:47 PM BST Air traffic control expert calls today's failures 'unusual' Michele Robson, who used to work in air traffic control, said that it was unusual for failures to last this long. She told BBC Radio 4s World at One programme: There was a flight planning system failure this morning which affected both centres in the UK. Speaking from Jersey Airport while waiting to fly to London, she said: Now they have enough data for four hours for controllers to work normally. After that point, they have to go manual which means that they work at a much slower rate so they can handle far less aircraft. So it looks like theres been what they would call a zero rate put on, where it means that no aircraft can take off inbound to the UK or probably outbound. It would generally be them trying to land things that were already in the air. So at the moment, were just sitting here with no definite takeoff time. She said failures normally only last a couple of hours. Its unusual for it to be off for this amount of time. So nobody really knows at this point how long its going to take. 01:38 PM BST Pilot has not 'seen anything like this in 20 years of service' Barbara Serra, a British-Italian journalist, tweeted: Pilot has just told us our flight Cagliari-Gatwick is cancelled. Going back to terminal after 3 hours on tarmac. Pilot says he hasnt seen anything like this in 20 years of service. 01:32 PM BST Liverpool John Lennon airport warns of delays The airport has shared the following statement: There is currently a UK-wide air traffic control flight planning system failure, which engineers are working to remedy. Whilst aircraft will be loaded on time, some flights may be subject to a delay. This is out of Liverpool John Lennon Airports control, but we will keep you updated as things change. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Passengers on a grounded Ryanair flight 01:24 PM BST UK airspace not closed, air traffic firm says Passengers seek help at Heathrow Airport amid ongoing flight delays - COBRA /BACKGRID UK/COBRA /BACKGRID UK Another update from National Air Traffic Services: We are continuing to work hard to resolve the technical issue. To clarify, UK airspace is not closed, we have had to apply air traffic flow restrictions which ensures we can maintain safety. 01:21 PM BST Flights are still departing from Heathrow airport despite disruptions At Heathrow now. Watching flights depart roughly every two minutes. pic.twitter.com/VnIdYiG8VQ Matthew Goddard (@mattgodtv) August 28, 2023 01:19 PM BST London Gatwick airport says cancellations are 'likely' amid ongoing air traffic control issues We are aware NATS is currently experiencing a technical issue. We are seeing delays, and cancellations are likely. We apologise for any inconvenience and ask you contact your airline for further information. 01:00 PM BST London Stansted Airport says air traffic control issue is 'likely to impact some flights' Hi Edward, we are aware of a nationwide air traffic control issue that is affecting flights in and out of airports across the country. This is likely to impact some flights at @STN_Airport, please check the latest status of your flight with your airline. Thank you. London Stansted Airport (@STN_Airport) August 28, 2023 12:55 PM BST Luton airport confirms flight disruption Update at 12.30: Air Traffic control disruption pic.twitter.com/kd4EToSjWj London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) August 28, 2023 12:50 PM BST Engineers 'working to find and fix fault' National Air Traffic Services said it is experiencing a technical issue and has applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. It said in a statement: We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 12:49 PM BST Broadcaster Gabby Logan caught up in disruption She tweeted: On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait. 12:48 PM BST Network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning. Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights Loganair (@FlyLoganair) August 28, 2023 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 Southwest flight made an unscheduled stop in Wichita. Google Maps A Southwest flight from Texas to Missouri made an unscheduled stop in Kansas. The detour allowed a flight attendant needed on another flight to get off. Despite the unexpected detour the flight arrived in Missouri less than an hour late. A Southwest Airlines flight made an extra stop in a different state so a flight attendant needed on another plane could be dropped off. The Friday morning flight was scheduled to take passengers directly from Dallas Love Field, Texas, to Kansas City International Airport, Missouri. But data from tracking site FlightAware shows the Boeing 737 stopped off at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas on the way. It then landed in Kansas City less than an hour behind schedule. Southwest told Insider that it had to bring a flight attendant to Wichita so that a flight could take off after one scheduled to work had fallen sick. "We don't have flight crews based in Wichita, so we rely on crews that finished their duties the night prior and stayed overnight there to start their next duty day," a spokesperson said. The airline said that the alternative would have been to bring a flight attendant on the next flight to arrive at Wichita, "which wasn't until much later" and would have "heavily" delayed flights throughout the day. The first Southwest flight to land at Wichita each day is one from St Louis, Missouri, due at noon. The rerouted flight from Dallas arrived more than three hours before this. Southwest has a crew base in Dallas, and bringing in a flight attendant from there led to just a "small arrival delay" into Kansas City and supported "the entire day's operation," the spokesperson said. "Very creative and quick thinking from our teams," they added. Flying a pilot or cabin crew to another airport so they can work a flight is known as "deadheading." This happens, for example, if a flight attendant calls in sick at the last minute and a replacement must be found to comply with aircraft staffing rules. A passenger on the flight told View From the Wing, the aviation site that first reported on the detour, that passengers were only told of the stop just before boarding. The pilot apologized and said that he'd never experienced such a situation, they added. Read the original article on Business Insider Former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departure from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, U.S., Aug. 24. AP-Yonhap For former President Donald Trump, a picture is worth ... more than $7 million. Trump's campaign says he has raised $7.1 million since Thursday when he was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in the state and became the first former president in U.S. history to ever have a mug shot taken. Spokesman Steven Cheung said that, on Friday alone, the campaign brought in $4.18 million its highest-grossing day to date. The record haul underscores how Trump's legal woes have been a fundraising boon for his campaign, even as his political operation has spent tens of millions on his defense. The mounting legal charges have also failed to dent Trump's standing in the Republican presidential primary, with the former president now routinely beating his rivals by 30 to 50 points in polls. While Trump described his appearance Thursday as a "terrible experience" and said posing for the historic mug shot was "not a comfortable feeling," his campaign immediately seized on its fundraising power. Before he had even flown home to New Jersey, his campaign was using it in fundraising pitches to supporters. Trump amplified that message both on his Truth Social site and by returning to X, the site formerly known as Twitter, for the first time in two-and-a-half years to share the image and direct supporters to a fundraising page. Within hours, the campaign had also released a new line of merchandise featuring the image that began with t-shirts and now includes beer Koozies, bumper stickers, a signed poster, bumper stickers and mug shot mugs. Cheung said that contributions from those who had purchased merchandise or donated without prompting skyrocketed, especially after Trump's tweet. The new contributions, he said, had helped push the campaign's fundraising haul over the last three weeks to close to $20 million. Trump in early August was indicted in Washington on felony charges related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. At the same time, Trump's political operation has been burning through tens of millions of dollars on lawyers as he battles charges in four separate jurisdictions. Recent campaign finance filing showed that, while Trump raised over $53 million during the first half of 2023 a period in which his first two criminal indictments were turned into a rallying cry that sent his fundraising soaring his political committees have paid out at least $59.2 million to more than 100 lawyers and law firms since January 2021. (AP) Photograph: Eric Gay/AP A Texas law about to take effect on Friday carves out exceptions to the states abortion ban. In June, the Republican governor, Greg Abbott, quietly signed HB 3058, allowing doctors to provide abortion care when a patients water breaks too early for the fetus to survive, or when a patient is suffering from an ectopic pregnancy. Related: Republican candidates grapple with post-Roe positioning on abortion Crafted by state representative Ann Johnson, HB 3058 appeared to be a rare bipartisan victory in a fiercely conservative state legislature. Johnson, a Democrat who supports abortion access, found an unlikely ally in state senator Bryan Hughes, the Republican who crafted Texass infamous bounty hunter law, which allows citizens to sue abortion providers as well as anyone who aids or abets abortion care. Johnson and her fellow Texas Democrats welcomed the bills passage as a small but important compromise to improve reproductive health in the state. But abortion rights advocates across the country said HB 3058 offers little help to Texas doctors treating high-risk pregnancies. The exceptions in the bill are so narrow, and the penalties for violating the Texas ban are so high, that invariably, a lot of doctors are going to continue not to offer abortion in those situations because they dont want to get in trouble, said Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis. Hughes support of HB 3058 signals a new strategy by Republicans to insulate abortion bans from scrutiny by creating narrow exceptions for medical emergencies. Theres a feeling that abortion rights supporters are using those medical cases to delegitimize abortion bans altogether, Ziegler said. HB 3058 was first introduced in the aftermath of an explosive lawsuit in which five women denied abortions in Texas, along with two doctors, sued the state after they were refused care despite suffering severe complications with their pregnancies. The horror stories that emerged from that lawsuit threatened public support of the Texas abortion ban. Republicans can now point to these new exceptions and say, Look, that kind of thing doesnt happen any more Mary Ziegler of the University of California, Davis Republicans can now point to these new exceptions and say, Look, that kind of thing doesnt happen any more, said Ziegler. Johnson said that Texas Republicans genuinely wanted to address the problems raised by the lawsuit even staunch abortion opponents do not want the states ban linked to dangerous delays in medical treatment. Thats hard for people to politically justify, she said. Part of the problem seemed to arise from a misunderstanding of what constitutes an abortion. If a doctor terminates an ectopic pregnancy, some Republicans did not consider that an abortion. There is a political terminology on the word abortion thats different from the medical definition, she said. Johnson did not put the word abortion in HB 3058 in a bid for Republican votes, and her strategy seemed to succeed. In May, the Texas legislature overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bill. Dr Katie McHugh, an Indiana OB-GYN and board member of the group Physicians for Reproductive Health, is skeptical of Republican motivations for supporting HB 3058. They are just now getting around to the treatment of ectopic pregnancies, more than two years after the first big restrictions went into effect? McHugh said. She added that Republicans have long known about the dire medical consequences of sweeping abortion restrictions. Before the US supreme court struck down Roe v Wade last year, a study of Texass existing abortion restrictions found that the bounty hunter law left doctors afraid to care for patients whose water broke too early. The pregnant patients needed to be at deaths door to receive pregnancy termination under the law. In a June interview with the National Review, Hughes brushed off the suggestion that Texass abortion restrictions are unclear. But because some doctors and hospitals were not following the law, Hughes told the publication, we wanted to remove any doubt and remove any excuse for not giving the care that the moms need in these cases. Texas doctors accused of violating the states abortion law face up to $100,000 in fines or even life in prison. Doctors felt like their hands were tied behind their back they could face financial ruin or lose their medical license, said Johnson, who represents the district that is home to the Texas medical center. Abortion providers like McHugh warn that HB 3058 will not offer meaningful assurances to Texas OB-GYNs. Everyone is afraid of the legal ramifications of crossing these legal boundaries, and writing in exception language is not going to change that Dr Katie McHugh of Physicians for Reproductive Health Everyone is afraid of the legal ramifications of crossing these legal boundaries, and writing in exception language is not going to change that, she said. McHugh said abortion bans create a chilling effect among doctors who are scared to misinterpret what constitutes a medical emergency. Its this idea of having to prove how sick someone is before we can intervene, she said. You cant always prove how life-threatening something is going to be. Texas is the second state where abortion opponents approved new exceptions for medical emergencies. Tennessee Republicans made similar concessions earlier this year, when the state softened its total ban in April. Tennessee previously had one of the harshest anti-abortion laws in the country, one that did not make explicit exceptions to save the life of the pregnant person. But Tennessee Republicans grew worried in February, when the Idaho supreme court temporarily blocked that states abortion ban. Tennessees attorney general, Jonathan Skrmetti, and Republican house speaker, Cameron Sexton, raised concerns that a similar legal challenge could threaten the future of Tennessees ban. Sexton urged state lawmakers to add exceptions to the Tennessee law banning abortion at conception. The next month, Tennessees governor, Bill Lee, an avowed abortion opponent, signed a bill allowing doctors to offer the procedure when patients have an ectopic or molar pregnancy. The Tennessee exceptions law is so narrowly tailored that it won the support of staunch abortion opponents. In an April statement, Tennessee Right to Life praised the final version of the exceptions bill, saying it will not allow for more unborn children to be aborted in our state. Both the Texas and Tennessee laws are extremely limited in scope: ectopic pregnancies represent a small fraction of the medical emergencies that might require a doctor to terminate a pregnancy. Still, Johnson welcomes any Republican concessions on abortion access. The doctors in her district said the bulk of complications they were struggling to treat involved a patients water breaking too early, one of two medical conditions addressed by the new Texas law. She added: Theres a lot more we need to do. Idalia is expected to intensify early this week and hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a major category three hurricane, according to officials. The system was forecast to become a dangerous "major hurricane" over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. A major hurricane is defined as a Category 3 system or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Hurricane watches are in effect along the Gulf Coast from Sarasota County all the way north to Franklin County, Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a Monday morning news briefing. So, this is going to be a major impact and Floridians should expect that this storm will be a major category three plus hurricane, so please prepare accordingly, DeSantis said. DeSantis said the storm is expected to impact the areas between the north of Tampa all the way to Tallahassee, but warned residents elsewhere can still be impacted. "So, pretty much anybody on the west coast of Florida, I mean, you can see major, major impacts and so please prepare accordingly," he said. Idalia could bring "life-threatening storm surge, hurricane force winds and scattered flash and urban flooding" along parts of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle as early as Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Tropical Storm Idalia approaching Cuba on Aug. 28, 2023. (NOAA) The storm is expected to bring 7 to 10 feet of storm surge to areas like Pinellas County, according to Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director. "Storm surge can be life threatening at just 2 to 3 feet, some of these areas are going to experience storm surge well over seven," Guthrie said at the Monday morning news briefing. Guthrie warned that Idalia will also bring "tornadic activity." As in Hurricane Ian, the very first warning that we had that something was going bad was a tornado in Palm Beach County," he said. The hurricane center said parts of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Georgia and the eastern Carolinas could see around 4 to 8 inches of rain from Tuesday into Thursday, with isolated totals of 12 inches possible. Areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally significant, are expected across portions of the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia Tuesday into Wednesday, spreading into portions of the eastern Carolinas Wednesday into Thursday, it said. Already, the storm was intensifying as it approached Cuba on Monday morning, the hurricane center said. As of 8 a.m. ET, Idalia was about 375 miles southwest of Key West, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to Guthrie. DeSantis has issued an emergency executive order in 46 counties, including Franklin, Gulf, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Evacuation orders will be issued to all counties along the Gulf Coast, indicated on the evacuation zone map as zones A and B, according to DeSantis. Florida residents ordered to evacuate should be prepared to get to higher ground, DeSantis said, adding that it's not necessary to travel hundreds of miles or leave the state. This is going to be a major hurricane, this is going to be a powerful hurricane," said DeSantis. "And this is absolutely going to impact the state of Florida in many, many different ways. So please, please heed the directives from your local officials, please make the appropriate accommodations and take the appropriate precautions. A hurricane warning, which means hurricane conditions are expected, was in effect for the city of Pinar del Rio in Cuba, while a tropical storm warning was in place for the Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos, including Cozumel, in Cuba, along with the Isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning was also in place for the Dry Tortugas in Florida, while a storm surge watch was also in effect for Chokoloskee to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay, according to the hurricane center. A hurricane watch, which means hurricane conditions are possible, was in place for Englewood to Indian Pass in Florida, including Tampa Bay. Editors Note: Find the latest coverage here. A hurricane watch has been issued for portions of Floridas Gulf Coast as the state braces for Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to strengthen to a hurricane and make landfall this week. The hurricane watch stretches from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay, according to the National Hurricane Centers Sunday afternoon update. In addition to the hurricane watch, a tropical storm watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Englewood to Chokoloskee and the Dry Tortugas. The storm is currently located about 100 miles east of Cozumel, Mexico, moving at around 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, the hurricane center said. Forecasters predict Idalia will slowly traverse the Yucatan Channel over the next 24 to 36 hours, bringing tropical storm conditions to the far eastern portions of Yucatan, Mexico, and the western tip of Cuba through Monday. Idalia is expected to make landfall on Wednesday morning near the Big Bend of Florida as a Category 2 hurricane. Strengthening is forecast, and Idalia is expected to become a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday, reads the National Hurricane Centers update. Additional strengthening is likely while Idalia approaches the northeastern Gulf coast. Hurricane hunters are probing Idalia for data as the system intensifies. There is a notable risk of rapid intensification as the storm moves through the extremely warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane center noted in an earlier update. Rapid intensification occurs when the maximum sustained winds of a storm increase by 35 mph or more in a 24-hour period. Idalia is forecast to drop 3 to 6 inches of rain on western Cuba, Floridas west coast, the Panhandle and southern Georgia, with isolated totals of 10 inches, the hurricane center said. Heavy rainfall may also arrive in parts of the Carolinas by Wednesday and into Thursday. The heavy rain may lead to flash flooding, the center warned, particularly in western Cuba, the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle and parts of the southeast US. Life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds are expected in Florida as early as Tuesday. The bulk of the storm is forecast to move over parts of the Southeast on Wednesday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to just heed the warnings of your local officials as the state prepares for Idalias arrival. Our emergency operations center here in Tallahassee will go to a Level 1, 24-hour around the clock, starting at 7 a.m. ET Monday, DeSantis said. In preparation, 1,100 National Guardsmen have been mobilized and they have access to 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue and recovery efforts, DeSantis said. The Florida Highway Patrol also has 300 troopers ready to deploy. According to the governor, power companies will start staging personnel on Monday. Schools in Hernando County, north of Tampa, will be closed Monday through Wednesday and voluntary evacuations have been issued for parts of the county, according to a Facebook post. Residents are advised to seek safe shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 12pm on Monday, said the county in the post. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storm and will continue to receive regular updates as the system heads toward the United States, a White House official told CNN. Who should pay attention? Anyone living in Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba, and the northern Gulf and Florida coast should monitor the forecast in the coming days. The direction and strength of the upper-level steering winds around this system will dictate where it will move and how quickly. As of Sunday afternoon, a tropical storm warning is in effect for Yucatan Peninsula from Tulum to Rio Lagartos and Pinar del Rio in Cuba; a storm surge watch is in effect for Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, Florida; a hurricane watch is in effect for Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida; and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Isle of Youth in Cuba, south of Englewood to Chokoloskee, Florida and Dry Tortugas, Florida. DeSantis issued an executive order Saturday declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties ahead of the potential inclement weather. The Governor and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are taking timely precautions to ensure Floridas communities, infrastructure and resources are prepared, including those communities that are still recovering following Hurricane Ian, reads a news release announcing the executive order. When could it affect the US? By Monday, the system will likely enter the Gulf of Mexico, and move toward Florida. It could become a hurricane by Tuesday afternoon and hit the western coast of the Florida Peninsula by Wednesday. How strong could it get? Its still too soon to tell how strong this system could get or how fast it could strengthen. But it will be tracking through the warmest waters in the entire Atlantic basin a vast source of energy for a developing storm. Exceptionally warm water can provide storms the fuel needed to strengthen and sometimes undergo rapid intensification. Sea surface temperatures are record warm in the Gulf of Mexico and extremely high across the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Water temperatures need to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to sustain tropical development, and portions of the Caribbean and Gulf are well above the threshold. A hurdle to development: Warm water isnt the only factor at play. The tropical system would also need upper-level winds to cooperate. High wind shear the winds change in direction or speed with altitude can tear a developing storm apart. How much wind shear this potential system faces is a critical factor in its formation and final strength. One forecast model shows more wind shear, limiting its development. Another shows less wind shear, allowing the system to develop. Either way, wind shear may decrease for a time early next week across the far northern Caribbean and eastern Gulf of Mexico, allowing any system that forms to hold together. Franklin strengthens into hurricane as it heads for Bermuda Meanwhile, out in the central Atlantic, what was Tropical Storm Franklin strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour, according to a Sunday update from the National Hurricane Center. This was confirmed via aircraft reconnaissance by the NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunters. Hurricane Franklin is currently located 575 miles south of Bermuda and is moving relatively slowly at 8 miles per hour toward the north-northwest. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Franklin could become a major hurricane early next week, said the center in its update. A major hurricane is defined as Category 3 or higher with winds above 111 mph. Swells generated by Franklin are expected to begin affecting Bermuda by Sunday night, the hurricane center said, noting, these swells are also likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions late this weekend into early next week along portions of the East Coast of the United States. Small variations in Franklins track through the weekend will determine exactly how close it gets to Bermuda when it makes its closest pass Monday and Monday night. Franklins winds and rainfall will extend beyond its center. Tropical-storm-force wind gusts are possible across Bermuda early next week as Franklin makes its closest approach. A few showers and thunderstorms are also possible across Bermuda as Franklin passes. CNNs Zoe Sottile and Joe Sutton contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former White House Press Secretary and MSNBC host Jen Psaki pushed back against GOP claims that Democrats root for late-term abortions, calling the GOPs arguments entirely misleading. This claim that Democrats support abortion up until the moment of birth is entirely misleading, Psaki said during her show Inside with Jen Psaki on MSBNC. First of all, abortions past the point of fetal viability do not happen often. They are incredibly rare. And those that happen involve agonizing, emotional, and ethical decisions. During last weeks GOP primary debate, multiple of the candidates claimed Democrats and some Democrat-led states support abortion up until birth. While watching the debate, Psaki wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, No one supports abortion up until birth, which she said Sunday seemed to really strike a nerve. Psaki pointed to CDC data, which showed 93.1 percent of abortions in 2020 took place within the first 13 weeks while less than 1 percent occurred after 21 weeks of pregnancy. Citing a study from the Washington Post, Psaki noted the small number of abortions that took place after 21 weeks of pregnancy in several states. Again, this does not happen often, Psaki said. And when it does, you can see how painful this really is through personal stories. Mothers have described in heart-wrenching detail having to make decision to end their pregnancy to save their own life, or because they were told the baby that they were so excited for would not survive, or would suffer, Psaki said. Are most Democrats in favor of legislation that allows for this? Yes. For all the reasons I just outlined. Psaki said no one is rooting for late term abortions, and no one is running a platform on aborting viable babies. What is happening here is an attempt by Republican presidential candidates, who know their views on womens healthcare are out of touch with the public, to change the parameters of the debate, Psaki said. By inaccurately characterizing the positions of leaders on the other side. Psaki played a clip from last weeks debate that showed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saying, Were better than what Democrats are selling. We are not going to allow abortion up until birth. She then showed a clip of Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who said, We cannot let states like California, New York, and Illinois have abortions on demand up until birth. Are Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott in favor of a mother dying as a result of her pregnancy? Psaki said. If a doctor determines a baby can not survive outside of the womb should a mother be required to carry that baby to term?, adding those choices shouldnt be made by any politician or legislature. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Womens participation rate in the labor force hit an all-time high this spring, but the pay gap between women and men still remains, even as wages overall grow at a strong clip. "This is a time of a tight labor market that you would hope to see some gaps closing," Esther George, former president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve, told Yahoo Finance in an interview at the Kansas City Federal Reserves Annual Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyo. "But this is an important issue and [there's] no silver bullet on how to address it other than keep it in front of the public's attention." The gap in men and women's wages has been longstanding. In 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women who hold full time jobs were earning, on average, $0.83 on the dollar compared with men. Boston Federal Reserve President Susan Collins says there was a period where the pay gap was closing, but that momentum seems to have stalled out. Collins, who looks closely at wages in aggregate, says recently both men and women's wages have been increasing, and women's wages have been increasing commensurate with men's. But that wont close the gap. "We would need a faster increase," Collins said. For the gender gap to reach full parity, according to research from Bank of America, it will take another 132 years at the current rate of progress. Collins says lack of affordable, available quality childcare is a huge issue thats contributing to the pay gap for women. "It's something that we have quite a bit of research [on] and have looked at over time. It's one of the things that is an impediment, particularly for mothers, and for parents more generally," says Collins. "Addressing that over time, which is going to take many across the economy working together, could help in adjusting that gap. But I think there are variety of different factors and it is a longstanding gap between male and female wages, even when you adjust for differences in education and across occupations." Lack of reliable, affordable childcare is handicapping women who might otherwise look to attain higher-paying jobs. These women often end up taking lower-paying jobs that offer more flexibility and allow them to more easily manage childcare responsibilities, according to research from the Boston Federal Reserve. These jobs are usually in specific sectors that don't typically provide a lot of pay raises. For example, women make up 75% of the healthcare and education sectors, which have seen some of the lowest nominal wage increases, according to Bank of America. Joe Shean, president and CEO of RP Abrasives in Rochester, says a lack of reliable childcare is really hurting families and employees, as childcare centers sometimes cancel care arrangements at the last minute or shut down on short notice. Childcare became scarce during the pandemic, putting new focus on those providing it. It gave new attention to the notoriously low compensation childcare workers typically receive often with no benefits for work valued now more than ever, according to the Boston Fed. Jared Bernstein, chair of President Bidens Council of Economic Advisers, told Yahoo Finance in an interview at the same conference in Jackson Hole that the White House plans to push Congress to invest in childcare support in a bigger way, with a pandemic-era safety net due to expire in September. "We know that countries that invest more in this have higher female labor force participation rates," said Bernstein. "We're really pushing Congress to really make the investments again." Jared Bernstein, top economic adviser to President Biden, sits down with Yahoo Finance's Jennifer Schonberger for an interview. (Yahoo Finance) Nearly $38 billion in childcare pandemic stabilization funding and programs passed in 2021 sunsets at the end of September. As many as 70,000 childcare centers are expected to be affected. The White House put forth a $49 billion supplemental request for the budget next year, for items like extra funding for the war in Ukraine, but did not include a request for further funding on childcare. It did, however, mention that it's important Congress take action separately on childcare. "I don't think the supplemental is necessarily the path there," Bernstein said. "I think we need to implement legislative solutions and there's no reason why Congress shouldn't support this." Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester told Yahoo Finance back in April that while the expense of childcare creates incentives for women not to work, offering tax breaks to married people versus singles and the way Social Security benefits are designed are factors that also contribute to the pay gap. "Women have to continue to do what they have been doing," said George. "They have made progress; theyre getting more visibility. I think that companies are beginning to see the opportunities, ways to include women. We've done that at Jackson Hole in terms of bringing more visibility." Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk. Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen. If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned. I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country. It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously. Vote View Results YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. Facebook has suspended the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyans account as a result of a continuous campaign of complaints filed by the Azerbaijani side, Harutyunyans office said Monday. The presidents office said Harutyunyans account was actively targeted with complaints for many months which had gradually led to many restrictions, including the artificial drop in visibility of posts and ban on certain functions. And as a result of the recent complaints the page became fully inaccessible on August 26. The administrators of the account, under defined procedures, have filed a request and substantiations to representatives of Facebook asking to cancel the deletion, Harutyunyans office said in a statement. Harutyunyans account had 459,000 followers and played an important role in ensuring transparency, his office added. The Office of the President of Artsakh Republic considers the decision by Facebook to be unacceptable especially in the current difficult conditions, when Azerbaijan seeks to subject the people of Artsakh to complete isolation and blockade, including in the information area, the office of the Artsakh president said. YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. Member of the German Bundestag Till Mansmann has called on the German federal government to increase diplomatic pressure on the Azerbaijani government given the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. In a letter addressed to German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, the legislator described the alarming humanitarian situation and the total blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan, the German-Armenian Forum reported. He told the German foreign minister that the 120,000 Armenians are facing a humanitarian disaster and need urgent international aid. Mansmann, the Chairman of the German-Armenian Forum, praised the EUs efforts for its constructive role in the extremely difficult conflict. He said that the launch of the EU mission was a good instrument and recalled that in January 2023 the European Parliament called on Azerbaijan to comply with the 9 November 2020 agreement and open the Lachin Corridor. The security and basic needs of the people must not become a playing card for political interests. Taking into consideration our support for Ukraine in the Russian war of aggression, we must have a clear position in this issue as well and unambiguously show that our humanism doesnt have political or geopolitical calculations. Thats why I am asking you to increase diplomatic pressure on the Government of Azerbaijan in order for the safe and unimpeded access of urgently needed relief supplies get ensured in line with international humanitarian law. In addition, I am asking you to look into the possibility for humanitarian aid by the federal government. We cant solve this conflict for a short-term, but we cant allow famine to take place on the border of our continent, Mansmann said. Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023. Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations. PM assured that India is fully prepared for the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in September noting that it will showcase India's potential Mission Chandrayaan has become a symbol of the spirit of 'New India' which wants to ensure victory, and also knows how to win in any situation, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File Image: PTI) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Chandrayaan's success saying symbolised New India's resilience and commitment. He highlighted its role in promoting women's empowerment. In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat,' radio broadcast, he discussed the G20 leaders' summit, highlighting India's presidency as a people-centric presidency to make the group more inclusive. Modi stressed that discussing Chandrayaan's moon landing success would be insufficient, considering it has been more than three days since the achievement. He recited lines from an old poem he had written. He mentioned his emphasis on women-led development during his August 15 address. He assured that India is fully prepared for the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in September noting that it will showcase India's potential. He shared that about 200 meetings related to the G20 were organised across 60 cities in India since taking over the G20 presidency. Modi also noted two world records were achieved during this effort of public participation, including a quiz involving 1.25 lakh students from 800 schools and an impressive collection of around 1,800 'Unique Patches' created by Lambani artisans. PM proposes Global day for consumer care at B20 New Delhi: Focusing on inclusive growth in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a global framework on cryptocurrencies and an ethical usage of artificial intelligence (AI). He also highlighted a slew of issues, including the importance of consumer-centric growth, the digital revolution, green credit, the global supply chain, ISRO's Chandrayan-3 success, and the poor and middle class, among others. In his address, the Prime Minister proposed observing "International Consumer Care Day" once a year. He also said that industries should switch over to "green credit" from the current practice of carbon credit trading. "India has become the face of the Industry 4.0 revolution; the future of global growth is dependent on the future of business," he said. Speaking at the concluding day of the B-20 summit, organised by CII in the national capital, the Prime Minister called for a global framework for ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). "Business leaders need to brainstorm on issues like cryptocurrency and AI, as a global framework is required for cryptocurrency. Also, technology disruption is happening at a rapid speed and there is a need to focus on 'ethical AI'. Besides, there are some ethical considerations regarding skilling and re-skilling and concerns regarding algorithm bias and its impact on society, Mr Modi said, adding, "Such issues have to be resolved together. Global business communities and governments will have to work together to ensure that ethical AI expands in different sectors." Mr Modi also said that India has become the face of the digital revolution in the era of the Industry 4.0 revolution and also holds an important place in building an efficient and trusted global supply chain. "Business can transform potential into prosperity, obstacles into opportunities and aspirations into achievements, whether they are small or big, global or local... Sustainability is an important issue," the Prime Minister said. Calling for a consumer-centric approach, Mr Modi also urged industry giants to move beyond their focus on bottomlines, as a balance between producers and consumers interests is vital to sustaining a profitable market. He also asked them to give more thought on how to make business more consumer-centric. "Can we think of some sort of yearly campaign where global businesses come together to pledge themselves for the good of the consumer? We speak of consumer rights, but can we start speaking about consumer care? Can we start observing a consumer care day every year?" the Prime Minister asked. Talking about the large growth of the neo-middle class in the last few years, Mr Modi said that India will have the biggest middle class in the coming years because of our government's pro-poor policies. "Now, due to the policies implemented by India in the past few years, 13.5-crore people have come out of poverty in just 5 years. These people are the new consumers. This neo-middle class is also giving momentum to India's growth. That is, the net beneficiary of the work done by the government for the poor is our middle class as well as our MSMEs," he said. Linking industry with science, Mr Modi said that all business leaders have come to India at a time when there is a celebratory mood in the country. "The festive season has been preponed. Our celebrations began on August 23, with the Chandrayaan-3 mission landing on the moon. Isro played a big role in Chandrayaan-3, but the industry played a key role too. Our industry, including MSMEs, made sure components were delivered in time for the lunar mission. The whole world is celebrating the success of India's lunar mission, a responsible space programme," he said. On green credit, the Prime Minister said that India has launched a green credit system -- a pro-planet approach that every nation should adopt. "We need to create an ecosystem that will make the planet healthy. Being conscious of one's health is important, but one should also be concerned about the planet's health. India will try to repeat the success of solar energy in the green hydrogen sector as well. In the global supply chain, India will play a significant and efficient role," he said. On global growth, the Prime Minister said that the future of global growth is dependent on the future of business. "Solutions to global supply chain issues lie in India, where it is playing an important role in forming a resilient and trusted supply chain. Sustainability now has to be part of our daily lives. We should be as worried about the health of the planet as we are about our health. Before making any decision, we must think about how it will impact the planet. The purpose of 'Mission LiFE' is to create a community of pro-planet people," he added. On mutual trust, Mr Modi also said that India has invited the African Union to be a part of the G-20 in line with our inclusive vision. "The pandemic has been a lesson for everyone. The Covid-19 pandemic has destroyed mutual trust among nations and we need to focus on mutual trust. India was a symbol of mutual trust during the pandemic... We provided vaccines to more than 150 nations. India increased the production of vaccines when the world needed vaccines during the pandemic. Stronger friendships with India will lead to greater prosperity," he said. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, second from right, speaks during a meeting with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, second from left, at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, Monday. AP-Yonhap The United States and China have agreed to launch an export control enforcement information dialogue and a new formal working group on commercial issues, the U.S. Commerce Department said on Monday, giving Beijing a potential forum to express concerns. After meetings between U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, the exchange would provide a "platform to reduce misunderstandings of U.S. national security policies," Raimondo said, adding: "We are not compromising or negotiating on matters of national security. Period." The first in-person meeting of the export control information exchange will be held at the assistant secretary level at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing on Tuesday, Raimondo said. "The United States is committed to be transparent about our export control enforcement strategy," she said. "To show you how real this is, the first meeting of that new information exchange is tomorrow in Beijing. We're wasting no time." China has criticized U.S. efforts to block China's access to advanced semiconductors through export controls, but Raimondo has said those are not open for debate. The White House this month moved to start prohibiting some U.S. investment in sensitive technologies in China and plans to soon finalize sweeping export restrictions on advanced semiconductors adopted in October. Some Republicans in Congress had urged Raimondo earlier this month not to open a formal working group on export control issues. Raimondo noted earlier this year that she had put over 200 Chinese companies on a U.S. export control list and has repeatedly said she not hesitant to use the power as necessary. The new commercial issues working group is a consultation mechanism involving U.S. and Chinese government officials and private sector representatives "to seek solutions on trade and investment issues and to advance U.S. commercial interests in China." Raimondo, who had a meeting lasting more than two hours with Wang followed by a two-hour lunch, said she wants to address concerns from U.S. businesses that are having difficulties operating in China. "We're delivering. We will have that formal communication," she said. The working group will meet twice annually at the vice minister level, with the U.S. hosting the first meeting in early 2024. The United States and China also agree to convene subject matter experts from both sides for technical discussions "regarding strengthening the protection of trade secrets and confidential business information," Raimondo said. (Reuters) The I.N.D.I.A bloc's first meeting was held in Patna in June Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar anticipates the addition of several more political parties to the Opposition INDIA bloc during their upcoming meeting in Mumbai. Nitish, a key architect in uniting parties opposed to the BJP, didn't disclose the party names but stated that discussions on election-related logistics, such as seat-sharing, would occur during the meeting. He explained, "In the upcoming Mumbai meeting, we will discuss the INDIA bloc's strategies for the upcoming general elections. We will address issues like seat-sharing and finalise various other agendas. Several more political parties will join our coalition." The 26-party Opposition alliance has already held two meetings in Patna on June 23 and Bengaluru on July 17-18. Their third meeting is scheduled for August 31 and September 1 in Mumbai. The ultimate aim of space programmes is not national glory, because at some point, the first to do this or that will be behind us. The last astronauts had landed on the moon 50 years ago. The last names of those Americans were Cernan, Evans and Schmitt. These are not as familiar to us as the names of Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Micheal Collins, the crew of the historic Apollo 11 mission. The fact is that after the first landing happened in July 1969, the space race was deemed to be over. It is very expensive to run space programmes, and after boredom from the public the programmes of the Americans and the Russians declined in intensity and capacity and ambition after 1969. A plan to send humans to Mars was drawn up immediately after Neil Armstrongs success, but it was never executed. The man who made the plan, Wernher von Braun, a Nazi rocket scientist captured by the Americans and brought to the US to head their space programme, was put to pasture and the Apollo missions to the moon were over. The giant rocket that took Americans there, the Saturn 5, was scrapped. The space shuttle was a more modest, partly reusable vehicle that took astronauts into lower earth orbit. It was functional for 30 years from 1981 to 2011. For a decade after that, America did not have the capacity to launch its own astronauts to the International Space Station (which orbits the earth at a few hundred kilometres) till a private company called SpaceX achieved this capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Till then, for a decade, both Nasa and European astronauts flew on Russian rockets. The two most active space programmes in the world today are run by this company and the Chinese. SpaceX had 61 launches in 2022. China had roughly the same. In comparison, India, meaning Isro, had four successful launches in 2022 three PSLVs and one GSLV, which is now renamed LVM. This number should not discourage us as our budget is far lower, though in ambition Indias programme matches the rest. After the phenomenal success of Indias moon mission, the next step is to put a human in orbit. This was achieved by India in the 1980s, but on a Soviet rocket. The astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, remains the only Indian citizen to orbit the earth, and that was 40 years ago in April 1984. If all goes well, India hopes to send a spaceship called Gaganyaan with Indians into orbit sometime in the next two years or so. India already has achieved the most difficult aspect of this, which is to safely send a rocket into orbit, and it has proven that it has the capacity to do this several times over since the first orbital launch some 40 years ago. Recently, we have seen that India has also mastered propulsive landing. This means the ability to set a spaceship down using its own power, after slowing down from orbital velocity and through a controlled descent. When we achieve human spaceflight, we will be only the fifth nation or entity to achieve this, after the Russians, Americans, Chinese and SpaceX. It is very likely that we will get there and then we will push for more. What will that more be? The ultimate aim of space programmes is not national glory, because at some point, the first to do this or that will be behind us. Much of it has already been achieved. The first person to orbit, the first person to do a spacewalk, to land on the moon all of that happened 50 years ago. There are people who have spent a year in orbit on the space station. The only first that is yet to be achieved in the next couple of decades is to land humans on Mars, and perhaps to set up a permanent base there. And so, being first is not the ultimate goal, which is to further human civilisation. If and when a spaceship from our planet leaves the solar system and enters another, it will be a messenger not from a nation but from a planet. The International Space Station recognises this. It is a joint effort by the US, Japan, Russia, Canada and the European Union. The names of the astronauts currently on board the ISS reflect this diversity: Rubio, Prokopyev, Petelin, Bowen, Hoburg, Alneyadi and Fedyaev. Four others are scheduled to be launched: their names are Furukawa, Borisov, Moghbeli and Mogensen. Note that through all the hostilities in Ukraine, with the EU and America arming them against Russia, the joint space programme continues. It does so because achievements and progress in space is about more than nations. China is not a member of the ISS community, but it has built its own space station and is expanding it every year. Science generally speaking, and space in particular, tends to make us come together as a race and as a planet. They say that all astronauts who have orbited the earth are permanently transformed. They see our planet in a way that the rest of us simply cannot. Their eyes see how thin the blue atmosphere is, and how vulnerable it is. They see the physical form of the earth from above without its artificial borders and without races, as a unified whole. This is why all progress in space should excite us and encourage us to be optimists about a better future for our planet and all of us. by Fady Noun The vicar of the Latin patriarchate for Israel looks back on his first 16 months as bishop and delves into the tension around the Carmelite monastery. Peace and confessional balance endangered by a sect linked to Hasidism. The escalation degenerated into physical clashes between the parties, the police arrested a Christian leaving the provocateurs unpunished. The visit of President Herzog. Beirut (AsiaNews) - Ordained auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem ust over a year ago (April 30, 2022), Msgr. Rafic Nahra, pastor of souls who preaches harmony in a context full of tension new vicar of the Latins in Israel, recently visited his family in Lebanon. Among the many commitments scheduled for these days, he also found the time together with AsiaNews to take stock of his first episcopal year "in a nation which, like Lebanon, is in difficulty". This first year has been marked in Haifa, its episcopal see, by disputes between the local Christian population, mainly Greek Catholics, and the followers of a sect linked to Hasidism which claims the right to pray in the Carmelite monastery, Stella Maris, on Mount Carmel. Based on a Jewish tradition according to which Stella Maris would also host the tomb of the prophet Elisha, some members of the Hasidic branch of Wroclaw led by Rabbi Berland, already condemned by the justice of his country, have regularly come since last May to pray conspicuously and provocative in the area. The tensions related to the visits finally led to a series of physical clashes with the Christian population of Haifa, following an escalation that even prompted Israeli President Isaac Herzog to go personally to the monastery. A presence, that of the head of state at Stella Maris, with the express purpose of trying to calm things down and extinguish further outbreaks of violence. I don't know exactly when all this started explains Msgr. Nahra, but "since last May videos have been circulating showing ultra-religious Hasidim who began to frequent the Stella Maris monastery". Naturally, he continues, our places of worship are open to everyone, but these people came in a different way, in a showy and provocative way. Some even entered the church to kiss the rock of a cave where, according to tradition, the prophet Elijah came to pray and above which the main altar had been built". This fact, he adds, which "was often repeated, exasperated some Christians in Haifa". The turning point came when a young man advised the group to leave and, following his words, "an altercation ensued". Those present filmed the scene and the man was arrested, then released. The incident deeply angered the local Christian population, outraged by the fact that the police, who at first remained passive, arrested the man who asked the provocateurs to leave. Instead, leaving the field free - and undisturbed to act - those who had given rise to the tensions and exasperated spirits. "From that moment on - continues the vicar - a permanent presence was formed in the place, in front of the ultra-religious who arrived in ever greater numbers, sometimes by bus and in the middle of the night, at two or three in the morning. In response, starting from that juncture it was decided to surround the monastery with a metal fence, so that anyone who crosses it is guilty of breaking and entering". The reassurances provided by the Israeli president, who arrived with the police chief, did not help or at least were not enough to completely reassure the bishop. The prelate reports that the ultra-religious have proposed a temporary suspension of visits to Mount Carmel, but at the same time claim the right to set up a place of prayer for them too in the disputed area. "However - he underlines - their words are even more worrying, because they are also asking for the introduction of a transport service by bus between Jerusalem and the Stella Maris, which they want to turn into an important place of pilgrimage". In short, "the local [Christian] population fears that Orthodox Jews want to get their hands on the holy place." The bishop of Haifa is well aware that the reaction of the Christians of Haifa has been strongly based on identity, in a geographical environment traditionally known for his moderation. However, the fact remains that, beyond the measures taken by the police and the responses of the local municipality, a fundamental problem could remain in the long run. The prelate is convinced that there is a question of education and mentality that has been addressed, changed and resolved. Bishop Nahra must also face another problem, linked to Christian schools whose elementary classes do not receive sufficient subsidies to be able to provide their services. The prelate sees this as a "serious threat" to the quality of teaching "in our Catholic schools, which see more and more teachers, often among the best, threatening to abandon them or to have already left". In addition to the funds, Msgr. Nahra also knows that his work requires vision, drive and perseverance. After accompanying the young Christians of his diocese to the World Youth Day in Lisbon, he is preparing to travel to Marseilles at the end of September for the meeting on the Mediterranean convened by Pope Francis (scheduled for September 17-24). During this meeting, the Church "will reflect - he concludes - on how to make the Mare Nostrum not a cemetery or an impassable border, but a bridge of civilization and a place of hope". by Melani Manel Perera The Archbishop of Colombo led the annual Blessing of the Sick at the Marian shrine in Tewatte. Many Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims joined in the celebration. The cardinal mentioned again the denial of justice for the victims of 2019 Easter massacres. Colombo (Asia News) Yesterday, Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, used the annual celebration of the Blessing of the Sick at the national shrine of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, Tewatte, to speak also about the "illnesses that have afflicted the country for too long. The corrupt rulers of this country did not provide justice or conduct a proper investigation regarding the Easter attack, the prelate said. Its political leaders are still trying to hide the real masterminds of the Easter attack by suppressing every investigation. What is more, the collapses and destructive situations in the country at present have happened because we have allowed the rulers to implement their selfish programmes, he added. Healed by the Lord journey towards the fullness of life with Mary" was the theme of the healing and prayer service of the Blessing of the Sick, said Fr Jude Sriyananda, the shrines administrator. The event brings together every year not only devout Catholics from all the provinces of the island nation, but also many Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus who come for the triduum of the feast. Let's pray today to the Mother of God to reveal to us soon who committed that terrible crime that destroyed the lives of 273 of our fellow people and rendered the lives of another 500 helpless, Card Ranjith said in his homily. The archbishop also urged the faithful to work for the creation of a social system that is fair, respects democracy, and values humanity, thus protecting the rights of everyone living in the country. Let's pray with confidence in Him as God told us to get rid of all the challenges, sorrows, and pains that we get in our life journey, he said. We should work to change the weak situation in our society. We have to commit to it. We should pray especially to the Lord for this. by Vladimir Rozanskij A recent poll confirms the great split in public opinion, whereby 50 percent are in favor of EU membership but 60 percent are against sanctions against the Russians. While Maia Sandu's majority consensus has halved, opposing demonstrations in the capital exalt the polarization of Moldovan society. Chisinau (AsiaNews) - A "March for Liberation" and a meeting in support of the republic's integration into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAES), organized by the pro-Socialist opposition, was held in the center of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova Russians in controversy with the government's support at the Independence Day of Ukraine in recent days. From President Maia Sandu to various majority leaders, all have stressed the unity of the Moldovans with the people forced to defend themselves against the Russian invasion. A recent poll confirms the large split in Moldova's public opinion, whereby 50% are in favor of joining the European Union, but 60% are against sanctions against Russians. If half of the citizens feel European, the others prefer to turn towards the East, or maintain a neutral position towards the two poles of the conflict. The gaze towards Russia predominates in the breakaway republic of Transnistria, despite being the westernmost area of Moldova, created and occupied by the Russians in Soviet times precisely as an outpost against traditional enemies. However, Russia retains a great influence on the whole of Moldovan society, and remains one of its main economic partners, despite the recent distances. Maia Sandu's majority consensus has recently dropped from 60 to 30%, and according to another survey by the Institute of European Policies and Reforms, only 15% of those interviewed believe that Moldova is ready to actually join the EU. In the event of a referendum, 55% is currently estimated to be in favor of European integration, but the opposite position holds out with over 30%. The protests of the opposite sign in the capital exalt the polarization of Moldovan society. Sandu addressed her thanks to the Ukrainians who "defend the security of the whole region, and are a bastion of freedom for millions of Europeans". The chairman of the "Friendship with Ukraine" parliamentary group, Oazu Nantoj, wished the Ukrainians "victory and peace under the conditions of victory", recalling when in 1992 "the so-called Ukrainian nationalists participated in the clashes on the side of the separatists" , the armed conflict on the Dniester. In relations with Kiev, Moldova would like to find an agreement that allows it access to the sea, with a revision of the common borders right around the Dniester river and its waterfalls full of waters, where the Russians have created the separatist zone of influence. Other ceremonies were held rather under the influence of the pro-Russian minority, on the occasion of the memory of the liberation of Chisinau from Nazi occupation. Many citizens of the capital gathered around the "Eternal Fire", laying wreaths of flowers and praising the slogan "Thank the soldier for Victory", with a visit to the headquarters of the veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The authorities let it go, even though they did not share the same interpretation of the "Victory" and the action of the "liberators". The push for the EAES is strongly supported by the socialist deputies of the parliament, in particular by two of their exponents, Vasile Bolja and Aleksandr Sukhodolsky. The latter explained that "we intend to collect signatures to arrive at a referendum on this proposal", to show our opponents and everyone that "we need to deal with the people of the Republic of Moldova, not only during political elections and electoral campaigns financed by sponsors outside the country. The initiative is moreover purely demonstrative, as in the context of the Russian war in Ukraine, and of the sanctions against Moscow, Moldova's participation in the EAES is not currently feasible, and everyone in the country is aware of this. However, a large part of the population would like to maintain good relations with Russia, if only for the high percentage of Moldovans, between 20 and 25%, who speak Russian as their native language. by Dario Salvi Pope Francis appointed Fr Ilgit, JS, as auxiliary bishop to Bishop Paolo Bizzeti, apostolic vicar of Anatolia. The new prelate wants to be a sign of hope for a Church that is small but rich in cultures. A convert to Catholicism in 1997, he will be the first bishop of Turkish descent. This is a sign of "great hope for the young people of Turkey. Milan (AsiaNews) Fr Antuan Ilgit, the first Jesuit of Turkish descent, has been appointed bishop by Pope Francis. Only a few months ago, on 6 February, when a devastating earthquake struck his country, he found himself sifting through the rubble of the cathedral of Iskenderun (Alexandretta) to salvage the Eucharist from the tabernacle. At 51, he becomes auxiliary bishop for the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, where he was already serving as vicar general along with his confrere, Bishop Paolo Bizzeti. His appointment represents a sign of the popes close interest for the quake-affected community. Just a few weeks ago, during the World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Francis sought out young people from the affected area, accompanied by Fr Antuan. The pontiffs decision to appoint for the first time as ethnic Turk to the post is historically significant for the Church in Turkey. Born in Germany in 1972, the new prelate hails from a Muslim migrant family. He moved to Turkey at a very young age, and later studied economics graduating from Gazi University in Ankara. During his stay in the capital, he converted to Catholicism and was baptised in 1997 at the Church of St Teresa. He then undertook studies and the novitiate which ended in his priestly ordination and the celebration of the first Mass in 2010, which AsiaNews reported. Now, Bishop Antuan, who was assigned the titular see of Tubernuca, will serve as auxiliary bishop alongside the vicar, Bishop Bizzeti, in a huge region, which includes the cities of Antakya (Antioch), Adana, Mersin, and Trabzon, marked by the blood of martyrs like Bishop Luigi Padovese and Fr Andrea Santoro. The new prelate was surprised by his appointment. "I received the news while in Malta for spiritual exercises, he told AsiaNews. I wanted to take a break to pray and rest. It is a great grace to receive this appointment as auxiliary bishop for the vicariate during my spiritual retreat. I shall serve the Church. "God's plans are greater than mens. Just a year ago, I made the fourth vow of the Society of Jesus, that of obedience to the pope for the missions. Now, precisely because of this fourth vow, I have accepted the appointment as bishop, aware that in my country we need Turkish bishops, nuns, priests, religious. I hope to render a good service as a Turkish bishop. As auxiliary bishop, I want to serve the vicariate and the whole church of Turkey. For Bishop Antuan, the goal is to help Bishop Paolo and together bring hope to earthquake victims, rebuild the cathedral and houses, and assist the refugees. We have a lot of work to do, in harmony; I feel part of a service of charity for all of Turkey. Talking about the WYD where he met Pope Francis, the new bishop noted that in Lisbon the pontiff said that there is room for everyone in the Church. He repeated it three times. "Even in the Church of Turkey there is room for everyone, and I will be one of them all. I will try to serve everyone. In Turkey the Church is small but rich in cultures, languages, colours and now has a Turkish bishop who will try to keep all these elements together. For him, his appointment is a sign of "great hope, for the young people of Turkey too. One of theirs has become a bishop, a sign of the pope's trust in young people in a Church that until now has been mostly foreign. by Steve Suwannarat The military-ruled Southeast Asian country clashes with one of the few countries in the region that is openly critical after its democracy was crushed. This is a challenge for ASEAN as well, as the bloc has failed so far to propose real solutions to Myanmars civil war. Now East Timor is reconsidering its bid to join the regional body. Dili (AsiaNews) East Timor, which has been critical of Myanmars military since it took power in a coup on 1 February 2021, is now at the centre of a diplomatic row that once again raises questions about the inability of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to persuade Myanmars junta to stop the ongoing violence and open talks with pro-democracy forces over the countrys future. Yesterday, Myanmar expelled East Timors charge d'affaires after President Jose Ramos-Horta met in the East Timorese capital of Dili with Zin Mar Aung, foreign minister of the National Unity Government (NUG), which includes mostly those members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) who avoided capture following the coup. President Htin Kyaw and State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyu were among the NLD political leaders detained at the time. On Facebook, Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it called East Timors irresponsible actions, which encourage the terrorist group to further committing their violations in Myanmar. For the ruling junta, the National Unity Government is a terrorist group. East Timor quickly responded. In a statement, it reiterated the importance of supporting all efforts for the return of democratic order in Myanmar. East Timor became independent about 20 years ago after a 30-year war against Indonesian rule. Many of its current political leaders are old guerrilla fighters. Despite different experiences and ideologies, its leaders have a very clear idea about what it means to fight for freedom. A few days ago, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao said that his country might reconsider its bid to join ASEAN if the organisation fails to end Myanmars civil war. Along with President Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Gusmao led the fight to free East Timor and its people and has played a major role in governing its unstable democracy ever since. The traditional policy of non-interference in the affairs of ASEAN member states has so far led the bloc to formulate only a weak five-point peace proposal, which has been disregarded by Myanmars military. by John Ai The import halt on Japanese seafood decided by Beijing after the start of the plant's spillage into the ocean-accompanied by massive propaganda against Tokyo-is generating widespread alarm that is also curbing consumption of local products. Boycotts also on cosmetics and travel to Japan, while the Japanese embassy urges its citizens to be careful. Beijing (AsiaNews) - The ban on the import of fish products from Japan imposed by China due to the release of radioactive treated water from the Fukushima plant is causing panic throughout the country. Fearing contamination, people in supermarkets hoard salt, and sales of seafood from China's coastal areas have also been affected. Analysts believe the Chinese ban is more of a political gesture, given that China is the main export market for Japanese seafood. Just last week, Beijing had criticized the agreement between the United States, Japan and South Korea aimed at strengthening military and economic ties and the Fukushima waters affair is now being exploited by Chinese propaganda. The economic boycott is spreading to other sectors. Many Chinese web users are calling for a boycott of Japanese cosmetics as well. According to reports from Japan, a Japanese school in Shandong was hit by stones and another Japanese school in Jiangsu was hit by eggs. Many travel agencies have told the media that they have suspended the marketing of tours to Japan and tourists have canceled their travel plans. Official Chinese media claim that water polluted with radioactive material can cause genetic damage and even cancer, without specifying, however, that the entire water discharge process is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency and that tests on the water samples they showed levels of radioactivity within the safe limit. Japan has also accused Beijing of hypocrisy, as levels of radioactivity from water released from nuclear power plants in China are even higher than those of Japan's Fukushima. Meanwhile, many people have rushed to supermarkets to buy salt for fear of radioactive water, causing the price to soar. State-owned China National Salt Industry Corporation said it would secure supplies, adding that most of it is extracted from mines and lakes, while only 1% comes from the sea. The authorities have advised the population not to stockpile salt and have promised to regulate the market and to repress unfair behavior such as raising the price. Already in 2011, after the tsunami that hit the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, many people hoarded salt in many cities in China. But the hostile reactions are now involving the Chinese fishing industry itself. Videos circulated online show fishermen shouting at negative and hostile comments urging people to boycott so-called contaminated seafood. Many restaurants stopped using Japanese seafood and replaced it with Chinese or European seafood after the ban was announced by the authorities. Some Japanese restaurants said the ban had an impact on their businesses, as they did not have enough time to purchase ingredients elsewhere. There are an estimated 73,000 Japanese restaurants in China. Japanese restaurants in Shanghai have reportedly received calls about canceling reservations, as well as harassing calls. Voices that debunk the alarm are silenced by censorship. A nuclear energy expert who had published a scientific analysis on the Chinese social network Weibo in which he explained that the water discharged from Fukushima was not risky, had his account removed. NetEase News published a satirical post, suggesting people "lie down" at home to deal with this crisis, alluding to Chinese youth's protest mode: this post was also removed. Meanwhile, anti-Japanese sentiment simmers in the Chinese cyber-sphere. The Japanese embassy in China has warned its citizens to avoid speaking Japanese loudly and to pay attention to the situation around the embassy if they have to visit. According to Ford, the GT belts out 480 horsepower at 7,150 revolutions per minute and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) at 4,900 revolutions per minute. As for the fancier exhaust, make that 486 horsepower at 7,500 spinnies and 418 pound-feet (567 Nm) at 4,900 spinnies. Of course, said numbers wouldn't have been possible without the dual throttle bodies of the fourth-generation Coyote V8.With 93 octane in the fuel tank, approximately 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) on the clock, 3.15:1 gearing, and the 10R80 automatic transmission, Late Model Restoration's car lays down 420.4 horsepower at the rear wheels in fifth gear. Seventh would've been more appropriate for dyno testing because it's the 1:1 ratio, but alas, LMR couldn't dyno the 'Stang in seventh gear due to the engine speed limiter. Be that as it may, the dyno recorded 377.4 pound-feet (511.6 Nm) in seventh gear. Late Model Restoration video production manager Landan Durham explains that LMR uses the SAE correction factor because it's more realistic than STD. It should also be mentioned that 420.4 wheel horsepower is 86.5 percent of the 486 crankshaft ponies estimated by Ford, which results in a drivetrain loss of 13.5 percent. Pretty good for a Mustang, let alone a heavy update of the sixth-gen 'Stang rather than a ground-up redesign.The only S650 that stands out as being extremely different from the S550 is the Mustang GTD, a racecar-inspired fellow that packs a rear-mounted transaxle with eight forward ratios. The dual-clutch transmission is connected to the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 known as the Predator. As opposed to 760 horsepower in the Shelby GT500, the Mustang GTD makes around 800 ponies.Assembled by Multimatic in Canada rather than Ford in Michigan, the Mustang GTD is also big on aero. What's more, the 345/30 by 20-inch tires up front and 325/30 by 20-inch tires out back are wider than the Shelby GT500's rubber boots. Equipped with adaptive spool valve dampers from of course Multimatic, the Mustang GTD will be offered for the 2025 model year in limited numbers. Anything between 1,000 and 2,000 units will be produced, with prices kicking off at circa $300,000.As of August 2023, the Dark Horse is the most powerful and track-focused specification of the S650. Available exclusively as a fastback coupe, the 500-horsepower Dark Horse carries a sticker price of $59,270 (sans destination charge). Only available with the 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost remains the most affordable choice in the lineup. The fastback is $30,920 at press time, whereas the convertible is $39k. At 11:00 CEST on September 1st, MINI will premiere the all-new Cooper EV and Countryman EV at IAA Munich. Later on, the hatchback and crossover will be presented with internal combustion options. EV kWh WLTP MINI chose IAA Munich over a British motor show because it's owned by Munich's favorite son. Both vehicles will arrive in showrooms for the 2025 model year. The Countrymanis closely related to the BMW iX1, which features a UKL2-derived platform referred to as FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur) platform.The Cooper EV is different under the skin, for its platform was developed by Chinese manufacturer Great Wall in partnership with BMW . The Cooper EV will be assembled in China instead of the United Kingdom. Spotlight Automotive is what Great Wall and BMW call their joint venture. Officialized in 2019, the joint venture has also been tasked with assembling the Aceman. Slotted between the Cooper EV and Countryman EV, the Aceman is exclusively electric. No ICEs here, no sir!MINI's final internal combustion-engined vehicle will be introduced in 2025. Five years later, the British marque will pull the plug on internal combustion-engined vehicles. MINI has also decided to abandon plug-in hybrid powertrains, which means the next-generation Countryman won't be available as a plug-in hybrid.Longer in wheelbase and wider in track compared to the current generation, the 2025 model year MINI Cooper EV has been confirmed with two battery choices. The base specification rocks 40for approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) of driving range. Its front electric motor is rated at 181 hp.Slotted above the Cooper E, the Cooper SE packs 54 kWh and 215 horsepower on full chatter. Driving range is estimated at 248 miles (400 kilometers), which is pretty good for a car with such a limited amount of space between the front and rear axles. The JCW is believed to belt out in the ballpark of 250 horsepower. By comparison, the BMW-engined JCW available to configure for 2024 offers 228 ponies at full chatter.Moving on to the Countryman EV, look forward to a front-mounted electric motor, 54 kWh, and 188 horsepower from the base specification. The SE ALL4 has two motors and 308 horsepower to play with, along with a 64-kWh battery and up to 273 miles (440 kilometers) of driving range under the. Similar to the aforementioned Cooper JCW, nobody except MINI knows the actual output of the Countryman JCW.Both the Cooper EV and Countryman EV feature simplified interiors with a circular display for the infotainment system. Designed for MINI Operating System 9, said infotainment system features OLED technology, a voice assistant called Spike, over-the-air updates, and 5G connectivity. MINI Operating System 9 is based on AOSP, which stands for Android Open Source Project. 4WD AWD SUV PHEV Instead, the Subaru BRAT was a light-dutycoupe utility based on the Subaru Leone compact car produced by the Japanese automaker between 1971 and 1994 as a pun on the term lion. The Ute was initially introduced in 1977, and BRAT is an acronym for "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter," derived from the brand's four-wheel drive station wagon model.Back then, it closely followed the ethos of coupe utilities such as the Chevrolet El Camino and the Ford Ranchero. It, too, was sold until 1994 and, in various markets, was also known as the Brumby, MV Pickup, or Shifter. Offered with 4WD and the Subaru EA engine, the company's (unspoiled) BRAT featured two generations powered by the 1.6-liter EA71 or 1.8-liter EA81 (the latter, with or without turbo) mills and was always a two-door coupe utility compact truck Its successor came in 2002, but the Subaru Baja was something else entirely a four-passenger, four-door,model produced in the United States at the Lafayette, Indiana factory of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. It was also heavier and more powerful, thus motivated by the 2.5-liter EJ series of boxer engines. By the way, although the Subaru BRAT was produced until 1994, exports to North America closed in 1987 and only continued in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or Latin America, while at home in Japan, it was never even offered.However, the little Ute still had a tremendous impact on fans even to this day. Enough so that its fame has reached the imaginative realm of digital car content creators, and someone dwelling there decided it was time for a CGI revival. Cue Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, who has recently taken up the task of revealing the return of the Subaru BRAT in a way that might feel entirely quirky or daring, depending on your POV.More precisely, the pixel master probably mixed his reinvention project with the DNA of the Ford F-150 Lightning zero emissions pickup truck because this digital BRAT revival has the allure (and especially the profile) of a Ford Motor Company product. However, the front and rear are entirely Subaru's although they, too, feel just as disconnected from reality. That's probably because the author styled the front after the Subaru WRX rather than something larger, such as the Forester compact crossoverA full-size pickup truck with the front and rear of a sporty AWD compact sedan is not exactly a dream come true, right? However, it's interesting to note that the four-tipped rear with diffuser and sporty exhaust note isn't that bad, at least from a distance. Plus, it would be interesting to see a four-door Subaru pickup truck with something like apowertrain (it has an outlet at the front, I'm sure you didn't miss that, but also four exhaust tips) try to take a swing at the full-size pickup truck establishment, right? Albeit, not with the profile of a Ford F-150 Lightning, and the front and rear modified from the WRX to fit the hulking context, please! Its the final countdown for the first Alfa Romeo supercar in over 16 years. The Italian carmaker has just released what should be the last teaser before the global premiere of the model. ICE This car has been classified information since day one. The Italians have not let a single information leak from this file. But they are going to let everything out on Wednesday, August 30, at 5:00 PM CEST, which is 9:00 AM CST, when the model will be unveiled.Before that happens, Alfa Romeo reveals yet another irrelevant teaser, that tells absolutely nothing about the design or specs of the supercar. They just mention "Il corraggio di sognare," which is Italian for "the courage to dream."What we do see in the teaser image is four red lights that might indicate some kind of lighting positioned in the rear of the car, since that is the only location where red lights are allowed on a civil vehicle. Yet the vertical slats should be part of a triangular grill. The teaser photo also shows a part of the car painted in red.There is no official information on the top secret car, but what we do know is that it should share the same underpinnings as the Maserati MC20. The model should be powered by a derivation of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine with some sort of electrification. The total system output should be around the 800-horsepower mark, which is way above what the MC20s 621 horsepower (630 PS) got. But the MC20 is an-powered model only.The car with a V6 should either be called the 33, as a hint to the limited run of only 333 examples, as well as the idea that it is inspired by the iconic T33 Stradale from the 1960s, or the 6C, following the example of Alfa Romeos last supercar, the 8C Competizione , which was powered by a V8 engine.Alfa Romeo has been reportedly accepting deposits for the brands upcoming supercar since it got the greenlight. So by the time the Italians reveal it on Wednesday, it might have already been sold out, as anticipated but the companys CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato. Unofficial information claims that almost all of the 333 units set to be produced have already been reserved.The Italian carmaker knew how to gain momentum. They have described the model as being ' the most beautiful car in the world .' Furthermore, Imparato claimed that it will be instantly recognizable as an Alfa Romeo, as well as "iconic and super sexy."To ease the anticipation, last week the company asked enthusiasts to imagine the future supercar using artificial intelligence. The deadline is inching closer. We will see the real deal on Wednesday. What's new in Android Auto 10.3? Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution How to download Android Auto 10.3 Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution The obligatory warning Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Not long ago, Google used a monthly release cycle for Android Auto updates, with new versions rolling out every three to four weeks.After the beta program received a refresh, opening the door for more testers, Google started rolling out testing and stable builds more frequently.The new approach significantly improves Android Auto in the long term. The beta builds give testers the opportunity to try out new releases before the production rollout starts, while the more frequent updates in the stable channel help squash the existing bugs andA new version of Android Auto is now available for download.Android Auto reached version 10.3 with this new release, approximately two weeks after the first 10.3 beta build made its way to testers.Undoubtedly, the most important question for users who want to install Android Auto 10.3 is what's new in the new release.Unfortunately, Google did not share a changelog, but long-time Android Auto users should not be surprised. The company never discloses what's new information unless the update includes something truly big, in which case it typically publishes a post on the official Google blog.Otherwise, Google ships Android Auto updates with a generic changelog that dates back to version 9.x days. It mentions improved Do Not Disturb functionality, dark mode refinements, and other generic bug fixes and polishing. The changelog has nothing to do with the new version, so you can ignore it.The only way to determine what's new in this update is to install Android Auto version 10.3 and look for changes on your own. I installed the update but couldn't spot any difference, so perhaps the search giant focused on under-the-hood fixes.Users who previously encountered bugs while running Android Auto should install version 10.3 to see if Google resolved the issues in the latest update.The Android Auto 10.3 rollout takes place via the Google Play Store, so Google uses its typical release model that pushes the update to users in waves.The strategy makes sense from a reliability and stability perspective. Google initially serves the update to a limited set of users. The company analyzes the rollout data and decides if it can improve the availability, enabling the update for more devices or suspending the process to resolve a potential glitch in the new version.Android Auto updates typically require up to several weeks to reach all devices configured to receive new versions automatically from the Google Play Store.Meanwhile, tech-savvy users who don't want to wait for the update to get the go-ahead for their device on the Google Play Store can install Android Auto 10.3 manually.The first step in the process is the manual download of the APK install. Download the Android Auto 10.3 APK file, save it to a location on your Android device, and then navigate to the installer. The installation typically takes just a few seconds, assuming the process has all permissions to complete successfully. Android does not allow manual app installation in the default configuration, so you must enable sideloading you'll see a prompt to do it during the Android Auto 10.3 installation process.No extra steps are required, as the installation completes successfully without removing the previous version on your device. The new files automatically replace the old ones.Many users rush to install Android Auto updates specifically to get their hands on their latest new features and improvements. However, doing this comes with an increased likelihood of problems, not just in the case of beta builds but also regarding stable releases.Google uses the phased Google Play Store rollout model for a good reason: it gives the company more time to observe update reliability, spot bugs in an early phase, and then suspend the release before a potential issue reaches more devices.If you manually install the Android Auto update, your device is no longer enrolled in this process, so you get the new version that could include critical bugs. At first glance, Android Auto 10.3 works correctly on my device, but I've used it for only a couple of hours. I'll update you with more information on its reliability in a few days after more users try out the new version, either after getting it from the Google Play Store or with a manual install.If you struggle with significant bugs after installing Android Auto 10.3, you can always downgrade to the previous release. All APK installers are available online, and you just need to download a previous build and follow the same steps for installing a new update. The APK file automatically replaces the version on your device. Upon the soil of the U.S.'s long-time allies in Australia, the lives of three American Marines were cut tragically short when a Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor transport aircraft crashed on the remote Melville Island roughly 60 km (37.3 mi) from the City of Darwin on Aug 27th. The aircraft was participating in a joint American and Australian training exercise dubbed the Predators Run 2023 at the time of the incident. An event also attended by service members from Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor. The V-22 in question was carrying 23 U.S. Marines at the time of the incident. Five were air-lifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, while a further three died at the scene. The names of the injured and the deceased have yet to be made public, and the international investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing as of the evening of the incident. As a result of the tragedy that morning, criticisms levied against the V-22 and its considerable albatross production contract won't be going away any time soon."The initial reports suggest that the incident involves just U.S. defense force personnel," explained Anthony Albanese, Australia's current Prime Minister. "Our focus as a government and as the Department of Defense is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time." The V-22 might have remained accident-free for the duration of 2023 up to this point, but this most recent accident is a stark reminder of just how many lives have been lost behind the stick and in the cargo hold of this uber-complex, tilt-rotor Marine aircraft Loss-of-hull incidents involving the V-22 airframe stretch all the way back to 1991, a time when the Osprey had only recently been fashioned from the blueprints of the Bell XV-15 prototype tilt-rotor. Since then, a total of 15 hull loss incidents have occurred while flying V-22s. In total, this accounts for 54 U.S. Marines and other personnel. Everything from pilot error to engine and hydraulic failures have been attributed as reasons why these accidents continue to take place. In its most recent incident before 2023, a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing V-22 crashed over southern California. Early reports erroneously noted that nuclear material was suspected of being on board.Among the deceased in this incident was Captain John J. Sax, the son of the former all-star second baseman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Steve Sax. When combined with seemingly endless negative press related not just to a less-than-stellar safety record but also a seemingly endless wave of production cost overruns, the V-22 Osprey is quickly becoming one of the most polarizing and controversial military aircraft in the Pentagon's current arsenal. Clever tilt-rotor doohickeys be darned. If you're among those with a Cybertruck pre-order, order some stainless steel cleaner before it becomes a high-demand item and gets expensive. Wrapping the Cybertruck might also be a good idea. Here's why. Photo: kalorado on Reddit EV Photo: kalorado on Reddit A Rivian R1T owner found a semi-truck in Gallup, New Mexico, carrying some Cybetruck units and decided to share with fellow EV fans some snapshots from up close. The exposed vehicles had duct tape on the hood, which was probably put there to ensure that whatever was in the frunk remained in the frunk.Unlike any other traditional vehicles we have seen coming out over the years as production-ready units, the Cybertruck boasts a very angular design with straight edges that make it look like it was carved out of a single block of steel by someone enamored with brutalist architecture. Then, it put wheels on it and called it a day.That might be why it won't ever work out in Europe. In the US, light-duty trucks obtain some exemptions from harsh safety regulations. Over the pond, however, such big vehicles need to be able to easily dissipate energy resulting from a crash. They must have a flexible front end to protect pedestrians from horrific accidents.Besides that, the pickup truck seems to get dirty pretty easily. Similarly, any blemish might stand out. Rain and dust will most likely give owners a lot of work to clean up all those pointy surfaces. Fingerprints might also become an issue because the body material seems to reflect anything that comes in contact with it badly.The images also show that escaping panel gaps is challenging when dealing with such complicated body parts. However, markings on the doors indicate that these might be candidates for production. Engineers could have tested them out in all sorts of harsh environments. As such, these might be sacrificial units to perfect the production process and turn it into a Lego-like venture.That would match what Elon Musk communicated to Tesla employees via email. The executive said, "Precision predicates perfectionism" when he asked workers to ensure part dimensions were right and requested tolerances remain in the single-digit micron area.Elon Musk said the Cybertruck handover event would take place around the end of September 2023. He described the bulletproofas "an incredible product () that only comes along once in a long while."But being bulletproof wasn't a concept that started life with Cybertruck's inception. The thought must have come to those involved in the project after they figured out that the flat surfaces of the Cybertruck must comprise thicker-than-usual planes that guaranteed resistance to buckling. This phenomenon causes metal to move when exposed to heat or cold. A sudden sideway deflection can lead to the structure's collapse.Tesla's stainless steel supplier said it would provide the automaker with metal that's 90% recycled from scrap. That'll help the Cybertruck have a lower production carbon footprint. But it's going to make life harder for workers. The automaker's special alloy cannot be stamped to make the body panels. Instead, it must bent into shape. That's why the executive called for precision.Rumors say that the Cybertruck will have a starting cost of around $50,000. That would make sense because Tesla's CEO commented on Ford reducing the F-150 Lightning Pro's price to $49,995. The executive said it still was "somewhat expensive."However, other people claiming they know more about the pickup truck's sticker price say high-profile customers of the first units were told to prepare for a cost of around $70,000. That figure tells us they might be invited to take delivery of a Cybertruck with one motor on each axle. But take that with a grain of salt because there's no official word regarding specs and prices.However, we expect to see an entry-level rear-wheel drive version, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, and the Cybertruck Plaid with the tri-motor powertrain. It's unlikely Tesla will create a direct competitor for the quad-motor Rivian R1T Pre-tax pricing could start from $50,000, but it will most likely climb above the $100,000 threshold for the most capable all-electric pickup truck. The unit could also qualify for the whole $7,500 EV tax credit.Finally, 1.9 million pre-order holders reportedly await their shot at configuring and buying a Cybertruck. Before the events of August 23rd, 2023, the Embraer Legacy 600/650 was just another mundane twin-engine business jet with some admittedly impressive luxury features on offer. Still, it's not the kind of aircraft that common folks have much reason to pay attention to. But since DNA analysis linked Yevgeny Prigozin, the founder and leader of the Wagner mercenary group, to the remains found at the first hull-loss incident for this jet, it's suddenly at the heart of an international scandal orbiting the larger War in Ukraine. When these DNA reports indisputably tying the man who tried to overthrow Vladimir Putin two months ago circulated to global news outlets, It forever tarnished the Legacy of a jet with a nearly flawless safety record that included no loss-of-hull incidents on its airframe. Through no fault whatsoever on the part of Embraer, the events of this day might come to this top-quality private jet as the plane that became Prigozin's tomb, at least among war history buffs.Derived from the Embraer ERJ family of regional passenger jets, the Legacy 600 is one of the most desirable and luxurious biz-jets available. It competes with the likes of Bombardier, Dassault, and Gulfstream in the uber-competitive small-to-medium class business jet sector, one that's very familiar to the Russian oligarchs who founded the Wagner group in 2013. The particular Legacy 600 that claimed the lives of Prigozin, his Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin, and its head of logistics and security Valery Chekalov was manufactured by Embraer in Brazil in 2007 before being registered to a Slovenian company and changed hands several times before it was sold to the Wagner group in 2018 and then to its leader Prigozin in 2020.Dubbed "Putin's Chef" due to his many lucrative catering deals with the Kremlin and its associated organizations, Prigozin's astonishing $1 billion estimated net worth made acquiring the nearly $10 million used aircraft plus the $6,700 per hour operating costs feel like a walk in the park. According to Embraer themselves, the company hadn't conducted maintenance on this Legacy 600 since 2019, owing to international sanctions imposed on the Wagner group resulting from their alleged operations to interfere with the 2018 U.S. Senate elections.But between 2002 and 2020, not a single accident related to anything other than pilot error had ever been attributed to a Legacy 600-class jet. The only notable incident previously occurred during a mid-air collision between an ExcelAire Legacy 600 and a Gol Transportes Aeros Boeing 737-800, where the Boeing jet crashed, killing all but seven of the passengers aboard while the Legacy landed safely and was promptly repaired.As Russian authorities continue to comb through the debris field, it's anyone's guess if the true nature of the crash that occurred that day will ever become clear. All investigators have to work with now is whatever data is recovered from its black box, as well as camera phone footage of the jet plummeting to the ground with what appeared to be either a missing wing, vertical stabilizer, or both. The comparatively large debris field, which includes the twin Rolls-Royce AE 3007A2 turbofan engines, appears to indicate either a missile, either from a fighter jet or a surface-to-air missile comlpex, or an onboard bomb was to blame for the catastrophic event. A tragedy that took the lives of seven passengers and three crew.With the Russian occupation of Ukraine still very much in effect, the loss of one of the war's most important figureheads is bringing unanticipated consequences to the world of private aviation. Because of this war, the reputation of one of the safest business jets in modern aviation will forever be tarnished by a conflict it had nothing to do with. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) advocates rushed to absolve them of wrongdoing after Automobilwoche declared they had nothing to do with the fire that destroyed the Fremantle Highway. Their story is based on something published by Automotive Logistics stating all 500 BEVs carried by the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo ship were on the lower decks, allegedly based on another story from NL Times in which Peter Berdowski would have declared this. The problem is that the Boskalis CEO hasn't. The salvage company denied that it or its executives ever disclosed that information. In other words, all stories announcing that rely on a puff of nothingness. ICE Photo: via RTL Niews/edited by autoevolution BEV Photo: Kustwacht/Dutch Coastal Guard These are the precise words Boskalis sent me:"We are not providing a count of cars driven off or a specification of the engine type ( plug-in hybrid /full EV), and please be advised that Boskalis never makes statements about the cause of a marine accident and, in this case, a fire. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the authorities and specialized investigation parties acting on behalf of insurers."That is more than enough to realize we have no idea which vehicles escaped from the blaze. Boskalis also clearly said we will never hear it from them, which makes perfect sense. Although salvage contracts usually involve only the ship owner and the salvage company, they indirectly include the customers who were having their goods transported, such as automakers. Unless it was a legal obligation to disclose what was left in the burned ship, the decision to inform the public about what was or wasn't saved belongs to Boskalis' clients. That is what made the leaked Fremantle Highway pictures so controversial and so revealing.One of these images seems to show at least one Porsche Taycan among the burned cars, which contradicts the idea that the 500 BEVs were not among the ones that burned. To be precise, we are not talking about 500 vehicles, but rather about 498 among 3,783 automobiles, some of which look like classic cars. Some estimates said 2,700 cars combusted inside the Fremantle Highway, which would have left around 1,000 vehicles to be recovered. Even that is still up to confirmation. Some of the charred car structures merged with that of the vessel, which shows how intense the blaze was.Boskalis started removing the cars that were not consumed by the fire on August 19. The salvage company told me they are washing and off-loading all those that are in good shape from the Fremantle Highway, as you can see in the video below. These vehicles "are being parked in a designated area in the port of Eemshaven." We are yet to learn what will happen to these automobiles. It is not clear if they were affected by the seawater used to kill the fire, but journalism was undoubtedly a victim.All this could have been avoided if anyone cared to contact Boskalis and confirm what looked like the most important information so far from the only RoRo ship that did not sink after one of these massive fires. As I said before, whether or not the blaze started with ais irrelevant. What really matters in these cases is if they are also engulfed by flames. When a battery pack catches fire on its own or due to external sources it will be much harder to extinguish. Some fire departments drop the BEV inside a large water container and leave it there for a few days to ensure it will not reignite, but that is not possible for a ship in the middle of the ocean.Boskalis cannot disclose how many vehicles escaped the fire, but Dutch authorities eventually will. The automakers affected by the incident may also reveal the numbers, but that is very unlikely. Wherever the information comes from, what is clear at this point is that we do not have it. Without it, no conclusions are possible. Above all, no outlet should trust what others publish and draw conclusions from their stories. In journalism , you must always go to the source, regardless of the reputation of the writers. That did not happen for BEVs to be absolved.It does not mean that the investigations will condemn these vehicles. Although that is highly doubtful, all 498 BEVs may genuinely have waited for rescue untouched in the four lower decks of the Fremantle Highway , protected by a fifth deck that was empty. As I said in previous texts about this episode, this may even become a strategy for cargo ship companies: leaving a deck without anything for it to work as a safety barrier against blazes. However, we already had leaked pictures that suggested at least one BEV burned. On top of that, no official source denied that so far.Good stories often do not wait for you to talk to everybody you should before publishing them. It may happen that the source you need will ignore you and talk only to other outlets. None of that is an excuse for you to base your story on a story that was reportedly based on another one , especially when it is relatively easy to question and verify them. Some of journalism's major flops come from this sort of trust, which is also a way to throw the alleged successive "sources" under the bus should the information be wrong as it probably was in this case. As frustrating as it may be for the more impatient ones, the honest answer right now is: "We don't know." When we do, we'll let you know what it is, even if it takes a while. Syria denounces French, U.S. chemical weapons accusations Xinhua) 14:17, August 28, 2023 DAMASCUS, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Syria on Saturday denied U.S. and French allegations that the country used chemical weapons near Damascus in 2013. The Syrian Foreign Ministry vehemently condemned recent statements from the French Foreign Ministry and the spokesperson of the U.S. National Security Council about Syrian government forces' involvement in chemical attacks on Syrian soil, calling them "false accusations and fabricated incidents." Those pronouncements are deeply intertwined with a history of misinformation and deception, and were merely an attempt to divert attention away from the true culprits, the ministry said. The ministry mentioned the 2013 incident in Eastern Ghouta region, east of Damascus, and accused France and the United States of attempting to shroud their own roles in the matter. The United States and its Western allies have gone as far as supplying materials and chemical weapons that were reportedly used in various incidents across Syrian territories, said the ministry. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan) Google Maps has long been the preferred navigation choice for many drivers on their phones or in the car on Android Auto or CarPlay, but more users are tempted to switch to alternative software nowadays because of a growing number of issues. The latest could be an intended feature update (though it could be a bug, too) that changes how Google Maps displays search results on Android Auto.Like other Android Auto applications, Google Maps boasts voice command integration , so users can search for new destinations and points of interest hands-free. The feature allows drivers to trigger a search using a common voice command like "gas stations," with Google Maps displaying the nearby locations on the screen.The application allows users to view additional location information for each result, including the distance from their current location.A recent change that many consider a "feature update" substantially altered this behavior, making it nearly impossible to use on Android Auto.Google Maps now searches but no longer displays the results on the screen. Instead of showing a list of search results, Google Maps now uses the Google Assistant integration to read the results one by one, making it much harder for drivers to choose a result and set the navigation to a nearby location. Viewing additional information, including the distance to a found place, is also harder.It's unclear if Google changed this Google Maps feature on purpose, but at first glance, it makes sense from a distraction perspective. Google Maps showing a list of results means drivers must look at the screen to pick a new destination. As a result, they take their eyes off the road considering the search is initiated with a voice command, they are already in motion, so displaying a list of results on the screen defeats the original purpose of Google Assistant integration.With Google Maps reading out load all results, the distraction is significantly reduced, making it more difficult for drivers to pick the best result.Users explain on Google's forums that the change appeared earlier this month, so it's presumably powered by a server-side switch and not linked with a Google Maps update. It's unclear if any workaround brings the old behavior back, but if the experience is indeed activated by Google remotely, downgrading to an earlier release shouldnt make any difference.I've contacted Google to ask for more information on this feature, especially as it's unclear if it's all a bug or if this is the new intended behavior in Google Maps. In the meantime, users seem tempted to jump ship and install another navigation app , including Waze (which is also a Google-owned navigation solution) or professional software from companies like Sygic and HERE. Remember when horses were the utmost form of mobility and personal transportation? No, neither do I, since that was over a century ago. Still, one thing is undeniable, even some 135 years after Mr. Benz built the worlds first mass-produced automobile. Namely, while horses were universally used, their mechanical replacements tended to be as specialized as technologically possible. SUV Sport Utility Vehicle Photo: Renault Photo: Renault Photo: Renault While a horse was and still is able to travel all terrains and in all weathers, automobiles have segregated to such an extent that now one alone doesnt seem to suit the needs of the same Homo Sapiens that have been perfectly pleased with the horse for so many millennia.Take Renault, for example the French company just announced the name of its latest international model, an urbanbaptized Kardian. Theres an entire story behind this resounding call sign click the video below for more details about how the name was penned but the other aspect is equally intriguing. Its designated environment and the corresponding abilities.Renault hasnt revealed much about the car besides the name and platform a new urbanfor international markets. If we expand the notions urban and SUV we could conclude that they are mutually canceling.Regularly, the urban environment demands small (or very small) cars. At the same time, SUVs would have us think of the equivalent of the Swiss army knife of the automobile universe. Go just about anywhere, an all-you-need vehicle that isnt afraid to tackle rough roads on weekends but doesnt disturb the city inhabitants with coal rolls, oversized volume, or excessive noise.The Kardian is, according to the rumors, the internationalized version of Renaults Dacia sub-brand best-seller, the Sandero Stepway. The architecture would fit the bill of the Kardian, but the French have opted for a more vibrant nomenclature.The Kardian was carefully constructed using very strong sounds K, R, and D and the low vowel A. According to the French Model Naming Strategists within the Marketing Department (and yes, this is an actual remunerated occupation), the name was carefully chosen to contain internationally clear consonants. Allegedly, those are responsible for inducing an image of strength and protection to the customers, features that sit at the core of this new B-segment model.The mighty-named Renault will begin its offensive on the international markets on October 25 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and it will go on sale in the South American markets afterward. The Kardian one way to think of this name is a portmanteau between kar (car) and guardian marks the launch of Renaults new international strategy.It will be unveiled in Rio de Janeiro on 25 October at an event where Renault is set to debut its new international lineup , with the Kardian being the inceptor of the French makers new chapter of car (kar?) making.The yet-to-be-presented automobile continues an established tradition of the European make of using the hard K sound in its models nameplates. Think of the Koleos, Kaptur (initially spelled with a C, but in some languages, the symbol corresponds with a softer pronunciation), Kadjar, Kwid, or Kiger.Also, the godparents of the Kardian allude to the vivacity and liveliness of their new creation Kardi, as in cardio: sport, intense physical activity, energy. If you pronounce it the French way, the name calls to mind technology, security, and plenty of driving pleasure and agility.Hearsay has it that the Kardian a name thats already been copywrite-protected and registered in several Latin American markets draws its roots from the Dacia Sandero Stepway. However, it will be somewhat taller to hint at its SUV-for-the-city nature and feature several important safety and technology improvements. According to the rumors, adaptive cruise control and radar should come as options on the Kardian.Android Auto and Apple Car Play will also be offered in conjunction with the Renault Multisense multimedia system. The Dacializate: Dacia for everyone YouTube channel claims three driving modes will be available on the Kardian: My Sense, Sport, and Eco. The vloggers also say the new Renault will weigh around 1.1 tons with the 1.0-liter turbo engine. (The second video briefly goes over the Kardian's main features).Due to more permissive emissions regulations in the South American markets, the Kardian might also offer a 1.3-liter TCE plant and even a 1.6-liter hybrid engine with 145 horsepower. The automobile should be available to customers in early 2024, but only in the miniature 1.0-liter three-cylinder version. The broadening of the motor range for the Kardian is predicted to occur in late 2025 or possibly 2026. SUV McLaren Automotive was one of them because although it touted a big celebration of its 60th anniversary with "a huge automotive and racing presence at both The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance," they only showed stuff that was known beforehand.Sure, it's always nice to see an extensive assortment of Can-Am, Indy, and Formula 1 cars that "showcase McLaren's illustrious six-decade racing heritage." But we sure wished McLaren had done something special for the North American introduction of the McLaren 750S Spider and the arrival of the bonkers Solus GT. They could have done a special livery or something if a bespoke commission was unavailable, at the very least.On the other hand, Bugatti didn't think twice about doing the right thing in Monterey. So, they had two unique projects on display throughout the various events a ' Golden Era ' Bugatti Chiron Super Sport that took two years in the making and a gold-matching Bugatti W16 Mistral. Sure, other brands gave us even more incredible stuff, but that was just because everyone was there, including Zenvo, Czinger, or Lamborghini!But why are we ranting about McLaren and Bugatti at the same time? Well, simply because the imaginative realm of digital car content creators recently unearthed a CGI mashup to behold: the 2023 McLaren Chiron. Laughing out loud doesn't even begin to describe the outrageous premise, but we'll give it a try, nonetheless. Thus, what if Bugatti didn't partner with Rimac to start its journey toward zero emissions a few years ago and instead went for a British allegiance with McLaren Automotive?Then perhaps this McLaren Chiron would have been real instead of just the figment of AI-assisted imagination. The virtual automotive artist acting from behind the AI covers of the automotive.diffusion account on social media is surely thinking about CGI mashups after his account was on hiatus for a few weeks. And it seems the focus is on McLaren these days, as, before this quirky yet (kind of) great-looking McLaren x Chiron, he also envisioned the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato would have a lot of trouble from an off-road 720S assisted by a trio of McLaren-branded side-by-side ATVs.So, because we wanted to be thorough in our quest to extract a smile from the CGI LOL of the day, we embedded both digital projects below. Now, all that remains is to stop laughing and choose a favorite the McLaren Chiron or the 720S with more off-road chops than a tuned Ford Bronco "I will have an opportunity to speak this week with [Armenian] Prime Minister Pashinian and with [Azerbaijani] President Ilham Aliyev, Macron told French ambassadors to countries around the world. We will demand full respect for the Lachin humanitarian corridor and we will again take a diplomatic initiative in this direction internationally to increase the pressure, he said in remarks cited by French media. Macron gave no details of that initiative. Frances Le Figaro daily reported last week that Paris is preparing to submit to the UN Security Council a draft resolution designed to help Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population left on the verge of starvation. The Security Council discussed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Karabakh during an August 16 meeting initiated by Armenia. Although most of its members, including the United States, urged the lifting of the Azerbaijani blockade, the council did not adopt a relevant resolution or statement. The U.S., the European Union and Russia have repeatedly called for renewed commercial and humanitarian traffic through the sole road connecting Karabakh to Armenia. Azerbaijan has dismissed their appeals. Baku was quick to denounce Macrons latest remarks, saying that his language of pressure is unacceptable. An Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also objected to the French leaders use of the term Lachin humanitarian corridor. He said it violates Azerbaijans territorial integrity. France, which is home to a sizable Armenian community, has been the most vocal international critic of the eight-month Azerbaijani blockade. Baku has repeatedly accused Macron and other French officials of siding with Armenia in the Karabakh conflict. 28 August 2023 13:00 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan denied the information about the shelling of the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces, Azernews reports with reference to the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan. "We categorically refute the information disseminated by the Armenian Ministry of Defense that on August 27 at 23:30, units of the Azerbaijani army allegedly fired on the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces located in the direction of the settlement of Azizli," the statement said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 14:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Approaching with double standards with similar problems in the former Soviet territories by the pro-West and Western media outlets, especially French, causes dissatisfaction in Azerbaijani society toward the same mass media. When the USSR was dissolved, some part of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and later Ukraine was invaded by their neighbors under the guise of self-determination of nations. However, the point is that even though the 4 mentioned countries suffer from the same problem today, the approach from the West does not seem unambiguous. Especially when the issue is related to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as Garabagh, the pro-West (in the former Soviet territories) and the Western media, including the French press, try to present the problems in a completely different direction, that is, in the discussion of the same problems, Azerbaijan is distinguished from the other three post-Soviet countries, and the targets are completely directed against Azerbaijan. Take Rain TV for example. Rain TV is a Russian TV which broadcasts from Europe. When the 44-day war broke out in 2020 with the attack of Armenia on Azerbaijans territories, Rain TV sent one of its correspondents to Armenia and the other one to Azerbaijan. The TV allowed Armenian propagandists to tell the "truth" about the events. The TV substantiated its act as media impartiality. However, when the Ukrainian war started the same TV never sent its correspondents to the invaded Ukrainian territories and allowed any Russian propagandists to speak to the TV. This time Rain TV substantiated its act by not trivializing the violation of territorial integrity. When Ukraine security services arrested Russian agents the pro-West and Western media broadcasted it as a legal act done by the Ukrainian side. But when Azerbaijan arrested Vagif Khachatryan, who had tortured the Azerbaijani POWs and cauterized them with red-hot cress, the same media interpreted it as "kidnapping". When Ukraine blew up the Crimean Bridge, the Western media supported it by saying that Russia uses the bridge not only for humanitarian issues but also for weapon transportation. Later Ukraine was provided with the Franco-British missile SCALP (Storm) which can hit the bridge. However, when Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road which Armenians used not only for humanitarian issues but also for illegal weapon transportation, the same media made a fuss and accused Azerbaijan of pursuing policy of "ethnic cleansing". French media never criticized their state for providing Ukraine with weapons can hit the Bridge which is the only plausible route for Crimeans. But the same French media, besides inappropriately criticizing Azerbaijan, also called for the imposition of sanctions against Azerbaijan. As a matter of course, such a position of the West and France towards Azerbaijan not only forms a negative opinion against the double standards of the West in the society, but also completely discredits the image of the Western press. Even those media organizations that supposedly tried to defend Ukraine and other post-Soviet states raised a number of questions about their biased activities among the society. To clarify the crux of the matter, Azernews learned the opinion of Maxime Gauin, Associate Professor at ADA University, a researcher at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy. He said that it is not frequently as brutal as said but there is a difference of treatment. He emphasized Armenians due to the threats, playing victim cards and business-to-business relations through lobbies, and a lack of appropriate replies from the Turkic side make Western media stand with Armenia. Unlike the Armenian diaspora, the Russian diaspora never had groups using electoral blackmail, threats on life of journalists, and corruption in order to promote the re-creation of the Empires of the Tsars. In France, journalists were openly threatened with death during the 2020 war, only because they revealed the participation of neo-Nazis in the ranks of the Armenian army. Others received the same threats for a report on the Azerbaijani civilian victims of the Armenian bombings, Maxime Gauin noted. Besides, he said that not the media organs, but some journalists with unknown reasons choose to stand with Armenia. He exemplified Alexandre Devecchio and Jean-Christope Buissone. Currently, the problems with this daily issues come almost entirely from two editors, Alexandre Devecchio (as a result of his proximity with the Kremlin) and Jean-Christophe Buisson, who found in the Armenian cause a compensation to his personal problems (he is notorious for his sad face at the public events, such as the concerts, in Paris). Obviously, the Armenian nationalist leadership encouraged them, and, in the case of Jean-Christophe Buisson, was at the origin of his stance on the issue. Concerning France 24, it is more mixed, because they interviewed Elchin Amirbayov recently and organized a debate between him and ARF leader Franck Mourad Papazian during the clashes of April 2016 (what is sometimes called the Four Days War). One of the main sources of problems is the fact that they have a correspondent in Yerevan but not in Baku. I think the Azerbaijani side should be more optimistic about this TV channel and take initiatives to obtain interviews of Ambassador Leyla Abdullayeva and leaders of French Azerbaijani NGOs, Maxime Gauin said. He elaborated that Jean-Christophe Buisson is not happy in his life and he has the testimonies of several persons who attended the same public events as him. Even the music he likes does make disappear the sad expression on his face. For unknown reasons, he finds in the support for the Armenian cause something that makes sense, something that brings joy and motivation in his life. I would rather say that defending the Armenian claims fills an empty space nothing has filled yet. He added that some Armenian businessmen have shares of media outlets and it also impacts the vision of media as well. ARF leader Franck Mourad Papazian has a minority part of the shares of Liberation. Something more frequent is the infiltration of Armenian nationalists in the staff (the archetypal example being Valerie Toranian, ex-wife of former ASALA leader Jean-Marc Ara Toranian) and the harassment of ethnic Armenian journalists who are not particularly nationalist, but who do not want to be isolated. A clear example for the second category is Christian Makarian, he concluded. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more The 21st century has already begun to break the dogmas established by many empires and powerful states as an era of realities. For example, with the collapse of the Soviet empire, a number of states were recognized as fully independent states, while ensuring their territorial integrity. However, there are also some empires that, although they try to maintain themselves as imperialists, internal protests and pressures lead them to destruction. Because as is known, according to Newton's Third Law of Motion 'for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'. The more the pressure increases, the more it creates the opposite effect. The current situation in France shows exactly that. Currently, Paris is on the verge of saying goodbye to Africa. The reason is very simple - violation of human rights, racism and colonialism. Unless France abandons its outdated behavior, in the near future, other territories will have to completely withdraw from its control. France detaches from Niger Sections of the military had staged a coup against Mohamed Bazoum, Nigers democratically elected president, just before 3 August, the countrys National Day, when it marked 63 years since gaining nominal independence from France in 1960. Crowds were chanting Down with France as they targeted the countrys embassy, smashing windows and setting fire to perimeter walls. As Bazoum remained under house arrest, his close allies in Paris feared that the safety of westerners could no longer be guaranteed. A bullish statement from the Elysee Palace vowed that Emmanuel Macron will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests. If anybody was hurt, retaliation would come immediately and uncompromisingly, said Macron, sounding every inch the imperial master issuing a stark warning to unruly natives causing trouble more than 2,000 miles away. After three weeks, on Tuesday, the African Union strongly opposed the military intervention in Niger by any non-African countries that Macron conceived. For him, of course, there remains a loophole to arrange his punitive expedition to Niger through a smaller bloc - the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS). But even there, Paris faces problems. The other day, an attempt to involve Nigeria, the largest ECOWAS country with a serious army, failed in this matter. Its president rushed to loudly support the invasion, but parliament intervened and banned the participation of the Nigerian military in the operation. At the moment, only one country with a relatively large army is ready to participate in it - Senegal. Two more states - Benin and Cote d'Ivoire - can only send symbolic contingents. Meanwhile, it will not only be Niger itself that will oppose the operation. Neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso have already pledged to treat the attack on Niger as an attack on themselves. The current Niger crisis can thus be linked to former colonial relationships being restructured as Francafrique a formidable neocolonial nexus across sub-Saharan Africa encompassing economic, political, security and cultural ties and alliances centred on the French language and values. Paris' dependence on Niger's uranium To operate the fifty-six nuclear reactors in France's eighteen power plants, operator EDF requires an average of around 8,000 tons of natural uranium every year. Following the cessation of mining on French soil in the early 2000s, France turned to several countries simultaneously for its supplies. Therefore Niger is considered one of France's top three uranium suppliers. According to the report on a website, for the time being, Orano has announced that it will continue its mining activities, despite the ongoing tensions in Niger. "To date, activities at the operational sites in Arlit and at the headquarters in Niamey are continuing with an adapted organization in the context of the curfew in place throughout Niger." How France earns the hatred of Africa There are several important reasons for the rise of African resistance to France. One of them is that Paris interferes much more in the politics of its former colonies than do other former colonial empires. Seven of the nine francophone countries in West Africa do not even have their own currency, but use the so-called CFA franc - guaranteed by Paris and depriving them of the tools to conduct their own financial policy. Paris has entangled the region not only with a network of military bases, but also created corrupt puppet regimes there, whose leaders, in collusion with the Parisian elites, have been stealing and oppressing their peoples for decades. At the same time, the white gentlemen in Paris, ranting about democracy, like to support regimes on the Black Continent that are based on minorities - the Fulani, the Tuareg, the Arabs. And only when these African friends of France quarrel with Paris, human rights activists and liberal media immediately find signs of authoritarianism, facts of human rights violations and evidence of corruption in them. So, for example, it happened with the former president of Chad, Idriss Deby, with the former leader of Burkina Faso - both were declared "scoundrels" despite their decades-long friendship with Paris. The other reason is that French leaders are destabilizing entire parts of that continent. For example, blaming Paris for the recent fall of the pro-French regime in Mali, Western liberal media write that the country has been destabilized as a result of the relocation of extremist groups that have bred in Libya since 2011. But who toppled the government of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and wreaked havoc there in which jihadist groups flourished? Ah, the president of the then France did this to cover up the traces of the bribes he took from lynched leader. In general, the situation facing France is an inadequate approach both in power and in the traditional political administration inherited from them. For this reason, France began to lose its reputation in Africa. Now those traditional methods are no longer useful. In the colonies, the puppet rulers no longer have the power they once had, and the dominance of the will of the people cuts off the connection between Paris and those vassals. The overthrow of the pro-French puppet regime in Niger is just the latest example of what rotten regimes Paris supports. Since 1990, 78 percent of all 27 coups d'etat in Sub-Saharan Africa have taken place in Francophone states. This interesting statistic speaks volumes about Paris. After all, the problem is not only in the long history of colonial oppression of non-European peoples - all Western countries (and the Russian Empire as part of the West) have polluted themselves in this monstrous policy, and Africans still have to deal with its consequences. Another thing is more important, as elementary statistics show, for some reason there are still much more problems in those non-Western countries where there is traditionally a serious French influence, usually associated with French colonization. Moving on the way to nowhere Imperialism may seem like a regime that will last forever. Even those who run that regime can be extremely powerful and financially rich. But in the end, all empires are doomed to collapse - this has been repeated at all stages of history. For example, the Soviet regime also lasted for 70 years, but eventually went bankrupt. Today, France is experiencing the same fate. France believes that African states are left in the 19th century. However, today's Macron government is not aware that times have changed. Now, as everywhere else, people in Africa understand all political ambitions. No African is willing to sacrifice his life for a French noble anymore. Already, Algeria sees and understands France's political crimes transparently. They understand that the hatred and racism against them is hidden in the false concept of democracy of those noble people in and around the French government. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 18:27 (UTC+04:00) SMEs that want to start and expand their business in a relevant area can benefit from market research on the fish market, Azernews reports, citing KOBIA. On the initiative of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), an internal fish market study was carried out. The market research considers the size of the fish market in Azerbaijan, the dynamics of development of this sphere in recent years, the market share of endemic and imported fish species, import and export of fish, factors influencing the choice of consumers, as well as issues of interest to entrepreneurs and those wishing to start a business in this area related to fish production. Market research on the fish market can be found on the KOBIA website. It should be noted that 26 internal market studies have been carried out at the initiative of the Agency, based on surveys conducted by KOBIA among entrepreneurs and applications received. Entrepreneurs can use these market studies, covering the food and non-food sectors, free of charge. At the same time, entrepreneurs can utilize the government support mechanism for conducting internal market research in their areas of interest. The ownership of a market research report conducted at the request of an entrepreneur belongs only to that entrepreneur and is not disclosed to the public. State support of up to AZN 20,000 is provided for such investigations. SMEs that want to start a business in various fields, and create new products and services can apply to KOBIA for market research. For more information. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 17:00 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more BN Team Orchestra has presented an unforgettable show in Baku, which melted the hearts of Korean drama fans. Over the past years, Korean television series have gained worldwide popularity. Mesmerizing script, brilliant acting, wonderful music and an excellent cast stand behind the success of K-dramas globally. The concert program was full of beloved soundtracks that had captivated the audience at Heydar Aliyev Palace. The listeners were immediately struck by the orchestra's flawless performance and the fact that the conductor was able to bring out every nuance of emotion from the music. One of the highlights of the evening was when the orchestra played the theme songs from the award-winning Korean dramas "Boys Over Flowers" (2009), "Descendants of the Sun" (2016), "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (2017),etc. The performance of vocalists was so evocative that K-drama fans sang along, swaying to the rhythm of the music. It was a truly unforgettable moment that demonstrated the power of music to unite people from different cultures . As the concert drew to a close, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. From the fascinating program to the unique atmosphere, this was a truly exceptional event that showcased the incredible talent of the orchestra. After the concert, the orchestra's directors Yernar Nurtazin and Berik Batyrkhan shared their impressions from the show with AZERNEWS. "We express our great gratitude to our brotherly Turkic nation - the Azerbaijani people for the warm welcome and great applause! It is a great honor for us to perform on the stage of the Heydar Aliyev Palace, where most of the world-famous figures have performed," the orchestra's directors said. "BN Team Orchestra has celebrated one year since its foundation in Baku. That is why this city has a special meaning for us. We all were warmly welcomed in Baku. Thank you for the incredible amount of feedback after the concert, as well as in all our social networks. We are looking forward new spectacular concerts and projects," they added. Yernar Nurtazin and Berik Batyrkhan also expressed their gratitude to the Azerbaijani audience for their high respect to art. "We were pleasantly surprised that the audience in Baku try not to be late for concerts and come on time. We highly appreciate this attitude towards art and creativity. Moreover, the crowd also sang along and knew most of the songs at the concert "The World of Turkish Series", which took place on the same day. All this cannot but rejoice. There was a great chemistry between us, musicians and audience. Thank you very much, Baku! See you again!," BN Team directors said. In the near future, BN Team Orchestra will thrill the audience with a concert program themed "Naruto". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 10:22 (UTC+04:00) The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry shared a post on X (former Twitter) to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Balligaya massacre, Azernews reports. The post noted that 31 years ago the Armenian armed forces committed a horrifying massacre in the Balligaya village, Goranbay district of Azerbaijan. In this massacre, 24 Azerbaijani civilians including 6 minors, as well as a 6-month-old baby and a 93-year-old woman were brutally killed. On this day, 31 years ago, a horrifying massacre was committed by the Armenian armed forces in the village of #Balligaya, Goranboy region of Azerbaijan, when 24 Azerbaijani civilians including 6 minors, as well as a 6-month-old baby and a 93-year-old woman were brutally killed. pic.twitter.com/1NzrjBnsQu MFA Azerbaijan (@AzerbaijanMFA) August 28, 2023 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 12:15 (UTC+04:00) 30 people of Armenian origin in 9 vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) traveled with no any hindrance through the Lachin State Border checkpoint to Armenia, Azernews reports. It is reported that 9 of them traveled to Armenia for medical treatment. It should be noted that this once again demonstrates the absence of any obstacles to the crossing of the Lachin checkpoint by the Armenian residents of Garabagh and serves as further proof that Armenia's claims about Azerbaijan's alleged "blockade" of the Lachin road are false. It should be recalled that in order to prevent the illegal transfer of manpower, ammunition, mines, and other military equipment from Armenia to Armenian armed formations on the territory of Azerbaijan, contrary to the trilateral statement of 10 November 2020, and in accordance with the unilateral establishment by Armenia of a border checkpoint at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road on the border with Azerbaijan on 22 April, at 12:00 on 23 April, the units of the State Border Guard Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the sovereign territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan established a border crossing point on the Lachin-Khankendi road. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 18:07 (UTC+04:00) In recent years, there has been an increase in the interest of foreigners in health tourism in Azerbaijan, expert economist Vugar Bayramov said, Azernews reports. According to him, the number of guests from the Persian Gulf countries in Azerbaijan in the summer months continues to decline. In general, according to the State Border Service, the number of tourists arriving in Azerbaijan in the first 7 months of this year increased by 37.4 percent compared to the same period last year and reached 1 million 143 thousand people. The geographical structure of tourists arriving in Azerbaijan has changed compared to previous years, with an increase in the number of Europeans and a decrease in the number of Arab tourists. Thus, during this period, the number of arrivals from CIS countries increased 1.7 times to 477.1 thousand people, the number of arrivals from EU member countries increased by 36.5 percent to 57.2 thousand people, the number of arrivals from the Persian Gulf countries decreased by 8.6 percent to 185.4 thousand people. The decrease in the number of Arab tourists, and growing interest in alternative tourist markets, This is due to the still high prices of tourism in Azerbaijan. The increase in arrivals from Europe is due to an increase in business travelers and a growing special interest in the region as a whole. "At the same time, recent years have seen an increase in foreigners' interest in health tourism in Azerbaijan. After the energy sector, tourism is the sector that brings the most foreign exchange to the country. More than 3 million tourists visited the country in 2019, and foreigners spent about $2.6 billion in Azerbaijan this year. From this point of view, it is important to update the country of origin of tourists, especially to strengthen cooperation in this field with countries located in Europe and Southeast Asia. This can increase the stability of tourism revenues," the expert noted. The country has a long history of providing medical services to visitors from around the world, dating back to the Soviet era. Today, Azerbaijan offers a wide range of treatments, from traditional medicine to cutting-edge treatments. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics, and a highly skilled medical workforce. Azerbaijan has seen an increase in medical tourism in recent years due to its attractive prices and high quality of care. The country offers a variety of treatments, from cosmetic surgery to fertility treatments, and is becoming increasingly popular with those seeking medical treatments abroad. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 15:21 (UTC+04:00) The Embassy of Azerbaijan sent a note of protest to the Russian Foreign Ministry due to the holding of an event in Yekaterinburg on the occasion of the "30th anniversary of the founding of the Talish-Mugan Autonomous Republic", Azernews reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Embassy Russia. According to the ministry, the event was directed "against the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of the country. The so-called Talish-Mugan Autonomous Republic was a self-proclaimed autonomous republic within the Republic of Azerbaijan, formed by the attempt of some forces on the territory of seven regions in the south of the country taking advantage of the vacuum in power at the time. It lasted no more than three month in 1993. The event was held in the Ural capital on 7 August. The event was attended by the chairman of the Yekaterinburg City Duma, Igor Volodin. The embassy believes that "this step of the representative of the ruling party of Russia" promotes separatism and contradicts the "spirit of allied interaction" between Azerbaijan and Russia. In addition to the note of protest, Ambassador Polad Bulbul oglu addressed a letter to the governor of the Sverdlovsk region Yevgeny Kuyvashev with a strong protest from Azerbaijan. Shahin Shikhlinski, head of the public national-cultural organization "Azerbaijan-Ural", functioning in Yekaterinburg, sent appeals to the administrative bodies of Yekaterinburg. Diplomats are now awaiting an official response from the Russian side. The embassy hopes that "immediate measures" will be taken against Igor Volodin and the organizers of the event, and that there will be no such "provocative steps" in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 19:10 (UTC+04:00) One of the vivid examples of genocide policy on the part of Armenia is its committing genocide in Balligaya, Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva said in her Facebook post on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the Balligaya massacre, Azernews reports, citing Ombudsman. "Armenian armed forces committed a massacre of Azerbaijani civilians in the village of Balligaya in Goranboy district on 28 August 1992. During this tragedy, which is one of the acts of genocide committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis, civilians, including six minors, were mercilessly killed in defiance of all international legal norms and universal human values," the publication reads. The massacre of the peaceful Azerbaijani population in Balligaya village was committed by Armenians around 5:00 (GMT+4) on 28 August 1992. A diversionary group of the Armenian army consisting of 10-12 people entered the village and committed brutal murders of 24 people, nine people were seriously wounded. The Balligaya Massacre: An Example of Armenian Genocide Policy The Balligaya massacre is one of many instances of violence and human rights abuses committed by Armenian forces in the Garabagh region. In the early 1990s, Armenia launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijani population in the region. The campaign included mass killings, forced displacement, and the destruction of homes and villages. The Balligaya massacre is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by Armenia in the Garabagh region. The massacre is a reminder of the need for justice and accountability for the victims and their families. It is also a reminder of the need for the international community to take action to prevent future acts of genocide and other human rights abuses. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution proclaiming the 26th January as the International Day of Clean Energy, the anniversary day of the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009, Azernews reports citing the official website of the Agency. By selecting the 26th January, the 193 Member States of the UNGA acknowledge IRENAs leading role in accelerating the global, renewables-based energy transition. Welcoming the UN resolution, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: It is with much enthusiasm that I applaud the UN and its Member States, including the United Arab Emirates and Panama as co-facilitators of the resolution, on their decision to create an International Day of Clean Energy. It is proof, that since the foundation of IRENA on the 26th of January 2009, the energy transition has taken centre-stage to fight climate change, enhance human welfare and drive an urgent and systemic shift for increased energy access, reduced inequalities, improved energy security, and prosperous and resilient economies and societies. By creating a day focused on clean energy, the UN underscores the importance of inclusivity and offers a dedicated day for both traditional and non-traditional actors to showcase their contributions to more affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy systems that ultimately help accelerate progress towards the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. La Camera added: Launching an International Day of Clean Energy is a powerful way to remind the world of its commitment to universal clean energy access and meeting the Paris Agreement climate goal. With COP28 in Dubai approaching, this UN decision highlights the need for a unified global approach to energy issues. In line with IRENAs 1.5C scenario and the COP28 agenda, the UN resolution emphasises the need to increase the share of renewables and clean energy by 2030 for a just and sustainable energy transition. IRENAs World Energy Transitions Outlook calls for a tripling of annual renewable power capacity additions from around 300 gigawatts (GW) to 1000 GW on average until 2030 globally. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00) An initial agreement has been reached with Turkmenistan regarding the import of gas for the operation of their power plants, announced Iraqi authorities, Azernews reports, citing Central Asian Light. The agreement between the two countries was reached after negotiations in Ashgabat, Iraq's Deputy Minister of Oil responsible for gas supplies, Ezzat Sabir said. Details will be reflected in the relevant agreement. "The agreement, which will be signed closer to the end of the year, will determine the volumes of gas that Turkmenistan will supply to Iraq," reported Orient.tam, citing Sabir. The import of natural gas will be required to meet part of the country's power plant needs. Sabir referred to the agreement as a significant step in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan, which is one of the most important gas-producing countries in the region and the world. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 21:40 (UTC+04:00) Georgian sailors saved the lives of 10 migrants from an inflatable boat in the Atlantic Ocean last week, Georgian media outlet Batumelebi Netgazeti reported on Monday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. Giorgi Gogitidze, one of the sailors onboard the vessel that rescued the group, told Batumelebi Tengo Diasamidze, a Senior Assistant to the Captain, noticed the small boat in the Gulf of Cadiz, 185 kilometres west of Gibraltar. When he looked through the binoculars, the people on the boat were calling for help. He immediately informed the Captain, Aleko Surmanidze. The Captain made a decision that we would help, Gogitidze said. Batumelebi said the group on the boat were Moroccan citizens who had left the city of Mohammed on August 15 to attempt to reach the coast of Spain, but ended up in the open sea without food, drinking water or other supplies. The Georgian sailors lowered a rescue ladder into the ocean and pulled out the migrants in their effort. We provided them with first aid, gave them clothes, and applied medicine to the sunburned ones. They told us they would not have been able to survive this evening if not for us", Gogitidze said. The sailor told the outlet the migrants were eventually taken from the vessel by the Spanish border police. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 28 August 2023 20:35 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Sunday strongly condemned a recent attack on a mosque in the Greek Cypriot administration, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. After a Molotov cocktail was hurled on Saturday at the Koprulu Haci Ibrahim Aga Mosque in the city of Limassol, Yilmaz said that the act was "a clear attack on human rights, democracy, freedom of thought and belief." "Communal peace and human values were targeted in this act of arson," he said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Yilmaz also underlined that the attack was another manifestation of rising Islamophobia in Europe in recent years. The attack was also condemned by other Turkish officials and politicians, including the head of the country's Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) Ali Erbas and the spokesman of the Justice and Development (AK) Party Omer Celik. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Theresa Opeka The Office of State Budget and Management's (OSBM) North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) didn't ensure state funds were spent appropriately. That's according to an audit released by State Auditor Beth Wood's office.The audit spanned the period of May 24, 2021, through June 30, 2022.The audit concluded that NCPRO didn't design and implement procedures to ensure that $635 million in State Fiscal Recovery Funds were spent per State Fiscal Recovery Fund legislation or that programs operated by recipients of those funds achieved legislatively intended results.As a result, there was an increased risk that funds could have been misused without being detected and corrected promptly, and NCPRO had limited ability to know if this was occurring.Legislation signed by Gov. Roy Cooper in May of 2020 directed his Office of State Budget and Management to set up a temporary North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office. The two pieces of legislation passed at that time spent almost $1.6 billion for public health and safety, educational needs, small business assistance, and state government operations. The legislation also directed the OSBM to oversee and coordinate federal COVID-19 funds.North Carolina received $5.4 billion in financial assistance for the State Fiscal Recovery Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in 2021. On May 24, 2021, the General Assembly enacted Session Law (S.L.) 2021-25 which established the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, in which the federal funds would be appropriated to various entities across the state.The State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) was established to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts, to respond to workers performing essential work, to provide for government services, including revenue reductions due to the pandemic, and making necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.S.L. 2021-25 required OSBM to administer the SFRF to carry out the law's provisions and ensure the proper reporting and accounting of the SFRF.OSBM's NCPRO is responsible for providing technical assistance, ensuring coordination of federal funds received by state agencies and local governments, and ensuring proper reporting and accounting of all funds.Auditors tested all 56 (100%) monthly expense reports submitted by recipients of SFRFs to determine whether NCPRO reviewed the expense reports for inclusion of the required information for the reporting period and whether they independently verified recipient spending by comparing supporting documents (i.e., invoices, receipts, payroll records) to expenditures reported by the recipients.They also tested all 55 (100%) program reports submitted by the 17 recipients and 55 programs that received SFRF disbursements to determine whether the recipients and programs had an objective for what they would do with the funds, goals for how they would accomplish the objectives demonstrated how progress toward meeting their goals would be measured, and a timeline for achieving the goals.Auditors tested all (100%) of the project plans submitted by 55 recipients that received SFRF disbursements through June 30, 2022, and found one (2%) recipient totaling $12.6 million reported objectives for what they would do with the funds but not goals for how they would accomplish their objectives.Auditors found that NCPRO distributed $635 million SFRFs with limited monitoring and without ensuring recipients had a method to measure results.Specifically, NCPRO didn't independently verify spending as of May 2023. They also distributed the funds without ensuring that all recipients had an objective for what they would do with the funds, had goals for accomplishing the objectives, demonstrated how progress toward meeting the goal would be measured, and had a timeline for achieving the goal.Of the $635 million distributed, $575 million (90%) was distributed to prime recipients to be used directly by the prime recipients for specific purposes, and $61 million (10%) to prime recipients to be provided to and used by sub-recipients for specific purposes.Some of the limited monitoring from NCPRO included reviewing required spending plans and providing guidance to prime recipients on allowable uses of the funds using Standard Operating Procedures. However, prior to February 2023, NCPRO had not independently verified prime recipient spending to ensure that it was spent in accordance with SFRF legislation.For prime recipients that received SFRFs to be provided to sub-recipients for specific purposes, NCPRO provided training on how to monitor the use of SFRFs by sub-recipients and required prime recipients to develop a monitoring plan for each sub-recipient to whom it provided funds to. But NCPRO did not require prime recipients to submit monitoring plans for review and approval. As of May 2023, NCPRO had not independently verified that prime recipient agencies monitored the use of SFRFs by sub-recipients.All of the information NCPRO used for monitoring to date was self-reported by prime recipients. NCPRO did not independently verify that prime recipient spending was accurate and spent in accordance with SFRF legislation or independently verified that prime recipient agency monitoring procedures were implemented or effective.Auditors say NCPRO management plans to perform audits of certain SFRF prime recipients, and as of May, they were currently in the planning stages of seven SFRF audits.The audits include procedures to determine whether prime recipients spent funds in accordance with SFRF legislation and whether prime recipients monitored sub-recipients use of SFRFs. However, by the time these audits are completed, more than a year will have passed since recipients began receiving and expending SFRFs.This isn't the first time NCPRO was audited for the same issues. Wood's office said a May 2021 audit produced the same results.While NCPRO has taken additional measures to provide oversight of emergency relief funds it has the responsibility for administering since the May 2021 audit. Auditors say the results of this audit indicate that there are further opportunities for improvement in the oversight and monitoring of emergency relief funds.They say auditing recipient use of SFRFs after the funds have been expended instead of independently verifying on a more regular basis limits NCPRO's ability to know whether funds were achieving legislatively intended results and take timely corrective action, if necessary,OSBM told auditors that NCPRO management had delegated the responsibility of monitoring the use of SFRFs to the administering agencies and that they required all agencies to sign a memorandum of understanding, which included developing a monitoring plan, in order to receive the funds. Wood's office said NCPRO management retained the responsibility for monitoring as the state's administering agency of SFLF.Recommendations from auditors include that NCPRO should develop policies and procedures to ensure all recipients have objectives and goals for what they will do with the funds, measure their progress, and have a timeline for achieving their goals.They should also independently verify prime recipient spending and ensure that prime recipient agencies monitor the use of SFRFs timely to ensure funds are being spent in accordance with SFRF legislation.In addition, the General Assembly should consider including specific monitoring requirements in future legislation regarding the spending of SFRFs or other emergency relief funds.Kristin Walker, state budget director, responded to the report saying theyand many of the strategies that have been recommended in the report have been or are in the process of being implemented.Auditors, however, said they needed to respond because even though OSBM agreed with the results and discussed several planned corrective actions, the audit did not verify or validate the corrective actions included in OSBM's response, as the audit period was May 24, 2021, through June 30, 2022.Therefore, the audit doesn't provide any assurance as to whether the OSBM's statements regarding corrective actions are accurate. The New York Post has exposed what was intended to be a secret meeting between top assistants of DOJ-appointed Special Prosecutor Jack Smith and top Biden White House staffers just weeks before Smith initiated his charges against Trump. An FBI representative was also present. The fools had their meetings at the White House, so the journalists from the Post were able to dig this information out from the White House visitor logs. https://nypost.com/2023/08/26/biden-staffers-met-with-special-counsel-jack-smiths-aides-before-trump-indictment/ https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2023/08/27/new-senior-deputy-to-jack-smith-met-with-white-house-counsels-office-just-weeks-before-trump-indictment-n2163089 Meanwhile, new documents show even more collusion between the DOJ and David Weiss, the special prosecutor handling the Hunter Biden cover up. Special Prosecutors are supposed to be independent, but those in the Biden regime clearly are not. https://redstate.com/jimthompson/2023/08/28/new-tranche-of-emails-appears-to-expose-coordination-between-doj-and-david-weiss-n2163138 https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/08/28/emails-show-david-weiss-collaborated-subvert-house-probe-hunter-biden-case/ This just further emphasizes how our "justice" system is being abused badly by the Biden regime to try to manipulate the 2024 election. Reported yesterday, there were two more examples of the crime that Biden is bringing to our country with his wave of illegal alien migrant invaders. In Texas, an illegal alien from Guatamala who had been released into the US interior by Biden's DHS was arrested for the rape and murder of an 11 year old girl. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/08/27/illegal-alien-freed-into-u-s-bidens-hhs-denied-bail-allegedly-raping-murdering-11-year-old-girl/ In Virginia, a law enforcement officer has a fractured skull and vertebrae and likely permanent disability, inflicted by a Nicaraguan woman who entered the US 7 months ago as part of Biden's "parole pipeline". https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/08/27/report-bidens-parole-pipeline-welcomed-illegal-alien-now-accused-fracturing-police-officers-skull/ It is way past time to round them up and send them home. Arson has been the main cause of European wildfires this season, as opposing to the sparking downed power lines in Maui.. Greece has just announced the arrest of 13 illegal aliens from Syria and Pakistan for arson in starting wildfires near the Turkish border. There had been several wildfires recently near Alexandroupolis that had been extinguished. A local businessman saw thirteen illegal aliens trying to start a wildfire, enlisted two other Greeks and made a citizens arrest, locking them in a storeroom and calling police.. The local prosecutor has now charged the 13 with arson. https://rmx.news/greece/13-pakistani-and-syrian-migrants-arrested-for-arson-as-deadly-wildfires-erupt-near-greek-border/ There have been a number of instances in America where illegal aliens have been apprehended for lighting wildfires, and there have also been some cases of environmental activists lighting them, too. Pakistani physician Muhammad Masood, MD, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. From January 2020 to March 2020, Dr. Masood, who was formerly employed as a research coordinator at a medical clinic in Rochester, Minn., used encrypted messaging to facilitate his travel overseas to join ISIS, according to an Aug. 25 news release from the Justice Department. He pledged his allegiance to ISIS and expressed his desire to conduct "lone wolf" terrorist attacks in the U.S. On Feb 21, 2020, he purchased a plane ticket from Chicago to Anman, Jordan, and planned to travel to Syria. His plans changed after Jordan closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Masood then agreed to fly from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to meet up with someone who he believed would help him with travel via cargo ship. On March 19, 2020, Dr. Masood was arrested by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force on his arrival to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Samson Orusa, MD, was sentenced to seven years in prison and to pay more than $1 million in restitution for 13 counts of healthcare fraud. Dr. Orusa, 61, billed federal health insurers $1,885,245 for hundreds of medically unnecessary services, including requiring patients to visit his clinic in Clarksville, Tenn., as many as six times per month to obtain their prescriptions, according to an Aug. 25 news release from the Justice Department. He also altered progress visit notes in patients' medical records to justify higher billing rates. Dr. Orusa was charged with 45 criminal violations, including the 13 healthcare fraud charges, in 2018, according to the release. He was convicted of all fraud charges and all but nine charges for illegal distribution of oxycodone. In addition to his 84-month prison sentence, Dr. Orusa was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay more than $1 million in restitution, was fined $195,000 and must forfeit previously seized assets worth approximately $900,000, according to the release. William Gardner, DDS, was arrested a second time for practicing dentistry without a license, KOB4 reported Aug. 25. An investigator told the news station that Mr. Gardner was allegedly providing dental services as recently as a couple weeks ago. Mr. Gardner was previously accused of practicing unlicensed dentistry in January 2022. The New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care revoked Mr. Gardner's dental license in 2019 after he was accused of submitting fraudulent claims to insurers and treating patients with a suspended license. Mr. Gardner is also suing the City of Albuquerque for violating his civil rights by citing him for code issues at a building he owns, according to the news station. Additionally, he is suing the special prosecutor in his unlicensed dentistry case as well as his former lawyer. A trial for the charges of practicing dentistry without a license is scheduled for November, the news station reported. Parkview LaGrange (Ind.) Hospital reopened Aug. 28 after an air conditioning outage halted surgeries and relocated patients since Aug. 25. After a "rapid rise in heat and humidity," the hospital closed early Friday morning, transferred its patients to other facilities and rescheduled procedures, Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health said in a news release. On Aug. 25, the system said it expected the outage to last 48 hours, but the temporary closure lasted about 72 hours. The hospital replaced its air conditioning unit and "temperatures have returned to comfortable levels," Parkview said. Amazon Clinic launched nationally earlier this year, partially motivated by high consumer demand, according to Forbes. Nworah Ayogu, MD, chief medical officer and general manager of Amazon Clinic told Forbes he was "surprised by the amount of consumer demand" Amazon Clinic commanded after its initial roll-out last year. The interest pushed Amazon to expand nationally with its unique model for virtual care. Amazon Clinic facilitates cash-pay virtual services through video visits and online messaging with clinicians. Patients have access to services for around 30 medical conditions and tiered pricing based on location, quality and convenience. "If you want the lower cost provider, you can choose that. If you are actually prioritizing the speed at which someone is getting back to you, you can prioritize that as well. We think really being able to surface different options for different customers lets them choose what's important for them," Dr. Ayogu told Forbes. Amazon Clinic has real-time video visits in 50 states and asynchronous care in 34 states where it's legal. Amazon didn't divulge data on the number of people receiving services, but Dr. Ayogu did hint the company may explore accepting insurances, including Medicare, in the future. But Amazon Clinic still may not succeed. Ezekiel Emanuel, co-director of the Health Transformation Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, told Forbes Amazon's current healthcare offerings won't disrupt healthcare. "It's not going to move the healthcare needle. I think it's a fact-finding more of a kind of research project than an honest business," he told Forbes. "Amazon does a lot of that. It tests how people respond, then modifies." Two hundred registered nurses are planning to hold a march in Los Angeles on Aug. 29 to voice their concerns about the threat of artificial intelligence technologies and their ability to provide quality patient care. The California Nurses Association and National Nurses United say nurses are alarmed about the increasing use of artificial intelligence technologies within patient care, stating that AI cannot replace hands-on care or solve healthcare's staffing crisis. "Nurses across the country are demanding solutions like safe staffing, resources including personal protective equipment and adequate training, and union representation to advocate for better conditions so we can proudly deliver the best quality care to our patients," Sandy Reding, RN, president of CNA/NNU, said in an Aug. 28 news release. "In our fight to improve patient care, we will not cede our profession to the false solution of unchecked and unregulated technology." These nurses are joining writers and actors who have been striking in Hollywood due to fear that movie studios would "start generating AI-produced scripts that would need only rewrites," eliminating the need for writers, according to The Washington Post. Nurses will be carrying signs that read "Flip the script on AI" during the march. In today's healthcare environment, organizations are focused on making adjustments to ensure long-term success. This includes realigning leadership structures. SSM Health, a 23-hospital health system based in St. Louis, is among the latest organizations to take this approach. Specifically, it is rolling out a leadership structure that further integrates operations across seven regional hospitals in Wisconsin. Financial pressures were not the primary driver of this change but rather a need for the Wisconsin region to function more efficiently, Regional President Sue Anderson told Becker's. "In the Wisconsin region, we've got seven hospitals and a number of clinics, and they were often operating independently," she said. "One of the things we've been talking about as a leadership team is creating much more of a single regional approach to things, which is why this structure will really help us." The new structure includes two regional vice presidents for acute care and a regional vice president role on the ambulatory side. Kyle Nondorf was promoted to regional vice president for acute care operations for SSM Health Wisconsin's northern hospitals. He will be responsible for acute care operations for hospitals in Baraboo, Fond du Lac, Ripon and Waupun. In June, Dawit Tesfasilassie was named regional vice president for acute care operations for SSM Health Wisconsin's southern hospitals. He will be responsible for hospitals in Janesville, Madison and Monroe. And Jason Craig was named SSM Wisconsin's regional vice president of ambulatory care. "In many ways, those three individuals are coming together to fill what would be a traditional COO role," Ms. Anderson said. "We felt like we had enough strategic priorities in terms of our work that it was too big for one person." SSM Health Wisconsin has also broken the region into two so there is a regional vice president and two presidents for four of the regional hospitals. There will be a regional vice president and two presidents for the remaining three regional hospitals. This includes SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville President Eric Thornton, who was named the new president of St. Mary's Hospital - Madison. Additionally, SSM Health Monroe Hospital President Jane Curran-Meuli, BSN, will expand her duties to include oversight of St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville and the Monroe facilities. DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Healths Ripon Community and Waupun Memorial Hospitals, will expand her oversight to also include St. Clare Hospital-Baraboo. And Katherine Vergos, BSN, RN, will remain hospital president at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. "Each of our areas has a three-person team two that are more focused on the day to day, and the third senior person who's going to help us with our strategic priorities," Ms. Anderson said. "It gives more leadership bandwidth. It gives the people with operational components [to their job] a larger scale that they're accountable for." She also said the restructuring, which is being conducted in phases, allows leaders in the Wisconsin region to grow, which will help with succession planning. "That's something that I think all healthcare organizations are working on where there's much more of a ladder that people can gain increasing responsibility. And then the three individuals who are in that COO role, if you will, any one of them should be able to be a replacement for me or for another role in the system because they've had broad enough experience," said Ms. Anderson, who has been in her current role for about a year and a half. SSM Health Wisconsin is not alone in adjusting its regional leadership structure. Becker's has reported at least 20 health systems that have announced changes to leadership ranks and administration teams in 2023. At the same time, some health systems are bulking up their C-suites amid organizational transformation. Some are also combining roles. "Some of the restructuring that you're seeing right now is obviously in response to economic challenges. How can we do our work with fewer people?" Ms. Anderson said. "But if we think ahead to what's going to be needed in healthcare in the future, it's going to be people who can move across broader territories, who can move across broader types of challenges and not be as siloed in their work. I'm trying to create people that play well across our region and with the system so that we can help move the system forward faster as well." The Washington Medical Commission has fined a physician and restricted his medical license for prescribing ivermectin to patients as a treatment for COVID-19 and spreading misinformation, The Chronicle reported Aug. 25. Richard Wilkinson, MD, prescribed the drug to seven patients from August to December 2021 without documenting a sufficient rationale and without informing the patient the medication was not FDA approved for COVID-19 treatment or prevention, according to the order. The commission fined Dr. Wilkinson $15,000 and put his license on probation for five years. During that time, he will not be allowed to prescribe ivermectin for non-FDA-approved purposes and must undergo a clinical competency assessment within six months. Dr. Wilkinson is considering appealing the decision and is one of four physicians suing the medical commission for its position statement regarding COVID-19 misinformation. The lawsuit, brought by the Silent Majority Foundation on behalf of the physicians, alleges the commission is "using the statement as an enforceable rule although it was not adopted with the procedures for such a rule." Pete Serrano, director and general counsel at the Silent Majority Foundation, who is representing the doctors in the lawsuit, told MedPage Today that "the most critical element of the rulemaking process is the notice and comment period prior to the adoption of a rule, and the commission failed to use that process in this instance. Even if the commission would have employed the necessary rulemaking procedures in its adoption of the position statement, the statement violates the providers' rights to free speech." The lawsuit hearing is scheduled for Aug. 30. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., said it plans to temporarily cut off healthcare benefits, effective Sept. 1, for striking workers who would no longer be eligible since they are no longer working in the hospital. Hospital spokesperson Wendy Gottsegen described the move as unfortunate. "We have said all along that no one benefits from a strike least of all our nurses. We hope the union considers the impact a prolonged strike is having on our nurses and their families," Ms. Gottsegen said in an Aug. 28 news release shared with Becker's. "As of Sept. 1, RWJUH nurses must pay for their health benefits through COBRA. This hardship, in addition to the loss of wages throughout the strike, is very unfortunate and has been openly communicated to the union and the striking nurses since prior to the walkout on Aug. 4." The ongoing strike involves the United Steelworkers Local 4-200, which represents about 1,700 nurses at the facility. Union members voted to authorize a strike in July. The union and hospital have been negotiating a new agreement for months, with the last bargaining session occurring Aug. 16. During negotiations, the union has said it seeks a contract that provides safe staffing standards, living wages and quality, affordable healthcare. Local 4-200 President Judy Danella, RN, said in a previous union release, "Our members remain deeply committed to our patients. However, we must address urgent concerns, like staffing. We need enough nurses on each shift, on each floor, so we can devote more time to each patient and keep ourselves safe on the job." Several nurses told TAPinto New Brunswick last week that they began preparing for the current situation ahead of the strike, taking overtime shifts and saving as much money as possible. Others told the publication they are taking part-time jobs or temporary employment elsewhere in the nursing field or adjacent roles. "I think it's important that you [remember] you might not get the job you want to do at that moment, but people have to do what they have to do to get it done," Jessica Newcomb, RN, told TAPinto New Brunswick. Meanwhile, the hospital has contracted with an agency to hire replacement nurses during the strike. "As always, our top priority is to our patients. RWJUH is open, fully operational and completely staffed, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver the highest quality and always-safe patient care," Ms. Gottsegen said. As of Aug. 28, no further dates for negotiations were scheduled by mediators. A former research coordinator at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated terrorist organization, the Star Tribune reported Aug. 25. Muhammed Masood, 31, received his medical degree in Pakistan and worked at the Mayo Clinic through an H-1B Visa. In March 2020, Mr. Masood was arrested at the airport by the FBI as he was preparing to fly to Los Angeles to meet with another person he believed would put him on a cargo ship to Syria. Mr. Masood had previously expressed his desire to commit a terrorist attack and join ISIS as a combat medic in a meeting with an FBI informant. Jordan Kushner, Mr. Masood's attorney, argued for a more lenient sentence due to his client's deteriorating mental health. Mr. Masood had previously been hospitalized for bipolar disorder in Pakistan. A federal judge for the fourth time sided with the Texas Medical Association in legal challenges over the No Surprises Act. The Texas Medical Association filed a lawsuit in November arguing that portions of the No Surprise Act artificially deflate the qualifying payment amount. The group alleged the provisions of the rule "skew negotiations in favor of health insurers so strongly that health insurers will force physicians out of insurance networks and physicians will face significant practice viability challenges, struggling to keep their doors open in the wake of the pandemic." In his Aug. 24 ruling, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernolde who has overseen all four lawsuits filed by the TMA disallowed several provisions related to the QPA. According to the American Hospital Association, which filed an amicus brief supporting the TMA's argument, those disallowments include those that could allow insurers to include the calculation of QPAs contracted rates for services that providers have not provided, as well as allowing self-insured group health plans to use rates from all plans administered by a third-party administrator in calculating the QPA. Mr. Kernolde did strike down TMA's challenge regarding disclosure requirements, according to the lawsuit. "While the court disagreed with TMA regarding disclosure requirements in the rules, we remain pleased with the overall outcome," TMA President Rick Snyder II, MD, said in a Aug. 25 news release from the group. "[Aug. 24's] decision regarding the unfair and unlawful portions of the departments' July 2021 interim final rule is critical to implementing the law as intended by Congress." The judge's latest ruling is the second time he has sided with the TMA in August. On Aug. 3, he ruled that federal agencies did not follow notice and comment requirements when hiking administrative fees. He also invalidated certain rules narrowing batching claims for arbitration. Following that decision, HHS said it was temporarily suspending the independent dispute resolution process including the ability to initiate new disputes until the federal agencies can provide additional instructions. On Aug. 11, CMS said it is lowering the IDR fee to $50. In total, TMA has filed four lawsuits challenging the No Surprises Act. The TMA filed its first No Surprises Act lawsuit in October 2021, successfully arguing that requiring arbitrators to heavily weigh figures created by insurers conflicted with the law and provided insurers with an unfair advantage unintended by Congress. The group filed a second lawsuit in September, arguing the final rule will "unfairly advantage health insurers by requiring arbitrators to give outsized weight or consideration to the [qualifying payment amount]." The court sided with the TMA in that case, which is being appealed by the federal government to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. A New York City-based orthopedic specialty hospital, the Hospital for Special Surgery, has lost a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services alleging that it should have received an additional $51.2 million in funding from the COVID-19-related CARES Act. Under the CARES Act, Congress approved $178 billion in funds to support healthcare institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19, HSS had to shut down elective surgeries, which accounted for 92 percent of its revenue, according to court documents. The hospital suffered $183 million in lost revenue in the first half of 2020. During two rounds of CARES funding, HSS received $30.7 million in government funding, as well as $79.2 million in a third funding round. In total, it received around 88 percent of its adjusted revenue loss. On Nov. 9, 2021, HSS requested a reconsideration of its award, which was denied by the state. In September 2022, it filed a lawsuit challenging the agency for not granting an additional $51.2 million in funding. According to court documents, the hospital alleges that "the agency's actions related to this distribution of payments were arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act." The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that HHS' decision on how to distribute CARES Act funds is non-reviewable. HHS was given the discretion to parse out funds as it saw fit. Since it was up to agency discretion, it was immune from judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act, the court ruled. Becker's reached out to the Hospital for Special Surgery for comment on Aug. 28. Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health may be facing an uphill battle after an appeals court judge questioned the legitimacy of a recent $400 million win in an antitrust suit, according to an Aug. 24 Law360 report. Judge Lucy Koh questioned why certain evidence had apparently been barred from the original trial where Sutter Health fought off claims that it illegally forced insurers to agree to anti-competitive terms, forcing patients to go to more expensive hospitals, the report said " If you don't let someone show the before, how can a jury assess the after?" 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Koh asked Craig Stewart, who was representing Sutter Health. "How would that not be relevant? I just don't see how precluding the jury from seeing this [evidence] will let them do their duty." The trial judge barred some evidence created before 2006 in the original case, according to the report. At a hearing for the appeal, an attorney representing the class of insurance purchasers that filed the antitrust suit argued the 2006 cutoff was arbitrary and excluded relevant evidence. The health system is also facing a $250 million lawsuit regarding a liver depository dispute. Becker's has reached out to Sutter Health for comment and the story will be updated accordingly. A Tennessee physician was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined more than $1 million after being convicted of over a dozen felony healthcare fraud charges. Samson Orusa, MD, was convicted of billing federal health insurance programs for hundreds of medically unnecessary services, including office visits and steroid injections, according to an Aug. 25 Justice Department news release. He required Medicare beneficiaries and other patients to visit his clinic up to six times a month and undergo unnecessary steroid injections to obtain their prescriptions. He also altered progress visit notes to justify higher billing rates. Dr. Orusa was charged in 2018 with 45 criminal violations and was convicted on all charges except for nine counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone. His sentencing only concerned the 13 healthcare fraud charges, the report said. In 2021, Dr. Orusa's Kentucky license was suspended due to the charges. In addition to the seven years in prison, Dr. Orusa must serve three years in supervised release and pay over $1 million in restitution and a $195,000 fine. A physician from Clarksville, Tenn. was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of more than a dozen healthcare fraud charges. Samson Orusa, MD, 61, was convicted of billing federal health insurance programs for hundreds of medically unnecessary services, including office visits and steroid injections, according to an Aug. 25 Justice Department news release. Dr. Orusa required Medicare beneficiaries and other patients to visit his clinic as many as six times per month and undergo unnecessary steroid injections in order to obtain their prescriptions. He also altered progress visit notes in his patients medical records to justify higher billing rates. He must also pay $1 million in restitution, pay a $195,000 fine and must forfeit previously seized assets worth approximately $900,000, according to the release. Early data and anecdotal evidence suggests some states may be rebounding from the nurse shortage, though concrete data on the topic is sparse, and more time is needed to confirm the trend. So far, the clearest evidence comes from Florida. Nurse vacancy rates fell from 22 percent in 2022 to 13 percent this year, according to a Florida Hospital Association Survey of more than 200 hospitals. The nurse turnover rate also fell from 32 percent to 20 percent, and hospitals are reporting more nurses returning to their old jobs. Becker's reached out to every state hospital association nationwide to see whether this trend appeared elsewhere. Many associations were unable to share similar data because they do not track vacancy rates or because the association is not planning to survey its members until later this year. The Utah Hospital Association pointed to anecdotal evidence of hospitals saying the shortages have eased but could not provide data to support this. "A lot of effort has been made to support healthcare workers as well as increase the pipeline in our state, but I don't know how that is translating into actual RN vacancy rate reductions in hospitals," a spokesperson for the association said. "We are certainly graduating more RNs in our state nursing programs." Missouri hospitals reported their highest registered nurse vacancy rate on record in 2021 at 19.8 percent. This figure fell to 17.4 percent in 2022, according to data from the Missouri Hospital Association. "It is too early to say we have a rebound, if you are looking at it as a trend," Dave Dillon, MHA's vice president of public and media relations, told Becker's. "We have made significant efforts, including with partners and [the] state government, but we won't know if we're experiencing a trend until next year's data is available. We are hopeful and continue to work on this as a significant operational threat." The Iowa Hospital Association could not share vacancy rates, but preliminary data on turnover rates also showed a decline. Turnover rate for staff nurse positions fell from 19.3 percent in 2022 to 15.4 percent in 2023. The New Hampshire Hospital Association does track hospital nurse vacancy rates, though the data does not show any significant reduction, a spokesperson told Becker's. Hospitals reported a 19 percent vacancy rate in April 2022, compared to an 18.7 percent rate this April. There is not a uniform method or timeline for how or when each state's hospital association tracks data on the nursing workforce, though many said they anticipate more concrete trends for 2023 to be available later this year. In the few states that did see improving trends, factors such as a decline in contract rates, improved training for new nurses and nursing models that decrease administrative burden were cited as reasons why. New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery has lost a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services alleging that it should have received an additional $51.2 million in funding from the COVID-19-related CARES Act. Under the CARES Act, Congress approved $178 billion in funds to support healthcare institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19, HSS had to shut down elective surgeries, which accounted for 92 percent of its revenue, according to court documents. HSS suffered $183 million in lost revenue in the first half of 2020. During two rounds of CARES funding, HSS received $30.7 million in government funding, as well as $70.2 million in a third funding round. In total, it received around 88 percent of its adjusted revenue loss. On Nov. 9, 2021, HSS requested a reconsideration of its award, which was denied by the state. In September 2022, it filed a lawsuit challenging the agency for not granting an additional $51.2 million in funding. According to court documents, HSS alleges that "the agencys actions related to this distribution of payments were arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act." The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that HHS' decision on how to distribute CARES Act funds is non-reviewable. HHS was given the discretion to parse out funds as it saw fit. Since it was up to agency discretion, it was immune from judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act, the court ruled. Senior Democrats make clear their concerns over the proposed legislation that would end Troubles-era cases and inquests saying peace and justice in Northern Ireland is crucial to the UK-US Special Relationship Tanaiste Michael Martin speaks to the media during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Picture date: Friday August 25, 2023. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire United States Senator Chris Murphy speaks to the media during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Picture date: Friday August 25, 2023. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. A senior member of the US Congress has predicted that American companies coming to Northern Ireland next month as part of a trade delegation will set up here because of the NI Protocol. But Senator Chris Coons and Senator Chris Murphy also expressed deep concern that the DUPs refusal to take part in power-sharing, which has paralysed the executive and assembly in Stormont, is deepening divisions and could lead to instability. More than 200 delegates from the American Irish State Legislators Caucus visited Stormont and London last week to discuss a range of political issues, including safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement. Senator Murphy and Senator Coons stressed that peace and justice in Northern Ireland is of paramount importance in maintaining the Special Relationship between America and Britain. The high-level bipartisan delegation from the Senate and House of Representatives also went to Dublin after London for talks with ministers, officials and members of civic society. They said they would discuss Brexit, support the Windsor Framework, and point out that sizeable American commercial investment is coming to Northern Ireland if the peace deal is not jeopardised. The US special envoy to Northern Ireland, Joe Kennedy III, is taking a delegation of US business leaders to Northern Ireland in October. Our hope is that the UK Government will also see this opportunity for what it is and prioritise and pay attention to the economic development potential in Northern Ireland. My guess is that there are going to be American companies who are going to be very interested in setting up headquarters and facilities in Northern Ireland because of the Protocol, said Senator Coons. Despite progress being made on contentious issues, major hurdles remain, say the senators. They both point out that their constituencies in the US have large Irish-American communities with close connections to Ireland north and south who are concerned about events unfolding this side of the Atlantic. It is a source of great frustration that we dont have a government in Stormont. Were here to figure out how we can use whatever leverage we have as United States senators and congressmen to try to convince the DUP to get into government and to do whats right for the people of Northern Ireland, said Senator Murphy. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill proposed by Rishi Sunaks government would end legal proceedings, including trials and inquests, for serious violence during the 30 years of The Troubles, offering a conditional amnesty for those accused of killing and maiming. The impending legislation is opposed by civil rights groups, the Irish government and political parties in Northern Ireland, who all say it will deny justice to victims and their families. Parliaments joint committee on human rights found the Bill as it stands risked widespread breach of human rights laws. Senator Murphy said: Im certainly delivering a message on the very specific message of concern about the Legacy Bill. I continue to hear loud and clear from the people who have connections to those who still have claims and crimes that have lingered for decades that they want justice. They dont want that path to justice shut down artificially by this legacy building. Its important for me to be here on behalf of my constituents in the US who have ties to Northern Ireland to deliver a message of great concern. Senator Coons said: We have listened to the concerns about this. All parties in Northern Ireland have opposed this Bill and the cutting off of any potential recovery it entails. In my state, Delaware, theres been an Ulster Project that brings families from Northern Ireland to Delaware, and I too have heard concerns about cutting off any path towards resolving difficult or sensitive issues from the Troubles. Speaking about Northern Ireland and the EU, Senator Coons added: In meetings Ive held across the last three prime ministers, a consistent theme has been take Northern Ireland seriously, address the issues and challenges in terms of the EU, the impact of Brexit, and how to make sure that a hard border doesnt re-emerge. There is a vital need to make sure that does not happen. The senators want to point out that the Windsor Framework provides the people of Northern Ireland access to the British and EU markets and the US can help in this running smoothly. Senator Murphy said: It gives them a very clear and unique connection to Britain but also gives them easier access to the European markets than the rest of Britain has. The United States can play a role in helping to make sure that Northern Ireland sees the benefit of this unique status; we can help sell that. Small changes to a homes energy efficiency can save families money. By Flavia Gouveia With winter approaching, many households here will be looking for ways to make savings on energy bills As winter approaches, and with energy prices expected to remain high, many households will be looking for ways to keep costs down. Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council, said: Consumer energy bills are around double what they were before the pandemic, and, unfortunately, we anticipate that they will remain high this winter. It is not yet clear what the winter tariffs will look like for Northern Ireland. Last week, Ofgem announced a new energy price cap for England, Wales and Scotland; however, the Utility Regulator is still conducting its review, with an announcement expected early next month. Despite this uncertainty and our lack of control over wholesale energy prices, there are other ways households can reduce their bills during the colder months. Energy efficiency Reducing energy consumption is one of the best ways to bring down your bills. Mr Gormley said: As energy users, there are many things that we can do to reduce the amount of energy we consume. The greenest and cheapest unit of energy is the one that we dont use. Reducing energy consumption isnt just about placing limits on usage, it is about making sure that your home is energy efficient, so that you dont have to use and spend more than you need to. Increasing a homes energy efficiency can be achieved in many ways. While some options are more expensive than others, even the small changes can save families money in the long run. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) recommends beginning by making sure that your insulation is up to scratch. It says: If youre able to increase your homes insulation, this will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat it, keeping your house warmer while reducing your energy bills. With estimates that around a third of all heat lost in the home escapes through uninsulated walls, and a further quarter escaping through uninsulated or poorly-insulated roofs, investing in your homes insulation can result in major savings. The costs will vary depending on many factors, including your wall type and the home size, but the EST suggests the investment is worth it. Installed correctly, loft insulation should pay for itself in savings many times over in its 40- year lifetime, it said the EST. Other smaller, but effective, changes are also recommended. According to the EST, lighting makes up around 11% of the average household electricity consumption. A change to more efficient LED lighting can help bring down energy bills. Investing in or updating the insulation of your water tank is another small and affordable change. The EST said: If you already have a jacket fitted around your tank, check the thickness. It should be at least 80mm thick. Draught-proofing doors, windows and chimneys is another small but effective upgrade. While some controlled ventilation is important, the EST added: By blocking unwanted gaps, youll save warm air and therefore need to use less energy to heat your home. The Consumer Council also suggests switching off standby mode on devices and using your washing machine more efficiently. Other more costly upgrades are also recommended, including the installation of remote smart heating controls, solar panels and a heat pump. As well as higher up-front costs, savings from the upgrades varies depending on how often they are used and how much energy is being used in the home. Most of these changes do come with upfront costs; however, households can benefit from financial support through schemes such as the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) and the Affordable Warmth Scheme. Administered by the EST, the NISEP is an 8m fund collected from both domestic and commercial electricity customers through a public service obligation. It offers financial support to households with a number of energy efficiency home upgrades, with 80% of the funding targeted at vulnerable customers. The affordable warmth scheme is managed by the Housing Executive and aims to address the effects of fuel poverty and energy inefficiency. Robert Clements, head of sustainable development at the Housing Executive, said: The cost-of-living crisis is making life very tough for many. With winter just around the corner, people are worried about increasing oil, gas, and electricity bills on top of all their other expenses. We want to help our tenants and other householders across NI reduce energy bills and make their money go further. While the EST warns that unprecedented demand has put pressure on the limited funding the programmes receive, households can still check their eligibility and apply for funding before completing the works. Best deals As well as reducing energy usage, experts also recommend making sure that households are on the best tariff and payment plan available to them. With five different domestic electricity suppliers across Northern Ireland and two gas suppliers in the greater Belfast area all charging different prices, there are options. But the Consumer Council warns that getting the best deal may not always involve switching providers. Mr Gormley said: Sometimes switching payment method or tariff with the same provider can reduce the amount you pay. There are different ways to pay for your energy bills, including pay-as-you-go, paying when you receive your bill and direct debits to help budget your costs over the year. What is best for you depends on your lifestyle, but you can sometimes make savings by changing how you pay and receive your bills. For households relying on heating oil, the Consumer Council recommends using their price tracker, which is updated weekly. For homes relying on smaller oil orders, the EST suggests checking if stamp schemes are available in your local area, as well as joining the Northern Ireland Oil Buying Network. The scheme is run by the Housing Executive, which estimates members are able to save between 10-20 on 200 litres. Help and advice If households do find themselves struggling with energy bills, the Consumer Council recommends reaching out to suppliers for help and support. But Mr Gormley added: Last winter, the UK Government subsidised the prices we paid through the energy price guarantee, but that was reduced to zero in July as wholesale prices were falling. This is being kept under review, and if energy prices were to rise significantly again, the Consumer Council will make the argument to Government that they should reinstate a subsidy. The NI Energy Advice Service, managed by the Housing Executive, is also available to give free energy advice to households, including information on energy efficiency and signposting to any financial support available to households. Mr Clements said: We have a wide range of energy saving tips, which help keep our homes warmer, reduce our carbon footprint and save money with our oil savings network and grant schemes. More information on energy saving measures and the schemes and grants which are available to households can also be found on the Housing Executive, EST and Consumer Council websites. Derry Girls star tells Ellie Harrison about being skint, the end of the hit series and her role in prison drama Screw F***adoodledoo, theres Michelle! This is how Jamie-Lee ODonnell, the actor who has become synonymous with her profane Derry Girls character, is often greeted in the street. Usually, in a strong, not-always-convincing, Northern Irish accent. ODonnell loves it. The Bafta-winning show that made her name and imbued her with such a coarse vocabulary may have ended 15 months ago, but the impressions will likely go on forever. Everybody tries to do the Derry accent, and if Im outside of Ireland, people always give it a wee go, the 36-year-old says. Its really, really hard to do. But Ive heard some brilliant ones. Derry Girls became the most-watched series in Northern Ireland since modern records began in 2002. Over the course of its three-series run, from 2018 to 2022, the sitcom reshaped perceptions of Derry. Finding pockets of joy in traumatic times, it was by turns anarchic and bittersweet, bringing a female narrative to a conflict so overwhelmingly focused on men. By the time it ended last year, the show had won three Baftas. Critics, by and large, adored it; Martin Scorsese and Hillary Clinton (the latters daughter Chelsea even had a cameo in the finale) were among the shows most famous fans. In Michelle, the gobbiest of the Derry Girls, McGee had written ODonnell a dream part: a funny, forthright, boy-mad teenager who was supremely quotable. ODonnell played her with both chutzpah and brittleness. The role led straight into her playing a lead in Screw, the new Channel 4 show were here to discuss. ODonnell is in her friends house in Derry. Shes wearing an enormous, lime-green AC/DC T-shirt, her 5ft 2in frame lost somewhere inside it. Its a strong look. And very different from the one she is sporting in prison drama Screw, as Rose. Who are the Derry Girls? Mancunian-sounding and with many more nerves and much less swagger than Michelle, Rose arrived in series one of the show as a rookie officer. Now, she returns for series two after a six-week break from warding the cells at Long Marsh, experiencing gruesome flashbacks after discovering the body of a colleague who was killed with a gun she smuggled into the prison. ODonnell thinks she would probably struggle to work as a prison officer. She has heard some grim accounts, from speaking to screenwriter Rob Williams who worked in prisons, and other officers, about what the job is really like. Theyre almost in the forgotten section of the justice system, she says. Its obviously an important part of our world and it doesnt seem to really be talked about or supported or funded the way it should be. ODonnell speaks very quickly. Listening to her chatter away is like having Netflix on 2x speed. While she was occasionally asked to slow down her speech on the set of Derry Girls, she was never asked to soften her accent on the series, something she had feared when she started acting. Being from Derry and having my accent, I was told for so, so long that I would never get work in this accent, she says. I was told it was too strong, too working class, too specific, that no one can understand it. So I practised loads of accents, because I thought, when I get work, Ill have as many ready to go as possible. Then after Derry Girls came out, it was the complete opposite. I was getting auditions for countries all over the world and they were like, Keep the accent, well work it in. ODonnell has thought a lot about what shed pick as her number one Michelle-ism. Life without Derry Girls, ODonnell says, is definitely sad, but it went out on such a high that the thought of doing another one, like right away, I dont know what it would do to the memory of it. She wants to work with genius Lisa McGee, the shows creator, again, saying she would read the phonebook if she asked her to. ODonnell credits the show with teaching her stamina as an actor Having to be a 16-year-old all day, every day is a lot when youre not 16 and she loved it for allowing her to be a Derry person on that scale, show all the different sides to a Derry woman, and really, really perform in my own accent and my own environment. ODonnell grew up in Derry, and while shed rather not discuss her family shes had issues with over-zealous fans approaching loved ones and friends several times in our conversation she brings up her proud working-class roots. She never really considered drama school, as the fees made it inaccessible, but she did briefly study performing arts in England, at Leicesters De Montfort University. Being from Derry, working hard is just what we do, she says. So there was never any question of whether to keep going. If I faced an obstacle where I couldnt afford something, or I didnt have any support, I just sidestepped it and found another way. It was just like, OK, thats not going to work. Whats the next option. Whats the plan? After dropping out of university, ODonnell moved around various cities in the UK in search of work, and had gigs as a nightclub dancer, a panto performer, a barista the list goes on. At one point, she even bought a corner shop. It wasnt a good investment. She has previously said that she mostly spent that time eating crisp sandwiches and losing money. ODonnell also did a lot of promotional work. I was a Moshi Monster for a while, she says, deadpan, referring to the collectable figurines popular in the early 2010s. This particular promo job saw her stand around dressed as a character called Buster Bumblechops in a B&Q car park in Liverpool. Another time, she handed out toilet roll outside the Manchester Arndale toilets for an Andrex campaign. It was ideal: the flexibility of the work allowed her to go to auditions and try to lock down an agent, and the requirement to be silly and perform in front of strangers gave her confidence. Jamie-Lee O'Donnell and her Derry Girls co-stars In her mid-twenties, the roles started coming in. One of ODonnells first parts was as a hard-partying uni student in Northern Irish drama 6Degrees. After that, she starred in the play I Told My Mum I Was Going on an RE Trip, by Julia Samuels, a verbatim production based on real accounts in which she portrayed an underage girl who decides to have an abortion. There were protests in Belfast when it was performed there. Another socially conscious project arrived in the form of Doing Money, a harrowing BBC Two film about modern slavery in the sex trade. Then came Derry Girls. ODonnell has spoken before about how, as her success has grown, she has struggled with her identity. Now, she says, shes better at letting herself feel proud of her achievements. Being able to go and buy shopping the first couple of times, and not having to check what anything cost and tally it up in your head as youre going around, that was a big moment for me in realising that things had shifted, she says. It took a few years of being in Derry Girls, and the pay cheques that came with it, to stop worrying about money. I was too careful, she says, I would just sort of panic about it sometimes, and I think I have to let go of that a wee bit, that sort of holding on to the past. Just allowing myself to relax and be like, This is always going to be the way now, for me, and thats not going to be taken away from me. No one can take that off me. I imagine a lot of people from my background would feel like this too when the tides start to turn, it feels like your identity is shifting as well. Ive only started to realise now that thats a really good thing, and I can take that to a positive place, and it doesnt mean I have to forget about who I was or that my morals or my principles have changed. They havent, its just, it took a lot of getting used to, to be in this sort of financial bracket, when before I was so terrified of being skint or struggling or having nobody to rely on. She is passionate about more positions for working-class people in the industry. When I ask her what shed like to see change, she doesnt miss a beat. Employing and paying and including more people from the stories that are told and that are making people very, very rich, she says. If you find that youre telling a lot of working-class stories, for example, I would like to see working-class representation within higher power positions. She gives a shrug that reminds me of Michelle. It just makes more sense. Screw returns to Channel 4 on Wednesday at 9pm An officer outlined how there was a sudden death at the Lighthouse Hostel in Ballymena on Friday where a man was found sadly passed away in his room, with a box of pregabalin lying beside him An alleged drug dealer appeared in court today accused of supplying a bad batch of pregabalin to a man who was later found dead. Appearing by video-link at Ballymena Magistrates Court, 31-year-old Mark David Hayes was charged with two drug offences alleged to have been committed on August 25, this year, including possessing pregabalin with intent to supply and with supplying the class C prescription only drug. While Hayes, from Maple Drive in Coleraine, confirmed that he understood the charges, Detective Constable Robinson told the court he believed he could connect him to the offences, adding that police were objecting to bail due to fears concerning further offences and witness interference. The officer outlined how there was a sudden death at the Lighthouse Hostel in Ballymena on Friday where a man was found sadly passed away in his room, with a box of pregabalin lying beside him. The postmortem results came back as inconclusive and police are awaiting a full toxicology report, said the officer. Through police enquiries, a witness came forward to claim they knew Hayes had been taking drugs with the deceased the day before his death, the deceased complained to him that he gave the defendant 70 to buy pregabalin but he had not got any from him and also that on the day he was found dead, the witness saw Hayes give the deceased a box of pregabalin. When Hayes room at the hostel was searched, we found a sheet of pregabalin and it appears to be the same brand as the box that was found in the deceaseds room, said the officer. He added that 145 cash along with a list of names and numbers was also seized, revealing that the name of the deceased was on that list which police suspect are dealing figures. Arrested and interviewed, Hayes denied that he is a drug dealer, claiming that the list was of people he had lent money to and although he accepted going to Belfast to buy pregabalin on Thursday and Friday, he denied giving any to the dead man. According to the detective, Hayes told police the tablets he bought were different to the usual prescription drugs as the blister pack tinfoil was gold rather than silver. Objecting to bail, DC Robinson said Hayes was aware of the name of the witness so there was a fear of witness interference and also that despite conceding in interviews that he is aware of this bad batch going around Belfast we believe that he will continue to deal drugs knowing that these drugs are fatal, and he just doesnt care. Defence counsel Michael Smyth argued there is nothing on Hayes record to suggest that he would interfere with the witness and also that there could be significant delays in the case given the ongoing police and forensic investigations into the unfortunate death. He submitted that with a proposed bail address with his father in Coleraine, conditions could be put in place to keep him away from the witness and out of Ballymena. District Judge Nigel Broderick said the case is particularly serious in that it involves the sad demise of the man who police suspect died as a result of drugs and further that the drugs were supplied by this defendant. He said while he had concerns about the circumstances of the case, on balance I will grant him bail albeit with stringent conditions. Freeing Hayes on his own bail of 500 with a surety of 500, the judge ordered the alleged dealer to live with his father, observe a curfew, stay out of Ballymena and have no contact with the witness or hostel staff. The case was adjourned to September 21. When officers arrested the 64-year-old from California, he replied: But Im a tourist. The tourist was fined 250 and disqualified from getting behind the wheel again for 12 months. An American tourists European holiday has been plunged into disarray after he was caught drink-driving in Belfast city centre, a court heard today. Brian Kelly was nearly three times over the limit when stopped on Sunday afternoon as he prepared to leave the Europa Hotel in a hire car for the next leg of the trip for his wifes birthday. The 64-year-old, from San Diego in California, was fined 250 and disqualified from getting behind the wheel again for 12 months. Police were alerted that an intoxicated guest had driven a short distance from Glengall Street to the front of the hotel on Great Victoria Street. When officers arrested Kelly he replied: But Im a tourist. He was taken into custody and failed a breath test. Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court, the US citizen pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol. Defence solicitor Paul Dougan argued that Kelly has learnt a very salutary lesson. Mr Dougan said: The defendant was most surprised at the very high reading, almost three times over the limit. As Kellys wife attended in the public gallery, the court heard that the couple have been touring Ireland before travelling on to the next part of their holiday in Europe. Its a very unfortunate end to this part of their trip to this island, Mr Dougan acknowledged. He (Kelly) was moving the car from the car park to the front of the hotel to put luggage in the vehicle when he was detected. With the defendant now disqualified and his wife believed to be unable to drive their hired car, the couple will have to make alternative travel arrangements. Its going to place their travel plans in disarray. This has been a very costly experience, Mr Dougan added. Banning Kelly from driving for 12 months, District Judge John Meehan confirmed that he will then be required to retake the motoring test. Mr Meehan also insisted that the 250 fine must be paid before the defendant is released. Sorcha Eastwood casts her vote in the 2017 General Election, with her husband, Dale Shirlo There have been renewed calls for face coverings to be mandatory for hospital visitors in Northern Ireland to help protect patients There have been renewed calls for face coverings to be mandatory for hospital visitors in Northern Ireland to help protect patients. One man suffering from autoimmune conditions and long Covid said this should be normal procedure, while a leading GP said the wearing of masks is vitally important to protect those who are clinically vulnerable. Kells man Mark Young and Dr Tom Black were speaking after Alliance Party MLA Sorcha Eastwood, whose husband is undergoing cancer treatment in Belfast City Hospital, raised concerns over the lack of mask wearing among visitors. In response the Belfast Trust said face coverings are no longer mandatory, with some exceptions, adding: Whilst visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings, we do not have the power to enforce this. Mark Young (40), who is a disability rights advocate, is immunosuppressed and has several health conditions requiring frequent hospital visits. In regards to masking in hospitals and Ive said this all along, I think it should be the normal procedure due to the situation of the facilities, he said. Mark Young Its the one place where youre guaranteed to come into contact with cancer patients, immunosuppressed patients or vulnerable elderly people. Many people in those categories will control their own level of risk in their own life and what they go to or avoid, but hospitals are not like a cinema or coffee shop where they can just decide to avoid them to protect themselves. Hospital visits or stays are essential to their long-term health. When youre severely immunosuppressed the cold or flu can have serious consequences for you. The last thing you need is to pick up an infection in the one place you need to attend to manage your health. Dr Tom Black said he would expect all visitors to wards with clinically vulnerable patients to wear masks. I wear a mask when seeing all my patients, primarily to ensure they do not catch anything that I may have contracted from another patient, he said. In the likes of respiratory wards or haematology wards, for the safety of patients I would expect all visitors to wear masks and hospital management should show leadership to ensure this happens. This is analogous to the stop smoking campaign years ago, before then people would smoke in hospitals, but that was stamped out. You have to remember that a hospital is a community service and one persons individual rights do not trump the rights of everyone else. All of us have a responsibility to help protect one another and wearing face coverings is a way of doing that. What harm would it do to a visitor to wear a mask? None. Read more Alliances Peter McReynolds puts on his running shoes again for MS Society Speaking to this newspaper, Sorcha Eastwood described the haematology ward at Belfast City Hospital where her husband Dale is being treated as not fit for purpose and raised concerns over infection control. In response, the Belfast Trust said it deploys strict infection, prevention and control practices in keeping with policy requirements with infection prevention control practices in the ward continually independently audited, with a consistent high level of compliance. In relation to Covid-19, face coverings are no longer mandatory, with some exceptions. Whilst visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings, we do not have the power to enforce this, a spokesperson said. The Trust acknowledges that the infrastructure on Ward 10 North requires improvement, and we have been working with the commissioners and the Department of Health for a number of years to secure investment for a new single-bedded unit, which is in progress at present. If any patient or family member wishes to raise concerns we would encourage them to speak to the nurse in charge. The Belfast Trust has responded to Sorcha Eastwoods claims about abysmal conditions for cancer patients in the City Hospitals haematology unit. The Alliance MLAs husband, Dale Shirlow, is spending six months in the ward receiving daily chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. A spokesman said Ms Eastwoods concerns had been addressed. The Trust appreciate a long stay in hospital for haematology patients can be extremely challenging, and individuals can be referred for psychological support if required, he said. The Trust said the variety of food choices for long-term inpatients was challenging and we work closely with catering colleagues to ensure specific patient requests are met, as far as possible. On the issue of medication, the spokesman stated: Whilst the hospital pharmacy stores a full range of medication, on occasion they may not be able to provide a specific brand of medication that a patient may request. On such occasions patients are always offered alternative brands of the same medication which they may choose to accept or decline. The Trust said it deployed strict infection, prevention and control practices in keeping with policy requirements with infection prevention control practices in the unit continually independently audited, with a consistent high level of compliance. The spokesman added: In relation to Covid-19, face coverings are no longer mandatory, with some exceptions. Whilst visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings, we do not have the power to enforce this. The spokesman said the 28-bed ward unit had a mix of shared bays and side rooms. He added: The Trust acknowledges that the infrastructure on Ward 10 North requires improvement, and we have been working with the commissioners and the Department of Health for a number of years to secure investment for a new single-bedded unit, which is in progress at present. If any patient or family member wishes to raise concerns we would encourage them to speak to the nurse in charge. The Department of Health said it was aware of very significant pressures currently impacting on cancer care here. It referred to the Cancer Care Strategy 2022-2032 launched last year. There is no easy fix for the challenges cancer services in Northern Ireland are facing, and significant and sustained investment through a multi-year budget is required, a spokesman said. Historic: Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop of New York Timothy M Dolan at St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh yesterday The Archbishop of New York hosted a special celebratory Mass in Armagh yesterday where he praised the strength of the church. Father Timothy Dolan hosted the service to honour the 150th anniversary of St Patricks Cathedral. During the Mass, Fr Dolan spoke about the great connection his church in New York shares with the church in Armagh, saying that St Patrick, Irelands patron saint, is an important saint to the people of New York. During his visit to Armagh, Fr Dolan praised the strength of the Catholic church in Ireland. As Catholics, we are part of something beyond this, beyond this in space, beyond this in time and there has never been a tragedy or a calamity that the church hasnt faced. It brings strength and renewal and thats whats happening now, he said. Fr Dolan feels the people of Northern Ireland should be proud of St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh. Archbishop of New York Timothy M. Dolan (Photo by Kevin Scott) Even the famine couldnt stop it, dungeon, fire and sword, its not going to stop it, he said. Fr Dolan said the cathedral should be celebrated as an example of the great work Catholics have done in Irish history. Remember, remember, thats our job, thats one of the last things Jesus said, Do this in remembrance of me. We tend to forget. We are either thinking of the now or the future, and we forget the past and for us the past is extraordinarily normative, he said. Fr Dolan acknowledged that the Catholic church in Ireland is currently facing difficulty, however he feels they are difficulties the church will overcome. We are in a time where we are facing challenges and difficulties. We are in the States, you are here in Ireland, from what I hear, but a place like this makes us dig in and say Lets do it. Our ancestors did and we can, he said. St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh was completed in 1873 and St Patricks Cathedral in New York (Fr Dolans church) was completed in 1879. Fr Dolan feels the connection between both churches runs deeper than sharing the same patron saint. Americans like to come here and find the villages where their folks came from, they come to the cemeteries because they are reminded of roots, roots are so important, and of course the best root of all is Jesus, he said. Fr Dolan has his own personal connection with Ireland as his great-great-grandparents were from Leitrim and Cavan. During the Mass Fr Dolan remarked how proud his ancestors would be to see him return to Ireland as an Archbishop. Fr Dolans Mass was attended by representatives of numerous organisations in Ireland including the PSNI, various charities and religious groups. Archbishop Eamonn Martin said he was grateful Fr Dolan decided to visit Armagh to help the parish celebrate the historic anniversary. Archbishop of New York Timothy M Dolan in Armagh It was really important for us that the American visitors came here and Cardinal Timothy came down because we wanted to say thanks also to the people who had contributed, he said. This was Fr Dolans fourth visit to Armagh and there are hopes he will return in the future. He felt hosting the anniversary Mass was just one of the ways he can help Catholics embrace their global relationship. Theres a natural, spiritual affinity, we are all united, I appreciated you [Archbishop Eamon Martin] saying today that every parish in the archdiocese is praising God for the gift of the Cathedral and the faith and trust that it represents, and that spiritual bond keeps us together. Thats the glory of the word Catholic, its everybody, worldwide, universal, and an event like this reminds us of that, he said. Police had appealed for the publics help after Megaw absconded on Saturday. Unlawfully at large criminal Sean Megaw (35) has been arrested by police in Belfast. Megaw was sentenced alongside two other men at Belfast Magistrates Court sitting in Coleraine in March, following what the PSNI described as a savage group attack on a man in west Belfast five years ago. Detectives further believed the assault to be associated to Arm Na Poblachta (ANP) which means Army of the Republic in Irish. Megaw had been granted compassionate release from prison at 10am on Saturday August 26 to attend a funeral and having been due to return at 3pm, did not do so. On Sunday, Detective Inspector Bell had appealed for the publics help in tracing Megaw and said he had links to the Greater Belfast area, where he was arrested on Monday. Unlawfully at large prisoner Sean Megaw has today, Monday August 28, been arrested and is in police detention, said a police spokesperson. He was arrested at an address in Belfast following police appeals to trace his whereabouts. A split has emerged within the DUP over a 16,000 annual membership fee spent by Belfasts council to retain membership of a European city network. At a recent Belfast City Council committee meeting, newly elected and younger DUP representatives came up against opinion from the old guard over City Halls annual subscription to the Eurocities network. Despite a split in opinion within the largest unionist party, the councils City Growth and Regeneration Committee still voted unanimously to renew Belfast City Councils 30-year-long subscription to the network, this year for a fee of 16,300. Eurocities is a network of more than 200 major European cities, across 38 countries. It is made up of the elected local and municipal governments of these major cities. The activity of the network is structured through a number of thematic working areas including cultural development, social affairs and inclusion, placemaking and sustainability. 16 other cities within the UK have maintained their membership of Eurocities since Brexit. A council report on the network states: Belfast has participated in a number of the groups, based on particular areas of need or interest to the council and the city at that time. We have also shared learning on a range of topics and have availed of the network to engage with the key EU institutions in order to influence policy. Whilst the city has limited access to the transnational funds due to its withdrawal from the EU, this network is still nevertheless important in positioning the city and building strong networks to support shared learning and collaboration. John Greer, the council Director of Economic Development, told the City Growth and Regeneration Committee: Admittedly with us not being a member of the European Union it gives us limited access to some of the funding opportunities that might come through Eurocities, but officers advise there is still learning to be had. There are still opportunities for the city, not least through opportunities to host some of the Eurocities forum events, and we are hoping to host the culture forum in 2024. Newly elected DUP representative for Ormiston, Councillor Andrew McCormick, asked the director what the economic benefit to the city was as a result of the membership. The director replied: We havent done that analysis, but anecdotally I would say officers have seen a benefit. And then as noted in the report, there are opportunities such as hosting the Eurociteis culture forum. That has a clear economic benefit such as bedding out visitors, and the opportunities to showcase the city. Councillor McCormick requested an analysis of the economic benefit and a report on the findings to be returned to the committee. The director said he could return a proposed methodology of how that might be done. One DUP Councillor however showed a more positive perspective on the scheme. Councillor for Titanic Sammy Douglas said: It has been there for decades now, and I remember being on one of these programmes. One of the benefits I have seen is that councillors who in those days didnt even talk to one another would go away and actually build relationships. He added: Sometimes we can be a bit parochial in Belfast. Lets be honest, this is quite a small city, and I think there have been excellent opportunities come from this. The more we can get out and see what other cities are doing, and build up links and networks (the better). He asked that any report returning to the committee also detail broader benefits of the Eurocities membership. Another newly elected DUP representative for Ormiston, Alderman James Lawlor, said: I understand completely what Councillor Douglas is saying, but as we dont have access to the funding pots now, which are the main reason to be involved with things like this, I am not really sure where the benefits are going to be. Belfast Council said: Looking ahead to 2024, Belfast is to hold the annual meeting of the Eurocities Culture Forum in September that year. Our bid to hold the event recognises the value of Belfast as a cultural capital and will present another opportunity to position and promote the city during this year of cultural celebration. Belfast last hosted the Eurocities Culture Forum meeting in March 2014. During that event, more than 70 representatives from 58 cities attended to find out more about Belfasts work in this space. It presented a great opportunity to shine a light on the city itself but also on the rich cultural and artistic talent that we have in this place. A 36-year-old man arrested following a road traffic collision in Co Antrim, which saw two children taken to hospital, has been released on bail pending further enquiries. The two-vehicle crash in which a driver made off from the scene occurred in the Shore Road area of Whiteabbey at around 6.15pm on Saturday August 26. The PSNI confirmed that a red BMW travelling towards Carrickfergus was in collision with a blue Ford Focus. A number of passengers of both vehicles, including two children, were treated by ambulance crews. A spokesperson for the service said that a 999 call was received at 6.11pm on August 26, in relation to the incident. "NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Paramedic and three Emergency Crews to the incident," he said. "Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene two patients have been taken to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children." One flight from NI was delayed by almost 11 hours and an NI woman missed her heart transplant check-up as the situation was dealt with People wait near the EasyJet check-in desks at Gatwick Airport on August 28, 2023 in Crawley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Hundreds of flights to and from the UK are estimated to have been cancelled this bank holiday, leaving passengers stranded, after an air traffic control failure. By Monday afternoon, 232 flights departing UK airports had been cancelled and 271 arriving flights, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The traffic control failure that has caused flights to be delayed and cancelled across the country has been resolved. However, delays and cancellations may persist. Belfast International Airport has released a statement advising customers to contract their airlines for the latest flight information amid continued delays and cancellations. It said: National Air Traffic Control (NATS) have fixed the earlier technical issue that resulted in air traffic flow restrictions across the UK. However there are still delays and cancellations to flights so if you are due to travel today please contact your airline for the latest flight information. Belfast City Airport released a similar statement, which read: The advice for passengers remains the same as earlier in the day - they should check the live status of their flight directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. The National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the country's leading provider of air traffic control services, said at 3.15pm it had "identified and remedied" the technical issue affecting air traffic control systems and is working with airlines and airports to support the flights affected. Long delays and flight cancellations have been reported at Northern Irelands airports after National Air Traffic Control (NATC) reported a technical issue this afternoon. Major UK airlines such as Tui and BA have warned of "significant delays" for passengers amid changes to schedules. The NATS statement added: "We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. "Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system's performance as we return to normal operations. "The flight planning issue affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. "Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight." Flights will remain "significantly disrupted" for the rest of Monday, despite the technical issue being resolved, a spokesman for Heathrow Airport said. British Airways told passengers on Monday that no flights would take off until 6pm and all check-in desks were closed. A Cookstown woman has missed a check-up following a heart transplant after her flight was cancelled amid a UK-wide traffic control failure. Read more Passengers stranded as flights cancelled after air traffic control failure Serena Hamilton was due to fly to Newcastle for a hospital appointment. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, she said: Its just terrible. Its happening to everybody but for somebody like me thats had a heart transplant, I cant get anywhere because of this whole disruption. She added that she had phoned Easyjet to confirm that she should travel to the airport amid the traffic control issue. When she arrived at the airport, she found her flight had been cancelled. So thats me, I have to go back home again, she added, Im meant to be attending Newcastle Freeman Hospital tomorrow morning at 7.30am for a CT angiogram and Im not getting now. I have to inform the hospital. Delays of almost 11 hours have been reported on some flights leaving Belfast International Airport, with the 2.35pm departure for Paris delayed by 10 hours and 57 minutes. The airport said the delays were due to a UK-wide issue. "National Air Traffic Control (NATS) are experiencing a technical issue across UK airspace, said a spokesperson. "As a result traffic flow restrictions have been implemented resulting in flight delays UK wide. If you are due to travel today please check with your airline for latest information on your flight status. Meanwhile, patience is wearing out among airline passengers left stranded on runways while waiting for the all-clear to enter UK airspace, a Belfast man caught up in the UK-wide air traffic control chaos has said. Belfast man John McVicars Jet2 flight was due to leave Alicante for Belfast at 12.10pm local time, but has now been delayed until at least 6.30pm. "Wed the flight boarded and everything else and were settled down, he told the Belfast Telegraph. "The captain came on and said there was an issue with air traffic control in London and he came back about 10 minutes later and said they had a technical issue. "He came back on again and said hed been given a slot of 10.30pm but that was then moved back to 6.30pm. From what I can gather, its chaos. Airlines warn of delays as UK air traffic control hit by technical fault Mr McVicar praised the response of the airlines cabin crew, but said patience among the passengers was beginning to wear out. "Weve been physically on the plane for over three hours. Were just sitting here, he said. "One person has already walked off and there were another few people looking to try and catch another flight, but it was explained to them that they couldnt because its affecting every airline. "The cabin crew have been great, theyve been around with water and snacks but eventually their time is going to run out and that will be the next obstacle. "The pilot had said they were in touch with the company to put additional fuel on board in the event that they were going to avoid London air space." The NATS has confirmed it is experiencing a technical issue but stressed UK airspace has not been closed. In an update posted to its website at 2.20pm, NATS said flight plans were having to be input manually. "This mornings technical issue is affecting our ability to automatically process flight plans, said a spokesperson. "Until our engineers have resolved this, flight plans are being input manually which means we cannot process them at the same volume, hence we have applied traffic flow restrictions. Our technical experts are looking at all possible solutions to rectify this as quickly as possible. Our priority is ensuring every flight in the UK remains safe and doing everything we can to minimise the impact. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. We are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. No information about the cause of the fault or the timeframe for fixing it has yet been announced. Belfast City Airport said a planning system technical issue was behind the disruption. "Due to an ongoing UK-wide flight planning system technical issue, disruption to flights is highly likely, said a spokesperson. Whilst this issue is out of our control we are advising all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport. Dublin Airport has also advised passengers to check the status of their flight with the airline before travelling. "Air Traffic Control issues in the UK today are resulting in delays and cancellations to some flights into and out of Dublin Airport, said a spokesperson. "We advise all passengers due to travel today to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travelling. Meanwhile, Irish minister of state for transport Jack Chambers has warned of a "major" knock-on impact on flights to and from Ireland as a consequence of the UK air traffic control fault. Speaking to RTE Radio One, Mr Chambers said: "There's traffic flow restrictions have been introduced to maintain safety in the sky and it will have significant impacts on passengers flying in and out of Dublin, and there are multiple slot restrictions. "So, we'd encourage customers to contact their airline for an update but it will have a major impact on Irish travel because, obviously, the nature and the proximity to UK space. "There will be an impact and delays of several hours for many passengers and we'd encourage them to contact their airlines." Police said Sean Megaws arrest came after appeals to trace his whereabouts (PA) A prisoner unlawfully at large after being released to attend a funeral has been arrested. Sean Megaw, 35, was detained at an address in Belfast on Monday. He is serving a sentence for attempted GBH with intent. The prisoner was released at 10am on Saturday on compassionate grounds to attend a funeral. He was due to return at 3pm, but police said he failed to so do. Police said Megaws arrest in Belfast came after appeals to trace his whereabouts. Ms Vardy said she was presenting her best breaking news ever in a social media post. BBC reporter Emma Vardy has thanked the dedicated and talented staff at a Belfast hospital following the birth of her son. The BBC Ireland Correspondent took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday morning to announce the arrival of her son Jago Fionn, telling followers she was smitten and so in love. "Presenting my best breaking news ever, she said. "Baby boy Jago Fionn is here. At just a few hours old, playing a little camera shy. "Huge thanks to the dedicated and talented midwives and doctors at Belfasts Royal Victoria Hospital, for looking after us so well. Smitten and so in love. Ms Vardy explained that the name Jago is from Cornish origin. It is a form of the name James or Jacob. Ms Vardy had also used the platform to announce her pregnancy in May, posting a picture of her baby bump as she propped up her surfboard in Co Sligo as the sun set on the beach in the background. Sharing her news to both X and Instagram, the Southampton native wrote: "Well folks its definitely getting a bit harder to balanceextra cargo hitching a ride!! Still managing to catch a few waves though. Beautiful weekend in Co Sligo, and a very exciting summer ahead!! The post was accompanied by the hashtags Paddling For Two and Baby On Board. Emma and her husband Aaron Adams tied the knot in March 2022, with a fairytale wedding at Lissanoure Castle in Co Antrim, where Aarons young son Jonah acted as ring bearer on the day. Elizabeth Morris husband was shot in August 1983. Westminster should call a halt to its controversial legacy bill, the widow of an Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) man killed by the IRA has said. Ronnie Finlay (32) was leaving his civilian job at the former Adria factory in Strabane, Co Tyrone in August 1983 when he was shot dead. He had three young children, aged between nine years and nine months. Mr Finlays widow Elizabeth Morris has said the UK Government needs to recognise the hurt they are causing families of innocent victims with the legacy bill. "They would need to rethink what they are doing. There should be no legacy bill," she told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme. Ms Morris said the Westminster governments proposal meant murderers get away scot-free and that families were left to bear that. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is currently progressing through Parliament despite opposition from bereaved families, all of NIs main political parties and the Irish government. The bill would end Troubles-era cases and inquests, offering a conditional amnesty to those accused of killings. A government spokesperson said the legislation provides a framework that will enable the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to deliver effective legacy mechanisms, while complying with our international obligations". They said a number of amendments had been added that address a number of key issues raised by stakeholders". No one has been convicted of Mr Finlays murder, something Ms Morris said was a sad thing. "Everyone who takes a person's life should be brought to justice and made to pay for what they did," she said. "It still feels so raw and that pain is there there. People say time heals, I have to tell you different, time does not heal. This comes after Sinn Fein Northern leader Michelle ONeill told a hunger strike commemoration in Cork that if the Bill was passed in Westminster, the Irish government should take legal action against the British government. "The Irish government must confront this denial of human rights through an interstate case and international action against the British government, she said. The current legislation nearing completion in Westminster has one purpose, and one purpose only, to conceal the truth and protect British state forces, continued the Mid Ulster MLA. That legislation is anti-democratic, it is unjust, and it is a denial of the human rights of victims and their families who have campaigned for decades for the truth. The British government should withdraw this legislation. Gardai are looking for a 15-year-old who was reported missing from Burnfoot, Co. Donegal almost a week ago. Stephen Boyle is described as approximately 56 in height, of medium build with fair reddish hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what Stephen was wearing when he went missing on Tuesday, August 22. Burnfoot is an eight-minute drive from the border with Northern Ireland. Gardai are concerned for Stephen's welfare. Anyone with information on Stephens whereabouts is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Low birthweight directly increases the risk of heart disease later in life, according to new research (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Low birthweight directly increases the risk of heart disease later in life, according to new research. A babys weight at birth should also be considered a risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases. Scientists say taking birthweight into account could help identify those who might benefit from more tailored support and monitoring, to manage their risk later in life. Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said information about patients birthweight could be a valuable tool to help doctors build up a better picture of patients risk of heart disease and identify those who could benefit from closer monitoring or targeted intervention. The new research, part-funded by the British Heart Foundation, found that low birthweight is directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, and that this relationship is independent of conditions in the womb. A low birthweight is usually defined as less than 5lb 8oz (2.5kg). A reduction in birthweight by approximately 17oz (480g) resulted in a 20% increased risk of heart disease, the research found. The findings are being presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam. The team of researchers, led by Dr Maddalena Ardissino, honorary clinical research fellow at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and National Institute for Health and Care Research academic clinical fellow at the University of Cambridge, analysed data from nearly 300,000 participants. Previous research has found an association between low birthweight and a higher risk of heart disease, but, until now, it was not known whether birthweight alone could directly raise the risk of developing heart disease. Researchers found that, throughout life, systolic blood pressure the pressure when the heart is pumping blood through the arteries plays a central role in this relationship. Closely monitoring and managing blood pressure could be a key strategy to help people born with a lower birthweight reduce their risk of heart disease over the course of their lifetime. Dr Ardissino said: Low birthweight is a common pregnancy complication. Beyond its many short-term risks, our research highlights how it can influence long-term cardiovascular health in an important way. Understanding how birthweight is linked to heart health, and the risk factors at play, is an important step in improving cardiovascular risk prediction and providing personalised preventive care. Five people, including four children, died and dozens were rescued on Monday in two separate incidents involving migrant boats heading to Greek islands from nearby Turkish shores, Greek authorities said. The coastguard said four people died and 18 were rescued after a boat carrying migrants apparently sank north-east of the Greek island of Lesbos, which is near the Turkish coast. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said all four were children: an eight-year-old boy and three girls aged 14, eight and 11 months. Coastguard spokesman Nikos Alexiou said the incident occurred within Turkish territorial waters but the Turkish coastguard did not conduct a rescue operation, so a Greek patrol boat recovered the passengers. A child escorted by coast guard officers disembarks with other migrants from a vessel after a rescue operation at Mytilene, Lesbos (AP Photo/Panagiotis Balaskas) The survivors were taken to Lesbos main port of Mytilene, where two people were transferred to a local hospital. Earlier on Monday at about 1am., a coastguard patrol boat spotted a dinghy carrying 37 people off the eastern Aegean island of Samos, the coastguard said. It said the passengers fell into the water upon seeing the patrol boat, triggering a rescue operation. A woman and a young boy were pulled from the water unconscious and coast guard officers performed CPR, authorities said. The woman died but the boy survived and was transferred to a hospital on Samos along with nine other survivors, the coastguard said. We express our deepest sadness for the five deaths, Mr Marinakis said at a regular briefing. He praised the coastguard for superhuman efforts to rescue lives at sea. It is imperative that the dismal smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable people are struck at their roots, he said. Over the weekend, the coastguard said it picked up dozens of people from boats near eastern Aegean Sea islands, part of an increase in new arrivals over the past two months. It said it recovered 20 people from a dinghy off the coast of Lesbos on Sunday, and 11 others from another dinghy that was sinking near the same island on Saturday. Two other boats arrived on Samos on Saturday, the coastguard said, one carrying 35 people and one with 21 people. For decades, Greece has been a preferred entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict or poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and hoping for a better life in Europe. More than 14,000 people have reached Greece by land and sea so far this year, according to United Nations figures. Thats about a tenth of the total successful Mediterranean crossings, most of which about 104,000 were to Italy. Arrivals in Greece for the whole of 2022 totalled 19,000. In June, a battered fishing trawler heading from Libya to Italy with an estimated 500-750 people on board sank in international waters off southwestern Greece. Only 104 survivors were found, and Greek authorities were heavily criticised for failing to evacuate the vessel in time. The government has attributed the rise in migrant crossings since then to better summer weather and smugglers taking advantage of an increase in Aegean small boat traffic during the tourist season. After nearly a million people entered Greece at the height of Europes 2015 migration crisis, the vast majority hoping to move north to wealthier European countries, Greece increased patrols along the sea and land border with Turkey to halt arrivals. Human rights groups and migrants denounced the government for carrying out summary deportations of people arriving in the country without allowing them to apply for asylum, an accusation the government strongly denied. One of Libyas rival prime ministers has suspended his foreign minister a day after it was revealed she met with her Israeli counterpart last week. The news prompted scattered street protests in the chaos-stricken North African nation. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who heads the government of national unity in the capital, Tripoli, also referred Najla Mangoush for investigation over the meeting, which was the first ever between foreign ministers of Libya and Israel. Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen and Ms Mangoush met in Rome last week. It was a small breakthrough for Israels government, whose hardline policies towards the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. People protesting in Libya after Najla Mangoush and Eli Cohen met in Rome last week (AP Photo/Yousef Murad) Mr Cohen said they discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyas former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management, according to Israels foreign ministry. The Libyan foreign ministry, meanwhile, sought to downplay the importance of the meeting as unprepared and an unofficial meeting during a meeting with Italys foreign minister. It said in a statement that Ms Mangoushs encounter with Mr Cohen did not include any talks, agreements or consultations. Israels foreign ministry did not respond to reporters questions early on Monday, including whether Mr Cohens announcement had been co-ordinated with Libya. Libya was plunged into chaos after a Nato-backed uprising toppled long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The oil-rich country has been split between the Western-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the countrys east. Each side has been backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Gaddafi was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Sundays announcement of the meeting prompted scattered protests in Tripoli and other towns in western Libya. Protesters stormed the foreign ministry headquarters to condemn the meeting, while others attacked and burned a residence for the prime minister in Tripoli, according to local reports. People burn a shirt showing Libyan foreign minister Najla Mangoush in Tripoli (AP Photo/Yousef Murad) In the town of Zawiya protesters burned the Israeli flag, while others held the Palestinian flag. There were also protests in the city of Misrata, a stronghold for Mr Dbeibah, according to footage circulated on social media and verified by The Associated Press. Khalid al-Mishri, an Islamist politician who was the chairman of the State Council, a Tripoli-based legislative body, condemned the meeting and called for the dismissal of Mr Dbeibahs government, which is close to the US and the West. This government has crossed all prohibited lines and must be brought down, he wrote on the X platform, previously known as Twitter. The east-based House of Representatives also slammed the meeting as a legal and moral crime. It called for an emergency session on Monday in the eastern city of Benghazi. In Israel, Yair Lapid, a former foreign minister and prime minister, criticised Mr Cohen for going public with the sensitive meeting. Countries of the world this morning are looking at the irresponsible leak of the meeting of the Israeli and Libyan foreign minister and asking themselves: is it possible to manage foreign relations with this country? Is it possible to trust this country? Mr Lapid said in a statement. The mural dedicated to Lyra McKee in Orlando which was defaced A mural dedicated to Northern Ireland journalist Lyra McKee has been vandalised in the US state of Florida. A swastika and snipers target was accompanied by anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans graffiti on a mural of Lyra, who died after being shot in the head during clashes between dissident republican rioters and police in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019. A clean-up of the mural has since been organised by volunteers at Orlandos LGBTQ+ Center. Community activists in Zebra Youth said on social media: We will not allow the recent vandalism to our building by a hate group to deter us. Zebra Youth stands strong in our dedication to empowering LGBTQ+ youth to become healthy, productive, and self-sufficient individuals. We will never allow hate to win! The mural was unveiled in 2019 to honour Lyra, who had travelled to Florida in 2017 as part of an international exchange programme in the wake of a mass shooting in Orlandos LGBT Pulse Nightclub in 2016 in which 49 people were killed. The mural shows an image of Lyra inside an rainbow-coloured heart with the message Keep hanging on kid. Its worth it. I love you from her letter to her 14-year-old self. Sarah Gal, executive director at the World Affairs Council of Central Florida, one of the programmes organisers, met Lyra on the trip and said that she radiated warmth and kindness. Following Lyras death Mrs Gal proposed a resolution to the City of Orlando to honour her. When that passed she thought of the mural as a permanent tribute to Lyra. Lyra had dedicated a TEDx talk at Stormont to the victims of the 2016 nightclub shooting and all LGBT people who died by suicide. Lyras sister Nichola McKee Corner told the Belfast Telegraph in 2019 that the family were amazed by the powerful message and symbolism of the mural. She added that the mural was absolutely beautiful. Its a really fitting tribute, it really captures Lyra and what she stood for, love, tolerance, joy and happiness, she said. The interior ministers of Poland and the Baltic states have told Belarus they close their borders (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Nato members Poland and the Baltic states will seal off their borders with Russias ally Belarus in the event of any military incidents or a massive migrant push by Minsk, the countries interior ministers warned on Monday. The ministers said they were seeing growing tensions on Natos and the European Unions borders with Belarus, which has taken in thousands of Russias military mercenaries and is pushing Middle East and African migrants into Europe, despite various forms of barriers having been put up. They warned of swift and concerted response in the case of a military incident or large migrant push. The ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia addressed the media following their talks in Warsaw. Polands Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said any critical incident would lead to the borders being sealed (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In a joint statement they demanded that the government of Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko immediately remove from its territory the Wagner Group mercenaries. They also demanded the removal of migrants from border areas and their return to their home countries. Interior iinister Mariusz Kaminski of Poland said that any critical incident involving the military or an influx of migrants to Poland and the Baltic states from Belarus would be met with an immediate response and the shutting of all border crossings to travellers and to goods. He said steps have been developed to continue supporting members of the political opposition in Belarus in such a situation, but he gave no details. Lithuania recently temporarily closed two of its six border crossings with Belarus. The four countries, which are also European Union members, support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion and also support the opposition in Belarus. Poland and Lithuania border Belarus and Russias exclave of Kaliningrad, Latvia borders Belarus and Russia, and Estonia borders Russia. Latvias interior minister, Lauri Laanemets, said Tallin supports the groups decisions, which could also apply to its border with Russia. The sudden death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash in Russia last week has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group, which Polands interior minister Mariusz Kaminski branded as extremely dangerous and demoralized. He also said the mercenaries pose a threat to the citizens of Belarus and the entire region. Russias president, Vladimir Putin, has ordered the Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, according to a decree published on the Kremlins website on Friday and effective immediately. Also last week, Polands president, Andrzej Duda, confirmed that Russia has begun shifting some short-range, nuclear weapons to neighbouring Belarus, a move that he said will change the security architecture of the region and the entire Nato military alliance. Bocholla, a 45-year-old member of the ostracized Muslim ethnic Rohingya community in Myanmar, sold nearly everything his family owned to pay for his 18-year-old sons passage to Thailand. He was fed up with being discriminated against, the deplorable conditions in his village for displaced persons in Rakhine state and the lack of work opportunities there. Bocholla hoped his son could start a new, happier life in Bangkok, away from the Buddhist-majority country of his birth where he was a second-class citizen. The agent took him from our village, promising to get him to Thailand via Yangon and said nothing bad would happen to him, Bocholla told the Burmese Service of Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews, from Rathedaung townships Nyaung Pin Gyi village. Not only did Bocholla sell his familys land and house, he also took out a high-interest loan and pawned a food assistance booklet from the World Food Program to cobble together the 6.5 million kyat (U.S. $3,100) his sons handler demanded to relocate him. Not long after his son left in January, Bocholla learned that he had been arrested in Magwe regions Minbu township and the two lost contact. I asked the agent so many times what had become of him and what to do next, but he never responded, he said. Bocholla and his family are among tens of thousands of Rohingya living in temporary villages and camps for those displaced by a Myanmar military crackdown in 2017. More than 140,000 are sheltering in camps in Rakhines Sittwe township that the U.K.-based Burmese Rohingya Organization has likened to open air prisons. Desperate to return Another 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh from Rakhine during the military clearance operations and have refused to take part in a repatriation program that would see them sent to camps in Rakhine state. They say they want to return to their original homesteads because they find the camps unsafe. With few options after years of a stateless existence, many Rohingya are now doing whatever they can to sail or travel over land to Muslim majority countries in the region, including Indonesia and Malaysia, or nations with a more open society, such as Thailand and India. But their desperation to leave makes them susceptible to exploitation by human traffickers. Rohingya refugees wait on a wooden boat as Indonesian authorities help them off at the Krueng Geukueh port in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia, Dec. 31, 2021. [Fachrul Reza/Xinhua via Getty Images] Bochollas experience is not uncommon for Rohingya living in Rakhine and Bangladesh. Members of the community have heard similar stories throughout villages and camps for the displaced. Mamotsolein, a 16-year-old Rohingya boy, recently left the Ohn Taw Ghi (North) Rohingya camp in Sittwe after a trafficker promised him a job with good pay in Rakhines Rathedaung township. Instead, he was kidnapped and held for a 6 million-kyat (U.S. $2,860) ransom, his father said. We dont have that much money so we offered to pay 3 million, but they wouldnt return our son, he said. Now they say theyre going to kill him if we cant pay them what they ask. Mamotsoleins father said that he filed a complaint with the Sittwe Township Police Station about the kidnapping and human trafficking, but authorities have yet to respond. Trafficking networks Rohingya told RFA there are at least three human traffickers in each village and camp for the displaced, and that nearly all of them are fellow members of the ethnic group. These people act as groomers who select potential victims and connect them with second-level trafficking networks that arrange their transport to a city such as Yangon, they said. From there, a third-level trafficking network sends the victims to a third place, where they are sold for labor or held for ransom. Members of aid groups working with Rohingya communities told RFA that second- and third-level traffickers include Rohingya, as well as ethnic Rakhine and majority Bamar. They said traffickers also bring Rohingya to Rakhine state from camps in Bangladesh and keep them in groups before transporting them elsewhere. RFA spoke to at least 10 individuals for this report, including Rohingya human trafficking awareness campaigners, aid workers who help arrested Rohingya, lawyers for Rohingya, Rohingya in camps and villages for the displaced, leaders from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and Rohingya activists. One human trafficking awareness campaigner said that most of the networks operate in Rathedaung townships Ah Nauk Pyin and Nyaung Ping Gyi villages. Their head gangs, who are located in Yangon and Thailand, offer lower-level traffickers incentives, such as 200,000 kyat (U.S. $95) per person, if they can recruit people at the Rohingya camps, said the campaigner, speaking on the condition of anonymity citing security concerns. They usually leave via motorboat from Ah Nauk Pyin and Nyaung Pin Gyi villages, he said. People from the Bangladesh camps, as well as from Rakhines Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Sittwe townships, also go there to leave. Those villages are a meeting point for them. A Rohingya will typically pay 6-12 million kyat (U.S. $2,860-5,720) to traffickers to get to Thailand or Malaysia from Rakhine state, whereas those from camps in Bangladesh pay around 300,000 taka (U.S. $2,750) for the same service. Convincing victims to leave Khin Maung, director of the Rohingya Youth Association of Bangladeshs Thankhali camp, said that recruiters work to convince camp residents who are having difficulty earning a living to leave for other countries. They persuade the [victims] saying that the food is not good in the camp and they cant go back to Myanmar, so they will have to live like that for the rest of their lives or they can go abroad, and people take the bait, he said. Displaced Rohingya shelter in the Thae Chaung camp, Sittwe, Myanmar, April 21, 2023. [RFA] If those who try to leave are arrested, their traffickers are rarely brought to justice, according to a lawyer who provides legal assistance to Rohingya. He said the networks typically keep their chain of operations disconnected so that traffickers cannot be caught. When there are arrests, they are of the Rohingya victims and dock workers, not the traffickers or the owner of the boats, he said. Rohingya activists and residents say human trafficking takes place in areas controlled by the junta as well as by the Arakan Army of ethnic rebels, although they declined to say whether the groups are involved in the networks, due to fear of reprisal. Attempts by RFA to contact Arakan Army spokesperson Khaing Thukha and junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tin for comment went unanswered. According to the U.S. State Departments 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, Myanmar has made no significant efforts to eliminate human trafficking and is the third worst country in the world in terms of willingness to cooperate on combating the problem. In 2022, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR estimated that 2,400 Rohingya embarked on life-threatening sea journeys from Bangladeshs camps, a five-fold increase from the previous year. Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, told RFA that in 2022 alone, more than 400 Rohingya died en route to another country. Rohingya activists have called for authorities to better police trafficking in camps and villages for the displaced and for a loosening of restrictions at the sites that limit Rohingyas right to travel, work and pursue an education. Members of the Presidential Security Forces walk prior to a security sweep at one of the venues of the G20 leaders summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2022. The Indonesian military has arrested three soldiers, including one from the elite presidential guard, on charges of torturing and killing a man to extort money, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a video of the visibly bloodied victim groaning in pain while being tortured following his alleged abduction has gone viral on social media. The case has drawn widespread attention and condemnation in the country, where human rights groups have long documented abuses by the security forces. The suspects had allegedly accused the victim of selling illegal drugs so they could extract money from him, said Col. Irsyad Hamdie Bey Anwar, the commander of the Jakarta Military Police. He didnt disclose when the arrests took place. The three suspects have been detained and will be handled in accordance with procedure, Irsyad told BenarNews, referring to a military tribunal trying the case against the soldiers. The motive is extortion. When the victim, Imam Masykur, 25, failed to meet their demand for money, the soldiers tortured him to death and threw his body into a lake in Purwakarta, a regency in West Java, Irsyad said. Imams body was found in nearby Karawang on Aug. 15 and taken to the army hospital for an autopsy. A relative of Imams said he was kidnapped from his home near Jakarta on Aug. 12. Imans family found his dead body at a military hospital in the capital on Aug. 24 after days of looking for him. In the video posted on social media, Imam could be heard asking a relative who he was talking to over the phone to send 50 million rupiah (U.S. $3,725), and saying his captors would kill him if he didnt pay. Said Sulaiman, Imams cousin, said the video was sent by the soldiers who were torturing him on Aug. 12. Imam called his family while being tortured, Said told BenarNews. Fauziah, Imams mother, denied the suspects allegations that her son was a drug dealer. Thats false information, she told BenarNews. No forgiveness for them Adm. Yudo Margono, Indonesias military chief, expressed his concern over the incident and promised to oversee the case until it was resolved. The military chief will see to it that the perpetrators are punished severely maximum death penalty, minimum life imprisonment, Julius Widjojono, the head of the militarys public affairs office, told BenarNews. He also said the soldiers involved in the case would be dismissed from the military. Human rights groups condemned the actions of the soldiers and called for them to be tried in civil court instead of military court. Violence by members of the military repeatedly occurs because of a culture of impunity, said Dimas Arya, the coordinator of KontraS, an Indonesian human rights group. He said security forces had been accused of human rights violations in counter-insurgency operations in the Papua region. Military crimes are crimes committed by active military personnel during armed conflict or war, Dimas told BenarNews. If we look at history there has never been any initiative or effort for reforms within the military itself. A group called the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform also demanded that the trial be carried out in a civilian court to ensure that legal proceedings are conducted transparently and accountably. Military tribunal proceedings are usually closed to the public. The coalition said that the military justice system was designed to shield crimes committed by soldiers under the regime of the late President Suharto, the dictator who ruled Indonesia for 32 years until his fall in 1998. There should be no cover-ups in resolving this case so that justice for victims and their families can be fulfilled, Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, who represents the coalition, said in a statement. Imams mother Fauziah demanded the heaviest punishment for her sons killers. We have no forgiveness for them, she told BenarNews. A macaque gathers food on the rooftop of Wat Tham Kaew, a Buddhist temple in Phetchaburi province, Aug. 3, 2023. [Arnun Chonmahatrakool/BenarNews] A macaque eats instant noodles while crossing a street in front of a car in Phetchaburi province, Thailand, Aug. 1, 2023. [Arnun Chonmahatrakool/BenarNews] Students line up for the morning flag salute at the Prommanusorn School as a macaque walks along a ledge above them, in Phetchaburi, Thailand, Aug. 3, 2023. [Arnun Chonmahatrakool/BenarNews] A macaque sits on a rail at a viewing spot in Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park overlooking Phetchaburi province, south of Bangkok, Aug. 3, 2023. [Arnun Chonmahatrakool/BenarNews] Marauding macaques have invaded Phetchaburi, a town south of Bangkok. They are damaging property and pestering people in and around Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, a local landmark, leading local officials to propose that these monkeys be de-listed as a protected species. The macaques can be seen everywhere here. Theyre perched atop buildings and traffic lights, and wait to greet motorists alighting from vehicles. Packs of these monkeys show up at temples, schools and shops while blocking traffic as they seek food. Some people have been shooing away the tailed critters with sticks. Others attract them by offering loaves of bread. They come down here to find food, steal goods in my shop. No agencies helped me when I filed complaints, Waraporn Ratanapobsil, a dessert shop owner, told BenarNews. The monkeys should live in the jungles. They are not urban animals. The regions macaque population has exploded from 2,000 to 12,000 over the last decade despite more recent population-control efforts, authorities said. Beginning in 2006, authorities performed vasectomies on males or injected females with birth control. In July, Phetchaburi Gov. Natttachai Nampoonsuksan visited Phra Nakhon Khiri (also known as Khao Wang) before proposing that macaques be removed from the list of protected species to control the population. But the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation turned down his proposal. Instead, the department and government of Phetchaburi province are considering resettling the monkeys on a few islands in the Gulf of Thailand, if it proves feasible. That action would require public hearings first. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Rain. High near 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close You are the owner of this article. Baile de Musica Latina Baile de Musica Latina at The Mount in Lenox provides a chance for Latinx culture to be shared and celebrated Berkshire County bus drivers are ready for the back to school season if theyre not driving their routes for school districts who've started their school year already. While local bus companies say theyve been able to staff enough drivers to cover the school routes for the coming school year, they admit finding drivers is becoming more and more difficult. The Eagle spoke with three local bus companies and organizations on the matter. Each confirmed that no bus route will be without a driver this year but that may be because administrative staff and mechanics will sit in the drivers seat to make routes work. Marie Massini, the president of Massini Bus Company in Sheffield, said while the companys been able to find enough drivers to cover the school bus routes for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, they have few spare drivers. We have not had anyone apply to become a school bus driver in over a year, Massini wrote to The Eagle in an email on Tuesday. We have had a few people inquire about driving vans or becoming monitors but [they] have not followed through. Massini said she thinks the difficulty in finding drivers comes down to a lack of affordable housing in south county. If people cant find a way to cover their housing costs on the salary available, they wont take the job. Until we address the housing issue the shortage of drivers will continue, Massini added. William Dufour, the owner of Dufour Tours, said the biggest impediment he sees to fixing the driver shortage isnt housing its the training and licensure required by the state. He offered up a hypothetical: if 15 people walk into the company interested in the school bus driver job, only about three or four of those candidates will return once they hear about the qualifications. In Massachusetts, anyone driving a school bus must hold a school bus certificate. That document requires either 60 hours of driving instruction or a commercial drivers license and 40 hours of training. Dufour, whose company maintains school bus contracts with 22 districts between Bennington, Vt., and Lee, said finding someone who is willing to put in the time to complete the training is the real challenge. I think were back to the same fight of finding the right people, finding the people that are willing to put up with that 60 hours, Dufour said. He said that hes trying to do his part to make it worthwhile for potential drivers, promising to reimburse their licensing fees if they stick with the company for a month. He added that hes increased pay about 15 percent in the last two years and salaries now sit near $25 an hour. Were doing everything possible to get people through the door, Dufour said. Even so, Dufour said hes probably staffed down about 10 percent below where hed like to be to cover the 200 school bus routes the company is responsible for. Pittsfield Public Schools' Director of Bus Operations Colleen OBrien said that while she has the staff to cover the districts routes, the first month of school will be a bit bumpy, as several drivers are currently injured or out on a medical leave. While were covered once everybodys healthy, we will struggle in the beginning, OBrien said. OBrien said she plans to call on the districts two mechanics and the route scheduler and will herself get back in the drivers seat as needed to make sure kids get to school. The district has been one of the lucky ones, OBrien said. As drivers have retired or left for other opportunities over the last three years, Pittsfield has been able to hire new drivers at the same rate. Christine Bossana, a spare driver and the head of the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees, said the department makes it thanks to the dedication of many longtime drivers. Bossana said the districts longest serving driver has been with Pittsfield for over 40 years. Another 18 drivers have been with the district for more than a decade. Thats one thing were really fortunate about the people that we have, they stay, Bossana said. I dont think weve ever had a day where Colleen has had to come out and say we cant do this today, because all of us pull together and we dont allow that to happen, Bossana added. Even as the experience of shopping can be be fun for students, the financial impact can be burdensome to some families. As the years go up, it gets more expensive, said Tina Sweet, of Adams. STOCKBRIDGE The Laurel Hill Association came together in 1853 with a mission to do such things as shall serve to improve the quality of life and of the environment in the town of Stockbridge. On Saturday, just two days past the 170th anniversary of the groups first meeting, association members say that mission is still going strong. Dozens of people made the short trek into the hills above the Stockbridge Town Hall on Saturday to gather under the canopy of trees at the rostrum on Laurel Hill. They came together for Laurel Hill Day, the anniversary celebration of what has been called the nations oldest village improvement societies. Together in what the Rev. Elizabeth Wade of St. Pauls Episcopal Church called a magical, mystical place, celebrants reflected on how much had been accomplished and how much more there was to do in meeting the groups environmental message. Association president Hilary Somers Deely said seven years before the start of the Civil War, Mary Hopkins Goodrich the associations founder set the residents of Stockbridge on a course of land stewardship that continues until today. The early work of the association focused on beautification efforts like planting flowers and cleaning up the towns cemetery. In the associations first two years, it was responsible for the planting of 400 Norway spruce trees in the city. Today, the association has amassed over 470 acres of land across 20 properties protecting and maintaining recreational trails through many of the sites. Deely told the gathered crowd on Saturday that these preserved lands offset the same amount of carbon generated by 116 homes in Stockbridge. As Frederick Law Olmsted said about Central Park, its the lungs of New York, Deely said, referencing the designer of the famed park. I feel that Laurel Hill is the lungs of Stockbridge. Lets keep those lungs clear. Starling W. Childs, a modern forester and the events keynote speaker, reminded those in attendance of the stakes involved in not being steadfast stewards of our interconnected environment. Childs, an alumni of the Yale forestry school, rattled through events that have happened just this summer: raging wildfires in Canada that brought ash on strong winds to much of the United States, oppressive heat domes that have settled over large sections of the country, rising ocean temperatures that have caused mass coral bleaching events and rain bombs that have dumped huge amounts of water in states like Vermont and Massachusetts, causing powerful and damaging flooding. We are at an inflection point in history, Childs said in his address. Childs, who manages his familys 6,000 acre forest called Great Mountain Forest, said protecting trees and forests as the Laurel Hill Association has done is a start to the work thats needed. Theres great work yet to be done and little time in which to do it but communities like yours and others around the world are taking up these challenges, Childs said. A newer day is dawning at state and local levels around America and communities like Stockbridge and my own little town of Norfolk [Conn.] can help usher these in. The association also took time to recognize one family they said has been exemplary of the kind of dedication to the environment theyre looking for: The Berles. The association presented Lila Wilde Berle and Mary A. Berle, as well as the late Peter A.A. Berle, this years community service award. Peter A.A. Berle, who was known nationally as a former president of the National Audubon Society, an environmentalist and lawyer, was also a founding member of the Stockbridge Land Trust. Laurel Hill trustee Philip Deely said that Peter A.A. Berle helped spearhead an effort by the trust and the Laurel Hill Association to purchase and preserve land along Agawam Brook. Lila Wilde Berle played a significant role in the two organizations' purchase of the Four Corners property and the gifting of a section of land between Butler Road and the Housatonic River to the association. Peter and Lila Berle's daughter, Mary Berle was recognized for her running of Lilas Mountain Farm, a sheep farm in Great Barrington, with humane and ecologically sustainable practices among other work. Lila Wilde Berle thanked the Laurel Hill Association in return, saying some of her earliest and most formative experiences came from hiking up and playing among the protected forests of Laurel Hill. BTS 2023 is positioned at a critical intersection, where the brightest minds will converge The 26th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) is set to surpass all expectations with an unparalleled scale and an unprecedented level of global participation. This summit will redefine the boundaries of technology and innovation. The summit is scheduled to take place take place at the iconic Bangalore Palace from November 29 to December 1, 2023 said Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT & BT, Government of Karnataka. Speaking at the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) Partners meeting in Bangalore on August 28, he said BTS 2023 eagerly awaits the presence of esteemed high-level government and industry delegations from renowned tech nations. BTS 2023 is positioned at a critical intersection, where the brightest minds from the Startup Community, pioneering Research labs, SMEs, leading corporations, and industries will converge. Together, they will showcase the rapid advancements in IT and DeepTech, the Metaverse and WEB 3.0, Electronics and Semiconductors, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Telecom, and 6G, as well as Biotech and Health tech. This grand gathering promises to push the boundaries of innovation and technology, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among visionary minds. Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 will feature a diverse and enriching Event Spectrum. The summit encompasses a Multi-Track Conference on IT & Electronics, Deep Tech, Startups & Biotech, an International Exhibition, the Global Innovation Alliance, the India-USA Tech Conclave, the India Innovation Alliance, R&D-Lab2Market, B2B Meetings, STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, Unicorns Felicitation, Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz, and Bio Posters. BTS 2022 marked an incredible success with a record-breaking number of participants, including 405 Speakers, 9356 Delegates, 585 Exhibitors, 25,738 Registered Visitors, over 50,000 Expo footfalls, and 104 Biotech posters. Over the years, the Bengaluru Tech Summit has consistently drawn substantial participation from GIA partners. In the previous edition, the event saw a remarkable presence with representatives from 30 countries. Among them, 17 countries organised engaging GIA sessions, featuring a diverse panel of 104 speakers. Additionally, BTS 2022 was graced by esteemed ministerial delegations from Australia, Finland, and the United Arab Emirates, along with active involvement from Ambassadors representing seven countries. Ground will be broken for a new boutique accommodation offering situated within the iconic Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Source: Supplied. The new development project will be managed by Newmark Hotels & Reserves. This follows the signing of a partnership agreement between the Cape Town-based hospitality management company and the historic wine estate outlining that Newmark will manage all accommodation on the farm. This will encompass a total of 34 units, including the new accommodation offering, which is expected to launch in Q1 2025. Considered the oldest wine farm in the Stellenbosch region, Blaauwklippens history dates to 1682 when land was allocated to free burgher Gerrit Jansz Visscher by the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. It is reported that the farm, which is named after the granite or blue stones found on the property, was planted with its first 1,000 vines in 1688 and produced its first leaguer of wine in 1709. Today Blaauwklippen Wine Estate is one of South Africas most popular wine farms. Best known as the pioneers of Zinfandel Wines in South Africa, the estate now produces a wide range of premier wines. Guests visiting the estate can sample the wines, enjoy a food pairing, visit the Blaauwklippen Art Gallery, explore the vibrant market held on the estate every weekend, or get their blood pumping at the Bike Park and Pump Track. A new restaurant, De Blaauwe Kitchen, opened earlier this month, serving everything from breakfasts to pizzas, pastas, salads, and grills. Extremely family-friendly, the farm grounds are dotted with jungle gyms situated under the shade of the farms ancient oak trees. Currently in operation on the farm is the 6-key Jonkershuis Guest House and the 4-key Manor House. Both are heritage buildings in the traditional Cape Dutch style which date back to the 1700s. Rooms are elegantly furnished with views over the farms expansive Lawns. The new luxury accommodation development is expected to take 18 to 20 months to complete. It will be located next to the Blaauwklippen River overlooking the estates manicured vineyards and the magnificent Stellenbosch mountains. It will seamlessly integrate in style with the existing architecture on the property. It is a privilege for Newmark to be partnering with one of the countrys most established brands. The Cape Winelands is a key South African tourism destination, and we believe that there is strong demand for more upscale accommodation offerings located on the grounds of the magnificent Blaauwklippen Estate, said chief executive officer of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Neil Markovitz. The new boutique accommodation offerings are planned to be upscale in nature and will compliment Newmarks existing portfolio. This will allow our guests, which are already visiting Cape Town and the greater Kruger Park, to complete the South African tourist circuit with a stay in the heart of the Cape Winelands, he added. Chairman of Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Charl Cronje, said that the expansion of estates luxury accommodation offerings would add great value to the Blaauwklippen experience. We want guests to be able to spend longer on our beautiful farm, affording them enough time to experience all the extensive offerings. This new partnership will allow us to focus on wine making, the area where our expertise lies, while Newmark, the hospitality experts, will perfect and drive the estates accommodation offerings, he added. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has reiterated that the full recovery of commuter rail services nationally is a top priority. "Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritised for recovery in this financial year," Prasa said on Friday. Eight lines have been recovered in the Western Cape region, with six of these lines in operation with the new Electric Motor Units, otherwise known Isitimela Sabantu. Trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province. Five corridors in the Western Cape have been earmarked for recovery in this financial year - Nyanga to Philippi; Philippi to Chris Hani; and Philippi to Kapteinsklip; Bellville to Strand; and Cape Town to Muldersvlei. "We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASAs interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable. The plans are part of PRASA's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport, the agency said. The plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include: Increasing the number of trains running on the Cape Town rail network. Improving the frequency of trains, through the recovery of signalling. Upgrading of train stations. Building on the gains in the safety and security of passengers by investing in security and facilities management. In line with its secondary mandate, Prasa has already contributed to the socio-economic fabric of the mother city with the new multi-use development at the Cape Town Station. "Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the citys economy. The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape. Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that Prasa has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to, the agency said. Prasa expressed confidence that it will deliver on its plans given its turnaround momentum. The latest StatsSA Land Transport survey shows continued strong demand for passenger rail transport. According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215% year-on-year. "Our On-Time performance and Customer Satisfaction Index show gradual improvement. Prasa attends regular meetings at which developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town are discussed. "These meetings align with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within Prasa. Prasa reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings, the agency said. The Railway Steering Sub Committee meetings, a structure set up in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), provide a platform for regular updates on the state of the service. Prasa, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are also members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line. Prasa said it will continue to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government during its infrastructure and services rebuild and recovery. "Prasa believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province," Prasa said. Fishers say they were ignored when the original rights were awarded between 1994 and 1998. Damage to the West Coast north of the Olifants River estuary caused by previous diamond mining operations (before Trans Hex). Photo: John Yeld | GroundUp 10 diamond mining rights on the West Coast, originally awarded between 1994 and 1998, have been extended by 30 years. Environmentalists and fishers are challenging the extensions in court, arguing that the basis on which the rights were granted is long outdated and new assessment and public consultations are required. The Trans Hex mining group say the challenge to the renewals of the rights is baseless, and wrong in law and in fact. The first part of the matter will be heard in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday. Legal action that could profoundly impact the future regulation of mining in South Africa, in particular environmental approvals and public participation, is scheduled to start in the Western Cape High Court this week. On Tuesday, the first part of an application will be heard challenging the awarding of 30-year extensions to 10 diamond mining rights on the West Coast held by the Trans Hex group. The applicants are environmental non-profit organisation Protect the West Coast, two groups of small-scale fishers from Doringbaai and the Olifants River estuary, and two individual fishers from Doringbaai. They argue they were not informed about, nor given an opportunity to comment on, these lengthy mining rights extensions. They were also ignored when the original rights were awarded between 1994 and 1998. They argue the environmental management programmes (EMPs) on which these mining rights are based are more than 20 years old and hopelessly outdated. They argue new authorisations are required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and other legislation that came into effect after the original rights were granted. The application is being opposed by Trans Hex Operations (Pty) Ltd. The respondents are the national mining minister (currently Gwede Mantashe); regional manager of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE); Moonstone Diamond Marketing (as Trans Hex Operations was still named when the application was filed); national environment minister (currently Barbara Creecy); the Western Cape provincial MECs for transport and public works, and the environment; and the Matzikama local municipality. Mining operations Trans Hex Operations called Moonstone Diamond Marketing (Pty) Ltd between February 2020 and February this year currently holds 10 mining rights along an 85km stretch of the West Coast, between Lamberts Bay and Sout River to the north. These rights, granted between 1994 and 1998, were so-called old order mining authorisations issued under the Minerals Act of 1991. This act was replaced by the Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 (MPRD) and the authorisations converted to mining rights. Three of the 10 areas are for mining in the shallow sea, from about 32 metres to about a kilometre offshore. The other seven are associated rights in the coastal strip, extending from the edge of farm boundaries to about 32 metres offshore, including the beach and surf zone. Two project-specific EMPs covering the 10 mining concession areas were approved and published in October 2002, and revised and updated (but not formally approved) in 2005, without any public consultation. In 2015, the DMRE extended the existing mining right in one of Trans Hexs three sea concessions for 30 years, and in October 2021 extended the mining rights in all its other nine areas, also for 30 years. There was no public participation in, or announcement of, these awards. Although in 2021 the DMRE directed the mining company to update the two 2002 environmental management programmes that regulated their activities in the three sea concession areas and related surf and beach zones, no deadlines were imposed for such an update and no restrictions on mining in the meantime were applied. Court challenge After failing to get crucial information about the rights extensions from the DMRE, including through a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) application, the applicants launched urgent court action on 18 December 2022. Their application is in two parts. Part A, being heard on Tuesday, is for an interdict to halt any mining activities by Trans Hex and its contractors in the sea concession areas where rights were renewed, pending the resolution of Part B of the application which challenges the legitimacy of those rights. Part B consists of three applications: for a final interdict to stop all mining in the sea concessions until Trans Hex is granted Environmental Authorisations under NEMA; for the court to review and set aside the original decisions to grant mining rights in the three sea concessions; and to review and set aside the most recent decisions to renew these mining rights and all previous renewals. In his founding affidavit, Mike Schlebach, director of the Protect the West Coast (the first applicant), argues there have been significant and material changes in the legal framework governing mining and the environmental impact of mining since the advent of democracy. The environmental obligations for the mining are based on outdated and wholly inadequate EMPs dating back to 2002, states Schlebach. The applicants challenge is also based on the claim that there was no public consultation before the extensions to the mining rights were granted. It happened unbeknownst to the public and behind closed doors. Given that South Africa is now a world leader in coastal zone assessment, it is unacceptable that renewals of mining rights were approved in 2021 for an 85km stretch of coast scientifically acknowledged to be a national mining-conservation hotspot based on an outdated EMP from 2005 lacking critical information for sound decision-making when new instruments are available to secure sustainable coastal development and management, states Schlebach in his affidavit. He points out that some of the other applicants the fishers at Doringbaai, a small West Coast fishing village about 15km south of the Olifants River estuary only became aware of the 30-year renewal through a local newspaper article on 12 August 2022. This was the so-called 13A sea concession. Others in the community heard about it for the first time in a meeting with the Legal Resources Centre on 26 October 2022. The last 17 years saw significant changes in the socio-economic conditions of Doringbaai, and it is inconceivable that mining as invasive as what is happening on the beach can commence without a contemporary understanding of its potential impacts on the host community. The same can be said of the Olifants River Estuary and the impact that mining will have on the livelihoods of the Olifants River fishers who fish there, states Schlebach. Trans Hex responds In an answering affidavit, Trans Hex operations director Ian Hestermann states the group has been engaged in the exploration, mining and marketing of West Coast diamonds for almost 60 years. Arguing that Part B of the application has no prospects of success, he states the applicants raise a number of unsubstantiated allegations, and that the companys operations in terms of its mining and prospecting rights and the 2002 EMP are lawful. Trans Hex has and maintains an impeccable record of environmental compliance and has taken seriously the obligations to comply with its EMPs and to undertake rehabilitation wherever necessary The applicants challenge to the original grant of the mining rights is unsubstantiated and baseless and their challenge to the renewals of those rights is wrong in law and in fact, states Hesterman. Although both applicants and Trans Hex have filed voluminous papers setting out their respective arguments in respect of Part B of the application, Tuesdays hearing will only relate to the interim interdict application of Part A. One of the crucial legal requirements for obtaining an interdict is reasonable apprehension of irreparable harm if it is not granted. Schlebach argues that reliance on the 2005 EMP as the management tool for the current mining operations is unlawful and presents a grave threat of irreparable harm. Significant and material environmental impacts have simply not been assessed at all, and where they have been, the information and assessment tools are dated. There are therefore major limitations on the present knowledge of the impact and consequences of the mining on the environment. Once this coastline area and the Olifants River estuary have been damaged or destroyed, they are lost not only for present but also future generations. But Hestermann countered that the applicants offer only speculative, broad and generalised contentions about the environmental nature of the concession areas. In negotiations leading up to Tuesdays hearing, the mining company gave several undertakings which, it argues, render the allegations of harm redundant. These include that beach mining operations between the high-water and low-water marks at Doringbaai will not recommence until both Part A and Part B of the application have been finalised; all beach mining operations will be confined to its Bethel and Weskus mining rights and it will not increase the size of these operations; it will not conduct any mining operations of any type within a significant area surrounding the Olifants River Estuary the so-called Olifants River Estuary no-go zone; and it will not undertake any land-based mining operations in several conservation worthy areas along the West Coast adjacent to its three sea concession areas. Damage to the West Coast north of the Olifants River estuary caused by previous diamond mining opaTrans Hex mining the beaches for diamons near Doringbaai on the West Coast in September last year. This particular operation has since been stopped. Photo: Sacha Specker/Protect the West Coasterations (before Trans Hex). Photo: John Yeld | GroundUp This article was originally published on GroundUp. 2023 GroundUp. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Economic growth and sustainable entrepreneurship are paramount. Are you a small business owner in South Africa's dynamic ICT space? Hungry for success and desperately seeking to boost your business growth? Innovator Trust , the pioneers in empowering ICT entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, presents its groundbreaking Enterprise Development programme (HATCH), now accepting applications for 2024 until 14 September 2023. Prepare to embark on a holistically transformative journey that will elevate your mindset and your business to new heights. Innovator Trust, powering entrepreneurial success Innovator Trust is based in South Africa and focuses on developing and supporting technology-enabled businesses. The Innovator Trust is enabled by Vodacom to support the growth of sustainable small businesses in the ICT sector. Since inception, the programme has been instrumental in increasing job creation, driving innovation among small businesses and contributing to the greater economic transformation of South Africa through their support of SMMEs. With a mission to educate and empower entrepreneurs in the ICT space, Innovator Trust aims to bridge the gap in the technology sector and create a sustainable ecosystem for growth. Positioned at the forefront of the industry, Innovator Trusts comprehensive Enterprise Development programme (HATCH) has propelled businesses to thrive and succeed in the face of adversity. Enter the realm of success, gain support beyond funding: For the last decade, this sophisticated initiative has been meticulously designed to provide holistic entrepreneurial support aimed at unleashing your potential as a business owner, and amplifying your business's growth. 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Applications are now open, visit http://www.innovatortrust.co.za/ and click the APPLY NOW button. South Africa's finance minister said that the Brics grouping would not be looking to replace international payment systems including SWIFT, but rather consider creating one that would strengthen trade in local currencies. Source: Reuters. At the conclusion of a three-day Brics summit in Johannesburg, the bloc's leaders announced they would task their finance ministers to consider the issues of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back in a year. De-dollarisation is a particular priority for Russia, whose economy has been crippled by sanctions imposed by the West over its invasion of Ukraine and is banned from SWIFT. "It's not an alternative to SWIFT," Enoch Godongwana, who hosted his fellow Brics finance ministers at the summit, said. "It is a payment system which facilitates a deepening of the use of local currencies." The creation of a common Brics currency, an idea floated notably by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was not on the finance ministers' agenda during the meetings, he said, adding that its implementation would be "problematic". "You must have one central bank," he said. "You must lose your monetary policy independence. It's a major challenge, which would imply, in our case, major constitutional implications." Empowering Asia: CICA's global development role 15:37, August 28, 2023 By Kairat Sarybay ( People's Daily Online Asia is rapidly evolving into the main driver of international development of the 21st century, both in terms of its economic potential and impact on world politics. With its ample human and natural resources, as well as rich cultural diversity and heritage, the continent has had a strong influence on global processes for millennia. As new challenges to peace and security arise, it becomes increasingly clear that the Asian continent, where the most dynamic political and economic changes are taking place, has a new, in many ways central role to play in the modern world order. As the largest region in the world, Asia must and will inevitably become a strong commonwealth of nations, pursuing shared goals, solving its own internal problems, and contributing to universal peace, security, and global progress. Currently, at a time of geopolitical fracture and sweeping paradigm shift in security, multilateralism, and inclusiveness have become the only possible approach to peace and stability at the regional and global levels. In this context, CICA, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, as an intergovernmental forum with the widest geographical coverage in the Asian region and a broad agenda, is the most appropriate platform to consolidate the collective wisdom of all Asian countries for peace, cooperation, security, and development, and to fully integrate them into the global security architecture and multilateral decision-making processes of global importance. The establishment of CICA as a single platform for pan-Asian dialogue on common regional issues was an objective necessity in the context of the progressive globalization, surging economic development, growing population, and needs for food and energy resources in Asia, as well as worsening non-traditional challenges and threats amidst ongoing sub-regional and local conflicts. Today, CICA unites 28 states covering more than 90 percent of the territory of the largest and most densely populated continent of the planet and is a unique multilateral dialogue platform providing its Member States that have different political, economic, and socio-cultural backgrounds with equal opportunities for cooperation to implement mutually beneficial initiatives and make decisions based on mutual consent. The Sixth CICA Summit held in Astana in 2022, the thirtieth anniversary year of CICA, launched a structured, inclusive, and transparent negotiation process of gradual, incremental, and consensus-based transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international regional organization. This historic decision was preceded by extensive consultations among the Member States, which recognized that the forum had successfully served as an effective multilateral mechanism for interaction, confidence building, and cooperation with a mature and permanent institutional structure. Over three decades of evolution, CICA has acquired the status, role, structure, functions, modus operandi and other features of a full-fledged international organization: founding documents outlining common goals and basic principles of relations between the Member States; structure of governing bodies; executive body the Secretariat; permanent advisory bodies and cooperation mechanisms the Business Council, Youth Council, Think Tank Forum (TTF), Council of Eminent Persons, CICA Fund; legal capacity Convention on the Privileges and Immunities; financial and human resource management mechanisms. Therefore, the first step in the transformation process was the decisions of the Sixth Summit to institutionalize the highest governing bodies of CICA into the Council of Heads of State or Government and the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and to establish the post of CICA Secretary General, formerly named Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat. On behalf of the Summit, the Kazakh Chairmanship and the CICA Secretariat together with the Member States developed a draft Road Map for Transformation with specific directions of the forthcoming reforms, which is expected to be endorsed at an extraordinary meeting of the CICA Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in New York on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the UN General Assembly this September. Furthermore, the Sixth Summit adopted a common vision of the Member States that our Organization would contribute to the dynamic, equitable, comprehensive, and balanced economic growth, interaction, social and cultural development of its Member States. The CICA leaders also resolved that they would strengthen their collective work within our Organization in order to seek joint solutions for common challenges of the 21stcentury towards a secure and prosperous region and to pursue peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter. Since its establishment, CICAs main area of activity has been confidence-building measures in the five dimensions of cooperation: military-political, economic, environmental, human, and new challenges and threats, with some 30 activities held annually. All CICA confidence-building measures in these five dimensions are reflected in the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures and are divided into 18 priority areas, cooperation in which is coordinated by individual states. To date, there are 17 coordinators and 23 co-coordinators. The Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures is a one-of-a-kind document for the Asian region, which established, by consensus of all Member States, the principles of voluntariness and gradualness in the practical implementation of confidence-building measures, taking into account the diversity and special characteristics of different regions of Asia. First approved in 2004, it was substantially updated and expanded in 2021 at the last CICA Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The economic dimension of CICA is one of the most sought-after areas of cooperation among the Member States. That said, many aspects of interaction are cross-sectoral, and closely intertwined with the issues of environment, social development, and humanitarian interaction. The CICA Member States are creating new opportunities for the development of small and medium businesses, the financial sector, strengthening new sources of investment, establishing transit and transportation corridors, and sharing best practices in agriculture, as well as in energy security and information technology. Significantly, CICA is most active in the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, finance, and digitalization. It is for a good reason that one of the first two permanent institutions established by CICA in 2014 is the CICA Business Council, which includes representatives of business associations and government agencies of the Member States. This institution is responsible for promoting the development and expansion of the economic relations of SMEs and meets annually, convening the CICA Business Forum as part of its meetings. For instance, the 2021 Business Council and Business Forum meeting was devoted to business prospects in the context of the pandemic, with a focus on food production, including deep-processed grains, oil crops, meat and dairy products, as well as construction materials. In 2022, the discussion was centered on the digitalization of SME business processes and food security. The next meeting of the CICA Business Council and its Business Forum will be held in the autumn of 2023 on the sidelines of the Almaty Investment Forum and will discuss green finance, renewable energy, and food security. New challenges in the global economy, including supply chain disruption, have identified the underdeveloped connectivity of the CICA Member States. In this regard, the Kazakh Chairmanship, during the Sixth Summit, initiated the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity. The ambitious objective of this Council will be to develop and strengthen the transit and transport potential and transportation corridors of the CICA Member States, whose geography stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. The Chairmanship and the Secretariat are currently finalizing the concept paper for this new CICA body for subsequent discussion by all Member States. At the Sixth CICA Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also proposed transforming into a permanent CICA platform the CICA Finance Summit, which was initiated and had been successfully convened as a conference on three occasions since 2018 by the Peoples Republic of China at the China Association for the Promotion of Development Financing. This new CICA institution should focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive development and creating an enabling environment for regional and subregional financial cooperation within the Organization. The Chinese side, together with the Chairmanship and with the assistance of the Secretariat, is in the process of finalizing the concept paper to institutionalize this forum. The next meeting of the Finance Summit will be held in late 2023 in China. Cooperation among the CICA Member States in the environmental dimension has also become increasingly sought-after in recent years. Recognizing the urgent need to address environmental issues, CICA is committed to protecting the environment, achieving carbon neutrality and promoting cooperation on food security. At the Sixth CICA Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to hold a High-level Conference on Environmental Issues of CICA Countries in Astana in 2024 to discuss climate change in the CICA region and ways to address it. It is assumed that this event will become a starting point for the creation of working groups to substantively discuss environmental problems in the CICA region. The Conference will help CICA Member States to set goals and methods for solving specific regional problems while reaffirming their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Conference can also contribute to developing a sense of ownership over and commitment to the achievement of goals, which will raise environmental issues to a higher level in the list of national priorities. It is expected that the Conference will build a foundation for the establishment of the CICA Environmental Council. Within the human dimension, the Member States actively interact on a wide range of humanitarian issues, including respect for human rights, promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and religions of Asia, empowerment of women and girls, cooperation within the framework of the CICA Youth Council the very first permanent CICA institute established in 2014, as well as in the fields of science and education. This year, at the initiative of Kazakhstan, work has been launched to create a Partnership Network of Leading Universities of the CICA Member States. It is expected that this network will facilitate academic exchange, joint research projects, and cooperation programs among universities of the entire region. The concept paper of the Partnership Network was discussed by experts of the Member States in May 2023, and work is currently underway on a memorandum on the establishment of this new mechanism of cooperation within the framework of CICA. Recognizing the strength and potential of the youth and volunteering, which is also highly appreciated within the framework of the UN, the Kazakh Chairmanship intends to hold a CICA Rally of Volunteer Movement Leaders in 2024 in Astana under the auspices of the CICA Youth Council. This event will bring together young leaders from the Member States to exchange ideas, experiences and best practices in the field of volunteering and community engagement. The importance and relevance of this area of cooperation are reflected in the draft statement of the CICA Ministerial Council on the promotion of volunteering for sustainable development, which is expected to be adopted in September 2023. The era of globalization clearly demonstrates the need for close cooperation in the fight against common threats, such as terrorism, illegal migration, drug trafficking. In turn, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how important it is for all countries of the world to stay united and act together to eliminate the epidemic and find a panacea for ailments affecting peoples health on a global scale. That is why in 2021 the updated CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures at the initiative of Kazakhstan was supplemented by a new priority area Epidemiological Safety, Public Health and Pharmaceuticals, which called upon the Member States to continue interaction in countering new epidemiological challenges and threats. In February 2021, the Kazakh Chairmanship, together with the Halyk Charity Foundation, transferred humanitarian aid to a number of CICA Member States in need to combat coronavirus infection. In 2021, a new priority area Security of and in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was also included in the updated Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures at the initiative of Russia and China, and in 2022 the Summit adopted a joint statement by the leaders of the CICA Member States in this domain, which gave a political impetus to strengthening solidarity and practical cooperation of the CICA states in this new priority area with equal emphasis on development and security. The document emphasizes the desire of the CICA countries to bring together approaches to ensuring the security of ICTs and to develop cooperation on the basis of the UN Charter and the principles of international law, as well as to actively participate in the work of the relevant UN Open-ended Working Group and in the development of a comprehensive international convention under the auspices of the UN. A historic achievement of CICA in the field of combating terrorism was the adoption by the Sixth CICA Summit of the CICA Plan of Action on the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Kazakh Chairmanship and the Secretariat gave a new impetus to the multi-year negotiations on this document, which made it possible to reach a consensus on all open issues by the Anniversary CICA Summit in 2022. This document reflects the determination of the CICA Member States to fulfill their obligations and take actions to combat terrorism, agreed upon under the auspices of the UN, within the framework of cooperation in the CICA region and at the national level. In the military-political dimension, in order to strengthen dialogue, trust, and cooperation, CICA provides its Member States with mechanisms for exchanging information on arms control issues, holding consultations on unexpected and dangerous military incidents, especially if they occur near their borders, monitoring military exercises and other forms of cooperation between the armed forces. In order to strengthen peace, stability, and security in the region, the Republic of Kazakhstan annually holds a seminar on the military-political dimension as the coordinating country in this priority area. Thus, representatives of the defense and security agencies of the CICA countries maintain contacts and regularly exchange publicly available data, thereby strengthening trust and establishing interaction. The CICA Member States, within the framework of their political dialogue, support and promote global instruments related to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which is a vivid example of CICAs interest and readiness to contribute to strengthening global security and promoting the values and principles of the UN Charter and international norms. An important contribution to the strengthening of peace and stability in Asia, as well as political and expert dialogue between the CICA Member States, will be made by the new CICA advisory bodies established in 2021 the Council of Eminent Persons and the TTF. The TTF was initiated by the Peoples Republic of China in 2014 and was transformed into a permanent institute of CICA by a decision of the Member States in 2021. The TTF Chair currently is the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). Thanks to this platform, high-quality cooperation is being established among the think tanks of the CICA Member States. The status of the Forum and the composition of its participants make it possible to consider an almost unlimited range of issues, and the ideas and recommendations developed by the TTF analysts have great potential for study by the Member States and the CICA governing bodies and transition into concrete actions and solutions. For example, at the end of 2021, the ninth meeting of the already institutionalized TTF held an expert discussion of the initiative of the Kazakh Chairmanship on the transformation of CICA into a full-fledged international organization. The concept paper of transformation then found broad support at the expert level and subsequently, during political consultations in 2022, was supported by all Member States, leading to the launch of the transformation process by the Sixth CICA Summit and the development of a draft Transformation Road Map in mid-2023. The tenth meeting of the TTF at the end of 2022 discussed issues of food and energy security, green economy, and connectivity, as well as 30 years of experience in the activities of CICA and a look into the future. At the end of August 2023, the eleventh meeting of the TTF will be held in Xining, Qinghai Province, dedicated to the theme Building an Asia of Mutual Learning and Win-win Cooperation: The Role and Mission of CICA. The CICA Council of Eminent Persons was established in order to provide high-level recommendations on a wide range of issues of CICA interaction and development, including strengthening peace and security, implementing confidence-building measures, and further directions and priorities of work within CICA. Currently, the process of forming the composition of this body, which will include prominent political and public figures, scholars, and other eminent personalities from the CICA Member States, is continuing. The increased relevance of CICA as a platform for dialogue and confidence building in recent years has been reflected in the growing interest of its Member States to further enhance the practical impact of cooperation within the organization. In this regard, at the initiative of the Kazakh Chairmanship, in order to develop the CICA project activities, the Sixth Summit established the CICA Fund, which is a mechanism for providing financial aid from Member States to each other. The CICA Fund will contribute to the development and financing of specific projects in a wide range of areas, including development goals, implementation of confidence-building measures, research and scientific activities, and humanitarian aid. All the areas of cooperation and instruments of interaction of the CICA Member States briefly listed above, the latest achievements of the organization and its priorities for the near future indicate the increased relevance and potential of CICA, as well as the interest of the Member States in promoting the forum in synergy with the implementation of their national priorities in Asia, which ultimately contributes to strengthening collective security at the regional and global levels. The author is CICA secretary general. The article was originally published in The Diplomatic Insight. *The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of People's Daily Online. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) JAILED comedienne and musician Mai TT is expected get a physical interaction with her fans this week when she attends the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) national spokesperson, Superintendent Meya Khanyezi, disclosed this yesterday. ZPCS stands are loaded with various activities this week at the Agricultural Show, said Supt Khanyezi. Among the activities are performances by inmates and Mai TT is expected to be among them, ZPCS Chivaraidze traditional dance group that recently received an award at the Chibuku Neshamwari, horse riding and many more. One of the attractions will be a polished tree trump crafted by inmates in their efforts to show the importance of waste management. They have a number of items they worked on from waste and will be showcasing them and we are urging people to support them by buying their wares. Khanyezi added: ZPCS is known for farming, come and witness our breed of cows and bulls apart from maize yields. Mai TT, who has a massive fan base, was jailed for an effective nine months after she was convicted of theft of trust property. She used a hired car as surety for a loan. She is expected to complete her sentence in December. H Metro Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. The state delivered an unequivocal warning to all New York school districts Monday that local policies effectively blocking migrant children from registering for schools may expose them to legal action. In a letter addressed to colleagues across the state, Attorney General Letitia James and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa wrote that they recently learned some districts employ discriminatory practices making it difficult or impossible for undocumented students and families without permanent addresses to enroll. The memo specified several policies of particular concern, such as requiring families to provide voter registration cards or threatening to investigate students in their homes who do not establish residency through a formal lease or deed. No further specifics were available. The law is clear, said Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. Every New Yorker is entitled to a free public education, and anyone who lives in our state is a New Yorker. With the first day of school just around the corner, we must ensure that all students are welcomed to attend without delay or difficulty. The attorney general encouraged families denied their rights to attend public schools to contact her office. Such policies may violate constitutional and statutory protections, read the memo, exposing school districts to lawsuits and liability. Families without a stable home whether theyre staying in shelters, makeshift refuge such as homeless encampments or transportation, or temporarily living out of a friend or familys home during an emergency receive special protections when registering for schools. When such families register, federal and state laws require public schools to enroll that child the following school day, regardless of proof of residency and other typically required records. All school and district leaders must continue to faithfully carry out their duty to accept and provide educational support services for these students and their families, Rosa said in a statement. Commissioner of Education and president of the University of the State of New York Betty A. Rosa, during a states Board of Regents meeting Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Albany, N.Y. Other issues that have come up are requiring that all proofs of residency be less than 30 days old and students to resubmit such evidence on a regular basis practices that make it harder for students to not only enroll, but also stay in school. Some school districts have threatened to report information about students living conditions to local code enforcement authorities, according to the memo. A spokesperson for the state Education Department did not immediately say how many districts are involved or students impacted. Roughly 18,000 migrant students had enrolled in New York City public schools by the end of last school year, city data show. Most families have three business days to prove residency, according to the guidance. If the school decides the student is not a resident or eligible to attend, officials must provide a written explanation, including how the family can appeal. State law does not allow schools to deny enrollment because a family cannot provide a specific kind of proof, such as a formal lease, landlord affidavit or utility bill. School officials must also consider many different forms of evidence, such as a letter from a social worker or religious leader with personal knowledge of where the student lives. The guidance came just days after Gov. Kathy Hochul gave her first major address on the migrant crisis and much to the dismay of some city officials said she would not force suburbs and towns to take migrants. The governor, who faces growing political pressure to help the city with the crisis, stopped short of making any significant new state commitments in the speech. The state has allocated about $1.5 billion to support the migrants. A contingent of IAF before departing for its maiden participation in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise, scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt from Aug. 27 to Sept. 16, 2023. Photo: PTI. NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft and a group of its special forces personnel at a 21-day multilateral war game in Egypt that began on Sunday. The biennial tri-services exercise, Bright-Star, is taking place at Cairo (West) Air Base and it is being participated by militaries of the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar besides of the host country and India, officials said. It is for the first time that the IAF is participating in the exercise. "The IAF contingent will consist of five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAF's Garud special forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 squadrons will be participating in the exercise," the IAF said. Around 150 personnel from the Indian Army are also part of the Indian contingent. "The objective of the exercise is to practice planning and execution of joint operations," the IAF said in a statement. "Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations," it said. It said India and Egypt have had "exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook development of aero-engine and aircraft in 1960s and training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts." The relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Egyptian President Abdeh Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India in January. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Egypt in June during which the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen their overall strategic partnership. The defence and strategic cooperation between India and Egypt has been on an upswing in the last few years. The Indian and Egyptian armies conducted the first ever joint exercise in January this year. Egypt has already shown interest in procuring Tejas light combat aircraft, radars, military helicopters and other platforms from India. In July last year, the IAF participated in a month-long tactical leadership programme in Egypt with three Su-30 MKI jets and two C-17 transport aircraft. In September last, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid a three-day visit to Egypt. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Three friends and former classmates of two girls killed in a road traffic collision in Co Tipperary have paid tribute to them. Grace McSweeney and Zoe Coffey, who attended the Presentation Convent in Clonmel, died on Friday night on the way to celebrations after receiving their Leaving Cert results. Grace's brother Luke and a third friend Nicole Murphy were also killed in the collision. Advertisement Kaitlyn Conway, Laura Cooney and Enya Galligan told RTE radios Morning Ireland that the community was heartened by the support they were receiving from all around the country. Speaking of their classmates Grace and Zoe, Kaitlyn said: They were two of the loveliest girls you could ever meet. If you were ever upset they would be the first to be there for you, always a smile on their faces, and wouldnt have a bad word to say. Advertisement They had such a positive impact and they were so kind to everyone and they never had any issue. They were just so kind and so nice, and it's just very hard to believe they're gone, Laura added. I just want to say about Zoe, she lit up every room she walked in, she was the life and soul of the party, Enya said. Advertisement She was just like a mammy to us all. If we ever needed anything, we'd go to her. And Grace, she was the hardest working person I think I've ever met in my life. It's just so upsetting to see that their lives were taken so soon in such a tragic way. 'Joined at the hip' The three friends spoke of how Zoe joked about everything and how she thought of everyone before herself. She was a really good organiser and would be the first person to wish you a happy birthday, they said. Grace was such a comforting and comfortable person, adding that she had a calm energy about her. Advertisement It was some comfort to know that Zoe and Grace were now together forever, the girls said, explaining the pair had always been joined at the hip. It meant a lot that so many people had turned out at the vigil on Sunday to remember the four victims, the three girls said, adding that coming together made a huge difference. Advertisement The Leaving Cert results were now just a few numbers on a piece of paper, they said, as the events of Friday night highlighted the importance of family, friends and health. Its obviously every parent's worst nightmare, and it's just such a tragedy. This is meant to be the best day of their lives, and it took a turn for the worst for us all. Advertisement At the end of the day, if things didnt go your way, all we need is each other. It puts things into perspective. Life is too short to be worrying about things, the girls said. The day would no longer be remembered as the day they got their Leaving Cert results, it would be the day we lost four amazing people in our community, they added. At Sunday's vigil, a number of students wore distinctive pink and lilac hoodies bearing the words 'Class of 2023', which the girls explained had been organised by Zoe. Solidarity Speaking to the same programme, Clonmel's parish priest Fr John Treacy said people of the town have come together in solidarity to grieve the deaths of the four young people. Advertisement He confirmed that Luke and Grace McSweeney's funerals will take place on Friday morning. Advertisement The mood of the town following the crash was one of devastation and desolation, he said. It had been quite noticeable the increase in people attending services and lighting candles trying in some way to embrace that desolation or try to put some kind of understanding on it. He added: What struck me very much as well was the older people who turned up in such large numbers last night. They wanted to be there for the young people. They wanted to show the young people that they cared about them, and they wanted to support them, and I thought that was very beautiful, that they were kind of minding them in some ways and holding them in their tears. That was something that was there with me for a long time as well. A Book of Condolences has been opened at the County Hall in Clonmel, with members of the public invited to offer their sympathies to the victims' families. Speaking of the vigil, Councillor Richie Molloy told Morning Ireland: What struck me a lot was that the younger people there, I don't think they're very experienced with death of that nature and the suddenness of it. Cllr Molloy said he hoped the vigil had brought some form of solace to the families, adding: It can sound cliched and so on, but I think they all have a very strong feeling that the town is very much behind them. Enoch Burke has attended Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath once again as the new school year gets underway. Mr Burke is locked in ongoing legal proceedings against the school after he was dismissed following alleged gross misconduct. Advertisement As reported by The Irish Times, it is understood Mr Burke had entered the school building on Monday. For much of the last academic year, Mr Burke attended the school each day in protest over the proceedings. The school was successful in High Court proceedings against the teacher, who was ordered to pay the school's legal costs. The court also issued an order forbidding Mr Burke from entering the school's grounds in Multyfarnham, but he was not prevented from stationing himself at the school gates. In January, the court also ordered that Mr Burke would be fined 700 each day he refused to purge his contempt by showing up at the school. It is now estimated that these fines have surpassed 140,000. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was told to prepare himself for anachronistic upper-class mannerisms, as well as controversial traditionalist views ahead of an online meeting with British MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. In prepared notes, Mr Varadkar who was then serving as tanaiste and minister for enterprise was briefed on the retrograde steps the British government had taken over the Northern Ireland Protocol. Advertisement Ahead of a conference call with Mr Rees-Mogg, the briefing said Mr Varadkar could emphasise how both President Michael D Higgins and then-taoiseach Micheal Martin had attended the funeral of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. The notes said this had led to a renewed focus on the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Ireland. However, the briefing mostly prepared by the Irish Embassy in London and the Department of Foreign Affairs said this spirit of partnership and mutual respect had been damaged by recent post-Brexit negotiations with the European Union. Advertisement The meeting last October was held shortly after Liz Truss began her ill-fated seven-week stint as British prime minister. Advertisement The briefing notes said Mr Varadkar should emphasise that the people of Northern Ireland categorically reject the confrontational approach the UK had taken in Brexit discussions with the EU. It said: 74 per cent of voters want to see a negotiated EU-UK solution [Queens University research]. University of Liverpool/Irish News data shows that approximately two-thirds of respondents view EU-UK negotiations as the best way to resolve issues around the protocol. Good faith If the subject of negotiations with the European Union came up, Mr Varadkar was briefed on several possible responses, saying the EUs door was open and that an extensive timetable for talks was still available. If it is true the UK wants a negotiated outcome, they need to demonstrate good faith soon to avoid more polarisation on the ground in Northern Ireland and more harm to relationships between our two governments, the briefing said. Advertisement It also said the European Union did not believe all options had been exhausted and that there was sufficient flexibility within the existing Northern Ireland protocol to address the concerns of people and businesses there. The briefing added: Renegotiation of the protocol itself is not necessary. EU member states are united in this position. Advertisement If challenged on growing paperwork for hauliers and other businesses involved in cross-border trade, it was suggested that Mr Varadkar could say EU proposals would actually reduce this. The notes added: Rather than a certificate for every product, a single certificate would fit on a maximum of three pages. Advertisement The briefing said a so-called dual regulatory regime was not a runner and would represent a real risk to the manufacturing, agri-food, and other sectors. It would also bring unacceptable risks to the EUs single market and the high standards of consumer, plant, and animal health that EU citizens expect, the documents stated. If told that the protocol was damaging Northern Ireland, suggested speaking notes for Mr Varadkar said it had actually placed it in a uniquely advantageous position with access to both the EU and UK markets. As a closing note, it said: The EU wishes to have a positive and stable relationship with the UK. We are partners facing the same global challenges, where upholding the rule of law is imperative. On what to expect from the meeting with Mr Rees-Mogg, a Department of Foreign Affairs briefing said he had been dubbed the honourable member for the eighteenth century by critics. It added: His comments in the House [of Commons] have gained him notoriety; he once considered Welsh to be a foreign language and said that council officials with the power to issue on-the-spot fines should be made to wear bowler hats. Mayor Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks provided details Monday on contingency plans if roughly half of the citys school bus drivers and attendants strike when classes resume in just over a week. Negotiations are ongoing between city-contracted bus companies and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, which voted this summer to authorize a strike if they do not reach a deal. Such an action would affect 80,000 or more students. City officials have outlined fallbacks in case students cannot get to school, including emergency MetroCards, reimbursements for other modes of transportation, and, in some cases, free rideshare. Ensuring our students can continue to go to school and learn every day is our top priority, Adams said in a statement. We have a plan in place to help ensure that, even if a strike by school bus drivers does occur this fall, parents will still be able to get their kids to school with minimal interruptions. Let me be clear: Working families across New York City should not, and do not, have to worry about getting their children to school every day. This administration is here to help ensure our children continue their educations uninterrupted, he said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, right, and Schools Chancellor David Banks are pictured on Nov. 1, 2022. Adams urged parties to remain at the bargaining table until they reach an agreement. The potential strike could affect approximately 4,400 routes across all five boroughs and have a disproportionate impact on some students more than others, according to the city. Roughly 25,000 students on those routes are special education students, data show. Families without a permanent address including many migrant children also qualify for busing. Make no mistake, this is a labor dispute that will have deep implications for some of our most vulnerable student populations and their families, said Banks. The city has consistently demonstrated good faith in its negotiations with union partners, such as the UFT and DC37, he added. We anticipate and hope for a similar constructive approach with our bus companies and their employees. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 President Tomas Fret, in a statement this month, pointed to a yearslong shortage of school bus workers, who simply cannot make ends meet. It is the unions obligation to produce a contract for its members so they may provide for their families, Fret said. After months of negotiations without proposals from the companies that meet our members needs, the message from our members was loud and clear when they voted this past June to authorize a strike. Lets not forget, our school bus workers transport the most precious cargo in NYC, he added. Fret remained ready and willing to negotiate a contract before the school year starts Sept. 7. A school bus is pictured in Lower Manhattan on March 9, 2020. Under the citys plans, all affected families can receive emergency MetroCards, valid on MTA buses and subways except for express bus service. The cards cover a total of four trips and transfers daily Monday through Friday, from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM. A select group of families can be reimbursed for alternatives such as taxis and their own cars. Other students will be eligible for rideshare, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Advocates have raised concerns that the latter will be difficult for working families. The city is trying to ease that burden by allowing parents to use the service to be taken to work, and picked up from there in the afternoon, officials said Monday. It was not immediately clear which families will fall into those groups, but it will include asylum seekers, schools spokesman Nathaniel Styer confirmed. Advocates over the weekend had raised concerns about the plans before a formal press release was sent out. An online petition, spearheaded by Parents to Improve School Transportation, or PIST, warned that the daily use of MetroCards as opposed to weekly or monthly passes will lead to a lengthy reimbursement process, while families accrue the costs, and had concerns about a lack of training on rideshare options. We recognize many of our bus staff are parents who have children in our school system as well, read the petition. They are only asking for a contract that reflects and recognizes the care and dedication needed to transport our children safely back and forth to school. In addition to addressing those issues, the advocates also proposed increased MTA bus service frequency and that the city send a one-time allocation to schools for families who cannot afford transportation. We are pushing for a resolution before the start of the school year, said Banks, to ensure every student gets the education they rightly deserve and remain hopeful for a resolution that is fair for workers and responsible for the city. In the meantime, we are working hard to plan for every alternative transportation service we will provide if a strike is called, and make families aware. Florida residents are loading up on sandbags and evacuating homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia intensifies, with forecasters predicting it will hit in days as a major hurricane. Idalia earlier thrashed Cuba with heavy rain, especially in the western of the island, where the tobacco-producing province of Pinar del Rio is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian almost a year ago. Advertisement Damage in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, caused by Hurricane Ian in October last year (Rebecca Blackwell/AP) Authorities in the province issued a state of alert, and residents were evacuated as authorities monitored the Cuyaguateje river for possible flooding. As much as 4in of rain fell in Cuba on Sunday, meteorological stations reported. Idalia is expected to start affecting Florida with hurricane-force winds as soon as late on Tuesday and arrive on the coast by Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement It is the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season and a potentially big blow to the state, which is also dealing with lingering damage from Hurricane Ian. Idalia is the latest in a summer of natural disasters, including wildfires in Hawaii, Canada and Greece, the first tropical storm to hit California in 84 years, and devastating flooding in Vermont. Florida governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, a broad area that stretches across the northern half of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. Advertisement Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers Update on Tropical Storm Idalia https://t.co/CLzOvxUGR7 Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2023 Advertisement The state has mobilised 1,100 National Guard members, who have 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue and recovery efforts. Tampa International Airport and St Pete-Clearwater International Airport said they would close on Tuesday, and the Sunrail commuter rail service in Orlando was being suspended. Mr DeSantis warned of a major impact to the state, noting the potential for Idalia to become a Category 3 hurricane. The property we can rebuild someones home, he said during a news conference on Monday. You cant unring the bell, though, if somebody stays in harms way and does battle with Mother Nature. Advertisement Advertisement Large parts of the western coast are at risk of storm surges and floods. Pasco and Levy counties, north of Tampa, ordered mandatory evacuations for some residents. In Levy County, officials said residents of Cedar Key must be off the island by Tuesday evening because storm surges would make bridges impassable. Once the storm surge comes in, help may not be available to reach you, the county said in a public advisory. 4PM CDT 28 Aug: #Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida coastline. Follow any advice from local officials Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for more information pic.twitter.com/7RsDfWJNdw National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 28, 2023 The National Hurricane Centre in Miami issued a hurricane warning on Monday from Longboat Key in the Sarasota area to the Holocene River, up past Tampa Bay. President Joe Biden spoke to Mr DeSantis on Monday morning, telling the Florida governor he had approved an emergency declaration for the state, the White House said in a news release. South-west Florida is still recovering from Hurricane Ian, which was responsible last year for almost 150 deaths. The Category 5 hurricane damaged 52,000 structures, nearly 20,000 of which were destroyed or severely damaged. Greek authorities reinforced firefighting forces in the north-eastern part of the country on Monday, where a massive deadly wildfire was burning for a 10th day with no signs of abating. The fire in the Alexandroupolis and Evros areas near the Turkish border has been blamed for 20 of the 21 wildfire-related deaths in Greece last week. Advertisement The fire department said 474 firefighters, backed by 100 vehicles, seven planes and two helicopters were battling the flames. The forces included reinforcements from several European countries. Authorities are investigating what sparked the blaze, which over the past week has destroyed vast tracts of forest, scorched homes and triggered the evacuation of thousands of people. A solitary scorched tree stands among burned forest in Acharnes suburb near Athens (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas) Advertisement The bodies of 18 people were found in an area near the city of Alexandroupolis last Tuesday, while a body had been found in a forest in the region the previous day and another was found on Thursday. Advertisement The bodies are believed to be those of migrants who recently crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Greeces disaster victim identification unit has been activated to identify the remains. A man also died last week in a separate fire in central Greece, reportedly while trying to save his livestock from advancing flames. Advertisement Ilias Hapsas, a 44-year-old beekeeper, left, inspects a scorched beehive in Acharnes suburb, on Mount Parnitha, near Athens (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas) The wildfire has scorched more than 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres) of land, the European Unions Copernicus Emergency Management Service said on Sunday, making it one of the largest single fires ever to have struck a European country. Copernicus is the EU space programmes Earth observation component and uses satellite imagery to provide mapping data. Advertisement The situation at another major fire burning for days on Mount Parnitha on the north-western fringes of Athens appeared significantly improved by Monday, although it was still not officially under control. The fire department said 260 firefighters backed by 77 vehicles, one plane and one helicopter were still fighting flare-ups in the fire which had burned homes and entered a national park that is one of the last green areas near the Greek capital. Advertisement Greece has been plagued by daily outbreaks of dozens of fires over the past week as gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions combined to whip up flames and hamper firefighting efforts. Across the country, firefighters were battling 74 wildfires on Monday, with 27 of them having broken out in the 24 hours between Sunday evening and Monday evening, the fire department said. Advertisement Arson has been suspected in some of the blazes, with several people arrested. Greece imposes wildfire prevention regulations, typically from the start of May to the end of October, limiting activities such as the burning of dried vegetation and the use of outdoor barbecues. By Friday, fire department officials had arrested 163 people on fire-related charges since the start of the fire prevention season, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said, including 118 for negligence and 24 for deliberate arson. The police had made a further 18 arrests, he said. With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has called for help from other European countries. Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian, Albanian, Slovak and Serb firefighters are helping on the ground. Nato members Poland and the Baltic states will seal off their borders with Russias ally Belarus in the event of any military incidents or a massive migrant push by Minsk, the countries interior ministers warned on Monday. The ministers said they were seeing growing tensions on Natos and the European Unions borders with Belarus, which has taken in thousands of Russias military mercenaries and is pushing Middle East and African migrants into Europe, despite various forms of barriers having been put up. Advertisement They warned of swift and concerted response in the case of a military incident or large migrant push. The ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia addressed the media following their talks in Warsaw. Polands Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said any critical incident would lead to the borders being sealed. Photo: AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski. Advertisement In a joint statement they demanded that the government of Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko immediately remove from its territory the Wagner Group mercenaries. Advertisement They also demanded the removal of migrants from border areas and their return to their home countries. Interior iinister Mariusz Kaminski of Poland said that any critical incident involving the military or an influx of migrants to Poland and the Baltic states from Belarus would be met with an immediate response and the shutting of all border crossings to travellers and to goods. He said steps have been developed to continue supporting members of the political opposition in Belarus in such a situation, but he gave no details. Advertisement Lithuania recently temporarily closed two of its six border crossings with Belarus. The four countries, which are also European Union members, support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion and also support the opposition in Belarus. Poland and Lithuania border Belarus and Russias exclave of Kaliningrad, Latvia borders Belarus and Russia, and Estonia borders Russia. Latvias interior minister, Lauri Laanemets, said Tallin supports the groups decisions, which could also apply to its border with Russia. Advertisement The sudden death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash in Russia last week has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group, which Polands interior minister Mariusz Kaminski branded as extremely dangerous and demoralized. Advertisement He also said the mercenaries pose a threat to the citizens of Belarus and the entire region. Russias president, Vladimir Putin, has ordered the Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, according to a decree published on the Kremlins website on Friday and effective immediately. Also last week, Polands president, Andrzej Duda, confirmed that Russia has begun shifting some short-range, nuclear weapons to neighbouring Belarus, a move that he said will change the security architecture of the region and the entire Nato military alliance. Donald Trumps lawyers will argue on Monday for one of the trials facing the former US president to be put back until April 2026. Special counsel Jack Smiths team has proposed a trial starting on January 2nd, 2024, in a Washington federal court one of four cities where Mr Trump could face trial next year on charges of working to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election ahead of the US Capital riot on January 6th, 2021. Advertisement But citing the time they say is needed to review 11.5 million pages of prosecuting documents, Mr Trumps lawyers have asked for a trial in April 2026 18 months after the next election. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan is expected to set a tentative trial date during Mondays status conference. The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against Mr Trump (AP) Advertisement Another potential agenda item could be constraints on Mr Trump in publicly discussing evidence in the case. Advertisement At a hearing earlier this month, the judge said she would take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the case and warned that inflammatory statements about the proceedings could prompt her to move the case more quickly to trial to prevent witness intimidation or jury pool contamination. The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against Mr Trump. Mr Smiths team has brought a separate federal case set for trial on May 20 next year accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Florida property, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing to give them back. Advertisement He also faces state cases in New York, where Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actress who has said she had an extramarital affair with the former president, and Georgia where prosecutors in Fulton County have charged him and 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that states 2020 election. Mr Trump surrendered on Thursday in that case, posing with a scowling face for the first mug shot in American history of a former US president. Summary: There is no standardized grading system for Panama hats. Different sellers often use the same numbers or terms to describe very different hats. Many sellers use numbers to describe Panama hat grades. Unfortunately, they use different formulas to calculate their grade numbers. So a Grade 10 from Seller #1 is not the same quality as a Grade 10 from Seller #2, and both are different than a Grade 10 from Seller #3. Many sellers use terms such as Fino Fino and Super Fino to describe Montecristi Panama hat grades. As with numeric hat grades, different sellers often use the same words to describe very different hats. Unfortunately, there are no Hat Grade Police. The common practice of different sellers using the same numeric or word hat grades to describe very different hats is one explanation for why sometimes the words sound the same, but the prices are so different. Conclusion: You cannot reliably compare hats from different sellers by comparing the hat grade numbers, or words, they use to describe their hats. 1. Introduction Hat grades? Lets make it simple. For all practical purposes, there is no such thing. Sure, everyone talks about them. They even seem to be using the same words, or the same numbers. But Panama hat grades are not like coin or stamp grades. With coins and stamps, there are industry-wide grading systems and standards. Different sellers use the same grade names, terms, and descriptions to mean the same things. But with Panama hats, anything goes. There are no industry-wide grading systems, no standards, no strong trade association, no regulatory body. Not surprisingly, there are many more sellers of Super Fino Montecristi hats than there are weavers of Super Fino Montecristi hats. Sorting hats in Cuenca 2. Numeric Hat Grades Summary: Many sellers use hat grade numbers to describe their hats. Disregard. Useless. Like comparing apples and oranges and aardvarks. Everyone uses a different system. Using a branding iron to put the company mark in hats in Cuenca First, lets explore the numeric hat grades. A seller might say his hats are Grade 8. Or Grade 15/16. Or 30. Numeric hat grades are most often used to describe Panama hats woven in Cuenca (kwain-ka), Ecuador. They sound good, dont they? Factual. Authoritative. Reassuring. Useless. During the past 16 years, I have done business with the three largest hat exporters in Cuenca (Ortega, Dorfzaun, Serrano). They all use hat grade numbers that sound like they are all using the same system. But guess what? Each exporter has a different formula for deciding what grade a hat is. A Grade 10 from one company may be a Grade 14 from another and a Grade 12 from the third. They are all located within a couple of blocks of one another, and no two can agree on what grade a specific hat is. If the exporters in Ecuador cant agree on what grade a hat is, what do you think happens when the hats reach U.S. or European hat manufacturers and retailers? Right. The discrepancies and confusion are compounded. The only context in which those grade numbers have any meaning is when youre comparing numbers from the same seller. The same sellers Grade 12 will be better than his Grade 8. His Grade 4 will be better than his Grade 2. 3. Word Hat Grades Summary: Montecristi Panama hat grades are often expressed as Fino, Fino Fino, Super Fino. Some sellers make up their own grades, such as Ultrafino, or Museum Quality. Since the sellers all use the terms to mean whatever they want, these hat grades are useless to you, the consumer, as a way to compare hats from different sellers. Disregard all such hat grade terms. Sadly, the same problems also apply to grades of Montecristi Panama hats. As stated earlier, there is no official grading system. There is no regulatory body. There are no Hat Grade Police. Each manufacturer or retailer or whatever wants to sell his merchandise. So he presents it in the best possible light. This sometimes may include overstating the quality. Imagine that. A seller overstating the quality of his/her product. Your humble hat servant in Cuenca Rosendo Delgados sign in 1988 Montecristi Panama hat grades are often described as Fino, Fino Fino, Super Fino. In theory, those terms mean fine, very fine, super fine. In practice, they mean nothing. The problem is that those terms are totally subjective, a matter of personal opinion. What one boastful seller calls a Super Fino a more modest, or more honest, seller might call a Sub Fino. There are no written guidelines, such as: A Fino quality hat has 20 rows of weave per inch, a Fino Fino has 25 rows of weave per inch, and a Super Fino has 30. No rules. I have seen ads and Internet listings for Montecristi Panamas that the sellers say are Super Finos, but the prices say no theyre not. I like to know whats going on in the marketplace, so sometimes I order one of these suspiciously low priced Super Finos. So far, they have all been average, or below average, hats. But a real Super Fino should be an awesome hat. And priced accordingly. Obviously, the system of Fino, Fino Fino, Super Fino, etc. does not mean doodly squat in the real world marketplace. Master Weaver in Pile This guy must be the top banana She has the biggest pair of papayas Ive ever seen Mona who? Pretty Maids All in a Row Think of it this way: anyone can write Super Fino in a couple of seconds. There are only 18 Master Weavers who could actually weave one, and it would take months to do it. It is much easier to write a high quality hat than to weave one. And cheaper. Comparing descriptions, or comparing words, is not at all the same as comparing the actual hats. The only truly reliable way to compare the quality of two hats is to examine them side by side. Ive seen a lot of listings on eBay for Montecristi Panama hats. Some of them are selling for under $20. Naturally, they are all high quality and Super Finos, even some Ultrafinos. Forget it. These hats contradict the first law of businessmake a profit. I have been buying my hats personally in Montecristi for more than 16 years. During that period, I have probably purchased more Montecristi hats than anyone else in the world. And I can tell you thiseven an average quality Montecristi hat cannot be purchased for under $20. Not even if you are buying direct, in Montecristi. So if you cant buy an average quality Montecristi for that price, you certainly cant buy a high quality or Super Fino Montecristi for that price. These hats are probably decent hats, probably worth the prices charged. So if you want a low priced straw hat, go for it. But they are not very likely to be finely woven, cloth-like masterpieces created by one of the few remaining Master Weavers, then beautifully hand-blocked. As a general rule, fine hats are not bargain priced. In fact, fine anything is rarely bargain priced. Sometimes dealers make up their own grades, such as Artisan Quality, Connoisseur Quality, Collector Quality, or Museum Quality. I actually made up a similar system some years ago, coining the term Museum Quality. One of my clients liked it well enough to start using it himself. Interestingly, I decided against using that kind of grade system. Because what does any of that mean, really? When I coined Museum Quality, I meant for that term to be used to describe a hat that was of such incredibly fine quality as to be worthy of putting in a museum, literally, as an example of the very highest level of the art of hat weaving. There are fewer than twenty hats woven each year that would be what I would call Museum Quality. So when I use the term Museum Quality I mean something different than someone else who might use the same term to mean hats priced higher than $750. Its not a matter of Right or Wrong. Its a matter of communication. So whether sellers are describing their hats as Super Finos or Museum Quality or Platinum Quality or Grade 30 or whatever, none of it means a thing. Not really. Unless we all use the same terms to mean the same things, the terms have no meaning at all. Which is a better hatone sellers Super Fino, another sellers Museum Quality, or a third sellers Platinum Quality? How could you possibly know without actually seeing the hats and comparing them side by side? You cant. You simply cannot compare hats by comparing the hat grade words or numbers used to describe them. That is why I do not use any of the common hat grade terms to describe my hats. And why I decided not to use the naming system I made up myself to describe different levels of quality. Its time to get rid of all of those meaningless hat grades. Its time for a Panama hat grading system that really works. One that is easy to understand, that makes sense, that is more fact than opinion. And most important of allits time for everyone to start using the same system. 4. Counting the Rings Summary: Counting the rings inside the crown of a Panama hat is interesting and fun, but it is not a reliable way to judge the quality of the hat. This is a finely woven Montecristi Panama hat turned inside out so you can see the rings. You may have heard that you can judge the quality of a Panama hat by holding it up to the light and counting the number of rings visible on the inside of the crown. Well, that works some of the time. Maybe even most of the time. But there are enough times that it doesnt work, that I would recommend against using this as your primary way of judging quality. I learned this the very first time I went to Montecristi and compared hats. When I buy hats in Montecristi, I pay no attention whatsoever to how many rings they have. I look at the hats themselves, not at the rings. That doesnt mean you shouldnt look at the rings in the crown. Its interesting. Hold the hat up to a strong light and look at the inside of the crown. Youll see the rings. You might even want to count them. I sometimes do. But dont let the number of rings determine which hat you buy or how much you pay. Of course, if youre shopping on the Internet and you cant look at the hats themselves, well, maybe its worth asking. For certain, a hat with three rings is not a fine quality hat. And a hat with twenty-seven rings probably is a finely woven hat. A better way to judge the fineness of weave of a hat you cant see is to ask the seller to count how many rows of weave there are per inch. I am working with The Montecristi Foundation to develop a comprehensive, objective grading system and nomenclature for determining the relative quality of Panama hats. 5. How To Measure Fineness Summary: The best way to measure the fineness of a woven hat is to count the rows of weave per inch (or 2.5 centimeters), first horizontally then vertically. How finely woven is the hat? is usually the first thing someone wants to know about a Panama hat. With most woven items (fine cottons, oriental rugs, etc.), quality is at least partly determined by how many strands per inch there are in the weave. The same is true of Panama hats. The grading systems used by the exporters in Ecuador that give a number to describe the hat grade, such as Grade 10/11, are based upon counting the rows of weave per unit of measurement (usually a centimeter). But then they complicate it by taking the number of rows of weave actually counted and multiplying it by this and subtracting that and dividing by something else etc., until each of them ends up with a different number to describe the same hat. Unfinished hat Mother and daughter weaving Call me dumb, but I dont get it. Why not just count the rows of weave per unit of measurement and leave it at that? That would be easy enough to understand, and easy enough to repeat and verify yourself. If hat A has 12 rows of weave per inch, and hat B has 24 rows of weave per inch, then you know that hat B is more finely woven than hat A, even without being able to see either hat. Of course, since the fineness of weave is never completely, exactly identical throughout the hat, one could search around on the hat to find a spot where the weave is finer than elsewhere on the hat. Even so, you still have more real information with 20 rows of weave per inch than you would with its a Fino Fino. 20 rows of weave per inch is a fact. Fino Fino is an opinion. The Montecristi Foundation grading system begins with a single number called the Montecristi Cuenta. To determine the Montecristi Cuenta of a Panama hat, count the number of rows of weave in one inch horizontally (or 2.5 cm). For the hat in the photo to the left, the horizontal count would be just a little under 23. Then count the number of rows of weave in one inch vertically. The second photo shows the vertical measure of the same hat in the same area of weave. The vertical count would be 27. It is not unusual for the vertical and horizontal counts to be different. Actually, its unusual for them to be the same. Usually, the vertical count is a larger number. Now multiply the two numbers together. 23 x 27 = 621. The number 621 would be what is called the Montecristi Cuenta for this particular hat. This is a very finely woven hat. A hat with a Montecristi Cuenta over 900 is a rare treasure. A hat with a Montecristi Cuenta under 300 is not an especially noteworthy hat. Did you try to count the rows of weave yourself? Its not easy, is it? Its hard even in the photo above where I digitally sharpened the lines and boosted the contrast; its harder to count when looking at the hat itself. Manually counting the rows of weave is a tedious task. In order for me to be able to do this with every single hat I have in inventory (over 2000 Montecristi hats), or when I am purchasing hats in Montecristi, I would need some sort of handheld scanner to speed up the process. Counting the rows of weave with a hand lens is a tedious task. The first person I met in Montecristi If there are any inventors out there, the ideal scanner would be about the size of the handheld scanners Ive seen used at the checkout register in some stores. The scanner would have a one inch by one inch reading window that would be placed against the surface of the hat. The user would push a button or pull a trigger and the scanner would scan the rows of weave both horizontally and vertically. The LED readout would report that the hat is 23-27-621. Call me when you have my scanner ready. In the meantime, I only do an actual count on the very fine, very expensive hats. Determining the fineness may be the most important part of grading a hat. But there are still other important factors to be considered before making a final decision. 6. Other Grading Factors Summary: In addition to fineness of weave, any system for grading Panama hats must also take into consideration the quality of the weave and the color of the straw because they are also factors in the overall desirability of the hat. A fine hat in progress While fineness of weave is certainly the most important factor when grading a Panama hat, you must also consider the quality of the weave. Is the hat well woven or poorly woven? Ah, but now were back to opinion. Fineness of weave is just math; you can count the rows. But quality of weave is very subjective. Its easy to tell excellent from awful, but how does one decide if the quality of the weaving is excellent or just very good? Judging the color of the straw is even more subjective than the quality of the weaving. The photo to the right shows five different Montecristi hat brims. Each is a different color. I have no objection to any of them. Is one color better than another? You might prefer one shade over another, but someone else might prefer a different one. A hat that has an even color throughout is probably quite acceptable. A hat that has one area where the straw is obviously different than the rest of the hat is probably less desirable. Different colors of straw Straw drying near Montecristi Almost every hat will have at least some red and/or gray straw. How many points would you deduct for that? Especially when you consider that many people prefer the subtle patterns that are often created by the slightly different color straw. When Im grading a hat, either to decide whether or not to buy it or what price to give it, I look at the whole hat for an overall impression of desirability. If most people would prefer one hat over another, then the preferred hat should get a higher grade than the less desirable hat. 7. How I Grade and Price Hats Summary: First, I look at the hat for an overall impression of how visually appealing the hat is. Then I consider fineness, weave quality, and straw color. Montecristi hats in Montecristi When I am buying hats in Montecristi, I will examine a couple of hundred hats in a day. First, I give the hat a quick look for an overall impression. If the weave is obviously below my minimum fineness standard, or if the weave is horrendous, or if I spot a stain or an area of straw scarred by the apaleador, then I put that hat into the No pile. Remember: ALL HATS HAVE SOME FLAWS, IMPERFECTIONS, AND IRREGULARITIES. If I bought only absolutely perfect hats, then I would never buy any hats. Hats that are not rejected immediately are examined more closely. First, for fineness of weave. I have looked at so many Montecristi hats for so many years, that I can very quickly estimate the fineness of weave. I do not have to actually count the weave of each hat to determine its approximate fineness. But Fineness is only one factor. It may be the most important factor. It is usually what people want to know about first. Even so, Fineness is still just one part of the total equation. The hat we looked at above in section 5, for which we counted the weave, was 23 by 27, a finely woven hat. So, if I told you that another hat was 30 by 23, you would know that is even more finely woven than the first. So then it should be worth more, right? Apaleadores in Montecristi Finely woven, but not well woven Not necessarily. We need to see how well woven it is. Look at the photo on the left. There is an area on this hat that counts 30 by 23. And overall it is a finely woven hat. But you can see easily that the rows of weave are not even close to being straight. The thickness of the individual straws varies significantly. There are irregularly woven areas that look very different from the surrounding weave. And many other very visible flaws. Compare the weave above with the weave to the right. The hat above is more finely woven. But which hat would you prefer to own? I think most people would prefer the beautifully woven hat to the right over the more finely woven hat shown above. To me, the hat above is so irregularly woven that its price should be significantly lower than the price of the hat to the right. Possibly as much as 3 or 4 price levels lower. So when I price hats, I start with Fineness of Weave. I count, or estimate, the fineness and set a price based solely on that. Next I look at the Quality of Weave. If the Quality of Weave is within what I consider to be an average range, then I stay with the price assigned to the hat based solely on fineness. If the Quality of Weave is significantly better than average, I would give the hat a +1, or possibly even a +2, meaning that I would raise the price by one or two levels. Conversely, if the Quality of Weave is significantly below average, then I would give the hat a -1, or possibly even a -2, meaning that I would lower the price by one or two levels. When pricing the irregularly woven hat above, I gave it a -2 for Quality of Weave. The beautifully woven hat above right was given a +1 for quality of weave. The third factor is Color of Straw. If the Color of Straw is exceptionally clear and even, then I would give the hat a +1. If the Color of Straw is a problem due to excessive amounts of gray or red straw, then I would give the hat a -1, possibly even a -2. I am more likely to buy a hat with irregular weave than with color problems. To me, a finely woven hat is desirable even if there are irregularities in the weave. Generally, one has to look closely to see the irregularities. But a color problem is obvious and detracts immediately from the appeal of the hat. So the combination of Fineness of Weave, Quality of Weave, and Color of Straw determines the price for the hat. The unblocked hat. The other factor that affects the price of any particular hat is the shaping and finishing. It is more costly to shape a hat with high quality hand-blocking done in the US than with a hydraulic press in Ecuador, or in the US. There are only 5, maybe 6, craftsmen in the US who can do high quality hand-blocking of Montecristi hats. (Naturally, I think my own hand-blocking is superior to any of the others.) I have never seen a hat that was hand-blocked in Ecuador that came anywhere close to meeting my standards. Of course, I do admit to being an unrepentant perfectionist. Hats that have been hand-blocked in Ecuador may look fine to you. You may prefer lower cost over higher quality and superior aesthetic. However, lets say you could examine two hats side by side. The two hats are identical, except that one was hand-blocked and finished in Ecuador, and the other was hand-blocked and finished by me. I believe the differences would be immediately obvious to you. See also Why One Hat Costs More than Another. In California, housing has long been an intractable problem, and Silicon Valleys moguls have long been frustrated with the Bay Areas real estate shortage, and the difficulty of building in California generally, as their workforces have exploded. Companies like Google have clashed with cities like Palo Alto and Mountain View over expanding their headquarters, while their executives have funded pro-development politicians and the Yes in my backyard activists who have pushed for looser development and zoning laws in hopes of making it easier to build faster and taller. The practical need for more space has at times morphed into lofty visions of building entire cities from scratch. Several years ago, Y Combinator, a startup incubator, announced an initiative with dreams of turning empty land into a new economy and society. Years before that, Peter Thiel, the PayPal co-founder and billionaire Facebook investor, invested in the Seasteading Institute, an attempt to build a new society on lily padlike structures in the law-and-tax free open ocean. Travis Air Force Bases proximity to the land deals prompted speculation about the motives of the people behind Flannery. Credit: Jim Wilson/The New York Times But while these ideas have garnered lots of attention and curiosity lauded in some corners for vision and derided in others for hubris they have been little more than talk. As Flannery began seeking property, it bought so much land, so fast, that it spooked locals who had no idea who the buyer was or the plans it had in mind. Catherine Moy, mayor of Fairfield, California, started posting about the project on Facebook several years ago after she got a call from a farmer about some mystery buyer making offers throughout the county. In an interview, Moy said she had gone to the county assessors office and found that Flannery had purchased tens of thousands of acres. Representative John Garamendi, who along with Mike Thompson, another Democrat, represents the surrounding region in Congress, said he had been trying to figure out the companys identity for four years. I couldnt find out anything, he said. On Friday, he said that had suddenly changed. This week, representatives for Flannery reached out to him and other elected officials requesting meetings about their plans. That meeting is now being scheduled, he said. They would come with an offer of four and five times over the market at the time. They were deals that they couldnt pass up. Catherine Moy, mayor of Fairfield, California This is their first effort, ever, to talk to any of the local representatives, myself included, he said. The land that Flannery has been purchasing is not zoned for residential use, and even in his 2017 pitch, Moritz acknowledged that rezoning could clearly be challenging a nod to Californias notoriously difficult and litigious development process. Loading To pull off the project, the company will almost certainly have to use the states initiative system to get Solano County residents to vote on it. The hope is that voters will be enticed by promises of thousands of local jobs; increased tax revenue; and investments in infrastructure like parks, a performing arts centre, shopping, dining and a trade school. The Bay Area is among the countrys most expensive regions, even after rent and home prices fell after the pandemic. Economists and housing experts have for decades blamed a long-standing housing shortage and Californias inability to build enough to meet demand. Moritz nodded to this in the email to the investor, arguing this effort should relieve some of the Silicon Valley pressures we all feel rising home prices, homelessness, congestion etc. He added that his group had secured some 1400 acres for less than $US5000 per acre. The price per acre has since escalated, and the companys most recent purchases have neared $US20,000 per acre, according to court documents and people familiar with the matter. The purchases burst into public view this spring, when lawyers for Flannery filed a lawsuit in US District Court, accusing landowners of colluding to inflate prices. The group focused on Jepson Prairie and Montezuma Hills, an agricultural patch of eastern Solano County between the cities of Fairfield and Rio Vista, according to the lawsuit. This area is mostly unpopulated and covered with ranches, windmills and power lines. Representative John Garamendi, Democrat of California, said he had been trying to figure out Flannerys identity for four years. Credit: AP In November 2018, the company sent offers to most landowners in this area, the lawsuit said, and included incentives such as allowing sellers to retain income from wind turbines, as well as stay on the properties rent-free under long-term lease-back agreements. Over the five years, the company purchased some 140 properties from 400 owners, the lawsuit said. This month, a lawyer representing landowners jointly filed a motion to dismiss the case. In July, three landowners said they had reached a potential settlement with Flannery. Other owners could not be reached for comment this week or had declined to do so. As the offers continued and prices escalated, landowners in Solano County started buzzing about who was buying so much land for so much money. They would come with an offer of four and five times over the market at the time, Moy said. They were deals that they couldnt pass up. Flannerys offers were creating multimillionaires across the county, but no one seemed to know what the mysterious company intended to do with land that now amounted to a large chunk of the entire county. Loading That changed last week, when residents started receiving texts and emails with a poll gauging their opinions on a number of questions. One asked them to rate the favorability of several names including Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Flannery Associates. Another question began with a description of a possible ballot initiative for a project that would include a new city with tens of thousands of new homes, a large solar energy farm, orchards with over a million new trees, and over 10,000 acres of new parks and open space. Advertisement Review Eating outArmadale Alberts is the neighbourhood wine bar everybody would love as their local This cosy Armadale classic is the type of place you walk past and immediately wish you were inside with someone you love, sipping something delicious Besha Rodell August 29, 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 venue appears in the eastern suburbs collection. See all stories . 1 / 9 The go-to dish: Spanish beans with chorizo and a mandarin dressing. Wayne Taylor 2 / 9 Alberts Wine Bar has expanded to two shopfronts, its brick walls lined with wine. Wayne Taylor 3 / 9 Burrata is accompanied by a zippy salad of shaved fennel and citrus. Wayne Taylor 4 / 9 Sesame-encrusted crab toast is a play on Cantonese prawn toast. Wayne Taylor 5 / 9 Casarecce pasta with a mellow, meaty duck ragu. Wayne Taylor 6 / 9 Ricotta doughnuts with chocolate anglaise: puffy, warm and satisfying. Wayne Taylor 7 / 9 Alberts Wine Bar has a range of seating options: cafe tables, banquettes, high communal tables, bar seating. Wayne Taylor 8 / 9 Alberts Wine Bar is the type of place you walk past and immediately wish you were inside sipping something delicious. Simon Schluter 9 / 9 Alberts, right next to Armadale station, has outdoor seating under a wrought iron awning. Kate Shanasy Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score European$$$ Theres much to be said for a slow evolution. While many restaurants do their best to come out of the gate swinging, presenting a full version of themselves on day one, it is perhaps more natural to start small, get to know your customers and surrounds, and grow into the venue. That has been the trajectory for Alberts, the neighbourhood wine bar on the winding streets next to the Armadale train station. Opened in late 2021, Alberts (named for artist Albert Tucker, who lived nearby and once painted the 19th century building where Alberts resides) began as a cafe while waiting on its liquor licence. Once the paperwork came through, the wine flowed in the evenings, along with a restrained menu of snacks. Last year, owners Doug Milledge, Toby Koffman and Alice Freer took over the next-door lease when its hairdresser tenant vacated, expanding the room and adding more pavement seating out front. They added a marble-topped bar to the indoor space, which now has two rooms, brick walls lined with wine, and a range of seating options: cafe tables, banquettes, high communal tables, and bar seating. Advertisement Alberts Wine Bar has expanded to two shopfronts, its brick walls lined with wine. Wayne Taylor The look of the place is classic Euro-Melbourne, with its linen curtains and wrought-iron awning over outdoor seating. Its the type of place you walk past and immediately wish you were inside with someone you love, sipping something delicious. Over winter, more changes have been afoot. Tom Ferne has come on as head chef, after stints at Centonove in Kew, Untitled in Richmond, and Brae. New kitchen equipment has arrived, and Ferne has expanded the menu. Where it used to be mostly snackage of the uncooked variety plus one simple pasta dish, its now much more possible to put together a full meal. There are still some lovely antipasto-type options, including olives ($8) and a cheese plate ($35). But its well worth delving into Fernes more creative dishes, both hot and cold. Burrata ($22) is accompanied by a zippy salad of shaved fennel and citrus, as well as a dusting of dukkah and crisp charred garlic toast. Theres crab toast ($12) encrusted with sesame seeds thats a play on Cantonese prawn toast, a wildly decadent version at that. Riffing on a tapas classic, the giant Spanish beans are a satisfying snack. Wayne Taylor Advertisement Giant Spanish beans ($18) cooked until creamy on the inside, are studded with chorizo and dressed with a subtle mandarin dressing. Its a dish true to its tapas-inspired roots somewhere between a nibble and a meal, and exactly as satisfying as you want that in-between, wine-friendly handful of bites to be. Steak tartare ($25), while obviously made with beautiful beef, was the only dish that lacked a little personality, its horseradish cream not doing quite enough to season the cow. Every neighbourhood deserves a place like Alberts: one that speaks to the locales history as well as its future. There are a couple of bowls of pasta on offer for those looking for something more substantial, a simple rigatoni with vodka sauce ($30) and a beautiful casarecce with a mellow, meaty duck ragu ($37). Its exactly the type of meal you want from a neighbourhood wine bar: filling, comforting, slightly better than what you can easily pull off at home. The addition of complimentary good bread alongside is a rare and welcome treat. A new fryer has made a number of things possible, including a dessert of ricotta doughnuts with chocolate anglaise ($18), puffy, warm and satisfying. Advertisement Ricotta doughnuts with chocolate anglaise: puffy, warm and satisfying. Wayne Taylor While the by-the-glass list could be a tad broader, the bottle list is fantastic, with interesting Australian and European picks in every price range. The progression of Alberts has been slow, and thoughtful, and it seems as though the owners are genuinely taking the needs of the neighbourhood into consideration with every step. They recently opened on Monday nights, and if a recent Monday with most of the seats inside filled, and even a few outside in the chill is any indication, customers are glad for the early week option. Every neighbourhood deserves a place like Alberts: one that speaks to the locales history as well as its future; where you can dine in the glow of a pretty old storefront on thoughtful, straightforward food; where the welcome is friendly and considered. Armadale is lucky to have it, and to take part in its continued evolution. The low-down Vibe: Classic brick-walled, wine-lined vintage shopfront Go-to dish: Spanish beans with chorizo, $18 Drinks: Short but smart list of wines by the glass, fantastic range by the bottle Cost: About $120 for two, plus drinks Thursday Island hides amid much larger islands cupping milky-blue water set against crescents of sand and emerald hills. As we sail closer, white oblong buildings appear, and wind turbines march across a hilltop. The ship glides into a beautiful bay without another boat in sight. Grey clouds rumble across the sky, adding to the atmosphere of moody remoteness. Guiding light: Thursday Island fortification. This is why a good cruise is so exhilarating: you can arrive somewhere remote without making much effort. Getting to Thursday Island isnt otherwise easy. You can fly from Cairns to Horn Island and transfer by ferry, or you can take a ferry from Cape York though youll have to get there first. Viking Orion has nipped over from Darwin while I was sleeping, conveying me in comfort to a place most Australians have heard about but never visited. Anyone determined to see their own country should add it to their bucket list. An Australian woman continues to fight for her life in a Croatian hospital, while her partner recovers from less severe injuries, after the pair fell 10 metres from a wall in the coastal city of Dubrovnik early on Saturday. Dubrovnik General Hospital director Marijo Bekic has told a local news website Dubrovacki dnevnik the condition of the two travellers was unchanged since Sunday. City wall and Pile Gate with Lovrijenac Fortress in background in Dubrovnik. Credit: Wikicommons/dronepicr The female is in an induced coma and is stable given her difficult state, but her life is still in danger, Bekic said. The male, who has undergone a shin operation, is generally in a good condition and stable. Latest News Overseas property searches surge in Australia PropTrack This as migration returns to pre-pandemic levels LocalAgentFinder demystifies Queensland Property Law Bill CEO explains how it will benefit buyers A former high security correctional officer has brought tactical communication, a form of communication often used in the defence industry, into his current role as a mortgage broker and urges others to do the same to better serve customers. Communication is at the heart of every successful interaction, be it personal or professional, said Sergio Stefano (pictured above), a mortgage broker at Aussie Prospect in South Australia. One of the greatest takeaways I had as a bouncer and a correction officer was the ability to tactically communicate and Im thankful to have had that experience and use it not just with my clients but in my everyday life. The difference between being a prison guard and a broker In its intended form, tactical communication is a strategic approach to interacting with people in high-stress or potentially volatile situations. It involves using specific communication techniques to defuse conflicts, gather information, and achieve desired outcomes while maintaining a calm and controlled environment. Stefano said knowing how to proactively guide a situation towards a pre-determined goal was crucial as a high security officer as it could be the difference between a peaceful resolution and a dangerous situation. It was often very stressful. Youd have two officers to 60 prisoners, and you cant have eyes everywhere if something begins to spiral out of control, Stefano told the Australian Broker Talk podcast. Youre dealing with a variety of often confronting and conflicting situations. But at its core it comes down to employing techniques such as active listening, de-escalation, and empathy to navigate conversations and maintain order. In his new life as a mortgage broker, Stefano admitted that the stakes werent as high and scary than before. We are there to provide a service. The customer contacts a mortgage broker to help solve a problem and your job is to give that person guidance to solve that problem, Stefano said. While Stefano admitted that this approach sounded oversimplified, he said there would always be nuances in each situation. For example, while some more experienced customers such as property investors might know what they want straight away, others, like first homebuyers, might not have a defined goal or strategy in place. Any broker can process a loan, but the best brokers are going to be the ones who can find out exactly what that client specifically needs now, in a month, in 12 months time, and five years from now, and build a strategy towards achieving that, Stefano said. However, the importance lies in understanding what your goal is as a broker is first. If you understand your goal as a broker in each interaction then youll go a long way to being able to tactically communicate, Stefano said. Go into each situation with a goal in mind whether it be to gather information, to remain open-minded, or provide technical advice and think about what strategy you will use to achieve this goal. Mentoring tactical communication While Stefano has honed the skill of tactical communication through years of experience, he admitted that he too was still learning to apply it to mortgage broking. While Im certainly not perfect, my role as a bouncer and a correction officer has helped me simplify this process and get to the root of it, as its quite basic in nature. Essentially, it's all about talking to people about what their wants and requirements are and how can we get there, he said. Thats pretty much the same thing with mortgage broking. Its all about how we approach a situation, talk to a person, ask them the relevant questions to get the relevant answers and give them what they want. Equipped with the belief in the potency of effective dialogue, Stefano is not only practising it himself but also inspiring fellow brokers to follow suit. Ive just started mentoring people and Ive been looking to implement this approach to help brokers communication whilst avoiding any drama. If you want to know more about Stefanos journey from bouncer to broker, click here to listen to the full podcast on Australian Broker talk. Joseph Maloney just spent 19 weeks in training to become a New York City firefighter at the departments Randalls Island academy. There, he carried heavy fire hoses, fought simulated fires and ended the training with a 5-mile run. Still, Maloney had only the second-hardest job in his family this summer. His wife just had a baby. Maloney is one of 303 firefighters graduating Tuesday from the FDNYs latest class of trainees during a 10 a.m. ceremony at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. He is also one of three legacy graduates, children of FDNY and NYPD members who lost their lives in the line of duty on 9/11 or from World Trade Center-related illnesses. I was in the fifth grade. I was 11 years old at the time, Maloney said, remembering the dark morning when his father, Joseph Maloney, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack. It was tough on my family, my mom, my sister, all his siblings, he added. Members of the FDNY family really did help. My dads best friends always made sure they were there. That first year, wed go to functions and we were always taken care of. Thats the most exciting part, getting back into the family. FDNY Probationary Firefighters Joseph Maloney (L) and Christopher Murden are pictured before their final Spirit Run before graduation at the Fire Academy on Randalls Island early Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. A new generation of firefighters came through for Maloney after his wife Meredith gave birth to their son, Joseph, who was also named after his father. Maloney said he hasnt gotten much sleep, and the other probies, despite their competitive nature, helped him with his studies. They really did help me when I was only getting one or two hours of sleep, Maloney said. They really showed me how much they were my family before any of us graduated. Partial view of FDNY probationary firefighters during their final Spirit Run before graduation at the Fire Academy on Randalls Island early Monday. Officials said this years group of graduates represents the departments increasing diversity, with people of color comprising 46% of the class. About 27% identify as Hispanic, 15% as Black and 4% as Asian-American. The class includes 11 women, as well as 67 veterans from various branches of the military. Becoming a New York City firefighter takes hard work and dedication, and these men and women have shown they have what it takes to join the ranks of New Yorks Bravest, said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. These new firefighters have trained with the best, and are ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year to any emergency. FDNY Probationary Firefighter Gala smiles while holding her flag before the run Monday Morning on Randalls Island. Christopher Murden, 31, is a Marine veteran, and said he was drawn to the FDNY because of its similar structure. Theres a lot of bonding here to help us get through the days, Murden said. Ive made plenty of lifelong friends here. Even though his family is a little worried about the dangers of the job, his two young daughters have been his biggest backers. Im anxious to go to their schools for career day, Murden said. My daughters lose their little minds every time a fire truck speeds by. Forbes ranks UB among top employers in New York State BUFFALO, N.Y. The University at Buffalo has been ranked among New York States top employers in Forbes fifth annual Americas Best Employers by State rankings. UB, New Yorks flagship university, is ranked 12th in the state, according to Forbes. Its also No. 1 among public universities and one of the top university employers overall in the state. The ranking gives UBs 5,400 employees plenty of reason to flex their True Blue pride. UB is widely recognized as a great place to work, due to its salary and benefits packages, the diversity of its students and employees, and its prominent role in helping improve life in Western New York and beyond. In addition, as UB welcomes students to campus for the start of the fall semester, it does so amidst its largest faculty-hiring initiative in recent history, with plans to hire upward of 200 full-time faculty over the next two years. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 70,000 employees across the United States at companies with more than 500 employees, asking them to rate their employer overall and in categories such as work environment, gender pay equity, opportunities for advancement, pride in the companys product or services and more. A total of 1,392 organizations made the list. Forbes explains that If youre less than satisfied with your employer or are considering a switch, look no further than Forbes fifth annual list of Americas Best Employers By State. These arent the best large or midsize employers nationally, but a deeper look at which companies are closer-to-home options for every American worker. This isnt the first time UB has appeared on a Forbes employers ranking. In 2021, Forbes ranked UB 19th on its list of best U.S. large employers. And UB came in at No. 6 in Buffalo Business Firsts list of largest Buffalo employers earlier this year. Amazon said that it has more than 6,000 EVs (electric vehicles) in its India delivery fleet, making deliveries in more than 400 cities. The company is committed to deploying 10,000 EVs in India by 2025. Working with delivery service partners, Amazon continues to decarbonise its transportation network by transforming its fleet and operations, seeking new electrification solutions, and exploring alternative delivery methods. "Transforming a transportation network at this scale and pace requires innovative strategies," said Abhinav Singh, VP of customer fulfilment, Amazon Transportation Services, Global Specialty Fulfilment, and Supply Chain at Amazon India. "We're proud of the progress we've made towards deploying 10,000 EVs by 2025. We remain committed to decarbonising our vast transport network." To transform its network at scale and speed, Amazon has partnered with local original equipment manufacturers in India, including small and medium businesses, and start-ups, to create innovative mobility solutions. The company worked with Altigreen to custom-build the first 177 cubic feet, 100-kilometre range, three-wheeler EV, which has been able to replace diesel vans with similar container capacity and range running in its network. For Amazon, Tata Motors tailored the 210 cubic feet, more-than-120-kilometre range Tata Ace four-wheeler EVs that operate at significantly lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional diesel vans in Amazon's delivery network. Over the last few years, Amazon has helped to deploy electric vehicles, charging stations, and financing services with key industry players including Eicher Trucks and Buses, Altigreen, Mahindra Electric, Tata Motors, TVS, Magenta Mobility, Sun Mobility, and more. "We are working with almost every electric vehicle manufacturer in India that has the potential to meet the demand from Amazon and its delivery service partners." The company is also committed to decarbonising trucking in its middle-mile and last-mile operations by piloting scalable carbon reduction technologies. It will also be teaming up with energy infrastructure and financing companies to help create bundled solutions for transporters looking to switch to electric trucks. Amazon is also a partner of the "Shoonya - Zero-Pollution Mobility" campaign launched by the Indian government in September 2021. The campaign aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles for urban deliveries and ride-hailing services. Also Read Amazon Prime Day: Customers can avail of up to 55% off on Fire TV devices Amazon to waive off seller fee by 10% to celebrate its 10 years in India Centre asks industry to be ready for EU carbon tax, vows smooth transition Amazon Fire TV Cube review: Smart speaker, streaming player rolled into one Amazon Prime Day: Check offers and deals on Echo, Fire TV, Kindle devices PepsiCo India joins ONDC Network to expand retail reach: Ahmed ElSheikh Baroda UP Bank to rationalise over 250 branches in semi-urban, rural areas NCLAT grants JKC time till Sept-end to pay Jet Airways lenders Rs 350 crore Jet Airways case: NCLAT extends time till Sep 30 for JKC to pay Rs 350 cr Shipping & logistics firm UPS opens India's first tech centre in Chennai "The Shoonya campaign's core objective is to improve air quality in India by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles for ride-hailing and delivery purposes," said Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, adviser, NITI Aayog. "Collaborating with their delivery service partners, Amazon continues to play a vital role in driving sustainable practices in the realm of e-mobility." Experts said that the demand for EVs has seen an uptick among e-commerce firms and consumer goods manufacturers year-on-year. This is being done in an effort to reduce costs and meet carbon emission targets. Besides Amazon, there are many companies like Flipkart, BigBasket, Bisleri, Zomato, Amul, Hindustan Unilever, Swiggy, and Coca-Cola, that are also transitioning to EVs. Amazons chief rival Flipkart has said that it will deploy more than 25,000 electric vehicles by 2030. This is in line with the Walmart-owned firms public commitment to transition to electric vehicles across its city logistics fleet. It will help set up charging infrastructure around delivery hubs and offices to fast track the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. Flipkart's electric fleet will include two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers designed and assembled in India. The Bengaluru-based firm has partnered with leading electric vehicle manufacturers, including Hero Electric, Mahindra Electric, and Piaggio, for specific vehicles to be deployed for its first and last-mile delivery fleet across the country. Flipkart has already started deploying two-wheelers and three-wheelers electric vehicles in multiple locations for delivery across the country, including in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati and Pune. Flipkart will also place requirements in service contracts, install charging infrastructure close to its 1,400 supply chain facilities, conduct awareness programmes, and encourage delivery executives to use EVs. Food delivery platform Zomato plans to deploy 50,000 EVs in the next two years. For this, Zomato has formed a partnership with electric vehicles energy infrastructure and services provider Sun Mobility to power 50,000 electric two-wheelers. Electric vehicle battery-swapping solutions provider Gogoro Inc recently announced a partnership with Swiggy to promote its electric Smartscooters to last-mile delivery partners of the on-demand convenience delivery platform across India. Gogoro and Swiggy will provide a seamless path for riders to adopt sustainable electric transportation and improve their business efficiency. Ride-hailing platform Uber recently launched Uber Green in India to allow users to book electric vehicle (EV) rides along with multiple new partnerships for financing, access, and charging for a new fleet of electric cars and two-wheelers. As part of the new push for electric mobility, Uber will add 25,000 electric cars to its fleet in the top seven cities by expanding its partnership with EV fleet partners like Lithium, Everest, and Moove. The firm has also teamed up with Zypp Electric for 10,000 EV two-wheelers in Delhi by 2024. Uber Auto and Uber Moto together amount to over 50 per cent of its ride bookings in India. Reliance Industries Ltd ( RIL ) will hold its 46th annual general meeting (AGM) for the shareholders on Monday. This will be televised live through videoconferencing and other audio-visual means. Announcing the date and time of the Reliance AGM 2923, the company had earlier said in a regulatory filing, "This is to inform that the Forty-sixth Annual General Meeting (Post-lPO) of the Members of the Company will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 2:00 pm (IST) through Video Conferencing (VC) / Other Audio-Visual Means (OAVM), in accordance with the applicable circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Securities and Exchange Board of India." Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, will address the shareholders and talk about the company's past performance and further plans. The Reliance AGM 2023 is important as it comes just one week after the listing of Jio Financial Services on the Indian bourses. The stock has not performed well. Since its listing on August 21 at Rs 264 apiece, the share price has fallen 20 per cent to Rs 212.25. The investors will be keen to know the company's plans and other insights into the business of JFSL. Last week, the exclusion of JFSL shares from Sensex and other indices was postponed to September 1. What time is Reliance AGM? The Reliance AGM 2023 will be held at 2 pm. The shareholders will be allowed to join the meeting 30 minutes prior to that at 1:30 pm. RIL AGM 2023: Where to watch? The RIL's 46th annual general meeting will be held through video conferencing. The Reliance AGM can be watched live on the jio.com website at the link: https://jiomeet.jio.com/meetingportal/rilagm/joinmeeting The AGM will also be streamed live on the company's official channel on YouTube. What to expect from Reliance AGM? Some key announcements related to the listing of its retail business, Reliance Retail, may also be announced. Other announcements, like plans for further value creation and expansion of 5G under Reliance Jio, will also be worth noting. Also Read Markets end at record closing highs; Sensex tops 67,500, Nifty nears 20,000 RIL up 4%; sets July 20 as record date for share allotment in Jio Financial RIL gets nod from shareholders, creditors to demerge financial services arm Sensex, Nifty end flat; RIL, Jio Fin drop 1% as 46th AGM lacks fireworks Hindustan Unilever's FY23 annual report: Top 10 highlights you should know Stake sale, IPO plans for retail units in focus for Ambani's AGM speech Adani's Dharavi redevelopment plan spurs doubts and favouritism claims Sebi probe likely to suggest no major lapses by Adani group companies A new ball game: Infosys has got tennis champions as its brand ambassadors IndoStar Finance Capital offloads corporate loans to Phoenix ARC Ambani may also provide information on its integrated renewable energy power projects. In RIL's annual report released on August 6, Ambani emphasised the need to address climate change and the steps Reliance is taking towards sustainability and clean energy. Among other proposals, RIL's shareholders will consider and approve the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2023. The shareholders will also vote to re-appoint Ambani as the managing director of the firm for another five years, up to April 18, 2029. He will complete his current term on April 19, 2024. RIL AGM: Key takeaways from last year's annual general meeting By P R Sanjai When Asias richest man Mukesh Ambani addresses shareholders on Monday, investors expect the billionaire to divulge more details on initial public offering plans for its retail and telecom units. Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd., will address shareholders at its 46th annual general meeting by video on Monday. His once-a-year speech to investors similar to Warren Buffetts annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders has over time evolved into an highly anticipated pageant when the tycoon announces grand new initiatives. This year, investors are keen to find out more about the newly listed Jio Financial Services Ltd., as well as Reliances fresh investments into renewable energy and the rollout of its 5G network. The event will remain online this year, sticking to the virtual form that became the norm during the Covid-19 pandemic. That, to a certain extent, is emblematic of the dramatic transformation Reliance has undergone from an energy giant to a conglomerate that is becoming increasingly present in the digital lives of Indian consumers. Key Insights Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. IPO: Ambani said back in 2019 that the retail arm of his business empire will seek an IPO in five years. Last week, Qatars sovereign wealth fund invested $1 billion into Indias biggest brick-and-mortar retailer. Investors will be waiting for the updates for potential listing. BoFA Securities hopes that announcements may focus on partnerships with global players such as the one with fast fashion giant Shein. Reliance Jio Infocomm IPO: The billionaire has hinted about a potential listing of Indias No.1 wireless carrier. Apart from any IPO updates, how the company plans to cash in on its 5G expenditure will be watched as other developed nations struggle to generate revenue from such networks. We also expect updates around recently launched JioBharat phone and JioBook laptop, BoFA Securities analysts wrote, adding that media announcements may focus on a partnership with Netflix may focus on partnership on prepaid bundled packs and improving content at JioCinema/Viacom18 Renewable energy plans: Ambani is planning to produce the worlds cheapest green hydrogen, responding to calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India to become a global hub for renewable energy. Reliance is pursuing an aggressive target to produce it at $1 per kilogram by the end of this decade. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the state secured the top rank in attracting Foreign Direct Investment worth Rs 36,634 crore which is more than the sum of the investment received by Delhi, Karnataka and Telangana in the first quarter of FY 2023-24. Maharashtra which was ranked first in attracting FDI of Rs 1,18,422 crore in the FY 2022-23, also ranks first in the 1st quarter of FY 2023-24. As per the figures released by DPIIT, an FDI investment of Rs 36,634 crore has come in Maharashtra," he said on X, formerly Twitter. Maharashtra's FDI is more than the cumulative sum of FDI in Delhi, Karnataka and Telangana which rank second, third, and fourth, respectively, he said. Under the leadership of CM Eknath Shinde, our state is moving ahead at a fast pace and Maharashtra has become the favourite destination for investors, Fadnavis added. Fadnavis said he and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had delivered on the promise made when their government took over in June last year of making Maharashtra the number one state of the country. "I am very happy. Maharashtra was number one in investments till 2019. But when the Uddhav Thackeray government was in power, Gujarat took top spot in the first year and Karnataka in the second year," he told reporters. "However, in just one year, we have brought Maharashtra back to the number one spot in investments. We have delivered on the promise made by the CM and me on making the state number one again," Fadnavis said. He said a dip in FDI in the country was due to the war(in Ukraine) and depression in Europe. Also Read FDI inflows decline 16% to $71 billion for first time in a decade: RBI data FDI inflows into India rise 10%, outflows shrink 16% in 2022: Unctad Ignore orders of 'unconstitutional' Maharashtra govt: Raut to officials Fadnavis-Ajit alliance in 2019 was to teach lesson to Uddhav: Maha BJP Maharashtra govt working on law to curb 'love jihad', says Fadnavis Odisha CM distributes land rights certificates to 65,000 slum dwellers UP is currently experiencing remarkable investment growth: PM Modi Goa will get wings with new airport, set to clock double-digit growth: CM Geetika Srivastava appointed at Indian High Commission in Islamabad Census Act empowers only Centre to conduct census: Govt informs SC Shares of rice exporters such as Chaman Lal Setia Exports, LT Foods, KRBL, and GRM Overseas dropped up to 6 per cent in Monday's intra-day trade after the government placed export curbs on basmati rice over the weekend. The government halted exports of basmati rice valued below $1200 per tonne late Friday (effective till Oct 15), a day after levying a 20 per cent duty on parboiled rice that will kick in from Oct 16. On Friday, LT Foods, which owns the popular basmati rice brand Daawat, lost 6 per cent. But on Monday, the stock rose 2 per cent after the company clarified that the measure does not have any impact on its exports as the export price of its major varieties (premium and aged rice in its own brands-Daawat and Royal) is mostly over and above the $1200 per tonne minimum export price limit. The companys exports for 60-65 per cent of overall revenues. Analysts believe companies with a strong foothold in the branded basmati rice space will see marginal impact even if in the short-term, the stocks will be kept under check. Certain companies are better positioned to weather the storm. LT Foods, primarily exporting under its brand, will see minimal impact. Similarly, KRBL will likely see minimal disruption, as a significant portion of their exports surpasses the $1200/tonne threshold, according to Anirudh Garg, Partner and head of Research at Invasset PMS. KRBL, GRM Overseas and Chaman Lal Setia, meanwhile, dropped over 3 per cent, 4 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively, to their respective intra-day lows. While short-term fluctuations may occur, our long-term outlook remains bullish for these companies. Their presence in the branded category provides a crucial buffer against the adverse effects of this export limitation. It's worth noting that most shipments for the ongoing crop season have already been fulfilled, mitigating the overall impact on the industry, Garg added. These rice exporters (with exports making up 80-90 per cent of total revenue) majorly deal in basmati rice of various varieties with little exposure to non-basmati rice. For instance, Chaman Lals flagship basmati rice brand Maharani, which is exported to 38 countries, made up 17 per cent of its total revenues in Q1FY24. Also Read Govt might lift the ban on white rice export soon as production increases Centre imposes 20% export duty on parboiled rice; MEP on basmati rice Centre bans export of non-basmati white rice to boost domestic supply Electronics export in India grew 56% in Q1, emerge as 4th largest item Global rice markets in turmoil as India bans export of non-basmati RailTel Corporation surges 12% on heavy volumes; stock nears record high Stock of this metering solutions provider zooms over 200% in 3 months RIL trades flat ahead of 46th AGM at 2 pm today; Jio Financial surges 5% Texmaco Rail zooms 14%; hits new all-time high This specialty chemicals stock zoomed 48% in a month; here's why KRBLs India Gate and Unity basmati rice brands accounted for 51 per cent and 12 per cent share in overall FY22 revenues. India remains the world's biggest rice exporter and accounts for over 70 per cent of the world's basmati rice production. The country mainly exports premium basmati rice to the Middle East and non-basmati rice to African and Asian countries. The governments decision to not allow exports of basmati rice below $1,200 per tonne has been taken to restrict possible "illegal" shipment of white non-basmati rice in the garb of premium basmati rice. The recent curbs follow a string of measures such as the export ban on non-basmati white rice last month. The curbs are aimed to contain a domestic surge in local rice prices triggered by poor paddy production due to flooding in rice-growing states such as Haryana, Punjab and UP. Around half of Indias annual basmati rice exports could be impacted as a result of the recent restriction. India exported around 4.6 million tonnes of basmati rice in FY23. Exporters said the average free-on-board (FOB) price of basmati rice is around $1,050 per tonne. Over 50 per cent of the exports comprise parboiled basmati rice that falls within the $1,200 FOB price limit. READ Early this month, rice prices soared to 15-year highs in Asia on concerns over global supplies as dry weather threatened production in the second largest exporter Thailand and India banned non-basmati rice exports. Also Read GIC, Genus Power Infra tie up to invest $2 bn in smart meter venture Genus, GIC affiliate to set up platform to fund smart metering projects UP govt cancels smart meter tenders of Adani, GMR group companies Comfort and security: what does it take to set up a smart home Genus Power Infra zooms 15% on order win worth Rs 2,207 crore RIL trades flat ahead of 46th AGM at 2 pm today; Jio Financial surges 5% RIL trades flat ahead of 46th AGM at 2 pm today; Jio Financial surges 5% RIL trades flat ahead of 46th AGM at 2 pm today; Jio Financial surges 5% Texmaco Rail zooms 14%; hits new all-time high This specialty chemicals stock zoomed 48% in a month; here's why Shares of Genus Power Infrastructures, a leading Metering solutions provider & manufacturer for the power distribution industry, were locked in the 10 per cent upper circuit at Rs 263.85 on BSE on Monday at 10:55 AM backed by heavy volumes. A combined 1.3 million shares changed hands and there were pending buy orders for around 200,000 shares on the BSE and NSE.In past one month, the stock has rallied nearly 50 per cent as the company anticipates a robust surge in order volumes to continue during the forthcoming quarters of fiscal year 2024.Meanwhile, in past three months, the stock has zoomed 204 per cent after the company on July 7, signed definitive agreements with Gem View Investment Pte Ltd, an affiliate of GIC, Singapore (GIC) for setting up of a Platform for undertaking Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) concessions. Genus Power would be the exclusive supplier to the Platform for smart meters and associated services. GIC will hold a 74 per cent stake; the balance will be Genus.On August 11, the companys board approved allotment of 45.98 million share warrants convertible into equal number of equity shares to Chiswick Investment Pte, another affiliate of GIC, at an issue price of Rs 112.88 per warrant on preferential basis.Meanwhile, post the order inflows in August 2023, Genus Powers total order book, currently stood in excess of Rs 8,200 crore. Many State Electricity Boards (SEBs) have initiated the process of inviting bids for the deployment of smart meters, which serves as a testament to the positive impact of the 'Reforms-Based, Result-Linked Power Distribution Sector Scheme'.Based on its analysis, the company anticipates a robust surge in order volumes to continue during the forthcoming quarters of fiscal year 2024.While there have been encouraging signs of recovery in semiconductor and other critical electronic component supply chain disruptions over the past year, lingering effects of these disruptions continue to have an impact on our top-line performance. This is primarily due to suboptimal capacity utilisation. The company also witnessed a decline in its operating margins in Q1FY24. This can be attributed to the prevalence of legacy orders, which resulted in lower margins. We anticipate that the current backlog of low margin legacy orders will be mostly executed in Q2FY24, the management said.The management anticipates a substantial recovery in revenue from Q3FY24 onwards on back of our robust orderbook and consistent order inflow, further bolstered by the normalisation of the supply chain. A Colorado man accused of tearing down LGBTQ rainbow flags by NYCs historic Stonewall Inn during a Pride month hate crime was arrested Monday on charges police said were part of a pattern of attacks in the area. Cops charged Patrick Murphy, 25, of Denver, with committing criminal mischief as a hate crime for the June 10 vandalism incident by the West Village national monument. Joined by two others, Murphy and his fellow hatemongers allegedly tore down several rainbow-colored flags displayed on a fence by the Stonewall National Monument in Christopher Park on Christopher St. before fleeing east on Waverly Place. Rainbow flags are pictured on the fence at the Stonewall National Monument in Christopher Park on Christopher St. on Monday, June 12, 2023, after flags were vandalized earlier in the day. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force asked for the publics assistance in tracking down another man who tore down multiple transgender flags days later on June 15, again at around 3 a.m., at the park where an 1969 NYPD raid sparked the gay rights movement. In a third incident police are investigating, multiple people tore down flags at the park around 8 a.m. on June 18. Attacks on LGBTQ Americans have risen in tandem with a surge of hateful and divisive political rhetoric and legislation introduced by GOP-dominated legislatures rolling back their rights, particularly affecting transgender youth, according to the Anti-Defamation League and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation known as GLAAD. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force asked for the publics assistance in tracking down another man who tore down multiple transgender flags days later on June 15, again at around 3 a.m., at the park where an 1969 NYPD raid sparked the gay rights movement. The groups recorded 356 such incidents between June 2022 and April 2023, according to a report issued in June. The recent fatal shooting of a clothing store owner near San Bernardino, Calif., by a man who made disparaging remarks about the shops Pride flag sparked both anger and fear. Extreme legislation sweeping Southern states criminalizing gender-affirming medical care available for decades has impacted about 90% of trans youth in the South, according to the Campaign for Southern Equality. Medical care has also been partially restricted for trans adults in Florida and Missouri. In Florida, teachers have been banned from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation at all grade levels. Tens of thousands of high school students are expected to be impacted by the lesson plan restrictions that forbid AP psychology educators from discussing the influence of sex and gender on development and socialization. Murphy was awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday. His attorney could not be reached for comment. Police asked anyone with information on the string of attacks by Christopher Park to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-8477 or (888) 577-4782 to speak with someone in Spanish. The regional commander level meeting between Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and its Bangladesh counterpart BCG was held on Monday, an official said. The meeting, held through video conferencing, was organised under the provisions of memorandum of understanding (MoU) and standard operating procedure signed between the coast guards of the two neighbouring countries in 2015 and 2017, respectively, he said. Maritime issues such as sensitisation of fishermen on cross-border fishing, information sharing and capability building were discussed at the meeting, he added. The meeting was co-chaired by ICG's commander of northeast Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan and BCG's commander of west zone Captain Mohammad Kibria Haq, the official said. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) launched its SpaceX crew-7 on Saturday, August 26, at 3.27 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission comprises an international crew of four representing four countries successfully launched to the International Space Station. This is Nasa's seventh commercial crew rotation mission. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Dragon spacecraft into orbit for a science expedition with Nasa's Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency's Andreas Mogensen, Japan Aerospace Exploration Satoshi Furukawa and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov. Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson stated, Crew-7 is a shining example of the power of American ingenuity and what we can accomplish when we work together. He added that the crew will conduct more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations preparing for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond for the benefit of mankind. Nasa partners with countries across the world and engages with the best scientific minds to enable the space agency's bold mission that shows we can do more, learn more and work together. Crew-7 will join Expedition 69 Crew-7 will join the Nasa astronauts in the space station's Expedition 69 crew, Frank Rubio, Woody Hoburg, and Stephen Bowen along with UAE astronaut Sultan Alneyadi. Astronauts Sergey Prokopyev, Andrey Fedyaev, and Dmitri Petelin, from Roscosmos cosmonauts. The number of crew members will increase to 11 for the short time period until the crew-6 members, Alneyadi, Hoburg, Bowen, and Fedyaev, return to Earth after a few days. Crew-7 will conduct new research The crew-7 will conduct new scientific research for the benefit of mankind and prepare human explorations beyond low Earth orbit. The crew-7 experiment includes microbial samples collected from the outer space station. It will help in the first study of human response to different space flight durations, and physiological aspects of astronauts' sleep. The mission will do much more than the experiments mentioned above and technology demonstrations that will take place during the mission. This mission will also allow Nasa to maximise the utilisation of the space station where astronauts will test technologies, perform science and develop skills required for future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and explore beyond Earth. Also Read NASA to launch its streaming platform NASA+ this year, introduces beta site World's largest private satellite Jupiter-3 to be launched by Falcon Heavy Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket Falcon 9 punches a hole in earth's Ionosphere SpaceX launches four astronauts from US, Russia, and UAE to space station SpaceX Crew-7 with Nasa astronauts launches to International Space Station Foxconn's Terry Gou to seek Taiwan presidency as independent candidate US, Chinese commerce officials express support for better trade conditions Pak requests $300 mn loan from Asian Development Bank for water project China's worsening economic slowdown is sounding alarm bells across globe Global air tickets face potential price hikes as Chinese return to skies The research conducted will benefit people on Earth and pave the way for future long-duration trips to the moon through Nasa's Artemis mission. The mutinous soldiers who overthrew democratically elected Niger President Mohamed Bazoum announced a raft of measures over the weekend that analysts say are aimed at strengthening their grip on power while preparing to defend against any military attempt by regional leaders to reinstate Bazoum. The junta led by Brig Gen Abdrahmane Tchiani ordered the Nigerien armed forces to go on maximum alert over threats of aggression to the national territory and asked the military-led governments of neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso to send troops to help defend them. It also issued a Monday deadline to the French ambassador to leave the country and held a rally to gather support to force French troops out. France President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that the country's ambassador will remain in Niger. Macron spoke out firmly against the coup leaders while insisting that France is not Niger's enemy. Our policy is the right one. It depends on the courage of President Mohamed Bazoum, the commitment of our diplomats, and of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite pressure, Macron told a gathering of French ambassadors in Paris. Seidik Abba, a Nigerien researcher and president of the Paris-based International Centre for Reflection and Studies on the Sahel, said the junta is trying to reinforce its position and rebuff attempts by West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, to pressure the military government to reverse the coup. The risk of a war (between Niger and the regional bloc) is still pretty high, said Nate Allen, an associate professor at the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. He said the junta is aligning with the regimes in Mali and Burkina Faso in a very strong anti-Western and pro-authoritarian orientation. ECOWAS has said it must reverse the coup in Niger to halt the spiral of coups in West Africa. At a meeting Saturday with Molly Phee, the top US diplomat for African affairs, the bloc's chairman, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, accused the Niger junta of trying to buy time after failed talks to reinstate Bazoum, who remains in detention. Also Read President Bazoum's government has been removed, say Niger soldiers Will prosecute deposed Prez Bazoum for 'high treason', says Niger's coup Niger junta expels French Ambassador Sylvain Itte as tensions mount Nigeriens call for mass recruitment of volunteers as junta faces invasion Niger army on standby to hit back after coup bid, says presidency Billion-dollar pharma cos set to face their first US price negotiations France to ban female students from wearing abayas in public schools China won't require Covid-19 tests for incoming travellers as it reopens Technical issue hitting flights on busy travel day: UK air traffic control Over 3,000 people evacuated after heavy rains lash parts of Central China The ECOWAS consensus is that we will not allow anyone to insincerely buy time, Tinubu said, adding that he has been holding the bloc back despite its readiness for all options that could include military intervention in Niger. Before Bazoum's ouster last month, Niger, a former French colony, was seen as the West's last major partner against jihadi violence in the Sahel region below the Sahara Desert rife with anti-French sentiment. The cutting of ties with the French, as occurred after the military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, shows "a new world order that is emerging in the Sahel and in a way marks the end of the post-colonial state in a lot of these countries colonised by France, said Abba, the Sahel researcher. ECOWAS has not provided details of what a military intervention would look like, other than that it would be led by a so-called standby force. Mali and Burkina Faso are both battling with internal security challenges, while Nigeria, which also faces deadly violence, constitutes roughly half of about 450,000 combined military personnel in the bloc's remaining 11 member states. Guinea is also among the countries that have sided with Niger. The bloc is in a challenging position with the Niger-Mali-Burkina Faso alliance and with its past interventions often reliant on international support, said Allen with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. The coup leaders in Niger are planning on staying in power for the long term," he said. That is a typical pattern we have seen in military regimes... they overstay their welcome often for a very long time. Pakistan has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $300 million loan for the water project, Dawn reported. The cash-strapped country had already secured a $ 3 billion bailout plan from the International Monetary Fund in July, and still, Pakistan is looking for a loan for the Kurram Tangi Integrated Water Resources Development project. This project aims to improve energy, water and food security in the country. According to the project's document, released by the bank, the ADB is expected to approve the loan in 2024. The proposed project will directly contribute to the two strategic pillars of Pakistan's National Poverty Reduction Strategy: "Increasing productivity and value addition in agriculture" and "Integrated Energy Development Programme". This water project plans to construct a 95-metre-high dam with a water storage capacity of 1,480 million cubic metres (m3) on the Kurram River and three small hydroelectric powerhouses to generate 65MW of hydropower, Dawn reported. With this project, 27,400 hectares of new command area can be irrigated; and can improve irrigation water supply to the existing 155,444 hectares of command area. The proposed interventions of the project will, therefore, significantly contribute to economic growth while improving agricultural productivity, energy and food security in the country. The Kurram Tangi project will improve the irrigation infrastructure while constructing 500,000km long irrigation canals and water courses, which will directly contribute to improved agricultural productivity. It will improve the economic and social infrastructure while constructing and upgrading farm-to-market roads, schools, basic health units, and water supply, according to Dawn. Earlier, Pakistan had secured a $3 billion bailout plan from the IMF on July 12 and then received the loan from UAE. Saudi Arabia made a $2 billion deposit into the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) after the IMF agreement, and the UAE had already committed to making a $1 billion contribution. Additionally, China rolled over a $ 2.4 billion loan in July. However, it seems that these bailouts will not be a great help for Pakistan to come out from the vicious cycle of debt. While the IMF agreement has prevented Pakistan from going into default, at least temporarily, it has also set off a vicious cycle that has happened a few dozen times before in the nation's history, reported The Diplomat. Also Read Hockey: Asian Champions Trophy schedule, IND vs PAK timing, live telecast Indian contingent for Asian Games: Full list of 634 Hangzhou-bound athletes Byju's reaches agreement to rework terms of $1.2 billion loan: Report Here's why Pakistan's Bismah Maroof withdrew from Asian Games 2023 Yamuna River reaches record high: Here's how to check water levels online China's worsening economic slowdown is sounding alarm bells across globe Global air tickets face potential price hikes as Chinese return to skies Storm Idalia takes aim at Gulf of Mexico on possible track toward US Nationwide protests in Pak gain momentum against inflated electricity bills Japan postpones launch of rocket carrying lunar lander due to bad weather Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, announced on Monday a bid to be Taiwans president in January elections, saying he wanted to unite the opposition and ensure the island did not become the next Ukraine. When asked about his reaction on the pressure from Beijing, Gou said that Beijing which claimed self-ruled Taiwan as its territory wouldnt be able to use the businessmans vast empire to influence him, the Insider reported. Taiwan-based Foxconn is the largest private employer in China. He said that he wouldnt be threatened at a political event on Monday where he announced his campaign, according to Insiders translation of a recording posted on his Facebook page. It will only hurt Chinas reputation and interests if it confiscated the companys assets, Gou responded when asked about Beijings potential retaliation against Foxconn also known as Hon Hai Technology Group should Gou run for president. Gou is the fourth person to throw his hat in the ring, but his poll numbers before his announcement put him well behind the front-runner, the ruling Democratic Progressive Partys (DPP) William Lai, who is currently vice president. Gou, 72, stepped down as Foxconn chief in 2019 and made his first presidential bid that year, but dropped out after he failed to win the nomination for Taiwans main opposition party, the Kuomintang KMT. The KMT traditionally favours close ties with China, whose government claims Taiwan as its own territory. Earlier this year, Gou made a second bid to be the KMTs candidate for the presidential election, but the party chose instead Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City. Gou has spent the past few weeks touring Taiwan and holding campaign-like rallies, fuelling speculation he was planning to run as an independent. Speaking at a Taipei conference centre under two large Taiwanese flags, Gou lambasted the DPP. Under the rule of the DPP in the past seven years or so, internationally, they have led Taiwan towards the danger of war. Domestically, their policies are filled with mistakes, Gou said, adding the era of entrepreneur's rule has begun. Also Read Apple, Tesla links mean China can't pressure business: Foxconn's Terry Gou Foxconn's Terry Gou to run for Taiwan's presidency as independent candidate Foxconn lines up Rs 4,110 cr for new Hyderabad plant, 25,000 jobs likely Apple supplier Foxconn ups its investment proposal in Telangana to $550 mn Apple supplier Foxconn to start construction of its Karnataka plant in May No room to negotiate on national security with China: US commerce secy 2020 US polls: March 4, 2024, trial date set for Trump in US case Pakistan court quashes sedition charges against former PM Imran Khan China's Evergrande Group becomes a penny stock as shares decline 79% UK air traffic curbs: Air India says no significant impact on its flights Give me four years and I promise that I will bring 50 years of peace to the Taiwan Strait and build the deepest foundation for the mutual trust across the strait, he said in a plea to Taiwan voters. Taiwan must not become Ukraine and I will not let Taiwan become the next Ukraine. The DPP champions Taiwans separate identity from China, but the government it leads has repeatedly offered talks with China that have been rebuffed. Gous main theme in his pre-campaign events has been that the only way to avoid war with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, is to get the DPP out of office. Gou must gather close to 300,000 voter signatures by November 2 to qualify as an independent candidate, according election regulations. The Central Election Commission will review the signatures and announce the results by November 14. Huang Kwei-bo, an associate professor of diplomacy at Taipei's National Chengchi University and a former KMT deputy secretary general, said Gou's candidacy risked further dividing the opposition vote. Any split on the non-DPP side would mean Lai's sure victory in January, Huang said. Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je of the small Taiwan Peoples Party has generally been running second in the polls, with Hou third. A poll last week by the My Formosa online newspaper put Gous support at just 12 per cent. Gou reiterated a call for unity amongst opposition parties, urging Ko and Hou to sit down with him and discuss plans to join forces in order to win the election against the DPP. Lawyers for Donald Trump are due back in court Monday as a federal judge considers radically conflicting proposals for a trial date in the case accusing him of working to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol. Special counsel Jack Smith's team has proposed a Jan. 2, 2024 trial in federal court in Washington, one of four cities where Trump could face trial as soon as next year. Trump's lawyers, citing the time they say is needed to review 11.5 million pages of documents they've received from prosecutors, have asked for a trial in April 2026 about a year and a half after the presidential election. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan is expected to set at least a tentative trial date during Monday's status conference. Another potential agenda item could be additional discussion on any constraints on Trump in publicly discussing evidence in the case. Chutkan said at a hearing earlier this month that she would take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the case and warned that inflammatory statements about the proceedings could prompt her to move the case more quickly to trial to prevent witness intimidation or jury pool contamination. The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against Trump. Smith's team has brought a separate federal case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Florida property, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing to give them back. That case is currently set for trial next May 20. He also faces state cases in New York and Georgia. Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actress who has said she had an extramarital affair with Trump, while prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia have charged Trump and 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that state's 2020 election. Trump surrendered Thursday in that case, posing with a scowling face for the first mug shot in American history of a former US president. Also Read Why has Donald Trump been indicted and can he run for 2024 elections? The Trump saga: Indictment, RICO law & future of presidential campaign Jury to decide whether Trump will be charged over Georgia's 2020 election Trump to surrender at Georgia jail on charges to overturn 2020 election Appeals court rejects Donald Trump effort to block Pence testimony 8 US Marines remain in hospital after aircraft crash killed 3 in Australia Apple, Tesla links mean China can't pressure business: Foxconn's Terry Gou Nasa sends SpaceX Crew-7 to International Space Station for exploration Foxconn's Terry Gou to run for Taiwan's presidency as independent candidate US, Chinese commerce officials express support for better trade conditions Partner with us for Press release distribution and get best in class service, guaranteed postings on tier 1 media and maximum reach o9 Solutions, a leading AI powered software platform used by global manufacturers and retailers to plan their supply chains, today announced that it will immediately be starting o9 Hyderabad, expanding its already-large operations in India. The Company also announced that in partnership and collaboration with the Telangana government, it will develop a specialized Supply Chain Skills Academy that will help make Hyderabad a world-class talent hub for meeting the growing demand for skilled supply chain management employees from global companies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230826511370/en/ o9 Solutions meets with the Telangana government. (Photo: Business Wire) o9 Hyderabad will be a hub for expanding its R&D, Product Management and Global Delivery operations in India. Today, o9 operates 17 offices throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and India. Currently, o9 has approximately 1,600 employees in India. These employees have specialized skills spanning R&D, Product management, Implementation and Customer Support functions, supporting the Companys global operations. Additionally, the worlds leading Solution Integrators (SIs) and professional services companies are developing implementation practices with thousands of consultants to serve the demand from global companies for o9 software. Hundreds of the worlds largest enterprises across a wide range of industries leverage o9s AI-powered Digital Brain platform to transform their supply chain, commercial and integrated business planning and decision-making capabilities. We have been especially impressed with the growth of Hyderabads infrastructure to absolutely world-class standards. Our fruitful conversations with the honorable Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr. K. Taraka Rama Rao, during his recent visit to Chicago, reinforced our conviction that Hyderabad is the right place for o9 Indias next phase of growth. We are thrilled to be starting o9 Hyderabad immediately, said Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO, o9 Solutions. Its an honor to have a world-class, fast-growing software company like o9 come to Hyderabad and grow this to be its hub for India operations and supporting global growth, said Mr. Kaivakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Commerce, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications of Telangana, India. Chakri and Sanjiv Sidhu, o9s Co-Founders, are not just exceptional entrepreneurs and foremost experts in supply chain technology, they also have deep Hyderabadi roots. As such, we look forward to partnering with them closely to help make Hyderabad and Telangana a hub for delivering world class supply chain talent to global companies, Mr. KTR added. To learn more about o9 Solutions, visit www.o9solutions.com. About o9 Solutions, Inc. o9 Solutions is a leading AI-powered platform driving the digital transformation of integrated business planning and decision-making at global companies across industry verticals. Whether it is forecasting and planning demand, matching demand and supply, or optimizing commercial initiatives, all planning processes can be made faster and smarter with o9s AI-powered platform, unlocking significant topline and bottom line value. o9 brings together technology innovationssuch as graph-based enterprise modeling, big data analytics, advanced algorithms for scenario planning, collaborative portals, easy-to-use interfaces and cloud-based deliverymaking complex transformations easier. For more information, please visit www.o9solutions.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230826511370/en/ A man wrapped in plastic and dumped on a desolate corner of the Bronx in a shopping cart had reunited with his biological family online during the pandemic, but never got a chance to meet them in person before his death, according to a friend. Paul Bernardon, 40, was found the morning of Aug. 19 at the intersection of Aldus St. and Whitlock Ave. in Longwood after a 911 call about an unconscious man. The location is near a service road for the Bruckner Expressway and a block from the Lyons Square Playground. I cant believe it. I got home Sunday to hear the news, said longtime friend Ray Bolorin, 58, who thought of Paul as a nephew. The two met when Bernardon was 17 or 18. I met Paul in the Bronx on Longfellow Ave. around the corner from where they found him, said Bolorin. I met him through my niece. Police responding to a 911 call about an unconscious man found the unidenified victim dead at the corner of Whitlock Ave. and Aldus St., just a block away from the Lyons Square playground, at about 11:15 a.m. She said, you know, hes homeless, he sleeps in a staircase. We went back and we took him home, said the older man. That one day turned out to be, he stayed with us for a good 15 years. Bernardon had previously been in foster care in Long Island or upstate and run away at 12 after he was separated from his sister, according to Bolorin. He had been on the streets ever since. Paul was a beautiful person, very smart. He watched Jeopardy! and he would know the answers. He had his good ways and his bad ways, said Bolorin. He added that Bernardon recently moved in with a friend of the Bolorin family, calling it was a good living situation for his friend. He came here about a month ago to check up on us, Bolorin said. That was the last time I saw him. I come home Sunday and two detectives come to my door, he continued. I said, Is there a problem? Wheres Paul? They didnt want to tell me. He broke down and told me they found him dead. It was shocking. He always looked for family. He found them through social media, but he was on parole at the time and he couldnt visit they were in Louisiana. Police responding to a 911 call about an unconscious man found the unidenified victim dead at the corner of Whitlock Ave. and Aldus St., just a block away from the Lyons Square playground, at about 11:15 a.m. Bernardon would FaceTime with his family, planning to someday meet them in person. Not having seen his mother since he was a few years old, he wasnt always sure how to go about nurturing his new relationships. He said, I dont know how to tell my mother Happy Mothers Day, I never had a mother,' Bolorin recalled. The friend said he was surprised that Bernardon was found where he was, remarking, When I heard he was found near Longfellow, I thought everyone knows him there. Bernardon died from a cocaine overdose, according to police, and was also wrapped in a blanket, which shows that they actually cared for the guy a little bit, said NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Kenny. The day before Bernardon was found, a woman claiming to be a social worker called 911 and said a client of hers had been in an apartment buying drugs and saw this decedent being placed in a shopping cart, according to Kenny. However, the woman could not provide a location, and the body couldnt be found that day. Now that we have an idea of what happened well be able to back track. Were going to start where the body was found and work our way back, said the assistant chief. Well be able to reach out to family members, friends, do interviews to see where does he buy his drugs, who does he hang out with, who were his co-defendants, who were his associates. Well be able to see if he has social media, things of that nature. Bernardons mother is very ill and desperate to get her sons remains according to Bolorin. They cant afford it, he said of a burial. Its breaking my heart. Im not going to leave him in Potters Field. Im trying to find somewhere to get help, I promised the family. Ill get the ashes one way or another, he added. New Jersey police killed a man they say charged at them with a knife in Jersey City. Andrew Jerome Washington, 52, was shot by an officer responding to an EMS call Sunday afternoon, according to PIX 11. He died in a hospital later that day. The shooting victim suffered from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, his family said. Washingtons aunt Lisa Mendez described him as a funny good person who battled mental illness for decades. Mendez told PIX 11 Washington had been acting strangely in recent days and may have stopped taking his medication. Fearing her nephew may hurt himself, Mendez said Washingtons family called first responders. I dont understand it because we called the crisis center for help, she told PIX 11. Hed been banging on walls and speaking loudly to himself in the days leading up to his shooting, his family said. According to police, Washington was shot Sunday when he responded to their attempts to calm him down by coming at them with a knife. The police shouldve done a better job, Menendez said. They shouldve had more compassion. Police were familiar with Washington, according to the Jersey City Times. One woman who said shed spoken to police and the victims family told the Times the man was previously hospitalized. They shouldnt have let him out, that person said. The shooting is being investigated. The Department of Transportation said Monday it had fined American Airlines more than $4 million for keeping passengers on the tarmac during long delays. The fine was handed down for dozens of instances of the airline unlawfully not letting passengers deplane during delays that lasted three hours or longer. The penalty is the largest since the department changed its rules about tarmac delays about a decade ago. This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, DOT will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable. The departments Office of Aviation Consumer Protection found 43 domestic flights between 2018 and 2021 where the airline did not let passengers deplane. A total of 5,821 passengers were affected. An American Airlines, Inc. Airbus SE A321 aircraft takes off as a Boeing Co. 777-300ER taxis on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on July 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Most of the delays occurred at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The investigation also uncovered one flight where passengers were not given food or water during the delay, as required by department rules. None of the flights met the safety and security requirements needed to keep passengers aboard during lengthy delays. The department said that half of the fine would be credited to the airline for previously providing compensation to affected passengers. While these delays were the result of exceptional weather events, the flights represent a very small number of the 7.7 million flights during this time period, American Airlines said in a statement. We have since apologized to the impacted customers and regret any inconvenience caused. The fine comes several months after winter weather affected air travel nationwide, leading to mass delays and cancelations during the holidays. The department has proposed new rules that would require airlines to provide compensation for meals, hotels and rebooking when passengers are stranded by the airlines. Monday, August 28, 2023 at 2:45AM Google Google announced at its I/O annual developer conference earlier this year that users of its first-generation Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor devices could switch from the old Nest app to the new Home app. Now, indoor camera users can finally make the transition. Google has begun to roll out the feature for the public preview version of its Home app, and it expects to reach all users in a few weeks. Nest cameras had their own app before Google acquired the company. Google gradually integrated all its smart home products into its Home app, but the oldest Nest cameras remained incompatible. This update allows users on the public preview to access their first-gen Nest Cam Indoor device through the Home app and benefit from its improved camera history experience. Users can also add the camera to their Favorites tab, allowing them to see the feed as soon as they launch the app. Google said transferring the old Nest Cam models to the Home app would take about 10 minutes. After that, users would no longer need the old app to view the cameras data and footage, creating a more streamlined experience for many users. Source The BRICS summit is an international gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. From August 22-24, 2023, Johannesburg, South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS summit. The conference had as its theme, "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." Six new members of the bloc were welcomed at the summit: Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, topics like trade, security, health, and climate change were covered. BRICS summit 2023 is one of the most important global events of 2023. Candidates studying for a variety of competitive exams must be aware of the BRICS summit 2023 related questions. The following are a few important questions about the same: Q. Which countries are involved in BRICS? Ans. Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are together referred to as the BRICS. Each time, the country names' initial letters are used as the abbreviation. Thus, it refers to a group of five nations that are considered rising economies. These 5 nations are home to 3.27 billion people, or 41.13 percent of the world's population. The world's two most populated nations, China and India, have by far the highest share. The BRICS countries also generate 25.77% of all global gross domestic products. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have all been invited to become members of BRICS. Leaders of the BRICS group have decided to invite six more countries to join their alliance. Q. Which country is hosting the BRICS Summit 2023? Ans. South Africa, which assumed the rotational one-year chairmanship of the BRICS organization in January, hosted the summit from August 22 to 24 at the city's Sandton Convention Centre. It was the first BRICS summit to take place in person since the COVID-19 epidemic. Q. What is the theme of BRICS 2023? Ans. "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development, and inclusive multilateralism" is the theme of the 15th BRICS summit. De-dollarization measures against the backdrop of the current geopolitical and geoeconomic scenario will be one of the main themes explored. Q. Who are the new members of BRICS 2023? Ans. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates have all decided to join the BRICS group of developing countries, a step that is intended to speed up the group's efforts to reshape the global order. As dozens more nations expressed interest in joining a club they think can level the playing field in the world, BRICS leaders left the door open to future expansions by voting in favor of an expansion - the bloc's first in 13 years. International students interested in applying to Australian universities can do so during the February intake, often known as the primary intake. International applicants to various Australian universities must submit their applications by February 1. The deadline for the Australian February intake in 2024 may differ depending on the university or the degree the candidate chooses to apply for, thus care must be taken while submitting an application. This article focuses on information on Australia's February intake and how prospective overseas students should organise their application submissions. To learn more, keep reading. Pre-Application Preps for Australia February 2024 Intake If you wish to apply for Australia's Feb 2024 intake, start early and by Sep 2023. Choose no more than 8-12 Australian universities for the February 2024 admissions round. Visit university websites and make a note of the criteria for applications, deadlines, etc. Know your choices for bank loans and scholarships by September to help pay for your studies in Australia. Start by obtaining the university websites' admissions pamphlets. The majority of brochures are released over a year earlier. Do some preliminary research on several lodging possibilities. Depending on the course and university, get ready for compulsory standardised tests like the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Register for the GMAT or GRE by June-July, or three months before the exam date. A month or more before the test date, sign up for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Take the required English language or standardised tests around September. Create a buffer in your schedule in case you need to repeat the test. Make a list of the schools you want to attend and get ready to apply. Sketch down your strengths and a self-evaluation after giving it some serious thought. For the 2-3 reference letters that are needed, speak with your lecturers and immediate supervisors. at least a month before the deadline for your application. Each university will have its own application deadlines for the February 2023 intake in Australia. So, when applying, candidates must use caution. Start outlining your SOP and essays. Allow one month to properly arrange these documents. To minimise last-minute headaches, apply in advance! When can I apply for the February intake in Australia? The table below summarises the estimated timescales established for Australia's February intake of international students Australia Feb Intake 2024 Proposed Deadlines Action to be taken April 2023 - September 2023 Begin the research for Australian universities and shortlist the course of choice. June 2023 - August 2023 Appear for the ELP test and standardised tests (as per course requirement). August 2023 - October 2023 Begin applying to the desired Australian universities for the preferred course of choice. November 2023 - December 2023 Wait for the admission applications assessment and a verdict on the same. December 2023 - January 2024 If admitted to an Australian university, the applicant can file an application for an Australian student visa, look for education sponsorships through financial aid and skim through relevant scholarships. January 2024 - February 2024 Time to fly to Australia, look for temporary accommodation for the time being and wait for the session to begin at the university. Students have the best chance to apply in the July intake if they are unable to submit their applications for Australia's Feb intake. The secondary intake, which includes applications from international students in the middle of the academic year, is the Australia July intake. After Applying to Australian Universities for Feb Intake 2024 There will be a lot of college emails, so make sure to respond right away. Attend the in-person or video interviews that may be conducted between January and March for the Australia intake of February 2024. Depending on the institute, you will either receive your admission letter, known as a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), in November or December. You can apply for an Australian student visa after receiving CoE. Inform the universities of your decision to accept admission based on the application deadline. For Australian universities to confirm your admission, you would need to submit a non-refundable deposit. If appropriate, start looking for and submitting applications for outside scholarships. Once you have received your acceptance letter from the university, apply for a student loan. gather the documents you need for your student visa. Check visa requirements. Apply for your student visa as soon as possible. Remember how long it takes to process visas! Concentrate more on GTE, which is a crucial component of the Australian student visa application; as a result, the statement must be carefully crafted. View a Sample GTE Statement from Australia Arrange for Overseas Student Health Cover. Before flying to Australia, take these things into account: Plan ahead and purchase your flight tickets as soon as possible. Set up an international debit or credit card so the applicant can use it in Australia or at the international airports from where they are flying. Gather all the documents and their photocopies and bring them along with the necessities for your own use. In Canada, there are three main intakes: fall, winter, and summer. For the Fall admission in Canada, the majority of overseas students apply. In this post, we've provided information about Canadian colleges that will be accepting students in September 2024 (often referred to as Fall Intake). Canada's Fall Intake has its own advantages. Benefits of submitting an application for the Canadian Fall Intake include: Fall Intake (September Intake) is an option at all of Canada's leading universities. The Fall Intake offers almost all of the courses. There are more scholarships available in Canada for the September Intake. Students should learn about all three intakes before delving into the specifics of Fall Intake in Canada. We have provided information on the three intakes in the below table. Intakes in Canada Duration Popularity Fall Intake (Primary Intake) September-December/ January This is the most popular intake for getting admission to Canadian universities. The Fall semester begins in September and students have the option to apply to a huge number of courses and degrees in this term. Winter Intake (Secondary Intake) January-May Those students who missed applying in the Fall intake apply in January. Spring/Summer Intake May-August In this intake, students can apply to a restricted number of courses and colleges. Advantages of Studying in Canada In the top 200 QS World University Rankings 2023, nine Canadian universities are listed. Canada is the third most popular destination for international and Indian students, behind the US and the UK. When compared to other industrialized countries like the US, the UK, and Europe, Canada has considerably lower tuition fees than these countries. Since there is a sizable Indian diaspora in Canada, this country is seen as a secure place for Indians to immigrate. Young graduates have access to a variety of options in one of the world's largest economies. Some Quick Facts for Fall Intake in Canada 2024 Check out the following highlights from the fall (September) intake in Canada There is a lot of demand from potential students for the September intake because it is the most well-known and important intake in the nation. During the fall intake in Canada, you can apply to a range of bachelor's and master's degrees as well as other programs. Every university has its own application deadlines, which are often established around December. This gives you at least three to four months to apply to the Canadian universities of your choice. During the fall intake in Canada, interested applicants will also see a large choice of scholarships, both partial and full. Timeline for the September 2024 intake (the Canadian fall intake) It should be noted that the Canadian fall admissions deadline varies from university to university and from course to course. Therefore, review the deadlines given by the preferred university before starting the application process. See the below-provided detailed schedule for September intake in Canada. April to August 2023: Examine the institutions and programs to which you must apply. Researching universities that match your interests is the first and most important step in applying for admission to any university. Make a note of the universities that provide the most value for your money. Learn about the many bank loans and college scholarships that are offered. After considering your selections, choose the most reasonably priced and economically viable ones. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential colleges to a select few, download their entrance brochures and learn more about their programs and amenities. August to November 2023: Prepare for and take standardized tests as well as English Language Proficiency Tests. Attend the exams that the Canadian universities require. Take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Register for these exams one month prior to the test day. Additionally, take other prerequisite exams like the GMAT or GRE (if required by the university). When applying to a university, you must provide the test results for which you have registered. Apply for the exams accordingly, and give yourself enough time to get the necessary results and credentials. In the year before admissions, between September and October is the ideal time to take the tests. Plan more time in case you have to retake the test. It's crucial to get ready in advance for the GMAT and GRE's fundamentals. The last minute should never be used by students. Before doing their research on universities, students must start preparing if they have decided to study abroad and their subject requires a GMAT or a GRE score. November 2023 to January 2024: Carefully fill out the application forms. Visit the official websites of the universities (of your choice), once all the paperwork is prepared and complete the relevant application forms there. Additionally, ask your teachers and professors to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. These are significant papers required for enrollment in Canada's fall intake. Create your statement of purpose (SOP) and essays, as required by the university you want to attend. It will take some time to structure the SOP and essay, so start early and finish on schedule. January to February 2024: Respond to College Emails and Responses. Once all of the applications have been submitted to the universities, it is necessary to pay close attention and keep an eye out for correspondence regarding college acceptance that you will receive. Regarding your applications, colleges and universities will send you a lot of emails. Respond to those emails as soon as possible. You can also be requested to participate in in-person or online interviews. These are planned for the first few months of the year, often January through March but occasionally April. The colleges will send admission letters based on your performance. Accept the offer right away if you like it. To secure your admission, you must pay a non-refundable deposit. February to April 2024: Apply for a Canada student visa and finalize your financing. It's important to settle your money and apply for student loans. So, do some research on different scholarships and financial aid for students. Look for accommodations and apartments for students in Canada. In order to assist you pay for your tuition and lodging, apply for the proper student loans. The documentation for your student visa must be finished. Verify the necessary visas. Apply for your student visa as soon as possible. Remember how long it takes to process visas! Book travel arrangements. Make arrangements for a global debit or credit card. Gather all the original documents and copies of them. Why Fall Intake in Canada is Important? It is crucial to comprehend the significance of submitting an application for the Fall intake in Canada now that we are aware of the timeframe for the September 2024 intake (known as the Fall intake in Canada). You can better comprehend the significance of Fall intake in Canada by considering the following points: Academic Calendar: The primary academic intake for Canada will be in September 2024. In Canada, the majority of institutions and colleges provide the most course options for the Fall semester. Students can take advantage of the full range of courses and resources available while also synchronizing their study with the regular academic calendar in Canada by applying for the September intake. Course availability: Many universities and colleges in Canada are offering a large selection of programs for the fall admission in 2024, giving students greater alternatives for courses and academic specialties. It is consequently more likely that they will find a program that suits their interests and career goals. Jobs & Internships: Students that enroll in Canada 2024's September intake are exposed to a lot of internship, co-op, and career opportunities. Many Canadian businesses actively recruit college students during the fall hiring season, providing them with both valuable work experience and promising futures. Scholarships: September entry Canada 2024 offers more chances to obtain scholarships because universities and colleges frequently offer more awards, grants, and scholarships for this intake. Top Universities Offering Fall Intake in Canada Below mentioned are the top universities in Canada according to the QS World University Rankings 2023 University Offering Fall Intake in Canada QS World University Ranking 2024 University of Toronto 21 McGill University 30 University of British Columbia 34 University of Alberta 111 University of Waterloo 112 Western University 114 University of Montreal 141 University of Calgary 182 McMaster University 189 University of Ottawa 203 Top Courses for September Intake in Canada The table given below provides the top courses and programmes for September intake in Canada 2024 Top Courses for September Intake in Canada Medicine Political Science Physics Microbiology and Immunology Nursing Public Health Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Law Renewable Resources, Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, etc.) Education Computer Science Business (MBA, BBA, etc.) Chemistry Communications and Technology Biotechnology Art and Design Environmental Studies Food Science and Technology Specialization Mathematics Petroleum Engineering Admission for Fall Admission in Canada Let's look at an overview of the admissions process and the paperwork needed to apply for the Fall intake in Canada in this section of the post. Depending on your academic standing, the courses you have applied for, and the university you have applied to, the September intake admissions procedure in Canada will be determined. However, the fundamental conditions for eligibility are as follows: Formal Education: To be eligible to apply for admission to Canada's fall intake, students must have completed their formal education with a particular minimum percentage. Typically, 70% is the bare minimum required. Bachelor's Degree: You must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in order to apply for a master's degree or postgraduate certificate programme. Scores from standardized exams are required from students, including those from the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. The prerequisites are determined by your course. English Language Proficiency: Individuals who are from non-English speaking nations must demonstrate their English language ability through tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and DTE. Documents for September Intake in Canada The list of documents needed for applying to Canada's September 2024 intake is as follows: formal education A bachelor's degree with academic courses and a minimum grade point average (typically 3.0 out of 4.0) Experience from school or the workplace (course-specific) scores on the GRE or GMAT (may differ by institution and course) Test results for English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score current resume SOP: Statement of Purpose Letters of recommendation, or LORs Admission Essays Work samples and video samples (related to the course) Now that you are fully aware of the Fall intake in Canada 2024, it is critical for you to prepare all the necessary paperwork and achieve all eligibility requirements well in advance of the deadlines for admission. International students are now choosing France as one of their top destinations for higher education. Those who wish to enroll at French universities must first choose the course(s) for which admission is required. After that, make a shortlist of the colleges you must apply to and submit your application before the deadline. According to Campus France, there were over 400,000 international students enrolled in France in 2021-22, an increase of 8%. Additionally, about 10,000 students from India enrolled in various universities in France between 2021 and 2022. However, as of right now, the government plans to raise it to over 20,000 by 2025. Regarding admissions in France, there are two intakes offered by French universities each year: the January/Spring intake and the September/Fall intake. Let's examine the schedule for the French fall intake. Popular Intakes in France There are two significant intakes for overseas students looking to study in France, as noted above on the page. Both of these intakes have importance based on the preferences of the students. The differences between the study intakes in France are detailed in the table below. September Intake January Intake Also known as the Fall intake Also known as the Spring intake Applicants must begin their preparation in March-April to take admission in this intake Applicants must begin their preparation by August in order to take admission in this intake This is the preferred choice for many international students This is a fairly popular intake among international students Deadline for this intake is July-August Deadline for this intake is November Primary intake Secondary intake Which France University Intake is best for international students? The value of the fall and spring intakes is equal. But you should take into account the elements listed below when choosing which French university intake to enroll in. Availability of your desired course weather preferences Application preparation period The kind of program you wish to enroll in A Timeline to Study in France: September Intake 2024 In French universities, the September intake is often referred to as the Fall intake. Many international students choose to enroll in this intake. This is the reason there is so much competition for the French fall intake. For overseas students, this makes applying for admission during this intake all the more difficult. As a result, it's crucial to prepare ahead of time and complete the required actions for admittance. The schedule for the September admission to study in France is provided below. March-April 2024: Shortlist 8-10 universities until March. Check the admissions standards and deadlines for the courses you intend to enroll in at the universities. Learn about all your available funding choices, including loans and scholarships. Start working on admission forms. Exams like the GMAT and GRE must be taken by April. Therefore, take language exams like the IELTS or TOEFL. Planning a buffer time in case you need to retake the test is advised May - June 2024: Obtain LORs from your seniors or professors and begin working on your SOPs at least a month before the application deadline. Then, submit scores, letters, and documents to apply to the universities, Next, apply before the due date. July - August 2024: Obtain information from the colleges and show up for the interviews. Reply to the university's emails without any delay, in case you are accepted. Next, decide on the admission fee and confirmation fee and submit it to the university. August - September 2024: Make the last-minute preparations now as necessary. Next, submit an application for scholarships or student loans if required. Obtain a student visa. September 2024: Purchase your airline tickets, and research the lodging options. Make arrangements for a global debit/credit card. Finally, gather all of your paperwork and get ready to fly. Check out this checklist before you leave! French universities accepting students in September The following universities in France have fall admissions Sorbonne University PSL Research University HEC Paris Ecole Polytechnique How to Apply to Study in France 2024? Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to apply to study in France: Be certain about the program you wish to pursue first. Search for the colleges and/or universities that offer that curriculum after that. familiarize yourself with the university admissions requirements. Check the cost of tuition next. Before applying to French universities, meet all of the requirements. then send in the application. Pay the application fee lastly. Admission Requirements to Study in France: Documents Required Remember that depending on the programs and universities chosen, different criteria may apply for admission to study in France. A general list of the documents needed to apply to French universities is provided below. Attested copies of mark sheets of previous qualifications SOP Resume LOR GMAT or GRE score Proof of funds English language test results Scores for French language proficiency: DEFL or TCF Health insurance A copy of the passport Passport-size photos scanned Some points to keep in mind while applying to Study in France When submitting an application to study in France, there are many things to consider. These might influence the selection procedure. Check out the important criteria listed below while applying to study in France: You may not be required to learn French by the universities in order to be admitted. However, knowing the language will offer you an advantage and help others understand why you want to study in France. Professional LOR: A professional LOR from your superior at work will add value to your profile if you wish to apply for a school like an MBA. If you haven't previously held a job, you can offer an academic LOR. Follow the deadline: Check the application deadline for the French university you want to attend before applying, and then work toward submitting it. It is advisable to shortlist the universities for admission as soon as possible if you do not want to miss the application deadline for a specific year. Some of the mistakes that should be avoided while applying to study in France are: Make sure you have the money necessary to meet the minimal financial availability standards. Check the country-specific visa application criteria as well as the course-specific admission requirements carefully before submitting the necessary paperwork. Do thorough research on the program you want. This covers both its contents and potential outcomes. Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) has issued an online recruitment notice for 293 different positions, including Gujarat Administrative Service, Gujarat Civil Services, and others. Candidates with particular educational qualifications, including a graduate degree from a reputable university, are eligible to apply for these positions in Gujarat Administrative Service, Class-1, Gujarat Civil Services, Class-1 & Class-2, and Gujarat Municipal Chief Officer Service, Class-2. Overview Organisation Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) Posts Name Gujarat Civil Services Number of posts 293 Official website https://gpsc.gujarat.gov.in/ Notification Gujarat Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Recruitment 2023: The Gujarat Public Service Commission vacancy notification 2023 is now available on its official website at https://gpsc.gujarat.gov.in for Gujarat Administrative Service (Class-1) and Gujarat Civil Services (Class-1 & Class-2). According to the official press release, the authorities notified 293 openings for Gujarat Administrative Service (Class-1) and Gujarat Civil Services (Class-1 & Class-2) positions under GPSC Recruitment 2023. It is a fantastic opportunity for those who are awaiting the GPSC Recruitment drive. Selection Preliminary Test Main Examination Interview / Documents Verification On August 28, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters as part of the 8th Rozgar Mela. Through video conferencing, the letters have been distributed to the newly hired officials and organizations. In 45 different cities across the nation, the Rozgar Mela was hosted. The recruitment process for paramilitary troops has undergone a number of adjustments, according to Prime Minister Modi in his virtual address. Rozgar Melas Are Being Organized By The Central Govt. And Some States/UTs The central government and a few states/UTs have been working together to organize Rozgar Melas across the country as part of the Mission Recruitment project, which has led to the monthly distribution of employment offers to a large number of young people. The Ministry of Home Affairs organized the Rozgar Mela, which made it easier to hire people from a variety of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the Delhi Police, CRPF, BSF, Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, CISF, ITBP, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). These new hires, according to the official release, will serve the country by accepting positions within various CAPFs. These new hires, who were chosen from diverse regions of the nation, will work in a variety of departments within the Ministry of Home Affairs in roles including Constable (General Duty), Sub-Inspector (GD), and Non-GD Cadre Posts. DISCOVER NEW SKILLS PM Modi urged paramilitary soldiers to maintain their desire to learn throughout their service in his speech to the Rozgar Mela. According to PM Modi, anything you learn in these courses would help you become a great officer. Additionally, he urged the new recruits to concentrate on their physical fitness and maintain it during their duty. 2023 Education USA University Fair in Bengaluru Students and parents interested in learning about opportunities to pursue higher education in the United States are invited to participate in an in-person fair with U.S. university representatives. Education USA at Yashna Trust, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General Chennai, will host a fair from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Taj MG Road Hotel, Bengaluru. This fair will provide an opportunity for students and their parents to meet representatives of 36 accredited universities and colleges from different parts of the United States. The fair is open to students seeking bachelor's, master's, and/or Ph.D. programs in the United States. There is no participation fee, but registration is required. Event Details Event: 2023 EducationUSA "Study in the U.S." University Fair Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023 Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Venue: Hotel Taj MG Road, Bengaluru Registration: https://bit.ly/EdUSAFair23PR (Students are encouraged to register early to avoid long lines on the day of the fair. Information sessions will begin at 1.30 p.m. and run parallel to the fair.) American higher education institutions participating in the fair represent a diverse geographical and academic landscape and offer a range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Fair attendees can learn about programs and admission criteria for multiple U.S. higher education institutions. Discussions with U.S. universities, EducationUSA advisers, and U.S. Embassy representatives at the fair will help students make informed choices about U.S. higher education, learn about the U.S. student visa application process, and become aware of other aspects of studying and living in the U.S. "We welcome the opportunity to help Indian students achieve their dreams. Whether you are researching your options at an American Center, walking through the application process with EducationUSA, or enjoying the world-class instruction and facilities you will find on a U.S. campus, the United States is honored to support you on your road to success," said Ambassador Eric Garcetti. These in-person fairs will take place across eight cities in India - Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru - from August 26, 2023, to September 3, 2023. About EducationUSA in India EducationUSA is the official source of information about U.S. higher education and a member of the U.S. Department of State's network of over 430 international student advising centers worldwide. EducationUSA Centers reach prospective student audiences through education fairs and outreach at schools, universities, and other public events through in-person and online sessions and social media platforms to provide accurate, comprehensive, and current information about studying in the United States. The eight EducationUSA centers in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad (2), Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi are hosted by different organizations in India: the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF); Indo-American Education Society in Ahmedabad; Yashna Trust in Bengaluru; and Y-Axis Foundation (YAF) in Hyderabad. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, better known as political activist Joe the Plumber, is dead at 49. Wurzelbacher gained prominence in 2008 when he met then-candidate Barack Obama in Ohio during the future presidents 2008 presidential campaign. The Republican activist told Obama he was interested in opening a plumbing business and asked how the Democratic candidates tax plan would impact that venture. Wurzelbachers on-camera questions, along with his everyman demeanor, earned him the Joe the Plumber moniker. He built that persona into a brand that netted a book deal and led to a flirtation with the country music business, according to Politico. Wurzelbacher ran for office in 2012 but was soundly defeated by Democrat Marcy Kaptur in the race to represent Ohios ninth congressional district. Then-Republican presidential candidate John McCain (left) shakes hands with Joe the Plumber, whose real name is Samuel Wurzelbacher, on stage at a Town Square stop at Campus of Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio on October 30, 2008. One thing he wasnt was a licensed plumber, according to the Columbia Dispatch, which reported Joe the Plumber never completed an apprenticeship, nor was he a member of Local 50 of the United Association of Plumbers. That union backed Obama in 2008. In 2016, Wurzelbacher expressed enthusiasm over Donald Trumps White House candidacy. Hes a winner. Hes made billions, he told Reuters Hes dated beautiful women. His wife is a model. Thats not to sniff at. Wurzelbacher said Trump was running in an era of when many people are afraid to speak their minds. They are afraid of being labeled a racist or a homophobe, he lamented. Wurzelbacher married in 2011 and had three children with his wife Katie, according to a fundraising page set up in 2022 after his family said he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed on that page Sunday. Joe passed away earlier this morning and entered our Lords heavenly home, that message said. Joe had been too sick/in too much pain to get out of bed lately and his goal was to get Katie and their kids moved to her hometown surrounded by family. Wurzelbacher also had an adult son from a previous relationship, according to Reuters. Lets recap what these two vehicles are again. The smaller of these two is the CX-60, while the bigger one is the CX-90. Both represent Mazd... The twelfth edition of Pixelatl, Mexicos leading animation festival and market, will start next week in Guadalajara and run from September 5-9. The theme for this years event is Dare to believe. According to organizers, that idea must include oneself and others because only through others can we grow and truly heal. The message matches up well with the festivals inclusionary history of inviting artists and organizations from across Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula to foster greater international cooperation. Representatives from over 40 networks, platforms, and studios will be at this years market. Attendees include Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Flying Bark, Nickelodeon, BBC, Titmouse, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures Television, and Gaumont. Here are five key highlights to look forward to at Pixelatl 2023. 1. Pitching Sessions Pixelatls pitching sessions are among the most important in the Latin American animation, comics, and video game industries. This years sessions include: Ideatoon: Dedicated to animated series currently in development from across Latin America. Dedicated to animated series currently in development from across Latin America. Shortway: Run in partnership with Annecy; this sidebar is for Latin American short films. Run in partnership with Annecy; this sidebar is for Latin American short films. Adult Animation: Pixelatl and Warner Bros. Discovery jointly evaluate original adult-targeting Latin American IPs and back production of a pilot episode for one selected project. Pixelatl and Warner Bros. Discovery jointly evaluate original adult-targeting Latin American IPs and back production of a pilot episode for one selected project. PAAL: An opportunity for artists to pitch their illustrated childrens books, with one selected winner to be published by Pixelatl. An opportunity for artists to pitch their illustrated childrens books, with one selected winner to be published by Pixelatl. SecuenciArte: A platform for Mexican indie comic book artists to pitch their ideas, with three selected to be published by Pixelatl. A platform for Mexican indie comic book artists to pitch their ideas, with three selected to be published by Pixelatl. VMX Video Game Showroom: Mexican game developers share the latest on their upcoming titles. Short Film Screenings The festival has divided this years short film screenings into 14 sections. It will also host the domestic debuts for nine History of Mexican Animation programs, which premiered at Annecy in June. During Annecy, we spoke to the curators of the History of Mexican Animation programs about their larger goal of creating a digital database to preserve the countrys animation heritage. Mexican Production Spotlight This years Pixelatl will highlight and update several important ongoing Mexican productions: Cinema Fantasma will share details on Frankelda and the Prince of Spooks, an upcoming feature spinning off from the popular HBO Max Latin America stop-motion series Frankeldas Book of Spooks. Viva Calavera will share new details on its upcoming series Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness, featuring the legendary luchador. Kaddy the Fabulous Sorcerer of Chaos is an upcoming Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. Discovery series from Argentinas Listo Calisto which will debut the pilot episode at Pixelatl. Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires: Mexican co-producer Anima Estudios will host an update on the ambitious feature-length production that superimposes Batman into Mesoamerica during the time of the Spanish invasion of Central America. Ibermedia Next Financing Ibermedia Next is a new initiative to promote the lines of support for Latin American and Iberian productions. It was established in partnership with the Quirino Awards, Ventana Surs Animation!, Next Lab, and Pixelatl. At this years Pixelatl, Ibermedia Next will reveal its first group of selected projects for its Latin American/Iberian co-production financing of up to 150,000 ($162,000), backed by funding from the European Unions plan for recovery, transformation, and resilience. In addition to providing financing, the teams behind the selected projects will receive training, consulting, promotion, and distribution aid valued up to 95,000 ($103,000). Speakers Animation, vfx, and gaming experts will host keynotes, masterclasses, and panels. This years speaker lineup includes director Rodrigo Blaas (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia), cinematographer Tristan Oliver (The Fantastic Mr. Fox), story artist Gabriel Lin (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem), Emmy-winning producer Cara Speller (Love, Death, & Robots), Oscar-winning vfx artist Hal Hickel (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest), art director Yingjue Chen (Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans), Pixar vfx supervisor Sanjay Bakshi (Elemental), video game writer/designer Meghna Jayanth (80 Days), and Emmy-winning writer/story artist Alonso Ramirez Ramos (Gravity Falls). The 2023 Pixelatl Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are The Lego Movie directors and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Discussion This survey of the majority of U.S. hospitals describes the current state of sepsis programs and identifies potential areas of improvement. Although sepsis committees are present in most hospitals, they occur less frequently in smaller hospitals, which might have access to fewer personnel and specialty resources. Further, just over one half of responding hospitals reported that dedicated time or assigned protected time was provided to sepsis program leadership. This survey highlights opportunities to further improve the institutional support and structure of hospital-based sepsis care. Sepsis care is complex and requires coordination across multiple clinical disciplines and hospital care locations (e.g., emergency departments, intensive care units, and hospital wards). Evidence-based care guidelines (8), along with state-based (e.g., New York State Department of Health Sepsis Regulations) and federal initiatives (e.g., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Management Bundle) (9) have emphasized the importance of protocols for early sepsis identification and prompt management. This survey demonstrated that most U.S. hospitals report having some tools and protocols for sepsis detection and early management. To achieve further improvements in sepsis care for patients throughout hospitalization and after discharge, CDC has developed Sepsis Core Elements (5). Sepsis Core Elements will provide a guide for creating, structuring, and resourcing comprehensive sepsis programs, so that hospitals can provide optimal sepsis care. Sepsis Core Elements are intended as a managers guide to complement and support the implementation of existing sepsis guidelines. Sepsis Core Elements was modeled after CDCs Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP),** (5) which provides a framework for structuring ASPs that lead to improvements in antibiotic prescribing and reductions in length of hospitalization (10). In the 2022 NHSN survey, approximately one half of sepsis programs reported involvement of ASPs. This survey also indicated that only 61% of sepsis committees monitor and review antimicrobial use in sepsis care, although these responsibilities might overlap with those of ASPs. Sepsis Core Elements recommends inclusion of ASP personnel on sepsis committees to facilitate rapid and optimized antimicrobial use in sepsis and discontinuation of antibiotics when underlying infection has been ruled out. Coordination and other respective ASP and sepsis program practices will continue to be tracked in future NHSN annual surveys. Limitations The findings in this report are subject to at least five limitations. First, the survey is limited to acute care hospitals enrolled in NHSN and might not reflect practices among all U.S. acute care hospitals; however, hospitals enrolled in NHSN represent at least 88% of U.S. acute care hospitals (5). Second, although hospitals reported whether specialty services such as pediatrics and labor and delivery were included in sepsis committees, these services are not within the scope of practice at all hospitals, and thus conclusions cannot be made regarding the frequency with which these services might be missing or absent from sepsis committees. Third, although many sepsis committees do not monitor antimicrobial use in sepsis, these responsibilities overlap with those of ASPs. Collaboration among sepsis programs and ASPs is emphasized in Sepsis Core Elements to ensure optimal antimicrobial use in treating sepsis. Fourth, NHSN surveys were self-reported, and answers were not independently confirmed. Finally, this survey did not strictly define criteria for a sepsis program and is subject to respondent interpretation. Sepsis Core Elements defines specific components of sepsis programs that will be tracked in future surveys. Implications for Public Health Practice These data highlight opportunities, particularly in smaller hospitals, to improve the early identification of, care for, and outcomes among patients with sepsis in the United States by ensuring that all hospitals have sepsis programs with protected time for program leaders, engagement of medical specialists, and integration with ASPs. Sepsis Core Elements provides a guide to assist hospitals in developing and implementing effective sepsis programs. Future NHSN annual surveys will monitor implementation of these sepsis core elements. The decadeslong cold case murder of the Lady of the Dunes in coastal Massachusetts has finally been solved, authorities announced Monday. Guy Rockwell Muldavin was the man who in 1974 killed Ruth Marie Terry, 37, the local district attorney said in a press release. Muldavin died in 2002 in California. Muldavin and Terry married just months before Terrys naked and mutilated body was found on a beach near Cape Cods Provincetown on July 26, 1974. Terrys hands had been chopped off, and her head was nearly severed. Unable to use fingerprints, authorities struggled for decades to identify Terry before using DNA to break the case open in October 2022. Once Terry had been identified as the victim, investigators quickly zeroed in on Muldavin as the prime suspect. Ruth Marie Terry, left, was 37 years old when she was killed in Massachusetts. Her husband at the time, Guy Rockwell Muldavin, was identified Monday as the killer. He died in 2002 at age 78. The two married on Feb. 16, 1974, in Reno, according to public records. Terry was Muldavins fourth wife at the time. After the wedding, the new couple traveled across the country, including a stop in Tennessee, according to Massachusetts investigators. But when Muldavin returned from their road trip, Terry was nowhere to be found. Muldavin told her family that theyd had a fight during their honeymoon and he never saw her again. He was the last person to see Terry alive. A 12-year-old girl found Terrys body on the beach, shocking observers and sparking a lengthy but largely fruitless investigation. Terry was born in Tennessee and had ties in Michigan and California, but no close relatives in New England. After Terry was identified, the investigation moved much quicker. Muldavin was already a suspect in an earlier murder of his previous wife and stepdaughter in Seattle. In 1960, Manzanita Rockwell and Dolores Mearns were killed in the city, and their remains were eventually found in a septic tank under Muldavins home. However, prosecutors didnt have enough evidence to build a murder case against Muldavin, who fled to New York City. He spent 13 months in prison for unlawful flight and then walked away a free man, which he remained until his death at age 78. Young cadres overseeing rural mediation, legal advice 15:49, August 28, 2023 By Yang Zekun ( China Daily A new generation of professional advisers is handling issues related to village management and residents' disputes. Over the past three years, Ma Liangdong, who serves as a village cadre, has become accustomed to keeping his phone on around the clock. That way, he can respond promptly to messages and calls, and quickly mediate in disputes thanks to his knowledge of the law. The 26-year-old is deputy secretary of the village Party committee in Huanzhuang, a village in Shandan county, Gansu province. He is also a member of the village mediation committee. In addition to attending training sessions on village management, provided by the township and county governments, and fulfilling his official duties, he can be found in the village committee's office most days. Though he often deals with minor disputes among villagers, such as when one person's animals eat a neighbor's crops or when adjustments are required to land rental agreements, he finds his role fulfilling. He believes that the process of legal mediation has helped greatly improve his range of skills. In March 2020, the Central Commission for Law-based Governance, overseen by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, issued a document emphasizing the need to strengthen the rule of law in the rural areas. It detailed improvements to the comprehensive mechanism for the prevention, mediation and resolution of social conflicts to resolve disputes at the grassroots level. Moreover, governments at all levels were ordered to cultivate teams of dedicated mediators in rural areas and train them in legal knowledge and the relevant skills, harnessing their primary role in resolving grassroots conflicts and disputes. According to data from the Ministry of Justice, there are about 492,000 village-level mediation committees nationwide, comprising around 2.1 million mediators. Last year, mediation organizations dealt with about 8.9 million disputes across the country, including 3 million that were handled by village mediation committees. The ministry noted that this effectively resolved grassroots conflicts and addressed people's urgent concerns. Young people like Ma are playing increasingly vital roles in the process of promoting the rule of law in rural areas. Numerous young village cadres study the law and government policies in order to take on roles as mediators and promote effective village management. Police officers promote legal knowledge in a greenhouse in Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 27. ZHENG BING/FOR CHINA DAILY Professional approach Having graduated with a degree in hotel management from Lanzhou Vocational Technical College in Lanzhou, Gansu's capital, in 2016, Ma returned to Huanzhuang, his hometown, to start a business and take part in village affairs. In 2019, he was elected deputy director of the village residential committee, becoming deputy Party chief two years later. For Ma, transitioning between roles and adapting to changing work requirements have underscored the significance of communication skills and deep legal knowledge when interacting with villagers. "As a village cadre, when people approach me with questions I can't answer, I seek other ways to understand their concerns, explain matters in a way that is easily understandable and address the issues," he said. Ma often receives calls from villagers early in the morning. For example, he assists in ensuring that the tap water supply for villagers is reconnected when it has been cut off or in resolving disputes arising from land boundary conflicts. "Times such as spring plowing, autumn harvest and the period around Chinese New Year often see heightened conflicts and disputes in the village. Of these, family conflicts and disputes about adjustments to land rentals are particularly prominent," he said. Ma said that there are no major conflicts among the villagers because many are relatives or old friends. However, when disputes do arise, mediators can usually resolve them through commonsense methods and also by explaining the law and possible legal consequences. As long as the mediation is done correctly, there won't be any estrangement between the parties, he said. Volunteers answer questions from villagers at a rule-of-law publicity activity in Suzhan village, Gansu. YANG ZEKUN/CHINA DAILY Ma acquires legal knowledge in many ways. In addition to reading related literature and studying the popularization of legal platforms launched by government departments, he and his colleagues join police officers and judicial staff on visits to villagers' homes to raise their awareness of the law. This process allows both cadres and residents to gain a robust understanding of fundamental legal knowledge. Occasionally, villagers may unwittingly engage in illegal behaviors. In such cases, local cadres need to promptly inform them of the relevant legal regulations. For instance, when villagers go to the local public complaints and proposal bureau to protest against perceived inadequate compensation for house demolition, they sometimes leave their elderly parents and toddlers in the bureau's office as a form of pressure, Ma said. "Through my studies, I've come to understand that such behavior could potentially amount to abandoning the elderly and children. Law enforcement agencies can take action against such individuals. Thus, we approach the people involved, inform them of the legal implications of their actions and encourage them to seek resolution through lawful channels," Ma said. Law enforcement officers conduct a security check at a delivery base in Pingliang. ZHENG BING/FOR CHINA DAILY Convention, pragmatism He said village cadres are constantly shifting between different roles such as villager, manager and mediator and they have to adapt their thinking to that particular role, instead of only using their status to order people to do certain things or constrain others. He thinks that village cadres and mediators should acquire a wide range of knowledge, including the law, and take practical steps to help villagers resolve any issues they encounter. "I firmly believe that the law is the bottom line for all behaviors. By the time villagers confront each other in court, a considerable gap has already opened between them. As the old saying goes, 'Anything beyond the scope of the law is a matter of sentiment'," he said. "Each village has its own set of conventions, formed by gathering input from all the residents and votes on matters. These conventions play a pragmatic role in practice. I think these village conventions have a stronger emotional impact than the law when handling village issues." At 36 years old, Wang Lingyun is chair of the women's federation in Ruolian, a village in Lanzhou's Honggu district, and also a member of the mediation committee. She said that ways of raising awareness of the law and undertaking dispute mediation in rural areas cannot be learned overnight. She recalled the first time she and her colleagues visited villagers' homes for interviews: some people were initially resistant and felt that their agricultural work was being disrupted by the visit. "I've learned that it's important to engage in some casual small talk first, getting to know the people a little before moving onto work-related topics. Or during their breaks, I join them for a chat and introduce legal awareness into our conversation. To truly gain the villagers' trust, you have to get into their hearts," she said. In the past two years, Wang has seen a significant decline in the number of disputes in the village, mainly due to diligent implementation of local conventions and the dissemination of legal knowledge. "The village's legal advisers also regularly explain points of law based on the residents' needs. As the villagers begin to understand the regulations, they become more conscious of the legality of their actions, thus reducing disputes," she said. A police officer hands out leaflets about legal issues to villagers in Pingliang. ZHENG BING/FOR CHINA DAILY Youthful vigor As the majority of rural residents are in their 50s or 60s, it can be challenging to gain their assent during the mediation process. The mediators need to patiently inquire about the details from the older villagers and then explain their reasoning and the legal basis for their advice. Before her present role, Wang ran a beauty salon in Lanzhou's downtown. However, she left to return home to Ruolian to care for her two children, who were studying there. In 2020, she was hired to work as a secretary for the village committee, and by the end of the following year she was appointed as the chairwoman of its women's federation. Her family was initially not very supportive of her becoming a village cadre, mainly due to the lower income that increased the family's financial burden, but the progress of her work and the positive changes she brought to the village meant that she gradually won her relatives' support. Her children are proud of her work and the changes she's made to the village. "I gradually fell in love with my current job through practice. I've discovered that the villagers have down-to-earth needs and they expect local cadres to address their practical disputes and difficulties. Participating in village management has allowed me to make significant strides, which will benefit me for a lifetime," she said. The growing demands of rural management mean many places are nurturing young people to undertake village management and service work, aiming to improve the concept of the rule of law among residents and promote the integrated management of rural areas, she added. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chaolan) Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis was booed loudly during a Jacksonville vigil for three Black Floridians gunned down in an apparent hate crime at a Dollar General store over the weekend. The Republican heavyweight has loosened gun laws and feuded with educators over the teaching of Black history in the Sunshine State while declaring Florida a place where woke goes to die. Those actions seemed to be on the minds of the 200 mourners gathered near the site where a well-armed 21-year-old white man hunted Black shoppers Saturday after first being turned away from a historically Black college. We cannot sit idly by as our history is being erased, as our lives are being devalued, as wokeness is being attacked, Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon said at a service preceding a Sunday vigil. Because lets be clear that is red meat to a base of voters. Authorities said gunman Ryan Palmeter, whod previously been involuntarily detained because of a mental health exam, left behind a diary of a madman rife with bigotry before beginning his afternoon shooting spree. One of his guns was reportedly adorned with a swastika. DeSantis was interrupted by a jeering crowd as he attempted to speak Sunday. Jacksonville city councilwoman JuCoby Pittman called for mourners to hear out the governor, who denounced Palmeter as a scumbag and called the slaughter totally unacceptable in the state of Florida. Jacksonville law enforcement officials identified the victims as Jerrald Gallion, 29, who was shot upon entering the store, 19-year-old Dollar General employee A.J. Laguerre and Angela Michelle Carr, 52, who died in her car. Once seen as a potential frontrunner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, DeSantis has struggled to compete with frontrunner and fellow Floridian Donald Trump, who spread a seemingly baseless rumor Monday that the Florida governor is leaving the race. With News Wire Services Tropical Storm Idalia gathered significant strength Monday in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, as forecasters warned it could strike Florida as a Category 3 hurricane as early as Tuesday night. Meteorologists predicted the storm would move north from western Cuba before curving to the east and striking Floridas Gulf Coast. Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane this evening or tonight and become a major hurricane by late Tuesday or Tuesday night, the National Hurricane Center said in a Monday afternoon advisory. Dark clouds from Tropical Storm Idalia are seen from Havana on Monday. Tampa International Airport planned to close at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday in preparation for the storm. The Tampa Bay area is the largest metropolis in the storms predicted path. All air traffic will cease by 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, the airport said in an alert. The airport, including the main terminal and airsides, will be closed to all visitors and is not equipped to function as a shelter. Idalia formed Sunday south of Cancun and western Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. It was initially moving very slowly as it gathered strength, traveling north at only 8 mph by Monday afternoon. Its maximum sustained winds were 70 mph, just below Category 1 status. But the cyclone was expected to strengthen quickly and pick up speed in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 46 of Floridas 67 counties, including every county along the Gulf Coast. Weve got to stop focusing on the cone and look at all the areas that could be affected, DeSantis said Monday in Tallahassee. He noted that last year, forecasts for Hurricane Ian constantly shifted before the storm made landfall near Fort Myers. Members of the Tampa, Fla., Parks and Recreation Dept., help residents load sandbags Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. Residents along Floridas gulf coast are making preparations for the effects of Tropical Storm Idalia. The biggest threat from Idalia was the potential for storm surges, according to forecasters. A massive 8- to 12-foot surge was predicted for a large portion of the northwest Florida coast, while the Tampa area was expected to see 4 to 7 feet of surge, which would be a record for the city. It will not take a strong system or a direct hit to produce significant storm surge, said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center. As Floridians were warned they may need to evacuate, they encountered another problem: contaminated fuel at several gas stations along the Gulf Coast. Across Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota, 29 gas stations supplied by Citgo saw their unleaded fuel contaminated with diesel. The contamination was blamed on human error, but anyone who bought gas at the stations over the weekend was advised their car may break down from the incorrectly mixed fuel. If [consumers] filled up at any one of these stations, they probably dont want to drive their car because youre going to have people potentially just stuck on the side of the road, DeSantis warned Sunday. Owen Pope, a student at Eckerd College from Souths Carolina, packs his car after students were told to evacuate the campus Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Several counties had issued evacuation orders by Monday afternoon, many covering particularly vulnerable coastal areas. You have time today and know what you need to do, DeSantis told residents. With News Wire Services Donald Trump will be arraigned on racketeering and election interference charges in Georgia on Sept. 6 at 9:30 a.m., authorities announced Monday morning. Trumps 18 co-defendants will also be arraigned that day in 15-minute intervals, according to Politico. Trump, 77, will go first, followed by Rudy Giuliani. The former president was released on bail after a short booking at Fulton County Jail on Thursday night. He spent less than 30 minutes inside the facility before exiting and flying home to New Jersey. Trump and his allies are charged with attempting to overturn Joe Bidens electoral victory in the 2020 election in Georgia. The ex-president has claimed he did nothing wrong and that prosecutors are attempting to block his path to the Republican nomination in 2024. In addition to the charges in Atlanta, Trump is accused of lying on business records in New York, illegally taking classified documents to his Mar-a-Lago home in South Florida and attempting to overturn the election in a different way in Washington, D.C., with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. In many jurisdictions, defendants are arraigned on the same day they are booked. However, these initial court appearances are delayed in Fulton County. At the arraignments, Trump and his allies will formally hear the charges against them and enter a plea. Trump faces 13 felony counts. He has pleaded not guilty in the other three criminal cases. The highest-profile defendants will be arraigned first on Sept. 6, The Hill reported. Trump and Giuliani will be followed by John Eastman at 10 a.m., Sidney Powell at 10:15 a.m. and Mark Meadows at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds will conclude with Misty Hampton, whose arraignment begins at 3 p.m. 10/30/2023 A woman at Fabric Care Coin Laundry at 2227 E. 23rd St. told police she left her son's laundry in the washer. She left to pick up her daughter and, when she returned an hour later, her clothes ... more The RubberMaid Yarn Mill is closing in Cleveland with the loss of 81 jobs. has filed an official WARN Notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, notifying the agency of a permanent closure on Dec. . Newell Brands Industries LLC in Bradley County The company is located at 1700 Overhead Bridge Road and 2000 Overhead Bridge Road, Cleveland. The company notified the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Developments Dislo cated Worker Unit on Aug. 17 . The employees at the facility are not repres ented by a collective bargaining agreement . The Southeast Lo cal Workforce Development Area rapid response team, employed by the Southeast TN Development District, h as been notified to coordinate services with the employer and affected employees. For decades a variety of private conservation organizations, local citizens, and state and federal agencies have dreamed of establishing a public wildlife refuge within the southern Cumberland Plateau region along the Tennessee/Alabama border, and now that is becoming a reality. Earlier this summer, The Nature Conservancy acquired 87 acres of land from the Niedergeses family located in Franklin County, Tennessee, adjoining the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agencys (TWRA) Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The largest portion of the $350,000 acquisition was provided by the Open Space Institute, with additional support coming from The Tucker Foundation and others. This transaction and the propertys upcoming transfer to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in September will officially establish the long-awaited refuge. Refuge Importance: The Chattanooga Boys Choir is hosting a community sing along on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 700 Pine Str. Children and adults of all ages are invited to attend and no experience is required. During this hourlong community sing along, attendees will convene to learn, rehearse and record the song, I Lift My Voice written by internationally renowned composer, conductor, scholar and music educator, Dr. Andrea Ramsey. This recording will be released through social media outlets on Sept. 21 to coincide with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace. First celebrated in 1982, the International Day of Peace (also World Peace Day) is an initiative sponsored by the United Nations promoting peace across the world. Im honored to have I Lift My Voice included in an event like this, said Dr. Ramsey. I feel like if we could all live and move from a place of love, peace could be inevitable. We hold our collective humanity when we sing together. The Chattanooga Boys Choir led a similar effort with its first community sing of the South African hymn Ukuthula for the Voice4Peace movement beginning in 2016, resulting in a video that has been viewed tens of thousands of times online. The CBC has continued this effort with community sing recordings of Be the Change, Love Is Love, and more. Singing has provided the soundtrack to the history and struggle for peace throughout the world for centuries, from spirituals to civil rights anthems to songs of Apartheid, said Vincent Oakes, Chattanooga Boys Choirs artistic director. We hope to add our voice to this in a substantive and direct way through singing together and building community. For more information about the Community Sing Along or Chattanooga Boys Choir, contact 634-2299, email voakes@cbchoir.org or visit www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org Students in the Cleveland State Community College Engineering Club were finalists in the Community College Innovation Challenge and traveled to Washington D.C. in June to participate in the national competition. One of 12 teams selected to attend the competition, they were the only team from Tennessee.In its seventh year, the competition seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by challenging them to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based solutions to real-world problems."Sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Science Foundation, CCIC enables students to discover and demonstrate their capacity to use STEM to make a difference in the world and translate that knowledge into action," officials said.The Cleveland State team consisted of two students, Kylie Burgess and Jack Pettigrew, and a faculty mentor, Kimberly Harrington. The team traveled to Washington D.C. for the all-expense paid competition and Innovation Boot Camp. Their project was Bottle to Model: PET Plastics Solution, an apparatus that turns plastic bottles into 3D printer filament. The design showed how large volumes of bottles could be recycled and turned into 3D printer filament at low cost and with minimal prep work by the user.During the boot camp, the team interacted with entrepreneurs and experts in business planning, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication and marketplace dynamics. The boot camp culminated in a Student Innovation Poster Session on Capitol Hill with STEM leaders and Congressional stakeholders and a pitch presentation to determine the winning team.Although the Cleveland State team did not win the competition, they each received a $500 scholarship award for being a finalist. The competition was the main focus for the Engineering Club during the 2022-2023 school year. Club members worked together to create and design the innovative project. Club President Kylie Burgess led the team once the Faculty Club Advisor Darrell Oakley introduced the competition.Kylie and Jack did an amazing job with their project, said Faculty Mentor Kimberly Harrington. It was truly a student-led experience; they developed the concept, conducted all the research, designed the model, and wrote everything involved with the presentations. Their engineering professor and I were there for guidance and moral support, but all of Kylie and Jack's success is theirs and theirs only. We couldn't be prouder of them.Ms. Burgess enjoyed the trip and took time to network with other teams from across the country. She said, You get to meet all these people who are really ambitious and driven and focused on how can I make a difference in the world. That was really cool, just getting to meet the other students and also the other mentors and hearing about what they are working on.Mr. Pettigrew also enjoyed connecting with the other teams. He said, It was so much fun just getting to meet other like-minded individuals. It felt like everybody wanted to learn from each other. Everybody was super friendly and personable. It was great.An electrical engineering major, Ms. Burgess will graduate in May 2024 and plans to transfer to a four-year university. After this experience, she is thinking more seriously about pursuing her dream of earning a PhD in quantum physics.A drafting and design major, Mr. Pettigrew already has a part-time remote position for a logistics company in Alabama. He plans to graduate in December 2024 and continue working with the company in engineering support.Ms. Harrington added, I also had the opportunity to connect with other mentors and attend presentations on opportunities with the National Science Foundation and American Association of Community Colleges. My experience there has already led to my applying for, and being awarded, a MentorLinks grant through the AACC. It was a positive experience for all of us. Dr. Jeffrey Gefter Dr. James Sizemore Dr. Laura Witherspoon Vicky Gregg Previous Next Drs. Jeffrey W. Gefter, James Sizemore and Laura E. Witherspoon, and Erlanger Board Member Vicky B. Gregg will be honored at the Erlanger Foundations 20th Annual Dinner of Distinction on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Westin Hotel Ballroom.Physicians Drs. Gefter, Sizemore, and Witherspoon were selected by previous honorees to be recognized for their "enduring commitment to improving the communitys health and demonstrating unquestionable character and human compassion." Additional criteria used to choose honorees include a person who has contributed a lifetime of medical benefit to the community and a person committed to Erlangers healing mission and values.Dr.Gefter was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl. He earned a bachelor of science in biology from Brandeis University in Waltham, Ma. He received his medical degree from the University of Florida, where he also completed his surgical internship and radiation oncology residency. Dr. Gefter moved to Chattanooga in 1982 to work in private practice before becoming medical director of radiation oncology for Erlanger from 1988 through 2008. He was also a clinical assistant professor for radiation oncology for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Chattanooga. Dr. Gefter has served as a member of the Tennessee Governors Committee on Cancer and as a full member of the National Childrens Oncology Group. He received the Life Inspiration Award from the American Cancer Society of Chattanooga in 2017. Most notably, Dr. Gefter was part of the group to establish Chattanoogas first cancer program at Erlanger with early certification by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. He also helped install and develop the regions CyberKnife program. Currently, Dr. Gefter works with Tennessee Oncology in Chattanooga.Dr. Sizemore, a Chattanooga native and Baylor graduate, received his bachelor of science in psychology from Duke University. From there, he earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He then completed an internal medicine internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Subsequently, he finished an Infectious Diseases Fellowship and obtained a master of science in public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He returned to Chattanooga in 2005. Currently, he is the Infectious Diseases Division chief, Department of Medicine at the UTHSC Chattanooga. He serves as the medical director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention Programs at Erlanger and was the chief of the medical staff in 2017 through 2018. He also serves as the chief medical officer at Cempa Community Care, a federally qualified health center look-alike, Ryan White-funded clinic serving over 1000 HIV-infected individuals in southeastern Tennessee.Dr. Witherspoon is a native of Chattanooga who graduated from Red Bank High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in molecular biology and a medical degree from Vanderbilt University. She trained in general surgery at the University of California San Francisco, Fresno program. She served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a surgeon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and trained both military and civilian surgery residents through Wright State University. Dr. Witherspoon then returned to her hometown where she practiced for 28 years prior to her retirement in 2022. She remained involved with resident and medical student teaching as a faculty member and attained the rank of associate professor of surgery at the UTHSC, Chattanooga. As one of the first female surgeons in the Chattanooga area, she has mentored and supported many young women pursuing surgical careers. Her surgical practice ultimately focused on breast disease and breast surgery, and she was able to lead the team which gained NAPBC accreditation for the Erlanger Center for Breast Health. She received the Augustus McCravey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. She has served as governor for the American College of Surgeons, president of the Tennessee Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, and second vice president of the Southeastern Surgical Congress.Erlanger Foundation will also honor Vicky B. Gregg with the Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leadership Award. This annual award is presented to leaders who have championed the advancement of healthcare in the Chattanooga region, are committed to improving health throughout the community and are dedicated to Erlangers healing mission and values.Ms. Gregg, a nurse by education, has a vast range of healthcare experience from patient care to chief executive of hospital administrations, long-term care, healthcare benefits and financing. She began her career at Erlanger as a nurse, before moving into administration. Ms. Gregg served as chief executive officer of BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee from 2003 through 2012. Prior to joining BlueCross, she served as market vice president for Humana in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Ms. Gregg was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to the National Institutes of Health Commission on Systemic Interoperability, served on the boards of the BlueCross BlueShield Association and Americas Health Insurance Plans, including two years as chair, the National Institute of Healthcare Management and the University of Tennessee. She has received numerous awards and recognition including Top 25 Women in Healthcare. Ms. Gregg is a co-founder and currently serves as a partner at Guidon Partners, a partnership private investment firm specializing in healthcare. She currently serves on the boards of Quest Diagnostics, Acadia Healthcare and MyEyeDr, and previously served on the boards of Landmark Healthcare, Trizetto and TeamHealth. She also serves on the board of directors for Erlanger and as hair of Electric Power Board of Chattanooga.Erlangers Dinner of Distinction will be Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Westin Hotel. A welcome reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program honoring the 2024 Distinguished Honorees at 7 p.m. "This years dinner marks a significant milestone in the Erlanger Foundations journey to commemorate the outstanding achievements and dedication of these esteemed honorees," officials said. "The Dinner of Distinction was established two decades ago with the vision of celebrating commitment to advancing healthcare in the community. This years honorees and their stories of perseverance, innovation, and compassion will undoubtedly inspire attendees and set the standard for future generations.""The 20th Annual Dinner of Distinction is a testament to the incredible accomplishments of our honorees, who have shaped our society and made a lasting impact on our community," said Chair of the Dinner of Distinction Nomination Committee Dr. B.W. Ruffner, Jr. "We are thrilled to welcome guests, supporters, and sponsors to this milestone celebration as we come together to celebrate excellence and lay the groundwork for even greater achievements in the years to come.""The Dinner of Distinction is not just an evening of recognition but also serves as a fundraising event for the Erlanger Foundation. By attending this event, guests will not only celebrate the honorees achievements but also contribute to a brighter future for our community," officials said.Premier seating sponsorships are available at $2,000 per table. Tickets are $200 per person. Seating is limited and the deadline to purchase tickets is Feb. 1, 2024."This event sells out early," officials said. "Join the Erlanger Foundation in celebrating the 20th Annual Dinner of Distinction and be a part of an evening filled with admiration, inspiration and the spirit of giving back."For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, contact Taylor Hurley-Henson at Erlanger Foundation at 423-778-4803 or Taylor.Hurley@erlanger.org. The Tennessee Department of Education will hold a public town hall in Chattanooga Tuesday to discuss best practices for determining School Letter Grades, which will measure how the states K-12 schools are serving students and helping them succeed academically. Tennesseans deserve an accountability system that produces clear information about how schools are performing so they can best engage to support their students education. Similarly, as students are already returning to classrooms following summer break, Tennessee schools and districts need clear information on how they will be measured this fall, said officials. All Tennesseansincluding families, teachers, community members and decision-makersare invited to attend to discuss how to measure school performance and report that information to parents and families in a transparent, easy-to-understand way. The goal is to engage the public to help create an A-F school letter grade system that gives them the information they need to understand school performance. Upon arrival at the town hall, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to speak and share their feedback during the meeting. The Tennessee School Letter Grades Public Town Hall is Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. at East Brainerd Annex, 7555 Goodwin Road. The town hall will also be livestreamed here. Learn more about these school letter grades and additional town halls here. Chattanooga Police were able to help Douglas County, Ga. sheriffs investigators and other state and federal agencies close a home invasion murder case from June of last year, assisting in the capture of one of four fugitives. Jermonie Taj Suttles, 21, of Jonesboro, Ga., was captured in Chattanooga on Aug. 9. He, Christian Jerial Dejernett, 20, of Jonesboro, Keyako Elijah Enrique Moore, 22, of Jonesboro, and Dion Eric Williams, 46, of Charlotte, N.C., have all now been captured and charged in the June 7, 2022, home invasion killing of Corey Myers at an apartment complex in Lithia Springs, Ga. Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds credits the Chattanooga Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Secret Service, the Atlanta Violent Crimes Task Force of the FBI, Georgia State Patrol SWAT teams, the Clayton County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Division, and Homicide Detectives and Fugitive Units from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina Police Department along with the Douglas County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division for bringing all the individuals involved to justice. beeOLED, a Dresden-based deep-tech startup, today announced it has raised EUR 13.3m for a Series A funding co-led by eCAPITAL and Innovation Industries. The round was joined by KBC Focus Fund as well as existing investors M Ventures (the corporate venture capital arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), HTGF, TGFS, and JBN-Invest. beeOLED Sublimation Cleaning beeOLED Founded by veterans of the OLED industry and led by serial entrepreneur and Novaled co-founder Jan Blochwitz-Nimoth, the company is aiming to solve the last major challenge of OLED displays: efficient and stable deep-blue emitters. The company officially emerge from stealth mode presenting their progress with a presentation at the key industry event International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) in Busan, South Korea on August 25th. Today, deep blue emitters in OLED displays are either stable (fluorescent emitters) or efficient (phosphorescent emitters, TADF emitters), but no market-ready technology delivers both of these important metrics at the same time. beeOLEDs intra-metallic emission technology has proven high stability and high efficiency when employed in other display technologies in the past, but, so far, had not been useable in OLEDs. The beeOLED team managed for the first time to make such molecules compatible with the vacuum processing technology used in high-volume OLED display manufacturing today a technical breakthrough, protected by several patents, that was made possible by the teams extensive know-how in ligand design. "Our technology seamlessly integrates into existing OLED structures and established OLED display manufacturing technology. The technology allows for 100 percent internal quantum efficiency, a prerequisite for the highest power efficiency in OLED displays", Carsten Rothe, CTO of beeOLED. "Its incredible to see that after all these years, this critical issue for OLED displays still hasnt been solved. This creates a huge market potential for a materials provider. We are very happy that we not only found the solution to that issue but also were able to team up with such an amazing group of investors to fund the commercialization of this technology", Jan Blochwitz-Nimoth, CEO of beeOLED. "As an early investor in the OLED space, we have seen many startups that aimed to solve this last major challenge of OLED displays. But beeOLED was able to convince us as they not only have the most promising solution but also the experienced team needed to bring such a disruptive technology to the market, especially with key experience in the OLED-materials field", Paul-Josef Patt, Managing Partner and CEO of eCAPITAL. "Increasing the efficiency of the blue emitter in OLED displays is a key driver to reduce energy consumption in modern TVs, tablets and smartphones. Our investment into beeOLED is therefore in line with our mission to support ground-breaking deep tech startups for a more sustainable future", Tom van Vuren, Director at Innovation Industries. Dennis Sixkiller, a Cherokee National Treasure and first language speaker, will announce the radio broadcast of the annual Cherokee National Holiday parade. A University of South Carolina student was shot and killed early Saturday after trying to enter the wrong house, Columbia Police said. Officers responded to an attempted burglary call around 2 a.m. that was upgraded to shots fired, local police said in a statement. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a deceased male on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the upper body, cops said. The man was identified as Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, of Connecticut. The school confirmed Donofrio was a sophomore. According to police, Donofrio lived at a different house on the same block, about two miles from the universitys main campus. Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot, the release said. The name of the shooter has not been released and no charges have been filed, but police and prosecutors are still investigating whether the shooter is protected by the states stand your ground law. Several similar shootings have occurred in the U.S. this year. In April, a white homeowner in his 80s shot a Black teenager who knocked on his door. Andrew Lester has since been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. That same month, Kaylin Gillis, 20, was shot and killed in upstate New York after the car she was riding in turned into the wrong driveway while looking for a friends house. Kevin Monahan, 65, fired twice at the car, striking Gillis. He was charged with second-degree murder. Also in April, Texas cheerleaders Heather Roth and Payton Washington were shot after Roth mistakenly got into the wrong car in a supermarket parking lot. Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr., 25, was arrested and charged with deadly conduct. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 When people at Onecho Bible Church talk about the mission field, they mean the many places around the world where Christians are sharing the love of Jesus. But sometimes, theyre also talking about a literal field in Eastern Washington, where the congregation grows crops to support the people proclaiming the gospel around the world and fulfilling the Great Commission. The 74-member church, smack-dab in the middle of a vast expanse of wheat fields 80 miles south of Spokane, has donated $1.4 million to missions since 1965. Theyve funded wells, campgrounds, and Christian colleges. This year, they want to provide food and shelter to asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. Being as isolated as we are, its our missionaries and this mission field that keeps us very focused worldwide, said Brian Largent, Onechos volunteer farm manager. This church is a very mission-oriented churchalways has been. Onecho Bible Church traces its history back to Mennonite migrants in the 1890s and Methodist farmers 20 years before that. But the unique fundraising program started in the 1960s. One of the church elders, Gerhard Dyck, passed away at age 65 and bequeathed 180 acres to the church. He supported missionary work his whole life and considered that his legacy. He asked Onecho to use his land to continue the work of spreading the gospel. The church decided it wouldnt sell the field but would farm it with volunteers. The proceeds from the harvest would fund various missions. The first year, the harvest yielded $5,500. Revenue fluctuates, based on the success of the harvest. In 2021, the field earned $39,000. Last year, it was $178,000. We just put the seed in the ground, Largent said. Then its all up to the weather and what Gods going to do to produce the money. Its not uncommon for churches to have special fundraisers, said David P. King, professor of philanthropic studies and director of Indiana Universitys Lake Institute of Faith and Giving. After direct giving, they are the second most common funding source for American congregations. But fundraisers are often bake sales or craft fairs. Farming is pretty unusual. However religious people give to charity, they are extraordinarily generous, King said. Onecho is one example. You cant underestimate the financial value the volunteers are contributing to the church, especially if theyre bringing their combines and doing some fairly significant labor, King said. Article continues below Research shows that religious participation is the leading predictor of generosity. Congregational living encourages peoples better angels. In community, King said, youre more likely to run across needs and run across positive peer pressure, social pressure, to get up and engage. And as congregations tell the story of their life together, such as recounting the work that goes into the field and planning for harvest, that adds positive reinforcement. King said its remarkable how that kind of religious practice changes people in measurable ways. In the midst of our growing polarization thats threatening our communal life together, he said, there are stories that demonstrate how we take care of one another. Inside Onecho Bible Church, the story is recalled with framed photos of the mission fields early beginnings. There are also plaques that commemorate Dyck, recalling the late elder as a gentle, humble, and generous farmer. According to one, his generosity was born of a deep love for Gods work. One church member, Darrel Claassen, said those pictures always remind him of how mission work connects his family through the generations. Dyck was his great-uncle. His dad, Rudy Claassen, worked side by side with Dyck and ensured the farm was turned over to the church after he died. Now Darrel Claassen volunteers in the mission field, and his children and grandchildren are cheering him on. Thats a real delight for me to see that my children and my grandchildren have the vision of supporting missionaries, he said. Its not just family, though. At Onecho, everyone is welcome to join in the vision. The congregation holds a gathering every year to celebrate the harvest, inviting friends, family, and people from the surrounding community. They often host international students from Washington State University in Pullman. One year, 62 came for rides on the combines. The field helps the church reach out to neighbors. And it inspires them to look beyond the golden hills of wheat and think about what God is doing in faraway places. By December, church members propose mission projects to the congregation. It doesnt matter whether the missionaries are formally connected to the church. All suggestions are welcome, though the church generally favors one-time gifts over ongoing support. Then the missions committee looks at all the proposals and makes a decision. The money is typically given out in the spring. Over the years, it has supported more than 150 different projects. Article continues below In 2023, Onecho is partnering with the El Paso-Juarez Border Initiative Ministry. The Border Initiative was started by the Presbyterian Church in America a few years ago, and Gary Largent, Brian Largents brother and the chair of the missions committee, learned of it in a conversation about the immigration crisis with a pastor at a church near the border. The ministry helps 20 to 60 migrants a week at a small church in northern Mexico on their way to the border to apply for asylum. Gary Largent is leading a team of 18 people to visit and help with small construction projects and deliver food and clothing. We want to just do whatever we can to invite migrants, to work alongside them, so we can hear their stories and just show them the love of Christ in very practical ways, he said. They each have needs, and we wanted to get a firsthand look. Whether the church supports a school in South Africa or a migrant shelter in Mexico, Gary Largent said hes always overwhelmed by the thought that a little church of farmers can have such a far-reaching impact on so many peoples lives. Over the years, this approach to missions has come to shape Onecho Bible Church, too. Senior pastor Mike Nyholm says the mission field has given the church its sense of purpose. They start from what theyve been given. God has us here, so why? he said. We can do something here that no one else canbecause hes put us here. Loren Ward is a journalist and storyteller in Arizona. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Redeemer Presbyterian Churchs building on West 83rd Street in Manhattan does not call attention to itself. The Crunch gym next door has a bigger, louder sign and doors plastered with offers for memberships. Redeemers building of glass and neutral brick blends into the buildings around it, except that if you look up, a cross shoots up above the fifth story. The churchs founding pastor, Tim Keller, was reluctant to even buy it. For years Tim didnt want to be a megachurch, said Andrea Mungo, Redeemers first staffer for its diaconate in the 1990s. He wasnt interested in purchasing a building. For years it was, We want to rent so we can focus our money and energy into local ministry. Keller, who died in May, was a globally known preacher, bestselling writer, leader of a 5,000-member church before before stepping down, and founder of big organizations like The Gospel Coalition in 2007. He spoke before the UK parliament and at Googles headquarters. But for most of his adult life, he built small. His fame was derivative of his local church work. People like Mungoas well as Yvonne Sawyer, Justin Adour, Sobeyda Valle-Ellis, Peter Ong, and Mark Reynoldsarent globally recognized names but were the faces of the local church in New York and then beyond. They built an ecosystem of local institutions that are carrying on Kellers vision of evangelicalism away from the spotlight. They planted churches and started community development organizations and counseling centers that are spreading the gospel and serving the disenfranchised. Keller did not follow the American evangelical tradition of networking with the powerful, like Billy Graham. He did not build a megachurch; Redeemers different campuses in 2015 separated into independent, smaller churches in anticipation of his stepping down. In 1991, Graham led a crusade in Central Park that drew 250,000 people. Redeemer at that time was a church of about 800. What Keller built with the church members around him for most of his career was not stadium size but showed a healthier American evangelicalism built on smaller, lesser-known institutions. Keller called it human scale in his final address to Redeemer churches. Months ago, the different Redeemer churches in the city asked Keller to record a message for a gathering of all the congregationswhich happened to fall on May 19, the day Keller died. In what would be his final words to the congregations, Keller said that to have three churches of 800 people is better than having one church of 2400 people. Article continues below Multiple smaller churches working in collaboration gives the ability to build ministries that are megachurch in their quality, allowing them to have better discipleship, provide better pastoral care, and better serve the surrounding neighborhoods, he said. He concluded, Forget about your reputation. Jeremiah 45:5, this is what Jeremiah says to his secretary, Baruch. Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not. Ministers very often come to New York City to make a name for themselves. Do what you can to lift up Gods name. Kellers evangelicalism was locally focused, media averse, and built on suffering. In Collin Hansens biography of Keller, his wife Kathy Keller recalled chasing a TV crew for The 700 Club away from Redeemers services on 9/11 and telling them never to return. Redeemer staff from over the years told CT about the unofficial policy to reject all interview requests. Yvonne Sawyer, an early staffer at the church, remembered many instances of people telling Keller that he should write a book or do media appearances. Eventually Keller agreed to do media interviews to support the release of The Reason for God, but he was 58 at that point, and he still turned down more interview requests than he accepted. For such a long time he resisted, Sawyer said. He didnt want it to become a celebrity cult. Keller knew that leading a healthy church takes a lot of time, said Mark Reynolds, who worked with Keller for 20 years at Redeemer and City to City, a church-planting organization formed out of Redeemer. When Keller started having to travel and speak after The Reason for God, that was always a tension, even as subsequent books came outHow much travel do I have to do? Keller began as a young pastor in Hopewell, Virginia, population 23,000. He had a congregation of about 90 people made up of blue-collar workers without college degrees. He often talked about how formative this time was. He visited church members in the hospital, went to high school graduations, did counseling, and helped a widow identify the body of her husband in the morgue, according to Hansens biography. The Kellers had congregants to their house for dinner and prayer, and one member who went through a divorce recalled to Hansen that the Kellers took him on vacation with them. Article continues below Kellers time at this small church also prompted him to work on his dissertation on deacons, which later was distilled in his book Ministries of Mercy. He argued that deacons had taken on custodial tasks instead of serving those in need. Shortly after he founded Redeemer, he insisted on building a robust diaconate. Andrea Mungo was the first staffer for Redeemers diaconate, creating with Keller a manual for diaconates that would end up being used in churches around the country. Mungo was a relatively new Christian and worked as a social worker in a drug-heavy neighborhood in the South Bronx. She began attending Redeemer in 1992, when it was meeting at a Seventh-day Adventist church. After the service she met Keller at a welcome for newcomers in the church basement. He introduced her to Yvonne Sawyer, who he said was hoping to start a nonprofit doing mercy ministry that would be tied to Redeemer. The organization that Sawyer went on to start became Hope for New York, which is now a $5 million organization supporting all kinds of mercy ministries in the city. I was so excited to meet another woman who had a strong vision for mercy and justice ministry, Mungo remembered. When I came to New York and started going to Redeemer, it all came together: Wow, the church really needs to be in the forefront of loving our neighbors and we also need to be preaching the true gospel and not some watered-down social justice gospel. Mungo joined Redeemers diaconate, which grew to the point that in a few years it needed a staff person. The Redeemer diaconate was made up of male and female deacons when the parent denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, permitted only ordained male deacons. Redeemer offered Mungo a part-time job, and she took a dramatic pay cut from her social worker job. She loved the work building the program and she soon became full-time. Hope for New York became Redeemers outward-facing mercy ministry to the poor, and the diaconate was the inward facing ministry to people in the congregation who were unemployed, without housing, or in mental health crisis. Keller mentored her through building the program, focusing on a strong training and vetting component to becoming a deacon. Keller would do trainings and talks with the deacons. Mungo remembered him being accessible to everyone in those days. Keller didnt have an actual office, but there was a room where he could hold meetings and counseling sessions. He did premarital counseling for Mungo and her eventual husband. Article continues below By the time terrorists attacked the city on 9/11, Mungo had already built an expanded diaconate staff in addition to the ordained deacon volunteers. Clearly God was preparing us for 9/11, to even have paid staff to respond, she remembered. The attacks on 9/11 brought a surge of demand for Redeemers diaconate and outward-facing ministries. The church had had a counseling center for years, but after 9/11, it needed to hire a lot more counselors, quickly. Some Redeemer attenders had worked with organizations at Ground Zero; others had lost loved ones. They had all seen and smelled the destruction of thousands of lives. Sobeyda Valle-Ellis, a Christian therapist and social worker who had moved to the city two months before the attacks with her church-planting husband David Ellis, was one that the churchs counseling center hired that September. We were all scared, Valle-Ellis remembered. She and her husband attended Redeemer while preparing to plant a church. Kellers preaching on suffering at that time reminded them that God doesnt guarantee a life free of suffering, but he gives us a suffering Lord who understands and undoes our aloneness in the midst of suffering, she said. Kellers teaching on idolatry, too, helped her realize that she was clinging to safety more than Christ in the wake of the attacks. Hearing his preaching in that time felt like seminary to me. Our trust had to be practical and day to day. Valle-Ellis worked at Redeemer Counseling Services until 2014 when she left to start her own counseling center in the city. Heart Matters NYC Counseling now has five therapists and an internship program. Her center incorporates Kellers framework that was also in Redeemers counseling center, but as the Spanish-speaking daughter of immigrants, she focuses on Christians who are Black, indigenous, and people of color. By 2014, the early Redeemer members had spread like seeds in the wind. Mungo left in 2007 to go start a similar diaconate at a smaller church plant, Astoria Community Church in Queens. She built a diaconate like Redeemers but with the churchs own set of mercy ministries in the neighborhood: ESL classes, financial literacy classes, a Bible club, tutoring, and support for parents at risk of having their children put in the foster system. Article continues below I didnt have any desire to go bigger, said Mungo. The way we can best as smaller churches live this part of the gospel out is on a local level. Sawyer, whom Mungo met in the basement of the Seventh-day Adventist church, also spread the seeds of Redeemer. She was the first full-time staffer Redeemer hired in 1990. She built the systems for the quickly growing church. Then she launched Hope for New York. In the late 1990s, she moved to Miami, Florida, and started an organization that became Hope for Miami, which is also a nearly $5 million operation like Hope for New York. Redeemer emphasizes tailoring ministries to the local context. Youre not going to replicate Hope for New York, Sawyer said. Hope for Miami came out of multiple churches and nonprofits in Miami rather than the one church in New York. You do what works for your people. As nonprofits and counseling centers spread, Redeemer was planting churches in New York. Peter Ong later joined the staff at one of Redeemers first plants in 2000, Living Faith Community in Flushing, Queens. The church serves a largely immigrant community, and Ong eventually led its mercy and justice outreach. Seven years prior to Living Faiths launch, Ong was not a Christian. He was a college student at New York University and started going to Redeemer in 1993 because of a Christian woman he was dating. He remembered posing obnoxious questions to Keller at the question time the church held after the service. I dont remember his answers, but I do remember that he was incredibly polite, said Ong. Ong and the woman broke up, but he became a Christian a few years later. Ong continued attending Redeemer and began working with the youth ministries of Chinese Christian Herald in Manhattans Chinatown. Eventually working at the early church plant Living Faith, Ong started a community development corporation out of the church, and then planted another Queens church, Kings Cross, with the help of City to City. Ong said as Bible Belt pastors parachuted into the city after 9/11, Redeemer began backing more indigenous church leaders to plant. Senior City to City leader Mark Reynolds remembered a 250-page blue manual for church planting that they used for training, which then began to be used all over. As the church-planting operation grew, the church plants were often not in the denomination or Reformed. But all of City to Citys training was based in deep Reformed theology. Article continues below Leaders wanted a set of Heres seven things you need to do, or Heres the laws of this and this, said Reynolds. We have a lot of practical resources but we were primarily focusing on, how do you have deep awareness of yourself, your context, and the gospel so that you can bring a healthy church there? The local church planting became bigger with City to City in 2008, which came out of Redeemers in-house church planting center where Reynolds was working. The founding pastor of Living Faith, Stephen Ro, now also does City to City trainings in Korea. City to City is now working in 65 cities around the world and has planted about 1,000 churches. Staff at City to City were not interested in brand recognition or loyalty, said Pastor Neil Powell, who led an effort to plant 20 churches in a decade in Birmingham, UK with support from City to City. When Justin Adour moved to New York 16 years ago, he had never heard of Tim Keller. He grew up in the Assemblies of God and became a pastor in that denomination, working in various ministries in the Bronx. One day he went to a mens group in the city where Keller spoke. Adour went home and Googled Keller; he and his wife, Angela, began reading everything Keller had written and listening to all his sermons. Adours theology shifted, he said. We joke were Presby-costals. When Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) opened its campus in New York, in partnership with City to City, Adour was in the first class. Keller taught some of the classes. Keller processed some of Adours theological wrestling with him and they got to know one another. Keller was deeply Reformed, Adour said but he had a way of communicating that extended beyond the Reformed tradition. Both of Adours parents are Assemblies of God ministers, but they werent upset with his move toward Presbyterianismthey saw the faithfulness of Redeemer in the city, Adour said. The RTS program meant that Adour was in seminary classes with pastors who were all based in New York. Many were Pentecostal, Baptist, and other traditions who wanted more theological training that was tailored to New York. Before the RTS program Adours relationships were mostly in the Assemblies of God, and now he found himself with friends in a variety of evangelical streams. Article continues below In 2019, Adour became the pastor for a new Redeemer plant, Redeemer East Harlem, serving one of the poorer neighborhoods in Manhattan. The church has about 100 attendees now and a ministry center hosting several nonprofits serving the neighborhood. Evangelical church attendance has been growing in New York City for several decades now. Keller arrived in New York in 1989. Evangelical churches were more numerous and vibrant in the citys outer boroughs, often among immigrants and the working class, but churches were sparse in the city center. Tony Carnes, publisher of A Journey Through NYC Religions, has tracked the trends of the citys churches in detail for decades. He counted only 10 evangelical churches in New Yorks center city (most of Manhattan) in 1975. By 2000, Carnes counted 120 evangelical churches in center city. In 2019, that number was 308, and Carnes projects a count of 368 for 2024. From 2009 to 2019, evangelical church attendance grew 65 percent in Manhattans center city, according to Carness data; from 87,271 to 144,144 attending church on average. First and foremost, [Kellers] ministry was in the local church, said Adour. His influence in all these different sectors was a function of how he discipled people in his congregation, who then went and worked in all these different areas of life. He developed a church culture that was able to not only exist beyond him but flourish beyond him. This article has been updated to reflect that Peter Ong was not on staff at Living Faith Community Church when it was first planted. Emily Belz is CTs news writer. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. First black female Virginia lieutenant governor talks Christian faith, upbringing and Trump In 2021, Virginia voters elected Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears as the first African American female to hold the office of lieutenant governor in the history of the Commonwealth. A native of Jamaica who spent much of her upbringing in New York, Sears had served in the United States Marine Corps and worked with the Salvation Army before her election victory. Additionally, Sears had served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002-2004 and was vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education under Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell. Sears has documented her life, including many of its highs and lows, in a new book, How Sweet It Is: Defending the American Dream. In an interview with The Christian Post, Sears said she initially hadn't planned to write a memoir, because she felt her story didn't sound so exciting and she didn't think anybody would want to read it. But, as I was campaigning, and as you're talking to people about the things that you've done and why they should vote for you, people thought that I had an interesting story and an inspiring story, said Sears. So, I decided OK, I'll write a book. And if can help someone, then wonderful. The Christian Post talked with Sears about the influence of her immigrant background, her Christian faith, and why she believes former President Donald Trump shouldn't be running in 2024. The following are edited excerpts from that interview. CP: In your book, you detail your upbringing in Jamaica and New York. What are some of the lasting influences on your life from those two places? Sears: Well certainly the people in my life who were in both of those places. My grandmother, first of all, my paternal grandmother. I saw her, how she helped people. I mean, she took homeless people off the streets and brought them into her house and, one person in particular, she gave him the ability to go and become an adult learner and then found him a job. And so, that's why education is so important to me, I saw what education would do. And of course, my father bringing me to America. My paternal great-grandmother convinced my mom to let me go, her only child, and America is what started me on my way. CP: In the book, when talking about your faith, you mention how you and your husband made sure to hold daily Bible devotionals with your children. How important do you believe it is for Christian parents to be deeply involved in their children's spiritual practices? Sears: Well, if all they ever have and that goes for we adults as well if all we ever have is the Sunday morning worship and then for the next six days we don't really have that devotional with the Lord, that alone time with the Lord, where we talk with Him and we read His words, then we are really limping into church come Sunday morning. We have not spiritually fed ourselves. And if we did that in the natural world, where we only ate one day on Sunday and we never did it again, then you see its the same principle. So, our faith has to be our own faith, our own personal faith. As they say, "God doesn't have grandchildren." So, we have to have our children have their own faith. Why do you believe? What do you believe? Do you know this God that we take you to every day? You have to make this decision for yourself if He will be your God or He won't. And so, that's why we made sure to talk with them and have these devotionals with them every day. CP: In the book, you wrote, "I understand that politicians are afraid to talk about it, but I absolutely believe that were surrounded by a spiritual world. The things I have accomplished are part of a godly mission and so are the things you have accomplished or are going to accomplish." Why do you believe that politicians are afraid to talk about a spiritual world? Sears: Well, because politicians are trying to be everything to everybody and we can't. I mean, even in our family, we can't be all things to them. So, we know the truth that we know. And so, if we claim to be a Christian, then we have to act like it. Either we believe in this God or we don't. Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me before men, then I will be ashamed of you before my Father." And you have to remember that this life is not all there is. Instinctively, we know that. It can't just be we're here and then we're dead, never to be heard from again. There's got to be something beyond this. Otherwise, what are we doing this for? That means we're just born waiting to die. I think its important that who we are is who we are, and if we've taken on this new nature from God, then it informs how we behave. There are times when you might want to hate somebody, but you know that the God you served says you have to forgive and you have to love. And so, this is why we have to be who we are. CP: In Chapter eight, you share how you became a Republican in the 1980s, and you stated that "Republicans must never concede the vote of any group, or race, or ethnic background to anyone." Overall, do you believe that the Republican Party is doing a better job now of reaching out to different racial groups than 20 or 30 years ago? Sears: Yes. Twenty-two years ago, I was first elected to office and I think they just figured, "Well, black people, immigrants, whoever, they'll just never vote for us." And so, it was hard, because its going to take a lot of work and a lot of money. But, as time has gone on, there's been a change and we understand that we have a good message and we need to give everybody the opportunity to at least reject the message. But don't just think that they'll not listen. I'm not even wanting all black people to become Republicans. No, I just want us to hear a message and make a decision. And then, we must leave each other alone. If you want to vote the way that you want to vote, that's just fine. I will vote the way I want to vote. But don't force me to be you. We don't want that, that's not what America is about. CP: When talking about your political career and the state of American politics, you wrote that while you approved of Trump's record while in office, "For the good of the nation, I do not think he should run again in 2024." Why do you believe that Trump running for president in 2024 would not be good for the nation? Sears: The same reason I think that Biden should also not run. I'm watching what's happening with President Biden and I don't think he's altogether equipped to run the country. And then, with all of the issues that are coming from the former president, I just think that it is time now for new leadership. Republicans don't want to become like some of the Democrats, where when I vote Republican, they say that I'm not black enough, etc., etc. We don't want to be that. Let us all make a decision who we're going to vote for and that's it. Let us let each other be. It can't be that we're now going to become like the Democrats, where if we don't vote for a particular person then we're not Republicans. That's not how this works. If we want freedom, let us have the freedom to vote. Period. CP: What do you hope readers take away from your book? Sears: We have to have hope. We cannot live without hope. There has to be something that says there's something to live for. There are people that we can help. That there's purpose in this life. That we will have trouble, but we've got to persevere, because that's what we're built for. We're not built for pity; we're not built for hiding under the covers. We have to keep going forward. And we have to show that to our children. We have to show courage, we have to move on. We cannot let the tragedies of life pull us down. We got to get out of our bedroom slippers and our robes and go live, go live and don't live just for yourself. As my grandmother used to say, "The same people that you meet going up, you'll meet them on the way down." So be kind. And that's the other thing. I'm looking for a humble leader, that's who I am looking for. Jesus said we're supposed to be meek. Meek doesn't mean being weak. I'm looking for a humble leader. Strong, yet humble. The Biden administration provided plenty of pointers without a pittance of new resources to help New York manage the citys worsening migrant crisis, prompting strong pushback from the administrations of Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul on Monday. The mayors office and the governors office responded to roughly 24 recommendations from Washington, delivered in dual letters and Monday briefings with local officials, by pointedly noting their calls for more federal support have largely gone unanswered. New Yorkers deserve the facts, so lets be clear: Our requests from the federal government remain the same, and quite frankly, unaddressed, Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Adams, said in a statement. Mamelak thanked the federal government for engaging with the issue, but called on the White House to unlock federal funds, expedite work papers for arrivals, and create a plan to slow the flow of people to the city. In her statement, Mamelak said the federal governments briefing did not address the situation on the ground. The city projects it could spend upward of $12 billion supporting migrants over the next three years. Leaving a hiring hall in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Adams said he had not attended the federal governments briefing, but was expecting his advisers to provide him with an update in the evening. Avi Small, a spokesman for Hochul who was in Colorado on Monday for a Democratic Governors Association event issued a statement thanking the federal government for engaging in dialogue with New York officials. But Small added that the crisis will only abate once the federal government takes action on work authorization that allows migrants to be resettled permanently. Adams, a Democrat, has been criticizing the federal response to the migrant crisis for months, and said in the spring that President Biden, a Democrat, had failed New York City on the issue. Hochul, also a Democrat, has been less quick to criticize the president. But the governor, who has faced growing pressure to help the city, delivered a speech last Thursday placing responsibility for the crisis at the presidents feet. This crisis originated with the federal government, and it must be resolved through the federal government, Hochul said. More than 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since spring 2022, according to city government figures, and about 60,000 remain in the citys care. In a year, the count of people sleeping in the citys over-stretched shelter system has roughly doubled. Many of the migrants fled political and economic turmoil in Central and South America. The challenge has created tension between Adams, Hochul and Biden. Biden has dropped Adams from a team of campaign surrogates. Adams has pressed Hochul for more state money. Hochuls office has condemned aspects of the citys treatment of asylum seekers. And Adams office has in turn criticized the states handling of the crisis, even as the mayor has insisted he is closely aligned with Hochul. On Monday, Adams said: I think the state should be managing this, like I think the national government has a role. This has been dropped in the citys hands, Adams told the Daily News in Brooklyn. Its just unfair to New Yorkers. In letters to the city and state, Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of the U.S. Homeland Security Department, said the federal government had identified structural and operational issues with the citys response. The Homeland Security Department told the city to improve its communication with arrivals, case management process, and information collection process at migrant intake centers, the department said in a statement to the media. We are hopeful that our recommendations will equip the city to take additional steps to improve the migrant operations , Mayorkas wrote in his letter, which was dated Sunday and previously reported by Politico. Mayorkas noted that the federal government has asked Congress for more shelter funding. And he said the federal government understands the need for swift work authorization for the migrants. But Congress is out of session. And the federal government, Mayorkas wrote in his missive, continues unfortunately, to work within statutory constraints that do not ably serve our nations labor needs. Adams maintained Monday that the federal government needs to step up with more money and a national emergency declaration. Its a losing strategy to say: Lets just keep this all in New York, the mayor said. Were getting close to 10,000 people a month. Thats not sustainable. 71-year-old woman held at gunpoint, robbed outside Christian school Police are searching for a suspect who robbed a 71-year-old woman at gunpoint outside a Christian school before breaking into the building and brandishing his gun in search of the employee he robbed, warning her not to call the police. The employee was parked outside Gateway Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee, when the driver of a silver sedan with Mississippi tags drove in front of her minivan at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 22 and robbed her, Fox 13 reported. She subsequently ran into the school and called police, according to multiple reports. No students were at the school at the time. Minutes later, the suspect, who is described as a black male, 6-feet tall with a thin build and short dreadlocks, returned to the scene of the crime and broke a glass door to enter the building in search of the employee he robbed. Surveillance video released to the public shows the suspect wielding a handgun as he runs up and down stairs. According to local police, the suspect was yelling, warning the employee he robbed not to call the police as he searched for her. The woman had managed to secure herself in a locked office within the building and the suspect eventually exited the building and drove away from the scene. In a statement released to local media outlets, officials at Gateway Christian Schools said they believe the robbery was a "crime of opportunity" because the suspect had been seen "circling the parking lot" prior to the crime, according to ABC24. An administrator told the news station that the school plans to purchase a Sky Cop camera and might also hire a security guard on campus. Action News 5 reported that the suspect was seen wearing a black T-shirt with Optimus Prime on the front, black pants, white shoes and a black mask covering part of his face. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, told Fox 13 that he was surprised a robbery happened on the school grounds. He said city leaders should engage in more proactive security measures to protect the safety of students and staff. Were working on sending money now for school safety programs for fortifying schools for hardening the exterior of schools. We are doing that so they can put security systems in, he added. The employee who was robbed returned to work on Aug. 23. Individuals with information about the suspect have been asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. NJ pastor shot, causing severe internal injuries; police searching for shooter and accomplice A pastor in New Jersey is in critical condition after being shot in his home, with police in Newark actively searching for the assailant. The pastor might have been shot by a woman, according to video evidence released to the public. Pastor Timothy Huff of Green Pasture Missionary Baptist Church in East Orange was shot in the chest early Thursday morning, CBS New York reported. The incident occurred while Huffs family called 911 to report vandalism to their sons car. Im out here with these young ladies here and theyre vandalizing our car and threatening us, Delois Hudson-Huff, the pastors wife, told the network. The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Eastern time in Newarks Central Ward area, triggering the activation of a ShotSpotter device in the vicinity of 45 4th Street, RLS Media said, adding that the automated system promptly led police to the scene. However, the family claims that police never arrived and said that within 30 minutes, the vandals returned twice. The pastor was rushed to University Hospital after another 15 minutes passed before emergency services arrived, according to the family. When the bullets went flying, Timothy Huff was sitting in the living room with his wife. He immediately used his body to protect her, Hudson-Huff said. I was applying the towels to his chest and they were filling with blood and Im telling my son its not stopping. Video footage shows two women approaching the Huff residence as one of them pulls out a pistol and begins firing at the residence, according to ABC7. Huff has reportedly undergone two surgeries, including one to remove the bullet. The blood vessels around his heart were bleeding. Now were finding out his kidney has failed. They removed half his lung, Hudson-Huff said. Pastor Huff is on dialysis and remains in critical but stable condition, according to the family, which includes eight children and 18 grandchildren. Youre sad, mad, anxious, scared. It all hits you at once, Donovan Hudson, a family member, said. The family indicated that Huff was not the intended target of the shooting. He helped everybody. I dont know anybody he wouldnt help, another family member, Dante Hudson, was quoted as saying. According to Newark police, the investigation is ongoing. The family said they are cooperating with the police investigation and are hopeful for Huffs recovery. Canadian hospital offers assisted suicide to woman seeking help for suicidal thoughts A woman who sought psychiatric help at a hospital in Canada said staff made her feel worthless by suggesting she end her life through the national healthcare system's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program as the country seeks to expand eligibility to people suffering from mental illnesses. Kathrin Mentler, 37, went to the Vancouver General Hospitals Access and Assessment Centre in June, hoping to check herself in to protect herself from acting on her suicidal thoughts. During her assessment, the staff informed the Mentler that there were no beds available and that she should expect to wait a long time before a psychiatrist would be available to see her as an outpatient. According to The Christian Institute, a clinician then asked Mentler if she had considered MAID. The clinician also spoke with Mentler about feeling relief following the death of another patient struggling with mental illness. That made me feel like my life was worthless or a problem that could be solved if I chose MAID, Mentler told the U.K.-based Christian watchdog group. While the woman confessed that she suffers from chronic suicidal ideation, that hasnt stopped her from finding joy in life. Mentler also found it strange that the hospital wouldve suggested MAID to her, as people with mental health issues are not eligible for the program until 2024. The Vancouver General Hospital did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. However, in a statement to The Christian Institute, the hospital apologized for any distress caused and said the offer of assisted suicide is a matter of procedure to determine if the patient is a threat to himself or herself. As The Christian Post previously reported, Canada legalized physician-assisted suicide in 2016; however, the country limited it to citizens or permanent residents who were at least 18 years old and had "a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability" that included "enduring and intolerable suffering." In 2022, the Canadian parliament expanded the law to include non-threatening physical disabilities, and while the program was later expected to expand to people suffering from mental illness on March 17, the Canadian government announced a temporary delay in December. The country now plans to expand eligibility for MAID to people struggling with mental illness on March 17, 2024. Charlie Camosy, a medical humanities professor at the Creighton University School of Medicine, warned during a panel discussion at the Institute for Human Ecology at The Catholic University of America that assisted suicide is a slippery slope. Doctors' acceptance of assisted suicide often leads to acceptance of euthanasia for physical distress and, eventually, mental health distress. "Once you permit it, it's very difficult to keep it where it originally was intended because, medically and morally, it seems unjust to limit it to the particular population for which it was intended," Camosy said. One example of an able-bodied individual in Canada requesting to die involved Tyler Dunlop, who requested to end his life because he was homeless and felt that he had no reason to live. As CP reported earlier this year, the man refused the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospitals offers of food, water and shelter to prove that he was serious about the decision. "I chose assisted dying because I know I'm not going anywhere," Dunlop told Orillia Matters at the time. "I've been in rehabilitation. I've accessed every resource possible to get better. Some of us can't." According to an annual report on MAID in Canada for the year 2021, there were 10,064 MAID provisions reported in the country, which accounted for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada. Since the Parliament of Canada legalized assisted suicide in 2016, there have been 31,664 deaths from MAID. At least 7 church members executed, others kidnapped, injured for challenging gang in Haiti At least seven members of the Evangelical Church of the Pool of Bethesda in Caradeux, Haiti, were executed while several others were injured or kidnapped on Saturday after their pastor convinced them to protest a heavily armed local gang with just sticks, machetes, and the belief that God would protect them from bullets. In a livestream of a church service on YouTube held shortly before the massacre with a title that translates to SATURDAY OF MIRACLES AND HEALING, the churchs pastor, Marcorel Zidor, popularly known as Pastor Marco, is shown telling hundreds of his members to march against the powerful gang located in a squatter community just outside Haitis capital, Port-au-Prince, known as Canaan. A translated video clip from the service shows Marco leading his members in a prayer where they asked God for the anointing of the biblical King David to go up against the gang which is known to regularly challenge local police, according to Haiti Libre. May the anointing of David enter into me so I can knock Goliath to the ground, Marco declared. These Goliaths must fall. A DISTURBING VIDEO | Witness the moment when the Canaan bandits mercilessly fired bullets at Pastor Marco worshipers who fearlessly approached them in Canaan Port-au-Prince. Another sad day in #Haiti ???? , thank you King ???? @DrArielHenry@USEmbassyHaiti the people of Haiti is pic.twitter.com/XsYJjNMxWM Andy Gassant (@andygassant) August 26, 2023 When asked by a local reporter if she was not scared of being hit by bullets during the march against the gang, one church member declared, Whats on us wont get hit by bullets! Whats on us wont get hit by the clip! She further noted that they were marching for a revolution because weve suffered too much and were saying we cant take it anymore! Video posted on X, formerly known as the platform Twitter, shows the gang members opening fire on the church members with what appears to be the lifeless bodies of a man and woman from the protests at the end of a trail of blood in the unpaved streets of the squatter community. Marco allegedly abandoned his flock on a motorcycle, Haiti Libre said. Haitian police have yet to make an official statement on the massacre, but Marie Yolene Gilles of the human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere/Eyes Wide Open Foundation said in a statement to the Miami Herald that the pastor should be prosecuted for advocating violence and endangering his congregants. Bringing citizens to arm themselves against each other, provoking violence in pastoral speeches, are criminal acts provided for and punished by the Haitian penal code, Gilles said in a statement. Three to 15 years in prison is the penalty provided by the law in this matter. Its time to enforce the law. Those who by their speech provoked this massacre and the perpetrators of this massacre must answer for their actions. The massacre of the church members comes as Haiti descends further into lawless gang rule just two years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement from Geneva earlier this month that conditions in Haiti highlight the extreme brutality of violence being inflicted on the population and the impact it is having on their human rights. She noted that between Aug. 14-15, a local government representative and his wife were allegedly shot and killed at their house in Port-au-Prince. The man was apparently targeted in retaliation for his reported support for a local self-defense group set up to confront the gangs, Shamdasani said. Hours before they were killed, members of the Grand Ravine gang also reportedly murdered five men and two women from the same family on Aug. 14 by burning them alive inside their home in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood. They were also reportedly targeted because of their support for a self-defense group, Shamdasani added. The UNHCR representative further noted that because of the growing violence in Haiti, there has been a rise in popular justice movements or self-defense groups. Between April 24 and mid-August, more than 350 people have been lynched by local people and vigilante groups. Some 310 of those lynched have been alleged gang members, while 46 were identified as members of the public. One police officer was killed. Between Jan. 1 and August, at least 2,439 people have been killed in Haiti, 902 injured, and 951 people have been kidnapped, according to the U.N. agency. As the U.N. Security Council considers a proposal to allow Kenya to lead a 1,000-member multinational contingent of police officers that would help train and assist Haitian police in restoring order to the country, Shamdasani said the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, wants urgent action on the security situation in Haiti. Turk, who visited Haiti in February, calls for urgent action to be taken on the U.N. secretary-generals appeal for a non-United Nations multinational force to support the Haitian police in addressing the grave security situation and restoring the rule of law, in strict compliance with international human rights norms and standards, Shamdasani said. The human rights of the Haitian people must be protected and their suffering alleviated. Evangelist Franklin Graham launching God Loves You tour in 6 cities this fall Amid growing hostilities toward the Christian faith, evangelist Franklin Graham is planning to travel to six U.S. cities stretching across 1,000 miles to share a message of Gods love and forgiveness with thousands of people as part of his God Loves You Tour this fall. The six-city, five-state God Loves You Tour will begin Sept. 24 and conclude on Oct. 2, comprising one-night evangelism events in Allentown and York in Pennsylvania; Youngstown in Ohio; Flint in Michigan; Waukesha in Wisconsin; and Rochester in Minnesota. I believe this is where our nations backbone of hard work, grit, and determination lies, but so many people in our country are struggling. Theyre looking for hope, peace, and purpose in their lives, said Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in a statement shared with The Christian Post. Were coming to remind everyone there is Good News! God loves us, and He sent His Son Jesus Christ to Earth to save us from our sins, Graham added. The opening night will be in Allentown on Sept. 24. On the tours website, Graham explains, America is in desperate need of our prayers. Open hostility toward the truth of Gods Word seems to grow stronger all the time in every area of society. I want to share a straightforward Gospel message with people. More than 725 churches and pastors across all six cities are partnering with BGEA for the free tour, which will also include live music from Newsboys and Marcos Witt in select cities. Newsboys have had 33 No. 1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations and two American Music Award nominations. Witt is one of the most iconic Spanish-speaking Christian music artists in the world, and has received five Latin Grammys and two Billboard awards. Despite a global pandemic, economic challenges, and a war overseas, we believe the future continues to be bright because of the hope thats only found in Jesus Christ, Randy Landis, founding and senior pastor of Life Church in Allentown, the first city Graham will visit, said. Jon Schwartz, executive pastor of Life Church, said, We cant wait to see hope rise in the hearts of Allentownians and surrounding community members through the God Loves You Tour, Franklin Graham, Newsboys and Marcos Witt. BGEA says the tour is much more than the actual one-night gathering. In the months ahead of time, BGEA offers free evangelism training and preparation for local churches. Many who participate serve as prayer volunteers on the tour. More than 18,000 people attended Grahams recent God Loves You Tour in the U.K. and 1,400 people put their faith in Jesus Christ, according to CBN News. The U.K. tour, which began in May and concluded in July, included praise, worship, and music from award-winning Christian artists CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith. Graham held the tour despite opposition from some LGBT activists, including a Welsh Labour Party politician, due to his biblically-based views on marriage. Graham, who took legal action against U.K. venues that had canceled his tour events in 2020, said at the time that criticism was expected. They say, Well, youre offending a lot of people. Im not offending them, but Gods offending them, because its what God says. But my message is not against gay people or people that think differently or worship differently to us. My message is a message about love. Ron DeSantis calls racist Dollar General shooter major league scumbag at prayer vigil Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called the white man who fatally shot three black people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville because of their race, a major league scumbag at a prayer vigil for the victims Sunday where he was booed by some as he promised help for the grieving community. "What he did was totally unacceptable in the state of Florida. We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race. We are going to stand up, and we are going to do what we need to do, to make sure that evil does not triumph in the state of Florida," DeSantis said during a brief appearance at one of two prayer vigils held in the community to remember the shooting victims on Sunday. Another prayer vigil held at the St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville also featured elected officials. Officials say the 21-year-old white man, Ryan Palmeter, carried out his hate-filled attack shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern time at a Dollar General less than a mile from the small historically black Edward Waters University. Angela Michelle Carr, 52, Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr., 19, and Jerrald DeShaun Gallion, 29, were all fatally shot by Palmeter. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said at a press conference on Saturday night that Palmeter had sent three separate manifestos to his parents, the media and federal agents, detailing his disgusting ideology of hate. Plainly put, this shooting was racially motivated, and he hated black people. He wanted to kill n------. Thats the one and only time I will use that word, said Waters. DeSantis had to get support from Jacksonville councilwoman JuCoby Pittman as he tried to address mourners disconcerted by his presence at the prayer vigil. OK. Listen y'all, we fixin' to put parties aside. It ain't about parties today," she said to applause. "A bullet don't know a party, so don't get me started. Now if the governor wanted to come here and he bringing gifts to my community, yall know Im taking the gifts because weve been through enough already, and I dont want to go through no more, Pittman said as she urged the crowd to be respectful. DeSantis went on to promise that funds have been allocated for the community and he would announce more on Monday that would help the affected families beyond just security. He also noted that he is working with Edward Water University to ensure the university has what it needs. "Florida stands with the community. Help is on the way," the Florida governor said. Sabrina Rozier, the maternal grandmother of Gallions 4-year-old daughter, said in an interview with journalist Destiny McKeiver at the prayer vigil that the family had not yet told the girl that her father is dead. When his mom called me, Im thinking, just shot. When we found out, when I got the chance, that it was this, my heart melted for my granddaughter because she was his world, and he was her world, Rozier said. Now were trying to figure out how to tell her because we havent told her yet. The sheriff said Carr was sitting in a parking lot when she was shot without warning. At the end of his rampage, Palmeter took his own life. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime and offered condolences to those mourning the victims Sunday. Yesterday in Jacksonville, Florida, three people were killed in a horrific act of hate. In the wake of the mass shooting, FBI and ATF agents responded to the scene and are continuing to work closely with local law enforcement on the ground. The Justice Department is investigating this attack as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism. The entire Justice Department extends its deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims and to the Jacksonville community as they mourn an unimaginable loss, Garland said. No person in this country should have to live in fear of hate-fueled violence and no family should have to grieve the loss of a loved one to bigotry and hate. One of the Justice Departments first priorities upon its founding in 1870 was to bring to justice white supremacists who used violence to terrorize black Americans, he added. That remains our urgent charge today. The Justice Department will never stop working to protect everyone in our country from unlawful acts of hate. Rich Men North of Richmond Oliver Anthony reveals who he really is Just one hour east of Lynchburg, Virginia, lays a small, rural, unassuming town: Farmville. Unless you live in the area, you had probably never heard of Farmville that is until recently when Oliver Anthony put it on the map with his viral hit single, Rich Men North of Richmond. Much can be said of Oliver Anthony, or Chris as he humbly identifies, including personal struggles that he has transparently shared about since his viral video, and Ill dive into some of that in this article. In a truly grassroots fashion, Oliver Anthony grabbed a guitar and microphone, stood in the Virginia backwoods, and played his heart out, capturing the hearts of millions of Americans overnight as his song dominated social media and topped all the major charts. Because when millions of hardworking, downtrodden, working-class Americans white, black, Christian, conservative, or whatever their politics may be heard this man sing, they knew that he was singing about them. The lyrics of Rich Men North of Richmond tap into an uncomfortable and often unspoken and rarely so soulfully sung truth about life in our country right now: Its rigged against the common man. The lyrics of his song explore the themes of the forgotten man in America: the struggle to make ends meet and the pervasive influence of corrupt politicians and elites. You know, the ones who live in Washington, D.C., that little area of the map just a 100 miles north of Richmond. The mournful song is an unfiltered, gritty look into the reality of many hardworking Americans who find themselves overshadowed and forgotten. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals struggling to survive in an oppressive society, where wealth and power reside in the hands of a privileged few. And they use some strong language to deliver the gravity of his simmering frustration with the situation. Anthonys poignant words bring to light the dire consequences of a system that has broken the backs of those working overtime for crummy pay and who face increased marginalization in American society. He wears his heart on his sleeve, setting its message to a haunting bluegrass country tune, singing: Ive been sellin my soul, workin all day Overtime hours for bull- pay So I can sit out here and waste my life away Drag back home and drown my troubles away Its a - shame what the worlds gotten to For people like me and people like you Wish I could just wake up and it not be true But it is, oh, it is Livin in the new world With an old soul These rich men north of Richmond Lord knows they all just wanna have total control Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do And they dont think you know, but I know that you do Cause your dollar aint - and its taxed to no end Cause of rich men north of Richmond These verses encapsulate the frustration and desperation experienced by those who feel neglected and left behind, particularly in rural America, the Rust Belt, and Appalachia. The stark juxtaposition between the lives of the privileged and the struggles of the forgotten man highlights the growing divide in American society, where the elite seem oblivious to the hardships faced by the majority. Clearly, Rich Men North of Richmond has struck a chord with listeners all over the country. Its immense popularity can be attributed to its ability to give voice to the shared frustrations of Americans all across the political divide. The songs raw emotions and relatable narrative resonate with those who feel disconnected from the decision-makers and the true power of the nation. It serves as a rallying cry for change and demands a re-evaluation of the values that govern our society. In the last week, Anthony has gone from an obscure factory worker to one of the most well-known men in America. On Thursday, he took the time to introduce himself to his new fans on Facebook, sharing his deeply moving personal story that is full of setbacks, sin, repentance, and hope. He wrote: People in the music industry give me blank stares when I brush off 8 million dollar offers. I dont want 6 tour buses, 15 tractor trailers and a jet. I dont want to play stadium shows, I dont want to be in the spotlight. I wrote the music I wrote because I was suffering with mental health and depression. These songs have connected with millions of people on such a deep level because theyre being sung by someone feeling the words in the very moment they were being sung. No editing, no agent, no bull-. Just some idiot and his guitar. The style of music that we should have never gotten away from in the first place. So that being said, I have never taken the time to tell you who I actually am. Heres a formal introduction: My legal name is Christopher Anthony Lunsford. My grandfather was Oliver Anthony, and Oliver Anthony Music is a dedication not only to him, but 1930s Appalachia where he was born and raised. Dirt floors, seven kids, hard times. At this point, Ill gladly go by Oliver because everyone knows me as such. But my friends and family still call me Chris. You can decide for yourself, either is fine. In 2010, I dropped out of high school at age 17. I have a GED from Spruce Pine, NC. I worked multiple plant jobs in Western NC, my last being at the paper mill in McDowell county. I worked 3rd shift, 6 days a week for $14.50 an hour in a living hell. In 2013, I had a bad fall at work and fractured my skull. It forced me to move back home to Virginia. Due to complications from the injury, it took me 6 months or so before I could work again. From 2014 until just a few days ago, Ive worked outside sales in the industrial manufacturing world. My job has taken me all over Virginia and into the Carolinas, getting to know tens of thousands of other blue-collar workers on job sites and in factories. Ive spent all day, everyday, for the last 10 years hearing the same story. People are SO - tired of being neglected, divided and manipulated. Theres nothing special about me. Im not a good musician, Im not a very good person. Ive spent the last 5 years struggling with mental health and using alcohol to drown it. I am sad to see the world in the state its in, with everyone fighting with each other. I have spent many nights feeling hopeless, that the greatest country on Earth is quickly fading away. He closes by saying, Just like those once wandering in the desert, we have lost our way from God and have let false idols distract us and divide us. Its a shame. Along with the clearly Christian overtones of Anthonys life and struggle, it was remarkable to see him open up his first big live show since his viral hit by reading from the Bible. Before he played the song that everyone came to hear, he held his Bible and read Psalm 37:12-20, which speaks about Gods coming judgment on wicked and unjust rulers who use their power to exploit rather than serve those under their authority. From a Christian worldview, Rich Men North of Richmond sheds light on the biblical principles of justice, compassion, and the responsibility of government to act righteously, according to Gods standards. The corruption and indifference portrayed in the song echo the biblical warnings against the idolatry of wealth and power. The Bible consistently reminds believers of the dangers of greed and the obligation to use resources and influence to uplift others. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy, and faithfulness. When you pull the camera back, Anthonys success has been truly astounding. It speaks to the truth that America is still a land of amazing opportunity, even if that opportunity seems to be fading fast. It conveys the deep-seated sense of despair that so many feel right now that the America they know and love, that their parents and grandparents grew up in, might be gone for good. Its a heavy burden to be an old soul living in a new world. But Anthonys song helps make that burden just a little bit lighter. For all of its dark notes of distress, it carries with it a ringing, resonating register of hope hope that America might once again be the greatest nation on Earth. How can we play our part in this cultural moment to bring about that change? Not by writing another viral hit, but by following in Anthonys footsteps in prayer. We hit our knees and ask for Gods forgiveness and blessing on our new world, so that we might know Christ and make Him known. We remember that even if the rich men north of Richmond never answer to us, they will answer to God. And that is comfort enough for everyone who Wish I could just wake up and it not be true. Because one day it wont be true the day when God makes all things new, just like He promised. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. What do women really want this presidential election? What do women really want? Presidential candidates come and go; they say what they think American voters want to hear, and the two major parties always have a strategy for winning the womens vote. The real elephant in the room at the first GOP presidential debate on Wednesday in Milwaukee was not, as Bret Baier suggested, Donald Trump, but the issue of abortion. In fact, FOX made it the only issue in their lead-in video to debate. The media and pundits say abortion is a loser for Republicans because American women demand access to abortion, period, end of story. Women are not a monolith, nor are they all intent on killing their offspring. Since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson last year, which overturned a half-century of legalized abortion at the federal level, states have taken action one way or the other to protect life in the womb or expand access to abortion. The issue is now subject to the democratic process decided by legislators and legislation, not by a few judges. California, for example, is radically offering abortions to the ninth hour of the ninth month of pregnancy. Arkansas has banned it entirely. Sending it back to the states, however, as so many try to spin it, is a legislative tactic; its not the end goal. Sure, the closer an issue is to the people, the more it reflects the will of the people. But that does not mean there is no federal role for laws that limit abortion. In fact, there already are; the federal government cannot use taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. Of course, the Biden Administration ignores this law at every turn. Our goal is to save lives to cherish human beings who, as Scripture says, were fearfully and wonderfully made. So, the candidates on the stage Wednesday who indicated they would oppose any federal limits on abortion are totally out of step with the pro-life base of the party and the ones who brung em to the dance. In fact, hiding behind shifting the responsibility to the states totally. Four states and the District of Columbia have little to no limits to allow abortion up until birth. This is, as Senator Tim Scott said immoral and frankly, evil. The overwhelming majority of Republicans are pro-life, and we havent been fighting this battle for more than 50 years to just give up on any legislation at the federal level. The contrast with Democrats is clear on this issue. Their platform clearly says, Democrats oppose and will fight to overturn federal and state laws that create barriers to reproductive health and rights. We will repeal the Hyde Amendment and protect and codify the right to reproductive freedom. One of their presidential candidates, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stepped out of line with this radical position actually taking a sensible approach to late-term abortions saying, I believe that the decision to abort a child should be up to the woman during the first three months of life. When NBC reporter Ali Vitali pressed Kennedy on whether he would sign a federal cap limiting abortions to the first 15 weeks or the first 21 weeks of pregnancy, he once again reiterated his support for banning abortions after three months. Before the day was over, Kennedy backtracked, obfuscated, and recanted his professed support for limits on late-term abortion. Wow, if only pro-life leaders, most of whom are women, had that kind of power over GOP candidates that Big Abortion advocates have over Democrats. If we did, the GOP would not have failed to realize the landslide they were predicting last year in the midterm elections. Instead of using our messaging and suggested actions in the wake of Dobbs, they cowered in the corner not mentioning the issue while getting pummeled by the Democrats with $391 million in ads. If the GOP presidential candidates listened to pro-life leaders, the majority of whom are women, they would be doubling down on federal limits to abortion rather than trying to nuance it like Vivek Ramaswamy and Gov. Ron DeSantis have said the decision belongs to the states and former Ambassador Nikki Haleys consensus building exercise. We have a consensus! Around 70% of the American people have consistently said since the 1973 decision on Roe v. Wade that there should be limits on abortion. They oppose the 55,000 late-term abortions that take place in the country each year. For all those who wonder how conservative Christian women could have voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and may do so again in 2024, it is because he told us exactly what he believed and how he would act to restrict the horrors of late-term abortion when a baby cannot only feel pain, but most of the times can survive outside the womb. In that fateful debate with Hillary Clinton, Trump won the hearts of millions of American women by standing up to her and pointing out how extreme her position is in supporting the gruesome destruction of a baby that is clearly viable. Democrats have no shame in their position. Republicans should be as confident in being pro-life. Of course, the media will never ask the question of Democrats on a debate stage. Women are not looking for a pastor or a boyfriend when they look at a potential presidential candidate. They are looking for a bodyguard. Someone who will fight for them and protect what they hold dear, and the thing they hold most dear is children. Women also want someone who says what he (or she) means and means what he says. So my advice to the candidates dont skirt around the edges on the essentials. The life of the unborn is the biggest. Weve seen enough prevaricating politicians in our lives; women are looking for leadership. At least $68 million in state rental assistance intended for New York City languished unspent for months despite demands from Mayor Adams that the state and federal government cough up more cash to help with the citys migrant crisis, the Daily News has learned. The funds dispersed through New York States Rental Supplement Program were only approved for use Friday after The News began inquiring about it and after months of back and forth between the state and city. Its the third year of this program, and they havent spent a dime of it, said Judith Goldiner, attorney-in-charge of the Legal Aid Societys Civil Law Reform Unit. Its completely disgraceful that the city and the state are sitting on money that could be used to move homeless families out of shelter immediately. According to Goldiner, the state set aside $100 million per year for the last three years to be spent under the Rental Supplement Program. State records obtained by the Daily News support that assertion. Mayor Eric Adams is pictured during a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday July 19, 2023. The money is distributed to various localities throughout the state and much of it can be used to assist undocumented immigrants and the homeless, according to state records. State records also show that at least one of the annual city earmarks comes in at nearly 68%. According to officials with the states Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which administers the program, that first $68 million allocation has been the subject of delay for months because the citys plan omitted annual cost projections and would have run afoul of state regulations. Anthony Farmer, a spokesman for the states Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said Friday afternoon that the agency received an updated submission from the city tied to the $68 million rental supplement money hours ago a day after The News inquired with the mayors office about the delay. Hours later, Farmer said the state had approved the citys plan, thus unlocking the $68 million in rental supplement cash. Separately, cash allotments for subsequent years still havent been approved because a portion of the cash is required to go toward housing subsidies known as state FHEPS vouchers due to a change in state law in 2022. Unlike cash allocated through the Rental Supplement Program, those vouchers cannot be applied to undocumented immigrants due to federal restrictions. The holdup there stems from the city not fully calculating the reimbursement expenses its owed for those vouchers, state officials said. Jonah Allon, a spokesman for Mayor Adams, pointed to state divestment as the reason for the hold up and honed in on the fact that the city will now only receive one RSP allotment that isnt tied to voucher reimbursements. The money was initially intended to support vouchers for undocumented New Yorkers, but was diverted to fund the higher costs of state FHEPS, meaning that no funding is available for RSP after the first year, he said. This severely impacts New York Citys ability to use this funding for New Yorkers who are not eligible for other subsidies, including undocumented New Yorkers. Right now, nearly 60,000 migrants remain in the citys care and, as of Wednesday, nearly 83,000 people are being housed in city homeless shelters. So far, just over 101,000 migrants have come to the city since the spring of 2022. For months, Mayor Adams has called on both the state and federal government to step up assistance to the city, demanding the feds expedite work permits for migrants and the state implement a decompression strategy that spreads the burden to other localities. Last week Adams stepped up his calls on Gov. Hochul to do more to address the situation. Just days after Hochul announced the state would be putting an additional $20 million toward the case management of migrants asylum claims and social services needs, the city said in state court that it needs $37 million more from the Hochul administration to foot the entire bill. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters on June 7, 2023, in Albany, New York. Adams, who has projected that the citys cost for the migrant crisis could reach $12 billion by 2025, also urged Hochul to use her power to get other local governments throughout the state to pitch in, saying she can tap her executive powers to override county-level orders used to block the movement of migrants and that the right-to-shelter law that applies to the city should be applied evenly to other local governments throughout the state. But advocates like Goldiner and Christine Quinn, who heads the homeless service nonprofit Win, pointed out that the city should have been working more diligently to get additional state funding for rental assistance. Quinn said she began asking about the unused funding months ago. They have to implement that plan, and they have to do it quickly, she said. Why do they have to do it quickly? Because were begging for money in Washington as we should but if we have millions of unspent dollars, Washington is not going to give us more money. The mayor is right when he calls on Washington to give us more money, but we have to have our house in fiscal order, and we dont. Goldiner told The News that Legal Aid has been pressuring the city for a very long time because this money has just been sitting there and theyre not using it. The whole thing is crazy, she continued. Its another example of how both the city and the state dont seem to feel the urgency we all feel about whats going on, and they cant make something happen in a remotely timely way. Several hundred people gather at a rally near Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, August 24, 2023, to protest a plan to house migrants at the facility. According to state records, money from the state rental supplement program had been allocated to localities other than New York City prior to Friday. Erie County, where Hochul hails from, has received $3.8 million in rent assistance funding through the program, Nassau County has received $2 million and Suffolk has gotten $2.6 million. City Councilwoman Diana Ayala, who heads the Councils General Welfare Committee, said it makes absolutely no sense that the city still hasnt received its share. Right now, were just maintaining. Were not moving, she said. This money, if its there, could help. Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, described the delays as emblematic of the Adams administrations failure to focus more energy on getting asylum seekers and homeless New Yorkers into permanent housing. The Adams administration has fought this idea at every turn, and is instead opening more and more expensive emergency shelters, he said. If there is funding that is being left on the table by the Adams administration, they need to immediately fix that. Former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows took the witness stand Monday in a high-stakes effort to get his part of the sprawling Georgia election interference case moved from state to federal court. Meadows answered questions for hours about his role as former President Donald Trumps top lieutenant as he argued that he was only doing his job when he helped Trumps alleged scheme to overturn his loss in the 2020 election. The ex-chief of staff needs to convince U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones that all his actions were taken as part of his federal job as Trumps right-hand man. Prosecutors from Atlantas Fulton County counter that Meadows was acting purely as a political acolyte of Trump when he helped orchestrate the election plot in the Peach State and elsewhere. Meadows decision to take the stand was considered by legal analysts to be a rare move in such a pretrial proceeding. President Donald Trump walks with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows after returning to the White House from an event at the WWII memorial in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2020. Other defendants have made similar motions but their legal arguments are considered weaker than those of Meadows. Trump himself is likely to ask for a federal court to hear his case. Even if the case is heard in federal court, it would be held under state law meaning any convictions would not be eligible for a presidential pardon, as they would be with federal convictions. Meadows, a former conservative North Carolina congressman, was charged earlier this month along with Trump and 17 co-defendants in a sprawling racketeering case. He turned himself in for processing last week. All the defendants, who are set to be arraigned on Sept. 6, face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. Meadows is accused of helping Trumps scheme by setting up meetings and putting pressure on Georgia lawmakers. He even journeyed to Atlanta to assess a state effort to check ballots. He was on the line with Trump during an infamous January 2021 phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, during which Trump demanded the official find exactly enough votes needed for him to outstrip Joe Bidens lead. Meadows may have a tough time convincing Jones that he was acting in his role as a federal official. Every single one of these activities fell outside the scope of his duties, both as a matter of fact and as a matter of law, prosecutors argued in legal papers. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis subpoenaed several witnesses to appear at Mondays hearing, including Raffensperger, former election investigator Frances Watson, and two Trump election lawyers who were not named in the indictment. They have submitted excerpts of depositions including that of Cassidy Hutchinson, the former Meadows assistant who gave to congressional Jan. 6 investigators a withering account of her boss role in Trumps alleged plot to block Bidens win from being certified. This combination of pictures created on August 25, 2023 shows the booking photos released by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office of former US President Donald Trump (L),(top L to R) former New York City Mayor and attorney of former US President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, poll watcher Scott Hall, former US president Donald Trump lawyer Robert Cheeley, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, executive director of Black Voices For Trump Floyd Harrison, Georgia state Senator Shawn Still,(center L to R) former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party David Shafer, former Donald Trump campaign official Mike Roman, former US president Donald Trump lawyer Ray Smith, former Coffee County elections supervisor Misty Hampton, former US president Donald Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, former US president Donald Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, (bottom L to R) Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti, former US President Donald Trumps White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, former GOP chair for Coffee County and a member of the Georgia Republican Partys executive committee Cathy Latham, chaplain and former law enforcement officer Stephen Cliffgard Lee, former US president Donald Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis, former US president Donald Trump lawyer John Eastman. In response to prosecutors, Meadows defense lawyers said he only needs to prove that he was acting under the color of his federal duties, calling it a very low threshold. If he succeeds in getting the case moved to federal court, Meadows would likely seek to get the charges dismissed on the grounds he was simply playing a ministerial role in the alleged scheme. Four others charged in the indictment are already seeking to move their case to federal court, including ex-Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark. The other three former Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer, Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still and Cathy Latham are among the fake electors who signed a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declared themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. They may have inadvertently damaged Trumps defense by asserting that they only signed the bogus documents at the direction of other Trump officials, effectively pointing the finger at co-defendants higher up on the Trump food chain. A judge last week set an Oct. 23 trial date after another Trump aide, campaign lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, invoked his right to a speedy trial. Willis wants to try Trump together with Chesebro and the 18 alleged co-plotters. But Trump plans to ask for a delay and will likely push for his trial to be delayed well past the 2024 election. U.S. Judge Tanya Chutkan Monday set a March 4 date for the federal trial of Trump on similar charges he sought to overturn the election, a push that culminated with the violent Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Transparenta Consiliului Superior al Procurorilor, intre a fi sau a nu fi. Ce constatari se regasesc intr-un raport prezentat de CRJM? Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele The most massive Loch Ness monster search in half a century may have been a bust. While organizers are still evaluating the data gathered during a weekend-long blitz of the Scottish Highlands lake with state-of-the-art technology, the weekend yielded no conclusive evidence of the creature, German news outlet DW reported Sunday. This undated file photo shows a shadowy shape that some people say is a the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. Earlier this month, the organizers Scotlands Loch Ness Center in partnership with research outfit Loch Ness Exploration invited budding monster hunters to spend a weekend participating in the most detailed search for the mythical beast in 50 years. Hundreds of people stepped up, and over Saturday and Sunday, volunteers peeled their eyes for breaks in the water and any inexplicable movements, as the center instructed. They scanned the water from 17 locations along the shore around the lake, from boats and from webcams monitored by volunteers around the world. Their efforts complemented the use of thermal-imaging drones, infrared cameras and a hydrophone to detect underwater sounds 21st-century technology that had never been tried at the lake. We did hear something. We heard four distinctive gloops, search leader Alan McKenna told Reuters. We all got a bit excited, ran to go make sure the recorder was on, and it wasnt plugged in. In addition to searching for the mythical beast, Loch Ness Center spokeswoman said organizers hoped to inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts. I believe there is something in the loch, said volunteer Craig Gallifrey. I do think that theres got to be something thats fueling the speculation. Loch Ness monster legends date as far back as 565 A.D., according to DW. The Irish monk Saint Columba detailed an attack on a swimmer by a mysterious creature. At the start of the search, Gallifrey voiced faith that the legend will continue no matter the results. I think its just the imagination of something being in the largest body of water in the U.K. Theres a lot more stories, he said. Theres still other things, although theyve not been proven. Theres still something quite special about the loch. The loch is the largest lake by volume in the U.K. 23 miles long and as deep as 788 feet. The possibility of a lurking monster has tantalized many, some of them since childhood. I chose the Loch Ness monster as my essay assignment, and I thought, Oh, 20 years later it comes full circle, so I might as well come and join the hunt since I heard it was happening, U.S. volunteer Caroline McNamara told Reuters, saying her fascination began when she was in school. Conditions were tough, she noted. The waves were really choppy. The rain was really coming down and there were a lot of boats on the water, McNamara was quoted as saying. They all came up and waved, and Im like, This is a bad time, were trying to listen for Nessie. But it is what it is. With News Wire Services Consimtamantul pentru Antecedente / Verificare de lichidare Eu, confirm ca am aplicat la Secretariatul de Pre-Verificare/ Verificare a Procurorilor si recunosc ca candidatura mea este supusa unei verificari de antecedente / de validare efectuata de Centrul National Anticoruptie (CNA) din Moldova. Furnizarea datelor mele personale, copia pasaportului meu, CV-ul si semnatura de mai jos servesc drept consimtamant pentru ca datele mele personale sa fie verificate de catre CNA pentru a finaliza verificarea antecedentelor/autorizatiei necesare. Inteleg ca rezultatele verificarii antecedentelor/autorizatiei mele vor fi transmise catre Dexis Consulting Group ca autoritate de angajare si contractare pentru postul la care am aplicat. De asemenea, confirm ca urmatoarele sunt atasate aici ca parte a transmiterii mele: __XX_ Copie pe fata si spatele pasaportului meu __XX_ CV-ul actual care arata toate angajarile si studiile anterioare. The medias coverage of Vivek Ramaswamys presidential campaign has been characterized by an overzealous sense of hype and speculation. Rather than objectively examining his policies, qualifications, and potential impact, many outlets have sensationalized his candidacy, portraying it as a revolutionary force without substantial evidence to support such claims. This overhyping not only distorts the publics understanding of his candidacy but also undermines the credibility of the media by prioritizing sensationalism over substantive reporting. Responsible journalism should critically analyze candidates platforms and track records, holding them accountable for their promises and actions rather than prematurely elevating them to a status they may not yet warrant. The medias tendency to overinflate the significance of Ramaswamys campaign risks detracting from the genuine policy debates that should be the focus of a presidential race. Okay, so I didnt write the aboveI had ChatGPT do it, in response to the prompt Write a paragraph of media criticism about coverage overhyping Vivek Ramaswamys presidential campaign, and inspired by a zinger that Chris Christie, Ramaswamys rival for the Republican nomination, launched in his direction during last weeks primary debate on Fox News. (Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie said, in response to Ramaswamys polished talking points.) But my AI-generated media criticism is as good a summation as any of myand many othersfeelings about coverage of Ramaswamy, which, following the debate, seemed to reach maximum hype. Reporting for The Free Press, Olivia Reingold noted that journalists mobbed Ramaswamy in the post-debate spin room. (When a staffer for a rival candidate offered an interview to CNN, its reporter replied, Sorry, they really want Vivek.) So begins a now familiar sequence of events, The New Yorkers Jay Caspian Kang wrote: Ramaswamys gleeful trolling got the most attention, which will, in turn, drive more press coverage, which then will lead to better name recognition and a boost in the polls. This sequence of events didnt begin with the debate: Ramaswamy has been a character, if not the main character, in national political media for a while, despite being a political outsider. (He is typically described in media shorthand as a biotech entrepreneur.) Last year, he was a regular guest on Tucker Carlsons Fox show and was profiled by The New Yorker, which dubbed him the C.E.O of anti-woke, inc. (By mocking corporate virtue-signalling on climate change and racial justice, the subheading read, Ramaswamy is becoming a right-wing star.) According to ABC, before he jumped into the presidential race, Ramaswamy was in talks to front a new project at the right-wing Daily Wire; since his campaign launch, he has been hypervisible across the media landscape. Politicos Adam Wren noted recently that Ramaswamy has appeared on upward of a hundred and fifty podcasts since February and at one point did thirty interviews in a day. (When Wren spent time with Ramaswamy at the latters two-million-dollar Ohio estate, he had a light day consisting of just five hours of interviews; during one of them, Ramaswamy asked Wren to quiet a housekeeper who was making noise.) All politicians seek out the glare of cameras and banks of microphones, Wren wrote, but no one this cycle has been as eager about getting in front of the media as Ramaswamy. Even last week, it wasnt the debate that unleashed Ramaswamys first squall of national headlines. Last Monday, The Atlantic published a profile by John Hendrickson, who asked Ramaswamy about January 6 and was treated to a conspiratorial-sounding disquisition on 9/11. (I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers, Ramaswamy said. I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to.) Later, on CNN, Kaitlan Collins asked Ramaswamy to clarify his remarks; Ramaswamy claimed that The Atlantic had misquoted him. This is just lifting the curtain on how media works, he said. In response, The Atlantic published audio showing that, in fact, Ramaswamy had not been misquoted. (Ramaswamys campaign now insists that he was quoted out of context.) If his critics viewed this episode as telling of Ramaswamys integrity, it was telling, too, of other facets of his public persona. First, it pointed to a media strategy built on using the mainstream media as a platform while simultaneously bashing it; others have danced this two-step (look no further than Donald Trump), but its hard to think of a candidateat least one starting from such a relative lack of mainstream renownwho has leaned as hard into mainstream interviews and respected their polished, debate-meet codes while also regurgitating talking points more often heard in right-wing media silos. (As I wrote recently, Ron DeSantis has started down this road, but far less convincingly.) Second, the episode was a testament to Ramaswamys flip-flopping. For me, the most notable part of his Atlantic exchange wasnt his initial invocation of 9/11, but that he quickly seemed to backtrack, calling any comparison with January 6 ridiculous. Both of these facets were in evidence again yesterday as Ramaswamy became the main character on NBCs and CNNs Sunday shows, where he was challenged over his recent rhetoric and its apparent inconsistencies with what hes said in the past. Asked by CNNs Dana Bash about an attack in Jacksonville on Saturday in which a white gunman shot and killed three Black people, Ramaswamy, in part, blamed the media and the establishment for throwing kerosene on racism in America. (One of Ramaswamys oft-quoted campaign truths is that reverse racism is racism.) Bash then asked Ramaswamy whether he stood by his remarks likening Ayanna Pressley, a Black Democratic congresswoman, to the grand wizards of the KKK. Ramaswamy said, I stand by what I said to provoke an open and honest discussion in this country. With the word provoke, Ramaswamy seemed to say the quiet part out loud. Sign up for CJR 's daily email If you squint, its possible to see Ramaswamy as a prominent spokesperson for ideological trends that demand scrutiny and elucidation; at least some of his viewson gutting the federal bureaucracy, for instance, and on Ukrainewould seem to situate him within the much-discussed, but somewhat nebulous, universe of the New Right. But in other ways, his politics and pronouncements seem all over the mapand, as Wren put it, his attention-grabbing takes might come more from a desire to be contrarian rather than from deeply held beliefs. (Sometimes, they betray a poor grasp of basic civics.) Ultimately, my ChatGPT media criticism has it right: too much coverage of Ramaswamy has sensationalized him as a character rather than interrogating his views, trading in the shallow language of debate zingers, winners, and losers; of optics and of polling. As the (very real) media critic Margaret Sullivan wrote in The Guardian following the debate, the Ramaswamy hype is proof, if any were needed, that the press will always fall for the attention-seeking, the policy-unencumbered, the candidate quickest with a demeaning insult. Thats a winner, apparently. Yesterday, Bill Grueskin, my occasional collaborator in this newsletter, mused that the medias squirrel! attention span appears to have shifted to Ramaswamy from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the conspiracy-touting Democratic candidate who himself devoured podcast airtime and profile space in prestige magazines earlier in the summer. Grueskins observation rings true. But I think the two candidates media moments have reflected slightly different dynamics. As has also been true for Ramaswamy, the Kennedy hype stemmed in part from horserace considerations like his (supposed) success in the pollsbut it also stemmed from his irresistible backstory and his (questionable, in my view) status as an avatar of zeitgeisty anxieties around disinformation. To my mind, Ramaswamy is a more classic media character: the shiny object. While they are polar opposites politically, his media rise puts me in mind of Pete Buttigieg, who, as I wrote ahead of the 2020 Democratic primaries, hyperactively doled out media access and made himself flavor of the month, without offering much substance. Indeed, Ramaswamy told Wren recently that Buttigiegs long-shot 2020 bid convinced me that I could run for president this time around. In the end, Buttigieg parlayed his early exposure into a more durable media moment; he is now President Bidens secretary of transportation and considered a leading future presidential candidate. It would be churlish to attribute his rise entirely to media attention, but we undeniably gave him a big push. As I wrote recently, those with the resources to run for president effectively have the ability to hack our attention economyand, while they merit media scrutiny, we should be self-conscious of our complicity in their ambitions. While the ostensible predicate for the hype around Ramaswamythat he could become presidentstill seems far-fetched, its not hard to imagine him parlaying his newfound celebrity into some other, very real form of power, be that in a Republican cabinet or at the Daily Wire, or some other perch within conservative media. If ChatGPT is at the heart of many contemporary concerns about the state of our information ecosystem, Ramaswamy is a reminder that some of its problems are less newfangled. The journalist David Roberts perhaps put it best when he wrote over the weekend that Ramaswamy is a powerful reminder that our attention economy is deeply broken. It rewards exactly what hes doing; it selects for people like him. Other notable stories: ICYMI: The scowl seen round the world Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. When countries adopt a global fund for climate disaster losses and damages at this years U.N. climate conference, the U.S. will be arguing to efficiently limit its use, said U.S. officials giving a first glimpse of how Washington is seeking to shape the new fund. With wealthy nations slow to deliver $100 billion annually to help countries reduce emissions and adapt to a warmer world, poorer nations successfully demanded at last years COP27 climate summit separate funding for loss and damage, including a dedicated fund, which countries will adopt this year. In climate negotiations, loss and damage refers to existing costs incurred from climate-fueled weather impacts, such last years devastating Pakistan flooding. The new Loss and Damage fund should target the most vulnerable countries and focus on areas not already covered by development banks or emergency relief funds, two U.S. State Department officials told Reuters. The U.S. is part of a 24-country committee deciding how the fund will work before the COP28 climate summit in Dubai can officially adopt it this year. The committee will meet again next week in the Dominican Republic. We dont really want redundancy with existing funds, because thats not an effective and efficient way to deal with the issue, said Sue Biniaz, deputy special envoy for climate at the State Department, in an exclusive interview. Instead, she said, the new fund should develop an expertise as opposed to covering everything in the universe. The U.S. had wanted a two-year process to analyze funding gaps before launching a fund, but it went along with the COP27 consensus for action this year, Biniaz said. At the committees last meeting in July, the U.S. proposed focusing the fund on covering slow-onset events such as sea level rise and desertification, as such needs can fall through the funding cracks, said Christina Chan, managing director for adaptation at the State Department and U.S. representative on the committee. She said the U.S. also suggested the fund be used for post-disaster reconstruction if a country needs more beyond eligible development bank grants. The U.S. position on loss and damage has evolved in recent years, from a point at which Washington and the EU resisted even discussing the issue for fear of legal liability for historic emissions. Both voted to approve new funding arrangements under the condition that the fund not be about liability for rich countries and compensation. Biniaz said she violently opposes arguments by some countries and environmental groups that developed countries have a legal obligation to pay into the fund. Nonprofit Action Aid has said, for example, that the 1992 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change implies this obligation with the idea that industrialized nations responsible for emitting most of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the last century should do more to address climate change. Thats just completely inaccurate, she said on whether developed countries are liable, adding that the 2015 Paris Agreement did not include such an obligation. Instead, both Washington and Brussels say the fund should be filled from myriad sources including industry taxes, philanthropic donations or other schemes. Biniaz said one example might be revenues from the U.S.-proposed carbon reduction accelerator. The U.S. and EU have also said a big economy like China could contribute. Biniaz said this came up during recent bilateral meetings with China, but she did not offer more details. Other negotiators and officials have proposed ideas including creating new revenue streams through taxing environmental pollution, such as methane emissions or shipping pollution and windfall profits from oil and gas. We need to have a global system with a broad contribution heavily weighted to the richest people to make the biggest contribution, said Avinash Persaud, special finance envoy to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. This could mean that some emerging economies would contribute if they continue with polluting practices. With many national budgets strained, Persaud said the idea of taxing emissions was gaining popularity in some countries. Another sticking point likely to emerge is who should benefit from a fund, with disagreement over which countries are most vulnerable Its very difficult to create a straight cut dividing eligible and noneligible, said Dileimy Orzoco, senior policy advisor at climate advisory group E3G. The worlds least developed nations want the fund to be limited to the neediest nations. Others worry that such a narrow definition will leave out some of the worst hit by climate impacts, such as middle-income countries like Pakistan or the Philippines. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; editing by Katy Daigle and Josie Kao) Viasat Inc. has more than $1 billion of orbiting satellites in trouble, and space insurers are girding for market-rattling claims. The companys roughly $1 billion ViaSat-3 Americas satellite, central to expanding its fixed-broadband coverage and fending off rivals including Elon Musks Starlink, suffered an unexpected problem as it deployed its antenna in orbit in April. Should Viasat declare it a total loss, industry executives estimate the claim would reach a record-breaking $420 million and, in turn, make it harder and more expensive for other satellite operators to get insurance. Because of the financial risk associated with insuring such an expensive satellite, ViaSat-3 is probably covered by several policies across different companies. No one single insurer wants to take the risk by itself, said Denis Bensoussan, who heads the satellite insurance business for Beazley Insurance, a syndicate of Lloyds of London, one of the panel of insurers for ViaSat-3. No other major insurer was willing to publicly disclose its role as an underwriter of the satellite. Viasat on Aug. 24 reported another stricken spacecraft, saying its Inmarsat-6 F2 satellite launched in February suffered a power problem. The failure may end the crafts useful life and result in a $350 million insurance claim, Space Intel Report said. Viasats troubles in orbit come a few years after big-name insurers like American International Group Inc. and Allianz SE have shuttered their space portfolios. Thats left a smaller pool of providers to absorb the risks in the notoriously high-stakes $553 million market. While major telecommunication firms with multimillion-dollar satellites still desire coverage, other space operators focused on launching large batches of smaller satellites into low-Earth orbit such as Musks Space Exploration Technologies Corp. arent doing the same. To them, the loss of one satellite isnt a major issue. Viasat executives said its too early to speculate on whether it will file a claim. Theres no consequences to us taking another couple or three months to get good measurements and then making those decisions, Viasats Chief Executive Officer Mark Dankberg told analysts on Aug. 9 after the company posted better-than-expected quarterly results. Investors are worried, though. Shares in Viasat plunged 28% in a record single-day drop after its July announcement of the ViaSat-3 problem. Executives said the satellites problem would curb growth in 2025, though the impact was limited to its fixed-broadband service, only about 13% of its business. The companys ViaSat-2 satellite launched in 2017 also experienced an antenna anomaly, triggering a $188 million claim, William Blairs Louie DiPalma told clients last month. This one hurts much worse though because the wait has been so long, and because Viasat has been experiencing pressure from SpaceX, DiPalma said. Following news of the Inmarsat-6 anomaly, Viasat and other industry participants will likely experience significant challenges with obtaining insurance for future satellite launches, DiPalma said in an Aug. 25 note. Higher Premiums A $420 million loss would eclipse the largest-ever standing satellite loss of roughly 345 million ($373 million) for the FalconEye 1 satellite in 2019. While big for the satellite insurance market, losses can stretch into the billions of dollars in other markets like aviation. When massive satellite losses occur, its often followed by a small exodus of players in the industry. As insurers leave, premiums tend to rise, according to industry experts. In 2019, the total losses from satellite claims amounted to $788 million, which overwhelmed the total premiums for the year at $500 million, according to launch and satellite database Seradata. In the years that followed, big names like American International Group Inc., Swiss Re AG, and Allianz SE all closed the door on satellite insurance. And if the pool of insurers shrinks, the remaining insurers will play it safer. People will be less keen to deploy capital on sort of risky, challenging satellites or challenging projects, said Beazleys Bensoussan. Or they will demand more premium for that or they will restrict coverage. Satellite Insurance The basics of satellite insurance work more or less like property insurance. Satellite operators like Viasat will typically pay premiums for covering the vehicles first year in orbit, with the option to renew, as well as the potential for a catastrophic failure on the launchpad. If the mission fails, they can be made whole, said Patton Kline, managing director at insurance brokerage Marsh. They can go out and buy a launch service, buy another satellite, and perform the mission again. For smaller satellites, operators can potentially get coverage from one insurer. However, when satellites reach the range of hundreds of millions of dollars, operators typically have to turn to a handful of insurers to reach full coverage. As of now, there are roughly 20 to 30 players in satellite insurance. Some of the challenges we face are low frequency of losses, but high severity, Chris Kunstadter, global head of space at insurer AXA SA, said. So they dont happen often, but when they do, theyre big. AXA declined to comment on whether they were involved in ViaSat-3s coverage. Marsh, another insurer, said it was not involved in the satellites placement. With so many insurers on the hook for this massive payout, premiums on satellite insurance are likely to increase in the months ahead, according to insurers, raising costs for satellite operators. That jolt to the market should abate over time, but its also coming at a time when insurers have left a market known for high volatility and high-stakes losses. Crowded Space The number of active satellites in orbit has roughly quadrupled in recent years, fueled by the rise of mega-constellations such as SpaceXs Starlink, increasing the potential for satellites to collide in space. If that happens, rates could go up for those particular satellites, Marshs Kline said. SpaceX does not insure its satellites, according to insurers. As more venture-backed companies join the scene and inject smaller satellites into low-Earth orbit, the desire for satellite insurance has waned. When sending up large batches of small to medium satellites at once, the loss of one or more of those spacecraft isnt so dire especially compared to the loss of one massive satellite like the roughly 13,000-pound ViaSat-3. A lot of premium is missing, Bensoussan said. And thats probably one of the reasons why even though the space industry is very, very dynamic and is growing a lot, the space insurance market is not growing. It has remained fairly stable. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Dollar Tree Inc. and subsidiary Family Dollar have entered an agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to make operational changes within two years. The Department of Labors OSHA said it has cited the stores throughout the U.S. multiple times for safety violations such as blocked exits, improper material storage, and access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels. As part of the deal, the companies in the future will correct hazards within 48 hours, and submit proof to OSHA or face fines of up to $500,000. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have also agreed to pay $1.35 million in penalties to settle existing violations that were either contested or being inspected. First-quarter gross profit at Dollar Tree was about $2.2 billion, according to a company press release, on net sales of about $7.3 billion. The company expects net sales for fiscal year 2023 to be about $30 billion, it said. Chesapeake, Virginia-based Dollar Tree Inc. operates more than 16,000 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar locations in 48 states and five Canadian provinces. OSHA said Dollar Tree will form safety advisory groups with extensive employee representation, enhance hazard identification and control programs, develop an audit program, create a new employee training program, and hire additional safety professionals. We know that every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the workday, said Julie Su, action secretary of labor. Through our robust enforcement of workplace protections and use of innovative legal methods that resulted in this agreement, thousands of workers will have a healthier, safer and more certain future. In a June press release announcing fines for repeat violations against a Family Dollar location in Texas, OSHA officials said hazards were a recurring theme, and that safety conditions presented potential for tragic consequences. In another June press release to announce hazardous conditions at stores in Rhode Island, OSHA said its federal and state programs identified over 300 violations in over 500 inspections at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores since 2017. OSHA said Dollar Tree has also agreed to maintain a 24-hour hotline to receive safety complaints, establish a system to ensure complaints are addressed, and hold quarterly meetings with OSHA to discuss progress with improvements. Dollar Tree Inc. first entered a settlement with OSHA in 2015 but that agreement ended in 2018. Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said the new agreement was made because these companies had already taken substantial steps to address the systemic issues, which gave us confidence that this innovative approach would work. Our company is in the midst of a business transformation, and at the heart of it all is our continued focus on safety for our more than 200,000 associates, said Mike Creedon, chief operating officer at Dollar Tree, Inc., in a statement. We are implementing substantial safety policies, procedures, and training, all intended to safeguard the wellbeing of our associates. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with OSHA on our safety initiatives as we move forward, seeking to establish our position as a leading retailer in workplace safety. Tropical Storm Idalia is set to strengthen as it heads north through the Gulf of Mexico, threatening to strike Floridas west coast Wednesday as a tree-snapping major hurricane. Idalias winds held at 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour and are forecast to reach Category 3 strength at 115 mph as the storm makes landfall Wednesday after hitting western Cuba, the US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 11 a.m. New York time. Depending on its exact track, Idalia could cause up to $10 billion in damage and losses, according to a disaster modeling firm Enki Research. Steady to rapid intensification is predicted beginning Tuesday, Daniel Brown, a senior hurricane specialist at the center, wrote in an analysis. The forecast calls for Idalia to reach major hurricane strength before landfall along the Gulf coast of Florida. Rapid intensification means Idalias winds could jump by 35 mph or more in a day, a burst of strength that sometimes takes officials and residents by surprise as a storm approaches. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis extended his emergency declaration to cover 46 counties, up from 33 earlier this weekend. President Joe Biden also approved federal emergency declarations for Florida, allowing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts. Evacuation orders were coming for barrier islands and low-lying areas areas along the states Gulf Coast, DeSantis said at a press conference Monday. Because the storms track can change before it makes landfall, he warned residents all along the coast, from Tampa to the Florida Panhandle, to be prepared. We cant unring the bell if someone stays and does battle with Mother Nature, DeSantis said. This is not something you want to do battle with. Tens of thousands of power linemen and hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel are being pre-positioned, along with urban search and rescue teams, DeSantis said. There are some 2,500 National Guard and Airmen in the area and an additional 3,000 are on the way. Be prepared to lose power, DeSantis said. In addition to its winds, Idalia could push as much as 11 feet of water onto the shore from the Aucilla River to Chassahowitzka, Florida, and up to 7 feet into Tampa Bay, as well as drench a large area as far north as the Carolinas with up to 8 inches of rain. Flooding downpours that could spark landslides are also expected across western Cuba as the storm moves north. Barge traffic moving fuel along the US Gulf Coast to Florida is down, according to Ned Bowman, executive director of the Florida Fuel Marketers Association. Meanwhile, demand is surging for gasoline as Floridians fill up for possible evacuations as well as for diesel for backup power generation, Bowman said. Florida is mainly supplied via waterborne shipments from refiners in Texas and Louisiana. The Coast Guard has closed the ports of Tampa, Manatee, St. Petersburg and Fort Myers to incoming traffic in advance of Idalia. The exact spot Idalia will come ashore isnt certain. It cannot be emphasized enough that only a small deviation in the track could cause a significant change in Idalias landfall location, Brown wrote. If it reaches forecast strength, Idalia would be the first major hurricane to hit Florida since last September when Hurricane Ian struck the western part of the state as a Category 4 storm, killing at least 150 people and causing more than $112 billion in damage, the hurricane center said. Idalia is expected to stay in the eastern Gulf, away from offshore oil and natural gas production. Most of the key citrus areas in central Florida would not be seriously impacted, World Weather Inc. President Drew Lerner said. However, Idalia may affect agriculture across the South, as well as bring widespread power outages and snarl land and air travel. Meanwhile to the east, Hurricane Franklins winds have reached 115 mph, making a Category 3 storm as it churns in the Atlantic southwest of Bermuda. Despite its power, Franklin is currently forecast to miss any inhabited areas and head out to sea. With assistance from Immanual John Milton, Jim Wyss, Sheela Tobben and Chunzi Xu. Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. United Airlines has agreed to a $30 million settlement after a deplaning incident left a quadriplegic man in a vegetative state, court papers show. The settlement with the family of Nathaniel Foster Jr, known as N.J., was disclosed on Tuesday in San Francisco federal court, and reached after one day of trial. It arose from the treatment of Foster, who had been using a wheelchair, ventilator and tracheal tube, as he and his family were disembarking from a Feb. 8, 2019 United Express flight to Monroe, Louisiana, where they had traveled to attend a funeral. The family said a ramp supervisor aggressively and forcefully pushed Foster, causing his body to jerk forward and then slouch back, with his feet dragging along the floor. According to a complaint, Fosters mother sought help after she heard him whisper I cant breathe, but a gate agent giggled and told a surgeon who offered help we got this, prompting him to sit down. Foster then went into cardiac arrest. Now 26, Foster has significant brain damage, cannot speak or eat solid foods, and is expected to live to age 31-1/2, down from 39 before the incident, court papers show. The settlement requires court approval, and is fair and reasonable according to the plaintiffs. They have been caring for Foster at their home in Pleasant Hill, California. Our top priority is to provide a safe journey for all our customers, especially those who require additional assistance or the use of a wheelchair, United said in a statement Wednesday. We are pleased to share that this matter has settled. Lawyers for Fosters family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. About $12 million from the settlement would cover legal fees, and $3 million would cover other costs. The case is Foster et al v United Airlines Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 19-02530. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Editing by Nick Zieminski) CLEVELAND, Ohio A council member from Brook Park is accused of shooting off fireworks in the city, where they are banned, court records show. Councilman Brian Poindexter pleaded not guilty Friday to three charges of discharging or exploding fireworks, a misdemeanor, during his arraignment, according to Berea Municipal Court records. A document in Poindexters case indicates the incident took place July 3. He was charged Aug. 11. Poindexter was reelected as an at-large member of council in 2019. Poindexter and his attorney, Christopher Godinsky, declined to provide a comment Monday afternoon. Brook Park is part of a list of Northeast Ohio suburbs that have banned fireworks. In 2022, the city opted out of an Ohio law that allows fireworks to be discharged on private property. In 2021, state lawmakers passed House Bill 172, which allows people to discharge, ignite or explode fireworks on certain days of the year, including the Fourth of July. These include firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles. Cities are allowed to opt out of the law, which went into effect last summer. Most Cleveland suburbs have decided to ban the private use of fireworks. Those caught shooting them off face misdemeanors. This ordinance keeps intact the ordinance we already have in place, Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt told council last year. Our homes are just too close (for private fireworks discharges). Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to the city and police for more information about the incident. BRUNSWICK, Ohio When locals found out last week that the Honey Hut Ice Cream franchise in Brunswick is closing at seasons end, many were upset about losing their frozen favorite treat. Its replacement by the Rosatis Frozen Custard brand in spring 2024, owned and operated by the same family, wasnt comforting. RELATED: Rosatis Frozen Custard to replace Honey Hut in Brunswick, brings Higbees Chocolate Malted to Medina County The Taliban has now banned women from a famous, family-filled national park because they are allegedly ditching their hijab once inside. The Vice and Virtue Ministry of the regime that seized power in 2021 and is known for its atrocities and its ever-tightening restrictions on women said that failure to wear an Islamic head scarf was the culprit. The list of things forbidden to women could read like an inverted Dr. Seuss title, Oh the Places You Cant Go: higher education is banned, employment is off the table, beauty salons are closed, working out at a gym is off limits and most public spaces, including parks, are closed to women. In this photo taken Tuesday, June 16, 2009, visitors enjoy the view of a lake in Band-e-Amir, in the central Afghanistans province of Bamiyan. Now Band-e-Amir national park has been added to the list, in a move that also in effect bars families from the UNESCO site. Taliban security forces have been told to stop allowing women into one of the countrys most famous tourist attractions an UNESCO World Heritage site known as Afghanistans Grand Canyon. Its a series of mountain lakes connected by natural dams made of mineral deposits of travertine. When it was established in 2009 in concert with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the park employed the countrys first-ever women park rangers, according to The Guardian. Women and our sisters cannot go to Band-e-Amir until we agree on a principle, Vice and Virtue Minister Mohammad Khalid Hanafi said in remarks last week after visiting central Bamiyan province, where the park is located. Ministry spokesman Molvi Mohammad Sadiq Akif shared a report of Hanafis remarks on Saturday, in which the minister directed not only security forces but also clerics and elders to enforce the ban. The cascading collection of deep-blue high-mountain lakes became Afghanistans first provisional national park in 2009. The security agencies, elders and the inspectors should take action in this regard, he said, according to Afghan news channel Tolo news. Going for sightseeing is not obligatory. The ban was revealed on Womens Equality Day, noted Fereshta Abbasi of Human Rights Watch, calling the move a total disrespect to the women of Afghanistan, according to BBC News. The United Nations and numerous human rights groups have already come down on the Taliban for their draconian restrictions on women. For many advocates, this latest ban crossed yet another line. Not content with depriving girls and women of education, employment, and free movement, the Taliban also want to take from them parks and sport and now even nature, as we see from this latest ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir, said Heather Barr, associate womens rights director of Human Rights Watch. Step by step, the walls are closing in on women as every home becomes a prison. With News Wire Services MEDINA, Ohio We regularly ask Yelp users where we can find the very best of a category. While trying to beat the summer heat, we asked where we could find a great milkshake and P.J. Marleys -- on Medinas town square -- came back with rave reviews. The home-made bread pudding milkshake is available at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com RELATED: Best milkshakes in Greater Cleveland, according to Yelp - cleveland.com Its hard for Corporate General Manager Jon Martin who oversees two restaurants in Medina, both owned by Jon and Patty Stahl -- to fathom that people from all over Northeast Ohio travel to the small town just to indulge in one of the eight creamy milkshakes on the menu. The orange creamsicle milkshake is a new addition to the menu at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com Yet the small-town family eatery came out on top when ranked by Yelp reviewers for having the best milkshakes in Medina County. Obviously we are very pleased that people would think so highly of our milkshakes. I would have thought that honor would have gone to an ice cream shop that specializes in things like that, rather than us, who are more known for our burgers, Martin said. But it is a distinction we will wear proudly. P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub is located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com P.J. Marleys is housed in the former Savings Deposit Bank of Medina County, built in 1891. It was the first bank in Medina to offer night deposits and interest on bank accounts. It operated in the space from 1892-1981. A series of other banks -- Ameritrust, Society National and Key Bank -- were in the building until 2011. PJ Marleys opened in 2014. The Buckeye milkshake (made with chocolate ice cream, crunchy peanut butter and extra chocolate) is always available at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com P.J. Marleys owners Patty and Jon Stahl met at The Ohio State University and became college sweethearts. They both worked at the Buffalo Wild Wings on campus in Columbus and adopted Marley, a Bassett-Lab mix, while in school and dreamed of a day when they could open their own restaurant. They even joked around with a name P.J. Marleys for Patty and Jon and Marley. That dream became a reality when Jon and Patty bought the historic building and set to work turning it into a casual dining space. The bar area at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com They did all they could to maintain much of the banks ambiance, including the crown molding, the filigreed bank teller wall, and even the three security portholes from which guards once poked their Winchester rifles through to deter thieves during the bank-robbing days of the Depression. The three security portholes from which guards once poked their Winchester rifles through to deter thieves during the bank-robbing days of the Depression are still visible at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com Lucky diners can even still enjoy their meal in the banks vault, decorated with photos of Skip Eckert, Medinas own famous safecracker. The first of its kind, the vault required three bank employees with different codes to open, and lock it, for each days business. The vanilla milkshake is always on the menu at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com The restaurants high gloss wooden bar with its original working lights served as the centerpiece in a New York City pub in the 1900s. The Stahls plan to soon turn the bank buildings second floor into a speakeasy. The cookies and cream milkshake is a new addition to the menu at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com P.J. Marleys is well known for its burger menu many of which were created and voted on by students at Media Countys surrounding schools: the Buckeye Buck, the Medina Bee, the Cloverleaf Colt, the Highland Hornet, and the Black River Pirate. But what is a good burger without a great milkshake? The chocolate milkshake is always available at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com Martin cant imagine one without the other. Jon Stahl landed on the formulas for the original four concoctions: classic chocolate and vanilla, Buckeye made with chocolate ice cream, chunky peanut butter and extra chocolate and the Bread Pudding shake, made from one of the restaurants classic desserts. Jon Martin, a chef, created the newest entries: the Orange Creamsicle, the Kit Kat, the Cookies & Cream and the Capt. Crunch. Martin, a self-proclaimed huge sweet tooth created them using his favorite snacks. The Kit-Kat milkshake is a new addition to the menu at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com After a great meal, you want to top it off with a great treat, and what is better than a great milkshake, he asked. Any milkshake is good, but we work hard to make ours the very best they can be. Stahl and Martin both believe that a good shake is made the old-fashioned way: with hand-dipped hard ice cream, whole milk and rich flavors all blended on a milkshake mixer with a metal shaft that maintains the coldness of the ingredients -- and blends them into a perfectly creamy consistency. The milkshake machine at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com At a small, non-chain restaurant, our bread and butter is the repeat customer, Martin explained. We fit the town perfectly. Many of our customers have been coming in for years and know Jon and Patty. We have a lot of customers who travel from all over and come in because of the historical aspect of the building and the vault. The captain crunch milkshake is a new addition to the menu at P.J. Marleys Restaurant & Pub, located at 119 Public Square, in Medina - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com Whatever the reason someone comes through the door, we are here to feed them some good food and make them happy. And a good milkshake is a key ingredient to happiness. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A diagnosis of ALS -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal, incurable illness -- is a devastating blow for patients and their loved ones. There is an especially cruel aspect to the disease, notes Gia Polo, whose father, Carl Polo, died from ALS in November 2022 at age 71, just 18 months after his diagnosis. It always hits the best of us, said Polo. It always hits the best people. That certainly is true of her father, a hard-working family man who was devoted to his church and his community, Polo said. To know my dad is to love my dad, Polo said. There was no one who didnt like him. Polo, general manager of the downtown Cleveland Kimpton Schofield hotel, is using her grief -- and her hard-earned knowledge -- to advocate for more research and support for the victims of ALS and their families. She has enlisted in several organizations, particularly I Am ALS, founded in 2017. For the Polo family, the diagnosis came out of the blue for a man who, his daughter said, had never been sick a day in his life. That life began in 1951 in Villa DArco, in the province of Cordenons, Italy. Carl Polo came to America at age 6 with his mother, following his father, who had already immigrated here. He grew up in the westside Fulton Road neighborhood and attended St. Rocco Catholic Church and School, serving as an altar boy. He remained active with the church his entire life. He attended West Technical High School, and one of his first jobs following graduation was driving a truck for Beverage Distributors. He later obtained his own route, where he made many friends among the citys restaurant and bar owners. He married his wife, Lynn, a nurse, in 1983, and daughters Carli and Gia soon followed. He drove a cement truck for the Tech Readymix company, which young Gia called the swirly truck. Growing up, Gia and her dad enjoyed watching movies and Jeopardy! together, and every week he made Sunday sauce, a recipe passed on to his daughters. Gia attended North Olmsted High School and Ohio University for her freshman year. On Fridays, her dad would drive the four hours to Athens, pick up his daughter at noon and drive back so she could spend the weekend with her friends and family. No one else did that for me, Gia said. Gia worked in the hospitality industry after college and had a prestigious position in Washington, D.C., when her fathers first symptoms began to emerge shortly after he retired. We are ALS It first hit his hands, although doctors did not recognize this as the onset of ALS. After surgery, his grip weakened, and his speech became slurred. The difficulty with identifying ALS early is that it does not follow a direct path of attack, Polo said. Typically at first, it affects speech and swallowing, or in the arms and legs, she said. There is no test for ALS, a neurodegenerative disease, she pointed out. You have to go through the ringer. Carl Polo was finally diagnosed with ALS on May 19, 2021. His daughter said he didnt talk about it for three days. Gia called her mother and asked, Is this treatable? She repeated the question, and the answer was No, its not. Then she asked, Is he going to die from this? Yes, he is. The family went into full support mode. Gia began coming to Cleveland every other weekend from D.C. to help. When her father could no longer take care of himself, Gia quit her position in August 2022 and became her fathers 24/7 caregiver. When people would tell her she was a selfless daughter, she would deny it. I said: No, Im not. Im a daughter. I was raised by two really loving people. I would do anything for my dad, and I did. That included all the daily living tasks, from feeding to bathing to toileting, and eventually maintaining his breathing apparatus and administering morphine to ease his pain. As Carl Polo's illness progressed, requiring a breathing machine and other assistance, his close-knit family rallied around him to provide support. Here, he attends his grandson's birthday party. He liked to play Wordle, and his last puzzle said "happy," according to daughter Gia Polo. (Photo Courtesy of Gia Polo) In the midst of this, she asked herself: Where is the support? Where is the community? of people having similar experiences. Thats when she found I Am ALS, founded by Brian Wallach, an assistant U.S. attorney who had worked for Barack Obama. Wallach was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, and now, at 42, continues to live with the illness and uses a wheelchair. Wallach and his wife, Sandra, started I Am ALS as a patient-centered movement to advocate for research and funding. I needed to feel connected, Gia Polo said of the time when she joined I Am ALS. It became embedded in me. Her activities have included speaking of her experience at the National Mall in Washington, where 6,000 flags had been placed to recognize the new ALS cases diagnosed every year. One flag had her fathers name on it. The group has had its successes. Through Wallachs advocacy, in 2021 Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed into law ACT for ALS, providing $80 million in funding, expanding federal research and giving patients more rapid access to treatments. Polo said too many drugs are still bottlenecked before the FDA, but progress is being made. When her father was diagnosed, only two drugs were available, and now there are five. But there is still no cure. Carl Polo died Nov. 29, 2022. Gia delivered his eulogy, saying his life was founded in his faith, his friends and his family. Back in the CLE Gia decided to remain in her hometown, and considers it her dads last fatherly act to make sure she was safe. She applied for the position at the Kimpton Schofield, and missed not having her dad to consult with on such a big move. His presence, however, was felt. As Gia gazed out of the sixth-story window of the hotels presidential suite, onto Euclid Avenue, she saw facing each other a Beverage Distributors truck and a Tech Readymix truck -- her fathers past occupations. That was his way of saying, Im watching you, Gia said. She hopes to spread the word about the need for ALS research and treatment beyond those directly affected by the illness. And as it takes the best, ALS sometimes brings out the best. The ALS advocates are some of the most beautiful souls Ive ever met in my life, she said. Our friendships are rooted in mutual heartache, and it has turned us into stronger, more kind and patient people than we could have ever imagined. For information, visit www.iamals.org. ALS Facts Every 4.4 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS. And every 4.4 minutes, someone dies of the disease. One out of every 500 Americans will be diagnosed with ALS, and there are 500,000 cases worldwide. More than 60 percent of people surveyed by I Am ALS did not know that the disease is fatal. More than 95 percent could not name an ALS support organization. Ninety percent of those diagnosed have no family history of ALS. A higher percentage of military veterans than civilians contract ALS, which is considered related to their service. ALS patients live an average of two to five years after diagnosis. Notable people who have had ALS include New York Yankees great Lou Gehrig (it is sometimes called Lou Gehrigs disease), astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and actor David Niven. Source: I Am ALS and ALS.org. CLEVELAND, Ohio Cleveland police and troopers of the Ohio State Highway Patrol have made nearly 100 felony arrests in the past two weeks to stem gun violence in the city. Mayor Justin Bibbs crime reduction plan focuses on help from other agencies. It has led to major arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles, city officials said. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the patrol into Cleveland after city officials requested his help. Rotunda Rumblings Redistricting, the sequel: Ohio is gearing up for another cycle of redistricting, a process that will include untangling the twists and turns the states congressional and Statehouse maps took through the legal system ahead of last years elections. Jeremy Pelzer has this breakdown of what happened and whats to come, with the Ohio Redistricting Commission scheduled to meet next month, the Ohio Supreme Court poised to hear legal arguments and a potential reform amendment brewing for the November 2024 election. Rethinking Childcare: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is considering revisions to a federal program that subsidizes childcare costs for 1.5 million children nationwide and affects 230,000 child care providers who get the subsidies, Sabrina Eaton reports. HHS says the proposed policy changes would lower child care costs for parents who get assistance through its Child Care and Development Fund, which helps low-income families who need child care due to work, work-related training and/or attending school. The liberal-leaning Policy Matters Ohio think tank, which on Thursday released a report on the proposal, says that in July 2022, 98,301 children in the state used the program and 115,950 children were deemed eligible. Didnt make the cut: Ohio is not on the list of five states that the National Democratic Redistricting Committee thinks will have redrawn congressional districts before the end of the year. An NRDC memo, shared by Politico, accompanies a story detailing how ex-President Barack Obama headlined a fundraiser on Thursday generating $1.5 million for the group, which was behind two sets of redistricting lawsuits in Ohio last year. The Ohio Supreme Court, with a new makeup expected to be friendlier toward Republicans, this week issued an order signaling it may rule on the current congressional map, which the previous iteration of the court found was unconstitutionally slanted in favor the GOP. New address: Larry Householder is now a federal prisoner in Oklahoma. Per this cleveland.com staff report, starting sometime on Friday or Saturday, someone with the former Ohio House speakers name, age and race was listed as an inmate at the Federal Transfer Center, a facility in Oklahoma City where federal prisoners are held before getting a permanent assignment. Householder had been held in the Butler County Jail after he received a 20-year prison sentence in June for a federal racketeering conviction. RIP: Clayton Lee Mathile, former head of the Iams pet food company and one of Ohios few billionaires, died Saturday at the age of 82. Per this cleveland.com staff report, his family released a statement on Saturday saying Mathile passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home near Dayton. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in a statement called Mathile, a major financial backer of Husteds political career, a source of goodness and strength in my life. Clay was a great entrepreneur, who helped many aspiring entrepreneurs. His business skills helped him obtain great worldly success, and he always shared his time and resources with others to help improve their lives and the lives of people from every walk of life in the Dayton area community where he built his success, Husted said. Full Disclosure Heres five things we learned from the May 12, 2023, financial disclosure statement of Ohio Rep. Tim Barhorst, a Fort Loramie Republican: 1. He reported earning more than $100,000 from rental and sales proceeds on a Florida property; between $50,000 to $99,999 for insurance and investment work with Business Partners, Inc.; and more modest income from two rental properties and a restaurant. 2. He disclosed investments in two life insurance policies, a retirement fund and a health savings account. 3. He sold a property in Westerville, a Columbus suburb, in 2023. 4. He owed at least $1,000 to Citi Bank, First Financial Bank, and LFT Development LLC at some point during the year. 5. He received a gift from Ohio State University during the year. On The Move McKenzie Pickrell has been named special assistant to Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, focusing on scheduling and district management. She previously worked as the legislative aide to state Rep. Brian Lampton. Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis spoke Saturday at the Ohio Young Black Democrats annual convention in Columbus. Other scheduled speakers included Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown Staffers for U.S. Rep Emilia Sykes, an Akron Democrat, will a Congress in Our Community mobile office hours event on Wednesday, August 30 from 3-6 pm at the Fairlawn Bath Library. Constituents can sign up for assistance at the sykes.house.gov website. Straight From The Source No, I did not. Vivek Ramaswamy, the Ohio entrepreneur and Republican presidential candidate, denying to radio host Hugh Hewitt he had compared Edward Snowden, the former CIA analyst turned whistleblower, to Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights Era icon. Ramaswamy indeed had compared the two, saying just think Rosa Parks when illustrating that he thought Snowdens willingness to face punishment was heroic. The exchange occurred in June, but appeared in a column on Friday from the Washington Posts George Will. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. NEW ALBANY, OhioGoogle announced plans Monday to spend $1.7 billion to expand its three Ohio data center sites to boost the tech giants artificial intelligence efforts and tools like Google search, Maps, and Gmail. The sites, which include a completed center in the Columbus suburb of New Albany and data centers being built in south Columbus and Lancaster, are the latest in a recent series of data-center investments in Central Ohio, which now total about $4 billion. CLEVELAND, OhioRecent severe weather events are part of a worsening national trend that has led the American Red Cross to double its number of responses to large disasters across the country over the last decade. In northern Ohio, last weeks storms brought excessive rain, wind, hail and several tornadoes. Basements and streets flooded, and trees and power lines came down. More than 50 Ohio families impacted by last weeks storms received Red Cross assistance totaling more than $33,000.In addition, several families received Red Cross clean-up kits to help address basement flooding, the organization reported. Anticipating future severe weather events, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio is taking steps to prepare for additional disaster relief and encourages local residents to do the same. This includes recruiting and training more volunteers to respond to disasters locally and across the country. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather grows, more people need help more often, said Emily Probst, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. As fast as our volunteers are working to help, the needs are escalating faster. The Red Cross says that the increase in extreme weather has resulted in blood drive cancellations, which in turn has created a significant shortfall in blood and platelet donations. In 2022, over 1,300 blood drives were canceled nationally due to weather about 23% higher than the average of the prior nine years. In the last month supplies of blood products have dropped substantially. A limb from a massive tree sliced through this house on Wolf Road in Bay Village. (Photo courtesy Marty Coppola) In order to address the challenges posed by the increase in severity and intensity of weather events, the Red Cross says it will be enhancing its disaster response services, increasing local partnerships, expanding financial assistance, and growing its workforce. Families are encouraged to have disaster preparedness and first-aid kits on hand, inform themselves about the types of disasters in their area and make an emergency plan. Information on what to include in the kits and how to prepare for emergencies can be found online or on the Red Cross Mobile App. They are also calling for more volunteers, as well as cash and blood donations. As a thank you, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 1-18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut at Sport Clips Haircuts. WASHINGTON, D. C. - U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, a South Russell Republican who formerly served as Geauga Countys prosecutor, on Monday announced support for a Nov. 7 ballot measure to legalize recreational, adult-use marijuana in Ohio. Joyce, who co-chairs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said his days as both a prosecutor and public defender made him recognize early on that there are better uses of law enforcement resources than pursuing low-level possession convictions and seek sensible reforms in Congress. Also on Monday, the Ohio Business Roundtable, an organization that represents over 100 of the states largest employers, announced its opposition to the recreational marijuana proposal, which will be called Issue 2 in the Nov. 7 election. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, a group of marijuana businesses, is backing the recreational proposal, which would allow people ages 21 and older to purchase, possess and grow marijuana. The drug would be subject to a 10% sales tax, on top of other state and local sales taxes. The proposal is an initiated statute, meaning the legislature could repeal parts or all of the law, if passed. The state would regulate the drug, from seed to sale, according to the proposal, and issue adult-use licenses to cultivators, processors, testing laboratories and dispensaries. Modeled after the alcohol industry, which accounts for the unique needs, rights and laws of each state, this proposal establishes a regulatory regime based on the specific desires of individual communities, said a statement Joyce released Monday. The measure lets communities determine for themselves the best approach to cannabis within their own borders by keeping it out of communities that do not want it. It also allows employers to maintain policies prohibiting employee drug use and keeps cannabis out of the hands of anyone under the age of 21 without the consent of a medical professional. The Ohio Business Roundtable joins a coalition of childrens health care, veterans, public health, law enforcement and prosecutors groups in opposition to recreational marijuana. The coalition is called Protect Ohio Workers and Families. Last week, the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners released a statement that said making marijuana more accessible through legal recreational use would create serious new risks for childrens health and make our workplaces and highways less safe. With Ohios rates of opiate abuse and overdoses still among the highest in the country, we need to be helping Ohio find solutions to addiction, not facilitating it or the interests of an industry that profits from it, said the statement from Beth Bickford, the groups executive director. OTHER COVERAGE: Coverage of the recreational marijuana proposal Frank Sullivan, the Ohio Business Roundtables chair and CEO of RPM International Inc., noted that medical marijuana is already legal for Ohio patients. An expansion to recreational would have detrimental effects on childrens health, community safety and workforce development. Ohios economy is on a roll, and we continue to be a prime destination for new job creation, chiefly because of our people, he said in a statement. Issue 2 puts Ohioans at risk and the Ohio Business Roundtable opposes its passage. Dave Johnson, CEO of Summitville Tires and a coalition member, said Ohio businesses are having trouble finding workers who can pass a drug test. The reason this matters is safety. Workers who test positive on the job have 55% more industrial accidents and no employer wants to put their employees at risk like that. Its hard not to imagine an increase in workers compensation rates if there is more access to this drug and its impact on the workplace tracks with other states experiences, he said. Joyces statement said the genie is not going back in the bottle when it comes to cannabis reform. Today, 47 states have passed laws permitting or decriminalizing cannabis or cannabis-based products, Joyce continued. The measure being considered in Ohio is a responsible approach to ensuring products that are sold to consumers are safe, consistent, and effectively regulated. I look forward to voting yes in November. Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. BEIJING (AP) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Chinese counterpart expressed a desire to improve trade conditions on Monday, as Raimondo began a visit to Beijing aimed at warming chilly relations, but neither side appeared willing to make concessions on the others main demands. Raimondo joined American officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July who have visited China in the past three months. They expressed optimism about improving communication but have announced no progress on technology, security, human rights and other disputes that have plunged relations to their lowest level in decades. For its part, Chinese leader Xi Jinpings government wants to revive foreign investor interest in China as it tries to reverse a deepening economic slump. Beijing is ready to work together to foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation and bolster bilateral trade and investment, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Raimondo. Wang gave no details of possible initiatives. Raimondo said the two sides are working on establishing new information exchanges for more consistent engagement. It is profoundly important that we have a stable economic relationship, she said. I believe that we can make progress if we are direct, open and practical. Beijing broke off dialogue with Washington on military, climate and other issues in August 2022 in retaliation for a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the House of Representatives. The mainlands ruling Communist Party claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory and objects to foreign governments having contact with it. The state press has given positive coverage to the American visits to Beijing, but China has given no indication it might change trade, strategic, market access and other policies that irk Washington and its Asian neighbors. Raimondo told reporters before leaving Washington she was looking for actionable, concrete steps to move forward in commercial relations but gave no details. She said she was realistic that the challenges are significant. The visits take place under an agreement made by Xi and President Joe Biden during a meeting last November in Indonesia. In June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi for 30 minutes during a visit that was postponed from February after a Chinese surveillance balloon entered U.S. airspace. The Chinese leader called on Washington to change policies on Taiwan and other issues and rebuffed a request to resume military-to-military cooperation. Last week, on the day Raimondos visit to Beijing was announced, Washington removed 27 Chinese companies from a blacklist that limits access to U.S. technology. The decision may have helped grease the wheels for Raimondos trip, said Anna Ashton and Kylie Milliken of Eurasia Group in a report. It suggests Washington is making modest but measurable progress with Beijing in re-establishing limited government-to-government communication, Ashton and Milliken wrote. Raimondos visit could produce additional progress. A key Chinese complaint is limits on access to processor chips and other U.S. technology that threaten to hamper the Communist Partys ambition to develop artificial intelligence and other industries, which the U.S. has imposed on security grounds. The restrictions crippled the smartphone business of Huawei Technologies Ltd., Chinas first global tech brand. Washington also has persuaded the Netherlands and Japan to join it in blocking Chinese access to tools for manufacturing advanced chips. In matters of national security, there is no room to compromise, but most U.S.-Chinese trade does not involve national security concerns, Raimondo told Wang. Im committed to promoting trade and investment in those areas that are in our mutual best interest. Raimondo defended the Biden administrations de-risking strategy of trying to increase domestic U.S. production of semiconductors and other high-tech goods and to create additional sources of supply to reduce chances of disruption. Beijing has criticized that as an attempt to isolate China and hamper its development. It is not intended to hinder Chinas economic progress. We believe a strong Chinese economy is a good thing, Raimondo told Wang. We seek healthy competition with China. A growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. Wang visited Washington in May. The U.S. government invited Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington, but plans for that have not been announced. Raimondo also was due to meet Chinas No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang, and other officials. The Biden administration also has taken steps that are likely to rankle Beijing. In June, Biden added 59 Chinese companies including military contractors and semiconductor manufacturers to a list of entities Americans are prohibited from investing in. Last week, Washington approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan including infrared tracking systems for advanced F-16 fighter jets. COLUMBUS, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the General Assembly have bailed out the roughly 30 medical marijuana dispensaries that should have been opened by now giving them more time and an opportunity to wipe clean any disciplinary actions on their records. Tucked into the two-year state budget bill is a provision that gives the dispensaries until Dec. 31 to open, when they were supposed to have cleared their final inspection last February. CLEVELAND, Ohio It looks like waterlogged Northeast Ohio will get a chance to dry out this week. The forecast from the National Weather Service is calling for plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures, and there currently are no signs of rain through next weekend. Monday starts with sunny skies and highs in the low 70s, a nearly ideal summer day. Despite the mild temperatures, there will be some lingering humidity. Temperatures will drop to the upper 50s overnight with clear skies. It will be warmer in the Akron area, with highs in the upper 70s. RELATED CONTENT: 8 tornadoes touched down in Northeast Ohio, National Weather Service confirms A devastating loss: Tornadoes rip through Cleveland area, thousands impacted in Northeast Ohio Tens of thousands still without power Sunday afternoon in Greater Cleveland See 2-day rain totals for Ohio cities The sunshine continues Tuesday and highs will climb to the upper 70s in both Cleveland and Akron. There will be some clouds overnight, with lows around 60 degrees. Temps again drop to the low 70s on Wednesday, but the sunshine remains. It will be cool and clear overnight, with temps around 55 in the Cleveland area and in the low 50s in the Akron area. Its more sunshine Thursday and highs in the mid-70s in Cleveland and upper 70s in the Akron area. Overnight lows will be in the mid-50s with clear skies. Sunshine is expected through Sunday and it will warm up, with highs climbing to the upper 70s on Friday and into the 80s for Saturday and Sunday. Mondays sunrise: 6:49 a.m. Sunset: 8:07 p.m. Pollen count: 9.2 (medium-high) On May 23, just three months ago, a lawyer who has worked for the City of New Yorks Law Department for 39 years wrote to Deborah Kaplan, the deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts, asking for a very old case concerning the right to shelter be reopened and Kaplan to assign a judge to the matter. The reason was that the tens of thousands migrants streaming into New York were overwhelming the citys ability to care for people here, as is required under the consent decree agreed to decades ago. How old a case? It started on Oct. 2, 1979, when New York State was sued (and its subdivision, New York City) to provide shelter for homeless men under the state Constitution. At the time, nearly 44 years ago, that long-tenured city lawyer, Jon Pines, was three years before he got his law license. He became a registered attorney in 1982, a year after Callahan vs. Carey settled. The administrative judge, Kaplan, would get licensed herself five years later, in 1986, and the judge she assigned, Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Erika Edwards, wouldnt get her law license until 1994. We dig up the ancient history because in reactivating the case to try to ease the court-approved deal under the weight of the massive migrant numbers (now more than 100,000) Mayor Adams and his administration have now roped in a reluctant state government and Gov. Hochul. For all his imploring and requesting and cajoling for help from Albany, Adams has had limited success in engaging Hochul, who while asking President Biden to invoke his executive powers on expediting work authorization for the migrants, still refuses to exercise her own executive authority to override the xenophobic migrant bans being thrown up by dozens of counties across the state. The state is also still refusing to pick up a fair share of the billions in costs. Adams proposed a three-way equal city/state/federal split. And with the feds AWOL on this (hello there congressional delegation, anyone home?), the mayor wants Albany to cover two-thirds. Without Washington, a 50/50 state/city share is far better than almost everything being absorbed by New York City. Last week, Hochul said of the consent decree: This is an agreement that does not apply to the states other 57 counties, which is one of the reasons we cannot and will not force other parts of our state to shelter migrants, nor are we going to be asking these migrants to move to other parts of the state against their will. Governor Kathy Hochul addresses New Yorkers on the Asylum Seeker crisis from the Red Room at the State Capitol. She is wrong, as the agreements basis is the state Constitution, which applies in those same 57 counties. She is also wrong as no one is seeking to force those localities to shelter migrants (that is pay for them). Adams simply wants to pay (hopefully with state and federal help) for lodging, food and medical care. And finally, Hochul is wrong a third time as no one is sending migrants anywhere against their will. The governor must do better. Under direction from Justice Edwards now overseeing the old Callahan case, Hochul is now being compelled to share responsibility and we are confident that the governor will do better, even if forced to by the courts. ROME -- Pope Francis has blasted the backwardness of what he called a reactionary Catholic church in the United States, where he said some conservative sectors have replaced faith with political ideology. A correct understanding of Catholic doctrine allows for change over time, Francis said in comments during a private meeting with Portuguese members of his Jesuit religious order while visiting Lisbon on Aug. 5. The Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, which is vetted by the Vatican secretariat of state, published a transcript of the encounter Monday. In the decade since his election as Pope, Francis has been criticized by conservative sectors of the U.S. Church opposed to reforms such as giving women and lay Catholics more roles and making the Church more welcoming and less judgmental toward some, including LGBTQ people, Reuters reported. Related story: Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, through its new directive, becomes part of national debate over LGBTQ policies Previously: Pope Francis reveals secret peace mission toward ending war in Ukraine Previously: Pope Francis leads Holy Thursday service in St. Peters Basilica Previously: Pope Francis discharged from hospital, recovering from abdominal surgery Francis has acknowledged the criticisms directed at him from some U.S. conservatives, once quipping that it was an honor to be attacked by Americans, according to The Associated Press. The Popes comments in Lisbon recognized divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church, which has been split between progressives and conservatives who long found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, particularly on issues of abortion and same-sex marriage. Many conservatives have blasted Francis emphasis instead on social justice issues such as the environment and the poor, while also branding as heretical his opening to letting divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receive the sacraments, the AP said. There is a very strong, organized, reactionary attitude in the U.S. church, which the 86-year-old pontiff called backward. He warned that such an attitude leads to a climate of closure, which was erroneous. Doing this, you lose the true tradition and you turn to ideologies to have support. In other words, ideologies replace faith, he said. The vision of the doctrine of the church as a monolith is wrong, he added. When you go backward, you make something closed off, disconnected from the roots of the church, which then has devastating effects on morality. I want to remind these people that backwardness is useless, and they must understand that theres a correct evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals, that allows for doctrine to progress and consolidate over time. Francis said his critics should understand that there is an appropriate evolution in the understanding of matters of faith and morals. As an example, he said some pontiffs centuries ago were tolerant of slavery but the Church evolved, Reuters said. Changchun: 'City on wheels' revs up 16:41, August 28, 2023 By Liu Ning, Zhang Kaiwei, Su Yingxiang, Oliver Fritzsch, Song Ge, Sun Hongyu ( People's Daily Online Known as the "Detroit of China" or "City of Automobiles," Changchun, located in northeast China's Jilin Province, has long been recognized as a hub for industrial development and technological innovation. The city is a bustling metropolis that embodies the region's rich history, cultural heritage, and rapid modernization. Today, it thrives as an economic powerhouse while preserving its unique charm. Drone photo taken on June 13, 2023 shows the skyline of Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning) With its flourishing automotive industry, technological advancements, cultural renaissance, and commitment to ecological sustainability, Changchun showcases what northeast China has to offer. Nestled amidst a picturesque landscape, Changchun stands as a captivating city that seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of history, innovation, and natural beauty. Auto industry upholds Changchun's iconic status Drone photo taken on June 12, 2023 shows the views of Changchun International Automobile Park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) "The automobile has become an integral part of Changchun's culture," a local resident of Changchun commented. The city boasts a comprehensive automobile industry system, and the sector stands as the city's pillar industry. Statistics show that the automobile industry in Changchun achieved an output value of 614.3 billion yuan ($85 billion) in 2021, accounting for 70.3 percent of the city's total industrial output value. Changchun's ascent as an automotive hub can be traced back to the establishment of the First Automobile Works (FAW) Group Corporation in 1953. FAW, one of China's largest automobile manufacturers, is headquartered in Changchun and has played a pivotal role in shaping the city's automotive landscape. Over the years, FAW has established partnerships with renowned international carmakers like Volkswagen and Audi, encouraging technological collaborations and fostering the exchange of industry expertise. Furthermore, the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone provides robust support to the city's automobile industry in terms of policy support, talent acquisition, logistics, and more. Photo taken on June 14, 2023, shows cars in the FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. factory in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Sun Hongyu) Changchun's auto industry has quickly adapted to the global shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles. In recent years, the city has witnessed a surge in the production of electric vehicles (EVs) as the Chinese government encourages the adoption of clean energy transportation. Photo taken on June 14, 2023, shows an automated production line in FAW-Hongqi Prosperity Factory in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning) As the world transitions towards a future of electric and autonomous vehicles, Changchun is well-positioned to engage in the auto industry. With a robust ecosystem, technological expertise, and a drive for innovation, the city is poised to shape the future of transportation, both within China and on the global stage. Trains emerge as spotlight attractions in the city Photo taken on June 12, 2023, shows high-speed trains on assembly lines in CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) According to Statistic Bureau of Jilin, in 2022, Changchun produced 168 electric multiple units (EMUs) and 2,034 urban rail trains. The city's involvement in the train industry can be traced back several decades when it emerged as a rail manufacturing and research center. China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. has been instrumental in establishing the city as a hub for train production. Since its inception, the company has developed and manufactured a diverse range of rolling stock, including high-speed trains, metro trains, and locomotives. A notable achievement for Changchun is its significant contribution to China's high-speed rail network. The city's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities have played a crucial role in producing high-speed trains that have transformed transportation within China. Changchun's expertise in this domain has culminated in the production of iconic models like the "Fuxing," celebrated for their exceptional speed, advanced safety features, and unparalleled passenger comfort. Photo taken on June 12, 2023, shows a winter sports-themed "Fuxing" high-speed train at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning) In recent years, Changchun has proactively sought international collaborations to bolster its footprint in the global train market. The city has forged partnerships with esteemed international rail manufacturers and engaged in joint ventures to capitalize on collective expertise and resources. These collaborative ventures have enabled technology transfers, facilitated the exchange of knowledge, and led to the development of top-tier train systems. Not only has Changchun's train industry enhanced domestic transportation, but it has also been instrumental in furthering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With its prowess in crafting trains adaptable to diverse terrains and climates, Changchun has emerged as one of the go-to suppliers for rail projects in BRI participant countries. Consequently, Changchun-made trains are finding their way to various nations, aiding in rejuvenating rail infrastructure and promoting international ties. Local film industry reveals city's deep cultural roots Photo taken on June 15, 2023, shows the Former Site Museum of Changchun Film Studio in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning) With its rich history of film production, Changchun remains a thriving center of creativity and cultural expression. Celebrated as the birthplace of China's movie industry, Changchun has been pivotal in molding the nation's cinematic landscape, nurturing artistic talent, and safeguarding its cultural heritage. The roots of Changchun's cinematic heritage trace back to 1945 with the establishment of the Changchun Film Studio, heralding the inception of China's film industry. This studio became the birthplace of numerous iconic films that won the affection of audiences nationwide. This early triumph positioned Changchun as a leading hub for filmmaking, radiating cultural significance across the country. The city's dedication to nurturing art and culture shines through its dynamic film scene. The Changchun Film Studio, rebranded as the Changchun Film Group Corporation, remains a cornerstone of the industry. It consistently delivers films that reflect the nation's rich cultural tapestry and evolving stories. This institution has been instrumental in creating influential movies that have resonated with audiences both in China and abroad. In the present day, Changchun's film domain thrives, attracting filmmakers, performers, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The city takes pride in hosting the annual Changchun Film Festival a revered event that celebrates the art of cinema and showcases a tapestry of diverse films. This festival is a platform for emerging talent, encouraging dialogue, and fostering collaborations within the film community. Night markets showcase Changchun's vibrant spirit Photo taken on June 12, 2023, shows a shopping mall in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) As the sun sets and neon lights illuminate the streets in color, Changchun's night market comes alive, transforming into a bustling hub of activity. Both locals and tourists congregate here, keen to embark on a memorable culinary journey. Changchun's vitality doesn't fade after sunset; instead, its night markets pulsate with even more energy. A trove of diverse flavors, sights, and sounds, the markets are havens for food lovers and cultural hotspots that showcase the city's gastronomic heritage. Photo taken on June 14, 2023, shows the snacks at a night market in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) A stroll through the market is incomplete without savoring Changchun's famous kebabs a must-try for meat lovers. The aroma of meat sizzling on grills, infused with distinctive spices, beckons every passerby to sample this local specialty. For those seeking a taste of regional flavors, Jilin-style dishes are plentiful. These culinary treasures echo Jilin Province's age-old recipes, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavors of the region. Photo taken on June 14, 2023, shows a night market in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Kaiwei) Beyond the gastronomic delights, Changchun's night market is a feast for the senses. The market is adorned with vibrant decorations, colorful lanterns, and twinkling lights, creating a lively and enchanting ambiance that adds to the overall experience. As Changchun's night market continues to evolve and grow, it remains an integral part of the city's identity. It showcases the rich flavors, age-old traditions, and warm hospitality that make the city a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Delve into the bustling streets, follow your senses, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more. In recent years, Changchun has channeled significant resources into infrastructural enhancements and judicious urban planning. The city's efficient public transportation system, including an extensive network of buses and a growing subway system, makes commuting convenient for its residents. Changchun's modern skyline is adorned with towering skyscrapers, complemented by well-designed parks and green spaces that offer a respite from city life. Fueled by a dynamic economy, rich cultural roots, and a visionary approach to development, Changchun continues to thrive as a city that blends tradition with progress. As the city gazes ahead, it's primed to further China's growth story and leave an indelible mark on the global stage. (Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Wu Chengliang) On Aug. 28, 1955, near Money, Miss., Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Chicago teenager, was viciously maimed, tortured, shot, and drowned over an alleged slight made to a white woman at a grocery store. Why does this one horrific extralegal murder stand out from the more than 500 others perpetrated against Black Mississippians since the 1880s or from the thousands of other African-American lynching victims? Foremost is the courage of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who upon seeing the body of her disfigured son, wanted others to witness the barbarity inflicted on him. She famously cried out, let the people see what they did to my boy and insisted on an open casket for her sons massive Chicago funeral. When photos of Emmett inside his casket were featured in Jet magazine, his barely recognizable face shocked the nation. A statue of Emmett Till is unveiled on October 21, 2022 in Greenwood, Mississippi. Second is the farce of a trial where Tills murderers, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were found not guilty by 12 white men who deliberated for 68 minutes while enjoying some Cokes. Four months later, with no fear of being retried because of double jeopardy, the two murderers confessed to a Look magazine journalist that they had kidnapped and murdered Till. Despite that confession, a Mississippi grand jury refused to indict them for kidnapping, and the U.S. Justice Department didnt bring charges against them for violating Tills civil rights. Nineteen years ago, the Justice Department opened a new investigation, but no charges were brought. With the death earlier this year of Carolyn Bryant, Tills accuser, the case is officially closed. Third, Tills death gave the 1950s civil rights movement the kick start it needed. Although the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education and its 1955 follow-up ruling that the desegregation of public schools was to be implemented with all deliberate speed, little had changed. Americas public schools were still segregated in both the South and the North. Earlier in 1955, prior to Tills murder, two Black Mississippi voting rights advocates had been murdered. In May, after Rev. George Lee, a NAACP activist and voter registration proponent was gunned down, the local coroner tried to attribute his death to an automobile accident, and the metal lodged in his mouth to dental fillings which loosened in that accident. On Aug. 13, Lamar Smith, a WWI veteran and voter registration activist, was gunned down in Brookhaven in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse. Their deaths werent widely reported. No one was indicted or prosecuted for murdering these two martyrs. Tills murder, and the trial, exoneration, and confession by his murderers caused a national outcry and wouldnt be quickly forgotten unlike the thousands of murders of Blacks that had gone unprosecuted before 1955. Ten years after American troops had liberated Nazi concentration camps and seen their horrors, Americans seemed to be acting no differently. Some wondered why our police, prosecutors, juries and judges werent stopping these atrocities on American soil? After several Black women were arrested for violating Montgomerys bus segregation laws, but before Tills murder, African-Americans living there had been considering a bus boycott. Its impossible to know whether Rosa Parks was thinking of Till when she defiantly stood up to a white bus driver on Dec. 1 that same year, but its highly likely Emmett Tills brutal murder was on her mind. Within 10 years of Tills murder, the United States would finally fulfill its promises to its Black citizens by enforcing the desegregation of interstate transportation, implementing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and passing the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Till would never know that his off-hand remark or whistle in a small Mississippi town would be the catalyst that sparked a 10-year struggle for freedom which challenged America to live up to the principles embodied in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Today, Tills white casket is a major focus of the Smithsonians African-American Museum of History and Culture. Over the last half century much has changed. Midnight lynchings are a thing of the past, but unfortunately one thing has remained constant. African-Americans are still murdered and/or beaten by police at a far higher rate than their proportion in the general population. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 68th anniversary of Emmett Tills murder, let us look forward to the day when all Americans will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Newman is an amateur historian specializing in African-American history of the first half of the 20th century. He has created a mini-series docudrama highlighting some of the events profiled in this essay. Sixty years after the March on Washington and 157 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1866, New York stands at the forefront of a new civil rights battle for economic justice. A recent lawsuit challenges the implementation of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), casting a shadow of uncertainty and threatening the progress towards addressing human rights injustices that Black and Brown communities have endured, especially during the war on drugs. To add insult to injury, the lawsuit is being supported by none other than the Coalition for Access to Regulated & Safe Cannabis (CARSC). According to reports, CARSC consists of at least four of the states registered organizations (its legacy medical marijuana operators) Acreage Holdings, PharmaCann, Green Thumb Industries and Curaleaf. Although they all claim to support social equity, the truth is big cannabis corporations are allocating significant resources to circumvent these initiatives that level the playing field for Black and Brown communities to build generational wealth. Enacted in 2021, MRTA was designed to rectify the harms caused by New Yorks draconian drug laws that disproportionately impacted communities of color. Under MRTA, the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) prioritized social and economic equity applicants, reserving retail dispensary licenses for justice-involved individuals and nonprofits aimed at helping those most affected by racially motivated drug laws. big cannabis corporations are trying to circumvent these initiatives that level the playing field for Black and Brown communities to build generational wealth. Promises were made by OCM that they have been unable to realize for us and our communities. The inability to deliver on these promises threatens the cycle of intergenerational wealth, considering the time and resources expended on turning dreams into reality. For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to advocating for and uplifting voices within my community. I founded LIFE Camp (Love Ignites Freedom through Education) to help youth and families impacted by these harsh drug laws and the war on drugs that occurred in my community. As the first Black woman and founder of a Black-owned nonprofit to receive a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary license (CAURD), my dream has been deferred due to those favoring big cannabis corporations over remedying New Yorks past pain. My face, likeness, and organization were used to promote the CAURD program, but when it was time to benefit, I found myself unsupported. My team worked double and triple time to establish the dispensary, compromising our focus on critical work. We received no state financial support, and now we face uncertainty. We were promised a prioritized market share to protect us from big corporate cannabis, but now we may not be able to proceed. We entered contracts and committed to life-changing opportunities that might no longer be possible. We relied on OCMs promise that we could open and operate. Leveraging ourselves as a nonprofit, we became the first federally recognized nonprofit to hold a cannabis license, a first for New York. However, the American dream and New York States promise of supporting community-based businesses have failed. Entities are working to halt economic opportunities for those burdened by harmful drug policies. Cannabis corporations are driving the disenfranchisement of the same people who have suffered under these policies and are now in a legal market. The collateral consequences of pausing MRTA and CAURD perpetuate the same harm families are still recovering from. As a justice advocate, community leader, and first Black woman-owned licensee, I fear irreparable harm as the inability to become operational continues. New Yorkers who have invested in compliance, location preparation, staff training, and community education will suffer if the lawsuits restraining order is upheld. We cannot afford to wait and let calculated legal challenges stifle economic freedom, social justice and empowerment. We cannot allow big corporate cannabis to undermine the goals of the MRTA. I urge you to support MRTA and CAURD and fight for real social equity, social change and substantive social justice. Blocking these opportunities is perpetuating ongoing efforts to remedy generational disenfranchisement and deprived economic opportunity. The war on drugs devastated many of our communities, but now we have a chance at restoration. We cant let big multi-state operators rewrite our narrative and push out those whove suffered the most. As the daughter of a sergeant who gave his life in the Vietnam War for this country, I urge you to stand resilient, just as he did. When we unite, our collective strength can overcome any corporate giant. Lets ensure the benefits of this green revolution uplift those most impacted. Together, lets ensure our citys future is equitable and just. Ford is the founder & CEO of Kush & Kemet, LLC / LIFE Camp, Inc. Australia wants trade ties with China to be normalized, but Beijing must first remove the remaining trade curbs, said Australia's assistant minister for trade told CNBC. Canberra is in dialogue with its largest trading partner to drop tariffs on Australian wine imports that were introduced in March 2021. At the peak of diplomatic tensions in 2020 and 2021, Beijing slapped import tariffs on several Australian exports, from wine and red meat to lobsters and timber. "That is a good outcome, but I want to see and the Australian government wants to see trade with China return to normal and to be stabilized across the board," Tim Ayres told CNBC's Martin Soong in an interview on the sidelines of the B20 summit in New Delhi over the weekend. "Until we remove all of those impediments, it's not possible to say that the trade is back to normal," Ayres added. Artificial intelligence continues to take Wall Street by storm Nvidia reported earnings that smashed expectations on the back of demand for AI chips. "We continue to see benefits for semis as AI investment ramps," BofA said in a recent note. It cautioned that it will be prudent for companies to show profitability from AI projects, and that could lead to "cautious data center capex spending patterns." But bright spots could be emerging, according to the bank. It said it's starting to see early applications of AI across some companies. For instance, AI is driving more than 20% of content on Facebook and Instagram feeds, and Google is using generative AI to improve its search capabilities, BofA said. Microsoft is also integrating AI functionality into some key software products, it noted. On the back of that AI buzz, Nvidia shares and those of other AI competitors such as Alphabet and Microsoft have already surged this year. Nvidia is has soared about 222% in the year to date, Alphabet is up 47%, and Microsoft has jumped 33%. Investors interested in buying into the market can look to BofA's top five favorite AI-exposed stocks below, which it listed in a separate Aug. 20 note. Stock picks Broadcom : BofA pointed to the U.S. semiconductor firm's double-digit growth of earnings per share, "best-in-semis profitability" and free cash flow generation. It gave the stock a price target of $1,050, or nearly 20% upside. Nvidia: BofA said the firm still has "stronger growth opportunities ahead," as data centers could face strong long-term demand. It gave the stock a price target of $550, or nearly 17% upside. Marvell : The bank noted Marvell's 15% to 20% longer-term compounded annual earnings-per-share growth potential. It gave the stock a price target of $80, or around 30% upside. Synopsys : BofA said this software company could benefit from increased government investment in semiconductor research and development. It could also enjoy share gains in existing markets, and reap "faster than expected cost improvements driving higher operating margins." The bank gave the stock a price target of $510, or nearly 14% upside. Cadence : BofA noted the "strategic importance" of electronic design automation "in an increasingly fragmented global electronics supply chain." Electronic design automation, which Cadence offers, refers to the use of computer programs to design chips and semiconductor devices. The bank gave the stock a price target of $285, or 25% upside. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. watch now For a growing number of families, financial aid is key when it comes to paying for college. With tuition on the rise, most college-bound students now rely on a combination of resources to make it work, including income and savings, free money from scholarships and grants, and, of course, student loans, according to education lender Sallie Mae. But students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to access any assistance. And this year, the FAFSA will look a lot different. The FAFSA serves as the gateway to all federal aid money, including loans, work study and grants, which are the most desirable kinds of assistance because they typically do not need to be repaid. In ordinary years, high school graduates miss out on billions in federal grants because they don't fill out the FAFSA. Many families mistakenly assume they won't qualify for financial aid and don't even bother to apply. Others say a lengthy and overly complicated application is a major hurdle. A plan to simplify the FAFSA has been years in the making. In 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed to streamline the process. Those changes are finally going into effect. What's changed with the new FAFSA A new start date For the 2024-2025 school year, the FAFSA filing season will open in December, two months later than in previous years. (The Education Department said it plans to return to an Oct. 1 start date next year.) "There's a delay in the start of the form due to the complexity of simplification," said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. Despite the postponement, it's still advantageous to file as soon as possible, according to Rick Castellano, a spokesperson for Sallie Mae. The earlier families fill out the FAFSA, the better their chances are to receive aid, since some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, or from programs with limited funds. "You want to get in line," Castellano said. A new affordability calculation The simplified form uses a calculation now called the "Student Aid Index" to estimate how much a family can afford to pay. Historically, many factors, not just income, go into how much aid students receive, including the total number of people in the household and the number of children in college, as well as other financial commitments such as a home equity loan or child support payments. Now, the formula will pull federal tax information directly from the IRS. An end to the sibling discount Going forward, the Department of Education will no longer give families a break for having multiple children in college at the same time, effectively eliminating the "sibling discount." "The elimination of the multiple student adjustment is one of the many tectonic changes under FAFSA simplification that will take full effect beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year," said Kalman Chany, a financial aid consultant and author of The Princeton Review's "Paying for College." The elimination of the multiple student adjustment is one of the many tectonic changes under FAFSA simplification. Kalman Chany author of The Princeton Review's "Paying for College" Up until now, "the multiple student adjustment has been the single most important data element affecting one's eligibility for federal student aid," Chany said. Middle- and higher-income families with more than one student in college will be impacted the most, according to Kantrowitz. There will be less of an effect on lower-income students whose expected family contribution was already $0. However, this change involves eligibility for federal student aid only, Chany noted. "Colleges, when awarding their own institutional aid money, are still able to make an adjustment based on the number of family members in college." An expansion of federal aid eligibility At the same time, the new FAFSA will raise the family income threshold, making more students eligible for federal need-based aid. More than half a million additional students will qualify for a Pell Grant, a type of aid available to low-income families, according to Kantrowitz. And of those than qualify, more than 1.5 million will qualify for the maximum amount. Currently, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395. 'This is a good first step' Terry Gou Tai-ming, founder and chairman of Taiwan's Foxconn Technology, speaks during the Canton Tower Science & Technology Conference Guangzhou on December 8, 2016 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn , said on Monday he was entering the race to be Taiwan's next president as an independent candidate in 2024 elections. Gou stepped down as Foxconn chief in 2019 and made a presidential bid that year, but dropped out after he failed to win the nomination for Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, or KMT, which traditionally favors close ties with China. He made a second bid to be the KMT's candidate for the presidential election to be held in January earlier this year, but the party chose instead Hou Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei City. Gou has spent the past few weeks touring Taiwan and holding campaign-like rallies, fueling speculation he was planning to run as an independent. "Under the rule of the Democratic Progressive Party in the past seven years or so, internationally, they lead Taiwan towards the danger of war. Domestically, their policies are filled with mistakes," Gou said, adding "the era of entrepreneur's rule" has begun. "Give me four years and I promise that I will bring 50 years of peace to the Taiwan Strait and build the deepest foundation for the mutual trust across the strait," he said in a plea to Taiwan voters. "Taiwan must not become Ukraine and I will not let Taiwan become the next Ukraine." A worker uses a backhoe to grub up an area of vines during snow fall in a vineyard in Haux, some 25 kms southeast of Bordeaux, southwestern France, on January 18, 2023. "It's become very difficult." Those words from a wine producer in Bordeaux underscore the huge challenge facing the famous French region as it undergoes a massive transformation. Extreme weather and changing consumer habits are hitting winemakers in a way that no longer makes it viable for some to keep their wineries open. Instead, some are uprooting vines and seeking government compensation. "In the next five years, we will see less vines in Bordeaux," Sylvie Courselle, an agricultural engineer and enologist at Chateau Thieuley, told CNBC. According to data from the local authorities, between early June and July this year there were 584 requests for compensation from winemakers who want to either completely end their production or diversify the use of their land. In total, this corresponds to almost 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) of vineyard area that could be about to change. Producers had only until mid-July to ask for support. "Climate change can accelerate this," Courselle told CNBC, adding that in recent years winemakers have had to deal with hailstorms, frosts and droughts that significantly impact the crop. She thinks that, going forward, the biggest challenge will be access to water one of the most essential ingredients in wine production. A screenshot of Project Sunroof shows the map data offered by the pilot project, which is meant to help consumers plan solar installations for their homes. Google is planning to license new sets of mapping data to a range of companies to use as they build products around renewable energy, and is hoping to generate up to $100 million in its first year, CNBC has learned. The company plans to sell access to new APIs (application programming interfaces) with solar and energy information and air quality, according to materials viewed by CNBC. Among the new offerings will be a Solar API, which could be used by solar installers like SunRun and Tesla Energy and solar design companies like Aurora Solar, according to a list of example customers viewed by CNBC. Google also sees customer opportunities with real estate companies like Zillow , Redfin , hospitality companies like Marriott Bonvoy , and utilities like PG&E . Some of the data from the Solar API will come from a consumer-focused pilot called Project Sunroof, a solar savings calculator that originally launched in 2015. The program allows users to enter their address and to receive estimated solar costs such as electric bill savings and the size of the solar installation they'll need. It also offers 3D modeling of the roofs of buildings and nearby trees based on Google Maps data. Google plans to sell API access to individual building data, as well as aggregated data for all buildings in a particular city or county, one document states. The company says it has data for over 350 million buildings, according to documents, up significantly from the 60 million buildings it cited for Project Sunroof in 2017. One internal document estimates the company's solar APIs will generate revenue between $90 and $100 million in the first year after launch. There's also a potential to connect with Google Cloud products down the line, documents state. As part of the planned launch, the company is also planning to announce an Air Quality API that will let customers request air quality data, such as pollutants and health-based recommendations for specific locations. It'll also include digital heat maps of the data and hourly air quality information, as well as air quality history of up to 30 days. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The latest revenue play comes as the company has been trying to monetize its maps products as it faces pressure to produce revenue amid a broader economic slowdown. While the company is focusing on becoming more efficient, it's also been investing in newer technologies like generative AI and sustainability a market it hopes to take advantage of with the Solar API. The company currently licenses its mapping API for navigation to companies like Uber , which said in 2019 it paid Google $58 million over three years. Maps API revenue goes toward the company's cloud segment, which finally turned profitable in the first quarter but has had a rocky path toward trying to compete with market leaders Amazon and Microsoft. Google doesn't break out how much its Maps business makes, but it has historically been one of Google's most under-monetized products, Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Nowak told CNBC in 2021. At the time, Morgan Stanley had estimated Google Maps would earn $11.1 billion by this year as new travel products and promoted pins began to increase ad revenue. The move also comes as the company attempts to streamline its mapping products. In June, CNBC found the company was laying off employees at traffic-reporting app Waze, which it acquired in 2013, and combining it with the Google Maps team. Search and recovery team members check charred buildings and cars in the aftermath of the Maui Fires in Lahaina, West Maui, Hawaii, August 17, 2023. Hawaiian Electric is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by Maui County last week blaming the utility for triggering the wildfires that have killed more than 100 people, caused billions of dollars in damages and left hundreds missing. The utility said power lines toppled by high winds likely caused the morning brush fire in Lahaina but electricity had been off for hours when a second fire occurred that afternoon. Hawaiian Electric's stock soared more than 40% on Monday. "We were surprised and disappointed that the County of Maui rushed to court even before completing its own investigation," Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura said in a statement Sunday. "We believe the complaint is factually and legally irresponsible." "Unfortunately, the county's lawsuit may leave us no choice in the legal system but to show its responsibility for what happened that day," Kimura said. Hawaiian Electric said power lines appear to have caused the brush fire that started at 6:30 a.m. local time at the intersection of Lahainaluna Road and Hookahua Street in the historic town. The small fire near the downed poles spread into a field near Lahaina Intermediate School. The Maui County Fire Department responded to the morning fire and declared it had been extinguished, according to the company's account of events leading up to the wildfires. Hawaiian Electric crews repairing the downed poles later saw a fire around 3 p.m. about 75 yards away in the field near Lahaina Intermediate School and immediately reported it to authorities, according to the company. Hawaiian Electric said the power had been off for hours when the crew witnessed that second fire in the field. By the time the county fire department responded to the afternoon fire, they were unable to contain the blaze as it spread out of control toward Lahaina, according to the company. Morgan Stanley is worried about CrowdStrike ahead of the company's latest earnings report this week. Analyst Hamza Fodderwala downgraded the cybersecurity company to equal weight from overweight and lowered his price target to $167 from $178. Fodderwala's new target suggests the stock could still climb more than 11.65% in the next year. "We are cautious [on] CRWD ahead of FQ2 earnings this week as consensus estimates for 2H/CY24 rebound appear high in light of a more difficult demand environment," Fodderwala said in a Monday note. "Another cut to consensus CY23/24 annual recurring revenue estimates seems likely, while risk-reward seems more balanced now." CrowdStrike, which is set to report earnings Wednesday after the market closes, has gained more than 23% in the past six months. The stock lost 2.6% in premarket trading Monday. CRWD 6M mountain CrowdStrike in past 6 months Fodderwala cited three factors for the bank's cautious view: Further slowdown in the company's key industry targets, including tech and retail: Companies such as Target and Home Depot, which are among CrowdStrike's largest customers, are spending more cautiously, likely resulting in smaller deal sizes. Headwinds in cloud consumption: The pace of recovery in companies' cloud optimization efforts remains uncertain. Amazon Web Services is CrowdStrike's largest go-to market partner and accounts for 10% of its annual recurring revenue. Limited upside in free cash flow: Customers are increasingly desiring annual upfront payments. With management planning toward $10 billion annual recurring revenue longer term, the analyst expects necessary investment in new product categories, such as security analytics, that should result in modest operating leverage over the next few years. Fodderwala said the firm continues to see long-term opportunity in CrowdStrike and is not structurally "bearish" on the company. Upside on the stock is based on factors such as the company's growth in its emerging products, which Fodderwala said should partially offset cloud headwinds, as well as its improving competitive positioning. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting. Elton John ended up in a hospital after a fall at his home in France on Sunday night, but the pop star is already on the mend at home. A representative for John told People Monday that the 76-year-old had a slip at his Mont Boron villa near Nice, France, and was hospitalized at Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco on Sunday. John was kept overnight and sent home in the morning. Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure, the rep added. Following checkups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health. John took another fall in 2021 and needed to postpone the rest of that years Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour dates to 2023 as a result. In a Twitter statement that September, the five-time Grammy winner said he fell awkwardly on a hard surface and have been in considerable pain and discomfort in my hip ever since. He added: Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving. In an interview on the British morning show Lorraine that November, John said that he had hip pain most of the time and couldnt move sideways or get in and out of a car. The decision to postpone the tour dates had to be made because I wouldnt want to go on stage and give less than 100 percent, he added. John finished the nearly-five-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Stockholm this July, with Billboard reporting that the concert series had grossed $939.1 million. That tally made Farewell Yellow Brick the highest-grossing tour in the history of the magazines Boxscore reporting, though Taylor Swift and Beyonces current tours stand to cross the $1 billion threshold. And though John has vowed that hes done touring, hes not done making music. Ill be recording a new album very soon, and I cant wait because I havent really recorded a proper record for a long time, so Im looking forward to doing that, he told The Hollywood Reporter in June. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo is set to meet with senior Chinese officials and U.S. business leaders in Beijing as the two countries continue high-level talks. Her trip is a crucial but also a tough one to tread with U.S.-China economic ties hanging in the balance, according to a former senior U.S. diplomat. "Gina Raimondo's trip is going to be a tricky one, because she is going to have to talk to the Chinese about their concerns about the U.S. trying to contain the Chinese economy and throttle their development," Susan Thornton told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia." Thornton previously served as acting assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the State Department. She said Raimondo would want to "get some business done for U.S. businesses," on top of promoting and stabilizing trade relations with China. "So it's a tough visit. But I think it's one that the Chinese are welcoming and want to see some positive statements come out of," said Thornton, who is now a senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center at Yale Law School. Two people were killed and five injured after a Russian missile strike on the Poltava region in central-eastern Ukraine, state authorities said. Russian officials reported that their air defense forces shot down a drone approaching Moscow, resulting in the halting of some flights in the Moscow region. Kyiv says it has liberated the southeastern village of Robotyne, claiming a victory in terms of territorial gains as it pushes on with its grinding counteroffensive into Russian-held land. Elsewhere, the Russian billionaire co-founder of tech giant Yandex is reportedly appealing EU sanctions against him after he vocally criticized Russia's war in Ukraine. The request to lift sanctions will be discussed by EU officials in September, the Financial Times reported. Starting Monday, passengers flying on Korean Air may be asked to step on a scale before boarding their flight. The exercise, which will last about three weeks, is required by law and applies to all Korean flag carriers, a Korean Air representative told CNBC. The law requires airlines to weigh passengers and their carry-on luggage at least every five years and is "crucial for safety of flight operations," the representative told CNBC. The announcement was met with backlash from the public, according to local media. A notice detailing the exercise set to begin at Gimpo International Airport Monday, followed by Incheon Airport next month has been removed from the airline's website, due to "sufficient notice and media coverage," according to the airline. Is it reasonable to weigh passengers? "Definitely not," said Vance Hilderman, CEO of the aviation safety company Afuzion. At least not for the purpose of safety, he said. watch now "If you're at a small Bombardier, a small Embraer jet, and we had 10 very obese people it could make a small difference," he said. "On commercial aircraft, anything from a 737 and above you know, 120 people, we have it built in." Aviation software can adjust for weight changes, air density and other factors, which is why safety isn't compromised even in situations where passenger makeup is atypical, such as an early morning flight of mostly businessmen, who tend to weigh more than the average traveler, he said. Overall, a significant weight increase per passenger would be eclipsed by the weight of fuel, cargo and the aircraft itself, said Hilderman. "Fuel is 20 times more than the passenger weight," he said. Rather than focusing on passenger weight, it's more important to adjust for additional cargo and the number of passengers on board, said Afuzion CEO Vance Hilderman. Casanowe | Istock | Getty Images But Shem Malmquist, an instructor at Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics, said random weight samples are a good idea. "We use average weights of passengers, but people are getting a lot heavier," he said. "Three hundred people that weigh more than average can put an airplane significantly over weight, and all of our performance calculations runway length, climb, obstacle clearance, landing distances, altitude capabilities all are dependent on weight, among other things." Hilderman agrees that people are getting bigger, but he said passengers now differ in other ways too. "Americans are getting heavier. So are Chinese, so are Koreans," he said. "But we're also flying younger so it's actually offset the average human's weight increase." A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Transport & Health found that regions with higher obesity prevalence "may begin to see significantly compromised safety margins if increasing weight trends continue." watch now Jose Silva, an associate professor at Australia's RMIT University's School of Engineering and one of the study's authors, told CNBC that he thinks airlines are reluctant to weigh passengers because of the sensitive nature of the topic. "There is also a lack of understanding of the safety gains which could be obtained if there were more accurate means to ascertain the passengers' weight, instead of relying on standards," he said. A whistleblower complaint filed in 2021 alleges that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has failed to recognize safety issues caused by relying on average passenger or baggage weights that no longer reflect the U.S. population. Where airlines weigh passengers Air New Zealand weighed passengers in June for reasons, it said, related to safety and fuel efficiency. Finnair did the same in 2017, and Hawaiian Air has conducted multiple passenger weight exercises on flights between Honolulu and American Samoa. (The now defunct Samoa Air used to charge passengers by their weight, according to Reuters.) Flyers in the United States likely won't be weighed, said Hilderman, even though an FAA advisory circular published in 2019 stated that airlines can weigh passengers. It's a different story in Europe, where carriers follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. American airlines follow regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which does not require that passengers be weighed, said Hilderman. Simon2579 | E+ | Getty Images EASA weighed nearly 23,000 passengers in 2008 and 2009 and found that average passenger weight had increased by 3 to 5 kilograms (6.6 to 11 pounds). A subsequent report published in 2022 found that mean passenger weight increased slightly since 2009, for an average of 82 kg (181 pounds) for men and 68 kg (149 pounds) for women. Periodic weight assessments of passengers and other items on board can help airlines determine if weight estimates are still accurate to offset the amount of cargo they carry, said Hilderman. But "there's a little more to this mystery," he added. "In Europe, they're a little more rigorous about individual rights with privacy," he said. "With EASA, they want to protect the passengers and say: Look, the passengers are getting larger, so airlines, we want you to provide a minimum pitch distance on your seats." Commercial airline seating is based on average passenger weight from the 1950s to 1970s, Hilderman said. Since then, people have gotten bigger, but seat pitches have dwindled, he said "29 inches in some cases, it's absolutely ridiculous." A hot-button topic Passenger size on planes is a controversial topic with oversized flyers lodging discrimination allegations over Lilliputian plane aisles and seat sizes, and smaller travelers publicly venting about seat encroachment. But unlike other industries that service heavy people from makers of chairs to toilets to amusement park rides the airline industry hasn't enlarged seats. "Some have proposed that obese passengers be required to pay for two seats in order to not make other passengers uncomfortable, but that lets the airlines escape any responsibility," said Nick Gausling, a consumer services business consultant and managing director of Romy Group LLC. Gausling noted that while other industries have been pressured to prioritize customer experience, "consumers have very little choice to take their business elsewhere" when it comes to airlines. Tigress Osborn, the executive director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, told CNBC that most major airlines have responded with three options for overweight travelers: pay for pricier tickets that come with bigger seats, purchase a second seat, or stay home. "Fat people deserve to travel for pleasure just like everyone else, and we also need to remember that air travel is for work, for family obligations, and for other responsibilities, too," she said. "Our taxes help support this industry, and we deserve to be accommodated safely and comfortably, with access to accessible seating at all price levels." Ideas to help larger passengers Hilderman said airlines can sell second seats to plus-size travelers at a heavily discounted rate. As people have gotten bigger, airline seats have gotten smaller, which has led to frequent complaints from air travelers of all sizes. Jodi Jacobson | Istock | Getty Images Or they can reserve half a dozen seats for larger people, which passengers could privately register for online, using height and weight details from their driver's licenses, he said. Those seats could be sold at a small surcharge, and if not booked by qualified passengers the week before the flight, released to anyone willing to pay for them, he added. Any hope for wider seats? Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a Morning Meeting livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Monday's key moments. Equities rise Watch Danaher's portfolio A flurry of trades 1. Equities rise Stocks rose Monday morning the S & P 500 was up 0.52% with energy, materials and industrials outperforming. Markets are looking to notch a second-consecutive day of gains following an upbeat response to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech in Jackson Hole , Wyoming, on Friday. Meanwhile, bond yields were mainly higher, with that of the 10-year Treasury hovering around 4.2%. Oil prices climbed north, with West Texas Intermediate crude moving above $80 a barrel. 2. Watch Danaher's portfolio Club holding Danaher (DHR) on Friday said it expects to complete the separation of its environmental-and-applied-solutions business, Veralto, on Sept. 30 via a tax-free spin-off. Danaher shareholders will receive one share of Veralto for every three shares of Danaher. And on Monday Danaher said it plans to acquire life-sciences company Abcam (ABCM) for $24 per share, or a total enterprise value of approximately $5.7 billion . These moves are highly indicative of Danaher's mergers-and-acquisitions strategy monetizing quality companies that are slower-growing, lower-margin businesses, while buying up faster-growing, high-margin, recurring-revenue businesses and making them even better. 3. A flurry of trades We are exiting our position in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Monday, the second step in our pivot to chipmaker Broadcom (AVGO), which is set to report quarterly results on Thursday. Additionally, with the S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator still in oversold territory, we're taking the proceeds from the sale and dipping into our cash to make small buys in a handful of stocks: Estee Lauder (EL), Walt Disney (DIS), GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) and Starbucks (SBUX). (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after surrendering at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Aug. 24, 2023. Donald Trump will be arraigned Sept. 6 in the criminal case where he is accused of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, a state court docket showed Monday morning. The other 18 defendants in the case will be arraigned later that same day in in Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta. The scheduling order was released shortly before a federal judge in Washington, D.C., scheduled Trump's trial there on charges related to trying to reverse his 2020 national election loss to begin on March 4. Trump's arraignment in Atlanta will take place at 9:30 a.m. ET. on Sept. 6 The former president will be asked to enter a plea at that time to the 13 felony charges he faces. His former lawyer Rudy Giuliani will be arraigned at 9:45 a.m., the court docket shows. The other 17 defendants in the case, who include Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, other Trump-allied lawyers, and would-be Electoral College voters for Trump, are scheduled to be arraigned starting at 10 a.m. Steven Sadow, Trump's attorney in the case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the arraignment. Former President Donald Trump speaks with the press at the Iowa Pork Producers booth during the 2023 Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 12, 2023. "In our judgment, that trial date is inconsistent with President Trump's right to due process and the right to effective assistance of counsel," Lauro said in the hearing. The judge noted his objection before moving on. The jury selection process in the D.C. case is currently set to begin one day before Super Tuesday, the biggest day of elections in the presidential primary cycle. But Trump's proposal for an April 2026 trial date went "far beyond what is necessary," the judge said, NBC News reported. The Department of Justice's suggestion to take the case to trial on Jan. 2 "does not" give Trump enough time to prepare, Chutkan said in a Monday morning hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington. Judge Tanya Chutkan delivered her ruling after rejecting two wildly different trial schedules proposed by Trump's attorneys and special counsel Jack Smith's federal prosecutors. "Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted," Trump wrote in a livid social media post Monday afternoon. Trump vowed to appeal the decision as he attacked the judge on social media. A federal judge on Monday set a March 4, 2024, trial date in former President Donald Trump 's criminal election interference case, putting the top Republican presidential candidate on trial in Washington, D.C., seven months before the 2024 general election . Trump was not required to attend the hearing, but posted on Truth Social later Monday to rail against Chutkan and Smith. Trump's post appeared to reference a recent report that a member of Smith's team met with a White House official months before seeking indictments as he repeated the claim that his legal woes are part of a conspiracy to undermine his 2024 campaign. "Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY," Trump wrote as he vowed to appeal the ruling. The former president earlier this month pleaded not guilty to the four-count indictment charging him with illegally conspiring to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Trump, a top Republican presidential candidate who is facing four separate criminal cases, has sought to move his trials past the November 2024 election. But judges in two of his cases have already set trial dates starting in 2024. Chutkan noted Monday that she spoke with the New York judge overseeing Trump's case in Manhattan, which is also set to go to trial in March. Fani Willis, the Atlanta prosecutor who has charged Trump with 13 felonies related to his effort to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia, had asked a judge in Fulton County Superior Court to schedule Trump's trial on the same day, March 4. A spokesman for Willis did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Chutkan's order. Smith, who is leading Trump's prosecution in his two federal cases, proposed in court filings earlier this month that a Jan. 2 trial in the D.C. case would "vindicate the public's strong interest in a speedy trial." Trump's attorneys responded that the trial should start more than two-and-a-half years later, claiming that they need a significant amount of time to sift through the millions of pages of potential evidence. Trump has already lashed out at the special counsel as an "out of touch lunatic" for asking for a trial date that would likely overlap with the Iowa caucuses, which are scheduled for Jan. 15. The hearing itself grew heated when defense attorney Lauro declared that it was an "outrage of justice" for the government to seek such a quick trial date. "Let's take the temperature down," Chutkan responded. The special counsel previously accused Trump's lawyers of exaggerating the amount of evidence that they will have to sift through and making unhelpful comparisons, such as claiming that the number of pages of discovery material would stack up nearly 5,000 feet high. Lauro in Monday's hearing said the task of preparing for a case with so much discovery was "enormous" and "overwhelming." He argued that they cannot be ready in a shorter time frame than the one they proposed. But Chutkan was unconvinced. "This case isn't going to trial in 2026, and I want to know, despite the rhetoric in your response to the government's trial date, realistically why you think you need this time," she said. She noted that "a significant amount of this discovery is duplicative," adding that Trump's attorneys have known the indictment was coming "for quite some time." Lauro reiterated that the defense team will "have to absorb a gargantuan amount of facts." Trump "is not above the law, but he's not below the law," the attorney declared. The hearing also addressed the federal procedures for handling the "small amount of classified information" that the government said it has identified in the case. Trump is currently the clear front-runner in polls of the Republican presidential primary field. Trump has repeatedly claimed to be the victim of "election interference," which is essentially what he is accused of in D.C. and in the state-level criminal case in Georgia. Trump also faces federal criminal charges in Florida stemming from Smith's probe of the former president's handling of classified records after leaving office in early 2021. That case is scheduled to head to trial in May. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 40 felony counts he faces in that case. CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report. U.S. tipping culture is a hot and divisive topic for many right now. While Americans are questioning if there are any places left they aren't expected to tip at, those in other countries are watching with confusion. The U.K. is among them tipping is much less common there, and often not even up to the customers. "Most establishments will add a discretionary charge automatically," Laura Windsor, founder of an etiquette academy in the U.K., told CNBC Make It. "You are not obliged to pay the surcharge if the service has been less than satisfactory and you can ask for the charge to be taken off the bill if you were truly unhappy about the service," she added. If such a charge appears on your bill, there's no need to tip, although it's always an option. If a tip isn't automatically added, customers usually leave an extra 10-20% of the total bill for workers, Windsor said. "When it comes to porters in hotels, cloakroom attendants, cab drivers and hairdressers, if you are happy with their service, you can give a couple of pounds although it is not mandatory," she added. Cab drivers are also often tipped, usually by rounding up the amount by a few pounds or dollars, according to both Windsor and etiquette expert Jo Bryant. Exceptions are also made for special occasions, Bryant told CNBC Make It. "We also tend give a one-off tip to those who supply a regular service to us for example domestic cleaners at Christmas," she said. But there are some circumstances in which Brits would never tip but Americans always would, Bryant pointed out. "We would never tip in a coffee shop, pub or bar," she said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) As the world commemorates the International Day of the Disappeared on Aug. 30, families of desaparecidos in the country are still demanding justice for their loved ones. Edita Burgos, whose son was abducted more than a decade ago, said enforced disappearances still happen during the current administration. She explained more than 1,000 cases had been reported during the late dictators rule, 821 during the administration of former President Cory Aquino, 39 under the Ramos administration, 26 under the Estrada presidency, 206 during the term of President Gloria Arroyo, nine during former President Noynoy Aquino's term, and more than 20 under the Duterte administration. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s administration, its currently at 8, Burgos added. Eh isang taon pa lang eh ilang taon pa sya? I-multiply po 'yan ng six. Nakakakilabot, Burgos noted. [Translation: Hes only been in office for one year. Multiply that by six, its frightening.] We are here to reiterate our call to surface our loved ones. These persons are not just numbers but actual people. They are family members, a father, a friend, Idda de Jesus said. De Jesus brother, Gene Roz Jamil, disappeared last April 28 along with Dexter Capuyan in Taytay, Rizal. We tried to contact him but we couldnt reach him. He was incommunicado. And we tried to piece everything together then it became clear to us he was abducted or enforceably disappeared, De Jesus explained. She accused state forces of being behind her brothers alleged abduction. For what reason? Because they probably did something which these state agents or forces didnt want them to, which is to pursue the truth, to be the voice of the voiceless, she said. Eli Capuyan, Dexters brother, hopes there will be an end to this injustice as they continue to search for their loved ones. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) The widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has welcomed the Department of Justices (DOJ) announcement that murder charges have been filed against expelled congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo said she is happy about the latest developments in the bid to get justice for her husband. Our family is happy to hear that finally, we are a step closer to justice (with) the filing of murder, frustrated and attempted murder cases in court against Arnie Teves and the issuance of a warrant of arrest very soon will be a big leap towards getting justice for our loved ones, she said in a text message Monday. Our family is grateful that the wheels of justice in our country [are] indeed progressing towards the direction it should go, she added. DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said over the weekend that murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder cases have been filed against Teves before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Aug. 18 in connection with Governor Degamos killing. Clavano said an arrest warrant for Teves is expected to be issued by the court soon. Teves has repeatedly denied any involvement in Degamos death. He, however, has yet to return to the Philippines after leaving for the United States last February. On August 16, the House of Representatives expelled Teves for disorderly behavior and violating its code of conduct. The House has directed the Commission on Elections to hold a special election in the third district of Negros Oriental to elect Teves replacement. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would ensure that the work of the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Toots Ople would continue, as he shared her determination to protect and uplift the lives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). We should honor Toots and remember what was the most important thing to her we must continue that work, the president said. Marcos led the private necrological rites in Malacanang on Monday, which was attended by Vice President Sara Duterte, Cabinet officials, and members of Oples family. The president, who turned emotional during his eulogy, said Ople would leave a big gap in everyones heart, particularly Filipinos working abroad. Marcos described Ople as a consummate professional who was determined and devoted to her work related to migrant workers. He said whenever a work issue arose in some countries, Ople would immediately shift her focus and efforts to ensure the well-being of OFWs there. May initiative, hindi na naghihintay. Alam na alam niya ang trabaho niya [She had initiative. She knew her job well]. These all came from her heart, Marcos said. Dont feel sorry for Toots. Her soul went immediately to heaven. For that, I have no doubt. I feel sorry for us, for the Filipinos working abroad because they have lost the best champion they ever had, he added. Oples daughter thanked Marcos for allowing her mother to live her mission by entrusting her the position despite her illness. She said her mother was already diagnosed with stage 4 cancer when she was appointed DMW secretary. According to the Palace, Oples remains will be opened for public viewing in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. before it is transferred to the DMW Building at 5:30 p.m. Hannah Montana star Mitchel Musso is facing more legal trouble. The actor, who starred alongside Miley Cyrus in the Disney show was arrested in Texas on Saturday on charges of public intoxication and theft. Around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, police in Rockwall, Texas about 23 miles northeast of downtown Dallas responded to a disturbance at a local hotel, according to a police release cited by The Dallas Morning News. An eyewitness told police officers that an apparently intoxicated person entered the hotel, took a bag of chips and started eating them, and allegedly became verbally abusive and left the hotel without paying for the snack. Actor Mitchel Musso attends the premiere of Bachelor Lions at ArcLight Hollywood on January 9, 2018 in Hollywood, California. That person was later identified as Musso, and police arrested him outside the hotel after noticing signs of intoxication. The 32-year-old who also had multiple outstanding warrants regarding traffic violations in Rockwall now stands accused of public intoxication and theft, among other charges, the Morning News reports. Actress Miley Cyrus (L) and actor Mitchel Musso arrive at Sony Pictures premiere of Monster House held at Manns Village Theatre on July 17, 2006 in Westwood, California. Musso spent Saturday night in jail and posted a $1,000 bond on Sunday, according to People. The former Disney Channel star was previously arrested for driving drunk in Burbank, California, in 2011, and he pleaded no contest to one count of having a blood alcohol level of over 0.08 the following year, E! News reported at the time. He was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation and ordered to complete alcohol education classes and pay a fine. In becoming an adult, I have learned first hand that stepping up and taking responsibility is the best way to move forward, he said in a statement to E! News at the time. In addition to playing Cyrus onscreen friend Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana from 2006 to 2011, Musso also starred in the Disney XD sitcom Pair of Kings from 2010 to 2012 and hosted the Disney Channel hidden camera show Prankstars in 2011. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. Singapore presidential election candidates taking part in live debate on television at 9pm, August 28 The three candidates for the 2023 presidential elections in Singapore are taking part in a live debate at 9pm today, to be broadcast by CNA. This will be the first and only live debate among the candidates former Singapore Deputy Prime Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66; former chief investment officer at sovereign wealth fund GIC, Ng Kok Song, 75; and former chief executive of insurer NTUC Income, Tan Kin Lian, 75. Left to right: Singapore presidential election 2023 candidates Tan Kin Lian, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Ng Kok Song. Photo courtesy: X/@ParallelFacts The presidential forum, as the live debate is called, will also be live-streamed on CNAs YouTube and Facebook channels, with a repeat telecast on Channel 5 tomorrow. Also read: 6,649 overseas Singaporeans sign up to vote in the presidential elections 2023 Yesterday, The Straits Times posted a video featuring two of the candidates, who took part in a rapid-fire Q&A session the questions were asked by young Singaporeans and the two aspirants, Ng and Tharman, had to respond to each question within 90 seconds. Some of the questions were: How would you represent Singapore as our ninth president? How have your experiences in your youth helped shape you into the leader you are today? All the three candidates have undertaken daily walkabouts, meeting people and spending time interacting with them. Hollywood is notorious for remaking popular films in its never-ending quest for money. However, there are a finite number of stories that can possibly be told, and after a century of moviemaking, they're bound to start repeating themselves completely by accident. As we've previously discussed, this happens way more often than you'd think, in bizarrely unexpected ways. 5 The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Is The World Is Not Enough (1999) Warner Bros. The 19th James Bond movie and the third Batman movie (or seventh, or ninth, depending on when you start counting) share more than the fact that they're both about handsome British actors grabbing people by the shoulders and shouting at them. Sure, there's the obvious fact that both are about a suave, attractive action hero who owns an arsenal of expensive gadgets, likes to say his own name, and must overcome his physical limitations so that he can stop a terrorist kingpin from setting off a nuke in a major city, but that's lots of movies -- it's when you go scene by scene that you realize The Dark Knight Rises is The World Is Not Enough as told with rubber costumes. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM Behind that mask, Bane is making the exact same face as the other three. Both films open with a prologue that features a midair action sequence in which the villain's henchmen willingly sacrifice themselves to rescue their master. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM Then we cut to a scene where the hero's elderly British caretaker moodily reminds the hero that he's getting too old for the hero business. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM "I'm getting too old for this shite." Advertisement After that, there's a scene in a poorly lit doctor's office wherein a doctor points at some X-rays to inform the hero that his body is falling apart after years of leaping off buildings and punching supervillains into submission, which triggers a somber midlife identity crisis. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM They both also sex the shit out of their physician. The hero then meets a beautiful no-nonsense brunette businesswoman with a vaguely defined European accent. Nudity immediately commences. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM But suddenly, another beautiful no-nonsense brunette woman appears. She doesn't serve any purpose to the story except to step in as the hero's replacement love interest after the other woman is disqualified from this position for reasons that will soon become clear. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM The face of a man who just heard Denise Richards deliver dialogue. Meanwhile, the villain from the opening action scene reappears -- a powerful, bald terrorist leader who talks funny and is impervious to pain. The hero is forced to once again don his hero shoes to deal with this destructive madman and pays a visit to his personal quartermaster, who describes to the audience all of the gadgets that will eventually be used in the film. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM Luckily, The Dark Knight Rises was able to condense two old white men into Morgan Freeman. Advertisement The hero pursues the villain to his secret underground lair for a one-on-one showdown -- Batman races around the streets of Gotham in a rocket-powered motorcycle, and Bond races around the streets of London in a rocket-powered ... um, boat. Jesus, that movie is stupid. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM How stupid? This stupid. Anyway, the villain is able to exploit the hero's failing body in order to gain the upper hand, defeating the hero and stealing a nuclear bomb in the process. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM "Don't you take that nuclear bomb! Don't you do it!" Physically and morally crippled, the hero has to fight even harder to regain his strength and confront the bald terrorist again, only to discover that the bald terrorist is merely a hired goon working for the true villain -- the no-nonsense, vaguely European businesswoman he had sex with earlier! She subdues the hero and forces him to sit through a detailed monologue about how she plans to carry on her father's legacy, which somehow involves blanketing an entire city in a cloud of nuclear murder. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM "But ... we made sex!" Advertisement Advertisement The hero miraculously escapes, there is another chase scene in which the bad guys crash and die in their own getaway vehicle, and the bomb is detonated safely out of harm's way. In the confusion, the hero absconds with the emergency replacement girlfriend who was clumsily introduced in the film's second act and retreats to a secret vacation spot to be spied on by his elderly British caretaker. Warner Bros., Eon Productions/MGM Because callously faked death boning is the best kind of boning there is. 4 I, Robot (2004) Is Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) 20th Century Fox Even though I, Robot is an action/sci-fi Will Smith explosion-fest and Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a comedy starring popular cartoon characters from the past century, both are more or less the same movie if you use the words "robot" and "toon" interchangeably. One stars a wisecracking street-smart detective who is caught up in a murder mystery that thrusts him unwillingly into a world of cartoon characters and contemporary brand recognition. The other is Who Framed Roger Rabbit. 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney They also feature a weird emphasis on shoes. Advertisement Both movies center on a cynical detective who harbors a deep-seated prejudice against a local community of sentient special effects because he blames them for a past tragedy in his life. 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney For Hoskins, his brother's death. For Smith, Wild Wild West. When a lovable member of this community is suspected of murdering a human being, the hard-boiled, disillusioned detective initially believes the toon/robot is guilty, because that's how racism works. He begins his investigation by interviewing a slimy CEO in a scene that involves him drinking liquor from a tiny cup while wearing a period-appropriate hat. 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney "Keep 'em coming. I've got to pretend to be happy Shia LaBeouf survives the last act." Advertisement Then, at the insistence of an alluring female sidekick, the detective begrudgingly accepts that the toon/robot is innocent and agrees to solve the mystery. He learns that the victim left behind a note no one can understand (a cryptic dream hidden in the memory of a robot, and a mysterious "blank" piece of paper) that, we find out later, holds the key to a convoluted scheme: 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Advertisement The detective then quickly finds himself in a high-speed chase behind the wheel of a car that drives itself, a feature he considers extremely annoying rather than life-changing and incredible. The pursuit takes him directly into the heart of the community he so despises -- in Roger Rabbit, it's Toontown, whereas in I, Robot, it's future Detroit (where there is an astonishing lack of RoboCop). 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney You can tell it's an alternate future because citizens have jobs. Here, the detective finally cracks the case -- the real killer is a bombastically evil toon/robot who has been masquerading as a paragon of the human justice system in order to enact some diabolical scheme. 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney They shot Christopher Lloyd in the face with a cannon loaded with cocaine to achieve the eye effect. After defeating waves of henchmen, the hero dispatches the villain by exposing it to a magical substance that exists solely for the purpose of the villain's destruction, in an ending that curiously validates and reinforces the detective's bigotry -- the reviled community of metahumans was responsible for both his personal anguish and the murder at the center of the story all along. It just wasn't the specific lovable metahuman who was initially accused of the crime. So the moral of the story is, if you're harboring a deep sense of mistrust and resentment for an entire community, chances are your suspicions are absolutely correct. Advertisement 3 Thor (2011) Is The Prince of Egypt (1998) Marvel Studios Advertisement In a pop adaptation of a famous mythological story, the relationship between two princes becomes strained when their kingly father pits them against each other for his attention. After a monumental cock-up, the favored brother goes into exile among an alien culture, where he falls in love with a beautiful woman. Because fate is as cruel as it is predictable, he is eventually forced to protect his adopted people from the wrath of his heartbroken, embittered brother. Clearly, that's the plot of Thor, but you might be surprised to learn that it is also the exact same story told in 1998's The Prince of Egypt (and, to a lesser degree, the Bible). Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation "If only there were some closer religious text we could have based Thor on ..." Advertisement Both movies begin with a cataclysmic race war and quickly shift focus to two young, mischievous princes who enjoy recklessly goofing off in ways that cause violent, expensive damage to their father's kingdom. Nevertheless, one brother is clearly the king's favorite, and his jealous, more level-headed sibling constantly shoulders the blame for his brother's bullshit. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation This doesn't even factor in the fabulous hair envy. The two princes grow up, at which point one of the brothers discovers that he's actually adopted -- he was born to his father's cultural enemies, and the royal family took pity on him as a baby and raised him as their own, because for some reason no one foresaw that becoming a problem later on. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation Pictured: Becoming a problem later on. The hero (the favored brother) makes a hubris-laden mistake that gets him exiled from the kingdom. Outside the gates of his homeland, he meets a beautiful woman and a kindly old man. Through a series of fish-out-of-water hijinks, he learns to stop thinking like an inverted asshole and understand the plight of the common people. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation "This whole time I've been figuratively fucking others, when I could have been literally fucking you. Thank you." Advertisement Advertisement Along the way, the hero takes possession of a blunt object that can do magic. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation The hammer, Mjolnir, and the staff, Chuck. When he returns home, he learns that his father is dead/comatose, and in his absence, his less-favored brother has risen to the throne. Also, his brother has become a total shithead, driven by an irrational desire to prove his worth to a father who is no longer in any position to care. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation "How is your headdress so white with that much crap is between your ears?" The hero tries to reconcile with his brother, but only on the condition that his brother not murder all of his newfound friends. Unfortunately, his brother tells him to go jog down the street with that nonsense, and a kingdom-demolishing battle of wills ensues. Marvel Studios, DreamWorks Animation And as usual with Viking/Middle Eastern fisticuffs, the dude with the beard prevails. Advertisement The hero is finally able to deliver a spirit-crushing haymaker that shatters his brother's resolve, and he gives up. Granted, in Thor it involves a shame speech from their newly awakened father, whereas in The Prince of Egypt it involves the wholesale murder of thousands of children. But the end result is the same -- the hero is free to protect his people, and his brother is forever a dick. 2 Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) Is Aladdin (1992) Warner Bros. Aladdin and Jack the Giant Slayer are both based on fairy tales, so you can assume right off the bat that some noble peasant has to go on a journey to save a kingdom from evil. But the similarities don't end there -- the movies are basically the same, give or take the presence of giants. Warner Bros., Walt Disney Advertisement Advertisement In both movies, a plucky young man living on the fringes of poverty ventures into the local marketplace to strugglingly procure something to eat, when he spots a beautiful woman dressed in rags being accosted by some slightly rapey older men. He stands up for her, even though he's drastically outnumbered, but before he is literally murdered in the street for his gallantry, the king's guards show up and reveal that the girl is actually the crown princess of the realm, disguising herself as a commoner to get a taste of how actual people live. Warner Bros., Walt Disney Spoiler: Shittily. Soon afterward, the hero is given a magical relic that he is told holds infinite cosmic power, but he scoffs at the relic because it looks like a pile of old, useless crap -- in one film it's a rusty old lamp, and in the other it's a bag of shitty beans. Warner Bros., Walt Disney "Maybe if we make the lamp a bong to smoke the beans something will happen." Advertisement Meanwhile, the princess is commanded by her father to marry his evil bearded adviser, because that is the law of the realm (the fact that kings back then could ignore the law entirely and pretty much do whatever they wanted is never mentioned). Everyone seems to think the cartoonishly suspicious-looking adviser and his parrot sidekick are completely on the level, even though they spend most of their time skulking around the palace and scheming about a lost treasure. Warner Bros., Walt Disney And trying to get in the pants of the teenage princess. The villain eventually learns that the destitute young hero is in possession of the magic relic and tries to drown him so he can steal it. Warner Bros., Walt Disney The drowning doesn't work, but the villainous adviser is able to use the relic anyway to get his hands on phenomenal magic powers, which he uses to bend the kingdom to his will. Paradoxically, his will in either case doesn't go beyond "tenuous command of an army of hateful giant ogres" and "making a fat old man dance in his underwear." Warner Bros., Walt Disney "Great. Now do the Truffle Shuffle." Advertisement Advertisement In the climax, the hero is forced to battle a giant evil monster, which he defeats by using the villain's own weapon against him. As a reward, the king removes the law that forbids his daughter from marrying a commoner, which he could have done in the first place, but apparently he prefers to just trade his daughter for services rendered in lieu of a paycheck. Warner Bros., Walt Disney "Why the hell do you think I was trying to marry her to my adviser? I hadn't paid that guy in like six years." The hero and the princess get married, even though they've known each other for all of two days, and they live happily ever after. Probably. Warner Bros., Walt Disney Three of these people look happy, and the fourth looks like he is wondering if his betrothed is going to finish that burrito. These facts were gorgeous before we popped em in there, but now? Theyre so glossy they almost shimmer with an inner luminescence. Weve got tidbits about the alien invasion story that made The War of the Worlds broadcast look like a weather report, 18th century true-crime fans and the Oktoberfestian origins of Botox. You can keep one, but we need to turn the rest into earrings and sell them to tourists. Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 12 The Rash of Alien Hoaxes That Predates the War of the Worlds In the 1830s, several newspapers published serialized science-fiction stories with suspiciously little context, causing people to think bizarre creatures and ecosystems on the moon had been glimpsed by telescope. The Sun published Great Astronomical Discoveries Lately Made (later known as The Great Moon Hoax), which is the incident that really freaked people out. But that story had already been published in The Edinburgh Courant, and Edgar Allan Poe claimed it was a ripoff of one of his stories. Poe later published his own fake-out in The Sun, which came to be known as The Balloon-Hoax. (Source) 11 A Close Runner-Up to Nuclear Weapons Was: Bats After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Eleanor Roosevelts friend told her his brilliant plot for revenge: tie bombs to a bunch of bats, and airdrop them over Japan. The bats would roost in barns and attics, then all explode at the same time. Mass chaos would ensue. She politely passed his note along to her husband and the U.S. Navy actually developed this ridiculous plan. (Source) 10 'Happy Days' Didnt Get Its Iconic Theme Song Until Season Three A different version of the song played during the ending credits of the first two seasons. But it ripped so hard that they re-recorded it and made it the official theme song for the rest of the run. (Source) 9 True Crime Has Always Had a Macabre Fandom Contemporary accounts told of big-time regicide fans dabbing their handkerchiefs in Louis XVIs blood after he was beheaded. One filthy handkerchief (that was found inside of a decorative gourd) was tested against one of Louis ancestors specifically, that ancestors disembodied and mummified head and was found to indeed contain traces of his blood. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement 8 Milk Transfusions As soon as physician William Harvey figured out how the circulatory system worked in 1616, doctors started squelching all kinds of stuff up in them veins. Besides animal blood, milk was probably the tamest liquid they tried. Reportedly, people thought beer, wine, urine and opium might heal an unhealthy body. (Source) 7 Orson Welles Found a Loophole That Allows You To Send Your Dead Body to the Sitting President Playboy tried to get philosophical with him in a 1967 interview, asking, Have you any theories about what will happen to you after death? Welles responded, I dont know about my soul, but my body will be sent to the White House, and explained that theres no law against indicating on your passport that your remains should be returned to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement 6 Beyonce Paid 100K to Help Fans Get Home A lightning storm delayed the start of her concert in Washington, D.C., which would have meant attendees would have no way to get home afterward. The Metro will run later than usual for big events, for a fee of 100k, which the tour shelled out on the spot. (Source) 5 A Kid Randomly Saved Two People from Cartoonish Deaths in the Same Day Eleven-year-old Davyon Johnson Heimlichd a bottle cap out of a classmates throat at school, then on the way home, ran into a burning house and dragged a woman out to safety. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement 4 The Extinct Eagle That Hunted Humans Maori legends about pouakai gigantic flying monsters that could kill adult humans and other big game on the spot, or swoop in and kidnap smaller children are most likely based on the actual (but extinct) Haasts eagle. (Source) 3 The Bottle Conjuror In 1749, a huge crowd showed up at Englands Haymarket Theatre to watch an acrobat shove his body into a wine bottle. The whole thing was a hoax the result of a bet between a Duke and an Earl and when nothing happened, people rioted, tore stuff out of the theatre and started a bonfire in the street. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement 2 Arthur Priest, the Unsinkable Stoker A stoker is one of the worst jobs you could have on an old-timey steam-powered ship: Youre just constantly shoveling fuel into a blazing hot furnace. Priest was a stoker on six ships involved in collisions, four of which sank, and several of which were during active combat in World War I. (Source) The limits of data recovery and information sharing in crime investigations International laws don't necessarily help when it comes to prosecuting criminals because that requires evidence, warrants and other systems to go ahead. And they don't include a legal obligation for countries to fully cooperate within a prosecution, including something like the Budapest Convention, explains Alana Maurushat, professor of cybersecurity and behavior at Western Sydney University. That said, Maurushat says cybercrime investigations are done as much by private organizations as they are by law enforcement organizations. A private entity cant use the Budapest Convention to preserve data; it can only be done by a designated entity such as the police. "But law enforcement agencies are recognizing this and getting better at cooperating," Maurushat says. Prosecuting cyber criminals operates in a different framework and requires mutual assistance treaties. But these can take 10 years to negotiate and they're done country to country, Maurushat says. Even so, prosecution isn't even the end goal for organizations. It's typically data recovery and funds retrieval. And with some investigations, if a case leads back to a certain jurisdiction, it's just a no go. "Youre never going to get anywhere because the corruption is so bad in those countries, youre not going to get cooperation. And thats the case whether its a government-to-government or a private investigation," she says. And even with cyber-crime laws, certain jurisdictions can operate as havens for cyber criminals and launching pads for cybercrime. Such as criminal syndicates that 'specialize' in certain kinds of cybersecurity attacks from some countries with the right conditions. Launching sophisticated ransomware attacks or other cybercrime activities to net significant targets requires a certain level of infrastructure, technical sophistication and a sizeable amount of funds. Something like this can cost as much as $100 million to build, Maurushat estimates. At this level, it is the sophistication of the country's technical infrastructure more than cyber-crime laws that determines if they become safe havens for launching cyber-attacks. International frameworks can't solve attribution In general, criminals take advantage of the right conditions in targeting victims and operating in nation-state where officials may be less than willing to cooperate with cybercrime investigations. And international agreements like the Budapest Convention and others can't solve one of the hardest parts of recovering from a cyberattack--identifying the culprit. Maurushat says finding out whos responsible for cybersecurity attack can be incredibly difficult. "Its the attribution," she says. But the old maxim applies: follow the money to find those responsible. "There are some jurisdictions where the money flows from each and every time. That never changes and never will change. Look at tax havens, chances are good illicit funds are flowing through those regions," she says. "Criminals always go for either the ripest target, or the easiest target. As long as youre not the easiest or the ripest, youre probably going to be okay. That means thinking about how you spend your budget and your planning is important. The problem is that often you run out of money for the things that matter in terms of training and behavior. So, you can get all the tools in the world, if you dont have the people who can learn the tools, its kind of useless." Day agrees, noting that attribution is hard for several reasons. "All too often, the victim hasnt either gathered or maintained the evidence required," he says. In addition, adversaries have built several techniques to obscure their identities, using publicly compromised systems as middle points, having communication points (command and control) that re-configure themselves on a regular basis, or leverage middle-wear digital mules just to name a couple of techniques. They will also often use secure communications between themselves to make it very tricky to truly find the source. "All too often, attribution comes when criminals, like all humans, make mistakes. Either they leave markers they didn't intend to leave, brag, or make simple mistakes such as using the same alias in a completely different, more public and open forum," he says. Cyber laws are more than just the actual statutes themselves. It's the sum of all that a robust cyber-policy framework facilitates. This includes cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation, workforce development strategies, cyber information-sharing (threat intelligence), digital forensics, computer emergency response teams (CERTs), cyber diplomacy, and bilateral agreements, among other facets. "These cyber capabilities along with technology advancements have made us much better at cyber-incident attribution," says Niel Harper, who's part of the professional standards working group with the UK Cyber Security Council, member of the board of directors at ISACA, and World Economic Forum Cyber risk working group. CISOs playbook: Using frameworks to develop cyber policies Organizations need to adopt and 'live' the right cybersecurity frameworks. "Policies and cyber insurance alone won't cut it. Executive management and boards need to get smarter so they can ask the right questions about cyber risks and associated economic drivers, business leadership must encourage systemic resilience and collaboration, and ensure that organizational design and resource allocation supports cybersecurity," Harper says. For CISOs, everything needs to be framed around cyber-risk management and business strategy alignment, but external collaboration is critical. Public-private partnerships, especially as it pertains to critical national infrastructure protection, are crucial in the fight against cybercrime and so are sectoral and cross-sectoral CERTs and information-sharing mechanisms. "Collaboration allows for organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats and be more proactive on their cyber resilience," he says. Cybereason's Day believes that for each CISO, there should be three key goals. "Make sure you keep your cyber hygiene and prevention capabilities current. Cyber security is evolving as fast as the threats its aiming to mitigate," he says. "Have a resilience plan for when you are compromised. How do you contain the blast radius of the attack? How do you ensure the business keeps functioning? Test these plans regularly!" And get better at being able to capture and analyze forensic data. "Most are good at being able to see what the attack did, but many are not nearly as strong in being able to see what the human adversary did once they had successfully breached the business," he says. Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photo: Getty Images Jim Simon, the grizzled town supervisor of Yates, New York, thinks of himself as a reluctant warrior in the wind-turbine fight. Raised in Buffalo, Simon spent over 20 years in the Air Force before settling down in Yates in 2005 and taking up work at Genesee Community College, where he taught history and later became a dean. As Simon tells it, he never had any political ambitions until early 2015, shortly after the Virginia-based wind developer Apex Clean Energy came to town with a proposal for the Lighthouse Wind Project at least 47 turbines near Lake Ontario, enough to potentially power 53,000 homes. To Simon, it seemed more like an ambush: By the time hed heard the details, Apex had already begun buying up leases from individual landowners in and around Yates and Somerset, small farming towns with a combined population of about 5,000. Some locals formed an opposition group, Save Ontario Shores (SOS), that quickly accrued so much support that, by years end, it managed to get Simon elected through an almost single-issue write-in campaign. (Simon wouldnt go away, an editor at a local news outlet wrote of his rise.) SOSs complaints attacked the turbines from every angle, alleging a possible impact on property values, potential bird deaths owing to migratory patterns, noise pollution, and shadow flicker a phenomenon where the sun casts shadows through rotating turbines. And then there was the feeling that wealthy communities in energy-guzzling cities were exploiting rural resources to suit urban needs, says Gary Abraham, a lawyer for SOS. Not helping matters, the proposed turbines were also big, standing at about 591 feet, dwarfing even the tallest building in Buffalo and reaching heights typically associated with offshore turbines. (Too big, too close, reads a popular lawn sign made by SOS.) As even Abraham will admit, objection to wind turbines often starts as an aesthetic judgment a starting point from which opponents then drill down into other complaints. But what if we could change the way turbines look? The battle in Yates and Somerset mirrored similar ones across rural New York, where opponents of wind projects have grown increasingly paranoid about encroaching developers as the state has accelerated its efforts to get renewable-energy projects approved. (While reaching out to locals about the Bluestone Wind Farm in Broome County, I was accused of having conflicts of interest, which came as a surprise to me until I realized the source of confusion: A project manager for the wind farm is also named Chris Stanton.) One state over, the future of offshore wind development on the East Coast may be decided by the outcome of a standoff in Ocean City, New Jersey, where locals insist that turbines will disrupt their views and kill whales mimicking talking points from a nonprofit run by a former DuPont executive who advises right-wing think tanks and was part of former president Trumps Environmental Protection Agency transition team. (The local anti-wind group in Ocean City, meanwhile, warns of the dangers of big-wind propaganda.) Various designs have emerged over the last 150 years, but the most common industrial-scale turbine used to generate electricity these days is the horizontal-axis wind turbine, which was first used in 1931 and is named for the way its rotational axis runs parallel to the direction of the wind. (If youve ever driven past a commercial wind farm such as the famous one outside Palm Springs, California it was probably composed of three-bladed HAWTs.) By a wide margin, HAWTs are the most efficient turbines, and theyll only become more so as technology allows them to get bigger making the blades longer has exponential benefits to the amount of power they produce, and building the towers taller allows the turbines to harness more powerful winds. As turbines continue to grow, the debate over their aesthetic impact will only intensify, especially if they proliferate at a rate that allows New York to meet its goal of drawing 70 percent of its electricity from renewable-energy sources by 2030. How, then, can developers appease locals worried about supposedly industrial wind farms taking over their idyllic landscapes? If other forms of infrastructure offer any clues, the answer might be trying to hide the fact that theyre wind farms at all. Theres a long tradition of communities disguising their own infrastructural needs think, for instance, of the Brooklyn Heights brownstone thats actually an MTA vent, or the unconvincing palm-tree cell towers that dot Southern California. But in looking for examples of how to aesthetically mitigate industrial-scale energy production, there might be something to learn from an unexpected source: the oil industry. In the early 1960s, a consortium of major oil companies set its sights on a reserve just off the coast of Long Beach, California. For years, locals had debated the best course of action for the oil, eager to exploit the financial benefits but also wary of some of the consequences of drilling. Ugly derricks had already overrun nearby Signal Hill, and Long Beach itself had been so ravaged by oil drilling in previous decades that parts of the city began sinking into the ocean, leading Time magazine to label it Americas Sinking City in 1956. That same year, locals voted to ban oil drilling in Long Beach, only to reverse course in 1962, but with a caveat: Any offshore drilling operations had to be disguised as something else. (Six years was apparently enough time to get over the whole sinking city thing.) Two years later, the city of Long Beach set to work on the THUMS oil islands, named collectively for the five oil companies that would operate them: Texaco, Humble, Union, Mobile, and Shell. (A confusing moniker, given that there are only four islands and that individually, each of the islands is named after an astronaut.) Unafraid of a little kitsch, Long Beach officials suggested the islands should be modeled after tropical islands in the South Pacific an idea that landscape architect Joseph Linesch mercifully vetoed. Linesch, who had worked on Disneyland and had already disguised smaller oil sites (one as a lighthouse in Venice Beach and the other as a high-rise in Beverly Hills), suggested the islands should look like an extension of downtown Long Beach. Metal shells resembling high-rises would disguise drilling rigs, while palm trees would reinforce the illusion and waterfalls would help mitigate noise. The result was a Disneyland-esque simulacrum of an island resort not quite a convincing illusion, but certainly a less disruptive sight than a standard oil rig. Trade publications were quick to call the project a success, and Linesch ominously declared, Weve just proved that oil and people do mix. (Less than a year after the islands were completed, the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill devastated the coastline a few hours to the north.) At a much smaller scale, organizations like the Land Art Generator Initiative have developed clever means of aesthetically integrating wind energy into public spaces. For instance, LAGI has built multiple iterations of the WindNest, the latest of which resides on a retired oil rig in the U.K.s North Sea. A combination public-art piece and wind-energy generator, the spinning structure (designed by artist Trevor Lee) is intended to drive conversation about renewable energy and how it can be deployed in urban spaces that cant accommodate industrial-scale wind farms. While LAGI co-founder Robert Ferry hopes the installation inspires the public, he says its output is only enough to power about two British homes each year, while a single onshore turbine can power 2,500 and some offshore ones can power 18,000. (American households, unsurprisingly, consume more than double the energy that British ones do.) Were going to have to understand that horizontal-axis wind turbines arent going away, Ferry says. And what if trying to disguise wind farms is missing the point, anyway? In her book Aesthetics of the Familiar: Everyday Life and World-Making, Rhode Island School of Design professor emeritus Yuriko Saito who first wrote about wind-turbine aesthetics back in 2004 outlines the distinction between thin and thick aesthetic qualities. An objects thin qualities are simply its surface-level characteristics, which you can observe with your own two eyes. Assessing an objects thick qualities, meanwhile, requires incorporating outside knowledge: whether the object was ethically made, what purpose it serves, etc. In designing the oil islands, Linesch succeeded in finding a cosmetic solution to the ugliness of oil production, but the islands thick aesthetic qualities say, their environmental impact could lead you to view them as ugly anyway. Theres no integrity between the design considerations of the THUMS and the operations taking place there, says James Nisbet, an art historian and UC Irvine professor whos writing a book that features the islands. The aesthetics existed to keep people from asking questions about what was really going on behind the scenes. By contrast, the aesthetics of wind turbines are brutally honest: You can see how they function just by watching them spin. If that sight isnt beautiful to you, the knowledge that theyre creating renewable energy might help. I feel good when I see wind turbines, says Scott Lauffer, a member of the Sierra Club environmental group who lives a 30-minute drive from the Bluestone Wind Farm. I say, Theres clean energy. For their detractors, though, wind farms may represent too emotional of an issue to be persuaded by an academic conversation about aesthetics. Landscapes are being transformed in peoples minds in terms of the meanings they have for them, says Rich Stedman, a Cornell professor specializing in natural resources and the environment. Wind-farm opponents, including members of SOS, often emphasize that they support renewable energy even if they take issue with a specific project, and contend that their instinct to protect local ecology amounts to its own form of environmentalism. Theres no free lunch, right? Stedman points out. If were transitioning as a state to increase dependence on renewables, it does have to go somewhere. As these battles continue to unfold across New York and elsewhere, Stedman and others in his field agree that the best course of action for developers is to engage with communities early and often, creating more financial incentives where necessary and compromising on issues like where individual turbines are sited. Long term, turbines thick qualities may even allow them to age well, aesthetically speaking or at least thats the hope, Saito says. As far as Simon and SOS are concerned, that conversation might be moot. Last year, they prevailed in their campaign against the Lighthouse Wind project Apex announced it was no longer seeking a permit. While the state of New York only has one potential onshore wind farm under review at the moment (the Prattsburgh wind project in Steuben County), Simon knows that another developer might someday scope out Yates as a possible wind-farm site. If they do, he says, I would make the plea they do it the right way. Come in and have a conversation. Whether or not that would work, hes not sure the same old sticking points might arise anyway. Some people were really mad about the aesthetics, certainly, he says. Who wants a spinning turbine out there half a mile from their house 24/7, you know? British Police On High Alert After Supply Chain Breach Londons Metropolitan Police are on serious alert because of a leak of data from their suppliers IT system and now Scotland Yard police are working with the IT company to review the extent of the breach. The security breach took place when cyber criminals successfully breached the IT systems of a contractor in charge of producing warrant cards and staff passes. The IT supplier had access to names, ranks, photos, vetting levels and pay numbers for officers and staff, but did not hold personal information such as addresses, phone numbers or financial details, the Met has said. All 47,000 personnel have been notified about the potential exposure of their photographs, names, and ranks. Rick Prior, the vice-chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents staff, said any potential leak will cause colleagues incredible concern and anger. He said: Metropolitan police officers are as we speak out on the streets of London undertaking some of the most difficult and dangerous roles imaginable to catch criminals and keep the public safe... To have their personal details potentially leaked out into the public domain in this manner, for all to possibly see, will cause colleagues incredible concern and anger. We share that sense of fury this is a staggering security breach that should never have happened. The Met has also said the matter had been reported to the National Crime Agency and the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) was also informed. N. Ireland Police Data Breach These events follow an admission by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) that personal data on all its serving members were wrongly published in response to a freedom of information (FoI) request. Details of about 10,000 PSNI officers and staff included the surname and first initial of every employee, their rank or grade, where they were based and the unit they worked in. After the PSNI breach was revealed, Norfolk and Suffolk constabulary announced that the personal data of more than 1,000 people, including crime victims, was included in another FoI response. Recently South Yorkshire police referred itself to the ICO after noticing a significant and unexplained reduction in data stored on its systems. The force said it was urgently working with experts to recover footage filmed by officers as they attended incidents or engaged with the public, which in some cases could be used as evidence in court. Guardian: National News: Sky: The Jourmal: Yahoo: Image: Mary R Smith You Might Also Read: US Federal Court Court IT Systems Breached: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription. Individual 5 per month or 50 per year. Sign Up Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. USD/JPY PRICES, CHARTS AND ANALYSIS: USD/JPY Looks to Advance Beyond Last Weeks High Following Temporary Pause. USD/JPY Bulls Remain Cautious Ahead of a Busy Data Week and the Continuous Cloud of FX Intervention. IG Client Sentiment Has the Majority of Traders Holding Short Positions on USDJPY. To Learn More About Price Action , Chart Patterns and Moving Averages , Check out the DailyFX Education Section . Recommended by Zain Vawda Forex for Beginners Get My Guide Most Read: EURO Forecast: EUR/USD, EUR/GBP Eye Reprieve Following Testing Week The Yen looked to pare back some losses this morning following the release of the updated Economic outlook by the Japanese Government. This was followed by further attempts from Chinese authorities to bolster the economy which led to a slight risk-on mood in the Asian session and weighing on the US Dollar. However, as the day has progressed and with low liquidity thanks to the UK banking holiday, we have seen USDJPY continue its advance, eyeing a break of last weeks high. JAPAN MONTHLY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK REPORT The Japanese Government released its monthly economic outlook report for August overnight with no changes of any significance. The Government sees private consumption picking up with business investment also showing positive signs. The government also expressed satisfaction with the industrial production numbers and corporate profits which are improving moderately as a whole. Consumer prices are rising but remains below the Central Banks target with ultra easing monetary policy needed as a result. The recent tentative moves we have witnessed in JPY pairs could be down to the ongoing fears of FX intervention by Japanese authorities. Historically these have come without warning and has the potential to stoke volatility. Last year's FX intervention saw whipsaw price action follow with USDJPY enjoying a wild day of swings with a 600-odd pip move from the low to high of the day. With this in mind we could be in for some form of hesitancy as USDJPY continues to trickle higher with bulls cautious about overcommitting in case FX intervention becomes a reality. Trading Requires Constant Improvement, See What Traits Successful Traders Share and Download the Guide Below Recommended by Zain Vawda Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide DATA PACKED WEEK AHEAD A lot on the calendar this week in the form of risk events particularly from the US. As Central Banks globally are expected to see monetary policy divergence moving forward this is even more pronounced between the BoJ and the US Fed. At the Jackson Hole Symposium we heard Fed Chair Jerome Powell keep the door open for further hikes while stressing the need for data dependency. This makes the week ahead even more intriguing given some key data releases expected out of the US. GDP 2nd estimates, Core PCE and of course the NFP jobs report all lie ahead this week and could give market participants a clearer indication of what to expect from the FED. Positive data prints here could further aid the US Dollar rally as market participants are likely to hawkishly reprice a potential Fed peak rate. For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the DailyFX Calendar FINAL THOUGHTS AND TECHNICAL OUTLOOK USD/JPY looked on course for a deeper retracement last week following positive technical signs. A double top on the Daily timeframe was followed by a daily candle break and close below the 145.00 handle. The break of the 145.00 handle looked significant at the time but was followed up by a bullish engulfing candle illustrating the weakness and lack of conviction by JPY bulls at the moment. As things stand, we are trading at a resistance area around the 146.50 mark. A convincing break above here and we do have a lot in terms of resistance all the way up to the 150.00 psychological level. Given the constant fear around FX intervention, I do not expect a move higher to be swift and without some short-term pullbacks. Key Intraday Levels to Keep an Eye On: Support levels: 145.90 145.00 (Psychological Level) 144.50 Resistance levels: 146.50 147.50 150.00 (psychological level) USD/JPY Daily Chart August 28, 2023 Source: TradingView, Chart Created by Zain Vawda IGCS shows retail traders are currently Net-Short on USDJPY, with 78% of traders currently holding SHORT positions. To Get the Full IG Client Sentiment Breakdown as well as Tips, Please Download the Guide Below USD/JPY Bearish Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short. Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily 9% 4% 5% Weekly 20% -12% -8% Written by: Zain Vawda, Markets Writer for DailyFX.com Contact and follow Zain on Twitter: @zvawda BBC, August 27, 2023 By Antoinette Radford The Taliban government have banned women from visiting the Band-e-Amir national park in Bamiyan province. Afghanistan's acting minister of virtue and vice, Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, said women had not been observing hijab inside the park. He called on religious clerics and security agencies to forbid women from entering until a solution was found. Band-e-Amir is a significant tourist attraction, becoming Afghanistan's first national park in 2009. It is a popular destination for families and the ban on women attending will prevent many from being able to enjoy the park. Unesco describes the park as a "naturally created group of lakes with special geological formations and structure, as well as natural and unique beauty". However, Mr Hanafi said going to the park to sightsee "was not obligatory", Afghan agency Tolo News reported. Religious clerics in Bamiyan said the women who were visiting the park and not following the rules were visitors to the area. "There are complaints about lack of hijab or bad hijab, these are not Bamiyan residents. They come here from other places," Sayed Nasrullah Waezi, head of the Bamiyan Shia Ulema Council told Tolo news. When I was running undercover operations for the Met, sending officers out to infiltrate criminal gangs, I could not have slept at night without knowing the force was protecting their identities. As these men and women under my command were risking their lives for the job, keeping them safe was my highest priority. So yesterday's revelation that computer hackers had obtained the personal details of 47,000 Met Police officers and staff sent a chill through me. Preserving the confidentiality of personal information, such as names and ID numbers, photos and vetting levels, is fundamental to security and yet somehow these details have been accessed via a cyber attack on a contractor which was responsible for printing warrant cards and staff passes. It's hard to overstate how serious this could be. Not only are all the Met's 35,000 serving officers at risk but in some cases the safety of their families could be jeopardised. Police commanders responsible for undercover officers now face a very tough judgment call: Do they assume that their men and women have been compromised and pull them out? (File Photo) Police commanders responsible for undercover officers now face a very tough judgment call: Do they assume that their men and women have been compromised and pull them out? That's a judgment that will have to be made on a case-by-case basis because, in certain circumstances, pressing the panic button could make a dangerous situation worse. The very act of recalling them in the immediate aftermath of a highly publicised hacking operation could put them at greater risk of exposure. Often the commanding officer will not know where his undercover police are at any given moment, who they are with or what they are doing. Even sending an alert to let them know the secrecy of their personal details cannot now be guaranteed might inadvertently endanger them. The Met faces the added fear that Royal Protection Squad officers are among those compromised. It is conceivable that urgent changes will have to be made to royal safety protocols. London's police force is not alone in suffering a catastrophic data breach, of course. Earlier this month, the personal details of all 10,000 staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland were released in a bungled response to a Freedom of Information request. Preserving the confidentiality of personal information, such as names and ID numbers, photos and vetting levels, is fundamental to security and yet somehow these details have been accessed via a cyber attack on a contractor which was responsible for printing warrant cards and staff passes (Stock Image) Who will be next to suffer a data leak on this scale? Top brass on every other force in the country must be worried that their database might be vulnerable. We can't yet be certain just how serious the Met hack is because we don't know how the data was penetrated nor who is behind it. We can only hope that we are looking at a teenager-in-a-bedroom scenario. More frightening, however, is the possible involvement of an organised criminal group. If this is the latest development in cybercrime, a step beyond targeting banks and firms, the chaos it threatens is almost unimaginable. Criminals armed with this data could plausibly impersonate real officers, fooling not only members of the public but other police. It's not difficult to imagine how this could facilitate further data breaches. I don't want to speculate about the more lurid possible outcomes let's leave prison breaks to the realm of shows such as Line Of Duty but a full risk assessment on all police databases will have to be conducted as a matter of urgency. But perhaps the most likely explanation of the Met's cyber attack is that it is the work of state-backed hackers. Russia is the most likely perpetrator, but North Korea and Iran also have well-funded cyber warfare units. That being the case, we can't begin to guess how the information will be used. While this could merely be a warning shot to Britain, a reminder of the damage our enemies could cause if they wished, it could also be the precursor to sheer chaos, with highly sensitive data dumped on the open internet, as has happened with military secrets. This makes it even more imperative that we find out how the hackers broke in and put in place unbreakable precautions to ensure it never happens again. The lives of police officers depend on it. Dear Prime Minister, It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life for the past 18 years to have served the good people of somewhere-or-other as their MP. When I arrived at wherever- it-was in 2005, I was just a backbencher, on a backbenchers salary. Over the course of five elections, I have increased my outside earnings by more than 300 per cent. This is a legacy I am proud of. During my time as Member of Parliament, I have diligently served my constituents as a radio and TV presenter, a reality TV contestant, a columnist, novelist and an all-round celebrity, willing to sound off about domestic and world affairs for a reasonable fee. During my time at the department of Digital, Culture, Media and Whatever, I was photographed shaking hands with, among others, Zayn Malik who once was in One Direction, two former Spice Girls, Ken Bruce, Lord Fellowes of Downton Abbey and Gemma Collins from The Only Way Is Essex. Over the course of five elections, I have increased my outside earnings by more than 300 per cent. This is a legacy I am proud of, writes CRAIG BROWN Not bad for a working-class woman. The offer to continue on in my Cabinet role was extended to me by your predecessor Liz Truss, whom I, like many millions of others up and down the country, continue to regard as our one true Prime Minister. I am grateful for your personal phone call on the morning you appointed your Cabinet in October, even if I declined to take the call because I had better things to do, like taking an urgent call from RabbitRadio FM, who needed to know my latest views on bicycle lanes, Bake Off, Harry and Meghan and the war in Ukraine. As politicians, one of the greatest things we can do is to empower people by giving them a hand up to seize opportunities to tirelessly support us. Thats why I spoke up in Parliament as recently as July 2022. Thats why I drained every last drop of my blood only last April to travel the whole way to Westminster to put my head round the door of the House of Commons. Thats why I shall continue to speak out on subjects close to my heart on radio and television for a reasonable sum, plus expenses. And thats why I shall strive with all my might to take my place in the House of Lords. Its the very least working classes deserve. I witnessed first hand the way Boris Johnson and then Liz Truss were removed for no reason whatsoever apart from telling white lies and being bad at sums. I decided then and there that the British people had a right to know what was happening in their name. And thats why Ive devoted my time to finding out whats really going on. As I uncovered this alarming situation, I became aware there were dark forces ranged against me. One wrong move, and I would be forced by the powers-that-be into a giant wicker man along with hens and goats and set ablaze as a human sacrifice while men in masks danced around, chanting unpleasantries. The dark, disturbing story I have uncovered, at risk to life and limb, may shock many people. They will learn for the first time the terrible truth that neither Boris Johnson nor Liz Truss is still in No 10. No. They have been forcibly assassinated by a corrupt and shadowy cabal involving J. Edgar Hoover, the Mafia, Castro, the KGB, international drug lords and two unidentified men on a grassy knoll. I witnessed first hand the way Boris Johnson and then Liz Truss were removed for no reason whatsoever apart from telling white lies and being bad at sums. As you well know, Prime Minister, these are some of the most powerful people in the land. And they have now opened the frenzied cage doors of the storm to whip up a tsunami of orchestrated mixed metaphors all over me. But worst of all has been the spectacle of a Prime Minister posing on the steps of Downing Street in Prada shoes and fancy Savile Row suits, deliberately refusing to mention my name. Sadly, Prime Minister, you do not have the X Factor. You wouldnt stand a chance on Strictly or Bake Off, whereas my own recent performance on GrudgeRadio FM was highly acclaimed, not least by my own staff. I shall today inform the Chancellor of my intention to move the writ for the by-election you are so desperately seeking to take place. From now on, I intend to concentrate on the things that really matter, like me. Craig Brown Should we believe Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves when she says a Labour government would rule out all possible forms of a wealth tax if it wins the next election? I'd like to. I really would. Labour will probably be in power in little more than a year. It would be better for the country if it didn't set about fleecing the better-off, who have scarcely been indulged by the Tories. But given Sir Keir Starmer's and Ms Reeves's previous utterances, it's hard to accept they have suddenly seen the light. The Labour leader undertook in 2020 to increase the top rate of income tax, which stands at 45 per cent. As for Rachel Reeves herself, as recently as September 2021 she said that 'people who get their income through wealth should have to pay more'. Yet in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, she now declares only two years later that there won't be a mansion tax or higher capital gains tax or any increase in the top rate of income tax. Even if she now means what she says, once in government Labour would soon feel the necessity for extra tax revenue to pay for various items on its shopping list, and to keep its friends in the trade unions happy. STEPHEN GLOVER: Should we believe Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves when she says a Labour government would rule out all possible forms of a wealth tax if it wins the next election? There was a good example yesterday morning. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has come up with the idea of paying GPs more in order to allow patients to see the doctor of their choice. It sounds a reasonable plan. It is also bound to cost money. Yet when Shadow Employment Secretary Justin Madders was interviewed on yesterday's Radio 4 Today programme, he argued that it would be possible to pay GPs more without increasing public expenditure. As he put it, 'the pots will remain the same'. Come off it! This is fantasy economics. If you pay GPs more for supplying an extra service, more cash will have to be found. Either Mr Madders is stupid, or he thinks we are. No, a future Labour government would end up by soaking the rich, whatever the party's intention may be now. It's notable that Rachel Reeves sounded less than enthusiastic when ruling out new wealth taxes. She didn't display evangelical fervour. She could have said something like: 'I think the better-off already pay high tax, and I don't want to increase the burden on them.' What she in fact said was: 'I don't have any spending plans that require us to raise 12 billion. So I don't need a wealth tax or any of those things.' She doesn't need a wealth tax. It's not that she is opposed to it in principle. She just doesn't have any spending plans right now that require her to squeeze the more affluent. If her spending plans change, so will her views about the desirability of a wealth tax. Even more equivocal was Anneliese Dodds, Ms Reeves' predecessor as Shadow Chancellor, and somewhat to her Left. She was interviewed on Radio 4 on Sunday morning. Ms Dodds sounded lukewarm about ruling out tax increases for the better-off, and emphasised that Labour would charge VAT on private school fees and hammer the 'non-doms' residents in this country whose permanent home is outside the UK, and don't pay tax here on their earnings abroad. Labour is striving to reassure voters with the impression that it isn't wedded to high tax hence Rachel Reeves's announcement. But the truth is that it has no ideological objection to wealth taxes. Imagine that Labour has a modest overall majority after the election. Left-wingers on its backbenches would soon put pressure on the leadership for higher wealth taxes in return for their continuing support. They might discover they were pushing at a half-open door. We are entitled to be sceptical about Rachel Reeves' intervention. What she said was not credible, which can be fairly said of most of Labour's economic plan. There was also a gaping hole that should alert voters. For whilst promising, albeit unconvincingly, not to target the comfortably off, she made no undertaking to reduce the tax burden on the 80 or 90 per cent of the population that has nothing to fear from taxes on wealth. Britain has the highest ever taxes in its peacetime history. This is an extraordinary state of affairs. I realise, of course, that more than 400 billion was spent during the pandemic. Some of that was recklessly splashed about by a Tory government that should have shown more restraint. In effect, Ms Reeves was telling the Sunday Telegraph that the wealthier would be spared under Labour, at any rate for the time being, but that all taxpayers would have to struggle on without the prospect of any relief. Admittedly, she invoked the prospect of faster economic growth, without offering the faintest clue as to how this might be achieved. What is clear is that she doesn't think it can be brought about by reducing taxes for middle earners. Labour's prospectus can be summarised in the following way: No new wealth taxes for the better-off for now. But everyone will have to go on paying tax at an unprecedentedly high rate for the foreseeable future. STEPHEN GLOVER: The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced in his autumn statement in 2022 that the modest Capital Gains Tax annual allowance of 12,300 would be halved to 6,000 from April 2023, and then cut again to 3,000 from April 2024 This is a very dismal outlook. It should offer the Tories a wonderful opportunity. The trouble is that they are identified in the public mind as a high tax party, and give no sign of wishing to undo that impression. Let me choose an example that makes my blood boil. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced in his autumn statement in 2022 that the modest Capital Gains Tax annual allowance of 12,300 would be halved to 6,000 from April 2023, and then cut again to 3,000 from April 2024. This was a stake in the heart, but not for fat cats or the super-rich. Ordinary savers people with a small share portfolio or a holiday home were targeted by a Government that has the effrontery to describe itself as Conservative. I know the public finances are extremely tight. I understand that our annual debt repayment is more than twice the defence budget. But we won't get out of the hole into which the Government has dug us by continually raising taxes. Annual public expenditure in the current financial year is set at 1,189 billion. In view of the State's dire record of maladministration and overspending, isn't it likely that judicious cuts of 5 or 10 per cent to this fantastically large amount would be easily achievable? Such a question will never fall from the lips of Rachel Reeves. The tragedy is that we never hear Rishi Sunak or Mr Hunt speaking in such terms. I expect the Government will introduce modest tax cuts before the election. Good. But these mustn't be seen as opportunistic. They should be designed to tell voters that, unlike Labour, the Tories support lower taxes in the long term. A pledge to cut or abolish inheritance tax would be a useful start. It is the most unpopular tax of all, hated even by people who have little prospect of having to pay it, since they grasp how unfair it is. Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer believe in high taxes. If Labour wins, everyone will pay them. The Tories' challenge is to convince voters that they are different. Spitting Image creator Roger Law was furious with Ian Hislop when the Have I Got News For You stalwart claimed during a recording of BBC Radio 4's The Reunion that Law was the only participant to make any money out of the satirical puppet show. 'If there's a silence after that on the broadcast version, it must be because I swore at him in response, and they've now cut that out!' Law tells Radio Times. 'If I was as rich as he accuses me of being, then I'd almost be as rich as him!' Could Roger be referring to the 20,000 the Private Eye editor supposedly trousers for every edition of the now jaded BBC's HIGNFY? EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Spitting Image creator Roger Law (pictured centre) was furious with Ian Hislop EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: Could Roger be referring to the 20,000 the Private Eye editor supposedly trousers for every edition of the now jaded BBC's HIGNFY? The EastEnders return of Michelle Collins, 25 years after the 'death' of her character Cindy Beale, is not the first time the BBC soap has dabbled with resurrection. Original bad boy Dirty Den (Leslie Grantham) was shot and his body was dumped in a canal in 1989, but 14 years later he returned. Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) also popped into the Queen Vic after a 15-year absence having not, after all, died in a South Africa car crash. Danny Dyer, who left the soap last year, went missing at sea but his body has never been found, leaving open the possibility of a fourth EastEnders character rising from the dead. That would put the producers one ahead of Jesus, who only managed to bring back three Lazarus, Jairus's daughter and the widow of Nain's son. Dame Joan Collins shares an unhappy encounter with Tony Curtis when she filmed an episode of The Persuaders. 'He called me the c-word in front of the whole crew just because I wanted to walk back to the set instead of getting a ride with him on a terribly dangerous truck,' wails Joan. 'Tony Curtis was a dreadful misogynist.' Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer's occasional co-star on Gone Fishing, Ted the dog, has become such a hit with viewers (he has 115,000 followers on Instagram) that his role has been bumped up for the next series. Ted, a Patterdale terrier owned by Gone Fishing producer Lisa Clark, has been honoured with a spoof interview in Radio Times. Asked if he'd like more TV work, he barks: 'I want to appear on Strictly Come Barking or Bones Under The Hammer.' Melvyn Bragg, in his last South Bank Show (screened tonight), recalls wandering out of a Royal Academy of Arts dinner for a breath of fresh air and finding his friend David Hockney enjoying a fag. 'He [Hockney] said, 'They won't let me smoke inside for fear of starting a fire'. He laughed. 'I think I counted over 30 candles just around the table they put me on'.' Melvyn Bragg recalls wandering out of a Royal Academy of Arts dinner for a breath of fresh air and finding his friend David Hockney enjoying a fag (the pair are pictured together) John Cleese confirms his GB News show will finally begin next month, declaring: 'You should be prepared to be shocked.' Could the delay it was announced almost a year ago be caused by the programme boffins conducting a fruitless search for Cleese's funny bone, now missing in action since Fawlty Towers? The initial statement by the National Air Traffic Services had a depressingly familiar ring to it: 'We are currently experiencing a technical issue engineers are working to find and fix the fault.' And then came that dreadful phrase which seems to haunt us at every turn: 'We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.' It's the refrain we hear over and over again, whether travelling by plane, train or road. No surprise then, except that on this occasion we had no idea of the full extent and implications of the 'technical issue'. We're still somewhat in the dark about it. Now, unlike hundreds of planes all over Europe which were grounded, the immediate future of travellers returning to Britain remains up in the air and will continue to be so for at least the next 48 hours, perhaps a lot longer, while the backlog of flights is cleared. For this to happen at any time is bad; for the system to go down on a bank holiday Monday when millions of people are returning home after the summer holidays is a devastating blow. MARK PALMER: The immediate future of travellers returning to Britain remains up in the air and will continue to be so for at least the next 48 hours Confidence about travel overseas has been rocked yet again. Yes, these things happen, but technical issues have become a recurring problem, and they won't go away without major investment. 'The system's at breaking point,' a senior aviation source told the Mail. 'And it's becoming clear that the technical infrastructure is not up to the job'. During the last May bank holiday, British Airways' IT problems led to numerous flight cancellations, albeit not as many as when the airline's computer system failed in 2017, leaving more than 75,000 passengers stranded over a bank holiday weekend. What's more, this summer has seen passport e-gates go on the blink and there's been an increase in the number of bags not arriving at their destination as a result of technical faults. NATS, with its headquarters in Whiteley, Hampshire, employs 4,500 people, including 1,700 air traffic controllers, and operates as a private/public company under the auspices of the Civil Aviation Authority. The problem yesterday was with its 'planning system', meaning controllers were told to manually process all flights arriving in and leaving the UK. This clearly slowed down the system significantly and also meant that priority had to be given to those flights that had already taken off and especially those with only a finite amount of fuel before they were scheduled to land. During the last May bank holiday, British Airways' IT problems led to numerous flight cancellations Transport Secretary Mark Harper appeared to be anonymous for much of the day, saying only after the issue had been 'remedied' that his department was doing 'all we can' to support NATS. Airlines and airports have been able to claim, with justification, that they were not responsible for what happened, although passengers have complained about not being properly informed or not being informed at all about what was going on. 'As ever, there has been a breakdown in communication and it's incumbent on the airlines to liaise with NATS and then pass on accurate information to their passengers,' said Julia Lo Bue-Said, of Advantage Travel, which represents independent travel agents. Those waiting to return home will have to find hotels to stay in, especially from places that have only one or two flights a week. This won't be easy, but will be expensive. One Mail reader said last night that when she was looking for a hotel near Zurich airport, she was quoted 214 euros a room at the start of the conversation, but that had risen to 340 euros by the end. The normal wrangling will now begin over refunds and compensation. It will be enough to make people long for another holiday but overseas holidays are in danger of becoming an endurance test. And that's profoundly disappointing. Perhaps it's inevitable that there family similarities, but the resemblances go beyond a shapely nose or jaw line. As Royal watchers are quick to point out, they include distinctive facial expressions, too. And together, these eerie similarities seem to pass down the generations. Photographs of a bearded King Charles when he was younger show an uncanny resemblance to Prince Harry on the cover of his bombshell memoir Spare Prince Edward has great similarities to grandfather King George VI. Members of the public have pointed out to similar eyebrows and large ears Fans have said Prince William clearly has the 'Spencer look' and even appears to have inherited his mother's mannerisms And we saw it again recently when the Princess of Wales released a new portrait photo of her only daughter Charlotte for her eighth birthday. Royal fans on social media were quick to point out the similarities between the young Princess and her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth. Comparing the photo with an image of the Queen when she was around eight or nine-years-old, the family resemblance is clear, with many claiming she had her great-grandmother's eyes. In a separate image, a photo of Princess Charlotte from the Easter Service at at St George's Chapel, Windsor, was compared with a photo of her paternal grandmother, Princess Diana. The photo showed Charlotte posing with a similar smirk on her face to a photo of Diana when she was around 11-years-old. Prince George has been hailed as being the image of his father Prince William, from when he was just a tiny toddler, to more recent images of the nine-year-old at the late Queen's funeral. Prince William in his younger days was often compared with his mother, Princess Diana, seen with the same eyes and flashing the same smile. Fans have said Prince William clearly has the 'Spencer look' and even appears to have inherited his mother's mannerisms. Then there are photos of a bearded king in his younger days, which show a strong resemblance to his younger son, Harry, as he appears on the cover of his memoir, Spare. Prince Edward is the spitting image of his grandfather, King George VI. Members of the public have pointed out how they have similar eyebrows and large ears. The resemblances, however, go back further than more modern royals. Princess Beatrice is often compared to looking like her ancestor Queen Victoria. Many have compared the two royals face features, including Beatrice's big eyes, mouth and shape of her face. Prince Philip looked remarkably similar to Prince William in his younger days in the navy where he was seen sporting a beard Prince William and Prince George looked remarkably similar, dressed in the exact same outfit, when they were both toddlers. Seen with bright blonde hair, red shorts, and a white shirt Prince George continue to echo his father as he gets older. In a photo of him from the late Queen's funeral in September 2022, he is highly reminiscent of his father at a similar age in 1989 The Queen and Princess Charlotte have often been compared by royal fans. Comparing the photo with an image of the Queen when she was around eight or nine-years-old, the family resemblance is clear, with many claiming she had her great-grandmother's eyes As well as being compared with the Queen, Princess Charlotte is often compared with her late maternal grandmother Princess Diana. The uncanny photo showed Charlotte posing with a similar smirk on her face to a photo of Diana when she was around 11-years-old Charlotte also shares a resemblance to Princess Margaret's daughter Lady Sarah Chatto, when she was a similar age Prince William and Charlotte share a similar happy grin Prince Louis shares similar features to his mother Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, sharing a similar gap tooth smile and similar eyes Princess Beatrice is often compared to ancestor Queen Victoria Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones is the only granddaughter of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon. The pair look extremely alike with similar eyes and facial features But people on the web have rushed to her defense, saying she did nothing wrong She was fired after her altercation with a guest went viral and sparked debate A Disney Magic Kingdom employee has been flooded with support after she revealed was fired from her job at the theme park after getting into an altercation with a disgruntled guest. Korinn Lloyd - who worked a merchandise glow cart on Main Street, Florida in Magic Kingdom - has been all over TikTok lately after her disagreement with a customer went viral. Korinn - who was a part of the Disney college program - got into an argument with a group of customers and ultimately lost her job. After the video of the disagreement was shared online, it sparked a fiery debate about who was in the wrong, with many of them rushing to the college student's defense, adding that the guests pushed Korinn to her limit. People on the web have come to the support of a Disney Magic Kingdom employee after she was fired due to an altercation with a guest Korinn Lloyd - who worked a merchandise glow cart on Main Street, Florida in Magic Kingdom - has been all over TikTok lately after her disagreement with a customer went viral After the video of the disagreement was shared online, it sparked a fiery debate about who was in the wrong, with many of them rushing to the college student's side The video was originally shared by the customer who was involved in the argument, however, they have since taken it down. The clip has been reposted by social media user @uhlayseeuh. In the video, which begins halfway through the altercation, Korinn - who is selling balloons and toys from a cart - is visibly frustrated with guests and attempting to help another visitor from a different group. She asks the customers on the other side of her to go to a different cart, to which a man off-screen replies, 'Just do me a favor, watch the attitude, all right? Watch the attitude or I'll smash all [of] this [stuff],' referencing the products on the cart. 'You can smash it, smash it, please smash it,' Korinn responds. He then adds: 'Don't play with me.' 'You guys can go to a different cart,' Korinn adds. Shortly after, one of the customers can be heard calling the worker 'hood,' to which she replies, 'Yeah, I'm real hood,' adding that she was from New Orleans. In the video, which begins halfway through the altercation, Korinn - who is selling balloons and toys from a cart - is visibly frustrated with guests Korinn claimed that the guest said she should get a better job, with Korinn adding that it was part of an 'internship' Korinn also noted that she let her emotions get the best of her, adding that she didn't consider herself from the hood After checking out a different guest, Korinn is escorted away from another cast member. She turns back and responds, 'Who are you playing with?' She adds that she is feeling 'f***ed up.' The overlay text on the video asks viewers for help to find the 'disrespectful Disney employee.' After the clip went viral, Korinn shared her side in a TikTok. She revealed that she was fired after the altercation because of her behavior. According to Korinn, the altercation occurred at 9:45 p.m., just 15 minutes before the park was set to close. She revealed that while on her way out of the park, she was stopped by another family. Because she was already helping one family, she agreed to help the other when she was done. When one of the second family's children began grabbing items from the cart, Korinn asked her to please put it away by referring to her as 'my friend.' However, the family accused the worker of snatching the toy from their kid. Korinn claimed that the guest said she should get a better job, with the employee adding that it was part of an 'internship.' Many viewers sided with the Disney Kingdom employee, adding that she did nothing wrong After feeling uncomfortable, she asked the guest to go to a different cart. 'I'm buying from this cart,' the guest said. Korinn also noted that she let her emotions get the best of her, adding that she didn't consider herself from the hood. She explained her family raised her in the suburbs, once again reiterating that she let her frustrations take over. Many viewers sided with the Disney Kingdom employee, adding that she did nothing wrong. One person said: 'Babe, as a former glow cast member, I am so, so sorry. I know what we put up with and this was not deserved whatsoever. You handled everything right.' Another user commented: 'As a former cast member who was also let down by the company. You are valid and you are appreciated. The lack of respect towards cast members is sad.' Her defenders also noted that she didn't deserve to be fired from her job Someone else wrote: 'I'm so sorry this happened. Disney should have backed you. It was a wrongful termination in my opinion. Sending you love.' 'People being ignorant toward service workers needs to stop! I am so sorry you were treated this way. You're a nice person & it will pay off in the end,' another person said. Someone else added: 'People can be so horrible. I'm so sorry you had to endure this.' Another user wrote: 'I'm so so sorry this happened! People go on vacay and act so abusive! And then the job doesn't back you. Praying for bigger blessings!' 'You did not deserve this at all. Better things are coming,' one person added. 'You were in the right,' someone else commented. 'I'm sorry that you're going through this, that's not fair,' one comment read. 'So unfair, we are on your side,' a TikTok user said. However, others slammed Korinn and said that Disney was right to fire her because of her behavior 'I don't want to go to Disney now because of what happened to you. They had no right to do this to you,' another supporter wrote. However, others slammed Korinn and said that Disney was right to fire her because of her behavior. One person wrote: 'You don't deserve any support. Your role is to de-escalate the guest situation, not make it worse. You forgot you are there to make magic. Shameful.' Another added: 'You shouldn't of acted like that, that's why you got fired.' When a dog offers you its paw, it might just seem like a friendly gesture. However an expert has now revealed there may be a deeper meaning to the moment when a pup holds up its paw for its owner. Sarah Wooten, from the US-based company Pumpkin Pet Insurance, has revealed that the signal can translate into other deeper meanings. She explained the gesture can have different messages, as dogs use their paws for communication. For example, if you give your canine a treat when it offers you its paw, it may associate this with treats and continue to do it. Most of the time, a dog giving a paw expresses love towards the receiver, but on other occasions, it can have a different meaning, according to The Mirror. Sarah Wooten, from the US-based company Pumpkin Pet Insurance, has explained that giving paw signal can translate into deeper meanings Sarah explained that the most common reason your pet pooch will give its paw is if you are making a fuss of it. In this instance, the dog might be communicating that they want the attention to continue. Sarah explained that this is the most common reason a dog will put their paw on someone. She said: 'When you get the 'paw' while you're already petting, tickling, or otherwise lavishing physical attention on your dog... chances are, you'll understand intuitively that your dog wants you to keep doing exactly what you're doing. 'This is one of the most common reasons dogs will put their paws on their people.' Dogs can also use their paws for a different message associated with rubs. But this time, it has to do with when one stops rubbing their dog. When the rub ceases, pooches often place their paw on their human friend to signal that they want you to continue. Sarah explained that most of the time, when a dog hands its paw, its a show of love and affection Sarah further confirmed this common reason. She said: 'As soon as you start to withdraw your hand, he'll [the dog]reach out and paw you. 'It tends to be very effective, leaving little room for interpretation. Sarah added that the canine is trying to ask for more rubs. 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As a court reporter Id stared down serial killer Levi Bellfield, sat a stones throw from black cab rapist John Worboys. Unruffled, unfazed, though the harrowing things theyd done chilled me. Im a journalist, and I did my job, reporting on justice in action. Proving that these predators despite being capable of such evil were cowards when caught, watching them pay for their savagery with their freedom. So, why couldnt I face this one? Why, during this particular rape trial in August 2011, was a screen erected to shield me from the man in the dock? Because I was afraid. The tables had turned, and this time it was my monster sitting back there. Hed turned me from unflappable court reporter to victim, weeping in the witness box as my worst moment was raked over. And I hated him for it. Ordeal: Lianne was attacked in East London in 2010 soon after leaving a friend's house Id spent my teens devouring true crime books, before anyone had even heard of a podcast. So in 2007, after studying law and criminology and getting a post-grad in journalism, I moved to London to write real-life crime stories for womens magazines. Soon I was writing court news reports too, mostly covering rape and murder trials. Watching defendants in the dock and hearing what theyd done didnt terrify me. In fact, it was the opposite I became fearless, witnessing what they were reduced to once their secrets were exposed. So when I left a friends house in Hackney one October night in 2010, aged 26, I didnt consider the man chatting to me at the bus stop could be a rapist. He was a recording artist who seemed genuinely concerned about my safety, and it would take me several night buses to get to my Battersea house-share, so I went to his nearby flat until the tubes opened. We listened to his latest album before he tried it on. When I repeatedly said no, he became forceful. Id never felt fear like it. Heart-clutching terror, until eventually hed pinned me to the bed and wrestled off my leggings. I was afraid. This time it was my monster sitting in court Sitting through all those trials, Id planned what Id do in this situation. I tried to reason with him while I struggled, told him hed go to prison. In none of my imagined scenarios had I given up, yet thats what I did in the end. He was too strong and heavy, and I could see it in his black eyes. Hed decided this was happening and if I stopped fighting itd be over quicker. Youre raping me now, I told him, before turning my head to the side and falling still. Afterwards, I said I needed the loo before pulling my leggings on and fleeing. My unbuckled sandals clacked as I weaved through East London back to my friends where we called the police. After watching all those brave women give evidence against their rapists, I had to show the same courage. The next 48 hours were almost as horrendous as the attack. The questions, invasive tests, the poking and prodding. By the time I finished giving my statement, he was in handcuffs at the other side of the police station. Both our lives irrevocably changed. I took two weeks off, but I had rent to pay so I eased back into court reporting, avoiding sex crime trials. Somehow, I made it through the days but the nights were hell. He was on bail awaiting trial, and my imagination created a many-headed monster out of this stranger whod been so friendly before he raped me. Lianne Googled the name of her attacker and found him on Instagram, hurriedly typing a message before she lost her nerve Was he a killer in the making, or a gang member? Would he come for me? That once fearless reporter was gone broken and I walked home every day clutching my keys between my fingers ready to defend myself. When I did sleep, I woke in a cold sweat or dreamt I was pinned down. I had counselling the notes from which the defence would later request during the trial as though my mental health were a weapon to use against me. The trauma of the victims Id interviewed varied wildly. Some needed medication, others threw themselves into work, family, or used alcohol to numb the horror living inside their minds. I tried a bit of everything. But nothing stopped the flashbacks. During his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court ten months later, I gave evidence behind a screen, too afraid to see the face from my nightmares. It was wrenching reliving the details and sparring with a defence barrister who seemed to think my court experience made me fair game. I didnt stay to hear the defence case, but my police liaison officer filled me in. My attacker said hed gone out looking for sex that night, and while Id told him no at first, he claimed I changed my mind, and it was consensual. But from my experience and knowledge of consent laws, his defence basically that persistence paid off was no defence. Perhaps thats why the jury took barely an hour to find him guilty of rape, and he was jailed for 55 months. After, I moved in with my parents in Cornwall. I told everyone I was disappearing to write a novel, but really, I was running away, although I did write a memoir, which helped me process what had happened. Then, determined it wouldnt derail my career, I returned to London later in 2012 and started working for a womens magazine. I met my husband, Paul, who I married in 2016. But the fear returned whenever Paul worked a night shift as a telecoms engineer and I was alone. Nightmares wrenching me from sleep before terror kept me awake, panicking that my rapist would hunt me down. Hed been released by now. By the second Covid lockdown in 2020, I was tired of being scared. I had a son now, who needed me to investigate bumps in the night, not freeze under my duvet. So, one night I Googled the name I could never forget and found him on Instagram, hurriedly typing a message before I changed my mind. Im not afraid of you any more, I wrote. Lianne immerses herself in peoples trauma as a real-life features editor, determined to tell their stories By morning hed replied. Its been difficult, but Ive moved on too, he wrote, or something to that effect. Alarmed, I deleted it quickly, but something shifted inside me. The fear that haunted me vanished. In that unthreatening one-line exchange Id turned him human again, like looking under the bed and realising the monster Id created in my mind didnt exist. It sounds too easy, but remember, Id spent a decade grappling with fear in the build-up to this moment. From my new perspective, he was just like all those other cowardly bullies Id seen in the dock. Nothing to fear now Id exposed him. He was even still trying to make it in the music business and there was something pathetic about that. He was like all those cowardly bullies Id seen in the dock Months later it did occur to me that he hadnt apologised in his message, and that irked me. But once youve decided to let go, anger doesnt fester. Id no doubt hed had a tough time, like he said after all, hed been to prison and was a registered sex offender, and not a single part of me felt sorry for him. Id been the one to put him there, and I strongly hoped that was enough to deter him from hurting anybody else. By choosing to, yes, forgive and not fear him, I removed any hold he had over me. Ive made my peace with being a rape victim, because my experience gave me the tools to build the wonderful life I have now, with Paul, 33, and my children, Logan, five, and Izzy, one. Today Im a real-life features editor for womens magazines. Immersing myself in peoples trauma can be overwhelming, but these women deserve to be heard and its a privilege to tell their stories. To balance it out, Ive written a deeply romantic novel that acknowledges, while life gets hard sometimes, there are still happy endings to fight for I should know now I finally have mine. People often ask me what it is about property that I have always found so engaging. I guess its the blend of history, people, relationships, engineering, dealing and trading that all go into making up the fabric of a building. Certainly, Ive always had an insatiable desire to own property. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be able to control the environment I was in. To work for myself and know that the roof over my head belonged to me. I guess you could chalk it up to something that started soon after my mother died when I was ten. The first night without her, my father, my older brother Diccon, and I dragged a mattress into the spare room of our cottage in rural Hampshire, and for the next six months we all slept there together until the house was sold. Moving was a fresh start. It meant we didnt have to live in a house with a hole in it, both emotionally and physically. Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer six months after her 50th birthday. Now that she has completed treatment, she is embracing slowing down Six years before she died, my mother had what I now know is called a radical mastectomy, which effectively leaves your chest almost concave and a scar from under your arm well into your cleavage. Despite this, somehow, I hadnt realised she had cancer. I was four and my brother was six when she was diagnosed, and it was a different era, but six years later, when she was just 39, her breast cancer had spread to her brain. She passed away peacefully in my parents bed a few hours after she fell asleep to me reading her a book. Diccon and I were taken to a farmhouse owned by friends up the road, a welcoming place where there was always a couple of cauldrons of stew and mashed potato on the go. You could tell from the sympathetic eyes that things were not OK. For me, pity eyes have always been hard to handle. But I loved this family who looked after me when I needed it and maybe its this positive association that made me want a big family of my own. I have always felt happiest in the midst of the household chaos that surround them. My mother was something of a pushy parent, or thats how it might have seemed from the outside. Much of my first ten years were based around music and poetry recital competitions, which she entered Diccon and me into. We often won, not because we were the most gifted but because of the hours and hours she put into encouraging us to practise the piano or the flute or the trumpet. When I thought about this later, I assumed that she knew she was dying and was trying to pack all her parenting into the short time she had with her children. My husband Graham says Ive always been in a hurry to get things done myself. Maybe there is a bit of attention deficit disorder that lurks within or maybe I am simply greedy for the next thing. Whatever it is, I was just 18 when I bought my first property a former local authority Simca van, which I filled with a few layers of old underlay, carpet and cushions, drove to London and lived in for months. By then, my father had met my first stepmother and after watching his heartache, feeling absurdly responsible for his pain, as children do he was at last settled. I could concentrate on my own life. It was 1990, the same year I met Graham, whose sister was going out with (and is now married to) my brother. Much loved: Toddler Sarah, left, with mum Ann and Diccon in 1974 Not long after meeting, we began our 30-year career in property development, persuading the bank to lend us the money for a semi-derelict flat in Battersea, South-West London, which we did up and sold on for a 20,000 profit. There were far fewer checks on mortgages in those days! Many houses and flats followed, including the stately home Rise Hall, East Yorkshire, which we bought in 2000 for 375,000 all 40,000 sq ft, 97 rooms and 32 bedrooms of it. It didnt even have running water when we moved in, and still had the multi-stall bathrooms from its days as a girls school. But Graham and I had long dreamed of restoring such a place. I was 28 and thought maybe, just maybe, the sepia version of my life a mix of The Waltons and a costume drama might magically materialise if we were to live there. What is the point of a dream if you dont ever try to make it happen? It was a lot of hard work but weekends at Rise were always filled with fun and laughter. Friends would jump on a train on a Friday night and stay until Sunday: there was generally a project on the go, and everyone would get stuck in for a few hours before someone would open a bottle of wine. Slowly, the house filled up with babies. My four boys loved it there. Rise Hall provided for my kids the kind of anarchic, busy family life I so craved, with a whole generation of children treating it as a great playground, whizzing around the corridors on skateboards and rollerblades. It was a fantastic party house. On one memorable New Years Eve we had 150 adults and 80 children to celebrate with us. The glorious memories we made there more than make up for the hard work. I had my 40th birthday at Rise Hall, which was wonderful but also a strange experience. When your mother didnt make it to 40, turning that age yourself cant help but feel odd. Was it her loss that gave me rocket fuel in terms of impatience? Certainly packing in a lifetime before that birthday was essential to me. When I turned 40 I entered a part of my life I didnt really expect to have. And when I turned 50 last year this time in our new home in Somerset, which we moved to in 2019 I thought I was well out of the water . . . Until I was diagnosed with breast cancer about six months later. In some ways, Id been expecting it. That doesnt make it any easier to accept. When a doctor says You have cancer, what you actually hear is: What colour coffin would you like? And yet in the past year of treatment, I have realised how disproportionate to the actual risk that reaction is. It took the spectacularly patient breast surgeon and breast care nurse some time to bring me round, but my odds were always very good, with an 80 per cent chance of a 100 per cent cure. Thats because I was incredibly lucky to have the diagnosis I did and treatment has seen such spectacular advances in the past 40 years, and that, in turn, is partially due to my mother and people like her, who were unable to watch their children grow up. Because of them and the research they helped produce, I will see my grandchildren. Because of my mother, I was tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which if you carry, you have an increased chance of getting a new breast cancer and ovarian cancer. I was told that, should I test positive, then the option of removing the other healthy breast would be something we should discuss, but it was unlikely that any surgeon would consider just chopping it off otherwise. In the end, I tested negative for BRCA genes but positive for a less well-known one called PALB2, opening up a whole new can of worms. Someone with a the PALB2 gene mutation, which is rarer than the BCRA mutations and a relatively recent discovery, has a 30-60 per cent chance of developing breast cancer over their lifetime, and a 50-50 chance of passing it on to their children. For me, the advantage of testing was that I could now opt for that bilateral mastectomy, knowing my risk of getting cancer in the other breast was slightly raised too. I figured Id be under the knife anyway, so might as well have both done. PALB2 also gives me a marginal increased risk of ovarian cancer. As I have had quite enough children and my ovaries are no longer functioning, I am due to have my ovaries removed too. The complication if my children test positive for PALB2 is not currently relevant. While boys can get breast cancer, a PALB2 diagnosis takes the chances from infinitesimally unlikely to a bit more than infinitesimally unlikely. Anyway, they cant be tested for the gene until theyre over 18 (at 19, Billy is the only one who is; Charlie is 17, Raffey 15, and Laurie 13). Thankfully, my brother tested negative for the gene mutation altogether. Chemotherapy was boring and painful, of course. Parts of your body you never give much thought to your fingernails, the inside of your mouth hurt and throb. I lost my hair, but found that less distressing than many women do. I had always slightly wondered what it would be like to have a smooth, hair-free head! Similarly, Ive never thought ageing is a bad thing. Young faces are so beautiful and clear but have no wisdom laid on them; that is all to come. I do wear make-up, and will continue to dye my now-returned hair, but intend to work with nature, not against it (although I make no judgment of anyone who does). Now my treatment is over, and having been in such a hurry all my life, Im beginning to embrace slowing down. I cant imagine retirement, but my New Years resolution this year was to take up pottering. That can include doing jigsaw puzzles, the crossword and reading history books simply because. It can also include sorting out pencil pots or re-ordering my sock drawer. In short, what I once called wasting time. You see, I have learnt that there is something really and truly glorious about just being. Ive felt guilty about time passing. Well, now Im tackling that guilt head-on and at last coming to the conclusion you dont have to fill every waking hour with an achievement to not be a failure. Forty years after the death of my mother, I consider myself enormously lucky. I have a husband and four children who I wouldnt change for the world; extended family I cherish; a career in TV; several businesses under my belt and a beautiful home. Here, though, is the nub of it. I wouldnt change a thing even if it meant that my mother was still around today. For one things for certain: life would definitely not be the same if she were here, and though it might conceivably be better, I simply wouldnt want to gamble with what Ive got now. My main mantra in life has always been: Positive Things Happen To Positive People. And with this in mind I fully expect the second half of my life to be more fulfilling and more interesting, if rather less busy, than the first. I roll my eyes when people wheel out platitudes such as gorgeous summer skin. My complexion is never worse than in August: rashy, reactive, itchy as hell, leaving me waking with great welts rent across it, eyes puffed shut with allergy. There are enough people with eczema in my family for me to know that some conditions are helped by warmer weather. Alas, for everyone else, sweltering summer nights in which pollution, pollen and pesky biting things prevail are rarely fantastic news. And thats before we factor in hormones. The fall in oestrogen during perimenopause causes collagen production to diminish, skin to become thinner. Beauty expert Hannah Betts falls back on Sisley Ecological Compound when her skin is acting up Cue itchiness, known as pruritus. The lower oestrogen levels drop, the more irritation. Other poor blighters will be stricken by sweat-induced acne. Welcome to the dog days of summer skin so whats to be done? In the short term, I invariably fall back on Sisley Ecological Compound (81.95, allbeauty.com) when my face is acting up. A bestseller since 1980, a bottle is sold every 45 seconds because it sorts things: oily skin in humid weather, dry skin in cold climes, working wonders on eczema, rashes, blotchiness and inflammation. British brand Oodee, the worlds first Allergen Neutral skincare brand (being free from food and fragrance irritants), is the answer for seriously sensitive skin. My furiously allergic sister tested its Three-Step Phenomenal Skin Edit (105, oodee.com), enthusing: Ive wasted so much money over the years. Nothing has ever worked like this. Oodee is not just skin-changing, its life-changing. For me, the solution is to bolster my biome. You will doubtless have come across the term microbiome in regards to your gut, and the zillions of minuscule organisms that flourish there: the bacteria, fungi and viruses required for a strong and stable system. The skin is the same: host to millions of micro-organisms protecting your body against pathogens and impacting immunity and inflammation. Research is rapidly evolving. However, what we do know is that issues of sensitivity, dryness and premature ageing, redness, rosacea, dermatitis and acne are all associated with microbiome dysbiosis (disruption). While the healthier and more diverse your complexions ecosystem, the more balanced it will be. Skincare products dont come more biome-bolstering than Cultured Biomecare. This revolutionary brand was founded in 2021 by Rob Calcraft, co-creator of pioneers, REN Clean Skincare, and a chap with an uncommon ability to predict the industrys Next Big Thing. Rivals are beginning to jump on the biome bandwagon, paying lip service with token gestures: a perkily probiotic this, or a skin-flora fostering that. However, these arent formulated from the ground up for microbiome magnificence in the way that Calcrafts entire operation has been. I first stumbled across the brand by accident, rooting around my testing cupboard looking for a cleanser. Ive since come to depend on its Biome One Cleansing Balm (32, culturedbiomecare.com), which is brilliant at alleviating crisis-ridden complexions responding in all manner of reactive ways at once read: dryness, soreness, redness, oiliness and acne. I also adore its Resilience Facial Oil (46), powered by fermented oils with a prebiotic effect to create a state-of-the-art skin redeemer-cum-defender, that I love to layer under SPF. It fuels the collagen, ceramide and lipid production that midlife skin is so starved off. Another joy is the companys new Biome One Rich Cream (55), available from tomorrow and targeted at the type of dry, stressed, photo-damaged skin summer has bestowed upon so many of us. Make sure you catch me in a week to witness the Betts biome beautifully boosted. RACE YOU TO IT! Estee Lauder Turbo Lash Night Revitalizing Lash and Brow Serum Google searches for eyelash growth serum recently saw an increase of 5,000 per cent and Estee Lauder Turbo Lash Night Revitalizing Lash and Brow Serum (35, esteelauder.co.uk) may be why, selling out within days of launch. It includes 16 amino acids, rice protein, panthenol and hyaluronic acid for a thicker, fuller-looking flutter. Shop MY ICON OF THE WEEK Monica Bellucci Italian actress Monica Bellucci, 58, is best known for her roles in The Matrix and James Bond The 58-year-old actress favours Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Passioneyes Intense Volume Mascara (39, harrods.com). The Italian star, known for her roles in The Matrix and James Bond, maintains that: Lipstick is the most valuable weapon in a womans make-up kit. Try Dolce & Gabbana Beauty The Only One Matte Lipstick in Silky Nude or the scarlet DGAmore (32). 5 best glow extenders Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil boots.com The classic for face, body and hair, scented with flowers and vanilla. Shop Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream chanel.com For lovely, sun-kissed colour, brush this on where rays would strike. Shop Refy Gloss Highlighter refybeauty.com Enjoy a dewy gleam which is perfect for cheekbones, eyelids, under brows and lips. Shop E.L.F. Sheer Slick Lipstick in Orange Crush superdrug.com This balm-like bestseller in a sheer satsuma, which is infused with natural oils, will lend your glow a punch. Shop COSMETIC CRAVING Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, sported a vibrant high-street brand dress at a glamorous star-studded event last night. The mother-of-one, 66, donned a colourful J.Crew shift tunic dress to attend the This Is About Humanity's fifth annual soiree in Los Angeles yesterday. The vibrant outfit from Michelle Obama's favourite brand, J.Crew, featured bold paisley patterns in yellow, orange, and pink shades. The grandmother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet accessorised the outfit with a sophisticated pair of Chloe 'Lauren' heeled pumps in a light tan shade. Doria wore her hair tied up, which displayed a classic pair of gold hoop earrings. Doria teamed up with some of Hollywood's most famous at the event - including Kris Jenner and her A-list daughter, Kim Kardashian as they posed up a storm together at the occasion. Doria looked chic in a J.Crew shift dress with yellow, orange and pink paisley prints as she posed for snaps at the event Doria complimented her earrings with a single gold bangle and a unique white and silver necklace with circular embellishments. The full-length sleeves of the dress were ever so slightly ruffled up, exposing Doria's striking tattoos just above her wrist, including a delicate butterfly illustration. Make-up was kept to a minimum, with just a slight sheen of gloss to Doria's lips, revealing her naturally luminous complexion. Meanwhile, SKIMS founder Kim, 42, debuted a new hairstyle as she sported bangs and a ponytail as she dressed all in black, while 'Momager' Kris, 67, was chic in a white suit. As the trio posed for photos, they embraced and beamed, looking very pally as they cosied up to each other. Doria's appearance at the star-studded event comes amid reports her daughter Meghan, 42, is planning a grand return to social media with a new Instagram account that could see her earn up to $1 million per post. The Mail on Sunday reported the Duchess of Sussex is planning to 'relaunch' herself on the social media platform, following the deactivation of the @sussexroyal handle in 2020 when the couple left the UK to begin a new life across the pond. Decorated with a picture of pink peonies, reportedly Meghan's favourite flowers, a source close to her team this week confirmed: 'Yes, that's her. Expect an announcement very soon. She's coming back.' Doria Ragland, Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian posed up a storm at a glitzy charity event in LA last night Meghan's mother and world-renowned 'momager' Kris Jenney put their arms around each other at the event The grandmother of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet (pictured left) accessorised with tan suede pumps and a gold necklace with white pendants The duchess's 'new' account - which has the handle '@Meghan' - already has 76,000 followers and experts say it could prove a huge boost to her finances. The account is already followed by several of Meghan's friends including activist Mandana Dayani, who served as president of Archewell, the Sussexes' media and philanthropic company, until last December. A source told The Mail on Sunday: 'Everyone in Hollywood is talking about the re-launch being imminent. Meghan has never made any secret of the fact she wants to return to Instagram.' Prior to her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, Suits actress Meghan's personal Instagram following stood at more than three million, while tens of thousands of fans signed up for her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig. Meghan first announced she was planning a return to Instagram in an interview with The Cut last year, telling writer Allison P Davis: 'Do you want to know a secret? I'm getting back on Instagram.' A dancing grandmother got a pub 'bouncing' along with her thanks to her incredible moves on the dance floor. Marie, 92, from Liverpool, showed she could still bust a move at Scruffy Murphy's Irish bar on Sunday night. In the clip, the nan is seen making shapes in the centre of the dance floor to House of Pain's Jump Around. Marie, who was dressed in a pink top and black floral skirt, showcased a variety of dance moves. Claire Robinson, general manager at Scruffy Murphy's told Liverpool Echo: 'Marie is definitely my favourite customer of the night. She had the place bouncing. Marie, 92, from Liverpool, had a pub 'bouncing' with her incredible moves on the dancefloor 'I hope I am as amazing as her when I am her age. I loved her energy and she was the star of the show tonight getting everyone dancing and posing for photos with her lovely family.' At one point, Marie was even spotted getting low, causing the surrounding crowd to cheer her on even louder. Proving Marie not the only grandmother who is still young at heart, an anonymous woman who was spotted dancing wildly at Wireless Festival last year was also celebrated on social media for her 'brilliant' moves. The woman, who was recorded dancing to Rihanna's We Found Love featuring Calvin Harris, was wearing a white bucket hat, gingham shirt, white shorts and matching white trainers as she boogied along to the music. In one video, which has around 72,900 views, she is seen in the centre of a larger circle, as crowds dance around her at the Crystal Palace venue. She jumps to the beat, and shimmies in the middle, as the track builds before a drop. The crowd then goes wild, bouncing up and down, as people dance enthusiastically. The dancing gran showed she could still bust a move at Scruffy Murphy's Irish bar on Sunday night Shared on Twitter by David Hunter, he wrote: 'Gran was absolutely loving Calvin Harris last night' A lady spotted dancing wildly at Wireless Festival has been celebrated on social media for her 'brilliant' moves Shared on Twitter at the time by David Hunter, he wrote: 'Somedaes gran wis absolutely lovin calvin harris last night [sic].' In a second clip, which has amassed around 10,000 views, she can be seen clapping along to the song, and gesturing with circular arm dance moves. As the track builds, the grandmother then gets her feet moving, breaking into a more complex pattern of footwork, as crowds form a small circle around her. The woman, who is smiling throughout, then jumps along with the rest of the crowd as the song builds to a beat drop. Norah, 20, from Michigan, has an obsession with Randy Marsh from South Park A woman has caused a stir online after sharing her very unusual obsession with a South Park cartoon character. Norah, from Michigan, has an obsession with Randy Marsh, a well-known character in the hit comedy series South Park. The 20-year-old, who has autism, started her Randy hyperfixation a year and a half ago and has collected a wide array of Randy merchandise, including plush toys, cardboard cutouts, and even a Randy Marsh body pillow. Norah decided to make a shrine to her favourite fictional character and it has helped her to manage the high levels of anxiety she experiences. The Randy fan has spent more than $6,200 on her shrine, spending between $100 and $300 on each of her Mr Marsh plushies. Norah, 20, from Michigan, USA, has an obsession with Randy Marsh, a well-known character in the hit comedy series South Park Norah added: 'My most expensive items would be the 27-inch plushies by ToyFactory, they're usually sold online for between 80 and 230 depending on who you buy them from.' Her wall is plastered with pictures of Randy with different facial expressions from various episodes of the cartoon show. A printed piece of paper reads 'I heart my boyfriend,' which has a picture of Randy inside the love heart. The shrine is surrounded with blue and white flowers and plastic battery operated candles. Some of the more unique items in her collection have been handmade by Norah herself, such as her enamel pins and stickers. She added: 'My favourite part is the middle of the room with the window and pictures and flowers, I just think it looks really cool.' But not everyone is a big Randy fan, and Norah sadly experiences online trolls nearly every day. She said: 'I get a large amount of hate and people telling me to get help, but for me, all the good comments outweigh that. Norah decided to make a shrine to her favourite fictional character and it has helped her to manage the high levels of anxiety she experiences Norah started her Randy hyperfixation a year and a half ago and has collected a wide array of Randy merchandise, including a Randy Marsh body pillow Norah says that she is 'married' to the South Park fictional character in her TikTok bio Norah has more than 95,000 followers on her TikTok (@tokitaffy), where she makes various videos about Randy 'Some people think it's a little weird, but it's something that makes me happy, so they don't judge me and think it's on brand for me anyways. Most people either have been in shock or supported my love of Randy. 'I've had a lot of autistic people tell me my videos have made them more comfortable being open with their own hyperfixations and that makes me happy.' Norah has more than 95,000 followers on her TikTok (@tokitaffy), where she makes various videos about Randy. In her bio she writes that she is 'married to Randy Marsh' and in a FAQ video she says that her 'fixation' on Randy started in January 2022. The Randy fan has spent more than $6,200 on her shrine, spending between $100 and $300 on each of her Mr Marsh plushies Some of the more unique items in her collection have been handmade by Norah herself, such as her enamel pins and stickers Norah has an array of battery operated candles and fairy lights to help light up her shrine at night The character is married in the show to Sharon Marsh and they have two children, Stan and Shelley. In response to the question, 'why the shrine / why Randy?' Norah responded and said: 'I have no control over my hyperfixations and have been attached to him since I first saw him in the show. 'He just brings me so much happiness and is always on my mind nonstop 24.7. I could be having the worst day but just remembering that his character exists makes me feel like maybe things aren't that bad.' Norah lives at home with her parents and the shrine is in her bedroom. The shrine is surrounded with blue and white flowers and plastic battery operated candles 20-year-old Norah lives at home with her parents and the impressive shrine is in her bedroom Randy Marsh is married on the show to Sharon Marsh the pair have two children, Stan and Shelley Her wall is plastered with pictures of Randy with different facial expressions from various episodes of the cartoon show Her videos have racked up millions of views, as Norah regularly updates her fans about her shrine, making videos on the new items she has added to her collection Although she admits that Randy 'has a lot of negative traits' she loves 'how silly he is and get so excited whenever he's on screen' She wrote that the shrine started to help her with her anxiety and depression 'by working on something dedicated to the character I love.' Although she admits that Randy 'has a lot of negative traits' she loves 'how silly he is and get so excited whenever he's on screen.' Her videos have racked up millions of views, as Norah regularly updates her fans about her shrine, making videos on the new items she has added to her collection. In a video posted on the fictional character's birthday, Norah wrote: 'Happy birthday Randy I love you with my entire heart, I hope you have an amazing birthday and Im so excited to see you in tonight's episode.' A bride-to-be who booked a $100,000 wedding venue in Lake Como has hit back at criticism that she is 'forcing' guests to travel to Italy. Liz Inglisa, from Chicago, is preparing to tie the knot with her fiance in August 2024 at Villa Balbiano. But the 25-year-old recently took to TikTok to slam claims that having a destination wedding is 'rude.' Liz previously disclosed the eye-watering cost of the luxury venue - which has been used as a backdrop in blockbusters such as Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Liz Inglisa, from Chicago, is preparing to tie the knot with her fiance in August 2024 at Villa Balbiano But the 25-year-old recently took to TikTok to slam claims that having a destination wedding is 'rude' Liz previously disclosed the eye-watering cost of the luxury venue - which has been used as a backdrop in blockbusters such as Casino Royale and Star Wars : Attack of the Clones Liz has been sharing regular wedding planning updates with her 26,600 followers since the proposal on a private sunset cruise around the Amalfi coast. In the latest clip, which has been viewed more than 20,000 times, Liz responds to one comment left under her post which said it was 'so rude to force people to travel for a wedding.' Poll Do YOU think it is 'rude' to have a destination wedding? Yes No Do YOU think it is 'rude' to have a destination wedding? Yes 620 votes No 367 votes Now share your opinion She begins: 'Is it rude to force people to travel for a destination wedding? 'As most of you guys know, my fiance and I are having our wedding in Lake Como next August which means lots of family and friends are flying out to Italy to celebrate us. 'It's definitely a hard decision to make to do a destination wedding - but here are some of the reasons we decided to do our wedding abroad.' The bride-to-be continues: 'The most important being that it has always been a dream of ours to have a destination wedding. 'Second because our friends and family were so thrilled to hear about the idea and also something this person doesn't know is that we are having a ceremony at home where we live for all of the guests who can't make it.' Liz concluded: 'So absolutely no one is forced to travel for our wedding but a lot of people are so excited to take that European summer adventure and then do a stop in Lake Como to celebrate us. Dozens of other social media users agreed as one wrote: 'No one is getting forced period! If they can make it and want to go, amazing. If they can't that's ok too!' 'We haven't even sent out our invitations yet but the amount of positive feedback that we've received form everybody that is invited makes us so happy. 'So no I don't think it's rude to force people to travel - especially when nobody is forced.' Dozens of other social media users agreed as one wrote: 'No one is getting forced period! If they can make it and want to go, amazing. If they can't that's ok too!' Another added: 'I think it gives people a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's magical to share that time somewhere amazing and fitting in a vacay.' And a third said: 'I think if you give people enough time to plan it's not rude at all to say you are having a destination wedding!' But some of Liz's previous revelations caused more of a stir online - particularly when she detailed the costings for 'the venue of their dreams.' The couple, who have been together for seven years, are set to tie the knot in Lake Como in August 2024 Liz described Villa Balbiano as 'the venue of their dreams' but was inundated with questions about the cost In the controversial clip, which has been viewed more than 1.6 million times, Liz replied to one user who posed a query, adding: 'I have never been asked a question more in my life so let's get into how much our Lake Como wedding and venue cost.' Sharing a series of images from the venue once again, Liz began: 'Villa Balbiano is probably one of the most sought after wedding venues on the entire planet probably because of this view. 'It's so gorgeous and I've probably wanted to get married here since I saw this picture about five or six years ago.' She continued: 'So the venue can either be rented for the entire weekend - Friday through Sunday, two nights, three days - for 100,000 euros (around $109,000). 'Or you can rent it for one day but you can only rent it one day on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and the cost of that is 40,000 euros ($44,000).' Liz went further still, adding: 'Another question I keep getting is "what is included in the cost of the venue" and the answer is absolutely nothing. Liz's previous revelations caused more of a stir online - particularly when she detailed the costings for 'the venue of their dreams' She revealed that the venue alone - with no extras included - cost $100,000 for the weekend - but then attempted to justify the spend 'The 40,000 euros or the 100,000 euros is just the price of the venue and absolutely nothing else.' Justifying the spend, she continued: 'Yes, it is just the venue but I mean look at how incredible the venue is. There are so many different areas here. 'The possibilities for cocktail hour and for reception and for ceremony are endless. I could think of 10 places right now that you could do any of them.' Liz then revealed: 'Another question I keep getting asked is are you actually able to stay in the venue and the answer is yes, only if you book it for the entire weekend.' But she considered: 'I feel like you don't even want your guests staying in here because a lot of the pieces in Villa Balbiano are like 'sister pieces' or like one of five in the entire world so imagine breaking or scratching something and you have to pay all of your money to Villa Balbiano.' @liz_inglisa Replying to @Camille Ritchings greenscreen Lake Como wedding venue of our dreams fyp lakecomowedding lakecomo viral trending foryourpage weddingtiktok bridetobe bride foryoupage engaged engagmentphotoshoot travel wedding weddingday villabalbiano follow like foryoupage foryourpage followback original sound - Liz Inglisa But other social media users were left stunned by the revelations and did not hold back in the comments The bride-to-be concluded: 'Overall, when it comes to Lake Como wedding venues, this is definitely the venue.' But other social media users were left stunned by the price revelations and did not hold back in the comments. One wrote: 'Rather get married in a box room and save the money for vacations and home renovations.' Another added: 'This isn't worth it. Just the venue and no add ons for that price is ridiculous.' And a third simply branded it as a 'waste of money.' Hoda Kotb has opened up about the special way her best friend showed up for her while she was grieving the loss of her father in college. The Today co-anchor's parents, Abdel Kader and Sameha Kotb, lived in Egypt before immigrating to the US to raise their family. She was a junior at Virginia Tech when her dad died of a heart attack at the age of 51. In a clip from the show that was posted on Instagram, she shared how her long-time pal Peggy Fox failed a class to be by her side when school became too much for her to handle. 'My dad had passed, and I was in a class and didn't care about my class, didn't care about anything,' Kotb, 59, told her co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Hoda Kotb, 59, revealed that her close friend Peggy Fox failed a class to sit by her side after her father died Kotb was a junior at Virginia Tech when her dad, Abdel Kader Kotb, died of a heart attack at the age of 51. She is pictured with her father and sister, Hala 'There was a quiz, and I remember I looked at the teacher, and the teacher said, You got to take the quiz." And I wasn't feeling it, and I said, "I'm leaving."' The teacher warned her that she would fail the class if she didn't take the quiz, but she still grabbed her backpack and walked out. 'I felt someone [else] pick up their backpack, and I just kept walking. I didn't say a word,' she said. 'I walked all the way to the duck pond, which was a very peaceful spot, and I sat on a picnic table, on top of it, and she sat next to me.' Kotb, who is still close friends with Fox, explained that the simple gesture was exactly what she needed at the time. 'When I was ready, I go, "I can't believe you just failed that class with me." She said, "Well, I wanted to be here, sitting with you,"' she said. 'That's it." Not, "Do you want me? Do you need me?" It's like, you turn, and they're sitting there.' Kotb previously paid tribute to her late father on the show in June 2020, saying he was a 'larger-than-life figure to her and her siblings, Hala and Abel. 'He just led by example. He was someone who was such a hard worker,' she recalled of her father, who worked as a fossil energy specialist. 'They came here from Egypt, you know, and they really made their life.' She explained that her dad ended up becoming the president of his own company, but she used to think he was the vice president of the country. The Today star (pictured in college) recalled how she was struggling with her grief when she walked out of class on the day of the quiz, despite the teacher warning she would fail if she left Kotb said Fox walked out with her and sat by her side on a picnic bench until she was ready to talk. The two are still close friends (pictured together) 'I used to have dreams that my dad couldn't be the real president, but he could be the vice president because he wasn't born here,' she said. 'I remember waking up believing my dad was vice president.' 'He just taught us about hard work, getting it done, and we just all believed we could be anything and do anything,' she added. 'They taught us that, my mom and dad.' Kotb noted that she still dreams about her father and thinks about him more than 30 years after his death. While speaking with DailyMail.com in 2018, she shared how her father's memory influenced her decision to become a mom in her 50s. Kotb and her former fiance, Joel Schiffman, have two adopted daughters, Haley Joy, six, and Hope Catherine, four. 'I think any older mom who says they haven't done the math is probably lying. I've absolutely thought about it and what it means. What it means for the future,' she said. 'But my dad passed away when he was in his early 50s and I was in my early 20s.' 'I was a junior in college. It was sudden and scary and terrible,' she added. 'But the seeds he lay for me during those 20 years, remain with me today. The things he taught me are still a part of me now.' Kanye West has been caught flashing his bare derriere during a very amorous boat ride with his 'wife' Bianca Censori as the pair continue to cause a serious stir during their trip to Venice. Having already sparked fury from locals over 28-year-old Censori's barely-there ensembles, West, 46, has now taken things even further by exposing his naked buttocks in front of gawking tourists during a boat ride with his so-called bride. Images of the couple show the rapper seated at the back of the river taxi while Censori, 28, appears to be nestled with her head in his lap. The couple appeared to be blissfully unaware of the groups of tourists sailing past them with their phones held aloft as they put on their amorous display - the latest in a line of boundary-breaking public outings that have caused scandal among Italian locals. Kanye West has been caught flashing his derriere during a very amorous boat ride with 'wife' Bianca Censori in Venice The 46-year-old rapper exposed his naked buttocks in front of gawking tourists as the couple continue their romantic getaway in Italy He was seated at the back of the river taxi with Censori, 28, nestled closely in his lap West did not seem to care that his backside was on full display for a group of gawking tourists with their phones held aloft as they sailed past the couple Australian architect Censori has already come under fire for the risque outfits she has donned during the trip - which has seen her modeling a series of skin-tight nude bodysuits that locals have slammed as a form of 'public indecency' in the conservative Catholic country. Prior to boarding the boat, West was spotted walking through the sinking city wearing an abundance of clothing, covered from head-to-toe in an all-black ensemble. He hid his face with a scarf and wore thick black socks without shoes as he walked hand-in-hand with Censori. The brunette beauty looked effortlessly chic upon arrival, having slipped into a knee-length trench coat which she teamed with a pair of nude heels. But both seemed to shed the layers once getting on board. Censori ditched the coat in favor of a strapless number as West pulled down his pants which exposed his bare behind. It appeared that things were getting very steamy as Censori faced the hitmaker and, at one point, rested her elbows on his knees, while he was then seen cradling her head as they sailed along the river. The couple had been accompanied by a female friend who was similarly dressed in a monochrome outfit. But she seemed to spend much of her time up front with the boat's captain, giving the couple as much privacy as possible as the group made their way through Venice. West was caught flashing his derriere as he crouched down during the very amorous boat trip The mogul flashed his naked buttocks as boats full of tourists sailed past on the canals At one point, one of the tourists on the other boat directed his phone towards West and Censori, who didn't so much as glance up West was initially spotted walking through the sinking city covered from head-to-toe in an all-black ensemble He hid his face with a scarf and wore thick black socks without shoes as he walked hand-in-hand with Censori West appeared to have pulled down his pants which exposed his bare behind The couple's friend seemed to spend much of her time up front with the boat's captain as the group made their way through Venice It appeared that things were getting very steamy as Censori faced the hitmaker and, at one point, rested her elbows on his knees Still the couple didn't appear to mind who spotted them during the trip - given that they were surrounded by other boats filled to the brim with tourists, all of whom had a perfect view of the pair putting on their amorous display. West and Censori have already been slammed for committing a major fashion faux pas during the vacation. The couple have made headlines over the past month for their odd wardrobe choices, with critics especially taking aim at Censori for 'going around virtually naked' in the conservative Catholic country. The brunette has stepped out on several occasions with her bare breasts clearly visible beneath see-through mesh outfits. Among them was the outrageous nude catsuit - which saw her forced to cover her nipples with a black cross-body bag. Many argued that the looks have constituted 'public indecency,' a charge for which comes with a hefty fine. According to the Italian Constitutional Court, a fine from 5,000 to 10,000 euros can be issued, or whoever exposes themselves in a place or nearby to a place attended by minors may be sentenced from four months to four years' imprisonment. Similarly, according to major tourism website CIU Travel, locals find it 'offensive' to see visitors 'wandering the streets in varying states of undress'. West and Censori have already been slammed for committing a major fashion faux pas during the vacation The hitmaker seemed somewhat undeterred by the fact he was flashing his bare buttocks during the trip It appeared that things were getting very steamy as Censori faced the hitmaker in the back of the boat The couple had been accompanied by a female friend who was similarly dressed in a monochrome outfit The couple have already made headlines for their odd wardrobe choices, with critics taking aim at Censori for 'going around virtually naked' in the conservative Catholic country Censori has been seen sporting a series of skin-tight bodysuits during their trip, prompting fury among locals The website reads: 'Walking around in beach attire or, worse, shirtless, is a huge no-no in Italy, unless you have your feet buried deep in the sand.' It remains to be seen whether West or Censori will face any form of official punishment for their latest over-the-top display. The fashion designer who is widely believed to be behind all of Censori's recent and controversial looks and his new muse were first romantically linked in January 2023 just months after his divorce was finalised. The couple wed in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills in January. However, the legality of the union is in question, as they did not file a marriage certificate. Previously, Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021 after six years of marriage. Throughout their longtime romance, West often called her his 'muse' and heavily influenced her fashion choices. The former couple share four children together North, ten, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, four. A humble 'pandemic pop-up' has transformed into one of the most in-demand restaurants in Sydney - and it's easy to see why. Hidden behind the doors of a quaint stone block in Surry Hills lies Warike, a Peruvian fusion hub delivering diners some of the most unique, mouthwatering dishes in the city. Co-owned by Luis Guzman, Valeriya Finogeeva and Executive Chef Hector Chunga, the idea of Warike (pronounced Warique) was born during 2020 when Guzman was cooking at home in lockdown. Now a local dining sensation, the eatery's lively, homely ambience is inspired by Peru's traditional 'Warikes' - humble, hidden hubs known for their incredible food and cosy vibes. Housing just 46, the restaurant centres on' authenticity and a sense of shared enjoyment', which is clear the second you walk in as you're faced with cheerful decor, a warm service team and an impossibly tasty menu. A humble 'pandemic pop-up' has transformed into one of the most in-demand restaurants in Sydney - and it's easy to see why Now a local dining sensation, the eatery's lively, homely ambience is inspired by Peru's traditional 'Warikes' - humble, hidden eateries known for their incredible food and cosy vibes Stand-outs include a wide range of ceviches - the hero being the Clasico made with kingfish and sweet potato puree - cheesy scallops made with macho sauce, melt-in-your-mouth charcoal octopus and charcoal black angus (lomo saltado). The menu reflects the diverse fusion of Peruvian cultures, especially the Incas, and imported cuisines brought in by immigrants, including Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese. It also reflects Mediterranean techniques combined with Peruvian products. Chunga, the Executive Chef, was born into a modest family in the north of Peru and credits his incredible talent first and foremost to his mother, a teacher, and wider family. 'My parents are influential people in their careers, I have always wanted to be like them and for them to be proud of what I do,' Chunga told FEMAIL. 'I learned to cook thanks to my mother and the attention I paid when she cooked for us and my aunts when they cooked at a family party. Co-owned by Luis Guzman (left), Valeriya Finogeeva and Executive Chef Hector Chunga (right), the idea of Warike (pronounced Warique) was born during 2020 when Guzman was cooking at home during lockdown Charcoal octopus, Anticuchera sauce, cauliflower puree, Peruvian corn, chimichuri, dry olives King fish, tigers milk, sweet potato puree, Peruvian corn, white corn 'Then in cooking school I had great mentors and teachers. One of my teachers came from working in a Spanish restaurant with Michelin stars and another was a passionate Peruvian chef.' Chunga moved to Lima to study gastronomy after a brief stint studying to be an accountant like his father. 'Peruvian cuisine began to appear in Europe at the famous festival Madrid Fusion. I thought about it for a few days before I finally made the move,' he said, which saw him later work in top restaurants around the world. Chunga met Guzman and loved the idea of a Peruvian-Japanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant in Sydney. 'My parents are influential people in their careers, I have always wanted to be like them and for them to be proud of what I do,' Chunga told FEMAIL 'People who try Warike for the first time are surprised that Peruvian cuisine is not so popular in this country, but I am confident that we do a good job. I consider myself an ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, so that is my mission,' he said 'I helped to make it different and a more technical restaurant - a concept that respects the product... where tradition is served differently and where the visual is important but history prevails,' he said. 'People who try Warike for the first time are surprised that Peruvian cuisine is not so popular in this country, but I am confident that we do a good job. I consider myself an ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, so that is my mission.' He added: 'Hospitality is not just an industry or a business, it is much more than that and that's what I teach in my team. We take responsibility for the happiness of all our guests who are our diners.' How would you describe Peruvian cuisine? Peruvian cuisine is a set of possibilities and multicultural influence. The Spanish brought many European culinary techniques, then the Chinese and the Japanese arrived, the Italians also arrived, each one with a different technique, a different product, a different history. Peruvians adapted those products and made them our own so Peruvian cuisine is a combination of foreign influence plus the wealth of the Andes, its Amazonia, and its coast. Peru has more than 7 microclimates, in Peru they grow products that you cannot find anywhere else on earth. Peruvian cuisine is history that continues to evolve. HECTOR CHUNGA'S SECRET RECIPES 1. Tiger's milk for ceviche Ingredients: Ginger Coriander stalk Red onion Crushed garlic Salt Lime juice Fish stock White fish Method: Leave the vegetables with the salt to dehydrate for half an hour and then blend it with the fish stock and the fish to obtain a creamy leche de tigre. Strain and we have a perfect leche de tigre to make ceviches. 2. Huancaina sauce Ingredients: 300g red onion 50g confit garlic 30g olive oil 800g aji amarillo paste 200g feta cheese 150g biscuit 20g salt 360mL evaporated milk Method: Add the oil to a frying pan and saute the onion, add the salt and then add confit garlic. Then add aji amarillo paste, cook for a few minutes and then blend with the rest of the ingredients until you get a creamy sauce. Advertisement Busy every night and buzzing with energy, Warike has a bright future in Sydney, with Chunga adding even more Mediterranean influence to the menu in months to come. 'Our goal is to get a hat - we are not far from other restaurants that already have it and we offer quality food and service,' he said. 'It is an experience to eat at Warike, we cannot please everyone but we try. Warike will be one of the best Peruvian restaurants in Australia, there are many people who come from suburbs like Liverpool or an hour from the city, so at some point people further outside Sydney will come to eat here too. 'The goal is that, for Warike to transcend Australia, we become the pioneers in slightly changing the image of Peruvian cuisine in Sydney. The second step is for everyone to want to experience it with us.' Warike is open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-late and lunch on Saturdays from 12.30pm - 2pm. Kmart's Anko products will be available at Target in early 2024 A selection of Kmart's top-selling Anko products will be available at Target early next year. The popular range, which was before now Kmart's exclusive 'home brand', includes decor, storage and clothing products. Wesfarmers, the parent company of Target and Kmart Australia, shared the news in its annual results report after it was announced the two stores would merge into one $10billion mega business. The collection will include 'hard home and general merchandise' and will arrive in Target stores 'early in the second half of the 2024 financial year'. Anko, which stands for 'A New Kind Of', is well known among regular shoppers of Kmart, and 'represents the change the retailer has undergone since 2008'. In early 2024 popular Kmart Australia Anko products will launch in Target stores The different categories made the products 'clearly identifiable' in the stores - ranging from homeware and children to clothing and fitness Long before the label appeared on shelves across the country, the retailer offered an extensive range of items under multiple &Co brands such as 'Home&Co', 'Kids&Co', 'Clothing&Co' and 'Active&Co'. The different categories made the products 'clearly identifiable' in the stores - ranging from homeware and children to clothing and fitness. In 2018, the discount chain quietly transformed '&Co' to 'Anko' after replacing the letter 'c' with 'k' to 'pay homage to where it all started - Kmart Australia'. Wesfarmers also confirmed Target 'remains profitable' with 'relatively stronger performance in apparel'. However, the trading of home and toys was deemed 'challenging' compared to clothing. The introduction will include a range of 'hard home and general merchandise' launched into Target stores from 'early in the second half of the 2024 financial year' (stock image) The business hopes to 'leverage the scale of the Kmart Group' to support Target in this area. Brian Walker, CEO of retail consultancy Retail Doctor Group told news.com.au the phrase 'hard home' implies Anko-branded homewares will be sold at Target. As a result, customers will be able to get the best of both stores all in one place. Kmart Group's trading performance is 'strong' as revenue increased 16.5 per cent to $10,635 million for the year. READ MORE: The story behind Anko Advertisement It comes as Wesfarmers announced it will merge Target and Kmart stores to create a $10billion business aiming to offer better value to customers. Ian Bailey, who became the managing director of Kmart Group in 2018, said the two stores will still operate as separate brands, with Kmart still being price-driven and Target mainly centred on affordable clothes and soft home furnishings. He said the changes will be behind the scenes in areas such as technology and purchasing, and there would only be a 'handful of redundancies'. Mr Bailey expects the current cost-of-living crisis affecting Australians to last for a while longer. 'I see value being really front and centre for a long time,' he told the Australian Financial Review. 'What we're seeing is when we can consistently hit good products at great prices, then there's plenty of demand out there.' Despite some initial job losses, Mr Bailey expects the overall employment level to grow within 12 months from now. 'I'd say we're strong, but I think there's an opportunity to really capitalise on this time and find ways to continue to deliver better value for customers,' he said. The merger has come about because running the two businesses separately made it difficult to improve the use of technology in Target. 'This is really why we decided to push the two businesses into one,' Mr Bailey said, adding that the merger is critical to improving sales. 'This change enables us to push the same technology into Target because we will get to a point when we will have one technology stack.' Mr Bailey, who has been credited in leading the turnaround in Kmart's fortunes in recent years, said merging the two outlets into one $10billion entity will lead to significant cost savings and productivity improvement. Ian Bailey (pictured), who became the MD of Kmart in 2018, said the two stores will still operate, with Kmart still being price-driven and Target mainly centred on affordable clothes and soft home furnishings In 2020, 167 Target stores were either permanently closed or converted to Kmarts after the chain suffered a $67million slump in sales. Target staff were offered jobs at Kmart or other Wesfarmers companies, including Bunnings and Officeworks. The closures and conversions reportedly cost the company between $120million and $170million. A further $140million was used for one-off store conversion and stock clearance costs. Read more: Kmart launches luxurious new coastal homewares collection Tiny detail spotted in Chemist Warehouse logo that shoppers claim 'changes everything' A woman has been warned she was 'close to death' after sharing a snap of her hair standing on end during her morning walk. The woman, from Jersey, was walking her dogs on the beach when her hair shot up into the air. She posted a picture on Facebook where people were quick to let her know she had just cheated death. The woman explained she felt a 'very tingly feeling in my head/forehead' and said her hair was 'going static' for 15 minutes. She said she could 'hear thunder' on the French coast which is about 25 kilometers away. A woman has been warned she was 'close to death' after sharing a snap of her hair standing on end during her morning walk 'I did start to get a little nervous & headed higher up the beach,' she admitted. 'Goodness knows what it would have looked like if I hadnt had my hair tied back! It was a really weird sensation,' she added. But the light-hearted conversation turned dark quickly. 'You were at risk of being struck, believe it or not you were a lightning rod standing on the beach projecting above the surrounding landscape, the beach isn't ideal place that was an electrically charged atmosphere,' one man wrote on the post. 'An electric charge builds up as part of a "positive lightning strike." The charge is what makes your hair stand up. You may not think you're in trouble if the storm looks to still be off in the distance. But that electric charge is a sure sign that you should get inside as quickly as possible,' one woman added. Her comments backed up by the experts at US National Weather Service. 'If your hair stands on end, lightning is about to strike you. Drop to your knees and bend forward but don't lie flat on the ground. Wet ground is a good conductor of electricity,' the National Weather Service team say. Another woman shared a similar picture and said she also didn't know the danger she was in 'It is also recommended you get far away from the beach when storms roll in. 'Your lucky to still be walking and talking as in cases with peoples hair standing up with static electricity would normally would have got struck by lightning as electricity channeling up through the earth to meet with a discharge from the storm,' one person added. Another woman added a picture of her own hair standing on end and said she had no idea it meant she could be struck. 'This happened to me a couple of years ago crikey I had no idea I was that close to being fried,' she wrote. The US National Weather Service recommend getting inside a house, large building, or all-metal vehicle when lightning is around. A young Australian farmer has vented her frustration over how most men treat her while on the job. Brigitte Belle, from Warragul in Victoria, is fed up with men asking her if she needs help just because she's a woman. The 23-year-old works on her family's farm handling animals, operating machinery and driving large tractors to manoeuvre bales of hay. 'You know what my favourite thing to do is? When men see me either towing something or reversing something up, they're immediately like "Oh do you want me to do that?"' She said in a video. 'I'm good thanks mate, I f***ing know how to reverse.' With her blue jeans, red flannel shirt and hair in a messy bun, Brigitte isn't afraid to call others out and ensures her opinion is heard. Brigitte Belle is a farmer from Victoria who says men should stop asking her for help just because she's a woman 'You know what my favourite thing to do is? When men see me either towing something or reversing something up, they're immediately like "Oh do you want me to do that?" she said, adding: 'I'm good thanks mate, I f***ing know how to reverse.' Brigitte recounted the conversation while driving a tractor to demonstrate her 'perfect' skills. 'I love the look of surprise on their f***ing face when I reverse up a f***ing trailer easy peasy lemon squeezy and it's perfect, dead on, every single time,' she said. 'They think I'm this little f***ing girl that doesn't know s***. Women also know how to back f***ing trailers, they know how to drive big machinery, grow up! 'It's f***ing 2023, mate. I've seen men who can't back a trailer, do I pick on them? No I don't.' The blonde beauty added how men should never 'underestimate a woman' unless they want to be 'humbled really quick'. The 23-year-old works on her family's farm handling animals and drives tractors to maneuver bales of hay Read more: Gamer girl who always beats men at Call Of Duty reveals the sexist comments she cops when they realise they've been defeated by a woman - but she fires back in BRUTAL fashion Young Australian gamer Madeline Watson (pictured) has more than 559,000 TikTok followers and has shared how men react when they realise she's a female gamer Advertisement The video has since been viewed two million times, with thousands praising her. 'Go girl!' one person commented, another said: 'Your attitude is awesome.' 'I'm a guy who can't reverse and I would totally ask you to do it,' one man admitted. Another woman said: 'Sometimes we don't know how to do something because we haven't been taught to but that's changing.' Read more: Meet the glamorous tradie who ditched a design career to get on the tools with a six-figure salary - and why it's the best decision she's ever made Supermarket rejects 1,500 'ugly' cauliflowers due to 'tiny marks' - leaving shoppers and local farmers outraged Gold hunting Australian couple live in a bus in the outback searching for hidden treasure worth thousands of dollars Food scientist says you can get same fibre and fat from eating nuts and seeds It's low in sugar and salt and high in fibre, but experts are not sure its worth 22 It's a dense and hearty loaf that's packed with seeds, has a devoted celebrity following and comes with a hefty 22 price tag. But the 'legendary' Happy Tummy Loaf, made in Ireland, has not convinced nutrition experts. The bread contains 15 ingredients including almonds, linseed and walnuts and has been nicknamed 'Magic Poo Bread' for its ability to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to its artisan baker Karen O'Donoghue. But scientists say there are much cheaper ways to get the same benefits, such as by eating nuts and seeds on their own. However, they note that the 'very expensive specialist bread' does have more fibre and beneficial fatty acids than standard supermarket varieties. Made with alternative flours like buckwheat and teff a type of grass seed as well as chia seeds, ground linseed, nuts, eggs, lemon juice, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar, it certainly contains more than your average loaf With each slice coming to 1, it's more than ten times more expensive than your average loaf. It fans include American actress Goldie Hawn and Gwyneth Paltrow's wellness brand Goop, which described it as 'legendary'. So, how does it compare to your average slice of white or brown bread? It's heavier weighing in at 1.1kg compared to an average 800g supermarket loaf. Made with alternative flours like buckwheat and teff a type of grass seed as well as chia seeds, ground linseed, nuts, eggs, lemon juice, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar, it certainly contains more than your average loaf. What does the 'Happy Tummy Loaf' taste like? MailOnline's review Happy Tummy Loaf Price: 22 On first glance, the rustic loaf looks heavy, dense and very much on the healthy side. But despite containing extra virgin olive oil, an egg, lemon juice and water, the loaf is still has a dry crust. However, the centre of the loaf is much softer and more moist though very grainy, while not unpleasant, with a texture similar to haggis or black pudding. Its sweet cinnamon notes and mix of nuts make it more of a cake minus the sugar than a loaf of bread. The crumbly texture makes it a challenge to use as the base of a sandwich and it's difficult to imagine that it would hold up very well if dunked in soup. So spreading it with a bit of butter or jam is probably the best way to enjoy it. Advertisement According to the company's website, the baking process, which takes up to two days, allows 'the grain varieties, nuts and seeds to soak and sprout before (baking) so that they enter your gut ready to digest and bring you maximum nourishment'. The artisan loaf is 326 calories per 100g, almost 100 calories more than supermarket favourites. It has less sugar (1.9g) and salt (0.3g) than other cheaper brown and white loafs. For comparison, Warburtons Farmhouse White Bread contains 2.2g of sugar and 0.98g of salt per 100g, which is the equivalent of two slices. The Happy Tummy Loaf is full of healthy fats due to the inclusion of almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts. In fact, it has about ten times more fat than either the Hovis Granary Wholemeal Bread or the Warburtons Farmhouse White Bread. But this 23.4g of fat is mostly monosaturated fat, a type of 'healthy' fat that helps protect your heart by maintaining levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol while reducing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in your blood, the NHS says. It's found in olive oil and nuts, which are key ingredients in this pricey loaf. The bread also has a third more fibre (9.3g) than Hovis Granary Wholemeal Bread (6.8g), but the same amount of protein as Warburtons Farmhouse White Bread (9g). The NHS recommends adults should have 30g of fibre per day, meaning two slices of The Happy Tummy Loaf accounts for two-thirds of your daily fibre intake. However, experts aren't convinced and say the 22 price tag for a health kick is a bit too expensive. '22 seems to be a little bit on the expensive side; there are much cheaper ways to get this much fibre', says Professor Gunter Kuhnle, an expert in nutrition and food science at the University of Reading. He said: 'Its definitely a long way away from the usually more minimalistic "flour, water, yeast and salt" approach of bread. 'It includes a lot of fat from nuts and seeds, having much more fat and fewer carbohydrates than other breads.' The dense and hearty loaf made with a combination of 15 ingredients is said to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to its artisan baker Karen O'Donoghue It has less sugar (1.9g) and salt (0.3g) than other cheaper brown and white loafs. For comparison, Warburtons Farmhouse White Bread contains 2.2g of sugar and 0.98g of salt per 100g, which is the equivalent to two slices How the 22 Happy Tummy Loaf compares to classic white and brown loafs Bread (per 100g) Calories Sugar Salt Fibre Protein Fat The Happy Tummy Loaf 326 1.9g 0.3g 9.3g 9g 23.4g Warburtons Farmhouse White Bread 243 2.2g 0.98g 2.3g 9g 2.5g Hovis Granary Wholemeal Bread 236 2.4g 0.98g 6.8g 10.6g 2.4g The extensive ingredients list, which includes an egg and nuts, could exclude people who have allergies experts say. But when solely comparing the ingredients with other supermarket bread, experts say the Happy Tummy Loaf is the 'healthiest' Food scientists suggest you can get the same fibre and healthy fat content from simply eating nuts and seeds and your average wholemeal supermarket bread So what's in the 'Happy Tummy Loaf'? According to the Happy Tummy Company its signature 15-ingredient loaf contains: Water Wholegrain teff flour Wholegrain buckwheat flour Ground almonds Extra virgin olive oil Ground linseed Chia seeds Flaked brazil nuts Flaked walnuts Regeneratively farmed egg Lemon juice Cinnamon Apple cider vinegar Irish orchard syrup Achill sea salt Advertisement However, he believes that healthy food doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, he suggests you can get the same fibre and healthy fat content from simply eating nuts and seeds and your average wholemeal supermarket bread. He said: 'Nuts and seeds have some health benefits, but one could get them cheaper separately. 'Some people believe that a long fermentation and sprouting might have some beneficial effects, but long fermentation is something that can be achieved with standard breads as well. 'Likewise, one could achieve a high fibre intake from other sources.' For example, fruit, vegetables and pulses are packed with the carbohydrate. He also adds that the extensive ingredients list, which includes an egg and nuts, could exclude people who have allergies. But it is worth noting the loaf is gluten free and there is also a vegan option. However, when solely comparing the ingredients with other supermarket bread, he does suggest the Happy Tummy Loaf is the 'healthiest'. Professor Kuhnle said: 'Looking solely at ingredients, the "Happy Tummy Loaf" is probably the "healthiest" as it has more fibre and also some beneficial fatty acids from nuts and seeds. 'But I dont think it is a fair comparison as this is a very expensive specialist bread wholemeal breads contain much more fibre (about 6g/100g), and one can buy seeded breads with many of the same benefits for a much lower price.' Nearly 4,000 Americans visit the emergency department every year after getting a 'foreign object' stuck in their rectums, official data suggests. A first-of-its-kind analysis estimated that 38,948 Americans aged 15 and up went to hospitals with the embarrassing injury between 2012 and 2021, the equivalent of around 3,895 per year. Men accounted for nearly eight in 10 cases, with the most common group being males in their 20s and early 30s, who made up a third of all ER visits. Sex toys accounted for more than half of cases, while other objects found ranged from toy balls or marbles to bottles, bottle caps, cans, drugs and even stationary. Researchers from the University of Rochester, New York, found that men were more likely than women to come to hospital with a foreign object lodged in their rectums. They suggested, however, that this may be down to reporting bias because women were less likely to put non-sexual objects in their rectums, reducing the chances of their case being recorded The above shows the objects that were found in people's rectums. Writing implements may include pens, rubbers or sharpeners. Miscellaneous could include light bulbs or even a World War One bomb The above shows the age groups that were most likely to come to the hospital with a foreign object in their rectums Researchers at the University of Rochester, New York, who did the study, said there has been a lack of hospital data on 'retained rectal foreign bodies' in the US. They were compelled to carry out the research after data in the UK, Europe, Japan, and the Caribbean indicated that the injury was becoming more common globally. Their work was published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine last abut and was shared in Pub Med, the medical journal for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The team used data from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, which keeps a record of all injuries linked to consumer products or recreational activities recorded at 100 ERs across the country. They extracted all cases involving injury to the 'pubic region' or 'lower trunk' that involved a 'foreign body', and then screened out those among under-15s or where the injury was not linked to the rectum. This gave a total of 886 cases of foreign objects stuck in rectums over the 10-year study. They then used national population estimates to extrapolate for the entire population, giving a figure of 38,948 or 4,000 per year. Bottles, jars or bottle lids were the most common non-sexual devices found stuck in people's rectums, they found, accounting for 10 percent of cases. They were followed by drugs, five percent, and a ball or marble, three percent. Other objects spotted were described as 'writing implements', or 2.3 percent, which may include pens, markers and crayons. Some 20 percent of cases also involved 'miscellaneous objects'. Details were not given on what these were, but in previous cases, this has involved lightbulbs, dumbbells and even a World War One artillery shell. About half of the incidents were linked to sexual devices, such as sex toys. By age group, those aged 20 to 24 were most likely to be admitted to wards with foreign objects in their rectums, followed by 25 to 29-year-olds and 20 to 34-year-olds. About 77 percent of cases were recorded among men or more than three-quarters of the total. Scientists did not suggest why the objects had ended up in people's anuses, but this has previously been linked to sexual pleasure or gratification. In the case of drugs, this may be tied to people trying to smuggle them across borders or into events such as festivals for sale. Estimates suggest that more patients are coming to hospitals with objects stuck in their rectums than previously Doctors may first attempt to remove the objects using manual extraction, or where they gently manipulate the object to free it from the rectum. When this fails, however, they deploy a range of other techniques. This can include dilation, or where steadily larger cylinders are inserted to widen the anal sphincter until the object falls out, or by attaching forceps onto an endoscope and inserting this into the rectum to grab and pull the object out. In more serious cases, doctors may be forced to perform surgery to remove the object. Laxatives can also be used, but this is not recommended because the anal contractions they cause may push an object further into the body. The researchers said their estimates also revealed that more people were visiting hospitals with objects stuck up their rectums. Back in 2015, there were an estimated 2,433 visits to hospitals per year with the issue. But by 2021 they suggested this had risen to 5,230 per year or more than doubled. Researchers at the University of Rochester suggested women may not be less likely to run into trouble with devices in their rectums than men. Instead, they said their data may be down to a publication bias. Cases involving uncommon objects were more likely to be recorded, they noted, but women were less likely to have non-sexual objects stuck in their rectums. This, they suggested, would lead to fewer cases being registered. Dr Anthony Loria, a surgeon resident at the University of Rochester who led the study, and others involved in the paper said: 'These data quantify a frequently encountered clinical presentation that has received little research focus. 'Females present at younger ages, with a significantly higher proportion of sexual devices, and have lower odds of hospitalization. 'Conversely, the incidence among males is bimodal [has two maximums] peaking in the fifth decade of life, and the rate of sexual devices is les than among females.' They added: 'These data demonstrate that focusing exclusively on sexual devices would substantially underestimate the overall healthcare utilization related to this issue, particularly among males.' The NIH said inclusion 'does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents' of the study, but the scientific and editorial quality of the journal will have been evaluated as part of the publication process. Common cancer screenings aimed at detecting and treating the disease early may not be as effective at extending a person's life expectancy as previously thought. Researchers reviewed clinical trials involving 2.1million people who had six kinds of common tests for cancer, following them for up to 15 years and comparing the life expectancy of those who were and were not screened for the disease. They found that only screening for one - colon cancer - seemed to make a difference in extending someones life, giving them a little over three months extra compared to their peers who were not screened. But the experts say this doesnt mean you should cancel that mammogram or other screening appointment because other data has shown that screening does reduce the risk of dying from cancer. The study looked at deaths from all causes, not just cancer, so there could be several reasons why getting screened doesn't extend someone's life. One type of cancer screening is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a blood test to screen for prostate cancer For example, there are harms associated with some tests, such as the risk of colon perforation during a colonoscopy or a heart attack following the removal of the prostate. There is also the risk that tests give a false negative and thus a false sense of security, the researchers said. Dr William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society who was not involved in the study, told CNN that cancer screenings weren't designed to increase someone's lifespan, rather their goal was to decrease premature deaths from cancer. Dahut explained, if a persons life expectancy at birth was estimated to be 80 years old, a cancer screening may prevent them from dying at 65 from cancer, but it wouldnt necessarily mean theyd live to be 90 instead of the estimated 80. 'No ones saying "if you do your cancer screenings, youre going to live to be 100 years old". But we know that cancer is the second leading cause of death, the leading cause of death before age 85'. Doctors in the US recommend certain tests for people at various ages or who have certain risk factors, such as a family history of cancer or some lifestyle habits, such as smoking. Long seen as a way to detect and diagnose cancer in the beginning stages when it is easer to treat, a meta-analysis of more than a dozen clinical trials cast some doubt on the effectiveness of six common screening procedures. In the study published Tuesday, researchers from the University of Oslo in Sweden analyzed 18 clinical trials that followed more than 2.1 million American cancer patients over more than a decade. The meta-analysis reviewed six different screenings in cancer patients who did and did not receive testing. Tests observed included a mammogram for breast cancer, a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer, computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer in smokers and former smokers and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer. The preventative test researchers found that added the most life expectancy was a sigmoidoscopy, a screening test for colon cancer that involves examining the rectum, colon and large intestine with a scope inserted into the anus. Patients who had received this test had their life expectancy extended by 110 days. Additionally, patients who received a lung cancer screening test had their life expectancy extended by 107 days. However, there was no significant additional days of life expectancy found for patients who received a mammogram (zero days), a PSA test (37 days), a colonoscopy (37 days) or an FOBT (zero days). Preventative procedures in the US are encouraged by much of the healthcare community, and reimbursed by many health insurance companies. However, this study, along with previous evidence, suggests more screenings does not equal more lives saved at the population level. While these tests are promoted, there is little attention given to the possible downsides of the prevention measures. The University of Oslo researchers noted cancer screenings are not benign. While many people will receive these tests without incident, for some they could actually cause health problems. Tests observed in the study included a mammogram for breast cancer, a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer, computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer in smokers and former smokers and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer Over testing can also lead to over diagnosis. Some people who receive cancer screenings where cancer is detected may undergo unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment to treat a slow-growing cancer that wouldn't have harmed that person in their lifetime. Additionally, the more tests performed, the more likely there is to be false positives. In addition to a mental burden and anxiety, this can lead to additional expensive and unnecessary tests. But the researchers stressed: 'We do not advocate that all screening should be abandoned'. Some tests may be worthwhile, but 'institutions and policymakers who promote cancer screening tests by their effect to save lives may find other ways of encouraging screening'. They added their estimates were also 'uncertain' and there were large ranges among life expectancy added. For example, while the review found a sigmoidoscopy would most likely extend life by 110 days, the overall time period ranged from zero days to 274 days. While screenings may not add years to a person's life, they may detect cancer early enough to give that person a better chance of survival and to lead a healthier life throughout their original lifespan. Covid was to blame for just 1 percent of weekly deaths from all causes across the US in the most recent week, CDC data shows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Covid dashboard shows 324 Covid deaths were registered in the week ending August 19 - making up just 1.7 percent of the overall fatalities that week. For comparison, the virus was behind one in three deaths from all causes at America's pandemic peak in 2021. Just 1.7 percent of the 324 deaths from all causes during the week ending Aug. 19 listed the virus The primary or underlying cause of death is defined as the disease, situation or event that initiated the chain of events directly resulting in death. PICTURED: People wearing masks wait to enter the Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, in July 2020 The percentage of Covid deaths in the week ending Aug. 19 represents a slight increase from the previous week and continues a five-week upward trend, but is a drastic decline from the peak of the pandemic, when 30 percent of deaths listed Covid as a cause. The dashboard shows Washington, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland and New York all have higher rates of deaths due to Covid. Maryland and Florida have the highest, at 3.4 percent. Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina and New York all hover around 2 percent. Data also shows the death rate is slightly higher among women than men, and death rates are highest in people 75 years and older. The new Covid data will be reassuring at a time when panic is rising across the US as highly transmissible new Covid variants circulate, leading to more infections and hospitalizations and causing the reimplementation of some Covid mandates. New variants EG.5, or Eris, and BA.8.26, or Pirola, have been detected in several countries around the globe and in the US recently. These variants are highly mutated and thought to be better at avoiding vaccine and natural immunity, causing more infections. Infections appear to have doubled across the US amid the emergence of these variants and hospital admissions among people with the virus have risen for the fifth week in a row - but still remain at near-historic lows. Crucially, however, Covid deaths are not rising quickly. The panic about a Covid upswing last week saw the Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate reinforce mask mandates, asking its employees to don face coverings at its Santa Monica, California offices. However, just several days later, the movie studio reversed its decision. The above graph shows the percent of positive Covid cases (tan line) and the weekly number of new Covid hospitalizations (blue bars) as of the week ending Aug. 12 Rutgers University in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Georgia, both announced last week face masks will once again be required for staff and students. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente hospital in Santa Rosa, California, and Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, New York, have both brought back mask mandates for doctors, nurses, patients and visitors. Last week in Kentucky, the Lee County School District canceled classes less than two weeks after opening because nearly one-fifth of its students were out sick with a 'tripledemic' illness, including Covid, strep throat and the flu. On Friday, President Biden said his administration will 'likely' recommend Americans receive another Covid booster vaccine in the coming weeks. He signed a proposal on Friday asking Congress for more funding to update Covid vaccines to better protect against the new variants. However, there is little interest among Americans to receive boosters and only 18 percent of eligible Americans have received any version of a booster. Labour will hand over more cash to GP surgeries that let patients choose which doctor they see. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who unveiled the plans, said Brits should also be able choose if their appointment is face-to-face or over the phone. He said patients should stop being forced to 'bend their lives' to suit GPs, who earn 112,000 on average. Mr Streeting did not detail how much extra cash GPs would receive. However, he claimed the Labour policy won't cost a penny, as it would be funded by taking cash away from practices with a 'poor record'. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has revealed plans to offer GPs more cash if they let patients see their preferred medic Labour said two-thirds of patients in England never get to see their preferred medic, up from 50 per cent in 2018. Mr Streeting, writing in the Telegraph, said it was the time NHS started putting patients first. He said: 'The NHS exists to serve its patients. It's in the name. 'Increasingly, patients are instead made to bend their lives to suit the health service. 'Labour will give patients back control over their own healthcare.' The latest NHS figures show only 69 per cent of GP appointments in June were held face-to-face, a far cry from the 80 per cent pre-pandemic. Patients are also growing increasingly discontent with their family doctors. A damming analysis by MailOnline found only one in 10 people are happy with their GP practice in some areas. Nationally, satisfaction plummeted to an all-time low, fuelled by the appointments crisis that frustrated Brits into giving up trying to see their doctor altogether. Just seven in 10 patients ranked their practice as 'fairly good' or 'very good'. Patients have bemoaned the 'Glastonbury-esque' telephone rush to try and get an appointment in the morning, only to be left on hold. The crisis in appointments has been blamed for forcing patients to seek help at over-crowded A&E departments. Overall, 71 per cent of survey respondents rated their GP practice as 'good'. However, this is the lowest figure since the survey began in 2017 when 85 per cent were happy with their surgery's performance In 2021, 7.6 per cent of those who could not get a GP appointment said they went to A&E, which is equivalent to around 282,000 people. But by 2023 that figure had grown to 12.2 per cent, or 696,000 people, a rise of 146 per cent The proportion of GP appointments in England that were held face-to-face in May was 69.8 per cent, it has now dropped to 69 per cent in June While Labour hasn't set a target for how soon a patient should be able to see their GP, it has vowed to do better than the two-week wait promised by the Government. But GPs have repeatedly claimed they are doing their best with reduced staffing numbers and are often forced to see an unsafe number of patients per day in rapid appointments. The latest NHS data, published last week, show there are now 26,500 fully qualified permanent family doctors in England, down from 28,600 in 2015. At the same time, the population has grown, with 9,800 patients per GP practice in England, compared to 7,500 patients per practice eight years prior. The remaining GP workforce are available for fewer hours. NHS data shows less than a quarter (23 per cent) of fully-qualified family doctors now work full-time. When you take a powerful medicine, or have a medical device implanted in your body, you want to be sure its safety and effectiveness credentials are backed up by independent studies. That is, free from medical companies' efforts to oversell the benefits or, worse, cover up the fact that their products may be useless or even potentially harmful. Yet numerous studies show commercial money significantly influences researchers to sway clinical trial results in favour of the drug or device they are testing. For example, one study found antidepressants were better than talking therapy when a drug company funded the research; while another found that doctors who received a free meal from a drug company were more likely to prescribe more of the company's drugs. In the U.S., the Physician Payments Sunshine Act passed into law in 2010 requires all medical companies to disclose payments made to researchers and healthcare professionals, so they can be scrutinised by independent experts. Here, no such law exists. Numerous studies show commercial money significantly influences researchers to sway clinical trial results in favour of the drug or device they are testing. File image Instead, it is at the discretion of the researcher or company to disclose any fees, sponsorship, expenses or other forms of financial backing. Very often, evidence shows, they choose to keep this information secret. The Government has repeatedly promised that financial openness legislation would be put in place this year, following scandals such as vaginal mesh implants which left tens of thousands of women physically and mentally damaged. The net-like surgical mesh came into routine use in the UK in the late 1990s, mainly as a support for the bladder in women with severe urinary incontinence. And this is how it ca affect you... Research in the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2017 examined 45 trials comparing talking therapy with antidepressants. It found that if the trial was sponsored by a drug company, it was consistently more likely to favour the drugs. A 2016 study of 279,000 U.S. doctors, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that even receiving one free meal from a drug company made them prescribe significantly more of the company's drugs. Research in the journal Tobacco Control in May, by Bath University, found numerous articles and commentaries published in journals lacked explicit declarations that they had been funded by the tobacco industry representative group, the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW). Researcher Amy Lunt told Good Health: 'The evidence shows UK-based researchers have accepted industry-related funding and have not been fully transparent about their links to the tobacco industry.' A spokeswoman for FSFW said it receives 'annual charitable gifts' from tobacco giant Philip Morris International, but is not a tobacco-industry representative group. Advertisement But after it emerged that many thousands of women had been left with crippling pain, sexual dysfunction and injury from the implants, ministers announced a 'pause' on their use in 2018 (though investigations by Good Health show NHS surgeons are still implanting them in 'special circumstances'). A subsequent investigation, First Do No Harm, by Baroness Cumberlege in 2020 recommended Britain get its own Sunshine Act, so everyone can see details of direct payments and payments in kind (such as fees for research and attending conferences) that medical companies make to researchers, doctors, teaching hospitals and research institutions. The call reflected ongoing concerns about undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in mesh research. Dr Ulf Ulmsten, a gynaecologist in Sweden, pioneered mesh use in women with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in the late 1990s at Uppsala University Hospital, with impressive results. Ethicon, a subsidiary of global medical giant Johnson & Johnson, then agreed a deal in 1997 with Ulmsten's company to market the mesh, but secretly agreed to make additional payments totalling $1 million (795,000) if the doctor could repeat the promising results in larger trials. In the world of research, this can be regarded as effectively an incentive, even subconsciously, to make results look positive. According to U.S. court evidence in 2017, Ethicon did not disclose the conflict of interest in this arrangement to doctors. Few would argue against the UK needing the same U.S.-style legislation, but campaigners fear that ministers are deliberately fudging the issue so we may never get a useable system. In January, the Commons Health and Social Care Committee said it had been told by William Vineall, director of NHS Quality, Safety and Investigations at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), that he expected local pilot schemes to implement Sunshine Act-type openness would 'run during 2023'. Women's Health Minister Maria Caulfield also promised implementation of the new system this year.But Health Minister Will Quince has since admitted there's no date set for the necessary regulations to be put before Parliament. A DHSC spokesman said: 'The details of the consultation are being finalised, so I don't have information to share at the moment.' (Stock Photo) It is at the discretion of the researcher or company to disclose any fees, sponsorship, expenses or other forms of financial backing Campaigners, including Dr Margaret McCartney, a GP and NHS-funded researcher at the University of St Andrews, have expressed alarm at the delays. They argue that the UK Sunshine Act system should be held by a single publicly accountable central body most likely the General Medical Council (GMC) and be open to all and easily readable. However, the Government has already said: 'We do not think that the GMC register is the best place to hold this information.' Ministers also say their planned system would publish information 'locally at employer level'. The problem is that a similar system for publicly disclosing NHS conflicts of interests has been in place since 2016. Its aim is to ensure managerial-grade doctors, GPs and staff in NHS commissioning organisations don't also have financial interests in the institutions from which they commission work. The rules require NHS bodies to publish potential financial conflicts of interest 'in a prominent place' online that is 'accessible and contains meaningful information'. But an investigation by Dr McCartney of NHS Trusts and commissioning groups in England, found three-quarters failed to provide all the information required, reported BMJ Open last year. Those that were published were nigh-impossible for people outside NHS trusts to read, she says. Susan Bewley, an emeritus professor of obstetrics and women's health at King's College London, who is a trustee of HealthSense, a charity that promotes evidence in healthcare, is also concerned. 'There is clear evidence that payments from the pharma and medical device industries influence health professionals. Patients need to know their treatment is based on best evidence, and not on who is paying their doctor,' she says. Kath Sansom, who runs the mesh victims group Sling The Mesh and has led campaigning for the Sunshine Act, told Good Health: 'The lack of progress makes us worry that ministers are just parking the reforms in the long grass. The current situation means that too often we are effectively being told a meaningless pack of lies rather than a reputable scientific study.' Currently, there is not even a system for voluntary payment disclosure run by the medical-implant sector's umbrella organisation, the Association of British HealthTech Industries. It told Good Health it has no plans to introduce one. Meanwhile, with medicines, the only information on researchers' conflicts of interests is a voluntary system for researchers working on branded medicines (drugs with patents held by pharmaceutical companies). (Stock Photo) One study found antidepressants were better than talking therapy when a drug company funded the research; while another found that doctors who received a free meal from a drug company were more likely to prescribe more of the company's drugs This system, run by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), is called Disclosure UK. But because it is only voluntary, researchers can opt out of having their payment details made publicly available. Nor does the system highlight if a doctor or researcher has opted out. Past figures from the ABPI show that in 2018, for example, four out of ten professionals on the Disclosure UK database withheld information about any payment or relationship without having to give any reasons for so doing. Kirsty Gelsthorpe, spokeswoman for ABPI, told Good Health the numbers withholding information are falling. 'We expect that to continue,' she says. 'Last year, an estimated 72.6 per cent of healthcare professionals were named, leaving 27.4 per cent that weren't.' But that means that one in four researchers is still withholding information about their receipt of pharmaceutical-company payments or other commercial relationships that benefit them. Why would they withhold? As Baroness Cumberlege told Good Health: 'The public have a right to know when the pharmaceutical and devices industries pay clinicians or fund research. They also have a right to know where doctors receive income. 'In my review we called for a register of payments by industry to doctors, and the declaration of financial interests by doctors themselves. That was three years ago I am keen to see progress.' Johnson & Johnson told Good Health Dr Ulmsten's trials were perfectly independent. 'In the 20 years that have passed since the study was published, hundreds of studies with no connection to Dr Ulmsten or Ethicon, including over 100 randomised, controlled trials, have evaluated the clinical performance of TVT [tension-free vaginal tape], further validating its safety and effectiveness.' More dog owners are concerned over vaccinating their pooches in the wake of Covid, a survey suggests. Boston University researchers who questioned 2,200 people found half raised concerns over whether mandating shots for diseases like rabies was necessary. Nearly 40 percent said they feared vaccines could give their dogs autism, despite there been no scientific evidence that this was a risk. A third said they were not medically necessary, while a fifth suggested the risks from the vaccinations 'outweighed the benefits'. Vaccine skepticism is on the rise following Covid mandates, with fewer parents coming forward to get their children shots against dangerous diseases like measles. Experts say this could bring back once nearly eradicated illnesses. Nearly 40 percent of dog owners suggested the shots could give their pets autism, despite there been no scientific evidence to back up the claim Vaccine skepticism is on the rise following Covid mandates, amid concern it could spill over into pets (stock image) Dr Matt Motta, a political scientist at the university who led the survey, said they were 'pretty surprised' by the results. He told Bloomberg: 'What this demonstrates is that Covid fundamentally changed how Americans look at vaccines. 'We are living in a world where states are considereing rolling back vaccine requirements. What's to say pets aren't the next fronteir?' About 50million US households or two in five have a pet dog, estimates suggest. Currently, most states legally require all pet dogs to be vaccinated against rabies within their first year of life. This protects the animals from the disease but also their owners, for both of whom rabies is almost always fatal if contracted. They are also strongly encouraged to get their pets other vaccines against diseases including canine distemper which kills 80 percent of puppies it infects and parovirus that can prove fatal for up to four in ten dogs. Over the Covid pandemic, however, there have been warning signs owners are becoming less willing to inoculate their dogs often because they have 'borrowed' concerns linked to human vaccines such as autism. Researchers have now sought to measure this by surveying a nationally representative sample on their attitudes to dog vaccinations. The group of 2,200 participants only included 1,000 dog owners. They were questioned in March and early April this year. Results also showed that of participants, 11 percent said they were aware their dogs were not fully up to date on their vaccines. Another five percent said they were not sure. Dr Motta and others said in the study: 'The benefits of large scale canine vaccination policies are evident in the US, where access to canine rabies vaccines is widespread. 'In the United States, only one to three cases of dog-mediated rabies are reported annually. 'In contrast, levels of rabies vaccination are lower across the developing world. In Ethiopia, for example, which suffers from a lack of access to canine rabies vaccines, less than 70 percent of dogs are vaccinated annually, and an estimated 2,700 Ethiopians die from rabies every year.' Firms including Unilever, advertised by actress Eva Longoria,(pictured) face renewed criticism for their presence in Russia Western companies that are still selling air fresheners and ice cream in Russia have been accused of dragging their feet. Shamed firms including Unilever and Reckitt face renewed criticism for their continuing presence in the country after Heineken and Dominos became the latest to cease operations. Businesses have argued it is logistically difficult to close or sell their Russian arms. But Mark Dixon, of the Moral Rating Agency, said: Feet-draggers often want more money than their Russian assets are worth they put greed above morality, but they will get burned in the end. However, Hein Schumacher, the boss of Unilever, the maker of Magnum, as advertised by actress Eva Longoria, insisted: None of the options are good, but the final option of operating our business in a constrained manner is the least bad. Villagers have claimed they were 'blindsided' by plans to house Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in a newbuild estate. Locals living in rural Langtoft, Lincolnshire, have reacted with anger after it emerged the council would be housing refugee families on the estate, where houses are being sold for up to 720,000. South Kesteven District Council bought 12 of the houses for just over 1.8million, using joint funding from the Government's Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) and the Council's Housing Revenue Account budget. The dozen homes are a mix of two and three-bedroom newbuilds and two-bedroom bungalows which were already identified for social housing, according to the council. It comes after more than 180 councils were allocated funding by the LAHF, which is worth 500million nationally, to provide homes for legal migrants from Afghanistan and Ukraine. Villagers have claimed they were 'blindsided' by plans to house Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in a newbuild estate Locals living in rural Langtoft, Lincolnshire, have reacted with anger after it emerged the council would be housing Afghan and Ukrainian families on the estate Liz Gage, 66, said: 'I just feel that it's a bit of a cop-out from the council. 'They keep saying the money was for refugees, but we've got Langtoft families who are on the housing list. 'If they said that they'd built 12 houses and six were going to local people and six were going to refugees, it would be fine. 'But when you step over the local people, and I'm not saying the refugees don't need help as they do, I don't feel they've taken us into account. 'There was no confirmation with anyone until the Press let us know. They wouldn't have sold them to us for so cheap. 'What are they trying to hide? We are the forgotten branch of the council. If you're not in Grantham it doesn't exist. 'They should've bought 12 houses in Grantham. Langtoft hasn't got a town. 'For a refugee, where are they going to shop? It's a six-mile walk to Tesco and back, there's only one small corner shop. They are trapped, this is a commuter village. 'I do feel sorry for the refugees and I understand that they need somewhere to live. Of course I do. 'It's not convenient for someone who doesn't know anyone and doesn't have a car. It just feels as if there's something else that we aren't party to.' Housing developer Ashwood Homes boasts the 41 high-specification homes that comprise its Woodland Rise development are in a beautiful rural location, with three of the houses listed for sale for between 600,000-720,000. Liz Gage, 66, said she feels the situation is 'a bit of a cop-out from the council' The dozen homes in the estate are a mix of two and three-bedroom new-builds and two-bedroom bungalows The houses were already identified for social housing, according to the council The council expects to take ownership of the 12 properties by the end of the month and they will be used to house Ukrainian and Afghan migrants who have arrived in the UK legally. It has 4.4million earmarked for a total of 21 properties for the re-housing scheme, with 2,383,750 coming from the council's Housing Revenue Account and 2,098,750 of funding allocated by the Government Local Authority Housing Fund. South Kesteven District Council is one of three local authorities in Lincolnshire and among over 180 nationwide to be selected to benefit from the Government's fund. The fund helps provide affordable homes for legal refugees until their visas expire in around three to five years' time by supporting local authorities. It can be used for, but is not limited to, acquiring, refurbishing, converting and developing properties to provide housing for Ukrainian and Afghan families under the government's humanitarian schemes. This could include acquiring newbuild properties off-the-shelf, according to government guidance. The council said the homes will later be occupied by families on its Housing Register. A woman who lives closest to the development site on the new estate said that she was told the homes would be shared ownership but was left shocked when they were revealed to be homes for refugees. Housing developer Ashwood Homes boasts the 41 high-specification homes that comprise its Woodland Rise development are in a beautiful rural location Three of the houses on the estate are listed for sale for between 600,000-720,000 The woman, who said she has considered selling her house, said: 'We've just been blindsided by it. We were told that they were shared ownership. 'We bought the house and they said it was seven shared ownership and five affordable houses, that's what all our contracts said. 'We didn't get told, we got told on Tuesday morning, we saw it on the news. We were told that Afghans and Ukrainians were moving in. 'We don't care who's in there to be honest. We think that these Ukrainians and Afghan refugees are normal people and they need a house. 'We'd like to sell our house at some point and I don't think that it's doing the development any good. 'Personally we wouldn't have bought it if it was all going to be social housing. 'They were sold to the council for 150,000. 'We've kept quite tight-lipped as we don't want people to see us as coming across as we don't want them here, it's not that at all. 'It was kind of misrepresented. I spoke to the council and he [a councillor] basically wished me good luck. 'They're moving in them towards the end of August. We can't understand it, the house on the corner is one million pounds, and they haven't sold all of these yet. 'We love our house, we love the estate. We've lived here eight months.' The council expects to take ownership of the 12 properties by the end of the month They will be used to house Ukraine and Afghan migrants who have arrived in the UK legally Another local said: 'We weren't told or advised about the houses. 'If they haven't got cars, I don't know if they will give them cars, but there's only buses here and they only run until 8am. There's only one medical centre here. 'The people who bought those houses must be furious. 'I've got a feeling whoever built the houses didn't look into who would buy them and built too many. A lot of the farms now have sold off their land. 'The buses stop running early so they'd be essentially trapped here for a bit in the evening if they don't drive.' David Galloway, 56, lives near the development but said he doesn't mind them housing refugees. Mr Galloway said: 'I'm not bothered about who lives there, as long as they don't bother me that's fine. 'My personal belief is that when we take people into our country, it puts a big burden on us. We don't use our money correctly in the first place. 'This country's not paved with gold. It matters to me in the sense that the door is far too open. 'The council lied to us from the start. They sent us a questionnaire to see what we think but didn't use it.' MailOnline has contacted South Kesteven District Council for comment. The Military Corrective Training Centre seen in the Channel 5 show gives the public an insight into what life is like for detained military personnel. The documentary 'Court Martial: Soldiers Behind Bars' captures the rehabilitative journey of military detainees. They sometimes return to serve in their respective regiments, while others may be released and prepared to contribute to society. But where is the UK's only Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC)? What is it like inside and why are military personnel put there? With the Colchester Garrison nearby, the Military Police Force (pictured) regularly patrol the Essex City for aggressive or drunken behaviour DUS (Detainee Under Sentence) Ben Johnson, 24, (pictured) was sentenced for the military crime of being drunk on duty Where is Soldiers Behind Bars filmed? The Channel 5 series Court Martial: Soldiers Behind Bars is filmed in the UK's oldest city's Colchester. The former Roman capital known as Camulodunum, Colchester is famed forbeing incinerated by Iceni queen, Boudica. It is also best-known for its Victorian architecture, the Zoo and its university, which boasts students from more than 140 countries. But above all this, it is famously the home of the army base, Colchester Garrison. The military base was first situated in the Essex town during AD 43 by Legio XX Valeria Victrix after the Romans conquered Britain. The Colchester Garrison has even played a role in the Napoleonic wars, the Crimean War as well as World War I and II. The Military Corrective Training Centre in Berechurch Hall Camp, seen on the show, is only a stone throw away from the Parachute Regiment in the Merville Baracks. Detainees can spend between two weeks and two years at Berechurch Hall Camp. Pictured: Shoes lined up at the end of a bed at the Military Corrective Training Centre Pictured: Military Corrective Training Centre Colchester Berechurch Hall Camp Detention Barracks Inside the Military Corrective Training Centre The Channel 5 show gives a behind the scenes peak into the only MCTC in the country. Up to 300 rule breakers can be looked up in the facility situated in the city branded as the 'unhappiest place' in 2022 according ONS data. The establishment of back to basics discipline, wakes up rule breakers up bright and early at 6am. One serving individual said on the show: 'I keep saying it is a prison, but staff keep saying it's not.' Another added: 'Everyone has been found guilty of an offence whether it's civilian or military. 'We are not allowed to go home so it is a prison.' When offenders first enter the centre their army kit is extensively searched by staff and sniffer dogs for any prohibited items. They are also checked for any items themselves, which includes inspecting the bottom of their feet. Detainees are required to obey all instructions given by the staff from the Military Provost Staff Regiment, who specialise in detention and custody. DUS (Detainee Under Sentence) Ben Johnson, 24, who is an Army Medic who was detained at the centre for being drunk on duty. He said: 'A lot of the people focus on things that you do wrong instead of what you do good and that's what gets you sent here. 'I have been working between 12 and 30 hour shifts with no break for two months now where is the well done its all negative.' The future of detainees is determined by the severity of their crime and their behaviour whilst at the centre. Major Rob Moffat said the centre was about a rehabilitative journey for those detained, and they were not there 'to lock them behind a door and scream and shout at them.' He told the Colchester Gazette: It's not an oppressive nature when they arrive because they are used to military establishments and that is the same with females, they're used to that type of environment. A report on the facility in April 2022 found there were 'considerable gaps' in checks being made regarding the re-offence risk some detainees presented post-release. The prison inspectors found those placed in the centre for sexual offences or violent crimes were being release 'without any safeguards or probation supervision'. A inspectorate report in April 2022 revealed there were 'considerable gaps' in checking teh re-release risk of detainees who were in the centre as a result of violent or sexual offences. Pictured: Military personnel lined up in Berechurch Hall Camp Why are soldiers placed in the centre? Military personnel will find themselves in the Military Corrective Training Centre in the Essex City because they have been found guilty or breaching military or civilian law. Examples of offences committed by detained personnel include, fraud, violent offences as well as disrespecting a commanding officer or failing to be present at work. Several of those in MCTC were there because they had been absent from their service without leave. The Armed Forces Act permits military personnel to be put in detention at the facility from two weeks to a year. For crimes over two years, military personnel would have to serve the rest of their sentence in a civilian prison. Those serving in the Air Force, Army or Navy can be apprehended and shipped to Berechurch Hall Road for their military offences. However if an individual was a part of any of the aforementioned military branches they would have attend a court marshal centre for more grievous crimes. The Military Provost Staff Regiment may have to be in charge of detained personnel who were previously their comrades on the battlefield. MCTC Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Mike Fielder told the Colchester Gazette: 'All of us, staff and detainees, have pledged ourselves to the service of each other and the nation. 'I believe our detainees don't have to be defined by their offence' He explained their job was to ensure detainees were under the same belief. Sergeant Kev McHenry of the Military Provost Staff explained that they try to encourage a 'will to win' amongst detainees so they can 'problem solve more effectively, so that in future they can reach their full potential.' The next episode will air on Channel 5 at 9pm on August 28. Previous episode of the series can be found online on My 5 Live TV. The last known photographs of the men who led the doomed 1845 expedition to find the Northwest passage are set to fetch up to 200,000 at auction. The 14 pictures - taken using then-pioneering technology - show Captain Sir John Franklin and his senior officers, all of whom perished on the doomed mission. Sir John had set out with his crew on the ships HMS Terror and HMS Erebus to search for a navigable passage around the north of Canada through icy Arctic seas. But they ventured too far south and by the autumn of of 1846 they were trapped in the ice near King William Island. Exactly what happened after that remains largely a mystery, although research suggests the crew resorted to cannibalism and there were reports that their behaviour became erratic and bizarre. The story of the expedition was given a supernatural twist in 2021 BBC drama The Terror, in which Captain Franklin was portrayed by Ciaran Hinds. The last known photographs of the men who led the doomed 1845 expedition to find the Northwest passage are set to fetch up to 200,000 at auction. The 14 pictures - taken using then-pioneering technology - show Captain Sir John Franklin (above) and his senior officers, all of whom perished on the doomed mission The story of the expedition was given a supernatural twist in 2021 BBC drama The Terror, in which Captain Franklin was portrayed by Ciaran Hinds (right). Left: Tobias Menzies as Commander James Fitzjames The images that have emerged for sale, known as daguerreotypes, were taken on board HMS Erebus just before the men set sale for the Arctic. Experts at auction house Sotheby's, which is handling the sale, have called the photos some of the most important artefacts related to the history of both photography and polar exploration ever to emerge on the market. They were produced when photography was still in its infancy, with the early process having been developed by Frenchman Louis Daguerre. The images were commissioned by Captain Franklin's wife Jane in May 1845, who would have been well aware that her husband and his men may not return. On the back of each image is the name and rank of each man. The photos are being sold by descendants of Franklin. The minimum they are expected to sell for is 150,000. Captain Franklin was 59 when he set sail on the mission alongside Commander James Fitzjames - who was in charge of HMS Erebus - and Captain Francis Crozer, the man at the helm of HMS Terror. The crew's final message before they were wiped out - sent April 25, 1848 - indicated that there were survivors - but, at that point they were abandoning their ships Commander Fitzjames poses in his Royal Navy uniform with his telescope and hat in his hands Captain Francis Crozier, the commander of HMS Terror is seen above in one of the photographs being sold by Sotheby's Lieutenant Henry Le Vesconte poses in his Royal Navy uniform. He served as Second Lieutenant on the Erebus Surgeon Stephen Stanley poses proudly in his smart attire. He was portrayed in BBC drama The Terror by Alastair Petrie Henry Foster Collins served as second master on HMS Erebus. He was portrayed by Trystan Gravelle in The Terror Charles Osmer was the purser on HMS Erebus during the Franklin expedition All three men feature in the collection being sold. The expedition was equipped with three years' worth of food and set sail from Greenhithe, in Kent, on May 19, 1845. The crew was made up of 24 officers and 110 men. After two years with no word from the men, Captain Franklin's wife pressed the Admiralty to send a search party. However, due to their ample supplies, officials back in England waited a further year before they launched a rescue mission. A reward equal to 2million in today's money was on offer for anyone who could discover the men's fates. The money on offer, along with Captain Franklin's fame back home, prompted several failed searches, leading to a greater loss of life than in the original expedition. In 1854, Scottish explorer John Rae discovered the fate of the expedition by talking to Inuit hunters during his survey of the Boothia Peninsula in what is now the northern Canadian Arctic. He discovered that both the Erebus and the Terror had become trapped in ice, leading many of the men to die from the cold, as others resorted to cannibalism. First Lieutenant Graham Gore, portrayed by Tom Weston-Jones in The Terror, is seen in his Royal Navy uniform Lieutenant James Fairholme served on HMS Erebus. He died along with the rest of the crew Lieutenant Edward Couch served on HMS Erebus. He is seen holding his navy cap Lieutenant Charles Des Voeux, Second Mate on board HMS Erebus, poses for his photo Ice Master James Reid poses with his telescope in his Navy uniform in another of the pictures being offered for sale. He served on HMS Erebus Dr Harry Goodsir served as assistant surgeon and naturalist on the Franklin expedition Lieutenant Robert Sargent was a mate on HMS Erebus during the expedition The crew's final message before they were wiped out - sent April 25, 1848 - indicated that there were survivors but, at that point they were abandoning their ships after 18 months trapped in the ice. The remaining crew left the two vessels north of King William Island and set out on a harsh journey south toward a mainland trading post. Eventually Captain Franklin, along with all 128 crew members, died on the journey. Lady Franklin's efforts to find her husband led to a further 25 searches over the next four decades. Although the trips did not add any extra information, they did help contribute to the mapping of the Arctic. The wrecks of the Erebus and the Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016 respectively. The images of the men will be sold in Sotheby's London Travel Sale on September 21. Debate darling Vivek Ramaswamy is taking a page from Donald Trumps book by claiming that his bid for the presidency means he shouldnt have to give evidence in a court case. The near-billionaire is fighting a bid to force him to give testimony under oath saying he is too busy campaigning to find time, court documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show. And he has lashed out at former investors, saying they are trying to scupper his bid for the White House by making him give a deposition linked to a court case about a biotech buyout. As a candidate for President of the United States, I must frequently travel across the United States to campaign, make speeches, give media interviews, and meet with voters, he wrote in papers filed in federal court in Ohio's Southern District on July 27. Vivek Ramaswamy is fighting a bid to force him too give a deposition in New York in a court case involving his business dealings Ramaswamy was generally seen to have won last Wednesday's Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee An exclusive poll for DailyMail.Com by JL Partners handed him victory in the debate, with 28 percent of respondents saying he had the best night, pipping Ron DeSantis who scored 27 percent Consequently, I am often away from home, and when I am home it is often not until late in the evening after a full campaign day. Ramaswamy who is generally considered to have been the winner in last Wednesdays Republican Party debate told Trump-appointed judge Sarah Morrison the bid to make him testify is a fishing expedition. Investors in one of Ramaswamys companies have asked the Ohio court to force him to give a deposition to gather evidence for another case that is being heard in Bermuda. In that case the investors, Alpine Partners, believe they were short-changed in a controversial merger deal. The agreement was finalized in March after being initially agreed last October. Lawyers for Alpine handed Ramaswamy whose wealth is estimated at $950million a subpoena to appear and be quizzed at their offices in New York, a move his attorneys have likened to harassment, after winning an initial court order in Ohio earlier that month. Their plan was to grill the GOPs rising star over his role in the $1.7 billion buyout of Myovant Sciences in March of this year. They are also asking him to cough up documents that they claim could boost their chances of winning their court case in the British colony, which was filed in February. 'I am often away from home, and when I am home it is often not until late in the evening after a full campaign day, he said in court papers. Earlier this month he and wife Apoorva were at an event in New Hampshire Vivek and Apoorva Ramaswamy, who live in Columbus, Ohio, are parents to two young sons Karthik, three, and Arjun, one. Investors say Ramaswamy should take time out from his campaign to give testimony in New York about the price of one of his companies paid for another Alpine is trying to convince judges on the North Atlantic island that Sumitovant Biotech Ltd, another Ramaswamy firm, failed to pay a fair price for their 6.6% stake in Myovant, a company that makes drugs for a wide range of womens health issues. They want that company to stump up the difference potentially running into millions of dollars if they can win that case and re-value the merger. But the 38-year-old is not personally on the hook for any of those damages. All of this is according to legal paperwork filed in the entrepreneurs home state of Ohio on June 30, which has gone unreported until now. But Ramaswamy, a Yale and Harvard graduate and the son of Indian immigrants, has so far refused to take part in and appealed against what his legal team dismissed as a fishing expedition. Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014. It focuses on applying technology to drug development The married father-of-two, whose wife Apoorva is a renowned throat surgeon, hit back at the fuming former shareholders, accusing them of trying to scupper his 2024 presidential run. The entrepreneur told Ohios Southern District Court that being forced to comply with the investment firms demands effectively ends his tilt for Americas top job. He said being subpoenaed to answer questions about the deal, agreed in October last year, would constitute an undue burden and will materially affect my ability to run for higher office. His tactic is similar to those used by Trump who has tried to delay many of the cases brought against him until after the election. Ramaswamy, a director of Sumitovant Biotech Ltd until early this year, insists he had no recollection of any discussions about the takeover negotiations and played no formal role in them. He also insisted that he had no material that could not already be traced elsewhere from executives at the two companies involved in the merger. Attorneys for the GOP candidate added in a sternly worded letter that the only purpose of the demands to hand over balance sheets and other financial documents is to harass him'. Yet in a similar statement, the hot-shot New York lawyers representing his former investors appear to suggest that Ramaswamy is lying. They wrote in a statement to the Ohio court that, as a member of the board of the buyer Sumitovant, voted to approve the merger agreement and likely would have engaged in discussions related to negotiation of the merger, including the merger price'. Sources familiar with the case suggested further legal steps could be taken in Ohio to strong-arm the self-styled anti-woke crusader into giving evidence in what is known as a pre-trial deposition. They can be the first step before a full-blown courtroom drama. In court documents filed in Ohio, Ramaswamy said he is too busy campaigning to give a deposition and didn't have anything useful to add in any case The main case will be held in court in Hamilton, the capital of the North Atlantic island of Bermuda The year after he founded Roivant Sciences Ramaswamy, then 30, spoke at the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Philadelphia He was originally ordered to appear for a deposition on June 30 in New York but has so far managed to put it off Depositions are used to allow one party to question the other or a witness outside of court, under oath, so they will know what that person will say at trial. The two firms at the center of the months-long legal spat were, at one time or another, part of a spawning family of companies that fell under the Republicans biotech empire, Roivant Sciences, that focused on prescription drug development. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission (F.E.C), Ramaswamy raked in a cool $640,204 salary last year from his role as a director and chair of Roivant. He also picked up $3.5 million in compensation from stock he owned in the firm, the same source shows. Ramaswamy stepped down in February from the firm he set up in 2014. It is registered in Bermuda, but listed on the New York Stock Exchange to pursue an outside opportunity: his run for the White House. And documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission show, that he sold just over 16,000 of Roivant stocks at the end of July to net $1.7 million. The entrepreneur boasted on stage last Wednesday that he could not be bought like his GOP primary rivals, who, he said, have had to turn political action committees to drum up funds from donors. Ramaswamy, however, plowed $5million of his own money into his 2024 campaign in the second quarter of this year, according to filings with the F.E.C. All presidential candidates are bound by election law to declare their sources of income and where they hold investments currently or held in the past. Yet it is unclear how much Ramaswamy made from the merger that is being contested before the Bermudian courts. Whether the case, being conducted hundreds of miles away, and the Ohio legal action really will end up downing his long shot bid to become president of the United States also remains to be seen. For now, Ramaswamy is surging in the polls and putting pressure on second-placed GOP rival, Florida GovernorRon DeSantis. An exclusive poll for DailyMail.Com by JL Partners handed him victory in the debate, with 28 percent of respondents saying he had the best night. He pipped DeSantis in the same survey who scored 27 percent and who has been under fire over his apparent lack of charisma and ability to connect with the American voters. A spokeswoman for Ramaswamys 2024 campaign said: 'Vivek had no real part in this transaction, he actually recused himself from the transaction. 'This is a business matter that occurred prior to the launch of the campaign and we'll let the legal process play out.' ABC star Leigh Sales has defended her all-staff email about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, arguing there is 'no secret 26-page' version of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The former 7.30 host shared her thoughts about reporters' coverage of the Voice debate in an email sent last Thursday by the ABC's editorial policy chief Mark Maley. The Australian Story presenter appeared on Ben Fordham's 2GB radio show on Monday morning to explain that the ABC needs to get 'factually correct' information out to the public. Sales said one of the inaccuracies going around 'is the idea that there's some secret document that the Uluru Statement as we've been presented as the one-page document, that's not all there is. '(It's claimed) there's a secret 26-page document and that's what's secretly driving government policy.' Ben Fordham (pictured) questioned ABC presenter Leigh Sales on her views about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament on Monday morning READ MORE: ABC star Leigh Sales instructs staff to maintain the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a 'one-page document' ABC bosses have sent a step-by-step guide to staff written by veteran journalist Leigh Sales on how to quash suggestions the Uluru Statement from the Heart is not a 'one-page document'. Advertisement Fordham put it to her that the existence of the longer document - which contained calls for reparations, 'rent' to be paid and reconsideration of land rights - was still newsworthy. 'Of course, but what you can't do is come on and present it as what you've been told isn't the full Uluru Statement. We are presented with the full Uluru Statement,' she said. 'The other material, which is of interest to people who want to understand the full context, is a separate thing.' Sales said the extra pages contain context that was discussed in formulating the Statement. But she said 'it's not some secret document that the government is going from that's actually being hidden from the Australian public. 'It's been there all along if you want to have a look at it.' The ABC presenter said what is happening reminds her of what was called 'Mediscare', when during the 2016 federal election, the Labor Party claimed the Coalition had a secret agenda to privatise Medicare. 'There was no such thing,' she said. 'It's similar to this. There's not a secret agenda out there to pay reparations or anything of that ilk. 'The Uluru Statement is the one-page document, and it's incumbent on the ABC to be factually accurate.' 'The Prime Minister has endorsed the one-page statement which includes truth telling, a Voice to the Parliament and an acknowledgment that Indigenous Australians were the first Australians. 'That's what the Prime Minister has endorsed and that's the proposal that's before the people.' Sales said when she pointed out Labor's misinformation over Medicare 'it resulted in an endless pile-on for me with Labor people trying to call out this. 'I feel like it's part of my job and part of the, I guess, weight of my profile, to actually take a stand for things like factual accuracy in debate.' When she saw the idea that there was a secret 26-page document starting 'to take hold as if it's fact, I think it's incumbent that someone of my seniority (says) hang on a minute, this is not factually accurate and we need to make sure that our reporters are very crystal clear on that point.' She said people should read the background to the Uluru Statement because 'the more you know, right, the better off you are. Veteran ABC journalist Leigh Sales (pictured) has defended herself after being criticised for an email on the Voice to Parliament, saying it was about 'factually correct information' Leigh Sales is pictured at the Logie Awards at The Star, Sydney on July 30, 2023 'But it's better to at least make your decisions based on the actual facts ... there is a one-page document which all of those delegates signed, and that's what's at the heart of this referendum.' Sales was not at all certain the referendum would pass. She said the Yes side has 'got a big job' to do. 'The date hasn't been announced yet. I assume there's going to be a campaign that's going to really kick off in earnest after that,' she said. The referendum is widely expected to be held on October 14. The estranged husband of the woman whose deadly mushroom lunch left three dead asked her point-blank if she had deliberately poisoned his relatives. Erin Patterson, 48, invited her former parents-in-law, Gail and Don Patterson, along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian, for lunch at her home in Leongatha, in Victoria's Gippsland region, on July 29. In a lengthy written statement her lawyers provided to police on Friday, August 11, the stay-at-home mum said her husband, Simon Patterson, asked her if she had deliberately poisoned her elderly guests after they fell ill and were rushed to hospital with 'gastro-like' symptoms. The Pattersons and Ms Wilkinson died from the effects of the lethal death cap mushrooms, while Mr Wilkinson, a pastor, remains fighting for life in hospital. Ms Patterson claimed she ate the same beef wellington dish as her four guests and that she presented to hospital, where her ex-husband questioned her. She said she was 'discussing the food hydrator' she used to prepare the meal when her ex-husband asked: 'Is that what you used to poison them?' Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Erin Patterson is responsible for their deaths. Erin Patterson is a person of interest in the case that has gripped the nation Erin's estranged husband Simon Patterson was also meant to attend the lunch but pulled out The written statement, initially obtained by the ABC, also contained other revelations, including one of the mushroom chef's major 'regrets'. Ms Patterson said advice to give police a 'no comment' interview immediately after her family members succumbed to the toxic mushrooms was regrettable. 'I now very much regret not answering some questions following this advice given the nightmare that this process has become,' she wrote in the statement. The ABC has reported that Ms Patterson's fear of losing custody of her two young children had led to her panicking and dumping a dehydrator at a local tip. Ms Patterson has admitted lying to police about how long ago she disposed of the food dehydrator. She initially told them she dumped it there a 'long time ago' but has now revealed she did so after her guests fell ill. In her police statement, the mother-of-two wrote that she had been motivated by fears her husband would blame her for the deaths and take their children. The lunch had meant to be a 'mediation' to discuss Ms Patterson's relationship with her estranged husband Simon, who pulled out at the last minute. Ms Patterson told police she had enjoyed a good relationship with her in-laws even after the split with their son. 'I had been close with Simon's parents for a long period of time,' she said. 'Our relationship had continued in a fairly amicable way after I finished the relationship with their son Simon. 'Our relationship was affected to some degree by seeing them less after my marriage breakdown with Simon however, I have never felt differently towards his parents.' Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson became severely ill after they ate wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson died earlier this month while her husband remains in a critical condition in hospital Erin's former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson (pictured) died a week after attending the lunch Ms Patterson insisted she had no reason to hurt people that she loved. She said the lethal lunch was made with a mixture of button mushrooms from a supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store in Melbourne. She then portioned the meal onto plates and allowed her guests to pick their own. Ms Patterson said she took the last remaining plate and ate a serving, later handing the leftovers to hospital toxicologists for examination. The couple's two children ate the beef wellington the following day, but with the mushrooms removed. Almost a month ago, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas gave the media mixed reports on how they were treating Ms Patterson. He started his briefing by declaring her relatives' deaths were 'not suspicious'. 'The deaths are unexplained, and for that purpose, we are involved, and we are working as hard as we can to try and identify why these deaths have happened and the circumstances surrounding them,' he said. But under fire from reporters, Inspector Thomas provided a stumbling backflip. 'The 48-year old is, well, she is (a suspect), um she was, and she is because, um, she cooked those meals for us, for those people that were present,' he said. Inspector Thomas told reporters then that Ms Patterson had not presented at hospital with any symptoms of her own - a claim later refuted by her in a written statement she later provided to detectives after consulting a lawyer. On August 5, detectives removed phones and laptops from the Leongatha home. She provided a now-regretted 'no comment' interview and was released that night. Reporters have spent much of August camped outside Ms Patterson's home, with her estranged husband Simon Patterson hiring a publicist to try and fend off requests from around the world. Detectives will be closely monitoring the recovery of Mr Wilkinson, who remains gravely ill at the Austin Hospital and in need of a liver transplant. The highly publicised illness of Ms Patterson's former husband will be thoroughly examined, with officers working to rule in or out any links to her cooking. Last year, Mr Patterson was in an induced coma for 16 days, through which he had three emergency operations, mainly on his small intestine. 'My family were asked to come and say goodbye to me twice, as I was not expected to live,' he posted to social media shortly after splitting with his wife. Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, were farewelled in a private ceremony last week. Experts from around the world have been called upon to oversee forensic evidence that could be used to build a case against Ms Patterson. A 'doom loop' tour of San Francisco's troubled downtown organized by an anonymous city commissioner was canned after they feared they'd be identified - but even an 'anti-doom loop' walk couldn't dodge drug users. The planned $30 hour-and-a-half 'Doom and Squalor' tour of open-air drug markets, abandoned tech offices and deserted department stores' on Saturday was going to be led by a 'card-carrying City Commissioner'. However, as the day approached, the commissioner - who only goes by the handle 'SF Anonymous Insider' - canceled the tour over fears of their identity being revealed. 'Unfortunately, the substantial media interest means that it is not possible to preserve my anonymity while publicly posting the tour's time and meeting location,' the insider told the San Francisco Chronicle. Instead, activist Del Seymour, who runs the jobs nonprofit Code Tenderloin, took people on a 'anti-doom loop' walking tour intended to show the area's beauty - but even they couldn't avoid seeing the doom and squalor of the city's homeless problem. A San Francisco 'Doom Loop' tour of the city's troubled downtown organized by someone anonymously claiming to be city commissioner was canceled after fear the he would be identified. It was replaced by a more positive 'anti-doom' march A map of the original map of the $30 'Doom Loop' walking tours of the city's troubled downtown Seymour, who regularly runs a tour through San Francisco's Tenderloin, led a group of 70-80 people which included people who had gathered to protest the original tour and some who had showed up to support it. He told the New York Post he viewed the original tour with derision. 'I fell out of the chair laughing because of the meanness that people in San Francisco have to even suggest something like this,' Seymour said. 'This is not healthy or helpful at all for our people,' he added. 'We don't want to live in the situation we are living in. We want to do something about it, but you can't do something about it when people beat you down.' However, despite the positive tinge to the walk, homeless and drug addicts were still more than visible to those who'd taken the risk. Visible drug use, including fentanyl, and several men and women lying around on the street greeted Seymour's tour, with the Post suggesting 'the stench of urine mixed with human and animal feces was at times overwhelming.' Seymour tried to explain programs that were available to people in the region to help them while begging people to show sympathy. 'If I'm unhoused and have mental challenges, you can't just spend 30 seconds and then walk away after I say no,' he said. Activist Del Seymour, who runs the jobs nonprofit Code Tenderloin, took people on a 'anti-doom loop' walking tour intended to show the area's beauty About 70-80 people joined Seymour on his attempted 'anti-doom' walk However, even they couldn't avoid seeing the doom and squalor of the city's homeless problem 'You need to sit down with me and talk to me in a gentlemanly manner. It might take an hour, it may take two, but you have to give me that time and build that trust with me so we can make some sort of compromise,' Seymour added. In place of 'SF Anonymous Insider,' a woman identifying herself as journalist Dr. Mia Morgan White tried to run the tour herself, while insisting she was not the insider. However, she was only joined by a San Francisco Standard reporter and one other woman. She expressed disgust with the programs Seymour advocated for on the anti-doom tour. The sightseeing venture was to begin at City Hall and and continue through Mid-Market, the Tenderloin, and Union Square The tour claims to offer the chance to see the 'open-air drug markets' that plague the city 'We have a city with a $16 billion budget giving money where they want - the money always goes to criminals,' White said. The scathing Eventbrite advertisement for the original tour said it would allow participants to 'discover the policy choices that made America's wealthiest city the nation's innovative leader of housing crisis, addiction crisis, mental-health crisis, & unrepentant crime crisis.' San Francisco's Tenderloin district has been dubbed 'Million Dollar Mile' by Honduran drug dealers who dominate the drug trade in the Dem-led city, riddled with the deathly opioid fentanyl, according to a new report. The city, which has had more than 2,200 overdose deaths since 2020, is plagued with Honduran drug dealers who are drawn in and able to thrive in the city due to its relaxed drug policies - some making upwards of $350,000 a year. The San Francisco Chronicle conducted an 18-month investigation into the 'open-air' drug markets in the city and released their findings in a report published last month. Instead of uncovering a ring of Hondurans forced to sell drugs in the Tenderloin, the report found a global operation running from a group of 'desperate, impoverished villages' in Honduras to San Francisco streets. The advert describes San Francisco as the 'nation's innovative leader of housing crisis, addiction crisis, mental-health crisis, & unrepentant crime crisis' San Francisco is suffering an exodus of major businesses amidst its rampant crime and homelessness problems The city's drugs crisis has seen more than 2,200 overdose deaths since 2020 San Francisco's Union Square (pictured) has been hit by widespread crime and plummeting footfall An analysis of official figures and other research reveals San Francisco may lose hundreds of millions of dollars through an exodus of businesses and its failure to recover from Covid Goorin Bros. haberdashery was founded in 1895, and specializes in a vast collection of classic fedoras and other hats The findings come as the exodus of businesses from the coastal city continues. A century-old hat boutique has become the latest casualty of the so-called 'retail apocalypse' gripping downtown San Francisco. Goorin Bros. haberdashery was founded in 1895, and specializes in a vast collection of classic fedoras and other hats. The company has joined a host of stores shuttering in San Francisco's Union Square, amid widespread crime and plummeting footfall. 'It's never an easy decision but it was time,' a company representative wrote in a statement. 'There are a number of reasons I'm sure but really it was our smallest location and theres just been a shift in business plan/direction over the last few years.' The company has a number of stores across the country, including one in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. It comes as a growing number of stores have fled the area - as widespread theft and homelessness has meant that even candy has to be locked up in stores. Westfield shopping center announced it had stopped making mortgage payments last month due to crime and tanking sales - defaulting on its $558million loan and handing it back to the lender. This was sparked by the decision from Nordstrom, the mall's anchor tenant, to close next month - which Westfield blamed in large part on 'unsafe conditions' and a 'lack of enforcement against rampant criminal activity'. Other major firms such as Banana Republic, Office Depot, Old Navy, H&M and Whole Foods Market have either left the area or announced plans to leave in the coming months. A PAC supporting Sen. Tim Scott's 2024 run is putting millions behind a new nationwide ad pushing his pledge to take down illegal Mexican cartels perpetuating the migrant and drug crisis at the southern border. The ad is a part of a previously announced $7.25 million national cable ad buy and includes spots in Iowa and New Hampshire. 'Not On My Watch' promotes Scott's 'conservative plan' to tackle the ongoing border crisis created by the Biden administration. He's seen walking alongside the southern border wall with a sheriff as he touts his hard-line view toward illegal migration. 'They're attacking our American values,' Scott says of Mexican cartels operating illegal drug and human smuggling rings across the U.S. southern border. 'NOT ON MY WATCH!' plays a clip of Scott from a campaign rally. 'When I am president, Mexican cartels will cease to exist,' plays another clip of Scott during a campaign event. The ad is being launched less than a week after the first GOP primary debate that was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 'I will be the president that finishes the wall,' promises Scott in the ad. A group of migrants who have crossed into the US from Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas listen to instructions given by a Border Patrol Agent on August 25, 2023 One veteran 'Ken' calls Scott's approach: 'Conservatism with a backbone.' The ad showcases testimony by another veteran 'Marc' who calls Scott a 'strong conservative.' 'I think Democrats are scared of him,' adds a community leader. A southern college student named 'Jenean' adds: 'Biden does not stand a chance against Tim.' Scott's ad is being paid for by the Trust In The Mission PAC - which has already spent $47.25 in support of his presidential bid. Donald Trump remains miles ahead of his Republican counterparts, a new national poll shows - despite four arrests, a historic mugshot, and not attending this week's GOP debate where many of his rivals had a strong showing. Organized by InsiderAdvantage, the survey of likely Republican voters showed the former president, despite his controversies, has a full 27 percent lead over his closest second in Ron DeSantis. Tim Scott came in at 4 percent in the same poll. The topic of crime and immigration came up throughout the testy debate. DeSantis re-committed to sending U.S. troops to the southern border to stop the flow of illegal migrants. 'Yes, and I will do it on day one,' the Florida governor pledged. 'When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, that is going to be the last thing they do. We are going to use force and leave them stone-cold dead.' Scott said that he would fire the 87,000 new IRS agents and increase border patrol agents. He said: 'The most pressing need of the American people is our southern border.' 'If we spend $10 billion, we could finish the wall. For $5 billion more, we could have the military-grade technology to surveil our southern border to stop the flow of fentanyl and save 70,000 Americans a year.' Former Vice President Mike Pence said during the debate that he would partner more heavily with Mexican authorities to crack down on illegal migrants and drug smuggling. 'We will hunt down and destroy the cartels that are claiming lives in the United States,' Pence added. According exclusive poll for DailyMail.com, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the first Republican debate - beating out Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by the narrowest of margins. The topic of crime and immigration came up throughout the first testy GOP debate last week Scott said that he would fire the 87,000 new IRS agents and increase border patrol agents. Ramaswamy put up a combative performance, trading blows with opponents such as former Vice President Mike Pence who seemed intent on cutting him down to size. It made him the focal point for much of the debate. That was enough for 28 percent of respondents to say that the 38-year-old rising star had the best night, pipping DeSantis who scored 27 percent. Former Vice President Mike Pence came third, with 13 percent, followed by Sen. Tim Scott on eight percent, and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley on seven percent. The family of the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect have slammed cops for dumping their beloved cats at a 'kill shelter' after tearing their home apart and forcing them to cook on their front lawn. Rex Heuermann, 59, is charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, who disappeared in 2009 and 2010, and is the main suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who vanished in 2007. His wife Asa Ellerup found her Massapequa Park home in total disarray as investigators launched an extensive search following his arrest. She and her two adult children left the home immediately under police instruction, meaning they did not have time to find their pets amid the chaos. They ended up having to sleep in a rental car for days until they were allowed back home - and have been living in a 'waking horror show' ever since. Asa Ellerup and her two adult children. They left the home immediately under police instruction, meaning they did not have time to find their pets amid the chaos Rex Heuermann, 59, is charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, who disappeared in 2009 and 2010, and is the main suspect in the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who vanished in 2007 Pictured: One of the family's cats. They were missing when they got back to the home. Cops had sent them to a 'kill shelter' Melissa Moore, the daughter of serial killer Keith Jesperson, met with Ellerup to offer her support - and told the Sun US that police sent the family's cats to a kill shelter. Rex's son Christopher, who suffers from learning difficulties, was able to locate his service dog Stewie before they were shunned from the property - but they were unable to find their two cats. Moore said: 'They left assuming the police would care for the animals as they left the home without any notice. 'Immediately, the authorities trapped the cats and sent them to a kill shelter.' Thanks to their attorneys, Ellerup and her children were eventually able to find their cats and bring them home. Moore added: 'Lawyers representing Asa learned that her animals were in a shelter and arranged for them to be removed before they could be euthanized.' Etienne de Villiers, 68, who lives next door to the family, said that since the man's arrest, the family have been spending more and more time out on their front lawn because investigators left the house 'uninhabitable.' The inside is said to be covered in debris from their search, attorney Vess Mitev said. Villiers told the NYTimes: 'They're having barbecues on the front lawn they never did anything like that before. Suddenly, they're out there all the time.' Thankfully, they got their cats back before they were euthanized The family have been spending more and more time out on their front lawn because investigators left the house 'uninhabitable' The inside of their home is said to be covered in debris from their search, attorney Vess Mitev said This follows reports that Heuermann has been seeing a clergyman once a week in jail at his request - as he continues to appear 'emotionless' after being taken off suicide watch. He spent the first few days in jail isolated in his bunk inside his 60-square-foot cell, often looking up at the ceiling, but has since settled in, Suffolk Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. told Newsweek on Thursday. 'I have not seen any emotion from him,' the sheriff said. 'You wonder what is going on Is there something going on inside that is brewing?' Toulon opened up about the architect's five weeks in jail at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead, sharing that Heuermann goes for walks alone in a small recreation area and spends his time reading and watching television. While journalists and true-crime fans have asked to visit him, Heuermann has only met with his attorney Michael Brown and a man the sheriff declined to identify. As part of the investigation, police have been speaking to sex workers who operated in the Long Island area. Two prostitutes hired by Gilgo Beach murders suspect Rex Heuermann have accused him of being 'violent' and 'aggressive' towards them. They were interviewed in late July, shortly after Heuermann's arrest, and said they became afraid for their safety during intimate encounters with the NYC-based architect. 'A person of that size being a little aggressive was probably frightening,' Toulon said of Heuermann, who is six-foot-four and weighs 240 pounds. While they were not injured, both sex workers told police they were unnerved after their sole meeting with the suspect. Heuermann's arrest marked a stunning breakthrough in the long-stalled cold case that first drew headlines in 2010, when police began searching for a missing woman, Shannon Gilbert, near Long Island's Gilgo Beach. 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Matthew Tinling, dubbed the Saw Killer, is currently serving two life sentences after horrifically murdering his neighbour and launching a knife attack on a fellow inmate. Tinling, 36, killed former soldier Richard Hamilton in March 2012 after stabbing him 17 times in the head, neck and legs in a 'savage and prolonged' attack. At the climax of the frenzied attack, he mimicked a torture scene from the notorious horror film Saw VI by trying to sever the 45-year-old's spinal cord. Tinling, who also carried out an attack on a fellow inmate at HMP Woodhill in 2016, has now had seven years added to his sentence over an attack two years ago that left a prison guard needing 18 stitches, The Sun reported. Matthew Tinling, (left) dubbed the Saw Killer, has had his jail term extended to 2062 after he stabbed a prison guard in the neck with a shank he had hid in his mouth. He was jailed after having exacted terrible torture on Richard Hamilton (right), recreating a scene from a Saw VI by hacking through his spine At the climax of the frenzied attack on Mr Hamilton, he mimicked a torture scene from the notorious horror film Saw VI (pictured) by trying to sever the 45-year-old's spinal cord Tinling attacked the officer at HMP Woodhill near MIlton Keynes, Bucks, in February 2021 as he was being escorted back to his cell after a workout. He allegedly 'launched himself' at the officer in the exercise yard and asked to return to his cell earlier than normal. As the gate opened, he came 'flying out' at the guard. The killer admitted attempted murder and in a letter reportedly bragged about how he had 'mangled his face'. Tinling, during sentencing last week at Ayelsbury Crown Court, was told that the earliest he can now be eligible for parole is 2062 - instead of 2055. Mr Justice Morris, during sentencing, said that Tinling had become 'more vocal towards wing staff' in the weeks before the attack. The court head that the killer had felt his current psychologist had 'betrayed his trust' and that he was feeling anxious about not being able to see a new one. One officer claimed that the murderer had told the unit manager that his 'head was going' and they needed to make an adjustment. A Prison Service spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We do not tolerate attacks against our hardworking staff and always push for the strongest possible punishment for those involved.' Tinling attacked the officer at HMP Woodhill (pictured) in February 2021 as he was being escorted back to his cell after a workout. He allegedly 'launched himself' at the officer in the exercise yard and asked to return to his cell earlier than normal. As the gate opened, he came 'flying out' at the guard. The killer admitted attempted murder and bragged about the attack Tinling was first jailed at the Old Bailey in 2013 for the murder of Mr Hamilton. He had tortured the former soldier in a bid to get him to hand over the PIN for his bank account and later withdrew 240 to spend on crack cocaine. Tinling had watched Saw VI on DVD while living at a homeless hostel in Maida Vale, west London. He then broke into Mr Hamilton's room and tried to imitate a scene from the film. He inflicted 17 wounds during the attack, the most serious of which was delivered specifically with the intention of severing Mr Hamilton's spinal cord to cause paralysis and death. Tinling had denied murder but was convicted after a trial. He then stood trial again after a vicious attack in 2016 where he and another inmate knifed a fellow lag. During his trial he reportedly laughed in a High Court judge's face and said that he had been 'a very naughty boy' before his trial began. A man has died after trying to put out a massive blaze that engulfed his unit with a fire extinguisher. Emergency services rushed to Highclere Avenue at Punchbowl, in Sydney's southwest, to find a unit engulfed by flames at about 10pm on Saturday. Keiron Summers, 54, was pulled unconscious from the home and was treated by paramedics before he died at the scene. Mr Summers was one of three people inside the home at the time, with the other two managing to escape the unit while Summers attempted to extinguish the fire. Keiron Summers, 54, died after attempting to put out a fire in a unit in Punchbowl, southwest Sydney on Saturday. Fire and Rescue NSW's Andrew Shurety said Mr Summers was found with soot around his mouth and nose, and that he died after inhaling smoke and potentially toxic gases. It is understood Mr Summers took a fire extinguisher with him upstairs when the fire started. Mr Shurety said this was a 'futile attempt' given the magnitude of the fire in a stern message intended for anyone caught in a massive house fire. 'I don't think people realise a fire extinguisher is not going to extinguish a blaze of that size,' he told 7News. 'Our firefighters do not enter these premises without breathing apparatuses. 'The risk is, if you go into a smoke environment it only takes a couple of breaths of this toxic gas that you can be unconscious and on the floor.' While the cause of the fire is still being investigated, Mr Shurety said four lithium iron batteries were found upstairs. 'Battery fires can start quickly and burn with extreme heat, and are difficult to extinguish,' he said. It is understood Mr Summers tried to use a fire extinguisher in an attempt to quash the blaze, eliciting a warning from police about the dangers of approaching large fires Local woman Diana Jabbour said people had tried to enter the burning unit but 'they had no luck'. 'This fire had just caught up ... it was so thick and it was so strong,' she told 7News. 'All you could feel was just ashes on your hair and everyone was in a panic.' Ms Jabbour described Mr Summers as a 'beautiful man'. 'He took everybody in... he was very sweet,' she said. A crime scene has been established and the cause of the fire is being investigated. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A blanket of fog covering Melbourne Airport has hampered both inbound and outbound flights on Monday morning. Delays are likely to stretch across the network for both arrivals and departures as no aircrafts are currently landing at the Airport. Melbourne Airport confirmed the delays on X, formerly Twitter, telling passengers to 'check with your airline' for their flight details. The airport's website states that while fog usually clears throughout the day, delays can continue far longer as the flight schedule recovers. A blanket of fog covering Melbourne Airport has hampered both inbound and outbound flights on Monday morning, with delays expected to stretch past the fog clearing (stock image) 'When visibility at the airport is restricted, aircraft movements need to be reduced on Melbourne Airports' two runways to ensure to an additional safety buffer is provided to separate aircraft,' the website reads. 'This reduces the number of aircraft that can arrive and depart. 'If fog has delayed an aircraft arriving into Melbourne that may result in a delayed departure. 'On a typical day, roughly 60% of all Australian domestic aircraft pass through Melbourne Airport before lunchtime, so delays to operations can have a ripple effect across the country.' More to come. Small businesses have called on the Treasury to scrap the tourist tax as fears mount that British firms could miss out on a Christmas shopping rush. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has told the Government to reinstate tax-free shopping for international visitors as it lays out its so-called 'tinsel list' of demands in the run up to the festive season. With 119 days still to Christmas, the UK's largest business group - which represents 150,000 traders - have said the move would provide a much-needed boost for businesses hoping to cash in on tourists visiting Britain's yuletide markets and shopping hot spots this winter. The Mail is leading a campaign to reintroduce VAT-free shopping for tourists, which was scrapped in 2021 when the UK left the EU. More than 350 businesses - including Marks & Spencer and Burberry - have signed an open letter calling on the Chancellor to ditch the hated measure. (File Photo) Small businesses have called on the Treasury to scrap the tourist tax as fears mount that British firms could miss out on a Christmas shopping rush Smaller firms such as leather goods companies Ettinger, Pickett London and The Cambridge Satchel Co have also backed the calls, as well as Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons and Gieves & Hawkes. Tax-free shopping would add billions more to the economy and support 78,000 jobs, according to research by Oxford Economics. Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the FSB, told the Mail: 'In a sluggish economy, small businesses are looking for growth.' 'Tax-free shopping would attract high-spending international visitors back to our high-quality retail sector, with secondary spend in restaurants, bars and tourism - all sectors still struggling to recover their pre-Covid levels of trade.' Many businesses are fearful of the continued negative impact of the tourist tax, which is prompting overseas visitors to go to Paris for shopping rather than London. (File Photo) With 119 days still to Christmas, the UK's largest business group - which represents 150,000 traders - have said the move would provide a much-needed boost for businesses READ MORE HERE: Jewellers join calls to scrap the tourist tax as customers head abroad for VAT-free shopping Advertisement The perk allowed tourists to get a 20 per cent refund on their purchases - encouraging them to visit and spend in the UK. The discount remains in the rest of Europe. Recent figures from Planet, which processes tax-free refunds, found that shoppers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia spent 34 per cent and 94 per cent more, respectively, across Europe in July versus June. This has raised alarm bells for businesses for this winter who fear they are missing out on big spending tourists. A study from the Centre for Economics and Business Research has found that the economy would be better off by more than 10billion a year by reinstating VAT refunds. The research flies in the face of Treasury claims that the scheme would cost the British taxpayer 2billion. As part of the 'tinsel list', FSB has also asked for the government to do more to support with energy costs and better transport for shoppers hoping to visit Britain's high streets, which it says will further bolster UK tourism, hospitality and retail. Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been slammed for giving a waffling four-minute answer to the simple question: 'What is a woman?' The former Labor Party leader was speaking on the topic of 'women's advancement' at Government House in Adelaide, South Australia, on Friday 25 August when audience member and women's rights activist Biddy O'Loughlin put her on the spot. 'What is a woman?', asked Ms O'Loughlin. 'Do you agree with Queensland's Attorney General Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman that trans women are women and with UK's leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer that some women can have a penis?' Ms Gillard said she was 'very happy' to answer the question before launching into a rambling, four-minute response that failed to directly address either part of the question. Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard (pictured) gave a rambling, four-minute response to the seemingly straightforward question: 'What is a woman?' The 'what is a woman' question has become controversial in recent years, with many politicians across the West struggling to answer in fear of upsetting either side of the exceptionally polarising and - at times, toxic - debate on trans rights. At first, Ms Gillard told the audience she spent half the year in the UK where she claimed the definition of a woman had become a 'gotcha parlour game' designed to catch politicians out. 'There are a number of people who genuinely believe that they are trapped in the wrong body and they want to be recognised as the gender their mind and soul have always told them that they are,' said Ms Gillard. 'And that doesnt go one way it goes both ways. People who have transitioned from being men to being women and women who have transitioned to being men. The former Labor Party leader was speaking on the topic of 'women's advancement' at Government House in Adelaide, South Australia, on Friday 25 August when audience member and women's rights activist Biddy O'Loughlin put her on the spot (Gillard is pictured with Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia) 'I think weve just got to say, like wed want show everybody else in the community, love, inclusion and respect, we should do that for each of those individuals.' Ms Gillard, who is seen by many around the world as a feminist trailblazer for her excoriating 'misogyny speech' delivered against Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2012, then touched upon some contentious issues within the trans debate, including access to female-only spaces like prisons and the question of fairness if sport. READ MORE: Staggering moment Australia's top health expert fails to define what a 'woman' is - sparking a scathing reaction: 'If I asked my kids they would know the answer' Health Secretary Dr Brendan Murphy stumbled over his words as he tried to define what a woman is, saying there was a 'variety' of definitions Advertisement 'Most people in their lives wont end up playing elite sport, most people wont end up in prison, most people in their lives will encounter at some point someone who is a transexual person and I think what really counts is the openness and spirit of inclusion about the way that you encounter them,' said Ms Gillard. She finished her lengthy answer by calling for the 'temperature' to be taken out of the debate. But her comments inflamed critics, with some condemning her for 'betraying' the women's rights movement. 'Tragically, it was our first female Prime Minister that presided over the erasure of sex based rights in Australia,' said independent Victorian MP Moira Deeming. 'Now she frames reasonable questions and complaints about the consequences, as petty bigotry.' Sky News host Rita Panahi accused Ms Gillard of 'floundering hopelessly' over the simple question. 'We've seen that question stump many gutless bureaucrats and politicians, but I never thought that Australia's first female prime minister, the first woman in the lodge as leader of this great nation, would be incapable of answering 'what is a woman?' but here we are,' said Ms Panahi. 'Even Albo managed to answer that question without beclowning himself. 'Around four minutes of idiotic waffle that shows where Australias first female prime minister stands on this most crucial issue she stands firmly with the trans activists that have hijacked the Left and modern feminism.' Current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked the same question on British broadcaster Piers Morgan's 'Uncensored' show in early May. Mr Albanese gave a very simple answer, defining a woman as 'an adult female', which sparked a backlash from supporters of trans rights who accused him of failing to defend trans people. Sky News host Rita Panahi accused Ms Gillard of 'floundering hopelessly' over the simple question and branded her answer 'imbecilic' Ms Gillard, who is seen by many around the world as a feminist trailblazer for her excoriating 'misogyny speech' against Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2012 (pictured), touched upon some contentious issues within the trans debate, such as access to female-only spaces like prisons and the question of fairness if sport, before appearing to dismiss them as only ever affecting a small number of people Now, Ms Gillard has angered the other side of the debate. 2GB host Ben Fordham laughed at her attempt to provide a definition of the female sex on his Monday morning show. 'The actual answer was more than three minutes long and at the end of it we still don't know what a woman is,' he said. Angie Jones, a women's rights campaigner, said: 'Look at the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, a former lawyer & excellent public speaker, get flustered when asked a variation of the what is a woman question.' 'Its so obvious that she does not believe a word of what is coming out of her own mouth.' A teal independent MP representing Australia's richest electorate has called for an increase in the GST - arguing it would be fairer on the young. Allegra Spender, who holds the Sydney eastern suburbs seat of Wentworth covering ultra-exclusive Vaucluse and Point Piper, has suggested the 10 per cent rate for the Goods and Services Tax is too low. 'I believe that everything should be on the table: GST should be on the table,' she told ABC Insiders host David Speers on Sunday. Ms Spender, a first-term MP holding a former Liberal stronghold, said Australia was too reliant on raising revenue from income taxes to support an ageing population, arguing this was unfair on the young, working-age population. 'Young people are feeling abandoned by the tax system, by the housing system, and I think the tax system has to play a part in addressing that,' Ms Spender said. 'Let's have some of that big conversation.' Allegra Spender, who holds the Sydney eastern suburbs seat of Wentworth covering ultra-exclusive Vaucluse and Point Piper, has suggested the 10 per cent rate for the Goods and Services Tax is too low Ms Spender's suggestion of increasing the GST has been made a week after the Business Council of Australia, the lobby group for millionaire chief executives, called a higher consumption tax. READ MORE: Australia's richest suburbs revealed Advertisement Increasing the GST, however, would disproportionately hurt the poor, with the level unchanged since it debuted in July 2000, with exemptions for fruit, vegetables and bread. Ms Spender's electorate is so wealthy that it includes five of Australia's top ten postcodes for taxable incomes, with individual averages of more than $200,000. Her argument about raising the GST is based on reducing income taxes, which makes up more than half of federal government revenue. 'I see there's a real challenge on our reliance on income tax - it's at a historical high,' she said. 'That is on the basis of fewer and fewer working age people being in the population.' Treasury's Intergenerational Report, released last week, forecast personal income tax revenue growing from 50.5 per cent of total tax receipts in 202223 to 58.4 per cent by 206263. That forecast includes the stage three tax cuts coming into effect in July 2024, that will reduce the number of tax brackets from five to four for the first time in four decades, and see those on $200,000 get back $9,075. Others have previously called for a higher GST to raise more revenue for state government services. In 2015, former South Australian Labor premier Jay Weatherill and his New South Wales Liberal counterpart Mike Baird advocated an increase to the GST. Tony Abbott, as prime minister, backed their call in July of that year, based on the idea that a higher GST would give the Commonwealth Grants Commission more funds to distribute to the states and territories. But two months later, Malcolm Turnbull, a former member for Wentworth, deposed Mr Abbott as Liberal leader. New Zealand has a 15 per cent rate while the UK has an even higher 20 per cent Value Added Tax. Treasurer Jim Chalmers last week ruled out increasing the GST, following that call from the Business Council of Australia. Dr Chalmers' Labor hero Paul Keating won the 1993 election campaigning against Liberal leader John Hewson's plan for a 15 per cent GST. Dr Hewson was also the member for Wentworth who famously drove a Ferrari. Despite representing Australia's wealthiest constituents, Ms Spender is also in favour of reviewing the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount for those who sell an investment property. 'Capital gains tax should be on the table,' she said. 'These are issues that we all have to face and say, "What are the implications both for sort of fairness but also for productivity and making the economy run better?". Ms Spender, a first-term MP holding a former Liberal electorate, said Australia was too reliant on raising revenue from income taxes to support an ageing population, arguing this was unfair on the young, working-age population (pictured are Woolworths shoppers in Sydney's east) Australians don't pay capital gains on their principal place of residence but since September 1999, investors selling a rental property have been entitled to a 50 per cent capital gains tax discount. That means that if a house went up in value by $100,000 during the time they owned it, only $50,000 would have to be included in their income for that year when filing a tax return. On retirement incomes, Ms Spender hinted she was leaning towards favouring Labor's plan to double the tax rate, to 30 per cent from 15 per cent, for the 80,000 individuals with more than $3million in super. 'If it was something that was much more saying, "You're increasing the tax rate of big balances", that's something I would support,' she said. 'I'm open to reducing concessions on super for very big balances because we need to move to a system, where it's more equitable between the generations.' But she has reservations about the federal government's plans to tax unrealised capital gains. 'The idea of taxing unrealised capital gains, I think, is bad tax policy to be honest,' she said. 'It's really concerning to me.' Ms Spender, the daughter of the late fashion designer Carla Zampatti, said wealthy people in her electorate were worried their children would not be able to afford a house in a nice part of Sydney. 'I had a lot of older Australians who say, "I just don't know how my kids are ever going to be able to afford a home over live near me",' she said. 'I've had people, just last week, people in good careers with good levels of assets who said, "It's not in my interest but I actually believe we should look at these things".' Ms Spender in April convened a tax roundtable with former Treasury secretary and National Australia Bank chairman Ken Henry. Sitting beside Prince William on their way to church yesterday, Prince Andrew appears to be well and truly back in the royal fold. The disgraced duke, 63, was driven to church by the future king, whose wife Catherine sat in the back seat. They joined other family members at church in Balmoral as the Royal Family had their first summer break at the estate since the Queen's death there a year ago. Charles and Camilla were chauffeured to church in a Bentley. Also in attendance was Lady Susan Hussey, 84 a lady-in-waiting to the late Queen nine months after she quit royal duties over a racism row. Yesterday's outing for Andrew with the Prince of Wales shows how frosty relations in the Royal Family may be thawing, given that William was said to have been the driving force behind the Queen's decision to strip him of his titles. The disgraced duke, right, was driven to church by the future king, whose wife Catherine sat in the back seat Prince William drives Catherine Princess of Wales from church this morning King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the group, having spent their summer break at the Scottish estate Prince Edward was seen driving a car containing his wife Sophie, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Princess Anne to church Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland form a guard of honour for the Royal Family at Crathie Kirk church this morning Lady Susan Hussey, 84 a lady-in-waiting to the late Queen attended nine months after she quit royal duties over a racism row Andrew lost his official duties and his place in public life following the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal. READ MORE HERE - King Charles dons a kilt as he arrives at Balmoral to stay at Scottish castle for three weeks ahead of anniversary of the Queen's death Advertisement A car crash Newsnight interview in November 2019 was followed by a lawsuit in which former teenage Epstein victim, Virginia Roberts, sued the duke over her claims that he had sex with her while she was under the paedophile financier's control. When Andrew vowed to fight the case last January, vehemently denying the allegations as he has always done, he was told to stop using the title His Royal Highness, and all military titles and royal patronages were returned to the late Queen following demands by Charles and William. Months later, he settled out of court with Ms Roberts for a reported 12million without any admission of wrongdoing. He is said to believe that a return to public life may be possible. William drove a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind. The passengers swapped seats after the service. There was no sign of the Duchess of York, who has been recovering from breast cancer surgery. She has been staying on the Balmoral Estate with her ex-husband. The castle was where the last photo of Queen Elizabeth II was taken before she passed away in September last year Soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland march away from Crathie Kirk church for Sunday service Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the King, who was said to have offered the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral. The thaw in relations comes after it emerged that a 'Tory grandee' appealed to Home Secretary Suella Braverman at a private function to restore Andrew's 3million-a-year police guards. The Mail on Sunday said the top Tory 'sidled up' to Mrs Braverman to plead the duke's case after he lost his 24-hour armed detectives following the Epstein scandal. The senior Tory, a knight, is one of several high-profile figures recruited by the Duke, it was reported. Another is said to have messaged Mrs Braverman. All approaches are said to have been rejected politely. The grandfather of a 10-year-old girl who was found dead at her home has claimed that the child's fugitive father is on the verge of handing himself in to police in Pakistan. An international manhunt was launched after police discovered Sara Sharif's body with a catalogue of injuries at the 500,000 council house in Woking, Surrey, following a phone call made by her father Urfan Sharif, 41, on August 10. Mr Sharif, his wife Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28, fled the UK to Islamabad a day before her body was tragically found. Sara's 'anxious' mother has urged her ex-husband to 'give up' and hand himself in to police. Speaking to The Mirror from the family home in Jehlum, which is 85 miles from Islamabad, Sara's grandfather Muhammad Sharif said: 'As far as I know, my son and his wife are willing to surrender and they will do so soon.' The 68-year-old claimed he had not seen his son since he fled to Pakistan and has no idea how Sara died. He added: 'I want them to surrender soon as because of the police raids and investigations all of my family is in deep trouble. Urfan Sharif (pictured) is on the verge of handing himself in, according to Sara Sharif's grandfather Ten-year-old Sara Sharif was tragically found dead at her home in Woking earlier this month. Here, she is pictured with her mother Olga Urfan Sharif, 41, his wife Beinash Batool (pictured left), 29, and his brother Faisal Malik (pictured right), 28, fled the UK a day before Sara's body was found 'I don't know where they are but I can tell that they are not in Jehlum.' Sara's mother Olga Sharif has also spoken as Pakistani police close in on the three fugitives. She told The Sun: 'Until he is arrested I can't have any sense of closure or security. It's been a very anxious wait.' It comes after police chief Nasir Bajwa revealed they were closing in on the group. He said on Saturday: 'With God's will we will make the arrest by tomorrow night.' Yesterday, the Mail on Sunday revealed that Pakistani police are tracking a mobile phone SIM card belonging to Urfan Sharif. The SIM has recently been used by someone in the sprawling city of Jhelum. Khurram Ali, a senior police official in Rawalpindi, who is leading the country-wide manhunt for the three, said: 'We have traced a mobile phone SIM card which is registered under the name of Urfan Sharif and is being actively used by someone in Jhelum.' Taxi-driver Sharif and Batool, as well as Malik who was living in the UK on a student visa bought one-way tickets to Pakistan worth 5,000 before fleeing. Accompanying them were five children, aged between a year and 13. Surrey Police said Sharif called them by calling 999 from Pakistan, which led detectives to make the grim discovery at the family council house in the early hours of August 10. Since they fled the country, police searches for the three have focused on Jhelum, in the Punjab region, as Sharif's wider family live in the city. Surrey Police said that a post-mortem examination on Sara's body could not establish the cause of death Police forensic officers working at the house in Hammond road, Horsell, Woking, where Sara's dead body was found The trio secretly visited one of Sharif's brothers, Imran, on August 10, the very day police discovered Sara's body back in Surrey. Imran Sharif a shopkeeper in the city who has since been questioned by police said that his two brothers and sister-in-law told him they returned to attend the funeral of one of her relatives in Mirpur in the Kashmir area, and left shortly afterwards. Police believe Sharif, Batool and Malik may be hiding in Jhelum, possibly being aided by their relatives. Surrey Police said that a post-mortem examination on Sara's body could not establish the cause of death. But it revealed the little girl had suffered 'multiple and extensive injuries' which were 'likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time'. As a result, the police have widened their investigation and are now appealing to the public to piece together her life in the months and days leading up to her death. Imran Sharif told police his niece fell down the stairs during an 'accident' and died. Sara's mother rubbished his 'baseless version' of events as she said: 'If there was an accident you don't leave the country in secret.' 'He could have just made that claim to protect his brother and try to stop questions being asked. I don't think he is being honest,' she told The Sun, as she claimed Urfan could have 'lied' to his sibling about what happened. Flowers and tributes are laid outside the home of Sara Sharif following her death 'The only person I want answers from is Urfan. He has to be questioned about what's happened to my daughter,' she added. Last week, the mother of a girl who was at school with Sara in nearby Byfleet, revealed that Sara stopped going to school a day after she was seen with cuts and bruises on her face. The mother, only identified as Jessica, told the BBC her daughter saw Sara at St Mary's Primary School about four months ago with injuries on her face and neck. Jessica said: 'My daughter had asked what had happened, and she said she'd fallen off a bike and then kind of walked away. 'The next day the teacher announced she had left school and she was being home-schooled.' It was also reported last week that Sara was taken out of school by her parents after she was bullied by other pupils for wearing the hijab, the Islamic head dress. Relatives of Sharif revealed that he has married three times, first to a cousin in Pakistan. But after he arrived in the UK on a student visa around 15 years ago, he divorced his first wife, and married Sara's mother, Polish national Olga Domin, 36, with whom he also had an elder son, aged 13. After divorcing Olga, he then married Beinash, who was born in Luton. They have had three children together. Canberra could become a 'fantasyland' of drug abuse after the decriminalisation of hard drugs such as heroin, ice, cocaine and LSD. Australians are expected to flock to the nation's capital for drug-fuelled escapades as the ACT becomes the first state in the country to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities. ACT chief police officer and Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said he expects herds of revellers to head to Canberra when drug laws are relaxed on October 28. 'It would be naive not to think people won't come down, even for a weekend, to get on the coke and not worry about the cops,' deputy commissioner Gaughanm told the Daily Telegraph. The warning has raised fears the peaceful streets could be turned into a cesspool of criminal activity similar to parts of the United States where drug-addled 'zombies' roam the pavements. The ACT could soon be engulfed by drug-fuelled revellers following the decriminalisation of almost all illicit substances including heroin, meth, cocaine and LSD (stock image pictured) A picture emerged last week showing the effects of the fentanyl epidemic in Philadelphia in the USA Deputy commissioner Gaughan said the new legislation by the ACT Labor-Greens government could lead to conflict between bikie gangs, increased drug use and long term mental health issues. 'I don't think it's a coincidence that the Rebels' national run is to Canberra and coincides almost to the day with the introduction of the new laws,' he said. What drugs will be decriminalised? The ACT will become the first Australian state to decriminalise illicit drugs in small quantities. These include: Cocaine - 1.5grams Meth - 1.5grams MDMA - 1.5grams Amphetamine - 1.5grams Heroin - 1.5grams Cannabis - 1.5 grams Marijuana - 50 grams Magic mushrooms - 1.5 grams LSD - 0.001g Advertisement 'At the moment Canberra is pretty much a one club town, which is the Comanchero, but we will see if that changes.' The new legislation will decriminalise the possession of a small amount of most drugs except fentanyl, where those in possession are fined $100 or directed to counselling, and the drugs are confiscated. Last week, a disturbing photo set out the stark reality of fentanyl that could soon take hold in Australia as it has done in the US, where it's been called a 'killer epidemic'. The picture shows users of fentanyl - an opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine - in Philadelphia so badly affected they've been compared to 'zombies'. Lethal drugs including fentanyl and are driving an unprecedented overdose epidemic in the USA, with 107,622 drug overdose deaths recorded in 2021, an increase of nearly 15 percent from the previous year. Fentanyl is prescribed for illnesses such as chronic pain, cancer and surgery, but is increasingly used by addicts looking for a high and is sometimes cut with heroin. Authorities fear what will happen if the illegal version of fentanyl gains a foothold in places such as Wagga Wagga and Dubbo in regional NSW, where the drug ice is already a major problem. 'If non-pharmaceutical fentanyl gets into those rural areas, it's going to annihilate them,' Alex Caruana of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Association told news.com.au. Deputy commissioner Gaughan said he predicts that many drug users in the ACT would just factor in the $100 fine as part of their overall costs for a night out. Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan (pictured) said the new legislation could lead to conflict between bikie gangs, increased drug use and a high road toll Concerns have been raised of incresed bikie gang related activity following the ACT decriminalisation laws 'The big difference is if you are caught with coke or meth in Sydney you are charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court,' he said. 'Here (in the ACT) you will get a $100 fine and if you pay, it goes away.' NSW senior police are expecting conflicts on the streets of Sydney as new demand in the ACT puts pressure on drug supply lines coming from Sydney. 'There will be problems here without doubt,' a senior NSW officer said. 'It's obvious there will be a new market for drugs and we know the suppliers are all mainly from Sydney and they will end up fighting for control.' Deputy commissioner Gaughin said the rest of the nation will be watching closely to what unfolds in the ACT post-decriminalisation. 'To be honest we just don't know what is going to happen,' he said. 'I think we can presume we are going to see an increase in drug use and to some extent we are creating a more permissive environment.' Mr Gaughan said one of the main concerns was the relaxation of the possession of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice (stock image pictured) Deputy commissioner Gaughan said a major concern was the relaxation of the possession of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. 'Meth is highly addictive... so the worry is people will go on four or five day meth benders, go out and drive and kill someone,' he said. 'Last year we had 18 people die, a 300 per cent increase on the rolling average, and most of those people had meth or cannabis in their system.' The ACT government has been caught boasting that the bill was introduced under the radar, with health minister Rachael Stephen-Smith telling a Labour national conference they took the legislation to the election in 2020 'quietly' and got it through quickly using a private members bill. Under the new laws, decriminalised amounts of drugs that would cost someone a $100 fine in the ACT include 1.5g of cocaine, meth and MDMA, and 1g of heroin. 50g of cannabis, 1.5g of magic mushrooms and 0.001g of LSD would also attract a $100 fine. Legal experts have warned there is very little possibility Donald Trump will stand trial in any of his four criminal cases before the general election. The assertion was aired by three separate lawyers Sunday, hours before an Atlanta DA is set to provided the first details of her sprawling anti-racketeering case against former president, as well as 18 other codefendants including his ex-chief of staff. Among those to discuss the slim chance of Trump standing trial in that case - or others in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC, for that matter - was Harvard Law's Alan Dershowitz, one of the foremost voices on US constitutional law. In multiple interviews this week, he said state and federal officials' strategy in filing those cases stems from a desire to get a quick trial that would hurt Trump's chances - even if the charges don't stick or are reversed by an appeal. Dershowitzs comments - which included claims the politician has been purposely indicted in jurisdictions that are predominantly against him - were echoed by several others, who all said its unlikely Trump will face the music in time. Scroll down for video: Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz, one of the foremost voices on US constitutional law, said Sunday there is very little possibility Donald Trump will stand trial for any of his four criminal cases before November 2024 Trump has made history by becoming the first former president to pose for a mugshot after his arrest for trying to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia Dershowitz, the Felix Frankfurter professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, told The Daily Caller Sunday federal and state officials involved in the cases against the GOP frontrunner are 'trying to get convictions before the election.' '[But] they cant get it done in two weeks,' he added, citing time-consuming court matters such as discovery - where defendants gather evidence from the prosecution to construct a defense - and motions to exclude evidence, and jury selection. 'They know it will take longer than that.' Jonathan Turley, a professor of public interest law at George Washington University Law School in DC, agreed with Dershowitz's assessment the charges were a potential ploy, telling the Caller, 'It seems unlikely that most [trials] will proceed as scheduled.' Turley said: 'There are threshold challenges and dispositive motions that will have to be addressed. Some may involve appeals.' He went on to state: 'These dates seem highly optimistic and a tad opportunistic by prosecutors.' Ronald Carlson, a legal professor at the University of Georgia's law school, shared a similar belief, simply stating: 'If Trump loses his motions, he will appeal. 'If he loses at appellate court,' he continued, 'hell ask to be heard before the Supreme Court. Conversely, he added, 'If theres a ruling in favor of Trump, the state will likely appeal.' Atlanta DA Fani Willis holds a press conference in the Fulton County Government Center after a grand jury voted to indict Trump on August 14. She is set to show what evidence she has against the president Monday The subject of the Monday hearing is Meadows motion to move his case to federal court and possibly have it thrown out - but many are Dershowitz's assertion was echoed by two other high-profile attorneys, hours before officials are set to produce what evidence they have in an anti-racketeering case against the former president, along with his ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows (pictured with Trump in 2020) The fact that there are four separate criminal proceedings make things even further unlikely, said Dershowitz, who added the prosecutors are trying to obtain 'convictions [of Trump] before the election' - in a so-called 'rush to injustice.' 'Its like asking a brain surgeon to perform an operation with three days notice,' he said of the probability of meeting all four cases current forecast dates on time. He added that the courts will 'probably need at least a year' in order to dispose of all pre-trial matters, and that 'jury selection alone in Georgias cases will take several months.' Alluding to what's planned for the hotly anticipated federal court hearing in Fulton County Monday morning, he added: 'If [the courts] dont accept the discovery timeline of Trumps team, these are issues that could be appealed.' The 84-year-old New Yorker, meanwhile, told Fox Business in a filmed sitdown that prosecutors of course know all of this, and are merely using the opportunity to influence Trump's reelection bid - evidenced by the timing of all of their filings. 'Get [Trump] convicted in jurisdictions that are overwhelmingly anti-Trump,' the author of the book Get Trump said of what he believes are state and federal prosecutors' mindsets in launching the simultaneous cases. 'Then not worry about it being reversed on appeal because reversals of appeal would occur after the election,' he added. In multiple interviews this week, he said state and federal officials' strategy in filing those cases, in predominantly anti Trump jurisdictions, stems from a desire to get a quick trial that would hurt Trump's chances - even if the charges don't stick or are reversed by an appeal Trump - who even with the cases remains miles ahead of his Republican counterparts - recently moved to have his trial in DC, slated for this year, pushed back to April 2026 The subject of the Monday hearing in Georgia, meanwhile, will center not around Trump, but his chief of staff when he was accused or breaking the law by pressuring local election officials to meddle with the 2020 election - Mark Meadows. Meadows, 64, is accused of aiding in the then outgoing president's alleged plot to retain office - but recently filed a motion to move his case to federal court and possibly have it thrown out. As a result, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is set to lay out the first details of her racketeering case against the embattled ex-head of state - setting the scene for a sort of mini-trial that will likely allude to the fate of Trump for that case. The most immediate of the politician's legal concerns, the case initially had a tentative trial date for March 4, 2024, but after one of Trumps co-defendants, Kenneth Chesebro, asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial, Williss office moved for the trial to begin months sooner, on Oct. 23, 2023. Trump has opposed that request, and on Thursday, filed a motion in opposition. Regardless, Willis is expected to preview the case Monday morning, and is set to finally show cards that show why she and others believe Trump and his allies broke the law by allegedly pressuring local election officials to fix the 2020 election. Meadows and 17 other co-defendants are set to attend - and lawyers that spoke to the Caller said several are going to follow the former Trump chief of staff's move to push the case to federal court and prolong the proceedings. 'There will be multiple motions to remove the Georgia case to federal court for defendants like Trump and Meadows,' he said. Carlson, meanwhile, said that the likelihood of a removal petition by even one defendant - given that Wills has vowed to prosecute them all at once - suggest that pre-trial proceedings in the case 'could take up to a year.' These motions create an 'ample opportunity for him to delay the trial,' Carlson said. The former president shared the mugshot on X, having not posted on the platform since 2021 Meanwhile, Trump has moved to have his trials in Florida and DC both pushed back to April 2026, after federal prosecutor Jack Smith, who is handling both cases, asked for them to be held in January. In New York, where Trump has been indicted on 34 counts for allegedly falsifying business records related to his $150,000 payment to Stormy Daniels via fixer attorney Michael Cohen, his trial has been scheduled for March. In that case, Trump's attorneys recently argued that presiding Justice Juan M. Merchan had a conflict of interest, after he donated $15 to Biden's campaign. Merchan has rejected their arguments - though local DA Alvin Bragg has suggested he would be open to changing the trial's date if other prosecutors who brought the case were in agreement. In a radio interview last month, the famously progressive DA - the first to bring a case against Trump - said that he would not 'sit on ceremony' when it comes to a trial day. If 'our trial judge is reached out to by another judge, well obviously consider everything in its totality,' he said this month. 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Nick Gibb says that pupils missing out on even a couple days of class could have a 'detrimental effect' on academics, exam results and social skills, The Sun reported. Data shows that since the coronavirus pandemic, nearly one in four children are absent from school more than one in 10 days. Mr Gibb claims the UK Government can only do so much to encourage the those who abandoned school during lockdown to return and is now calling on parents to 'make sure children are where they should be'. It comes as students received GCSE results last week which, according to Mr Gibb, revealed that since Covid the gap between students 'left behind' and their peers has grown. Nick Gibb (pictured) says that pupils missing out on even a couple days of class could have a 'detrimental effect' on academics, exam results and social skills The minister said that the overall absence rate across all schools, both authorised and unauthorised, is currently at 10.7 per cent. He argued that if kids continue to miss school, they face a lifetime of being behind their peers. 'Multiply a couple of missed school days over a sustained period, and [it] could have a serious impact on their GCSE results and social skills,' Mr Gibb told the newspaper. He called on parents to take their children to school even when they feel ill, saying: 'It's fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold.' His plea comes as hundreds of thousands fewer top GCSE grades were handed out to teenagers this year following efforts to bring results back down to pre-pandemic levels. Official figures also show disparities in results across regions reveal that a significant proportion of pupils face resitting key English and maths exams after failing to score a 'standard' pass. He called on parents to take their children to school even when they feel ill, saying: 'It's fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold' (stock photo) Many of the students who received their GCSE results on Thursday were in Year 8 when schools closed as a result of Covid. Around 203,000 fewer top GCSE grades were awarded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland than last year. But 142,000 more top grades were awarded this summer than in 2019. It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams. More than a fifth (22 per cent) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades at least a 7 or an A grade this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3 per cent of entries achieved the top grades. But this was still higher than in 2019 when 20.8 per cent of entries were awarded the top grades. A sacked real estate agent claims she was mocking cruel trolls and not renters when she lashed out against 'nobodies' on Facebook. Aimee Therese Marsh, 30, was a selling agent at Ray White Aspley, near Griffin in Brisbane's north, until Tuesday last week when she was fired for writing disparaging comments about tenants. According to a series of screenshots, which have since been deleted, she said renters who make $50,000 a year are 'envious' of her, and suggested her tax bills cover their Centrelink payments. Ms Marsh appeared to double-down on her comments when speaking with media on Thursday, saying she was 'not sorry' and suggested people who don't own homes aren't willing to make 'sacrifices'. However, the Griffin local told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that her comments were only targeted at trolls who relentlessly attacked her in a local Facebook group - they were not general comments about Australians who rent. Ms Marsh also said she rented multiple properties before she decided to buy a home in March this year - adding that she used to have housemates, and worked three jobs to save enough to enter the market. 'My friends and some family members rent, some of my clients become renters after they sell,' she said. 'I have had numerous of my current tenants in properties I have been selling reach out in positive ways to say Im not that person these online people say I am.' Ms Marsh (pictured) rented multiple properties before she decided to buy a home in March this year Ms Marsh says she was referring to online trolls when she said 'they're tenants' who earn $50,000 a year Ms Marsh said the situation started about one-and-a-half years ago, when she wrote a post in the local group to say she sold a house $85,000 above the reserve at auction - something she often did because locals were interested. 'It had nothing to do with me - there were two buyers who were battling it out between each other,' she explained in an interview with local Brisbane radio station, B105, on Friday. 'Unfortunately, that got people offside who feel like it's my fault that they can't get into the housing market because of the prices. 'And then I started becoming the blame for fuel and groceries, and everything else, so the comments that were made were very targeted at me and very rude.' Ms Marsh worked with Ray White for less than a year when the online attacks began in 2021 - she had never been trolled online before, so she fought back saying they were 'nobodies' with low incomes. Her bosses found out about her responses and gave her social media training to help her deal with those situations in the future, but she said the training didn't cover targeted online bullying. She said the screenshots with her comments did not show the full context of the conversation - particularly the parts where she tried to support the trolls by providing information about lenders, and general advice for borrowing. Ms Marsh said she couldn't 'wait to sell the houses they rent' in another comment (pictured), when referring to people who mocked her in a Facebook group Aimee Therese Marsh (pictured) was a selling agent at Ray White Aspley Ms Marsh said she eventually got sick of it and decided to fight back - slamming her trolls as 'jealous' and saying 'I can't wait to sell their houses'. In her radio interview last week, she acknowledged she should have walked away from the situation, but said she was not ashamed of her decision to fight back 'Sometimes I wish I was big enough to walk away from that sort of stuff, but I mean, there's a lot of history in my past that makes me who I am today and I'm not going to apologise for having a backbone,' she said. 'The ones who are targeting me are just bullies who sit at home with nothing better to do, and that is why I said, maybe if they worked as hard as they did spend their time on social media, theyve probably be able to buy a home.' Ms Marsh said she wasn't sorry to the trolls who her comments were directed at, but said 'I'm sorry to the nation who think it was a generalised comment because it wasn't'. On Tuesday, Ray White posted a statement to Facebook saying Ms Marsh's employment had been 'terminated immediately'. A spokesperson for Ray White told Daily Mail Australia she was fired 'within about an hour' of when the agency's social media team found her comments. 'We respect and value each and every one within our community, and we have a big community of people who rent. 'The views of Aimee Marsh do not align with the values of our business. 'We show pride in our customer service, we have a big community of renters, and we don't tolerate anything like this.' Ms Marsh said her employer did not investigate the bullying before they fired her. A common medication has been involved in more accidental deaths than alcohol, heroin or cocaine according to a new report. Drug safety advocate Penington Institute's Annual Overdose Report found there were 544 unintentional deaths involving benzodiazepines in 2021. The drug is better known by trade names such as Xanax and Valium and is a common go-to with one in 20 Australians using it. The 554 unintentional deaths makes it the the second-most common drug involved in an accidental overdose death - with opioids taking out the top spot. A drug taken by one out of every 20 Australians is leading to more accidental deaths that alcohol, the drug policy advocate Penington Institute's Annual Overdose Report has found. A woman is pictured looking at a bottle of pills Accidental deaths involving alcohol were considerably lower than benzodiazepines with less than 400 deaths recorded within the same time period. Benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety, stress, insomnia and occasionally, back pain, but deaths involving them generally come in combination with other drugs such as opioids and alcohol. READ MORE: Police warn Canberra will become 'fantasyland' and attract cocaine, heroin, meth and LSD users Canberra could become a 'fantasyland' of drug abuse after the decriminalisation of hard drugs such as heroin, ice, cocaine and LSD. Advertisement 'We've got a huge problem that we're not facing up to because no one's really activated by the overdose toll,' Penington Institute CEO John Ryan told Daily Mail Australia. 'It is no exaggeration to talk about an overdose crisis. Overdose deaths in Australia have exceeded the road toll since 2014, and we see little to no action to demonstrably change this,' he said. Around 1.4 million Australians were prescribed 5.1 million scripts of benzodiazepines in 2020-21, with many unaware of the dangers of combining them with other substances like alcohol. 'Many of these deaths are preventable. And if we actually put our shoulder to the wheel, we could be saving people's lives,' Mr Ryan said. 'The level of pharmaceutical use in the Australian community is quite huge. We're a healthy and wealthy nation with a long life expectancy, so it's generally good that we're getting access to healthcare.' But benzodiazepines are far from being risk free drugs. 'Dependence is a very big problem with benzodiazepines because after you've taken them for a long time, they're very hard to actually not take any more and that's got to be done under medical supervision,' he said. 'There are many overdoses and I think that's partly because they have such a long half-life (the time it takes for the amount of a drug's active substance in your body to reduce by half). Accidental deaths involving alcohol were considerably lower than benzodiazepines with less than 400 deaths recorded within the same time period Around 1.4 million Australians were prescribed 5.1 million scripts of benzodiazepines in 2020-21, with many unaware of the dangers of combining them with other substances or alcohol. Various pills are pictured 'And so they're impacting on people's breathing capacity well after people have felt the effects of those drugs, so they've even forgotten about (taking them) but it's still actually having an impact.' Mr Ryan said the mixing of drugs can be lethal. 'We've got a terrible lack of knowledge about how drugs interact with each other and how they multiply, get a multiplier effect. READ MORE: Australian authorities issue grim warning about fentanyl One very disturbing photo has set out the stark reality of a drug that could soon 'annihilate' Australia as it has done in the US, where it's been called a 'killer epidemic'. Advertisement 'So if you use opioids and benzo in isolation, you're at much less risk of overdose than if you use them in combination. The combination amplifies the effect of each drug. 'And so if you have benzos with alcohol and opioids, you're really in trouble.' He said that though Australian doctors are careful in how they prescribe drugs, patients can make mistakes and go against medical instructions. 'One of the mistakes is to think, I'm stressed out, I'm in pain and I should just take a little bit more of what's been prescribed for me ... that's one of the big risks.' Mr Ryan said the public perception of a drug overdose being something that just happens to a heroin user in a city centre laneway in not accurate. 'The epicentre of the problem is actually (prescription drug use in) suburbia and regional and rural Australia.' Alongside the amount of overdoses of prescription drugs is the growing use of fake versions of benzodiazepines such as Xanax. 'One of the, patterns that we're seeing play out over the years is ever increasing synthetic drugs,' he said. 'There's a good reason for drug traffickers to shift to synthetic rather than the old fashioned, grow it in the ground coca or opium poppies, you know, cocaine or heroin. 'Now it's manufactured on the weekends, in an industrial facility, and that includes, fentanyl in the US. 'We've got a huge problem that we're not facing up to because no one's really activated by the overdose toll,' Penington Institute CEO John Ryan (pictured) said 'But in Australia, we've seen a very significant increase in illicit benzodiazepine. So it's nothing to do with doctors and pharmacists and everything to do with illicit supply.' Mr Ryan some of those using fake benzodiazepines are 'young people who are notorious for being risk takers and not being very good at thinking through of consequences. 'Then of course there are some people who are desperately dependent and buying it on the illicit market,' he said. 'Part of the reason why governments are not stepping up to deal with it is because they do really need to think about pharmaceutical drugs legitimately accessed, illicit drugs illegitimately accessed and alcohol, which is a big part of the overdose problem as well. 'So it really crosses all parts of the system and the community.' Anthony Albanese has been slammed by the Greens and environmental activists after the prime minster wore a Rio Tinto hi-vis shirt. Mr Albanese wore the shirt in the Western Australian mining town of Karratha while speaking about the US military aircraft crash in the Northern Territory on Sunday. Three marines were killed and five left in a serious condition in hospital after the Boeing MV-22B Osprey crashed on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands. Mr Albanese's outfit appears to have drawn attention away from the gravity of the press conference with critics taking issue over the history of the mining magnate. Greens senator David Shoebridge was among the most vocal issuing a blistering takedown on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday. 'It takes a conscious effort to put on a shirt for a cause,' Mr Shoebridge wrote about the yellow top which had Anthony written on one side and Rio Tinto on the other. Mr Albanese wore the shirt in the Western Australian mining town of Karratha while speaking about the US military aircraft crash in the Northern Territory on Sunday Mr Albanese wore the shirt in the Western Australian mining town of Karratha while speaking about the US military aircraft crash in the Northern Territory on Sunday 'You think about which one, strip off your old one and pull it over your head for a purpose. This bloke chose Rio Tinto's shirt. 'The company that blew up a 46,000 year old sacred rock shelter for profit.' In May 2020, the mining giant blew up two shelters that showed human occupancy going back 46,000 years to access higher-grade iron ore at at Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region. READ MORE: Rio Tinto's $1.7billion write-off of aluminium refineries due to the costs of Australia's carbon emissions reduction scheme Rio Tinto has warned the costs of renewable energy could cripple Australia's industrial future as it swallowed a $1.2billion loss and devaluation to its aluminium refineries over the past six months. Advertisement Mr Shoebridge was joined in his condemnation by former Greens senator Christine Milne. 'Looks like Rio Tinto did catch more flies with honey,' she tweeted. Law firm Marque Lawyers tweeted the same photo of Mr Albanese alongside one of former prime minister Scott Morrison wearing a very similar shirt with Scott written on one side and Fortescue written on the other. Mr Morrison was standing beside Fortescue owner Andrew Forrest in that photo, with the law practice, whose motto is 'Law, done differently', making a tongue-in-cheek comment. 'It's just a colour that looks good on everyone,' the firm wrote. Mr Albanese had been wearing the shirt while touring the iron ore operations of Rio Tinto with Minister for Resources Madeleine King. Mr Albanese praised Rio Tinto's iron ore operations and its contribution to the economy. 'As I was standing in the cabin there today watching the iron ore go into the hull of that ship, what I was also watching was funding for schools, funding for hospitals, funding to keep our national economy going that comes from this sector and comes from the hard work that's done by people here in the Pilbara, that is so vital,' he said. 'I think often in the eastern states they take this work for granted, take the economic activity, the revenue for granted as well. I'm here to say that we shouldn't do that.' Social media users were quick to join the pile-on against Mr Albanese saying he had made the wrong choice in clothing. 'You're right, I was going to cut him some slack as being poorly advised, but no he knew what he was doing, consciously,' wrote one. 'Albanese is just horrible, the worst prime minister Australia has ever had,' said another. That tweeter added that 'the mining industry pays no taxes whatsoever none, and on the top of that, we subsidise them with our tax money' - but this is not true. Anthony Albanese has been slammed by greenies for wearing a Rio Tinto hi-vis shirt on Sunday (pictured) Mr Albanese (pictured right) has been compared to his predecessor Scott Morrison (pictured left with mining billionaire Andrew Forrest) Rio Tinto paid $12.3billion in taxes and royalties in Australia in 2022. Some commenters took a humorous view of the photo of Mr Albanese, with one saying they 'love the red lettering' on his shirt and another comparing the hi-vis look to Minions, the yellow characters that feature in the popular movie, 'Despicable Me'. But the snide comments dominated, with one saying 'at least he's wearing his sponsor's logo on his shirt so that we know who is paying the bills'. Another expressed surprise at the shirt. 'It is so weird. I did not think Rio had that sort of power, especially after the Indigenous cave fiasco,' they wrote. 'Lefty labour out of touch with regular Aussies,' they wrote, spelling Labor wrong. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment. It is not the first time Mr Albanese has drawn attention for his choice of outfit after drawing outrage for wearing a Midnight oil t-shirt with the words, 'Voice, Truth, Treaty'. Mr Albanese had previously insisted that the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament was 'not about a treaty'. Stone-Miller has since become a software engineer with a son of his own - a life he thrust to the side after being contacted by the parents of one of his kids The 32-year-old began donating while studying at Georgia State, after an arrest that saw him in need of money for an attorney Dylan Stone-Miller said he has met 25 of his biological brood - the product of a series donations he made for the $100 apiece starting in college A 32-year-old Georgia man who fathered at least 96 children via sperm donations is tracking his kids down - armed with a spreadsheet bearing their names and a unique sperm bank ID that's helped them reconnect. Dylan Stone-Miller said he has met 25 of his biological brood to date - all products of a series donations he made over the course of six years, starting in college. Stone-Miller was at the time studying psychology at Georgia State. After he was arrested for underage drinking, his parents told him he had to pony up for a lawyer - so he signed up to be a paid donor at Xytex, a prominent sperm bank based in Augusta. Stone-Miller would provide a steady stream of donations for six years, collecting $100 a piece in the process. He told The Wall Street Journal that he gave permission for the bank to reveal his identity to his offspring - however, only after they turn 18. Stone-Miller's journey to meet his biological children came more than ten years later, when he was contacted by the adoptive parents of one of his estranged kids. By this point, he was an an accomplished software engineer with a son of his own. So far, Dylan Stone-Miller, 32, said he has met 25 of his biological brood - all products of a series donations he made over the course of six years starting in college. He set out on the strange odyssey in 2020, after being contacted by the adoptive parents of one of his kids Stone-Miller was approached by Alicia Bowes, the mother of six-year-old Harper, who was conceived through one of his sperm donations. 'I think of her as my first child,' Stone-Miller said of Harper, whom he met she was three. It was 2020 and Stone-Miller and his wife had recently separated. Bowes, who resides in Edmonton, Canada, sent him a message which said: 'I really hope you dont feel violated in any way, but its Canadian Thanksgiving and I wanted to tell you how grateful my family is to you.' The correspondence came after the mom tracked him down thanks to a series of clues left on his donor file. Armed with only his first name and his fathers occupation as a forensic psychologist, Bowes successfully located the software whiz. Once connected, Stone-Miller - whose own son had just moved out his East Atlanta home to live with his mother - opened Bowess Instagram page and was quickly met with young Harpers photo. Within days, he asked Bowes - one of the girl's two moms - if he could join an already created Facebook group she belonged to, which he saw was named after his Spermbank ID. He then ditched his job to search for the rest of his children and live off savings. The 20-member group - Xytex 5186 Offspring - helped Stone-Miller seek out the other families. Stone-Miller said he first connected with Harper - who had a sister, Harlow, who also one of his biological children. He has since visited them twice, but it was the initial meeting he said that made him set on fostering relationships with as many of his children as possible. The second meeting came more recently, this past July, said Stone-Miller. Stone-Miller set out on fostering his relationships with his widespread brood after his wife split up in 2020 - at which point his own son moved out of his home to live with his mother. Stone-Millers mother, Rebecca Stone (top left), said she doesnt have an answer to why her son is so keen on locating his kids, but is happy to see her biological grandkids He took a break from his job to take a 9,000-mile road trip this summer to meet some of his 96 children - during which he set aside the longest amount of time for Harper and Harlow. He stayed nine days with the family - at an Airbnb near their house - on July 10, during which he babysat the youngsters for a night so their parents could enjoy a night out. The girls mothers, meanwhile, conceded to The Journal the dynamic Stone-Miller has brought to their clan is a complex one, and that they have explicitly told their kids that the eccentric Atlanta man is not their dad. 'I dont want Harper to feel like she can call him anything,' Bowes said of the somewhat strange situation. 'He is not her dad. Period,' she continued, citing his absentia. 'If she were to say that in front of us, we would straight up say, "Dylan is not your dad. He will never be your dad. You dont have a dad. You have a donor."' Speaking to The Journal, Stone-Miller said did not take to that assertion too well, stating: 'It was hard to look my biological daughter in the eye and tell her I wasnt her dad.' Harper, like some of Stone-Miller's offspring, has her donor father's blue eyes and his sisters blond curls. Stone-Miller said he was reduced to tears when he first saw her photo, and experienced an unexpected sensation of kinship. He has since met up with 23 more of his kids. He told the Journal he is set to finish in September, and for now is keeping a log of the children's names, ages, and birthdays - as well as a note of when he last saw or spoke with them. Meanwhile, a somewhat wary Bowes told the Journal that while she has come to better understand Stone-Miller, she realizes he is still a stranger - and cited strange instances of pushiness during his visits such as a desire to get a tattoo to commemorate the death of Harper and Harlow's older brother, Huxley, to match ones the moms had gotten. Stone-Miller started his sperm donations while studying psychology at Georgia State, after being arrested for underage drinking. His parents told him he had to pony up for a lawyer, so he signed up as to be donor at Xytex, a prominent sperm bank based in Augusta. He would continue this process for some six years, collecting $100-a-donation in the process 'We came on the scene when he was going through hard times. Being with the children gave him a renewed sense of purpose. As we get to know him more, we all feel more comfortable,' Bowes said. 'But my sense is he is going to feel more entitled, which can be problematic. 'We need to keep enough walls up to protect our girls and our family, but to make them permeable enough that he can come in.' 'There are moments when it feels intrusive with Dylan,' said Bowes, who has allowed Stone-Miller to visit twice in the past year. 'Its about us figuring out what boundaries are, as well as him figuring out his boundaries.' Stone-Millers mother, Rebecca Stone, said she doesnt have an answer to why her son is so keen on locating his kids - other than the reason he gave to the Journal: 'I wanted to watch the children grow up.' Now divorced from his dad - who has remarried in Costa Rica - she said he is happy, to see the photos he sends of her biological grandkids. 'I can see facets of Dylan in almost all of the children,' she said. 'So many of them are blond and blue-eyed the way he was. I can see the spark, the spark he always had.' Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney used her celebratory speech at the 2023 Streamy Awards as a chance to call out transphobia - before pledging to toast her win with a beer. Mulvaney, 26, who spent much of the first half of the year embroiled in controversy over her Bud Light partnership - won the gong for Breakthrough Creator at the Sunday night award ceremony which is considered the 'foremost recognition within the creator community.' The trans influencer - dressed in a red satin minidress and matching sparkly kitten heels - gave an acceptance speech pointed at her critics and with a brief reference to the stir she'd caused earlier in the year. 'My life has been changed for the better but also there's been an extreme amount of transphobia and hate and I know that my community is feeling it and I know that even our allies are feeling it,' she said, clutching her award. 'I look around this room and I just see so many amazing allies that have platforms and I think allyship right now needs to look differently. You need to support trans people publicly and proudly,' she added to applause. 'I love you so much, thank you, thank you, I'm gonna go have a beer and... I love ya!' Mulvaney, 26 - who spent much of the first half of the year broiled in a controversy over a partnership with Bud Light - wore a red satin minidress at the Streamies, which are considered the 'foremost recognition within the creator community' Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney called out transphobia and referenced that she was going to celebrate with a beer after being celebrated at the 2023 Streamy Awards on Sunday night Earlier, she presented the best comedy prize alongside actor and digital creator Chris Olsen, with a pre-planned bit that appeared to be a crack at the haters. Olsen began: 'The most important thing when it comes to comedy is...' and Mulvaney immediately interrupted: 'Never look at the comments!' Her co-presenter jibed 'maybe it's timing?' and she responded 'yeah, yeah, timing seems important.' The influencer sported a long blond wig, false eyelashes and a crimson lip to match her outfit as she posed on the red carpet, flashing her midriff in her cutout dress. Mulvaney's comment at the awards may have been a swipe at her critics after her disastrous Bud Light ad cost the company $27billion, triggering corporate layoffs and stripping it of its long-held title of America's favorite beer. Mulvaney posted herself drinking Bud Light at the start of April 2023 using the hashtag #budlightpartner. She posted the content to coincide with the NCAA March Madness tournament, before joking she didn't know what sport she was promoting. Since the April fiasco, Anheuser-Busch scrambled to cling on to its reputation as an all-American company without distancing itself from the LGBTQ groups it has long supported. The brand has neither apologized for the campaign nor has it doubled down on it, with CEO Brendan Whitworth attempting a tightrope of diplomacy in the few interviews he's agreed to since the fallout began. Mulvaney worked with Bud Light in April as part of their March Madness campaign and was gifted a can of the light beer with her face on it which sparked outrage The can was gifted to Mulvaney to celebrate 365 days of 'being a girl,' the phrase she uses to describe her transition from male to female. The partnership drew intense backlash from some quarters, with musician Kid Rock posting a video of himself shooting at cases of Bud Light, and country singers John Rich and Travis Tritt dropping ties with the brand. In April, fresh on the heels of the brand's partnership with Mulvaney, singer Kid Rock declared on Instagram: 'F**k Bud Light! F**k Anheuser-Busch!' He sent his message in an Instagram video that showed him shooting a case of the beers with a semiautomatic rifle. His fans leaped on it, as did others who were irate over the beer's choice to partner up with a transgender activist like Mulvaney. However, earlier in August, Rock was seen swigging from a can of the stuff at a Nashville concert on Thursday four months after leading a voracious boycott against the beer brand. It triggered outrage among drinkers nationwide, who accused Bud Light of trying to force progressive beliefs on them and their favorite brand. The debate over transgender rights is the current hot-button issue in the United States. April: An angry Kid Rock fires bullets into a case of Bud Light in an act of war on Anheuser-Busch Gender-critical feminists oppose letting transgender women into some female-only spaces, such as domestic violence shelters. There is also widespread opposition to trans women competing against biological women in sports, over fears going through male puberty gives them an unfair advantage. While Mulvaney has largely steered clear of these issues, her tie-up with Bud Light appeared to act as a lightning rod for people concerned about progressive ideologies, and gave them a direct means of hurting a brand that backed them. Bud Light has also been dethroned as the top of the beverages by Modelo Especial another Anheuser-Busch brand taking more than $27billion in market value. Modelo surpassed Bud Light's $297 million - which was a 22.8 percent fall in sales compared to the same time last year. They reported an 11 percent increase in sales for the second quarter of this year. The company lost a whopping $390 million in US sales from the partnership. It is the first time since 2001 that Bud Light has not been in the top spot, dethroning its sister brand Budweiser for the 'King of Beer' title in 2001. Amongst the ongoing issues, Anheuser-Busch forced two of its top executives to take a 'leave of absence' following the major marketing blunder and immediately pivoted to a more 'patriotic' series of ads. There were claims that both executives had finally been fired over the fiasco - something which the company deny. VP of marketing Alissa Heinerscheid, 39, and VP for Mainstream Brands Daniel Blake, 34, both took a voluntary leave of absence following the backlash. Anheuser Busch blamed the 'volume decline' of Bud Light for the drop in revenue in its second quarter - with figures showing that total US revenue dropped by 10.5 percent in the April-to-June period compared to a year earlier. Many Americans viewed the partnership with Mulvaney as the final straw in companies inserting politics into consumerism. In a new YouGov poll, which asked 1,468 people, the public approval of the beer slumped so much it fell out of the top ten and into 15th place Anheuser-Busch profits plummeted after the initial scandal. In total, the company is down $40billion The brand's ousted marketing chief Alissa Heinerscheid, 39, said she planned to update the 'fratty' and 'out of touch' branding. VP for Mainstream Brands Daniel Blake, 34, also voluntarily took a leave of absence earlier this year following the controversy Marketing executive Alissa Heinerschneid was largely blamed for the ill-fated social media campaign, that involved Mulvaney receiving a special, one-off can of the beer with her face on it She eventually filmed an Instagram video complaining about the brand. After the Bud Light ad, Target was besieged for its enthusiasm for Pride month, during which stores pushed LGBTQ displays to the front of displays and marketed items like 'tuck friendly swimsuits'. Most recently, Mulvaney was invited to audition for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cabaret - in which Eddie Redmayne is expected to be cast in the male lead. Atlassian's billionaire co-founder has revealed he allows his staff to work from home so they can be more productive and happier as they avoid Sydney's congestion and unaffordable housing. Scott Farquhar, Australia's seventh richest individual worth an estimated $18billion, said a staff member with children who was able to move from a unit on Sydney's lower north shore to a house near the beach in Wollongong. 'It's giving people the freedom to live where they want,' the software giant's co-chief executive told 60 Minutes. 'We have an employee that used to live on the lower north shore of Sydney, lives in an apartment with his children and was just unhappy with the amount of space and the cost of Sydney housing and looked around. 'And once we announced the "Team Anywhere" possibilities - that you could work from anywhere - he then moved to Wollongong and lives in a four-bedroom house, 10 minutes from the beach. 'His kids, in the afternoon, play with the neighbourhood kids and just go running outside and he's totally transformed his life.' Atlassian's billionaire co-founder has revealed he allows staff to work from home so they can avoid Sydney's congestion and unaffordable housing - and be happier (Scott Farquhar is pictured left with his wife Kim Jackson) Sydney is so expensive that an apartment at St Leonards, near the train station on the lower north shore, typically costs $1.2million. But for the same price, it's possible to have a house near the beach at Wollongong, CoreLogic data on median prices showed. Almost half of Atlassian's staff hired since Atlassian's 'Team Anywhere' policy debuted in early 2022 live more than two hours away from company's Sydney headquarters on George Street. Mr Farquhar said allowing staff to work from home meant they were spared a long commute, with those living 25km from the city often spending 40 minutes on the train just getting to work. 'A lot of out staff now live remotely,' he said. 'Those people don't have a commute to and from work so they save hours a day. 'And then they can bring their best selves to work because they can organize their work in and around all the other things that are going on in their life.' Mr Farquhar disputed the idea those working from home were less productive. 'Work is a vocation not a location,' he said. 'We expect people to be able to work from home, from a cafe, from an office but we don't really care where they do their work, what we care about is the output that they produce.' Mr Farquhar, who owns a $130million mansion at Point Piper on Sydney Harbour, admitted he only visited the office once every three months. 'I work from home all the time,' he said. 'I might come into the office about once a quarter. Every three months.' Scott Farquhar, Australia's seventh richest individual worth an estimated $18bilion, said a staff member with children who was able to move from a unit on Sydney's lower north shore to a house near the beach in Wollongong Mr Farquhar, 43, was seventh on The Australian Financial Review's Rich List for 2023 with estimated net worth of $18.2billion, behind follow Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes in sixth place with a $19billion fortune. Bank chief executives have faced a backlash from staff for demanding a return to the office, with Covid lockdowns not a distant memory. Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn, on a $10.4million salary, in May told his 49,000 employees they had to be in the office 50 per cent of the time from July. NAB chief executive Ross McEwan, who was paid $3.89million, demanded his senior staff to return to the bank's headquarters five days a week. A South Australian resident has been left shocked after discovering a severed horse's head dumped on their front doorstep. Police were called to the home on Carsten Drive in Murray Bridge, about an hour's drive from Adelaide, on Sunday evening. A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they are investigating the incident. The rest of the horse's remains are yet to be found. A South Australian resident has been left shocked after discovering a severed horse's head dumped on their front doorstep Police are investigating the incident and said the remains of the horse are yet to be discovered The home is just a few hundred metres from a popular river front and playground reserve and aged care facility. A neighbour said she woke to the sound of news crews on the street before another neighbour told her of the disturbing incident. 'I hope they get the bastards that done it,' she told The Advertiser. Another neighbour said he had left for work from the quiet residential street at 6am unaware of what had happened. 'It's usually such a quiet street, that's why I love living here,' he said. 'I'm shocked to think that's happened here.' The act of dumping a severed horses head has been known to be affiliated with underworld gang activity. The act was made famous in a scene in the 1971 film 'The Godfather', where a corrupt movie producer wakes up to find a horses head in his bed. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the incident has links to underworld crime. Twin sisters have revealed how they tracked down their serial cyberstalker who was posting their nude photos across the internet, and eventually got him sent to federal jail. Madison and Christine Conradis endured a decade of harassment after finding their intimate images posted on 4chan - followed by a series of intimidating messages sent to them by anonymous social media accounts. Despite being turned down by police, the sisters continued their fight - which ended last December. Their cyberstalker - a man they both knew well - was jailed, reports the Washington Post. Christopher Buonocore - who had attended college with the sisters, and even went to one of their weddings - had been the man behind the years-long campaign of harassment, posting six women's intimate images online thousands of times. He was sent to federal prison for 15 years for the crimes. But it was only possible thanks to the twin sisters' dogged intuition, internet sleuthing, and determination to help other women in their position. Madison and Christine Conradis endured a decade of harassment after finding their intimate images posted on 4chan - followed by a series of intimidating messages sent to them by anonymous social media accounts Justice was served thanks to the twin sisters' dogged intuition, internet sleuthing, and determination to help other women in their position Christopher Buonocore - who had attended college with the sisters, and even went to one of their weddings - had been the man behind the years-long campaign of harassment, posting six women's intimate images online thousands of times Madison found out 10 years ago, when she was 24-years-old, that her nude images were being spread on lawless website 4chan. The pictures were also being sent to her father, her friends, and her boss. Despite the harassment, Madison was told by police in Madison, Florida, that what she was experiencing wasn't criminal and there was nothing to be done. But as the torment continued and Madison received Facebook messages from anonymous accounts demanding new photos, her sister Christine who had just passed the bar decided to step in where law enforcement had failed to help. In 2016, Madison also started dating her new boyfriend Jeffrey Geiger. During a trip to Florida Keys, she posted a sunset on her Snapchat story - that was viewed by 39 people. The next morning, she got a message from one of the anonymous harassment accounts saying: 'You guys having a great time in the keys I see.' Madison scoured the 39 names who saw the photo and honed in on one - Christopher Buonocore. A year later, when Madison's relationship with Geiger was breaking down, she realized new images of her were being posted on 4chan. They were nude images she had sent her boyfriend. Boudoir images of Christine, that she had sent to her husband, were also being posted. Geiger had had access to them via Dropbox. It was at this point that the twins confronted Geiger - who allegedly confessed to getting in touch with the anonymous harassing accounts and sent them the new nude images of his girlfriend and her sister. Geiger left a handwritten note for Christine, a copy of which she included in the court records: 'I am an idiot and don't deserve your sister. I'm not asking you to forget or look past what I did. The sisters would receive eerie texts from anonymous accounts threatening to spread their images further As the torment continued and Madison received Facebook messages from anonymous accounts demanding new photos, her sister Christine who had just passed the bar, decided to step in where law enforcement had failed to help. In September 2018, the sisters filed a lawsuit against Geiger and 'John Doe,' claiming invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress 'I'm just hoping one day you'll forgive me. I swear on everyone I love that I was only trying to help.' In September 2018, the sisters filed a civil lawsuit against Geiger and 'John Doe,' claiming invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Crucially, their main goal was to open discovery - which would allow them to subpoena 4chan and obtain the IP addresses to expose John Doe - the person who Geiger had sent the pictures to and subsequently uploaded their nudes to the website. On their own accord, the sisters started tracking and noticing quirks in punctuation and spelling on the 4chan posts to see if there were any common similarities to see if their stalker was also doing this to other women. Christine and Madison realized that one person with the same username seemed to be behind other malicious nude posts of four other women. When the twins looked up those women on Facebook, they saw they all had one connection in common, Chris Buonocore. Buonocore, from Long Island, went to the Florida Institute of Technology with Christine and was a member of the same fraternity as Christines future husband. He had attended Christine's wedding in March 2017 - at the height of the harassment. Madison told the Washington Post: 'I never even had interactions with him at their wedding at all, but he was definitely there.' The sisters then dug into who the four other victims were. One was Buonocore's ex-girlfriend, another was his underage relative, the third was his childhood friend, and the fourth was his ex-fiancee. The ex-girlfriend told the sisters she had been enduring his sexual harassment since 2013, and she also tried to get the 4chan photos of herself taken down. Buonocore's relative was 14 years old in 2016, when he shared photos of her in her school uniform on 4chan. He asked fellow users for advice on how to trick her into sending him nudes. He said he wanted to have sex with her, according to the plea agreement. In one post, he wrote, 'I have a strong desire to watch [her] get raped,' and he offered to pay someone to do it, the plea agreement seen by WaPo said. The third victim, Buonocore's childhood friend, said that he had somehow got a photo of her bare chested when she was 15, and he spread it online, documents say. The fourth woman was Buonocore's ex-fiancee. After they split up, he posted intimate photos of her online - and she only found out when she was contacted by the twins. Still being turned down by law enforcement, Christine used her new attorney knowledge and prepared a 59-page document explaining the entire case. It included all the evidence they found for all six women, and included ways to get around the tight legal restrictions that police departments were consistently turning them down for. Using the docket, all the women demanded a criminal investigation from their respective investigators. At his trial in November 2021 in Tampa, US District Judge Thomas Barber sentenced Buonocore to 15 years in federal prison In Manatee County, Florida, the case was finally passed up to federal investigators, and in July 2019, the FBI took over on behalf because the evidence showed that this was a case of interstate cyberstalking. Months later, thanks to their previous civil case, Madison and Christine also got a final, crucial piece of information. They received the IP addresses and contact details of the 4chan poster. In April 2020, internet providers confirmed it was Christopher Buonocore who was posting the intimate images. The civil case concluded with the sisters settling with Geiger for an undisclosed amount, and the judge ordering Buonocore to remove and destroy the images of Madison and Christine. As for the criminal case, the US attorney for the Middle District of Florida charged Buonocore with six counts of cyberstalking in December 2020 - since there was no federal criminalization for revenge porn. He pleaded guilty to all counts. At his trial in November 2021 in Tampa, US District Judge Thomas Barber sentenced Buonocore to 15 years in federal prison. This was four years more than the prosecutor had even asked for - and far more than the plea deal Buonocore was trying to strike. Jimmy Thyden was last in his mother's arms 42 years ago as a newborn child. In the next moment, he was taken away by a hospital worker who passed him on to child traffickers as part of a scandal that rocked Chile for decades. Now, the pair have been reunited - and embraced with a tearful hug. Jimmy, 42, wept as he embraced his mother, Maria Angelica Gonzalez, during their first ever face-to-face meeting at her home in Valdivia, Chile on August 17. 'Hola, mama. I love you very much,' he was heard saying to her through tears. His once-lost family greeted him, and for the first time in decades, he was reunited with his blood relatives, made up of his mother, four brothers and a sister. Jimmy, a criminal defense attorney from Ashburn, Virginia, was greeted with 42 balloons, to signify the time he spent separated from his Chilean family: 'There is an empowerment in popping those balloons, empowerment in being there with your family to take inventory of all that was lost.' Jimmy Thyden (pictured, right) hugged his mother for the first time since they were separated following his birth 41 years ago Maria Angelica Gonzalez (pictured, left) was told by hospital workers that Jimmy had died at birth Jimmy shed tears as he hugged his brother Pablo Leiva Gonzalez at their home in Chile But his brother Jonathan Gonzalez grinned as he reunited with Jimmy, a criminal defense attorney He was also seen tightly hugging two of his long-lost brothers, Pablo Leiva Gonzalez and Jonathan Gonzalez. The attorney, who brought his wife Johannah, and their two daughters, Ebba Joy, 8, left, and Betty Grace, 5, with him, was overwhelmed by the meeting. 'It knocked the wind out of me. I was suffocated by the gravity of this moment,' he said in an interview after the meeting. 'How do you hug someone in a way that makes up for 42 years of hugs?' He recounted the first time he spoke to his long-lost mother: 'Mijo (son) you have no idea the oceans I've cried for you. The family greeted him at their home in Chile with 42 balloons, signifying the number of years they were separated They were reunited thanks to the work of Chilean charity Nos Buscamos How many nights I've laid awake praying that God let me live long enough to learn what happened to you.' Jimmy and Angelica were reunited decades after they were separated after he began reading news stories of Chilean-born adoptees who were reunited with their birth families. He reached out to Chilean non-profit Nos Buscamos, which specialises in investigating family links and reuniting separated family members. Jimmy was adopted by an American couple, who he says did not know he was the victim of human trafficking Jimmy only reached out to his long-lost Chilean family after he saw news articles of Chileans being reunited with their own families Jimmy was prematurely born in a hospital in Chile's capital, Santiago, 42 years ago The charity's sleuths found out that Thyden, a former marine, was prematurely born in a hospital in Chile's capital, Santiago, and was placed in an incubator. His mother was told to leave the hospital, but when she returned for Jimmy, hospital staff lied to her, telling the distraught mother that he had died and that his body had been disposed of, according to the charity's case file. Nos Buscamos believes that Jimmy was one of tens of thousands of victims of child trafficking abuses that took place in the 1970s and 1980s during the reign of fascist dictator General Augusto Pinochet. The charity believes that thousands of children were illegally taken from their families and sent across the world to be adopted by wealthy people looking to start a family. 'The real story was these kids were stolen from poor families, poor women that didn't know. They didn't know how to defend themselves,' said Constanza del Rio, founder and director and Nos Buscamos. Jimmy revealed that his adoptive parents, who declined to be interviewed, were also victims as they did not know that he had been forcibly taken. 'My parents wanted a family but they never wanted it like this. Not at the extortion of another, the robbing of another,' he said. He recognised that he was one of the lucky few who got to meet his blood family, and called on governments to recognise and investigate the problem. Jimmy ended up meeting with the Chilean ambassador to the US, Juan Gabriel Valdes, to try and get his government to recognise how deep the counterfeit adoption problem was. Thyden also met with Juan Gabriel Valdes, the Chilean ambassador to the United States, to seek government recognition of the pervasiveness of the adoption scheme. He said there was no mechanism, financial or otherwise, to assist Chilean adoptees in their efforts to visit their home country. He said he sold a truck to pay for his family's plane tickets and other expenses. 'People need to be able to decide what their name is going to be, where their citizenship is going to be. They should have access to both. 'They should have all the rights and privileges of a Chilean citizen because this is a thing that happened to them, not that they chose.' The Chilean Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. by Sanchita Bhattacharya Independent voices of journalists, reporters and media personnel continued to be trampled across Pakistan, with the state, its proxies and extremist elements resorting to violence and intimidation. On August 12, 2023, Jan Muhammad Mahar, a reporter of a Sindhi-language cable television network KTN News, was shot dead in an armed attack by unidentified assailants in the Sukkur District of Sindh. Mahar was in his car when he was attacked, close to his office. According to Media sources, Mahar fearlessly reported on diverse subjects, shedding light on matters of societal and political significance. File Photo of disposed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan On August 7, 2023, Ghulam Asghar Khand, a journalist working for Sobh, a Pakistani daily newspaper in the Sindhi language, was killed by an unidentified assailant in the Ahmedpur area of the Khairpur District of Sindh. Police said that one unidentified assailant opened fire on Khand when he was going to the Press Club, from his home. Various reports indicate that Khand had reported on illegal activities in Amedpur before his death. On April 28, 2022, 7 News channel reporter Zia-Ur-Rehman Farooqi succumbed to his bullet wounds in Khanewal District of Punjab province. Several assailants stopped and threatened a car carrying media reporters, including Zia-Ur-Rehman Farooqi. Armed individuals opened fire on the journalists, hitting Zia-Ur-Rehman in the head. The other journalists in the car managed to escape unharmed, while the assailants fled the scene. He was suspectedly attacked for his critical reporting on land grabbing schemes in the area. On February 18, 2022, private TV channel Samaas Senior Producer Athar Mateen was shot dead in an armed attack on his car in the North Nazimabad area of Karachi. Two robbers were looting a local at gunpoint when, in an attempt to prevent the robbery, Athar Mateen was killed. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) database, the first incident of killing of journalist inside Pakistan after March 2000, was recorded on September 1, 2001, when Asadullah Khan, a reporter for the Kashmir Press International (KPI) news agency, was shot dead at Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Asad was on his way by his motorcycle and, near the Pir Bukhari Mazar, unknown armed men intercepted and shot him dead. Since then, according to partial data collated by SATP, at least 69 journalists have been killed and another 28 injured in Pakistan, in 91 incidents (data till August 27, 2023). These numbers are probable underestimations. The Committee to Protect Journalists lists 90 journalists and media workers killed in Pakistan between 2000 and 2021. Worryingly, the violence towards journalists has been projected beyond Pakistans borders. On October 23, 2022, Arshad Sharif, who was critical of Pakistans Army, was killed when Police shot at his car on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Subsequently, on December 7, 2022, a team of Pakistani investigators stated in a report that Arshads killing was a planned assassination. The 49-year-old journalist was living in exile after he fled Pakistan in August 2022, to avoid arrest in the wake of numerous cases, including sedition charges, slapped against him for making comments on his Talk Show Power Play, aired on ARY News channel, deemed offensive to the military. Earlier, Sajid Hussain, a Baloch rights activist and journalist from Pakistan, living under political asylum in Sweden, was found missing on March 2, 2020, from Sweden. As he had been forced to flee Pakistan in 2012, after his investigative journalism attracted frequent death threats, Hussain travelled from Oman to Dubai, to Uganda, finally settling in Sweden. His body was later found in the Fyris River in Uppsala on April 23, 2020. Hussain, was working part-time as a professor in Uppsala University, and was also the Chief Editor of Balochistan Times, an online magazine he had set up, in which he wrote about abductions, drug trafficking and the long-running insurgency in Balochistan. Meanwhile, apart from these killings, the abduction, torture and intimidation of journalists in Pakistan have also broken the spirit of media professionals. Some of the recent incidents of abduction include: July 8, 2023: Daily Jungs senior journalist, Syed Muhammad Askari, was picked up from near the Qayyumabad KPT Interchange on Korangi Road in Karachi. Askaris car was intercepted without any reason by masked men, while he was returning from a ceremony. Askari introduced himself and told them that he is a reporter for Daily Jung, but he was taken away and beaten up. He returned to his home after more than 24 hours. May 24, 2023: Senior journalist Sami Abraham of BOL TV was abducted by unidentified men in Islamabad. Abrahams abduction was dramatic as his car was intercepted by four vehicles after he left the BOL TV office and nearly ten men took him away. He returned a week later. April 28, 2023: Irfan Kalhoro, a local news reporter for Dharti in Sindh, was abducted, tortured, and later arrested in the Pano Aqil District of Sindh province. In the evening Abdullah Chachar, a government employee, along with approximately 15 to 20 armed men, forcibly entered and ransacked Kalhoros house, detained and tortured him. On his release, instead of acting against the perpetrators, Police officers at Pano Aqil Police Station lodged an FIR against him and arrested him. April 20, 2023: Gohar Wazir, President of Bannus National Press Club and a journalist for a privately owned Pashto television channel, was abducted and held in an unknown location for over 30 hours by unidentified assailants. Wazir was reportedly tortured and suffered electric shocks during his illegal confinement. The detentions of journalists often go unexplained, leaving the families of the victims wondering for months or even years whether their loved one was killed in something as commonplace as a hit-and-run accident or secretly detained by the security forces. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has produced a moderately vibrant media sector that represents a diversity of political views and opinions. Nevertheless, in recent years, successive governments and the military establishment alike have curtailed media freedom in ways that threaten pluralism and journalistic independence in the country. Over the past decade, the Press has been progressively restrained by different means: new legal mechanisms; physical coercion and violence against journalists; and media blackouts. Freedom Network, a Pakistan-based media watchdog, recorded at least 140 cases of threats and attacks against journalists, media professionals and media organisations between May 2022 and March 2023. The data shows that violations jumped to 140 in 2022-23 from 86 in 2021-22, indicating an annual increase of around 63 per cent. Freedom Network further noted, The main types of violations against the journalists were 51 cases (36 per cent) of assault, 21 cases (15 per cent) of attacks that resulted in damage to equipment, homes of journalists or offices of news organizations, and 14 cases (10 per cent) of offline or online threats, including seven death threats. Together these three types of violations accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total 140 cases. Islamabad emerged as the riskiest place to practice journalism in Pakistan with 40 per cent of the violations (56 out of total 140 cases). Punjab was second worst with 25 per cent of the violations (35 cases) and Sindh a close third at 23 per cent (32 cases). TV was the largest victim medium with at least 97 (69 per cent) of the 140 cases against its practitioners. The second most targeted medium was print with 26 journalists targeted (19 per cent) while digital journalists were attacked or threatened in 15 cases (11 per cent). Journalists and media personnel faced a fresh spate of attack during the political turmoil surrounding former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khans arrest. Amid widespread protests and political instability, Pakistani authorities imposed internet shutdowns and blocked social media platforms, while protestors and Khans supporters targeted journalists in violent attacks. Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023, by paramilitary troops on corruption charges. A day after, on May 10, about 200 demonstrators stormed the building housing Radio Pakistan, the state-owned radio station in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They ransacked the reception area and smashed furniture in several studios. The mob later set fire to the building, destroying computer equipment and the stations historical recordings and three vehicles in the compound. The day before, reporters trying to cover the protests in Peshawar were also attacked by demonstrators. Khan was released by the Supreme Court on May 11, but was re-arrested again on August 5, 2023, and is currently serving a three-year jail sentence for asset concealment. Pakistani journalists have long faced serious obstacles to their work, including abduction, harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrest and detention, and death. Moreover, security forces regularly pressure editors to fire or muzzle reporters, while the government starves critical news outlets of advertising funds, and even refuses to settle previous bills. Anchors have frequently seen their newscasts or programmes cut off in the middle of a broadcast. The state of affairs in Pakistan has consistently prevented free information from flowing via the media. The risk of being recognised, identified, and assassinated as a free-thinking and fearless journalist is extremely high. Additionally, the fear of complicated governmental rules creates a climate of constant danger for both media outlets and journalists, particularly when covering critical political or anti-establishment stories, or terrorism-related incidents in the country. Sanchita Bhattacharya is a Research Fellow at Institute for Conflict Management in New Delhi, India A toxicologist has revealed the horrific symptoms of death cap mushroom poisoning after the deaths of three people suspected of consuming the deadly ingredient. Gail and Don Patterson, along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, died after eating a beef wellington lunch at Leongatha, in Victoria's Gippsland region, on July 29. Ms Wilkinson's husband Ian also ate the meal and remains fighting for life in hospital. The two couples had been invited to the home of the Pattersons' former daughter-in-law Erin Patterson, who claims she also ate the meal but escaped serious illness. Gail Patterson and Ms Wilkinson died on August 4, while Don Patterson passed away the following day. Police believe the meal may have contained lethal death cap mushrooms. Forensic toxicologist Dr Michael Robertson has revealed the unbearable illness that can strike people who consume the poisonous mushrooms - and how they cruelly start to feel better before their body begins to fully shut down. Don and Gail Patterson (pictured) died a week after attending the beef wellington lunch from suspected mushroom poisoning Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson became severely ill after they ate wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson died earlier this month while her husband remains in a critical condition in hospital The two couples had been invited to the home of the Pattersons' former daughter-in-law Erin Patterson, who claims she also ate the meal but escaped serious illness He told Channel Nine's Under Investigation, victims usually start to feel unwell several hours after ingesting death cap mushrooms. 'We've heard about the violent vomiting and diarrhoea and that first phase can be quite debilitating in itself,' he said. He said the victim then starts to feel better and may believe the worst is over. But even once the toxic matter leaves the body, it is still slowly shutting down. 'It's one of those toxins that gets into your system,' he said. 'It gets absorbed into the bloodstream, it then gets transported to the liver and absorbed. The body doesn't break this toxin down. 'We've got to get rid of it usually in the urine but also in the bile, and the bile duct drops bile back into the intestines. 'It's triggering basically the death of the liver cells.' Dr Robertson said it was possible those who ate the death cap mushrooms may have gone into comas. 'It would've been horrible if they remained conscious,' he said. 'They may have gone into a coma, if they remained conscious certainly that first day would've been absolutely horrific.' His thoughts were echoed by mycologist Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp. 'One of the things that happen with toxicity is when you start vomiting, you can also partially be hallucinating,' the fungus researcher told the program. Forensic toxicologist, Dr Michael Robertson, revealed the unbearable illness those who are unlucky enough to consume the mushrooms can be struck down with 'Mushroom poisoning is so nasty because we don't really have an anecdote. 'On a DNA level you're regurgitating the toxin but slowly and consistently your liver dissolves.' Ms Patterson has claimed the lethal lunch was made with a mixture of button mushrooms from a supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store in Melbourne. She then portioned the meal onto plates and allowed her guests to pick their own. Ms Patterson said she took the last remaining plate and ate a serving, later handing the leftovers to hospital toxicologists for examination. She said ter two children also ate the beef wellington the following day, but with the mushrooms removed. Ms Patterson's estranged husband Simon was also invited to the lunch but pulled out at the last minute. Victoria Police's Homicide Squad is investigating the deaths with Ms Patterson a person of interest in the investigation as she cooked the fatal lunch. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Ms Patterson is responsible for the deaths. An Australian writer who has been detained by the Chinese government for four years has raised fears he will die in prison after a 10cm cyst was found on his kidney. Pro-democracy blogger Yang Hengjun has been imprisoned on espionage charges since January 2019. He was immediately detained after arriving at Guangzhou Airport while on his way to visit his sick brother. The Chinese-born Australian citizen faced a closed-door trial in Beijing in May 2021 and has been languishing in a cell since. No verdict has been disclosed. News of Mr Hengjun's health condition comes two weeks before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in India. Australian writer, Yang Hengjun (pictured), who has been jailed by the Chinese Government has raised fears that he will die in prison after a 10cm cyst was found on his kidney 'If something happens with my health and I die in here, people outside won't know the truth,' Dr Yang said in a statement that was passed on through his supporters. 'That is frustrating. If something happens to me, who can speak for me?' Mr Yang has been dealing with kidney issues for about 18 months, revealing he first believed the pains were muscle strains. The on-site doctor told Mr Yang that, despite the cyst being about the same size as a kidney, if it doesn't split or bleed then no medical assistance is required. Mr Yang's supporters believe that he will not receive any medical help raising fears he could die from kidney failure. They have urgently called for three demands to be met before it is too late. The demands include the release of Mr Yang's full medical examination report, an Australian-supervised medical team to treat Mr Yang off-site and Mr Yang to be released on medical parole. 'Our thoughts are with Dr Yang Jun, and we share the deep concerns of his friends and family about the ongoing delays in his case,' a spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong told Australian Financial Review. 'The Australian government has consistently advocated for Dr Yangs interests and wellbeing, and for him to be reunited with his family. 'His case has been raised at every opportunity with the Chinese government, including by the prime minister and foreign minister.' The Opposition has called upon Mr Albanese not to travel to China until both Mr Yang and Australian journalist, Cheng Lei, are released from prison. Ms Lei is an Australian journalist who has spent more than 1,000 days behind bars in Beijing. Mr Yang's supporters have called upon Mr Albanese (pictured, left) to have Mr Yang released to Australia under medical parole under fears he will not receive the medical care he needs Mr Albanese views a visit to China as an opportunity to personally introduce a request to relinquish them from detention. In a 2021 message to his supporters, Mr Yang wrote that he had been tortured and interrogated. 'The first six months... was a really bad period. They tortured me,' he wrote in the message. 'I've already been held in a place worse than prison for over two years now.' Mr Yang said he was 'tired and confused' during his trial, in which he 'didn't have the spirit to speak enough.' 'I only spoke for three-five minutes. My own defence was not so good,' he said. He has been held in prison despite not knowing the verdict of his own trial, as the Chinese government continues to grant three-month extensions to the release of the verdict. The current extension expires on October 9. Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest threw a 'surreal' bash for 700 of Australia's elite deep in Western Australia's Pilbara desert to celebrate his mining company's 20th anniversary - as his estranged wife made her first public comments since their shock split last month. The billionaire chartered a fleet of Qantas jets to fly his well-heeled guests to Fortescue Metals Group's Solomon mine in remote WA near the town of Tom Price on Saturday where they were treated to a performance by Jimmy Barnes and a 'spectacular' drone light show. Twiggy entered the purpose-built outdoor arena on an enormous tip truck, waving a huge company flag while Thunderstruck by AC/DC blared out into the warm desert air. 'It was totally surreal - like a magical mystery tour,' one guest told Daily Mail Australia. Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest (pictured), who was dressed in a cream linen suit paired with a stylish cravat, reportedly stayed up until 2.30am after throwing a lavish bash for 700 of Australia's elite in Western Australia's Pilbara desert to celebrate his mining company's 20th anniversary Twiggy entered the purpose-built outdoor arena on an enormous tip truck, waving a huge company flag while Thunderstruck by AC/DC blared out into the warm desert air (pictured) Rocker Jimmy Barnes (pictured) reportedly had the crowd of big money bankers and mining executives dancing to his blue-collar anthem Working Class Man But the event was marked by one major omission: Twiggy's wife and business partner Nicola Forrest was not in attendance, following the shock announcement of their split last month. 'She was notably absent and that was certainly remarked upon by the guests,' the source said. 'But on the surface it was all very nice and amicable.' Ms Forrest, who is now Fortescue's largest shareholder, did, however, make a brief appearance via video message broadcast on giant outdoor screens. Political operator Warren Mundine, who was in attendance and wore a 'No' campaign T-shirt at the event, said it was 'good' to hear from Ms Forrest as he is 'great mates with both of them'. 'Her (Nicola's) video message was about the struggles to get Fortescue up and running in the beginning and how successful it had been - and thanking all of the people who had been involved,' Mr Mundine told Daily Mail Australia. 'The whole thing was pretty spectacular and a brilliant celebration,' he added. 'It was good to catch up with a whole heap of people I haven't seen in a while as well as catching up with Andrew.' Businessman Warren Mundine told Daily Mail Australia is was 'pretty spectacular and a brilliant celebration'. (Mr Mundine is pictured at the event with Sky News host Laura Jayes) Media identity, Eddie McGuire (pictured, right), with businessman David Franca Twiggy pictured with Chinese Consul General in Perth, Long Dingbin. There were many 'Perthonalities' at the event, a guest told Daily Mail Australia - people considered celebrities in Perth but not elsewhere in the country The children of Australia's richest couple - Grace, Sophia, Matilda and Sydney - also recorded video messages. Anthony Albanese and former prime ministers John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull all sent their own messages, while guests also heard from former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. Gene Simmons, the KISS co-frontman, even sent his greetings. Other famous in-person guests included billionaire fast-food mogul Jack Cowin, prominent investor Alex Waislitz, Harris Farm founder Catherine Harris, AFL and Nine host Eddie McGuire and Optus chief Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. Less illustrious guests included Kwasi Kwarteng: the UK's second shortest-serving Chancellor ever. The event was marked by one major omission: Twiggy's wife and business partner Nicola Forrest (pictured, right) was not in attendance, following the shock announcement of their split last month Guests included billionaires Jack Cowin and Alex Waislitz, Harris Farm Markets chairperson Cath Harris, AFL and media identity Eddie McGuire and Optus chief Kelly Bayer Rosmarin 'There were also quite a few 'Perthonalities': people who are considered big names in Perth but no one else has heard of them,' a source told Daily Mail Australia. Jimmy Barnes got the crowd of big money bankers and mining executives dancing to his blue-collar anthem 'Working Class Man'. Coldplay was initially asked to headline the event but pulled out when Mr Forrest wouldn't meet their fee. The rockers told organisers they would only travel out for $10million - a bridge too far even for Mr Forrest. The event's MC was former Wallabies and the Bachelor star Nick 'Honey Badger' Cummins, who labelled his host the 'Big Twig'. In the more sombre moments, Mr Forrest told guests mining giants like himself had a duty to lead the charge against the 'lethal humidity' caused by climate change. 'It's not consumers... it's big industry like mine, we're the ones that need to change, how we produce our iron ore, the steel you need for your cars,' said Mr Forrest, according to the Australian Financial Review. The event's MC was former Wallabies and Bachelor star Nick 'Honey Badger' Cummins (above), who labelled his host the 'Big Twig' Fortescue employees and other revellers soak up the 'party in the Pilbara' Mr Forrest told guests mining giants like himself had a duty to lead the charge against the 'lethal humidity' caused by climate change The official event was followed by an after-party that went into the small hours for those unwilling to return to their 'dongas' - the mining cabins guests were put up in for the night. Twiggy, who was dressed in a cream linen suit paired with a stylish cravat, was reportedly up until 2.30am. Fortescue Metals Group announced on Monday, two days after the event, that the group's CEO, Fiona Hick, had quit after less than six months after starting the role, in a 'friendly and mutual' decision'. Three-quarters of the mine reportedly sits on land owned by the Yindjibarndi people, the traditional owners of the land. The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation is seeking $1 billion in royalties and compensation for Fortescue's mining in the region. Fortescue, which has separately struck deals with the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, is fighting the case. Suella Braverman insisted the Bibby Stockholm is safe today despite a union threatening a legal challenge over 'serious' fire risks. The Home Secretary pointed out that the barge moored off Dorset has been used as accommodation numerous times before. She said Channel migrants will be moved back on board as soon as 'processes' are complete - although she declined to say when that would be. Ms Braverman dismissed complaints from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) as a part of a 'political attack' on the government's policies. But she also admitted in a round of interviews that she was 'disappointed' at the debacle over Legionella being found in the water supply. 'I believe the barge is safe,' Ms Braverman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'This barge has accommodated people in the past - asylum seekers, oil rig workers and barges of this kind have been used to accommodate asylum seekers, for example in Scotland, so I'm very confident that this barge is safe for human habitation. 'We followed all of the advice and protocols in anticipation of embarkation.' The Fire Brigade Union said it had been 'sounding the alarm' for weeks over 'serious fire and operational concerns' on the Bibby Stockholm (pictured) The 506-bed Bibby Stockholm will have to remain unoccupied until later this month and possibly into September following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in its water system. Pictured: People thought to be asylum seekers boarding the Bibby Stockholm on August 8 There are fears the 506-bed Bibby Stockholm will remain empty well into September, after the discovery of Legionella bacteria in its water system for the evacuation of asylum seekers just days after they were embarked. The FBU has sent a 'pre-action protocol letter' to Ms Braverman outlining its concerns over safety aboard the vessel moored in Dorset's Portland Port. The union previously branded the giant barge, initially designed for about 200 people but modified to house 500 migrants, a 'potential death trap'. FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: 'The Fire Brigades Union is the professional voice of firefighters, and we have a duty to make our voices heard on matters of fire safety, especially when politicians let our members and the wider public down. 'We have been sounding the alarm about the Bibby Stockholm for weeks. 'It is disgraceful that the Home Secretary is not even willing to meet us to discuss these concerns. 'Throughout this episode, the government has displayed a lack of transparency and a callous disregard for the safety of both firefighters and those who are due to be housed on the barge.' The union are demanding a response by 4pm on Thursday after a previous request for a meeting with the Home Secretary was turned down. The discovery of Legionella led to the removal of all 39 migrants from the barge at Portland in Dorset earlier this month. The barge is part of the Government's bid to reduce the 6million-a-day cost of placing 50,000 Channel migrants in hotels. Dorset Council said Home Office contractors were told about traces of Legionella on Monday last week the day the first asylum seekers were moved onto the vessel. Mr Wrack continued: 'Fires do not discriminate based on immigration status, and neither can fire safety regulations. 'Everyone, no matter where they are from, has the right to live in safe and decent accommodation, and firefighters have the right to expect that they will not be recklessly endangered. 'This is an industrial issue for the Fire Brigades Union, as our members are the ones expected to respond to any fire aboard the Bibby Stockholm. We have therefore decided to move towards a legal challenge on this matter.' Britain's asylum backlog topped 175,000 for the first time after 78,768 claims were made in the year to June, Home Office figures revealed last week. A total of 175,457 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June 2023, up 44% from 122,213 at the end of June 2022. This was the highest figure since current records began in 2010. But the Fire Brigade Union's claims the Home Office failed to arrange fire drills for asylum seekers or adequate risk assessments of the Bibby Stockholm. They said: 'The [home secretary] has decided to crowd in an additional 284 people by using single rooms for double occupancy, and creating rooms for four or six persons to sleep in (presumably by converting other spaces). 'The decision of the [home secretary] therefore creates an apparently entirely new, and highly dangerous accommodation arrangement, in which 506 traumatised asylum seekers may face a fire or hazardous materials emergency and need to evacuate the barge as an emergency, while being entirely untrained in fire safety, without even having undertaken fire drills. This situation is inherently unsafe.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'The health and welfare of asylum seekers remains of the utmost priority. 'The Bibby Stockholm successfully completed all fire and safety checks ahead the first individuals boarding. The vessel completed a statutory inspection and refurbishment before undergoing final preparations to accommodate asylum seekers.' Lemieux - who was pulled from teaching in April - insists the breasts are natural but has been photographed without them when not in the classroom A transgender teacher put on unpaid leave because of attention garnered by her prosthetic Z-cup breasts has landed a new job at another school - which has forced the principal to boost security. Kayla Lemieux will be teaching at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Ontario, where parents were warned the high school could soon be subjected to 'protests' and 'disruptions' over her hiring. Lemieux - who insists her breasts are natural but has been photographed without them when not in the classroom - previously worked at nearby Oakville Trafalgar High, but saw her tenure cut short after photos of her buxom prosthetics surfaced. As district staffers grappled with how to deal with the intersex instructor, parents lined up to decry the local school board for its failure to impose a dress code on Lemieux sooner, before suspending and pulling her from their faculty. That same school board presides over Lemieux's new employer, which, according to its principal, will boost security as a result of the woman's hiring. Measures meant to protect students, he said, will include special entry and exit plans, and the required use of an intercom to enter and exit building. Kayla Lemieux, the transgender high school teacher in Canada, has been put on paid leave after pictures emerged of her dressed as a man proving she does not wear the prosthetics all the time In a memo sent out this month by brass at Loading Enable Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Ontario (seen here), staffers warned the high school would likely soon be subject to 'protests' and 'disruptions' over their decision to hire the intersex The Toronto Sun was the first to report the news, which comes some four months after Lemieux was put on leave. The outlet was able to obtain the memo, penned by the Canadian secondary school's Principal Tom Fisher, before kids were set to return to class Monday. In it, Fisher reportedly conceded Lemieux's 'gender expression' was 'recently the subject of public attention', before stating his high school has a responsibility to 'uphold individual rights and treat everyone with dignity and respect.' The principal proceeded to point to the mass of media attention school officials are likely set to be subjected to, saying the school is committed to communicating with parents should there be any 'disruptions or protests' this time around. 'Should the school be subject to any disruptions or protests,' the memo continued, 'we are committed to communicating with you as openly and as frequently as possible to ensure student safety and to share any operational plans,' Fisher would then lay out what appeared to be a tentatively laid plan for how students should conduct themselves ahead of Lemieux's arrival - including having them 'enter and exit the building using assigned doors at entry and dismissal.' Another stipulation aired in the unconfirmed correspondence - one markedly more abnormal even in the school shooting-stricken US - is that all students 'use an intercom system to enter and exit the building.' Visitors, the memo said, would be subject to that policy as well. Lemieux previously worked at nearby Oakville Trafalgar High - which is governed by the same school board - but saw her tenure cut short after photos of her buxom prosthetics surfaced earlier this year Lemieux - who was pulled from teaching in April - insists the breasts are natural but has been photographed without them when not in the classroom Other requirements reportedly included that parents 'email or call before coming to the school if they wish to visit to speak to an employee', 'locking exterior doors during school hours,' and 'only using the front main doors' when school is in session. Lemieux has insisted her breasts are natural - a result of a condition called 'gigantomastia'. However, after more media scrutiny, she admitted she has never received a formal medical diagnosis for the exceedingly rare condition. Lemieux also claims to be intersex - meaning the teacher was born with both male and female sex organs. But her account was called into question when pictures emerged appearing to show her dressed as a man - without the large prosthetics and blonde wig. The images were the reason for the eventual suspension, the Toronto Sun reported at the time. Up until then she had the full backing of her schoolboard who said the issue was a 'personnel matter', and students were even threatened with suspension if they were caught taking pictures or videos of her. At a board meeting the day after she was put on leave in March, Lemieux was not mentioned by name as parents, teachers and board members voted on the school's 'professionalism' policies. At several times HDSB chair Margo Shuttleworth - who previously defended Lemieux as an 'extremely effective teacher' - had to quieten noise and applause from parents, asking them to keep their 'comments inside their head.' One delegate, named Lynn, poured cold water on the board's previous suggestion that telling Lemieux how to dress would be illegal. Lemieux has made headlines multiple times and began transitioning from male to female in 2021 Students shared videos of Lemieux in other schools while she recovered from a foot injury, showing her walking with crutches She cited a piece from Ontario employment lawyer Howard Levitt who said the schoolboard did have the power to ban the teacher's outrageous outfits but suggested they were too scared to do so. Lemieux has made headlines multiple times and began transitioning from male to female in 2021. In December, David Menzies, a host with the right-wing Canadian news outlet Rebel Media, spoke about Lemieux being removed from a theater, in an appearance on Tucker Carlson's Fox News show. Menzies also discussed the incident in a November episode of his show. At the time he said of Lemieux's presence at the dance recital: 'This is so gross. This is so disturbing. This is so despicable.' During the same episode, Menzies said that he brought a camera crew to Lemieux's condo. He said that he witnessed Lemieux removing her breasts and wig while at home. In October, Menzies attended a meeting of the Halton School District School Board, where Lemieux teaches at Oakville Trafalgar High School, as the character 'Mammary Menzies' equipped with extremely large prosthetic breasts. Menzies brought with him a petition calling for the school board to be terminated over Lemieux's continued employment. He was eventually removed from the meeting by a police officer. In November, Lemieux was pictured skydiving with a male porn star named Voodoo, whose real name is Alexandre Boisvert. Voodoo said that he was only focused on jumping out of the plane, and discussing his personal feelings about transgender people with Lemieux would be counterproductive to their safety. In November, Lemieux was pictured skydiving with a male porn star named Voodoo, whose real name is Alexandre Boisvert Voodoo said he was only focused on jumping out of the plane, and discussing his personal feelings about transgender people with Lemieux would be counterproductive to their safety In his bio, Voodoo describes himself as 'THE CONSERVATIVE PORNSTAR SKYDIVER' He also stressed that Lemieux did not know who he was either. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail at the time, Voodoo said: 'I had no idea I was taking the controversial transgender school teacher until they showed up to the drop zone. 'I'm not a fan of trans activism or Kayla's behavior at the school but I'm a professional and I don't discriminate.' He added: 'I'll throw anyone out of a plane. Plus, I regarded taking a big 230-pound person with huge prosthetic beasts on a skydive as a challenge. Most instructors would not even take them strictly on their size alone.' Outgoing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has repeatedly refused to say if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's son was given a Chairman's Lounge membership. Members of Parliament, with rare exceptions, are usually given passes to exclusive areas of airports to save them from having to mix with regular travellers in departure lounges. But Nathan Albanese, the 23-year-old son of Mr Albanese and his ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt, a former NSW Labor deputy premier, was reportedly given special treatment. This occurred as Qantas, a prominent supporter of Labor's Voice to Parliament, lobbied the federal government to stop Qatar Airways from being allowed to bring extra flights into Australia. Mr Joyce, appearing before a Senate committee in Melbourne on Monday afternoon, repeatedly refused to confirm if he had discussed the issue with Anthony Albanese. 'Again, I'm not going to comment on Chairman's club membership, I've got privacy issues where we will not comment on who's in, who's been offered it and why they're there,' he said. 'I will not be making any comment on that, confirming or denying it.' Nathan Albanese (centre), the 23-year-old son of Prime Minister Albanese and his ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt, a former NSW deputy premier, was reportedly given special treatment Mr Joyce also refused to confirm if any family members of any MPs had been given free Chairman's Lounge membership, under sustained questioning from Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne, the deputy chair of the parliamentary committee. 'Again, I will not comment on the Chairman's Lounge, I will not comment on who's in or who isn't there,' he said. 'There are privacy issues with that.' Mr Joyce refused to even say how a Chairman's Lounge membership is granted. 'I'm not making any reference to who or who is in the lounge or under which criteria that is granted,' he said. Nationals senator Matt Canavan interrupted to suggest Mr Joyce could take the questions on notice, calling out the Qantas CEO for using privacy as spin for avoiding scrutiny. 'I realise there are some matters of confidentiality here,' he said. 'I'm not quite sure this falls into a category for that information not to be provided.' Liberal senator Jane Hume, the chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living, suggested Mr Joyce take questions on notice and provide written answers. 'Perhaps this skirts the edges of that terms of reference however perhaps Mr Joyce you might come back to the committee on notice on the grounds on which ... you have refused to answer the questions,' she said. Mr Joyce, who was paid $2.272million in 2022, agreed to have written answers provided to the committee. 'I'm happy to do that, chair,' he said. Senator Hume also suggested senators declare if they had Qantas Chairman's Lounge membership. 'It is probably appropriate for them to declare whether they are also members of the Chairman's Lounge and as a chair, I would declare my membership of the lounge,' she said. 'Thank you, very much to Qantas, for bestowing that on senators when they are elected to Parliament.' Senator Allman-Payne also confirmed she was a member. 'Just to clarify, chair, I have a membership,' she said. Outgoing Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has repeatedly refused to say if Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's son was given a Chairman's Lounge membership Mr Joyce also refused to confirm if any family members of any MPs had been given free Chairman's Lounge membership, under questioning from Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne (Nathan Albanese is pictured left with his father Anthony Albanese and the PM's girlfriend Jodie Haydon, right) Members of Parliament are usually given Chairman's Lounge membership but in 2019, it was revoked from former Queensland One Nation senator Fraser Anning after he blamed the Christchurch massacre on Muslim immigration, following the shooting murder of 51 people at two mosques in New Zealand. The five questions Alan Joyce was asked by a Greens senator 1. Mr Joyce, in relation to the decision to grant the Prime Minister's son a Chairman's Lounge access, did you have any discussions with the Prime Minister regarding that decision? 2. I'm not asking you to divulge names, but my question is: have you given any family members of any other politician a similar, free membership to the Chairman's Lounge? 3. I'm not actually asking you to divulge anyone's name, just whether or not that is the only family member that has one. 4. Just a few more questions around this proposal for Qatar Airways to add those additional flights. Mr Joyce, you said Qantas sent a letter in October 2022. Did you discuss the proposal with either the Prime Minister of the Minister for Transport (Catherine King)? Can I provide a question on notice for you to provide the dates and times that you had those conversations and when and where they took place? 5. Would it reduce Qantas' profit? When you say the market would be distorted, does it flow then that Qantas' profits would have been reduced if that had happened? It's really a simple yes or no question. Advertisement Mr Joyce was also asked whether Qantas actively lobbied the Albanese government to block rival Qatar Airways from getting extra flights to Australia. 'We do make representations on a lot of these issues,' he said. 'That's the way the system works. 'We think, given the nature of Qatar's operations, what they will offer in this market would cause a short-term distortion which we didn't think was appropriate.' Qantas is linked to Qatar Airways through the Oneworld Alliance of airlines - but does not feature its name or logo on its website alongside its 25 other international Oneworld or partner airlines. The national carrier partners with UAE-based Emirates airline - Qatar Airways' Middle Eastern rival - on many of its international route, while its chief rival Virgin Australia has an official tie up with Qatar. Mr Joyce also denied ever lobbying the government against high-speed rail during his 15 years as Qantas CEO. 'No, we have never lobbied against high-speed rail,' he said. But he used spin when asked if anyone else at Qantas had, arguing it had 22,000 staff. He also denied the government raising the possibility of the commonwealth taking an ownership stake in Qantas, which was privatised from 1992 to 1995. Qantas last week announced it had delivered a record $2.5billion profit only a year after suffering a deep loss, with Mr Joyce delivering his last financial result before finishing up as CEO in November and handing over to his chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson. The full-year underlying profit before tax of $2.465billion marked a major turnaround from a $1.859billion loss for 2021-22 covering a period before Australia reopened its borders to international travellers. 'There's lots of criticism of corporate profits at the moment, due in large part to the cost of living pressures happening in parallel and we understand that,' Mr Joyce said. 'In Qantas' case, we have put a lot of thought and balancing to the needs of those who rely on us and who we rely on.' Revenue doubled to $19.8billion in the year to June 30, up from $9.1billion, and surpassing the $17.97billion level of 2018-19, before the pandemic. Qantas has also been a prominent campaigner for the Yes case with Mr Albanese set to call a referendum in October for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But shortly before the hearing Labor senator Tony Sheldon, a former secretary of the Transport Workers Union, suggested Mr Joyce had destroyed Qantas, having grounded flights in 2011 during an industrial dispute with the TWU, the Australian and International Pilots Association and the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association. 'Joyce has sucked the Spirit of Australia out of Qantasit's time he answered for it,' he said on Monday, reposting a tweet from TWU leader Michael Kaine. Qantas has also been a prominent campaigner for the Yes case with Mr Albanese set to call a referendum in October for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament The sudden and unexpected deaths of three children were identified at a hospital where a nurse was arrested on suspicion of poisoning, it was claimed today. The NHS trust running Birmingham Children's Hospital - home to Britain's largest paediatric intensive care unit - has been running a review into cases of patients being treated there from January 2022. Findings, which include the sudden and unexpected deaths of three children, have since been passed to police, the Times reports. In one case in May last year, health staff are said to have raised concerns when a child's condition rapidly deteriorated, before being pronounced dead the following day. A 28-year-old nurse was arrested by West Midlands Police on suspicion of administering a poison with intent to endanger life. The NHS trust running Birmingham Children's Hospital - home to Britain's largest paediatric intensive care unit - has been running a review into cases of patients being treated there from January 2022 She has since been suspended by the trust, and the industry regulator, meaning she is unable to work as a nurse elsewhere. The families of patients whose cases are being reviewed have also been told of the findings. Dr Fiona Reynolds, chief medical officer at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'In May 2022, a child on the paediatric intensive care unit at Birmingham Children's Hospital deteriorated suddenly and unexpectedly. 'Due to the circumstances of the deterioration, the trust acted straight away. 'A member of staff was suspended from work and subsequently arrested at home. Sadly, the child later died and our thoughts remain with the family.' In the days after the arrest, parents of children being treated at the hospital were sent a letter detailing the incident in an attempt to allay any fears for their own offsprings' safety. The note read: 'An infant recently died on the paediatric intensive care unit after deteriorating quickly and unexpectedly. 'When this happens we try to understand why this has happened and follow a set of national rules to investigate.' Tina Turner, 38, one parent who received a letter, told the Telegraph she felt 'shocked' and found the situation 'really scary'. The nurse's arrest was said to have sent 'shockwaves' around the hospital, with sources describing the probe as 'incredibly serious'. The revelations come against the backdrop of the case of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who was convicted earlier this month of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more at the Countess of Chester Hospital. An investigation into Britain's most prolific child killer of modern times has since been announced, with the Prime Minister indicating over the weekend that her 'despicable' crimes will be probed by a judge-led inquiry. Rishi Sunak had previously resisted pressure to give it a statutory footing but Health Secretary Steve Barclay is understood to have now asked the Ministry of Justice for a list of appropriate senior judges available to lead the inquiry. Letby, 33, was given a whole-life sentence last Monday, meaning she will never be released from prison. The revelations come against the backdrop of the case of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who was convicted earlier this month of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more at the Countess of Chester Hospital Meanwhile, Labour has vowed it will ensure NHS managers found guilty of serious wrongdoing are disbarred under a 'proper system of accountability' if the party wins the next election. The Opposition said the Government has 'dragged its feet' over strengthening accountability for bosses in the health service. Calls for this have mounted in the wake of the Letby case, as whistleblowers' concerns about the child serial killer were not addressed for months before she was finally taken off frontline duties. Senior doctors have said hospital managers should be regulated in a similar way to doctors and nurses. A Labour government would introduce a professional regulatory system, with professional standards and training for people running hospitals to enhance accountability and patient safety, according to the party. A regulatory body, which Labour would consult on once in office, would have the power to suspend and exclude managers for serious misconduct. A West Midlands Police spokesman told MailOnline last May: 'We have arrested a 27-year-old woman in connection with the death of an infant. 'The child sadly passed away on Thursday at hospital. 'The woman was arrested on Thursday evening at a property in the West Midlands area on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life. 'She has been released while the investigation continues and the results of forensic tests are examined. 'The family of the child are being supported by specially trained officers.' Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust runs the hospital, which is one of the top paediatric centres in the country and cares for 90,000 children each year. A dingo has nipped a woman on her leg in the latest in a string of similar attacks on K'gari. Rangers are urging tourists not to walk alone on K'gari after a woman was bitten by a dingo in the latest attack on the Queensland island. Authorities are monitoring the protected canine, which nipped its victim on the leg while she was standing on an eastern beach. The animal was one of two collared dingoes that were circling her, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said on Monday after Saturday's bite. The woman yelled and swung her water bottle at the animals before people nearby came to her aid. A woman has been bitten on the leg by a dingo in the latest in a string of similar attacks on K'gari or Fraser Island (stock image) She was taken to nearby Happy Valley to treat scratches on her thigh. Rangers said visitors should not walk alone on the island and carry a stick for protection. The attack is the latest in a string of dangerous encounters on K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, including a woman who was bitten on the thigh after collared dingoes stalked a group of adults about two weeks ago. In July, a 24-year-old woman was taken to hospital with numerous bites after being attacked by at least three dingoes while jogging at Orchid Beach. One of the dingoes was euthanised because it had been responsible for other threatening and biting incidents, including one involving a six-year-old girl. In early July, an eight-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being bitten and scratched when two dingoes approached his family on a beach at Happy Valley. Authorities warned for visitors and residents on K'gari to be vigilant around dingoes following several attacks in recent months In June, a dingo was euthanised after a string of 'high risk' incidents involving the animal in previous months, including biting a seven-year-old boy and a 42-year-old woman. Several camping zones were closed earlier in August until further notice, due to increasingly aggressive dingo behaviour. Despite the growing number of attacks, rangers have rejected calls to cull the dingo population on World Heritage-listed island, blaming visitor behaviour for the spike in incidents. Collars are worn by dingoes exhibiting high-risk behaviour and fitted with a device to track movement and behaviour. The lawyers for American 36-year-old received 40,600 to fund his defence Lawyers for an American fugitive rape suspect who said he was an Irish orphan after fleeing to the UK to avoid prosecution received more than 40,000 from British taxpayers to fight extradition. Nicholas Rossi, branded 'as dishonest and deceitful as he is evasive and manipulative' by a sheriff as he was tried in Scotland, is wanted by authorities in Utah for allegedly raping a woman in 2008. He also faces accusations of domestic violence. The 36-year-old - born Nicholas Alahverdian before changing his surname to that of his adoptive stepfather, David Rossi - claimed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in late 2019 and told friends he was dying. An obituary appeared online for Rossi in early 2020 saying he had died and that his ashes had been scattered at sea. But the following year he was arrested on a Covid hospital ward in Scotland, where he was registered as Arthur Knight, an Irish orphan, which he continues to insist is his real identity, claiming to have never set foot on American soil. Nicholas Rossi (pictured leaving court last month) is wanted by authorities in Utah for allegedly raping a woman in 2008 Rossi (pictured in July last year) has claimed this is a case of false identity and said he is an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight It was then ruled that the fugitive - who appeared throughout his court dates in a wheelchair, using an oxygen mask - is indeed Rossi after he was identified through DNA and distinctive tattoos, which were described in an Interpol alert. He also spoke with an unconvincing accent in a notorious interview with NBC's Dateline, in which he angrily denied his name was Rossi or Alahverdian, and theatrically collapsed into his wife's arms after trying to stand in a bizarre effort to prove he could not walk. But the lying American's benefitted from 40,600 to pay for his solicitors and counsel while he battled extradition. Legal aid is public funding given by the government, which allows people to access legal help when they do not have enough money for a lawyer. It is given directly to the solicitors or legal counsel. A spokesperson for the Scottish Legal Aid Board said: 'Legislation set by the Scottish Parliament allows for legal aid in extradition cases if the applicant is financially eligible, and it is in the interests of justice to make it available. 'Legal aid is paid directly to solicitors or counsel to ensure that a person can be professionally represented in court so the justice system can operate properly and fairly for all concerned. 'Extradition cases can result in higher costs because of their international nature but we work with legal teams to ensure these are managed effectively.' But David Spencer, of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: 'Nicholas Rossi is a dangerous American criminal who has tried every trick in the book to evade justice for his abhorrent crimes. 'That such a person should be entitled to tens of thousands of pounds of British taxpayer money to try and wriggle off the hook is a damning indictment of a legal aid system that is fundamentally broken. He also faces multiple complaints against him in Rhode Island for alleged domestic violence (pictured in 2008 in Utah) A mugshot from the arrest of Nicholas Rossi by police in Massachusetts in 2010 David Rossi insists this picture of his stepson, Nicholas Rossi, aged 13 outside a mental hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2000, shows the same man now claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight who was arrested in Scotland in 2021 'Nearly every week now, there is a new story about vast sums of taxpayer money being spent helping serious and dangerous criminals. 'This money is lining the pockets of wealthy lawyers when it should be supporting people who need it. Legal aid reform is long, long overdue and this case is yet another that emphasises how badly that reform is needed.' Rossi learned his fate at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on August 2, more than two years after he was arrested. Sheriff Norman McFadyen ruled there is no impediment to him being extradited, with Scottish ministers to make a decision within the next 28 days. An application for bail was lodged with the court which was refused by the sheriff. Rossi's legal team and the Crown deliberated on whether he should be transferred to England to face questioning over another alleged rape. However, it was decided the matter would be dealt with following the decision to extradite him to the US. Scottish ministers will now review the ruling to determine whether to issue an extradition order. Under the guise of Arthur Brown, Rossi is believed to have met his wife, Miranda Knight, in Bristol in 2019 and married her in early 2020, assuming the name Arthur Knight. In a wide-ranging interview with DailyMail.com, David Rossi laid bare harrowing details of the fugitive's upbringing, describing him as 'the devil's spawn' Nicholas Rossi's wife Miranda Knight arrives for a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month They moved to Glasgow shortly afterwards but in 2021, Rossi became so ill with Covid that he had to be hospitalised at the city's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. In July 2020, DNA allegedly linked him to a 2008 rape in Utah which is ultimately what led to his discovery in Scotland. He was arrested on December 13, 2021 at the Glasgow hospital by police officers who served him with an Interpol red notice. With the assistance of medical staff at the hospital, the patient initially named as Arthur Knight was identified as Rossi. There has never been an official version of events from Rossi because he continues to insist he is Arthur Knight and that the authorities have the wrong man. In court appearances, he has maintained his pained English accent, with an Irish lilt whenever he mentions the word Dublin, where he claims to have been born. In his latest interview with The Times, as Arthur Knight, he said he wanted the 'real' Rossi to come forward to 'save my wife and me from this mess'. Last month, his stepfather, David Rossi - an Engelbert Humperdinck impersonator - revealed an old photograph of a floppy-haired teenager on a motorcycle, who, despite lacking a breathing aide and looking many pounds lighter, bears a striking resemblance to the man in court. In a wide-ranging interview, he described his estranged stepson as 'the devil's spawn' and said he was an 'evil' child who punched his mother and grandmother. He told DailyMail.com: 'He'll do anything to hide from the law. The wheelchair, the mask. It's c**p. There's nothing wrong with him. Everything about him is Nicky. 'My first impression of Nicky was that he had mental problems. He just got worse with every day. 'He would urinate in his brother's bed just to get his brother in trouble. Jump out of windows and run away in his underwear. '[Rossi's mother] Diana said this is why you don't get involved. But I stuck with it. I felt that they needed a father.' Rossi (pictured leaving court last month) appeared at the court today by video link after claiming to be unwell At one point during the interview, Rossi theatrically tried standing to prove he is unable to walk. Speaking in what sounded like an English accent, he said: 'And we'd like privacy and I would like to go back to being a normal husband, but I can't because I can't breathe, I can't walk' Rossi was interviewed alongside his wife, Miranda Knight, whom he met in Bristol after fleeing to the UK to escape allegations of sexual assault in the US In August, Rossi appeared at the court by video link after claiming to be unwell. He was bent over at the waist, dressed in a green jumper and did not show his face. When asked if he is Rossi, he did not answer. Rossi's lawyer Mungo Bovey KC attempted to delay proceedings and asked for Rossi to be excused. Sheriff McFadyen suggested Rossi had attended court by video link 'voluntarily', but in an angry outburst Rossi said he had been brought before the camera by 'physical force' and he called the sheriff 'a disgrace to justice'. During a week-long hearing in June, Rossi wore what appeared to be a black legal gown and a yarmulke - a hat worn by Orthodox Jewish men. Questioned about his dress in court, Rossi claimed the gown was actually called a bekishe, an overcoat also worn by Orthodox Jewish men. The fugitive converted to Judaism while in HMP Edinburgh, where he has been held since 2022. This final hearing was adjourned from July 12 following delays in court proceedings due to issues with transport from HMP Edinburgh as well as interruptions by Rossi, who attempted to dismiss his counsel Mr Bovey on two occasions. Throughout the June hearing, Mr Bovey attempted to have the case discharged as his client is wanted for questioning about an alleged rape in England. He also claimed Rossi was not brought before a sheriff within an appropriate amount of time and that he did not receive a crucial document from the National Crime Agency when he was arrested in December 2021 - but all of these applications were turned down by the sheriff. Attempts were also made to give more time for Rossi's mental health to be assessed, but three medical witnesses including psychiatrists Dr Kunal Choudhary and Dr Angela Cogan, as well as Rossi's GP at HMP Edinburgh Dr Barbara Mundweil, said he showed no signs of acute mental illness. Dr Mundweil also cast doubt on the state of Rossi's health in general, telling the court she had 'no major concerns'. Giving evidence in his defence, Rossi claimed he was unable to raise his arms above his head because he was too unwell. He said the reason he used a wheelchair was because the muscles in his legs had been so badly atrophied that he is unable to walk or support himself. He also said he had considered going to the US to prove he is not Rossi. A fellow prisoner, William King, gave evidence to court in which he claimed Rossi was treated 'abysmally' at HMP Edinburgh. In closing speeches, Mr Bovey said extradition to the US would be a 'flagrant breach' of Rossi's human rights. But advocate depute Alan Cameron said there is no evidence that Rossi suffered any condition that would be a barrier to his extradition. Previously, he had arrived at court in his wheelchair and with an oxygen tank and mask. A flight to Majorca experienced extreme turbulence on Sunday as it approached the Spanish island that was being battered by a heavy storm, terrifying video has shown. The mid-air ordeal left passengers fearing for their lives as the plane flew from Alicante in southern Spain to the Balearic Island in the Mediterranean. Estela Orts, a dancer and acrobat known for her performances in Magaluf's famous Pirate Show, posted video of the flight on Instagram. The footage showed the plane shaking violently as her frightened fellow passengers clung to their seats, with Orts writing that she feared that 'THIS IS IT' when the plane shook and dropped - causing people to scream, cry and vomit in what felt like an 'eternal' moment. Areas of north-east Spain, as well as Majorca, were battered by 75mph winds and torrential rain over the weekend, forcing some families to run for their lives and stranding others on the island as flights were cancelled. A flight to Majorca experienced extreme turbulence on Sunday as it approached the Spanish island as it was battered by a heavy storm, terrifying video has shown (pictured). A woman is seen in the video clinging to the seat in front of her as the plane is buffeted around. Others are heard screaming and crying A small number of people were injured during a 'weather-related incident' involving P&O Cruises Britannia ship moored in the Spanish island, while on the mainland people had to be rescued from their cars in floodwater. READ MORE: British family tells of their terror after fleeing Majorca 'hurricane' Advertisement Port authorities in the capital Palma said the ship collided with a petrol tanker because of high winds. The BBC said it broken free of its moorings in a storm. Similarly terrifying scenes were unfolding in the air, Orts's video shows. In a lengthy post to her social media, the acrobat wrote that she was 'BORN AGAIN' after the experience on the plane, while also thanking the pilot for navigating what she said were '130km/h cross winds' that prevented them from landing. 'Now I am calmer... TODAY I WAS BORN AGAIN. I hope the pilot of the plane reads this: THANK YOU, thank you for what you did today, you didn't have to apologise to us, the minutes felt like forever but in the end it was just a scare. It was the first time in my life that it has ever crossed my mind to think that THIS IS IT,' she wrote. The Spaniard explained that she was flying back to Majorca from Alicante having visited family there when the turbulence struck. She said the flight was delayed due to the weather, but eventually departed. When they took off, she wrote, she and her fellow passengers experienced some turbulence and that the take off felt 'strange' but normal. 'I had already written to my family (who were a bit scared), because they had seen the storm on the news,' Orts wrote. Soon, things got worse. What appears to be an item of clothing is seen hanging down from the luggage compartments in the footage posted by the Spanish acrobat '[Then] IT HAPPENED,' she told her Instagram followers.The plane started to fall. People and children screaming, being sick, I couldn't help crying. I don't know how long that moment lasted but it felt eternal.' 'Until the pilot managed to stabilise the plane, it was like a roller coaster. Nobody said anything over the loudspeaker about what was happening, even when it was stabilised,' she recalled. 'Some time passed and the pilot explained why he didn't speak and it seems logical to me why: 130km/h CROSS WINDS. 'We tried to land and we couldn't, 2 laps around the island and it was impossible to descend, suddenly we stopped seeing the island and started to climb. 'The pilot decided that the best option was to return to Alicante. 10:30am we took off 12:36pm we landed (Normally the flight lasts 40 min).' After her message, Orts shared a video clip from inside the plane. The aircraft can be seen bouncing and rattling around, and passengers can be heard screaming. One lady is seen clinging on to the seat in front of her while what appears to be an item of clothing is seen hanging down from the luggage compartments. Despite the chaos, as the camera pans around, a young passenger sitting behind Orts can be seen grinning and laughing - seemingly un-phased by the turbulence. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Orts is currently back in Alicante waiting for a flight to Majorca on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, separate footage showed the P&O Cruises Britannia ship as it was buffeted by the heavy winds on Sunday. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the incident. 'P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca. A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre,' they said. 'To allow our technical teams to make an assessment Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.' Britannia, which entered service in 2015, is 330 metres long and weights 143,000 tons, according to the company's website. It has 13 guest decks and an operating capacity of 3,647 guests and 1,350 crew. A 'small number' of people are also being treated for 'minor injuries' after a P&O cruise ship (pictured) broke free from moorings and collided with a freight vessel during the storm The footage came after a British couple described how they had to run to for their lives with two children and a baby in a pram as 75mph winds and torrential rain battered Majorca over the weekend. Jessica Gorman and her fiance Scott, who got engaged the day before the terrifying storms ravaged the island, said that what had started off as a lovely family stroll to the old town market in Puerto Pollensa soon 'turned to mayhem'. Ms Gorman, who is from Reigate, Surrey, told MailOnline how she had to brave the hurricane-force winds with her three-month-old baby Ritchie, five-year-old son Roman and seven-year-old boy Piers because there were no taxis around. 'We actually had to run as quick as we could for half an hour to our hotel,' she said. 'The roads were empty, there were no cars driving, it was like a ghost town. The kids were screaming and we were worried about the baby obviously being so young. 'It was so windy, I felt like the the pram was moving side to side... it was horrendous.' Holidaymakers also shared footage of tourists running for shelter as sun loungers were sent flying across swimming pools and beaches on the island which is usually associated with blistering heat and sunshine in August. Severe warnings were issued across the holiday hotspots of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera on Sunday as hotel resorts were left unrecognisable after being lashed by fierce winds, rain and hail. Palm trees have come crashing down and flying debris has been launched across resorts, while motorists were also struggling to navigate through flooded roads and poor visibility. Debris was seen flying through the air in Majorca forcing holidaymakers to run for cover on Sunday The forceful storms hit the island at around 11am and within an hour, there were 84 incidents Footage shared with MailOnline showed the how parts of the island were ripped apart by the winds A woman sprints for cover as chairs behind her get picked up by the winds in Majorca on Sunday Stunned holidaymakers have shared footage of tourists fleeing for shelter as sun loungers were sent flying into swimming pools by the fierce winds More than 100 flights were cancelled or diverted at Palma, Ibiza and Menorca due to strong winds and rain. Families told MailOnline they were left stranded in airports. The 112 emergency service in the Balearics reported 84 storm-related incidents within an hour on Sunday, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. The newspaper also reported that a pregnant woman in Calvia was taken to a health centre after being injured by a falling sign, while two children with a lilo in Illetes had to be rescued. An amber alert was in place until midnight on Sunday across the whole of Majorca as heavy rain and hail were swept across the island by hurricane force winds. Bellevue Group AG / Key word(s): Personnel Gebhard Giselbrecht becomes new CEO of Bellevue Group 28-Aug-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of the SWX Listing Rules Zurich, August 28, 2023 Gebhard Giselbrecht becomes new CEO of Bellevue Group The Board of Directors of Bellevue Group has appointed Gebhard Giselbrecht as new CEO as of January 1, 2024. He succeeds Andre Ruegg, who will leave the Group by mutual agreement after 15 years, eight of which as CEO. The Board of Directors and CEO Andre Ruegg have jointly come to the conclusion that new impulses and ideas will be beneficial for the further sustainable development of Bellevue Group. Andre Ruegg will ensure a professional handover to Gebhard Giselbrecht. Gebhard Giselbrecht has extensive experience in Swiss and international asset management in the areas of strategy, sales, management/COO and the development of new business areas. During his long career in asset management at Credit Suisse, he successfully held various key positions, including Head of Client Coverage Switzerland/EMEA, COO and Head Strategy Switzerland/EMEA, Head Asset Management in Singapore, COO Asset Management Asia Pacific as well as Business Development and M&A. Prior to his career at Credit Suisse, he worked for McKinsey & Company in Munich and Zurich in the financial sector. Gebhard Giselbrecht holds a degree from the University of St. Gallen and an MBA/MBI from the Rotterdam School of Management. Andre Ruegg, CEO of Bellevue Group since 2016, has successfully led the Group for many years and played a key role in shaping its realignment. He succeeded in gradually expanding Bellevue Group's asset management expertise and establishing its distinctive positioning. Today, Bellevue Group's investment expertise is sought and valued internationally, particularly in the healthcare sector. Veit de Maddalena, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bellevue Group, on the CEO succession: "I am delighted that we have been able to attract Gebhard Giselbrecht, a recognised expert in national and international asset management, for Bellevue Group. With his extensive and long-standing experience, he will bring new impulses and set the course to return Bellevue Group to its growth path. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, I would like to thank Andre Ruegg for his great commitment. He has shaped the transformation of our Group and successfully positioned Bellevue as a pure asset manager. We wish Andre all the best for the future." Contact Media Relations: Jurg Stahelin, IRF Phone: +41 43 244 81 51, staehelin@irf-reputation.ch Investor Relations: Michael Hutter, CFO Bellevue Group Phone: +41 44 267 67 00, mhu@bellevue.ch Bellevue Bellevue is a specialized asset manager listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange with core competencies covering healthcare strategies, alternative investments (including private equity) and selected niche strategies. Established in 1993, Bellevue, a House of Investment Ideas staffed by 100 professionals, generates attractive investment returns and creates value added for clients and shareholders alike. Bellevue managed assets of CHF 8.1 bn at the end of June 2023. Channel migrants could be forced to wear electronic tags as Suella Braverman vowed to do 'whatever it takes' to get the crisis under control. In a round of interviews this morning, the Home Secretary said the government is looking at a 'range of options' including tracking arrivals rather than detaining them. The idea, first mooted more than a year ago, is under fresh scrutiny as Rishi Sunak attempts to get a handle on immigration and stop people illegally gaining entry to the UK. The migrants could be GPS tracked in real time and required to report via text message or in person to immigration officers multiple times a day. Any attempt to remove the tag and abscond would result in any right to bail or to remain in the UK being automatically withdrawn. It comes amid concerns the UK could run out of capacity in immigration detention centres, with officials asked to find alternative ways of ensuring that thousands of migrants who arrive illegally but cannot be detained do not abscond. The new rules will stipulate that those on electronic tag must comply with any directions from the Home Office Migrants pictured arriving into the UK earlier this week amid claims new arrivals could be electronically tagged A dinghy carrying around 50 migrants drifts into the English Channel after being escorted out of French territory on Thursday. Experts say they resist any help from French vessels in order to reach the UK In a round of interviews this morning, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the government is looking at a 'range of options' including tracking arrivals rather than detaining them Asked about the prospect of tagging, Ms Braverman told Sky News: 'We've just enacted a landmark piece of legislation in the form of our Illegal Migration Act. That empowers us to detain those who arrive here illegally and thereafter to swiftly remove them to a safe country like Rwanda.' She said: 'We need to exercise a level of control of people if we're to remove them from the United Kingdom. 'We are considering a range of options. We have a couple of thousand detention places in our existing removal capacity. We will be working intensively to increase that but it's clear we're exploring a range of options, all options, to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our systems swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the United Kingdom.' Ms Braverman said stopping Channel boat crossings is 'what the British people expect of us'. 'It's what I passionately believe is the right thing to do. And we are making progress. We've passed our landmark legislation,' she said. 'But let's also be clear about what we're up against. We're up against a range of forces which are intent on stopping us whether it's immigration lawyers, charities, NGOs, many of whom have very close links with the Labour Party, operating night and day to stop us from delivering this pledge through legal challenges in the courts.' Ms Braverman said the government was ready to do 'whatever it takes' if the European Court of Human Rights blocked plans to send Channel arrivals to Rwanda. But she stopped short of saying the UK should leave the Strasbourg court - which is not linked to the EU. The Home Secretary told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'My personal views are clear. It's a politicised court. It's interventionist. 'It's treading on the territory of national sovereignty. But no-one's talking about leaving the ECHR right now. 'We're working to deliver our plan. We've enacted landmark legislation. We are confident in the lawfulness of our agreement with Rwanda.' One source told the Telegraph: 'Tagging is being discussed as an option.' Another source said tagging could also free-up immigration detention centres to be used for prisoners to alleviate chronic overcrowding in jails which are close to their capacity. READ MORE: Rishi Sunak insists his plan to stop the boats is working as migrants continue to arrive in UK for 10th consecutive day Advertisement They were quoted as saying: 'They are looking at all of these options. Given the state of prison capacity, that could reach breaking point and the Government knows that.' The approach has been dubbed 'punitive' and 'draconian' by left-wing campaigners, who argue that those fleeing to Britain for safety are being treated like 'criminals'. New Home Office figures released last week revealed Britain's asylum backlog topped 175,000 for the first time after 78,768 claims were made in the year to June. A total of 175,457 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June 2023, up 44 per cent from 122,213 at the end of June 2022. This was the highest figure since current records began in 2010. The huge increase has been driven by cross-Channel migrants lodging applications upon arrival in the UK. It is costing the Government nearly 6million to house migrants in hotels. Figures also show the number of asylum seekers waiting more than six months for an initial decision stood at 139,961 at the end of June, up 57 per cent year on year from 89,231 and another record. Meanwhile, the Government's plan to accommodate asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge could face a legal challenge as firefighters accused ministers of a 'callous disregard' for the safety of those onboard. The Bibby Stockholm is one of several sites, which also include former military bases, ministers want to use to house migrants as they await asylum decisions in an effort to cut the cost of putting them up in hotels and deter entries into the UK via unauthorised means. Ms Braverman insisted the barge is safe, but could not say when asylum seekers would return to the vessel. The Home Secretary told Today: 'We're waiting for the processes to complete and once they are done, we will be moving people back onto the barge. 'I'm very confident about the safety standards on the barge.' A new petition is now calling for Treviso to be banned from attending college lexee Trevizo accused of murdering her newborn son and putting body in trash More than 12,000 people have signed a petition to ban a New Mexico teenager who is accused of murdering her newborn baby from attending college. Alexee Trevizo, 19, gave birth to her son in a bathroom at the Artesia General Hospital on January 27 before putting his body in a trashcan. The teenager claims the baby boy 'wasn't crying' when she gave birth to him and was a stillborn, while prosecutors say she killed him by strangling him. Now it has emerged that more than 12,000 have signed a petition to kick Treviso out of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces after a judge modified her bail conditions so as to allow her to attend her classes in person there. The petition, started by Evelyn Grasiano on Change.org, said allowing Treviso to pursue higher education when she has been charged with a 'heinous crime' is 'morally wrong'. Alexee Trevizo, 19, gave birth to her son in a bathroom at the Artesia General Hospital on January 27 before putting his body in a trashcan. The teenager (pictured in hospital) claims the baby boy 'wasn't crying' when she gave birth and was a stillborn, while prosecutors say she killed him by strangling him Alexee Trevizo, 19, has admitted to giving birth to a baby boy and placing him in a trashcan 'It is important to consider the impact this case may have on public trust,' the petition states. 'Allowing someone charged with murder access into education where they will be entrusted with other individuals could undermine public confidence... as well as the justice system itself.' The petition repeatedly references that Treviso is 'pursuing a career in nursing or social work' but there is no evidence to support the claim. The petition came just days after a judge ruled Treviso would be allowed to go to her college classes in person. Treviso appeared with her attorney Garry C. Mitchell via zoom for the pre-trial hearing in Eddy County Court. Previously, another judge had ruled using a domestic violence framework that Treviso should not be allowed to see her boyfriend and alleged father of her child, Devin Fierro, who also attends the same college, reports Law & Crime. But judge Jane Gray expressed her shock at the ruling and said there were no domestic abuse allegations in the case and ruled that Trevizo should be allowed to see Fierro and attend the same university. Treviso gave birth in the bathroom of the Artesia General Hospital on January 27 after showing up complaining of back pain. After delivering her baby boy alone, she put his body in a trash can for cleaners to find. She claims he was a stillborn. Alexee Trevizo and her boyfriend Devyn Fierro at Artesia High School Prom on April 22 - 12 weeks after she gave birth to their newborn son and put him in the trash in a hospital bathroom. She was arrested on May 10 and is now charged with murder Trevizo gave birth in the bathroom of the Artesia General Hospital on January 27 after showing up complaining of back pain. She is shown with her mother and a nurse The teenager was arrested and charged with murder on May 10 Prosecutors say she killed him by strangling him, hinging their theory on the fact the baby had air in his lungs when he died. But Treviso's attorney, Gary Mitchell, told DailyMail.com that she has been unfairly vilified. Her defense team is fighting to not only have the charges against her dismissed - but to prove the boy died before she gave birth to him. In legal filings obtained by DailyMail.com, Mitchell said hospital staff and city workers violated HIPPA laws by sharing her medical records and discussing the case. He also claimed by the time the case goes to trial, it will become clear that she didn't strangle the infant. 'The fact is, she did not kill her baby. The testing [that was done] to determine that she did is so antiquated that it is medieval. 'There was no strangulation. This is not a murder case,' he said. Mitchell said he will show how Alexee was given a cocktail of drugs that are inappropriate for pregnant women, much less those in labor. 'This certainly was the primary cause of death of the baby. Guess what does cause major breathing issues in fetuses? Morphine,' he said. Mitchell said a toxicology report shows the baby had 0.19 nanograms of morphine in his system when he was born, and that he also tested positive for COVID-19, influenza A&B and SARS. He maintains that Alexee did not know she was pregnant despite gaining weight and developing a bump that was clearly visible through her cheerleading clothes. 'You know, women will say to me she gained 10 or 15lbs so she must have known but she was on her period when she went into the hospital. 'Scientifically, 1 in 2500 women do not know they are pregnant when they deliver especially teenagers. 'She went to McDonalds every day with her boyfriend. She thinks putting on the weight is normal. She was taking birth control and had a period. She didn't feel kicking, she didn't feel sick. 'Why would she think she was pregnant?' Videos taken on January 6 - three weeks before she gave birth - show Alexee Trevizo, 19, cheerleading with an enormous baby bump. On January 27, she gave birth in secret and dumped the infant's body in a hospital trash can. Now, she is charged with murder However, as DailyMail.com previously reported, Trevizo's high school friends have claimed she did know she was pregnant. The friends said Trevizo had even picked out a name for the baby boy. She was going to call him Alex. She claimed she had put on weight, not because she was expecting but because she had started taking the contraceptive pill. Trevizo was photographed in her cheerleading outfit with a visible baby bump just three weeks before she gave birth. Just 21 days later, she was in the hospital, crying as police told her she'd been caught trying to get rid of her son's body. Meanwhile, Mitchell says staff unintentionally continued giving Alexee drugs that would harm the baby's breathing for too long. 'On January 26, she goes to the hospital and arrives at 12.03am. By 12.05am she is admitted. At 12.18am, they start giving her muscle relaxants. 'At 12.28am, they give her morphine, and they also give her more pain medication. That continues for 111 minutes. 'They give her ketorolac, which you are not meant to give to pregnant women, and ondansetron for nausea. 'They give her Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxer, acetaminophen, and morphine, which you are definitely not meant to give during labor. 'At 12.28am, she is given morphine and blood tests. By 12.51am they knew she was pregnant. 'At 1.39AM, she enters the bathroom. They had removed the IV so she could go to the bathroom.' Prosecutors say Alexee knew she was pregnant but was desperate to hide it from everyone. After giving birth in the bathroom, she placed the baby in a trash can and covered him in a bin liner. The infant was discovered by a hospital cleaner who was left traumatized by what she found. Russia has deployed one of its most elite fighting units to the front lines in a desperate bid to halt Ukraine's advance. While Kyiv's counter-offensive has made slow progress since it was launched earlier this year, Ukraine reported a breakthrough on Monday saying its troops had liberated the southeastern settlement of Robotyne. Its forces are now trying to push further south, likely with the ultimate goal of reaching the Sea of Azov to split Russia's 'land bridge' that connects the invading country's mainland to occupied Crimea, providing a vital supply route. The Ukrainian military said last week that its forces had raised the national flag in the strategic settlement, but were still carrying out mopping-up operations. In response, reports have said Moscow has deployed its 76th Guard Air Assault Division (GAAD) - sometimes described as Russia's best fighting unit - to the region, with elements being spotted near Robotyne last week. Russia has deployed one of its most elite fighting units to the frontlines in a desperate bid to halt Ukraine's advance. Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank near the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, August 25. Ukraine claimed Monday to have taken Robotyne While Kyiv's counter-offensive has made slow progress since it was launched earlier this year, Ukraine reported a breakthrough on Monday saying its troops had liberated the southeastern settlement of Robotyne In a daily update on the situation in Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War - a Washington-based Think Tank, said on Saturday it had seen evidence of 'lateral redeployments of elements of the 7th Guards Mountain VDV Division from Kherson Oblast to the frontline in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and elements of the 76th VDV Division from the Kreminna area to the Robotyne area'. This, it said, suggests 'that Russian forces may be using relatively elite units to reinforce critical sectors of the front.' Yesterday, it repeated the report about elite units being redeployed, adding: 'Russian forces committed a considerable amount of materiel, effort, and manpower to hold the series of defensive positions that Ukrainian forces are currently penetrating'. It added: 'It is unclear if Russian forces will retain the advantages they have held if they cannot commit the same level of resources and personnel to these next layers of defence. The next Russian defensive layer will, nevertheless, very likely pose significant challenges for the Ukrainian advance.' Images circulating on Ukrainian social media appeared to show tow Russian unit patches from the 234th and 104th Guards Airborne Assault regiments - both part of the 76th GAAD. The patches were reportedly taken as trophies. Russia's 234th regiment it believed to have been involved in the Bucha massacre, a mass killing of Ukrainian civilians by Russian soldiers in March 2022. Extensive reporting by the Associated Press and other news outlets uncovered how the regiment carried out a 'cleansing' operation in the Kyiv suburb, arresting, torturing and murdering Ukrainian residents. Elements of the 76th GAAD had been fighting in Kremmina in the Luhansk region - around 150 miles to the north-east of Robotyne. Their sighting around the southern village suggests some have been moved. Ukrainian soldiers of the Separate Assault Battalion 'Skala' enter the embattled village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on August 25 Ukrainian forces raise the national flag in the settlement of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in this screen grab taken from a social media video released August 23, 2023 Ukrainian servicemen fire small multiple launch rocket systems towards Russian troops The reports come as Ukrainian forces believe they have broken through the most difficult line of Russian defences in the south and that they will now start advancing more quickly, a commander who led troops into Robotyne said last week. 'Robotyne has been liberated,' Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar was quoted as saying by the military. The settlement is six miles south of the frontline town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region on an important road towards Tokmak, a Russian-occupied road and rail hub. Tokmak's capture would be a milestone as Ukrainian troops press southwards towards the Sea of Azov in a military drive that is intended to split Russian forces following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kyiv's generals want to reach the city of Melitopol, around 40 miles southwest of Robotyne, in order to cut Russia's 'land bridge' - a swathe of Ukrainian territory currently occupied Moscow's forces that connects Russia to Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsular that was annexed by Vladimir Putin in 2014. Maliar told Ukrainian television that Kyiv's troops, who began their counteroffensive in early June, were now moving southeast of Robotyne and south of nearby Mala Tokmachka. Ukraine's success in retaking Robotyne, which Russia has not confirmed, follows media reports of a meeting this month of senior NATO military chiefs and Ukraine's top general on resetting Ukraine's military strategy. Ukrainian forces are also fighting Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, and progress has been slower than had been widely expected in the counteroffensive because they have encountered vast Russian minefields and trenches. Maliar described the battlefield situation in the east as 'very hot' in the past week. She said Russian troops were gathering new forces there and regrouping, and Moscow was aiming to deploy its best troops there. Ukrainian forces had continued to advance south of Bakhmut, she said, referring to the nearly devastated eastern city that was captured by Moscow's troops in May after months of fierce fighting that resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. A Ukrainian serviceman walks near a destroyed Ukrainian tank near the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, August 25 A Ukrainian serviceman operates an FPV drone from his positions at a front line near the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, August 25 She added that in the past week Ukrainian forces had retaken 1 square km (0.39 square mile) around Bakhmut, and Russian troops had not made any advances. Meanwhile, in the latest of Russia's frequent air strikes on Ukraine, two people were killed overnight when a vegetable oil plant was hit in the central Poltava region, the region's governor said. Russia said it had shot down a Ukrainian drone flying towards Moscow in the early hours of Monday, in an incident that briefly disrupted flights over the Russian capital. Reuters could not immediately confirm the situation on the battlefield of the reports of the latest attacks. Sadiq Khan's Bank Holiday weekend has been disturbed by anti-Ulez activists who have parked a caravan covered in personal attacks near his home in protest at London's new low emission zones. The mobile home - which has been dubbed a 'Khan-ovan of hate' -was left close to Mr Khan's Tooting home and emblazoned with messages describing the Mayor as the 'dictator of London'. Other messages include a picture of Sadiq Khan next to quote marks reading: 'Pay me 12.50 and you can pollute for 24 hours' and multiple proclamations to 'sack Khan.' From tomorrow thousands of people driving older, more polluting cars will be charged 12.50 a day to drive into the capital due to the new Ulez expansion - which has been heavily protested by some. One local, who spotted the caravan, said the expansion of the scheme has sparked anger among people in the area. A caravan covered in ULEZ protest slogans has been chained close to Sadiq Khan's house It is decorated with warnings including 'ULEZ will be your Poll Tax Mr Khan' and claims 'ULEZ is a cash grab'. The van also features a picture of the mayor accompanied by a speech bubble stating: 'Pay me 12.50 and you can pollute for 24 hours' Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion has been heavily criticised by some Londoners The resident said: 'I saw the van this morning driving up towards the common. I burst out laughing I had to get a picture of it. 'The mayor has lived here for years and it's never bothered anyone. 'But all of a sudden these cameras have appeared so now people are really angry. 'No one wants these new zones and they're really going to impact people. 'If you can afford the fines or a new car you can crack on, but if you can't you have to spend thousands.' In photos shared to a Facebook group named Action Against Unfair Ulez, several Ulez protesters expressed their support for the stunt. One wrote: 'Fantastic, well done.' Another bragged: 'I drove past it today in my non Ulez van - Great work.' It is unclear if members from Action Against Unfair Ulez were behind the stunt. Despite the weight of the poosition, Greater London Authority planners insist that nine in 10 cars and eight in 10 vans already meet the Ulez standards - covering all petrol vehicles from 2006 and diesel vehicles from 2016. Local resistance to the plans has seen some Ulez cameras vandalised, as thousands of new units are installed in outer boroughs of the capital. Gangs of so-called 'blade runners' have been cutting cables on newly installed cameras, or covering the lenses with stickers that read 'FCUK KHAN'. Nearly nine out of 10 Ulez cameras have been vandalised in southeast London, according to an analysis of crowd-sourced data. The data shows that only 29 cameras out of 185 in Sydenham are working, only four are intact in Bromley and just one is working on the A225. How the Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded across London throughout the years Nearly nine out of 10 Ulez cameras have been vandalised in southeast London , according to an analysis of crowd-sourced data TfL has said the vandalism will not stop the Ulez changes going ahead this week as planned and that all vandalised cameras will be replaced or repaired. A spokesperson added that more than 1,900 cameras are in place in outer London. Meanwhile a top motoring lawyer, known as Mr Loophole, has advised that drivers who enter newly expanded Ulez zones without encountering warning signs will have grounds to challenge their fines. Nick Freeman, who describes himself as 'Britain's highest profile lawyer' and who has got a string of high profile figures off driving offences has suggested the fines themselves 'could be invalid without warning signs.' Six out of the seven local authorities immediately bordering London have refused to sign a legal agreement with Transport for London (TfL) to allow Ulez signs within their borders. The act of protest has been mounted by Surrey County Council, Kent County Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire Council, Buckinghamshire Council and Thurrock Council, which are Tory-led and have been vocal about the financial impact Ulez will have on its residents. Nick Freeman, a top motoring lawyer, known as Mr Loophole, has suggested that some drivers may be able to appeal fines From next week, the controversial scheme will will cover all London boroughs and will force drivers of non-compliant vehicles to shell out 12.50 a day Local resistance to the scheme has been fierce in some areas of London with signs installed beneath cameras to warn drivers The only council that signed an agreement was Slough Borough Council, which shares the smallest border with London and only has two signs installed, the Daily Telegraph reported. Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Freeman explained that this has the potential to create very real issues for London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He explained: 'Any road traffic regulations that are introduced, there must be clear, unambiguous signage. 'And in the absence of clear, unambiguous signage, no penalty can be enforced. The prosecutors would, I'm quite confident, win on appeal. 'This happens in speeding cases, you get it in bus lane cases, there are a whole host of cases where the signage isn't clear. 'And then when somebody wants to challenge it, they invariably win because the signage doesn't doesn't fit the bill.' This quandary was also identified by Edmund King, the president of the Automobile Association, who suggested that TfL could be swamped with driver complaints. He told the newspaper: 'If TfL does not send out warnings they will be deluged with complaints from drivers. If they turn down appeals to have fines cancelled, huge numbers will take their complaints to the traffic penalties tribunal.' A TfL spokesman said: 'All the signs needed for the enforcement of the scheme will be in place and the boundaries clearly signposted for residents. 'The signage and level of information in the public domain means we expect drivers to be aware of the standards and the boundary. This means all non-compliant drivers are liable for the charge and if they fail to pay it within the appropriate amount of time, they will face a penalty charge. 'National Highways, which manages the busiest roads into the capital, have worked with us to ensure drivers have advance warning of the expanded Ulez, and we have run a major communications campaign to make sure as many people are aware of the scheme as possible.' Muslim leaders have reacted with anger to a sudden move by the French government to ban the abaya in state schools. The loose-fitting long robe is considered too closely linked with Islam by Gabriel Attal, the education secretary in Paris. France has a strict ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings, because they violate laws on secularism. Announcing a ban starting on September 4, at the start of new school year, Mr Attal said: 'When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn't be able to identify the pupils' religion just by looking at them. I have decided that the abaya can no longer be worn in schools.' But Abdallah Zekri, vice-president of the French Council for Muslim Worship, said the abaya 'has never been a religious symbol anyway'. France has a strict ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings, because they violate laws on secularism (stock image) France's education secretary, Gabriel Attal (pictured), has banned the garment in schools and government buildings Instead, he said the ban was yet another example of politicians using dress favoured by women and girls to attack some five-million Muslims living in France. 'I think the minister could have asked the opinion of religious leaders,' said Mr Zerkri. 'For me, the abaya is not a religious dress, it is a form of fashion. 'If you go to some stores, you find abayas. It's a long and loose dress at the same time. It has nothing to do with religion.' In June, the French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM) also ruled that the abaya was not a Muslim religious sign. Mr Zekri said he was 'surprised that the question of the abaya in classes has become a priority, while teaching teams are worried about the lack of funding, the lack of teachers, and lots of other problems in schools'. In 2010, France banned the wearing of full-face veils in public, provoking anger among Muslims about so-called 'Burqa Ban'. The country has enforced a strict ban on religious signs at schools since the 19th Century, and now items banned also include the Jewish kippa. A huge alligator has set new size records in Mississippi and has been branded 'nightmare material' on social media. The gator measures more than 14 feet in length and weighs a mind-blowing 802.5 pounds. It was captured by a group of hunters, who lifted the massive reptile out of the Yazoo River on Saturday as part of an initiative to keep gator numbers down in Mississippi. People are allowed to hunt the gators at specific times, but the extraordinarily large specimen was a special find for the hunters with its total length of 14 feet and 3 inches. Its belly girth alone measures 66 inches while its tail is 46.5 inches thick, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - a record-breaking size. The gator measures more than 14 feet in length and weighs a mind-blowing 802.5 pounds. The 'monster' was caught by hunters Tanner White, Don Woods, Will Thomas and Joey Clark (pictured left to right), who spent seven 'mentally exhausting' hours to reel the gator in People are allowed to hunt the gators at specific times, but the extraordinarily large specimen was a special find for the hunters with its total length of 14 feet and 3 inches. Its belly girth alone measures 66 inches while its tail is 46.5 inches thick READ MORE: Moment Colorado man is almost eaten by huge alligator called ELVIS after slipping while feeding him Advertisement The length of the gator trumps the previous record of 14 feet and a weight of 766.5 pounds, held by a reptile captured in 2017. After a picture of the beast was posted on Facebook, people voiced their disbelief at the size of the gator. One woman wrote: 'Nightmare material,' and another person added: 'Good grief that's a monster.' A third said: 'Congratulations that's a real dinosaur! Had to be amazing for sure.' Another commented: 'OMG... what a monster! You grow 'em big in Mississippi! Congratulations on your big catch.' The 'monster' was caught by hunters Tanner White, Don Woods, Will Thomas and Joey Clark, who spent seven 'mentally exhausting' hours to reel the gator in. Don told the Mirror: 'We hooked him eight or nine times and he kept breaking off. 'He would go down, sit and then take off. He kept going under logs. He knew what he was doing. The crazy thing is he stayed in that same spot.' Don said about catching the beast: 'We hooked him eight or nine times and he kept breaking off. He would go down, sit and then take off. He kept going under logs. He knew what he was doing. The crazy thing is he stayed in that same spot' Don and his friends caught the massive gator on August 26, the second day of Mississippi's public alligator hunting season, which runs until September 4. The state has been regulating the hunting of the reptile since 2005 to properly manage and conserve the alligator population. It allows the alligators to breed, nest and raise their offspring during summer, when they are the most active. To catch gators during the hunting season, people need one of only 920 special permits per season by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Conservation efforts in the south have been fruitful and resulted in a now stable gator population that allows limited and regulated hunting. Bank holiday revellers took to the streets last night as Britain made the most of their day off - as thousands across the country nurse sore heads this morning. Partygoers hit the town in their last chance to make the most of the summer, with glamorous clubbers strutting the streets in skimpy outfits in a boozy night of celebration. And they flocked to pubs and clubs across the nation as they took advantage of the last bank holiday until December so they could embrace their hangovers before work on Tuesday. In Liverpool, a set of pals strutted into the city centre as they celebrated a friend's birthday. With two celebrating the special day wearing glitzy headbands, they set off on a night of partying in matching black glitzy ensembles and heels. In Liverpool, as set of friends strutted into the city centre as they celebrated a friend's birthday Elsewhere in the northern city revellers dressed-up in a very different way - posing up for a selfie as they coordinated Mario-themed costumes Outside a pizza house two girls made a striking pair as they posed in contrasting outfits One looked smart in Oppenheimer-style black get-up and a matching handbag, while her friend sticks her tongue out as she embraced the Barbie hype in denim shorts, a lacy pink top and metallic pink cowboy boots In other parts of the city revels were taking a more raucous turn - as one partygirl jumped into a shopping trolley, sticking two hands in the air as she was pushed along the road In a second photo she looks relaxed as cars pass her by on the opposite side of the road, while a blonde in a royal blue dress waits patiently for the lights to change And between bars and pubs a hen do made their way across the city in classic matching sashes, paired with a series of black ensembles In another shot, a boozed-up party-goer takes a seat on the pavement with a bottle of water, as his discarded McDonalds sits dejectedly on the tiles in front of him Elsewhere in the northern city revellers dressed-up in a very different way - posing up for a selfie as they coordinated Mario-themed costumes. With the men committing to full Mario, Luigi and Yoshi onesies - including a cartoon dinosaur head - the women opted for glamorous pink and yellow dresses with sparkling crowns. Outside a pizza house two girls made a striking pair as they posed up in contrasting outfits. One looked smart in a black get-up and matching handbag, while her friend sticks her tongue out as she embraced the Barbie-hype in denim shorts, a lacy pink top and metallic pink cowboy boots. But in other parts of the city revels were taking a more raucous turn - as one reveler jumped into a shopping trolley, sticking two hands in the air as she was pushed along the road. In a second photo she looks relaxed as cars pass her by on the opposite side of the road, while a blonde in a royal blue dress waits patiently for the lights to change. And between bars and pubs a hen do made their way across the city in classic matching sashes, paired with a series of black ensembles. In another shot, a boozed-up party-goer takes a seat on the pavement with a bottle of water, as his discarded McDonalds sits dejectedly on the tiles in front of him. Meanwhile, in Newcastle, girls took to the town in blatant defiance of the Northern cold A pair glamorous pals pose for photos in revealing blue get-ups, while their brunette pal chuckles in a black dress and a fourth - in white - hides her face Another shot shows a dejected-looking woman in a white suit and veil carrying a blow up doll through a crowded street A raucous pair joke with a male friend as a brunette points accusingly into the distance But the night was not quite perfect - as a pair of friends passed between the partying sharing the shelter of a coat to hide from the rain Some did not come quite so dressed up - as two men steadied each other as they walk along a high street in Newcastle kits Some revellers came prepared for the big night out - getting ahead of their hangovers with two big packs of bread And another hen party showed the others how to have a good time decked out in shimmering pink, with a blow-up man proudly held aloft Meanwhile, in Newcastle, girls took to the town in blatant defiance of the Northern cold. A pair glamorous pals pose up for photos in revealing blue get-ups, while their brunette pal chuckles in a black dress and a fourth - in white - hides her face. Another shot shows a dejected-looking woman in a white suit and veil carrying a blow-up doll through a crowded street. And a raucous pair joke with a male friend as a brunette points accusingly into the distance. But the night was not quite perfect - as a pair of friends passed between the partying sharing the shelter of a coat to hide from the rain. And some did not come quite so dressed up - as two men steadied each other as they walk along a high street in Newcastle kits. Other revellers came prepared for the big night out - getting ahead of their hangovers with two big packs of bread. And another hen party showed the others how to have a good time decked out in shimmering pink, with a blow-up man proudly held aloft. As the partying carried on into the night, some took refuge in fast food stands as they devoured burgers and chips after a hard night on the dance floor But others kept the party going - with a group of three girls posing up in short skirts and crop tops as they joined crowds packing the streets And another woman grinned with joy as she held her fingers aloft in a black bodysuit as she shows off her plush Louis Vuitton bag Others were dressed for a festival - with muddy legs, short shorts and bulky boots as they posed outside a PopWorld Another group of four glammed up - boots and skirts, as one layered her ensemble with a smart lilac jacket As the partying carried on into the night, some took refuge in fast food stands as they devoured burgers and chips after a hard night on the dance floor. But others kept the party going - with a group of three girls posing up in short skirts and crop tops as they joined crowds packing the streets. And another woman grinned with joy as she held her fingers aloft in a black bodysuit as she showed off her finery with a plush Louis Vuitton bag. Others were dressed for a festival - with muddy legs, short shorts and bulky boots as they posed outside a PopWorld. Another group of four glammed up - boots and skirts, as one layered her ensemble with a smart lilac jacket. Bankwest is 'turning their back' on up to a million customers by closing down all its branches on Australia's east coast, a fed-up senator said. Customers on the east of the country hoping to do their banking in a brick and mortar branch now has to make a 4000km journey to to Western Australia, where the Commonwealth Bank subsidiary's only four full-time branches remain. Bankwest's own 'find your nearest branch' search feature on it's website even directs customers in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania that their closest branch is in Perth. The financial institution announced last year that all 14 of its branches outside of WA would be scrapped after usage of it's online banking app surged 31 per cent. It also made the cost-cutting call to reduce trading hours at 29 rural branches in WA - with some only operating two days-a-week. Senator Gerard Rennick, who grilled Bankwest representatives in the WA wheatbelt town of Beverley as part of a special sitting of a Senate committee, argues that digital-only banking does not provide the same services as a branch. 'Farmers and regional customers don't always get wireless and they don't always get the mobile reception,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday. Bankwest announced last year that all 14 of its branches outside of WA would be scrapped after usage of it's online banking app surged 31 per cent. It also made the cost-cutting call to reduce trading hours at 29 rural branches in WA - with some only operating two days-a-week Bankwest customers on the east of the country hoping to do their banking in a brick and mortar branch now has to make a 4000km journey to to Western Australia, where the Commonwealth Bank subsidiary's only four full-time branches remain (stock image) 'It means farmers have to drive further to the next branch. They are basically turning their back on providing services. 'They are all doing it and it is getting harder and harder.' In defending the cull of branches, Bankwest personal banking general manager Scott Spittles said in August it was part of the 'evolution' of the institution. 'We have a clear vision to be a simple, easy bank for current and future homeowners nationwide,' he said. 'I understand these changes will cause some inconvenience, but we are seeing more branches become increasingly unsustainable to operate as customer banking preferences shift to digital options.' Mr Spittles said digital transactions now account for around 97 per cent of all Bankwest transactions, while in-branch services have declined by 44 per cent in the past three years. 'WA branches now average just 39 transactions a day, with that volume expected to almost halve to 22 a day as business customers, who account for almost half of branch transactions, transition away from Bankwest,' he said. Senator Gerard Rennick, who grilled Bankwest representatives in the WA wheatbelt town of Beverley as part of a special sitting of a Senate committee, argues that digital-only banking does not provide the same services as a branch In defending the cull of branches, Bankwest personal banking general manager Scott Spittles said in August it was part of the 'evolution' of the institution (stock image) Senator Rennick said the banks were 'taking the p*ss' with such arguments and questioned the statistics. 'They (banks) say 95 per cent of transactions are done online but they tell people if they want to get cash they can get it out of the ATM machine and that's an online transaction,' he said. 'There's all these little odd job banking services, whether you want a credit card replaced, estate services, you want to change signatures that once the branches close you have to drive all the way to the next branch.' He said the move would particularly hurt voluntary organisations that may need to get several people together to authorise a change of signatories on an account, as well as making life difficult for elderly people. 'My old man he went down and paid off his credit care using Bank@Post and then he couldn't use his credit card for a couple of weeks to clear the transit payment,' he said. 'I would like to see a proper public bank as we used to have.' Prince Andrew's appearance in a car with William and Kate as the family travelled to church in Balmoral was a 'public statement of togetherness' but there is 'no possibility' of him returning to royal duties, an expert has said. Sitting beside Prince William on their way to church yesterday, Andrew appeared to be well and truly back in the royal fold. The disgraced duke, 63, was driven to church by the future king, whose wife Catherine sat in the back seat. They joined other family members at church as the Royal Family had their first summer break at the estate since the Queen's death there a year ago. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline the photographs of Prince Andrew travelling to church with the Waleses were 'clearly intended to send a message of family unity'. But he insisted it was not a sign Andrew could return to public duties in any form. 'This is a sad time for the royal family on their customary break at Balmoral. They and the nation will shortly be commemorating a year since the death of the Queen,' Mr Fitzwilliams said. Prince Andrew's appearance in a car with William and Kate as the family travelled to church in Balmoral was a 'public statement of togetherness', a royal expert has said Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the King, who was said to have offered the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral 'We know how close Andrew was to the late Queen, his appearance at the Duke of Edinburghs Memorial Service in March 2022, where he supported her physically whilst she was giving him emotional and financial support caused much controversy. 'It has been reported that his allowance has been cut. It was rumoured that his tenure at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which is his home, was in danger. 'He is also reportedly attempting to regain the police protection he lost when he stepped down from royal duties.' But Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'It is important to stress that there is no possibility, as King Charles and Prince William have always realised, of him returning to public duties in any form. 'A glance at his non-existent popularity ratings in the polls make the public mood very clear on this issue. 'However what is being emphasised is harmony on a personal level and clearly he and his immediate family, who are also at Balmoral, will appreciate this a great deal, especially as the photographs we see today are such a very public statement of togetherness.' William drove a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind. The passengers swapped seats after the service. Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the King, who was said to have offered the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral. William drove a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind Prince William drives Catherine Princess of Wales from church yesterday morning - the passengers swapped seats after the service King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the group, having spent their summer break at the Scottish estate Prince Edward was seen driving a car with his wife Sophie, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Princess Anne to church The prince lost his official duties and his place in public life following the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal. A car crash Newsnight interview in November 2019 was followed by a lawsuit in which former teenage Epstein victim, Virginia Roberts, sued the duke over her claims that he had sex with her while she was under the paedophile financier's control. When Andrew vowed to fight the case last January, vehemently denying the allegations as he has always done, he was told to stop using the title His Royal Highness, and all military titles and royal patronages were returned to the late Queen following demands by Charles and William. Months later, he settled out of court with Ms Roberts for a reported 12million without any admission of wrongdoing. He is said to believe that a return to public life may be possible. Pope Francis has railed against what he referred to as America's 'reactionary' Catholic church and the 'climate of closure', adding that political ideology had sometimes replaced faith in the US. Since he was appointed 10 years ago, Francis has been criticised by conservative sectors of the US church who are opposed to reforms such as giving women and lay Catholics more roles and making the church more welcoming and less judgmental towards some, including people from the LGBT community. Francis made his comments published today on August 5 in a private meeting in Lisbon with members of the Jesuit order, of which he is a member, during his trip for World Youth Day. A Portuguese Jesuit told the pope that during a sabbatical in the US, he was saddened that many Catholics, including some bishops, were hostile to the Francis' leadership. 'You have seen that in the United States the situation is not easy: there is a very strong reactionary attitude. It is organised and shapes the way people belong, even emotionally,' the pope responded. Since he was appointed 10 years ago, Francis (pictured) has been criticised by conservative sectors of the US church who are opposed to reforms such as giving women and lay Catholics more roles and making the church more welcoming and less judgmental towards some, including people from the LGBT community The pope met President Joe Biden in Vatican City in 2021 for talks on climate change. In the US, the pope has been publicly discussed by religious conservatives who often have aligned with politically conservative media outlets in order to criticise the pope over a host of issues such as climate change, immigration, social justice, his calls for gun control and his opposition to the death penalty Religious conservatives often have aligned with politically conservative media outlets to criticise the pope over a host of issues such as climate change, immigration, social justice, his calls for gun control and his opposition to the death penalty. READ MORE: Biden chokes up during press conference as he describes how Pope Francis offered 'solace' in the days after death of his son Beau Advertisement 'You have been to the United States and you say you have felt a climate of closure. Yes, this climate can be experienced in some situations,' Francis said. 'And there, one can lose the true tradition and turn to ideologies for support. In other words, ideology replaces faith, membership in a sector of the church replaces membership in the church,' he said. Francis said his critics should understand that 'there is an appropriate evolution in the understanding of matters of faith and morals' and that being backward-looking is 'useless.' As an example, he said some pontiffs centuries ago were tolerant of slavery but the church evolved. One of the pope's fiercest critics in the US is Cardinal Raymond Burke, who is based in Rome. He wrote in an introduction for a recent book that a meeting of bishops called by Francis for this October to help chart the future of the church risked sowing 'confusion and error and division.' With the sale of the Rugged Computing business area, the Group is further focusing the Industrial Components division on its core business. Kloten/Stein am Rhein, 28 August 2023. Phoenix Mecano has signed an agreement with the SDAX- and TecDAX-listed Kontron Group for the sale of W-IE-NE-R Power Electronics GmbH and W-IE-NE-R Power Electronics Corp. as well as Hartmann Electronic GmbH. The sale will allow Phoenix Mecano to concentrate the activities of its Industrial Components division on modular solutions for industrial automation (Automation Modules business area) and high-end electrotechnical components for industrial electronics (Electrotechnical Components business area) as well as measuring technology (Measuring Technology business area). The divested companies employed 77 people and generated consolidated sales of around EUR 18 million in 2022. They specialise in the manufacture of components for modular computer systems and power supplies for use in harsh environments. These are mainly deployed in railway technology, safety/security, measurement and control technology, mechanical engineering and physical research. As a multinational technology group supplying a unique array of cutting-edge electronic digitalisation technologies, Kontron will offer the divested companies promising opportunities. Of particular interest for their further development are Kontron's industry-leading position in a wide range of vertical markets and its specialised global sales network. With a sales price of around EUR 22 million Phoenix Mecano expects a one-off gain of around EUR 10 million at operating result level. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023, subject to the customary closing conditions. One of London's best-preserved Georgian Huguenot townhouses in can now be yours for 4million. The stunning five bedroom property has preserved historical details in its interiors. The Huguenots were members of the French Protestant Church, many of whom, in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, left their homes in France to escape persecution. In 1685 over 50,000 Huguenot Protestants arrived in Britain fleeing religious persecution in Catholic France. The Huguenot Protestants settled in the eastern London area of Spitalfields where there are now only a few homes left that retain the beauty and warmth of its history. A look at the outside of one of London's best-preserved Georgian Huguenot townhouses Located in the historic Spitalfields, this stunning property can be yours for 4million The Huguenots were members of the French Protestant Church, many of whom, in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, left their homes in France to escape persecution The home has the original panelling paired with the warmth of timber floorboards. READ MORE: Most viewed Rightmove homes include Bob Dylan 3m Scot manor Advertisement 'This is a gentle home and something of a labour of love for the current owner: passion and money have been invested in equal measure to curate a sympathetic replica of its remarkable history,' reads the listing. 'While the fatigued styling of the walls, floors and cabinetry could easily grace the pages of a historical time, it's brought firmly up to date with underfloor heating and modern appliances. 'The immediate area conjures up every variation you can think of. From street food to stylish cuisine, no more than half a mile in any direction will deliver you to a suitable spot, along with countless galleries and independent stores.' Spitalfields is an area known for its thriving markets, buzzing nightlife and iconic curry restaurants. The Huguenot Protestants settled in the eastern London area of Spitalfields A look at the spacious living room inside the property where natural light shines through The home has the original panelling paired with the warmth of timber floorboards A beautiful fireplace is the centrepiece of this spacious living room The Georgian townhouse also features a beautiful courtyard area A 6ft 6ins British Army soldier has been thrown out of the military for sexually assaulting a female comrade when he repeatedly tried to kiss her despite her pleas for him to stop. Signaller Ryan Pell 'overpowered' his much shorter victim, subjecting her to a 'never ending' ordeal by putting her in a 'bear hug' and repeatedly trying to kiss her during a late night walk. The 26-year-old also drunkenly pinned the 5ft 4ins woman against a fence, pushed her onto the floor and straddled her for 'a bit of fun'. After a trial at Bulford Military Court, Pell was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault. Dismissing him from the Army, Britain's only female military judge told the soldier, who worked as a Network Engineer at British Army, he only had himself to blame for 'destroying his career'. 6ft 6ins Ryan Pell, 26, has been kicked out of the military after he was found guilty on three counts of sexual assault on a female comrade he subjected to a 'never ending' ordeal Pell 'overpowered' his much shorter victim, put her in a 'bear hug' and repeatedly tried to kiss her during a late night walk Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England told Pell: 'She was telling you to get off but you were saying it is a bit of fun. It was not fun. 'When she went on that walk, she had no reason to fear you. You are much larger and stronger than her and you have the build to overpower her, which you did. 'You did not want to take no for an answer. 'It is always unfortunate when someone of your position does something to destroy their career, but the only person to blame for that is you.' She dismissed Pell from the armed forces, handed him a 24 month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay his victim 1,000. His then 17-year-old victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons - told the court that she has suffered sleeping problems since the incident and is now alarmed when a man raises his voice at her. In a statement, she said: 'After the incident...I would have trouble sleeping. When I would eventually get to sleep, it would be in the early hours. 'In the weeks leading up to the [trial], I would not sleep at all. 'Before the incident, a male raising his voice at me would have not bothered me but this has definitely changed since the incident.' The victim also said she has recently suffered flashbacks of the incident. During the trial the teenager told the court the attack happened after she had got into an argument with a fellow soldier and Pell suggested they 'go for a walk and talk about it'. She said he was 'acting like he had had a few to drink' and was 'stumbling a little bit and had slurred speech'. Dismissing him from the Army, Britain's only female military judge, Jane England, told the soldier he only had himself to blame for 'destroying his career' The pair were walking together when Pell tried to kiss the teenager. She said she told him to stop and he apologised. Then, the tall male soldier sat down on a picnic bench and asked her to sit next to him. She told the court: 'I told him I didn't want to sit down. He told me I should just sit down next to him and then he grabbed me by my joggers to sit close to him. 'I started to walk away. He came up behind me and grabbed me from behind. 'He grabbed me, trapping both of my arms in a bear hug.' The teenager said she 'couldn't get out' and Pell repeatedly tried to kiss her neck. After he eventually put her down, she lost balance so he pushed her to the floor - pinning her down and straddling her so she could not move. She told the trial: 'I got very angry with him. I shouted at him but he was not listening to me. 'I was pretty scared. I had never been in that position before and I just did not know what was going to happen.' Pell was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Bulford Military Court. His 17-year-old victim said she has suffered sleeping problems since the incident The 17-year-old managed to escape his grip and began walking to her accommodation but he chased after her. She added: 'Sig Pell started running up behind me. He grabbed me and pinned me against the fence. 'He grabbed me and put one hand on my lower back and one on the top of my back. 'He said something along the lines of "now the fence is working in my favour". His body was pressed against the back of mine. 'He tried to move his hand around to rub the inside of my leg.' The female soldier said he continued to try to kiss her, and she shouted at him to leave her alone. She added: 'I felt like I was unable to get out of the situation, I felt like it was never-ending.' After Pell released her, he followed her back to her accommodation and sat on her bed. She said: 'I asked him to leave multiple times, eventually he did.' The teenager told friends what had happened and reported it to her superiors. She told the hearing: 'Being 17, when something like this happened I didn't really believe that anyone would tell me if I told them.' Captain Camilla Gane, prosecuting, told the court martial: '[Signaller Pell] knew she was vulnerable in that moment. '[She] said no and that should have been the end of it. Instead he tried again and he did not take no for an answer. 'At no point did [she] give any sort of consent.' James Ross, defending, said Pell was the 'author of his own misfortune' and had it not been for that one night, he would have 'contributed a great deal to the armed forces'. Judge England told the soldier: 'You have shown no remorse or acceptance of responsibility for your behaviour.' Theo Porteous, 32, was stabbed to death in Nine Elms last week Police investigating the fatal stabbing of a 32-year-old man in London have released CCTV images and footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the shocking incident. Theo Porteous was found collapsed outside a property in Nine Elms, Wandsworth last week with a 'number of knife wounds' shortly after 12:30pm. Despite the attendance of medics from both the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, Mr Porteous' wounds were so severe he was pronounced dead at 13:06pm. Police have since launched a murder investigation and released images of a man who was in the vicinity of the killing they would like to speak to. In the footage, a man wearing sunglasses, a blue shirt and shorts can be seen approaching a block of flats on Thessaly Road. Theo Porteous (pictured) was found collapsed outside a property in Nine Elms, Wandsworth last week with a 'number of knife wounds' In the footage, a man wearing sunglasses, a blue shirt and shorts can be seen approaching a block of flats on Thessaly Road Police believe the man was in the vicinity at the time of the killing and would like to speak to him Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, leading the investigation, said: 'My thoughts are with Theo's family and friends, at what is an unimaginable time for them. 'I have assured them that I and my team will do everything we can to bring those responsible for Theo's murder to justice. 'Our investigation is progressing at pace and I want to ask for the public's help in identifying the man in the CCTV image. 'I would ask anyone who recognises him to get in touch without delay. Likewise, anyone with any information about Theo's murder should get in touch even details that may seem irrelevant could be important to our investigation.' Police say there have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 3633/24AUG. A Republican legal activist was stabbed to death inside his home in New Hampshire as cops investigate whether the killer acted in self-defense. Alexander Talcott, 41, was found dead inside his house in Durham on Saturday morning with a stab wound to his neck, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said. Police have launched an investigation into his death, which they ruled as homicide, and the attorney general has identified all parties involved in the incident. Investigators are now trying to determine whether the person who stabbed Talcott was acting in self-defence, reports NBC 10 Boston. Their name has not been released and police said there was no danger to the public. No arrests have yet been made, police said, after naming Talcott as the deceased on Sunday. Alexander Talcott, 41, (pictured) was found dead inside his house in Durham on Saturday morning with a stab wound to his neck, the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said Police have launched an investigation into his death, which they ruled as homicide, and the attorney general has identified all parties involved in the incident. Pictured: Detectives outside Talcott's home Talcott has been described as a 'staunch advocate for the core values of the Republican party' by his peers and as someone who 'always wanted to help'. William O'Brien, he state director of the New Hampshire chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association told NBC 10 Boston: 'Talcott's unwavering belief in liberty, free markets, and limited government resonated deeply in his role as a lawyer. 'Within the RNLA, his leadership was unwavering in in promoting our shared values, ensuring every member felt empowered and well-prepared.' O'Brien added: 'Alex was an exceptionally skilled champion for the rule of law and the importance of fair and honest elections. 'We will forever honor Alex's selfless dedication and profound contributions to our shared vision of liberty through legal processes. 'His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations within the RNLA and the greater legal community.' Talcott has been described as a 'staunch advocate for the core values of the Republican party' by his peers and as someone who 'always wanted to help' Ukraine is boasting that it has developed a new super missile which has already given a 'flawless performance' in attacking Russian forces. The weapon took out a Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system last week in a spectacular strike in annexed Crimea. Initial speculation was that Kyiv had used a British or French supplied Storm Shadow missile with pinpoint accuracy in this deadly strike on Olenivka at Cape Tarkhankut in northwest Crimea. But it is now clear Ukraine deployed its own sophisticated new cruise missile. 'The missile was a new one, absolutely modern,' said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine. Initial speculation was that Kyiv had used a British or French supplied Storm Shadow missile with pinpoint accuracy The weapon reportedly took out a Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system last week in a spectacular strike in annexed Crimea Ukraine may have adapted the low-flying, subsonic Neptune anti-ship missile which famously sank the Moskva flagship of Vladimir Putin's Black Sea Fleet last year He praised its 'flawless performance'. Ukrainian TV said there is 'no clarification of whether it is an absolutely new missile or a modified one'. One suspicion is that Ukraine has adapted the low-flying, subsonic Neptune anti-ship missile which famously sank the Moskva flagship of Vladimir Putin's Black Sea Fleet last year. The new missile appears designed to hit ground targets. The hit on the S-400 was highly significant since the state-of-the-art Russian air defence system and associated radar should detect and nullify missiles over some 200 miles. The Cape Tarkhankut deployment gave Russia control over a swathe of strategic land and water in the western Black Sea. 'The missile was a new one, absolutely modern,' said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Ukraine is developing its own missiles as well as relying on Western munitions such as Storm Shadow and US-made HIMARS There were earlier claims that the Ukrainians were tweaking Neptune with not only GPS but other advances to enable it to strike land targets potentially at a distance of 225 miles. The S-400 strike by Ukraine last week destroyed air defence missiles in a giant explosion and also took out Russian troops. 'As a result of the explosion, the installation itself, the missiles and personnel installed on it were completely destroyed,' said Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko. In the wake of the strike, some Russian sources suggested the attack was by Storm Shadow. Yet Ukraine is developing its own missiles as well as relying on Western munitions such as Storm Shadow and US-made HIMARS. It has also adapted the S-200 air defence missile into an attack option which has been used on annexed Crimea and Russia. A Ukrainian cruise missile was destroyed today in the air off the coast of Crimea, claimed the Russian Defense Ministry. A tragic single father-of-four has been shot and killed in a road rage fight just hours after he had dinner with his mom and girlfriend in New York City. Fausto Rodriguez, 40, posted on social media he spent a 'perfect' day with his family and girlfriend as well as his co-workers at a mechanics shop. But three hours after writing 'thank you for another day' in the uplifting post, Rodriguez was killed in a horrific road rage shooting. Rodriguez, described by his family as 'one of the happiest hardworking people they knew', was involved in a car accident on the Cross Bronx Expressway on Friday night, police said. Rodriguez and his friend were driving along the expressway just before 11pm on Friday night when their Honda Accord was rear-ended by a Ford edge, police told New York Daily News. Police said the four men inside the Ford fled from the scene of the crash on foot and Rodriguez called 911 - but minutes later, one of the men from the Ford returned to the scene in a grey Toyota Rav4 with another man, reports ABC7 New York. A heated argument ensued between the men and Rodriguez but quickly escalated, with one of the men fatally shooting the father-of-four, police said. Tragic single father-of-four Fausto Rodriguez, 40, has been shot and killed in a road rage fight just hours after he had dinner with his mom and girlfriend in New York City Rodriguez, described by his family as 'one of the happiest hardworking people they knew', was involved in a car accident on the Cross Bronx Expressway on Friday night His friends said he was a single father to three children in the US while his fourth grown child is in the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez also helped raise his girlfriend's two children. Pictured: Rodriguez's four children The two men fled in the Toyota, which was found abandoned at a nearby location, while medics rushed to the scene and transported Rodriguez to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Rodriguez's co-workers said he had closed the auto body shop business Xtreme Quality on Friday evening before going for dinner with his mom and girlfriend - just mere hours before the fatal road rage incident happened. At 8pm on Friday night, Rodriguez had posted a video of the New York Police Department and horses on WhatsApp Stories, with a caption that read: 'Thank you for another day. Today was a great day.' But three hours later, he was fatally shot in the horrific road rage incident. His girlfriend said his family are 'devastated' by his murder. While police said Rodriguez was involved in the car crash, his sister Emely told New York Daily News that her brother had shown up to the scene to help because of his mechanic skills. She said he had got a call during a family dinner to help but he was attacked by gunmen because he recorded the aftermath of the crash. 'He was recording what happened between the cars and what we've been told... is that the [people in the] car got upset because he was recording them,' Emely said. 'He was not doing anything. He was just there. Like everyone does, if something happens you go to record. He just showed up at the wrong place in the wrong moment.' Rodriguez's co-workers said he had closed the auto body shop business Xtreme Quality on Friday evening before going for dinner with his mom and girlfriend - just mere hours before the fatal road rage incident happened Rodriguez is pictured with his two sons A memorial has been set up outside the mechanic shop where he worked Police have launched an investigation into Rodriguez's murder - and no arrests have yet been made. His boss, Boris Alexander, 44, paid tribute to Rodriguez and said: 'We can write a book about Fausto and who he was and... what he meant to us. Fausto was a brother to all of us. We can't comprehend. 'He was the centerpiece. Fausto was kind of the glue that held all of us together. It's really a huge loss. It's been devastating.' His friends said he was a single father to three children in the US while his fourth grown child is in the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez also helped raise his girlfriend's two children. Emely described her brother as an 'exceptional human being' who would always help others. His friend Luisa Checo told ABC7: 'He was always happy, he never was mad. He was never arguing with anyone. It's really painful because he was a good person, he never got in trouble with anyone, he was a good father.' Rodriquez's family are now calling for the killer to be brought to justice, with Emely saying the murder has 'destroyed a beautiful family and a great person'. 'The domino effect that they create,' Alexander said. 'The hurt. The people who will never be the same. The amount of hurt. I really hope that this loss is not in vain.' Rodriguez's family have set up a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise money for his funeral costs and to help his four surviving children financially. Women's rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen is suing Australian MPs for defamation after she was attacked at a rally where she was doused in tomato sauce and pelted with eggs. The mother-of-four from Wiltshire has sent a legal letter to Victorian Liberal's leadership team with a 28-day deadline to issue a written apology, pay compensation, and cover her legal costs or face court action. Ms Keen has accused leader of the opposition John Pesutto, deputy Matt Bach, and upper house leader Georgie Crozier of making 'grossly misconceived, wilfully vexatious, and wretchedly false' claims against her. The mother, who also goes by the name Posie Parker, has been taking part in a Let Women Speak world tour with rallies in Australia and New Zealand. The defamation threat is in relation to expelled Liberal Party MP Moira Deeming who appeared at a Let Women Speak event in Melbourne in March where black-clad masked neo-Nazis invaded Ms Keen's rally. Women's rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen (pictured last month in London) is suing Australian MPs for defamation after she was attacked at a rally where she was doused in tomato sauce and pelted with eggs Ms Keen has accused leader of the opposition John Pesutto, (left) deputy Matt Bach, (centre) and upper house leader Georgie Crozier (right) of making 'grossly misconceived, wilfully vexatious, and wretchedly false' claims against her Ms Deeming had previously been suspended for nine months for attending the rally but was later expelled by 19 votes to 11. In the motion, she was accused of 'organising, promoting and attending a rally where Kellie-Jay Keen (also known as Posie Parker), was the principal speaker, in circumstances where Ms Keen was known to be publicly associated with far right-wing extremist groups including neo-Nazi activists.' Ms Keen denies having any association of affinity with neo-Nazis and has constantly denied that she knew anything about the neo-Nazi group who made sickening Hitler salutes. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline in March, Ms Keen said: 'They are still calling me a Nazi because these men turned up at my event at Melbourne. 'They were nothing to do with me, they were not invited. 'The whole time I feel like being treated like an actual Nazi. I don't think the Nazis were particularly well-known for women's rights. 'Since I flew out here I have been on every news channel and paper. 'The politicians seem to have it all sewn up here. It is all about power. I've been told there are lots of them who don't even believe any of the stuff they are saying - they just say it for power.' Kellie-Jay Keen was doused with tomato juice at her Auckland rally in March, (pictured) forcing her to leave the protest early in the back of a police car The defamation threat is in relation to expelled Liberal Party MP Moira Deeming who appeared at a Let Women Speak event in Melbourne in March where black-clad masked neo-Nazis invaded Ms Keen's rally. Pictured: Protesters at the March rally A protester is pictured holding a sign at the Auckland rally in March The campaigner has received faced fierce criticism from LGBTIQA+ groups, as well as politicians who have raised concerns about her perceived association with far-right groups. She has previously been called 'a c***' by one MP from the Australian Greens. She was also slammed by a British MP for saying access to abortion and contraceptives need to be rolled back for children and teenagers. Ahead of her travel to Australia, Stephen Bates, the Greens spokesperson for LGBTIQA+ issues, wrote to Immigration Minister Andrew Giles asking him to revoke her visa. Mr Bates argued that Ms Keen had a long history of 'promoting or excusing hate and violence towards trans and other marginalised communities'. Ms Keen founded the SFW group which campaigns for sex based rights and protections of the word woman. Earlier this year one of the movement's supporters was 'manhandled' by a gang of masked trans activists. She was assaulted during a counter-protest by the Manchester Trans Rise Up (MTRU) movement next to the city's statue of Emmeline Pankhurst in St Peter's Square in May. Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson at a Let Women Speak rally outside Parliament House in Canberra in March 2023 The trans activists arrived to disrupt SFW's speaking event in front of the statue as part of an event which said it aimed to reclaim 'a part of Manchester for women's voices'. And in 2018 a billboard with the definition of a woman written on it funded by Ms Keen was removed after a Twitter activist complained it was 'transphobic.' She raised 700 for the poster to be put up in Liverpool for a fortnight to coincide with the Labour Party conference. The poster, on the side of the old Gaumont cinema on Gredington Street in Toxteth, Liverpool, bore the Google definition of a woman 'adult human female.' But it was removed after Dr Adrian Harrop, 31, who is not transgender, complained to billboard company Primesight that it would serve to make transgender women feel unsafe. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, this is the smiling photo of 'inspirational bell-ringer' Julie McDonnell posted on Facebook just hours after being told that criminal charges against her had been dropped after a case involving at least 20 hearings and seven different judges - all funded by the taxpayer. McDonnell - who was accused by one judge of 'playing the system' during a protracted legal battle - clearly could not contain her joy when she discovered she was in the clear. Just hours after prosecutors decided it was 'no longer in the public interest' to pursue the case, McDonnell posted an image of herself on Facebook. The decision - dubbed by one critic as 'a malingerer's charter' - came despite damning evidence emerging proceedings and one judge accusing McDonnell of 'being at it from the start'. McDonnell - who is in her 50's - had been due to stand trial at Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex after being charged with stealing 5,840 from the JustGiving platform, money donated via the fundraising site, which should have gone to cancer charities. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, this this is the smiling photo of 'inspirational bell-ringer' Julie McDonnell posted on Facebook just hours after being told that criminal charges against her had been dropped after a case involving at least 20 hearings and seven different judges The donations had come from members of the public after McDonnell had enlisted the help of bell-ringers around the world to help sufferers of blood cancer after claiming she was terminally ill after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in December 2015. Her campaign touched the hearts of millions around the globe after she appeared on BBC One's Songs of Praise where she spoke movingly about undergoing a stem cell transplant. After the broadcast from from her local church - St George's in Brede, East Sussex, it was not long before hundreds of churches across the land, among them St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, were ringing for Julie McDonnell. The appeal, supported by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, which has 65 affiliated societies worldwide, became an international phenomenon. A special bell-ringing 'method', or pattern was composed - the Julie McDonnell Doubles, which can be rung on five or six bells. The Pope allowed the Great Bell in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to sound for Julie McDonnell and the Dalai Lama arranged for meditation bells to be rung in support at Dharamshala, his home on the edge of the Himalayas. Hand bells were rung over the North Pole at 38,000 ft on a flight from Gatwick to Vancouver, on the Great Wall of China, and by the Pyramids in Giza. Ringers in Sydney, Cape Town, Miami, and Hawaii also joined in and a bell was even rung on the International Space Station about 250 miles above earth. But shock-waves were sent around the bell-ringing world after McDonnell was arrested and appeared before Hastings Magistrates Court on March 20, 2019, where she entered a plea of not guilty. A seemingly straightforward prosecution, however, has dragged on interminably, with the defendant sometimes unable to attend court because she claimed she was suffering from multiple conditions including muscle weakness, PTSD, neurological problems, an eating disorder, and failing mental health which has, most recently, rendered her apparently mute. It emerged in court that McDonnell had missed proceedings as she had been busy bell-ringing while pictures posted by her on her Facebook profile, using her maiden name, painted a different picture. Pictures posted by her on her Facebook profile, using her maiden name, during the three-year period in which she claimed to be suffering from all manner of ailments - losing 20kg at one time, she said, owing to an eating disorder - suggest that Judge Laing was right to be suspicious, which only adds to the controversy. They included snaps of McDonnell in a swimsuit on the beach in St Leonards, sitting on the shingle and enjoying a sunset. 'You positively glow. Gorgeous Girl,' a male admirer wrote, to which she replied: 'It's just gorgeous here. I'm so lucky.' McDonnell's campaign touched the hearts of millions around the globe after she appeared on BBC One's Songs of Praise where she spoke movingly about undergoing a stem cell transplant But shockwaves were sent around the bell-ringing world after McDonnell was arrested and appeared before Hastings Magistrates Court on March 20 2019 where she entered a plea of not guilty (McDonnell in a picture posted on Facebook on May 16 of her in St Leonards-on-Sea) It emerged in court that McDonnell had missed proceedings as she had been busy bell-ringing while pictures posted by her on her Facebook profile, using her maiden name, painted a different picture On another occasion, when she visited Hever Castle in Kent, an admirer thought she was 'looking radiant'. And, in May last year, she uploaded a photo of the summit of Snowdon, attracting 24 'likes' from friends. It was a period, remember, when Julie McDonnell said she was suffering variously from muscle weakness, PTSD, neurological problems, and failing mental health, not forgetting that eating disorder. Police discovered that Julie McDonnell had never undergone a stem cell transplant and could not, therefore, have been 'matched' with a compatible donor by the Anthony Nolan charity, as she had claimed. That revelation emerged at a previous hearing but went unreported. During one hearing in June 2021 Judge Shani Barnes revealed that a 'witness' had come forward comparing dates when McDonnell had not turned up in court ,owing to ill health, with dates when she was bell-ringing. ' The judge said: 'I'm taken aback the number of times she was unwell, she was actually bell-ringing.' In January 2023, Judge Christine Laing told McDonnell: 'I have a sense from reports you are playing the system . . . to delay the case any further is unconscionable. 'It is an alleged fraud on the public and the public have a right for the case to be heard . . . all of the delays have been initiated by this defendant.' During the three-year period in which McDonnell claimed to be suffering from all manner of ailments she posted a series of snaps of herself enjoying days out at the seaside (McDonnell in a picture posted on Facebook on May 16 of her in St Leonards-on-Sea) Police discovered that Julie McDonnell had never undergone a stem cell transplant and could not, therefore, have been 'matched' with a compatible donor by the Anthony Nolan charity, as she had claimed In a hearing on August 4, Judge David Rennie tried to speak to McDonnell via a video link - but she did not say a word. Two psychiatrists, funded by Legal Aid, could not say she was fit to plead but neither could they rule out malingering. Judge Rennie said: 'If you ask me, she's at it and has been from the start,' Four days later Judge Jeremy Gold said: 'There comes a time when the possibility of a defendant malingering to avoid trial is something to be avoided if it is a genuine possibility as it appears in this case. 'This is a case which is unlikely to result in any significant adverse penalty to the defendant, whether she is fit or unfit to plead. I wonder if a view may be taken.' But in a hearing 10 days later prosecutors told Judge Robert Fraser - the seventh judge to preside over the case - that 'the Crown will be offering no evidence.' McDonnell had been a novice bell-ringer of just 20 months when she began her campaign. She had arrived in Brede with her partner, Andrew McDonnell, a policeman, who became her third husband after the couple moved to the south coast from Northampton in 2014. Parishioners were impressed with tales of her exciting past. She told them she had been a 'leading and high-ranking expert in Middle Eastern affairs within British military intelligence and was fluent in Arabic, having studied languages at Oxford. She had stepped back from that world, she said, after being shot in the back on assignment in Egypt. But in a hearing 10 days later prosecutors told Judge Robert Fraser - the seventh judge to preside over the case - that 'the Crown will be offering no evidence' (McDonnell ina picture posted to Facebook on October 25, 2020, of her in Hever Castle, Kent) A special peal devised by fellow ringers the 'Julie McDonnell Doubles was rung at her local church, historic St George's in Brede, East Sussex, with members of the congregation asked to make a donation to raise public awareness about leukaemia (McDonnell in a picture posted on Facebook on May 16 of her in St Leonards-on-Sea) The truth was decidedly more mundane. Julie Harrison already had two failed marriages behind her by the time she settled in Brede with Mr McDonnell. She married her second husband to a 'glass bonder' in 1994, when she was 26. The couple had a daughter together. Her job is given on the certificate as 'computer consultant'. She is thought to have worked, since then, as a civil servant. Duncan Reid, a former church warden at St George's described McDonnell as 'very charismatic,' adding: 'She had quite an effervescent personality and could command a room. She made lots of friends.' She walked down the aisle with Mr McDonnell at St George's Church on July 17, 2015. According to McDonnell, the couple, who were often invited to supper at the vicarage, brought forward their big day on the advice of her consultant. Mr Reid said: 'There was an outpouring for her when she told us she had cancer,' 'We didn't doubt her word. Why would we?' But, miraculously, the bell never did toll for Julie McDonnell. Not long after her nuptials, the local paper revealed that the Anthony Nolan charity had found her a compatible donor. Not long after her nuptials, the local paper revealed that the Anthony Nolan charity had found her a compatible donor. No one could remember her going into hospital for the lifesaving operation. The marriage lasted little than a year with neighbours reporting the couple 'constantly rowing'. McDonnell had been a novice bell-ringer of just 20 months when she began her campaign. Parishioners were impressed with tales of her exciting past. She told them she had been a 'leading and high-ranking expert in Middle Eastern affairs within British military intelligence and was fluent in Arabic One said: 'He left quite suddenly and never came back.' Eventually, inconsistencies in her 'cancer' story caused suspicion and the police began an investigation. Brian Firman, master of ceremonies at St George's, said: 'We considered her our friend but one day she just left and we never saw her again. It was quite upsetting.' Not everyone was taken in. Gary Marriott said: 'I am not surprised at what has happened because I was always suspicious of her. 'I did a sponsored walk for her which was embarrassing enough. I couldn't get out of it because she begged me to do it. I didn't want to disappoint her so I said yes. I am disappointed that the truth hasn't been revealed.' A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said prosecutors had been 'trial-ready' since late 2019 but 'given that these allegations date back to 2016 and it has so far not been possible to bring the case to trial, we were asked by the judge to review the case and decide whether it was in the public interest to continue'. The spokesperson added: 'Following that review and having applied that legal test, we reluctantly decided it was no longer in the public interest to continue with the prosecution.' McDonnell has been approached for comment. Flight disruptions will continue into the week despite the 'network failure' that left thousands of travellers stranded having been 'remedied,' experts have warned. As many as 80 per cent of flights leaving the UK are delayed today following a 'huge failure' of the national air traffic control system - causing chaos for tens of thousands of holidaymakers on one of the busiest days of the year. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it experienced 'technical issues' that forced controllers to switch from an automatic system for landing and dispatching flights to a manual one. 'Flight plans are being input manually which means we cannot process them at the same volume, hence we have applied traffic flow restrictions,' NATS said. A spokesman told MailOnline there was 'nothing to suggest a cyber attack'. NATS said at 3.15pm it had 'identified and remedied' the technical issue affecting air traffic control systems and is working with airlines and airports to support the flights affected. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said that despite the technical issue being resolved 'flights are still unfortunately affected'. He tweeted that he would 'encourage all passengers to read the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance & be aware of their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled'. Home Secretary Suella Braverman told passengers to contact airlines if they needed more information. *Are you affected by the UK air traffic control shutdown? Email your story, with photos, to john.james@mailonline.co.uk and natasha.anderson@mailonline.com Frustrated passengers on board a flight leaving Lanzarote for Newcastle - one of many that has been hit by today's disruption The majority (78%) of flights leaving Heathrow are currently delayed, according to Flight Radar data from 1.45pm, compared to 74% at Gatwick, 81% at Manchester and 86% at Bristol Beth McKendrick, 26, (left) and bride-to-be Elizabeth Spadea, 25, are currently stuck in Palma airport after spending time in the Spanish city for a hen do Passenger Eric Parzianello is on a Delta flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, which has been delayed by the air traffic control outage A long queue of passengers queueing outside the terminal in Mallorca following today's air traffic control outage TV presenter Gabby Logan said she has been left stranded on the runway at Budapest Airport Thousands of passengers have been hit by delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control technical problems. The majority (78%) of flights leaving Heathrow are currently delayed, according to Flight Radar data from 1.45pm, compared to 74% at Gatwick, 81% at Manchester and 86% at Bristol. According to analysis carried out by Cirium, 232 flights have been cancelled departing UK airports so far today equivalent to around 8% of all departures. Meanwhile 271 flights have been cancelled arriving into UK airports so far today equivalent to around 9% of all arrivals. Under UK law, those affected have legal rights which oblige the airlines to provide support to customers flying from a UK airport, arriving in the country on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website says that in the case of a 'significant delay', the airline must provide a reasonable amount of food and drink, commonly in the form of vouchers, refunds for the cost of calls, and accommodation for passengers stuck overnight and transport to a hotel or their home. The CAA accepts airlines are sometimes unable to organise such support, so passengers should make their own 'reasonable' arrangements and keep receipts to claim money back, but the authority adds that 'luxury hotels and alcohol' are unlikely to be paid for. The authority adds that once a passenger accepts a refund or to travel later than the first available flight, then the airline is not obliged to provide food, drink or accommodation. Queues begin to build up at Manchester Airport after the UK's air traffic control system suffered a major outage Passengers are set to face long delays. Disruption may continue for days. Pictured are travellers queuing at Manchester Airport A passenger sleeping on the floor of Stansted Airport this afternoon A staff member chats with passengers at Gatwick Airport following today's outbreak of disruption Britons returning from Tenerife told MailOnline they had been told to expect a wait of at least 12 hours. Michele Robson, who used to work in air traffic control, said that it was 'unusual' for failures to last this long. As a result, 'nobody really knows at this point how long it's going to take,' she told BBC Radio 4. Contagion from the issue has already spread across Europe, causing delays for some flights leaving the Continent for the USA. TV presenter Gabby Logan said she has been left stranded on the runway at Budapest Airport while returning from the World Athletics Championships. She wrote: 'After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait.' Former air traffic controller Michele Robson told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme: 'There was a flight planning system failure this morning which affected both centres in the UK.' Speaking from Jersey Airport while waiting to fly to London, she said: 'Now they have enough data for four hours for controllers to work normally. After that point, they have to go manual which means that they work at a much slower rate so they can handle far less aircraft. 'So it looks like there's been what they would call a zero rate put on, where it means that no aircraft can take off inbound to the UK or probably outbound. It would generally be them trying to land things that were already in the air. 'So at the moment, we're just sitting here with no definite takeoff time.' Thirsty passengers at Malaga Airport were met with the sad site of empty beer taps, according to this photo shared by DJ Jordan North Passengers on the UK-bound plane from Malaga that was left stranded on the runway today British Airways planes at Heathrow today. The airline said in a statement: 'We are working closely with NATS to understand the impact of a technical issue that is affecting UK airspace and will keep our customers up to date with the latest information' Passengers queueing up at Heathrow this afternoon. Passengers have been advised to turn up for their flights unless they hear otherwise The Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to convene a Cobra meeting over the issue Transport spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: 'Rishi Sunak and his ministers need to get a grip on this issue urgently and hold a Cobra meeting. 'Millions of holidaymakers could be facing huge disruption in the coming days due to this fault and we can't risk this Government being missing in action yet again. 'Brits need to know that the Government is doing all it can to make sure people aren't hit with major delays and disruptions in the coming days.' READ MORE - Terrifying footage from plane flying through Mallorca storm shows passengers screaming and crying as extreme turbulence causes some to vomit Advertisement Travel expert Simon Calder warned the situation would be 'miserable'. 'There is very little slack in the system and there are hundreds of planes up in the sky heading to the UK,' he told Sky News. 'What's going to happen to those aircraft, will some of them get down if they are in the vicinity of the airfield. 'Otherwise you will see planes held on the ground in places like Amsterdam or otherwise being diverted if they're on a longer flight. That would typically be to a continental airport or an Irish airport.' Mr Calder said the shutdown would not cause safety issues because the system was 'designed to cope' with a shutdown and aircraft carried contingency fuel. But he added: 'This is of course one of the busiest days of the year. There are hundreds of thousands of people flying into the UK, frankly this is the last thing anyone needs. 'It will at the very least have caused enough disruption for the system to be in disarray for certainly until the end of the day and possibly for a few further days ahead.' The travel guru said air traffic controllers at Heathrow - the UK's busiest airport - be forced to reduce the frequency at which flights are able to land. He explained: 'Normally you have flights landing typically every 90 seconds or so. They can switch away from the digital system and become much more analogue, bringing the aircraft in more manually. However, you are not going to be able to do it at the same rate. 'For Heathrow and Gatwick in particular there is so little slack in the system that it can cause problems. If you're reducing the flow rate coming in and keeping aircraft on the ground at those airports it will be a very difficult afternoon.' At Stansted, Ryanair passengers said they had been told to wait at their gate until further notice. David and Wendy Hewitt from Leigh-on-Sea, and Kevin and Debby Judd from Billericay are returning from their holiday in Fuertaventura Simon Cullen said he is currently squashed in 'like sardines' on a British Airways flight at Thessaloniki in Greece One passenger, Danni - who is travelling back to the UK from Lanzarote - told MailOnline she had been told to expect a delay of at least 10 hours. This is a photo she took from her window A photo taken by a passenger from the window of a plane stranded at Palma Airport Today is one of the busiest days for air travel of the year, making the 'huge network failure' all the more disruptive. This is a map showing flights currently in the air across Europe Beth McKendrick, 26, is currently sitting on the floor of Palma airport with bride-to-be Elizabeth Spadea, 25, having been at the Spanish city for a hen do. UK airspace system failure: What are your rights and can you claim compensation back? By Jessica Hamilton UK airspace has been hit by a network-wide failure for air traffic control systems on one of the busiest travel days of the year. The system failure is expected to cause disruption for the rest of the day, as the UK will see flights delayed and cancelled, with the mayhem spreading around Europe. As the chaos continues, many will be wondering if they can claim compensation. But what are your rights? Read on to find out. Can I claim compensation? If you're flight is delayed, your airline should offer you support and, according to Citizens Advice, you may be able to claim compensation if your flight was: Leaving from the UK (regardless of the airline) Leaving from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland (regardless of the airline) Arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline Arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline If you're on a non-UK flight which connects to a UK flight, you can usually receive compensation if you booked both flights as a single booking, if the delay was the airline's fault and if you're delayed for more than 12 hours. If your flight is delayed, your airline has to offer food and drink, access to phone calls and emails and accommodation if you're delayed overnight, as well as journeys between the airport and hotel. However, you're unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airline's control. According to EU Regulation EC 261/2004, disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. How much could I be entitled to? In cases where the airline is at fault for a delay, passengers could receive the following compensation. 3 hours or more, less than 1,500km: 220 3 hours or more, between 1,500 and 3,500km: 350 4 hours or more, more than 3500km: 520 Less than 4 hours, more than 3,500km 260 If your flight is delayed for 5 hours or more you can claim 520 in compensation if the delay is the airline's fault and you take flight. If you don't take the flight and the airline is at fault, they should give you a full refund for the flight and any other flights from the same airline that you won't use. If you are part-way through your journey, they should fund a flight back to the airport you originally departed from. Alternatively, if your flight is cancelled you may be entitled to a full refund or a replacement flight. How can I claim? To claim compensation, you will have to go through the relevant airline directly. Most airlines will have a customer services department which will deal with urgent matters, such as flight delays. In cases where the delay is not the airline's fault, the Civil Aviation Authority says 'don't expect to receive any compensation.' However, you may be able to make a claim on your travel insurance, as some insurance policies may offer limited cover for delays, according to the Money Saving Expert website. But be sure to gather evidence of the costs you've incurred, such as hotels or alternative transport. If you need further help, you can contact the Civil Aviation Authority and Citizens Advice for assistance. Advertisement She is trying to get back to Stansted and has described the situation as a 'hen do from hell'. 'When we attempted to jet-set back to the UK, we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of an aviation nightmare,' she told MailOnline. 'The entire air traffic control system in the UK has decided to take an unexpected bank holiday, leaving us stranded delayed for days on end. You might be thinking, 'Surely, Ryanair saved the day!' Think again. Not a peep of communication, let alone compensation, from the airline. Classic.' Other Brits trapped abroad include Melissa Littlewood, who was due to be flying back to London after a family holiday at Disneyland. She said: 'We are on our way back to London from Disneyland and have just learnt we have a minimum of seven hour delay. 'Waiting to speak to someone from BA [British Airways] to find out what options we have but won't hold out breath. 'Two tired and unhappy children with two adults not sure what to do next.' One passenger, Danni - who is travelling back to the UK from Lanzarote - told MailOnline she had been told to expect a delay of at least 10 hours. Simon Cullen is currently sitting on a BA plane waiting to get home and described his situation as a 'true nightmare'. He said: 'All sitting on the plane waiting to get home. Also one passenger with a nut allergy onboard who is on and off the plane and freaking out the passengers. 'No idea what's going on apart from what we see on the news. Also BA business class is terrible with no room at all. Have a leg injury and we are squashed in like sardines. 'Will never fly with them again and this is now turning out to be a true nightmare and we hope we get home to the UK.' Passenger Eric Parzianello is on a Delta flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, which has been delayed by the air traffic control outage Matthew Tully is stuck at Heathrow waiting on a flight to New York. 'They just announced everything is delayed with no time for possible takeoff,' he said. Others have complained of having no air-conditioning at some airports abroad with the searing heat making it even more uncomfortable. Mark Leah said: 'Delayed 4 hours (hopefully not longer), stuck in a holding area to aircraft with no aircon at Porto Santo airport. 'Just told the LGW flight which departed at 1055am is returning.' Meanwhile, Rob Miall has boarded a TUI flight from Split Croatia to Manchester. 'Just been told to wait on board for at least an hour,' he said. 'It's getting very hot on here.' Vladi Ibberson is currently stuck at Sofia airport in Bulgaria. 'Two flights for the UK (Gatwick and Luton) are stuck with no information and 37C heat. Wish us luck.' Susan Gilchrist is currently at Faro airport and said: 'We were due to take off at 11.25am and sat at the gate for 40 mins, but have now been moved to a remote location. 'We've had no update from this side but a friend is on an easy jet flight also at Faro and has been told to expect a six hour delay.' News of the shutdown was leaked out by the Scottish airline Loganair, which shared the news on Twitter. Loganair tweeted: 'There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning. 'Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights may be subject to delays. 'If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport.' British Airways said in a statement: 'We are working closely with NATS to understand the impact of a technical issue that is affecting UK airspace and will keep our customers up to date with the latest information.' NATS said: 'We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. 'We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.' Jet2 said: 'Please be aware that UK Air Traffic Control are reporting a significant failure of their systems resulting in significant delays to all flights departing and returning to the UK. Please see our website for further updates.' It is by no means unusual for a new broom to sweep away the excesses of the past - or attempt to - and King Charles is not the first senior figure to express concern at the size and complexity of the Royal Household. Prince Philip was certainly conscious of how many people it took to run the larger royal residences and said so. I know there was a time when he had a few days free and thought it would be nice to spend them at Sandringham. Hardly had he settled in than he looked out of the window and observed a busload of staff arriving - from telephonists to cooks - all needed to run the Big House for the few days he would be there. He was horrified. Fortunately Wood Farm became vacant soon afterwards. (This was the house where Prince John, uncle to the late Queen's father, George VI, had lived until his death in 1919.) Staff from Clarence House pay their respects as the late Queen's coffin passes by. The Royal Household is likely to be cut by one fifth King Charles wants fewer, better-paid staff in the Royal Household, with less duplication of roles The late Duke of Edinburgh was horrified by the busload of staff required to run Sandringham House for one guest - him - so he moved to stay in nearby Wood Farm instead. He is pictured on his last public engagement in 2020 Sandringham House in Norfolk. The King is said to be frustrated that three people are required to complete one task - one to do the job, two to check It was much smaller and could be run with a skeleton staff. So from then on, that's where he and the Queen tended to stay, except when they opened Sandringham House for family parties at Christmas or in the summer. Wood Farm is where Prince Philip lived in retirement between 2017 and 2020. However frustrated he might have been with the large staff and, perhaps, the flummery involved, Philip was not the monarch. Now his son Charles is flexing his muscles and I don't doubt change will soon follow. According to The Mail on Sunday, the King is fed up with hearing this is how it was done in the Queens reign. He has identified that sometimes the same job is done repeatedly, when it only needs to be done once. If a maid attends to a room, should her work really be checked by three others? It is suggested that the King plans to tighten the ship, reduce the number of those employed and instead pay fewer people better wages. It is more than understandable that Queen Elizabeth II ran things in her own particular way and equally understandable that the King will wish to do some reorganising. Quite rightly the Queen ran her household along established lines and no one could possibly accuse her of being personally extravagant. She was very different from the Queen Mother who ran her court in an opulently Edwardian way. The Royal Household has been conscious of expenditure for many years, in fact, and much did indeed change in the late Queens reign. At her invitation, Michael Peat, a partner at KPMG, led a study into its financial management as long ago as 1986. It was said at the time that if there were three people doing a set of jobs, he would reduce the number to two, and expect the same standard of service. In 1990 he became Director of Finance and in 1996 Keeper of the Privy Purse. In 2002, his mission at the Palace achieved, he moved over to Clarence House to attempt the same for Prince Charles. As essentially feudal set up was streamlined and run more like a company office. William Tallon, left, late footman to the Queen Mother at her funeral in 2002. After her death, the Royal Household dispensed with his services Angela Kelly, dresser and confidante to the late Queen Elizabeth. She has now left the Royal Household and moved to Yorkshire Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Sandringham. It would be understandable if the Queen preferred to keep the Royal Household in its familiar form, says Hugo Vickers, even if it now seems outdated Yet something was lost in this process, because in the early years of the late Queens reign and in earlier reigns, there was a sense that working for the monarch was like being part of a happy family, unshakable loyalty being part of the deal. I remember being told in the 1970s that when a housekeeper from Sandringham came to London for an operation, the Queen put her up at Buckingham Palace the night before and made sure there were flowers in her room. The point of the story was that the Queen was a thoughtful employer and that such a thing was unlikely to happen if someone was working for a big conglomerate. Many of those who joined the Household staff as young men or women, stayed their whole working lives until they finally retired. Gradually that system changed. William Tallon, who served the Queen Mother as her Page for half a century, said that - under the new regime - hardly had he trained a young footman than he would be off to pastures new. Once the young man had undertaken duties at Clarence House, Royal Lodge, Birkhall and Sandringham, he could depart for America and get a supremely lucrative job as a butler, with his royal background his ticket. Similarly at the Royal Mews, where it was eventually said that it was hardly worth the expense of fitting the man for his uniform. Redundancies are never popular. And they are expensive - to make a mass of staff redundant in one go could cost millions. Hardly had the Queen died than a notice was circulated warning of redundancies and many staff over 60 were invited to take early retirement mainly those at Clarence House. The timing was brutal, but perhaps not unexpected. Contracts sometimes have a clause that the job ends instantly on the death of the principal. Sadly there are plenty of examples of loyal servants of the monarch being chucked out. Queen Victorias Munshi was shoddily treated in 1901. Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the Royal Household, will be required to cut staff while attempting to retain a spirit of loyalty William Tallon, the Queen Mothers page, was swiftly evicted from his lodge house at Clarence House, though his little house then remained empty for some time. Angela Kelly, the Queens dresser, was soon on her way from her house in the park at Windsor. All this will no doubt be a headache for the Master of the Household to resolve. The King, meanwhile, has bigger headaches, of which an outsized palace staff list is only one small part. NATO military assistance to Ukraine recently included a second mobile AUD (Anti UAV Defense) system. This one is the Norwegian Cortex Typhon that is mounted in a German Dingo armored truck, and has a UAV detection system combining a RWS (Remote Weapons System) armed with a 12.7mm machine-gun to destroy hostile UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The system can be used in fully automatic mode, to fire on any UAV within range, or with the operators having the option to decide which target is hostile or friendly and not fire on friendlies. The 12.7mm machine-gun has an effective range of two kilometers, which is about half the range of the 70mm guided rocket used in an earlier AUD system. The machine-gun bullet is much faster than the guided rocket. In 2022 the American Vampire AUD system was sent to Ukraine. Vampire is palletized. That means all components are secured on a shipping pallet that can be mounted in a pickup truck or a military vehicle like the hummer. Vampire consists of a telescoping mast mounting a electro-optical/infrared modular sensor ball and laser designator, a generator for power and Fletcher launcher that carries four APKWS 70mm laser guided rockets. These weigh only 15 kg (32 pounds) each and have a range of about a thousand meters when fired from the ground. Vampire can be used to detect and fire APKWS laser guided rockets at air and even ground targets. Any UAV, cruise missile or helicopter within range is vulnerable. Vampire is designed to be reconfigured, which is the kind of system Ukrainians prefer. The Fletcher launcher is designed to use the new, longer range APKWS rockets that gain additional range by having a larger rocket motor which makes the APKWS longer. Ukrainians are expected to modify Vampire to better suit their needs or simply to obtain longer range while carrying more rockets ready to fire. Vampire was effective in Ukraine and now Cortex Typhon will seek to do as well or better. Until the Ukraine War created an enormous demand for AUDs, Israel was the leader in combat proven AUD systems. One example is Skylock, which proved itself against Iranian UAVs used during the early 2021 Hamas/Israel ten-day war with Israel. This brief conflict provided ample opportunities to test new Israeli AUD systems. Israel is a leader in the development of AUDs, mainly because it faces attacks from the widest variety of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) types, and the most attacks using UAVs. In preparation for a large-scale use of different type UAVs against Israel from Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, or Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Iran (Syria), Israel had developed numerous ways to detect and destroy or disable hostile UAVs. During the recent ten-day war Israel detected and defeated six Hamas UAV attacks. There may have been other Hamas UAVs launched that never got near the border because of UAV malfunctions or operator error. The six UAVs that were a threat were all detected and taken down via missiles, usually from Iron Dome but one was by an air-to-air missile, and at least one UAV was disabled using a technology that Israel would not discuss. This was probably one of the electronic AUD systems, which Israeli tech companies have developed over the last few years. One of the new (to large-scale combat) systems Israel would discuss was one that received data from all sensors (radars or electronic detection systems) and, in real time, created a single database/map display of all enemy systems detected. One feature of this new systems software was an accurate estimate of where UAVs were launched from. This provides an opportunity to attack the UAV operator or launch site. This system was already causing more losses to Hamas rocket launching teams, who thought the Israelis were just getting lucky. Now Hamas knows that luck had nothing to do with it. Israel has often sought to come up with defenses against new enemy weapons or tactics with a multi-system solution. Nowhere has this been more evident than when it comes to the growing threat from armed UAVs. For over a decade, many if not most new AUD systems have come from Israel. Many specialize in the use of multiple sensors and systems to detect and disable UAVs. The best and most recent example of this is Skylock, an AUD system using multiple sensors and EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment, plus a short-range laser, to detect, identify and jam or take over unidentified UAVs trying to enter military bases, airports, or industrial facilities. Skylock uses a combination of radar, electro-optical (visual) and electronic signal monitoring sensors capable of detecting the smallest UAVs, especially quad-copters, approaching a restricted area. Another Israeli approach is to use an interceptor UAV that can drop a net on a UAV but the preferred method is to jam the UAV control signals or, if possible, seize control and land it. A growing number of AUDs are built to deal with any small UAV. One of the more effective, and expensive of these AUDs is the Israeli Drone Dome system. These cost $3.4 million each and consist of a 360-degree radar system, an electro-optical day/night surveillance unit and a wideband (most frequencies drones use) detector. With all this Drone Dome can reliably detect any small quadcopter or fixed-wing UAV within 3,500 meters. Most quadcopters and UAVs encountered are larger and can be detected out to ten kilometers. Once spotted, Drone Dome can use a focused jamming signal that will disrupt any radio control signals and force the drone to crash or operate erratically. Drone Dome has an optional laser gun that can be aimed by Drone Dome to destroy the drone at ranges up to 2,000 meters. In a combat zone, you can also employ machine-guns to bring down the drone. Many buyers do not purchase the laser option and depend on Drone Dome being able to reliably detect all manner of small quadcopters from several manufacturers. What makes Skylock and Drone Dome different is their heavy use of electronic sensors to detect and jam the control signals used by UAVs, leaving the laser as a last resort. Several such AUD systems are already in service and effective because they are good at detecting UAVs electronically, and either jamming those control signals or taking over the control signals and capturing (by making it land) the UAV. American troops in Iraq and Syria were asking for AUD systems that use lasers, plus better UAV detection systems as well those with jammers to disable UAVs. There is also a need for AUDs that can detect and destroy UAVs that do not use control signals and basically go on pre-programmed missions. This can be to take photos or deliver a small explosive. Usually, it is to take photos and return. Drone Dome is one of several AUD systems equipped to detect and locate UAVs operating in pre-programmed mode and destroy or disable them quietly with a vehicle-mounted laser. AUDs like Drone Dome also use one or more radar systems and one or more sensor systems for detecting UAV control signals or visual images that pattern recognition software can quickly identify. While commercial UAVs are more common, the basic design principles have not changed. AUDs are constantly evolving to better detect and disable or destroy unwanted UAVs. The best ones are recent models that tend to be very expensive and used only for extreme situations, like UAV defense in combat zones. Airports, especially the large ones are going to have to join the military in buying the latest AUDs, which at least lowers the AUD price and inspires even faster innovation and development. Ukraine could have used Skylock or Drone Dome, but Israel does not provide weapons for Ukraine because of an arrangement with Russia to assist Israel in keeping Iranian forces in Syria from getting close to the Israeli border or launching any attacks on Israel. In Ukraine, NATO nations providing weapons are not directly threatened with Russian attacks. Such is not the case with Iranian forces in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. It is not yet clear if Vampire and Cortex Typhon were more or as effective as the Israeli AUD systems. The Notting Hill Carnival is underway for it's final day of celebrations as a spectacle of beautiful costumes and performances flood West London's streets. The annual event is the largest street party in Europe and it's estimated that two million people have attended over the bank holiday weekend. People can be seen partying atop floats followed by feathered bands dancing to the beat. Meanwhile the sweet, smoky scent of jerk chicken filled the side streets where sound systems played everything from rare groove to house, samba, reggae and ska. Originating from the late 1950s and 60s, Carnival is a community-led celebration honouring music, dancing, food and drink rooted in Caribbean culture. Samba dancers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London The flamboyant performers are adorned with brightly coloured outfits and jewels A reveller smiles for the camera on the last day of the festival's activities Monday's Carnival celebrations is said to be 'adults day' Participants flood West London's streets for a day of food, drinking and partying Today's parade is said to be particularly focusing on 'adults day', which involves lots of dancing and partying. The festival will also celebrate and remember the 75th anniversary of the docking of HMT Empire Windrush. The introduction of sound systems and mas bands 50 years ago transformed it into a large-scale event. All throughout London, colourfully costumed samba dancers and bands will be seen parading through the streets. Blaring music and feathered and bejewelled revellers have made all the tweaks needed to their outfits. Earlier today, the Metropolitan Police tweeted that a section 60 order, that provides police officers with additional powers to search people, was authorised following 'intelligence concerning weapons.' On Sunday evening the police also said the mood at the carnival had been 'good-natured throughout the day' as they announced that a Section 60 order, providing officers with additional search powers, would be imposed overnight until 2am. The force described it as a "precautionary step" following "information" that some people had travelled to the area carrying knives. Two carnival-goers perform hand-stands for ambulance crews A samba dancer shows off her spectacular outfit for the final day of Carnival The annual event is said to be the largest street party in Europe Participants pass through Westbourne Park during the adults parade A samba dancer takes part in the Notting Hill Carnival in London It's estimated that two million people have attended over the bank holiday weekend In an update released just before midnight on Sunday, the Met said 85 people had been arrested, including 11 for sexual assault and 10 for assault on a police officer. Dozens of officers were seen on Monday patrolling local parks and searching through bins for suspicious items and under the tarpaulin laid down to protect the grass. Yesterday, Carnival-goers observed a 72-second silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire. In a tweet, the carnival said: '72 Second Silence: Please remember to observe a 72-second silence at 3pm in honour of those who died in the Grenfell fire. 'We ask all attendees, participating bands and sound systems to work with us as organisers and the community to help pay our respects.' More performers were pictured dancing their way through the streets earlier today On Sunday evening the Metropolitan Police said the mood at the carnival had been 'good-natured throughout the day' More performers take part in the Notting Hill Carnival A performer in costume smiles for the camera An NHS supporter attends the Notting Hill Carnival celebration in west London In an update released just before midnight on Sunday, the Met said 85 people had been arrested Qantas boss Alan Joyce and other top executives have been accused of not disclosing $100million in unused flight credits during a fiery clash with a senator that also sparked anger with the airline's customers. Labor Senator Tony Sheldon, a former boss of the Transport Workers Union, seized on a column in the Australian Financial Review which accused Mr Joyce airbrushing away accumulated flight credits worth hundreds of millions. Last Thursday Mr Joyce said Qantas owed $370 million in unused flights that were racked up by would-be passengers unable to use tickets or denied frequent flyer use during the pandemic. Senator Sheldon noted that this figure excluded flight credits for Jetstar and overseas Qantas passengers. All remaining unused credits will expire on December 31 this year. Qantas boss Alan Joyce faced a grilling by senators over the amount of flight credits Qantas has across all its operations 'Just tell me what is the total sum value of flight credits remaining across the whole Qantas group including Jetstar and overseas customers?' Senator Sheldon asked of Qantas' head of corporate affairs Andrew McGinnes, who appeared with Mr Joyce. Mr McGinnes tried to sidestep the question by saying he did not have the exact figures on hand, before adding there has been no lack of transparency on the issue by Qantas. An exasperated Senator Sheldon tried directing the same question to Mr Joyce and also to Jetstar boss Stephanie Tully but neither could give him a satisfactory answer, although both insisted they had been upfront and weren't trying to mislead. After interrogating Ms Tully about Jetstar's portion of the flight credits the Senator was finally given a rough figure to add to the $370million. 'It is more than $100million?' Senator Sheldon asked Ms Tully. 'Jetstar's is around $100million,' she replied. After again being told by Mr McGinnes that he was unsure of how much more would have to be added for a complete sum Senator Sheldon exploded. 'Not sure, my goodness. What's tens of millions of dollars of other people's money?' The reaction of frequent flyers and Qantas customers online was just as furious. 'Alan Joyce is not sure of many questions. What does that say? And Im a Qantas frequent flyer member,' one persons said. During the Covid period hundreds of millions of flight credits were racked up by people unable to tickets or frequent flyer points (stock image) The reaction of frequent flyers and Qantas customers online was just as furious Labor Senator Tony Sheldon was relentless in asking the Qantas executives for the full total of flight credits READ MORE: Astonishing moment Qantas boss Alan Joyce refuses to answer five questions from senators about giving Anthony Albanese's 23-year-old son a chairman's lounge membership Nathan Albanese is pictured left with his father Anthony Albanese and the PM's girlfriend Jodie Haydon, right Advertisement Another wrote about how she has struggled like many other customers to recoup what's she's owed. 'Good luck trying to even find your flight credits in your account. Theyre not there,' she said. 'Qantas have made it so hard to even access these credits - you have to try & find an email they sent you from 2+ years ago. Criminal.' Others complained about the direction of the airline and the outgoing CEO. 'Not sure Ive ever disliked a CEO more than I dislike Alan Joyce. And I say that as a currently Platinum Frequent Flyer and ex Platinum One Frequent Flyer. Hes taken public money (from Covid subsidies) to line shareholder pockets while price gouging customers,' one person said. Another wrote: 'As a lifetime gold member, shareholder and frequent flyer out of Adelaide I reckon prices have never been higher, service never been worse and management been so removed from a clear focus on customer service.' Qantas last week announced it had delivered a record $2.5billion profit only a year after suffering a deep loss, with Mr Joyce delivering his last financial result before finishing up as CEO in November and handing over to his chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson. The full-year underlying profit before tax of $2.465billion marked a major turnaround from a $1.859billion loss for 2021-22 covering a period before Australia reopened its borders to international travellers. 'There's lots of criticism of corporate profits at the moment, due in large part to the cost of living pressures happening in parallel and we understand that,' Mr Joyce said. 'In Qantas' case, we have put a lot of thought and balancing to the needs of those who rely on us and who we rely on.' Revenue doubled to $19.8billion in the year to June 30, up from $9.1billion, and surpassing the $17.97billion level of 2018-19, before the pandemic. A member of the Democrat 'Squad' has accused Vivek Ramaswamy of a 'verbal assault' by claiming she and an anti-racist author are part of the 'modern KKK'. Vivek Ramaswamy original compared Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and anti-racist activist and author Ibram Kendi to the 'modern Grand Whiz and modern KKK' during a speech in Iowa on Friday, but he doubled-down on the sentiment during an interview on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday morning. It comes specifically in response to Pressley saying, 'We don't want any more brown faces that don't want to be a brown voice,' and Kendi saying, 'The remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.' Ramaswamy told CNN host Dana Bash on Sunday: 'The Grand Wizards of the KKK would be proud of what they would hear her say because there is nothing more racist than saying that your skin color predicts something about the content of your viewpoints or ideas.' Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy doubled-down on calling Rep. Ayanna Pressley, author Ibram Kendi and other members of the progressive 'squad' the 'modern KKK' Pressley (D-Mass.) called Ramaswamy's 'dangerous' comments a 'verbal assault', but said the Republican presidential candidate is 'not occupying any real estate in my mind' The 38-year-old son of Indian immigrants running in the Republican primary for president says race needs to be removed from the discussion when it comes to what people are capable of thinking or achieving. On Friday, when Ramaswamy first compared Pressley's rhetoric to that of a 'modern KKK', three people were also shot and killed after a gunman opened fire at a Dollar General in Jacksonville, Florida. The 21-year-old white shooter described in his manifestos that he intended to kill black people, which he successfully carried out in his mass shooting. 'As deeply shameful and offensive and dangerous as his words are, he is not occupying any real estate in my mind,' Rep. Pressley assured over the weekend in an interview with Reverend Al Sharpton on MSNBC's Inside Politics. 'I remain squarely focused on the work of undoing the centuries of harm that has precisely been done to Black Americans and charting a path of true restorative justice and racial justice forward,' she added. When CNN's Bash pushed Ramaswamy on why rhetoric can be compared to actual violent acts and lynching carried out by the KKK, the biotech entrepreneur and self-made millionaire said the two acts put out the 'same spirit.' 'I think it is the same spirit to say that I can look at you and based on just your skin color, that I know something about the content of your character, that I know something about the content of the viewpoints you're allowed to express,' he said in the Sunday morning interview. Anti-racist activist and author Ibram Kendi was listed as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020. He has written guides like the 2019 book How to be an Antiracist and the 2022 follow-up How to Raise an Antiracist. Ramaswamy says he is spreading racist sentiments with his writings and activism He added: 'For Ayanna Pressley to tell me that because of my skin color, I can't express my views, that is wrong, it is divisive, it is driving hate in this country. This is dividing our country to a breaking point.' Pressley told Sharpton over the weekend that 'the verbal assault lobbied against myself and Dr. Kendi is shameful, it is deeply offensive, and it is dangerous.' 'It is not that long ago that we were besieged by images of white supremacists carrying tiki torches in Charlottesville,' she said in reference to violent clashes during Donald Trump's presidency when counterprotesters descended on the Virginia town to try and stop removal of Confederate statues. 'It was not that long ago that a white supremacist mob seized the Capitol, waving Confederate flags and erecting nooses on the West Lawn of the Capitol,' Pressley claimed of the pro-Trump crowd that rioted at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Pressley and other squad members like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) incepted the so-called progressive 'squad' of lawmakers when they took office after the 2018 midterms. They are frequent targets of Republicans who claim they are trying to stoke racial divides by highlighting differences between white people and minority communities. Kendi, on the other hand, is an activist and anti-racist author who was included in Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020. He has written guides like the 2019 book How to be an Antiracist and the 2022 follow-up How to Raise an Antiracist. Bash asked Ramaswamy, giving him another chance to walk-back on his comments, 'Do you think that maybe comparing [Pressley] to the Grand Wizard and the notion of what she said to being a modern leader of the KKK was maybe a step too far, or you stand by what you said?' But Ramaswamy didn't budge when she pointed to the 'nonviolent discussion' Pressley and Kendi are involved in. 'I stand by what I said to provoke an open and honest discussion in this country, because there is a gap, Dana, between what people will say in private today and what they will say in public,' he said. 'I think we need to close that gap. I think we need to have real, open, honest, raw conversation as Americans. That is our path to national unity,' Ramaswamy added. 'And there are many Americans today who are deeply frustrated by the new culture of anti-racism that's really racism in new clothing.' UK airspace has been hit by a network-wide failure for air traffic control systems on one of the busiest travel days of the year. The system failure is expected to cause disruption for the rest of the day, as the UK will see flights delayed and cancelled, with the mayhem spreading around Europe. NATS, the national air traffic controllers based in Hampshire, said in a statement: 'We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. 'We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.' Hundreds of thousands of passengers will be affected by the shutdown, and many are posting their dismay on X, formerly known as Twitter. TV presenter Gabby Logan is among those struck by the delays, she wrote: 'After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait.' As the chaos continues, many will be wondering if they can claim compensation. But what are your rights? Read on to find out. The UK has been hit by a network-wide failure for air traffic control systems on one of the busiest travels day of the year The system failure is expected to cause disruption for the rest of the day, as the UK will see flights delayed and cancelled, with the mayhem spreading across Europe Can I claim compensation? If you're flight is delayed, your airline should offer you support and, according to Citizens Advice, you may be able to claim compensation if your flight was: Leaving from the UK (regardless of the airline) Leaving from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland (regardless of the airline) Arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline Arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline If you're on a non-UK flight which connects to a UK flight, you can usually receive compensation if you booked both flights as a single booking, if the delay was the airline's fault and if you're delayed for more than 12 hours. If your flight is delayed, your airline has to offer food and drink, access to phone calls and emails and accommodation if you're delayed overnight, as well as journeys between the airport and hotel. However, youre unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airlines control. According to EU Regulation EC 261/2004, disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other extraordinary circumstances are not eligible for compensation. Hundreds of thousands of passengers will be affected by the shutdown, but compensation rules mean that airlines could avoid paying out due to 'extraordinary circumstances' How much could I be entitled to? In cases where the airline is at fault for a delay, passengers could receive the following compensation. 3 hours or more, less than 1,500km: 220 3 hours or more, between 1,500 and 3,500km: 350 4 hours or more, more than 3500km: 520 Less than 4 hours, more than 3,500km 260 If your flight is delayed for 5 hours or more you can claim 520 in compensation if the delay is the airline's fault and you take flight. If you don't take the flight and the airline is at fault, they should give you a full refund for the flight and any other flights from the same airline that you won't use. If you are part-way through your journey, they should fund a flight back to the airport you originally departed from. Alternatively, if your flight is cancelled you may be entitled to a full refund or a replacement flight. How can I claim compensation? To claim compensation, you will have to go through the relevant airline directly. Most airlines will have a customer services department which will deal with urgent matters, such as flight delays. In cases where the delay is not the airline's fault, the Civil Aviation Authority says 'don't expect to receive any compensation.' However, you may be able to make a claim on your travel insurance, as some insurance policies may offer limited cover for delays, according to the Money Saving Expert website. But be sure to gather evidence of the costs you've incurred, such as hotels or alternative transport. If you need further help, you can contact the Civil Aviation Authority and Citizens Advice for assistance. Even more Americans think Joe Biden is too old to be president, a new poll found, in a troubling sign for his re-election campaign. In a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 77% said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. Not only do 89% of Republicans say that, so do 69% of Democrats. That view is held across age groups, not just by young people, though older Democrats specifically are more supportive of his 2024 bid. Biden is the oldest president in American history and would be 82 at the start of a second term if he wins re-election in the 2024 contest. He was described as 'old' and 'confused' among the respondents to the poll. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who is facing indictment in four cases, was described as 'corrupt' and 'dishonest.' And only about half of U.S. adults in the poll say Trump is too old for the office, and here the familiar partisan divide emerges - Democrats are far more likely to disqualify Trump by age than are Republicans. Age wasn't just an issue in the presidential race. Americans indicated they wanted a broad clearing across all branches of government, including younger lawmakers and members of the Supreme Court. Specifically, 67% favor requiring Supreme Court justices to retire by a certain age, 68% support age ceilings for candidates for House and Senate, and 66% support age ceilings for candidates for president. But it was unflattering portraits of Biden and Trump that emerged clearly in a new poll which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. In the responses, 26% mentioned Biden's age and an additional 15% used words such as 'slow' or 'confused.' One Republican thought of 'potato.' Among Democrats, Biden's age was mentioned upfront by 28%. They preferred such terms over 'president,' 'leader,' 'strong' or 'capable.' One who approves of his performance nevertheless called him 'senile.' Biden is just three years older than Trump, but many Americans expressed real concerns about his ability to continue as president. Only 3% in the survey came up with 'confused' as the first descriptor for Trump, and a mere 1% used 'old' or the like. Instead, the top words were those like 'corrupt' or 'crooked' (15%), 'bad' and other generally negative terms (11%), words such as 'liar' and 'dishonest' (8%), along with 'good' and other generally positive comments (8%). Trump has been indicted in four cases featuring 91 total criminal counts. Donald Trump, who is facing four court cases, was described as 'corrupt' or 'crooked' 'He looks like he needs to be someones kindly grandpa on the arm, not someone at the wheel of power,' Justin Campbell, a 27-year-old Democrat and security guard in the Brookhaven area of Mississippi, said of Biden. He was even more negative about Trump, though, saying that the former president 'acts like a kindergartner when people tell him `no.' Campbell suggested that Trump reads so little about policy and national security that he might be 'functionally illiterate.' He said he plans to vote for Biden next year and, 'I eagerly await Donald Trump being in jail.' Biden's age was referenced frequently even among Democrats, 28% of whom mention it - a significantly higher percentage than those who point to the presidency or leadership (11%) or strength and capability (11%). Trump's negative comments center not on age but on his moral standing and conduct, along with things like 'loudmouth' and 'angry' (6%), 'crazy' and 'dangerous' (6%) and 'narcissist' (6%). Some 5% use words like 'strong' and 'capable.' Rami Marsha, a 58-year-old CEO of a manufacturing company in Agoura Hills, California, is a registered Democrat who voted for Trump in 2016 and for Biden in 2020 - but says he'd likely leave the presidential race portion of his ballot blank if those two square off again in 2024. 'I think he might be having some dementia, and I dont think he has the power to run the country,' Marsha said of Biden. But he was equally blunt about Trump: 'Ive had enough of him.' That's a fairly common sentiment. The poll shows that only 24% of Americans overall want to see Biden run again, while 30% say the same about Trump - and majorities say they are reluctant to support them if they are nominated again. Also, 62% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of Trump; 52% say the same about Biden. Respondents in new AP poll described Joe Biden as 'slow' or 'confused' Bidens reelection campaign said the president's age is not a top motivator for voters, especially compared to the administrations policy accomplishments or key issues like abortion. It also noted that perceptions of the president and Democrats were not strong before last years midterms - only to have the party defy expectations. A Trump campaign spokesman did not answer messages seeking comment, but the former president has previously used his indictments to go on the political offensive, telling supporters at rallies, 'I'm being indicted for you.' Larry Haith, a 73-year-old Idahoan and retired president and general manager of an auto parts firm, is a Republican who described Biden for the poll as an 'idiot' and called Trump 'arrogant.' He said he doesn't plan on voting for either next year. Haith blamed Bidens economic policies for his cash net worth declining at least about $150,000 and said the president 'just needs to retire and get on with it.' Though he had some kind words for Trump, Haith was also critical of the former president. 'I really like what he did, and I like the decisions that he made,' said Haith, who added that, at first, 'I really liked that gruffness about him.' But those feelings have cooled, he said, in part because Trump has what Haith described as 'a typical New York, arrogant attitude.' 'I'm not going to support him anymore,' he said. 'I'm done with him.' Annie Doerr, a 60-year-old retiree from suburban Atlanta who described herself as a moderate Republican, said of Trump, 'I thought some of his policies were good for Americans, but hes just too much of a distraction.' Doerr had problems with the president, too, comparing him to what she had seen while caring for her 95-year-old father. 'He reminded me a lot of Biden, just things that come out of (Biden's) mouth,' Doerr said. 'I just don't think he's fit to be president for four more years,' she added. 'He may have been when he first ran, but not now.' The poll also illustrated familiar ideological divides. It found that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to use words like 'slow' and 'confused' to describe Biden, 25% to 7%, as well as words like 'corrupt' and 'crooked' (14% to 0%) and 'weak' or 'unqualified' (9% to 2%). For Trump, meanwhile, the top comments among Republicans include the generally positive (15%) along with things like 'strong' (11%) and mentions of America or patriotism (8%), along with mentions of the presidency or leadership (6%). Even some Republicans use negative words to describe Trump, though, including labels such as 'loudmouth' or 'angry' (7%). Others mentioned arrogance or pompousness (6%), narcissism (5%) or other generally negative comments (6%). Democrats are more likely than Republicans to cite corruption (25% to 4%) and dishonesty (12% to 4%) to describe Trump. Seven percent of Democrats mention racism, bigotry, homophobia or misogyny among their top words to describe the former president. Those words were hardly invoked by any Republicans in the poll. Susan Grant, a 66-year-old retired office manager for a nonprofit physician membership association from Westfield, Indiana, said she sees Biden as 'very weak' and doesnt agree with his policies. Trump, meanwhile, is 'extremely divisive, and I think that's bad for our country.' 'There's this whole thing, in the Bible, 'A house divided against itself cannot stand,' and all of the division that has just been promoted and pushed is just damaging to our country,' Grant said. 'I'm very conservative with values, with economic things. But, personally, I dont think Trumps a very good person.' Grant described herself as a 'hold your nose' Trump voter twice before. If he's the GOP nominee against Biden, she said, 'I probably would do it a third time. But I would not be happy.' 'I'm also wondering if it's what we need for a third party,' Grant said. 'Maybe it's the push. I dont know.' The poll of 1,165 adults was conducted Aug. 10-14, 2023, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. She has landed a new job at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada A transgender teacher returning to class at a new school has previously claimed her Z-cup breasts are real, and are due to a 'hormone sensitivity to estrogen'. Kayla Lemieux has landed a new job at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Ontario after being removed from her previous teaching role. Despite being photographed without her breasts when not in the classroom, Lemieux insists her breasts are natural - a result of a condition called 'gigantomastia.' 'The diagnosis is based on verbal discussions I have had with my doctor,' Lemieux told the Toronto Sun in February. Parents at her new school have been warned the high school could soon be subjected to 'protests' and 'disruptions' over her hiring. 'Why are you allowing this creep to teach our children. Kayla Lemieux. You should be ashamed,' an Ontario parent wrote. Trans teacher Kayla Lemieux claims Z-cup breasts are caused by 'gigantomastia' But the Canadian educator is believed to have been spotted twice without her gigantic breasts Rebel News reporter David Menzies was adamant to get answers from a person believed to be Lemieux She has landed a new job at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School Lemieux's new role comes after her tenure was cut short at nearby Oakville Trafalgar High after a firestorm erupted over images of her in tight-fitting tops, which accentuated her large breasts. Unable to present a note or letter of the doctor's findings backing up her claims, Lemieux said it's offensive to be queried about it. 'I dont think women, in general, have formal diagnosis of their breast size. I also personally consider breast size irrelevant. 'I decided to break my silence and put my name next to my statements, and now I am being asked to provide proof. I really dont know how to help you with that.' A neighbour revealed in February that Lemieux was often seen dressed as a man as pictures emerging of a person, believed to be her, surfaced - calling into question whether the attire was a facade. The images, believed to be of Lemieux, showed a man without a wig, makeup or the gigantic breasts. She said the person photographed was 'not me'. 'I consider myself to be a private citizen,' said Lemieux. 'I never felt I was obligated to reveal personal details about myself based on special interest from media. And I never wanted any attention.' But she's been thrust under the spotlight once again after being hired by Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School, after her suspension from her previous school. Her previous school also threatened suspensions of students who took pictures of the educator without permission. Students shared videos of Lemieux in other schools while she recovered from a foot injury, showing her walking with crutches The district warned that students are not allowed to take pictures of anyone in school unless they get their permission Lemieux is seen pictured in summer 2022 Lemieux previously worked at nearby Oakville Trafalgar High - which is governed by the same school board - but saw her tenure cut short after photos of her buxom prosthetics surfaced earlier this year Principal Tom Fisher outlined that Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board school has 'an obligation to uphold individual rights and treat everyone with dignity and respect'. He said the school will dramatically overhaul their policies to accommodate the hiring of Lemieux, which has been defended in a memo sent to parents. New strategies will include 'having students enter and exit the building using assigned doors at entry and dismissal' and 'locking exterior doors during school hours, only using the front main doors during school hours'. All students and visitors will also be made to use an intercom system to enter and exit the building while parents have been asked 'to email or call before coming to the school if they wish to visit to speak to an employee'. He said he's committed to communicating with parents as openly and as frequently as possible to ensure student safety and to share any operational plans should the school be subject to any 'disruptions or protests,' the Toronto Sun reported. DailyMail.com has reached out to the district for details on the policies. Outrage is brewing on social media, with people taking to X to share their frustration. 'How is this remotely acceptable to students, parents??' someone else questioned. 'This is just ridiculous- if Kayla doesnt wear the boobs all the time - WHY must they be worn at school if NOT for attention - This is sad for the kids - Why does the school allow this circus & at the kids' expense?!' another vented. 'Uh-oh hes back!' a fourth said. Lemieux claims to be intersex - meaning the teacher was born with both male and female sex organs. But her account was called into question when pictures emerged appearing to show her dressed as a man - without the large prosthetics and blonde wig. Lemieux has made headlines multiple times and began transitioning from male to female in 2021 Students were even threatened with suspension if they were caught taking pictures or videos of her The images were the reason for the eventual suspension, the Toronto Sun reported at the time. Until then she had the full backing of her school board who said the issue was a 'personnel matter', and students were even threatened with suspension if they were caught taking pictures or videos of her. At a board meeting the day after she was put on leave in March, Lemieux was not mentioned by name as parents, teachers and board members voted on the school's 'professionalism' policies. At several points, HDSB chair Margo Shuttleworth - who previously defended Lemieux as an 'extremely effective teacher' - had to quieten noise and applause from parents, asking them to keep their 'comments inside their head'. One delegate, named Lynn, poured cold water on the board's previous suggestion that telling Lemieux how to dress would be illegal. West Australian MP James Hayward has been convicted of child sexual abuse after a six-day trial that was told he confessed to the crimes in a note to his wife. Hayward, 53, was found guilty of directing an eight-year-old girl to indecently touch him on two occasions. He was acquitted of two other charges of indecently dealing with a child under 13, including showing her how to search for pornography on the internet. Hayward's family wept in court as the jury read the verdict. His District Court trial in Perth was told the former television producer abused the child during a two-year period when he would often get into bed with her to read bedtime stories. In a police interview and pre-recorded evidence, the child confirmed the accusations, saying 'James unbuttoned his pants'. She also said Hayward told her to keep the interactions secret. West Australian MP James Hayward (pictured left with wife Lee) arrives at the District Court of Western Australia in Perth The court was told the girl's family was aware Hayward had often 'tucked her in' and her mother said she had not initially been concerned by his actions. An older sibling found the girl watching animated Family Guy pornography on her iPad and video-recorded her stating Hayward had shown her how to search for it and abused her, triggering an investigation. Hayward emailed a 'suicide note' to his wife soon after learning about the allegations, which she passed on to police amid fears for his safety. In it, he wrote: 'In the coming days, I expect to be accused of child sex assault in relation to (a child), which I have done'. He also alluded to the warning his wife had given him before the allegations surfaced about getting into bed with the girl over concerns he could be accused of abuse. During a police interview, Hayward denied the note was a confession, saying he intended to take his life to spare his and the victim's family from media scrutiny that would follow the situation being made public. He also said he didn't want his wife to blame his victim for his death, and the admission was designed to avert this and maintain the two families' close relationship. The former pastor also said he was under a lot of pressure and depressed over a failed former business, which owed $440,000 to the tax office, when he wrote the note. Hayward gave evidence at trial in a bid to clear his name but prosecutor Sean Stocks told the jury he was evasive and used 'weasel words' to minimise his relationship with the girl, as he summarised the Crown's case. Justice Stephen Lemonis told the jury that Hayward's note to his wife couldn't be used in isolation to convict him due to its vague nature. He also instructed it to scrutinise the child's evidence with great care due to the lack of precision in her testimony and delay in the allegations being made against Hayward, which he said impaired his ability to mount a robust defence against the allegations. Hayward, 53, was found guilty of directing an eight-year-old girl to indecently touch him on two occasions Hayward resigned from the WA Nationals after the charges were laid in 2021 but continued to sit in the state's upper house as an independent MP. He will be banned from parliament if his sentence is five years or more. WA Opposition Leader and Nationals Leader Shane Love said it is expected Hayward will be disqualified from his position. 'Abuse in any form is unequivocally unacceptable,' Mr Love said in a statement on Monday night. 'It is expected James Hayward will be now disqualified from his position as a Member of the Legislative Council representing the South West. 'A process will then commence to determine his replacement.' Hayward was remanded in custody and Justice Lemonis has reserved sentencing until October 16. The maximum penalty for indecently dealing with a child is 10 years' imprisonment. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) Jana Pittman has revealed she's confused about how to vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum. The Olympic athlete who recently became a doctor made the admission during an appearance on the ABC's Q&A program Monday night. The panel, which also included MamaMia editor Jessie Stephens, Labor MP Gordon Reid, Liberal MP Aaron Violi and Gratton Institute CEO Danielle Wood, spoke about the Voice after a question was raised about how people could 'resent' the notion of the proposal. Pittman, 40, said she is struggling with the discourse surrounding the debate and the unclear messaging from the Yes campaign. 'We always say as medical professionals we speak to people at a year 8 level. I have found this incredibly confusing,' she said. Jana Pittman has revealed she is confused about how to vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum (Pictured after winning the women's 400 metre Hurdles final at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne) Poll Do you also feel confused by the Voice referendum? Yes - It hasn't been explained very well No - I totally understand it Do you also feel confused by the Voice referendum? Yes - It hasn't been explained very well 671 votes No - I totally understand it 161 votes Now share your opinion 'We were waiting in the green room beforehand and Gordon was explaining very beautifully what the constitution is. 'I am doing my PhD, and if I don't understand the entire concepts behind the Yes and the No, how on earth am I going to vote correctly to make sure my people our safe, all people - Aboriginal people and every culture that beautifully diversifies Australia. 'So I don't know what to do in this situation.' QandA host Patricia Karvelas asked if Pittman was undecided with her vote. The former athlete responded by saying she thinks she's a 'very strong yes' but after hearing from other panel members she now believes the Voice wasn't what she 'thought it was'. 'It's a confusing message,' she said. 'I am well versed and read in this space and more so about the constitution with Gordon. 'I feel like it's hard to make the decisions on behalf of people that I am not speaking for.' Anthony Albanese (pictured) will announce the official date for the referendum on Wednesday. It is widely expected to be held on October 14. After months of speculation, the date for the referendum will be officially announced on Wednesday when the Prime Minister visits Adelaide after leaving WA. It is widely expected to be held on Saturday, October 14, giving the government and the Yes campaign just over six weeks to turn around polling figures which have been falling for months. In one recent poll, Victoria was the only state that backed a Yes vote. For the referendum to pass it has to get a majority of the national vote and also win at least four of the six states. Nationally, the No side is leading with 47 per cent, with the Yes side on 43 per cent, while 10 per cent of people have still not made up their mind. Mr Albanese said once the date is announced, people will have a closer look at the referendum question and what it will mean for Indigenous Australians. He believes people will then see that it's 'a very clear proposition' to recognise that Australia had a rich history long before white settlement. But in a clear sign the Prime Minister is listening to voters who say the Voice is not their main concern in difficult economic times, he stressed that the Government is helping with cheaper medicines and childcare and a welfare increase. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is attempting to block the pension of a rapist former Metropolitan Police officer, said to be 10,000 per year, his office said. Former police officer Adam Provan was jailed last week for 16 years for a series of rapes spanning eight years, including an attack on a female police officer and a 16-year-old girl. Former officers' pensions can only normally be blocked if the offending has been carried out in connection to their police service. Following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court, Provan, 44, from Newmarket in Suffolk, was found guilty of a total of eight rapes against the two women and jailed for 16 years with a further eight years on extended licence. His predatory behaviour dated back to the 1990s and went unchecked until Lauren Taylor came forward in 2016 to report she had been twice raped by him. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is attempting to block the pension of a rapist former Metropolitan Police officer, said to be 10,000 per year, his office said Ex-Pc Adam Provan was last week jailed for 16 years for a series of rapes spanning eight years, including an attack on a female police officer and a 16-year-old girl A spokesman for Mr Khan's office said: 'Following the conviction of Adam Provan for these truly horrendous crimes, the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) are pursuing forfeiture of this former officer's pension.' Mopac started the pension forfeiture process following the ex-officer's first conviction, but this had to be paused due to the appeal and retrial. It will now seek permission from the Home Secretary to forfeit Provan's pension, and if successful, will decide how much of the pension should be removed. But Mr Khan does not have the powers to strip him of the entirety of his pension, and the former officer will keep at least 35% which he contributed himself. Mr Khan made a similar bid to block the 22,000 a year pension of serial rapist David Carrick who admitted 49 offences against a dozen women. Home Office guidance states pension forfeiture can only be applied for when an officer has a conviction 'committed in connection with their service as a member of a police force' and the offence has been certified by the Home Secretary as 'liable to lead to a serious loss of confidence in the public service' or 'gravely injurious to the interests of the state'. Such applications are usually made after a police officer has committed a crime while on duty. In 2016, Ms Taylor came forward to say Provan raped her on a blind date when she was 16 in 2010. Between 2003 and 2005, he also repeatedly raped a female police officer and terrorised her so she feared for her life. Prosecutors at his trial said Provan was obsessed with young women, had viewed teenage pornography and collected more than 700 female contacts on his mobile phone. Lauren Taylor was just 16 (pictured at the time) when then-police constable Adam Provan, now 44, invited her on a cinema date in 2010, but instead raped her in woods and a children's playground Ms Taylor (pictured now) has bravely waived her right to anonymity in the hope of helping others Ms Taylor, now 29, had agreed to go to the cinema with Provan after he lied about his age, saying he was 22, and said he was a police officer. Instead, Provan, then 31, took her to the woods, where he had sex with her even though she repeatedly told him no. In an interview with PA, after waiving her right to anonymity, she said: 'Basically he raped me. I remember holding on to the tree. I was kind of hugging the tree like emotional support, pretended I was anywhere else in the world but back there. I remember it can't have been long, but it felt like a long time.' House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is pressing forward with his threat to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The speaker on Sunday called such an inquiry a 'natural step forward' and insisted it would '[provide] Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need.' McCarthy has told people the probe could launch by the end of September and could potentially move forward without a full House vote, DailyMail.com confirmed with a source familiar after CNN first reported it. Moving forward without a full House vote would avoid forcing moderates from swing districts to go on record with such a politically dicey matter. But it comes at the risk of McCarthy looking like he is politicizing the impeachment process - something he has been adamant in saying he does not want to do. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is pressing forward with his threat to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Biden GOP Rep. Mike Johnson, La., the vice chair of the conference, laid out the case for impeachment on Fox News Monday morning: 'Article two, Section four says that treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors. And on Capitol Hill, a lot of people debate and quibble about what high crimes and misdemeanors are. 'But we know what bribery is. It's someone paying you to do their bidding. And that's what happened here, apparently.' The speaker insisted Sunday that he would put the impeachment threat on the back burner if agencies began cooperating with document and testimony requests to the House GOP's liking. 'The thing that holds up whether we'll do an impeachment inquiry: Provide us the documents we're asking,' he said in a Fox Business interview. 'The whole determination here is how the Bidens handle this. 'If they provide us the documents, there wouldn't be a need for an impeachment inquiry,' he added. 'But if they withhold the documents and fight like they have now to not provide to the American public what they deserve to know, we will move forward with an impeachment inquiry when we come back into session.' Asked whether he has the votes to launch an inquiry, McCarthy demurred. 'When we go back, we will discuss this.' McCarthy is under the pressure from former President Trump, whose patience is wearing thin over the threats of an inquiry without action. 'The Republicans in Congress, though well meaning, keep talking about an impeachment 'inquiry' of crooked Joe Biden,' he posted to Truth Social. 'Biden is a Stone Cold Crook - you don't need a long INQUIRY to prove it, it's already proven.' 'Either impeach the BUM or fade into OBLIVION,' Trump added. Meanwhile Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to face a barrage of heated questioning before the House Judiciary Committee on September 26. Last week the House GOP subpoenaed several FBI and IRS officials in relation to whistleblower allegations the Justice Department hindered the investigation into Hunter Biden. They have already asked the Department of Justice to make 11 federal officials, including special counsel David Weiss who lead the Hunter Biden investigation from Delaware, for interviews. But an impeachment inquiry would have to focus on Joe Biden, not Hunter and not the DOJ. The White House has avidly denied Joe had any involvement in Hunter's business dealings and Democrats have taken to saying that Hunter profited off the 'illusion' of access to his then-vice president father in business meetings. 'If you hang on just a little bit longer, I think you'll see it really quickly,' Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain told Fox News Monday. 'What we're doing is we're doing an impeachment investigation, right? We are getting our facts, getting the bank records, getting the sales reports, getting the testimony. So then when it does come time to impeach, we only have a four-vote margin. GOP Rep. Mike Johnson, La., the vice chair of the conference, laid out the case for impeachment on Fox News Monday morning: 'Article two, Section four says that treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors. And on Capitol Hill, a lot of people debate and quibble about what high crimes and misdemeanors are' The White House has avidly denied Joe had any involvement in Hunter's business dealings and Democrats have taken to saying that Hunter profited off the 'illusion' of access to his then-vice president father in business meetings 'We will actually have a forensic fact-based case to show the American people and it won't be our whim. So be patient for just a little bit longer.' Asked about the impeachment potential, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it a 'baseless political stunt' on Monday. The House Oversight Committee claims a series of convoluted bank records proves the Biden family took in over $20 million from countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The money was passed through shell companies. Republicans claim this and messages like '10% for the big guy' and Biden's pressure on Ukraine to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin who was investigating Burisma, where his son sat on the board, show that the president was involved in his son's business dealings. Separately federal authorities have Hunter in their crosshairs over tax and gun charges. U.S. attorney Weiss was appointed special counsel last this month after a plea deal blew up after a judge informed Hunter he could still be prosecuted for other crimes in the future. For a decade Greece has been the largest merchant-ship owner in the world, operating about 23 percent of the global fleet of 119,000 sea-going cargo ships. As of 2023, China is now in first place, which is not a surprise. Greece, or rather Greek shipping companies, have long controlled the largest fraction of the global shipping fleet. This was not because the Greek economy needed that many merchant-ships but because the Greeks have long been the most efficient managers of commercial shipping. That is still the case but China now has the second-largest economy in the world, is the largest ship builder and a major user of merchant ships to move its growing tonnage of imports and exports, and prefers to manage most of the ships moving this cargo. China may not be as efficient at managing shipping as the Greeks but China is good enough and is only managing China-owned or operated ships. The Chinese government aided and encouraged local shipbuilders to become more productive and competitive. A major milestone occurred in 2019 when Chinas two major shipbuilders, CSSC and CSIC, merged to create the largest shipbuilder in the world with 310,000 employees. A decade ago, there were nearly half a million employees but recessions and continued competition from rivals South Korea and Japan forced the change. The new company, CSG (China Shipbuilding Group), as well as the two it merged from, are all state-owned. The merger is a return to the situation in 1999 when CSSC and CSIC were created from the then single state-owned shipbuilding operation. This was meant to encourage competition and it worked. Chinese shipbuilders, mainly the now reunited two large firms, account for most shipbuilding in China and have been striving to overtake their main rival South Korea as the largest shipbuilder in the world in all categories. There are several ways to measure shipbuilder output and South Korea is the champion in most of them. Japan was once in first place but now must settle for third place. South Korea and China have been close competitors for first place since 2012 and to that end, the two largest South Korean shipbuilders also merged in 2019. South Korea has been making a comeback in shipbuilding, an industry it led until 2012 when it was briefly overtaken by China. By 2018 South Korean firms surpassed China in new orders. This was mainly because South Korean shipbuilders are seen as leaders in the construction of more complex transports, in particular, LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) vessels, which transport refrigerated (enough to turn natural gas to a more compact liquid) natural gas. Demand for LNG ships is driven by the growing output of natural gas in the United States and Canada as a result of improved extraction methods, mainly fracking. The North American natural gas market is saturated and American and Canadian producers can afford to lower prices enough to export large quantities via LNG carriers. Europe is eager for LNG because the current major supplier (via pipeline) is Russia and Russia is seen as more of a danger than a reliable economic partner. Another form of unique ship construction that South Korea has excelled at is off-shore oil exploration and drilling vessels and structures. The offshore platforms are built in shipyards and are mobile, via towing at slow speeds from one work site to another. All major shipbuilders are also dealing with a sharp decline in orders since the global economic recession began in 2008, which was the year with the highest number of orders ever. The business has never recovered, all major shipbuilders had to cut prices and many ships were built at a loss or for no profit just to keep the yards operating. One way China helped its shipyards cope was by increasing orders for warships. This was going to happen anyway but the government gave the navy all it wanted and then some. This resulted in 2019 being a record year for warship construction with 28 surface warships launched, including a record ten destroyers plus 16 corvettes and two large amphibious ships. While warships are more complex ships to build, commercial ships still accounted for over 95 percent of the work at the new China Shipbuilding Group. Now China is also the largest producer of non-nuclear warships. China continues to lead the global shipbuilding industry in new orders. This is mainly because of their lower prices and gradual improvements in quality. Chinese prices are not as low as they used to be because a growing labor shortage has driven wages up. In the long-term China can learn to compete on quality but that is not something that can be achieved quickly, like cutting prices. When it comes to moving LNG or offshore drilling for oil, buyers tend to go with the most reliable shipbuilders, even if it costs more. Moreover, Chinese shipyards have some unique financing and management problems that may get a lot worse because of problems in the Chinese banking industry. In 2012 South Korea lost its decade long battle with China to retain its lead in shipbuilding. Because of a five-year long depression in the world market for shipping, South Korean ship exports fell 30 percent in 2012, to $37.8 billion. China, helped by government subsidies, saw ship exports fall only 10.3 percent, leaving China with $39.2 billion in export sales. The Chinese government has also been giving its shipbuilders lots of new orders for warships, which made its yards more profitable and better able to beat South Korea on price. The Chinese government also provides its shipbuilders with more loans, allowing the builders to offer better credit terms to customers. South Korea was still ahead of China in total orders for ships but that lead was being lost as well as in 2011 South Korea was barely ahead of China. Since 2012 China and South Korea have been competing for overall first place but so far South Korea has the edge in quality and innovation, and the recent Chinese merger was meant to deal with that by combining nearly all Chinese research and development of new ship designs in one company. China has been helping its shipyards since the late 1990s, and that enabled Chinese shipbuilders to gradually catch up to South Korea and Japan. In 2009, sooner than anyone expected, China surpassed South Korea as the world's largest shipbuilder in terms of tonnage. In late 2009, Chinese yards had orders for 54.96 million CGT of ships, compared to 53.63 million CGT for South Korea. Thus, China had 34.7 percent of the world market. In 2000, South Korea previously took the lead from Japan in 2000 in having the largest share of the world shipbuilding market. The terms used to measure commercial ship size can be confusing but they serve a purpose. CGT stands for Compensated Gross Tons. This is a new standard for measuring shipyard effort. Gross tons have long been used as a measure of the volume within a ship. CGT expands on this by adding adjustments to the complexity of the ship design. Thus, a chemical tanker would end up with a value four times that of a container ship. China is producing far more ships, in terms of tonnage of steel and internal volume, than South Korea, mainly because a much larger portion of Chinese ships are simpler designs. South Korea has, over the years, pioneered the design and construction of more complex ships (chemical and LNG carriers). Note that deadweight tons measure the actual weight of everything carried in the ship, including supplies, miscellaneous equipment, fuel, and even crew, expressed in long (metric) tons. As a rule, for every 1,500 deadweight tons, a cargo ship could carry about 1,775 measurement tons. Warship tonnage is measured differently, in terms of "displacement tons." Each cubic meter (35 cubic feet) of seawater displaced by the vessel is a "displacement ton." As that volume of seawater weighs approximately one long ton, displacement gives a rough indication of the actual weight of the vessel. China has invested a lot of money and effort into expanding its merchant shipbuilding industry, to improve its warship building capability. In 2006 China produced about a quarter of the world's merchant shipping, while South Korea was in the first place, producing about a third. It was then believed that China would take first place in the next 5-10 years. The big thing holding China back in the warship building area has been the shortage of skilled personnel. By encouraging merchant shipbuilding, the government creates experienced shipbuilders ready to learn the more complex tasks needed to build warships. In most cases merchant ships are larger than warships and much less complex. For example, a common type of merchant ship is the VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) of 300,000 deadweight tons (DWT). This is the largest size tanker that can use the Straits of Malacca to carry oil from the Persian Gulf to East Asia. These ships haul over two million barrels (about 290,000 tons) of oil per trip. These ships are larger than the biggest American aircraft carriers, such as the Nimitz class which are 110,000 tons displacement and nearly 354 meters (1,100 feet) long. The major difference between merchant vessels and warships is what equipment they have. Merchant ships are quite basic and plain. A 300,000 DWT VLCC is about the same size as a Nimitz class carrier but costs much less to build ($130 million for the VLCC versus over $4 billion for the carrier). It costs more to run a carrier for one year than the VLCC costs to build. Part of that has to do with crew size, with the carrier having a hundred sailors for every one sailor needed to run the VLCC. A VLCC is highly automated and the crew size is usually under fifty sailors and officers. By building all those merchant vessels China has acquired the ability to cheaply build basic warship hulls. Where it has big problems is in creating the complex electronics, mechanical systems, and weapons needed to make a warship work. China is making progress there as well, but not nearly as much as it has in the shipbuilding area. China became a major force in commercial shipping partly because it became more difficult for South Korean builders to expand. There were more restrictions on land use in South Korea, in addition to higher labor costs. South Korean builders, seeing that they could not match the expansion of Chinese shipyards, expended more effort on building more complex, and expensive, ships. Japan was following a similar path when it lost the lead to South Korea a decade before China grabbed it. China also gained more market share by offering generous loan terms to foreign buyers of Chinese ships and cheap loans for their own shipbuilders. Social media has been flooded with hilarious Die Hard 2 memes as air traffic control chaos causes misery for holidaymakers. As many as 80 per cent of flights leaving the UK are delayed following a 'huge failure' of Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS), where 'technical issues' have forced controllers to switch from an automatic system for landing and dispatching flights to a manual one. And people on social media have drawn parallels between today's events and a classic flick - the Die Hard sequel. The film sees New York cop John McClane accidentally uncover a plot to sabotage Washington's Dulles Airport's landing system. Sharing an image of McClane smoking on X, formerly known as Twitter, one social media user said: 'Get this man on the phone.' Sharing an image of McClane smoking on X, formerly known as Twitter, one social media user said: 'Get this man on the phone.' While in another post, the film's antagonist Colonel William Stuart is seen holding a radio. The post is captioned: 'Anyone seen this guy lately?' People on social media have drawn parallels between today's events and a classic flick - the Die Hard sequel And another, which has a picture of Bruce Willis from the film, is captioned: 'Busy Bank holiday weekend and #airtrafficcontrol is down in the UK' While in another post, the film's antagonist Colonel William Stuart is seen holding a radio. The post is captioned: 'Anyone seen this guy lately?' The villain is the subject of another meme, with the caption: 'Breaking: NATS release image of suspect after UK air traffic control goes down.' In another meme, there is a quote from Holly McClane, McClane's wife in the film, where she says: 'Honey, it's the 90s, remember? 'Microchips, microwaves, faxes, air phones.' In the film, air traffic control boss Trudeau famously says 'Stack 'em, pack 'em and rack 'em, move' while under siege - which was used posted by another social media user amid the chaos. And another, which has a picture of Bruce Willis from the film, is captioned: 'Busy Bank holiday weekend and #airtrafficcontrol is down in the UK. 'I reckon it's a DDoS attack, Russian or Chinese. Only one person can sort this mess out.' The air traffic control 'technical issues' have led to hundreds of flights being delayed both in and out of the UK. Britons returning from Tenerife told MailOnline they had been told to expect a wait of at least 12 hours. The villain is the subject of another meme, with the caption: 'Breaking: NATS release image of suspect after UK air traffic control goes down.' The air traffic control 'technical issues' have led to hundreds of flights being delayed both in and out of the UK In on post, a social media user wrote: Well done Colonel, one flights are back to normal at Heathrow, we are free and clear to fly to freedom #airtrafficcontrol' In one post, a social media user asks: '#airtrafficcontrol not working properly, you say?' with a picture of the Die Hard 2 poster In the film, air traffic control boss Trudeau famously says 'Stack 'em, pack 'em and rack 'em, move' while under siege - which was used posted by another social media user amid the chaos 'Technical issues' have forced air traffic controllers to switch from an automatic system for landing and dispatching flights to a manual one The majority (78%) of flights leaving Heathrow are currently delayed, according to Flight Radar data from 1.45pm, compared to 74% at Gatwick, 81% at Manchester and 86% at Bristol. Michele Robson, who used to work in air traffic control, said that it was 'unusual' for failures to last this long. As a result, 'nobody really knows at this point how long it's going to take,' she told BBC Radio 4. Travel expert Simon Calder said the issue would cause 'misery' but added that holidaymakers should 'assume' their flight was operating normally unless they were told otherwise. Contagion from the issue has already spread across Europe, causing delays for some flights leaving the Continent for the USA. Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows has arrived at the Fulton County courthouse to try and move his 2020 election subversion case to federal court. DailyMail.com captured Meadows walking in with his lawyers ahead of a crucial hearing that could have major implications for his old boss. He is one of Trump's 18 co-defendants charged with racketeering over their bid to overturn Georgia's results. The showdown with the judge is the first major court battle in the racketeering case and sets the stage for Trump's arraignment on September 6. Meadows and his lawyers want his case moved out of Fulton County so he can get a more diverse jury pool. Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows has arrived at the Fulton County courthouse to try and move his 2020 election subversion case to federal court Meadows' legal team believes he wouldn't get a fair trial with a panel from the heavily Democratic Fulton County. He also argues that the case should be moved and subsequently dismissed because he has immunity from prosecution for carrying out duties as a federal official. Trump has not sought to move his case, but legal experts say he is likely to do so in the coming weeks. He has denied wrongdoing and said the criminal case - one of four he faces - is part of a 'witch hunt' to prevent him from retaking the White House in the November 2024 election. While Meadows appears in a Georgia court, Trump's lawyers are in D.C. to argue that his January 6 trial should be delayed until after the 2024 election. They have proposed the federal trial begin in April 2026, almost two years after Americans go to the polls. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will weigh claims from Trump's attorneys and Special Counsel Jack Smith's office - who want the trial to start in January 2024. State law would still apply if the case is moved to federal court. The president - including Trump if he is elected - could not pardon any defendant. Prosecutors alleged in a sprawling, 41-count indictment filed in early August that Trump and his supporters knowingly tried to subvert the election results in Georgia, a crucial state that can swing to either party but was won by Biden. Prosecutors say Meadows furthered the alleged scheme by arranging calls and meetings where Trump pressured election officials to change the vote count in his favor. Meadows and his lawyers want his case moved out of Fulton County so he can get a more diverse jury pool Meadows' legal team believes he wouldn't get a fair trial with a panel from the heavily Democratic Fulton County The hearing is the first major court battle in the racketeering case and sets the stage for Trump's arraignment on September 6 Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger arrives at the Richard B. Russell Federal Court to testify at Meadows' hearing Legal experts have warned there is very little possibility Donald Trump will stand trial in any of his four criminal cases before the general election. The assertion was aired by three separate lawyers Sunday, hours before an Atlanta DA is set to provided the first details of her sprawling anti-racketeering case against former president, as well as 18 other codefendants including Meadows. Among those to discuss the slim chance of Trump standing trial in that case - or others in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC, for that matter - was Harvard Law's Alan Dershowitz, one of the foremost voices on US constitutional law. In multiple interviews this week, he said state and federal officials' strategy in filing those cases stems from a desire to get a quick trial that would hurt Trump's chances - even if the charges don't stick or are reversed by an appeal. Dershowitzs comments - which included claims the politician has been purposely convicted in jurisdictions that are predominantly against him - were echoed by several others, who all said its unlikely Trump will face the music in time. Former President Donald Trump has seen his national poll number slide by six points after skipping the first Republican debate last week. But although his lead over the field fell by eight points in total, he maintains a whopping 38-point advantage, according to the survey by Emerson College Polling, which was published on Monday. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley saw the biggest gain, jumping five points after a strong debate performance. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling said: 'While Trump saw a slight dip in support, the question from this poll is whether this is a blip for Trump or if the other Republican candidates will be able to rally enough support to be competitive for the caucus and primary season.' Trump steered clear of last week's debate in Milwaukee, knowing that he would be the main target of rivals intent on using the former president's star power to their own advantage. A poll published Monday shows that Donald Trump's support slipped by six points among Republicans after he skipped the first debate - but he remains the clear frontrunner A poll for DailyMail.com found that the overwhelming majority of Republican viewers thought he made the right decision. However, his overall support still slipped by six points in the Emerson College poll compared with its results from a week earlier. Trump's closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis picked up two points as he tries to put weeks of negative headlines behind him. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, the best performer in the debate according to the DailyMail.com poll, lost one point from the pre-debate poll. But former Vice President Mike Pence, who won the most talking time on the night as a result of his combative performance, received seven percent of voter support, a four-point increase. And Haley, who slapped down Ramaswamy for his lack of foreign policy experience, also won seven percent. 'Different candidates have been able to pull varying demographic support from the Trump base, for example Mike Pence who saw an overall four-point bump in voter support was able to increase his support in the Midwest from four percent to 13 percent of the vote, while Trump saw his Midwest support drop from 54 percent to 42 percent after the debate,' Kimball said. 'Nikki Haley's support increased from about two percent to nine percent among voters over 50 while Trump's support dropped within this age group from about 56 percent to 49 percent after the debate.' Yet Trump remains the clear frontrunner in poll after poll. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis picked up two points after the debate, narrowing the gap to Trump to 38 percentage points. The next debate is on September 27 in California One of Nikki Haley's best moments came when she clashed with Ramaswamy. 'You have no foreign policy experience and it shows,' she told him A poll for DailyMail.com of Republican debate viewers found Ramaswamy and DeSantis were judged the best performers on the night DeSantis, once seen as the most likely to give him a close run, has struggled to eat into the former president's lead since launching his campaign. But there are signs that Trump might not have it all his own way, said Kimball. 'There appears to be a softening of support for Trump since last week's survey, where 82 percent of Trump voters said they would definitely support him, compared to 71 percent after the debate,' he added. 'DeSantis's support also softened from 32 percent who would definitely support to 25 percent, while Ramaswamy support remained consistent from 47 percent to 45 percent.' The poll was conducted on Aug. 25 to 26, and asked 1000 registered voters for their views. It has a credibility interval (similar to a margin of error) of plus or minus three percentage points. The next debate is in California on September 27. Trump has hinted that he will skip that one too, although he also likes to keep rivals guessing and is known for making last-minute decisions on events. J.L. Partners conducted an online poll of 504 registered Republicans who watched Wednesday's debate. The results come with a margin of error of 4.4 percent Rather than attend last Wednesday's debate, he sat for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. It was posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to coincide with the debate. A whopping 71 percent of Republicans who watched the debate said he made the right call, according to a poll conducted by J.L. Partners for DailyMail.com. Only 22 percent disagreed. Trump senior adviser Jason Miller said the decision was vindicated by the way Wednesday played out. The interview with Carlson rocketed past 100 million views within hours of being posted. 'Ten times as many people watched President Trump's Tucker Carlson interview, than actually will have watched this pig pile,' he said in the spin room after the debate ended. 'President Trump was right to stay away, let the other guys gonna jump on. themselves, and be carbon copies or weak echoes of America First policies while President Trump was in the driver's seat.' Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan set a March 4, 2024 trial date for former President Donald Trump to face federal criminal charges in Washington, D.C. setting up a historic court clash before the November elections. She said the date following a grand jury indictment in special counsel Jack Smith's January 6 probe 'will give the defense adequate time to prepare for trial and insure the publics interest in the case is resolved in timely manner.' Announcing her decision after a heated courtroom showdown, the judge told lawyers she had consulted with the New York state Supreme Court justice Juan Marchan about Trump's pending March 25 case in that jurisdiction, where he faces tax and fraud charges related to hush payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels. She did not reference details of the political calendar although Super Tuesday when a raft of states hold primary elections is set for March 5, in a presidential primary where Trump's status as a criminal defendant looms large. Both sides have predicted the trial itself could take four-to-six weeks, a period that could come before the end of the primary process, with around a dozen states yet to hold primaries. That could bring a verdict six months before voters head to the polls in November 2024. She made the decision as Trump lawyer John Lauro cited an 'avalanche' of material Trump's team needed to review to prepare for trial, and accused prosecutors of trying to force a 'show trial.' Former President Donald Trump must navigate a series of criminal trials during the presidential campaign season. Judge Tanya Chutkan scheduled a trial date for his trial related to his election overturn effort in Washington, D.C. 'You are not going to get two more years,' Chutkan told Lauro, blasting his own proposed timetable. 'This case is not going to trial in 2026,' she said. Trump is accused of conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, defraud the government, and disenfranchise voters, in a streamlined indictment stemming from his election overturn effort. Unlike in the related case where Trump was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia last week, Trump is not charged along with other defendants. As she announced her decision on the calendar, Judge Chutkan invoked the historic Scottsboro Boys case, where nine African American boys accused of raping two white teens were tried just 6 days after indictment. 'This trial does not move the case forward with the haste of the mob,' she said, She called Trump's case 'profoundly different.' She said Trump was being represented by 'a team of zealous and experienced attorneys,' and said they had been given adequate time to prepare. She said Trump 'has known about the government's investigation for nearly a year.' 'Lets not overlook the fact that Mr. Trump has considerable resources that every criminal defendant does not usually have,' she said at one point. Chutkan began a hearing Monday at a federal courthouse in Washington, D.C. by noting that Trump's unique roll should not shield him from the need to establish a speedy date. 'Mr. Trump, like any defendant will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule,' said Chutkan. She compared the matter to a hypothetical trial of a pro athlete. She said it would be 'inappropriate for me to schedule a trial date to accommodate her schedule. The same is true here.' Chutkan in introductory remarks noted the substantial gap between the government's proposed January 2 trial date and Team Trump's proposal to go to trial in 2026 long after the November 2024 elections. 'These proposals are obviously very far apart,' said Chutkan. 'Neither of them is acceptable,' she said. 'This is a request for a show trial, not a speedy trial,' fumed Trump lawyer John Lauro, inveighing against the government's plan to begin January 2 'These proposals are obviously very far apart,' said Chutkan. 'Neither of them is acceptable,' said U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan The sparring over a trial date comes less than a month after former President Donald Trump faced charges in federal court in Washington, D.C. Judge Chutkan said she spoke to the New York judge overseeing the Stormy Daniels 'hush' payment case, which is also set for March, 2024 Lauro made a series of impassioned arguments, as judge Chutkan occasionally chided him to 'turn the temperature down.' 'We have to do our job as defense lawyers to represent a client,' said Lauro. 'This is a solemn obligation of every defense lawyer.' 'For a federal prosecutor to suggest that we can go to trial in 4 months is not only absurd, but its a violation of the oath to do justice,' said Lauro. 'This is a request for a show trial, not a speedy trial,' he fumed. 'I like to be prepared for trial. I have an obligation to a client,' Lauro continued. 'This is an overwhelming task. Never in the history of the United States have we seen a case of this magnitude go to trial in four months.' He also outlined a series of motions he planned to file including accusing the government of 'selective prosecution.' He also plans to raise issues of 'executive immunity.' The government pushed for 'the soonest possible trial date' when the defense could 'reasonably be ready.' Prosecutor Molly Gaston noted that Trump was accused of attempting to overturn an election seeking to disenfranchise millions of Americans. She said it merited 'prompt and full consideration of those claims in open court.' On a near daily basis the defendant posts on social media about this case,' Gaston said. 'He has publicly disparaged witnesses, he has attacked the integrity of the court and of the citizens of the District of Columbia who make up our jury pool,' she argued. 'And this potentially prejudices the jury pool,' she said latching onto an argument that Judge Chutkan herself raised during Trump's arraignment when she issued a warning about harassment. Her chosen trial date is two months beyond what prosecutors had asked for. After she announced it, Lauro said on behalf of Trump that 'we will certainly abide by your honor's ruling as we must.' But he told her: 'we will not be able to provide adequate representation.' Although Chutkan appeared to cast aside the political calendar with her comment about Trump being required to make the schedule work, her decision could have profound consequences. Trump spend the days after his Thursday arrest in Georgia marketing his mug shot in that case, where he is charged with conspiracy linked to his overturn effort there. He experienced a spike in fundraising following his indictment in the Stormy Daniels case. Among his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination is former Vice President Mike Pence, who could be a witness in the case, and has said he lacked the authority to reject votes certified by states as Trump pressured him to do on January 6. Other Republican rivals are either either blasting prosecutions that Trump calls a witch hunt or criticizing his overturn effort. Trump and his multi-pronged legal predicament was a topic of the Republican presidential debate last week, although he himself did not take part. Judge Chutkan, who herself previously served as a public defender in Washington, pointed to some other high-profile cases. She noted that the trial will take place more than three years after a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2020. She noted that the 2015 trial in the Boston marathon bombing took place two years after the incident. She also referenced Zacarias Moussaoui, who was indicted a year after the Sept. 11th attacks (he was arrested in August, 2001 and pleaded guilty to conspiring to take part in the attacks). A plumber whose campaign trail clash with Barack Obamas garnered national attention has died of pancreatic cancer at 49. Joseph Wurzelbacher was dubbed Joe the Plumber after challenging the Democratic candidate over his tax plans at a campaign stop in Ohio. After telling Obama the plans would leave him poorer, he found himself adopted by the Republican campaign as a symbol of the working-class family man threatened by the Democrats in the 2008 presidential election. The military veteran was diagnosed with cancer last year and died on Sunday leaving behind wife Katie, and four children. Our hearts are broken, his widow wrote in a statement. Wurzelbacher's iconic clash with Obama on the campaign trail in 2008 saw him dubbed 'Joe the Plumber' He appeared alongside Obama's Republican rival John McCain but did not formally endorse him He fought long and hard, but is now free from pain,' wife Katie said after his death on Sunday When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as Joe the Plumber but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: just Joe, she added. He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question. Obama was shaking hands with voters on a campaign visit to Toledo in October 2008 when he was challenged. Wurzelbacher told him his plan to increase taxes on businesses making more than $250,000 a year would make hard-working people poorer. The candidate insisted the rise would be small and told him 'when you spread the wealth around, its good for everybody. That remark was seized on by Republican candidate John McCain who accused Obama of promoting socialism, and made the concerns raised by Joe the Plumber the centerpiece of his campaign. The soon-to-be president hit back, insisting McCain was not fighting for Joe the Plumber. He's fighting for Joe the Hedge Fund Manager'. Wurzelbacher attempted a run for Congress himself in 2012 on the Republican ticket Wife Katie said he was an 'average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved' Wurzelbacher appeared on stage with McCain but was a reluctant mascot for the Republican campaign, refusing to endorse either candidate. He later ran for Congress in Ohio on the Republican ticket, losing in 2012 to Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur. He had spoken of his battle against cancer, telling Faithwire: God doesn't promise us an easy road, he just promises to be there for us when we go on these roads. His friend Derek Hunter posted news of his death on Sunday, tweeting a link to a Givesendgo fundraiser that has already raised $140,000. Horrible news. My good friend Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, passed away this morning at the age of 49 from pancreatic cancer, he wrote. He was a good man and an exceptional friend. Please consider helping his widow and young children. Sarah Palin, who was McCain's vice-presidential candidate was among those paying tribute. 'Joe the Plumber RIP. Thank you for everything,' she wrote on Twitter. Wife Katie said he had died surrounded by his family at home. My heart goes out to everyone whose lives are impacted by cancer, she added. There are so many ups and downs but we tried to find joy in every day. He fought long and hard, but is now free from pain. He was released from hospital before dying at home on Sunday with wife Katie and their children by his side A fundraiser for his family had already raised more than $135,000 by Monday morning I dont think of him as losing his battle. Because he knew Jesus, his battle was won. Joes last wish was to get us back by my family. The first night here, he gave me a big smile and said we made it. To everyone who has and continues to support us, and there are so many, Thank You! You helped bring Joe peace and for that I will always be grateful. The restaurant owner whose battle with a Kansas newspaper led to a viral raid has broken her silence to reveal the hate mail she's received - blaming her for the death of the publication's 98-year-old owner. Kari Newell, 46, cried as she shared the attacks she's had since her intervention at a Marion City Council meeting on August 7 led to the raid, which some have blamed for the death of Marion County Record co-owner Joan Meyer. Speaking to The Kansas City Star, Newell claimed she and her businesses have been targeted after the fallout became national news. 'I've probably got 600 or 700 messages saying I have blood on my hands, that I should go to jail for manslaughter, sued for wrongful death, that I killed that poor woman,' Newell said. 'I'm probably approaching 5,000 pieces of hate mail.' Kari Newell, 46, says she has been called 'Hitler' since her accusations against a Kansas newspaper led to a viral raid Police raided the Marion County Record on August 11 and the newspaper's co-owner Joan Meyer, 98, died the next day following the stress and grief she felt, according to her son Newell believes Phyllis Zorn, a reporter for the paper, had illegally accessed information about her DUI charge from 2018 that showed she had been driving without a valid driver's license for 15 years. As the town's council was set to discuss whether to give Newell a to a two-year liquor license for one of her restaurants, editors at the Marion County Record had decided to not pursue a story about her DUI. Still, Newell went after the paper during the meeting, accusing a council member of obtaining the information and 'negligently and maliciously' sharing it with others, and claiming she would notify the Marion County attorney. Four days later, police chief Gideon Cody raided the Marion County Record newsroom. The homes of the councilwoman and the Meyers were also raided. Joan Meyer died the next day. Since then, people have called her 'Hitler,' 'fascist' and 'the devil,' she added, showing the texts from strangers. Newell said she's been forced to shut off the comments and online reservations for her restaurant Chef's Plate at Parlour 1886, which is inside the Historic Elgin Hotel. But Newell remains unapologetic and convinced that it was the newspaper that was on the wrong, and that she did not know police would raid any of the homes or the paper. However, the Kansas Department of Revenue has said the information was public record. Surprisingly, paper co-owner and Joan's son Eric Meyer agrees that Newell isn't the villain people should be focusing on. 'She is a pawn,' he told The Kansas City Star. 'I think she was a convenient excuse used by other people to get at us. I think she's a patsy in that regard.' Before the August 11 raid, Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody wrote in an affidavit that Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn either impersonated Newell or lied about her reasoning to retrieve the records. Cody wrote in the affidavit that the Department of Revenue told him that those who downloaded the information were Record reporter Zorn and someone using the name 'Kari Newell.' Newell triggered the searches after she accused the newspaper of getting her 2008 DUI information illegally which would have disrupted her request for a liquor license Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody wrote in an affidavit that Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn (pictured) either impersonated Newell or lied about her reasoning to retrieve the records Publisher and editor Meyer (pictured) said Zorn contacted the Department of Revenue before her online search and was instructed how to search records He wrote that he contacted Newell who said 'someone obviously stole her identity.' But Zorn, publisher and editor Eric Meyer and the newspaper's attorney said that no laws were broken when she accessed a public state website for information on the restaurant owner. Police seized computers, personal cellphones and a router from the newspaper in the raid, but all items were released Wednesday after the county prosecutor concluded there wasn't enough evidence to justify the action. The newspaper had Newell's driver's license number and date of birth because a source provided it, unsolicited, Meyer said. The tip about Newell's DUI was sent to Zorn by a woman called Pam Maag. Maag said she received the records from Kari's estranged husband, Ryan Newell. Some legal experts believe the raid on August 11 violated a federal privacy law that protects journalists from having their newsrooms searched. While others say it violated a Kansas law that makes it more difficult to force reporters and editors to disclose their sources or unpublished material. Pam Maag, who is Ryan Newell's friend, was the person who send Kari's DUI information to the newspaper Meyer blamed the stress from the raid for the death of his mother Joan on August 12. Her funeral services were Saturday Cody defended the raid in a Facebook post soon after it happened, saying the federal law shielding journalists from newsroom searches makes an exception specifically for 'when there is reason to believe the journalist is taking part in the underlying wrongdoing.' The Record received an outpouring of support from other news organizations and media groups after the raid. Meyer said it has picked up at least 4,000 additional subscribers, enough to double the size of its press run, though many of the new subscriptions are digital. He blamed the stress from the raid for the death of his mother Joan on August 12. Her funeral services were Saturday. She collapsed and died 'mid-sentence' after refusing to eat due to being in complete shock over the raid. Before Joan died, she told The Wichita Eagle about the raids: 'These are Hitler tactics, and something has to be done.' Meyer said that when he woke his mother to offer her breakfast she died mid-sentence. 'I am perturbed I carefully chose that word as all get out about them raiding our office, but what bothers me most is a 98-year-old woman spent her last day on earth feeling under attack by bullies who invaded her house.' He did not give more details about the newspaper's probe into the police chief, but said: 'I really don't think it would be advisable for me to say what it was we were investigating, other than to characterize the charges as serious. It emerged on Tuesday that Cody was also being investigated by the newspaper over allegations of sexual misconduct. Cody became chief of the Marion County Police Department in late April, after leaving the Kansas City police amid allegations of sexual misconduct. President Joe Biden spoke to Gov. Ron DeSantis to offer his political opponent support as Florida prepares for Hurricane Idalia and deals with the aftermath of a racist shooting in Jacksonville. DeSantis, a Republican, has put his 2024 presidential campaign on hold to remain in the state this week after he was booed Sunday at a vigil for the three black people shot and killed at a Dollar Store. He dismissed any worries that politics will get in the way of the federal government offering Florida support. 'I am here, I am here,' he said at a press conference Monday morning. 'When you have this situations like this, you've got to put the interests of the people first. I mean, there's time and a place to have political season.' 'We have responsibility as Americans to come together and do what we can to to mitigate any damage and to protect people. So that's what I've done on all these different issues. And that's what I'll continue to do. When you have these situations, you got to step up.' The White House said Biden told DeSantis that he's approved an emergency declaration for the state as Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to hit the coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday. Ron DeSantis: 'You've got to put the interests of the people first. I mean, there's time and a place to have political season.' The two men have teamed up before. In October 2022, Biden visited Florida and met with DeSantis to see the fallout from Hurricane Ian. The Florida governor said he expects Idalia to be a major storm and warned people to be ready. 'We are bracing for a major hurricane impact category three plus. Hopefully it doesn't get much worse than a category three but the reality is you got basically clear sailing for this thing,' DeSantis said. 'I encourage Floridians to have a plan in place and ensure that their hurricane supply kit is stocked,' he noted. In the call between the two men, Biden 'also expressed his commitment to ongoing support for the people of Jacksonville following the horrific shooting on Saturday,' the White House said. DeSantis, who is running for Republican nomination to take on Biden in next year's general election, was scheduled to campaign in South Carolina on Monday. Forecast models have Idalia curving to the northeast toward Florida, coming ashore along the Gulf coast north of Tampa near the Big Bend area and then heading diagonally across the state to emerge again in the Atlantic Ocean near southeast Georgia. It could make landfall with winds up to 110 miles per hour. Along a vast stretch of Florida's west coast, up to 11 feet of ocean water could surge onshore, raising fears of destructive flooding. President Biden called Gov. DeSantis Monday morning to offer his support for Idalia and for the people of Jacksonville Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attends a prayer vigil, along with wife Casey, a day after a white man armed with a high-powered rifle and a handgun killed three Black people at a Dollar General store DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for several counties in preparation for landfall. Evacuation orders will likely be issued. Florida has mobilized 1,100 members of the National Guard, which has 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft ready for rescue efforts. DeSantis also attend a vigil on Sunday for three black people killed in what is described as a racist shooting at a Dollar General Store in Jacksonville. The governor was booed off the podium. He was met with overwhelming negativity from the crowd - as one heckler shouted: 'Your policies caused this!' The shooter, a 21-year-old armed with an AR-15 and who police said had written a manifesto, was white. The victims were 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr, 19-year-old Anolt Joseph 'A.J.' Laguerre Jr. and 29-year-old Jarrald De'Shawn Gallion. The shooting took place near Edward Waters University, a historically Black university. 'Perpetrating violence of this kind is unacceptable, and targeting people because of their race has no place in the state of Florida,' DeSantis said on Sunday. 'We're not going to allow in the state of Florida, our HBCUs to be targets for hateful lunatics like the guy yesterday.' Biden, in a statement on Sunday, also condemned the shooting and said that authorities have opened a federal civil rights investigation, treating it as a possible hate crime. 'We must say clearly and forcefully that white supremacy has no place in America,' he said. 'We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the color of their skin.' President Biden, as he left church in Georgetown on Sunday (above), was asked if he would speak to DeSantis about the Jacksonville shooting and the emerging storm. He replied: 'I will speak to the people of Jacksonville.' President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Casey DeSantis during an October 2022 visit to see damage from Hurricane Ian The president had spoken with Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Sheriff T.K. Waters on Sunday, where he offered his full support to the people of Jacksonville. When asked on Sunday, as he left church, if he would speak to DeSantis about the Jacksonville shooting and the emerging storm, Biden replied: 'I will speak to the people of Jacksonville.' Florida has seen mass shootings, including the 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando that killed 49 people and the 2018 incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 people dead, including 14 students. Police have launched an urgent search for a missing girl, three, who vanished with her father after a woman was punched and bitten during an assault inside a car. Lancashire Police are looking to track down Simon Cooney, 35, in relation to the assault - which happened in Kingscote Park, Blackpool at around 4am this morning. During the assault, a woman was punched in the face bitten to her hand, before she left the car. Officers are also urgently trying to locate Autumn, who remained in the car, as they are 'extremely concerned' for her welfare. A police spokesperson said: 'We believe she may be with Simon, however the car has since been located abandoned on Lakeway, Blackpool, and they could have travelled anywhere.' Police have launched an urgent search for a missing girl, three, called Autumn, who vanished with her father after a woman was punched and bitten during an assault inside a car Police are asking anyone who may have seen Simon and Autum, or has information about where they might be, to get in touch straight away. Simon is described as being white, approximately 6ft tall, of slim build, with a shaven head and a beard. He has links to both Blackpool and Preston. Young Autumn has shoulder-length, blonde hair. Inspector Stephen Brazil, of Blackpool Police, said: 'We are extremely worried about Autumn and need to find her and make sure she is safe as a matter of urgency. 'We also need to locate Simon regarding a nasty assault which occurred in the early hours of today.' Lancashire Police are looking to track down Simon Cooney (pictured), 35, in relation to the assault - which happened in Kingscote Park, Blackpool at around 4am this morning Insp Brazil added: 'If you see Simon, please do not approach him, but contact us straight away on 999. 'Similarly, if you see Autumn please tell us immediately by calling 999.' Those with information as to where they might be, however vague, are urged to inform the police by calling 101. Anyone with information should quote log 211 of August 28 when they call. A school on Indonesia's main island has partially shaved the heads of more than a dozen girls, its headmaster said Monday, after they were accused of wearing their Islamic hijab headscarves incorrectly. An unidentified teacher at the public junior high school SMPN 1 in the East Java town of Lamongan partially shaved the hair of 14 Muslim girls last Wednesday, headmaster Harto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said. Harto said the school had apologised and the teacher had been suspended. The headteacher said the young girls did not wear inner caps under their headscarves, leaving their fringes visible. An unidentified teacher at the public junior high school SMPN 1 in the East Java town of Lamongan (pictured) partially shaved the hair of 14 Muslim girls 'There is no obligation for female students to wear hijab, but they were advised to wear the inner caps for neat appearance,' Harto told AFP. 'We apologised to the parents and after mediation, we reached a common understanding.' The school has promised it would provide students with psychological assistance. 'We realised that we had to resolve it carefully not to bring prolonged effects to the children,' he said. Human rights groups called for the teacher to be sacked. Activists say Muslim and non-Muslim girls have been forced for years to wear a hijab in conservative parts of the archipelago nation of 270 million people, which moved in 2021 to ban schools from such mandatory dress codes. 'The Lamongan case is probably the most intimidating ever in Indonesia,' Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. 'No teachers who have cut their students' hair have ever been sanctioned. The education office in Lamongan should sanction this teacher, at least removing her from the school and assign psychologists to deal with the trauma among the victims.' Human Rights Watch said in a 2021 report that some schoolgirls have had their hijabs cut if not worn correctly, while others have had tests marked down and even faced expulsion for not wearing hijabs. While Indonesia recognises six major religions, there have been concerns about growing religious intolerance in the Muslim-majority country. The headscarf issue grabbed headlines in 2021 after a Christian student in West Sumatra was pressured to wear a hijab in a case officials described as the 'tip of the iceberg'. The government issued a decree in early 2021 to allow girls and women in state schools to choose what they can wear, banning schools from prescribing religious attire. The country's Supreme Court struck down that decision months later, ruling children under 18 had no right to choose their own school clothes. MBABANE It doesnt matter who wins, we just want change. This was said by some residents under Ndinda Chiefdom ahead of the primary elections on Saturday. They made it clear that they wanted a new representative in the 12th Parliament. Their Member of Parliament (MP) for the past 10 years was the current Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Moses Vilakati. The minister lost in the primary elections to University of Eswatini (UNESWA) employee and former President of the National Workers Union of Swaziland Higher Institutions (NAWUSHI) Samuel Shongwe by 684 to 498 votes. The third candidate was Lucky Mkhatshwa, who got 146 votes. It was mostly the youth that was vocal about having a new representative in Parliament. They were always on the lookout for anyone who was not from their community, in order to prevent them from taking chances to vote at the KaNdinda Primary School Polling Station. Queued Anyone who was unknown to them had to identify themselves and if nobody knew them, they were turned back. This happened while they queued outside the gate of the polling station. They dedicated themselves to the task until dusk, to make sure that only known residents voted at the polling station. We have had people from other areas coming here to vote previously, resulting in people winning the elections when they did not deserve to. That will not happen this time around. We know our neighbours. Only a deserving candidate will win tonight, one the youth said to his peers. The votes were counted from 9pm to midnight. First to be counted were indvuna yenkhundla votes. Eight men and one woman were contesting for this position. The winner was Vusi Dlamini, who got 568 votes and the second best was Makhosonkhe Zwane, with 211 votes. After the indvuna yenkhundla votes had been counted, MP votes were counted until after 3am. The polling station was divided into two, with others voting at Makhungutja, which is also under Ndinda Royal Kraal. The votes from Makhungutja and Ndinda Primary School polling stations were added together and Shongwe won. At least 994 residents voted at Ndinda out of the more than 1 000 who registered. Eleven MP ballot papers were spoilt. About five were not marked at all by the voters, others had two crosses while some had all the candidates faces crossed. Seven indvuna yenkhundla ballot papers were spoilt. During the counting of the votes, both Vilakati and his close contender, Shongwe, were not at the polling station. Shongwe said he was at work at UNESWA because he and his colleagues were working double-shifts since it is examination time for students. While the votes were being counted in the presence of some indvuna yenkhundla and MP candidates, some of whom were represented by their campaign agents (bogalajane), they would from time to time be heard giving updates on their cellphones about what was happening. As the votes were being counted, a group of people waited at the closed gate of the school for the results. They could be heard from the classroom where the votes were being counted, singing. They went wild with excitement when they became aware of the results and quickly left for their respective places of residence. Thats what we wanted. At least we will have an MP now, some of them were heard saying. Shongwe said in his opinion, the electorate had probably given the outgoing MP enough time to represent them in Parliament. He said the community was concerned about deliverables, which some of them had complaint were not up to their expectations. He said he believed that he was voted for because members of the community had worked with him on a number of development projects. Shongwe also said it worked to his advantage that he was almost always in the community. I stay here. I am always present when we undertake different development projects, said Shongwe. He mentioned that he did not think that it would be difficult for him during the secondary elections on September 29, 2023. According to Shongwe, he knew people in the communities under the constituency and he took part in projects outside his own community, such as at Ntondozi Secondary School. When asked if he did not think that Vilakatis supporters might want to spite him and vote for his competitors during the secondary elections, Shongwe said he would go out to the communities and discuss with the people that since they were all from the same umphakatsi, they should work together to uplift their communities. He stated that he did not believe many people would want to spite him. We will visit and address them because we want to work together for the good of the area. We have brought many development projects and we want to do so even in future, Shongwe said. Decide Vilakati, on the other hand, said during an elections, the electorate had the power to decide for themselves what should happen. All I can say is that on the issue of elections, the power is in the people. Yours is to listen to what they say by their vote and then go home. The problem comes when you have not prepared an exit plan, said Vilakati. During the nominations on July 22, 2023, Vilakati, who was vying for a third term in Parliament, said he and Shongwe had worked together as members of the development committee of KaNdinda. He described Shongwe as a friend. The minister and Shongwe shook hands after their nomination and in jest ask his then competitor, Shongwe: Ngubani lolosicatsanisako Shongwe? (Who is setting us against one another Shongwe? The minister said even though he enjoyed the most support in the area, there was a still a long way to go. He said it would not hurt to lose to Shongwe and added that asisebentili ku-loser (we are not aiming for a loss). A Jewish comedian performing at the Edinburgh Fringe has claimed a huge agent responsible for some 'well known' acts subjected him to a vicious anti-Semitic attack in a venue. BAFTA-nominated funnyman Bennett Arron, who has been likened to a 'Welsh Seinfeld', announced that he had been verbally assaulted by the unnamed agent in front of his family after a performance of his new show entitled 'Loser'. He claimed: 'Bit upsetting. The agent of some well-known comedians decided to scream at me in a bar, in front of my family who had come to celebrate my success at the Fringe, that Jews exaggerate anti-Semitism and that other minority groups have real justification for complaint but not Jews. 'He also went on to scream that Jews should never have been given Israel and that Jews smeared Jeremy Corbyn. 'When I asked if we could discuss this another time as he was upsetting my family, he shouted See THEY always do this! BAFTA nominated funnyman Bennett Arron (pictured), who has been likened to a 'Welsh Seinfeld' announced that he had been verbally assaulted by the unnamed agent The comedian shared news of the distressing attack with his followers on Twitter Festival-goers and tourists throng the Royal Mile as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 'It really spoilt what had been a wonderful festival.' It is unclear which specific comedy agent Mr Arron was referring to. Gary Mond, Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly, told MailOnline: 'Comments such as this need to be tackled head on. First, antisemitism in the UK is at record levels, with Jews regularly being attacked physically simply for being Jewish. 'Jews make up only about 0.5% of the UK population but are the target of some 25% of all hate crimes. Second, Jews were not "given Israel", they actually fought for it in 1948 after the British left the country and the Arabs - and not for the last time - rejected a two state solution and sought to wipe out the Jewish community. 'Third, Jews did not at any time "smear" Jeremy Corbyn. They simply reacted to Corbyn's comments and actions, pointing out the antisemitism that often lay behind them.' The incident is just the latest row that has brewed over the month-long festival, which has often made national news headlines for the wrong reasons. Earlier this month, Edinburgh Fringe fans criticised the festival and said the obscene cancelling of Father Ted writer Graham Linehan was a 'black mark' on its long history of supporting stand-up and free speech. Linehan cried on stage and vowed to defeat 'evil trans activists' during a defiant street performance after two venues cancelled an Edinburgh Fringe show over his gender critical views. His supporters have questioned how Scottish shock stand-up Frankie Boyle was able to joke about Katie Prices disabled child and raping and killing Holly Willoughby but has always been welcome at the Fringe. They also renamed the festival the 'Edinburgh Cringe' and vowed to boycott it. Linehan drew a large crowd of fans to the Comedy Unleashed show outside the Scottish Parliament Father Ted writer Graham Linehan vowed to defeat 'evil trans activists' as he broke down in tears after defiantly performing on the street after two venues cancelled an Edinburgh Fringe show over his gender critical views Linehan, who said last year he had 'lost everything' because of his transgender views, drew a large crowd of fans to his Comedy Unleashed show outside the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood in a show of defiance after Leith Arches in Edinburgh cancelled it over his opinions on transgender ideology. Audience member Angela told MailOnline it was 'obscene' that he had been 'cancelled for views the majority of the population has'. She added: 'If there are protests I think we'll carry on. We're quite used to this sort of nonsense from children. I think it's really about supporting free speech in general because if we cancel comedy, where do we go next?' Another supporter of the IT Crowd creator said: 'We're here for support and solidarity and hopefully a bit of drink. We're calling it "Edinburgh Cringe". It's pathetic, it's censorship. Frankie Boyle was here, was disgusting, but we wouldn't want him cancelled. It's so embarrassing, the Edinburgh Fringe used to push the boundaries and be edgy and now it's not. I'll be boycotting the Edinburgh Fringe from now on.' Founder Reem Assil said all officers are welcome when they are off-duty The company said it has a policy 'to not serve anyone that is armed in a uniform' An Arabic bakery in San Francisco has warned cops they will not be served An Arabic bakery in San Francisco is refusing to serve cops in uniform or anyone carrying a weapon. Reems California, a local bakery chain, was called out online by the San Francisco Police Officers' Association on August 24 for not serving uniformed officers. 'NO COPS ALLOWED. Thats the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reems,' the association wrote on X, with a screenshot of an email. The bakery's founder Reem Assil has defendant the policy saying they do not serve anyone in uniform. In a social-media post the restaurant stated the move was to foster 'an environment of safety for our staff and customers.' The decision was met with outrage online with one social-media poster noting, 'SF native here I will not be returning here ever this city has gone to crap and its things like this that perpetuate it, I feel 10,000% safer when any law enforcement officer is nearby.. plenty of better bakeries in the area, I will be telling friends and family not to come here' Reems California, a local bakery chain, was called out online by the San Francisco Police Officers' Association on August 24 for not serving officers. Pictured: a tweet from the association alerting the public to the controversy The bakery's founder Reem Assil (pictured) has defended the policy saying they do not serve anyone in uniform or carrying a gun In a post on Twitter, the union had shared a photo of the food shop's signage with a screenshot of an email from a 'Reem's California' email address It said: 'Hello, Thank you for your email. At Reem's we do have a policy to not serve anyone that is armed in a uniform. All officers are welcome to our establishment when they are off duty and not armed.' They explained one of their officers was denied service after visiting in a uniform. 'One of our officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform. Reems confirms that they will not serve anyone armed and in uniform. Presumably, this includes members of the US Military.' In a follow-up tweet, the association explained why they shared the email. 'We are not asking Reems or any business with a bigoted policy to serve our officers. 'Were asking them to own their discriminatory policy and put up a sign so we know not to spend money in your establishment on or off duty.' The association's objections come days after Reem's posted to Instagram that the bakery has a 'deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities.' 'That includes fostering an environment of safety for our staff and customers,' the restaurant wrote in the post. 'In a time of increased gun violence - particularly impacting people of color, youth and queer people - were believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer.' The post added many members of the 'our community' have been impacted by gun violence - either in San Francisco, area of war or fears of political extremism. 'All too often, Black and brown people, and poor people are the victims of this violence,' Reem's stated. The owner, Assil, tried to explain the policy further after backlash from the police association. 'All officers are welcome to come to our establishment when they are off duty and not armed,' she said. 'NO COPS ALLOWED. Thats the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reems,' the assocaition wrote on X, with a screenshot of an email. Reem's posted to Instagram that the bakery has a 'deep commitment to uplifting social and racial justice in our communities' In a social-media post the restaurant stated the move was to foster 'an environment of safety for our staff and customers' 'Were asking them to own their discriminatory policy and put up a sign so we know not to spend money in your establishment on or off duty,' the association noted Reem's stated many members of the 'our community' have been impacted by gun violence - either in San Francisco, area of war or fears of political extremism. Many social media users were outraged at the move and expressed their anger in posts. 'At no point is anyone afraid of an armed police officer in a bakery unless they are a criminal.. practice what you preach on inclusivity and safety.. I would have cops all day in my shop to make my customers feel safer,' wrote realtor Michel M. Francis on Instagram. Another, Michael Rullan, noted: 'What a stupid post. You are creating more division and refusing to serve the officers that protect your establishment. Who are you going to call when an armed robber comes into your bakery??? Guns in the hands of the right people make us a safer community... Because there will always be guns in the hands of the wrong people. Wake up!!' While Jeremy Besse hoped that Reem's would soon find itself out-of-business. 'Hoping to hear of a permanent closure of your business soon. Shameful inclusive behavior,' he noted. However, not all commenters were against Reem's policy. Some backed the bakery for the move to exclude cops. 'Bruhhh all these randoms are so noisy. those cops can literally go get food anywhere else. Shoutout for putting your community first,' K Misech wrote on Instagram. Reem's is not the first San Francisco establishment to essentially ban police officers, according to SFGate. In 2021, the owners of Hilda and Jesse, an all-day brunch eatery, apologized after public backlash when three uniformed officers were asked to leave the establishment. This year, a worker at Pizza Squared was fired after he told police officers they were not welcomed. Police officers stand at the site of a shooting on Haight Street in San Francisco in 2021, an area popular with young homeless people. San Francisco has seen a spike in crime, homelessness and drug use in recent years San Francisco police have faced heavy criticism and anger in recent years in the wake of liberal policies and 'defund the police' cries. That has led to a spike in crime throughout the Bay Area - which has been coupled with increased drug use and homelessness - seen since the end of the pandemic. In 2023, there has been a nearly 13 percent increase in the number of homicides in San Francisco. The number of robberies jumped by 14.5 percent from 1,450 to 1,660. However, total crimes are down about 4 percent so far on the year. The city is also facing rampant drug use - with many dealers plying their trade openly on the streets. As a result, city figures show there were more than 268 drug overdose deaths in the first six months of 2023 alone a 41 percent increase over 2022. It comes just months after the gallery was reopened, supported by the company The group targeted the Paul McCartney exhibit in protest of Bank of America Dozens of climate protesters took to the National Portrait Gallery this afternoon Over a dozen climate protesters equipped with wigs and a large yellow banner took to the Paul McCartney exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery today in protest of Bank of America. The group targeted the exhibit in London, which shows never-before-seen photos taken by the legendary musician. Protesters changed the lyrics to popular Beatles songs and some dressed as makeshift versions of the band members. Visitors of the gallery were promptly shooed out, while campaigners could still be heard singing behind closed doors. The whole incident reportedly lasted for 45 minutes, before visitors were allowed back inside and the gallery resumed as normal. Climate protesters equipped with wigs and a large yellow banner took to the Paul McCartney exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery today in protest of Bank of America It comes just months after the gallery's long-awaited reopening, which was partly supported by Bank of America Adapting the lyrics to the song 'Help!', the protesters can be heard chanting: 'We'll fight against climate change and oil in any way.' The new lyrics seemed to have been printed on an A4 piece of paper, the back of which read: 'Fossil free London'. The campaigners were quickly taken behind a screen by security, while a spokesperson attempted to argue their case before a crowd. He shouted: 'We love this art, we think it should be here for everyone to enjoy and it should not be used to justify the climate activities of Bank of America. 'We think the values of these songs should be about preserving the planet. 'Shame on the National Gallery for taking the oily money of Bank of America. 'We'll fight against climate change and oil in any way.' Speaking to MailOnline, a National Portrait Gallery spokesperson said: 'This afternoon, members of a climate protest group demonstrated by singing songs within the Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm exhibition. 'The exhibition was temporarily closed for around 20 minutes. In line with our security procedures, the Gallery contacted the Police who arrived and led the protesters out of the building. 'No exhibition photographs were targeted during the protest. Visitors who experienced disruption were compensated with replacement exhibition tickets.' Campaigners held signs which appear to read: 'Fossil Free London' on the back of which, looked to be climate change-fitting Beatles lyrics Security were quickly on the case and moved protesters behind a screen while a spokesperson chanted One protester can be heard shouting: 'Shame on the National Gallery for taking the oily money of Bank of America.' It comes just months after the Gallery's reopening this year, in June which is supported by Bank of America alongside Bloomberg Philanthropies, CHANEL Culture Fund, Herbert Smith Freehills and Taylor Wessing. The exhibit, named Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm opened exactly 2 months ago and will run until Sunday, 1 October. It is described as 'an extraordinary archive of rediscovered and never-before-seen photographs taken by Paul McCartney,' and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The exhibit was opened by the Princess of Wales and attended by Paul McCartney himself. The National Portrait Gallery website says it is 'uniquely personal' and offers some perspective on 'what it was like to be a Beatle at the start of Beatlemania,' through the eyes of Paul McCartney. The exhibit was launched shortly after its first exhibition 'Yevonde: Life and Colour', which lasts until Sunday, 15 October. Two more exhibits will be shown this year, including 'David Hockney: Drawing from Life' and 'Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize', while a further two await in 2024. This is not the first time the National Portrait Gallery has been targeted. A year prior to its temporary closure in June 2020, Extinction Rebellion activists covered themselves in fake oil in protest against its sponsorship by BP. Topless activists curled up in a foetal position as others coated themselves in the 'oil' in front of a BP-sponsored art display. The unauthorised stunt capped a two-week wave of actions by the civil disobedience movement, which led to more than 3,300 arrests in London and cities around the world, the group said. A ceremony to mark the return to Canada of a 37ft totem pole that was taken from an indigenous community nearly a century ago has taken place in Scotland. The House of Ni'isjoohl Memorial Pole is being given back to the Nisga'a Nation in northern British Columbia. The National Museum of Scotland agreed last year to return the pole, which has been on display in the Edinburgh building since 1930. The museum's boss said the decision was down to the 'difficult legacies' of the British Empire. Nisga'a researchers say it was taken without consent in 1929 by an anthropologist who sold it to the museum. The Nisga'a people believe the pole is alive with the spirit of their ancestors, the group's chief said today. Carved from red cedar in the 1860s, the pole includes family crests and animal and human figures. A ceremony to mark the return to Canada of a 37ft totem pole that was taken from an indigenous community nearly a century ago has taken place in Scotland. The House of Ni'isjoohl Memorial Pole is being given back to the Nisga'a Nation in northern British Columbia It commemorates the Nisga'a warrior Ts'aawit and stood outside his relatives' home for 70 years before being removed while villagers were away for the annual hunting season. Today's ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh was attended by delegates from the Nisga'a, the museum and the Scottish and Canadian governments. Workers are now set to erect scaffolding around the pole so it can be removed, packed and then flown more than 4,000 miles on a Canadian air force plane to British Columbia. It is slated to go on display in the Nisga'a Museum in the Nass Valley alongside scores of other artifacts recovered from museums. Amy Parent, a member of the Nisga'a Nation and associate professor of education at Simon Fraser University, said it was 'a very historic moment for our nation and for Scotland.' Museum director Chris Breward said teams had been working for months on 'the complex task of carefully lowering and transporting' the pole. 'We are pleased to have reached the point where that work is now underway, and we are delighted to have welcomed the Nisga'a delegation to the museum before we bid the pole farewell,' he said. Chief Earl Stephens, who is known as Sim'oogit Ni'ijoohl in his native language, said: 'In Nisga'a culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestors. 'After nearly 100 years, we are finally able to bring our dear relative home to rest on Nisga'a lands. 'It means so much for us to have the Ni'isjoohl memorial pole returned to us, so that we can connect our family, nation and our future generations with our living history.' Amy Parent, a member of the Nisga'a Nation and associate professor of education at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, said it was 'a very historic moment for our nation and for Scotland.' The House of Ni'isjoohl Memorial Pole is being given back to the Nisga'a Nation in northern British Columbia. The museum agreed last year to return the pole, which has been on display in the Edinburgh building since 1930. Nisga'a researchers say it was taken without consent in 1929. Above: Delegates from the Nisgaa Nation arrive at the National Museum of Scotland today The Nisga'a people believe the pole is alive with the spirit of their ancestors, the group's chief said today Chief Earl Stephens, who is known as Sim'oogit Ni'ijoohl in his native language, said: 'In Nisga'a culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestors' Dr Chris Breward, Director of National Museums Scotland: 'Since the transfer of the Memorial Pole was agreed last December, our teams have been planning the complex task of carefully lowering and transporting it in what is the first return of its type by a UK national institution. 'We are pleased to have reached the point where that work is now underway, and we are delighted to have welcomed the Nisga'a delegation to the Museum before we bid the Pole farewell.' The SNP's Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the constitution, external affairs and culture, said: 'The great significance of the Ni'isjoohl memorial pole to the Nisga'a people and their community was made clear to me when I met with their representatives last year and I was pleased to have been able to provide the necessary ministerial consent to enable its return. Pamela Brown of the Nisgaa Nation with the Niisjoohl Memorial Pole Delegates from the Nisgaa Nation (L-R Chief Niisjoohl, Chief Laay, Chief Duuk) after arriving at the National Museum of Scotland 'Today's ceremony is the next step in that journey, following months of careful planning and dialogue between National Museums Scotland and the Nisga'a Nation, and I'm grateful to all parties for the work that has been undertaken to make it happen.' The move comes amid an intense debate about whether or not institutions in Western nations including the UK should return items with question marks over their pasts. The Greek government has been pushing for several years for the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles, which were taken from Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. Carlson made the comments amid claims in Moscow that he's trying to set up an interview with Vladimir Putin He said Russia is like Hungary in that both are 'built on Christian precepts' and claimed that was 'enough to incite' US policy makers The former Fox News host told a festival in Hungary that the US 'hates' Russia because it is a 'Christian country' Tucker Carlson has claimed the United States 'hates' Russia because 'it's a Christian country' - amid claims in Moscow that he's trying to land an interview with Vladimir Putin. The former Fox News star told MCC Feszt, a social, political and cultural festival in Hungary, that Russia is like Hungary in that both are nations 'built on Christian precepts'. 'That is enough to incite our policy makers in the United States and that is exactly why they hate Russia,' he said. Carlson told the audience at the festival - which ran through the final weekend of July - that he is 'not a fan of Russia'. He added: 'One thing that Russia and Hungary have in common is a big part of the population identify as Christians. Why would that be provocative? Tucker Carlson has claimed the United States 'hates' Russia because 'it's a Christian country' - amid claims in Moscow that he's trying to land an interview with Vladimir Putin The world is realigning at high speed, and turning against the United States. But the Biden Administration is spending its time harassing one of our last sincere allies in Europe, Hungary, for the crime of being too Christian. Watch. (Tucker's Speech in Budapest) pic.twitter.com/yppDft6YIi Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 26, 2023 The former Fox News star told MCC Feszt, a social, political and cultural festival in Hungary, that Russia is like Hungary in that both are nations 'built on Christian precepts' 'A huge part of Malaysians identify as Muslim. Fine with me. But it's not fine with Washington at all, it's deeply offensive to see that alive in Europe. And that is the core - it's not rational, this is happening on a gut level, but it is expressed through policy.' Hungary, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has come under scrutiny from western leaders because of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's favorable approach to Russia and his reluctance to support military aid for Ukraine. The country has also faced criticism after the recent passage of laws which critics say impose curbs on LGBTQ rights. The US has publicly denounced the legislation. A clip of Carlson's 27-minute speech was posted to X as the editor-in-chief of Russia Today, the Kremlin-controlled Russian news organization, said Carlson was trying to secure an interview with Putin. Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of the Kremlin-controlled RT news outlet, said Tucker Carlson has been trying to land an interview with Vladimir Putin Carlson also tried to land a sit-down with Putin - pictured during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 - in 2021, according to reports Simonyan told a show on the Russian network Rossiya-1: '[Carlson] is strongly requesting an interview with Vladimir Putin. It would be great if someone listens and notifies the president about this.' Simonyan pictured with Putin in December 2022 Margarita Simonyan told a show on the Russian network Rossiya-1: '[Carlson] is strongly requesting an interview with Vladimir Putin. It would be great if someone listens and notifies the president about this.' In comments translated from Russian, she said Carlson is 'doing a great job' and is 'the most popular host in all of US history'. Carlson previously tried to fix an interview with Putin in 2021, when he discussed the plan with 'Kremlin intermediaries', Axios reported. Carlson has moved his show to X since he was fired from Fox earlier this year in the wake of the network's $787 million settlement with the vote counting company Dominion. He interviewed former President Donald Trump last week in a clip that was 'viewed' more than 250 million times, although critics say the number is not a reliable measure for success because it includes anyone who saw the post, regardless of whether they watched any of it. Tom Stephenson with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said they will not be moving male mountain lions to 'that environment' in the future The move has been criticized by environmentalists as 'bizarre' and 'disturbing' Lions named, L147 and L176, were moved to the Mojave Desert from the Sierra Nevada and were attempting to make the 400 mile trek home when they died Indignation has grown after two mountain lions died when wildlife officials moved them from the California mountains to the Mojave Desert - as the state admits 'in hindsight' it erred. The two male mountain lions who were moved starved to death while trying to return home to their female counterparts to protect them. 'In hindsight, it wasn't a good place to release those lions,' said Tom Stephenson, a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 'We're not moving them to that environment anymore,' Stephenson added. Environmentalists have reamed out those responsible for the removal the animals, identified as L147 and L176, calling the decision to relocate them 'disturbing.' 'Perhaps we should find those who are responsible for this travesty in the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, put tracking collars on them and release them in the Mojave desert. Let's see how they like it,' David Freeman commented about the move. Two male mountain lions who were moved from the Sierra Nevada to the Mojave Desert by wildlife officials starved to death while trying to return home (mountain lions in Joshua Tree) The cougars were dropped off some 400 miles away from their home and were purportedly looking to make their way back home to their female counterparts. L147 was found deceased in a desolate portion of the desert, while L176 was found in an extremely emaciated state and needed to be put down several months later. According to wildlife experts, the decision to move the animals was especially puzzling considering the male mountain lion's natural instincts. Male mountain lions, when removed from their habitat, will often attempt to return to their home range to protect their females from attacks and other potential mates. The animals were discovered in March and May 2021 but the uproar stems from a recently published report on the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program. The program monitors the federally endangered bighorns and their predators. It was because the mountain lions were found attacking a bighorn that they were removed from the environment in the first place. The Mojave Desert was chosen seemingly as an experiment that authorities hoped would display that the area was viable for animals of their kind. 'Given their homing instinct, the hope was that the Mojave Desert would function as a barrier to prevent their return to the Sierra,' the report stated. 'The region of the eastern Mojave where they were moved has adequate prey to the southeast... Unfortunately, their homing instinct drove them to return to the northwest,' the report continued. 'In hindsight, it wasn't a good place to release those lions,' said Tom Stephenson (pictured) a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife The mountain lions were moved from the Sierra Nevada mountain range (left) to the Mojave Desert (right), some 400 miles away Male mountain lions, when removed from their habitat, will often attempt to return to their home range to protect their females (file photo of a mountain lion) The experiment quickly went south and in the report, the group of officials acknowledged that more thought and research should have been done. 'More important and practical factors which should influence mountain lion behavior, such as prey availability and habitat familiarity, received less consideration,' the report states. Ultimately, the animals 'struggled to find prey in an unfamiliar environment.' Wildlife officials immediately faced backlash following the release of the report. Outcry on social media began abruptly with advocates decrying the 'experiment.' 'The deaths of the mountain lions noted in the report are tragic, and reading about their deaths made my heart hurt,' Brent Lyles, executive director of the Mountain Lion Foundation, told the Los Angeles Times. 'Looking back on the end result, I wish they had considered more factors, like habitat suitability for those particular lions,' he said. 'But Im sure those researchers feel the same way, looking back on their actions in hindsight,' the Mountain Lion Foundation representative added. Others shared their disgust at the wildlife officials' lack of thought in dropping the animals in a desolate region they were unfamiliar with. 'I'm surprised these geniuses didn't drop them off on an iceberg,' wrote one person. 'The best and brightest in state government,' another shared. 'Why did they do that? Because they're dumb as rocks and have no accountability. Our tax dollars at work employing the unemployable,' wrote another. A cop overseeing the jail cell approached the inmates and was stabbed Monday Colombian authorities remain in the hunt for 16 detainees following a massive escape from police station, leaving a cop wounded. At least 34 suspects were able to subdue the cop at a precinct in Bogota neighborhood of Teusaquillo on Monday after. Bogota Metropolitan Police colonel Herbert Benavidez said inmates inside a cell called the police officer when one of the men stabbed him. The suspects climbed over a station house wall and spilled into the street before several patrol units initiated a frantic manhunt. Colombian authorities are searching for 16 detainees (15 are pictured here) who fled a police station in Bogota on Monday. Cops have so far captured 18 of the suspects, who were being held on drug dealing, murder and robbery charges Colombian police officers escort one of the 34 detainees who fled a police precinct in Bogota on Monday after they attacked and stabbed a cop. Authorities have captured 18 suspects and are searching for the rest To avoid capture, the detainees entered a waste water drainpipe and walked through the sewage system. Video on social media showed the moment cops captured one of the 18 suspects. The detainees were facing drug dealing, robbery and murder charges. The injury suffered by the officer, whose name has not been released, was not considered life-threatening. 'We also have all the capabilities of the judicial police and intelligence working in this entire area in order to achieve the recapture, therefore, any information that they can give us about suspicious persons will be valued and obviously verified,' Benavidez said, as quoted by online news portal Infobae. Police precinct in the Bogota town of Teusaquillo where 34 detainees escaped Monday Police said one of the cops was disarmed and stabbed before the detainees broke fled a cell The jail break comes just two weeks after Heily Puentes ran out of a police car outside a police station in the Bogota neighborhood Martires. Puentes was extradited from Peru to Colombia on August 11 and was taken to offices of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol to have his fingerprints and mugshot taken. He was taken to the Puente Aranda Immediate Reaction Unit's facility to undergo a medical exam. From there he was transferred to the Martires police station, where he was going to be held until his extradition before he slipped past the cops who were accompanying him. Puentes, who is wanted on an aggravated assault charge in Tarrytown, New York, severed one of his fingers to remove the handcuffs and remains on the run, police said. King Charles is 'absolutely resolute' that Prince Andrew will not return to public duties and there will be no 'change in tack' over his royal status, insiders have claimed. The Duke of York, 63, was seen in a car with the Prince and Princess of Wales as the family travelled to church in Balmoral yesterday in what has been branded as a 'public statement of togetherness'. But while Andrew appeared to be well and truly back in the royal fold, experts say Charles remains firms there is 'no possibility' of him returning to royal duties. A source told The Telegraph: 'He has always been clear that the Duke is a much-loved member of the family, but that does not mean there will be a change in tack when it comes to his royal status.' However, royal insiders allege that while Andrew will not return to public life, the King has made it clear 'privately' that he will 'support his brother and help him get his life back on track' - as evidenced by the Balmoral outing. Prince Andrew's appearance in a car with William and Kate as the family travelled to church in Balmoral was a 'public statement of togetherness', a royal expert has said Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the King, who was said to have offered the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral The disgraced duke, 63, was driven to church by Prince William, whose wife Catherine sat in the back seat. They joined other family members at church as the Royal Family had their first summer break at the estate since the Queen's death there a year ago. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline the photographs of Prince Andrew travelling to church with the Waleses were 'clearly intended to send a message of family unity'. READ MORE: William drives the disgraced duke to church as the Royal Family have their first summer break at Balmoral since the Queen's death Advertisement But he insisted it was not a sign Andrew could return to public duties in any form. 'This is a sad time for the royal family on their customary break at Balmoral. They and the nation will shortly be commemorating a year since the death of the Queen,' Mr Fitzwilliams said. 'We know how close Andrew was to the late Queen, his appearance at the Duke of Edinburghs Memorial Service in March 2022, where he supported her physically whilst she was giving him emotional and financial support caused much controversy. 'It has been reported that his allowance has been cut. It was rumoured that his tenure at Royal Lodge in Windsor, which is his home, was in danger. 'He is also reportedly attempting to regain the police protection he lost when he stepped down from royal duties.' But Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'It is important to stress that there is no possibility, as King Charles and Prince William have always realised, of him returning to public duties in any form. 'A glance at his non-existent popularity ratings in the polls make the public mood very clear on this issue. 'However what is being emphasised is harmony on a personal level and clearly he and his immediate family, who are also at Balmoral, will appreciate this a great deal, especially as the photographs we see today are such a very public statement of togetherness.' William drove a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind. The passengers swapped seats after the service. Andrew was invited on the summer trip by the King, who was said to have offered the olive branch to his brother so the whole family could be together at Balmoral. William drove a Land Rover Defender with his uncle in the front seat on the way to church and his wife, the Princess of Wales, sitting behind Prince William drives Catherine Princess of Wales from church yesterday morning - the passengers swapped seats after the service King Charles and Queen Camilla were among the group, having spent their summer break at the Scottish estate Prince Edward was seen driving a car with his wife Sophie, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Princess Anne to church The prince lost his official duties and his place in public life following the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal. A car crash Newsnight interview in November 2019 was followed by a lawsuit in which former teenage Epstein victim, Virginia Roberts, sued the duke over her claims that he had sex with her while she was under the paedophile financier's control. When Andrew vowed to fight the case last January, vehemently denying the allegations as he has always done, he was told to stop using the title His Royal Highness, and all military titles and royal patronages were returned to the late Queen following demands by Charles and William. Months later, he settled out of court with Ms Roberts for a reported 12million without any admission of wrongdoing. He is said to believe that a return to public life may be possible. Close friends of the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein are major donors to an outside group supporting Vivek Ramaswamy's presidential run and to his 2024 campaign. Official filings show that billionaire Glenn Dubin gave $100,000 in March to American Exceptionalism, a super PAC which is supporting the biotech entrepreneur and presidential hopeful. Dubin and his wife, former Miss Sweden Eva Andersson-Dubin who gave evidence in support of Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, also gave a total of $13,200 (the maximum allowed) to Ramaswamy's campaign. Epstein, who took his own life while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019, was a prolific political donor and he had extensive ties throughout elite financial and social circles. Even so, details of his associates' connections will be deeply embarrassing to Ramaswamy after he demanded full transparency in the Epstein case. Glenn Dubin and his wife Eva have given more than $100,000 to Vivek Ramamswamy's campaign and a super PAC backing his anti-establishment 2024 run for the White House Ramaswamy's campaign has gained momentum as his anti-woke message resonates 'I'll release the full Epstein client list without apology,' he tweeted in May. 'The administrative-police state should stop protecting its chief sponsors while weaponizing itself against its opponents. The first step to fix corruption is to see it.' But his campaign on Monday batted away questions about whether it was appropriate to accept donations from the Dubins. 'Vivek has no knowledge of this, just as he doesn't know of any of the one-off accusations against any of his 100,000-plus individual donors to the campaign, let alone those who donate to outside efforts that Vivek isn't involved with,' said spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. The Dubins were close friends of Epstein. Andersson-Dubin dated him for years before marrying her husband in 1994, and the couple remained in contact with him even after he was convicted of procuring a child for prostitution in 2008. He was godfather to their children and Epstein spent his first Thanksgiving after leaving prison with the family. Andersson-Dubin wrote to his probation officer saying she was '100 percent comfortable with Jeffrey Epstein around my children,' according to Business Insider. When Maxwell went on trial accused of child sex trafficking, the former Miss Sweden had to deny allegations that she joined an orgy. Dubin stepped back from the limelight and from the hedge fund industry where he made his money in 2020. (Today Forbes estimates his wealth at $2.8 billion.) Dubin donated $100,000 to the Ramamswamy-aligned American Exceptionalism super PAC Jeffrey Epstein took his own life while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019 and was a prolific political donor with extensive ties throughout elite financial and social circles But filings at the Federal Election Commission show he and his wife remain active in backing political candidates. They have generally donated to Democratic candidates, giving more than $800,000 over the years. But in 2023, they both backed Ramaswamy's longshot run for the White House, donating $3,300 each to his primary campaign and general election campaign, as well as the political action committee that is supporting his candidacy. Ramaswamy has been the surprise package of the race for the Republican nomination so far. He has taken second place in some national polls of Republican voters and a survey for DailyMail.com last week found that he was judged the winner of the first debate by viewers. He is running as Trump 2.0, claiming he has the political and technocratic skills to pick apart the Washington swamp and strip down what he calls the 'administrative state.' At times he has leant into unproven conspiracy theories around the events of 9/11 and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 'I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers,' said, in a profile published by the Atlantic recently. He later claimed he was misquoted. Andersson-Dubin leaving the Manhattan federal courthouse in December 2021 after testifying for the defense during the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell. She described how she continued to visit Epstein at his Palm Beach home after she married another man In her evidence she denied claims made by another witness that she took part in group sex encounters with an underage girl Dubin is worth $2.8 billion according to Forbes, and generally donated to Democratic causes before getting behind Republican 2024 candidate Ramaswamy this year In the same profile, he lumped in the Epstein case with other questions he said were being hidden as he demanded 'truth' for the American public. 'That's, that's really, when I say we deserve and I dont think weve gotten it on any of those questions. On the Jeffrey Epstein client list, on unidentified flying objects, on January 6, on vaccine on COVID-19 vaccine on the origin of the pandemic, which we now know, by the way, systematic efforts by people who had no idea what the origin was to shoot down the origin. The Dubin donation of $100,000 represents almost a fifth of all the money taken in by the Ramaswamy-aligned American Exceptionalism PAC since February. Dubin had business ties with Epstein, dating to before his conviction. The financier reportedly received a $15 million fee resulting from the sale of Dubin's hedge fund in 2004, for example. He did not respond to a request for comment. The couple also flew on Epstein's planes, often between Palm Beach and New York, where they both had homes. More sordid claims surfaced in court more recently during the trial in New York of Epstein's enabler, Ghislaine Maxwell. During Maxwell's 2021 trial, Andersson-Dubin described how she had dated Epstein on and off for almost a decade after 1983, and stayed in touch with him for years after. She told a lawyer for Maxwell that she did not see inappropriate behavior between Epstein and teenage girls between 1994 and 2004. She was also asked about the testimony of a woman named 'Jane, who had testified during the trial that someone called 'Eva' had joined group sex encounters when she was underage. 'I don't recall ever meeting this person,' she said, and denied any sexual encounters with her. The real Slim Shady has stood up - and has told 2024 Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy to stand down, and stop rapping to his tunes on the campaign trail. The rapper Eminem reached out to the music licenser BMI and asked that the Ramaswamy campaign's license to use his music be revoked, according to a letter obtained by DailyMail.com. In a letter dated August 23, a representative for BMI informed the campaign's lawyer that the label had 'received communications from Marshall B. Mathers, III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign's use of Eminem's musical compositions (the "Eminem Works") and requesting that BMI remove all Eminem Works from the Agreement.' The correspondence goes on to say that 'this letter serves as notice that the Eminem Works are excluded from the Agreement effective immediately.' 'BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach of the Agreement for which BMI reserves all rights and remedies with respect thereto,' the letter read. Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy (left) has been notified that rapper Eminem (right) no longer wants him rapping to his music on the campaign trail. Ramaswamy performed Lose Yourself at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month A letter dated August 23, 11 days after Ramaswamy's Iowa State Fair performance, was sent to his campaign's lawyer informing the campaign that the licenser was revoking the license after Eminem complained Ramaswamy had performed Eminem's Lose Yourself 11 days before the letter was sent, at the Iowa State Fair, entertaining an early morning crowd gathered to hear him speak alongside Iowa's Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds had asked the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur to name his favorite walkout song. Ramaswamy had happily answered Eminem's Lose Yourself. Moments later, when the sound-tech guy started blasting the 2002 rap tune, which was on the movie soundtrack for the movie losely based on white rapper Eminem's life, 8 Mile, Ramaswamy grabbed he mic and created a viral campaign trail moment. 'Vivek just got on the stage and cut loose. To the American people's chagrin, we will have to leave the rapping to the real slim shady,' a spokesperson for Ramaswamy's campaign told DailyMail.com, reacting to the cease and desist letter. Ramaswamy had performed libertarian-themed raps under the stage name 'Da Vek' during his undergraduate years at Harvard University - and has been a longtime fan of Eminem. 'I did not grow up in the circumstances he did,' said Ramaswamy, whose Indian immigrant parents were an engineer and a physician. 'But the idea of being an underdog, people having low expectations of you, that part speaks to me,' he told The New York Times earlier this month. Eminem, a white hip-hop star, is a 'guy in every sense who was not supposed to be doing what he did,' Ramaswamy told the paper. In the lead-up to Wednesday's first Republican debate in Milwaukee Ramaswamy had teased to DailyMail.com that he'd 'consider' rapping on the debate stage. He didn't rap, but still created some of the most viral moments of the night. He introduced himself to the crowd as a 'skinny guy with a funny last name' and got into heated exchanges with former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. His standout performance was immediately recognized by voters, with a DailyMail.com poll finding that he and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were tied for best. 'We're just gonna have some fun tonight,' Ramaswamy told the crowd at one point, pushing off an attack. 'The real choice we face in this primary is this: Do you want a Super PAC puppet?' he asked. 'Or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth? Do you want incremental reform, which is what you're hearing about, or do you want revolution?' MBABANE The 2023 General Elections results for the primary elections, which were released by the various polling stations yesterday, are likely to change. This follows that some of the polling stations did not include the votes from diaspora, inmates and special voting. Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Communications Officer Mbonisi Bhembe revealed that there could be a turnaround in some of the votes and winners might have been quick to celebrate. Consolidating Bhembe said they were currently in the process of consolidating the results. He said the three sets of results; diaspora, special votes and inmates, were not included by some elections officers following the voting process on Saturday. We actually want to put this on record before things turn nasty, said Bhembe. However, he said this did not mean that all candidates did not receive their diaspora, inmates and special votes. He said it did not mean issued results were not authentic, but there were those whose other votes from the three pots were not included. Such, he said, could change the results altogether when they are included and tallied up. Bhembe said they would be releasing the results soon and a press conference would be announced in this regard. Furthermore, he congratulated the nation for the successful elections over the weekend. A man accused of fatally shooting a New Jersey councilwoman was pictured yawning as he pled not guilty to the brutal murder on Monday. Rashid Ali Bynum, 29, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Eunice Dwumfour, 30, who was gunned down in her car outside her Sayreville home in February. Images obtained by DailyMail.com show a careless Bynum at the Middlesex County Courthouse making faces as the charges against him are read. Wearing all green, he appeared to smirk as he peered behind his hair every time the gun used in the killing was mentioned. Dwumfour's relatives were seen crying in court, and her mother Mary was arrested after throwing a water bottle at the suspect. She faces a a disorderly persons offense. Rashid Ali Bynum yawns on Monday as he pled not guilty to the murder of New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour Dwumfour, 30, was gunned down inside her car outside her home in February He appeared to smirk every time the gun used in the killing was mentioned Bynum was arrested in Virginia in May after police tracked him down with phone records, which showed his ties to the Newark Chapter of Nigerian-based Champions Royal Assembly Church, where Dwumfour worked. Prosecutors say Dwumfour knew Bynum from her time as a pastor at the church. They say cell phone records show he traveled from Virginia to New Jersey and then back to Virginia when the murder happened. Bynum's rental car, which he paid for in cash, was also tracked through its E-ZPass. Moreover, investigators claim they matched the weapon used in the murder to one found in the suspect's apartment. It was revealed on Monday that at one point Bynum lived with Dwumfour and her daughter. However, he was sent back to Virginia after the church decided he was not following their beliefs. Bynum will remain jailed until his next court appearance on October 30. Judge Joseph Paone cited 'overwhelming evidence' as a reason to hold him without bail. He said: 'Based on the totality of the circumstances and the horrific nature of the crime and the weight of the evidence, this court finds that the defendant has failed to rebutt the presumption for detention with the proof necessary to show that he does not pose a danger to the community, a risk to obstruct the criminal justice process, and a risk to not appear in court.' Bynum allegedly shot Dwumfour 14 times. Dwumfour, a Republican, ousted the sitting Democrat in the Borough of Sayreville in November 2021, in a shock election win, and was not up for reelection until 2024. Though Dwumfour was a Newark native and has family there, she was living in Sayreville as a single mother. She had recently married a pastor who lives in Nigeria. Prosecutors say Dwumfour knew Bynum from her time as a pastor Bynum was arrested in Virginia in May after police tracked him down with phone records Eunice Dwumfour shares a special moment with her new husband Eze Kings at their wedding in Nigeria in November 2022 She was a Certified Business Analyst and Scrum Professional for Fire Congress Fellowship inc. and a part-time EMT. Witnesses at the time of the fatal shooting said they saw a white vehicle nearby. Law enforcement said they pinpointed Bynum's phone and car, a white Hyundai Elantra, using cellular tower extraction records. In the early stages of the investigation, some neighbors told police that they'd seen Dwumfour speaking to a man outside her car on security footage just before the shooting. Dwumfour married pastor Eze Kings, who lives in Nigeria, just before Thanksgiving, and lived in the apartment with her 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Pictures from her wedding day show how happy the mother-of-one was, grinning next to her new husband. Kings posted on Facebook about the loss of his bride after the shooting by wishing her a happy birthday in advance. '4th March is your birthday happy glorious birthday in addy my love.' 'Addy' is Nigerian slang for the word advance. Tourists who have been left stranded at London Heathrow due to an air traffic control meltdown have described the chaos and confusion at Europe's busiest airport - as hundreds of flights in and out of the UK were cancelled today. Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it experienced 'technical issues' that forced controllers to switch from an automatic system for landing and dispatching flights to a manual one. The fault triggered a day of havoc for furious holidaymakers. At 3.15pm, a positive update was given that the technical issue had been 'identified and remedied' but widespread disruption is expected to continue into the week, according to experts. As many as 80 per cent of flights leaving the UK are delayed today, causing chaos for tens of thousands of holidaymakers on one of the busiest days of the year. Heathrow has urged passengers only to travel to the airport if flights are 'confirmed to be operating', adding: 'Schedules still remain significantly disrupted.' Alexandra Bass was making her first trip abroad from the US without her husband and daughter in ten years. Fighting back tears, the 42-year-old said: 'It's been a s***show from start to finish. Alexandra Bass was making her first trip abroad from the US without her husband and daughter in ten years. She said it was a 's***show from start to finish' Passengers have been left stranded at Heathrow Airport (pictured) amid the air traffic control chaos A spokesman for Heathrow urged passengers only to travel to the airport if flights were 'confirmed to be operating', adding: 'Schedules still remain significantly disrupted.' 'My flight to Lisbon was cancelled earlier this afternoon and the airline has lost my luggage, which is extremely worrying because I had heart failure recently and the medication I need is in that bag. 'I'm trying to get on a later flight to Portugal tonight but nobody knows what's going on or whether there are definitely any flights. Flight chaos to last for DAYS: Thousands of stranded Brits are warned disruption will continue into the week despite 'network failure' being 'remedied' Advertisement 'It's ridiculous because some Heathrow staff have said there are but then others have said there aren't any and so I don't know who to believe and am in limbo.' Ms Bass said she has no idea whether to stay at Heathrow in case there is a later flight, or whether to book a hotel and come back tomorrow. She added: 'The communication has been non-existent from American Airlines and British Airways. Ms Bass, who has been travelling since 5am yesterday when she left Florida, said: 'I'm exhausted because it's been one issue after another'. She was supposed to fly to London via Charlotte in North Carolina but was forced to go to Dallas instead which caused the first delay. Then, after landing at Heathrow, she ahd to wait 30 to 30 minutes while the plane could find somehwere to disembark. However, when she finally got to the terminal, she was told her connecting flight to Libson had been cancelled due to air traffic control issues. Ms Bass added: 'I'm supposed to be meeting a half-brother of mine. We've never met but began talking about ten-years ago. I know it'll be ok in the end but it's so frustrating because nobody is really telling me anything. It's all mixed signals.' Facilities coordinator Warren Culley (pictured), 34, meanwhile was hoping to travel back home to Belfast today. He had travelled to London to attend the All Elite Wrestling - AWE -event at Wembley Stadium over the weekend but is now stuck Thousands of passengers were impacted by the delays. Father and son Richard Bocker, 57, and Gido Brocker, 19 (left), and Osvaldo and Patricia Demuru (right) At around 1.45pm today, the majority (78 per cent) of flights leaving Heathrow were delayed. As of 6.20pm, this has dropped to 45 per cent, while 49 per cent have been cancelled, according to Flight Radar. A spokesman for Heathrow said at 5.20pm this afternoon: 'The technical issue which limited UK air traffic today has been fixed by NATS. Schedules still remain significantly disrupted. READ MORE: Alton Towers crash amputee Leah Washington caught up in air traffic control nightmare as hen party is left stranded in Portugal while others facing night sleeping on airport floors Advertisement 'Please only travel to the airport if your flight is confirmed to be operating. We are working hard to minimise the impacts and assist those affected. Osvaldo Demuru, 65, has also faced major delays after his Iberia Airlines flight to Madrid was cancelled earlier this afternoon. He was supposed to be getting a connecting flight home to Buenos Aires in Argentina at midnight but has instead headed back to his daughter's house in Hatfield, Hertfordshire and will try again tomorrow. He said: 'It's been ridiculous, it was absolute chaos at the airport this afternoon. 'Nobody seemed to know what was going on. The flight to Madrid earlier today was cancelled but I was hoping to still make the flight to Buenos Aires with a later flight from Heathrow to Spain tonight. 'But there's so much confusion. Some of the staff have been rude and I know that this is stressful situation but that's no excuse. 'I can't get a straight answer from anyone today so I'm going back to my daughter's and will start again tomorrow as my original flight has now been rescheduled to tomorrow afternoon. 'It's annoying as my daughter drove me the 40-minutes to Heathrow with my wife Patricia coming along as well. My wife is staying with my daughter for a few more months. 'The airline could have given us prior notice via an email or phone call. It's a waste of time and petrol.' Facilities coordinator, Warren Culley, 34, meanwhile was hoping to travel back home to Belfast today. He had travelled to London to attend the All Elite Wrestling - AWE -event at Wembley Stadium over the weekend but is now stuck. The majority (78%) of flights leaving Heathrow are currently delayed, according to Flight Radar data from 1.45pm, compared to 74% at Gatwick, 81% at Manchester and 86% at Bristol A busy Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport as computer systems cause further delays for travellers during the bank holiday Michele Robson, who used to work in air traffic control, said that it was 'unusual' for failures to last this long A woman points at a flight board at Heathrow Airport as hundreds of flights were cancelled and many more were delayed He fumed: 'I got to the airport really early as I checked out the hotel at 11am this morning and came straight here for a 5.15pm flight. 'I got checked in and went through security but was told the air traffic control crisis had meant that the flight was cancelled. 'We were advised to leave Heathrow as everything was being cancelled. There were huge queues coming out of Terminal 5 so it took more than an hour. 'As you can imagine, tempers were frayed. I came back into the airport because I saw that another BA flight to Belfast was still showing as taking off tonight. 'But I've been told that that flight has also been cancelled and the BA mobile phone app hasn't updated. 'That's caused so much confusion as BA staff keep telling us to check the app but the app isn't working properly. 'I've had enough. I'm off to find a hotel. I've phoned my boss to tell him I'm not going to be in tomorrow morning. I feel like getting drunk!' The Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to convene a Cobra meeting over the issue Holidaymakers stand around as they face long delays at Heathrow Airport following the air traffic control issues Michele Robson, who used to work in air traffic control, said that it was 'unusual' for failures to last this long. As a result, 'nobody really knows at this point how long it's going to take,' she told BBC Radio 4. The Liberal Democrats called on the Prime Minister to convene a Cobra meeting over the issue. Transport spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: 'Rishi Sunak and his ministers need to get a grip on this issue urgently and hold a Cobra meeting. 'Millions of holidaymakers could be facing huge disruption in the coming days due to this fault and we can't risk this Government being missing in action yet again. 'Brits need to know that the Government is doing all it can to make sure people aren't hit with major delays and disruptions in the coming days.' Travel expert Simon Calder warned the situation would be 'miserable'. 'There is very little slack in the system and there are hundreds of planes up in the sky heading to the UK,' he told Sky News. 'What's going to happen to those aircraft, will some of them get down if they are in the vicinity of the airfield. 'Otherwise you will see planes held on the ground in places like Amsterdam or otherwise being diverted if they're on a longer flight. That would typically be to a continental airport or an Irish airport.' A serial burglar who stole more than 800,000 worth of gear during 'sophisticated' break-ins all over Britain was finally snared by an electronic tag inside the luggage he had stolen. Mari Dinjaku, 38, was traced to his home in Wokingham, Berkshire, by an Apple AirTag left in the distinct lime green suitcase that had been snatched during a burglary 15 miles away. Clothing and jewellery were also taken in the raid in Woking, Surrey, after the back door was forced. When officers arrested Dinjaku at his home after tracing the tag, stolen designer clothing, handbags and high-value jewellery were also discovered. A search of the house uncovered a set of walkie-talkies docked in the utility room, as well as false documents, a large amount of cash in several currencies, gloves, face coverings and 15 mobile phones. Mari Dinjaku, 38, was traced to his home in Wokingham, Berkshire, by an Apple AirTag left in the distinct lime green suitcase that had been snatched during a burglary 15 miles away. One of the phones, which was forensically linked to Dinjaku, was in the Woking area at the time of the burglary. Dinjaku was also forensically linked to two cars found near his home address, both of which had cloned number plates. One of them was linked to a second burglary in Farnham, Surrey, last December, in which more than 350,000 of items were taken, including a car and two safes containing jewellery. Some of those items were later recovered at Dinjaku's Wokingham address. Shortly before the Farnham burglary, a neighbour had noticed a car acting suspiciously in the area and took a video of it. The distinctive marking on its side matched that of one of the two vehicles recovered in Wokingham. When officers arrested Dinjaku at his home after tracing the tag, stolen designer clothing, handbags and high-value jewellery were also discovered (Stock Image) A walkie-talkie was also found at the address in Farnham. It was the same make and model as the set found at Dinjaku's Wokingham address, which was missing a single handset. Dinjaku was also linked to two further burglaries in Limpsfield, Surrey, and Manchester. He was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary between March 2022 and January 2023 Dinkaju pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in jail at Guildford Crown Court. During sentencing, the Judge highlighted the 'sophisticated' nature of the offences and their financial and psychological impact on the victims. The overall estimated loss from the three burglaries is believed to be more than 800,000, the court heard. Investigating officer PC Tom Hinch, of Surrey Police, said: 'Mari Dinjaku caused significant distress and financial loss to the victims he burgled. 'These were serious offences, committed with significant planning and a disregard for the impact that breaking into somebody's home can have. 'He has rightly been given a significant custodial sentence.' Eminent broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips, who takes over Sky News's Sunday politics show this weekend, has a close interest in the visit to Guyana by the descendants of William Gladstone. For the Phillips clan could, I hear, be in line for a windfall from moves to pay reparations to the heirs of thousands of slaves forced to work on the Gladstone plantation. 'My own ancestors almost certainly were owned by the Gladstones,' Sir Trevor, whose parents emigrated from then British Guiana in 1950, tells me. The Gladstone family are seeking to atone for the actions of the Victorian prime minister's father, John, who was one of the biggest slave owners in the West Indies. The Demerara Rebellion of August 1823, against the brutal conditions on Gladstone's sugar plantations, was seen as a pivotal event in the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. The 200th anniversary of the revolt was marked last week. Sir Trevor Phillips could be in line for a windfall from reparations paid to the descendants of slaves forced to work on the Gladstone plantation 'It's highly symbolic and important that the Gladstone family have acknowledged what happened in Demerara,' Sir Trevor says. However the former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission rejects the fashionable Left-wing view that the British Empire was evil: 'It's not helpful to point the finger or talk about Britain's culpability in the slave trade. It is true that the sugar my family produced ended up on tables in Manchester and the Gladstone family visit reminds us of our intertwined history.' Nor is he expecting any reparations windfall to be life-changing. 'I wouldn't over-estimate the significance of the money. Guyana is about to become the richest small country in the world anyway because it has discovered oil reserves greater than in the North Sea.' Some of Gladstone's descendants travelled to the Caribbean last week to apologise for their family's historic role in the slave trade. Six members of the family are due to offer financial reparations, saying they felt 'absolutely sick' at learning they had profited from enslaved Africans. One would have thought Leftie historian Simon Schama and the World Economic Forum (WEF) would make ideal bedfellows. Not so. The TV star has shared his incredulity at being 'misgendered' when WEF bosses invited him to an event next month. Sharing an image of the invitation to 'Mrs Schama', he writes: 'Very offended they didn't call me Ms Schama.' That's the spirit. Claudia Schiffer is determined to prove that she would still look good in her birthday suit. The model marked her 53rd birthday by sharing a video online of her posing in a check-print bikini while on holiday in Greece. 'Celebrating in Greek paradise,' says the German, who has three children with her husband of 21 years, British film director Matthew Vaughn. She also gave fans a glimpse of her birthday cake, adorned with only ten candles. Schiffer has previously mused: 'I think age should be celebrated and revered. There's a reason we have cakes and parties on our birthdays, and I feel the same way about getting older each year.' Claudia Schiffer marked her 53rd birthday with a video of her in a bikini on holiday in Greece She also gave fans a glimpse of her birthday cake, with only ten candles Could you rest easy with a pair of lions by your side? Freya Aspinall, 19, has shared this photograph of lion cubs Zemo and Zala curled up on her bed at her father Damian's wildlife park in Kent. Freya, who is the daughter of actress Donna Air, says the animals are not being domesticated but will be 'rewilded' in Africa. 'I have had to hand-raise them after their mother died,' she says. 'At night, they sleep with me as they would with their mother, as I am their primary carer.' She adds: 'There is no humanising or domesticating at all. If anything, they lionise me.' Freya Aspinall, 19, cuddled up on her bad with two lion cubs, Zemo and Zala He's known as one of Hollywood's greatest lotharios but Warren Beatty was a tiresome sex pest, according to Sarah Miles, who appeared opposite him in 1961 film The Roman Spring Of Mrs Stone. 'What a nightmare,' the star exclaims. 'You either fancy somebody or you don't, right? I happened not to fancy Warren Beatty. But, wherever I went in the world, there was a phone call from Warren Beatty all the time, talking dirty down the phone. Can't he get a life? I'd have been just another notch on his belt.' Members of the Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society, Amiad Haran Diman, holding a banner during transgender protests in May New students at Oxford are being told outdated laws banning homosexuality in dozens of foreign countries are the fault of the British. The university's Student Union has a pack for LBGTQ+ officers at Oxford's colleges to give workshops on gay and transgender rights to freshers. And the union believes its inclusivity talks should be compulsory for new students. The booklet reveals that 70 countries still 'criminalise same-sex relationships... often a legacy of colonial-era laws'. And student officers are told: 'Point out the close history of British colonisers introducing sodomy and buggery laws against LGBTQ+ people. 'More than half of the countries in which it is illegal to be homosexual had these laws imposed while they were British colonies. 'British colonisers saw indigenous cultures as sexually corrupt and that homosexuality formed part of this corruption.' President Joe Biden walked into the Oval Office with his personal physician, Dr. Kevin O'Conner, after coughing repeatedly during a visit to Eliot-Hine Junior High on Monday. Biden shook hands with students returning to start a new school year. Several times he paused to cough into his hand before resuming his greetings. 'This is the first time I'm hearing of that,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked why Biden was with his doctor. 'Clearly I did not see that. So I can't speak to that.' President Joe Biden walks with his physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, to the Oval Office She also declined to address a new poll that showed an even higher number of Americans think Biden, 80, is too old to be president, in a troubling sign for his re-election campaign. 'The president has had an historic administration in just two years,' she said. 'In many ways this president has been able to do things that is going to change how American families move forward, whether it is with the economy, whether it's health care,' she said. 'And so that's what we will happily discuss as it relates to age, what the President has been able to do and how he's been able to deliver.' Biden is the oldest president ever elected in American history and some Democrats have raised concerns about whether he has the stamina for a second term. The president has made jokes about his age but is also insistent he can serve a second term. At his annual physical in February 2023, O'Connor found Biden in good health and declared him fit for office. But, in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 77% said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. That came from 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats. The president was described as 'old' and 'confused' among the respondents to the poll. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who is facing indictment in four cases, was described as 'corrupt' and 'dishonest.' And only about half of U.S. adults in the poll say Trump is too old for the office. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, in response to a question about voters' concerns of Biden's health, that they would talk about the president's accomplishments Age wasn't just an issue in the presidential race. Americans indicated they wanted a broad clearing across all branches of government, including younger lawmakers and members of the Supreme Court. Specifically, 67% favor requiring Supreme Court justices to retire by a certain age, 68% support age ceilings for candidates for House and Senate, and 66% support age ceilings for candidates for president. But it was unflattering portraits of Biden and Trump that emerged clearly in a new poll which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. In the responses, 26% mentioned Biden's age and an additional 15% used words such as 'slow' or 'confused.' One Republican thought of 'potato.' Among Democrats, Biden's age was mentioned upfront by 28%. They preferred such terms over 'president,' 'leader,' 'strong' or 'capable.' One who approves of his performance nevertheless called him 'senile.' Biden is just three years older than Trump, but many Americans expressed real concerns about his ability to continue as president. Only 3% in the survey came up with 'confused' as the first descriptor for Trump, and a mere 1% used 'old' or the like. Instead, the top words were those like 'corrupt' or 'crooked' (15%), 'bad' and other generally negative terms (11%), words such as 'liar' and 'dishonest' (8%), along with 'good' and other generally positive comments (8%). Trump has been indicted in four cases featuring 91 total criminal counts. President Joe Biden was seen coughing when talking to sutdents at Eliot-Hine school President Biden talked with Dr. O'Connor after his visit to the school Biden's age was referenced frequently even among Democrats, 28% of whom mention it - a significantly higher percentage than those who point to the presidency or leadership (11%) or strength and capability (11%). Trump's negative comments center not on age but on his moral standing and conduct, along with things like 'loudmouth' and 'angry' (6%), 'crazy' and 'dangerous' (6%) and 'narcissist' (6%). Some 5% use words like 'strong' and 'capable.' Also, 62% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of Trump; 52% say the same about Biden. The poll of 1,165 adults was conducted Aug. 10-14, 2023, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. Mark Meadows said his actions in Georgia in the aftermath of the 2020 election were part of his duties as Donald Trump's chief of staff during a three-hour testimony in front of an Atlanta federal judge on Monday. Meadows took the witness stand to bid to get his racketeering case moved from Fulton County to federal court so he could get a more diverse jury pool. He is one of 19 defendants, including Trump, charged with trying to reverse Joe Biden's win in the state. Meadows defended his actions in the first major court hearing in the prosecution brought forward by Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis. On the stand he denied two acts included in the 41-charge indictment, including one in which he's accused of asking White House personnel officer John McEntee to draft a memo to Vice President Mike Pence instructing him on how to delay certification of the election. Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows (pictured) arrived at the Fulton County courthouse on Monday morning to take the witness stand in a bid to move his 2020 election subversion case out of Georgia and to federal court 'When this came out in the indictment, it was the biggest surprise for me,' Meadows testified on Monday. He later said: 'Me asking Johnny McEntee for this kind of a memo just didn't happen.' Meadows' attorney George J. Terwilliger III asked the former top aide about his duties as Trump's chief of staff. He then listed acts accused in the indictment and asked Meadows if he had done those as part of his job. For most of the acts listed, Meadows said he had performed them as part of his official duty, and his lawyers argued that no acts were criminal. It was unclear when Judge Jones plans to make his decision on whether to move the case. Meadows arrived at the Fulton County courthouse Monday morning in his bid to move his 2020 election subversion case to federal court. DailyMail.com captured Meadows walking in with his lawyers ahead of a crucial hearing that could have major implications for his old boss. He is one of Trump's 18 co-defendants charged with racketeering over their bid to 'find the votes' to overturn Georgia's results. The showdown with the judge is the first major court battle in the racketeering case and sets the stage for Trump's arraignment on September 6. Meadows and his lawyers want his case moved out of Fulton County so he can get a more diverse jury pool. Meadows' legal team believes he wouldn't get a fair trial with a panel from the heavily Democratic Fulton County. He also argues that the case should be moved and subsequently dismissed because he has immunity from prosecution for carrying out duties as a federal official. Lawyers for the former President sat in the courtroom during Meadows' testimony. Trump attorney Steve Sadow (right) steps out of the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday Meadows, who was Trump's final White House Chief of Staff, is one of the 18 co-defendants named in theFulton County indictment alleging an organized scheme to illegally change the 2020 presidential election results. Pictured: Meadows mugshot was released by Fulton County Sheriff's Office after turning himself over for booking in Atlanta last week Trump has not sought to move his case, but legal experts say he is likely to do so in the coming weeks. He has denied wrongdoing and said the criminal case - one of four he faces - is part of a 'witch hunt' to prevent him from retaking the White House in the November 2024 election. While Meadows appears in a Georgia court, Trump's lawyers are in D.C. to argue that his January 6 trial should be delayed until after the 2024 election. They have proposed the federal trial begin in April 2026, almost two years after Americans go to the polls. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will weigh claims from Trump's attorneys and Special Counsel Jack Smith's office - who want the trial to start in January 2024. State law would still apply if the case is moved to federal court. The president - including Trump if he is elected - could not pardon any defendant. Prosecutors alleged in a sprawling, 41-count indictment filed in early August that Trump and his supporters knowingly tried to subvert the election results in Georgia, a crucial state that can swing to either party but was won by Biden. Prosecutors say Meadows furthered the alleged scheme by arranging calls and meetings where Trump pressured election officials to change the vote count in his favor. Meadows and his lawyers want his case moved out of Fulton County so he can get a more diverse jury pool Meadows' legal team believes he wouldn't get a fair trial with a panel from the heavily Democratic Fulton County The hearing is the first major court battle in the racketeering case and sets the stage for Trump's arraignment on September 6 Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger arrives at the Richard B. Russell Federal Court to testify at Meadows' hearing Legal experts have warned there is very little possibility Donald Trump will stand trial in any of his four criminal cases before the general election. The assertion was aired by three separate lawyers Sunday, hours before an Atlanta DA is set to provided the first details of her sprawling anti-racketeering case against former president, as well as 18 other codefendants including Meadows. Among those to discuss the slim chance of Trump standing trial in that case - or others in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC, for that matter - was Harvard Law's Alan Dershowitz, one of the foremost voices on US constitutional law. In multiple interviews this week, he said state and federal officials' strategy in filing those cases stems from a desire to get a quick trial that would hurt Trump's chances - even if the charges don't stick or are reversed by an appeal. Dershowitz's comments - which included claims the politician has been purposely convicted in jurisdictions that are predominantly against him - were echoed by several others, who all said its unlikely Trump will face the music in time. A town is in uproar after Labour councillors decided to spend public money hiring a controversial drag queen for children's story time. More than 1,100 residents signed a petition protesting about Aida H Dee's Drag Queen Story Hour, due to take place during Pride celebrations this weekend. Locals in Brecon, South Wales, were angered at a decision by the town council to spend 300 hiring Aida, played by Sab Samuel, 28. The performer and children's author has been accused of being friends with late paedophile drag queen Darren Moore, who was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in 1999 after being convicted of raping a boy under 16, while himself a teenager. Mr Samuel said he is friends with Moore's husband, also called Darren Moore, and raised money to help him following Moore's death, aged 39, in January. Aida H Dee, who runs Drag Queen Story Hour (File Photo). Locals in Brecon, South Wales, were angered at a decision by the town council to spend 300 hiring Aida, played by Sab Samuel, 28 Parents have also criticised Mr Samuel's social media posts. One, from last November, jokes: 'Had a fabulous interview about how I have successfully made turning children gay possible. The answer (is) my gay books.' Other posts include Mr Samuel joking about an orgy and pointing to a man's naked bottom, and declaring 'love has no age'. One mother, who used to work as a teacher, said such posts would be 'inappropriate' in her former profession and could result in teachers being sacked. Lucy Jones, 33, who now works in applied behaviour analysis, said: 'This is nothing to do with his sexual orientation. This man has referred to being a role model for gay five-year-olds. 'My eldest daughter, who is 13, is autistic, and statistically, autistic children have issues with their sense of identity as it is. It's scary for parents.' Protesters clash with counter protesters outside the Tate Britain gallery in London in response to Drag Queen Story Hour in February Rosie Lord, a 33-year-old mother of three, said: 'For any other adult in a position of authority with children and they had these personal links or Facebook posts, there would be an inquiry. 'A lot of other parents say they agree with us but are concerned about being seen as homophobic or transphobic.' The protests against Aida's appearance have been backed by lesbian campaigner Ruthie Hill, who revealed on social media she has been branded a 'homophobe' and suffered a backlash ranging from threats online to even having a restaurant booking cancelled. '(All) because I object to a drag queen with known paedophile connections having an audience with children as young as three', she said. 'Clearly they don't know the difference between gay liberation and child safeguarding.' Iain McIntosh, a Conservative member of Powys County Council, which includes Brecon, who is backing the protesters, said: 'I want to make it clear I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with drag artists (or) members of the LGBT community. 'My concern is specifically about one artist only, Aida H Dee, and their suitability to present to children.' Last week, the petition against Aida was taken down after a complaint was made to host website Change.org, by a supporter and a further complaint from Mr Samuel objecting to 'inaccurate' claims by protesters. Sab Samuel performing as his flamboyant alter ego 'Aida H Dee', a play on the neurological disorder ADHD Mr Samuel said the posts about turning children gay were 'tongue in cheek'. Asked about other sexualised social media posts, he said: 'I haven't made any posts like that since I became a children's entertainer in 2020.' Of Mr Moore, he said: 'The whole situation comes under one big misunderstanding. I was raising money to help his husband, who is a friend of mine and was not working any more because his husband died. 'At Drag Queen Story Hour, I haven't mentioned gender, we've never mentioned the word sex. Parents decide whether their kids come along. 'I constantly heard stories growing up such as Beauty and the Beast, Prince Charming, all straight relationship books and I turned out gay, so parents are concerned about the wrong thing.' Books by Cardiff-based Mr Samuel, who has been appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe despite protests, include My First Pride and It's Snot a Problem, about two lesbian hedgehogs. Brecon Town Council said: 'Drag Queen Story Hour has been hosted across the UK and has received very positive feedback from both parents and children. 'The performer has provided four years' worth of DBS (disclosure and barring service) history, has completed a risk assessment in relation to their performance and has insurance in place.' A Honduran mayor is in police custody on charges he allegedly aided drug cartels in trafficking cocaine to the United States. Mayor Wilmer Wood was arrested at a home in the Caribbean port city of La Ceiba on Sunday, the Public Prosecutors Office said in a statement. He was elected in 2022 as mayor of Brus Laguna, a remote border town across from Nicaragua. The Public Prosecutors Office claims that Wood was helping three criminal organizations - Los Piningos, Los Yanez and Los Amador smuggle 90 tons cocaine to the United States via boats and airplanes. Jaime Lopez, an alleged member of Los Piningos, was also arrested on drug trafficking charges. Wood allegedly became involved with illegal drugs and money 15 years ago, moving it from the Caribbean department of Gracias a Dios to the departments of Colon and Atlantida Honduran Mayor Wilmer Wood was arrested Sunday on drug trafficking charges. The public ministry said that Wood aided three cartels in smuggling 90 tons of cocaine to the United States The Honduran government accuses Mayor Wilmer Wood of having received 30 kilos of cocaine since 2018 from Colombia. Authorities say he partnered with three cartels in Honduras to smuggle 90 tons of cocaine to the United States He is said to have gone out on his own in 2014 and started working closely with the three cartels in the region, receiving drug shipments from South America. The public ministry said that there were 15 incidents in which Wood received cocaine from Colombia that were smuggled in speedboats that he docked in Brus Laguna and the neighboring city of Ebans. The drugs were then moved on to other cities. Since 2018, Wood received, gathered and transferred at least 30 kilos of cocaine. Mayor Woods arrest comes on the heels of multiple raids and inspections along the Atlantic coast. Honduran authorities believe that Mexican drug cartels supplying the United States bring cocaine through Central America and Mexico after it is carried from Colombia by boat or plane to the Mosquitia region and other parts of Honduras' Atlantic coast. Wilmer Wood, the mayor of the Honduran city of Brus Laguna, is guarded by cops and soldiers at the Hernan Acosta Mejia Air Force on Monday Jaime Lopez (left), an alleged member of Los Piningos, and Honduran mayor Wilmer Wood (right) Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez was extradited to the United States on drugs and weapons charges in April 2022. Hernandez allegedly conspired to traffic thousands of kilos of cocaine into the United States from 2004 to 2022, according to Department of Justice court filings. Federal prosecutors claimed that Hernandez promised to 'stuff the drugs right up the noses of the gringos,' and received millions of dollars to 'use his public office, law enforcement, and the military to support drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras, Mexico, and elsewhere.' His brother, Congressman Juan Antonio Hernandez, was extradited to the United States and convicted of drug trafficking and firearms charges in October 2019. He was sentenced to life in prison in March 2021. During his 2019 trial, a government witness testified that Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman had contributed $1 million ahead of Juan Orlando Hernandez's 2013 presidential campaign in exchange for protection. Rise in crime on the water comes as the Bay Area continues to see a shocking and worrisome rise in homelessness, drug use and crime The thieves have been known to use dinghies that sneak up on boats and yachts before boarding and pillaging through the watercrafts for cash and supplies Residents of Oakland and Alameda in California's Bay Area say they are experiencing a wave of 'pirates' stealing from boats in the harbor Residents of California's Bay Area are experiencing a new wave of crime that involves 'pirates' sneaking up on dinghies and stealing items from boats in the harbor. Photos and videos posted online show dinghies speeding through the water at night and the alleged culprits on a watercraft following an apparent theft. According to posts, as police are inundated with crime, some have been left to fend for themselves when it comes to sea, said Marianne Armand, a local boat owner. Police have assigned one full-time officer to maritime patrol, and the cop admits that thieves get away because of response times. 'We have several calls into the police but they can't do anything unless we catch them,' Armand wrote in a Facebook post sharing video of the robbers. Crime appears to be spilling over into the water from land as Oakland has seen a 22 percent increase in robberies and 18 percent increase in violent crime this year. Residents of California's Bay Area are experiencing a new wave of crime that involves 'pirates' sneaking up on dinghies and stealing items from boats in the harbor In her Facebook post, Armand warned fellow boat owners at the Encinal Yacht Club to be on 'high alert' over the thieves who are 'stalking and stealing.' The woman shared two photos of the purported culprits, which arrived to outrage from her friends and fellow yacht club members. She also shared she followed the men around the marina one night only to see them 'circling' the area the next night. In the comment section of the woman's post, another person shared footage of a person on a boat in the middle of the night. 'Get the f**k out, get out,' a person can be heard yelling at the dinghy's captain. Boat and yacht owners who spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle regarding the shocking rise in water theft incidents described it as 'the Wild West.' 'It's almost as if you were on a ship and there are pirates out there, and there's no government, no one to protect you,' said Steve Meckfessel, from a local harbor. 'We've all gotten to the point where we know there is going to be no response' from police, said boat owner Jonathan DeLong. DeLong told the outlet he shooed away 'pirates' who were attempting to steal from his own boat while he was sleeping on the vessel. Some said they have watched helplessly as the thieves entered and pillaged their neighbors' boats for goods and items. In the comment section of Armand's post, another person shared footage of a person on a boat in the middle of the night Another grab of a 'pirate' on the water in the middle of the night 'We have several calls into the police but they can't do anything unless we catch them,' Marianne Armand (pictured) wrote in a Facebook post sharing video of the robbers The area has a police maritime unit, which has one full-time patrol officer. The officer, Kaleo Albino, said he has observed a spike in thefts throughout the area and the limited staffing and the bay's surface area make it easy to get away. 'Theyre just taking advantage of our response times,' Albino said. Some have surmised that those behind the thefts are vagrants who live in roughly half a dozen encampments along the estuary. Others have pointed to homeless individuals who 'anchor-out' boats on the water illegally in the harbor. In mid-August, the thieves hit a motor shop and took off with life rafts, tool bags and other goods. In that incident, police reportedly told store owner Craig Jacobsen that officers were busy with violent crime, of which the city is experiencing its fair share. Last month, Oakland cops urged residents to secure their homes - including by trimming hedges and shrubs so thieves have nowhere to hide. Police warned about an 'uptick in home invasion robberies' including cases of robbers armed with guns kicking down doors before threatening homeowners and stealing their belongings. Last month, Oakland cops urged residents to secure their homes amid a rise in brazen burglaries while residents are inside their homes The rise in violent crime also comes and property theft comes as the city also experiences a sharp boom in homelessness. DailyMail.com reported earlier this month that Oakland and San Francisco have become hotbeds for homelessness. Seneca Scott, founder of Neighbors Together Oakland, told FOX about the California cities: 'Oakland and San Francisco have become the promised land of milk and fentanyl, and people are coming here. 'People who are homeless in Oakland now typically are not from here,' Scott said. 'Theyre drug tourists. Theyre coming here for the safe and easy access to their drug of choice and the ability to also steal to support those habits because theres no rule of law. 'Our homeless crisis has helped deteriorate our property value. If you combine that with the eviction moratorium and other government policies, we have a situation now where the property values of people are plummeting.' In Oakland, the homeless population has grown to over 5,000 - a 50 percent increase - since 2015, according to city data. The boss of Hawaiis electricity company has revealed its staff saw Mauis killer fire begin, but insisted its fallen power lines were not to blame. Shelee Kimura lashed out after the County of Maui lodged a potentially multi-billion dollar lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric (HEI) claiming the company caused the fire that killed more than 100 people on August 8. The CEO said a fire which broke out at 6.30am appears to have been caused by power lines brought down in high winds, and that power supplies were switched off by 9am. But she said Mauis fire chief Bradford Ventura declared that blaze extinguished by the time company workers arrived to clear up the mess at 2pm. Shortly before 3pm while the power remained off, our crew members saw a small fire about 75 yards away from Lahainaluna Road in the field near the Intermediate School, her company said in a statement. Kimura called for 'unity' on the island but said the lawsuit against her company left it with 'no choice' other than to expose the Maui County's responsibility for the killer fire Kimura admitted that this fire pictured shortly after 6.30am on Tuesday, August 8 'appears' to have been started by downed power cables. This image, captured at the Maui Bird Conservation Center near Makawao, appears to show a bright flash in the woods that many believe was caused by a tree falling on a powerline They immediately called 911 and reported that fire. By the time the Maui County Fire Department arrived back on the scene, it was not able to contain the Afternoon Fire and it spread out of control toward Lahaina. Kimura said blame lies with the local authority and slammed its lawsuit as factually and legally irresponsible. Unfortunately, the county's lawsuit may leave us no choice in the legal system but to show its responsibility for what happened that day, she warned. The confirmed death toll from the blaze stands at 115 but nearly 400 people are still missing from the blaze that swept across 3,000 acres of Lahaina and Kula. More than 2,220 buildings were destroyed and $5.5billion worth of damage caused on the island which remains under a state of emergency. The Maui County suit alleges that the company acted negligently in not cutting power to the area following the Red Flag Warning for high winds issued by the National Weather Services at 5am on August 7. The company admits it was approaching 9am on August 8 before power was cut, by which time its power cables were already falling in gusts of up to 80mph. Hawaii Electric, whose power lines allegedly sparked the fires which tore across Maui two weeks ago, removed equipment from a substation before investigators could search for clues about how the fires started, it is claimed Electricians work on power lines in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 16, 2023 Kimura claims that comments by Maui fire chief Bradford Ventura (pictured) leave her company in the clear Videos have surfaced on Facebook that purport to show powerlines entangled with overgrown trees and vegetation. And Kimura admitted during an August 14 press conference that the company does not have an automatic shut-off plan that other utilities use to limit fire, claiming that it could harm the elderly and hospital patients, while disabling the water pumps needed for fighting fires. The company's stock price took a dive and was given a junk rating by S&P after lawsuits on behalf of the victims alleged it was responsible for the deadly wildfires on Maui. And it is facing questions over why it removed downed powerlines from the source of the fire in Lahainaluna Road before investigators arrived. Officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - which investigates fire and arson-related crimes are leading the probe but the HEI equipment had been moved to a warehouse by the time they arrived. The company said it is in 'in regular communication with ATF and local authorities and [is] cooperating to provide them, as well as attorneys representing people affected by the wildfires, with inventories and access to the removed equipment, which we have carefully photographed, documented and stored'. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill arrived in Maui on August 21 to tour the areas devastated by the wildfires. But the president's motorcade was met with boos and jeers with some showing their middle finger and waving Trump 2024 flags. In 2015, Hawaiian lawmakers passed legislation mandating that the state derive 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2045, the first such requirement in the US. Hawaiian Electric revealed in 2017 that it would reach the goal five years ahead of schedule but it faces claims that focus may have come at the cost of fire mitigation. In her latest statement Kimura blamed climate change for the inferno as she pleaded for unity on the islands. The blaze is thought to have caused more than $5billion worth of damage to the island Nearly 400 people are still unaccounted for almost three weeks after the blaze Our hearts and hands are with the people of Lahaina and Maui, she remarked. Hawaii has thrived on the collective strength and unity of our community, and we need to embrace that spirit now more than ever. There are important lessons to be learned from this tragedy by all of us collectively, and we are resolved to figure out what we need to do to keep our communities safe as climate issues rapidly intensify here and around the globe. We invite others to do the same with us. MBABANE Two Cabinet ministers and over 10 outgoing Members of Parliament (MPs) have crashed out of the race to Parliament. The primary elections held on Saturday left heavyweights wondering what had befallen them, but obviously giving hope to the giant killers. Lutfo Dlamini is among the high profile and seasoned politicians to bow out of the race to the House of Assembly. The secondary elections meant to set up the 12th Parliament will be held on September 29, 2023. Lutfo, the outgoing Ndzingeni MP, appeared to have done his homework in terms of constant project initiation and implementation in his constituency. The former minister lost to Bhekithemba Magagula in an election contest that took place at Nkamazi Chiefdom, in the northern part of the country. Voting This is the first time for Lutfo, who first joined politics in 1998 as a senator, to lose elections at the elementary stage of voting. In 2013, he lost in the secondary elections, but returned to Parliament in 2018. Upsets did not only punctuate Nkamazis primary elections, as two Cabinet ministers also suffered setbacks. Lady Mabuza, the Minister of Education and Training and Moses Malindane Vilakati, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, were unsuccessful in their quest for a return to Parliament. Vilakati had been serving his second term as an MP for Ntondozi under Manzini Region. His 498 votes were not enough to deny Samuel Shongwe the opportunity to contest the secondary elections. Instead, Shongwe received 684 votes. While they failed to progress to the next elections stage, familiar faces like former MPs Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Dr Titus Thwala, Johannes Shongwe and Maqhawe Mavuso have booked their place in the final. Sikhumbuzo (ex-Nkwene MP) outwitted outgoing Nkwene MP Vulimpompi Nhleko in an election contest that had been tilting to Siboniso Hlatshwayos favour until 4am yesterday, when scales began to shift. It must be said that the official results for the primary elections will be released by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). It is not yet clear if the results from emaSwati outside the country would change the current electoral outcomes that have been celebrated by many candidates and their followers. On the other hand, the minister of Education and Training, in her first term as an MP, lost to Philemon Mkhatshwa. Experiencing the heartbreak for the second time, outgoing Motshane MP Robert Magongo, who bounced back to Parliament in 2018 after his defeat in 2013, was outwitted by Selby Sihlenge Shongwe at Nduma Chiefdom. In 2013, he was defeated in the secondary election by Phesheya Hlatshwayo, a former police officer, and did not understand why and how he lost it and exclaimed; Mara why (but why). Magongo is the Rapporteur for the Pan African Parliament (PAP). He received 390 votes against 611 recorded by Shongwe, a businessman who has since set an interesting secondary elections encounter with Mbabane stationery entrepreneur, Wilton Nkambule from Mpolonjeni Chiefdom. There was also a famous defeat in the south of the country, where outgoing Maseyisini MP and former Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Mduduzi Small Joe Dlamini lost the primary elections at Vusweni Chiefdom.He has been in Parliament since 2008. Mduduzi also served as a minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Outgoing Mkhiweni MP Michael Ndlelayekuphila Masuku lost to ex-MP Machawe Mavuso, who is determined to return to Parliament. Sihle Dlamini caused an upset when he defeated outgoing Lugongolweni MP Ntsetselelo Magongo, a relative of Robert. There were surprises at LaMgabhi where Busisiwe Maziya outwitted the ongoing lawmaker, Dumisani Dlamini. Zwelithini Zwane did the same in Ngudzeni, when he outsmarted outgoing MP Big Boy Mamba. Mamba bounced back to the august House in 2018, after he was defeated in 2013 at secondary level. Sibusiso Scorpion Nxumalo suffered one of the heaviest defeats in the primary elections as he managed 263 votes against the winner, Bongani Mdluli, who received 930 votes at Tfuntini under Madlangampisi Inkhundla. Mdluli is the former Madlangampisi MP. Sifiso Shongwe, the son of incarcerated Sipho, left many smiling after defeating Sibusiso Mabhanisi Dlamini. This was the second time for Mabhanisi to lose the primary elections as it happened in 2013. In another development, outgoing Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo is close to making history as the longest serving legislator of all time. He is still holding the record as there hasnt been any politician who has been in Parliament for five consecutive terms. The outgoing Lobamba Lomdzala MP has never lost an election. Khumalo won the primary elections at Mahlanya by 814 votes and followed by Thandeka Angel Mavuso with 544 votes. It effectively means Khumalo won by 270 votes to set an interesting final with, among others, Mpendulo Nyakanyaka Dube. After winning, Nyakanyaka declared his readiness to face Khumalo in the secondary elections. He got 589 votes at Kufinyeni Chiefdom. Favourite Jabulani Clement Mabuza, the Minister of Agriculture, is now a favourite to retain his Piggs Peak seat in Parliament after emerging victorious in a highly contested election with Victor Rodrigues. Mabuza got 1 274 votes against Rodriguess 1 265. David Cruiser Ngcamphalala is marching to the secondary elections alongside his colleague Dr Thambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, who outwitted his brother, Sanele, who is a former Moneni Pirates player. Popularly known as Cyclone, he also played in the premier league in South Africa. Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi is through to the secondary elections after defeating Sibusiso Nyawo at Mambane Chiefdom. The minister received 609 votes. Outgoing Siphofaneni MP Nomalungelo Simelane has also booked a place in the secondary elections to compete with, among others, Moshoeshoe Nkambule and Vusi Mkhumane, the former ESERA Chief Executive Officer. Outgoing Mhlume MP Victor Malambe was successful at Mangweni under Mhlangatane Inkhundla. He moved to Mhlangatane, where he is expected to compete with Madala Mhlanga, who also progressed to the secondary elections. An investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered at a popular swimming hole eight months after a woman went missing. A tourist stumbled upon the human tibia on a riverbed at Mossman Gorge, 20km north from Port Douglas, in Queensland's Far North last week. Police divers were able to recover the remains which were later confirmed by a forensic anthropologist as a human leg bone. The discovery comes eight months after a 54-year-old Victorian woman was swept away in the Mossman River on January 6. A major search operation was launched after the woman was taken downstream and disappeared underwater during bad weather. An investigation has been launched after human remains were discovered at a popular swimming hole eight months after a women went missing (pictured, Mossman Gorge) A tourist stumbled upon the human tibia on a river bed at Mossman Gorge, 20km north from Port Douglas, in Queensland's Far North last week Police divers and the SES searched for six days before the investigation was scaled back and became a recovery mission. Mossman Police Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Matthew Smith said 'tumultuous water' had been pouring down the gorge when the woman went missing. He said the combination of bad weather, water pressure and deep canyons and pockets meant the swimmer may have become pinned beneath a rock. 'We obviously are hopeful that particular bone may lead us to answers in relation to the missing person in January who got swept down the Mossman Gorge and was never seen or resurfaced,' he told local media on Monday. 'We were always waiting for time and a change in weather conditions to hopefully allow us to find some of her remains.' Sergeant Smith said police would return to the scene to search for more human remains and would test the bone to confirm their suspected identity. The discovery comes eight months after a 54-year-old Victorian woman was swept away in the Mossman River on January 6 (pictured is Mossman Gorge in the Daintree National Park) 'Hopefully if we can find some more remains, it will give us more chance of positive DNA testing due to the time frame,' he said. 'We're very hopeful that this may lead to some closure for her family but at this stage we have a fair bit of forensic DNA testing to be conducted to confirm that.' Back in January, the popular swimming spot was believed to have been affected by rain which raised water levels and may have been hit by a flash flood. Divers will return to the scene on Tuesday, Queensland Police said in a statement. Mossman Gorge, in the state's Daintree National Park, will remain open to the public. At least six of the Kennedy family members have come out in opposition to RFK's challenge of Biden in the 2024 Democratic primary 'I mean, my family was raised arguing with each other,' RFK Jr. tells DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview RFK Jr. insists members of his storied family are 'entitled' to disagree with his 2024 run for president and his divisive views - after JFK's grandson called him an 'embarrassment.' The 69-year-old Democratic longshot in the 2024 presidential race told DailyMail.com that he was brought up arguing with his relatives - and no matter what they still 'love' each other. His White House run and stances on vaccines and COVID have been highly controversial and have sparked outrage in his family. At least six of his relatives have opposed his challenge to Biden and some have publicly criticized his comments that COVID-19 was designed not to 'effect Jewish or Chinese people.' When asked by DailyMail.com during an exclusive interview on Monday about whether he keeps in touch with his large family despite their criticism, RFK Jr. replied 'of course.' 'I mean, my family was raised arguing with each other,' RFK Jr., who is one of 11 children in his immediate fam, added. RFK Jr. said that over the Fourth of July weekend '107 members' of his family got together. 'A lot of them support me and a lot of them disagree with me,' he continued. President John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg posted a video to Instagram hammering his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential bid and endorsing President Joe Biden Kennedy family July 4 photo from 2023. RFK Jr. said that 107 members of his family got together this year 'And they're entitled to that. We can disagree with each other and still love each other. And that's how we were raised.' 'So I'm not troubled by that at all,' he told DailyMail.com. RFK reportedly did not attend the massive family reunion himself due to his ongoing campaign. Former President JFK's 30-year-old grandson Jack Schlossberg recently made headlines for publicly criticizing his cousin's decision to run against Biden in the Democratic primary. Schlossberg said Biden was on the way to becoming the country's 'greatest progressive president we've ever had,' and said if his cousin cared about his family's legacy he'd support the current occupant of the Oval Office. 'Instead, he's trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame,' the lawyer and son of Caroline Kennedy said. 'I've 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.' RFK plunged to new depths of conspiracy theories last month when he claimed that Covid-19 was 'ethnically targeted' and that 'the people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.' The 2024 hopeful defended himself while testifying before the House Select Committee on 'weaponization' at the end of July. He told the committee that he has 'never uttered a phrase that was either racist or antisemitic' and was not an anti-vaxxer. 'I'm subjected to this new form of censorship, which is called targeted propaganda, where people apply pejoratives like 'anti-vax.' I've never been anti-vaccine,' he said. Schlossberg's mother Caroline, the only surviving child of JFK, is supporting Biden. She's currently serving as the U.S. ambassador to Australia. Former Reps. Joe Kennedy III and Patrick Kennedy have also backed Biden, as has Victoria Kennedy, the widow of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. The family is no stranger to controversies and internal strife. RFK's uncle President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. His father Bobby Kennedy was gunned down in 1968 while mounting his own presidential bid. Both were embroiled in alleged extramarital affairs and other political controversies. Kennedy later addressed a crowd of adoring donors and recalled a trip abroad he took as a child with three of his siblings and his father and mothers. He remembered fondly arriving in Poland to meet with a Catholic cardinal - who was a 'living saint.' Kennedy said while he and his siblings were waiting, a 'young priest' came in and interacted with him. 'He brought us all into the kitchen and he made chicken sandwiches for us' and discussed all the best skiing in the U.S. The young priest, he said, eventually was ordained as Pope John Paul II roughly 40 years later. The tale inspired gasps from the enamored crowd. The 2024 candidate also reflected on the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington on Monday. RFK told DailyMail.com that he was proud of his father and uncle's critical roles in organizing the march. Kennedy family criticism of RFK Jr.'s primary campaign against Joe Biden doesn't bother him: 'We were raised arguing' but 'still love each other,' the presidential hopeful says President John F. Kennedy visits with his nephew, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. President JFK listens to his nephew Bobby Kennedy Jr. - known as RFK Jr. Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a hearing with the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government on Capitol Hill 'My father played an important role in organizing and working with Martin Luther King to organize that march - my father and my uncle,' he said. 'Yesterday we had three African-American Americans murdered by a white racist in Jacksonville.' 'So it's a reminder that we still have a long way to go,' he continued. A shooting at a Florida Dollar General store in Northwest Jacksonville which left three black people dead was 'racially motivated,' officials said. The incident, which also saw the white gunman die from a self-inflicted gun wound, on Saturday is being investigated as a hate crime by the FBI and local authorities. The suspected shooter, in his 20s, used an assault rifle covered in Nazi swastikas in the attack, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney has candidly opened up on suffering a mini stroke and undergoing surgery to repair a hole in her heart. The Labor minister revealed her private health scare ahead of the official launch of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Yes vote on Wednesday, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to reveal the date for October's referendum. The health scare led to a change in her voice, which sparked growing speculation and criticism about apparent speech difficulties. Ms Burney had surgery for the hole in her heart in 2020 and insists there are 'absolutely no issues' with her health three years on. Linda Burney (pictured) suffered a transient ischaemic attack, also known as a mini-stroke 'What that's done to me, and I think that's why there's a bit of a whispering thing happening, is that apart from me getting older, it's changed my voice,' she told Nine Newspapers. Ms Burney initially claimed the vocal alteration was a side effect 'not uncommon with heart surgery, where I actually get too much oxygen in my lungs which then affects the way I speak'. READ MORE: Indigenous activist calls for seventh state as he rubbishes the 'stupid' Voice Michael Mansell, a proud Palawa man, lawyer and activist, says land should be returned to Aboriginal people to allow them to form an independent state Advertisement She has since clarified the changes were likely a side effect of medication after cardiologists said hole in the heart surgery does not result in speech alteration. Ms Burney also misremembered other important details, including which arm was affected and the date of when it happened in 2020 while she was in federal opposition. She was admitted to hospital after she suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. It's when the blood can't get to all parts of your brain for a short time, causing temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. A person cannot drive for two weeks after suffering a TIA. Unlike a stroke, the condition has no lasting impact on how well you can walk, move, swallow, think, talk or see, according to Stroke Foundation Australia. Ms Burney was cleaning up after a dinner party when she dropped and smashed a pile of plates. 'When I woke up the next morning, I didn't feel right and my right hand was I could use it, I could use it very well, but it didn't feel all that normal,' she recalled. Ms Burney underwent a day procedure to repair a hole in her heart a month later. She kept her health battle private but has decided opened up about ordeal to address growing speculation about her vocal change which has sparked ridicule and vile racial slurs online. Ms Burney's performance in parliament has also come under fire from political rivals as deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley branding her as 'most incompetent' and 'not up to the task'. Linda Burney (pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) required surgery to repair the hole in her heart after a mini stroke Linda Burney insists her health scare three years ago didn't impact on parliamentary duties 'Clearly people are chatting about it, so I wanted to be very clear with the public about what has happened, where I am at, she said. Ms Burney added that apart from relearning fine motor skills, her condition didn't impact on her parliamentary duties. The minister is expected to shed more light on other aspects of her private life when she appears on Tuesday's night episode of Kitchen Cabinet on ABC. Ms Burney has opened up on her private health battles as the Yes campaign faces an uphill battle to convince Australians to vote in support of the Voice. Mr Albanese will need to convince at least 1.7 million undecided voters for the Voice referendum to win, leaked documents have revealed. Volunteers for the Yes campaign will target women, young people, multicultural communities and soft voters to reverse unfavourable polling trends. The latest polling figures show the Voice to Parliament is on track to be defeated, with the referendum expected to be called on October 14. When Hayley Green's car broke down on a remote Scottish island, she thought she might have to wait a while for a mechanic to come and fix it. What she wasn't expecting was a 14-and-a-half-hour wait for a repairman 754 miles away. Ms Green had been driving in Stromness, Orkney, when a warning message flashed up on her electric car. The council worker contacted the RAC online and filled in her details, including her location and postcode. But she was surprised when the mechanic assigned to help her phoned to check he had the right postcode and revealed he was in Devon. Hayley Green had been driving in Stromness, Orkney, when a warning message flashed up on her electric car. The council worker contacted the RAC online and filled in her details, including her location and postcode. But she was surprised when the mechanic assigned to help her phoned to check he had the right postcode and revealed he was in Devon She told BBC Radio Orkney that the mechanic laughed when she told him where she was, adding: 'He said he thought it make take him a little bit longer than an hour to get to me. 'But he was ever so friendly, ever so nice and we agreed he wasn't going to be my guy.' After arranging for a local garage to come and recover the Nissan, Ms Green said: 'My car hasn't been able to be repaired, so it's got to go off to be fixed but that's a different problem. 'The fact is that I was left in Stromness, waiting for a guy from Devon. 'I haven't checked if there's a [similar] postcode in Devon, but I'd be highly surprised if there is.' The RAC has apologised to Ms Green and said it is investigating a possible problem with its online system. A spokesman said: 'The service [Ms Green] received was unfortunately not up to our usual high standard. We're looking at online breakdown reports from Orkney to see what may have happened.' BBC Radio Orkney has said it knows of two similar cases involving RAC members, and another instance with a member of a different national recovery organisation. However, it is not clear how those drivers reported their problems. Breakdown companies aren't the only firms to have overlooked the Scottish islands. In 2013, Google apologised after Jura, an island in the Hebrides, disappeared from its online maps. Internet users noticed that the island, off the west coast of the mainland, was visible on satellite view but not on the maps view. A spokesman later told the BBC: 'We are sorry about that. We're aware of the problem, and our engineers are beavering away to fix it. 'We hope to have the map of Jura back to normal as soon as possible.' Islanders have also complained about problems getting deliveries. To help resolve issues on Orkney, Royal Mail is trialling a drone which will deliver items from the mainland. It is hoped the move will alleviate issues caused by poor weather and pauses in the ferry schedule. However, despite the issues, Orkney was still named the best place to live in the UK in 2019. Cheap housing, low crimes and good schools were among the reasons it was ranked so highly, according to a Halifax survey. The bank also claimed the population was one of the happiest and healthiest in the country. The survey did not, however, rate the archipelago's breakdown services. Former president Bill Clinton has been spotted wrapping his arms around two female staff members as he poses for a photograph at a party in East Hampton. Clinton, 77, appeared in a jovial mood as he spent time chatting away with guests at the beach front property on Sunday. He also posed for a photo with female staff and wrapped his arms around them. It's not believed wife Hillary was at the party. The couple had been spotted last week on a hike in the Hamptons just after Bill's 77th birthday. At the party, Clinton donned a white shirt as he mingled with guests at the large property. The former President is seen here with his arms round the two women as they have their picture taken Clinton is pictured here talking with two female members of staff at the property, just before he poses for a picture with them Clinton appeared in a jovial mood as he spent time chatting away with guests at the event on Sunday It remains unclear what the purpose of the event was for, and who owns the property It remains unclear what the purpose of the event was for, and who owns the property. The New York destination is about 150 miles east of the Clintons usual Empire State haven in Chappaqua. While Bill has largely been out of the spotlight in recent months, Hillary was seen earlier this month, having been booked on MSNBC the night of former President Trump's most recent indictment in Georgia. Clinton appeared on MSNBC alongside Rachel Maddow when news broke that the Fulton County District Attorney's Office had handed down another lengthy set of charges against him and some of his compatriots for their actions pertaining to the 2020 election. Though the former Secretary of State appeared visibly giddy at the news, she went on to say it was a moment of 'profound sadness that we have a former president who has been indicted for so many charges that went right to the heart of whether or not our democracy would survive. 'He set out to defraud the United States of America and the citizens of our nation,' she said. Clinton added she would 'wait to see what the indictments themselves say,' but 'I don't know that anybody should be satisfied. This is a terrible moment for our country to have a former president accused of these terribly important crimes. 'The only satisfaction may be that the system is working,' she said. Clinton and Trump famously sparred in 2016, with Trump winning the election and serving four years in the White House. At the party, Clinton wore a white shirt as he mingled with guests at the beach front property Hillary and Bill arrive at Hillsborough Castle for the Gala dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement on April 19, 2023 in Belfast, Northern Ireland The couple had been pictured last week while out walking in the Hamptons, just after Bill's 77th birthday The two politicians' love story stretches back to their days as students at Yale Law in the early 1970s. However, the pair's very public romance has been marred by several well-known and embarrassing challenges, such as the sex scandal that erupted over his 18-month affair with White House intern Lewinsky, then 22, that led to his 1997 impeachment. Clinton had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky from 1995-1997. She was aged 22 to 25 at the time of the affair, he aged 48 to 51. Lying about the clandestine romance famously led to his political demise - the House impeached Clinton in 1998. Clinton had an affair with Lewinsky from 1995-1997 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky,' Clinton claimed in a televised speech in 1998. Clinton finally admitted in taped grand jury testimony on August 17, 1998, that he had engaged in an 'improper physical relationship' with Lewinsky. That night he offered a nationally televised statement admitting that his relationship with Lewinsky was 'not appropriate.' Lewinsky said she had sexual encounters with Clinton nine times over the course of two years. The scandal led to Bill being impeached in 1998. But he survived the trial in the Senate and remained in office during his second term. Several women have also come forward to claim they were either sexually assaulted by or engaged in extramarital affairs with Clinton over the course of his political career and nearly five-decade marriage. Clinton has since denied any and all allegations against him. California mother Sherri Papini whose 2016 disappearance mimicked the plot of Gone Girl has been released from prison after serving just half of her 18-month sentence. Papini, 41, was jailed nine months ago in November 2022 after pleading guilty to faking her own kidnapping and lying to the FBI. In November 2016, Papini disappeared from her Redding, California, neighborhood while out for a jog. The married mom-of-two returned weeks later hundreds of miles away 'dazed, battered and bruised,' and insisted she was held captive for 22 days by two fictional Latina women. Investigators began to uncover Papini's past leading up to her disappearance, including the involvement of her ex-lover, James Reyes, who prosecutors said she convinced to help her amid domestic abuse allegations against her husband. Papini was finally arrested in March 2022 and pleaded guilty to the allegations in April 2022. She will now remain under probation for the next 36 months. Papini arrives at the federal courthouse for sentencing accompanied by her attorney, William Portanova, in Sacramento Papini pictured as he leaves the court after being sentenced to 18 months in prison Keith - with whom she shares children Tyler, 8, and Violet, 10 - filed for divorce on Wednesday - two days after she pleaded guilty Papini served her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institute in Victorville until being moved earlier this month on August 16 to a facility run by Sacramento's Residential Reentry Management field office - essentially a halfway house. It's not clear where Papini was placed following her release, but the Federal Bureau of Prisons website continues to list her release date as October 29, 2023. During a sentencing hearing, prosecutors said that it was vital that Papini serve out her full sentence in prison. In court filings they wrote: 'There needs to be just punishment for her conduct.' While her lawyers argued that a house arrest would be more appropriate, in addition to one month behind bars. The mother of two was arrested in March 2022 after fooling the whole world about her disappearance. Her husband reported her missing in November 2016 when she failed to pick their children up from school. Her cell phone and earbuds were later found on the running track she used. Weeks later she was found after allegedly being tortured and starved by her captors, whose faces she said she never saw, before being dumped by the side of the road on Thanksgiving. When Papini was found, she had bindings on her body and self-inflicted injuries including a swollen nose and blurred 'brand' on her right shoulder. She had other bruises and rashes on many parts of her body, ligature marks on her wrists and ankles, and burns on her left forearm. Her signature blonde hair had been cut. Police said she made up the whole story to get attention and was staying with her ex-boyfriend for the 22 days she went missing. Papini's antics were eerily similar to those of the main character in Gillian Flynn's smash-hit thriller novel Gone Girl, which was later turned into a thriller starring Rosamund Pike as a vanishing wife. Sherri Papini leaves the federal courthouse after her arraignment in Sacramento in April 2022 Sherri Papini is pictured in a relative's Facebook post from November 2016 Sherri Papini is seen in a Facebook photo posted by her sister, Sheila Koester Police and the world were on the lookout for Sherri when she went missing in 2016. When Papini arrived back in 2022 she told the hoax of her disappearance and convinced the world of her story before she was formally charged earlier this year Sherri Papini of Redding is pictured leaving the federal courthouse accompanied by her attorney, William Portanova, right, in Sacramento, Calif., on April 13, 2022 Papini, a mother of two, faked her kidnapping in 2016, including a number of self-inflicted injuries that she presented to police and medical examiners Her plot was ultimately foiled when law enforcement discovered she had been sheltering with her ex-boyfriend, who helped her inflict some of the wounds she re-emerged with James Reyes told police that Papini caused self-inflicted injuries while staying with him, including hitting herself to create bruises and burning herself on her arms The mother of two convinced James Reyes, her ex-boyfriend, to pick her up and drive her to his Southern California apartment after telling him her husband Keith was 'abusing' her. Reyes, 37, previously confessed to the plot after being identified by DNA found on Sherri's clothes through a familial match. He told police how he and Sherri dated in 2006 and 'loved' each other. She randomly got in touch with him in 2016 again, he said, and told him that her husband was abusing her. Papini and Reyes then spoke on pre-paid cell phones, arranging for her to run away for months before November 2, when he collected her from Redding and the alleged hoax started. The ex-boyfriend admitted to investigators that he thought their relationship would become romantic once they were back at his apartment in Costa Mesa, but that it never did. Instead, Sherri took over his bedroom and he slept on the couch. She locked herself away in the room, starved herself and cut off her hair then started inflicting injuries on herself. Reyes said how she convinced him to brand her with a hot tool, then asked him to drive her seven hours north, back to her home in Redding, on November 24. He also said Papini caused her self-inflicted injuries while staying with him. He was unaware of the media storm that had brewed over the three weeks because he did not have a TV, he said. Keith said he was duped by his wife and later filed for divorce in April - two days after she pleaded guilty to faking her own kidnapping. The couple married in 2009 and share two children, Tyler, 10, and Violet, 12. Sherri with her husband Keith on their wedding day. The mother of two told her ex-lover she had to run away because Keith was abusing her Sherri Papini and husband Keith Sherri Papini and husband Keith are seen in a Facebook photo posted online Keith and Sherri Papini with their kids, Tyler and Violet In a statement issues last year, Papini apologized for the pain she caused her family and friends. 'I am deeply ashamed of myself for my behavior and so very sorry for the pain I've caused my family, my friends, all the good people who needlessly suffered because of my story, and those who worked so hard to try to help me. 'I will work the rest of my life to make amends for what I have done,' Papini said in the statement. Papini had received psychiatric care for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder ever since her return - more than $30,000 worth of treatment for which she billed a state victim compensation fund and which is now part of her restitution. In their criminal complaint, police detailed how Papini and her husband spent money donated to them by strangers on her therapy and on improving their home. Roman Catholic Deacon and news anchor Mike Mangas revealed in the upcoming HLN investigation documentary, Runaway Mom: The Sherri Papini Story, that investigators found a new marking on the supermom's shoulder when she returned from her 'abduction.' 'The sheriff asked me, because I'm a deacon in my church, asked me about a certain Bible verse,' Mangas said in an exclusive clip of the documentary obtained by DailyMail.com. 'And so I told him it's Exodus 21:16, and it says something to the effect of 'if anyone has kidnapped someone, they should be put to death.' That was branded onto Sherri's shoulder. Former President Joe Biden will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks with service members in Alaska marking the first time a U.S. president will observe the solemn anniversary at a site other than New York, Virginia, or Pennsylvania. The White House announced the unusual locale on Monday, on the same day it revealed the president was adding another country to his itinerary adversary turned partner Vietnam. Biden will stop in Alaska on the return from his trip to India for the G20 summit, which will be followed by a stop in Hanoi, in a visit likely to send a signal about countering the threat from China. Biden marked the 21st anniversary of the attacks at the Pentagon. The year before, he visited Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Flight 93 crashed. He has also taken part in ceremonies sat Ground Zero. Nearly 3,000 people died in the Sept. 11 attacks, and U.S. presidents have repeatedly flown to cites where they marked the tragic human toll of the terror attacks. President Joe Biden will mark the 22nd anniversary of Sept. 11th with service members and their families in Alaska. He will be returning from a trip to India and Vietnam This will be the first time he hasn't marked the anniversary at one of the three attack sites. 'Twenty-one years ago twenty-one years, and still we kept our promise: Never Forget. Well keep the memory of all those precious lives stolen from from us: 2,977 at Ground Zero in New York; in Shanksville, where my wife is speaking now in Pennsylvania; 184 of them here at the Pentagon,' he said last year at the Pentagon, just across the Potomac River from the Capitol where Biden was serving as a senator on Sept. 11. Vice President Kamala Harris will commemorate the anniversary of the attacks in New York along with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, the White House announced. First lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to honor those lost that day. All 64 people on board American Airlines Flight 77 died that day, along with 125 people in the Pentagon. The White House didn't announce any plans for Pennsylvania. The White House only on Monday confirmed Biden would visit Hanoi, where he plans to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They will discuss technology and innovation, 'people-to-people ties,' climate change, and ways to boost 'peace, prosperity, and stability in the region,' according to the White House. He will reportedly sign an agreement designating Vietnam as a 'strategic partner,' which brings further cooperation on high-tech and other areas. Vice President Kamala Harris (l) will attend the ceremony in Manhattan. Here Biden speaks during a meeting with organizers of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington in the Roosevelt Room of the White House White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dodged a question over whether Biden would raise human rights issues while in Hanoi. The U.S. and Vietnam have grown closer over several successive administrations, despite the lingering history of the Vietnam Warm. Vietnam and China are historic adversaries. His visit comes on the tail end of a trip where Biden had been expected to depart on Sept. 10 before the additional stop got added. In Alaska, Biden will 'participate in a memorial ceremony with members of the military and their families,' according to a brief statement by the White House. The event will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, where presidents often refuel on their way to Asia. There do not appear to be any major events on Biden's schedule before the summit. Suella Braverman yesterday attacked the 'politicised' Strasbourg judges for 'treading on national sovereignty'. The Home Secretary's remarks appeared to pave the way for a shift in policy on Britain's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights. She insisted no one in Government is talking of leaving the convention 'right now', but left the option open. Mrs Braverman also insisted the Bibby Stockholm migrant accommodation barge is safe, as the Labour-supporting firefighters' union threatened legal action over its use. She added that she remained 'confident' that the Government's Rwanda asylum deal which has twice been blocked on human rights grounds will be proved lawful in an upcoming Supreme Court hearing. Suella Braverman yesterday attacked the 'politicised' Strasbourg judges for 'treading on national sovereignty' On membership of the European Court of Human Rights, which oversees implementation of the convention, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'My personal views are clear. It's a politicised court. It's interventionist. 'It's treading on the territory of national sovereignty. But no one's talking about leaving the ECHR right now. We're working to deliver our plan. We've enacted landmark legislation. We are confident in the lawfulness of our agreement with Rwanda.' Conservative backbenchers are lobbying for Britain to leave the ECHR, and Mrs Braverman said last October that ongoing membership of the 'centralised' Strasbourg court was 'not the direction that people called for with Brexit'. Tory strategists are understood to be looking at pledging options for human rights reform in the next election manifesto. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union has sent a 'pre-action protocol letter' to Mrs Braverman outlining its concerns over safety aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge, which is berthed at Dorset's Portland Port. 'Let me be clear that I'm confident barges are safe,' Mrs Braverman said. 'This barge has accommodated people in the past asylum seekers, oil rig workers and barges of this kind have been used to accommodate asylum seekers, for example in Scotland, so I'm very confident that this barge is safe for human habitation. Mrs Braverman also insisted the Bibby Stockholm migrant accommodation barge is safe, as the Labour-supporting firefighters' union threatened legal action over its use 'We followed all of the advice and protocols in anticipation of embarkation.' Mrs Braverman accused the FBU of launching a 'political attack' on the Government but was unable to say when asylum seekers would be returning to the 506-bed vessel. The Home Secretary also refused to rule out the expansion of electronic tagging for migrants who arrive illegally across the Channel. A pilot scheme was launched last year. Wider use of the tags could help address migrants who abscond, according to The Times. 'We need to exercise a level of control of people if we're to remove them from the UK,' Mrs Braverman told Sky News. 'We are considering a range of options. We have a couple of thousand detention places in our existing removal capacity. 'We will be working intensively to increase that but it's clear we're exploring a range of options, all options, to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our systems swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the UK.' Figures published last week showed asylum costs footed by the taxpayer have doubled in a year to nearly 4 billion. It also emerged the asylum backlog has soared to a record high of 175,000 people waiting for an initial decision at the end of June. The new Illegal Migration Act places a legal duty on the Government to detain and remove migrants arriving in the UK illegally to a safe third country such as Rwanda. The number of Channel migrants to reach the UK so far this year is 19,804, down 21 per cent on this point last year. Controversial green restrictions blamed for blocking up to 140,000 new homes are to be scrapped by the Government. Housing Secretary Michael Gove will announce on Tuesday the end of strict rules intended to offset the water pollution caused by building developments. He is expected to say that the regulations, introduced under an EU directive and reinforced by a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling, can be lifted as a Brexit bonus. Mr Gove will give councils the power to ignore the so-called nutrient neutrality rules imposed by environment quango Natural England in 74 areas. Until now they have prevented local authorities from approving new properties if they lead to higher levels of phosphates and nitrates in waterways. The long-awaited changes are likely to be introduced in an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill currently going through Parliament. Controversial green restrictions blamed for blocking up to 140,000 new homes are to be scrapped by the Government Housing Secretary Michael Gove (pictured) is expected to announce the end of strict rules intended to offset the water pollution caused by building developments Mr Gove (pictured) will give councils the power to ignore the so-called nutrient neutrality rules imposed by environment quango Natural England in 74 areas One housing industry source told The Sun this evening: Its pleasing to see the Government finally taking action on nutrient neutrality, which has paralysed housebuilding in various parts of the country. And another said: We welcome that after four years the government has finally acted on this issue. Its now key that legislation passes through parliament so more desperately needed homes can be built and before any more house builders go out of business. However the move has sparked anger among environmental groups who say that England's rivers need more protection from pollution. Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace UK, told The Guardian: Who would look at our sickly, sewage-infested rivers and conclude that what they need is weaker pollution rules? No one, and that should include our Government. Scrapping or weakening limits on chemicals from sewage and farm run-offs would be a sure sign that ministers have completely given up on saving our great waterways and the precious wildlife they host. And Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron said: Not content with the levels of pollution in our rivers already, scrapping nutrient neutrality is a disgraceful act from the government. The Conservatives seem happy for Britains rivers to get even worse. A Government spokesman said: The Government remains committed to delivering housing in areas affected by nutrient neutrality. We recognise the urgency of this issue and have taken substantial steps to both unlock housing now and to address the underlying causes of nutrient pollution at source. When politicians claim to be 'on the right side of history' it invariably means they are on the wrong side of the present. So it is with London mayor Sadiq Khan, whose roundly hated Ulez extension comes into force today. It is a model of how to alienate the public against green initiatives. The scheme has been imposed against overwhelming opposition, backed up by spurious (some would say deliberately exaggerated) statistics, and will affect the poorest most. It is also profoundly undemocratic. Mr Khan's 2021 mayoral manifesto didn't mention the extension, and consultations have shown up to 70 per cent opposition in the affected areas. Yet, like a despot drunk on his own power, the mayor closes his ears to all dissent, and ploughs on regardless. Most bizarrely, he claims that only climate change deniers, those with vested interests and far-Right conspiracists oppose him. Has he even read the results of his own consultations? The Ultra Low Emission Zone, which drivers of non-compliant cars are charged 12.50 per day to enter, has been in force in central London since 2019. Sadiq Khan's 2021 mayoral manifesto didn't mention the extension, and consultations have shown up to 70 per cent opposition in the affected areas Ulez has been imposed against overwhelming opposition, backed up by spurious (some would say deliberately exaggerated) statistics, and will affect the poorest most It was intended to cut levels of two key air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulates, which can cause or aggravate respiratory and cardio-vascular illnesses. However, a study carried out by Imperial College London in the early weeks of Ulez, found it had had an 'insignificant' effect on particulates and cut NOx levels by just three per cent. Indeed, at several monitoring sites, pollution had risen. This should have tempered Mr Khan's zeal. Instead, he doubled down, dismissing the study's findings and sticking to his own flawed statistics. Let's look a little deeper into one of the scariest of these. Mr Khan states: 'Every year 4,000 Londoners die prematurely from air pollution.' No one apart from him even tries to pretend this is literally true. The figure relies on modelling the reduction in overall life expectancy in London deemed to be the result of air pollution, then converting that calculation into 'equivalent deaths'. The study claimed each Londoner could be losing up to 2.8 days of life expectancy and roughly equated that to between 3,600 and 4,100 deaths. It is at best a vague estimate, at worst an educated guess. Yet Mr Khan quotes the 4,000 toll as hard fact. It is scaremongering of the most blatant kind. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of families and businesses will suffer hardship because of the mayor's hubris. Following the shock Uxbridge defeat, Sir Keir Starmer backtracked on a commitment to bring in clean air zones across the country (Yes, another U-turn) The poor and elderly are most likely to have older, non-compliant vehicles and least likely to be able to afford a compliant replacement, so will be faced with paying 12.50 a day. This applies not only to Londoners but also those living in areas bordering the capital Kent, Surrey and the other Home Counties who need to enter the zone for business, school runs or shopping. And while the mayor will rake in 1 billion from this and his other road charging schemes, many pensioners will lose their freedom of movement and may also be cut off from visits. There is already a furious and growing backlash, as the Uxbridge by-election proved. Everyone wants cleaner air, but this scheme fails to deliver it, serving only to make ordinary people poorer. For all Mr Khan's bluster, it's little more than a money-making racket. Following the shock Uxbridge defeat, Sir Keir Starmer backtracked on a commitment to bring in clean air zones across the country (Yes, another U-turn). But with so much money to be made, it's hard to believe he and his virtue-signalling colleagues could resist fleecing motorists even more if they were to win power. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit The U.S. military has identified the heavily-decorated Marine Corps pilot who was killed Thursday when his combat jet crashed near a San Diego base during a training flight. Maj. Andrew Mettler was piloting an F/A-18D Hornet when it went down at 11:54 p.m. Thursday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement from its headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Searchers recovered Mettler's body at the site, and the crash remains under investigation. 'My wife and I are devastated by the loss of our Marine Pilot son and our hearts are pouring out for our daughter-in-law and our three grandchildren,' Mettler's father Mike said in a statement. Known as 'Simple Jack,' Mettler - a member of the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron - was a native of Georgia and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. Maj. Andrew Mettler was piloting an F/A-18D Hornet when it went down at 11:54 p.m. Thursday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement from its headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina He was commissioned in 2007 and was a leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals, at the time of his death. 'I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile,' Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict, the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. Mettler's career awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal. The crash site was described as government property east of the air station. The site about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego is an area of largely vacant land. Rescuers went through heavy fog in the search area east of the base near Interstate 15 on Friday, when a spokesman for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing confirmed the pilot's body had been found. Search and rescue recovered the US Marine Corps pilot who has been confirmed deceased at the site,' he added. The Mach 2 aircraft was described by the Navy as the 'workhorse of Marine Corps tactical aviation'. Mettler was the only person on board the plane. Known as 'Simple Jack,' Mettler (pictured right) - a member of the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron - was a native of Georgia and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina Rescuers went through heavy fog in the search area east of the base near Interstate 15 on Friday, when a spokesman for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing confirmed the pilot's body had been found Rescue workers combing the crash site east of the Miramar airbase early Friday morning The pilot was flying out of the Marines' Miramar airbase near San Diego The Mach 2 aircraft introduced in 1983 is described as a 'workforce' of the US Navy but is due to be phased out by 2030 The Mach 2 is flown by Marine Corps Reserve squadrons, the Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic display team, along with other fleet support roles. It's the fifth Class-A aviation mishap - meaning damage totaling over $2million or in a fatality - in the current fiscal year, the first involving a Marine Corps plane, according to Task & Purpose. Introduced in 1983, it is due to be phased out by 2030 and replaced with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The three US marines killed in a horror aircraft crash in Australia's Top End have been identified. A military training exercise went horribly wrong when their Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft plunged to the ground and burst into flames on remote Melville Island, 80km north of Darwin, on Sunday. US Marine Corps crew chief Corporal Spencer Collart, 21, pilot Captain Eleanor LeBeau, 29, and Major Tobin Lewis, 37, died in the crash. Their bodies are expected to be recovered from the crash scene on Tuesday. Twenty other US marines on board were hospitalised, where one continues to fight for life. Captain Eleanor LeBeau, 29 (pictured) was the pilot on board the Osprey chopper DEAD: Corporal Spencer Collart, 21 (left) and Major Tobin Lewis, 37, (right) also died Corporal Collart, 21, from Arlington, Virginia was the crew chief on board the chopper during the exercise. He had served in Florida, North Carolina and Hawaii since joining the US Marines October 2020 READ MORE: Four ADF crew dead after helicopter went down in the Whitsundays Australian Army soldier Corporal Alex Naggs, (pictured, left) Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent and Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock (right) all were killed during the training exercise on July 28 Advertisement He received National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon during his three year stint. Captain LeBeau, 29, from Belleville, Illinois was the pilot on board the Osprey and had received the same accolades as Corporal Collart. She had served in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Hawaii during her five years of service. Major Lewis had served a highly decorated stint in the Marine Corps since 2008 with posts in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Japan, and Hawaii. The Major from Jefferson Colorado, received a string of accolades including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons were also among the medals. Marines Rotational Force-Darwin commanding officer Colonel Brendan Sullivan said the entire Marine Corps Force 'family' was deeply saddened by the tragedy. 'At present, we remain focused on required support to the ongoing recovery and investigative efforts,' he said. 'We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory Police, Northern Territory Government, CareFlight Air and Mobile Services, NT Health, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Center, and Tiwi Island government, who have come together to assist us in this difficult time.' Crash survivors joined Darwin residents at an emotional memorial and candlelight vigil organised by the local RSL on Monday night. 'It was just such a terrible tragedy, so many young lives,' one local told Nine News. Residents joined military servicemen and women at a candlelight vigil at the Darwin Cenotaph on Monday night to remember the three US Marines killed Mourners placed flowers at Darwin Cenotaph for the US Marines killed in Sunday's crash Three US Marines were killed while 20 others were hospitalised after a military training exercise went horribly wrong. Pictured is a A Care Flight helicopter at Darwin International Airport deployed to transport the injured US defence secretary Lloyd Austin paid tribute to the dead marines on Monday. 'These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family,' he tweeted. US President Joe Biden added: 'Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash. We are praying for those who also suffered injuries.' The Osprey that crashed was one of two that had flown from Darwin to Melville on Sunday. Of the 20 US marines hospitalised, three remain for treatment with one in critical condition in intensive care. 'We're incredibly lucky and incredibly thankful, for a chopper that crashes and then catches fire, to have 20 marines that are surviving, I think that's an incredible outcome,' NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said. The complex investigation into the cause of the crash continues 'This recovery and investigation will be prolonged, enduring and complex,' Mr Murphy said. The Boeing MV-22B Osprey, with 23 people on board, went down on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands at 9.43am local time on Sunday An aviation tracker Twitter account (pictured) reported that an 'RAAF C-130 has been circling the area for some time and a Careflight helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft are also on scene' 'We are planning to be at the crash site for at least 10 days.' The Department of Defence said the incident occurred during Exercise Predator's Run 2023, the NT's largest Australian-led military exercise. No Australian members were involved. About 150 US Marines are stationed in Darwin and taking part in military drills alongside personnel from Australia, Indonesia, East Timor and the Philippines. The Marine Osprey aircraft has a tumultuous history, with a number of mechanical and operational issues since its introduction in the 1980s. Since 2012, 19 people have died in six crashes involving the Osprey. The Osprey is designed to be able to take off vertically like a helicopter, but have the speed and range of a conventional plane, Doctors are being told not to ask trans patients their names in unofficial rules drawn up by activists at a major hospital. A poster on display at the Royal Free Hospital in London tells medics to 'stop asking inappropriate questions' and claims that asking 'what is your name' is 'rude, intrusive and insensitive'. It says asking if a patient is 'really a man or a woman' is another 'no-no' and recommends offering to accompany a trans person to the toilet because the harassment they suffer is 'very real'. It is thought the sign was made by an LGBT support group, possibly incorrectly adapted from a Health Education England guide stating that it is wrong to ask a trans person 'what is your real name' or to ask what they were called before they transitioned. A poster on display at the Royal Free Hospital in London tells medics to 'stop asking inappropriate questions' (File Photo) The poster says asking if a patient is 'really a man or a woman' is another 'no-no' and recommends offering to accompany a trans person to the toilet because the harassment they suffer is 'very real' (Stock Photo) A spokesman for the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust insisted: 'There is no trust policy that says staff should not ask a patient's name and our staff always address patients by their preferred name.' Another banner in the Royal Free suggests that only staff members wearing an official 'ally' badge are 'safe' for LGBT patients to speak to. The Policy Exchange think-tank said the guidance was likely to make clinical practice 'a challenge' and that the use of the word 'safe' was troubling as it implies that LGBTQ+ patients 'may only receive 'safe' care if provided by a member of staff wearing this badge'. The Mail yesterday revealed that 77 hospital trusts in England are part of a ratings system in which they gain points if they drop 'gendered language'. SARAH VINE: Will I be appearing on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here? No, not on your nellie - although ITV did approach me about the show MacDowell was 80 when he was given a life sentence for murdering her and their child Andrew The disappearance of Renee and her three-year-old son Andrew MacRae was among one of Scotland's most notorious unsolved crimes. The 36-year-old went missing with her son after telling friends she was off to visit her sister in Kilmarnock in 1976. After her burnt-out BMW was found, foul play was suspected and suspicion soon fell on her secret lover of four years William MacDowell. MacDowell evaded justice for 45 years for his crimes, but what did he do to the mother-of-two and the child they shared? And what eventually happened to him? William MacDowell with wife Rosemary at Inverness High Court before he was given a life sentence in September 2022 He was convicted for the murders of his lover Renee MacRae and their three-year-old lovechild Andrew MacCrae. Pictured: William MacDowell (left) and his wife Rosemary (right) Doting Mum Renee MacRae with Andrew when he was about three months old and oldest son Gordon junior. Her sister, Morag Govan said Renee's children were 'her life'. Govan said: 'They were both so precious to us and a day never passes without them both in our thoughts What did William MacDowell do? On September 29, 2022, William MacDowell - who was then 80 years old - was found guilty of the murders of Andrew and Christina Catherine MacRae, also known as Renee. The pensioner dodged justice for nearly 46 years after murdering his lover Renee and their child Andrew in the Highlands in 1976. One fateful weekend, on November 12, 1976, Renee left her home in Inverness and headed south on the A9 with her three-year-old son. Later that evening, her BMW 1602 saloon was found ablaze near Dalmagarry, 14 miles south of Inverness. Renee and her toddler Andrew were never to be seen again. The torched motor was found to be that of a major local building firm in Inverness called Hugh MacRae & Co. This company was owned by her estranged husband Gordon MacRae. Gordon and Renee tied the knot in 1964, but only nine years later the couple had separated. They shared one son, Gordon junior, who was aged nine at the time of his mother's disappearance. It was common knowledge that the BMW was often driven by Renee, despite the pair no longer being together. While Gordon MacRae had struck up a romance with his receptionist, the mother-of-two, Renee, was living in a luxury bungalow in the Scottish city. She was still financially supported by her husband, however, Renee was also having relations of her own. She and William MacDowell had struck up a love affair that spanned the course of four years. William MacDowell also known as 'Bill' was a company secretary at her former husband's company - Hugh MacRae & Co. He was also well-known in Inverness for being a quick-tempered badminton and squash player who 'hated to lose face.' MacDowell and Renee went to the same parties and also shared mutual friends. By New Years in 1973 their affair was well under way. Their lovechild, Andrew was born around nine months later. Her disappearance in November 1976 was one of most bizarre murder mysteries ever investigated by a Scottish police force. Pictured: Renee MacRae William MacDowell was the biological father of three-year-old Andrew MacRae (pictured). Renee's estranged husband Gordon MacRae suspected he wasn't Andrew's father Renee Macrae and her son Andrew who have been missing since 1976. Despite investigators urging MacDowell to reveal where their bodies are and provide them 'with the dignity they deserve,' he never revealed where their bodies were The two women in Bill MacDowell's life - Renee MacRae (left) and Rosemary MacDowell (right) at a New Year party in 1973. By this time Renee and William's affair was in full swing Renee kept the identity of her lover tightly under wraps, even when she moved from the family home she and Gordon shared into the luxury bungalow. Although her estranged husband Gordon was in the dark about the identity of her lover, he was well aware she had one for years, and that he was not Andrew's biological father. The only person Renee entrusted with the identity of Andrew's true father was her best friend, Val Steventon. Ms Steventon shared that Renee was enamoured with MacDowell, and that she was quickly gathering her things under the belief the pair, along with their three-year-old would be moving to the remote island of Shetland together. Mrs Steventon recalled: 'He really took Renee in completely. She even packed up everything. 'Things were getting a bit hot for MacDowell because little Andrew was starting to point at him and call him Daddy. 'I think he knew Renee was getting very involved with him, more than he was with her.' Some suspected, as the affair reached breaking point, the petite blonde had threatened to reveal Andrew's true parentage unless MacDowell left his wife, Rosemary. Detectives on the case believe MacDowell's motive to kill his son and lover was that he feared losing his comfortable lifestyle if the affair became common knowledge. The pair had a turbulent relationship, as Mrs Stevenson remembered telling the mother-of-two before she met her lover the weekend she went missing: 'Have a nice weekend Renee, no fighting.' MacDowell had pressed Renee to bring little Andrew coming along so he could become better acquainted with his son. Renee and her son remained missing, after the burning motor was found. The fire brigade hoses are said to have flushed away any other evidence there may have been of the murder of the mother and child. The only piece of hard evidence that remained was a bloodstain in the boot of the burnt out BMW. The blood recovered matched that of Renee's. Eva McQueen, a wife of a farmer on a nearby Dalmagarry farm, claimed she heard a 'blood curdling' scream between 7.30pm and 8pm near where the BMW was discovered. Another witness also came forward alleging they saw a BMW and Volvo parked in a layby that night. MacDowell owned a Volvo 145 estate. Suspicion soon began to fall on MacDowell but evidence was thin on the ground. A housebreaker named Dennis Tyronney also came forward with damning testimony against the Inverness man. He told the Northern Constabulary by letter that a man had propositioned him to kill a 'wife and a bairn' with acid in 1976. He said this man was MacDowell. A photofit image that was released by police to try and track down the killer of Renee MacRae and her three-year-old son Andrew The High Court in Inverness has previously been told by Alex Prentice KC, prosecuting, that the now 80-year-old William MacDowell (pictured) was the only man with the motive to kill because of the risk of his more than four-year affair with Mrs MacRae being exposed and him losing everything What happened to William MacDowell MacDowell did not answer for his crimes for nearly 46 years, but after three seperate investigations, including Operation Abermule in 2018, he finally answered for his crimes at the age of 80. In September 2022 he was handed a life sentence after he was found guilty of the murders of his son Andrew MacRae and his lover Renee MacCrae. After he killed the two he put their bodies and his child's pushchair into Renee's BMW and burned them. He also set alight the cargo floor of his car, which he used to transport the bodies of the mother and child. The court heard Judge Lord Armstrong tell MacDowell: 'On the evidence at your trial, these murders appear to have been premeditated, planned and carried out by you in the most calculated way not a spontaneous event or on the spur of the moment. 'These appear, in effect, to have been executions.' On the day MacDowell's was handed a life sentence at the High Court in Inverness, Renee's sister, Morag Govan stated: 'Today there is finally justice for them. It's a day we feared would never come. 'They were both so precious to us and a day never passes without them both in our thoughts. MacDowell died at the age of 81 in 2023, less than a year into his life sentence for the murder of Andrew and Renee MacRae. Their bodies were never found. Govan said: 'Not knowing where their remains lie only compounds the pain. Thinking of the terror they both must have felt before they died continues to haunt us' Eva McQueen, a wife of a farmer on a nearby Dalmagarry farm claimed she heard a 'blood curdling' scream between 7.30pm and 8pm near where the BMW was discovered. Pictured: The hunt to bring Renee MacRae's killer to justice began in November 1976 when her unoccupied BMW was found ablaze in a Highland lay-by One witness also came forward alleging they saw a BMW and Volvo parked in a layby that night. MacDowell owned a Volvo 145 estate. Pictured: Debris taken from the emptied Leanach Quarry near Inverness which was searched as part of the investigation into the mother and son's disappearance 'Renee was a compassionate and caring mother. Both Andrew and his elder brother Gordon were her life. She adored them and was so proud of her boys. 'Andrew would be 48 today, he was never given the chance to build his own life. 'The passage of time has not eased the anguish we feel, we have never been able to lay Renee and Andrew to rest or properly mourn their loss. 'Not knowing where their remains lie only compounds the pain. Thinking of the terror they both must have felt before they died continues to haunt us. 'We will never comprehend why their lives had to be taken in such a calculated and callous manner by William MacDowell. 'If he has a shred of decency in his body, he will now reveal where they both lie. 'Almost 46 years on, the pain of losing Renee and Andrew in such a cruel and brutal fashion never fades.' MacDowell died aged 81 on February, 15, 2023, less than a year into his life sentence. Detectives urged MacDowell to reveal where the bodies of Renee and Andrew were so they could be 'provide with the dignity they deserve.' But, the killer never disclosed where their bodies where located. A stylish home inside a former Victorian pump house is on sale for 1.4million. The two-bedroom maisonette comes with a host of secret extras, including a tiny, copper-clad two-person bar on its club-style mezzanine floor. The Grade II listed building started life in 1902 as home to one of the pumping stations for the London Hydraulic Power Company and was converted into housing in 2000. The network of water power created was used exclusively for the homes and businesses of London. At its peak it managed 180 miles of pipes supplying power for the majority of the city, including Tower Bridge's back-up raising mechanism, and the London Palladium's revolving stage, and was one of the first buildings of its kind in the country. A stylish home inside a former Victorian pump house is on sale for 1.4million in London The two-bedroom maisonette comes with a host of secret extras, including a tiny, copper-clad two-person bar on its club-style mezzanine floor The Grade II listed building started life in 1902 as home to one of the pumping stations for the London Hydraulic Power Company and was converted into housing in 2000 The network of water power created was used exclusively for the homes and businesses of London At its peak it managed 180 miles of pipes supplying power for the majority of the city, including Tower Bridge's back-up raising mechanism Many of the pump house's original features, including its super-sized arched windows, the soaring iron roof beams and support trusses, have been retained in the design. Visitors arrive on the ground floor to an entrance hall next to a utility room which is also being used as a home gym. On the right is the principal bedroom, which is next to a family-sized bathroom, complete with a modern oval tub and a glass-block window wall. At the end of the hallway is a large sitting and dining room, which opens onto the kitchen which has appliances cleverly tucked away under the stairs and a range-style cooker. The mezzanine level, which is positioned above the kitchen, has a private club feel, with a stylish, copper-clad bar, a music station and a sofa overlooking the main living space. On the first floor there is the second bedroom and a shower bathroom, with a study and workspace next to the galleried library area, which agents Anderson Rose say could be used as a third bedroom. The maisonette comes with its own underground parking space as well as views over the River Thames and is a minute's walk from Canada Water station. It also provided power for the London Palladium's revolving stage, and was one of the first buildings of its kind in the country On the right is the principal bedroom, which is next to a family-sized bathroom, complete with a modern oval tub and a glass-block window wall Many of the pump house's original features, including its super-sized arched windows, the soaring iron roof beams and support trusses, have been retained in the design The mezzanine level, which is positioned above the kitchen, has a private club feel, with a stylish, copper-clad bar, a music station and a sofa overlooking the main living space The maisonette comes with its own underground parking space as well as views over the River Thames and is a minute's walk from Canada Water station Visitors arrive on the ground floor to an entrance hall next to a utility room which is also being used as a home gym At the end of the hallway is a large sitting and dining room, which opens onto the kitchen which has appliances cleverly tucked away under the stairs and a range-style cooker Another image of the upperpart of the 1.4million-valued property An alternative shot of the ground floor of the Victorian pump house Robin Chalk from Anderson Rose said the property belonged to a professional couple who were moving for family reasons. He said: 'This is a truly stunning apartment that abounds with original features. Due to its excellent location and transport links from Canada Water station, I think it would be perfect for a single professional or couple who are looking for a cool and notable place to live. 'I could also see it going to an older couple who have done well for themselves and want to live in a place with great connections and near to the river.' From leopards to zebras, many of the most distinctive creatures in the animal kingdom feature incredible stripes and spots. But what if these completely vanished altogether? Last month, a spotless baby giraffe was born at a zoo in Tennessee, making it the only known giraffe without its iconic patterns. As it turns out, there are numerous rare examples of this occurring in nature - whether it be tigers without stripes or completely white pandas. So, take a look, as MailOnline lifts the lid on why many of these curious species exist. 1. Albino panda WHAT IS ALBINISM? Albinism is an incredibly rare condition that is generally caused by mutations of the genes involved in melanin production. Melanin is a polymer that determines skin, hair and eye colour in both animals and humans. So, animal with little or no melanin would be very pale and white. Advertisement In 2019, local officials spotted what's believed to be the first all-white panda wandering through the forest in China's Wolong National Nature Reserve. With no spots on its body and distinctive red eyes, the female is thought to have albinism - an incredibly rare condition that is caused by mutations of the genes involved in melanin production. Melanin is a polymer that determines skin, hair and eye colour in both animals and humans. 'Albinism refers to a group of inherited disorders characterised by little or no production of the pigment melanin, which determines the colour of our skin, eyes and hair,' Alex Cagan, a genetic scientist at Cambridgeshire's Sanger Institute told MailOnline. 'The inheritance pattern for albinism is usually autosomal recessive. This means that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the condition. 'While parents who carry only one copy of the mutation are termed carriers and typically would not show signs of albinism themselves.' This panda is believed to have a albinism - an incredibly rare condition that is often caused by mutations in many genes involved in the production of melanin The albino panda was first spotted at the Wolong National Nature Reserve back in 2019 2. Spotless giraffe July saw the birth of a spotless baby giraffe at The Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee. Unlike the panda, this calf's coat is completely brown which suggests it doesn't have the same rare condition of albinism. READ MORE: The Brights Zoo in Tennessee to hold naming vote for new giraffe Video shows the new calf playing and being nurtured by her mother, who continues to care for her while she makes her public debut Advertisement Instead, Mr Cagan suspects the giraffe has an even more unusual mutation that modifies how pigments of colour are distributed across its body. This is a type of 'reaction-diffusion process' that was previously theorised by Alan Turing - the mathematician who famously broke the enigma machine in WWII. 'These cases are probably rare because they either depend on a new dominant mutation occurring in a specific part of the genome that alters pigmentation patterning or on two giraffes both carrying the same recessive variant that causes this patterning having offspring together,' Mr Cagan continued. However, it's also thought that a brown giraffe would be at a disadvantage in the wild, which is perhaps another reason why this one's a first. Believe it or not, a giraffe's spots can actually help to regulate its temperature while also serving as a form of protection. 'It is believed that giraffe spots are a form of camouflage to help them avoid being seen by predators and that they are related to an intricate network of blood vessels below the surface that helps them to regulate their temperature,' Mr Cagan said. 'So as well as being pretty to look at, the spots may serve important functions to help giraffes survive in their natural habitat. 'Thus, in the wild, giraffes without spots may be at a disadvantage. But in a zoo setting they are probably fine, unless the mutation has some additional effects that impact its health, but as far as I am aware there is currently no indication that this is likely to be the case.' This unnamed baby giraffe was born on July 31 at the Brights Zoo in Tennessee with no spots, making it the only known living brown spotless giraffe 3. Stripeless tiger Fareeda - a stripeless Bengal cub - was the first completely white tiger to be born in Africa at South Africa's Cango Wildlife Ranch during 2008. She was born in a litter of three to the parents of two striped white tigers carrying a rare gene. Chances of this occurring are said to be just 100 to one, and Fareeda was believed to be just one of 20 white stripeless tigers in the world. Despite this, keepers clarified that Fareeda didn't have albinism due to her distinctive blue eyes. Instead, they explained that stripeless white tigers used to live quite widely in Northern India before they eventually died out. Fareeda - a stripeless Bengal cub - was the first completely white tiger to be born in Africa at South Africa's Cango Wildlife Ranch during 2008 4. The 'White Death' orca READ MORE: Stunned animal-watchers spot a PAIR of rare orcas off the coast of Japan Japanese whale-watchers were stunned to spot two rare white orcas swimming off the coast of Hokkaido, one of the country's northern-most islands, over the weekend Advertisement Nicknamed 'Iceberg' and the 'White Death', an albino killer whale was pictured by scientists in a historic first during 2012. The whale was hunting in a 'pod' of 12 'normal' orcas and seemed to be welcomed despite its unique appearance. 'In many ways, Iceberg is a symbol of all that is pure, wild and extraordinarily exciting about what is out there in the ocean waiting to be discovered,' project director Erich Hoyt said at the time. 'The challenge is to keep the ocean healthy so such surprises are always possible.' Mr Cagan also explained that albinism is often more common among endangered or captive animals where individuals are closely related. 'South Resident Orcas' - which live off the coast of California and Washington - are currently categorised as endangered in the US. According to the Marine Mammal Commission, there were only 74 of these left in 2021. But Iceberg was spotted near Russia's Commander Islands, with the exact number of orcas here currently unknown. 'The appearance of these usually recessive variants can become more common in populations where individuals are closely related, such as endangered or captive populations of animals,' Mr Cagan said. Grammar schools have long been at the centre of debate, with children denied what's often thought to be a better education at 11 years old. But experts have now called grammar schools into question, as research suggests there's no evidence they lead to better GCSE results. New research, led by Durham University, claims that areas with comprehensive schooling actually fare just as well, with similar numbers of pupils achieving A*-C (now 9-4) grades. Meanwhile, the brightest pupils were actually found to fare better at comprehensives than at grammar school. The results come just five years after the Government allocated 50 million to the expansion of new grammar schools in a mission to lift national standards. Grammar schools have long been at the centre of debate, with children denied what's often thought to be a better education at 11 years old. But experts have now called selective schools into question, as research suggests there's no evidence they lead to better GCSEs (stock image) READ MORE: AI can achieve better grades than university students, report suggests Sam Altman's ChatGPT matched or performed better than students when answering assessment questions in a range of subjects Advertisement 'Our study adds to the evidence that the expansion of grammar schools and the selective system is unlikely to raise national academic standards,' said co-author Dr Xin Shao of the University College London. 'The costs of reorganising our education system to have more selection would be high, and there are much more important priorities for investment to support equalising opportunities for those regardless of their family background: expanding the selective system would not be a wise decision.' As part of their analysis, experts analysed almost 500,000 students' GCSE results from 2016. The team account for a number of factors, including the pupils' social background, gender and numerous other factors. While areas with grammar school were associated with a small boost in pass rates, their presence didn't appear to significantly bolster the overall regional performance. Pupils in areas with grammar school were slightly less likely to achieve five A or A* (now 9, 8 and 7) grades compared with non-selective areas. Meanwhile, pupils of both schooling types in a selective local authority had a lower chance of achieving five A or A* grades than equivalent pupils in predominantly comprehensive areas. As a result, experts say that neither system is superior, and a further expansion of grammar schools is unlikely to raise national academic standards. They also argue that the competitive nature of selective schooling can be detrimental to the students' mental wellbeing. The results come five years after the Government allocated 50million to these schools The 'big fish little pond' phenomenon was drawn to as an example of this, with grammar students perhaps viewing themselves as lesser in comparison to other bright classmates. Even still, experts highlight that further research is needed to understand the influence of others factors upon this phenomenon. For instance, high performance in London - which doesn't host many grammar schools - may be pulling up the average for comprehensive systems. 'While the general results for the effects of the two systems reveal neither system to be superior, an internal pattern implies negative results from the selective system, from which both high-performing and low-performing pupils may suffer,' said Dr Binwei Lu of Durham University's Evidence Centre for Education. The day that drivers across London have been dreading is almost finally here, as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to double in size tomorrow. The expansion, which will be introduced by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will mean ULEZ covers almost all of Greater London. Now, experts from Which? have warned that scammers are targeting drivers trying to pay the ULEZ charge, with several hoax websites appearing online. While drivers should only pay 12.50, these websites trick you into paying considerably more - and some even set up continuous payments that could cost you thousands. Here's how to spot the scam websites, and what to do if you've paid on one of them. The day that drivers across London have been dreading is almost finally here, as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to double in size tomorrow Now, experts from Which? have warned that scammers are targeting drivers trying to pay the ULEZ charge, with several hoax websites appearing online (stock image) The scam was first flagged to Which? by a member of the public, who inadvertently paid a company called 'Ulezpayservice', rather than the official Transport for London (TfL) website. The driver was driving through Stanmore last month when they spotted a sign that stated they were entering a ULEZ zone. After searching on Google, they clicked on an advert they assumed took them to the official website to pay the ULEZ charge. They filled in their personal details, and later found a charge of 17.50 to 'Ulezpayservice' on their bank account. Worryingly, their bank later informed them that this was a continuous payment, meaning they'd be charged monthly. These adverts are shown above the TfL website in the Google search results, making it particularly easy for users to fall for them. 'We're concerned about the number of dodgy websites taking out adverts on Google, which appear at the top of results when people attempt to pay for parking or the ULEZ charge,' Which? said. Which? flagged the adverts to Google, which confirmed it has taken action. If you need to pay a ULEZ charge, make sure you only do it through the official TfL website. Pictured: one of the scam websites These adverts are shown above the TfL website in the Google search results, making it particularly easy for users to fall for them 'Protecting users is our top priority and we have strict ads policies that govern the types of ads and advertisers we allow on our platforms,' a Google spokesperson said. 'We enforce our policies vigorously, and if we find ads that are in violation we remove them. 'We continue to invest significant resources to stop bad actors and we are constantly evaluating and updating our policies and improving our technology to keep our users safe.' If you need to pay a ULEZ charge, make sure you only do it through the official TfL website. A TfL spokesperson said: 'Payments for our road user charging schemes should only be made through the official TfL website. 'Unfortunately, internet search engines don't always suggest the official TfL webpage at the top of their search results. 'This means that people may be offered a link to an unofficial payment site, which can often overcharge. 'We are sorry to hear of any customers that may have been caught out in this way.' Meanwhile, if you have accidentally paid on one of these scam sites, Which? advises contacting your bank immediately to block any recurring payments. If the payment has already left your account, you can ask your car provider for a full refund. Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: 'It's disappointing that rip-off copycat websites are squeezing extra money out of people paying ULEZ charges, leaving them out of pocket in return for zero benefit. 'Search engines must take more responsibility for ads that appear on their platforms. 'Google needs to stick to its own terms and conditions by ensuring only official websites can advertise on its platform for official services. 'Unfortunately, as it stands, it is up to consumers to make sure they steer clear of copycat websites that will sting them with unnecessary extra charges and instead visit the official TfL website to pay any ULEZ charges. by David J. Lobina So, what is the role and place of Bustan Qaraaqa within the community they are based in? What connections have they made there? What volunteering, if any, have they promoted in other farms, or in general in the West Bank? And what is their place within the worldwide permaculture network, and of course, to begin with, within the occupation of the Palestinian territories? In last months entry, part of another series of articles of mine, though this time there is only two pieces, I framed the discussion in terms of the conflicts an international volunteer has to face when undertaking an activity, or indeed, an activism, in a place such as Palestine. One important conflict immediately arises, in fact, and this has to do with the realisation of the possible and very serious repercussions that ones action may have on the native population, perhaps slightly counter-intuitively for some volunteers they are there to be there to help by definition, are they not? More often than not, as a matter of fact, a volunteer will be based overseas for a limited amount of time, and they will eventually return to the safety of their own country. The sort of activism that many carry out in Palestine, however, such as marching, attempts to stop demolitions and evictions, etc., whilst constituting cases that might indeed derive into serious consequences for the volunteer (police or army beatings, even gassing, sometimes arrest followed by criminal charges, and typically deportation), often pale in comparison with the repercussions for the population one is trying to assist. It is doubtless the case that the Palestinians are particularly aware of this, and even though they do sometimes choose to encourage the participation of foreign volunteers anyway their presence may limit the actions of the occupying forces, at least for the time they are there this is not a choice that is taken lightly. Volunteering in a permaculture farm, with the aim to create a more sustainable and independent scenario, may appear to be world away from the more direct action activism I have just described, but some of the choices one faces in this case are not exempt of the clash between goals and visions that concerns me here, as we shall see. ***** The community of Beit Sahour seemed quite bemused at the spectacle of a farm that was being run by what they must have assumed was a bunch of stereotypical Western hippies. I do recall being advised to show some restraint regarding clothing and public show of affection, as the farm was in the middle of a close-knit and conservative Christian community. Nevertheless, the community seemed to have taken the people running the Bustan Qaraaqa in rather well. The only shop in the wadi was open to them, which shows the level of trust they had, as the shop was meant to serve the incredibly extensive family of the owners (hundreds of people can easily be part of a single family in a wadi such as Beit Sahour). The effect on commerce that the farms guests and volunteers generates ought, for instance, to be of some relevance for overseas lobbying groups calling for the boycott of Israel in its entirety. Indeed, it is important to stress that the West Bank and Gaza are occupied territories, and therefore Israel controls their borders, which naturally includes control over what goods go in and out. The concerned activist may be too preoccupied with spending money only on Palestinian products without actually realising that part of what they spend in Palestine benefits Israel too. Take the only Palestinian beer available at the time I visited, Taybeh, locally brewed in Ein Samia near Ramallah. Ideally, all the products and materials needed for the brewing of this beer would come within Palestine, but this is not the reality at all, as many of these come from Israel the glass required for the bottles is perhaps the most conspicuous of all, and this doesnt include the taxation that Israel collects. A foreign group calling for the boycotting of Israeli business interests and commerce ought to be aware that if boycotting campaigns of this kind damage Israeli interests, they very often affect Palestinian businesses too. Obviously, it makes no sense to participate in these campaigns inside Palestine; the local population would be literally boycotting itself, as the economies of both Palestine and Israel are too intertwined on the ground, the obvious relations of power notwithstanding. This is not to deny that subtle and well-directed boycotting campaigns may benefit the Palestinians, and there are many lessons to be learned from the actions of the international community the South African Apartheid. An effort can be made, for instance, so that Israel doesnt directly benefit from the occupation in overseas trading, and this is not something that is not part of local laws in some cases. At the time I was in Beit Sahour in 2009, the Ariel University Centre of Samaria for Solar Decathlon Europe was expelled from a state-funded solar energy contest being hosted in Spain, as the project was based in the illegally occupied territory of the West Bank and Spanish legislation disallowed such a situation.[i] Boycotting campaigns are fairly complex and require a nuanced approach, and more so in the case at hand, which I cannot discuss in any detail here. Going back to the Bustan Qaraaqa project, the overall repercussions of what they are trying to achieve, other than simply the commerce they bring to the area, merits a closer look. I saw first-hand the extensive connections with other organisations in Beit Sahour and Bethlehem that they had fostered at the time, making them a clearly central and active player in the volunteer movement there. A sort of activism that tries to avoid the more aggressive actions that would get them arrested or indeed deported, some of the activities they are involved with include organising workshops and related activities with other farms or groups, assisting organisations like the Alternative Information Centre (AIC) in the publication of articles and reports, acting as consultants for the youth-development organisation Paidia or helping with the farming needs of the Tent of Nations project and the SOS Childrens Village orphanage in Bethlehem. I was particular interested in the work Bustan Qaraaqa undertook with other farms and groups of similar worries and interests, which in the past had included courses and workshops on permaculture with the Marda Permaculture Farm, information tours with the Siraj Centre for Holyland Studies and Bustan, or tree planting at various locations. This is of course part and parcel of the permaculture movement, and as such Bustan Qaraaqa was part of the worldwide network as anything else. The actual running of the workshops involves rather sensitive issues, however. For once, Bustan Qaraqqa was rather weary of who they would be seen collaborating with. There are also some permaculture farms within Israel, and indeed some kibbutzim are also akin to this movement, but establishing networks with other groups in Israel may prove to be tricky in some cases. Further, permaculture solutions really may not be for everyone it may not be what the local population wants, regardless the actual state of affairs in the territories. Though the aims of the farm are praiseworthy, such as the sought-after self-sufficiency and the attempt to get off the grid of the Israeli-controlled water system, it is not rare to find that the local sentiment is to have control over their own water system, farming etc; namely, to have a state. In this sense, some of the permaculture solutions to these problems may be considered as nothing but temporary by the population. In addition, Western influence in the region is sometimes as obvious there as anywhere else, and a composting toilet can be a hard sell. This is unsurprising; after all, the Palestinians are surrounded by lavish Israeli settlements all around, huge infrastructures with all sort of amenities and facilities, and it is only natural to wish something similar. Bustan Qaraaqa has little or no influence on the local administration, and in better-off places like Beit Sahour or Bethlehem, one can see non-traditional new constructions using cement and concrete, with the huge amount of water these necessitate. They may, however, have a greater say and influence in more deprived areas, in places where there exist limited possibilities and their solutions are more practical. It is to the improvement of peoples lives under the occupation that the permaculture movement can aspire to contribute the most, rather than setting-up a permaculture network, or culture, in the region. Such help and assistance has been more obvious in places that are in particularly sensitive locations, such as junctures where the Wall is planned to pass through, near checkpoints or Israeli settlements. The urgency of assisting the farming needs of villages like Al Wallaja or Artas, both near Bethlehem, or the Tent of Nations farm in Nahalin, have to do with the ever-present threat of eviction and the subsequent loss of land. These farms not only have to wage a legal fight to keep their territories, they also struggle to keep the farms functioning. Thanks in no small measure to Bustan Qaraaqa, much work has been undertaken at these places, such as devising waste management strategies, increasing water efficiency, preventing sewage contamination, conserving the soil, and cultivating the land. All this has resulted in a significant improvement of peoples lives, a laudable and heroic enterprise in itself. Sadly, military might imposes itself eventually. Though the participation of Bustan Qaraaqa in all these activities in the community doesnt depend, or at least is not meant to, on the people in charge of the farm at any one point the project is meant to be part of the permaculture movement overall, as stressed it is quite unavoidable that this project, like everyone else in the West Bank, lives under, and is therefore part of, an occupation. What do I mean by this, exactly? Neve Gordons 2008 book, Israels Occupation, argues that in the early decades of the occupation, Israel was purposely investing money and resources on the West Bank and Gaza in order to normalise the occupation by offering a high quality of life for its inhabitants. This was accompanied by an ever-increasing military presence and more and more Israeli settlements, with the latter then regarded as a prerequisite for territorial safety against the surrounding Arab states.[ii] In this context, it is a question worth asking whether the international movement in Palestine, no matter how laudable some of their actions, partakes, inadvertently, in the normalisation of the occupation in some way. I mentioned earlier that permacultures most positive contribution is the improvement of peoples lives under extremely strain circumstances, a deed good in itself that wouldnt perhaps merit further consideration. However, the goal of trying to carry on with a decent living given the circumstances is nothing new for the Palestinians: they have been trying to do this since 1967. Its a necessity, but as such, it is very loosely related to the vision of ending the occupation that no doubt many volunteers and activists in Palestine share, and in any case, most measures taken under an occupation are often just compromises, in the same way that Israeli investment in the territories in the early stages of the occupation was also a compromise. In fact, the relationship between the goal of a decent living under the occupation and the vision of forcing Israel to disengage is so weak that no conflict between goals and vision may be at all present. One could perhaps argue that permaculture farms aim to systematize a way of life around the occupation rather than under it. Perhaps it then follows that becoming as independent from the occupier as possible puts you in a stronger position in a future peace process. This is very unlikely, however; even if the most optimistic of the permaculture aims were to be achieved, this would not dent the military occupation, and it is the occupation that stands in the way of a resolution of the conflict. It is the end of the occupation that is the necessary first step for a peace process (whatever shape the peace process takes; I wont discuss this here, either). Be that as it may, one could still point to the fact that the Israeli army seems only too keen to destroy any attempt at self-sustainability, which tells of the significance and importance of permaculture projects. This could be taken as a sign that Israel feels threatened by such independent movements, and therefore takes the necessary steps to bring the occupied population under their full control. This is true, but has nothing special to do with any specific approach; it may well be a general policy that applies to any enterprise undertaken by the Palestinians. The examples are myriad, in different locations, fields and levels, and theres nothing to suggest that the army is specifically directing its resources to independent self-sustainable projects. What is a volunteer in a place such a Palestine to do, then? Same as they are doing now, really, but there must be a realisation that in those cases where the aim is to end the occupation or assist the Palestinians to achieve statehood (or whatever the outcome of a fair and equitable peace process may establish), what one does in Palestine has very little repercussions towards those goals. And the same applies for the sort of activism one can do at home, at least outside of the US. As Noam Chomsky and Norman Finkelstein have argued in numerous publications over the years, the Israel-Palestine conflict will only ever be resolved once the US withdraws its support to Israel or at least changes its foreign policy in the region substantially and that will necessitate a drastic change in internal US politics. A topic for another day! A volunteer can do so much, after all. [i] Giles Tremment, The Guardian newspaper, 24 September 2009. [ii] Zeev Maozs masterly book, Defending the Holy Land, convincingly argues that the settlements are in fact detrimental to Israelis security, not to mention illegal according to international law. NASA may have discovered alien life on Mars 50 years ago when it first put its two Viking landers on the Red Planet, but the agency may have also accidentally killed it. The claims were made by Dirk Schulze-Makuch from the Technical University Berlin, who believes an experiment carried out in the 1970s that added water to the soil drowned any life lurking in the Martian landscape. The test, known as the Viking Labeled Release experiment, initially returned positive for metabolism, but a related investigation found no trace of organic material. Schulze-Makuch believes the water containing a nutrient solution in the soil may have been too much liquid 'and [any life] died off after a while.' While the theories may sound outlandish to some, this is the case for microbes living inside salt rocks in the Atacama, which has a similar landscape to Mars, that do not need rain to survive - and too much water would eradicate them. A scientist has claimed that NASA's 1970s Viking mission discovered life on Mars but likely killed it during experiments. Pictured is a shot taken by Viking 1 that landed in 1976 The two landers in NASA's Viking mission touched down on Mars on July 20, 1976 (Viking 1) and September 3, 1976 (Viking 2). The landers were equipped with a slew of instruments, including gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, seismometer, meteorology instrument, and stereo color cameras. The devices enabled them to search for possible signs of life and study the soil and atmosphere's physical and magnetic properties. Schulze-Makuch called the results 'puzzling' in an op-ed for BigThink, in which he shared that one of the tests came back positive, and another was negative for gas exchange. Still, small amounts of chlorinated organics were identified. The test positive for life added water to the soil to see if products of respiration and metabolism appeared. The theory was that if life were on Mars, microorganisms would consume the nutrients and release the radioactive carbon as a gas. The two landers in NASA's Viking mission touched down on Mars on July 20, 1976 (Viking 1) and September 3, 1976 (Viking 2). Pictured is an image taken in September 1976 by Viking 2 The Viking lander mission in the 1970s that added water to the soil drowned any life lurking in the Martian landscape. Pictured is Viking 1 In a 2007 study, the astronomy professor suggested that Martian life could have hydrogen peroxide in their cells. 'This adaptation would have the particular advantages in the Martian environment of providing a low freezing point, a source of oxygen and hygroscopicity,' Schultz-Makuch and co-author Joop M. Houtkooper wrote in the study. READ MORE: Odd patchwork of polygon-shaped mud cracks suggests Red Planet used to have Earth-like conditions 3.6 billion years ago, scientists say In 2021, it detected an unusual array of polygon-shaped cracks within the soil that scientists now believe is evidence that the Red Planet once had Earth-like conditions that could have allowed microorganisms to survive 3.6 billion years ago. Advertisement 'If we assume that indigenous Martian life might have adapted to its environment by incorporating hydrogen peroxide into its cells, this could explain the Viking results,' Dirk Schulze-Makuch wrote. 'If the Martian cells contained hydrogen peroxide, that would have killed them. 'Moreover, it would have caused the hydrogen peroxide to react with any organic molecules in the vicinity to form large amounts of carbon dioxide which is exactly what the instrument detected.' Another experiment, pyrolytic release, tested for organic synthesis also came back positive. This test mixed carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from Earth to see if the carbon would be incorporated into the soil. The Viking landers detected chlorinated organics, but scientists proposed these untreated craft may have infected the planet with terrestrial hitch-hikers. 'However, subsequent missions have verified the presence of native organic compounds on Mars, although in a chlorinated form,' wrote Dirk Schulze-Makuch. 'Life on Mars could have adapted to the arid environment by existing within salt rocks and absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. 'The Viking experiments, which involved adding water to soil samples, might have overwhelmed these potential microbes, leading to their demise.' Dirk Schulze-Makuch is not the first scientist to propose the idea that NASA found life on Mars 50 years ago. A study released in 2016 touted the same theory. Experts from Arizona State University, Tempe, and the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, said the evidence collected by the Viking mission is consistent with a biological explanation, suggesting microorganisms on Mars adapted and evolved to meet harsh environmental conditions. The researchers delved into the 1976 Viking Labeled Release Experiment findings and evaluated the non-biological hypotheses. In the experiments, samples of Martian soil from both landers were subjected to nutrient injection and preheating and were even stored in the dark for roughly two months. The results showed striking similarities to responses seen in terrestrial soil, including data from samples collected in California, Alaska, and Antarctica. Each of these characteristics is reminiscent of responses by a compendium of terrestrial microorganism species, including the initial positive responses, the 160C and 50C heat controls, the reabsorption of evolved gas upon second injection of nutrient, and death from isolated long-term storage, the authors wrote in the study. The landers continued their missions until the final transmission to Earth on November 11, 1982 (Viking 1) and April 11, 1980 (Viking 2), but are still sitting on Mars to this day. Steve Harvey personally set the record straight while speaking at Invest Fest 2023 in Atlanta on Sunday about recent rumors regarding his personal life. The television host, 66, whose daughter Lori Harvey joined Kendall Jenner and pals during a trip to Cabo, addressed rumors that his wife, Marjorie Bridges, 58, allegedly cheated on him with the couple's bodyguard and personal chef. In a now-viral TikTok, the star could be seen speaking on stage in front of a large crowd and stated, 'Before I get started, just let me say, I'm fine. Marjorie's fine,' followed by cheering from the audience. 'I don't know what y'all doing, but find something else to do 'cause we fine. Lord have mercy. Man,' Harvey expressed, later adding, 'I ain't got no time for rumors and gossip. God's been good to me, I'm still shining.' The cheating allegations notably first started earlier this week on X - formerly known as Twitter - and quickly went viral. Slamming rumors: Steve Harvey, 66, personally set the record straight while recently speaking at Invest Fest 2023 in Atlanta about the recent rumors regarding his personal life that had many people chatting about on social media Marriage in Trouble?: Earlier this week, a post on X went viral stating that Harvey was divorcing his wife Marjorie Bridges after she reportedly had an affair with the couple's body guard and one of their personal chefs; pictured in 2015 in Las Vegas Steve and Marjorie first crossed paths back in 1990, but didn't tie the knot until 17 years later in 2007. Upon their marriage, he adopted Marjorie's three children from her previous relationship: 26-year-old model Lori, Morgan and also Jason. Before saying 'I do' to his current wife, the game show host was previously married to Mary Shackelford from 1996 until 2005. They share son, Wynton. His first marriage was to Marica Harvey from 1981 through 2004. They welcomed twins Brandi and Karli, as well as son Broderick. During a past interview with People in 2012, Steve gushed about Marjorie and admitted that she has 'changed the way he existed.' 'I'd never been in a healthy adult relationship. I'd never been loyal, I'd never been fully respected,' he continued to the outlet at the time. Marjorie has also weighed in on their blended family and raising seven children while talking to People in 2016. 'When you're dealing with a blended family, everyone is coming from a place of broken.' 'We knew this was right. But I just told them, "Everyone is included. Everyone has access to their parents. Whatever you didn't have before, don't let that interfere with what you can have now." Now, we're Mom and Dad to everybody.' However, their large family doesn't stop at just their kids, but the couple are also grandparents to seven grandchildren. 'Fine': In a now- viral TikTok , the star could be seen speaking on stage in front of a large crowd and stated, 'Before I get started, just let me say, I'm fine. Marjorie's fine' Addressing: 'I don't know what y'all doing, but find something else to do 'cause we fine. Lord have mercy. Man,' Harvey expressed Allegations: The cheating allegations notably first started earlier this week on X - formerly known as Twitter - and quickly went viral Blended family: Marjorie has also weighed in on their blended family and raising seven children while talking to People during a past interview We Fine: Harvey slammed the rumors that Bridges cheated on him with their bodyguard and a personal chef in his video. 'We fine' was the Television host's response about how his relationship with his wife is; pictured in 2019 Steve also recently jumped to Twitter on Friday and apologized for the 'unfunny comic' tweet that was posted on X, which he explained was posted on his account by a staff member. ' Im personally addressing this,' Harvey wrote on August 25. The video was taken from the waist up and showed The Celebrity Family Feud host wearing a white short sleeve shirt and a green cargo-patterned sun hat, which came with two black strings on it. Harvey stood outside on the green grass area and in front of a white fence as natural sunlight streamed down on him. In the video, which is 56-seconds long, the star apologized for a since-deleted post on his X account, which asked his followers to name the ' comedian that they didnt find funny at all.' Although the tweet (since-deleted) was made on Harvey's account, the television host explained that he didn't personally write and post it. Rather, it was a staff member of his who wrote the tweet. Somebody works for me on my Twitter put a statement out that was totally negative. I gotta take responsibility for it cause they work for me. But the engagement was talking about name a comedian you dont think is funny. Why would I do something like that? he said in a video response. Like several celebrities do, Harvey also has people who work for him specifically to handle his social media accounts. Change my life for the better: In a 2012 Interview with People Magazine, Steve, who has been married twice before, said that Marjorie has 'changed the way he existed'; seen in 2016 in Paris Personally Addressing: On Friday, Television Host Steve Harvey posted a video on Twitter in which he personally addressed rumors that his wife Marjorie Bridges cheated on him and also apologized for an 'unfunny comic' tweet It was the staffer: When addressing the since-delted tweet that asked his followers to name the ' comedian that they didnt find funny at all', Harvey said that it wasn't him who wrote and posted the tweet. Rather, it was a staff member, who handles the television host's social media accounts, who did it Don't fit with my brand: Harvey expressed his angry over the staff member's tweet (since-deleted) on his personal X account, stating that it isn't part of his brand, which is about positivity Harvey also stated that he would never post a tweet like the one that the staff member posted on the television host's X account, explaining that it didn't match his brand. 'My whole brand is to be motivational, and Im gonna turn around a say something like that? .... Im all about positivity. I wouldve never done nothing like that,' Harvey stated. He wrapped his video up, revealing how angry he was over the whole ordeal regarding the tweet. 'Im so pissed off right now, man,' he went on. 'Talkin about, "I was trying to get some engagement." Okay, okay, you trying to get some employment, tooNow I gotta come on here and do a damn selfie. So here it is: Im sorry, man. My bad, yall. Wont happen again though.' A high-profile fitness influencer who recently lost her baby and went through a messy break-up has found love with a mystery man. Photos taken by Daily Mail Australia show Sophie Guidolin, 34, packing on the PDA with her new boyfriend while sitting poolside at the Calile Hotel in Brisbane. The mother-of-four was pictured sunning herself alongside a tattooed man who sported a white T-shirt and diamond stud earring. The pair was seen chatting animatedly, holding hands and sipping cocktails. The sighting follows Sophie's acrimonious split from Gold Coast dentist Dr Andrew Firgaira after just four months of marriage. Sophie Guidolin, the high-profile fitness influencer who recently lost her baby and went through a messy break-up, has found love with a mystery man The former couple wed in Byron Bay last November after less than a year of dating. In January, Sophie, who has four other children from previous relationships, announced they were expecting their first child together. Andrew is already father to two daughters. On Saturday the 34-year-old was seen packing on the PDA while sitting poolside at the Calile hotel in Brisbane Sophie took to Instagram to share photos from her getaway, but failed to share photos with the mystery man The pair's marriage fell apart after Sophie gave birth to a stillborn child in January. Following their tragic loss, Sophie's social media followers noticed she had stopped posting photos of Andrew on social media. Tellingly, she even scrubbed her Instagram account of pictures of them together, including their wedding photos. Sophie would later say she was the one who left her husband, not the other way around. Daily Mail Australia spied the mother-of-four sunning herself alongside a bulky tattooed male, donning a diamond ear stud The pair made no secret of their romance, having animated conversations, holding one another's hands and enjoying afternoon cocktails in the sun Dr Firgaira was first to confirm the break-up in an emotionally raw Instagram post. 'In order to remove the constant speculation I'll answer this once by saying we are no longer together,' he wrote in a comment. 'I have my reasons why and I'm not prepared to discuss this matter any further.' At the time of Sophie's stillbirth, he was on holiday in Europe with his daughters from a previous relationship. The sighting with the mystery man comes months after her marital splits from Gold Coast dentist Dr Andrew Firgaira He stressed he 'wants people to refrain' from commenting on the relationship as 'nothing positive can come from discussing it further'. Sophie had announced her engagement to Dr Firgaira in June 2022, just over two years after splitting from MAFS star Jake Edwards in May 2020. The influencer encountered serious health problems during her fifth pregnancy. In January this year, she told fans she had been diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. The couple's marriage fell apart after Sophie gave birth to a stillborn child in January While recovering from the condition in hospital, Sophie shared a post complaining about how lonely she felt without Dr Firgaira by her side. When quizzed by fans where her husband was, she said he was overseas on a long-promised European holiday with his two daughters. Sophie announced in late January her fifth child, and first with Dr Firgaira, a girl named Pixie, was stillborn. I cannot begin to articulate my pain, grief and despair through my entire soul,' she wrote in an emotional Instagram post, revealing she underwent a C-section. 'I am trying to trust in God's timing and I have always believed that the universe has my back and no matter how confusing this all feels, I am trying to make sense of this grief with my faith. 'I feel so guilty for my thoughts prior and I would do anything to have that pain, over this harrowing experience. I don't even have the words on how to write or how to comprehend this. Maybe some souls were always meant to be angels.' AFL WAG Bec Judd regularly supports her BFF Nadia Bartel at Henne runway shows. And the fashion star, 40, proved her fashion credentials yet again on Sunday - donning a Henne ensemble. Bec took to Instagram to share a clip of herself in one of Nadia's streetwear designs, wearing the Ergi Cargo Pant, worth $209. Bec paired it with the Isabella bodysuit, worth $149. The star showcased a number of looks in the clip with her pairing the pants with both heels and sneakers. AFL WAG Rebecca Judd, 40, has lent her star power to BFF Nadia Bartel by promoting a Henne ensemble on Sunday, which she shared to her Instagram stories. Pictured It comes after Bec reflected on her cultural background while speaking to Stellar at the weekend. The mother-of-four, who is soon to start on The Amazing Race, revealed she is Maori on her mother's side, with fans rarely guessing it as her heritage. 'Mum's side is Maori, so we did a lot of trips to New Zealand when we were kids,' the catwalk star told the publication. 'No-one ever guesses that I'm Maori. No-one. Ever.' Bec took to Instagram to share a clip of herself in one of Nadia's streetwear designs, wearing the Ergi Cargo Pant, worth $209. Bec paired it with the Isabella bodysuit, worth $149 Bec said her grandfather has a large farm in New Zealand, with their family regularly enjoying a hangi - a traditional way of steaming food underground. 'My pop has a big farm, and we'd have all the uncles and aunties over to have a hangi every time we went over,' she added. During Bec's wide-ranging Stellar interview, she also spoke of her working class roots to the publication. 'We didn't have much growing up and every dollar counted, so we really respected our food, our home and our belongings,' she said. Bec revealed she is part Maori during an interview with Stellar at the weekend. Here with her pop and son, Oscar Both Rebecca's mother and father, Hugh Twigley and Kerry Brown, are from New Zealand. They lived in a small cray fishing town called Leeman. The pair moved to Western Australia in the late 70s to take advantage of the mining boom, before having Rebecca and older sister, Kate. Both Rebecca's mother and father, Hugh Twigley and Kerry Brown, are from New Zealand. They lived in a small cray fishing town called Leeman. Pictured: Hugh Twigley Kerry and Hugh moved to Western Australia in the late 70s to take advantage of the mining boom, before having Rebecca and older sister, Kate. Pictured: Kerry Kerry and Hugh separated early in Bec's childhood, but remain close friends. 'When they moved, mum was 16 and Dad was 22...they were like two kids,' Rebecca previously told the Herald Sun. 'I look back and think, ''I can't believe they were ever together'',' Bec added. Bec is married to former AFL star Chris Judd and the couple have four children: Oscar, 12, Billie, nine, and twins Darcy and Tom, six. Here she goes again Lily James is back in Greece, enjoying a break with her mother. The star of the 2018 film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, which was set on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi, may well have needed to get away from it all after months of upheaval and heartbreak in her love life. James, 34, posted snaps on Instagram, showing off her figure in a bikini, tucking into watermelon and enjoying the good life with her mother, Ninette Mantle. However, the former Downton Abbey actress has been through the romance wringer recently, thanks to her on-off relationship with US musician Michael Shuman. They split up in February after two years together, reportedly leaving her distraught. Side by side: Here she goes again Lily James is back in Greece, enjoying a break with her mother, Ninette Mantle Don't mind me: James posted snaps on Instagram, showing off her figure in a bikini, tucking into watermelon and enjoying the good life But the couple are thought to have reconciled in June after James was seen cheering on the Queens Of The Stone Age bassist, 38, at Glastonbury. A source told The Mirror: Lily and Mikey have always adored each other and have lots of fun together. Time apart has made them realise how much they missed each other and now theyre picking up where they left off. 'They looked close at Glasto. Neither is putting any pressure on it theyre just seeing how it goes. Jamess Greek odyssey isnt her first holiday without Shuman since they got back together. Last month she flew off with friends, including model Poppy Delevingne, to a spa in Alicante, Spain, writing on social media: A week to remember beyond grateful. Hannah Montana star Mitchel Musso is in trouble with the law. The 32-year-old actor, who starred alongside Miley Cyrus in the long-running Disney show for five years, was arrested in Texas on Saturday. The former child actor was charged with public drunkenness and theft in his hometown of Rockwall, according to TMZ. The outlet reported law enforcement officers were called to a motel there, where The Rise actor was allegedly acting 'belligerent' and had reportedly stolen a bag of chips from the market. Musso has been released on $1,000 bond. Arrested: Hannah Montana star Mitchel Musso, 32, was arrested in Texas for public drunkenness and theft in his hometown of Rockwall, TX. He has been released on $1,000 bond The award winning star is best known for his role as Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana. He also provided he voice of Jeremy on the animated series Phineas and Ferb. Musso starred as King Brady in the Disney XD show Pair of Kings. The actor has not had a run-in with the law in more than a decade. He was arrested for driving under the influence in 2011 in Burbank in 2011. The Bachelor Lions star avoided a six month sentence by pleading 'no contest' to the charges. He was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation. The sentence also required him to attend alcohol education classes and pay a fine. Musso does not have a strong social media presence. Disney star: The actor is best known for his role as Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana for five years. Seen here with Emily Osment and Miley Cyrus Plea deal: Musso was arrested for driving under the influence in 2011 in Burbank in 2011. He avoided a six month sentence by pleading 'no contest' to the charges. He was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation, alcohol education classes and a fine (Pictured in Los Angeles in January 2012) In a posting from December 2021, he shared some before and after photos writing, 'The one on the left I was 119 pounds sick depressed and broken. The photo on the right is me today 160 pounds mentally and physically rebuilt stronger than I was before.' Miley Cyrus recently revealed she sought help through therapy to deal with criticism she received as a child star. 'When I look back at the criticism I received as a child, it has only been these last few years that I have understood just how wrong that was,' she told The Sun on Sunday. 'I am a great believer in therapy to help heal painful memories and I am in a good place - but the reality is, it should never have happened!' The Woman In The Wall Rating: Midsomer Murders Rating: Happy Halloween! It comes around quicker every year... and this time, on the eve of the pagan festival known as Ye August Banke Holyday. A tale of ghosts, banshees, haunted houses and buried memories, The Woman In The Wall (BBC1) has the flavour of a waking nightmare, where nothing seems quite real and anything is possible. Veering from Irish stereotypes to creepy Gothic, this six-part drama (continuing tonight) often resembles a collaboration between Graham Norton and Stephen King. There's sudden death a priest dead in his hallway, a woman who might be a former nun crammed into a wall cavity and a sense of lurking violence with knives, scissors and axes. All this is the familiar stuff of horror movies. But the story also edges constantly into the surreal. The opening aerial shot finds Lorna (Ruth Wilson) unconscious in the middle of a country lane in west Ireland, being nuzzled by cows. The Woman In The Wall (BBC1) has the flavour of a waking nightmare, where nothing seems quite real and anything is possible When she jerks awake, she seems barely surprised to be asleep in her nightdress, miles from anywhere: this apparently is a regular occurence. Other moments tip over into physical comedy. When Lorna stabs a picture of Jesus, she bursts a waterpipe behind the painting and gets a soaking. Competent lass that she is, she grabs a blowtorch and uses it both to fix the leak and light her ciggie. The next time she blacks out, she's gatecrashing a hen do at a pub, and awakes with a pair of plastic devil's horns on her head... and a corpse in the closet. After a fight in a graveyard with a statue of the Virgin Mary, Lorna is well known to the local police sergeant, Aidan Massey (Simon Delaney). He knows everyone on his patch, of course, every bit of gossip and folklore. When Dublin detective Colman Akande (Daryl McCormack) arrives, investigating the murder of priest Father Percy, he discovers some of the locals are delighted at the news. Sgt Massey refuses to believe that anyone in his 'boring little town' of Kilkinure could commit a serious crime... and that if they did, the best thing would be never to talk about it. Lorna, meanwhile, is sleepwalking the streets with a can of petrol and a lighter, looking for evidence of murder to destroy. Wilson plays that scene to perfection, walking in a zombie shuffle like a puppet with one broken string and a maniacal grin. When an explosion wakes her, she looks genuinely terrified. It's a measure of her excellence that, though Lorna is always aggressive and often unpleasant, she never loses our sympathy. Beneath the layers of strangeness and slapstick, there's a serious theme. Like many of the women in this small town, Ruth is a survivor of the Magdalene Laundries, the workhouses where unmarried mothers and girls judged to be 'wayward' were incarcerated and abused for decades. There was slapstick amid the Hammer horror motifs in Midsomer Murders (ITV1), too. DS Winter (Nick Hendrix) got a bucket of water full in the face from Tracy-Ann Oberman as a village witch. When Winter first spotted Holly and pointed her out to his boss as 'the Queen of Daytime,' our hero was sceptical The real star, though, was Holly Willoughby, who dropped in to help release a couple of beavers into the wild, and spent all her scenes flirting with the smitten DS Winter Colin Salmon played a swindler pretending to be a psychic, and Janine Duvitski was the stage medium channelling messages from the recently dead. She must be kept rather busy in Midsomer. The real star, though, was Holly Willoughby, who dropped in to help release a couple of beavers into the wild, and spent all her scenes flirting with the smitten DS Winter. Her charms were lost on DCI Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon). When Winter first spotted Holly and pointed her out to his boss as 'the Queen of Daytime,' our hero was sceptical. 'Are you sure?' scoffed Barnaby. 'Gloria Hunniford?' Coronation Street's Sally Ann Matthews has revealed her two adult sons are left mortified by her soap character's saucy on screen shenanigans. The actress, 52, who first played Jenny Connor back in 1986, admitted the pair can't bare to see their mum locking lips with co-stars. Jenny, shares sons James, 24, and Louis, 22 with husband Nicholas Rhodes told The Mirror: 'They always seem to walk through the room just when Jenny is about to snog somebody or be suggestive'. 'Theyll just be passing through and they hear my voice on screen and turn round and look and then say: "Jesus, mother! and turn round and walk out!"'. Having returned to the soap in 2015 following a 23 year break, her character has enjoyed passionate scenes with late husband Jonny Connor (Richard Hawley), Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) and more recently killer Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce). Embarrassing: Coronation Street's Sally Ann Matthews has revealed her two adult sons are left mortified by her soap character's saucy on screen shenanigans (pictured with youngest son Louis) Smooch: The actress, 52, who first played Jenny Connor back in 1986, admitted the pair can't bare to see their mum locking lips with her co-stars (pictured with co-star Todd Boyce) Praising the storylines she said: Its really important to show older women in a positive light and show them having passionate relationships Im all for that. Just because youve had kids or youre a certain age doesnt mean that road is closed off to you'. It comes after Coronation Street fans have complained Claire Sweeney has been miscast as new character Cassie Plummer. The actress, 52, was introduced this year as the long-lost drug-addicted mother of fan favourite Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall). Tyrone was stunned when he learned his mum was alive after years believing she was dead from a drug overdose, and furiously confronted his grandmother Evelyn (Maureen Lipman) for lying about her existence. Cassie returned to Weatherfield, determined to get clean so she could reconnect with her son, leading Tyrone and Evelyn to believe she'd beaten her drug addiction. Insisting she'd been clean for months, Cassie did her best to isolate Tyrone away from Evelyn, and insisted she come and stay with him. But as Cassie enjoyed dinner with Tyrone in his living room, viewers learned that she was hiding an explosive secret. Opening her bag, it was revealed that Cassie was hiding a box of nerve pain medication pregabalin, the exact drug she claimed she'd given up. Family: Jenny, who shares sons James, 24 (C) and Louis, 22 with husband Nicholas Rhodes (R) said: 'They always seem to walk through the room just when Jenny is about to snog somebody or be suggestive' Loved up: Having returned to the soap in 2015 following a 23 year break, her character has enjoyed passionate scenes with late husband Jonny Connor (Richard Hawley), Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell, pictured) and more recently killer Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce). Throwback: She first joined the soap as a teen in 1986 (pictured) before leaving in 1991 and returning 23-years later However, viewers have criticised the storyline, saying that Claire looks far too glamorous to play a drug addict convincingly. One took to Twitter to write: 'I cant take to Claire sweeny as Tyrones mum, for a start shes meant to be a junkie but with perfect nails, perfect eyebrows and Botox this isnt a part shes meant to play'. Another added: 'Cassie as Tyrone's long lost junkie Mum just isn't working. The perfect shellac nails, botoxed forehead, blindingly white teeth and the immaculate ombre eyebrows don't fit the modus operandi'. A third agreed, writing: 'Get rid of her, ridiculous storyline and what everyone is sayingher teeth are too white for a druggy'. A fourth echoed: 'And a botoxed forehead and Ombre brow shaping to go with the gleaming white perfect teeth! 'When she was in hospital she had a perfect manicure too! I've never seen a meth head like that before.' While a fifth chimed in: 'A smack head with a full set of veneers. Get real. She would be toothless. And the Botox.' Jordana Brewster revealed that she has a surprise for husband Mason Morfit for their upcoming first wedding anniversary. The 43-year-old actress and Mason got married on September 3, 2022, at Villa Sevillano in Carpinteria, California and she told People on Saturday about her plans while attending This Is About Humanity's star-studded event in Los Angeles. 'I'm working on a really special gift for [Mason], which of course I won't divulge. Hopefully, he won't be disappointed,' Jordana said. The Fast & Furious franchise star shared that they planned on traveling to a special place to celebrate. 'We are going back to the spot where we had our honeymoon,' Jordana revealed. Upcoming anniversary: Jordana Brewster, shown on Saturday in Los Angeles, revealed that she has a surprise for husband Mason Morfit for their upcoming first wedding anniversary Jordana also gushed about being married to Mason. 'It feels as great as the day we got married,' she said. 'And it also feels like it went by in a second, and that we've also accomplished so much in a year.' The actress and ValueAct Capital CEO were romantically linked in July 2020, but first met when they were both married to other people. They reconnected short after Jordana and ex-husband Andrew Form, 54, decided to separate after 13 years of marriage. Jordana and Andrew have sons Julian, nine, and Rowan, seven, together. The Panama native took to Instagram in September 2021 to announce their engagement with a selfie of the couple on a Montecito beach. 'JB soon to be JBM,' she wrote along with red heart emojis. Jordana filed for divorce from Andrew in mid-2020 and the divorce was finalized in June 2021. Going strong: Mason Morfit and Jordana, shown in November 2021 in West Hollywood, California, got married in September 2022 in Carpinteria, California Former couple: Andrew Form and ex-wife Jordana are shown in May 2016 in New York City with their son Julian Franchise star: Jordana is shown in a still from the 2009 film Fast and Furious 4 as Mia Toretto Andrew and Jordana met on the set of the 2006 movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning that he produced and she starred in. They announced their engagement in November 2006 and were married in the Bahamas in May 2007. Jordana is best known for her portrayal of Mia Toretto in the Fast and Furious film franchise and has been part of it since the 'The Fast and the Furious' premiered back in 2001. She last played the character in Fast X, the 10th installment, that was released in May by Universal Pictures. The film also starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, John Cena and Nathalie Emmanuel made $719 million worldwide. A sequel is in the works and scheduled to be released in 2025. The Block star Leslie Cottone will flee the build after failing to cope with the 'nastiness and b***hing' on the set of the show. According to a New Idea report on Monday, the mother-of-two struggles to cope with the hyper-competitiveness of the show. The star then heads to Perth to spend time with her two children, Luca, 11, and Archer, seven, before attending a family wedding. 'Leslie and Kyle can't stand all the meanness and b***hing that's going on,' a source told the publication. 'This is not the type of show they signed-up for. They came here to build a house not tear down other people,' they added. The Block star Leslie Cottone, 34, flees the show and heads to Perth for a wedding after dealing with 'meanness' on set, according to a report in New Idea on Monday. Pictured Leslie is glad to get the reprieve with her able to see her children. However, the insider did say the trip was planned in advance. The block team have been dubbed 'Team Switzerland' due to how neutral they have attempted to be with the other teams. The comments follow other co-stars, including Liberty and Eliza, who have also slammed the 'meanness' on the show. 'Leslie and Kyle can't stand all the meanness and b***hing that's going on,' a source told the publication this week. The pair have been dubbed 'Team Switzerland' The pair spoke during a radio interview on KIIS 101.1's Jase & Lauren last week. 'You'll already sense an undertone of a mean girl culture between a couple of people. That unfortunately intensifies to the point where it comes to a head,' they confessed. 'There are so many shattered relationships. I think the real struggle is that Leah and Kristy from House 2 and 3 formed this clique and it was mean. So the rest of us are wounded,' they added. 'This is not the type of show they signed-up for. They came here to build a house not tear down other people,' the insider added of the intensity of the filming. Pictured At the very least, Leslie and Kyle are set for a payday. The price guides for the Charming Street properties, located in in Melbourne's Hampton East, have been revealed by Domain. House 1, being renovated by Kyle and Leslie, comes in at a price guide of between $2.5 million to $2.75 million. Lachlan Spark has announced his engagement to Courtney Wynbergen, just weeks after his ex, KIIS FM star Lauren Phillips revealed she's set to tie the knot. Lachlan shared the news via Instagram with him thanking friends and followers for their support of the couple taking the next step. 'A very big thank you to everyone who has called and messaged to congratulate us on the engagey,' he began. 'Courtney and I are feeling very loved, and exceptionally grateful for the kindness.' The pair look to be holidaying in Italy, with Lachlan then sharing a joke about the luxurious trip the pair are on. Lauren Phillips' ex Lachlan Spark announced his engagement to Courtney Wynbergen, just weeks after her she revealed she's set to walk down the aisle again. Pictured 'I'm also feeling quite chonky and sunburnt and exceptionally grateful for morning beers and mozzarella balls. Now that's Amore,' he finished. Ex-wife Lauren announced her engagement to Paul O'Brien on her radio show in July, telling her co-host Jase Hawkins about their surprise proposal in Mykonos. 'We went to Europe for the holidays. We had a few days in Rome just the two of us and I thought if he was going to propose, it would've been the two of us,' she began. Ex-wife Lauren announced her engagement to Paul O'Brien on her radio show in July, telling her co-host Jase Hawkins about their surprise proposal in Mykonos. Pictured 'Then we went to Mykonos and met up with all of our friends and turns out I was the only person who didn't know about it. He proposed in front of all our friends. I had no idea and then next minute he was down on one knee.' O'Brien runs high-end aviation charter group AVMIN and has several celebrity clients, including Matt Damon, his wife Luciana Barroso, Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky. The notoriously private couple have been dating since early 2020 and now live together in Byron Bay. Lauren and Lachlan had a trainwreck marriage with the pair tying-the-knot in 2018, only to split are just one year. Pictured March, 2017 Lauren started dating Paul while she was living in Melbourne at the start of the Covid pandemic in early 2020. Lauren and Lachlan had a trainwreck marriage with the pair tying the knot in 2018, only to split after just one year. The couple were together for seven years before a bitter split saw them take digs at each other in public. Following their break-up, Lachlan accused Lauren of 'caring more about herself' during their relationship and said he'd wasted years of his life with the wrong person. Lauren countered by saying she was 'proud' of how she handled the break-up - a not-so-subtle swipe at Lachlan for criticising her publicly. Emily Ratajkowski flaunted her toned abs in a tiny pair of shorts and a white bralette in her latest TikTok video. The 32-year-old shook her hips to Jungle's hit song Back On 74 as she strutted her stuff in front of her full-length mirror. Although the supermodel debuted radiant red locks recently, her hair appeared to be reverting back to its natural chestnut brown shade in the dance video that she shared for her millions of followers. The My Body author went barefoot in the video, holding her phone up to the mirror to capture her smooth dance moves. She sported a fresh tan in the video, which enhanced her chiseled muscles. Bronzed beauty: Emily Ratajkowski danced around in tiny shorts and a white bralette in her latest TikTok video; seen Sunday Legs for days: The mother of one showed off her long legs in the dance video, as she jammed to music in front of a messy bed The leggy social media influencer has spent the summer partying, and celebrating her son Sylvester's second birthday. However, life hasn't been all fun and games for the High Low With EmRata podcast host, who has also been diligently flaunting the latest looks from her Inamorata fashion line for her fans. The London-born beauty also posed for the Victoria's Secret icon campaign earlier in August, alongside other models like Hailey Bieber and Gisele Bundchen. Not one to stop there, the statuesque beauty also flaunted her 24 inch waistline on a coastal vacation one year after she divorced her ex-husband, Sebastian Bear-McClard. The model who was also spotted kissing British pop star Harry Styles earlier this summer spoke to PopSugar about her excitement about modeling for the new era of Victoria's Secret. 'It's exciting to be a part of the evolution of VS and to work with their very lovely team,' the dedicated feminist told the outlet. She added, 'I especially like the art direction behind this particular project. The women look so beautiful and strong in these portraits.' Emily noted that she had never actually worked with the iconic lingerie brand prior to the Icons campaign. However, the Gone Girl star said, 'I think the casting is unique and represents such a beautiful range of strong women.' Barefoot and beautiful: The podcast host displayed impressive dance skills in her TikTok video It's all a blur: The Victoria's Secret Icon campaign model showed off her svelte figure in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom Dancing queen: The muscular model pulled down her shorts in the dancing video as she effortlessly moved her hips to the beat Groovy girl: The slim supermodel has a penchant for showing off her figure in skimpy bikinis If you've got it, flaunt it: The memoirist also showed off her trim figure one year after the anniversary of her divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard Known for her skimpy styles and lack of fear when it comes to baring it all in ensembles, Emily added in the interview that, 'I've always loved incorporating lingerie and swimwear into my wardrobe.' 'I'm happy to see that we are moving toward a less judgmental attitude toward women and the way they want to dress,' the Entourage star noted. In EmRata's eyes, the single star said that sex appeal has no gender. 'You can show me the most objectively handsome man [or woman], but if he [or she] doesn't like [themselves] there is no sexiness,' she added. They are known for their outrageous antics. And social media stars Bread Gang did not disappoint their thousands of followers this week after posting another sensational video to their You Tube channel. Bread Gang, made up of DJs Cam and Juzzy, can be seen in the clip sneaking into the Creamfields North festival in the U.K., one of the biggest electro-dance events in Europe. To gain entry Cam and Juzzy, together with two other friends, can been seen sliding under fences to evade security. The audacious YouTubers eventually made it into the festival via an underground tunnel, built beside a creek. At one point the mates can be seen stripping to their under wear before crawling on their hand and knees through water to make it inside the sold-out festival. They finally gained access to the festival site by entering the temporary boundary wall via an unlocked gate. After finally making it inside, Juzzy announced it was the third festival the Bread Gang team managed to sneak into in the last few months. During the video Cam announced it was his birthday and asked followers to send their best wishes in the comment section. Some 18,074 fans have logged on to watch the video since it was posted on Sunday. Earlier this month the Bread Gang posted videos of how they managed to sneak into two other music festivals this month including the Boomtown event in the U.K. and the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium. Australian DJs Bread Gang have loaded a clip to You Tube showing how they managed to sneak into the sold-out electro music feastival Creamfilds North in the UK over the weekend The audacious YouTubers evaded security and eventually made it into the festival via an underground tunnel, built beside a creek (pictured) Pictured: In a scene from the clip one of the Bread Gang members looks for a way inside the festival. Some 18,074 fans have logged on to watch the video since it was posted on Sunday Earlier this month the Bread Gang posted videos of how they managed to sneak into two other music festivals this recently including the Boomtown event and the Tomorrowland festival Meanwhile, Creamfields attracted 70,000 fans with top tickets worth up to 410 (AU$800) for music lovers willing to camp out across four days for the event. Juzzy previously said in an interview how much the boys love music festivals - with the pair sometimes playing sets for crowds. 'We love festivals. Always have always will! There's just something about a large gathering of people coming together to sing and dance. Being on stage to control the vibe is just that cherry on top!' he told Music Festivals Australia. He also told their followers to go out and live their best lives while they can. 'We don't feel any weight to act a certain way or send a certain message. What you see is what you get, we're young, we're having a good time and that's all we're focused on! Life is for the living, if we have a message for anybody it's you'll be dead soon - go live your life!' Indy Clinton has revealed her recent terrifying health scare on social media. The pregnant influencer, 26, posted a story to her Instagram on Monday sharing details with her followers. Over a picture of herself in an elevator, Indy wrote 'Last night I had a bleed.' 'Woke up to blood all in the bed, which was scary. I had to come in [to the hospital] and check baby.' However Indy revealed that the baby was doing well and the issue involved her placenta. Indy Clinton (pictured) has shared a harrowing health scare on social media. The pregnant Australian influencer, 26, posted a story to her Instagram on Monday with details 'Baby's heartbeat is good but the bleed is from my placenta previa. I could be here every week bleeding, or once a month,' she said. In the same story, the Sydney-based influencer also updated her fans about how she will be delivering the baby. 'I got told on Friday I have a grade 4 placenta previa. So my placenta is covering my entire cervix, which means I'll need a C-section when the time comes. Devo about that,' she said. Indy revealed that the baby was thankfully doing well and the issue involved her placenta. 'Baby's heartbeat is good but the bleed is from my placenta previa,' she said In the same story, the Sydney -based influencer also updated her fans about how she will be delivering the baby Clinton announced she was pregnant with husband Ben Azar earlier this year with a TikTok video. In the clip, the young mother cradled her baby bump in a long knitted white dress as she posed on the beach. Friends and followers of the mother jumped to the comments to congratulate her. One person wrote: 'KEEPING UP WITH CLINTON!!! Congratulations gorg'. While another said: 'This is EVERYTHING'. And a third commented: 'SORRY WHAT???? omg congratulations'. The unborn infant is her third child, and she recently celebrated with a gender reveal party, popping a large black balloon to reveal pink confetti on Instagram. The couple were joined by their two-year-old son Navy and eight-month-old daughter Bambi as they gasped in excitement. Indy and Ben shared a kiss after discovering the gender of their unborn child as Navy threw confetti in the air. Kevin Costner returned to Santa Barbara on Sunday in a lavish private jet as his ex, Christine Baumgartner, requests an increase of $175k-a-month in child support amid bitter divorce battle. The Yellowstone star, 68, who enjoyed a short getaway to Glasgow earlier this week, has been wrapped up in divorce proceedings after his estranged wife filed for divorce on May 1. The Oscar winner dressed down for the busy day of travel and was seen sporting a pair of black, loose-fitting sweatpants as well as a black jacket. He added a white shirt underneath and slipped into a pair of black and white-colored sneakers to stay comfortable. The actor threw on a pair of black shades to protect his eyes from the bright, California sunshine and was seen retrieving his luggage from the plane. Back in California: Kevin Costner, 68, returned to Santa Barbara on Sunday in a lavish private jet as his ex, Christine Baumgartner, 49, demands an increase of $175k-a-month in child support amid bitter divorce battle On the go: After retrieving his suitcases from the private jet, the Oscar winner was seen stepping into the passenger side of a sleek, white Land Rover Defender SUV After retrieving his suitcases from the private jet, Kevin was seen stepping into the passenger side of a sleek, white Land Rover Defender SUV. During his trip to Glasgow, Costner was seen stepping out for a stroll in the city and was joined by fellow actor, David O'Hara. The star held a cheerful smile on his face while enjoying the time abroad, and while making his way through a crowded sidewalk, Kevin explained, 'It's perfect here. We are here scoring a movie.' However, the actor has now returned to Santa Barbara, where his luxurious $145 million mansion is also located. His latest trip comes shortly after his ex, Christine, demanded that the actor up his child support payments from $129,755 to $175,057 a month to fund their children's lifestyles. The former couple share Cayden 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13 and TMZ reported Baumgartner has filed legal documents asking the court to reconsider the payments so the children can 'enjoy the same lifestyle with both parents' and after learning how much money Costner has earned. Baumgartner initially requested a monthly child support total of $248,000, which Costner said he was opposed to in June before she was awarded $129,755 a month. Baumgartner stated in the documents how the children live in a beach compound- worth between $65million-$95million with Costner and fly private with the actor on vacations. Keeping it casual: The star dressed down for the busy day of travel and was seen sporting a pair of black, loose-fitting sweatpants as well as a black jacket Staying comfortable: He added a white shirt underneath and slipped into a pair of black and white-colored sneakers to stay comfortable Busy day: Kevin threw on a pair of black shades to protect his eyes from the bright, California sunshine and was seen retrieving his luggage from the plane Working hard: The star held a cheerful smile on his face while enjoying the time abroad, and while making his way through a crowded sidewalk, Kevin explained, 'It's perfect here. We are here scoring a movie' Divorce: The Yellowstone actor has been wrapped up in divorce proceedings after his estranged wife filed for divorce from the star on May 1 She said the actor needs to pay more child support 'so that the children can go on comparable vacations when they are with her. This is true even if the child support payments also improve Christine's lifestyle' - which she says is the standard required by California family code. She added the higher amount 'will not be sufficient to replicate Kevin's lifestyle, but it will be sufficient to allow her to provide a lifestyle for the children which is relatively comparable.' Baumgartner claims Kevin's average cash flow for the past two years was $19,248,467 per year, which works out at $1.6 million each month. She also claims he made $11million from Yellowstone season 4, $10million for season 5 and is scheduled to make $12million from upcoming film Horizon. She said he will make another $12million for the film's sequel. Baumgartner is currently living in a temporary rental in Montecito for $40,000 a month and said in the documents: 'Unlike Kevin's Beach Club Compound, the September rental is on the mountain side of the freeway. It does not have beach front access, nor is it walking distance to the beach, and has no scenic view.' This comes after Costner claimed he 'does not know for a fact' if his estranged wife, Baumgartner, had 'extramarital' affairs but stated that he had been faithful during their marriage. The Yellowstone actor also recently claimed that his ex is deliberately trying to 'delay' their divorce. In a new legal request for order obtained by People, the mother of three has asked for further documentation to prove Costner's finances. Child support increase: His latest trip comes shortly after his ex, Christine, demanded that the actor up his child support payments from $129,755 a month to $175,057 a month to fund their children's lifestyles; former couple seen in February 2022 Family: The former couple share Cayden 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13 and TMZ reported Baumgartner has filed legal documents asking the court to reconsider the payments; seen in 2019 Some of the requests included, 'expenses paid by you, or any person at your request or on your behalf, relating to any extramarital romantic relationships.' In response, the star's legal team stated that the request is, 'propounded only for purposes of harassment, is overbroad as to time period and subject matter, burdensome, oppressive and impermissibly compound.' His lawyers further stated that Christine and her attorneys' request is 'not relevant to the subject matter' because 'there is no community property' between the former couple in regards to their separation. Costner and his team also added that he 'does not know for a fact if [Christine] engaged in any "extramarital romantic relationships" before separation and, if so, whether she spent any of his money or charged any expenses in furtherance of her affair(s) on credit cards he paid.' The star's attorneys stated, '[Kevin] has no responsive documents for "extramarital romantic relationships" in which he engaged because he engaged in none.' According to the outlet, New York matrimonial and family law attorney, Marilyn B. Chinitz, explained that Christine's request is 'not unusual.' But added that, 'The request for "expenses paid relating to any extramarital romantic relationships" should be stricken as irrelevant and harassing and represents nothing more than a fishing expedition.' The Dances With Wolves actor and the handbag designer initially tied the knot in 2004 in Aspen, Colorado. But in May, after nearly 19 years of marriage, Christine filed for divorce, leaving the Hollywood star reportedly 'blindsided' and came as an 'unpleasant surprise,' a source told People at the time. Comparable 'lifestyle': She added the higher amount 'will not be sufficient to replicate Kevin's lifestyle, but it will be sufficient to allow her to provide a lifestyle for the children which is relatively comparable'; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles 'Extramarital' affairs: This comes after Costner claimed he 'does not know for a fact' if his estranged wife, Baumgartner, had 'extramarital' affairs but stated that he had been faithful during their marriage; seen in 2013 in Paris Their divorce quickly turned nasty and his estranged wife made recent claims that Kevin has been 'withholding' his financial records over his $400million fortune amid their divorce. The designer said in legal docs filed in California Superior Court Monday that the Academy Award-winning actor has withheld documents in the case, People reported Wednesday after reviewing legal documents. Earlier this month on August 19, both Kevin and Christine were separately spotted out in Santa Barbara, California to give depositions amid their ongoing divorce battle. Christine has moved out of their $145 million mansion after she was ordered to vacate the estate by the end of July and has since been residing in a temporary house in Santa Barbara. Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West, 10, traveled in style for their long trip to Japan. And upon their return back to the U.S. the mother-daughter tandem flaunted their family wealth by disembarking from her $150 million private jet carrying expensive designer bags. The reality star and entrepreneur led the way off the plane looking super stylish in all-black and paired a corset top with relaxed black pants. With her dark tresses pulled back off her face and into a ponytail in a wet look, the mother of four appeared to be clutching a Hermes Kelly Crocodile Bag that can retail for over $100,000. The fashionista also wore comfortable black sandals, oversized dark sunglasses, while also deciding to show off her natural beauty with no makeup. Posh life: Kim Kardashian, 42, and daughter North West, 10, were both carrying expensive designer bags when they disembarked the reality star's $150 million private jet While not nearly as expensive as her mother's bag, North could be seen carrying an extremely sought after Louis Vuitton Takashi Murakami Cherry Duffle Bag said to be worth about $7,900. For their travel day the glowing little girl opted for a casual ensemble in the fashion department dressed in patched up blue jeans and an oversized red Chicago Bulls t-shirt. Like her mother, North also donned a pair of comfortable black sandals, and had her dark tresses pulled back tight into a ponytail. As they were walking off the plane, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians leading lady stopped to have a chat with the pilot who greeted her after the long flight. The two then continued their conversation for a few moments as they walked side-by-side. The oldest of her four children kept close behind her mother from the time they started deboarding the plane, through the airport, until they reached their awaiting car. As the duo began to take notice of the adoring photographers, North began to mug for the cameras, all while flashing a number of peace signs. Just before getting into their vehicle, the very personable youngster lifted her left leg, while tilting her head to the side, and dropped one last peace sign, all while offering up a big beaming smile. Chic: The Los Angeles native led the way off the plane in a stylish all-black outfit Casual: The oldest of her and Kanye West's four children followed close behind her mother With her dark tresses pulled back off her face and into a ponytail in a wet look, the mother of four appeared to be clutching a Hermes Kelly bag that can retail from $60,000 to over $100,000 Catching up: As they were walking off the plane, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians leading lady stopped to have a chat with the pilot who greeted her after the long flight On th move: The mother-daughter tandem made their way towards their awaiting car Expensive tastes: North could be seen carrying an extremely sought after Louis Vuitton Takashi Murakami Cherry Duffle Bag said to be worth about $7,900 Working it: Just before getting into their vehicle, the very youngster lifted her left leg, tilted her head to the side, and dropped one last peace sign, while carrying the designer bag During their visit to Japan, the Skims founder did plenty of shopping, which included a stop to Chanel where she picked up a pink quilted Chanel handbag that sells for $8,650 and a vintage Chanel choker wrapped around the purse's handle 'OMG best shopping in Japan. I'm in my Barbie bag at @vintage_ecoland,' the excited Los Angeles native caption her Instagram post where she showed off some of her new purchases. The necklace is said to be from the 1995 runway and appears to be the exact piece that was worn by Margot Robbie in the movie, Barbie. A similar necklace from the French fashion house retails online at $12,500. Fit check: The pre-teen uploaded another Fit check clip to the joint TikTok account that she shares with her famous mom Socializing: The 10-year-old shared the clip, which includes the mother-daughter duo and North's friend showing off their outfits for the day. Fasgion cFor their latest looks, North cane be seen wearing long blue jean shorts and a black t-sheck: hirt with white sneakers, while mom sported cream-colored cargo pants with a matching crop top that showcased her toned midriff The pre-teen uploaded another Fit check clip to the joint TikTok account that she shares with her famous mom. The 10-year-old shared the clip, which includes the mother-daughter duo and North's friend showing off their outfits for the day, as she imitates her mother's puckered lips look. Kim and North have been sharing glimpses of their trip to Tokyo, Japan while living it up on the luxury vacation. For their latest looks, North cane be seen wearing long blue jean shorts and a black t-shirt with white sneakers, while mom sported cream-colored cargo pants with a matching crop top that showcased her toned midriff. Along with North, Kim Kardashian and ex-Kanye West are also parents to sons Saint, seven, and Psalm, four, and daughter Chicago, five. Just over nine months after her husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss passed away, his widow Allison Holker has started dancing once again. Boss was just 40 years of age when he took his own life in mid-December 2022, just days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with Holker, who made headlines earlier this month for taking her kids to Disneyland. Holker, 35, took to Instagram and TikTok on Sunday, sharing a video of her dancing to Missy Elliot's Pass That Dutch with Brittany Russell. 'Truly felt so good to dance again. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. I was both scared and excited,' Holker said. 'But dance has always been there for me even now and I am so grateful for that,' she added. Dancing again: Just over nine months after her husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss passed away, his widow Allison Holker has started dancing once again Holker also thanked Russell, 'for making it so fun and making me feel safe' in the post, which racked up 476K likes. She also took to her Instagram story and shared the video, with the caption, 'Cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for the love and support you have all shown me. Thank you.' Earlier this month, Holker treated her kids - Weslie, 15, Maddox, seven, and Zaia, three - to a trip to Disneyland. Allison cut a casual figure in a sleeveless white crop top, adding denim bottoms with vintage inspired sunglasses. The star pulled her blonde tresses back into a casual bun, opting for minimal makeup - highlighting her stunning natural beauty. The group also posed with Mickey Mouse inside Town Square Theater; one snap showed Zaia beaming as she spent time with Mickey Mouse. Allison and Stephen married in 2013, welcoming Maddox in 2016 and Zaia in 2019; Stephen adopted Allison's daughter Weslie from a previous relationship after they wed. On December 13, 2022, Stephen 'Twitch' Boss was found dead in a motel room in Encino, California. He was 40 years old. Fun: Holker also thanked Russell, 'for making it so fun and making me feel safe' in the post, which racked up 476K likes Love and support: She also took to her Instagram story and shared the video, with the caption, 'Cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for the love and support you have all shown me. Thank you' Trip: Earlier this month, Holker treated her kids - Weslie, 15, Maddox, seven, and Zaia, three - to a trip to Disneyland His death was ruled a suicide by a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. In May, Allison spoke out about Stephen's passing, in an interview with People magazine. The So You Think You Can Dance star said 'No one had any inkling that he was low. He didn't want people to know,' adding that 'he just wanted to be everyone's Superman and protector.' She recalled: 'Stephen would hold my back every time I walked past him. We'd have so many random conversations, and there was so much laughter.' 'Our love was so real and so loud. We always told people our house was like a choreographed dance,' she added. Sydney nightclub king Julian Tobias has called time on his relationship with 18-year-old influencer Paris Ow-Yang, just two months after they began dating. Sources close to the pair told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that Tobias, 44, ended things with Paris shortly after they returned home from an overseas holiday. An insider said the relationship was destined to fail as the pair had nothing in common. 'He knew this relationship wasn't going to last. He never should have gotten involved with such a young, impressionable girl,' they said. Meanwhile, Paris took to Instagram last week and posted a provocative photo of a towel over her crotch and cryptically wrote, 'I loved you', next to it. Sydney nightclub king Julian Tobias (pictured) has called time on his relationship with 18-year-old influencer Paris Ow-Yang, just two months after they began dating Sources close to the pair told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that Tobias, 44, ended things with Paris (pictured) shortly after they returned home from an overseas holiday Many of her followers were quick to notice she wrote 'love' in the past tense and asked the TikTok star if everything was all right. 'Are you okay Paris? You deserve so much better,' one concerned fan wrote, while another added: 'Cheer up beautiful'. Paris was quick to thank her fans for their outpouring of support, and promised them she would be 'better soon'. Back in June, Paris stunned her followers after revealing Tobias was almost the same age as her father. Paris, a TikToker-turned-OnlyFans creator who goes by the name Ppwang, revealed on the Pnclads podcast, her neurosurgeon father is just two years older than Tobias. Ow-Yang went on to say she met Tobias at a restaurant in Sydney when she was 17-years-old. Paris took to Instagram last week and posted a provocative photo of a towel over her crotch and cryptically wrote, 'I loved you', next to it Tobias, a nightclub proprietor who runs popular Sydney Harbour venue The Island and Potts Point disco Sussudio, was sighted around town with Paris. Tobias, who opened his first Sydney bar in 2009, has established a reputation for dating a succession of stunning, high-profile women over the years. His most significant relationship to date was Charlotte Coquelin with whom he said to be engaged to for five years before the French model packed her bags and moved back to Paris in 2021. Ow-Yang, meanwhile, has a significant presence on OnlyFans, attracting 40,000 views per post on the subscription adults-only content site. Maya Jama and Stormzy finally ended months of speculation by revealing they've rekindled their romance on Sunday, stepping out together hand-in-hand during a holiday in Greece. The couple previously split in 2019 after four years together, but for months have sparked rumours of a reconciliation. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Maya and Stormzy had jetted to Greece together to celebrate the Love Island host's birthday, with both sharing social media posts from the same 2,700-per-night Greek villa. But, for weeks the pair had dropped hints that their relationship was back on, with festival meet-ups and cosy rendezvous at his house. So, as Maya and Jama finally confirm they're back together, MailOnline takes a look at all the signs that they'd rekindled their romance... A friendly concert hug At last! As Maya Jama and Stormzy finally confirm they're back together here are all the signs that hinted they've secretly rekindled their romance Close: Back in November, Stormzy and Maya were seen sharing a friendly hug after meeting up Kendrick Lamar's concert Back in November, Stormzy and Maya were seen sharing a friendly hug after meeting up Kendrick Lamar's concert. Onlookers told how the pair later stood next to each other in the VIP area, enjoying each other's company as they watched the US superstar. The onlooker said: 'Stormzy approached the VIP area in good spirits, looking cool with his hoodie over his head. 'As soon as he saw Maya he approached her and they embraced, proving there is no bad blood between them. 'After sharing a hug, Stormzy rejoined his party before returning to the VIP area later in the gig where Maya was standing. 'They were seen laughing, joking and dancing together. It was like old times.' Kissing at awards bash Exes: Maya and Stormzy were also seen sharing a kiss at the MTV European Music Awards in Dusseldorf, Germany (pictured together in 2017) That same month, Maya and Stormzy shared a kiss at the MTV European Music Awards in Dusseldorf, Germany. They were said to have shared a kiss in Germany in the top tier VIP area at the MTV bash where there were no cameras allowed. A source told The Sun of the MTV EMAs: 'Maya and Stormzy hooked up at one of the exclusive areas at the bash. 'There were three levels of VIP area and they were in the top tier one. They were seen kissing and seemed totally into each other. 'There was a strict no-camera policy which is why they seemed happy to be so open with their relationship.' Leaving the GQ Awards minutes apart Just weeks later, Maya and Stormzy both attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022 in London and reportedly left within just minutes of each other. Stormzy was heard telling friends at the event that they were back together and spent 'ages' deep in conversation with Maya at the afterparty, according to The Sun. A source told the publication: 'Stormzy and Maya are together again. They're taking it slow but are very much back in each other's lives after a long time when they didn't speak or see each other.' However a representative for Maya played down claims they'd reconciled, insisting she was very much single and 'remained great friends' with her ex. Cosy meet-ups at his house Reunited! After Maya was dogged by rumours that she was dating Leonardo DiCaprio, in May sources claimed that she had actually been secretly meeting up with Stormzy at his house After Maya was dogged by rumours that she was dating Leonardo DiCaprio, in May sources claimed that she had actually been secretly meeting up with Stormzy at his house. A source told The Sun, it wasn't serious between Maya and Leo, and she has secretly being seeing Stormzy after getting back in regular contact. 'The Leo thing got a bit out of hand. They partied a couple of times in London and New York but it never developed into anything more serious,' the insider said. 'The truth is she's actually back in regular contact with Stormzy and has been heading to his house to meet up away from the spotlight. She visited him a couple of times before her recent holiday to Thailand and it sounds as though they've really clicked again. 'The connection never went away. They're both keen to tiptoe around it a bit rather than throw themselves into anything public but they're enjoying being close again.' Supporting him at festival show Friendly: Days before their Greek break, Maya was seen supporting Stormzy during his performance at All Points East Festival Days before their Greek break, Maya was seen supporting Stormzy during his performance at All Points East Festival. Maya watched his two-hour set front row alongside pals Idris Elba and YouTuber Chunkz after jetting back from Ibiza to support her ex. During his performance, Stormzy told the crowd: 'This is one of the greatest nights of my life. This is my hometown. You lot are my family. 'As long as I'm here, and as long as I have a career, I will not stop saying 'thank you'. You lot have changed my life. You've changed my family's life.' A romantic Greek getaway Reunited? Fans' theories around whether Maya and Stormzy were back together kicked into high gear when they noticed the pair had travelled to the same villa in Greece Living it up! One fan shared a video to TikTok on Friday after noticing the rapper appeared to be at the same pool location as Maya Fans' theories around whether Maya and Stormzy were back together kicked into high gear when they noticed the pair had travelled to the same villa in Greece. One fan shared a video to TikTok on Friday after noticing the rapper appeared to be at the same pool location as Maya. Stormzy had shared a montage of clips, including one of him enjoying a swim and as the camera panned to the sunset some trees could be seen in the background. Meanwhile, Maya also posted an update with fans noticing the same infinity pool and trees in her post. Previously, Maya shared a brief clip of herself enjoying an Aperol Spritz, with fans clocking that both stars were sharing posts from the same villa. A source later told The Sun: 'Stormzy is mad for Maya and has spent huge amounts of money taking her on a luxury holiday. 'He chartered a private jet to Greece then they flew into the resort by helicopter. It's all very romantic. The Amanzoe is incredibly pricey and they've been waited on hand and foot. 'It was Maya's birthday earlier this month and this trip is a bit of a belated birthday present from Stormzy to Maya. She means the world to him and he wants her to be treated like a queen.' His matchmaker mum Sizzling: As fans clocked Maya and Stormzy had flown to Greece together, sources claimed it was his mother Abigail who has helped push the couple back together As fans clocked Maya and Stormzy had flown to Greece together, sources claimed it was his mother Abigail who has helped push the couple back together. A source told The Sun: 'Stormzy is really open about wanting to settle down and have kids one day and he knows Maya is ''The One''. 'Stormzy is really close to his mum Abigail who has always been Maya's biggest fan. Abigail wants the best for her son and motivated him to make amends with Maya.' Claudia Schiffer looked nothing short of sensational on Sunday, as she shared a slew of stunning snaps of her birthday celebrations in Greece. The 53-year-old supermodel showed off her incredible figure as she slipped into a patterned blue and red bikini. Her toned stomach and long legs were on full display in the colourful two-piece, which she teamed with a gold heart pendant necklace. Claudia wore her platinum blonde tresses down and in natural waves while hiding her eyes behind a pair of white sunglasses. She shared a sweet video of her holding her hand out for a butterfly to land on, before it fluttered away. Incredible: Claudia Schiffer looked nothing short of sensational on Sunday, as she shared a slew of stunning snaps of her birthday celebrations in Greece Looking good: The 53-year-old supermodel showed off her incredible figure as she slipped into a patterned blue and red bikini that left her toned stomach and long legs on full display Flawless: Claudia wore her platinum blonde tresses down and in natural waves while hiding her eyes behind a pair of white sunglasses She also posted a shot of herself posing next to a number of golden balloons that spelled out 'Happy Birthday'. And she shared a glimpse of her delicious looking birthday cake, which was drenched in chocolate icing and adorned with candles and sparklers. Captioning the fun-filled snaps, Claudia wrote: 'Celebrating in Greek paradise, featuring a special friend who came to wish me happy birthday'. Claudia has spoken about ageing in the past, insisting that it's 'natural' to get older, and saying she doesn't feel 'envious or jealous' of younger models. She told Elle UK: 'I've had many wonderful compliments in my time. But then you get to the next stage and you move on. 'You don't have to be called beautiful your entire life. It's a nice memory, but then the next generation starts. 'For me, it's a natural thing to do, to hand over, to not be envious or jealous. 'I can't think of anything worse than if you said, "There's a magic pill and it's going to make you look 20 again".' Disney princess: She shared a sweet video of her holding her hand out for a butterfly to land on, before it fluttered away Celebration: She also posted a shot of herself posing next to a number of golden balloons that spelled out 'Happy Birthday' Yummy: And she shared a glimpse of her delicious looking birthday cake, which was drenched in chocolate icing and adorned with candles and sparklers Having a blast: Captioning the fun-filled snaps, Claudia wrote: 'Celebrating in Greek paradise, featuring a special friend who came to wish me happy birthday' Although she's happy to let the next generation of models take to the runway in her place, she credits her career with helping her break out of her shell. She said: 'I'd probably still be a very shy person who had no idea I could overcome that by experiencing many things. 'I would probably be in a job where you can be in the background, in a bank or behind the scenes. Modelling was my therapy. I learned how to communicate.' The star is a mother of three children she shares with her husband Matthew Vaughn who she married in 2002. The German model and the English filmmaker, 52, share one son Caspar, 20 and two daughters Clementine, 18, and Cosima, 12. The couple originally met at a dinner party in Los Angeles when she was still engaged to the magician David Copperfield. In 2002, the pair exchanged vows at a lavish and star-studded wedding at Skibo Castle in Scotland. Shortly after tying the knot, the '90s fashion icon welcomed their first child son Caspar in 2003. Two years later, they had their daughter Clementine and their third child six years later in 2012. Former AFL Premiership player Campbell Brown and his wife Jess have welcomed their third son. Campbell, 40, shared a gallery of precious baby photos to Instagram on Monday introducing the newborn to his fans. One adorable snap shows Campbell kissing the little one's forehead and another captures the youngster resting peacefully in his nursery. 'Welcome to the world Bailey Jack Brown,' he wrote next to the photos. Campbell has an additional reason to be happy as Bailey was born on August 28, which also happens to be Brown's 40th birthday. Former AFL Premiership player Campbell Brown and his wife Jess welcomed their third son on Monday. Both pictured The Gold Coast FC star's celebrity pals were quick to congratulate him on the exciting news. 'Sensational mate. Congratulations,' wrote radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. 'Browndog!' added Brooke Warne. Back in March, Campbell confirmed to the Herald Sun his wife was pregnant with their third child. Campbell shared a gallery of precious baby photos to Instagram 'We're excited for another boy and starting our own little footy team. Our eldest son is excited to have another brother to terrorise,' he said. The couple are already proud parents to sons Boston, five, and Baker, two. The premiership player played for Hawthorn from 2002 - 2010 and finished his AFL career at the Gold Coast Suns in 2013. He is the son of legendary Australian Rules player Mal Brown, 76, and lives on the outskirts of Melbourne with his family. One adorable snap shows the youngster resting peacefully in his nursery Sarah Jayne Dunn reunited with her former Hollyoaks co-stars Carley Stenson, Jodi Albert and Ali Bastian as they enjoyed a trip to Ireland over the weekend. The actress, 41, who played Mandy Richardson before parting ways with the soap in 2021 after Channel 4 producers took issue with her appearing on OnlyFans, took to Instagram to document the fun girls' trip. The soap stars were all smiles as they bought their children along for the trip over the Bank Holiday. Sarah couldn't contain her smile as she posed for a selfie with her son Stanley, six, as they jetted off to Cork to meet her pals. Sarah, Jodi, 40, who played Debbie Dean in the early noughties, Carley, 40, who portrayed Steph Cunningham, and Ali, 41, who played Becca Dean, made the most of the Irish countryside with their bundles of joy. Girls' trip! Sarah Jayne Dunn (right) reunited with her former Hollyoaks co-stars Ali Bastian, Jodi Albert and Carley Stenson (second left-right) as they enjoyed a trip to Ireland Bank Holiday fun: The actress, 41, who played Mandy Richardson in the Channel 4 soap until 2021, took to Instagram to document the fun trip with their children They revealed they had made special memories and it is the first time their children 'got to play together'. Sarah wrote: 'This week. A trip to Ireland to see my gals, and all our babies got to play together for the first time, so special. Making memories.' Sharing the same picture, Ali wrote: 'The class of 23. My heart is full. First time all together for a long time but even more special first time getting all our babies together!! love you and you all so very much. My village.' Jodi was joined by her children Koa, 11, Zekey, seven, and Cobi, five, who she shares with her Westlife singer husband Kian Egan. Carley was joined on the trip by her little girl Skye, two, who she shares with husband and former Hollyoaks star Danny Mac. Ali is mother to two daughters Isla, three, and Isabella, who she welcomed in February with West End actor husband David O'Mahony. Sarah shares son Stanley, six, with her fitness trainer husband Jonathan Smith. It comes after Sarah recently launched a fresh attack on Hollyoaks bosses, branding them hypocritical for sacking her over her OnlyFans career. Reunited: The soap stars were all smiles as they bought their children along for the girls' trip Soap stars: Sarah and Ali starred together in the soap; pictured in 2003 as characters Mandy and Becca Role: Jodi portrayed Debbie Dean in the early noughties for just a few years; pictured with Ashley Taylor Dawson in 2004 Character: Carley played Steph Cunningham; pictured in 2004 Speaking on the Dirty Mother Pukka podcast, she claimed she was once left feeling 'violated' over a sex scene with an enthusiastic new actor. Sarah also accused bosses of making one unnamed actress cry after a naked shower scene which she said was done on 'their terms'. A spokesperson for the soap told MailOnline that they were 'unaware' of Sarah's complaints relating to her time on Hollyoaks. Sarah was famously sacked from the Channel 4 soap, in which she starred as Mandy Richardson for refusing to stop doing her OnlyFans content. But she claims she had asked the soap's chiefs if it would be alright for her to put sexy pictures of herself on the website, and she claims they gave her approval - only to fire her later for it. Sarah, who played Mandy on the soap on and off from 1996 until her 2021 sacking, said: 'They knew about it. I'd had meetings, I'd had zoom meetings. I told them that I was considering the platform. 'They hesitated, they weren't sure, and when I explained that I wouldn't be doing explicit content - obviously that's not my thing - I would literally be just moving my content from Instagram to OnlyFans, they OK'd it internally. 'The way that the contract works is that you have to get permission to do anything outside of the programme. And I'm a good girl, I always have been, I'm very professional, so I went down all the right avenues.' She said it was all OK 'until I launched', adding 'so that's when it wasn't OK'. Sarah said even though programme bosses objected on the grounds it was an over-18s platform and the show had a youth audience, they had known that when they gave the green light previously. She added: 'Apparently one cast member complained. I'd love to know (who), I have my suspicions.' She believes the situation 'blew up so much' because Hollyoaks had lost control of images of her, but she was doing nothing different to the promotional pictures she was contractually obliged to do. Hitting out at the 'hypocrisy of the whole thing', she said: "I think what irked them was the fact that I took control of myself. 'I went "this is what I'm doing, are you OK with that?", "we're ok with that", and then I did it and suddenly they weren't ok with that. 'For me, reading into it, it's the fact that they don't have control and they can't monetise from it.' When contacted by MailOnline, a Hollyoaks spokesperson said: 'Duty of care for our cast and crew is of paramount importance to us. 'We are unaware of any complaints from Sarah Jayne Dunn relating to the time she describes on the Hollyoaks set. Hollyoaks adheres to strict protocols on set to protect and safeguard our team.' All smiles: Carley was seen arriving at the airport with her little girl Skye, two, who she shares with soap star husband Danny Mac Melbourne heiress Georgia Geminder and her husband Matthew Danos have welcomed a baby girl. The businesswoman, 28, shared the exciting news to Instagram on Monday alongside a photo of the infant peacefully resting in her mother's arms. In the image, Georgia is seen cheekily sticking her tongue out alongside Matthew and the family dog. 'Our baby girl is here. Charlotte Mia Danos,' she wrote next to the photo. Many of Georgia's celebrity friends were quick to congratulate her on the exciting news. Melbourne heiress Georgia Geminder and her husband Matthew Danos have welcomed a baby girl. Both pictured The businesswoman, 28, shared the exciting news to Instagram on Monday alongside a photo of the infant peacefully resting in her mother's arms. In the image, Georgia is seen cheekily sticking her tongue out alongside Matthew and the family dog 'Congratulations, beautiful news,' Bec Judd wrote alongside a love heart emoji. 'Congrats gorgeous,' added Love Island Australia star Anna McEvoy. Back in March, Georgia announced she and Matthew were expecting their first child. Georgia shared the good news in a social media post, showing off her baby bump in a sweet selfie. The baby news comes after the couple tied the knot in an opulent society wedding in December. The event took place in the ritzy suburb of Kew, and was a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a black tie reception inside a marquee at Raheen, the Pratt family mansion. The baby news comes after the couple tied the knot in an opulent society wedding in December. The event took place in the ritzy suburb of Kew, and was a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a black tie reception inside a marquee at Raheen, the Pratt family mansion Georgia, who is the model granddaughter of Australia's late 'Cardboard King' Richard Pratt and eldest daughter of billionaire packaging magnates Raphael and Fiona Geminder, looked like modern day princess in a beaded strapless fishtail gown with matching gloves and a tiara Social media photos show the happy couple exchanging vows beneath an outdoor chuppah (a Jewish wedding canopy) surrounded by friends and family Georgia's mother Fiona owns cardboard giant Visy and is worth a reported $3.4billion, while her father Raphael - who is also on Forbes Rich List - has a 40 percent share in plastics manufacturer, Pact Georgia, who is the model granddaughter of Australia's late 'Cardboard King' Richard Pratt and eldest daughter of billionaire packaging magnates Raphael and Fiona Geminder, looked like modern day princess in a beaded strapless fishtail gown with matching gloves and a tiara. She accessorised her look with a diamond and sapphire choker necklace, drop earrings and a dramatic ivory veil. Proving that less is more, the heiress opted for an understated makeup look consisting of foundation and mascara. Georgia wore two dresses on her big day, changing into a feather-covered mini dress for the reception. For accessories, the blushing bride wore an elegant diamond tennis bracelet and chunky nude heels. Matthew meanwhile looked sharp during his trip down the aisle, wearing a white blazer, black suit pants and black bow tie. Georgia and Matthew married under a large outdoor chuppah (a Jewish wedding canopy) surrounded by friends and family. The aisle was made from a reflective surface that imitated water and surrounded by bunches of white roses. A leaked wedding invitation reveals the couple asked guests to make a donation to a specified charity, rather than bringing gifts. Her mother Fiona owns cardboard giant Visy and is worth a reported $3.4billion, while her father Raphael - who is also on Forbes Rich List - has a 40 percent share in plastics manufacturer, Pact. Georgia's grandfather Richard Pratt, an immigrant born in Poland whose family fled to Australia months before the German invasion, was a leading figure in Melbourne society until his death on April 29, 2009. Ms Geminder, a former Australian Grand Prix ambassador, spent seven years modelling in Australia, London and Los Angeles before quitting the industry to create a non-toxic toothpaste brand. In 2020 she launched Gem, a clean beauty company specialising in oral care that replaces chemicals with natural ingredients. Her new husband Matthew is the managing director of James Richardson Investments, part of a furniture, hospitality, real estate and retail corporation headquartered in Melbourne's north. The company is best known for its duty-free outlets in airports and border crossings across Australia and the Middle East. James Richardson is a household name in Israel thanks to its multiple stores in Ben Gurion airport, Israel. Charlotte Dawson has hit out at 'disgusting' mum-shaming trolls, and revealed she is 'getting closer' to uncovering who called social services on her. The mother-of-two, 30, fought back tears last week when she told her fans that she had been reported just two weeks after she welcomed her second child, Jude. She was previously left devastated when she was contacted by child services after someone accused her of mistreating her son Noah, two. Hitting out again, Charlotte took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to expose another individual who had been leaving cruel mum-shaming comments. The reality star brought to light the profile and told her legion of fans how she'd used an unmasking service to find their identity. Hitting out: Charlotte Dawson has hit out at 'disgusting' mum-shaming trolls, and revealed she is 'getting closer' to uncovering who called social services on her Exposed: The reality star, 30, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to expose another individual who had been leaving cruel mum-shaming comments She penned: 'Another troll bites the dust now this is a shocking one. Happily retired in Cyprus? Really deffo not happy doing what your doing & saying the disgusting things you say about me and my family and other people. (sic) 'Evil I hope you're ashamed of yourself. Thank you again @trolls_unmasked finding them all out one by one. Hopefully I'll get my one who's ringing social services soon. I'm deffo getting closer.' (sic) Charlotte recently admitted she felt 'so down' since the troll called social services on her for a second time. Alongside images of herself with baby Jude, older son Noah and her other loved ones, Charlotte told how she was 'made of stronger stuff' and suggested that 'karma' would come to those who wronged her. She penned: 'Hiii my darlings, sorry I've been a bit quiet I just needed a breather & to spend some quality time with my boyos. 'I've had so many messages checking up on me thank you so much for being the best insta fambo, love you all. 'I've been so down but I'm not letting these weirdo freaks win. I'm bloody better than this & made of stronger stuff, they will get karma for what's going on I'm sure. can't wait to find out who you are, anyway enough about that negativeness.' Concentrating on the positive aspects of her life, she went on: 'I took our beautiful Jude out in the balmoral @silvercrossuk pram, so special as it was Noah's & my mum and dad used to take me out in this pram when I was a baby round fairhaven lake. Tough: The mother-of-two fought back tears last week when she told her fans that she had been reported just two weeks after she welcomed her second child, Jude 'Now here I am with our second boyo, precious. Not letting anyone pop our baby bubble.' Earlier this month, Charlotte said she had received another call, as someone accused her of giving her eldest son alcohol and showing him naked on social media. She claimed she is being harassed by a troll who is 'trying to ruin her life' by reporting her to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Charlotte, who is engaged to the father of her sons, rugby player Matt Sarsfield, said the report was 'shut down' by the investigating officer once they had spoken to her. The former Ex On The Beach star heartbreakingly admitted the campaign of harassment has 'burst her baby bubble', after giving birth to son Jude last month. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'Happy Monday my darlings. Chazza has not had a happy Monday. Mine has been horrendous, awful. 'You know they say it comes in threes, bad news doesn't it. I've had three bad news today. One of them is social services again. Saying that Noah is drunk and he's been seen with drink. 'The next one is that they're worried for our sons because there's excessive alcohol. I've not even drank once, I've not even been out of the house. I've been breastfeeding. 'I know you can have a wine when you're breastfeeding. I've not even had any drink, I'm absolutely baffled.' She continued: 'Then the next one. Apparently I'm showing his genitals on Instagram. I'm so baffled. When have I showed, I just don't understand. Literally.' Explaining the impact it was having on her mental wellbeing, she said: 'But it's hilarious. They've got him down as six weeks old. 'Whoever you are he's actually two weeks old and the fact that you rang f*****g social services on me when my son is two weeks old, and I have a two and a half year old.' 'I'm not even in a normal state of mind right now. I'm still really down and low. I'm not in real life, you know when you're in your baby bubble, one minute I'm happy and one minute I'm low. 'Hearing this again, it's making me want to come off Instagram. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm best not showing Noah and Jude, I'm just trying to be a good mum.' Brave face: It comes after Charlotte admitted she felt 'so down' since the troll called social services on her for a second time Married At First Sight bride Olivia Frazer has been 'scammed' by a cheating boyfriend after relocating from Australia to Scotland earlier this year for love. The reality star, 29, said she decided to move after meeting a Scottish fellow she thought was the man of her dreams - who turned out to be a cheater. 'It's important to remind other girls not to ignore red flags from the start because you so desperately want it to work with someone,' she told The Wash Online. 'I feel like I've been completely scammed and made a fool out of. We spoke almost every day, he told me he wanted me to meet his son once I got to Scotland and made me feel so wanted. Upon her arrival, Olivia quickly realised her new man was behaving suspiciously around her and she worked at figuring out what he was hiding. Olivia Frazer (pictured) opened up on Monday about the surprising reason she relocated from Australia to Scotland earlier this year The reality star, 29, told The Wash Online she decided to move after meeting a Scottish fellow she thought was the man of her dreams - who turned out to be a cheater 'I had no idea what to do, or what I'd done wrong and then a lady in a pub approached me and asked if I was seeing him. She said, "Don't. He has a girlfriend. Has had a girlfriend the whole time. You can do better,"' she added. Olivia now plans to move back to Australia after her dream romance turned out to be a nightmare. 'I'm proud of myself for at least giving it a go, being vulnerable and open to finding love again. I know next time I meet someone not to be so blinded by how much I want it to work.' The Wash posted the story to Instagram and Olivia's celebrity friends were quick to offer their sympathies. 'Sorry to hear this Liv. I'm sure the right guy will come along when you least expect it,' wrote Olivia's MAFS ex-boyfriend Jackson Lonie. 'That's not nice at all,' added Gogglebox Australia star Yvie Jones. 'It's important to remind other girls not to ignore red flags from the start because you so desperately want it to work with someone,' Olivia said Last month, Olivia said her negative experience on the reality show was partly to blame for her leaving Australia. 'There's a lot more work opportunities and the people are more forgiving. It's easier to move on whereas in Australia people hold you to your edit forever,' she told Yahoo of her decision to relocate. Olivia said at the time she was moving to Scotland 'indefinitely' and would only return Down Under to collect her dog. Olivia, who was relentlessly trolled after her stint on the Channel Nine series last year, told her Instagram followers that she's planning to continue working as an OnlyFans. Olivia plans to move back to Australia after her dream romance turned out to be a nightmare Amy Dowden has revealed she was rushed to hospital earlier this month after contracting sepsis following her first round of chemotherapy. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, recently revealed doctors discovered she has 'another type of cancer' following her initial breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year. She began chemo on August 3 and shared the experience on her Instagram Stories for her followers. Amy admitted that she was 'wishing this wasn't happening to me', after being fitted for a port and a cold cap for the treatment, and added that she had burst into tears. But she later put on a brave face and said the experience 'wasn't as bad' as she thought and quipped that she was 'one step closer to being back on the dance floor'. Scary: Amy Dowden has revealed she was rushed to hospital earlier this month after contracting sepsis following her first round of chemotherapy Awful: The Strictly Come Dancing star, 33, recently revealed doctors discovered she has 'another type of cancer ' following her initial breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year However, two days later Amy started feeling sick and got a temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius, which she explained 'could be fatal for a chemo patient.' The professional dancer assumed that she was just reacting to the chemo but soon began getting worse, with her mum Gillian saying she went from ok to ill in 'an instant'. She became breathless and complained of a pain in her chest before she 'crumpled back onto the settee'. Speaking to Hello! Magazine, Amy recalled: 'I began feeling sick and not quite right. I felt freezing cold but I was all clammy and shaking. My mum and dad rang my red card [which provides the chemotherapy teams contact details and current treatment information] and they said to hang up and ring the ambulance.' After paramedics arrived they advised her to rush to hospital, but Amy was reluctant to go. She said: 'I didn't want to go into hospital; at the time I didnt realise how ill I was. I knew it was a Saturday night, so A&E would probably be crowded, and it was dangerous being around people as its more likely youll pick up an infection. On chemo, you don't have your white blood cells to fight infection.' However, the paramedics reassured her and she was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital and treated for a viral infection with an antibiotic drip. But it was later revealed that she had contracted sepsis and was brought to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as her blood pressure was dangerously low. Tough: She began chemo on August 3 and shared the experience on her Instagram Stories admitting that she was 'wishing this wasn't happening to me', after being fitted for a port and a cold cap for the treatment, and added that she had burst into tears Strong: But she later put on a brave face and said the experience 'wasn't as bad' as she thought and quipped that she was 'one step closer to being back on the dance floor' Support system: She revealed her Strictly co-stars have been in touch, saying: 'The pros have been sending videos, flowers and presents. I speak to Dianne [Buswell] every single day' Her parents Richard and Gillian said they were in 'panic mode' and Gillian said: 'We didnt know what to do with ourselves, everything was looking very serious. What I couldnt believe is how quick the situation can change and how little time you have to respond.' Luckily Amy began responding to treatment and began to improve, able to return home on August 8. Speaking about the scary ordeal Amy said: 'I just got very, very unlucky. Im also more prone to infections because my Crohns means I have a lower immune system.' She voiced her gratitude towards the paramedics that saved her life and revealed her Strictly co-stars have been in touch. She said: 'The pros have been sending videos, flowers and presents. I speak to Dianne [Buswell] every single day. This is impacting on them as well because were a team. Im grateful they are including me because Strictly will help me get through the next few months, mentally. Its just the tonic that I need.' It comes after Amy admitted she 'isn't ready' to shave her head after she started to lose her hair due to the chemo. She penned on her Story: 'So my scalp/head the last few days been quite sore and painful with the hair loss. Any tips of what may help this out there? Really appreciate, will share to help others too.' One fan replied that she should shave it off, but Amy replied: 'I'm personally not ready for this. Everyone is different and how they cope or go about their journey is up to them and need to be what's right for them. Dangerous: However, two days later Amy started feeling sick and got a temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius, which she explained 'could be fatal for a chemo patient' Terrifying: The professional dancer assumed that she was just reacting to the chemo but soon began getting worse, with her mum Gillian saying she went from ok to ill in 'an instant' 'I've had lots telling me just shave it. It's only hair. I've already gone through body changes for life, emotions, pain and right now I want to try save what I can with the cooling cap. 'Absolutely to those who brave the shave, you are strong! But please all remember everyone of us have different emotions, battles and deals with everything with what's best for them and how they cope best! All journeys are personal!' She revealed that she was 'heartbroken' as her hair started to fall out, and showed off a clump that she had lost, writing: 'So much everyday! So hard! One day at a time!' Opening up to her followers, Amy said: 'What I've found harder this time round and the last few days is hair shedding [sic].' She continued: 'Even though I'm cold capping you hope to keep 50 per cent of your hair and there are also many benefits to the hair growing back quicker too. 'But as much as I prepared myself waking up everyday gently combing my hair with a wide comb and seeing what comes out, it is just heartbreaking personally for me. I'm only washing my hair once, max twice, this week, not using any heat on my hair or styling it so I just don't feel like me. 'So it's time to bring out the wig I say and get used to this and help me feel like me. I'm still Amy! Some days last week I'd wake and for the first few seconds you forget and then suddenly it all hits you, the day and challenges ahead and your new reality and it's tough - had a few morning cries and learning that's OK too.' She then thanked everyone for their messages of support, penning: 'Thank you again for all the lovely messages asking how I am, want to be open and honest and hopefully help others going through or those supporting those on their journeys too!' Candid: It comes after Amy admitted she 'isn't ready' to shave her head after she started to lose her hair due to the chemo Brave: She revealed that she was 'heartbroken' as her hair started to fall out , and showed off a clump that she had lost, writing: 'So much everyday! So hard! One day at a time!' Amy was first diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer in May after she found a lump while preparing for her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones in April. The professional dancer has since had an operation, a mastectomy and has had fertility treatment. However, during an Instagram Live chat with breast cancer survivor and Paralympic gold medalist Erin Kennedy for the charity CoppaFeel! on Friday, Amy revealed the devastating news cancer had been found elsewhere in her body. They met on the winter series of Love Island at the start of the year. And Will Young and Jessie Wynter are going from strength-to-strength in their relationship as the farmer revealed he is already 'close to proposing' to the Australian personal trainer, less than one year into their romance. Will, 23, admitted he is 'creeping up' to popping the question to his girlfriend, 26, because he sees 'babies, marriage and living with Jessie for the rest of his life' in his future. The couple revealed they are currently 'saving to buy a house together' as they split their time between the UK and Jessie's home in Australia. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at We Are FSTVL, the couple gushed over their whirlwind romance and Will admitted he has been hinting at rings sizes. Wedding bells: Love Island's Will Young told MailOnline he is already 'close to proposing' to girlfriend Jessie Wynter, less than one year into their romance Romantic: Will, 23, admitted he is 'creeping up' to popping the question to his girlfriend, 26, because he sees 'babies, marriage and living with Jessie for the rest of his life' in his future. Will told MailOnline: 'Last week I made a romantic gesture to Jessie. I won't lie, we are creeping up to the ring. We are creeping up to it. 'First stage is the goats, give us a couple of months and then the next thing is going to come and we will keep getting stronger and moving forward.' Jessie added: 'I love Will so much and I don't need a ring to know that. I know we love each other. 'We were sitting at dinner the other night and he takes my ring off my finger and was holding it and asked, "Does this ring fit you well?" I looked at him like, "What? Why do you care about that?". He was acting so awkward.' Thinking he was being subtle, Will said he thought his girlfriend 'hadn't clocked' what he was up to as he opened up about being in his 'first serious relationship'. Will continued: 'Not going to lie I thought Jessie hadn't clocked that. I just took the ring and was like, "How does this fit you?" 'It's the first time I've actually realised you clocked what I was doing. If I'm being completely honest, for me I know what I want and that's babies, marriage and living with Jessie for the rest of my life. It is going to happen. 'It's completely different to any relationship I have ever had, my last serious relationship was when I was 16, so it was very immature. 'We are going to get married and have kids': The couple revealed they are currently 'saving to buy a house together' as they split their time between the UK and Jessie's home in Australia 'We have got so much love for one another': Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at We Are FSTVL, the couple gushed over their whirlwind romance 'Coming out the villa I had to tell her like, "This is my first proper relationship and I am still learning but we are growing together". 'We have got so much love for one another and we have silly disagreements, like "You haven't made the bed" but we talk through it and move on. 'Get this down, Will Young loves Jessie and wants to marry her. I say this to Jessie all the time, we are going to get married and have kids.' The couple, who currently live on Will's family farm in Buckinghamshire, have recently set their sights on buying a house together. Jessie, who is from Tasmania and also starred on Love Island Australia back in 2019, recently headed back home to visit her family and took Will along with her. The pair revealed they have 'nothing set in stone' yet and are enjoying jetting back and forth from the UK and Australia. Will explained: 'At the minute we have been to Australia and we came back for the UK summer. The plan for us is to do six months here and six months there. 'We are both real family people and I want to spend time with my family and Jessie and she wants to spend time with hers and me, so six months here six months there.' Jessie added: 'We are not setting plans. If we want to go to Australia, we will go. We have nothing set in stone, we are winning and I love the UK. 'We are saving for a house though, we have a joint account and I haven't had my nails done in months, we are being stingy.' Jessie went on to reveal that she 'didn't want to go on Love Island UK' but she had a 'weird feeling' which made her change her mind last minute. Happy couple: Personal trainer Jessie and farmer Will met on the winter series of Love Island at the start of the year She also discussed the difference between the dating reality shows and how she 'felt more vulnerable' the second time around. Jessie told MailOnline: 'I almost didn't go on Love Island UK I was like, "I won't go but I have a weird feeling I might meet the one for me". I never thought I'd fall in love. 'UK was so different to Aus. In Australia I was strutting around doing whatever I wanted and the UK one is so structured and more intense. 'The first time I was like, "I don't care, I don't like anyone I'm just having a good time", whereas in the UK I was like, "I love this man", it was so different. 'I came out and I didn't know I was emotionally capable of everything. I felt so vulnerable because I had done it before and you know when someone is faking it.' The loved-up couple also discussed how they have found it difficult to keep in touch with their ITV2 co-stars due to commitments on Will's farm. Will, who had a close friendship with Tom Clare and Casey O'Gorman in the Mallorcan villa, said the boys 'didn't understand' that his work had to 'take priority'. He said: 'I thought me and the boys were all fine. Personally I want to focus on my relationship with Jessie and the farm. 'The farm and Jessie takes priory and the boys didn't really understand that and as much as I said to them, "This is important and I can't walk away from the farm", they didn't understand it. 'I had lambing when we came out the villa and so I was working loads and Jessie was just inside, so it wasn't like we were going to loads of events and it was just us. 'I was working, getting in at 10pm exhausted and Jessie would get me food and tuck me in bed. I was exhausted, but that's when I knew she was the girl for me.' Jessie added: 'People see the highlights of our relationship but in reality Will is working all the time and I'm sitting inside. I was homesick at the time and it was crazy but we supported each other and now we are stronger than ever'. Kate Beckinsale threw pal Nina Kate a lavish fancy dress birthday party at her home in Los Angeles on Sunday. The actress, 50, paid tribute to her British heritage and opted for a Elizabethan theme with the guests donning traditional outfits. Kate looked sensational in a pink and gold ruffled frock which boasted a huge Princess skirt and bejewelled bodice. She completed her look with a pearl encrusted headpiece as she joined her friends for a slew of fun filled snaps. Kate, who recently lost beloved cat Clive, also made sure to dress her other furry friend up for the occasion. Glam: Kate Beckinsale, 50, threw her pal Nina Kate a lavish fancy dress birthday party at her home in Los Angeles on Sunday Olden days chic: The actress paid tribute to her British heritage and opted for a Elizabethan theme with the guests donning traditional outfits Captioning the snaps: 'Part two of Princess @nina_kate of Camdens birthday (There are quite a few parts.)'. Adding: 'Also youre welcome for @craigminton_ in pantaloons possibly the furthest from south London he has sartorially been in some time'. She also shared another post and 'part one' of the celebrations as she she partied in Las Vegas in a skimpy gold mini dress. It comes after Kate got a touching tattoo tribute of her beloved cat Clive after he passed away in June. The star previously told of how she was left absolutely devastated when the Persian cat, who has become an internet celebrity over the years, had died. Sharing an update to Instagram on Friday, Kate showed off the incredible fine line artwork by LA-based tattooist, Dr Woo. Clive's adorable face could be seen on her forearm, surrounded by an intricate star design. Alongside the photos, Kate wrote: 'This has really helped. Thank you so much, @_dr_woo_' Perfection: Kate (L) looked sensational in a pink and gold ruffled frock which boasted a huge Princess skirt and plunging bejewelled bodice Say cheese: She completed her look with a pearl encrusted headpiece as she joined her friends for a slew of fun filled snaps Cuddle: Host Kate (R) shared a hug with birthday girl Nina (L) Dressed to impress: Kate, who recently lost beloved cat Clive, made sure to also dress her other furry friend up for the occasion Party vibes: Kate decorated her home with balloons for the big day Fun times: Captioning the snaps: 'Part two of Princess @nina_kate of Camdens birthday (There are quite a few parts.)' Kate first brought Clive home more than a decade ago, she previously stated he was 'quite old' and about 15 or 16 years old. While announcing the tragic news of Clive in June, the actress explained that she didn't 'have it in' her 'to make a montage of even look at pictures of him yet.' 'Every single part of my house feels like he should be in it,' she captioned a selfie of herself cradling her adorable feline, who was wearing a pink pig-printed onesie. 'If anyone is expecting to hear from me, you may not for a bit and I'm sorry.' 'My heart is absolutely and totally broken,' she concluded. Her celebrity pals rushed to comfort her in the comment section, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Seth Rogen. Leggy: She also shared another post and 'part one' of the celebrations as she she partied in Las Vegas in a skimpy gold mini dress Amazing: It comes after Kate got a touching tattoo tribute of her beloved cat Clive after he passed away in June 'We got him when my daughter [Lily Sheen, now 20] was little,' she told People in 2019. 'And he usually is shaved into an odd shape, but he's a recent cancer survivor.' While speaking about Clive's personality to the outlet, the mother-of-one raved that his 'favuorite things in the world are suitcases and boxes and bags.' 'If you bring home a pair of sneakers or take out bag, he's immediately inside it,' she gushed. 'So we got him this suitcase bed, and he loves it so much.' Beckinsale also stated that she prefers cats because they're 'easier' to care for than dogs. 'You don't have to walk around with a bag of poo like you do with a dog, which I hate to walk around with a bag of poo,' she mused. Clive's life of luxury was widely documented on the performer's social media, which is full of photos of him dressed in hilarious costumes, traveling on private planes and remaining by her side through thick and thin. In many of her posts, featuring Clive, he could be seen wearing pink nail polish, funny hats, posing with props or even in coordinating looks with Beckinsale. Maya Jama and Stormzy finally ended months of speculation by revealing they've rekindled their romance on Sunday, stepping out together hand-in-hand during a holiday in Greece. The couple previously split in 2019 after four years together, but for months have sparked rumours of a reconciliation. For weeks the pair had dropped hints that their relationship was back on, with festival meet-ups and cosy rendezvous at his house. Eagle-eyed fans then noticed that Maya and Stormzy had jetted to Greece together to celebrate the Love Island host's birthday, with both sharing social media posts from the same 2,700-per-night Greek villa. But this weekend marked their first public appearance together since the rumours surfaced more than a week ago. Back together: Maya Jama and Stormzy finally ended months of speculation by revealing they've rekindled their romance on Sunday, stepping out together hand-in-hand during a holiday in Greece Back on: The couple previously split in 2019 after four years together, but for months have sparked rumours of a reconciliation (pictured in 2017) Fans were thrilled by the reconciliation and took to Twitter to rejoice over the news, declaring the photo of them holding hands should be hung in the Louvre. One said: 'Stormzy and maya jama back together is like what dreams are made of, the comeback of all comebacks'. Another echoed: 'tonight we raise a glass to stormzy and maya, the world is HEALING!!!!' A third wrote: 'More buzzin that Stormzy & Maya Jama are on holiday together than I was for my own' while a fourth added: 'Invested in the Stormzy/Maya Jama reunion as if I know them personally'. A fifth person tweeted: 'Maya Jama and Stormzy are the UKs JLo and Affleck,' while a sixth wrote: 'HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE!! Maya Jama and Stormzy are back together'. A seventh declared it was: 'GET YOUR GIRL BACK SEASON' with another agreeing by writing: 'Maya took Stormzy back. Ladies its rerun season, forgive him for his mistakes'. And someone else gushed: 'maya jama & stormzy are back together what the hell is happening, the world is healing, didnt think this would ever happen again, its giving soulmates, my mum and dad just basically soft launched thank you and goodnight'. Several other people pinpointed the collective joy at seeing the couple rekindling their romance was down to Stormzy's public regret at their split and his declarations that he still loved her. Delighted: Fans were thrilled by the reconciliation and took to Twitter to rejoice over the news, declaring the photo of them holding hands should be hung in the Louvre One fan said: 'Stormzy had 4 songs about Maya Jama on every album until he got her back. Got to respect it'. With another penning: 'I feel like the reason were all supporting stormzy and maya reconnecting is the fact he has been so public with his accountability, like he really owned his s**t, grafted, he knew what he wanted and he went for it'. Speaking to Louis Theroux last year, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four year relationship that forced him to grow and described their breakup as 'the biggest loss a man can have'. Stormzy explained: 'My break-up, that was probably the biggest catalyst for growth as a man. It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you. 'Thats probably the biggest loss a man can have, isnt it? Away from someone passing away, thats the biggest loss you can have.' Stormzy went on to hint at mistake that he made during his four year relationship with Maya, adding that he never wished to feel that way again. He admitted: 'I didnt do what a man should do to fully appreciate love, and care for his woman.' In 2020, Stormzy also admitted he has 'never loved anyone how I've loved her' in a YouTube interview with Charlamagne tha God, adding that he wants to marry and have children with Maya. Worked for it: Several other people pinpointed the collective joy at seeing the couple rekindling their romance was down to Stormzy's public regret at their split and his declarations that he still loved her Opening up: Speaking to Louis Theroux last year, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four year relationship that forced him to grow and described their breakup as 'the biggest loss a man can have' Candid: In 2020, Stormzy also admitted he has 'never loved anyone how I've loved her' in a YouTube interview with Charlamagne tha God, adding that he wants to marry and have children with Maya He gushed: 'She's a f***ing G, bro. I love her wholeheartedly. I've never loved anyone how I've loved her.' The radio host asked if he thought the pair could ever reconcile, to which he responded: 'I would love for that to happen but I don't know... 'I would love to be the man who she needs, I would love to do all the things that make this work. I want to marry her, I want to have her children.' Back in November, Stormzy and Maya were seen sharing a friendly hug after meeting up Kendrick Lamar's concert. Onlookers told how the pair later stood next to each other in the VIP area, enjoying each other's company as they watched the US superstar. The onlooker said: 'Stormzy approached the VIP area in good spirits, looking cool with his hoodie over his head. 'As soon as he saw Maya he approached her and they embraced, proving there is no bad blood between them. 'After sharing a hug, Stormzy rejoined his party before returning to the VIP area later in the gig where Maya was standing. Close: Back in November, Stormzy and Maya were seen sharing a friendly hug after meeting up Kendrick Lamar's concert 'They were seen laughing, joking and dancing together. It was like old times.' That same month, Maya and Stormzy shared a kiss at the MTV European Music Awards in Dusseldorf, Germany. They were said to have shared a kiss in Germany in the top tier VIP area at the MTV bash where there were no cameras allowed. A source told The Sun of the MTV EMAs: 'Maya and Stormzy hooked up at one of the exclusive areas at the bash. 'There were three levels of VIP area and they were in the top tier one. They were seen kissing and seemed totally into each other. 'There was a strict no-camera policy which is why they seemed happy to be so open with their relationship.' Just weeks later, Maya and Stormzy both attended the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022 in London and reportedly left within just minutes of each other. Stormzy was heard telling friends at the event that they were back together and spent 'ages' deep in conversation with Maya at the afterparty, according to The Sun. Friendly: Days before their Greek break, Maya was seen supporting Stormzy during his performance at All Points East Festival A source told the publication: 'Stormzy and Maya are together again. They're taking it slow but are very much back in each other's lives after a long time when they didn't speak or see each other.' However a representative for Maya played down claims they'd reconciled, insisting she was very much single and 'remained great friends' with her ex. But then in May sources claimed that she had been secretly meeting up with Stormzy at his house. A source told The Sun: 'The truth is she's actually back in regular contact with Stormzy and has been heading to his house to meet up away from the spotlight. 'She visited him a couple of times before her recent holiday to Thailand and it sounds as though they've really clicked again. 'The connection never went away. They're both keen to tiptoe around it a bit rather than throw themselves into anything public but they're enjoying being close again.' Days before their Greek break, Maya was seen supporting Stormzy during his performance at All Points East Festival. Maya watched his two-hour set front row alongside pals Idris Elba and YouTuber Chunkz after jetting back from Ibiza to support her ex. Reunited? Fans' theories around whether Maya and Stormzy were back together kicked into high gear when they noticed the pair had travelled to the same villa in Greece Living it up! One fan shared a video to TikTok on Friday after noticing the rapper appeared to be at the same pool location as Maya Fans' theories around whether they were back together kicked into high gear when they noticed the pair had travelled to the same villa in Greece. One fan shared a video to TikTok on Friday after noticing the rapper appeared to be at the same pool location as Maya. Stormzy had shared a montage of clips, including one of him enjoying a swim and as the camera panned to the sunset some trees could be seen in the background. Meanwhile, Maya also posted an update with fans noticing the same infinity pool and trees in her post. Previously, Maya shared a brief clip of herself enjoying an Aperol Spritz, with fans clocking that both stars were sharing posts from the same villa. A source later told The Sun: 'Stormzy is mad for Maya and has spent huge amounts of money taking her on a luxury holiday. 'He chartered a private jet to Greece then they flew into the resort by helicopter. It's all very romantic. The Amanzoe is incredibly pricey and they've been waited on hand and foot. 'It was Maya's birthday earlier this month and this trip is a bit of a belated birthday present from Stormzy to Maya. She means the world to him and he wants her to be treated like a queen.' Helping hand: As fans clocked Maya and Stormzy had flown to Greece together, sources claimed it was his mother Abigail who has helped push the couple back together (pictured in 2017) As fans clocked Maya and Stormzy had flown to Greece together, sources claimed it was his mother Abigail who has helped push the couple back together. A source told The Sun: 'Stormzy is really open about wanting to settle down and have kids one day and he knows Maya is ''The One''. 'Stormzy is really close to his mum Abigail who has always been Maya's biggest fan. Abigail wants the best for her son and motivated him to make amends with Maya.' The Block married couple Leah and Ash got into a heated argument with their builders during Monday night's episode. The tensions came to a head after Leah, 32, accused Block builders Simmo and Aidan of not adequately protecting their property against water damage. 'You haven't put your life on the line here. You haven't left your family. I'm here to do a job,' said Leah. Leah was furious her property received significant water damage during a recent Melbourne storm and attempted to blame the builders. However, they were having none of it and boldly refuted her claims. The Block married couple Leah and Ash got into a heated argument with their builders during Monday night's episode 'Our job is to build this house as well as we can. We all make sacrifices to be here. It's really unfortunate what happened with your room,' an upset Aidan responded. Leah then demanded the builders guarantee no more water damage would happen to the property - and they weren't able to provide it. 'There is a risk, there is always going to be a risk as there is lots in play,' Aidan responded. The tensions came to a head after Leah (pictured) accused Block builders Simmo and Aidan of not adequately protecting their property against water damage Fortunately, Leah seemed happy with that answer and apologised for her 'emotional and heated' outburst. It comes amid reports host Scott Cam could be booting blockheads Leah and Ash from The Block. Sources suggested the host of the hit renovation show was not impressed by the couple sledging his own builders Andrew Simmons and Aidan O'Shannessy (aka Simmo and Aidan) from Nine in scenes shown this week. Leah was furious that her property received water damage during a recent Melbourne storm and attempted to blame the builders Leah recently told Woman's Day her outburst on the show was 'a really rock bottom moment' for her and husband Ash. However the controversial mum-of-three denied that there were any further tensions on site though, with the clashing parties burying the hatchet. 'After we both shared our views, Ash cracked open a bottle of whisky after tools down and all was forgotten,' Leah said. She went on to claim that she is not expecting any backlash from The Block's host, but fans of the show have not been so understanding. Leah's husband Ash (pictured) also apologised to the builders and gave them a bottle of whisky to make amends He played the evil abuser Geoff Metcalfe before being sensationally killed off. But Coronation Street star Ian Bartholomew looked worlds away from his soap alter-ego as he made a surprise appearance in Midsomer Murders on Sunday. The actor, 69, sported a bushy grey beard for his guest role in the mystery drama, where he took on the role of the father of a murdered girl named Tilly. In the episode, his character publicly denounced a group of psychics who had established themselves in the village, accusing them of being responsible for his daughter's death. He sparked suspicion that he could be the culprit when DS Jamie Winter caught him trying to burn Tilly's journals, and he was later arrested when he violently attached the psychics during their mystical meeting. Look who it is! Coronation Street star Ian Bartholomew looked worlds away from his soap alter-ego as he made a surprise appearance in Midsomer Murders on Sunday On Corrie, Ian was best known for playing Yasmeen's controlling husband Geoff, becoming one of the soap's most hated characters. The hard-hitting storyline shone a light on coercive control, and saw a terrified Yasmeen try to kill Geoff, and nearly went to prison for her crime. In dramatic scenes, Geoff's abuse of Yasmeen was soon revealed, and he was killed off after falling from a roof in a special episode to mark the soap's 60th Anniversary in December 2020. Parallels could definitely be drawn between Ian's two roles, as his Midsomer character was also accused of controlling his daughter before her death. Sunday's episode of Midsomer Murders also featured a surprise cameo from Holly Willoughby, making her acting debut as 'The Queen Of Daytime.' Bemused viewers saw the TV regular make a fleeting appearance at a psychic convention attended by local sleuth John Barnaby, played by screen veteran Neil Dudgeon, and his partner, DS Jamie Winter, played by Nick Hendrix, as they investigate a murder. A VIP guest at the event, Holly is seated on a throne and centre of attention as the weary detectives spot her after making their entrance. 'Is that the queen of daytime?' asks Winter, signalling to the presenter as she catches sight of them. Scary! The actor is best known for his role as the abusive Geoff Metcalfe on the ITV soap, and became one of the most hated character RIP: Geoff was sensationally killed off in December 2020, in a special episode to mark Corrie's 60th Anniversary Evidently not a fan of This Morning, the much older Barnaby retorts: 'Gloria Hunniford? Are you sure?' Fans were equally uncertain, albeit for different reasons, with many savaging the scene's 'forced and unrealistic' dialogue as well as Holly's presence on the show. Taking to X, one viewer wrote: 'Is that the Queen of Daytime? As if anyone would say that.' While a second remarked: 'Ah yes, top-quality realistic not-at-all-forced dialogue there ITV.' A third joked: 'How much did Holly Willoughby pay the #MidsomerMurders writers to get that line.' While a fourth wrote: 'Why why Holly Willoughby? Far better without as it felt it broke the 4th wall through using her - that inane grin she employs had no place in that episode with the other 'real' actors. Empty a new actor instead on set!' However others were more charitable, with one commenting: 'I'm actually quite enjoying Holly Willoughby occasionally popping up playing herself in the episode of #MidsomerMurders on STV right now.' Cameo: The autocue was nowhere in sight as Holly Willoughby made her acting debut on Sunday evening's instalment of Midsomer Murders Guest of honour: Holly was a VIP guest as the Midsomer village of Angels Rise hosted its annual Psychic Fayre While another added: 'Forgot @hollywills was going to be in #MidsomerMurders. Love it, can see her beaming.' Appearing on Wednesday's edition of Good Morning Britain, Dudgeon explained the decision to cast Holly, despite the presenter having no apparent acting experience. He said: 'Well, she's sort of a friend of the show I suppose - she's a great fan of the show and we're always looking to broaden our casting net. 'She was great, she was thoroughly professional. I think she was a bit nervous when she first arrived. She's playing a character called Holly Willoughby, I wouldn't like to say that it's herself.' Georgia Harrison has revealed she 'lost her passport and missed her flight home' as she shared a gallery of snaps from her wild getaway to Mallorca. The former Love Island star, 28, took to Instagram to share sizzling snaps clad in a white strapless swimsuit after returning home from her Spanish break. In a lengthy caption, Georgia reflected on taking a well-deserved break from her busy schedule to enjoy a holiday, alongside a hilarious snap of herself lying front-first across a sofa. Revealing the dramatic end to her holiday, Georgia wrote: 'How it started vs how it ended I had so much fun at @theeventinternational. 'As much as I love campaigning and making a difference sometimes it can feel like I'm constantly having to discuss negative topics or serious subjects and every now and then I wonder where aspects of myself have gone. Sexy! Georgia Harrison set pulses racing in a sexy white swimsuit as she revealed she 'lost her passport and missed her flight home' on a wild getaway to Mallorca Sexy! The former Love Island star took to Instagram to share sizzling snaps clad in a white strapless swimsuit after returning home from her Spanish break Glam: Georgia showed off her incredible figure in the revealing white one-piece as she relaxed on a huge inflatable lilo floating on the ocean 'My sense of humour, my energetic nature and my ability not to take life and things too seriously can sometimes feel buried underneath my new responsibilities/charity work but going forward I'm going to make sure to carve out time to just have fun, enjoy life , remember that I'm still in my 20's and leave the past in the past on the days that I can 'Ps I lost my passport and missed my flight home.' It comes after Georgia admitted she will never be the 'same person' again after her horrific Stephen Bear revenge porn ordeal. She was left devastated when her ex Stephen, 33, uploaded footage of them having sex to his OnlyFans account without her consent. Former Celebrity Big Brother star Stephen made 2,000 from it and was jailed for 21 months in March for voyeurism and two counts of 'revenge porn'. Now, Georgia has told how she has been forever 'changed' by the ordeal and said she will never be the same person that she was before. She told how the experience has made her more 'resilient' and that she has been rebuilding her confidence after the ordeal took a toll on her mental health. She told The Sun: 'I'll never be the same person as I was before, these things definitely do change you. A bit worn out? In a lengthy caption, Georgia reflected on taking a well-deserved break from her busy schedule, alongside a hilarious snap of herself lying front-first across a sofa Living it up! In the caption, Georgia admitted her trip came to an awkward end, as she missed her flight home after losing her passport Candid: It comes after Georgia admitted she will never be the 'same person' again after her horrific Stephen Bear revenge porn ordeal 'But humans are constantly evolving at each stages in their life, no matter what sort of pushes them to be a new version of themselves, so I definitely don't feel I'm the same person as I was but I feel really really confident and happy in myself and happy with the stage in my life that I'm in.' Georgia compared the revenge porn ordeal to grieving and said her emotions have come in 'waves' and that she has had to be 'patient' with herself. 'I always say victims of image-based sexual abuse, it's very similar to a grieving process, as if you lose a friend or family member,' she said. The reality TV star said she has gone to therapy after the ordeal took a toll on her mentally, but told how she generally uses more holistic methods of healing. She also explained how victims of sexual abuse can struggle with trust issues and told how it is has a 'knock-on effect' on her dating life, leaving her fearing that people will think of her 'differently'. Georgia confessed that she has struggled with those thoughts but told how if the situation was reversed, she wouldn't 'judge' anyone for a revenge porn ordeal. Amid her struggles with the horrific experience, Georgia also admitted she has been trolled online and has had to grow a thick skin to deal with the cruel comments. After her own revenge porn ordeal, Georgia was among those to call for a change to government legislation, which was finally passed at the end of June. Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Indiyah Polack were among the scantily-clad stars who descended on west London for the much-anticipated Notting Hill Carnival on Monday. The Little Mix star, 31, channelled her inner showgirl in a jaw-dropping feathered bodysuit as she made her way to the event, which takes place annually to celebrate the British Caribbean community in the UK. Leigh-Anne showcased her amazing figure in a skimpy black beaded one-piece and netted gloves, adorned with red, yellow and green feathers. Sharing a glimpse of her look on Instagram, Leigh-Anne strutted her stuff in her daring look as she headed to the wild event. Love Island star Indiyah Polack left little to the imagination wearing little more than a bejewelled string bodysuit as she headed to the carnival with her beau Dami Hope. Wow! Leigh-Anne Pinnock was among the scantily-clad stars who descended on west London for the much-anticipated Notting Hill Carnival on Monday Sensational: Indiyah Polack and her boyfriend Dami Hope left little to the imagination as they headed to the final day of the event, which celebrates British Caribbean culture Standing out! Leigh-Anne channelled her inner showgirl in a jaw-dropping feathered bodysuit as she made her way to the event The reality star's look was a rainbow of different jewels covering her string one-piece, with a shirtless Dami's look perfectly matching his girlfriend. Showing off her eye-popping curves, Indiyah posted a slew of snaps of her sexy outfit as she and Dami made their way to the carnival. For the second day of carnival festivities, attendees were treated to a performance by music legend Shaggy. Treating fans to the likes of It Wasn't Me and Angel, Shaggy also performed new material from his EP In The Mood. Taking to the Saxon, Rampage and Horniman stages, he said: 'It's been a great day. Notting Hill Carnival massive! It's nice to come back to the roots. We went to Rampage and Horniman, which had thousands of people out there; great energy. 'The legendary Saxon sound system was a highlight for me because I grew up on that sound system, so it was good to touch that, the crowd was amazing. Big up Musclehead. Great vibes! We were In The Mood and it's been a lovely lovely day.' Nick Grimshaw also took to Instagram to share snaps from the carnival's first day on Sunday, after heading out with his fiance Meshach Henry. Revealing: Leigh-Anne showcased her amazing figure in a skimpy black beaded look and netted gloves, adorned with red, yellow and green feathers What an entrance! Sharing a glimpse of her look on Instagram, Leigh-Anne strutted her stuff in her daring look as she headed to the wild event Sex bomb! Love Island star Indiyah Polack left little to the imagination wearing little more than a bejewelled string bodysuit Revealing! The reality star's look was a rainbow of different jewels covering her string one-piece, with a shirtless Dami's look perfectly matching his girlfriend Grand arrival! Showing off her eye-popping curves, Indiyah posted a slew of snaps of her sexy outfit as she and Dami made their way to the carnival Fun times! Nick Grimshaw also took to Instagram to share snaps from the carnival's first day on Sunday, after heading out with his fiance Meshach Henry Bold look: A participant in colourful costume on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival, which is traditional known as Children's Day, in London on Sunday Party time: Revellers dance to music on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival Munchies: Hungry ravers eat from from street stalls leaving behind a pile of used food containers on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival The BBC Radio 1 star was joined by his pal Miquita Oliver and a group of others, which he shared in a gallery of Instagram snaps. Lily Allen also took a break from her theatre show The Pillowman and went 'undercover' at the carnival on Sunday. Keeping a low-profile, Lily covered her head with a grey tea towel and shielded her eyes with gold-rimmed sunglasses. Taking to her Instagram, Lily delighted fans with her quirky outfit as she danced along with friends to the street performers. In another photo, she showcased her chic sense of style and enviable figure in a Fendi denim jacket and a matching pair of blue baggy jeans with a tie-die crop top. The annual event is the largest street party in Europe and it's estimated that two million people have attended over the bank holiday weekend. People could be seen partying atop floats followed by feathered bands dancing to the beat. Meanwhile the sweet, smoky scent of jerk chicken filled the side streets where sound systems played everything from rare groove to house, samba, reggae and ska. Originating from the late 1950s and 60s, Carnival is a community-led celebration honouring music, dancing, food and drink rooted in Caribbean culture. Monday's parade was said to be particularly focusing on 'adults day', which involves lots of dancing and partying. Here we go: Participants taking part in the adult parade Distinctive: Dancers in garish costumes aught the eye as this year's carnival got into full swing Disguise: Lily Allen took a break from her theatre show The Pillowman and went 'undercover' at the carnival on Sunday Day out: Keeping a low-profile, Lily covered her head with a grey tea towel and shielded her eyes with gold-rimmed sunglasses Feathered fun! The annual event is the largest street party in Europe and it's estimated that two million people have attended over the bank holiday weekend Living it up! People could be seen partying atop floats followed by feathered bands dancing to the beat Sensational! Originating from the late 1950s and 60s, Carnival is a community-led celebration honouring music, dancing, food and drink rooted in Caribbean culture The festival will also celebrate and remember the 75th anniversary of the docking of HMT Empire Windrush. The introduction of sound systems and mas bands 50 years ago transformed it into a large-scale event. All throughout London, colourfully costumed samba dancers and bands were seen parading through the streets. Blaring music and feathered and bejewelled revellers have made all the tweaks needed to their outfits. Earlier in the day, the Metropolitan Police tweeted that a section 60 order, that provides police officers with additional powers to search people, was authorised following 'intelligence concerning weapons.' Flexible: Paramedics (left) pass by acrobatic participants Getting involved: Drummers were seen among revellers as the carnival wound down on Monday afternoon Let's dance: West London's Notting Hill was a celebration of music and culture over the weekend Stunning OnlyFans model Sami Sheen was seen in a strapless moss green floral print bikini over the weekend. The 19-year-old daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards was posing on the beach in Malibu at sunset. The star had her white blonde hair down in soft mermaid waves as she had on peach toned makeup and minimal jewelry. And her eyebrows were dyed blonde. And in another shot, the Los Angeles resident added a black hoodie and white slacks at one point as she showed off her backside. In the caption was a green heart as her mother Denise hit the 'like' button. Bikini babe on the beach: Stunning OnlyFans model Sami Sheen was seen in a strapless moss green bikini over the weekend Sheen is known for posting very sexy images to Instagram to support her gig on OnlyFans. She and her mom Denise have both been posing for the site this year as it is a big money earner. And she also has shown off more candid images in swimwear on her social media pages. In June Sami was in Hawaii as she posed in bikinis. 'Swipe to see a blobfish,' was all the Los Angeles native wrote in her caption. She posted a slew of snaps chronicling her getaway to Honolulu. Whether she was splashing around the ocean blue or striking a pose by the sunset in an ab-baring outfit, Sami looked like she was having the time of her life. 'My second home at this point,' she captioned the snaps. The posts began with video of Sami diving into the tranquil waters, before emerging to slick the water out of her face. Floral fever: The 19-year-old daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards was posing on the beach in Malibu at sunset Waves: The star had her white blonde hair down in soft mermaid waves as she had on peach toned makeup and minimal jewelry In one picture, Sami wore a cheeky thong bikini bottom as she explored the rocky terrain with her tattooed back on display. She also shared a snap of herself soaking in the tub beside a candlelight. In a stunning shot, Sami posed on the beach at sunset in a white tube top and flowing tiered skirt. She also appeared to take a snap at magic hour, as she posed in the sunlight with her blonde hair cascading atop her grey sweatshirt in one golden shot. There was also plenty of adventuring to be had. Sami also enjoyed some zip lining, a bike ride around the beach, and a close encounter with a tortoise. Dressed: And the Los Angeles resident added a black hoodie and white slacks at one point as she showed off her backside. In the caption was a green heart as her mother Denise hit the 'like' button In February Sami showed off her shape as she enjoyed some warm weather in Hawaii. The model was wearing a sparkly light lavender-colored bikini that made the most of her tiny waistline as well as muscular arms and legs. She also flashed her array of tattoos. So 2022: Here the model is seen in a pink bikini when in Hawaii last year with sister Lola Her mommy! Denise has built a strong career for herself as a movie star (The World Is Not Enough), a model (Playboy, Only Fans) and a reality TV star (The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills); seen with husband Aaron Phypers at the Race To Erase MS Gala on Friday in Los Angeles Sami has been working for the pay site OnlyFans in the past year. She made headlines for posting images alongside her Bond girl mom Denise, who posed for Playboy almost 20 years ago. It was revealed in September that Denise's husband Aaron Phypers helps her shoot her OnlyFans content. The Wild Things star joined the website in June just days after her daughter Sami signed up for the service. And Denise has now recruited her partner to help her take the sexiest shots for the adult platform - admitting she values his opinion. During an appearance on Sirius XM's Jeff Lewis Live, she explained: 'Aaron takes a lot of my content for me. He knows what guys like. I ask him, I show him things, and say, 'What do you think?'' Denise went on to reveal she takes pictures in bikinis and lingerie and isn't afraid to show off her body - insisting pictures of her semi-naked already exist on the internet, She told host Jeff: 'I do bikini, I do lingerie, I do stuff that is sexier 'cause I also think, "Why not?' if I'm able to do stuff outside of some of the more conservative stuff that's on my Instagram. I do show my boobies, my tush,"' she explained. 'They're already out there if you Google them.' With mommy and sister: Sami, far right, with sister Lola, far left, and Denise, middle, in 2015 in Los Angeles The actress said she first joined the site to show support for her daughter, but she grew to understand why it feels 'empowering'. She went on: 'I did it to support my daughter, being a mom who is an actress who has done stuff, and I just thought it was empowering too as a woman to take control. 'You own all of the content and (on) a lot of the other platforms, you don't own the content. So, it's nice to be able to control it.' Sami previously faced opposition from her actor dad Charlie Sheen, who wasn't happy with her decision to join OnlyFans, and she recently revealed he still hasn't been won over. The teenager told TMZ: '(My mom) has been incredibly supportive from the jump. I'm grateful to have to her in my corner. But my dad hasn't seen the light yet. ' Sami also has three sisters, Lola, as well as Eloise and 37-year-old half-sister Cassandra Jade Estevez, whose mother is Paula Profit. She also has 13-year-old half-brothers Max and Bob Sheen whose mother is 45-year-old Brooke Mueller. Camila Mendes was enjoying a trip of a lifetime this weekend. The 29-year-old Riverdale star was seen soaking up the sun on the picturesque island of Capri on the coast of Italy. The brunette bombshell from Virginia wore a black string bikini with a triangle top that flashed her underboob tattoo. She added small, low-on-the-hips briefs. The fun images were shared to Instagram this weekend for all her fans to see. The radiant actress was also living la dolce vita with her beau, 31-year-old musician Rudy Mancuso, while they went for a dip in the water. In style in Italy: Cami Mendes - who was born Camila Carraro Mendes - was enjoying a trip of a lifetime this weekend. The 29-year-old Riverdale star was seen soaking up the sun on the picturesque island of Capri on the coast of Italy In February she talked love. The actress - who is based in Vancouver and Los Angeles - has opened up on how she and boyfriend Mancuso make their romance work when they're kept apart because of work. She told E! News: 'Honestly, I try to fly out, or he tries to fly out as much as possible. Almost every weekend!' In February the star - who was born Camila Carraro Mendes - said they weren't going to be together for Valentine's Day. Asked about their plans, she laughed: 'I'm flying back to Vancouver tonight. So yeah, filming all week, but a little FaceTime date. Long-distance life.' The star recently opened up on the couple's blossoming romance and admitted she's very much in the 'honeymoon' phase and doesn't want to 'speak above and beyond' too soon. However, she gushed: 'I am still in the honeymoon, but it's one of those situations where I feel like, and I'm really trying to temper myself here. Haute stuff on a yacht: The brunette bombshell from Virginia wore a black string bikini with a triangle top that flashed her underboob tattoo and small, low on the hips briefs. The fun images were shared to Instagram this weekend for all her fans to see With her love: The radiant actress was also seen enjoying la dolce vita with her beau Rudy Mancuso in the water 'I don't wanna speak above and beyond, but I feel like I've known him my whole life, and that's something I actually have never felt before.' The couple met on the set of Prime Video film Musica, and sparked romance rumours towards the end of 2022. Camila - who has previously been in relationships with photographer and director Ian Wallace and Riverdale co-star Charles Melton - made her relationship with Rudy Instagram official in November as she shared a 'life update' with her followers which included a photo of her beau. She shared a loved up snap of them together to celebrate Valentine's Day and described him as 'meu amor' on her Instagram Story. She added in a separate post: 'meu valentine. te amo so much.' The looker also admitted in April that she picks her skin 'until it bleeds' to get rid of acne. The actress admitted she has a painful way of dealing with blemishes on her skin. The Riverdale family: Here Cami is seen with Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse and KJ Apa Speaking to Allure magazine, she said: 'Whenever I have a blemish, I'll destroy it and pick at it until it bleeds. 'And then it becomes a wound that eventually scars, so hyperpigmentation is one of my biggest ongoing concerns.' The star never used to have 'an extensive skincare routine' before joining the Netflix show, but she has learned to adjust. She explained: 'Before Riverdale, I wasn't someone who wore a lot of makeup or had an extensive skin-care routine. 'But when I started spending hours and hours wearing heavy makeup on set, I saw that my skin was suffering and knew I needed to do more for myself.' Camila noted she is a minimalist 'at heart', but is willing to 'adjust' when necessary. She added: 'When my skin needs some extra TLC, I'll adjust my routine accordingly.' Typically sticking to a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen, occasionally the star will also branch out to eye and facemasks, a spot treatment and a facial roller. She said: 'There is no one size fits all in skin care. Pay attention to how your skin responds to each product you try, and curate a routine that's specific to your own needs.' Nadia Sawalha has been praised by fans for showing off her 'real body' in a candid Instagram post on Monday. The Loose Women star, 58, looked incredible as she wore shapewear from Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS. Nadia lip-synced to Kim's voice saying that her shapewear 'lifts your butt', as she paraded around her walk-in wardrobe. She captioned the post: 'As @kimkardashian 'compression' (ie suck the flab in) wear hits the headlines today I thought it was an apt time for a little repost!!' Fans gushed over the TV personality, with one penning: 'Cheered me up.. your hilarious and gorgeous in that bodysuit' Candid: Nadia Sawalha has been praised by fans for showing off her 'real body' in a candid Instagram post on Monday Another said: 'Absolutely crying!! Love how you keep it so real and make us 'normal' women feel we're good enough x' A third added: 'Soooo brilliantly done - as per!!!! xxxxxxx' Nadia is regularly known for her hysterical Instagram videos and earlier this month she poked fun at a model's sexy swimwear video. The Loose Women star showed off her figure in a gold bikini as she mimicked athlete and fitness model Vanessa Munley's recent post. The clip began as Vanessa pulled down her sarong to reveal her bottom before Nadia did the same along with a funny sound effect. As she showed off her behind Nadia revealed her HRT (estrogen patches) before running into the sea. She then hilariously copied Vanessa's sexy beach poses for the rest of the clip. Nadia penned in the caption: 'Turn the volume up ! Bl**dy @mark_adderley added sound affects without me knowing! 'Did you miss us ! Back tomorrow! @vanessamunley is a goddess and works her arse off for that beautiful arse !!!' She also left fans in hysterics as she uploaded a hilarious bikini-clad video while posing up a storm at a spa. Keeping it real: The Loose Women star, 58, looked incredible as she wore shapewear from Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS Fans gushed over the TV personality, with one penning: 'Cheered me up.. your hilarious and gorgeous in that bodysuit' The TV personality shared the behind the scenes Instagram clip as she instructed her husband Mark Adderley to capture her 'looking sexy'. Nadia slipped into a white bikini with black polka dots as she told her TV producer beau - who she wed in 2002 - to capture the water so 'it looks like the blue lagoon in Iceland' not a UK spa. The next clip showed the ITV star lying on her side on a lounge chair which Mark insisted 'doesn't look natural'. Nadia told her partner to 'go around the back' and get her peachy bottom in the shot and joked that 'it'll look like I've worked my butt off'. She stood in the pool under a fountain and while getting in position, she asked: 'Does it give sexy?' Mark replied: 'Got a good angle for this one,' before Nadia was hilariously hit in the face with the water. To end the clip, the presenter relaxed in a jacuzzi and gushed: 'My breasts can look good here, I can hold them up under the water.' She displayed her long legs by placing them up on the edge of the pool and instructed Mark to put the bubbles on. 'Just make me look sexy': Nadia left fans in hysterics as she uploaded a hilarious bikini-clad video while posing up a storm at a spa Looking good: She stood in the pool under a fountain and while getting in position, she asked: 'Does it give sexy?' Amazing: Nadia joked in the caption that she will do anything for the Instagram picture as she poked fun at influencers by showing the reality of behind the snaps The next clip showed Nadia slipping under the water trying to catch her breath and asking the husband if he got the picture. Nadia joked in the caption that she will do anything for the Instagram picture as she poked fun at influencers by showing the reality of behind the snaps. She penned: 'For godsake @mark_adderley just make me look sexy ?!!!!! #DOINGITFORTHGRAM #influencerfail #husbandsofinstagram #influencerlife #instavsreality #ukinfluencer.' The former EastEnders star shares two daughters Maddie, 20, and Kiki-Bee, 15, with husband Mark. Actress Kassie DePaiva is returning to TV. The 62-year-old star is set to reprise her One Life To Live alter ego Blair Cramer to General Hospital again, according to TV Line. The episodes will air in September, an ABC rep told the outlet. Kassie first debuted as Blair Cramer in 1992 on One Life To Live. The latest: Actress Kassie DePaiva is returning to TV. The 62-year-old star is set to reprise her One Life To Live alter ego Blair Cramer to General Hospital again, according to TV Line; seen May 5, In character: The episodes will air in September, an ABC rep told the outlet. Kassie first debuted as Blair Cramer in 1992 on One Life To Live; seen with co-stars Trevor St. John and Kristen Alderson on One Life To Live She played the character Blair for almost 900 episodes on One Life To Live until 2013. Kassie appeared in General Hospital as Blair for two episodes in 2012. Roger Howarth, who played her on-screen husband on Todd Manning, still stars on General Hospital. On a possible reunion on the show, Kassie said: 'There's a lot of history there, a lot of time, a lot of water under that bridge,' via TV Line. 'But I guess Todd is not Todd, right? So if I was to go back on that show, he probably wouldn't recognize me. But I could go, "You're hot. You look like somebody I use to know."' Kassie also appeared in Days of Our Lives, from 2014 until 2020. She starred as Eve Donovan in Days of Our Lives for 380 episodes. Reprising her role: Blair is the alter-ego of her One Life To Live character she plays. The episodes will air in September, an ABC rep told the outlet; seen April 27, 2016 in Hollywood Impressive: She played the character Blair for almost 900 episodes on One Life To Live until 2013; seen with co-star Florencia Lozano on One Life To Live Kassie started her acting career in 1986 on Guiding Light; she played the character Chelsea Reardon until 1991. Her film debut came in 1987 in Evil Dead II; she has also had roles in Melrose Place, Baywatch and Castle. Kassie married her One Life To Live co-star James DePaiva, 65. James played Max Holden on the show from 1987 until 1990, as well as 1991 to 2003 and a brief return in 2007. Kassie and James wed in May 1986, and welcome their son, James, in 1997. Katie Piper showcased her gym-honed physique in a two-piece while taking a dip in the sea on Monday. The television personality, 39, took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse at her latest sun-soaked getaway. She showed off her incredible figure in a white and black bikini, while accessorising with stylish sunglasses. Katie went makeup free, showing off her natural beauty, and her blonde locks were styled back behind her ears in a wet, sleek style. Katie appeared in high spirits as she lapped up the sunshine in the water on her break with husband Richard James Sutton. Wow! Katie Piper showcased her gym-honed physique in a black and white bikini while taking a dip in the sea on Monday Loved-up: The television personality, 39, took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse at her latest sun-soaked getaway with husband Richard James Sutton Katie shared several selfies with husband Richie, whom she married in 2015. They have two children together. Alongside the stunning pictures, Katie captioned the post: 'Bucket Hats & Bikinis' The star has recently been on our screens with her documentary Jailhouse Mums which saw Katie visit a number of different US prisons to follow pregnant female inmates with the delivery of their babies. However the project didn't come without its complications as Katie recently revealed that she 'risked complete blindness' while filming the documentary . The Loose Women presenter, who underwent an operation to fix a defect in her left eye earlier this year, admitted it is still 'not great' as she issued a candid health update earlier in June. The author revealed she 'really struggled' while filming in prisons in the States due to not having access to eye drops. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Katie said her eye issue 'has never stabilised' and revealed: 'It's not great. It's ongoing my eye for me. I had this infection since February which has never really stabilised.' Katie continued: 'It was a nightmare throughout the filming of the prison show. I was really struggling and it was really hard to get eye drops into the prisons. Stunning: She showed off her incredible figure in the two-piece, while accessorising with stylish sunglasses Beauty: Katie went makeup free, showing off her natural beauty, and her blonde locks were styled back behind her ears in a wet, sleek style 'It's just one of those things that has never been a stable injury for me. I think if you're going to have such a life-changing injury you're going to know and accept those things don't just heal and go away. 'It is the same for every burn survivor I have met at that level of severity of injury.' In 2008 at the age of 24, she was the victim of a horrific sulphuric acid attack when a man she'd dated for only two weeks raped her then paid a hitman to attack her. Subsequently, Katie lost the sight in one eye and has battled to keep the health of her other, but she did not let that deter her from finishing the project. Hugh Jackman has asked fans to help him get in contact with a blind boy whose first day of school went viral on Instagram. The Australian actor, 54, reposted a video to his social media of a boy named Ashton as he navigated his way around the school using a white cane. In the video, Ashton's mother asked other kids to 'be kind' and include students who may 'look or act different'. 'Hi everyone... if you know how I can be in touch with Ashton please dm me,' Hugh captioned the post. 'I'd like to wish him an amazing new school year. Thanks for the help.' Hugh Jackman has asked fans for help finding blind boy whose first day of school went viral on Instagram The post comes after Hugh recently shared a rare photo with his sister Zoe during a family outing in London. Unable to wipe the smiles off their faces, the Wolverine star was seen putting his arm around his older sister in a sweet photo he shared with his Instagram followers. 'I am so grateful for my sister Zoe,' he captioned the picture. Fans were shocked to see how much the pair look alike as they flocked to the comments to gush over the Jackman duo. 'Wolverine and Wolverina,' one person wrote, while another said: 'She looks just like you or you look just like her.' A third added: 'Unmistakable Jackman eyes the two of you share plus adoring love.' The actor reposted a video to his social media of a boy named Ashton as he navigated his way around the school using a white cane 'Bruh she literally looks like him. I thought I was baked af seeing two Hugh Jackman's,' someone else wrote. Jackman had previously revealed the siblings grew up in different countries following their parents' divorce. Hugh was eight years old when his mother Grace left and moved back to the UK from Australia, which he has previously described as a 'traumatic' experience. The Hollywood star remained in Australia with his late father Christopher and two older brothers Ralph and Ian, while his mother took sisters Zoe and Sonya with her. The post comes after Hugh recently shared a rare photo with his sister Zoe during a family outing in London 'It was traumatic,' Hugh once told Who magazine. 'I thought she was probably going to come back. And then it sort of dragged on and on.' He said it wasn't until he was '12 or 13' that he realised his mother wouldn't return, and he saw her around 'once a year' after she left. 'I remember her being in a towel around her head and saying goodbye. [It] must have been the way she said goodbye,' he said. 'As I went off to school, when I came back, there was no one there in the house. The next day there was a telegram from England. Mum was there. And then that was it. Dad used to pray every night that mum would come back,' he added. His mother is an Oscar-winning actress with a three-decade career in showbusiness and a global health empire to boot. She herself is the daughter of two Hollywood greats - an actress and a producer - and her film debut came in 1991 starring alongside a Grease icon. His father is a British rocker who formed his iconic band back in 1997. The band have sold more than 100million albums worldwide and scored a number one US single in 2021. His parents tied the knot in 2003 before finally divorcing in 2016. His mother is an Oscar-winning actress with a three-decade career in showbusiness and a global health empire to boot - he stepped out for dinner in LA this week His mother is now remarried to an acclaimed television writer and his father is in a longterm romance with a younger actress. Who is he? He is 17-year-old Moses Martin, the son of Gwyneth Paltrow, 50, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 46. In addition to Moses, Gwyneth shares 19-year-old daughter Apple with her ex-husband. She married Chris in 2003 before they infamously 'consciously uncoupled' in 2014 before ultimately divorcing three years later. The duo have remained on good terms since their split, and Gwyneth even paid tribute to Chris this past Father's Day. The Los Angeles native - who boasts 14.4M social media followers - wrote via Instastory: 'Happy Father's Day to this guy!' The retired actress made sure to give a shout out to her own late father - Emmy-nominated producer Bruce Paltrow - who passed away from oral cancer in 2002. Paltrow and now-husband Brad Falchuk were still married to their respective exes when they met in 2010 during her five-episode gig on Fox's Glee, but they didn't date until 2014 and tied the knot four years later. He is 17-year-old Moses Martin, the son of Gwyneth Paltrow, 50, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 46 pictured with his parents and sister Apple, 19 The ex factor: His parents tied the knot in 2003 before finally divorcing in 2016; pictured 2014 - the year they announced their split Mom and son: Moses is seen out and about with Goop mogul mom Gwyneth in Beverly Hills this week The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Martin, pictured L in 2002, and his son R The goddaughter of Steven Spielberg hasn't had an acting gig since 2020 when she played New York State Senate candidate Payton Hobart's (Ben Platt) mother Georgina in the Netflix series The Politician, which Brad co-created. Having first risen to fame as an actress, Paltrow has successfully rebranded herself as the ultimate health guru. The Golden Globe winner launched Goop in 2008 and what went from a weekly newsletter has turned into a business empire, valued at around 200million, The wellness brand is famed for offbeat products such as psychic vampire repellent spray, sex dust and the notorious vagina scented candles. Gwyneth has had made millions from the sex toys on her Goop site, which famously included a gold-plated vibrator costing $15,000 (12,000.) Husband two: Gwyneth wed Brad Falchuk in 2018 - they are seen in 2019 Partner: Chris meanwhile has been dating Fifty Shades actress Dakota Johnson since late 2017 (pictured 2022) Chris meanwhile has been dating Fifty Shades actress Dakota Johnson since late 2017. The happy couple took the step of moving in with each other in Malibu last February. Dakota spoke about her relationship with Chris during an interview with Elle, where she noted that she and her boyfriend loved spending time with each other at their shared residence. She said: 'We've been together for quite a while, and we go out sometimes, but we both work so much that it's nice to be at home and be cozy and private.' Travis Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler made a statement on Monday. The model shared on Instagram that she is working on her mental health after suffering 'trauma' in her life. She was rewarded from thousands of messages of support from her 400,000 followers. Moakler's most recent post says that she has been on a 'journey of healing,' and that she has been following other accounts that offer workshops aimed at helping people 'heal and understand trauma.' She also plugged a friend's sleep app, and those have been proven useful when it comes to relaxing our minds before bed. Worthy woman: Travis Barker 's ex-wife Shanna Moakler made a statement on Monday. The model shared on Instagram that she is working on her mental health after suffering 'trauma' in her life. She was rewarded from thousands of messages of support from her 400,000 followers In her Instagram post, the 48-year-old blonde bombshell sits in front of the camera wearing a black tank-top that says 'I'm Worthy' as well as black underwear. Her nails have been painted white and she's doing the 'Rock on!' gesture with her left hand, with her pinky and index fingers raised alongside her thumb. In her right hand, she holds a new iPhone and some sort of golden charm bracelet. Moakler said that she got the shirt from Mental Healness and that she plans to buy a couple of others, as the shirts all feature positive messages of strength and affirmation. The caption on her post ended with the hashtag #NamasteB**ches. 'So I have been following a couple amazing mental health accounts and they have been so helpful for me on my journey of healing,' she wrote on IG. 'I just got this t shirt from @mentalhealnesss he has all kinds with different messages... I'm going to grab a couple others! 'Other accounts I love have some great workshops like @_synful_ and others to really help you heal and understand trauma like @shadowdeangelis and for a quick no f***s given @yogi_bryan check out his sleep app!! Also @mymetaphysicalmaven is a godsend with healing work! Check these guys out and have a blessed weekend! ' #namasteb**ches.' Her ex: Moakler and musician Travis Barker arrive at the The Los Angeles launch event for the T-MOBILE SIDEKICK LX at The Clubhouse in Los Angeles in 2007 His new wife: The drummer has moved on with KUWTK vet Kourtney Kardashian Moakler recently posed on Instagram while wearing a royal blue string bikini top and oversized brown-tinted aviator sunglasses with gold accents. A reality TV star best known for Meet The Barkers, Moakler was understandably upset when her ex-husband married Kourtney Kardashian, who is now pregnant with his baby. When the two of them first linked up, Moakler accused Kardashian of 'destroying my family' and leaving her 'alienated' from the two children she shares with Travis son Landon, 19, and daughter Alabama, 17. Moakler and Barker were married from 2004 to 2008, during which time Travis also helped raise Shanna's son Atiana De La Hoya, whose father is famed boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Moakler has previously said that she and Barker broke up after he had an affair with Kourtney's sister, Kim Kardashian, but she's now focused on moving on, telling Page Six that 'as long as [Travis is] happy [and] as long as [the Kardashians] are good to my kids, that's all I care about.' Kim Kardashian's camp has denied Moakler's allegations, though Shanna doubled down on her scintillating claim in an interview with TMZ where she was accompanied by her much-younger boyfriend, model Matthew Rondeau, 28. She has a look: The star often posts impressive bikini pinup images to social media Meanwhile, Shanna's daughter, Alabama, has accused her of being an absent mother who didn't call her once during a seven-month period in which they didn't see each other. Alabama has accused Matthew of cheating on her mother, saying that he's awful to Shanna while hinting that the two of them may ultimately deserve one another. 'Did your moms ask to see you on Mother's Day 'cause mine didn't? I'm done keeping it a secret, reality shows,' Alabama once said. For her part, Shanna told People that the 'claims of being absent from my children's lives are false and incredibly hurtful,' adding that she 'will continue to prioritize my children's happiness and well-being' as she always has, though she also noted that 'co-parenting is hard.' Though Shanna had Matthew arrested last year on domestic battery charges (which were eventually dismissed), the on-again, off-again couple quickly reconciled, with Matthew telling Life & Style that 'She's an amazing mother, and I am with her because she loves and cares so much about her family. That's just one of the reasons why I love her so much.' Moakler currently shares custody with Barker, and while it's easy to see why their children might enjoy hanging out with their dad and the Kardashian clan, Shanna said she's confident that 'One day, my children will see through the fame and money machine they have been thrust into and realize their mother loves and will always be there for them.' Yewande Biala has candidly revealed she has never had an orgasm as she explores the subject in a new Channel 4 documentary. The former Love Island star, 26, said the show would 'follow her journey' as she learned to understand her body while also calling for better sex education. Yewande, who is a qualified scientist, told The Sun: 'It's such a defining moment when you are a teen learning about sex in school, and sex education teaches about male orgasms but not about female ones'. 'I am hoping there's a woman watching who works for the Government who thinks that what I've done is interesting and pushes doing more in the school curriculum'. The former pharmaceutical worker, who found fame in the ITV2 villa back in 2019, added: 'It's not like I am campaigning. I'm just an ordinary girl who at 26 has never had an orgasm. The programme is just my journey.' Honesty: Yewande Biala, 26, has candidly revealed she has never had an orgasm as she explores the subject in a new Channel 4 documentary Honest: The former Love Island star said the show would 'follow her journey' as she learned to understand her body while also calling for better sex education It comes after Maya Jama revealed she has landed a new job as the host of the first ever Love Island spin-off series. The TV presenter, 29, will be heading to Fiji to present Love Island Games in partnership with streaming site Peacock. The series will reunite her with Iain Stirling, known for his narration on both the UK and US editions of the show. Maya announced the exciting news in a video on Instagram, saying: 'It's going to be amazing!' Love Island Games will bring together former Islanders from the UK, US and Australian series for a second shot at love and to compete to be crowned the champion. The international series will see the stars 'faced with both team and couples' challenges, all while navigating dating, eliminations, recoupling and dramatic new arrivals.' The show is set to make its debut on November 1 with new episodes streaming six days a week on Peacock. Maya took on the role of Love Island host during its ninth season, taking the reins from Laura Whitmore. Making a change: Yewande, who is a qualified scientist, said: 'It's such a defining moment when you are a teen learning about sex in school, and sex education teaches about male orgasms but not about female ones'. Throwback: The stunner, who found fame in the ITV2 villa back in 2019 (pictured) added: 'It's not like I am campaigning. I'm just an ordinary girl who at 26 has never had an orgasm. The programme is just my journey.' She's been praised by fans for her presenting style and sensational looks over the summer and winter series. Maya previously shut down claims she had been told by ITV to change her personality for her role. During an Instagram Q&A, a fan asked whether ITV asked the star to tame [her] energy and personality to present the show. Maya responded: 'No not at all. Of course, on the show theres a certain tone for dramatic bits so I cant come in shouting cling cling and running jokes but on Aftersun its literally the most myself Ive ever been on TV and its live so thats my playground.' Secrets Of The Female Orgasm airs 10pm Thursday August 31 on Channel 4. Jennifer Aniston channeled her chic and simple 90s style as she stepped out for dinner in Beverly Hills earlier this week. The Friends actress, 54, wore a black slip dress teamed with sandals and a number of gold jewelry pieces, as she left Funke restaurant. Aniston wore her tresses in soft waves and sported a radiant palette of make-up for the dinner. Her black sandals gave a peek at the sentimental tattoo she has on her foot, dedicated to her late dog Norman. The actress looked in good spirits as she hopped back inside her car following her dinner outing. 90's vibes: Jennifer Aniston channeled her chic and simple 90s style as she stepped out for dinner in Beverly Hills earlier this week Busty: The Friends actress , 54, wore a black slip dress teamed with sandals and a number of gold jewelry pieces, as she left Funke restaurant Sentimental: Her black sandals gave a peek at the sentimental tattoo she has on her foot, dedicated to her late dog Norman Throwback: Aniston pictured in her signature slip dress in 1997 at a Cosmopolitan Cover Party The busy star carried her cellphone as she made her way back to her car. Aside from her foot tattoo, the star also has a wrist tattoo of '11 11.' The ink is also in reference to her pooch, who died in 2011. The Welsh corgi-terrier was a constant companion to the actress through some of the most challenging years of her life. Norman frequently joined Jennifer on television and film sets and she was rarely without him. He was also there during her divorce from Brad Pitt. She was wed to Pitt from 2000 until 2005. He then fell for Angelina Jolie with whom he shares six kids: Maddox, 22, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 15. Their ugly and very public battle over custody is still raging. Aniston recently admitted that she finds it 'easier' to be single. The star, who has also has dated the likes of John Mayer and Justin Theroux in the years since Pitt, admitted that she was never excited to pursue adult relationships after seeing her parents divorce. Looking good: Aniston wore her tresses in soft waves and sported a radiant palette of make-up for the outing Driving off: The actress looked in good spirits as she hopped back inside her car following her dinner outing Radiant: The star looked sensational as she got into the car Stylish: Jennifer was escorted to her car by a bodyguard after dinner Chic: Jennifer climbed into her car before heading home LBD: The star looked glowing as he headed to her car In a recent conversation with the Wall Street Journal, Aniston reflected on how her late parents' Nancy Dow and John Aniston's relationship has affected the way she dates. 'It was always a little bit difficult for me in relationships, I think, because I really was kind of alone,' she admitted. 'My parents, watching my familys relationship, didnt make me kind of go, "Oh, I cant wait to do that,"' she said of her mom and dad, who divorced when she was a little girl. The movie star revealed, 'I didnt like the idea of sacrificing who you were or what you needed, so I didnt really know how to do that. So it was almost easier to just be kind of solo. So I didnt have any real training in that give-and-take.' Jennifer went on to say: 'Its just about not being afraid to say what you need and what you want. And its still a challenge for me in a relationship.' EastEnders legend Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returned with a bang on Monday after a 25-year hiatus from the BBC soap. As Cindy finally made her dramatic return to the square, she paid a visit to her mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth). Cindy explained she has been in France with her son Ian and grandson Peter, leaving Kathy fuming as she believed Cindy was dead. After Cindy called Kathy's son Ben Mitchell 'a right psycho', Kathy lashed out by slapping her across the face. The pair continued to slap each other and throw insults at each other until Kathy pushed Cindy to the ground as she called her 'a bi**h'. Iconic: EastEnders legend Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returned with a bang on Monday after a 25-year hiatus from the BBC soap BBC viewers praised the explosive scene, with one penning: 'Those scenes between Cindy and Kathy was EastEnders at its absolute best' Another said: 'Not even reunited minutes and the slaps are flying between Cindy and Kathy. The EastEnders we know and love' A third added: 'That was iconic' The episode ended with George Knight stepping out from the doors of the Vic for a breather, and turning to lock eyes with his former wife, leaving them both in shock. It was revealed in June that Michelle was returning to the soap with her ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and their son Peter (Thomas Law). Fans were led to believe that the mother died in childbirth after plotting to kill her then-husband, however it turns out that 26 years later Cindy is very much alive and has been living a glamorous life in the sun. In the exciting trailer, Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) looked utterly stunned as Cindy entered the house, despite being presumed dead. The pair famously despised one another after Cindy cheated on Kathy's son Ian with David Wickes, and it has been teased that the pair will once again go head-to-head upon Cindy's return. And their tense row was teased as Cindy made her grand entrance, with Kathy sharing her shock as she said: 'You're dead!' Return: As Cindy finally made her dramatic return to the square, she paid a visit to her mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) BBC viewers praised the explosive scene, with one penning: 'Those scenes between Cindy and Kathy was EastEnders at its absolute best' Clearly no longer 'dead', Cindy is set to bring chaos to the BBC soap as she steps back onto Albert Square after claiming she had always wanted to visit. In the 30-second trailer, Kathy warned everyone against her schemes as her daughter-in-law made her way around Walford. She wasn't the only one warning the residents against her as Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) reminds Ian that Cindy has always been deceitful. It is unclear who Ian is trying to convince but he insisted in one moment: 'This time it's different!' Cindy supposedly died while serving time in prison for hiring a hitman to kill Ian. But it appears she has been living a double life in witness protection under the moniker 'Rose Knight'. In a further twist, she was revealed to be the absent wife of Queen Vic landlord George Knight (Colin Salmon), and mother to their two daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford). Elsewhere in the exciting trailer, George was seen looking at a photograph of 'Rose' - the name Cindy went by when she was in a relationship with him. Brutal: After Cindy called Kathy's son Ben Mitchell 'a right psycho', Kathy lashed out by slapping her across the face Wow: Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) reminds Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) that Cindy has always been deceitful. It is unclear who Ian is trying to convince but he insists: 'This time it's different!' Stunned: In the trailer, Anna and Gina (pictured) walk through the market completely oblivious to the fact they are about to come face to face with their mother after all this time (pictured with George) The identity of Queen Vic landlord George Knight's ex-wife had been kept under wraps, but a teaser at the end of Wednesday's episode showed Cindy picking up George's call while sprawled out poolside on a sun lounger in France. George could be seen pouring himself a brandy and playing Seal's Kiss From A Rose on the pub jukebox before the scene cut to Cindy, confirming weeks of suspicion over Rose's true identity. In the trailer, giggling Anna and Gina walk through the market completely oblivious to the fact they are about to come face to face with their mother after all this time. Cindy will be forced to do some explaining as she returns for a week of episodes at the end of the month will cover the storyline. The comeback will spark more drama which will then kick off in the autumn. The family of rapper Kanye West's 'wife' Bianca Censori have been torn apart by a bitter property dispute involving her gangster uncle once dubbed the 'Al Capone of Melbourne'. Daily Mail Australia revealed just weeks ago Bianca was the daughter of Melbourne gangster Elia 'Leo' Censori, who did hard jail time after being convicted in 1982 on a charge of possessing a prohibited import (heroin). Leo is the brother of Eris Censori, a notorious gangland killer who was once handed the death penalty in Western Australia for a murder, before the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. Kanye West and Bianca Censori had an 'unofficial' wedding Eris Censori (right) and his brother Leo, who is the father of Kaye West's wife Bianca Leo Censori was a gambling kingpin who did hard time over a heroin bust West, 46, reportedly had an unofficial wedding ceremony with the Melbourne architect, 28, in January - just two months after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalised. Eris - who changed his name to Tony Campana - has been battling his sister Elenia Censori in the Supreme Court of Victoria over ownership of a Brunswick property. In documents filed with the court, Eris' sister described him as a man not to be trifled with. Eris is not a person you can you can say no to... he can be intimidating,' she told the court. The court heard Elenia - Bianca's aunt - had been close to Eris, standing by him after his release from jail over the murder. Eris had been released from jail in May 1994 and lived with Leo in Melbourne for six weeks before moving in with his sister at her Heidelberg home. Their fallout stems from the 2005 purchase of two vacant blocks in Union Street, Brunswick - just north of Melbourne's CBD - which Eris intended to build investment properties upon. The court heard confusion over his eligibility for a building permit saw him transfer ownership to his sister, but only on the provision a trust be created that would ultimately allow him to retain ownership of the Brunswick properties. Bianca Censori is the daughter of a former criminal and the niece of a ruthless killer Aided by Eris' estranged wife, the court heard Elenia claimed no such trust ever existed and maintained the properties were, and always had been, hers. The matter landed in court after Eris tried to enforce the trust agreement, which he claimed had been destroyed in a fire. Eris further claimed his sister owned him $182,097 in rent she had collected on his behalf over the years. Elenia counterclaimed she paid the entirety of the purchase price for the property. 'Ms Censori claims that she entered into an agreement with Mr Campana in late-2007, pursuant to which Mr Campana agreed to pay her $8,000 per month as repayment for a loan taken out over 160 Union Street,' the court heard. 'Ms Censori alleges that Mr Campana has failed to make any payments since 6 March 2014 and that he stands indebted to her for the sum of $816,360.56.' Leo Censori's ex-wife blew the whistle on his life of crime in 1991 in Melbourne's Herald Sun Eris gave evidence that he offered to sell one of the Union Street townhouses to his sister in April 2014 for $550,000, but she was only prepared to pay $280,000. He eventually sold the second townhouse in 2013 for $675,000. He was not willing to sell the other for less than $550,000 which he considered to be a price which gave Ms Censori 'a considerable benefit'. Justice Michael McDonald told the court he accepted the convicted killer's evidence, ordering Elenia to hand over the title of the property - now valued at close to $1million - to her brother. He further ordered Elenia to pay her brother the $182,097 in unpaid rent, with interest. Eris had been spared the death penalty when it was abolished in Western Australia in 1984. Kanye West and Bianca Censori in May. Bianca is the daughter of former criminal Leo Kanye West hooked up with Bianca after his marriage to Kim Kardashian ended His eldest brother Edmondo, known as 'Eddie Capone', has convictions in Victoria for violence, including assaulting police, theft and threats. Leo also has convictions for possession of a pistol and fully jacketed ammunition. Bianca's father served two years of his five-year sentence over the drug charges after an Australian Federal Police raid found heroin in his kitchen. West and Bianca have been turning heads with their outrageous ensembles while trotting around Italy in recent weeks. Bianca has been accused of walking around 'virtually naked' in the European nation, flashing her flesh in extremely revealing outfits. Daily Mail Australia approached the Censori compound earlier this month for comment about Leo's criminal past, but has not received a response. Ex-Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley shared a meme of a frazzled-looking Barbie doll following the disastrous fallout of the 'cakegate' scandal, which lead to the actress to cancellng her 40th birthday bash. The former Strictly contestant has faced a tough month after being embroiled in a heated online backlash when a PR firm approached an independent bakery to supply free cakes for her bash. Tyldesley has since had to shut down the plans for 40th bash scheduled for September 1, and has opted for a quieter celebration of the birthday milestone. The actress posted a meme of a haggard Barbie doll with disheveled hair, smudged make-up and panda eyes, with the caption 'Me trying to work, go to the gym, stay hydrated not be broke, maintain a social life, and get 8 hours of sleep every night'. Above it, the actress concurred with the meme's hilarious joke about the struggles of juggling it all with a concise : 'Yup'. Not happy: Catherine Tyldesley has spken out after cancelling her 40th birthday party Getting the message: The actress posted a meme of a frazzled-looking Barbie doll with disheveled hair and smudged panda eyes Day out: Wearing the perfect outfit for a family day out in the woods, Catherine was pictured wearing khaki-coloured trousers with a pair of wellies and a windbreaker The former Coronation Street star also posted wholesome photos of an outing with children in an adventure park in Cheshire, clutching on to a toddler wearing a magenta pink outdoor onesie. Wearing the perfect outfit for a day out in the woods, Catherine was pictured wearing khaki-coloured trousers with a pair of wellies and a windbreaker. Tyldesley also reposted The Children's Society's post about helping struggling families by buying buying school uniform for vulnerable children. Three Little Birds Bakery, which is based in Keighley, West Yorkshire, was approached by Leeds-based party planners NVRLND, with an order for the cakes with payment in social media exposure and promotion in OK Magazine. A source close to the actress said: 'Cath was blindsided by Cakegate and found the whole thing very upsetting so she's decided on a quieter celebration. 'She doesn't blame NVRLND, but the whole situation left a sour taste so she felt it best to call it off.' 'NVRLND did not tell Ms Severs whose birthday celebration the request was for, simply saying it was a 'well-known celebrity'. The celebrity soap actress was planning a lavish celebration for her 40th birthday, but could not seem allocate any part of her budget towards paying the independent business run by a mum-of-two. The former Strictly contestant shut down the plans for 40th birthday bash scheduled for September 1, after facing a fierce backlash from social media users for the now-infamous order which would ordinarily cost around 675. Bakery owner Rebecca Severs has since won over an army of fans who have been forming long queues out of the door and the business has found that the phone is ringing off the hook with orders. Candid: Tyldesley hit back at accusations, claiming that she had called off the order made by her party planners for bespoke cakes and 100 cupcakes Speaking exclusively to the Mail, Rebecca (who prefers to be called Bec) says she never imagined her company, whose shop only opened three months ago, would cause such a furore. Tyldesley hit back at accusations, claiming that she had called off the order made by her party planners for bespoke cakes and 100 cupcakes. Posting a video on her social media account titled 'Cakegate The Truth, Tyldesley told her 646,000 followers: 'Cakegate, 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 NVRLAND are an amazing company. 'They've supplied me with performers in the past. Not happening: Amid the commotion, owner Rebecca Severs (pictured), 37, has been cursing herself for taking the week off work. It is her family's first holiday since last August and what a week to choose, after her small family business found itself at the centre of a heated online debate dubbed 'Cakegate' Not right: The email claimed to be from the management company of a 'well-known celebrity' who was having a 40th birthday party Awkward: Rebecca emailed the company back, explaining that she would be declining the 'very generous offer' 'They're insane and they've been completely misrepresented in this matter. Utterly bizarre. 'Don't really know what to say. I mean I hope the cake lady got the exposure she was craving, whilst I've got journalists knocking on my front door while my kids are playing in the front room, dead nice that babes. Thanks for coming.' Seemingly missing the irony, Tyldesley filmed the video while wearing a 120 sweatshirt and 180 glasses, while sat in a 72,000 BMW. In Bec's viral Facebook post, which was liked and shared thousands of times, she 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.' She received a flood of support from the public online, and later joked her bakery provides 'delicious cakes and a generous side of sarcasm when necessary.' Hitting back: Severs broke her silence after Tyldesley accused her of 'seeking exposure' One social media user commented: 'Best response! Good for sticking to your guns!' Another added: 'Good for you!' while 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.' 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 her husband, photographer Tom Pitfield, who turns 37 on the day of the Manchester bash, and a spread of smaller treats. Party planners NVRLND tried to sweeten the deal with the promise that the party would have a guest lists full of celebrities and industry people from TV / film and music, so loads of work would come from it'. Replying to Leeds-based party planners NVRLND, Ms Severs confirmed she had availability but jokingly said: Im so sorry to hear that your client has fallen on such hard times they cant afford to pay small businesses their products. 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. After Bec's post made headlines, the celebrity was revealed by the Daily Mail to be former Coronation Street actress and Strictly star Tyldesley, whose ill-judged retort on Instagram described the outcry over the exchange as 'utterly bizarre'. Much has been made, too, of the fact that Tyldesley who earned 100,000 a year on Corrie and has a reported net worth of 800,000 isn't the type of person who needs freebies, when it's clear she could easily afford to pay full price. Tyldesley's representatives have been contacted for comment. Costco is reportedly offering refunds for its store-brand vodka after customers complained that the alcohol had an unpleasant taste and smell. According to a Reddit user, the members-only store sent an email to all customers who had bought the $16.99 Kirkland Signature American Vodka between June 12 and August 10, offering them their money back. 'It has come to our attention that the taste profile of units marked with certain lot codes may not have met the expected profile normally consistent with this product,' the email read. 'While not a food safety issue, this does not meet our quality expectations,' it added. A Costco representative confirmed to People that the affected lot codes are no longer on the market, although the company did not say what may have caused the drink to taste different. The members-only store sent an email to all customers who had bought the $16.99 Kirkland Signature American Vodka between June 12 and August 10, offering them their money back Costco is offering refunds for its store-brand vodka after customers complained that the alcohol had an unpleasant taste and smell Customers had been taking to social media to complain about the store-brand drink, with one claiming it 'had a hue of chemical odor.' Dissatisfied customers shared their frustration in several Reddit threads, including one titled: 'Kirkland Vodka taste is off'. 'Its terrible. Couldnt get past the first sip. I knew it smelled off, but the taste was even worse. Never again,' one user wrote. 'I opened a bottle last night, and the smell and taste was so bad that I poured my drink out. Very disappointed because we have enjoyed this brand for years,' said another. Another wrote: 'It's bad now. Real bad. Bought a case for a party, everyone noticed. Bought another case from a different Costco, same garbage.' Some customers theorized that the alcohol had been transported in containers which had previously held rum - and this was the reason for the taste and smell. It comes after Costco began cracking down on customers sharing memberships earlier this year. Costco requires all of its shoppers to be a member, with annual fees ranging from $60 to $120 Shoppers are increasingly being asked to show a member ID with a photograph after the company saw an increase in people using cards that are not theirs - particularly at self check-out lanes. Costco requires all of its shoppers to be a member, with annual fees ranging from $60 to $120. 'We don't feel it's right that non members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,' the company told Insider. 'As we already ask for the membership card at checkout, we are now asking to see their membership card with their photo at our self-service checkout registers.' As many employees refuse to return to the office, more and more developers are eye-ing up old workplaces to transform into apartment complexes. American metros are facing two crises simultaneously: housing shortages and empty office blocks which are leaving local businesses bereft. But researchers say office conversions could revitalize central business districts and boost housing availability nationwide. Among the buildings being transformed is 55 Broad Street in Manhattan's Financial District which was formerly home to Goldman Sachs. It is set to be turned into 571 apartments and will feature a rooftop pool and coworking spaces. In Washington, the former the former State Department building was converted into an apartment block called The Wray, pictured The Wray, pictured, features 158 studio and one and two-bedroom units. Each one-bedroom unit is 482-square-feet and rents for $2,627 A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit has 706 square feet and rents for $3,942. Pictured: The Wray apartment block in Washington, D.C. The project is being spearheaded by architect John Cetra and his firm Cetra Ruddy. He told Business Insider: 'It almost turns the building into a club, and the club gives you all of these amenities, and part of membership in the club includes an apartment. 'The whole social aspect of it, I think, has become a big deal.' Meanwhile Steven Paynter, an expert in office-to-residential conversions at architecture firm Gensler, said the trend had been accelerated by a growing acceptance of work-from-home culture. 'Probably in the last nine months, everyone's been like 'Ok, we now need to get serious about it,' Paynter told Insider. 'Everyone's kind of understanding that we've reached a kind of plateau, of the new normal, in terms of what the amount of occupancy downtown is looking like.' Experts are now calling on governments to relax zoning and entitlement to facilitate more developments. New York Mayor Eric Adams announced a new initiative which aims to accelerate conversions with a proposal to change regulations. It would free up 136 million more square feet of office space - helping Adams to achieve his goal of creating up to 20,000 new homes for 40,000 citizens. It marks a dramatic change in attitude for Adams who was previously a staunch critic of working from home who once insisted 'You can't stay home in your pajamas all day.' Among the buildings being transformed is 55 Broad Street in Manhattan's Financial District which was formerly home to Goldman Sachs, pictured San Francisco and Washington D.C. have also seen many of their major office blocks transformed into residential housing. In Washington, the former the former State Department building was converted into an apartment block called The Wray. It features 158 studio and one and two-bedroom units. Each one-bedroom unit is 482-square-feet and rents for $2,627. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit has 706 square feet and rents for $3,942. Meanwhile office-to-residential conversions have been heralded as a way to save downtown San Francisco which has been hollowed out by WFH culture. However, architects in the city say that high construction costs and delayed approval processes have meant the trend has been slow to take off. What's more, downtown San Francisco has been the target of soaring crime rates - meaning many home buyers are not eager to live there. Blosziers told Insider: 'I've been in the building retrofit, rehab, remodel of large buildings for about 30 years, and we thought our phones are going to be ringing off the hook, but that's not been the case.' Across the board, architects say conversions can be expensive - meaning only the most affluent home buyers can afford them. 'You can't assume that everybody's going to be 27-year-old banker who's going to be able to afford this,' Cetra said. North Korea is allowing its nationals abroad to return to the country, which is further easing the strict lockdown imposed since 2020 to fight the coronavirus pandemic, state media reported on Sunday. According to the official KCNA news agency, the state's Epidemic Emergency Prevention Center announced that "overseas citizens have been allowed to return home." "Returning individuals will be placed under appropriate medical observation in quarantine centers for one week," the agency said, adding that the decision was made due to "the improving state of the pandemic globally." ". North Korea closed its borders in early 2020 to fight the coronavirus pandemic, but there are growing signs that the country is moving towards reopening. After three years of shutdown, the national airline Air Koryo, for example, resumed international commercial flights, one of which landed in Beijing on Tuesday. Last week, a delegation of North Korean athletes was allowed to leave the country to participate in a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan. And last month, Chinese and Russian dignitaries attended a military parade in Pyongyang. They were the first senior foreign officials to visit North Korea in several years. "With this latest announcement, it is expected that a large-scale return of North Koreans will also take place by land," Cheong Seong-chang, a researcher at Agence France-Presse (AFP), told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Sejong Institute. Despite signs of easing, some analysts say North Korea is not yet quite ready to reopen its borders. "North Koreans haven't been vaccinated," said Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification. He adds that Pyongyang was likely spooked by the bottlenecks in China's health system after Beijing's sudden decision last December to end its zero Covid policy. This had led to a massive increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths in the country. Some studies estimate that nearly two million people died in the weeks that followed. North Korea has a failing healthcare system - one of the worst in the world - and lacks Covid-19 vaccines, antiviral drugs or mass testing capacity. According to Cho, in the event of a full reopening, the situation could be much worse than in China. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said the very limited resumption of flights to China and Russia and allowing foreign citizens to return home "in no way constitutes a full reopening of the border". And the week-long quarantine imposed on citizens returning home suggests that tourism to North Korea will not resume any time soon, added Mr Cheong of the Sejong Institute. A drone crashed on the night of Saturday August 26 to Sunday August 27 on a residential building in Kursk, capital of the region of the same name bordering Ukraine, without causing any casualties, local authorities announced. "According to preliminary information, a drone crashed into a building in Kursk," regional governor Roman Starovoit wrote on Telegram. As a result of the incident, "windows on several floors were smashed," he said, adding that a nearby regional university building was also affected. "There was no fire, no one among the residents was injured," the governor stressed. For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a press release that it had shot down two Ukrainian drones on Sunday in the Kursk region and in that of Bryansk, which also borders Ukraine. Ukrainian drone attacks and bombings of Russian regions bordering Ukraine have increased in recent months. On Saturday, Russia claimed to have shot down three Ukrainian drones on its approach to Moscow and in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, where one civilian was killed and six others were injured in Ukrainian strikes the same day. Pope Francis said on Sunday he was "happy" to leave Thursday for Mongolia, a predominantly Buddhist country, to meet "a noble and wise people" and to visit a "Church small in number but dynamic in the faith". "This is a much-desired visit," he said after his Sunday Angelus prayer in public from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square. This trip "to the heart of Asia", which will end on September 4, will be an opportunity "to meet closely a noble, wise people, with a great religious tradition", he said. A former satellite of the Soviet Union which became a democracy in 1992, Mongolia has one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world, estimated at some 1,450 members out of a total of some three million inhabitants. Addressing the Mongols directly, the pope said, I thank your authorities for their courteous invitation as well as those who prepare my visit with zeal. This trip will undoubtedly be a way for the pope to get closer to his two great neighbours, Russia and China. The long journey, which includes a nine-hour flight from Rome to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, will also be a test for the health of the 86-year-old pontiff, who in June underwent a major abdominal operation under general anesthesia and difficulty walking. 08/27/2023 13:03:24 - Vatican City (AFP) - 2023 AFP Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated himself on Sunday on remaining at the head of a "mature democracy" and an "independent and sovereign nation", the day after the announcement of his re-election after an election. disputed and with numerous dysfunctions. "We have demonstrated that we are a mature democracy," said the 80-year-old head of state, reappointed for a second term, in a speech delivered at the presidential palace in the capital Harare. "We are proud to be an independent and sovereign nation," he continued, thanking "the observation missions that witnessed our electoral processes without bias." Earlier in the week, observers from the European Union, Southern Africa (SADC) and Commonwealth countries unanimously questioned the fairness of the poll. Zimbabweans went to the polls on Wednesday and Thursday to choose their president and MPs. The ballot, which was to close on Wednesday evening, had to be extended to the next day. Failures, including the lack of ballots in offices, have multiplied, especially in Harare, an opposition stronghold. According to the official results announced late Saturday, Mr. Mnangagwa obtained 52.6% of the votes cast, against 44% in favor of Nelson Chamisa, his main rival at the head of the first opposition party (Coalition of Citizens for Change, CCC). The CCC, which denounced fraud, refused to endorse the "distorted" results. International observers have pointed to "serious problems" marring the "transparency" of the ballot and the violation of "many international standards" governing democratic elections. Voters could not be found on the lists while others were intimidated at polling stations. The vote nevertheless took place in a "calm and peaceful" context. As a sovereign state, we ask all our guests to respect our national institutions, Mr. Mnangagwa stressed, preferring to draw attention to the enormous participation in the exercise of this sacred right which is the vote". Nearly 69% of registered voters turned out to vote, according to the electoral commission. The campaign in the country, led with an iron fist by liberation hero Robert Mugabe until a coup in 2017, has been marked by a stark crackdown on the opposition. In 2018, Mr. Mnangagwa, successor to Mugabe, was narrowly elected (50.8%). The army fired on demonstrators two days after the election, killing six. Mr. Chamisa, then already his opponent, had challenged the result before being dismissed by the courts. 08/27/2023 12:25:08 - Harare (AFP) - 2023 AFP Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, on Sunday challenged the re-election officially announced the day before of incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa and claimed victory, after a ballot with many dysfunctions, the regularity of which was put in question. Mr. Mnangagwa was reappointed for a second term with 52.6% of the votes cast, against 44% in favor of Mr. Chamisa, according to the results announced late Saturday by the electoral commission. The opposition immediately claimed not to have endorsed these "distorted" results. "We won this election. We are the leaders. We are even surprised that Mnangagwa was declared the winner... We have the real results," Chamisa, a 45-year-old lawyer and pastor, said during the of a Sunday press conference in Harare. Zimbabweans went to the polls on Wednesday and Thursday to choose their president and MPs. The battle was mainly between Zanu-PF, which had been in power since independence in 1980, and Mr Chamisa's Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the largest opposition party. "We knew that we were going to participate in elections marred by irregularities. We have an incorrect electoral list, a wobbly division of constituencies. The ballot was marred by anomalies. The electoral environment was biased", listed the opponent . Emmerson Mnangagwa, who spoke earlier in the day from the presidential palace, challenged those challenging his re-election to go to court: "Those who feel the race has not been run properly should know where to go." Voting lapses, such as the lack of ballots at polling stations, increased particularly in Harare, an opposition stronghold. The ballot, which was scheduled to close on Wednesday evening, had to be extended the following day. International observers have highlighted "serious problems" and the violation of "numerous international standards" governing democratic elections, tarnishing the "transparency" of the ballot. According to observers from the European Union, Southern Africa (SADC) and Commonwealth countries, voters could not be found on the lists. Others have been the target of intimidation in offices. The vote nevertheless took place in a "calm and peaceful" context, they underlined. Reaffirming Zimbabwe's "independence and sovereignty", Mr Mnangagwa warned against criticism. "As a sovereign state, we ask our guests to respect our national institutions", he said, preferring to draw attention to "the enormous participation in the exercise of this sacred right which is the vote". Nearly 69% of registered voters turned out to vote. In a statement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "concerned by the arrests of observers, reports of voter intimidation". He called on the parties to "reject all forms of violence" and settle disputes peacefully and "transparently" so that the outcome of the vote is "a true reflection of the will of the people". In the streets of the capital, the day after the announcement of the results, some read the newspapers while others let their disillusionment speak. "The results are not good, there is something wrong somewhere," is convinced Godwell Gonye, interviewed by AFP. A little further on, another admits not even having looked at the results closely. "We accept them as they are, it's the decision of the majority and we respect it," said this man with fatalism. However, Tinashe Gunda does not budge, "here we expect change, development and economic stability". To win the election, the opposition was counting on this hope for a better life, in the face of rampant corruption and shortages of gasoline, bread or medicine, in an economy that had been damaged for twenty years. But already the campaign, in this country long ruled with an iron fist by the hero of the liberation Robert Mugabe, dismissed in 2017 by a coup d'etat, had been marked by repression without nuance. The CCC denounced the banning of dozens of meetings and the arrests of opponents, in a country already burdened by a long history of elections marred by irregularities. In 2018, Mr. Mnangagwa, successor to Mugabe, was narrowly elected (50.8%). The army fired on demonstrators two days after the election, killing six. Mr. Chamisa, already his opponent in the presidential election, had unsuccessfully challenged the result in court. 08/27/2023 23:38:01 - Harare (AFP) - 2023 AFP On August 28, 1963, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought together nearly 250,000 Americans at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial (and a few million viewers and listeners around the world), a century after the abolition of slavery. in the USA. Martin Luther King demands justice in a historic speech, galvanizing protesters with his anaphora, including the famous "I have a dream". It was the height of the nonviolent movement for the civil rights of black people: the following year, segregation was abolished and then, in 1965, the Voting Rights Act tried to guarantee their right to vote. Overview of the commemoration of this moment in the French media. On France Inter and in the company of director, journalist and researcher Rokhaya Diallo, Christophe Barreyre looks back on this moment in history. In "The Dream of Martin Luther King" (2017), they revived a more radical thought than one sometimes imagines, evoked the arrival of Barack Obama in power and police violence, but also the March for equality and against the racism of 1983 in France. The question of police violence is at the heart of the German documentary La Revolte noire (2021), proposed by Arte, which briefly traces the creation and impact of Black Lives Matter (BLM), whose three founders claim to be part of the heritage and part of the methods of the civil rights movement, as well as the message of the Reverend King. Like him, BLM links the anti-racist fight to that for social and economic justice, critical of capitalism and imperialism. Claims that are too subversive In 2020, France Culture returned, in "Le Cours de l'histoire", by Xavier Mauduit, to this political legacy, after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer, on May 25, 2020. The historian and Americanist Sylvie Laurent, author of the remarkable Martin Luther King. An intellectual and political biography (Seuil, 2015), deploys the economic claims, on housing, education or police brutality that the pastor formulated, contrary to the image of the charitable reverend mummified in an ethic, not always well understood , non-violence and reconciliation. Because after obtaining civil rights and the right to vote, the entire political spectrum believes that Martin Luther King asks too much, that he is ungrateful, and marginalizes him. These emancipatory social and economic demands, the basis of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and present in his speech that day, are deemed too subversive. In fact, this aspect of his commitment is still rarely mentioned today. This is the case of the excellent documentary The Other Dream of Martin Luther King (2022), which scrutinizes for France.tv the last four years of his life, and how the dream of the American pastor turned out, according to his own words. , "to the nightmare". Forest fires in the hills not only harm the environment but also play havoc with peoples lives While visiting the mountains, one may frequently encounter the sight of flickering lights in the distance, prompting thoughts about whether they signify distant lights or just an illusion. Unfortunately, more often than not, these flickers turn out to be forest fires, a recurring phenomenon each year before the onset of the monsoon. Uttarakhand, boasting a substantial forest cover spanning 53.48 lakh hectares, grapples with the challenge of forest fires, which escalated to a staggering 2,131 incidents in 2022 alone. These blazes ravaged over 3,348 hectares of land, resulting in a financial loss amounting to Rs 87.31 lakh. Located 14 kilometres away from the Kapkot block in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, nestles Pothing village in the foothills of the Himalayas. With a population of slightly more than 2,000 people, Pothing is known for its abundance of natural resources. However, continuous forest fires have become a source of distress for the residents, and even the animals are succumbing to diseases. The smoke rising from the forest fires is proving to be highly detrimental for the people, and it is adversely affecting the environment as well. Pooja, an adolescent girl from the village highlights how the smoke emanating from the forest fires pollutes the entire village. We are having difficulty breathing. Due to the outbreak of fires, a blanket of fog has enveloped the entire village. New diseases are emerging among people and animals, Pooja expressed. Although periodic fires are required to maintain ecological balances, recurring fires have a larger implication for the weather as they lead to the melting of Himalayan glaciers apart from increasing diseases among humans and animals. Khakhauti Devi, a 65-year-old woman from the village, holds the belief that a significant number of these fires are human-induced. She pointed out that it's often individuals within the village itself who deliberately ignite these fires, particularly those who own substantial herds of cows, buffaloes, and goats. Their rationale is rooted in the notion that after the forest is burnt, fresh grass will emerge, providing a more abundant source of fodder for their livestock. Moreover, Khakhauti Devi noted that smokers also contribute to the occurrence of forest fires. In her observation, when people venture into the forest to gather firewood or forage, some engage in smoking. Unfortunately, in the process, lit matchsticks or bidi ends are sometimes carelessly discarded, inadvertently sparking forest fires. Neha, another adolescent girl from the village, expressed that they are not even aware of the diseases that are spreading among the cattle. According to her, these diseases occur due to the increased heat from the fires. Supporting Nehas statement, Shanti Devi,47, a woman from the village highlights due to smoke and the heat, small lesions form on animals. Once these lesions burst, they ooze blood, making the animals ill. It's time for sowing crops, but the animals are falling sick. In such a situation, farming is incurring the most damage. Apart from this, there is also a shortage of firewood for cooking. Earlier, groups of women used to go into the forests where fodder, flowers, fruits, and firewood were easily obtainable. However, this year, a fire broke out in the forest, turning everything into ashes, Shanti highlighted. Apart from human activities, forest fires are also caused naturally due to excessive heat and low moisture as dry branches catch fire after they rub against one another. However, according to Pushpa Devi, more incidents of forest fires are breaking out in Pothing due to human negligence. Due to a lack of awareness, people unknowingly are destroying the forest with their own hands. They are not aware of its adverse consequences. Similar to cities, pollution levels here have started to rise. Emphasized Pushpa Devi, the Sarpanch of the village. However, addressing forest fires requires more than just raising awareness among people. Out of the total forest land in Uttarakhand, 26 per cent is covered by Chir Pine trees. While human activities undoubtedly play a significant role, it is crucial to delve further into identifying alternative species that can be cultivated to replace Chir Pine, as this particular tree species creates conditions that are conducive to fires. (The writer is a student from Pothing village in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand) A long-term flood disaster management strategy must be developed writes Yashobanta Parida, Joyita Roy Chowdhury & Prakash K Sahoo Heavy rain triggered by the monsoon has devastated many parts of Indian states, causing disastrous floods and landslides. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs report, 332 districts have been affected due to floods and landslides, and 87,457 houses are partially or fully damaged. In addition, 485334 hectares of crop area have been affected, 137134 electric poles and pillars have been damaged, and around 1053 people have died due to floods and landslides in 28 states and three union territories of India. Bihar experienced the highest number of deaths (342), followed by Himachal Pradesh (166), Madhya Pradesh (77), Gujarat (63), Punjab (46), Haryana (36), Maharashtra (35) and Uttarakhand (32) due to floods and landslides. According to the Himachal Pradesh government report, the state has experienced economic losses worth 8,000 crore rupees due to floods and landslides. Indian states experience different types of natural disasters each year, but floods are the most common calamity in the country. Due to its unique geo-climatic conditions, the country is highly vulnerable to floods, witnessing a rise in frequencies, damages, and fatalities from floods. According to the Central Water Commission report, deaths due to floods increased from 37 in 1953 to 1815 in 2020. In contrast, economic losses measured in terms of damage to crops, houses, and public utilities increased from 52 crores to 21,189 crore rupees. During this period, on average, 1676 human lives were lost yearly, economic losses were around 6428.6 crore rupee, 1213606 houses were damaged, and 4.05 million hectares of crop area were affected due to floods. The data shows that the current flood management policy is inadequate to minimize flood-related damages and deaths. Other reasons include unprecedented rainfall due to rapid climate change, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and lack of flood forecasting and warning systems. Moreover, frequent breaching of river embankments due to lack of proper maintenance and deposit of silt on the river beds obstruct natural water flow. In addition, Indian cities are also prone to floods due to encroachment on waterways in cities, illegal constructions, unplanned development, and inadequate waste management, which further aggravate the situation by clogging drains and canals, leading to growing urban flooding. Immediate impacts of floods lead to the loss of human lives, the destruction of crops, and damage to property and other physical infrastructures. Floods disrupt people's lives and displace thousands who live in slums and low-lying areas. According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID), 2023, published by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), around 32.6 million people in the world were displaced in 2022 due to natural disasters, which is 41 per cent higher than the annual average of the past 10 years. Out of this, 31.8 million people were displaced because of weather-related events. Among them, 19.2 million people (60.35 per cent) were displaced by floods. As per the report, India ranked 4th in internal displacements in 2022 due to natural disasters, with 2.4 million people being displaced due to floods. Frequent floods hurt employment opportunities in the rural agricultural sector, leading to inequality, poverty, and a food crisis. Flood damage also adversely impacts the country's economic development and increases the fiscal pressure on the central and state governments for reconstruction, relief, and rehabilitation activities. Per official statistics, India loses around 0.46 per cent of its gross domestic product annually (Parida et al., 2020). Moreover, poor town planning, unauthorized and illegal construction, and inadequate urban infrastructure expose Indian cities to flooding. Furthermore, the catastrophic flooding has hit the tourism, business, and manufacturing industries. In addition, frequent flooding also creates health hazards in both rural and urban areas. Revamping the flood management policies and increasing the budgetary allocation for pre and post-flood mitigation measures is essential to minimize the flood risk. Moreover, improved flood warning and forecasting systems, especially in coastal districts using advanced technology such as satellite and remote sensing equipment, may enable prompt action and reduce the impact of disasters. The government should emphasize the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based flood monitoring and rescue systems to reduce flood risk and improve water management. Flood fatalities and damages can be reduced by adopting better flood management policies, such as building disaster-resilient measures, including maintaining river embankments and constructing canals and minor dams. Improving river connectivity, as well as constructing multipurpose shelters in low-lying areas, can also help to minimize flood risk. Moreover, providing housing to poor and needy households under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Aawas Yojana can minimize the disaster risk for those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Increased budgetary allocation on restoration, mitigation, and evacuation measures during floods by the disaster management authorities can help to reduce flood fatalities. In addition, loss of life and damage increased in cities in India. To minimize the impact of urban flooding, local district administration can implement an urban flooding action plan proposed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2010. Also, massive community awareness campaigns related to environmental issues, disaster prevention, and mitigation measures are required. In 1980, for the first time in India, Rashtriya Barh Ayog (RBA) estimated the state-wise area liable to flood-prone areas. According to official data, as highlighted above, the number of people killed and damages caused by floods has increased over the period from 1953 to 2020. This necessitates the government to constitute a committee to undertake taluk, district-wise, and state-wise flood inundation mapping using advanced techniques. Adequate policies must be implemented to reduce the growing climate-induced displacements with a better framework and sustainable solution. To ensure a sustainable development action plan, a long-term disaster management strategy must be developed to limit the flood impact in terms of loss of both human and physical capital. In short, India must adopt an integrated approach to flood management by considering flood risk management in conjunction with land use, agriculture, urban planning, and the conservation of natural resources. In addition, the government must prepare a district and block-level disaster database to help government and academicians devise better flood management policies. Finally, better coordination between district administrators, state, and central government is essential for preventing disaster impact. (Dr. Parida and Dr. Roy Chowdhury are Assistant Professor in Economics at FLAME University, Pune & Dr. Sahoo is Lecturer in Economics at Vikram Deb University, Jeypore, Odisha; Views are personal) Pakistan has taken many blows in recent times which put a question mark on its future Recently, former Congressman Ghulam Nabi Azad stated publicly that six hundred years ago, there were no Muslims in Kashmir. This is well known, but a distinguished politician should say this is historic. Is this a symptom of the loss of confidence that the above-mentioned leaders community has suffered with the march of time? Contrast this statement with M.A. Jinnahs speech of March 22, 1940, preparatory to the Pakistan Resolution passed the next day. On that occasion, the Qaid stated rather bluntly, but unambiguously, that Hindus and Muslims could not live together in the same country. They are two different people with not only different but mutually antagonistic views of life, he had said. As if this was not enough, a few weeks ago, Afghanistans Taliban rulers even more bluntly said The idea of Pakistan is dead. The Balochs, Pakhtoons and Sindhis are now out on the streets, openly demanding independence from the New Medina, whose dream was sold to them in 1947. Pakhtoons and Balochs have gone so far as to threaten Pakistan, The Bengalis (i.e., East Pakistanis) took off your pants (in 1971), but we Pakhtoons and Balochs will skin you this time. Over these 83 years, the subcontinent of India has turned a full 180 degrees. The secession of Bangladesh from Pakistan was the first blow. It proved that their religion could not hold a country together. The theory spun by the Qaid-e-Azam had been shown as being hollow. If the theory perpetuates itself, it would contain the portents of further disintegration. Pakistan, which had come into being as a dream of a New Medina, suffered a shattering loss of prestige. With it, the image of the country in the world was also shaken. The next setback was Pakistans defeat in the Kargil War of 1999. Its humiliating withdrawal from Indian territory further eroded whatever military prestige it had left. A very unexpected development in due course was the coming of Narendra Modi to power at the Centre. Initially, it was not expected to be a very different phenomenon from what had been seen earlier, and Pakistan as well as its terrorist proxies in the Kashmir Valley continued with their infiltration and violent attacks. The suicide bombing of Indian soldiers at Pulwama was particularly brutal. However, this time, Pakistan was forced to pay a prohibitive price by New Delhis retaliation in the form of the Indian Air Forces bombing of Pakistani terror camps at Balakot. The Indian retribution shook Pakistan and its sympathizers as never before. The next blow was the abrogation of Article 370, which, for all practical purposes, drove virtually the last nail in the coffin of the so-called Kashmir dispute. Uncannily, Pakistan has fallen in line with the reality that it is no use raising the issue anymore. Moreover, some leaders in the Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have begun to claim that they belong to India because as per the Indian Independence Act of 1947 passed by the British Parliament, the (erstwhile) Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir had acceded to the Indian Union. Even more than the Balakot strike, what has hurt Pakistan is demonetization, carried out by the Modi government in 2016. Previously, Pakistani as well as Indian currency notes were supplied by the same printer in Britain, giving Islamabad free access to Indian currency. The change of currency was a huge economic setback to the Pak economy. Eventually, this led to virtual bankruptcy in that country. The impression in India is that the middle and lower classes across the border are mostly subsisting on a single meal a day. The American dollar is valued at over 300 Pakistani rupees and has lost any meaningful value. Internationally, the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York on 9/11 has generated a great deal of prejudice. Terrorism in general has certainly not added goodwill. To add to all this, of course, are the pressures brought upon by modernization, particularly the revolution let loose by Information Technology on a community that is essentially conservative but also orthodox, wedded to taqlid (orthodoxy) rather than experimenting with ijtehad (reinterpretation). In light of the total of these developments, Ghulam Nabi Azads statement about Islam being no older than 1,400 years in the Kashmir Valley may well be pregnant with vision. It may be calling for a revolution in the thinking of the communitys clergy. For example, its attitude towards the advent of a uniform civil code. While the legal and constitutional journey towards this goal will be a saga by itself, what is pertinent is that many Muslim women have begun speaking up against the practice of instant talaq (divorce), and in favour of their rights as citizens governed by an egalitarian constitutional framework. Added to this, there is a small but growing community of people whore no longer afraid to call themselves Ex-Muslim; the nomenclature is self-explanatory. But while the churn in the community merits our attention and study, its attendant turmoil in the neighbourhood, particularly what was advertised and sold as the New Medina, must immediately occupy the attention of our rulers and policymakers, as a breakdown there has all the potential of adversely affecting Indias rise. (The writer is a well-known columnist, an author, and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal) Indian Americans have applauded the movie The Vaccine War by award-winning film director Vivek Agnihotri and described it as an eye-opener to the accomplishments of Indian scientists, in particular women, for helping a country of 1.4 billion people successfully combat COVID-19 under extreme circumstances. Agnihotri, who is currently on an India for Humanity Tour, USA and screening his latest movie before a select audience in various cities received a standing ovation from Indian Americans in a Maryland suburb of Washington DC. He was joined by popular actress and movie producer Pallavi Joshi. The movie is about Indian scientists successfully developing a vaccine for COVID-19 under extreme circumstances and obstructions posed by certain foreign players. It (the movie) kind of brought back everything. I really appreciate how it focused on the underdogs of the Indian scientists and women. We (women scientists) go unappreciated. Scientists are the backbones of healthcare, and they go unappreciated because we start working in the basement of the hospital or on the back end of the hospital and people don't really know what we are doing, Jyota, an Indian-American scientist who works in Quest Diagnostics lab here said after watching the movie. The local organisers initially planned for the private screening of the movie in one theatre. They ended up screening in two theatres because of high demand among Indian Americans. Both the theatres were house full. Vivek and Pallavi received standing ovations from the audience. It is an inspiring movie, said Mukta after watching the movie. I learned a lot about what actually went into making it, what were the difficulties and challenges and pressures and what to overcome and the magnitude of its success. It's very nice to know, thanks to their directors and producers, said her husband, Vijay. The slogan I really liked was 'We can do it', that really hit me..., said Kumar, who lives in Fall Church, Virginia, after watching the movie. Gita Kishore, who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland said the movie was really based on science. Being a scientist myself, I could see the trials and tribulations of all the scientists, she said and applauded the women scientists of India for giving an affordable COVID-19 vaccine to India and the rest of the world. India took an exclusive initiative "Vaccine Maitri" to supply Covid-19 Made-in-India vaccines to various countries across the world. Under this initiative, as of the first week of December 2022, India has supplied more than 282 million vaccine doses of COVID-19 to 101 countries and two UN entities. Couple Sudesh and Sudiksha said they came to watch the movie to see the story behind the development of the vaccine by India. It was a wonderful movie, a wonderful story, Sudesh said. It made us feel so proud to be Indian. I did my microbiology in India, so it brought back all those good memories of the research, the terminology and all that. He kept it very scientific. I like that part because it was not political at all. It stuck to the facts and that was good actually. It'll definitely be appreciated by the scientific community in general, Sudiksha said. Dr Subir K Basak, a biotech expert, said the movie showed India's scientific powerhouse and the deep determination in the minds of the women who are playing such an important role in India's history. It all kind of happened at the time of greatest distress for India. Somewhere the powerhouse that has always been in India, meaning India's women, ladies, girls, came out and created such a big solution to kind of save their Indian patient population from such a big unknown catastrophe that could have happened, he said. The film captured in a very beautiful way, the power of the scientific aspects about what India's foundation is and the power of the women, which we of course have always seen and known growing up, Basak said. The first cases of novel coronavirus (nCoV) were first detected in China in December 2019. Globally there have been 769,806,130 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of August 16, including 6,955,497 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation. In a major security lapse in the run up to the G20 Summit next month, unknown suspects, allegedly associated with the US-based banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), defaced the walls of Metro stations in the national Capital with pro-Khalistan slogans like Delhi Banega Khalistan (Delhi will become Khalistan) and Khalistan Zindabad (long live Khalistan), prompting the Delhi Police to register a case and launch an investigation. A purported video was released simultaneously by the Pakistan-backed SFJ in which its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu is seen talking about the graffiti. The battle of G20 Pragati Maidan has started today (Prime Minister) Modi and India are targets. G20 nations, when you will be meeting in Delhi on September 8, we will be organising a Khalistan referendum in Canada, he said in the clip. The organisation said their members went to four to five Metro stations and sent a message to G20 nations with the graffiti. In the pictures shared by Delhi Police, slogans are seen inscribed on the walls of Metro stations. Police sources identified the Metro stations as Shivaji Park station, Madipur, Paschim Vihar, Udyog Nagar, Maharaja Surajmal Stadium, Government Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya Nangloi, Punjabi Bagh and the Nangloi Metro Station as being the ones which were spray-painted with several pro-Khalistan slogans. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the issue has been reported to the law and order agencies concerned. Some objectionable graffiti has been observed on the outer walls of some of our metro stations on the Green Line. The issue has been reported to the law and order agencies concerned. All necessary cooperation is being extended to them from the DMRCs side, said Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director, corporate communication, DMRC. Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) also released raw footage of Delhi Metro stations which were defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans, a senior police officer said. This also comes just two days after a special NIA court in Delhi ordered the confiscation of a property of absconding pro-Khalistan terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa in a village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. SFJ has long been involved in reviving the Khalistani separatist movement at the behest of their Pakistani masters in the Pakistan Army-ISI combine. This is not the first time that graffiti with slogans in support of the separatist Khalistani movement have surfaced in Northern India. Earlier, such instances have been reported from places in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The Union Home Ministry had earlier banned SFJ for its anti-national activities. The fringe organisation, run by a few radical Sikhs of foreign nationality in the US, Canada and the UK was declared an unlawful association under the provisions of Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. In July, SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannus close aide Hardeep Singh Nijjar, head of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib was liquidated in Surrey, Canada by unknown assailants. He was the chief of the separatist organisation Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). SFJ is mostly active via online platforms and has more than two lakh supporters around the world but its physical presence is miniscule with just eight to 10 active members. On January 19, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, anti-national and Khalistan-related graffiti appeared on walls in some areas of west Delhi, including Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Paschim Vihar, and Peeragarhi police said. The walls were painted with slogans like Khalistan Zindabad and Referendum 2020. The Delhi Polices Special Cell arrested two men in connection with the incidents. The G20 summit which will be held in the national Capital from September 9 to 10 is likely to be attended by more than 40 Heads of States and top officials from the European Union, guest countries, and 14 heads of international organisations who have been invited for the landmark summit. Three decades after his demise, AK Ramanujan, noted Left-wing poet who had courted controversy through his essay Three Hundred Ramayanas is making a comeback next month. A collection of his hitherto unpublished poems is being brought out by Penguin Random House and the literary world is anxiously waiting for the same. Titled Soma, the poems were discovered and collected by Guillermo Rodriguez, a Spanish intellectual who was infatuated with Ramanujans avant-garde style of writing and Krishna Ramanujan, son of the late poet, while sifting through Ramanujans archives. Peter Modoli, Associate Vice- President, Penguin Random House, said in a release on Saturday that the series of unpublished Soma poems differed in style and theme from Ramanujans earlier works. Soma is the mysterious plant used by vedic priests to extract ambrosia, an intoxicating drink. Much has been written about the significance of Soma in Rigvedic ritual and Ramanujan used the divine concoction to elaborate the culture as he perceived under the drink. Ramanujan was no ordinary scholar and had proficiency in English, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Sanskrit. The poems he wrote had smooth sailing through the waters of conventional literature as well as modern poetry (where many poets fell by the wayside). Soma has, besides the poems, a collection of essays and an interview the late poet had with Malayalam literatures enfant terrible K Ayyappa Panicker. The occasion assumes significance because it is rare nowadays for even connoisseurs of literature to remember the post-modern writers within years of their death. Puritans are likely to disown Ramanujan for his stance on Ramayana but the truth is that he was bold enough to travel in an untested field, said Sreekumar, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit, Sree Sankara Sanskrit University. An author who portrays Sri Rama and Seetha as siblings and makes the critics fall in line is not an ordinary person, he pointed out. Interestingly, other than Valmiki Ramayana, Rama Charitha Manas and Kamba Ramayana, all other forms of the epic failed to cut any ice with the readers. Thats what makes Ramanujan distinct from others. While Soma focuses on Ramanujans experimental poems and his creative mindset as an expatriate in America in the 1970s and early 1980s, it also provides a glimpse into a fascinating period in Western Indology when Indian philosophies and traditions were debated, some of which became so ingrained that they influence contemporary culture to this day. The decision by Delhi University to remove the essay Three Hundred Ramayanas from the syllabus had created a furore in academic circles with a section of intelligentsia launching an agitation across India demanding freedom of expression. Ramanujans essay Hummels Miracle: The Search for Soma explores the connections between the poems and the quest for the plants identity from the 1960s to the present. The Ordinary Mystery Trip: Soma in Ramanujans Poetry by Guillermo Rodriguez dives deep into Ramanujans layered perspective on Soma. Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani began executing a succession plan for his energy-to-technology conglomerate Reliance Industries, appointing his three children Isha, Akash, and Anant to the board of the company on Monday. Till now, the three children were involved only at operating business-level and none were on the board of India's largest listed company. The board of Reliance met ahead of the company's annual general meeting to approve the appointment of twins Isha and Akash as well as Anant, as the "non-executive directors of the company," the firm said in a stock exchange filing. Last year, the 66-year-old tycoon had made way for his first-born Akash Ambani to become the chairman of India's largest mobile firm, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. Jio Infocomm is a subsidiary of Jio Platforms, in which Meta and Google hold stakes and is still chaired by Mukesh. Reliance Industries Ltd is the parent of Jio Platforms. Akash's twin sister, Isha, 31, was identified for Reliance's retail arm and the youngest sibling Anant for the new energy business. The siblings have been on the board of the operating companies but this is the first time they have been appointed on the board of the parent firm. In a statement, Reliance said their "appointment will take effect from the date they assume office after approval by the shareholders." Reliance is seeking a shareholder nod for giving Mukesh another five-year term till April 2029. His wife Nita was a director on the company board but she has resigned to make way for the children. "The Board of Directors also accepted the resignation of Nita Ambani from the Board respecting her decision to devote her energies and time to guide and enable Reliance Foundation to make an even greater impact for India," the statement said. US Ivy League university-educated Ambani scions have in the last few years been groomed for leadership positions at Reliance's three units -- oil to chemicals, telecoms and retail. While retail and digital services are housed in separate wholly-owned subsidiaries, the oil-to-chemical or O2C business is a functional division of Reliance. The new energy business is also with the parent firm. The three businesses are almost equal in size. While Akash and Isha, who is married to Anand Piramal (son of Piramal Group's Ajay and Swati Piramal), have been both active in the group's new-age businesses of retail and telecom, Anant has been involved in the renewable energy and oil and chemical units of Reliance as a director. The announcement is a clear sign that Mukesh, who was embroiled in a bitter inheritance dispute with his younger brother after their father Dhirubhai died in 2002 without a will, is preparing to handover the baton to his children in the future. Mukesh and his brother Anil fought a bitter battle for control of Reliance Industries. After a protracted public spat, their mother brokered the split in 2005; Mukesh took oil and petrochemicals, while Anil got telecommunications, power, and financial business among other units. But their fortunes diverged - while Mukesh rose to become the richest Asian, Anil pleaded "zero" net worth to a London court in 2020. The brothers, however, seemed to have reached a detente in recent years: in 2019 Mukesh helped Anil to make a USD 77 million payment that allowed him to escape jail. Mukesh re-entered the telecom business and now also has a financial business unit. While Akash and Isha graduated from Brown and Yale respectively, Mukesh dropped out of Stanford to build a petrochemical factory for his father. He turned his textiles-to-petrochemicals business into India's most powerful conglomerate. Reliance's Jamnagar refinery is now the world's biggest single-site integrated refinery complex, Jio is the largest telecom firm with 450 million subscribers and its retail business is the biggest network of shops. Akash and Isha have been on the boards of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd -- the company that operates supermarkets offering consumer electronics, food and grocery, fashion, jewellery, footwear, and clothing, as well as the online retail venture, JioMart - and digital arm Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL) since October 2014. Anant, 27, has recently been inducted as a director on RRVL. He has been a director on JPL since May 2020. Mukesh first spoke of a succession plan at Reliance Family Day, which marks the birth anniversary of the group's founder Dhirubhai Ambani, on December 28, 2021. Reliance, he had said, is "now in the process of effecting a momentous leadership transition." Prior to that, at the company's annual general meeting (AGM) in June 2021, he had indicated that his children would now find a prominent place in the family's vast empire. He had said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that the next generation of leaders at Reliance, led by Isha, Akash and Anant, will further enrich this precious legacy." Last year, Akash was appointed chairman of Jio Infocomm. The succession plan comes at a time when Reliance is in the middle of a very expensive switch to clean fuels by investing across the entire value chain of solar, batteries and hydrogen. Just as steady cash flows from oil refining and petrochemicals made it possible for Reliance to incubate telecom from scratch, profits from digital businesses and retail may allow it to replace hydrocarbons -- the conglomerate's traditional source of wealth -- with green energy over the next decade. Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, also known as Dhirubhai Ambani, founded Reliance in 1973. He led the family business expansion from textile to oil to telecom but the family plunged into chaos after his sudden death in 2002. Since 2019, Mukesh Ambani has been slowly overhauling the top-heavy hierarchy at Reliance to improve governance in line with global standards. He sold a 32.97 per cent stake in Jio Platforms to the likes of Google, Facebook and other venture capitals and got a clutch of foreign investors in the retail venture. In Reliance's new structure, different business verticals will be run like independent businesses. There will be no interdependencies between group companies for raising capital or debt servicing. The Ambani family is also consolidating its ownership in the company. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. 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The company also provides Roxithromycin dispersible tablets for pharyngitis and tonsillitis; Cefaclor dispersible tablets for tympanitis, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infections, and skin/skin tissue infection; Cefalexin capsules for acute tonsillitis; Andrographolide for sore throat caused by upper respiratory tract infection; Clarithromycin granules and capsules; and Naproxen Sodium and PseudophedrineHydrochlorida sustained release tablets. It offers Hepatocyte growth-promoting factor, Tiopronin, Compound Ammonium Glycyrrhetate S, and Omeparzole for the treatment of digestive diseases. The company provides Vitamin B6 injection; Granisetron Hydrochloride injection to treat nausea and vomiting caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy during the treatment of malignant tumors; Noni Enzyme, a food supplement; sanitizers; and masks. It offers its products through distributors, its network of sales offices, and sales representatives. 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Wells Fargo is led by an experienced and capable management team that guides the company's operations and strategic direction. The leadership team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive finance, banking, technology, risk management, and customer service expertise. The Chief Executive Officer and President of Wells Fargo is Charles W. Scharf, who brings a wealth of experience in the financial industry. The management team also includes key executives such as Michael J. Santomassimo as the Chief Financial Officer and Scott Powell as the Chief Operating Officer. Each management team member contributes their professional background, accomplishments, and expertise to ensure the company's success. Wells Fargo has demonstrated consistent financial performance over the years, driven by its diverse business segments and strategic initiatives. The company has reported steady revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain a large customer base. Wells Fargo's revenue metrics indicate its success in generating income through its various financial services and product offerings. Earnings metrics illustrate the company's profitability and stability. Wells Fargo's focus on prudent risk management practices and diversified revenue streams contributes to its ability to generate sustainable earnings. Profit margin metrics showcase the efficiency of Wells Fargo's operations. The company's ability to manage costs effectively while generating revenue is key to maintaining healthy profit margins. Debt levels play a significant role in evaluating the company's financial position. Wells Fargo's management strives to maintain a conservative approach to managing debt, ensuring a strong balance sheet and financial stability. Wells Fargo's valuation metrics are influenced by a range of factors, including its market position, financial performance, growth prospects, risk profile, and investor sentiment. Factors driving Wells Fargo's valuation include its brand recognition, customer base, diversified business segments, and ability to generate consistent earnings. Changes in investor sentiment, market conditions, and regulatory developments can also impact the company's valuation over time. Investors closely monitor Wells Fargo's stock performance, assessing its ability to deliver value over the long term. The stock has had issues in the past due to news or events that have affected the company's share price, such as regulatory actions, the global pandemic, and strategic initiatives. These factors should be considered in analyzing its market performance. Wells Fargo operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, which is subject to evolving regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. Understanding the broader industry in which the company operates is crucial to assessing its competitive positioning. Wells Fargo competes with other major banks and financial institutions domestically and internationally. The company leverages its brand recognition, extensive product and service offerings, customer relationships, and technological capabilities to gain a competitive advantage. However, it also faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, changing customer preferences, and disruptive market forces. Wells Fargo has identified several growth opportunities within its diverse business segments. The company aims to deepen relationships with existing customers, attract new customers and expand its presence in key markets. In consumer banking, Wells Fargo focuses on enhancing digital capabilities, improving customer experience, and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The company seeks to leverage its strong brand and customer base to drive growth and increase customer loyalty. In wealth and investment management, Wells Fargo aims to capitalize on the growing demand for comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. The company's expertise in wealth management positions it well to capture opportunities in an increasingly complex investment landscape. As with any financial institution, Wells Fargo faces various risks and challenges. It is important to comprehensively analyze potential risks and challenges to understand their potential impact on the company's performance. Factors such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, economic downturns, and reputational risks pose challenges to Wells Fargo's operations. The company has implemented robust risk management strategies, invested in technology and security measures, and enhanced compliance frameworks to mitigate these risks. Ongoing efforts to prioritize ethical conduct, transparency, and stakeholder trust are integral to managing risks effectively. Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, design, manufacture, and sale of railway transportation equipment products, and provision of relevant services primarily in Mainland China and internationally. The company's products include traction converter systems of rail transit vehicles, railway engineering machinery, and communication signal systems. It also produces propulsion and control systems for trains and electric vehicles, signaling systems, power supply solutions, platform screen doors, rail maintenance vehicles, marine engineering equipment, and component products for various applications. The company's products for rolling stock and railways include EMU, locomotive, and mass transit systems; and components products consist of semiconductors, resistors, reactors, radiators, sensors, power capacitors, and heatsinks. Its energy and industrial products comprise marine engineering, electric vehicle, and inverter and converter systems, as well as provides railway maintenance and construction machines. The company was formerly known as Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd. in March 2016. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Wanchai, Hong Kong. Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co., Ltd. Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It also operates small-box retail chain stores in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil under the OXXO name; retail service stations for fuels, motor oils, lubricants, and car care products under the OXXO GAS name in Mexico; and drugstores in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico under the Cruz Verde, Fybeca, SanaSana, YZA, La Moderna, and Farmacon names. In addition, the company is involved in the production and distribution of collers, commercial refrigeration equipment, plastic boxes, food processing, and preservation and weighing equipment; and provision of logistic transportation, distribution and maintenance, point-of-sale refrigeration, and plastics solutions, as well as distribution platform for cleaning products and consumables. Further, it operates small-box retail and food convenience chain stores in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands under the k kiosk, Brezelkonig, BackWerk, Ditsch, Press & Books, avec, Caffe Spettacolo, and ok.) names, as well as pretzels under the Ditsch name. The company was founded in 1890 and is based in Monterrey, Mexico. 53 minutes ago 2 tech stocks insisting the hospitality industry is still strong The post-pandemic pent-up demand generated travel boom may be starting to normalize based on recent data from the airlines. Airlines have cut forecasts but insist demand is still there. When it comes to the travel and leisure sector, dining and hospitality also see elevated activity levels. So, it only makes sense that dining and hospitality face a slowdown if the lead category sees softness. However, two companies at the pulse of the dining and hospitality industry insist that demand is still going strong. To get a better insight into Read Article Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunication services in Taiwan and internationally. It operates through Consumer Business, Enterprise Business, International Business, and Others segments. The company offers local long distance services comprising of local calls, cloud switchboard, and value-added local calls. It also offers 5G services consisting of enterprise private network, AR enterprise application, smart mobile SNG application, and smart air inspection services. In addition, the company provides mobile fixed IP internet service, worklink mobile business application, mobile intercom service, and action management solutions, as well as mobile internet of things, 4G mobile internet solution, multiparty call, plugin, and voicemail services. Further, it offers hi cloud, IDC, and cloud related services, as well as provides internet circuit security, information security, professional, and digital identification services. Additionally, the company offers business application services, such as big data and network value added services. Furthermore, it provides smart networking services. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Clorox Company manufactures and markets consumer and professional products worldwide. It operates through four segments: Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle, and International. The Health and Wellness segment offers cleaning products, such as laundry additives and home care products primarily under the Clorox, Clorox2, Scentiva, Pine-Sol, Liquid-Plumr, Tilex, and Formula 409 brands; professional cleaning and disinfecting products under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brands; professional food service products under the Hidden Valley brand; and vitamins, minerals and supplement products under the RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell, and Rainbow Light brands in the United States. The Household segment provides cat litter products under the Fresh Step and Scoop Away brands; bags and wraps under the Glad brand; and grilling products under the Kingsford brand in the United States. The Lifestyle segment offers dressings, dips, seasonings, and sauces primarily under the Hidden Valley brand; natural personal care products under the Burt's Bees brand; and water-filtration products under the Brita brand in the United States. The International segment provides laundry additives; home care products; water-filtration systems; digestive health products; grilling products; cat litter products; food products; bags and wraps; natural personal care products; and professional cleaning and disinfecting products internationally primarily under the Clorox, Ayudin, Clorinda, Poett, Pine-Sol, Glad, Brita, RenewLife, Ever Clean and Burt's Bees brands. It sells its products primarily through mass retailers; grocery outlets; warehouse clubs; dollar stores; home hardware centers; drug, pet, and military stores; third-party and owned e-commerce channels; and distributors, as well as a direct sales force The Clorox Company was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Oakland, California. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools. The company also provides fragrance products in various forms comprising eau de parfum sprays and colognes, as well as lotions, powders, creams, candles, and soaps; and hair care products that include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, treatment, finishing sprays, and hair color products, as well as sells ancillary products and services. It offers its products under the Estee Lauder, Clinique, Origins, MAC, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, TOM FORD, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and The Ordinary brands. The company sells its products through department stores, specialty-multi retailers, upscale perfumeries and pharmacies, and salons and spas; freestanding stores; its own and authorized retailer websites; third-party online malls; stores in airports; and duty-free locations. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is a prominent American supplier of scientific instrumentation, reagents, consumables, and software services. The company was formed in 2006 through the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific, established players in the scientific and laboratory equipment industry. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Thermo Fisher Scientific operates in the life sciences, healthcare, and analytical technologies sectors. The company's history dates back to 1956 when Thermo Electron was co-founded by George N. Hatsopoulos and Peter M Nomikos, focusing on analytical and laboratory products. Fisher Scientific, founded in 1902 by Chester G. Fisher, supplied laboratory equipment, chemicals, and services. The merger in 2006 created Thermo Fisher Scientific, combining their expertise and product portfolios to provide comprehensive solutions to scientific and healthcare communities. Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission is to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer through its innovative products and services. They strive to advance research, enhance healthcare and support analytical applications globally. The company offers a wide range of products and services under the brand names of Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific, and others. Their offerings include advanced instruments, consumables, reagents, software, and services tailored for research, diagnostics, and industrial applications. Thermo Fisher Scientific's products are utilized by academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, healthcare providers, and research organizations worldwide. Thermo Fisher Scientific's management team is led by Mr. Marc N. Casper, who serves as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the company has grown remarkably and expanded its global footprint. Thermo Fisher Scientific has exhibited strong financial performance in recent years. The company's annual revenue and net income have been increasing yearly. The net profit margin stands at over 10%, demonstrating the company's ability to convert revenue into profit efficiently. The company maintains a healthy financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio indicating that it relies less on debt financing and holds a strong balance sheet confirming its financial stability and ability to meet short-term obligations. Thermo Fisher Scientific's valuation metrics show positive signs. The market has expressed confidence in the company's future earnings potential, and that confidence is reflected in its valuation metrics. This indicates that investors are optimistic about the company's future growth prospects. Thermo Fisher Scientific's stock has demonstrated solid performance, which suggests investors' positive sentiment toward the company. However, various factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, and company-specific developments, can influence market performance. Thermo Fisher Scientific operates in the measuring and controlling devices industry, specifically life sciences tools and services. The company is a dominant player in this industry, benefiting from its vast product portfolio and global reach. Its comprehensive offerings and strong customer relationships provide a competitive advantage over peers. With a diverse customer base and innovative solutions, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced scientific and healthcare products. Thermo Fisher Scientific enjoys a competitive edge in the industry due to its extensive product range, technical expertise, and established market presence. The company's continuous investments in research and development enable it to introduce cutting-edge products that cater to evolving customer needs. Additionally, strategic acquisitions have expanded its capabilities, strengthening its competitive positioning. The company has numerous growth opportunities in the life sciences, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The rising demand for innovative research tools, diagnostic solutions, and analytical instruments presents attractive prospects for Thermo Fisher Scientific. The company's strong global presence allows it to tap into emerging markets and cater to a diverse customer base. Thermo Fisher Scientific possesses several competitive advantages, including its vast product portfolio, research capabilities, and established reputation in the industry. Its ability to provide end-to-end solutions across multiple sectors sets it apart from competitors. Moreover, strategic partnerships and acquisitions have facilitated access to new technologies and expanded its customer base, bolstering its competitive position. Despite its strengths, Thermo Fisher Scientific faces certain risks and challenges. Market competition from established players and emerging companies could impact market share and pricing power. Global economic conditions and regulatory changes may influence the company's operations and profitability. Moreover, unexpected events like supply chain disruptions or technology shifts could pose challenges. Thermo Fisher Scientific employs robust risk management strategies to mitigate potential risks. These include diversifying its product portfolio, investing in research and development, and maintaining financial stability. The company continuously monitors market dynamics to adapt to changing trends and demands. Additionally, strong governance and compliance practices ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. provides digital services in Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Netherlands. It operates through Turkcell Turkey, Turkcell International, and Techfin segments. It offers work contact services, such as mobile communications, fixed business internet and business phone, and customer loyalty and programs; digital business services comprising uninterrupted access, cyber security, data center, Internet of Things, big data, e-transformation, technologies, and managed services, and cloud solutions. It also provides various devices, hardware, software, and financing solutions; and digital services, including search, invoice, and TL services, as well as information, entertainment, and application services. In addition, the company offers TV+, a television platform; fizy, a digital music platform; YaaniMail, a local e-mail service; GAME+; Iste Suit; BiP; smart legal documentation automation; Chatbot; and home internet and TV services. Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. Scala Data Centers, a Latin American firm, is developing a new campus outside Mexico City, Mexico. The DigitalBridge-owned company announced plans to develop SMEXTP01, the companys first data center in the country. Located in the municipality of Tepotzotlan, the facility will have an initial critical capacity of 5MW across 142,130 sq ft (13,200 sqm). Scala's new site is projected to begin operations in Q4 2023 and is already anchored by a large hyperscale client. The company said it will be investing $80 million in the project. "This new project underscores our commitment to enabling new markets in Latin America, either in unexplored locations or in regions with data center presence, but still lacking a dedicated approach to large IT capacities that truly serve the hyperscale segment," said Marcos Peigo, CEO and co-founder at Scala. "We are proud to spearhead this expansion and create unique conditions for massive colocation clients in the region through innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable technology. Founded in 2020, the company has since invested around $1.6bn in hyperscale data centers across Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia. The company expects its data center portfolio to reach 500MW in the next five years. 2023 has seen Scala launch data centers in Curauma, Chile, as well as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The company said it has construction projects underway in Tambore Campus (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Porto Alegre city (Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil), and Lampa (Chile), as well as advanced projects to implement other data centers in Fortaleza city (Ceara state, Brazil), Mexico, and Colombia. For more information about this news, visit https://scaladatacenters.com. The NTR coin has been issued by the Central government to commemorate his centenary birth celebrations. (Image source: Facebook) VIJAYAWADA: Family members of legendary actor, Telugu Desam founder and former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao will on Monday take part in the release of a commemorative Rs100 coin featuring him, in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will release the coin. The year is being marked as NTRs birth centenary. Upon the Central governments invitation to NTRs family, TD chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu decided to attend the event and reached Delhi on Sunday night. NTRs sons and daughters, and their respective families, including AP BJP chief Daggubati Purandeswari, will be in attendance. While it is unclear whether actors Junior NTR and Kalyan Ram will be present, many celebrities associated with NTR are expected to attend the launch. The NTR coin has been issued by the Central government to commemorate his centenary birth celebrations. The Rs100 coin has a diameter of 44 mm and is composed of 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper, 5 per cent nickel, and 5 per cent zinc. One side of the coin features three lions and the Ashoka Chakra, while the other side has NTRs picture with the wording Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Satajayanti engraved, in Hindi, below it. The coin is marked with the years 1923-2023 to signify NTRs centenary celebrations. However, AP Telugu and Sanskrit Academy chairperson and wife of late NTR, Nandamuri Lakshmi Parvathi did not get an invite. She also complained to President Murmu and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman but in vain. Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu. (DC File Photo) Vijayawada: In a strange coincidence both YSRC and Telugu Desam will be lodging complaints against bogus votes (each accuses the other) with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday. While TD chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu will be leading the party delegation, the ruling party will be represented by many MPs. The two parties have been trading charges on inclusion of bogus votes, migrated voters and deletion of names of supporters from the voters lists. TD has already lodged complaints with the state officials alleging illegal deletion of votes. Recently following TDs Uravakonda legislator Payyavula Kesavs complaint action was taken against two senior officials, Bhaskar Reddy and Shobha Swaroopa Rani, for not following EC guidelines properly. Now Naidu is set to lodge a complaint with the CEC over irregularities in the revision of the voters list in the State, including registration of bogus votes, deletion of names of TD sympathisers and allotment of different polling booths to members of the same family. Naidu is in Delhi for the release of a commemorative one hundred rupee coin featuring NTR on Monday. After the event, Naidu will meet the CEC and lodge complaints with documents regarding deletion of names of TD supporters. The TD is of the view that officials are not responding to its complaints as they have succumbed to pressure from YSRC leaders. They alleged that the ruling party leaders were getting information on pro and anti-YSRC voters with the help of village/ward volunteers. Meanwhile, YSRC has alleged that there were at least 60 lakh bogus and double entry votes and all of them belong to TD. YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said that the YSRC delegation of MPs and MLAs will be led by Rajya Sabha member V. Vijayasai Reddy. They will meet the CEC on Monday and lodge complaints against TD will all records. Ramakrishna Reddy claimed that the present dispensation has initiated steps to rectify the 60 lakh duplicate or fake voter fraud played by the TD. He said that they had found 30,000 fake votes in Visakhapatnam East assembly constituency and 40,000 bogus votes in Kuppam segment. BJP leader Arvind called for the revision of auction conditions to allow Telangana rice millers to take part as they are ready to purchase the paddy, (File image/Twitter) HYDERABAD: The BJP on Monday alleged that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao unveiled a new scam to earn kickbacks of around Rs 4,000 crore from auctioning paddy in the state. Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Nizamabad, Arvind Dharmapuri told reports that the government is gearing up to auction around 1 crore tonnes of rice and placed impossible conditions which cannot be met by the around 2,500 custom rice mills in Telangana. "The guidelines for the auction include that the bidder must have a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore and recorded profits of Rs 100 crore. These conditions cannot be met by the 2,500 rice millers in Telangana. It is only a handful of large rice mill owners from Andhra Pradesh who can do sso. Telangana rice millers will never recover from this blow," he said. "The brains behind such a plan must have been KTR. The government must answer why it hatched this plan. It should revise the auction conditions to allow Telangana rice millers to take part as they are ready to purchase the paddy, including that damaged in rains due to delayed procurement by the government, at minimum support price," he said. Arvind said he had information that backdoor deals were struck with some larger millers from Andhra Pradesh who are expected to bid for the paddy at Rs 4 to Rs 5 less than the MSP for each quintal. From the money saved by the buyers, KCR plans to siphon off around Rs 4,000 crore in kickbacks to fund BRS candidates in the coming Assembly elections," Arvind said. "The Chief Minister is planning to fund each of his BRS candidates to the tune of around Rs 40 crore for poll expenses," he added. The Nizamabad MP also demanded that BRS MLC K Kavitha explain why her fathers government was out to destroy Telangana rice millers, adding that she will be placed third if she contests from Nizamabad in the Lok Sabha elections. The following companies are subsidiares of CRH: APG Mid-Atlantic Inc., Alulux GmbH, Ancon Building Products, Ancon Building Products Pty Ltd, Ancon Limited, Ash Grove Cement, Ash Grove Cement Company, Betco Block & Products, Beton Catalan S.A., Betongruppen RBR A/S, Bizzack Inc., C.R. Laurence, C.R. Laurence Co. Inc., CPM Development Corporation, CRH America Finance Inc., CRH America Inc., CRH Americas Inc., CRH Americas Materials Inc., CRH Americas Products Inc., CRH Canada Group Inc., CRH Concrete A/S, Calduran B.V., Callanan Industries Inc., Cement Ozarow S.A., Cementbouw B.V., Cementbouw Handel & Industrie BV, Cementos Lemona, Cementos Lemona S.A., Clogrennane Lime Limited, Columbia Sand & Gravel Inc., Cubis Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Cubis Systems Limited, Danucem (Slovensko) a.s., Danucem Magyarorszag Kft., Dolomite Products Company Inc., Drogomex Sp. z o.o., Dycore B.V., EHL AG, EQIOM, Elpreco S.A., Ergon N.V., FTA Holdings LLC, Fels Holding GmbH, Fels Netz GmbH, Fels Vertriebs und Service GmbH & Co. KG., Fels-Werke GmbH, Ferrobeton Dunaujvarosi Beton- es, Ferrobeton Romania SRL, Ferrobeton Slovensko s.r.o., Finnsementti Oy, Getaz Romang Holding SA, HALFEN GmbH, Heembeton B.V., Irish Cement Limited, JURA Materials, JURA-Holding AG, LLC Cement, Leviat AG, Leviat GmbH, Lindustrielle du Beton S.A., MMM Industries Sdn Bhd, Marlux N.V., Masfalt Sp. z o.o., Meadow Burke LLC, Michigan Paving and Materials Company, MoistureShield Inc., Moravacem d.o.o. Popovac, Mount Hope Rock Products, Mountain Enterprises Inc., Mulzer Crushed Stone Inc, My Home Industries Pvt. Ltd., National Pipe & Plastics Inc., Northstone (NI) Limited, OJSC MykolaivCement, OMG Midwest Inc., Oeterbeton N.V, Oldcastle APG Inc., Oldcastle APG Northeast Inc., Oldcastle APG South Inc., Oldcastle APG West Inc., Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc., Oldcastle Building Products Inc., Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Inc., Oldcastle Infrastructure Inc., Oldcastle Lawn & Garden Inc., Oldcastle SW Group Inc., Opterra GmbH, P.J. Keating Company, PJSC Mykolaivcement, Pebble Technology International, Pennsy Supply Inc., Pike Industries Inc., Plaka Group France S.A.S., Plakabeton N.V., Podilsky Cement PJSC, Polbruk S.A., Prefaco N.V., Premac spol. s.r.o., Premier Cement Limited, Przedsiebiorstwo Produkcji Mas Betonowych Bosta Beton Sp. z o.o., RC Beton A/S, ROMCIM S.A., Raboni, Roadstone Limited, Roadstone Ltd, Rudus Oy, Schelfhout N.V., Skroot Laboratory, Southern Cement Limited, Southside Materials LLC, Sree Jayajothi Cements, Staker & Parson Companies, Stradal, Stradus N.V., Struyk Verwo Groep B.V., Suwannee American Cement Company LLC, Tarmac, Tarmac Aggregates Limited, Tarmac Building Products Limited, Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited, Tarmac Trading Limited, The EHL Group, The Shelly Company, Tilcon Connecticut Inc., Tilcon New York Inc., Trap Rock Industries, Trap Rock Industries LLC, Trzuskawica S.A., US Aggregates Inc., VVM N.V., VVM nv, Vapenka Vitosov s.r.o, Vasbetonelem-gyarto Zrt, and West Virginia Paving Inc.. Read More Johnson & Johnson is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company that started in the early 1870s. Robert Wood Johnson began training as a pharmacist at 16 and founded his 1st company in 1873. That company would be disbanded by 1886 when Johnson joined his brothers to form today's entity. The companys first line of products was sterile surgical dressings which were soon followed up by household products and medical guides. Today, Johnson & Johnson is one of the worlds largest companies. It is ranked 36th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list and is a Dow Jones Industrial Average member. The company operates via 250 subsidiaries with operations in 60 countries and product sales in 175. As of 2021, annual sales were in the range of $95 billion and growing. The company is also a leader in equality and the advancement of womens rights. Johnson & Johnsons workforce was nearly 50% female by 1910, and many held significant positions of responsibility. Among the companys many advances in health care is the advancement of sterile conditions to prevent postoperative and secondary infections. Products include sterile gauze, cotton and dressings, and the development of the industrial sterilization process. However, the product that launched the company to success was the combination of a sterile dressing with tape. The company called the new products Band-Aids, which is now synonymous with small, prepackaged bandages. Another major win for the company was Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap. Today, Johnson & Johnson operates in 3 segments: Pharmaceutical, Consumer Health and MedTech. The Consumer Health segment alone covers brands like Aveeno, Listerine, Tylenol, Zyrtec, Band-Aid and Neosporin, which are among the worlds most recognizable brands. The companys purpose is to blend science and ingenuity to change the trajectory of health for humanity profoundly. The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in all segments of the healthcare spectrum and has partnerships to develop new drugs with at least 10 other major healthcare providers and dozens of smaller research facilities. Products are offered wholesale to retailers and through healthcare systems. The MedTech segment develops and manufactures various healthcare devices and diagnostic tools. Among the many recognizable products from this segment are ACUVUE contact lenses. Johnson & Johnson went public in 1944 and began paying dividends soon after. The company began increasing its dividend payment in 1962 and has increased it yearly. The company is a member of the Dividend Aristocrat Index and qualifies as a Dividend King with more than 50 years of consecutive annual increases. The company employs more than 142,000 individuals and serves more than 1 billion daily. Regarding the companys health, its track record of dividend payments is backed up by a AAA credit rating. Johnson & Johnson is one of only 2 US corporations with such a rating and is more trusted than the US government. The company announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies in 2021. The move is expected to be complete in late 2023 and will result in a Consumer Health company and a Pharmaceutical company. Southern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead. It operates the Toquepala and Cuajone open-pit mines, and a smelter and refinery in Peru; and La Caridad, an open-pit copper mine, as well as a copper ore concentrator, a SX-EW plant, a smelter, refinery, and a rod plant in Mexico. The company also operates Buenavista, an open-pit copper mine, as well as two copper concentrators and two operating SX-EW plants in Mexico. In addition, it operates five underground mines that produce zinc, lead, copper, silver, and gold; a coal mine that produces coal and coke; and a zinc refinery. The company has interests in 493,117 hectares of exploration concessions in Peru and Mexico; 239,077 hectares of exploration concessions in Argentina; 30,568 hectares of exploration concessions in Chile; and 7,299 hectares of exploration concessions in Ecuador. Southern Copper Corporation was incorporated in 1952 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Southern Copper Corporation operates as a subsidiary of Americas Mining Corporation. Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides commercial real estate and equipment financing, business banking, asset-based lending, and commercial services; public sector finance; mortgage warehouse financing; treasury management services; credit, deposit, and cash flow management services; and wealth management solutions to business owners and operators, including trust, asset management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, and investment products, as well as derivative, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and trade products and services. The HSA Bank segment offers health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, flexible spending accounts, and commuter services that are distributed directly to employers and individual consumers, as well as through national and regional insurance carriers, consultants, and financial advisors. The Consumer Banking segment provides consumer deposit and fee-based services, residential mortgages, home equity lines, secured and unsecured loans, and credit cards to consumers; and small business banking products, such as credit, deposit, and cash flow management to businesses and professional service firms. It also offers online and mobile banking services. Webster Financial Corporation was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. 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. Make room in your gaming setup because Samsung has recently unveiled a brand new addition to its Odyssey series, the Odyssey Neo G9 monitor. It features a Dual UHD display, a sort of first-of-its-kind feature because HP also did something similar with dual 1440p resolution displays. The monitor is coupled with Quantum Matrix Technology, ensuring superior picture quality. The display specifications are also impressive, with a 57-inch large screen that has a 1000R curvature with a 76802160 resolution and a 32:9 aspect ratio. The monitor utilizes quantum mini LED technology with the VESA Display HDR 1000 specification and has a Matte Display with sAGAR (Super Anti-Glare, Antireflection) film. Also read: Samsung's upcoming Odyssey Neo G9 could be the 'first' 8K, ultrawide gaming monitor Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Features, Specifications, Price in India Performance-wise, the Odyssey Neo G9 has a 240Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Moreover, it has DisplayPort 2.1 support, Display Stream Compression (DSC), a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and a contrast 1000000:1 ratio. The monitor looks sleek and minimalist featuring an Ergonomic Stand. It also features PBP (picture-by-picture) and PIP (picture-in-picture) capabilities. Also, the Auto Source Switch+ feature automatically detects and switches to new source signals, eliminating the need for manual switching. Also read: After spending a month with the 45-inch HP superwide display, I am throwing away my monitors! In terms of connectivity, the monitor is equipped with DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and a USB Hub. It is priced at 225,000 and is available in white colour in India. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 monitor can be purchased from the Samsung Shop, Amazon, and major retail stores. Samsung is also offering a no-cost EMI option with an 10,000 instant discount on purchases made from the Samsung E-store between August 24th and 31st, and an 3,500 discount on credit and debit cards from leading banks. With a super high price tag and frankly a ridiculous feature set, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is, for the lack of a better word, a ridiculous monitor. But will it stand true to the performance it promises and deliver real-world value to gamers? Stay tuned for our review to find that out. HIGHLIGHTS The launch is scheduled at 11:50 AM IST. The PSLV XL spacecraft will take off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The destination of PSLV XL will be the Lagrange Point (L1). Aditya-L1, the first solar observation mission from India, is all set to launch on September 2. The launch is scheduled at 11:50 AM IST. The PSLV XL spacecraft will take off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, the same launch pad which was used to launch Chandrayaan-3. After the huge success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO is looking forward to making this possible as well. The destination of PSLV XL will be the Lagrange Point (L1). However, it will take a stop at Low Earth Orbit at first, and then move to L1, using onboard propulsion. While the spacecraft goes to L1, it will leave Earth's gravitational pull. Once it's out of that pull, it will start moving in a cruise phase and then be put into a big circular orbit around L1. The whole trip from launch to L1 will take around four months for Aditya-L1. Also read: Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on moon: 3 difficulties it overcame to create history As mentioned on ISROs official website, Aditya-L1 is expected to complete these objectives: Study of Solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics. Study of chromospheric and coronal heating, physics of the partially ionized plasma, initiation of the coronal mass ejections, and flares Observe the in-situ particle and plasma environment providing data for the study of particle dynamics from the Sun. Physics of solar corona and its heating mechanism. Diagnostics of the coronal and coronal loops plasma: Temperature, velocity and density. Development, dynamics and origin of CMEs. Identify the sequence of processes that occur at multiple layers (chromosphere, base and extended corona) which eventually leads to solar eruptive events. Magnetic field topology and magnetic field measurements in the solar corona . Drivers for space weather (origin, composition and dynamics of solar wind. Also read: Taking a look at ISRO's greatest achievements. This solar observation mission is speculated to cost India an amount of 378 crore. However, ISRO has not disclosed the total amount of money spent in this mission yet. HIGHLIGHTS Apple executives and the Finance Ministry of India discussed the future of iPhone manufacturing. Tim Cook also met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk about the same in his recent visit. The iPhone 15 is expected to launch on September 12, according to the iPhone's launch schedule. In March, an announcement came from Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, stating that Apple is planning to increase the production of iPhones in India from 7 percent to 25 percent. After the COVID-19, Chinas condition was not so stable and it became a big problem for Apple, as it is the major manufacturing country for the tech-giant. After that, Apple plans to shift its manufacturing of products to other countries, and it is speculated that India could be one of them. According to a report by Business Today, the Cupertino based company is in talks with the Indian Government for iPhone production. The report added a major meeting between Apple executives and the Finance Ministry of India on the future of iPhone manufacturing. In the meeting, the officials were also tipped to discuss the countrys policies, which can benefit Apple, if it decides to increase manufacturing of iPhones in India. Also read: Apple iPhone 15 updates: New colours, reason behind price hike explained In a recent visit to India, Tim Cook also met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk about the same. And we should take a note, back in 2017 as well, the Apple CEO met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tried to get the Tax Concession for iPhones in India. However, a while back, the Indian government announced that companies need to have a special licence to bring their laptops into the country. Currently, the iPhone maker makes five to seven percent of its global iPhone production in India. Previously, experts and analysts claimed that Apple is planning to increase its production in India from 7% to 25%. Also read: Apple fans, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might get delayed this year, as per reports In addition to that, Apples upcoming and most anticipated product of the year, iPhone 15, is just around the corner. It is expected to launch on September 12, according to the iPhone's launch schedule. Here are some major upgrades in iPhone 15 series that have been in rumours: USB Type-C port. Action Button to change mute slider. New colours with Titanium frame. The high-end model, iPhone 15 Pro Max could launch with a different name, iPhone 15 Ultra. The iPhone 15 Pro Max or Ultra might sport a 10x periscope lens. Weekly news roundup: Japan's most likely export control to China and other top stories These are the most-read news stories in the week of August 21-25, 2023 on DIGITIMES Asia website: Japan's export controls on lithography and thin film deposition more likely to be enforced, says DIGITIMES Research As Japan's ban on semiconductor equipment exports to China officially went into effect on July 23, many are left wondering about its implications to Chinese semiconductor industry. A total of 23 types of semiconductor equipment were included by the export controls regime, covering lithography, etching, thin film deposition, heat treatment, cleaning, and inspection. According to DIGITIMES Research analyst Eric Chen, however, the restrictions on lithography and thin film deposition equipment are more likely to be enforced and thus impacting China's advanced semiconductor manufacturing. SMIC's unspoken mission and Huawei's 5G smartphone chips As Huawei boldly proclaimed the comeback of its flagship 5G smartphone in early August, rumors about Huawei commissioning China's largest semiconductor foundry SMIC to break through the US export sanctions flared up again. Apparently, SMIC is the most likely source of Huawei's 5G chips, which must be made by advanced semiconductor processing technologies. What did SMIC not say about its advanced foundry services? How is it coping with the business downcycle, alongside new export controls by the US, Japan, and the Netherlands on semiconductor equipment, to stay competitive? China bets on chiplet technology to match 14/7nm performance In the packaging and testing field, companies like Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology (JCET), Tianshui Huatian Technology, Tongfu Microelectronics, and others have demonstrated considerable capabilities. In the post-Moore's Law era, the packaging of small chiplets has deemed to be a path forward for China's domestic packaging and testing industry. Leveraging chiplet technology allows companies to stack mature-node chips to achieve performance comparable to advanced processes like 14nm and 7nm. Pursuing self-reliance, China witnesses surge in inbound and outbound semiconductor investments In mid-August, due to the failure to get approval from China, Intel scrapped its merger deal with Israel-based Tower Semiconductor, the latest case that investment and merger and acquisition (M&A) deals were terminated in the chip industry when a rising number of M&A have been proposed and completed in recent years. Taiwanese semiconductor companies slash recruitment and bonuses The semiconductor industry continues market adjustment as no significant improvement is seen in the end market demand for mainstream consumer electronic products. Leading American IC design firms and Chinese chip manufacturers have reported layoffs, and many companies in the industry in Taiwan have begun to slash bonuses and slow down hiring. Speculation arises about MediaTek being customer of Intel 18A TSMC is facing challenges from Intel, which has support from the US government. Of its top-five customers, all, except for Apple, have been in initial talks with Intel over the possibility of embracing Intel Foundry Services (IFS), according to the speculation. Intel's reportedly expanding fab site in Oregon will serve as a foundry for MediaTek using the Intel 18A technology, with production beginning as early as 2025. In China's battle for AI, Huawei hands in its results first while Xiaomi's LLM evaluation is revealed Xiaomi recently revealed its LLM for the first time. Data from evaluation platforms C-Eval and CMMLU is revealed as well. Chinese smartphone brands are joining the LLM race one after the other. Huawei's smart voice assistant "Celia" has already launched, and Xiaomei just had an impressive debut. The AI battle among Chinese mobile phone makers seems to be on the horizon. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. The stunning Louth coastline has been praised in the IBAL Summer Litter Survey which saw Clogherhead beach ranked in the top category as Clean to European Norms. The annual survey of coasts and inland waterways by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) highlighted that all aspects of the Clogherhead beach area surveyed, including litter bins, the recycle facility, life-belts, visitor information notices etc were in very good order. One of the most popular seaside locations in Louth, Clogherhead beach was praised by IBAL judges for the improvements made since 2022. The overall impression created at Clogherhead Beach and associated car park was much improved over last year with some lovely features such as the 'Beach Toy Library - Borrow, Play and Return' created by Clogherhead Girl Guides, and the litter signage in the shape of a foot saying 'Leave Nothing But Your Footprints'. The judges further noted that the local cafe featured litter awareness notices, and that the small car park area is well served by a range of litter bin types, along with the opportunity to separate / recycle waste." Louth County Council Chief Executive, Joan Martin welcomed the results of the IBAL Summer Litter Survey report, saying: This excellent result for Clogherhead Beach, now in the highest range Clean to European Norms is an example of what can be achieved with the combined efforts of local community groups, Louth County Council cleansing teams and the general public. "We appeal to everyone visiting the beach area to dispose of litter responsibility, and help keep Louths coastline clean. Dundalk Womens Shed was set up by Louth Local Development in 2022 for women over 18 from the town and the surrounding area to meet new people, explore new interests and enjoy activities with others. They now have our own Steering Committee from among the members and meet weekly in the Wellington Hall Marys Road on Mondays at 10:00. Every week they have a different speaker or activity followed by an opportunity to chat and enjoy a tea or coffee. You can come when you like and a recommended weekly fee of 3.00 is requested but is not compulsory which covers expenses. The Shed also and meet offers a weekly walking group and a monthly book club which meets in Dundalk Library. Special interest classed are offered through the local education training board. They also offer outings and often have a party morning with music and craic provided by members and visiting guest artists! The Shed has been a great success to date with up to 80 women coming along when they wish. Members say: Its a great start to my week, the Shed is a haven where I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people and its a fantastic place to have a chat and meet new friends The autumn season starts on Monday 4th September when they will be joined by Creative Wellness Practitioner, Sandra Gojic who will look at what it means for moving from summer to autumn and how you can get the best from yourself at this time of year with a little creativity and dance movement. Throughout the month of September the Women's Shed focus on wellbeing and we also have monster Quiz to see how well you know your town of Dundalk. They will also organise a theatre outing to A Tain and an outing to visit an attraction in the region. "So why not come along and experience the enjoyment of Dundalk Womens Shed for yourself and to all our existing members we look forward to welcoming you back for another great year of camaraderie together." Meet Monday 4th September Wellington Hall, St. Marys Road at 10:00 -11:30. For further information email womenssheddundalk@gmail.com Visit www.facebook.com/St. Marys IT was a dramatically overcast morning on Ballycroneen Strand when a black van pulling a blue horse box rolled into the small, makeshift car park. The van backed the horsebox up as far as the kerb, so the back ramp could be released onto the soft grass facing the wild morning waves. Mike McCarthy is the owner of Cedar & Steam Mobile Sauna, and his first intention upon arrival was to get the sauna hot. He went about lighting the stove and cranking the temperature in anticipation of his first clients arriving. Standing at the side of his van, he swung a hatchet, chopping kiln dried logs of wood and getting them into his beautifully stone encased stove. They are the red hot stones that would later have water poured over them infused with lemongrass essential oil. The aromatics from inside the sauna are a wonderful mix of subtle sweetness and aged wood. Women began to arrive at the car park for their social gatherings, kitted out in dry robes and flip flops ready for their cold dips. Mike knew them all by name as they were frequent customers of his sauna. Mike is an Irish sauna aficionado and when asked about his inspiration behind the business, he gave me the verbal tour of portable saunas around Ireland. The first outdoor sauna was the famous Bosca Beatha (Box of Life), which dwells inland in an enchanting valley in the Wicklow mountains along the banks of a river. Now, theyre all over the coastline, with Cork having a particularly high density of them, and ever since lockdown theyve become staples for many Corkonians. Mike McCarthy gathering firewood for his sauna, Cedar & Steam Mobile Sauna. Picture: Richard Gordon Mike and his partner, Laura, are parents to their 19-month-old daughter. A few years ago, he was on a different career path but wasnt fulfilled. Perhaps it was the arrival of his child that made him yearn for change, so ultimately he went for it. Hed always enjoyed a sauna and decided to build one as a personal passion project, without really intending to start a business out of it. He knew he didnt want a mobile barrel sauna, which is a full sauna mounted on a trailer. Instead he opted for converting a vintage Rice of Leicestershire horsebox that he spotted on DoneDeal. He followed his gut instinct to Donegal to retrieve the horsebox with his partner Laura and his instincts turned out to be correct. Mike and Laura took in the sunset at Malin Head that night and returned to Cork the following morning towing their new purchase. A glimpse of Mike's sauna in between clients on a busy Sunday morning. Picture: Richard Gordon Mike had done a furniture-making course at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa where he met Kevin Field, who given the task of converting the horsebox into Mikes vision. Upon completion, Mike initially used it at the beach by himself. Very quickly he wanted more from it. He wanted to share the joy of his creation and started inviting friends. He eventually set up an online booking service and began his business on wheels. Mike speaks passionately about his sauna and the benefits of it. Guests are given sauna hats which help regulate temperature and are a game changer, he says. An oak whisk sits outside the back door, which is a bunch of dried oak branches. The whisk is for patting yourself with water if you want to isolate and acutely heat certain areas of the body, like the shoulders or back. A bucket of water with a wooden pourer is provided and encouraged to be used for pouring over the stones and creating steam, as the steam is the critical component, says Mike. The Fireplace encased with stones in Cedar & Steam Mobile Sauna. Picture: Richard Gordon I dont know why the term dry sauna is so common because its all about the steam! About 85 to 90 degrees is sweet for a good hot sweat! And the ocean is a stones throw away for a glorious cold dip afterwards. This thing is an absolute gift! Mike explained how it arrived in his life at just the right time. Id really like sauna culture to be respected by the sauna community, rather than it being seen as purely transactional between mobile sauna owners and customers. It should go a bit deeper than that. Mike McCarthy outside his sauna, Cedar & Steam Mobile Sauna. Picture: Richard Gordon He has some plans going forward for Cedar & Steam Mobile Sauna and has made special appearances at different strands, which went down a treat with the locals. Places like Guileen and Ballymacoda. But you can find him every weekend at Ballycroneen for your dose of hot and cold vitality to bring you closer to the elements and charge yourself with natures power and potency! You can find the booking portal through his Instagram @cedarandsteamsauna. Happy steaming! MANY Irish schools have welcomed Ukrainian children in recent years. As of the end of 2022, just over 13,750 Ukrainian pupils were enrolled here, with the majority, about 8,800, entering primary school classrooms. Ahead of the return to school, Therese Barrett, English Additional Language (EAL) teacher in Scoil Nioclais, Grange, Cork, chatted to me about how her school welcomed their new arrivals. Throughout our conversation, she put the emphasis on wellbeing, particularly when it comes to older students. Managing The Transition Therese begins by explaining the vast difference in teaching a junior infant child versus a child in sixth class. The younger children tend to live in the moment and they are much more like their Irish peers, learning reading and writing for the first time. It is much harder to get to know a child at an older age. For one thing the curriculum is too difficult for them to access. In Ukraine, they finish national schools system at ten years old so they also feel like maybe they are too old for primary. Not participating is also a choice they can control. When you think about it, they really have no control over anything else, not even the country theyre living in. The focus, she says, must always be on creating a bond with children, and particularly with children coming from such a difficult context. In the age of social media, they are fully aware of what is going on in their country, she suggests. We found that it was much harder for some children to engage. They needed something different to what we were offering the younger Ukrainian children. The curriculum offers choice to engage children, but sometimes something different is needed. Patrick Byrne Art Psychotherapist who worked with students at a Cork school. When Art Psychotherapist Patrick Bryne approached the school, with the idea of running a six-week pilot scheme, the community knew it made sense. Art Therapy At therapy is exactly as it sounds: it is an offering of therapy through the medium of art. I sat down with Patrick also, to get a feel for what he offers Ukrainian children in Cork schools. Patrick explains that art therapy is a form of counselling but its not only for people who are in dire straits. It is all about wellbeing, allowing people to tap into themselves. Play is very important in art therapy. When Im with a young person, I become my own young person. Of course, I am still a psychotherapist but I must connect with the child also. Patrick shows me a card trick as we chat, something he often does to connect with children, an activity that doesnt rely on any common language. He has a private practice in Wilton but enjoys going in to schools and organisations. Scoil Nioclais were brilliant. They gave me my own space in the school. That sense of containment is very important for the therapy. The child needs to recognise the therapeutic space. Its a kind of performance in a space and it offers somewhere for the child to go with their feelings. Referencing my earlier conversation with Therese around the importance of choice, he says he never forces anything in the sessions. Choice is very important. I would never force a child to come back to the space if they didnt want to. And theres also the choice of material. The child can choose from paper, pencils, clay, markers, paint, whatever. A child might spend the time just chopping up paper into scraps. Anything goes. The work is entirely client-centred, he explains. There are no set expectations. Its not about being an artist, its about having the time and space to express yourself. The child might be chatty or we might be silent together. It is a humanistic approach. I might ask the child to create their own island, for example. Then I might ask them questions about it. Or we might just sit quietly together and I might hold the space. It varies from child to child. It is all about the dynamics of a therapeutic relationship, he explains. I am not a teacher. Im not there to teach the children anything. This is a very different thing. I am also not a parent. I am something else. Sometimes I will comment on their work and sometimes just producing it is enough. Wider approach Another step taken by the school was to group children together. We focused on what was a priority. They were worried about their country and their loved ones and so the regular curriculum was inappropriate. At certain levels the curriculum is too difficult to access because of that language barrier. Although Ms Barrett doesnt mention the particulars of her students lives, it is well known that many Ukrainian children are potentially sharing hotel rooms with family members. They also try to keep up with online education from Ukraine. These realities makes their ordinary days more complicated. Ms Barretts approach therefore seems fitting. The school day with us was going to be very long for them if we didnt employ some creative strategies. We played a lot of games working on language, building their vocabulary. We cooked together. One of our memorable days was making sushi together which is very popular there. Parents were very supportive of school staff, explains Therese, and they wanted to fully participate in school life. Both the parents and the children were great and they put on an amazing spread for our Culture Day. They enjoyed seeing a representation of their culture. It helps that our school is so multi-cultural. We had 22 countries on display that day so the children from Ukraine certainly dont feel like the odd ones out. Therese shares her empathy and her desire to respond to the bigger picture for these children. Children need to feel safe and happy before they can learn. That has to come first, she says. School Recommendation Therese Barrett says the school also got some very helpful resources from the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS). They visited the school and offered us some helpful tips and resources. But a lot of this is about using your instincts and building bonds first. We were delighted to have the option of art therapy and certainly feel it could be of benefit to all schools. I also think it could be useful for a child suffering from any kind of trauma. In other countries, they have mental health experts in schools and Irish schools could really benefit from having therapists like Patrick involved in looking after young people. Therese is changing jobs next year and will teach fourth class. She looks back on her time with the schools Ukrainian students fondly. Last years sixth class children are left now and I wont be seeing them come September. I hope theyll continue to do well in secondary school. I learned so much from them. I know a lot about Ukraine now; I only wish our experience together hadnt come out of such an awful time for them all. The teacher feels art therapy is something all schools might benefit from trying. This is a support for their wellbeing. School is not only about the academic thats important to remember. A planning application for the largest residential development plan to date in Cork city centre has been given the green light. Leeside Quays Limited, a subsidiary of OCallaghan Properties (OCP), in June lodged the application with Cork City Council seeking 10-year planning permission to develop 1,325 residential units, including apartments and duplexes, in 10 buildings at the Gouldings site, Centre Park Rd and Monahan Rd, in the city. The Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) application proposed the demolition of the existing on-site buildings and structures and site clearance to facilitate the construction of 658 one-bed homes, 465 two-bed homes, and 202 three-bed homes. The proposed buildings range in height from two to 14-storeys over a single basement. There are some mixed uses proposed at ground floor level across the development including cafes/restaurants with outdoor seating areas, service retail units and a convenience retail store. The provision of a standalone two-storey creche with associated outdoor amenity space also formed part of the planning application. There are 51 conditions attached to Cork City Councils approval of the development, however, the document outlining these conditions has yet to be published. Speaking just before the planning application was formally lodged, OCP managing director Brian OCallaghan said the project, if approved, would make an even bigger statement on the attractiveness of Docklands as a location to work and live. Leeside Quays Limited was last year given the green light for two planning applications elsewhere in the South Docks. One sought 10-year planning permission for a mixed-use development comprising four new buildings and the conversion of the long-idle Odlums building. The other sought 10-year planning permission for a proposed rehabilitation hospital. Appeals had been lodged with An Bord Pleanala in relation to these two developments but in May it was announced that the appeals had been withdrawn. For the Docklands to succeed, we need developments to happen, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle said, commenting following the grant of conditional planning permission for the LRD. The problem is that the city is awash with planning permissions that haven't been acted on. The hope is that once any of these permissions get acted on, there may follow a domino effect that will see the Docklands reach its potential and begin to properly address the lack of housing supply. Uisce Eireann has advised that night-time water restrictions remain in place for customers in the Clonakilty area from 10pm each night to 7am the following morning. The national water utility company, formerly known as Irish Water, said the restrictions are necessary to maintain a daytime water supply for customers. The areas affected include the entire Clonakilty Urban Network. In particular, high ground areas such as, Cloheen, Lady's Cross, The Bypass Road, Cottage Road, Fernhill Road, The Miles, Tawnies Lower, Barrick Hill, Reenascreena, Santry North, Santry South, Inchinattin, Tullig, Carrigfadda, Glanbrack, Maulatallavally, Knocks, Threegneeves and Gortroe will be affected. Uisce Eireann said water levels will be reviewed every morning and updates provided to the community as necessary. The water restrictions remain in place due to the continued high demand for water in the area," Uisce Eireanns regional operations lead, Niall ORiordan, said. These restrictions allow reservoir levels to recover overnight and maintain a consistent supply of drinking water for customers during the day. We will continue to review the water levels each morning but it is likely they will be in place until Wednesday at least. I would again ask customers in West Cork to play their part in ensuring there is enough water for everyone. It is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water. It can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but even small changes can make a significant difference, for example, turning off the hose, avoiding power washing and checking for leaks on outdoor taps," he continued. Mr ORiordan encouraged the public to check out the Uisce Eireann website where the conservation calculator can help people work out how much water they are currently saving and how they can conserve even more. "We are also encouraging the public to report any visible leaks on the public network via our website at www.water.ie or by contacting 1800 278 278," he added. The Uisce Eireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact the organisation on X (formerly Twitter) @IWCare with any queries. For updates on local water supply issues, visit the water supply updates section of www.water.ie. A man who has played a prominent role in protests against the availability of LGBTQ+ books in public libraries has been arrested for questioning about alleged harassment. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana confirmed that a man had been arrested on Saturday evening at a Cork city centre garda station in connection with reports of alleged harassment. It is understood that members of An Garda Siochana had called to the mans home earlier on Saturday but had not met him. The man subsequently presented himself at the Bridewell Garda Station, where he was arrested and questioned under caution. In a statement to The Echo, An Garda Siochana said: A male was arrested on Saturday, 26 August 2023 in connection with reports of alleged harassment. The male was later detained at a garda station in Cork. He has since been released. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, the statement concluded. The garda press office did not respond when asked whether the incident in question related to the alleged harassment of a serving member of An Garda Siochana. The man who was arrested on Saturday has played a prominent role in a ongoing series of protests against LGBTQ+ reading material in public libraries, twice leading to the closure this year of Corks Central Library, something which had never before occurred in 130 years, outside of the Covid-19 pandemic and the torching of Corks Carnegie Library by the Black and Tans in 1920. DPP directions are awaited in relation to the cases of three men who were charged earlier this month in connection with the seizure of 60kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of 4.2 million. Gentjan Dodaj of Paradise Road, Athlone in Co Westmeath and his brother, Donatel Dodaj of the same address, were previously charged alongside Daniel Afedoaei of Sli an Aifreann in Athlone. The men first appeared before Cork District Court on August 7 where they were charged with possession of cocaine, and possession for cocaine for sale or supply two days earlier at L2998 in Richmond, Dunkettle, Co Cork. Donatel Dodaj and Daniel Afedoaei, aged 29 and 22 respectively, have yet to make bail applications before the court. Last week at Cork District Court Gentjan Dodaj (39) made an application for bail in order to set up a business to support his family. Last week at Cork District Court Gentjan Dodaj (39) made an application for bail in order to set up a business to support his family. Mr Dodaj, who like his younger brother is an Albanian national, said that he would never leave Ireland in one million years if granted bail. He said that he was applying for bail to finish setting up a business to provide for his pregnant partner and their two children. His solicitor Shane Collins Daly said that he was requesting bail to get his affairs in order and in a bid to assist his family, Bail was denied in the case and Gentjan Dodaj was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on September 4 next. Gentjan Dodaj of Paradise Road, Athlone in Co Westmeath and his brother, Donatel Dodaj (pictured) of the same address, were previously charged alongside Daniel Afedoaei of Sli an Aifreann in Athlone. Meanwhile, today at at Cork District Court the cases of his two co accused Donatel Dodaj and Romanian national Daniel Afedoaei came before Judge Joanne Carroll. An interpreter was present in court for Donatel Dodaj arising out of his lack of competency in English. Sgt Gearoid Davis applied for a further remand in custody in the cases of both men to facilitate the obtaining of DPP directions. Solicitor Shane Collins Daly said that the men were consenting to another remand in custody until September 4th next for DPP directions. Judge Carroll remanded the men in continuing custody until their next court appearance. Free legal aid was assigned to the men at an earlier hearing. The court also previously heard that Donatel Dodaj only arrived in Ireland a month before the alleged offence and was living with his brother. The seizure of the drugs occurred following an intelligence led operation targeting persons suspected of involvement with organised crime, a joint operation was conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service. GARDAI have said they are investigating an incident which took place on Saturday, in which the Lord Mayor of Cork was confronted by a leading far-right demonstrator. Councillor Kieran McCarthy, who was elected Lord Mayor in June, was attending the North Main Street carnival on Saturday when he was challenged by Ross Lahive, who was involved in protests against the availability of LGBTQ+ reading material in public libraries. In recent months, those protests twice led to the closure of Cork Central Library on the Grand Parade. In August, Mr McCarthy had said he planned to meet with senior gardai to discuss what he called the horrific harassment of library staff. On Saturday, on North Main Street, Mr Lahive confronted Mr McCarthy about his comments and Mr Lahive filmed the incident on his phone. Mr McCarthy responded Oh, Ive been waiting for this, before breaking into a spirited rendition of Oh What a Beautiful Morning from the 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!, which he then followed with Some Enchanted Evening, from Rodgers and Hammersteins 1949 South Pacific. In the video, as Mr McCarthy attempts to walk away, a scuffle appears to occur, and the phone seems to be dropped on the ground. Mr Lahive has subsequently claimed on social media that his phone was thrown in the air and he has alleged that it struck a bystander on the head. Mr Lahive also posted footage showing him following the Lord Mayor into St Peters cultural centre, where Mr Lahive then remonstrates with staff members and members of the public, before eventually leaving. In one of his social media posts, Mr Lahive says: Im going to go after the Lord Mayor, this is just starting now lads, Im not quitting on this. Im not done with this by a long shot, Im going to go after the Lord Mayor, he says. Lord Mayor, Im coming after you, Im in touch with lawyers, my solicitors, Im going to be putting a statement in, how dare you. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: Gardai are investigating an incident which occurred on North Main Street in Cork City on Saturday, 26 August 2023. Councillor McCarthy declined to comment, and Cork City Council did not respond to a request for comment. Planning permission for a major solar farm across eight townlands south of Midelton has been refused by Cork County Council. In June, Rathcoursey Solar Farm Limited sought 10-year planning permission for a 126-hectare solar farm in the townlands of Bawnard East, Bawnard West, Garranekinnefeake, Jamesbrook, Kilva, Rathcoursey East, Scartlea Lower and Scartlea Upper. The planning and environment statement submitted with the application had pointed to the current climate and energy crises and the need to scale up renewable energy sources. Planning and environment statement In addition to the need for decisive action to address key environmental challenges such as [a] reduction in carbon emissions, there is a pronounced requirement to rapidly reduce the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels well before 2030 by accelerating the clean energy transition. Critically, Ireland is one of the most energy import dependent countries in the EU which carries significant risks in relation to security of energy supply. To reduce its dependency, Ireland must increase the level of energy from renewable energy sources, it said. The statement had contended that solar farms represent a positive form of agricultural diversification in local communities and said the subject site had been carefully selected on the basis of key technical, planning, as well as environmental considerations. The proposed solar farm has been designed in accordance with best practice industry standards, incorporating innovative industry technologies to achieve optimum environmental conditions, the statement continued. It said that, overall, the applicants considered that the proposed solar farm would not detract from the residential or visual amenities in the area or impact on the local environment but would contribute positively to the realisation of policy objectives in full accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. Council's decision However, a raft of submissions and objections were lodged in relation to the proposals with Cork County Council deciding to refuse planning permission. In its reasoning, the council said the subject site forms part of the Metropolitan Cork Green belt lands designated as a prominent and strategic greenbelt and high value landscape, adjacent to the Cork Harbour area, which is also identified as very high landscape value, a sensitive site and of national importance. Furthermore, the council said the site borders a designated scenic route and, given the designations of the lands, the local authority said it considered that the introduction of an energy development and associated infrastructure of the scale proposed on elevated and visually prominent strategic Greenbelt lands, with a substantial spatial extent, representing a land loss of 126 hectares of agricultural land, would be contrary to policy objective RP 5-13 of the CCDP (2022). It said that, given the wider associated visual and landscape impacts, it would also materially contravene other policy objectives in respect of landscape and scenic routes. Furthermore, it would set an undesirable precedent for similar large scale development proposals in the area, the council said. THE newly named Very Pink Run has announced it is to return to Cork at the new location of Munster Technological University (MTU) due to demand from the breast cancer community in the Munster area. The global event with new title sponsor, Very, has seen 78,000 participants from over 40 countries take part to date. The event has raised over 6 million for groundbreaking breast cancer research. Participants can take part in one of three live large-scale physical events taking place in Dublin on September 30, Kilkenny on Sunday, October 1 or at the brand-new location of MTU in Cork on October 8. Alternatively, people can also take part in a virtual sense in their own local communities across Ireland any time between September 30 and October 8. A large group of well-known faces have already joined this years Very Pink Tribe including Corks own Sinead Kennedy of RTE, Elaine Crowley of Virgin Media and Cork Rose, Kate OShaughnessy. The event is entirely inclusive and aimed at casual strollers, keen walkers, joggers, and seasoned runners alike. Speaking at the launch of the event, Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, said: We are thrilled to be in a position this year to announce Very as our brand new title sponsor for this, our largest annual fundraising event, and look forward to working with the new sponsorship team for the next three years of the partnership. We are incredibly appreciative of their support, and that of our silver tier sponsors such as Glanbia, Goodbody and UMPC, as this not only helps us offset our event costs and ensure that all funds raised go directly into research and awareness programmes, but also means that we can work closely with our sponsors extensive employee and stakeholder base in Ireland to help further grow the reach and the impact of this hugely successful event. The funds raised will be channeled directly into three specific areas of need this year including continued investment into research regarding metastatic disease progression, investment in driving progression and speed of scientific discovery from research settings into clinical trials so as to develop newer more effective targeted therapies into the future, and to support ongoing breast cancer research fellowships and scholarships specifically focused on the sub-type cancers that pose the greatest challenges and require continued investment. To participate, register at www.verypinkrun.ie. IVE heard it said many times that crime doesnt pay. Its also been suggested that those who choose to live on the wrong side of the law will have no luck for it in the long run. Generally speaking, from my own experience, I think thats true, but there are exceptions. Small-time burglars and petty thieves who steal anything that isnt nailed down are mostly losers. They often come from dysfunctional families and as a consequence, carry lots of baggage including drugs and alcohol, little or no education, and few, if any, prospects of improving their lot in life. They make small money from their criminality and generally blow it to feed their various habits, or throw it away on some useless horse in the bookies. Their families rarely receive any benefit from the ill-gotten gains and the only bit of peace they get is when their heroic bread-winner goes for one of his regular vacations to the local prison. I have been in many of these homes during the course of 35 years as a policeman and they rarely showed any signs of affluence. It was sometimes difficult to search these properties without gagging. Certainly nothing to be envious about. At the other end of the scale, though, some clever criminals do manage to amass fortunes from their nefarious activities. Certain organised gangs deal in eye-watering sums of money, but at the end of the day, are they any better off than their failed counterparts? With so many law enforcement agencies hunting them down, finding time to enjoy their wealth cant be easy. Not all criminals are as sophisticated as the big gangs though. Back in the early 1990s, myself and my colleague, John OConnor, interviewed a prisoner for something or other. We took him to the interview room and after every question he answered, No comet. Neither of us could understand what he was saying and when we asked him, he just replied in the same way, No comet. What he actually meant to say was no comment. He obviously picked up that nugget of advice from some like-minded soul, but hadnt really understood it. Some of these characters would probably starve to death if it wasnt for prison food. A good example of a hopeless criminal appeared in the Evening Echo in 1992, when the paper described how the town of Macroom was alive with gossip of a daring robber who turned an attempted bank heist into a comedy of errors. The target was the Allied Irish Bank branch at the Square and the would-be thief struck at 4pm in the afternoon. A stick-up man in his mid-20s, said to have been under the strong influence of drink, entered the premises, carrying a coat over his arm and shouting at staff: This is a stick-up. Staff and customers were taken by surprise as the culprit ordered: Everybody get down. However, just when things seemed to be going according to plan, the coat slipped from the robbers arm and-the would-be robber was revealed to be empty-handed. At that stage, the culprit explained to all: Its an invisible gun. Staff and customers erupted in laughter as the red-faced man ran off without his booty. Garda sources say that there was no danger to people, who could clearly see that the culprit was drunk. Drink often features in cases like this. The website BBC.com reported on a hapless pair in America who decided to rob the house of a local resident in their home town. They had a few drinks to steady their nerves, but when they left for their burglary, they were so drunk they could barely stand, let alone drive. Because they were robbing a home in their own town, they needed to disguise their identity, so the two blind drunk criminals covered their faces in permanent marker. Their attempt failed when they were caught after being pulled over for drunk driving. In the UK, an attempted robbery of a newsagent was captured on CCTV in 2012. During his attempted heist, the drunk mastermind removed his balaclava, fell over a drinks display, and failed to open the door to escape because he was pushing it instead of pulling. The lady he had just held up with a toy gun had to open it for him. Another guy raided a petrol station with an accomplice in 2013. The slight flaw in his disguise was that he chose to wear a see-through plastic bag. He tried to threaten the garage assistant with a gun, which was actually a mobile phone, and it revealed itself as such when the keypad lit up. Elsewhere, two Welsh tourists landed themselves in court after they got drunk and stole a penguin called Dirk from Sea World in Australia. The pair broke into the park on Queenslands Gold Coast, swam with the dolphins, and let off a fire extinguisher in the shark enclosure, before making off with poor Dirk. When they woke up - hung-over and with the flightless bird in their apartment - they tried their incompetent best to care for him by feeding him and putting him in the shower. They later released Dirk into a canal but were spotted by locals who called the police. A magistrate fined them 1,000 Australian dollars and told them to drink a little less vodka. Dirk was rescued and returned to Sea World unharmed. In 2011, a 53-year-old from North Carolina, USA, walked into a Wal-Mart store and bought a vacuum cleaner and microwave for $476. He attempted to pay for the items with a million-dollar bill from the Monopoly board game. After demanding change of $999,524 from the cashier, the police were called, and he was arrested and charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretences. Another failed mastermind. Ken Foxe Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was told to prepare himself for anachronistic upper-class mannerisms, as well as controversial traditionalist views ahead of an online meeting with British MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. In prepared notes, Mr Varadkar who was then serving as tanaiste and minister for enterprise was briefed on the retrograde steps the British government had taken over the Northern Ireland Protocol. Ahead of a conference call with Mr Rees-Mogg, the briefing said Mr Varadkar could emphasise how both President Michael D Higgins and then-taoiseach Micheal Martin had attended the funeral of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. The notes said this had led to a renewed focus on the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Ireland. However, the briefing mostly prepared by the Irish Embassy in London and the Department of Foreign Affairs said this spirit of partnership and mutual respect had been damaged by recent post-Brexit negotiations with the European Union. The meeting last October was held shortly after Liz Truss began her ill-fated seven-week stint as British prime minister. The briefing notes said Mr Varadkar should emphasise that the people of Northern Ireland categorically reject the confrontational approach the UK had taken in Brexit discussions with the EU. It said: 74 per cent of voters want to see a negotiated EU-UK solution [Queens University research]. University of Liverpool/Irish News data shows that approximately two-thirds of respondents view EU-UK negotiations as the best way to resolve issues around the protocol. Good faith If the subject of negotiations with the European Union came up, Mr Varadkar was briefed on several possible responses, saying the EUs door was open and that an extensive timetable for talks was still available. If it is true the UK wants a negotiated outcome, they need to demonstrate good faith soon to avoid more polarisation on the ground in Northern Ireland and more harm to relationships between our two governments, the briefing said. It also said the European Union did not believe all options had been exhausted and that there was sufficient flexibility within the existing Northern Ireland protocol to address the concerns of people and businesses there. The briefing added: Renegotiation of the protocol itself is not necessary. EU member states are united in this position. If challenged on growing paperwork for hauliers and other businesses involved in cross-border trade, it was suggested that Mr Varadkar could say EU proposals would actually reduce this. The notes added: Rather than a certificate for every product, a single certificate would fit on a maximum of three pages. The briefing said a so-called dual regulatory regime was not a runner and would represent a real risk to the manufacturing, agri-food, and other sectors. It would also bring unacceptable risks to the EUs single market and the high standards of consumer, plant, and animal health that EU citizens expect, the documents stated. If told that the protocol was damaging Northern Ireland, suggested speaking notes for Mr Varadkar said it had actually placed it in a uniquely advantageous position with access to both the EU and UK markets. As a closing note, it said: The EU wishes to have a positive and stable relationship with the UK. We are partners facing the same global challenges, where upholding the rule of law is imperative. On what to expect from the meeting with Mr Rees-Mogg, a Department of Foreign Affairs briefing said he had been dubbed the honourable member for the eighteenth century by critics. It added: His comments in the House [of Commons] have gained him notoriety; he once considered Welsh to be a foreign language and said that council officials with the power to issue on-the-spot fines should be made to wear bowler hats. By David Young, PA A prisoner unlawfully at large after being released to attend a funeral has been arrested. Sean Megaw (35) was detained at an address in Belfast on Monday. He is serving a sentence for attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. The prisoner was released at 10am on Saturday on compassionate grounds to attend a funeral. He was due to return at 3pm, but police said he failed to so do. Police said Megaws arrest in Belfast came after appeals to trace his whereabouts. Shrimp from Ecuador proves popularity in Chinese market Ecuadorian shrimp is becoming one of the most popular imported seafood in the Chinese market, as witnessed at the 17th Shanghai International Fisheries Expo in China, SHINE reported. Over the past decade, Ecuador has become China's largest supplier of shrimp. In 2022, China imported 818,429 tonnes of white shrimp, around 70% of which came from Ecuador. In 2022, Ecuador sold around 60% of its shrimp products to China, compared to about 49% in 2021. "With only one product, shrimp, Ecuador has surpassed Russia to become the top seafood importer to China," said Jose Antonio Camposano, executive resident of the National Chamber of Aquaculture of Ecuador. "For Ecuador, the industry is not only about producing exceptional shrimp; it's also about building livelihoods and sustaining communities. With around 145,000 direct jobs and a staggering 290,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, our industry becomes the cornerstone of over 1.3 million households in Ecuador." According to Camposano, the white shrimp is an endemic specie of Ecuador that are naturally resistant, antibiotic-free and produced in the world's lowest density of seven to 15 per square meter. "Ecuador is a very small country as the farms are very close to the processing facilities," he added. "The product is harvested and, within four or five hours, can be frozen packed and put into containers, so you're getting a very fresh bite. "We are very good at maintaining the quality of the head, and the shrimp remains whole after cooking." Thanks to the free trade agreement signed in May between China and Ecuador, the tariff on the shrimp has been reduced from 5% to 2%, and will be set at zero in 10 years. The price will be more affordable in supermarkets and online retailers. - SHINE Hamlet Protein hosts international delegation of academics in Denmark Hamlet Protein recently hosted an international group of professors and PhD students for a plant tour and technical presentation and discussions in Horsens, Denmark. Prof. Stein from the University of Illinois (US), Prof. Knud Erik Bach Knudsen from Aarhus University (Denmark) and 15 PhD students from Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States were received by a delegation of Hamlet Protein representatives, who provided insights into the company's latest scientific research, shared in market experiences on applications in starter and pre-starter feeds and presented the company's patented production process. Prof. Knud Knudsen said: "The course we are teaching aims to provide our PhD students an overview of carbohydrates in feeds and their impact on nutrition and intestinal health of non-ruminant animals. Our visit to Hamlet Protein provides our students with a unique opportunity to learn about scientific insights are being translated into practical solutions that drive health through nutrition." "We strongly believe that sharing knowledge drives value creation, that is why it is embedded in our strategy," said Hamlet Protein chief executive officer Erik Visser. "All over the world, we work with renowned universities to gather data that helps us understand how we can best support the performance of farm animals with our vegetable protein solutions. That work never stops. "Having the opportunity to engage with professors Stein and Knudsen and their students on topics related to nutrition, intestinal health and performance allowed all attendees to learn from each other, making the visit a valuable experience for Hamlet Protein." - Hamlet Protein France secures green light for pork exports to Australia France has obtained approval to export pork to Australia, forging a promising trade channel for a sector that has encountered demand fluctuations from its top importer, China, Farm Journal's Pork reported. After extensive discussions encompassing sanitary certification, the Australian market officially welcomed French pork. The French agriculture ministry and the meat industry association, Culture Viande, announced this development through separate statements. France now joins the ranks of pork-exporting nations such as Denmark and the US, marking its entry into the Australian market, which commands roughly 200,000 metric tonness of imports annually, as highlighted by Culture Viande. The endorsement for pork imports comes against the backdrop of ongoing deliberations between Australia and the European Union (EU) concerning a prospective trade agreement. France, as the largest agricultural producer within the EU, is at the forefront of these negotiations. The discussions, however, encountered an impasse in July, partly due to the matter of increased market access for Australian agricultural products, specifically beef. Don Farrell, Australia's Trade Minister, said that while the EU has the opportunity to invest in Australia's extensive critical minerals sector, it needs to enhance its offer in the trade talks to foster progress. For Europe, pork exports have faced hurdles stemming from unpredictable demand originating from China, episodes of African swine fever outbreaks in Europe, and a decline in EU production coupled with escalating costs. - Farm Journal's Pork Flight delays expected nationwide Ronaldsway are to expect delays today (August 28) due to a failure with a key UK ATC system which is causing large delays to most flights across the whole of the UK. The airport said that it kindly advise those affected to contact the Airlines handling agent or use the Airlines app to keep up to date or to look for further information. So far the departure board at the IOM airport is showing delays on all flights from 11:45 - 14:45. NATS, the national air traffic controllers, said in a statement: "We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and the fix the fault. "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." At 12:40pm NATS added that: "We are continuing to work hard to resolve the technical issue. To clarify, UK airspace is not closed, we have had to apply air traffic flow restrictions which ensures we can maintain safety." Photos Americans have grown more worried about AI in the last nine months. A new survey from the Pew Research Center indicates 52 percent of respondents are more concerned than excited about rising artificial intelligence use, up 14 points since December. Meanwhile, only 10 percent say theyre more excited than worried, while another 36 percent described their views as equally balanced. Concern about AI outweighs excitement across all major demographic groups, the Pew Research Center wrote in a blog post today. Its been an eventful nine months since the Pew Center last surveyed people about AI. OpenAIs ChatGPT went from a buzzed-about homework cheating tool to a household name, and the corporate world including techs most prominent companies raced to prove who was the most invested in generative AI. Microsoft plugged GPT-4 into Office and Windows, and Google launched its Bard chatbot while adding AI components to search. AI writing and generative art have made controversial (and widely covered in the media) entries into journalism, book writing, song production and even some political campaigns. Although younger Americans are still more concerned than excited, their views tend to be more positive than their older counterparts. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, 42 percent are more concerned about the growing use of AI in daily life, and 17 percent are more excited. But among adults 65 and up, 61 percent say theyre primarily concerned, while excitement only outweighs concern for a mere four percent. Microsoft rolled out its browser-based AI chatbot earlier this year. (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Pew Research also polled respondents on awareness of AI, and it appears the more people have heard about its rising adoption, the more uneasy they feel. The polling reports that about 90 percent of adults have heard a lot (33 percent) or a little (56 percent) about artificial intelligence, with the a lot group growing by seven points since December. Those who have heard much about AI are more likely to be worried than in December: Anxiety outweighs enthusiasm (47 percent to 15 percent) among that demographic, compared to 31 percent concerned to 23 percent excited last year. Even those who have only heard a little about it describe a more negative view than respondents in the December poll by 19 points. When breaking down AIs impact into categories, results are more mixed. On one hand, 49 percent said it helps more than hurts when finding products and services theyre interested in online (compared to 15 percent that say it hurts more). But 53 percent answered that it hurts more than helps in keeping personal information private, with a mere 10 percent saying it helps more in that area. Other areas where the polled Americans said it helps more include companies making safe vehicles, doctors providing quality care and people taking care of their health. Categories like finding accurate online information, providing quality customer service and police keeping the peace were closer to an even split between positive and negative. Respondents with and without higher education answered differently. For example, college graduates were more likely to view AI as a positive in finding products and services online and helping doctors provide quality care (60 percent positive among college grads, 44 percent for those without a degree). But people with some college or less were less likely to view it as a negative for protecting private information (59 percent among college-educated, 50 percent for those with less). Overall, those polled with a college education were more likely to view AI positively. Asturias Educacion abrira el 1 de noviembre el plazo del concurso-oposicion de estabilizacion para el cuerpo de maestros Monday, August 28, 2023 12 May, 1945 Sugar Loaf Hill, Okinawa Japanese defenders, nearly an entire regiment, have fortified their crucial position on a small hill. The hill looked unassuming, but it was honeycombed with concrete reverse slope positions holding machine gun and artillery emplacements, and connected by tunnels. The positions would have to be eliminated one by one. A job for the 6th Marine Division. Squad leader Corporal James Days remarkable feats of courage began to unfold on May 15, as he and his squad defended their positions against relentless enemy assaults. Witnessing a fellow Marines assault, Days squad unleashed gunfire upon columns of Japanese infantry, thwarting their efforts to attack advanced Marine guards. Despite their valiant defense, a fierce Japanese counterattack forced the Marines off the hill. Recognizing the need for an automatic weapon, Corporal Day fearlessly exposed himself to grab a discarded 1919A1 machine gun. A Japanese mortar round struck, killing one Marine and destroying the weapon, leaving only Day and PFC Dale Bertoli with rifles on Sugar Loaf. Days steadfastness continued through the harrowing night of May 15-16. The Japanese, aware of their presence, launched relentless attacks, met with grenades and gunfire. For hours on end, Day and Bertoli held their ground, fending off infiltrators with exceptional bravery. Over the ensuing 24 hours, the two Marines maintained their vigilant watch, thwarting Japanese patrols and reinforcements. Despite overwhelming odds, they stood strong, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Eventually, a message reached them, and they reluctantly abandoned their post, leaving behind a haunting battlefield strewn with over 100 fallen Japanese soldiers. Days of fierce struggle culminated when Dog Company of the 2nd Battalion 29th Marines, supported by tanks, finally seized Sugar Loaf Hill. After paying a heavy price in lives, the Marines reclaimed the ground, breaking the Japanese defensive line. Major General James L. Days legacy continued beyond the war. In 1998, he was bestowed with the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton, recognizing his leadership and valor. Having served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Days decorated career included three Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and more. His enduring spirit of courage and sacrifice lives on, inspiring generations to stand resolute in the face of adversity. UPDATE, 12:17 p.m.: The following is a Facebook post by the Missoula County Sheriff's Office: Late Sunday evening, August 27, 2023, Mineral County Sheriffs Office asked law enforcement and nearby communities to be on the lookout for a middle-aged male, driving a dark-colored Tahoe, leaving the Superior area and traveling in an unknown direction. Just before 11:00 p.m., Missoula 911 received a call of a vehicle matching the description driving erratically on US Highway 12. Montana Highway Patrol and assisting law enforcement located the vehicle in the area of Graves Creek Road and Petty Creek Road. The male suspect was taken into custody, without incident, by Missoula County Sheriffs Office at 12:25 a.m. and transported to Missoula County Detention Facility. Missoula County Sheriffs Office appreciates and recognizes the coordination of all responding agencies including, Montana Highway Patrol, Missoula Police Department, MESI, Missoula 911, Frenchtown Fire, and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). This is an active and ongoing Mineral County Sheriffs Office investigation, led by the DCI, assisted by Missoula County Sheriffs Office detectives. Questions regarding the incident should be directed to Mineral County Sheriffs Office. SUPERIOR, Mont. - A male shooting suspect was arrested in Superior Monday around 12:34 a.m. The Mineral County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post the armed suspect involved in a shooting was at large in Superior Sunday night. There is no threat to the community. By Other News (This information was updated on Sept. 1, 2023) Medina County Fair Sale August 5, 2023 Sale total: $892,357 Total lots: 923 STEERS Lots: 53 Grand champion: Garrett Reusch Bid: $33,000* Weight: 1,335 pounds Buyers: Izzie Honigman, C&L Shoes, Farmers Food, Forever Fence & Rail, Innovative Audio Visions, JTS landscaping, Kelton Keller, Little Badger Tool Sales LLC, Annie Phillips, Precision Outdoor Creations, Reusch Diesel LLC, Schaeffer Oil, Shaw Farms LTD, Chris Sulzener Auctioneer, Sunrise Co-Op, T.L.Keller Meats, TSA Show Pigs, Wellington Implement, Ag-Pro, Albrecht Trucking, Brandon Ashley, Big Buck Harvesting, Boyert Greenhouse & Farm, Boyert Farm/ Rowe Feed, 84 Lumber Columbia Station, The Feed Room at Smith Bros Inc., General Maintenance Services, Keller Farms, Latchic Cattle Company, DL Custom Ag Service, Chase Cole Trucking, Jeanine Falk, Josh Morlock, Tom Bahr, National Design Mart, Hook N Haul, Chris Nespecca & Betsy Mack and Medina County Gun Raffle Reserve champion: Adyline Coffman Bid: $7,000 Weight: 1,340 pounds Buyer: Genes Refrigeration Grand champion carcass steer: John Coyne IV Bid: $4,000 Weight: 970 pounds Buyer: Foundation Worldwide Inc. Reserve champion steer carcass: Grady Latchic Bid: $3,750 Weight: 740 pounds Buyer: Reusch Excavating HOGS Lots: 197 Grand champion: Levi Farnsworth Bid: $5,000 Weight: 277 pounds Buyer: Bauman & Sons Oil LLC Reserve champion: Charlie Hollan Bid: $4,000 Weight: 265 pounds Buyer: Bauman & Sons Oil LLC Grand champion carcass: Elliot Throckmorton Bid: $3,000 Buyer: Reusch Diesel LLC Reserve champion carcass: Lyla Clary Bid: $4,000 Buyer: EM Construction LAMBS Lots: 90 Grand champion: Gabriella Izzo Bid: $3,350 Weight: 137 pounds Buyer: Industrial Hydraulic Services Mike Izzo Reserve champion: Charlie Hollan Bid: $3,000 Weight: 137 pounds Buyer: T.L. Keller Meats Grand champion lamb carcass: Emily Gorey Bid: $2,000 Weight: 57 pounds Buyer: Foster Farms Reserve champion lamb carcass: Luke Farnsworth Bid: $1,500 Weight: 61 pounds Buyer: Forever Fence & Rail LLC BOER GOATS Lots: 46 Grand champion: Carter Kovalik Bid: $1,600 Weight: 76 pounds Buyer: Industrial Hydraulic Services Mike Izzo Reserve champion: Adalee Hollan Bid: $2,000 Weight: 85 pounds Buyers: Home Appliance Service, EM Construction DAIRY BEEF FINISHED Lots: 24 Grand champion: Ethan Marshall-Wack Bid: $13,000 Weight:1,450 pounds Buyer: Bauman & Sons Oil LLC Reserve champion: Dixie Potter Bid: $6,000 Weight: 1740 Buyer: Keller Farms RABBITS Number of pens of three: 34 Grand champion: Trent Sparks Bid: $800 Buyer: Bauman & Sons Oil LLC Reserve champion: Stacie Maag Bid: $650 Buyer: G & O Farm CHICKENS Number of pens of three: 183 Grand champion: Elliot Throckmorton Bid: $4,500 Buyer: Nordonia Landscape Supplies Reserve champion: John Coyne IV Bid: $2,500 Buyer: Sandridge Food Corporation MARKET DUCK Lots: 108 Grand champion: Alice Gavlak Bid: $700 Weight: 6.8 pounds Buyer: ABC Equipment Rental & Sales Reserve champion: Katelyn Haney Bid: $550 Weight: 6.3 pounds Buyer: KAP DVM LLC MARKET GOOSE Lots: 14 Grand champion: Kaiyus Davison Bid: $2,500 Weight: 11.1 pounds Buyer: Sandridge Food Corporation Reserve champion: Blake Stidham Bid: $1,000 Weight: 14.6 pounds Buyer: Sandridge Food Corporation MARKET TURKEY Lots: 72 Grand champion: Emma Raulie Bid: $2,000 Weight: 24 pounds Buyer: EM Construction Reserve champion: Colin Sparks Bid: $3,000 Weight: 27 pounds Buyer: Bauman & Sons Oil LLC *Fair record 2023 Medina County Fair Sale 1 of 26 Farmers are being urged to assess the risk of fires after crews extinguished 150 hay bales that were set alight on a farm in Staffordshire. The importance of fire control plans are being underscored following the incident, which police believe was deliberate. Crews attended a farm near Penkridge, South Staffordshire on 19 August, after arsonists set 150 hay bales on fire. Firefighters used hose reel jets to contain and prevent the blaze from spreading, with the fire reaching 20 feet in its height. An investigation into the cause of the incident was later determined as deliberate. Responding to recent farm fires elsewhere in the UK, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said farmers should continually assess the risk. It follows barn fires near Ulverston and Flimby in the last month, which the service said were caused by spontaneous combustion. Hay bales can catch fire due to a build-up of mould caused by moisture in the hay from time of baling or from being rained on, it explained. Hay naturally insulates, so once the hay reaches 55C, a chemical reaction creates flammable gas. If the temperature of the hay continues to rise, the heat can cause the flammable gas to combust. According to the most recent statistics from NFU Mutual, large-scale farm arson attacks surged from 4.7 million in 2020 to 8.4 million in 2021. NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns said the rural insurer was 'very concerned' about the rise in number of arson attacks. "[It is] a frightening prospect considering farms are not only farmers place of work but often their family home," she added. We are urging everyone to be on their guard and improve their security to help prevent their business going up in smoke. How can I better protect against fire? NFU Mutual Risk Management Services has issued farming businesses five fire safety tips: Have a plan in place Put people at the heart of your fire plan and ensure everyone on site knows what to do in the event of a fire. Dont mess with electrics - Electrical faults are a major cause of fire whilst electric shock can cause death or severe injury. Suppress the risk suppression systems are a major game changer for the industry and play a critical role in detecting, containing and extinguishing fire. Keep on top of your housekeeping Good housekeeping is essential to ensure materials and machinery are stored correctly and to eliminate dust and debris. Control hot work Welding, cutting or grinding equipment, along with blow lamps and blow torches can produce sparks which can turn into fires if they hit a combustible material. Police have recovered over 200,000 worth of agricultural machinery after thieves raided the Shropshire farm just a day before. Two tractors were taken from the farm, located near Much Wenlock, with an off-duty officer discovering one of them the following day. PC Campbell Heath was investigating the theft, where the tractors, a hedge trimmer and 2,000 litres of fuel were stolen on 8 August. The following day, while off-duty, PC Heath discovered one of the stolen tractors along with the hedge cutter - which is estimated to be worth 130,000 - abandoned in a wooded area nearby. When PC Heath returned to work, he and a PC Jonathan Lightfoot continued to search for the other stolen items, when they found the second tractor, estimated to be worth 100,000, also abandoned nearby. The only item not recovered from the theft is the 2,000 litres of fuel in a fuel bowser, but the two tractors and hedge trimmer have now been returned to the farmer. It follows recent figures showing that the cost of rural theft in the UK shot up by nearly a quarter by nearly a quarter last year. PC Heath said: I would like to thank the public with their help in locating the stolen farming equipment, as we have now been able to return it to the rightful owner. Thefts such as these are not uncommon in the farming community, and I would like to remind farmers to remain vigilant and to always ensure their equipment is locked away securely when not being used. He added: If you have any information about the theft please do get in touch, as it will help us catch those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact Shrewsbury Police Station on 01743 264722. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has reportedly been offered "a bunch of roles" with "big-name directors and producers". Duchess Meghan is said to be 'actively' seeking new roles The 42-year-old former actress is said to have turned down a number of acting offers she was allegedly sent due to a renewed interest in her former legal drama 'Suits', in which she played Rachel Zane from 2011 until 2018 - the same year she married into the British Royal Family and became Prince Harry's wife. Amid talks of Meghan now allegedly going after a Hollywood career again, a source told Life and Style: "Suits is such a hit in reruns that Meghans being told theres a demand from fans to see her act again. Shes excited. The insider went on: Shed gotten a bunch of offers over the last five years, but turned them down because she really was trying to embrace royal life and, later, forge a new path behind the scenes in Hollywood with Harry. But now thats all changed. With other opportunities drying up, shes actively looking for roles and talking to some big-name directors and producers. Harry is 100 per cent supportive of all of it. Acting is what Meghan knows and what shes always loved." Meghan is said to believe her 38-year-old royal husband could enter the acting field, though he's said to be all about his philanthropy. The source added: She says he would be a good actor. But Harry believes hed be ridiculed for it, so its unlikely hed co-star in something with Meghan. You never know what the future holds though. He might do it one day! The New York Post's Page Six column previously reported Meghan has been in talks with a number of brands to work with on social media and is apparently especially keen to sign with jewellers Cartier as she works towards the future after signing with Hollywood agency WME. An insider told the publication Meghan was set to go live on Insta, but changed her mind shortly before she launched her Archetypes podcast, so its just sitting there now. Meghan revealed she was toying with the idea of returning to social media in an interview with The Cut in August 2022, saying: Do you want to know a secret? Im getting back on Instagram. She's also said to have big plans to relaunch her lifestyle blog The Tig and rival stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow. A source told Heat magazine: "Meghan is determined to get back on top and secure her place as showbiz royalty. She's preparing to get back on Instagram, relaunch her lifestyle band The Tig, do talk shows and do a huge publicity blitz. "She wants to be seen on the same level as global stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah and Angelina Jolie." Meghan and Harry are also set to produce the film adaptation of the bestseller 'Meet Me At The Lake'. The insider said: "It seems to be all about her and Harry is not quite sure where he fits in. Their Spotify deal didn't work out and their Netflix deal has been scrutinised too so Meghan has been pushing the idea of them working separately. She feels it would benefit them as a couple if they weren't constantly working side by side. "He often feels out of the loop when it comes to her busy schedule. But Meghan has felt for a long time that she's lost her voice when it comes to her public image and she wants to get that back." The reports about Meghan's next big career moves come after the couple's mega-money Spotify deal ended in June. Joe Keery knows "it won't be easy" to walk away from 'Stranger Things'. Joe Keery has mixed feelings about the show's ending The 31-year-old actor has played Steve Harrington on hit Netflix show since 2016 - but he accepts that "it's time" to bring the sci-fi series to an end. In an interview with Women's Wear Daily - which was conducted before the writers' strike - Joe shared: "It wont be easy for it to end. "I mean, I owe my whole career to being on that show and all the opportunities that I had since are because of that show." Joe confessed to having mixed feelings about the situation. The actor - who stars alongside the likes of Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown - explained: "Theres a sense of relief, theres a sense of sadness. "I guess my goal is to just really soak it up as much as I can while were doing it, and not take any of it for granted because its been an amazing ride with such great people. And then once its done, move forward and try to just hold on to the joy that we had when we were making it Everything has a beginning and the middle and an end. Itll be nice to have the end of this too." Meanwhile, Chase Stokes previously revealed that he auditioned for the role of Steve Harrington. However, the actor admitted to making a mess of his audition. Chase, 30 - who was eventually given a guest role on the show - told 'Access Hollywood': "I actually read for Steve Harrington and I forgot all the lines and absolutely effed up. I drove eight hours from Atlanta back to Orlando regretting every moment of my life on that!" Stormzy has been spotted holding hands with Maya Jama. Stormzy and Maya Jama have been seen holding hands The 30-year-old rap star and Maya, 29, previously dated between 2015 and 2019, and they've now been spotted by MailOnline holding hands in Hydra, Greece. The celebrity duo both appeared to be in good spirits as they walked hand-in-hand on the picturesque island. Stormzy and Maya - who hosts the UK version of 'Love Island' - have been seen together numerous times over recent weeks, and they are rumoured to have rekindled their romance. Despite this, the rapper and the TV star have so far remained tight-lipped about their relationship status. Earlier this month, Maya was spotted hanging out backstage with Stormzy after a gig in London. The TV star jetted in from Ibiza to watch the rapper perform at All Points East festival in London's Victoria Park, before heading backstage for the afterparty. A source told The Sun newspaper at the time: "Maya and Stormzy may not be officially dating anymore, but they are still close and grew up together. She is really proud of him and vice versa. Theyll always have a special bond. "They spent time catching up and chatting, people were looking at them and giving them their space." Maya previously admitted that they were "just little babies" when they dated for the first time. The former MTV presenter told the Sunday Times newspaper: "We were so young when we met, just beginning our careers. "I was starting at MTV. Hed not even released a single at that point. We were just little babies." Maya was always determined to known for more than her love life. She said: "Im not naive to the fact that when you are a woman in the industry, most of the things that people want to talk about are your relationships. "Its different for men. Id seen that happen to other people." Image: ShutterstockKerala, rightly referred as "God's Own Country," is renowned for its vibrant traditions and diverse cultural experiences. From bustling cities to serene backwaters, each locale promises an unforgettable experience during this festive season. With the upcoming Onam festival, the heart of this cultural treasure trove beckons travelers from all corners. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head - Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook (India) Limited & SOTC Travel shares an extensive list of Kerala's top destinations, to immerse yourself in the tapestry of its rich culture and partake in the jubilant spirit of Onam.The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is where your cultural expedition begins. Be sure to include a visit to the resplendent Kuthiramalika Palace, a stunning wooden edifice exuding traditional architecture. A must on your itinerary is the Napier Museum, housing an extensive array of artifacts that beautifully narrate the tales of Kerala's rich history and culture.Journey to the enchanting city of Kochi, where a delightful fusion of cultures awaits your exploration. Stroll through Fort Kochi's narrow lanes, where you'll find the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and colonial-era buildings. While here, ensure you partake in the mesmerising Kathakali performances that breathe life into Kerala's classical dance-drama.Image: ShutterstockKnown for its backwaters and serene beauty, Alappuzha offers an authentic Kerala experience. Embark on a traditional houseboat to cruise through the picturesque backwaters, passing by lush paddy fields and quaint villages.Here, you can partake in the grandeur of Pulikali, a captivating folk artistry where performers bedeck themselves as tigers and leopards. The onset of Onam celebrations is heralded by the Athachamayam festival, an event not to be missed in Thrissur.This serene village is celebrated for its avian sanctuary and the enduring charm of traditional Keralan architecture. You can fully engage with the local culture by engaging in Onam-themed experiences, such as crafting vibrant pookalams (floral arrangements) and partaking in traditional games.Discover Kozhikode's historical landmarks and bustling markets. Delight in the traditional Malabar cuisine, renowned for its exquisite flavors. Gain insights into the region's religious diversity through visits to the Matri Dei Cathedral and Tali Temple.Unwind on the picturesque beaches of Kovalam while indulging in Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring art galleries, enjoying cultural performances, and perusing traditional handicraft markets.For a glimpse into Kerala's indigenous culture, Wayanad is the place to be. Engage with tribal communities, venture into ancient caves, and trek through lush forests. Explore cultural landmarks like the Thirunelli Temple and Edakkal Caves.Known as the "Gateway to Kerala," Palakkad promises a rich cultural experience. Attend captivating traditional music and dance performances, and explore the historic Palakkad Fort, a testament to the fusion of Kerala and European architecture.While Munnar is renowned for its tea plantations and stunning landscapes, it also offers insights into Kerala's cultural heritage. Join in local festivals, visit tea museums, and connect with the welcoming local communities. The German economic landscape is increasingly worrisome as the ifo Business Climate Index for August slides to 85.7 points, a decline from 87.4 points in July. This marks the fourth consecutive fall of the index, indicating deteriorating confidence among German managers. The assessments of the current situation hit their lowest point since August 2020, heightening concerns for the months ahead. In the manufacturing sector, the Business Climate Index experienced a drop, with companies less satisfied with their current standing. The indicator fell into negative territory for the first time since October 2020. Expectations are considerably bleak as companies increasingly report declines in new orders, ifo said in a media release. The ifo Business Climate Index in Germany dropped to 85.7 points in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly decline. Sentiment among German managers has worsened, particularly in the manufacturing and trade sectors. The current assessment is at its lowest since August 2020, and companies are increasingly pessimistic about future prospects. The Business Climate Index fell in trade, too. Businesses assessed their current situation as considerably more negative. The outlook also turned gloomier. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) Major Chinese companies with an annual primary business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (approximately $2.78 million) witnessed a 6.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in profits in July 2023, according to new data from China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This contraction, however, is an improvement from the 8.3 per cent decrease seen in June. For the January to July period, these large industrial firms recorded total profits of 3.94 trillion yuan, marking a 15.5 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. However, this fall in profits narrowed by 1.3 percentage points when contrasted with the data for the first half of the year. Major Chinese industrial firms with a minimum annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan ($2.78 million) experienced a 6.7 per cent YoY decline in profits for July 2023, as per NBS. Although this marks a contraction, it's an improvement from June's 8.3 per cent drop. From January to July, profits for these firms plummeted by 15.5 per cent YoY to 3.94 trillion yuan. Out of 41 industrial categories monitored by NBS, 13 of them reported better profit performance during the seven months of the year. Additionally, state-holding enterprises saw a slight improvement as their profit decline narrowed by 0.7 percentage points from the first six months, as per NBS. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) Belonging to a small village of Malhausi near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Mishra first tasted success when he won the Best student of the year Award at his graduation from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, in 2005. This was the stepping stone to bigger things in life. In 2009, he became the first non-European designer to win a scholarship to Milans Istituto Marangoni. He made his debut in 2006 at the Lakme Fashion Week with a collection using cotton handloom from Kerala. In 2013, he won the Indian leg of the International Woolmark Prize and later, the 2014 Woolmark Prize at the Milan Fashion Week. Hes the only Indian to have won the award. His work was featured in Londons Victoria & Albert Museum from 2015 to 2016 following his Woolmark Prize in 2014. Recently, he made headlines at NMACC. The creme de la creme of both Hollywood and Bollywood were seen attending the event. What caught everyones attention was how Zendaya and Gigi Hadid carried off his creations effortlessly. He made India proud at the event and we talked to the designer about the experience. It was so easy, they just selected one sketch and it got done. After that, they never even bothered me. For Zendaya, I made two garments for fitting and for Gigi I had only one garment. They knew about my brand and trusted my judgement. Fashion has to be compared to a river and India is somehow the source of it, the origin point. The events curator, Hamish Bowles, decided to close the show with three of our pieces. I was quite honoured. When you showcase alongside the best brands in the world, you try to up your game. You try to give 150 per cent. It is our 20th season, almost our 10th year showcasing our work internationally. Celebrities across the globe know about us and are wearing our creations. That really helps when you expand, like now it is all about expanding retail stores across the globe and also online. So in that way, it helps a great deal to have an international presence. I have done more shows in Paris than in India. Today when I look back, it is just the beginning.Embroidery is not only a signature style but also helps us engage artisans in a big way. Our idea of fashion is not just to dress one beautiful woman who looks amazing in our clothes. That is a given but a bigger purpose is to be able to employ and engage more and more artisans so that a large number of people get employment.I really feel I am more of a storyteller. The medium we try telling stories is cloth. I like to depict ideas and things through clothes. I dream about a certain thing and after that I share the idea with my team and then it becomes a collective idea. Its very much like the filmmaking process. The director comes with the core idea and then everyone participates. I love animated films a lot. I love the Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. Theres a beautiful film of his called My Neighbour Totoro and also Grave of The Fireflies. I love Kung Fu Panda as well. It contains some profound ideas which kind of motivate you. I love documentaries. Our Planet, the documentary by David Attenborough, was inspiring and beautiful. And then before that, I watched Cosmos. AstrophysicistNeil deGrasse Tyson did the voiceover in Cosmos and narrated how it was formed. I like a lot of things, like the Avengers. I am also obviously a big Shah Rukh Khan fan; I love Swades and Chak De! India.You cant compare it to Met Gala because it is far bigger than Met Gala. The Met Gala is fine, it is just a red carpet. But the content at NMACC was far more diverse, interesting and profound. When you see Indias contribution to the world in terms of culture, craft and fashion, that somehow epitomises the whole thing beautifully. There was a lot of pressure on us. There were 5060 requests. We had to deny a lot of requests. A lot of people were wearing us. In one frame, you could see five-six people wearing us. I met Penelope Cruz at NMACC. She wanted to know more about our brand. We spoke for about 15 minutes where I explained our philosophy and talked about Indian fashion. It was a great feeling to have top Hollywood as well as Bollywood stars attending an event. Zendayas purple saree is something people cant stop raving about. I had made a sari for her as well as a gown. I told her you can try this. But if youre not feeling comfortable, you can wear the gown. She wore the sari and said,Im just going with this; this is so beautiful. Normally, these people have strong shoulders; you know they can carry off jackets and sturdy pieces. Sari requires a different kind of elegance. The way Zendaya carried the look was amazing. I remember when I met Karisma Kapoor, she was also excited. She showed me the picture which shed clicked with Zendaya. She said that they both were twinning.I think we have a long way to go. Although there are young brands working on it, it needs to happen on a large scale, at the industry level as a whole and not at a designer level alone. Overall it will take a lot more effort, commitment and time to create something meaningful.Managing our brand takes too much time. So it might be difficult to do justice to films because you have to immerse yourself in a project. I remember there were some strong projects that came our way but the timeline did not match. They wanted around three months of commitment and that simply didnt work out.I love all genres. I love period films and futuristic films and also quintessential Bollywood films. I feel when you are building a character, clothes play an important role. In that sense, all the films that are good have done exceptional work with costumes. For example, Aamir Khans characters in Lagaan or Dil Chahta Hai stand out because of the distinct clothes they wore. Look at the costumes that were produced for The Avengers. The whole series is spread over 15 years or so. And the costumes constructed for different characters have a continuity to them. They have created a brand recall for the actors.Murder Mystery 2 had an Indian wedding sequence and thats where she wore that lehenga. If a series or a film has an India-centric event happening or is set in India, youll see more such things happening. But what I want is that Indian fashion should find wider acceptance. Coco Chanel created suits for girls after the first World War and that became a sensation which has sustained even today. Likewise, it might be a great idea if in day-to-day life in the West, Indianness gets accepted. And not just for Indian characters or settings but as a norm. Zendaya wore a saree in Mumbai but she could have worn it anywhere in the world and looked at home. When people will wear a sari-inspired piece or an India-inspired piece on a daily basis thats going to be the biggest thing for Indian culture. This is something I dream of and I really want to push for as a brand. Sushmita Sen is currently on a roll, with several promising projects on the horizon. The actress has received rave reviews for her performance in the recently released web series Taali. She recently recalled an incident that nearly ended her successful acting career. Sushmita Sen recently opened up about having to leave an Akshay Kumar film for her elder daughter Renee Sen in a recent interview. She also mentioned that being a working mother at such a young age had a cost. She claimed that she was set to play the lead in a popular film alongside celebrated stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan. She had to leave the shoot midway because her daughter Renee was in critical condition in the hospital. "Renee needs me to be there. She was not very well when she came into my life, she had a medical condition, a very severe one. So, Im filming all the way in Canada with Akshay and Kareena, and its a multi-star cast, and I have this pressure," the former Miss Universe recalled. "People as it is are saying shes not going to take her career seriously because she has become a mother at 24. So, I have a point to prove. I must be there on time, I must do my job, no complaints," she added. "I got a call from Bombay. My father was babysitting Renee and he said shes been hospitalised and is very serious. I took a flight back, and said, I know this is the end of my career, Im so sorry. They were very nice about it, at least superficially I think. But I left and I came back to my daughter and then saw her through one week of hospitalisation and then ran back to say Im ready for the job, but the damage was done," said Sushmita Sen. The actress is currently winning hearts as transgender activist Gauri Sawant in the biopic web series Taali. Her next appearance will be in the third season of her blockbuster thriller series Aarya, which will be available on OTT. Sushmita Sen recently gave an interview where she talked about her role as Chandni Chopra in Main Hoon Na (2004), and how despite it being a small role, it was still powerful. She also shared how the late filmmaker Yash Chopra had praised her performance. Additionally, she mentioned that the posters for the film were taken down a day after its release and replaced with new ones featuring her alongside Shah Rukh Khan.According to Sushmita, Main Hoon Na has become a defining moment in her career as people tend to revisit the film often. In an interview with a leading portal, Sushmita said, "Farah Khan called my director, and said, 'Sush, I have seen the final edit and I have to apologise to you. Shah Rukh of course has the role, Zayed and Amrita have a role, but you are barely there'. So I was like, 'That is okay Farah, we had a deal, you kept through the promise, and I kept through it. It is done, now don't worry about it'. But inside I was thinking, 'Oh no, I am barely there!' The screening happened at Film City. My phone starts ringing. And I don't know why Yash ji (Yash Chopra) is calling me, the whole gamut of the industry is calling. So ab darr darr ke I pick up the phone."Sushmita remembered receiving praise for her work and being told that the person couldn't take their eyes off of her, and hoped that she would be in every frame of the second half. However, she did not attend the screening because Farah had informed her that she was only present minimally in the film, and she feared feeling disappointed.She further stated, "From the response, I knew something had changed. The role had not changed, the impact had. The role was still as small as it was, but it was powerful enough. The reaction of the audience was so intense that the first posters of Main Hoon Na all over Bombay had Zayed Khan, Amrita Rao and Shah Rukh and Shah Rukh alone. By Saturday, after the film had been released, there was Shah Rukh and me on every poster. That is the power of people and audience, and I have huge respect for that... the audiences were like 'We want her, we want to see her up there with him (Shah Rukh)'. Farah called me and said 'All the posters were being brought down and new ones are being put up. You better go for a drive today'. And I did."Released in 2003, Main Hoon Na was written and directed by Farah Khan and marked her directorial debut. The movie features Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Suniel Shetty, Amrita Rao, and Zayed Khan. The story revolves around Major Ram Sharma, who goes undercover as a university student to safeguard a general's daughter from a rogue soldier who poses a threat to her safety. In the film, Sushmita plays the role of chemistry professor Miss Chandini, Shah Rukh Khan's characters' love interest. Shah Rukh Khan has released a teaser for the song Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya from his upcoming film Jawan. Following that, the actor held his popular Ask SRK session on Twitter to interact with his fans. During the Q&A, someone asked Shah Rukh if he had seen the recently released blockbuster Gadar 2. "Gadar 2 dekhi aapne?" a fan asked Shah Rukh. "Yeah loved it!!" wrote SRK in his brief review of the film. The superstar's response indicated that the differences between him and Sunny had been resolved. They were co-stars in Yash Chopra's superhit film, Darr (1993). Sunny described Darr as the worst experience of his life in a throwback interview with Filmfare. "If I were to start my career again, I would avoid a mistake called Darr. The making of the film was the worst experience of my life. I was sick of the manipulations and lies. One day in Switzerland, I was so angry that when I stuffed my hands into the pockets, I ripped the jeans I was wearing," he said. Sunny later revealed in an interview that he had disagreements with the director about the scene in which Shah Rukh's character stabs him. "I had a heated discussion with Yash Chopra regarding that scene. I tried explaining that I am a commando officer in the film. My character is an expert and fit, then how can this boy beat me easily? He can beat me if I cant see him. If he can stab me while I am looking at him, then I wont be called a commando. Soon, out of anger, I didnt even realise that I had ripped my pants with my hands, he added. Sunny and Shah Rukh were not on speaking terms for 16 years after Darr due to disagreements. "Its not that I didnt talk but I just cut myself off and I anyway dont socialise much. So we never met, toh baat karne ki baat he nahi hai, he shared. In yet another fiery outburst, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has labeled Bollywood stars as uneducated and claimed that they are devoid of worldly understanding. Known for his provocative remarks and opinions about the Hindi film industry, Agnihotri has once again taken a swipe. Agnihotri, whose recent film 'The Kashmir Files' was honored with the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration at the 69th National Film Awards held on August 24th, gave his controversial comments in a podcast appearance. He claimed to possess greater intellect than all the Bollywood stars he had collaborated with over his decades-long career. Notably, Agnihotri has worked alongside accomplished figures like three-time National Award winner Pallavi Joshi, as well as acclaimed actor Anupam Kher. VIVEK AGNIHOTRI SAYS B'WOOD ACTORS' DUMBNESS IS PULLING HIM DOWN During the podcast, titled 'Unscripted', Agnihotri said, "I am not saying it arrogantly, but rather I am telling the truth. I started feeling that the stars I work with are not educated and have no idea about the world. I am far more intelligent than them, and my worldview is definitely better than theirs. So their dumbness was pulling me down. They are so dumb that they pull you down with them." VIVEK AGNIHOTRI SAYS HE HAS DISTANCED HIMSELF FROM BOLLYWOOD Agnihotri went on to stress the negative impact these 'dumb' celebrities had on his career trajectory. He added, "These actors are often lacking in depth, which influences directors and writers negatively. They seem to underestimate the intelligence of the audience. In my role as a writer and director, the value of my film is equated with the film's star. The film's recognition doesn't come from me, but from the actor who might lack depth. Hence, I've mentally distanced myself from Bollywood." In conclusion, Agnihotri pointed out, "The audience is very intelligent, if you provide them with intelligent material, they will consume it. For example, there is a bookstore, they sell playboy and they also sell Bhagavad Gita. The Gita sales are lower when compared to Playboy. So I came out of this whole idea of 'selling' and I totally reinvented myself." Meanwhile, Vivek's upcoming films include the 1984 anti-Sikh riots titled, 'The Delhi Files.' He also awaiting the theatrical release of 'The Vaccine War' on September 28. Bigg Boss 17 Update: Featuring Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Shiv Thakare, and Ankit Gupta among other celebrities as contestants, Bigg Boss 16 turned out to be a humongous success for Colors TV. Hosted by Salman Khan, the controversial reality show ended in February this year with MC Stan walking away with the winner's trophy. Since then, fans have been waiting for the seventeenth season and their wait is likely to end very soon. BIGG BOSS 17: THEME AND PROBABLE CONTESTANTS We're saying so because the makers have begun work on Bigg Boss 17 in full swing and have reached out to several well-known celebrities. In an exclusive revelation, Filmibeat recently shared about the potential theme of "Singles Vs Couples" for the upcoming season. Not just that, the selection of notable personalities, including Kanwar Dhillon, Alice Kaushik, Samarth Jurel, and Seema Haider with husband Sachin Meena, are reportedly in discussions to participate as contestants in the controversial reality series. Bigg Boss 17: Popular HEROINE Of Shalin Bhanot To Participate In BB 17? Here's What We Know Breaking #BiggBoss17 is set to start from october 20, 2023 Singles Vs Couples theme The Khabri (@TheKhabriTweets) August 28, 2023 MTV Roadies Karm Ya Kaand: Who Among Rivals Gautam Gulati & Prince Narula Has Higher Net Worth? Check DEETS While the official contestants' list for Bigg Boss 17 remains undisclosed, Udaariyaan actress Isha Malviya recently confirmed her entry in the seventeenth season of BB. While there were speculations about the new season launch on Colors TV next month, it looks like those were mere rumours. PREMIERE DATE OF BIGG BOSS 17 REVEALED We're saying so because the latest reports suggest that Bigg Boss 17 is going to premiere in October. Yes, you read that right! According to an India Forums report, the upcoming edition of Bigg Boss is slated to make its debut on our TV screens on October 20. However, an official announcement from the makers' side is still awaited. As is the case with almost every previous season, anticipation and curiosity regarding the potential contestants of Bigg Boss is already on a high. The excitement remains intact concerning the celebrities set to enter the controversial house this year. Well, this intrigue is justified, given the significant stardom attained by numerous personalities in the past seasons, like Sidharth Shukla in Bigg Boss 13 and MC Stan in Bigg Boss 16. Keep watching this space for more updates! Anu Emmanuel About Casting Couch Photo Credit: Instagram Actress Anu Emmanuel is a well-known south-Indian actress who made her acting debut as a child artist in 2011. The svelte actress is born to a noted Malayalam film producer Thankachan Emmanuel in Chicago, Illinois. She returned to India to pursue a career in acting. The 27-years-old svelte actress became a heroine with Action Hero Biju movie which was released in 2016. After a couple of films in Malayalam, Anu Emmanuel made her Tollywood debut with Natural star Nani-starrer Majnu, for which she was nominated for the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut. Anu Emmanuel focused a bit on Telugu film industry and acted in films like Kittu Unnadu Jagratha, Oxygen, Agnyaathavaasi, Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India, Sailaja Reddy Alludu, Alludu Adhurs, Maha Samudram, and Geetha Govindam. Her recent Telugu release was Urvashivo Rakshasivo opposite Allu Sirish, which was received well by film buffs. She was then seen in Ravi Teja's Ravanasura in a brief role. Her Tamil debut opposite Vishal in Thupparivaalan is also a successful film. However, Anu Emmanuel's career didn't take off as it should. Anu Emmanuel About Casting Couch Photo Credit: Internet Anu Emmanuel Opens Up About Casting Couch Speaking to media recently, Anu Emmanuel opened up about her experience with casting couch. Going by a report in Sakshi website, Anu Emmanuel said, "Yes. I too had faced such situations in my career, especially during my initial days. But, I took support from my family to face them. I advise that everybody take help from ther family to deal with situations like that instead of suffering alone." Anu Emmanuel's Work Front The actress joined hands with actor Karthi for the second time for an action entertainer titled Japan. Written and directed by Raju Murugan, Japan will feature Sunil in an important role. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the film's background score and music. Sathyan Sooryan and Ravi Varman are the film's cinematographers. Phhiloming Raj is the film's editor. Base Resources Limited - FY23 Final Dividend - Key dates and information PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, August 28 AIM and Media Release 28 August 2023 Base Resources Limited FY23 Final Dividend - Key dates and information African mineral sands producer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources) provides the following information about the final dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share, unfranked (FY23 Final Dividend) announced today. Key dates The key dates for the FY23 Final Dividend are as follows: Event Date Ex-date Friday, 8 September 2023 Record date Date of exchange rate used for conversion to GBP Monday, 11 September 2023 Announcement of exchange rate and dividend amount in GBP Wednesday, 13 September 2023 Payment date Thursday, 28 September 2023 Payment currency and method The FY23 Final Dividend has been determined in Australian dollars, but will be paid to depositary interest holders in British pounds sterling. The FY23 Final Dividend will be paid by direct credit only. See below for details about how depositary interest holders may provide or update their banking details. The FY23 Final Dividend will be converted to British pounds sterling based on the AUD/GBP exchange rate on the record date (Monday, 11 September 2023). This exchange rate and the corresponding GBP amount will be announced on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. Conduit foreign income The FY23 Final Dividend will be wholly paid from conduit foreign income. Non-Australian resident depositary interest holders will therefore not be subject to any Australian dividend withholding tax on the FY23 Final Dividend. Depositary interest holder banking and tax information Dividend payments will be made, and any required withholdings by Base Resources in respect of taxes will be determined, based on applicable information provided to the depositary interest holder trustee, Computershare. To provide or update their banking details and ensure their other information is up to date, depositary interest holders should visit www.investorcentre.co.uk and register an account or login to an existing account in respect of their holding by 5.00 pm (London time) on Monday, 11 September 2023. Depositary interest holders may also provide or update their banking details by completing a Dividend Mandate Form and returning that form to Computershare. Dividend Mandate Forms can be obtained by contacting Computershare: by phone on +44 (0)370 707 4040 between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm (London time) Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays); or by email at WebCorres@computershare.co.uk . Dividend Mandate Forms should be returned to Computershare by post to: Computershare Investor Services PLC The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road Bristol, BS99 6ZZ United Kingdom ENDS. For further information contact: Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Citadel Magnus Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150 This release has been authorised by the Base Resources Disclosure Committee. About Base Resources Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au . PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE Level 3, 46 Colin Street West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Email: info@baseresources.com.au Phone: +61 8 9413 7400 Fax: +61 8 9322 8912 NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER Canaccord Genuity Limited James Asensio / Raj Khatri Phone: +44 20 7523 8000 JOINT BROKER Berenberg Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi Phone: +44 20 3207 7800 Base Resources Limited - FY23 results - Kwale continues to deliver strong financial performance PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, August 28 AIM and Media Release 28 August 2023 Base Resources Limited FY23 results - Kwale continues to deliver strong financial performance African mineral sands producer and developer, Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to present its results for the year ended 30 June 2023 (FY23), with higher prices across all products delivering an EBITDA of US$158.6 million and generating cash flows from operations of US$117.4 million. The disciplined application of the Company's capital management policy has supported the determination of a FY23 final dividend of AUD 4 cents per share (unfranked). Despite Kwale Operations' robust operational performance, a net loss of US$4.8 million was recorded, with profitability impacted by a non-cash impairment of US$88.9 million following a reassessment of the carrying value of Kwale Operations, reflecting the increased operating costs of mining the North Dune, the softening outlook for mineral sands product prices over the remaining mine life and an improved understanding of the ultimate costs of closure1. The Toliara Project in Madagascar remains a significant growth opportunity for the Company. Despite making sound progress in discussions with the Government of Madagascar on the fiscal terms applicable to the project and the lifting of the on-ground suspension, recent engagement has slowed whilst the Government focuses on finalising its overhaul of the Malagasy Mining Code and preparations for the upcoming presidential election. The Company remains committed to developing the world class project and is ready to progress. However, until the Mining Code reform is finalised, and the elections scheduled for late 2023 have concluded, the Company does not expect to achieve material progress in securing fiscal terms or lifting of the project's on-ground suspension. In parallel, substantial effort is being applied to identification and progression of attractive business development opportunities to secure optionality in the project portfolio as well as broader funding options for ultimate Toliara Project development. Operational and development highlights for FY23 Production of 68,814 tonnes of rutile, 297,861 tonnes of ilmenite, 25,954 tonnes of zircon and a combined 18,330 tonnes of low-grade rutile and zircon products from Kwale Operations. Increase in average achieved prices of 18% for rutile, 3% for ilmenite and 3% for zircon compared to the prior year. Bumamani Project implementation completed and mining of the North Dune orebody commenced, extending the mine life of Kwale Operations to December 2024. Toliara Project Rare Earths Concept Study completed, confirming the substantial economic potential of the Toliara monazite content and advancing to a Pre-Feasibility Study, which remains on track for completion in the March quarter of 2024. Financial highlights for FY23 Revenue of US$271.4 million, with an 8% increase in average realised unit sales price partially offsetting lower production and sales volumes when compared to the prior year. EBITDA of US$158.6 million and underlying NPAT of US$84.0 million (before the US$88.9 million impairment charge). Free cashflow of US$79.2 million (operating cashflows of US$117.4 million less US$38.2 million invested to extend Kwale Operations mine life and progress the Toliara Project). Net cash position of US$92.9 million at 30 June 2023. Final dividend of AUD 4 cents per share determined Consistent with its growth strategy, the Company seeks to provide returns to shareholders through both long-term growth in the Company's share price and appropriate cash distributions. Cash not required for the Company's growth and development, or to maintain requisite balance sheet strength in light of prevailing circumstances, can be expected to be returned to shareholders. In the disciplined application of this capital management approach in the context of anticipated future cashflows from Kwale Operations and the approaching closure of the mine, the strategic opportunities being pursued and a net cash position of US$92.9 million at the end of the period, the Board has determined a final dividend of AUD 4.0 cents per share (unfranked), totalling A$47.1 million in aggregate (approximately US$31.3 million). Upon payment of the final dividend, dividends distributed to shareholders since October 2020 will total AUD 22.5 cents per share, equal to A$265 million in aggregate (approximately US$187 million). The dividend will be paid wholly from conduit foreign income and have record and payment dates of 11 September 2023 and 28 September 2023, respectively - for further information, refer to Base Resources' accompanying announcement "FY23 Final Dividend - Key dates and information". Managing Director of Base Resources, Tim Carstens, said: "The 2023 financial year has been another operationally and financially successful one. Strong operational performance, coupled with the continuation of buoyant mineral sands markets, has delivered a record EBITDA for Kwale Operations, even with the transition to the more challenging and lower grade ore sources that will characterise the final years of the operation. We continue to actively pursue additional mine life extension opportunities in the Kwale East sector, with a second phase aircore drill program currently underway. Given the inherent uncertainty associated with exploration, significant effort is also going into planning for the ultimate closure of Kwale Operations and the transition to post-mining land use, with the clear objective of cementing a reputation for excellence in the full life cycle of mining. The Toliara Project in Madagascar continues to represent a transformational growth opportunity for the Company. By confirming the substantial commercial potential of its monazite content, the Toliara Project Rare Earth concept study has enhanced that opportunity and further reinforces our belief that the project is the best undeveloped mineral sands asset in the world. We look forward to sharing more as we complete the study phases and clear regulatory hurdles. While engagement with the Government on the fiscal terms applicable to the Toliara Project has slowed due to the Government's focus on its new mining code and the presidential elections in late 2023, we are clear that our patient approach is the right one to secure outcomes that will support the realisation of optimum shareholder value and we remain fully committed to the project's development. Having finished the year with a significant cash balance, the Board has determined an AUD 4 cents per share dividend. In the context of Kwale Operations' approaching end of mine life and diminishing future cash generation potential, we believe this strikes the right balance between delivering cash returns to shareholders and retaining balance sheet strength to fund the Company's strategic growth initiatives in pursuant of our 2031 vision of multiple concurrent operations." Documents attached and forming part of Base Resources' FY23 results reporting suite For further information in relation to Base Resources' FY23 operating and financial results, refer to the PDF copies of the Company's 2023 Annual Report and FY23 results Investor Presentation attached to this release and available from the Company's website at: https://baseresources.com.au/investors/announcements/ . Also attached to this release and available from the Company's website (link above), and forming part of Base Resources' FY23 results reporting suite, is the Company's FY23 Corporate Governance Statement. Investor webcasts Investor webcasts will be hosted by Tim Carstens (Managing Director) and Kevin Balloch (Chief Financial Officer), who will both be available to answer questions following a presentation of the Company's results. Details for the webcasts and teleconferences are below. Participants will only be able to ask questions via the teleconference line. Participants that propose using the teleconference line will need to pre-register their details using the teleconference registration URL provided below. Upon registering, participants will receive an email with their unique PIN and dial-in details so that they can join the call without needing to speak to an operator. Australia webcast and teleconference Date: Monday, 28 August 2023 Time: 8.30am AWST / 10.30am AEST Webcast URL: https://webcast.openbriefing.com/bse-fyr-2023/ Teleconference registration URL: https://registrations.events/direct/OCP61319 UK webcast and teleconference Date: Tuesday, 29 August 2023 Time: 4.30pm AWST / 9.30am BST Webcast URL: https://webcast.openbriefing.com/bse-fyr-2023-uk/ Teleconference registration URL: https://registrations.events/direct/OCP60433 Forward looking statements Certain statements in or in connection with this release contain or comprise forward looking statements. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with regard to future production and grades, capital cost, capacity, sales projections and financial performance and may be (but are not necessarily) identified by the use of phrases such as "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe" and "envisage". By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside Base Resources' control. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic and market conditions, success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions, fluctuations in product prices and exchange rates and business and operational risk management. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or relevant stock exchange listing rules, Base Resources undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after today's date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. [Note (1): Refer to note 13 to the FY23 consolidated financial statements contained in the 2023 Annual Report for further details about the impairment.] ENDS. For further information contact: Australian Media Relations UK Media Relations Citadel Magnus Tavistock Communications Cameron Gilenko and Michael Weir Jos Simson and Gareth Tredway Tel: +61 8 6160 4900 Tel: +44 207 920 3150 This release has been authorised by the Base Resources Disclosure Committee. About Base Resources Base Resources is an Australian based, African focused, mineral sands producer and developer with a track record of project delivery and operational performance. The Company operates the established Kwale Operations in Kenya and is developing the Toliara Project in Madagascar. Base Resources is an ASX and AIM listed company. Further details about Base Resources are available at www.baseresources.com.au . PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE Level 3, 46 Colin Street West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Email: info@baseresources.com.au Phone: +61 8 9413 7400 Fax: +61 8 9322 8912 NOMINATED ADVISER & JOINT BROKER Canaccord Genuity Limited James Asensio / Raj Khatri Phone: +44 20 7523 8000 JOINT BROKER Berenberg Matthew Armitt / Detlir Elezi Phone: +44 20 3207 7800 Sandoz completes acquisition of worldwide brand rights for Mycamine(micafungin sodium) from Astellas Leading global echinocandin, one of three major antifungal classes, will significantly reinforce Sandoz hospital offering and leading anti-infectives portfolio Addition of Mycaminewill support Sandoz drive to ensure responsible use of antimicrobials, through targeted use of most appropriate therapies Basel, August 28, 2023 - Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, has successfully completed the acquisition of worldwide brand rights for leading systemic antifungal agent Mycamine (micafungin sodium, Funguard in Japan) from Astellas. Through this acquisition of the leading global echinocandin, one of three major antifungal classes, Sandoz significantly reinforces its global hospital offering and leading anti-infectives portfolio. Astellas reported Mycamine sales of JPY 14.2 billion (USD 105 million) for the year ending March 31, 2023. The announcement comes after Sandoz successfully completed the acquisition of GSK's global cephalosporins portfolio in October 2021. Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor said: "This is another sign of our commitment at Sandoz to driving responsible access to critical antimicrobial medicines. We are both investing in our production network and selectively building out our leading portfolio in this field to ensure that we can continue to offer patients around the world the right medicine at the right time." Mycamine has a global patient base of well over two million. It is a therapy of choice in hospitals and intensive care units worldwide, a proven prophylactic in hematology and oncology patients, and widely used in organ transplants. It is indicated for treatment of invasive candidiasis and esophageal candidiasis, which are currently both on the rise with a higher occurrence of associated hospital outbreaks, as well as prevention of candida and aspergillus infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that, if approved, such generic or biosimilar products will be approved for all indications included in the reference product's label. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; competition in general, including potential approval of additional generic or biosimilar versions of such products; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; litigation outcomes, including intellectual property disputes or other legal efforts to prevent or limit Sandoz from selling its products; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. # # # About Sandoz Sandoz, a Novartis division, is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. Our purpose is to pioneer access for patients by developing and commercializing novel, affordable approaches that address unmet medical needs. Our vision is to be the world's leading and most valued generics and biosimilars company. Our broad portfolio of high-quality medicines covers all major therapeutic areas. Sandoz on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandoz (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandoz) Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandoz_global (https://twitter.com/sandoz_global) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandozglobal (https://www.facebook.com/sandozglobal/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandozglobal (https://www.instagram.com/sandozglobal) CEO Richard Saynor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-saynor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-saynor) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global professional services firm KPMG estimates that the e-commerce market in Uzbekistan has expanded more than fivefold during the past five years, solidifying its position as the fastest-growing e-commerce market in Central Asia. Such a strong growth is attributable to a combination of favourable factors, e.g. consistent government support and a steady increase in the number of internet users. These trends facilitate the emergence of local players, incl. the major national player, Uzum Market - the only marketplace in the country boasting its own fintech solutions and logistics infrastructure. In 2022, the e-commerce market in Uzbekistan is estimated at $311 million. However, by the end of 2027, the market size is set to reach $2.2 billion, indicating an e-commerce penetration target of 9-11% vs. current 2.2% level. The KPMG analysts expect a strong growth of the number of e-commerce buyers driven by (i) growing internet penetration (from 77% in 2022 to 87% in 2023) and (ii) favourable demographics (high share of young population). In addition, strong macro fundamentals and growing share of urban population are expected to change existing consumer habits resulting in higher order frequency. Government support has been paramount to supporting proliferation of the e-commerce industry in the country. As noted in the KPMG report, key milestones in the industry's development include the adoption of the "Electronic Commerce Law," the "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" strategy, the "E-commerce Development Strategy," and the establishment of an IT park, providing IT companies with more opportunities and growth potential. "As highlighted by KPMG analysts, integration of convenient fintech services with marketplaces is one of the growth levers that are currently available in Uzbekistan," says Nikolay Seleznev, Director for Strategy and M&A at the Uzum group. "This is part of a global trend, which our experience also confirms. Today, one in three orders placed with Uzum Market is paid in installments via Uzum Nasiya. Further integration with Uzum Bank and Click would allow us to provide our customers with even more convenient payment options, which, along with the development of logistics infrastructure across the country, will allow Uzum Market to maintain its growth momentum and strengthen its #1 position in the market." The lack of logistical and IT infrastructure, as well as convenient and reliable digital financial services, along with established user patterns, are considered by KPMG analysts to be the primary barriers to the development of the e-commerce market in Uzbekistan. The emergence of major national players, such as Uzum Market, who are developing logistics and financial infrastructure, will have a strong impact on market development and help overcome existing limitations. Investors recognize the enormous potential of this sector and are eager to leverage the opportunities, as evidenced by the entry of foreign companies like ZoodMall into the market. For additional information please contact: PR@uzum.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uzbekistan-e-commerce-market-is-set-to-grow-7-times-to-2-2-billion-usd-by-2027-kpmg-301910650.html Cardiovascular patient community calls for change urging unhealthy cholesterol levels to be addressed as a global health priority. This announcement comes during the 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, under the theme of 'joining forces to protect the heart'. GALWAY, Ireland, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the unveiling in 2022 of Global Heart Hub'sGlobal Cholesterol Action Plan, supported by the World Heart Federation, community support has grown to 70 patient organisations and groups who together are calling for global action to reduce the impact of unhealthy cholesterol levels. To reinforce this call to action, Global Heart Hub will begin to collect patient insights from individuals whose cholesterol levels are not at target or those who have suffered a cardiovascular event to better understand patient experiences that can help impact care and improve outcomes. The first-of-its-kind cholesterol patient insights generation by the cardiovascular patient community is needed to help support the local implementation of the Global Cholesterol Action Plan and to drive strategies to manage unhealthy cholesterol, a critical modifiable risk factor for the world's biggest killer, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)1. Neil Johnson, Executive Director, Global Heart Hub said: "While we've advanced with science and treatment, ASCVD remains the world's number one killer, with unhealthy cholesterol levels as the main culprit. We need to continue our work from the Invisible Nation program to better understand why this continues to be a global challenge and would like to gain a deeper understanding of the patient perspective and journey. Collecting patient insights will give us what we need to mobilise stakeholders to have much needed discussions around better detection and better management of high cholesterol. We must act now to reduce the tremendous burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on individuals, society and healthcare systems." The Global Cholesterol Action Plan was created to trigger change at a local level and gives countries guidance through four clear steps to reduce the impact of unhealthy cholesterol levels: Build alliances; Raise public awareness; Activate alliances; and Improve high cholesterol detection and management. It builds on the World Heart Federation's Cholesterol Roadmap which calls on changes to the way ASCVD is prevented and treated. Fernanda de Carvalho, Instituto Lado A Lado Pela Vida, Brazil said: "We need to put even more focus on ASCVD. In Brazil, there are 300,000 premature deaths per year, and we know that 80% of these are related to ASCVD. Considering these numbers and reality, it is important to sign the Global Cholesterol Action Plan and to participate in a task force to reduce cardiovascular deaths." Global patient community support Representing the voice of the global patient community, the Global Cholesterol Action Plan was created with the support of Invisible Nation, a program co-created by Global Heart Hub and Novartis to expose the realities of ASCVD. To date the Global Cholesterol Action Plan has been supported by 70 patient organisations and groups from across the Americas, Europe and Australia including WomenHeart and The Mended Hearts, United States; Heart Valve Voice Canada, Heartlife Canada, and the Canadian Heart Patient Alliance, Canada; Instituto Lado a Lado pela Vida, Brazil; Pacientes de Corazon, Mexico; FH Europe; Croi, Ireland; Associazione Italiana Scompensati Cardiaci, Italy; and Hearts4Heart, Australia. The Global Cholesterol Action Plan can be reviewed and supported here. About Global Heart Hub Global Heart Hub (GHH) is the first global non-profit organization established to provide a voice for those living with or affected by cardiovascular disease. GHH is an alliance of heart patient organisations, aiming to unite patient groups from around the world. GHH's mission is to raise awareness of heart disease and the challenges it presents in everyday life. GHH is a platform for heart patient organisations to share their views, learn from each other's best practice, unite on common advocacy goals, and share resources. It further aims to increase awareness and understanding of the many heart conditions that exist, improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and optimise longevity and healthy aging. 1. World Health Organization (WHO). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Accessed July 31, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds) View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-heart-hub-announces-the-launch-of-new-patient-led-research-to-bring-attention-to-unhealthy-cholesterol-levels-301911030.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to reprice its previously announced non-brokered private placement to raise up to $2,000,000 in gross proceeds (the "Offering"). The Offering will now consist of up to 10,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half (1/2) common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for a two-year term, for an exercise price of $0.25 during the first 12-month period after the closing of the Offering and $0.30 during the subsequent 12-month period after the closing of the Offering. In the event that the 20-day volume weighted average price of the common shares listed on the TSX Venture Exchange is above $0.30 in the first 12-month period after the closing of the Offering, or $0.35 during the subsequent 12-month period, the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated, in whole or in part at the discretion of the Company, to any date or dates, as the case may be, that is 30 days after the first date such threshold is met. The Offering is available to all existing shareholders of Copper Fox who, as of the close of business on July 17, 2023 (the "Record Date"), held shares (and who continue to hold such shares as of the closing date) in accordance with the provisions of the "existing security holder exemption" contained in the various corresponding blanket orders and rules of participating jurisdictions (the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"). Copper Fox is also making the Offering available to subscribers under a number of available prospectus exemptions, including the accredited investor exemption, family and close personal friends and business associates of directors and officers of the Company. The Company advises that there are conditions and restrictions when subscribers are relying upon the Existing Security Holder Exemption, including, among other criteria: (a) the subscriber must be a shareholder of the Company on the Record Date (and still be a shareholder), (b) be purchasing the Units as a principal - for his or her own account and not for any other party, and (c) may not purchase more than $15,000 value of securities from the Company in any 12-month period. There is an exception to the $15,000 subscription limit. In the event that a subscriber wishes to purchase more than a $15,000 value of securities, then he or she may do so provided that the subscriber received suitability advice from a registered investment dealer, and, in this case, subscribers will be asked to confirm the registered investment dealer's identity and employer. Subscribers purchasing Units using the Existing Security Holder Exemption will need to represent in writing that they meet the requirements of the Existing Security Holder Exemption. There is no minimum subscription amount. As the Existing Security Holder Exemption contains certain restrictions and is only available in certain jurisdictions in Canada, others that do not qualify under the Existing Security Holder Exemption may qualify to participate under other prospectus exemptions, such as the accredited investor exemption. Should the Offering be over-subscribed, it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Company. Additionally, in the event of an imbalance of large subscriptions compared to smaller subscriptions, management reserves the right in its discretion to reduce large subscriptions in favour of smaller shareholder subscriptions. The closing of the Offering has been extended and is now expected to close by September 8, 2023. In accordance with applicable securities legislation, securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of the completion of the Offering. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to continue exploration and development activities on Copper Fox's 100% owned Van Dyke, Eaglehead, Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte projects, the $330,000 final payment for the Eaglehead project, working capital and general corporate and administrative purposes of the Company. The Offering may include one or more subscriptions by insiders of the Company, including a subscription by Mr. Ernesto Echavarria, a director, insider, and a control person of the Company (as defined by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of a minimum of 6,000,000 Units. Subscriptions completed by insiders in the Offering, including the subscription by Mr. Echavarria, may constitute a "Related Party Transaction" under Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange which adopts Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a policy of the TSX Venture Exchange. In completing such transactions, Copper Fox intends to rely on the applicable exemptions from the valuation requirement and minority security holder approval requirements available under Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that the participation in the private placement by insiders will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. As part of its continuous refinement of operations, the Company is conducting an internal evaluation to identify potential opportunities to optimize its corporate structure. This review is focused on considering strategies for the distinct and efficient management of its mineral properties located in Arizona and British Columbia. This assessment is purely exploratory, and there is no assurance the Company will undertake any form of corporate reorganization. About Copper Fox Copper Fox is a Tier 1 Canadian resource company focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. The principal assets of Copper Fox and its wholly owned subsidiaries, being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc., are the 100% ownership of the Van Dyke oxide copper project located in Miami, AZ, the 100% interest in the Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte porphyry copper exploration projects located in Arizona, the 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project and the 100% owned Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project each located in northwestern British Columbia. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at copperfoxmetals.com. For additional information contact Jason Shepherd at 1-844-464-2820 or Lynn Ball at 1-403-264-2820. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart President and Chief Executive Officer Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described in this news release 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. This news release is not for distribution in the United States or over United States newswires. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-Looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements about: the expected size and terms of the Offering and the use of the proceeds therefrom; the anticipated closing time of the Offering; the terms of the subscription agreements to be executed by shareholders relying on the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"; the expected subscription by one or more insiders, including Mr. Echavarria in the Offering; the exemptions in MI 61-101 intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox in completing the Offering; and the possible corporate reorganization. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox has made numerous assumptions. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include the possibility that: approval for the Offering will not be obtained from the TSX Venture Exchange; the Offering will not complete at the time or in the amount expected, or at all; Mr. Echavarria will not subscribe for the number of Units currently expected, or at all; and the exemptions intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox under MI 61-101 in completing the Offering may not be available. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178598 BERLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OneOdio, a prominent innovator in the headphone industry, is excited to confirm its participation in IFA Berlin 2023 at booth 1.2/105, Hall 1.2. Jack Li, the founder and CEO of OneOdio, expressed the significance of participating in IFA Conventions, stating, "Engaging with our customers and technology enthusiasts at IFA is a remarkable opportunity for us. It allows us to connect with our audience and share our passion for audio innovation." OneOdio was founded with a mission to provide music enthusiasts with an elevated auditory experience and allow them to harness the power of music. Its presence at IFA Berlin 2023 underscores the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. Visitors can anticipate a diverse range of classic headphone models, each meticulously designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and style. The OneOdio Pro series represents a pinnacle in the brand's classic lineup. These headphones are beloved by audio enthusiasts worldwide for their remarkable sound performance and versatility. With features like studio-quality sound, detachable cables, and over-ear designs, the Pro series is engineered to meet the demands of both professional and music enthusiasts. OneOdio's commitment to professional-grade audio experiences is further demonstrated in its Monitor series, which includes the Monitor 60 and Monitor 80. Tailored to the needs of studio professionals, these headphones offer precise audio reproduction, comfort for extended recording sessions, and professional sound isolation technology. For individuals who value headphones that seamlessly merge style with exceptional performance, OneOdio proudly presents the Focus series, including its A10 Noise Cancelling Headphone. Equipped with active noise cancellation technology and high-fidelity sound reproduction, it exemplifies the brand's mission to providing an unparalleled auditory experience without compromising on style. OneOdio Studio Max, slated for official release in 2023 Season 4, embodies the brand's commitment to innovative audio solutions. Attendees at IFA Berlin 2023 will enjoy an exclusive first look. Studio Max, distinct from traditional professional headphones, is a wireless DJ headphone featuring low latency of less than 10 ms. It represents OneOdio's next-generation professional audio offering, tailored specifically for DJ enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to merging professional audio with cutting-edge technologies remains steadfast, and customers can expect even more groundbreaking products in the coming years. About OneOdio OneOdio, founded in 2013, is a leading manufacturer of headphones and audio gear. Driven by a mission to deliver superior sound experiences to music enthusiasts worldwide, OneOdio has consistently introduced groundbreaking audio products, including its Studio Pro series, Monitor series, HiFi series, Fusion series and Focus series. With a global presence, OneOdio's over-ear headphones have consistently ranked in the top three positions within Amazon's headphone category, and the brand has sold over 20 million headphones per year worldwide. For more information about OneOdio and its classic headphones, please visit www.oneodio.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2195303/Professional_audio_brand_OneOdio_presents_in_IFA_Berlin_2023.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/oneodio-to-participate-in-ifa-berlin-2023-a-showcase-of-innovative-headphone-solutions-301911050.html EQS-News: African Energy Chamber / Key word(s): Conference President Macky Sall to Deliver Presidential Keynote Address on Africa's Energy Security and Sustainable Energy Future at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 28.08.2023 / 12:07 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. President Macky Sall to Deliver Presidential Keynote Address on Africa's Energy Security and Sustainable Energy Future at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 Senegalese President Macky Sall will travel to Cape Town this October to deliver the opening address at African Energy Week 2023. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( www.EnergyChamber.org ) is proud to announce that Senegalese President Macky Sall, renowned for his dedication to addressing energy poverty and sustainability while catalyzing economic growth across Africa, is set to inaugurate the highly anticipated African Energy Week (AEW) conference as the opening keynote speaker. The event, scheduled to take place from October 16-20 in Cape Town, draws attention to the critical discussions shaping the continent's energy landscape. President Sall's presence at AEW resonates as a testament to the significance of this gathering, attracting influential leaders, experts and stakeholders from the global energy sector. His insightful keynote address will set the tone for comprehensive discussions and transformative initiatives that will unfold during the conference. At the forefront of President Sall's vision lies a just energy transition, one that harnesses the potential of clean hydrocarbons such as gas for industrialization while simultaneously enhancing access to development finance across Africa. His steadfast advocacy for this balanced transition reflects the urgency of addressing the energy crisis while fostering sustainable development. Senegal's energy sector stands as a shining example of transformative growth under President Sall's leadership. On the natural gas front, President Sall has championed projects that harness Senegal's hydrocarbon potential. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, with its 15 trillion cubic feet of gas resources, is a testament to Senegal's capacity to contribute significantly to global energy security, while the Yakaar-Teranga field development further bolsters Senegal's domestic energy portfolio. Both projects are making progress and are poised to position the country as a global Liquefied Natural Gas producer and exporter. Senegal's strategic partnerships within the MSGBC region are pivotal to its energy and economic trajectory. The MSGBC region's gas industry is poised for accelerated growth in 2023. The GTA project's first gas production heralds a domino effect of industry benefits. With project partners bp and Kosmos Energy targeting early 2024 for first gas production, Senegal and the MSGBC region are set for economic growth. The Yakaar-Teranga Development and the Banda Gas Field anticipate final investment decisions in 2023, opening doors for investment opportunities across the region. New licensing rounds and drilling campaigns in Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry promise a fresh slate of investment and exploration. This growth is projected to have a positive impact on the regional economy, boosting regional GDP contribution and laying the foundation for a just and inclusive energy transition. Additionally, the nation has embarked on a journey to diversify its energy sources, with an emphasis on renewable energy projects. The ambition to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 has driven initiatives like the Senergy 2 solar project, which aims to produce 200 MW of solar energy. Additionally, Senegal's collaboration with international partners has seen the successful development of the 158 MW Taiba N'Diaye wind farm, positioning the nation as a regional leader in renewable energy integration. President Sall's visionary leadership extends across all sectors, notably through the transformative Plan for an Emerging Senegal (PES). The PES prioritizes structural economic transformation, human capital, and good governance, focusing on 27 flagship projects spanning critical sectors such as construction, logistics, and mining. The PES' strategic approach to energy and infrastructure recovery serves as the foundation for Senegal's successful transformation into an emerging economy, attracting global investment and achieving energy self-sufficiency. "He is a champion for the energy industry. He understands Oil, Gas and Renewables. Senegal's dynamic strides within the energy industry are truly commendable. The nation has embarked on a journey of remarkable transformation. From pioneering renewable energy projects to leveraging its abundant natural gas resources, Senegal is setting a new standard for energy development in Africa. The nation's commitment to sustainable progress and a balanced energy transition is inspiring, and serves as a beacon of hope for the entire continent," states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. President Macky Sall's presence at AEW symbolizes a shared commitment to crafting a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Africa. As the energy landscape evolves, President Sall's visionary leadership, dedication to sustainable progress, and emphasis on a balanced energy transition will inspire discussions and guide Africa's energy transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. Download image: https://apo-opa.info/481PlMC About African Energy Week: AEW is the AEC's annual conference, exhibition, and networking event. AEW 2023 will unite African energy policymakers and stakeholders with global investors to discuss and maximize opportunities within the continent's entire energy industry. For more information about AEW 2023, visit https://AECWeek.com 28.08.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com CHICAGO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Lift Market is projected to reach USD 9.0 billion in 2028 from USD 7.3 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 4.4% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Artificial lift comprises techniques in the oil and gas sector to boost hydrocarbon production from wells with insufficient natural pressure. Employed when reservoir pressure is inadequate, methods like rod lift systems, electric submersible pumps, gas lift, and hydraulic pumping enhance flow rates. These mechanisms enable more efficient recovery, compensating for declining reservoir pressure and optimizing production in mature wells. The growing requirement to maximize the production potential of mature fields is one of the leading factors driving the growth of the Artificial Lift Market, as the demand for oil and gas is constantly growing. Digitalization and automation to enable better analysis of good conditions present promising opportunities for the Artificial Lift Market. However, the risks associated with decreasing CapEX of oilfield operators and upstream service providers have hindered the growth of the market in recent years and are expected to restrain the market's growth during the forecast period. Browse in-depth TOC on "Artificial Lift Market" 251 - Tables 60 - Figures 227 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=879 Artificial Lift Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 9.0 billion in 2028 Growth Rate 4.4% of CAGR Largest Market North America Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Artificial Lift Market by Type, Mechanism, Well Type, Application, and Region. Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities New oilfield discoveries to promote production activities Key Market Drivers Growing requirement to maximize the production potential of mature fields The Rod Lift System, by type, is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on type, the Artificial Lift Market has been split into rod lift systems, electric submersible pumps, progressive cavity pumps, gas lift systems, and others. Rod lift systems are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period. The most prevalent form of the artificial lift system is the rod lift. Operating through mechanisms like sucker rod pumps and beam pumps, rod lifts employ a surface power supply to operate a downhole pump assembly, constituting a method of artificial lift. The pump-assisted segment, by mechanism, is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period. This report segments the Artificial Lift Market based on mechanism into two segments: pump-assisted and gas assisted. The pump-assisted segment is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period owing to the Rise in multistage drilling operations. This segment is further categorized, by type, into positive displacement and dynamic displacement pumps. Artificial lift methods with pump assistance encompass ESPs, PCPs, plunger lifts, hydraulic systems, linear lifts, and rod lifts. These pumps elevate the bottom-hole pressure within the tubing, facilitating the upward movement of sufficient fluid to the surface. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=879 North America is expected to be the largest region in the Artificial Lift Market. North America is expected to be the largest Artificial Lift Market during the forecast period. The North American region comprises major economies such as US, Canada, and Mexico. The Artificial Lift Market in North America is primarily fueled by the robust infrastructure and thriving oil & gas sector. An accelerated surge in both upstream and downstream operations, coupled with a buoyant outlook for the oil & gas industry, forms the core drivers propelling the regional Artificial Lift Market. Notably, the share of horizontal wells surged from 5.4% in 2011 to 18.1% in 2021. The escalating presence of unconventional reserves like tight oil and shale gas stands as a key impetus behind the escalated demand for artificial lift solutions across the United States and Canada. Key Market Players: Some of the major players in the Artificial Lift Market are SLB (US), Baker Hughes Company (US), Halliburton (US), Weatherford (US), and ChampionX (US). The major strategies adopted by these players include new product launches, acquisitions, contracts, agreements, collaborations, and expansions. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=879 Recent Developments In November 2022, Halliburton deployed the first single trip, electro-hydraulic wet connects in deepwater for Petrobras in Brazil. The Halliburton Fuzion EH electro-hydraulic downhole wet-mate connector contributes to higher well recovery factors by ensuring the integrity of Halliburton's SmartWell completion technologies throughout the well's lifecycle. In July 2022, Baker Hughes Company acquired AccessESP, one of the leading providers of technological solutions used in ESP systems. This acquisition will broaden the artificial lift portfolio of Baker Hughes Company and improve its position globally. In April 2022, Weatherford was awarded two five-year artificial lift contracts by Tatweer Petroleum in Bahrain to supply, install, and service beam pumping units and downhole pumps. In December 2021, LUFKIN acquired the US Rod and Patriot Pump. US Rod is an API-licensed manufacturer and distributor of artificial lift items such as sucker rods, rod guides, couplings, pony rods, stabilizers, and sinker bars. This acquisition would enhance the product portfolio of LUFKIN and position the company higher in North America in terms of artificial lift technologies. Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Hydraulic Fracturing Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Offshore Support Vessel Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Perforating Gun Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Well Intervention Market - Global Forecast to 2026 Coiled Tubing Market - Global Forecast to 2025 Transmission Sales Market - Global Forecast to 2024 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/artificial-lift-systems-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/artificial-lift-systems.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/artificial-lift-market-worth-9-0-billion-by-2028---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301911018.html THUNDER BAY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Wolfden Resources Corporation (WLF.V) ("Wolfden" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) has set the date for a public hearing for the Company's Pickett Project rezoning application on October 16, 2023 in Millinocket, Maine. The LUPC has allowed for a three-day hearing process that will include expert testimony and opportunities for public comment. A final decision by the LUPC with respect to the application is expected within 90 days after the public hearing. The application proposes to rezone a 374 acre parcel of Wolfden's wholly owned 7,135 acre land holdings in the township of T6 R6 in North Eastern Maine, from a General Management (M-GN) designation to Planned Development (D-PD) to allow for the permitting, construction, operation and reclamation of a state of the art, small foot print underground metallic mineral mine in a manner that is fully protective of the environment. "We are very pleased with the timing and the location of the public hearing venue, which is within 40 miles of the Pickett Project area," stated Jeremy Ouellette, VP Project Development for Wolfden. The venue was considered to be a practical location for those residents closest to, and most affected by the project." Many of the neighboring communities including Hersey, Moro Plantation, Patten, Sherman and Stacyville have already held their own town public meetings and passed by a public vote , ordinances or resolutions in support of the Project (see map below). As a lead up to the LUPC public hearing, the Company plans to continue its community outreach and communications through public meetings, our local office in Patten, and various forms of media. The Project represents a significant opportunity for new economic growth in an area of the State where much of the economy is based on timber harvesting. Wolfden has been working with residents and businesses in the region via public meetings and information sessions to ensure that the Project is responsive to the needs of the region and will benefit the people who live and work there. The Project will be developed, operated, and reclaimed in accordance with the State's strict and modern mining regulations that will ensure full protection of the surrounding environment. The proposed Project, is a 1200 tonne per day underground mining operation with a 10-15 year mine life, located several miles off of State Route 11, in an area of very low population density, north of the Town of Patten. The mine and other supporting infrastructure will require a steady-state work force of roughly 272 direct employees and contractors. The mined ore from the Project will be processed at a different location (not in T6 R6) and therefore is outside of the scope of the LUPC rezoning application. Moreover, the technical analysis for each component of the Project and each aspect for the protection of natural resources demonstrate that the Project is feasible and consistent with the values prioritized by the LUPC. Next Steps Upon favourable completion of the rezoning process, Wolfden plans to commence a feasibility study including the collection of additional environmental baseline data, a drill program to convert inferred to indicated mineral resources, design of the various operational components and a complete estimate of costs. This data will all be used as input to a mine permit application to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval under Maine's Chapter 200 regulations. The rezoning application is subject to and will be reviewed under the Commission's Chapter 10 and Chapter 12 rules. Chapter 12 requires a public hearing to be held by the Commission in the area of the project before a final decision on the application. A copy of the petition along with related correspondence with LUPC, and more information about the process is available for download from the LUPC project-specific webpage and the Company's website. Pickett Mountain Mineral Resource Estimate NOVEMBER 17, 2021 - MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT Category Tonnes % Zn % Pb % Cu g/t Ag g/t Au Density % ZnEq Indicated 2,724,000 8.91 3.83 1.22 97.2 0.8 3.84 17.72 Inferred 3,593,600 9.27 3.83 1.00 105.4 0.7 3.81 17.65 Metal prices used for the estimate: US$1.20/lb Zn, $2.50/lb Cu, $1.00/lb Pb, $16.00/oz Ag, and $1,200/oz/Au, using a 7% cutoff grade that equates to an approximate NSR cut-off of $139/tonne at the same metal prices. An average recoveryof 75% for all metals was assumed based on preliminary metallurgical testing. The deposit remains open at depth and into the footwall (north) where continued expansion and infill diamond drilling has the potential to further upgrade and expand the mineral resource About Wolfden Wolfden is an exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including base, precious and strategic metals. Its wholly owned Pickett Mountain Project is one of the highest-grade polymetallic projects in North America (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, Au) and its two nickel sulphide deposits in Manitoba represent significant development projects with the potential to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America. For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136 or Jeremy Ouellette, VP Project Development, at (807) 624-1134. The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jeremy Ouellette, VP Project Development, Don Dudek, P. Geo., VP Exploration and Ron Little, P.Eng., President and CEO, all of whom are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101. The mineral resource estimate has been prepared, supervised, and reviewed by an Independent qualified person ("QP") Finley Bakker, P. Geo. of A-Z Mining Consultants and has an effective date of November 17, 2021. The Mineral Resource estimate was classified into indicated and inferred categories in accordance with CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including the expected use of the net proceeds of the Financing. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, rezoning, permitting, community and other regulatory approvals, and the timing and completion of exploration programs in Manitoba, Maine, New Brunswick and the respective drill results. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Maine Township Map near Pickett Project (each Township approx. 36 sq miles) SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777465/Wolfden-Announces-Public-Hearing-Date-for-Pickett-Project-Rezoning Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") today announced the immediate departure of Matthew Hornor as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Maple Gold and the concurrent appointment of Kiran Patankar, an experienced mining executive and current Chief Financial Officer of Maple Gold, as its Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company also announced the appointment of Michael Rukus, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and current Corporate Controller of Maple Gold, as its Interim Chief Financial Officer to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Patankar's appointment. Mr. Patankar brings to the role an extensive public company leadership, investment banking and capital markets background and a diverse financial, technical, and strategic skill set, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, project evaluation and development, financial controls and reporting, stakeholder engagement and corporate governance. His appointment will ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity while the Board pursues an active strategy to unlock value through prudent capital allocation and disciplined exploration and development of the Company's district-scale gold projects located in Quebec, Canada. "After careful review and discussion, the Independent Directors unanimously concluded that a leadership transition is in the best interests of the Company's shareholders and stakeholders," stated Michelle Roth, Maple Gold's Chairperson, speaking on behalf of the Board. "The Board would like to thank Mr. Patankar and Mr. Rukus for stepping into their respective positions and looks forward to working with them in their expanded roles as we execute on our value creation initiatives and deliver on the Company's enormous growth potential." Mr. Patankar has more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in the mining industry. He has served as Maple Gold's Chief Financial Officer since 2022, after serving as the Company's Senior Vice President, Growth Strategy since 2021. From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Patankar served as President, CEO and a Director of two TSX-V listed gold exploration and development companies, where he led growth initiatives and orchestrated successful company turnarounds. As an investment banker with leading Canadian and global financial institutions from 2007 to 2014, he worked exclusively with mining companies on strategic corporate matters and executed M&A and corporate finance transactions totaling more than $3 billion in value. Mr. Patankar holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Mr. Rukus has more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and accounting, including over 10 years in the exploration and mining industry. He has led and directed global accounting and finance teams across multiple jurisdictions and has helped companies drive efficient and comprehensive financial plans and analysis to meet their strategic goals. Mr. Rukus attained a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University with majors in both Economics and Business Administration and holds Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA) designations. About Maple Gold Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (SLR 2022) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property. The district-scale property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. "Michelle Roth" Michelle Roth, Chairperson For Further Information Please Contact: Mr. Kiran Patankar Interim President & CEO Tel: 604.639.2536 Email: kpatankar@maplegoldmines.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.'s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178645 Cellares to provide proof-of-concept manufacturing for a key BMS CAR-T cell therapy Cellares' proprietary Cell Shuttle is a cost-efficient, reliable, fully automated, and highly scalable manufacturing solution Bristol Myers Squibb is the latest company to join Cellares' TAP program to evaluate potential benefits in meeting patient demand, lowering process failure rates, lowering manufacturing costs, and accelerating scale-out SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellares , the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) dedicated to clinical and industrial-scale cell therapy manufacturing, announced that global biopharmaceutical company and cell therapy developer Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has joined its Technology Adoption Partnership (TAP) program. As part of the agreement, the pharma leader will enter into a proof-of-concept transfer process for the manufacture of one of its CAR-T cell therapies, using Cellares' automated manufacturing platform, the Cell Shuttle. Cellares' TAP program is a fast and low-risk opportunity for cell therapy developers to adopt the company's automated manufacturing technology for products in their pipeline. Bristol Myers Squibb is leveraging this program to evaluate the automated manufacturing process and produce comparability data confirming the Cell Shuttle as a viable, cost-efficient, and scalable manufacturing solution for cell therapies. Through its TAP program, Cellares is working with leading cell therapy developers to implement the Cell Shuttle as a clinical and commercial-stage GMP manufacturing solution at its IDMO Smart Factories. "We're pleased to welcome Bristol Myers Squibb to the TAP program, and we look forward to demonstrating the ease and efficacy of transferring one of BMS's cell therapy process onto the Cell Shuttle in the months to come," said Cellares CEO Fabian Gerlinghaus. "By combining integrated automation with a high-throughput platform, the Cell Shuttle offers unrivaled scalability for the cell therapy industry, while improving quality and lowering COGS." Cellares' flexible manufacturing technology supports both autologous and allogeneic cell therapy processes and approximately 90% of cell therapy modalities. Manual processes can be automated and tech-transferred onto Cellares' automated Cell Shuttle platform in only six months via the company's Technology Adoption Partnership (TAP) program. Under the TAP program, participating cell therapy developers can tech-transfer their cell therapy processes onto a Cell Shuttle at any stage - during pre-clinical development, in the clinic, or after regulatory approval. Thanks to automation, standardization, and software-defined manufacturing (SDM), every tech transfer thereafter is instantaneous, to any other Cell Shuttle in any other IDMO Smart Factory anywhere in the world. Please visit cellares.com/partnering/ to learn more about the TAP program and request a meeting with a business development representative. About Cellares Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand. The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing. For more information about Cellares, please visit cellares.com . Media Contact: cellares@consortpartners.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503684/Cellares_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cellares-announces-bristol-myers-squibb-has-joined-technology-adoption-partnership-program-to-evaluate-automated-manufacturing-of-car-t-cell-therapy-on-the-cell-shuttle-platform-301910681.html COPENHAGEN (dpa-AFX) - Danish retail sales declined notably in July after rebounding in the previous month, largely due to lower demand for food products, preliminary figures from Statistics Denmark showed on Monday. Retail sales fell 4.4 percent month-on-month in July, reversing a 1.2 percent rise in June. Further, this was the biggest drop so far this year. Sales of food and other groceries alone decreased 8.4 percent monthly in July, followed by a 5.4 percent decline in clothing sales. On a yearly basis, retail sales slid 5.4 percent in July, in contrast to a 0.9 percent gain in the previous month. During the May-July period, retail sales declined 1.9 percent annually and contracted 0.9 percent from the previous three months. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Centene Corp. (CNC), a managed care company, said on Monday that it has signed a deal to sell its Circle Health Group to PureHealth, an integrated healthcare network in the Middle East, for around $1.2 billion including debt. The transaction, expected to be closed in the first-quarter of 2024, serves as part of Centene's continued execution of its value creation efforts as it refocuses its portfolio on core lines of business. Sarah London, CEO of Centene, said: '.This transaction marks another milestone in our portfolio review and showcases continued momentum against our value creation plan.' Circle Health runs 53 hospitals across Britain, providing a wide range of surgery and treatments to privately insured, self-pay, and NHS patients. Circle Health, with over 6, 000 consultant specialists, sees two million patients annually. Centene had invested in Circle Health in 2019 and acquired the remaining stake in the company in July 2021. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New Patent Promises Affordable and Convenient Sleep Apnea Diagnostics; Market Projected to Reach US$ 9.27 Billion by 2033 GAN YAVNE, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / SleepX, a subsidiary of AppYea Inc. (OTC:APYP), focusing on the development of accurate wearable monitoring solutions to treat sleep apnea and snoring, announces it has been granted a patent (US 11,672,472 B2) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, titled: "Methods and Systems for Estimation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Wake Subjects by Multiple Speech Analyses." The patent extends through November 2038 and provides broad coverage in the field of sleep apnea monitoring. According to Future Market Insights Inc. ( August 22, 2023), Technological Breakthroughs Stoke Sleep Apnea Diagnostic Systems Market Set to Reach US$ 9.27 Billion by 2033. "Currently, more than 80% of individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are undiagnosed. At the same time, we are witnessing a growing and increasing awareness of everything related to the importance of diagnosis, given the profound link between sleep apnea and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other serious illnesses," commented Neil Kline, Founder & former CEO of the American Sleep Association, who also serves as an AppYea independent Board Member. "The unique technology developed by the Company, enables straightforward and efficient sleep apnea diagnosis using just a smartphone, eliminating the necessity for overnight hospital stays and significantly reducing test costs," said Boris (Bary) Molchadsky, Chairman of AppYea. "I firmly believe that our technological advances and expanding patent portfolio will position AppYea as a market leader within a few years." About AppYea AppYea is a Healthtech company commercializing a breakthrough wearable technology for the treatment of snoring and developing wearable solutions to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. The company's solutions are based on its proprietary IP portfolio of AI and sensing technologies for the tracking and analysis of breathing patterns, vital-signs, and other physiological parameters during sleep, designed for greater accuracy at lower and affordable cost. Currently, the company is working on rebranding and starting serial production of its first product - AppySleep to treat the snoring problem. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements included in this press release, which are not historical in nature, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to the future performance of AppYea are subject to many factors including, but not limited to, the sufficiency or working capital and our ability to raise the capital needed to fund our development efforts, timing of product development, FDA approval/clearance of products in development, customer acceptance of our products in the market, the introduction of competitive products, the impact of any product liability or other adverse litigation, commercialization and technological difficulties, and the other risks identified in the S-1 resale registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information, or otherwise. Contact: Crescendo Communications, LLC Tel: (212) 671-1020 Email: APYP@Crescendo-IR.com SOURCE: AppYea Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777624/AppYea-Secures-US-Patent-for-Innovative-Sleep-Apnea-Detection-Using-Speech-Analysis DOVER, DE / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Metatron Apps Inc., (OTC:MRNJ) a pioneering force in the AI landscape, proudly announces a strategic partnership with AICopy.com . This groundbreaking platform redefines productivity, amplifies creativity, and accelerates project completion while offering users a simplified experience that results in a streamlined learning curve. Amid a recent explosion in AI funding, AICopy.com's partnership follows X.com's acquisition of AI.com for a reported $11 million, underscoring the immense value of AI-focused domains. Metatron Apps Inc. emerges as the leader in this surge, being perhaps the only company on the OTC with functional AI products and services live in the marketplace via MetatronAI.com AICopy.com has emerged as a transformative toolkit poised to reshape how AI seamlessly integrates into diverse industries. In an era where efficiency and creativity reign supreme, AICopy.com takes center stage by harnessing AI's immense potential to revolutionize productivity and yield exceptional results. Professionals can now generate compelling narratives and content at an unprecedented pace, freeing up resources for strategic innovation. Small businesses, too, can leverage AI-driven tools to refine their digital presence, driving customer engagement and accelerating growth. "Metatron Apps Inc. is thrilled to partner with AICopy.com, a platform that not only empowers agencies, content creators, small businesses, and professionals but also signifies the tangible value AI brings," commented Metatron Apps CEO Joe Riehl. "These platforms boast an ever-growing list of proprietary tools created by prompt engineers with decades of online marketing experience, ensuring our users have access to the finest AI-driven resources." In addition to this remarkable launch, Metatron Apps Inc. also takes pride in its recent strides towards financial stability, having paid down a substantial portion of its debt and convertible notes. These developments further underscore the company's commitment to growth, innovation, and prudent financial management. AICopy.com positions itself as a catalyst for innovation across a spectrum of industries. By democratizing AI and integrating its capabilities seamlessly, Metatron Apps Inc. is setting a new benchmark for harnessing AI's potential to magnify efficiency, drive productivity, and accelerate projects. The introduction of AICopy.com solidifies the company's role as a visionary leader, committed to reshaping industry paradigms and providing businesses with the tools needed to thrive in today's AI-driven landscape. Contact: IR@Metatronapps.com AI content website: MetatronAI.com Corporate website: MetatronApps.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetatronInc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metatronai.com Metatron Apps Inc. 160 Greentree Drive Suite 101 Dover, DE 19904 (302) 489-4016 Forward-Looking Statements: Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements, as such term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, to differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's need for additional financing, which is not assured and which may result in dilution of shareholders, the company's status as a small company with a limited operating history, dependence on third parties and the continuing popularity of the iOS operating system, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, receipt of revenues, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such statements, and we disclaim any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. SOURCE: Metatron Apps Inc. via PRISM Mediawire, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777487/Metatron-Apps-Inc-Partners-with-AICopycom-AI-Powered-Excellence-Debt-Reduction-and-Unmatched-Marketplace-Presence Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (FSE: FR20) (OTCQB: FRERF) ("Fremont" or the "Company") has amended the terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). The amended Offering will consist of up to 20,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.17 per share for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital, to undertake an initial drill campaign at the Company's Vardenis project located in central Armenia, advance the Urasar project and to repay a loan in the amount of $200,000 cash to Dennis Moore (the President and CEO of the Company). Closing of the Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period under Canadian securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, as applicable. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") the Company advises that the loan repayment to Dennis Moore constitutes a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and the fair market value of the loan repayment to Mr. Moore does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. Project Updates The Company is pleased to announce it has signed a binding term sheet to sell its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Lithaur Inc. ("Lithaur") to a private Australian-based group. Lithaur owns Fremont's Nevada lithium assets. The terms, which are subject to completion of a definitive agreement by September 15, 2023, are as follows: A one-time payment of US$100,000 within 45 days of signing of the binding term sheet; A 2% NSR in favour of Fremont on each of four projects, with a right for the purchaser to buy half of each NSR for US$2M (on each project); Assumption of up to US$125,000 of debt owed by Lithaur and assumption of all ongoing Nevada-based lithium costs post Sept 1, 2023; A firm commitment to take the Lithaur assets public via IPO or RTO on the Australian or a Canadian stock market within 12 months of the signing of the binding term sheet; Fremont to receive 30% of the publicly traded equity and the right to appoint one director to Lithaur's board upon completion of such listing; and, In case of a sale of Lithaur or its assets to a third party in lieu of an IPO/RTO, 30% of the proceeds of such sale will be paid to Fremont. The Company also expects to shift focus from its Nevada projects to its Armenian copper-gold projects over the next 12 months. The Company recently entered into an option agreement to acquire up to 100% of Mendia Resources Corp. ("Mendia"), an Armenian corporation, from Mendia's sole shareholder. Mendia holds the exploration license over the Vardenis project (see June 6, 2023 news release for further details). The Vardenis project is located in central Armenia and Fremont expects to commence drilling on that project by October, 2023. Geophysical surveys and drill road construction are in progress. The Company has filed a geological report (the "Report") with the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), which has been prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 by Buddy Doyle of Lithosphere Services Inc. The Report has been filed in connection with the acquisition of Mendia which Fremont is treating as a fundamental acquisition pursuant to policy 5.3 of the Exchange. About Fremont Gold Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of potential world-class mineral opportunities within the central Tethyan belt of Armenia. Fremont is seeking strategic alternatives for its other projects located in Nevada. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Dennis Moore President and CEO, interim Chairman For further information, contact: Telephone: +351 9250 62196 www.fremontgold.net https://twitter.com/GoldFremont https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, any information contained in this news release may be a forward-looking statement that reflects the Company's current views about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "potential" and "seek", or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the Offering, the Armenian projects, the Nevada projects, entering into a definitive agreement in connection with the sale of Lithaur and completion of the sale of Lithaur, potential growth opportunities, and capital requirements. Although the Company believes to have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. The Company cannot assure that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178653 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - MTB Metals Corp. (TSXV: MTB) (OTCQB: MBYMF) (FSE: E8H) ("MTB" or the "Company") reports that drilling on the Telegraph porphyry project is underway, with the first drill hole having intercepted significant visual copper sulfide mineralization. The geological setting of the Telegraph property is similar to four world-class porphyry copper-gold deposits in the same region, all of which are being advanced by major mining companies. MTB consolidated a 310 square kilometer land package in 2021 and is now exploring this area for the first time on a consolidated basis. The first drill hole from the 2023 program is testing an area with elevated copper in rock and soil samples, mapped potassic and phyllic alteration within a mineralized breccia on surface and a chargeability feature that penetrates to depth. Drilling to date has intersected over 200 metres (with the hole still advancing) of phyllic and potassic alteration with associated mineralization, including an upper oxide and lower sulphide zone. Mineralization occurs within a healed breccia, as disseminations, fracture coatings, veins and veinlets and includes chalcopyrite, pyrite, chalcocite, and malachite. Figure 1: Sample from DK2023-001 showing breccia texture comprised of intrusive and volcanic rocks. Black circles highlight chalcopyrite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_2ccd6a9d444c0a2e_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Select core intervals from first hole showing chalcopyrite mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_mtb2en.jpg A) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_2ccd6a9d444c0a2e_003full.jpg B) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_2ccd6a9d444c0a2e_004full.jpg C) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_2ccd6a9d444c0a2e_005full.jpg Figure 3 - Select core intervals from first hole showing chalcopyrite mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_mtben.jpg Drilling is proceeding on schedule and is anticipated to continue through to the end of September. The MTB team has identified numerous targets on the Dok trend with similar geological, geochemical, and geophysical features identified in the first hole. Lucia Theny, Vice-President, Exploration commented, "This first drill hole supports our hypothesis that the 2014 drilling intersected the margin of a potentially larger porphyry system. The diligent work of our exploration team has resulted in generating some exciting targets that now need to be tested with the drill." About MTB MTB has six active projects spanning 670 square kilometres (67,587 hectares) in the prolific Golden Triangle of northern British Columbia. With the focus on the Telegraph project, discussions are now underway leading to joint ventures and/or spinouts of other projects. Figure 4 - Location of the Telegraph Project and the Surrounding Major Deposits in the Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5332/178655_2ccd6a9d444c0a2e_009full.jpg Telegraph is located in the vicinity of 4 world-class porphyry deposits being advanced by major mining companies: Galore (Teck / Newmont), Schaft (Teck), Saddle (Newmont) and the operating Red Chris copper-gold mine (Newcrest / Imperial Metals). Field work by MTB on its 310 square kilometre property, together with earlier results, provides compelling evidence for the presence of one or more porphyries, similar to others in the area. The American Creek project is centered on the historic Mountain Boy silver mine. The project is road accessible and 20 km from the deep-water port of Stewart. There are multiple silver, gold and copper occurrences on the property, including a 2006 drill hole that encountered 5 kgs of silver over 5 metres. Red Cliff is a past producing gold and copper mine in which the Company holds a 35% interest. Recent drill results include 2 meters of 26 g/t gold. On the BA property, 182 drill holes have outlined a substantial zone of silver-lead-zinc mineralization located 4 km from the highway. Several targets with high-grade silver potential remain to be tested. Surprise Creek, to the north, hosts the same prospective stratigraphy. On the Theia project, work by MTB and previous explorers has outlined a silver bearing mineralized trend 500 metres long, highlighted by a 2020 grab sample that returned 39 kg per tonne silver (1,100 ounces per ton). Two other zones on the property produced copper values over 5%. Southmore is in the midst of some of the largest deposits in the Golden Triangle. It was explored in the 1980s through the early 1990s and was overlooked until MTB consolidated the property and carried out airborne geophysics and field work which confirmed several zones of gold and copper, with values up to 20% copper and 35 g/t gold. On behalf of the Board of Directors: Lawrence Roulston President & CEO For further information, contact: Caroline Klukowski info@mountainboyminerals.ca NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain certain "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178655 Marking two decades of commercial real estate excellence, the recognition stands as a testament to PEG's unwavering commitment to its vision of 'building trust, reimagining communities, and broadening horizons everywhere.' SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / PEG Companies ["PEG"], a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment firm known for its unique approach to creating value, accepted the honorable recognition of ranking among Utah Business magazine's esteemed "Fast50" companies for 2023. This accolade comes as PEG celebrates a remarkable 20 years of innovation, growth, and excellence in the industry. PEG Companies Founded in 2003 by Cameron Gunter, PEG Companies is a leading commercial real estate investment firm, known for its unique approach to creating value. "Scaling through multiple market cycles over the past two decades has required unwavering diligence, inventive thinking, and tenacity from the entire PEG team. This recognition reflects our relentless efforts, transparency with our stakeholders, and the strong partnerships that have been pivotal to our success over the past two decades," remarked PEG Founder/CEO Cameron Gunter. Utah Business ranks the 50 fastest-growing companies in the state based on a combination of revenue growth and total revenue, counting down from 50 to 1. Coming in at number 35, the firm doubled its revenue since the year 2019 while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, demonstrating exceptional resilience in one of the hardest-hit industries. "Here at PEG, we understand that real estate is all about the long game," explained Chief Operating Officer Rob Fetzer. "Markets fluctuate. We saw that during The Great Recession, and we're seeing that right now. Being a vertically integrated company allows us control over the entire lifecycle of each investment, from sourcing the right deals to constructing our buildings; from efficiently operating our projects to exiting the project when the timing is right." PEG consists of five synergistic companies that each manage a different phase of the commercial real estate process. PEG subsidiaries include PEG Capital Partners, PEG Development, PEG Construction, PEG Property Group, and PEG Hospitality Group. The full-service firm is known for its hands-on involvement through the entire value creation process and its creative deals. "One of our major hallmarks is our ability to create value with challenging, high-barrier-to-entry projects that others in the industry shy away from," Gunter said. "We have the skills and experience to really think outside the box. At the same time, we have strong relationships and expertise working with local governments which enables us to maximize opportunities with our public partnerships." Examples of PEG's creative solutions over the past 20 years include the remediation of an extensively contaminated asbestos site-rendering it fit for developmental pursuits adjacent to the Delta Center, home of the NBA's Utah Jazz-bringing desperately needed student housing to Utah Valley University, breathing new life into distressed extended-stay hotels across the United States by converting them into quality attainable housing communities, spearheading the first Qualified Opportunity Zone [QOZ] projects in several states, launching one of the first systematized build-for-rent [BFR] strategies in the Mountain West, deploying their signature 'dynamic duo' strategy at several locations, forging public/private partnerships to achieve stronger projects and higher returns, and contributing to public infrastructure through the funding light rail stops, pedestrian bridges, public plazas, and more. "PEG's vision is 'building trust, reimagining communities, broadening horizons everywhere,'" Gunter explained. "We build trust through consistently delivering on what we set out to do and through keeping our promises. We reimagine communities by bringing beauty, technology, and innovative solutions wherever we build, and we broaden horizons everywhere, both literally with our real estate projects, and figuratively with creating exceptional opportunities for our investors, team members, and end users, alike," he said. To date, PEG Companies and its subsidiaries collectively have $2.4B AUM across the U.S. and Canada, bolstered by a workforce of over 1,100 professionals. The firm's extensive 12M+ square feet of real estate developed and under development encompass 7,907 hospitality keys, 5,941 multifamily keys, plus substantial student housing, commercial, retail, office, and medical developments. With 35-plus projects currently in the pipeline and an aggregate NET IRR of 15.28%, PEG and its affiliates look forward to the future, replete with the promise of abundant prospects and exciting opportunities. ### About PEG Companies: Founded in 2003, PEG Companies ["PEG"] is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment firm focused on opportunistic and value-add opportunities in the Mountain West and across the United States. Initially best known for its creative and well-executed real estate developments, PEG today encompasses five synergistic companies that each manage a different phase of the commercial real estate investment process. PEG offers various investment vehicles on behalf of its investors including private equity funds, direct-invest opportunities, and SMAs. For more information on PEG, please visit pegcompanies.com. Media Contact: Ali Monsen l amonsen@pegcompanies.com l 801.783.7334 Contact Information Ali Monsen Vice President, Branding & Communications amonsen@pegcompanies.com 801.783.7334 SOURCE: PEG Companies View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777244/PEG-Companies-Recognized-Among-Utahs-Elite-Fast50-Companies Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Playgon Games Inc. (TSXV: DEAL) (OTC Pink: PLGNF) (FSE: 7CR) ("Playgon" or the "Company"), a propriety SaaS technology company delivering mobile first live dealer technology to online gaming operators globally, announces its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2023. For complete details please refer to the Financial Statements and associated Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2023, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or the Company's website (www.Playgon.com). All amounts are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise indicated. Q2 2023 Financial Highlights: During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company saw increased growth in player activity due to new onboards and organic growth within its existing core customer base which is viewed as a strong indicator for future revenue growth. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company generated revenues of $413,388 (June 30, 2022 - $216,881) and $701,397 (June 30, 2022 - $357,758) respectively, from the Live Dealer platform, representing a 90% year over year increase for the three month period and a 96% year over year increase for the six month period. The Company's revenue increased $125,379 from the three month period ended March 31, 2023, representing a 44% increase. The net loss for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023, was $4,366,396 (June 30, 2022 - $4,402,353) and $8,334,932 (June 30, 2022 - $8,301,908) which is consistent from previous reporting periods. The Company continues its investment in the Live Dealer platform and business with a majority of costs associated to it development team and Las Vegas studio casino staff. Q2 2023 Operational Highlights The revenue growth was supported by strong results among several key performance indicators ("KPI"). These KPI's include: Wagering turnover for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was $396 million compared to $336 million the previous quarter, representing an increase of 18% quarter over quarter. The number of wagers placed (betspots) in the quarter were 10.2 million wagers compared to the previous quarter of 8 million wagers, which reflects a higher wager per bet in the system. Average daily wagering turnover for the three months ended June 30, 2023, was $4.4 million compared to the previous quarter of $3.71 million representing an increase of 19% quarter over quarter. "We continue to see positive revenue growth in our Q2 supported by momentum in several KPI's we track, commented Darcy Krogh CEO of Playgon Games Inc. "We expect this to accelarate in the second half of 2023 as we launch new clients in Ontario under our recent licence approval and other new markets globally." About Playgon Games Inc. Playgon is a SaaS technology company focused on developing and licensing digital content for the growing iGaming market. The Company provides a multi-tenant gateway that allows online operators the ability to offer their customers innovative iGaming software solutions. Its current software platform includes Live Dealer Casino, E-Table games and Daily Fantasy Sports, which, through a seamless integration at the operator level, allows customer access without having to share or compromise any sensitive customer data. As a true business-to-business digital content provider, the Company's products are ideal turn-key solutions for online casinos, sportsbook operators, land-based operators, media groups, and big database companies. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.playgon.com. For further information, contact: Mike Marrandino, Director Tel: (604) 722-5225 Email: mikem@playgon.com Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, without limitation, may contain the words believes, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans, or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guaranteeing of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except for historical facts, the statements in this news release, as well as oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by Playgon, are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. In the context of any forward-looking information please refer to risk factors detailed in, as well as other information contained in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other filings with Canadian securities regulators ( www.sedarplus.ca ). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represents Playgon's current expectations. Playgon disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except if required by applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178648 The growth of the manual spray guns market is driven by growth of the automotive industry, growth of the furniture industry, advantages of manual spray guns. PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Manual Spray Gun Market by Type (Airless Spray Gun, HVLP, and LVLP), Material (Paint, Coating, Fire protection, and Other), Power Source (Pneumatic, Electric, and Gas powered), End-user Industry (Automotive, Woodworking, Marine, Steel, Construction, Manufacturing, and Others) and Sales Type (Dealers/Distributors, DIY, and Professionals): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032." According to the report, the global manual spray guns market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 2.8% from 2023 to 2032. Get Sample Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/111362 Professional painters and do-it-yourselfers alike utilize paint spray guns to coat a variety of surfaces by spraying paint onto them. Paint sprayers atomize liquid paint using pressure from an external source before spraying it on the desired surface. Paint spray guns can be used by both professional and non-professional users due to the market's availability of a wide range of sizes, capacities, and operating principles. Due to its beneficial characteristics, such as speedier paint application, blemish-free paint layer, and ability to access difficult-to-reach voids and places, the paint spray gun has seen an increase in popularity. Prime determinants of growth The demand for manual spray guns, which are mostly used for painting consumer durables, has increased because of this need, particularly in developing nations like India, China, and Vietnam. Additionally, there is a greater need for manual spray guns from car manufacturers due to the rising demand for automobiles around the world, particularly in industrialized nations like Europe and North America. Due to their ease of use, airless spray guns are widely used. In addition, it is projected that DIYers would employ paint sprayers to repair and maintain their own possessions as well as buildings and other objects. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.8 billion Market Size in 2032 $2.6 billion CAGR 2.8 % No. of Pages in Report 550 Segments covered Coating Type, Material, Power source, Sales channel, End-user industry, and Regions Drivers Growth of automotive industry Growth of furniture industry Advantages of manual spray guns Cost effectiveness Opportunities Growing aerospace industry Advancements in paint spray guns Restraints Requirement of maintenance Impact on accuracy Requirement of external power source Covid-19 Scenario Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global lockdowns, the manual spray guns market faced a downturn. However, as the global situation started improving, the demand for manual spray guns was restored back. This, in turn, presented various growth opportunities for companies operating in the manual spray guns market. Buy This Research Report (550 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/3e02a635d455a21fcfc4dde906056359 The paint segment maintained its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Based on material, the paint segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-thirds of the manual spray guns market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, these paint spray guns are highly versatile and are used to paint any surface in any given conditions. The coating segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 3.4% from 2022 to 2032, owing to increasing concern about environmental rules and regulation, it has driven the demand for eco-friendly coating system solutions. The pneumatic segment maintained its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Based on power source, the pneumatic segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the manual spray guns market revenue and estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, pneumatic manual spray guns have various advantageous features that make them ideal choice for various applications. The gas powered segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 3.6% from 2022 to 2032, gas powdered manual gun spray has several advantages of portability, enable users to operate them in outdoor or isolated environments. The automotive segment maintains its lead position during the forecast period. Based on end user industry, automotive segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to nearly two-fifths of the manual spray guns market revenue, Along with basic features such as engine, transmission, and steering, the sales of cars and other vehicles are also dependent on their looks. The woodworking segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 4.9% from 2022 to 2032, Owing to the increase in number of vehicles, developing economies are witnessing exponential growth.. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032. Based on region, Asia Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than half of the manual spray guns market revenue, owing to developing nations such as India and China which is pulling the focus towards the new construction projects. However, LAMEA is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2032, owing to rising construction and infrastructure sectors in developing countries such as India, China, and others. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/111362 Leading Market Players: - 3M Company ANEST IWATA CORPORATION Graco, Inc. SATA GmbH & Co Wagner Spray Tech Corporation Fuso Seiki Co., Ltd. Exel Industries SA Tritech Industries, Inc. Prowin Tools Company Ltd. Rongpeng Air Tools Co., Ltd. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the manual spray guns market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, business expansion, acquisition, collaboration, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Painting Industry (Book Now with 15% Discount): Global robotic paint booth market is projected to reach $10.68 billion Global paint spray guns market is projected to reach $2.26 billion by 2031 Global Painting Robots Market size is expected to reach $3,209.0 million in 2023 global paint roller market is projected to reach $3,182.2 million by 2027 Americas wall coverings market is projected to reach $1,04,199.0 million by 2031 Painting Tools Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Liquid Applied Roofing Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Spray Foam Equipment Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Insulated wall panels Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 About Allied Market Research: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact Us: United States 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manual-spray-guns-market-to-reach-2-602-9-million-globally-by-2032-at-2-8-cagr-allied-market-research-301911281.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Walgreens Boots Alliance Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance I'm Aaron Kim, an HIV specialty pharmacist at Walgreens, and my passion is providing holistic care for my patients living with HIV and AIDs. As a pharmacist, I know that HIV disproportionately affects gay and bisexual men-they make up 63% of patients, according to the CDC. And as a gay man, I'm empathetic to the challenges and successes my patients experience. I joined the Walgreens family in 2011 as a pharmacy manager at a Duane Reade store in my native New York City. On a visit to my own doctor, I made an appointment to start PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis medication, a highly effective and commonly used medication for preventing HIV. The doctor just gave me a blank look and asked what I was "prepping" for. It hit me like a ton of bricks that if a trained medical professional didn't know what PrEP is, then they're not having the right conversations with their patients and they're holding back our community's ability to fight the epidemic. It dawned on me then: I could use my role as a pharmacist to be an advocate for my community. I requested a transfer to a specialty pharmacy (we have more than 300), and it was there that my journey into the world of HIV medicine began. By immersing myself in a new community, I gained experience caring for those vulnerable to HIV. Even as a gay pharmacist living in an urban area, there was so much that I still didn't know about treating HIV. Thankfully I met another pharmacist familiar with HIV, and they became my mentor. They introduced me to the real-life implications of the virus and helped me understand the importance of allyship in the community on a human level. It was such a formative time for me. While I'm a proud New Yorker, I recently made a big life change and moved to a specialty pharmacy in the Chicago area to grow my professional skill set and be closer to the Walgreens headquarters. It's been a great opportunity and I've been working with my current team in Glenview, Illinois, for just over two months. A day providing healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community My co-workers and I wear many hats in our roles as Walgreens specialty pharmacists. On any given day, we could be working with physicians, physician assistants, nurses, case workers, outside clinical pharmacists, or public aid partners on behalf of our patients. You'll see us on the phone a lot, connecting with patients and other healthcare providers. There are about 50 team members (pharmacy technicians and specialty pharmacists with expertise in myriad disease states) who I get to interact with daily. It's wonderful because as a specialist in HIV medicine, I get to consult with my colleagues in treating the patient more comprehensively. But our work can also be challenging, navigating the healthcare system and providing long-term care for what is a chronic health condition. On any given day, I can also play the roles of "problem solver," "billing detective" and "cheerleader" in motivating my patients to stick with what can be a complex daily regimen. When people living with HIV and AIDS are discriminated against because of their sexuality, which is not a choice, it affects their self-worth and they lose the motivation to take care of themselves. Many of my patients are unhoused and uninsured because navigating the insurance process is so cumbersome. That's why I try to keep patients motivated by sharing my own experiences as someone in the rainbow community. I want to create a safe space for them to confide in me, knowing that they won't be judged or criticized. Nothing brings me more joy than when a barrier is broken down and a connection is made with another person. After a busy day at work connecting with patients and caregivers who all have unique needs, I head home to relax with my husband, Chris. A lot of my free time centers around my love of food and traveling and connecting with others through food. Since moving here, I've been exploring Chicagoland and all the diverse cuisine. After work, I spend time putting together Instagram reels of all my travel and food adventures! Taking steps on National HIV Testing Day In 2023, we are at a point where a single, small pill has the ability to keep most people's viral level suppressed (undetectable), which means they can't transmit the virus (untransmissible). Together with simple prevention regimens, we have the tools to end the HIV epidemic. It's a matter of getting the knowledge and tools out there, and that's what this role helps me to do. That's why June 27-National HIV Testing Day-is so important. It's about encouraging people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and find avenues to care and treatment. This year's theme is "Take the Test & Take the Next Step," and it highlights the actionable steps people can take, regardless of their test results. Just as my mentor helped me early in my career, I now mentor others and do my best to pay it forward. I am happy to help someone take their first steps on their healthcare journey or even just talk and connect. My work with the Pride Alliance BRG I'm proud to be involved with Walgreens Boots Alliance's Pride Alliance business resource group (BRG), which has been a source of support for me. Growing up queer was an isolating experience and certainly not an aspect of myself I thought would be present in my professional life. But I've come to understand that I am a whole person and can't compartmentalize my identity. Most people spend more time at work than they do at home, and when I'm at work, the Pride Alliance BRG gives me comfort in knowing I'm supported at my "home away from home." Moving to Chicago has allowed me to attend more in-person Pride Alliance BRG events, which has been great to build community. I'm grateful to the Pride Alliance BRG because it advocates for all people to be authentically themselves knowing we are supported by a global organization-one I'm so proud to work for and one that helps me navigate through this journey. Aaron Kim representing Walgreens at OPMAN, or Optimal Management of HIV Disease & Hepatitis Clinical Conference. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Walgreens Boots Alliance on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Walgreens Boots Alliance Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/walgreens-boots-alliance Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Walgreens Boots Alliance View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777619/Meet-Aaron-Kim-HIV-Specialty-Pharmacist-at-Walgreens Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports results from its June 2023 surface rock and soil sampling program on the Silver Queen property, British Columbia. Select surface chip samples from the Cole Lake and Barite veins assay up to: 55.2g/t Au, 5,049g/t Ag, 3.2% Pb and 0.12% Zn from the Cole Lake Vein ; 1,736g/t Ag, 22.7% Pb and 1.2% Zn from the Cole Lake Vein; and 6.0g/t Au and 69g/t Ag and 1.9% Zn from the Barite Vein. The samples were collected from clusters of narrow quartz-barite veins in strongly weathered (gossanous) outcrops at the Cole Lake target. Three samples were collected from outcrop along the previously mapped projection of the Cole Lake Vein and five samples were collected from a small cluster of outcrops along the subparallel Barite Vein, located 150 metres to the southwest. Individual veins within the clusters are up to 10cm thick and consist of white chalcedonic quartz, bladed barite and aggregates of fine to medium-grained galena and brown sphalerite. The assays confirm the high-grade potential of both veins, which were extensively trenched, mapped and sampled in the 1970's and 1980's. Although the data survives, the trenches have been largely remediated. Shallow historic drilling on the Cole Lake vein returned multiple intervals of strongly enriched precious metals, including: a 2.5m interval grading 2.4g/t Au, 638g/t Ag, 1.3% Cu, 2.2% Pb and 5.5% Zn within a broader 11.9m interval averaging 1.3g/t Au, 141g/t Ag, 1.3% Cu, 0.5% Pb and 1.2% Zn (4.3g/t AuEq or 390g/t AgEq) from historic drill hole NGVF-1; and a 0.7m interval averaging 3.8g/t Au, 209g/t Ag 0.11% Cu, 5.9% Pb, 13.9% Zn (18.0g/t AuEg or 1,622g/t AgEq) from historic drill hole F-8. The Cole Lake vein will be the primary target of the next phase of drilling, which is scheduled to begin in early September. Up to 3,000 metres of drilling is planned to test two segments of the vein that were traced by mapping for over 700 metres of strike length. The drilling is a continuation of the company's Spring 2023 program, which completed 2,324 metres in seven core holes on the George Lake target. Drilling was suspended in mid-July due to fire risk in the area, but crews will mobilize to the property in earliest September to completed logging and sampling of core before mobilizing the drill onto the Cole Lake target. Samples from the first five holes have been submitted for assay and results are anticipated in the coming weeks. 2023 Soil Sampling Program The outcrop sampling was part of a larger surface soil sampling program carried out on the property in June 2023. The program consisted of collecting 1,427 soil samples from an area of approximate 2.5 kilometre x 1.5 kilometre on the western side of the property (Figure 1). Samples were collected at 25 metres stations on 100 metre spaced lines, oriented NE-SW. B-horizon soils were collected where available; however, A-horizon material was collected in swampy areas and C-horizon or talus fines were collected in areas of poor soil development. The soil results successfully highlight the surface trace of the No. 3 Vein, the southern extension of the George Lake and Cole Lake veins, and the broad east-west trending structural corridor that hosts the Camp and Sveinson Deposits (see Figure 1). Furthermore, new targets for drill follow-up were identified by the soil results in several poorly or untested areas, including: anomalies both to the north and south of the Camp Deposit; a northwestern extension of the No. 3 Vein; a footwall of the No. 3 Vein near the intersection with the veins of the Sveinson Deposit; and a possible extension of the historical Chisolm Vein. VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "The soil sampling program on Silver Queen successfully identified several high-potential exploration targets throughout the property. These new targets will be reviewed in the context of this new data, prioritized and tested in upcoming drill programs. Work on the property is set to re-start in the coming days with new targeting on the Cole Lake vein while assays are still pending from our earlier drilling." Figure 1: Plan Map of targets on the Silver Queen vein system, BC To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/178717_5ac7f111241e1915_002full.jpg Figure 2: Plan of the Cole Lake Target area showing the locations of Spring '23 surface rock sampling To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5566/178717_5ac7f111241e1915_003full.jpg Table 1: Surface rock assay results from the Spring '23 sampling in the Cole Lake target area Sample Id Northing Easting type Au Ag Cu Pb Zn g/t g/t ppm ppm ppm AE23R-001 5,996,183 650,109 outcrop 0.1 1736 5398 227,000 11,500 AE23R-002 5,996,176 650,117 outcrop 55.2 5049 91 32,500 1,205 AE23R-003 5,996,173 650,111 subcrop 2.8 418 2442 46,300 56,400 AE23R-004 5,996,112 650,007 outcrop 0.1 14 16 420 1,105 AE23R-005 5,996,112 650,007 outcrop 0.1 6 17 290 651 AE23R-006 5,996,104 649,984 outcrop 6.0 69 133 8,798 19,200 AE23R-007 5,996,113 649,977 outcrop 0.1 11 50 2,866 5,892 AE23R-008 5,996,062 649,988 outcrop 0.0 0 30 31 413 Corporate Update The Company has been requested by the Exchange, to provide further disclosure of Finder's Fees paid in connection with the recently closed flow-through financing. The Company paid finder's fees totaling $44,952.28, along with 99,279 non-transferable finder warrants at a price of $0.13, and 246,508 non-transferable finder warrants at a price of $0.20, as part of the recently closed flow-through financing. Each finder's warrant is exercisable to purchase one common share for a period of 3 years. The financing and payment of finder's fees are subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. About Silver Queen Project The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility. The Silver Queen Property consists of 45 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,852ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate with effective date December 1st, 2022 was detailed in a News Release issued on Jan 16, 2023, which can be found by clicking here and the full Technical Report can be found on SEDAR and the Company's website. More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under explored. About Equity Metals Corporation Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The Company also has royalty and working interests in other Canadian properties, which are being evaluated further to determine their value to the Company. Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr." Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178717 Solvay publishes first half 2023 figures for SpecialtyCo and EssentialCo Brussels, August 28, 2023 at 6 pm CEST - Solvay today announced that it has published on its website the first half 2023 figures in respect of SpecialtyCo and EssentialCo. This information is made available in connection with the projected Partial Demerger. More specifically it contains: - H1 2023 Unaudited Condensed Interim Combined Financial Statements for SpecialtyCo, available here - H1 2023 Unaudited pro forma Financial Information for EssentialCo, available here Disclaimer The contemplated separation of Solvay is subject to general market conditions and customary closing conditions, including final approval by the Board of Directors of Solvay SA, consent of certain financing providers and shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. There can be no assurance, however, regarding the ultimate timing of the separation or that the separation will actually be completed. Solvay SA and Specialty Holdco Belgium SRL ("SpecialtyCo") will keep the market informed if and when appropriate. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer or invitation to sell or solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of Solvay SA or SpecialtyCo, any part of the business or assets described herein, or any other interests or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the transactions described herein or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. This press release should not be construed in any manner as a recommendation to any reader thereof. This press release is not a prospectus or other offering document for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of June 14, 2017 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This press release is directed solely to persons in the United Kingdom who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments, such persons falling within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order") or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order or other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated, (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This press release is directed only to relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Global power technology leader Cummins Inc. and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, have announced a memorandum of understanding to leverage complementary positioning in hydrogen, natural gas and other lower carbon fuel value chains. The announcement expands the two companies' previous strategic collaboration on hydrogen and renewable natural gas and is expected to encompass other liquid renewable fuels, such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel and renewable diesel. This collaboration is intended to encourage commercial and industrial adoption in North America. "At Cummins, we are working to bring our Destination Zero strategy to life, and we recognize we can't do this alone," said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins' Chair and CEO. "Through Accelera by Cummins we have leading zero-emissions technologies for commercial and industrial applications, and we continue to offer a broad portfolio of engine-based solutions that reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions today." "By collaborating strategically with Chevron, we plan to improve access to fuel and infrastructure for our customers, helping grow the availability of alternative and renewable fuels while reducing emissions," Rumsey added. Chevron President of Americas Products Andy Walz said achieving a lower carbon future will require ambitious innovations. "Collaborations like this one with Cummins are intended to make energy and global supply chains more affordable and reliable while helping commercial fleets who use our products and Cummins' equipment to advance a lower carbon world," Walz said. "No one company or industry can go at it alone - together with Cummins, we aim to deliver progress today." Cummins and Chevron each have contributed to the research, development and global deployment of alternative fuels innovation, systems and technologies and will work together on enabling the commercial development at scale of alternative fuels production, transportation and delivery systems for industrial and commercial markets. Workstreams in the new collaboration will focus on hydrogen, natural gas, and other alternative lower carbon intensity fuels such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed natural gas, and other liquid renewables to expand commercial adoption. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cummins Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777695/Cummins-and-Chevron-Partner-To-Expand-the-Use-of-Low-Carbon-Fuels - All-share transaction creates international clinical-stage leader in novel psychedelic therapeutics - - Two proprietary, advanced clinical programs in development for depression and anxiety disorders with demonstrated safety and efficacy - - Combined portfolio creates the industry's largest, most advanced, well-protected deuterated DMT program - - Combination creates the largest intellectual property portfolio in the psychedelic drug development sector with 28 patents granted and 158 patents pending - - Creates strong synergies by combining key assets, personnel, capabilities and intellectual property, as well as access to world-leading scientific and clinical collaborators - - Multinational operations support scaling to Phase 3 development of CYB003 in early 2024, following planned Phase 2 safety and efficacy readout in late 2023 - - Cybin and Small Pharma to host conference call today, August 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. ET - (Dollar amounts expressed in Canadian dollars) Toronto, Ontario and London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN) ("Cybin"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative psychedelic-based treatment options, and Small Pharma Inc. (TSXV: DMT) (OTCQB: DMTTF) ("Small Pharma"), a U.K.-based biotechnology company focused on short-duration psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions, today announced that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Agreement") pursuant to which Cybin will acquire all of Small Pharma's issued and outstanding securities in an all-share transaction pursuant to a plan of arrangement (the "Transaction"). Under the terms of the Transaction, Small Pharma shareholders will receive 0.2409 common shares in the capital of Cybin ("Cybin Shares") for each common share of Small Pharma ("Small Pharma Share") held. The exchange ratio implies consideration of approximately $0.10 per Small Pharma Share based on the closing price of the Cybin Shares on the Cboe Canada exchange ("Cboe Canada") on August 25, 2023, representing a 43.6% premium based on the 30-day volume weighted average prices of the Cybin Shares on the Cboe Canada and the Small Pharma Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") for the period ended on August 25, 2023. When the Transaction is complete, it is expected that existing Cybin shareholders and Small Pharma securityholders will own approximately 74.5% and 25.5% of Cybin, respectively. The Agreement has been unanimously approved by Small Pharma's board of directors (the "Small Pharma Board") on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of its independent directors (the "Small Pharma Special Committee"), and Cybin's board of directors (the "Cybin Board"). "This transaction creates a clear market leader in novel psychedelic therapeutics. The synergy of Cybin's and Small Pharma's development programs, intellectual property, and robust datasets enhances our leadership and expertise in developing potentially best-in-class, optimized psychedelic therapeutics, and positions the combined company to generate long-term value for all stakeholders. Our combined portfolios, having an increased number of potential value-catalysts, also create added opportunities to support future funding activities with no added debt. We look forward to welcoming our Small Pharma colleagues into the Cybin team," said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. Small Pharma is a leader in the development of short-duration psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions, having raised a total of $63 million in capital since 2021, and demonstrating the first placebo-controlled efficacy results for N,N-dimethyltryptamine ("DMT") in treating Major Depressive Disorder ("MDD"). In the past years Small Pharma has progressed two clinical-stage DMT-based programs, a pipeline of preclinical assets, and developed a highly robust intellectual property ("IP") portfolio to protect them. With a common goal to create novel, optimized psychedelic-based therapeutics, the combination of Cybin and Small Pharma creates an international, clinical-stage leader with the potential to transform the treatment paradigm for mental health conditions. Cybin's and Small Pharma's combined DMT and deuterated DMT ("dDMT") programs creates the largest dataset of systematic research on these short-duration psychedelic molecules. The companies' combined development portfolios are highly complementary and provide multiple opportunities to create operational and cost synergies. The combined entity will hold the most impressive IP portfolio in the psychedelic drug development sector, with a combined 158 pending patent applications, including two allowed applications, and 28 granted patents protecting the combined companies' clinical and preclinical molecules. This extensive IP portfolio creates an unmatched opportunity for the combined company to develop next-generation novel compounds for a number of mental health disorders that may be amenable to treatment with psychedelic therapies. George Tziras, Chief Executive Officer of Small Pharma, said, "This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Small Pharma. Since 2015, we have been committed to our mission of accelerating patient access to transformative mental health treatments, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made. Cybin shares both our vision and confidence in the potential of our programs. Cybin's senior listing on the NYSE American can also provide increased access to the broader and deeper capital markets of the United States. We look forward to combining the considerable strengths of our teams to create a category leader in novel psychedelic-based therapeutics and bring innovative mental health treatments to patients around the world." Together, the combined operating teams of Cybin and Small Pharma create a sector-leading organization with deep expertise in DMT and deuterated psychedelic tryptamine-based therapeutics for mental health disorders. The integrated DMT dataset from both companies represents an advanced and extensive DMT clinical program, including: Phase 2 safety and efficacy data for IV DMT in patients with MDD (SPL026); Extensive Phase 1 dataset for IV formulations of DMT and dDMT (CYB004e, CYB004, SPL026, SPL028); Studies exploring more convenient and patient-friendly dosing methods (Phase 1 intramuscular SPL026 and SPL028; subcutaneous CYB004); and Phase 1b safety and efficacy of SPL026 administered in conjunction with serotonin reuptake inhibitors ("SSRIs") in patients with MDD, with data anticipated in late 2023. Encouraging results could broaden access to DMT-based therapies by removing the requirement for patients to be withdrawn from existing SSRI medication. Data readouts from both companies' Phase 1 deuterated programs, CYB004 and SPL028 are anticipated by late 2023. This will enable a robust evaluation of formulations and administration routes, and an informed, data-driven approach to launching a Phase 2 efficacy study of dDMT in the United States early in 2024. Cybin expects to report Phase 2 safety and efficacy data from its CYB003 deuterated psilocybin analog program in participants with MDD, in late 2023. Plans are underway to scale the program for Phase 3, including a partnership with a global clinical research organization, a streamlined EMBARKCT facilitator training program, and preparations for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of CYB003 capsules for pivotal clinical trial supplies. Cybin was recently granted a composition of matter patent covering a deuterated psilocybin analog in its CYB003 program, and anticipates the potential for receiving Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), subject to FDA approval, as early as late 2023. The combined company will be led by Cybin's Chief Executive Officer, Doug Drysdale, who brings over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Small Pharma senior management and staff will be integrated with the existing Cybin team to create a highly experienced and skilled team that is well positioned to deliver on the development and clinical execution of the combined pipeline. Additional Transaction Details Pursuant to the Transaction, Small Pharma shareholders will receive 0.2409 Cybin Shares for each Small Pharma Share held. Holders of options to purchase Small Pharma Shares that are "in-the-money" based on the volume weighted average trading price of the Small Pharma Shares on the TSXV for the five trading days immediately preceding the effective time of the Transaction (the "Small Pharma Share Value") will receive from Small Pharma a number of Small Pharma Shares equal to the number of Small Pharma options held, multiplied by the amount by which the Small Pharma Share Value exceeds the exercise price of such Small Pharma options, divided by the Small Pharma Share Value. Such newly issued Small Pharma Shares will be acquired by Cybin on the same terms as the other Small Pharma Shares. Each Small Pharma option that is "out-of-the-money" based on the Small Pharma Share Value will be deemed to be surrendered to Small Pharma for $0.001 and cancelled. The Transaction will be effected by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), requiring the approval of at least 662/3% of the votes cast by the shareholders of Small Pharma voting in person, virtually or by proxy at an annual and special shareholders' meeting to consider, in addition to certain annual business, the Transaction. The issuance of Cybin Shares pursuant to the Transaction will also require approval by a simple majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of Cybin voting virtually or by proxy at an annual and special meeting of Cybin shareholders, in accordance with the polices of the Cboe Canada. The shareholders' meetings are expected to occur on or about October 12, 2023. In connection with the Transaction, each of Small Pharma's directors and officers, and Small Pharma's largest shareholder, who collectively beneficially hold or exercise control or direction over, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of approximately 29% of the outstanding Small Pharma Shares, have entered into voting and support agreements with Cybin, pursuant to which each of them has agreed, among other things, to support and vote their Small Pharma Shares in favour of the Transaction. In addition, each of Cybin's directors and officers, and certain Cybin shareholders, who collectively hold or exercise control or direction over an aggregate of approximately 17% of the outstanding Cybin Shares, have entered into voting and support agreements with Small Pharma, pursuant to which each of them has agreed, among other things, to support and vote their Cybin Shares in favour of the Transaction. In addition to shareholder approvals, the Transaction is subject to approval by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, receipt of applicable stock exchange and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV, and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. It is currently expected that the Transaction will close in late October 2023. The Agreement includes customary reciprocal "non-solicitation" covenants, subject in the case of "fiduciary out" provisions that would permit Small Pharma to accept a superior proposal under certain circumstances, subject to a "right to match" period in favour of Cybin. The Agreement also provides for reciprocal termination fees of $2 million payable to Cybin or Small Pharma if the Transaction is terminated in certain specified circumstances, and, in certain other customary circumstances, expense reimbursement payable to Small Pharma of $400,000. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Cybin Board will be increased by one director, and George Tziras, the current Chief Executive Officer of Small Pharma, will join the Cybin Board. Further information regarding the Transaction will be included in the respective management information circulars of Cybin and Small Pharma, which will be mailed to shareholders in connection with their respective shareholder meetings. The Agreement will be filed on the SEDAR+ profiles of Small Pharma and Cybin at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Board of Directors' Recommendations The Small Pharma Board has unanimously determined, after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Small Pharma Special Committee, that the Transaction is fair to the Small Pharma shareholders, and in the best interests of Small Pharma, and has unanimously recommended that Small Pharma shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. The Cybin Board has unanimously determined that the Transaction is in the best interests of Cybin, and has unanimously recommended that Cybin shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction. Upon completion of the Transaction, it is expected that the Small Pharma Shares will be delisted from the TSXV and removed from the OTCQB market, and Small Pharma will cease to be a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories in Canada. The combined Company will remain headquartered in Toronto, with operations in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, and Ireland, and will continue to trade on the NYSE American and the Cboe Canada under the ticker "CYBN". None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Transaction have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Transaction are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Legal and Financial Advisors Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP is acting as legal counsel to Cybin. Aird & Berlis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Small Pharma and the Small Pharma Special Committee. Jefferies International Limited is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Small Pharma and the Small Pharma Special Committee. Conference Call and Webcast Details Cybin and Small Pharma will host a conference call on August 28, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. ET. To join the conference call via telephone, please register here to receive the dial-in information. To join the live audio webcast of the call, please register here. The archived webcast will also be available on Cybin's investor relations website on the Events & Presentations page and on the Investor page of Small Pharma's website under Events & Conferences. About Cybin Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions. Cybin's goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare is supported by a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists aimed at progressing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, and novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens. Cybin is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary deuterated DMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds. Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. For company updates and to learn more about Cybin, visit www.cybin.com or follow the team on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. About Small Pharma Small Pharma is a biotechnology company progressing a pipeline of short-duration psychedelic-assisted therapies for the treatment of mental health conditions. Small Pharma has a portfolio of clinical-stage DMT-based assets, SPL026 and SPL028. Small Pharma was granted an Innovation Passport designation for SPL026 from the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and has a pipeline of proprietary preclinical assets. Small Pharma is focused on developing short-duration tryptamine-based therapeutics that are scalable, commercially differentiated, and conveniently dosed, with the goal of addressing key unmet needs in the treatment of depression. Small Pharma's lead clinical-stage program, SPL026, a first-generation DMT molecule, has shown proof-of-concept for the potential treatment of MDD. In a Phase 2a study, IV SPL026 demonstrated a rapid and durable antidepressant effect, as well as a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Small Pharma is also advancing SPL028, a second-generation injectable deuterated DMT molecule, in a Phase 1 trial. Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release relating to the Cybin and Small Pharma are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding Cybin's plans to report Phase 2 safety and efficacy data from its CYB003 deuterated psilocybin analog program in late 2023; progression to Phase 3 development of CYB003 in early 2024; the possibility of obtaining FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for CYB003, and the timing for receiving such designation; full data readouts from both companies' Phase 1 deuterated programs, CYB004 and SPL028 in late 2023; anticipated timing of Small Pharma's Phase 1b safety and efficacy data in respect of SPL026; anticipated launch of a Phase 2 efficacy study of dDMT in early 2024; the anticipated timing for the meetings of Cybin and Small Pharma shareholders and closing of the Transaction; the consideration to be received by Small Pharma shareholders; the estimated value of the Transaction; the delisting and removal of the Small Pharma Shares from the TSXV and OTCQB, respectively; the satisfaction of closing conditions to the Transaction, including, without limitation (i) the required Cybin shareholder approval; (ii) the required Small Pharma shareholder approval; (iii) necessary court approval in connection with the plan of arrangement; (iv) the appointment of a Small Pharma nominee to the Cybin Board; (v) Cybin obtaining the necessary approvals from the Cboe Canada and NYSE American for the listing of securities in connection with the Transaction; and (vi) other closing conditions, including, without limitation, obtaining certain consents and other regulatory approvals, as applicable, the operation and performance of the Cybin and Small Pharma businesses in the ordinary course until closing of the Transaction and compliance by Cybin and Small Pharma with various covenants contained in the Agreement; Small Pharma ceasing to be a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories in Canada; and the anticipated benefits of the Transaction to shareholders and the combined company, including corporate operational, and other synergies. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Cybin and Small Pharma at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Cybin and Small Pharma to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: that the Transaction may not be completed on the expected terms or within expected timelines, or at all; the Transaction may not be approved by the Cybin shareholders and/or the Small Pharma shareholders; applicable stock exchange and other regulatory approvals may not be obtained on terms satisfactory to Cybin and Small Pharma, or at all; the combined company may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of, and synergies and savings from, the Transaction; implications of the spread of COVID-19 on the operations of Cybin and Small Pharma; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of Cybin and Small Pharma to successfully achieve their business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Cybin and Small Pharma operate; the risk that the potential product candidates that Cybin and Small Pharma develop may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals or Breakthrough Therapy designation within expected timelines or at all; risks relating to uncertainty regarding the regulatory pathway for Cybin and Small Pharma product candidates; the risk that Cybin and Small Pharma will be unable to successfully market or gain market acceptance of their product candidates; and the risk factors set out Cybin's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2023, are available under Cybin's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and Small Pharma's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended May 31, 2023, which is available on Small Pharma's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Cybin and Small Pharma respectively believes to be reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Neither Cybin nor Small Pharma assumes any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybin's proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, the European Medicines Agency, the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Neither Cybin nor Small Pharma has conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin or Small Pharma verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin or Small Pharma will complete such trials. If Cybin or Small Pharma cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the performance and operations of Cybin or Small Pharma. Neither the Neo Exchange Inc. nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein. Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cybin Investor & Media Contact: Gabriel Fahel Chief Legal Officer Cybin Inc. 1-866-292-4601 irteam@cybin.com - or - media@cybin.com Small Pharma Inc. & Investor Relations: George Tziras Chief Executive Officer Small Pharma Inc. ir@smallpharma.co.uk Small Pharma Media Relations: Jenny Maguire Head of External Affairs Small Pharma Inc. jenny.maguire@smallpharma.co.uk To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178724 Energized by Edison NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / California State University, Dominguez Hills is on a mission - slashing greenhouse gas emissions and emerging as a national energy-efficiency and sustainability leader among urban, minority-serving higher education institutions. The campus in Carson, Calif., a few miles south of Los Angeles, has saved more than 40,000 metric tons of carbon since 2019 by electrifying buildings, adding renewable energy and implementing retrofits supported through Southern California Edison's Clean Energy Optimization Pilot. The emissions reductions earned CSU Dominguez Hills a record rebate of more than $2.4 million for year two of the pilot; the university has received nearly $3.6 million in performance payouts from SCE since 2019. "Sustainability and equitable stewardship of our natural, social and economic resources are part of the university's core values and commitment to reduce our carbon footprint," CSU Dominguez Hills President Thomas A. Parham said at a check presentation ceremony earlier this month. "We welcome the partnership with SCE and these additional resources, which will enable us to continue investing in the green infrastructure our campus community wants and deserves." Incentivized by the Clean Energy Optimization Pilot - paused for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic - the university has lowered GHG emissions by an astounding 50% compared to 2019. "CSU Dominguez Hills is a decarbonization leader," said Lisa Hannaman, SCE senior account manager. "Their accomplishments are a model for other customers - they've been a true partner to SCE, and we commend their commitment to a clean energy future." A crucial part of that leadership has been total buy-in from campus stakeholders for the changes needed to make a difference. CSU Dominguez Hills replaced the gas-fired absorption chillers used to cool water for its air conditioning system with energy-efficient electric versions, added a 4 MW/hour battery, installed rooftop solar panels and upgraded building lighting sensors with smart controls. They also automated the large HVAC economizers that evaluate outside air temperature and humidity levels - and, when conditions are optimal, circulate that air to cool buildings. "With automated economizers, we can shut off the chilled water altogether when outside temps are in the 60s or 70s - that saves a huge amount of energy," CSU Dominguez Hills Energy Manager Kenny Seeton said. "The smart technology also allows us to run Demand Response programs, light and cool only occupied building zones, and do it all from our tablets - and those are just the big steps. We're looking at everything, and the proof is in the utility meter." Last year, Seeton gave SCE President and CEO Steve Powell a first-hand look at the university's major energy efficiency projects. CSU Dominguez Hills' numbers topped the Clean Energy Optimization Pilot rankings. The pilot is a four-year, first-of-its-kind incentive program that gives partnering California State University and University of California campuses performance payments to take sustainable GHG emissions reduction steps. Along with CSU Dominguez Hills, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and five UC campuses and medical centers are pilot participants. The seven institutions together have saved more than 145,000 metric tons of carbon and earned more than $12.8 million in payouts since 2019. "If we let folks know what these universities have achieved through this program, others will follow," state Sen. Steven Bradford said. "My job is to take this back to Sacramento and show my colleagues it works," said Bradford, who attended the ceremony and chairs the Senate Energy Committee in the California Legislature. CSU Dominguez Hills has been recognized nationally and statewide for its energy-saving and sustainability initiatives and has received numerous best practice awards; 77% of the students are from underrepresented groups, and two-thirds are eligible for federal Pell Grants. Urban, minority-serving institutions and underserved communities are often overlooked as sustainability leaders in higher education, according to CSU Dominguez Hills Sustainability Manager Ellie Perry. None of this is lost on Dr. Parham and his team. "We want to be the nation's model urban university," he said. "Most people don't associate clean energy and sustainability with minority communities or institutions - we aim to change that." The emissions reductions earned the university a record rebate of more than $2.4 million for year two of the pilot; the university has received nearly $3.6 million in performance payouts from SCE since 2019. PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of CSU Dominguez Hills View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Edison International Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Edison International View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777709/CSU-Dominguez-Hills-Aims-for-Net-Zero-Carbon-With-SCE-Pilot The flight ZH9065 with 203 passengers on board, which took off from Shenzhen of China, landed in Barcelona of Spain in the morning on August 28, marked the new direct flight has been launched successfully by Shenzhen Airlines. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828849009/en/ Zhou Zhiwei(L6), board member and executive vice president of Shenzhen Airlines, and Hu Aimin(L5), the deputy consul-general of China in Barcelona, welcome the cabin crew and passengers of the debut flight of Shenzhen-Barcelona route in Barcelona on August 28. (Photo: Business Wire) Together with the Barcelona municipality, the general consulate of China in Barcelona, the Air Routes Development Committee in Barcelona (CDRA), Network of airports in Spain (AENA), the Shenzhen airlines and its partner Air China, organized a warm ceremony to welcome the passengers, while the major of Barcelona, the deputy consul-general of China in Barcelona, and dozens of representatives of those organizers attended the event. The round flight connecting Shenzhen and Barcelona is operated by Shenzhen Airlines twice a week, on every Monday and Friday. Flight ZH9066 from Barcelona to Shenzhen departs at 11:30 local time and arrives at 07:00 Beijing time, the return flight ZH9065 departs at 11:30 and arrives at 08:05. The advanced Airbus A330 wide-body passenger aircraft has been invested in this new route, which brings every people a comfortable journey. In addition, passengers taking this flight are provided with cross-city transfers, free transit hotels, express visa process, and other exclusive services. Shenzhen Airlines was established in 1992 in Shenzhen, one of the core cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in China. With 226 passenger aircraft of various types, the fleet of Shenzhen Airlines ranks the fifth in China. Supporting by 15 branches or bases across the whole country, Shenzhen Airlines operates now more than 200 routes, covering the major destinations in China and abroad. Shenzhen is one of the five major airports in China, also an important transportation hub in the Asia-Pacific region, plays an important role for connecting China and the other countries. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and China, and the second anniversary of Barcelona and Shenzhen becoming sister cities. The new route sets up a convenient air bridge between the two cities, which will further promote the cooperation between the two places and even between the two nations in the fields of sci-tech, culture, tourism, and trade. The new route is Shenzhen Airlines' second direct flight from Europe following the first one between London and Shenzhen. Shenzhen Airlines will continue to enrich the route network in near future. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828849009/en/ Contacts: Z. Pan info@xinhuaeurope.com Schuler presents the Press Shop of the Future, live technology demos, and the company's latest equipment innovations in Chicago CANTON, MI / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Schuler North America, subsidiary of Schuler Group GmbH, will bring the Press Shop of the Future to the FABTECH show floor at booth D41306. The show will take place September 11-14 at the McCormick Place, in Chicago, IL. Booth visitors will learn how they can optimize costs, output, and carbon footprint with the help of key technologies that maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and implement digitalization. "Schuler is the market and technology leader for customer-driven innovation and has been serving the metal forming industry for 185 years," states Kevin McAllister, President of Schuler North America. "The Press Shop of the Future goes beyond digital tools; it comprises Schuler technology, service support, and digital solutions to create a fully networked press shop." Technologies on-site include Visual Die Protection (VDP), Schuler Connect, and Machine Applications (Edge-to-Cloud solutions) from Schuler's Digital Suite. VDP is a camera-based system designed to stop presses before damages occur. Schuler's live demo will reveal immediate ROI from VDP's capability to detect foreign objects, inspect processes, and monitor die functions. A live demo of Schuler Connect will showcase remote service and troubleshooting support via smart glasses, smart phone, or tablet. Machine Applications will demonstrate digital press shop planning practices that provide predictive maintenance to avoid efficiency losses and damage risks. Schuler will also present forming technology specific to stamping and cutting, laser blanking, and hydraulic applications. Attendees will discover Schuler's future modular transfer press concept, "Triton." Technologies designed for cost-effective part production will be featured - including the MechNEXT, ServoNEXT, and ServoMAX press lines and automatic racking systems. Schuler's die-free laser blanking lines with DynamicFlow Technology (DFT), crownless TwinServo Technology (TST) presses, and press lines for producing electrical sheets for motors along with cylindrical and prismatic battery housings will also be represented on-site. Schuler North America has the largest local OEM service support and will provide more information about lifecycle services to attendees. Schuler's service capabilities include value-add predictive maintenance, remote service, and spare parts via Service Agreements as well as modernizations, retrofits, upgrades, smart inspections, and more - even for non-Schuler brands. Tiago Vasconcellos, Director of Sales, Automotive and Industry, will present, "How Smart is Your Press Shop?" on September 13 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, room S501bc. The presentation will use The Smart Press Shop, a newly formed joint venture between Porsche and Schuler, as an exemplary case study. Attendees will discover innovative and practical ways to incorporate digitalization into production and become a state-of-the-art stamping facility directly from Schuler. Website Schuler's Digital Suite Schuler North America Attachments Schuler Connect provides remote service and troubleshooting support with Schuler experts via smart glasses, smart phone, or tablet. Schuler's Visual Die Protection (VDP) is a camera-based system designed to stop presses before damages or failures occur. Attendees will discover Schuler's future modular press concept, "Triton." The MechNEXT, ServoNEXT, and ServoMAX press lines, designed for cost-effective part production, will also be featured. Schuler will present die-free laser blanking technology that can achieve up to 45 parts per minute and reduce costs per blank. ### About Schuler Group-www.schulergroup.com Schuler offers customized cutting-edge technology in all areas of forming-from the networked press to press shop planning. In addition to presses, Schuler's products include automation, dies, process know-how, and service for the entire metalworking industry. Schuler's Digital Suite brings together solutions for networking forming technology and is continuously being developed to further improve line productivity and availability. Schuler customers include automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as companies in the forging, household appliance, and electrical industries. Schuler presses are minting coins for more than 180 countries. Founded in 1839 at the Goppingen, Germany headquarters, Schuler has approximately 5,000 employees at production sites in Europe, China and the Americas, as well as service companies in more than 40 countries. The company is part of the international technology group ANDRITZ. Schuler's global portfolio of world-renowned brands include BCN (Bliss Clearing Niagara) Technical Services, Muller Weingarten, Beutler, Umformtechnik Erfurt, SMG Pressen, Hydrap Pressen, Wilkins & Mitchell, Beche, Spiertz Presses, Farina Presse, Liebergeld, Peltzer & Ehlers, Schleicher, and Sovema Group. About Schuler North America-www.schulergroup.com Schuler North America (Schuler), headquartered in Canton, Michigan, is the North American subsidiary of Schuler Group. Schuler provides new equipment, spare parts, and a portfolio of lifecycle services for all press systems-including preventative maintenance, press shop design and optimization, turnkey installations, retrofits for existing systems, and localized production and service. Schuler's best-in-class position in the metalworking and materials industry serves automotive manufacturers and tier suppliers, as well as home appliance, electronics, forging, and other industries. Contact: Jaime Israel Marketing & Communications Manager E: jaime.israel@schulergroup.com C: +1 734-865-0133 www.schulergroup.com SOURCE: Schuler Incorporated Canton View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/777627/The-Press-Shop-of-the-Future-Comes-to-FABTECH Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Jubilee Gold Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: JUB) (the "Corporation") announces the following appointments effective August 21, 2023: Maureen L. Friesen has been appointed as a director of the Corporation to fill a vacancy on the Corporation's board of directors (the " Board ") resulting from the resignation of Michael Burke as a director. Ms. Friesen, who has previously served on the board of directors of a predecessor corporation of the Corporation, is a Notary Public in British Columbia, appointed by The Supreme Court of British Columbia on June 10, 1988 and has been in full time practice since July 1, 1989. Ms. Friesen is also an active real estate investor. ") resulting from the resignation of Michael Burke as a director. Ms. Friesen, who has previously served on the board of directors of a predecessor corporation of the Corporation, is a Notary Public in British Columbia, appointed by The Supreme Court of British Columbia on June 10, 1988 and has been in full time practice since July 1, 1989. Ms. Friesen is also an active real estate investor. Ms. Friesen has also been appointed as a member of the audit committee of the Board, which consequently comprises Maureen L. Friesen, Grant Ohman and Warren Becker. Warren Becker, who currently serves as interim CEO of the Corporation, has also been appointed as interim President and Secretary and Chair of the Board. For further information contact: Name: Warren Becker, Interim Chief Executive Officer Office: 416-436-4348 Email: warbecks@gmail.com This news release contains forward-looking statements, which address future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which reflect the current expectations of management of the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the news release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions and the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. # # # To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178716 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTC Pink: AAIRF) ("Aires" or the "Company"), a leader in scientifically-proven EMF modulation technology, announces a Partnership Agreement with HUCK Project LLC (HUCK), whereby HUCK becomes the Company's non-exclusive global retail-only distribution partner. This partnership agreement bears a two-fold rationale. Firstly, management believes that this outsourcing strategically positions the Company as a pure biotechnology firm. With HUCK committing its resources to retail operations, the Company plans to focus on R&D, new product development and engaging into larger and more lucrative Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) deals. This new focus and royalty-based revenues are anticipated to re-shape the Company's operations and investor perception, improving the Company's valuation as it transforms from a working-capital heavy consumer product firm into an R&D-heavy entity with its business core rooted in deep technological and scientific expertise protected by patents. Secondly, by outsourcing retail operations to HUCK, the Company transfers the inventory financing burden over to HUCK, a US-based entity which is better positioned to source financing options to support the growing inventory investments. The partnership agreement is largely an extension of the working relationships already established between the Company and HUCK as it has been managing day-to-day operations of the Company's Shopify store and overseeing the entire sales, marketing and advertising functions since 2021. The agreement also gives complete flexibility over partnership economics to the Company through a set of two royalties, both to be set monthly by the Company. All of the Intellectual Property, Trademarks and Patents, including the Shopify store remain with the Company. Key points of the agreement: The Company shall grant to HUCK a non-exclusive, sublicensable licence to make, use, advertise, sell, promote, manufacture, the Intellectual Property, and to offer the Retail E-Commerce Services, worldwide. HUCK shall acquire from the Company all inventory of the Company (including current, in-transit and pending inventory) for the sum of C$684,038. HUCK shall maintain sufficient inventory to ensure the ongoing operation of the Company's store in a commercially reasonable manner. The Company to permit HUCK to submit orders directly to UAB Technano for the manufacture of Lifetune-branded products. HUCK shall pay to the Company a monthly royalty rate. The Net Royalty shall comprise a cash royalty portion and a special royalty portion as negotiated by the Parties. Josh Bruni commented: "Today marks a pivotal moment in our company's evolution. As we refocus our energies towards expanding our technological frontiers and unlocking the vast potential of our patented innovations, I am filled with optimism and excitement. Entrusting our esteemed retail partner with our consumer product line ensures that it will continue to flourish and serve our loyal customers. This strategic shift amplifies our commitment to R&D, the enrichment of our intellectual property, and the deepening of our scientific research endeavors. We're not just embracing change; we're paving the way for unprecedented opportunities in larger markets, solidifying our position as industry trailblazers." Drew Green, Chairman of American Aires Inc., said: "This strategic evolution not only exemplifies our adaptability but underscores our vision for a future teeming with possibility. I stand wholeheartedly behind the Aires team's direction, confident that our collective endeavors will lead to unparalleled growth and value for our stakeholders." The agreement with HUCK is considered a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") given that HUCK is owned entirely by Josh Bruni, Aires' CEO and director. This transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the inventory sold to HUCK nor the consideration provided therefor exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization as of the time that the agreement was entered into. About HUCK Project LLC HUCK Project LLC is a US-based digital marketing and advertising consulting and execution group. The Company engaged HUCK in 2021 to devise the plan for and execute on brand development and sales growth initiatives. About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company committed to enhancing well-being and environmental safety through science-led innovation, education, and advocacy. The company has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Aires' Lifetune products target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi, including the more powerful and rapidly expanding high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under the ticker 'WIFI' and on the OTC QB under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at www.airestech.com . On behalf of the board of directors Company Contact: Josh Bruni, CEO Website: www.airestech.com Email: wifi@airestech.com Telephone: (415) 707-0102 Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding HUCK's ability to source financing options, management's beliefs regarding strategic positioning, the effects of the partnership with HUCK on the business and valuation of the Company, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178758 Digital Silk, a highly acclaimed branding agency in California, is revolutionizing the way businesses of all sizes achieve remarkable growth and success through their innovative branding solutions. With an exceptional team of award-winning brand designers and expert strategists, Digital Silk specializes in positioning brands for unprecedented success in the digital age. Digital Silk offers a comprehensive range of services meticulously designed to elevate a brands presence and maximize its untapped potential. Their extensive portfolio includes brand strategy development, creation of brand books and style guides, custom logo design, brand activation and management, brand naming, brand architecture, brand package design, professional rebranding services, and brand marketing. With such diverse expertise, Digital Silk has emerged as a versatile partner for businesses operating in the B2C, B2B, and e-commerce sectors. What truly sets Digital Silk apart is their unwavering dedication to collaborative partnerships. They invest a significant amount of time in understanding their clients unique objectives and challenges, allowing them to develop tailored tactics that promote organic growth. Digital Silk has successfully collaborated with a wide range of industries, including real estate, hotels, restaurants, law firms, tech companies, and healthcare providers, bolstering their profound understanding of the branding requirements specific to each sector. Digital Silks stellar success is exemplified through their recent collaborations. One noteworthy partnership was forged with CrawlSF, a vibrant community space that serves as a catalyst for San Franciscos events and bar scenes. By providing comprehensive brand strategy services, encompassing brand positioning, messaging, and value solutions, Digital Silk contributed significantly to the impressive growth of CrawlSF. Another resounding achievement was Digital Silks collaboration with Hyundai AutoEver America. Employing their extensive expertise, Digital Silk developed an exceptional employer branding strategy that positioned Hyundai AutoEver as the preferred employer within the automotive industry. Through heightened brand engagement and consistent communication, Digital Silk enabled Hyundai AutoEver to establish a powerful people-first brand image, bolstering its reputation among potential employees. Furthermore, Digital Silk enhanced the online presence of Dunnion Law, a reputable personal injury law firm, through their expertise in website design and development. In addition to creating an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly website, Digital Silks branding experts executed an impeccable brand messaging strategy, ensuring that the firm effectively reached its target audience and optimized their digital experience. Digital Silks unique combination of localization expertise and international experience makes them the preferred choice for businesses not only in California but also across various regions. Their branding specialists diligently craft steadfast strategies and captivating designs, resulting in heightened brand awareness, enhanced credibility, and increased conversions. To explore the unparalleled solutions Digital Silk offers, including a free, custom consultation, you can reach out to their esteemed team at (800) 206-9413 or simply fill out the Request a Quote form on their user-friendly website. About Digital Silk: Digital Silk stands proudly as a top-rated branding agency based in California. Their acclaimed team of award-winning brand designers and expert strategists specializes in positioning brands for unprecedented growth and success. With an unwavering focus on delivering exemplary results, Digital Silk offers a comprehensive range of services, including brand strategy, custom logo design, brand activation and management, brand naming, and brand marketing. Their extensive experience allows Digital Silk to seamlessly cater to businesses of all sizes, from emerging startups to well-established enterprises, delivering targeted solutions that effectively elevate brand presence and maximize potential. Mendoza Ventures, a Boston, MA and San Francisco, CA-based female and latinx-founded venture capital firm, launched Mendoza Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the diverse founder funding gap. Led by newly appointed Executive Director Jen Hartnett-Bullen, who will build and drive programming, fundraising efforts, and build community across the startup ecosystem, Mendoza Impact aims to help fund and build diverse founders, funders, and VC/PE fund employees. The nonprofit will use philanthropic dollars to invest in, and build curriculum for, and establish micro-communities of diverse founders, funders and fellows. It builds cohorts of talented individuals to create micro-communities of innovation across the US. The inaugural diverse founder cohort includes Latino-led Straylight Systems, Black-led Goodfynd, Latina-led Wealthbuild, and Female-led EKOS.AI. Run by Adrian and Senofer Mendoza, Mendoza Ventures is a fintech, AI, and cybersecurity venture firm that focuses on diversity playing an important role in their investment decisions. FinSMEs 28/08/2023 Zepto, a Mumbai, India-based grocery delivery company, reportedly raised $200M in Series E funding, at a post-money valuation of $1.4 Billion. The round was led by StepStone Group, with participation from Goodwater Capital and earlier backers Glade Brook Capital, investor Lachy Groom and Nexus Venture Partners. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto delivers 5000+ products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, daily cooking essentials, dairy, health-and-hygiene products, etc., to Indian homes through tech capabilities, and a network of optimized delivery centers across its 10 locations, and 1000+ employees. The company has also introduced a cafe offering that allows customers to order Coffee, Chai, and other Cafe items, along with their groceries. FinSMEs 28/08/2023 India took a giant leap on 23 August when Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the south pole of the Moon. Not only is India now the first to explore the unchartered terrain of the lunar surface, but also the fourth to ever achieve a soft-landing on it. And just days after landing, the Chandrayaan-3 mooncraft, consisting of its lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyaan, are hard at work, relaying information and data back to ISRO headquarters down on earth. ISRO Chairman, S Somnath, also told the media that all was well with the mission which will last for the next 14 days. Everything is working very well. Chandrayaan-3, the lander, the rover is very healthy and all the five instruments on board have been switched on. And its giving beautiful data now, said S Somnath. We are hoping that in the days to come next another 10 more days remaining before 3 September, we should be able to complete all the experiments with its full capability of various modes. There are different modes for which it has to be tested So we have the best picture ever of the Moon, he added. We take a closer look at all that the Chandrayaan-3 mission has achieved so far after its Moon landing and the significance of it. Surviving craters Days after landing on the Moon, Chandrayaan-3s rover, Pragyan, has been set on a new path, said ISRO on Monday. The change in route came after the rover came face-to-face with a four-metre crater. ISRO said on X that rover had spotted the crater a safe three metres from the edge and had been directed to a safer path. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: On August 27, 2023, the Rover came across a 4-meter diameter crater positioned 3 meters ahead of its location. The Rover was commanded to retrace the path. Its now safely heading on a new path.#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 pic.twitter.com/QfOmqDYvSF ISRO (@isro) August 28, 2023 This news comes days after the space agency said on Sunday that Pragyan had survived its first obstacle a lunar crater that is 100 mm (10 cm) deep. Speaking to the Times of India, Chandrayaan-3 project director P Veeramuthuvel said, We were very anxious about the first crater, but that obstacle has been overcome. This is significant as it shows that the lunar surface is highly uneven. ISROs Veeramuthuvel has further explained that the rover operations are not fully autonomous. Pragyans movements face numerous challenges that require the involvement of ground teams to overcome them one by one. Temperatures of lunar soil On Sunday, data from the Vikram landers Chandras Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload was also released, which gave scientists an insight into temperatures on the lunar surface. In a post, ISRO explained that ChaSTE measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the Moons surface. The space agency explained that the payload has a probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism that can reach 10 cm beneath the surface. It also shared the graph on the temperature variations on the lunar surface and the near-surface at various depths. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander. ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd ISRO (@isro) August 27, 2023 In the graph, the temperatures range from -10 degree Celsius to 60 degree Celsius. The surface temperature is around 50 degree Celsius, and 8 cm down, the temperature is minus 10 as shown in the graph. This information gives a clearer picture of how the temperature changes beneath the Moons surface. Scientists said a high of 70-degree Celsius temperature near the surface was not expected. We all believed that the temperature could be somewhere around 20-degree to 30-degrees Celsius on the surface but it is 70-degrees Celsius. This is surprisingly higher than what we had expected, ISRO scientist BH Darukesha told news agency PTI. Catch our full coverage on Chandrayaan-3 mission here Over the Moon: Meet the team behind Indias Chandrayaan-3 How Indias Moon mission will be a game-changer for the economy What will the lander and rover do after landing on Moon? How Chandrayaan-3 has left an imprint of the national emblem on the Moon Chandrayaan-3 costs lesser than big films: How India keeps its space missions frugal Shiv Shakti, Jawahar Sthal: How are spots on the Moon named? The scientist further explained that on earth when drilling takes place a few centimetres below the surface, temperature variations are low around two to three degrees Celsius, unlike what they have discovered on the Moon. The temperature findings also reveal that the lunar soil is a bad conductor of heat. These initial observations will provide insights into how the lunar surface responds to temperature variations, thereby aiding in understanding the processes that shaped the Moons terrain over millions of years. Lights, camera, action! Just a day after Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed on the Moon, work began in earnest and the space agency shared images of the pockmarked surface near the lunar south pole. The first set of four images were taken by the landers Horizontal Velocity Camera as it was nearing the surface of the Moon. An additional image from the Landing Imager Camera, shared a little later, shows a glimpse of the landing site, including a portion of the spacecraft's landing leg and its shadow. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The image captured by the Landing Imager Camera after the landing. It shows a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. Seen also is a leg and its accompanying shadow. Chandrayaan-3 chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface pic.twitter.com/xi7RVz5UvW ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023 Commenting on the images, S Somanath said on Sunday that India has the best picture of the Moon. They are precious commodities and they are not available anywhere in the world. Nobody has such close-proximity photos. They will all come but a little later because they all have to come to our computer centre, he said. Fate of Chandrayaan-3 As of now, the mission life of Chandrayaan-3s lander Vikram and rover Pragyan is one lunar day, which is equal to 14 days on the Earth. ISROs chairman explained why this was the case. Speaking to the media, he explained that as long as the sun shines, all the systems will have its power. The moment the sun sets, everything will be in pitch darkness, temperature will go as down as low as minus 180 degree Celsius. So it is not possible for the systems to survive. Upon the completion of the lunar mission, neither the lunar module containing Vikram and Pragyan, nor the propulsion module will find their way back to Earth. They will continue to reside on the Moon only. With inputs from agencies The killing of three Black people in Florida at the hands of a white, 21-year-old shooter has once again shone the spotlight on a familiar problem in the United States white supremacy. President Joe Biden, who has labelled white supremacy as poison and called on Americans to reject it throughout his term, denounced it as having no place in America on Sunday. We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the colour of their skin. Ironically, the shooting in Floridas Jacksonville came on the same day that thousands converged on the National Mall for the 60th anniversary of the Reverand Martin Luther King Jr.s historic March on Washington. But how worrying is the problem of white supremacy in the United States? Lets take a closer look: What happened? The latest in a long history of American racist killings unfolded early Saturday afternoon after Palmeter first parked at Edward Waters University. The sheriff said a video posted on TikTok with no timestamp showed Palmeter donning a bullet-resistant vest. A university security guard spotted Palmeter and parked near him. Palmeter drove off and the security guard flagged down a Jacksonville sheriffs officer who was about to send out an alert to other officers when the shooting began at the store. Palmeter used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and a Glock handgun in the shooting, Waters said. He had legally purchased the guns in recent months even though he had been involuntarily committed for a mental health examination in 2017. Because Palmeter was released after the examination, that would have not shown up on his background checks. Palmeter killed himself as police arrived, about 11 minutes after the shooting began. Palmeter lived with his parents in neighboring Clay County. He texted his father during the shooting and told him to break into his room, Waters said. The father then found a suicide note, a will and the racist writings Waters described as quite frankly, the diary of a madman. He was just completely irrational, Waters said. But with irrational thoughts, he knew what he was doing. He was 100% lucid. Domestic extremists double mass killings since 2010 According to The Economist, mass killings by domestic extremists were extremely rare from the 1970s to the early 2000s. However, since 2010, something irrevocably changed. Of the 46 ideologically inspired mass killings since 1970, well over half of such incidents (57 per cent) have occurred since that year. The piece in The Economist noted that far-right extremists comprise the bulk of the perpetrators, while violence by left-wing and Islamist extremists has decreased significantly. It also pointed out that most attacks are of the lone wolf variety. These are especially hard for law enforcement to trace and monitor. It is more difficult to prevent attacks by loners than it was to thwart the plans of the more organised right-wing groups and militias that were active in the 1980s and 1990s, the piece noted. These past few years have seen white supremacy on the rise yet again in recent years a fact which has alarmed human rights groups. According to the Anti-Defamation League, over 80 per cent of mass murders in the United States are committed by white supremacists. The advocacy group labeled 25 murders in 2022 as extremist-related, with 18 of those committed in whole or part for ideological motives. Two mass shootings one in May in Buffalo, New York, wherein an avowed white supremacist fatally shot 10 Black people, and another in November in Colorado Springs wherein five people were killed in an LGBTQ nightclub accounted for most of the extremist-related murders of 2022, the ADL report showed. White supremacists commit the highest number of domestic extremist-related murders in most years, but in 2022 the percentage was unusually high: 21 of the 25 murders were linked to white supremacists, according to the ADL report. All the extremist-related murders in 2022 were committed by right-wing extremists of various kinds, the ADL report said. ADLs Center on Extremism reported an overall decrease from 2021 when 33 extremist-related killings were documented. ADL had documented 22 extremist-related killings in 2020. FBI director Christopher Wray in 2020 told Congress that white supremacists and anti-government extremists have been responsible for most of the recent deadly attacks within the US. What do experts say? Some, like the Anti-Defamation League, argue that the election of Barack Obama as President of The United States in 2008 initially inflamed white supremacists. As one might suspect, the election results made white supremacists very angry and helped increase their willingness to engage in violent acts, the league noted in a previous report. However, there was also some good news with the bad. The stated that Obamas election as president did not seemingly result in a flood of new white supremacist recruits. The result was that, like the anti-government extremists, white supremacists increased their proclivity for violence but, unlike the anti-government extremists, they did not grow in numbers, the piece noted. Others contend that the rise of Donald Trump and his long history of winking at the far-right has emboldened white extremists is to blame. Recall that the issue of white supremacy returned to the headlines late last year when the former president hosted white supremacist Nick Fuentes at his private club in Florida. Trump said the encounter with Fuentes happened inadvertently while he was having dinner with Ye, the musician formerly known as Kanye West. But it is to be noted that Trump has a long history of winking at far-right extremists. Trump in 2016, when running for president, refused to disavow David Duke of the Klu Klux Klan in an interview with CNN. Just so you understand, I dont know anything about David Duke, OK? Trump said. I dont know anything about what youre even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacists, Trump said after repeatedly being asked to disavow Duke. So I dont know. I dont know did he endorse me, or whats going on? Because I know nothing about David Duke; I know nothing about white supremacists. In 2017, Trump, then president, said there were very fine people, on both sides at the white nationalist march in the Virginia college town of Charlottesville. The incident saw a violent fracas break out at the rally attended by members of organised neo-Nazi and so-called alt-right groups protesting the removal of a Confederate statue. One counter-protester was killed when a suspected Nazi sympathiser drove a car into a crowd. When then House Speaker Paul Ryan condemned Trumps remarks, the then president furiously hit back. These people love me. These are my people, Trump told Ryan according to Huff Post. I cant backstab the people who support me. At a September 2020 presidential debate with Biden, Trump refused to denounce the white supremacist group the Proud Boys. Trump, responding to a question from debate moderator Chris Wallace, who asked the president if he would condemn white supremacist and militia groups that have shown up at some protests, claimed that violence was a left-wing problem. Trump then told the Proud Boys to stand back and stand by which left some members of the extremist group celebrating what they saw as tacit approval. A piece in Vox, noting that Trumps recent dinner with Fuentes came just days after he announced his bid for the presidency, argued that it should dispel any doubts about where Trump stands with regard to white extremists. The piece also noted that Trump issued a statement saying he didnt know who Fuentes is but only after he was advised that being linked with him is political suicide. What Trump has not done is make overt calls for a white nation. But his associations and statements align with white extremists and their goals. They have for some time, and his meeting with Ye and Fuentes only represents a continuation of that trend, the piece concluded. Others say the US has much ground to cover. Arndrea Waters King, the president of progressive thinktank Drum Major Institute and the wife of Martin Luther King III, told CNN. Yesterday, the same day when we had almost 200,000 people gathering together to stand for democracy in our country, we saw what happens with hate. And for a lot of people that question of why are we coming back together and how different are things from 1963, it unfortunately gave the demonstration of the work and why we are, and where we are, in 2023 compared to 1963, which is not far at all. Biden in December, he established an inter-agency group to coordinate efforts to counter antisemitism, Islamophobia and related forms of bias and discrimination. With inputs from agencies It is the biggest event India is hosting this year. The G20 Summit on 9 September and 10 September will see 40 heads of countries and global organisations descend upon Delhi. The National Capital is bracing for it all. It is the biggest event India is hosting this year. The G20 Summit on 9 September and 10 September will see 40 heads of countries and global organisations descend upon Delhi. The National Capital is bracing for it all. The leaders will arrive from across the world in VVIP aircraft and will land at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and the Indian Air Force base in Palam. More than 50 such planes are expected to fly into the country but does Delhi have enough space to accommodate them? Turns out it doesnt. No space for VVIP aircraft at Delhi airports The matter came up for discussion at a recent coordination meeting chaired by the chief of protocol from the Ministry of External Affairs. While about 50 special aircraft would be landing in Delhi carrying world leaders, 13 heads of state will come in commercial fights. However, the Capitals two airports have a parking space for only 40 planes. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said that the aircraft would be parked in Bay-1 and Bay-3, which are very close to the ceremonial lounge, sources told The Indian Express. Parking space has been identified at the IGI Airport, Terminal-1 and cargo terminal. Eighteen aircraft will be accommodated at the Palam base, the newspaper reported. A suggestion to shut one of the runways of IGI and use it as a parking space was made at the meeting attended by officials from the home ministry, Air Force, DIAL, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Intelligence Bureau and Customs. However, DIAL authorities emhphasised that all runways would be needed for landings during the summit. Shutting one would increase the taxiing time, sources told The Indian Express. G20 with Firstpost: The complete coverage Nearby airports to meet parking requirements The shortage of space prompted officials to identify four other airports where VVIP aircraft can be parked. These include airports in the nearby cities of Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow and Amritsar. IGI Airport is the countrys largest and is estimated to have 200 parking slots. However, several of these are occupied by planes that are grounded because of engine-related issues and other problems. Approximately 70 to 80 aircraft are currently parked at the Delhi airport due to various reasons such as engine replacements, and technical issues among others, a government official told news agency ANI. The civil aviation ministry has been in talks with stakeholders to relocate these planes. Fifty-four aircraft of Indigo and GoAir have been grounded for months awaiting Pratt & Whitneys (PW) replacement engines, creating a difficult parking situation, reports The Times of India (ToI). At least 10 to 12 IndiGos planes were sent out of Delhi. PW is aware of the national importance of the leaders summit, which is the culmination of the year-long G20 events in India, and will definitely supply some engines so that the required numbers of parking bays at Delhi airport are cleared up, sources told ToI earlier in the month. However, a recent report by the publication says that the replacement of Pratt engines was nowhere in sight. Also read: Why G20 is leaving Delhi with a shortage of luxury cars Cancellation of domestic flights For the common man, flying in and out of the Capital might be difficult. The government has directed commercial airlines to cut 20 to 25 per cent of flights. This would reportedly clear up some more parking space. DIAL has received requests to cancel 80 domestic arrivals and as many departures between 8 September to 11 September. Around 700 commercial flights might be cancelled during the period. However, authorities at Delhi airport say that the cancellation is not linked with the parking of aircraft. Decision on cancellations of flights has been taken by airlines possibly in light of traffic restrictions due to the G20 summit, DIAL said in a statement. Delhi Airport is fully equipped with ample parking space for aircraft. So far, we have received requests for cancellation of about 80 departing and 80 arriving domestic flights over three days, which is a mere 6% of the normal domestic operations at Delhi Aiport, the statement read. Authorities say that no international flights will be affected. The restrictions will not cause any impact on international flights, the statement said, adding that DIAL was working closely with airlines to minimise any inconvenience caused to passengers. Shutting down Delhi Meanwhile, all central government offices, banks and financial institutions in New Delhi will be closed from 8 September to 10 September. All educational institutions and private offices across the city will remain closed. Markets like Connaught Place, Khan Market, Malcha Marg, Shankar Market, Janpath, Mohan Singh Place, and Palika Bazar will not be open. Restaurants, malls and other establishments will be closed to the public. Essential services in the New Delhi police district, including hospitals, medical stores and milk booths, shall remain open. With inputs from agencies In a piece of positive news from the skies, a miracle recovery was made by a two-year-old toddler who stopped breathing mid-flight on a Bangalore to Delhi Vistara flight after receiving emergency medical care from a group of five doctors who were also on the trip. The incident took place onboard a Vistara Airline flight UK-814 carrying five senior resident doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on their way back to Delhi from the Indian Society for Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR) on Sunday. The cases specifics, as well as pictures of the baby and the doctors, were posted by AIIMS Delhi in a post on X (previously Twitter). Also read: Explained: Why directives to Indian doctors to prescribe generic medications have been put on hold How doctors saved the child? A distress call was made on the plane after the child stopped breathing, and the plane was then diverted to Nagpur. It was a two-year-old cyanotic female child who was operated outside for intracardiac repair, was unconscious and cyanosed, AIIMS Delhi wrote. Upon examining the infant after hearing the distress call, the flights medical staff discovered that her pulse was absent, extremities were cold, and the child was not breathing with cyanosed lips and fingers. #Always available #AIIMSParivar While returning from ISVIR- on board Bangalore to Delhi flight today evening, in Vistara Airline flight UK-814- A distress call was announced It was a 2 year old cyanotic female child who was operated outside for intracardiac repair , was pic.twitter.com/crDwb1MsFM AIIMS, New Delhi (@aiims_newdelhi) August 27, 2023 Using skilful work and proactive team management, immediate CPR was performed on the infant while they were still in the air. Successfully IV canulla was placed, the oropharyngeal airway was put and emergency response was initiated by the whole team of residents on board and the baby for brought to ROSC the return of circulation. It was complicated by another cardiac arrest for which an AED was used, the post read. The infant was resuscitated for 45 minutes as the plane was diverted to Nagpur, where she was handed over to the paediatrician while still having a stable hemodynamic condition. The child was saved by Dr Navdeep Kaur (SR Anaesthesia), Dr Damandeep Singh (SR Cardiac Radiology), Dr Rishab Jain (Ex-SR AIIMS Radiology), Dr Oishika (SR OBG), and Dr Avichala Taxak (SR Cardiac Radiology). Also read: Why junior doctors in UK are on longest-ever strike in NHS history Similar incident Last year in September, a nurse was being hailed for saving a three-month-old baby who had stopped breathing during a flight from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Orlando, Florida. According to Fox affiliate WOFL of Orlando, Baby Anjele experienced a medical emergency about 30 minutes after takeoff. The nurse, identified as Tamara Panzino, was on Spirit Airlines Flight 1691. On my flight back from Pittsburgh to Orlando, a baby stopped breathing three rows ahead of me. Thankfully a nurse (Tamara Panzino) was able to get the baby to breathe again. (1) pic.twitter.com/6oDgFCG7FS Ian Cassette FOX 35 (@iancassette_wx) September 9, 2022 She acted swiftly and began massaging the infants legs and chest. After a short while, the infant resumed breathing. Ian Cassette, the stations meteorologist, was on board and saw what happened. The news station quoted Panzino, a nurse of more than 20 years, as saying that she felt really good about being of assistance. Also read: Scientists find a bacteria that can eat methane. But can it curb global heating? With inputs from agencies The Taliban government in Afghanistan is at it again. The latest curb it has imposed on women is a ban from one of its most popular national parks a move rights groups have roundly condemned. The Taliban government had accused women visitors at the Band-e-Amir park of failing to adhere to the correct way of wearing the hijab. But this is old hat for the Taliban. Despite initially promising a more moderate rule respecting rights for womens and minorities, the Taliban has widely implemented their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia since returning to power in August 2021, the government has made a number of moves to supress womens rights. Lets take a closer look at all the ways the government has supressed womens rights: Ban from Band-e-Amir The Taliban governments morality ministry closed the Band-e-Amir national park to women over the weekend, claiming female visitors were failing to cover up with proper Islamic dress. The Band-e-Amir park, 175 kilometers west of Kabul, is renowned for its striking blue lakes surrounded by sweeping cliffs. A major tourist attraction in Bamiyan, it became the countrys first national park in 2009 and pulls in thousands of visitors every year. It is a major source of income for locals and their sightseeing, restaurant, hotel and handicraft businesses. The Bamyan province park is a hugely popular spot for domestic tourism and is regularly swarmed with Afghans relaxing at the shore or paddling the waters in rented boats. The move came a week after Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Mohammad Khalid Hanafi visited the province. Hanafi told officials and religious clerics that women havent been adhering to the correct way of wearing the hijab, asking security personnel to stop women from visiting the tourist hotspot. Going sightseeing is not a must for women, Hanafi said at the time. We must take action from today. We must prevent the non-observance of hijab, he added. Ministry spokesman Molvi Mohammad Sadiq Akif shared a report of Hanafis remarks late Saturday night, including the use of security forces, clerics and elders to carry out Hanafis order. A recording of the ministers speech in Bamiyan, aligning with Akifs report, was shared on social media. Akif was not immediately available for comment on Sunday. Ministry spokesman Akef Muhajir said local religious leaders requested the temporary closure because women from outside the province were not observing the hijab dress code. Human Rights Watchs Associate Womens Rights Director Heather Barr called the decision to ban women cruel in a very intentional way. Not content with depriving girls and women of education, employment, and free movement, the Taliban also want to take from them parks and sport and now even nature, as we see from this latest ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir, Barr added. Step by step the walls are closing in on women as every home becomes a prison. Stopping girls from school beyond Class 6 The Taliban had initially stopped girls from attending school beyond Class 6. As per NDTV, the Taliban has taken it even one step further in some places barring girls over age 10 from attending school. The outlet quoted sources as telling BBC Persian the Taliban in Ghazni province as informing education officials that girls over 10 years old are not allowed to study in primary schools. The report further noted that girls schools heads were requested to send female students studying beyond Class 3 home. We were told that girls who are tall and over 10 years old are not allowed to enter the school, one student told BBC. Ban on women in universities The Taliban in December 2022 banned female students from attending universities. A letter shared by the spokesman for the Ministry of Higher Education, Ziaullah Hashmi, told private and public universities to implement the ban as soon as possible and to inform the ministry once the ban is in place. Afghanistans higher education minister, Nida Mohammed Nadim, said at the time the university ban was necessary to prevent the mixing of genders and because he believed some subjects being taught violated the principles of Islam. He said the ban, issued from the southern city of Kandahar by the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was in place until further notice. Meena, 52, a lecturer in Afghanistan, told The Guardian, My female students are distraught and I dont know how to console them. One of them moved to Kabul from a remote province, overcoming so many hardships, because she got into a prestigious university here. All her hopes and dreams were crushed today. Meena was old enough to recall the last time the Taliban ruled Afghanistan. I lost many years of my education last time they were in power. And the day the Taliban took over Kabul, I knew that they would ban the girls from university. They may seem like a changed group with their smartphones, social media accounts and nice cars, but they are the same Taliban that denied me the education and are now killing the future of my students, she told the newspaper. I cant fulfill my dreams, my hopes. Everything is disappearing before my eyes and I cant do anything about it, said a third-year journalism and communication student at Nangarhar University. She did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. Is being a girl a crime? If thats the case, I wish I wasnt a girl, she added. My father had dreams for me, that his daughter would become a talented journalist in the future. That is now destroyed. So, you tell me, how will a person feel in this situation? She added that she had not lost all hope yet. God willing, I will continue my studies in any way. Im starting online studies. And, if it doesnt work, I will have to leave the country and go to another country, she said. I have nothing to say. Not only me but all my friends have no words to express our feelings, Madina, an 18-year-old told the newspaper. Everyone is thinking about the unknown future ahead of them. They buried our dreams. Human Rights Watch had at the time criticised the decision and called the move a shameful decision that makes clear the Talibans lack of respect for the fundamental rights of Afghans. The foreign ministers of the G7 group Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US, and the European Union also warned the Taliban, calling it a move against humanity. Major Muslim countries including Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan also urged the Talibans government to reconsider their decision. In August, an adviser at the Higher Education Ministry, Molvi Abdul Jabbar, said universities were ready to readmit female students as soon as Akhundzada gives the order for the ban to be lifted. He was unable to say when or if that would happen. Akhundzada ordered that the universities be closed, so they closed, he said. When he says they are open, they will open the same day. All our leaders are in favour of (restarting girls education), even our ministers are in favour of it. Jabbar said he last met Akhundzada seven or eight years ago. He fought alongside him against the Russians during the 10-year Soviet war in Afghanistan and has been part of the Taliban for 27 years. It is only because of our obedience (to Akhundzada) that we are following his orders, he said. Minister Nadim had presented the ban as a temporary measure while solutions were found to fix issues around gender segregation, course material and dress codes. He said universities would reopen for women once they were resolved. The Taliban made similar promises about high school access for girls, saying classes would resume for them once technical issues around uniforms and transport were sorted out, but girls are still shut out of classrooms. No scholarships abroad Denied access to university, some students had hoped that attaining a scholarship abroad would be a means of salvation or escape. After the Taliban shut universities for women, my only hope was to get a scholarship which would help me study abroad, Natkai, a 20-year-old Afghan student told BBC. But the Taliban have cut off that route as well. When the Taliban officials saw our tickets and student visas, they said girls are not allowed to leave Afghanistan on student visas, Natkai said. Natkai was one of 60 women stopped at the airport from leaving the country. Shams Ahmad, who had taken his sister to the airport, said, The scholarship gave new hope to my sister after the universities were closed here. She left home with hope and returned in tears. All her rights have been taken away. Beauty salons banned The Taliban in June banned all beauty salons in Afghanistan. The Taliban listed a series of services offered by beauty salons that it said violated Islam. They included eyebrow shaping, the use of other peoples hair to augment a womans natural hair and the application of makeup, which it said interferes with the ablutions required before offering prayers. The ban also drew concern from international groups worried about its impact on female entrepreneurs. The United Nations said it was engaged with Afghanistan authorities to get the prohibition reversed. This isnt about getting your hair and nails done. This is about 60,000 women losing their jobs, said Barr. This is about women losing one of the only places they could go for community and support, after the Taliban systematically destroyed the whole system put in place to respond to domestic violence. Prohibiting women from working, crackdown on media Women have also been prohibited from working in NGOs. In December, the Talibans economy ministry ordered all NGOs to tell their women employees to stop coming to work or face getting their licenses revoked, as per BBC. Most women have been barred from returning to their government jobs, as per VOA. The Taliban has also imposed a number of restrictions on women in the media including ordering female presenters to cover their faces and only leaving their eyes uncovered. What do experts say? That the situation is dire for women in Afghanistan. CNN quoted Afghan womens rights activist Mahbouba Seraj as saying there is no such thing as womens freedom anymore. The women in Afghanistan are being slowly erased from society, from life, from everything their opinions, their voices, what they think, where they are, Seraj, who was nominated for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, added. A United Nations report in June, noting all the ways women were suppressed in Afghanistan, noted that these limitations set on women had given rise to significant tensions inside homes. The report found an increase in domestic violence and notable evidence of a significant increase in forced marriage of girls, as per CNN. With inputs from agencies A month after communal clashes broke out in Haryanas Nuh, the district is on edge once again. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided to go ahead with the second Jalabhishek Yatra despite authorities denying permission for the procession. It was on 31 July that communal violence began in Nuh over the rally after it was attacked by a mob. Six people, including two home and a cleric, were killed in the clashes that followed. After the VHP insisted that the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra would go as planned, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that the permission for the procession was denied as a precautionary measure because of the violence that gripped the state last month. He urged devotees to pray at local temples instead of travelling to other places in the state. Another reason the state officials are cautious is because of the G20 sherpa group meeting, which will be held in Nuh from 3 September to 7 September. However, the VHP remains defiant. We take a look at whats going on in Haryana. Whats the Jalabhishek Yatra? The Jalabhishek Yatra was started by the VHP three years ago to revive holy Hindu sites in Nuh. The district is dominated by Muslims, which comprise 79.2 per cent of the population, according to the 2011 Census, reports The Indian Express. During the yatra, devotees from other parts of Haryana visit temples in Nuh. Legend has it that Nuh, which was earlier called Mewat, is home to three Shiv lingas, which date back to the time of the Pandavas. Some believe that Lord Krishna crazed his cows in the region. The procession reportedly begins at the Nalhar Mahadev Temple, the ancient shrine in the town of Nuh. It starts with the jal abhishek ceremony, where sacred water is poured on the deity. Devotees then visit the Jhirakeshwar Mahadev and the Radha Krishna Temple. The yatra ends at Shringeshwar Mahadev Temple, where another ritual is held. Also read: Nuh violence: Who is gau rakshak Monu Manesar at the centre of communal clashes? Whats happening in Haryana today? Locals started the puja at the Nalhad temple on Monday but outsiders have been barred from the district. Seers from Ayodhya were stopped by the Gurugram police from entering Nuh. Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya, who has been stopped at the Sohna toll plaza from entering Nuh, has said that he is going to fast until death. I have come here from AyodhyaThe administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go back. So I am doing fast until death. If they (the administration) will shift me somewhere else, I will do fast until death there also, he told ANI. #WATCH | Nuh, Haryana: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration. I have come here from AyodhyaThe administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go pic.twitter.com/m1Dv76xkna ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 According to a report in News18, police have permitted 50 members of the VHP and other Hindu organisations to perform jal abhishek at the temple. All of them are locals from Nuh, who would be escorted to the shrine in police vehicles. The Haryana Police sealed off access within a one-km radius of Nalhad temple, where violence broke out on July 31 during a VHP procession. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has tightened security in the district. Over 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed at inter-state and inter-district borders, reports NDTV. Educational institutions and banks are closed in the district and mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended. A gathering of four or more people has also been banned. Rajender, IG, South Range (Rewari) said, The local and state administration have denied the permission (for the yatra)For law and order, force deployment has been done in the area. Section 144 has been imposed in the areaI would appeal to the people to maintain a peaceful environment through mutual understanding. #WATCH | Haryana: On VHP yatra in Nuh, Rajender, IG, South Range, Rewari says, "The Local and State Administration has denied the permission (for the yatra)...For Law & Order, force deployment has been done in the area. Section 144 has been imposed in the area...I would appeal to pic.twitter.com/FcoUHIv8C5 ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Why did VHP go ahead with the yatra? The VHP has decided to go ahead with the procession without getting the necessary permission from authorities. It says that this tirtha yatra and the question of seeking or denying permission did not arise. This is a nation of pilgrimage. No one has sought any permission and, hence, the question of denial doesnt arise, said VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal, adding that the yatra would start at 11 am, on 28 August, the last Monday in the month of Sawan. According to the Hindu organisation, this is not a second yatra but an attempt to complete the first, which was disrupted after the mob attack. The Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat on 13 August called for the resumption of the yatra. The VHP has the backing of Haryanas powerful khaps. Also read: Nuh violence: A gradual build-up, an abject failure of law enforcement, and hidden agenda What is CM Khattar saying? On Sunday, Khattar said that permission for the yatra had been turned down. Its the duty of the government to ensure safety (of citizens). Our administration and police have taken this decision that instead of a yatra, people should perform jal abhishek (at the local level). It should be done where they (people) are living instead of staging demonstrations while going to other places in Haryana, said Khattar. Permission for yatra is denied but people can go and offer prayers in nearby temples as it is Sawan month, he told reporters. While a jal abhishek has been allowed, saying no to the yatra ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections might put the Haraya CM in a spot. The Khap panchayats influence voting patterns in the state and Khattar cannot come across as the one who is going against the khap or the VHP. With the G20 sherpa meeting in Nuh and the upcoming gathering in New Delhi, which will be attended by US president Joe Biden and other heads of state, all eyes will be on India. Any violence in neighbouring Haryana will tarnish Indias image. Khattar has his work cut out. With inputs from agencies In a horrifying tragedy, a multi-crore Rolls Royce Phantom collided with an oil tanker in Haryanas Nuh district. The driver of the tanker and his assistant died in the accident, which took place on the Delhi-Mumbai-Baroda Motorway on 22 August. Kuber Group director Vikas Malu also suffered critical injuries. The industrialist, who was one of the Rolls-Royce Phantoms three passengers, is receiving treatment at a Gurugram hospital right now. Malu received a notice from the Haryana Police on Sunday asking him to participate in the investigation as soon as he is discharged from the hospital. The notice comes in connection with an FIR registered under sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt rashly and negligently) and 304 (culpable homicide). Also read: What is Bharat NCAP, Indias homegrown test for cars? How will it improve road safety? All about Vikas Malu Vikas Malu, who assumed office in 1993, is the chief managing director (CMD) of the Kuber Group. His father, Mul Chand Malu, established the firm in 1985 and initially focused on selling tobacco products. The Kuber Group website states that under Malus guidance, the company now has operations in more than 50 countries and more than 45 different industries. His duties at the conglomerate include creating and implementing strategies, as well as researching current and upcoming markets to spur growth. The industrialist attended Delhi Public School on Mathura Road and graduated from the University of Delhi with a B.Com, according to his Facebook page. *Kuber Group Owner Vikas Maloo in his Rolls Royce Phantom driving at very high speed on New Jaipur Delhi Highway crashed in a oil tanker* *Tanker driver and co passenger dead on the spot, Vikas Maloo critically Injured and rushed to hospital* pic.twitter.com/oNoLxWjGox JIGAR JOSHI (@jigarceo) August 28, 2023 According to Hindustan Times, Malu is quite active on social media and has posted a few pictures with celebs like Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh. Malu made headlines in March earlier this year when his second wife had accused him of having a role in Bollywood actor Satish Kaushiks death. The entrepreneur, however, refuted the charges. Malu was friends with the late actor. Before passing away on 9 March in a hospital, Kaushik had attended a Holi celebration at the industrialists home near Delhi. Saanvi said in her letter that the actor had loaned her husband Rs 15 crore, and had even travelled to meet with him there to collect his money back. She alleged that following a contentious argument between the two, Malu promised to repay Kaushik for the money. She further claimed that she believed Malu may have poisoned the actor to avoid having to repay the money because the actor fell ill at her husbands farm. However, the police ruled out foul play as a factor in his passing and according to the autopsy report, the actor Kaushik died of a heart attack, according to ANI. Also read: Nightmare of Indian Streets: When is it most risky to be on the road The deadly accident The tankers driver and his assistant died in the collision, which took place last Tuesday, while those in the Rolls-Royce sustained serious injuries. Initial reports said that the tanker was travelling on the wrong side of the highway. However, it was later learnt that a convoy of 14 cars was going on the expressway when the tragic accident happened. The tanker was making a U-turn when all of a sudden, the Rolls-Royce accelerated, overtaking the car in front of it and ultimately ramming into it, reported India Today. Nuh Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya told the outlet that the Rolls-Royces driver is at least partially to blame for the incident. A Rolls-Royce was involved in the accident due to the drivers error. We have registered an FIR, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway, he said. The police further claimed that the luxury car was moving at a speed of over 200 kilometres per hour even though the expressways legal top speed is only 120 kilometres per hour. On the basis of a complaint made by Munil Yadav, who was travelling next to the oil tanker, an FIR was filed. According to Business Today, the FIR stated, The tanker was driven by Ramprit and had two other passengers, Kuldeep and Gotam Kumar. Around 11.30 am, on Delhi-Mumbai highway, a vehicle driven negligently and at high speed hit the front tyre of the tanker, causing it to lose balance and overturn. The complaint mentioned that the tankers three occupants were able to escape before it caught fire. However, due to injuries sustained in the collision, Ramprit and Kuldeep were pronounced dead at a hospital. Also read: 48-car pile-up on Pune-Bengaluru highway: What causes such deadly mishaps? Unanswered questions The first question relates to the investigation by the police. When the Rolls-Royce struck the tanker, Muleen Yadav was travelling around 500 metres behind it. He filed an FIR, but the police accepted it as being against unknown people, reported NDTV. This has given rise to claims that the police may be attempting to protect the accused. Who was driving the Rolls-Royce Phantom when the accident occurred is the second query. Police have not yet discovered a conclusive answer. Once Malu has been discharged from the hospital, they will take his statement. According to his lawyer RK Thakur, the industrialist wasnt behind the wheel when the tragedy occurred. He told India Today that Malu was unable to operate the vehicle, and instead, Tasbir, his driver, was in control. Driving on an expressway at a slower speed, according to Thakur, has additional risks. However, he also made it clear that Malu had not given the driver any particular instructions on speed. The 14-car convoy crossed the toll plaza just 15 minutes prior to the tragedy, according to NDTV which cited CCTV cameras placed at a toll plaza 28 km away. This raises the third concern: the Phantoms excessive speed. The convoy sped passed the booths without stopping and did not pay the toll. With inputs from agencies British prime minister Rishi Sunak is embroiled in a new conflict of interest controversy over India trade talks, which includes his wife Akshata Murty, nearly two days after he inadvertently broke the code of conduct for MPs by failing to correctly declare his wifes financial interest in a childminding company. The development comes only days before the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, on 9-10 September. He attracted a fresh controversy because of claims that his family could profit financially from a post-Brexit trade deal he is negotiating with New Delhi. Question over trade deal benefitting Infosys Since January 2022, India and the United Kingdom have been working on a free trade agreement (FTA). Now in its 12th round of negotiations, as Sunak prepares for his first visit to India as British prime minister for the G20 Leaders Summit next month, several MPs and trade experts expressed their worries believing it would benefit Sunaks wife Akshata Murtys fathers IT business. According to media reports, Akshata Murty owns a 500 million (Rs 5,203 crore), stake in Infosys, a Bengaluru-based international IT services and consulting firm. Furthermore, the corporation wishes to obtain more visas in order to grow its operations in the United Kingdom. Some MPs also believe Infosys has influence over visa decisions in the UK. The Observer claims the Opposition Labour Party and trade experts are questioning the full financial impact as Infosys, the Bengaluru-headquartered software service major co-founded by Akshatas father Narayana Murthy, stands to benefit from any such trade deal. India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, now in its 12th round of negotiations, as Sunak prepares for his first visit to India as British prime minister for the G20 Leaders Summit next month. As the prime minister recently learned, its important he declares any interests properly. I expect him to do so in respect of the India trade deal too, said Darren Jones, Labour MP and chair of the cross-party House of Commons Business and Trade Select Committee which has been scrutinising the FTA talks. Infosys aims to improve its access to the UK Earlier this week, the UK parliamentary watchdog released its report into an inquiry concluding that Sunak had inadvertently failed to correctly declare his wifes shares in childminding firm Koru Kids that stood to benefit from the governments budget policy. The 43-year-old British Indian leader apologised for the inadvertent breach that arose out of confusion, and the matter was closed. According to the Observer report, Infosys which has had contracts with the British government as well as many UK companies is known to want to improve access to the UK for its thousands of contract workers through changes to the visa regime. Allowing more visas for its workers in sectors such as IT and artificial intelligence (AI) is claimed to be a key Indian demand in the talks. The newspaper claims that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has even warned the Business and Trade Select Committee against conducting a trip to India in the coming months to examine issues around a potential deal. The committee was advised by the government that it would be better to visit India next year instead of during sensitive trade negotiations, committee chair Jones told the newspaper. Shadow trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said while his party backed a trade deal with India, it is important that Sunak is transparent about any relevant business links and his personal role in negotiations. India is pushing for a social security agreement Alan Manning, a professor of economics at the London School of Economics, told the newspaper that because software services are one of Indias biggest export sectors, India will naturally be looking for opportunities to grow them in their trade deals. As the Prime Ministers family may have a direct financial interest in any deal on immigration, he should recuse himself from this part of the negotiations to avoid any perception of conflict of interest, said Manning. Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reports that India is prepared to cut tariffs on Scotch whisky and British cars and parts by at least a third if the UK is prepared to slash its workers tax to clinch an FTA. According to reports, New Delhi is pushing London to sign a social security agreement similar to deals it has signed with countries, including Canada, Australia and France, that could exempt Indian workers from social security contributions if they continue to make payments in India. The social security agreement is a very important thing for us. It creates a lot of ill will if folks have to surrender a significant amount of their savings, the newspaper quoted an Indian source as saying. The reports come as UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch held bilateral talks with her counterpart, Piyush Goyal, in India during a visit for a G20 trade meet this week. Goyal said they discussed ways to add further momentum to the India-UK FTA negotiations for a mutually beneficial deal. With inputs from PTI With the assembly elections slated later this year in Madhya Pradesh getting closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started gearing up for it in full swing. The party has announced to take out five Jan Ashirwad Yatra covering the entire state ahead of the polls to seek the blessing of the public. The first yatra will begin from Satna district September 3. The Yatra will conclude on September 25 in the state capital Bhopal and a Workers Mahakumbh will also be on the occasion in which BJP workers across the state will participate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend and address the party workers. BJP state president VD Sharma shared the information during interaction with reporters in the state capital on Monday. Giving further details about the Yatra, Sharma said, We reach among the public to seek blessings along with our work in all the elections. This time we will take out five Jan Ashirvad Yatras covering almost all the assembly seats in the state. He added that they were working for the welfare of the poor. They had covered a journey from poor welfare to public welfare. They were committed to the welfare of the poor. Again this time the BJP government would be taking out Jan Ashirvad Yatra for the same. The five Jan Ashirwad Yatras will be of 10,680 kilometres and will pass through almost all assembly constituencies of the state. The yatras will be welcomed at 998 places across the state. During this, programs will be organised at 678 locations and big programs will be held at 211 spots in the state, Sharma said. The first yatra will start from Chitrakoot in Satna district (Vindhya region) on September 3. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off the yatra which will cover a total 11 districts and 48 assembly constituencies. On the same day, one more yatra will start from Dhuni Wale Baba Samadhi Sthal, Khandwa (Indore division). Union Minister Rajnath Singh has been requested to flag off this yatra and it will cover a total of nine districts and 42 constituencies, he added Another yatra will start from Neemuch district (Ujjain division) on September 4, which will cover a total of 11 districts and 44 constituencies. Union Minister Singh has been requested to flag off this yatra too, the BJP leader said. Sharma also said, After that another yatra will start from Bhimsen in Mandla district (Mahakaushal region) on September 5 which will cover a total of nine districts and 46 Vidhan Sabhas. Union Minister Amit Shah has been requested to flag off this yatra too. On the same day, one more yatra will begin from Sheopur district (Gwalior division) on September 5, which will cover a total of 10 districts and 43 constituencies. BJP National President J P Nadda has been requested to flag off this yatra. All these yatras will end in the state capital Bhopal on September 25 and a Workers Mahakumbh will be organised on the occasion. PM Modi will also attend the program and will address the party workers. Around 10 Lakh people will participate in the mahakumbh program, the BJP leader further said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, Election preparations have started and this time an attempt has been made to decentralise the Jan Ashirwad Yatra. The BJP is working at every level right from the booth level. Tomar also slammed the Congress party and said that before 2003 Madhya Pradesh was in a state of depravity. The BJP had made changes in MP. There was a time when the name of Punjab and Haryana used to come in the field of agriculture, but now MP has been made a pioneer in the field of agriculture. The MP government has worked on many welfare schemes whose results are in front of us. The government has done a great work for women as the Ladli Bahna Yojana, he added. The union minister further said that several concrete steps were taken in the field of employment. The youth were taking advantage of Seekho Kamao Yojana. The MP government has prepared its vision and would move forward with that vision. With the 2024 Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year, the focus is on the INDIA opposition blocs meeting in Mumbai where a logo of the coalition is likely to be unveiled and strategic issues including seat sharing are expected to be deliberated upon. There is also talk of the 26-party opposition alliance expanding with some more regional outfits joining it in Mumbai as top leaders in opposition ranks huddle for a two-day conclave starting August 31 in the capital city of Maharashtra where the BJP-Shiv Sena government is in power. The INDIA blocs first meeting was held in Patna in June, while the second one took place in Bengaluru in mid-July. The Bengaluru conclave had finalised the name of the bloc Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Ahead of the Mumbai meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said that a few more political parties were likely to join the opposition INDIA bloc during its upcoming meeting. However, the JD(U) leader, who played an instrumental role in bringing together different parties opposed to the BJP, did not reveal the names of the likely entrants but said that poll-related modalities such as seat-sharing will be discussed at the meeting. Talking to reporters in Patna, Kumar said, We will discuss the INDIA blocs strategies for next years general elections during the upcoming meeting in Mumbai. Issues such as seat-sharing will be discussed and several other agendas will be finalised. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I wish to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction I have no desire for myself, he said. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut had said last week that there is a possibility that new political parties, especially from northeast India, will take part in the two-day gathering. The Rajya Sabha MP had said leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, will participate in the third meeting of the bloc in Grand Hyatt, a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai. The INDIA (alliance) logo will be unveiled (during the meeting). Discussions are on for the same. We are trying to reach out to 140 crore Indians. The logo will symbolise the country, its unity, and reflect the energy needed to keep the country together, Raut had said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Milind Deora said seat sharing for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls among alliance partners is more or less finalised in many states with only a few states requiring more time. Deora, who is closely involved in the organising of the meeting, hailed the evolving chemistry between INDIA partners and said the best example of that was in Maharashtra. Asked whether a forward movement on seat sharing, forming a coordination committee and appointing a convener for the alliance could take place at the Mumbai meeting, he said these are subjects that may be discussed at the meeting next week. However, in many states, seat sharing and even seat distribution is more or less finalised. There are only a few states that may require more time, Deora said. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress has formed several committees to plan various aspects of the meeting of the opposition bloc. According to sources, the committees, which include two leaders from each of the three parties, will take care of media, social media, accommodation, and transport, among other things. The Congress will handle media and publicity, while the NCP will take care of transport. The Shiv Sena (UBT) will look after accommodation, the sources said, adding that more than 200 rooms have been booked in Grand Hyatt hotel. The management is being supervised by Congress leaders Deora, Naseem Khan and Varsha Gaikwad, while former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan will be overall in charge of the organising committee, they said. This is the first meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance in a state where none of the bloc members are in power. At the conclave held in the Karnataka capital last month, Congress president Kharge had said the opposition will fight the 2024 elections unitedly and succeed. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said their fight was against BJPs ideology. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday questioned a political advisor and an OSD of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged illegal betting and gambling app, official sources said. The federal agency recorded the statement of Baghels political advisor Vinod Verma and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Manish Banchhore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The premises of both Verma and Banchhore were raided by the ED last week and they were then asked to join the probe at the ED office located here. The agency has arrested four people, including assistant sub-inspector Chandrabhushan Verma, alleged hawala operator brothers Anil and Sunil Dammani and a man identified as Satish Chandrakar in this case linked to alleged illegal betting app called Mahadev Online Book. It had alleged that the arrested policeman used his relationship with Verma and also hawala funds received from Dubai to influence high-ranking officials and politicians connected to the Chhattisgarh CMO. Soon after this action, Baghel had alleged that ED and income tax department raids on his colleagues were malicious attempts to defame and suppress the state government. Vinod Verma held a press conference on August 24 and said that he does not have a single penny of ill-gotten money. A metropolitan court in Ahmedabad on Monday issued summons to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in a criminal defamation case filed against him over his reported remarks that only Gujaratis can be thugs. The court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate DJ Parmar issued summons to the senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader to appear before it on September 22 in a case filed against him under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal defamation. The court had conducted an inquiry against Yadav under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and had found sufficient grounds to summon him on the basis of a complaint filed by Haresh Mehta, a 69-year-old social worker and businessman based in Ahmedabad. Mehta had filed his complaint in the court along with proof of Yadavs statement made before the media in Patna in Bihar on March 21 this year. Only Gujaratis can be thugs in the present situation and their fraud will be forgiven. Who will be responsible if they abscond after they are offered money belonging to the LIC and banks, Yadav had said. Mehta, in his complaint, said the statement, which was made in public, defames and humiliates Gujaratis. A term like thug refers to a rogue, sly and criminal person, and such a comparison will cause non-Gujaratis to look at Gujaratis with suspicion, Mehta said in his complaint and sought maximum punishment for Yadav. Significantly, in March this year, a Surat court had sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail for his Modi surname remark, which led to him being disqualified as Lok Sabha member, but a stay on the conviction by the Supreme Court on August 4 led to him being reinstated as Wayanad MP. A court in Ahmedabad has issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party colleague Sanjay Singh in a criminal defamation case filed by the Gujarat University for their media statements connected to a HC judgment on Prime Minister Narendra Modis degree. The two AAP leaders have been directed to remain present in court on August 31. If they (authorities) stop us, we will stop, VHP President Alok Verma said Monday on Jal Abhishek Yatra in Nuh, Haryana. The Haryana government has denied permission to Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) permission to take out Shobha yatra on Monday and has heightened security arrangements in Nuh and the adjoining areas. We dont know whether they (authorities) will give us permission (for procession) or not. If they stop us, we will stop us, but move ahead once we are allowed to, Alok Verma said. Section 144 has been imposed in Nuh, anti-riot vehicles and drones deployed in view of the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat's call for a 'shobha yatra' on Monday. As a precautionary measure, the Nuh district administration has already ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday. Also, mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended. "Not only in Nuh but in other areas of Haryana where 'Jalabhishek' is to be performed in temples (on the occasion of the last Somvaar (Monday) of Saawan month) a heavy police deployment is in place. If even half of this had happened on the day of the yatra, then probably the violence would not have happened (on 31 July)," the VHP president said. He further said, "I wonder why people, including women, aged people and children, who are peaceful and unarmed are being told not to take out the Yatra." Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, were killed in communal clashes that erupted in Nuh and its adjoining areas after a VHP procession was attacked by a mob on 31 July. Security tightened in Nuh Arrangements have been made in Nuh to prevent any untoward incidents in Nuh on Monday. According to a police spokesperson in Nuh, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Also, no outsider will be allowed to enter Nuh on 28 August and all the entry points to the district have been sealed. The road leading to the Malhar temple has also been closed, police said. With inputs from agencies Islamic State, in the latest edition of its magazine Voice of Khurasan, has scathingly written about violence in Haryanas Nuh and the Gyanvapi mosque survey in Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi, and in the process, has tried to incite Muslims in India for jihad. Through its articles, the terror group has also issued threats to Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij. Trying to instigate Muslims in India According to reports, Islamic State in its latest edition of propaganda magazine Voice of Khurasan has also used abusive languages about Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). It is worth mentioning that the content of the IS magazine which is circulated in India through various social media platforms, including Telegram, is in constant radar of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The cover page of the Islamic State magazine has a picture of bulldozer which was used in Nuh following the violence in the district of Haryana on 31 July. Reports say that the article in the IS propaganda magazine has extensively referred about Monu Manesar and Bittu Bajrangi and said these two cow vigilantes made an inciting video after which Muslims were allegedly attacked. The IS magazine further alleged, post violence, 500 houses of Muslims were demolished and charred and the move got support by the Home Minister of Haryana. The magazine also hinted at taking revenge from Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij and even threatened him. Nuh violence On 31 July this year, dozens of vehicles were set ablaze in Muslim-dominated Nuh district of Haryana as mobs pelted stones at Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal procession to stop them. As per police, the violence began 10 minutes after the procession of around 200 people started walking toward Nuh town from Edward Chowk around 2 pm on 31 July. As the group walked down the main road, it was allegedly pelted with rocks by a large crowd. The Hindu side initially fled, but then allegedly regrouped and retaliated. According to reports, the Muslim side started to pelt stones and began firing on the procession after which people of the Hindu side got agitated. Two home guards, identified as Neeraj and Gursevak, were killed and more than 200 people were injured and dozens of vehicles were set on fire as mobs in Nuh and Gurugram districts tried to stop the VHP-Bajrang Dal procession. About two weeks later, the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat, on 13 August gave a call to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on 28 August, the last Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Nuh and its adjoining districts turned into fortress on Monday ahead of a Shobha Yatra called by the Hindu outfit. Heavy security was in the place where communal violence broke out on 31 July. The authorities, however, had denied permission for the procession on Monday (28 August). Passengers on board an Indigo flight from Kochi to Bengaluru were deboarded at the international airport here on Monday after receiving a call regarding the presence of a bomb in the aircraft, airport sources said. The flight 6E6482 was scheduled to depart for Bengaluru at 10.30 AM. The passengers were offloaded and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for further inspection, airport sources said. Nedumbassery police also confirmed receipt of the bomb threat and said that a team has been sent to investigate the matter. Police said further details would be available only after the teams initial investigation. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Monday said that the logo of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be unveiled on August 31- the next meeting of the alliance in Mumbai. Talking to ANI, Patole also confirmed the participation of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. In this meeting, Sonia ji, Malluikarjun Khargeji, and Rahul Gandhiji will participate. Full preparations have been done on behalf of MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi). This meeting will give a big message to the country. The logo of the INDIA alliance will also be unveiled here on the 31st (August), Patole said. The third meeting of the Opposition bloc is scheduled to take place on August 31 and September 1 in Maharashtras Mumbai. INDIA or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a group of 26 opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by PM Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The first meeting of the joint opposition convened in Bihars Patna on June 23 and the second meeting was held in Karnatakas Bengaluru on July 17-18. The third meeting is slated to be in Maharashtras Mumbai on August 31-September 1. According to Congress sources, as many as 27 political parties will be participating in the next meeting of the Opposition. Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana (SSS) has been also invited to the third meeting of the INDIA alliance that follows Patna and Bengaluru, the source said. SSS, a former ally of the BJP is led by Raju Shetti, a former two-time MP from Hatkanangale in Maharashtras Kolhapur district. There were 26 parties at the last meeting in Bengaluru held on July 17-18, while in first such meeting convened in Patna on June 23 saw participation of leaders of 15 political parties. According to sources, a decision is likely to be taken on the sub-committee and group public meeting for the alliance at the state level. Also, a convenor of the INDIA coalition is likely to be appointed in the Mumbai meeting, a source said. At their meeting in Mumbai to be hosted by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), the alliance leaders will strategise their next course of action against the BJP-led Central government. Uddhav Thackeray is set to host a dinner at the venue on August 31 and a press conference will be held post the meeting on September 1. A 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly killing his live-in partner by smashing her head with a pressure cooker in Karnataka, police said on Monday. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Mico Layout Police Station area, they added. The accused has been identified as Vaishnav (24) and the victim Devi (24), both hailing from Kerala. A few days ago, he (the accused) had some suspicions about the woman (deceased). They used to fight over it. Yesterday, the same thing happened. They fought and he hit her with a pressure cooker. We have registered a case of murder. We have also arrested him and the interrogation is on, said CK Baba, DCP South-East division, Bengaluru City Police. Karnataka | C K Baba, DCP South-East division, Bengaluru City Police says, They were live-in partners. Both are from Kerala. A few days back, he (the accused) had some suspicions about the woman (deceased). They used to fight over it. Yesterday the same thing happened. They https://t.co/V9OCHrA0oI pic.twitter.com/450Uky4PWt ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Police said the duo had been in a live-in relationship for the past three years and were staying in a rented apartment in south Bangalore. According to the initial information cited by local publications, Vaishnav suspected that Devi had an affair. On Saturday evening, the duo argued over the matter and in a fit of rage, Vaishnav allegedly attacked Devi with a pressure cooker and she died on the spot. Vaishnav, who works as a marketing executive with a local firm, was on the run and was nabbed over the weekend. Devi worked as a sales executive at a private firm. According to The Hindu report, the family members of the duo were aware of the constant spats between the two and had even tried to pacify the two on several occasions. According to reports, the two were supposed to get married soon. With inputs from agencies Hindu organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Nuh, a region in Haryana, have declared their intention to hold the Brajmandal Shobha Yatra once again. Consequently, the people offered their prayers at the Nalhad Temple in Nuh on the morning of Monday. Nonetheless, the local authorities have granted permission solely to residents to access the temple for their religious observances. As the morning sun rose on Monday, the citizens of Nuh encountered barriers impeding their path to the Nalhar Temple. Subsequently, after showing their local IDs, these individuals were granted access to the temple. At present, a vigilant police presence surrounds the area, with rigorous inspections of vehicles transpiring at the entrance checkpoint. The medias capacity to record visuals has also been restricted. Entry to the temple is contingent upon presenting proof of local residency. A group of approximately 25 to 30 individuals from the city of Nuh have reached the Nalhad Mahadev Temple with the purpose of performing Jalabhishek on the final Monday of the month of Shravan. These individuals have encountered roadblocks located 3 kilometers before the temple premises, which have barred their passage. Outsiders are not permitted to enter the area, as per the prevailing directives. Here are 10 big updates from Nuh: 1. The Deputy Commissioner, Dhirendra Khadgata, declared the enforcement of Section 144 of the CrPC within the Nuh district on Sunday. Officials subsequently sealed the borders surrounding the district. As a result, only local residents were permitted entry into the area. This decision came in response to the Vishwa Hindu Parishads (VHP) announcement on Saturday of their intention to proceed with the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on Monday. Previously, the authorities had declined permission for the Yatra. This denial took into consideration the upcoming G20 Sherpa group meeting, scheduled to occur in the district between September 3rd and 7th. 2. Haryanas Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, then announced that permission for the yatra has been withheld as a precautionary measure. This decision takes into consideration the unrest that occurred a month prior. Khattar also urged worshippers to extend their devotions at local temples, rather than journeying to different destinations within the state. 3. Monday came with the announcement that the internet will remain shut in Nuh. Mamata Singh, the Additional Director General (Law & Order) of Haryana, informed reporters that Internet services have been temporarily halted within the district. Any individual attempting to stir up trouble through social media will face consequences, and their social media accounts will be restricted, she further stated. 4. Heavy police presence was observed Monday morning at the Mahadev Mandir in Nuhs Nalhar. Outsiders, including members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), stopped 3 km away from the temple. Only priests and locals allowed to enter. 5. Police officials stationed at Gurgaon-Nuh border checked IDs and recorded the registration numbers of all vehicles permitted to enter Nuh. 6. The priests who had arrived at the temple from Ayodhya in three vehicles were guided away. Access to the temple will be granted solely to local residents, police informed. Entrance is limited exclusively to individuals possessing Aadhaar cards, specifically those who live in Nuh. The provided address is being subjected to verification. 7. People will go to the three temples slated for the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra without taking out a rally. There are around 100-150 people inside the temple now. A team from Mahamandaleshwar Haridwar was also allowed entry. 8. At present, apart from Nuh, Section 144 has been imposed in Sonipat district. Along with this, orders have been issued to keep school-college, bank and office closed in Nuh. 9. Meanwhile, Bahadurgarh police in Jhajjhar detained Bajrang Dal workers who were going to participate in the Braj Mandal Yatra in Nuh. Bajrang Dal workers were going to Nuh after gathering at the Devi Mandir in Sector-6. About 2 dozen Bajrang Dal workers detained by the police. The police have taken everyone to the Sector 6 police station. Bajrang Dal workers were also detained in Balaji temple located on Najafgarh road. 10. Nuhs Congress MLA Waman Khan was called for questioning, Haryana Home minister Anil Vij said that the police is inquiring. All the people who are under suspicion of having a role are being called for questioning. Vij said that the police must have felt that he too had a role, that is why he was called. A student named Urvi Bharadwaj, in her fifth year at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), was found dead in the washroom of the girls hostel last Thursday. The distressing episode unfolded on August 24 when fellow residents of the hostel stumbled upon the unconscious Urvi Bharadwaj on the washroom floor. Swiftly transported to BALCO Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding her untimely death to establish the cause of this tragic event. University sources have shared that the deceased student had been absent from classes in the days leading up to her demise. According to reports, it has also come to attention that due to certain developments on the campus, Urvi Bharadwaj had received communication regarding her disqualification from an upcoming examination. In response to this incident, the university administration promptly organized an emergency condolence assembly within the universitys auditorium. Dr VC Vivekanandan, the Vice-Chancellor, addressed the gathered attendees, shedding light on the situation. He refuted conjectures that students were facing undue academic pressure and emphasized the administrations stance. Following these events, the subsequent day saw members of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staging protests, demanding justice for the departed student. The protestors pressed for an impartial inquiry into the incident and the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. In response to these appeals, the university administration declared a three-day hiatus, extending it until September 3rd. This decision was made to allow the university community time to come to terms with the tragedy and its aftermath. Senior Congress leader and former party chief Sonia Gandhi will attend this weeks meeting of I.N.D.I.A bloc in Mumbai and the gathering will also witness the unveiling of the opposition groupings logo, the partys Maharashtra unit president Nana Patole said on Monday. Key leaders of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bloc, which has more than two dozen political parties as members, will gather in a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 in what will be their third crucial huddle since coming together on a common platform for the first time in June this year in Patna. In Mumbai, Patole said, Sonia Gandhi will attend the I.N.D.I.A alliance meet due to be held soon in the financial capital. He informed that the alliances official logo will also be unveiled during the gathering, where opposition leaders will discuss their agenda ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Ahead of the Mumbai meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said that a few more political parties were likely to join the opposition bloc during its upcoming meeting. But the veteran JD(U) leader did not reveal the names of new entrants if any, who are likely to join during the Mumbai meeting. The first meeting of the bloc was held in June in Patna, while the second gathering in Bengaluru in July finalized the blocs name Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A). The grouping has been formed in a major attempt at taking on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 parliamentary polls. Nuh and several parts of Haryana have turned into a fortress with tight security positioned at several points as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) resumed Shobha yatra on Monday. Authorities have, however, denied permission for the procession. Authorities have said Section 144 has been imposed in the Nuh and adjoining areas with anti-riot vehicles and drones deployed in view of the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayats call for a shobha yatra on 28 August. Amid this, two seers from Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya were allegedly stopped from entering Nuh on Monday. After being restricted, they sat on fast unto death. Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya is among the two seers from Ayodhya who have sat on an indefinite hunger strike at the Sohna toll plaza. I have come here from Ayodhya The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go back. So I am doing fast until death. If the administration will shift me somewhere else, I will do fast until death there also, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj told ANI. We had brought the soil of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and the Jal of Saryu river to pay homage to the Bajrang Dal workers who were killed and were to return after performing Jalabhishek with the Jal of Saryu river, the Acharya Maharaj said. #WATCH | Nuh, Haryana: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration. I have come here from AyodhyaThe administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go pic.twitter.com/m1Dv76xkna ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Sunday said the state police and administration have taken a decision that people should go to temples in the vicinity instead of carrying out a procession. Looking at the kind of incident that happened there (Nuh) at the beginning of the month, it is the govts duty to ensure that law and order in the area is maintained," the Chief Minister said. "Permission for yatra is denied but people can go and offer prayers in temples as it is Sawan month," CM Khattar said. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, the Nuh district administration has already ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday. Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended in Nuh till 11:59 pm on Monday. Visuals from Nuh, Haryana where streets wear a deserted look in view of the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat's call for a 'shobha yatra' today. Heavy security arrangements are in place in Nuh and in adjoining areas. pic.twitter.com/0ljoHXAurG Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 28, 2023 The Nuh Deputy Commissioner, on 25 August, had written to the ACS (Home) highlighting about the call from 'Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat' for a 'Brij Mandal Shoba Yatra' on 28 August in the district and there is an apprehension of misuse of social media/bulk messages by anti-social elements to disturb the peace in the area. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, had died in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when a religious procession of the VHP was attacked by a mob on 31 July. With inputs from agencies The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the police if the 17-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by now suspended officer of the Women and Child Development department of the Delhi government for months, was sexually assaulted by other men too. During the hearing, the high court also asked the Delhi Police to protect the identity of the minor rape victim. A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma asked the police about the action taken so far regarding the girls statements that she was sexually assaulted by other people. The lawyer, representing the probe team, said an investigation into that aspect would be done. Premoday Khakha, a senior Delhi government official, was arrested on 21 August on charges of raping his deceased friends daughter several times between November 2020 and January 2021 and impregnating her. Khakhas wife Seema Rani has also been arrested over allegations that she gave abortion pills to the minor girl. The crime came to fore after the girl was hospitalised due to frequent panic attacks. During therapy sessions, she revealed to the doctors about what she went through. The doctors then informed police. Khakha, who is currently in judicial custody, earlier in his court appearance claimed that he underwent a vasectomy operation in 2005 and, therefore, he couldnt have impregnated the teenaged girl. A police case was registered under Indian Penal Code and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The officer was promptly suspended from his job. The Delhi Police, meanwhile, on Monday informed the High Court that the health condition of victim, who is presently admitted in a hospital in the national capital, is critical and that she had seizure even on Sunday (27 August). The Delhi High Court has sought a status report from the Delhi Police and Delhi Governments Women and Child Development Department and listed the matter for hearing on 14 September. The counsel appearing for National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) told the court that the body has taken cognizance of the incident and that it will also file a response in the matter. With inputs from agencies Security has been beefed up in Haryanas Nuh district and other surrounding areas in view of the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayats call for a shobha yatra today. Hindu groups have said they will go ahead with their shobha yatra, despite the authorities denying permission for any rally in the communally-sensitive district. #WATCH | Haryana | Heavy police deployment in Nuh in view of Vishwa Hindu Parishads (VHP) call for Yatra. pic.twitter.com/I7UMpwrlqW ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Officials said police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to keep a strict vigil while security at inter-state and inter-district borders has also been tightened. #WATCH | Haryana | Security tightened in Nuh and surrounding areas in view of Vishwa Hindu Parishads (VHP) call for Yatra. Visuals from Nuh-Gurugram border pic.twitter.com/6LotAGHTLE ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 As a precautionary measure, the Nuh district administration has already ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks today, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and imposed prohibitory orders in the communally-sensitive district. It has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, preventing the assembly of four or more people in an area, till Monday. At Nuh-Gurugram border, we are checking suspicious people before providing them entry. People with ID cards from Nuh are only being allowed to go ahead. Checkpoints have been installed, in view of Vishwa Hindu Parishads (VHP) call for yatra, said Dharambir Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Haryana Police. #WATCH | Dharambir Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Haryana Police says At Nuh-Gurugram border, we are checking suspicious people before providing them entry. People with ID cards from Nuh are only being allowed to go ahead. Checkpoints have been installed, in view of Vishwa pic.twitter.com/QkKdVr8hlj ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Inspector Kuldeep Singh, Haryana Police, said that the situation is peaceful and only locals of Nuh are allowed to enter the district from Nuh-Gurugram border. The situation is peaceful here. Permission has not been granted to conduct yatra. Only locals of Nuh are allowed to enter the district, outside vehicles are returned from this point, he added. #WATCH | Haryana | Inspector Kuldeep Singh, Haryana Police says Security arrangements have been made in view of Vishwa Hindu Parishads (VHP) call for Yatra today. The situation is peaceful here. Permission has not been granted to conduct Yatra. Only locals of Nuh are allowed pic.twitter.com/v8bFYiHUBf ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Communal clashes had erupted in Nuh and its adjoining areas after a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by a mob on 31 July leading to the death of six people, including two home guards and a cleric. On 13 August, the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat gave a call to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on August 28 which was disrupted by the communal clashes in July. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has said the procession will be taken out and asserted that there is no need to obtain permission for such religious events. However, the authorities have denied permission for the yatra. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday asked devotees to offer prayers at temples in their neighbourhood on Monday instead of holding any yatra. Permission has not been granted for the yatra, he said. Instead of a yatra, people can visit temples in their areas for jalabhishek, he said and asserted that it is the state governments responsibility to maintain law and order. 28 August is the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan. With inputs from agencies On 13 August, 2023, a Chinese envoy faced an attack while en route to a construction site near Gwadar, Balochistan. Although no Chinese citizens were harmed, the attack has created ripples across diplomatic and security circles in China and Pakistan. The security forces reported the two militants dead in the succeeding gun battle. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) promptly claimed responsibility for the incident. Notably, this is not an isolated incident. This occurrence follows a string of analogous attacks targeting Chinese nationals and investments in the region of Balochistan referred to by some as the occupied province in western Pakistan. While this might seem like another episode of insurgency against alleged resource exploitation and human rights transgressions by the Pakistani authorities in the province, the recurrence of Chinese involvement in these assaults demands a deeper examination. These series of attacks have persisted since the early 2000s, a period predating the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, since 2013, coinciding with the inception of CPEC, instances of human rights violations have surged. These allegations, encompassing coerced evictions and notably enforced disappearances, seem intertwined with the facilitation of smooth CPEC project operations, involving both the Pakistani government and Chinese private security entities. An analysis of historical incidents underscores this context: including the killing of three Chinese engineers in Gwadar in 2004 and another in 2007, an assault on Chinese fuel trucks in 2013, attacks on fuel tankers in Chagi in 2015, rockets fired at a Gwadar-Kashgar military convoy the same year, abduction and execution of two Chinese nationals in 2017, a foiled attack on the Chinese Consulate in 2018, an attack at the Pearl Continental in 2019 at Gwadar with numerous casualties, a targetted attack on Karachi Stock Exchange in 2020 because China had 40 per cent stakes in the bourse, the targeted killings of six engineers in Gwadar in 2021, and a blast in Quetta that targeted the Chinese Ambassador in the same year. The most recent attack until 13 August 2023, unfolded in April 2022 in front of a Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi, resulting in the deaths of three Chinese nationals. This recent incident merely amplifies this list of incidents. While there is a consistent pattern of attacks and occasional local demonstrations against evictions, the gravest concern continues to be the escalating instances of human rights violations, notably enforced disappearances. The displacement of Baloch residents to accommodate CPEC infrastructure has drawn widespread criticism. A closer examination of the Voice of Missing Balochs database underscores a geographic shift in these disappearances, concentrated primarily in Baloch-speaking districts along the CPEC route. This intensification of violations extends beyond suppressing a longstanding anti-state movement. It is exacerbated by the complex intertwining of economic and geopolitical interests spurred by the Chinese presence. The rapid pace of CPEC construction, ostensibly addressing labour needs, has inadvertently brought about demographic changes by introducing non-Baloch-speaking populations. This phenomenon, coupled with a deterioration in human development indicators, poses a significant threat to the Baloch population and their nationalist aspirations. Following the series of dissatisfied, violent expressions of the Baloch people, over 15,000 troops of the Pakistan Army have been stationed, apart from the presence of Chinese Military Companies. In the midst of these dynamics, crucial questions emerge about the future of Chinese investments and the response of the Pakistani government. Political instability has further complicated matters, leading to project delays and impeding the full functionality of the Gwadar port. Moreover, the ineffectiveness within Pakistans CPEC Authority has further undermined progress, with signs indicating its imminent dissolution. These developments follow the removal of the former CPEC Authority Chief, Lt Gen (Retd.) Aseem Bajwa, due to similar reasons. With the rising prominence of the Baloch nationalist movement, observers are keenly watching the governments strategies and the potential consequences. As the unfolding events demand continued attention, the manner in which the State responds will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Baloch nationalist actions and exert far-reaching implications on Chinese investments and regional stability. The complexities of this situation warrant thorough analysis and a nuanced approach to mitigate tensions and foster progress. The author is an independent security analyst. She has previously served as a Research Assistant at Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi. Her areas of research include Indias Internal Security, especially in the Information Realm. 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 Communist Party (CCP) is infamous for its repressive tactics against the people it rules, especially concerning suppressing the minority population. What is glaring is that Tibetans, specifically, seem to be at the receiving end of the CCP stick and have been allowed fewer civil and political rights compared to the Han Chinese, the majority ruling class in Communist China. Every day, Tibetans are subjected to stifling control and the use of violence by the Xi Jinping government, from the widespread Chinese mainland police monitoring of Lhasas crowded streets to the vilest torture that occurs in Tibets secret prison facilities. The Tibetan government in exile at Dharamshala in India recently highlighted that the entire Tibetan way of life is under attack. Mere expressions of dissent, protest, celebrating the Dalai Lamas birth anniversary on social media, or keeping the Tibetan flag as phone wallpaper are perceived as criminal offenses in Communist China. As a result, Tibetans, fearing torture and facing legal implications, adopted self-censorship to avoid imprisonment. Since the CCP annexed the Tibetan plateau in 1951, the majoritarian Han community and the CCP have systematically marginalized and oppressed the Tibetans, especially the dissident voices. The CCP, through various policies, measures, and brute force, has been successfully destroying centuries-old Tibetan civilization and traditions. They have diluted the Tibetan culture and tried assimilation of the ethnic group into the broader Han community, called Sinicization. However, the ordeals of this Sinicization are full of horror and misery for the Tibetan inhabitants in the western provinces of China. Further, the horror of the Tibetans and other ethnic minority groups, such as the Uyghurs, in China has not gone unnoticed globally. The blatant human rights violations in China were noticed on platforms like the UN. Attempts have been made to address this issue repeatedly, although the condemnations failed to change the human rights situation in Communist China positively. The census conducted by the Chinese in 2021 highlights how the Tibetan community has been subjected to forced assimilation, with the Han migration taking over the regions inhabited by the Tibetans. The Tibetan men have been forced sterilized, adding to their misery. Reports suggest that many young children have been forcibly separated from their families and are taken to indoctrination centers where they are taught communist ideals and the Chinese way of life. With all this, the CCP desires to homogenize the Chinese population and eradicate all Tibetan traditions and customs, which has resulted in severe human rights abuses and the dissolution of several families. The state-run Chinese media continue to spread false information and specific news worldwide through well-planned tactics and strategy. Repeated attempts have been made to undermine the Tibetan leadership, primarily through discrediting the Dalai Lama, Tibets spiritual leader. Communist China authorities are now trying to have control over the process of reincarnation of Tibetan Lamas despite the opposition of the Buddhist community the world over. During the recent two-day Global Buddhist Summit 2023, experts mentioned that religious suppression is an everyday affair in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). The exercise of religious practices is highly regulated through Chinese state control over the monastic institutions, subjecting monks and nuns to patriotic re-education, which means indoctrination to CCPs ideas. The CCP intends to assume control over Tibetan Buddhism by appointing a Lama of its preference. The intention is clear; the Chinese authority wants an upper hand and leverage over Tibetan Buddhism. To reach this goal, the CCP works towards undermining the Tibetans self-agency and their claim for autonomy and altering or even entirely abolishing Tibetan Buddhist practices. In a very absurd statement, Communist China authorities even attempted to change the history of Tibetan Buddhism by claiming that the birthplace of Buddha was somewhere in Pakistan, foolishly forgetting that it was part of the undivided India until 1947. They have also been backing some breakaway factions, such as the Shugden group, who are critical of the Dalai Lama and often protest the current Tibetan institutions. These reveal that the Chinese efforts to undermine the Tibetans go beyond its borders. Through all these measures, China has even attempted to counter the religious influence that Bodh Gaya in Indias Bihar holds in the lives of all Buddhists, irrespective of faction, region, or nationality. The experts further highlighted that Beijing wants to assume control over the Buddhist nations and influence the decision-making on the pretext of its religious commonality, which needs to be opposed by the global community. The CCP administration has also taken over the newly built Gompas and has strategically and shrewdly downsized the number of monks in monasteries and appointed compliant monastic heads. The Chinese aim, therefore, is to create a group of loyalists who align and support the Chinese agenda and establish its further influence on the peace-loving and virtuous Tibetans. Surveillance and policing are other significant concerns that the TAR is faced with. China has established an intrusive surveillance security system in Tibet and has installed surveillance camera checkpoints and forcefully collected DNA data of the Tibetans. This violates the Tibetans right to privacy and gives the CCP administration an unfair tool to exploit the Tibetans and subdue any activism in the region. The CCP, in a recent legislation, has disallowed ethnic minorities, especially the Tibetans, to appear in examinations in any other language except Mandarin. Under the repressive Mandarin Only Policy of the CCP, primary schools no longer have the liberty to impart education in their native languages and standardised Mandarin as the only medium of instruction. Due to this shift in policy, many Tibetan students face hardships, as they dont possess the required proficiency to appear and pass the crucial entrance, college, and school examinations. This legislation wholly violates the law that earlier allowed minority schools to print textbooks in their native languages and use them as the medium of instruction. This trend demonstrated that the Xi Jinping administration is going all-out to destroy the unique Tibetan cultural and linguistic identity by the imposition of Mandarin. Apart from the marginalisation of the Tibetan population, Communist China has also been exploiting the Tibetan land for its benefit. The countrys manufacturing hub is concentrated in the nations eastern provinces, making the regions appetite for power too large to be met. Chinas aim to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030 has compelled it to develop its renewable and green energy capacity. Keeping this in mind, Beijing has shifted its focus to the sparsely populated western provinces with abundant resources to meet its energy requirements. The CCP exploits the mineral deposits in the Tibetan region and the local Tibetan inhabitants through forced labour to reduce production costs. The villages and settlements that have been neglected for too long now face acute development issues. Tibets abundant natural resources, such as minerals and timber, are being extracted, but the local Tibetan population needs to receive their rightful economic benefits. As a result, the Tibetans are facing the brunt of the Chinese economic expansionist ambition. The economic disparity between the eastern provinces of mainland China and the TAR is quite stark. The stringent policies of the CCP followed by the repressive regimes measures have further aggravated the situation. These repressive measures of the CCP further worsened the plight of the people in the region. According to a few reports, the living conditions in the barracks, where the workers are kept, are nowhere near human standards. The CCP administration has also pushed this coercive labour practice in TAR. It has set quotas for the rural Tibetans, who are churned out of the military-style labour training camps in different regions. It is pretty clear that the CCP government has the slightest regard for the welfare of the Tibetan people, and its whole focus is on satisfying its economic greed. There is also concern that the CCP is attempting to erase Tibetans cultural and religious identity, disregarding the interests of the Tibetans. Additionally, the increased militarization of the Tibetan region challenges Indias national security and compounds the difficulties Tibetans face. Beijing has increased the number of airfields in the region and has converted many civil flight airport facilities for military purposes. There are also attempts at road construction for rapid troop mobilization, which is growing alarmingly. It is, therefore, essential to take a united stance against Chinas oppressive policies in the TAR and halt the CCPs expansionist ambitions. International human rights organizations must pay rightful attention to the situation, become actively involved, and thoroughly investigate the atrocities the CCP has committed against the Tibetan people to curb its aggressive anti-people policies at the cost of its ethnic minority population. The writer is the chairman of New Delhi-based think-tank Law and Society Alliance. 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. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday attacked the Enforcement Directorate (ED), charging the central agency with attempting to plant evidence for arresting party leader Abhishek Banerjee before the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP, on the other hand, accused the ruling party of West Bengal of spreading canards against the countrys premier investigating agency. I have never witnessed such a vindictive government in Delhi. I received a message recently that they will arrest him (Abhishek Banerjee) before the elections. They (ED) have downloaded files on his computers, the TMC supremo said while addressing the partys student-wing rally. They think they are too smart with computers. But they should not underestimate us, she said. Earlier in the day, while addressing the rally, Abhishek Banerjee also made similar claims. ED officials were sent for a raid a day after I returned (from abroad). During the raid, they downloaded 16 files to a computer. Now, if the CBI visits the same place after another seven days and discovers those files, the smear campaign will begin, he said. The ED had searched multiple places in Kolkata and its neighbourhood for over eight hours on August 21 in connection with its investigation into the school jobs scam. Among the places searched was an office of a private company in the posh New Alipore area in the southern part of the city. The Diamond Harbour MP said when he was travelling abroad for medical treatment, rumours were spread in West Bengal, claiming that he would not return to the country. My surname is Banerjee. We know how to keep fighting with our heads held high without surrendering to Delhi. Fake news and lies are being circulated routinely using a section of the media, he said. Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, was earlier questioned by central agencies in cattle smuggling and coal pilferage scam cases. He dubbed it as political vendetta by the BJP. The TMC leader, considered the second in command in the party, reiterated that if there is an iota of evidence of his wrongdoings, I will walk to the gallows and hang myself. The two-time MP, the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, said that those engaging in media trials either do not believe in the due process of law or do not have the patience for it. He asked: Is this not ragging? Is this not an attempt to malign me? Reacting to the remarks by the TMC leadership, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that they are now scared. If the TMC leaders have nothing to hide, why are they afraid of ED and CBI? We have seen the entire TMC is neck-deep in corruption. So many TMC leaders are behind bars. The day is not far away when the entire top brass of the TMC will be behind bars, he said. TMC secretary-general and state industry minister Partha Chatterjee was arrested by the ED for his alleged involvement in the school jobs scam after the recovery of huge cash from the residence of one of his close aides. The party received another jolt when the CBI arrested its Birbhum district president Anubarata Mondal in a cattle smuggling case. Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), announced during the 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) that Jio, a telecommunications company, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 450 million subscribers. This growth has led to a year-on-year revenue increase of more than 20%. Jio has achieved its highest-ever revenue of Rs 1,19,791 crore and an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of Rs 50,286 crore. During the meeting, Ambani also shared insights on Jios digital services business. He mentioned that the data consumption per user on Jios network has experienced a substantial rise. On average, each user now consumes more than 25 gigabytes of data every month. This translates to a monthly data traffic of 1,100 crore gigabytes, marking a growth of 45% compared to the previous year. Reflecting on Jios journey, Ambani stated that the company was launched seven years ago with a grand vision of transforming India into a premier digital society. The goal was to leverage technology to create positive changes across various aspects of life and every sector of the economy. He emphasized the pride Jio takes in contributing to this digital revolution and building a Digital Public Infrastructure that has gained global admiration. Ambani asserted that Jio has played a pivotal role in driving Indias remarkable digital transformation. During the AGM, Mukesh Ambani highlighted Jios distinctive position as the sole provider of a comprehensive 5G ecosystem to its customers. He stated that Jio offers its 5G customers a complete package including connectivity, devices, support services, and value-added offerings. Through Reliance Retail, Jio has established an extensive sales and support network for 5G devices and services across India. This network is open to various leading 5G Smartphone Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring widespread availability and adoption of diverse 5G devices. This integrated approach solidifies Jios role as the driving force and clear leader in Indias 5G evolution. Ambani pointed out that while launching 4G services in 2016, Jio relied on global partners for equipment. However, the companys 5G rollout is now powered entirely by Jios own 100% in-house developed 5G stack. This aligns with the Indian Prime Ministers Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) vision. The 5G stack incorporates advanced technologies like Standalone 5G architecture, Carrier Aggregation, and Network Slicing. It also features advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning capabilities that optimize the network for exceptional quality, reliability, and user experience. This in-house development is designed to smoothly integrate with both 4G and 5G equipment from global vendors. Jios 5G radio portfolio spans from small cells to large tower-based radios, catering to various outdoor and indoor usage scenarios. Furthermore, Jios focus on continuous innovation has positioned it as one of the early adopters of 6G capabilities. The company has also significantly contributed to global patent filings from India for digital technologies, signifying its evolution from a telecom operator to a technology company. Ambani expressed his vision for Jio to leverage its Made-in-India technology stack to generate value and drive revenue growth not only within India but also on the international stage in the years to come. DISCLAIMER: Network18, the company that operates Firstpost are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary An investigation by the United Kingdoms healthcare agency NHS has linked the arrest of a nurse to the death of three babies under suspicious circumstances at the hospital where she worked. According to The Telegraph, the nurse used to work at Birmingham Childrens Hospital but her identity has not been released. The 28-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life. This comes shortly after the conviction of another nurse called Lucy Letby on charges of murdering seven babies. Though the investigation was launched last year, after the babys death, the nurse remained under investigation this weekend. She has not yet been taken back by the hospital, and the regulator too has suspended her, which means she cannot work as a nurse elsewhere. All the families of the children involved in the review in Birmingham have been informed, said The Telegraph. In May 2022, a child on the pediatric intensive care unit at Birmingham Childrens Hospital deteriorated suddenly and unexpectedly. Due to the circumstances of the deterioration, the trust acted straightaway, Dr Fiona Reynolds, NHS trusts chief medical officer, said in a statement. A member of staff was suspended from work and subsequently arrested at home. Sadly, the child later died and our thoughts remain with the family, she added. According to Metro, the NHS trust passed the findings to the police. Meanwhile, Lucy Letby was accused of harming 17 babies, some of them just days old, between June 2015 and June 2016. In the majority of cases she is believed to have injected them with air but prosecutors also accused her of introducing insulin or too much milk. The White House said on Monday that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Vietnam on September 10 and meet with senior officials to address a variety of topics, including technology, the economy, regional stability, and climate change. Before departing for Alaska to observe the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, Biden will have a meeting with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other important figures in Hanoi, it was reported. While in Hanoi, Biden and Vietnamese officials will discuss deepening the two countries ties as well as boosting a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, the White House said in a statement after Biden earlier this month announced plans for the trip. The once-rivalling nations are debating their relations as a more adamant China looms large. While Washington is anxious to improve ties, Vietnam must also consider how its big neighbour would respond. With the memory of the Vietnam War era fading, Washington regards Hanoi as one of its main regional allies. In March, Biden and Trong spoke on the phone. A month later, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to the country in Southeast Asia. The most powerful person in Vietnam, Trong, was the first foreign leader to visit President Xi Jinping in Beijing last year after the Chinese president was elected to a record-breaking third term. (With agency inputs) The Central Government on Monday filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court and said that the Census Act,1948, empowers only the Central Government to conduct the census. In the affidavit filed before the top court, the Centre informed that it is committed to taking all affirmative actions for the upliftment of SCS/STS/SEBCs and OBCs in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India and the applicable law. The Centre submitted before Supreme Court that no other body except the Union Government is entitled to conduct the exercise of either Census or any action akin to the census. In the earlier hearing, the Bihar Government informed the Supreme Court that an exercise of conducting surveys of the caste census in Bihar was conducted by August 6. Various petitions were moved in the Supreme Court challenging the Patna High Court judgement upholding the caste survey ordered by the Bihar Government. Among the petitioners are organisations Ek Soch Ek Prayas and Youth for Equality. One petition was moved by Akhilesh Kumar through advocate Tanya Shree. He challenged the Patna High Court decision which dismissed pleas challenging the Nitish Kumar governments decision to conduct the survey based on castes. The order was delivered by Patna High Court on August 1. The petitioner said that Patna HC had erroneously dismissed the said writ petition without taking into consideration the fact that the State of Bihar lacked the competence to notify caste-based survey vide notification dated June 6, 2022. In terms of Constitutional mandate, only the Union Government is empowered to conduct Census. In the present case, the State of Bihar has sought to usurp the powers of Union of India, by merely publishing a notification in the official gazette, the petition said. The petitioner submitted that the notification dated June 6, 2022, is against the Constitutional mandate of distribution of powers between the State and the Union legislature as enshrined under Article 246 of the Constitution read with Schedule VII of the Constitution and ultra vires the Census Act, 1948 read with Census Rules, 1990 and is therefore void. The short question of constitutional importance that arises in the present Petition is whether the Notification dated June 6, 2022, published by the State of Bihar based on the decision of the Bihar Cabinet dated June 2, 2022, to conduct Caste based Survey from its own resources and the consequent appointment of District Magistrate to supervise the same, is within the Constitutional mandate of separation of power between the State and Union? the petition read. The petitioner submitted that the entire exercise of conducting the Census by the State of Bihar is without authority and legislative competence and reeks of malafide. That the Notification dated June 6, 2022, is against the Constitutional mandate of distribution of powers between the State and the Union legislature as enshrined under Article 246 of the Constitution read with Schedule VII of the Constitution and ultra-vires the Census Act, 1948 read with Census Rules, 1990, the petition said. Therefore, the Notification dated June 6th, 2022 falls foul of Articles 14, and 246 of the Constitution of India and is liable to be set aside, the petition added. The petitioner claimed that the Union has the authority to conduct a Census in India and the State Government had no authority to decide and notify the conduct of a caste-based survey in the State of Bihar and the Notification dated June 6, 2022 is null and void. Earlier Patna High Court dismissed pleas challenging the Nitish Kumar governments decision to conduct the survey based on castes. In the survey data pertaining to people of all castes, sub-castes, socioeconomic conditions, etc would be collected. The survey would cover an estimated population of 12.70 crores in an estimated 2.58 crore households in 38 districts, which have 534 blocks and 261 urban local bodies. Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old Indian-American Republican candidate running for the US presidency in 2024, has expressed his interest in having Elon Musk as part of his advisory team if he secures the presidency. He shared this during a town hall event in Iowa, responding to a question about his preferred advisers for his potential administration, as reported by NBC News. Ramaswamy admires the mass layoffs Musk conducted after taking over Twitter last year. The billionaire biotech entrepreneur said in response that he wanted people with a blank fresh impression who do not come from within the government. Ive enjoyed getting to know better, Elon Musk recently, I expect him to be an interesting adviser of mine because he laid off 75 per cent of the employees at Twitter, Ramaswamy was quoted as saying in the report. And then the effectiveness actually went up, he noted. A second-generation Indian-American, Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016, eventually culminating in successful clinical trials in multiple disease areas that led to FDA-approved products, according to his bio. Musk, 52, is the billionaire owner of SpaceX, Tesla and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Ramaswamy has previously complimented Musks management of the social media company, now called X, saying he would run the government the way that Musk runs the company. What he did at Twitter is a good example of what I want to do to the administrative state, Ramaswamy said in an interview on Fox News last week. Take out the 75 per cent of the dead weight cost, improve the actual experience of what its supposed to do. He put an X through Twitter, Ill put a big X through the administrative state, he added. The workforce of X has been cut down from just under 8,000 to about 1,500 since Musk bought Twitter for USD 44 billion last fall. The billionaire who previously pledged his support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis White House bid and co-hosted DeSantis chaotic campaign launch on Twitter Spaces said last week that he found Ramaswamy to be a very promising candidate. Ramaswamy is the youngest Republican presidential candidate ever. Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina is another Indian-American Republican Party candidate vying for the partys nomination. Ramaswamy has been vocal about his desire to shut down the Department of Education, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He is one of the wealthiest Americans under the age of 40. He studied biology at Harvard before obtaining a law degree from Yale and was briefly a billionaire before a downturn in the stock market shrunk his wealth to just over USD 950 million. With inputs from PTI Israeli air strikes on Aleppo airport in northern Syria caused the grounding of flights on Monday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported, citing a military source. At about 4:30 am (0130 GMT) this morning, the Israeli enemy undertook an aerial aggression from the direction of the Mediterranean west of Latakia, targeting Aleppo International Airport, the source said, adding that this resulted in damage to the airport runway. During more than 12 years of civil war in Syria, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its territory, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions. Israel rarely comments on strikes it carries out in Syria, but has repeatedly said it will not allow its arch-foe Iran to expand its presence in the country. The strikes have repeatedly caused the grounding of flights at the airports in Aleppo and the capital Damascus, both of which are controlled by the government. In early May, Israeli strikes on the Aleppo area killed four Syrian officers and three Iran-backed fighters and forced a halt to flights, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. Israel strikes put the airport out of service twice in March. Three people were killed during a March 7 strike, while another strike two weeks later destroyed a suspected arms depot used by Iran-backed militias at Aleppo airport, the Britain-based Observatory reported. Mondays strikes come a week after two fighters backing the Syrian government were killed in Israeli air strikes on sites near Damascus, said the Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground in Syria. Japans space agency on Monday suspended the scheduled rocket launch, which was intended to carry the nations first spacecraft to land on the moon. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator, attributed this delay to elevated wind speeds. Despite the H-IIA rocket being Japans primary launch vehicle with an impressive 98 per cent success rate, unfavorable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere led to the decision to halt the launch less than half an hour before the originally planned liftoff, reported Reuters. High-altitude winds hit our constraint for a launch which had been set to ensure no impact from falling debris outside of pre-warned areas, said MHIs launch unit chief Tatsuru Tokunaga. The new launch date has not been decided, but will be no sooner than Thursday because of necessary processes such as re-fuelling, he added. MHI and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have said a launch could take place as late as 15 September. The rocket was to be launched from JAXAs Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on Monday morning; it had already been postponed twice since last week because of bad weather. It will mark the 47th H-IIA Japan has launched. The rocket is carrying JAXAs Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), which would be the first Japanese spacecraft to land on the moon. Tokyo-based startup ispaces (9348.T) Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander crashed on the lunar surface in April. JAXA was planning to start SLIMs landing from lunar orbit in January-February 2024 after Mondays launch, aiming to follow the success of Indias Chandrayaan-3 moon exploration mission this month. The rocket is also carrying an X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite, a joint project of JAXA, NASA and the European Space Agency. H-IIA, jointly developed by JAXA and MHI, has been Japans flagship space launch vehicle, with 45 successful launches in 46 tries since 2001. However, after JAXAs new medium-lift H3 rocket failed on its debut in March, the agency postponed the launch of H-IIA No. 47 for several months to investigate the cause. Despite its goal to send astronauts on the lunar surface in the late 2020s, Japans space missions have faced recent setbacks, with the launch failure of the Epsilon small rocket in October 2022, followed by an engine explosion during a test last month. With inputs from agencies Poland and the Baltic states have said they will close their borders with Belarus entirely if a critical incident involving Wagner mercenaries takes place, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said on Monday. European Union members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, which share a border with Belarus, have been increasingly concerned about border security since hundreds of Russian battle-hardened Wagner mercenaries arrived in Belarus at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko. Poland has also seen an increase in the number of mainly Middle Eastern and African migrants trying to cross the border in recent months and has accused Belarus of helping them in their illegal migration bid. We demand from the authorities in Minsk that the Wagner Group immediately leave the territory of Belarus and that illegal migrants immediately leave the border area and are sent back to their home countries, Kaminski told a press briefing. If there is a critical incident, regardless of whether it is at the Polish or Lithuanian border, we will retaliate immediately. All border crossings that have been opened so far will be closed, he said. Earlier, on Friday Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash in an area just north of Moscow. The fatal crash is believed to have wiped out most of the top leadership of the Wagner group. Beatrix von Storch, a representative of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, was subjected to an assault by a protester who smeared her with dog poop during an event in the western region of Rhineland-Palatinate. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the small town of Daun. A 35-year-old man entered the venue and approached von Storch. Under the pretense of wanting to take a photograph with the speaker, he proceeded to soil her with dog feces. Local law enforcement stated that the assailant, who remains unidentified, was swiftly apprehended by officers but did put up brief resistance when being restrained. On Saturday, in a video message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Beatrix von Storch, who serves as the deputy leader of AfD, condemned the assault. She expressed, Yesterday, a repugnant attack occurred against me and the AfD in Rhineland-Palatinate. We engage in discourse using reasoning. Those opposed to AfD employ repulsive tactics. Regardless of their abhorrent methods, we will persistently and now more resolutely strive for the moral and intellectual rejuvenation of our nation. Critics have branded AfD as far-right and prejudiced due to their stance against mass immigration. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hinted earlier this month that a ban on the nativist party might be necessary to safeguard German democracy. Last month, the publicly-funded German Institute for Human Rights contended that AfDs stance contradicts the countrys constitution and therefore could potentially be disqualified from participating in elections. Steinmeier cautioned that adversaries of democracy could soon amass sufficient influence to erode German liberties and brutalize society. He conveyed, We possess the capability to put those who hold contempt for democracy back in their rightful place, alluding to AfD. German intelligence authorities have indicated a growing radicalization among AfD members. Nevertheless, the party currently commands the support of over one in five German voters, making it the second-largest group after the ruling CDU/CSU coalition, according to the most recent polls. During Fridays event in Daun, protestors outnumbered AfD participants by approximately 100-125 to 80-85, as reported by the police. Beatrix von Storch, aged 52, disclosed that she has submitted a complaint seeking legal action against her assailant. A member of the Bundestag parliament since 2017, Beatrix von Storch briefly encountered a suspension of her Twitter account in January 2018. This followed her criticism of the Cologne police for posting a New Years greeting in Arabic. She queried, What is happening in this country? How can an official NRW police account communicate in Arabic? Is this an attempt to placate these savage groups of Muslim men who commit heinous acts? Russia is preparing to introduce a new laser gun to counter the emerging threat of drones that have been targeting Russian territories. The successful field tests of laser gun, which is made to eliminate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), was executed at one of the Russian military training sites. The laser weapon exhibited remarkable efficacy in engaging UAVs, reported Russian news agency RIA Novosti. This testing phase comes at a time when Russia has been subjected to drone attacks, and it claims that Ukraine is responsible for these attacks. Russian defence forces are reportedly working extensively to counter drone attacks along the frontlines and in other areas. The term Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A laser-based weapon would enhance Russias defence capabilities, as drone warfare gains popularity on modern battlefields due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of production and operation. A laser weapon constitutes a distinct type of directed-energy weapon that inflicts damage on targets by delivering rapid sequences of light pulses. Various types of lasers can be employed as non-lethal disabling weapons. In contrast to conventional projectile weapons like bullets and missiles, lasers and other directed-energy weapons offer notable advantages, according to The Eurasian Times. The operational simplicity and precision of laser weapons, which cause minimal collateral damage and avoid unintended casualties, have been driving factors for the development of such weapons in advanced militaries worldwide. Not just Russia, but many countries are actively engaged in the development of tactical laser systems for suppression and destruction, particularly targeting airborne drones and missiles. With inputs from agencies Moscow said Monday that it had detained a Russian citizen and former US consulate employee in Vladivostok for allegedly passing information about the Ukraine conflict to American diplomats. The Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement it had suppressed the illegal activities of Robert Robertovich Shonov, accusing him of being an informant for the US embassy in Moscow. The announcement is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats building pressure on strained ties between Moscow and Washington, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine. The FSB said Shonov had begun handing information to US diplomats in September last year about the conflict and mobilisation, an unpopular move in Russia that saw an exodus of military-aged men. It added that Shonov had been tasked with gauging protest sentiment in Russias regions ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next year. The FSB said that Shonov had reported to two diplomats in the political department in the US embassy in Moscow, Jeffrey Silin and David Bernstein, and that it planned to question the men. Diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly the United States, have been deteriorating for years and both sides have ordered the other to cut staff numbers at diplomatic facilities, hampering their functions. Japans defence ministry said on Monday it scrambled fighter jets to monitor a Chinese BZK-005 military drone that was spotted flying between Japans westernmost Yonaguni island and Taiwan in the morning. The spy drone allegedly came from the East China Sea north of Taiwan and went to the Bashi Channel that separates Taiwans southern coast and the Philippines, the ministry said. Earlier on Friday, Japan also scrambled its Air Self-Defense Force fighters to monitor Chinese bombers flying near Japans Okinawa island, home to a major US military base, as well as to drones spotted near self-ruled Taiwan. Two Chinese H-6 bombers were spotted flying through the strait between southwest Japans Okinawa and Miyako islands connecting the East China Sea and the Pacific on Friday morning, the ministry said. The Okinawa base is one of the major American military bases in the Asia-Pacific and the centre of Japan and the United States defence buildup. It was set up to deter China from attacking Taiwan or any of the nearby Japanese islands. In a separate statement, the ministry said it also spotted a Chinese military drone and another likely Chinese drone flying between Japans westernmost Yonaguni island and Taiwan during the day. Japan dispatched its jets to follow the drones, which eventually turned towards mainland China, it said. Taiwans defence ministry had reported renewed Chinese military activity around the island earlier, including 13 aircraft entering Taiwans response zone and five ships carrying out combat readiness patrols. China, at the time had said it was routine military exercises being followed in the area. For former President Donald Trump, a picture is worth more than $7 million. Trumps campaign says he has raised $7.1 million since Thursday when he was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in the state and became the first former president in US history to ever have a mug shot taken. Spokesman Steven Cheung said that, on Friday alone, the campaign brought in $4.18 million its highest-grossing day to date. The record haul underscores how Trumps legal woes have been a fundraising boon for his campaign, even as his political operation has spent tens of millions on his defense. The mounting legal charges have also failed to dent Trumps standing in the Republican presidential primary, with the former president now routinely beating his rivals by 30 to 50 points in polls. While Trump described his appearance Thursday as a terrible experience and said posing for the historic mug shot was not a comfortable feeling, his campaign immediately seized on its fundraising power. Before he had even flown home to New Jersey, his campaign was using it in fundraising pitches to supporters. Trump amplified that message both on his Truth Social site and by returning to X, the site formerly known as Twitter, for the first time in two-and-a-half years to share the image and direct supporters to a fundraising page. Within hours, the campaign had also released a new line of merchandise featuring the image that began with t-shirts and now includes beer Koozies, bumper stickers, a signed poster, bumper stickers and mug shot mugs. Cheung said that contributions from those who had purchased merchandise or donated without prompting skyrocketed, especially after Trumps tweet. The new contributions, he said, had helped push the campaigns fundraising haul over the last three weeks to close to $20 million. Trump in early August was indicted in Washington on felony charges related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the US Capitol. At the same time, Trumps political operation has been burning through tens of millions of dollars on lawyers as he battles charges in four separate jurisdictions. Recent campaign finance filing showed that, while Trump raised over $53 million during the first half of 2023 a period in which his first two criminal indictments were turned into a rallying cry that sent his fundraising soaring his political committees have paid out at least $59.2 million to more than 100 lawyers and law firms since January 2021. A judge on Monday set a March 4, 2024, trial date for Donald Trump in the federal case in Washington charging the former US president with attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The decision from US District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied a defense request to push the trial back until April 2026, about a year and a half after the 2024 election, but also sets it later than the January date proposed by special counsel Jack Smiths team. The public has a right to prompt and efficient resolution of this matter, she said. If the date holds, it would come right in the middle of the Republican presidential nominating calendar and the day before Super Tuesday, a crucial voting day when the largest number of delegates are up for grabs. Trump, a Republican, was charged earlier this month in a four-count indictment with scheming to undo his loss to Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the 2020 election. The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against Trump. Smiths team has brought a separate federal case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, property, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing to give them back. That case is currently set for trial next May 20. Trump also faces state cases in New York and Georgia. Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor who has said she had an extramarital affair with Trump, while prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, have charged Trump and 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that states 2020 election. The former President, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, surrendered Thursday in that case, posing with a scowling face for the first mug shot in American history of a former US president. He has claimed the investigations of him are politically motivated and are an attempt to damage his chances of winning back the White House. Going to a jail, for the most, doesnt ring any good, but not for for US president Donald Trump, whose campaign has raised over $7 million of his mug shot an official picture taken when someone is sent behind bars. Trump was booked on Thursday by a Georgia court for allegedly scheming to overturn the 2020 election in the State. This event also marked the first instance in US history where a former president had a mug shot taken. Since then, his campaign claims to have raised $7.1 million. On Friday alone, the campaign received $4.18 million, according to its spokesman Steven Cheung. The remarkable surge in funds highlights how Trumps legal troubles have proven to be a boon for his campaigns finances, even as substantial sums have been expended on his defence efforts. Despite the growing legal accusations, Trumps popularity in the Republican presidential primary remains unscathed. He consistently outpaces his competitors by a significant margin of 30 to 50 points in polls. Reflecting on his recent appearance on Thursday, Trump termed it a difficult experience and expressed discomfort at having his historical mug shot taken. Nevertheless, his campaign swiftly capitalised on its fundraising potential. Even before his return home to New Jersey, his campaign had incorporated this event into appeals for financial support from backers. Trump propagated this message on his Truth Social platform and retuned to X (formerly known as Twitter) after a hiatus of two and a half years, using the platform to share the image and guide supporters to a fundraising webpage. In a matter of hours, the campaign also introduced a fresh range of merchandise featuring the image, starting with t-shirts, and expanding to include beer koozies, bumper stickers, signed posters, and mug shot mugs. Cheung revealed that contributions from those purchasing merchandise or donating without prompting surged, particularly after Trumps tweet. The influx of new contributions significantly contributed to the campaigns fundraising total, which approached $20 million over the past three weeks. Early in August, Trump faced felony charges in Washington related to his endeavours to overturn the 2020 election results, events that preceded the violent uprising by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. Concurrently, Trumps political machinery has expended tens of millions on legal fees as he combats charges across four distinct jurisdictions. Recent filings on campaign finance illuminated that while Trump garnered over $53 million during the first half of 2023a period marked by his first two criminal indictments evolving into a rallying cry that propelled his fundraising to new heightshis political organizations disbursed at least $59.2 million to over 100 lawyers and law firms since January 2021. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is set to hold meetings with Chinese counterparts Monday on a trip to Beijing aimed at cooling trade tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Her visit which will last until Wednesday is the latest in a series of high-level trips by US officials to China in recent months. The visits could culminate in a meeting between the nations leaders. US President Joe Biden said recently that he was expecting to meet Chinas Xi Jinping this year. Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday and was met by commerce ministry director of the Americas and Oceania department Lin Feng. Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation, the commerce department said last week. She will also travel to Chinas economic powerhouse Shanghai, Washington said. Relations between Washington and Beijing have plummeted to some of their worst levels in decades, with Washingtons trade curbs among the top of the laundry list of disagreements. Washington says its restrictions are crucial to safeguarding national security, while Beijing sees them as seeking to curb its economic rise. Haikou boasts the largest and best-preserved Qilou compound in China, which was included by the state authorities in the country's first list of historic streets in 2009. Most Qilou in the city were built in early 1900s by returned overseas Chinese with ideas borrowed from architecture of the Southeast Asia where they used to live. This compound of unique building style has turned into a major tourist attraction in Haikou. realme just introduced the GT5, the companys latest top-end phone in the GT series in China, as it had promised. It has a 6.7-inch 144Hz 1.5K flat T7+ OLED screen from Tianma. It also has 2160Hz ultra-high frequency PWM dimming, up to 1400 nits brightness, a 2.31mm ultra-narrow chin and a 1.46mm narrow side bezels. The Pro-XDR high dynamic display restores the look and feel of light and dark content using a flagship algorithm, offering up to 8 times increase in brightness, according to the company. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, and Whirlwind memory engine 2.0 support that can keep up to 76 app background keep alive. This is the the first Pixelworks IRX gaming experience certified mobile phone from realme, creating a new benchmark for ultra-high frame gaming mobile phones, says the company. It uses independent display chip X7 for up to 144 fps frame rate compatible with 110 mainstream mobile games, says the company. League of Legends mobile game runs in native 144 frame mode, adds the company. It has a geek performance panel that lets you set custom CPU frequency + multi-core scheduling. There is variable heat dissipation system max with 20827mm cooling area, Ice core cooling system Max, high-performance graphite material, and heat conduction efficiency increased by 10% compared to the previous generation and 2000Hz gaming control engine, customized for players and antenna matrix system 3.0 as well as support for Wi-Fi 7. The phone comes in Flowing Silver Mirror and Star Mist Oasis colours that have Star Mist AG technology, a rare liquid silver technology that creates a fluid metal texture and features the linear transition from the bright surface to the matte surface with 6-layer optical coating, customized high-precision hexagram AG texture, to achieve a smooth surface. There is a transparent RGB design with 4 halo light strips that the company calls Halo Pro. This includes a transparent film and the halo RGB system offers 26 custom colors, new music rhythm, alarm clock light effects, support 10 exclusive contact and application notification light effects. The phone has 50MP Sony IMX890 with OIS, HyperShot 2.0, Turbo RAW lossless image algorithm, Street shooting mode 3.0 and also has a microscope lens, in addition to a 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro camera. There are two models, one with a 4600mAh with 240W fast charging, making it one of the fastest charging phone to be mass-produced. This reaches from 1 to 20% in 80 seconds, up to 50% in 4 minutes, and full charge about 9 minutes. The 5240mAh battery version has 150W charging that cam charge up to 50% in 7 minutes. There is a SUPERVOOC S power management chip. realme GT5 specifications 6.74-inch (27721240 pixels) (144Hz/120Hz/90Hz/60Hz/45Hz/40Hz adaptive) OLED display with up to 1450 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming Octa Core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 740 GPU 12GB / 16GB / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) storage Android 13 with realme UI 4.0 Dual SIM (nano + nano) 50MP rear camera with 1/1.56 Sony IMX890 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, OIS, 8MP 120 ultra-wide camera, f/2.2 aperture, 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture, LED flash 16MP front-facing camera with Samsung S5K3P9 sensor, f/2.45 aperture In-display fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor Dimensions: 163.1375.388.9mm; Weight: 205g USB Type-C audio, Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos 5G SA/ NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be (2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS (L1+L2+L5)/ GLONASS, NFC, USB Type-C GT5 5240mAh (typical) / 5080mAh (minimum) battery with 150W SuperVOOC fast charging GT5 240W 4600mAh (typical) / 4450mAh (minimum) battery with 240W SuperVOOC fast charging Pricing and availability The realme GT5 12GB + 256GB 150W version costs 2999 yuan (USD 411 / Rs. 34,430 approx.), the 16GB + 512GB 150W version is priced at 3299 yuan (USD 452 511 / Rs. 37,375 approx.) and the top-end 240W 24GB + 1TB version costs 3799 yuan (USD 520 / Rs. 43,615 approx.). It is available to order from today and will go on sale in China starting from September 4th. Source Iti doresti o presa libera si independenta, care nu da inapoi cand vine vorba de respectarea standardelor profesionale, refuza sa se lase cenzurata, sustine independenta justitiei, transparenta decizionala si valorile democratice. Alege sa o sustii. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2023. felicilin at 28-08-2023 01:54 PM (2 months ago) (f) Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights crusader, cites relevant sections of the Nigerian laws, court precedents, especially the one on the National Youth Service Corps scheme, to argue that corps members cannot be ministers in Nigeria. Mr Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights crusader, cites relevant sections of the Nigerian laws, court precedents, especially the one on the National Youth Service Corps scheme, to argue that corps members cannot be ministers in Nigeria. His position comes at a time that corps member Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, is under attack over the issue: Below is Falanas piece on the matter: YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS ARE NOT COMPETENT TO BE MINISTERS IN NIGERIA By Femi Falana SAN By virtue of section 2 of the National Youth Service Act, every citizen who has graduated at any tertiary institution in and outside Nigeria and is not 30 years old shall be mobilised for the one year compulsory national youth service. Any person above 30 is not eligible to participate in the national youth service. Section 13 of the Act provides that any person who fails to report for service in the service corps in the manner directed by the Directorate or who refuses to make himself available for service in the service corps is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N2,OOO or to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment. A person who is disqualified by law to be a lawmaker is also disqualified to be appointed as a minister. The Constitution appears to have set the same qualifications and disqualifications for the two offices. Specifically, section 147(6) of the Constitution provides that no person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives. Any person who did not participate in the National Youth Service is not qualified to be a member of the House of Representatives. In the case of MODIBO v. USMAN & Ors (2019)LPELR-59096(SC) where the appellant contested and won election into the House of Representatives while he was undergoing the National Youth Service, the Federal High Court ruled that a youth corps member was not qualified to contest election in Nigeria. The Court of Appeal set aside the judgment on the ground that a youth corps member is not constitutionally disqualified from contesting election. But the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal erred in law and proceeded to affirm the decision of the trial court. In the leading judgment of the Supreme Court in Modibbo v Usman, Eko JSC stated inter alia: It appears that the lower court had suggested quite obliquely that the appellant, an undoubted NYSC member and indeed any NYSC member, could combine the full time activities as a member of the House of Representatives. That to me appears absurd. The lower court failed to be guided by the overall public policy in the National Youth Service Act. Neither the lower court nor the appellant satisfactorily addressed the point raised by the trial court and the 1st Respondent/cross appellant that public policy under National Youth Service Corps (NYSC scheme and the Bye-Law (Revised) 2011 made pursuant to the NYSC Act forbids a corps member from going into politics or holding a partisan political appointment. In his contribution to the leading judgment, Okoro JSC had this to say; His position comes at a time that corps member Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, is under attack over the issue:Below is Falanas piece on the matter:By Femi Falana SANBy virtue of section 2 of the National Youth Service Act, every citizen who has graduated at any tertiary institution in and outside Nigeria and is not 30 years old shall be mobilised for the one year compulsory national youth service. Any person above 30 is not eligible to participate in the national youth service.Section 13 of the Act provides that any person who fails to report for service in the service corps in the manner directed by the Directorate or who refuses to make himself available for service in the service corps is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine of N2,OOO or to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.A person who is disqualified by law to be a lawmaker is also disqualified to be appointed as a minister. The Constitution appears to have set the same qualifications and disqualifications for the two offices. Specifically, section 147(6) of the Constitution provides that no person shall be appointed as a Minister of the Government of the Federation unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Representatives. Any person who did not participate in the National Youth Service is not qualified to be a member of the House of Representatives.In the case of MODIBO v. USMAN & Ors (2019)LPELR-59096(SC) where the appellant contested and won election into the House of Representatives while he was undergoing the National Youth Service, the Federal High Court ruled that a youth corps member was not qualified to contest election in Nigeria.The Court of Appeal set aside the judgment on the ground that a youth corps member is not constitutionally disqualified from contesting election.But the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal erred in law and proceeded to affirm the decision of the trial court.In the leading judgment of the Supreme Court in Modibbo v Usman, Eko JSC stated inter alia:It appears that the lower court had suggested quite obliquely that the appellant, an undoubted NYSC member and indeed any NYSC member, could combine the full time activities as a member of the House of Representatives. That to me appears absurd. The lower court failed to be guided by the overall public policy in the National Youth Service Act.Neither the lower court nor the appellant satisfactorily addressed the point raised by the trial court and the 1st Respondent/cross appellant that public policy under National Youth Service Corps (NYSC scheme and the Bye-Law (Revised) 2011 made pursuant to the NYSC Act forbids a corps member from going into politics or holding a partisan political appointment.In his contribution to the leading judgment, Okoro JSC had this to say; Quote Also, it is not in dispute that the appellant was still a serving corps member at the time he contested and won the primary election. This was a clear violation of section2(1)and(3)of the National Youth Service Corps Act and section 4(9) of the National Youth Service Corps Bye-Laws (Revised 2011). The court below was wrong to suggest that the appellant could combine the full time activities as a member of the House of Representatives with his primary assignment as a Corps member. By virtue of section 2 of the NYSC Act, a person called upon to serve in the service Corps is under an obligation to serve for a continuous period of one year from the date specified in the call-up letter. Section 4(9) of the NYSC Bye Laws (Revised 2011) provides as follows: Every member shall Not take part in partisan politics. Any member who takes part in partisan politics is liable to extension of service for a period not less than three (3) months without pay. By section 13(i)(3) and (5) of the NYSC Act, it is an offence not to make oneself available for the service for a continuous period of one year as prescribed in section 2 of the Act. The section also prescribes punishment for an employer which aids or abets a Corps member to contravene the provisions of the Act. It is instructive to note that the National Youth Service Corps Decree has been validated by section 315 (5) of the 1999 Constitution. The appellant could therefore not be eligible to contest the said primary election while still undergoing the compulsory one year service period. The law will not allow the appellant in this appeal to benefit from his wrongful act. See Solanke v Abed (1962) 1 SCNLR 37. Having been proved to have contravened some provisions of the National Youth Service Act and Bye-Laws, Augie JSC said: With a prison sentence hanging over his head, if he refuses to make himself available for his NYSC, the appellant cannot be a member of the House of Representative and Youth Corper at the same time. In justifying the annulment of the election of the Appellant, Abba-Aji JSC asserverated thus: Having been proved to have contravened some provisions of the National Youth Service Act and Bye-Laws, Augie JSC said:In justifying the annulment of the election of the Appellant, Abba-Aji JSC asserverated thus: Quote It is without dispute that the appellant has been a beneficiary of the Federal Government NYSC Allowance or salary as at the time he contested. Partisan political involvement and participation even to the level of occupying a political seat is forbidden and prohibited by the law because every political position is a position of utmost trust and confidence and the sole business and allegiance of a politician is to the people who voted him into power and whom he represents and that does not admit of jack of all trades but master of none. The politician is expected to concentrate fully in his political activities and functions and in this case, a very crucial function of law making. It is in this contemplation that many other services to the Federal Government do not admit or allow participation into politics or other engagements during the pendency of that service. To be a Corps member and a law maker at the same time can not be allowed. Thus, the Constitution came to give a guideline as follows in section 66 (1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended): No person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if he is a person employed in the public service of the Federation or of any State and has not resigned, withdrawn, or retired from such employment thirty days before the date of election. It is the unchallenged and undisputed fact that the appellants political position or office was the House of Representatives for Yola South/Yola North/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State. This office was contested by him when he was in active NYSC service and has not passed out or resigned or withdrawn from it. Being paid by the public fund, he therefore qualified to be a public office holder if he discharges any duty in the discharge of which the public are interested, more clearly if he is paid out of a fund provided by the public. It is crystal clear from the authoritative pronouncements of the Supreme Court in the case of Modibbo v Usman (supra) that a youth corps member is not competent to contest any election in Nigeria. In the same vein, a person who has not completed the compulsory one year youth service is not competent to be appointed a Minister in Nigeria since the Constitution has prescribed the same qualifications and disqualifications for election into the House of Representatives and appointment into the post of a Minister. It is crystal clear from the authoritative pronouncements of the Supreme Court in the case of Modibbo v Usman (supra) that a youth corps member is not competent to contest any election in Nigeria.In the same vein, a person who has not completed the compulsory one year youth service is not competent to be appointed a Minister in Nigeria since the Constitution has prescribed the same qualifications and disqualifications for election into the House of Representatives and appointment into the post of a Minister. Post Reply Posted: at 28-08-2023 01:54 PM (2 months ago) | Addicted Hero Redmi Note 13 Pro | Pro+ Specs, Features Leak Via TENAA Listings: FHD+ OLED Screen, Large Battery, And More News oi -Alap Naik Desai Xiaomi is readying the next generation of the widely popular Redmi Note series smartphones. The Redmi Note 13 Pro and the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ specifications, features, expected launch period, and price range have now leaked. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 series smartphones should include the entry-level Redmi Note 13 4G, Redmi Note 13 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, and presumably the Redmi Note 13 Explorer, Redmi Note 13 Speed as well as the Redmi Note 13 Pro Turbo edition as well. Let's look at the latest available details of the upcoming midrange Xiaomi Redmi smartphones. Redmi Note 13 Pro | Pro+ TENNA Listings Reveal Specs, Features Xiaomi hasn't officially acknowledged the existence of the Redmi Note 13 series smartphones. However, the TENAA listings of the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ confirm Xiaomi is readying them for a launch in the near future. The TENNA listings were posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by the prolific and reliable account Digital Chat Station. The listings confirm both Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ support 5G networks. Both Redmi Note 13 series smartphones feature a 6.67-inch OLED display with 2712 1220 pixels resolution. Although not mentioned, the displays on these devices should support a high 120Hz refresh rate, which would vary depending on the content being displayed. Incidentally, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ could be the top-end smartphone in the upcoming series and would get a curved OLED screen with a 1.5K resolution, even though the size would remain the same. The Pro variant could feature a flat display. Some reports suggest the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ would be powered by the Dimensity 9200 Plus, while the Pro variant may feature Dimensity 8200 or a similar spec Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. According to the listings, the Redmi Note 13 Pro would be available with 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of RAM. Buyers would be able to choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of internal storage. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ would be available with 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, or 18GB of RAM. Buyers would be able to choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of internal storage variants. The listings also confirm the Redmi Note 13 series smartphones would feature a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 200MP primary camera. This high-resolution camera would be accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro or depth camera. Redmi Note 13 Pro, Pro+ visit the TENAA certification 6.7-inch 1.5K 144Hz OLED MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Note 13 Pro: 6GB/8GB/12GB/16GB RAM Note 13 Pro+: 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB RAM 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB storage MIUI 15/Android 13 200MP Samsung HP3 + 8MP Sony IMX 355 + 2MP OmniVision pic.twitter.com/HKlcyFJ8H2 Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) August 25, 2023 The camera setup on the top-end Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is tipped to offer "4x in-sensor zoom". Both devices should feature a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies, video calls, and face unlock. According to the TENAA listings, the Redmi Note 13 Pro will be powered by a 5020mAh battery, and the Note 13 Pro+ will pack a 4880mAh battery. The top-end Pro+ variant would support a faster charging speed compared to the Pro variant. Redmi Note 13 Pro | Pro+ Expected Launch, Price, And Availability Xiaomi hasn't acknowledged the existence of the Redmi Note 13 series. However, it is actively working on the successors of the popular Redmi Note 12 series, which had about a dozen smartphones. Redmi Note 13 Pro with 200MP camera render#RedmiNote13 pic.twitter.com/WmDWtdlPY6 GADGET WORLD (@GadgetWorldMM) July 20, 2023 The most promising Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 series smartphones could be announced in October. However, Xiaomi is expected to restrict the availability of these devices to China for a few weeks before gradually launching them in other markets, including India. The Redmi Note 12 series smartphones breached the 30,000 mark. Hence, the 5G-enabled Redmi Note 13 series devices could start above 20,000, while the top-end variants could easily breach the 30,000 mark. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Lebanon arrests two Israeli spies at Beirut airport trying to flee Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 4:37 PM Lebanese security authorities have arrested two people in connection with espionage for Israel as they were trying to leave the country through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in the Lebanese capital, local media reported. Major General Elias al-Baysari, Lebanon's chief of public security, said the pair were "carrying out certain operations inside Lebanon and tried to exit through the airport and were arrested." He added that "based on investigations and confessions, they were transferred to the competent military judiciary, and we will announce at a later stage the details about this cell that posed a threat to Lebanon." "We carried out an investigation and determined that this cell posed a danger to Lebanon," the official further said. "The fight against terrorism is a priority and the fight against spy networks set up by the Israeli enemy is an absolute priority," Baysari pointed out. Lebanese intelligence and security services have arrested dozens over the years on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, with some receiving jail terms of up to 25 years. Back in June, Lebanon's security forces arrested a Lebanese journalist, who used to work for a number of Lebanese and international media outlets, on suspicion of collaborating with the Israeli regime. According to a report published by the Arabic-language al-Modon online newspaper, the Lebanese national, identified as H. Muzahem, was in contact with the "Israeli enemy" since 2018. He was arrested by members of the Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces waiting for the completion of technical and security investigations into his case. Al-Modon, citing informed sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that his case has been referred to the military tribunal for prosecution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson August 25, 2023 The United States strongly condemns pervasive conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan, which credible sources including victims have attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allied militias. The numerous reports of rape, gang rape, and other forms of gender-based violence against women and girls in West Darfur and other areas are deeply disturbing. These acts of brutality contribute to an emerging pattern of targeted ethnic violence. We echo UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten in calling on the RSF to condemn CRSV, commit to effective measures to prevent and address any acts of CRSV, and declare zero-tolerance for sexual violence. In particular, we are gravely concerned about the situation in and around Nyala, South Darfur where tens of thousands of civilians are trapped as fighting escalates between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). We call on the RSF and SAF to immediately halt the fighting and allow safe passage for all civilians out of the city. Perpetrators of atrocities must be held accountable. Accountability for sexual violence in conflict is a core priority for the U.S. government, as reflected in the Presidential Memorandum signed by President Biden in November 2022, which directs the use of all available tools including legal, policy, diplomatic, and financial tools to deter such violence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden in Press Gaggle August 25, 2023 The Crossing at Tahoe Valley South Lake Tahoe, California 12:41 P.M. PDT Q Mr. President, are you concerned about a potential UAW strike, sir? Q Mr. President THE PRESIDENT: I've been talking to the UAW. Obviously, I'm concerned. I think that there should be a circumstance where the jobs that are being displaced and replaced with new jobs, they should go to the the first choice should go to the UAW members that have had the job and the salary should be commensurate. Q Mr. President Q Have you seen Donald Trump's mugshot yet? THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) Q Mr. President, are you worried at all about the THE PRESIDENT: I I did see it on television. Q What did you think? THE PRESIDENT: Handsome guy. Won- wonderful guy. Q With Prigozhin, what what brought down his airplane? Have you gotten any solid information about that? THE PRESIDENT: I'm not at liberty to speak to that precisely. But as you know, because you and I have talked about this Q Yes, sir. THE PRESIDENT: I find no surprise in what happened. But we're trying to nail down precisely. I don't have anything to say to you about that right now. Q Okay. Q Mr. President, can you say anything about the uptick of COVID cases and the new variant? THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I can. As a matter of fact, I signed off this morning on a proposal we have to present to the Congress a request for additional funding for a new vaccine that is ne- necessary that works. And tentatively not decided finally yet tentatively, it is recommended that it will likely be recommended that everybody get it no matter whether they've gotten it before or not. Q What was your take of the Republican debate on Wednesday night? THE PRESIDENT: Let me choose my words. I I don't I don't remember them speaking to any of the issues. I mean, there was a lot of talk, but what are they going to do to deal with economic growth? What are they going to do to deal with the notion that maintaining the job pace that we have now? What are they going to do deal with education? They talk about education like it was a I mean, (inaudible) getting rid of the Department of Education, cut 100,000 teachers. I mean, I don't I don't quite get where they're going. I kept trying to figure out I didn't watch the whole debate. I was on a phone call for part of it. But I I didn't learn much. Q Did you watch Trump's speech with Tucker Carlson? THE PRESIDENT: No, I didn't. I didn't have (laughs) I didn't have an interest or an inclination. Q Mr. President, on your on your supplemental request to Congress, there are some Republicans who want to split up the disaster aid and Ukraine aid. Is that a possibility to you at all to make sure some sort of money passes Congress? Because they have a concern with the Ukraine aid. THE PRESIDENT: None. Q Mr. President, are you planning to sit for an interview with the special counsel looking into the documents matter? THE PRESIDENT: I have there's no such request and no such interest. MS. DALTON: Thanks, guys. Q Thank you. THE PRESIDENT: Okay. Q How much of the debate did you see, Mr. President? THE PRESIDENT: I probably di- Q An hour or so? THE PRESIDENT: I mean, I was in and out, getting a call. But probably what I saw consecutively I probably saw at least an hour and 20 minutes of it. Q Well, that's about most of it. You got the gist of it. THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know what I mean. You know no, I got the gist. (Laughter.) MS. DALTON: Thanks, guys. Q How are you liking Tahoe, sir? How are you liking Tahoe? THE PRESIDENT: I tell you: If I had your biceps, I would feel better. (Laughter.) MS. DALTON: Okay. Truly, thank you. THE PRESIDENT: I've been to Tahoe before. Not here, but I've been out here a number of times when Harry Reid was the Leader and a senator campaigning for a lot of the candidates. It's magnificent. It's magnificent. Thank you all so very much. Q Thank you. 12:45 P.M. PDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BiH: Statement by the Spokesperson on the defamation law in Republika Srpska European External Action Service (EEAS) 26.08.2023 EEAS Press Team The European Union deplores the entry into force of amendments to the criminal code of the Republika Srpska entity, reintroducing criminal penalties for defamation. These legislative changes impose unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions on independent media and civil society. The law severely impacts the environment of civil society and restricts freedom of expression and of the media in Republika Srpska. It is a regrettable and undeniable major step backwards in the protection of fundamental rights. The law goes against the expectations that accompanied the granting of EU candidate status, and runs counter to the interests of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including those resident in the Republika Srpska entity. The EU expects all authorities to work constructively to address the European Commission Opinion key priorities, which are necessary for the Commission to recommend opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In particular, under key priority 12 the EU expects BiH to "guarantee freedom of expression and of the media and the protection of journalists". The EU is committed to supporting media and civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular in the Republika Srpska entity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greetings to President of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania Vladimir Putin sent greetings to President of the Republic of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania on the 15th anniversary of the republic's independence. August 26, 2023 10:05 The message reads, in part: "In August 2008, Russia recognised the republic's state sovereignty, based on the freely expressed will of the Abkhazian people and in accordance with the UN Charter and other fundamental international documents. Over the past 15 years, Abkhazia has made substantial progress in building a democratic state and an independent national economy. Our countries have established an alliance and a strategic partnership. I would like to reaffirm that the Russian Federation will further take every effort to provide assistance to the fraternal Abkhazian people in ensuring defence capability and security, protecting its foreign policy interests and solving pressing economic and social issues." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greetings to President of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev Vladimir Putin sent greetings to President of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev on the 15th anniversary of the republic's independence. August 26, 2023 10:00 The message reads, in part: "Fifteen years ago, the Russian Federation made the decision to recognise the sovereignty of the Republic of South Ossetia, respecting the free will of its citizens, in accordance with the UN Charter and other fundamental international documents. Having defended their freedom in a challenging struggle, the people of South Ossetia are successfully developing institutions of democratic statehood. Relations between our countries have reached the level of alliance and integration. Russia pays particular attention to the consistent implementation of ambitious projects aimed at modernising the republic's infrastructure, raising the living standards and ensuring social protection of its residents. I am confident that through our joint efforts we will further boost efficient bilateral ties in all areas, as well as our partnerships in the international arena." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigeriens hold thousands-strong rally in support of military leaders Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 9:59 PM Tens of thousands of supporters of Niger's military government have rallied in capital Niamey to declare their opposition to foreign intervention in the country, including by its former colonial power France. The Saturday rally, which came after a major anti-France protest a day before, took place at the country's largest stadium, Seyni Kountche, which can accommodate 30,000 people. "We have the right to choose the partners we want," Ramatou Ibrahim Boubacar, one of the protesters who was wearing Nigerien flags from head to toe, told AFP, adding, "France must respect this choice." "For sixty years, we have never been independent, only since the day of the coup d'etat," she said. Clad in Nigerien flags, the participants in the rally voiced support for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which seized power after overthrowing Western-backed President Mohamed Bazoum's government on July 26. "The fight will not stop until the day there are no longer any French soldiers in Niger," CNSP member Colonel Obro Amadou told the crowd at the stadium, adding, "It's you who are going to drive them out." The CNSP, which is led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused France of seeking to intervene militarily in the West African country to reinstate Bazoum. On July 31, the country's military rulers took aim at Paris, saying, "In its search for ways and means to intervene militarily in Niger, France with the complicity of some Nigeriens, held a meeting with the chief of staff of the Nigerien National Guard to obtain the necessary political and military authorization." Despite denying any intention to invade Niger, Paris has vowed to resort to "immediate and uncompromising" action if French citizens or interests were targeted. Since the CNSP took over the power, Nigerians have on several occasions come out in force to display support for the military leaders and reject former Western-backed authorities. On Friday, hundreds of protesters in Niger held a demonstration in front of the French military base in the capital Niamey, threatening to storm the facility if French troops did not leave the country within a week. Also on Friday, the country's foreign minister announced that French ambassador, Sylvain Itte, had 48 hours to leave, saying he had refused to meet with the new rulers and citing French government's actions that were "contrary to the interests of Niger." "The French ambassador, instead of leaving, thinks this is the land of his parents," said Idrissa Halidou, a CNSP member, who was attending Saturday's rally. "We are people of war, [and] we are ready to fight against" the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), he added. ECOWAS, West Africa's main regional bloc, which is also accused by Niger's military leaders of being in cahoots with Paris, has threatened to use force to remove the country's military government if it refrains from handing the power back to Bazoum. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Niger troops on 'maximum alert' in face of military threat Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 2:16 PM Niger's military government has ordered its armed forces to go on the highest alert in the face of an increased threat of military action by a West African regional bloc that is calling for the restoration of the country's deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum. On Friday, Niger's defense chief issued an internal document, which was shared widely online on Saturday, ordering a "maximum alert" and saying, "Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt." It said the order would allow forces to respond adequately in case of any attack and "avoid a general surprise." Following the ouster of the Western-backed president by the military junta in a coup on July 26, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued an ultimatum, demanding the military government to relinquish power by August 6 or face military action. ECOWAS, backed by the United States and France, has been trying to negotiate with coup leaders, but at the same time, it has threatened to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail. Earlier this month, ECOWAS said it was ready to activate a so-called stand-by force for a possible intervention. The decision has raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilize the Sahel region. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have warned about the military intervention, saying it would "practically exacerbate the crisis and inflict further suffering on the innocent people in the Niger Republic and the wider region." Mali and Burkina Faso have said an intervention would be tantamount to a declaration of war on them. Both countries are being ruled by military governments who seized power in coups. Foreign ministers of Mali, Burkinabe, and Niger met on Thursday in the Nigerien capital Niamey to discuss boosting cooperation on security and other joint issues. Niger's coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani also warned that the country was prepared to defend itself if needed. "If an aggression were to be undertaken against us, it would not be the walk in the park that some believe." The Niger coup has been the fifth successful one in nine attempts in West Africa since 2020. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidents Tinubu, Biden to Meet at UN, Likely Discuss Niger By VOA News August 26, 2023 Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next month, his spokesperson said Saturday. The two leaders will likely discuss the situation in Niger after a military coup overthrew the country's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Tinubu, who chairs the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc, is working with other heads of government in West Africa to address the political crisis in Niger after the military junta seized power there. He has called for more U.S. investment in his country and greater cooperation for the defense of democracy in West Africa, after a series of military coups in the impoverished Sahel region. The junta in Niger has put the country's armed forces on the highest alert, citing what is said was an increased threat of attack by ECOWAS, which is urging the reinstatement of Bazoum. "Threats of aggression to the national territory are increasingly being felt," said Niger's defense chief in an internal document issued Friday. ECOWAS, the main West African bloc, has been trying to negotiate with the military leaders of the July 26 coup, but it has said, if diplomacy fails, it is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order. It has rejected a proposal by Niger's mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule. "For the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally that ECOWAS has neither declared war on the people of Niger, nor is there a plan, as it is being purported, to invade the country, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray told reporters. The bloc's decision earlier in August to activate a so-called standby force for a possible intervention has raised fears of an escalation that could further destabilize the insurgency-torn Sahel region. Niger's junta asked troops from neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to come to its defense in the event of an armed conflict. Tens of thousands of people marched on Saturday in Niamey, showing support for Niger's military coup. On Friday, Niger's military rulers asked the French ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte, to leave the country within 48 hours, citing "actions of the French government contrary to the interests of Niger." France has consistently acknowledged only the authority of Niger's elected president, Bazoum. He is still detained by the junta. Paris reiterated Friday night that "only legitimate elected Nigerien authorities" have a say about the fate of its ambassador. The invitation of troops from Mali and Burkina Faso as well as the dismissal of the French ambassador to Niger show "a very strong alignment" between the regimes of the two countries and that of Niger "in terms of having a very strong anti-Western and pro-authoritarian orientation," said Nate Allen, an associate professor at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. Before last month's ouster of Bazoum, Niger, a former French colony, was seen as the West's last major partner against jihadi violence in the Sahel region below the Sahara Desert, which is rife with anti-French sentiment. The United States warned Friday that the string of military takeovers in Africa's Sahel region will hinder the fight against terrorism. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a U.N. Security Council meeting that the United States is focused on the increasing terrorism threat across Africa and continues providing its African partners with "critical assistance in disrupting and degrading" IS and al-Qaida affiliates. Some information in this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from President Joe Biden Honoring Sacrifices of the Service Members Killed in the Terrorist Attack During the Withdrawal from Afghanistan August 26, 2023 We will forever honor the memory of the 13 service members who were stolen far too soon from their families, loved ones, and brothers- and sisters-in-arms, while performing a noble mission on behalf of our nation. We can never repay the incredible sacrifice of any of the 2,461 U.S. service members who lost their lives over two decades of war in Afghanistan or the 20,744 who were wounded. But we will never fail to honor our sacred obligation to our service members and veterans, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. Today, Jill and I remember and mourn these 13 brave American service members and the more than 100 innocent Afghan civilians who were killed in the horrific terrorist attack at Abbey Gate. Many more were injured and will carry the impacts of their wounds and the horrors of that day for the rest of their lives. We pray for the families of our fallen warriors. We grieve with them, we honor them, and we will always continue to support them. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas warns Israel of 'unprecedented defeat' should it start 'all-out' war Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 9:10 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned the Israeli regime of an "unprecedented defeat" should they start an "all-out war" in the region. In an exclusive interview with Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news network, Saleh al-Arouri, deputy head of the Hamas' political bureau, said that the leaders of the occupying regime, driven by racism and fascism, will "cause an all-out war in the region" if they press ahead with their radical and extremist policies. "The Resistance alliance is prepared and motivated by reason, will, and common interests to partake in a regional war, and the active parties are ready and prepared for it," he added. "If we reach the point of an all-out confrontation, Israel will face an unprecedented defeat in its history, and we are confident of that," he warned. Arouri said that they are closely discussing the prospects of the war with all relevant parties. "The all-out war will be a defeat for Israel, and we see that classical wars have changed, and this is evidenced by the conflict in Ukraine." He said although the occupation's army has mobilized over 30 in the northern West Bank to neutralize the Resistance, the resistance continues to grow more powerful and steadfast. "The proliferation of the Resistance across the entire West Bank is a nightmare for the occupation, striking panic and fear [within the ranks of occupation]," he added. The Hamas official also called on the entire Palestinian youth in the occupied West Bank to partake in resistance "in any way possible." He also pointed out Israel's failed attempts at the Judaization of the West Bank and the deportation of Palestinians He added the far-right Israeli cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to displace Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, increase settlements, and gain control over the al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he said, "This extremist regime will suffer a resounding defeat, which would lead to their withdrawal from the entire West Bank." The Israeli oppression of Palestinians has seen a sharp rise under Netanyahu's extremist coalition cabinet, which is composed of far-right Zionist parties that oppose Palestinian statehood and support the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied lands. Over the past months, the usurping regime has intensified attacks against Palestinian towns. As a result of these attacks, dozens of Palestinians have lost their lives and many others have been arrested. According to the United Nations, 2023 is already the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since it began recording fatalities in 2005. The previous year, 2022, had been the most lethal year with 150 Palestinians killed, of whom 33 were minors, as reported by the United Nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon's Hezbollah unveils anti-aircraft missiles in military exhibition Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 7:35 AM The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has put on display SAM-6 anti-aircraft missiles at a military exhibition in the eastern city of Baalbek. The missiles were unveiled on Saturday, on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the liberation of the Jurud Sharqiya region from the grip of Daesh terrorists, the al-Manar television network reported. The military exhibition kicked off at an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers, showcasing all the equipment and armored vehicles that Hezbollah had confiscated during the 1982, 2000, and 2006 wars with Israel and the 2017 battle with Takfiri terrorist groups. Speaking at the event, the chairman of Hezbollah's political council, Ibrahim Amin al-Sayed, described the items displayed as "clear proof of the resistance's power and efficiency to defeat and weaken the enemy." Such exhibitions, he added, are held in a bid to prevent consigning Hezbollah's achievements to oblivion. Sayed also censured certain Arab rulers for following the US suit, warning that Washington is only after its own interests. Earlier this month, Hezbollah unveiled the "Tharollah (AS)" guided missile system, which has "the precision to simultaneously hit and destroy targets." In May, Hezbollah launched large-scale military exercises in Southern Lebanon, showcasing its strength ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the country's liberation from the Israeli occupation. The resistance group was established following the 1982 Israeli invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon. Since then, it has grown into a powerful military force, dealing blows to the Israeli military during the wars in 2000 and 2006 and shattering the myth of the regime's invincibility. The movement has vowed to resolutely defend Lebanon in case of any other Israeli-imposed warfare. Reporting last month, Israel's Hebrew-language Maariv daily newspaper cited the regime's military as expressing concerns about Hezbollah's growing air defense capabilities in countering the regime's aerial aggression on Lebanese soil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 3 US Marines dead, 5 in 'serious condition' after aircraft crash in Australia Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 7:20 AM A US military aircraft has crashed on a remote island north of Australia while taking part in war games, leaving three dead and 20 others injured. Three US Marines died and five were in "serious condition" following the aircraft crash on Sunday, officials said. The MV-22B Osprey crash occurred while transporting troops during a "routine training exercise." There were a total of 23 personnel on board the Osprey military aircraft. The five Marines in "serious condition" were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital, according to reports. The crashed vertical take-off aircraft had been carrying US "defense personnel," Australia's Defense Department confirmed, adding that there were no Australian soldiers involved in the incident. "At this critical early stage, our focus is on the incident response and ensuring the safety of those involved," Australia's military said in its statement. The aircraft crashed during the Predators Run drills near the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, according to local state-run broadcaster ABC. The Australian broadcaster noted that the emergency services incident map for the Northern Territory said there had been an "aircraft crash" on Melville Island, some 60km north of the Australian mainland, on Sunday morning. In the meantime, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the crash as a "tragic" incident. He emphasized that Canberra was currently focused on providing support to those in the crash. "Our focus as a government and as a department of defense is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time," he added. The 2023 Predators Run exercise is a joint military drill that the US and Australian military forces conduct annually in Australia's Northern Territory. This year the joint drill coordinates multiple battle groups consisting of soldiers from Australia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Indonesia, alongside American servicemen from the US Marine Corps. In the past, Malaysian troops also took part in the Predators Run exercises. The Australian news agency reported that more than 2,500 troops from the US, Australia, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Indonesia were currently taking part in the joint military exercises. The drill represents a simulation of what could be anticipated as a military response by a regional multinational force under US command to potential future threats in the South Pacific area, possibly by China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Involuntary Volunteers: Turkmenistan Mobilizes State Workers To Pick Cotton By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service August 27, 2023 LEBAP PROVINCE, Turkmenistan -- Thousands of teachers, health-care workers, and other state employees in Turkmenistan have been forced to pick cotton as the annual harvest season kicked off in August amid scorching summer heat. In the eastern Lebap Province, the government has ordered all state agencies to mobilize 50 percent of their staff for cotton picking during weekdays, several workers told RFE/RL. During the weekends, however, all employees must work in the fields, they said. Local residents said that, in some regions, army soldiers are also picking cotton. The workers are required to pick 20-25 kilos of cotton a day. The work is very hard manual labor and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius create brutal working conditions, workers complained. "There were teachers, doctors, museum workers, librarians, train-station employees, and even airport workers in the fields on the weekend," said a 40-year-old Lebap resident who was among the cotton pickers on August 20. The man requested anonymity for security reasons but said he works for an energy company. "There were representatives of the regional government in the field, checking who has come to work and who wasn't present," he added. 'There Is No Way To Escape It' Those who refuse to pick cotton have been threatened with dismissal from their jobs, Lebap workers claimed. The employees spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal in a country where dissension is not tolerated by the government. "There is no way to escape it. If you don't go you will get fired," the energy-sector employee said, adding that those few who can afford it, bribe officials or hire someone else to pick cotton instead of them. A bribe of about $115 to $140 can spare you from cotton picking, workers claimed. Hiring replacement pickers costs about $8.50 to $14 a day. "There are many teenagers in the fields who have been hired by state workers," one employee said. "The managers don't care who is picking cotton as long as the daily cotton production quota [set by the government] is met." Government officials didn't respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment. 'We Were In The Mud Up To Our Knees' In Balkan Province, a 60-year-old teacher said many of his fellow employees' salaries are too meager to hire help. "Teachers and doctors say that they don't make $14 a day, so they have to pick cotton themselves," the teacher said. "There was a heavy rain in the Gyzylarbat district [on August 20] and we were in the mud up to our knees while picking cotton." People who live far from the cotton fields have to pay for transport to get there, the workers said. Most employers reportedly don't allow their staff to take vacation during the harvest season, which begins in mid-August and often lasts until early December. The government of the authoritarian Central Asian has set a goal of harvesting 1.25 million tons of cotton this year. Turkmenistan has about 580,000 hectares of cotton fields. State media frequently reports that the government has purchased hundreds of tractors and other machines from abroad used to harvest cotton, including from the U.S. company John Deere. Workers in Lebap, however, said there were no cotton-picking machines in sight in the fields, where cotton was being harvested manually by state employees and farmers. Turkmenistan has long been criticized by rights defenders and international organizations for its systematic use of forced labor in the annual cotton harvest. Despite compelling evidence, the government continues to deny forcing employees, students, and soldiers to pick cotton. Written by Farangis Najibullah in Prague based on RFE/RL Turkmen Service reporting. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-cotton- forced-labor-state-workers/32566055.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 EU to Launch Civil-Military Mission in West Africa in Fall - Reports Sputnik News 20230827 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union plans to launch an advisory and capacity-building mission in West Africa in fall that allegedly aims to roll back Islamist militancy on the Gulf of Guinea coast, media reported Sunday. EU foreign ministers will announce the start of the "civil-military" mission at a meeting in Luxembourg in October, the Welt am Sonntag newspaper has learned. The area of operation will reportedly span Ghana, Togo, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire. The governments of Benin and Ghana have already sent formal invitations. Senior EU diplomats who are familiar with the planning told the German paper that the mission stems from "concerns of the EU that jihadist groups could extend their activities in Western Africa from the Sahel region to the southern coastal countries off the Gulf of Guinea." The mission will comprise police and military personnel whose number is still to be determined. Other goals include anti-terrorist operational preparedness training, technical assistance and confidence-building in the local security sectors. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Airstrike Kills 13 Al-Shabab Militants By Harun Maruf August 27, 2023 The U.S. military in Africa (AFRICOM) reported a "collective self-defense" airstrike against al-Shabab militants killing 13 fighters in Somalia. The airstrike took place in the vicinity of Seiera, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM said Saturday's airstrike was conducted in support of Somali forces who were engaged by al-Shabab fighters. "Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command's initial assessment is that the airstrike killed 13 al Shabab fighters and that no civilians were injured or killed," AFRICOM said in a statement. "The command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security." The U.S. considers al-Shabab the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaida network in the world. Al-Shabab merged with al-Qaida in February 2012. "[Al-Shabab] has proved both its will and capability to attack partner and U.S. forces and threaten security interests in the region," AFRICOM said. Meanwhile, al-Shabab militants raided the recently liberated village of Cowsweyne in the central Galmudug state, killing government soldiers early Saturday, security sources told VOA. According to two security officials who asked not to be identified because they are not allowed to comment on sensitive military operations, the militants attacked the village using explosions from vehicle-borne explosive devices (VBIED) or car bombs, followed by armed militants who engaged in heavy gun battles with government forces. The state-run Somali National News Agency (SONNA) said government forces repelled the attack and destroyed the VBIEDs. However, extremist group al-Shabab issued a press release claiming to have "overrun" the base and killing 178 soldiers and capturing prisoners. That claim has not been independently verified. The situation in Cowsweyne, 60 kilometers northwest of Ceel Dheer town, is still murky more than 24 hours after the attack. A local official described the attack in Cowsweyne as "painful." Somali government soldiers liberated Cowsweyne on August 22 as the government resumed military operations against al-Shabab to remove the group from central Somalia and push the militants to the south. Military officials said they are targeting two main towns in the state, Elbur and Galhareri. Elbur was captured without a fight Friday by a large column of Somali forces. Al-Shabab militants have been withdrawing from towns and villages and retreating into the bush with the intention of a prolonged guerrilla war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Chandrayaan-3 has proved India's capability for cost-effective Space missions" India PIB Department of Space India's space missions are designed to be cost effective, says Dr Jitendra Singh We have learnt to compensate high costs with our skills : Dr Jitendra Singh "PM Modi launched a unique provision by earmarking 10% of CSR Budget of companies for R&D, an initiative which even the US and other countries would envy" Posted On: 26 AUG 2023 3:12PM by PIB Delhi "Chandrayaan-3 has proved India's capability for cost-effective Space missions". This was stated by Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, while speaking at an interactive meet of intellectuals, prominent citizens and media persons in Indore. He said, India's space missions are designed to be cost effective. The Minister further elaborated saying, "The Russian moon mission, that was unsuccessful, cost Rs.16,000 crore, and our (Chandrayaan-3) mission cost just around Rs.600 crore. Consider, Hollywood films based on Moon & Space Missions cost over Rs.600 crore". We have learnt to compensate for cost through our skills, said Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, and Atomic Energy. "Questions will arise, how? We made use of gravitational forces, the spacecraft made about 20 orbits of the earth, each rising in parabola, until it escaped and was captured in the Moon's gravity and it made 70-80 revolutions of the moon before landing at the designated spot," he said. Dr Jitendra Singh said, in order to involve the private sector in R&D efforts, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi came out with the "Anusandhan National Research Foundation" Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha in the last session of Parliament, with a budget of Rs.50,000 crore over five years. "When it is implemented fully, it will be a game-changer. We are planning a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) entity for which a36,000 Cr of the research funding is to come from the private sector, mostly industry whereas the Government will put a14,000 crore," he said. Dr Jitendra Singh said, under PM Modi India launched a unique initiative which even the US and other countries would envy. "Two years ago, a provision was made that companies can earmark 10% of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) budget on R&D, earlier this was not so," he said. Calling for collective synergy, Dr Jitendra Singh said, we have to get rid of this mutual scepticism between the public and private sector. We can never emerge successful in the geopolitical race by working in silos, the minister said. "We have to take this off our minds that the Government will and should do everything, those countries that stand developed did not achieve it by depending solely on their government. If today NASA sends rockets for the US, the maximum contribution to such missions is made by private agencies and industry, " he said. Stating that no government can provide a Sarkari Naukri to every individual, the Minister said, a responsible government creates job opportunities like PM Modi has done. "From 350 Startups (in 2014), we now have over one lakh Startups, Startups have sprung up even in Governance technology, which nobody could have imagined earlier. Under Mudra scheme, easy loans of Rs.10-20 lakh are made available to the youth, without mortgage; so, a whole environment has been created to trigger innovation," he said. ***** SNC/PK (Release ID: 1952448) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong Authorities' Ongoing Harassment Campaign US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson August 25, 2023 The United States strongly condemns the Hong Kong authorities' ongoing harassment of family members in Hong Kong of democracy advocates living overseas, who are being targeted simply for their association with their loved ones. In particular, we are concerned about the recent cases of Anna Kwok, Elmer Yuen, Dennis Kwok, Christopher Mung, Nathan Law, and Joshua Wong, whose family members and acquaintances, were detained and questioned by Hong Kong police. This deliberate campaign to intimidate and silence individuals for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms is a further step in the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong. This is also a form of transnational repression to intimidate and silence individuals abroad and to coerce their return. We call on the Hong Kong authorities to cease all harassment of the democracy activists' family members. We also call on the PRC government to respect the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA garrison in Hong Kong completes 26th routine rotation People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:31, August 26, 2023 HONG KONG, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on Friday completed the 26th rotation since it began garrisoning Hong Kong in 1997. Approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC), the move is a routine annual rotation in line with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The officers and soldiers leaving Hong Kong on rotation had successfully completed all tasks centered on defense during their garrisoning in Hong Kong. On their departure, through the garrison's information office, they thanked all sectors of Hong Kong society and the general public for the support during their stay in Hong Kong. The new personnel, before arriving at the garrison barracks, have undergone solid training and carried out studies to master the skills necessary to fulfill the defense duty for Hong Kong. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US commerce chief embarks on China visit; high-level contacts expected to stabilize bilateral ties Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 27, 2023 08:08 PM Updated: Aug 27, 2023 11:32 PM US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday night, kicking off a four-day tour that is widely anticipated to ease fraught relationship between the US and China, the world's two largest economies. She was received by Director General Lin Feng of the American and Oceania Affairs Department of China's Ministry of Commerce at the airport. The visit, seen as a litmus test to see whether the US will show sincerity in fixing bilateral ties, is unlikely to witness big breakthroughs in the trade and commerce field between China and the US, Chinese experts said. However, the US move to pursue dialogue in a trek of recent high-level China-bound visits should be deemed positive in creating a better mood for further talks amid China-US ties that are still at the lowest ebb in decades. US media outlets have expressed high expectations for Raimondo's trip. The New York Times reported on Saturday that Raimondo will likely be the "clearest demonstration yet of the balancing act the Biden administration is trying to pull off in its relations with China." Bloomberg reported on Saturday that "Raimondo may have the best chance among the Biden officials who've make the trek to China recently of taking the current tension between the world's two biggest economies down a notch." Raimondo's visit follows several high-level visits by US officials to China over the past three months or so. In June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China for the first time as the top US diplomat. In July, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited China. Also in July, US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry visited Beijing. Compared with her peers, Raimondo, as the US commerce chief whose agency is primarily engaged in the field of economic and trade which represents the broadest cooperation and closest integration of China-US interests, is thus pinned with high hopes that her visit will reach some tangible outcomes as it concerns the pragmatic interests between the two countries. During her China visit, Raimondo will travel to Beijing and Shanghai, and hold meetings with senior Chinese officials and US business leaders. She looks forward to having constructive discussions on issues relating to the China-US commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation, according to the website of US Department of Commerce. In her meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng on Tuesday, Xie called on the US side to work in the same direction as China, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the negative list, so as to make joint efforts to stabilize China-US relations. China will express its position to the US side on economic and trade issues of concern, and at the same time, looks forward to having in-depth discussions with the US on resolving economic and trade differences and promoting pragmatic cooperation, a spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming talks. Further curbs warning Despite the US showing positive signals in stabilizing bilateral ties via an array of small overtures including seeking a six-month extension of the US-China Science and Technology Agreement due to expire on Sunday, many experts in China have expressed their doubts about the US' sincerity in pursuing dialogue with China because of US' relentless crackdown on Chinese rising technology. Big breakthroughs are not likely to be yielded from the talks, they said. The extension of six months is a very well-studied result, Song Guoyou, deputy director of the Center for American Studies, Fudan University, told the Global Times. He called it a "smart and pragmatic" move for the Biden administration, which does not want to spoil the current positive atmosphere created between China and the US meanwhile giving itself some time to deal with mounting pressure from domestic lawmakers who want to scrap the agreement. "The Chinese side is likely to express its biggest concern through the dialogue with Raimondo, which is the US' continuous moves in curbing Chinese high technology development," He Weiwen, senior fellow of the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Sunday. The bulk of US' restrictions against China including the entity list and export controls that have been imposed by Raimondo's agency. Earlier this month, Biden signed an executive order restricting investments in China, intended to further stymie China's advances in cutting-edge technology areas including semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain artificial intelligence systems. Despite that the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that it will lift 27 Chinese entities out of the so-called Unverified List just ahead of Raimondo's China visit, there are still more than 600 Chinese companies and institutions on the US' entity list, which intends to cut off Chinese technology companies from obtaining relevant technology, equipment, funds and channels. In a worrisome signal, the New York Times report said the US could expand restrictions on sales of chips, software and machinery to China's semiconductor industry after Raimondo's trip. "If the two sides agree to settle certain specific issues through the dialogue, that will be a good start of improvement in the pragmatic terms," He said. He noted that the establishment of a work group dealing with those issues including investment and export controls could also be possible in the following phase. The US has sent a clear signal that the Biden administration wants to consolidate the stabilizing and improving momentum in bilateral relations, "at least not to make it spiral down for the moment till the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting when the two countries' top leader are expected to meet," Zhou Rong, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Sunday. The APEC Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be hosted in San Francisco from November 12 to 18 this year. And recent frequent high-level contacts are thought to pave the way well for the possible meeting, according to Zhou. "The US is still seeking to maintain a channel to hold talks with China and develop cooperation in some areas," Zhou said, adding that the "areas" mainly refer to the ones that are in the US' best interests. Zhou warned that the US strategy in containing China's rise in the technology and military sectors has not changed. "During Raimondo's China visit, China and the US are also expected to touch the 'decoupling or de-risking' claim," He Wenwei said. The tone as hyped by some US politicians has posed challenges to businesses on both sides as it has roiled bilateral commercial and trade environment, He noted. The US commerce chief is likely to reiterate the rhetoric that the US is not seeking an economic "decoupling" from China, the consequence of which is "disastrous," just as warned by Yellen previously, according to He. "Yet in the meanwhile, the US would also stress its national security concerns, a concept that has been abused in political operation to crack down on China's high technologies," He noted. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday that "we are clear-minded on the US' stance on its trade and commerce policies toward China and have forged our own judgment." Also, the Chinese authority has well managed their expectations on Raimondo's visit given the US' repeated shifty moves toward China. "If, during this visit, the US touts its ill-posed trade and economic policies toward China that is marked by strengthening 'national security' and alignment among its partners in a bid to marginalize China in a world trade landscape that Washington's being pushing to reshape, then it will certainly ruin the talks, which is something that both sides don't want to see," Li said. Trade between the world's top two economies has been worsening since the start of the year as the US' unrelenting trade and tech war against China has inhibited bilateral commerce. Mexico and Canada have replaced China as the top exporters to the US. The US imported about $203 billion in goods from China in the first six months of the year, 25 percent less than in the same period in 2022, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong Police Question Relatives of Activists Living Overseas By William Yang August 27, 2023 Hong Kong national security police have adopted what analysts have described as "scare tactics" targeting several overseas activists over the last few weeks, issuing arrest warrants and bounties worth more than $127,000 against them, as well as summoning dozens of their family members in Hong Kong for questioning. "It's a mafia-style crackdown against family members of overseas Hong Kong activists," Patrick Poon, a visiting researcher at the University of Tokyo, told VOA in a phone interview. While none of the family members has been charged or arrested, Poon says Hong Kong authorities are trying to exert pressure on the activists and the diaspora by treating their family members as "hostages." "The authorities are sending overseas activists a clear signal that no matter where they are, the police will try to track them down," he noted. "Hong Kong police tactics are similar to the Chinese authorities' tactics against dissidents." Since the former British colony returned to China in 1997, authorities have tried to increase control over all aspects of civil society. Following a monthslong anti-government protest in 2019, a Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL) aimed at stamping out what the government views as subversion came into effect in July 2020. Since then, 260 people have been arrested under national security-related charges in Hong Kong and some observers say Hong Kong authorities hope to further silence critics abroad. "They are targeting Hong Kongers and Westerners who might dare criticize them around the world," Samuel Bickett, a fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Asian Law, told VOA. According to Bickett, when the NSL was enacted, Hong Kong authorities made it clear that the law could be applied to "anyone who might dare to criticize them anywhere in the world." "That's who they are targeting now," he explained. The eight activists in question are Ted Hui, Anna Kwok, Dennis Kwok, Finn Lau, Nathan Law, Christopher Mung, Kevin Yam, and Elmer Yuen. On July 3, Hong Kong police issued arrest warrants and bounties of $127,635 on each of them. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee pledged to pursue them "to the end of the Earth." On July 11, Hong Kong police took Law's parents and brother in for questioning. While police alleged his family members were suspected of supporting him, Law said they "have no financial connection" with him and that his work is unrelated to them. In the subsequent weeks, police took away family members of Dennis Kwok, Anna Kwong, Mung, and Yuen for questioning. After two of her brothers were taken away for questioning on August 22, Anna Kwok said on the social media platform X that she would not give in to the government's pressure campaign. Kwok is the executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based organization Hong Kong Democracy Council. "Hong Kong police have reportedly taken in my two brothers for questioning in an attempt to silence me," she wrote. "Little do they know nothing can stop me from pursuing freedom." Reports say the relatives of Hui, Lau and Yam have not yet been summoned. Poon said the eight overseas activists have not given in to the mounting pressure. "They continue to uphold the principles and show the world that they are doing well even though Hong Kong authorities keep threatening them," he said. The U.S. State Department condemned Hong Kong authorities' ongoing harassment of family members of overseas activists. On Aug. 25, a State Department spokesperson said the move intends to "intimidate and silence individuals for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms." "This is also a form of transnational repression to intimidate and silence individuals abroad and to coerce their return. We call on the Hong Kong authorities to cease all harassment of the democracy activists' family members," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. A spokesperson for China's foreign affairs office in Hong Kong responded by saying police actions abroad, against those suspected of threating the territory's national security, are "reasonable and justified." Cost of engagement for overseas Hong Kongers Even though the overseas activists remain committed to their causes, others acknowledge that Hong Kong authorities' new tactics have increased the price that Hong Kongers abroad must pay when engaging in any form of activism. "This strategy makes the cost of engaging in activism higher so other members of the Hong Kong diaspora community wouldn't dare to do the same things," Francis Hui, an exiled Hong Kong activist and policy and advocacy coordinator of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, told VOA in a phone interview. She adds that now any Hong Konger who thinks about engaging in activism abroad needs to consider the consequences. The harassment the eight overseas activists face could also happen to them. "If they want to engage in activism, it might jeopardize the safety of people connected to them," Hui explained. Bickett said he believes the Hong Kong authorities' goal is to shut down the broader movement and increase the level of doubt and fear among Hong Kongers who are not central leading figures. "A lot of people have to make a choice a do they want to exercise their free speech rights in the country where they live or do they want to be able to return to Hong Kong to visit their family members," said Bickett, who himself has dealt with the territory's criminal justice system. Bickett was convicted of assaulting a plainclothes police officer after trying to help a protester who was tackled by the police during protests in 2019. Bickett was sentenced to four-and-a-half months in jail in June 2021 and was deported after spending 12 weeks behind bars. Poon says it's important for the diaspora community to assess the risks of engaging in activism or publicly expressing views critical of the government. "Overseas Hong Kongers need to think of more strategic ways to carry out activism," he told VOA, adding that members of the diaspora community should exercise division of labor. "Some activists will be more prepared to engage in activism publicly while others can play more supportive roles in the movement." And to ensure overseas Hong Kongers can safely engage in activism, Bickett says it's crucial for host governments to pay more attention to transnational repression in Hong Kong and China. "There have been lots of incidents of people getting attacked at protests, [including] the Manchester attack, where officials from the Chinese consulate in Manchester walked out and attacked Hong Kongers protesting outside the consulate," he told VOA. The incident Bickett refers to happened in October 2022 in Manchester, England. Video appeared to show Chinese officials dragging former Hong Kong resident Bob Chan, onto the consulate's property and assaulting him. Manchester police say he was hospitalized for his injuries. In Bickett's view, the United States has tried to crack down on transnational repression; but he says countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, which have a sizable Hong Kong diaspora community, have done "very little" to address the challenge. "Hong Kongers there feel exposed," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, China clash with US at UN over North Korean missile tests Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 9:07 AM The United States ambassador to the United Nations has accused China and Russia of blocking a unified UN Security Council response to North Korea's missile tests. Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the remarks during an emergency Security Council meeting on Friday, after Russia and China blocked a US motion to condemn Pyongyang's attempt to put a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit a day earlier. Since the beginning of 2022, she said, "this council has failed to live up to its commitments because of China's and Russia's obstructionism". Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China of "not living up to their responsibility to maintain international peace and security" in the face of what she called growing nuclear threat from North Korea. In May last year, China and Russia vetoed a resolution imposing new sanctions on Pyongyang. The last unified Security Council action on North Korea took place in 2017. Thomas-Greenfield further denounced Russia and China's presence at a North Korean military parade last month. In response, Chinese and Russian representatives blamed Washington for North Korea's tests, pointing to ongoing US military drills with South Korea. North Korean Ambassador Kim Song said Pyongyang's launch of the reconnaissance satellite "is an exercise of the legitimate right to self-defense to deter ever-increasing hostile military acts" of the US. On Thursday, North Korea's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) conducted the second launch of reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 aboard the new-type carrier rocket Chollima-1. The attempt, made at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in Cholsan County of North Phyongan Province, failed after the rocket booster experienced a problem during its third stage. Pyongyang vowed to try for the third time in October. North Korea, which is under harsh sanctions by the United Nations and the United States for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, has been seeking to put what would be its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit, saying it plans a fleet of satellites to monitor moves by American and South Korean troops. North Korea says its objective is to defend the nation against US aggression exemplified in its continuous military drills and deployment of nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sarkozi to face trial for receiving funds for presidential bid from Libya's Gaddafi Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 10:50 AM Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will face a trial in 2025 on charges of corruption and receiving illegal funding from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for his successful 2007 presidential campaign, according to France's financial prosecutors. An initial hearing is set for March 7, 2024, the prosecutor's office said, with the trial itself scheduled to take place between Jan.6, 2025 and April 10, 2025. The 68-year-old is also fighting various other charges, including "concealment of embezzlement of public funds, passive corruption, and illegal campaign financing, the prosecutor's office said. The investigation was sparked by revelations from the investigative website Mediapart which published a document purporting to show that Gaddafi agreed to give Sarkozy up to 50 million euros ($54 million at current rates). Sarkozy could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted in the case, while he has repeatedly denied the accusations. "There's not even the smallest inkling of proof," he said in an interview in 2018. In addition to Sarkozy, there are 12 others facing the trial among them heavyweights such as Sarkozy's former right-hand man Claude Gueant, his then head of campaign financing Eric Woerth and former interior minister Brice Hortefeux. Sarkozy has already been convicted twice for corruption and influence-peddling in separate cases involving attempts to influence a judge and campaign financing. He lost an appeal in May against a 2021 conviction for corruption and influence peddling. His legal team promised to challenge that at France's highest court. Sarkozy championed a NATO-led military intervention in Libya, taking advantage of an uprising against Gaddafi in 2011, which plunged the African country into chaos and infighting continuing to this day. Before Sarkozy, the only former French leader to be sentenced at trial was his predecessor Jacques Chirac, who received a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption over a fake jobs scandal relating to his time as Paris mayor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indian prime minister proposes full G20 membership for African Union Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 4:50 PM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed to grant full membership to the African Union (AU) in the Group of 20 (G20) as the bloc is set to hold a summit in New Delhi next month. "We have a vision of inclusiveness and with that vision, we have invited the African Union to become permanent members of the G20," Modi said at the Business 20 Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. Back in December, US President Joe Biden also supported the permanent membership of the AU, which collectively had a $3 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) last year. Earlier this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the bloc has his full backing for a permanent seat at the G20. Moreover, on the sideline of the BRICS summit on Thursday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the bloc supports the inclusion of the African Union in the Group of 20 nations. As the G20 Summit on September 9-10 is approaching, Modi said that the heads of 40 countries and many global organizations would be arriving in the Indian capital to participate in the summit, which will be "the biggest participation ever in the history of the G20." The G20 this year also invited nine non-member "guest" countries, including Bangladesh, Singapore, Spain and Nigeria, besides international organizations such as the United Nations, World Health Organization, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The G20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies, comprised of 19 countries and the European Union (EU). The bloc represents around 85 percent of the global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population - but South Africa is the only member from the continent. India currently holds the G20 presidency, a position that rotates each year between the member states. "When India assumed the G20 presidency last December, we were acutely conscious that most of the Global South would not be at the table when we meet," said Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. "This mattered very much because the really urgent problems are those faced by them," he added. "India, itself so much a part of the Global South, could not stand by and let that happen." New Delhi has so far refused to join the West's policy of isolating Moscow and has instead become the biggest buyer of Russian crude. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says its military ties with Iran will withstand US pressures IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 26, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Russia's military cooperation with Iran will continue despite pressures from the United States and its allies, says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. "There are no changes, and cooperation with Iran will continue," Reuters quoted Ryabkov on Saturday as saying, citing Russian news agency RIA. "We are independent states and do not succumb to the dictates of the United States and its satellites," he added. The remarks came days after Iran and Russia reached new agreements on boosting defense ties in defiance of Western pressures. The US and its allies have repeatedly accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones to be used in the war against Ukraine. Tehran has dismissed the allegations, saying it had sent a limited number of drones to Russia before Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has also denied its forces Iranian drones in Ukraine. 4354**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran reiterates call on Taliban to secure water share in Hirmand River Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 5:11 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated the country's call to secure its water rights in the Hirmand River and its sources in neighboring Afghanistan. Amir-Abdollahian on Saturday held a phone conversation with the Taliban-run government's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mottaqi. A team of Iranian experts recently visited the Hirmand River for the first time. The Iranian minister said such visits are taking place in accordance with the 1973 water-sharing treaty and would contribute to more transparency in the dispute over the river. The Hirmand River, the longest watercourse in Afghanistan, rises in the Hindu Kush Mountains west of Kabul and flows in an arc southwest until it empties out into the Hamoun wetlands, located in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Following more than a century of rift over Hirmand's water supply, Iran and Afghanistan signed a treaty in 1973 to establish a means of regulating each country's use of the river. Iran should receive an annual share of 820 million cubic meters from Hirmand under the accord, which Afghanistan has grossly violated in letter and spirit, endangering the lives of many Iranians who rely on Hamoun wetlands for drinking water, agriculture, and fishing. Afghanistan has also built dams on the river, constricting the water flow into Iran. Iranian officials and lawmakers have time and again complained that Iran is not receiving its due share of water from the river. Taliban ministers have blamed drought and technical issues for the low supply of water to Iran in the past months. Amir-Abdollahian also told Mottaqi that Iran has always wished for the well-being of Afghanistan and its people, noting that the Islamic Republic has played host to a large number of Afghan refugees. "Tehran emphasizes the [importance of] cooperation among all parties inside Afghanistan with the purpose of [promoting] stability, security and welfare of the Afghan people," the Iranian foreign minister said. Mottaqi, for his part, said the fraternal relations between Tehran and Kabul are based on good neighborliness. He invited the Iranian foreign minister to visit Kabul and noted that efforts are underway to solve the existing problems between the two sides. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe eyes purchase of Iranian-made drones: Military official Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 4:40 PM An Iranian military official says many Western countries have asked to purchase Iran's unmanned aerial vehicles. The spokesperson for Iran's Defense Ministry, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, told Tasnim news agency on Saturday that there is a profusion of potential customers for the Iranian-manufactured military drones. He said Iran is prepared to export military drones after taking their production capacity and domestic needs into consideration. Iran is ready to export its UAVs provided that "political and security considerations" do not apply to any customer and the country makes sure that its drones will not be intended for inappropriate use, Talaei-Nik emphasized. The Iranian official, however, did not give the name of the Western and European countries because they wish to remain anonymous. Back in September, Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Gholam-Ali Rashid lauded the Islamic Republic's outstanding drone power, saying, "Iran is now undoubtedly among the world's top three drone powers." Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Homegrown Iranian military products have also found many clients in the world. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense. In a recent interview, Talaei-Nik said Iran is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of defense industry technology. The Defense Ministry spokesman added that Iran was able, in 45 years, to "transform from an importer of weapons to a country that manufactures about 90% of its military needs." No military transaction with Russia canceled In his Saturday interview, Talaei-Nik said the arms supply contracts usually take time, emphasizing that none of the transactions that Iran has had with other countries, such as Russia, have been canceled. "The financial provision and exchange of the contract must be done... within the framework of legal and international regulations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says it won't succumb to US dictates, military cooperation with Iran to continue Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 2:26 PM Russia has emphasized that the bond between Moscow and Tehran will withstand foreign pressure and the Russia-Iran military ties will go ahead regardless of US-led attempts to undermine the relation. "We are independent states and do not succumb to the dictates of the United States and its satellites," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday. He further emphasized that there have been no changes in the two sides' collaboration within the military sector. "There are no changes, and cooperation with Iran will continue." Ryabkov's statement follows reports earlier this month, in which Washington had requested the Islamic Republic to stop providing Russia with military drones. However, Iran has criticized attempts to link its military cooperation with Russia to the Ukraine war. Tehran, also, has repeatedly denied supplying Moscow with drones. The US and some of Washington's allies had previously accused Moscow of using Iranian-made drones in its war with Ukraine. Last month, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said in a statement that any attempt to link the war in Ukraine with cooperation between Iran and Russia is a move solely serving political objectives. In the meantime, Iranian diplomatic officials have urged the warring sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to seek peace, replace the fighting with diplomatic channels, and try to find a peaceful solution to the crisis by means of resuming dialog between the neighboring countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran court rules US must pay $330mn in damages over Nojeh coup plot Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 11:28 AM An Iranian court has ruled that the United States must pay $330 million in damages to the families of the martyrs of the abortive Nojeh coup d'etat in Iran. The verdict was issued following complaints filed by the survivors and victims of the Nojeh Coup in July 2022 against the US government and seven other defendants. The criminal proceedings culminated in a ruling that convicted the United States of "planning and executing" the failed coup. Mizan news agency, affiliated with the Iranian Judiciary, said that after hearing the arguments of the survivors of the US plot and their lawyer, the court ruled that the US government must pay $30 million for the "material and moral" damage it caused the plaintiffs and $300 in "punitive damages." "Therefore, the US government has to pay a total of $330 million in financial fines and compensation to the families of the martyrs of the Nojeh coup," the verdict concluded. The Nojeh coup plot was a plan to overthrow the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran and its Revolution Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after the collapse of the US-backed Pahlavi regime. The plan involved the Iranian Army's officers and servicemen from the infantry, air force and intelligence service, and was largely halted by the arrest of hundreds of officers on 9-10 July 1980 at Nojeh Air Base, near the western city of Hamedan. Back in 2017, the Islamic Revolution's Documents Center revealed that the US had played a main role in designing and implementing the Nojeh coup plot in Iran in 1980. The revelation came after the confessions made by Nasser Rokni, a pilot, who had collaborated with the coup plotters. Rokni admitted in his confessions to the US role in the coup and its "financial assistance" to the coup plotters in Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Forces Thwart Judiciary Lawyers' Gathering at Parliament By VOA Persian Service August 26, 2023 "Relevant authorities" in Iran intervened Saturday to prevent a protest in the capital, Tehran, by judiciary lawyers in front of the parliament, according to media reports. As reported by Lawyers Press, several judiciary lawyers had initially organized a gathering in front of the Guardian Council building and had planned to assemble in front of the parliament afterward. However, their intentions were thwarted. The report says that during their assembly in front of the Guardian Council, the lawyers underscored the need for the autonomy of the legal profession. They expressed that sentiment by displaying placards and banners. Lawyers were urging the Guardian Council to annul the recent legislation passed by the Iranian parliament that strips the country's bar association of its already limited independence. Among other things, the new legislation compels bar associations to comply with decisions made by the Regulatory Board of the Ministry of Economy. Iranian lawyers said the legislation violates international legal norms and previous regulations, which granted them some measure of independence. According to eyewitness accounts, the Ham-Mihan newspaper relayed through its Telegram channel that the lawyers' gathering in front of the Guardian Council culminated in security personnel intervening and confiscating the mobile phones of certain attendees at the assembly. As outlined in the report, the security personnel requested that the participants remove any pictures taken during the gathering from their mobile phones. Highlighting the lawyers' effort to protest the decision within the parliament, Ham-Mihan reported "However, the ongoing gathering came to a halt as the concerned authorities intervened due to the absence of an official permit." Nevertheless, the publication did not explicitly mention the identities of the authorities. Previously, instances had occurred where law enforcement personnel and plainclothes forces had engaged with demonstrators, disrupting gatherings. Addressing the matter, Lawyers Press stated, "Even the access of buses transporting lawyers and heads of legal institutions to Baharestan Square (adjacent to the parliament) was denied." The Ham-Mihan reported the disruption of the lawyers' peaceful assembly in front of the parliament, citing Article 27 of the Constitution, which permits the formation of gatherings and processions without arms a if they adhere to the principles of Islam. According to information shared by Lawyers Press, the leader of the nationwide union of the Iran Bar Association (ESKODA) cited Article 3 of the Constitution during the gathering in front of the Guardian Council. That article defines the legal profession as a national right. The leader also criticized the parliamentary resolution that intends to shift the supervision of lawyers to the executive branch. Bar Association official Jafar Kousha urged for the involvement of the judiciary and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as the head of the Constitutional Monitoring Council. He expressed optimism for dismissing the parliamentary resolution by the Guardian Council. Under the new parliamentary legislation, the power to issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses for legal practice has been withdrawn from lawyers' associations and handed over to the Regulatory Task Force, which operated under the Ministry of Economy. Many lawyers consider the resolution to be a menace to the autonomy of lawyers' associations, potentially leading to its conversion into a government-affiliated body. Consequently, numerous protest gatherings have taken place across several provinces. Ali Tale-Zari, the head of the Golestan Lawyers' Association, stated, "Given the current situation, the autonomy of the associations will be completely eroded, and this resolution will roll back lawyers' associations to a state reminiscent of 70 years ago." The general assembly of the nationwide union of the Iran Bar Association was scheduled to gather Saturday at Tehran's Parsian Hotel to deliberate the parliamentary decision. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International decisions key to settlement of Arash gas field row: Iran diplomat Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 7:03 PM A senior Iranian diplomat says the dispute over the Persian Gulf Arash natural gas field shared with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia can be settled "peacefully" based on international decisions. Ali Asghar Khaji, a senior aide on political affairs to Iran's foreign minister, made the remarks in an interview with Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television network on Sunday outlining the Islamic Republic's stance on the long-running dispute over the Arash or Al-Dorra gas field between Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. "We have drawn the Iranian borders with Saudi Arabia and we have clear borders with them, so we have no disagreement with the Saudi side on this issue." He said Iran and Kuwait can settle the dispute over the strategically important gas field through cooperation on the basis of the historical situation of the two countries. The diplomat said Iran is "very optimistic" about resolving the issue notwithstanding the negative atmosphere that some media outlets seek to use to generate friction among regional countries. The demarcation of maritime border among Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will not be a "complicated" issue and can be resolved with goodwill of the Iranian authorities and Tehran's good relations with Kuwait City, Khaji noted. He pointed to several rounds of technical talks between Iran and Kuwait in the past and said, "We do not have any ambitions in the lands of Kuwait, nor does Kuwait have ambitions in our lands." The diplomat said Iran is not worried that the gas field row would turn into a problem with Kuwait. The row over the strategic offshore gas field, located in the interlocking marine region between Kuwait and Iran in the Persian Gulf, stretches back to 1967 when it was discovered by the Japanese firm AOC. Iran and Kuwait each awarded an offshore concession, one to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, the forerunner to British Petroleum, and one to Royal Dutch Shell. The two concessions overlapped in the northern part of the field, whose total proven gas reserves are estimated to be around 20 trillion cubic feet. In March 2022, the Kuwaiti government signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to jointly develop the field, without taking into confidence another key stakeholder - Iran. Iran at the time rejected the agreement as "illegal" and in violation of previous negotiations, saying Tehran must be included in any action to operate or develop the field. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran says disputed gas field with Kuwait 'not a big problem' Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 6:54 PM Iran believes a dispute with neighboring Kuwait surrounding a gas field in the Persian Gulf is not a big problem as a senior diplomat says the issue can be resolved given the good relations that exist between the two countries. Ali Asghar Khaji, a senior aide to Iranian foreign minister, said in remarks published on Sunday that Iran is not worried that the issue of Arash gas field, known in Kuwait as al-Durra, would become problematic in bilateral relations with Kuwait. "We are very optimistic about a settlement on Arash gas field regardless of the negative atmosphere that some media outlets want to use to create division among regional countries," Khaji said in an interview with the Arabic-language al-Masirah TV. The remarks come after a series of statements by Kuwaiti officials claiming that the country and Saudi Arabia own exclusive rights to resources of Arash, a field which straddles an undemarcated area in Iranian and Kuwaiti waters in the Persian Gulf. That comes as some experts believe Iran could have the lion's share of the gas field if its boundaries with Kuwait are demarcated. Iranian authorities have expressed dissatisfaction over a contract signed between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia last year that enables them to develop the field and share its resources without Iran's involvement. Khaji said, however, that Iran believes the gas filed dispute with Kuwait can be settled through peaceful means, adding that Iran and Kuwait have held rounds of technical negotiations over the issue in recent years. "This issue will not be a complicated one and it can be resolved given the good will of the Iranian authorities," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran awards $2.7bn airport project to Chinese contractor Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 5:18 PM Iran has awarded a contract to a Chinese company to develop its largest international airport, according to a senior transportation ministry official. Saeid Chalandari, who serves as CEO of Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), said on Sunday that Iran will spend at least 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to build a second phase at the airport under the contract signed with the unidentified Chinese company. Chalandari said the company had been selected to carry out the project after intensive negotiations with several domestic and international contractors. He said, however, that Iran will pay for the project using a barter mechanism that allows swapping crude oil for financial resources, equipment and technical services. "The executive operation for the new terminal under the second phase development operation of the airport will probably begin until late September," said the official while speaking to reporters in a news conference. IKA is Iran's largest airport and is located some 25 kilometers to the southwest of the capital Tehran. The airport offers services to 29 major international airlines with flights to 64 destinations around the world. Iran has planned major expansion projects for IKA to turn it to a regional aviation hub although some of those projects have stalled in recent years mainly because of US sanctions on the country. Chalandari said the transportation ministry had finished feasibility studies for the development of the second phase of IKA, adding that the project will be executed across 410,000 hectares of lands located to the south of the airport. He said IKA'a new terminal will enjoy modern equipment and infrastructure and will operate independent of the airport's current facilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General hails 'headway' in drone production, says Iran can export defense products at will Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 11:23 AM The commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force says the Islamic Republic has made significant progress in production of drones and can now export its domestically-produced defense equipment to other countries. "Today, we have reached such capabilities that we can export some of our defense products to other countries at will." Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard told reporters on Sunday. He argued that Iran is the dominant air defense power in the region, asserting that the country possesses the best and most advanced defense equipment in the world. Sabahi-Fard also said that Iran excels in the field of electronic warfare. The country has made headway in recent years based on an order by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said the general. In the field of drone production, he went on, "we have developed initiatives that the enemy does not know anything about." He hastened to add that only a limited portion of Iran's military capabilities have been publicized, which have already "astonished the enemy." In June, the Air Defense Force announced plans for the unit to manufacture advanced long-range military equipment to deal with potential threats. Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Homegrown Iranian military products have also found many clients in the world. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran unveils homegrown Cesium-137 radionuclide as new nuclear feat Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 9:24 AM Iranian nuclear experts have for the first time managed to produce Cesium-137 radionuclide which used to be imported. The material, which is used for multiple medical and industrial purposes, was unveiled during an exhibition in Tehran on Sunday in the presence of Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). Radionuclides (or radioisotopes) are radioactive atomic variations of elements. They are mostly produced by exposing suitable target materials to the neutron flux in a nuclear reactor for an appropriate time. With a half-life of 30 years, Cesium-137 radionuclide does not exist naturally and is mainly found in used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. It is used in radiation devices, brachytherapy, radiotherapy, calibration springs, and various types of industrial gauges. The material is also required for radiating blood products, cosmetics, food, and other products. In recent years, Iran has made remarkable progress in the nuclear industry despite the Western threats and sanctions regime. Tehran has always reiterated that its nuclear program is only meant for peaceful purposes. Iran's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is restricted to the safeguards agreement and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran's nuclear sector 'strategic industry' Speaking at Sunday's ceremony, Eslami said that in addition to the nuclear fuel cycle, Iran is capable of designing, constructing, and maintaining nuclear reactors, noting that the country's nuclear industry has a direct role in people's lives. "Our enemies were and are against Iran's nuclear industry, but they all should know that the nuclear industry is a strategic industry," he added. The Iranian nuclear chief also hailed the production of Cesium-137 radionuclide as an invaluable nuclear achievement that eliminates the country's reliance on other countries for the import of the substance. He said that the material can be used in industrial instrumentation systems, oil and gas fields,s and other sectors. Eslami further announced that Iran keeps cooperating with the IAEA within the framework of the safeguards agreement and that four disputed sites have been reduced to two. Iran and the IAEA are in a dispute triggered by the agency's Israeli-influenced accusations, which were leveled against Tehran's peaceful nuclear activities. The IAEA insisted on investigating what it claims to be "uranium traces" found at "undeclared nuclear sites" in Iran. Eslami said that the negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute are advancing in the framework of the general policies of the Islamic Republic establishment. "One of our urgent needs is nuclear diplomacy, especially with regional states," he said. "We hope to have sustainable nuclear cooperation with different countries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thousands of protesters take to streets against Israeli cabinet for 34th consecutive week Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 11:56 PM Tens of thousands have attended mass rallies across the occupied territories for the 34th consecutive week in protest at the hard-right Israeli cabinet's policies, including its so-called judicial overhaul plan. The protesters packed the streets of the coastal city of Tel Aviv on Saturday, with Israeli media estimating the turnout to stand at around 100,000. "I am here to protest. This is our 34th consecutive week of protesting," one protester told Reuters, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's extremist cabinet "is trying to control the supreme court and that's control all the three systems in Israel." Another protester said the far-right cabinet's "drastic acts" will finally "destroy Israel." Demonstrators also hit the streets in other cities, including the holy occupied city of al-Quds, where thousands rallied outside President Isaac Herzog's residence, and the city of Beersheba in the central part of the occupied territories. Addressing the protest outside Herzog's residence, Warda Sada, a political activist, said, "We have gotten to a situation in ... Israel in which a group of complete racists is controlling" the entire cabinet. The far-right cabinet's overhaul scheme, which some denounce as a "judicial coup," seeks to dispossess the Supreme Court of the power to overrule politicians' decisions. It also seeks to give the regime's politicians more say in the process of appointing judges to the court. Proponents say the plan helps redistribute the balance of power between the politicians and the judiciary. Opponents, however, accuse Netanyahu of trying his hand at a power grab. They say the prime minister, who is on trial on several counts of corruption charges, is also attempting to use the scheme to quash possible judgments against him. The protests have gained momentum since the end of July, when the Knesset passed the first bill of the overhaul plan, which restricted the Supreme Court's ability to declare the cabinet's decisions "unreasonable." Reacting to the plan, more than 10,000 Israeli reserve troops, including members of the intelligence unit 8200 and air force pilots, have said they would no longer show up for duty on a voluntary basis. The decision has prompted the Israeli top brass to warn about changes to the regime's "war-readiness." Earlier in August, Israel's Supreme Court began hearing the first in a series of appeals that are aimed at striking down the bill that has been approved by the Knesset. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INTERVIEW: 'All we see is an increase in violence' The head of a UN investigative unit sees a trend in the Myanmar junta's willingness to disobey international law. By Ye Kaung Myint Maung for RFA Burmese 2023.08.27 -- Nicholas Koumjian is the chief of the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, or IIMM, which earlier this month said that it had collected "strong evidence" that the junta and its affiliate militias are committing "increasingly frequent and brazen war crimes" in the country. Among the crimes mentioned in the agency's annual report were what it called "indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks on civilians from aerial bombing," as well as an increase in the "mass executions of civilians and detained combatants, and the large-scale and intentional burning of civilian homes and buildings." RFA Burmese's Ye Kaung Myint Maung recently spoke with Koumjian about the report's findings and ongoing efforts to bring junta perpetrators of the crimes it documents to justice. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Holding leaders accountable RFA: Has the IIMM found any significant evidence that shows the top military leaders giving orders to commit these atrocities? Koumjian: Always the most difficult part of an investigation is showing the linkage to show who is responsible for crimes, particularly top leaders, because they're normally not present where the crimes occur, but still they could be held responsible. And the evidence that in the past, in other cases, has led to convictions is not always limited to orders given or written orders given, because it's very rare that you actually find these written orders given. But sometimes the evidence can be clear from the fact that crimes continue to happen with no change in the forces that it is the commanders who are perpetrating these crimes, the forces that are sent on assignments ... Commanders can also be held responsible for failing to prevent crimes and failing to punish crimes. So we'll also look at evidence regarding whether or not, when crimes occurred, did the commanders properly investigate those crimes and did they properly take all reasonable steps to prevent them from happening again. RFA: As an expert in this area, do you think you have found anything to implicate the top leader's involvement in these atrocities? Koumjian: Of course, ultimately it will be up to a court that would, we hope, someday hear any charges that are filed ... But we are collecting very serious evidence. Crimes by other groups RFA: Did you also find any evidence with regard to the crimes committed by groups other than the military, such as the anti-junta [People's Defense Force] resistance groups and ethnic armies? Koumjian: Our mandate is to investigate crimes committed in Myanmar that rise to a certain level. And it's regardless of what ethnicity or religion or the politics or the perpetrators or the victims. So we do look at crimes committed by other groups. And we are collecting evidence of that. We're also very concerned with some of the reports of assassinations by PDFs and other groups of individuals who appear to be noncombatants. It's a basic principle of the laws of war. You cannot target someone unless they are combatants. Civilians cannot be targeted. So there are issues about whether these crimes fall into our mandate, whether they fall into the category of international crimes. But we're looking at that and we're watching carefully. 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 The (Purported) Death Of Prigozhin: Five Questions On What Comes Next By Mike Eckel August 26, 2023 Three days after an Embraer 600 passenger jet linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin broke up and slammed into the ground north of Moscow, there is still no final clarity on the fate of the Wagner Group founder. President Vladimir Putin suggested Prigozhin was dead in comments on August 24, speaking about him in the past tense, recalling their earliest acquaintance in early 1990s St. Petersburg and complimenting him on his business acumen -- but saying he made "serious mistakes in life." While most observers assume Prigozhin is dead, more jaded Kremlin watchers are waiting for some sort of definitive forensic proof of his demise. Nor is there much clarity on the consequences for Russia and for Putin -- or, for that matter, for Moscow's military commanders and the war on Ukraine, or for Wagner and the bellicose hawks calling for an even more aggressive invasion. Here are five things to watch for in the coming days and weeks. Putin: Stronger Or Weaker? The mutiny that Prigozhin launched exactly two months prior to the crash of his business jet was the greatest challenge that Putin has faced as Russia's preeminent political figure -- "the most direct assault on the Russian state in Vladimir Putin's 23 years in power," as the director of the CIA put it. Yet, even after branding the mutineers traitors and calling the rebellion a "stab in the back," Putin did little or nothing -- publicly anyway -- to exact retribution or mete out punishment. Days after, he met with Prigozhin and some of the insurrectionists at the Kremlin. And Prigozhin remained free, coming and going from Russia and Belarus and showing up in Africa, where he has had a growing business empire. Add to that the open mockery that Prigozhin had made of Putin's war commanders for months. To many longtime Kremlin watchers, the Russian president -- who in the past has shown no mercy for people he deemed to be traitors, Aleksandr Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal, among others -- appeared weak. "The absence of clear signs of the punishment of Prigozhin...[was] increasingly interpreted as a sign of the helplessness and flabbiness of the system," Aleksandr Baunov, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote in an analysis on August 24 Now, Prigozhin is probably dead -- taken out not with a powerful poison, a drone strike, a bullet, or a car bomb, but in a spectacular mid-air destruction of a business jet. Though the Kremlin has denied involvement, the crash -- which authorities say killed all 10 people on board -- is being likened to something from a mafia movie. "Like in the mafia movies: Warring factions and their bosses get together so that they can then shoot the others from out of a cake, or, like in The Godfather, make up before destroying them," Baunov wrote. Threats remain for Putin. Among Russia's elites, there are growing doubts about his decision to invade Ukraine and the way he is waging the war. Russia's economy, now buoyed by war spending, is showing signs of strain. Putin is expected to win a new six-year term in an election in March, but setbacks in the war and uncertainty about the future could make the campaign trickier than he had hoped. Still, the untimely death of the man who openly challenged Putin is an unmistakable signal to those who might consider crossing him, a form of "coup-proofing" of his rule, at least for now. But that may come at a substantial cost for him in the long run. "In killing Prigozhin, Putin achieved a short-term victory of consolidating his power at home," Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, wrote. "In the long term, however, the negative consequences for Putin's ability to achieve his foreign policy objectives abroad, especially in Ukraine, may outweigh the short-term gains. Watch this space." "From the point of view of Putin, and also of many in the security services and the military, Prigozhin's death should be a lesson to any potential followers," Tatyana Stanovaya, a longtime expert on Russian politics, said in a post to Telegram. "Prigozhin's death is a direct threat to everyone who stayed with him to the end or openly supported him. This is more likely to frighten them than to inspire them to protest," she wrote. "Therefore, nothing special in terms of a reaction should be expected. There will be resentment and discontent, but no political consequences." War Is Hell. What About The Special Military Operation? Prigozhin's Wagner troops played a highly visible, and pivotal battlefield role in several locations in Ukraine over the past 18 months. Wagner forces were involved in the siege of the Donbas port city of Mariupol in the spring of 2022, and were at the vanguard of the 10-month assault on Bakhmut, which fell to Russian forces in May. Prigozhin made sure Russians knew of their presence and sacrifices -- not only of his battletested soldiers but also the thousands of prison convicts he recruited and threw into the fight as well. But Wagner forces were just a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of Russian deployed troops, who now face a slow but relentless Ukrainian counteroffensive that Kyiv hopes will decisively turn the tide of the war. a On the battlefield, Russia's performance is unlikely to be significantly affected by the uncertainty within Wagner, analysts say. The Kremlin was already moving to try and bring its troops under more formal commandof the Defense Ministry, and that process is likely to quicken. "After all, the Russian leader has been able to fight that war for 18 months and to stall the Ukrainian effort to liberate more of its territory -- not because of Wagner's much-vaunted performance on the battlefield," Aleksandr Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, wrote in the Financial Times, "but because of the sheer volume of resources the government can mobilize, the skill of people helping to keep the embattled Russian economy afloat, and Putin's unchallenged position at home." At the top levels of command, meanwhile, Prigozhin's removal will strengthen the grip of his two bugbears: Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff. One thing that could come back to haunt Putin and the top brass: The criticism with which Prigozhin and his allies frequently shellacked Shoigu and Gerasimov was over their command, conduct, and war-fighting decisions in Ukraine a and outside observers said it was objectively justified. Will It Bring The Hawks And Nationalists To Heel? Experts have speculated that one of the several reasons for Prigozhin's staying power was his criticism of Shoigu and Gerasimov; the mercenary boss gave voice to genuine complaints of rank-and-file troops who suffered because of institutional problems in Russian military structures. Prigozhin's diatribes were all the more notable given how the Kremlin has otherwise criminalized all public criticism of the Ukraine war effort, under the rubric of "discrediting the armed forces of the Russian Federation." Dozens of Russians who have criticized or even opposed the war have been jailed -- but not Prigozhin. Removing the Wagner Group leader eliminates the loudest public criticism, but underlying doubts about Shoigu and Gerasimov will remain -- doubts that will be amplified if Ukraine achieves a major breakthrough in its counteroffensive. Prigozhin wasn't the only one complaining. Igor Girkin, a former intelligence officer who was convicted by a Dutch court for his role in the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, was also known for his blunt public criticism. Like Prigozhin, Girkin wanted commanders, and ultimately Putin, to declare a general mobilization and use even more force against Ukraine, seeking to raze it to rubble. In July, Girkin called Putin a "useless coward." Like Prigozhin, however, Girkin has been all but silenced. He was arrested on extremism charges in July -- a few days after making that remark -- and remains in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison awaiting further investigation and trial.a It's unclear if he's been fully muzzled though. A cryptic message appeared on his Telegram channel on August 24, in which he called Prigozhin "an enemy of Russia" and warned of political turmoil. "I cannot say that I am upset, since Prigozhin was not only my enemy personally, but also, by and large, an enemy of Russia," the post read. "At the same time, what happened cannot prompt a positive reaction from me, as it is yet more evidence of further deepening of unrest in Russia." Whither Wagner - Wither Wagner? Private military companies are officially illegal under Russia law. That hasn't stopped enterprising entrepreneurs from setting them up-- with the backing, funding, or oversight of various intelligence agencies or state-controlled corporations. Wagner was the most famous and most notorious, with its fighters planting their flags and leaving trails of mayhem behind in places like Mali, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, and Syria -- not to mention Ukraine, in the years after Moscow fomented and helped fight the war that began in the Donbas in 2014. Its growth was largely seen as a function of its unique structure. It generated lucrative revenues from business ventures such as mining and trafficking gold in the Central African Republic. And it generated revenues from providing security for sympathetic allies, such as protecting regime-owned oil and gas facilities in Syria. And this latter function served as an extension of Russian foreign policy, influencing domestic politics in and expanding Moscow's reach, particularly in places where it could be in competition with the United States or France. Consider it a form of hard-soft power that provided a veneer of deniability for Moscow. For that reason, few experts believe that Wagner will be going away entirely; its fighters have gained a reputation for ruthlessness and battlefield skill. Just as its outright military structures in Ukraine may come under direct control of the Defense Ministry, its business ventures will probably also take on new oversight -- possibly by Russian intelligence agencies or other state-controlled entities. Still, Wagner may be a less potent force without Prigozhin. That may also give an opening for other ostensibly private military companies that have been set up in recent years -- and in some cases are closely tied to the state. What About 'General Armageddon'? a One other leading figure in this Shakespearean drama is the Russian commander who was briefly put in charge of the Ukraine war for a couple months last year: General Sergei Surovikin. a As his nickname suggests, Surovikin, who was also in charge of the Aerospace Forces, was seen as a more ruthless commander, which is one of the reasons his leadership was championed by Prigozhin, Girkin, and others. Shortly after taking command of the Ukraine operation in October, he ordered Russian forces to start bombarding Ukraine's electricity grid and other civilian infrastructure in a bid to terrorize the population and cow the Kyiv government into submission. Prigozhin is believed to have gotten close to Surovikin in the mid-2010s, when Surovikin served as the top commander of Russian forces in Syria. Wagner soldiers were in Syria at the time, guarding Syrian oil and gas facilities. Surovikin only lasted around two months though, and he was shuffled out of his command by Putin, replaced by the man Prigozhin mocked: Gerasimov. Surovikin had allies in the Russian defense structures whom Prigozhin relied on to make sure his troops fighting near Bakhmut were supplied properly. But Prigozhin also complained in the spring that he wasn't getting adequate ammunition. When Prigozhin launched his mutiny on June 23, Surovikin appeared in an unusual video appealing for Wagner troops to stand down and not go through with the rebellion. Some observers questioned the authenticity of his appeal, saying it appeared coerced. Anonymous U.S. officials said Surovikin may have known of the mutiny in advance. After the mutiny ended, Surovikin dropped out of sight, and rumors abounded that he had been detained, and was under house arrest or in prison, or worse. Suspicions also abound that there may be others within the military brass or intelligence structures who knew of, or were sympathetic to, Prigozhin's mutiny. On August 22, Russian news media reported that Surovikin had been relieved of command of the Aerospace Forces, but left "at the disposal" of the Defense Ministry -- possibly shuffled to some other post within the military. But notably the reports, which have yet to be confirmed, did not indicate that he had been arrested, discharged from the military, or even demoted in rank. A day after the reports of Surovikin's new responsibilities, Prigozhin's plane crashed. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prigozhin-death- questions-wagner-ukraine/32565821.html Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian investigators officially confirm death of Wagner chief in plane crash after genetic test Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 2:55 PM Russia's Investigative Committee has officially confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner military group, was killed in a plane crash last week. The committee's spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko made the announcement in a statement on Sunday, saying the results of genetic tests had confirmed his identity. According to the committee, after forensic testing, all 10 bodies recovered at the site had been identified, and their identities "conform to the manifest". "As part of the investigation of the plane crash in the Tver region, molecular genetic examinations have been completed. According to their results, the identities of all ten dead people have been established, they correspond to the list stated in the flight sheet," the investigators said in an official statement. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian media said a plane crashed in the northwest of the country, with the name of Prigozhin being on the list of passengers onboard. "A private Embraer Legacy plane crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg in the Tver region, near the Kuzhenkino village. There were 10 people on board, including 3 crew members. According to preliminary information, everyone on board was killed," the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said in a statement. Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport announced earlier that an investigation had been launched into the crash, which left ten people killed. Russia's civil aviation authority said earlier this week that Prigozhin, along with some of his top lieutenants, including his deputy and close associate Dmitry Utkin, were on the list of those on board the plane. Prigozhin led a short-lived armed mutiny against the Russian military leadership in June. The mutiny, which lasted less than 24 hours, came to an end after the Wagner leader agreed to turn his troops back on their path to the Russian capital, following negotiations with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko aimed at de-escalating the situation. In an audio message posted on Telegram on June 23, Prigozhin accused Russia's military top brass of ordering a rocket attack on the group's field camps in Ukraine -- where Russia has been conducting a military operation -- killing "huge numbers" of his paramilitary forces. Authorities in Moscow, however, strongly denied his claim. Following the deal, the Kremlin announced that Russia had dropped a criminal case previously filed against the head of the Wagner group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Authorities Confirm Death Of Wagner Leader Prigozhin By RFE/RL's Russian Service August 27, 2023 Russia's Investigative Committee has confirmed the death of Wagner mercenary group head Yevgeny Prigozhin in a private-jet crash north of Moscow on August 23. The committee said on August 27 that all 10 victims of an August 23 private-jet crash had been identified and that the identities "conform to the flight manifest." Earlier Russian authorities had said that Prigozhin and Wagner field commander Dmitry Utkin were listed as passengers on the flight, which was heading from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The cause of the crash has not been determined. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on August 25 that the crash was "tragic" and dismissed accusations of foul play as an "absolute lie." Prigozhin, 62, led a short-lived armed mutiny against Russian military leaders on June 23-24. His fighters briefly held the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and began a march on Moscow, calling for the removal of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov. The insurrection came on the heels of months of intense public infighting with Russia's military leadership over the war strategy in Ukraine and ammunition supplies. The brief uprising was the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin in his more than two decades in power. The Wagner chief's whereabouts have been largely a mystery since the mutiny. He was believed to be moving between Russia and Belarus, where Wagner troops have been setting up camps to train Belarusian armed forces as part of a deal negotiated that helped end the mutiny. On July 28, he was photographed on the sidelines of an Africa-Russia summit in St. Petersburg shaking hands with an aide to the president of the Central African Republic. Putin at the time accused Wagner of a treacherous "stab in the back" and confirmed that the Russian government had provided Wagner with over $1 billion in funding over the previous year. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-prigozhin-death- confirmed-putin/32566728.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 Russia's Coal Basin Struggles With Closed Mines, Pollution. And Now The Toll From Ukraine War By RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities August 27, 2023 PROKOPYEVSK, Russia -- In the heart of the Russia's coal-mining Kemerovo region, residents struggle with the harsh economic realities of declining wages, obsolete mine facilities, and chronic medical conditions that come from life below, and above ground. Many are like retired coal miners Vladimir Miroshenko, 71, who recall the halcyon days of the 1970s, when Prokopyevsk became a sister city with Horlivka, in the heart of Ukraine's Donbas coal-mining region. Miroshenko also recalls his service in the Soviet Army in the early 1980s, during the decade-long invasion of Afghanistan. "We trained for a month and a half and then were sent to man the howitzers. I won't even tell you what happened there. When I came home, I just started drinking," said Miroshenko, whose last name has been changed at his request. "Now what's going on in Ukraine -- the oligarchs; they were getting fat and they're just getting fatter," he said. "It's the same thing that happened in Afghanistan. And for what? What's the point? It's not clear." "I heard here that 50,000 people have already returned from [Ukraine] with disabilities," he told RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities. "Why did they go? For the money, mostly. You yourself understand that now no one will go to war for Stalin, nor for Putin. More than 18 months into its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is grappling with the mounting toll from what has become the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Anonymous U.S. officials have put Russia's military casualties at close to 120,000 killed and up to 180,000 injured. And the toll is hitting impoverished, remote, shrinking regions of Russia even harder. Like in Kemerovo, widely known as the Kuzbass, where economic opportunities are fewer and the allure of war wages in Ukraine and compensation for the dead draw capable young and less-young men, further draining the region of able workers -- and fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands. At least 46 men from Prokopoyevsk, a city of around 170,000 people, have died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to an unofficial tally compiled by Siberia.Realities. Many are buried in a special section of a cemetery in Vysoky, a village southwest of Prokopyevsk. According to Tatyana Efremova, who sells flowers and funeral bouquets at the cemetery, the fresher graves include two riot police officers who died on February 25, 2022, just three days after the invasion was launched. In the plots where new casualties of the war in Ukraine are buried, the graves are so close together that the wreaths appeared to be intertwined and entangled. They include Ilya Piryazev, 45, who grew up and went to school in Prokopyevsk and who went on to serve as a conscript during the First Chechen War in the 1990s, then during Russia's intervention in Syria in the 2010s, and also in Libya. According to his daughter Polina, a month after deploying to Ukraine in April 2022, he was killed in the southern Zaporizhzhya region. In recent years, Polina said, she and her mother had had little contact with Pirzayev; her parents divorced in the 2000s. "We didn't even know he was in the war. We only found out when he died," she said. "He went to Ukraine on his own," Polina said. "He didn't need money, unlike many. It was just patriotism, the conviction that the country must be defended. He never spoke about the war, didn't say why he constantly returned there." Not far from Pirzayev's grave is that of Andrei Yartsev, 22, who died on November 22, 2022, somewhere in the Luhansk region while serving as a marine infantryman attached to the Pacific Fleet. Yarstev had served as a contract volunteer soldier for several years before enrolling in the law department at Novosibirsk State University. He was in his third year last fall when the Kremlin ordered a partial mobilization to bolster troop strength in Ukraine; Yartsev volunteered to fight, according to an acquaintance, who gave his name as Andrei. "Apparently, he was smitten with this whole romantic army ideal: like, brother for brother, and so on," Andrei said. "Seems to me that he had no idea what was really going on there, in Ukraine. It's too bad for the kid; he spent only a few weeks at the front." 'We Don't Have Any Other Options' At the mining technical school in Prokopyevsk, where engineers and other mine personnel are trained, officials put up a memorial plaque for dead graduates on May 5, 2023. The names included Yevgeny Kobzarev, a 37-year-old riot police officer who died on the second day of the invasion. On the social media site formerly known as VKontakte, someone published a page about the memorial plaque for the dead alumni. "Soon enough there won't be enough walls," one anonymous poster wrote. "When you look at the death toll, it's a little creepy," another graduate told Siberia.Realities. "But if they call me, I'll go too, but where should I go? I don't have any kids yet, though strangely enough, many go there [to fight] because of their children: to make some money for an apartment or for education. We don't have any other options." Then there's the case of Ilya Krumin, 21, who served as a driver and mechanic for a tank unit. He stayed in the military after completing his mandatory conscription service. An orphan, Krumin died about a month after the invasion. "What choice did he have besides the army?" said one of his friends, who gave his name only as Aleksei. "As an orphan, there's no one to take care of you, you have to live somehow. So this is the most obvious choice. Yes, and these kinds of soldiers are beneficial to the army: you don't have to pay compensation later to relatives." 'We're Dropping Like Flies Around Here' Like many towns in the Kuzbass, Prokopyevsk has seen better days. Residents complain regularly about the state of city services, including the main local hospital where equipment frequently doesn't work. Years of heavy industrial emissions, including coal ash and other toxic chemicals, has polluted wide swaths of the region, and left chronic health problems for many. "We're dropping like flies around here. Some in the mines, some in the war," said Vitaly Smorodin, a 55-year-old retired miner and lifelong resident who now works as a municipal security guard. "And the rest of them: from [the environment]. Every other person has [cancer]." City officials are also happier to trumpet the sister-city relationship between Prokopyevsk and Horlivka, which is now mostly under Russian control in Ukraine, than they are to publicize the exact number of locals who have been killed or wounded in the war. For residents jaded by endemic corruption on the local level, the cynical view is that the sister-city relationship will just be another way to steal municipal funds. Vil Ravilov, who works as a photographer, pointed to the example of Mariupol, the Ukrainian Sea of Azov port that was all but obliterated during a Russian siege early after the invasion. Russian officials are now hurriedly building new apartment housing, and other structures in the city, but reports of shoddy construction abound. Ravilov drew a parallel to what happened after the 2014 Sochi Olympics, when some of the public infrastructure built for the event was marred by bad-quality construction. "What is happening in Ukraine is a huge tragedy, what else can I say?" Ravilov said. "I doubt that the houses that are being built in Mariupol or any other [Russian-controlled] territories are made with high quality. Most likely, everything is stolen, all this infrastructure is waiting for the same fate as the buildings after the Olympics, when asphalt paths were washed away after the rains." "Everything is done for the sake of appearances," he said. Written by Mike Eckel, based on reporting by Siberia.Realities. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-kuzbass-prokopyevsk- ukraine-war-deaths-pollution-coal/32566908.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 Wagner Head Prigozhin Identified Among Passengers of Crashed Jet Sputnik News 20230827 Ilya Tsukanov A business jet carrying Prigozhin, six other passengers and three crew went down near a remote town in Russia's Tver region on Wednesday evening. Russian aviation authorities and law enforcement, including the Investigative Committee, launched probes into the incident. All 10 people onboard the Embraer Legacy 600 jet carrying Evgeny Prigozhin and Wagner's deputy commander have been identified, including Prigozhin himself, Russia's Investigative Committee has said. "As part of the investigation into the plane crash in Tver region, molecular genetic examinations have been completed...The identities of all ten of the dead have been established. They correspond to the flight manifest," an Investigative Committee spokeswoman said Sunday. Prigozhin, his deputy, Dmitry Utkin (call sign 'Wagner'), five other passengers and three crew were killed in Wednesday's crash. On Friday, investigators confirmed that the remains of all 10 people onboard the plane had been recovered, and that the jet's flight recorders were found. Commenting on the crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized Prigozhin as a "man with a difficult fate" and someone who had "made serious mistakes," but also praised him and Wagner for their "significant contribution to our common cause of fighting the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine." Some Western leaders and media jumped to accuse Putin of responsibility for Prigozhin's death, citing the latter's role in June's mutiny attempt. The Kremlin and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus - who helped defuse the mutiny attempt, vocally dismissed these allegations. Prigozhin himself said repeatedly, including during June's events, that he remained loyal to Putin as Russia's commander-in-chief, and that his beef was with the Defense Ministry's leadership. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: Mercenary Leader Prigozhin Confirmed Dead in Plane Crash By VOA News August 27, 2023 Russian investigators said Sunday that genetic and forensic testing showed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary fighters in Ukraine, was among the 10 people killed in a plane crash last week in Russia. Russia's aviation agency said the testing confirmed that a previously published list of names of the people on board the flight was accurate, and that Prigozhin, his top two lieutenants, Dmitry Utkin and Wagner logistics mastermind Valery Chekalov, were among the ten victims. There had been some questions, especially on pro-Wagner Telegram channels, about whether Prigozhin a who was known to take various security precautions in anticipation of a possible attempt on his life a had been a passenger on the doomed flight. The private jet they were traveling on from Moscow to St. Petersburg fell from the sky and crashed into a field Wednesday in the Tyer region northwest of Moscow, with video footage showing intense flames in the wreckage. Authorities have yet to say what caused the crash. Russia says it was "an absolute lie" that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered Prigozhin to be killed as punishment for Prigozhin leading the June 23-24 mutiny and short-lived march of Wagner troops out of Ukraine and toward Moscow a before calling it off. Western politicians and analysts have suggested, without presenting evidence, that Putin, who called the mutiny a "stab in the back," had plotted the killing of Prigozhin, 62, who led Wagner troops in Ukraine that fought alongside Russian forces. But Prigozhin, before the mutiny, had grown openly critical of what he claimed was a lack of support for Wagner fighters from Russian military leaders and sufficient arms supplies. Wagner was funded by the Russian government. The crash came two months to the day after the mutiny, in which Prigozhin's troops took control of a southern Russian city, Rostov, just north of the border with Ukraine, and moved to within 200 kilometers (124 miles) of Moscow before ending the advance. Prigozhin spent some time in Belarus after the mutiny, while also meeting with Putin at the Kremlin and traveling to his own headquarters in St. Petersburg. After the mutiny, the Kremlin said Wagner fighters were offered three options: to follow Prigozhin there, to retire or enlist in Russia's regular army and return to Ukraine. Several thousand Wagner mercenaries opted to move to Belarus, where a camp was erected for them southeast of the capital, Minsk. Putin paid a mixed tribute to Prigozhin on Thursday, characterizing him as a "talented businessman" but also as a flawed individual who "made serious mistakes in life." Asked whether Putin might attend Prigozhin's funeral, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was too early to say, noting the president's "busy schedule." Some material in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese military conducts mock 'blockade' of Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 08/26/2023 08:35 PM Taipei, Aug. 26 (CNA) China sent a total of 32 military aircraft and nine naval vessels into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and waters around the island over a 24-hour period as of Saturday morning, in what an expert described as a mock "blockade." According to the Ministry of National Defense (MND), the eight J-10 fighter jets, four JH-7 fighter-bombers, two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, one TB-001 reconnaissance drone, one BZK-005 reconnaissance drone, one CH-4 reconnaissance drone, one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft, one Y-9 electronic warfare aircraft, and one KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft detected in Taiwan's ADIZ between 6 a.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday deviated from the usual flight paths taken by intruding People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft. The MND said that eight of the aircraft -- the J-10s, Su-30s, BZK-005, and TB-001 -- crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, with the two drones among the Chinese aircraft that took unusual paths. The BZK-005 flew along the northern part of Taiwan's west coast in a clockwise direction to the southern part of the east coast before turning back and following the original path, while the TB-001 also flew from the northern part of the west coast to the southern part of the east coast but in a counterclockwise direction, according to the MND. The MND added that nine Chinese military vessels were also detected in waters around Taiwan during the same 24-hour period. The MND said that it had deployed combat air patrol aircraft, vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the incursions of Taiwan's ADIZ. China's exercises also raised alarm in Japan, whose defense ministry on Friday issued a press release in which it identified the same drones. According to Japan's defense ministry, two Chinese H-6 bombers also transit the Miyako Strait before turning back on Friday. It said the country's Air Self-Defense Force's Southwestern Wing scrambled fighter jets in response to both situations. Su Tzu-yun (ece), a scholar at the government-funded Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said China wanted to give the impression that it had formed a blockade with the exercises, which saw the two drones' flight paths, along with that of the Y-8, coming from the southwestern ADIZ, converge at a spot off Taiwan's southeast coast in the Pacific Ocean. Su said that this "blockade" consisted of two layers, including two H-6 bombers that Japan's defense ministry said transited the Miyako Strait before turning back. Su said that the unusual flight paths of the BZK-005 and the TB-001 overlapped that of the Y-8 in an air space off Taiwan's southeast coast above the Pacific, which indicated that the aircraft likely rendezvoused there to share intelligence between themselves and naval vessels involved in the exercises. The presence of the three types of aircraft indicated that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was training its intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, as these types of aircraft are often assigned those tasks, with Y-8 sometimes used interchangeably with Y-9 electronic warfare aircraft, Su added. Su said that as with every PLA maneuver, there was a political motivation, which in this case was threefold. First and foremost, China was protesting the U.S.' proposed sale of infrared search and track systems (IRST) for Taiwan's F-16V aircraft, which the Pentagon notified Congress of on Wednesday, Su said. Second, Beijing was venting its displeasure over President Tsai Ing-wen's (ee) planned visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's sole African ally, from Sept. 5-8, Su said. At the same time, China is attempting to rattle the people of Taiwan and impact voters' decisions ahead of next year's presidential election, Su said. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan sends warning about discussing sensitive topics in China ROC Central News Agency 08/26/2023 06:58 PM Taipei, Aug. 26 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has published a list of current affairs topics that it said visitors to China should refrain from discussing to avoid being detained under Beijing's recently introduced espionage laws. At a press conference on Thursday, MAC spokesperson Chan Chih-hung () said that in the wake of fresh reports of Chinese authorities treating Taiwanese nationals in an "unfriendly" manner, travelers should avoid talking about certain issues when in the country. Examples of what not to discuss include Chinese government policy and politicians' backgrounds, which may be regarded as spying under Beijing's expansive counter-espionage law introduced last month, Chan said. Other topics to avoid include China's COVID-19 death toll, youth unemployment, bond trading, foreign exchange reserve, and land acquisition by property developers in China, Chan added. China-bound visitors, if traveling on invitation, should ask the responsible party to guarantee their personal safety and freedom from unjustifiable detention when clearing immigration, he said. Visitors should also check before departing to China if their phones or laptops contain content that may raise suspicion from the authorities, Chan said. (By Lee Ya-wen and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese defense ministry slams U.S. arms sale to Taiwan People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:15, August 26, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the United States' arms sale to China's Taiwan region, a defense ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query on the U.S. Department of State's approval of selling infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets worth around 500 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan. The arms sale has grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and severely violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique, the spokesperson said. The move has posed a threat to the well-being and safety of Taiwan compatriots and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Zhang said, noting that China has lodged solemn representations with the United States. The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, Zhang said. China urges the United States to honor its commitment to not supporting "Taiwan independence," immediately cease providing Taiwan with arms, and cease elevating military contact with Taiwan, Zhang said. He said that any attempt to use Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail, and seeking "Taiwan independence" by military means will lead nowhere. The Chinese People's Liberation Army will always remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and firmly maintain peace and stability across the Strait, Zhang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's main fighter developer urges government to start building next generation jets ROC Central News Agency 08/27/2023 03:11 PM Taichung, Aug. 27 (CNA) The head of Taiwan's main domestic aircraft developer has called on the government to give the green light and funding to develop the next generation indigenous fighter jets sooner rather than later, a move local defense experts said could boost the defense industry's capability and increase leverage in buying advanced fighters from the United States. Speaking to CNA during an Aug. 18 interview, Ma Wan-june (), president of Taichung-based aerospace company, Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), made the call 30 years after AIDC-developed Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) entered service in the nation's Air Force in the 1990s. Taiwan initiated development of the IDF in May 1982, and named it after then President Chiang Ching-kuo (), after the U.S. government at the time refused to sell F-16s to the country. Since beginning service in 1992, the IDF has become one of the main backbones of the nation's Air Force fleet. Following the development of IDF, AIDC has also been building its own Advanced Trainer Jet (ATJ) dubbed the "Brave Eagle" since 2017 as part of President Tsai Ing-wen's () project to build indigenous warplanes, warships, and submarines launched after she assumed office in May 2016. The first prototype of the new ATJ, serial 11001/08-9001, flew for the first time on June 2020. AIDC is scheduled to deliver 66 advanced trainer aircraft to the government by 2026. "Now is the time for moving on to develop the next generation 'Advanced Defense Fighter (ADF),'" Ma told CNA. According to Ma, while 55 percent of parts used in IDFs and 75 percent of parts used in ATJ are domestically-made, given Taiwan's unique diplomatic isolation, AIDC estimated that it would be capable of building 95 percent of all parts to be used in the future ADF once the government agrees to launch the project. Ma said advancing indigenous weapon system development and construction capacities is definitely the right path for Taiwan, because they are valuable for the country both in boosting its defense capability and bringing economic benefits. Ma also said indigenous weapon design and development are a long-term mission and one cannot simply call it off after the completion of one stage of the mission. "It would take approximately 15 years to develop an aircraft, plus another 10 years before entering mass production," he noted. He disclosed that after completing the development of IDF from the 80s to 90s, many AIDC talents decided to leave the country and find works overseas, including to South Korea, where they helped the Asian country develop T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jets. "Brain drain is inevitable if a country is not providing a stage for talents to exercise their expertise," Ma said. AIDC, previously known as the Aero Industry Development Center, was founded in 1969 under the Republic of China Air Force, the official name of Taiwan. It became part of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan top military research unit, in 1983. In 1996, AIDC was transformed from a military establishment into a government-owned company under the authority of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Ma has been serving as AIDC president since March 2019. He previously served in the NCSIST as its deputy head. Asked by CNA to comment on Ma's calls to develop the next generation indigenous fighter jet, the Air Force did not give a direct answer, saying only that the military has always made plans on weapon system procurement and development based on its defensive needs and latest enemy threats. Three defense experts CNA talked to all agreed that it was important for Taiwan to start putting resources in developing next generation fighter jets. Chang Yen-ting (), a former deputy commander of the Air Force, said Taiwan was able to buy F-16s from the U.S. in the 1990s after it had successfully developed and produced IDFs. So, if Taiwan begins to develop its own ADF, the U.S. would more likely grant F-35 sales to the country, he noted. However, Chang said Taiwan's weapon developers currently do not have the capability to build fifth-generation jets and therefore it could be extremely costly to develop ADFs on its own. Chang, Su Tzu-yun (), a scholar with the government-funded Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), and Chieh Chung (), an associate research fellow with the National Policy Foundation in Taipei, all suggested that Taiwan's government jointly develop advanced fighters with the U.S. Given the fact that it could take a decade for developing a new fighter, by then other countries are already developing 5.5 generation or more advanced jets, Chieh warned. Chieh also said Taiwanese defense companies should focus on first becoming part of the U.S.' defense supply chain to learn from building the basic system before moving into more advanced aircraft manufacturing. (By Matt Yu, Wu Sheng-hung, and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Museum in Tianjin applies technology to provide visitors with immersive experience Xinhua) 08:42, August 28, 2023 People interacts with virtual marine organisms at a whale-themed exhibition of National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 26, 2023. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit a whale-themed exhibition of National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality, July 29, 2023. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 26, 2023. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) This aerial photo taken on Aug. 26, 2023 shows National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People view virtual whales at a whale-themed exhibition of National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 26, 2023. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People watch a video at a whale-themed exhibition of National Maritime Museum of China in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 26, 2023. The National Maritime Museum of China is a national-level, comprehensive marine museum that integrates collections, displays, research, and education in China. This summer, it has applied digital technology such as digital projection and AI interaction to a whale-themed exhibition to provide visitors with an immersive experience. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to South Africa and his attendance at the 15th BRICS Summit are proof of the noticeable and fresh progress made by emerging markets and developing economies toward building a fairer and just global governance system, senior officials and experts said. Xi had a packed yet productive diplomatic schedule from Tuesday to Thursday in South Africa as he attended and addressed a slew of wide-ranging multilateral meetings and held bilateral talks. In addition to his state visit to South Africa in its administrative capital, Pretoria, and attending the annual gathering of BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Johannesburg, Xi also co-chaired the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Hailing the trip as "bearing strategic significance", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the tour highlights China's consistent approach to embracing Africa and the whole world, carries forward the traditional China-Africa friendship, consolidates fresh consensus for South-South cooperation, and injects positivity into the pursuit of peace and development. "The expansion of membership means BRICS is now embarking on a new journey. The China-Africa community with a shared future enjoys new connotations, and the strategic mutual trust between China and South Africa is reaching new heights," he added. The visit is "another successful practice of Xi Jinping's Thought on Diplomacy" and demonstrates China's global vision, Wang told reporters at the conclusion of the trip. Currently, the 17-year-old BRICS represents more than 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the world's economic output, and this years' BRICS events engaged leaders from more than 60 countries. Wang noted that last year, with the push from China the rotating president of BRICS the grouping launched its expansion process, "ushering in a major development opportunity for the BRICS mechanism". During the South Africa trip, President Xi attended BRICS events and made several important speeches, "continuing to promote and lead the momentum of BRICS development", Wang added. The BRICS summit on Thursday made the landmark decision to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to the BRICS family as official members. Assem Hanafi, Egyptian ambassador to China, said: "BRICS is a representation of the Global South. It is an important instrument whereby developing countries and emerging economies integrate their political and economic efforts to give themselves more voice, more representation in the current global architecture." "The expansion of BRICS is a natural and expected one. China, along with other states, gives BRICS an added impact on the world scene," he said in a recent interview with People's Daily. Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said, "In recent years, some developed countries have worked on building up their cliques such as the Group of Seven for their own selfish interests, while the lawful interests of developing countries have been disregarded and the role of emerging economies has been further marginalized." "BRICS is one of the most important cooperation platforms that serves a vast number of Global South countries, and a bigger and stronger BRICS in effect helps promote and deepen South-South cooperation," Wu said. At the summit, Xi unveiled China's planned actions for advancing BRICS cooperation, such as setting up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era and jointly establishing a BRICS Framework on Industrial Cooperation for Sustainable Development. "As the world's second-largest economy and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China should continue to work with other BRICS countries to boost the voice and influence of developing countries in global economic governance," Wu said. At the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue held on Thursday evening, President Xi announced three major moves to chart the course for China-Africa practical cooperation in the next stage and assist in Africa's integration and modernization the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. African leaders attending Thursday's dialogue said that China's help and cooperation have vigorously promoted the development of African countries and their integration process, and that China is a true friend of African countries and a partner they can rely on when they encounter difficulties. At the meeting, the African leaders voiced firm support for the Xi-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and said that they will continue to actively promote the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road. "The solid progress of Africa's integration and the desirable development of China and Africa's own modernization undertakings surely will provide fresh fuel for the world's economic growth and contribute positivity to international fairness and justice," said Wang, the foreign minister. He added that the joint statement issued by the dialogue "charts a road map for the development of China-Africa relations in the new era". Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department of American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said that what Xi has emphasized is that in China's eyes, it is the opportunities and fruits of development that should be shared among countries. "We have seen countries interested in the Chinese path to modernization. China is also willing and ready to share its experience in poverty reduction and the benefits brought by infrastructure construction. It inspires a lot of countries, especially developing countries," she said. Xi's state visit to South Africa marked his fourth to the country as president as well as the only state visit arranged during this years' BRICS events. The foreign minister said that the visit "yielded a bumper harvest", noting that the two leaders witnessed the signing of a slew of cooperation agreements. Wang Fan, president of China Foreign Affairs University, noted that the two countries are "like-minded partners who weather the storms together, and they are both striding on their own paths toward modernization". PLA holds encirclement drills around Taiwan island following US arms sale approval Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 27, 2023 08:35 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) recently conducted another, unannounced large-scale joint exercise encircling the island of Taiwan featuring sudden actions and sophisticated buildups after the US approved a $500 million arms sale to the island. A total of 32 PLA aircraft and nine PLA vessels were detected around the island of Taiwan from Friday morning to Saturday morning, the defense authority on the island said in a press release on Saturday. Some 20 of the detected aircraft, a TB-001 armed reconnaissance drone, a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone, two Su-30 fighter jets, eight J-10 fighter jets, a CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone, four JH-7 fighter bombers, a Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft, a KJ-500 early warning aircraft and a Y-9 command and control aircraft, crossed the so-called median line of the Taiwan Straits or entered the island's self-proclaimed southwest, southeast and northeast air defense identification zones, it said. According to a map illustrated to display the PLA activities, the PLA aircraft's flight paths completely encircled the island of Taiwan. In addition, two PLA H-6J bombers flew across the Miyako Strait and entered the West Pacific waters to the east of the island of Taiwan on Friday, before returning from the same path, Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release on that day. Japan also detected two PLA drones when they flew from the East China Sea along the east side of the island of Taiwan into the West Pacific on Friday, and their flight paths were similar to those of the TB-001 and the BZK-005 drones reported by the defense authority on the island of Taiwan on the same day, indicating that they were likely referring to the same aircraft. Since the Chinese Defense Ministry or the PLA Eastern Theater Command did not make any announcement, the latest large-scale exercise is likely a routine one, but it featured more forces and more complex training courses, a Chinese mainland military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday. Coming only a week after the previous large-scale military exercise around the island of Taiwan in a countermeasure against the island's separatist deputy regional leader Lai Ching-te's provocative "stopovers" in the US, the latest exercise again displayed the PLA's fast reaction and swiftness in launching a sudden large-scale exercise without having the outside world noticing, the expert said. It came after the US' announcement on Wednesday of its approval of a possible $500 million sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets to the island of Taiwan. Expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the planned arms sale, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of National Defense, said in a statement on Friday that the PLA is always on high alert to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia downs three drones close to Moscow, near Ukrainian border, as Ukrainian shelling intensifies Iran Press TV Saturday, 26 August 2023 5:31 PM Russia has downed three Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on their way to target the capital Moscow while Kiev forces' artillery fire wounded six people in a border town. One drone was destroyed close to the border in the Belgorod region at 09:00 (0600 GMT), while another was intercepted over the same region at 14:15 (1115 GMT), the Russian defense ministry said Saturday, adding that a third drone headed for the capital in the early hours of the morning was also neutralized. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that one drone was brought down by air defense systems over the Istra district of the Moscow region. The district is some 50km west of the Kremlin. "Tonight, air defense forces destroyed a drone on approach to Moscow in the Istrinskii district," Sobyanin wrote on Telegram. "Preliminarily, there were no casualties or damage. Emergency services are working on the site," he added. Moscow's three airports of Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo were forced to temporarily suspend their overnight flights due to the alert, the TASS news agency reported. In the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Russian air defenses shot down a drone near the village of Kupino, with no reported damage or casualties. He added, however, that six people had been wounded by Ukrainian forces shelling another village, Urazovo, about 10km from the Ukrainian border. Gladkov said Kiev forces fired "cluster munitions" in Saturday's attack, and said residential buildings had been damaged. "As a result of the cluster munition strike, 6 civilians sustained shrapnel wounds," Gladkov said adding that "one victim is in extremely serious condition." Initially, he reported four had been injured. Gladkov posted photos showing damage to buildings, one with its roof smashed in. Ukraine, typically, does not comment on its attacks inside Russia. However, cross-border shelling and drone attacks targeting Russia have been a frequent occurrence in the past months since Kiev launched its failed counter-offensive against Russia. The Kremlin was attacked by drones in early May, and since then, the Moscow business district has been hit several times. Other parts of the Russian capital city and wider region have also been targeted. However, there have been no reports of serious damage in the capital, nor have the attacks caused the death of any Muscovite, undermining their effectiveness and raising questions over the purpose of Kiev's abortive drone attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Ukraine Has Retaken The Initiative From The Enemy,' Says Former Top NATO Officer Di Paola By Vazha Tavberidze August 26, 2023 Giampaolo Di Paola boasts a distinguished military career, including having served from 2011 to 2013 as Italy's defense minister and as the chairman of NATO's military committee, the alliance's top military authority between 2008 and 2011. In a recent interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, Di Paola said Ukraine has seized the initiative from invading Russian forces, but as its counteroffensive slowly grinds on the risk of war fatigue in the West grows. RFE/RL: Where are we now in the Ukraine war? The summer phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is almost over: What has been achieved, what hasn't? Giampaolo Di Paola: Nobody really knows. It is not moving as fast as maybe some NATO allies expected. We're now in a critical phase because whatever is gained will be gained during the short summer period, before the rains start and the terrain becomes muddy. The pace is slow. The Ukrainians keep saying it's going as planned. I don't know whether it's true or not. What has been achieved is that Ukraine has retaken the initiative from the enemy. We saw the long-awaited counteroffensive finally happening. But what has not been achieved yet is a significant regaining of the territory from Russians, a significant breakthrough, a weak point in Russian defense lines that the Ukrainians could exploit. But we're still very much in the realm of uncertainty; we will probably need another month or two to determine where we are, what has been gained or lost. But it's a very critical phase, because the longer that combat drags on, the more possible it becomes that we will see war fatigue in some of the countries supporting Ukraine. So, the "whatever it takes, as long as it takes" might be questioned if this "as long it takes" proves to be very long. RFE/RL: Could one of the reasons for this slow progress be insufficient Western support when it comes to what the Ukrainians were asking for before the counteroffensive? Di Paola: The support has been very extensive, and certainly helpful. For the Ukrainians, enough will be never enough; and it is also fair to say that blaming someone else is an easy game to play, whoever does it. The biggest difficulty in this regard is that the Ukrainians have to conduct offensive operations without air superiority. That, I think, is the most significant missing element. (Recently the Netherlands and Demark said they will give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine once certain conditions are met.) RFE/RL: Let me ask you about the blockade of the Black Sea: Whom does the Black Sea belong to now realistically, from a realpolitik perspective? Di Paola: The Black Sea at present belongs to the nations which are facing the Black Sea -- so Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia.... It is a fact. Presently, Russia tries to blockade Ukrainian ports, but we've seen Ukrainians fighting back and attacking Russia's maritime forces, trying to close the gap between the two. So, at present, I would say nobody is the owner of the Black Sea.a RFE/RL: What about Turkey? In a recent interview you dubbed Turkey as the "Mistress of the Black Sea." Has the queen abdicated? Di Paola: No, Turkey is still the strongest player in the Black Sea because at the end of the day it controls the Dardanelles [Strait], the only entry point into it. It gets a say on who's allowed to come in and out and who is not. So, if you really want to exercise control, you need the key of the Bosphorus, and this key belongs to Turkey. Right now, Turkey is bargaining; it's a reluctant player trying to make a deal happen and establish its status as the mediator, a judge of debates in the Black Sea. RFE/RL: How do you see the grain crisis playing out? What events do you see unfolding? Di Paola: Well, if the Russians are not willing to make a deal, we have to find an alternative way out. Because the point is that even if you could theoretically navigate the western part of the Black Sea, if you are bold enough, then that means that you are in the territorial waters of the NATO countries. And therefore, it is unlikely that Russia will attack merchant ships there, because an attack on territorial waters could mean that Article 5 gets invoked. RFE/RL: What happens if Russia attacks, in Ukrainian territorial waters, a ship that belongs to a NATO member country? Di Paola: Well, that's a very complex scenario which, you'll have to judge the situation then and there. There is no established [protocol] that says "this and this will be happen after this." If a vessel with a flag of a NATO member nation is attacked, said NATO member nation can decide to invoke Article 5, saying, "I am under attack from Russia," or they may decide not to do that over an attack on a single merchant ship. It would be a political decision that said nation would have to make, because even the NATO member countries are not so willing to go to war against Russia. But it works both ways: For Russia, it's also a great risk to attack a NATO member country's ship and risk invoking Article 5 against Russia; that wouldn't be a rational thing to do. So these are the kinds of situations where you cannot predict what will happen; therefore that uncertainty sometimes works as a deterrent. RFE/RL: This month marks the 15th anniversary of the war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, when you held the post of the chairman of the NATO Military Committee. So let me ask you this: What is its legacy and impact when it comes to interpreting today's events? Di Paola: It is clear that what happened in Georgia was a result of the famous Bucharest [2008 NATO] Summit which said that Georgia and Ukraine would become NATO members. But it was just a declaration, and Russia used it as an excuse to invade Georgia. NATO wasn't in a position to do anything militarily at that time. So, we said that what [then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir] Putin did was illegal, but we were unable to actually do anything against him, to stop him from doing that. So in the end it was an easy bite for him. Georgia, in the end, had to bow to reality. I remember thinking at Bucharest -- saying even -- this is a mistake, you don't do this. And then it happened exactly as I was afraid it would -- it gave Putin the right timing to invade Georgia. Some say, and I think there is an element of truth in this, too, that had we given a clear road to Ukraine back then [into NATO], Russia would have invaded Ukraine, too, and at that time, Ukraine was in no position to put up the resistance that they did in 2022. So, I think the best thing we could have done at Bucharest in 2008 was to say nothing, nothing at all -- that would be the right thing to do. To keep our mouths shut. If you don't have to say something sensible, it's better not to say anything at all. RFE/RL: Did the West do enough during and after the war, do you think? Di Paola: They did enough -- or rather, they did what they could do. As I said earlier, the West wasn't in a position to do much about Georgia back in 2008. That's the reality, sad as it is. RFE/RL: No leverage. Can the same be said about the mediation efforts from French President [Nicolas] Sarkozy, and the cease-fire plan that still remains unfulfilled? How effective was that plan, objectively? Di Paola: Taking into account that part of Georgia was already occupied by Russia and Russians were still advancing and Georgia was in no position to put up any resistance anymore, I think, at the end of the day, that was the best possible outcome from what was available to us. We pretty much had to settle for the status quo. So, in the end, it was the best we could do. And, in a sense, it proved to be somewhat effective, because the status quo still remains, and there haven't been renewed hostilities between Russia and Georgia. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-counteroffensive-initiative- russia-nato-paola-tavberidze/32565728.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 Two Civilians Killed In Russian Shelling Of Ukraine's Kharkiv Region As Russia Reports More Drone Attacks By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, RFE/RL's Russian Service August 26, 2023 Two people were reported killed in Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine on August 26, as Russia reported more drone strikes, including in the capital, Moscow. The two civilians died when a shell hit a cafe in the village of Podoli in the eastern region of Kharkiv, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said. Podoli was occupied shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but the village was retaken by Kyiv in a counteroffensive last September. Russian forces have been attempting to push forward on the Kharkiv region front line in recent weeks. The Ukrainian Army has acknowledged fighting there has become more difficult but says it is holding the line. In Russia, a drone strike was reported early August 26 in the Moscow region, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend operations at all three major airports in the Russian capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that a drone was destroyed by air defense systems over the Istrinsky district in the Moscow region, some 50 kilometers west of the Kremlin. Moscow's three major airports -- Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo -- suspended flights for a couple of hours, the state-run TASS news agency reported. In the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said air defenses shot down a drone near the village of Kupino, with no reported damage or casualties.a The latest reported aerial strikes in Russia come a day after multiple drone attacks were reported in Russian-occupied Crimea and inside Russia. a Meanwhile, more than 38 combat clashes took place at the front during the day on August 26, the General Staff of the Ukrainian military said. In addition to the combat clashes, Russian forces launched three missile strikes and 34 air strikes and fired 34 rockets from salvo systems at Ukrainian troop positions, the General Staff said in a statement. Ukrainian troops are continuing with an offensive operation in the area of the the strategic southern city of Melitopol and "are entrenched at the achieved boundaries" carrying out countermeasures, the statement said. "During the day, the aviation of the Defense Forces made two strikes on control points, 10 strikes on personnel concentration areas, and two strikes on the enemy's antiaircraft missile systems," the General Staff said. The General Staff said earlier that up to 1,500 Russian soldiers arrived on August 23 in Osypenko, a village in an area of the southern Zaporizhzhya region occupied by Russian invading forces. In other news, Ukrainian Defense Oleksiy Reznikov expressed confidence that Germany will soon supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. Reznikov did not specify when he expected the cruise missiles, "But I don't think it will take a whole year," he said in published comments on August 26. Ukraine has been demanding Taurus cruise missiles for some time. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has so far been reluctant to provide them amid fears they could also reach Russian territory. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told German media this week that "technical details" still need to be clarified. Germany has already provided Kiev with several weapons systems, including the modern Iris-T air defense system. With reporting by Reuters and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moscow-drone-attack-airports- closed-ukraine/32565698.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 Russia Prevents Kiev's Attempted UAV Attack, Drone Destroyed Over Belgorod Region - Moscow Sputnik News 20230826 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian air defense systems destroyed a Ukrainian aircraft-type drone over the territory of the Belgorod Region, the defense ministry said on Saturday. "On August 26, at about 09:00 Moscow time [06:00 GMT], an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by an aircraft-type UAV on facilities in Russia was thwarted. The unmanned aerial vehicle was destroyed by air defense systems on duty above the Shebekinsky District of the Belgorod Region," the ministry said. Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that Russian air defenses had destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approaching Moscow in the Istra District of the Moscow Region this night, with no casualties or damage reported. On August 25, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia was attacked early Friday by 42 Ukrainian drones, 33 of them were suppressed by electronic warfare systems, and nine were shot down by air defenses. Since the onset of Russia's special military operation, the Kiev regime has repeatedly sought to carry out drone strikes near civilian populations, which have largely been thwarted by Russian defenses. Earlier this week, the Defense Ministry confirmed that Russia scrambled fighter jets near the Crimean Peninsula after MQ-9 Reaper and TB2 Bayraktar drones were spotted in the vicinity. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Only those states have true strength that can defend their sky and honor their aviation - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 26 August 2023 - 20:45 Dear Ukrainians! For 30 years now, on the last Saturday of August, Ukrainian aviation workers, both military and civilian, have been celebrating their professional holiday. Pilots, engineers, everyone who works in the aviation industry, in aircraft production, in air transportation. Everyone who makes Ukraine one of the powerful countries. Because only those states have true strength that can defend their sky and honor their aviation. Now, this year, Ukraine has to accomplish all the necessary tasks for F-16s to appear in our sky. This will be a new level of Ukrainian military aviation. And this will bring the return of civil aviation to the Ukrainian sky closer, because it will bring victory closer and give Ukraine more security. There are a lot of reasons for congratulations on this Aviation Day. There is much to be thankful for. And I am thankful. We are all thankful. Unfortunately, these words alone are not enough today. Yesterday, a disaster occurred in the sky over Zhytomyr region. Three pilots died. Among them was Andriy Pilshchykov, call sign Juice. He was a Ukrainian officer, one of those who helped our country a lot. A lot! My condolences to the family and friends, to everyone who knew the guys. The investigation into what happened is ongoing. It's too early to talk about the details. Of course, all the circumstances will be clarified. Of course, Ukraine will never forget anyone who defended Ukraine's free sky. May they always be remembered! I would like to say a few more words today. First of all, our warriors. In the Bakhmut sector, all those who are fighting in the areas of Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Kurdiumivka. The Avdiivka sector. Maryinka. The Melitopol sector, in particular, Robotyne. Thank you for your fortitude, warriors! Second, our partners. As of today, more than 20 countries have already joined the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine. Our team continues its work. Now there are almost 30 in total, including the G7. There will be more. We have started negotiations with Canada on a bilateral document on security guarantees. Earlier we started with the United States and the United Kingdom. This will give Ukraine much more opportunities. I am grateful to each and every person who works for this! And the third is our emotions. We should not let our emotions take over anywhere or in anything. Especially between us, within society, between Ukrainians. Please take care of each other. And have time to thank everyone who helps the defense, everyone who helps Ukraine. We are defending our country, moving forward in an absolutely rational manner and bringing our victory - the victory of Ukraine - closer. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak delivered a video address to the diplomats of the world who took part in the festivities in Canada and Brazil on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine President of Ukraine 26 August 2023 - 15:55 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak delivered a video address to the participants of the solemn breakfasts in Canada and Brazil organized on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence. The event in Canada was organized by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada MAlanie Joly, together with Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada Yulia Kovaliv. The event was attended by diplomats from 77 countries, including the G7, NATO member states, and the Global South. The topic of the breakfast was President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula and security guarantees for Ukraine. In a video message, Andriy Yermak thanked Canada and representatives of diplomatic missions of other countries in Ottawa for their assistance and support for Ukraine in its fight for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. A solemn breakfast on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine was also held in Brazil. It was organized by Charge d'Affaires of Ukraine in Brazil Anatoliy Tkach. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Japan, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the EU, Italy, the representative of the U.S. Embassy, as well as the ChargAs d'Affaires of Spain, France, Germany and Canada. During the event, the parties discussed the work on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, in particular its first point - "Radiation and Nuclear Security". The Head of the Office of the President noted that Russia does not seek peace, it seeks domination. And Ukraine wants peace, which is why last year President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a 10-point Peace Formula based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. Andriy Yermak spoke about the three levels at which the Formula is being implemented: at the level of ambassadors, diplomatic advisors and leaders of all interested states that respect international law. "This Formula is an effective mechanism for solving global war-related problems. We want every responsible country to consider it its own. We will welcome the participation of every state that respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We are deeply convinced that only the coordinated efforts of the international community can put an end to this war," he said, noting that dozens of countries have already joined this initiative and their number is growing steadily. "The formula is our vision of the principles of the post-war world order. The formula is universal. It applies to everyone. And we can only implement it together. Russia is dragging the world into the past. So, just like centuries ago, the famous slogan "For our freedom and yours" is relevant once again. Together, we can make it happen," emphasized Andriy Yermak. The Head of the President's Office also added that it is important to join the provision of security guarantees to Ukraine envisaged by the Joint Declaration of Support for our country agreed by the G7 countries during the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July this year. Andriy Yermak noted that 28 countries have already joined the declaration, and negotiations have already begun with some of them to conclude bilateral agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak delivered a video address on the occasion of the opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition in Bratislava President of Ukraine 26 August 2023 - 10:06 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak delivered a video address to the audience at the opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition at Bratislava Castle (Slovakia) on August 24, Ukraine's Independence Day. The project presents pictures taken throughout Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, documenting torture, executions, bombings, and other crimes committed by Russians against civilians and the military. The exhibition will run until August 30. In a video address to the audience, Andriy Yermak emphasized the importance of implementing the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the only plan capable of ensuring a just and sustainable peace on the European continent. He also stated the need to establish a Special International Tribunal to punish Russia for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. "In our opinion, a Special International Tribunal can be established on the basis of the agreement between Ukraine and the United Nations. Most of the civilized world is already united in this opinion. Those who unleashed this war and committed hundreds or thousands of horrific crimes must be tried and punished," Andriy Yermak emphasized. The official opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition was also attended by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav WlachovskA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Slovakia Myroslav Kastran, and Slovak actress Zuzana FialovA. On behalf of the Slovak people, Miroslav WlachovskA expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the common fight for freedom. "Since 2014, Ukraine has been unjustly paying a high cost for its independence. However, I am convinced that this part of Ukrainian history will remind the whole world of the price of freedom. I avail this opportunity to commend the brave defenders of Ukraine who are also fighting to defend our freedom and our shared values," the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia said. The Russian War Crimes exhibition has already been displayed in Davos, London, Brussels, New York, Munich, and Vilnius. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'There are lots of meetings like that': Kiev confirms 'secret' meeting with NATO generals Iran Press TV Sunday, 27 August 2023 6:54 AM Ukraine has confirmed a report about a "secret" meeting between Kiev military's commander-in-chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, and NATO commanders, revealing that there are lots of similar meetings being held between the two sides. Mikhail Podoliak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Zaluzhny and his NATO handlers have held numerous meetings like the recent "secret" meeting between them earlier this month. The Guardian reported on Saturday that "some of the most senior soldiers in the NATO alliance traveled to a secret location on the Polish-Ukrainian border" eleven days ago to meet with Zaluzhny and "his entire command team." "There are a lot of meetings like that," Podoliak told a Ukrainian TV channel on Saturday, RT reported. According to Podoliak, Kiev's military strategy stays "flexible," evolving in accordance with the situation on the ground. "The General Staff is constantly making adjustments, depending on what is happening on the front line," the adviser said. "Obviously, these adjustments are always being discussed with our partners in order to actualize the deliveries of additional [weapons]." In the meantime, the commander-in-chief of Kiev's armed forces has been haggling behind the scenes to receive more advanced Western weapons and munitions to implement a new strategy and tactics in Ukraine's counteroffensive. "American military officials have been urging the Ukrainians to return to the combined arms training they received at allied bases in Europe by concentrating their forces to try to bust through Russia's defenses and push to the Sea of Azov," reads an article in the Wall Street Journal. The US military advice is based on the calculation that the surge of weapons the US has funneled to Ukraine is enough for this offensive and is unlikely to be repeated at anywhere near the same level in 2024. Kiev has already received tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons and munitions to fight Russian troops since it launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022. Especially ahead of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive, which was launched in early June and has so far failed to gain any military victory, Kiev was provided with a huge supply of arms including tanks, rocket systems, drones, armored vehicles, tanks, and communication systems by the US-led NATO countries. The ex-Soviet republic is now waiting to receive US-made F-16 warplanes, which Kiev claims are vital to gain victory over Russian troops. Western countries have also imposed a slew of economic sanctions on Moscow. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that flooding Ukraine with weapons and slapping anti-Moscow sanctions will only prolong the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskiy Predicts 'Powerful September' As Ukraine Fends Off Latest Russian Air Attacks By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 27, 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he expects "a powerful September for Ukraine," including key decisions from Western allies regarding the provision of important weapons and equipment. The statement came shortly after Kyiv canceled a nationwide overnight air-raid alert and announced the destruction of several Russian cruise missiles. Writing on Telegram on August 27, Zelenskiy said he expects "new defense packages for Ukrainian soldiers" in the coming weeks. "Artillery, armored vehicles, air-defense systems and missiles, demining equipment," he wrote. "Our partners have been informed about our needs. We are expecting decisions." "A united world is stronger than any aggressor," he concluded. "In September, there will be more unity." Ukraine destroyed four Russian cruise missiles as Kyiv declared a national air-raid alert during the night of August 26-27, the country's Air Force wrote on Telegram. Russia also reported two repelled drone strikes on its territory. Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv municipal military administration, reported that all of the destroyed missiles had been heading for the Kyiv area. The prosecutor's office said two civilians were injured and an unspecified number of residential buildings were damaged by missile debris in the Kyiv region. The Air Force said the missiles were launched from strategic bombers. The air-raid warning was canceled at about 6 a.m. Kyiv time after about three hours. The regional military administration in Kherson said the Russian military attacked central Kherson on August 27, killing one woman and injuring a man. Local authorities said the man, aged 51, was hospitalized in serious condition and fighting for his life. Russia's Defense Ministry said on August 27 that it had shot down two drones during the night. One was shot down over the Bryansk region and a second over the city of Kursk. There were no reports of casualties, but the Kursk drone reportedly crashed into a residential building, the region's governor wrote on Telegram. The attacks in Russia came one day after a drone attack in the Moscow region caused three major airports to briefly suspend activities. The Russian Defense Ministry said later on August 27 that it scrambled a fighter plane to deter a U.S. reconnaissance drone from crossing its borders over the Black Sea. "As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance UAV made a U-turn away from the state border of the Russian Federation," the ministry said. Also in the Black Sea region on August 27, the second vessel blocked by Russia's withdrawal last month from a UN-brokered deal allowing the safe passage of grain has left Ukraine's Odesa port, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said. The Liberian-flagged ship PRIMUS set sail through a temporary corridor set up for civilian vessels. "The vessel had been in the port since February 20, 2022, with steel products for African countries," Kubrakov said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The Ukrainian General Staff said in its daily briefing on August 27 that there had been "more than 40 combat clashes" across the country over the previous 24 hours. "Ukraine continues to conduct an offensive operation in the Melitopol direction and is entrenched at the achieved positions," the military said referring to the Zaporizhzhya region city that Russia has occupied since March 2022. Melitopol is a vital transit hub for Russian forces and a key link in its so-called "land bridge" between the occupied Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and the Russia-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine that border Russia. In a report issued on August 26, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive has "made further tactically significant gains" in the western part of the Zaporizhzhya region. Kyiv's forces were "advancing through what Ukrainian and U.S. sources suggest may be the most challenging series of prepared Russian defensive positions." With reporting by Interfax, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-ar-raid- alert-russia-missile-strikes-drones/32566584.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 Not a Proxy War? Zelensky Aide Confirms 'Secret' Meetings With NATO Brass Sputnik News 20230827 ilya Tuskanov Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov first characterized the Ukrainian crisis as a NATO "proxy war" against Russia in April 2022. The US and its allies vocally rejected the characterization. But a series of Pentagon leaks, combined with statements made by Ukrainian officials themselves, have served to confirm the validity of Lavrov's assessment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's top advisor has confirmed that a "secret meeting" recently took place between Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, other Ukrainian generals, and NATO top brass on the Polish-Ukrainian border. "There are a lot of meetings like that," presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said in an interview with Ukrainian television on Saturday. "Actually, Zaluzhnyi actively communicates with representatives of the ministries of defense and general staffs of our partners almost every day." "The General Staff is constantly making adjustments, depending on what is happening on the front line," Podolyak added. "Obviously, these adjustments are always being discussed with our partners in order to actualize the deliveries" of additional weapons, including long-range missiles, armored vehicles, and air defense systems. The Zelensky aide also revealed that the NATO defense officials Zaluzhnyi most often communicates with are the Americans and the British, since "they know and understand better than others what is happening at the front." Podolyak's remarks confirm recent reports in US and UK media that the Ukrainian top commander and other Ukrainian top brass had met with Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli, and British Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin to push for a change in strategy in Ukraine's faltering counteroffensive. Zaluzhnyi was said to have verbally agreed with the "advice" of his NATO counterparts. The Biden administration, the US' European allies, and Western media have adamantly refused to call the Ukraine conflict a "proxy war" between NATO and Russia, claiming the West's only role is to "support the Ukrainian people as they defend their country," and that calling the crisis a proxy war "denies Ukraine agency." However, the extent of NATO support, including nearly $100 billion in military equipment, intelligence, and other aid, combined with the April 2022 US/UK move to sabotage Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's admission that Washington's goal in Ukraine was to "weaken" Russia, and NATO's longstanding efforts to incorporate Kiev into the Western military bloc, suggest otherwise. In January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov openly admitted that by fighting Russia, Ukraine was "carrying out NATO's mission," which was to "eliminate" the so-called Russian "threat" to the alliance. "They aren't shedding their blood. We're shedding ours. That's why they're required to supply us with weapons," Reznikov said at the time. Earlier this year, a trove of secret documents on the Pentagon's assessment of the Ukrainian crisis served to further confirm Russia's "proxy war" characterization of events, with some NATO powers revealed to have sent dozens of special forces "boots on the ground" to the conflict zone. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defense Shoots Down 2 Ukrainian Drones Over Bryansk, Kursk Regions - MoD Sputnik News 20230827 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine tried to attack Russian territory with aircraft-type drones and the Russian air defense systems shot down two drones over the Bryansk and Kursk regions, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "On August 27, at night and in the morning, the Kiev regime made another attempt to carry out terrorist attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation using aircraft-type UAVs. Two unmanned aerial vehicles were detected and destroyed in flight over the territory of the Bryansk and Kursk regions by air defense forces on duty," the ministry said. On August 25, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia was attacked early Friday by 42 Ukrainian drones, 33 of them were suppressed by electronic warfare systems, and nine were shot down by air defenses. Ukraine launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces in early June after multiple postponements. Citing the counteroffensive's needs, Kiev pushed its Western donors to step up the military and financial aid. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian troops continue to try but are failing to advance in three directions a South Donetsk, Artemovsk (Bakhmut), and Zaporozhye, with the latter being the primary focus. Since the onset of Russia's special military operation, the Kiev regime has repeatedly sought to carry out drone strikes near civilian populations, which have largely been thwarted by Russian defenses. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Downs Four Russian Cruise Missiles By VOA News August 27, 2023 Ukraine said Sunday that it downed four Russian cruise missiles overnight, but did not say where the strikes occurred. Meanwhile, the last Saturday in August has traditionally been celebrated as a professional holiday by Ukrainian civilian and military aviation workers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Saturday. He said this year in Ukraine, there will be a "new level of Ukranian military aviation" in order for "F-16s [fighter jets] to appear in our sky." Zelenskyy also remembered three pilots who died "in the sky over Zhytomyr region" Friday. Andriy Pilshchykov was one of the pilots. The president said his call sign was Juice. "He was a Ukrainian officer, one of those who helped our country a lot. A lot," the president said. The president said it was too early to talk about the details of the pilots' deaths. The president also offered a bit of a pep talk for Ukraine's citizen in his address. "We should not let our emotions take over anywhere or in anything," he said. Especially between us, within society, between Ukrainians. Please take care of each other." Russian forces shelled a cafA in Podoly a a suburb of the strategically significant northeastern city of Kupiansk a killing two civilians and injuring a third one on Saturday. The attacks are raising fears that Russians are pushing to reclaim front-line cities in the northeast region. Ukrainian forces say that fighting there has become more intense, but the Russians haven't broken through. The British Defense Ministry said Saturday that Russia's probable objective in the region will be to advance west to the Oskil River and establish a buffer zone around Luhansk oblast. The U.K. military intelligence reports assess that Russia is attempting to reverse the gradual gains of the Ukrainian counteroffensive near Bakhmut and the Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian regional administration of Zaporizhzhia reported Saturday that Russia shelled Mala Tokmachka on Friday a one of the villages near which Kyiv's troops were said to be gaining ground. One resident was killed and another was injured in the attack. Earlier this month, Ukrainian authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of about 12,000 civilians from 37 towns and villages around Kupiansk, warning that Russian troops are trying to pierce the Ukrainian front. Kupiansk, a town with a prewar population of about 27,000 people, was seized by Russia in the early days of the February 2022 invasion. Ukrainian troops recaptured it in a surprise offensive last September that embarrassed Moscow. After the Russian occupiers left Kupiansk last year, Ukrainian authorities said they found torture chambers and mass graves in the region. Ukrainian officials so far have reported limited advances in Kyiv's large-scale counteroffensive launched in early June, including in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and on the outskirts of Bakhmut, the eastern city that became the site of the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed late Friday that Ukrainian forces were pushing forward in Zaporizhzhia after taking the village of Robotyne earlier this week. Elsewhere Russia's defense ministry and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said the military shot down a drone over the Istra district of the Moscow region, 50 kilometers west of Red Square. Sobyanin said in a Telegram post there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage. The attack Saturday prompted an early-morning temporary shutdown of all three major airports around the Russian capital, Russian state media reported. Three Ukrainian pilots died after two L-39 trainer aircraft collided in midair in central Ukraine, the country' air force said Saturday in a statement. The loss of the three pilots is a setback as the country prepares to train pilots on up to 61 Western F-16 fighter jets pledged to Kyiv. The crash occurred Friday over the Zhytomyr region, which lies west of Kyiv. "We express our condolences to the families of the victims. This is a painful and irreparable loss for all of us," the air force wrote on the Telegram app, adding that an investigation into the circumstances of the crash is taking place. Grain deal A second cargo vessel left Ukraine's port city of Odesa on Saturday, news agency Interfax Ukraine reported, citing the MarineTraffic database. The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Primus is moving from Odesa to the port of Varna in Bulgaria, along a "humanitarian corridor" set up along the Black Sea's western coastline near Romania and Bulgaria. A Hong Kong-flagged container ship stuck in Odesa port since the invasion began was the first vessel to travel that route last week without being fired upon by Russia. U.S. officials say that since Russia's exit from the grain deal, Ukraine has resorted to land and Danube River routes as effective ways to transport its grain. Russia has threatened to treat all vessels as potential military targets after pulling out of the U.N.-backed safe passage deal. Wagner mercenaries The presumed death of Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash Wednesday is leading to speculation about the Wagner Group's future. Officials and commentators in African countries where Russian mercenaries have a presence are predicting Moscow likely will place them under Russian leadership. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, effective immediately, according to a decree published late Friday on the Kremlin's website. According to a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment, the plane was downed by an intentional explosion. One of the U.S. and Western officials who described the assessment said it determined that Prigozhin was "very likely" targeted, and that the explosion falls in line with Putin's "long history of trying to silence his critics." Assassination attempts against foes of Putin's have been common during his nearly quarter century in power. Whether it was by drinking polonium-laced tea or touching a deadly nerve agent or getting shot at close range, relatives of the victims and the few survivors have blamed Russian authorities. The Kremlin has routinely denied any involvement, as it did Friday by insisting it was "a complete lie" it had anything to do with the jet crash. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Selbyville, Delaware, Aug. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The fintech as a service market is predicted to reach USD 995.9 billion by 2032, as reported in a research study by Global Market Insights Inc. The market growth has been fueled by the increasing demand for seamless, scalable, and cost-effective financial solutions across industries. FaaS providers offer a wide range of services, including payment processing, lending platforms, risk management tools, and compliance solutions. By leveraging FaaS, businesses can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from cutting-edge fintech innovations. Moreover, FaaS allows for greater flexibility and agility, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to changing sector dynamics and customer demands. This democratization of fintech has opened doors for startups and small businesses, leveling the playing field and fostering innovation. As a result, the FaaS market is poised for continued growth, fueled by the ever-increasing need for efficient and customer-centric financial solutions. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/6047 The fintech as a service market from the AI & ML segment is anticipated to show substantial growth through 2032, as these technologies enable FaaS providers to offer advanced solutions such as automated underwriting, fraud detection, personalized recommendations, and risk assessment. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including transaction records, market trends, and customer behavior, to derive actionable insights and make informed decisions in real time. ML models can be trained to improve accuracy, speed and efficiency of financial processes over time. By leveraging AI and ML, FaaS providers empower businesses with intelligent automation, enhanced security, and better customer experiences, ultimately driving competitiveness in the fintech industry. The FaaS market share from the mobile banking segment is set to see massive growth from 2023 to 2032, so as to enhance capabilities and offer a seamless banking experience to users. FaaS enables mobile banking applications to integrate various financial services, such as payment processing, account management, and lending platforms, into their mobile applications. By leveraging FaaS, mobile banking providers can tap into the expertise of fintech companies, avoiding the need for extensive development and infrastructure costs. This allows them to focus on delivering user-friendly interfaces, robust security measures, and personalized financial solutions, thus adding to the industry share. Asia Pacific region has emerged as a thriving hub for the fintech as a service market and is expected to rise substantially through 2032, owing to a large unbanked population, growing smartphone penetration, and supportive government policies. FaaS providers in the region offer a diverse range of financial services, including digital payments, lending platforms, insurance technology, and wealth management solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, Asia Pacific FaaS market is characterized by fierce competition, strategic partnerships, and investments in cutting-edge technologies such as AI and blockchain. The focus on digital transformation will stimulate the Asia Pacific market growth in the coming years. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/6047 Key participants operating in the fintech as a service (FaaS) market are Adyen, Block, Envestnet, Finastra, OpenPayd, FIS, Fiserv, Mastercard, Paypal, and Dwolla. These FaaS players are putting constant efforts M&A and partnerships to amplify their prospects. For instance, in June 2023, FIS acquired a startup, Bond, that specializes in embedded finance. The startup has a strong AI-based infrastructure that will improve the services provided by FIS. The company helps digital brands like Pocketbook to personalize banking products. Partial chapters of report table of contents (TOC): Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Fintech as a Service market 360 synopsis, 2018 - 2032. 2.2 Business trends 2.2.1 Total Addressable Market (TAM), 2023-2032 2.3 Regional trends 2.4 Service type trends 2.5 Technology trends 2.6 Application trends 2.7 End-use trends Chapter 3 Fintech as a Service Market Industry Insights 3.1 Impact on COVID-19 3.2 Russia- Ukraine war impact 3.3 Industry ecosystem analysis 3.4 Vendor matrix 3.5 Profit margin analysis 3.6 Technology & innovation landscape 3.7 Patent analysis 3.8 Key news and initiatives 3.9 Regulatory landscape 3.10 Impact forces 3.10.1 Growth drivers 3.10.1.1 Growing demand for compliance and regulatory solutions to support safe transaction 3.10.1.2 Growing cloud computing across BFSI sector 3.10.1.3 Government investment in AI and ML 3.10.1.4 Propelling demand of cost and time efficient transaction service 3.10.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges 3.10.2.1 Data and privacy concern 3.11 Growth potential analysis 3.12 Porters analysis 3.13 PESTEL analysis Browse our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse Browse Related Reports: Alternative Financing Market Size - By Type (Peer-to-Peer Lending, Crowdfunding, Invoice Trade), By End Use (Individual, Businesses) & Global Forecast, 2023 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/alternative-financing-market Payment Orchestration Platform Market Size - By Functionality (Cross Border Transactions, Risk Management, Advanced Analytics & Reporting), By End Use (BFSI, Retail & E-commerce, Healthcare, Travel & Hospitality), Platform Type & Forecast, 2023 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/payment-orchestration-platform-market About Global Market Insights Inc. Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Westford, USA, Aug. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SkyQuest, the proliferation of mobile banking and two-factor authentication drives the Enterprise A2P SMS market . Financial institutions and online services rely on SMS for secure identity verification, making A2P SMS essential for safeguarding transactions and data, thus fueling market expansion. Browse in-depth TOC on the "Enterprise A2P SMS Market" Pages - 165 Tables - 97 Figures 77 Get sample copy of this report: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/enterprise-a2p-sms-market With e-commerce becoming a cornerstone of global retail, A2P SMS finds a prime driver in customer engagement. Transactional alerts, order confirmations, and personalized promotions through SMS enhance the customer experience, prompting businesses to invest in A2P SMS solutions for competitive advantage. Prominent Players in the Enterprise A2P SMS Market Orange Business Services Infobip Ltd Tyntec Group Limited Syniverse Technologies LLC CLX Communications AB (now Sinch AB) SAP SE Tata Communications Ltd. Twilio Inc. mGage (a Vivial Company) Vonage Holdings Corp. Clickatell Pty Ltd. Route Mobile Limited SMSGlobal Pty Ltd. Nexmo, Inc. (a Vonage Company) Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. Plivo Inc. Proximus Group Karix (formerly known as mGage India) Kaleyra, Inc. MessageBird B.V. 3Cinteractive Corp. (now part of Apptentive) Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.skyquestt.com/report/enterprise-a2p-sms-market On-premise Segment is Expected to Grow the Market Due to their Stringent Security and Compliance Requirements The on-premise segment, though fast-growing, caters to businesses with stringent security and compliance requirements. It provides a localized approach and maintains data control but may involve higher initial costs. Despite cloud's ascendancy, on-premise solutions remain relevant, serving industries prioritizing data sovereignty and customized infrastructure. Asia Pacific's dominance stems from its robust technological infrastructure, rapid digital transformation, and massive population. Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations exhibit strong demand for various technologies. With a growing middle class and increasing internet penetration, the region offers a vast market for tech adoption and innovation. Cloud Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market Due to its Scalability, and Cost-effectiveness The cloud segment's dominance in the market is attributed to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of implementation. Enterprises prefer cloud solutions for their flexibility, enabling seamless remote access and updates. This trend is reshaping industry landscapes as businesses increasingly embrace cloud-based models to optimize operations. Regional markets in the Europe, while not as populous as some regions, showcases rapid adoption of emerging technologies. Its developed economies, emphasis on research and innovation, and cross-border collaborations drive swift tech integration. European nations are keen on diversifying industries through tech investments, positioning the region as a dynamic player in the global tech landscape. A comprehensive analysis of the major players in the enterprise A2P SMS market has been recently conducted in a report. The report encompasses various aspects, including collaborations, mergers, innovative business policies, and strategies, providing valuable insights into key trends and breakthroughs in the market. Furthermore, the report scrutinizes the market share of the top segments and presents a detailed geographic analysis. Lastly, the report highlights the major players in the industry and their endeavors to develop innovative solutions to cater to the growing demand. Key Developments in the Enterprise A2P SMS Market In January 2023, Infobip partnered with IBM to offer A2P messaging services on IBM Cloud, catering to businesses looking for secure and reliable communication solutions. In March 2023, Sinch announced an investment in MobiWeb, a leading A2P messaging provider in the Middle East, expanding Sinch's presence in the region. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/enterprise-a2p-sms-market Key Questions Answered in Enterprise A2P SMS Market Report What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period? List the top companies in the market and explain how they have achieved their positions of influence. In what ways do regional trends and patterns differ within the global market, and how these differences shape the market's future growth? Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Femtocell Market Global Massive MIMO Market Global 5G in Aviation Market Global Public Safety-LTE Market Global IP Multimedia Subsystem Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com On 25.08.2023, Hepsor Latvia OU, a subsidiary of Hepsor AS, signed a share purchase agreement, which will acquire 50% of the shares of SIA "Riga Properties 4". SIA "Riga Properties 4" has signed a purchase agreements for the purchase of two properties in the Riga district of Latvia located at "Lidumi", Dreilini, Stopinu rural municipality, Ropazu nov., LV-2130 with a total area of 74,314 m2 and the company's goal is to develop approximately 40,000 m2 of commercial premises on these properties in stages. "Hepsor is pleased to announce starting a new commercial real estate project on the Riga market, where only recently we completed a successful sales transaction of a stock-office-type commercial building" said Henri Laks, Member of the Management Board. "The properties are located in an attractive area next to the IKEA store and the SAGA shopping centre, where we plan to create a unique business campus with a green mindset, consisting of commercial premises with different functions, including stock-office type commercial buildings." Hepsor's partners in the development of the properties are Rigas Ipasumu Fonds SIA and Venturecorp Property Holdings UAB, which have developed the adjacent SAGA shopping centre as well as the newly opened Kurna Park in Estonia. Henri Laks Member of the Management Board Phone: +372 5693 9114 e-mail: henri@hepsor.ee Hepsor AS (www.hepsor.ee) is one of the fastest growing residential and commercial real estate developers in Estonia and Latvia, which is also present on the Canadian real estate market since 2023. Over the last twelve years Hepsor has developed more than 1,600 homes and ca 36,000 m2 of commercial space. Hepsor has been the first real estate developer in the Baltic States to implement a number of innovative engineering solutions that make the buildings we construct more energy-efficient and thus more environmentally friendly. The company's portfolio is comprised of 25 development projects with a total sellable space of 199,500 m2. Pune, India, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global clear aligners market size was valued at USD 3.32 billion in 2022 and market is expected to reach USD 17.27 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 24.2% during the forecast period. Industry's advancement is expected to accelerate due to the increasing occurrence of malocclusion and unmet needs of the population. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its report titled Clear Aligners Market, 2023-2030. Key Industry Development January 2022: Envista Holdings Corporation extended its commercial relationship with leading dental support organization Pacific Dental Services (PDS) for an additional five years. The expansion of this relationship includes Envistas Spark clear aligners, implant, and imaging solutions. Request a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/clear-aligners-market-101377 Key Takeaways: Rising adult population and dental expenditure will enhance the adoption of products, thereby driving the global market growth. The adoption of aligners for aesthetical purposes is expected to surge in the coming years. The market value in North America stood at USD 1.92 billion in 2022. The teenage segment is anticipated to expand at a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for clear aligners products over traditional braces has grown due to positive results the provide while treating malocclusion. Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Companies leading the global clear aligners market are Align Technology, Inc. (U.S.), 3M (U.S.), Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Ormco Corporation (Envista) (U.S.), Dentsply Sirona (U.S.), Henry Schein, Inc. (U.S.), Argen Corporation (U.S.), Angelalign Technology Inc. (China) Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 24.2% 2030 Value Projection USD 17.27 Billion Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2023 USD 3.80 billion Historical Data 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 147 Segments covered Age Group, End User, and Region Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/clear-aligners-market-101377 Segmentation: Adult Segment to Dominate Market Due to Robust Demand for Dental Aesthetics By age group, the market is segmented into teenage and adults. The adults segment is expected to lead due to the robust demand for dental aesthetics as a rising percentage of adults are suffering from malocclusion. Growing Preference for Dentists and Orthodontists to Boost Demand for Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices As per end-user, the market is classified into dentist & orthodontist owned practices and others. The dentist & orthodontist owned practices segment is expected to lead the market due to growing preference for dentists and orthodontists as they are highly trained in treating complex dental ailments. Regionally, the market is clubbed into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. By Age Group Teenagers Adults By End-user Dentist & Orthodontist Owned Practices Others By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World Quick Buy - Clear Aligners Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/101377 Drivers and Restraints Rising Awareness About Product Benefits over Traditional Methods Will Fuel Market Growth The demand for clear aligners is growing at a robust pace as compared to the conventional braces as more patients are becoming aware of their benefits in treating misaligned teeth or malocclusion. Some of the advantages of these products include greater convenience & comfort, better appearance, and high customization abilities. Moreover, many companies are focusing on creating new products and upgrading their current product ranges to expand their customer base and geographical reach. Regional Insights Presence of Numerous Players to Foster Market Progress in North America North America is projected to dominate the clear aligners market share due to the presence of major players. The market value in North America stood at USD 1.92 billion in 2022 and is expected to gain a huge portion of the global market share in the coming years. Furthermore, increasing R&D investments by manufacturers and favorable reimbursement programs in dentistry in the region are expected to foster this industrys growth prospects. In Europe, rising awareness about the incorporation of innovative technologies in clear aligners is likely to elevate product demand. Furthermore, expansions of facilities by key manufacturers may attract consumers, thereby fostering product sales. Competitive Landscape Robust Sales Recorded by Align Technology to Result in Market Dominance As far as the competitive landscape is concerned, the consolidated market has shown the dominance of one company Align Technology, Inc. One of the major reasons behind this firms leading position in the market is the large-scale demand for its Invisalign aligner product range. It is said to be the only clear aligner that can treat a wide range of complex dental disorders, such as teenagers and adults suffering from immature dentition. Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/clear-aligners-market-101377 FAQs How big is the clear aligners market? The global clear aligners market size was estimated at USD 3.32 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 17.27 billion in 2030. What is the current size of clear aligners market? The clear aligners market is projected to grow USD 3.80 billion in 2023 and will exhibit a CAGR of 24.2 % during the forecast period, 2023-2030. Related Reports: U.S. Clear Aligners Market Size, Share, Revenue Forecast and Opportunities Dental Implants Market Size, Industry Share, Revenue and Forecast Cosmetic Dentistry Market Growth, Industry Analysis, Demand and Forecast Dental Crowns and Bridges Market Size, Share, Opportunities & Analysis Dental Caries Detectors Market Size, Share, Opportunities & Analysis About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights, we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner - Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: U.S.: +1 424 253 0390 U.K.: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Pune, India, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global canola oil market size was valued at USD 34.79 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 36.09 billion in 2023 to USD 47.14 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.89% during the 2023-2030 period. Canola oil, derived from canola seeds, is recognized for its health benefits and is widely used in food preparations. With a strong market presence, it is increasingly being adopted by the food processing and food service industries globally. Fortune Business Insights presents this information in their report titled "Global Canola Oil Market, 20232030." Get a Sample Research PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 List of Key Players Profiled in the Canola Oil Market Report: Louis Dreyfus Company (Netherlands) Cargill Incorporated (U.S.) Associated British Foods (U.K.) Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.) Wilmar International Ltd., (Singapore) Bunge Limited (U.S.) Jivo Wellness Pvt. Ltd., (India) American Vegetable Oils (U.S.) Highwood Crossing Foods (Canada) La Tourangelle (France) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Attribute Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 3.89% 2030 Value Projection USD 47.14 Billion Canola Oil Market Size in 2023 USD 36.09 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 180 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Nature By Application Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Canola Oil Market Drivers Surging Use of Rapeseed Oil in Traditional Food Processing Augments the Markets Potential Strong Emphasis on the Production of Rapeseed Oil Will Help in Generating More Profit Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 Segments: Conventional Segment Leads due to Availability, Affordability, and Diverse Applications By nature, the market is split into conventional and organic. The dominant position of the conventional segment is attributed to its high availability, cost-effectiveness, and extensive usage in renewable fuel production, industrial pesticides, and lubricants. Versatile Applications in Processed Food Propels Food Processing Sectors Growth By application, the market is segmented into food processing, foodservice, households, and others. The food processing segment dominated the market with the highest revenue in 2022, driven by the extensive use of rapeseed oil in various processed food preparations such as cream cheese spreads, mayonnaise, salad dressings, and tartar sauce due to its clean and natural production. From the regional ground, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Report Coverage The research report presents a comprehensive market examination, emphasizing crucial elements, including the competitive environment, distribution channels, and prominent product categories. Furthermore, the report provides valuable observations on market trends and significant industry advancements. Apart from the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses numerous variables that have bolstered market expansion in recent times. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 Drivers and Restraints Adoption by Restaurants and Food Industry Players Augments Market Growth Rapeseed oil, known for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and nutritional value, is widely consumed globally and offers various health benefits. The inclusion of rapeseed oil in the cooking routines of restaurants, as seen in examples such as Lucky Lee's in the U.S. and PepsiCo Australia, where it replaced other oils, indicates its growing market potential and contribution to the industry's growth. However, the canola oil market growth may be stifled with other affordable and easily accessible oils that have robust production. Regional Insights Asia Pacific is Driven by Rising Consumer Awareness and Increasing Disposable Income Asia Pacific is a significant producer and consumer of rapeseed oil, with the market valued at USD 20.17 billion in 2022. The region is expected to experience further growth due to increasing consumer awareness about healthy lifestyles and rising disposable income, particularly in China and India. Europe is the second-largest market for canola oil, driven by consumer concerns for health and nutrition, by paying higher prices for quality products. Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 COVID-19 Impact Consumer Preference for Healthier Options Drives Stability Amid Supply Chain Disruptions The global market showed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining stable demand and production due to consumer preferences for low-fat edible oils and health-conscious choices. However, the overall vegetable oil industry experienced a decline in growth in the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to supply chain disruptions. Efforts were made to address these challenges and fuel the market's expansion. Competitive Landscape Established Companies to Expand Customer Base through Acquisitions and Fortified Offerings Canola oil companies are actively seeking partnerships and joint ventures to expand their customer base. Additionally, they are dedicated to introducing innovative and fortified oils, including cold-pressed canola oil, that offer essential nutrients, thereby driving the canola oil market share. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 Detailed Table of Contents: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market Trends Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets Supply Chain Analysi0073 Regulatory Analysis Recent Industry Developments Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnerships, & New Product Launches Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges amidst Pandemic Potential Opportunities due to this Global Crisis Global Canola Oil Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Nature Organic Conventional By Application Food Processing Foodservice Households Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa North America Canola Oil Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Nature Organic Conventional By Application Food Processing Foodservice Households Others By Country (Value) U.S. By Nature Organic Conventional Canada By Nature Organic Conventional Mexico By Nature Organic Conventional Europe Canola Oil Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Nature Organic Conventional By Application Food Processing Foodservice Households Others By Country (Value) Germany By Nature Organic Conventional France By Nature Organic Conventional U.K. By Nature Organic Conventional Belgium By Nature Organic Conventional Rest of Europe By Nature Organic Conventional TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/rapeseed-oil-market-102443 Key Industry Development August 2021: Richardson International announced the acquisition of Control Chemical Corp. This acquisition has helped the company to expand its global footprints and also opened numerous opportunities for its market to grow on a global scale. Read Related Insights: Organic Edible Oil Market to Hit USD 5.79 Billion by 2030 | With 9.23% CAGR Cooking Oil Market to Worth USD 281.72 Billion by (2021-2028) | Cooking Oil Industry CAGR of 4.67% About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Address: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner, Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Attachment Pune,India, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fortune Business Insights, global Temperature Sensors Market Size was valued at USD 5.02 billion in 2018 to USD 7.88 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. The healthcare sector heavily depends on temperature-sensitive applications, such as pharmaceutical storage, medical equipment, and patient monitoring. Fortune Business Insights mentioned this in a report titled Temperature Sensors Market Forecast, 2023-2026. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/temperature-sensor-market-102434 Key Industry Development Azbil Corporation, one of the leading companies in building and industrial automation, has started selling ceiling-mounted sensors, an indoor sensor, outside Japan, majorly for use in office building HVAC systems. Key Takeaways: The Increasing Use in Home and Building Automation Surge the Temperature Sensor Market Growth Rising Penetration in Portable Healthcare Equipment to Augment the Growth of the Market Increasing Adoption in Automotive Sector to Drive the Growth of the Market Temperature Sensors Market Size in North America was USD 1.79 Billion in 2018 Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report: Companies leading the Temperature Sensors Market are ABB, Emerson Electric Co., HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC., DENSO CORPORATION, STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, NXP Semiconductors, OMRON Corporation, TE Connectivity, Analog Devices, Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated, Maxim Integrated, Amphenol Advanced Sensors, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Kongsberg Maritime, Microchip Technology Inc., Semiconductor Components Industries,LLC, Siemens, TDX Corporation, Endress+Hauser Management AG, Okazaki Manufacturing Company, Yamari Industries Limited Report Scope & Segmentation Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2019 to 2026 Forecast Period 2019 to 2026 CAGR 6.1% 2026 Value Projection USD 7.88 Billion Base Year 2018 Temperature Sensors Market Size in 2018 USD 5.12 Billion Historical Data for 2018 to 2020 No. of Pages 160 Segments covered Type, End-user and Geography Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/temperature-sensor-market-102434 Driving factors Industrial automation across sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and automotive has fueled the demand for temperature sensors.The integration of temperature sensors into IoT networks has opened up new avenues for data-driven decision-making. Industries like healthcare, agriculture, and logistics rely on IoT-connected temperature sensors to monitor and maintain optimal conditions, contributing to product quality, safety, and compliance. The healthcare sector heavily depends on temperature-sensitive applications, such as pharmaceutical storage, medical equipment, and patient monitoring. Temperature sensors help ensure the safety and efficacy of medications, vaccines, and sensitive medical procedures. The proliferation of smartphones, laptops, wearables, and home appliances has escalated the demand for temperature sensors. Segmentation By Type Thermocouple Thermistor Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) Semiconductor Temperature Sensor Infrared Temperature Sensor Others By End-User Healthcare Consumer Electronics Automotive Aerospace and Defense Food and Beverages Energy and Power Oil and Gas Chemicals By Region North America (US and Canada) Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, South East Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific) The Middle East & Africa (GCC, South Africa and Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Latin America (Mexico, Brazil and Rest of Latin America) Regional Analysis Rising Technological Advancements to Bolster Growth in North America North America generated a revenue of USD 1.79 billion and 2018 and is predicted to grow rapidly during the forecast period owing to the growing emphasis on HVAC systems, compact systems with standalone sensors and wearable devices. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about the advantages of temperature sensors in various industries, including automotive, oil & gas, and healthcare, will boost the temperature sensor market trends during the forecast period. Europe is likely to witness high growth during the forecast period owing to the presence of various automobile companies in the region. Asia Pacific is predicted to grow astoundingly during the forecast period due to the surge in the automotive sector and the growing sales of automotive vehicles. Quick Buy - Temperature Sensors Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102434 Competitive Landscape: Exergen Global, a world leader and provider of Non-Contact Infrared Sensor Solutions launched PEKO, the first-ever non-contact thermal dynamic management solution, that combines a proprietary-design cooling mechanism with a unique emissivity control device to provide accurate, repeatable thermal measurement results in industrial settings under extreme conditions, with ambient temperatures as high as 500C. The introduction of the new thermal dynamic management solution can be a crucial factor in boosting the temperature sensor market growth owing to its ability to benefit manufacturers to run operations safely while assisting in industrial processes and to position thermal sensors close to measurement targets. FAQs How big is the Temperature Sensors Market? Temperature Sensors Market size was USD 5.02 billion in 2018. How fast is the Temperature Sensors Market growing? The Temperature Sensors Market will exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period, 2019-2026 Related Reports: Industrial Sensors Market Size, Industry Share Automotive Sensors Market Size, Share, Trends Automotive Emission Sensors Market Size, industry, share About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Denver, CO, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The ballots have been cast, and Spa Monarch has emerged as the 4th leading vote-getter in a nationwide competition to determine who has the best hotel spa! USA Today readers took part in the four-week polling period beginning in mid-July and wrapping up in mid-August. During that time frame, Monarch Casinos Spa Monarch ascended from 19th of 20 contenders in voting all the way to 4th! Each year, the esteemed USA Today expert panel scours the nation to sample and recognize the travel industry, shining a spotlight on the country's finest hotels, destinations, and attractions. Spa Monarch was selected for its exceptional facilities, treatments, and services, making it a top choice for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. "We are beyond excited to accept this national award and to be in the same conversation as the most elite spas at luxury destinations in the country. Accomplishing this feat in just two and a half short years shows the vision and dedication of our owners and team members, said Erica Ferris, Director of Marketing at Monarch Casino Resort Spa. "Spa Monarchs mission will be to continue to provide guests with an unparalleled spa experience, incorporating innovative treatments and state-of-the-art wellness systems that promote personal discovery, healing, and rejuvenation." Situated amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Spa Monarch offers a full range of luxurious amenities that guarantee an unforgettable, blissful experience. Visitors can indulge in the rooftop pool on the 23rd floor, relax by the fire pits, immerse themselves in the aqua spa, revitalize in the mountain stone bath, and experience unique therapies such as brine inhalation & light spectrum therapies. The spa also features herbal steam rooms and an experiential shower that simulates ice, fog, thunder, tropical rain, and waterfalls with essential oils. For more information about Spa Monarch at Monarch Casino Resort Spa, visit https://monarchblackhawk.com. Attachment Live from San Diego, ELEVATE 2023 brings together hundreds of utility accounting and tax professionals for 50+ learning sessions, client-led case studies, networking, product demos, general sessions and more. ATLANTA, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PowerPlan, Inc., a leading provider of SaaS-based asset accounting software solutions for the energy industry, has announced it will host its user conference, ELEVATE 2023, in San Diego, CA. The conference, held every 18 months, is designed to help users from tax and accounting teams extract maximum value from its full suite of technology solutions. The conference offers numerous learning and information sharing opportunities for PowerPlan users: Exclusive previews of PowerPlans latest product innovations and roadmaps Dozens of breakout sessions in strategically relevant tracks including asset accounting, income tax, and cloud transformation Best practice forums Hands-on training Lively panel discussions Product demonstrations Customer-led case study presentations Executive roundtable discussion Networking events The ELEVATE 2023 conference is our premier customer event, offering users and staff experts the chance to come together for hands-on learning, networking and more. Held every 18 months, its a highly anticipated gathering unlike any other in the utilities industry. ELEVATE is an invaluable opportunity for industry peers to learn from each other and for PowerPlan users to learn how to unlock the full potential of PowerPlan technology for their organizations, explains Suzanne Ward, Chief Product Officer. Attendees can earn approximately 44 CPE credits for attending ELEVATE 2023. Learn More Access the agenda and register at the ELEVATE 2023 website Learn the latest news and announcements on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. About PowerPlan PowerPlan software provides financial insight into how complex rules and regulations impact your organization empowering you to make credible decisions that improve overall corporate performance. The integrated solution provides complete visibility starting with forecasting and monitoring, to scenario planning and analytics, while maintaining financial compliance. For more information, email info@powerplan.com or visit www.powerplan.com . For media inquiries, contact: Michelle Henderson Director of Marketing PowerPlan, Inc. 678-372-7468 pr@powerplan.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27cf127a-1fe2-4da5-a2d5-efa9c60cf17c Pune, India, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The adoption of AMMR is increasing owing to the rise in automation in the warehouse and manufacturing industries. Further, the rise in demand for chips in phones, vehicles, and robots is influencing autonomous mobile manipulator robots market players to automate the production process. These robots are widely used in the logistics, retail, healthcare, automobile, and aerospace sectors to recognize, pick and place, assemble, pack, and sort objects and perform other associated tasks without human intervention. A few of the leading factors boosting the growth of the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market are the rising e-commerce industry and increasing demand for automation solutions. The increasing demand for AMMR in industry-specific applications and the expansion is expected to provide significant growth opportunities to the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market in the coming years. Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $335.08 million in 2022 and is poised to reach $2,099.63 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.3% from 2022 to 2030 according to a new report published by The Insight Partners. The e-commerce industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with more and more businesses shifting their operations online, and also There is a growing demand for automated systems in various industries, including e-commerce, due to the increasing complexity of operations and the need for greater efficiency and accuracy. Download Sample Pages: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00029921/ Browse Comprehensive TOC on "Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots Market to 2030 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type (Differential and Omnidirectional), Payload (35 Kg, 510 Kg, 1020 Kg, and 20 Kg & Above), Application (Sorting, Pick & Place, Inventory Management, and Others), and End Use Industry (Healthcare, Space, Assembly, and Others)" List of Tables - 187 List of Figures - 103 No. of Pages - 230 Global Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in $335.08 million in 2022 Market Size Value by $2,099.63 million by 2030 Growth rate CAGR of 22.3% from 2022 to 2030 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Base Year 2022 Segments covered Type, Payload, Application, and End Use Industry Regional scope North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. Country scope Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends A few of the leading factors boosting the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market growth are the rising e-commerce industry and increasing demand for automation solutions. Further, the increasing demand for AMMR in industry-specific applications and the expansion are expected to provide significant growth opportunities to the autonomous mobile manipulator robots (AMMR) market in the coming years. The global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is segmented on the basis of type, payload, application, and end user. Based on type, the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is bifurcated into differential and omnidirectional. Based on payload, the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is segmented as 35 kg, 510 kg, 1020 kg, and 20 kg and above. Further, based on application, the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is categorized into sorting, pick & place, inventory management, and others. Based on end user, the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is segmented into healthcare, space, assembly, and others. Based on geography, the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is categorized into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. In April 2023, Comau S.p.A., an Italy-based company, developed a mobile manipulator mounted on an autonomous mobile platform. This system was built for three different European Union (EU) projects. In October 2021, Plus One Robotics Inc. and Locus Robotics Corp. announced their plans for a strategic collaboration to develop an automated picking system; it merges mobile robots and stationary picking arms to help improve productivity in e-commerce fulfillment centers. In August 2019, KUKA AG launched a mobile manipulator robot as the worlds first solution from a single source for wafer handling during semiconductor manufacturing. Industry 4.0 is transforming the way companies manufacture, process, and distribute their products. They are incorporating new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, analytics, AI, and machine learning into their facilities to boost operational and production efficiency. Factory automation plays a crucial role in automating the manufacturing process to increase the production output in minimal time and reduce labor costs. In addition, it helps to improve the quality of the products by minimizing the risk of human errors. These factors are leading to a rise in the adoption of factory automation in several industries such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace. Thus, to cater to the growing demand for automation, the market players are launching new solutions. DIMOFAC, the first project that was an initiative to help factories implement a smart factory architecture in Europe, where the system can be used for the pick-and-place operation and other warehouse automation tasks. PeneloPe project was the second project in the region, where the mobile manipulator can be used for glue dispensing and quality inspection in the public transport domain. The third application of the system is for the ODIN project; it supports the management of mechanical parts in automotive applications. Therefore, the growing demand for automation in various industries is propelling the global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market growth. The global autonomous mobile manipulator robots market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America. Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2022, followed by Europe and North America. In Asia Pacific, government initiatives and policies supporting the automation of manufacturing plants are the significant factors boosting the adoption of AMMR. For instance, under Made in China 2025, the government of China has released a five-year smart manufacturing development plan to build robots and upgrade their manufacturing plants. Also, the presence of several autonomous mobile manipulator robots market players such as Doosan Robotics, Adin Robotics, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), and OMRON leads to new product launches, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives to grow their revenue; these factors fuel the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market growth in Asia Pacific. Directly Purchase this Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00029921/ Global Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots Market Analysis: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments OMRON Corp, Robotnik Automation SL, Neobotix GmbH, AgileX Robotics(Shenzhen) Ltd, Kuka AG, Hans Laser Technology Co Ltd, PAL Robotics SL, Enabled Robotics ApS, JAG Jakob AG, and Boston Dynamics Inc. are among the key players in the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market size that were profiled in this study. In addition to these players, other leading global and regional players, emerging companies, and niche market players were studied and analyzed during the study. Autonomous Mobile Manipulator Robots Market - Key Industry Dynamics: Drivers: Rising E-commerce Industry Growing Demand for Automated Systems Restraints: High Cost of AMMR Opportunities: Increasing Demand in Industry-Specific Applications Future Trends: AMMR with Advanced Charging Systems Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints Recent Developments: In 2022 , NFI, a leading supply chain solutions provider, announced had signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics newest robot, Stretch, across its US warehousing operations. The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFIs Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans to outfit additional warehouse locations across North America over the next few years. , NFI, a leading supply chain solutions provider, announced had signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics newest robot, Stretch, across its US warehousing operations. The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFIs Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans to outfit additional warehouse locations across North America over the next few years. In 2022 , Boston Dynamics announced the launch of Stretch, its newest robot designed specifically for warehouses and distribution centers for commercial purchase. , Boston Dynamics announced the launch of Stretch, its newest robot designed specifically for warehouses and distribution centers for commercial purchase. In 2019 , OMRON announced the launch of their new autonomous mobile robot platform at the 2019 PACK EXPO in Las Vegas. Report Spotlights: Progressive industry trends in the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market to help players develop effective long-term strategies Business growth strategies adopted by developed and developing markets Quantitative analysis of the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market from 2022 to 2030 Estimation of global demand for autonomous mobile manipulator robots PEST analysis to illustrate the efficacy of buyers and suppliers operating in the industry Recent developments to understand the competitive market scenario Market trends and outlook as well as factors driving and restraining the growth of the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market Assistance in the decision-making process by highlighting market strategies that underpin commercial interest, leading to the market growth Size of the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market size at various nodes Detailed overview and segmentation of the market, as well as the autonomous mobile manipulator robots industry dynamics Size of the autonomous mobile manipulator robots market in various regions with promising growth opportunities Go through further research published by The Insight Partners: (Purchase with 10% Instant Discount): Collaborative Robots Market Forecast to 2030 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis Industrial Automation Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis Warehouse Automation and Control Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis Factory Automation Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis Industrial Automation Control Market to 2027 - Global Analysis and Forecasts About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: sales@theinsightpartners.com Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/autonomous-mobile-manipulator-robots-market Sioux Center, IA, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plumbing and Heating Wholesale, Inc., champions the significance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in health care and assisted living facilities throughout Iowa with a newly released article that sheds light on the strategies directors, managers, and personnel can employ to enhance IAQ, ensuring the well-being of patients, residents, and medical personnel. For the full article and more details, visit: Camfil Newsroom Article Highlights: Recognition of the health risks associated with poor IAQ in health care and assisted living facilities. Comprehensive understanding of IAQ's role in these settings and the performance of HVAC systems. Cost-effective strategies to ensure a healthy IAQ. A deep dive into the importance of MERV-A ratings and the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awareness. Proven strategies for elevating IAQ, coupled with case studies exemplifying successful implementations. A Glance into the Content: Poor indoor air quality stands as a prominent health threat, particularly in health care and assisted living facilities. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources identifies inferior air quality as particularly detrimental to children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory ailments. Marc Johnson, Camfil USA, Healthcare Segment Manager, emphasizes, The contaminants causing air quality concerns in health care facilities arise both from external environments and internal sources, from patients to equipment movement. The article meticulously breaks down the intricacies of IAQ in these settings, emphasizing the role of the HVAC system, the importance of appropriate air filters, and the significance of MERV-A ratings. The content highlights the tangible benefits of investing in premium air filters that are energy-efficient, durable, and effective in capturing contaminants. The piece also offers insights into the potential energy savings linked with enhanced IAQ, strategies for continuous improvement, and the importance of training and educating staff on the significance of IAQ. About Plumbing and Heating Wholesale, Inc.: With over 40 years of dedicated service in parts of Iowa and South Dakota, Plumbing and Heating Wholesale, Inc., has become an industry stalwart. Strategically situated with headquarters in Sioux Center, Iowa, and extending its services through various offices, the company's growth trajectory is guided by its commitment to providing trusted brands to trades. Contact Information: Plumbing and Heating Wholesale, Inc. 1410 N Main Ave, Sioux Center, IA 51250 Phone: 1-800-779-4422 Email: info@pandhwholesale.com Website: https://www.pandhwholesale.com/ For the full article and more details, visit: Camfil Newsroom Press Contact: Lisa Goetz Schubert b2b 1-610-269-2100 x244 lgoetz@schubertb2b.com Attachment RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric) (NYSE: HE). The action charges Hawaiian Electric with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the companys business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Hawaiian Electrics materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Hawaiian Electrics investors have suffered significant losses. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hawaiian-electric-industries-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=he&mktm=r LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23, 2023 CLASS PERIOD: FEBRUARY 28, 2019 THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2023 CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS: Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the worlds foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent. HAWAIIAN ELECTRICSS ALLEGED MISCONDUCT The Class Period begins on February 28, 2019 when Hawaiian Electric filed its Annual Report which stated, among other things, that the company had appropriately responded to environmental conditions. In early August 2023, a series of severe wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The most destructive fire began in West Maui near the town of Lahaina on the morning of August 8, 2023. By that afternoon, intense winds had knocked down approximately 30 utility poles throughout Maui, resulting in at least 15 separate outages impacting more than 12,400 customers. Moreover, videos captured by local residents showed that downed power lines belonging to Hawaiian Electric appeared to have ignited at least several of the fires. Ultimately, the wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and have killed at least 114 people, with some 850 others still missing in Lahaina. On August 12, 2023, news outlets began reporting that Hawaiian Electric lacked the proper policies and procedures to mitigate the impact of the wildfires. Specifically, it was revealed that, at the time the wildfires began, the company did not maintain a public power shutoff plani.e., a plan in which electricity is intentionally cut off to areas where strong wind events could cause the fires to spread. On this news, Hawaiian Electrics stock price fell $10.94 per share, or 33.76%, to close at $21.46 per share on August 14, 2023. Then, on August 16, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hawaiian Electric is meeting with firms that specialize in restructuring advisory work and exploring options for the various financial and legal challenges that the company faces as a consequence from the Maui wildfires. Finally, on August 17, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hawaiian Electric had for years been aware of the threat posed by wildfire but waited years to act. Specifically, the report stated that between 2019 and 2022, Hawaiian Electric spent less than $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects on Maui and did not seek state approval to raise utility rates to pay for broad wildfire safety improvements until 2022. Following this news, Hawaiian Electric's stock price fell $2.54 per share, or 17.43%, to close at $12.03 per share on August 17, 2023. WHAT CAN I DO? Hawaiian Electric investors may, no later than October 23, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Hawaiian investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Hawaiian Electric, Bhangal v. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., et al., Case No. 23-cv-04332, is filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF? A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq. 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 (484) 270-1453 info@ktmc.com Boca Raton, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boca Raton, Florida - Cinch Home Services, one of the nation's leading providers of home service solutions, recently celebrated alongside partner and military nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) the latest donation of a specially adapted custom home for local Veteran SSG Juan Amaris. On August 19, SSG Amaris received his family's new home in a Key Ceremony hosted by HFOT, Cinch and other corporate partners, with members of the community in attendance. As a part of its commitment to simplifying home life for deserving Veterans like SSG Amaris, Cinch Home Services is a proud partner, and the exclusive provider of home protection plans for HFOT. Since 2021, Cinch has provided ongoing monetary support for the organization and donated a 3-year home protection plan for every new home HFOT has built, simplifying Veterans' home management experience, and providing added peace of mind, allowing them to focus on creating new memories alongside their families and loved ones. SSG Juan Amaris' journey is one of resilience and courage. Shortly after moving to the United States from Colombia in 1999, SSG Amaris felt a desire to serve his new home country and enlisted in the Army. He went on his first tour to Iraq in 2003 and deployed again in 2005. On June 20, 2006, during his second combat deployment, SSG Amaris was serving as an ammunition team chief with the 411th Artillery Regiment when he was severely injured in an explosion. SSG Amaris sustained burns to over 75 percent of his body in the blast - significantly impacting his way of life. Each specially adapted custom home donated by HFOT has over 40 major special adaptations including widened doorways and halls for wheelchair access, automatic door openers, roll-under sinks, stovetops and counters, a roll-in shower with digital temperature control, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. With the donated Cinch home protection plan, the family will be covered for the repair or replacement of major home systems including heating and cooling, plumbing, and major appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. "My wife and I are looking to build our home within these walls and have a place to call our own, where we can raise our family without worry. Having a home that's already adapted to our needs is a true blessing," said SSG Juan Amaris. "HFOT has been a life-changing organization for us. The moment they gave us the news about getting a house, there was so much relief for my family." Since its founding in 2004, HFOT has built 363 specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans nationwide and builds approximately 20-25 homes annually. Critical to the organization, HFOT maintains relationships with Veterans long after they receive the keys to their new home, and has proven to have long-lasting positive education, employment and financial impact on their lives. Currently, there are 68 active projects underway nationwide. "The HFOT team shares our belief that a home is more than just four walls and roof; it is the cornerstone for a secure and happy life," said Steve Upshaw, Cinch CEO. "Cinch is proud to be a partner of HFOT and help offer a fresh start and peace of mind to courageous individuals like SSG Amaris. Witnessing the tangible difference this collaboration and organization brings, especially for a family from our neighboring community, fills us with gratitude and inspiration." To donate to the HFOT cause or learn more about Veterans in need, visit Cinch Home Services for HFOT. For more information about Cinch and its community partnerships, visit https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/about-cinch/community. ### For more information about Cinch Home Services, contact the company here: Cinch Home Services Media Relations (561) 322-4510 media@cinchhs.com 4700 Exchange Ct, Suite 300 Boca Raton, FL 33431 FHLBank San Francisco Provided $1 Million Affordable Housing Grant to Create 122 Residences Washington View Apartments Won 2023 California Preservation Design Award for Reconstruction LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) today celebrated the grand opening of Washington View Apartments in Los Angeles, which provides 122 newly built residences for senior citizens, with 91 units reserved for formerly unhoused residents. To support the project and bring it to life, FHLBank San Francisco awarded a $1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant in 2022. As the largest privately-owned source of affordable housing funding in its three-state area, the bank has deployed over $1.4 billion in AHP grants since 1990. In Los Angeles County specifically, the Bank has awarded a total of 509 AHP grants, totaling more than $233 million, for the construction or rehabilitation of 29,000 units of quality affordable housing. We couldnt be happier to be a partner in this critically important project, said Greg Ward, chief operating officer of FHLBank San Francisco. This project is exactly what the Bank aims to accomplish with our Affordable Housing Program and reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening communities by helping to meet the acute need to provide stable and sustainable housing for the underserved. We want to thank Clearinghouse CDFI, for facilitating the award of this grant, along with the team of architects, developers, and other partners who worked tirelessly to bring us together today. We also want to thank Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for her commitment and focus on developing solutions to address the lack of affordable housing in Los Angeles. Its rewarding to see these residents enjoying their new homes and we are inspired to continue our hard work to make every resident's dream of an affordable, safe place to call home a reality. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who is serving her inaugural term representing the 37th Congressional District of Los Angeles in the seat previously held by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. I was glad to join in celebrating the grand opening of the Washington View Apartments with FHLBank San Francisco officials, local officials, and affordable housing advocates, said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. Housing is a fundamental basic human right that everyone deserves access to. This new housing project is a great step toward housing equity and providing our citys formerly unhoused seniors with safe and affordable homes, granting them dignity and autonomy while also uplifting the importance of community-centered solutions through the inclusion of recreation rooms, support services spaces, access to adult education classes, and other essential resources. We must continue to address the housing needs of our most vulnerable through a person-first lens, and I will work with local officials as a faithful partner in Congress to accomplish this goal. Developed by WPH Holdings, LLC in partnership with Las Palmas Housing, the Washington View multifamily development transformed a historic chapel, warehouse, and parking lot into affordable housing with 94 one-bedroom units, 26 studios, and a pair of two-bedroom homes. Residents have access to case management and adult education classes, and the development includes space reserved for support services, three recreation rooms, and open community space. The open courtyard design encourages social interaction between residents, which has been shown to decrease the rate of cognitive decline in seniors. Formerly the Pierce Brothers Mortuary, and currently LA Cultural Heritage Monument #574, the Washington View Apartments received a 2023 California Preservation Design Award for Reconstruction. This project was managed by Fariba Atighehchi, President and CEO of WHP Holdings, LLC, who brought her own personal journey to ensure that her late fathers dream of providing affordable housing for the community became a reality. Washington View Apartments stand as a testament to the transformative power of community-focused development to create jobs, build connection and change lives. By providing dignified housing and vital services, preserving historical significance, and fostering a vibrant neighborhood, this project embodies a legacy of compassion and commitment to the residents of Los Angeles in need for a permanent and affordable place to come home, said Fariba Atighehchi, President and CEO of WHP Holdings, LLC. Provided through the partnership of FHLBank San Francisco and member Clearinghouse CDFI, the AHP grant came at a critical time for this project, which prior to the grant award was experiencing a large financing gap that was giving the construction lenders pause on the long-term sustainability of the project. Receiving the $1 million AHP grant from FHLBank San Francisco and Clearinghouse CDFI helped eliminate this gap and ensure the project was completed successfully. In its 2023 AHP funding competition, FHLBank San Francisco awarded over $26 million in grants to support 30 new projects around the state of California. Eleven of those projects, for a total of $9.9 million are in Los Angeles County. One notable project this year in southeastern Los Angeles County was awarded $1 million for the new construction of Cudahy Seniors, a mixed-use senior housing community providing a safe place for residents to age in place in partnership with FHLBank San Francisco member, Citizen Business Bank. For more information about the Banks dedication to supporting community housing opportunities, visit www.fhlbsf.com/community-programs . About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California and Nevada strengthen communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions promote homeownership, expand access to quality housing and boost economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable and resilient. Transaction in Own Shares 28 August 2023 Shell plc (the Company) announces that on 28 August 2023 it purchased the following number of Shares for cancellation. Aggregated information on Shares purchased according to trading venue: Date of purchase Number of Shares purchased Highest price paid Lowest price paid Volume weighted average price paid per share Venue Currency 28/08/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 LSE GBP 28/08/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 Chi-X (CXE) GBP 28/08/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 BATS (BXE) GBP 28/08/2023 590,000 28.4900 28.2250 28.3229 XAMS EUR 28/08/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 CBOE DXE EUR 28/08/2023 - 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 TQEX EUR These share purchases form part of the on- and off-market limbs of the Company's existing share buy-back programme previously announced on 27 July 2023. In respect of this programme, Citigroup Global Markets Limited will make trading decisions in relation to the securities independently of the Company for a period from 27 July 2023 up to and including 27 October 2023. The on-market limb will be effected within certain pre-set parameters and in accordance with the Companys general authority to repurchase shares on-market. The off-market limb will be effected in accordance with the Companys general authority to repurchase shares off-market pursuant to the off-market buyback contract approved by its shareholders and the pre-set parameters set out therein. The programme will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 12 of the Listing Rules and Article 5 of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014/EU dealing with buy-back programmes (EU MAR) and EU MAR as onshored into UK law from the end of the Brexit transition period (at 11:00 pm on 31 December 2020) through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), and as amended, supplemented, restated, novated, substituted or replaced by the Financial Services Act, 2021 and relevant statutory instruments (including, The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/310)), from time to time (UK MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 (the EU MAR Delegated Regulation) and the EU MAR Delegated Regulation as onshored into UK law from the end of the Brexit transition period (at 11:00 pm on 31 December 2020) through the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), and as amended, supplemented, restated, novated, substituted or replaced by the Financial Services Act, 2021 and relevant statutory instruments (including, The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/310)), from time to time. In accordance with EU MAR and UK MAR, a breakdown of the individual trades made by Citigroup Global Markets Limited on behalf of the Company as a part of the buy-back programme is detailed below. Enquiries Media International: +44 (0) 207 934 5550 Media Americas: +1 832 337 4335 LEI number of Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 Classification: Acquisition or disposal of the issuers own shares Attachment SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. Expanded Class Period: Nov. 2, 2018 - July 26, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2023 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/t Contact An Attorney Now: T@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 AT&T Inc. (T) Securities Fraud Class Action: The complaint alleges AT&T made false or misleading statements and failed to disclose that AT&T: (1) owns cables around the U.S. that are highly toxic due to their being wrapped in lead, and which harm company employees and non-employees alike; (2) faces potentially significant litigation risk, regulatory risk, and reputational harm as a result of its ownership of these lead-covered cables and the health risks stemming from their presence around the U.S; and (3) was warned about the damage and risks presented by these cables but did not disclose them as a potential threat to employee safety or to everyday people and communities. Investors began to learn the truth after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles spanning July 9 July 26, 2023. These articles revealed that AT&T and others left behind toxic lead cables that they laid years ago. The WSJ also reported that independently tested samples from underwater cable sites revealed lead on the banks of the Mississippi, Willamette, and Passaic Rivers as well as in parts of Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. The WSJ further reported that AT&T officials have known for decades that lead in its networks was a possible health risk to its workers, some workers have illnesses that can be linked to lead, and lead could leach into the environment. Finally, on July 26, 2023, the WSJ reported that the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency are investigating whether telecom companies knew of the potential risks posed by the abandoned lead cables. As a result, AT&Ts stock has been downgraded by analysts and its price was inflated over the past five years. Were focused on investors losses, AT&Ts knowledge of potential liability stemming from its sprawling network of toxic lead-sheathed cables across the U.S., and whether the company historically understated its expenses, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in AT&T and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman. Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding AT&T should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email T@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. Las Vegas, NV, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday August 23, 2023, the American Distilling Institute (ADI) awarded its highest honor, the prestigious Bubble Cap Award, to Garrison Brothers Distillery. The award was announced during the Gala at the 20th annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo, which took place this year in Las Vegas, Nevada. ADI president Erik Owens presented the award on stage to Garrison Brothers founders, Dan and Nancy Garrison. Since 2008, ADIs Distillery of the Year award, which is affectionately known as The Bubble Cap Award, has been given to distilleries that have raised the bar of the craft distilling industry by making world class spirits and improving the legislative landscape for craft distillers. Garrison Brothers has demonstrated its commitment to giving back to their community, to envisioning and then leading the way towards a thriving Texas whiskey industry, and to creating truly exceptional bourbon, said Owens. He also highlighted Garrison Brothers visitor experience, describing it as one of the best distillery tours in the world. Owens also commented on Garrison Brothers many years of industry engagement. Garrison Brothers Distillery is a true pioneer in the craft distilling industry, said Owens. Dan Garrison has been attending the ADI conference since 2009 to share his expertise with the industry, including speaking on panels and delivering the keynote address at our 2013 conference in Denver. Hes also been instrumental in creating the Certified Texas Whiskey program, which has inspired regional distillers across the country. That generosity of spirit and singular focus on elevating the profile of Texas whiskey are why were proud to award this years Bubble Cap award to Garrison Brothers Distillery. Its taken us two decades get to this level in this wonderful industry. This recognition means the world to Nancy and I and we are so thankful to the American Distilling Institutes leaders and members. We hope weve set a good example for those who have climbed this mountain alongside us and to those who are new to distilling shares Dan Garrison, Founder of Garrison Brothers. Previous winners of the Bubble Cap award can be found on the American Distilling Institute website. About American Distilling Institute American Distilling Institute (ADI) takes immense pride in being the leading small-batch, independently owned craft distillery association worldwide, with a strong commitment to fostering community education and industry inclusiveness. As advocates for the craft distilling enterprise, we celebrate the passion and unwavering independence of our community. Our primary focus lies in organizing enriching industry events and offering comprehensive developmental and educational resources, all geared towards fostering the growth and prosperity of the craft distilling art. Through our dedication to community education, ADI aims to empower distillers with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their craft. By providing inclusive opportunities for learning and collaboration, we actively promote diversity within the industry and strive to break down barriers that may hinder aspiring distillers from all backgrounds. Our vision for the future centers on a more inclusive and accessible craft distilling landscape, where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the chance to contribute and thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, united community that cherishes the art of craft distilling and advances towards a more diverse and enriched industry for generations to come. About Garrison Brothers Distillery Garrison Brothers Distillery is a small farm and ranch located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country that authentically produces straight bourbon whiskey. Garrison Brothers introduced the first bourbon whiskey legally made in Texas in 2010 and has since developed a rabid fan base. They currently have a waitlist of more than 18,000 just to volunteer on bottling days, and their Cowboy Bourbon normally sells out within hours of its release. Garrison Brothers is a proud and active member of the communities of Blanco, Fredericksburg, Hye, Johnson City, and Stonewall. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas. Anyone interested in learning more about Garrison Brothers Bourbon or in taking a tour of the distillery should visit garrisonbros.com or follow @garrisonbros on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Do you, or did you, own shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE)? Did you purchase your shares between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, inclusive? Did you lose money in your investment in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.? Do you want to discuss your rights? NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric or the Company) (NYSE: HE) between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint). If you purchased or acquired Hawaiian Electric securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com. According to the Complaint, Hawaiian Electric, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility, banking, and non-regulated renewable/sustainable infrastructure investment businesses in the state of Hawaii. The Company provides service to 95% of Hawaiian residents and operates in three segments, including the Electric Utility segment, which engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Hawaiian Electrics wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; and (ii) the Companys inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires. In early August 2023, a series of severe wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The most destructive fire began in West Maui near the town of Lahaina on the morning of August 8, 2023. By that afternoon, intense winds had knocked down approximately 30 utility poles throughout Maui, resulting in at least 15 separate outages impacting more than 12,400 customers. Moreover, videos captured by local residents showed that downed power lines belonging to Hawaiian Electric appeared to have ignited at least several of the fires. Ultimately, the wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and have killed at least 114 people, with some 850 others still missing in Lahaina. On August 17, 2023, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Hawaiian Electric had been aware for years of the threat posed by wildfires but did not act. The WSJ stated that between 2019 and 2022 the Company spent less than $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects on Maui and did not seek state approval to raise utility rates to pay for broad wildfire safety improvements until 2022. On this news, Hawaiian Electrics stock price fell $2.54 per share, or 17.43%, to close at $12.03 per share on August 17, 2023. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 23, 2023 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member. If you purchased or acquired Hawaiian Electric securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com. Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information: Peter Allocco Bernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (212) 951-2030 pallocco@bernlieb.com Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Baxter International Inc. ("Baxter" or the Company) (NYSE: BAX) investors that a lawsuit filed on behalf of investors that purchased Baxter securities between May 25, 2022 and February 8, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 844-767-8529 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. According to the complaint, the defendants are accused of making false and/or deceptive statements or failing to disclose the following: (i) The Company hid the true extent of its supply chain issues while exaggerating its ability to maintain a strong supply chain amidst global pressures; (ii) Consequently, the Companys projected earnings were significantly misleading during the Class Period; (iii) Once these issues were revealed, they were expected to have a substantial negative impact on the Companys financial condition; and (iv) As a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and deceptive throughout the relevant period. As a consequence, Baxters stock price experienced a decline of approximately 50% during the Class Period, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars in market capitalization. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising BALTIMORE, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Farms is helping RoFo Fans get ready for fall with new Royal Farms swag items dropping on September 1, 2023. RoFo Fans can show off their favorite convenience store chain with I Love RoFo hoodies and Royal Farms beanies and caps. Lovers of World-Famous Chicken can carry it around 24/7 with our fried chicken drumstick keychains. Royal Farms loves seeing our RoFo Fans represent. We are thrilled to release our Fall 2023 merch for all to enjoy. We encourage customers to shop online and tag us on social media showing off their swag items for a chance to be featured! said Aliyah Atayee, Public Relations Manager. All Royal Farms swag can be purchased on the Royal Farms website https://royalfarms.myshopify.com/. Shop our newest items, ChickenPalooza merch, and find e-gift cards all available for purchase online! Want to become a RoFo Fan? The first step is to join RoFo Rewards! Customers can sign up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers. How to Register as a RoFo Rewards Member Download the Royal Farms app here: https://engagement.punchh.com/b/royalfarms and click "Sign Up" to create a RoFo Rewards account. You can also visit https://www.roforewards.com/register/ to create an account. About RoFo Rewards By registering a RoFo Rewards card or downloading our app you gain access to special member offers and can earn rewards points on purchases. Every time you visit Royal Farms and make a purchase, you'll receive 2 points for every dollar you spend, and one point for every gallon of gas you purchase. If you upgrade your card to RoFo Pay, you will also receive a discount on gas when you use your RoFo Rewards card to pay at the pump except for New Jersey Stores. You can keep track of points and offers at www.roforewards.com or by downloading the RoFo Rewards app on your phone. About Royal Farms Royal Farms is a renowned operator of fast and friendly neighborhood convenience stores with nearly 300 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Royal Farms opened its first store in Baltimore, MD in 1959 under the name White Jug. Today, the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Royal Farms has been satisfying customers hunger for Real Fresh food served Real Fast. The Royal Farms Kitchen is well known for its Always Fresh, Never Frozen World-Famous Royal Farms Chicken that is lightly hand-breaded and pressure-cooked in Trans Fat Free cooking oil to golden brown perfection. Royal Farms Western Fries are hand-cut from fresh Idaho potatoes, hand-breaded, and cooked right in store. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. For more information about Royal Farms, visit: www.royalfarms.com Contact: Aliyah Atayee aatayee@royalfarms.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1123e5bd-939e-4055-befa-e5760b0f45ad https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4dfa6a5e-ff39-40a7-ae4c-0beffd35704d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35d1cf49-0c93-4f80-8e7b-b6f1001efada VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forza Lithium Corp. (CSE: FZ) (Forza or the Company) is pleased to announce that Robert Coltura, the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as a director of the Company. Mr. Coltura is a businessman with significant entrepreneurial experience. He is President and principal shareholder of Matalia Investments Ltd., a company that provides management consulting, corporate finance and investor relation services to public and private companies. Mr. Coltura has over 20 years of experience with various public companies, holding positions of officer and director of several public companies. In addition, the Company announces the resignation of Mr. Satvir S. Dhillon from the board. About Forza Lithium Corp.: Forza Lithium is a Canadian exploration company with focused expertise on the acquisition, exploration and development of highly prospective lithium properties in North America. Our flagship project, the Jeanette Lithium Property, consists of 4 claims comprising 1,820 hectares and lies 105 km east of the mining community of Red Lake, Ontario. The Companys strong management team is committed to maximizing shareholder value through new mineral discoveries located in favourable jurisdictions through its strategically located properties. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Robert Coltura President & CEO Forza Lithium Corp. info@forzalithium.com Tel: (604-290-6152) Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration, variations in results of mineralization, relationships with local communities, market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clip Money Inc. (TSX-V: CLIP) (Clip or the Company), a company that operates a multi-bank self-service deposit system for businesses, is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Clips commercial momentum accelerated in the second quarter of 2023, driven by new customers and the expansion of existing customers, which resulted in strong quarter over quarter growth. The second quarter demonstrated the migration of customers from pilot projects to expanded rollouts, which resulted in 136 additional retail stores during the quarter (+53% vs the first quarter of 2023) to bring the network total of depositing stores to 395. New customers from the second quarter will add over 400 incremental stores in the third quarter of 2023. As depositing retailers rely upon the Clip network to lower operating costs, increase convenience, and accelerate store cash flow, Clip is experiencing additional tailwinds from the back to school shopping season that kicked off in July, specifically in locations in the South and Western U.S. Clip expects deposit volume and growth to remain vibrant through the third quarter, where it has seen triple digit deposit volume growth month on month. Second Quarter 2023 Highlights Clip customer highlights: Lids, an enterprise retailer with over 1100 stores, commenced a rollout with Clip to over 300 stores within the current Clip network, and will grow as Clips serviceable network expands. A North American apparel retailer with over 350 stores in North America has also started rolling out stores across the U.S. This retailer has received strong feedback from its employees who are no longer burdened with the daily visit to the bank branch. Cherry Hill Productions, the industry leader in experiential photography, operates in hundreds of venues during the Christmas and Easter seasons, has expanded their partnership with Clip after two successful holiday photo seasons. A North American fashion retailer with over 600 stores began testing Clip in Q2 at 4 stores. After this successful pilot, they are rolling out the deposit service to over 240 stores in Q3. In the second quarter, Clip users performed over 9,600 deposit transactions totaling over $7.7M USD in Gross Deposit Value ( GDV ). GDV grew by 104% in the quarter and transactions increased by 108%. ). GDV grew by 104% in the quarter and transactions increased by 108%. The Company launched a new solution, Clip Change Order during the quarter. This solution provides businesses the critical mix of coin and notes required for daily commerce, mailed directly to the business front door. Clip Change Order utilizes a vertically integrated supply chain, supported and delivered through a leading payment and technology platform to transform how businesses receive cash. This convenient solution allows businesses to avoid the cumbersome trip to the bank branch while focusing on servicing customers in store. Clip will expand this solution to more clients in third quarter of 2023. On June 14, 2023, the Company closed the second tranche (first tranche closed on May 4, 2023) of a non-brokered private placement of approximately 3,420 note units of the Company (each a Note Unit) at a price of CDN$1,000 per Note Unit for gross proceeds of approximately CAD$3,420,000 (the Private Placement). Each Note Unit consisted of one 12% unsecured convertible note with a principal amount of $1,000 (each a Note) and 1,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company (each, a Warrant). Together with the closing of the first tranche of the Private Placement announced on May 4, 2023, the closing of the second tranche has resulted in a total issuance of approximately 3903 Note Units for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately CDN$3,903,713.50. Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Private Placement for approximately 1,107 Note Units in the aggregate. Finder's fees of CDN$13,510 were paid in cash to parties at arm's length to the Company (the Finders). In addition, 13,510 non-transferable warrants were issued to the Finders (the Finder Warrants). The Finder Warrants are exercisable at a price of CDN$0.70 for a period of 36 months following the date hereof. Further details regarding the Private Placement and the terms of the Notes can be found in the Companys press release dated June 14, 2023 The second quarter marked a significant milestone for the Company by successfully transitioning major enterprise retail customers from pilot phases to full-scale implementations and launching our new Change Order solution. This further enhances and validates our strong value proposition and sets the stage for a user and volume surge, enabling accelerated growth in the third quarter and throughout the remainder of 2023. Joe Arrage (CEO & Co-founder) Appointment of new Board Chair The Company is also pleased to announce that, effective immediately, Peter Dorsman has been appointed as the Chair of the Companys board of directors. Peter will be assuming the role from the Companys chief executive officer, Joseph Arrage. Peter brings considerable private and public company board experience to the Company, which will be instrumental as the Company continues to further its strategic plans. Option Grants The Company also announces the grant of 200,000 options to each of Peter Dorsman, Daren Trousdell, Jeff Gibson, and John Desmond as part of their annual 2023 remuneration for serving on the board of directors of the Company. All options have a twelve-month vesting period, an exercise price equal to CDN$0.25 and are governed by the terms of the Companys omnibus equity incentive plan. In addition to options granted to directors of the Company, the Company has also granted a total of 612,000 options to certain executives of the Company to recognize their strong performance over the course of the past year. Options have been granted as follows: (i) 463,000 options to Brian Bailey; (ii) 100,000 options to Roger Dalal; and (iii) 49,000 options to Andrew Tussing. All options have a three-year vesting period, an exercise price equal to CDN$0.25 and are governed by the terms of the Companys omnibus equity incentive plan. Additional Information The Companys interim condensed consolidated financial statements, notes to financial statements, and managements discussion and analysis for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2023 are available on the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to $ in this press release refer to Canadian dollars. ForwardLooking Statements This news release may contain forwardlooking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate" and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company's expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company's business. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Clip Money Inc. Clip operates a multi-bank self-service deposit system for businesses through its ClipDrop Boxes that gives users the capability of making deposits outside of their bank branch at top retailers and shopping malls. Rather than having to go to their personal bank branch or using a cash pickup service, businesses can deposit their cash at any ClipDrop Box located near them. After being deposited, the funds will automatically be credited to the business bank account, usually within one business day. The Company combines functional hardware, an intuitive mobile app and an innovative cloud-based transaction engine that maximizes business banking transactions. Combined with mobile user applications, Clip offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for business banking deposits in metropolitan statistical areas across Canada and the United States. For more information about the Company, visit www.clipmoney.com. For further information, please contact: Joseph Arrage Chief Executive Officer tel: 844-593-2547 CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Power Corp. ("MAXIM" or the "Corporation") (TSX: MXG) announced today that it has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") to proceed with a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). Under the NCIB, the Corporation may purchase for cancellation up to 2,526,477 common shares of the Corporation (the "Shares"). As at August 17, 2023, MAXIM had 50,529,540 Shares issued and outstanding. As such, the NCIB represents approximately 5% of MAXIM's issued and outstanding Shares as at August 17, 2023. The actual number of Shares that may be purchased for cancellation under the NCIB and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by MAXIM, subject to a maximum daily purchase limitation of 2,296 Shares, which equates to 25% of MAXIM's average daily trading volume of 9,186 Shares for the six months ended July 31, 2023. The Corporation may make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeds the daily repurchase restrictions. The NCIB will commence on August 31, 2023 and may continue to August 30, 2024 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of MAXIM. The Shares will be purchased on behalf of the Corporation by a registered broker through the facilities of the TSX, other designated exchanges and/or alternative Canadian trading systems at the prevailing market price at the time of such transaction. In connection with the NCIB, MAXIM intends to enter into an automatic share purchase plan (the ASPP) effective August 31, 2023 with its designated broker to allow for the purchase of Shares under the NCIB at times when MAXIM normally would not be active in the market due to internal trading black-out periods. Before the commencement of any particular internal trading black-out period, MAXIM may, but is not required to, instruct its designated broker to make purchases of Shares under the NCIB during the ensuing black-out period in accordance with the terms of the ASPP. Such purchases will be determined by the broker in its sole discretion based on parameters established by MAXIM prior to commencement of the applicable black-out period in accordance with the terms of the ASPP and applicable TSX rules. Outside of these black-out periods, Shares will be purchasable by MAXIM at its discretion under the NCIB. Management of the Corporation believes that, from time to time, the market price of the Shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of the Shares and that at such times the purchase of Shares would be in the best interests of shareholders. As a result of such purchases, the number of issued Shares will be decreased and, consequently, the proportionate share interest of all remaining shareholders will be increased on a pro rata basis. The NCIB follows the expiration of MAXIM's previous normal course issuer bid, under which MAXIM had approval from the TSX to purchase up to 2,500,000 Shares, and which was effective from August 29, 2022 and expires on August 28, 2023. Under MAXIMs previous normal course issuer bid and as of the date of August 17, 2023, MAXIM completed the purchase of 51,736 Shares on the TSX and certain alternative trading systems at a weighted average price of $3.83 per share. About MAXIM Based in Calgary, Alberta, MAXIM is one of Canadas largest truly independent power producers. MAXIM is now focused entirely on power projects in Alberta. Its core asset the 204 MW H.R. Milner Plant, M2, in Grande Cache, AB is a state-of-the-art natural gas-fired power plant that commissioned in Q2, 2020. MAXIM is currently increasing the capacity of M2 to approximately 300 MW and concurrently will realize an improvement in the efficiency of the plant by investing in heat recovery combined cycle technology. In addition, MAXIM continues to explore additional development options in Alberta including its currently permitted gas-fired generation projects and the permitting of its wind power generation project. MAXIM trades on the TSX under the symbol MXG. For more information about MAXIM, visit our website at www.maximpowercorp.com. For further information please contact: Bob Emmott, President and COO, (403) 263-3021 Kyle Mitton, CFO and Vice President, Corporate Development, (403) 263-3021 Statements in this release which describe MAXIM's intentions, expectations or predictions, or which relate to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of MAXIM to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. MAXIM may update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or changing market and business conditions and will update such forward-looking statements as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. MONTREAL, Aug. 28, 2023 - Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW; "BRW" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on all 2023 exploration programs that were completed in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO of BRW, commented: "All exploration programs were successful in rapidly testing multiple targets by prospecting, diamond drilling and stripping. Our teams visited the majority of the grassroot targets despite adverse conditions caused by worsening forest fires in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories, constraining the extent of our work. With the recently announced discovery at our Mirage Project and in tandem with the limited exploration success in Central and Western Canada, we have decided to pause all activities in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan in order to redeploy and refocus all efforts towards our James Bay area projects. We remind shareholders that, outside the successful Mirage Project, we have the Anatacau Project as well as 56 other untested grassroots properties in James Bay that all host pegmatites. We are very excited to begin this aggressive campaign of prospecting and exploration throughout the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay starting next month." Ontario A 565 meter, 5-hole diamond drill program was completed in Hearst to determine the depth and strike extent of the lithium bearing Decoy pegmatite. Two scissor holes were drilled below the surface expression of the spodumene zone followed by by 25, 50 and 100 metre step-outs eastward and along strike. The Decoy Spodumene zone is interpreted as being a lens pinching out at depth with the pegmatite itself having a strike length not much larger than its surface expression of 65 metres as confirmed by drilling. Only Hole 23-Decoy-02 intersected the Decoy pegmatite, over 13.4 metres, but did not result in any significant lithium assays. Located roughly 2 kilometers southwest of Decoy, stripping at Firefly and Mantis confirmed similar pXRF results to Decoy however no spodumene mineralization was identified. As more logging and roads are completed, access will greatly improve along with outcrop exposure and more prospecting can be conducted along the 8-Kilometer evolved corridor while evaluating additional historically mapped pegmatites and newly identified lidar targets throughout the package. Saskatchewan Teams were unable to locate the historically mapped spodumene occurrences in the Hanson Lake pegmatite field. Most of the dykes in the region yielded poor pXRF results and were proved to be unevolved overall. Consequently, a decision was made to terminate the option agreements with Searchlight Resources and Eagle Plains Resources in the Hanson Lake area. Helicopter supported prospecting took place on many claims throughout Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, many of the historically mapped pegmatites turned out to be unevolved light granites or pegmatitic granites. Nonetheless, two lepidolite-bearing pegmatites (lithium mica) in the Reindeer Lake and La Ronge area were discovered. The Company will evaluate its next step for this new discovery in 2024. Manitoba Prospecting took place on all claims within the Trans-Hudson and Lynn Lake regions of Manitoba. All visited outcrops were either unevolved pegmatites, granites or pegmatitic granites. Nothing of significance was discovered. Shift in exploration strategy BRW will be putting all projects in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan on pause and assessing the next steps while refocusing all of our manpower and exploration efforts in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay for the coming months. BRW's strategy has been to generate and acquire targets that could be rapidly tested and discarded if initial results were not encouraging, so that efforts could be focused on the best assets. This efficient and cost-effective strategy remains ongoing and has resulted in several lithium discoveries within the James Bay Region. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Charles Kodors, Manager Atlantic Canada. He is a Professional Geologist registered in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. About Brunswick Exploration Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada with holdings in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Investor Relations/information Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO (info@BRWexplo.com) Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporation's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. VANCOUVER, Aug. 28, 2023 - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Phase II resource expansion and definition drilling program at its 5,166 hectare (51.6km2), 100%-owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlights: From inception of the Phase I (5,550m) Atlanta program in June 2021, followed by the ongoing Phase II program starting June 2022, Nevada King has completed 320 reverse-circulation ("RC") holes totaling 50,145m and 17 core holes totaling 1,398m for a total of 51,543m drilled. The three RC rigs currently operating at Atlanta have been largely focused on completing drilling within the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone ("AMFZ") and the West Atlanta Graben ("WAG"). One of the drills is now being utilized for testing geochemical and geophysical targets elsewhere within the Atlanta District, looking for additional deposits. To date Nevada King has reported assays from 221 holes covering 31,104m with results pending from 116 drill holes totaling 20,439m. Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "With the addition of two track-mounted RC drills this past May, the Company rapidly expanded drill production along the AMFZ and WAG. Over the past four months our knowledge regarding geometry of the structural controls over high-grade mineralization has increased dramatically, which has enabled us to consistently track higher-grade (>1.5 g/t Au) and thicker (>50m) mineralized zones within a very large, sub-horizontal lower grade (0.20-1.5 g/t Au) gold-silver horizon occurring west of the AMFZ, which also encompasses the WAG. This horizon currently measures 850m long N-S by 325m wide and remains open to the west and south. As our drilling program heads towards winter we will continue to define the higher grade Au-Ag values in the WAG and firmly merge it into the AMFZ, thereby forming a cohesive zone that should figure prominently in a future resource model." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). About Nevada King Gold Corp. Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016 the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The Company is well funded with cash of approximately $17 million as of August 2023. The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000 Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nevada-king-provides-update-on-its-60-000m-drill-program-at-atlanta-301910761.html SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp. TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 - (TSXV: NBM) (OTCQB: NBMFF) Optimized Batch of NEO's Proprietary Silicon Anodes, NBMSiDE , Sent for Battery Performance Evaluation & Characterization , Sent for Battery Performance Evaluation & Characterization Continued Optimized Sample Delivery with Various EV Battery Supply Chain Companies Undergoing 20+ Active Material Evaluations with Global Battery Cell/Material Manufacturers, EV Automakers Effective Feedback Loop Established for Close Communication & Business/Technology Development 6 NDAs Signed with Premium Automotive OEM, Battery Manufacturers, and Government & Increased R&D Capability for New Testing Initiatives NEO Battery Materials Ltd. ("NEO" or the "Company"), a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, is pleased to announce the latest optimized batch of NEO's proprietary silicon anode materials, NBMSiDE, has been sent to battery manufacturers and EV automakers for performance evaluation. As announced on August 16, 2023, further improved formulations with uniform coatings and additives have enabled an over 70% cycle life enhancement compared to the previous evaluated batch. NEO Battery has continued sample delivery with multiple companies in the EV battery supply chain, undergoing over 20 active material evaluations to date. The latest delivery marks the 4th sample sent to a global battery manufacturer with initial sample tests with North American-based LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery manufacturers. NEO's R&D team has established a productive evaluation-feedback relationship with battery cell/material manufacturers and EV automakers. Close communication through recurring technical meetings with all testing parties has led to substantial technological and commercial advancements. Testing parties are undertaking various physical and electrochemical tests to characterize performance within their respective battery systems, and NEO actively provides optimized samples that fulfill specifications. Dr. Basudev Swain, Chief Science Officer of NEO, stated, "Despite working around a shorter evaluation timeline compared to competitors, both EV and battery cell manufacturers have been thoroughly impressed with our ability to optimize NBMSiDE performance to their target specifications. Testing parties continue to comment that NEO's technology is the most promising solution for the industry to adopt silicon anodes in all EV makes and models, and we are diligently working to ink advanced, milestone agreements." Corporate Development: NDA & Increased NBMSiDE Testing & Development Capability Over the past 4 weeks, NEO has established 6 non-disclosure agreements (NDA) with high-profile entities including: A European-based premium automotive OEM and battery developer An Asian-based global battery manufacturer A North American-based battery manufacturer, graphite company, and government organization As announced, NEO has hired new engineering researchers to increase the development and testing capabilities for NBMSiDE. NEO will initiate silicon and graphite mixture anode testing to replicate commercial-level battery conditions. With an initial energy density of 2,200 mAh/g for NBMSiDE, an energy density of ~510 mAh/g can be achieved when combined with commercial-level graphite, implying that NEO can increase the average EV range by 20% when commercialized. About NEO Battery Materials Ltd. NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fasting charging batteries compared to existing state-of-the-art technologies. Building the first commercial plant in South Korea, the Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of silicon anode materials to the electric vehicle and energy storage industries. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: https://www.neobatterymaterials.com/. On behalf of the Board of Directors Spencer Huh President and CEO 604-355-6463 shuh@neobatterymaterials.com This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the effectiveness and feasibility of technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at?www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Highlights: Filed NI 43-101 technical report to support the high-grade copper maiden mineral resource estimate for its Pine Bay Project; Completed 6,455m of drilling as part of the fully funded 2023 exploration campaign and awaits results; and Callinex receives a $500,000 grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund to advance the discoveries at Pine Bay. VANCOUVER, Aug. 28, 2023 - Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce that it has filed on SEDAR a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") technical report (the "Technical Report") to support the high-grade copper maiden mineral resource estimate for its 100% owned Pine Bay Project (the "Project") in Manitoba, previously announced in the Company's news release dated July 10, 2023. The Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report - Pine Bay Project - Flin Flon, Manitoba" dated August 24, 2023 was prepared by Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. ("Kirkham") for the Company. The mineral resource estimate, contained within the mineral lease, consists of the Rainbow deposit with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 3.44 Mt at 3.59% copper equivalent ("CuEq") containing 272.4 Mlb CuEq (comprised of 238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.28 Mt at 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (comprised of 72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and the Pine Bay deposit with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.0 Mt at 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu (Pine Bay Project Block Models Projected to Surface). The Company's focus remains to continue its exploration campaign at depth and along the trend that hosts the deposits at Pine Bay. The technical team is eagerly awaiting the results from this ongoing drilling campaign. To date, the Company has drilled 6,455m of the previously announced fully-funded campaign (See news release dates March 27, 2023). The Company is currently testing the high priority target on the Cabin and Pine Bay horizons as part of its 2023 exploration campaign (Cabin Horizon Long Section) (See news release dated January 30, 2023). Callinex's first discovery in 2016 at the Project was at depth below the historic Cabin deposit which intersected 10.3m grading 6.0% Zn, 1.8 g/t Au, 60.4 g/t Ag, 0.7% Cu and 0.4% Pb in drill hole 284-3-93-DPN (See news release dated October 18, 2016). Additionally, drill hole PBM-024, one of the last holes completed in the vicinity, intersected 2.6m of 3.4% CuEq. The high-grade intervals at the Cabin horizon are associated with a major alteration zone that was previously identified at surface and spans 1,100m by 700m as supported by lithogeochemical data. Since the huge alteration zone seen at surface is believed to be structurally overturned, the exploration thesis is that the copper/zinc/gold/silver bearing massive sulphides associated with this fluid mineralizing event would be preserved at depth. Typically, there is a correlation between the size of an alteration zone and the size of the VMS deposit it is associated with. The exploration model for large VMS deposits within the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, such as the Lalor and 777 deposits, includes having several smaller deposits in close proximity to a large alteration system within a felsic volcanic centre. The Company will announce drill results and plans for the continuation of this year's exciting exploration campaign once assays are received from the current drill hole. Additionally, the Company is grateful to have received a $500,000 grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund ("MMDF") to continue to advance the discoveries at Pine Bay. The MMDF was launched by the Manitoba government in 2020 with the specific goal of jump-starting mineral and economic development initiatives throughout the province. The MMDF aims to support new economic development opportunities that capitalize on existing assets across Manitoba. Table 1: Pine Bay Project Resource Estimate Summary at 1.3% CuEq Base Case Cut-off Rainbow Deposit Indicated Mineral Resource Resource Area Tonnes Cu % Au g/t Zn % Ag g/t Pb % Cu Mlb Au koz Zn Mlb Ag koz Pb Mlb CuEq % CuEq Mlb Rainbow 3,442,000 3.14 0.34 0.75 6.26 0.03 238.3 37.6 56.9 692.8 2.3 3.59 272.4 Rainbow Deposit and Pine Bay Deposit Inferred Mineral Resource Resource Area Tonnes Cu % Au g/t Zn % Ag g/t Pb % Cu Mlb Au koz Zn Mlb Ag koz Pb Mlb CuEq % CuEq Mlb Rainbow 1,282,000 2.55 0.27 0.69 5.39 0.03 72.1 11.1 19.5 222.2 0.8 2.95 83.4 Pine Bay 1,006,000 2.62 N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.1 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.62 58.1 Total 2,288,000 2.58 - - - - 130.2 11.1 19.5 222.2 0.8 2.80 141.5 Notes: (1) Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. (2) The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental permitting, legal title, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues. (3) The Mineral Resources in this press release were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council. It cannot be assumed that all or any of the inferred mineral resources will be upgraded to indicated measured resources as a result of continued exploration. (4) The inferred mineral resource in this resource estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. It is reasonably expected that a majority of the inferred mineral resource could be upgraded to an indicated mineral resource with continued exploration. (5) The indicated and inferred resource estimate uses a copper equivalent cut-off grade of 1.3% CuEq. (6) Copper equivalent resources for the Pine Bay Project were calculated using the following metal prices: Cu at US$3.25/lb, Zn US$1.20/lb, Au at US$1,850/oz, Ag at US$22.50/oz. Foreign exchange rate of CDN$1.00 = US$0.75. (7) Metallurgical recoveries have been assumed to be 80% Cu, 80% Zn, 40% Au and 40% Ag. (8) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves until they have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates do not account for a resource's mineability, selectivity, mining loss, or dilution. (9) All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely. Model Parameters and Methods for the Rainbow Deposit and Pine Bay Deposit Resource Estimates The database for the mineral resource estimate for Rainbow Deposit consisted of 104 drill holes (including 14 wedges) totalling 60930m, of which a total of 66 drill holes totaling 38,249m intersected the mineralization wireframes used for the mineral resource estimate. The drill hole database contained assays for copper, zinc, gold, silver and lead as well as other metals of no economic importance. The database for the mineral resource estimate for Pine Bay Deposit consisted of 131 drill holes totalling 25,672m, of which a total of 76 drill holes totaling 10,123m intersected the mineralization wireframes used for the mineral resource estimate. The drill hole database contained assays for copper only. In October 2022, Kirkham carried out data verification on the historical data and check sampling to validate the use of the database for estimation of the inferred resource at Pine Bay. The methodology employed for the resource estimation at Rainbow and Pine Bay is a follow: The estimate was carried out using separate block models constrained by 3D wireframes of the individual mineralized zones. The block model is comprised of an array of blocks measuring 10m x 2m x 10m which employ partial percentages for volumetric accuracy, with grades for Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag and Au interpolated using Ordinary Kriging within the Rainbow deposit and Inverse Distance to the Second Power (ID 2 ) weighting for the Pine Bay deposit for copper grades. Copper equivalent values were subsequently calculated from the interpolated block grades. ) weighting for the Pine Bay deposit for copper grades. Copper equivalent values were subsequently calculated from the interpolated block grades. The interpolation for Rainbow was carried out in two passes with the first pass using search radii of along strike and down dip of 150m x 150m and 30m perpendicular to dip. Composites were restricted to a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 composites, with a maximum of 3 composites from any one drill hole. The second pass used a restricted search radii along strike and down dip of 60m x 60m and 30m perpendicular to dip. Composites were restricted to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 18 composites, with a maximum of 4 composites from any one drill hole. The interpolation for the Pine Bay deposit was carried out in two passes with the first pass using search radii of along strike and down dip of 150m x 150m and 60m perpendicular to dip. Composites were restricted to a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 composites, with a maximum of 3 composites from any one drill hole. The second pass used a restricted search radii along strike and down dip of 60m x 60m and 30m perpendicular to dip. Composites were restricted to a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 16 composites, with a maximum of 4 composites from any one drill hole. Bulk density was determined on each sample submitted to SGS laboratories in Burnaby, BC measured by the gas pycnometer method on pulp samples. For each sample interval, sub-samples were taken from each individual length of core and the weighted average for the sample used. Density values were interpolated on a block-by-block basis using an inverse distance to the second power for the Rainbow deposit. An average value of 2.90 t/m 3 was assigned to the Pine Bay Deposit. was assigned to the Pine Bay Deposit. Composite values have been capped in order to remove the effects of potential overestimation due to statistical outliers. Therefore, outlier values for each of the metals estimated within the Rainbow deposit were capped at the threshold levels of 7.5%-15% copper, 6% zinc, 20-30 gpt silver and 1.5 gpt gold. For Pine Bay deposit the threshold chosen for capping was 4%-4.5% copper. The mineralized domain solids were defined using a combination of geological constraints and grade boundaries in addition to consideration of potential reasonable mining thickness. Intervals that were not sampled were assigned a zero grade. For all zones, blocks are classified as Inferred if they are included within 150m of at least two drill hole intercept. Blocks within 40m of the nearest intercept and 40m average for all composites, estimated by at least four drill holes and at least 12 composites were classified as Indicated. However, an interpreted boundary is the final determination of indicated and inferred resources in order to remove outlier blocks and the "spotted dog" effect. In addition, continuous potentially underground mining shapes were created to demonstrate "reasonable prospect of eventual economic extraction." Qualified Person The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by J.J. O'Donnell, P. Geo, the Exploration Manager of the Company, and by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC, President of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd., and Georgi Doundarov, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer of Magemi Mining Inc., who are both independent of the Company. Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. Kirkham and Mr. Doundarov are Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. O'Donnell is the Qualified Person for all technical information in this news release, excluding the Mineral Resource Estimate. About Callinex Mines Inc. Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The focus of the portfolio is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow and Alchemist deposits at its rich VMS Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District. The second asset in the portfolio is the Nash Creek Project located in the VMS rich Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. A 2018 PEA generates a strong economic return with a pre-tax IRR of 34.1% (25.2% post-tax) and NPV8% of $230 million ($128 million post-tax) at $1.25 Zinc. The third asset, 100% owned Point Leamington Deposit in Newfoundland, is located in one of the richest VMS and Gold Districts in Canada. Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), an pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete the proposed drill program and the timing and amount of expenditures. Except as required under applicable securities laws, Callinex does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/callinex-files-technical-report-regarding-its-high-grade-mineral-resource-estimate-and-provides-exploration-update-at-its-pine-bay-project-in-manitoba-301911038.html SOURCE Callinex Mines Inc. VANCOUVER, Aug. 28, 2023 - Southern Empire Resources Corp. ("Southern Empire") (TSX-V: SMP) announces that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") with Cuprum Mining Corporation ("Cuprum"), an arm's length private Canadian company, that grants Southern Empire the opportunity to acquire up to a one hundred percent (100%) interest in the share capital of Cuprum, and thereby a 100% beneficial interest in Cuprum's Suaqui Verde Copper Project ("Suaqui Verde" or the "Project") that comprises certain mineral tenements located in the mining-friendly State of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. Suaqui Verde Copper Project and Agreement Highlights: The Suaqui Verde copper deposit comprises oxide copper and secondarily enriched copper sulphide mineralization that outcrops at surface and is outlined by approximately 106 historical Reverse Circulation ("RC") and core drill holes The Suaqui Verde copper deposit is within the world-class Sonora-Arizona porphyry copper province Cuprum's mineral concessions cover approximately 1,952 hectares ("ha"; ~4,823 acres) of Suaqui Grande Municipality in the mining-friendly State of Sonora in northwestern Mexico The Suaqui Verde copper deposit has been the subject of a series of unpublished, historical open pit mineral resource estimates, the most recent prepared by Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. ("IMC") of Tucson, Arizona (see Table 1 and the Cautionary Notice Regarding the Suaqui Verde Copper Project Historical Resource Estimate, below) The Agreement provides for water usage rights and unfettered access to the ranch land surface rights that cover the immediate area of the Suaqui Verde copper deposit There is good access to the Project area, ~140 kilometres ("km"; 87 miles) southeast of the city of Hermosillo (metropolitan population ~ 850,000) and 116 km (~72 miles) from the port city of Guaymas Local infrastructure and workforce is available in the nearby town of Suaqui Grande (8 km; 5 miles) Potential development scenarios may include lower-cost open pit mining and bulk heap leaching, or alternatively, in-situ leaching; both possibilities potentially leading to cathode copper production through solvent extraction-electro winning SX/EW processing methods Dale Wallster, CEO of Southern Empire, stated: "With Suaqui Verde, I believe that our team can create significant near-term value for Southern Empire shareholders. Copper, which has just been added to the U.S. Department of Energy's List of Critical Materials, is now often referred to as the 'new green metal' as the electrification and decarbonisation of the world will not happen without it. Suaqui Verde presents an exciting opportunity for Southern Empire to enter the green metals arena by acquiring a little-known copper oxide deposit in mining-friendly Sonora. Southern Empire will be able to immediately capitalize on the substantial investments of previous operators as we investigate the significant exploration potential to expand the Suaqui Verde copper deposit at depth. The case for future development is very compelling, especially with the possible implementation of either conventional heap leach processing or innovative in-situ leaching processing." Geology and Copper Mineralization of the Suaqui Verde Area The Suaqui Verde Copper Project area covers an outcropping, oxidized porphyry copper deposit located in the world-class Sonora-Arizona porphyry copper province (also known as the "Laramide" or the "Southwestern North America" porphyry copper province) where more than twenty porphyry copper-molybdenum deposits have been mined for decades. Porphyry copper provinces are time-space clusters of porphyry copper deposits. The Sonora-Arizona porphyry copper province comprises adjacent parts of the American states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and the Mexican states of Sonora, Chihuahua, northern Sinaloa, and Baja California. This province contains the world's second largest copper endowment; an estimated total (production + reserves + resources) of 295 million tonnes, 96% of which is in deposits of Laramide age (?80-45 million years; "Ma"). The province was particularly fertile between 69 and 54 Ma, bracketing the Suaqui Verde deposit mineralization, which is dated at 57.0 0.3 Ma (Barra et al, 2005). The Suaqui Verde copper deposit area has been explored by minor underground development and about 150 historical, mostly vertical RC and core drill holes completed by companies including: American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO in the 1940s; now part of Grupo Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V.); Industrias Penoles, S.A.B. de C.V. (in 1964); Minera Constelacion, S.A. de C.V. (Cominco Ltd. in 1971-1972; now Teck Resources Limited); Duval Corp.; Azco Mining Inc. ("AZCO" in 1991); Cambior Inc. ("Cambior" in1992-1994; now Iamgold Corporation); Phelps Dodge Corporation ("Phelps Dodge" in 1996; now Freeport-McMoRan Inc.) and Minera Corum S.A. de C.V. ("Minera Corum" in 2006-2007; now Cuprum). Overburden is generally shallow and the first 50 meters of the copper mineralized zone often returns poor drill recoveries. Copper mineralized zones are known to continue laterally beyond the drill-defined limits of the deposit and only a few Phelps Dodge drill holes started to explore the copper potential at depth. The geology of the Suaqui Verde project area is similar to other calc-alkaline porphyry-style copper deposits of the region, featuring a multi-phase intermediate (silicic) Laramide age intrusive complex intruding Cretaceous andesitic rocks of the Tarahaumara formation. Supergene oxidation, leaching and enrichment have modified the character and position of Suaqui Verde copper mineralization creating an irregular zone of copper oxides, which may reach depths of up to 350 meters. Supergene copper mineralization consists of a mix of chrysocolla ((Cu,Al) 2 H 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 nH 2 O), chalcocite (Cu 2 S), brochantite (Cu 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 ) and minor malachite (Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 ) and libethenite (Cu 2 PO 4 OH). Chrysocolla and chalcocite are regarded as the most desired mineral species for potential extraction of copper by leach processes. Limonitic copper minerals include cupro-hematite and other metallic gangue minerals include hematite, goethite, jarosite and the manganese oxide, neotocite. Hypogene mineralization comprises pyrite (FeS 2 ), chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ), and molybdenite (MoS 2 ). Gypsum is common along fractures especially near sulphide-bearing areas. Historical metallurgical test work indicates that Suaqui Verde copper mineralization should be amenable to either conventional open pit mining and heap leach copper extraction, or alternatively, in-situ leaching. If either of these operational methods were to be implemented, they would produce a copper-enriched solution from which high-purity cathode copper could subsequently be produced by SX-EW (solvent extraction-electrowinning) processing. In 2008, an independent, historical open pit mineral resource estimate was prepared as an internal report for Cuprum by Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. ("IMC") of Tucson, Arizona. IMC's unpublished, historical open pit mineral resource estimate, at selected cut-off grades and based on 106 total drill holes completed between 1991 and 2007, is set out in Table 1. Table 1: IMC's Suaqui Verde Historical (2008) Open Pit Mineral Resource Estimates at Selected Cutoff Grades: Cutoff Grade (Total Cu) Indicated Inferred k tonnes Total Cu, % k tonnes Total Cu, % 0.30 22,370 0.362 1,603 0.375 0.28 31,194 0.341 1,916 0.361 0.26 43,534 0.321 2,497 0.340 0.25 51,261 0.311 2,921 0.328 0.24 59,699 0.301 3,281 0.318 0.22 80,070 0.281 3,996 0.302 0.20 106,159 0.265 5,113 0.282 0.15 153,035 0.238 8,603 0.239 0.10 160,053 0.234 10,575 0.217 Please refer to the "Cautionary Notice Regarding the Suaqui Verde Copper Project Historical Resource Estimate" below. Geological mapping and structural interpretation, drilling and satellite alteration mapping (ASTER) suggest the Suaqui Verde copper porphyry system has been structurally tilted to the northeast, supporting the potential for deeper sulphide zones extending at depths below historical drilling. Location, Access and Infrastructure Suaqui Verde is in the Municipality of Suaqui Grande approximately 140 km southeast of the city of Hermosillo, the capital city of Sonora, Mexico (metropolitan area population ~880,000). The deep water port city of Guaymas is approximately 116 km from the Project. Suaqui Grande is a town located 8 km (5 miles) west of Suaqui Verde that was founded in 1620 by the Spanish missionary Martin Burgencio. Access to Suaqui Grande is by national paved highway from Hermosillo. The Suaqui Verde mineral tenements are accessible throughout by a network of unimproved roads. Given the arid local climate and minimal annual rainfall, these gravel roads remain in good condition year-round. Suaqui Grande can provide all basic infrastructure required for project assessment, including electricity, water, housing, office and secure core storage facilities and internet communications. Material Terms of Southern Empire's Agreement to Acquire up to One Hundred Percent of Cuprum The Agreement and the obligations of Southern Empire pursuant to the Agreement shall be subject to: (a) acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") of any and all filings required to be made with the Exchange in respect of the Option and/or the herein subject matter; (b) receipt of a title opinion showing that, unless specifically acknowledged and accepted otherwise by SMP, the mineral concessions that comprise the Suaqui Verde Copper Project are free and clear of all charges, encumbrances and claims; (c) there being no adverse environmental liabilities or reclamation costs regarding the Suaqui Verde Copper Project unless specifically acknowledged and accepted by SMP; (d) if necessary, the entry into an agreement required by the laws of Mexico in connection with the Option or ownership of the Suaqui Verde Copper Project; and (e) the approval of the board of directors of SMP Southern Empire will give notice to Cuprum of its intention to proceed on the date that it satisfies the foregoing conditions precedent (the "Completion Date"). Pursuant to the Agreement and subsequent to the Completion Date, Southern Empire, at its sole election, may exercise the Option to acquire up to a one hundred percent (100%) shareholding in Cuprum as follows: (a) Southern Empire may acquire a ten percent (10%) interest in Cuprum by: (i) paying CAD $500,000 pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders, within 90 days of the Completion Date. (ii) issuing 7,500,000 common shares in the capital of SMP, pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders, within 90 days of the Completion Date; (b) Southern Empire may acquire an additional ten percent (10%) interest in Cuprum (being an aggregate twenty percent (20%) interest in Cuprum) by: (i) paying an additional CAD $250,000 pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders on, or before, 15 months of the Completion Date; (ii) issuing an additional 7,500,000 common shares in the capital of SMP, pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders on, or before, 15 months of the Completion Date; (iii) incurring CAD $750,000 of Exploration Expenditures within 15 months of the Completion Date. (c) Southern Empire may acquire an additional ten percent (10%) interest in Cuprum (being an aggregate thirty percent (30%) interest in Cuprum) by: (i) Paying an additional CAD $500,000 pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders, on, or before, 30 months of the Completion Date; (ii) incurring another CAD $750,000 of Exploration Expenditures (being a total of CAD $1,500,000 of Exploration Expenditures) within 30 months of the Completion Date. (d) Southern Empire may acquire an additional ten percent (20%) interest in Cuprum (being an aggregate fifty percent (50%) interest in Cuprum) by: (i) paying an additional CAD $500,000 pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders, on, or before, 45 months of the Completion Date; (ii) incurring another CAD $750,000 of Exploration Expenditures (being a total of CAD $2,250,000 of Exploration Expenditures) within 45 months of the Completion Date. (e) Southern Empire may acquire an additional forty percent (50%) interest in Cuprum (being an aggregate one hundred percent (100%) interest in Cuprum) by: (i) paying an additional CAD $750,000 pro-rata to the Cuprum Shareholders, on, or before, 60 months of the Completion Date; (ii) incurring another CAD $1,000,000 of Exploration Expenditures (being a total of CAD $3,250,000 of Exploration Expenditures) within 60 months of the Completion Date. Southern Empire may extend the date to incur any of the above-noted Exploration Expenditures by six months by making a payment of US$100,000. During the term of the Agreement, Southern Empire will act as operator. A Net Smelter Return Royalty of up to 2% may be payable subsequent to commercial production being achieved on the Suaqui Verde Copper Project. Work planned for the Suaqui Verde Copper Project includes additional drilling, sampling and metallurgical analysis, re-assaying samples of historical drill core intervals (if available), resurveying drill hole collar locations, claims and surface lands, reviews of historical drill core logs and a check of original assay certificates against the reported assays and drill hole database. Qualified Person (QP) The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by David Tupper, P.Geo. (British Columbia), Southern Empire's VP Exploration and a Qualified Person (QP) within the context of Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101; Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). About Southern Empire Resources Corp. Southern Empire is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of metals and minerals deposits in the American southwest and northern Mexico; particularly focused on those that are amenable to lower-cost metal extraction methodologies such as heap leaching. To achieve its goals, Southern Empire has assembled a board of directors, all veterans in mine and corporate finance, exploration, permitting, development, and operations that will guide the future growth of the company. In the Cargo Muchacho mountains of Imperial County, California, Southern Empire's wholly-owned Oro Cruz Project has the potential to re-establish gold production from a moderate tonnage oxide gold deposit located approximately 22.5 kilometres (14 miles) southeast of the operating Mesquite gold mine of Equinox Gold Corp., which has now produced more than five million ounces. At Oro Cruz, extensive historical drilling and large-scale open-pit and underground mining of the American Girl, Padre y Madre, Queen and Cross oxide gold deposits by the American Girl Mining Joint Venture (AGMJV) of MK Gold Company and Hecla Mining Company occurred between 1987 and 1996. During that time, gold was recovered by heap leaching of lower-grade ores and milling of higher-grade ores. Following significant definition drilling and underground development, the Oro Cruz open-pit and underground mines operated successfully for only one year (producing about 61,000 ounces of gold) AGMJV operations ceased in late 1996 as collapsing gold prices caused the entire operation to be shuttered and decommissioned, leaving the Oro Cruz property with many gold exploration targets in addition to a historical inferred resource estimate, reported In 2011 by Lincoln Mining Corp., totalling 341,800 ounces gold based on 4,386,000 tonnes averaging 2.2 grams gold per tonne at a cut-off grade of 0.68 g/t Au (4,835,000 tons at 0.07 ounce gold per ton; please refer to the Cautionary Notice Regarding the Oro Cruz Property Historical Resource Estimate below). Although no surface facilities remain, the underground infrastructure at Oro Cruz (including a 2.4 kilometre haulage ramp, sublevels and draw points) remains in excellent condition and the open pit was abandoned just after stripping was completed prior to the start of Stage II pit expansion. Southern Empire is currently finalizing federal, state and county permitting that will allow for up to 65 exploration, confirmation and metallurgical drill hole sites at Oro Cruz to support a new resource estimate, and to also test the potential of waste rock and decommissioned heap leach piles to yield residual gold production. In northern Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango), Southern Empire has a leachable copper prospect and three gold projects having bulk-tonnage potential. Our Mexican gold projects are: Centauro Gold Project, Escalon, Chihuahua; Pedro Gold Project, Mapimi, Durango; and, La Loma Gold Project, Nazas, Durango. These gold projects are located along what Southern Empire is calling the Mapimi Gold Corridor, a 150-kilometre, southeast-trending Oligocene tectonostratigraphic belt, the regional geological setting of which, together with numerous coincident geological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics as observed at Centauro, Pedro and La Loma, strongly supports the proposition that the Mapimi Gold Corridor has significant potential to host bulk-mineable, low sulfidation epithermal and/or Carlin-style gold deposits. For more information on Southern Empire, its people and its projects, please visit our website: www.smp.gold. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Southern Empire Resources Corp., Dale Wallster, CEO and Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Information and Forward-Looking Statements Information provided in this news release may contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. Such information or statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Southern Empire cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond its respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Southern Empire's limited operating history, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, results of exploration programs on its projects and those risks and uncertainties identified in its annual and interim financial statements and management discussion and analysis. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Southern Empire undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Cautionary Notice Regarding the Suaqui Verde Copper Project Historical Resource Estimate The unpublished, historical resource estimate regarding the Suaqui Verde Copper Project set forth in this news release was prepared for Cuprum Mining Corporation in an internal report dated June 10, 2008 by Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. ("IMC") of Tucson, Arizona. A National Instrument 43-101F1 Technical Report was not filed in connection with this historical resource estimate. Although the IMC historical resource estimate outlined "Indicated Resources" and "Inferred Resources", the historical estimate was completed prior to, and is not in compliance with, current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves as adopted in 2014. IMC's historical resource estimate is based on 106 total drill holes completed between 1991 and 2007 as follows: AZCO, 43 holes in 1991; Cambior, 18 holes in 1993; Phelps Dodge, 15 holes in 1997; and Minera Corum, 30 holes in 2006-2007. In calculating the historical resource estimate, a three-year trailing average copper price of $2.95/lb, mining costs of US $1.40 and $1.80 per tonne ("t") for overburden and rock respectively, process and G&A costs of $4.50 per tonne, pit slope angles of 38o, and total copper ("TCu") recoveries of 75%, 65% and 45% for oxide, mixed and sulphide materials respectively, were used. Southern Empire considers the IMC historical resource estimate relevant as it represents the main target for exploration and development work on the Suaqui Verde Copper Project. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the IMC historical estimate as a current mineral resource and Southern Empire is not treating the historical resource estimates as current mineral resources. Southern Empire intends to confirm the reliability of the IMC historical resource estimate and the information supporting the historical resource estimate. Southern Empire is not treating the historical resource as a current mineral resource. Cautionary Notice Regarding the Oro Cruz Project Historical Resource Estimate The historical resource estimate outlined above is disclosed in a technical report dated April 29, 2011, prepared for Lincoln Mining Corp. by Tetra Tech, Inc. and filed on Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+). It is termed an inferred mineral resource, which is a category set out in NI 43-101. It was based on historical reverse circulation and core drill hole sample, underground channel sample, and blasthole sample assay results and calculated using ordinary kriging to estimate gold grades in 10-foot-by-10-foot-by-five-foot blocks. Accordingly, Southern Empire considers this historical estimate reliable as well as relevant as it represents key targets for future exploration work. However, a QP has not done sufficient work to verify or classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and Southern Empire is not treating this historical estimate as current mineral resources. SOURCE Southern Empire Resources Corp. Bad news for injured Ricciardo after surgery Daniel Ricciardo received bad news after undergoing surgery on his broken hand. Daniel Ricciardo, Hungarian GP 2023 Red Bull The Australian, who hit the wall at Zandvoort on Friday when he encountered the crashed McLaren of countryman Oscar Piastri's McLaren, was initially diagnosed with a broken metacarpal in his left hand. He was put in a cast at a hospital close to the Dutch GP venue and then jetted off to Barcelona to be treated by well-known orthopaedic surgeon Xavier Mir - who also helped Lance Stroll through his broken bones early this year. Initially, Red Bull's Christian Horner said 33-year-old Ricciardo - who has been strongly linked with a return to the team next year - was hoping to return to his Alpha Tauri cockpit in Singapore. That would have meant one more outing this weekend at Monza for his replacement Liam Lawson, who qualified dead last on Saturday but then finished the Dutch GP an admirable 13th. Ricciardo posted on Instagram a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed with the caption: "Got my first bit of metal work so that's pretty cool. Big thanks to everyone who reached out and kept my spirits up. This ain't a setback, just all part of the comeback. However, the news he received from Dr Mir was not promising. The operation went well, said Alpha Tauri CEO Peter Bayer, "even if the fracture was more complicated than we thought. I just spoke to his manager, Bayer told Sky Deutschland. He will stay in Barcelona for a few days now to observe the healing process. Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko added: "Unfortunately, it's a complicated break. It's not a straight break. We'll get a confirmation from the doctor soon, but things are looking bad for the next two races. The next race after Monza and Singapore is the Japanese GP in late September. (GMM) Schumacher admits time running out for F1 return Mick Schumacher admits the time has come for his plans for 2024 to become clearer. Mick Schumacher, Brazilian GP 2022 Haas F1 Team / LAT At Zandvoort, what did become clear is that the Williams race seat alongside the on-form Alex Albon might be up for grabs, with rookie Logan Sargeant given a mission to up his game. You have to earn your place in Formula 1, new team boss James Vowles said at the Dutch GP. Logan needs improvements on consistency, the gap to Alex needs to remain the same and shrink over time, he added. "The rate of learning has to increase now. He's aware of all that. He knows that in front of him is a career and a journey that's within his power to control. Given that he was Mercedes' highly rated strategy boss until this year, Vowles is close to Toto Wolff - who now has Mick Schumacher under his wing as Mercedes' high-profile reserve driver. Schumacher, who lost his Haas race seat after two seasons last year, was also given a track outing for Mercedes-powered McLaren recently. He did a great job in the McLaren tests - at least that's what I've heard, Mick's uncle Ralf told Sky Deutschland at Zandvoort. As for the 24-year-old's chances of returning to the grid next year, Ralf - brother of Mick's legendary father Michael - commented: "Formula 1 is very dynamic. Anything can happen. Mick is still in the thick of things, thankfully. He just has to have a little patience. Mick himself, however, acknowledges that the time is right to be putting his 2024 plans together. He said at Zandvoort: "I can't give a time horizon yet. I'm still working on it. Time is running out a bit, but at the moment I do need to take my time. A source close to Schumacher thinks a successful return to the grid for Mick would be a perfect way for Wolff to prove Red Bull wrong over its decision to overlook him for an Alpha Tauri seat. Verstappen best ever F1 driver says Marko Max Verstappen is now one of the best Formula 1 drivers "of all time". Max Verstappen, Dutch GP 2023 Red Bull That is the view of Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, as Dutchman Verstappen matched Sebastian Vettel's old record with his ninth win on the trot at home at Zandvoort. Even F1 legend Fernando Alonso - second in his resurgent Aston Martin - does not disagree with a journalist who thinks Verstappen, 25, is in a class of his own at present. I agree with the comment. It is underestimated sometimes what Max is achieving, said the Spaniard. I think Max is achieving 100 percent more often than any of the drivers at the moment, so that's why he is dominating. Verstappen's latest win was achieved in a cauldron of pressure at his home race, where the party atmosphere was clearly all about the two-time champion. You You would think it would put him under a lot of pressure, but it doesn't seem to bother him, Marko told Viaplay. The competition behind us has become stronger, but Max stays so focused. Formula 1 is his life. That's what makes him so strong. Next weekend, Verstappen will get his chance at an unprecedented tenth consecutive win. I don't know any points that he can improve on, Marko said. "He stays so calm. Of course it is difficult to compare different periods in Formula 1, but Verstappen is certainly one of the best drivers of all time, said the 80-year-old. Marko also told Servus TV: He shook the king's hand, got into the car and did everything right. Some, though, think such a level of dominance is actually not good for F1. If you think it's boring, you have no idea, Max's father Jos told De Telegraaf newspaper. "Every race, Max has to perform at the top of his abilities and all details have to be right. Otherwise you can't do such a winning streak. "But as soon as Max puts on his helmet, I know he's on top of it. I'm never worried about him losing concentration. Everywhere he has gone this weekend it's been 'Max, Max, Max'. Everyone wants something from him. You have to be able to deal with that, Verstappen snr added. 2 Institutions partner to lead charge for sustainable devt Daily Graphic Business News Aug - 28 - 2023 , 06:05 Fidelity Bank has signed a partnership deal with the SDGs Advisory Unit of the government to, among other things, fast-track the adoption and integration of sustainability principles across the various sectors of business, commerce and society. It further goes to underscore the banks stated commitment to the establishment of sustainability as a core facet of its strategy for 2023 and beyond. This forms part of a grand move for the bank to help foster a nationwide culture of sustainability while championing the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Julian Opuni, signed the agreement on behalf of the bank while the Presidential Advisor on SDGs, Dr Ernest Owusu, initialled for the SDGs Advisory Unit. Dr Owusu said the partnership between Fidelity and the SDGs Advisory Unit marked a pivotal step in the journey towards attaining a future that was both sustainable and inclusive, contributing to progress within the local community and on the global stage. He indicated that going forward, Fidelity Bank would play a key role in policy dialogues initiated by the SDGs Advisory Unit, leveraging its financial insights and expertise to influence the formulation of impactful and sustainable development policies at both the local and global levels. He further added that the partnership would contribute to a greener, more equitable and sustainable world by driving positive change in critical developmental areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, education, environmental protection, financial inclusion, food security and gender equity. Creating sustainable future Mr Opuni, for his part, expressed enthusiasm for the joint efforts, stating, As a financial institution, we are acutely aware of our critical role in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet, communities and the economy. In line with this, we have begun integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) concepts into all aspects of our operations and continue to make significant strides in our sustainability journey. Mr Opuni said the bank had also ensured that its strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, adding that We are thus delighted to concretise our partnership with the SDGs Advisory Unit today in our bid to drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices across diverse sectors and groupings in Ghana and beyond. Alliance Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Fidelity Bank, Nana Yaa Ofori-Koree, said, We are fully convicted that our alliance with the SDGs Advisory Unit will further bolster the inroads we are making with our key sustainability pillars; Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Operations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our sustainable finance pillar will see the bank collaborating with customers and stakeholders to develop financing solutions that drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment and promoting social progress. Musicians who release songs frequently easily fade out Omane Akyeampong Edith Mensah Showbiz News Aug - 27 - 2023 , 10:34 Ghanaian musician Omane Akyeampong has a rather unexpected viewpoint concerning the frequency of music releases and its impact on an artiste's longevity in the industry. The Aporsor hitmaker asserted that the rapid release of songs could contribute to an artiste's decline in popularity over time. Akyeampong, whose career spans over two decades, has witnessed the evolution of the music industry firsthand. He shared his thoughts on the changing landscape of the industry and the pitfalls that some musicians fall into in a recent interview on Kingdom FM. According to him, the current trend of churning out songs at a rapid pace in an attempt to maintain visibility can ultimately lead to burnout and creative stagnation. He explained that while frequent releases of songs might garner attention in the short term, they could dilute an artiste's brand and artistic identity over time. "When you release a song more often, you lose your relevance when you become quiet just a year. My songs do not make too much noise on air but Im one of the most champions in the industry. This means that it is the number of music you record that will keep you relevant in the industry. Just a single song can keep you in the industry forever. " Akyeampong urged fellow musicians to focus on the craftsmanship of their music, ensuring that each release resonates deeply with the audience rather than just filling the airwaves. India plans to invest $200 billion in Africa by 2030 Francis Kokutse Opinion Aug - 28 - 2023 , 05:13 As Indias bilateral trade with Africa surged to almost $100 billion by the end of the fiscal year in March 2023, there are indications that the Indian government plans to increase it to $200 billion by 2030, the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIMBANK) has said. The state-owned EXIMBANK plays a major role in providing export financing and government-directed lending to other countries. Currently, it supports over 300 small Indian companies to expand business in African countries and plans to raise between $3-$3.5 billion of funds in the current financial year, (mostly denominated in US dollars,) to finance new projects. The bank is also looking at stepping up investments through government-supported lines of credit to assist Indian companies to finance their projects across Africa, the Managing Director of the EXIMBANK, Harsha Bangari, said. Analysts say this is coming at the back of increased competition from China for African markets and Bangari said, "Africa is becoming a big consuming continent and Indian companies have huge potential to find a market." We are seeing a consistent and steady trend, in increasing lines of credit and trade finance, she said, adding, EXIM Bank has so far made a credit commitment of $12.8 billion to 42 African countries. EXIM Bank has engaged various African governments as part of India's economic diplomacy, including a metro train project in Mauritius, exports of buses from India to Senegal, and an electricity project in The Gambia, Bangari said. "We have identified sustainable fuels and minerals for transport, renewable and clean energy and climate-smart agriculture, among other areas, for supporting lending to the African countries," she added. Investment In Ghana, as Indian investment continues to grow, one man, Mukesh Thakwani, the Chief Executive officer of leading steel producers, B5Plus Limited, has come to stand out as an investor with a purpose. What makes his story in Ghana exceptional is that Thakwani, who had a business in Liberia, arrived in Ghana in transit, with no intention of staying, but said he fell in love with the country and the people and so decided to stay. That chance of entry into Ghana has come to add to the number of Indian businesses in Ghana. According to the Indian Department of Commerce, the exchange of business delegations in recent years has led to an increase in investments by Indian companies in Ghana. A number of Indian companies, including Tata, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra, Escorts, Larson & Toubro, NIIT, Shapoorji Pallonji, as well as several pharmaceutical companies, have established their presence in Ghana, the Department of Commerce said. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) said as of last year, Indian companies had invested in 870 projects with a total investment of $2.22 billion between 1994 and 2021. From January to December 2021, Indias FDI was $93.84 million in 25 projects, i.e., 7.21 per cent of Ghanas total FDI of US$ 1.3 billion in 271 projects. Explaining his entry into the country, Thakwani, who is from Gujarat, India, said, I didnt plan to start a business in Ghana when I arrived in Accra in 1996 on transit from Liberia. But 27 years later, his company is producing over 400,000 tonnes of steel a year and employing thousands of Ghanaians. On this particular visit, Thakwani said he met his uncle who had a business in Ghana and for some reason, he took the decision to work for him for a while. Later, he decided to stay and then decided to grow a business to produce steel products. In 2002, Thakwani decided to set up his own company. We started on this very ground where B5Plus is today. It was all bush. When I called a friend to tell him I was building a steel factory, he asked me who would come to buy steel from the bush. No one used to come around here after 5 p.m. I remember I had to come here to cut the bush with a friend and my driver, he said. The company that started producing only 200 tonnes of nails was able to win over the market as their products became popular on the market because of their price. So, they decided to move into manufacturing galvanised products and later iron rods. Thakwani said, Today, we are very proud to say that B5Plus is producing 400,000 tonnes of steel a year. In addition to this, we have moved into other types of steel production in Ghana, which we export to other West African countries. Since its inception, B5Plus Limited has won over 100 national awards, but Thakwani said, one of the awards dear to me is the recognition by Ministry of Healths Certificate of Appreciation to B5 Plus Limited, this year, for the companys contribution in donating oxygen to various health facilities to avert crisis during the COVID 19 pandemic. Experience Though his entry into Ghana was by chance, he is an avid and astute businessman, with a rich experience of 25 years in the steel industry in the African business landscape. The long stay in West African countries, such as Liberia, Togo, Free Town and Benin, since 1988 has helped Thakwani to acquire an incredible business expertise. It is not only steel that he is producing in Ghana. He has also started a school, the Delhi Public School (DPS) near Tema, in Accra. The DPS is an offshoot of the one in India, which was set up in 1949 and now has 150 branches, the bulk of them in India and 13 in 10 foreign countries. He said DPS was started because education was very dear to his family. We always believe that giving education is important. If one person is given an education, he can help support 10 people in his family. We realised that in Tema there was a great need for quality education, and we also wanted to create future leaders, he added. The school opened its doors in 2010 with 23 students and Thakwani said though manufacturing steel was what he started with, he also had the desire to build a top-class school where the fees would be affordable to all but with the same high level of teaching. The school was planned to be available to people from diverse backgrounds. "DPS Ghana is growing to be different from similar schools in West Africa because of the high quality of facilities available, which are not found in other schools in the region, in addition to the fact that the school opened its doors to all because of its affordability. I am proud to say that since 2010 to date, we have shown by good academic records and awards won by our students that we have made a great impact, Thakwani added. He strongly believes in the philosophy of Aristotle, Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity and that explains his passion for developing educational facilities in the country. Award The Duke of Edinburghs International Awards Association has honoured Thakwani for his generous contribution towards the socio-economic development of the country. He is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a polymath who has a deep insight into the realm of education. He is a true educationist who envisaged building the capacities of the spirit of inquiry and creative, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and has become their role model. His focus is making DPS carve a niche for itself on the map of West Africa. In addition to his business achievements, he is also a philanthropist and supports many NGOs that are working for the cause of education and health in Ghana. He has certification from the prestigious Harvard Business School where he successfully passed the owner/president management programme- 51. Since 2016, he has been a member of the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO). Wars and rumours of wars Rev Richard Cudjoe Opinion Aug - 28 - 2023 , 08:20 For more than 18 months the Russian-Ukrainian war is still raging. According to the United Nations (UN), six million Ukrainians had fled to neighbouring countries, resulting in what some commentators had described as one of the biggest refugee crises in modern times. We, in Ghana, are bearing the brunt of this Russian-Ukrainian war; the government continues to refer to this conflict as part of the reasons for our economic woes. The military takeover of the democratically elected regime of Niger is creating tension among the nation-states in the West African sub-region. There are rumours of war as ECOWAS countries are in the process of deploying combined troops to Niger to restore the ousted Nigerien Leader, Mohammed Bazoum, to power. What is Ghana's sovereign interest in participating in this adventure? The first bullet has not been fired and we are feeling the adverse effects already. Our women, who trade in onions and those in the onion value chain, are decrying the challenges they are faced with as the junta in Niger has ordered the closure of its land borders. The bulk of our onion supply comes from Niger. Listening to some of the traders and the drivers, who cart the product to Ghana on some media networks, it is obvious there will be an imminent shortage of the commodity in Ghana, which will lead to price hikes. No one can reliably predict how long this intended war will last, just as some people thought it was going to be a walk-over for Russia in their war with Ukraine. Should any aggression against Niger occur through the deployment of ECOWAS forces the citizens will suffer the consequences. Since there has never been a good war or a bad peace, dialogue and diplomacy are the best options. We encourage our leaders to follow this route in resolving the problem in Niger. Rev Richard Cudjoe, P. O. Box DT 1409, Adenta, Accra. Gbolo's thread: Tracing Nlorso people's ancestry, cultural influence Bruce Bullu Liman Life Aug - 28 - 2023 , 16:09 The Nlorso people, along with the Vagla people, have a rich history rooted in the Sisaala culture of the Upper West Region. Prior to settling in Mankuma, a town in the Savannah Region, they occupied areas in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District around Kajekperi. The Vagla people too have a similar origin although they settled in their present locations before the Nlorso. Interestingly, the name "Nlorso" is a result of mispronunciation. The Ngbanye people, led by Ndewura Jakpa, arrived from Senegal and struggled to say "Nugsa," the Sisaala term for Sisaala people. Over time, "Nugsa" transformed into "Nlorso," which was adopted by the indigenous Vagla people as well. The Nlorso people have a unique tradition tied to the burial of Yagbonwura. This tradition stems from Ndewura Jakpa leaving his son and a pot with them. He instructed that they should take care of his son and bury him where the pot was left, should he not return from battle. This practice continues to this day, leading to all deceased Yagbonwuras being buried in Mankuma. The Nlorso and Manfuli (Safalba) people are noted for their association with the powerful Gbolo god. This deity aids the birth of Vagli children. Within the Gonja kingdom, Vagla people assist Ngbanye people during crises and are essential in Yagbonwura burials and installations. Disrespecting the Vagla people can disrupt these processes due to their deep ties to Ndewura Jakpa's legacy. The Vagla people possess spiritual prowess, leveraging their gifts in farming, land management, marriage and hunting. Their strength connects with the ancestry shared with Sisaala, Kasena and Tampulma through the Gur linguistic group of the Niger-Congo family. Childbirth is significant in Vagla culture. Women experiencing fertility issues seek assistance from Vaglas in Vagla communities, where specific gods are associated with each community. The gods' involvement is evident in names such as Gbalbii for Tuna and Yoggor for Soma. Individuals with names linked to community gods symbolise successes chalked up through their connections to these deities. These names are bestowed upon both genders and must not be silenced to avoid displeasing the gods. Each Vagla community has a foundational community god that commands respect. The name "Gbolo" reflects a connection to the Nlorso people who are Vaglas, both in tradition and ancestry. This intricate cultural tapestry underscores the Nlorso and Vagla people's heritage and their significant roles in the region. Take your time online Bernard Otabil Life Aug - 28 - 2023 , 10:41 A few days ago, l read a story about how bargain hunters had been misled by fake websites trying to get them to part with money. This story was about how Wilko, a popular chain store, had gone into administration and how fraudsters were trying to cash in on the unfortunate situation. With Wilko in administration, naturally, there was the opportunity for some good bargains since it was closing down. But the fraudsters had other ideas too. Several fake websites have been set up by fraudsters promising shoppers heavily discounted goods from the collapsed company. In one report, it was stated that at least one site was attempting to draw people in with a social media post offering a sofa at 4.99, as well as other discounts of almost 90 per cent on some goods, with the promise to consumers that because there are still a lot of goods piled up in the warehouse, we are going to sell at a super low price. Meanwhile, Wilko does not even sell sofas! In fact, a spokesperson for the administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers had to respond as follows: We have been made aware of a number of fake Wilko websites, which are offering Wilko products at heavily discounted prices. These websites are not genuine and have been set up to scam users, the only legitimate Wilko website is www.wilko.com. We are in the process of working with the relevant authorities to have these websites removed. We would like to remind our customers that all Wilko sales are now in-store and you are unable to purchase items online. By the time of this statement, some consumers had already lost money. The Wilko story attracted my attention for two main reasons. First, the budget chain store is one l know very well. I have, on a few occasions, shopped in a Wilko store, and indeed, there were some good bargains on offer. Therefore, a headline report that Wilko was in administration with many concerned about the fate of the thousands employed in the company certainly was a concern to me also an observer though. Now, the second reason is the focus of this weeks edition, which is the attempt by the scammers to swindle unsuspecting customers. This is the sad reality of life online. In times past, it was very easy to notice who could be the thief among the lot by observing movements and taking note of weird patterns of activities. Today, you dont see the thief as far as cybercrime is concerned; they just follow the trail of your online footprint, all at your blind side. Criminals online are always looking at the fault lines, the weakness in the system that could get you to part with your hard-earned cash, so it was not a surprise to me to read about the dodgy websites offering heavily discounted Wilko goods. To avoid these copycat websites, not only in the case of Wilko but generally, you must always make sure that you type in the correct website address, making sure that the website address is correct and matches the site you intended to visit. Most often, the fake websites have similar URLs (the website address) to the original one but by close observation, you will notice slight differences, such as spelling errors or a different domain extension (.com, .info, .biz, etc.) Of course, it is not that straightforward at all times. For this reason, let me pose this question: What steps do you take to address the situation whereby the e-commerce website is legitimate and well-known but scammers have set up stores with fake goods on offer to swindle customers? Well, this question is premised on my own experience of parting with money to an artisan to conclude a job for me only for him to do a runner! Because l am always sceptical about online deals, I actually met this supposed professional, and I drove him to show him what he was supposed to do. He started work that same day, impressively, and continued for about three days. I added more money because of the progress, only for him to just abandon it all and refuse to answer his phone calls. He is still a wanted person as far as l am concerned! I brought in my personal experience here to demonstrate how sometimes no preparation or diligence is enough. A conman is always a conman, whether in online business or through traditional face-to-face deals, sealed by a signed contract between parties. But then again, the risk of losing money to those you engage online is high as you normally wouldnt know where they reside or have their shops. In my case, I thought meeting him in person was great and the fact that he had his company registered as a limited liability company was enough too. But after his quick dash out, it was noticed that the company was not even registered! The risk is, indeed, real! As I explained in the September 26, 2020 edition, with cybercrime on the rise, you must always beware of your footprints online. According to available records on global figures, cybercrime costs businesses over US$600 billion a year, estimated to be one per cent of global GDP. The digital world has transformed almost every aspect of our lives, including risk and crime so that crime is more efficient, less risky, more profitable and has never been easier to execute, the Chief Technology Officer for McAfee, a US-based software company, Steve Grobman, said. Grobman made this statement when reviewing a 2018 assessment report on the impact of cybercrime on businesses. The Report-Economic Impact of Cybercrime No Slowing Down- was put together by McAfee, in partnership with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Think-Tank based in the United States (US). In the referenced edition I made it clear that: All that is needed, in most of the identified and investigated cybercrimes, is for the hacker to be able to get your attention, interest, desire and action. If, for example, you receive an email announcing prize money for a lottery that you have won, you can either choose to ignore it or respond to it by following the instructions normally attached, explaining how you can receive/redeem your prize. If you choose to respond and follow through the well-crafted processes issued by the scammer, you end up the loser, simply because the scammers primary motive was for you to become his/her prize money, and not the other way round. The email was the bait, and you became the victim, in the end, was a good prize for the scammer! The scammers got the attention of the Wilko customers because they had an interest and desire to get some goods at a bargain. In a situation like that let your verification process be strong so that you dont end up deceived to part with money. 60 Ghanaian students selected for EU scholarship Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Education Aug - 28 - 2023 , 06:42 Sixty Ghanaian students have been selected for the European Unions (EU) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree (EMJMD) to pursue higher education in some top universities across Europe. This years number of beneficiaries of the EMJMD, the highest since its inception, is an increase of over the 45 who participated in the programme last year. The EMJMD is one of the initiatives under Erasmus+ that supports international mobility and contributes to strengthening Africas technical and higher education space by offering students an opportunity to broaden their career horizons, gain top-class knowledge and develop global perspectives through studying in renowned European universities. Speaking at a pre-departure event in Accra last Tuesday, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said the EU was a key partner to Ghana on education, including the Erasmus+ offering Ghanaian youth a unique opportunity to gain top-level academic experience throughout their journeys in Europe. He said the EU was strongly committed to promoting mobility, diversity and excellence in higher education through Erasmus+ and other education programmes in Africa and Ghana with the aim to nurture leaders, foster global networks and create a more inclusive and interconnected world. Mr Razaaly said he was hopeful that the scholarship would shape the skills and character of beneficiaries, as well as prepare them for competitive and stimulating careers. I also hope that your experiences will fuel your inner leaders and change makers, and give new insights on how to build better futures both in Ghana and beyond, he added. The Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Maamle Andrews, explained that Ghana recognised the importance of education in driving sustainable development and as a developing country, believed that investing in the education of its citizens, especially the young ones, would shore up the human capital index and position the country to realise its national goals. Advice She charged recipients of the programme to be ambassadors of Ghana by representing the nation and its values on the global stage and immersing themselves in the academic, cultural and social experiences offered by the host institutions. Build lasting friendships and connections. Remember that education is a lifelong journey, and the knowledge and skills you acquire during this programme will be invaluable throughout your lives. We look forward to your return to Ghana, equipped with new perspectives, innovative ideas and a determination to contribute to the growth and development of our great nation, she added. The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to their benefactors and assured them of their best at their various universities. 250 Standards enforcement officers undergo police training Kester Aburam Korankye Aug - 28 - 2023 , 07:43 About 250 officials of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) are currently undergoing law enforcement training at the Ghana Police Service Training School in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The trainees, who would be given special uniforms after the training, are expected to receive training in evidence gathering, preparation of dockets and other law enforcement skills to help ensure that imported goods and those manufactured in the country meet acceptable standards. Known as the Trading Standards Officers (TSOs), they have been drafted for the first time into the countrys standards regulation regime to conduct market surveillance and other activities to weed out fake brands and inject sanity into the trading of goods in the country. The Director General of the GSA, Professor Alex Dodoo, who made this known last Wednesday, said the TSOs would be posted to various trading posts in the country from next week to conduct routine checks or investigate complaints on local traders and businesses. "For example, they will take samples of goods for testing, check the accuracy of weighing scales and measures, such as for beer and spirits in pubs and clubs, and make sure labelling is correct and advertising is not misleading," he said. Global standards Prof. Dodoo was addressing journalists when he led the Secretary General of the International Standards Organisation (ISO), Sergio Mujica, and the Secretary General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Dr Hermogene Nsengimana, to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahiru Hammond, and the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, in Accra. Mr Mujica and Dr Nsengimana are on a three-day official visit to Ghana in support of the GSAs strides for an effective standards regime in the country and Prof. Dodoos role in the promotion of global standards in his capacity as the President of ARSO. Enforcement Prof. Dodoo said over the last few years, the GSA, with support from the government, had put in place the necessary legislation and framework to make industry competitive, riding on the back of standards. The operation of the TSOs, he said, was a major intervention that would help make the country suitable for fair trade at the global level. What we are doing here is getting global recognition and that is why we have the ISO and ARSO Secretary Generals in the country visiting, to express hope in what we are doing and rally industry along, Prof. Dodoo said. Mr Mujica said Ghana was ready for massive industrialisation that could help speed up development and open up the country to the rest of the world as a major manufacturing hub. With the African Continental Free Trade Area headquartered in Accra, Mr Mujica said it was only prudent for Ghana to lead the way in encouraging fair trade by adhering to global standards. He expressed appreciation to the GSA for taking steps to enhance the enforcement of standards, adding that although standards can be adopted voluntarily by organisations, it was prudent for regulators to enforce them to ensure compliance. Cybersecurity training for judges key Chief Justice Timothy Gobah Aug - 28 - 2023 , 05:52 The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has expressed concern about the lack of adequate skills and resources for judges to handle cybercrime cases and called for the adoption of relevant digital laws to assist in building the capacity of the judiciary in this regard. Justice Torkornoo was speaking when a delegation from the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC) and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) paid a courtesy call on her at the conference room of the Supreme Court Administration Block. The delegation, led by the Director-General of the CSA, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, was to discuss with the Chief Justice pertinent issues affecting the Judicial Service as a member of the JCC. The visit was part of the plan of the JCC to touch base with its members as well as other institutions to explain its activities. The JCC, established pursuant to section 13 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), comprises 18 institutions mandated to collaborate with the CSA and the private sector for the implementation of relevant cybersecurity measures in the country. The Judiciary is represented on the JCC by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, Justice of the Appeal Court. Welcoming the delegation, Justice Torkornoo commended the judiciary for the role they played in interpreting and enforcing the laws governing the cyberspace, despite the challenges they faced with regard to the ever-changing cybersecurity industry. Standardisation Touching on the state of the IT infrastructure of the Judicial Service, Justice Torkornoo expressed concerns about the lack of standardisation and interoperability of IT systems and potential cyber-attacks that could undermine the integrity and availability of the Judicial Services infrastructure. In his remarks, Dr Albert Antwi-Boasiako, who is also the Chairperson of the JCC, emphasised the need to institutionalise cybercrime and cybersecurity knowledge of the curriculum for the training of the Judiciary at the Judicial Training Institute, in particular, and legal education in Ghana, in general. In this regard, Dr Antwi-Boasiako indicated the resolve of the JCC to support the Chief Justice to integrate cybercrime and digital evidence training into the curriculum of legal professionals in the country as a whole, noting that such an intervention would help improve the knowledge base of legal professions in cyber security as a new branch of emerging law in the country. The Director-General of the CSA also raised concerns about the state of cybersecurity of the Judicial Service and the cyber threats targeting critical information infrastructures of the country and appealed to the Chief Justice to consider improving the cybersecurity posture of the Judicial Service as a key priority, in view of the Chief Justices vision to adopt IT systems to improve the administration of justice in the country. The judiciarys representative on the JCC, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe lauded the Chief Justice for her leadership and vision to expand cybercrime and digital evidence training for the judiciary. Global Evangelical Church urges govt to ensure fiscal prudence in IMF package Justice Agbenorsi & Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Aug - 28 - 2023 , 07:51 The Global Evangelical Church (GEC) has called on the government to ensure fiscal prudence in the use of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package. At the closing of its Synod yesterday, the church, in a communique, said that would ensure full economic recovery, development and sustainability. The GEC synod bemoaned the countrys overdependence on food imports, in spite of being blessed with arable land. It, therefore, urged the government to make use of the expertise of agriculturalists by providing them with the necessary support, including inputs, to increase productivity and ensure national food security. Synod The 2023 Synod of the GEC, which opened at the Adonai Chapel, Madina, in Accra last Friday, was on the theme: Be holy in all you do". The Synod, the highest decision-making body of the church, was attended by delegates from the 14 Presbyteries in Ghana, one presbytery in Togo and international branches of the church. Its mandate is to decide on various issues affecting the church with regard to doctrine, administration and most especially the decline in membership. Some dignitaries present at the opening last Friday included the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who is a member of the church; the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng; the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, and representatives of sister churches, other denominations and para-church organisations. Galamsey The communique lamented the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining also known as galamsey. It urged the government and all stakeholders to continue to fight the menace in order to save and restore our environment and water bodies for this generation and posterity. Again, the synod appealed to the government, the Electoral Commission, the various political parties, the media, security agencies and other stakeholders to play their roles in a transparent, free and fair manner to ensure a peaceful 2024 elections. Charge At the opening of Synod last Friday, the Moderator of GEC, the Rt Rev. Prosper Samuel Dzomeku, challenged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to honour his promise never to legalise same sex marriage and activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual and many others, termed (LGBTIQA+). He said the President stated five years ago that his administration would never accept such practices in the country. At the 2018 Synod of our church, you unequivocally assured Ghanaians that same-sex marriages would not be endorsed under your watch. We wish to encourage you to carry through this promise throughout your tenure of office, he stressed. Rt Rev. Dzomeku said as a church, GEC was concerned not only because such activities contradicted the religious, cultural and social norms of the nation, but also due to their adverse health implications. Our society is already plagued by many health challenges and we ought not to create more, the Moderator stated. In a sermon to close the Synod premised on the book of John 3:1-15, Rt Rev. Dzomeku urged the public to intentionally pursue practical holy living in all spheres of life. People are landing themselves into all manner of hardships because they are chasing miracles. The greatest miracle one can get is the miracle of salvation, the GEC Moderator stressed. Reassurance The Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, reassured the church that President Akufo-Addo remained committed never to allow the practice of LGBTQIA+. In relation to the theme, he said Christians could significantly contribute to the betterment of society if they lived holy lives free of malice, corruption and other vices because they statistically accounted for about 70 per cent of the nations population. Touching on agriculture, the former Senior Minister urged the church to augment the governments efforts by consciously training ministers and members in modern ways of farming because their large numbers could be pivotal in such an important sector for the development of the economy. Manya Krobo launches 2023 Ngmayem Festival Ezekiel E. Sottie Aug - 28 - 2023 , 06:27 This years annual Ngmayem Festival of the people of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area in the Eastern Region has been launched at Akuse, with a call on the people to pursue peace to enable marketing of the tourism industry to the world. This years festival, on the theme: Development in unity: Reviving patriotism through unification, will be held from Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Odumase Krobo in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. The Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival which is celebrated annually in October was established in 1944 by the then Konor, Nene Azu Mate Korle. Ngmayem Festival is to celebrate the bountiful harvest of millet which is called Ngma in Dangme. Peace The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mante, who launched the festival, called on all Ghanaians to promote peace to enable the country to successfully market its tourism industry to the outside world. Mr Okraku-Mante who described chiefs as the custodians of Ghanas rich culture and traditions, lauded the chiefs and people of Manya Krobo for the establishment of the Ngmayem Festival. He said the governments plan was to make tourism the number one contributor to GDP in Africa. He said currently the country was placed third in Africa as a result of the Year of Return, programme. To achieve the first position target, we would need our traditional festivals to make it a reality. We used to be number three but now we are now number one in West Africa. We got this result because of some of the assets we have. Assets as in edifices such as forts and castles, Beyond the Return activities and the traditional festivals, he explained. The Deputy Minister of Tourism said before any tourist could visit any country, the first thing considered was peace. He said Ghana was the third peaceful country in Africa and so it meant locally, we expected some degree of peace to be able to help us sell our tourism to foreigners. And so let us use some activities such as the Ngmayem Festival and other opportunities to sell the peace agenda to the Manya Krobos and the country at large, because every area without peace cannot develop, he said. Unity The Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sakite II, said the launch of the festival was more than just a mere gathering as it reflected the unity of the people, resilience and the strength that came from working together towards achieving their common goals as a people. As we gather here today, we must take a cue from this and rekindle that same spirit of unity, patriotism and collaboration, he added. He urged the people of Manya Krobo that to embrace the theme of the upcoming festival with open hearts and minds, saying Our journey towards development starts with unity. The Konor said through the festivities and events of the festival, they had the opportunity to showcase their unique culture, traditions and the vibrant spirit of their people. He added that it was also a chance for them as a people to engage in meaningful discussions about the future they envisioned for the Manya Krobo area. The Real Estate and Security Services Manager of Volta River Authority (VRA), Eric Owusu, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, said VRAs role extended beyond being an energy provider and it was about responsible corporate citizenship and, therefore, recognised the importance of working hand in hand with the communities that it served. There were displays of Klama, Dipo and other traditional dances to entertain the guests at the event. National Service deploys personnel into agriculture Bagbara Tanko Aug - 28 - 2023 , 06:20 Over three decades, the National Service Scheme (NSS) has been associated with the agricultural sector, having managed a farm for the scheme all this while. However, in recent times, the scheme has diversified its coverage of deploying service persons to the agricultural sector, where personnel, especially those from agricultural institutions, are posted to the NSS farms. Operations of NSS The scheme which was started in 1973 now operates under Act 426 (of 1980) and is a compulsory one-year service required of all citizens of Ghana who are 18 years and above. Personnel deployed are paid allowances by the NSS under the direction of the Ministry of Finance. The NSS has the objective to develop skilled manpower citizens through practical hands-on skills. The scheme also aims at training and promoting national unity and strengthening the bonds of common citizenship and national orientation among Ghanaians. Repositioning National cohesion and labour productivity are two central advantages of Ghanas NSS. Over the years, the scheme has repositioned itself in agriculture and contributed its quota towards addressing the food security needs of our country. Each year, more than 70,000 graduates are deployed by the NSS to undertake 12-month compulsory employment postings throughout the country. Given this large-scale labour mobilisation, it is only appropriate to rethink what assignment mechanisms are optimal for achieving the stated goals of the NSS and maintaining compliance with posting assignments. It is the preserve of the scheme managers to assign participants to posts, including the location, industry and areas that match the specific expertise of graduates. Considering this, the NSS took a paradigm shift from its traditional posting deployment plan to a more productive strategy to tackle food production. The strategy created an economic enclave for the youth to engage in commercial farming focusing on maize, soya, rice and poultry production. Personnel in agric It is worth mentioning that a 20,000-acre Sekyere Kurman Economic Enclave Project has been established by the NSS at Abotantire in the Sekyere Afram Plains District in the Ashanti Region. According to the Executive Director of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, the scheme intended to deploy about 5,000 personnel into farming. Described as the biggest farming project in the history of the NSS, it seeks, among other things, to support import substitution, ensure food and nutritional security and attract and retain graduate youth into commercial agriculture and its value chain. PFJ Phase II This vision fits very much into the plans of the MoFA and calls for collaboration as it prepares to officially launch the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II (PFJ 2.0) programme, an innovative and comprehensive approach building on the successes of the initial/first PFJ campaign. It takes a holistic view of the value chain approach by focusing on strengthening linkages among actors along selected agricultural commodity value chains and improving service delivery to maximise impact. The programme substitutes direct input subsidy with smart agricultural financial support in the form of comprehensive input credit with a provision. This will provide farmers with access to inputs such as seeds, fertiliser and pesticides. An off-taker arrangement/commodity trading arrangement will be put in place to ensure that farmers have access to markets for their produce and that they receive a fair price for their crops. Ejura Farms The NSS, through the support of the Ejuraman Traditional Council, acquired a total of 715 acres of land from the defunct Ejura Farms Ltd to pilot the NSS Agriculture Project in 2010. The farm was hailed by many, including the MoFA and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), as a bold and successful project leading to the invitation of the Executive Director of NSS to address the IFAD conference in Italy. The pilot was successful in harvesting 6,400 bags of maize, which were sold under a special arrangement to the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for the feeding of students in 95 senior high schools. The MoFA allocated five pens from its livestock farm to the NSS for its livestock project. The project produces guinea fowls, layers, broilers, turkeys, goats, sheep, ostriches and rabbits. Nungua livestock project The farm has the potential to produce 50,000 birds annually and 350 crates of eggs daily if the right management practices are taken adequately. They also operate a 40footer cold store and a mini meat processor that processes meat into sausages and other products for sale to supermarkets, hotels and the general public. Again, the MoFA, in 2011, through the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), leased 500 acres of land at Dawhenya to the NSS to produce maize and vegetables. The farm has the potential to produce 6,000 bags of maize annually and 40,000 fish (tilapia). The scheme is also undertaking fish farming on the Dawhenya Lake with four cages currently holding 20,000 fingerlings of tilapia. The Branam specialised farm in Wenchi in the Bono Region was established in 2011, where yellow maize is produced for the poultry industry. Papao demonstration farm The NSS, in 1986, set up and operates an 11-acre Papao Demonstration Farm near the University of Ghana. The farm is a fully integrated farm with crop, plantain and mango plantation, fish and livestock production. The farm serves as a practical training setup for graduates from various agricultural institutes. The farm has ponds for fish production, a poultry section that produces 3,000 broilers and 3,000 layers producing about 45 crates of eggs daily, a piggery that has 251 pigs, a rabbitry with 182 rabbits, three acres of mango and coconut plantation, as well as a snail production section. It also has a livestock feed mill to produce poultry and animal feed and a manufacturing unit for skills training. New operational reps for Cocoa Abrabopa Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor Aug - 28 - 2023 , 10:34 The Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA) has elected new Operational Area Representatives to steer the affairs of their operational areas for the next three years. CAA has 39 cocoa operational areas across the five cocoa growing regions in Ghana namely the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Eastern, Central and Western South regions, and each area has one representative responsible for the overall functioning of cocoa farming processes. This includes Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and adherence to requirements for the Rainforest Alliance certification standards. Election Speaking at the elections of these representatives at the Obuasi and Bekwai Area, the Acting Executive Secretary of CAA, Patrick Van Brakel, advised the newly elected representatives to discharge their duties diligently and efficiently to uplift the image of the association. He asked them to be more innovative and to come out with programmes that would motivate members to be on top of their farming business. The Operational Area Representative is established to strengthen the voice of our farmers in the management of the Association, he said. The Council Chairman of CAA, Ismail Pomasi, said the establishment of Operational Area Representatives was to strengthen the voice of members at the grassroots and to support the efforts of the field staff in improving the livelihoods of members. We believe in the bottom-up approach in decision making, and having farmer representation at each operational level in decision making will enable the council and management to better appreciate the concerns and challenges of our members. Our Operational Area Representatives will be resourced with motorbikes, smartphones and PPEs to enable them to carry out their duties with great convenience, he said. Training The event which was attended by over 2,500 group executives and the new Operational Area Representatives was also used to train their Liaison Officers on the Assess and Address (A&A) tool introduced by Rainforest Alliance Ghana. The Certification Manager of CAA, Abdul Rahman, said the Assess and Address (A&A) tool introduced by Rainforest Alliance Ghana was meant to ensure that certification was more context-specific and data-driven across CAA cocoa growing communities. The A&A tool is a system designed to assess and address issues of child labour, forced labour, workplace violence and harassment, as well as discrimination within the cocoa sector. The tool is unique in that it is the first of its kind to be used by inspectors; its also the first time Rainforest Alliance is introducing such a tool to the certification bodies in Ghana, he said Area Rep The newly elected Operational Area Representative for Obuasi and Bekwai, Azumah Jambil, on behalf of his colleagues, pledged to deliver on their mandate and come out with new and innovative programmes that would be beneficial to the members. He called for support and cooperation from the members of the association for the OAR to enable them to deliver on their mandate. Knowledge base The Operations Manager of CAA, Roland Obosu, said the association would continue to improve upon the knowledge base of its members on new agricultural technologies and techniques, stressing: We will ensure that members within the operational areas adhere to all Rainforest Alliance certification standards and requirements. The farmers expressed appreciation to Abrabopa for the innovations and interventions being introduced across all their cocoa operational areas. NPP super delegates conference: 4 Cruise into Nov. 4 - Run- off to decide last slot Daniel Kenu Aug - 28 - 2023 , 15:14 Per the predictions of various surveys, the Special Electoral College Election of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) hardly produced any surprises as the party last Saturday scaled the first hurdle towards selecting a presidential candidate for the 2024 general election. It is now certain that Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; a former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, and a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, are the candidates for the November 4, 2023, showdown after emerging tops in that order from the list of 10 candidates. Dr Bawumia had the biggest endorsement, securing 629 votes, representing 68.15 per cent, while Mr Agyapong had 132 votes, representing 14.30 per cent.Mr Kyerematen secured 95 votes, which represents 10.29 per cent, while Dr Akoto had 36 votes, representing 3.90 per cent. Last Saturdays election, however, fell short of producing a fifth candidate as required for the final round of the process, as a former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, and the former MP for Mampong in the Ashanti Region, Francis Addai-Nimoh, secured nine votes each in fifth place. The Chairman of the Presidential Election Committee of the party, Prof. Mike Oquaye, said if neither of the two tying aspirants threw in the towel, the party would go for another election on Saturday, September 2, this year to break the tie to bring the number to five as required by the partys constitution. The Vice-Chairman of the committee, Kwabena Abankwa-Yeboah, told journalists that the election to break the tie for the fifth candidate would be held across all the 17 voting centres in the country, with the 956 delegates voting to decide. At the close of events last Saturday, Kwabena Agyapong had six votes, representing 0.35 per cent; Joe Ghartey, four votes, representing 0.34 per cent; Kojo Poku, three votes, representing 0.32 per cent and Kofi Konadu Apraku, had no vote, effectively losing their presidential ambition, at least on the ticket of the NPP in 2024. Smooth process The four-hour election passed off almost smoothly, with pockets of incidents recorded at some of the voting centres as tensions sometimes reached boiling limits. In one of the incidents, a video emerged of Mr Ohene Agyapong fuming over supposed mistreatment of one of his polling agents and promising to give the Vice-President a showdown, while some party figures also went viral with accusations and complaints about the process. Bawumia grateful Meanwhile, Dr Bawumia has described as humbling the endorsement he received at last Saturdays polls, reports Chris Nunoo. He has consequently expressed appreciation to the rank and file of the party for the "emphatic nature" of his election among the top five candidates expected to contest the November 4 presidential primary. He said that was a step towards winning the flagbearership of the party but acknowledged that there was more work to be done. Dr Bawumia, who was speaking to journalists at his residence at Cantonments in Accra after the declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission (EC), said the main event was the December 2024 election, and urged party faithful to unite to break the cycle of the eight-year reign by the NPP and the National Democratic Congress since the advent of the fourth republic. "We all have to keep in mind that what we are working towards is a win in December 2024 for the NPP and, therefore, break the 8. This will require a lot of unity among ourselves as a party and among all the various flagbearer hopefuls, and so it is very important as we go on this journey towards 2024 that we do not have a situation where there are cracks in our ranks. We have to close our ranks all the time, and work together," Dr Bawumia said. Reactions The National Campaign Coordinator of Dr Akotos camp, Peter Oteng Darko, expressed gratitude to the party elections committee for doing a marvelous job, adding that the Electoral Commission conducted an election he never saw in the country. He said the election was meant to select five for the November flagbearer primary, and so, to us, position (in last Saturdays race) does not matter. The result from yesterdays election is just like more people want Dr Bawumia to contest and not that he is first. That is the real interpretation of the outcome of the election, Mr Darko said. He said the electoral college was not representative of the delegates for the main election. The other thing is that the number that voted in the Super Delegates Conference is manipulable, and officialdom came into play. The votes that we saw outside is not a true reflection of the partys decision because a lot of things went on since we cannot rule out intimidation because people voted out of fear, Mr Darko added. He said the mere fact that majority want Dr Bawumia to contest does not mean they want him to lead, adding that in the November 4 election, it would be difficult for anyone to control the over 200,000 electorate, stressing that the main election will be on November 4. In interviews monitored by the Daily Graphic, Mr Kyerematens spokesperson, Hopeson Adorye, said what was important was to be a part of the main decider on November 4, and that the positions of the candidates in last Saturdays polls were not necessarily a big issue. Modalities The elections were conducted across 17 polling stations in the 16 regions involving 956 delegates. The delegates comprised the National Council, National Executive Committee (NEC), regional executive committees, members of the National Council of Elders, Members of Parliament, three representatives of each of the special organs of the party, past national officers, three representatives each from every external branch (27 branches in all), and founder members at the registration of the party at the Electoral Commission (EC). The Special Electoral College system was introduced by the party after the 2007 primary in which 17 aspirants contested the flagbearership for the 2008 general election. The party subsequently amended its constitution to accommodate not more than five persons for the flagbearership contest, with the new format applied in the processes towards the 2016 general election. Presidents wish During the polls, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, immediately after casting his ballot, expressed confidence in the discernment of the delegates to ultimately elect a leader capable of guiding the party and the nation through the prevailing challenges. "Its difficult, Im the first to admit it. I have said it several times, but at the end of the day, I believe when the moment comes, Ghanaians will reflect on who is best to get us out of this difficulty and take us to the next stage," he said. Otumfuo to help raise $10m for KATH Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor Aug - 28 - 2023 , 09:51 The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is to lead a campaign to raise $10 million to renovate inpatient wards of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi. Since its establishment in 1955, the hospital has not seen any major renovation and this is having an effect on inpatient care. The renovation of blocks A, B, C and D is expected to be executed as part of the legacy projects marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of the Asantehene next year. Otumfuo made the pledge last Thursday, when the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, introduced the Heal Komfo Anokye Project team to him at the Manhyia Palace. The visit was also to present a technical and financial proposal developed by the team to guide the renovation of the 70-year-old health facility to the Asantehene and seek his support. Strategic Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II described KATH as a strategic institution that occupied a unique position in the healthcare system of the country as well as the social, cultural and historical heritage of the Asante kingdom. It, therefore, behoves all stakeholders to ensure that it was not only preserved, but given all the needed support to enable it to play its role effectively and efficiently. He said while waiting for the government to complete other health facilities such as the Afari Military Hospital, the Sewua Regional Hospital and the Kumawu District Hospital, all in the Ashanti Region, all efforts must be made to ensure KATH was in good condition to provide the healthcare needs of the people in the region and beyond. For a hospital that has been the sole provider of tertiary health care in this region and beyond for decades and also named after the founding chief priest of the Asanteman, it will be unacceptable to allow it to fall into a state of disrepair, hence my readiness to lead the crusade for its restoration, the Asantehene emphasised. He remarked that unlike Greater Accra which had Korle Bu, 37 Military Hospital, Ridge and the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Ashanti Region has just KATH to train medical students and also provide specialised health care to the people in the region. Support fundraiser While commending the KATH CEO and members of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project team for their commitment to the project, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II charged the committee to formally launch the fundraising campaign to ensure the mobilisation of the needed resources to renovate and modernise the old blocks to provide better service to patients from the region and referrals from other regions. He urged the public and corporate institutions to support the fundraising drive when it was launched to ensure the successful execution of the project. Also, the Asantehene named Hiahene, Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, who is also the founder of Foundation of Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), as his representative on the project team. Rationale for the renovation Prof. Addai-Mensah said when he took over as the CEO in December last year, the need to give the hospital a fitting status became a priority. Even though routine repairs have been done over the years, they were not enough to address the enormous wear and tear that the blocks have undergone over the past seven decades, hence the need for comprehensive renovation, he said. He expressed his gratitude to the Asantehene for pledging to support the management to give the hospital the much-needed facelift. $10 each The Chairman of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project team, Samuel Adu-Boakye, said the proposal had a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to help raise the needed funds from well-meaning members of the public and corporate Ghana. If we can get just a million Ghanaians to donate $10 each, $10 million can be raised in no time to ensure the timely execution of this project for the benefit of the entire people of Ghana, given the wide catchment area of the hospital he appealed. The lead architect of the team, Kojo Darko-Asante, said the project was meticulously put together by a team of technical and engineering experts after a painstaking assessment of the wards and it would transform the wards at the hospital into a world-class patient-friendly facility when successfully executed. Provide transparent business information to attract funding - UMB CEO advises SMEs Nana Konadu Agyeman Aug - 28 - 2023 , 08:06 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UMB, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, has advised small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to open up and provide transparent information on their businesses to attract the right investments. He said for businesses to secure funding from local and international investors, they must give a clear set of details that could stand the scrutiny of investors such as business drivers, potential markets, envisaged growth and what guaranteed their successes. For banks, he said, financial institutions also desired to understand the sustainability of every business, the right governance structure and targeted market to commit funds to SMEs. What we have learned about most Ghanaian businesses is that they are very passionate in going ahead with a business but they are not as passionate as documenting what actually makes that business tick, he said. Achievable success Sharing his perspective on challenges regarding securing funding for businesses in Ghana with the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce last Friday, Mr Benneh said: Financial information on our company normally leaves a lot to be desired but for you to attract somebody to come and put money in your business, they need to have a transparent view of what your business looks like so that when they put money in it, they know to what extent success is achievable. These are the exciting things that once we have sorted out, it is easy for an investor to put money into a business and hope that the business will grow, he said. Partnerships Owing to the challenge SMEs had in accessing funding, the CEO of UMB said his outfit currently focused on partnerships with SMEs so they could work together to help businesses provide the set of information that stood the scrutiny of every investor. Such partnership, he said, would allow SMEs to attract investors to put their money into their businesses because one can understand clearly what your business drivers are and where it is heading to. Trade barriers In relation to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Mr Benneh said the beauty about AfCFTA was that it offered huge opportunities to indigenous banks to overcome many trade barriers. What we at UMB are so pleased about is that suddenly the barriers of entry in doing business with other banks across Africa are being removed, he said. He explained that Afreximbank had set up the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a platform that allowed banks to trade with businesses in other countries and pay locally. This system has suddenly opened a huge opportunity for banks, including UMB, to collaborate with indigenous banks in other countries and we can seamlessly turn money across. So, we can now envisage partnerships of local banks from one country to the other; in the same way, it works for businesses as well, he said. Mr Benneh cited how Ghana imported flowers from the Netherlands in spite of the fact that those flowers were grown in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. So, why do these flowers have to go from Rwanda to Netherlands before they come to Ghana? These are the key areas of business that are now open, he said. DBG On the issue of challenges in accessing long-term loans by SMEs, Mr Benneh said most commercial banks were normally good at funding short-term needs of businesses, which he said was not helpful to businesses that needed funding for medium and long-term projects. He, therefore, described the establishment of the Development Bank of Ghana to provide medium to long-term loans as one of the best things to happen in Ghana. That was because the bank would not demand immediate repayment of loans by businesses. Residents of Saboba protest over deplorable roads Mohammed Fugu Aug - 28 - 2023 , 12:37 Some residents of Saboba District in the Northern Region last Friday hit the streets to protest the deplorable state of roads in the area. Clad in red, the protesters held placards with inscriptions some of which read "We are tired of promises", "Fix our roads, we are also Ghanaians ", and "The money in Cecilia Dapaah's room can fix our roads", among others. Numbering about 1,000, the residents drawn from various parts of the district marched through the deplorable roads to register their displeasure. They are demanding the immediate fixing of the Saboba-Yendi road and other link roads, which have been in a deplorable state for the past years. Deplorable roads Road networks in the Saboba District are in a deplorable state. Due to the state of the road, criminals take advantage of that and consistently attack and rob traders and other road users of their belongings. The worst experience is that the residents are often cut off during rainy seasons, which has become a major worry to them. Currently, roads leading to Saboba and Chereponi from Tamale, Yendi and Wapuli are all inaccessible due to floods and one has to use a canoe to access the areas. The development has left residents of the area stranded and put emergency services, such as medical referrals, at risk. The alternative route through the North East Region is not only about three times the duration of the normal journey, but the route is also in a deplorable state and almost unmotorable. Concerns Addressing the media after the protest, the Spokesperson of the residents, Jalulah Jagri Maurice, said the poor road network was adversely affecting the district and depriving it of critical services such as education, health care and trade. He said due to the situation, pregnant women and individuals with medical emergencies requiring referrals to the Yendi Municipal Hospital or Tamale Teaching Hospital were often left stranded resulting in the loss of lives. While presenting a petition to the government, through the Saboba District Chief Executive (DCE), George Bingrini, he appealed for the immediate fixing of the roads to help improve health care and other socio-economic activities. Mr Bingrini, after receiving the petition, commended the residents for the peaceful exercise and promised to forward it to the government for the necessary action. Rwandans in Ghana celebrate Umuganura GraphicOnline Aug - 28 - 2023 , 16:08 Rwandans living in Ghana and friends gathered in Accra last Saturday to celebrate the national Umuganura Day, a traditional day of thanksgiving that dates back to pre-colonial Rwandan society. Banned by colonialists made insignificant under post-independence governments, Umuganura was restored to national prominence in 2011. It is today among the main national days celebrated with a public holiday observed on the first Friday of August annually. Traditionally, Umuganura was the most significant celebration bringing together Rwandans in thanksgiving for their good harvest and health. Presently, Umuganura is an opportunity for Rwandans living inside and abroad to celebrate the countrys rich cultural heritage, reinforce its restored unity and take stock of the countrys progress as they commit to increased effort to further deliver on the countrys vision. Speaking to participants at the event, the Acting Charge dAffaires of the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana Theophile Rurangwa hinted that Umuganura is a reminder of the choices that Rwandans have made, most importantly the choice to stay together, united by their shared history and culture. Recalling the disaster emergencies that hit the country earlier in May, Rurangwa appreciated the Rwandans in Ghana as well as those in the other countries overseen by the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana for their solidarity in contributing to recovery actions. Your continued participation in all national programs and contribution to various initiatives is a clear testimony that the values embedded in Umuganura are not said only in words but are in practice, he said. Rwandan students studying in various universities in Ghana took the stage to perform a drama skit on the values of Umuganura in contemporary Rwanda while the community joined together in cultural dance and song. UPSA built to fill practice-based learning gap Founder Delali Sika Aug - 28 - 2023 , 07:28 The Founder of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), which started as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), Nana Opoku-Ampomah I, has said the school was built to fill the practice-based learning gap in the educational system. The educationist, who is also the Paramount Chief of Amoafo Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, stated that the school became an option for students who were unable to further their education to the university because they did not qualify for Sixth Form and the university but had skills. I was so determined to help those students that I decided not to take a full-time job until I had got UPSA well underway. The reason was once I had a full-time job, completing the project would have been a challenge, he said in a release. Nana Opoku-Ampomah added that he saw education as a means to an end. It is a means to help to develop a country, he said. How it started IPS, then the only private business college in the country to have a special relationship with the University of Ghana, was the brainchild of Nana Opoku-Ampomah, known in private life as Joseph Kwaku Opoku-Ampomah, a former Assistant Business Manager of the Daily Graphic. He started the institute after he had learned through his own experiences of what he calls the gap in Ghanas education system. In 1966, he applied for recognition from the NLC government and a year later received approval to go ahead. He then applied to the Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants (ACCA) (now the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) in Britain and his became the only school in Ghana recognised to prepare students for the associations examination. The founder of UPSA touched on some valuable assistance UPSA received in order to become what it is today. He mentioned the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Alex Kwapong, who allowed students of UPSA to use the Library of the University of Ghana Business School. We bought books at cost price from the universitys bookshop, hired the universitys buses for study tours and inter-institutional debates, among others, Nana Opoku-Ampomah said. 95th Birthday The former Assistant Business Manager of the Daily Graphic and businessman, Nana Opoku-Ampomah, would celebrate his 95th birthday on Monday, August 28. The release said he would mark the significant milestone in the company of the alumni of UPSA, the Police Management, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other dignitaries, with the police band in attendance. Brief profile Born on August 28, 1928, Nana Opoku-Ampomah completed his basic education at the Bekwai Methodist Mission School on March 16, 1949; obtained his Elementary Certificate from London Pitman Shorthand Institute (Kumasi) on August 17, 1950 and attained his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in Kumasi through a correspondence course with University of London in August 1961. From October 1950 to August 1961, he worked with the Institute of Extra-mural Studies (now Institute of Public Education) of the University of Ghana as a Regional Clerk. Later, Nana Opoku-Ampomah was elected Regional Secretary of the Peoples Educational Association, Ashanti Region, from 1958 to 1961. In August 1961, he went to the Holborn College of Law in London with the intention of reading L.L.B Degree but due to lack of funds, his dream was cut short. He then proceeded to the School of Administration of the University of Ghana to read BSc. Administration after which he secured employment with the Daily Graphic on November 23, 1966, at the Editorial Department as a journalist. Though the only child of his parents, he has 20 children, including 12 females, with four wives. Plot to remove IGP: Bugri Naabu confirms he recorded conversation Getrude Ankah Nyavi Politics Aug - 28 - 2023 , 12:20 Daniel Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has authenticated a tape recording in which he is heard having a discussion with some police officers on why the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare should be removed from office. He has confirmed that the voice heard on the tape is his. He said this when he appeared before a seven-member Parliamentary Committee that is probing an alleged plot to remove the IGP. He said he hired someone to record the conversation for him. I didnt do it myself but I requested somebody who knows how to do the recording to come and do it for me. I didnt use a phone I went to the mall and got this ordinary tape. He mentioned Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Gyebi as the other voices on the tape. He said the conversation took place within the confines of his office at Osu in Accra. Narrating what happened, he said the two senior officers approached him with an agenda to advocate for the removal of the IGP. The reason behind this request, as conveyed by the officers, was that Dr. Akuffo Damapres actions were perceived to align more closely with the interests of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), thereby potentially undermining the ruling partys chances in the upcoming 2024 elections. According to him, the request by the top officers scared him, hence his decision to record them to make it difficult for any denial. more to follow... I did the recording to protect my party's interest - Bugri Naabu Zadok Kwame Gyesi Politics Aug - 28 - 2023 , 12:35 The former Northern Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has explained that he recorded a conversation between himself and some senior police officers regarding a plot to remove the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in order to protect the interest of his party. Answering questions regarding the leaked tape when he appeared before a Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee which has been tasked to investigate the issue, Bugri Naabu said his decision to record the conversation was to enable him to pass the message unaltered to President Akufo-Addo. Appearing before the committee on Monday, August 28, 2023,Bugri also indicated that he sought the assistance of someone to do the recording since he could not do it himself. He named the three senior police officers who visited him and discussed the said plot as Commander Asare, COP Mensah and Superintendent Gyebi. Explaining how he recorded the conversation, the former NPP Chairman said he bought the recording device at the Accra Mall. For him, he couldn't have captured everything in his mind, hence his decision to record their conversations so that he will not leave any detail out. The content of the leaked tape has generated a national discussion considering the nature of the conversation with senior police officers involved. Following public reaction, Parliament set up the Committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, to delve into the issue. The panel has the mandate to investigate both the authenticity of the leaked tape and the intricate allegations that have captured the nations attention. Mahama denies claims of 4th richest person - Condemns electoral violence in NPP Super Delegates Conference Daily Graphic Politics Aug - 28 - 2023 , 06:59 The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has said he remains committed to an issue-based campaign ahead of the 2024 general election that will salvage the country from the bad governance of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. Former President Mahama has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to disregard publications claiming that he is the fourth richest person in the country, and is worth around $900 million. A statement issued and signed by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to Mr Mahama, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, described the claims that Mr Mahama was the fourth richest person and worth $900 million as false and baseless. "We wish to state categorically that the publications are entirely false and baseless. Mr Mahama vehemently denies the claims, which he considers yet another attempt to discredit his reputation, cause disaffection for him and undermine his leadership of selfless service," the statement from the office of the former President said. Political opponents "These malicious false publications from obvious political opponents will be expected as Ghana approaches the 2024 general election, an election John Mahama will win. "It is obvious that this publication is part of a deliberate and discredited strategy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to spread lies and seek to generate public disaffection for the leader and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a man in whom many Ghanaians have expressed their confidence and are looking forward to his visionary leadership from January 7, 2025," the statement said. "We urge Ghanaians to disregard this false claim and any similar future publication. Instead, we encourage the public to focus on holding the non-performing NPP government accountable for its gross mismanagement of the economy and dissipation of state resources," it said. Electoral violence Meanwhile former President Mahama in a Facebook post has condemned the pockets of violence that occurred during the just ended Special Electoral College election of the NPP. It was reported during the election that a polling agent of one of the presidential aspirants in the election to shortlist five from the 10 aspirants was assaulted in the North East Region. Reacting to the incident on social media, the former President said "Acts of violence during what should be a peaceful civic exercise must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. Such brutal acts have no place in modern society, especially during an internal contest among persons who belong to the same party and have known each other for many years. " Mahama said it appeared that electoral violence had become normal for the governing NPP in any electoral contest they were involved in. He added, "The barbarity of Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019 and the murder of eight innocent Ghanaians during the 2020 elections will forever be a blot on the legacy of President Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia." November 4 crucial Political scientists Daniel Kenu Politics Aug - 28 - 2023 , 12:00 Four political scientists have separately said that last Saturdays Special Electoral College Election of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) may have little reflection on what lies ahead in the main presidential primary of the party on November 4 this year. They are Dr George Asekere of the University of Education, Winneba; Prof. Edward Brenya of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); Dr Richard Asah-Asante and Prof. Ransford Gyampo, both of the University of Ghana, Legon. Prof. Brenya, who heads the History and Political Science Department of KNUST, said last Saturdays poll was not necessarily a reflection of what would happen in the partys presidential primary on November 4. The Special Electoral College Election was held to prune the partys flagbearer aspirants from 10 to a maximum of five, with Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; a former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, and a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, securing the first four slots in that order. The party will decide on a fifth candidate at a poll between a former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, and former MP for Mampong in the Ashanti Region, Francis Addai-Nimoh, who secured nine votes each in fifth place. "This will not be a reflection of what will take place in November because that will involve the generality of the masses whose preferences may be totally different from the Super Delegates Conference," Prof. Brenya told the Daily Graphic yesterday. He said against the backdrop that most of those who voted last Saturday were government appointees and could easily be "pushed", the November 4 election could be a totally different ball game. "Don't forget the alleged vote-buying by some people and the allegation that the Vice-President, in particular, bought vehicles for some officials; same could not be done in November because the number will be huge," he said. The political scientist said he could foresee the culture of "joining the queue till it gets to ones turn within the party still playing out. Prof. Brenya said much as he was surprised by the second place performance of Mr Agyapong, "the entire process was not entirely surprising". "The outcome was not really surprising but it was Alan's performance that was really shocking, especially in the Ashanti Region where Dr Bawumia took almost all the votes. I think it was more than 90 per cent. "That for me was the shock. But I see him doing better, and Mr Agyapong causing some stir," he said. For Prof. Ransford Gyampo, of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, nothing is surprising about the placements of the first three candidates in the NPP Super delegates Conference. The majority of the delegates were politically made by the establishment and their continuous stay in office as appointees, and even as elected people, is based on the support of the establishment. They couldnt have varied their votes, he said in a Facebook post. Ken Agyapong also garnered his kind of great show among those who felt they could get his support in terms of money in their future electoral and political endeavours. He could be a kingmaker and would easily nominate some of these guys for positions. But what makes him a serious force in the future is that, he is also a very much grass-roots person. So, our Vice-President Dr Bawumia cannot be complacent because the real kingmakers will be at the grassroots where both Alan and Ken are likely to make huge incursions, according to very scientific data on the NPP delegate preferences. He, Alan and Ken must, therefore, work harder, he added. Prof. Gyampo said the future of the NPP presidential aspirant race was heavily pregnant with uncertain possibilities, stressing that more work must be done by the Vice-President to get to the grassroots; more work must be done by Alan to win more people at the top as hes likely to put up a better show among the grassroots in November; and Ken must work harder to appeal to both segments of the delegates. He, however, argued that those who have just voted can still change their mind towards any direction. The Vice-President secured 629 votes, representing 68.15 per cent; while Mr Agyapong had 132 votes, representing 14.30 per cent. Mr Kyerematen secured 95 votes, representing 29 per cent, while Dr Akoto had 36 votes, representing 3.90 per cent. Party cohesion Dr Asekere said the quest to minimise acrimony and defections after the presidential primaries, was perhaps, the most convincing reason for the Special Electoral College Election. It is an uncharted path, and it was normal to expect some of the challenges. The conference was largely a success. However, as the party that prides itself as a liberal democratic party espousing democratic tenets, it was disappointing to observe some of the scenes. It looks clear that although the winner was destined to win, the alleged use of money and perhaps the established mechanism to frustrate other candidates was unfortunate. The use of violence in the full glare of helpless police officers was a dent on both the party and the Ghana Police Service, Dr Asekere said. He said going forward, some of the strategies, for instance, the decentralised voting system that appeared to have been an intimidating ploy to other candidates, the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the about 927 selectorate, should be reviewed. Dr Asah-Asante said the election was fought on 10 factors, namely establishment/incumbency advantage, resources, strategy, message/ideas, loyalty, competence, the structure of the voting body, political will of the candidates, their popularity and achievements. Sailor 228 Dekalb Ave., at Clermont St., Fort Greene April Bloomfield in Sailors open kitchen. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet The restaurateur Gabriel Stulman and the chef April Bloomfield are sitting at a booth inside Sailor, the Fort Greene restaurant they will open shortly after Labor Day, discussing a new dish. Its going to be a piece of cod thats panfried until its all caramelized and brown with lots of salt, a splash of lemon, resting in butter, and its going to get placed in a bowl with some soup, Bloomfield says. It will come with a thick baguette crouton fried in butter. And maybe theres one potato. Stulman pauses. Do you see how she does that? he says. She breezed right over the soup, and you just know that it was like a seven-step process. Theres so much experience in the approach. The two have been friends for a few years, and one day last summer, they met up at Saraghina, the negronis-and-cortados cafe on DeKalb. We were chatting, having a nibble, and then he dropped this little, So hey, Ive got this place down the street, if you want to go have a look, Bloomfield recalls. I was like, Damn. This was only supposed to be coffee. Stulman remembers thinking, I have a 20 percent chance that she will say yes and 80 percent odds she says, Fuck off, or at least, No, thanks. Instead, she thought it over, and in February, the two announced their partnership with matching posts on Instagram: Were opening a restaurant in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Thats all weve got to say about it for now, read the caption. Mussels and radishes. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet Every new restaurant faces its share of questions: Can we squeeze in one more table? Are the Zalto wine stems worth the added expense? Will anyone show up? Sailor faces another that is uniquely its own: Will diners embrace Bloomfields return to a professional kitchen? In 2017, her business partner Ken Friedman was accused of long-standing sexual harassment at their restaurant the Spotted Pig with complaints that Bloomfield hadnt adequately protected her employees. She left the restaurant and by 2021 had cut ties with her other projects. In the time since, Bloomfield cooked at a resort in Connecticut; at a farm she co-owns in Cornwall, England; and at her house upstate. Ahead of Sailors opening, she wont share much about the past, what shes been up to, or reportedly getting sober in 2019 and instead talks only about her food. Shes planning a recipe for herb-roasted chicken she has spent years perfecting and mussels that are, she says, simple but quite juicy with lots of bright, punchy flavors. Then theres pork shoulder with vinegar. Veal sweetbreads with lemon, capers, and parsley. Pate en croute. The only heady thing on the menu, Bloomfield says, are some poached radishes cooked in lambic beer, mixed with a little gastrique, and draped with a bit of lardo. Stulman and Bloomfield. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet To design the space, Stulman hired Alfredo Paredes, Ralph Laurens longtime creative director and architecture specialist. He asked for the polish of the Polo Bar with the patina of a Double RL store. (Stulman is clearly aiming for something more ambitious than a typical Brooklyn cafe.) Sailors name informed the navy leather barstools, the front windows scalloped linen curtains, and the curved wooden booths modeled on antique British ferry benches. It looks nautical, said one neighbor passing by the other day. Thats fair! replied Stulman, who is best known for his slate of popular West Village restaurants: Joseph Leonard, Jeffreys Grocery, and Fairfax. Until 2020, he lived within walking distance of them all. After Stulman and his family moved to Fort Greene, he spent six months doggedly pursuing the lease for the prime corner space. When it opens, Sailor will seat around 39 people inside, with room for more on the sidewalk in nice weather. I think this neighborhood could use another good restaurant, Stulman says. There are a few good ones here already, and theyre all mobbed. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Asus started its Zenfone series back in 2014 and has followed up with regular releases reaching a total of 80 devices under the Zenfone lineup but it seems that may soon come to a close. A new report from Taiwanese media TechNews suggests that Asus is pulling the plug on the Zenfone series. The report cites people familiar with the matter who claim Asus is undergoing an organizational restructuring. Asus actually issued a statement about its restructuring back in June after its financial report indicated its first quarterly loss in over four years. The report states that Asus will discontinue its Zenfone division and will move employees to the ROG Phone department. The restructuring process will also unfortunately result in cutting down the number of employees in the PC departments across Taiwan and China.There were plans to move some employees across to the Zenfone and ROG Phone teams but that will not be the case. Asus has not issued an official comment on the matter at the time of this writing. Update: Asus has released an official statement refuting this report. The company is to restructure parts of its business, but the Zenfones aren't going away yet - you can read the statement here. Source (in Chinese) The Samsung Galaxy Z fold series has turned into an echelon in the foldable smartphone segment, and thanks to Samsung's production capacity, the company can compete in pretty much all markets across the globe. But as the market matured, there are some alternatives available if you happen to reside in the right country, which in this case is China. Many of the Galaxy Z Fold5 direct rivals come from China and are exclusive to the country, like the vivo X Fold2 or the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. And with the latter being fresh on the shelves, it's natural for people to ask which one will suit them best. You can compare the full specs sheets or check our editor's assessment in the following video or in the text further below. Even though the Galaxy Z Fold series has become a synonym for foldable smartphones, the competition is catching up. The Mix Fold 3 has a lot of tricks up its sleeve, and it's even doing some things better than the Z Fold5. Stick around to find out more. Size comparison Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm 253 g Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Unfolded: 161.2 x 143.3 x 5.3 mm Folded: 161.2 x 73.5 x 10.9 mm 255 g The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 definitely has the upper hand in size. While the two weigh just about the same, the Mix Fold 3 has a bigger battery and larger screens. It's also the thinner of the two, especially when unfolded; the difference is noticeable. One could argue that in its folded state, the Z Fold5 is the more compact device because it's narrower and shorter than its rival. Of course, that comes at the expense of the inner screen diagonal, which is 8.03-inch on the unfolded Mix Fold 3, and 7.6-inch on the Z Fold5. Display comparison Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz 1,812x2,176 pixels 373 ppi 7.6" Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Foldable LTPO OLED+ 120Hz 2,160x1,916 pixels 360 ppi 8.03" Aside from the diagonal, the Z Fold5 and the Mix Fold 3 have very similar main displays, near-identical, in fact. They are both LTPO and support adaptive refresh rate ranging between 1Hz and 120Hz. Both are foldable, and both have at least HDR10+ certification. The Mix Fold 3, however, has Dolby Vision as well. Brightness-wise, the two are neck-to-neck, as long as automatic brightness is concerned. In manual mode, the Z Fold5 offers almost 150 nits more. Not that big of a difference, though. There's one thing that makes the Z fold5 stand out, though, and not just in this particular case, but in the foldable segment as a whole. That's the stylus support. Samsung's S-Pen might be a niche feature, but it adds value, and in the right hands, it may prove quite useful on the large screen. Cover displays Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz 904x2316 pixels 401 ppi 6.2" Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 AMOLED+ 120Hz 1,080x2,520 pixels 418 ppi 6.56" The Galaxy Z Fold5's cover display is again LTPO, so granular refresh rate control is available and manual brightness is higher. The Mix Fold 3's cover screen may not be LTPO, but it has Dolby Vision support, just like the internal one. But those two details are minor in light of the considerable difference between the size and aspect ratio of the cover screens of the two phones. We are great fans of the more natural aspect ratio on the Mix Fold 3's cover screen. The Z Fold5's screen quickly starts feeling cramped due to its narrow width. Due to the Mix Fold 3's incredible slimness, it can almost pull off the feeling of holding a regular non-folding smartphone, albeit slightly thicker. Battery life Expectedly, the Mix Fold 3 edges out with a longer battery life in both usage scenarios - main display and cover display. The Xiaomi has a slightly bigger battery (4,800 mAh vs. 4,400 mAh), and as a result, it has around 14% longer web browsing runtimes and nearly 19% longer video playback. That's no trivial difference. Charging speed Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 15min 30% 30min 50% Full 84 min 25W Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 15min 39% 30min 70% Full 50 min 45W Samsung has never been about charging speeds, so the Galaxy Z Fold5 naturally falls behind the competition. Although it's not particularly fast for a 67W-rated device, the Mix Fold 3 still beat the Z Fold5 by a significant margin. Xiaomi's foldable takes more than 30 minutes less to charge to 100% and beats the Z Fold5 at the 30-minute mark with a 20% difference. Additionally, the Mix Fold 3 supports fast 50W wireless charging while the Z Fold5 settles for 15W. Speaker test Loudness-wise, the two handsets are near-identical, but the Mix Fold 3 has a clear advantage when it comes to quality. It sounds cleaner and more balanced. Low-frequency sounds are well-pronounced without muting the vocals. Then again, if you like more bass-heavy and fuller sound in general, the Galaxy Z Fold5 may be your cup of tea. Performance Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4 nm 12GB/256GB base config Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4 nm 12GB/256GB base config Since both handsets run on the same chipset, you can expect near-identical performance, which the benchmark attests to. However, there is a clear trend in which the CPU-heavy benchmarks show negligible difference in Z Fold5's favor. On the other hand, the Mix Fold 3 scores better in GPU-intensive tasks. Still, in most cases, however, the difference is within the margin of error. There is more to the story, however, as the hardware on any phone will throttle down, causing a dip in performance when the phone heats up under pressure. And this is where we saw a huge difference between the two devices. When unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold5's CPU will throttle to 73% of its max performance under load and go down to as low as 54% in the same test when closed. At the same time, the Mix Fold 3 couldn't even finish our CPU throttling test due to overheating regardless of its folded state - a rare sight. Besides that, there's no significant difference in the memory configurations between the two phones. Both start at 12GB/256GB, but the Mix Fold 3 gets 16GB of RAM on its higher tier configurations. The jump to 16GB is hardly justified, though, as 12GB is plenty anyway. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 AnTuTu 9 1.250,358 Geekbench 6 2,062 single-core Geekbench 6 5,396 multi-core Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 AnTuTu 9 1,235,547 Geekbench 6 2,046 single-core Geekbench 6 5,296 multi-core Camera comparison Many of us were waiting for an update on the Galaxy Z Fold5's cameras this year, but instead, we got a huge bump in Mix Fold 3's camera specs. The latter has the clear advantage of Samsung's foldable as it's more versatile and a more competent shooter with nicer hardware overall. Galaxy Z Fold5: 0.5x 1x 3x 5x Mix Fold 3: 1x 0.5x 3.2x 5x The Mix Fold 3 matches the Z Fold5's 3x zoom camera and adds a 5x periscope camera into the well...mix. In the real world, the Mix Fold 3 produces nicer pictures with more detail, better dynamic range, less noise and sharper overall. The difference is rather striking after dusk. Remember that in the Galaxy Z Fold5's case, the 5x photos were taken by a 3x camera. Galaxy Z Fold5: 0.5x 1x 3x 5x Mix Fold 3: 0.5x 1x 3.2x 5x The Mix Fold 3 also tends to deliver more conservative photos, color and ambience-wise. The Galaxy, on the other hand, offers more vibrant and eye-pleasing images. The same goes for the video recording. Although the selfie game of both devices isn't up to snuff, the Z Fold5 is likely a better choice, depending on the camera you choose to use. The one on the cover screen delivers superior quality compared to the Mix Fold 3 due to its more vibrant colors, sharper and more detailed rendition and somewhat natural skin tone. Dynamic range is also slightly better on the Z Fold5. Cover screen selfies: Z Fold5 Z Fold5 Mix Fold 3 Mix Fold 3 The inner selfie cam of the Z Fold5 is hard to recommend, though. The 4MP under-display shooter is no match for the Mix Fold 3's 20MP snapper sitting inside the cutout. The "inner" Galaxy looks blurry and lacks detail, and its image quality is downright disappointing. Inner screen selfies: Galaxy Z Fold5 Galaxy Z Fold5 Mix Fold 3 Mix Fold 3 Here's a glimpse of how the Galaxy Z Fold5's main camera compares in image quality to the Mix Fold 3's in our Image compare tool. And here's how the Galaxy Z Fold5's main camera compares in video quality to the Mix Fold 3's in our Video compare tool. Verdict If we were to pretend the Mix Fold 3's availability wasn't limited to China, we would have recommended it as the winner in this head-to-head in an instant. Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 clearly beat Samsung at its own game here. While display quality and performance are quite comparable, the Mix Fold 3 impresses with a more competent camera setup, faster charging and better endurance. And while the Galaxy Z Fold5 is more pocket-friendly due to its smaller size, the Mix Fold 3 is one of the thinnest foldables around, and when folded, it really feels like a regular smartphone in hand. But when we look at realities, if you were to get a gray import of the Mix Fold 3, you'd be left without warranty coverage, and you'd be looking at a Chinese version of MIUI, which would never get proper localization for other countries. Not to mention the lack of Android staples such as Google Pay, Nearby Share, or Android Auto, to name a few. And you should be comfortable getting handy with some ADB command-line wizardry in order to remove all the unneeded Chinese software and services that come preinstalled. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is on the other end of the spectrum regarding software. Not only do you get the most polished foldable experience, but you'd also enjoy a great Android implementation with long software support. There is much less CPU throttling when under load on the Z Fold5, and you'd be getting the extra peace of mind that the IPX8 rating brings. Get the Galaxy Z Fold5 for: IPX8 water resistance. Samsung's superior software experience for foldables. Full software localization, long support and full international warranty coverage. Better performance stability under load. S Pen support. Samsung US limited-time deal: Get the Galaxy Z Fold5 512GB for the price of 256GB. A 55-year-old man turned himself in to investigators after a fatal traffic crash on Aug. 18, 2023. Haiti - News : Zapping... Canaan Massacre : Words of Evans Paul "Pastor Marco's initiative, which mobilized his followers and encouraged them to march towards a group of armed gangs in their stronghold in the locality of Canaan this Saturday, August 26, 2023, can be described as audacious, but nevertheless leads to a real tragedy. By opting for such an action, the pastor exposed his followers to considerable risks, as evidenced by the tragic events that followed : loss of life, injuries and kidnappings, particularly affecting women. THIS IS A REGRETTABLE TRAGEDY !" Former Prime Minister Evans Paul. Taiwan alongside farmers in the South The specialist of the Technical Mission of Taiwan in Haiti and the agronomist of the RESPONSE/SUD project work in collaboration to guide the farmers of the plain of Les Cayes in the work of preparing the fields and the nursery for the second crop campaign. They provide farmers with advice on the nursery and cultivation methods adapted to local practices Mexico : Donation to fight cholera Sunday, August 27 was delivered to Port-au-Prince, on behalf of the people and the Mexican government, a donation of calcium hypochlorites which will purify more than 867 million liters of water (867,780,000) as part of the cooperation Mexican in the fight against cholera in Haiti. The residence of a journalist burnt Arnold Junior Pierre, journalist at Radio Galaxie, is among the victims of the Grand Ravine gang who set fire to his residence in Carrefour-Feuilles. PNH : New Director of the West On Wednesday August 23, 2023, Inspector General Jean Yonel Trecil proceeded to the installation of the Principal Commissioner, Roger Lamartiniere as Acting Departmental Director of West 2. He replaces in this position the Divisional Commissioner Clevens Cetoute, transferred to the Direction Northwest Departmental as new Director. The needs of the disabled at the center of UN action Friday August 18, 2023, Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General met with organizations of people with disabilities. The UN in Haiti is committed to working with them so that their needs and concerns remain at the center of UN action, including humanitarian action. HL/ HaitiLibre A shipment of smoked chicken sausage from Macao was imported through the port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Tuesday, marking the first time that meat products from Macao have entered the Chinese mainland market. "Customs services such as on-demand inspection are provided during the process of releasing meat products from Macao to ensure the timeliness of customs clearance," said Zhang Jianan, deputy director of the supervision department of port customs. Before the shipment of the 5.1 metric tons of meat products, food imported from Macao to the mainland mainly consisted of cakes, cookies and preserved fruit. The General Administration of Customs issued a policy on June 1 covering the inspection and quarantine of meat products entering the mainland from Macao. It allowed imports of meat products whose raw materials are from the mainland. "Thanks to the new policy, we have successfully obtained the first batch of orders," said Wong Chin Yen, an executive of Macao Yuan Heng Food Products. The company, one of the major meat producers in Macao, is expecting to ship 60 to 100 tons of meat products to the mainland each month, accounting for 60 percent of the company's overall production, Wong said. In the first seven months of this year, about 190 tons of food, including cakes, egg rolls and tarts from Macao, were imported through Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, a year-on-year increase of 313 percent. A joint survey conducted by Ilmarinen and MYRY (The Association of Micro Entrepreneurs) sought to assess the work capacity of solo and micro-entrepreneurs. A significant number of entrepreneurs, approximately one-third, continue working despite being moderately ill. The primary reason for working while sick is financial, driven by the inability to afford time off. With an additional day each month dedicated to promoting well-being and maintaining work capacity, most respondents indicated they would use the time for rest or exercise. The aim was to understand their current well-being and how they anticipated their work health and capacity would develop in the coming years. The survey was sent to Ilmarinen's entrepreneur customers and MYRY members, garnering responses from 3,931 individuals. Entrepreneurship offers numerous benefits, yet a third of respondents reported a decrease in work capacity. For entrepreneurs, autonomy and the ability to influence their work process were crucial for well-being. Additionally, succeeding in entrepreneurship and the financial security it provides were significant factors. Around two-thirds of respondents felt a strong or moderate level of enthusiasm, motivation, and purpose from their entrepreneurial ventures. Out of those surveyed, 10% considered their work capacity excellent, and 54% rated it as good. However, more than a third (36%) of entrepreneurs rated their work capacity as fair or poor. One-third reported experiencing burnout and work-impairing fatigue frequently or weekly over the past year. Moreover, 26% of respondents were uncertain or did not believe they could continue their current entrepreneurial role due to health or fatigue within the next two years. Entrepreneurs shared candid insights into changes that would impact their work capacity in the near future. Themes relating to age, transitioning out of work, and family dynamics emerged, carrying positive, negative, or neutral connotations. Negative changes encompassed health, workload, stress, YEL insurance premiums, and financial concerns. "Entrepreneurs are the backbone of this country, and it's crucial for Finland how this group fares. The fact that even one-third of entrepreneurs experience a decrease in their work capacity is concerning," stated Heidi Furu, Chief Specialist and Occupational Health Physician at Ilmarinen. One-third of solo and micro-entrepreneurs work while ill This year, one-fifth (21%) of entrepreneurs worked an average of fewer than 30 hours per week, and one-quarter (28%) worked over 50 hours weekly. Approximately half (46%) of entrepreneurs found recuperation from work easy, whereas around one-fifth struggled with recovery often or always. A total of 15% of entrepreneurs frequently or constantly received concerned feedback from their close ones regarding their stamina. Securing occupational health services is optional for entrepreneurs. Only 25% of solo and micro-entrepreneurs have obtained such services. Additionally, 29% have acquired private health insurance coverage. Among the respondents, 12% were unsure how to arrange for occupational health services, and 18% did not perceive a need for them. When it comes to matters of stamina, work capacity, and health, entrepreneurs relied on their personal networks and close connections for information. Preventive work well-being services were not sought by 31% of respondents until an acute need arose. Background on the Survey: 85% of respondents were solo entrepreneurs, and 12% were micro-entrepreneurs employing workers. The survey targeted employer entrepreneurs with employees whose total payroll within the past 12 months was up to 175,000. The survey was conducted from June 26 to July 23, 2023. The health and social services sector and other service-related industries were prominently represented in the study. Respondents were widely dispersed across various regions in Finland, with emphasis on Uusimaa, Pirkanmaa, and Varsinais-Suomi. HT Significant changes are set to take effect in Finland's abortion legislation, known as the abortion law, starting from September 1st. Under the new law, obtaining an abortion will no longer require the previously mandatory two medical certificates. As a result, individuals seeking abortion will have one less doctor's appointment to attend. Furthermore, up until the 12th week of pregnancy, an abortion can be performed solely upon the pregnant individual's request. This amendment is grounded in the principle of expanding patient autonomy. It's important to note that this legal change does not apply to pregnancies that have surpassed the 12-week mark. Under the revised law, individuals desiring an abortion can directly contact the healthcare facility responsible for providing abortion services, even if the pregnancy duration exceeds 12 weeks. If uncertainty persists or additional reflection and support are needed, the patient can also reach out to their own local health center. Patients in the Vantaa and Kerava regions are encouraged to contact their local contraceptive clinic. This change in legislation primarily affects the process of accessing care. It does not impact the procedure of abortion itself. After undergoing an abortion, individuals can seek post-procedure support and counseling from sources like hospital chaplains or open healthcare services. For information regarding abortion facilities and additional details about abortion procedures, visit our website. HT Purra on Friday revealed she is proposing a budget proposal worth 87.2 billion euros for next year, signalling an increase of 3.7 billion euros from this year. Billed to be the first in a series of budgets that set the government on a path to reverse its debt trend, the budget has a deficit of 10.1 billion euros, a drop of 300 million euros from the budget for this year. THE MAIN OPPOSITION PARTIES in Finland are unconvinced by the first snippets of the budget proposal of Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS), reports YLE. The deficit is expected to remain at over nine billion euros in 2027. Purra estimated that the government is moving in the right direction but acknowledged that the difficult situation will require that fiscal adjustment continues beyond 2027. The situation will be difficult throughout this term and the numbers will continue to be ugly, she said. The proposal lays out income-tax cuts worth 100 million euros with a focus on low and middle-income earner and, fuel-tax cuts worth 156 million euros. The taxation of beer will be lowered to the tune of 25 million euros, whereas that of wines and spirits will be raised to generate 40 million euros in additional revenue. Purra on Friday pointed specifically to cuts in funding for development co-operation, immigration, state administration and social security. Investments, meanwhile, will be made to supporting research and development, national security, active lifestyles, basic education and families with children. The proposal, for example, calls for increases in appropriations for police and defence forces. Matias Makynen, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, on Friday voiced his surprise that the weak economic situation is not taken into consideration in the budged proposal. This proposal didnt comment on [the situation] in any way. And it seems unlikely that this adjustment will be scheduled according to the economic situation, which is something economists proposed as recently as today. This does pose the risk that the badly timed cuts will undermine the economic situation further, he said to the public broadcasting company. He also argued that the budget does not live up to the promises made to voters before the parliamentary elections. Purra is first of all breaking her promise about not cutting from low-income people. Theyre making very harsh cuts to the livelihood of people, but theyre also breaking their promise about reversing indebtedness, said Makynen. The budget is ideological, according to him: what the spending cuts achieve is transferred to high-income people in the form of tax cuts. This is a very ideological budget that wont save the national economy. Annika Saarikko, the chairperson of the Centre Party, highlighted that the budget proposal is roughly in line with the budgets drafted by the previous government. Many Finns might be surprised that the governments lofty talk and concerns about debt have yielded a budget whose scope is roughly equivalent to what we saw last electoral term. The government faces a dual challenge: Finlands long-running borrowing and the difficult economic situation, she stated to YLE. While the Centre recognises that spending cuts are necessary in the prevalent economic situation, it believes the cuts should be targeted differently not at people who are already in the weakest position. It doesnt mesh with my sense of justice that while youre making painful cuts for those in the weakest position in society, youre lowering taxes in the income bracket of cabinet ministers. Economists on Friday urged the government to postpone the spending cuts planned for next year due to the eroding economic situation. The Finnish economy is heading toward recession. Just this week weve had lots of bad news on the economic front news that mark the continuation of bad economic news. That the government is heading toward recession should definitely be reflected in the governments budget for next year, Markus Lahtinen, the chief executive of Pellervo Economic Research, stated to YLE on Friday. Last week indeed brought a string of worrying economic news: the number of bankruptcies has surged, the employment situation has deteriorated, the number of job vacancies has decreased and pessimism among purchase managers has eroded. Lahtinen stressed that there is no need for widespread fiscal stimulus but encouraged the government to postpone the cuts in social security, including on housing allowance and earnings-based unemployment security, while proceeding with structural reforms according to plan. Is this the right time to tighten purse strings given that the economic development looks fairly muted? he asked. Tiina Helenius, the chief economist at the pension insurance company Elo, similarly viewed that the government is taking on the debt problem at a time that hardly the most opportune. With the economic situation looking like its deteriorating, the adjustment measures should focus on addressing structural issues whereas those that immediately undermine demand and employment should be delayed, she said to the public broadcasting company. These decisions should be postponed until we see more clearly how the economic situation will develop in the next six months. Purra on Friday insisted that the fiscal adjustments laid down in the government programme will not be postponed. The government has outlined spending cuts worth a total of four billion euros for the electoral term, with 1.5 billion euros of the total arising from changes to the social security system. The budget proposal will be unveiled in full today. Aleksi Teivainen HT A large outbreak of suspected food poisoning has affected over 600 people across multiple schools in Mikkeli was covered in an article by Food Safety News on August 22. Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: The article gives details of the outbreak as parents and staff reported symptoms after school meals. Authorities are investigating the outbreak, and laboratory test results are anticipated in the coming week. The Finnish Food Authority and National Institute of Health and Welfare are involved, analyzing food samples to determine the cause. Early indications suggest that vegetable tortillas might be the source of the outbreak, as sick individuals were present in all schools where they were served. The majority of affected individuals experienced mild symptoms and have since recovered, with no severe illnesses reported. Around half of the students showed symptoms within an hour of eating, while 75 percent had symptoms within six hours. Stomach pain was the most common symptom, followed by nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle or joint pain. Some individuals also reported blood in their stool. Staff members exhibited similar symptoms. Some students described the tortillas as bad, with some even mentioning they tasted like soap or detergent. The tortillas were obtained pre-made from a single source for all kitchens, while vegetable filling was carried out in four different kitchens. Original story was published by Food Safety News on 22.08.2023 and can be found here. Navigating Uncertainties: Finlands Evolving Arctic Policy and the Role of a Regionally Adaptive EU Arctic Policy This article about the role of Finland in Arctic politics was published in The Arctic Institute on August 22. The article examines how Finland has taken the approach of anticipation, hoping to capitalize on forthcoming economic prospects that could reshape the Arctic's identity. The article looks at Finlands stance on its policy in Arctic region over the years. The article states that the anticipatory state identity is not just a simple anticipation of the future but rather an active process of becoming that involves the (re)orientation of the state towards coming closer to the idealized vision of the state within global interactions. Finland is incorporating Arctic considerations into both foreign and domestic policies, aiming to position itself as a significant player in the region by providing solutions and fostering connections. The arctic landscape has experienced notable shifts, characterized by heightened geopolitical tensions. The report suggests that potential NATO membership for Finland and Sweden could introduce fresh regional strains. Despite this, it was posited that bolstering the military equilibrium in the Nordic area might contribute to stabilizing the security environment. In October 2022, the Finnish Government initiated a report titled Arctic cooperation in a new situation: Analysis on the impacts of the Russian war of aggression. The report suggests that potential NATO membership for Finland and Sweden could introduce fresh regional strains. Despite this, it was posited that bolstering the military equilibrium in the Nordic area might contribute to stabilizing the security environment. The author, Alexandra Middleton, is a researcher with a PhD in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Oulu, Finland, her research focuses on sustainability in the Arctic. Original story was published by The Arctic Institute on 22.08.2023 and can be found here. Finnish pensions chief says opposing immigration like shooting own foot The CEO of Pensions insurance company Veritas, Carl Haglund, highlighting the importance of immigration for Finlands pension system sustainability was covered in an article by IPE on August 24. The article presents Haglunds views on skilled foreign labour in Finland. He stated that newcomers are needed to work and contribute to the pension systems stability. Haglund, who leads Veritas, one of Finlands private-sector pension insurance firms, highlighted the necessity of encouraging skilled foreign employees to come to Finland. He likened opposition to immigration to harming oneself. According to Haglund, numerous economic sectors are grappling with a shortage of skilled labor. He emphasized that this situation is unlikely to improve. No alleviation of the situation is in sight since the share of the working-age population has declined and will continue to decline in the coming decades, Haglund said. Veritas recently published its report for January to June and is the final among the four pension insurers to release their first-half results this summer. Notably, three out of the four companies have addressed the politically-sensitive topic of immigration in their reports. Original story was published by IPE on 24.08.2023 and can be found here. Finland considers swastika ban after racism scandals rock government This article about Finland considering a ban on Swastika was covered in an article by Politico on August 21. The article highlights that this move is seen as a way to address the issue beyond mere condemnation of racism. Racism-related controversies within the new Finnish government have prompted discussions about banning symbols like the swastika and the hammer and sickle. Ben Zyskowicz, an MP from the center-right National Coalition Party, highlighted the challenge of taking tangible actions against racism. Its very difficult to find real concrete decisions which can be made by the government or by the parliament to fight against racism, Zyskowicz told Politico adding that is it real problem. He stressed the need for legislative measures to combat discrimination, proposing a prohibition on using symbols such as the swastika and the hammer and sickle. This government has been quite heavily pressured, by the press and even some politicians, so they have to make something more concrete, Kimmo Sasi, the chairman of the Finnish Holocaust Remembrance Association said. He has lobbied to ban Nazi symbols for several years and backed the new plans. Original story was published by Politico on 21.08.2023 and can be found here. AI map shows where Tampere has skill gaps to fill The new innovative AI-based tool introduced by The Tampere City Council was covered in an article by The Mayor.eu on August 23. The article provides details of the AI tool designed to transform data into visual representations, aiding authorities in making informed policy decisions. Collaborating with HeadAi, the city has employed this technology to create maps that pinpoint areas requiring specific skills and skilled individuals. These maps help identify skill gaps and job opportunities, enabling the development of targeted strategies for social and economic growth. Referred to as a visualizing ChatGPT, the tool gathers data from local sources to generate colourful Cellular concept maps, facilitating the assessment of skill availability and the demand for employment advancement in particular regions. These maps can be used, for example, in employment services as a tool when looking for a suitable talent profile, Anu Passi-Rauste, Marketing Director of HeadAi said. Original story was published by The Mayor.eu on 23.08.2023 and can be found here. HT King Apple Parade honors longtime volunteer as grand marshal The logo for the 77th North Carolina Apple Festival highlights the trucking of apples from an orchard. It was designed by Yumeng Fu. The grand marshal for the King Apple Parade that will wrap up the 77th annual North Carolina Apple Festival is a New York transplant and longtime festival volunteer who loves getting to know apple growers. Evelyn Uhrlasse, who became involved as an N.C. Apple Festival volunteer at the suggestion of a friend, has served as the boards recording secretary since 1999. She and her husband, Arnold, relocated from New York. She says that serving on the Apple Festival Board is a highlight of her life because of the numerous local folks and apple farmers shes met. The Apple Festival is such a positive part of (my) life in Hendersonville and I continue to be impressed and inspired by others on the board and committees that work quietly and diligently all year, she says. The North Carolina Apple Festival celebrates Henderson Countys signature crop and its contributions to the economy and culture of the area. Home to 91 active growers, the county produces an estimated 3 million bushels of apples annually 80 percent of the states total output and accounts for revenue each year of around $30 million. The North Carolina Apple Festival is a non-profit entity, organized and operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and volunteer event staff. I never got to meet Jayanta Mahapatra, and am a little cut up about it. As, too, I never got to meet Arun Kolatkar, whose poems got me writing poems, and who died over two decades earlier. Kicked the bucket, shuffled off the trough, or as Kolatkars dear friend and publisher Ashok Shahane has put it, Toh satakla or He bailed on us. The Marathi phrase punches like mango pickle even in translation if you add an f-word or preferably a couple. I am tempted to. PREMIUM An early photograph of poet Jayanta Mahapatra (Ketaki Foundation Trust) Mahapatras death on Sunday has left the community of Indian poets writing in English both sobered by grief at his passing and rejoicing in his long life, astoundingly rich and prolific writing, and his warm, congenial encouragement of younger poets. (Ketaki Foundation Trust) Losing a beloved artist is painful for anyone, more so when you are a humble practitioner in the same field. Loss, whatever the shape and colour of it, allows us to empathise with each other. This empathy includes, strangely, a sobering delight. Mahapatras death on Sunday has left the community of Indian poets writing in English both sobered by grief at his passing and rejoicing in his long life, astoundingly rich and prolific writing, and his warm, congenial encouragement of younger poets. He had been in hospital for more than a fortnight, was on ventilator following a bout of pneumonia, and previously suffered a brain stroke. His suffering is now over. Seeing the incestuous poetry world from the inside out, it is astonishing to see how much Mahapatra meant even to the outside world. He was the first Indian poet writing in English to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award. Over Mahapatras long career, his poetry collections are numbered variously as 22, 27 or 28; he also wrote prose. The literary magazine he edited, Chandrabhaga, is among the longest-published ones from India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009, which, he declared in 2015, he wished to return to protest against the growing moral asymmetry thats visible in our country. Indian poets, offline and online on Sunday, sombrely honoured the legacy of Mahapatra. Poet, curator and art critic Ranjit Hoskote, over phone from the Auroville Poetry Festival 2023, said, Jayanta was part of a generation of pioneering post colonial Anglophone Indian poets. Hoskote said, In one sense he symbolises the way in which literary expression could come from Cuttack, a city with a glorious past but also not from the mainstream... amazing work emerging from anywhere from the map without regard for the metropolitan. To read some of the great poets work was to admire the languid, swan-like, arboreal segues of his flow of expressions. (Courtesy Ketaki Foundation Trust) Poet/academic Ashwani Kumar made a Facebook (FB) post in which he also quoted one of Mahapatras famous poems: Now the world passes into my eye:the birds flutter toward rest around the tree,the clock jerks each memory towardsthe present to become a past, floating awaylike ash, over the bank. From Ash by Jayanta Mahapatra Indian poets know Mahapatra as a major voice in his own right when many other great poets were based in bigger cities. But Mahapatra was in touch with them, including the Bombay poets, a few of whom ran the publishing collective Clearing House. Among its publications was one of Mahapatras books of poems. Mahapatra was from Cuttack, by no means a metropolis, and while his poetry got him to a fellowship in the famous Iowa Writers Workshop, and to other international acclaim, he remained interwoven with his myriad, complex contexts. Asked what Mahapatras work evoked for him, Hoskote said, His core concerns remain with the interplay of time and eternity, the presence of the monumental... the monumental in architecture and frail vulnerable human lives. For me, to read some of the great poets work was to admire the languid, swan-like, arboreal segues of his flow of expressions. His voice and poetic palette found its own way to take stock of his complex family history, his human mortality, his generational traumas, his cultural heritage. His was a singular engagement with what Indianness meant for him. Like any great writer, it would seem, a whole settlement of people spoke rhythmically through his lines. I wonder what it means to let the pasts possess your bones and walk on your tongue, as Mahapatra did. And his magazine, Chandrabhaga! Over Mahapatras long career, his poetry collections are numbered variously as 22, 27 or 28; he also wrote prose. The literary magazine he edited, Chandrabhaga, is among the longest-published ones from India. (Courtesy Ketaki Foundation Trust) Noting Mahapatras work as editor, too, Hoskote added, He kept Chandrabhaga going for as long as he did. It was remarkable, he added, knowing how difficult it is to keep an independent journal afloat. Mahapatra, he said, also acted as a mentor, point of inspiration for so many poets. And this his kind words and actions of encouragement for other poets is a common refrain I heard over and over after his death. Writer Salil Tripathi, who is based in New York, tweeted to mourn the passing of an era and the loss of another powerful voice. Mahapatra, Tripathi recalled, had in the late 1970s published poems which Tripathi as a college student submitted to Chandrabhaga. Tripathi, also board member of PEN International, noted Mahapatras return of the Padma Shri, calling him a quiet, unassuming man [who] let his words speak for himself. Tributes to Mahapatra painted a picture of him as a nourishing presence for writers. Poet/anthologist Vinita Agrawal posted photos of her with Mahapatra as he cut a birthday cake perhaps last year. For her, it was a personal loss. Writer and reviewer Kabir Deb, also on FB, said Mahapatra had told him, Keep writing, son! Thats the only thing you should do, and that Deb would. Writer Rochelle Potkar, on FB, shared a text conversation with Mahapatra appreciating one of her poems which he had liked. As this is being written, she plans to write a post on Chandrabhaga. Before Kolatkar died nearly 20 years ago, he brought out a few remarkable books of poetry. A poet-journalist suggested I preview one or two in the newspaper which employed me. I remember doing so, and hoping he would read it, though it was only a listing, maybe three inches by two, one column. Maybe he did, before his demise or didnt. No doubt, at various places in the country, small groups of poets will seek out cafes and tea houses and Press Clubs to celebrate Mahapatras life. (Courtesy Ketaki Foundation Trust) A few days ago, bilingual poet and writer Durga Prasad Panda wrote he had lost a hand on his shoulder. Panda wrote an accomplished, comprehensive review of Mahapatras latest book for Outlook. The review came out recently. Mahapatra was in hospital and died before reading it. If our losses unite us, so does our delight at creating beauty through reading and writing poetry. No doubt, at various places in the country, small groups of poets will seek out cafes and tea houses and Press Clubs to celebrate Mahapatras life. I, too, will attend one in my home town, a memorial service organised by friends of Mahapatra. We will read out poems written in his memory, or some of his works. Bye bye, Jayanta Mahapatra, thanks for everything. Say hi to Nissim Ezekiel and Dom Moraes and Arun Kolatkar, Dilip Chitre and the others in whatever heaven poets go to. Suhit Bombaywalas factual and fictive writing appears in India and abroad. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Continue reading with HT Premium Subscription Daily E Paper I Premium Articles I Brunch E Magazine I Daily Infographics Subscribe Now @1199/year Already Subscribed? Sign In Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, has put out a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), presenting 5 pieces of advice that she would like to give to her 22-year-old self who had just started to earn back in the day. Radhika Gupta (File Image/Bloomberg) (1.) Start early but not just because of compounding: Gupta said she waited for two years after she started to work, thinking that hard-earned money can just sit in a bank account. Calling this a bad idea, she noted that starting early helps to ease into the process, and allows one to make mistakes on small capital. (2.) Rules dont work': Cautioning that rules, especially those related to age, do not work once an individual starts making money, the Edelweiss MD-CEO wrote that while youngsters can, they do not have to be 100% or largely equity' as they have time on their side, and risk tolerance, circumstances and liabilities, too, could be different. As an example, she cited the highly-volatile career she was in back then, saying careers such as these may call for conservative investments. (3.) Simple products and intelligence quotient: Any investment that gives peace, meaningful returns to meet goals, and comes with daily liquidity, is the best. Mentioning curd-rice and dal-chawal (pulse and rice) as an example, Gupta noted how despite generation of evolutions, people were happy to eat these dishes. (4.) Have a framework, write it down: Writing down details such as principles, goals, what to invest in and why, what not to invest in and why, etc., really helps, according to her. (5.) Save, invest, but also enjoy money: As her final piece of advice, Gupta urged youngsters to save and invest their money, and simultaneously spend it on things that they like. Investing is about fulfilling goals and living a better life, and is not a competition to win, she stated. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India possesses tremendous scientific talent for technology growth. Yet, we havent been able to emerge as a semiconductor Technology leader; IP ownership in cutting edge technology still evades India in most segments. Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture. (Reuters File Photo) What are Indias chances of breaking into the elite club of technology leadership? Ashwin Rangan, Senior VP of Engineering and Chief Information and Innovation Officer, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) who was conferred the prestigious 2022 SoCal CIO of the Year ORBIE Award in US recently, is consulted by many countries and corporates, for technology strategy. In this interview, he sheds light on emerging technologies, the complexities of semiconductor manufacturing, and Indias strengths and weaknesses. Q. Where does India stand in the IT ecosystem? In the ecosystem boundaries, at the top of the funnel, theres hardware and software. The top layer in software is applications, below that is embedded software. Semiconductors come alive when real time operating systems software enable componentry. There is value-add and value-capture in both these layers. In hardware, theres an entire stack of technologies, with large industries responsible for manufacturing them. These are computing, networking and storage devices like smartphones, tablets, etc. Mechanical componentry and semiconductors need to be sourced from different parts of the world to bring these devices together. At the highest level, this requires assembling circuit boards into plastic and metal casings, to create these final devices; theres value-add and capture there. Then, theres circuit board manufacturing, where packaged semiconductors (chips) are soldered onto circuit boards. Very low value-add work, but nonetheless required. Going a level deeper, there is backend semiconductor assembly and packaging, which tends to be highly automated. Finally theres semiconductor wafer fabrication this is where the bulk of value addition occurs. When you break that into logic circuits and memory circuits, logic circuitry is highly sensitive intellectual property and tends to be where the lions share of value capture occurs; less so with memory circuitry, where most of the value has already been subsumed because of extreme automation, high commoditisation, and low switching costs. Q. What is Indias present capability in absorbing this value capture? Lets ask where we have strategic strength versus potential opportunity. On the software side, we possess strategic strength in the application domain where legitimacy has been established. Thats where we made our presence in the world known for the last 40 years through companies like TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, Infosys... the list goes on. India is renowned for creating and assisting companies in building application software, but not in the creation of original application software. Thats changing. There is high value capture in platforms created in India recently; Zoho is an example of a platform that can potentially up-end established players in a new world where cloud first is the application mantra. In the hardware domain, India has potential in every layer on that stack of technologies. In every layer above the foundry layer, where the manufacturing of semiconductors occurs, others have staked a claim. For packaging and testing, countries like Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia have captured the space with a lions share of that market. South Korea which started in packaging and testing, is increasingly moving towards higher value capture semiconductor manufacturing, relegating pure back end assembly and testing to neighbouring countries. Its a very complex global supply chain that requires high levels of coordination across multiple vendors with high predictability of delivery. Circuit design occurs in the US; semiconductor manufacturing, backend assembly and testing, circuit board manufacturing, all occur in different parts of the world, and final packaging of these into the end consumer unit occurs largely in China, and to some extent in India. These are pure logistics and supply chain oriented challenges, there is definitely an opportunity for India here. Q. What is the outlook in the chip manufacturing domain globally? The semiconductor chip industry is about $ 550-600 billion annually, growing about 10-12% every year. A lot of the innovation is occurring in Logic chips.Twenty years ago, 90% of logic circuit demand was for CPUs, and 10% for FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays). That market has become more specialized, based on applications. Today, the logic circuit market is broken into 4 different segments: CPUs (where Intel dominates), GPUs (where NVIDIA has a dominant market share), TPUs (which Google owns), and the FPGA segment, which has grown substantially. Twenty-five years ago, 40-50% of all logic chip manufacturing used to be in the US. Today, that number is probably about 10%. With the emergence of foundries, which just manufacture semiconductors, more and more of production has been captured by pure play foundries like TSMC. For chip design, companies like Skyworks, Broadcom or Qualcomm specialize in this activity. These companies look for foundries who can make these chips for a reasonable price, with excellent logistics backing. As US-based companies look to the future, it is very clear that IP is at risk as many countries that they rely upon become question marks in terms of stability. For example, the Taiwan Strait situation is a potential threat to the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain, because TSMC is largely based there. Recognizing that risk, the US Government recently made available 52 billion dollars in funding to promote manufacturing of semiconductors in the US. Re-shoring is not the only solution to this. Countries like India, with improving infrastructure, could become stable alternatives. Q. What will it take to achieve this? Improved, consistently reliable infrastructure is a necessary prerequisite; there is an opportunity here. Semiconductor fabrication is probably the most complex manufacturing process. When I studied it, it had 183 discreet steps to etch chips onto a wafer that can then be sawn, bonded, tested and packaged. It requires immense investments. The time to production from breaking ground to the first wafer lot that goes through is about 3 to 4 years. Each of TSMCs Arizona plants will be about $17 billion. The building itself is just a shell. The level of investment is because of the complex, sophisticated manufacturing machinery needed. For instance, ASML, a Netherlands-based company, is the only supplier of bleeding-edge lithography equipment. Similarly Tokyo Electronics for etching equipment, KLA Tencor for measurement and inspection, Applied Materials for ion-implementation, Carl Zeiss lenses from Germany, and so on. It costs hundreds of millions of dollars for each equipment type or piece. Q. Can India afford to have a fab considering how complex the process is? There is an opportunity for India to play a role, provided it makes the investments not only in the manufacturing facility and equipment, but also in predictable logistics and shipping capabilities. This is a high value-capture opportunity from a strategy perspective. It starts with industrial policy and support. You got to start somewhere. In the US, Intel is breaking ground on a couple of foundries. However, its not even clear that they can afford to go it alone profitably, unless they get local help and support in terms of tax breaks or employment incentives in the location that they choose. In Germany, they are being given assistance to the tune of eight billion dollars, in addition to about $15 billion of their own investment. On manufacturing capability, a modern foundry needs about 3000 people to operate them 24/7, 365 days. There is an opportunity for high-paying jobs, do it properly, and win the trust of the global supply chain. Q. India released its semiconductor policy in 2019,and is yet to take off. Do you think India can keep the promise and develop its fab? Wafer fab builds are typically known to run a year or two years plus or minus. I wouldnt make a big deal of a year or two delay, given the pandemic and all the resulting disruptions. One needs at least $15-20 billion today for a new wafer fab. If you wait two years, that number will go up to 20-25 billion, because technology wouldve moved, leading to greater sophistication. We could choose to have foundries which are not at the leading-edge. The other thing that would make sense for high value capture point would be specialty semiconductors. What is it that India wants to do is just as important as whom to partner with and what kind of equipment is needed. Q. What about Indias global Trust index? The trust factor has improved in many other industries, such as drug manufacturing and distribution, handheld phones, where we went from no manufacturing capability to about 300 companies in a few years. That creates the legitimacy to say yes, India is increasingly a global player. With semiconductors, that (trust factor) needs to be significantly bolstered, because entire industry segments can be stymied when semiconductor production and demand go out of sync. For example, car production in US fell sharply during the pandemic because today, so many automotive components are semiconductor-driven. As a result, the automotive industry was held hostage by the shortage in semiconductor supplies needed. Reliable, predictable cost and supply of semiconductors is a requirement for other industries to survive, leave alone thrive. With semiconductors, it requires trust that is at a substantially higher level than with other sub-assembly and shipment industries. (Choodi Shivaram is a senior freelance journalist) Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani on Monday addressed the 46th annual general meeting via video conferencing. He began his address by calling India as unstoppable and tireless. New India is full of self-confidence. This India is unstoppable and tireless. India will rise as a leading nation. India's G20 presidency is historic, he said. When we look at the geopolitical and economic situation, there are dark clouds of uncertainty hovering around us. However, there is also one sharp unmistakable ray of certainty. The certainty that India will rise as a leading nation in our increasingly multi-polar world, Ambani added. Here are the big announcements made at the Reliance AGM 2023. 1. Mukesh Ambani announced that his children Akash, Anant and Isha have been inducted into the company's board of directors. His wife Nita will be stepping down from the board, and will attend the meetings as a permanent invitee. "Nita has been my best adviser and source of immense strength", he said, while announcing he would continue as chairman and managing director for five more years and groom the next generation leaders. 2. Reliance Jio will launch AirFiber on Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls on September 19. AirFiber basically delivers fibre-like internet speed over the air without any wires. You just have to just plug it in, turn it on, and that's it. You now have a personal Wi-Fi hotspot in your home, connected to ultra-high-speed internet using True 5G, Jio said on its website. 3. In a big artificial intelligence (AI) push, Mukesh Ambani said his group is committed to 2,000 Mw of AI-ready computing capacity. Looking ahead, Jio Platforms wants to lead the effort in developing India-specific AI models and AI-powered solutions across domains, thereby delivering the benefit of AI to Indian citizens, businesses and government alike, he said, pledging to deliver AI to everyone and everywhere. 4. Mukesh Ambani announced that Reliance will set up 100 compressed biogas plants to convert agri-waste into gas. "We will rapidly scale this up to 25 CBG plants across India. Our target is to establish 100 CBG plants in the next 5 years, consuming 5.5 million tonnes of agro-residue and organic waste, thereby mitigating nearly 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions, and producing 2.5 million tonnes of organic manure annually", he announced. 5. Reliance foundation chairperson Nita Ambani announced that the group's philanthropic initiative in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has launched a special initiative to empower 1 million women entrepreneurs across India. Over the next three years, this initiative will support and engage women in farm and non-farm income-generating activities, helping them achieve an annual income of at least 1 lakh, she said. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani speaks during the 46th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited, on Monday,(PTI) The Bengaluru police have apprehended a 27-year-old man for allegedly bludgeoning his 24-year-old live-in partner to death with a pressure cooker suspecting her of infidelity in their apartment located in the MICO Layout on Saturday evening. Police said that the man has confessed to his crime, admitting that his suspicion of his partner becoming close to another man ignited his anger. (Sourced) According to police, the accused, identified as Vaishnav, an engineering graduate, as well as his partner, Devi, hailed from the state of Kerala and they had been acquainted with each other for the past three years. They had been sharing a living space for the past two years. Police said that the man has confessed to his crime, admitting that his suspicion of Devi becoming close to another man ignited his anger, ultimately leading to the gruesome murder. Police said that the couple had been engaging in frequent disputes. Vaishnav had some doubts about the deceased, and they fought over it. On Sunday, a fight happened again, and he hit the woman with a cooker. We have also arrested him, and the interrogation is going on, CK Baba, deputy commissioner of police, South Bengaluru, said. To be sure, a confession or disclosure statement of any person made before a police officer is not admissible as evidence before a court unless it is backed by other evidence. Only a confession before a judge is admissible as evidence against an accused. Police said that the murder occurred after Devis sister, Krishna, attempted to mediate between the couple. The trio engaged in a discussion at Krishnas residence earlier in the day. However, tensions escalated once again when Devi and Vaishnav returned to their apartment. A heated argument ensued, resulting in Vaishnav allegedly attacking Devis head repeatedly with a pressure cooker, police said. As her calls to both Devi and Vaishnav went unanswered, a concerned Krishna visited their residence around 4pm. but only to find Devis lifeless body. She immediately contacted the authorities. The Bengaluru police said the accused had been evading capture since the murder but was ultimately apprehended on Sunday. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In another road rage incident in Bengaluru, a scientist was chased and attacked by a group of goons in Rautanahalliarea. The miscreants allegedly damaged his car and later chased him with swords in their hands, claimed the scientist. Bengaluru scientist chased by goons. Very serious incident, says top cop Also Read - Kerala man kills live-in partner with pressure cooker in Bengaluru, arrested On Sunday, Ashutosh Singh, a scientist at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences took to social media platform X and wrote, A narrow escape from local goons on Aug 24, 12:45 AM at Rauthanahalli Main road. They tried stopping my car, chased me with swords, shattering back glass. Traumatized by the delayed police response. Seeking justice, lodging FIR at Madanayakanahalli PS today. Urgent action is needed. Karnatakas additional director general of police (traffic and safety) Alok Kumar called it a serious incident and told that he directed the officials to take a stern against the accused. He wrote, Its a very serious incident. Have directed the concerned to take stringent action. After an increasing number of road rage incidents in Karnatakas capital, Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda said that a rowdy sheet will be opened on such culprits who are involved in such incidents. In the past few months, social media has been flooded with many road rage incidents, thanks to the dash cameras inside the car. Earlier in a conversation with the X users, Dayananda said that they are keeping track of hooligans who are involved in such activities. Incidents of road rage are being dealt with very sternly. Wherever such incidents are reported, police have detected the cases and apprehended the culprits. Besides, rowdy sheets are being opened in concerned police stations on such hooligans so as to keep track of them. There is ZERO TOLERANCE for road rage incidents in Bengaluru City, he tweeted. He further appealed to people to call 112 in any emergency situations. I appeal to citizens to dial #Namma112 in case they are caught up in such a situation. Be rest assured, we are just a call away, added the police commissioner. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With the Panjab University (PU) student elections eight days away, Chandigarh Police have identified 92 students who can be potential troublemakers. SOPU will be only be contesting for the post of general secretary this year. (Sanjeev sharma/HT) Among them, 70 are studying on the PU campus, besides 22 are students of DAV College, Sector 10. The list, according to the police, has been submitted to the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM, Central) as a preventive measure to maintain peace on the campus. Notably, police prepare the list of potential troublemakers before every student election. Each person named in the list is summoned and asked to fill a bond of 10,000 with the SDM, with the surety of keeping peace for one year. Any of them found indulging in violent activities can be arrested. Summoned by SDM The SDM has already summoned these 92 students on Wednesday as preventive action under Section 107/150 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC). According to police officials, these students will be asked to refrain from actions leading to clash or violence on the PU campus or its affiliated colleges to avoid legal action. We are not going to allow anyone to create nuisance during PU elections and to ensure its peaceful and smooth conduct, we have identified leaders or members from all student parties who have aggressive conduct. These students will appear before the SDM on Wednesday, said Gurmukh Singh, deputy superintendent of police (DSP). Meanwhile, Chandigarh police have also deployed 100 cops at the campus entry gates to monitor law and order. Cops have also been stationed at key areas of the campus, including canteens, law department and UIET, where students are expected to gather in large numbers. DSP chairs meeting over security DSP Gurmukh Singh on Monday chaired a 90-minute meeting with PU officials, campus security officials and two leaders from every student party. Police directed the PU authorities to ensure functioning of all CCTV cameras, besides not allowing any outsider during elections. Police further requested PU officials to only allow a panel of four to five students of all parties to canvass in women hostels and to allot separate time to all parties for addressing students in hostels to avoid clashes. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur will also hold a PU security review meeting on Wednesday. ABVP announces president, general secretary candidates Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), meanwhile, announced that they will be contesting for the posts of president and general secretary. The party announced both their candidates, Rakesh Deswal for the post of president and Avinash Yadav for general secretary. Deswal hails from Uttar Pradesh and is currently pursuing MTech from University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET). He is the south campus incharge of ABVP for PU. Yadav has done LLB from Panjab University and is currently pursuing LLM for University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS). He is the hostel convener in the partys executive committee. SOPU fields research scholar for general secretarys post Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), meanwhile, announced Megha Nayyar as their candidate, for the post of general secretary. Nayyar, a research scholar at the varsitys department of womens studies, said she hopes to bring the power back to students from the political parties that are running the campus through their student wings. One of PUs home-grown parties, SOPU will be not be contesting for any other posts. The party is looking to revive its waning influence on campus, having suffering a setback from being associated with gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi. Former Students Organisation of India (SOI) in-charge Shekhar Kamboj also joined CYSS on Monday in the presence of Punjab cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Dharamkot legislator Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With an aim to make the city tuberculosis (TB)-free by 2024, UT administration has proposed to screen all food outlet employees in the city for early identification of TB patients. The use of a mobile diagnostic van for the purpose will be decided after mapping of the establishments. Officials during the meeting regarding making Chandigarh tuberculosis free by 2024. (HT PHOTO) The proposal was put forward at a meeting chaired by UT adviser Dharam Pal on Monday. Stakeholders from health department, along with various NGOs of UT such as Rotary and its branches, were present. The session revolved around a briefing on the National TB Elimination Programme. The UT adviser urged stakeholders to take on the responsibility of different sectors in Chandigarh and focus on TB screening, awareness campaigns and providing nutritional assistance. A comprehensive strategy encompassing the identification, treatment, and management of both TB patients and their families will be adopted, said Dharam Pal. Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, every stakeholder came forward and ensured to support TB patients and their families and help the government in achieving the target of TB elimination by 2024. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Political leaders, for the first time, will not be allowed entry to the Panjab University campus ahead of the student elections slated for September 6. Decision comes after complaints by some student bodies against flaunting of political connections. (HT File) This was decided during a meeting convened by the dean students welfare (DSW) and police with representatives of all student bodies on Monday. The decision will come as a setback for major political parties who enter the poll fray at the varsity through their student wings and line up star campaigners to push their campaign, especially with the Lok Sabha elections coming up in 2024. Panjab University Campus Student Council (PUCSC) elections, Representatives of 17 student parties were called for the meeting, where deputy superintendent of police (DSP, Central) Gurmukh Singh and Sector 11 station house officer (SHO) inspector Malkit Singh were also present. DSW Jatinder Grover read and discussed the rules under the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines and the rules imposed by the UT administration. When the rule regarding ban on outsiders entry was discussed, different parties brought up the incident of Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) bringing AAPs Dharamkot MLA Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose to the campus on multiple occasions and other student parties flaunting their political connections. On this, the DSW and police strictly said that entry of all outsiders, including political leaders, will not be allowed and action will be taken against the student party responsible. We have appealed to all students that they remain peaceful during the campaigning period and follow the rules. An undertaking that they will follow all rules has been taken from all party representatives and after the nominations are done, we will take undertakings from all candidates as well, said DSW Grover. Panjab University Students Union (PUSU) president Bhupinder Singh said, We will not tolerate any outsider coming to the university and using the campus for their politics. Any MP or MLA coming to the campus will be questioned. On Dhoses presence, CYSS state chairman Navaldeep Singh said, The MLA had just come for announcements at the Student Centre and did not participate in campaigning. On the other hand, parties like ABVP, NSUI and SOI, all student wings of major political parties, are known for routinely bringing their political leaders for campaigning. Earlier, in a communication shared by the DSW with the wardens and heads of all departments, while conveying that outsiders are not allowed, it was also specified that students were not allowed to bring their personal security officers (PSOs) on the campus. SHO Malkit Singh said they had appealed to the students not to cause ruckus and not to bring outside cars and outsiders into the campus. Regular checking will be carried out as the university prepares for the filing of nominations that will begin on August 31. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Police have arrested the manager of a petrol pump in Raipur Rani for concocting a fake robbery story to pocket 4.70 lakh. The accused was identified as Sonu, alias Akram Ali. On Monday afternoon, police received a complaint regarding a gunpoint robbery from a petrol pump owner Vikas Singal. Panchkula police arrested the manager of a petrol pump in Raipur Rani for concocting a fake robbery story. (HT FILE) He submitted that his employee Sonu had left for the bank to deposit 4.70 lakh, but was robbed at gunpoint by two motorcycle-borne men on the way. Sonu claimed that the robbers took him to a forest area and drugged him to render him unconscious. But during questioning by police, he confessed to concocting a fake story, following which he was arrested. He is facing a case under Sections 408 (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Protesting for their demands in Sector 5 since June 22, Work Education Instructors were detained by police on Monday after they tried to intensify their protest by tonsuring their heads. Panchkula police taking away the protesters after they tried to tonsure their heads outside Shiksha Sadan, Sector 5, Panchkula. (Sant Arora/HT) The protesters, who had gathered in front of Shiksha Sadan, Sector 5, were rounded up by police and taken to the Yamunanagar road, where they were released. Work education instructors, working in various government schools of Haryana since August 2014 under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Samagra Shiksha), have been protesting to be covered in the 2013 Bylaws . On August 2, four protesters had launched a fast unto death, which was called off after assurance from Rajesh Khullar, additional chief secretary, Haryana. But after no action from the government for nearly four weeks, the protesters decided to get their heads tonsured in front of Shiksha Sadan, when police stopped them. A female protester, Sangeeta Devi from Hisar, was admitted to the Community Health Centre, Mullana, after she fell sick during the demonstration. Rajat Bhatt, president of Work Education Instructors Association, said the administration was not allowing them to present their demands to the chief minister. Where else should we go if the government ignores us? Like other employees of Samagra Shiksha, work education instructors should also be covered under 2013 Bylaws and grade pay. ASHA workers stopped from marching to Haryana Vidhan Sabha Protesting ASHA workers were detained by police on Monday ahead of their march towards Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh from Yavnika Park in Sector 5. They were detained for failing to take prior permission for the protest as per the new standard operating procedure (SOP) in place in Panchkula. Ahead of the protest, police had also invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the district to maintain law and order. ASHA Workers Union state president Surekha and general secretary Sunita said over 20,000 workers had been on strike since August 8. They had held several meetings with the government with regard to their demands, but no action was taken. The protesters dispersed after assurance for a meeting with Haryana home minister Anil Vij on Wednesday. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A team of Punjab Polices Special Task Force (STF), Jalandhar range, arrested an alleged drug smuggler with 350 gm heroin after a shootout near Rayya town of Amritsar on Monday. The accused was identified as Partap Singh of Dunial village. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The accused was identified as Partap Singh of Dunial village. Jagjit Singh Soroa, AIG, STF, Jalandhar, said, After a tip-off about his smuggling activities, our teams tried to nab him by installing a naka outside Dunial village where he resides. To avert his arrest, he opened fire at the police party with his pistol. In defence, the police party also opened fire at him, leaving him injured. The AIG revealed the accused has been hospitalised and will be quizzed after discharge. He has been booked under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and other relevant sections. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! IT professional Nazim Ansari has been seeking a two-km extension to the route of Bus Number 494 since 2018 to save on travel expenses. Vinayak Sonawane has been requesting that the route of Bus Number 504 Ltd be shifted to its previous route from Kharghar to Wadala depot, which was changed during the pandemic. Mumbai - 21st may 2013 - 81 best bus at Flora fountain, Photo by Prodip Guha (Hindustan Times) These grievances and others were discussed in a meeting between passengers, passenger association Aapli BEST Aaplyachsathi and BESTs general manager Vijay Singhal on Monday. We started our discussion with the conductor-less buses, which BEST is running more of, said Rupesh Shelatkar, president of Aapli Best Aaplyachsathi. Rupesh demanded that these buses be discontinued, as they delayed the bus and also led to passengers travelling without tickets. The activists also suggested that the Chalo app be done away with, and the BESTs own BEST Prawas app be upgraded. The app has been pushed aside to give the limelight to the Chalo app, co-founded by Mohit Dubey on the promise of improving the buses ridership in exchange for a cut in the revenue. Dubey is also its CEO. Another point of contention was the many routes that were cancelled or curtailed in 2021. Aapli BEST Aaplyachsathi rooted for their restoration; it also recommended the extension and addition of routes and suggested routes for BEST to run double deckers on. The GM said they would only be able to restore the routes as and when new buses joined their fleet. A much-awaited topic also discussed was the bus rapid transit system (BRTS), which would demarcate a separate lane for BEST buses. The GM said this was already under consideration but would take time. One point of dissatisfaction was the policy of acquiring buses on a wet lease, to which the GM replied that this was a central government policy and would continue. The complaints against the wet-leased buses were that they were not maintained properly, were of poor quality, and had staff which was not well trained and would often go on strike. According to Shelatkar, as the GM was new, he was unaware of most of the issues brought up and said he would look into them. He gave the same answer for every issue. But were hopeful that some positive result will come out of it, the first being on the conductor-less buses, he said. We were promised that buses in Andheri, Dindoshi, Goregaon and other suburbs will get conductors. Passengers Ansari and Sonawane, however, felt let down by the responses of the GM and his demand that their requests be submitted in writing when they had already been sent earlier by email. I have little hope that our demands will be heard, said Ansari. GM Singhal did not respond to calls or texts from HT. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbai: Nearly 50 candidates who were to appear for the Maharashtra Talathi recruitment exam on Monday were barred from entering the exam centre at Powai because they were allegedly late. Upset at not being let in, a spontaneous protest broke out outside the gates, with several candidates claiming that they had arrived ahead of time. Many candidates had travelled from the rural parts of the state. Mumbai, India - Aug 28, 2023 : Students who are reaching to appear for the Talathi exam are not allowed to enter the examination centre even though they have reached two minutes before reporting time. As per the rules students are allowed to enter the examination centre five minutes before the actual exam starts. Around 25 students are protesting outside the TCS examination centre, Filtar Pada Road, Powai, in Mumbai, India, Monday, Aug 28, 2023. (Photo by Vijay Bate/HT Photo) The candidates had been instructed to arrive at 8 am at the Powai IT Park exam centre in Mumbai, with the Session 1 paper scheduled for 9 am. However, upon reaching the centre, they were confronted with the unsettling situation of the main entrance being shut before they could go in. This resulted in the unfortunate denial of entry to some candidates. The exams to recruit Talathis for the revenue department began on August 17 and will continue until September 14. Utpal Rokde, one of the protesting candidates from Umarkhed in Yavatmal district, said, I had indicated my preference for exam centres in Yavatmal, Nanded and Aurangabad. To my surprise, I was assigned to Mumbai, a fact that I became aware of just two days ago when I received my hall ticket. Rokde said that he reached Mumbai early on Monday morning and hurried to the exam centre in Powai. Overcoming the challenges posed by both inaccessibility and ongoing road construction near the centre, he managed to arrive just as the gates were about to close. The scheduled start time for the exam was 9 am, and the gates were to shut at 8.45 am. Another candidate from Ulwe in Navi Mumbai described her disappointment, saying, As I alighted from the autorickshaw, I was disheartened to witness the gates closing. She had opted for Mumbai as an exam centre due to the absence of a centre in Navi Mumbai. Another candidate, who reached Mumbai from Nanded, said that several persons missed entry by a mere minute. This is what sparked the collective anger, he said. Considering the considerable efforts invested in reaching the exam centre, we could have been let in. I have been preparing for the competitive examination for the last three years now. This year I lost my opportunity due to this mismanagement. Another candidate added: We followed the instructions and reached the exam centre on time. But the main entrance was closed prematurely, and there was nobody around to clarify. Who can we turn to for answers? Anand Rayte, the state coordinator for the Talathi recruitment exam, said that candidates had been informed of the stringent timings. In the incident today at the Mumbai exam centre, the local authorities confirmed that the gates were closed as scheduled, he said. Rayte also provided clarity on the allocation of exam centres, saying, Given that this is a computer-based examination, centres are limited. Candidates were informed that if a centre was not available in their vicinity, they would be assigned a centre at a different location. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! A 19-year-old woman private security guard, posted at a residential high-rise in Ghaziabad, died at a hospital in Delhi on Monday after she was raped allegedly by her supervisor at their office on Sunday, Ghaziabad police said. The investigators in the case said the woman was seen in CCTV footage entering the office of her supervisor around 11.30pm on Sunday. She left 10 minutes later, they said. (Representational image) According to police, they had initially registered an FIR [first information report] of gang-rape naming the supervisor and two additional unidentified persons at Crossings Republik police station on Sunday, but the woman in her statement to the magistrate name only her supervisor as her assaulter, said police. The supervisor has been arrested, police said. We have arrested him and are awaiting the autopsy findings and the medical report. It has come to light that she suffered damage to her lungs, but the cause of the damage is not known yet. There are theories that she tried to die by suicide after the incident but this has not been substantiated, deputy commissioner of police Vivek Chandra Yadav (rural) said. The autopsy report came by late Monday evening, but it could not ascertain the cause of death and remained inconclusive on rape. The viscera has been preserved, the DCP said. Police said the deceased hailed from Jharkhand and was working at a high-rise since about a month and was staying with her aunt nearby the high-rise. Her landlords son said, The woman was given some poisonous substance by the supervisor and her condition started to deteriorate soon after. The guards later shifted her to the private hospital in Gautam Budh Nagar. From there, her aunt received a call. The woman had come a month ago from Jharkhand in search of work and she was staying with her aunts family who is our tenant. She died around 3am on Monday at the hospital in Delhi. From the private hospital, she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi where she died early Monday morning. Based on a complaint filed by her cousin, a case of gang-rape under Section 376d of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was filed against the supervisor and two unidentified persons. We got her statement recorded before a magistrate (under CrPC 164) at the private hospital. As she was unable to speak, she gave her statement in writing to the magistrate and named only her supervisor, said the DCP The investigators in the case said the woman is seen in CCTV footage while entering the office of her supervisor around 11.30pm on Sunday. She exited the office about 10 minutes later and seemed normal. After the suspect was arrested, he said some residents had complained against the woman over her frequent absenteeism. Upon this, the supervisor had marked her absent for three days. However, the woman in her statement before the magistrate said the supervisor raped her and this will make a strong case against him. Her statement will hold as it is her dying declaration, said a police officer, attached to case investigation, asking not to be named. The police said based on her statement, the case of gang-rape will now be treated as a case of rape against the supervisor. A purported audio clip has also come to fore in which the weeping woman could be heard telling a security officer about the alleged incident. Sir, he (the suspect) called me to his room in order to sign the register...he locked the gate from inside and tried to hold me by my waist and kiss me and was brushing his body to mine. He said he will give me money and mobile phone. So, should I sell my honour to him? I will complain against him at the police station..., the woman was heard saying. A video of her narrating the same thing to several persons standing near her has also surfaced. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio or video clip. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peeyush Khandelwal Peeyush Khandelwal writes on a range of issues in western Uttar Pradesh from crime, to development authorities and from infrastructure to transport. Based in Ghaziabad, he has been a journalist for almost a decade. ...view detail A year after the 32-storey Supertech twin towers in Sector 93A became the tallest structures in the country to be demolished in a controlled blast, residents of Emerald Court on Monday held celebrations to mark a year of freedom from the shadow of the looming towers. The spot where the illegally constructed Supertech twin towers stood. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo) A year on, the two acre land on which the towers stood has been unofficially named as Vijay Path by residents, while the day was commemorated as Victory Day. In December 2012, the senior citizen-led residents welfare association of the society filed a PIL in the Allahabad high court against the twin towers claiming that several rules were violated in their construction. In August 2021, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the residents and ordered the towers demolition. From enjoying ample sunlight and wind to taking a walk in the open space in the evening, the residents say their homes are no less than heaven for them. The cleaning of the rubble, from the towers demolition, was to be completed in three months as per the Noida authority schedule, but it took at least nine months for the whole area to be cleared of debris. In May this year, the RWA decided to unofficially rename the land as Vijay Path, as the society driveway connects to it, and residents like to take a walk in the open space. It has become like heaven for us. We are now able to see our towers clear from the shadow of the twin towers. It was for all this that we fought for over a decade. This is the dream home we bought years ago before the builder decided to erect the looming towers in front of our homes, cutting off our sunlight and view, said the 83-year-old UBS Teotia, the residents welfare association (RWA) president Teotia said the flat rates have increased significantly after the towers were removed. Earlier, the society and its residents were under the shadow of the two buildings. There were several flats lying vacant as no one wanted to live here because the view from the balconies was spoiled. However, over the past one year, several new residents have moved in and around 15 vacant flats have been occupied. Earlier, a 1,750 squre feet flat cost around 82-85 lakh, and the same is now prices at 1.50 crore. The rate of a 2,800 square feet flat has increased from 1.25 crore to 1.75 crore, said the RWA president. Last winter, residents, said, they could finally bask in the winter sun on their balconies. We earlier had to step out of our homes and go to the central park for sunlight during winters. But this winter was memorable for us as we could sit on our balconies and take in the winter sun, said Nirmal Tandon (85), another resident. The society overlooks the Sector 93A park, which also offers a green view for residents. In 2009, the only reason I purchased a flat in Emerald Court was the ample greenery and air circulation. But with the construction of the imposing 32-storey high towers, just nine metres away from our home, made living in our own homes feel like we were in a jail. The past one year has been blissful, said Mihika Arora (63), another resident. The demolition also made the society well-known, both locally and across the country. Now, when we need to tell someone the location of our society, we mention that this is the spot where the demolition happened. The demolition is still being talked about even after a year, said Gauri Grover, a resident. Probe into authority officials still lagging Saumya Srivastava, Greater Noida authority officer on special duty, who was appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe into the role of Noida authority officials into the Supertech twin towers case on Monday said of the 11 officials served show-cause notices, seven have replied while four have sought more time. The probe was initiated by the government to investigate how Supertech got the map of the twin towers approved despite the towers being planned in violation of building by-laws. Srivastava was appointed in March this year and has been given the mandate to probe and identify the culpable officials and fix responsibility. The seven people who have replied have been given another two weeks to reply in a detailed manner, as their replies were not satisfactory. The other four people have not yet replied, and have sought a months time, on August 25, to reply. Once the replies are submitted, the inquiry report will be submitted to the government, he said. When asked about the delay, he said, The department procedures take time. I was appointed in March and I only got the files a month later. Further, three of the officials who have been served notices, have approached the Allahabad high court seeking reprieve. The high court has mandated that the government order be followed in the investigation, which states that the officials accused of collusion with the builder be given a chance of cross examine witnesses who gave statements against them. They have also asked for some documents to be forwarded to them from the Noida authority. These are all taking some time. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The board of the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) on Monday put on hold the approval of draft Master Plan (MP) 2031 in a meeting held at the divisional commissioners office in Meerut. The officials said a proposal for linking Sector 62 Metro to Sahibabad was also put on hold as it needed more inputs which will be discussed with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). (Representational Image/Sakib Ali/HT Photo) The officials said a proposal for linking Sector 62 Metro to Sahibabad was also put on hold as it needed more inputs which will be discussed with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The officials said the draft Master Plan 2031 is ready but was held back by the board to make several changes which will be incorporated in the coming weeks. A master plan is a blueprint that defines broad or macro level layout of different planned developmental activities in a city. The draft Master Plan 2031 includes macro plans for Ghaziabad city, Loni and Modinagar/Muradnagar. According to officials, the draft plan involves development activities planned over an area of about 3,473 hectares. An area of 1,389.2 hectares is reserved has been reserved for residential use, 208.38 hectares for commercial use, and 555.68 hectares for recreational use, among others. The draft plan incorporates the special development areas (SDAs) and the transit oriented (TOD) zones for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project which is being developed by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). There are some issues such as development of zonal plans for the TOD zones and conversion of Duhai Depot to a RRTS station which will have provision of mixed land use. So, considering this, the board asked us to hold talks with the NCRTC to discuss the pending issues, said Rajesh Kumar Singh, secretary, GDA. The GDA officials said the authority has made provisions for 1060.06 hectares for two SDAs 510.56 hectares at Guldhar and 549.5 hectares at Duhai. Besides that, the authority has also earmarked 4,044.58 hectares of TOD zone around seven RRTS stations in Ghaziabad. The Duhai Depot will be the eighth RRTS station if everything goes as planned. Singh said the state-appointed consultant was also asked to incorporate changes on account of public objections which were invited and these will be fully incorporated soon. GDA sources said there were total of 1,193 public objections/suggestion on the draft Master Plan 2031. We are expecting that all the changes required in the draft plan will be incorporated in the month of September and the final draft will again be taken to next board meeting. The board also asked us to discuss with the DMRC the proposal for linking Sector 62 of the Noida Metro to the Delhi Metro in Sahibabad and to see whether any changes were required for the corridor, Singh said. In January 2020, the DMRC had submitted plans for this corridor to be built at a cost of 1,517 crore and a second line to connect Vaishali with Mohan Nagar at a cost of 1,808.22 crore. The GDA, over the past one and half years, have deliberated on different alternatives such as ropeway, Metro Neo, and Metro Lite in place of the previously proposed Metro extensions. But the authority later dumped these alternatives in favour of Metro. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peeyush Khandelwal Peeyush Khandelwal writes on a range of issues in western Uttar Pradesh from crime, to development authorities and from infrastructure to transport. Based in Ghaziabad, he has been a journalist for almost a decade. ...view detail Over 260 activists of Tripuras indigenous students organisation Twipra Students Federation ( TSF) were detained in different parts of the state on Monday amid their 12-hour strike demanding Roman script for Kokborok language and the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill. The TSF said they have called for a 12-hour strike throughout the state to demand Roman script for Kokborok language. (PTI) Kokborok is the lingua franca of majority of the indigenous community in the state. Despite the language being recognised as an official language in the state, it does not have a script. So far, 262 persons from 24 places in the state were detained. Blockades were withdrawn in six places till latest report came to us. We didnt get report of any injury, said assistant inspector general (law and order) Jyotisman Das Choudhury. TSF general secretary Hamalu Jamatia said, We called for a 12-hour strike throughout the state to demand Roman script for Kokborok language. We are not against any community. We are not here for any communal violence. We are just here for our demand of Roman script. Earlier this June, TIPRA Mothas student organistion TISF protested for the Roman script for Kokborok language. During the movement, nearly 20 people, including five security personnel, were injured. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW District magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar on Monday convened a meeting at the Collectorate auditorium to address effective monitoring and accurate documentation of child nutrition using the Poshan tracker app by anganwadi workers in Lucknow, as stated in a press release by his office. District magistrate Surya Pal Gangwar (HT Photo) During the meeting, specific instructions were provided to ensure regular and accurate recording of details for all children aged 0 to 5 years under the care of anganwadi centres. This includes maintaining the childs height and weight data on the app. Emphasising the importance of the Sambhav Abhiyan, which focuses on preventing malnutrition among pregnant women and children, as well as the occasion of the Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND), the DM urged both district and block authorities to ensure that information regarding children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is entered into the e-Kavach portal. Additionally, the district health authorities are mandated to ensure the availability of essential medicines for the children within the district. Those with SAM should also undergo meticulous local-level monitoring. Addressing pregnant mothers, the DM highlighted the necessity of consistently monitoring women afflicted with severe anaemia. He stressed the provision of iron and calcium tablets and advocated for comprehensive prenatal check-ups and counselling sessions to be conducted at the Community Health Centers. Furthermore, the DM directed district health officials to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of anaemia within schools and health sub-centres. The meeting was attended by officials from relevant departments at the district level, as well as representatives from UNICEF. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A team of Prayagraj police is carrying out raids at multiple places in Lucknow in search of Samajwadi Partys former Twitter (now X account) handler Manish Jagan Agarwal, since Sunday night. The team is still in Lucknow to trace Agarwal, officials said. For representation only (HT File Photo) Former Allahabad University Students Union president, Richa Singh, had lodged two FIRs against Agarwal at Shivkuti police station in which she had accused Agarwal of issuing threats and making objectionable and obscene comments against her. The first FIR was lodged on August 16 for making objectionable comments against women on Twitter. Five days later another FIR was registered on her complaint for issuing threats to her through social media. Richa Singh had also approached the Prayagraj police commissioner Ramit Sharma and demanded Agarwals arrest in both cases, a few days back. Sanjay Gupta, SHO, Shivkuti police station, said that raids have been carried out at several locations in Lucknow in search of Agarwal. Richa Singh has contested assembly polls twice from Allahabad West Constituency seat on a Samajwadi Party ticket. However, during the past few months, Richa has been critical of Samajwadi Party leaders on different issues. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! PRAYAGRAJ Following the registration of a new case against Shaista Parveen, Zainab, and other individuals accused in the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal, the police are set to seize their remaining properties linked to the case. Shaista Parveen (Sourced) Despite the demolition of structures, Atiqs ancestral home and office in Chakia are still held by his family members. It is anticipated that the police will proceed to attach Atiqs ancestral home and office, leaving his family and children without a place to call their own. On August 25, Dhumanganj police filed an FIR under Section 174-A for contempt of court against the late mafia politician Atiq Ahmads wife, Shaista Parveen, Zainab (wife of Ashraf), Atiqs sister Ayesha Noori, and the assailants Guddu Muslim, Armaan, and Sabir. In their complaint, the police stated that the accused failed to present themselves before the investigating officer and the court. Despite the issuance of a notice under Section 82 of CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure), they have continuously evaded arrest. Police officials mentioned that a chargesheet will be filed against the accused in the new FIR after completion of investigations. Following the service of a notice under Section 83 of CrPC, the courts instructions will be followed to attach the accuseds properties, as per the established procedure. It is noteworthy that the police have already seized properties belonging to Atiq Ahmad and his relatives, with an estimated value of around 1,500 crore in locations such as Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kaushambi, and other places. Furthermore, properties owned by his gang members and close associates, worth several crores, have been confiscated over the past few years. The investigation by the police into Atiq Ahmads murder has revealed that the mafia politician and his relatives possessed benami properties valued at hundreds of crores, along with numerous shell companies and investments in diverse business projects across multiple states. Although the police have managed to attach many of Atiqs local properties and prime plots of land, his ancestral home and office in Chakia remain unattached. Atiqs ancestral home was razed in September 2020 by the administration as part of a larger crackdown against mafias and gangsters in the state. Atiqs office near Karbala was also partially demolished, as it was constructed without the necessary approvals from the authorities. Nonetheless, both properties were legally owned by Atiq. With the demise of Atiq and his brother Ashraf, the ancestral property has now legally passed into the ownership of Shaista, Zainab, and their children. On August 7, the Dhumanganj police posted a notice under Section 82 of CrPC at Atiqs demolished ancestral home, publicly declaring Shaista as absconding in Umesh Pals murder case. Should the police proceed with the attachment of the house, Atiqs family will find themselves without a place to reside. Even if Atiqs family members are granted bail, they will either need to rent a residence or seek refuge with relatives. A senior police official stated that a detailed investigation into the properties owned by the absconding accused is currently underway. Further steps involve a thorough examination of both movable and immovable assets owned by the accused, including those of Shaista Parveen, Zainab, Ayesha Noori, and the assailants Guddu Muslim, Sabir, and Armaan. The police will utilise revenue records to investigate properties registered under the names of the accused before proceeding with additional measures, he added. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Veteran Nagaland politician and the oldest member of the current assembly Noke Wangnao passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in Chumoukedima after he complained of health issues. He was 87. Late Noke Wangnao. A staunch regionalist, Wangnao began his political career in 1974 and was elected from Tapi assembly constituency in Mon district for the 10th time in February this year on a ticket from chief minister Neiphiu Rios Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). During his political career spanning almost five decades, Wangnao held key positions in the government as minister for forests, social welfare, and the public works department, among others. He was serving as an MLA and advisor for the Social Welfare department till his death. The Nagaland government organised a state funeral on Monday afternoon at Wangnaos residence in Dimapur. CM Rio, deputy CM Yanthungo Patton, Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak are among those present at the funeral. His mortal remains will then be flown to Mon district headquarters by chopper where the last rites will be performed. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A police sub-inspector (SI) was critically injured, and two constables sustained minor injuries when goons of a liquor mafia attacked a team of police personnel who were conducting raids at Gheura village under Risiyap police station limits of Aurangabad district late on Sunday. A JCB machine crushes liquor bottles seized in Patna, Bihar. (Santosh Kumar/ HT File Photo) Injured SI Wazir Alam, who suffered multiple fractures, was referred to a higher medical institution. A liquor smuggler had been arrested, and an SUV along with 20 litres of illegal liquor were seized from the place, the police said. Risiyap SHO Sanjay Kumar said that the mafia had buried the liquor containers in the fields outside Gheura village. A police team led by Alam acted on a tip-off and reached the place to seize the liquor when dozens of goons attacked them with stones and other weapons. The SI and constables sent SOS requests to senior officers, following which reinforcements from Aurangabad and nearby Amba and Simara police stations rushed to the spot and rescued the team. The mafia goons fled from the village as soon as reinforcements arrived. The police then raided the village and arrested alleged smuggler Sonu Paswan. The police have registered a case under sections 307 (murderous attack), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code and under the Excise Act. Raids are on to identify and arrest the mafia goons, SHO Kumar said. The incidents of liquor mafias attack on policemen have been on the rise in Aurangabad. The then Kutumba SHO Kamlesh Paswan and station manager Gangesh Kumar had a narrow escape but fractured their hands and legs after goons ran over then in an SUV with the intention to kill them during a raid on NH-139. Earlier, the mafia also tried to crush and kill the then Amba SHO JK Bharti and Risiyap SHO Ashutosh Kumar. Last week, probationer SI Akash Kumar and Dinesh Kumar of Amba police station were critically injured near Batane canal bridge while chasing a wanted liquor mafia. Both are still battling for life. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bhagalpur police have arrested six people, and launched a hunt for the seventh accused, for allegedly gang-raping a Class 7 student several times. The minor girl was rescued on Sunday evening from a house in Jogsar area of the district. For representational purposes only. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Acting on a tip off, the girl was rescued from a house after a raid. The police have so far arrested six persons allegedly involved in the incident, while search is on to arrest the seventh accused, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Anand Kumar told HT over the phone on Monday. Informing that the medical examination of the victim will be conducted on Monday, the SSP said a probe has been initiated after a case was registered based on the girls statement, who also revealed that she knew one of the accused. The police have registered a case of gang rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and recovered objectionable items from the house. Four persons have been identified as Kundan Kumar, Karan Kumar, Aditya Kumar (all residents of Banka), while Aman Kumar is from Naugachia. We are verifying the records of the two who were arrested on Monday, the police said. All arrested people are within the age group of 18-19 years. They will be produced before the court on Monday. According to her family members, the 13-year-old girl had left home on Friday informing her parents that she was going to the house of a friend. She may have been tricked by the accused on the way, the family members alleged. We came to know about the incident only after we received a phone call from a police official, they said, adding they thought she was in the house of her friend as she would often go and stay there. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Pune: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers on Monday staged a protest against the Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal for his comments against Sharad Pawar. Bhujbal, who was one of the closest aides of Pawar, criticised the veteran leader while addressing a public rally in Beed on Sunday. (HT PHOTO) Bhujbal, who was one of the closest aides of Pawar, criticised the veteran leader while addressing a public rally in Beed on Sunday. The workers condemned Bhujbals remarks. Supporting the Ajit Pawar-led NCP side, Bhujbal claimed that the senior Pawar held talks with the BJP using senior party leaders and later backtracked. NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) city unit president Prashant Jagtap, When Bhujbal was in trouble, it was Sharad Pawar who had saved him. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Kainaat Arora is best known for the adult comedy flick Grand Masti (2013), but the actor says that she is much than a one film wonder. Actor Kainaat Arora during her shoot for KC Bokadias film Teesri Begum at Aunty House in Lucknow recently. Unfortunately, the audience and even the film industry for that matter, judge you with the number of Hindi films on your CV, which is absolutely wrong. I am an artiste, performer and an entertainer and I cant restrict myself to one industry! I have done a lot of regional films, and I am knee-deep busy with my work live shows, catalogue shoots, corporate events, public appearances and what not! I have completed four projects of late two OTT series and two films, says the UPite on her visit to Lucknow for the shoot of KC Bokadias Teesri Begum. Actor Kainaat Arora during her shoot for KC Bokadias film Teesri Begum in Lucknow. She asserts, Our glamourous image is always in focus while the hard work an artiste does goes unnoticed. During Navratri every year, I get to attend at least nine shows in different cities so work never stops. Also, I try to give my best for every project, like in this film I did stunts without a body double and have bruised body, we work without AC, are sleep deprived and its only then we are able to earn the luxuries. So, work is what matters for any artiste. On her upcoming projects she tells, I have completed OTT series Reth opposite Karanvir Sharmabased on sand mining, thriller Fatima where I am playing wife of Hiten Tejwani and adventure-thriller Tipsy directed by Deepak Tijori based on Hollywood film Hangover. In Bokadia sirs film I am playing a Rajput woman. In between, I did a film with Ram Gopal Verma, but it was shelved. I also did song Tota with Sonu Nigam-Meet Bros and a song in film Ishq Pashmina (2022). Kainaat before a stunt. Talking about working with big stars, she says, My Malayalam Laila O Laila debut was opposite Mohanlal, then my Tamil debut Mankatha with Ajith Kumar, Punjabi film Faraar opposite Gippy Gerewal, first Hindi song Aila Re Aila with Akshay (Kumar in Khatta Meetha, 2010) and acting debut in Indra Kumar film. I may have worked a little less but whatever I have done has been with the best of directors and actors. The actor tells, I come from Saharanpur (UP), with my father being a businessman. It was not easy to even go to Delhi. During my course in NIFT someone clicked my pictures and I got my first ad-film and then ramp happened. Rest is history as they say. Acting was nowhere on my mind, but I landed here. Coming from small town its a big deal for me, kabhi socha bhi nahi tha... SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Lauren Gottlieb, who made headlines as she danced to Ram Charan and Jr NTR's song Naatu Naatu at Oscars 2023, is back in news. On Monday, the American actor-dancer took to Instagram to announce her engagement to long-time London-based boyfriend, Tobias Jones. Lauren, who made her Bollywood debut in 2013 with ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, wrote a long note and shared a bunch of pictures with Tobias on Instagram. Also read: Lauren Gottlieb finds love in Tobias Jones Lauren Gottlieb announces engagement to Tobias Jones. Lauren Gottlieb's stunning proposal photos Introducing her fiance, Lauren Gottlieb wrote in her caption, "A million times YES (ring emoji). Officially forever (heart with arrow emoji). Tobias, you are the man of my dreams!! I always knew there was that perfect combination of a man, who is super driven, spontaneous, fun, and wild, and equally as loving, kind, caring, and patient. You are all these things and so much more!" Giving a peek at how he proposed to her, Lauren shared pictures from their proposal location, Aruba Ocean Villas in the Caribbean. A part of her caption read, "Thank you @arubaoceanvillas for the most stunning proposal location and set up!! Thank you @carlosdelgadx for the most beautiful engagement photos!" The first picture showed Tobias, who was dressed in an all-black outfit, on one knee as he proposed to Lauren, who wore an orange dress. The two stood on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean. It was decorated with rose petals and a floral backdrop. Lauren also shared a couple of candid pictures of herself and Tobias. There were also two photos of the couple kissing in various locations at the stunning property. A romantic beach photo of the two taken during the sunset and another one of Tobias hugging Lauren was also shared. Lauren Gottlieb on their relationship She further wrote in her caption, "After that first phone call we had from Los Angeles to London I just knew we were supposed to be in each others lives. For that year and a half we built the best foundation of love and respect. I feel so blessed our paths finally crossed so we could fall in love! Thank you for bringing so much love, joy, and pure happiness in my entire life. Im the luckiest girl in the world to be your fiance. The good part has only just begun!!" Tobias, who is a video creator, also shared a sweet note for his fiance in their joint Instagram post, writing, "Lauren, you are the most beautiful person inside and out and I am truly blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Since being together I cant imagine life without you and cant wait to continue making memories & experiencing the world together. I knew the perfect woman was out there and I am forever grateful to have found my soulmate (red heart emoji)." About Lauren Gottlieb Prior to her Bollywood debut, Lauren Gottlieb participated in season three of the American dance show So You Think You Can Dance in 2005. As a dancer in the US, she had performed with Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias, among others. Lauren was also the runner up in the sixth season of the popular Indian television dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa with choreographer and partner Punit Pathak in 2013. Later, she judged the eighth season of the show. She has also appeared in the music video for Harrdy Sandhu's She Dance Like, which was released in 2019. 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 For actors, its very easy to get insecure of the screen time they get in a project as compared to others, and whether they are the face of a project or not. However, for Mrunal Thakur, challenging storytelling comes first, and rest everything takes a backseat. She was seen in one of the four stories each in web anthologies Ghost Stories (2020) and Lust Stories 2, and one episode of recently released Made in Heaven 2. Mrunal Thakur was last seen in Made in Heaven 2 Sometimes, filmmakers do question me that, You are a heroine, why would you put yourself in a position where you are only playing a small role, almost like a guest appearance in someone elses film. This is really something that I never thought of and not that I want to think about, she tells us. The 31-year-old adds that her approach towards acting is to emphasise on the passion for storytelling rather than the length of her role. An actors biggest challenge is to deliver their performance in as little time as they can, she says, crediting the late actor Irrfan who she draws inspiration from. One of the biggest examples of this, and a person I worship, is Irrfan sir. He started with roles that didnt have much screen space, but jitna bhi woh aate the, ek chaap chhod ke jaate the, and people remember that for life. He is my inspiration, and hence, screen space is never an issue for me, she asserts. Asked if she ever felt apprehensive before signing any of these projects that she is not headlining, and Thakur says, What excites me is the filmmaker, because each one of them has a different way of working, and their journey is unique. I want to change the definition of smaller roles... theres nothing like that. I work in this industry because I am passionate about acting and the process of storytelling. The actor, who has been part of films such as Batla House (2019), Toofan (2021), Jersey (2022) and Gumrah, further explains that being part of short stories in an anthology doesnt mean the team is putting any less efforts while making them. We shoot 120 days on film, so you get so occupied with the film that you do, and cant give any other longer commitment. These short stories, for which the shoot lasts for five to six days are equally exhausting, but they allow you to take small mini breaks in-between. Its challenging and in a way, every actor is selfish, as far as their performance is concerned. A long format of what I did would be too much for the audience to absorb, thats why there are shorter stories, she elaborates. Thakur, who has had a successful transition from TV to films, stresses that there are some stories that need to be told and then the format does not matter, be it short film, feature film, an episode or a whole series. Sometimes, emotions in a story are such that you cant show them in a long format. So, Im glad Im getting to be part of important stories, she says, adding, Someone once told me, Its exciting whenever you do a new film because we know that you will being something new to the table. Sometimes I feel great to hear such comments, but at times, I also feel that bahut pressure ho gaya hai, ab next alag kya karein. So, I just keep experimenting with the work I do. BTS member V on Monday released his songs-- Snow Flower feat. PeakBoy, Winter Bear, and Scenery. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), BTS agency BigHit Music posted tweets on Monday. V aka Kim Taehyung unveiled the songs just over a week ahead of the release of his first-ever solo album Layover on September 8. (Also Read | BTS' V calls Greta Gerwig's Barbie one of the most impactful films he's watched in recent times) BTS member V officially released his three songs. V's three songs released BigHit Music shared the names of platforms where the songs were officially released. They include Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. The caption read, "Scenery, Winter Bear, Snow Flower (feat. Peakboy) official release #V #Scenery #WinterBear #SnowFlower." The songs released at 1.30 pm KST (9.30 am IST). Fans react to V's song Reacting to the tweet, a fan said, "Finally! Thank you. I was waiting for this." A tweet read, Thank you for such great songs!!! #Scenery Performed by V, written by V; #WinterBear interpreted by V, written by RM and V; #SnowFlower interpreted by V, Feat: #Peakboy, written by V, produced by V. Another person wrote on X, "Thank you Tae for such great songs." "His masterpieces are finally here," commented another person. A person said, "Taehyung's comfort songs are finally here." V shares pics from his recent trip On Monday, V shared several photos on Instagram from his recent trip to Japan for Celine. In the photos, he was seen in a white T-shirt, denim jacket, a printed scarf around his neck and black leather pants. V also opted for black boots and earrings. He captioned the post, "@celine Tokyo is great (face with hand over mouth emoji)." V's album layover V will drop his solo debut album Layover on September 8 at 1 pm KST (9.30 am IST). It will consist of six songs--Rainy Days, Blue, Love Me Again, Slow Dancing, For Us and Slow Dancing (Piano Version). A part of BigHit Music's statement on Weverse read, "Hello. This is BigHit Music. We are excited to share more details about the release of BTS member Vs solo album Layover. Layover consists of six tracks in total - five tracks and a bonus track. To fully appreciate the albums flow, we recommend listening to it in sequence from start to finish." SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tamil superstar Vijay's son Jason Sanjay is all set to step into the movie-making business. He will join the Tamil film industry as a director, Lyca Productions announced on Monday. Vijay's son Jason Sanjay will work with Lyca Productions. Jason Sanjay said in an interview, It is a matter of pride for me that my first film to be directed by a prestigious production company like Lyca Productions. The production house is a place to nurture talent and create opportunities for new directors. I am very happy that they liked my story. Similarly, I have been given full freedom to act with creative freedom." We are currently in talks with rising stars and technicians in the film industry. I am thankful to Subhaskaran sir for this opportunity. It has created a great excitement and a great responsibility for me. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Tamil Kumaran, who has been a great support in realizing my dream of becoming a director, he said. Fans of Vijay congratulated Jason Sanjay. Congrats #JasonSanjay Hope you will touch heights in your Career, wrote a fan. The cub is here. All the best Sanjay, wrote another. Lyca Productions, which has produced many films including Kolamavu Kokila, Kathi and Ponniyin Selvan, is producing this film. Son of actor Vijay and Sangeeta, Jason Sanjay has completed BA (Hons) in Screenwriting from London and Diploma in Film Production from Toronto Film School. He has also directed a short film. He has also directed a short film called Pull The Trigger. Recently, actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan had also announced that he will make his directorial debut with a web series. He had studied filmmaking from University of Southern California and directed his father in an advert for his vodka/clothing brand. Vijay was last seen in hit Tamil film Varisu. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Adarsh Gourav, who shot to fame as Rajkummar Rao's driver in The White Tiger, is back with a new web series Guns and Gulaabs and this time it's his turn to play the other's boss. The actor, who was once nominated for the BAFTA, is drawing accolades for his performance of Jugnu Ganchi in the latest Netflix show made by the director duo Raj and DK of The Family Man fame. He says it is no less than a dream to get a role which is so complex, his first without an audition. Also read: Guns & Gulaabs review: This explosive cast of Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan deserved a better Raj & DK series Adarsh Gourav plays Jugnu Ganchi aka Chota Ganchi in Guns and Gulaabs. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Adarsh opened up about playing the onscreen son of late actor Satish Kaushik in Guns and Gulaabs and all that he would remember about him. He also talked about working with Raj and DK, why the shootout sequence was a hard one and more. Excerpts: How did you land the role of Jugnu aka Chhota Ganchi? I just got a call and was told to meet Raj and DK who narrated the story to me. They told me about Jugnu's character and asked me if I was interested in playing it. To be honest, I was very, very shocked that they were offering me the part without even asking me to audition because it had never happened to me before. They placed so much faith and trust in my ability that I decided to work even harder and make the most of this opportunity. Its such a delicious and complex character to play. I think its any actor's dream to play a character as complex as this. So many hidden layers! I feel very lucky to have gotten this role and to have worked with Raj and DK which was an absolute dream. What brief did you get for the role? They just spoke to me about who his father was, the kind of business that they are in. A lot of it also came from discussions between the three of us. I had to just understand this human whos grown up in an environment where hes surrounded by these toxic male gangsters. Theres not one female presence like a mother or sister. So just to be around these like men who only discuss business, killings, kidnappings and money. How would that affect somebody who doesn't want to be part of this world? There's so much that's happening inside of Jugmu. They had written the character, but a lot of it also comes out when you actually talk about it and start playing it. Share your experience of working with Raj and DK. They are phenomenal people, very genuine and humble. They made it on their own and dont take themselves or their success too seriously and that is why they can make shows that are so amazing. And you see that character in all the films and shows they make. The moment a scene starts getting very heavy, they completely flip the scene by cracking a joke or by doing something funny. So you get the message without feeling heavy about it, which is what is so special about this. They also ask their actors their thoughts, their feedback on the character. They're very interested in seeing what actors bring to the table. Most of your scenes were with the late Satish Kaushik. How would you remember the experience of working with him? He was just a phenomenal human being. We would all always wait for Satish sir to come on set or to come and have lunch so that we could join him on his table and just be regaled by his stories. I would ask him about how Bombay was when he came in the late 70s. He was always making people laugh and always taking care of people. Such a great human, sensitive, funny, great leader, great story teller and a great actor he was. It's really an irreparable loss for all of us. Was there a scene which turned out to be a challenge during the shoot? I remember the day we shot the shootout sequence. It was very cold that night and the scene was shot around 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning. So we were fighting not just the cold but also our sleep to stay awake and to be in the moment. We shot at a place which is one and a half hours from Dehradun. It was winter and I realized that your hands burn when you pick up snow without wearing gloves. There is a scene where Rajkummar Rao comes to you and asks you for work. And you are the boss here - the Chhota Ganchi. We see the tables turn after The White Tiger. Did the thought hit you as well? Nothing was going on in my mind at the time, I was just pertaining to the scene. When I found out that Raj bhai is doing the show, I realized that its actually the opposite of what we did in The White Tiger. It was very fascinating. The recent state elections in Malaysia ended in status quo, but the opposition parties were seen getting an edge. Despite continuing challenges to political stability and the fragility of the coalition government, the results give hope for Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim to carry forward its promises of strengthening the economy and bringing transparency in governance. The ruling coalition at the capital, Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) retained three states of Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan, while Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led opposition coalition retained Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. The opposition coalition is claiming that their expansion into the PH-ruled states can become a significant factor for the electoral future of the nation, which will see the next general election in 2027. Given the results, the Islamist-leaning parties, PN and PAS have an edge as the PN won 146 out of 245 seatsup from 86 in all the six states in the last state elections, while Anwars government managed only 99down from 145. PN was able to capture as many as 22 seats in the PH stronghold in Selangor and 11 seats in Penang. File photo of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim.(REUTERS) While the influence of the election results in 6 out of 13 states does matter to the political scenario in Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim is in power and he is likely to strengthen his politicking within his coalition and expand his support base. His strategy of secular politics with a tinge of religious appeal can accommodate different interest groups in Malaysia. Political commentators argued that the outcome was a setback for PM Anwars government. However, we also need to look into the attractiveness for voters towards his governance promises. It is also in the interest of the greater good of the nation that he is given a chance to run a full term to fulfil his promises to introduce institutional reforms and bring efficiency to governance. The nation under the leadership of Ibrahim can strive for political stability and strengthen the countrys economy. Anwars acceptance level in the national survey conducted last year just after the general election indicated the direction that his leadership should strive for growth, better governance, institutional reforms, and social justice. At the national level, the PM received 68% approval from the citizens and 54% satisfaction with his performance so far. His promises are reflected in the national budget 2023, which has three major pillars focusing on inclusive and sustainable growth, restoring confidence in institutions and governance, and combating inequality through social justice. His re-winning in the three states will bolster his commitment to the efforts to push for economic measures and institutional reforms. A major problem in the past governments was the lack of transparency in governance. Budget 2023 envisages transparency in government procurement. We saw in the previous regime under the former PM Najib Razak several international infrastructure projects were questioned for lack of transparency which could worsen the countrys debt situationwhich stood at $250 billion in 2018. Later, former PM Mahathir Mohamad cancelled two big infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative with China. Najib Razak was also charged with corruption. Thus, fiscal mismanagement and corruption have been the strategic concerns for the county which almost coincided with the political instability since 2018. Budget 2023 projects an ambitious Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.5% growth for 2023 to be built on strengthening the domestic economy against the International Monetary Fund (IMF)s projection of 2.9%. It sets a target for reducing fiscal deficit to 3.2% by 2025 from the present 5%. Following an expansionary fiscal policy, it is going to invest more in the development of public infrastructure and eradicate poverty. It will be complemented by the Fiscal Responsibility Act which is likely to be presented to the parliament in 2023 to establish greater transparency and accountable management of the economy. Thus, people can expect positive outcomes in the coming years from this government. The government is attempting to put a strong commitment to social justice, inspired by Sunnah, which highlights the imbalance in resource distribution in which the top 20% owns 47% of total household income. It focuses on this aspect by prioritising the low- and middle-income groups. Fighting against corruption, Ibrahim even invoked Rabindranath Tagores famous phrase in the hope of dawning a better future after the night. Thus, his political strategy is to balance the aspirations of different ethnic groups and ideologies in a multicultural country. The country cannot afford to see another political instability that can further affect its investment climate. It is critical given its export-import structure, exports account for more than 65% of GDP. Further, Malaysia already slipped its ranking to 61 in 2022 in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) against 29 in 1998, the main reason behind this fall being political corruption. According IMF, political stability is the topmost priority for investors in any country, even macroeconomic stability comes second. Thus, most investors would pull out their investments if there was a political risk in the host countries. Malaysias auditor generals report for 2020 and 2021 discovered a loss of about RM3 billion in the forms of loss of public money, wastage, and irregular payments. Another form of misappropriation last year was for about RM10 billion in the diesel subsidy implementation. Youth unemployment stood at 3.6% as against 3.3% in 2019 before the pandemic. Youths of and below 25 years of age are facing an unemployment rate of 10% with an average income of about RM17,700 for the year 2021. These measures are going to boost investor confidence in a politically volatile nation. In this context, it is noteworthy to revisit Allianz Trades assessment in May 2023 that placed Malaysia as an above-average business environment. It has a medium risk for political conditions. The Unity Government acknowledges the problem of declining investor confidence in the economy and public service delivery. It slipped through the 32nd rank in the World Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), which was caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability before he took over the reign. Ibrahim has laid down a concrete plan for taking Malaysias economy to pre-pandemic level. He is focusing on strengthening the local MSMEs by making them competitive and business attractive, through several support schemes. For instance, MSMEs will enjoy a reduced tax rate at 15%down from 17% starting from the assessment year 2023 for their first RM150,000. This will potentially create more jobs for the youth. The Malay religious politics is going to remain a challenge to his government. In his New Years Eve address to the nation, he already stated that the Unity Government would work closely with the religious communities in bringing religious understanding among Muslims and non-Muslims. Social stability is crucial for his plans to strengthen the economy. The Unity Government represents a balance of both the aspirations of the majority Malays and global investment requirements. Then, a year ago Malaysia was slightly more free scoring 68.1 than 67.3 in 2023 in the Heritage Foundations Index of Economic Freedom. Its ranks, however, are better than the global (42nd) and regional (8th out of 39 countries in the Asia-Pacific region) averages. It ranks 8th out of 39 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Index further indicates that the Malaysian economy is showing resilience and attracting investments from the private sector, all possible through the implementation of supporting relevant policy areas. If the Unity Government can implement and solidify its economic and institutional reforms it should help create a positive political and investment climate in the country. Looking into the threat to a stable government is assessed in terms of the rising popularity of PN winning more seats in the PH-ruled states. Whether this would pose a challenge to reforms proposed by the Unity Government remains to be seen. This article is authored by Mehdi Hussain, doctoral candidate, Centre for South Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A group of 51 people, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Alok Kumar, were on Monday allowed to participate in a ritual at Nuhs Nalhar Temple after the authorities died permission for a yatra for it a month after the first iteration of the procession triggered communal clashes and left six people dead. Barricades were put up every 500 metres along the route to the temple. (PTI) Police said the group carried out Jalabhishek along with locals and the temple priests for around 35 minutes before leaving the Muslim majority Nuhs Singar village on foot. They added no permission for any procession or the entry of outsiders other than the group was allowed. The group was allowed entry into the temple after the checking of identity cards. Kumar said last months violence could have been prevented had police and administration ensured similar security. We had given a list of a 51-member committee. Only members of the panel were allowed to go inside the temple. If the same number of police and paramilitary force had been deployed last time, the violence would not have broken out, said Kumar. He added they had vowed to complete the unfinished yatra to the temple last month. Kumar said they finished the remaining rituals on Monday. Barricades were put up every 500 metres along the route to the temple ahead of the ritual. Surveillance drones, over 2,000 Haryana Police, and around 3,000 central paramilitary forces were deployed while entry and exit points to Nuh were sealed as VHPs vowed to go ahead with the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. VHP agreed to call off the yatra and curtail the number of people for the ritual a day after Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar appealed against going ahead with the procession while the local administration denied permission for it. Our administration and police have taken this decision that instead of a yatra, people should perform Jalabhishek. It should be done where they [people] live instead of staging demonstrations while going to other places in Haryana. The Nuh administration earlier suspended internet services and bulk SMSs as a precautionary measure. Schools, colleges, and banks were also shut. VHP leader Kulbhushan Bhardwaj earlier on Monday claimed he along with other prominent leaders of the organisation were prevented from leaving their homes and taking part in the procession. There are police outside my house. They are not allowing me to go to the temple, he said. The Haryana Police denied any preventive house arrests were made. On Sunday, Khattar cited the violence last month and said it is the responsibility of the government to maintain law and order. That is why the permission to carry out this yatra was not given. On Saturday, Nuh deputy commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata and police superintendent Narendra Bijarniya held a meeting with peace committees. The Haryana Police coordinated with their counterparts in neighbouring Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh. On Sunday, hundreds of police personnel manned entry and exit points to the National Capital Region as the region braced for the re-run of the yatra. On July 31, the yatra triggered violence for two days in the fringes of the Capital. Police in Gurugram briefly detained two VHP leaders for questioning on Sunday, even as officials said that all district borders were sealed, and sensitive areas, including religious places, turned into virtual fortresses. Police said they will not allow anyone to enter Nuh if they are not residents. Police teams began checking IDs and turning away those carrying IDs from Gurugram, Faridabad, and Palwal on Sunday. Officials said no gathering of five or more people with any kind of weapons including lathis will be allowed. Cow vigilante Raj Kumar or Bittu Bajrangi and his associates were among 292 people arrested for the violence last month. One of the prime accused, cow vigilante Mohit Yadav or Monu Manesar, remains at large. Bajrangi and Manesar are accused of releasing provocative videos a day before the July 31 procession inflamed communal tensions. Village chiefs across Nuh asked local residents to stay indoors all day. Posters threatening Muslim migrant workers to leave and warning that their hutments would be set on fire also triggered panic in Gurugram on Sunday. New Delhi: Around 72.7% universities are yet to appoint an ombudsperson for redressal of students grievances. (HT Archive) Four months after the higher education regulator directed all universities to appoint an ombudsperson to redress student grievances, 72.7% of them are yet to comply, officials of the University Grants Commission said on Monday. The commission has set September 30 as the deadline for all higher education institutions to comply, failing which it would take punitive action against them, officials said, seeking anonymity. Under the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, notified by the regulator in April, every university has to appoint an ombudsperson for redressal of student grievances of the university and colleges or institutions affiliated to them. The ombudsperson will have to be a retired vice-chancellor or a retired professor with 10 years of experience or a former district judge. If students fail to get relief from the institutions student grievance redressal committees, they can appeal to the ombudsperson, the guidelines state. The institutions had to comply with the provisions of the regulations within 30 days. However, according to the official data, of the 1,091 universities in the country, only 297, or 27.2%, have appointed an ombudsperson as on August 25. While 40 out of 45 central universities have complied with the directions, only 79 out of 474 state-run universities, 90 out of 447 private universities and 88 out of 125 deemed universities have so far appointed an ombudsperson. It has been observed that despite repeated reminders, many HEls (higher education institutions) have not yet complied with the Regulations, the commission said in a letter dated August 28. The matter is serious, especially in view of various court cases concerning the timely redressal of student grievances and appointment of ombudsperson(s). The move came days after the commission pulled up Jadavpur University in Kolkata for not being clear on the steps being taken by it to curb cases of harassment in its report submitted on the death of a student that has sparked allegations of ragging on the campus. The commission has also written to the authorities in states and union territories seeking support, commission chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said. The UGC has been writing and conducting meetings with heads of institutions to appoint ombudsperson and form student grievance redressal committees. A large number of universities have complied and with others UGC is following up. The commission will take appropriate action if the universities will not comply with the directions, he said. Many universities are facing challenges in finding suitable people, an official of the West Bengal Council of Higher Education said. The universities want to comply with the UGC regulations at the earliest. Majority of the universities have already appointed the students grievance redressal committees. However, it will take some time in finding suitable candidates to be appointed as ombudsperson, said the official who wished not to be identified. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fareeha Iftikhar Fareeha Iftikhar is a Special Correspondent with the national political bureau of the Hindustan Times. She tracks the education ministry, and covers the beat at the national level for the newspaper. She also writes on issues related to gender, human rights and different policy matters. ...view detail Day after Chandrayaan-3 made a successful soft-landing on the lunar surface's south pole, Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, a Hindu seer, urged the government to declare the Moon as a Hindu Rashtra. Swami Chakrapani Maharaj(Twitter) The appeal from the national president of All India Hindu Mahasabha Swami came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the point on the Moon where the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram soft-landed will be named Shiv Shakti and the spot where the Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed will be called Tiranga. Sharing a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, Swami Chakrapani Maharaj said the Indian government should act quickly so that no terrorists can reach the Moon. Moon should be declared as Hindu Sanatan Rashtra by Parliament, Shiv Shakti Point should be developed as its capital at the landing place of Chandrayaan-3, so that no terrorist can reach there with Jihadi mentality, he said. Meanwhile, a political war of words broke out between the BJP and Congress over the Chandrayaan-3's landing point name. While Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the name is ridiculous as Modi has no right to name the lunar surface, BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla said Congress is only revealing its 'anti-Hindu' self. ISRO chief on landing name controversy Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath on Sunday said there was no need for a controversy over the name. Speaking to the news agency ANI, the ISRO chairman said, The explanation that the honourable prime minister gave on Shiv Shakti, he represented it as a combination of man and woman, the contribution of women in Isro and the need to create that kind of synergy in the organisation. So he narrated the meaning of the word in a manner that suits all of us. There is nothing wrong with that. He also gave the next name to Tiranga. Both are Indian-sounding names. He has a prerogative of naming it being the prime minister of the country, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After Chandrayaan-3 landing, seer's pitch for declaring Moon as Hindu Rashtra: 'No terrorists can' Day after Chandrayaan-3 made a successful soft-landing on the lunar surface's south pole, Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, a Hindu seer, urged the government to declare the Moon as a Hindu Rashtra. The appeal from the national president of All India Hindu Mahasabha Swami came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the point on the Moon where the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram soft-landed will be named Shiv Shakti and the spot where the Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed will be called Tiranga. Read Here. Swami Chakrapani Maharaj (Twitter) Back at US Open for first time in 2 years, Novak Djokovic aims to test his fortune at luckless Slam Since the start of 2019, Novak Djokovic has won nine Grand Slam titles - the most by a player in men's singles and four more than second-placed Rafael Nadal. But none of them came at the US Open. He lifted four Australian Open titles, two at Roland Garros and won three Wimbledon trophies. During this period of more than four years, Djokovic thoroughly dominated at the ATP field, as outlined by his stay at the top of the world rankings for 138 weeks, of his total record career tally of 389, which remains the most by any player, male or female, in Open Era. Read Here. Rare super blue moon to illuminate the sky this week: Here's what you need to know Attention all sky watchers! The "once in a blue moon" occurrence will take place this week, so those who want to see this rare event should look up on August 30. The expression "once in a blue moon" alludes to a genuine lunar occurrence. And, as the expression implies, they are in fact uncommon; the lunar event that occurred on Wednesday won't happen again for many years. Although the blue moon is not literally blue, the term can be misleading. In fact, the moon will appear orange in colour. Read Here. Jawan advance bookings: Shah Rukh Khan film collects 2 cr in US even before trailer launch The trailer of Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film Jawan is likely to be unveiled this week and the film directed by Atlee is already creating ripples. The film has earned close to 2 crore in advance booking across 450 locations in the USA. The total number of tickets sold stood at 13750, according to trade analyst Manobala Vijayabalan. Read Here. Productivity hacks we all can learn from Richard Branson Self-made billionaire Richard Branson is one of the most influential people today. He often speaks about how he stays productive, and his words have truly impacted people globally. Read Here. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the BJP might conduct the Lok Sabha polls in December itself, claiming that all choppers have been booked by the saffron party for campaigning. Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee addresses the 26th Foundation Day of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).(HT Photo) Banerjee, who was speaking at a TMC youth wing rally, cautioned that a third term for the BJP would ensure the nation faces an autocratic rule. The chief minister also blamed some people engaged in unlawful activities for the illegal firecracker factory blasts that have occurred in the state. She alleged that this was being done with support from a few police personnel. READ | Think he likes the name: Mamata Banerjee responds to PMs barbs about INDIA If BJP returns to power for the third consecutive term, the nation would face an autocratic rule. I am apprehensive that they (BJP) could hold the Lok Sabha elections in December itself or in January next year... The saffron party has already turned our country into a nation in the throes of animosity among communities. If they return to power, it will make our country a nation of hatred," she said. The general elections are due in 2024. The BJP has already booked all choppers to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls, so that no other political party can use those for canvassing, Banerjee claimed. READ | BJP should quit Delhi, says Mamata Banerjee; opposes UCC Speaking about the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday morning in which nine people were killed, the CM said: Some people are engaged in illegal activities, and a few police personnel are supporting this. The majority of policemen are doing their duty with utmost sincerity, but some are helping such people. They must remember that just like the anti-ragging cell, we also have an anti-corruption cell in Bengal. The TMC supremo urged those involved in the firecracker industry to start manufacturing green firecrackers. "What is the problem in producing green firecrackers? Maybe the profit is a bit less, but it is much safer and environment-friendly," she said. Banerjee also alleged that Governor C V Ananda Bose was violating constitutional norms, and that she does not support his unconstitutional activities. Don't take 'panga' (challenge) with an elected government, the chief minister said, referring to Bose. The feisty TMC boss said she had ended the three-decade-long CPI(M) rule in Bengal, and will now defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. Hitting out at ABVP and BJP activists who raised 'goli maro' slogans at Jadavpur University, Banerjee said she had instructed the police to arrest those involved in voicing hate slogans at the varsity. "Those raising such slogans should not forget this is Bengal; this is not Uttar Pradesh," she asserted. Reacting to Banerjee's remarks over the general elections, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the chief minister is an expert in keeping track of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "So when she is saying so, it might be that the RSS is thinking on those lines, he said. Chakraborty said that Banerjee's assertion could also be an attempt to mislead other political parties. "It will have to be seen what really happens," he added. The Union government on Monday submitted in the Supreme Court that only the Centre is empowered under the Constitution to carry out a census, seeking intervention in a host of petitions that have questioned the validity of the Bihar governments caste survey. In Bihar, the call for a caste survey erupted last year and was supported by all parties, though the ruling Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal led the demand. (File)(HT Photo) In a short affidavit filed through the ministry of home affairs, the Centre maintained that census is enumerated as a subject under Entry 69 in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Also Read | Cant direct Bihar government to implement central scheme: Patna high court In the exercise of the powers under the said Entry, the central government has made the Census Act, 1948. The said Act empowers only the central government to conduct the census under Section 3 of the Census Act, stated the two-page affidavit, filed on Monday evening. There were two affidavits filed by the Centre on Monday. The first affidavit was a more direct opposition, asserting that it is only the Union government that is entitled not only to carry out a census but also any action akin to census. Hours later, another affidavit was filed to do away with the paragraph that disputed the authority of states to conduct any action akin to census. Also Read | Grand Alliance lashes out at BJP over Centres opposition to Bihar caste census The second affidavit filed in the evening read: The central government has filed an affidavit in the morning today. In the said affidavit, inadvertently, para 5 has crept in. The said affidavit, therefore, stands withdrawn and this present affidavit will be the affidavit on behalf of the central government. The Centres emphasis on its exclusive authority to conduct a census has come a week after solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the Nitish Kumar-governments ambitious exercise has some ramifications that necessitated an intervention by the Union government in the matter. On August 21, a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti gave Mehta some time to bring on record the Centres stand in the matter while clarifying that it does not intend to stay the publication of the Bihar survey unless a prima facie case is made out by the petitioners against the ongoing exercise. A bunch of petitions in the top court have challenged the August 1 judgment of the Patna high court that allowed the Bihar government to carry out the exercise which the state chief minister Nitish Kumar has pitched as essential and imperative to further the cause of social justice. The petitioners claim that the survey conducted by the Bihar government was in the nature of a census, which can be undertaken only by the central government. The petitioners, comprising individuals and organisations such as Youth for Equality and Ek Sock Ek Prayas, have contended that the door-to-door exercise conducted by the Bihar government makes it amply clear that a census-like activity was carried out, making it illegal. These pleas further argued that seeking details about caste, religion, and profession of citizens is a violation of their right to privacy and that there is no mechanism to protect this data. It has also been contended that the Bihar governments survey was conducted in breach of the Supreme Courts nine-judge bench verdict in the Puttaswamy case, which has held that it is only through a law that a state can carry out an exercise which can impact a persons privacy. The Bihar government, however, has maintained that the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, empowers it to conduct such an enumeration exercise in the interest of social justice. On August 18, the bench observed that it cannot restrain the Bihar government from publishing the cumulative data or findings of the caste survey unless there is a prima facie case to show violation of any constitutional right or lack of competence on the part of the state government. We are not going to stay anything unless there is a prima facie case to show some violation... some legal issues that are debatable. The exercise has already been completed and the judgment of the high court has been in their favour. We will not stay anything without there being a prima facie case now, it had said on the day. Earlier this month, affirming the states June 6, 2022, notification announcing the survey, the Patna high court judgment said: We find the action of the state to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence, with the legitimate aim of providing Development with Justice... and the actual survey to have neither exercised nor contemplated any coercion to divulge the details and having passed the test of proportionality, thus not having violated the rights of privacy of the individual especially since it is in furtherance of a compelling public interest which in effect is the legitimate state interest. The high court held that the word census falls under Entry 69 of List I, which is solely within prerogative of Centre, but this does not prohibit any state government from collecting data for implementing welfare schemes and carrying out affirmative action. The state had relied on the 2008 Act to justify its survey although the June 6 notification made no mention of it. The survey aimed at pushing for more reservation for backward classes on the grounds that current quotas are not proportionate with the share of these communities in the population. In Bihar, the call for a caste survey erupted last year and was supported by all parties, though the ruling Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal led the demand. Over the past few months, a number of opposition parties, including the Congress, have picked up the appeal across India, hoping that an enumeration of castes will be a game-changer in reversing the BJPs deep inroads into the backward groups and countering religious polarisation. Speaking to the media on August 25, the Bihar CM said that the caste-based survey in the state has been completed and the they government would soon make the data public. He added that the survey would be beneficial for all sections of the society. Reacting to Centres affidavit on Monday, JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said the state government initiated the exercise after the central government turned down the demands for the same in August 2021. The PM had said that the state government might conduct at its own. But, the way the Central government is opposing the caste census clearly demonstrates the BJPs desperation to keep the actual status of the scheduled castes, backward classes and other deprived sections under wraps, said Kumar. The RJD, meanwhile, said that the BJP was against the caste-based enumeration because it would expose the Centres lopsided development policies. Socially and economically backward sections in the society have been completely marginalised in the government scheme of things and only the industrialists and rich people are making the most of the government policies, party spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav said. BJP leader and Rajay Sabha MP Sushil Modi, however, denied the allegations. In the affidavit, the Centre clarified that there was no confrontation between the Centre and the state government on the constitutional point of view. Stating the constitutional position in the apex court, the Centre clarified that the state was free to conduct the social and economic census, he said. (With inputs from Subhash Pathak) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A metropolitan court in Ahmedabad on Monday issued summons to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in a criminal defamation case filed against him over his reported remarks that "only Gujaratis can be thugs (fraudster)." Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. (HT File Photo) The court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate DJ Parmar issued summons to the senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader to appear before it on September 22 in a case filed against him under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal defamation. The court had conducted an inquiry against Yadav under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and had found sufficient grounds to summon him on the basis of a complaint filed by one Haresh Mehta, a 69-year-old social worker and businessman based in Ahmedabad. Mehta had filed his complaint in the court along with the proof of Yadav's statement made before the media in Patna in Bihar on March 21 this year. "Only Gujaratis can be thugs in the present situation and their fraud will be forgiven. Who will be responsible if they abscond after they are offered money belonging to the LIC and banks," Yadav had said. Mehta, in his complaint, said the statement, which was made in public, defames and humiliates Gujaratis. A term like "thug" refers to a rogue, sly and criminal person, and such a comparison will cause non-Gujaratis to look at Gujaratis with suspicion, Mehta said in his complaint and sought maximum punishment for Yadav. Incidentally, in March this year, a Surat court had sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail for his 'Modi surname' remark, which led to him being disqualified as Lok Sabha member, but a stay on the conviction by the Supreme Court on August 4 led to him being reinstated as Wayanad MP. A court in Ahmedabad has issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party colleague Sanjay Singh in a criminal defamation case filed by the Gujarat University for their media statements connected to a HC judgment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree. The two AAP leaders have been directed to remain present in court on August 31. The Delhi Police on Monday said that they were probing if the 21-year-old son of Delhi bureaucrat Premoday Khakha, arrested for allegedly raping, in 2020-21, a minor who was staying at his Burari residence, also raped the victim. Premoday Khakha and his wife Seema Rani after being arrested by Delhi police. (HT Photo) Dependra Pathak, the special commissioner of police (law and order, zone 1), said that as per the victims statement, Harsh Khakha, whom the victim used to call bhaiya (brother), also repeatedly sexually abused her in the three months she spent with the Khakhas family friends who used to attend the same independent church, and with whom she decided to stay for a few months to overcome her depression after her fathers death. Also Read | Protect identity of minor in Delhi rape case: HC directs police The victim has informed us that she was also raped more than twice by Harsh during that span of time. He also bought a pregnancy test kit and abortion pills for the victim on his mother Seema Ranis instruction after they came to know about the victims pregnancy. Based on this statement, well soon interrogate Harsh, and if any corroborative evidence is found, he will be arrested, he said. If true, this fits in with Khakhas defence that he could not have impregnated the victim because he had a vasectomy years ago. To be sure, the police have made him undergo a potency test, the results of which are awaited. Khakha and his wife have been arrested and he has also been suspended by the Delhi Women and Child Development department where he used to work. Pathak said the police are still collating evidence. Since the victim was not in a good mental state for the last few months, well again get her statements recorded before a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC, he added. The first statement of the victim before a magistrate was recorded last week, but due to her disturbed mental state, it could not be completed. The police officer said they would seek police remand of Khakha and his wife and that there is no problem in interrogating either Harsh or his sister because both were majors when the incident happened. Meanwhile, Delhi women and child development (WCD) minister Atishi on Saturday sought a detailed report on other complaints of sexual harassment against Khakha and the delay in acting against him, from the chief secretary. Her demand came a day after HT reported that at least four women had filed complaints of sexual harassment between 2018 and 2022 against Khakha. People familiar with the matter said the chief secretary has responded and said that while the WCD department did receive four complaints against Khakha, there was no evidence against him and that, as a result, no action was initiated against him. HT has not seen a copy of the chief secretarys response. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON What are the chances of a doctor with just the skills required to handle a mid-air medical emergency happening to be on a flight? The five doctors who saved the 2-year-old on the flight. (PTI) What are the chances of five? Half an hour into Vistaras late evening flight from Bengaluru to Delhi on Sunday night, the crew made an emergency announcement checking if there was a doctor on board. There were five, and when Dr Navdeep Kaur (anaesthesiology), Dr Damandeep Singh, (cardiac radiology), Dr Rishab Jain (radiology), Dr Oishika (obstetrics and gynecology), Dr Avichala Taxak (cardiac radiology) all senior resident doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) responded, they were taken to a two-year-old girl who had stopped breathing. Over the next 45 minutes, the doctors worked as a team, improvising medical equipment from whatever they could lay their hands on, and first revived, then saw her through two cardiac arrests, and finally ensured she kept breathing till the flight could make an emergency landing in Nagpur. The child had a pre-existing heart condition so managing it on-air with limited resources was a major challenge. This was not a regular medical emergency, said Dr Singh. He added that the girl and her parents were returning from Bengaluru after her heart surgery for a congenital cardiac condition. The surgery was successfully conducted 21 days ago, but such post-surgery complications are not uncommon, Singh said. The doctors said that in such conditions, if a patient does not get immediate medical attention, it can cause permanent damage to the brain, perhaps death. We decided to make-do with the limited resources; and we ensured that the child was stabilized till the flight made an emergency landing, Singh said. Dr Kaur said that the challenge was to use limited resources on board to create equipment and apparatus that help the child. They worked with kitchen knives, oxygen tubes and masks, which drops down during an emergency situation, and food trays to do so. Interestingly, the airline had most of the emergency medicines that we needed to revive the child. But we did have to apply our minds to make the most of the available resources. The oxygen masks on flights are not designed to provide oxygen to a person who is not breathing, so we had to cut a mask and make one which could be used. Similarly, during landing, we were holding the baby on our lap over a food tray so that her CPR could continue. The team of doctors, none of whom had experienced such an emergency before, said that the primary aim throughout the 45 minutes was to ensure that the child continued breathing. After a few minutes, her condition stabilised, and her body regained colour. During the course of the flight, however, she went into a cardiac arrest twice and had to be revived. Vistara refused to comment on the incident citing patient confidentiality. Even when the flight landed around 11.30pm at Nagpur, the doctors continued to assist the child, monitoring her vitals in an ambulance, till she could be handed over to a paediatrician from a nearby hospital. We have been following up on her condition all morning and currently she is stable, but on ventilator. Hopefully, she will get better, Dr Singh said. When she does, she has five angels to thank. They might not have wings, but fortunately for her, they just happened to be flying that night. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Soumya Pillai Soumya Pillai covers environment and traffic in Delhi. A journalist for three years, she has grown up in and with Delhi, which is often reflected in the stories she does about life in the city. She also enjoys writing on social innovations. ...view detail NEW DELHI: Geetika Srivastava, currently joint secretary (Indo-Pacific) in the external affairs ministry, is set to become the first woman diplomat to hold the post of charge daffaires in the Indian high commission in Islamabad, people familiar with the matter said. Geetika Srivastava will replace Suresh Kumar, who is expected to return to New Delhi soon (X/gitikasrivastav) The Indian and Pakistani missions in Islamabad and New Delhi have not been headed by high commissioners since August 2019, when Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic relations following the scrapping of Jammu and Kashmirs special status by the Indian government. Ties between the two sides have been at an all-time low following a string of terror attacks blamed on Pakistan-based groups. While Srivastava is expected to take up her assignment in Islamabad shortly, the Pakistan government has chosen Saad Warraich, currently director general of the Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey desk at the foreign ministry, as the new charge daffaires in New Delhi. Salman Sharif, the previous Pakistani charge daffaires, was recently called back to Islamabad. The current Indian charge daffaires in Islamabad, Suresh Kumar, is expected to return to New Delhi soon, the people said. Srivastava, who is from the 2005 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, served in the Indian embassy in China during 2007-09. She has also had stints at the Regional Passport Office in Kolkata and as director of the Indian Ocean Region division in the external affairs ministry. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Security agencies are leaving no stone unturned for the G20 Summit, which will be held at Delhi's revamped Pragati Maidan on September 9 and 10. According to HT's sister publication Live Hindustan, foreign intelligence agencies, too, are involved in the exercise, with their engagement, however, limited to keeping their respective leaders safe. New Delhi, India - Aug. 27, 2023: Traffic is being stopped as Delhi Police along with Traffic Police officials conducts a Carcade Rehearsals for the G20 Delegates ahead of G20 summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday, August 27, 2023. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times) Foreign agencies: As per the report, intelligence bodies of almost all the participating countries are in close contact with the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), the host nation's foreign intelligence agency and its domestic counterpart, respectively, for a smooth conduct of the event. These foreign agencies include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to the United Kingdom's Military Intelligence (MI6), China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), among others, Commando squads: Closest to the venue will be the Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos, while the elite National Security Guards (NPG), also known as the Black Cats, have been deployed as well. Delhi Police personnel, along with their counterparts from the paramilitary forces, have also been deployed. To detect a potential aerial threat, anti-drone radars will be used, while helicopter-borne commando teams of the Indian Army, equipped with modern weapons, are tasked with destroying such threats. 1600 security personnel for hotels: As many as 1600 security personnel will guard nearly 2 dozen hotels where the guests will stay. Mobile fire tenders will operate on the routes to be used by the VVIP guests. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kolkata The toll in the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal rose to nine with recovery of one more body, police said on Monday, adding that seven people are still admitted in the hospital. The toll in the illegal firecracker unit blast in West Bengal rises to nine, adding that seven people are still admitted in the hospital. (HT Archive) One person was arrested in connection with the explosion that took place at the facility in Duttapukur on Sunday morning, a senior police officer said, adding two police personnel have also suspended for negligence of duty. While a forensic team reached the blast spot on Sunday night, two more teams reached there on Monday to collect samples. We are waiting for the report, the officer said, requesting anonymity. To be sure, what the local administration calls firecracker units have long been suspected to be crude bomb factories. During the panchayat polls held earlier this year, police recovered large numbers of crude bombs that were used during political clashes that left 18 dead on the polling day and more the 55 since elections were declared on June 8. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against four people under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Explosive Substances Act. Three of the four accused, including the owner of the illegal factory and his son, were killed in the explosion. The arrested accused is suspected to be the partner of the owner of the illegal factory, where local villagers and some political leaders have claimed that crude bombs were being made in the garb of firecrackers. Preliminary investigations, however, have not revealed anything to suggest that crude bombs were being made there, the senior officer cited above said. We are waiting for the forensic report to come to a conclusion. Police have seized huge amounts of firecrackers from the area. During the searches, police also recovered dozens of glass test tubes, beakers containing chemicals and drums filled with powders from a brick kiln in the area, the officer added. The explosion, which took place around 8.30am on Sunday, was so intense that severed limbs and other body parts of victims were scattered as far as 100 metres from the spot. Several houses in the neighbourhood were also damaged in the incident, police said. On Monday, a severed body was recovered from various places near the explosion site, another officer said. Following the incident, senior officers of the state police on Monday held a meeting with district police officers over the issue of illegal firecracker units. The officer in-charge of Nilganj police outpost and inspector in-charge of Duttapukur police station were suspended on charges of negligence of duty. Local villagers alleged that even though the police were informed about the illegal unit much earlier, no actions were taken. There were suspicious movement of vehicles every night. Sacks and boxes were loaded and unloaded. The police were informed but they did nothing, said a local resident, declining to be named. The incident led to a political slugfest, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacking the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and demanding a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident. Before all the evidence is destroyed, the state government must immediately hand over the probe to NIA, leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari told reporters. Huge amounts of explosives were stored in the house. We have already moved the Calcutta high court seeking a probe by NIA. Several houses have been damaged. Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday warned a section of police officers for not taking action against illegal activities. Some people are engaged in illegal activities, and a few police personnel are supporting this. The majority of policemen are doing their duty with utmost sincerity, but some are helping such people, Banerjee said while addressing a political rally in Kolkata. I dont want to go into details as to what the local police stations are doing. We are keeping a watch. The TMC chief also urged those involved in the firecracker industry to start manufacturing green firecrackers. What is the problem in producing green firecrackers? Maybe the profit is a bit less, but it is much safer and environment-friendly, she added. Indian billionaire Gautam Adani aims to convert Mumbai's Dharavi slum into a modern city hub, while acknowledging that resettling its 1 million residents will be a challenging task. Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, in Mumbai. (Reuters/File) Here is a timeline of Dharavi's development and previous failed efforts to remake the 594-acre (240-hectare) slum. 1800s: Dharavi's growth coincides with migration into Bombay, now known as Mumbai. Potters, leather tanners, artisans and embroidery workers started trade and business in the region by the late 1800s. Slum dwellers squatted on these lands and built huts in a haphazard manner, authorities say. 1971-76: The state government of Maharashtra passes a law to improve living conditions of the Mumbai slum, providing residents with taps, toilets and electrical connections. 2004-05: Maharashtra approves redevelopment of Dharavi and appoints Slum Rehabilitation Authority to plan the project. 2007-08: Survey by the Maharashtra Social Housing and Action League, a non-government organization, shows around 47,000 legal residents and 13,000 commercial structures in Dharavi. But the figure excludes many more occupying upper floors, and the informal population continues to grow in subsequent years. Until 2016: The state government attempts to attract developers to overhaul Dharavi but fails to garner interest. 2018: Maharashtra issues a tender for redevelopment of Dharavi over seven years via a 20% government, 80% privately held arrangement. Dubai's SecLink consortium and India's Adani Group are among the bidders. 2019: SecLink's bid of $871 million is the highest; Adani comes second with a $548 million bid. 2020: Maharashtra government cancels the 2018 tender, saying its acquisition of certain land for the project altered costs after the bidding process ended, and necessitated restarting the process. 2020: SecLink sues Maharashtra government in the High Court of Bombay, accusing it of incorrectly cancelling the tender. The state denies wrongdoing. 2022: Maharashtra issues a new tender with modified terms. Adani Group bids $614 million, India's DLF is among other bidders. SecLink doesn't bid. 2023: State government awards the Dharavi project to Adani Group. SecLink adds Adani Group to its lawsuit against the state government. Adani and the state government contest allegations of wrongdoing in court filings. NEW DELHI: India has informed the United States that pressuring the Bangladesh government over the countrys upcoming general elections could end up strengthening the hand of extremist forces and affecting regional stability, people familiar with the matter said. Chinese President Xi Jinping said China supports Bangladesh in opposing external interference and that Beijing will work with Dhaka to support each other on their core interests (X/SpokespersonCHN) The Indian side conveyed its concerns on this issue to the US during several recent interactions, the people said on condition of anonymity. New Delhi also believes that US pressure on the issue of free and fair elections could push Bangladesh closer to China, a development that can have ramifications for the region, they said. While the Indian side has made it clear that it too wants a free and fair election process in Bangladesh, it has conveyed to the US leadership that too much pressure in this regard will only end up encouraging the extremist and fundamentalist forces that the Sheikh Hasina government has successfully kept at bay, the people said. Besides sanctions imposed on Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force, and several senior RAB officials in December 2021, the US threatened visa sanctions in May 2023 against Bangladeshi nationals believed to be involved in actions that undermine the election process. These actions include the use of measures to prevent political parties, civil society or the media from disseminating their views. Indias concerns about China taking advantage of the situation created by the US pressure have grown following remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting with Prime Minister Hasina on the margins of the Brics Summit in Johannesburg on August 23. According to a readout from Chinas foreign ministry, Xi said China supports Bangladesh in opposing external interference and that Beijing will work with Dhaka to support each other on their core interests. The readout further quoted Hasina as saying that the Bangladesh-China relationship is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each others internal affairs. Hasina, who has been in power since 2009 and is eyeing an unprecedented fourth consecutive term, is seen as one of Indias closest allies in the neighbourhood. Besides cracking down on anti-India insurgent groups, her government has ramped up connectivity with India in crucial areas such as energy and trade, including access to key ports for trans-shipment of goods to the northeastern states. Pressure on Hasinas government from the US and the European Union (EU) over the issue of the general elections, expected to be held by January 2024, has given a boost to the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has organised a string of large rallies. One of the people cited above said the BNP, which boycotted the 2014 elections and won only seven seats in the 2019 elections, is expected to win several dozen seats in the upcoming polls. The rejuvenation of BNPs close ally, the Jamaat-e-Islami, which has always been anti-India and maintains close links with Pakistan, is also being viewed with concern in New Delhi. On June 10, the Jamaat organised a massive rally in Dhaka for the first time in 10 years. The Indian side also believes the strengthening of the Jamaat could give a fillip to extremist forces and pose a threat to the Indias eastern and northeastern states that share borders with Bangladesh. A delegation from Hasinas Awami League party that visited New Delhi earlier this month at the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised the importance of Bangladeshs upcoming general elections in maintaining regional stability during its meetings with several interlocutors, including senior BJP functionaries and Union ministers. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said he just wanted to unite opposition parties and had no desire to become the convenor of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) grouping. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (HT PHOTO) I do not want to become anything. I have been saying this again and again, said Kumar in response to a question on whether he will accept the role of the convenor ahead of the two-day third meeting of the grouping in Mumbai from August 31. He reiterated he has no personal ambition. INDIA, which has Kumar as a key member, is expected to form an 11-member coordination committee and to discuss the broader approach for state-specific seat-sharing arrangements at the state level. A formula to create at least five other panels to handle specific tasks in the run-up to the 2024 general elections was also likely to be discussed. A draft joint statement to be issued after the Mumbai meeting was under preparation amid talks on sharing social media content for better impact in the digital space. The INDIA bloc held its first two meetings meeting in Patna (June 23) and Bengaluru (July 17-18) with Kumar spearheading the unity efforts. A leader of Bihars ruling alliance said Kumar is definitely expecting to be rewarded for his efforts in forging unity. He added Kumar is seeking Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs role in persuading the Congress to decide on the issue. Tejashwi Yadav, Kumars deputy who accompanied the chief minister when the latter made the comments about the convenors post, remained non-committal on the issue. The decision will be taken unanimously. We all are working together. The RJD chief last week said INDIA would have convenors in charge of three to four states for co-ordination and talks on seat adjustment, which will be finalised in Mumbai. A transition of power has been speculated in Bihar with Kumar passing on the baton to Tejashwi Yadav in case the chief minister takes a more prominent role in national politics ahead of the 2024 national polls. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The decision of Bharat Rashtra Samithi president and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to contest the upcoming assembly elections in the state from two constituencies has kicked up a debate in the state political circles. In the last nine years, Gajwel, being the chief minister KCRs constituency, witnessed unprecedented development in all aspects (ANI) Long ago in 2004, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly called, had contested from two constituencies for Siddipet assembly constituency and Medak Lok Sabha constituency. He had quit the assembly seat and retained the Medak MP seat to become a minister in the Manmohan Singh cabinet. At that time, Lok Sabha and assembly elections were held simultaneously in Telangana. In 2018, KCR as chief minister decided to delink the two polls and dissolved the state assembly so that state assembly elections can be held in November-December with Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram. This is, however, for the time that he has decided to contest from two assembly constituencies Gajwel in Siddipet district which he is presently representing and Kamareddy in the district of the same name. Changing the constituencies is not a new practice for KCR. He won the assembly elections from Siddipet constituency for five consecutive terms from 1985 to 2004. After retaining the Medak Lok Sabha seat in 2004, he quit the Siddipet assembly seat for his nephew T Harish Rao. In 2006, he quit the Medak LS seat and contested from Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat and won it. In 2009, he shifted his Lok Sabha constituency to Mahabubnagar. In 2014, he returned to the state assembly by winning the assembly seat from Gajwel, which he retained in December 2018 elections as well. In the last nine years, Gajwel, being the chief ministers constituency, witnessed unprecedented development in all aspects widened roads, ultramodern government buildings, market yards, hospitals and commercial establishments. Besides, the government pumped in hundreds of crores in construction of irrigation canals and implementation of welfare schemes like double-bedroom houses and Dalit Bandhu in a big way. As Gajwel was developed as a model constituency for the entire state, there is no way the BRS would lose in this constituency in the elections. So, it was not totally unexpected that the chief minister would move to a different constituency this time. But what surprised us was his decision to contest from two places, a BRS functionary said on condition of anonymity. Why Kamareddy Constituency? According to the BRS leader quoted above, there had been a talk in the party that KCR had shortlisted two constituencies Kamareddy and Peddapalli, to contest the elections, but he finally chose the first one. According to political analyst and author Sriram Karri, the chief minister might have chosen to contest from Kamareddy after surveys commissioned by him indicated that the BRS would be facing a tough situation in the constituency. Clearly, it appears the anti-incumbency swelling and pushing the opposition Congress party to a pole position in Telangana. Even Gajwel, KCRs own backyard, is not beyond risk. He is understood to have finally chosen Kamareddy, after getting surveys done across four to five other constituencies, Karri said. Former Congress minister Mohd Ali Shabbir, who represented Kamareddy in the past, said the BRS president had chosen the constituency only after getting the reports that sitting MLA Gampa Goverdhan was sure to lose in the coming elections. In the last elections, Goverdhan won the seat with a slender margin of around 5,000 votes. This time, he is bound to get defeated, Shabbir said. Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy said KCR had chosen to contest from Kamareddy only because he was not confident of retaining his Gajwel seat. He doesnt want to take risk; hence, he has decided to fight in two places, Reddy said. KCRs daughter and BRS lawmaker Kalvakuntla Kavitha rubbished these charges. It is ridiculous to say that KCR is afraid of being defeated. He is one leader in the country, who can contest from any seat and win easily. He has been the only invincible leader in Telangana, she said. Kavitha added that there is a strategy behind KCR choosing to contest from Kamareddy. It is a conscious and strategic decision to contest from Kamareddy, apart from Gajwel, she said. According to another BRS functionary, KCRs strategy could be to clear the pitch for the victory of Kavitha from Nizamabad parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in April 2024. Kamareddy assembly segment, though technically part of Zaheerabad parliamentary constituency, is very close to Nizamabad, from where Kavitha had lost to BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Though the BRS (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won all the assembly segments falling under Nizamabad LS seat, Kavitha lost to the BJP candidate by a margin of over 70,000 votes. This time, too, surveys commissioned by the party indicate that it would have a tough time in Nizamabad and Zaheerabad Lok Sabha constituencies and the assembly segments falling under them. So, KCR doesnt want to take any risk. If he contests from Kamareddy, it will have a huge impact on the assembly segments under Nizamabad and Zaheerabad LS constituencies, the BRS leader said. There is also a talk within the BRS that if the party comes to power in the state for the third successive term, KCR might resign from both the assembly seats and focus on national politics, by leaving the mantle to his son K T Rama Rao. In such a scenario, KCR might contest from Zaheerabad parliamentary constituency in 2024 elections. As part of the strategy, he might have chosen to contest from Kamareddy now, so that it would be easier for him to win in the Lok Sabha elections, the party leader added. 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 After being dumped by the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the two Left parties Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are looking up to the Congress for an alliance in the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana, people familiar with the matter said on Monday. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy (centre). (PTI) (file) A delegation of the CPI leaders, comprising party secretary in Telangana K Sambasiva Rao and senior leaders Chada Venkat Reddy and Challa Venkat Reddy, held preliminary rounds of discussions with a few representatives of the Telangana Congress on Sunday on the possible alliance between the two parties, the people quoted above said. In-charge of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Telangana unit, Manikrao Thakre, confirmed to reporters on Monday that talks were conducted with the CPI leaders, but they were purely informal and there is no understanding yet on the alliances or sharing of seat. No official talks were held with the CPI leaders. The high command has left it to Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy and Congress Legislature Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to hold talks with the Left parties, he said, adding that the high command would take the final call in this regard. CPI state secretary K Sambasiva Rao, too, said there were preliminary round of talks with the mediators from the Congress. Weve put forth certain proposals before the Congress and only if it agrees for the same, there would be further talks, he said, adding that his party was prepared to work with any like-minded party to defeat the BRS. CPI-M state secretary Tammineni Sitaram told reporters that his party was not in a hurry to forge any alliance with the Congress. We shall take a call only if there is a concrete proposal from the Congress and after discussing with the CPI, he said. A Congress leader privy to the talks said the CPI was asking for five assembly seats Munugode, Wyra, Kothagudem, Bellampalli and Husnabad. Though there was no proposal from the CPI-M, it might insist on Bhadrachalam, Palair, Madhira, Miryalguda and Ibrahimpatnam seats. If there is an alliance, the Congress might offer a maximum of two seats to the CPI and one to the CPI-M, the Congress leader quoted above said. The CPI, in the 2018 assembly elections, had an alliance with the Congress as part of a grand alliance comprising the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and contested in three seats, but lost all of them. While the CPI-M contested independently in 26 seats but drew blank everywhere. Subsequently, both the Left parties came closer to the BRS after its president and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) took up an aggressive posture against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During the Munugode by-elections in Left-dominated Nalgonda district, held in November 2022, the parties extended support to the BRS, which won the seat with a margin of around 10,000 votes. KCR, who thanked the Left parties, announced later that the alliance would continue even in the December 2023 assembly elections, but on August 21, when he announced the list of 115 candidates for 119-member assembly, he declared that not a single seat would be given to the Left parties as they had joined the opposition alliance INDIA at the national level. Sambasiva Rao said it was unfortunate that KCR chose to dump the Communists after winning the Munugode seat. We shall go all out to defeat the BRS in the next elections, he declared. NEED BRS REACTION SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced that its Jan Ashirvad Yatra to drum up support ahead of Madhya Pradesh elections due this year will be taken out from five different places without any particular leader leading it unlike in 2008, 2013, and 2018. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the yatra ahead of three previous polls. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. (PTI) Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the state BJP election management panel convener, avoided repeated questions at a press conference on why Chauhan was not leading the yatra and about the partys reluctance in projecting the latter as the chief ministerial candidate. The party believes in collective and not individual leadership. Chouhan is our chief minister. He will participate in the yatra for at least half the duration...[Union minister] Jyotiraditya Scindia and other party leaders will also do the same.... The BJP has since 2003 been in power in the state, barring 18 months between 2018 and 2020. Union home minister Amit Shah has repeatedly visited Madhya Pradesh as part of attempts to blunt anti-incumbency and infighting. Chouhan last week expanded his Cabinet and inducted three ministers for similar reasons. Polls in Madhya Pradesh and four other states, which account for roughly 15% of Indias population, are expected to set the tone for the 2024 national elections. The Congress hopes to return to power in Madhya Pradesh. It was voted to power in 2018 but lost it in March 2020 when 22 legislators quit the party and resigned from the state assembly. In May, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress will form the next government in the state and win 150 of the 230 seats. The BJP lost power to Congress in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 and Karnataka in May. Tomar said the party would raise awareness about the development work undertaken in Madhya Pradesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chouhan. The party is going to retain power and the state will contribute to Indias journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Tomar said the yatra has been decentralised as a new experiment to cover the maximum distance in 18 days. He said the previous such yatras would span 90 to 92 days. The yatra will cover 210 assembly constituencies and 10,641 kilometres. Shah will flag off the first part of the yatra at Chitrakoot on September 3. The yatra will culminate with a gathering in Bhopal. One million BJP workers are expected to attend the gathering. State BJP chief VD Sharma said the party has urged Modi to address the gathering. He added the other parts of the yatra will begin from four regions in Mandla (Mahakoshal), Khandwa (Nimad), Ujjain (Malwa), and Sheopur (Gwalior-Chambal) region over the next five days. Sharma said the party has also requested defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda to flag off the yatra from separate places. The Muslim student, who was slapped by his classmates following the orders of their school teacher in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, is not able to sleep and was taken to Meerut on Sunday for a medical check-up after he complained of being disturbed, his parents said. The students took turns slapping their fellow student even as the teacher watched on. (Screengrab) The parents, however, said the boy is normal, reported news agency PTI. After complaining of being upset and not able to sleep throughout last night on Saturday, the boy was brought to Meerut for a check-up. The doctor said the boy was normal. He became disturbed due to several people, including reporters, asking him about the Neha Public School incident, the father of the Class 2 student, told PTI. When asked about a compromise with Tripta Tyagi, the school teacher involved in the incident, the father said there would be no compromise with her. Meanwhile, Muzaffarnagar Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Shubham Shukla said the boy will be admitted to a government primary school provided his parents agree to it. "The father of the boy who was slapped does not want his son to continue his studies there (Neha Public School). The block education officer spoke to the boy, and he expressed his willingness to study in the government primary school in the village. On Monday, his enrolment will be done in the government school, provided his family is willing to do so," Shukla said. When asked about the enrolment of his son in a government school, the boy's father said the family has not decided about this as the boy is disturbed. Shukla said the private school in Khabbupur village will not be closed and normal teaching activities will continue. "The school has been asked to give in a month its clarification to the department regarding its affiliation. It has three teachers and runs classes from one to five," the BSA said. Shukla said the education department will make a decision against teacher Tyagi after the police investigation and their action. The BSA also said that the block education officer will go to Neha Public School on Monday and make arrangements for those students who want to come there for studies. As outrage broke out from all quarters, the police on Saturday booked Tyagi, an accused of making communal comments and ordering her students to slap a Muslim classmate for not doing his homework. Tyagi was booked on the complaint of the boy's family under IPC sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) -- both non-cognisable offences. Such offences are bailable and do not lead to immediate arrest, and require a warrant. In her defence, Tyagi said the video has been tampered with in order to stoke tensions. She claimed that the video was shot by an uncle of the boy. Kerala minister writes to Yogi Adityanath Meanwhile, Kerala minister of general education V Sivankutty wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath demanding strict action in the Muzaffarnagar student ill-treatment case. Sivankutty demanded a stern and immediate action against the individuals responsible for promoting divisive and harmful actions within an educational institution in Muzaffarnagar. Sivankutty also requested the Uttar Pradesh CM to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of the students affected by this incident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included a chapter on National War Memorial in class seventh English textbook with an aim to inculcate the values of patriotism, devotion to duty and courage and sacrifice among school children, the ministry of defence said in a statement on Monday. NCERT includes a chapter on National War Memorial in class seventh English textbook. (HT Archive) The chapter titled A Homage to our Brave Soldiers is included as the last chapter in NCERT English textbook Honeycomb being taught to students in class 7th, according to the e-version of the book available on the Councils website. Officials at several schools said that the textbook available in the market does have the concerned chapter. According to the defence ministry statement, the initiative has been jointly undertaken with the Ministry of Education, with an objective to inculcate the values of patriotism, devotion to duty and courage and sacrifice among school children and increase the participation of youth in nation building. The chapter highlights the history, significance and concept of National War Memorial, and also talks about the supreme sacrifice made by the bravehearts of the Armed Forces in the service of the nation post-Independence, it added. In the chapter, two friends exchange letters and share their feelings of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy due to the sacrifices made by the bravehearts. The students in their letter mentioned that the memorial wasenvisioned and then inaugurated by Indias Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In their letters, the students mention the names of many bravehearts including Lance Naik Albert Ekka, who died during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Major Padmapani Acharya, who fought for India in the 1999 Kargil War, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Captain Anuj Nayyar, and Major Somnath Sharma who was posthumously awarded Indias first Param Veer Chakra, among others, and discuss their contributions and sacrifices. Besides, the chapter discusses Amar Jawan Jyoti in detail. The Amar Jawan Jyoti flame symbolises the immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers with the assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifice, it mentions. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, Dwarka, said that schools are unaware about the inclusion of this new chapter. The chapter has been included in the e-version of the book available on NCERT website. We are not aware about the introduction of this chapter as yet. We are in the middle of the academic session and in fact in mid-September majority of the schools have their half yearly examination. What was the need of adding a new chapter in the middle of the academic session? she asked. Despite repeated attempts, NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani did not respond to calls and messages sent for a comment. A political controversy triggered after the removal of several topics from the NCERT textbooks during a syllabus rationalization exercise it carried out in 2022 in view of the covid-19 pandemic. The Council removed several topics including passages on the theory of evolution, references to the Cold War, the Mughal courts, and industrial revolution, the 2002 Gujarat riots, the contribution of agriculture to the Indian economy, and a section on challenges to democracy from its textbooks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 has given wings to a large number of out-of-school childrens dreams of joining the mainstream education system, experts opined on Monday during the HT Education Summit-2023. Several prominent women from education sector shared their views during a panel discussion on Transforming Higher Education: Quality, Access, and Employability, moderated by Sarah Zia. (Hindustan Times) Several prominent women from education sector shared their views during a panel discussion on Transforming Higher Education: Quality, Access, and Employability, moderated by Sarah Zia. Speaking on the occasion, National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) chairperson Prof. Saroj Sharma equated education with the tool for liberation, elaborating that the aim of education is to nurture educated minds and not just to make people literate. She also reflected on the journey of education policies in the country right from the recommendations of the Radha Krishnan Commission for university education in 1948-49 to the recent NEP 2020. Since 1949, when the Radha Krishnan commission highlighted that the higher education system at the time was not India centric we have been witnessing this kind of education system where literacy was at supreme and education was not a thing of discussion. Now, after a long wait we are into the implementation of the NEP 2020, Sharma said. She pointed out that 4 million students are enrolled in NIOS. One of the greatest mandates of the NEP is mainstreaming of the out-of-school children. A large number of such children are waiting to come into mainstream and for the first time, an education policy has given such kind of recommendation, she said. Bhuvana Santhanam, the CEO of Prashanthi Balamandira Trust, pointed out that only 40 million students are enrolled in higher education in India while only 1% of women in rural areas have a college education. We (the trust) give incentives to the girl children and urge the parents to let the daughters study for a few years. We also give them a stipend to help the parents re-evaluate their decision and in turn students are coming to schools and colleges, which is really changing lives and societies, she said. Santhanam said that 80% of around 3,000 students studying in 26 campuses of the trust-run institutions in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana come from below poverty line (BPL) families. NEP talks about innovation. We as a trust adhere to it and provide vocational training to students, so that they have some sort of skill in hand besides the regular 10th or 12th grade education, she added. British Council India (Education) director Rittika Chanda Parruck praised the NEP, saying it has internalisation of higher education as a critical component and not just an ancillary aspect. Last year was a watershed moment for us because for the first time, India became the largest country to send students for higher studies abroad, surpassing China. It is really exciting how the NEP put so much focus on internationalisation for the first time and the British Council celebrated this moment for seeing internationalisation at the centre stage. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday reiterated that he doesn't want any post in the Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance or I.N.D.I.A. bloc. I don't want to become anything. I have been telling you this again and again. I have no such desire. I just want to unite everyone," Kumar told reporters in Patna in the presence of his deputy Tejashwi Yadav. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar speaking with media persons. (Santosh Kumar/Hindustan Times) Humko kuch nahi banna hai. Humari koi iccha nahi hain. Doosre logo ko banaya jayega (I do not want to become anything. I dont have any such desire. Others will be made the convenor), the Bihar CM said when asked if he would accept the role of the convener if offered, ahead of the next meeting of the INDIA alliance in Mumbai. The Bihar chief minister, who led the Opposition unity move, said that he doesnt have any personal ambition. I only want to unite the parties, he said. When asked about Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary's reported remark India did not really become independent in 1947 but in 1977 after the JP movement, Kumar said, "...I don't pay attention to anything they say...If someone doesn't know about independence, it shows how illegal they are..." As the race for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls hots up, all eyes are on the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A.'s meeting in Mumbai where a logo of the coalition is likely to be unveiled and strategic issues including seat sharing are expected to be deliberated upon. There is also talk of the 26-party Opposition alliance expanding with some more regional outfits joining it in Mumbai as top leaders in opposition ranks huddle for a two-day conclave starting August 31 in the capital city of Maharashtra where the BJP-Shiv Sena government is in power. The bloc's first meeting was held in Patna in June, while the second one took place in Bengaluru in mid-July. The Bengaluru conclave had finalised the name of the bloc - I.N.D.I.A.). Ahead of the Mumbai meeting, Kumar on Sunday said a few more political parties were likely to join the opposition bloc during its upcoming meeting. However, the JD(U) leader, who played an instrumental role in bringing together different parties opposed to the BJP, did not reveal the names of the likely entrants but said that poll-related modalities such as seat-sharing will be discussed at the meeting. Talking to reporters in Patna, Kumar said, "We will discuss the bloc's strategies for next year's general elections during the upcoming meeting in Mumbai. Issues such as seat-sharing will be discussed and several other agendas will be finalised. A few more political parties will join our coalition." "I wish to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction... I have no desire for myself," he said. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut had said last week that there is a possibility that new political parties, especially from northeast India, will take part in the two-day gathering. The Rajya Sabha MP had said leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, will participate in the third meeting of the bloc in Grand Hyatt, a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai. "The INDIA (alliance) logo will be unveiled (during the meeting). Discussions are on for the same. We are trying to reach out to 140 crore Indians. The logo will symbolise the country, its unity, and reflect the energy needed to keep the country together," Raut had said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Milind Deora said seat sharing for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections among alliance partners is more or less finalised in many states with only a few states requiring more time. The Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress has formed several committees to plan various aspects of the meeting of the Opposition bloc. (With inputs from PTI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, addressing a rally in Beed on Sunday, said nobody is a permanent friend or foe in politics. Ajit Pawar's statement comes after his uncle and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Friday claimed that there was no split in the NCP and that his nephew was its leader. The NCP veteran, however, denied the statement within hours. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. (PTI file) Ajit Pawar addressed the rally in Beed 10 days after Sharad Pawar had addressed a rally here. Ajit Pawar said he was hopeful Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma will benefit Maharashtra which follows secular thoughts. Nobody is permanent friend or foe in politics. This is politics, news agency PTI quoted Ajit Pawar as saying. He also thanked local leaders of Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party for welcoming him and other ministers of the NCP. It is our expectation that PM Modi's charisma would benefit Maharashtra and hence we all decided to join the (BJP-Shiv Sena) government for the benefit of the state. There is no self-interest behind our decision to join the government. There is no iota of truth in some speculative talks, he said. Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government last month and took oath as the deputy chief minister. Eight MLAs of the NCP also took oath as ministers. He also staked a claim to NCP and its symbol. "We have joined Mahayuti (Ajit Pawar's alliance with BJP, Shinde-led Sena ) to solve the problems of the people. We took this decision for the development of the state. We want to tell everyone in Maharashtra that even though we are in the Mahayuti alliance, it is our duty to protect people of all castes and religions," Ajit Pawar said. We will always work for the benefit of the farmers. Farming does not happen without water in the fields. I have done a lot of work when I was the Water Resources in the state, he added. Sharad Pawar has consistently maintained that he is against joining hands with the BJP and has called Ajit Pawar and other MLAs cowards without taking their names. What did Sharad Pawar say on Ajit Pawar He had also said the opportunity to correct oneself is given once but the opportunity cannot be given again or one shouldn't ask for it again, apparently referring to Ajit Pawar's early-morning oath ceremony with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis after the 2019 assembly polls. I am a person who likes to work and like to speak through my work. I won't respond to comments made against me by anyone, Ajit Pawar said in Beed. (With inputs from PTI, ANI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Haryana police on Monday detained Vishwa Hindu Takht (VHT) chief Viresh Shandilya, minutes before he could leave for South Haryana's Nuh to take part in the Jal Abhishek yatra in Nuh district. According to SP Jashandeep Singh Randhawa, the VHT chief has been kept under "house arrest" at his residence in sector 1. Gurugram: Police personnel check vehicles ahead of a rally of Hindu organisations to be taken out in Nuh, weeks after violence in the region, at Ghamroj toll plaza in Gurugram, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023(PTI) Haryana is put on high alert with heavy security arrangements in place after the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat called for a 'Shobha Yatra' on Monday in Nuh district despite chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar denying permission for the procession. This comes as the district was already tense following communal clashes last month. On Sunday, Shandilya criticised Khattar for not allowing the Yatra saying they don't need any permission to visit a temple. Meanwhile, the district administration imposed Section 144, appealing to the public to avoid any kind of movement in Nuh. All educational institutes, including schools and colleges, and banks in the district will remain closed, Nuh sub-divisional magistrate Ashwini Kumar said. Top updates on Nuh Shobha Yatra: The Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat on August 13 called to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on August 28 which was disrupted after violence broke out in the district in July. However, Manohar Lal Khattar did not give permission to carry out the yatra to maintain law and order. Speaking at a programme in Panchkula on Sunday, the chief minister said, Since there was a law and order situation during the yatra last month and now it is the responsibility of the government to maintain law and order, that is why the permission to carry out this yatra was not given." Despite not being allowed permission, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday said that Braj Mandal Shoba Yatra would be peacefully organised. VHP leader Alok Kumar said, no issues related to law and order would arise. Speaking to the news agency ANI, the VHP leader said, We know that G20 is going to start, so we will shorten the yatra. But we will not leave it and will complete it tomorrow. I will also take part in it. The government is there to maintain law and order so that people can organise their religious events peacefully and safely. According to a police spokesperson in Nuh, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. All entry points to the district have been sealed and the road leading to the Malhar temple has also been closed. However, the traffic on the KMP Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will continue normally. The state government has suspended mobile internet services from August 26 to August 28. On Saturday, Nuh deputy commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata and Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya held a meeting with peace committees in view of the yatra. Police chief Kapur also presided over a meeting with senior officers of bordering states - Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh -and called for coordinated efforts to effectively deal with any emerging situation. Communal violence broke out in Nuh district on July 31 when a religious procession by the VHP was attacked with stones and vandalised, and private and police vehicles were set on fire. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes. The violence quickly spread out to Gurugram which has witnessed stray incidents of violence. According to reports, the clashes were triggered after Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante who is accused of lynching two Muslim men, and his associates had circulated an objectionable video a few days ago and were supposed to join the procession. (With inputs from agencies) Nuh News highlights: Haryana is put on high alert with heavy security arrangements in place after the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat called for a 'Shobha Yatra' on Monday in Nuh district despite chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar denying permission for the procession. This comes as the district was already tense following communal clashes last month. Sohna: Police personnel at a check post ahead of a rally of Hindu organisations to be taken out in Nuh, weeks after violence in the region, in Sohna. (PTI Photo) The district administration imposed Section 144, appealing to the public to avoid any kind of movement in Nuh. All educational institutes, including schools and colleges, and banks in the district will remain closed, Nuh sub-divisional magistrate Ashwini Kumar said. Despite not being allowed permission, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday said that Braj Mandal Shoba Yatra would be peacefully organised. VHP leader Alok Kumar said, no issues related to law and order would arise. New Delhi: Meghalaya is likely to oppose palm oil plantations. (wikimedia Commons) Amid a major push to increase domestic production of palm oil, Meghalaya is likely to stand out in its opposition to palm oil plantations because of its impact on biodiversity and opposition by farmers. James K Sangma, National Peoples Party leader and chairman of the Meghalaya Industries Development Corporation, and Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, the states agriculture and health minister, have opposed the recent drive to boost oil palm plantations. I understand the national mandate for the palm oil push, but I have historically opposed its cultivation on biodiversity terrain like ours ever since there was the push on the same, Sangma, former forest and environment minister of Meghalaya, said in response to a question on whether the northeastern state will be taking up the palm oil plantation drive this monsoon. Our ancient forests and biodiversity perform valuable climate service for the nation and we are looking at a sustainable livelihood model that is less extractive in nature, he said. Together with Arunachal Pradesh, we are one of the biggest carbon sinks for India and are very critical for our nation in realising its Paris accord pledges in terms of climate action and environmentally judicious growth. State governments, along with oil palm processing companies, held a oil palm plantation drive from July 25 to August 12, under the National Mission for Edible Oils - Oil Palm. Three major oil palm processing companies, Patanjali Foods, Godrej Agrovet and 3F, are promoting and participating with farmers in their respective states for record area expansion, the Union farm ministry said in a statement on July 30. Major oil palm growing states, which include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, participated in the drive. The national mission aims to increase the oil palm production area to 10 lakh ha and boost the crude palm oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26. The mission is mainly aimed at reducing Indias import burden. Palm oil has historically produced dire circumstances for regions in terms of monocropping, water guzzling tendencies, human- animal conflicts, and soil health deprivation, and has had a record of turning land into biological deserts, Sangma said in a statement. We have studied its socio- ecological cost as compared to economic outcomes in Mizoram, Assam, etc., and we have decided against it, he said. The indigenous population in the state is against deforestation and palm oil plantations have caused an uproar earlier amongst farmers, he added. We need to find greener alternatives and diversify our oil seeds portfolio for extractive commodities like palm oil. So in essence, we have chosen our national contribution to be of the climate service variety by creating a new template of green growth for India, he said. There is a lot of resistance locally to palm oil, said Lyngdoh. I do not think well take it up immediately. India is the worlds largest importer and consumer of palm oil. In an aggressive push towards self-sufficiency in vegetable oils, the Indian government is prioritizing the rapid expansion of domestic oil palm plantations to meet an expected doubling in palm oil consumption in the next 15 years. Yet the current expansion of oil palm in India is occurring at the expense of biodiversity-rich landscapes, said a paper published in Nature Food on June 18, 2021. The paper recommended sparing forests and grasslands and using small rice fields instead. India appears to have viable options to satisfy its projected national demand for palm oil without compromising either its biodiversity or its food security, it said. Palm oil is a water intensive crop so if it replaces another monoculture with higher water demand like irrigated rice or sugarcane its okay but not biodiversity rich forested sites. And if palm oil is grown in places where most of its requirements can be met by green water ( rainfed soil moisture) and some grey water its blue water footprint can be reduced, said Jagdish Krishnaswamy, dean of School of Environment and Sustainability at Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Bengaluru. Oil palm plantations in Mizoram had the lowest forest bird species richness (10 species), followed by teak plantations (38), according to a paper published in Ornithological Applications journal by TR Shankar Raman and Jaydev Mandal, which was published in May 2016. Forest bird abundance in the jhum cultivation landscape was similar to that in a rainforest, on average 304% higher than in oil palm plantations, the study had found. Jhum cultivation is a traditional farming method that involves clearing land of trees and other vegetation, burning it and then cultivating it for a set period of time. Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday hit back at Union home minister Amit Shah over the latter's 4G jibe at the Congress. Congress leader Pawan Khera and Union home minister Amit Shah. Addressing a public meeting in poll-bound Telangana's Khammam, Shah had taken a swipe at Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). "The Congress is a 4G party--Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira ji, Rajiv ji and now Rahul Gandhi--It is a four generation party. KCR's (as Chandrasekhar Rao is also known) party is the 2G party (KCR and (his son) KTR) and Owaisi's party is 3G party," PTI quoted Shah as saying. "Neither 2G will come (win), 3G will come and nor 4G will come. Now is the turn of the lotus (to come to power)," Shah had said. Responding to Shah's barb, Khera, who is also the Congress's media and publicity department chairperson, said,"This (BJP) is 2G party, Modi and Shah. JP Nadda is the president of the party, yet he doesn't have a role in the party. The home minister is doing campaigning instead of looking after his ministry...". Not only Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi also hit back at Shah over his 2G jibe at Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. Amit Shah is daydreaming that BJP will come to power in Telangana. They must forget about coming into power, they will get less than 5 seats in Telangana. They wont even cross single digits in Telangana. They are in a misconception that the people of Telangana will believe them, BRS leader Ravula Sridhar Reddy told ANI. "Why is BJP not believed by the people of Telangana? BRS is not a family party and Telangana is our family. They have never helped Telangana despite the recommendations made by NITI Ayog," he added. Telangana, currently ruled by BRS (formerly TRS), goes to polls at the end of this year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi issues 51,000 appointment letters to new recruits to government jobs under Rozgar Mela programme. (AFP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday issued 51,000 appointment letters to new recruits to government jobs at 45 locations across the country under the Rozgar Mela programme through videoconferencing, highlighting reforms to speed up various processes in inducting new appointees in the public sector. Modi had, on October 22, 2022, launched the first phase of the Rozgar Mela, a campaign to provide one million jobs in government departments and state-backed organisations. India is the worlds fastest growing economy, Modi said, adding this had spurred job opportunities in key sectors, from defence and pharma to tourism. A new era of transformation can be witnessed owing to the efforts of the government in the last nine years. the Prime Minister said, calling the new recruits Amrit Rakshaks (defenders of the nations golden era). Several changes have been made in recruitment process for paramilitary forces to open new avenues for our youth. India will become one of worlds top three economies in this decade; When I give this guarantee, I do that with full responsibility, Modi said. Referring to infrastructure development in the country, Modi said his government had spent over 30 lakh crore on asset creation over the past nine years. This is giving a push to connectivity as well as tourism and hospitality, creating new jobs. He cited Indias record exports in the last fiscal year, which is a sign of the increased demand for Indian made goods in the global market. As a result, Modi said, Production has gone up, employment has increased and thereby incomes of the households have seen a rise. Indias overall exports expanded 13.84% during 2022-23 over the previous financial year to stand at a record $770.18 billion, according to official data. The ruling National Democratic Alliance government faces a national election next year in which Modi will seek a rare third term. Indias unemployment rate dipped in July compared to June due to increased demand for labour in agriculture, according to data released by the widely cited Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. The overall joblessness rate stood at 7.95% in July compared to 8.45% in June. Creating enough employment remains a key challenge for the government in Asias third largest economy, which adds 4.75 million people in the labour force every year, according to data from the labour bureau. Modi said the tourism industry was poised to create over 100 million jobs over the course of next eight years. The sector is likely to contribute more than 20 lakh crore to Indian economy by 2030, it can create around 13-14 crore (120-140 million) new jobs. India was the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, the Prime Minister said in his virtual address, adding the country was now focusing on other gadgets. The country would replicate the success of the mobile manufacturing in IT and hardware manufacturing sectors, he said. The day is not far when made in India laptops and personal computers will make us proud, Modi said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Russian president Vladimir Putin over phone. Both the leaders reviewed progress on number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. (Reuters file) Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 and informed that Russia would be represented by Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. ALSO READ: US President Joe Biden to visit India from Sept 7-10 for G20 summit While expressing an understanding for Russias decision, PM Modi thanked Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency. "Topical issues of Russian-Indian relations, which are progressively developing in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership, were considered (in the call)", Reuters quoted a statement by Kremlin. The G20 summit will be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. On August 25, Kremlin had announced that Putin will not personally attend the meeting of the G20 leaders in the national capital. No, the President has no such plans, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin had attended the recently concluded BRICS summit in South Africa's Johannesburg, with the Russian leader attending the event remotely. Putin had said that Russia wanted to end a war he said had been "unleashed by the West and its satellites" in Ukraine. The Wests attempts to punish and isolate Russia financially for sending troops into Ukraine are an illegitimate sanctions practice and illegal freezing of assets of sovereign states, which essentially amounts to them trampling upon all the basic norms and rules of free trade, he was quoted by AFP as saying. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President of India Droupadi Murmu on Monday released a special coin of 100 denomination to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary Telugu actor and former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh late N T Rama Rao. President Droupadi Murmu released special coin of 100 to commemorate NTRs birth centenary on Monday. (HT Photo) The brief but colourful event was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, which was attended by all the family members of NTR, as the former chief minister was called, including his daughter and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Andhra unit president Daggubati Purandeshwari and son-in-law and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu. BJP national president J P Nadda and several TDP and BJP leaders also attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, the President said NTR had enriched Indian cinema and culture through Telugu films. He breathed life into the prominent characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata through his acting. The characters of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna played by him became so alive that people started worshiping NTR, she said. Murmu said NTR had also expressed the pain of the common people through his acting and had even spread the message of social justice and equality through one of his films Manushulanta Okkate (all human beings are equal). The President said NTRs popularity was equally wide as a public servant and leader. He created a unique chapter in Indian politics through his extraordinary personality and hard work. He initiated many public welfare programmes, which are remembered till today, she said, adding that his unique personality would always be imprinted in the hearts of the people, especially the Telugu speaking people. The NTR commemorative coin was printed at the India Government Mint (IGM) in Hyderabad, on the directions of the Union Ministry of Finance. IGM chief general manager V N R Naidu, in a statement, said the special coin is not meant for normal transaction in the market, but has been released for preservation as a tribute to NTR. He said each coin, costing 3,500, would be available for sale at two counters Saifabad Mint Compound and IG Mint, Cherlapalli. It can also be bought online at www.indiagovtmint.in. Meanwhile, NTRs spouse and YSR Congress party (YSRCP) leader Nandamuri Lakshmi Parvathi, on Monday strongly protested for not being invited to the commemorative coin release programme in New Delhi honouring NTR. Speaking to reporters at Vijayawada, Lakshmi Parvathi alleged that she was intentionally overlooked by NTRs family members, particularly daughter Purandeshwari and son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu, who she said had conspired against her for political gains. All these days, I have been keeping silent when NTRs family members were ill-treating me. I will no longer keep quiet and fight for my rights, she said. Parvati claimed that NTR had publicly stated his marital status, but the TDP was promoting a different narrative. She vowed to expose the political conspiracy against her to the public, asserting that they would not remain in politics after the upcoming elections. Earlier, in a letter written to the President of India on Friday, Lakshmi Parvati said she should be given an opportunity to attend the event in the capacity of NTRs legally married wife. She said she had married NTR on September 11, 1993 and together they had led a peaceful family life. However, due to a conspiracy orchestrated by his family members, power was acquired through backdoor methods. This unfortunate turn of events led to NTRs deep depression, as he expressed his dissatisfaction with his childrens families. Tragically, he passed away on January 18, 1996, she pointed out. Ironically, the family members who were responsible for his demise are now invited to the prestigious function of releasing the 100 coin in his memory, she regretted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON HYDERABAD: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday released a special coin of 100 denomination to commemorate the legendary Telugu actor and former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh late N T Rama Rao on the occasion of his birth centenary year. NT R,ama Rao founded the Telugu Desam Party in March 1982 and swept the Andhra Pradesh elections in January 1983, (X/rashtrapatibhvn) The function, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan cultural centre, was attended by family members of NTR, as the former chief minister was called, including his daughter and Bharatiya Janata Party Andhra unit president Daggubati Purandeshwari, and son-in-law and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu. BJP president J P Nadda and several senior TDP and BJP leaders also attended the event. President Murmu said NTR, who founded the TDP in March1982 and swept the Andhra elections in January 1983, enriched Indian cinema and culture through Telugu films and breathed life into prominent characters of Ramayana and Mahabharata through his acting. The characters of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna played by him became so alive that people started worshipping NTR, she said. Murmu said NTR also expressed the pain of the common people through his acting and spread the message of social justice and equality through one of his films Manushulanta Okkate (all human beings are equal). The President said NTRs popularity was equally wide as a public servant and leader. He created a unique chapter in Indian politics through his extraordinary personality and hard work. He initiated many public welfare programmes, which are remembered till today, she said, adding that his unique personality would always be imprinted in the hearts of the people, especially the Telugu-speaking people. In a statement, India Government Mint Hyderabad, chief general manager VNR Naidu, said the special coin was not meant for normal transactions but for preservation as a tribute to NTR. Apart from being sold online, the commemorative coins, each coin will cost 3,500, will also be available at counters at Saifabad Mint Compound and the India Government Mint at Cherlapalli. NTRs widow and YSR Congress party leader Nandamuri Lakshmi Parvathi criticised the government for overlooking her right to be invited to the programme held in memory of her late husband. Lakshmi Parvathi told reporters in Vijayawada that she was kept out of the event by NTRs family members, particularly daughter Purandeshwari and son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu, who she alleged, conspired against her for political gains. All these days, I have been keeping silent when NTRs family members were ill-treating me. I will no longer keep quiet and will fight for my rights, she said. Parvati claimed that NTR had publicly stated his marital status, but the TDP was promoting a different narrative. She vowed to expose the political conspiracy against her to the public, asserting that they would not remain in politics after the upcoming elections. Lakshmi Parvati underlined her right to get the invite in a letter to President Murmu on Friday, saying she was NTRs legally married wife. She said she had married NTR on September 11, 1993, and together they had led a peaceful family life. However, due to a conspiracy orchestrated by his family members, power was acquired through backdoor methods. This unfortunate turn of events led to NTRs deep depression, as he expressed his dissatisfaction with his childrens families. Tragically, he passed away on January 18, 1996, she said. 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 Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to explain his decision not to attend next months G20 Summit in-person, and the two leaders discussed cooperation in areas ranging from space to trade and expansion of Brics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (AFP File Photo) Putin informed Modi of his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi during September 9-10 and said Russia will be represented at the meeting by foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, according to a statement from the external affairs ministry. Modi expressed understanding for the decision during the phone conversation, and thanked Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 presidency, the statement said. This was the first contact between the two leaders since Moscow announced on August 25 that Putin wouldnt attend the G20 Summit in-person because of a busy schedule and the focus on the special military operation in Ukraine. Russias invasion of Ukraine has caused sharp divisions within the G20, especially on the issue of text to refer to the crisis in outcome documents. The statement said Modi and Putin reviewed progress in a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the recent Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, it said. A readout on the conversation from the Kremlin said the two leaders had an exchange of views on the upcoming G20 Summit but made no reference to Putins decision not to attend the meeting. The readout said the significance of the agreements at the Brics Summit was emphasised, primarily the expansion of Brics, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of its influence in international affairs. The two sides agreed on close interaction in the context of Russias chairmanship of Brics from January 2024, the readout added. Putin also congratulated Modi on the successful landing of Indias Chandrayaan-3 mission near the South Pole of the moon. They reaffirmed the willingness to further develop bilateral cooperation in space exploration, the readout said. Topical issues of Russian-Indian relations, steadily developing in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership, were touched upon. The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation was underscored, the readout further said. A mutual commitment to the consistent implementation of large-scale projects in the energy sector and joint work on expansion of international transport and logistics infrastructure was expressed, it added. Though the readout didnt give details, Russia is building Indias largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. The two countries are also cooperating in the International North-South Transport Corridor, with Irans Chabahar port as a key part of it. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Article 35A, which granted special rights to permanent residents of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, took away a bundle of fundamental rights of the people of India, the Supreme Court observed on Monday, while hearing the matter of the abrogation of Article 370 and the restructuring of J& K into two Union territories. PREMIUM The Constitution bench is headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud.(PTI file) According to a Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Article 35A, which was added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954, denuded people of at least three fundamental rights -- equality of opportunity for all citizens in public jobs under Article 16(1); acquisition of properties under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31; and right to settle in any part of the country under Article 19(1)(e). The 1954 Constitutional Order applied Part III (relating to fundamental rights) to J&K but in the same vein, Article 35A was created which took away three valuable fundamental rights of people by creating exception in three areas: opportunity of government employment, acquisition of property and settlement, remarked the bench, which also comprised justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai and Surya Kant. Article 35A, which was also nullified along with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, accorded special rights and privileges to the natives of J&K, and empowered its legislature to frame any law without attracting a challenge on grounds of violating right to equality of people from other states or any other right under the Indian Constitution. Article 35A was added to the Constitution by exercise of power under Article 370. Appreciating a submission by solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta as to how Article 35A created an artificial distinction not only between the permanent residents and other residents of J&K but also with other citizens in the country, the bench lamented that the impugned constitutional provision laid down a completely different mechanism of application of the fundamental rights. By Article 35A, you are taking away at least three fundamental rights. You virtually took away rights under Articles 16(1), 19(1)(f) -- as it then existed, and 19(1)(e). While 16(1) was preserved by applying Part III of the Indian Constitution, Article 35A directly took away that right. In fact, all three fundamental rights were essentially taken away by the CO of 1954, it noted. The bench further rued that Article 35A also took away the power of judicial review by disabling the court from scrutinising any law of J&K framed under this constitutional provision. As the court pointed out that Article 35A came into being only after the Centre approved it, Mehta said that it was a mistake that the present government has tried to rectify. Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, submitted that then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was strictly against allowing outsiders to buy immovable properties in J&K since he though this could destroy the Valley state. Mehta retorted that it was a mistake, and that J&K could develop only if there was enough investment made there. Mistakes of past should not befall on future generations. I am justifying our undoing the mistakes of the past. And this continued till 2019. Please, look at this matter from the point of view of the people in J&K. Till now, people were convinced by those who were supposed to guide them that Article 370 is not a disadvantage but a privilege and that they should keep fighting for it. This is the most unfortunate part. Something, which was an impediment in full realisation of their rights and development, was tutored as a privilege, he added. In the clutch of matters being heard by the Constitution bench against ending the special status of J&K, there are at least two petitions, filed in 2014, that had challenged the validity of Article 35A, which now stands abrogated along with Article 370. In its counter affidavit filed in 2015, the then J&K government had claimed that Article 35A has become a permanent feature of the Indian Constitution, adding the 1954-Presidenial Order granting special rights to permanent residents of the state has been recognised, accepted and acted upon since its enactment and cannot be challenged after six decades. On the eleventh day of the hearing of the case, SG Mehta continued arguing on behalf of the Centre and the J&K administration. He focussed on an array of rights that were not available to the J&K residents before the entirety of the Indian Constitution was made applicable to the erstwhile state by virtue of the abrogation. Mehta further emphasised that Presidents power to reorganise a state into UTs during the imposition of the Presidents Rule was not circumscribed by any constitutional provision or a precedent of the Supreme Court. President can decide in a given situation that reorganisation is the only way to take a state out of the situation that led to the imposition of Article 356, he argued. At one point, the bench asked Mehta whether it would be consistent with the principles of federalism to do away with the need to obtain the views of the state legislature by making Parliament act like a state legislature during Presidents Rule. Mehta assured the bench that he would be able to satisfy the legal query when he elaborates on this point on Tuesday when the hearing resumes. The bench is seized of a raft of petitions, filed by parliamentarians from the NC, Kashmiri citizens, former bureaucrats and various organisations that have laid the challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 soon after the presidential order in August 2019. On July 3, the Supreme Court notified the setting up of a new Constitution bench, comprising its five most senior judges, that began day-to-day hearing in the case from August 2. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea relating to the demolition drive to clear alleged illegal constructions near the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura. The Supreme Court (File Photo) As per the cause list of Monday uploaded on the apex court website, the plea would come up for hearing before a bench comprising justices Aniruddha Bose, Sanjay Kumar and SVN Bhatti. The matter pertains to demolition of settlements near the Krishna Janmabhoomi. While hearing the matter on August 16, the apex court had halted for 10 days the demolition drive being carried out by the railway authorities to clear the alleged illegal constructions. It had issued notices to the Centre and others seeking their responses on a plea filed by petitioner Yakub Shah. "Let there be an order of status quo as regards the subject premises for a period of 10 days from today. List after one week," the bench had said in its August 16 order. Later on August 25, the matter again came up for hearing before the top court which had refused further extension of the interim order. "List on August 28. In the meantime, rejoinder, if any, be filed by the petitioner. No further extension of the interim order," the bench had said. Also read: Mathura temple trust files suit in Shahi Eidgah case On August 16, the petitioner's counsel had told the apex court that 100 houses have been bulldozed. "There are 70-80 houses left. Whole thing will become infructuous. They conducted the exercise on a day when Uttar Pradesh courts were closed," he had argued. The Supreme Court on Monday urged Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) lieutenant governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha to review the suspension of a lecturer, who argued against the move to nullify Article 370 before a Constitution bench, saying the proximity between his suspension and his appearance before the top court makes the development suspect. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat appeared as one of the petitioners against the nullification of the Constitutions Article 370. (Hindustan Times) The five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, asked attorney-general (A-G) R Venkataramani and solicitor-general Tushar Mehta to speak to the L-G and ascertain the reasons behind the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a lecturer of political science, on August 25. Bhat on August 23 appeared as one of the petitioners in the case raising a legal challenge to the validity of the 2019 nullification of the Constitutions Article 370 that granted J&K a semi-autonomous status. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal raised the issue of the suspension before the bench, which also comprises justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai, and Surya Kant. Sibal said it is extremely unfair to act against a person merely for appearing before the Supreme Court and presenting his point of view. The bench agreed with Sibal and asked Venkataramani to look into the issue. Learned A-G, please, speak to the L-G and see why this has happened. If there is something else, it is a different matter but somebody who appears before this court and then this happens...Why has this happened in close succession to his appearing here. Mehta said he has checked with the J&K officials and the reason to suspend Bhat appears to be something else and not because he argued in the court. The bench questioned the timing of the action. Proximity of his appearance before this court in Article 370 matter and the suspension is something which is causing concern. If the reference to his appearance before the court is there in the order of his suspension, there is some problem...The timing appears a little suspect, it told Mehta. Mehta conceded the timing was not proper and that he would look into the issue again. The bench asked both the law officers to consult the L-G to review the order of Bhats suspension. On August 25, J&Ks school education department placed Bhat under suspension with immediate effect for violation of provisions of J&K Civil Service Regulations, J&K Government Employees Conduct Rules, and J&K Leave Rules. During the period of suspension, the delinquent shall remain attached in the office of Director School Education Jammu, said the suspension order. The L-G office also directed an in-depth inquiry into the conduct of the delinquent officer. Bhat, who has a law degree, appeared in person on August 23 before the Constitution bench, attacking the manner in which the nullification was carried out, and J&K was restructured into two Union Territories. The restructuring was done in violation of the morality of [the] Indian constitution...It was against peoples right to democracy as the consent of [the] people of J&K and Ladakh was not taken into consideration. The move was against cooperative federalism and supremacy of the Constitution, Bhat argued. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Surveillance drones, over 2,000 Haryana Police, and around 3,000 central paramilitary forces were deployed even as entry and exit points to Nuh were sealed ahead of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)s Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra a month after its first iteration triggered communal clashes and left six people dead. Police checking vehicles on the eve of the VHP's yatra. (PTI) VHP vowed to go ahead with the yatra to Malhar Temple despite Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattars appeal against doing so. The local administration has denied permission for the procession. The main road leading to the temple was among those sealed. The Nuh administration earlier suspended internet services and bulk SMSs as a precautionary measure besides imposing prohibitory orders. Schools, colleges, and banks have also been closed. Former Gurugram Bar Association president Kulbhushan Bhardwaj, who is also part of the VHP, claimed he along with other prominent leaders of the organisation were prevented from leaving their homes and taking part in the procession. There is police outside my house right now. They are not allowing me to go to the temple, he said. The Haryana Police denied any preventive house arrests have been made. On Sunday, Khattar cited the violence last month and said it is the responsibility of the government to maintain law and order. That is why the permission to carry out this yatra was not given. On Saturday, Nuh deputy commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata and police superintendent Narendra Bijarniya held a meeting with peace committees ahead of the yatra. The Haryana Police have been coordinating with officers from the bordering states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh. On Sunday, hundreds of police personnel manned entry and exit points to the National Capital Region as the region braced for the re-run of the yatra. On July 31, the yatra triggered clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups, killing six people and injuring another 88 in violence that spanned two days in the fringes of the Capital. Police in Gurugram briefly detained two VHP leaders for questioning on Sunday, even as officials said that all district borders were sealed, and sensitive areas, including religious places, turned into virtual fortresses. Police said they will not allow anyone to enter Nuh if they are not residents. Police teams were checking IDs and turning away those carrying IDs from Gurugram, Faridabad, and Palwal on Sunday. Officials said no gathering of five or more people with any kind of weapons including lathis will be allowed. Bhardwaj on Sunday said that they have enough devotees gathering in Nuh to take out the procession. He vowed to take out the procession no matter what. Cow vigilante Raj Kumar or Bittu Bajrangi and his associates were among 292 people arrested for the violence last month for brandishing illegal weapons and rioting. One of the prime accused, cow vigilante Mohit Yadav or Monu Manesar, remains at large. Bajrangi and Manesar are also accused of releasing provocative videos a day before the July 31 procession inflamed communal tensions. Village chiefs across Nuh, where Muslims account for nearly 80% of the population, asked local residents to stay indoors all day. Posters threatening Muslim migrant workers to leave and warning that their hutments would be set on fire triggered panic in Gurugram on Sunday. Police have promised action. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chennai: A special court in Chennai on Monday served a copy of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji after the agency had arrested him on June 14. The court also extended his judicial custody till September 15. Senthil Balaji, who is a minister without portfolio, had undergone a heart surgery following his arrest (HT Archives) Balaji was brought from the Puzhal prison and produced before Special Judge K Ravi. The central agency had on August 12 filed the prosecution complaint of about 3,000 pages that included more than 2,000 pages of annexures and 168-170 pages of operational documents, arraigning Balaji as an accused. With the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) throwing their weight behind him, he remains a minister without a portfolio in the M K Stalin-led cabinet. Balaji was taken back to the central prison following the hearing. The court has said that he can join via video-conferencing from the next hearing onwards and also directed him to file his bail petition to the Principal Sessions judge, since the special court cannot decide on the matter, people familiar with the development said. The special judge had on August 25, directed the jail authorities to produce him before the court physically. From the time he was arrested, Balaji had been hospitalised for chest pains, initially, at a government hospital and he was later shifted to the private hospital for a heart surgery. From the time he was arrested, Balaji had been hospitalised for chest pains, initially, at a government hospital and he was later shifted to the private hospital for a heart surgery. After a third judge in the Madras high court on July 15 dismissed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by his wife, S Megala, to declare his arrest illegal. The minister was jailed on July 17. The third judge C V Karthikeyan was appointed to examine a split verdict pronounced by a two-day bench earlier in the HCP and the Supreme Court had urged the high court to dispose of the case fast. Balaji was arrested by the ED on charges of money laundering in a case dating back to 2014 when he was transport minister in the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime. He joined the DMK in 2018 and was made minister for electricity, prohibition and excise. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday complained to chief election commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar alleging that the ruling YSR Congress party (YSRCP) is indulging in large scale irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in the state, which is a blatant violation of Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that the door-to-door survey was not complete yet and political parties were not provided with the weekly reports in various constituencies (PTI) In a 11-page letter submitted to the CEC, Naidu said the YSRCP government had set up almost a parallel election machinery in the form of grama or ward sachivalayams subverting the polling staff and bypassing the ECIs instructions. All of them work under the supervision of the nominated leaders by the ruling YSRCP in the name of Gruha Saradhulu and Sachivalaya conveners. These staff members, around 1.45 lakh in number, who are novices to the poll process, have been appointed as booth-level officers in place of employees suggested by ECI, he said in the letter. Naidu pointed out that the door-to-door survey was not complete yet and political parties were not provided with the weekly reports in various constituencies. Hundreds of voters were registered with a single common address and with zero house numbers. There has been large-scale deletion of voters through Form-7 applications without following due process, he said. Naidu sought the intervention of the ECI to strengthen the constitutional machinery in the state and ensure their accountability to uphold the democratic values. He requested that the ECI ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral rolls. Meanwhile, YSRCP, too, submitted a separate representation to the CEC, accusing the TDP of manipulating the voters list and enrolling bogus voters in large numbers. We put forth a demand before CEC that the voters identification be linked to Aadhar card, so that there would be no bogus voters, YSRCP general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy said. He also suggested that the ECI should incorporate biometric system, so that one citizen would have only one vote. It is ridiculous that Naidu, who is the master of bogus voting mechanism, chose to lodge a complaint to the ECI against the YSRCP government. It is like a thief shouting from roof tops alerting people about the theft, he criticised. Sai Reddy also demanded that the EC order a comprehensive inquiry into the enrolment of voters since 2014, so as to expose who were the real thieves. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that the state has given a strong message of the importance of maintaining religious harmony and strengthening secular fabric. Rao, or KCR as he is popularly called, inaugurated the worship places of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities at DR BR Ambedkar state Secretariat. Rao inaugurated Nalla Pochamma temple for Hindus, a mosque for Muslims and a Church for Christians for secretariat employees of the respective communities to offer prayers . The event was attended by Telangana governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan. The chief minister accorded a traditional welcome to the governor, state ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives at the Nalla Pochamma temple. Both the CM and the Governor participated in the Chandiyagam and Purnahuti programme at the Nallapochamma temple. A special puja was performed in the adjoining Shiva Temple and Anjaneya Swamy temple in the premises. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao with Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. After the inauguration of the temple, K Chandrasekhar Rao and the Telangana governor took part in the inauguration of the newly constructed Church. Telangana minority affairs minister K Eshwar and other public representatives welcomed the CM and Governor. The Governor cut the ribbon and entered the church along with CM KCR, other public representatives and officials. After the Bible reading by Bishop MA Daniel, the Governor cut the cake and presented it to religious heads and CM. Bishops, pastors and members of Secretariat Christian Association employees thanked the CM for building a new church in Telangana State Secretariat. KCR and the Governor participated in the religious programme organised at the mosque. CM participated in special prayers. Several prominent Muslim leaders including state minister Mahmood Ali, MP Asaduddin Owaisi and MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi and other dignitaries participated. It is an auspicious and very happy time. Almighty Allah's grace is upon us and brotherhood should flourish in the state. The government will continue its efforts to maintain religious harmony . It is a very happy occasion that a new mosque with great architecture is built in the new secretariat, Rao said. Temples, mosques and churches should be opened to reflect the secularism in the country. Telangana state secretariat stands as the best example of construction of three religious worship places at one place. Hindu, Muslim and Christian brothers are living together, praying and showing their unity. All India will learn from Telangana. In Telangana state. I hope that the friendly existence of all communities will continue forever. I pray to Allah that there will always be peace, he added. 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 BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover on Monday said that getting children admitted in nursery schools in Delhi and other cities of National Capital Region (NCR) was tougher than getting into the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Grover also compared the nursery schools' admission seats with Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. (File) Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Grover said, Its tougher to get your 4 year old kid admission in Nursery in your preferred private school, than it is to enter IITs. At least in Delhi NCR. Grover further said that the demand for nursery schools in Delhi-NCR surpassed the supply. He said, Ask any parent who has gone through the process in last 10 years. Demand for coveted schools far outstrips supply. Grover further compared the nursery schools' admission seats with Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. If nursery school seats were auctioned in Delhi NCR, IPL would be the 2nd highest auction in the country. ;) The post garnered nearly 1,500 likes and over 100 people had reposted it on X. One of the users commenting on Grover's post said, Very true. Imagine paying 20-25 L for getting a kid into Nursery, that's how my two of my nieces got into a school. It's better to get schooling done somewhere else than NCR. It's a messed up area, high crime, reckless traffic, broken culture, etc. Another user wrote, The competition for nursery school seats in Delhi NCR can be intense. It's amazing how high demand creates such a unique dynamic in the education system. Another user said, Its very tough !! Even Mumbai is not far .. school admission these days has become a night mare .. one of the most dreaded Gruelling selection process is one of the most significant reasons parents face difficulty while sending their children to Delhi's private schools. Every year, several merit lists are released where several distinguished schools participate in the admission process. Over 1,800 schools in the national capital participated in the admission process for entry level classes this year. For nursery admissions, the lower age limit is 4 years. For KG, it is five years and for Class 1, it is 6 years. All private schools are also required to reserve 25 per cent of seats for economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged group (DG) students and children with disabilities. 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 Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a Hindu seer from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, sat on an indefinite hunger strike at the Sohna toll plaza after he was stopped from reaching Nuh, where the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for aB raj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on Monday, a month after its first procession triggered communal clashes and left several people dead. Jagadguru Paramhans Achary, a Hindu seer from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh (Twitter/ANI) Speaking to news agency ANI, Acharya said, We had brought the soil of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and the Jal of Saryu river to pay homage to the Bajrang Dal workers who were killed and were to return after performing Jalabhishek with the Jal of Saryu river. There was a convoy of vehicles and people with me. Upon learning that Section 144 has been imposed, I cut short the convoy. The VHP and Bajrang Dal insisted that they would go ahead with their planned procession, despite the Nuh district administration denying them permission for the yatra. The earlier procession, on July 31, was attacked at Nalhar village in Nuh, sparking communal clashes that spread to other parts of Haryana, leading to the death of at least six people. Acharya further said the police personnel weren't letting the convoy pass or move back. The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go back. So I am doing fast until death. Until I am not allowed to pay homage by performing the Jalabhishek, I will sit here. If they (the administration) will disrespectfully move me somewhere else, I will do fast until death there also, he said. He also questioned why people of other religions had never been stopped but only Hindus are being stopped. He said, It is the last Monday of Savan. We are only asking for permission for a few people to peacefully perform the rituals and return right back. It was a one-minute ritual but they are not letting us move. Drones, paramilitary forces deployed in Nuh Surveillance drones, over 2,000 Haryana Police, and around 3,000 central paramilitary forces were deployed even as entry and exit points to Nuh were sealed ahead of VHPs Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The main road leading to the temple was among those sealed. The Nuh administration earlier suspended internet services and bulk SMSs as a precautionary measure besides imposing prohibitory orders. Schools, colleges, and banks have also been closed. On Sunday, Khattar cited the violence last month and said it is the responsibility of the government to maintain law and order. That is why the permission to carry out this yatra was not given. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan claimed previous governments didn't allocate enough funds to the space agency in its nascent days as the government had "no faith" in ISRO. Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan. (PTI) Read here: Nambi Narayanan calls Chandrayaan-3 a game-changer, says 'India will inspire' While speaking about the formative years of ISRO to news agency ANI, Narayanan said, "During the previous government, when we started in 1962-63, we were only 20-23 people. When the first rocket was launched. It was on a borrowed rocket. Only three buildings were there back then." On ISRO-ACP collaboration, the former scientist however, said that it should not be looked at it "politically" but it was only for lack of money. "If we have the required funding, why should we go for that collaboration? The collaboration itself started because for want of money. Many people do not know, they somehow look at it politically. But the hard truth is that we didn't have the money. But I don't blame any government," he said. He further said that his project on Liquid Propulsion System suffered because of the lack of money but do not want to blame any government. "They did not have faith in ISRO at that timeframe," he said. "The reason may be that it is not your priority, you have not understood what is our priority, you could have thought that this was not required, you did not have faith," he added. Read here: Rocketry: The Nambi Effect wins National Award for Best Feature Film. Here's what the film is based on Meanwhile, the ruling BJP took a dig at Congress on Narayanan's claims saying that the grand old party can't discredit the PM just because they don't like him. "Ace ISRO scientist says he is shocked at the Opposition on asking why PM Modi went to ISRO and got respect. 1. Everywhere ISRO Chairman Shri S. Somanath got due respect. 2. Just because you dont like PM, you can't discredit him. Who else is supposed to be credited with a national project? Just because the Opposition doesn't like him, they can't remove him from his post," the BJP said on X. After Chandrayaan-3's successful lunar landing on August 23, the opposition Congress criticised PM Modi for "hogging the limelight" in reference to his address just after the landing. "You were quick to come on screen and take credit after the landing, but why has your government failed so terribly in supporting the scientists and the ISRO?," Congress leader KC Venugopal said in a post on X. (With inputs from ANI) "I have a dream that my 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. I have a dream today." Those words, delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, continue to resonate 55 years after the death of the pastor and civil rights activist. Unforgettable: Martin Luther King delivers his legendary speech in Washington DC. (DW/akg-images/picture alliance) They are part of King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech that has since been taught in schools, reprinted in university textbooks, featured in numerous documentaries about the era, quoted by former US President Barack Obama, and even sampled in music by the likes of Michael Jackson and rapper Common. For fellow civil rights activist John Lewis, who also spoke that day at the "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom" in 1963, it wasn't the words alone that influenced people. The current Democratic Congressman who as a young man was on the frontline of the civil rights movement, spoke on the "Newshour" program on PBS about King's own unique charisma "Dr King had the power, the ability, and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a monumental area that will forever be recognized," said Lewis. "By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations." Rhetorical strategies From a rhetorical perspective, the man who would come to embody the US civil rights struggle had employed many speaking strategies that ensured his words would resonate with his audience. A preacher by vocation, Martin Luther King Jr interwove not only references to his Christian religion, but drew on biblical stories and quotations that would be especially meaningful to the public gathered before him. "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, hill and mountain shall be made low," he said. "The rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." By combining scriptural reference like this with vocabulary taken from traditional American hymns like the patriotic anthem "America" which recites that "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty" King created his own unique voice through a rhetorical process known as "voice merging." The effect was to stir up emotions that move beyond the meanings of the words themselves, relying instead on the emotional impact of the greater meaning. The "I Have a Dream" speech may be King's most memorable, but it is neither the first nor the last to employ this strategy. In his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," written on April 16, 1963 after King's arrest in Alabama for civil disobedience, he wrote: "Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their 'thus saith the Lord' far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco-Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid." Even without knowing the particular Bible story references, parallels are drawn that allow for readers of the letter to grasp the intended meaning. King's impact today Martin Luther King Jr's rhetorical abilities were so powerful that immediately after delivering the speech at the Lincoln Memorial, the civil rights activist landed on the FBI's radar as a person to watch closely. Today, King's rhetoric is the subject of university seminars. They were the right words for the right audience at the right time. A timeless document. As Deval Patrick, the first Black governor in the state of Massachusetts and the second Black governor ever elected in U.S. history, said, "The speech was prophetic in its time, as were many of King's speeches. They are timeless and poetic, a challenge and for us, an incentive." In early 2023, the city of Boston unveiled a new memorial sculpture in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. It was in this city where he once earned a doctorate in theology and met his wife. Called "The Embrace," the bronze sculpture, which is 6 meters high and almost 8 meters wide, is the largest monument in the U.S. dedicated to racial equity. It was designed from a historic photograph taken in 1964, when news reached King that he was to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and he fell into the arms of his wife, Coretta. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Japan delayed the launch of a rocket carrying a lunar lander less than 30 minutes before its scheduled take off Monday as bad weather continued to plague the mission. H-IIA launch vehicle number 47 is seen on the launching pad at Tanegashima Space Center on the southwestern island of Tanegashima, Japan.(via REUTERS) The H2-A, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agencys most reliable heavy payload rocket, was originally set to launch Saturday morning carrying an advanced imaging satellite and a lightweight lander slated to reach the moon as early as January. The launch time was first pushed back to Sunday, and then Monday amid concerns about the weather. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., which is responsible for building and launching the craft, didnt immediately release the next planned launch date. If and when it launches, Japan will become the latest nation to aim for the moon after a Russian spacecraft last week crashed into the lunar surface and Indias Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the lunar south pole. Following a woeful year marred by costly setbacks, Japan is looking to turn the tide in favor of its battered space program as it falls further behind Elon Musks SpaceX. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The upcoming full Moon set to appear on Wednesday will be a super Moon, a blue Moon, and Rakhi Purnima or Raksha Bandhan the Hindu festival celebrating the bonds between siblings. However, contrary to the name blue Moon it is known that the celestial body will not actually appear blue in colour. The reason it's called so is due to the definition introduced by Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946, which defines the blue Moon as the second full Moon in a calendar month. A super blue blood moon behind a mountain is seen from Longyearbyen, Norway.(AFP file) The older definition of Blue Moon, dating back to at least the 1500s, is the name for the third full Moon in a season with four Moons. By this definition, the full Moon in August 2024 will be the Blue MoonNeither of these definitions has anything to do with the colour of the Moon, NASA explained on its website. The rare moon will appear full for three days around its peak, from Tuesday night to Friday morning, the American space agency further said. Super Moon' The NASA further said though the definitions of what qualify as "super" Moon varies among publications, but all agree that in 2023 the two full Moons in August qualify". A real blue Moon' In the 19th century, blue moons appeared for many days and the reason behind them was Indonesian volcano Krakatoa's ash. The sun's light travels in waves, and different colours of light have different physical properties such as wavelengths. The scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere contributes to the colours we see. When Krakatoa exploded in 1883, some of the ash-clouds were filled with particles about 1 micron (one-millionth of a metre) wide--the right size to strongly scatter red light, while allowing other colours to pass, the NASA said. This led to the moonbeams appearing as blue and sometimes green. Another similar event occurred in 1983 after the eruption of the El Chichon volcano in Mexico. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nisha Anand Trainee Content Producer at HT Digital. I read about feminism, late modern history, and globalisation of Korean music. ...view detail Elon Musk-owned X, the social media giant formerly called Twitter, has introduced a new XHiring feature, enabling Verified Organizations to post job listings on their respective handles on the platform. X Hiring Beta (Image courtesy: twitter.com/@XHiring) Unlock early access to the X Hiring Beta exclusively for Verified Organizations. Feature your most critical roles and organically reach millions of relevant candidates. Apply for the Beta today, announced the tech giant on Saturday, unveiling the feature's X account. XHiring: Features (1.) According to CNBCTV18, the tool allows companies to use the supported Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or an XML feed, to import the job data to XHiring. (2.) To use the feature, companies that hold Verified Organizations status on the social network, must pay a monthly fee of $1000 (approx. 82,000). (3.) As per Business Today, the vacancies will be listed on the X profiles of the respective firms; candidates will be able to search these via keyword, location, and other criteria. (4.) Candidates can apply for these roles directly on the platform; if successful, they will be contacted by the employers through the former Twitter. (5.) The tool is currently in its beta version; this means that it will be tested outside of the organisation with a limited number of users for feedback. A general release, therefore, will take place later. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON When nine-year-old Valentina Dominguez discovered her 'best friend,' who happens to be her doll, had gone missing while travelling, an American Airlines pilot made sure to help her reunite with it. A pilot helped a young girl to find her doll from Tokyo airport.(REUTERS) After returning to the US from their trip to Bali, Indonesia, Rudy and Celeste Dominguez noticed their daughter Valentina was missing her doll, Beatrice. The doll was last seen on a flight in Tokyo, where the family's flight had a layover. Rudy told WFAA that they searched for the doll in every suitcase they had carried. But when their efforts went in vain, the family contacted the airport and airlines urgently to find the doll. (Also Read: IndiGo passengers erupt in cheers as pilot announces Chandrayaan-3 landing mid-flight) "Beatrice means a lot to me. She brings me happiness, and shes my best friend. When she was missing, when we got settled into our hotel, I felt very bad. I felt like my heart was broken," Valentina told Good Morning America. Later, when the family shared a post on social media about the doll, American Airlines pilot James Danen took notice of it and came to the rescue. Danen contacted Turkish Airlines' lost-and-found department at Haneda Airport in Tokyo and found the doll. He later even personally escorted the doll across the globe and delivered it to Valentina. "It's my nature. I like helping people... that's just what I like doing. I was really glad I could do something nice for somebody." Danen told WFAA. But that's not where the story ends. When Danen handed over the doll to Valentina, he also gave her some Japanese treats and a map that showed where all the doll had travelled with him. "There's a lot of kindness in this world. He's a kind man. He said he would do it and followed through," Rudy Dominguez said about the pilot to WFAA. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After a raccoon caused havoc for a family in British Columbia, it was finally captured by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP.) A video of the rescue operation was also shared on YouTube by the police. A raccoon got stuck in a bathroom and had to be rescued by police. (Unsplash) According to the West Shore RCMP, officers were called to a house in Langford after a medium-sized dog and a raccoon got into a fight. Right before the dog ran inside the home, the raccoon followed it and got locked in the bathroom. (Also Read: Hungry raccoon patiently waits outside donut shop as a lady brings it food. Watch) "The homeowner called police looking for help in removing the raccoon, while another complainant called police reporting screaming coming from the home, no doubt due to the raccoon invader," shared West Shore RCMP in a press release. They also posted a video on YouTube where officers can be seen taking out the raccoon from the bathroom. Before the police showed up, the RCMP had called the Animal Control Emergency Line. However, they were unable to attend, so officers attended and managed to capture the raccoon using a dog pole and a lacrosse pole. Once the officers secured the raccoon, it was released outside in the wild. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Fighters for a militia group attacked a village in northeastern Congo, setting off a battle that killed 14 people, the army said Monday, the latest bloodshed in the country's restive east. In June, CODECO fighters killed 45 civilians in Congo's Ituri province. (File) (Representational Image)(AP) Col. Mapela Mviniama said armed men from the CODECO militia assaulted Gobu village on Sunday evening, killing nine civilians and one Congolese soldier. Four attackers also died in the fighting, while two soldiers and two civilians were wounded, he said. Violence has been surging across eastern Congo, where conflict has flared for decades. More than 120 armed groups are fighting in the region, most for land and control of mines with valuable minerals, while some groups are trying to protect their communities. CODECO is a loose association of ethnic Lendu militia groups, and since 2017 it has been fighting with Zaire, a mainly ethnic Hema self-defense group. CODECO attacks killed nearly 1,800 people and wounded more than 500 in the four years through 2022, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism says. According to the United Nations, the militia has expanded in recent months. In June, CODECO fighters killed 45 civilians in Congo's Ituri province. CODECO and other groups have killed more than 100 people in the last month in the neighboring Nord Kivu and Ituri provinces, a local civil society leader, Kinos Katuo, said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mother nature is piling misery in the United States quite frequently. After the devastating Tropical storm Hilary, America is set to face another tropical storm named Idalia which might transform into a hurricane on Monday. It will cause destruction in Floridas Gulf Coast starting Tuesday into Wednesday. This image obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows tropical Storm Idalia (bottom right) approaching Cuba on August 28, 2023. Tropical Storm Idalia strengthened as it neared Cuba and the abnormally hot waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, with forecasters predicting it could become a major hurricane before roaring ashore in Florida this week. (AFP) As precautionary measures, people residing in coastal regions of Florida have been told to evacuate. Evacuation orders have been issued for at least three counties along Floridas Gulf Coast. The Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis has warned that residents should expect Idalia to be a major hurricane, Category 3 or higher when it makes landfall along Floridas Big Bend. This is going to be a major impact, DeSantis said during a Monday morning news conference. ALSO READ| From Oregon to Texas: NASA announces ring of fire solar eclipse across the US in October, check details Expected destruction by Idalia Powerful winds exceeding 100mph are expected to uproot trees and cause power outages along Floridas Gulf Coast. Due to heavy rainfall, flooding in the coastal areas has also been forecast. The worst impact of Hurricane Idalia will be seen in Tampa northward through the Big Bend region and into portions of the Panhandle, CNN reported. In the Tampa Bay area, storm surge of 4 to 7 feet above normal tidal levels has been forecast. Storm surge can be life threatening at just two to three feet. Some of these areas are going to experience storm surge well over seven foot, said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie as quoted by CNN. Parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina are also expected to suffer devastating effects of Idalia. Preparations to face Idalia DeSantis informed the media that 1100 National Guardsmen had been deployed with high-water vehicles and aircraft for rescue and recovery efforts. The Florida Highway Patrol is ready for relief measures with 300 troopers. A state of local emergency has been declared in Hillsborough County, where the city of Tampa is located. Air traffic controllers across the UK are experiencing a technical fault - with one airline reporting "network-wide failure". Passengers on airlines outside of the UK have been told that air traffic control network is down and their flight will be delayed, Sky News reported. Travelers at Heathrow Airport in London.(AP) NATS, the national air traffic controllers, said, "We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and the fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause." Loganair posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning. Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights maybe subject to delays. If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport." Easyjet passengers were told that the issue was currently affecting all flights due to fly in or out of the UK. We have been advised of an air traffic control issue currently affecting all flights due to fly into or out of United Kingdom airspace. We are working with the relevant authorities to understand the impact of this issue and the timescale for normal operations to resume. If you are already onboard one of our places waiting to take off then our crew will keep you updated. If you are in one of our airports waiting to board then please continue to check the flight information screens in the terminals. Whilst this disruption is outside of our control we sincerely apologise for the disruption to your travel plans today," the company said. UK broadcaster Gabby Logan who was caught up in the disruption tweeted, On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The European Union should get ready to admit new members from eastern Europe and the Balkans by 2030, EU chief Charles Michel argued Monday. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, during a news conference in Brussels, Belgium.(Bloomberg) The Russian invasion of Ukraine has focused minds in Brussels on the need for a new political momentum to support the European ambition of several membership candidates. But, with fighting still raging in Ukraine and Moldova's pro-Western government scrambling to reform, senior officials have previously been reluctant to offer precise timetables. "To be credible, I believe we must talk about timing and homework," Michel said, addressing the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. "As we prepare the EU's next strategic agenda, we must set ourselves a clear goal. I believe we must be ready, on both sides, by 2030 to enlarge. "This is ambitious, but necessary. It shows that we are serious." Michel noted that the countries of the Western Balkans, created out of the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia, began their quest to join the EU more than two decades ago. The president of the European Council endorsed the view of Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Europe should live up to the promises Brussels had made to candidate countries. But he also backed French President Emmanuel Macron's argument that the union should also streamline its own decision-making processes before integrating new members. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least nine Iranian pilgrims died and dozens were injured when a bus carrying them collided with a truck in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya on Monday, two medical sources said. The bus was crammed with pilgrims en-route to the holy Shiite Muslim city of Karbala.(Representative images) The bus was crammed with pilgrims en-route to the holy Shiite Muslim city of Karbala, the sources told Reuters. One of the medical sources said 31 people, including women and children, were injured and five of them were in a critical condition. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The boyfriend of popular Instagram roller-skating influencer Beauty Couch, who was found dead in Georgia last week, has been arrested and charged with her murder. Authorities busted 21-year-old Eugene Louis-Jocques in Louisiana on Saturday, August 26, days after the remains of Beauty, 22, was found near her burning car in Austell. Beauty Couch's body was found dead near a burning car (beautykatera/Instagram) Eugene was arrested as he travelled through St. Tammany Parish, WWL-TV reported. Let the message be that we do not take kindly to people who think they can commit a crime elsewhere and try to hide in St. Tammany Parish, Sheriff Randy Smith said in a statement, according to New York Post. We were happy to help our counterparts in Georgia by locating this suspect and taking him into custody so he may face justice and Miss Couchs family can begin to receive closure during this difficult time. The death of Beauty Couch The Cobb County Police Department said on social media after Beautys body was found that the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit is investigating a homicide at the request of the City of Austell Police Department. Austell Fire was dispatched to Joe Jerkins Blvd and Landers Street on August 23, at around 12:18 pm, for a brush fire, the statement said. Authorities arrived to discover a vehicle on fire, which was extinguished shortly after. The vehicle was taken to a wrecker yard. The statement read, Austell Police responded to the address where the vehicle was registered and learned the owner's daughter, Beauty Couch (22, Austell), had not been seen since the previous morning and was the one who most commonly drove the vehicle. Austell Police searched the area where the vehicle was found and located a body that matched the description of Beauty Couch in the wood line. Based on the initial scene investigation, foul play is suspected, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Tip Hotline at 770-499-4111, the statement added. Beautys heartbroken mother Kimberly Couch told WSB-TV at the time, She was a sweet girl, she never bothered nobody. She was a friend to everybody. She loved going skating. She loved going to work. She loved her clothes. She loved wearing her hair so pretty. A recent report from California's Department of Fish and Wildlife has shed light on a distressing incident involving two male lions that were relocated from their natural habitat in the mountains to the Mojave Desert, ultimately leading to their starvation and demise. This Nov. 2014, file photo provided by the U.S. National Park Service shows a mountain lion known as P-22, photographed in the Griffith Park area near downtown Los Angeles. The famous Hollywood-roaming mountain lion known as P-22 is drastically underweight and probably was struck and injured by a car, according to wildlife experts Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, who are giving him a health exam amid concerns about his behavior, including killing a leashed dog. ((U.S. National Park Service, via AP, File)) The lions, known as L147 and L176, were captured in the eastern Sierra Nevada, their native range, and transported over 200 miles east to an isolated area in the Mojave Desert. Their attempt to navigate their way back home proved futile, as the vast desert landscape offered little sustenance. L147's emaciated body was discovered, revealing his tragic fate due to starvation. L176's condition was equally dire, necessitating euthanasia. Tom Stephenson, a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, admitted that the decision to relocate the lions was ill-conceived: "In hindsight, it wasn't a good place to release those lions. And we're not moving them to that environment anymore." The report emphasized that further relocations of male lions will be discontinued, as their instinctual drive to protect their mates and territory leads them back to their original habitats. This revelation stems from the department's goal to safeguard mated females from potential competitors. This unfortunate incident was unveiled in a report centered around California's Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program, which focuses on the restoration of the federally endangered bighorn sheep population. While the state's efforts have contributed to the recovery of these creatures, it appears that the relocation of the lions posed unforeseen challenges. The lions were initially removed in 2021 due to their predation on local bighorn sheep. However, the relocation distance raised eyebrows, as it was apparently connected to an evaluation of new relocation sites, potentially linked to a future high-speed rail project between Southern California and Las Vegas. Tom Stephenson clarified that the relocation was not an experimental effort as implied by the report. An upcoming report for 2022 is expected to provide more clarity on the situation. Stephenson highlighted the delicate balance between restoring populations and preserving ecosystems: "We knew this would be a touchy situation, but we're in the difficult position of trying to restore entire populations and maintain the integrity of ecosystems." SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result from incoming travelers starting Wednesday. It is a milestone toward ending the virus restrictions imposed in China since early 2020. Arriving travelers queue for Covid-19 tests at Changshui International Airport in Kunming, China(Bloomberg) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced the change at a briefing Monday. China ended its zero-COVID policy only in December, after years of draconian curbs that at times included full-city lockdowns and lengthy quarantines for people who were infected. As part of those measures, incoming travelers were required to quarantine for weeks at government-designated hotels. The curbs slowed the worlds second-largest economy, leading to rising unemployment and rare instances of unrest. Chinese lawmakers submitted a draft law aimed at making preschools more accessible and affordable as Beijing's drive to encourage people to have more children following the first population drop in six decades continues. The draft Preschool Education Law includes measures to curb excessive profit-seeking by preschool providers, state-backed China news service reported. Commuters wearing face masks ride a subway train.(Reuters) Under the plan, children applying for preschool places should not be subject "to any form of examination or testing except for necessary physical examinations," Xinhua news agency reported. Playing must be prioritised while teaching of any primary school materials during kindergarten is banned, the report claimed. Education minister Huai Jinpeng said the development of the sector remains "unbalanced and insufficient" with many people finding it difficult to enter preschools due to high expense and concerns about quality, Xinhua reported. The draft preschool law will now be reviewed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. This comes as China's fertility rate is estimated to have dropped to a record low of 1.09 in 2022- one of the world's lowest alongside South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Experts believe that high childcare costs and the need to pause careers have put many Chinese women off having more children or any at all as gender discrimination and traditional stereotypes of women caring for children are still widespread in the country. Owing to this, Beijing has been concerned about its rapidly ageing population as it urgently tries an array of measures to lift the birth rate, including financial incentives and improved childcare facilities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Over 3,000 people have been evacuated after heavy rains lashed several parts of Hunan province in Central China from Saturday to Sunday, China Daily reported citing state media agency, Xinhua. China Rainfall: An aerial view shows flooded farmlands and houses near Tazhao village, following heavy rainfall in Zhuozhou, Hebei province.(Reuters) According to the provincial flood and drought control headquarters, the downpour in the region of northwestern Hunan has been continuing since Saturday. In response, Zhangjiajie City, Sangzhi, Shimen, and Yongshun counties have all declared a state of emergency due to flooding. The Lishui River's Sangzhi station measured a water level of 259.21 metres, which was 2.71 metres higher than the alert level and represented a notable rise of 10.85 metres. Some rural homes have been flooded as a result of urban floods in low-lying parts of Sangzhi county seat, China Daily reported citing Xinhua. As a result of the strong precipitation, several county and township-level roads have had varied degrees of collapse. Moreover, highways near the Lishui River have been unusable owing to floods too. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Despite the murders of four of her colleagues for their reporting, Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko never considered she had been poisoned when she fell ill on a train to Berlin. Elena Kostyuchenko is seen. "When you work as an investigative reporter in Russia you are always careful," she told Reuters. "You have lots of protocols you're following all the time. But when I found myself in Europe I totally forgot all these security measures." German prosecutors are investigating whether Kostyuchenko, who is now living in hiding, was the victim of an attempted murder when she became ill last October. Her symptoms started with disorientation and stomach ache on the train journey from Munich to Berlin and persisted for several weeks. By the time she realised she may have been poisoned, it was too late to identify any toxins. "I had to take off my rings because my fingers looked like sausages," she said, describing the swelling that was among her symptoms. Months later, she is still exhausted and only able to work three hours a day. Enemies of Russian President Vladimir Putin living abroad have been poisoned in the past, including former secret agents Sergei Skripal, who survived, and Alexander Litvinenko, who did not. A former Chechen rebel died in Berlin in what a German court said was a Russian state assassination. The Kremlin denies involvement with these killings. "That fitted Putin's narrative, that we can't forgive traitors," Kostyuchenko said. "But I was never working with secret services... Somehow I was thinking that in Europe, I'm safe." At a time when European Union capitals are seen as potential safe havens by Russian activists and reporters who consider themselves at risk at home, the possibility that they too might be targeted abroad amounts to a chilling step change. "When I found myself in Europe, I totally forgot about security measures, like when I discussed my trip to Munich I used Facebook Messenger," said Kostyuchenko, a foreign correspondent who exposed alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. When doctors told her she had likely been poisoned her initial reaction was to laugh. She was one of three Russian independent woman journalists who were apparently poisoned while abroad in a similar period. All three suffered similar symptoms. "We can confirm that an investigation into the attempted murder of Elena Kostyuchenko is pending," a spokesperson for Berlin prosecutors said on Friday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Florida residents are being cautioned about potential widespread fuel contamination along the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued an alert, indicating that fuel purchased from over two dozen Citgo-supplied gas stations after 10 a.m. on Saturday could be compromised due to "human error." This image obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows ropical Storm Idalia (C) off the coast of Mexico on August 279, 2023, at 21:20:20 UTC. Tropical Storm Idalia formed August 27 in the Caribbean, buffeting southeastern Mexico with wind and rain, as forecasters predicted it will strengthen to a hurricane before reaching Florida later in the week.(AFP) The contamination occurred when Citgo workers mistakenly swapped diesel and gasoline in a shipment to various stations on Saturday. The list of 29 affected stations includes locations from Fort Myers to Brooksville. Contaminated fuel has the potential to damage car engines and impair operability, possibly leading to vehicle breakdowns, especially worrisome as the region braces for a powerful storm. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia, expected to escalate into a hurricane by Tuesday or Wednesday. DeSantis expressed concerns about drivers potentially being stranded due to contaminated fuel, emphasizing the need for caution. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has directed impacted gas stations to halt fuel sales until the contaminated fuel is replaced and tanks are thoroughly cleaned. Citgo has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. In light of the situation, Citgo has offered affected individuals the option to initiate a claim on their website to address any concerns. As hurricane season progresses, Floridians are generally advised to keep their gas tanks at least half-full to prevent fuel shortages and long lines during potential evacuations. State authorities are investigating the fuel contamination incident, and steps are being taken to minimize disruptions. Fuel truck restrictions have been lifted to expedite resource delivery within the state, ensuring residents have consistent access to fuel. While Citgo's fuel terminals are located within Port Tampa Bay, the port has clarified that Citgo's operations are not under its jurisdiction, despite being situated within its premises. Florida authorities are working diligently with petroleum retailers, ports, and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the fuel contamination and ensure a seamless fuel supply for residents. Robert J. O'Neill, 47, was arrested on Wednesday in Texas by the Frisco police on the accounts of assault and public intoxication. Though the former Navy SEAL was released on the same day on a $3, 500 bond he had been booked with a Class A misdemeanour charge, for causing bodily injuries and a Class C misdemeanour charge for public intoxication. Robert J. O'Neill, 47, was arrested on Wednesday in Texas by the Frisco police on the accounts of assault and public intoxication. Here are 10 things you ought to know about the self-proclaimed Osama killer: Robert O'Neill was born on April 10, 1976, to Jim and Diane Johnson in Butte, Montana. The 47-year-old ex-Navy SEAL has been married for seven years to spouse Jessica Halpins and shares two children with a former spouse. 2. In an interview with Esquire, O'Neill said that he found himself at the recruiting office of the United States Navy, after a relationship breakup. Upon enlisting in 19196, he joined the Navy SEALS the same year and reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S). Read: Former Navy SEAL Robert ONeill who killed Osama bin Laden arrested in Texas, faces multiple charges 3. A former SEAL Team 6 member, Robert came to fame after he took credit for firing the shots that killed the world-famous terrorist Osama Bin Laden during Operation Neptune Spear in 2011. While the seal team warrior recounted his story in his 2017 memoir The Operator, the US government has neither confirmed nor denied the proclamation. 4. While Robert may have helped stop the biggest crime lord in the world, the guy himself has participated in some. According to a CBS report, he was busted for drunk driving in Montana, though the charges were later dropped. In 2020, Delta Airlines banned the outspoken soldier for refusing to wear a mask. 5. Interestingly, Robert is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and thinks that the former President will surely be back in power. 6. He participated in two famous missions, one where he helped rescue Marcus Luttrell in Afghanistan and Richard Phillips from the Maersk Alabama Hijacking. Read: Navy SEAL Robert ONeill who killed Osama bin Laden celebrates wedding anniversary days after arrest 7. These missions have been picturized into two 2013 films, namely Lone Survivor and Captain Phillips. 8. Robert has authored his biography called The Operator,' which was released in 2017. He has also co-authored a Harper Collins book titled, The Way Forward with Dakota Meyer. 9. He has worked as a TV news contributor for both FOX and Newsmax and owns a podcast called The Operator. 10. During his enlistment, he received two Silver Stars, four Bronze Star Medals, three Presidential Unit citations and many other recognitions. Four Indian-origin men in their 20s have been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old delivery driver, also of Indian heritage, after an attack in Shrewsbury, western England. The attack took place in the Berwick Avenue area of Shrewsbury city last Monday. (Representational image) Aurman Singh was pronounced dead at the scene when the local West Mercia Police attended reports of an attack in the Berwick Avenue area of the city last Monday and went on to arrest four men on suspicion of murder. On Friday, Arshdeep Singh, 24, Jagdeep Singh, 22, Shivdeep Singh, 26, and Manjot Singh, 24, were charged with Aurman Singhs murder and a fifth unnamed man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on police bail. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Aurman at this difficult time, said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy, senior investigating officer at West Mercia Police. Our investigation is underway with officers carrying out a number of enquiries to establish the circumstances that led to Aurmans murder. We know Aurman was a delivery person, however at this stage we do not believe this was the motive for his death and we are not investigating this as a robbery, he said. We believe those involved are known to each other and are not local to Shrewsbury or the wider West Mercia Police area. We have so far arrested five people in connection with the murder and are progressing all other lines of enquiry to locate and arrest outstanding suspects, he added. The suspects are from Tipton, Dudley and Smethwick in the West Midlands region of England. Meanwhile, the victims family issued a statement via the police to say there were no words that could explain the impact the tragedy has had on their family. Today a mother will grow old without her son. A sister will grow up without her brother. We dont want what has happened to us to happen to another family. We would like to thank the police for conducting their investigation diligently and supporting us through this tough time, the statement reads. The police have appealed for anyone with information or digital footage of the attack to come forward. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that an annular solar eclipse will be seen in the United States on October 14, 2023. The marvellous natural phenomenon has been hailed as a ring of fire eclipse. The eclipse will move from Oregon in the north to Texas in the south and people will be able to witness the terrific natural event. The annular solar eclipse will be seen in the United States on October 14, 2023.(YouTube/@NASA) People will witness a "ring of fire" in the sky as the moon will pass in front of the sun, covering it albeit not fully. Due to its relatively smaller size, the moon will form a concentric circle with respect to the sun. And the uncovered portion will be completely lit and look like a ring of fire in the sky. NASA has announced that it will do a live coverage of the solar eclipse. Taking to its official account on social media platform "X"(formerly Twitter), NASA wrote: "Save the date for a solar eclipse: On Oct. 14, a "ring of fire," or annular, eclipse will travel from the U.S. Oregon coast to the Gulf of Mexico." "Wherever you are, you can watch it live with us," added NASA. ALSO READ| Why Britain's PM Rishi Sunak is facing criticism ahead of trade negotiations with India during G20 summit NASA also informed that it will hold conversations with top scientists on the date of occurrence of the eclipse. Telescope views from across the US, will be telecast on NASA's YouTube channel. People would also be able to ask questions in chat using #askNASA. However, NASA has warned the people not to look directly at the eclipse. The prestigious space research body has recommended people to use specialised eye protection to view the eclipse. On its YouTube channel, NASA has provided the option of "Notify me" for those interested in viewing the live telecast. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Mitchel Musso who played Oliver Oken on the hit Disney show Hannah Montana was arrested in Texas recently. The actor was arrested for public intoxication and theft on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The 32-year-old stayed in the prison overnight and was released post paying a $1000 bond on Sunday, August 27, 2023. As per the police, the actor created a disturbance and selected a bag of chips and began eating them. A hotel in the 2600 block of Lakefront Trail reported a disturbance at around 7:15 p.m. in Rockwell, Texas, said the Rockwall Police Department in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. The complainant reported to the police that a seemingly intoxicated person walked into their hotel, selected a bag of chips and began eating them. When asked to pay for them, the subject became verbally abusive and left without rendering payment, continued the complainant. The police contacted the subject outside the hotel who was later identified as Mitchel. Mitchel showed signs of intoxication and was booked on the grounds of theft and public intoxication both of which are Class C Misdemeanors. The 32-year-old stayed in the prison overnight and was released post paying a $1000 bond on Sunday, August 27, 2023. A record check revealed that Mitchel has a past of criminal records, A routine records check also revealed Mr. Musso had several outstanding traffic warrants out of Rockwall Police Department," said the police. In 2011, he was arrested for a DUI in Burbank, California where he drove through an intersection and failed to do what the officer instructed him to do. Mitchel Musso is best known for his portrayal of Oliver Oken, Hannah's best friend in the show Hannah Montanna. He voiced Jeremy Johnson in the animated series Phineas and Ferb and starred as King Brady on the show Pair of Kings which used to air on Disney XD. Pakistan police re-arrested human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari outside the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi just hours after an Islamabad anti-terrorism court granted her bail in a sedition case. The Islamabad police said Imaan Mazari was arrested in a terrorism case registered at the Bara Kahu police station. The arrest comes hours after the Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted her and former lawmaker Ali Wazir post-arrest bail . Imaan Mazari is seen. Imaan Mazari is the daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari. She was arrested two days after they participated in a protest organised by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which advocates the rights of ethnic Pashtuns. After Imann Mazari addressed a rally in Islamabad and criticised the powerful military establishment, she was arrested. As per the FIR, she was arrested for staging a sit-in, resistance and interference in state affairs. She was involved in unlawful gathering, resistance and interference in state affairs, the FIR said. On August 21, the ATC sent Imann Mazari to a three-day police remand in the sedition case. On August 24, the court rejected the prosecutions request to extend her physical remand in the case and sent the two to Rawalpindis Adiala Jail on judicial remand. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned Imann Mazari's arrest and demanded her immediate and unconditional release calling Islamabad police's act as "unacceptable". SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail A school on Indonesia's main island has partially shaved the heads of more than a dozen girls, its headmaster said Monday, after they were accused of wearing their Islamic hijab headscarves incorrectly. Girls wearing hijabs.(HT File) Activists say Muslim and non-Muslim girls have been forced for years to wear a hijab in conservative parts of the archipelago nation of 270 million people, which moved in 2021 to ban schools from such mandatory dress codes. An unidentified teacher at state-owned junior high school SMPN 1 in the East Java town of Lamongan partially shaved the hair of 14 Muslim girls last Wednesday, headmaster Harto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said. Harto said the school had apologised and the teacher had been suspended. He said the schoolgirls did not wear inner caps under their headscarves, leaving their fringes visible. READ | Iran's case against singer Mehdi Yarrahi for hijab removal song: Defies morals' "There is no obligation for female students to wear hijab, but they were advised to wear the inner caps for neat appearance," Harto told AFP. "We apologised to the parents and after mediation, we reached a common understanding." The school has promised it would provide students with psychological assistance, he said. Rights groups called for the teacher to be sacked. READ | Iran proposes long jail terms, AI surveillance in harsh new hijab law "The Lamongan case is probably the most intimidating ever in Indonesia," Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. "No teachers who have cut their students' hair have ever been sanctioned. The education office in Lamongan should sanction this teacher, at least removing her from the school and assign psychologists to deal with the trauma among the victims." The group said in a 2021 report that some schoolgirls have had their hijabs cut if not worn correctly, while others have had marks penalised or faced expulsion for not wearing hijabs. Indonesia recognises six major religions but there have been concerns about growing religious intolerance in the Muslim-majority country. The headscarf issue grabbed headlines in 2021 after a Christian student in West Sumatra was pressured to wear a hijab in a case officials described as the "tip of the iceberg". SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Japan's top government spokesman said on Monday it was extremely regrettable that there were many instances of harassment phone calls from China regarding the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific. ukushima nuclear power plant (AFP/File) "A lot of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are occurring in Japan ... These developments are extremely regrettable and we are concerned," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference. Japan on Thursday started the water discharge, a key step in decommissioning the Fukushima plant, which suffered triple meltdowns after being hit by a tsunami in 2011 following a powerful earthquake. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the Matsuno remarks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US president Joe Biden is set to travel to Vietnam on September 10, the White House said. As per the schedule, the US president will meet General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. US president Joe Biden(Reuters) The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand our people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, the White House said in a statement. Earlier this month, Joe Biden had said that he would be traveling to Vietnam "shortly" because the country wanted to elevate its relationship with the United States and become a major partner. At a meeting in April, Vietnamese prime minister Pham Minh Chinh and US secretary of state Antony Blinken expressed a desire to deepen ties as Washington seeks to solidify relations with partners in Asia to counter an increasingly assertive China. Antony Blinken had expressed the hope then that this could happen "in the weeks and months ahead." US has been working to elevate ties with Vietnam to a "strategic" partnership from one that for the past decade has been called "comprehensive," although Vietnam has been cautious, given the risk of antagonizing China. Joe Biden had also said in July that he got a call from the "head of Vietnam" who "desperately wants to meet with me when I go to the G20," referring to his plans to travel to India for a summit of the grouping due to be held in New Delhi on Sept. 9-10. "He wants to elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China," Joe Biden said then. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has hit the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszow killing 11 people, health authorities said. The water supply system of the city was being checked as the source of the disease. "We have 144 confirmed cases, and 11 fatal cases," Adam Sidor of the regional health inspection service said. Authorities in Rzeszow, a city of some 200,000 people, have stepped up disinfection procedures. Legionnaire's outbreak: This 1978 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Legionella pneumophila bacteria.(AP) "We're looking for the source of the contamination. A contamination of the hot- and cold-water supply network is being considered at this time," Adam Sidor said, adding, For now that does not allow us to confirm that the water supply is the contamination source. The next few days will be decisive. Of 105 water samples taken so far, initial tests of the first 18 samples have found legionellosis bacteria in half of them, he said. Legionnaires' disease is not directly contagious from person to person. It is caused by bacteria that can multiply in water and air-conditioning systems. It can cause fever and pneumonia, especially among people with weak immune systems. Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever outbreaks occur when two or more people are exposed to Legionella in the same place and get sick at about the same time. People can get Legionnaires disease or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain Legionella, CDC said. Outbreaks are commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels and resorts, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and cruise ships. The most likely sources of infection include water used for showering, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for a building or industrial processes), it added. The disease takes its name from the first known outbreak which occurred in 1976 at a hotel in Philadelphia. More than 220 people fell ill, of whom 34 died then. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail A judge set a March 4 trial date for former US president Donald Trump in the federal case in Washington which charged him with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The decision from US District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied a defence request to push the trial back until April 2026 about a year and a half after the 2024 election. It also sets the date later than the January time proposed by special counsel Jack Smith's team. Republican presidential candidate and former US president Donald Trump(Reuters) Tanya Chutkan told both sides at the outset of the status conference that she considered neither proposal acceptable. These proposals are obviously very far apart. Neither of them is acceptable, she said. Donald Trump was charged earlier this month in a four-count indictment with planning to undo his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. He also faces a separate federal case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida property, Mar-a-Lago and refusing to give them back. That case is currently set for trial next May 20. The former US president also faces state cases in New York and Georgia as Manhattan prosecutors charged him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor who said she had an extramarital affair with Trump. Prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, have charged Donald Trump and 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that state's 2020 election. He surrendered Thursday in that case, posing for the first mug shot in American history of a former US president. This comes as Donald Trump is an early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail One of Libyas rival prime ministers said Monday he has suspended his foreign minister a day after Israel revealed that its chief diplomat met with her last week news that prompted scattered street protests in the chaos-stricken North African nation. Libyan Foreign Affairs Minister Najla Mangoush speaks.(AFP) Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who heads the government of national unity in the capital, Tripoli, also referred Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for investigation over the meeting, which was the first ever between top diplomats of Libya and Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Mangoush met in Rome last week. It was a small breakthrough for Israels government, whose hard-line policies toward the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. Cohen said they discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyas former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management, according to Israels Foreign Ministry. The Libyan foreign ministry, meanwhile, sought to downplay the importance of the meeting as unprepared and an unofficial meeting during a meeting with Italys foreign minister. It said in a statement that Mangoushs encounter with Cohen didnt include any talks, agreements or consultations. Dbeibahs decision to suspend Mangoush suggested that he was not aware of the meeting. However, two senior Libyan government officials told The Associated Press the prime minister did know about the talks between his foreign minister and the Israeli chief diplomat. One of the officials said Dbeibah gave the green light for the meeting last month when he was on a visit to Rome. The prime ministers office arranged the encounter in coordination with Mangoush, he said. The second official said the meeting lasted for about two hours and Mangoush briefed the prime minister directly after her return to Tripoli. The official said the meeting crowned U.S.-brokered efforts to have Libya join a series of Arab countries establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. The official said normalization of relations between Libya and Israel was first discussed in a meeting between Dbeibah, and CIA Director William Burns, who visited the Libyan capital in January. The Libyan premier gave initial approval for joining the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, but he was concerned about public backlash in a country known for its past support for the Palestinian cause, the official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety. Jalel Harchaoui, an associate fellow specializing in Libya at the London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, said Dbeibah has sought to please foreign governments as he has come under growing pressure from the U.N. and other countries over the political stalemate in his nation. Harchaoui said the Libyan prime ministers decision to suspend his foreign minister undoubtedly aimed at calming public anger. Israels foreign ministry did not respond to reporters questions early Monday, including whether Cohens announcement had been coordinated with Libya. An Israeli official, however, said the foreign ministry was forced to go public after an Israeli media outlet planned to publish a report on the meeting. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes diplomacy, said that Israel informed the Libyans about the leak and said that both countries had previously agreed to announce the meeting at an unspecified time. Libya was plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil-rich country has been split between the Western-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the countrys east. Each side has been backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Gadhafi was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Sundays announcement of the meeting prompted scattered protests in Tripoli and other towns in western Libya. Protesters stormed the foreign ministry headquarters to condemn the meeting, while others attacked and burned a residence for the prime minister in Tripoli, according to local reports. In the town of Zawiya protesters burned the Israeli flag, while others held the Palestinian flag. There were also protests in the city of Misrata, a stronghold for Dbeibah, according to footage circulated on social media and verified by The Associated Press. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Netherlands returned formal ownership to Sri Lanka of six colonial-era treasures which included a more than 275-year-old cannon that is studded with gold, silver, bronze and rubies. Dutch deputy minister for culture, education and science Gunay Uslu signed over the ownership of the objects to Sri Lanka at a ceremony at the cultural ministry in Colombo, news agency AFP reported. The Lewke's Cannon is pictured. Following this, Sri Lanka's national museum granted authority to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum to hold the artifacts until they are transported to Colombo. This will be done in December this year. The first batch is set to return to Sri Lanka under a 2021 Dutch policy to restore cultural objects stolen from former colonies. This will include Lewke's Cannon which is believed to have been a gift from Sri Lankan aristocrat Lewke Disava to the king of Kandy around 1745-46. It was seized by Dutch troops in 1765 and since then has been displayed around the Netherlands. The cannon will eventually placed in the Rijksmuseum. Other items include two gold and silver swords, two guns and a knife which are also from a period when the Dutch ruled Sri Lanka from 1658 to 1796. The decision to return these objects followed recommendations by a government-appointed commission looking into illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions. It was set up after a request by Indonesia for the return of some art pieces and natural history collections. After this, Sri Lanka also requested its stolen treasures be returned. The Portuguese ruled Sri Lanka from 1505 to 1658, followed by the Dutch, and finally the British before independence in 1948. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said in a recent interview that he would have certified the results of the presidential election in 2020. He also suggested that Mike Pence, who was then the Vice President, missed a "historic opportunity" to make changes on January 6, 2021. Vivek Ramaswamy (L) suggested that Mike Pence (R) missed a "historic opportunity" to make changes on January 6, 2021 (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg, Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Des Moines Register via AP) Vivek was asked by NBC News' Chuck Todd in an interview on Meet the Press what he thought about Mike certifying the results of the election. Vivek replied, I would have done it very differently. I think that there was a historic opportunity that he missed, to reunite this country in that window. He added, What I would have said is: This is a moment for a true national consensus where there's two elements of what's required for a functioning democracy in America. One is secure elections, and the second is a peaceful transfer of power. When those things come into conflict, thats an opportunity for heroism. Heres what I would have said If it was him instead of Mike, Vivek said, he would have pushed "reforms" through Congress before the election was certified. Heres what I would have said: We need single-day voting on Election Day, we need paper ballots, and we need government- issued ID matching the voter file. And if we achieve that, then we have achieved victory and we should not have any further complaint about election integrity. I would have driven it through the Senate," he said. In my capacity as president of the Senate, I would have led through that level of reform, then on that condition certified the election results, served it up to the president President Trump then to sign that into law. And on January 7th, declared the re-election campaign pursuant to a free and fair election, he said. I think that was a missed opportunity." Vivek was also reminded that he is significantly less experienced than former president Donald Trump, and asked why he believes he can still be a more effective leader. I want to build on the foundation that Trump laid, frankly, I will invite him as an adviser and a mentor, Vivek replied. I dont want to relearn the same lessons. I want to pick up where he left off in taking on the administrative state. Following the interview, Mikes campaign issued a statement, saying, Ramaswamy has flipped and flopped around the issue of January 6. His most recent comments are perhaps his most egregious, including on this mornings edition of Meet The Press on NBC. On August 4, 2023, he refused to say he would have certified the results of the 2020 election on January 6, 2021. Yet at Wednesdays GOP Debate, he raised his hand in support of what Mike Pence did in following the Constitution, despite his comments on MTP today. Ramaswamy shows once again he would fail the civics test Social media users blasted Viveks remarks following the interview, suggesting Vivek needs to go back to eight grade social studies. Ramaswamy shows once again he would fail the civics test he wants 18-25 year olds to pass to be allowed to vote, one user wrote on X. Another said, On the one hand, this guy seems to believe the Vice President has unfettered power to decide elections however he wants and to change election law across the country. On the other hand, Chuck Todd just completely lets that slide, so it's no wonder how we find ourselves here. While one user wrote, "The peak of unhinged MAGA policy prescriptions was from Trump who thought US govt debt was similar to the junk bonds his company issued and therefore thought falling treasury prices offered an opportunity to US govt to get a great bargain..Vivek is continuously striving to get there. My best wishes to him, another said, #Ramaswamy running for the highest office on a Trump 2.0 agenda, full of inaccuracies and disingenuous bravado, needs to go back to eight grade social studies- and understand the basics of our govt and precepts of our Constitution.His nonsense is overwhelming. A court in Pakistan has dismissed a murder case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his lawyer said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (Reuters/File) Paris will on Friday become the first European capital to ban floating electric scooters from its streets, leaving fans desolate but relieving those who loathed their "nuisance" factor. Paris, where self-service electric scooters will be banned from September 1, is about to join the few cities in the world that have opted for a ban, with many other municipalities opting for more or less strict restrictions. (AFP) Residents voted by almost 90 percent in an April referendum to ban the scooters celebrated as a win for direct democracy by mayor Anne Hidalgo even though turnout was just 7.5 percent. The ban applies to rental scooters which have been offered by several operators since 2018, although people will still be able to whizz through Paris on privately-owned contraptions. With complaints of users jostling through pedestrians on pavements or dumping their rides awkwardly at intersections, the city's 15,000 two-wheeled machines from providers Tier, Lime and Dott had turned into "nuisances" for many Parisians, Hidalgo said at the time. But "so many people were sad" at the decision, said Paris-based American influencer Amanda Rollins, 33, who often gets around by scooter -- one of 400,000 people to do so in 2022, according to figures from the operators. "They're just so much fun!" she added, while noting that being able to just pick one up offers "a really reliable way to get home... like a safety net" on nights when the metro closes before the capital's bars. The day scooters arrived in Paris in 2018 was "like Christmas... it was like Santa came overnight," she recalled, praising their use for tours of the city with friends and their practicality when stopping for a swift Instagram photoshoot. - 'Turn of the page' - Paris "is a unique case" said Clement Pette, head of Tier's operations in France. "It's a major turn of the page". By Friday, the Berlin-based firm had collected 3,000 of its 5,000 scooters, with growing red areas on its application's map showing parking forbidden in more and more of Paris each night as it loaded them into vans. Only a small zone in central Paris will have scooters available until the wheels finally come off. Like other operators, Tier's freshly-serviced machines will be heading to other cities where it offers scooter service. Some Tier machines will remain in Paris' outskirts, with most returning to Germany or Warsaw, while Lime ships them to Lille, London, Copenhagen and German cities and Dott is set to send some as far away as Tel Aviv. "We've turned the page on scooters" for the whole Paris region, said Xavier Mirailles, Lime's public affairs director. Instead, like the other operators, Lime is betting on its fleet of 10,000 floating-hire bicycles, against around 5,000 offered by Tier. - Mixed impact - Removing floating scooters from Paris won't mean that they disappear from the capital's streets altogether, as many people have made the jump to owning their own -- or more exotic rides like electric monowheels. "Shared electric scooters can be a gateway to acquiring a personal scooter," said Anne de Bortoli, a researcher at Montreal-based sustainability lab CIRAIG. She highlighted that the scooters had begun to make an impact on emissions from Parisian transport in recent years, with second-generation models producing carbon emissions of around 60 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. That was "more than a personal bike, the metro or suburban trains" -- the modes of transport most often replaced by scooter trips -- "but it also replaced some taxi rides and trips in personal cars", making for "slight gains in terms of carbon footprint". "We have to change the way we get around as quickly as possible... scooters allowed people to access this mode of transport, to test it out, see if it met their needs. It often made people want to switch," de Bortoli said. While the vehicles may have offered an environmental impact, they also took a toll on users, with 10 riders killed in France in July alone according to government data -- the country's heaviest-ever toll. Announcing the figures earlier this month, road safety chief Florence Guillaume "strongly encouraged" scooter users to wear helmets, which have been made obligatory in some cities like Italy and Danish capital Copenhagen. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The first day of the highly anticipated Burning Man festival Black Rock City, Nevada took an unexpected turn as a protest erupted, creating a clash between festival attendees and activists. The festival, known for its celebration of art, self-expression, and community, was shaken by the disruptive demonstration. A Burning Man participant (L) evades a chasing firefighter and falls into the flames of the Man Burn after evading the attempted tackles of multiple rangers and law enforcement personnel at the 2017 Burning Man festival. Injuries from the burns left the man dead several hours later.(Reuters) A group of activists orchestrated a blockade on a main route within Black Rock City using a trailer, lock-ons, and bold banners bearing slogans like BURNERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!, ABOLISH CAPITALISM, and GENERAL STRIKE FOR CLIMATE. Their objective was to draw attention to the perceived failure of capitalism in addressing pressing climate change and ecological concerns. At the core of the protest was a growing concern among activists about the increasing commercialization of the Burning Man event. Many believed that the festival's foundational values of radical self-reliance, community, and self-expression were becoming overshadowed by the influx of affluent participants who did not align with these principles. This disconnect between the festival's ethos and the presence of consumerism underscored the heart of what Burning Man originally symbolized a counter-cultural movement that emphasized inclusivity, creativity, and a break from traditional economic norms. The clash between activists and festivalgoers escalated quickly, resulting in tense confrontations. Videos circulated online, including a hyper-lapse video capturing the massive traffic congestion that ensued due to the disruption. Also Read | Hollywood strike casts shadow on Venice Film Festival's 80th edition amidst controversy Eyewitnesses reported heated exchanges between attendees and protesters as festivalgoers tried to clear the blocked road. Law enforcement rangers intervened, leading to the arrest of some activists at gunpoint. The intense scenes showcased the deep-seated frustrations and passions that were at play during the confrontation. Beyond the immediate clash, the protest at Burning Man reflects a larger global conversation about the role of capitalism and economic systems in addressing climate change. Activists are employing creative methods to bring attention to the perceived inadequacies of existing economic structures in tackling environmental challenges. Moreover, the protest highlighted the challenges that alternative counter-cultural movements often face when gaining popularity and mainstream attention. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has called for unity and restraint in the wake of the recent tragic shooting incident in Jacksonville, Florida. The attack, described by officials as racially motivated, left three Black individuals dead. Ramaswamy emphasized the importance of not politicizing such tragedies during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press. Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Polk County Summer Sizzle fundraising event in Clive, Iowa, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.(AP) The perpetrator, identified as Ryan Palmeter, fatally shot three Black individuals in a Dollar General store before taking his own life. His firearm bore a swastika symbol, and he had shared racist writings prior to the attack. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that Palmeter's writings clearly exhibited his hatred toward Black people. During the interview, Ramaswamy responded to questions about political implications surrounding such incidents. When asked about the recent uptick in race-based violent crimes, he asserted, "I don't think this is a left versus right issue, and I don't think we should try to politicize this through partisan goggles either." Chuck Todd, the show's host, inquired about the significance of examining manifestos and the potential for online spread of extremist content. Ramaswamy pointed out that the manifesto of the perpetrator behind a school shooting in Nashville earlier this year had not yet been released. Ramaswamy highlighted a potential double standard in media coverage and said, "We still have not yet even seen the manifesto of that transgender shooter in Nashville of a Christian school, and yet here, we're focusing on the motive." He suggested that it is important to maintain a consistent approach when discussing such incidents. He expressed a broader perspective by saying, "Any killing, any mass killing, is heinous. We need to get to the root cause of the mental health epidemic [and] address that. We need leadership that sets the right tone in this country." Chinese state media urged UKs most famous museum to return items stolen during the colonial era. We formally request the British Museum to return all Chinese cultural relics acquired through improper channels to China free of charge, and to refrain from adopting a resistant, protracted and perfunctory attitude, the Global Times said in an editorial. The museum has 23,000 Chinese items, the newspaper said, giving examples of a painting from the Tang dynasty and bronze vessels. A sign for the British Museum is seen in London, Britain.(Reuters) Most Chinese collections were certainly looted or stolen by Britain when it created and later took advantage of Chinas crisis, or even directly robbed China, the newspaper said referring to 19th century upheaval in the Asian nation. The Global Times said that it backed other countries who sought the return of artifacts. Read more: March 4 trial date set for Donald Trump in case on overturning election The editorial comes ahead of an expected visit by UK foreign secretary James Cleverly to Beijing in a bid to repair ties hurt by the China's crackdown on Hong Kongs pro-democracy opposition. The editorial was widely shared on Chinas Weibo social media platform as opinion remained divided on the newspapers stance. Some accused it of trying to distract the public from the nations flagging economy with one user posting, The public know that the economy is on a downward trend and you are working hard to evoke a sense of cohesion for our nation. But populism is not a good thing. Another said, The timing is quite awkward. The public was focused on condemning Japan, and now another front is being opened on the West. Netizens are feeling very tired. The British Museum is set to hold a summer exhibit called Chinas Hidden Century. It will cover a period of the Qing dynasty from 1796 to 1912 and will display the original Treaty of Nanjing which ended the First Opium War and ceded Hong Kong to Britain. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Russia's FSB security service has charged a former employee of the U.S. consulate in the Russian Far East with collecting information on the war in Ukraine and other issues for Washington, state news agency TASS said on Monday. The Russian flag is seen through barbed wire as it flies on the roof of the Russian embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. (Representational image)(REUTERS) The suspect, Robert Shonov, relayed information to U.S. embassy staffers in Moscow on how Russia's conscription campaign was impacting political discontent ahead of the 2024 presidential election in Russia, TASS quoted the FSB as saying. The FSB said it planned to question U.S. embassy employees who were in contact with Shonov, a Russian national who has been under arrest since May. The embassy said in May that "the allegations against Mr. Shonov are wholly without merit", and his "only role at the time of his arrest was to compile media summaries of press items from publicly available Russian media sources". US journalist Evan Gershkovich files appeal US journalist Evan Gershkovich has appealed against the latest extension of his pre-trial detention in Moscow on spying charges that he denies, Russian state media said on Saturday. TASS news agency quoted a Moscow court as saying it had received the appeal from the defence team of the Wall Street Journal reporter. Gershkovich was arrested on March 29 in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on spying charges that carry up to 20 years in prison. No date has been set for his trial, and on Thursday his detention in Moscow's Lefortovo prison was extended by three months to Nov. 30. He has failed in two previous appeals, in April and June. The United States says Russia is using Gershkovich to conduct "hostage diplomacy", at a time when Moscow's war in Ukraine has plunged relations with Washington to their lowest point in more than 60 years. Washington says the case against him is bogus and has demanded the release of both Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen convicted of espionage in 2020 and serving 16 years in a Russian penal colony on spying charges that he too denies. Russia on Monday accused a former US consulate employee in the Far East of illegally passing data about the Ukraine conflict to American diplomats, activities Washington earlier said were routine. The FSB said it had charged the Russian citizen, identified as Robert Shonov, over "cooperation on a confidential basis with a foreign state". (File) The Russian Security Service (FSB) also announced it was seeking to question two US diplomats at the embassy in Moscow over the case, in a break from diplomatic tradition. The announcement is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats building pressure on strained ties between Moscow and Washington, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine. The FSB said it had charged the Russian citizen, identified as Robert Shonov, over "cooperation on a confidential basis with a foreign state". The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of eight years. Russian news agencies meanwhile released undated footage distributed by the FSB showing Shonov's detention on a snow-covered street. It also published images of Shonov testifying on camera. The FSB said Shonov had begun handing information to the American diplomats last September about the conflict and mobilisation, an unpopular move in Russia that sparked an exodus of military-aged men. It added that Shonov had been tasked with gauging protest sentiment in Russia's regions ahead of presidential elections scheduled for next year. The FSB said the two diplomats, identified as Jeffrey Silin and David Bernstein, worked in the political department in the US embassy in Moscow. The footage circulated by Russian media identified the diplomats along with summons dated August 11 for questioning on August 23. Shonov worked for more than 25 years for the US consulate in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok until 2021, when Moscow imposed restrictions on local staff working for foreign missions. The US State Department said in May that Shonov since worked as a private contractor compiling press accounts from publicly accessible Russian media, "in strict compliance with Russia's laws and regulations". Ukraine said on Monday its troops had liberated the southeastern settlement of Robotyne and were trying to push farther south in their two-month-old counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces. Ukrainian soldiers enter the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on August 25, 2023. (via REUTERS) The Ukrainian military said that its troops last week had raised the national flag in the strategic village and posted a video showing the move. The forces then carried out mopping-up operations until they confirmed control on Monday, the military said. "Robotyne has been liberated," Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar was quoted as saying on Monday by the military. The settlement is 10 km (six miles) south of the frontline town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region on an important road towards Tokmak, a Russian-occupied road and rail hub. Tokmak's capture would be a milestone as Ukrainian troops press southwards towards the Sea of Azov in a military drive that is intended to split Russian forces following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russia has not confirmed the Ukrainian advance. In a statement, Russia's defence ministry said Moscow's troops had repelled attacks by Kyiv's forces near Robotyne and Verbove. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke on Monday of different sectors of the front in his nightly video address but made no reference to Robotyne. He said Ukrainian forces were preparing responses to Russian plans "definitely. In a way they do not anticipate". Ukraine believes its fighters have broken through the most difficult line of Russian defences in the south and that they will now start advancing more quickly, a commander who led troops into Robotyne told Reuters last week. Separately, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Monday any suggestion of differences with Washington over Ukraine's military strategy were "mistaken and invented". He told a news conference that Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valery Zalunzhniy was meeting "systematically" with senior officials from allied countries supplying Ukraine with weaponry. "Everything is going according to the plan, which was discussed with our partners in advance when our brigades were being formed, when they were equipped...," Reznikov said. Media have reported on a meeting this month of senior NATO military chiefs and Ukraine's top general on resetting Ukraine's military strategy. The New York Times last week quoted U.S. and other Western officials as saying that the offensive had made limited progress because Ukraine had too many troops in the wrong places. FORTIFYING POSITIONS A military spokesman told Ukrainian television Kyiv's forces were continuing to fortify their positions in Robotyne. "Stabilisation measures, demining and preparations for further actions are under way," Oleksandr Shtupun said. Maliar told Ukrainian television earlier that Kyiv's troops, who began their counteroffensive in early June, were now moving southeast of Robotyne and south of nearby Mala Tokmachka. Ukrainian forces are also fighting Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, and progress has been slower than had been widely expected because they have encountered vast Russian minefields and trenches. Maliar described the battlefield situation in the east as "very hot" in the past week. She said Russian troops were gathering new forces there and regrouping, and Moscow was aiming to deploy its best troops there. Ukrainian forces had continued to advance south of Bakhmut, she said, referring to the shattered eastern city captured by Moscow's troops in May after months of fierce fighting. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Pavel Polityuk, Writing by Anna Pruchnicka, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Alex Richardson, Ron Popeski and Cynthia Osterman) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ukraine announced Monday it had recaptured a village on the southern frontline, where its forces are hoping for a breakthrough in their grinding offensive against entrenched Russian positions. Ukrainian soldiers of the Separate Assault Battalion 'Skala' enter the embattled village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine. (Reuters) Kyiv launched its pushback in June after stockpiling Western-supplied weapons, building up assault battalions and attacking Russian positions. But officials in Kyiv have acknowledged that progress has been slow and Moscow says Ukrainian forces are running out of resources. "Robotyne has been liberated. Our forces are advancing southeast of Robotyne and south of Mala Tokmachka," Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said on television. Both settlements are in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, one of four that the Kremlin claimed to have annexed last year despite not having military control over any of them. Ukraine's limited advances on the southern front have spurred a political debate in Western capitals over political and military support for Kyiv. Read Here: 2 people killed by Russian shelling in east Ukraine Compared to previous offensives in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions, Ukrainian forces are crashing into Russian defensive lines of trenches and minefields that are kilometres deep. But experts say that the capture of Robotyne is evidence Ukrainian force can puncture Russian lines as they move towards the Black Sea. - 'Intense' fighting - The US-based Institute for the Study of War said Russia had "committed a considerable amount of materiel, effort, and manpower to hold the series of defensive positions that Ukrainian forces are currently penetrating". Apart from clawing back several hamlets in the south, Ukrainian forces have pressured the flanks of Bakhmut, a war-scarred town in the east captured by Russia in May. Malyar said Monday that Ukrainian troops were advancing south of Bakhmut and that they had recaptured one square kilometre (around one-third of a square mile) there over the last week of fighting. She also acknowledged a Russian push to take back territory in the northeast of Ukraine, describing fighting in the Kharkiv region as "very intense" over the past week. Ukrainian officials have estimated that Russia has committed around 100,000 additional troops to frontlines in the northeast to pressure defensive lines. Read Here | Ukraine defies odds by advancing in counteroffensive: Official British intelligence services have said Russia could try to divert Ukrainian military resources by solidifying their positions in Kharkiv. While movement on the frontline has been stilted, both sides have pursued aerial assault campaigns. - Drone attacks - A Russian missile strike overnight on an industrial facility in the central region of Poltava had left two dead and several wounded, Ukraine's presidency said. Images released by Kyiv showed law enforcement officials standing next to a large blaze engulfing part of a factory with plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media that Russian forces had hit an oil facility in the town of Gogoleve and that two employees of the enterprise were killed. The air force said Russia had launched six cruise missiles and that air defence systems had downed four of them. Russian authorities said its systems had destroyed a drone approaching Moscow and two in a region bordering Ukraine. Russian-installed authorities in Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, later said two Ukrainian drones had been shot down over the peninsula. The head of Russia's election commission, Ella Pamfilova, announced Monday that early voting in local elections in the four newly annexed territories as well as Crimea would begin this week. Previous ballots in occupied territories have been dismissed by Kyiv and its Western allies. Russia is holding local elections on September 10 for various regional officials. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is set to hold meetings with Chinese counterparts Monday on a trip to Beijing aimed at cooling trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, center, talks to U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, right, as she arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Sunday.(AP) Her visit -- which will last until Wednesday -- is the latest in a series of high-level trips by US officials to China in recent months. The visits could culminate in a meeting between the nation's leaders. US President Joe Biden said recently that he was expecting to meet China's Xi Jinping this year. Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday and was met by commerce ministry director of the Americas and Oceania department Lin Feng. Raimondo "looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation," the commerce department said last week. She will also travel to China's economic powerhouse Shanghai, Washington said. Relations between Washington and Beijing have plummeted to some of their worst levels in decades, with Washington's trade curbs among the top of the laundry list of disagreements. Washington says its restrictions are crucial to safeguarding national security, while Beijing sees them as seeking to curb its economic rise. Turkey and the US held their largest joint military exercises in at least seven years, a sign of improving ties as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks another meeting with Joe Biden next month. Erdogan last month dropped his long-held opposition to Swedens NATO membership in a bid to improve ties with the US.(AP) The past weeks drills, along with a visit from a bipartisan Congressional delegation, show both sides seeking to rebuild their longtime alliance, said three Turkish officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Turkey is seeking to arrange a meeting between Erdogan and the U.S. president on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, following one in Lithuania last month, said the officials, asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Turkey sees the joint military exercises as recognition by Washington of Ankaras importance as a NATO ally in a region criss-crossed by conflicts, the officials said. Erdogan last month dropped his long-held opposition to Swedens NATO membership in a bid to improve ties with the US and buy American-made F-16 fighter jets. Also Read: Three US Marines killed in aircraft crash during military drills in Australia Military Diplomacy The USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, visited the Turkish port city of Antalya last week. Joint naval and combat drills involving Turkish F-16 and US F-18 jets marked the largest joint exercises since bilateral ties hit a low in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt against Erdogan in 2016, Turkish officials said. American officials invited Erdogans son-in-law Selcuk Bayraktar, who has led Turkeys development of Bayraktar drones, to the aircraft carrier in a symbolic gesture. Meanwhile, the bipartisan congressional delegation, including Representatives Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Victoria Spartz of Indiana, held talks in Ankara on Friday. Turkey was sanctioned by the US over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile-defense system in 2017 and kicked out of the Lockheed Martin Corp.s F-35 stealth jet program, making the F-16 purchase critical to its air force. Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou on Monday announced that he will run for president of Taiwan as an independent candidate in 2024. Gou, who has long-running ambitions to become the leader of the self-ruled island, would need to secure the signatures of around 290,000 voters to become president. Terry Gou, founder of Taiwan's Foxconn. (Reuters) Taiwan is set to hold the presidential election in January next year. Notably, Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is a member of President Tsai Ing-wen's Democratic Progressive Party, is the current frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election. Also read: Apple Supplier Foxconn Begins iPhone 15 Production in India All you need to know about Terry Gou: Terry Gou is a Taiwanese billionaire businessman and the founder and former chairman and chief executive officer of Foxconn - the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronics. In 2016, Gou resigned from Foxconn and joined the Kuomintang (KMT) to run for president. However, he lost the election, coming in second in the Kuomintang primary. In 2019, the business tycoon announced his withdrawal from the Kuomintang. According to Gou, he was instructed by the sea goddess Mazu in a dream to run as a candidate in the 2020 presidential election in Taiwan. Gou's campaign reportedly got off to a slow start as a poll released by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation on July 20 showed only 15.2 percent of respondents would vote for him. That trailed Lai, with a support rating of 33.9 percent, Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan Peoples Party with 20.5 percent support and Hous 18 percent, reported Bloomberg. Gou has previously called for Taiwan and China to resume direct talks under the one-China framework - a reference to the notion that Taiwan is a part of China. (With inputs from agencies) Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to attend the G20 summit in India in September. As per reports, during his visit, Sunak will also discuss the UK-India trade negotiations in a separate bilateral meeting with Indias prime minister, Narendra Modi. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (AFP) Ahead of the expected trade talks, Sunak is under criticism over allegations that there is a conflict of interest. According to a report by The Guardian, Indian IT company Infosys may benefit if the UK-India trade deal happens and since Sunak's wife Akshata Murty holds shares worth almost 500m in the same company, the UK's Prime Minister is facing a conflict of interest. Darren Jones who is the Labour chair of the business and trade select committee, has requested Sunak to clear the air about their concerns over the alleged conflict of interest. The Committee members have also been pressuring the UK government to allow them to visit India for examining the conflict of interest issue. As the prime minister recently learned, its important he declares any interests properly. I expect him to do so in respect of the India trade deal too, said Jones. Notably, Trade secretary Kemi Badenoch had visited India recently and laid the ground for the expected trade negotiations. Experts believe that through the trade deal, Infosys and other Indian IT companies would explore the possibility of requesting changes to UK's visa policy for easier access by the company's staff to work in the country. India is expected to demand more visas for its IT and AI sector workers, in the talks over a free-trade agreement with United Kingdom. ALSO READ| Donald Trump's advisor warns against monetary use of ex-president's mugshot, gets trolled through community notes Alan Manning, a professor of economics at the London School of Economics, who chaired the migration advisory committee to government from 2016 to 2020 highlighted why India would focus on IT sector in the trade talks. Software services are one of Indias biggest export sectors, and India will be looking for opportunities to grow them in their trade deals, including with the UK," Manning was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Often this means seeking more liberal immigration laws as these businesses are about moving people around the world. Indian IT companies, including Infosys, are already among the biggest users of the UKs work visa system and will want to expand further. As the prime ministers family may have a direct financial interest in any deal on immigration, he should recuse himself from this part of the negotiations to avoid any perception of conflict of interest, added Manning. On the conflict of interest matter, Shadow trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: it is important that he [the prime minister] is transparent about any relevant business links and his personal role in negotiations. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UK government said: The prime ministers interests have been declared in accordance with the normal processes. Reportedly, UK will seek cutting down of high tariffs imposed on goods like Scotch whisky and cars that are exported to India from there. As the crowd shut Ron off, the councilwoman tried to silence them, saying, It ain't about parties today. A bullet don't know a party. Ron continued, We're going to be announcing some stuff tomorrow morning which I think will help, not only with security, but also an attempt to help these families. What he did was totally unacceptable in the state of Florida. He added, We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race. We are going to stand up, and we are going to do what we need to do, to make sure that evil does not triumph in the state of Florida. The diary of a madman The 21-year shooter, who targeted the Jacksonville shop, shot AJ dead as he tried to escape. Angela was gunned down by 11 bullets as she sat in her car in the parking lot outside the store. Gerald was killed while he was entering the shop with his girlfriend, Sheriff TK Waters confirmed, according to New York Post. Many other people managed to flee the store as Ryan attempted to shoot them. It is believed that Ryan acted alone in the attack. A suicide note and multiple racist manifestos were found in Ryans computer at his parents Clay County house, where he lived. The manifesto is, quite frankly, the diary of a madman, Sheriff Waters said. He was just completely irrational. But with irrational thoughts, he knew what he was doing. He was 100% lucid. The opening of the first W Hotels property in Scotland by Marriott is scheduled for this winter, almost a decade after the initial announcement of the project. The official website of the group indicates that W Edinburgh is set to open its doors in November 2023, and reservations can be made starting from mid-November. The hotel, which comprises 244 rooms, was initially revealed in 2016 when Starwood Hotels was still managing the brand before merging with Marriott. The property, characterized by its unique spiral ribbon facade, is part of the St James Quarter in the East End of Edinburgh, which also includes an aparthotel operated by the Roomzzz brand. As previously mentioned in 2020, the hotel will house a rooftop restaurant operated by the Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion brand SUSHISAMBA, Joao's Place cocktail bar, the iconic W Lounge, as well as a gym and spa. This establishment will be the second W Hotels property in the UK, following the opening of W London in 2011. The upcoming launch of W Edinburgh comes after the notable introduction of the Virgin Hotels brand in Edinburgh last year. Hotel website Raffles and Fairmont Doha has hired Shamsa Al-Fahad as the executive director of talent and culture. The luxe Qatari hotels said that Al Fahad's hire falls in line with its commitment to celebrating local talent and providing the Qataris employment opportunities. Prior to joining Raffles and Fairmont Doha, Al Fahad worked as human resources country head at HSBC Bank Qatar. She spearheaded the development and execution of human resources strategies in alignment with the bank's overarching business objectives. Previously, she led the recruitment & training unit at Alrayyan for Media & Marketing Co. Her career also encompassed positions like IT senior administrator and human resources manager, showcasing her ability to balance technical roles with human resources management. She has also been assistant human resources manager and senior human resources specialist at Gulf Bridge International QSTP-LLC, where she excelled in developing budgets, managing recruitment, and nurturing employee growth. Al Fahad's expertise further extended to Qatar Shell GTL W.L.L. and Qatar Shell Service Company, where she notably served as a human resources business advisor and as a recruitment coordinator, respectively. Dave Bisgrove has been appointed as National Sales Manager for Leisure with Hotel Co 51, Marriott's International's largest franchise partner for the Moxy brand in Europe and one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the UK. Prior to joining the hotel group, Dave, who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, was Group Leisure Sales Manager for Jupiter Hotels before they were taken over by Aimbridge. Anyone who has stayed in an exuberantly designed hotel in Asia has most likely experienced the designs of Bill Bensley: the Bangkok-based designer is the creative force behind The Siam Hotel Bangkok; Rosewood Luang Prabang, Shinta Mani Angkor and Capella Hanoi among others. Apart from his hotel designs, though, Bensley is also an artist and philanthropist and those three interests combine in the first Bensley Art Trail, a 12 day tour for those interested in art, design, luxury and conservation from November 28th-December 10th. Bensley will lead it, taking 12 guests behind the scenes of several of those hotels as well as his home, with itinerary details constructed by the Bangkok based luxury, bespoke travel company Smiling Albino. Proceeds will go to the Shinta Mani Foundation which is based in Cambodia to fund 32 scholarships for students of the Shinta Mani Foundation Hospitality School, Class of 2024. I have been designing hotels all my life, but when I first picked up a paint brush just 4 years ago I absolutely fell in love with art, Bensley explains. In creating the Bensley Art Trail I want to share my enthusiasm with you and inspire you to release your inner child, while having a ton of fun along the way as we travel, draw and paint in some of Southeast Asias most beautiful places. Throughout the tour, Bensley will impart his thoughts about hotel and interior design, landscape architecture, and spotlight individual artists, describing what is unique about their work. The trip kicks off at the recently opened InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, a railway themed resort two and a half hours from Bangkok near Khao Yai National Park known for its wildlife including elephants, waterfalls and hiking trails. For this design, Bensley used reclaimed train carriages, some rescued from the jungle, and created a fantasy design around them. While here, guests will participate in immersive art workshops with the designer and join him and park rangers for conservation-themed forest walks. Read the full article at Forbes Shanghai - Mountain Education Group (MEG), leading education group in China operating in K12 bilingual schools and worldwide reference in Higher Education Les Roches business school officially celebrated yesterday their exclusive cooperation in China. Through a strategic alliance, the two parties plan to develop a unique network of hospitality higher education campuses in China starting with a first Campus in Shanghai in 2025. Les Roches has always been committed to China and Chinese students, having been a pioneering actor in China with its first establishment in 2003, 20 years ago. With Mountain Education Group, Les Roches pursue its mission to provide Chinese talents with world-class hospitality management education, building on the highest standards developed by Les Roches. The agreement foresees pan-Chinese expansion of Les Roches brand, starting with the first campus opening in Shanghai planned in 2025. The partners plan to open 3 to 4 campuses across the country (Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou). On the day of the official signing, Carlos Diez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches commented: We are thrilled to share this new development for Les Roches. Les Roches is proud to have been the first actor in Hospitality management education supporting the transformation of Chinas hospitality industry as well as the development of its talent pool, and now wishes to continue to contribute to this dynamic and important industry in China. The aim of Les Roches is to provide the widest career opportunities to aspirants in Hospitality and entrepreneurship providing students with knowledge, skills and opportunities for international and national careers in hospitality, gastronomy, luxury and retail. MEG CEO Mr. Zeng declared: For many years, MEG has consistently pursued an idealistic approach to education, the schools we invest in and manage in Shanghai and Suzhou have received high praise from parents and students, several campus buildings have won numerous significant domestic and international awards. Sommet Education CEO, Benoit-Etienne Domenget shared: As one of the world's fastest growing economies for careers in tourism and hospitality, China is an essential development platform for international education brands like ours to invest in and innovate. This new alliance will seal future opportunities to all of our students and Chinese talents. Les Roches will be responsible for academic curriculum development, as well as standard policies implementation. The first iconic realization of the two partners will be the "Shanghai Mountain Les Roches Campus", a very ambitious project that brings a unique model of education and architectural design to the city of Shanghai. Shanghai Mountain Les Roches Campus will adopt an educational model based on academic learning and strong integration of practice within the curriculum. The principal team, academic team and backbone teachers will be appointed by the Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. The teaching curriculum of the school will be aligned with the curriculum of Les Roches Campuses in Switzerland and vocational education will be combined with undergraduate education. MEG will be responsible for all financial investments, land acquisition, architectural design, campus or project construction, licenses and permits, financial management, student recruitment and logistical arrangements. The campus design is divided into two phases. The project has entered the first phase of the design and planning stage. The campus building will be designed and built by a team of world renowned and Pritzker Prize winners designers. The confirmed Pritzker Prize Winners include: Alvaro Siza (Portugal) and Tadao Ando (Japan). In addition, MEG is inviting Peter Zumthor, a Swiss national treasure designer and winner of Pritzker Prize in 2009, to join the design of this magnificent campus project. The other designers team includes Guo Xien and Hu Rushan, founding partners of Ruen Design Research Office, Liu Yichun, the chief architect of Dashe Architecture Design Firm, and Fan Beilei, the founder of Geng Architecture Firm. Les Roches will also support MEG in the pre-opening phase of the campus with project management as well as with facilities and operations development, marketing and enrolment. Detailed program offering will be performed in 2023, based on Les Roches academic standards and addressing the needs of Chinese Hospitality Industry. Les Roches model hospitality education programs balance theory with practice, independent learning with strong faculty support and mentorship, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Guided by its mission, Les Roches ensures that students acquire personal and professional skills for immediate employment and progression into leadership positions in the industry. About Mountain Education Group Mountain Education Group is a leading education group in China, with advanced educational concepts and rich educational resources. Headquartered in Shanghai, the group currently operates the bilingual schools in the stage of basic education including Mountain Kingston Bilingual School Suzhou and Shanghai Pinghe Bilingual School Qingpu. About Les Roches Les Roches is a Swiss institution focused on creating the innovative and entrepreneurial minds of tomorrow. Founded in 1954, Les Roches offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management following the Swiss model of education. With campuses across Switzerland and Spain; a student body of more than 100 different nationalities, the institution provides students with a unique culturally diverse experience. As of 2021, Les Roches also has an academic alliance with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) with a partner campus in Gurugram (Delhi NCR). Les Roches ranks 4th in the worlds higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). For more information, visit Les Roches. Anouck Weiss Chief Communication Officer, Sommet Education Les Roches View source Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the world and as per a recent IBM report, global AI adoption is increasing steadily, reaching 35% in 2022, up four points from the previous year. The food and beverage (F&B) industry is also gradually catching up with this trend. From streamlining processes and assisting with waste management to improving guest experiences, AI is emerging as a key facilitator for the industrys growth. With the addition of Machine Learning (ML) and Big Data, this could become a game-changer for the F&B industry, with endless potential. The global market for AI in the F&B industry is expected to grow from over USD 4 bn in 2022 to nearly USD 28 bn in 2027 at a CAGR of ~44%. Source: HVS Currently, the most widespread application of AI in the F&B industry is the use of chatbots and apps to automate simple tasks such as responding to customer queries, taking reservations, and making online payments. These have become the norm today, even in India, and help reduce employees time on mundane tasks, while allowing them to focus on more complex ones, a boon for an industry struggling with staffing shortages. Major quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains such as KFC and McDonalds have introduced touchscreen kiosks in their stores to reduce waiting time at counters. Moreover, companies like Starbucks, Taco Bell, and McDonalds are also testing automation tools at drive-throughs to take self-service to the next level. Globally, some of these chains are also using AI and ML to predict demand patterns and adjust menus accordingly, optimizing inventory management and reducing food wastage. This is done by analyzing historical sales data, seasonal trends, and even external factors such as local events, weather patterns, etc. Reports indicate that after deploying Dynamic Yield's personalization technology in the drive-through menus, McDonald's was able to reduce drive-through wait times by 30 seconds. Besides this, companies like Starbucks utilize AI and ML to personalize customer experiences through customized recommendations and offers. Not only that, but several chains are also using generative AI, such as the popular ChatGPT, to boost their marketing efforts by reaching out to the right target market. Generative AI is also being used to create unique and innovative recipes and menus by exploring unconventional flavor combinations and cooking techniques. For instance, the Axelrad Bar in Houston recently generated an entire cocktail menu using this tool, while the Sydney-based restaurant, Rafi, introduced Luminary, an AI-generated pop-up concept. In a futuristic twist to dining, some chains such as Chipotle and CaliBurger have gone a step ahead and are using robots in the cooking process which reduces prep time. Dominos, on the other hand, is using bots for pizza delivery. Robot waiters have also made an appearance across the world. The Yellow House Restaurant with outlets in Jaipur and Noida and the Robot Restaurant in Chennai are some restaurants in India embracing this concept. Source: Unsplash AI offers a myriad of applications within the restaurant industry, and while some may appear tailored for large QSR chains, there are several AI-driven solutions that can benefit fine dining establishments, stand-alone restaurants, and smaller chains alike. From optimizing menu offerings, streamlining operations, and reducing food wastage to enhancing customer experiences, AI can facilitate all types of F&B businesses to thrive in today's competitive world. However, it's essential to understand that the integration of AI into restaurant operations does not imply redundancy for the human workforce. While AI excels in tasks such as predictive analysis, operational optimization, and process automation, there are aspects of hospitality and dining that are still distinctively human. For instance, a robot cannot mimic the subtle art of tasting and creating dishes like a human chef, and neither can it replace the warmth and hospitality of the human waitstaff. Its this fusion of technology and human connection that promises to enrich dining expe View source Cambria Hotel Tampa - Brandon Breaks Ground in Brandon, Florida Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) continues the expansion of its Cambria Hotels brand with the groundbreaking of Cambria Hotel Tampa Brandon. Located in the rapidly growing region of East Tampa, Cambria Hotel Tampa-Brandon provides new lodging accommodations to the markets mix of corporate headquarters, outpatient medical facilities and influx of vacation travelers. The 5-story, 102-room property is being developed by Brandon Tampa investments LLC, the second Cambria Hotel for the developers, and is slated to open in late September 2024. Cambria Hotels are modern, approachable and stylish, offering an experience thats tailored to the needs of business travelers and the wants of leisure guests. Conveniently situated at 9970 Delaney Lake Drive, the Cambria Hotel Tampa-Brandon will feature locally inspired design and decor and upscale amenities, including: Sophisticated guest rooms with design-forward fixtures, abundant lighting and plush premium bedding Immersive spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors Elegant onsite dining with freshly made food, local craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails, as well as to-go options State-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool and other tech-friendly features Multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces for work or relaxation There are over 60 Cambria Hotels open across the U.S. in popular cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans and Phoenix as of the end of Q2 2023. Rooms overlooking swimming pool at Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection Accor has partnered with Amchase Phuket HP (Thailand) Ltd., to debut the Handwritten Collection in Thailand, with the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection, set to open in Q4 2023. Situated in proximity to Patong Beach, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection offers 161 guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony. The property rebranding marks the debut of Thailand's inaugural Handwritten Collection, following from the recent signing of the brand's first address in Singapore. Anchored in a commitment to authentic hospitality and style, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection will mirror the persona of its hosts, striving to craft sincere and heartfelt encounters. Guests are invited to partake in an authentic journey, where interactions echo the warmth of the local community. At its core, this midscale retreat offers an innovative culinary experience, with the hotel's all-day dining restaurant becoming a hub for gastronomic exploration. Guests can also enjoy pizzas and Indian cuisine at the dedicated dining outlets, with the bar providing a space for meaningful connections in an environment that harmonizes style with accessibility. For holistic rejuvenation, the spa will introduce treatments that align with the locale's spirit, catering to both body and soul. This tranquil sanctuary will offer reprieve, allowing guests to recharge amidst serene surroundings. The swimming pool, nestled amidst lush greenery, will beckon guests with its tranquillity, offering an ideal escape to bask under the sun. The contemporary fitness centre is set to encourage guests to prioritize wellness, offering state-of-the-art equipment for an active lifestyle during their stay. Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia commented: "The Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection is a testament to our commitment to delivering an unparalleled guest experience. The partnership with Amchase Phuket HP (Thailand) Ltd. and the launch of this hotel mark an important milestone for Accor in Phuket, one of our strategic destinations. We are excited to offer a distinctive blend of heartfelt hospitality and stylish accommodation." Michiel Lugt, Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection General Manager added: "We are delighted to be working with Accor in debuting the Handwritten Collection in Thailand with the rebranding of our established hotel. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our first guests, who will experience a tranquil sanctuary, perfect for relaxation and meaningful connections, promising an unforgettable escape in the heart and soul of Phuket." Strategically positioned on the west coast of Phuket, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket Handwritten Collection offers swift access to key attractions, with Patong Beach located a mere 2 minutes' walk away, while the cultural gems of Phuket Old Town are a 30 minutes' drive away. Phuket International Airport is conveniently located within an hour's drive of the hotel. Why Automation (or Any Tech) is Difficult to Sell to Hospitality Sector Automation can make a significant difference to businesses in the travel and hospitality sectors. After all, this is a sector with a high volume of manual processes, ripe for transformation through automation. So why might you be struggling to sell automation to travel and hospitality businesses if youre a tech seller? Automation in the travel and hospitality industry takes time-consuming, manual tasks, and turns them into aspects of the business that require little or no human input. This can be transformative for businesses in any sector, particularly so in travel and hospitality businesses such as hotels. Hotels have a lot of operationally vital, yet highly manual, processes, said Stephen Burke, CEO of RobosizeME. Whether its updating prices seasonally, moving data between different systems or spreadsheets, or retyping similar emails to hundreds of guests every week there is a distinctly manual nature to the world of travel and hospitality. This means that automation can make a powerful difference in this context, and Louvre Hotels is just one example where this has been the case. With 1,600 properties across the world, there is a huge amount of data entry involved in managing the hotel group. Mehdi Soua, CIO of Louvre Hotels Group, discovered the repetitive nature and volume of data entry led to human error, and, in turn, a lag time of getting hotels set up across all distribution and reporting systems, all of which had a significant business impact. Partnering with RobosizeME to introduce Robotic Process Automation (RPA) into key processes, Louvre Hotels has seen a tangible difference. A robot doesnt sleep, doesnt make mistakes, and can go very fast, Soua said. Whereas previously it would take a few weeks to get a new hotel to market, it takes just a few hours thanks to RPA. Louvre Hotels and RobosizeME are working together on a continuous basis to identify the most time-consuming, repetitive manual tasks in the business, and crafting RPA solutions to address them. Its good for the employees, Soua said. They appreciate it and are not saying its taking their jobs. It means staff can do more interesting tasks and focus more on the guest experience, which also helps make hospitality jobs more attractive and improves staff retention. Removing the risk of human error also saves hotels time and money. One general manager of a city centre business hotel in Berlin told us that he estimates 50,000 to 100,000 in lost revenue per year due to data entry errors, said Burke. RPA can eliminate data entry errors and improve the balance sheet for hotels. So with compelling use cases such as this, why do tech companies sometimes struggle to sell automation to prospective travel and hospitality customers? You havent nailed your value proposition Focusing on the value an automated solution brings to the customer, rather than the features and functionalities, is a way to ensure the solution resonates with your potential buyers. The value of the automated solution is likely to be different depending on each customer, as the circumstances of clients in the travel and hospitality sector can be quite different. Often, the value of automation helps clients move faster, drive forward strategic aims, and do the bulk of repetitive work that doesnt need to be done by a human. Youre not bringing staff on the journey with you Bringing in new technology requires cultural change within a travel and hospitality organisation. Employee engagement and buy-in are absolutely key to success. Its crucial for businesses to engage with staff right at the beginning of the process, and ensure they have a meaningful say in automated technology that will make a difference. This will make the difference between success and failure for the tech company - are you supporting your customer with internal buy-in and training? This starts from the point of identifying what the need is, right through to successful implementation. Ensuring staff are meaningfully involved reassures them that their jobs arent being replaced by technology, but rather they are being supported to have more interesting and varied roles. Automation is more about supporting humans and using our manpower in the right way, said Sabrina Regner, Falkensteiners Director of Guests Engagement and Reservation Management. Its also about making it attractive for employees to work with us. If they need to do repetitive daily tasks, they wont stay long. They need challenging and interesting tasks. You dont understand the specific pain points Automation only works if it addresses the needs of a specific travel or hospitality organisation. If youre trying to sell an automated solution that doesnt solve a problem for a particular customer, it simply wont resonate with them. This can also be applied to any technology, system, software, platform or service. If youre selling a technology that people are struggling to understand, take a consultative approach instead. Work with them to identify areas that are causing friction in their work, and devise ways to alleviate repetitive duties and things that cause time pressures, as well as bring them greater satisfaction in their work. Understanding the stresses, strains and strategic direction a company is trying to achieve will help you identify how automation can help them plug the gap. Youre not tailoring your approach Every business in the travel and hospitality sector has its own challenges, circumstances and barriers to success. Theyre not looking for a one-size-fits all approach; theyre looking for someone to understand their specific needs and solve their challenges. Ultimately, they also want an edge over competitors, so they need to feel like an automated solution is tailored to them. Work hard to ensure they understand how automated solutions can address their specific needs. Your prospects believe they already have the answer There can be a feeling in any business that a technological solution is not needed, because there isnt a problem to start with. Things may always have been done in a certain way, or clients may feel that everything seems to be working fine without a new solution. This can be a key reason why its difficult to sell technology to a client in the travel and hospitality sector. Even if they recognise the innovative value of a solution, they may not believe the benefits merit the investment required. Working on your value proposition and understanding the issues staff are experiencing can help address this. If youre finding it difficult to sell automation or another technology to a prospective client in the travel and hospitality sector, get in touch with us at Haynes MarComs to see how we can help. About Ryan Haynes Director and lead consultant at Haynes MarComs, Ryan has over 15 years experience in PR and Marketing following a successful career working in radio. He has worked both in-house and agency side, so understands the importance of commercial goals as well as achieving good marketing results. Ryan has worked for both international enterprises and with startups. He specialises in B2B marketing strategies specifically for vertical markets and technology businesses. About Haynes MarComs Haynes MarComs supports businesses with strategic brand marcomms and digital and PR campaigns by taking an holistic approach to sales, marketing and customer delivery. Our aim is to make your business more efficient and productive in your go-to-market strategy to secure the confidence from the market that drives lead generation to meet your commercial goals. Transforming Dining Experiences with Artificial Intelligence AI adoption is on the rise globally, including in the F&B industry, where it's streamlining processes, reducing waste, and enhancing guest experiences. Read on to know more. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the world and as per a recent IBM report, global AI adoption is increasing steadily, reaching 35% in 2022, up four points from the previous year. The food and beverage (F&B) industry is also gradually catching up with this trend. From streamlining processes and assisting with waste management to improving guest experiences, AI is emerging as a key facilitator for the industrys growth. With the addition of Machine Learning (ML) and Big Data, this could become a game-changer for the F&B industry, with endless potential. The global market for AI in the F&B industry is expected to grow from over USD 4 bn in 2022 to nearly USD 28 bn in 2027 at a CAGR of ~44%. Currently, the most widespread application of AI in the F&B industry is the use of chatbots and apps to automate simple tasks such as responding to customer queries, taking reservations, and making online payments. These have become the norm today, even in India, and help reduce employees time on mundane tasks, while allowing them to focus on more complex ones, a boon for an industry struggling with staffing shortages. Major quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains such as KFC and McDonalds have introduced touchscreen kiosks in their stores to reduce waiting time at counters. Moreover, companies like Starbucks, Taco Bell, and McDonalds are also testing automation tools at drive-throughs to take self-service to the next level. Globally, some of these chains are also using AI and ML to predict demand patterns and adjust menus accordingly, optimizing inventory management and reducing food wastage. This is done by analyzing historical sales data, seasonal trends, and even external factors such as local events, weather patterns, etc. Reports indicate that after deploying Dynamic Yield's personalization technology in the drive-through menus, McDonald's was able to reduce drive-through wait times by 30 seconds. Besides this, companies like Starbucks utilize AI and ML to personalize customer experiences through customized recommendations and offers. Not only that, but several chains are also using generative AI, such as the popular ChatGPT, to boost their marketing efforts by reaching out to the right target market. Generative AI is also being used to create unique and innovative recipes and menus by exploring unconventional flavor combinations and cooking techniques. For instance, the Axelrad Bar in Houston recently generated an entire cocktail menu using this tool, while the Sydney-based restaurant, Rafi, introduced Luminary, an AI-generated pop-up concept. In a futuristic twist to dining, some chains such as Chipotle and CaliBurger have gone a step ahead and are using robots in the cooking process which reduces prep time. Dominos, on the other hand, is using bots for pizza delivery. Robot waiters have also made an appearance across the world. The Yellow House Restaurant with outlets in Jaipur and Noida and the Robot Restaurant in Chennai are some restaurants in India embracing this concept. AI offers a myriad of applications within the restaurant industry, and while some may appear tailored for large QSR chains, there are several AI-driven solutions that can benefit fine dining establishments, stand-alone restaurants, and smaller chains alike. From optimizing menu offerings, streamlining operations, and reducing food wastage to enhancing customer experiences, AI can facilitate all types of F&B businesses to thrive in today's competitive world. However, it's essential to understand that the integration of AI into restaurant operations does not imply redundancy for the human workforce. While AI excels in tasks such as predictive analysis, operational optimization, and process automation, there are aspects of hospitality and dining that are still distinctively human. For instance, a robot cannot mimic the subtle art of tasting and creating dishes like a human chef, and neither can it replace the warmth and hospitality of the human waitstaff. Its this fusion of technology and human connection that promises to enrich dining experiences going forward. Mandeep S. Lamba, President South Asia, oversees the HVS practice in South Asia. Mandeep has spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry having worked with International Hotel Companies such as Choice Hotels, IHG and Radisson Hotels before becoming President for ITC Fortune Hotels in 2001. Having successfully built the Fortune brand in Indias mid-scale hospitality sector, Mandeep ventured into an entrepreneurial stint for over 8 years, setting up JV companies with Dawnay Day Group UK and Onyx Hospitality Thailand before joining JLL in 2014, as Managing Director, Hotels & Hospitality Group South Asia. An established industry leader, Mandeep has won several awards and recognitions for his accomplishments. Recently, he was featured in the Hotelier India Power List of the most respected hoteliers in India for the second year in a row. Contact Mandeep at +91 981 1306 161 or mlamba@hvs.com. Dipti Mohan, Senior Manager - Research with HVS South Asia, is a seasoned knowledge professional with extensive experience in research-based content creation. She has authored several point of view documents such as thought leadership reports, expert opinion articles, white papers and research reports. Contact Dipti at dmohan@hvs.com. Dhwani Gupta, Associate - Research with HVS South Asia, studied literature for her undergraduation and believes that you can do anything with the right amount of research. After graduating, she pursued a course in Management and Liberal arts which gave her a wider perspective of the world. As a result, the more difficult a topic is, the more fun she has writing it. Contact Dhwani at dgupta@hvs.com Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Governor Launches Free Community College Program BOSTON Governor Maura T. Healey launched MassReconnect, her administration's new program establishing free community college for Massachusetts residents aged 25 and older, and awarded $100,000 to each of Massachusetts' 15 community colleges to support the implementation of the program this fall. "MassReconnect will be transformative for thousands of students, for our amazing community colleges, and for our economy," said Governor Healey. "It will bolster the role of community colleges as economic drivers in our state and help us better meet the needs of businesses to find qualified, well-trained workers. We can also make progress in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty by helping residents complete their higher education credentials so they can attain good jobs and build a career path. Our administration is grateful for the partnership of the Legislature to move forward on this critical program that will make our state more affordable, competitive and equitable." Governor Healey invested $20 million in MassReconnect for the first year of implementation in her first budget that she signed earlier this month. This funding covers the full cost of tuition and fees and includes an allowance for books and supplies at each of Massachusetts' 15 community colleges. Additionally, each community college will also receive $100,000 from this funding to support student and community program awareness, staffing, and program administration. Quincy College also received $1.5 million in the FY24 budget to operate a similar program. "There has never been a more important time to make higher education accessible to all, said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "Governor Healey's commitment to fund MassReconnect makes it clear that the Commonwealth values education and the role it plays in filling jobs in a multitude of industries. We're so proud to help make that happen at BCC. The only steps necessary to sign up are to enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at one of the Commonwealth's 15 community colleges and complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). There is no deadline to sign up. The majority of community college programs begin the first week of September, but there are scattered start dates throughout the semester, so students can enroll at any time. In order to qualify for MassReconnect, students must be 25 or older on the first day of their classes and be a permanent Massachusetts resident for at least one year at the start of the enrolled term. The program is limited to residents who have not previously earned a college degree (associates or bachelor's) who enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate at a community college. "There's no doubt that with MassReconnect we will be able to change the lives of each of the students who take advantage of this historic opportunity to achieve their degree," said Secretary of Education Tutwiler. "But beyond our students, this program will also strengthen the Commonwealth's economy and our public higher education system, By investing in our community college students, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing in the future of the Commonwealth." MassReconnect will likely support up to 6,500-8,000 community college students in the first year, which could grow to closer to 10,000 students by FY25, depending on how many students take advantage of the new opportunity. They could include current students, new students, or returning students who did not complete their degree. There are approximately 700,000 Massachusetts residents who have some college credit but no degree. MassReconnect will help bring back these students to finish their degrees, with the additional funding and support they may have been lacking the first time. "With the Healey-Driscoll Administration's record-breaking investment in higher education, including the highest levels of support for financial aid and scholarships the Commonwealth has ever seen, we will be able to expand access to higher learning more than ever before. MassReconnect is the centerpiece of that effort," said Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education Ortega. "For all the Massachusetts adults out there who had to put their education on hold or didn't have the opportunity to pursue it in the first place, now is your chance to pursue a degree or certificate to advance your career and transform your life and that of your family." The Commonwealth's 15 community colleges are a ticket to economic mobility for many Massachusetts residents, and thus are key drivers of our business and our economic success. Nationally, employees who have earned their associate degree are paid 18 percent more than workers with only a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And these well-paying jobs are just waiting to be filledin July 2023 there were more than 26,000 unique job postings in the Commonwealth that specifically required an associate degree. MassReconnect will harness the power of our community colleges by allowing workers to earn the training and education necessary for their career growth and reinforcing our pipeline of skilled industry professionals entering the workforce. MCLA's LEAD Academy Expands with Support from Greylock Federal Credit Union NORTH ADAMS, MassLEAD Academy, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)'s almost two-decade-old program to help new students integrate into college life, is getting a boost from Greylock Federal Credit Union (Greylock). Greylock has pledged $100,000 to support a reimagined Greylock LEAD Academy, allowing the program to grow from around 30 MCLA students each year to this fall's cohort of 200 participants. LEAD is now available to all MCLA first-year students at no cost. "Our LEAD program has a long history of being incredibly successful at boosting student retention rates," said MCLA President James F. Birge. "With help from Greylock Federal Credit Union, we now are able to offer this meaningful experience to all of our incoming first-year students." LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a college success, leadership, and civic engagement program designed to help students develop leadership skills and the skills necessary for college preparation, which they can immediately apply. This year's LEAD students will participate in a holistic onboarding experience before the start of fall classes. The first five days will provide a signature experience focusing on leadership development, team-building, community-building, and workshops conducted by student leaders. "Greylock is excited to support this longstanding initiative, which we believe creates success for new college students in our region," said Jennifer Connor-Shumsky, Greylock assistant vice president for community support and events. "The LEAD Academy equips the next generation of leaders with the tools they'll need to thrive in their academic experiences and professional development. At Greylock, we believe in the power of financial wellness, and we're thrilled to provide support for the financial literacy presentation during the first five days of LEAD." The Greylock LEAD Program is organized by MCLA's Office of Civic and Community Engagement, led by Director Spencer Moser. The office has hired 18 current MCLA students to serve as peer mentors for this year's orientation program, with two students working over the summer to create the programming. "When they arrive, the new students will be broken up into success teams, which will include a staff member, a professor, and one or two peer mentors who will stay connected to them and guide them through their first year at the College," said Moser. Jaden Jackson '26 is one of those peer mentors who is working to format this year's LEAD programming. "We've been focusing on four main workshops based around topics students most need to know," Jackson said, "which include how to adjust to college, navigating mental health, conflict resolution, and all of the resources available to MCLA students." At the start of his freshman year, Jackson was part of the LEAD program himself. "Going through LEAD was the most impactful experience of my freshman year," he said. "I met my best friends and formed great bonds with other students and staff. Without LEAD, I would've been a little lost, but going through the program made me feel like I had a head start. I'm now part of multiple clubs and boards; I want to be involved in as many things as I can." Simon's Rock Announces New Faculty and Staff GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Simon's Rock announced a number of new faculty and staff joining the community. With the launch of the Bard Queer Leadership Project and the expansion of the Center for Equity and Inclusion, each of these new members of our community speaks to the exciting and progressive changes at Simon's Rock. Molly Albrecht: Dean of Students Molly has been serving as our Interim Dean of Students since January and has collaborated across the Simon's Rock community to understand and to help improve the overall student experience. She facilitated a section of our FYE program and initiated Dean's Hour which provided a forum for student interest and voice. Prior to joining Simon's Rock, Molly served as the Associate Director and then the Executive Director of Bard Early College Hudson Valley responsible for co-leading the opening of the expansion into Dutchess County. In her role of Associate Director she was responsible for student support. She is also currently teaching in the BARD MAT program. She holds a MAT from SUNY New Paltz, a B.A in History from Fordham University and Certification in Social Justice in Educational Leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College. (B.A. History, Fordham at Marymount; MAT, SUNY New Paltz.; Certification in Social Justice in Educational Leadership, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) is a faculty member in education and a NYS school administrator. Molly was the Associate Director of Bard Early College Hudson Valley where she co-led the opening of the expansion into Dutchess County. In the Bard MAT, she teaches Problems of Practice, a course that serves as a forum for refining challenges of lesson planning, instruction, assessment, and classroom management. Molly was recently Managing Editor for Voices in the Classroom, the Bard MAT blog where she highlighted both MAT alumni/ae and educators exploring their Why in teaching and what sustains their passion as educators. She is currently a part of the Bard Enhanced Network Teacher Education Capacity Program, where she facilitates teacher trainings on topics addressing climate change curriculum across the disciplines and trauma-informed pedagogy. Molly is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College. Molly lives with her family in the Hudson Valley where she enjoys hiking with her daughter and her standard poodle. Kate Glavin: Associate Dean of Studies for Bard Academy and First-Year Students Kate Glavin is the Associate Dean of Studies for Bard Academy and First-Year Students at Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon's Rock. She holds an MA in Literature from the University of South Dakota as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She was most recently an Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts at Berklee College of Music and taught there for five years. Carla Stephens: Director of the Bard Queer Leadership Project at Bard College at Simon's Rock Dr. Carla R. Stephens holds a B.A. in Political Science and History as well as a PhD in History from Temple University. Her areas of interest include the transnational nature of the black freedom struggle in the 1950s-1970s, particularly activism by African Americans in the liberation struggles of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. She also earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership at Montclair State University. Carla became founding faculty at Bard High School Early College in Newark, NJ in 2011. Carla was promoted to the principalship in 2017 and served the youth and Newark community for 6 years. Carla brings leadership training and experience from four years at the United States Naval Academy, a decade as a manager in a Fortune 500 multinational corporation, and 6 years as an educational leader to her new position as Director of the Bard Queer Leadership Project at Bard College at Simon's Rock. Jack Burkart: Faculty in Mathematics Jack Burkart received his PhD in Mathematics from Stony Brook University in May 2021. After that, Jack spent two years doing postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (now SLMath). His research has primarily been spent on problems at the interface between fractal geometry and complex dynamical systems. Jack enjoys teaching mathematics of all types to students, whether they are advanced math majors who want to get a Phd in a subject or first year students who may not take another math course again. Kameryn J. Williams: Faculty in Mathematics Bio: PhD in Mathematics, The Graduate Center, CUNY (2018) B.S. in Mathematics, Boise State University (2013) Kameryn traveled around the United States before landing at Simon's Rock in 2023. After a childhood in the American west they went to graduate school in New York City. They then held post-doctoral positions at University of Hawai?i at M?noa in Honolulu, Hawai?i and at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas before returning to the northeast. Their research interests are in logic, especially set theory and models of arithmetic, and they are interested in connections between mathematical logic and other areas of mathematics, and to philosophy and computer science. They enjoy teaching in those areas, as well as across the mathematics curriculum. When not studying mathematical cardinals Kameryn enjoys watching cardinals and other birds, long walks in nature, and tabletop roleplaying games. Kirsten Keels: Program Manager for Center for Equity, Inclusion, Community, Council for Equity & Inclusion Kirsten is a multifaceted individual with a passion for music, cultural exploration, and self-care. Originally from Arkansas, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Princeton University, where her work focused on ethnography and South Korean language and culture. As a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea, Kirsten had the unique opportunity to immerse herself in researching the relationship between Black People, Black Music, and Korea. Traffic flows unimpeded in both directions Monday morning on a Main Street bridge in Williamstown. The halt in construction of the new bridge is to allow utilities to move their equipment. No Unplanned Interruption in Williamstown Bridge Project WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Despite appearances, work on a Main Street bridge replacement has not been suspended or fallen behind schedule, a town official confirmed on Monday. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is replacing the span that carries Main Street (Route 2) traffic over the Green River on the east side of town. At the outset, MassDOT said the replacement project would go into 2026. With active construction at the site slowed in recent weeks, some have speculated that the project has been paused. On Monday, Town Manager Robert Menicocci explained why there is no road work at the moment. "Right now the project is in the phase where each utility has 90 days to complete their work related to relocating utilities, and then work on the other lane will resume," Menicocci wrote in an email to iBerkshires.com. Menicocci said there are four different utilities moving their infrastructure at the site. This weekend, a social media post hypothesized that Northern Construction, the general contractor on the bridge project, had "taken out" its building materials from the site. The post may have been referring to the fact that material was moved from one section of a lot owned by the Williamstown Fire District to another part of the district's parcel. At the outset of the bridge project, the district entered into an agreement with Northern to use part of its parcel on the north side of Main Street, just east of the bridge to store materials. Central Berkshire OKs Locked Cell Phone Pouches DALTON, Mass. The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee approved utilizing Yondr pouches in its middle and high schools during its meeting on Thursday night. The pouches allow cell phones and other devices to be locked magnetically so they cannot be used during school hours. The district was approved for a $20,000 grant to cover the first year costs of the initiative. The funds will cover the cost of the pouches, replacement pouches, training, the permanent infrastructure, including the magnet installations, and support during this change. The goal of the policy change is to help students be more engaged in school and to prevent students from taking videos of their peers without permission and spreading them around, the School Committee said during its June meeting. The district does not intend to enact this initiative until the end of September or early Octotober as there are still some logistics that need to be taken care of first, Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said. There are a lot of moving parts to making sure the district has systems and structures in place before this change rolls out, she said in a followup conversation. "I think the most important component of this is, we want to make sure that we have the systems and structures in place prior to beginning and that we have adequately communicated our systems and structures and our process to our families, and our community," she said. "So, it's really more about making sure that everybody understands how we're going to roll it out." In order for this change to effectively work, it is crucial that the district practice with the system, do community outreach, and get the staff behind the change, Assistant Superintendent Michael Henault said. "If we don't do those steps, it will not work and this is too important to our students and their future," Henault said. "They might not thank us now but I think in a few years down the road, I think our teachers will be thankful of us now we're really doing something that evidence shows is really beneficial to our kids and their mental health and their academic well-being." School committee member David Stuart asked how the district intends on addressing the students mental health concerns regarding this change. Students are going to need support through this change and may need to rely on the district's adjustment or guidance, Blake-Davis said. The district is going to talk with principals to ensure there is a strategic plan in place to help students. Through the district's instructional model, they are going to focus on teaching social skills using collaborative learning, Henault said. "I think that even our instructional model is geared towards getting kids to talk to each other in a way that takes the phone away," he said. The administration will use a tiered approach with the first step making sure that communication with families and students are clear, Blake-Davis said. The district is working on a way to communicate to parents that the infrastructure in place has been used for decades to put them in contact with their children, Henault said. "Very often it's parents that are texting students during the school day and so we're actually very clearly giving parents a line of communication to their students at the school," he said. "We can track down a student within seconds in our school I think over time, the trust will build that if you have an emergency, if you need to get a hold of your student, or if they just forgot their gym shoes and you want to call and tell them that you're dropping them off, we have staff in place, we're able to do that." Cell phone use has also been known to work against some of the systems that the district has in place, Blake-Davis said. For example, students will contact their families when they are not feeling well to be picked up before speaking with the nurse, she said. "The nurse hasn't actually made the decision and the nurse hasn't had a real opportunity to have a conversation with their families. So, that kind of gets in the way," "What we want to do is, we want our school personnel to have conversations with families and sometimes [phones are] almost a barrier to that in some ways or it kind of gets in the way of that kind of communication." This change is going to be a learning curve and the district expects to hear from families regarding concerns, Blake-Davis said. School Committee members said they had heard from family members who are unhappy with this change. Students also have started to express their unhappiness, committee member Ellen Lattizzori said. School Committee member Amy Gelinas said both her daughter and son-in-law are for the change but they expressed that it will be interesting to see how teachers will handle it because they have to model the behavior. She also noted that there are already tutorials online of ways students can break into the pouches to get access to the phones. Some students were disturbed to find out that attempting to break into the pouches using a magnet has the possibility of wiping their phone, Lattizzori added. There will be a percentage of students who attempt to get access to their phone during this transition, Henault said. Yondr works with approximately 1,200 schools across the country and has a "huge" presence in Massachusetts, Yondr representative Matt Army said. The organization works with approximately 45 schools across the state including Boston Public Schools, Springfield, Greenfield, Chicopee, McCann Technical School in North Adams, and many more. The implementation has had a profound impact on students. They are able to take all the attention that goes into the phones and focus it on books, Yondr representative Matt Army said during the last school committee meeting. Williamstown Artist's Major Arcana Paintings and Tarot Deck at Wild Soul River WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Original artwork from Jane Hudson's Major Arcana series will be displayed at Wild Soul River, located at 248 Cole Avenue, from Sept. 1 to Dec. 24. Timed with the autumnal equinox, Wild Soul River will host an experiential opening on Sept. 22, 2023, 4-7 p.m. These paintings, inspired by the Major Arcana cards in the traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck, are also the inspiration for a Major Arcana-specific 22-card tarot deck released by Hudson this summer with Wild Soul River. According to a press release, Hudson has been a practitioner of the Tarot since her 20's. Introduced to the Tarot and other practices in the early 1960's the cards appealed to her artistic sensibilities and her love of cosmic mystery. Through many changes in her life she carried on with the practice, using it mainly for self-reflection. In late 2019 Hudson made a piece (later to become "The Chariot") and a friend suggested that she pursue a series based on the Tarot. Up to that point she had not worked in series, allowing her to explore developing imagery as it occurred to her. During the COVID lockdown in 2020, the project took shape. Jane Hudson is an actor and musician, poet, performance artist, video artist, rock musician and painter. Jane received an NEA for her work in Video, and showed large abstract paintings in Boston at the Atlantic Gallery, Nielsen Gallery and Segal Gallery in Boston. She taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for 32 years. Jane Hudson's Major Arcana 22-Card Tarot Deck is currently sold exclusively through Wild Soul River in Williamstown. Jennifer Macksey touts successes and details the challenges ahead as she kicks off the campaign for a second term on Thursday. Applause at the American Legion. PreviousNext Macksey Kicks Off Campaign for Second Term as North Adams Mayor Macksey in the kitchen at the American Legion with some small supporters before her speech. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The American Legion was a sea of red on Thursday night the campaign colors of Jennifer Macksey as she kicked off her second go at the corner office. "I'm thankful to have all of you by my side again. And I'm excited to welcome so many new faces to the Macksey for Mayor campaign," Macksey told the crowd, many sporting red Macksey T-shirts. "I'm humbled by your attendance and support as I announce my intention to seek a second term for mayor of the city of North Adams." The odds are in her favor: her opponent in November is Aprilyn Carsno, who scored 26 votes in the 2021 preliminary election. But Macksey, the first woman to lead North Adams, isn't conceding anything to chance and on Thursday she touted the highlights of her administration and promised, well, more of the same. "I believe North Adams is heading in the right direction. It's not a secret. We have challenges here. I face challenges every day since I became mayor. And I've been transparent about those challenges, and I've worked to turn them into opportunities for us," she said. "North Adams needs a forward-thinking leader who will put plans into actions and sustain us for the future. "I was that person two years ago and I'm that same person today." Among those at the kickoff were City Councilors Lisa Blackmer, Keith Bona, Peter Oleskiewicz and Bryan Sapienza, a number of city and school employees and family members. A major priority for Macksey had been to deal with the deteriorating police station that's also been under a U.S. Department of Justice decree for being out of compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Earlier this year, the Police Department was moved to the former Juvenile Court in the Berkshire Plaza, a temporary situation until a permanent solution can be found. New police officers have also been hired and updated dispatch equipment is being acquired through the 911 grant. "I haven't forgotten about the Fire Department," she said. "In the last two years we have focused on staffing. During my term I've hired seven new firefighters and two are on their way in an effort to rebuild staffing in that department . In the next few months, we'll be working for a plan to address the equipment needs in the Fire Department." Punctuated frequently by applause, Macksey listed other accomplishments she said her "fully mobilized" administration has tackled, including working with state and federal officials to address the city's needs, preparing a capital plan to identify "decaying infrastructure," preparing engineering reports to create shovel-ready projects for state and federal funding, restoring a code enforcement officer, closing a $1 million deficit in grant accounts, plans for expanding recreational opportunities and, getting a large round of applause, restoring the flowers along Main Street and Monument Square that had been reduced during the pandemic. Just last week was the start of a $3 million feasibility study of the Hoosic River flood control system. "We have secured close to $4 million of new grant opportunities for the city of North Adams in my administration, we have reinstituted our canine program in the Police Department, as well as proactive community policing," she said. "I will continue to have a no-tolerance policy on people who want to do harm to our community. In the last two years we've seized close to $500,000 in drugs and 20 guns and we closed an arson case. "If that doesn't send a message to those who want to do bad things here, I don't know what does." Macksey also fulfilled a campaign promise that Greylock School would still be in the mix for a school building project and touted how she fought off an outside-grow cannabis facility, which including filing a lawsuit against the Planning Board. She said she prided herself on accessibility and as has made sure she's out and about, including spreading sand on Eagle Street for the annual Beach Party, noted Gerald Desmarais, who introduced the mayor at her kickoff. "I couldn't have been more proud of the choice I made in voting for her," said Desmarais, Macksey's former boss at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. "Being a leader is not always about pomp and circumstance. I felt that she was setting an example for my son and I assume others and she was not above pitching in and helping to get the job done." It's not all been clear sailing for Macksey over the past two years. The former police chief she dismissed under a cloud is suing the city for breach of contract, North Adams' crumbling infrastructure has taken a number of hard hits , and the Mohawk Theater is still vacant. Macksey had killed a deal inked by the former administration and pledged to listen to the community's wants before issuing another request for proposals. But those RFPs haven't resulted in any movement . Still, she pointed to the renovation of the landmark marquee that would "make it shine like a polished gem" and attract investors. "We are committed to work to rebuild our neighborhoods and promote safe and adequate housing. I will insist that quality services are provided to our citizens even if it means a return phone call or my new thing, a site visit, it will get done," the candidate said. "I believe the strength of this city lies within the neighborhoods and all its people and we need to be responsive to our citizens. Government is here to help people not complicate their lives." iciHaiti - Economy : Ronald Gabriel Doctor Honoris Causa of ISTEAH Friday, August 25, 2023, Ronald Gabriel, Director General of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), was honored by the Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Advanced Studies of Haiti (ISTEAH) as Doctor "Honoris Causa". Recognition of its impact on the economy, education, science and ecology. Mr. Gabriel, former chief economist, expert in macroeconomics, public finance and monetary policy, he holds a master's degree in economics and finance from the University of Montreal and a license from the Center for Planning and Development Techniques of Applied Economics (CTPEA), is one of the pillars of the BRH with more than 33 years of service. Mr. Gabriel has been coordinating the activities of the BRH Training Institute since 2015. He has also been directing the BRH Fund for Research and Development since 2019. He has shared his economic expertise at the international level as an advisor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) IH/ iciHaiti Witness the next evolution of haute couture as internationally-renowned Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco brings his acclaimed designs to Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) in the countrys first-ever Metaverse Fashion Gala. Taking place on September 18 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts Manila, the event will redefine how audiences see digital fashion. For Cinco, whose designs have been worn by royalty of multiple countries, as well as celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Nick Jonas, James McAvoy, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, Carrie Underwood, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ellie Goulding, to name a few, the opportunity to break ground in a new medium was irresistible. Fashion has always been about redefining barriers, and right now, theres no bigger barrier than taking whats physical into the digital, says Cinco. Im excited to be partnering with PBW and even more excited for everyone to see what we have planned. At the Gala, collectors will be treated to a showcase of signature Cinco pieces, while the runway models avatars will be shown wearing the same outfits in the Metaverse. Finally, fashion collectors will be invited to take home their favorite pieces, which will be made available for purchase through an exclusive pre-sale, which -in addition to the actual gowns- will come with special edition digital collectibles. To drive further hype, PBW delegates will be treated to an exhibit of Michael Cinco gowns, which will be exhibited throughout the PBW venue, allowing fashion-forward fans to get up close and personal with Cincos iconic style. According to PBW convenor Chezka Gonzales, the partnership with Michael Cinco is indicative of how Blockchain technology is changing every aspect of how the world lives, works, and plays. Philippine Blockchain Week isnt just about technology - its about showcasing how the Blockchain can complement creative professionals at the top of their field. Part of the proceeds from the Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala will benefit the World Wildlife Fund for the conservation of endangered species, and the Global Reskilling Movement, an international initiative devoted to providing better opportunities for the youth. Tickets for the Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala are on sale now, granting holders VIP access to a once-in-a-lifetime experience while indulging in pre-show cocktails and a 5-course epicurean dinner. For reservations or more information, visit pbw.ph/mc or email info@pbw.ph. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rock band Green Day are selling Donald Trump Nimrod mug shot t-shirts to raise cash for Maui fire charities. The design of the limited-edition shirt mimics the bands 1997 Nimrod album, but with Mr Trumps face on it. According to an Instagram post, the band will donate the proceeds to Greater Good Music, a charity providing food to those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. The Instagram caption references the bands hit song Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), which appeared on the album. Good Riddance. The ultimate Nimrod shirt is available for 72 hours only. Limited edition shirt proceeds will be donated to[Greater Good Music], a charity which is bringing food to those affected by the Maui wildfires, it stated. The twice impeached former president surrendered at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday where he was booked and had the mug shot taken. Former President Donald Trump is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriffs Office (via REUTERS) His arrest came days after he was indicted by a grand jury in Fulton County, for alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The grand jury handed up 13 felony charges against Mr Trump for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state. These charges include RICO, conspiracy to commit forgery, filing false documents, Solicitation of Violation of Oath by Public Officer and more. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up In addition, 18 Trump associates have also been indicted, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. On social media, a number of celebrities reacted with glee to Trumps now-viral mugshot, including John Cusack, Rosie ODonnell, Piers Morgan and Kathy Griffin. ODonnell shared an image of a cap with the slogan: MAGA: My a** got arrested. Actor Michael Rapaport, a frequent and outspoken critic of Trump, simply commented: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. High Fidelity star Cusack tweeted: Petulant and pouting... he knows hes garbage and knows he cant outsmart anyone. Just fear and rage. Meanwhile, former Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan, who was once considered to be friendly with Trump, claimed that Trump had proudly shared the mugshot with followers. Trumps first tweet since January, 2021.. proudly posting his own mugshot, he wrote. Read more celebrity reactions here. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Chinese president Xi Jinping called for a further crackdown on "illegal religious activities" during a rare visit to Xinjiang in northwestern China. Beijing has been accused of committing crimes against humanity" against the Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minority groups over the past decade through alleged widespread abuses, including mass incarceration, forced labour, torture and sexual assault. The United States along with other Western countries have labelled China's policies as a "genocide", a claim that Beijing has denied and dubbed the lie of the century. Mr Xi on Saturday travelled to the regional capital of Urumqi for the first time since his first publicly known visit to Xinjiang in July last year. The Chinese president listened to government work reports and delivered a speech "affirming the achievements made in various tasks in Xinjiang", state broadcaster CCTV reported. Stability in Xinjiang is also key to increased local economic development, Mr Xi said during his visit, adding that the region can promote resources-based industries and is encouraged to build more agricultural and solar industrial parks. He said it was "necessary to... combine the development of the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism struggle with the push for normalising social stability work and rule of law. According to reports, Mr Xi also urged officials to "more deeply promote the Sinicisation of Islam and effectively control illegal religious activities". "In the process of Chinese-style modernisation, we will better build a beautiful Xinjiang that is united and harmonious, wealthy and prosperous." The president added that officials must strengthen positive publicity and show Xinjiangs new atmosphere of openness and self-confidence... (while) refuting all forms of false public opinion and negative or harmful speech, according to the state broadcaster. A 48-page report released by the UN in September last year said a million or more people from minority groups were forced into detention camps where many have said they were tortured, sexually assaulted, and forced to abandon their language and religion. It said that descriptions of the detentions were marked by patterns of torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment and said that allegations of rape and other sexual violence appear credible. The extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups ... in [the] context of restrictions and deprivation more generally of fundamental rights ... may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity, the report said. Beijing has closed many of the camps, which it called vocational training and education centres, but hundreds of thousands of people continue to languish in prison, many on vague, secret charges. The UN assessment said that reports of sharp increases in arrests and lengthy prison sentences in the region strongly suggested a shift toward formal incarceration instead of the use of the 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 }} Police officials in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad are facing criticism from LGBT+ activists for arresting dozens of trans women and accusing them of pretending to be transgender. Hyderabad police arrested at least 19 trans women and then accused them of extortion and begging on the citys streets. On 19 August, Chandana Deepti, a deputy police commissioner posted in Hyderabad, held a press conference and announced the city police had cracked down on what it called a begging and extortion racket and subsequently arrested 19 people she claimed were pretending to be transgender persons and extorting money. The News Minute (TNM), a news portal that focuses on ground reports from southern India, quoted her as saying that the police suspect two of the 19 accused to have a trans identity as they had undergone gender-affirmation surgeries. The rest of them have confessed that they are males. They were disguised as women to make people believe that they were transgender. Thats how they were extorting (money from people), she said. However, Simran who identifies as a trans woman and is working to free the accused told local media that the arrested individuals were forced to confess. Indias transgender community has historically been marginalised and faces discrimination across social, economic and political spheres. The countrys transgender population, according to the 2011 census, constitutes approximately 488,000 individuals. Only a small fraction of this group has access to employment opportunities. Ms Deepti said the detained individuals were sent for a medical examination to determine whether they were transgender or not. The officer also told TNM that trans persons are people with biological deformities who do not have fully developed [genital] organs, are not of any particular gender and have a tendency of dressing up like women. After her comments at the press conference became known to a wider audience, the senior officer was accused of disregarding Indias laws designed to protect trans people. Current Indian laws, as enshrined in 2019s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, affirm the rights of transgender individuals to their gender identity regardless of whether they have undergone any gender-affirming surgeries or medical procedures. LGBT+ activists panned the officer for her lack of understanding of trans identities and highlighted the lack of sensitivity training of police personnel when dealing with transgender individuals. The tragedy of friendly policing in Hyderabad continues to force voilence on the population. Where is the Telangana Police Manual with procedures the police follow? asked one user on X, formerly Twitter. A lot of trans persons continue to have sexual organs which have been there since birth. That does not in any way make them less of a trans person. Your genitals are different from what gender you self-identify with, Meera Sanghamitra, trans rights activist and convener of the National Alliance of Peoples Movements in Telangana, told TNM. She also explained that the police conflated trans persons with intersex persons. These are two very different categories. Some trans persons can be intersex persons and vice versa. But all intersex persons are not transgender persons, neither are all trans persons intersex. Intersex people are not born with a sexual anatomy or biology that can be typically described as male or female, according to the UK Intersex Association. In 2014, the Indian Supreme Court recognised transgender individuals as a third gender and granted them legal recognition. This was a significant step towards acknowledging their rights and identity. According to a 2018 study by the National Human Rights Commission of India, a staggering 96 per cent of transgender individuals face job rejections, compelling them to resort to poorly compensated or demeaning means of earning a livelihood, such as traditional performers, sex work or begging. Around 80 per cent of transgender people in India are either engaged in sex work or begging, and a large number of them face gender-based abuse and violence, Mumbai-based activist Abhina Aher told independent media platform openDemocracy in April this year. 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 nine people were killed in an explosion at an unlicensed fireworks factory in India's eastern state of West Bengal. Police have arrested one suspect involved in running the manufacturing unit, while a case has been registered against three other people. The factory was operating without a licence, the police said. The building in Duttapukur, located nearly 35km north of the state capital Kolkata, was used to store large quantities of raw materials as well as in the production of fireworks. The blast occurred at 8.30am on Sunday and was reportedly so powerful that it brought down the two-storey building in minutes. At least 50 houses in the vicinity were impacted by the explosion, with many suffering severe damage. Five people were still in treatment for their injuries on Monday, the police said. Dismembered human remains were recovered from various nearby buildings and a pond, officials said. The man who ran the illegal operation, Keramat Ali, and his 21-year-old son Roushan Ali, were among the victims of Sunday's blast. The seven other bodies, including those of minors, have been kept at a morgue at the Barasat medical college and hospital for identification. The search operations continued the entire night. However, the lack of power in the area and the huge amount of debris scattered made it tough for us to conduct the searches and our investigation, a police officer said. Residents inspect their damaged home after a massive explosion occurred at a firecracker factory in Duttapukur village (EPA) Arifa Bibi, a local resident, told The Hindu newspaper that she was thrown a few feet by the blast and that furniture and other items in her house fell because of the impact. Locals claimed that had raised complaints to the police about the manufacturing unit but the authorities did not take any action. Locals gather at the scene as emergency workers search the debris after a massive explosion occurred at a firecracker factory (EPA) Now, when so many lives have been lost, what will the police do in arresting people? asked Ratan Hasan Ali, a local, according to news agency PTI. They should have taken necessary actions when we had complained to them. Upon inspection, the police on Sunday discovered an elaborate setup to produce fireworks at the site of the blast. Small makeshift structures containing raw materials were also found in nearby bamboo groves, the police said. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had set up a committee to curb illegal fireworks units following a similar blast in Purba Medinipur district that killed over 12 people earlier this year. Opposition parties in the state have demanded a probe be conducted by the National Investigative Agency. 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 }} Japan has summoned the Chinese ambassador to register a diplomatic protest after Japanese institutions and businesses were flooded with harassing phone calls from Chinese numbers over the release of Fukushima's treated radioactive wastewater. Japan on Thursday began releasing more than 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water, enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools, in a move vehemently opposed by China and opposition parties in South Korea. Since then, Japanese government offices, schools, and even restaurant chains have received hundreds of calls with speakers on the other side using abusive language to register their protest. Stones were thrown at a Japanese school in Qingdao last week, while another school was pelted with eggs, TV Asahi reported, citing sources. "A lot of harassment phone calls believed to be originating from China are occurring in Japan, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference. These developments are extremely regrettable and we are concerned. The Fukushima city hall started receiving calls with country code 86, which is for China, on Thursday, and the number of such calls exceeded 200 the following day. City officials said that the constant flooding of phone lines disrupted city employees' ordinary work. An elementary and junior high school in the city reportedly received 65 similar calls on the same day. Japan's foreign ministry in a statement on Monday said the calls were also made to multiple Japanese facilities in China, and urged Beijing to take appropriate action promptly and ensure the safety of Japanese citizens. The consulate-general said in a statement to Reuters that they are having to repeatedly speak to city police over incidents of stone-throwing at schools. China has called Japan's decision an "extremely selfish and irresponsible act" even as Tokyo issued assurances that no radioactivity has been detected in the tests of seawater near the nuclear power plant. In an act of protest, Hong Hong and Macau have banned imports of aquatic products from 10 Japanese regions, including Tokyo and Fukushima. China has been the biggest importer of Japanese seafood. Japanese eateries in Beijing were littered with posters, calling for the suspension of sale of "all fish products imported from Japan". This picture shows a sign reading suspend the sale of all fish products imported from Japan an area of Japanese restaurants in Beijing (AFP via Getty Images) Tokyo has asked its citizens to take precautions while visiting China and advised Japanese nationals living there to avoid speaking their language in public in a loud voice. They have been asked to pay close attention to their surroundings if visiting the embassy or consulates. Japanese nationals should stay away from any demonstrations against the Fukushima water release and avoid taking pictures of such events amid China's growing animosity toward its neighbour, the foreign ministry said in a statement. China on Monday said that its embassy in Japan and consulates had themselves received harassment calls from Japanese numbers. After being summoned by the Japanese authorities, ambassador Wu Jianghao said that the repeated calls have caused serious interference in the normal operations. The process of releasing the waste water began in July after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved Japans plan, saying that it met international standards and that the impact it would have on people and the environment was "negligible". Tokyo said the water will be diluted to well below internationally approved levels of tritium (an isotope of hydrogen hard to separate from water) before being released into the Pacific. 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 Talibans latest edict banning women from entering one of Afghanistans most popular national parks has sparked outrage from the international community. In a video shared on Sunday, the Talibans acting minister of virtue and vice, Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, announced he would forbid the entry of women to the popular Band-e-Amir park amid Afghanistans deteriorating track record for womens rights under the regime. The minister argued the move, a further clampdown on the presence of women in public spaces, was because they were not observing the proper way to wear the hijab while coming to the public park. Going sightseeing is not a must for women, the minister can be heard saying in the video. Can someone please explain why this restriction on women visiting Bande Amir is necessary to comply with Sharia and Afghan culture? asked UN special rapporteur for Afghan human rights Richard Bennett on Twitter/X. The Taliban have taken away the essential rights of women, said Heather Barr, director of womens rights at Human Rights Watch. This latest order by the Taliban instructing women not to go to Band-e-Amir is part of a pattern where the Taliban are step by step and quickly taking away from women everything that they need for their lives, she said. Taliban members paddle in a boat as they and Afghan families enjoy a visit to one of the lakes in Band-e Amir National Park (Getty) What explanation can you think of, other than cruelty? asked Ms Barr, while sharing a news report on the issue on Twitter/X. Taliban banned women from Band-e-Amir National Park in Afghanistan. Just when you believe the Taliban cant go any further, they unveil a new measure underscoring their war against womens existence, Omar Haidari, a human rights activist, tweeted. Afghan families and Taliban members visit one of the lakes in Band-e Amir (Getty) Mr Khaled Hanafi, the Taliban minister, said security forces will be deployed to prevent women from entering the park. The de facto rulers of the hardline Islamist regime have already banned women from other public spaces like parks and gyms, citing the same argument of improper wearing of the hijab and gender segregation rules. Last November, the Taliban-led government barred women from using public spaces, including amusement parks, saying they did not wear the hijab correctly or follow gender segregation rules. 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 Pakistani court on Monday dismissed murder charges against former prime minister Imran Khan, his lawyer said. God be praised, his lawyer Naeem Panjutha wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. Panjutha said that the charges, which were related to the murder of a lawyer in the southern city of Quetta, had been dropped by the Balochistan High Court. Mr Khan was accused of the murder in June this year, and has been grappling with this and around 170 other cases brought against him since he was ousted from office. He has denied the charges, which range from graft to sedition, as politically motivated. He was arrested earlier this month in relation to a corruption case and remains in detention. Earlier this month, a trial court found Mr Khan guilty of illegally selling state gifts, locally known as the Toshakhana case, and sentenced him to jail for three years. A separate hearing was also taking place on Monday at the Islamabad High Court in which Mr Khans lawyers were appealing for that conviction to be suspended. Abdul Razzaq Shar, a senior advocate, was murdered by unidentified individuals riding three motorcycles on 6 June. The attack on him took place as he was on his way to the Balochistan High Court, local media reported. The slain lawyers son had registered a First Information Report (an initial chargesheet that represents the first step in criminal investigations in Pakistan) with the police against Mr Khan and others from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Ataullah Tarar, special assistant to prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, said at the time that the murder was closely connected to a treason case against Mr Khan, which Shar had been working on. Mr Khan remains in the high-security Attock prison in connection with a corruption case. Khan was arrested immediately after the court sentence in the eastern city of Lahore. He was also barred from politics for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Mr Khans close aide and adviser Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari told TheIndependent earlier this month the former prime ministers political career was far from over despite the growing number of criminal charges being brought against him. 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 Taliban has banned women from visiting one of Afghanistans most popular national parks. Afghanistans acting minister of virtue and vice , Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, said women have not been observing the proper way to wear the hijab while visiting the park. The minister said that security forces will be used to stop women from going to Band-e-Amir in Bamiyan province. Going sightseeing is not a must for women, Mr Hanafi has said. Heather Barr, at Human Rights Watch, condemned the move, saying walls are closing in on women in Afghanistan. Afghan families and Taliban members visit one of the lakes in Band-e Amir national park, a popular week-end destination, on August 12, 2022 (Getty Images) She added: Not content with depriving girls and women of education, employment and free movement, the Taliban also want to take from them parks and sport and now even nature, as we see from this latest ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir. Last November, the Taliban-led government barred women from using public spaces, including parks, saying that they were not wearing the hijab correctly or following gender segregation rules. Since taking over the country on August 15, 2021, after the withdrawal of US and Nato forces, they have imposed several restrictions targeting Afghan girls and women, including stopping girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade, and prohibiting Afghan women from jobs at local and non-governmental organisations while cracking down on media. Taliban members paddle in a boat in Band-e-Amir (Getty Images) Families visit the park in August 2022 (Getty Images) These harsh measures triggered a fierce international outrage, including from Muslim-majority countries. Band-e-Amir is a major tourist attraction in Bamiyan. It became the countrys first national park in 2009 and pulls in thousands of visitors every year. It is a major source of income for locals and their sightseeing, restaurant, hotel and handicraft businesses. Agencies contributed to this report. Close Flood waters from Hurricane Idalia inundate Steinhatchee, Florida Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Joe Biden told Florida residents your nation has your back on Saturday as he toured areas of the state damaged by Hurricane Idalia. The president assessed the scale of the storms impact from the air, before meeting members of the public on a walking tour. But while Mr Biden was joined by one of the states Republican senators Rick Scott his trip was snubbed by governor Ron DeSantis, a possible rival in the next presidential election. As Ive told your governor, if theres anything your state needs, Im ready to mobilize that support, Mr Biden said. Idalia ploughed into Florida as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning before losing power as it moved inland through Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. At around 5pm on Saturday afternoon the National Hurricane Center issued what it said was its final advisory on Idalia, noting that the post-tropical cyclone had moved away off Bermuda and that the storm warning for the island was discontinued. Potentially dangerous surf and rip currents from Idalia will continue to hit the US east coast throughout the Labor Day weekend, it warned. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A portrait of a little girl has gone viral after being sold at a charity shop in the UK - and returned twice. Steve Elledge, the manager of the HARC charity shop in the South Coast town of Hastings, said the painting was donated in a batch with six or seven other pictures. He thought all of them looked quite normal but said the girl in the viral painting "did have a very odd look about her," Insider reported. "We just thought, thats nice. It had a bit of weight. It looked like it had quality, but it was a bit dark and all that," he told the outlet, so they attached a relatively modest price of 20, or just over $25. "We didnt even think about it or anything. We just were like, yeah, well stick that in the window, thatll sell." Soon after, a woman had walked into the shop and seemed interested in the painting, Elledge recalled. She returned a day later, saying how she couldnt stop thinking about the portrait and was thinking of buying it. "So she did," Elledge said. "And then three days later she brought it back saying theres some creepy aura about it. Nothing good is going to happen from this picture. He said he tried to give the woman her money back, but she told him to keep it and she left the store. The painting then went back in the sales window for the same 20, this time with an extra note on it reading: Possibly cursed? Despite the addition of the cursed note, Elledge told Insider that none of his employees actually thought the painting had creepy vibes. "No one here thinks its a real cursed picture," he said, though he did mention that his colleague put her hand up to say that she did believe in it. However, a second woman bought the painting and returned it three days later. The charity shop manager said she looked distressed, mentioning that everything had gone wrong. "I said, why dont you destroy it?" he recalled. "She says, No, that would make it worse." Once again the painting was put back in the sales window for the same original price with a new note reading: Shes back!!! Sold twice and returned twice! Are you brave enough??? People have been posting images of the painting in the sales window on X, formerly known as Twitter, with comments talking about how creepy it looks. Shes definitely stepping out of the frame and walking round your house at night, one person commented. Its a really sweet portrait. Id buy it for 20! Obviously I would set up a time lapse to see how her face changed overnight, another commenter joked. Because of the paintings internet fame, the second woman returned and took the painting back. "Nothing evil happened here, Elledge said. She just looked odd." He also said hed probably be more careful when trying to tell jokes about cursed merchandise because hes tired of all the phone calls and emails the store has been getting, asking if they have any other cursed items. I was tempted to reply saying, Yeah, weve got a whole warehouse full of demonic items, he said. "But now no, I will never ever ever do it again. I dont want any more hassle. Im going to unplug my phone now." 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 Markles mother, Doria Ragland, joined Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian for a night out in Los Angeles to support a charitable cause. On 26 August, the grandmother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, 66, posed for a photo next to the reality star duo in a colourful J Crew tunic for This Is About Humanitys fifth annual soiree. The paisley-printed dress from Michelle Obamas known favourite brand honoured summer hues with pink, orange, and white accents. Her three-quarter length long sleeve number was adorned with delicate gold jewellery and a pair of Chloes tan Lauren pumps. The mother-of-one appeared buddy-buddy with Hollywoods renowned momager and the Skims founder. Ragland was captured sandwiched between Kris and Kim, who donned an all-white matching set and a long black bodycon dress, respectively. Whats more, the SKKN creator stunted in a whole new hairdo featuring fine-cut bangs. Raglands night out comes before the supposed relaunch of her daughters Instagram page, according to a Page Six report. The 42-year-old Duchess of Sussex reportedly created her personal Instagram account, @Meghan, which now has 106,000 followers and a profile picture of pink flowers, prior to the first episode of her and Prince Harrys now-cancelled Spotify podcast. Speaking with Page Six, an insider explained how Meghan first decided to pause the launch of her Instagram. Meghan was set to go live on Insta, but changed her mind shortly before she launched her Archetypes podcast, so its just sitting there now, they said. On Sunday, The Daily Mail reported Meghan now plans on setting her handle live, which could lead to her potential earnings of $1m per post. Her previous social media handle, @Sussexroyal, was shared with her husband and gained more than 9.4 million followers before the pair deactivated it in 2020. Expect an announcement very soon. Shes coming back, a source close to the royals team proclaimed. Anticipation is swirling as speculation about Meghans individual return to the platform began in August of last year when she spoke to The Cut. A separate insider confirmed the excitement around her new branding in a conversation with The Daily Mail. Everyone in Hollywood is talking about the re-launch being imminent. Meghan has never made any secret of the fact she wants to return to Instagram, they noted. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a number of public appearances coming up when they travel to Dusseldorf, Germany for the 2023 Invictus Games in September. 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 }} One couple invited all of their friends and family to a gender reveal party for their second child, but the babys gender wasnt the only surprise. Jordan Flom is a TikToker with more than two million followers who is known for posting fun videos with [his] family and friends, according to his bio on the platform. His most recent video featured him and his wife surrounded by their loved ones for a gender reveal. However, the couple, who also share a two-year-old daughter, wasnt just revealing the gender of one baby, but rather three, as they took the opportunity to surprise their loved ones with the news that they are expecting triplets. The video began with both Flom and his wife holding a black balloon with the words, Boy or Girl? written across it. There were also pink and blue tassels hanging from the bottom of the balloon, which was filled with either pink confetti for a girl or blue confetti if its a boy. The whole group of people were seen counting down from three before Flom paused to point out that hed forgotten to bring a pair of scissors to pop the balloon. After he ran to go get the scissors, he came out instead with a second balloon that indicated the couple was having twins. One person in the crowd immediately started jumping with excitement while one of babys grandmothers began running around in circles calling the news, The best day of my whole life! The couple began to explain their own reaction to the news as Floms wife is heard saying, Jordan was on the floor during the ultrasound, while Flom himself said he was proud of them for keeping the secret as he noted that no one knew. The assembled group then began to prepare to pop the balloons again with the same countdown before the person filming the gender reveal asked: Wheres Ally? Then someone in the crowd screamed as Ally came out holding a third balloon, which revealed that the couple was not having a single child, or twins, but triplets. Flom then confirmed that this is it, meaning there were no more surprise babies. The nurse had it on her stomach and she went, head, head, head, he recalled of the moment the couple learned they were expecting triplets. He mentioned the nurse had called in the doctor and asked if the couple had done in vitro fertilisation to conceive because of how rare it is to naturally conceive triplets. According to Flom, the doctor told them: You better go buy a lottery ticket after theyd revealed they did not use IVF. Then the time came to pop all of the balloons, with Flom holding one, his wife holding another, and the triplets grandmother holding the third balloon. Once popped, it was revealed that the couple was expecting three boys. Since the video was posted on 26 August, it has been viewed more than 11 million times, with over 6,000 comments. Many of the comments focused on how entertaining the grandmother was once she found out the couple was giving birth to multiples. Grandma is 100 per cent golden retriever energy, one comment read. Another agreed, writing, Grandma had the zoomies! What an angel. Grandma is grandmaing so hard. Bless her sweet heart, a third commenter wrote. The couple later revealed in the comments section that she is still calling them over the news and to share how excited she is over it. She is still calling us excited and it was two days ago! the comment read. 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 }} Oti Mabuse has revealed that she and her husband Marius Iepure had stopped trying to conceive when she discovered she is pregnant with their first child. The former Strictly Come Dancing star announced on Saturday (26 August) that she is expecting, describing the pregnancy as the best news we could have ever asked for. Mabuse, 33, shared in an Instagram Story on Monday (28 August) that she had initially given up on trying to conceive because nothing was happening. She posted a video of her and her friend Nkateko Dinwiddy celebrating her pregnancy, and wrote over the clip: My friend @takkies7 asked me to [take a pregnancy test] because I was drinking coffee and I dont drink coffee. We had been trying for a while and decided to stop (it all just got too much) and just live life as us two as nothing was happening. We enjoyed each others company, dinners, concerts, parties, just simply removed all the pressure and here we are! In another Instagram Story, she shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation between her and Dinwiddy, showing her friend asking if she had taken a pregnancy test yet. Mabuse replied: Ahhhh why? [cry-laugh emoji] Dont stress me Ive actually given up. But the Dancing On Ice judge shared the happy news over the weekend live on her ITV Breakfast Show. She also shared a series of photographs of her and Iepure cradling her growing baby bump on Instagram and wrote in the caption: We love our little bundle of joy so much already and cant wait to see what our future will look like now as a family of three plus Leo. Its been a beautiful journey so far with close friends and family and nearly over but we have learnt a lot along the way Christmas is about to get even louder. Mabuse also shared a video montage of the moment the couple shared the news with their close friends and family over FaceTime and in person, including with her sister, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse. The expectant mum said in her caption: Living in a different country as a couple means you dont have family around to break the news face to face to. And most often, friends become family. We are so extremely lucky with our group of friends. Disclaimer: This isnt all of them, not enough video space. But we kept our circle really tight, full of positive energy, laughter and joy. Motsi left a comment under the video and said: Just cried again [red heart emoji]. Mabuse and Iepure met in Germany as dance partners in 2012. He proposed to her in 2014 on her birthday and they married that same year. 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 }} On Monday, October 9, millions of Americans will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday in October, is a holiday that honours the history and contributions of Native Americans. The holiday has become a replacement for federal holiday Columbus Day, which also falls on October 9, and which many have argued should no longer be celebrated due to the fact that Christopher Columbus does not deserve credit for discovering the Americas. Currently, there are 29 states and 198 cities across the country that have chosen to adopt Indigenous Peoples Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org. In 2021 and 2022, President Joe Biden also issued proclamations declaring the holiday Indigenous Peoples Day. First introduced by Congress in 1885 when it was decided that federal employees should have certain days off from work, the list of US federal holidays is made up of 11 days of significance that Americans recognise - and celebrate. To ensure that these holidays are observed, certain guidelines have been put in place, with federal holidays that fall on a Saturday observed by federal employees on the previous Friday, while holidays that fall on Sunday are observed the following Monday. On these 11 days, all non-essential federal offices are closed, while banks, post offices and schools may also be closed. However, that doesnt mean that all Americans will receive a day off from work, as employees in the private sector may or may not get the day off, depending on their employer. From Memorial Day to Thanksgiving, these are the dates of the 2023 federal holidays. 2023 federal holidays: New Years Day: Sunday, January 1 (Observed Monday, January 2) Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 16 Presidents Day: Monday, February 20 Memorial Day: Monday, May 29 Juneteenth: Friday, June 16 Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4 Labor Day: Monday, September 4 Indigenous Peoples Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 9 Veterans Day: Saturday, November 11 (Observed Friday, November 10) Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23 Christmas: Monday, December 25 Other important days to note: Valentines Day: Tuesday, February 14 St Patricks Day: Friday, March 17 Passover: Thursday, April 6 Good Friday: Friday, April 7 Easter: Sunday, April 9 Mothers Day: Sunday, May 14 Fathers Day: Sunday, June 18 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 }} Ryan Reynolds has broken with tradition and shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Blake Lively, for her birthday. The Hollywood couple are known for their habit of poking fun at one another on social media, particularly on special occasions. On Livelys birthday in 2017, the Deadpool star wrote an Instagram post wishing his amazing wife a happy birthday, with an image that cropped out Lively almost entirely, leaving only his own face to take up the bulk of the frame. Two years later, Reynolds shared 10 photos to mark Livelys 32nd birthday, all of which showed her looking a little unprepared. In nearly all of the photographs, Lively was caught off guard and could be seen blinking, pulling funny faces or barely in shot, while her husband posed confidently for the camera. However, this year, Reynolds decided to share a moving love letter to the mother of his four children. The only thing irrevocably mine in the world is the love and appreciation and awe I feel for this person, he said. Witnessing her life is something I couldnt take for granted if I tried. And believe me, I try. The sweet images showed several selfies of the A-list couple, as well as solo shots of Lively beginning with a photo of her lounging at a dinner table on the beach. Reynolds signed the post: Happy Birthday, Blake Lively. You hung the damn moon. During the 36th Annual American Cinematheque Awards last year, Lively honoured her life partner in a heartfelt speech made moments before he received an honourary award in Los Angeles, California. She explained that not only has Reynolds film career brought the world happiness, but so has his heart, his philanthropy, his humour, his integrity, his unmatched work ethic, his self-deprecating levity, his hard-earned depths in his scripts. And now I am his home, and our girls are his home, she proclaimed. And just like that 19-year-old boy [who used to commute home to Canada], he races home. Whether its from across the globe or a meeting across the street, he is hard-wired to get home. Lively went on to note: If he came home from set not in his wardrobe, we would be very concerned. While Reynolds and Lively met on the set of Green Lantern in 2010, their romance didnt spark until a year later, when they were both single. It only took one year for them to realise that their relationship was the real deal, as they secretly tied the knot in South Carolina. Most of their wedding details were kept private, except that their nuptials were held at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant for which the couple later received backlash. Fast forward three years, the 46-year-old Free Guy star and 36-year-old Gossip Girl alum revealed they were expecting their first child. Now, the pair share four children quietly welcoming their youngest in February of this year. Lively told her followers that she gave birth with a subtle Instagram announcement on 12 February. In the post, she was seen sandwiched between Reynolds and his mom, Tammy. Her caption read: Puppy Bowl Sunday 2023. Been busy. The name and gender of their newborn have not yet been revealed. While raising their four children including daughters James, eight, Inez, six, and Betty, three is a full-time job, Reynolds and Lively still find time to vacation together. The acting duo were recently spotted hand-in-hand during a European getaway to Paris, France. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A United Airlines pilot made a sweet announcement to his flight attendant mother as they took their first flight together. The pilot, Cole Doss, shared a now-viral video to Instagram earlier this month of his pre-flight announcement, while on a plane from Washington, DC, to Madrid, Spain. He said that there were some of the most talented flight attendants on the plane, including his exceptional mom. He continued his speech by describing the gratitude he has for his mother, and the ways in which she helped shaped the start of his career. Shes been one of my biggest supporters in my life and in my career becoming a pilot, ever since my very first flight lesson, he said, before plane passengers started to clap for him. After smiling at his mother and noting that he was not done with his speech, he said that he was thrilled to be working on the same flight as his mother for the first time in his career. Im especially honoured and excited to be able to fly her for the first time today, and to be able to share this experience with all of you on our flight to Madrid, he concluded. To my mom, I love you. And to everyone on board, welcome aboard our family-friendly skies. The video ended with Doss holding his mothers arm up in the air, before she said thank you to the camera. In the caption of his post, the United Airlines worker reflected on the opportunity he had to fly with his mother. He once again praised her for being his biggest supporter as he became a pilot. The highlight of my career came to life when I was able to work a trip with my mom and fly her for the first time! he wrote on Instagram. Shes been my biggest supporter in becoming a pilot. We had the best trip to Madrid together. Ill never forget this experience and everyone who helped make this possible. In the comments of the video, which has amassed more than 24,100 likes, many viewers went on to praise Doss sweet message. I may or may not be crying in the galley. This is wonderful, one wrote, while another added: Stop it. Im crying. What an incredible experience for you and your mama. I love this. A third wrote: This is the cutest thing Ive ever seen! Congratulations Cole! United Airlines official Instagram account also responded to the video, commenting: Family that flies together stays together! Thanks Mom! Speaking to Good Morning America, Doss specified the flight to Madrid was not only his first time working with his mother, but it was also the first time that she took a flight with him as the pilot. That was the first time I was able to fly my mom ever, he said. In flight school, she was a little nervous about the small planes, so I was never able to fly with her there. He explained that he paid tribute to his mother through the in-flight announcement because mothers and flight attendants, in general, deserve all the credit they can get. I wanted to do something incredibly special to pay back my mom and let everyone know that this was a really cool and momentous event for the both of us, he added. As he specified that he and his mother were on the same flight back to Washington, DC, he also joked about how she made their relationship known to fellow travellers. She was really proud of me so Im sure she probably told most of the passengers that her son was flying up front, he said. The Independent has contacted Doss for comment. This isnt the first time that two family members have had the opportunity to work on a flight together. In July 2022, a mother-and-daughter team of pilots - Captain Holly Petitt and first officer Keely Petitt - flew their first plane together for Southwest Airlines. During a pre-flight announcement, Holly also had the opportunity to introduce her daughter to passengers on the plane. Today is a special day for me. I would like to introduce to you your first officer, a brand new member of the Southwest team of pilots, and my daughter, Keely Pettit, she said, before Keely walked out of the cockpit and gave her mother a hug. 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 }} Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida asked China on Monday to urge its citizens to halt acts of harassment, including crank calls and stone throwing at Japanese diplomatic facilities and schools, in response to Japan's release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. I must say it is regrettable, Kishida said. He said Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Masataka Okano summoned China's ambassador, Wu Jianghao, to ask that Chinese people act calmly and responsibly. The release of the treated wastewater into the ocean, which began Thursday and is expected to continue for decades, has been strongly opposed by fishing groups and by neighboring countries. China immediately banned all imports of Japanese seafood in response. In South Korea, thousands of people joined rallies over the weekend to condemn the discharge. Acts of harassment including crank phone calls and stone throwing have targeted Japan's embassy and consulates and Japanese schools in China, while China's government has not responded to requests from Japan for a joint scientific discussion of the release by experts, Kishida said. He said the Japanese plan is seen by many countries as scientific and transparent. Japanese public broadcaster NHK said thousands of crank calls from China have targeted Fukushima government offices and the nuclear plant's operator. It said many of the callers shouted in Chinese, and some yelled stupid and other swear words. Japan's government and the plant operator say treated radioactive wastewater that has accumulated since the March 2011 accident at the nuclear plant, now totaling 134 million tons and stored in about 1,000 tanks, is taking up much of the plant area and must be removed to free up space to build facilities for the plant's cleanup and decommissioning, which are also expected to take decades. Kishida also pledged Monday to do his utmost to protect Japan's fisheries industry from the impact of China's import ban and said he will announce support measures later this week. Japan's Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory on Sunday urging Japanese citizens to use extra caution in China, citing an escalation of harassment and violent protests, and not talk loudly in Japanese to avoid attention. At home, the release plan has faced fierce opposition from Japanese fishing groups which fear it will further hurt the reputation of seafood from the Fukushima area. The groups are still striving to repair the damage to their businesses caused by the meltdowns of three reactors at the power plant caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami. All seawater and fish sampling data since the release have been way below set safety limits. Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura visited Fukushima on Monday to help with damage control. He joined officials from a supermarket chain and sampled locally caught surf clams and flounder. I hope to promote delicious Fukushima seafood to as many people in and outside Japan as possible, Nishimura said. While safely carrying out the release, we will be transparent in disclosing all data. That's the best way to fight reputational damage. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A former Gurkha who met Prince Harry through Walking With The Wounded has said he is embracing his second life as he stars in a film about the Nepalese soldiers which will premiere in Leicester Square. Ritesh Chams, 39, joined the Gurkhas soldiers from Nepal who have been recruited into the British Army in his late teens and served two terms in Afghanistan before he was injured and pivoted into an acting career. He stars as Corporal Birkha Bahadur Rai in Gurkha Warrior, which sees the former soldier draw on memories and stories of his grandfather, who also served in the Gurkhas during the Malayan Emergency (1948 to 1960), the historical event around which the film is based. Mr Chams told the PA news agency: I think this is the biggest opportunity to tell my experience to the world, adding: We want to tell our untold history to the wonderful and nice British people. Mr Chams grew up hearing about the Gurkhas in Nepal and joined the Nepalese soldiers in his late teens as it was a pride and privilege to be in the Gurkhas, to follow in the footsteps of our forefathers. He said serving in the Royal Gurkha Rifles for 11 years gave him a chance to visit many places around the world, which included undertaking his basic training in Yorkshire and working in places such as Bosnia, Kosovo and the Falkland Islands. He was on his second deployment in Afghanistan when he was shot while on patrol in 2010, forcing him to be medically discharged five years later. While recovering from his injury, he began working with Walking With The Wounded, a British charity helping injured British armed forces veterans integrate back into civilian life, when he met the Duke of Sussex then Prince Harry in 2011. He said: We trained together for a few sessions with all of the team from Walking With The Wounded and volunteers for the Everest 2012 expedition. I was the only one in Walking With The Wounded as a Gurkha and he was more than welcoming to me. He was really nice to me and the whole team as well. Mr Chams is embracing his second life after he graduated from Pinewood Studios acting school in London in 2017 with a Masters in acting and pursued a career in the arts. He has taken a role in a film about Gurkha soldiers cut off from their platoon behind enemy lines during the Malayan Emergency, when British troops were deployed to combat an insurgency against colonial rule. Mr Chams said: At that time my granddad was serving so this is the story of my granddad too. The film is based on a true story passed down through the families of survivors involved in the original mission and is corroborated by historian and author Gordon Corrigan MBE. The director, executive producer and leading actor are all former Gurkhas. Mr Chams said: I wanted to give something back to the community the Gurkha community and the military community and then tell our victory to the people who dont really know it. He said it was challenging to don a military uniform again and be transported back to the reality of serving in Afghanistan. Mr Chams said: It put me back in real time of the anxiousness and anxiety and it was a fresh memory, you know, Afghanistan. He added though that basic skills of being in the military, how would we position ourselves carrying the weapon, the posture, that really helped get into character. Director Milan Chams, a former Gurkha, said: This story is one that had to be shared with the world before it is lost to history. We have a saying that Gurkhas are born in Nepal but made in Britain so its only fitting that we have the worldwide premiere of this new feature length film here in London. Gurkha Warriors international premiere will be held at Imax Cineworld in Leicester Square on September 10, before it goes on general release in the UK on November 10. 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 chair of Scotlands Covid-19 inquiry has promised a robust investigation into how Scottish ministers responded to the pandemic. During a preliminary hearing of the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry, Lord Brailsford paid tribute to those who had lost loved ones or had been severely impacted by the events between January 1 2020 and December 31 2022. He said: The Covid-19 pandemic presented the most severe health crisis in living memory. It affected everyone. Those who lost loved ones to the virus were among the audience at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, as the hearing opened with an 11-minute video featuring photographs of those who had died from Covid-19, and included quotes from frontline workers and impacted families. I will conduct a robust investigation without fear or favour that will arrive at the facts, identify any lessons that need to be learned and make recommendations for Scottish ministers Lord Brailsford Lord Brailsford then set out how the inquiry will proceed, with formal hearings commencing from October 24 until December 18, with those adversely affected by the health and social care response providing witness testimonies. The Scottish inquiry will then pause public hearings until February 2024 to allow the UK inquiry to conduct its Scottish-based evidence sessions. It will then continue to hear impact statements across the three themes of health, education and finance for the remainder of the year before moving onto assessing decision-making. Lord Brailsford told the inquiry: I will conduct a robust investigation without fear or favour that will arrive at the facts, identify any lessons that need to be learned and make recommendations for Scottish ministers so that we are better prepared in the event of any future pandemic. I will not take sides and I will act with fairness towards all parties involved in the inquiry process. However, the timeline of the inquiry has led to criticism from Aamer Anwar, the lead solicitor on behalf of the Scottish Covid Bereaved Group, who described the inquiry as shambolic ahead of the first hearing. And during supplementary questions to Lord Brailsford, he said: It would appear that politicians, civil servants and public bodies are off the hook until 2025. If the Scottish inquiry continues in this manner, the bereaved have little confidence that it will hold any government, public body, or civil servant to account for the death of thousands from Covid-19 in Scotland. Stuart Gale, co-lead counsel of the inquiry, said he and Lord Brailsford had heard distressing accounts from bereaved families, adding: We will not hold back in stating and considering anything we consider to have been mistakes in the strategic decision-making process. Speaking to the PA news agency on a visit to the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, First Minister Humza Yousaf expressed his sympathies with those who had lost a loved one to the virus. Mr Yousaf said also he would co-operate fully with the pandemic after serving as Health Secretary during the pandemic. He said: The Government absolutely is right to be scrutinised for the decisions that we made. Ill account for all of the decisions that were my responsibility and I know, of course, those that have been in government prior to me have also said they will fully co-operate. Lord Brailsford also issued do not destroy letters to organisations and relevant individuals, urging WhatsApp, texts and emails to be retained for evidence. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An expert witness who helped convict serial killer Lucy Letby has described babies screaming in agony, after being caused extreme pain by air injections. Dr Sandie Bohin, a neonatologist and consultant paediatrician, was called as an expert witness for the prosecution during the ten-month trial after reviewing the cases. Convicted earlier this month, Letby was sentenced to a whole life order for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of six more while while working as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Dr Sandie Bohin, a consultant paediatrician, realised the babies had been deliberately harmed (Peter Byrne/PA Wire) Babies will cry if they are in pain, obviously, such as when you take blood or put in a drip, she told The Sunday Times. That hurts, and theres no getting away from it. But to have a premature baby screaming is really unusual. What was described on the ward was babies screaming for up to 30 minutes. Somebody had done something to cause those babies extreme pain. Recalling the moment she realised the babies had been deliberately harmed, she said: I was sitting at my dining room table in the winter, and it was dark outside, and I was looking at this babys x-ray, thinking, This baby has had an air embolism. Then I thought, It cant be. Id never seen anything like that in my career . . . but nothing else explained it. The x-rays were in front of me, several of them, all showing air in the babies vessels. Thats when I thought: No, it has to be, and it has to be deliberate. An email sent to the hospitals chief executive warned of chaos on the neonatal ward and that staff were overworked (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire) As well as injecting air into the bloodstream and stomach of vulnerable babies, Letby was also found guilty of deliberately poisoning a few with insulin. Since sentence, it has emerged that a senior doctor at the neonatal unit had warned the hospitals chief executive that staff were in tears as they know that the care they are providing falls below their high standards. Staff at the Countess of Chester were said to be chronically overworked with services at breaking point, with the unit forced to look after more babies than they could safely accommodate. The government announced an inquiry into Letby will be held, while Cheshire Police have been granted a further 2.4million by the Home Office to continue their investigations. 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 police officer has told an inquiry he cannot remember whether consent was given to him when entering a house treated as a crime scene following the death of Sheku Bayoh. Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained on the ground by six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3 2015. The Sheku Bayoh Inquiry is investigating the circumstances of his death and whether race was a factor. Police constable Rhuaridh Fraser, 49, gave evidence at the inquiry where he also admitted he could have attempted further to communicate with the residents of the house, believing none of them spoke English. I believe I must have been afforded entry into the house Pc Rhuaridh Fraser The officer, who has worked for Police Scotland since 2009, was questioned on a 2015 incident where officers investigated a property being treated as a crime scene. Mr Fraser had been accompanied by another police officer and later two CID detective inspectors to the property. Saadia Rashid, previously, told the inquiry of her traumatic nightmare experience when the officers asked her and her family to vacate their home on May 3 2015. She said the officers told her they did not need a warrant and that she was left feeling she had no choice but to leave. She also said she was not aware of anything that would connect Mr Bayoh to the house. She said: What did Sheks death have to do with our house, why were we being thrown out of our house, what were they looking for in our house, what were they searching for that could possibly have to do with Sheks death? Angela Grahame KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, asked Mr Fraser if police obtained consent to enter the property. He replied: I believe I must have been afforded entry into the house. I didnt know any of the details of the people. So my assumption thereafter was that nobody had a good grasp on English or felt confident to speak Pc Rhuaridh Fraser But in order to speak to the people within, I can only assume, I dont recall, but I can only assume I knocked on the door and the door was opened. Ms Grahame then asked if the resident opening the door in itself would be considered consent for entry. The officer replied: No. A person can, in numerous ways (give consent), they can verbally say it, or they can just motion or walk away; leave the door open. Ms Grahame asked the officer if he remembered if anyone on the property made any gesture or signal as to whether he could enter the house. He replied: I dont remember. Mr Fraser also said he did not think any of the residents at the property spoke English. Mr Fraser said he felt unwelcome at the property, partly because of the language barrier, and also because he felt he was causing anxiety to the residents. However, he admitted he may have left the property too quickly. He said: There was no English forthcoming from the room, so it was my assumption after the first person I tried to directly communicate with and there was no English with that person. So my assumption thereafter was that nobody had a good grasp on English or felt confident to speak. He added: I maybe left the property too quickly and didnt try to engage with others, but I may have felt that I had overstepped the mark that I was far from welcome in the house and I didnt want to make matters worse. And that maybe others, i.e. the CID, would have a better knowledge of what would be occurring. So, in order to placate, I certainly felt the right option was to leave. He was later questioned by the Bayoh family lawyer, Claire Mitchell KC, on unconscious bias and on his understanding of racism after Mrs Rashid said she felt the family may have been treated differently due to their race and religion. The officer said this was not the case, and added that while his race training took place in the early days of his police training, he does not have any overt or unconscious biases. The inquiry, before Lord Bracadale in Edinburgh, continues. 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 }} For Londoners living on the outskirts of the capital, Sadiq Khans Ulez policy is due to take effect on Tuesday despite fierce backlash. First announced by former mayor Boris Johnson in July 2014 and expanded to all 32 of Londons boroughs by Mr Khan, the scheme aims to reduce air pollution by charging non-compliant vehicles 12.50 a day to drive within an ultra-low-emission zone. But the zones growth has triggered city-wide protests, a shock by-election result, and the rise of a vigilante group vandalising Ulez cameras. Speaking ahead of the expansion, Mr Khan insisted he will be on the right of history when it comes to the policy but for now, he stands accused of declaring war on motorists. London mayor Sadiq Khan has become a target for the anti-Ulez movement (PA) Launched within the central London congestion charge zone in 2019, the clean air policy means that cars and vans that dont meet certain emissions standards have had to pay a daily fee or risk a 180 fine. Mr Khan has always argued that only a minority of vehicles will be affected by the charge, with a spokesperson for the mayors office saying only one in 10 cars driving in outer London isnt compliant though this figure is disputed by critics. Separate figures obtained by the RAC show that more than 690,000 licensed cars in the whole of London are likely to be non-compliant, but this does not take into account other types of vehicle, or those that enter London from neighbouring counties. TfL has allocated 160m of its budget for a scrappage scheme, which will pay out 2,000 to any Londoner wanting to scrap a non-compliant car and provide them with perks such as a free bus pass. This hasnt been enough to sway the most ardent critics, though. Amid claims that the scheme is a cash grab from those that can least afford it, and that it is ill-timed during a cost of living crisis, Mr Khan this week claimed that the backlash had been weaponised by conspiracy theorists and Covid-19 deniers. But how true is that? On Twitter at least, it is not usual to see people who criticise Ulez intersperse their attacks with anti-vaccine rhetoric, scepticism about climate change and the net zero plan to tackle it, and claims of state surveillance. Some posts use the hashtag #Londonistan, a term used in racist and Islamophobic tweets and to attack Mr Khans track record since he became mayor in 2016. Earlier this year, a group of protesters outside a Peoples Question Time event in Ealing carried a placard associating Mr Khan with Nazis. The demonstrators use of the swastika was labelled disgusting by Labour MP David Lammy. Piers Corbyn (right) joins a protest against the scheme in Tooting on Saturday (PA) A number of ardent Ulez critics have compared the policy to the enforcement of social distancing and Covid vaccines, claiming there is no science to support such measures and that they constitute an attack on freedom. One prominent Conservative commentator wrote on Twitter: When pandemic propaganda was at its peak it was: Get vaccinated to save granny. Now its: Pay ULEZ to save kids lungs. Another said: Net Zero has become the new Zero Covid. Its not following the science. Its following the agendas. Crass logic and draconian policies like ULEZ, LTNs and 15 minute cities wont solve anything. But it isnt just keyboard warriors who are raging against the plan. Public opposition to Ulez has also led to the formation of an anonymous activist group called the Blade Runners, who have vowed to take down all of the schemes cameras. So far more than 380 have been targeted, with the Met Police reporting 185 destroyed cables, 164 stolen cameras, and 38 obscured. While the covert group has avoided creating social media accounts, one member interviewed by Mail Online claimed that the Blade Runners had more than 100 members involved in disabling the cameras. Critics claim Londons air is not toxic at all, but just last month it was reported that all areas of the capital breach World Health Organisation guidelines (Reuters) Opponents have warned that the vandalism will have an impact on the effectiveness of the expanded scheme when it comes into effect. London mayoral candidate Howard Cox, of the Reform Party, warned that there would be administrative turmoil on Tuesday due to the broken cameras and a lack of signage. If there are no signs, there must be no fines, he told The Independent. And if Sadiq Khan believes that 2,000 of taxpayers hard-earned dosh is a massive and generous incentive to dump a still perfectly good to use, fully MOTd vehicle, he is so out of touch with the cost of living reality that faces low-income drivers. Away from the conspiracies, vigilantes, and climate-change sceptics, there are certainly drivers who are concerned about the impact the scheme will have on their wallets, at a time when people are least able to afford an extra bill. Critics have argued that the policy is unfair, and that because the worst-polluting cars tend to be older, it is likely that the additional charge will fall on lower-income drivers who have been unable to replace their vehicles recently. This map shows the expansion of the scheme, coming into effect on Tuesday (TFL) Paul Tucker, a 52-year-old vehicle body fitter who travels from Northolt to work in High Wycombe each day, has owned his Peugeot 106 Rally for more than 15 years, and will now be forced to take out a loan to buy a new car. He said: I feel targeted. Its just another money-making scheme, and if the mayor was serious hed issue a complete ban. I need a car to get to work, and I cant afford one outright so Im going to have to take out a loan to buy one. Im going to be in debt because of Ulez. He added: A lot of people are going to suffer because of this scheme. Then there are those who have compliant vehicles, but have had to battle to prove it. Sadiq Khan, pictured with a Ulez camera, says the policy is the right one for London (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire) Paul Robins, a 60-year-old plumber, owns three vehicles that were initially classed as not Ulez-compliant. He managed to get the decisions overturned after providing TfL with certificates of conformity but only after a process he branded a ridiculous fight. The thing that really annoys me is it was so much of a fight. They reject [the compliancy application] for nonsensical reasons, he said, warning that the Ulez expansion could be the death of the modern classic car. Its not just the public for whom the policy has proved divisive. It has also caused tension among Labour ranks especially after the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election earlier this summer. The Conservatives narrowly held on to the seat by campaigning against the expansion, as Sir Keir Starmer urged the mayor to reflect on how the policy had cost the Labour Party the constituency. Signs like these will become a more common sight in London from Tuesday (PA Wire) Speaking to journalists at the time, Sir Keir refused to defend the Ulez scheme and said: Ulez was the reason we didnt win there yesterday. We know that. We heard that on the door[step]. The newly elected MP for Uxbridge, Steve Tuckwell, told The Independent that the by-election result was a clear message to Mr Khan to halt your Ulez expansion. But Mr Khan has remained defiant. I am quite clear, in relation to the evidence I have seen, that the consequences of air pollution are heartbreaking when you have spent time with a bereaved mum, he said. We have been trying to make sure we can both tackle air pollution, tackle the climate emergency, but help support Londoners during this transition. The vast majority of Londoners want to see clean air, and I recognise there are some Londoners with genuine concerns. My job is to try and address those concerns, and I have been doing that. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is set to visit the Philippines amid efforts to boost ties with the country. The senior Cabinet minister is visiting the Philippines for the first time on Tuesday. It comes after a new partnership covering climate, trade and foreign policy was launched between the UK and the Philippines in December 2021. Im delighted to visit the Philippines for the first time, a place which shares common values and interests with the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly The visit will see Mr Cleverly meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. The Indo-Pacific region is seen as of key importance for the UKs security interests, with Mr Cleverly making several trips there since taking up his role last year. Im delighted to visit the Philippines for the first time, a place which shares common values and interests with the UK, Mr Cleverly said. We are expanding our areas of collaboration by growing our trade and investment through British investment partnerships and deepening co-operation on security, maritime and climate. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Senior members of the US Congress have warned that the Northern Ireland peace agreement is at risk through the British governments Legacy Bill which victims of violence during The Troubles believe will block them from a path to justice. Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Chris Coons have also expressed deep concern that the DUPs refusal to take part in power-sharing, which has paralysed the executive and assembly in Stormont, is deepening divisions and could lead to instability. A high-level bipartisan delegation from the Senate and House of Representatives has been in Britain to talk about the Ukraine war; the challenges posed by China; the Aukus treaty between Australia, the UK and the US and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement. Speaking to The Independent, Senator Murphy and Senator Coons stressed that peace and justice in Northern Ireland is of paramount importance in maintaining the "Special Relationship" between America and Britain. At the same time, the senators have lauded the support given to Ukraine by the UK and stressed that Washington and London would continue to work in lockstep to counter Russian aggression. Recommended The two Democrat senators stressed that the majority of their Republican colleagues remain committed to the defence of Ukraine, and said that the $24 billion in assistance President Joe Biden has asked to support Volodymyr Zelenskys government is likely to get through Congress despite critical scrutiny in the House. The American delegation also went to Dublin after London with talks with ministers, officials and members of civic society. They will discuss Brexit, support the Windsor Framework and point out that sizeable American commercial investment is coming to Northern Ireland if the peace deal is not jeopardised. Despite progress being made on contentious issues, major hurdles remain, say the senators. They both point out that their constituencies in the US have large Irish-American communities with close connections to Eire and Ulster, who are concerned about events unfolding this side of the Atlantic. It is a source of great frustration that we don't have a government in Stormont. We're here to figure out how we can use whatever leverage we have as United States senators and congressmen to try to convince the DUP to get into government and to do what's right for the people of Northern Ireland, said Senator Murphy. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill proposed by Rishi Sunaks government would end legal proceedings, including trials and inquests, for serious violence during the 30 years of The Troubles, offering a conditional amnesty for those accused of killing and maiming. The impending legislation is opposed by civil rights groups, the Irish government and political parties in Northern Ireland, who all say it will deny justice to victims and their families. Parliaments joint committee on human rights found the Bill as it stands risked widespread breach of human rights laws. A UK poll by Amnesty International found that nine out ten people expressing an opinion believe perpetrators of serious crimes should be prosecuted even if they were committed decades ago. The Bill has been championed by the minister for veterans affairs, Johnny Mercer. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris insisted recently it is a "crucial aspect" of the information recovery process for what took place during years of strife. "This government believes it's the best mechanism by which we can generate the greatest volume of information in the quickest possible time to pass onto families and victims, he said. Senator Murphy said: Im certainly delivering a message on the very specific message of concern about the Legacy Bill. I continue to hear loud and clear from the people who have connections to those who still have claims and crimes that have lingered for decades that they want justice. They don't want that path to justice shut down artificially by this legacy building. It's important for me to be here on behalf of my constituents in the US who have ties to Northern Ireland to deliver a message of great concern. Senator Coons said: We have listened to the concerns about this. All parties in Northern Ireland have opposed this Bill and the cutting off of any potential recovery it entails. In my state, Delaware, there's been an Ulster Project that brings families from Northern Ireland to Delaware, and I too have heard concerns about cutting off any path towards resolving difficult or sensitive issues from the Troubles. Speaking about Northern Ireland and the EU. Senator Coons added: In meetings I've held across the last three prime ministers, a consistent theme has been take Northern Ireland seriously, address the issues and challenges in terms of the EU, the impact of Brexit, and how to make sure that a hard border doesn't re-emerge. There is a vital need to make sure that does not happen. The senators want to point out that the Windsor Framework provides the people of Northern Ireland access to the British and EU markets and the US can help in this running smoothly. Senator Murphy said It gives them a very clear and unique connection to Britain but also gives them easier access to the European markets than the rest of Britain has. The United States can play a role in helping to make sure that Northern Ireland sees the benefit of this unique status; we can help sell that. The US special rnvoy to Northern Ireland, Joe Kennedy III, is taking a delegation of US business leaders to Northern Ireland in October. Our hope is that the UK government will also see this opportunity for what it is and prioritise and pay attention to the economic development potential in Northern Ireland. My guess is that there are going to be American companies who are going to be very interested in setting up headquarters and facilities in Northern Ireland because of the Protocol, said Senator Coons. The delegation has been holding talks with the Ministry of Defence in London about weapon supplies to Ukraine, in preparation for debates in Congress about President Bidens procurement request. We have had good conversations about their investment plans, and were trying to understand how we can better coordinate as we are about to debate a new Ukraine supplemental, and we want to make sure that we're matching our investment appropriately with what's happening here in Britain, said Senator Murphy. Senator Coons said that the US, UK and Nato can learn a lot about security innovations through what is happening on the ground in Ukraine. One of the areas of particular interest to me that connects to Ukraine, is the defence innovation accelerator for the North Atlantic which was recently launched here in London, he said. [The] United Kingdom has incredible innovation resources. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is quite focused on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and what the impact will be on our security positively and negatively. The process going forward, I hope, is that there are some good lessons learned for both the US, UK and all of Nato coming out of the current war in Ukraine. Asked about opposition among some Republicans to continue backing Ukraine, and what would happen if Donald Trump got back into the White House next year, Senator Murphy said: This delegation has more Republicans than Democrats: and what we're hearing is real strong support from Republicans for continued investment in Ukraine. The Republican party is going to fight this out. In the Senate both Chuck Schumer [ Democrat leader] and Mitch McConnell [ Republican leader] are vocal and consistent and strong in their support for Ukraine. I think in the end you'll see us continue strong bipartisan, bicameral support for Ukraine. 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 }} Suella Braverman has been criticised over plans to fit migrants with ankle tags, with Labour branding the idea just another gimmick. Home Office officials are reportedly considering it as a way to prevent migrants who cannot be housed in limited detention sites from absconding. The Illegal Migration Act places a duty on the government to detain and remove those arriving in the UK illegally, either to Rwanda or another safe third country. Home Secretary Suella Braverman is considering a range of options as the government struggles with migrant numbers (PA) However, as spaces in Home Office accommodation are in short supply, officials have been tasked with a deep dive into alternatives, according to The Times. While the preferred solution is to increase the number of detention places, electronic tagging has been mooted, as has cutting off financial allowances to someone who fails to report regularly to the Home Office. UK charity Refugee Council criticised the idea, claiming it would see vulnerable people treated as mere objects. Chief executive Enver Solomon said: Its treating people as mere objects rather than vulnerable men, women and children in search of safety who should always be treated with compassion and humanity, in the same way we welcomed Ukrainian refugees. This is not who we are as a country nor the Britain we aspire to be. And a refugee who fled Afghanistan said electronically tagging asylum seekers was completely wrong and unacceptable. Gulwali Passarlay told The Independent the only point of the plans was to make the public think we are doing something, and accused ministers of being cruel. His friend has been forced by the Home Office to wear an ankle tag since arriving in the UK as a refugee, which Mr Passarlay says has taken a significant toll on his mental health. How would normal people feel if they were electronically tagged just for being who they are? he said. We're surveilling the most vulnerable people in our society, he added. The governments plans emerged days after Home Office figures showed the backlog of asylum cases in the UK has hit a new record high, in a blow to Rishi Sunaks pledge to stop the boats and cut processing times. A total of 175,457 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June, up 44 per cent from 122,213 a year earlier and the highest figure since records began in 2010. The number of people waiting more than six months for an initial decision stood at 139,961 at the end of June, up 57 per cent year-on-year and another record high. In a bid to bring down the 6m a day cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels, ministers are trying to move migrants onto the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset. But these efforts faced a fresh setback on Sunday as The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) sent a legal threat to the Home Office accusing ministers of callous disregard for the safety of those on board. Asked about electronic tags for migrants on Monday morning, home secretary Suella Braverman said ministers are considering a range of options. We have a couple of thousand detention places in our existing removal capacity, she told Sky News. We will be working intensively to increase that but its clear were exploring a range of options, all options, to ensure that we have that level of control over people so that they can flow through our systems swiftly to enable us to thereafter remove them from the United Kingdom. But Labours shadow employment minister Justin Madders described the plans as just another gimmick. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Madders said: The only people you tag are criminals. And my understanding is that people who are coming to this country seeking asylum are not criminals. They are usually people fleeing persecution. And if theres a problem with people absconding, this is the first Ive heard about it. Clearly the solution to that is actually to get on and process the asylum applications a lot quicker than is happening. I think this is just another gimmick that is not dealing with the root of the problem at all. Mr Madders also said it is pathetic for the government to blame lefty lawyers and Labour for failings in its asylum policy. They ought to own this problem, he said. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said it is the latest in a long line of gimmicks thought up by the home secretary. Its time they put in the hard work to clear their record asylum backlog so we can get people out of expensive hotels, he said. In June last year, the Home Office launched a 12-month pilot scheme to fit migrants with tags. The tagging pilot allowed the electronic monitoring of asylum seekers who are declared inadmissible after travelling through safe countries and includes those selected for transfer to Rwanda. The Independent revealed an asylum seeker electronically tagged by the government after being selected for removal to Rwanda was launching a legal challenge against the move. The man said that after being tortured and trafficked in Sudan and Libya he has been treated like an animal in the UK. A psychiatric report found that being forced to wear a tag had worsened his mental health, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and increased the risk of self-harm and suicide. The Home Office said it is committed to the removal of foreign criminals and those with no right to be in the UK. A spokesman said: That is why we have introduced measures under the Illegal Migration Act which will ensure those arriving in the UK illegally may be detained and swiftly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country. We are now considering a range of options to reduce the rate of absconding. 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 }} Low birthweight directly increases the risk of heart disease later in life, according to new research. A babys weight at birth should also be considered a risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases. Scientists say taking birthweight into account could help identify those who might benefit from more tailored support and monitoring, to manage their risk later in life. This research reveals that weight at birth is inextricably linked to an individuals risk of developing heart disease in their lifetime Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said information about patients birthweight could be a valuable tool to help doctors build up a better picture of patients risk of heart disease and identify those who could benefit from closer monitoring or targeted intervention. The new research, part-funded by the British Heart Foundation, found that low birthweight is directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, and that this relationship is independent of conditions in the womb. A low birthweight is usually defined as less than 5lb 8oz (2.5kg). A reduction in birthweight by approximately 17oz (480g) resulted in a 20% increased risk of heart disease, the research found. The findings are being presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam. The team of researchers, led by Dr Maddalena Ardissino, honorary clinical research fellow at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and National Institute for Health and Care Research academic clinical fellow at the University of Cambridge, analysed data from nearly 300,000 participants. Understanding how birthweight is linked to heart health, and the risk factors at play, is an important step in improving cardiovascular risk prediction and providing personalised preventive care Dr Maddalena Ardissino, Imperial College London Previous research has found an association between low birthweight and a higher risk of heart disease, but, until now, it was not known whether birthweight alone could directly raise the risk of developing heart disease. Researchers found that, throughout life, systolic blood pressure the pressure when the heart is pumping blood through the arteries plays a central role in this relationship. Closely monitoring and managing blood pressure could be a key strategy to help people born with a lower birthweight reduce their risk of heart disease over the course of their lifetime. Dr Ardissino said: Low birthweight is a common pregnancy complication. Beyond its many short-term risks, our research highlights how it can influence long-term cardiovascular health in an important way. Understanding how birthweight is linked to heart health, and the risk factors at play, is an important step in improving cardiovascular risk prediction and providing personalised preventive care. 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 }} Suella Braverman has insisted that police have the resources necessary to meet a pledge to follow all reasonable lines of inquiry in a renewed effort to crack down on crime. It comes after the standards setting body published guidance for officers in England and Wales to consider all potential evidence such as footage from CCTV, doorbells and dashcams, as well as phone tracking if it could lead to a suspect or stolen property. The public will therefore know what they can expect from police when they report a crime such as burglary or theft, according to the College of Policing. It said this will make the service more consistent across regions and solve more crimes. While the pledge applies to all crimes, Ms Braverman has implored officers to act on leads for phone or car theft, shoplifting and criminal damage. She said that no crime is minor as she hailed the announcement as a landmark. The Home Secretary faced questions about whether officers will have the resources to investigate all crimes or whether it could see efforts diverted from more serious investigations. The police have a record number of men and women working on their front line than ever before. So they have the numbers of people who are there, she told BBC Breakfast. This is about ensuring that those resources are properly diverted to what I call common sense policing, back-to-basics policing, that they dont dismiss certain crimes as unimportant or minor. Its about ensuring that they are freed up from doing other time-consuming tasks. She said that Government efforts were about freeing up police time from needless bureaucracy. More than 20,000 extra recruits joined police forces in the past three years, but it followed thousands of job cuts under the Conservatives as part of a series of austerity measures. The Government has also been warned that population growth since austerity began in 2010 means that there are fewer officers per capita now. The Home Secretary also told broadcasters that she had been a victim of crime in the past and had not been satisfied with police response. In the past, many, many years ago, I indeed did have my mobile phone mugged from me when I was walking around, she said. The new commitment, agreed by the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs Council and College of Policing, comes as part of a crime week of policy announcements planned by the Government. Labour branded it a staggering admission of 13 years of Tory failure on policing and crime. The move comes on top of a previous commitment for forces to attend every home burglary in a new set of standards announced last year. The Conservative government have cut neighbourhood policing by nearly 10,000, left a 7,000 shortage of detectives and allowed the growth of appalling delays between the police, CPS and courts Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper Ms Braverman has also asked for plans from police chiefs on how they intend to improve visibility in communities. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: This is a staggering admission of 13 years of Tory failure on policing and crime. Pursuing reasonable leads like CCTV is what the police should be doing, but because of abysmal Tory management over 90% of crimes go unsolved, the proportion of crimes prosecuted has dropped by more than two-thirds and more criminals are getting off. Instead of supporting our brave officers to catch criminals, the Conservative government have cut neighbourhood policing by nearly 10,000, left a 7,000 shortage of detectives and allowed the growth of appalling delays between the police, CPS and courts. The fact that the Tories are boasting about asking the police to do the basic minimum that victims of crime should rightly expect, whilst failing to tackle the underlying problems they have caused, shows how badly they have failed over the last 13 years. The Tories are weak on crime and the causes of crime. Labour will put 13,000 extra neighbourhood police and PCSOs back on our streets, increase detective recruitment and ensure more crimes are charged to keep our streets safe. 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 }} President Joe Biden offered his condolences to the families of three US Marines killed in a fiery crash of a tiltrotor aircraft during military exercises in Australia. The incident took place on Melville Island, just off the northern coast of Australia on Sunday around 9.30am, when a MV-22B Osprey aircraft with 23 Marines on board crashed and caught fire. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash, Mr Biden said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. We are praying for those who also suffered injuries. The 20 survivors were flown from Royal Darwin Hospital, of whom 12 have been discharged and have returned to the barracks. Eight Marines remain admitted to the hospital, with one in the intensive care unit. The Osprey that crashed was one of the two that flew from Darwin to Melville on Sunday as part of Exercise Predators Run, which involves the militaries of the US, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor. All 23 Marines aboard the lost aircraft were temporarily based in Darwin as part of the Marine Corps annual troop rotation. Around 150 US Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year. They are part of a realignment of US forces in the Asia-Pacific that is broadly meant to face an increasingly assertive China. The bodies of the dead Marines remained at the crash site, where an exclusion zone will be maintained, with responders, including members of the Australian military and the US Marines, now focusing on recovering their remains, said Northern Territory police commissioner Michael Murphy. Michael Murphy, the Northern Territorys police commissioner, speaks during a press conference in Darwin on 28 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The mission has now changed from one of rescue to recovery, he told a news conference. The emergency operations centre will now focus on the recovery of the three deceased marines with dignity. The cause of the crash had yet to be explained and investigators will remain at the site for at least 10 days, Mr Murphy said. The Osprey, a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but can tilt its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane during flight, had crashed into a tropical forest and burst into flames. Emergency responders were surprised the death toll was not higher. For a chopper that crashes and catches fire, to have 20 Marines that are surviving, I think thats an incredible outcome, Mr Murphy said. Police personnel load equipments onto a Northern Territory Police plane on the tarmac of the Darwin International Airport in Darwin on 28 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Our thoughts are with the three Marines that have died during service for their country, and our thoughts go out to their country, to the United States Marine Corps and all their colleagues and friends, he said. Australian defence minister Richard Marles was also grateful the toll was not worse. Its remarkable that in many ways, so many have survived, Mr Marles told Nine News television. This remains a very tragic incident and the loss of those lives are keenly felt, Mr Marles said. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin also paid tribute to the dead Marines. Additional reporting by agencies Close Neighbours speak out on disappearance of Katy Perry's songwriter 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 }} Musician Camela Leierth-Segura hadnt been seen for almost six weeks before a missing persons report was filed, according to police. The 48-year-old Swedish native, who co-wrote the hit Katy Perry song Walking on Air, was last seen in the Beverly Hills area back on 29 June, according to the California Department of Justices missing persons page. Her friends last heard from her on 30 June. Now, seven weeks on from when she was last seen, the talented musician, her car and her 19-year-old pet cat Morris are still missing with friends and her family back in Sweden growing increasingly concerned for her safety. Beverly Hills Police have reassured the public that a thorough investigation is underway into her disappearance but revealed that a missing persons report was not filed until 8 August almost six weeks after she was last seen. The timing is especially crucial considering, the date she is stated to have gone missing compared to when it was reported to the police, police said in a statement. Cecilia Foss, a longtime friend of Ms Leierth-Segura, told The Independent earlier this week that she fears someone has abducted the missing woman and is holding her somewhere. 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 Republican legal activist was stabbed to death inside his New Hampshire home over the weekend, and investigators are trying to determine if the perpetrator was acting in self-defense. Alexander Talcott, 41, was found dead with a stab wound to his neck early Saturday morning in Durham, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office confirmed on Sunday. No arrests have been made in the stabbing death, which has been ruled a homicide. It remains under investigation as police are trying to determine if the person who stabbed Talcott was acting in self-defense, the AGs office said. That persons name has not been released. William OBrien, the state director of the New Hampshire chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) said in a statement to NBC10 Boston that Talcott stood out as a staunch advocate for the core values of the Republican Party who had an unwavering belief in liberty, free markets and limited government. Alex was an exceptionally skilled champion for the rule of law and the importance of fair and honest elections. We will forever honor Alexs selfless dedication and profound contributions to our shared vision of liberty through legal processes, Mr OBrien added. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations within the RNLA and the greater legal community. Close Family reacts to death of Andrea Vazquez Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The suspect in Andrea Vazquezs kidnapping and murder is reportedly scared after being hit with multiple felonies. Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted rape in connection with the death of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday. Vazquez was randomly kidnapped while on a date with her boyfriend at Penn Park in Whittier. While Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in the parked car, an armed man approached them and began shooting. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned, he discovered blood near it and Vazquez was gone. Vazquezs body was found the following day in Moreno Valley. Mr Esparzas attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez told FOX11 that the 20-year-old was scared. Everyone in this case is in shock, and everyone who knows him cant believe that he has been charged with this crime, Mr Rodriguez told the network in a statement, adding that Mr Esparza is just beginning to understand what is going on. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Florida mother killed her two children and then herself in an apparent murder-suicide after losing a custody battle. Brandy Hutchins from every indication in our investigation now, has murdered her 10-year-old child and her 19-year-old child. Murdered them, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a press conference on Sunday. And then subsequent to that, she shot herself. The murders of Hutchins 10-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter happened inside a mobile home over the weekend, just days after a judge ordered her to turn over custody of the boy to his father. Sheriff Judd called the tragedy absolutely devastating for everyone, including his deputies who responded to the tragic scene on Friday. Hutchins had been ordered to hand over the 10-year-old boy by 6pm Friday. He was later identified online by his father as Aiden Hutchins. When Hutchins failed to comply with the order, a search was launched for the boy so his father could take him back to Maine. Brandy Hutchins and her 10-year-old son Aiden (Polk County Sheriffs Office) On Sunday afternoon, police found the bodies of Hutchins and her two children inside a mobile home in the Waverly neighborhood of Lake Wales. Were devastated for this beautiful 10-year-old child, all because mom did not want to turn the child over to the rightful father pursuant to a court order, the sheriff said. Aidens father shared a heartbreaking post after learning the news on Sunday. [i]t is with a heavy heart that I am writing this to give everyone an update about my son Aiden Hutchins who was missing and taken by his mother on August 25 2023 who decided to murder him. [H]e was killed by her today August 27 2023. he will forever be in my heart and did not deserve this. Rest in peace my sweet boy I will see you again. I love you, he said. Sheriff Judd also noted at the press conference that there was no indication of possible violence as a result of this custody battle or any history of mental illness. There was no indication that there should be any violence, but it was violent, Judd said. This was a domestic event, a court-ordered event, where she had to turn custody over to the ex-husband and she wasnt going to do that, so she murdered the 10-year-old. The 19-year-old daughter was there and [she] murdered her as well. There was absolutely zero evidence in the court order or testimony that there was any violence or threat of violence or a danger, Judd added. The sheriff said that his office deals with hundreds and thousands of court orders, so for one to turn out like this has left them heartbroken and devastated over this horrible, horrible event. I cant imagine a more horrific set of circumstances. 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 parents of Gabby Petito shared heartbreaking posts on social media Sunday to mark the two-year anniversary of her disappearance and murder. Petito, 22, had been travelling on a cross-country road trip with her fiance, Brian Laundrie, 23, when she vanished in August 2021. Laundrie returned home to Florida without her and police began investigating him as a person of interest. The next month, Petitos body was found on the edge of Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. It was determined she had been strangled a few weeks earlier. Two years later, her loved ones marked her tragic passing on Sunday with a request for the public to shine a light to honor all those who have been murdered at the hands of their intimate partner. Joseph Petito penned a tribute to his only daughter with a photo of her posing in front of a waterfall. Tonight will make 2 years my only daughter #GabbyPetito was taken, he wrote. If her story touched you, I ask you to share a #MissingPerson flyer. Help get someone home safe to their loved ones that are missing them. Petitos mother Nichole Schmidt also shared a tribute for their daughter, asking the public to shine a light in the darkness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Today marks two years since our beautiful Gabby was murdered, she wrote on Twitter. Please shine a light in the darkness for all those who have been taken by the ones they loved, and for survivors of domestic violence! (EPA) The couple were travelling by van across the US in the summer of 2021, visiting scenic places in Colorado and Utah before heading north. They documented their trip in detail, in real time, on social media. But their travels were not as happy as they appeared online. Police in Moab, Utah, pulled over the van after it was seen speeding and hitting a curb at the entrance to Arches National Park in August 2021. Petito told police she and Laundrie had been fighting. Officers separated the couple for the night and didnt pursue charges. A month after Petitos body was found, Laundrie was found dead in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida. It was later revealed that he had taken his own life and investigators had recovered a letter near his remains that confessed to Petitos murder. The two-year anniversary of Petitos tragic murder comes as the two families are embroiled in several lawsuits against each other. The Petitos sued Brian Laundries parents, accusing them of knowing that their son had murdered Gabby and then helped him with the coverup for nearly a month before her body was found, causing mental anguish, pain and suffering. Joe Petito and Nichole Schmidt claim Christopher and Roberta Laundrie knew Gabby was dead when she vanished in August 2021 while on a road trip with their son Brian, but chose not to take any action other than saying they hoped she would be found. Family members from both sides are expected to be deposed in the coming months as part of the series of depositions leading up to a trial in May 2024 in Sarasota County court. The Petitos have also filed a suit against the Moab City Police Department, claiming that the police department and its officers, deprived Gabby of her safety and ultimately her life. Police bodycam video shows Petito sobbing during the incident while photos show blood on her face Brian Laundrie talks to the Moab police just weeks before Gabby was killed It stems from the domestic dispute between the couple on 12 August 2021 in Moab, Utah in which an eyewitness allegedly saw Laundrie slapping his girlfriend. Police bodycam video shows Petito sobbing during the incident while photos show blood on her face. When police interviewed them, Petito was deemed the primary aggressor after she admitted to hitting Laundrie. No one was arrested, but were instead separated for the night. Just days later, Laundrie killed Petito after they continued with their travels. Mitchell A. Stephens, an attorney for the Moab police officers, slammed the $50million lawsuit as a publicity stunt. Mr Stephens told the US Sun that the Moab City Police Department did not cause Brian Laundrie to murder Gabrielle Petito. When called, Moabs officers responded with kindness and respect. They also separated Ms. Petito and Mr. Laundrie for the night. The next morning, Ms. Petito and Mr. Laundrie chose to continue their ongoing road trip, traveling hundreds of miles together over the following weeks. Even if the plaintiffs believe that Moab City is liable, it strains credibility to suggest the City is 15-20 times more responsible for Ms. Petitos death than Brian Laundrie, her murderer. Peititos parents, her father Joseph Petito, mother, Nichole Schmidt, and step-parents, Tara Petito, and Jim Schmidt, announced last week that they will speak at CrimeCon in Orlando, Florida. The Gabby Petito Foundation will be honored as Crimefighter of the Year, and they will speak on the issues around domestic violence and missing persons, according to a Facebook post. We are proud to be a guest at this years event so we can continue to honor Gabbys legacy, they said in the post. 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 }} Florida governor Ron DeSantis was heckled at a vigil held for the three victims of a racially motivated mass shooting in Jacksonville. Two men and one woman were killed on Saturday afternoon at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville by a white gunman carrying a weapon decorated with swastikas. The gunman, identified as 21-year-old Christopher Palmeter, shot and killed himself at the scene. Mr DeSantis, who is running for the GOP nomination for president, has been criticised for easing gun laws in Florida and initially staying silent on the shooting. In April this year, the governor signed a bill into law that allows people to carry concealed weapons without a government permit. As the governor began speaking at the vigil on Sunday, many members of a crowd of over a hundred people booed Mr DeSantis, forcing him to step back from the microphone. Ju'Coby Pittman, a Jacksonville city councilperson who represents the neighbourhood where the shooting took place, stepped in and asked the crowd to listen. "We are going to put parties aside because it aint about parties today," she said, adding: "A bullet dont know a party." Mr DeSantis shared a video on social media condemning the violence, while calling the gunman a "deranged scumbag". "Casey DeSantis and I stand with the families impacted by the tragic shooting in Jacksonville," the governor wrote on X, previously known as Twitter. "The people of Florida stand united in condemning the horrific, racially-motivated murders." Mr DeSantis said that on Monday the state would be announcing financial support for security at Edward Waters University, the historically Black college near where the shooting occurred, and to help the affected families. Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters identified those killed as Angela Michelle Carr, 52, who was shot in her car; store employee AJ Laguerre, 19, who was shot as he tried to flee; and customer Jerrald Gallion, 29, who was shot as he entered the store in a predominantly Black neighbourhood. The gunman entered the store armed with an AR-style rifle, Glock handgun and outfitted with a tactical vest" shortly after 1pm on Sunday. He first went to the campus of Edward Waters University, where he refused to identify himself to a security guard and was told to leave the campus. The gunmans father then received a text from his son, telling him to check his computer. His parents then found several manifestoes written by the gunman, intended for his parents, law enforcement, and the media. The sheriff called the writing the diary of a madman. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a civil rights investigation and says it will pursue the incident as a hate crime. "Hate crimes are always and will always remain a top priority for the FBI because they are not only an attack on a victim, they're also meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community," said Sherri Onks, special agent in charge of the Jacksonville FBI office. 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 parents of a South Carolina college student are mourning the loss of their son after he was fatally shot when he entered the wrong house by mistake. Nicholas Anthony Donofrio, 20, was a student at the University of South Carolina and lived at an off-campus home, his parents told local news station WTNH. According to the City of Colombia Police Department, Donofrio was mistaken for a burglar and shot in the early morning hours of 26 August after he tried to enter a residence on the same block where he lived on South Holly Street. Authorities said that a 911 call was initially made regarding an ongoing burglary, but it later escalated to a shooting situation. Donofrio was pronounced dead at the scene. The young man had recently moved into the off-campus home ahead of the start of his junior year at the university. Donofrio, a Kinesiology and Exercise Science major, was looking forward to living with four close friends. [Nick was] a great son, loving, compassionate, all the traits you would want in a son, Donofrios grieving parents said in a statement to WTNH. Donofrio was originally from Madison, Connecticut and graduated high school in 2021. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a deceased male on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the upper body, the City of Columbia Police said in a statement. Preliminary information indicates that Donofrio who resided on South Holly Street attempted to enter the wrong home when he was fatally shot. Classes at the University of South Carolina resumed on 23 August. Our Student Affairs team is providing resources and support to those who may be affected by this tragedy, and we remind all of our students that help is always available to them, the university said in a statement to The State. In South Carolina, individuals have no obligation to retreat and are allowed to use deadly force if theyre not engaged in unlawful activity and are in a place where they have a right to be such as their home or place of business. The states stand your ground laws also limit law enforcements ability to immediately arrest the shooter if they claim they were attacked first or acting in self-defence. The City of Columbia Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and it will consult with the solicitors office regarding the circumstances surrounding the case and whether charges could be filed. 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 36-year-old man has been arrested after he was allegedly caught on surveillance footage injecting poison under the door of a neighbouring home in Tampa Bay, Florida. Xuming Li has been charged with injecting a chemical agent with a syringe under the door of the condo, according to a police report viewed by NBC News. The report states that Mr Li was seen injecting the liquid under the door at Oxford Place at Tampa Palms on several occasions. Testing revealed the liquid as the narcotics methadone and hydrocodone, which are used to treat pain. Side effects for both of the drugs may include restlessness, stomach pain, vomiting, breathing difficulties, skin issues, chest pain, diarrhoea, hallucinations and fainting, the Mayo Clinic states. The resident, Umar Abdullah smelled the chemicals in his home and his baby, aged ten months, began vomiting, leading to him installing security cameras, WFLA reported. Tampa Fire Rescue came to the home several times but they couldnt find what caused the smell, a Tampa Police Department report states. Security footage shows Mr Li, Mr Abdullahs downstairs neighbour, injecting a liquid through the doorway. Mr Li had made noise complaints to Mr Abdullah previously, according to the local TV station. Even during war, the worst enemies do not attack the opponent, the other party, with chemicals, Mr Abdullah told the outlet. Xuming Li, 36, injected liquid under a familys door in Tampa Bay, Florida (WFLA) Mr Abdullah, as well as his wife, and their child experienced shortness of breath, and irritation to both the skin and the eyes after they inhaled the chemicals over the course of a month, the police report states. An officer investigating the home also suffered skin irritation and received medical care. Mr Li was detained on 27 June. He was charged with one count of felony aggravated stalking, three counts of dispersing a chemical agent, and one count of possession of a controlled substance, as well as battery on a law enforcement officer after the officer was exposed to the chemicals. On 19 July, the Oxford Place at Tampa Palms Condominium Association filed a complaint against Mr Li in court for a judgment of eviction. The association argues that Mr Li was in violation of his contract when he allegedly injected the chemicals. The associations have also requested that the court grant an injunction to mandate that Mr Li immediately cease and desist of any harassment, threats of physical violence, assault, battery, intimidation and quality of life and that he pay $50,000 in damages and the legal fees for the association. Close Rachel Morin: Maryland police release CCTV of suspect 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 }} Rachel Morins family are pleading for information that leads to an arrest more than a month after her body was found on the Ma & Pa Trail after she failed to return home from an evening hike. Authorities in Harford County, Maryland, continue to hunt for Morins killer amid fears that the suspect could strike again. Police previously released footage from the scene of a home invasion and assault in Los Angeles, where DNA found matched DNA at the Morin crime scene. But despite the developments, investigators have yet to make any arrests in the case. Morins brother Michael Morin told NewsNation on Wednesday that his family was hopeful somebody would provide the key piece of information needed to bring the suspect to justice. We only need one lead. We need a last name, we already have DNA and video, Mr Morin said. Last week, Morins sister Rebekah Morin shared a behavioural profile built by a volunteer criminal profiler. It suggested that the killer has psychopathic traits and may have travelled to Bel Air because he knew someone in the tight-knit community. 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 }} Ryan Palmeter, the alleged gunman who shot dead three people at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday was able to buy the weapons he used in the attack legally, despite once having been taken into the states care after suffering a mental health episode, law enforcement has said. Palmeter was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a Glock handgun and was wearing a tactical vest and face mask when he arrived in the discount stores parking lot around 1pm on Saturday and fired 11 rounds into a black Kia, killing the driver, 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr. He subsequently entered the store in the citys New Town neighbourhood and allowed some shoppers to leave before opening fire on those who remained, shooting dead store employee Anolt Joseph AJ Laguerre Jr, 19, and customer Jarrald DeShaun Gallion, 29, before finally turning one of the guns on himself. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff TK Waters explained that Palmeter had left several manifestos behind for his parents to find on his computer at the home he shared with them in Orange Park, Clay County, that outlined his white supremacist beliefs. Portions of these manifestos detail the shooters disgusting ideology of hate, Sheriff Waters said. Plainly put, the shooting was racially motivated, and he hated Black people. He wanted to kill n******. Thats the one and only time Ill use that word. I want to be very clear that theres absolutely no evidence that the shooter is part of any large group. We know that he acted completely alone. However, the sheriff said there had been no prior reason to believe Palmeter represented a threat: There was no criminal record, nothing. There were no red flags. As for the weapons used, Sheriff Waters said they had been acquired legally in April and June this year. In this situation, there was nothing illegal about him owning the firearms, he said, stressing that the weapons had not belonged to the suspects parents, who had refused to allow him to keep firearms in their home. A photo shared on the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Facebook page over the weekend showed a close-up of one of the guns with at least two swastikas marked on it. The AR-15-style weapon had Palmetto State Armory and PA-15 engraved on it, with the manufacturers website describing the PA-15 model as our interpretation of the legendary AR-15 rifle that you have grown to love. Ryan Palmeter (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union/AP) While Palmeter had no criminal record, he was previously involved in a 2016 domestic incident involving his brother James who is reportedly now serving a jail sentence for armed robbery but was not arrested, the sheriff said. More significantly, he was also held in state custody in 2017 under Floridas Baker Act, a statute that allows for people to be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination for up to 72 hours if they are considered a danger to themselves or others during a mental health crisis. Speaking to CNN later on Sunday, Sheriff Waters explained: If there is a Baker Act situation, theyre prohibited from getting guns. Asked why, in that case, Palmeter had been able to buy them, the sheriff said: We dont know if that Baker Act was recorded properly, whether it was considered a full Baker Act. The investigation is ongoing but the sheriffs words appear to outline two possible scenarios administrative error or a favourable ruling on Palmeters wellbeing that might explain why he was allowed to purchase the weapons after having been flagged as a cause for concern and taken in for examination by medical professionals under the Act. Since Saturdays attack, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has chosen to mount a defence of AR-style weapons, declaring on social media: Millions of law-abiding citizens own and use AR-15s to defend themselves and their families. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A shooting Monday on the campus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill killed a faculty member, according to the university. I am devastated by todays shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring, and research every day, Chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said in a statement on Monday. This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus. Police are pictured at the scene of an active shooter situation at UNC Chapel Hill (ABC 11) The individual was the only person injured in the shooting, police said. School officials say they will not release the name of the dead faculty member until their next of kin have been notified. A suspect is in custody, though police declined during a Monday evening press conference to name the man until formal charges have been issued. We are sure that its him, UNC police chief Brian James said. We were able to verify that. Earlier in the day, officials released a photo of the man. Officials say they are still searching for the weapon used in the shooting at Caudill Labs. Chief James said its too early to know whether the gun was purchased legally. Police did not elaborate on the suspects connection to the dead faculty member. We certainly want an opportunity to interview the suspect if thats possible and to actually have the suspect in custody gives us an opportunity to figure out the why and even the how, Chief James continued. It also helps us to uncover a motive and really why this happened today. Why today, why at all? We want to learn from this incident. The campus was on lockdown for more than three hours, as officials warned students to shelter in place from an armed and dangerous suspect following a call about shots fired. Campus police issued an all clear tweet just after 4pm local time. A large police presence could be seen near Caudill Labs, near Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, where a window was seen by news cameras with what appeared to be a bullet hole. Students were told avoid Caudill Labs building as the investigation continues. The schools first alert was sent out just after 1pm. At 1.50pm, officials posted that the shelter-in-place order remained in effect and that it was an ongoing situation. About 40 minutes later, the school added a post saying: Remain sheltered in place. This is an ongoing situation. Suspect at large. About two hours after the first alert went out, officers were still arriving in droves, with about 50 police vehicles at the scene and multiple helicopters circling over the school. One officer admonished two people who tried to exit the student center, yelling, Inside, now! About 10 minutes later, law enforcement escorted a group of students out of one of the science buildings, with everyone walking in an orderly line with their hands up. Two police officers move around a building on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) UNC Medical Center was still accepting patients on Monday afternoon despite being on lockdown as a precaution, but it had not received any patients from the incident on campus, according to Alan Wolf, a spokesperson for UNC Health. Outpatient clinics were closed for the day, he said. Governor Roy Cooper released a statement about the situation. My office is in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC-Chapel Hill who are taking precautions to protect campus following todays shooting. This is a tragic way to start a new semester and the state will provide any assistance necessary to support the UNC community. The report of the shooting and subsequent lockdown paralyzed campus and parts of the surrounding town of Chapel Hill a week after classes began at the states flagship public university. The university has approximately 20,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 graduate students. Several images and videos have emerged from students sheltering in place on campus. Many told ABC11 that they were having trouble getting phone calls out, so theyve been texting their parents. One worried mother, Jennifer Reid, shared the conversation she had her son Michael, a student at UNC, on X, formerly known as Twitter, who is sheltering in place on campus. (Jennifer Reid) Mr Reid told The Independent that her son told her a SWAT team and officers were right across where he is located. No one should have to have these text exchanges with their child bc theres an active shooter at their school. We have to do more to regulate guns in this country!!! Ms Reid tweeted. Samuel Schwartz, whose cousin Alex Schachter was murdered in the 2018 Parkland shooting, said he received video from a friend sheltering in place at UNC at Chapel Hill. Ive got friends who go there and are in hiding right now, Mr Schwartz tweeted. They tell me they feel like they want to throw up and theyre watching the cops search the halls. This is daily life in America. A student told TV station WTVD that she had barricaded her dormitory door with her furniture. Another student, speaking softly, described hiding in fear with others in a dark bathroom. Noel T Brewer, a professor of health behavior, said he was once held at gunpoint in his mothers jewelry store, but that Mondays apparent shooting and lockdown was far more stressful. Speaking from his locked office where he hid with other colleagues, Mr Brewer, 57, said by phone that he was getting little information. Mr Brewer, a married father of two young children, said he felt for anyone who might have been shot. But even in our own building, the students who are locked down and what theyre thinking about its just a lot. Its a terrible situation, said Mr Brewer. It was also the first day of kindergarten for Mr Brewers five-year-old son. His elementary school was also on lockdown. He doesnt know whats going on. And at some point, hes going to realize that he hasnt gotten on the bus when hes supposed to, he said. Mr Brewer, who also has a two-year-old added: My husband and I have been trading texts and trying to figure out what to do Just wondering how our kids are feeling. Its a lot. One of his colleagues is visiting from Africa and staying in the US for the first time. She said her one concern was guns and possibly something happening at the university, Mr Brewer said. And this was her first faculty meeting, and her worst nightmare came true. As he and his colleagues waited in locked offices, they texted each other about whether it was safe to walk to the bathroom. Were trying to tell each other stories and talk about cooking and trying to not get worked up, he said. But at the same time, were fielding lots of texts and calls from friends and family and colleagues. Nearby Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools posted on social media that all doors would be locked at its schools and offices until authorities say its safe. "As a safety precaution, schools have been directed not to release students to their families at this time," the district said. Close University on lockdown over active shooting situation on campus 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 }} Students at the University of North Carolina are demanding action on gun control in the wake of Mondays deadly Chapel Hill campus shooting. Around 600 students took part in a rally on Wednesday calling for stricter state gun laws and holding a moment of silence for slain professor Zijie Yan. The student newspaper The Daily Tar Heel marked the tragedy with a powerful front page on Wednesday, featuring the terrified text messages sent by loved ones to its editor-in-chief during the active situation. The page has gone viral. Many questions still remain about suspect Tailei Qis motive for the attack as the search for the gun continues. Mr Qi, a PhD student majoring in applied physical sciences, had complained about the victim online in the lead-up to the attack and railed against hard work, girls and tattletales and bullies in the US. He was arrested and booked into Orange County Sheriffs Office jail on a first-degree murder charge for fatally shooting Yan, the head of the Department of Applied Sciences. 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 }} Watch as a vigil is held for the victims of the deadly shooting in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday. 27 August. The vigil was held after two men and a woman were killed, in a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville on Saturday. The gunman was identified as 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter by Jacksonville Sheriffs Office on Sunday. The fatal shooting took place at a Dollar General store near the historically-Black Edward Waters University. The attacker was initially seen near the library on the campus but security guards tried to take him into custody and he escaped. Police said the gunman, a white male in his twenties, hated Black people and described the incident as a racially-motivated attack against Black people by a gunman carrying a weapon decorated with swastikas. Jacksonville mayor Donna Deegan, councilwoman JuCoby Pittman and Sheriff T.K.Waters participated in the vigil. 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 }} France is all set to ban Muslim abaya dress a full-length, loose-fitting billowy robe worn by some Muslim women as a sign of piety in state schools, the countrys education minister said ahead of the upcoming school season. French education minister Gabriel Attal said in an interview on Sunday that he would ban Muslim schoolgirls from wearing the abaya in classrooms. I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools, Mr Attal, 34, said in an interview with TV channel TF1. When you walk into a classroom, you shouldnt be able to identify the pupils religion just by looking at them. He said he will give clear rules at the national level to school heads just as they return to classes nationwide from 4 September, Le Monde reported. Secularism means the freedom to emancipate oneself through school, Mr Attal said and described the abaya as a religious gesture, aimed at testing the resistance of the republic toward the secular sanctuary that school must constitute. Mr Attal was appointed education minister by French president Emmanuel Macron just last month. France known for implementing a strict prohibition on religious symbols within state schools and government buildings has encountered challenges in modernising its directives to address the countrys expanding Muslim minority. Local media quoted Eric Ciotto, head of the opposition right-wing Republicans party as saying: We called for the ban on abayas in our schools several times. Clementine Autain of the left-wing opposition France Unbowed party criticised the policing of clothing. She said Mr Attals announcement was unconstitutional and against the founding principles of Frances secular values. She said the ban was symptomatic of the governments obsessive rejection of Muslims. The French Council of Muslim Faith, which consists of several Muslim associations, has meanwhile said that clothing alone is not a religious sign. In French public schools, the wearing of sizable crosses, the Jewish kippah or Islamic headscarve is not allowed. In 2004, the nation implemented a prohibition on headscarves within schools, and in 2010, it enacted a ban on full-face veils, or niqab, in public spaces, causing frustration among a significant portion of its Muslim community, which comprises around five million people. In contrast to headscarves, abayas existed in a somewhat undefined space in the country and had not been subject to a complete ban until this point. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraine is mourning the loss of three fighter pilots killed as two training aircraft collided in the skies some 90 miles west of Kyiv. Singled out for particular praise by president Volodymr Zelensky and Ukraines airforce is Captain Andriy Pilshchykov, a pilot who went by the military callsign Juice. The late pilot, who was 30 years old when the crash occured over the western Zhytomyr region on Friday, had become known not just for his defence of Ukraine, but also for his passionate advocacy for the United States to provide Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets. The Mig-29 pilot first won fame in Ukraine as he took part in dogfights with Moscows fighter jets in the skies above Kyiv during the initial months of Russias invasion, according to Ukrainian news outlets. Andriy Pilshchykov was described as a mega talent' (EPA/40th Tactical Aviation Brigade handout) As Russian air sorties over Kyiv grew fewer, Pilshchykov continued to defend Ukraines skies as he sought to intercept Russian cruise missiles and drones before they struck targets on the ground and by last May had already racked up 500 hours of combat flights. Last summer, he was one of two Ukrainian pilots chosen to travel to Washington to lobby members of the US Congress to provide Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets, which Joe Bidens administration eventually agreed to do in May. Juice also gave multiple interviews with Western media outlets, speaking to Sky News, the BBC, CNN and Washington Post to name a few, as he fought Ukraines case to be provided with the jets. In one interview with the BBC, he said of his missions: Intercepting the cruise missiles, your mission is to save the lives on the ground, to save the city. If you are not able, it's a terrible feeling that somebody will die. Somebody will die in minutes and you didn't prevent that. Juice spoke to the BBC, CNN and other outlets (BBC screengrab) In another broadcast with CNNs Anderson Cooper, he said: All of us are ready to fight, just with our jets, with our guns, even just in the fields with rifles. So our people, including me, we are ready to fight Russians, and we are ready to defend our country, to defend our people in absolutely any ways. But we need tools, effective tools, to do this efficiently. His call sign, Juice, was reportedly given to him by US pilots during a joint training exercise because he did not drink alcohol, and air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat hailed him as a main driver of an advocacy group promoting many decisions on the F-16s, who was in constant contact with Californian pilots. Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Ihnat also praised Juice as a driver of reforms in the air force was trying to bring Nato standards into Ukraine and even western traditions, such as the burning of pianos to honour a fallen pilot. His death has struck a chord in Ukraine, where official footage on Sunday appeared to show troops lined up on a runway to commemorate Pilshchykov and his two fallen comrades Major Viacheslav Minka and Major Serhii Prokazin, as a piano played a sombre lament and was set alight in tribute. Ukraines prosecutor generals office has opened a criminal investigation into whether flight preparation rules were violated prior to the fatal crash on Friday, which involved two L-39 training aircraft. As he vowed that the investigation would clarify the circumstances of the crash, Mr Zelensky hailed Juice in his nightly address on Saturday as one of those who helped our country a lot, adding: Ukraine will never forget anyone who defended Ukraines free sky. May they always be remembered. Mr Ihnat, of Ukraines air force, described Pilshchykov as a mega talent, adding: You can't even imagine how much he wanted to fly an F-16. But now that American planes are actually on the horizon, he will not fly them. Juice was described as a mega talent' (Ukrainian air force via the BBC (screengrab)) Writing on Facebook, Mr Ihnat added: Andriy Pilshchykov was not just a pilot, he was a young officer with great knowledge and great talent. He was an excellent communicator, the driver of reforms in Air Force aircraft, a participant in many projects. I often supported his crazy ideas, which gave incredible results. Nolan Peterson, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think-tank was among Western commentators to pay tribute to the pilot, saying: The stories he told me about flying his MiG-29 in combat against Russia are the stuff of epics. He is a hero and will be rightly remembered as such. Close Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Putins forces have reportedly been pushed back by Ukraine as Kyiv makes grounds towards the key city of Melitopol. The General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces reported on Monday that Ukraine regained lost positions near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Donetsk Oblasts Andriivka. In both regions, Ukrainian forces reportedly continued offensive operations south of Bakhmut towards Melitopol as part of their five-month-long counteroffensive campaign. According to the war monitoring think-tank The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), geolocated footage indicated that Ukrainian forces advanced over a railway line south of Andriivka - 10km southwest of Bakhmut. A prominent Russian milblogger also claimed that Ukrainian forces established control over unspecified positions in the Zaporizhia direction over the past week. Meanwhile, two people have been wounded in a Russian attack on a Ukrainian shipyard. The governor of the Odesa region in Ukraine said buildings have been damaged in a Russian missile attack on a ship repair yard in the region. He added that two people were taken to hospital in moderate condition and were provided with all the necessary medical care. Western hopes for Ukraines counteroffensive to achieve a dramatic breakthrough have been significantly pared back, with US officials now reportedly forecasting that Kyiv will fall short of its key aim of severing Russias land bridge with occupied Crimea. One of the significant challenges confounding Kyivs efforts to redraw the front line is the millions of mines Russia has laid in their path, to the extent that Ukraine is now being described as the most heavily mined country in the world. What we are seeing is an industrial level of mine-laying, particularly anti-tank mines, said Paul McCann, of the Halo Trust, the worlds largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation. Nothing like it [has been] seen in Europe since the Second World War. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine have been supported on the battlefield by tens of thousands of mercenaries from a shadowy group led by a businessman and longtime ally of president Vladimir Putin. The Wagner Group is a private military company that was under the control of Yevgeny Prigozhin until his reported death in a plane crash on Wednesday 23 August. The unit cut its teeth in deployments to Crimea illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and eastern Ukraines Donbas region in the aftermath of that act and has since dispatched troops to several conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, including the Syrian Civil War. In Russias invasion of Ukraine, Wagner has been a key part of Moscows fighting force, but a power struggle between the Kremlin and the outspoken Prigozhin threatened for 24 hours at least to drag Russia towards a civil war of its own. On Friday 23 June, Prigozhin accused his countrys defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, of destroying his fighters and concocting lies to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Prigozhin called for an armed mutiny in an explosive rant on Telegram in which he vowed to stop the evil of the Kremlins top brass. The Wagner Groups leader did not go after Mr Putin personaly in his tirade, instead alleging that for more than a year and after more than 350,000 casualties, a large portion of which Prigozhins men are responsible for the Russian president had been deceived by Mr Shoigu. The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star The war wasnt for demilitarising or de-Nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star, Prigozhin declared on Telegram. This outrage resulted in Prigozhin and his men leaving their posts in southern Ukraine and briefly occupying the city of Rostov-on-Don a major logistics hub for the invasion of Ukraine on Saturday 24 June. They then marched on Moscow along the M4 highway, shooting down a number of helicopters in the process. Prigozhin then halted his advance approximately 125 miles from the Russian capital. Following some intension negotiations with the Kremlin mediated by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, a deal was struck under which the mercenaries would move to Belarus in return for charges against them relating to the uprising being dropped. Mr Putin said at that point that the fighters could either leave for exile, come under the command of the defence ministry or go back to their families. Yevgeny Prigozhin and Vladimir Putin on a food factory tour in 2010 (AP) Before embarking for Belarus, Wagner handed over its weapons to the Russian military, part of efforts by Russian authorities to defuse the threat posed by the mercenaries and avoid bloodshed on its own soil. Prigozhin a 62-year-old ex-convict sometimes known as Putins chef because his catering business has hosted dinners for the Russian president had denied all links with the group until September last year when he announced he was proud to be its founder. He said he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas conflict. I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this, Prigozhin said. From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion. Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian intelligence officer, alleged to be its co-founder, was also reportedly killed in the plane crash that took out Prigozhin. Armoured vehicles the streets of Rostov-on-Don on 24 June (Reuters) Since its formation, Wagner has been accused of committing human rights abuses in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Mali, Mozambique and most recently Ukraine. Prior to admitting his involvement, Prigozhin had a history of suing Russian and Western news outlets that alleged his ties to the group. His secretive stance was to protect the Wagner soldiers, he claimed. Prigozhin was finally forced to confess his links with the outfit as the group rose to prominence in the Ukraine conflict. British intelligence puts the number of Wagner troops active in Ukraine at 50,000, comprising a quarter of Russias total strength. War contractors are nothing new but military analysts say the Kremlin has been heavily reliant on Wagner due to the heavy losses incurred by official Russian forces during the war, along with difficulties in recruitment. Britains Ministry of Defence (MoD) first reported that Wagner had been deployed in Ukraine on 28 March 2022, a little over a month into the conflict, after Russian losses had already begun to hamper the pace of the initial assault. Wagner has since then played significant roles in capturing towns such as Soledar, Popasna and Lysychansk offering relative operational competence while the Kremlin has been forced to repeatedly switch around command of its own forces in the face of heavy losses. Wagner fighters in a Soledar salt mine after Prigozhin claimed to have taken the town (Telegram) Prigozhin had been at pains to claim victories for Wagner in Ukraine before his death, sometimes putting him at odds with the Kremlin line. He has even accused Russias defence ministry of taking credit for Wagner successes. In the battle for Soledar, a small town subject to an intense assault as part of Russias still-ongoing campaign to take over the city of Bakhmut, Prigozhin said his mercenaries had triumphed over Ukrainian forces days before the Kremlin said its own troops had done the same. Bakhmut is prized by Moscow as its capture would put Russian forces in a stronger position in the goal of capturing all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. On 12 February, Prigozhin said Wagner had taken the village of Krasna Hora near Bakhmut, making no mention of Russian forces as Moscow began to launch a major offensive targeting the Donetsk town along with several other frontline settlements. Wagner fighters posing outside the village of Krasna Hora (Reuters) Speculation had raged over Prigozhins ambitions in Russian politics and there were signs that Mr Putin was sensitive to any potential challenges from his former cook before the plane crash rendered such concerns null and void. Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser who maintains contacts in political circles, said the Russian government had extracted a promise from Prigozhin that he would not create his own political movement or join a parliamentary party unless asked to do so by officials. They are a little afraid of him and find him an inconvenient person, Mr Markov said in July. The group, formally Wagner PMC (Private Military Company), recently moved its headquarters to an imposing glass high-rise in St Petersburg, which also acts as a technology centre and holds exhibits of advanced weaponry along grey corridors filled with camouflaged personnel. The Wagner Groups headquarters in St Petersburg (EPA) Unsettling accounts of life in the mercenary group surfaced recently from former members including Andrei Medvedev, who sought asylum in Norway in January after deserting a Wagner regiment in Ukraine. The 26-year-old said sergeants were ruthless in their attempts to recruit new fighters. They would round up those who did not want to fight and shoot them in front of newcomers, he alleged in an interview with CNN. They brought two prisoners who refused to go fight and they shot them in front of everyone and buried them right in the trenches that were dug by the trainees. Andrei Medvedev in Oslo after fleeing Wagner command (Reuters) The MoD said last July that Wagner was lowering recruitment standards to include formerly blacklisted individuals. Mr Medvedev claimed he joined Wagner as a volunteer after serving in the Russian military. He said he and his fellow fighters were often sent into battle with little direction. Two former Wagner fighters captured by Ukraine told CNN of devastating losses in assaults reminiscent of First World War infantry charges. Recalling his first assault near the village of Bilohorivka in Luhansk, one said: There were 90 of us. Sixty died in that first assault, killed by mortar fire. A handful remained wounded. The other fighter said he was involved in a push for Lysychansk on the Luhansk-Donetsk border. The first steps into the forest were difficult because of all the landmines spread out. Out of 10 guys, seven were killed immediately, he said. The fight went on for five days, he said. There is no feeling attached to it. Just wave after wave. Four hundred [Wagner fighters] were brought there, and then more and more, all the time. Further evidence of brutality emerged on 14 February, as footage appeared to show a Russian convict who fought for Wagner being beaten to death with a sledgehammer after being accused of fleeing the war. The UKs opposition Labour Party is just the latest political organisation to demand the Wagner Group be classified as a terrorist organisation in response to its barbarous conduct in Ukraine and beyond. Following Prigozhins failed mutiny and subsequent death exactly two months later, the future of the group and its role in the Ukraine war are now uncertain. Mercenaries have started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range just a few miles from the border with Nato-member Poland. Prigozhin was shown in a video on welcoming his fighters to Belarus after the rebellion, telling them they would take no further part in the Ukraine war for now but ordering them to gather their strength for Africa while they trained the Belarusian army. "The armed forces of Belarus continue joint training with the fighters of the Wagner PMC," the Belarusian defence ministry said. Graves of Wagner fighters in a cemetery near the village of Bakinskaya (Reuters) During the week, special operations forces units together with representatives of the company will work out combat training tasks at the Brest military range. The range is just three miles east of the Polish border. On Thursday 20 July, the UK announced a wave of sanctions against individuals and businesses involved with the Wagner Group in Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan. These sanctions will limit financial freedoms by preventing UK citizens, companies and banks from dealing with them, alongside freezing any assets held in the UK and travel bans, the government website has said. The UK government has accused the Wagner Group of operating in Mali, CAR and Sudan for several years and aggressively pursuing Russian foreign policy interests in the region and providing military support to counter-terrorism operations which have seen hundreds of civilians killed. Prior to his death, Prigozhin was also sanctioned by the UK, as were several of his key commanders who participated in Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Once a businessman with a catering empire friendly with Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin manoeuvred himself into a position so powerful that, as Russias war in Ukraine progressed, he could openly question his paymasters strategy. The owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, the mercenary force that has fought some of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine most notably the drawn-out pursuit of Bakhmut the 62-year-old stepped into his most dangerous role yet this summer: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership. Now, two months after his mens attempted uprising ended in uneasy peace talks, Prigozhin is dead in a plane crash just outside of Moscow. Yevgeny Prigozhin has now been confirmed dead by Russian investigators (Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel) On 23 August, a private plane he was on board came down in the Tver region after taking off from the capital en route to St Petersburg, killing 10 people on board. Four days later, Russias Investigative Committee has confirmed that after genetic tests he was one of the victims. His deputies Dmitry Utkin and Valery Chekalov were also on the passenger list for the flight. There have been claims - denied by the Kremlin - that the crash was retribution for the events of 23 June, when the Wagner chief finally escalated what had been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling for an armed uprising to oust Russias defence chiefs Valery Gerasimov and Sergei Shoigu. His men occupied Rostov-on-Don and marched on Moscow, shooting down a number of military helicopters, killing their pilots as they advanced. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest. In a sign of how seriously the Kremlin took the threat posed, riot police and the National Guard scrambled to tighten security at key facilities in the Russian capital, including government agencies and transport infrastructure, Tass reported. Putin branded the rebellion an act of treachery. Prigozhin urged Russian civilians to join his march to justice and the situation remained extremely volatile throughout the following Saturday before peace talks, seemingly mediated by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, brought the standoff to a peaceful conclusion. Prigozhin repeatedly condemned Russias regular army leaders (AP) The Kremlin said that to avert bloodshed, Prigozhin and some of his fighters would leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him for armed mutiny would be dropped. Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that a three-hour meeting had taken place five days after the mutiny, on 29 June with 35 people in attendance, including Wagner unit commanders, who reiterated their loyalty to their leader. But confusion subsequently surrounded the implementation of that deal and it was not clear whether the mercenary leader ever made it to Minsk. Before long, he was seen back in his homeland, appearing at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg, apparently on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit. On 5 July, state television said an investigation against him was still being pursued and broadcast footage showing cash, passports, weapons and other items it said were seized in a raid on one of his properties. In August, he appeared in a video that he suggested was shot in Africa, where Wagner has operations in several countries. Putins chef The relationship between Prigozhin and Putin went way back, both having been born in Leningrad, now St Petersburg, the former born on 1 June 1961. During the final years of the Soviet Union, while the president was then a lowly KGB agent, Prigozhin served nine years in prison for crimes including robbery and fraud. After his release in 1990, he launched a career as a caterer in his home town, owning a hot dog stand and then a string of upmarket restaurants that attracted Mr Putins interest. In his first term in office, the Russian leader took then-French president Jacques Chirac to dine at one of them. Vladimir Putin saw how I built a business out of a kiosk, he saw that I dont mind serving to the esteemed guests because they were my guests, Prigozhin recalled in an interview in 2011. Prigozhin showing Vladimir Putin his school lunch factory outside St Petersburg in 2010 (Sputnik/AFP/Getty) His businesses expanded significantly into catering. Leveraging political connections, Prigozhin was awarded major state contracts and, in 2010, Mr Putin helped him open his own factory, built on generous loans from a state bank. In Moscow alone, school meals contracts for his company Concord were worth millions. He also organised catering for Kremlin events for several years earning him the nickname Putins chef, although more recently he joked that Putins butcher would be more appropriate. Concord has also provided catering and utility services to the Russian military. In 2017, opposition figure and corruption fighter Alexei Navalny accused Prigozhins companies of breaking antitrust laws by bidding for around 300m in defence ministry contracts. Prigozhin reportedly had a net worth of $1 billion at the time of his death. Military connection In 2014, he founded Wagner, a Kremlin-allied private military company whose mercenary fighters have come to play a central role in Mr Putins projection of Russian influence in trouble spots around the world, including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic. The United States has sanctioned it and accused it of atrocities, which Prigozhin denied. Wagner fighters allegedly provide security for national leaders or warlords in exchange for lucrative payments, often including a share of gold or other natural resources. US officials say Russia may also be using Wagners work in Africa to support its war in Ukraine. Prigozhins mercenaries have become a major force in that conflict, fighting as counterparts to the Russian army in battles against Ukrainian forces. A poster of a Russian soldier with a slogan reading Glory to the heroes of Russia opposite the PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg (AFP/Getty) That includes Wagner fighters battling for Bakhmut, where the bloodiest and longest battles have taken place. By May this year, Wagner forces and Russian soldiers appeared to have largely won the city, a victory with strategically slight importance for the invader, despite the cost in lives. The US estimates that nearly half of the 20,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine since December were Wagner fighters in Bakhmut. Prigozhins soldiers-for-hire include thousands of inmates recruited from Russian prisons. Raging against Russias generals As his forces fought and died en masse in Ukraine, Prigozhin increasingly raged against the Russian militarys top brass. He used social media to trumpet Wagners successes and accuse the army of incompetence and even treason. In a video released by his team in May, Prigozhin stood next to rows of bodies he said were those of Wagner fighters. He accused Russias regular military of incompetence and of starving his troops of the weapons and ammunition they needed to fight. These are someones fathers and someones sons, Prigozhin declared bitterly. The scum that doesnt give us ammunition will eat their guts in hell. US election meddling The former convict and Kremlin caterer has acknowledged that he founded and financed the Internet Research Agency, a company that Washington says is a troll farm that meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. In November 2022, Prigozhin said he had interfered in US elections and would do so again. He and a dozen other Russian nationals and three Russian companies were all charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at fomenting discord ahead of Donald Trumps victory. They were indicted as part of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference. The US Treasury Department subsequently sanctioned Prigozhin and associates repeatedly in connection with both the alleged election interference and his leadership of Wagner. Masks showing the faces of Putin, Prigozhin and Chechnya's regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg (AP) After the 2018 indictment, the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Prigozhin as saying, in a clearly sarcastic remark: Americans are very impressionable people; they see what they want to see. I treat them with great respect. Im not at all upset that Im on this list. If they want to see the devil, let them see him. The Biden White House called him a known bad actor prior to his death and State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Prigozhins bold confession, if anything, appears to be just a manifestation of the impunity that crooks and cronies enjoy under President Putin and the Kremlin. Avoiding challenges to Putin As Prigozhin grew more outspoken against the way Russias conventional military had conducted the fighting in Ukraine, he continued to play a seemingly indispensable role for the Russian offensive and appeared to suffer no retaliation from Mr Putin for his criticism of Moscows generals. Media reports at times suggested Prigozhins influence over the president was growing and that he was hoping to be rewarded with a prominent political post, although some analysts felt this assessment of his ambitions was overstated. Hes not one of Putins close figures or a confidant, said Mark Galeotti of University College, London, who specialises in Russian security affairs, speaking on his podcast, In Moscows Shadows. Prigozhin does what the Kremlin wants and does very well for himself in the process. But thats the thing he is part of the staff rather than part of the family, he said. Prigozhin had become a thorn in Putins side - but the Kremlin denies involvement in his death (Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation) A dramatic end Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash just two months after his abortive mutiny on Russias top military chiefs, which culminated in a march on Moscow. His private jet came down north-west of Moscow on 23 August, killing all those on board. His death was confirmed on Sunday, four days after the crash. His right-hand man Dmitry Utkin was also on board the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, as well as five other passengers and three crew members, according to the passenger list. The Kremlin has denied speculation it was to blame for the crash. During a conference call with journalists on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC there was lots of speculation around the tragic deaths. In the West, of course, this speculation comes from a certain angle. Its all a complete lie, Mr Peskov went on. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Wagner founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is confirmed to have died in a plane crash a turn of events that appears to leave his Wagner Group fighters rudderless and facing a highly uncertain future. Prigozhin, a convict, turned gourmet restaurateur, turned warlord, was onboard an Embraer private jet flying from Moscow to St Petersburg when it came down over the Tver region, killing everyone on board. Two other senior commanders, Dmitry Utkin and Valery Chekalov, were also on the passenger list. The crash came exactly two months after Prigozhin led his men in a mutiny that gravely embarrassed Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, his fighters leaving their posts in southern Ukraine to occupy the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don before marching on Moscow along the M4 highway. Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead, according to Russian investigators (Wagner Z Group/Telegram) That was the crescendo of a months-long feud between Prigozhin and Russias top military brass, over the decisions made during Putins invasion of Ukraine and the lack of support Prigozhins mercenaries had received in the battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut. Prigozhin had been a vocal critic of Russias chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov and defence minister Sergei Shoigu over their leadership of the war effort over the winter months. Wagners dramatic uprising on 23 June was eventually called off after 24 hours with the mercenaries about 125 miles from Moscow, thanks to intense negotiations with the Kremlin mediated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Prigozhin said his forces had consented to stand down to avoid spilling Russian blood in the streets. As part of the deal, Prigozhin and a number of his fighters agreed to relocate to Belarus. Although the Wagner chief would later be pictured back in Russia, adding an air of mystery to his movements. Precisely what Prigozhin hoped to achieve has never been definitively established, but it is possible he believed he could topple Mr Gerasmiov and Mr Shoigu. It appears difficult to believe that he would do so without at least the tacit support of some of Russias military elite, but headstrong would be an apt word for Prigozhin. In the hours before he met his end, there were reports in Russian state media that Sergei Surovikin, AKA General Armageddon who was said to have close ties to Prigozhin had been formally removed from command of Russias Aerospace Forces. What is known is that Pirgozhin and a number of senior Wagner figures met with Mr Putin at the Kremlin on 29 June, five days after the mutiny, for what appeared to be clear-the-air talks. According to the presidents spokesman Dmitry Peskov, a three-hour face-to-face meeting was held with 35 people in attendance at which Wagner unit commanders reiterated their loyalty to their commander. Speaking to a reporter from Russias state-controlled Kommersant newspaper a little later, Mr Putin said he offered Wagner troops several options, including continuing to operate under the command of someone he identified by the call sign Sedoy, meaning Grey Hair, whom they had served under for 16 months. Prigozhin with Wagner troops (Prigozhin Press Service/AP) All of them could have gathered in one place and continued to serve and nothing would have changed for them, Mr Putin said. They would have been led by the same person who has been their real commander all this time. Many people nodded when I said that, the Russian leader continued. And Prigozhin, who was sitting at the front and didnt see this, said after hearing me out: No, the guys do not agree with this decision. That may give a clue as to Mr Putins thinking now, but he will not want to lose Wagners presence in Africa, which has essentially become an extension of Russian power in the region. Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters on the continent, embedded in countries including Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) where rights groups and the UN accuse them of committing war crimes. Wagner fighters have also been accused by the US of enriching themselves with illicit gold deals on the continent. Leading up to the crash, Prigozhin appeared to be making clear Wagners commitment to Africa. He was photographed attending the Russia-Africa Summit at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg in July, posing for photographs in front of maps of the continent and gladhanding diplomats, before this month issuing a statement in support of the coup in Niger and posting a video, apparently shot in Africa, encouraging Russian investment in the CAR. Russian flags and chants mentioning Wagner have been a feature of demonstrations of pro-coup supporters in Niger. Rama Yade, senior director of the Atlantic Councils Africa Center, said this may not have helped Prigozhins cause. Putin was very clear about that when he said the mutineers betrayed the country... He could not trust Prigozhin, who was under investigation for armed rebellion, any more. Even after his exile, Prigozhin was a threat to Russian interests in Africa, maybe a competitor with rival interests. Vladimir Putin met with Prigozhin in the days after the failed mutiny (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AP) She pointed out that foreign minister Sergei Lavrov moved to reassure his countrys African allies at the summit that Russias operations in Mali and beyond of course, will continue when they expressed anxiety about what Wagners actions meant for them. Professor David Lewis of the University of Exeter told The Independent that Prigozhins killing leaves behind an extensive business empire across three continents, which are likely to be scrambled over, given that, Prigozhins companies were involved in everything from serving school dinners in Russia to a huge gold mine in the Central African Republic. Professor Lewis predicts that different factions linked to the Russian military will probably try to take over these lucrative business contracts and create new proxy forces to expand Russias footprint in Africa. Prigozhin was particularly skilled at managing these transnational networks, but he is not indispensable. Russia will find new ways to use mercenaries and murky business deals to challenge the West for influence in the Middle East and Africa. For Ms Yade, Wagners mercenaries now have three options: complete dissolution, nationalisation into the conventional Russian army or finding a new leader. Should Wagner live to fight another day, Yades Atlantic Council colleague Ariel Cohen warns: Integration into the Russian military will be bumpy, as many fighters are personally loyal to Prigozhin, and the state armed forces affiliation would even further dilute the already-tenuous plausible deniability the Russian state-supported mercenaries have enjoyed. Since the mutiny, around 5,000 of its fighters have been situated at bases in Belarus awaiting redeployment, with some fighters training Belarusian troops a few miles from the border with Poland. Warsaw, a Nato member, is certainly concerned enough about their presence to move up to 10,000 troops to reinforce the border. Following the plane crash, Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki suggested the Wagner group would become an even bigger threat now it is likely to come under Mr Putins control. The Wagner group comes under Putins leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, thats a rhetorical question, Mr Morawiecki told a news conference. But for Belarusian journalist Hanna Liubakova: The motivations for Wagner mercenaries to remain in Belarus are diminishing rapidly. The future course of action for them remains uncertain. Their presence in Belarus initially stemmed from Lukashenkos effort to demonstrate his loyalty to Putin. It was then manifested through the intimidation of neighbouring Western countries and Ukraine, a stance that found favour with Putin. Now, following Prigozhins death, there is a possibility that the mercenaries could face pressure to leave Belarus. Their departure is likely to bring a sense of relief to the Belarusian people. She added that the killing of Prigozhin will also chasten Belarusian President Lukashenko, who has boasted about the important role he played in bringing the rebellion to a peaceful conclusion, once more reminding him and the wider world that it is Vladimir Putin who is really in control. Close Simon Calder on air traffic control chaos - how to get refunds, compensation Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Airlines have demanded compensation reform as air traffic control chaos has seen 2,000 flights cancelled across Europe. More than 2,000 flights have been cancelled in the last three days, following an hours-long air control system failure that sent flight schedules into meltdown and left thousands of travellers stranded. Industry body Iata projected a 100m loss in revenue for airlines as customers reclaim the costs for food, accommodation and alternative travel, urging the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to review the compensation system and make the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) contribute to the cost. Its very unfair because the air traffic control system, which was at the heart of this failure, doesnt pay a single penny, Willie Walsh, the director general of Iata, told the BBC. He added that the UK should look at the way passenger compensation is dealt with to ensure that the people who are responsible for the delays and cancellations ultimately bear the costs. The UKs air traffic control boss, Martin Rolfe, said the glitch caused by dodgy flight data has been fixed and will not occur in the future. Have you been affected by delays? If so email maanya.sachdeva@independent.co.uk Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Passengers travelling on South Koreas largest airline in the coming weeks could find themselves getting weighed at the airport. Korean Air confirmed on its website that it would be measuring the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on items for flight safety. It follows a similar move announced by Air New Zealand in June. Travellers flying from two of South Koreas busiest airports, both in the capital Seoul, will be asked to step on the scales. Passengers on domestic routes from Gimpo Airport may be weighed from 28 August to 6 September, while the same is true for passengers departing from Incheon International Airport from 8-19 September. The airline has confirmed that if passengers would prefer not to share their weight they can opt out by letting airport staff know. Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation (MOLIT) has advised all Korean flag carriers to weigh passengers with their carry-on baggage to update its Aircraft Weight and Balance Management Standards, a spokesperson told The Independent. This is crucial for safety of flight operations, and Korean Air complies with this mandate and remains committed to safety, its number one priority. The process is used to help determine the weight distribution on aircraft, and calculations need to take place every five years. Throughout June, more than 10,000 passengers flying with Air New Zealand were expected to be weighed before they boarded their flight. It was part of an essential initiative to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, according to Air New Zealand, and was also a requirement from the countrys Civil Aviation Authority. As The Independent has reported previously, weighing every passenger before a flight can increase safety and cut the environmental harm caused by each flight; currently, airlines use assumed mass, estimating the total weight of the passengers by using set figures. A disgruntled passenger has described her experience of being stuck due to a UK-wide air traffic control failure on Monday 28 August. Holly Willems was travelling back to London from Paris when a technical fault in British air traffic control meant her flight was cancelled. She was informed that the next available flight would be on Thursday 31 August. Ms Willems and her travel companions booked Eurostar tickets for Wednesday and will be staying in a hotel until then out of their own pockets. The air traffic control failure delayed thousands of flights on the August bank holiday, one of the busiest travel days of the year. Soldiers have captured the Russian-occupied village of Robotyne and placed a Ukrainian flag on a bombed-out building. Robotyne was captured by Ukrainian troops last week as part of the military's ongoing counter-offensive against Russia. Ukraine's military said that this successful operation was the breakthrough needed to push deeper into Russian-held Ukrainian territory. Robotyne is six miles south of the front line of the war and marks the furthest push yet towards the Sea of Azov, a point in which Russian-held territory would be split into two. Russia had held Robotyne since the early days of the invasion 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 }} When British economist Jim ONeill coined the Bric acronym about two decades ago to denote Brazil, Russia, India and China, he was writing about investment opportunities in nations set to become the worlds top emerging economies. Then a Goldman Sachs banker, he did not think that the four countries will borrow his idea to form a transnational bloc eight years later in 2009. Now, the five-member group of developing nations has agreed to expand the alliance further to include Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and United Arab Emirates in a bid to provide a counterweight to the dominance of Western alliances in global affairs. "This membership expansion is historic," Chinese president Xi Jinping, the blocs most stalwart proponent of the enlargement, said. "It shows the determination of Brics countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries." The six new candidates will formally become members on 1 January 2024, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa said when he named the countries during a three-day leaders summit he is hosting in Johannesburg. "Brics has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous," Ramaphosa said. "We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow." The expansion adds economic heft to Brics whose current members are China the worlds second-largest economy as well as Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. The move is also aimed at increasing Bricss clout as a champion of so-called Global South nations, many of which feel unfairly treated by international institutions dominated by the United States and other wealthy Western nations, explains professor Swaran Singh, an international relations professor at Indias Jawaharlal Nehru University. Expansion of Brics or Brics were never meant for challenging any other system, he says. They were supposed to create an alternative platform to provide some opportunity for least developed and developing countries to participate in international decision making, which automatically perhaps indirectly implies that there is some discomfort with the way international decision making has happened inside the post-second World War international organizations, he tells The Independent. And therefore they were presenting an alternative to create space for these developing countries. And if it is expanding, that means that there is an increasing desire and demand in the world for a platform like this. President of China Xi Jinping, president of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and prime minister of India Narendra Modi gesture during the 2023 Brics Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 24 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) More than 40 countries expressed interest in joining Brics, with 22 formally asking, representing a disparate pool of potential candidates from Iran to Argentina motivated largely by a desire to level a global playing field many consider rigged against them. United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres also attended Thursdays expansion announcement, reflecting the blocs growing influence as he echoed its longstanding calls for reforms of the UN Security Council, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. "Todays global governance structures reflect yesterdays world," he said. "For multilateral institutions to remain truly universal, they must reform to reflect todays power and economic realities." And while the criteria for inclusion of new members remains unclear, those invited to join the bloc reflect individual Brics members desires to bring allies into the club. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had vocally lobbied for neighbour Argentinas inclusion while Egypt has close commercial ties with Russia and India. The entry of oil powers Saudi Arabia and UAE highlights their drifting away from the United Statess orbit and ambition to become global heavyweights in their own right. Russia and Iran have found common cause in their shared struggle against US-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation. With their economic ties deepening in the wake of Moscows invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin used his address to lambast the West, highlight the threat they posed to traditional values in developing nations, and signal the emergence of a multi-polar world. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and prime minister of India Narendra Modi shake hands during the 2023 Brics Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 24 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) "Make no mistake: this is not just about trade, says Daniel Silke, director of the South Africa-based Political Futures consultancy. This is about the fragmentation and political polarisation we are seeing in the world," he notes, adding that China had cited threats of a new Cold War with Washington as a reason to expand. "The world... has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," Xi said on Wednesday. "We, the Brics countries, should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity." But Singh argues that while the individual countries may have their own national agenda when they address the Brics, when it comes to collective, the declaration and the tone is much generic. Its not appearing at all as anti-West. It seeks reforms in the IMF. That is a fair thing that they have been talking about democratizing International institutions. But of course, Iran and Russia would be looking at Brics as their platform if they are getting isolated. This will be the collective which they will kind of depend on. So I can understand that Tehran and Moscow would have a very different take on how they see their participation in Brics. But overall, Brics is able to balance the tone and you have seen moderation in the final declaration which doesnt kind of become jingoistic exactly the way Russia would like it to be or Iran would like it to be. And of course, Russia, China, India have always said we oppose unilateral sanctions on Iran. So in that sense, you can see the same tone in the final declaration. Though home to about 40 per cent of the worlds population and a quarter of global gross domestic product, internal divisions have long hobbled Brics ambitions of becoming a major player on the world stage. Brics countries have economies that are vastly different in scale and governments with often divergent foreign policy goals. And as a result, the West does not really see Brics as a serious threat to western blocs. It was evident in the statement by White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan last Tuesday who noted that Washington does not see them as "evolving into some kind of geo-political rival to the United States or anyone else" due to divergence on critical issues. President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, president of China Xi Jinping, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, prime minister of India Narendra Modi and Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov attend the 2023 Brics Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 24 August 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) The view is not unsubstantiated. Its heavyweight members China and India are often at odds: New Delhi is more friendly to the West and has military deals with the United States, while it is in sometimes violent conflict with Beijing over their Himalayan border. For Russian president Vladimir Putin the bloc is a forum to jab at the West that has sought to isolate Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. But Lula used the summit to reiterate Brazils position of "defending sovereignty (and) territorial integrity" of countries, in an apparent swipe at Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. I doubt that an expanded Brics can pose any real challenge to existing blocs - Brics has always been incoherent politically speaking while the Russians and Chinese have had a clear anti-West agenda, India and the rest do not necessarily see the world this way, says Jabin Thomas Jacob, an associate professor specialising in Chinas domestic politics and foreign relations at New Delhis Shiv Nadar University. India has issues with Western economic domination but it is much closely aligned with the West on matters of international law and norms than it is with China or Russia. The Brics countries might look like they have taken a neutral stance on the Russian invasion but there are differences between them, says Jabin. Clearly, China is much more invested in a Russian victory while the others are much more concerned about a quick end to the conflict and disruption in the grain and energy markets. Additional reporting by agencies Aldi has announced plans to create 340 jobs in its stores across Ireland in the run-up to the busy Christmas period. The supermarket currently employs 4,650 people across its network of 160 stores here. Five new stores have opened so far this year, Aldi reported. This includes two outlets in Adamstown and Cabra as the retailer looks to expand its reach in Dublin. Aldi reported last November that it would invest 73m in the Dublin market over the next five years, with the discounter aiming to open 11 new stores in this period. New stores have also opened in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, Athenry in Co. Galway and Kanturk in Co. Cork in recent months. The open positions are available across the country. There are currently 79 vacancies across the supermarkets Dublin locations, while there are a further 77 roles available in Kerry. An additional 72 positions are now open for applications in Cork, with staff required in other counties, such as Galway, Mayo and Kildare. Vacancies include both jobs at new stores, as well as roles within existing shops. Aldi increased its hourly pay rates for store workers from the beginning of February this year. The supermarket now has a entry rate of 13.85 an hour. Aldi has continued to grow in 2023 and to invest in new stores, and now were looking for hundreds more colleagues to join our incredible teams across the country ahead of Christmas, HR director Brian OShea said. John Jordan, the chief executive of Kerrygold maker Ornua, is to step down to take up a new job at a US private equity company, after 30 years with the Irish dairy giant. He will take up the role of chief operating officer at the unnamed firm, Ornua said in a statement Monday. Donal Buggy, Ornuas chief financial officer, has been appointed interim chief executive. The process of selecting a new chief executive is to begin immediately, Ornua said, with Mr Jordan working with the board and Donal to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Mr Jordan has been CEO since 2018, presiding over Irelands largest dairy co-operative at a time when its flagship Kerrygold grew into a billion-dollar food brand. Read more Louth councillor Emma Cutlip calls for homelessness to be considered during planning process He also helped steer the business through punitive tariffs levied by the Trump administration on Irish dairy exports, which got caught up in an EU-US trade war over airline subsidies, costing Ornua at least 50m. Mr Jordan, who has worked in Ornua for three decades, said it was a huge honour to have been its CEO. I am so proud of the positive impact that Ornua creates for its co-op shareholders and in turn for the 14,000 Irish dairy farming families that supply them and enable Ornua to create world-class premium products for our customers globally. I am confident that Ornua will go from strength to strength. We have great brands and a brilliant team. Before becoming group chief executive, he was CEO of Ornua Foods Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, where helped to grow the firms consumer sales portfolio. At one time he was CEO of DPI Speciality Foods, based in California, a division of Ornua and the third-largest specialty food distributor in the US. He has also held a variety of senior commercial roles within the organisation in Dublin and within international subsidiaries. John has given a huge part of his professional life to Ornua, as he joined us approximately 30 years ago, said Ornua chair Aidan ODriscoll. It has been a privilege to work with him, and on behalf of the board, the executive and the rest of the Ornua team, I want to thank John for all his efforts and wish him the very best for the future. I am very pleased that we are in a position to appoint someone of the quality of Donal Buggy as interim CEO. The board and I are very confident in his ability to lead Ornua ably during the coming period. A second electricity price cut has been announced by fast-growing supplier Pinergy in a move that is likely to herald a raft of price cuts from its rivals. It comes days after new energy supply player Yuno launched cut-price deals for households. Independent.ie understands that the large players in the market are weeks away from announcing modest cuts in electricity and gas prices for households, just as we head into the more energy-hungry winter months. Charlie Weston: How Irish households are paying way over the odds for electricity Ahead of that, Pinergy has put it up to its competitors by reducing its standard unit electricity to below those offered by ESB-owned Electric Ireland, the largest residential electricity supplier in the market. Pinergy is the only energy supplier to cut prices in this market in the last eight months. The latest cut of 9.5pc in the unit rate will save a typical family around 220 over a year, including Vat. The latest reduction takes effect from October 1. Last March, Pinergy broke ranks to deliver a price reduction of 7.1pc. That move by the firm, which supplies electricity to householders on pay-as-you-go meters and those who pay a bill every two months, meant a reduction of 183 over a year for a typical customer. Pinergy chief executive Enda Gunnell said: After our price reduction in March, we said that we would continue to review pricing. He said the firm was able to announce a second decrease as wholesale electricity pricing has eased in recent months. However, the energy crisis has not gone away and wholesale pricing remains inflated and volatile, he said. Mr Gunnell urged policymakers to invest in energy market reforms to bring down costs. Independent.ie revealed last week that electricity prices in this country are the highest in Europe, costing households 900 a year more compared with the EU average. Bills here are 80pc higher than the European Union average, according to the Household Energy Price Index. The index is commissioned by the Austrian energy regulator and the Hungarian energy regulator. It comes as households grapple with a cost-of-living crisis that could be further exacerbated as autumn and winter approach and their electricity and gas use soars after a summer lull. In the past two years prices have more than doubled with the average home now being forced to pay around 2,000 a year for electricity. But there are hopes that consumers could see their energy bills fall in coming months as the market gets a shake-up from a new entrant. Yuno Energy is promising it could save customers more than 500 a year on their electricity bills by closely monitoring their energy usage at home. And in the coming weeks it is expected that the big players in this market Electric Ireland, Bord Gais, Energia, and SSE Airtricity will announce price cuts. However, the price reductions are likely to be small. Most commentators expect reductions of between 10pc and 20pc, which will still mean energy costs remain high for the winter. Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site Bonkers said the new price drop from Pinergy will be welcome news to customers. He said it means Pinergys standard unit rate is now cheaper than most other suppliers, including Electric Ireland. I expect other suppliers to announce similar price decreases over the comings weeks as their hedging strategies further unwind and they buy electricity at todays slightly lower prices, he said. However, wholesale electricity prices in Ireland are still around three times normal levels. So theres a limit to how far prices for consumers can drop for the time being. Mr Cassidy said there won't be an energy price war or a return to even remotely normal energy prices for this winter. He said that in 2020, before Covid and then the war in Ukraine wreaked havoc with energy prices, households were being charged around 20c to 22c per kilowatt hour (kWh) on average (including Vat) for their electricity. He said that after this price drop, Pinergys second of the year, its standard unit rate is over 41c. This compares with an EU average of around 26c. Its going to be another very expensive winter to heat and light our homes, said Mr Cassidy. However, this price drop, as well as Yuno Energys recent entry into the market, which is offering a rate of just over 38c, means households can save some money by switching. AviLease, the Ireland-registered aircraft lessor that is owned by the Saudi government, has agreed a deal to buy Standard Chartereds aviation finance unit which includes Dublin-based Pembroke Aircraft Leasing. AviLease will pay an initial $700m (647m). The portfolio has gross assets of $3.8bn and net asset value of $300m. In 2021 it generated a profit before tax of $51.8m. Brandon Flowers has talked about The Killers gig where a Russian fan was invited onto stage (Yui Mok/PA) Brandon Flowers has said he was faced with an impossible situation after inadvertantly inviting a Russian fan onto the stage during The Killers show in Georgia. The frontman of the Las Vegas-formed rock band caused controversy with remarks he made at the Black Sea Arena in Batumi, where the band were performing as part of their Imploding the Mirage tour. As is tradition, the band invited a fan onto the stage to play the drums on their 2006 song, For Reasons Unknown, when Flowers, 42, addressed the crowd. We dont know the etiquette of this land but this guys a Russian. You OK with a Russian coming up here? he asked. While there were some cheers in the crowd, many booed and shouted: No. Lead singer of The Killers booed after bringing Russian fan on stage in Georgia Russo-Georgian relations have been particularly strained since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year, which has led to an emigration of Russian citizens to Georgia. The Killers also happened to be performing shortly after the 25th anniversary of Russian president Vladimir Putins invasion of Georgia, in 2008. I had to calm an impossible situation, Flowers told The Sunday Times in a new interview. We want our concerts to be communal and I had no idea words I was taught my entire life to represent a unity of the human family could be taken as being pro-Russian occupation. Were sad how this played out. After the bands rendition of For Reasons Unknown, Flowers addressed the crowd, telling them: You cant recognise if someones your brother? Hes not your brother? We all separate on the borders of our countries? Im not your brother? Am I not your brother, being from America? Repeating this, Flowers said that the band had the ability to bring people together, adding: Tonight, I want us to celebrate that were here together, and I dont want it to turn ugly. I see you as my brothers and my sisters, he continued, before introducing the next song. Flowers comments, as well as the apology shared by The Killers after their gig, caused uproar among Georgian fans on social media. Good people of Georgia, it was never our intention to offend anyone! the band wrote in a statement. We have a long-standing tradition of inviting people to play drums and it seemed from the stage that the initial response from the crowd indicated that they were okay with tonights audience participation member coming on-stage with us. The band continued: We recognise that a comment, meant to suggest that all of The Killers audience and fans are brothers and sisters, could be misconstrued. We did not mean to upset anyone and apologise. We stand with you and hope to return soon. The Killers headlined Reading Festival in the UK on Saturday (26 August), where they continued their tradition of inviting a fan onstage to play drums on For Reasons Unknown. 20:06 | Trujillo (La Libertad), Aug. 27. At the meeting, the regional authority underlined that the visit of the Asian nation's representative is quite significant "given the interest in the development of our region, making it an attractive place for investment and generating interesting proposals that may contribute to higher dynamism of La Libertad's economy." Likewise, Acuna remarked that cultural exchange will make it possible to promote artistic expressions or customs of both countries, seeking to cross boundaries and to ensure that the public enjoys and learns about the richness and diversity of the two nations. "Strengthening our cultures will allow us to further encourage tourism," he said, noting that La Libertad region can benefit from India's technological development, which would serve to boost agribusiness and other economic sectors. For his part, the Indian ambassador recognized the productive potential of Chavimochic, adding that he will visit the area again in order to learn about the project. It was pointed out that India also offers scholarships for comprehensive programs, taught in Spanish or English, which professionals can access in order to expand their knowledge or technical skills. To take advantage of this benefit, the Regional Government of La Libertad will propose and examine a delegation that may need to improve their training and expand their skills. It should be noted that the scholarships cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and meals. (END) LPZ/JCB/TMC/RMB A meeting between La Libertad Region Governor Cesar Acuna and Indian Ambassador to Peru Vishvas Vidu Sapkal in the city of Trujillo resulted in the adoption of agreements to promote cultural exchange, knowledge, and modern technologies between La Libertad and said Asian country.Publicado: 27/8/2023 Russia is the world's largest fertiliser maker, with produce accounting for about 15% of global annual consumption. Russia is considering setting up a unified trading company to export fertilisers in a bid to increase its pricing influence on global markets. The idea was proposed in July by UralChem PJSC's founder Dmitry Mazepin, two people familiar with the situation said, declining to be identified because the information isn't public. Irish News Households can now secure freedom from electricity bills in just six years by going solar Fathers concern for his daughter who is stranded abroad without enough of her vital medicationHappy Mondays singer stuck in Dublin tells of scammers posing as customer service reps on social mediaWoman misses heart transplant check-up Rowetta, singer with the Happy Mondays, who supported Noel Gallagher in Dublin on Sunday Scenes at Dublin Airport following air traffic problems in the UK. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Tens of thousands of air travellers in Ireland, the UK and Europe were still stranded on Monday evening after a technical problem with the UKs air traffic control system. It could be Tuesday before things get back to normal, authorities warned, with around 150 flights in and out of Irish airports cancelled or delayed, and hundreds more in the UK and Europe also affected. Airlines warn of delays as UK air traffic control hit by technical fault Falling on a UK bank holiday when many people were travelling home from pre-school holidays has made matters worse. Many passengers have been forced to book into hotels and many more are spending the night in airports. One of those stranded in Ireland was Rowetta, singer with Manchester band Happy Mondays, who supported Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds in Dublin on Sunday night. Rowetta, singer with the Happy Mondays, who supported Noel Gallagher in Dublin on Sunday I am the sole carer for my mum she has dementia, the singer told Independent.ie, adding she needs to get home to her mum as soon as possible. She says she had to block and report a number of scammers posing as airline customer service teams on X formerly known as Twitter today. They had contacted her trying to get money as she attempted to get the attention of an airline. "The airport was rammed with people including people at the gig who were stranded at the airport all day. It was a brilliant gig. But I need to get home. The singer plans to wake up at 4.30am to catch a flight to Leeds before taking a train to Manchester in order to reach her mum. Her back-up plan is to book a place on the ferry. The lads have my bags and all my clothes. I had to go out and buy a toothbrush! I had the clothes on my back, my phone and my passport, she said. Elsewhere on Monday night, Michael Byrne is waiting on further updates from an airline on when his daughter who has limited medication left with her abroad can catch her flight back to Ireland. He and his wife spent the day working to find their 20-year-old daughter a way home from Munich. "She has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) which causes chronic fatigue and pain, he told Independent.ie. She is on serious medication and doesnt have enough with her to last until Thursday. His daughter was due to fly home from Germany tonight, but she learned this afternoon that her flight was cancelled and the only alternative is to catch a flight on Thursday. Mr Byrne said she brought extra medication for the next 24 hours just in case but now faces going without. "She has been through so much and went over to Munich to visit a friend it was such a big deal for her to go alone. "Even if she was coming back tonight she would spend the next 3-4 days in bed but she has accepted that as part of her daily life, he added. "We cant get over there to give it to her and she cant get it over there, he explained. Im not blaming the airline as its not their fault, but this is urgent. We need them to understand. A woman from Northern Ireland missed a check-up following a heart transplant after her flight was cancelled. Serena Hamilton was due to fly to Newcastle for a hospital appointment. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, she said: Its just terrible. Its happening to everybody but for somebody like me thats had a heart transplant, I cant get anywhere because of this whole disruption. Serena Hamilton Im meant to be attending Newcastle Freeman Hospital tomorrow [Tuesday] morning at 7.30am for a CT angiogram and Im not getting now. I have to inform the hospital. Aer Lingus issued an updated statement earlier on Monday evening that apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by circumstances outside of our control. "While the UK National Air-Traffic Service (NATS) flight planning system is now resolved, like all airlines using UK airspace, we continue to face unavoidable cancellations and delays, a spokesperson said. "We are doing everything possible to minimise any further disruption to our customers and we apologise to all those impacted for the inconvenience caused, which is due to circumstances outside of our control. "We continue to advise passengers to check the status of their flight before coming to the airport. Irish airports saw a large number of flights cancelled or delayed. "Due to issues with the UKs National Air Traffic Service (NATS) today, multiple flights to, from and over the UK have been impacted by either delays or cancellations, said Graeme McQueen, media relations Manager at DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport. Airlines have cancelled more than 100 flights into and out of Dublin Airport today. The team at Dublin Airport is working hard to support our airline partners and to ensure passengers impacted by todays air traffic control issues in the UK resume their travel plans as quickly and as safely as possible. Dublin Airport "Passengers intending to fly today and tomorrow are reminded to check the status of their flight with their airline, before travelling to the airport. Those intending to fly to and from Cork Airport have also been reminded to check their flight status with their airline. "Passengers intending to travel both today and tomorrow are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline, before travelling to the airport, said Barry Holland, Communications Manager at Cork Airport. "The team at Cork Airport is working hard to support airlines and passengers impacted by todays air traffic control issues in the UK and this will continue over the remainder of today and coming days. Read more Airport chaos: all the Irish flights cancelled or delayed due to UK air traffic control glitch Read more about passenger rights in the case of flight delays and cancellations here. Drogheda councillor Michelle Hall, who is also the chairperson of Rape Crisis North East The Rape Crisis organisation in Louth has been criticised by clerical sex abuse survivors campaigning to strip a former leader of the Christian Brothers of a Freedom of Drogheda award. Local councillors awarded the honour to Brother Edmund Garvey, a Drogheda native, in 1997. Survivors of sexual abuse by Christian Brothers want local councillors to rescind the honour because of a widely criticised legal strategy adopted under Brother Garveys stewardship that has frustrated victims attempts to claim redress in the courts. The Louth-based Rape Crisis North East said last weekend that the decision to rescind the Freedom of Drogheda from Br Garvey was a matter for local councillors. In contrast, the national umbrella organisation, Rape Crisis Network Ireland, has rowed in behind the survivors campaign, saying the issue was about holding the Christian Brothers to account for an obstructionist legal strategy. The chairperson of Rape Crisis North East is a Drogheda councillor and former mayor who has previously told victims that there was no support amongst councillors for rescinding Brother Garveys Freedom of Drogheda. Michelle Hall, a Labour Party councillor, told Damian OFarrell, spokesperson for a group of Christian Brothers abuse survivors, last December that the honour will not be rescinded. However, in a change of heart, Ms Hall said yesterday she and another Labour Party councillor will support the motion to rescind the honour when it is voted on next month. In a statement issued through the Labour Party, Cllr Hall and her Labour colleague, Emma Cutlip, said: This is an unprecedented situation. This decision has not been taken lightly and it was taken for multiple reasons. They said that the ongoing commentary on the issue is having a harmful effect on all victims and survivors of sexual violence and out of respect said it was not helpful that they comment further until after the vote on September 4. They also reiterated that all Louth councillors opposed the Christian Brothers offensive and damaging legal strategy and had urged the government to change the law to prohibit it. Mr OFarrell, who was the first person to secure a conviction of a Christian Brother for sexual abuse in Ireland, welcomed the councillors decision to support the motion. He said he was very disappointed with the reception we originally received from Cllr Hall when we first approached her as Mayor in October last year. He said it was notable that the local Rape Crisis North East which she chaired had failed to issue any public statements in support of the survivors campaign. It would have been a huge comfort to survivors if Cllr Hall as chair of Rape Crisis Northeast could have shown support for our campaign sooner, he said. Rape Crisis Network Ireland which is the national umbrella body for the countrys rape crisis centres has meanwhile weighed in fully behind the survivors campaign. Dr Cliona Saidlear, executive director of Rape Crisis Network Ireland, said the survivors campaign is not an attack on an individual but is about the Christian Brothers order being held to account in the public realm for an obstructionist legal strategy. It is clear that the survivors' who have advocating for the rescinding of the freedom of the City of Drogheda for Br Garvey are making this demand within a context where the order has behaved and continues to behave in a legalistically obstructionist manner, she said in a statement. It also needs to be said that while the ask to rescind is retrospective and has not been done previously, this is not only a conversation about the past, it is very much about the behaviour of the order right this minute. At the heart of that is the urgent need to allow survivors to access their rights, she said. The Christian Brothers could have chosen not to legally obstruct survivors. That they have not done so means that this is very much a matter that is of interest to the wider community and the public, she said. A spokesperson for Rape Crisis North East said the decision on rescinding the Freedom of Drogheda is a matter for Borough District of Drogheda Councillors. The Christian Brothers are relying on a legal technicality which forces abuse survivors seeking redress to sue every religious brother, rather than the Christian Brother order. The work involved has delayed and frustrated legal actions. The Law Reform Commission is recommending a change in the law to stop the use of the legal technicality. Courts Mum of one who stole baby milk from Boots shop in the Ilac Centre jailed As a young garda who cut her teeth working undercover on the streets of Dublin, Angela Willis is eminently qualified for her role as the assistant commissioner in charge of policing the capital. At a time when the rank and file are threatening to vote on a motion of no confidence in the Garda Commissioner, disgruntled members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) are said to hold the officer in high esteem. Former teacher Enoch Burke has returned to the school that sacked him in what is seen as a pledge to continue his protest at his dismissal. As the new term began today, Mr Burke arrived and took up position in a corridor in the school. In July, Mr Justice Alexander Owens made an order restraining Mr Burke from trespassing on the premises of the school. A statement from a family spokesperson said Mr Burke will not endorse an ideology which he as a Christian disagrees with and which will have serious repercussions for young people. He has a right to his religious beliefs and believes it is wrong that he is being denied access to his place of work. Mr Burkes dispute with Wilsons Hospital school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, had its roots in a request by the former principal, Niamh McShane, in May of last year that teachers call a transgender child by a new name and by their preferred pronouns. However, Mr Burke, an evangelical Christian, objected and publicly challenged Ms McShane at a chapel service and after a school dinner. These events prompted the principal to compile a report for the board of management, which ultimately decided to put Mr Burke on paid administrative leave on August 22 last year. Despite being suspended, the teacher continued to show up for work, even when the school secured a court order restraining him from doing so. He spent 108 days in prison for contempt of court before being released just before last Christmas despite not purging his contempt, but resumed his almost daily visits to the school following his release. Even after being arrested for trespass in January, Mr Burke continued to turn up at the school, prompting the High Court to issue him with a daily 700 fine for every day he remained in contempt of court by turning up at Wilsons Hospital School. Gardai subsequently prepared a file on the trespass matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but Independent.ie has learned there will be no prosecution. The daily fines on the contempt matter are still accumulating, however, and Mr Burkes fines now total 148,400. On top of that, he has been ordered by the High Court to pay 15,000 in damages for trespass, and is facing a six-figure legal bill, because the court awarded the school its legal costs in injunctions proceedings. In May, the High Court found Wilsons Hospital School behaved lawfully when it suspended Mr Burke in August of last year. Mr Justice Alexander Owens also dismissed a counterclaim the teacher had against the school in which he sought declarations that the disciplinary process against him was an unlawful interference with his constitutional rights. The teacher has also claimed that a report prepared by Ms McShane was compiled in breach of natural justice and otherwise than in accordance with an administrative circular governing disciplinary sanctions. The ruling came after a four-day hearing in March during which Mr Burke ended up being excluded from the courtroom for being disorderly and in persistent contempt of court. He is separately appealing his sacking to a Disciplinary Appeals Panel. That appeal was due to be heard earlier this year but Mr Burke took a High Court action seeking the removal of one of the members of the panel, Kieran Christie, claiming he is a promoter of transgenderism and could not have an unbiased opinion as a result. Mr Christie has strongly denied the claims and says Mr Burke has wrongly based his claim of bias from the fact that Mr Christie has accepted the law of the land on gender recognition. Judgment is pending on the application. On the last day of term in May, Mr Burke did not rule out returning to Wilsons Hospital School this term and described the fines he has racked up for contempt of court as oppression. Im here standing outside the school. Ive been out here since January, Ive been out here in freezing conditions, Ive been out here in rain and sleet, and its because I have rights. No judge has the prerogative, or no principal, or anybody else, to take those rights away, he told Independent.ie at the time. The judge who made the award of costs to the school, Judge Owens, also made an order restraining Mr Burke from trespassing on the premises of the school in Multyfarnham, but said that the German and history teacher was not prevented from attending outside the school gates. The 18-year-old from Ennis, Co Clare was reported missing in the tourist town of Bled earlier this month. The funeral details for the talented young piano player, Sean Shannon, who died while on holidays in Slovenia two weeks ago, have been announced. The 18-year-old from Ennis, Co Clare was reported missing in the tourist town of Bled earlier this month. He has been remembered by President Michael D Higgins for whom he once performed as someone who had a fantastical musical ability. Sean recently completed his first year at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and featured in a three-part documentary on RTE that followed his fellow students and teachers at the prestigious music school. He will repose at Kennedys Funeral Home, Ennis, on Friday from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to Ennis Cathedral. His funeral mass will take place at Ennis Cathedral at 11am on Saturday followed by burial in Drumcliffe Cemetery. A notice on RIP.ie said the teenager is sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Cecilia and Frank, brother Samuel, sister Samantha, uncles, aunts, godparents, his colleagues in the Royal College of Music and his large circle of friends. Tributes have poured in for the young pianist, who has been described as a gentle and kind soul and a dear friend. "My sincere condolences to Sean's family on such a terrible loss, one reads. I watched Sean on the documentary about his journey to the Royal Irish Academy of Music, I did not know Sean but he came across as a gentle and kind soul with a truly remarkable and outstanding gift. Another sent their condolences to his family and friends, writing: Sincere sympathy to you all on the death of Sean. Most awful thing for a parent to lose their child. No words can comfort you. Rest in peace Sean. President Michael D Higgins said in a statement last week that all who heard Sean perform recognised the unique and extraordinary talent that he possessed. He said: "May I join with all those who have expressed their shock at the death of the hugely talented pianist Sean Shannon while travelling in Slovenia. "While still only 18, Sean had already exhibited a fantastic musical ability, having commenced his learning of the piano as a self-taught pianist. "Indeed, I remember meeting Sean in September 2018 when he performed at an event which I attended at Glor Theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of ClareCare. "At the time, Sean was a second-year student in Ennis Community College and was already distinguishing himself with his abilities. I extend my deepest sympathies to Seans parents, Cecilia and Frank, to his siblings, and to all his friends and fellow performers. Suaimhneas siorai da anam. American prelate, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, ignored calls from Irish survivors of clerical abuse to step back from a mass yesterday to mark the 150th anniversary of St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh. Cardinal Dolan, who is the Catholic archbishop of New York, was the chief celebrant at the mass in Armagh. However, survivors of clerical abuse in the diocese of Dromore, including victims of Fr Malachy Finegan, wrote to Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh ahead of the liturgy, describing themselves as appalled by the decision to invite the 73-year-old American prelate to the mass and the role afforded to him as chief celebrant. The American cardinal has been criticised for his role in transferring $57m into a special trust, when he was Archbishop of Milwaukee, in order to protect it from legal claims by clerical abuse victims. Other criticisms centre on a leaked 2017 transcript which suggested he sought to block the Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations on victims of abuse in New York to pursue perpetrators in court The Dromore survivors group expressed solidarity with US abuse survivor Chris OLeary, who alleges he was abused by American priest Fr LeRoy Valentine at Immacolata parish in Missouri, in St Louis archdiocese in the mid-1970s. Cardinal Dolan served in the same parish at the same time as Fr Valentine. Mr OLeary expressed anger that the cardinal was being feted in Ireland. Speaking to Independent.ie, he accused the American prelate of brushing off his concerns in 2002 when he approached him as a bishop in St Louis to convey his concerns about Fr Valentine. Following the mass, he added: That the mass went ahead in Ireland with Cardinal Dolan as chief celebrant reflects the dismissive and scornful manner in which he has dealt with US clerical abuse survivors. Cardinal Dolan left the Archdiocese of St Louis when he was appointed Archbishop of Milwaukee in August 2002. He was later appointed to New York, the second largest Catholic diocese in the US. In his letter to Archbishop Martin, abuse survivor Anthony Gribben said: The Dromore Group sees Dolans participation and role in the mass, and your part in that process, as grossly insensitive and disrespectful of clerical abuse victims and survivors. Mr Gribben added after the mass went ahead: Despite our request, we have not had an acknowledgment or reply from Dr Martin or other Church official, underlining the arrogance and indifference of a militantly clerical Church. The criticism of Cardinal Dolan was echoed by censured Irish priest, Fr Tony Flannery, who wrote in a post on social media: I think Archbishop Martin could have chosen someone better than Cardinal Dolan to celebrate the centenary mass in Armagh, given Dolans poor record on Synodality & Church Reform generally and on clerical abuse. Also his apparent closeness to Trump. The US cardinal was one of the team of prelates appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to carry out an investigation of the Irish Church in 2010. He led the investigation of Irish seminaries. The findings were critical particularly of the Irish College in Rome and led to a number of staff resignations there. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Armagh said: In recognition of the immense contribution made by the Irish diaspora in America, and in particular in New York, to the building of St Patricks Cathedral Armagh 150 years ago, the Archdiocese and Parish of Armagh invited Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, to celebrate a mass of thanksgiving on Sunday as part of the programme of events to mark the Cathedrals dedication on August 24, 1873. Cardinal Dolan was joined at the mass by up to 40 pilgrims from New York who travelled to Ireland for the occasion. Speaking after the mass, he said the Church in the US and Ireland was facing challenges and difficulties. In his homily, the great-great-grandson of Irish emigrants paid tribute to those who left Ireland for America, such as the Mercy Sisters who set out from Drogheda, Co Louth, and had been involved in his own formation in Missouri. 08:57 | Castries (Saint Lucia), Aug. 27. The categories in which Peru prevailed over its South American rivals are the following: South America's Leading Tourist Attraction 2023: Machu Picchu The award-giving ceremony took place on Saturday, August 26, on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. "We thank the World Travel Awards for recognizing our natural wonders, our great history, and our delicious gastronomy," Matsuda remarked. "We will remain committed to the excellence of the tourism sector and the promotion of the cultural heritage so that Peru remains a world-class destination," she added. About World Travel Awards WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. WTA gala ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media. (END) NDP/FPQ/RMB Peru has once again been recognized in the regional edition of the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) , hailed as the Oscars of the travel industry, held at a glittering gala ceremony in Saint Lucia.Published: 8/27/2023 Robert Cuthbert was helped with his accommodation needs by housing charity HAIL. Photo: Frank McGrath A former college lecturer has told how having a place to call home has helped him to maintain his mental health after being hospitalised with depression. Robert Cuthbert (56), who suffers from recurring depressive illness and lives in Dublins north inner city, is one of 589 people with a mental health condition who benefits from permanent accommodation provided by the Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL), the specialist mental health housing association. A teddy bear among the tributes and flowers left during the vigil for the four young people who died in the Clonmel crash. Photo: Arthur Carron People gather at Kickham Plaza in Clonmel yesterday evening for a vigil in memory of the four young people who died in a car crash on Friday night. Photo: Arthur Carron Young people leave flowers and tributes at the site of the crash on Mountain Road in Clonmel. Photo: PA People attend a vigil in Kickham Plaza, Clonmel for the four young people who died in a car accident on Friday night. Photo: Brian Lawless Luke McSweeney (24) and his sister Grace McSweeney (18) from Clonmel will be laid to rest on Friday. Nicole Murphy (18), Zoey Coffey (18), Grace McSweeney (18) and Luke McSweeney (24) were killed in the collision in Clonmel, Co Tipperary Funeral details have now been released for three of the four young people who died in the Clonmel crash last Friday. The siblings who died in a tragic road accident in Co Tipperary will be laid to rest on Friday. Luke McSweeney (24) and his sister Grace McSweeney (18) from Clonmel, and two of their friends, Nicole Murphy (18) from Ballypatrick, and Zoey Coffey (18) from Kilsheelan, died in the tragic accident which happened on Friday night. Ms Murphys funeral will take place on Thursday. The accident happened on the outskirts of the town shortly after 7.30pm, when the car driven by Luke overturned as the group made their way to a celebration of the girls Leaving Cert results which they had received earlier that day. Speaking with RTEs Morning Ireland, parish priest Father John Treacy said: We have confirmation for Luke and Grace McSweeney, their funeral will take place on Friday morning at St Peter and Paul Church at 11.30am, followed by a burial in St Patricks cemetery. Books of condolences open for Clonmel crash victims Notices for Luke and Grace on RIP.ie read: They will be sadly missed and their precious short lives will never be forgotten by their mother Brigid (nee Phelan), father Paul, brothers Mark and David, Luke's beautiful girlfriend Kelly [and Grace's boyfriend Aaron], their aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends. A funeral notice for Nicole read: It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Nicole (Nikki) Murphy, Toor, Ballypatrick, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Nikki passed away tragically on Friday evening last, following a road traffic accident. She will be sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Declan and Serena (nee Manning), sister Zoe, brother Ryan, grandparents Margaret & John (Manning) and Eileen (Murphy), aunts, uncles, grand-aunts, grand-uncles, cousins, extended family and her wide circle of friends." She will repose at her home on Wednesday from 4-8pm, with her funeral taking place the following day at noon at St John the Baptist Church in Kilcash. Last night a vigil heard that the tragedy which saw four die was like a massive stone that has hit a still lake, sending shock waves across our families, our schools, our town and our country. Hundreds of people from the Tipperary town and its surrounding parishes gathered for the vigil yesterday evening in the calm and peaceful setting of Kickham Plaza on the site of the old army barracks. Vigil held in memory of four crash victims in Clonmel Gardai and local volunteers handed out candles while people stood in silence, holding each other as an expression of support, solidarity and grief for the three families hit by the tragedy. A group of friends from Presentation Secondary School, where Zoey and Grace attended, all wore Class of 23 hoodies. They listened as local clergy and town officials said Nicole, Zoey, Grace and Luke would never be forgotten. Speaking at the vigil, Fr Michael Toomey said people have been left numb and speechless since Fridays tragedy. He told the young people of the town that they may be feeling shock, pain and denial, and that if they were then it meant they had begun the grieving journey. For some it has just not hit us that Luke and Grace, Nicole and Zoey have died. It doesnt make sense. Why? Why them? The question we will sadly never get the answer to. Not in this life anyway, said Fr Toomey. He paid tribute to the people of Clonmel for gathering in such huge numbers to support the families of the victims. No matter how low we are, we come out fighting, he said. He also praised the emergency services, and all of the victims friends and classmates. You have been over and above exemplary this weekend in the way you conducted yourselves and supported one another. You should be all very proud of yourselves, Fr Toomey said. The best support you have right now isn't your parents and families and teachers and counsellors. Perhaps the best person is actually standing right beside you. A teddy bear among the tributes and flowers left during the vigil for the four young people who died in the Clonmel crash. Photo: Arthur Carron "Your friends and your former classmates, and you yourselves can be the best to anyone who's struggling and doing what most of you have done cried, hugged, laughter, sat in silence, minding one another, looking out for one another. It's the most heartbreaking and strong tribute I have ever experienced in Clonmel. As I said to the girls in Loreto they other day, and the lads in the High School, none of us will ever get over these deaths. People gather at Kickham Plaza in Clonmel yesterday evening for a vigil in memory of the four young people who died in a car crash on Friday night. Photo: Arthur Carron Fr Treacy led prayers, while Mayor Richie Molloy addressed the gathering saying: None of us can remember such a tragic incident happening. Our hearts go out to the families. The vigil was attended by hundreds of people from Clonmel and further afield. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, also addressed the gathering, as did Reverend James Mulhall from the local Church of Ireland community, while a message of support was also sent from the local Muslim community. Nicole Murphy (18), Zoey Coffey (18), Grace McSweeney (18) and Luke McSweeney (24) were killed in the collision in Clonmel, Co Tipperary At the end of the vigil, the song Rise Up, by Andra Day, was played over the sound system, with its lines: All we need, all we need is hope. And for that we have each other. And for that we have each other. And we will rise. We will rise. As the ceremony came to a close, people moved toward the raised area where tables had been erected with photographs of Nicole, Zoey and Grace and Luke, each with a candle behind them. And as dusk came, candles were placed on the steps in front of the photographs, while mourners hugged each other and talked. Earlier in the day there were prayer services at the schools where the young students had attended, Presentation Secondary School and Loreto Secondary School. Young people leave flowers and tributes at the site of the crash on Mountain Road in Clonmel. Photo: PA The Loreto school was also a focal point for people from Clonmel to leave flowers in remembrance of the victims. It is situated at the bottom of Mountain Road, a short distance from where the crash happened, and formed the perimeter of the garda cordon that closed the road after the crash. All along the wall of the school floral tributes were placed in a long row, a symbol of the depth of feeling of the heartbroken friends and classmates of those whose lives were taken in the crash. At the entrance to the school a large banner, installed before the tragedy, told of the anniversary of the schools founding. 140 years of Love, Laughter, and Learning, it reads. Beside it, as a mark of respect, was a stand with a black lace ribbon tied to it. And at the spot nearby where the BMW car had overturned and hit a wall, there was another row of floral tributes being added to as the day went on. Small fragments of glass from the car could still be spotted in the cut-stone wall, and a wooden telegraph pole was splintered into two pieces. Groups of people could be seen in huddles, comforting each other as the reality of what happened on Friday weighed heavily on young hearts and minds. Now the town of Clonmel and the surrounding parishes must prepare for the funerals, with the McSweeney family having to bear the double tragedy of the loss of sister and brother Grace and Luke. Dan and Juliet Hickey at Rathdown School, which has enrolled boys at post-primary level for the first time in its 50-year history. Picture: Jason Clarke Two well-known Dublin post-primary schools have broken with their long-standing traditions to return as co-educational for the academic year. In south Dublin, the fee-paying Rathdown School has marked its 50th anniversary by welcoming boys to its post-primary classes for the first rime. Meanwhile, on Dublins northside, St Josephs Secondary School, Fairview, is enrolling female students after 135 years of being boys-only At Rathdown, almost one third of first year students starting this year will be male, following on from last years successful transition to co-education in its junior schools. Junior school principal Dermot Dix said there had been unprecedented interest in places in the senior school resulting in large numbers also joining the junior school. Senior school principal Brian Moore described it as a very important moment in the schools history. This reflects our ethos and vision whereby we aspire to promote progressive and contemporary values that reflect those of modern Ireland, he said. Interest is higher than ever across both genders, with parents telling us that they want a mixture of sexes in classrooms. While the junior school is day pupils only, the senior school offers both a day and boarding option to students from across Ireland and internationally. When St Josephs, Fairview, colloquially known as Joeys, announced it was going co-ed there was an enormous response and the school received more applications than it could accommodate, St Josephs intake of 50 pupils for 2023/24 includes 17 female students, but many others were disappointed. In deciding to go co-ed, the school had identified a shortage of second-level places locally for girls and some demand to keep siblings together. St Josephs also felt that its strong curriculum focus on Stem subjects, including robotics and coding, should be available to girls. The school is pioneering the PTech programme, an industry-led initiative that allows students to integrate elements of degree-level learning and paid work experience in their post-primary education. Principal Sean Stack said the school was delighted after months of preparation to welcome the first full cohort of mixed students, "The whole community has been fully behind the change and we are looking forward of creating a new tradition in our area, he said. Need a pick-me-up after lunch? An Italian woman has argued that theres one coffee choice you should avoid. Italian social media entertainer, The Pasta Queen, has advised her followers to stop ordering a cappuccino in the middle of the day. The popular foodie, whose real name is Nadia Caterina Munno, took to social media to explain why most Italians dont drink the hot beverage past noon. In her video, an individual behind the camera asked Munno if she would like a cappuccino, to which she firmly replied: No. Why do Italians not drink cappuccinos past 12? she rhetorically asked. Then, she slammed her hand down on the counter before answering: Because its a breakfast drink. But thats not the only reason why. Munno explained how coffee has the ability to awaken your senses, which is why cappucinos should only be consumed before 10 in the morning. If you really want to push it till 11, but not 12, she added. Munno also said that consuming a copious amount of food in the middle of the day shouldnt be washed down with a cappuccino, because theres already enough going on. While after lunch may not be the proper time to drink a cappuccino, other coffee options are not off the table. Munno suggested an espresso for the perfect energy boost, but regular drip coffee works fine, too. When youre eating a meal, you have enough going on with all those calories and cheeses, she remarked. All you need is a quick espresso. The passionate pasta lover pointed out how drinking a cappucino would elicit the same reaction from Italians that Americans would display if someone chose to eat a hot dog for breakfast. Thousands of her 2.2m followers flooded the comments with their food etiquette suggestions. Some admitted they had tried to order a cappuccino in Italy, but their server refused to give them one. Other individuals refuted Munnos message, adding that they also ate hot dogs for breakfast. The delicious thing to do in Italy is let them believe they can control your food. Then drink and eat what you want, where you want, and when you want, one critic commented, while another added: Ill drink my cappuccino when I want. To me, its like a dessert. Filipino here with our hot dogs with garlic rice and egg, a viewer wrote. Meanwhile, another skeptic said: If it is in my cup, I can drink at 8 pm too. 3 am too. My cup, my rules. One experienced asserted: I can vouch for this... I am Italian and know of this rule yet it did not phase me I still ordered my cappuccinos in the afternoon and watched several natives enjoying one as well. Its just steamed milk with espresso? Not sure what the big deal is? I say drink what you want, when you want. Respectfully, she continued, while another Instagram user agreed: Im Italian and I love drinking cappuccino in the afternoon. The fee has limited arrivals to bigger spenders, but Bhutans tourism is struggling to recover The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is to halve the $200/185 daily fee it charges tourists in an effort to boost a sector still struggling to recover a year after the end of Covid-19 restrictions. Bhutan raised its "Sustainable Development Fee" to $200 per visitor per night, from $65/60, when it ended two years of Covid restrictions in September last year saying the money would go to off-set the carbon generated by visitors. The new rate of $100/92.65 per night would come into effect from September and last for four years, the government said in a statement late on Friday. "This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, earning foreign exchange ... and in boosting overall economic growth," it said. Isolated for generations, Bhutan opened to tourists in 1974 when it received 300 visitors. The number soared to 315,600 in 2019, up 15.1pc from a year earlier, official data showed. Bhutan has always been wary of the impact of mass tourism and it bans mountain climbing to preserve the sanctity of its peaks. The tourist fee has limited arrivals to bigger spenders who make up a fraction of the numbers that visit nearby Nepal. Nevertheless, Bhutan hopes to raise the contribution of tourism to its $3 billion / 2.8bn economy 20pc, from about 5pc. Dorji Dhradhul, director general of the Department of Tourism, said the halving of the fee could boost arrivals in the September-December peak tourist period, which includes many religious and cultural events in the mainly Buddhist country. In June, the government eased rules on length of stay and fees for tourists but numbers have not picked up as expected. Dhradhul said more than 56,000 tourists had visited Bhutan since January but about 42,000 were Indian nationals, who only have to pay a fee of 1,200 Indian rupees (13.50) a day. About 50,000 Bhutanese are employed in tourism which earned about $84/78 million a year in the three years before the pandemic in foreign exchange. Foreign Dispatch This has been an unusually eventful August. News stories from the Ukraine counteroffensive, the wildfires in Hawaii, the apparent murder of Russian mercenary boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the latest Trump indictment and more have vied for global attention. Less noted, but every bit as important, were the latest events in the South China Sea, which have potentially explosive implications for the region and the world. Filipinos celebrated a victory this week after two of their supply ships managed to push through a blockade of Chinese coast guard vessels to deliver provisions to a small force of marines stationed on an unlikely ocean outpost. The men are camped in the rusting hulk of a World War II ship that has been resting on a feature called the Second Thomas Shoal (or Ayungin Shoal, as its known locally) ever since the Philippine navy beached it there years ago to assert Manilas presence in the region. The garda officer in charge of policing in Dublin has argued that public concern about crime and violence in the inner city was more about a perceived escalation in offending than the actual reality on the ground. In other words, the recent focus on violent incidents on the streets of the capital has made the city centre feel more unsafe than it actually is the subtext of which seems to be hinting that this current crisis may be the product of media hype. While bodhran players are welcome in traditional music sessions generally, there can be a chilly reception for learners, those who don't know the tunes or those with a poor sense of rhythm as a badly played bodhran can put other musicians off. A French tourist on holiday in west Cork has spoken of her disappointment at not being made feel welcome when she brought her bodhran to a traditional music session in a pub in the Skibbereen area so popular with visitors. Sophie, a caller to the RTE Radio 1 Live show, was speaking on Mondays edition of the show to host Joe Duffy when she told of her experience visiting a west Cork pub while on holiday with friends in the region. Cork Folk Festival director Jim Walsh told the radio show host that there was often a lack of a welcome at traditional music sessions for learner players or for those who mightnt know the tunes being played by other musicians. Renowned bodhran maestro Tommy Hayes, who hails from a heartland of traditional music in Ireland, County Clare, gave some nuggets of advice to the aspiring musician. First of all listen to the music before you start playing and take some lessons, there are many ways to get lessons out there, in person and online. said the musician, who has played on the Riverdance production as well as on the soundtracks of movies such as The Field and @in the Name of the Father. He also suggested that she attend a bodhran festival which is to be held on the island of Inis Oirr next Summer. The Craiceann (Skin) Summer School will be held on the smallest of the Aran Islands for five days starting on Monday, June 24 next Summer. The Bodhran, like many percussion instruments, is made of an animal skin, goat in the case of the instrument which the late composer Sean O Riada is credited with bringing back into popular usage. The composer who spent the last years of his life in the Cork gaeltacht village of Cuil Aodha had a bodhran player, Peadar Mercier, in his Ceoltoiri Chualann band. Ceoltoiri Chualann could be the described as the first supergroup of Irish traditional music and the inspiration for many others including the Chieftains. HOPE Foundation founder Maureen Forrest is the August Cork Person of the Month. Maureen Forrest, founder of the Hope Foundation receiving her August Cork Person of the Month award. Also pictured are (L-R):- George Duggan, Cork Crystal; Eoghan Hedderman, Metropole Hotel; Anthony ODonovan, Masterkabin; Clara OMahoney, AM OSullivan PR and Manus OCallaghan, awards organiser. THE CORK woman who founded a charity that has brought hope to countless children living in grinding poverty in the Indian city of Kolkata has been honoured with one her home countys most prestigious accolades. Maureen Forrest from Mogeely in East Cork, founder of the Hope Foundation, has become the latest recipient of the Cork Person of the Month award. Nicknamed The City of Joy Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), the capital of Indias West Bengal state, is a pulsating and colourful city with a population roughly equivalent to that of Ireland and arriving there, westerners are often shell-shocked by its vibrant sights and sounds. Despite the appalling poverty that also exists throughout the city, visitors are also struck by the fact that people live up to that nickname with their infectious happiness belying the fact that many of them are among the poorest people in the world. The extreme poverty Maureen Forrest witnessed during a visit to the city in 1999 inspired her to set up the Hope Foundation, a charity dedicated to the protection and educationsof the slum and street children living there. However, her remarkable humanitarian journey began in 1980 after she witnessed at first hand the horrific suffering of victims of the civil war in Mozambique while working with the Irish NGO GOAL, later working as a volunteer at a centre for refugee children in war-torn Somalia. She said that one of the harrowing experiences that has inspired her work was having a baby die in her arms for no other reason than not having a bottle to feed the child. During the 1990s she worked in Rwanda following the horrific genocide, working on the ground to help save lives and rebuild shattered communities and praying beside the grim sight of mass graves. Following these experiences Mrs Forrest decided to make a life-long commitment to the poor and marginalised of our world. She said that meeting Mother Theresa brought her attention, where she was truly moved by the poverty she witnessed in Kolkata. I could not ignore what I saw, little children alone on the streets, suffering abuse, neglect, violence and hunger, I felt compelled into action and decided to start The HOPE Foundation to fund the set-up of a protection home for abused girls, said Mrs Forrest. The experience of witnessing the very worst of human suffering from the mass graves in Rwanda, to the harrowing daily reality of life for the street children in Kolkata, led Maureen to believe that those living in abject poverty should be loved and respected and embraced as individuals. The HOPE Foundations mission is to improve the lives of the most marginalised street and slum children, ensuring their basic rights and enhancing their dignity of life, through protection, health, education and economic development in a sustainable life cycle approach. The initial goal was to run a residential childcare centre for 25 street children and raise 25,000 a year to run the centre. Today the runs 60 projects including 10 residential childcare centres, a hospital, a life skills training centre and a restaurant. Over the years, the Hope Foundation has developed strong bonds with numerous schools across Cork, facilitating thousands of schoolchildren to travel to India volunteering with the charity. While the voluntary work done by Cork students helps the people of Kolkata, Mrs Forrest believes that believes that it also helps Cork by ensuring our young people are aware of the positive social impact of volunteering. Speaking about The HOPE Foundation, Mrs Forrest said she has never regarded it as being simply a charity. It is organisation that invests in the sustainability of human life, affording people with necessary skills and an opportunity to become self-sufficient. Today a quarter of a million street children try to survive in Kolkata against all odds, in squalor, shifting through mountains of refuse in rubbish dumps in order to survive, said Mrs Forrest. We cannot forget them, even during our own difficult times, as Ralph Emerson put it, to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded, she added. Cork Person of the Month/Year Awards organiser, Mallow native Manus OCallaghan, said that although Maureen Forrest has recently stepped back after 24-years from -day-to-day foundations operations, she continues work with the organisation and Founding President. Maureen has spent decades working to better the lives of some of the most impoverished children in India. She is an inspiration to the people of Cork and a shining example of what it means to be a global citizen, said Mr OCallaghan. Maureen Forrests name will now forward, along with the other Cork Person(s) of the Month selected this year, for possible selection as the 2023 Cork Person of the Year at a gala awards lunch to be held at Corks Metropole Hotel on January 26 next. 17:13 | Lima, Aug. 28. Within this framework, PromPeru organizes the 12th edition of the Peru Service Summit (PSS) from September 18 to 21, 2023. This is the most important event of the industry. Its mission is to promote and highlight growth in the sector, as well as to continue building connections and business relationships between Peruvian providers of business solutions and international contracting companies from different industries. In addition to the pre-scheduled business roundtables, the PSS 2023 will feature specialized sessions that are intended to make the most of global business opportunities. In this regard, the program includes an international forum open to the public, strategic workshops, and an award ceremony that will recognize innovation, partnership, as well as excellence and effort of companies on the global stage. Previous editions It should be noted that since its first edition, this business platform has generated more than US$873 million in business opportunities, including over 880 international contractors from 28 countries, in areas such as banking, retail, massive consumption, health, mining, insurance, among others. In addition, more than 778 Peruvian services-export companies have benefited from this situation, with a remarkable 16% of them based in regions such as Arequipa, Cusco, Junin, and La Libertad. IBAL report reveals each of the six sites in Cork surveyed were found to be in a littered state. IBAL said discarded disposable vapes had rapidly become an emerging form of litter. Plastic bottles and fast-food related waste were found at all the Cork sites. FOR the third year in succession a report into the condition of Corks beaches, harbour towns and rivers does not make for very pretty reading with all of the six Rebel County areas surveyed branded as being littered. Established in 1996 by the late Fermoy businessman and philanthropist Dr Tom Cavanagh, Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) is an alliance of companies sharing a common belief that a clean, litter free environment is vital to economic prosperity, most notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment. In addition to running an annual litter league covering towns across the country, IBAL keeps a keen eye on the condition of our coastal areas, which it believes play a key role in fostering that economic prosperity. With this in mind IBAL, in conjunction with An Taisce, conducts an annual summer coastal survey, which this year assessed the condition of more than 30 locations across the country over the course of June and July. The survey found that Cork areas continued to struggle when it comes to littering, with Cork, Bantry, Castletownbere & Kinsale Harbours, along with White Bay and Ballincurra Beaches among 10 locations with the littered tag. The only bright spot on the otherwise disappointing Cork scorecard was that Cork Harbour (in particular the area around Blackrock Castle) and White Bay Beach in East Cork had been upgraded from their 2022 heavily littered designation. The report for the Blackrock Castle area said that while there had been a definite notable improvement there were obvious signs of fast food/sweet related litter, cigarette butts and dog fouling and minimal litter awareness notifications. While the White Bay report also noted an improvement on 2022, it still remained a mixed site with significant sewage related litter, discarded portable barbecues food related waste, discarded marine waste including nets & ropes and building related materials. The report for Ballincurra noted a very obvious and heavy litter presence at the site with much of it appearing to be dated indicating a lack of thorough cleaning for some time. While inspectors praised the built environment around Kinsale, they said some bins were overflowing and there was very obvious cigarette butt and fast-food litter presence, with graffiti and fly-posting also given a dishonourable mention. The report for Bantry Harbour said there had been little change over the past 12-months, while inspectors found that litter levels in Castletownbere Harbour had slipped when compared to last summer. Commenting on the wider findings of the 2023 coastal report, IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan said that for the first since the initiative commenced in 2017 none of the surveyed areas were deemed to be litter blackspots, with a 50% rise in clean sites overall. However, Mr Horgan said the majority of beaches were still falling short of the required standard, despite the unsettled summer weather seeing a drop off in visitor numbers. Where our beaches attracted far fewer numbers than normal, one might have expected the majority to be virtually free of litter, said Mr Horgan. Unfortunately, this does not reflect the state of our coastal environment. There is much long lie litter and waste coming in from the sea, and this is compounded by litter from those who continue to frequent our coastline despite the inclement weather, he added. As in the case of the most recent IBAL town survey, Mr Horgan said that disposable vapes had rapidly become an emerging form of litter. He said that IBAL was in favour of banning disposable vapes as they run counter to the notion of a circular economy. This time last year we were not seeing this form of litter at all, so its rapid emergence is worrying. So, too, is its impact on our environment said Mr Horgan. Vapes contain electronics, chemical waste and single-use plastic which breaks down into microparticles, endangering sea life. At a time when we are urgently trying to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, the emergence of vapes is very concerning, he added. The three men were previously charged with possession of cocaine and possession for sale and supply. DIRECTIONS are awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to the cases of three men who were charged earlier this month in connection with the seizure of 60kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of 4.2 million. Gentjan Dodaj of Paradise Road, Athlone in Co Westmeath and his brother, Donatel Dodaj of the same address, were previously charged alongside Daniel Afedoaei of Sli an Aifreann in Athlone. The men first appeared before Cork District Court on August 7, where they were charged with possession of cocaine, and possession for cocaine for sale or supply two days earlier at L2998 in Richmond, Dunkettle, Co Cork. Donatel Dodaj and Daniel Afedoaei, aged 29 and 22 respectively, have yet to make bail applications before the court. Last week at Cork District Court Gentjan Dodaj (39) made an application for bail in order to set up a business to support his family. Mr Dodaj, who like his younger brother is an Albanian national, said that he would never leave Ireland in one million years if granted bail. He said that he was applying for bail to finish setting up a business to provide for his pregnant partner and their two children. His solicitor Shane Collins Daly said that he was requesting bail to get his affairs in order and in a bid to assist his family, Bail was denied in the case and Gentjan Dodaj was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on September 4th next. Meanwhile, today (Monday) at Cork District Court the cases of his two co accused Donatel Dodaj and Romanian national Daniel Afedoaei came before Judge Joanne Carroll. An interpreter was present in court for Donatel Dodaj arising out of his lack of competency in English. Sgt Gearoid Davis applied for a further remand in custody in the cases of both men to facilitate the obtaining of DPP directions. Solicitor Shane Collins Daly said that the men were consenting to another remand in custody until September 4th next for DPP directions. Judge Carroll remanded the men in continuing custody until their next court appearance. Free legal aid was assigned to the men at an earlier hearing. The court also previously heard that Donatel Dodaj only arrived in Ireland a month before the alleged offence and was living with his brother. The seizure of the drugs occurred following an intelligence led operation targeting persons suspected of involvement with organised crime, a joint operation was conducted by the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau and personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service. The scene of the fatal stabbing at Cardinal Court, Wilton on July 14 last. DPP directions are awaited in the case of a 41-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife, who was found dead a house in Cork city in July. Regin Parithapara Rajan was previously charged with the murder, contrary to Common Law, of 38-year-old Deepa Paruthiyezhuth Dinamani at their home in Cardinal Court in Wilton on July 14 last. On Monday at Cork District Court, Sgt Gearoid Davis applied for a further remand in custody in the case until Wednesday (August 30th) as the court was experiencing difficulties with its video link system to the prison service. Judge Joanne Carroll said that it was vital that Mr Rajan appear in court in person in two days time arising out of the seriousness of the charge and possible issues with the video link. Eddie Burke, solicitor, said that his client had consented to being remanded in custody until his next court appearance in the case. Sgt Davis said that DPP directions are awaited in the case. At a sitting of the court on July 16 last, Det Garda Alan Johnson gave evidence of arrest charge and caution. He said that at 2.45am that day at Togher Garda Station in Cork city he formally charged Mr Rajan with the murder of his wife. Mr Rajan made no reply when the charge was put to him after caution. Mr Burke previously requested that his client be seen by a prison psychiatrist for treatment for his depression. Judge Olan Kelleher directed that Mr Rajan receive appropriate medical attention in custody. Mr Burke also previously applied for, and was granted, free legal aid for his client. He said that his client had no income or means. No bail applications have been made in the case as bail cannot be granted in the District Court when the charge is one of murder. Mr Rajan is a native of India. Deepa Dinamani was a chartered accountant who was working as a senior manager in fund services at a company based in the Airport Business Park in Cork. The deceased, who is the mother of a five-year-old son, was from Kerala in Southern India and had been living in Cork for just three months. She was pronounced dead at her family home in Cardinal Court on the southside of the city on the evening of July 14. The alarm was raised when she failed to pick up her son at the house of a friend. She was found in a bedroom of the property which she shared with her husband and son. Her body was transferred to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination was carried out. A forensic examination also took place at her home in Wilton. An idonate page raised sufficient funds to pay for her body to be sent back to India for burial. ONeill was addressing a rally of over 5,000 to honour republicans who died on hunger strike Pictured addressing the rally on Grand Parade in Cork, Michelle ONeill called on the government to take legal action if the British government proceeds with controversial legislation to deal with legacy issues in the North. North Cork born Michelle ONeill spoke of her pride at addressing a rally in Cork to honour all those republicans who died on hunger strike as she called on the government to take legal action if the British government proceeds with controversial legislation to deal with legacy issues in the North. Ms ONeill said that she was delighted to be back in the county of her birth as she addressed Sinn Feins 42nd annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration which drew a crowd of over 5,000 to the Grand Parade in Cork city at the weekend. Ms ONeill said that the proposed legislation, (the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill 2022-2023) currently before the Houses of Parliament was a denial of human rights to the families of victims of those killed and injured by British state forces in the North. The current legislation nearing completion in Westminster has one purpose, and one purpose only, to conceal the truth and protect British state forces. It is anti-democratic, it is unjust, and it is a denial of the human rights of victims and their families who have campaigned for decades for the truth. The British government should withdraw this legislation. And if the British government do not withdraw this legislation, the Irish government should confront this denial of human rights through an interstate case and international action against the British government. Speaking at the rally beside the National Monument on the Grand Parade, Ms ONeill said that the growth of Sinn Fein had resulted in a greater than ever demand for change, both north and south of the border, and the party would deliver on this demand for change and a united Ireland. The Northern State that my parents and grandparents were born into is no more. The contrived political unionist majority is gone, and Sinn Fein has won two historic elections, this year and last, and we are now the largest political party in the assembly and in local government in the north. For the very first time, a republican and nationalist and I, as a woman from Tyrone, am poised to hold the post of First Minister in a state that was designed to ensure that would never ever happen . I will never allow anyone to be treated in the way our parents and grandparents were treated. Ms ONeill said there was no contradiction in declaring and delivering on a firm commitment to engage in power-sharing with unionism and others in the Stormont Executive while at the same time arguing and planning for constitutional change that would end partition on the island. And she urged the Democratic Unionist Party to face up to the reality of last Mays historic Assembly elections when Sinn Fein became the largest party in Stormont and to stop boycotting the power sharing administration which people had voted to restore. While the DUP continue to cause political disruption, dysfunction and chaos, the reality is that they have no credible alternative to power-sharing on the basis of equality. It is time the DUP accepted the democratic outcome of last Mays historic Assembly election where the people voted for change. Their boycott is leading to misery for people who need an executive in place to lift the cost-of-living burden, to tackle the health crisis, to attract investment, to create jobs, to deliver change, to plan for the future, she told the large attendance estimated by gardai to be over 5,000 people. Ms ONeill predicted that Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald will become the first woman Taoiseach of a government that doesnt include either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, but she said the current Irish government needs to start preparing and planning for re-unification. The government in Dublin must establish a citizens assembly to plan for a peaceful, orderly and democratic constitutional change but, be assured, referendums on the reunification of Ireland will happen and to win them, we have to be organized, energetic and relentless in our work. Ms ONeill said Sinn Feins vision for a new Ireland had equality and inclusion at its heart where misogyny, racism, sectarianism, homophobia or any form of intolerance would be tackled, and the party was committed to delivering on economic and social justice. That vision would see those who celebrate Orange culture being valued as equals with those who have an Irish national identity as would those who dont identify with either tradition, all of which would enrich the new Ireland which would prosper from such diversity and multiculturalism. Recalling the 22 Irish patriots who died on hunger strike in the 20th Century, Ms ONeill said it is our collective responsibility to seize this moment and reach courageously for a new future for everyone who shares this island because the prize for everybody is something better for us all. The commemoration which remembers the 22 republicans who died on hunger strike in British and Irish jails from Easter Rising, Irish Volunteer leader Thomas Ashe in 1917 to INLA man Mickey Devine, who was the last of ten republicans to die in the 1981 hunger strike in the Maze. Among those in attendance was Cork East Sinn Fein TD Pat Buckley as well as Cork city Sinn Fein TDs Thomas Gould and Donnchadh O Laoghaire as well as former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, former Kerry Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris and former Sinn Fein Director of Publicity Danny Morrison. NEKWD team organisers of the Ukrainian Independence celebrations in Siamsa Tire on Thursday last. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. Yershovy Sisters performing at celebrations in Siama Tire on Thursday last to mark Ukrainian Independence Day. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. Ukrainian Code Choir performing at celebrations in Siama Tire on Thursday last to mark Ukrainian Independence Day. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. Alina Maskak performing at celebrations in Siama Tire on Thursday last to mark Ukrainian Independence Day. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. NEKWD team organisers of the Ukrainian Independence celebrations in Siamsa Tire on Thursday last. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. Yershovy Sisters performing at celebrations in Siama Tire on Thursday last to mark Ukrainian Independence Day. Photo by Vladyslav Zakora. Ruslan, Andrii, Yuliia and Anna Yushchenko and Illia Travianko at the Ukrainian independence event at the Siamsa Tire on Thursday afternoon - Photo by Mark OSullivan The Ukrainian community in Kerry came together to mark the 32nd anniversary of Ukraines Independence with several events across the county including one in Siamsa Tire which brought a large contingent together. The program of celebration in Tralee and supported by NEKWD included a concert by Ukrainian performers, the premiere of the documentary "Culture vs War. Antityla and the exhibition of children's drawings in the hall Siamsa Tire. The celebration was attended by local guests from MTU, Kerry College, Kerry ETB, NEWKD partners and friends, including Jim Finucane, Mayor of The concert With Ukraine in our heart which was organized by NEWKD, consisted of Ukrainian folk, classical and pop hits. Performers included the Ukrainian Choir Vilni and Children's Choir Zhivogray, the Yershovy Sisters (violins, cello), The Ukrainian Code Choir, soloist - tenor Misha Dimov. Misha Dimov used to live in Odesa before the full-scale invasion in February of 2022. He now lives here in Dingle. Some of Ukrainians might have seen him on the Ukrainian Version of The Voice or playing in the iconic musical Notre Dame de Paris. The Yeshovy sisters also hail from Odessa and have fled twice from war during the life-time. For the performance at the concert, Misha prepared the song "Let's sing a song about Ukraine", which he performed with a children's choir. This became the climax of the spectacle, many people in the hall could not hold back tears. Vilni choirs and Zhivhoray children's choir rehearse under the direction of choirmaster and soloist Liliya Nemchenko who is also directing a National Ukrainian Choir brought together by local development companies and who have just released a new version of Phil Coulters single, Steal Away, in collaboration with the man himself. Hazelwood Heritage Society held an interesting event recently as part of the National Heritage week celebrations. The event entitled, the Shell House project was led by Wendy Lyons, conservation architect. There was an excellent attendance on a dry evening and everybody met at the Half Moon bay car park and walked along the North shore of Lough Gill to the Shell house. There, Wendy gave a talk about the history of the structure which was built around the late 1700s. The Shell House, one of four summer houses built by the Wynne family of Hazelwood in the parkland surrounding Hazelwood house, was for the enjoyment of the ladies of the house and their guests. From the Shell House the ladies could enjoy afternoon tea and the view across Lough Gill to Dunee and Rockwood mountains. On the domed ceiling of the Shell House the original pattern could be seen, from a photo, demonstrating how the shells would have been arranged in decreasing curves from the main stem upwards. Somehow, the shells were attached and stuck fast, and didnt fall down. Another photo showed rustic style seating inside the semi-circular walls. Hazelwood is one of only three known estates in Ireland, which had Shell Houses, and were unique in their day. It was Lady Sarah Wynne, wife of Owen Wynne who had the Shell house built and who designed the decoration for it. Wendy also discussed the current state of the structure, and the conservation methods required to preserve it and prevent future deterioration. It is hoped that the conservation work will be carried out next year. The event was part of a grant aided heritage project, supported by The Heritage Council, The Heritage Department, Sligo County Council, and Coillte, on whose property the Shell house stands. Dublin and Liverpools finest are set to combine in Wexford next month as Danny Carroll and Laurie Shaw hit the stage in Caseys of Wexford as part of their nationwide tour. Occupying his own place within the Dublin scene going back years, Danny Carroll is the co-curator of A Litany Of Failures, a compilation series showcasing independent artists across Ireland. Having gigged in various projects, hes opened for kindred spirits such as Jeffrey Lewis and Pavement guitarist Spiral Stairs, before the time came to work on his debut solo album. Enlisting the help of Belfast based producer Chris W. Ryan (New Dad, Just Mustard, Robocobra Quartet), in January 2023, he released his debut solo single Affection. Now living in Ireland, Wirral-born prolific songwriter and producer Laurie Shaw regularly gigs in Cork, Dublin and across Liverpool. Hes released over 100 albums to date and has been compared to the likes of Pulp, Edgar Jones and even Arctic Monkeys. The pair are set to team up for a special tour which will see them arrive at Caseys in Wexford on Friday, September 22 for a show at 9 p.m. Entry is free of charge and everyone at Caseys is excited for what promises to be a big show. The Arklow RNLI lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue were called to assist an injured crew member aboard a 20m sail training vessel 20 miles southeast of Arklow. The Arklow RNLI lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue were called to assist an injured crew member aboard a 20m sail training vessel 20 miles southeast of Arklow. A person has been airlifted to hospital after sustaining an injury out at sea off the coast of Arklow. The Arklow RNLI lifeboat was called to assist an injured crew member aboard a 20m sailing boat some 20 miles southeast of Arklow at 12:15pm on Monday. The volunteer RNLI crew launched into southerly force six winds with waves approximately 2m high and the injured crew member needing to be transferred to shore as quickly as possible. Once on scene, it was clear that transferring boat to boat would be a challenging operation and, with prevailing weather conditions, it was decided to request the Irish Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Rescue 117 to assist in the transfer. First aid was provided to the injured person by its own crew on board the sailing vessel. The lifeboat stood by the vessel to render assistance if needed. Once the helicopter was on the scene the crew member was transferred from the vessel to the helicopter, and then to the hospital. The lifeboat then returned to base at Arklow and was made ready for service. Arklow RNLIs crew on this callout were Coxswain Ned Dillon, Brendan Dillon, Eddie McElheron, Craig OReilly and Michale Mordaunt. Following the callout, Mark Corcoran, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Arklow RNLI said: Our volunteers train regularly with the Irish Coast Guard helicopters. These interagency operations are key to making sure casualties get the care they need as early as possible. "Well done to the crew of the sail training vessel who provided first aid and made the early decision to seek assistance. The extraordinary early career of Sinead OConnor is covered in the fascinating documentary Nothing Compares, which plays at the Mermaid. Focusing on the years 1987-1993, the film looks at her troubled upbringing, her first steps into music, the meteoric rise she enjoyed after the release of her legendary single Nothing Compares 2U, and the very public protests that put her in the crosshairs of a cruel tabloid media. Nothing Compares received positive reviews from film critics in the US, the UK and Ireland. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 99% approval rating based on reviews from 83 critics. The websites critical consensus reads: A moving look at Sinead OConnors remarkable life and career, Nothing Compares is enriching viewing whether or not youre a fan of her work. The Guardians film critic Peter Bradshaw gave it 4/5 stars, describing it as a bracing guide to a brilliant individual who declined to conform. The Telegraph critic Neil McCormack gave it 5/5 stars, describing it as the most potent film about the travails of a woman in the pop industry since Asif Kapadias 2016 Oscar-winning Amy. Showing for one night only at Mermaid Arts Centre, Saturday September 2, at 7pm. Wicklow Minister Simon Harris has addressed concerns over reports that Greystones Garda Station is facing closure if personnel are moved to Bray Garda Station as a result of roster changes, which are due to come into effect in November. In a statement, Minister Harris said: It has been confirmed to me by the Minister for Justice that there are no plans to close Greystones Garda Station. In addition to this, An Garda Siochana confirmed to my colleague, the Justice Minister, that Garda management wish to actually invest in and refurbish the station, he said. Not only must Greystones Garda Station remain open, it needs to be expanded to provide fit for purpose facilities for gardai stationed there and for the needs of our growing community. Read more Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore calls for clarity over fears of Greystones Garda Station closure Our local gardai in County Wicklow must be supported in their excellent work. During my time as Justice Minister, I took a number of steps to try and do this, including producing a new law to increase the sentence for anyone who assaults a member of An Garda Siochana or attacks their vehicle, he continued. As the number of new gardai emerging from Templemore College increases in the months ahead, it is really important that we see an increase in garda numbers throughout County Wicklow and this is particularly merited considering the increase in the population in our county. I will continue to work to support members of the gardai in our county and in my role in Government. I am very much aware of the ongoing roster issue in An Garda Siochana and I really hope that meaningful engagement can take place to find a solution that works for garda members and works for the policing needs of our communities, he concluded. YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. A 22-year-old student from Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) has been kidnapped by Azeri border guards in the illegal checkpoint in Lachin Corridor while traveling to Armenia with a Russian peacekeeping escort, the Artsakh InfoCenter said. The official Artsakh InfoCenter identified the kidnapping victim as Alen N. Sargsyan (born 2001). He was traveling to Armenia to continue his education in Yerevan. The motive behind the kidnapping is unclear. Azerbaijan continues its genocidal policy against the people of Artsakh, once again violating the norms of international humanitarian law. Details on the incident will be reported later, the Artsakh InfoCenter said in a statement. This is the second kidnapping incident of civilians by the Azeri border guards in their illegal checkpoint in Lachin Corridor. On July 29, an elderly patient was kidnapped during his medical evacuation facilitated by the ICRC. Tigran Petrosyan, the Head of the Anti-Crisis Council under the Artsakh Presidency, said that another student is now detained in interrogation. An hour ago, the Azerbaijanis seized a 22-year-old student from the Russians in the checkpoint. And now one was taken away and another one is being interrogated, Petrosyan said. He called on residents of Nagorno-Karabakh to gather in the Stepanakert plaza for a demonstration. This is no time for silence. If we remain silent, they will come and take us all. Meanwhile, Azeri news media reported that three Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh were arrested on Monday at the illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint in Lachin Corridor. This is a developing story. Update shows comments by Tigran Petrosyan and the Azeri media report. Watch the trailer below for the movie, also featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, which will be released on September 29 The trailer for award-winning Wicklow actor Jack Reynors new film, Flora and Son, has been debuted ahead of its global premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, September 29. Reynor, who was born in Colorado to an Irish mother and moved to Valleymount in west Wicklow when he was two years old, plays the role of 'Ian', featuring alongside rising star (and Bonos daughter) Eve Hewson and Inception actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Directed by Irishman John Carney, noted for his success with the romantic musical drama Once, Flora and Son explores the bond between a mother and son, following the story of single mom Flora, who is at war with her son, Max. Flora and Son Official Trailer Trying to find a hobby for Max, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster and finds that one person's trash can be her family's salvation. Enlisting the help of an LA musician (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), mother and son discover the life-changing power of music. September promises to be a bumper month for Reynor, with the impending release of The Good Mother, which co-stars two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Olivia Cooke, slated for its US release on September 1 and is due to roll out elsewhere, with plans for Ireland yet to be revealed. The film tells the story of a journalist (Swank) who, after the murder of her estranged son, forms an unlikely alliance with his pregnant girlfriend to track down those responsible for his death. Together, they confront a world of drugs and corruption. Lifestyle Whats on in Wicklow: Alison Spittle, Liz McManus, country music, and a candlelit walk Heres our pick of events to get involved with this week in County Wicklow, from charity dances and quizzes, to hilarious comedy, a book launch and an atmospheric annual walk. Maya Jama and Stormzy appear to have confirmed they are back in a relationship after they were spotted holding hands while holidaying in Greece. The Love Island host (29) previously dated the 30-year-old British rapper for four years before they split up in 2019. Last week, they sparked hope among fans that they had rekindled their romance after they shared individual videos and photos of themselves on holiday in what appeared to be a similar location. On Sunday night, photographs circulating in media reports and social media showed Jama and Stormzy smiling as they held hands and walked in the sunshine on the island of Hydra. Jama stepped out in a black string bikini top, with a white vest and a white midi-length skirt, a wide-brimmed straw hat and sandals. Meanwhile, Stormzy appeared beaming in a white vest and white shorts, complete with white trainers. He carried several shopping bags in his free hand, while the other showed his and Jamas fingers intertwined. According to reports, the Vossi Bop rapper has his mother to thank for encouraging him to make amends with Maya after he previously spoke about his mistakes. The Sun quoted a source as saying: Stormzy is really open about wanting to settle down and have kids one day and he knows Maya is The One. On social media, fans celebrated the couple, with many expressing how happy they were for the couple to have seemingly rekindled their romance. Im irrationally happy that theyre back together. its not even any of my business but its iconic, one fan wrote on X/Twitter. Another commented on Stormzys expression in the images and said: He looks so happy. Practically skipping down the street. I love love. A third added: This is the highlight of the year. Look how gassed up he is!!! Power couple!!! Stormzy celebrates 30th birthday at The Mike Gala Last October, Stormzy reflected on his breakup from Jama and described it as the biggest loss you can have. Speaking to Louis Theroux on the presenters series Interviews, Stormzy said that breakup was probably the biggest catalyst for his growth as a person. It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you, he continued. Thats probably the biggest loss a man can have, isnt it? Away from someone passing away, thats the biggest loss you can have. The award-winning artist added that he had made mistakes and said: I didnt do what a man should do to fully appreciate love, and care for his woman. Jama has also spoken publicly about the breakup and told British Vogue earlier this year that neither she nor Stormzy had realised the cultural importance of their relationship when it ended. None of us really knew the level of importance it held to a certain group of people, us being together, she told the magazine. We were both super ambitious. We were both from similar upbringings and we were both just little grafters that have made something good of ourselves. It was lovely when it was lovely, and then you move. Neither Stormzy nor Jama have publicly addressed the speculation that they are back together. They first met in October 2014 at the Red Bull Culture Clash festival and started dating the following year. Jama appeared in Stormzys music videos for his tracks Birthday Girl and Big For Your Boots. Diverse Space X crew arrives at the International Space Station From a Marine whose parents fled the Iranian Revolution to an oil rig worker who compares himself to Bruce Willis in Armageddon, the paths to space were varied Nasa astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Jaxa astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov ready to depart on Saturday. Photo: Reuters Lucy Leeson Mon 28 Aug 2023 at 03:30 Nasas SpaceX Crew-7 astronauts arrived at International Space Station last night after taking off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday. Ritesh Chams, left, while serving in 2008, and, right, a still from Gurkha Warriors (Gurkha Warriors/PA) A former Gurkha who met Prince Harry through Walking With The Wounded has said he is embracing his second life as he stars in a film about the Nepalese soldiers which will premiere in Leicester Square. Killer (21) bought his guns legally despite mental health problems Ryan Palmeter was caught on video shooting the first victim in her car outside the Dollar General, a US discount chain. Photo: John Raoux A white man who fatally shot three black people in a racist attack at a Florida store shot one of his victims as she sat in her car, chased another through the store and shot the third as he entered, Jacksonvilles sheriff said yesterday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will face the first real test in her multi-defendant prosecution of former president Donald Trump and his allies on Monday. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled in a US District Court in Georgia where a judge will hear arguments from Ms Willis and also the defense regarding whether the trial of ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows should take place in federal court. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab Mumbai/UNI: The Board of Directors of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) on Monday recommended to the shareholders for approval of the appointment of Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani as non-executive directors of the company. "Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani have been closely involved with and are leading and managing key businesses of RIL over the last few years including retail, digital services and energy and materials businesses. "They also serve on the boards of the key subsidiaries of RIL. Their appointment to the Board of RIL will enable RIL to gain from their insights and infuse new ideas," RIL Board said. Their appointment will take effect from the date they assume office after approval by the shareholders. "The Board of Directors also accepted the resignation of Nita Ambani from the Board respecting her decision to devote her energies and time to guide and enable Reliance Foundation to make an even greater impact for India," an official statement said. As the chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani will attend all the RIL Board meetings as a permanent invitee to the Board. YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic has again called for restoration of free movement along Lachin Corridor and confirmed readiness to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh to assist in overcoming the existing human rights challenges. In a statement released on August 28, Mijatovic expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. I remain seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the human rights of its population following the blocking of the road running through the Lachin Corridor since December 2022. I reiterate the call I made at that time to restore free movement along that road. Despite my calls and those of numerous other international stakeholders, the humanitarian and human rights situation in the area has reportedly further deteriorated, affecting particularly the most vulnerable, due to the prolonged disruption in the movement of people and access to food supplies and urgent medical care. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is for the moment the only international humanitarian organisation operating across the Lachin Corridor, indicated that the population was facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials. The relevant stakeholders should immediately find a solution to avoid any further deterioration of the very dangerous situation the local population is facing and guarantee safe and free passage to those providing humanitarian assistance and those ensuring human rights protection. As indicated in my 2021 Memorandum, efforts should be made by Armenia and Azerbaijan to move forward on the path towards reconciliation and ensure lasting peace for all people. I confirm my commitment and readiness to engage with all the relevant interlocutors and to travel to Nagorno Karabakh to assist in overcoming the existing human rights challenges, Mijatovic said in the statement. Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023. Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations. Photo courtesy: UNI Kolkata/UNI: The death toll in the illegal firecracker factory blast in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district rose to nine, with two more deaths who were admitted into a government hospital, official sources said on Monday. Keramat Ali, who is accused of running the factory at the residential area of Duttapukur, and Samsul Ali, also a partner of the factory, succumbed to their wounds at the Barasat Medical Hospital, sources added. On Sunday's blast, there were altogether seven casualties, and as many left wounded; three of them were women. The blast happened around 10-30 AM in the residential area of Nilgunj-Moshpole under Duttapukur police station, and the immediate impact was the two-storied house was flattened and some other residences in the vicinity were damaged. Eyewitnesses said the explosion did not not cause flames, but thick black smoke covered the whole area. They said the explosion might have happened when the workers of the illegal factory were drying the firecrackers on the roof. Scores of sacks stacked with firecrackers - chocolate bomb, a banned item - were found in another godown, which fortunately was not affected in the massive explosion, sources added. They said the workers were mostly hired from the Murshidabad district, another neighbor complained. The blast happened at the house of Samshul Ali, which the police came to know while probing the massive blast. A separate report said a mutilated body was found in a pond filled with hyacinth. The pond is some distance away from the scene of the blast. Local people, after seeing the half-drowned body, informed the police, who recovered the body, which had no head. It was not immediately confirmed if the victim was a casualty of the blast. The CID began an investigation and collected samples from the site. In image file photo PMModi meeting Vladmiri Putin/ courtesy: PIB New Delhi/IBNS: Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will be unable to attend the G20 Summit to be hosted by Delhi next weekend. Putin will send foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in his place, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. The PMO also said the leaders, who interacted during last week's BRICS Summit in South Africa also spoke about bilateral, regional, and global issues. During the brief call, PM Modi expressed an understanding of Putin's decision and conveyed India's gratitude for Russia's support as it holds the presidency of the G20 for this year. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the Prime Minister's Office said. Speculation in the media suggests that Putin will not travel since the G20 Summit broke last week after the Kremlin's statement on the Russian leader, who faces global criticism for leading his country into the war with Ukraine. According to reports, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has strongly denied the reports. However, if true, ICC's warrant means Putin risks arrest when travelling abroad and that might be also a reason why he did not travel to South Africa (for the BRICS Summit) either, preferring instead to address the meeting via a video link. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Independent voices of journalists, reporters and media personnel continued to be trampled across Pakistan, with the state, its proxies and extremist elements resorting to violence and intimidation. On August 12, 2023, Jan Muhammad Mahar, a reporter of a Sindhi-language cable television network KTN News, was shot dead in an armed attack by unidentified assailants in the Sukkur District of Sindh. Mahar was in his car when he was attacked, close to his office. According to Media sources, Mahar fearlessly reported on diverse subjects, shedding light on matters of societal and political significance. On August 7, 2023, Ghulam Asghar Khand, a journalist working for Sobh, a Pakistani daily newspaper in the Sindhi language, was killed by an unidentified assailant in the Ahmedpur area of the Khairpur District of Sindh. Police said that one unidentified assailant opened fire on Khand when he was going to the Press Club, from his home. Various reports indicate that Khand had reported on illegal activities in Amedpur before his death. On April 28, 2022, 7 News channel reporter Zia-Ur-Rehman Farooqi succumbed to his bullet wounds in Khanewal District of Punjab province. Several assailants stopped and threatened a car carrying media reporters, including Zia-Ur-Rehman Farooqi. Armed individuals opened fire on the journalists, hitting Zia-Ur-Rehman in the head. The other journalists in the car managed to escape unharmed, while the assailants fled the scene. He was suspectedly attacked for his critical reporting on land grabbing schemes in the area. On February 18, 2022, private TV channel Samaa's Senior Producer Athar Mateen was shot dead in an armed attack on his car in the North Nazimabad area of Karachi. Two robbers were looting a local at gunpoint when, in an attempt to prevent the robbery, Athar Mateen was killed. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) database, the first incident of killing of journalist inside Pakistan after March 2000, was recorded on September 1, 2001, when Asadullah Khan, a reporter for the Kashmir Press International (KPI) news agency, was shot dead at Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Asad was on his way by his motorcycle and, near the Pir Bukhari Mazar, unknown armed men intercepted and shot him dead. Since then, according to partial data collated by SATP, at least 69 journalists have been killed and another 28 injured in Pakistan, in 91 incidents (data till August 27, 2023). These numbers are probable underestimations. The Committee to Protect Journalists lists 90 journalists and media workers killed in Pakistan between 2000 and 2021. Worryingly, the violence towards journalists has been projected beyond Pakistans borders. On October 23, 2022, Arshad Sharif, who was critical of Pakistans Army, was killed when Police shot at his car on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Subsequently, on December 7, 2022, a team of Pakistani investigators stated in a report that Arshads killing was a planned assassination. The 49-year-old journalist was living in exile after he fled Pakistan in August 2022, to avoid arrest in the wake of numerous cases, including sedition charges, slapped against him for making comments on his Talk Show Power Play, aired on ARY News channel, deemed offensive to the military. Earlier, Sajid Hussain, a Baloch rights activist and journalist from Pakistan, living under political asylum in Sweden, was found missing on March 2, 2020, from Sweden. As he had been forced to flee Pakistan in 2012, after his investigative journalism attracted frequent death threats, Hussain travelled from Oman to Dubai, to Uganda, finally settling in Sweden. His body was later found in the Fyris River in Uppsala on April 23, 2020. Hussain, was working part-time as a professor in Uppsala University, and was also the Chief Editor of Balochistan Times, an online magazine he had set up, in which he wrote about abductions, drug trafficking and the long-running insurgency in Balochistan. Meanwhile, apart from these killings, the abduction, torture and intimidation of journalists in Pakistan have also broken the spirit of media professionals. Some of the recent incidents of abduction include: July 8, 2023: Daily Jung's senior journalist, Syed Muhammad Askari, was 'picked up' from near the Qayyumabad KPT Interchange on Korangi Road in Karachi. Askari's car was intercepted without any reason by masked men, while he was returning from a ceremony. Askari introduced himself and told them that he is a reporter for Daily Jung, but he was taken away and beaten up. He returned to his home after more than 24 hours. May 24, 2023: Senior journalist Sami Abraham of BOL TV was abducted by 'unidentified men' in Islamabad. Abraham's abduction was dramatic as his car was intercepted by four vehicles after he left the BOL TV office and nearly ten men took him away. He returned a week later. April 28, 2023: Irfan Kalhoro, a local news reporter for Dharti in Sindh, was abducted, tortured, and later arrested in the Pano Aqil District of Sindh province. In the evening Abdullah Chachar, a government employee, along with approximately 15 to 20 armed men, forcibly entered and ransacked Kalhoro's house, detained and tortured him. On his release, instead of acting against the perpetrators, Police officers at Pano Aqil Police Station lodged an FIR against him and arrested him. April 20, 2023: Gohar Wazir, President of Bannu's National Press Club and a journalist for a privately owned Pashto television channel, was abducted and held in an unknown location for over 30 hours by unidentified assailants. Wazir was reportedly tortured and suffered electric shocks during his illegal confinement. The detentions of journalists often go unexplained, leaving the families of the victims wondering for months or even years whether their loved one was killed in something as commonplace as a hit-and-run accident or secretly detained by the security forces. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has produced a moderately vibrant media sector that represents a diversity of political views and opinions. Nevertheless, in recent years, successive governments and the military establishment alike have curtailed media freedom in ways that threaten pluralism and journalistic independence in the country. Over the past decade, the Press has been progressively restrained by different means: new legal mechanisms; physical coercion and violence against journalists; and media blackouts. Freedom Network, a Pakistan-based media watchdog, recorded at least 140 cases of threats and attacks against journalists, media professionals and media organisations between May 2022 and March 2023. The data shows that violations jumped to 140 in 2022-23 from 86 in 2021-22, indicating an annual increase of around 63 per cent. Freedom Network further noted, The main types of violations against the journalists were 51 cases (36 per cent) of assault, 21 cases (15 per cent) of attacks that resulted in damage to equipment, homes of journalists or offices of news organizations, and 14 cases (10 per cent) of offline or online threats, including seven death threats. Together these three types of violations accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total 140 cases. Islamabad emerged as the riskiest place to practice journalism in Pakistan with 40 per cent of the violations (56 out of total 140 cases). Punjab was second worst with 25 per cent of the violations (35 cases) and Sindh a close third at 23 per cent (32 cases). TV was the largest victim medium with at least 97 (69 per cent) of the 140 cases against its practitioners. The second most targeted medium was print with 26 journalists targeted (19 per cent) while digital journalists were attacked or threatened in 15 cases (11 per cent). Journalists and media personnel faced a fresh spate of attack during the political turmoil surrounding former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khans arrest. Amid widespread protests and political instability, Pakistani authorities imposed internet shutdowns and blocked social media platforms, while protestors and Khans supporters targeted journalists in violent attacks. Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023, by paramilitary troops on corruption charges. A day after, on May 10, about 200 demonstrators stormed the building housing Radio Pakistan, the state-owned radio station in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They ransacked the reception area and smashed furniture in several studios. The mob later set fire to the building, destroying computer equipment and the stations historical recordings and three vehicles in the compound. The day before, reporters trying to cover the protests in Peshawar were also attacked by demonstrators. Khan was released by the Supreme Court on May 11, but was re-arrested again on August 5, 2023, and is currently serving a three-year jail sentence for asset concealment. Pakistani journalists have long faced serious obstacles to their work, including abduction, harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrest and detention, and death. Moreover, security forces regularly pressure editors to fire or muzzle reporters, while the government starves critical news outlets of advertising funds, and even refuses to settle previous bills. Anchors have frequently seen their newscasts or programmes cut off in the middle of a broadcast. The state of affairs in Pakistan has consistently prevented free information from flowing via the media. The risk of being recognised, identified, and assassinated as a free-thinking and fearless journalist is extremely high. Additionally, the fear of complicated governmental rules creates a climate of constant danger for both media outlets and journalists, particularly when covering critical political or anti-establishment stories, or terrorism-related incidents in the country. Image: UNODC Truck drivers in southern Africa who have been recruited to traffic or smuggle people illegally are learning about the risks involved thanks to the UN drugs and crime agency, UNODC. I used to transport sugar from Malawi, said an anonymous driver, who was arrested for migrant trafficking. In 2016, I had to wait for several days at a border crossing in Tanzania for customs checks. I was approached by a man who offered me a lot of money to transport goats. His story is not unique. Malawi is located at the crossroads of several significant flows of people fleeing conflict, instability, and poverty in Central Africa and the Horn of Africa. Such movements provide lucrative opportunities for smugglers and traffickers and for Malawis 5,000 registered international truck drivers. The driver who shared his story said he was paid in advance, and the man who offered him the deal took photos of both him and his truck. The driver proceeded to spend some of the money and send more to his wife. On the day I was due to leave, the man told me the goats were actually 30 illegal migrants from Ethiopia, he said. They looked very sick, tired, and malnourished. He said I had to take them to a location in Malawi thats close to a large refugee camp. Smuggler threats When the driver tried to protest, the smuggler demanded his money back and threatened to take the truck and share photos of him with the authorities. This is how it all started, and soon it became my main business, he said. The man would pay me a lot of money and escort me in a small car, so he could bribe corrupt police and immigration officers along the way. According to the driver, he was initially not aware that what he was doing was illegal. Then, in 2019, he was arrested in Mozambique while transporting 72 migrants from Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Now Im sick, unemployed, and divorced, the driver said. Trafficking risks Truck drivers based in Malawi are now learning about the risks of transporting migrants and trafficking victims, thanks to a programme supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The courses, which began in February, are already proving to be a success. Feckson Chimodzi, a truck driver who transports farming products from countries in Southern Africa into Malawi and also participated in the course, said drivers who work with smugglers and traffickers often do it out of necessity to supplement their low salaries. Our employers need to improve our working conditions and give us comprehensive training about the dangers of getting involved in these crimes, Mr. Chimodzi said. Strict penalties Criminals who smuggle or traffic humans within countries or across borders use all possible routes and modes of transportation to transfer people for profit and exploitation. If apprehended by authorities, the truck drivers are usually arrested and imprisoned, explained Maxwell Matewere, a UNODC National Project Officer on trafficking in persons. Theres a lack of understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the region, and payment for illegally transporting people is much larger than the regular truck drivers salary, said Mr. Matewere, who conducts the training. Most drivers know what theyre doing is illegal, but are told that when they cross borders, corrupt officials will let them pass, he said. So, they take the money and the risk. Vehicle confiscations and arrests Following a series of vehicle confiscations and arrests in neighbouring countries, the Professional Drivers Association of Malawi asked UNODC to train its members on the dangers of transporting smuggled migrants and victims of trafficking. A total of four courses for around 400 drivers have been conducted, with further sessions scheduled in October. The participants are informed about the penalties they face if caught, including the loss of both their truck and employment, a criminal record, and potential imprisonment of up to 14 years in a foreign country. Positive impact, new allies Since the start of the UNODC courses, the Professional Drivers Association has reported a reduction in the number of arrests of Malawian drivers on charges of migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Many drivers who attended the training are proving to be very useful allies in the prevention and detection of cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking, said Mr. Matewere said. We explain that migrant smuggling and human trafficking are serious organized criminal activities punishable by laws in Malawi and the countries the drivers transit, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, he said. Furthermore, the drivers are told that these crimes are linked to exploitation, abuse, and violence and can even result in death, and we tell them about the connections to other illicit activities such as drugs and firearms smuggling, he added. Last year, Malawis Ministry for Homeland Security appointed a new group of law enforcement officers to counter the increasing cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Weve established contact between the truck drivers we trained and this specialised unit, so they now know who to inform when theyve been approached by criminals to carry people in their vehicles, Mr. Matewere said. Since May, seven attempts of human trafficking and migrant smuggling have been stopped by authorities at border crossings due to information from truck drivers. A recent case involved 40 Malawians, including children, who were being taken in three trucks to South Africa and intercepted on the border with Zambia. The awareness-raising courses are organized through UNODCs human trafficking and migrant smuggling section, with the cooperation of Malawis Ministry of Homeland Security and financial support from the Government of Sweden. Toco the dog, famous for his 12,480 collie outfit, is said to have given his first interview while in costume. Last year, the Japanese man went viral after revealing his canine alter ego and his astonishingly lifelike costume, which stunned the internet. Japanese man who transformed into a dog gives first in-costume interview By the way, this isn't just a costume; Toco has always wanted to transform into a dog. "I've thought about it ever since I can remember," he told MailOnline last year. His identity is concealed since he does not want his coworkers to be aware of his unusual interest. "They find it strange that I wish to be a dog. I can't show my true face for the same reason," he added. "I made it a collie because it looks real when I put it on," he explained in an earlier interview with Mynavi. "My favourite animals are quadrupeds, especially cute ones. Among them, I concluded that a large animal close to me would be excellent because it would be a realistic model, therefore I made it a dog. I came across such a situation and created collie, my favourite breed of dog." Toco believes that admirers want to emulate him YouTube Screengrab And now, after participating in his first in-costume conversation, Toco believes that admirers want to emulate him. "I receive all kinds of messages, and among the positive messages, some tell me that they want to do what [I've done]," he told The Daily Star. "It has shown me that there are other people like me." "The point is that the skeleton of a dog can be reproduced on the skeleton of a human," said a spokesman from Zeppet, who created the 12,480 costume. "We spent a lot of time studying how to make it look like a dog because the anatomy of the skeleton is so different." YouTube Screengrab It appears that a lot of thought goes into the process, right down to the fur colour: "In addition, we collect photographs taken from various angles so that the beautiful coat of the collie can be reproduced and devised so that the coat will flow naturally." What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Azalea, 33, took to social media to apologize to her fans for the concert mishap Attica Bank is expanding its cooperation with the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) with its participation in the Development Law Financial Instrument Guarantee Fund (DeLFI GF). The action concerns the granting Attica Bank: Loans with favorable terms to SMEs through the Guarantee Fund - The cooperation of the pharmaceutical industries of Greece and India was high on the agenda of the meeting held recently between the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Prime Minister Greek pharmaceutical industry to enhance economic cooperation with India - On Wednesday , Mitsotakis will visit Thessaloniki where, ahead of the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), will hold a series of meetings with production agencies and local administration officials. Home Search ICH Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House "The Crucifixion of Julian Assange" By Chris Hedges Tweet Hebrew Bible Reading: Jeremiah 37 11- 21 And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army, Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of the people. And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans. Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes. Wherefore the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe: for they had made that the prison. When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the Lord? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. Moreover Jeremiah said unto king Zedekiah, What have I offended against thee, or against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison? Where are now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land? Therefore hear now, I pray thee, O my lord the king: let my supplication, I pray thee, be accepted before thee; that thou cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there. Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison. New Testament Readings: Matthew 4:1-17 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. The Crucifixion of Julian Assange - by Mr. Fish Prophets are notoriously difficult people. They are not saints. They are people of agony, as Rabbi Abraham Heschel writes, whose life and soul are at stake. The prophet is moved by human anguish. Prophets are not soothsayers. They do not divine the future. Injustice, for the prophet, assumes almost cosmic proportions. A prophet, consumed by an unnatural fury, gives witness to the divine pathos. God, Heschel writes, is raging in the prophets words. He or she stands unflinchingly with the crucified of the earth, even to the point of their own destruction. While the world is at ease and asleep, Heschel writes, the prophet feels the blast from heaven. Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter And the prophet is often compelled to proclaim the very opposite of what his [or her] heart desires. Prophets believe in justice even when the world around them says there will be no justice. It is not that they transcend reality. It is that they are compelled to strike out against it, refusing to be silent no matter how hard life becomes. They are gripped by what Reinhold Niebuhr calls a sublime madness in the soul, for nothing but such madness will do battle with malignant power and spiritual wickedness in high places. This madness is dangerous, but vital because without it truth is obscured. Liberalism, Niebuhr goes on, lacks the spirit of enthusiasm, not to say fanaticism, which is so necessary to move the world out of its beaten tracks. It is too intellectual and too little emotional to be an efficient force in history. But as the priest Amaziah says of the prophet Amos, The land is not able to bear all his words. The Biblical prophets Elijah, Amos, Jeremiah, Isaiah believed that anything worth living for was worth dying for. Their enemy was not only suffering, calumny, poverty, injustice, but a life devoid of meaning. You have to be prepared to die before you can begin to live, the civil rights icon Fred Shuttlesworth said. Prophets cannot be intimidated. They cannot be bought. They are single-mindedly obsessed. James Baldwin, himself a prophet, understands. He writes: Ultimately, the artist and the revolutionary function as they function, and pay whatever dues they must pay behind it because they are both possessed by a vision, and they do not so much follow this vision as find themselves driven by it. Otherwise, they could never endure, much less embrace, the lives they are compelled to lead. The powerful and the rich make war on the prophet. They slander and insult the prophet. They question the prophets sanity and motives. They make it hard for the prophet to survive removing the prophets meager source of income. They punish and marginalize those who stand with the prophet. They silence the prophets voice, through censorship, imprisonment and often murder. The list of martyred prophets is long. Socrates. Joan of Arc. Isaac Babel. Federico Garcia Lorca. Miklos Radnoti. Irene Nemirovsky. Malcolm X. Martin Luther King Jr. Victor Jara. Ken Saro-Wiwa. The truth grips the prophet so that he or she is bound so strongly to it that nothing but death can separate them from it. In that truth they find God. One can never wrestle enough with God if one does so out of a pure regard for truth, Simone Weil writes. Christ likes for us to prefer truth to him because, before being Christ, he is truth. If one turns aside from him to go toward the truth, one will not go far before falling into his arms. Who crucified Jesus? Organized religion. Organized politics. Organized business. The executioners have not changed. They simply changed the story, created a counterfeit gospel, as the poet Langston Hughes writes: Listen, Christ, You did alright in your day, I reckon But that days gone now. They ghosted you up a swell story, too, Called it Bible But its dead now. The popes and the preachersve Made too much money from it. Theyve sold you to many Kings, generals, robbers, and killers Even to the Tzar and Cossacks, Even to Rockefellers Church, Even to THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. You aint no good no more. Theyve pawned you Till youve done wore out. The Carthaginian general Hannibal, who came close to defeating the Roman Republic in the Second Punic War, committed suicide in 181 B.C. in exile as Roman soldiers closed in on his residence in Bithynia, now modern-day Turkey. It had been more than 30 years since he led his army across the Alps and annihilated Roman legions. Rome was only able to save itself from defeat by replicating Hannibals military tactics. It did not matter that there had been over 20 Roman consuls since Hannibals invasion. It did not matter that Hannibal had been hunted for decades and forced to perpetually flee, always just beyond the reach of Roman authorities. He had humiliated Rome. He had punctured its myth of omnipotence. And he would pay. With his life. Years after Hannibal was gone, the Romans were still not satisfied. They finished their work of apocalyptic vengeance in 146 B.C. by razing Carthage to the ground and selling its remaining population into slavery. Cato the Censor summed up the sentiments of Empire: Carthago delenda est Carthage must be destroyed. Nothing about Empire, from then until now, has changed. Imperial powers do not forgive those who make public the sordid and immoral inner workings of Empire. Empires are fragile constructions. Their power is as much one of perception as of military strength. The virtues they claim to uphold and defend, usually in the name of their superior civilization, are a mask for pillage, corruption, lies, the exploitation of cheap labor, indiscriminate mass violence against innocents and state terror. The current American Empire, damaged and humiliated by troves of internal documents published by WikiLeaks, will, for this reason, persecute Julian for the rest of his life. It does not matter who is president or which political party is in power. Imperialists speak with one despotic voice. Julian, for this reason, is undergoing a slow-motion execution. Seven years trapped in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Four years in Belmarsh Prison. He ripped back the veil on the dark machinations of the U.S. Empire, the wholesale slaughter of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, the lies, the corruption, the brutal suppression of those who attempt to speak the truth. The Empire intends to make him pay. He is to be an example to anyone who might think of doing what he did. Julian had other options. His genius and his skill as a computer programmer and cryptographer would have seen him highly compensated by security agencies, private contractors or Silicon Valley. He could have made a very comfortable living if he served the Empire. His soul, as Christopher Marlow shows us in Doctor Faustus, would have atrophied and died, like the souls of all who prostitute themselves to power, but the material rewards would have been significant. He would have been a success, at least a success as measured by the powerful and the wealthy. Satan tempts Jesus by offering him power, all the kingdoms of the world, accompanied by glory and authority. If you, then, will worship me, Satan says, it will all be yours. This temptation is the fatal disease of those who serve power and with it the hubris and avarice that hastens, as the prophet Amos says, the reign of violence. And yet these malevolent forces are not the most dangerous. When I was a rabbi of the Jewish community in Berlin under the Hitler regimethe most important lesson I learned under those tragic circumstances was that bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problems, Rabbi Joachim Prinz says. The most urgent and most disgraceful, the most shameful, the most tragic problem, is silence. Julians crucifixion is a public spectacle. It is not hidden. And yet we watch passively. We do not flood the streets with our protests. We do not condemn the executioners, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden. We give his crucifixion our silent consent. W. H. Auden in Musee des Beaux Arts writes: About suffering they were never wrong, The old Masters: how well they understood Its human position: how it takes place While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along; How, when the aged are reverently, passionately waiting For the miraculous birth, there always must be Children who did not specially want it to happen, skating On a pond at the edge of the wood: They never forgot That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot Where the dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturer's horse Scratches its innocent behind on a tree. In Breughel's Icarus, for instance: how everything turns away Quite leisurely from the disaster; the ploughman may Have heard the splash, the forsaken cry, But for him it was not an important failure; the sun shone As it had to on the white legs disappearing into the green Water, and the expensive delicate ship that must have seen Something amazing, a boy falling out of the sky, Had somewhere to get to and sailed calmly on. Sacrifice, self-sacrifice, is the cost of discipleship. But few are willing to pay that price. We prefer to look away from suffering, a boy falling out of the sky. And it is our indifference, and with our indifference, our complicity, that condemns all prophets. But what of the price of peace? the radical priest Father Daniel Berrigan, who spent two years in a federal prison for burning draft records during the Vietnam War, asks in his book No Bars to Manhood: I think of the good, decent, peace-loving people I have known by the thousands, and I wonder. How many of them are so afflicted with the wasting disease of normalcy that, even as they declare for the peace, their hands reach out with an instinctive spasm in the direction of their comforts, their home, their security, their income, their future, their plansthat five-year plan of studies, that ten-year plan of professional status, that twenty-year plan of family growth and unity, that fifty-year plan of decent life and honorable natural demise. Of course, let us have the peace, we cry, but at the same time let us have normalcy, let us lose nothing, let our lives stand intact, let us know neither prison nor ill repute nor disruption of ties. And because we must encompass this and protect that, and because at all costsat all costsour hopes must march on schedule, and because it is unheard of that in the name of peace a sword should fall, disjoining that fine and cunning web that our lives have woven, because it is unheard of that good men should suffer injustice or families be sundered or good repute be lostbecause of this we cry peace and cry peace, and there is no peace. There is no peace because there are no peacemakers. There are no makers of peace because the making of peace is at least as costly as the making of warat least as exigent, at least as disruptive, at least as liable to bring disgrace and prison and death in its wake. Bearing the cross, living in truth, is not about the pursuit of happiness. It does not embrace the illusion of inevitable human progress. It is not about achieving wealth, celebrity or power. It entails sacrifice. It is about our neighbor. The organs of state security monitor and harass you. They amass huge files on your activities. They disrupt your life. They throw you in prison, even when, like Julian, you did not commit a crime. It is not a new story. Nor is our indifference to evil; palpable evil we can see in front of us, new. In the reading from the Hebrew Bible we hear the story of the prophet Jeremiah. He, like Julian, exposed the corruption and lust for war by the powerful. He warned of the catastrophe that inevitably comes when the covenant with God is broken. He condemned idolatry, the corruption of kings, priests and false prophets. Jeremiah was arrested, beaten and put in stocks. He was forbidden from preaching. An attempt was made on his life. After Egypt was conquered by Babylon, and Judea began to prepare for war, Jeremiah delivered an oracle warning the king to maintain peace. King Zedekiah ignored him. Babylon besieged Jerusalem. Jeremiah was arrested and imprisoned. He was freed by the Babylonians after Jerusalems conquest, but was exiled to Egypt, where, according to the Biblical tradition, he was stoned to death. Jeremiah, like Julian, understood that a society that prohibits the capacity to speak in truth extinguishes the capacity to live in justice. Yes, all of us who know and admire Julian decry his prolonged suffering and the suffering of his family. Yes, we demand that the many wrongs and injustices that have been visited upon him end. Yes, we honor him for his courage and his integrity. But the battle for Julians liberty has always been much more than the persecution of a publisher. It is the most important battle for press freedom, and truth, of our era. And if we lose this battle, it will be devastating, not only for Julian and his family, but for us. Tyrannies, from Biblical times to the present, invert the rule of law. They turn the law into an instrument of injustice. They cloak their crimes in a faux legality. They use the decorum of the courts and trials, to mask their criminality. Those, such as Julian, who expose that criminality to the public are dangerous, for without the pretext of legitimacy the tyranny loses credibility and has nothing left in its arsenal but fear, coercion and violence. The long campaign against Julian and WikiLeaks is a window into the collapse of the rule of law, the rise of what the political philosopher Sheldon Wolin calls our system of inverted totalitarianism, a form of totalitarianism that maintains the fictions of the old capitalist democracy, including its institutions, iconography, patriotic symbols and rhetoric, but internally has surrendered total control to the dictates of global corporations. I was in the London courtroom during Julians extradition hearing overseen by Judge Vanessa Baraitser, an updated version of the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, demanding the sentence before pronouncing the verdict. It was a judicial farce. There was no legal basis to hold Julian in prison. There was no legal basis to try him, an Australian citizen, under the U.S. Espionage Act. The CIA spiedon Julian in the embassy through the Spanish company, UC Global, contracted to provide embassy security. This spying included recording the privileged conversations between Julian and his lawyers as they discussed his defense. This fact alone invalidated the hearing. Julian is being held in a high security prison so the state can, as Nils Melzer, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture, has testified, continue the degrading abuse and torture it hopes will lead to his psychological, if not physical disintegration. The U.S. government directed London barrister James Lewis. Lewis presented these directives to Baraitser. Baraitser adopted them as her legal decision. It was a judicial pantomime. Lewis and the judge insisted they were not attempting to criminalize journalists and muzzle the press while they busily set up the legal framework to criminalize journalists and muzzle the press. And that is why the court worked so hard to mask the proceedings from the public; limiting access to the courtroom to a handful of observers and making it hard, and at times impossible, to access the hearing online. It was a tawdry show trial, not an example of the best of English jurisprudence, but the Lubyanka. Prophets call for justice in an unjust world. What they demand is not radical. On the political spectrum it is conservative. The restoration of the rule of law. It is simple and basic. It should not, in a functioning democracy, be incendiary. But living in truth in a despotic system is the supreme act of defiance. This truth terrifies those in power. The architects of imperialism, the masters of war, the corporate-controlled legislative, judicial and executive branches of government and their obsequious courtiers in the media, are illegitimate. Say this simple truth and you are banished, as many of us have been, to the margins of the media landscape. Prove this truth, as Julian, Chelsea Manning, Jeremy Hammond and Edward Snowden have done by allowing us to peer into the inner workings of power, and you are hunted down and persecuted. In Oct. 2010, WikiLeaks released the Iraq War Logs. The War Logs documented numerous U.S. war crimes including video images of the gunning down of two Reuters journalists and 10 other unarmed civilians in the Collateral Murder video, the routine torture of Iraqi prisoners, the covering up of thousands of civilian deaths and the killing of nearly 700 civilians who approached too closely to U.S. checkpoints. The towering civil rights attorneys Len Weinglass and my good friend Michael Ratner who I would later accompany to meet Julian in the Ecuadoran Embassy met with Julian in a studio apartment in Central London. Julians personal bank cards had been blocked. Three encrypted laptops with documents detailing U.S. war crimes had disappeared from his luggage en route to London. Swedish police were fabricating a case against him in a move, Ratner warned, was about extraditing Julian to the United States. WikiLeaks and you personally are facing a battle that is both legal and political, Weinglass told Julian. As we learned in the Pentagon Papers case, the US government doesnt like the truth coming out. And it doesnt like to be humiliated. No matter if its Nixon or Bush or Obama, Republican or Democrat in the White House. The US government will try to stop you from publishing its ugly secrets. And if they have to destroy you and the First Amendment and the rights of publishers with you, they are willing to do it. We believe they are going to come after WikiLeaks and you, Julian, as the publisher. Come after me for what? asked Julian. Espionage, Weinglass continued. Theyre going to charge Bradley Manning with treason under the Espionage Act of 1917. We dont think it applies to him because hes a whistleblower, not a spy. And we dont think it applies to you either because you are a publisher. But they are going to try to force Manning into implicating you as his collaborator. Come after me for what? That is the question. They came after Julian not for his vices, but his virtues. They came after Julian because he exposed the more than 15,000 unreported deaths of Iraqi civilians; because he exposed the torture and abuse of some 800 men and boys, aged between 14 and 89, at Guantanamo; because he exposed that Hillary Clinton in 2009 ordered U.S. diplomats to spy on U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other U.N. representatives from China, France, Russia, and the U.K., spying that included obtaining DNA, iris scans, fingerprints, and personal passwords (part of the long pattern of illegal surveillance that included the eavesdropping on U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in the weeks before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003); because he exposed that Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and the CIA backed the June 2009 military coup in Honduras that overthrew the democratically elected president Manuel Zelaya, replacing him with a murderous and corrupt military regime; because he exposed that George W. Bush, Barack Obama and General David Petraeus prosecuted a war in Iraq that under post-Nuremberg laws is defined as a criminal war of aggression, a war crime; that they authorized hundreds of targeted assassinations, including those of U.S. citizens in Yemen, and that they secretly launched missile, bomb, and drone attacks on Yemen, killing scores of civilians; because Julian exposed the contents of the speeches Hillary Clinton gave to Goldman Sachs for which she was paid $675,000, a sum so large it can only be considered a bribe, and that she privately assured corporate leaders she would do their bidding while promising the public financial regulation and reform; because he exposed how the hacking tools used by the CIA and the National Security Agency permits the wholesale government surveillance of our televisions, computers, smart phones and anti-virus software, allowing the government to record and store our conversations, images and private text messages, even from encrypted apps. Julian exposed the truth. He exposed it over and over and over until there was no question of the endemic illegality, corruption and mendacity that defines the global ruling class And for these truths they came after Julian, as they have come after all who dared rip back the veil on power. Red Rosa now has vanished too, Bertolt Brecht wrote after the German socialist Rosa Luxemburg was murdered. She told the poor what life is about, And so the rich have rubbed her out. We have undergone a corporate coup, where poor and working men and women are reduced to joblessness and hunger, where war, financial speculation and internal surveillance are the only real business of the state, where even habeas corpus no longer exists, where we, as citizens, are nothing more than commodities to corporate systems of power, ones to be used, fleeced and discarded. To refuse to fight back, to reach out and help the weak, the oppressed and the suffering, to save the planet from ecocide, to decry the domestic and international crimes of the ruling class, to demand justice, to live in truth, is to bear the mark of Cain. Those in power must feel our wrath, and this means constant acts of mass civil disobedience, it means constant acts of social and political disruption, for this organized power from below is the only power that will save us and the only power that will free Julian. Politics is a game of fear. It is our moral and civic duty to make those in power very, very afraid. The criminal ruling class has all of us locked in its death grip. It cannot be reformed. It has abolished the rule of law. It obscures and falsifies the truth. It seeks the consolidation of its obscene wealth and power. But to do this, we must, as Julian has done, as all prophets have done, pick up the cross and bear its awful weight on our back. This is the cross that we must bear for the freedom of our people Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us. The cross we bear precedes the crown we wear. To be a Christian, one must take up the cross, with all its difficulties agonizing and tension-packed content and carry it until that very cross leaves its marks upon us and redeems us, to that more excellent way which comes only through sufferingWhen I took up the cross, I recognized its meaningThe cross is something you bear, and ultimately that you die on. Hope has two beautiful daughters, Augustine writes. Their names are anger and courage;anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are. Those who hold fast to the eternal and the sacred, to truth, as the sociologist Emile Durkeim understood, are not merely those who see new truths of which most others are ignorant, but are men and women, possessed by sublime madness, who are driven by a transcendent force that allows them to endure the trials of existence or conquer them. They transform the world through suffering. My friend Julian is suffering. He is suffering for our sins and our indifference. As Rabbi Heschel reminds us, some are guilty, but all are responsible. There are two choices. We stand for the truth, for Julian, and free him. We find the courage to be responsible, to pick up the cross. Or we are complicit in the dark night of corporate tyranny that will envelope us all. Let us pray: God of grace and God of glory In thy people pour thy power; Crown thine ancient churchs story, Bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, For the facing of this hour For the facing of this hour. Christopher Lynn Hedges (born September 18, 1956) is an American journalist, author, commentator and Presbyterian minister. Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Search Information Clearing House The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. I sat with my love on a hotel balcony overlooking a marina and we renewed our vow to never own a boat. I got up at 5 a.m. to send a niece to the airport and I gave her several coherent sentences of advice, drawing on my own mistakes. My love and I sat in the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and devoured a dozen Malpeques and a lobster roll and scrod, the lights in the domed ceiling unchanged from when I saw it with my dad in 1953. In the subway heading home, she showed me snapshots of another niece holding her baby boy to her breast, minutes after delivery. The mother looked exhilarated, the babe surprised, the papa stunned. We couldn't stop studying the pictures, the delight of them, which obliterated so much nonsense. We were back in the real America. I wish they'd ban my book Cheerfulness so that more people would read it. I wrote it because the America I know and love is upbeat, enterprising, amiable to a fault, partial to jokes, and the mood of fracture and trauma seems fictitious to me, a far cry from the country that attracted our immigrant forebears. They didn't cross the border in the hopes of taking vengeance. Friday afternoon, I boarded the Lake Shore Limited in New York, bound for Chicago and then the Grand Canyon, along with my Londoner stepdaughter and her husband who are ambitious hikers and eager to experience one of nature's great erosion projects. We chugged through tunnels under Manhattan and then emerged along the mighty Hudson, on our way to Schenectady and Syracuse, and along Lake Michigan through Ohio and Indiana, not far from the route my ancestors David and Martha Ann Powell traveled 150 years ago with a milk cow tied to a wagonload of babies, including my great-grandpa James Wesley. David was infected with the westward urge. I have no such urge myself and never did. It's been an accidental life, a twig floating in the stream of life, like the driverless car that Google is developing but one programmed to be directed by gusts of wind. I love trains. The food was bad but the conversation was good. Something about motion stimulates talk. I come from people of few words; they should've gotten on bicycles, it would've loosened them up. The train stopped for maintenance problems, then hit top speed to make up the time, so it was a rough ride, a lot of bucketa-bucketa, which stimulated a wild night of interesting dreams: I was in Reykjavik singing in Icelandic, I spoke with my mother who said she loved me, I was in a dinghy with a sail heading up the river to meet my love, I won the Nobel Prize in literature, I fell into a pit of manure but kept my mouth shut, I was sitting in a city room of a newspaper typing on a Royal typewriter and using carbon paper. I lay awake through Indiana, thinking about my grandfather James, a skilled carpenter who loved books and loved to sing. My dad built our house from the basement to the roof beam. Now I'm eight years older than my grandpa and seven years younger than my father. So much of the world feels alien to the 81-year-old, which relieves me of personal responsibility; I'm a citizen of a country that is disappearing. So be it. My responsibility is to pay attention. I sat in the dining car drinking coffee as we cruised into Chicago and a Mennonite couple sat down, she in a black gown, he wearing a flat-brimmed straw hat. We spoke and I told the joke about the waitress who came to the Lord after she waited on several men a night. They laughed politely. He said, Thank you for cleaning that up. Usually it's a prostitute." I hesitate to say this because it's something my people never said, never dreamed of saying, maybe it felt like bad luck to their cautious Scots souls, but Chicago is approaching and I need to pack my bag, so here it is: these are the days, the time is now; I have never felt so happy as I do now. This will change. But I accept this beautiful summer, happiness is dominant, it diminishes all the miscellaneous. (COMMENT, BELOW) Garrison Keillor is an author and radio personality. His latest book is "The Lake Wobegon Virus: A Novel". Buy it at a 33% discount! by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR. YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. President of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Arayik Harutyunyan has convened a Security Council meeting to discuss the measures taken by his administration to determine the fate of the men kidnapped by Azerbaijani border guards and return them home. Harutyunyan and the officials also discussed the situation in Artsakh, possible developments and the tasks of the authorities, his office said in a statement. President Harutyunyan informed the participants of the session about the steps taken in the direction of determining the fate of the citizens of Artsakh Republic who were kidnapped today by Azerbaijan and returning them home. The situation in Artsakh, possible developments and tasks of the authorities for withstanding the daily worsening humanitarian disaster and solving security issues were discussed, Harutyunyans office said. Home Search ICH Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House "We Get Rich, They Just Die" By Daniel Patrick Welch" Tweet August 27/28, 2023 - Information Clearing House - The Western Anglo-Saxon Empire is controlling people's minds and their self-awareness to maintain its global hegemony, says American writer and geopolitical analyst Daniel Patrick Welch. Welch, who studied Russian History and Literature at Harvard University, made the remarks in an interview with the Press TV website on Friday while commenting on the Western media converge of the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "condolences" over the plane crash that killed Prigozhin and nine others on Wednesday. An investigation is currently underway into what caused Wednesday's crash, which came two months after Prigozhin led a short-lived armed mutiny against the Russian military leadership in June. Putin said that it was necessary to await the outcome of the official investigation into the crash, in which all 10 people on board were killed. The Russian president said the inquiry would take some time. 'Putin did it!' Blame game goes on for US Welch scoffs at the reaction of Western media to the presumed death of Wagner's boss and the immediate claim of Western sources that Putin did it. The first instinct that pops into my head on a news item like this is just to scream out. No, he didn't. No, he didn't. You hear about this of Yevgeny Prigozhin being killed in a plane crash outside of Moscow. Immediately, the Western press ramps up. Biden says it was Putin. The Sun calls it Putin's revenge. British media is a joke anyway, but all of the Western outlets are screaming this. The airtight control over the information pipeline in the West is most apparent here, according to Welch: In fact, what is sad for me and interesting is that this is actually how I found out about it. My acknowledgment of Prigozhin's suspected death was from a friend who texted me, and said, 'Hey, Putin doesn't mess around.' The writer sees it as a foregone conclusion that Western press outlets will respond almost reflexively with a virtually preapproved text. This is a friend who was joking, but the fact is that the news and that gargantuan lie and twist of the news are presented as one always. And that is how the Western Anglo-Saxon Empire maintains its hegemony. It's as important as genocide. It's as important as nuclear war, he says. And it pays off. They are controlling people's minds and people's self-awareness so deeply that people might not even be fooled that they would have to look a little deeper. Why did Putin do this? Why would it be Putin? In preventing any further reflection, mainstream sources fall back on the assumed narrative that Putin is bad, so anything goes. This is not a sock puppet, an autocrat, who runs Russia in the farm of his hand, as crazy as it might seem for Westerners to question that impulse. And again, it works smoothly, says Welch. But evil is bad. That's the thing you can use. Evil is bad. Why would he do it? Because he's evil. Because that's the thing you do to your enemies. Evil people do evil things. 'US accuses others of exactly what it does The irony, he believes, or perhaps part of the plan, is the US is accusing others of exactly what its own actions have been. Well, if you really turn it over, it's what the US does, and they do it all the damn time. They don't care. Welch points out that this is basically the only script that US and US-friendly media follows, as we see in hotspots or points of interest (to the US) around the world. Readymade narratives immediately fill all available space: Khan disappeared both literally in being sacked with these ridiculous charges, but also from the press. Nope, no media, nothing. This isn't important, Says the analyst. Instead, the press decides what to focus on. What is important is Putin's psychosis. We'll have a panel of idiot psychologists or whatever, whatever. Just stupid. Karl Rove's mantra: We create reality and we respond to it' Stupid, or brilliant? Welch says it might as well be all by design. Maybe this is exactly what they want, he says. This is how they got to the point that Karl Rove smugly said, We create reality and we respond to reality that is created by us. We watch people's reaction to it.' This neocon mantra of George W. Bushs advisor is now basically a mainstay of the political elite, claims Welch. The press is useful in this regard--the population is so well managed, so dumbed down that they just say it. And a compliant populace accepts it as real. They don't notice that the Russians were shocked at this, Welch points out. This is not something that helps Russia at all. By contrast, he believes, the Western propaganda machine was ready to go. And the West and Ukraine and the US had print-ready fiction, ready to go. If this happens, we'll just call it Putin's revenge, and that will be the headline. Brzezinskis chessboard The trouble is, Welch thinks that people dont even realize that this almost impenetrable filter applies broadly. It's not Ukraine, it's not Prigozhin, it's not Niger, it's not Imran Khan, it's not Pakistan, says Welch. It's the West's need to control the world. It's Brzezinskis idiot chessboard, which goes all the way back to Mackinder, on who controls the homeland. He refers to former official Zbigniew Brzezinski, who advised many presidents and had a major influence on US relations with the USSR. Brezhinsky is dead, finally, in a blessing to all of humanity. But his obsessive, Russian-hating, ignorance of history lives on in this grand scheme of the Great Game and how to corner, surround, and ruin China, Russia, and whoever gets in our way. But Welch expands on this, saying it is not just a Cold War relic. This goes back into Africa on the same ground. There's no shady junta in Niger, who's ruining the country, which they love to spout. Some of the military leaders involved were actually trained by the US, he notes. First of all, several of them were trained by the US in their constant attempts to plant spies and CIA creations in other governments, and it backfires. The objective, he believes, is to use a front story to distract people from what is actually happening. They'll talk about this so that no one will talk about Areva, the French mining company that has been digging and mining the resources and the hopes and the dreams and the future of the Nigerien people for 60 years, and the French government that uses it to profit from death, profit from other people's hunger, from other people's deprivation. 'We get rich, they just die' The truth, in Welchs view, is so straightforward that they do indeed need to cover it up. We get rich, they just die. The challenge, he suggests is not to accept information at face value in either case. Okay, so why would Putin do this? Why would young Africans rise up against this? Why is it happening this way? Cui Bono, to whom the benefit? What makes sense? That is what people need to use as a barometer to react, he states. As it happens the people are left, people in the West, under the regime, under the yoke of this really terrible media occupation. It is demoralizing, and an effective way to control people, he says. People have no agency, they have no self-conviction, they have no real identity to stop, ask why, ask who, and try to figure out what makes sense, he adds. He concludes by pointing out that people themselves, either in the West or elsewhere, have a power they dont even realize. Because guess what? People all over the world are trying to get through another day, and what makes sense is the only thing that has meaning to you. And their curse of centuries, like half a millennium, is going to end. Audio is here: Do you want to stop consuming propaganda? Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also Search Information Clearing House The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed some illegal refining sites in Rivers State and also killed several terrorists in the North-East region of the country. This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. He said the operations were carried out by the air component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and Operation Hadin Kai. According to him, the recent success of the airforce was in the continuation of efforts aimed at containing the activities of terrorists, militants and other criminal elements bent on destabilising the nation and making life unbearable to peace-loving Nigerians. READ ALSO: Bandit Leaders Beg Govt For Amnesty After NAF Airstrikes He said the air component of OPDS had, on August 27, carried out air interdiction missions on some illegal refining sites located at Cawthorne Channels, Bille and Gogokori in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers. He said that a Cotonou boat observed to be loaded with illegal refined products and heading into open waters was also engaged and destroyed at Gogokori. According to him, similar strikes were also extended to Idama in the AkukuToru Local Government Area and Omoma in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers upon receipt of intelligence of refining activities at the two locations. Gabkwet said that overhead both locations, active illegal refining sites with reservoirs suspected to contain illegally refined products were sighted, adding that the reservoirs were subsequently engaged, destroyed and engulfed in flames. He said that militants/pirates camps identified as Big Joes Camp, Sunnys Camp, Davids Camp in Bakassi Local Government Area and Amos Camps in Calabar South Local Government Area in Cross River were on Aug. 25, attacked by the air component of OPDS. Gabkwet explained further that the air strikes were authorised after confirming the locations to be littered with these criminals and their activities. Those that attempted to escape through their various escape routes were also attacked. In one of the suspected kidnappers camps, a lone structure suspected to be harbouring some kidnapped victims with armed men roaming around the structure was also attacked using guns on board the aircraft. The strikes led to pandemonium with several kidnapped victims seen escaping, he said. Speaking on the air strike in the Northeastern part of the country, the NAF spokesman said that strikes were conducted on Aug. 25 at Chinene, a persistent terrorists hideout in Mandara mountains, which had been struck on several occasions in the past. He said the location was struck with several terrorists neutralised, having observed that the area had continually hosted gatherings of terrorists and their activities, adding that others fled for their lives. Gabkwet noted further that the NAF aircraft have continued to give the requisite outcome while denying non-state actors the freedom to perpetrate their nefarious acts at will. While the NAF, alongside other security agencies, remain focused in undertaking their assigned tasks, the need for all Nigerians to see themselves as part of the solution to these challenges through the provision of actionable information to security agencies cannot be overemphasised, he urged. Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked and abducted a health worker and his brother over the weekend, at Wusasa area of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The bandits reportedly stormed the area around 9pm and shot sporadically to disperse the crowd before picking their victims, Yushau Peter of St. Lukes Hospital Wusasa and his brother, Joshua Peter. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the village head of Wusasa, Engr Isiyaku Ibrahim, confirmed the incident and expressed worry that: the kidnappers have so often made our area their target of attacks, abducting many of our people. According to him: Wusasa settlement, which is outside the ancient city of Zazzau, has witnessed a series of attacks in recent times. Not long ago, an Army officer and a vigilante member were killed. READ MORE: Bandits Allegedly Flee Niger States Forests, Release Kidnapped Victims It is the same area where a university Professor and Wazirin Wusasa were killed and his son abducted, spending almost a month in captivity. The abducted victims, Yushau and Joshua, are indigenes of Ikara Local Government Area in the state who recently ran for their lives after bandits attacked their residents and abducted their aged father, Mr Peter, he said. Some yet to be identified residents of Bayelsa State, on Sunday night, invaded a warehouse in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa, the state capital, and looted foodstuffs. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the warehouse, located in Kpansia suburb of the state capital, was where the 2022 flood palliatives were stored. However, it was not confirmed whether the subsidy palliatives provided by President Bola Tinubu to states to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal were among the items looted by the hungry residents. READ MORE: First Class Graduate Reportedly Beaten To Death For Stealing Bread In Bayelsa In a statement released to the public, by the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA) condemned the incident, describing it as an unwarranted invasion. The agency said warehouse was privately-owned and that the incident occurred about 7.45pm on Sunday, August 27 almost an hour after the Director-General, Walamam Igrubia, alongside some BYSEMA personnel, left the warehouse premises. BYSEMA explained that during the 2022 flood in the state, it used the warehouse to store food items. As part of preparations for an impending flood this year, the DG visited the premises, and in his presence, remnants of food items, notably rice and garri that were no longer fit for consumption, were cleared from the warehouse and placed outside for disposal the next day. The remnants, which were swept from the floor and packed in disused bags, were less than 10 bags of rice and garri and with some broken cans of oil. The agency said the looted items were not fresh food palliatives and were not hoarded by the state government. The agency declared the items as unfit for human consumption and a responsible, caring government like ours will not give Bayelsans such items as palliatives. Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate, Seyi Awolowo, during a conversation with fellow housemate Venita Akpofure said that the country is angry with him. He said Nigeria as a nation is deeply disappointed in him following his offensive and distasteful remarks about women. The country is angry with me. I cant even imagine the damage control that my team will be going through now. READ ALSO: BBNaija All Stars: Im Raising My Sons To Run Trains On Peoples Daughters Seyi (Video) This is coming one week after Seyi, during a conversation with Whitemoney, claimed to have opened a miscellaneous account for his son to enable him to have sex with other peoples daughters. Following the statements, Seyi has been criticised on social media. Recall that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, on its official X, formerly known as Twitter, also condemned the reality stars comments, noting that such remarks perpetuate harmful attitudes and contribute to a culture of violence and abuse. The Edo Government, on Sunday, posited that it is unfortunate that the Federal Government (FG) wants to gag the States Governor, Godwin Obaseki, over his opinion on the fuel subsidy removal. Recall that Obaseki said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no economic plan for post-subsidy removal. In response, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Obaseki was trying to shift focus away from his poor performance at State level. However, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, described the ministers claim as blatantly false, and that records are available to show that the Governor was not absent at these meetings. It is unfortunate and sad that the federal government now wants to gag citizens and even a popularly elected governor from speaking truth to power and expressing himself in the light of the perilous times we have fallen into. READ ALSO: My Loyalty To Obaseki Remains Absolute Shaibu The claim that governor Godwin Obaseki failed to attend the National Economic Council (NEC) meetings is blatantly false. The governor has attended all NEC meetings since the onset of this administration and records are there to prove this fact. The area where the minister may be referring to as non-performance should be the condition of the extensive federal roads running through the state, which the federal government has abandoned and even prevented us from intervening to repair claiming that contracts for their repairs have been awarded, the commissioner said. Nehikhare further cited the recent achievements of the State in areas of education, agriculture and technology, adding that records of Edo governments performance are available for Nigerians to verify. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says he would work towards reducing the emergency response time of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) centres to below 15 minutes. BTO as hes called on the political circle, disclosed this while announcing his vision for reforming key sectors under the interior ministry. The minister said the planned reforms hinge on the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Information Nigeria reports that while there is no official average response time of the service, in 2022, Rauf Aregbesola, former minister of interior, said the training undergone by firefighters in the country at that time had improved fire emergency response time to seven minutes. He also assured Nigerians of the governments commitment to revolutionising passport processing to bring ease to applicants. READ ALSO: Bandits Kidnap 2 Brothers In Kaduna Community Tunji-Ojo further directed officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to treat applicants with utmost respect in all its passport offices including those outside the country. We would do everything within our power as a ministry to ensure that there are key reforms in our fire service centres, turn around the response time of our fire service to under fifteen minutes. I assure Nigerians of our desire to proceed with reforms in our immigration service, such that Nigerians can be treated with respect, and that we get to unbuckle all bottlenecks of passport collections and see other issues associated with immigration services, in general, are under control. I also would like to give assurance that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we would do everything humanly possible to reform our custodial centres, such as the decongestion of those centres of course, with beaming life, and hope wed groom inmates and help inmates to ensure proper re-integration into the society, BTO said. The new Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has admitted that she is a corps member following the call for her removal over her active status in the scheme. The Minister on Sunday in a statement titled, My personal statement on my status as a serving minister, insisted that she had not broken any part of the laws of the National Youths Service Corps. She noted that her appointment by President Bola Tinubu has followed a barrage of media attacks and misinformation about her. READ ALSO: You Cant Be A Minister While Serving NYSC, Falana Tells Musawa The last couple of days have witnessed barrage of media attacks and misinformation about me following my appointment and swearing-in as the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I want to, again, thank President Tinubu for finding me worthy and for giving me the opportunity to serve the country I love as one of his Ministers. It is true I am currently on the NYSC national service which I began 8 months ago as a matter of duty and devotion to my country, having been unable to complete the scheme since I was first mobilised in 2001. I started the mandatory national service as a Corp member deployed to Akwa-Ibom State (pls confirm state) in 2001 upon the completion of my university education. I could not complete the service same year after my redeployment to Kaduna State due to family obligations. Despite this, it has been my personal resolve and commitment that I will always fulfill this national duty whenever I am opportune to do so. I applied to NYSC to be mobilised again for national service last year. NYSC graciously mobilised and deployed me to serve in Abuja where I have been serving in the last 8 months before my current appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I would like to state clearly that contrary to wrong insinuations and false assumptions in a section of the mainstream media and social media where false accusations have been made, there is no breach of any law or constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended regarding my current position as a Minister and status as serving Corp member. It must be said that there is no law of Nigeria or any part of our constitution and NYSC Act that states that a serving Corp member can not be appointed by the President of Nigeria or any other appointing authority into political positions. Equally, no part of our existing laws and NYSC Act says that a corp member must finish service before he/she can be appointed into political office. There are no legal and constitutional limitations whatsoever. I have not broken any law of Nigeria. In fact, in a decided case before a Federal High Court Abuja in 2021, Justice Taiwo Taiwo ruled that the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grundnorm, does not require anyone to even present a first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate to be appointed a Minister in Nigeria. I decided to participate in the current NYSC programme in fulfillment of my own personal commitment and out of sense of duty which I am proud of. I will continue to serve my country using every opportunity and platform. My current NYSC status which will end in another 4 months will not in any way impede the discharge of my duties as Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, which, on its own, is a higher call to national service. I use this medium to publicly restate my loyalty and rededicate myself to the service of Nigeria. I will continue to serve faithfully and with all my energy to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu for a better, greater and more prosperous Nigeria, the statement read. The Lagos State Government, has ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest motorists with defective vehicle registration number plates and those without any number fixed on their vehicles. According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Abdulhafiz Toriola, while addressing pressmen, on Sunday, noted that the wrongful use of number plates has become rampant. Toriola, who cited Section 16 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, stated that a vehicle without a number can be used to commit crimes that may never be tracked. READ MORE: Lagos Govt Sacks Facility Managers, Suspends LASIAMA GM Over Elevator Tragedy He said: The purpose of using number plate is for proper identification and security as it is personalised for each vehicle. The law enforcement agencies have been mandated to apprehend defaulters. I urge vehicle owners to comply with the State Government to strengthen the security architecture already put in place. Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged well-meaning Nigerians, to join him in seeking clarity on President Bola Ahmed Tinubus academic records. Information Nigeria reports that the former Vice President suggested an hashtag AskTinubu via X, in order to discover and learn from Tinubus ingenuity of obtaining a University degree without primary and secondary education. Recall that Atiku and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, are currently challenging the election and eligibility of Tinubu, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, before the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) in Abuja. Taking to the platform on Sunday, Atiku who raised concerns about the inconsistencies in the Presidents educational trajectory, said he found it curious that Tinubu, who claimed attendance of certain schools in 1999 when he was elected Governor of Lagos State, will turn around years later in 2023 to claim something different in his academic record. READ ALSO: Stop Congratulatory Billboard Messages In My Honour Wike Tells Well-Wishers I woke up this morning wondering how we got to this cul de sac. In 1999, @officialABAT claimed he attended St. Johns Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, before proceeding to Children Home School in Ibadan. According to him, his next port of call in his educational journey was Government College Ibadan and, Richard Daley College and Chicago State University in the United States. Curiously, in 2023, Tinubu settled with attending only @ChicagoState. I am scratching my head. How is that possible? Methinks that all well-meaning Nigerians should be as confused as I am with Tinubus declaration that he had no primary and secondary education, yet he has a university degree. You may wish to #AskTinubu how he attained this feat so that we can learn from his ingenuity, he wrote. YEREVAN, AUGUST 28, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Armenia called out the Azerbaijani authorities on Monday for derailing the ongoing peace efforts after three residents of Nagorno-Karabakh were kidnapped by Azeri border guards in the Lachin Corridor. In a statement, the foreign ministry warned that Azerbaijan could be planning to subject the entire people of Nagorno-Karabakh to collective punishment. Today, on August 28, Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies in the illegally installed checkpoint in Lachin Corridor kidnapped residents of Nagorno-Karabakh Alen Sargsyan, Vahe Hovsepyan and Levon Grigoryan. The transport was agreed upon in advance and was being carried out with Russian peacekeeping escort, who were to control the uninterrupted connection between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh through Lachin Corridor in accordance with clause 6 of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement. The abovementioned persons were being transported to the Republic of Armenia to continue their studies. This step by Azerbaijan, which was preceded by the kidnapping of 68-year-old Vagif Khachatryan on July 29, who was being transported to the Republic of Armenia by the International Committee of the Red Cross for urgent medical treatment, constitutes a gross violation of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement, the binding decisions of the UN International Court of Justice and is an explicit disregard for the unequivocal and targeted calls by the international community, including the members of the UN Security Council. These incidents, which happened under various fake pretexts, bring about substantiated fears that Azerbaijan is overtly planning to subject to collective punishment the entire people of Nagorno-Karabakh, who in the 1990s and in 2020 was forced to withstand large-scale aggressions unleashed by Azerbaijan and defend its right to live peacefully in its own homeland. The policy of mass deprivation of all fundamental rights of the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh regardless of age, gender or health condition, subjecting them to starvation, blocking supplies of medications, essential products, gas and electricity, terrorizing the entire people through targeting civilians with snipers and kidnappings and blocking the Lachin Corridor showcases the Azerbaijani leaderships true intentions, i.e., to avoid dialogue with Nagorno-Karabakh at all cost and instead continue its policy of ethnic cleansing. Instead of supporting the steps aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region the Azerbaijani side is explicitly investing its entire efforts in the direction of derailing them. Preventing the ongoing mass crime, with the use of every available instrument is the direct obligation of all actors having influence on the situation and overall, the civilized world, the foreign ministry said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alerted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over plans by the Cameroonian government to open the flood gate of Lagdo Dam, on the Benue River. According to the Cameroonian government, the decision to open the Lagdo Dam was to reduce the level of water caused by the persistent rain in Cameroon. This was contained in a letter made available on Sunday and signed by Umar Salisu, Director, African Affairs, and addressed to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. According to Salisu, the Cameroonian authorities will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time. He also urged NEMA to take necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage a well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions. READ ALSO: Reps Move To Reclaim Bakassi Land From Cameroon it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of lagdo dam will be releasing on modulated variable mall amount of water at a time, in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin both Cameroon and in Nigeria. I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon. According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria. In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions. The Ministry also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities. An Angry mob has killed a yet-to-be identified suspected armed robber while making attempts to rob a resident of Olugboso in the Agege area of Lagos State. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin who confirmed the incident on Sunday, noted that the incident occurred last week. It was gathered that the suspect who broke into an apartment of a resident identified simply as Victor, was nabbed by the mob with a toy gun which he was using to scare his victims. READ ALSO: Angry Mob Burns Suspected Ritualist To Death In Niger A resident who spoke to The Punch on condition of anonymity, said the co-tenants intervened, overpowered the hoodlum and rescued Victor who was already inflicted with severe bodily injuries. The resident said, The incident happened around 1.30 am. The occupants in the building heard the sound of people struggling. They traced the sound to Victors room and tried to rescue him. By then, he was already stabbed in the neck, including his chest and some parts of his face. They had to quickly rush him to a nearby hospital. Confirming the development, the PPRO said the suspects corpse has been deposited in the morgue, while Victor, who engaged the suspect in a fight, is responding to treatment in a hospital. He said, The incident happened. A pair of scissors and a toy gun were found on the suspect. The corpse has been deposited in the morgue. The victim was taken to the hospital and he is responding to treatment. Investigation is ongoing. The Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has reiterated his commitment to his principal Governor Godwin Obaseki. Recall that Obaseki had recently accused his deputy of plotting a coup against him further deepening the rift between the duo amid moves for Shaibus impeachment. However, Shaibu has downplayed the rift, declining to make public comments about Obaseki. The Deputy Governor made this known on Sunday at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State, described the governor as his elder brother. He said: My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. READ MORE: Obaseki, Shaibu Displaying Rascality, Abandoned Governance LP Guber Aspirant I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more. As for the issues that are around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk about them especially about the governor. He is my elder brother and boss and I dont think I should talk about anything. And if I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up. I can tell you that from my Christian background, if you make a vow with God that you want to do something, you must fulfill it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end. But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, says Nigeria continues to lose 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to criminals. Ribadu said this after he led a presidential delegation to inspect the oil and gas facilities at Owaza Abia and Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend . According to him, the nations economy is badly infected as a result of oil criminals who are behind the reduced crude production in the country. He further mentioned the environmental effects of artisanal refineries on host communities, adding that government infrastructures are also being vandalised. Its unfortunate that few individuals would steal our common resources, and in the process cause unbelievable loss to both the nation, communities and the people. Nigeria has the capacity to produce 2 million barrels of crude daily, but we are currently producing less than 1.6 million barrels due to theft and vandalism of pipelines. So, we are talking about 400,000 barrels of crude oil going to waste. The value of 400,000 barrels of oil today is about 4 million dollars, and every day, we lose this amount because of this irresponsible behaviour. If you multiply 4 million dollars by 365 days (one year), you will see that it is a lot of money running into billions of dollars, the NSA said. READ ALSO: UNILAG Students Set To Protest September 6 Against Fees Hike Ribadu said the country is in desperate need of money as the naira continues to lose its value, hence the need for him to have in his company top security officers of the country, including Baduru Abubakar, minister of defence, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), Hassan Abubakar, chief of air staff (CAS), and Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, amongst others. In April, Timipre Sylva, former minister of state for petroleum resources, confirmed that the country loses 400,000 barrels of crude daily to oil theft. Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice-president, in February, quoted the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), to have estimated the audited figure of oil theft and losses at 619.7 million barrels of crude oil daily. And this is valued at $46 billion or N16.25 trillion, and all of these losses occurred between 2010 and 2020, In addition, Nigeria lost about 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries, which were valued at over $1.4 billion at the rate of 140,000 barrels per day from 2009 to 2018, he had said. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has lifted the suspension order slammed on the Lagos state chairman of the union, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) and other members by former president of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa. The suspension order was lifted by the newly inaugurated National President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, in his inaugural address in Abuja. According to him, the suspension, which was given during the tenure of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa was slammed on those he termed as enemies. Agbede noted that the suspensions were illegal, adding in particular that MC Oluomo was unfairly treated, and therefore begged him to return to the union. The new NURTW boss accused his predecessor of misusing power and destroying the union, particularly in the southwest. One of the main problems created by Baruwa was the arbitrary suspension and expulsion of members perceived as his enemies. Through this has destroyed the union, especially in the southwest. So, I, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, on behalf of other members of my executive, leaders and members of our union throughout the country, hereby lift the illegal suspension of our esteemed members throughout the country. READ MORE: Lagos Govt Suspends NURTW Operations In Idumota Of particular concern is the suspension of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, the Lagos state chairman of our union. He was unfairly treated by Alhaji Baruwa. It was a pure case of misuse of power. We hereby appeal to Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya to come back home. NURTW is one big family and that is where you belong, he said. Speaking on his plans for the union, the new NURTW boss said they are ready to cooperate with all state governments as well as the federal governments and bring the union back on track. By the special grace of God, we shall be meeting all the governors in southwest for discussion on how to work together. We will cooperate with them in Oyo, Ogun,O Lagos,Ondo and Ekiti to get our union back on track. It is a new dawn in NURTW. I have worked with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu before and it was beneficial so now that we are both at the national level we shall replicate some things we did in Lagos. For instance, we took part in the success story of BRT program and some of LAMATA projects. We shall replicate the same thing at the federal level, he stated. The Federal Government has advised state governments to prepare for floods following an increase in the volume of flow along River Benue. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has noted an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97m as of today. This is compared to a flow level of 8.80m on the same date in 2022. Meanwhile, the flow level on the River Niger system remains stable, with the level of the River Niger at Niamey, Niger Republic, standing at a normal level of 4.30m. Reports from inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, also indicate a consistent flow regime, Utsev said. READ ALSO: Flood Engulfs NPC, NYSC Premises In Lagos The minister said it was important for states to prepare since the country was already witnessing heavy rainfall. He added, In light of the aforementioned factors, it is imperative for all levels of government federal, state, and local to heighten the level of preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season. There should be sensitisation of the general public by the states on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during this peak period of rainfall. States and local governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist. While advocating the removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, he urged the general public, especially road users, to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood. He, however, noted that as at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue. On the situation at Lokoja, the minister stated that despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remained within normal parameters. The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.8m today, compared to 8.24m on the same date in 2022. Recognising Nigerias downstream position in relation to the nine-member countries of the Niger River Basin, Utsev said it was important to acknowledge the period of heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood-related disasters that typically occurred in July, August, September, and October. He added, Dam water releases are integral to safeguarding dam integrity and mitigating flooding in adjacent communities. NIHSA has, however, maintained a professional and organisational relationship with Cameroons National Hydrological Services to exchange information on water releases. The minister said there was no immediate threat of flooding, calling on the government at all levels to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Sunday, asked Nigerians to reject any parcel given to them to deliver abroad when travelling. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a post via X, disclosed how an illicit drug was discovered in a male leather slippers. According to him, the slippers was part of a shipment going to Indonesia. In our narco trend update today, this video shows the moment @ndlea_nigeria officers discovered illicit drug in brand new male leather slippers going to Indonesia in a shipment. Lesson: Be quick to reject any parcel given to you to deliver abroad, Babafemi said.ll In another development, the NDLEA spokesperson said a South African identified as Erasmus Pierre was arrested with 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in his luggage at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Attempt by a 29-year-old South African, Erasmus Jean Pierre, to export 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in his luggage to the Middle East through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA Abuja on Wednesday 23rd August, 2023, was thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who arrested him and recovered the illicit drug. READ ALSO: Air Strike: NAF Destroys Illegal Refining Sites In Rivers, Kills Terrorists In North-East The suspect was intercepted by NDLEA operatives during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 404 from Abuja to the Middle East via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A thorough search of his luggage led to the discovery of the whitish powdery illicit substance factory packed in different parts of the bag. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect arrived Lagos through Abidjan, Cote dIvoire on Saturday 19th August, came to Abuja on Tuesday 22nd August, and took possession of the brown bag containing the drug consignment on Wednesday 23rd August before heading to the Abuja airport for his flight out of Nigeria, he said. Babafemi further said NDLEA officers of Gombe state command, while on patrol along Darazo road on August 21, recovered an abandoned Volkswagen Sharon vehicle marked GME 76 XD, containing 373,420 pills of opioids including tramadol and diazepam. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, disclosed that servicing Nigerias external debt with 90 percent of the countrys revenue is unsustainable. Tinubu made the comment in Abuja while declaring open the annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) themed, Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigerias Nation-Building, which had over 16,000 lawyers in attendance Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), on May 19, 2023 projected that Nigerias debt service-to-revenue ratio may exceed 100 percent this year. The Debt Management Office (DMO) later pegged the figure at 73.5 percent, describing it as unsustainable and a threat. Prior to these projections, Nigeria had spent 80.6 percent of its revenue on debts serving with the hope that it would plunge to 60 percent this year. At the conference, the president described the high debt service-to-revenue ratio as a path to destruction. According to him, the prosperity Nigerians require will only occur once the society is rid of poverty with the cooperation of the countrys private sector leaders. Can we continue to service external debts with 90% of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable. READ ALSO: Lets Ask Tinubu How He Obtained University Degree Without Primary Or Secondary Education Atiku Urges Nigerians We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world. We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated. It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny. It is not about you and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country, Ajuri Ngelale, the presidents media aide, quoted Tinubu as saying in a statement. Tinubu also gave assurances of his commitment to dealing with the issue of remuneration for judicial officers and legal practitioners, stating that true justice reform must begin with world-class salaries and benefits for legal professionals in Nigeria. He said Nigerians complain a lot about the past instead of changing their attitude and working with determination. You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed and we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of our mindset. We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain a lot of the past. Is that the solution? No! Let us look forward and be determined! the president said. The Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Rimingado, has reacted to the investigations in motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). Information Nigeria had reported that the EFCC and CCB, in separate letters, launched investigations into him and the activities of the Commission over alleged corruption. The EFCC, in a letter, asked Rimingado to send PCACCs Director of Finance and Accounts to its headquarters in Abuja. The agency asked the PCACC Director to come along with documents showing the details of the total funds released to his office by the Office of the Accountant General of Kano State from 2019 to 2021. It also asked him to bring the details of the total funds released to his office by the Kano State Ministry of Local Government from 2019 to 2021, including contracts executed and details of beneficiary accounts. READ ALSO: EFCC, CCB Probe Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Chair, Rimingado Investigating Gandujes Gandolar Video The CCB, in its letter dated August 14, said it was investigating a case of an alleged violation of the code of conduct for public officers against some staff of the PCACC. Rimingado was asked to furnish the Bureau with financial records, details of forfeited property and all contractual undertakings by the Commission from 2016 to date. Reacting to the development, Rimingado said the Commission would cooperate with the two federal agencies in their investigations, adding that the state anti-graft agency is a transparent and accountable commission, and this is not the first time it has worked with other anti-graft agencies. We are cooperating with them. They requested some documents from us, and we are making everything available to them. The commission is a transparent and accountable commission, and this is not the first time we are working with other anti-graft agencies, he told Daily Trust. Sadiyyah Maamoon at her Cultural Collective Cafe in Woodbury. A Realtor and entrepreneur, Maamoon and her North Broad Street coffee shop and event space is helping to enliven downtown. Read more In the heart of Woodbury, where history is abundant but pedestrians are scarce, Sadiyyah Maamoons Cultural Collective Cafe & BrickNKulture Event Space is a busy blend of coffee shop, art gallery, yoga studio, performance venue, and more. We host book signings, open mics, pop-up shops, and photo shoots. she said. Were a creative space. And our customers like supporting local businesses. Maamoon, a South Jersey Realtor for 16 years, also hosts a monthly Black Farmers and Artisans Market in front of the cafe at 65 N. Broad St. While the Gloucester County city of 10,000 has long struggled to revive its business district, she and other entrepreneurs are bullish on Woodbury. One block south, Tim Zatzariny and his wife, Michelle Kinsman, and Melissa Romano and her daughter, Elle, have opened brick-and-mortar businesses since 2021. Advertisement Weve always seen the potential here, said Zatzariny, whose On the Record, a new and used recorded music store at 7 S. Broad, includes a stage for performers. The city in general and downtown specifically have suffered from a lack of vision to make something happen, he said. We have good organizations here, but they dont work together. Hopefully that will change. In a joint phone interview, city Council Member Phil Hagerty and City Administrator John Leech said Woodbury does have a vision for downtown one articulated by its master plan, as well as a redevelopment plan for South Broad. Other efforts include a $30,000 housing market study commissioned last year, and the citys purchase of several privately owned parcels on South Broad, helping pave the way for development there. No magic necessary The city doesnt wave a wand so a business will move in, Hagerty said. We cant afford to offer tax breaks, and there are very few things the city has in its control when it comes to luring businesses. But we do need to be prepared. Leech and Hagerty said Woodbury is working with a developer interested in locating a restaurant in the former police headquarters building downtown. The city also anticipates light rail service on the long-proposed Glassboro-Camden Line becoming a reality. Despite opposition, the project recently moved into the preliminary engineering stage. And the construction of emergency and behavioral health facilities by Inspira Health which closed its inpatient hospital in Woodbury and opened a new medical center near Glassboro in 2019 also are expected to be a plus for the city, they said. Woodbury is negotiating a redevelopment agreement with Tantum-Canoe Brook Development in Roseland, Essex County, for a 223-unit condominium complex with first-floor retail space and a parking garage on the west side of the 100 block of South Broad Street. The city has been assembling the parcel for years and in 2022 commissioned a housing market study to help prepare for such a mixed-use complex. Weve tried every which way we could to get small businesses in here, Leech said. The key for small businesses is to have a steady stream of customers, and to have that, we have to have a development like 100 South Broad. Downtown Woodbury is hardly without assets or charm. Its the seat of Gloucester County, is graced by several noteworthy buildings, and is within walking distance of several diverse and densely populated neighborhoods. But one of the struggles of the downtown district, unfortunately, is with some property owners whose rents are too high and who arent willing to work with the businesses, said Jenna Even, the board president of Main Street Woodbury. The volunteer-driven nonprofit provides grants to small businesses like Maamoons for signage and other improvements. A decade ago, Ryan Morrison opened what is now called the Nerd Mall in a landmark South Broad Street corner property that housed Polskys Army-Navy store. While his business which incubated Zatzarinys record store is doing well with an inventory focused on board games, video games, comic books, and action figures, Morrison said downtowns biggest challenge is the lack of walking traffic. More feet on the street He attributed the sparse pedestrian flow to the fact that Woodbury doesnt have anchor retailers with broad appeal. But the proposed condo development could help bring more feet to the street, and businesses downtown are beginning to get together and move in the right direction, Morrison said. At Broad and Delaware, across from the Gloucester County Courthouse complex, Romano and her daughter, Elle, have a commanding view of downtowns busiest corner through the windows of their Whole & Grounded Cafe. In other small towns like Pitman, they have a lot going on, Melissa said. But on a Saturday afternoon, nobodys walking down the street here. I dont know how you change that. Said Elle: We have gotten great support from the community and from Main Street and the Woodbury Heart and Soul and Woodbury FAF organizations. Maamoon, who grew up in Glassboro and lives with her husband in Gloucester Township, said the community feel was a key reason for locating her business in the city. And after having her business disrupted by the pandemic, 2023 has been my year of a grand reopening, she said. Weve had book signings, bridal expos, birthday dinners, bridal and baby showers, retreats, pop-up shops, and conferences, she said. People come in for the coffee shop, and when they walk through the gallery and the meeting space and event spaces, theyre like, Wow I didnt know all this was here. Maamoon said creating connections among entrepreneurs and with new customers is part of her mission. Youve got to meet our vendors, she said, pointing out candlemaker Glenise Huntington, soap maker Aisha Cooper, farmer Cyara Phillips, and others who had booths at the Aug. 19 market. Some people dont know we exist, said Phillips, who operates the nonprofit Tuba Farm in Glassboro with her husband, Muhammad Khan, and three sons. At this market, we get our visibility. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated on August 28 the transfer of 6 patients from Stepanakert Republican Medical Center to Armenia for urgent treatment, the Artsakh Republic Ministry of Healthcare said Monday. The patients were accompanied by their attendants. August 28, 2023, 12:33 6 patients evacuated from Artsakh through ICRC STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: And three patients, who had been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment within the framework of state funding, are expected to return to Artsakh during the day with ICRC vehicles, and together with their accompanying persons, informs the Artsakh Ministry of Healthcare. Patrick Doran (center) was sentenced Monday to 3 1/2 to 7 years in state prison. Doran owned an uninsured and unregistered dump truck involved in a crash that killed Kellie Adams and her unborn daughter, Emersyn. Read more Calling it the worst case of homicide by vehicle that this court has ever seen, a Montgomery County judge sentenced the owner of an uninsured and unregistered dump truck involved in a fatal crash to 3 -to-7 years in state prison Monday. Patrick Doran, 24, purchased a Ford F650 XLT Super Duty using a fake name and ID, registered it to a PO box in Conshohocken, and failed to maintain it. It was all in an effort, prosecutors said, to cut corners and avoid paying the necessary fees. The truck, driven by Everett Clayton, one of Dorans employees at a construction site, crashed head-on into a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Kellie Adams, who was eight months pregnant with her daughter Emersyn. Adams and her daughter were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place in August 2022 in Lower Providence Township. Doran pleaded guilty June 14. Clayton, 57, who was experiencing homelessness and met Doran at a shelter in Virginia, is awaiting his own trial, scheduled for October, on charges including third-degree murder and homicide by vehicle. Advertisement Clayton told investigators he had been driving the truck shortly after drinking some beers at a job site, according to court filings. Prosecutors said Monday they later learned Clayton did not know how to properly drive a dump truck, despite telling Doran he did. Investigators found that the trucks rear tires were mismatched, and its braking system needed repair. READ MORE: The dump truck driver who struck and killed a woman in Lower Providence Township is wanted for her death, DA says First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann said Monday that though Doran was not behind the wheel of the truck that killed Adams, his behavior directly led to her death. This isnt some mere example of letting someone drive a truck. This is someone who exploited vulnerable people, McCann said. He put a homeless person behind the wheel of a truck, a lethal weapon, and tore a hole into the lives of this family and the community around them. Adams loved ones took the stand to address Doran, tearfully describing the impact her loss has had on them, the two sons she leaves behind, and the people she knew best. They said Adams, a teacher at Cottage Seven Academy in Phoenixville and fifth-generation firefighter, dedicated her life to making the community around her better. Adams father, Dean Miller, locked eyes with Doran as he told him he wielded a sword through [his] family that will leave a scar forever. This is not only unfair, but incredibly cruel, all because one man does things by his own rules, Miller said. The foundation of our family has crumbled under the weight of this tragedy. The actions of two irresponsible individuals has shattered us, and we have to rebuild from ruins. Adams husband, Jason, said he responded to the scene as a firefighter, and has the traumatic sight of his wifes destroyed car seared into his memory. He said, after having two boys, becoming a girl dad was exhilarating, if not nerve-racking. Adams said his only interaction with Emersyn was the brief moments in which he held her body at the hospital. Because of you and Everett, I had to walk into my home and tell my 5-year-old son that his mother and sister were dead and not coming home, Adams said. I hear his scream and cry every day. Dorans attorney, Basil Beck, argued that his client was significantly less culpable in Adams death than Clayton. Doran had no intention, Beck said, of causing a fatal crash, nor did he fail to maintain the truck intentionally to harm other drivers. Doran took the stand himself, saying he was remorseful. I am deeply, deeply sorry, he told Adams family. This is a big, big tragedy, and I understand I cant think or feel what youre going through. My heart goes out to you all. But Montgomery County Court Judge Risa Vetri Ferman was not swayed, and handed down the maximum sentence allowed. The defendants actions started a chain of events that led directly and predictably to the death of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, Ferman said. You caused a devastating, life-altering crash from which there is no recovery. This family is broken because of your actions, sir. Salome Thomas-EL holds a bishop chess piece near the Vaux Big Picture High School, formerly Vaux Middle School, in Philadelphia. The former Vaux principal used chess to foster a strong student life at the North Philadelphia school, and developed a chess team that became nationally famous. His book, "I Choose to Stay," discusses his educational philosophy and the importance of teachers remaining in tough situations. Read more When Salome Thomas-EL finally published the book he had been working on for the last five years, I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City, publishers warned him that the books staying power would be about one year, tops. That was in 2003. Now, celebrating its 20th anniversary, I Choose to Stay still resonates, especially as the nation deals with a teacher retention crisis. We have lost 600,000 net teachers since the spring of 2020 and will never get them back into the profession. We have thousands that leave every month, Thomas-EL said. Theyre traumatized. And you compound that with politicians and all these outsiders telling you what you can and cannot teach and what you can and cannot say. Teachers lose their ability to be creative. Advertisement READ MORE: These Philadelphia teachers considered leaving the profession. Heres why they decided to stay or go. When Thomas-EL first started writing, he was a teacher at North Philadelphias Roberts Vaux Middle School confronted with the dilemma that opens the book: the opportunity to move up to an assistant principal role at another school that would have paid $20,000 more a year, the equivalent of $38,000 today. But it would have meant leaving the children he had worked hard to engage in academics in the middle of the school year. The kids would have thought I left for the money, he said. Thomas-EL turned it down, worried that he had ended any chance of a future school district promotion. Now, he said, I receive messages often from teachers who say I Choose to Stay encouraged them to continue in the profession. Raised in North Philadelphia, Thomas-EL has spent his career working in high-poverty schools looking for ways to keep children from dropping out. One tool was chess, which he first used to help him teach math. Later, he developed a chess team at Vaux Middle School that became eight-time National Chess Champions. He said he understands the worldview of his students. I came from the same community and Im able to relate. I had a single mom, a large family of eight children. I witnessed my mom work two, three jobs; volunteer in the community while trying to go back to school. I was sensitive to that. Today, he is head of school at Thomas Edison Public Charter School in Wilmington, another community that has been hard-hit by violence and poverty. His current students are two-time national chess champions. But he sill grapples with staying and leaving. Delaware has embraced me and I love it there. Although one day I may come back to be superintendent in Philly, I have no plans to leave Delaware any time soon. This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length. Why are so many teachers leaving? Then or now? Then, people were leaving because of pay, which has always been an issue. But also, just the stress of working in urban schools was a challenge. But today, those that can even deal with the stress of urban schools there is all kinds of outside interferences. Teachers are not feeling celebrated, not feeling appreciated and, of course, pay is always an issue. The teakettle has been boiling for decades. The pandemic made it boil over. Salome Thomas-EL Today, with the stressors of society and all the issues, with the school violence and the gun violence, I think it has sucked the air of passion out of the educators. Although the book is I Choose to Stay, I fully understand the people who may exercise that choice to not stay because the system is very hard. The teakettle has been boiling for decades. The pandemic made it boil over. Describe the daily stress of working in urban schools. The stress back then was students being disruptive, lack of parental involvement, some of the issues that have always been a part of working in urban schools. And then you had the struggles of working in schools and maybe you didnt have leadership that really understood how to serve teachers and families. That makes a big difference in any organization leadership. With the pandemic, you had cameras in the kids homes. Before the pandemic you just imagined what they were facing. But now you saw first-hand how some students were living and what they went through on a day-to-day basis. It made you appreciate the fact they came to school everyday but it also made you feel a sense of compassion and empathy because you saw how much they werent cared for. You saw the trauma firsthand, up close. It affected the teachers mental health and socio-emotional well-being. You have said joy is missing from public schools. What do you mean? There needs to be more joy. Kids need that joy and educators need it, too. Back when I was at Vaux, you could see that people were going to work and it was their passion, their mission. With the pandemic, you had the kids home so much. These kids had been in isolation for so long and those that did find joy in school, for two years that joy wasnt there for them. There were students that were in depression and struggling and then they came back. I think that is when we saw a rise in student violence against teachers. Whats the impact when the metric for teacher success is only the result of a high-stakes test? Testing is two weeks out of the whole year, and you are going to use that to measure my performance and my effectiveness? The real issue is that all the data show what really impacts student long-term success is critical thinking, the problem-solving, all the things they learn from playing chess. The self-regulation, the reasoning, the kindness, the compassion. None of that is measured on a state test. Yet, when students talk about what did they draw on to find success in high school, and college, and business and beyond, they talk about all these other areas that never get measured on a state test. I never had a kid come back and say, I want to thank you for helping me be successful because you gave me a state test every year. And that made me enjoy school. The self-regulation, the reasoning, the kindness, the compassion. None of that is measured on a state test. Salome Thomas-EL Tests are important. We have to be able to find ways to measure the success of our instructional program, measure the progress of our students. We know assessment is important. But it doesnt have to be high-stakes, high-pressure. Kids dont have to hear teachers and principals say If you dont pass this test, Im going to lose my job, lose my house, lose my car. Neither educators nor students should be living in those conditions. The American public school experience over the last 30 years has been a failure. Agree? Disagree? Weve had lot of success, but wholesale we have not seen the kind of success we need to see. There are too many people graduating and not finding success. We need to overhaul the system. One big one is we have to fund our schools better. Weve got to find a way to pay teachers. Trying to hire teachers, its like The Hunger Games because you are interviewing [a potential teacher] and probably 10 other schools are interviewing them. It is very competitive. Start with better pay and better working conditions. And then I think 20 or 30 years ago this would not have been as high on my list but today youve got to get mental health support. I read somewhere [that] 20% to 30% of students have requested mental health support and not received it yet. Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin in the forthcoming biopic "Rustin," out in November. Read more Marking the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Netflix has dropped the first trailer for the forthcoming biopic of the historic events organizer, Bayard Rustin. West Philly native Colman Domingo stars in Rustin, playing the Black queer civil rights activist who was born and raised in West Chester,. The film, directed by George C. Wolfe and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, will be released in select theaters Nov. 3 before landing on Netflix on Nov. 17. Rustin was a key figure in the civil rights movement. He promoted nonviolence, which was rooted in his Quaker upbringing. His grandparents, Janifer and Julia Rustin, raised him and his 11 siblings in the Philadelphia suburb, in a home where Black community leaders including W.E.B. Du Bois and Mary McLeod Bethune visited, thanks to his grandmothers participation in the NAACP. He graduated from West Chester High School before briefly attending Cheyney State Teachers College and other colleges. He later created the first of the Freedom Rides and cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Martin Luther King, Jr. Advertisement Rustin examines his efforts to put together the legendary March on Washington in less than two months while navigating homophobia from his fellow activists. Though Rustin was the lead organizer who was essential to Kings movement, he was also sidelined, ridiculed, and denigrated by some organizers for his sexuality. READ MORE: Colman Domingos cheesesteak order: messy, gooey, falling out of my mouth and out of my hands In the trailer, Rep. Adam Clayton Powell (played by Jeffrey Wright) tells Rustin: Your mere presence would derail the fight for racial justice in this country a good 10, 15 years. Rustin replies, On the day that I was born Black, I was also born a homosexual They either believe in freedom and justice for all, or they do not. In Rustin, Domingo, a queer Black man, plays his first leading role in a feature film. Aside from sharing Philadelphia-area roots, both Domingo and Rustin share a love for musical theater. Domingo wrote the book for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Rustin once sang with Paul Robeson on Broadway. Jamila Robinson, assistant managing editor for food and culture at The Inquirer, will become the editor-in-chief of Conde Nasts food magazine, Bon Appetit Read more Jamila Robinson, assistant managing editor for food and culture at The Inquirer, is leaving to become the editor-in-chief of Conde Nasts food magazine, Bon Appetit and its culinary lifestyle and recipe website, Epicurious. Robinson will steer Bon Appetits editorial direction, brand strategy, audience development, and all content for Bon Appetit and Epicurious. She will report directly to Anna Wintour, Conde Nasts chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue. She will be based in Manhattan and start the role on Sept. 18. Its not every day you get to meet an accomplished writer and editor who has led features departments and food organizations, is a competitive skater, classically trained violinist, teacher, world traveler, and is an absolute whiz in the kitchen, Wintour said in a statement Monday announcing the news. Jamila is all of these things and more and Im thrilled shes coming to lead Bon Appetit and Epicurious. Robinson joined The Inquirer as its food editor in 2020 and was promoted to assistant managing editor of food and culture in 2021. She refocused its restaurant coverage, centering the experience of the communities who cook and build local food businesses. She reimagined the Dining Guide and revamped Lets Eat, Philly!, The Inquirers restaurant and food culture newsletter. During her tenure, The Inquirer launched Taste Philly with Craig , a newsletter written by The Inquirers food critic that covers Philadelphias diverse food community. Under Robinsons leadership, LaBan stopped using bells to rate his dining experiences. That change, Robinson said, echoed a more contemporary way of helping readers understand how restaurants fit into our citys cultural landscape. Her approach to covering food is as social as it is sociological, said Gabriel Escobar, editor and senior vice president of The Inquirer. It goes beyond recipe making and recipe tasting and has led to some of our [papers] most ambitious projects. Advertisement Robinson was the lead editor of The Inquirers Emmy-winning Wildest Dreams: An Anthology of Black Inheritance, a multimedia project of photos, essays, and poems about Black joy presented by The Inquirers Black journalists. She helped lead The Inquirers diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs within the newsroom and company-wide. She has this ability to turn a simple and vague idea into something concrete and relatable, Escobar said. Thats a rare skill. When The Inquirer newsroom went through its own racial reckoning that is still a work in progress her leadership was especially important. Shes a thoughtful, measured person and when she speaks, people listen and listen carefully. Thats the mark of a real leader. Robinson will replace veteran book editor Dawn Davis as editor at Bon Appetit. Conde Nast hired Davis in 2020 after a 2004 photo of her predecessor, Adam Rapoport, resurfaced on social media of Rapoport wearing a Halloween costume that made fun of Puerto Ricans. The issue shed light on Bon Appetits other racial problems, including pay disparity and lack of advancement opportunity for staffers of color. Davis was hired to address these issues head on, while advancing the magazines editorial cachet. Under Davis leadership, Bon Appetit was nominated for several James Beard and American Society of Magazine Editors awards. Ready to return to the world of book publishing, Davis resigned from Bon Appetit in April. She will return to Simon & Schuster in an executive position. Bon Appetit was first published in 1956 as a convenience store giveaway in Chicago. Knapp Communications bought the periodical in 1975 and Conde Nast assumed ownership in 1993 when it purchased Knapp. Today Bon Appetit has over 5.7 million print readers, 17 million social followers, and nearly 10 million monthly unique digital users. Robinson, whose newspaper career included stints at USA Today Network, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the St. LouisPost-Dispatch, recently served as chair of the James Beard Foundation Journalism Committee, where she introduced policies that made the awards more equitable and sustainable. She currently serves as the North America East Academy Chair of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants, selecting and managing the voting body of chefs, journalists, and industry leaders who rank the best restaurants in the world. Robinson said shes excited to grow Conde Nasts two powerhouse food media brands. My philosophy is not only to tell people where to eat, but also to show why restaurants matter and why Philadelphia is a world-class food city, Robinson said. Thats why Im excited about this new role at Bon Appetit. The idea that food culture is for everyone becomes more expansive. Sally Nix with her service dog, Jon Snow, at home in Statesville, North Carolina. Late last year, Nix started receiving infusions prescribed by her doctor to ease her autoimmune disease symptoms. But she had to pause the treatments when her insurer started denying payment for them. Read more Sally Nix was furious when her health insurance company refused to pay for the infusions she needs to ease her chronic pain and fatigue. Nix has struggled with a combination of autoimmune diseases since 2011. Brain and spinal surgeries didnt ease her symptoms. Nothing worked, she said, until she started intravenous immunoglobulin infusions late last year. Commonly called IVIG, the treatment bolsters her compromised immune system with healthy antibodies from other peoples blood plasma. IVIG turned out to be my great hope, she said. READ MORE: Independence and Penn Medicine have eliminated preapprovals for thousands of high-cost scans Advertisement Thats why, when Nixs health insurer started denying payment for the treatment, she turned to Facebook and Instagram to vent her outrage. I was raising Cain about it, said Nix, 53, of Statesville, North Carolina, who said she was forced to pause treatment because she couldnt afford to pay more than $13,000 out of pocket every four weeks. There are times when you simply must call out wrongdoings, she wrote on Instagram. This is one of those times. Prior authorization is a common cost-cutting tool used by health insurers that requires patients and doctors to secure approval before moving forward with many tests, procedures, and prescription medications. Insurers say the process helps them control costs by preventing medically unnecessary care. But patients say the often time-consuming and frustrating rules create hurdles that delay or deny access to the treatments they need. In some cases, delays and denials equal death, doctors say. Thats why desperate patients like Nix and even some physicians say they have turned to publicly shaming insurance companies on social media to get tests, drugs, and treatments approved. Unfortunately, this has become a routine practice for us to resort to if we dont get any headway, said Shehzad Saeed, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Daytons Childrens Hospital in Ohio. In March, he tweeted a photo of an oozing skin rash, blaming Anthem for denying the biologic treatment his patient needed to ease her Crohns disease symptoms. In July, Eunice Stallman, a psychiatrist based in Idaho, joined X, formerly known as Twitter, for the first time to share how her 9-month-old daughter, Zoey, had been denied prior authorization for a $225 pill she needs to take twice a day to shrink a large brain tumor. This should not be how its done, Stallman said. READ MORE: From 2019: 7 things to know about your health insurance and prior authorization The federal government has proposed ways to reform prior authorization that would require insurance companies to provide more transparency about denials and to speed up their response times. If finalized, those federal changes would be implemented in 2026. But even then, the rules would apply only to some categories of health insurance, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans, but not employer-sponsored health plans. That means roughly half of all Americans wouldnt benefit from the changes. The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act prohibits health insurance plans from denying or canceling coverage to patients due to their preexisting conditions. AHIP, an industry trade group formerly called Americas Health Insurance Plans, did not respond to a request for comment. But some patient advocates and health policy experts question whether insurers are using prior authorization as a possible loophole to this prohibition, as a way of denying care to patients with the highest health care costs, explained Kaye Pestaina, a KFF vice president and the co-director of its Program on Patient and Consumer Protections. They take in premiums and dont pay claims. Thats how they make money, said Linda Peeno, a health care consultant and retired Kentucky physician who was employed as a medical reviewer by Humana in the 1980s and later became a whistleblower. They just delay and delay and delay until you die. And youre absolutely helpless as a patient. But theres reason to hope things may get marginally better. Some major insurers are voluntarily revamping their prior authorization rules to ease preapproval mandates for doctors and patients. And many states are passing laws to rein in the use of prior authorization. Nobody is saying we should get rid of it entirely, said Todd Askew, senior vice president for advocacy at the American Medical Association, in advance of the groups annual meeting in June. But it needs to be right-sized, it needs to be simplified, it needs to be less friction between the patient and accessing their benefits. Customers are increasingly using social media to air their complaints across all industries, and companies are paying attention. Nearly two-thirds of complainants reported receiving some sort of response to their online post, according to the 2023 National Consumer Rage Survey, conducted by Customer Care Measurement & Consulting in collaboration with Arizona State University. Some research suggests companies are better off engaging with unhappy customers offline, rather than responding to public social media posts. But many patients and doctors believe venting online is an effective strategy, though it remains unclear how often this tactic works in reversing prior authorization denials. Its not even a joke. The fact that thats how were trying to get these medications is just sad, said Brad Constant, an inflammatory bowel disease specialist who has published research on prior authorization. His work found that prior authorizations are associated with an increased likelihood that children with inflammatory bowel disease will be hospitalized. Saeed said the day after he posted the picture of the skin rash, the case was marked for a peer-to-peer review, meaning the prior authorization denial would get a closer look by someone at the insurance company with a medical background. Eventually, the biologic medicine Saeeds patient needed was approved. Stallman, who is insured through her employer, said she and her husband were prepared to pay out of pocket if Blue Cross of Idaho didnt reverse the denial for the drug Zoey needed. Bret Rumbeck, a spokesperson for the insurer, said Zoeys medication was approved on July 14 after the company consulted an outside specialist and obtained more information from Zoeys doctor. Stallman posted details about the ordeal online only after the insurer approved the drug, in part, she said, to prevent them from denying the treatment again when it comes up for a 90-day insurance review in October. The power of the social media has been huge, she said. Nix had been insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois through her husbands employer for almost two decades. Dave Van de Walle, a spokesperson for the company, did not specifically address Nixs case. But in a prepared statement, the company said it provides administrative services for many large employers who design and fund their own health insurance plans. Nix said an escalation specialist from the insurance company reached out after she posted her complaints on social media, but the specialist couldnt help. Then, in July, after KFF Health News contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Nix logged in to the insurers online portal and found that $36,000 of her outstanding claims had been marked paid. No one from the company had contacted her to explain why or what had changed. She also said she was informed by her hospital that the insurer will no longer require her to obtain prior authorization before her infusions, which she restarted in late July. Im thrilled, she said. But it just should never have happened this way. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces journalism about health issues. Brian McEntee with his car on Kauffman Street in South Philadelphia. The former prosecutor's car was "courtesy towed" while he was out of town. After reporting it stolen, the car was eventually found a mile away from where it had been legally parked. Read more One day around noon in early October, Brian McEntee was walking down Queen Street in South Philadelphia to the spot where he had parked his Honda CR-V. It wasnt there, he said. McEntee, a 39-year-old former assistant district attorney, did some amateur sleuthing. He found out from neighbors that legally parked vehicles had been towed from the block earlier that week apparently without notice for a historical marker dedication attended by Mayor Jim Kenney and other city officials. Now, McEntee had two simple questions: Who took my car? Where is it now? Advertisement There has to be some kind of paper trail, the lawyer reasoned, so someone knows where the heck the car went. He was wrong. No one in city government had any answers. The Philadelphia Parking Authority told him to contact the Police Department. Neither agency had a record of towing his car. The police officer who came to his house also had no idea where it was but took McEntee on a 45-minute ride-along search in the back of her cruiser to no avail. Turns out McEntee had been courtesy towed, a Philly euphemism (origin unknown) used to describe when a vehicle is parked legally but must be relocated (official term) by police, the parking authority, or a private tow company to clear the street for an event, repaving, or utility work. Its an antiquated system that can be comically inefficient, plagued by vague and conflicting policies and shoddy recordkeeping. Or, as a police spokesperson recently put it, logistical hurdles. After the unsuccessful search for his Honda, McEntee was forced to file a stolen-vehicle report and an insurance claim. He started thinking about buying a new car. I was about to give up, he said. Then Before finalizing the insurance claim, McEntee took a bike ride down to Pennsport. And there it was. Under I-95. About a mile from where hed parked it. I saw my car, he said. I was like, Thats it! For each courtesy tow, handwritten driver logs are supposed to be faxed to the police radio room and district headquarters, then entered into a searchable database, according to police. The idea is that exasperated vehicle owners will call 911 at some point, and then an officer can call up the database and assist them in finding it. It doesnt always work that way. Sometimes, the information isnt promptly relayed to the Police Department. Other times, such as in McEntees case, there is no record of the tow at all, leading to erroneous stolen-vehicle reports that waste police resources. Frustrated drivers are left to wander the surrounding blocks with their key fob, pushing the button like lab rats seeking a responsive beep or honk assuming the car hasnt been moved to another neighborhood altogether. In addition, private tow companies, acting under the citys authority, have been known to relocate legally parked cars and call it a day without reporting the tow to anyone. The Inquirer recently spoke to more than a dozen people with disappearing-car stories. Reddit and other online message boards are full of Philly drivers seeking courtesy-tow advice or venting about their experience. Quantifying the problem is difficult when the tows are not documented. Through a Right-to-Know request, The Inquirer obtained four years of relocation logs from the Police Department and two years of logs from the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The police records show more than 2,000 relocations in the last two years. The parking authoritys handwritten log is sparse, and many of the tows documented there do not appear in the police logs. What a nightmare, said Chris Mauro, a lawyer in Center City who recently had his Acura courtesy towed about a mile away, apparently to make way for construction. A police officer again, pleasant, but lacking any useful information drove Mauro around, with no success. The day before, the officer told him, she had spent hours doing the same thing for another driver who was towed. Im like, Are we just driving around anywhere, aimlessly looking for this? Mauro asked the officer. And shes like, Yeah, its crazy. She said I should be writing a letter to City Hall because its a really bad system. Mauro also had to file a stolen-vehicle report. Then, he took matters into his own hands. The next day, he went to the construction site near where his car had been towed and began investigating, eventually locating a man who recalled seeing a guy with a ponytail towing cars there. Through another person at the site, Mauro was able to connect the ponytailed driver to a specific towing company, which then provided him with the location of his car, around Christian Street. I would have never found it, Mauro said. Some of the people interviewed for this story were even slapped with parking tickets courtesy of the PPA, of course because the vehicle they had parked legally was dropped off at an illegal parking spot or exceeded the time limit there. It was literally parked in the turning lane, said Rachel Sclarsky, a veterinarian who found her Hyundai sitting in the middle of Washington Avenue in September after it was towed from her legal parking spot on 15th Street to the other side of her Graduate Hospital neighborhood. Walking up to it, I was like, This is a joke.' As an added bonus, four tickets totaling more than $100 were left on the windshield. She is contesting them with the PPA. Every time Ive gone on a trip since then I wonder if my car will still be there when I get back, Sclarsky said. Some have failed in their attempts to appeal parking tickets that resulted from a courtesy tow. In the summer of 2018, Abigail Dahan, a local pastry chef, had parked her car in her normal place, near 16th and Locust Streets, in a residential parking spot for Zone 1 residents. When she went to get her car a few days later, it was missing. Obviously it freaked me out because I couldnt find it, Dahan said. When she called police, an officer told her there was a record of her car being relocated. But the operator couldnt read the handwriting on the log. She decided to call back the next morning, which is when the police operator gave her an address on Lombard Street, east of Broad Street. It was outside of Zone 1, where she has a permit to park. I ended up getting ticketed and when I tried to fight the ticket I didnt put my car there. Im definitely Zone 1. It got moved because of roadwork they wanted nothing to do with it, Dahan said. They said, Nope you still have to pay, which was infuriating, obviously. Courtesy tows begin at the city Streets Department, where anyone can apply for a parking restriction permit. Once the permit is approved such as for a movie shoot, festival, utility work, or a person moving who needs to block off space for a truck temporary no-parking signs are supposed to be posted 24 to 48 hours in advance of the event. The relocation destinations vary widely. Some vehicles are moved a few blocks, others more than a mile away, police records show. The Inquirers analysis of police data identified a trash-strewn block of Ellsworth Street near 24th as a favorite dumping ground for towed vehicles more than 110 tows to that area since 2016. PPA spokesperson Marty ORourke said the parking authority relocates vehicles within a four-block radius. But Inspector Sekou Kinebrew, a police spokesperson, said the Police Department does not have a set radius. Were not looking to go farther than necessary, he said. Every neighborhood has its own demographics, population density, vehicle density, so a lot of times that determines how far it goes. Regardless, Kinebrew said, by the end of an event that triggers vehicle relocations, there should be a record of the tow in the system. There are better ways to do this. In Chicago, for instance, city tow drivers use handheld devices to input information into a service-request system. It is posted online in real time and searchable by license plate or other information. Having a central system where we can track all of this helps make things a lot easier, said Marjani Williams, spokesperson for Chicagos Streets and Sanitation Department. Kinebrew said the Police Department would be willing to evaluate Philadelphias procedures. We dont want anyone inconvenienced, Kinebrew said. We dont want anyone having that momentary time of panic believing that their car was stolen. Of ticketed vehicles, Kinebrew said: That shouldnt happen. But if someone says it did, Im not going to argue with them. That couldve happened. Dahan, the pastry chef, had her red Honda Civic relocated a second time the summer of 2018. She arrived at the spot where she had last parked and found it empty. Im like, OK, Im familiar with this, I know this thing, I know this routine, she said. She immediately called police. They say: No, we dont have any record of towing your car. You should call the towing companies. The companies she called had no record of her car. Two days later, she filed a stolen-vehicle report and called her insurance to file a claim. Nearly two months went by and she finally received a call from the insurance company saying they had accepted her claim. Moments later, police called. They were like, Hey, are you still looking for your car? And I was like, Yes, I am still looking for my car, and they said, Well, we found it. The car was neatly parked on a residential street near 21st and Lombard Streets. It was Zone 1, so she didnt have any parking tickets. There was some damage to the drivers side door. Dahan has since decided to pay for a $280 monthly garage pass. I would rather do that than deal with the stress of this weird thing they do that they move cars without telling people, she said. Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to a classroom of freshmen at George Washington Carver High School for Engineering & Science in Philadelphia in March. Read more HARRISBURG All 1.7 million of Pennsylvanias public school students will receive free breakfast each day this school year, as part of a state program. Gov. Josh Shapiro championed the initiative, which was included in the state budget he signed earlier this month and will cost $46.5 million. As Ive traveled Pennsylvania over the past few years, one thing I heard over and over again is about how many kids come to school hungry, Shapiro said at a news conference. Every expert will tell you that you cant learn on an empty stomach and we cannot expect kids to learn math and science and English when they havent eaten anything all day. The programs rollout, however, comes as schools in the region and nationwide struggle with encouraging students to participate in free breakfast programs. In Philadelphia, for example, breakfast was already offered to all students and only about a third of them took the meal every day last school year. Advertisement READ MORE: Philly changed the way the world views heat disasters and may have saved thousands of lives All students in Pennsylvanias high-poverty school districts where 40% of the student population is under the federal poverty line were previously eligible to receive free breakfast, free lunch, and free dinner as part of a federal school meals program. Students in the School District of Philadelphia have received these meals since 2014. But the district has struggled to increase breakfast participation since students returned to classrooms after COVID-19 closures, said spokesperson Marissa Orbanek. Last year, Philadelphia served 6.3 million breakfasts, Orbanek said. This amounts to approximately 35,000 daily breakfasts served, or 31% of students eating daily school breakfast. READ MORE: Philly schools start Sept. 5. Heres what Superintendent Watlington wants you to know Norristown Area School District Superintendent Christopher Dormer said he hopes the statewide attention on free breakfasts will help increase participation. Every little bit helps in terms of making sure that students know, Hey, theres free breakfast available every day, Dormer said. Its so important that kids start their day with their brains fueled and their bellies full so they can focus on learning. Norristown, which also already offered free meals, spent the last few years working to increase participation in the breakfast program. Since shifting to serving breakfast in a students homeroom or classroom instead of in the cafeteria before school begins, participation increased from about 10% to 61% over the last few years, Dormer said. Starting in 2020, all Pennsylvania students were eligible for free breakfast and lunch through a federal program. When that expired last September, former Gov. Tom Wolf used leftover funds to extend it another year. Shapiro then pitched the state-funded free breakfast program. Students at Norristown Area High School were to have assorted granola bars with craisins for their first day on Monday, while Cheltenhams Myers Elementary School was to serve strawberry mini bagels, according to menus provided by the districts. Students at James Logan Elementary School in Philadelphia, meanwhile, will be served raspberry yogurt and graham crackers on their first day next week. READ MORE: Childrens Village director pushes back on the fastfoodification of school food State Rep. Manuel Guzman (D., Berks) said during a news conference at the Reading School District that free breakfast will improve educational outcomes. I was one of those kids who came to school hungry, was in class hungry, and I wondered where I was going to get my next meal, Guzman said. We dont need any more generations of Manny Guzmans to go hungry in the Reading School District. And now because of this General Assembly and this governor, that will never happen again. In addition to breakfast, approximately 22,000 students who are eligible for reduced lunch will now receive free lunch as part of Shapiros initiative. Students will not need to apply to receive a free breakfast each day. READ MORE: Philly teachers need help stocking their classrooms. Heres how to help. Dormer said he thinks increased free breakfast participation in addition to new academic curriculum and materials has helped improve student academic performance in Norristown. When kids are fed and can really focus on learning, he said, they are absolutely going to do better. Matthias Wagman, 31, joined a class-action lawsuit after he had to pay $808 in tickets when his Nissan Maxima was courtesy towed from his regular parking space in a Center City permit zone and left in a metered space a few blocks away. A judge ordered him to pay the full amount because he couldn't prove his car had been towed. Read more How many cars must go missing before Philadelphia officials decide to fix the citys longtime courtesy tow problem? Apparently, the threshold has not been met. Ten new victims including two drivers who never found their cars have joined a pair of potential class-action lawsuits targeting the citys dysfunctional system for relocating vehicles due to roadwork, construction, and special events. But city lawyers have responded in court filings by arguing that the problem is someone elses fault. Advertisement [T]hey do not claim an injury that is fairly traceable to the City, Anne Taylor, chief deputy city solicitor, wrote of the plaintiffs. READ MORE: A year after Kenyatta Johnson stood trial for bribery, hes vying for City Council president Last week, a federal judge rejected the citys motions to have the lawsuits tossed and ordered the parties to engage in mediation. This is a huge problem and we really want to see some actual change come of this, said Aarthi Manohar, a lawyer representing 17 plaintiffs in the two cases. They are seeking class-action status on behalf of potentially thousands of victims. For years, Philadelphians have complained about courtesy tows, but the city has so far refused to take any significant action, or even publicly acknowledge the well-documented problem. A classic Philly Shrug. The city doesnt have a reliable system for documenting where the vehicles are towed to or, in some cases, even who towed them. Drivers have spent weeks or months wandering the streets, looking for cars that could have been dropped off a couple of blocks away or in another neighborhood altogether. READ MORE: Borderline illegal: Courtesy tows remain Phillys persistent parking nightmare Other cities, such as Phoenix and Chicago, maintain databases that make it easy for owners to find their towed vehicles. Some courtesy-tow victims have had their cars dropped off in metered or no-parking zones, then ticketed and towed a second time by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Appealing the tickets is often futile, because drivers have no way to prove that they didnt illegally park their car in the second location. Its kind of like nobody is safe when they park in the city, Manohar said. These [temporary no parking] signs can go up anytime or anywhere. READ MORE: How Philly police, parking authority, and tow companies lose cars while courtesy towing Denying harm The problem seems to be metastasizing as well, with new twists to the typical courtesy-tow plot. Last month, in South Philadelphia, for example, an owner had his car towed for street paving three days before the beginning of the no-parking date listed on the temporary sign. Matthias Wagman, a 31-year-old nurse in Center City, had to pay $808 in December 2022 after his Nissan Maxima was towed from his permitted spot near 15th Street to a metered spot at 13th and South Streets, where he received seven parking tickets from the PPA. Wagman, who has joined the class-action suit, was denied at every step of the appeals process, all the way up to Common Pleas Court, where Judge Anne Marie Coyle ordered him to pay the full amount because he had no documentation that he hadnt parked in the metered space. I was shot down in probably less than a minute, he said, adding: Why would I park in a metered zone thats just blocks way from my permit parking that I pay for yearly? Wagman thinks the lawsuit could finally lead to some reform. It was honestly unbelievable, he said. Im just hoping we can solve this parking situation. This is unlawful and downright unconstitutional. Last year, the city paid $15,000 each to two courtesy-tow victims in an attempt to resolve one of the lawsuits that is seeking class-action status. But two other plaintiffs in that case rejected the offer, so that case remains open. Then new victims came forward, which prompted the second lawsuit with 15 plaintiffs. READ MORE: Philly pays $30K to two courtesy tow victims, but class-action suit continues In court filings, city lawyers have sought to have both lawsuits dismissed by arguing that the city is not at fault. Taylor, the chief deputy city solicitor, wrote in March that each of the plaintiffs had a unique experience with regard to the relocation and recovery, or lack thereof, of their vehicle, and that their allegations do not establish that all the named Plaintiffs were actually harmed by the City in the manner they claim. Spokespeople for Mayor Jim Kenney and the citys Law Department did not return requests for comment. In some cases, the city blamed the PPA, noting that it is a state-controlled agency. But the PPA, which is not named in the lawsuits, does not handle most courtesy tows. The relatively small number of cars towed by the PPA can be located in its Find My Towed Car database. Further, in situations when the PPA ends up ticketing or towing cars that had been courtesy towed by someone else to a metered or illegal space, owners seeking to appeal the ticket have to wrangle with the citys Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, not the PPA itself. Julia Sheppard, a Temple law student, had her Mazda "courtesy towed" from Center City to Grays Ferry, then it ended up in a private lot. She tried to recoup $200 in fees from the city, but a claims examiner denied her request last year due to the city's "non-involvement." Read more Gary Isaacs returned home from a trip to California in January to discover his car missing from its Center City parking spot and two alarming letters in the mail. The Philadelphia Parking Authority, in a letter dated Dec. 22, informed Isaacs that it had towed and impounded his car. And a notice from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, dated Dec. 30, warned him that the car was scheduled to go on the auction block. YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE, the court wrote, that the vehicle listed below will be sold at auction and your legal and equitable interest in that vehicle will be extinguished. ... Advertisement Isaacs was mystified. Hed last parked his 2005 BMW on Camac Street, within the area covered by his parking permit not in a loading zone on Lombard Street, as the PPA was contending in its letter. The next day, he called the parking authority, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding. A woman there said his car had apparently been courtesy towed from Camac to Lombard because while he was gone, his original parking space had been declared a temporary no-parking zone, reasons unknown. I had never heard of a courtesy tow, said Isaacs, 61, who runs a small nonprofit that fights homelessness. It sounds like a generous thing to do. Except they towed it to a place where it was illegal to park. And then they ticketed it, and impounded it, and put it up for auction. A Philadelphia courtesy tow formally known as relocation towing is when the Police Department, the PPA, or a private tow company moves legally parked vehicles to make room for a special event, utility work, or some other reason. The citys failure to properly track the relocated vehicles has been a longtime problem and one that could actually be getting worse, based on Inquirer interviews with dozens of drivers. READ MORE: How Philly police, parking authority, and tow companies lose cars while courtesy towing Isaacs then went to the PPAs office to explain what had happened. But a hearing officer said there was no record to support his story. To get his car back, the fines and fees would cost him nearly $1,000. Not wanting to lose the car to an auction scheduled for the following week, or to continue to rack up daily lot fees, Isaacs decided to pay up, hoping that he might be able to recoup the money down the line. He found his car on the PPA lot that night. The drivers side window had been shattered. No one could explain why. The license plate had already been removed to prepare it for auction. Isaacs drove off the PPA lot while sitting on pieces of glass from the busted window, his hands going numb from the cold as he headed up I-95. So far, he hasnt been able to get any of his money back. No one in city government can tell him who towed his car. Frustrated, he said, to say the least. What is a courtesy tow? In Philadelphia, when the police, PPA, or a private company performs a courtesy tow, it is supposed to relay the new location of each vehicle to police headquarters, so when owners find the car missing and call 911, police can tell them where it is. It often doesnt work that way. Drivers have reported spending days or weeks searching for their cars sometimes tracking them down a mile or more away because neither the PPA nor police has any information about the tow. Many of these tows are recorded by police with a pre-internet system that relies mostly on handwritten notes and fax machines. A botched courtesy tow can involve several government agencies. In interviews with The Inquirer, city officials seemed unaware of how widespread the problem is and who or what is to blame. The PPA says tows from temporary no-parking zones are primarily a police function. Police say tow companies could be to blame for missing vehicles. The tow companies say police sometimes lose the information they provide. Drivers who get sucked into the bureaucratic vortex describe it as city-sanctioned auto theft, often followed by punishing fines from the PPA if the car was moved to an illegal parking space, then ticketed, towed, or booted. The resulting fees can be difficult or impossible to fight. Michael Ippolito, a graduate student at Jefferson, had to pay $500 to retrieve his Volkswagen after it was courtesy-towed from his legal parking space in Old City to an illegal spot, then ticketed four times by the PPA and impounded. They wouldnt give me any records of who towed it, said Ippolito, who finally got a refund a year later, in September, after threatening legal action. It seems like they have a habit of stealing peoples cars, then charging them a lot of money to get them back. Ippolito said he is exploring the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit. READ MORE: A Philly police courtesy tow landed a lawyer in handcuffs for stealing her own car Katie Walther, a speech therapist at a city hospital, wasnt so lucky. Her Jetta was towed from a free parking space near Fifth and Callowhill to a metered or two-hour parking zone, then towed again to another parking spot. It racked up $626 in tickets and penalties. She fought them up until last year, before giving in and paying the full amount after getting a notice that her car would be booted. It felt not only disorganized, but borderline illegal, Walther said. They keep getting their money. It seems like there is a lack of accountability. You go through this process of appealing, and you dont really understand why you lost the appeal. Julia Sheppard took the fight a step further after her Mazda sedan was courtesy-towed from Center City to Grays Ferry, then ended up in a private lot, which forced her to pay $200 to recover it. Sheppard, a Temple Law student, appealed to the citys Office of Risk Management. In March 2020, a year after the tow, a claims examiner from Curley Adjustment Bureau, a firm acting on the citys behalf, sent Sheppard a letter saying she had failed to prove the city was involved. [W]e must deny this claim on the grounds of Non-Involvement for this occurrence, the examiner wrote. Its just total chaos, Sheppard said of the system. Tirzah Vogels, who works for a biotech firm, had to pay a whopping $1,230 to get her car back after it was courtesy-towed while she was traveling for business. Same pattern: towed from a free spot to an illegal spot and repeatedly ticketed, then booted. They kind of laughed at me, like, Thats not our problem. If you get a ticket, you have to pay it, Vogels said of her phone calls to police and the PPA. Thats a lot of money just to get my vehicle back. And I had to go to work. It really leaves you stranded. In some cases, when vehicles cannot be located, owners have no choice but to report them stolen, which can bring its own set of problems. Last year, The Inquirer reported, a West Philadelphia attorney whose car had been courtesy-towed due to tree trimming was pulled over in New Jersey months later and placed in handcuffs for driving her own Nissan. Philadelphia police had failed to take the car out of stolen status after it was located. Passing the buck Lt. Michael Anderson, head of the Police Departments Tow Squad, said construction companies that hire tow companies to relocate cars could be partially to blame. He said a company supervisor is supposed to keep a list of cars that had been moved, but sometimes the construction is completed by the time vehicle owners realize their car is missing. There is no foreman to see, Anderson said. Those people have packed up and moved to another location. PPA officials say their tow truck operators use a new electronic system, which they began rolling out in late 2019, to record the location of all towed vehicles, but that relocation tows are usually performed by police or private tow companies. We dont let our officers put people in illegal spots, and if they do, theres a process to try to resolve those, said Scott Petri, executive director of the PPA. If that was happening frequently, I would know. Our employees, especially in the tow area, are really, really good at what they do. Kevin Wilson, manager at Robs Towing & Hauling, said that when his company is hired by the city or a construction company to relocate vehicles for road work, the drivers report all the information to the local police district. Every single vehicle that we relocate, he said. Wilson conceded that there have been times when his company has towed vehicles to parking spaces where they have subsequently been ticketed. In those cases, he said, the company will pay the fines. Were not infallible, but we try to do the right thing, he said. Over the years, Wilson said, he has tangled with police captains over lost records. He recalled cases when his tow operators dropped off information to police, but police claim they never received it. My operator will say, I gave it to the desk sergeant, and the desk sergeant will say, I never got anything, Wilson said. It has been a problem. We try to do our best. Other cities do a better job. In Phoenix, the police department uses a statewide database that records all towed vehicles. Chicagos tow-truck operators use handheld devices to input all vehicle relocation information into an immediately searchable website. Walther, the speech therapist whose car was towed, suggested a stopgap, low-tech solution: Just put a sheet of paper on the windshields of vehicles after theyre towed. There should be something saying the car was moved from a free spot to this spot, please do not ticket, she said. Out of luck When Isaacs finally located his BMW on the PPA lot in January, he found a Dec. 15 ticket, written by a Philadelphia police officer at the original parking spot on Camac Street, which had been deemed a temporary no-parking zone while he was away. There was also a handwritten note that stated: This car will be ticketed & towed on Dec. 15th. On the other side of the note were the names of several city officials, including Steve Lorenz, chief highway engineer for the Streets Department. Lorenz said that the sheet is the second page of a permit that would have been issued to a construction company or private individual seeking temporary no-parking signs. He said the permits can be obtained for something as small as securing a spot for a moving van. Whoever tows the car is supposed to give the tow slip to the local police district, Lorenz said. The normal process is they give it to the front desk. Lorenz said he did not know who had towed Isaacs car, or why someone would write a warning on the back of the permit and place it on a windshield. It looks like it was handwritten with a Sharpie and doesnt tell anybody anything, Lorenz said. Anderson, the police lieutenant, said he also did not know who towed Isaacs car from Camac Street. PPA records show that police ticketed Isaacs car on Camac Street, but a PPA spokesperson said there were no records indicating that the agency had towed it. Robs Towing said it did not tow it, either. After leaving the PPA lot, Isaacs figured that the police ticket, combined with the Streets Department permit and the note about an impending tow, would at least serve as proof that someone had towed his car into the loading zone. He was wrong. The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, the agency through which vehicle owners can appeal PPA tickets, later told Isaacs that he had waived his right to appeal by paying the initial fines and fees. Its basically an admission of guilt in their mind, he said. Including the tickets, tow fee, impound fee, and parts and labor for his broken window, the whole ordeal has so far cost him $1,469. Isaacs only remaining option is to appeal to Common Pleas Court, which he intends to do. The filing fee is $215. Matthias Wagman, 31, of Rittenhouse, poses for a portrait along Spruce Street in a Zone 1 parking area in Center City, Philadelphia on Friday. Wagman had his car "courtesy towed" in 2021 from his permit spot to a metered spot, and had to pay $808 in tickets last year. Now he faces another issue of his car being stolen on top of all the tickets to pay. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Expect a cloudy day with a slight chance of showers. Temps will reach a high of 79. Phillys notorious and longtime courtesy tow issue doesnt look like itll have a resolution soon. Ten new victims have joined a pair of potential class-action lawsuits targeting the citys system of moving cars for roadwork, construction, and special events. And yet, this still isnt motivating the city to act. Our lead story shows that Philly officials are refusing to fix our courtesy-tow problem. Advertisement Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Philadelphia city lawyers argue that the citys unique problem of courtesy towing isnt on them. Ten new victims including two drivers who never found their cars have joined two potential class-action lawsuits targeting the citys system for relocating cars. Some context: For years, residents have complained about the system that doesnt have a reliable way for documenting where the vehicles are towed to. In some cases, people dont even know who towed them. Drivers have been left wandering weeks or months looking for their cars, which could have been dropped off a few blocks away or in an entirely different neighborhood. The city response? Its someone elses fault. In their own words: [T]hey do not claim an injury that is fairly traceable to the City, Anne Taylor, chief deputy city solicitor, wrote of the plaintiffs. A federal judge rejected the citys motions to have the lawsuits tossed and ordered the parties to engage in mediation. Continue reading to learn the extent of what victims are up against. Around this time last year, Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson faced the possibility of spending years in federal prison. Today, hes vying to become Philadelphias top legislative leader. Hes cruising toward a fourth term representing South and Southwest Philadelphia and has allies both in City Hall and Harrisburg. A quick recap: He announced his candidacy for Council president in February. That was less than four months after he and his wife, Dawn Chavous, were acquitted on charges that they accepted bribes and used his power to help a nonprofit maintain real estate in his district. He made headlines again last month when federal prosecutors charged a developer with leveraging his relationship with the Council member to illegally flip cheap parcels for huge profits. Some in City Hall are quietly uncomfortable with the scrutiny over his land-use decisions. In his own words: I wasnt only just exonerated, but innocent. Thats the rules: innocent until proven guilty, Johnson said. Through the grace of God, that process turned out in my favor. And I maintained my innocence from day one. Continue reading for the full profile that examines his political career. What you should know today Trivia time What year did the Naked Bike Ride arrive in Philly for the first time? A) 2010 B) 2008 C) 2009 D) 2006 Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Explaining: What you need to know about Nicolas ORourke, the Working Families Party candidate running for Philly City Council. Listening To: Amber Marks Tiny Desk (Home) Concert. Unscramble the anagram Hint: This Starbucks drink just turned 20 PICKUPS ALIEN TEMPT Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Nancy Brago, who correctly guessed Sundays answer: Lincoln Highway. Photo of the day I know its only Monday, but Im starting my day by planning my Labor Day Weekend. Im soaking in every bit of the last days of summer. Ill be back in your inbox tomorrow. On August 28, accompanied by the Russian peacekeeping contingent, another transfer of civilians from Artsakh to Armenia was carried out. According to the preliminary data, 170 persons were transported accompanied by the peacekeeping contingent, Artsakh Republic Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan wrote about this on Facebook. August 28, 2023, 18:36 2 more persons on lists did not cross Azerbaijani checkpoint, not possible to contact them. Ombudsman STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: ''Around 13:00, persons heading to Armenia reached the illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint located next to the Hakari Bridge in the Lachin corridor. According to the information received by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, Alen Nelsonovich Sargsyan, born in 2001, was abducted by force and coercion and taken away in an unknown direction by the representatives of the Azerbaijani border and other services. In addition, other 5 persons from Artsakh were taken to a special room near the checkpoint for interrogation by the representatives of the border and other services of Azerbaijan. During the interrogation, various questions were asked: sport activities, the purpose of the trip to Armenia, the economic situation in Armenia and Artsakh, etc. According to the information received, two more persons from the pre-agreed lists Vahe Hovsepyan and Levon Grigoryan did not cross the illegal checkpoint. However, it is not possible to establish a connection with them. All three citizens are students of the educational institutions in the Republic of Armenia. We have numerously noted that the illegal checkpoint located near the Hakari bridge poses a direct and irrefutable threat to the physical existence and protection of the fundamental rights of the civilian population of Artsakh. The abduction of Vagif Khachatryan and Alen Sargsyan irrefutably proves that the so-called checkpoint has turned into a tool for serving the Azerbaijani criminal arbitrariness, through which Azerbaijanis arbitrarily kidnap and deprive civilians of their freedom. 120,000 people are kept under the blockade, deprived of humanitarian access and the possibility of protection of their basic human rights. The international legal and political guarantees from both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Russian peacekeepers are practically insufficient to protect the rights of the population of Artsakh, including the right to free and safe movement. Taking into account the commitments made by these two actors, the Human Rights Defender demands that they take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the humanitarian movement of the population of Artsakh and the immediate return of the abducted persons. Otherwise, without such guarantees, the transportation of civilians should be stopped. Robert C. Page, 85, of Philadelphia, retired owner of the Classical Guitar Store in Center City, ardent guitarist, former English literature instructor at Temple University, and Francophile, died Wednesday, July 26, at his home in Center City. He had been living with several illnesses. A piano student in Detroit as a young man, Mr. Page picked up the guitar in the 1960s because it had a warm and intimate tone, he said in an interview with French magazine Guitare Classique. He was changing jobs in those days, he said, and guitars were more mobile than pianos. He never put them down. He discovered classical guitars that feature nylon strings and mellow tones, bought the Classical Guitar Store on Sansom Street in 1973, and spent the next four decades playing tunes at home and the store, arranging concerts for other guitarists, and selling handmade classical guitars from France, Spain, Japan, Mexico, and elsewhere. He embraced the internet as a sales tool in the 1990s, created a YouTube channel to display his inventory, and attracted customers worldwide. In an online tribute, Eric Zillmer, president of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society, called Mr. Page an industry leader in the acquisition, selling, and promotion of classical guitars. Buying a guitar from him was an adventure, more like a wine tasting. Mr. Page was past president and longtime board member of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society and received its 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. In the early 1990s, he became an expert on nearly all things French, especially literature, music, and wine, and always seemed to have a dog-eared French dictionary at hand. He was introduced to French guitars in 2007 and immediately enthralled by what he called the instruments clarity of tone. He traveled to France often, met with guitar craftsmen, and studied their fine sense of aesthetics. Advertisement Putting together my two passions, for the guitar and for France, has been like a renaissance for me, both professionally and personally, Mr. Page said in 2012. He played his own guitars for a time at restaurants, cafes, and private parties, and for his children as they drifted off to sleep at night. He took lessons at the Classical Guitar Store when he moved to Philadelphia in 1966 to teach at Temple and said in 2012 that he got too nervous to play on stage. Off stage, he mentored other guitarists, held impromptu concerts at his store, and described classical and jazz music as an inexhaustible delight. He was drawn to guitars, he said, for the pleasure of hearing them sing. Zillmer said: Bob was a compassionate, friendly, and irresistible soul, someone who on a very personal level created culture around music and guitars, which is not an easy thing to do. Robert Charles Page was born May 2, 1938, in Detroit. He was the oldest of four brothers and earned bachelors and masters degrees in English literature at Wayne State University in Detroit. He worked as a newspaper reporter in Ann Arbor, Mich., for two years and taught English literature at the University of Maine-Orono and Temple from 1964 to 1972. He married Aldona Rastenyte in 1961, and they had daughters Lina and Indre, and sons Andrew and John. They divorced later. Mr. Page took his family on memorable vacations to Maine and to Port Norris, N.J. He and his wife translated Lithuanian literature, and he spent two years as director of the American Language School in Kenitra, Morocco, in the early 1990s. He went often to libraries and used-book stores in Philadelphia, and puffed his pipe on benches at Rittenhouse and Fitler Squares. He baked bread in earthenware bowls and delighted his children with delicious crepes for breakfast. He liked to hold court at dinner. I chose to devote myself to the sale of the musical instrument that I so much love because it is always more than just selling. Robert C. Page He learned to dance as a boy from his mother and sang comforting lullabies to his own children. Roberts life was filled with the love of family, friends, literature, and especially, the love of all types of music, a friend said in an online tribute. His daughter Indre said: My dad had a big heart. He didnt always show it. But he was sensitive and compassionate. He made an enormous impact on my life. His son Andrew said: He approached life like a connoisseur. He sought the best in music and everything he loved. In addition to his children, Mr. Page is survived by eight grandchildren, three brothers, and other relatives. A celebration of his life was held Saturday, Aug. 5. Donations in his name may be made to the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society, 2038 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103. On March 2, 2023, during the mayoral primary, Republican David Oh and Democrat Cherelle Parker spoke at a Mayoral Forum on the Performing Arts and Cultural Economy. Now that she has won the primary, Parker has refused to debate Oh. Read more A cornerstone of public service is the willingness of those seeking office to show their worthiness to voters by engaging in public debate. Its an especially proud tradition here in Philadelphia. Despite there not being a competitive mayors race since 1999, nonincumbent Democrats who win their partys nomination have debated their Republican and third-party counterparts until now. Cherelle Parker, the Democratic nominee, has refused to debate her worthy opponent, Republican David Oh ignoring his continued pleas to engage in this time-honored practice. Its a Trumpesque move on Parkers part. Earlier this month, the former president posted on his social media website Truth Social that he would NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES! because he is already popular and well-known to Americans, citing his current large polling lead over primary rivals. At the first GOP debate of the 2024 election season, Donald Trump did not take the stage. Advertisement Maybe Parker holds the same imperial views because of her large lead over Oh. Given that Philadelphia Democrats have a more than 7-1 voter registration advantage in the city 774,469 Democrats to 114,796 Republicans as of Aug. 21 Parker is likely to win the November election and take office in January. Both Parkers and Trumps refusal to debate other candidates, just because they are confident they have the majority of the vote, is a danger to our democracy. I am proud to live in the United States a nation founded on the principle of the rights of the individual over that of state or sovereign. The seriousness of our founders thinking on this matter was revealed in 2010, when spectral imaging technology found that Thomas Jefferson erased the word subject in the Declaration of Independence and replaced it with citizen. This wasnt a mere swap of synonyms or syntax on Jeffersons part it was a seismic shift in a world ruled only by the divine rights of kings and ruling classes. In the United States of America, people would be citizens, not subjects. In 1776, the citizen became the penultimate power, foundational to the great democratic traditions that we now enjoy. One of those traditions is openly and honestly debating your opponent. Oh understands the importance of debates. People are hearing less and less opposing opinions, he said in an interview with The Inquirer when he resigned from City Council to run for mayor. I think thats actually not good. I think its better when you have a collective wisdom or a common wisdom. And that collective wisdom is part of the tradition of our great city. In 1999, Republican Sam Katz and Democrat John Street both nonincumbents faced off in a televised debate. Street narrowly defeated Katz by only 7,228 votes. That would be the closest a Republican would come to winning in Philadelphia in recent history. Since the turn of the millennia, Democrats have coasted, winning each mayoral election by increasingly wider margins. Yet even when Street and Katz rematched in 2003, and Street won handily this time by 16 points Street still took to the debate stage to perform his civic duty. I am concerned with nothing smaller than a citizens right to listen to a civic debate among those who seek power. For the good of the city, the commonwealth, and the country, its time for Parker to debate Oh, and to show respect for the city she wishes to lead. The important thing is that anyone who is running for mayor who wants to be in charge of the city should go before the people, to answer their questions, receive their criticism, and talk about what their priorities are, Oh told Billy Penn. He has yet to hear from Parker about any debates or forums. Parkers and Trumps debate avoidance is symptomatic of deeper problems within our political culture one that permits any political candidate to avoid debates if they are confident theyre going to win. Its become acceptable that candidates with large leads would be foolish to risk diminishing them by engaging the opposition. Philadelphians should reject this self-serving campaign strategy and demand civic participation from those seeking office, regardless of likely election outcomes. According to her campaign spokesperson, Parker will consider each debate invitation as it comes. Its not too late for her to change her mind. One of the summers biggest-earning images might not come close to the $1.34 billion a moving picture has grossed so far, but former President Trumps Fulton County Sheriffs Offices mug shot brought in $4.18 million to his campaign and defense fund on Friday alone. While its no Barbie or Oppenheimer (or even Blue Beetle), Booking Photo #2313827 has to be one of the most anticipated pictures ever. In his three previous indictments, prosecutors did not take mug shots, saying that it was unnecessary as Trump, even before he was president, is one of the most recognizable people on the planet. But the sheriff in Fulton County, Ga., said that everyone would be treated equally. Advertisement Many police departments no longer release their mug shots to the public (including newspapers and other media). The Philadelphia Police Department still does, but The Inquirer stopped publishing them along with crime stories three years ago. When Danese Kenon, the newspapers managing editor for visuals, introduced the new policy, she wrote that we would still use police mugs where the photo depicts a public figure, for instance, or if the alleged crime has achieved broad, regional or national notoriety. The Trump photo certainly met that criteria, and editors here discussed how to use it ahead of time on Thursday, and decided it would not be the main image on the next days front page (many other newspaper made the same choice). That decision was made easier because on the same day we had powerful photos made by my colleague Jessica Griffin at the funeral of a young man, Eddie Irizarry, who was shot and killed by a Philadelphia police officer. Still, the night was not without some newsroom suspense. As our early edition deadline approached, night photo editor Jasmine Goldband was waiting for the mug shot to appear in our wire photo news feed, refreshing it almost every minute from the time Trump left the Fulton Co. Jail. She was also simultaneously trying to get onto the Fulton County sheriffs department website, but it was too overloaded. (I asked her if she had flashbacks of trying to secure appointments online for COVID tests or vaccines.) She did see a version that someone was able to grab there and post to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, but she didnt want to use that because of the risk of grabbing a fake, lo-resolution, and unverified photo. I knew if I could get directly from the county site or AP, that it was the real deal and full resolution. We missed deadline by at least 10-15 minutes, she said the editors didnt hold that edition waiting for the mug but the page was redesigned right away, and it was there for subsequent editions, including the final online digital copy. After seeing the mug shot, a reader asked if I thought it had been professionally lit, with light and dark dappling, as opposed to the other defendants who have straightforward lighting. Pete Souza, the official White House photographer of Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan (and well-known thrower of shade at Trump) posted on Instagram a fictional phone call he made to the district attorney of Fulton County: I called Fani Willis last night to complain about the terrible technical quality on some of these mug shots. You must do better!! I urged. Look how washed out some of the faces are. The shadows on the wall behind Trump do look different than they did in the mugs of the 11 co-defendants booked before him. But I have not read anything anywhere about any special lighting. And with as much thats been said about the pictures, if something special were done we wouldve heard about it. Somebody - on either side of the political spectrum - most certainly would have revealed or leaked it. The sheriffs booking photographer likely just got better with experience. And about Trumps pose? Another former White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly, working for CNN, got a session with Trump after he had won the 2016 presidential election. He told NPR it started off with the president-elect smiling, but it just, it didnt look natural. And I said, How about giving me the youre-fired look from The Apprentice? And he gave me that kind of a scowl very similar to this picture that weve seen from Fulton County. That photo ran on the cover of the second printing of CNNs book on the 2016 campaign, Unprecedented: The Election That Changed Everything. Trump tweeted Hope it does well but used worst cover photo of me! At the time it was thought the President confused Kennerlys portrait with a news photo that appeared on an early printing. Theres a power to the still image, which is inarguable, New York University professor emeritus Mitchell Stephens told the Associated Press. The author of a book about the place imagery holds in modern society and how it is supplanting the written word said the mug shot kind of freezes a moment, and in this case, its freezing an unhappy moment for Donald Trump. And its not something he can click away. Its not something he can simply brush off. That moment is going to live on. And its entirely possible that it will end up as the image that history preserves of this man. Since 1998, a black-and-white photo has appeared every Monday in staff photographer Tom Gralishs Scene Through the Lens photo column in The Inquirers local news section. Here are the most recent, in color: SEE MORE: Archived columns and Twenty years of a photo column Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson sits for an interview with The Inquirer this summer. Johnson, coming off a series of legal troubles, is a top contender to be the next City Council president. Read more Its been a rapid comeback for Kenyatta Johnson. Last year about this time, the three-term City Council member was staring down the possibility of spending years in federal prison. Today, he is vying to spend years as Philadelphias top legislative leader. Johnson announced his candidacy for Council president in February, less than four months after a jury acquitted him and his wife on charges that they accepted bribes and used his position of power to help a nonprofit maintain real estate in his district. It ended a saga that included two trials and a yearslong investigation. The high-profile allegations could have made Johnson politically radioactive. But in many ways, he is more secure than ever. Advertisement READ MORE: Kenyatta Johnson and Curtis Jones Jr. are front-runners in the Philly Council president race He is cruising to a fourth term representing South and Southwest Philadelphia and has influential allies in City Hall and Harrisburg. The next Council president will have the power to shape the direction of city policies for years to come, and the fact that Johnson is among the contenders demonstrates that opponents are reluctant to weaponize his legal troubles against him. Still, some in City Hall are quietly uncomfortable with the repeated scrutiny of Johnsons land-use decisions in his rapidly gentrifying district. He again appeared in headlines last month when federal prosecutors charged a developer with leveraging his relationship with the Council member to illegally flip cheap parcels for huge profits. In that case, prosecutors cast Johnson as a victim. But a trial could still be politically embarrassing. Johnson said in an interview that none of his colleagues has expressed concern about last months indictment. Nor does he think his legal troubles are disqualifying. I wasnt only just exonerated, but innocent. Thats the rules: innocent until proven guilty, he said. Through the grace of God, that process turned out in my favor. And I maintained my innocence from day one. READ MORE: No-bid bargains: Developers bought low and sold high with the help of Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson Johnson was the only person Johnson grew up in Point Breeze, where his mother and grandmother were neighborhood fixtures and where he founded an antiviolence program called Peace Not Guns. He worked as an aide to state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, and his first run for office resulted in a shock win. In 2008, he ran against a 10-term incumbent state representative and the Democratic establishment and won, and his supporters rejoiced that a 34-year-old native son was victorious. Three years later, he won an open primary for a Council seat representing the 2nd District, which includes neighborhoods from Eastwick to the Navy Yard to Center City. Johnsons first two terms were at times contentious as the district gentrified, which inherently brought racial tension. Some pro-development forces thought Johnson stymied growth or sided too often with neighborhood groups who opposed change. He said his goal was to slow the increasing cost of real estate and keep residents from being priced out. Johnson defeated strong primary challengers when he ran for reelection in 2015 and 2019. But this year even fresh off two federal trials no serious contender made a bid for his seat. He said thats because of luck and the grace of God. It also might be because no one wants to be set up to lose. Johnsons past challengers were soundly defeated, and private polling shows he remains popular. Beating federal charges might have made him more well liked, said Bishop James Darrell Robinson of South Philadelphias Yesha Ministries, a close confidant of Johnsons. I think hes better off, Robinson said. When you go through something, it builds character. Johnson said he has been repeatedly stopped by supporters who said they were praying for him. Others nod and say right on. I knew his grandmother, said Martha Holman, 77, who has lived in Grays Ferry for 40 years. If Mr. Johnson took a dollar, he kept a penny and gave the rest of it to the community. Others said theyll support him because of his offices constituent services. Al Gambone lives across from Stephen Girard Park in South Philly, which hes advocated for years to beautify. He went to Johnson in 2014 when the park was in disrepair, and the city allocated more than $1 million to add Colonial-period lighting, new walkways, and other upgrades. We had some other really heavy-duty politicians, but nobody took an interest, he said. Mr. Johnson was the only person. READ MORE: Meet the candidates running for Philadelphia City Council president A decade of scrutiny Johnsons land-use decisions have been under scrutiny for the better part of a decade. Thats in large part because of councilmanic prerogative, the unwritten tradition that Council members wield exceptional control over development in their districts. In 2014, two developers sued Johnson, saying he killed their chances at obtaining city-owned land either for political retribution or to steer parcels to preferred developers. One of the plaintiffs, Ori Feibush, unsuccessfully challenged Johnson for his seat the following year. In 2016, a jury sided with Feibush. About the same time, The Inquirer reported that there were dozens of city properties in Johnsons district that were sold in no-bid sales in violation of city policy. Then, after years of speculation, federal prosecutors in January 2020 filed bribery and fraud charges against Johnson; his wife, Dawn Chavous; and two others. They alleged Johnson helped a financially struggling nonprofit maintain real estate, and accepted a payoff from the nonprofit executives in the form of a sham consulting contract for Chavous. The first trial, in April 2022, resulted in a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. Federal officials immediately vowed to retry the case. In November, a jury acquitted. Through it all, Johnson enjoyed strong support from his Council colleagues. None publicly called for him to step down. A half-dozen attended prayer vigils. Last fall, when Johnson returned to the chambers a day after the acquittal, members stood and clapped. Johnson said the support is a testament to relationships he built. Ive always operated with a sense of integrity, he said. Cant no person in Council or in the administration say, Oh, I dealt with Kenyatta and he said one thing, did the other. Im always straightforward. Johnsons support in City Hall As a district Council member, Johnson was largely focused on constituent services and neighborhood issues. He has not undertaken a controversial policy agenda or pushed legislation that would force his colleagues to take politically risky votes. He is seen as someone who will reliably sign on to legislation, and he isnt part of an ideological faction. Council staff and members say that they like him personally he remembers birthdays, knows childrens names, and sends flowers when someone dies. It also could have been politically problematic for members to come out against him, even before the acquittal. Others have been scrutinized for how theyve used councilmanic prerogative, and they could have been seen as hypocritical. City Council and Democratic politics in Philadelphia can also be insular, and leaders tend to protect their own. A similar dynamic played out after former City Councilmember Bobby Henon was indicted in 2019 on federal corruption charges. Just one of Henons colleagues called on him to step down. Especially because Johnson was acquitted, few in Democratic politics have publicly questioned his ability to serve. Even political rivals have largely declined to publicly criticize him. When youre found not guilty, you should be treated as if youre not guilty, said Ed Thornton, the Democratic leader of Southwest Philadelphias 40th Ward. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt. But plenty of questions about the future of Council remain amid a wave of turnover in the legislative body. And whoever is picked as Council president will be in a position to shape how it evolves. Johnson is one of five members interested in succeeding Council President Darrell L. Clarke, who did not seek reelection. At least one other contender, Majority Leader Curtis Jones Jr., is aggressively campaigning, and Councilmember Mark Squilla, of the 1st District, is also seen as a top contender. A candidate needs at least nine votes out of the 17-member chamber, and none has enough commitments from colleagues to meet that threshold. Several factors are in play. Jones has twice served as Democratic majority leader, the bodys second highest leadership position. A few politically powerful labor unions are leaning toward supporting Johnson. Ultimately, members will vote for the person they think can elevate them and best support their agenda. Some also see Johnsons age as a factor. Hes just 49 and could be the Council president for the foreseeable future because there are no term limits (Jones is 66). Ambitious members may be reluctant to vote for Johnson because they see the role in their own future. Either way, his longevity in Council depends on the continued support of his district. To be sure, plenty of critics remain, whether its over his politics or his principles. Johnson said some will always question his integrity. All I can do is continue to keep doing the work that Im doing, he said. Somebody, somewhere, is always going to have an opinion. This story was updated to clarify the charges that were filed against Johnson and Chavous. Latin America Thrives celebrates the music, art, and food of the Latino communities in Philadelphia. Read more Entrepreneur Reyna Navarro feels pride every time the Latin America Thrives festival arrives at Love Park. Being able to see my art and that of my fellow Latinos in the center of the city I have called home for 19 years is wonderful, Navarro said. It feels like we belong and have the space to share our culture. This year, the third edition of Latin America Thrives takes place Friday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Created in 2021 by community group Alianza Latina, the event has helped Latino businesses survive the pandemic. Its become an annual celebration of Latino culture and led to recognizing Oct. 1 as Latino American Entrepreneurs Day. For Ana Omana, Alianza Latinas interim executive director, this festival is a chance for people to take a mini trip through Latin America. Advertisement This year, attendees can learn about different cultures, support local artists, dance to Latino rhythms, and try food from multiple traditions. The event is completely free and you dont need to RSVP. Around 500 people are expected to attend, and you can sign up on Eventbrite to make sure you dont miss it. In the meantime, here is what to expect at the 2023 Latin America Thrives: Food This year, Latin America Thrives bumps up its food offerings from three to 19 food stands. Delight yourself with food from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and more. Local restaurants El Patio, Bachaco Grill, Cafe Tinto, La Calenita Bakery, Taqueria Morales, and La Ingrata are part of this years roster. Expect to pay between $10 to $20 per plate. For the first time, Latin America Thrives is hosting a food contest. Beginning at noon, 12 restaurants will compete for the festivals best savory or dessert dish. A jury made up of Latino chefs, consuls, and community members will select the winner at 3 p.m. First place receives a crystal statue. Events Music: Local musicians Miguel Linares and Victoria Reyes will perform Caballo Viejo, a vallenato song by late Venezuelan composer Simon Diaz. Representing Colombia, the dance group Colombia mi corazon es tuyo is set to dance cumbia from Cartagena. Los Guachinangos, with members from various Latino countries, will bring jarocho rhythms from Veracruz to Love Park. Traditional attire expo: Every year, a country gets the spotlight to show traditional attire that represents its culture. Peru and Mexico were center stage in the first two editions; this year is Venezuelas turn. Art sections: Get to know local artists and their work. Mexican muralist Cesar Viveros will be in attendance, as well as multidisciplinary artist Reyna Casarez, and makeup artist Dayesla Ixtli. Kids activities: The Latin American Book Fair will have a stand with childrens books and coloring tools. Likewise, kids can learn as chef Michelle Medina prepares hallacas, a traditional Venezuelan dish similar to a tamal. Vendors So far, 52 vendors have registered to participate, including artisans, small businesses, and local designers who will be selling100% made by hand. Folks can look forward to jewelry, embroidery, clothing, paintings, edible products, and crafts. All are made by Latino artists in Philadelphia or imported directly from Latin America. Navarros business El Mundo de Queen, for instance, will be selling imported Mexican art and earrings made by her. Ecuadorian entrepreneur Silvia Roldan will sell toquilla hats crafted and painted by Ecuadorian Indigenous communities. Volunteers Sign up as a community liaison to host vendors and consuls, or assist with stage production. Volunteers receive complimentary food. One of the company's innovations is its IQEdge solution, a one-stop online quoting tool designed for the Australian and New Zealand markets. It delivers quotes in under 60 seconds and offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view during conversations with their customers in real time. The new members of EFI Globals Ontario team Terlecky, a senior fire and explosion investigator, has over 24 years of experience in fire and emergency services. He was formerly with the Chicago Fire Department and was responsible for overseeing the training and development of a 32-member fire investigation unit. His expertise extends to assisting law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and the insurance industry in determining the causes and origins of numerous fires. He has also served as an expert witness in court. Jennifer comes to Alliant with both benefits and business consulting experience, allowing her to partner with her clients and help them make the best decisions for the bottom line and their employees, said Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits. She also has the new business and developmental experience to help us grow and expand our client base and service offerings. This months Book Report has two books that are among my favorites of all 2023. Tracey Langes debut novel, We Are The Brennans, was a Book of the Month pick from 2021, and her second novel, The Connellys of County Down, was recently chosen too. The Connellys of County Down opens as Tara Connelly is being released after 18 months in prison for a drug conviction. When her brother doesnt show up to pick her up, she is surprised by the cop who arrested her. Taras arrest never sat right with Detective Brian Nolan. He never understood why she refused to give evidence against Roland Shea, the drug dealer he and his uncle and mentor were after. He didnt believe that Tara was a drug runner; his gut told him something else was going on. Brian gives a reluctant Tara a ride home, but where was her brother and sister? Tara moved back to the home she shared with her older sister, Geraldine, an accountant for a local construction company. Geri raised Tara and her brother Eddie after their mother died and their father abandoned them. Eddie is a single dad to Conor, who adores Tara. Eddie had a brain injury years ago and still suffers from the aftereffects, including debilitating migraines. Geri seems wary of Tara, and relegates her to the dusty attic bedroom when Tara returns. Going back to her job teaching art in a Catholic school is impossible, and the only job Tara can get is working for two young gamers trying to go viral. Its minimum wage, but Tara grows to like the young men. Geri is clearly struggling with something, Eddie continues to deal with his injury, and Tara tries mightily to keep her family together and rebuild her life. The story of this family pulled me right in; the characters seem like people you would meet in real life. Lange does a good job as she keeps the reader guessing as to the real story behind Taras arrest. I highly recommend The Connellys of County Down for anyone who loves a good family story. Ann Patchett has written many excellent books, and her latest, Tom Lake," might just be her best yet. As Lara, her husband and three adult daughters Emily, Nell and Maisie head out into their orchard to pick cherries for the harvest, the girls ask Lara to recount the time she dated famous actor Peter Duke. Lara tells her story, beginning with her playing Emily in her communitys production of Our Town when she was in high school. She was so good, it led to Lara going to Hollywood to act in a big-time movie. After filming the movie, she went to a small town in Michigan called Tom Lake to act in summer stock. It was there she met Peter Duke, and they became lovers. Peter had great ambitions to be a famous actor and he had the talent. Their affair burned bright, and Patchett recounts Laras time in Tom Lake so vividly you feel like you are right inside the story. Laras daughters parse every morsel of her story, questioning any small differences from previous retellings. Every character is so precisely drawn, we get to know all of them from Emily, the eldest, who is destined to inherit the family farm and marry the boy next door, to Maisie, studying to be a veterinarian and helping the neighbors with their animals, to Nell, who wants to be an actress. The setting of the story in the orchard during the pandemic hits all the right notes about how we felt during that time. We tend not to think about our parents' lives before we existed, and Tom Lake may make you wonder. This passage by Lara really sings and I will end with it: There is no explaining this simple truth about life: You will forget much of it. The painful things you were certain youd never be able to let go? Now youre not entirely sure when they happened, and the thrilling parts, the heart-stopping joys, splintered and scattered and became something else. Memories are then replaced by different joys and larger sorrows, and unbelievably those get knocked aside as well, until one morning youre picking cherries with your three grown daughters and your husband goes by on the Gator and you are positive that this is all youve ever wanted in the world. If you read BOOK: The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange GRADE: A+ PUBLISHER: Celadon Books COST: Hardcover, $28.99 LENGTH: 272 pages BOOK: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett GRADE: A+ PUBLISHER: Harper COST: Hardcover, $30 LENGTH: 309 pages Schawe has two decades of experience in risk management. Prior to joining Newfront, Schawe held the position of managing director & head of office at Marsh for four years. Before that, he served as the executive vice president at Gallagher. Firstly, residents are advised to review their evacuation plans, including plans for pets if applicable. It is also crucial to ensure that hurricane kits are adequately stocked, containing at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members, including pets. Additionally, a two-week supply of medications for everyone in the household should be included. The historic Rhode Island hotel ravaged by a fire last weekend is a total loss that will be torn down, authorities said Wednesday. The Harborside Inn on Block Island was severely damaged in a blaze that started late last Friday night and lasted well into Saturday morning. Guests were evacuated and there were no reports of serious injuries. The exact cause remains under investigation, but authorities said they think it started in the ground floor kitchen. Opened in 1879, the hotel on the National Register of Historic Places is in the heart of the resort island`s business district. New Shoreham town officials and hotel ownership met with a demolition company on Wednesday. The damaged building, including a collapsed roof, has been deemed a hazard and is fenced off. Town officials said demolition is expected to start the week of Sept. 11 and take about five days. About 50 firefighters, some of whom had to be flown or shipped in from the mainland, helped battle the blaze at the 36-room hotel. Block Island Reservations, which owns the hotel, thanked the firefighters and everyone who helped during and in the days following the fire. Unfortunately, it is evident that with the damages done to the building Harborside Inn has closed its doors with the iconic history and memories to be remembered and cherished, the company posted on its website. Block Island is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) off the Rhode Island coast. New Shoreham is the only town on the island. Photo: Firefighters battle a fire at a recently renovated hotel in Newport, R.I., Monday, May 23, 2022. Three firefighters were injured as nearly 100 firefighters from multiple muncipalities responded to the fire at the Wayfinder Hotel. (Scott Barrett/The Newport Daily News via AP) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co. is not entitled to the summary judgment it was granted by a federal district court in a building fire case in which it claimed the insured was not cooperative in accommodating its requests for examinations under oath. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit harshly criticized the insurer and the federal district court for Massachusetts in rejecting their positions that the insurer was justified in denying the claim because of the alleged non-cooperation. The appeals court found that the insurer mischaracterized the conduct and communications of the building owner, Brockton Agricultural Society (BAS), over a request for examinations under oath (EUO) with its president and others and that the insurer ended discussion prematurely. The evidence unequivocally shows that BAS never willfully and inexcusably refused to submit to an EUO, the appeals panel concluded. The appeals court further found that the district courts decision to grant summary judgment was well outside the norm of relevant cases absolving insurance companies of coverage liability because of the conduct of an insured. In March 2021, an arsonist destroyed a building on the Brockton Fair fairgrounds known as the State Building, owned by BAS Holding Corp. (BAS) and insured against loss by Philadelphia. Questioning whether the policy did in fact cover the State Building and, even if it did, whether the coverage would be limited because the building was vacant, Philadelphia undertook an investigation to determine coverage. During the investigation, Philadelphia submitted multiple document requests to BAS, and BAS cooperated fully with these requests, supplying more than 700 documents. Also, BAS sent a representative who worked for the president of BAS to an EUO scheduled by the insurer on August 3. She was an employee who the president said handled the insurance and did everything to help put on the fair and also oversaw maintenance work on the fairgrounds and buildings throughout the year. She tried to answer all questions put to her at the EUO, and promised to research additional information, but the parties disagreed about the adequacy of her answers. The next day, the insurer sought additional EUOs of the president and owner of BAS, as well as five maintenance workers. The parties communicated by email over the reasons and timing for the follow-up EUOs. Philadelphia interpreted the communications as the insured not cooperating. as required under the policy, and thus denied the claim. Unlike the district court, the appeals court declared that Philadelphia was wrong, that BAS never refused to cooperate, never refused to produce the president for a second EUO as the insurer claimed, never delayed or missed a scheduled EUO, and was within its rights to ask why the EUO of the president was necessary. Furthermore, the appeals court was troubled that instead of waiting weeks or months to deny coverage after requesting confirmation of an EUO, Philadelphia waited less than 72 hours and denied coverage before an EUO had ever been missed. The entire discussion between the parties about whether there should be additional EUOs spanned only nine days. Timeline On August 4, the day after the first EUO, Philadelphia sent an email to BASs counsel requesting EUOs of the six individuals. BAS replied on the same day. Philadelphia claimed that this reply constituted BASs first refusal to present the president for an EUO. But the appeals court, citing the language of the BAS reply email, found that BAS promised to further respond to Philadelphias request in a separate correspondence. There is no way to read this email as a willful refusal, the court stated. On August 9, as promised, BAS responded, pointing to policy language stating that Philadelphia could only take an EUO if it is reasonably required. BAS asked Philadelphia to provide an explanation for why a further EUO was reasonably required so that BAS could consider the request and respond further. According to Philadelphia, this email constituted a second refusal of BAS to cooperate with an EUO. But the appeals court rejected that conclusion as well. This position is not an unexcused and willful refusal to present for an EUO, the appeals court wrote. The next day, Philadelphia responded that it was not obligated to explain its reason but did say it was permitted to take an EUO of the president because he owns and manages BAS. Philadelphia requested that BAS confirm that the president would appear for an EUO scheduled for August 19. But on August 13, less than 72 hours after its August 10 email, and before BAS had sent any response, Philadelphia denied BASs insurance claim for refusing Philadelphias requests for EUOs. Philadelphia argued that the attendance of the president and the maintenance workers at the requested EUOs was a condition precedent to coverage and BASs refusal to produce them prevented Philadelphia from completing its investigation. BAS responded that the insurance policy did not require BAS to submit to Philadelphias specific selection of who should appear on BASs behalf at the EUO, that it complied with Philadelphias request for an EUO by producing a knowledgeable person who answered questions, and that it never missed an EUO. BAS further argued that it never refused to produce the president or others for an EUO; instead, it merely asked Philadelphia to clarify why further EUOs were required. The district court indicated that it was troubled over the president not undergoing an EUO and granted Philadelphias motion for summary judgment on the basis of the lack of cooperation of the president. Condition Precedent Under Massachusetts law, attendance at reasonably requested EUOs is a condition precedent for insurance coverage. The question before the appeals court was whether BAS willfully and without excuse refused Philadelphias request for an EUO of the president, thereby breaching the insurance contract. The court said that the record supported BASs reasonable belief that providing the president for an EUO was in no way necessary to advance Philadelphias investigation of the fire. In addition to citing the timing of the claim denial, the court took issue with some statements by Philadelphia. The court found that Philadelphias assertion that the BAS employee who testified was unable to testify about any of the topics of examination was flatly wrong. The court found she was not evasive, attempted to answer every question asked of her without objection, and offered to research the questions she could not answer and get back to Philadelphia. Philadelphia further falsely claimed that she said it was reasonable to ask the company president for his EUO. However, the court said she never so testified. In short, given the sequence and content of the emails between the parties, as well as the responsive EUO testimony already provided, it is impossible to find on this record that BAS willfully and without excuse refused to cooperate with the insurer, the appeals court concluded. Topics Carriers A P&O cruise ship with thousands of passengers on board collided with an oil tanker off the coast of Palma de Mallorca in Spain on Sunday, injuring a small number of people. Videos posted to social media showed the Britannia, the flagship of the P&O fleet, swaying in a storm that battered the Mediterranean island, causing the mooring holding the ship to snap. P&O cruise #ship carrying thousands of #British holidaymakers has #crashed into an oil tanker off the coast of #Palma in #Mallorca after it snapped its moorings after storm battered #Spain pic.twitter.com/wBZ1cHiGmZ Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) Aug. 28, 2023 A P&O Cruises spokesperson said in a statement Monday that the Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while docked in Mallorca, which saw a small number of individuals sustain minor injuries. They were being cared for by the onboard medical center. The ship will remain docked to allow a technical team to make an assessment of the damage, according to the statement. The strong winds took passengers and crew unprepared, causing injuries from falls or flying debris. The captain asked all guests to return to their rooms until further instructions and gave updates every 10 to 15 minutes, according to a report by the Guardian. The Britannia cost 473 million ($596 million) and can carry up to 3,647 passengers. Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Energy Oil Gas This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Sompo International and Inigo Limited. A summary of these new hires follows here. Sompo Intl Taps Zurichs Weiss as Head of Property & Energy, Continental Europe Sompo International, the Bermuda-based provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty re/insurance, announced the appointment of Angela Weiss as head of Property & Energy Insurance for Continental Europe, effective Sept. 1. She will be based in Zurich and report to Ralph Brand, president Continental Europe Insurance. Weiss joins Sompo International from Zurich Insurance where she was head of Underwriting Property, Engineering Lines and Marine for Switzerland and international Austrian business. Her previous experience includes various leadership and underwriting roles in property, energy, engineering lines, marine and risk engineering at Zurich Germany, AXA and FM Insurance. She holds a masters degree in Civil Engineering. Were continuously investing in our Property and Energy offering for Continental Europe where we see a growing demand for market leading expertise and capacity. Angelas in-depth industry knowledge and broad experience, combined with her extensive network within the insurance community, make her the ideal person to lead our ambitions in this important field and build a strong team across Continental Europe, commented Brand. *** Inigo Hires Aviation Specialist Harker From Marsh Inigo Limited announced the appointment of Simon Harker, the former global chairman and CEO of Marsh Aviation. Harker will work alongside Ed Whitworth who assumes responsibility for aviation underwriting. We are very proud to have Simon join Inigo. His industry sector credentials and experience with clients and brokers across the globe is hard to rival. The combination of Simon with Ed, who has an exemplary record supporting clients and brokers and expanding our underwriting offering, will be a huge asset to us, commented Matthew Rolph, head of Distribution at Inigo. We currently offer property, casualty, D&O and cyber alongside war insurance to the aviation industry. I look forward to working with Simon in bringing together our client and broker proposition and building out our team further still, Whitworth said. Through its Lloyds syndicate, Inigo specializes in a select number of high-risk, high-capacity insurance and reinsurance lines serving some of the worlds largest commercial and industrial enterprises. Topics Europe Aviation Property Initial tests showed seawater radioactivity to be below detectable levels after the release of treated radioactive water from Japans Fukushima plant, its operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), said on Friday. The seawater samples contained less than 10 becquerels of tritium per liter, the utility said, below its self-imposed limit of 700 becquerels. The World Health Organization has a limit of 10,000 becquerels for drinking water. A becquerel is a unit of radioactivity. The released water is filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, an isotope of hydrogen that must be diluted because it is difficult to separate from water. Japan Begins Releasing Nuclear Wastewater in Process That Could Last 30 Years Fridays results came as the Nikkei newspaper said the government was preparing additional funding support for regional fisheries in the wake of Chinas blanket ban on Japans aquatic products following the discharge of the water. Chinese customs have not detailed the specific products the ban covers. Japans fisheries minister, Tetsuro Nomura, said the ban was extremely regrettable and ran counter to international trends, such as the European Unions lifting last month of all import curbs related to Fukushima. Nomura said the government would take measures to diversify Japans fish exports and develop new markets for China-dependent products, such as scallops. China took more than half of Japanese scallop exports in 2022, government figures show. Japan exported about $600 million worth of aquatic products to China in 2022, making it the biggest market for Japanese exports, followed by Hong Kong. Sales to China and Hong Kong accounted for 42% of all Japanese aquatic exports in 2022, government data shows. Food Exporters Affected More than 700 Japanese food exporters are affected by Chinas suspension of seafood imports, a report by market research firm Teikoku Databank showed. It said 727 Japanese companies export food products to China, making up about 8% of all Japanese firms shipping goods to the neighbor. The report added that 316 Japanese firms export foods to Hong Kong, which announced its own ban on seafood imports from 10 Japanese regions after the Fukushima release. South Korea also said on Friday that it would sharply expand radiation testing of farmed seafood as demands grew from fishermen and the public to ensure safety. More than 4,000 additional tests will be run at private institutions by the end of this year on farmed seafood products before they are shipped, Vice Oceans Minister Park Sung-hoon told a regular news briefing. Experts will draw samples from fish farms for laboratory checks. No radiation has been detected since the tests began in late July, the minister said. Japan says the water release is safe, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded it would have negligible impact on people and the environment. Japans environment ministry and TEPCO are doing tests of the seawater, while the fisheries ministry will run tests on fish in the area, with global nuclear watchdog the IAEA also on site to monitor the discharge and perform analysis. (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Sakura Murakami in Tokyo, Hyunsu Yim in Seoul; editing by Gerry Doyle and Clarence Fernandez) Photograph: This aerial view shows the tanks which contain treated radioactive wastewater at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima, northern Japan, on Aug. 22, 2023. For the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, managing the ever-growing radioactive water held in more than 1,000 tanks has been a safety risk and a burden since the meltdown in March 2011. The start of treated wastewater release on Thursday, Aug. 24, marked a milestone for the decommissioning, which is expected to take decades. (Kyodo News via AP) Related: The District Court of Shawnee County, Kansas has declared MutualAid eXchange (MAX) insolvent, and the company has been placed into liquidation pursuant to a petition filed by the Commissioner of Insurance. The court ruled MAX to be insolvent on August 22, two weeks after the companys board of directors consented to an Order of Rehabilitation. After further evaluation of the companys solvency, the court determined that liquidation is necessary to pay outstanding liabilities. MAX had consistent underwriting losses, lack of reinsurance, and a declining surplus that posed a hazard to its policyholders, creditors, and others, the court judgment. Founded in 2001, Overlard Park-based MAX concentrated on homeowners and farms insurance and provided products to faith-based and mutual aid ministries. The company is licensed in 28 states. In 2022, MAX wrote approximately $30 million in homeowners premium and $9.4 million in farmowners. MAX recently had approximately 30,000 policies in force nationwide, with 1,390 of those in Kansas, according to a release from the Kansas Insurance Department (KID). MAXs financials were on shaky ground for several years. In 2019, AM Best withdrew MAXs ratings at the companys request while noting companys operating performance had been volatile, driven mostly by weather-related events. Despite expanding into new states in recent years, MAXs geographic concentration in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states exposes its results to weather-related losses, AM Best wrote at the time. MAXs performance improved in 2020 when the company recorded net income of $1.7 million, according to NAIC figures. MAX just broke even in 2021 with net income of $101,000, but in 2022 the company recorded a net operating loss of $804,000. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said in a statement that the company fell victim to a very tough reinsurance market and catastrophic storms throughout the nation. As Commissioner, Schmidt will serve as MAXs liquidator. Jodi M. Adolf and Bruce E. Baty were named special deputy receivers. Pursuant to the liquidator order, all policies in effect at the time of issuance of an order of liquidation shall be cancelled the sooner of (1) 30 days from the date of entry of the liquidation orders, (2) the expiration of the policy coverage, or (3) the date when you have replaced the insurance coverage with equivalent insurance in another insurer or otherwise terminated the policy. MAX policyholders have until August 23, 2024 to submit a proof of claim. Policyholders have a claim which would be covered by a guaranty association or fund should check with the applicable guaranty association or fund to determine whether they are required to file a Proof of Claim in the MAX estate in order to pursue coverage from the guaranty association or fund, KID said. The Department will be working closely with the deputy liquidator and the guaranty associations in the states MAX did business to pay claims and process unearned premium refunds, said Schmidt. Missouris Cameron Mutual Placed Into Rehabilitation AM Best Revises Outlook to Negative for Iowa-Based Grinnell Mutual Groups Credit Ratings Topics Kansas CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) At least one tornado touched down in Michigan as part of severe storms powered by winds of up to 75 mph (121 kph) that downed trees, tore roofs off buildings and killed five people while leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power, officials said. The National Weather Service on Friday confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with winds of 90 mph (145 kph) crossed from Ingham County into the western edge of adjacent Livingston County on Thursday night. Preliminary information shows that after entering Livingston County, the tornado remained on the ground for a mile or less before weakening and lifting, said Dave Gurney, a meteorologist with the weather service`s office in Oakland County`s White Lake Township. In western Michigan, the Kent County Sheriff`s Office said a 21-year-old woman and two girls, ages 1 and 3, died Thursday night after two vehicles collided head-on as it was raining. There was two vehicles traveling toward each other. One hydroplaned on water and it was occupied by four people, Sgt. Eric Brunner told WZZM-TV. The sheriff`s office said a 22-year-old Gowen man who was driving the car carrying the Gowen woman and two girls was seriously injured in the crash, which occurred when his car struck an SUV. That vehicle`s driver suffered minor injuries. In Lansing, the state capital, one person died Thursday night after a tree fell on a home. Lansing Police Department spokeswoman Jordan Gulkis told the Lansing State Journal that firefighters extricated one person from the home but that person was pronounced dead at a hospital. In Ingham County, where Lansing is located, the sheriff`s office said Friday that one person was confirmed dead and several people severely injured as more than 25 vehicles were severely damaged along Interstate 96. Trees were uprooted, and some roofs collapsed during Thursdays storms, leaving many roads closed due to fallen trees and power lines. The weather service office in Grand Rapids, in western Michigan, said officials would be in the field Friday conducting damage surveys on a suspected tornado in Kent County. In the north Detroit suburb of Southfield, Muqitu Berry said he was in his ranch home about 9:30 p.m. Thursday when a large part of the trunk of a neighbors tree came crashing down, sounding like a train coming through. The tree ended up across the front of Berry`s driveway and yard and took down power lines, dropping them onto his driveway and at least one vehicle, leaving Berry and his neighbors without power. I cant get out of my driveway. I cant go anywhere, Berry said Friday morning. Were out of power, and its very frustrating. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans declared a state of emergency Friday in Michigans largest county, which includes Detroit, due to power outages, flooding, fallen trees and power lines and storm debris. The county also warned residents to avoid any contact with several rivers after flooding caused municipalities to discharge partially or fully untreated wastewater into various waterways. In Macomb County, northeast of Detroit, several thousand basements in Eastpointe and St. Clair Shores were spared flooding when stormwater and wastewater were discharged to Lake St. Clair through an emergency bypass system, Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said. The bypass has been used only three times since 2017 but twice this week. Apparently, these storms have become our new normal, Miller said. This has been like a tropical storm, and both government and residents will need to make appropriate preparations whenever possible. Canton Township, a community of some 100,000 west of Detroit, was hit earlier this week by flooding in its downtown business district. Then Thursday nights storms produced what are believed to be two at least heavy wind shears, if not tornadoes, said township supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. Some of our parks are destroyed, she said, adding that the township received calls from 200 residents regarding flooding in their basements. More than 460,000 customers in Michigan and over 218,000 in Ohio were without power as of about 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to the Poweroutage.us website. Thursday night`s storms followed a round of heavy rain Wednesday that left areas in southeast Michigan with over 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain by Thursday morning, resulting in street flooding in the Detroit area, including tunnels leading to Detroit Metropolitan Airport in the suburb of Romulus, officials said. Officials reopened the airports McNamara Terminal on Thursday afternoon. Severe storms developed in the western part of the state in the afternoon. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center on Thursday evening to provide support to affected communities as they respond to the impacts of flooding. Parts of the western United States have been deluged in recent weeks with rain from Tropical Storm Hilary, and much of the central U.S. was beaten down by deadly sweltering heat. In Hawaii and Washington, emergency crews battled catastrophic wildfires. Scientists say that without extensive study they cannot directly link a single weather event to climate change, but that climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme events such as storms, droughts, floods and wildfires. Climate change is largely caused by human activities that emit carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, according to the vast majority of peer-reviewed studies, science organizations and climate scientists. Photo: Comstock Park football players help move debris in a subdivision off of Pine Island Road in Kent County, Mich. on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. At least four tornadoes touched down in Michigan as part of severe storms powered by strong winds that killed multiple people, while downing trees, tearing roofs off buildings and leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power, officials said. (Joel Bissell/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Michigan KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department is under a U. S. Department of Justice investigation for alleged racial discrimination, a Kansas City spokesperson confirmed to The Kansas City Star Thursday. Associated Press phone calls requesting comment from the federal agency were not immediately returned Thursday. Three Black firefighters told the newspaper that they were interviewed by the Department of Justice within the past year about racism and their treatment at the agency. A Black firefighter sued last week, claiming he was retaliated against for talking to the Justice Department, the newspaper reported. The federal investigation comes after The Kansas City Star reported on unwritten rules within the department that kept Black firefighters from preferred stations, hampered their ability to be promoted and often left them ostracized in majority-white stations. In one incident, a white fire cadet joked that his favorite knot was a noose and placed it around the neck of Black classmate at the fire academy two years ago. The city tried to fire him, but he resigned after intervention from the firefighters union. The paper reported that only 14% of fire department employees are Black, in a city where 30% of residents are Black. Its stations remain unofficially segregated by longstanding promotion practices. At some busy inner-city fire stations, there hasnt been a Black captain in at least a decade. Female firefighters also reported severe sexual harassment. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Kansas When David Tripp went to bed on May 17, he did not expect that an overnight freeze would wipe out most of his apple crop for the year. The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning for central New York and low temperatures were forecasted to drop into the 20s. Tripp, whose family owns Owen Orchards in Sennett, told The Citizen that there is usually minimal damage if temperatures dip into the upper 20s. It was 40 degrees at bedtime. When he woke up, temperatures were in the mid-30s. "It must have been a prolonged period of time because we ended up with a lot more damage than we thought we were going to have," Tripp said. As apple season approaches, growers like Tripp are learning more about the devastating effects of that freeze. Owen Orchards estimates it lost most of its crop. The family farm also grows peaches, more than two-thirds of which were lost due to the late spring freeze. However, it's the apple losses that will hit Owen Orchards the hardest. There will be some apples sold in Owen Orchards' store on Route 5, and cider will be produced. But plans for U-pick, where customers can walk into the orchards and pick their own apples, are on hold. "The problem with the U-pick is there's a lot of waste," Tripp explained. "People knock a lot of stuff on the ground. We can't afford to have that kind of loss this year. Usually, we just figure it in. But we need all the apples we can get to keep our store going and keep our cider going." Even with its losses, Owen Orchards should get something out of this apple season. The same cannot be said for Grisamore Farms in Locke. The freeze wiped out the farm's apple crop, a first in the 45 years since the Grisamore family began growing apples in southern Cayuga County. If that wasn't bad enough, Grisamore Farms also lost its cherry and peach crops. The freeze affected the farm's main crop, strawberries, as well. Mary Grisamore, co-owner of the farm, told The Citizen that they did not lose their entire strawberry crop, but the first blossoms froze in May. "It's going to be a tough year," Grisamore said. The freeze affected other crops, namely grapes. The losses vary for vineyards in the Finger Lakes and across New York. Some lost their entire crop. After gathering information on the damage, the state Farm Service Agency asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare an agricultural disaster for 31 counties, including Cayuga. The request was supported by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. To be eligible for a federal agricultural disaster declaration, counties must have farms that lost at least 30% of a crop. Farms in Cayuga County reported more than 30% of apple, cherry, grape and peach crops were lost because of the May freeze. The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared a disaster in mid-August for 31 primary counties and 24 contiguous counties, mostly in upstate New York. The agency's action allows farms to apply for low-interest emergency loans of up to $500,000. Among local growers, reaction was mixed. Grisamore would rather receive grants than loans, but said it would help them get through this year. Tripp called the federal government's response "a big farce." "Everybody thinks that we're all getting this free money," he said. "It's not. It's just a low-interest loan if you quality for it." Jeff Williams, public policy director of the New York Farm Bureau, acknowledged that farmers are split on the form of assistance provided by the federal government. But, he continued, some farmers find that the loans "help them bridge the gap to next year." The Farm Bureau was instrumental in securing the agricultural disaster declaration. Williams said the group encouraged farmers to report their damage, which allowed the state Farm Service Agency to make its disaster request. With Congress working to draft the next farm bill, Williams said there needs to be a more responsive crop insurance program that would help Grisamore Farms, Owen Orchards and others that lose high-value crops. "That's something we're definitely working on," Williams said. For Grisamore Farms and Owen Orchards, the transition from summer to fall is usually their prime time. While there is no doubt the freeze will hurt their business, they are trying to salvage this season. Mary Grisamore told The Citizen that her farm will have pumpkins this year, one crop unaffected by the freeze. They will buy apples from another farm to sell in their store and for cider production. Owen Orchards, a popular destination in the Auburn area, has some apples available. Although there was significant damage to the crop, David Tripp said there is a "decent crop" in a few areas. The impact of the May freeze is being felt beyond Cayuga County. There are some orchards that sustained damage but will have an apple crop this year. Others, like Grisamore, expect to lose their entire crop. "Everybody that I talked to has got some damage," Tripp said. Gallery: Cayuga County apple growers suffer widespread crop damage after spring freeze 3M Co. has tentatively agreed to pay more than $5.5 billion to resolve over 300,000 lawsuits claiming it sold the US military defective combat earplugs, people familiar with the deal said. The settlement would avert a potentially much larger liability that 3M sought to curb though a controversial bankruptcy case that ultimately collapsed. The sum is about half the roughly $10 billion some financial analysts predicted 3M could end up paying over allegations that the earplugs didnt adequately protect the hearing of service members. Bloomberg Intelligence had estimated that the companys potential liability was as much as $9.5 billion, while analysts at Barclays put it at about $8 billion. Sounds like 3M negotiated a pretty good deal for itself, given this litigation has been weighing on them for the better part of a decade, said Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor who teaches about product liability cases. A 3M representative said the company doesnt comment on rumor or speculation. Costly Verdicts The accord would end a torrent of litigation facing the St. Paul, Minnesota, company even as it faces thousands of other lawsuits over PFAS forever chemicals likely to cost several times more than the earplug deal to resolve. 3M has lost 10 of 16 early trials over the earplugs so far, with over $250 million awarded to more than a dozen service members. In the most recent trial, a Florida jury ordered the manufacturer in 2022 to pay a US Army veteran James Beal $77.5 million in damages over his hearing loss from the earplugs. Beal, who tested weapons over a four-year period starting in 2005, said he developed hearing loss and tinnitus, a buzzing or hissing sensation in the ears. Read More: 3M Earplug Judge Orders Mediation Away from Bankruptcy Court The hundreds of thousands of lawsuits have been consolidated in a multi-district litigation before a federal judge in Florida for pretrial information exchanges and test trials, according to federal court records. In the suits, current and former service members allege 3M knew its earplugs were too short to work effectively and that it failed to warn the US government or users, or to take steps to fix the product. Under the terms of the settlement, the maker of popular consumer products such as Scotch tape and Post-it notes would pay out the money over five years, said the people, who requested anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the accord. They said 3Ms board still must sign off on the deal. Bankruptcy Strategy 3M had sought to limit its liability by having its Aearo Technologies unit seek Chapter 11 protection from creditors in 2021 to corral the cases. Critics including law professors and consumer advocates attacked the maneuver as an example of profitable companies using the process as a shield without filing for bankruptcy themselves. In June a bankruptcy judge threw out Aearos case, finding that 3M wasnt in the kind of financial trouble that warranted using the bankruptcy system to manage litigation. Aearo has appealed the ruling. A similar move by Johnson & Johnson to resolve cancer cases filed over its baby powder through bankruptcy was rejected this year. As 3Ms bankruptcy strategy languished, lawyers for the company and the service members pursued a settlement in mediation required by the judge overseeing the earplug litigation, US District Judge Casey Rodgers. Rodgers, who served in the Army from 1985 through 1987, ordered 3M Chief Executive Officer Mike Roman in May to travel to Florida for negotiations. According to the lawsuits, the earplugs were defective over a 12-year period starting in 2003. In 2012, there were 971,990 tinnitus claims lodged with the US Veterans Administration, government records show. Experts estimate such claims are rising 15% annually. The earplug accord isnt 3Ms first. In 2018, after a whistleblower lawsuit, the company agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle civil allegations by the US Justice Department that it failed to disclose defects it knew about to the military. As for the forever-chemicals litigation, 3M has agreed to pay as much as $12.5 billion to clean up drinking water supplies across the US that are tainted with the substances. The earplugs case is In Re 3M Products Liability Litigation, 19-md-2885, US District Court, Northern District of Florida (Pensacola). Photo: Explosions and other battle events require special gear to protect combatants hearing. (Bloomberg) Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Florida Numbers Yale University and a student group announced Friday that theyve reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit that accused the Ivy League school of discriminating against students with mental health disabilities, including pressuring them to withdraw. Under the agreement, Yale will modify its policies regarding medical leaves of absence, including streamlining the reinstatement process for students who return to campus. The student group, which also represents alumni, had argued the process was onerous, discouraging students for decades from taking medical leave when they needed it most. The settlement is a watershed moment for the university and mental health patients, said 2019 graduate Rishi Mirchandani, a co-founder of Elis for Rachael, the group that sued. It was formed to help students with mental health issues in honor of a Yale student who took her own life. This historic settlement affirms that students with mental health needs truly belong, Mirchandani said. A joint statement from Elis for Rachael and Yale, released on Friday, confirmed the agreement to resolve a lawsuit filed last November in federal district court related to policies and practices impacting students with mental health disabilities. Under the agreement, Yale will allow students to study part-time if they have urgent medical needs. Elis for Rachael said it marks the first time the university has offered such an option. Students granted the accommodation at the beginning of a new term will receive a 50% reduction in tuition. Although Yale describes the circumstances for this accommodation as rare, this change still represents a consequential departure from the traditional all- or-nothing attitude towards participation in academic life at Yale, the group said in a statement. The dean of Yale College, Pericles Lewis, said he was pleased with todays outcome. He said constructive ideas had emerged from students and alumni, saying in a statement that he hopes the changes will make it easier for students to ask for support, focus on their health and wellbeing, and take time off if they wish, knowing that they can resume their studies when they are ready. In a November letter to alumni responding to a Washington Post article about student mental health and Yales withdrawal and readmission policies, President Peter Salovey said colleges and universities in the last few years have seen a surge in demand for mental health services that was exacerbated by the pandemic. He said Yale stopped requiring withdrawn students to take two courses at another school before they could seek readmission. But the plaintiffs argued much more was needed, including a more individualized process for students. Under the agreement, the length of a student`s leave would be based on a clinical assessment. Students may remain on a medical leave of absence for as long as they wish. Photo: A woman walks by a Yale sign reflected in the rainwater on the Yale University campus. Yale University and a student group that accused the Ivy League school in 2022 of discriminating against students with mental health disabilities, including pressuring them to withdraw, announced the two sides have reached an agreement to settle the students federal lawsuit. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Closely held cloud cybersecurity company Wiz Inc. is considering a potential bid for SentinelOne Inc. in what would represent a rare move by a startup to buy a large listed company. Wiz spokesperson Tamar Harel said on Friday that the firm was studying the potential acquisition of SentinelOne, which had a market valuation of nearly $4.9 billion on Friday. Harel said Wiz has been tracking SentinelOnes growth journal for the past several years and noted that there are a few companies that would complement Wizs offering and help expand its platform. Wiz, which is based in New York, has approached bankers to discuss the possibility of acquiring SentinelOne but hasnt yet hired one, according to a person familiar with the matter. One of the banks Wiz spoke to suggested it try to find a partner to help back a potential deal, the person said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. Harel said in a statement that Wiz openly discussed the possibility of acquiring companies and that the company consistently evaluates the market as part of our mission to become the worlds leading cloud security company. Even if Wiz, which was valued at $10 billion earlier this year, is interested in SentinelOne, it would face some hurdles to buying the company and would have to shore up capital to have a chance. In addition, because the discussions are at such an early stage, its unclear whether Wiz would contemplate merging operations and taking Wiz public through a reverse initial public offering. SentinelOne shares surged as much as 9.1% on Friday to $17.50 on the news. It was trading at $17.02 at 2:52 p.m. New York time. SentinelOne has hired an adviser to explore options including a sale, Reuters reported earlier this week, after shares of the Mountain View, California-based company lost about 80% of their value. A representative for SentinelOne didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Talks are at an early stage, and there is no guarantee that Wiz will follow through with an offer. While Wiz provides cloud security, SentinelOne uses artificial intelligence to prevent, detect and remediate cyber threats. Any private or public deal for SentinelOne could be worth about $6 billion to $8 billion, depending on the type of buyer, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Wiz has raised more than $900 million since its founding in 2020 and says that more than a third of Fortune 100 companies use its services. Growth equity firm Insight Partners is an investor in both Wiz and SentinelOne, according to its website. In March, SentinelOne announced a strategic partnership with Wiz to deliver end-to-end cloud security. Topics Cyber InsurTech Farmers Insurance announced it will part ways with approximately 2,400 employees 11% of its workforce across all lines of business. Decisions like these are never easy, and we are committed to doing our best to support those impacted by these changes in the days and weeks to come, Raul Vargas, president and CEO of Farmers Group, said in a statement Aug. 28. The Los Angeles-based insurer said the moves are being made to better position itself for long-term profitability by creating a more streamlined organizational structure, and follow a thorough evaluation and reduction of operational expenses across the company. Given the existing conditions of the insurance industry and the impact they are having on our business, we need to take decisive actions today to better position Farmers for future success, Vargas said. Farmers, one of the countrys largest providers of home, auto, and small business insurance, said it would in the future share details of a plan to reinvent how insurance is delivered, simplifying systems and introducing innovation for employees as well as its exclusive and independent agents. The layoffs come after Farmers has pulled back from Florida and California in recent months. Farmers said in June it would halt sales of new homeowners policies in Florida, citing higher costs. Last month Farmers advised the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation it would further reduce business in the state by discontinuing Farmers-branded auto, home, and umbrella policies. The pullback could affect as many as 100,000 homeowner, auto and umbrella policies. In July the carrier announced it would limit new homeowners insurance policies in California, citing higher costs and wildfire risks. Another plan to issue thousands of nonrenewals to Georgia homeowners had to be revisited thanks to state law. Vargas said in a statement that Farmers must manage risk and prudently align its costs as the industry continues to face macroeconomic challenges. Our leaner structure will make us more nimble and better able to pursue opportunities for growth and ultimately make Farmers more responsive to the needs of our insured customers and agents, said Vargas. Vargas, who took over as CEO at the start of the year, recently ordered workers to return to the office in a hybrid model, reversing the companys policy on allowing most workers to do their jobs from home. Employees within 50 miles of a Farmers office must come in to work at least three days per week starting in September. Topics Florida Agribusiness Health insurance. Dental insurance. Accidental death and dismemberment. Why not homeowners insurance as an employee benefit? Thats exactly what Darren Wood is thinking. Wood is the founder and chief product officer at Recoop Disaster Insurance, which is now in 42 states and offers a type of parametric homeowners coverage, up $25,000 per policy. Recoop, based in Iowa, announced this month that it is now doing business in Florida and most states, underwritten by Professional Solutions Insurance Co. (PSIC). Recoops entrance into the Florida market, along with four new carriers in recent weeks, has given some hope to a state that has been battered by insurer insolvencies, limits on new business, and soaring premiums. Recoop is, at this point, a general agent of PSIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCMIC Insurance Co. which began as a malpractice insurer for chiropractors but now offers personal lines and business coverage. To find out more about the company and the product, which is designed to cover even some of the losses from storm surge, Insurance Journal sat down for an interview with Wood. Previously with Marsh and with Holmes Murphy & Associates, Wood said he has been working on the parametric idea for a number of years, as a product that major U.S. employers can offer their remote workers, especially those in disaster-prone states where HO premiums and deductibles have risen dramatically in the last half-decade. Woods comments have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. IJ: Why is Recoop moving into Florida now? One of the things goes back to our overall distribution approach. With the top 15 carriers spending roughly $1 billion a year on advertising, that is not something we could compete with. So we made the decision early on, due in large part to my past work experience, that the focus was going to be on distributing the product through the employee benefits space and through associations. I spent nine years with Marsh Consumer, which is now under the Mercer umbrella. Our primary customers were Fortune 1000 employers, and we brought voluntary benefits programs to the table for them as well as the large associations out there, offering the product as a member benefit. From that standpoint, the brokers and distributors in those spaces are the ones responsible for distributing and marketing the program. Why Florida, why now? Well, given the brokers we deal with and their customers, most of them, the employers have national employee bases. So its really a must for them that we have to be in all 50 states. And thats more on the association side. We have a lot of large associations queued up but we cant roll out to them at all until we get all 50 states, plus DC. IJ: So brokers are actually offering Recoop as an employee benefit now? They are. Predominantly on a voluntary basis. But also, we have seen a couple of firms realize, in todays environment, that it had appeal and they were going to buy it for their employees as an employer-paid product. Again, were just kind of on the tip of that. We have two that have adopted that and we have several others, much larger, that are considering doing that. One of the primary drivers there is the workforce moving to a hybrid work environment. Really, working from home, thats their office, so if a family is displaced from their home, they cant get up and running, so its not a viable employee contributing to the workforce. So, this gives them ability to help out with their disaster risk-mitigation plan. I cant give names now. But one is a smaller employer, under 500 employees. The other is offering it just to hybrid employees. One association is very large, transportation-related. IJ: Can you say how many policies you have now, nationwide? We went live 9/1 of last year. And given our target being employers, that was right when their open enrollment season starts. And they typically make the buy-ins for that in March, April. So we missed that window for the most part. Right now, we are between 500 and 600 policies. This year, we were in place in 42 states, including DC, with Florida being the latest. We have a host of large employers queued up, and roughly about 700,000 eligible employees that will have the opportunity to enroll this fall. Were really starting to make some traction. And, quite frankly, for them, Florida was the key. They have employees in Florida and in order to be able to offer it, theyre not going to offer something to only a portion of their population. We got California before that, so those two states really made a material difference in the amount of employers we could add. IJ: Can you give an idea of the cost, the premiums for this type of coverage? We anticipate, across the country, our average coverage amount is going to be approximately $10,000. We offer in $5,000 increments. And interestingly, the enrollees have taken an inverted bell curve on this, where $5,000 was the most common and $25,000 was the second-most common amount of coverage selected. So, with that, our average premium across the country we expect to be $440, per year. To equate that on the benefits spectrum, accidental death and dismemberment typically ranges about $60 to $80 a year. And the average home insurance is about $1,400 a year, across the country, although I know its materially different in Florida. In some lower-risk areas, our product is as cheap as $125 for a $1,000 policy. In Florida, we have three zones, it ranges from $240 for $5,000 in coverage, to $360 for a $5,000 policy. For the very expensive, high-dollar, high-risk areas of Florida, it becomes much higher, about $1,000 for a $5,000 policy. It was important when I built the product to make it affordable for families, especially for families making less than $150,000 a year. Over the last 15 years, about 78% of the disaster declarations in the country have been in low- and moderate-risk areas. Disasters are happening everywhere and with those brokers and those employers, we get to sell a lot of policies because of moderate-risk areas, which allows us to serve some of the higher-risk areas like Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Seaboard. IJ: I think a lot of people in Florida, with HO premiums going up and up and up, have opted for very big deductibles, so it sounds like this product could help with that cost. Youre spot-on. And thats one of the things we recognized early on, especially with single-peril catastrophe policies, which often have deductibles that are between 5% and 30% of the value of the home. It has been reported that roughly 60% of the population does not have an emergency fund and the same number of people have to borrow for an expense over $400. And when you see most insurers starting to treat roofs on an actual-cash-value basis, and if youve got a roof thats 10 years old with a 20-year life span that costs 10 grand, youre on the hook for 5 grand. And you stack the deductible on top of that. Over the last 4-5 years, with the number of hurricanes that hit Florida, between 65% and 85% of the damage has been not covered by insurance, predominantly because its storm-surge related. Thats one of the things we cover with our product is storm surge (but we dont cover freshwater flooding). Storm surge was an important piece for us. And insurers in a lot of cases dont cover storm surge. IJ: And lots of people dont have flood insurance to cover it. Exactly. For a lot of people [hit by storm surge], their primary tool is still loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. So would you rather have a $25,000 loan that youre paying at 4% interest that costs $200 to $300 a month, or buying a policy that has a $320 annual premium? IJ: Do you have adjusters? To explain: In all but about four states, its required that the insured has to have an underlying home or renters policy. We use that as proof of insurability, trying to keep the cost down, so we dont have to send somebody out. We are, for all intents and purposes, a guaranteed-issue policy. As long as you have that underlying policy and you do not live in a mobile or manufactured home, which our reinsurer said was a no-go, we will issue you a policy. We dont look at the structure of the house. The criteria for filing a claim are: 1.) That yourre in a state- or federally declared disater area; 2.) You have $1,000 in damage from one of our covered perils; and 3.) You have that underlying home policy. In the claim packet, we ask people to provide pictures. We ask that they provide a couple of pictures ahead of time, so we have a baseline, so that post-event, if you send a picture of the damage, weve got the ability to compare and contrast. And we use Sedgwick, the largest claims administrator in the country, as claims provider. And they believe they can adjudicate 98% of the claims remotely, which really helps on the speed side. So all of those factors help us keep the pricing down. In Florida, we had to deviate a little bit from our standard model. We have to adjudicate/adjust for all of the damage that is done. But the way we built that into the policies for Florida, we added what we call an incurred-loss endorsement. But we were also able to include items that were not related to home damage. People can submit lost wages if their business does not reopen (after a loss). If they have lost their job, they can submit expenses associated with health care. If they are not able to live in their house and have to stay in a hotel, you can submit pet boarding. If its tied to your exposure and covered peril, we will use that as something we can reimburse for, to get them up to the full coverage amount theyve elected. IJ: Do you have any concerns about fraud? I mean, say someone doesnt have that much damage but might feel that they need a quick $25,000. With Sedgwicks experience, theyve made it clear that they can tell whats been there already and what is new damage. And thats one of the reasons we like to have the before picture, before a claim is made. We just dont expect to get a lot of fraud, just because of the nature of the product. If somebody is exposed, either the roof is going to come off, from wind, or its from storm surge. And those things leave tell-tale marks. In most states, fraud is not a concern because we stop counting at $1,000. [All the claimant needs to show is at least $1,000 in damage to receive the full, agreed-on coverage amount.] In Florida, we have to adjust and adjudicate for all of the covered amount. IJ: What is your relationship with Professional Solutions Insurance Co., your underwriter? Their focus, for most of their early years, was on providing medical malpractice for doctors of chiropractic. They formed a subsidiary to bring additional products to bear to their customer base. In the last 3-4 years they made a conscious decision to expand their footprint and get into other lines. It was a logical fit for us. They had an asset that was underutilized so we partnered with them. They have material surplus in their reserves, so they have the capability and the financial strength to grow with us. Its a unique situation. We are the owner of the product but were also the general agent at this point in time. The (Florida OIR) approval is of the product. Professional Solutions has to have a certificate of authority. But we have to be licensed in each state, as an agent. The claims agreement is between PSIC and Sedgwick. Eventually well have that moved over to us. At that point in time, we have to have an MGA license. Until then, a general agent license suffices. IJ: You were with Marsh and Holmes Murphy. How did you decide to get into Recoop? Great question. This has been my baby for a long time. I formed the company in 2013. For the first eight and a half years, it was me pulling all the pieces together. It was no small feat. What I wanted was to have a package put together that I could bring to a carrier, with distribution partners in place, administration in place, so it was a turn-key solution. We had some close calls with a couple of major carriers that in the end just didnt work. The catastrophe nature of the product can scare some off. But about a year and a half ago, I got to add to the team. We decided to run lean to keep our costs down and partner with the best-in-class providers out there. For example, Sedgwick. And were dealing with Insurity, which provides policy admin support. Weve got five employees. They have good relationships with the top brokers out there. So, the pieces have fit together nicely. Because, frankly, there have not been a lot of new products out there. Theres been some critical-illness products where theyve said theyre going to shuffle the benefits around and slap a new name on it. There have been some new single-peril catastrophe products out there, some on the parametric side, which is good to see. But as far as we know, we are the only multi-peril disaster product in the marketplace that has the model thats almost like Aflac, but for your home. We havent settled on a mascot yet. Topics Florida Homeowners Insurance Office of America added Jeffrey Breskin to its western division team. Breskin has more than 35 years of experience in risk management, claims, safety, and workers compensation laws and regulations. He previously served as senior vice president, risk management at The J. Morey Company, Inc., vice president at EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants and director, workers comp at Crystal & Company. He will be based out of the Encino, California, branch location. Insurance Office of America is headquartered in Longwood, Florida, Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, owner of Rosebud County Insurance Inc., pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Hagadone faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud crime and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison (consecutive to any other punishment), a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime. A sentencing date will be set before a U.S. District Judge. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hagadone was released pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Hagadone owned and operated Rosebud County Insurance, an insurance brokerage business. Hagadone reportedly received insurance payments from customers but failed to send the funds to the insurance companies. Instead, Hagadone misappropriated the money for personal expenses. The scheme reportedly ran from about 2020 until April 2023. The government further alleged that one of the victims was the Chief Dull Knife College of Lame Deer, which engaged Hagadone to find an insurance policy for the college. Hagadone did so, and the negotiated premium for the policy in November 2021 was $91,883. The college reportedly paid Hagadone the full amount. Instead of sending the premium to the insurer, Hagadone contracted to finance the colleges insurance premium with a premium financing company and forged the signature of a college representative on the contract, enabling Hagadone to keep most of the payment without immediately cancelling the policy. Eventually, Hagadone embezzled too much money from her business trust account and could not pay the financing payments she fraudulently created, and by April 2022, the colleges insurance wasterminated. Hagadone concealed this from the college and falsely represented that the college was insured, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting the case. The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, FBI and Rosebud County Sheriffs Office conducted the investigation. Topics Agencies Montana Vancouver, British Columbia - August 28, 2023 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Canada Rare Earth Corp. (TSXV: LL) ("Canada Rare Earth" or "the "Company") is pleased to announce obtaining the right to increase its ownership in the Bom Futuro tailings property in the state of Rondonia, Brazil to a controlling 52% and to become the operator of the project. Certain highlights of the Bom Futuro property include: Permit issued for extraction activities; 70 million tons of tailings accumulated from 25 years of tin mining by the Paranapanema Company and artisanal operators; The tailings contain multiple essential, critical and commercially saleable minerals including tin/cassiterite, ilmenite, zircon and rare earths; The tailings are situated on 590 hectares of 9,960 hectares of leased property; The tailings derived from any current and future mining operations over the 26 year lease term are also included; Information regarding the tailings is available in a 43-101 report and has been augmented through internal work and other 43-101 non-compliant sources; and Right of first refusal to purchase the mineral rights underlying the 9,960 hectares. The Bom Futuro property and circumstances have been described in a number of the Company's news releases including December 7, 2022, February 23, 2022, January 22, 2020 and December 19, 2019. Currently, as project lead, Canada Rare Earth is conducting development work to finalize the operational plans and production estimates for the extraction of essential minerals including tin, zircon, monazite and ilmenite. This work includes bulk material tests, development of flow sheets, equipment selection, financial modelling, and mineral/metallurgical analyses. The Company is well advanced in the process development and based on the expected operational and commercial projections, the three owners of Bom Futuro unanimously agreed that Canada Rare Earth may increase its equity position to 52% from the current 20% by arranging financing for development and becoming the operator for the project. The Company is working closely with its investment banking partners to raise funds to bring the property into operations. Tracy A. Moore, CEO of Canada Rare Earth explained, "our team is extremely pleased to be nearing the financing and implementation phase of our project. In the very near term, we expect to capitalize on the essential minerals contained within the tailings, by applying more modern approaches, know-how and equipment than has historically been utilized. Our goal is to provide value to our shareholders and stakeholders and to become a significant, contributing member of the local community in proximity to the project which for years produced 3% of the global tin supply." Peter Shearing, COO of Canada Rare Earth, elaborated, "we are very confident with our plans for Bom Futuro operations and are looking forward to transitioning from planning to implementation of the overall project." About Canada Rare Earth Corp. Canada Rare Earth Corp. is developing an international integrated business focusing on essential and critical minerals, including rare earths. Our strategy is to generate revenues and positive cash flow as we acquire and develop our own properties and establish value-add processing capabilities. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. For more information on the Company, interested parties should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Tracy A. Moore Chief Executive Officer tmoore@canadarareearth.com Peter Shearing Chief Operating Officer pshearing@canadarareearth.com Telephone: (604) 638-8886 Website: www.canadarareearth.com More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100? That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More Vancouver, British Columbia - August 28, 2023 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TXSV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling is underway at the RDP copper-gold project ("RDP" or the "Project"), located in northcentral British Columbia, 40 km west of the Company's flagship Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul") (see Figure 1). Antofagasta Minerals S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Antofagasta PLC (LSE: ANTO), can earn a 75% interest in RDP by spending $10,000,000 on exploration over eight years and delivering a preliminary economic assessment report (See news release dated February 8, 2022). Pacific Ridge is the operator and is supporting the RDP exploration program from Kliyul camp. Figure 1 Location of RDP and Kliyul 2023 RDP Exploration Program update The Company has completed one drill hole (RDP-23-07) of the planned 1,800 m diamond drill program so far. RDP-23-07 is a 300 m eastern step out from drill hole RDP-22-005, which intersected 107.2 m of 1.45% CuEq1 (0.63% Cu, 1.10 g/t Au, and 2.91 g/t Ag) within 497.2 m of 0.68% CuEq1 (0.37% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au, and 1.6 g/t Ag) at the Day Target in 2022 (see Figures 2 and 3). The surface geochemical grid sampling (rocks and soils) and Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey program is complete and focused on the Bird and Porcupine targets; an IP geophysical survey was also completed over Day. In total, 45 rock samples were collected over an 800 x 600 m area at Porcupine, 345 soil samples collected at 50 m spacing in 12 lines (100 m line-spacing) at Bird and Porcupine, five IP survey lines (9.2 line-kilometres) completed over Bird and Porcupine, and three IP survey lines (4.4 line-kilometres) completed over Day (see Figure 3). Figure 2 RDP Targets Figure 3 RDP 2023 Ground Exploration Program Showing Surface Sampling Sites and IP Survey Stations. Background is Magnetic 1VD (2011) About RDP Located 40 km west of the Company's flagship Kliyul, RDP is greater than 10,000 hectares in size and lies within the Stikine Terrane, which is host to numerous significant porphyry deposits in northern British Columbia, including Kemess, Red Chris, Kerr-Sulphurets and Galore Creek. The eastern margin of Stikine Terrane in this part of northcentral BC has been underexplored historically and has seen increased exploration activity since its coverage in the 2017 Geoscience BC Search Phase III airborne magnetic and radiometric survey. RDP contains several porphyry copper-gold targets (Roy, Day, Porcupine, and Bird) that have been explored intermittently since the early 1970's, including prospecting and mapping, various geochemical surveys, ground- and airborne geophysical surveys, trenching and a limited amount of drilling. The Project is underlain by lower Hazelton Group volcanic and sedimentary rocks (Lower Jurassic) of andesitic and dacitic composition and the Gyr rhyolite porphyry; and by Late Triassic to Early Jurassic plutonic rocks including the Fir gabbro and Roy plutonic suite with porphyritic plugs, sills, and stocks of monzodiorite composition. About Pacific Ridge Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship project is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Blaine Monaghan" Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Corporate Contact: Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Tel: (604) 687-4951 www.pacificridgeexploration.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex- https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX Investor Contact: G2 Consultants Corp. Telephone: +1 778-678-9050 Email: ir@pacificridgeexploration.com 1CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462) Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.50/lb., $Au = US$1,750/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz. Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lb. per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne. Recovery is assumed to be 100% - there has been no metallurgical testing on RDP mineralization Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy. Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the 1,800 m drill program at RDP. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. 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. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100? That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More Ornua chief executive John Jordan is to step down to take up a new role as chief operating officer at a US-based private equity company. Earlier this year it was announced turnover at the co-operative grew by 36.7% to 3.4bn, despite a "uniquely challenging year", while the Kerrygold brand reached a significant milestone, celebrating six decades since the brands launch in 1962, with over 11 million packets of butter and cheese sold globally each week. A spokesperson explained the process of selecting a new chief executive will begin immediately. The board of Ornua has appointed current chief financial officer Donal Buggy as interim chief executive to lead the organisation during the transition period. Ornua Co-operative chairman Aidan ODriscoll said: John Jordan has been an excellent chief executive for Ornua over the past five years, and prior to that, he held several other key management roles. "John has given a huge part of his professional life to Ornua, as he joined us approximately 30 years ago. It has been a privilege to work with him, and on behalf of the board, the Executive and the rest of the Ornua team, I want to thank John for all his efforts and wish him the very best for the future." FREE Irish Examiner gilet with an annual digital subscription Subscribe for 1.54/week Billed as 80 for first year. Ts&Cs apply Before taking the helm at Ornua, Mr Jordan was chief executive of the co-operative's operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, leading the regional development of Ornuas brands, including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, as well as working with Ornuas retail partners to develop new opportunities in the private label sector of the market. Prior to this, he was CEO of DPI Speciality Foods based in California, a division of Ornua and the third largest speciality food distributor in the US. He has also held a variety of senior commercial roles within the organisation in Dublin and within international subsidiaries. "I am very pleased that we are in a position to appoint someone of the quality of Donal Buggy as interim CEO. Donal has been CFO at Ornua since 2013 and is widely known and highly respected by Ornua staff, customers and industry peers. "The board and I are very confident in his ability to lead Ornua ably during the coming period. John Jordan will work with the board and Donal to ensure a smooth and efficient transition," Mr O'Driscoll added. Commenting on his departure, Mr Jordan said: It has been a huge honour for me to be the chief executive of Ornua, and to have spent three decades working in this business. "I am so proud of the positive impact that Ornua creates for its Co-Op shareholders and, in turn, for the 14,000 Irish dairy farming families that supply them and enable Ornua to create world-class premium products for our customers globally. I am confident that Ornua will go from strength to strength. We have great brands and a brilliant team. Tides, Aisling Roches exhibition of new work at the Grilse Gallery in Killorglin, Co Kerry, is inspired by her love of swimming. Roche traces her interest to her childhood holidays in Co Cork. I grew up in Dublin, but we went to our summer house in Myrtleville from June to August every year, she says. My aunt, Mary Porteous, owned Bunnyconnellan restaurant, and my grandmother lived there too. That was where I learned to swim, in the sea, and sea-swimming has been part of my life ever since. We swam every day at Myrtleville; even when it was raining, my mother used to bring us to the beach because she couldnt bear to have us in the house all the time. Since 1997, Roche has lived outside Baltimore in West Cork, in a townland called Spain. These days, I swim in Lough Ine all through the year. If its a short swim 500 metres or something Ill do it in togs, but when I want to do longer swims, I usually put on the wetsuit. This year, because the water is quite cold, Im wearing the wetsuit more often. Roche studied Craft Design at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin before completing her Masters in 3D Design, Ceramics in Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK. She has combined her work as an educator with her artmaking ever since, and now drives to Cork two days a week to teach ceramics at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, on Tramore Road. I used to teach five days a week, but that took up too much of my energy, she says. Even in the summer holidays, I often found it would take me a month to wind down and start making my own work again. She also serves on the board of Uillinn: the West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen. Initially, I was there as an art educator, helping with the education programme, she says. But now Im Chair, so my involvement has become a lot broader. Cutting back on her teaching hours has given Roche more time in the studio. For years, she worked in a small shed, heated by a wood-burning stove. But during covid, I got it together to build a proper studio. I have this huge space now, with a big kiln. Its fabulous. Theres an office and a bathroom, and a kind of mezzanine for storing my work. Bioluminescence, by Aisling Roche. Grogged black clay and porcelain 508 x 406 x 45mm Most of the pieces in Roches Tides exhibition derive from the photographs she takes while swimming. I have a little underwater camera that I wear around my neck, she says. At Lough Ine, there are all these different ecosystems that vary depending on the time of day and the year. And that informs the work I make. I suppose the work is really about the sort of otherworld you enter when you swim underwater. Youre removed from your normal way of seeing. Youre only thinking about being in the water; you're not thinking about anything else because you have to focus on your breathing and staying afloat. The work includes a selection of the ceramics for which Roche is best known, as well as paintings and photographs. Theres a lot of porcelain wall pieces and panels, based on the kind of things Id glimpse as I swim around, she says. But Ive got these 3D pieces as well. Theres a place in Lough Ine we call the Whirlpool. When you swim through the rapids, you have to be really careful you dont swim to the right of the shore, because basically you can get trapped. The current is so strong that you might not get out for a while. Ive done a good number of pieces based on that, because a few of us have got stuck there over the years. But its an amazing experience, you know, swimming through the rapids, and then just literally being thrown out the other side. Its just incredible. Theres a few pieces in the show based on that. And then, theres a couple more that are based on sea urchins. Theres this one sea urchin that I visit all the time. Its about the size of an orange. Its always in the same crevice, and its been there for years. Mapping the Ocean 2, by Aisling Roche. Acrylic on canvas 1000 x 1600mm Included also are two large paintings in acrylics. I absolutely adore doing paintings, says Roche. I didnt really have room to paint before, but since I built the studio, Ive been doing more of them. Theyre not representational. I got maps of the coast of Co Cork, and traced them, and then I repositioned everything. So theyre really talking about the fragility of our coastline and how its being eroded by global warning and climate change and all of that. Theres a couple of black and white photographs in there as well, along with one watercolour and one drawing. Going forward, Roche has begun collaborating with the video and sound artist named Dave Beckley. Were hoping to do some work based around augmented reality, using my work as a base to project images, she says. So thats exciting. Noel Gallagher, Primal Scream, Happy Mondays Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin Im going to play a few more tunes that you dont give a shit about, Noel Gallagher told a restless crowd at Glastonbury last year as he rolled out his solo material. I was expecting a similar reaction on Sunday night at Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, but the up-for-it crowd, were quite rightly enthusiastic about the material from this years rather excellent Council Skies record. The selections from that album, determinedly placed at the front of the set, including the sinuous opening roll of Pretty Boy, the swirling Open The Door, See What You Find, the bass drum driven Were Gonna Get There In The End, and best of all Easy Now all prove that his winning way with a melody even if the, odd time, its someone elses hasnt deserted him just yet. After that we get a Best Of The Birds selection. The chorus of Were On Our Way Now is sturdy enough to build a house on, In The Heat Of The Moment belies its cliched title with Na-na-nas and undeniable nod appeal, and AKA What A Life! had all us veterans dancing. Dead In The Water might not be the greatest song ever written but once thats out of the way, Gallagher breaks out the material from his other band. Going Nowhere was originally the B-side to Oasis Stand By Me, a number two hit in 1997. The thing is, if someone told you it was another cut from the new album, youd easily believe it because Gallagher is as good as song writer as hes always been. The Masterplan is a Gallagher masterpiece. He was so good back in the day that this was originally issued as the flipside to Wonderwall and its cathedral-sized chorus is one of his greatest achievements. Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds on stage at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. Half The World Away and a rockin Little By Little are lapped up with equal acclaim but its the 1-2 combination he finishes with that truly justifies the ticket price. Live Forever, dedicated to Sinead OConnor, is a thing of timeless beauty, and Dont Look Back In Anger is like shooting fish in a barrel with a bazooka. Everyone in the audience seemed to have their arms around someone, singing along and smiling, and you cant really ask for more than that. Oasis will likely reform one of these days for a tour thatll make the recent scrum for Coldplay and Taylor Swift tickets look like very small potatoes indeed. In the meantime, the Noel Gallagher show rolls on and a very good show it is too. Earlier, the show had been opened by Happy Mondays. Back in the 1990s, if youd told anyone, including the band themselves, that wed be seeing Happy Mondays giving it out on an Irish stage, or any stage, in 2023, they probably would have laughed in your face before breaking down with a chesty cough brought on by two much candle burning. The Mondays didnt just light said taper at both ends, they crushed it up and snorted it, grinning like Cheshire cats who just won the lotto. Against all conceivable odds, they crafted a masterpiece with 1990s Pills N Thrills And Bellyaches and they wisely stick in the main to material from it as they kicked off a value for money triple bill in the salubrious surroundings of the Royal Hospital grounds in Kilmainham. Poor auld Bez, the man who normally provides a visual focal point defying the laws of thermodynamics as a perpetual motion machine, was having teenager trouble and so didnt make it but replacement vibe master Alfonso Buller gave us some good moves. Rowetta was in fine voice, and Shaun Ryder, still smirking like the man whos holding the big bag, was great sport, ad-libbing his way through an impossibly groovy set led by some marvellous interplay between the drums and the bass. Primal Scream also gave a decent account of themselves. Bobby Gillespie is still the yellow pack Mick Jagger who is to singing what I am to brain surgery and if a note ever wandered into his head theres a good chance it would be shot for trespassing. As a front man he is mathematically uncharismatic with a constant puss on him like a child at a checkout whose mother has just said no to a bag of sweets. That being said, the band including five backing singers in glowing white outfits, laid it out in impressive fashion. Big Jet Plane isnt even half a song, but Loaded and Movin On Up are still irresistible. Ireland once had perhaps the highest density of wolves in Europe, nicknamed 'wolf-land' by the English who settled here in the 17th century. Wolf populations are now returning to small agricultural European countries, such as the Netherlands for example, which is half the size of Ireland and has three times as many people living there. Ireland is now the only remaining member-state of the European Union where wolves have not recolonised naturally, and as it is an island, will not do so. So why haven't wolves been reintroduced here? New research from University College Dublin (UCD) conducted by Kilian J Murphy et al. working out of the Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour under Dr Simone Ciuti investigated the outcome of wolf reintroduction to Ireland using a modern simulation modelling approach. This approach allowed the research team to simulate the effect of wolf reintroduction to Ireland's national parks under a suite of different management and policy strategies, ranging from no management at all to landscape-scale interventions aimed at reducing wolf-human conflicts. The study ran more than 1,000 simulations to investigate if wolves could survive here, how they might use the landscape, and the consequences for deer and livestock within and around Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glenveagh National Park, Killarney National Park, and Wild Nephin National Park. Kilian Murphy discusses research into wolf reintroduction management scenarios in Ireland The study found that wolf reintroduction to modern Ireland is viable ecologically. That is, regardless of which experimental management or policy intervention is included, there is suitable space and prey for wolves to establish a territory and survive after reintroduction. More importantly, however, the research predicted a significant risk of human-wildlife conflict as wolves extensively dispersed outside of the national parks, wolf den-sites were typically located very close (c. 1.5km) to national park boundaries and, livestock depredations did occur. Interestingly, management strategies such as a soft release reintroduction, as was used to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone National Park, supplementary feeding stations for wolves within their territory and the introduction of livestock protection systems (fladry, electric fences, livestock guardian dogs) significantly reduced livestock depredations (average approximate reduction from seven events per month under no management to one event per month with the best strategy). Wolf populations here dramatically declined during the period of English colonisation of Ireland where wildness was viewed as 'uncivilised'. The last known wolf in Ireland was shot in Carlow in 1786 Policy changes (afforestation policies for example, simulated increasing the cover of woodlands by 50% within and around National Parks) further reduced the likelihood of wolf-human conflict by creating ecological buffers that reduce wolf-human and wolf-livestock interactions. Furthermore, the model predicted that wolves could potentially have a significant positive effect on reducing deer density within and around national parks, particularly when effective management and policy interventions are in place. In a nutshell, the study found that reintroducing wolves to Irelands landscape in 2023 would likely fail as wolf-human conflict would be rampant. However, with the implementation of governmental policies aimed at ecological restoration and the design of robust holistic management strategies aimed at reducing wolf-human conflict, the return of the wolf to Ireland may be possible. GIS-integrated agent-based simulations to model wolf reintroduction management scenarios in Ireland: the research examined the potential impacts of wolf reintroduction at four locations Glenveagh National Park, Wild Nephin National Park, Wicklow Mountains National Park, and Killarney National Park Ireland is legally obliged to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing extinct species caused by human eradication, as a signatory to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) but one study is not enough. Investigating the feasibility of wolf reintroduction to Ireland must be viewed as a continuum toward ecological restoration rather than an isolated event. A continuum that must spur a fountain of research into the status of our national ecology compared to European counterparts and a cultural reimagining of our wild landscapes. The prospect of returning wolves to Ireland could be a powerful motive to fuel much-needed ecological restoration to prepare the landscape for the return of large carnivores, by restoring the ecological quality of Ireland's heavily degraded uplands, woodlands, and wetland habitats. This study is important because it adds nuance to a longstanding debate but it is far from conclusive. It is but one piece of a much larger research program (capturing ecological, socio-political, and economic considerations, among others) required to inform the scientific and socio-political debate on this topic and ultimately hand policymakers robust information that allows for an informed decision. There are very real possible benefits and risks to the reintroduction of wolves to Ireland, and that is the reason that both sides feel so passionately and argue so vehemently against one another. Empirical research can quell this fire and ground both sides in science so that the decision surrounding wolf reintroduction in Ireland is based upon a comprehensive multidisciplinary empirical approach. Such an approach is vital to inform policies that ensure the coexistence of wolves with human activities, fostering ecological restoration while minimising potential conflicts. Ireland is among the most environmentally degraded countries in the world with heavily modified human landscapes consisting primarily of low-quality agricultural perennial ryegrass pastures, non-native conifer forestry plantations, modified and nutrient-enriched rivers, and industrially harvested blanket bogs, with small pockets of native intact habitat continually shrinking or reducing in quality due to human pressures. Many of those who advocate for wolf reintroduction point to the predicted benefits of doing so. Research from other jurisdictions where wolves have returned has highlighted the positive effects of wolves for regulating deer populations and their effect on plant and tree communities, reducing the negative effects of overabundant macropredators, particularly those which are invasive (e.g American mink) that can exert pressures on species such as ground-nesting birds, and even human benefits, such as reducing the instances of road traffic accidents, reducing the prevalence of agricultural diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and providing tangible benefits to rural economies. European grey wolf in Sainte-Croix, France. Ireland once had one of the highest densities of wolves in Europe. Picture: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP Concurrently, those who oppose the idea of wolf reintroduction have real and valid concerns, farmers fear for the safety of their livestock and their livelihoods, pet owners fear for the safety of their domestic animals and those who enjoy using the countryside recreationally fear that wolves pose a threat. Both sides of the argument can be made however at present neither can be definitive without the appropriate empirical research being conducted to investigate the true effects. Ultimately it will be the choice of the Irish public to demand this research and truly pose the question of whether wolves should be considered for reintroduction. Wolves are interwoven into the cultural and historical landscape of Ireland. Wolves feature strongly in early Irish myths and legends in both positive and negative contexts and extensively in Irish place names (eg Knockaunvickteera, Co. Clare in Gaeilge, cnoicin na mactire or little hill of the wolf). Wolves persisted here in high densities even as native Irish transitioned from a hunter-gatherer culture to agriculturists, predominantly animal farmers and native Irish developed systems of co-existence which were written into Brehon Law, rather than systematic eradication of wolves. Wolf populations dramatically declined during the period of English colonisation of Ireland where wildness was viewed as 'uncivilised' and the eradication of dense native woodlands, wolves, and the native Irish clans aimed to make the country suitable for plantation; such policies led to the eradication of attitudes, practices and knowledge systems that had fostered coexistence for thousands of years. The last known wolf in Ireland was shot in Carlow in 1786. Should wolves return to Ireland? So much debate but no science! Our new pre-print is the first time Quantitative research investigates how wolf reintroduction to Ireland might go@UCD_Wildlife @FZS_Frankfurt @Irishwildlife @RewildingIre @TCDZoology https://t.co/tRAuvTtI3E Kilian Murphy (@KilsResearch) July 31, 2023 As a relatively young state, becoming an independent republic only in 1949, we must now decide if the decolonisation of our national ecology is feasible and if so, how do we choose to reshape our landscape in our own best interests. These decisions must involve those who inhabit these lands first and foremost, but proceeding actions must be rooted in modern scientific research to ensure that choices are evidence-based and potential outcomes are understood by all.Kilian Murphy is an ecological research scientist working in the Lab of Willdife Ecology and Behaviour at UCD as a PhD student. Kilian specialises in using computational, statistical and quantitative modelling methods to inform evidence-based wildlife management and deliver empirical insights to stakeholders to foster better co-existence between people and wildlife. Creativity is an inside job, but can art save your life? Stephen Greer is living proof that it can. The 43-year-old artist from Bangor, Co Down, is an ex-inmate of Magilligan Prison, Co Derry. Hes a convicted terrorist, former drug dealer and addict, and former Loyalist paramilitary, who was sentenced to a total of 42 years, of which he served around six. A career in art was not on his to-do list. But Greer was tired of his criminal life, tired of looking over his shoulder. During his last prison sentence and ready to step away from the chaos, he began attending art classes. This is when everything changed. Now an art facilitator at Magilligan, hes just had his first art exhibition in Belfast, and is the subject of a BBC documentary made by award-winning film maker Hilary Fennell. Art changed my life, Greer smiles. Even via Zoom, his effervescent energy transmits. An undiagnosed dyslexic, he left school at 16 hed fallen out with his art teacher by then and got involved with drugs, violence and the paramilitaries. Things quickly escalated, and he ended up in prison in 2004 for two years. I did a wee bit of art then, he says. But when I got out, I got involved even deeper [with his old life]. Back in prison again, he decided to educate himself, beginning with a computer course. I was moved to Magilligan, and thats where I met [art teacher] Alison Wilson, he continues. I worked as an orderly in the art department. It was really good. Alison gave me confidence in my work; Id never had any self-belief, but she was a real driving force. As well as developing his own work, he helped with art classes, and noticed the effect art had on what he calls the headers the boys who couldnt be controlled anywhere in the jail. He describes how after showing them the basics of drawing and mixing paint, Within 10-15 minutes you could hear a pin drop, they were all so into it and theyd be asking for materials to take back to work in their cells. You could see the difference for everyone involved. Not everyone went on to get a career out of it, but as a hobby for their mental health, it was really good. He also had a spiritual awakening in jail when he was off my head on acid I asked for a career in art and I would give up my criminality. As he got deeper into his art, It took off, and changed my life. Not just internally. Stephen Greer with inmate Piaras Heatley He entered the Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice (he was quite successful), had an exhibition in Kilmainham Gaol the Unlocked Exhibition curated by Tom Shortt, arts officer with the Irish prison service, showing his work alongside that of Eddie Cahill, brother of Martin Cahill. He also met former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan at another exhibition at Portlaoise. Someone from my [Loyalist] background coming to meet the Irish Justice Minister felt quite significant, he says. After his release, Greer earned qualifications in art and photography, and went self-employed as a full-time artist. But during the pandemic, he ended up in hospital with lung, kidney, and heart damage the result of his time as a cocaine addict and was put into an induced coma. His first kidney transplant in 2021 ruptured and almost killed him, but he had another last January, which worked. He had the operation on a Friday and was out the following Monday. I should be dead! he says happily. Instead, he ended up returning to his old art room to teach art. My teacher Alison passed away a year after I got out if I could do for someone what she did for me, it would all be worthwhile, he says. Returning to where I began my art was very emotional. As well as returning to prison to teach, while on dialysis in between kidney replacements, Greer spotted a notice for the Renal Arts Group, a Queens University initiative involving patients, clinicians, carers, academics and artists. He joined up. Im now their co-chair, he beams. He works alongside Prison Arts as well. Their mentor scheme gave me such focus, he says. Hopefully I will become a mentor too, and work with prisoners leaving prison. He is very aware of how much his own life has changed. I was done under the Terrorism Act as well, so for me to be able to go back into prison to teach art with my convictions just shows what can be achieved when you think outside the box, he says. There was a lot of faith in me from Governor [Gary] Milling. It was the first time in my prison life that a governor treated me like an equal. Creative writing, poetry, music, visual art, ceramics everyone is good at something. Its so powerful. You just find what you like. He describes a Holocaust project he and 13 other prisoners did together, handwriting the names of victims in a Nissen hut, and adding photographs. Of the 14 who took part in that art project, only one re-offended. It just shows you how powerful art can be, he says. Six weeks before his final release, while in an open-prison setup, Greer was caught with cannabis. He says the resulting three days in solitary felt like three hundred years because he felt he had let down Governor Milling and others who had placed trust in him. It was a final wake-up call, he says. But people need to want it. You can put stuff in front of people, but they need to want to engage with it. Im living proof of that. Someone as far gone as I was if I can turn my life around, anyone can. "I WOULDN'T GIVE UP" Artist Stephen Greer & Hilary Fennell Director Film maker Hilary Fennell originally met Stephen Greer when she made The Secret Artists, a documentary about five artists all keen to have their work accepted to the Royal Ulster Academy Annual, Northern Irelands most important open-call show. Greer was one of the five. I didnt have enough time with Stephen his story was so huge, she says. So I pitched another documentary to the BBC, this time just about him. In Art Behind Bars, he goes back to Magilligan, his original prison, as an art facilitator. It was his first time back there since his release the last time hed been there, it had been in the back of a prison van: this time he was going in through the staff door. It was really moving. The effect he has on other prisoners is so positive, because hes one of their peers, and totally open about his past, about being a drug dealer. Hes so personable. And his students are really talented. She was determined to get his story made. Filming inside prison is really difficult because of all the red tape involved, but every time another obstacle presented, pushed through. I wouldnt give up. Minister of state Jack Chambers has hit out at NCT Ireland over the companys announcement that NCT centres are going cashless, saying it has not been agreed, nor is it happening. NCT Ireland which is run by Applus+ faced a backlash from the public and politicians in recent days after they announced on social media that they were saying goodbye to cash. The move was also condemned by charities for the elderly, who say many older people prefer cash and are not computer-literate or may not have credit or debit cards. Jack Chambers, who is junior minister at the Department of Transport, told the Irish Examiner that any potential future changes will still include provision for those that can not pay digitally. We're saying goodbye to cash! NCTS are going cashless over the coming months for your safety and convenience, this means that payment must be made in advance of attending for your NCT. When introduced, payment can be made online or by postal order #Cashless #NCTS NCTIreland (@NCTIreland) August 21, 2023 He criticised the announcement made on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Facebook and said that when concerns were raised earlier this week following the announcement, he sought to clarify the matter with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA has statutory responsibility for the provision of NCT services and it said it was in ongoing discussions with the test centre as to the various payment alternatives and supporting processes that need to be implemented to ensure the needs of customers are met. Mr Chambers said: My officials in the Department of Transport have discussed this matter with the RSA and despite a social media announcement by Applus+ earlier in the week there has been no process or arrangement for the introduction of changes to the NCT payment system agreed. I have been clear with the Road Safety Authority that people without access to online or electronic payment structures will continue to have alternative options to pay for the NCT service and that a range of payment options must remain available. NCT Ireland announced on social media that it was going to stop taking cash for tests at its centres, including here at Little Island in Cork, leading to a backlash from motorists. File picture: Dan Linehan Its important that payments processes for the NCT service are inclusive and accessible for everyone in the community, Mr Chambers added. In social media posts, NCT Ireland said: NCTS are going cashless over the coming months for your safety and convenience, this means that payment must be made in advance of attending your NCT. When introduced, payment can be made online or by postal order. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the RSA had informed the Department of Transport of a proposal by Applus+ to provide a cashless service at NCT centres around the country. The proposal, including consideration of potential challenges and the need for alternative payment options remains under discussions and a date for introduction has not been agreed. A source added: What they announced wont be happening, therell need to be cash payment or an alternative option other than digital for customers to pay. A number of politicians questioned the NCTs initial statement in which they said they were going cashless for the safety of customers. However, the move towards going cashless was prompted in a bid to slash the 2,500 of no-shows and 1,000 late cancellations. Following an online backlash across the NCT's social media accounts, the Department of Finance told the Irish Examiner that cash remains "an important element of the payments system and the broader economy". It added that the department will consider if legislation should be introduced to require certain firms or sectors to accept or facilitate the acceptance of cash; and if it should be policy to require the public service to accept cash. Large crowds gathered amid emotional scenes in Clonmel last night, as the community rallied together following the tragic loss of four young people in a road crash on Friday evening. Masses earlier on Sunday had honoured Luke McSweeney, 24, his 18-year-old sister Grace McSweeney, Zoey Coffey, and Nicole Murphy, both also 18, who died while on the way to celebrate receiving their Leaving Cert exam results. Among the hundreds in attendance at the vigil at Kickham Plaza were classmates of Grace, Zoey, and Nicole, friends of Luke, and first responders. Young people were seen hugging and comforting each other as the service began wit h a hymn. A photo of Grace McSweeney at Sunday's vigil in Clonmel Co Tipperary. Pictures: Brian Lawless/PA Clonmel mayor Richie Molloy addressed the vigil by saying that the tragedy was the worst in living memory. He said some of the family members of the four young people who were killed in the crash were present at the vigil. He added: Its very hard to know what the families are feeling this evening, and while we can imagine, its very hard to know. All I can say as the mayor, the people of the town really want to show the families the feeling of unity. Fr Michael Toomey, who is a chaplain at CBS High School, said that everyone in Clonmel, Ballypatrick, and across the country has been left speechless by the tragedy. He added: Particularly young people here tonight, I see the grieving process that many of you are experiencing, youre probably going through shock or pain or denial. Luke McSweeney's photo on display at the vigil in Clonmel on Sunday evening. If this applies to you, then you have begun what we call the grieving journey, the journey which will have most, if not all, of these emotions at different times in the days and years ahead. He said that some people will be struggling to make sense of it, and wondering: Why them? The question we will certainly never get the answer to, not in this life anyway, he added. Fr Toomey told the crowd gathered at a vigil that the deaths of four young people was like a massive stone disrupting still water, and had sent shockwaves right across our family, our schools, our town, our country. He urged people in the community to stick together in the time ahead. The vigil in Clonmel closed with the playing of the song Rise Up by Andra Day, prompting tears from some of the people in the crowd. Nicole Murphy's picture on display during the vigil attended by thousands of people in Clonmel. At 10.30am on Monday, a Mass in their honour will be offered and broadcast on the RTE News Now channel, according to Fr Toomey. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to sign books of condolence at council offices from 11am on Monday. In a posting on RIP.ie, the McSweeney family said it was with great regret we announce the untimely deaths of 24-year-old Luke McSweeney and his 18-year-old sister Grace McSweeney following a tragic car accident. The post said they will be sadly missed and their precious short lives will never be forgotten by their family and large circle of friends. The post said that funeral arrangements were to follow. As the local community reels from the tragedy, tributes poured in from around the country. Zoey Coffey memorialised at the vigil in Clonmel Co Tipperary on Sunday evening. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were among those who expressed their condolences and deepest sympathies with the families and local community. Mr Varadkar said: For young lives, so full of possibility, to be cut short in this way is truly devastating and heartbreaking. The whole nation mourns them. The thoughts of the whole country are with them, their school and their community. President Higgins said: The grief that has been expressed by the community is nearly unbearable and I send my deepest sympathies to their families, their whole community, those in their year in school and the whole school, its pupils and management. Staff and students affected by the tragedy will be provided with psychological support, according to Education Minister Norma Foley. School communities in Ireland are akin to tight-knit families and I know this morning that staff, students, parents, and guardians will be united in their grief and utter devastation at this tragic and sudden loss of life, she said. Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris described the incident as devastating news. Leaving Cert results day represents achievement, celebration, and excitement. Tonight that has been replaced by grief, shock and sadness. Thinking of the families, friends and school community of the four young people. There are no words. Heartbreaking. At the Clonmel vigil, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan spoke of the 'four beautiful young lives' of the deceased young people and urged people to pray, saying that 'their families will struggle on' with peoples prayers. Picture: Garrett White/Collins Fr Billy Meehan, parish priest at St Marys in Clonmel, said he gave the last rites to the victims at the scene of the crash on Friday night. He had a link to the McSweeney family, having baptised Luke and married his parents. Fr Meehan said the whole Clonmel community was behind the families and supporting them. It brings home to us how fickle life can be, that in the space of 24 hours your whole world can change around, he told RTE radio. The guards called me out last Friday night to tell me that there was an accident over at Hillview. I didnt know what I was facing or who was involved in the accident. Presentation Secondary School's 'class of 2023' grieving for their classmate Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, Grace McSweeney, and her brother Luke McSweeney, all of whom died in the crash on Friday. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA But when I got there and the guards told me who they were, I realised then who they were and it suddenly dawned on me: Here was I, 24 years ago and 18 years ago, I had baptised Luke into the faith and set them on their faith journey, and here I was giving them absolution and anointing them as they were laid out on the tarmac at Hillview. There has been a sharp rise in the number of deaths on Irish roads so far this year compared to previous years, and the Road Safety Authority extended its own condolences at this latest tragedy. RSA chairwoman Liz ODonnell said: I am utterly saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the lives of four young people in Clonmel. I want to convey my deepest sympathies and those of the Road Safety Authority to the family and friends of those whose lives were lost, along with the entire community affected by this tragedy. Enoch Burke returned to Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath on Monday on the first day of the school's new term. Mr Burke was previously dismissed from his teaching role at the school for alleged gross misconduct, an allegation which he denies. In July, he was ordered to pay legal costs to the Wilsons Hospital School in their successful High Court action against him. Awarding the costs to the school, Mr Justice Alexander Owens made an order restraining Mr Burke from trespassing on the premises of the school, but said that the German and History teacher was not prevented from attending outside the school gates. In May, Mr Justice Owens ruled that the school, subsequent to suspending Mr Burke, was entitled to a permanent injunction prohibiting him from attending at its premises and damages of 15,000 for his continuing trespass at the school's campus. In January of this year, Mr Burke was ordered to pay 700 per day for each day he refused to purge his contempt of court orders, specifically by staying away from Wilson's Hospital School. It is estimated that Mr Burke has accrued 140,000 in fines by continuing his contempt of court. Mr Burke spent 108 days in prison for contempt of court before being released on December 21, 2022, despite not purging his contempt. The teacher, who is an evangelical Christian, denies any wrongdoing and claims his suspension arises out of his opposition to a direction by the school to refer to a transitioning student by their chosen pronouns. He is appealing the disciplinary hearing which resulted in his dismissal which the school claims was carried out because he had intimidated and harassed a colleague and had breached the confidence of a student in the school who wished to transition. Ryanair boss Michael OLeary has slammed air traffic control (ATC) provider Nats for the unacceptable disruption caused over the past two days. Thousands of passengers are facing knock-on delays to flights due to Monday's air traffic control meltdown in the UK. Travel disruption could last for days after flights were cancelled leaving passengers stranded following an air traffic control technical fault. In a video message, the chief executive described Monday as a very difficult day with 250 flights cancelled, while a further 70 were axed on Tuesday. He said: We have been in contact with UK Nats. We still havent had an explanation from them (about) what exactly caused this failure yesterday and where were their back-up systems. Its not acceptable that UK Nats simply allow their computer systems to be taken down and everybodys flights get cancelled. Michael O'Leary described Monday as a very difficult day with 250 flights cancelled, while a further 70 were axed on Tuesday. Picture: PA Just under 100 flights into and out of Dublin Airport were cancelled due to the issue, while more than 10 flights in both Cork and Shannon were also axed. By Monday afternoon, 232 flights departing UK airports had been cancelled and 271 arriving flights, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. It is estimated that 15,000 passengers were affected by delays and cancellations in Ireland. Speaking from the airlines operations centre at Dublin Airport, Mr OLeary went on: Weve had a very difficult day yesterday due to the UK Nats ATC failure. Im sad to report that we had to cancel about 250 flights affecting the flights of about 40,000 passengers because of long delays to flight plans, crews running out of hours. Last night we had 20 aircraft that couldnt get back to their home bases so theyre out of place for today. Today, unfortunately, it looks like were going to cancel about another 70 flights. Thats a very small number out of the 3,200 flights were planning but that doesnt mean were not doing everything we possibly can to try to minimise the disruption for our passengers and their families. He added: We hope by the end of today, Tuesday, that from tomorrow well be running a normal operation. Travel disruption could last days as minister warns of 'major' knock-on effect Scenes at Dublin Airport following air traffic issues in the UK. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos Britains National Air Traffic Services (NATS) had identified and remedied the technical issue by 4pm on Monday but the knock-on effect of the glitch was still having repercussions. The use of UK airspace was restricted as a safety measure. On Monday Juliet Kennedy, operations director at Nats, said the issue meant the automatic system that provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route had stopped working, and what happened will be investigated very thoroughly. She also apologised for the impact on peoples travel plans. Under EU law, airlines must offer affected passengers refunds, or a seat on the next available flight, or at a later time of the passenger's choosing. If a passenger wants to be put on the next available flight, the airline must provide meals and accommodation until the alternative flight is provided. Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers warned of a 'major' knock-on impact. Picture: Clive Wasson The DAA which manages the airports in both Cork and Dublin has urged passengers to check with their airlines to establish the status of their flights. Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers warned of a major knock-on impact. Traffic flow restrictions have been introduced to maintain safety in the sky and it will have significant impacts on passengers flying in and out of Dublin, and there are multiple slot restrictions, Mr Chambers said. Ryanair has hit out at what it describes as "another UK Air Traffic Control failure". We sincerely apologise for this UK ATC failure which is beyond Ryanairs control and is affecting all airlines operating to/from the UK," a spokesperson for the airline said. Social media was flooded with people saying they were stuck on planes on the tarmac during a busy travel period as the school holidays drew to a close. Among those impacted were several Irish athletes returning from the athletics World Championships in Budapest. The founder of Irelands first dedicated bat hospital has said she was blown away by a visit from a world-renowned bat expert. Bat Rehabilitation Ireland founder Susan Kerwin in Bruree in Limerick was contacted by Merlin Tuttles team ahead of his trip to Ireland in July informing her that he would like to meet after seeing her work online. Described by National Geographic as the world's most famous bat biologist, Merlin Tuttle has dedicated his life to studying and conserving bats for more than 60 years. You could not be a bat lover and not admire the work that Merlin Tuttle has done. It was just amazing to know that he was coming to Ireland and wanted to meet me, she said. Ms Kerwin who has cared for bats for almost 20 years said she has followed the 82-year-olds career and work in the same amount of time. The fact that Im here in a small village in Ireland and to know that there are people like Merlin Tuttle admiring your work, it inspires you to keep going and to want to do more, she said. Susan Kerwin with one of her bats at the Bat Hospital in Bruree, County Limerick The meeting allowed for Ms Kerwin to bring bats that were in her care at the time while the two discussed their work. It also allowed for the two to draft plans for Ms Kerwin to visit Austin in Texas next summer where she will see Mr Tuttles work first hand while also visiting Bracken Cave, the largest bat colony in the world. Bracken Cave has 15 million bats, and then Congress Avenue Bridge has 1.5 million free-tail bats every year, she said before adding: Its going to be phenomenal to see 15 million bats emerging from a cave. Mr Tuttle campaigned for these bats after a string of bad publicity in the 1980s spread myths that they were rabid pests which would attack locals, she said. He started his journey from there, raising awareness and protecting them, she said. Ms Kerwin who also works to raise awareness at home in Ireland said since receiving charity status, the support the hospital receives from the public and online followers in Ireland and from across the globe has been incredible. The dedicated facility which opened in 2019 was self-funded until recently which was becoming impossible to maintain. She has now been able to raise funds for a badly needed bat ambulance which she described as a lifesaver. The ambulance has since racked up 16,700km in just 10 weeks due to the constant influx of calls. And thats just from my side of the driving, we have volunteers across Ireland that help so that I dont have to drive across the country, she said. Throughout her work, she has seen a gradual change in attitudes towards the species which play a vital role in Ireland's ecosystems. She uses social media to inform followers from across the globe of the species' importance while over the past year, Bat Rehabilitation Ireland has partnered with University College Dublins Bat Lab to conduct research on bat genetics while also partnering with Dublin Zoo on conservation efforts. Its really important to me that were constantly helping the progression of understanding the species and once we understand them better, we can protect them better, she said. The hospital has passed the 200 mark in terms of bats cared for this year so far and is expecting the next wave of patients in the coming months with younger bats beginning to struggle as they try to make it on their own. Coming into October and November, the charity regularly receives calls about larger roosts where up to 40 bats have been discovered on some occasions. I would presume that this year will be no different to any other and well be looking at between 350 to 400 bats that will have come in over the year, she said. Families and staff were expected to protest on Monday at the closure of a creche and community centre in Cork city Staff at the Before 5 childcare facility were told via text last week that their centre, described as the heartbeat of the community, was closing with immediate effect. But a meeting is now scheduled between Cork City Childcare and a childcare provider for Monday, which may bring Before 5 one step closer to being saved. More than 100 children were due to start at the pre-school and creche soon, with some due to start as early as this Thursday. Christine Mullins, Siptu member and room lead who has worked at Before 5 for 12 years, said staff, have been left "in limbo". We still have no answers. Its very, very frustrating." A meeting is understood to be scheduled between Cork City Childcare, which supports childcare provision in Cork, and a childcare provider to work on a solution. The childcare provider may in future be able to take over the running of Before 5. The Church owns the Before 5 building and the Bishop of Cork, Fintan Gavin, has said that he is supportive of efforts to keep the community resource functioning. "The Bishop was shocked like everybody else in the community to hear of the news of the closure of Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, Cork last week and is conscious of the huge effect it will have on the community," a statement from the Dioceses of Cork and Ross said. "The Bishop and the Trustees will be happy to engage with any new potential operators to ensure that the centre can continue its services." Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould encouraged the community to come out and support children and staff at the vigil outside the Churchfield childcare facility at 1pm on Tuesday. Staff members Lillian Hanover, who has worked at the centre for 28 years, and Christine Mullins who has worked at the centre for 12 years. Picture: Larry Cummins We have to keep the Before 5 family centre open. It would be a huge loss to the community if it closed. The old company is in liquidation. We have to focus now on keeping it open so that children have a place to go and so staff can keep their jobs. Im optimistic that it can be done but there is a lot of work to do." Fianna Fail councillor Tony Fitzgerald welcomed the "positive" development that discussions with a childcare provider would begin on Tuesday. "I wish the discussions well. I know that they will keep the interests of children and the staff in mind in their deliberations. Hopefully, it will result in successful outcomes but there's a lot of work to be done yet." Meanwhile, no clear reasons for the sudden closure have emerged, although financial pressures, bureaucracy and burnout of board members have been mentioned as contributory factors. Cork North Central TD Mick Barry slammed what he described as the "secrecy" surrounding the decision to close the Before 5 centre in Churchfield. The People Before Profit-Solidarity TD said that today's protest at the gates of the centre at 1pm is likely to be the largest protest seen on the Northside since the water charges campaign. "There is a lot of secrecy surrounding the decision to close Before 5. It's well-known that there were talks taking place with another family centre about taking over operations but it seems that there was a last-minute problem and the deal fell through," Mr Barry said. "The staff and the community have a right to know exactly what the problem was so that there can be an attempt to fix it and save the centre. There should be no secrets here. "This will be an important theme of tomorrow's protest at the centre which has all the signs of being the largest protest on the Northside since the days of the water charges." The centre has been in operation for some 50 years and many of the 14 staff members have worked there for more than 20 years. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In a grand ceremony held in Bangkok on August 25, representatives from seven dealerships across four countries - Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore - joined hands with GAC AION, a Chinese leading new energy vehicle maker under GAC Group, marking the initiation of a significant collaborative agreement. This signing ceremony not only signifies the first major brand event for AION in Thailand since its entry into the market in late June this year, but also heralds the official launch of AION's Southeast Asia strategy. During the event, GAC AION presented its brand for the first time in Thailand and invited attendees to experience the unveiling of its flagship model, the AION Y Plus. This marked the model's debut appearance in Thailand. Photo credit: GAC AION As for AION's future strategic plan in the ASEAN region, its mission is to provide world-class high-end new energy products to Southeast Asian consumers and lead the charge towards the intelligent new energy vehicle lifestyle, said the automaker. Armed with profound industry insights and anticipation of future trends, GAC AION is poised to pioneer with fresh channel strategies, user operation concepts, product experiences, and cutting-edge ecosystems, comprehensively revitalizing the landscape of overseas new energy vehicle markets. Following the signing ceremony, over a hundred Thai media outlets were given a sneak preview of the AION Y Plus. The model is set to hit the Thai market in September. The successful signing of this agreement is a pivotal move for AION to accelerate its international business layout and implement its ASEAN strategy. The company said it will continue to deeply cultivate the Thai market, drive localized production, continuously introduce new products, enhance its product lineup, and meet the evolving needs of Thai and even international consumers. With Thailand as its core, GAC AION will extend its influence across Southeast Asia and neighboring regions, progressively realizing the integration of global market R&D, production, supply, and sales. Politicians and the public disappointed with the outcome of reforms of constituencies can take it that such situations were unavoidable, the Electoral Commissions chief executive Art OLeary has said. Mr OLeary said there will be winners and losers when the report is published on Wednesday. It is being anxiously awaited by TDs and political parties. Mr OLeary said a small number of constituencies were in situations where the commission had only two options either create two-seater constituencies or take away a piece of the constituency as set out by the terms of reference. He said this was a challenging aspect of the carve-up of the electoral landscape. The Constitution states there must be one TD for every 20,000-30,000 people. Due to the rise in Irelands population, more TDs are now required. Currently, all but one of the 39 Dail constituencies have more than 30,000 people per TD. 'Abided by county boundaries' To the greatest extent possible we tried to abide by county boundaries and if there are instances where people are unhappy about not voting with their wider community then I think you can take it that such situations were unavoidable and the alternatives were even more unpalatable, said Mr OLeary. He said commission members read the more than 500 submissions and treated them seriously. He said that, for the first time, the commission has provided responses to submissions in cases where it agreed and in cases where what was being pledged was not possible. Boundary changes will have a significant impact on many TDs whose constituency may be hived off into another county and they could struggle to retain their seat at the next general election. Our focus entirely here is on the citizens and population and political considerations in relation to this just werent a feature of our discussions at all, said Mr OLeary. The commission will publish its review on Wednesday morning at 8am. Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has said the Government will make a decision shortly on whether to hold the proposed gender equality referendum in November. It comes as the Irish Examiner reported last week that doubt has been cast over whether the referendum will go ahead as planned. Officials who have been working on the wording of the amendments to the Constitution have privately said it would be difficult to see the referendum going ahead. In July, the Irish Examiner reported that ministers were warned that holding the referendum in November was "not realistic". It comes after a coalition of civic society groups has called on the Government to clarify when the wording on the gender equality referendum will be published. Speaking in Co. Louth to reporters on Monday, Mr Harris said he is unsure of where the Governments thinking is at the moment until the Dail resumes in mid-September. He said he is conscious of the importance of the referendum and said it would be good if it could go ahead as planned in November. However, he said it is important that the referendum takes place when all the necessary work is done. He said the Government will have to make a determination on this shortly. Integration Minister Roderic OGormans department is working on the referendum, but it is understood its the Taoiseach who will decide on the date. Leo Varadkar announced on International Womens Day back in March that the referendum would be held in November. Mr Harris said there are two parts to the referendum; removing gendered language which people, including himself, finds offensive. He said the issue of recognising that families now are founded on things beyond marriage is also to be explored in the referendum. The Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality recommended Article 40.1 of the Constitution should be amended to refer explicitly to gender equality and non-discrimination. The group also recommended the Constitution should be changed to protect all family life and should not be limited to the marital family. It recommends Article 41.2, which refers to women in the home, should be deleted and replaced with language that is not gender-specific and obliges the State to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community. The Oireachtas committee on gender equality also supported this. In an open letter to Mr Varadkar, the National Women's Council, One Family, Siptu, Family Carers Ireland, and Treoir said time was needed for a national conversation on the Family, Care, and Gender Equality referendum. Three months after the wording was due to be finalised, the five groups said they were worried the delay could signal a Government "backtrack" and called for "urgent clarification". The decent upright liberal moral people in international media didnt miss their opportunity this weekend. Golden, that opportunity afforded to commentators who believe Donald Trump is a blot on every escutcheon. That opportunity presented by him turning up at Fulton County Jail to be fingerprinted and charged. Also photographed in a glower he opined made him look like Churchill. Which it definitely did not. But anyway, who wants to look like Churchill? You might want to write like Churchill or even sound like him, but look like him? Really? The decent upright liberal moral commentators clearly hoped against hope that the former US president would muster enough residual decency to let on to be humbled when the camera shutter made its noise, enough residual decency to make him announce that he is a law-abiding man who takes this process seriously witness him arriving on time and in the right place. Trump opined that his mugshot made him resemble Winston Churchill. You might want to write like Churchill or even sound like him, but look like him? Really? Picture: Yousuf Karsh/Camera Press Now, Donald Trump, if asked about residual decency, would probably fail to understand the term. Nothing to do with him. His ways of reinforcing his already bullet-proof self-esteem do not relate to decency, residual or otherwise. Which baffles and infuriates mainstream commentators who assume it to be an eternal verity. Those commentators dont seem to get it even after nearly a decade of full-on Trump that one of the many factors making him appealing to his voters is that he has consistently indicated that mainstream commentators can stick their eternal verities on the highest rafter of the roof of their posterior. But thats the problem with mainstream media commentators of the liberal, decent, and upright persuasion: They have never sought to really understand the Trump phenomenon. It is such a painful ongoing challenge to them that they find three main ways of avoiding coming to terms with it. The first and arguably the most prevalent and shameful of those ways is an eye-rolling confession of mystification. God, isnt it just astonishing what he does? No, really, its like Churchills riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Makes no sense. But its happening. Sadly. This view of Trump tut-tuts about him arranging to time his perp walk so it suited TV news bulletins. Which, in turn, demonstrates what commentators are missing. They and the rest of media at home in the US and abroad cant take their eyes off Trump. Timing was beside the point. The second avoidance behaviour mainstream commentators use is high-level dismissive categorisation of Trumps followers as cult-like. This is to misinterpret the term cult, which has always referred to a small bunch of people governed by a charismatic leader who requires that they buy in completely to a set of beliefs the rest of society shudders away from. Except that Trumps vast support base isnt a small group. Waco, Jim Joness Peoples Temple (whose believers ended up drinking poisoned Kool-Aid) and several 19th century religious groups led by a prophet who seemed to have a handle on the precise date whereon the world would end, were all cults. Since Trump has millions of contradictions to that definition, the fact that it is so frequently deployed by people who would regard themselves as public intellectuals or at least as analytical thinkers, is amazing testament to the comfort derived from repetitively denigrating The Other. Calling those who follow Trump a cult isnt racist or sexist or misogynistic. Its just barking. The third approach is to characterise those millions of Trump followers as unable to appreciate the big picture. The big picture being that the Democrat president has the economy lashing along beautifully. The reason Trumps unintelligent fans dont appreciate that is because those followers are not feeling the end results of a booming economy in their back pockets. Few commentators interrogated what the Republican primary debate participants did (as in raising their hands to indicate theyd support Trump even if he was convicted of charges that run to the heart of loyalty to the United States). Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty That statement is made as if it were provable, which it isnt. Anyway, if hundreds of millions of voters are not experiencing a booming economy in their wallets and pocketbooks, that suggests the methods used to define the success or failure of an economy need to be looked at. But it misses a wider point that the three parties in the current Irish government are at serious risk of missing, and its this: Only ministers, economists, bankers, investors, and high-end commentators give a continental about the economy. Ever. That bunch talk to each other and talk down to the rest of us here and in the US as if we should appreciate living in a buoyant economy. However, the thing is that us plebs never think of ourselves as living in an economy. We think we live in a house, an apartment, a tent, a neighbourhood, a parish, a county, a country, or a nation. Our self-defining moments are when one of our national athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke or one of our teams, or one of our actors does us proud. Few of us leap from the bed first thing seeking to be enthused by how the economy were not living in is doing. Maybe its time to stop dropping nasty stuff from a great height on the dopes following Trump. Maybe its time to stop thinking of them as dopes. Maybe its time to stop mocking and deriding him and get serious about what it is that he does. Tom Stoppard's play 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' about minor characters lifted from Hamlet who never get close to the prince yet are still obsessed by him was invoked to describe the Republican debate. File picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Commentators who thought they were maybe a bit on the liberal/left side in so far as any US hack is leftward leaning have failed to grasp that, just as Trump, single-handedly, has herded the GOP into a new self-definition (Crawling Followers of Trump) so he has shown US commentators and their publications the truth about themselves: They cannot cope with the Trump reality and few have tried. Its easier to portray America itself as sick at heart, as deluded in its abandonment of normal politics, as gullible in buying what they see as Trumps craziness. The way those commentators approached the GOP debate exemplified this wilful counterproductivity. In advance, they concentrated on his absence. Throughout, they concentrated on his absence. After it, they concentrated on his absence. A few did pause long enough to interrogate what the participants did (as in raising their hands to indicate theyd support Trump even if he was convicted of charges that run to the heart of loyalty to America) but only to do another eye roll at how lamentable they were. "The debate had plenty of heat, flashes of genuine anger, and revealing policy disputes," @RonBrownstein writes: https://t.co/lI9capvsQU The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) August 24, 2023 So, The Atlantic described the encounter as akin to Tom Stoppards play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, where two minor characters lifted from Hamlet never get close to the prince yet are still obsessed by him. But hold it. Who asked the questions the show-of-hands leading questions that forced the participants in the big debate away from their own CVs, their own passions, their own policies, directing them instead to focus on Trump? Yep. The broadcasters. If Trump was just a cult leader, they wouldnt have paid him that attention or made that obeisance. Nor would they have tilted their show and all consequent coverage in his direction To people outside Sweden it may seem surprising that police have, on several recent occasions, granted people express permission to burn copies of the Quran in public. The incidents have caused upset and triggered a significant debate about the far right co-opting the right to free speech to spread hate for political gain. But the fact that permits have been granted for these acts does not mean that Swedish authorities celebrate the message or even endorse it. Rather, it reflects the central role freedom of expression plays in the national constitution. To fully understand this debate, one needs to look back at the history of Swedens commitment to freedom of expression. A pioneering law Starting in school, Swedish students learn about a period of parliamentary history between 1719 and 1772 called the age of liberty. This marked the end of autocratic monarchy and the beginning of an era of parliamentary power a shift triggered by the death of the great warrior king, Karl XII (Charles XII), who was killed in combat in Norway, 1718. This was a period of large-scale legislative projects and freedom of speech became central to the idea of freedom from tyranny. The most important piece of legislation was the Freedom of the Press Act of 1766, a law that aimed to protect freedom of information as a means of promoting democracy. It has been amended since, but its tenets remain the same. These tenets include a principle of responsible publisher (which means that the whole responsibility for a publication such as a newspaper lies on one single person often the editor in chief), and a far-reaching protection for whistle blowers. In 1990, the Freedom of the Press Act was followed by a Freedom of Expression Act. This extended the protection of freedom of expression from the printed press to more modern forms of expression radio, TV, and some digital media (although not many forms of the latter from a contemporary perspective). These constitutional statutes provide the worlds most far-reaching protection for media. It not only covered criminal responsibility but also private law. Johnny Depp would not have had a case in Sweden against Amber Heard for her newspaper article, to use a recent example. She would have been free to write her views about him without being sued. In addition to the two freedom of expression statutes, Sweden has two other basic laws, the government code and the Act on Succession. These four basic laws together form the Swedish constitution. The most important act is the government code. It includes a chapter on basic human rights and freedoms, in many aspects similar to human rights catalogues in international law (such as the UN charter and the European convention) and different national laws. Iraqis raise copies of the Quran, Muslims' holy book, during a protest in Tahrir Square, in Baghdad, Iraq in July. The protest was in response to the burning of Quran in Sweden. Picture: AP Photo/Adil AL-Khazali An important difference between the Swedish human rights catalogue and those in other jurisdictions is that the first rule is on the protection of freedom of expression. This includes freedom of speech, freedom of information, freedom of assembly, freedom of demonstration, freedom of association and freedom of religion. Notably, this rule comes before rules protecting the right to life, privacy or ownership. In Swedish legal culture, freedom of expression thus has a peculiar role as a superior human right. In legal cases, there is often a presumption in favour of protecting freedom of expression over other interests or values such as privacy or honour. This is also reflected in general criminal law. There are, as in all jurisdictions, many restrictions on freedom of expression in criminal law. It is unlawful to threaten, defame, or harass. It is also unlawful to distribute child pornography, show sexual violence in public or to provoke a mob to attack someone. But the restrictions are often limited in scope. How the law deals with hate speech Sweden does not have a specific rule on hate speech. Instead there are three provisions that are considered as hate speech legislation. A provision in the criminal code states that when someone commits a crime with a hate motive, the punishment may be harsher. If someone tries to burn down a mosque because it is a mosque the punishment is more severe than if someone tries to burn down her school because it is her school, for example. A second, infrequently used, provision in the same code prohibits unlawful discrimination. This is not to say that discrimination is not penalised, but it is more often handled within the civil law system rather than criminal law. The third provision that belongs to the hate speech category is named incitement against an ethnic group. Incitement against an ethnic group has been central in the discussion of Quran burning in Sweden. It is the only criminal law rule that provides an opening for bringing charges against the people involved in these actions. Incitement against an ethnic group has a misleading name because the rule does not, in fact, focus on incitement but on derogatory or defamatory comments against a group. It also protects not only ethnic groups but also religious groups. Describing Muslims, to allude to the situation of the Quran burnings, as criminals would be criminal. But to burn the Quran is in itself not, according to the current formulation of the law, an attack on Muslims. It is rather seen as an attack on the religion of Islam. Such attacks are not illegal because the aim of the attack is not directed against a protected group of people but against a belief an idea. That is not illegal. In one of the most secular countries in the world, with a more than 250-year-old tradition of giving freedom of expression priority before all other interests, the presumption is that every expression is allowed. Even expressions that offend people. The current situation is not a bug of the Swedish legal system. Its a feature. Marten Schultz is Professor of Civil Law at Stockholm University 41212045/readmore] The form of the attacks has varied, from underwear daubed with the nerve agent novichok and polonium-laced tea to more straightforward assassinations by bullet, but throughout Vladimir Putins 23-year rule, Kremlin critics, journalists and defected spies have met with similarly ruthless treatment for opposing his rule. The fatal crash of a private jet carrying the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin two months after he spearheaded a mutiny against Russias top army brass appeared to have added a new method to the Kremlins extensive assassination menu. The death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appears to have added a new method to the Kremlins extensive assassination menu. File picture: Prigozhin Press Service via AP While the Kremlin on Friday insisted it was a complete lie that it had anything to do with the jet crash, Prigozhins longstanding feud with the military and the armed uprising he led in June would have given the Russian state ample motive for revenge. His death, along with the deaths of other members of the mercenary group who were on board, including Dmitry Utkin, described as its founder or co-founder, also follows a pattern of action by the Russian state against its critics, including journalists, human rights activists and former allies who fell out of line. Below are some of the more prominent cases of documented killings or attempted killings. Poisoning Russian intelligence officials have turned political poisonings into something of an art form. Soviet scientists are believed to have worked for decades to develop colourless and odourless poisons. According to an interview in 1954 with a KGB operative, the testing of poisons was carried out on living prisoners. Whereas poisoning may seem like an archaic way to kill, observers have argued that it offers the advantage of being a discreet method of assassination. It can be carried out without immediate detection, allowing the perpetrator to flee the crime scene and offering the Kremlin plausible deniability. The two poisonings most closely associated with Putin both occurred in the UK. Shortly before his death, Alexander Litvinenko told journalists the FSB security service was still operating poison laboratories dating from the Soviet era. File picture: PA Russias dark methods first came to international attention during the case of Alexander Litvinenko, a Putin opponent who died of polonium-210 poisoning in London in 2006. Shortly before his death, Litvinenko told journalists the FSB security service was still operating poison laboratories dating from the Soviet era. A British inquiry later concluded that Russian agents had killed Litvinenko, probably with Putins approval. More than a decade later, Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer who had become a double agent for the UK, survived a poisoning with a nerve agent called novichok in Salisbury. Novichok means newcomer and refers to a group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 80s to elude international restrictions on chemical weapons. Shortly after the assassination attempt on Skripal, which later led to the death of another local resident, Dawn Sturgess, who inadvertently sprayed the novichok on her wrists, Putin labelled the double agent as a traitor and a scumbag. In a separate interview not much later, Putin said he could forgive everything except for treachery. Moscow also enjoys a long history of going after members of the political opposition. In August 2020, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny now jailed fell ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow. Navalny was later flown to Germany for treatment, where doctors established that he had been poisoned with novichok. An investigation by the website Bellingcat identified at least eight FSB operatives who were allegedly behind Navalnys poisoning. One of the operatives allegedly involved later confessed to his role in the plot in a phone call with the opposition leader. In August 2020, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny now jailed fell ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow. File picture: Denis Kaminev/AP Russian security services have also seemingly poisoned less prominent Russians, including the writer Dmitry Bykov and Pyotr Verzilov, an unofficial spokesperson for the punk art collective Pussy Riot, who was evacuated to Germany for treatment shortly after falling ill. There have been indications that Russia has continued the practice since Putins troops invaded Ukraine. Most recently, an investigative report by the independent news outlet, the Insider, alleged that three Russian journalists known for their anti-Kremlin stances might have been poisoned in foreign countries, including Germany and Georgia. Shootings While poison has emerged as the weapon of choice in Putins Russia, several Kremlin critics have also been shot dead over the years. In 2006, Anna Politkovskaya, a Novaya Gazeta journalist who reported on human rights abuses, was killed outside her flat in Moscow after returning home from the supermarket. It was Putins 54th birthday, and Politkovskaya was 48. Five men and one former police officer were later convicted of the murder, but those close to Politkovskaya described them as mere hired guns, carrying out somebody elses orders. Arguably most brazen was the the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, a prominent opposition leader, in central Moscow in 2015. Nemtsov was shot four times in the back by an unknown assailant within view of the Kremlin. A joint investigation by journalists from the Insider, the BBC and Bellingcat revealed that Nemtsov had been shadowed by FSB agents for almost a year before he was assassinated on a bridge. Boris Nemtsov was shot twice in the head at close range in Kleiner Tiergarten, a park in central Berlin. File picture: Sergey Ponomarev/AP While most political assassinations have occurred on Russian soil, Moscow has also been accused of shooting its opponents abroad. Most notably, in the summer of 2019, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian citizen who fought against Russia during the second Chechen war in the early 2000s, was shot twice in the head at close range in Kleiner Tiergarten, a park in central Berlin. A German judge jailed Vadim Krasikov, an alleged FSB agent, for life for what he called a painstakingly planned hit job, saying Russian security services had provided Krasikov with a false identity, fake passport and the resources to carry out the assassination. Krasikov remains the only suspected FSB agent to have been caught and convicted abroad for a murder. Moscow has reportedly been trying to involve him in a prisoner exchange with the West. Unexplained deaths There also have been reports of prominent Russian executives dying under mysterious circumstances, including apparent suicides or falls from great heights. In 2013, Boris Berezovsky was found apparently hanged in the bathroom of his Ascot home. Berezovsky was a former Kremlin insider turned vocal critic of Putins government who went into self-imposed exile in the UK in the early 2000s. Investigations and public inquiries into the death have not conclusively established anything beyond the officially determined cause of suicide, but a German forensic scientist retained by members of the businessmans family said his examination of autopsy photographs had led him to conclude that Berezovsky had not killed himself. Many of Berezovskys associates have also died in mysterious circumstances, including Badri Patarkatsishvili, a Georgian oligarch and business partner, and Nikolai Glushkov and the Yukos oil founder Yuri Golubev, two associates who were found dead in London. In 2013, Boris Berezovsky a former Kremlin insider turned vocal critic of Putins government who went into self-imposed exile in the UK in the early 2000s was found apparently hanged in the bathroom of his Ascot home. File picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Another former Kremlin insider, Mikhail Lesin, who founded the English-language television network RT, formerly Russia Today, was discovered dead in a hotel room in Washington DC in 2015, where he had been invited to attend a fundraising dinner. Once a power player in Putins rise to power, Lesin was surprisingly dismissed from his position in the Kremlins influential media apparatus. After a lengthy investigation, a US autopsy concluded he died as a result of blunt force injuries and not a heart attack, as the Russian state media had reported. One mystery that will likely remain unsolved forever is the death of Kirill Stremousov, the Russia-installed deputy governor of Kherson province in Ukraine, who according to Russian officials died in a car crash on the day that Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Kherson in the autumn of 2022. Stremousov, one the most prominent proponents of Russian occupation who was known for his aggressive statements on social media, publicly suggested in one of his daily videos that Russias defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, a close friend of Putins, should shoot himself. His murky death was quickly attributed by some to Russian security services, which needed to get rid of an inconvenient loudmouth no longer useful to the authorities. Read More Yevgeny Prigozhin came at the king, and missed Guardian Dear Kieran I am living in a city suburb that is regarded by insurance companies as an area of high level subsidence. I am fortunate to have a very large garden as I am on a corner site. I recently successfully applied for planning permission to put a second home on a portion of the site. I intend to build a new home for myself and to sell our old home (Im not setting a precedent, there are other homes in the area that have done likewise). This time, I would like to be in a position to take out comprehensive home insurance its currently only available to me with a subsidence exclusion. I spoke to another homeowner who also built on a corner site and they said they overcame this problem by using a floating foundation. I dont know what this involves. Is it costly? Is it complicated? Can you advise? Many thanks, Dorothy ONeill. Hello Dorothy Thank you for this great question. So, you are fortunate enough to have a suburban site available for your new home and the benefit of being in a position to sell your existing home to help with the new build costs: lucky you. But, as you say, there is the question of subsidence, prevalent in the area, so what does this mean and how would this affect the building process and indeed the insuring of your new home once complete? To answer these questions lets look at what causes subsidence in the first place. There are two types of subsidence prevalent in suburbia. Firstly you have subsidence as a result of old clay drain leakage. Essentially, clay drain pipes are very short so they have a multitude of push-home joints that are liable to leak and the resulting effluent leakage causes the ground local to your house to lose its structural bearing capacity and thereby results in cracks appearing in your home as your foundations move. The second type of subsidence occurs when the original house was built on ground that had poor bearing capacity to begin with. Essentially, the ground wasnt strong enough to take the weight of your house from the strip foundations of your house. So, how do we remedy these issues? In the first case, where the drains are leaking, the old clay drains are dug up and removed and new pvc drains are installed in their place. These pipes are much longer with more secure joints so they are much more resilient than the old clay drains. The foundations are then underpinned where the ground below the foundation is strengthened by injecting a concrete grout into the ground to reintroduce structural stability which had been lost due to the organic effluent leakage. A version of this underpinning process can also be used to remedy subsidence in a house built on poor ground, though the pins will need to be driven deeper to get to a strata or layer of good ground lower down where firm support exists. What insurance companies fear is of course the unknown, as that is where their risk lies. To be fair they have had to pay out vast sums of money in the recent past to repair subsidence in old buildings and at this stage, covered by pre-existing subsidence cover in these policies and hence they have no appetite to reintroduce this cover in new policies. So, how does this relate to your new build? Well, when you build your new home, you will have a digger on site to dig out your new foundations before the concrete and steel mesh are introduced. When the digger begins to dig, your engineer will arrive down to inspect the excavations and in particular the solid and ground conditions underneath. If he is happy he will allow standard footings to be constructed. If not he may opt for a raft foundation (the floating foundation you mentioned) where, rather than your entire house load resting on the ground floor wall strip footings, this load will be spread further to a concrete slab across the entire ground floor of your house (this greater area reduces the pressure on the ground underneath). Another (more expensive) option available to your engineer, if the ground strength is really poor, is a piled foundation. Here your new home is built on concrete piles which again will be driven down to stronger ground at a lower level to support your home. Once the foundations are complete, your new drainage is installed and again the longer pvc pipes are fitted. So, to sum up, your new house will have newly-engineered foundations, designed to suit the ground condition under your home, as directed by your engineer on site and a new modern drainage system thereby eliminating both causes of subsidence as described earlier and with the additional benefit of a sign-off and certification from your engineer. This should help you, and your new insurance company, sleep better at night. Kieran McCarthy is a building engineer and director of KMC Homes bespoke A-Rated new home builder, serving Cork and Limerick. He is also co-presenter of the RTE property show Cheap Irish Homes. Follow Kieran on instagram @kierankmc for more home building information, tips and Q&A advice. You can also follow Kieran on the Built Around You Youtube channel and @kierankmc on TikTok. One of the worlds biggest scientific publishers has retracted a journal article that claimed to have found no evidence of a climate crisis. Springer Nature said it had retracted the article, by four Italian physicists, after an internal investigation found the conclusions were not supported by available evidence or data provided by the authors. Climate sceptic groups widely publicised the article, which appeared in the European Physical Journal Plus in January 2022 a journal not known for publishing climate change science. Nine months later the article was reported uncritically in a page one story in The Australian newspaper and promoted in two segments on Sky News Australia a channel that has been described as a global hub for climate science misinformation. The segments were viewed more than 500,000 times on YouTube. The article claimed to have analysed data to find no trend in rainfall extremes, floods, droughts, and food productivity. In conclusion on the basis of observational data, the climate crisis that, according to many sources, we are experiencing today, is not evident yet, the article said. Several climate scientists told The Guardian and later the news agency AFP that the article had misrepresented some scientific articles, was selective and biased and had cherrypicked information. After those concerns were raised, Springer Nature announced in October it was investigating the article. In a statement Springer Nature said its editors had launched a thorough investigation, which included a post-publication review by subject matter experts. The authors of the article also submitted an addendum to their original work during the course of the investigation, the statement said. After careful consideration and consultation with all parties involved, the editors and publishers concluded that they no longer had confidence in the results and conclusions of the article, the journal said. Firefighters try to stop a fire in Latakia Governorate, western Syria, in July. Picture: Omar Sanadiki/AP Photo The addendum was not considered suitable for publication and retraction was the most appropriate course of action in order to maintain the validity of the scientific record. A retraction note appearing on the article says concerns were raised regarding the selection of the data, the analysis and the resulting conclusions of the article. The note says the articles conclusions were not supported by available evidence or data provided by the authors. In light of these concerns and based on the outcome of the post publication review, the editors-in-chief no longer have confidence in the results and conclusions reported in this article, the note adds. The article is still available for download, but the manuscript now has the words RETRACTED ARTICLE stamped over each page. According to the journals website, the article was accessed 92,000 times. The Guardian asked why the issues with the paper were not picked up before publication. Springer Nature said it could not discuss the specific history or peer review process of a paper with anyone other than the authors. The publisher and editors were committed to maintaining the highest possible levels of integrity in the content published in the journal, and we are taking steps to ensure that similar issues do not occur in the future. For example, we are supporting our editors-in-chief in increasing oversight of editors and guest editors to ensure that our policies and best practice are adhered to, a statement added. Prof Steven Sherwood, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales who was among those critical of the article, said it was important the journal had allowed the authors to defend their work. This shows the journal did not rush to judgment against the paper, he said. The Ebro reservoir at 32.72% of its capacity due to drought, on August 8, in Villafria, in the northern province of Cantabria, Spain. Picture: Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images I commend the journal, both for giving this initial benefit of the doubt to the authors and for having the resolve to retract the paper when the authors could not justify their claims. Two of the studys four authors, retired nuclear physicist Renato Ricci and known climate science sceptic Franco Prodi, signed a declaration in early 2022 that there was no climate emergency and that enriching the atmosphere with CO2 is beneficial. The studys lead author, nuclear physicist Prof Gianluca Alimonti, argued in 2014 that there was no consensus among climate scientists that global warming was caused by human activity. At least six separate studies have shown that between 90% and 100% of climate scientists agree warming is caused by humans. Mr Alimonti was contacted for comment but did reply. The Australian newspaper and Sky News Australia were also approached for comment. A Russian-born Swedish citizen was charged on Monday with collecting information for the Russian military intelligence service GRU for almost a decade. Swedens prosecution authority said Sergey Skvortsov, 60, was accused of gross illegal intelligence activities against Sweden and against a foreign power. Skvortsov was arrested in November together with his wife in a predawn operation in Nacka, outside Stockholm. Swedish media reported that elite police officers rappelled from two Black Hawk helicopters to arrest the couple. The house where Skvortsov was staying was searched after his arrest (Fredrik Sandberg/TT News Agency via AP, File) Skvortsov has been in custody since his arrest and denies any wrongdoing, according to his defence lawyer, Ulrika Borg. His wife was released without charge following an investigation by Swedens security agency. According to the charge sheet, obtained by the Associated Press, between July 2014 and November 2022, Skvortsov secretly and/or with the use of fraudulent means conducted activities for the Russian state with the aim of acquiring information about conditions whose disclosure to a foreign power could endanger Swedens security. Prosecutors said Skvortsov used his import-export business to illicitly obtain technology and hand it over to the Russian military intelligence service GRU. The business further consisted of acquiring data in the form of information about and the acquisition of various objects that the Russian state and the armed forces due to export regulations and sanctions were not able to procure on the open market. Swedish broadcaster SVT said Skvortsov had lived in Sweden for 25 years and obtained Swedish citizenship in 2012. The trial is to start on September 4. A special FBI agent is listed among the witnesses to confirm that Sergey Skvortsovs activities could have endangered the security of the United States and that his activities included dealings with various American companies, the charge sheet said. A US judge has set a trial date of March 4 for Donald Trump in the federal case accusing him of plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The decision from US District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied a request to push the trial back until April 2026, about a year and a half after the 2024 election, but also sets it later than the January date proposed by special counsel Jack Smiths team. Chutkan made it clear to both sides at the outset of Mondays status conference that she considered neither proposal acceptable. Mr Trump was charged earlier this month in a four-count indictment with scheming to undo his loss to Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the 2020 election. This booking photo provided by Fulton County Sheriff's Office, shows former President Donald Trump on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, after he surrendered and was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. Picture: Fulton County Sheriff's Office via AP The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against Mr Trump. Smiths team has brought a separate federal case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, property, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing to give them back. That case is currently set for trial next May 20. Mr Trump also faces state cases in New York and Georgia. Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor who has said she had an extramarital affair with Mr Trump, while prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, have charged Mr Trump and 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that states 2020 election. Mr Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, surrendered Thursday in that case, posing with a scowling face for the first mug shot in American history of a former US president. He has claimed the investigations of him are politically motivated and are an attempt to damage his chances of winning back the White House. LOS ANGELESMen.com will soon release Sexual Suitors, a new series headlined by Papi Kocic. The three-part straight-to-sex series features a top-notch cast of European performers including Allen King, Adam Franco, and Sir Peter. In the first scene, Papi Kocic's resume is impressive, but he thinks he's got something job interviewer Adam Franco will like even more. In the second scene, Papi adjusts all the fine details of his suit as he waits for Allen King. The handsome bottom lays his suit jacket over a chair and offers to rub his host's feet, then sucks Papi. Papi strips off Allen's pants but leaves his shirt, vest, and tie on as he bends him over a chair. In the third and final scene, Sir Peter notices Allen King looking handsome in his tuxedo. He makes the first move, and it isnt long before the amorous pair are embracing. The series was directed by Alter Sin, who has overseen many high-profile projects, including Royally Fucked and Norse Fuckers. The Spanish director is cooking up another series, titled Hard and Pumped, which will be released later this fall. Sexual Suitors will begin rolling out on Monday, September 4th, streaming exclusively on Men.com. Follow Men on Twitter.com. Nato members Poland and the Baltic states will seal off their borders with Russias ally Belarus in the event of any military incidents or a massive migrant push by Minsk, the countries interior ministers warned on Monday. The ministers said they were seeing growing tensions on Natos and the European Unions borders with Belarus, which has taken in thousands of Russias military mercenaries and is pushing Middle East and African migrants into Europe, despite various forms of barriers having been put up. They warned of swift and concerted response in the case of a military incident or large migrant push. The ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia addressed the media following their talks in Warsaw. Polands Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said any critical incident would lead to the borders being sealed (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) In a joint statement they demanded that the government of Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko immediately remove from its territory the Wagner Group mercenaries. They also demanded the removal of migrants from border areas and their return to their home countries. Interior iinister Mariusz Kaminski of Poland said that any critical incident involving the military or an influx of migrants to Poland and the Baltic states from Belarus would be met with an immediate response and the shutting of all border crossings to travellers and to goods. He said steps have been developed to continue supporting members of the political opposition in Belarus in such a situation, but he gave no details. Lithuania recently temporarily closed two of its six border crossings with Belarus. The four countries, which are also European Union members, support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion and also support the opposition in Belarus. Poland and Lithuania border Belarus and Russias exclave of Kaliningrad, Latvia borders Belarus and Russia, and Estonia borders Russia. Latvias interior minister, Lauri Laanemets, said Tallin supports the groups decisions, which could also apply to its border with Russia. The sudden death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash in Russia last week has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group, which Polands interior minister Mariusz Kaminski branded as extremely dangerous and demoralized. He also said the mercenaries pose a threat to the citizens of Belarus and the entire region. Russias president, Vladimir Putin, has ordered the Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, according to a decree published on the Kremlins website on Friday and effective immediately. Also last week, Polands president, Andrzej Duda, confirmed that Russia has begun shifting some short-range, nuclear weapons to neighbouring Belarus, a move that he said will change the security architecture of the region and the entire Nato military alliance. Junta troops killed nine people in villages near the border of Sagaing and Wetlet townships in Sagaing Region during five days, residents said. The raids on the villages began last Tuesday (August 22) when about 100 junta troops entered Htan Taw Seit Village in Sagaing Township. Five youths, who were members of its Peoples Defense Force (PDF), were beheaded, residents said. The column moved on to western Wetlet Township on Friday and stationed itself at Ywar Thar Gyi Village. It then raided Kyi Kan (north) Village on Saturday morning and arrested six people taking refuge at the village monastery. A 20-year-old woman and her fatherwho was over 50 years of age were killed by regime troops. The woman was gang raped before being killed, residents said. Her mother and sister-in-law were locked in a building during the crime. A 56-year-old resident of the village and an about 30-year-old man who was reportedly suffering from mental illness were also killed. Their bodies were found together in a mango farm between Hla Taw Village and Kyi Kan (north) Village, a representative of Wetlet information network told The Irrawaddy, adding that they had not been beheaded. Regime troops also stole 51,500,000 kyats (about US$ 24, 600) and at least 20 mobile phones from the about 30 people seeking refuge at the monastery. Regime advocates claimed on their Telegram channels that four members of PDFs were killed, but residents of the village said they were unarmed civilians. They always say all the people they killed are PDF members. Even people with mental illness are described as PDF members, a representative of Wetlet Information Network told The Irrawaddy. The troops returned to the Wetlet Town on Sunday, before returning to western Wetlet Township on Monday. Thousands of residents from 10 villages fled as the troops returned. The regimes military previously raided villages in Sagaing Township in the second week of August, torching more than 10 villages. Regime troops previously raided villages in adjacent Wetlet Township, displacing thousands of people. Indiscriminate shelling by junta troops has forced more than 10,000 people from 10 villages to flee their homes in western Sagaing Regions Ye-U Township twice since Sunday, residents say. About 120 junta troops accompanied by a pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia shelled villages in Ye-U Township on Monday, killing one resistance member, according the Peoples Defense Comrades, a resistance group based in the township. Over 10,000 villagers fled their homes again this morning as junta troops are heading back to Ye-U from Depayin Town, a spokesperson of the group said. A local resistance member was killed by junta shelling, he told The Irrawaddy on Monday. There were no reports of civilian casualties in the township as residents had fled their villages in advance. The shelling was conducted by junta Light Infantry Battalion 71, based in Budalin Township, resistance forces said. About 10,000 residents of 10 villages in Ye-U previously fled their homes on Sunday when a junta column passed through the township on its way to Depayin Town. The same column returned from the town to Ye-U Township on Monday morning, sources said. Local resistance forces said they ambushed the junta column with land mines on Sunday, injuring four of its soldiers. We ambushed [them] with land mines about four times when they went through our area, a resistance fighter said. The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the number of junta casualties. The pro-junta militia includes female troops, a member of a local defense force said. At first, we thought they were detainees who were being used as human shields, but they turned out to be Pyu Saw Htee members, the source explained. More than 3,400 homes and schools in 51 villages have been incinerated by junta forces in Ye-U Township since the 2021 military coup. Six religious buildings have also been destroyed during raids conducted by junta infantry. Junta warplanes have made six airstrikes on the township, killing at least seven civilians, residents said. More than 20,000 people in the township need humanitarian aid, local volunteers estimate. Resistance groups tasked with protecting the public by Myanmars parallel National Unity Government (NUG) face criticism in two regions for abusing human rights. Armed resistance against the regime erupted across the country following the juntas violent crackdown on peaceful protests in March 2021. Since then, armed resistance groups known collectively as the Peoples Defense Force have emerged. Although the PDFs launched the armed revolution with homemade rifles, they have progressed to using war-grade weapons with support from the public at home and abroad. Currently, there are more than 300 PDF battalions and over 250 township-based groups, according to the NUGs Defense Ministry. Furthermore, there are around 400 guerrilla groups known as the local defense force (LDF), most of whom are in contact with the NUG. Besides the LDFs and PDFs, there are also peoples defense teams (PDTs, or Pa Ka Pha) under the NUGs Defense Ministry. For civil administration and public security, the NUGs Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration has formed the Peoples Authority (Pa Ah Pha) and peoples security teams (Pa La Pha). Driven by the strong commitment of citizens desperate to root out military dictatorship, the PDFs and LDFs quickly won wide public trust and respect. However, criminal acts committed by resistance members in some areas have eroded that trust, according to resistance fighters and locals. Notable crimes Seven residents including teenage girls and boys in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, were arrested by the head of Ngar Shan village peoples security team on suspicion of being junta informants on August 29 last year. All of the detainees Myint Mo Aye, 15, Phyu Chit,17, San San Nge, 19, Zin Zin Maw, 20, Aung Ko San, 15, Thet Paing Oo, 16, and Kayin, 26 were slaughtered by the group on August 30 without being interrogated, according to the Chaung- U Township PDF. The three female victims were also reportedly raped before being killed by the group. In April this year, a woman in Saw Township, Magwe Region was raped by eight members of a peoples security team after she was detained for alleged theft. On July 21, two female residents of Saw Township aged 38 and 58 were lashed 30 times by a peoples defense team deputy and village head for laughing during a village meeting, according to local information group Yaw Alin Tan. On August 3, an abbot in Magwes Gangaw district, Tilin Township was shot dead at his monastery by a resistance member from Gangaw battalion 15 and a civilian. Reasons for the violence Serious criminal acts committed by resistance groups have been attributed to conflicts between Peoples Defense Forces, as well as abuse of the public in areas under their control. The source of the problem is the weak chain of command and code of conduct, according to Chaw Su San, a representative of Women Alliance Burma. Chaw Su San is also a member of the Monywa Peoples Strike Committee and Monywa University Students Union, who are currently advising Peoples Defense Forces in Sagaing Region on politics, democracy, federal rule and a code of conduct. Numerous PDFs were formed over a short period without military regulations and so have little awareness of a code of conduct, she explained. They believe that they are revolting out of personal hatred for dictatorship, so they dont need to follow any command. As an army, that kind of thinking is not appropriate, Chaw Su San told The Irrawaddy. Some PDFs seem like vigilantes who are free to violate human rights, she added. A resistance chief in Sagaings Myaung Township said that some PDFs and LDFs had forgotten about the revolution and their commitments after they received weapons. We [all PDFs] have to focus only on the revolutionary way, the resistance leader told the Irrawaddy. Human rights abuse by resistance members is also fueled by a lack of legal consequences, according to revolutionary forces and locals. Information group Yaw Alin Tan said the two women beaten in Saw Township have not received justice. If the NUGs Defense Ministry fails to resolve this kind of oppression, worse violations will follow and peoples trust in the NUG will decline, it said. We see that these abuses are caused by the false assumption that having guns brings the right to do anything, a Yaw Alin Tan spokesperson told The Irrawaddy. Although the NUG has formed administrative, security, and judicial mechanisms, they often lack practical powers to investigate on the ground, Chaw Su San said. When they dont have control over operations on the ground, there is a weakness in the judicial system, she told The Irrawaddy. Find out facts on the ground Revolutionary forces have urged the NUG to maintain close communication with resistance members on the ground to properly monitor developments. The NUGs method and regulations are correct. The main requirement now is contact with people on the ground, the Myaung Township resistance chief told The Irrawaddy. Yaw Alin Tans spokesperson agreed, saying the NUG must start monitoring real conditions in the revolution. We can prevent these problems by trying to find out the facts on the ground, he told the Irrawaddy. The NUGs Defense Ministry and activists are currently holding workshops and training on the code of conduct with Peoples Defense Forces. If the NUG can provide knowledge and also take strong action, human rights abuses will be reduced, Chaw Su San said. But if the action is weak, the belief that crimes can be committed with impunity may lead to more human rights violations. Eliminate the culprits U Yee Mon, the NUGs Defense Minister, said PDFs must get rid of the idea that they stand above the people. The guns we hold were provided by the people. The rice we eat was provided by the people. There is no worse behavior than abusing and bullying the people with arms. If PDF members behave like this, they must be clearly identified and eliminated, U Yee Mon told new PDF graduates at a ceremony on Aug. 9. The armed resistance has been issued with a code of conduct and instructions on behavior on the battlefield and in civilian life. Resistance members must also obey the chain of command, said U Maung Maung Swe, second secretary of the NUGs Defense Ministry. But he added that with so many different resistance forces operating, there are investigative weaknesses as well as cases that lead to public misunderstanding. In these early days of the administrative mechanism, there may be gaps. We still see crimes based on individuals [lack of] morality and emotions, U Maung Maung Swe said of the reason behind abuses committed by resistance fighters. The NUG formed the Complaint Resolution Committee in May this year to identify and investigate violence and possible war crimes committed by the resistance. So far, 146 complaints have been filed with the committee, mostly by the public. They concern conflicts between armed groups, red tape in the administration, disputes among resistance armed forces and the various security and administrative groups, and crimes against humanity committed by pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia disguised as PDFs, according to the Defense Ministry. Of the complaints, 10 have been resolved, 12 recorded, and 17 transferred to other ministries that hold jurisdiction. U Maung Maung Swe acknowledged that some crimes were difficult to investigate due to conditions on the ground, but specific action is being taken where investigation is possible. He confirmed that the crimes committed in Chaung-U and Saw townships were being investigated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. He added that NUG will log cases that are difficult to investigate under current conditions and reopen them following the revolutionary period. We will take responsibility for every person who suffers and bring them justice. However, I want to be clear that those who collaborate in the juntas war crimes will not have the same rights as the people, U Maung Maung Swe told The Irrawaddy. The Burmese Womens Union said it condemned the violence against women and children by any armed group, including the junta. Naw Khin San Htwe, general secretary of the Burmese Womens Union, said: We are seeking to have the [juntas] military prosecuted in an international court for war crimes of sexual violence, and peoples security forces also need to take action to prevent such violations from happening again. At least 51 Myanmar junta forces including pro-junta militia members were killed in the last four days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) stepped up attacks on regime targets across the country. Incidents were reported in Magwe and Sagaing regions and Chin, Shan and Karen states. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs. Some military casualties could not be independently verified. Pro-junta militias killed in resistance ambush in Magwe Resistance fighters ambush a vehicle of pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members in Yesagyo Township last Friday / Yesagyo PDF Yesagyo PDF said it and Pakokku PDF Battalion 9 killed six pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members in Yesagyo Township, Magwe Region last Friday when they ambushed a militia vehicle traveling between the pro-military villages of Gway Cho and Sin Chaung. Five weapons and some ammunition were seized, the PDF group said. Military unit hit by land mine attack in Sagaing Many regime forces were injured in Ye-U Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when Shwebo District PDF Battalion 14 conducted a series of land mine ambushes against a military unit of 150 troops who were raiding villages, said the PDF group. Military flotilla ambushed in Sagaing Resistance members engage in a fierce clash with regime forces guarding a military flotilla in Myaing Township last Friday. / MSPDF Myaung Special Peoples Defense Force (MSPDF) said it and other PDF groups ambushed two military vessels escorting a barge transporting logs on the Chindwin River last Friday. The resistance groups used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised rocket bombs to attack the junta ships. Details of the damage and military casualties were unknown. Regime base bombed by drones in Sagaing Resistance groups conduct a drone strike on a military base in Htee Saung Village, Myinmu Township on Saturday. / Kyaukse District PDF Battalion 1 Kyaukse District PDF Battalion 1 claimed to have killed 30 regime forces as it and two resistance groups used drones to drop bombs on regime forces and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members in the pro-regime village of Ngwe Dwin in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday night. The resistance group told the media that its bombs directly hit one of the junta forces main buildings, where several dozen soldiers and militia members were sleeping after a session of heavy drinking. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the PDFs claim about the regime casualties. Military camp bombed by resistance drones in Sagaing At least 10 regime forces were killed and seven others injured in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday morning when five resistance groups used drones to drop bombs on a military camp in Htee Saung Village, said Kyaukse District PDF Battalion 1, which took part in the drone strike mission. Pro-junta militia ambushed with land mines in Sagaing Pyu Saw Htee militia try to evacuate comrades injured in resistance mine ambushes in Shwebo Township on Saturday. / Snake Eyes PDF Four pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members suffered serious injuries in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday when local resistance groups used land mines to ambush 10 militia forces that were leaving Myin Chin Village to begin sentry duty, said Snake Eyes PDF, which joined the ambush. Regime forces ambushed in Sagaing At least three regime forces were killed and a resistance fighter injured in a shootout in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday when local resistance groups ambushed a military unit from a nearby base while heading to At Taw Village to extort money from residents, said Student Armed Forces, which joined the ambush. Junta troops attacked while stealing logs in Sagaing PDF groups shell regime forces stealing logs in Kani Township last Thursday. / FBGA Fighter Brotherhood Guerrilla Army (FBGA) said it and other PDFs fired many improvised mortar rounds at regime forces planning to steal logs outside Pan Tain Pyin Village in Kani Township, Sagaing Region last Thursday. After being shelled, the regime forces responded with heavy explosives and firearms. Military casualties were unknown. Military unit attacked while trying to destroy road in northern Shan Many regime forces were killed or injured in Muse Township, northern Shan State on Sunday when the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) attacked a military unit with a bulldozer while attempting to destroy a road between Nant Taung and Phar Phaint villages, said the TNLA. The junta destroyed the road once before, on Aug. 15, but the TNLA repaired it on Aug. 23. On Saturday, the TNLA also attacked a military convoy of 24 vehicles traveling from Kutkai to Hseni Township. Clash breaks out in Mindat, Chin State At least seven junta soldiers were injured in Mindat Township, Chin State on Saturday when a clash between regime forces and ethnic Chin resistance groups broke out outside Mindat town, said the Defense Ministry of the civilian Nation Unity Government (NUG). Five junta soldiers killed in drone strikes in Karen At least five regime forces were killed and 10 injured in Kawkareik Township, Karen State on Saturday when resistance groups including the countrys oldest ethnic armed group, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), conducted drone strikes using 107-mm and 60-mm bombs on two regime bases, said resistance drone force Cloud Wings, which was involved in the attacks. After being bombed, junta forces used 120-mm and 81-mm rounds to indiscriminately shell nearby villages, injuring a villager. In the early days of the revolution against Myanmars regime, clashes were limited to Shwekyin, Kyaukkyi, and Mone townships in Bago Region where the Karen National Unions (KNU) Brigade 3 is active. Clashes have since spread to the western bank of the Sittaung River. Lately, there have been fierce clashes in Kyauktaga Township a few kilometers from old the Yangon-Mandalay road. The regime reportedly suffered heavy casualties in the fighting and had to bring in air support. A remote-controlled mine attack on a truck in Nyaunglebin District on August 18 has suggested the junta is losing control over the Yangon-Mandalay road and train line and other parts of Bago. The area was a stronghold of the Communist Party of Burma and Karen resistance forces between 1948 and 1975. This forced the Ne Win regime to form light infantry divisions to crush the revolt. Bagos hills have again proved to be fertile soil for revolution. Resistance forces raided junta troops in Thamin Inngon village near the old Yangon-Mandalay road on August 9, leading to nine hours of fighting with the regime suffering around 30 fatalities and the resistance reporting one death. Clashes have taken place in Thamin Inngon and Nanza villages since mid-July, with several townships in Nyaunglebin District experiencing frequent clashes since January. While junta shelling and air attacks have increased in the area, the regime is conducting fewer ground attacks, said a resistance fighter. As their forces have been depleted, they cant conduct assaults every day now. They would gather 100 to 150 troops and attack occasionally. Resistance forces have crossed the Sittaung River and are near the old [Yangon to Mandalay] road. We control a sizeable area, said the fighter. As the fighting intensifies, it has become important for both regime and resistance forces to have control over the Sittaung Basin in the east of Bago. Nyaunglebin District is close to the Bago Range and both the new and old Yangon roads. To the north of Nyaunglebin, Taungoo, Yedashae and KNU Brigade 2-controlled Thantaung are adjacent to Naypyitaw, the nerve center of the regime. Southern Nyaunglebin is 74km from Bago and 157km from Yangon. Peoples Defense Forces, under the civilian National Unity Government (NUG), and other groups under the KNU are conducting Operation Salmon to penetrate the Bago Range. The NUGs southern commander U Tin Oo said the mission is to control the Sittaung Basin. There were 96 clashes in Nyaunglebin District, including on the western bank of the Sittaung in July. The regime suffered an estimated 166 casualties and carried out 12 air raids in the clashes, said the KNU. Apart from surprise attacks on junta bases, resistance forces also target bridges to cut off junta reinforcements and supplies. In June, resistance forces blew up three bridges between Kyaukkyi and Penwegon towns. They also carried out coordinated attacks on four junta bases and a police station. KNU spokesman Padoh Saw Kalel Say said: The regime has not yet carried out attacks to retake the bases that they have lost. It appears that they are only trying not to lose other bases. If we have control over the lower part of the Sittaung Basin, it will create a lot of difficulties for them. As the area is heavily populated, it is crucial both politically and militarily. They are trying desperately to retake it. The regime is using militias known as Pyu Saw Htee and police officers in assaults along with daily shelling and air strikes, said the KNU. Thousands have been displaced by ongoing junta raids, arson and shelling in Nyaunglebin District, said the KNU. They conduct indiscriminate shelling as well as bombing raids on places they think are suspicious to prevent attacks on bases. The people suffer heavily, said Padoh Saw Kalel Say. Previously, the KNUs military activities were restricted to the eastern bank of the Sittaung but since the 2021 coup the KNU has crossed the river, the KNUs Foreign Affairs Department chief Padoh Saw Taw Nee told the Burma News Network. The regime cannot respond if we attack in the area, he said. As revolutionary forces now have greater control west of the Sittaung, they will soon threaten eastern Bago Yoma, said a military analyst. They will have control over Bago Yoma. There are already revolutionary forces operating in Bago Yoma and if they can build bases they can threaten the whole area. They will then have control of the Yangon-Pyay road and penetrate the Ayeyarwady delta, he said. The KNU and resistance forces are now operating west of the Sittaung, carrying out surprise road checks and imposing a nighttime travel curfew. They warn residents that junta troops are increasingly using civilians as human shields. Padoh Saw Taw Nee said: The fighting on the [old] Yangon-Mandalay road means we are getting closer to Yangon. The NUG has also launched its all roads to Naypyitaw operation in Mandalay, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions and Naypyitaw. Though he has been dead for nearly a decade, long-serving military regime official Aung Thaungs corrupt legacy lives on in the junta-allied business empires run by his children and their families and associates, whose interests now spread across Myanmars economy. Hailing from Kyaukkar Village in Mandalay Regions Taungtha Township, Aung Thaung was one of the longest-serving ministers in the two previous military regimes, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and its successor, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and enjoyed close ties to their leaders, Senior General Than Shwe and his deputy Vice-Senior General Maung Aye. A retired colonel, Aung Thaung served as deputy commerce minister in the SLORC, and helmed the Livestock and Fisheries Ministry and the Industry Ministry-1 in the SPDC, achieving notoriety as one of the most corrupt officials of the previous regime. He had access to then dictator Than Shwes family. Rumor had it that he was favored by the dictators wife Kyaing Kyaing for introducing her to luxury branded goods. Politically, he was a hardliner. He was accused of masterminding the Depayin Massacre in 2003 to attack then democratic opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyis traveling convoy in Sagaing. He was also believed to be behind the crackdown on thousands of monks during the Saffron Revolution of 2007, sending in pro-regime group Swan Arshin to break up the monks protests. He served as a Central Executive Committee member and secretary of the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party. He was a lawmaker representing his native Taungtha Township in Myanmars Lower House in Thein Seins quasi-civilian government, heading the parliamentary committee on banks and monetary development. When anti-Muslim riots hit Myanmar in 2013, he was accused of instigating them by forming the vigilante group Taungtha Army, named after his home township. He denied any connections with the army and Swan Arshin. However, he was blacklisted by the US in 2014 for perpetuating violence, oppression, and corruption despite Washingtons revocation of most of its sanctions against the country following the shift from military rule after 2012. After joining the Myanmar military in 1964, two years after Ne Win seized power in the countrys first military coup, Aung Thaung served military dictators for a total of 51 years until his death in 2015. As he died at 75, it is fair to say the man spent two-thirds of his life supporting military dictatorship in Myanmar. Aung Thaung may be gone, but his legacy is preserved by his children. Aung Thaung had four childrenthree sons and a daughter. He enlisted his two sons in the Myanmar military, and groomed the other to become a business partner of generals. And he arranged for his daughter to marry a military captain. People close to Aung Thaung said he was so ambitious on behalf of his sons that he trained his boys to become chiefs in the military. As he wished, one of his sons, Moe Aung, is now an admiral and the chief of the Myanmar Navy, a position he was promoted to after the 2021 military coup. Military analysts said junta chief Min Aung Hlaing favors Moe Aung for such achievements as procuring submarines for the Myanmar Navy as well as sending officers to India and Russia for further training. Moe Aung also sits on the regimes governing body, the State Administration Council (SAC). Moe Aung is also on the boards of directors (BODs) of military-owned conglomerates Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC). He was sanctioned by the European Union (EU) in February 2023 for his involvement in the Myanmar militarys atrocities and human rights violations against its own civilians. In June 2021, four months after the coup, Moe Aung attended the International Maritime Defense Show in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he held talks with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Yevmenov on cooperation between the two navies in defense and training. He is married to Dr. Aye Khine Nyunt, with whom he has three daughtersThu Nandar Aung, Aye Myat Po Aung and Aye Myat Thandar. Another of Aung Thaungs sons, Pyi Aung, retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Myanmar military. He is the owner of Pristine Hotel Group and married to Nandar Aye, a daughter of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, deputy supremo in the previous regime. Nay Aung is the only one of Aung Thaungs three sons not to have joined the military. He is the chairman of one of the biggest conglomerates in Myanmar, IGE Group of Companies, and is a business partner of generals from the current regime. Aung Thaungs daughter Khin Ngu Yi Phyo is married to a former captain, Russian-educated Hlaing Myint Min, who was part of the 48th intake of the Defense Services Academy. She is a director of an oil company called New Day Energy, and also the owner of Stay-Flower Company, which manufactures tissue paper. Aung Thaungs rise to wealth Aung Thaung started his family business with Aung Yee Phyo Company, which he established in 1994, one year after he was appointed deputy commerce minister in the SLORC. On the BOD of the company, which exports timber and agricultural produce, were Aung Thaungs wife Khin Khin Yi and their three sons. The company is still operating today, with Nay Aung and his wife Khin Moe Nyunt on the BOD. Aung Yee Phyo was the first entity in the IGE (International Group of Entrepreneur Co. Ltd.) Group of Companies, which would later become a business partner of the Myanmar military and a top conglomerate in Myanmar. Before the establishment of IGE in 1999, the three brothers operated Myanmar Oceanic Resources Manufacturing Company. Nay Aung builds empire from national resources According to business records, IGE Group was cofounded by Nay Aung and his business partner Win Kyaing, a key shareholder in many subsidiaries of IGE. According to data from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), the two current directors of the IGE are Nay Aung and his confidant/business partner Than Win Swe. Than Win Swe is also a director in many subsidiaries of IGE. IGE was sanctioned by the EU in February 2022 for its close ties to the current regimes leadership. Nay Aung expanded his business to timber, and oil and gas production, in 2001, establishing the Myanmar Rice Trading Company (MRT), which has since become the largest exporter of Myanmar timber. According to a report by Washington-based environmental organization Forest Trends published in March 2022, MRT is a key timber exporter in Myanmar, and was the biggest timber exporter in 2014. Despite that, the company has only paid a small amount of tax to the government, the report said. Timber is normally sold by state-owned timber company Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE) at auctions, but MRT is one of a select group to which MTE sells directly. MTE has been hit by sanctions from the US, UK, Canada and EU since the putsch. IGE claimed on its website that its subsidiary MRT stopped exporting raw timber in 2014 following the ban imposed by Thein Seins administration that year. Nay Aung also registered IGE Pte. Ltd. in Singapore in December 2001 as he started to invest in the oil and gas industry. Win Kyaing is also a shareholder in IGE Ptd. Ltd. Another shareholder is Kyawt Kay Khaing, who is currently deputy chief executive officer of the United Amara Bank. Nay Aung registered another company, UNOD Pte. Ltd., in Singapore in 2006. The two companies won contracts to operate at least eight oil and gas fields during the time of the previous military regime and Thein Seins quasi-civilian government. According to documents viewed by The Irrawaddy, the two Singapore-based companies won contracts to operate three offshore and five onshore oil and gas fields. Companies that partnered with Nay Aungs companies in Singapore are Malaysias Rimbunan Petrogas Limited, Liberias Petronas Carigali Myanmar Inc., Malaysias Petronas Carigali Overseas Sdn Bhd, and Brunei National Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd of Brunei. According to data from the Myanmar Investment Commission, the locations of their oil and gas fields are shown on the following map. (Note: Their permissions to operate have expired and its not clear whether the companies have extended them.) Key shareholder in military-owned telecom IGE is a key shareholder in Myanmar National Tele & Communications Co. Ltd. (Mytel) owned by the Myanmar military. The company is operated as a joint venture between Vietnamese military-owned Viettel; Star High Public Company, which is a subsidiary of military-owned MEC; and Myanmar National Telecom Holding Public Co. Ltd. (MNTH), a consortium of 11 local companies. Nay Aung is a director of MNTH, according to public data. According to DICA, Aye Mya Mya Kyi is one of the MNTH directors. She sits on the BOD of IGE Group of Companies, and is also a director of one of its subsidiaries, Amara Communications Co. Nay Aungs International Power Generation Public Company (IPGP), a subsidiary of IGE, holds a 1.24-percent stake in MNTH. Hnin Hnin Aung is a director of IPGP as well as IGE Power Company. She also sits on the BOD of IGE Group of Companies. Nay Aung is also a director in Royal Yatanarpon Telecom Public Company, which holds 32.20 percent of shares in MNTH. According to IGEs website, its subsidiary Amara Communications Co. Ltd. holds the 2,600MHz spectrum license awarded by the Ministry of Transport and Communications after winning an auction with a bid of over US$120 million. Since 2018, Amara has operated the Ananda Wireless Broadband 4G+ network in Yangon and Mandalay. Luxury hotel on prize military land in Yangon Spirit Paradise Services Co. (also known as IGE-Sinphyushin Co, an IGE subsidiary) established Daewoo Amara Company in August 2013 in partnership with Koreas Daewoo Global Development Pte. Ltd. Daewoo Amara Co. rents land from the Myanmar militarys Quartermaster-Generals Office on the shore of Inya Lake in an affluent Yangon neighborhood on which it built the Lotte Hotel (Amara Hotel). Another IGE subsidiary, Crete Master Company, was also involved in construction of the hotel. The land on which the Lotte Hotel now stands was home to the Sin Phyu Shin Housing facility, where military officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and above lived. The land housing the luxury Lotte Hotel was reportedly leased out in 2012. According to a report by advocacy group Justice for Myanmar, the Myanmar military has earned US$13.51 million from leasing the land to Daewoo Global Development Pte. Ltd. on top of annual rent of $1.874 million. POSCO International Co. has a 69.3-percent stake in Lotte Hotel, while Lotte Corporation holds 15.7 percent and Spirit Paradise Services Co. 15 percent. Myanmar and China are pushing ahead with a border economic cooperation zone in northern Shan State, according to junta commerce minister Aung Naing Oo. The minister revealed the regimes plan to move ahead with the infrastructure project during an interview with CRI Myanmar during his visit to Kunming, China on August 18, according to junta media. The plan to establish an economic cooperation zone at the border of Myanmars Muse and Chinas Ruili was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. So, we have formed a committee comprised of officials from various ministries to work together with its Chinese counterpart to resume the project, the minister was quoted as saying in the interview. The border zone will be a free-trade zone for bilateral trade and investment, and socio-economic development, he said. Together with two other planned economic cooperation zones on the Myanmar-China border, the Muse-Ruili zone is an important part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), which was proposed by Beijing in 2017. The two other zones are at Kanpiketi Town in northern Myanmars Kachin State, which borders Chinas Tengchong City, and Chinshwehaw Town in northern Shan State, which borders Chinas Lincang City. The Muse-Ruili zone will be the first of three to be built. China is a major investor in Myanmar, and has placed importance on projects that will give it access to the Indian Ocean. A crucial part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, the estimated 1,700-kilometer-long CMEC will connect Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, with Myanmars major economic hubslinking first with Mandalay in central Myanmar, then forking east to Yangon and west to Rakhine States Kyaukphyu special economic zone. During Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Myanmar in 2020the first by a Chinese president in 20 yearshe and the now ousted National League for Democracy government signed a memorandum of understanding to adopt a framework for the Ruili-Muse border economic cooperation zone. At the time, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracya powerful ethnic Shan political partyreleased a statement saying local residents were concerned land would be grabbed to make way for the cooperation zone. Apr 16, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay watches batting practice prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports During the Kay Rod Cast of Sunday nights game between the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants, viewers were asked to identify their favorite part of the alternate broadcast. The results were not great for hosts Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez. The poll had six options: Michael Kay, Alex Rodriguez, The Guests, The Tweets, The Laughs and John Olerud. While no option got the majority of the votes, The Guests had a significant plurality, receiving 44% of votes, well ahead of Alex Rodriguez, who was second at 21%. The Laughs and John Olerud both got 11% of the vote, while The Tweets were at 7%. Michael Kay, meanwhile, came in last place at 6%. Its tough out there sometimes pic.twitter.com/WR5VFpHSxG Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 28, 2023 Kay is frequently largely in the background during the guest segments, with Rodriguez and whichever guest is on at the time taking up most of the air. An example of that came earlier this season, when a fan fell onto the field, prompting a delay. Only Rodriguez and guest Chris Mad Dog Russo did not notice. Its not terribly surprising to see where Kay ranks. But its also important to know that while he may be the least selected favorite part of the show, hes not necessarily the least favorite part of the show. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. In a dark day for America, Democrats made President Joe Biden's chief political rival fly to their stronghold of Atlanta, surrender to law-enforcement officials, and get photographed and fingerprinted like a common criminal. Consequently, Willis and her fellow Democrats now boast a mugshot of former President of the United States Donald J. Trump. They will deploy it in campaign ads from now until Armageddon. It probably already inhabits dart boards in the White House and the Democrat National Committee. The next step in Trump's persecution will be Willis' Stalinesque show trial. Exhibit A will be Trump's allegedly illegal phone call on January 2, 2021. America's lying Left-wing media already have made this conversation notorious. "In recorded call, Trump pressures Georgia official to find' votes to overturn election," Reuters huffed in a headline the next day. ABC News growled: "Trump demands Georgia secretary of state find' enough votes to hand him win." National Public Radio snarled on June 21, 2022: "Former President Donald Trump famously pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, to overturn the state's presidential election result in a January 2021 phone call that lasted more than an hour." Willis, these "news" outlets, and other Trump haters want Americans to believe that Trump told Raffensperger, "I want you to fabricate 11,780 votes" or less nefariously, "I want you to find me 11,780 votes." Trump said no such thing. According to a Washington Post transcript, his actual words were: "I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, because we won the state." That comment, Trumpophobes claim, makes him a criminal. Nice try! Trump, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and GOP attorneys Cleta Mitchell and Kurt Hilbert begged Raffensperger and two of his colleagues to investigate reported irregularities. "I believe it's about 4,502 voters who voted but who weren't on the voter registration list," Trump said. "You had 18,325 vacant address voters." "You had out-of-state voters," Trump added. "They voted in Georgia, but they were from out of state, of 4,925." Among these and other ballots that Trump & Co. questioned, the former president merely expressed his desire to locate enough valid votes and disqualify enough fraudulent ones to win. Politicians routinely have asked this in countless close races. This so-called smoking gun is a toy pistol. Trump made a wish that Team Raffensperger would locate missing ballots, toss bogus votes, and otherwise count correctly. This, Trump hoped, would yield him 11,780 additional ballots one more than Biden's margin of victory and, thus, score him the Peach State. This was no more a criminal solicitation than my saying, "I just want to find $100,000" would direct you, dear reader, to rob a bank and then FedEx me a thousand Benjamins. To be clear: Please do not do this. Trump's words to Raffensperger were legal. They were perfectly ordinary and precisely how trailing contenders petition election authorities. Indeed, Raffensperger finally agreed that his general counsel, Ryan Germany, "will be in touch with the other attorneys on this call, Mr. Meadows." "Trump was entitled as a candidate to ask a Georgia state official to locate votes that he believes were not counted," Harvard Law School Emeritus Professor Alan Dershowitz wrote in August 16's Daily Mail. He represented Democrats in the Bush/Gore Florida recount fiasco. "During the course of our challenges, many tactics similar to those employed in 2020 were attempted," Dershowitz explained. "Lawyers wrote legal memoranda outlining possible courses of conduct, including proposing a slate of alternate electors, who would deliver our preferred election results to Congress." Dershowitz asked: "But if similar behavior was legal in 2000, how could it be illegal in 2023?" This bedbug-infested mess confirms that Fani Willis and the rest of the Get Trump gang have turned normal political speech into the criminal persecution of Donald J. Trump. On Monday, Aug. 28, an arraignment was scheduled in the case of Epona Rose, a transgender woman who is charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct after she says she defended herself from an attack involving several men in downtown Flagstaff. Activists have since rallied around Rose, saying her arrest was unjust and arguing that she has been treated badly in jail. Rose, who was passing through northern Arizona at the time, was arrested on Aug. 10 after she allegedly sprayed two men with mace, engaged at least one in a physical fight and possibly brandished a knife in Heritage Square. According to a press release from her supporters, the men were drunk and sexually harassing her. The attack escalated into threats of rape, and then to physical violence when they realized that Epona is transgender. That night at around 8:30 p.m., Flagstaff police responded to a reported assault in progress. A witness downtown told police he saw a group of men talking with a person who appeared to be transgender in the square. According to police reports, the witness said one of the men was shouting that the suspect was not a woman, at which point the suspect was mad and pulled out mace and sprayed people. According to police reports, a second witness said the confrontation appeared to have been verbal before the two men were pepper sprayed. However, in a motion to modify release conditions filed by Roses attorney, those claims are disputed. The motion states: Ms. Rose was touched sexually without her consent. She was subject to transphobic statements. She was vulnerable, unsafe, and alone among a group of four or five men. Her actions were limited to the unique situation in which she found herself. Police reports show that one of the witnesses claims she heard the suspect say something to the effect of this is what violence looks like. Police took two men to Flagstaff Medical Center to be treated for injuries related to being sprayed with Mace. One of the men was found in the bathroom in the alley near Old Town Shops; he was not wearing clothes and was attempting to wash his face and eyes. The other alleged victim was outside Old Town Shops when police arrived. He too had been sprayed with Mace; officers later found the container on the scene. He also had a cut a couple of inches long on his left hand. He told police Rose had held a knife to his throat, and said she told him you will die today. The alleged victim told police his hand was cut when he tried to move the blade away from his throat. Police searched the area for the suspect and weapons involved, and found Rose inside the Sweet Shoppe across the street from Heritage Square. According to one officers report, Rose was bleeding from above her hairline. When she was placed under arrest, she asked to have a lawyer present before questioning, but ultimately told officers the men were violent and had threatened her because of her gender identity. She told police she acted in self-defense, spraying the Mace and putting one of the men in a stranglehold. According to police reports, officers asked her if she had brandished a knife, at which point she went silent. One of the witnesses told police he did not see a knife, but noticed one of the men was carrying a machete in his backpack. According to police reports, officers confirmed that one of the men had a machete with him during the altercation. Police later learned that the other man who was Maced had an active misdemeanor warrant from Flagstaff Justice Court, but he was not placed under arrest because of his hospitalization. When the men were questioned by police at the hospital, they both denied that Rose would have had any reason to attack them. Rose was the only person arrested or charged following the incident. Rose was initially booked for attempted homicide and aggravated assault in the Coconino County Detention Facility. I was charged as a man, as I am a woman of trans experience. I was initially booked into jail on charges of aggravated assault, as well as attempted homicide, second degree, unjustly. I was defending myself, my womanhood, against three men, Rose said in a statement from jail. Roses bail is set at $500,000, a sum that her lawyer argues is immeasurably out of her financial reach. When Rose was indicted on Aug. 17, she was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct, and threatening or intimidating, which is a class one misdemeanor. The indictment does not include an attempted homicide charge, but legal experts believe the early mention of attempted homicide might have been a factor the judge considered in setting bail at several hundred thousand dollars. Notably, at the time of the initial appearance, Ms. Rose had been booked into jail on the theory of attempted murder. Her bond seems to reflect that, Ryan Stevens, Roses defense attorney, wrote in a motion to modify her release conditions. He told the Arizona Daily Sun he is working on getting bail reduced and securing Roses release from jail to the supervision of Pretrial Services. Prior to this matter, Ms. Rose was unhoused by choice because she travels for her advocacy and activism. Ms. Rose dedicates her life to providing personalized support to marginalized communities, including the Native American and transgender communities and others in need. She passionately pursues solidarity across different marginalized groups, Stevens wrote. He argued that despite the fact that Rose lives a largely transient life, she has tremendous community support and would not be a flight risk. Accusations of mistreatment One thing that Roses community of support is concerned about is her safety behind bars in Coconino County. While I've been in this facility I've been mistreated. I have been treated as a man. I have been asked 14 times about my genitalia by staff. I have been laughed at and ridiculed. I have been put into isolation. Make no mistakes, the United States is now living in the Weimar Republic era. I have been fighting the way I can from the inside with what little power I have from the inside, Rose said in a statement from jail. According to Detention Services Commander Matthew Figueroa, the jail is required by state statute to perform a visual strip search when an arrest is made connected to charges such as the ones Rose faces. We asked the individual multiple times during the booking process what genitalia do they have, because per state statute, the charges they were arrested for warranted a visual strip search. We needed to make sure we had the same sex officer conduct the search. The identification the person had stated they were female, but the arresting officer was booking them into the jail as male, Figueroa said. According to Roses supporters, she was initially held on the mens side of the Coconino County jail in administrative segregation, with one hour a day out of her cell. Figueroa said that isnt an unusual way for the jail to process inmates who are gender non-conforming. For our classification process being short term, we put males with males and females with females. If someone self-identifies as the opposite sex and they feel and or we determine a safety/security risk, we will place the individual in administrative segregation, Figueroa said. Figueroa added: For most of our inmate population, the average length of stay is anywhere from seven to 14 days ... during the booking process or classification process, if an individual self-identifies then we will house the person separate from the general population for their safety or the safety and security of the other population. They will receive the same amenities and privileges as the general population. That is not the only concern put forward by Rose and the people advocating for her outside of jail. She struggled to gain access to her prescribed medications. Political pressure seems to have improved her conditions; however, Epona is still unable to receive equitable treatment, a press release from Roses supporters reads. Figueroa said the process of verifying prescriptions and prescribing providers can delay care for inmates. This is consulted with our medical staff and consideration and dispensing is made dependent on where the individual already is in the transition process, he said. Since her initial booking, supporters have rallied around Rose, holding a demonstration calling for Roses immediate release outside the courthouse and organizing a vigil outside the Coconino County Detention Facility. Last weeks vigil was attended by more than 40 people, according to estimates from Roses supporters. People shared stories and solidarity for Rose, chanting, Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe! Rose was scheduled to be arraigned in Coconino County Superior Court on Monday, Aug. 28. Activists planned to demonstrate at the courthouse prior to the proceeding. Stevens said he looked forward to presenting our side in court. Bail will likely not be reduced during the arraignment, but Stevens is working to set up a hearing to challenge the conditions of Roses incarceration as soon as possible. He said his teams first goal is to ensure Rose is safe. Rose said, I am not safe here, but I am holding on to hope, and I know I will be free. I want to thank everybody who has shown support and is fighting for me on the outside. Thank you, loved ones, relatives, comrades. I look forward to seeing you. Thank you so much for the fight. Solidarity! 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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 College students returned to Flagstaff campuses this week, with Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Coconino Community College (CCC) both scheduled to start classes next Monday. "Please get engaged and be involved on campus, talk to your faculty members, ask questions in class," Eric Heiser, CCC's new president, advised in a video welcoming new students. "Remember, we're here to see you succeed." Close A group of students cross the street in front of Cline Library Thursday afternoon on the Northern Arizona University campus, one of many large groups of students getting oriented with school in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year. Thursday marked the beginning of the move-in weekend. Kelly Harris (left) and Sean Harris (middle) help Dylan Elsasser move into his freshman dorm room Thursday afternoon at Northern Arizona University as Elsasser prepares to begin his first year of college. Evan and Robert Blanton push a cart full of dorm room necessities across South Knoles Drive Thursday afternoon on the Northern Arizona University campus during the move-in period, assisting their sister and daughter as she moves into her freshman lodgings. Andy Hornburg throws Frisbee with a friend at one of NAU's quads Thursday afternoon during the move-in period for the upcoming school year. NAU's campus welcomes students and their parents Thursday afternoon as students move back into dorms and prepare to begin the 2023-2024 academic year. A group of friends play a game of volleyball Thursday afternoon at one of NAU's courts during move-in weekend. One parent's vehicle parked in the Knoles parking garage at NAU boasts a message alluding to tuition pricing Thursday afternoon as move-in week continues on campus, making a play on the trend of bachelorette parties and road-trippers advertising their digital cash apps for assistance. The Northern Arizona University campus is packed with students and their parents Thursday afternoon as students move into dorms and prepare to begin the academic year. Roads on NAU's campus are congested with traffic Thursday afternoon as students and their families arrive to move students into dorms. Gallery: College students flock to Northern Arizona University for move-in week Colleges students are flocking to Flagstaff during move-in week. A group of students cross the street in front of Cline Library Thursday afternoon on the Northern Arizona University campus, one of many large groups of students getting oriented with school in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year. Thursday marked the beginning of the move-in weekend. Kelly Harris (left) and Sean Harris (middle) help Dylan Elsasser move into his freshman dorm room Thursday afternoon at Northern Arizona University as Elsasser prepares to begin his first year of college. Evan and Robert Blanton push a cart full of dorm room necessities across South Knoles Drive Thursday afternoon on the Northern Arizona University campus during the move-in period, assisting their sister and daughter as she moves into her freshman lodgings. Andy Hornburg throws Frisbee with a friend at one of NAU's quads Thursday afternoon during the move-in period for the upcoming school year. NAU's campus welcomes students and their parents Thursday afternoon as students move back into dorms and prepare to begin the 2023-2024 academic year. A group of friends play a game of volleyball Thursday afternoon at one of NAU's courts during move-in weekend. One parent's vehicle parked in the Knoles parking garage at NAU boasts a message alluding to tuition pricing Thursday afternoon as move-in week continues on campus, making a play on the trend of bachelorette parties and road-trippers advertising their digital cash apps for assistance. The Northern Arizona University campus is packed with students and their parents Thursday afternoon as students move into dorms and prepare to begin the academic year. Roads on NAU's campus are congested with traffic Thursday afternoon as students and their families arrive to move students into dorms. In a convocation speech Monday, NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera, after listing the universitys achievements in the previous year, highlighted academic momentum as a theme for the coming school year. The likelihood of a full-time student earning a degree in a timely manner is significantly shaped by the number of units they attempt and accrue -- or earn -- during their freshman year and beyond, he said. In the context of postsecondary value, academic momentum is especially important as the ability of a student to recoup the costs of their education -- including foregoing salary while they are studying -- is heightened the shorter the time is til the degree. He said ways the university could focus on this goal included encouraging dual enrollment in high school, increasing the number of students earning 30 or more credits a year by at least 10% over the next three years (he said university data showed first-year cohorts who meet this number of credits were about 30% more likely to enroll in a second year) and other high-impact practices. We must preserve our students potential and prioritize our efforts and service for their success, he said. We must look for opportunities to streamline their curriculum and redesign our courses. We must ensure there are sufficient course offerings to accommodate student demand." He added: "We must commit to a high level of engagement to leverage what our students value most about NAU. NAU has a goal of awarding more than 100,000 credentials by 2035 -- which Cruz Rivera said the aforementioned efforts would help achieve. Moving in Thursday was the first day of move-in weekend for NAUs 2023-2024 school year. Despite occasional rain, campus sidewalks were filled with students catching up with their friends and families helping push carts full of belongings to unload into dorm rooms. Freshman roommates Cassie Velarde and Caroline Creed had just come from their dorm, which they said was already unpacked and ready for the coming year. Velarde is from Tucson, while Creed is from Las Vegas and theyd spoken a bit over the summer. Both said move-in had been "nice" so far, and Velarde said she was surprised by the size of the campus. Id like to join a club or just get involved, Creed said of her hopes for the year. Same, Velarde said. Have a routine. Freshman Mariana Lanza was walking the campus with her parents, Cathy and Robert Lanza, early in the afternoon, having already unpacked her belongings. Shes from Tucson and said she chose NAU to escape the heat. She said she was still exploring what she wanted to study, and that her plans for the year were to work hard, mostly. Its far enough, but not too far away, Robert said of the Mountain Campus. We're going to give her space to learn to be independent, Cathy said, adding that she hoped Mariana can enjoy [college] and shell like being here at NAU, and shell find a study that she likes, work hard and graduate. Another freshman, Gabriella Kveton, was also with her parents Thursday, though shed arrived on Tuesday to unpack a little early. Its been good, she said of moving in. It was definitely a lot less busy on Tuesday. It was really easy with the bins. She plans to study biomedical science, with the goal of one day becoming a pharmacist. Coming from Phoenix, Kveton also said she chose NAU because of the climate. It has better weather. Its not as hot, she said, adding that so far Flagstaff had been meeting those expectations. Its been a good process so far," said her mom, Kristin Kveton. Its a beautiful campus, shes in a great dorm. The hope for college is just to pass." I hope she gets to make a lot of new friendships," Kristin said, "and that she finds a path for herself that feels like its the right fit. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors passed an emergency resolution in response to flooding in Tusayan earlier this week. The resolution, which should free up funds to assist in responding to the flooding, was signed Thursday by newly appointed board Chair Jeronimo Vasquez. County officials said the resolution also authorizes County Emergency Management and the Coconino County Sheriffs Office to issue further shelter in place or evacuation orders should another significant rainfall event affect Tusayan. The county worked with Tusayan leadership to facilitate an in-person community meeting for residents of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Tusayan Town Hall, 845 Mustang Drive. Tuesdays storm produced an estimated 3 inches of rainfall in less than one hour, concentrated over a wash east of Tusayan. Up to 3 feet of water impacted homes, hotels and closed State Route 64, forcing close to 100 residents and visitors to evacuate. Residents had been under an order to boil water after concerns that flooding had impacted drinking water. But after testing by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, that order has been lifted. But county officials warned residents to prepare for the possibility of additional flooding in the coming days. With more inclement weather in the forecast, the board strongly recommend residents throughout the county prepare for the possibility of a 'shelter in place' or evacuation order, an extended period of power outage, or the inability to access homes, and to prepare an emergency kit that contains clothes, medicines, and important documents for each member of the family and household pets to last a minimum of 72 hours, a county media release stated. Officials advise that residents should also prepare an emergency plan that includes a means to alert family members and a plan to move pets and/or livestock to safety. All residents are also encouraged to know their neighborhoods evacuation zone and register for emergency notifications at www.coconino.az.gov/ready. 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. Reddit Email 142 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Other members of the the extremist Jewish Power Party are adding fuel to the firestorm that broke out last week when the partys leader and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that Israeli rights to move around the Palestinian West Bank took precedence over Palestinian rights to freedom of movement in their own land. Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu tried to uphold Ben Gvirs supremacist assertions and to defend Israeli policy toward Palestinians, rejecting the label of Apartheid for it. According to The Times of Israel, Eliyahu said, As soon as someone threatens my rights to live, I slightly reduce his civil rights and enable the law-abiding person to continue to operate . . . In a prison, I take someone and revoke their civil rights so that the rest of society can live in a better way. Is that apartheid? We need to help the good Israeli Arabs and also the good Israeli Arabs . . . to travel freely, and impact their lives as little as possible in order to allow us a normative life. But whoever throws stones, whoever throws Molotov cocktails, whoever lowers our possibility to live, whoever incites against us in the education system or in mosques we will be forced with great sorrow and great pain to reduce his possibility to move. The Times of Israel observed, Eliyahu offered no explanation as to how he would differentiate between the two groups of people. Neither Ben-Gvir nor Eliyahu is actually speaking merely about Israeli rights of movement. They are annexationists and wish to defy international law and US policy by forcefully incorporating the Palestinian West Bank into Israel permanently. This process also entails stealing the property of the indigenous Palestinians. What Eliyahu is saying is that those Palestinians who object to this armed robbery must be put in the equivalent of a prison camp. He earlier compared Palestinians to inconvenient flies that need to be killed. Article continues after bonus IC video Middle East Eye: Israeli minister uses metaphor comparing Palestinians to bothersome flies that must be killed Haaretz writes, Earlier this year, a senior defense source told Haaretz that there had been hundreds of cases of nationalist crime by Jewish settlers since the deadly shooting attack at the Eli settlement on June 20, and Israels security services dont have any control over the mob of settlers, who do whatever they want in [the West Bank]. Eliyahu denies that there is any violence by Israeli squatter-settlers. Jordan News reported in early August that Eliyahu had said, to Israeli Army Radio, I dont really think there is a Green Line. Its a fictitious line. This is our homeland. This is where the Jewish people arose. The attitude of the State of Israel that there are two states here is a mistake. We should impose sovereignty on Judea and Samaria. The Green Line is the border between Israel proper and the Palestinian West Bank established by the 1949 armistice. He used the ancient term for the Palestinian West Bank, Judea and Samaria, to normalize the process of modern Israeli invasion, colonization and annexation. As I have pointed out, this move is common in colonialism and nationalism, where ancient claims are invoked to justify modern aggression. The French colonial empire in North Africa was justified in part by claiming that the French were a successor state to ancient Rome, which had ruled those regions. Eliyahu continued his verbal Blitzkrieg: We should advance this as quickly as possible, as smartly as possible. We should begin to say this everywhere, to create international recognition that this place is ours. In Judea and Samaria, everyone understands that our roots and history are there, and therefore, I think that the entire Green Line is just an abnormality. There is a distorted reality that we need to erase, Eliyahus father Shmuel is the chief rabbi of Safed and a major purveyor of QAnon-style conspiracy theories. He once accused the Catholic Church of arranging tours of the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp for Lebanons Hezbollah members so that they could learn how best to kill Jews. He led a campaign to convince Jewish Israelis not to rent to Israelis of Palestinian heritage (20% of the population). He saw this years massive earthquake in Syria as divine retribution for Syrias wars against Israel. Shmuel Eliyahu is not permitted to come to the United States. So the long and the short of it is that Amichai Eliyahu says that Palestinians in the West Bank are not under Israeli Apartheid, they are just in a big prison camp, which prevents them from interfering with the Israeli theft of their land and homes. Good to know. Years ago British Prime Minister David Cameron described besieged Gaza as a prison camp, and was accused of being deeply hostile to Israel as a result. But I guess a member of the cabinet in the current Israeli government says its all right for us to use this diction. Eliyahu doesnt seem to realize that for Israel to keep a substantial number of occupied Palestinians in the equivalent of prison for the convenience of Israeli squatters on stolen land is a pretty good definition of Apartheid. Reddit Email 36 Shares By Julia P G Jones, Bangor University; and Neal Hockley, Bangor University | In early 2023, the Guardian published an article suggesting that more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets are worthless. These credits are essentially a promise to protect forests and can be bought as a way to offset emissions elsewhere. Verra, the largest certifier of these offset credits, said the claims were absolutely incorrect but the story still shook confidence in the billion-dollar market. Soon after, Verras CEO stood down. The claims in the Guardian article rested heavily on analysis which had been published as a preprint (before peer review). Now the research has been fully peer-reviewed and is published in the journal Science. It shows unequivocally that many projects which have sold what are known as REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation) credits have failed to reduce deforestation. REDD+ projects aim to slow deforestation (for example, by supporting farmers to change their practices). They quantify the carbon saved through reducing deforestation relative to what would have happened without the project, and sell these emission reductions as credits. Such REDD+ credits are widely used to offset (that is, cancel out) emissions from companies (who may use them to make claims that their operations are carbon neutral) or by people concerned about their carbon footprint. For example, if you were planning to fly from London to New York you might consider buying REDD+ credits that promise to conserve rainforest in the Congo Basin (with added benefits for forest elephants and bonobos). Offsetting your return flight would appear to cost a very affordable 16.44. However, while previous analysis showed that some REDD+ projects have contributed to slowing deforestation and forest degradation, the central finding from the new study is that many projects have slowed deforestation much less than they have claimed and, consequently, have promised greater carbon savings than they have delivered. So that guilt-free flight to New York probably isnt carbon neutral after all. The finding that many REDD+ carbon credits have not delivered forest conservation is extremely worrying to anyone who cares about the future of tropical forests. We spoke to Sven Wunder, a forest economist and a co-author of the new study. He told us that: To tackle climate change, tropical deforestation must be stopped. Forests also matter for other reasons: losing forests will result in loss of species, and will affect regional rainfall patterns. Despite the evidence that REDD+ has not been delivering additional conservation, we cannot afford to give up. Deforestation could simply move elsewhere Carbon credits also face other challenges, one of the biggest being leakage or displacement of deforestation. Leakage may occur because the people who were cutting down the forest simply relocate to a different area. Alternatively, demand for food or timber that was fuelling deforestation in one place may be met by deforestation elsewhere perhaps on the other side of the world. Another problem is ensuring that the forests are protected in perpetuity so that reduced deforestation represents permanent removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Eleanor Warren-Thomas Addressing these challenges is vital because selling carbon credits is an important source of finance for forest conservation. It is not too dramatic to say that unreliable REDD+ credits directly threaten forests. However, this is an active research area and new approaches are increasingly available. Andrew Balmford is a professor of conservation science at the University of Cambridge who is actively developing methods to improve the credibility of forest carbon markets. He says the new study raises some important concerns but that more robust and transparent methods have been developed. Deploying these new methods, he told us, is an urgent priority. Change is also needed to how certification operates. At present, there are incentives for verifiers to inflate estimates of the amount of deforestation that would have happened without the project, and therefore the number of credits that can be issued. Sven Wunder explains: We need to move beyond vested interest towards independent governance employing scientifically informed, cutting-edge methods. Reasons to be cautious Even if these problems can be solved, there are still reasons to be cautious about the role of carbon offsets in combating climate change. First, there is the risk that offsetting actually increases emissions because people or companies might feel more comfortable emitting carbon if they believe they can undo any damage by simply buying carbon credits. For this reason, some argue that offsets must only ever be a last resort, after all non-essential emissions have been cut (the problem being of course: who decides which emissions are essential?). Second, keeping warming within 2C will require most deforestation to be stopped and major reductions in fossil fuel emissions. There is a limit to which one can be used to balance out the other. REDD+ projects mustnt harm local farmers. Finally, there are serious equity concerns with some forest carbon offsets. If forest conservation is achieved by stopping farmers in low-income countries from clearing land for agriculture, REDD+ may exacerbate poverty: your long haul flight would come at the expense of others being able to feed their families. We dont know how much it would cost to achieve genuinely additional offsets which avoid leakage and ensure equity but it is likely to be considerably more expensive than forest carbon credits currently sell for. A higher price would reduce the perception that offsetting is an easy option and should encourage more focus on reducing emissions. So, should you buy those cheap forest carbon offsets when taking a flight? Unfortunately, theres currently little evidence that doing so will really make your journey carbon neutral. If you want to contribute to tackling climate change, perhaps the only real option is to not take the flight. Julia P G Jones, Professor of Conservation Science, Bangor University and Neal Hockley, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Economics & Policy, Bangor University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. VANCOUVER, Canada, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoro Gold Corp. (TSXV: SGO | OTCQB: SMOFF | FRA: 23SP) (Sonoro or the Company) is pleased to announce the positive results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Companys Cerro Caliche gold project located in Sonora State, Mexico. The PEA demonstrates the potential viability for a nine-year life of mine (LOM), open pit, heap leach mining operation with an initial two-year production rate of 4,000 metric tonnes per day (mtpd) and an increase to 12,000 mtpd for the remaining LOM. The PEA has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) by D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd. of Burlington, Ontario (D.E.N.M.) and Micon International Limited of Toronto, Ontario (Micon) with confirmation of the applicable resource estimates prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. of Denver, Colorado (SRK). Updated PEA Highlights: Pre-Tax net present value discounted at 5% (NPV 5 ) of USD $71.4 million ) of USD $71.4 million Pre-Tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 59% After-Tax NPV 5 of USD $47.7 million with an IRR of 45% of USD $47.7 million with an IRR of 45% Gold recovery of 72% and silver recovery of 27% 9-year LOM with 297,575 ounces (oz) of gold equivalent (AuEq) LOM annual average production of 33,000 oz AuEq at 0.45 g/t AuEq Initial CAPEX costs of USD $15.5 million, including USD $1.83 million in contingency Sustaining capital costs of USD $15.5 million Cash (1) operating costs of USD $1,295/oz AuEq operating costs of USD $1,295/oz AuEq AISC (2 ) of USD $1,395/oz AuEq of USD $1,395/oz AuEq Payback period of 2.9 years Note: All currencies are reported in U.S. dollars. Base case parameters assume $1,800/oz gold and $23/oz silver. (1) Cash operating costs include mining, crushing, processing, assaying, and administration. (2) All-in-Sustaining Costs include cash costs plus sustaining, refining and reclamation costs, as well as 2% royalty buyout. This PEA draws on the extensive expertise of our technical team in Mexico under the direction of our VP Operations, Jorge Diaz, who designed a mine plan which materially reduces upfront capital costs and increases throughput after year two with capital cost expansion financed exclusively from cash flow, stated Ken MacLeod, President and CEO of Sonoro Gold. This aligns with our objective to bring Cerro Caliche into production to allow potential resource expansion with minimal dilution to our shareholders. John Darch, Sonoro's Chairman added, To date, only 30% of Cerro Caliches known mineralized zones have been mapped and assayed. In addition to the upcoming targeted infill drilling program at El Colorado and Guadalupe vein zones where our May 2022 drilling campaign demonstrated multiple high-grade ore shoots, we recently identified future expansion targets in the northwest region of the property. These campaigns will proceed alongside the proposed development of the mining operation and have been designed to materially expand the projects oxide gold mineralization and potentially enhance the overall economics of the project. Mineral Resource Estimate The PEA utilizes the updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared by SRK and, as announced on February 7, 2023, the MRE highlights include: Indicated Mineral Resources (cut-off of 0.20 g/t AuEq) of 19.9 million tonnes (Mt) at 0.44 g/t Au and 3.5 g/t Ag grade; Contains within an optimized pit shell: 280,000 oz of Au 2,240,000 oz of Ag 290,000 oz of AuEq Inferred Mineral Resources (cut-off of 0.20 g/t AuEq) of 10.5 Mt at 0.42 g/t Au and 4.0 g/t Ag grade; Contains within an optimized pit shell: 140,000 oz of Au 1,345,000 oz of Ag 150,000 oz of AuEq The SRK report comments favorably on the upside potential of the project in terms of exploration. The current geological volumes and grade estimates, located outside of the pit shells, are considered too limited to establish grade continuity to meet the present requirements for Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) for the mineralized area to be considered Mineral Resources. SRK has defined the ranges for the potential exploration targets outside of the current pits shell which are within the current modelled mineralized zones. Based on the analysis, SRK considers the exploration potential (cut-off of 0.20 AuEq) within drilled areas for Cerro Caliche to be from 15,000,000 to 22,000,000 tonnes containing: 120,000 to 275,000 oz of Au at 0.25 to 0.38 g/t Au 1,045,000 to 2,350,000 oz of Ag at 2.2 to 3.2 g/t Ag 125,000 to 285,000 oz of AuEq at 0.26 to 0.39 g/t AuEq The reader is cautioned that the potential quantity and grade ranges noted above are conceptual in nature and insufficient exploration has been conducted to define this material as a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in these exploration target estimates being delineated as Mineral Resources or converted to Mineral Reserves in the future. SRK cautions that estimates of exploration targets are not a CIM-defined category, are not Mineral Resources and are too speculative to fulfill the definition of Mineral Resources. There are additional opportunities along strike and parallel to the current vein trends and this potential may be quantified through additional drilling. In addition to drilling, surface mapping and sampling suggests that several mineralized trends have potential for additional resources along-strike. Further exploration drill programs are warranted. PEA Summary The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred resources that are considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty the estimates presented in the PEA will be realized. The full PEA will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and Sonoros website www.sonorogold.com within 45 days of the issuance of this news release. Table 1: Key Economic Parameters Assumption / Results PEA Value Pre-Tax NPV (5) (USD) $71.4M Pre-Tax IRR 59% After- Tax NPV (5) (USD) $47.7M After- Tax IRR 45% Revenues (USD) $535.6M Total Tonnes Processed 28.6M Total Tonnes Waste 60.0M Mine Life 9-Years Strip Ratio 2.10 Gold Recovery 72% Silver Recovery 27% Gold Price (USD $/Au oz) $1,800 Silver Price (USD $/Ag oz) $23.00 Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.43 Gold Equivalent Grade 0.45 Silver Grade (g/t Au) 3.75 Total Gold Equivalent Recovered (oz) 297,575 Initial CAPEX Costs (USD) $15.5M Sustaining Capital Costs (USD) $15.5M LOM Operating Costs (USD) $385.4M Cash Operating Cost (USD $/ AuEq oz) $1,295 AISC (USD $/ AuEq oz) $1,395 Table 2: Gold & Silver Price Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity $1,600 Au $1,700 Au $1,800 Au $1,900 Au $2,000 Au $20 Ag $22 Ag $23 Ag $26 Ag $28 Ag After-Tax NPV (5%) $19.14m $33.65m $47.68m $62.57m $77.02m Pre-Tax NPV (5%) $27.34m $49.71m $71.42m $94.46m $116.84m After-Tax IRR 23% 35% 45% 54% 63% Pre-Tax IRR 30% 45% 59% 72% 85% After-Tax Payback 4.1-Years 3.4-Years 2.9-Years 2.6-Years 2.4-Years Table 3: Operating & Capital Sensitivity Sensitivity -20% -10% Base Case 10% 20% Operating Costs Pre-tax NPV (US$ million) $128.33 $99.87 $71.42 $42.97 $14.51 Operating Costs IRR 90% 75% 59% 41% 20% Capital Costs Pre-tax NPV (US$ million) $76.20 $73.81 $71.42 $69.03 $66.64 Capital Costs IRR 73% 65% 59% 54% 49% Capital Costs The estimated capital costs for the Cerro Caliche Gold Project are based on an open pit, heap leach operation with contract mining. Initial capital expenditures of USD $15.5 million, including 15% contingency, contemplates an initial two-year production rate of 4,000 mtpd with an increase to 12,000 mtpd in the third year of production. Costs include direct facility costs such as processing facilities and leach pad impoundment as well as infrastructure, EPCM, site preparation and indirect facility costs such as technical studies, office equipment and light vehicles. Initial capital costs also include USD $1.8 million for a down payment on a crushing circuit including equipment and related earthworks. An additional USD $15.5 million is estimated for sustaining capital, including the expansion costs and lease-to-own payments on the crushing circuit as well as expansion costs on the heap leach pad. Power transmission line and equipment replacement costs are also included. Reclamation costs are estimated at USD $2.9 million. Capital cost estimates are based on industry standards and were developed using quotes provided by mining contractors and specialists experienced in mining development in Mexico. Table 4: Initial Capital Costs Initial Capital Costs Costs (USD) Direct Facility Costs $7.5M Infrastructure $3.0M Engineering and Procurement $1.8M Indirect Facility Costs $1.1M Pre-Stripping and Mine Development $0.4M Contingency $1.8M Total $15.5M Table 5: Sustaining Capital Costs Sustaining Costs Costs (USD) Leach Pad Expansion $3.5M Crusher Expansion $3.6M Crusher Lease $4.5M Powerline $1.9M Equipment $2.0M Total $15.5M Table 6: Reclamation Costs Capital Costs Costs (USD) Environmental $2.3M Engineering and Procurement $0.3M Contingency $0.3M Total $2.9M Operating Costs Cash operating costs for Cerro Caliches LOM are estimated at USD $385.4 million or USD $1,295 per gold equivalent ounce and include mining, crushing and processing, as well as maintenance and administration costs. All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) for LOM are estimated at USD $415.1 million or US$1,395 per gold equivalent ounce and include operating costs, sustaining capital, reclamation, royalties, and refining charges. Royalties include a 2% Net Smelter Return (NSR) buyout to certain landholders and taxes include payments to the Mexican government for mining royalty and specific mining related taxes. Refining costs include carbon processing and production of dore bars. Open pit mining will be undertaken by a contractor and carried out by drill and blast conventional loading and truck haulage to the crushing facility. An estimated mining cost of USD $1.99 per tonne processed includes drilling, blasting, and hauling mineralized feed to the heap leach area. Waste mining is forecast to cost a further USD $4.17 per tonne processed. The processing facilities at Cerro Caliche will be comprised of a crushing circuit where mineralized material is processed through a three-stage crushing plant to produce material that is p80 of (80% passing) method. The material is then conveyed and stacked in a conventional heap leach pad and irrigated with a low concentrate cyanide solution. An estimated crushing cost of USD $0.87 per tonne includes the cost of crushing and conveying. Solution collected from the leach pad is then directed through a system of channels to the processing ponds where it passes through a series of carbon columns. Gold and silver impregnated carbon is collected periodically from the columns and then dried and stripped for dore bar production. An estimated processing cost of USD $5.72 per tonne includes leaching, assaying, labour and production of dore bars. Operating cost estimates are based on industry standards and were developed using quotes provided by mining contractors and specialists experienced in mining development in Mexico. Table 7: Operating Costs Operating Costs LOM (USD) $/oz AuEq Mining $201.4M $677 Processing $163.8M $550 Administration $20.1M $68 Total $385.4M $1,295 Table 8: All-in-Sustaining Costs AISC Costs LOM (USD) $/oz AuEq Cash Costs $385.4M $1,295 Refining $7.3M $25 Royalties $4.0M $13 Sustaining $15.5M $52 Closure $2.9M $10 Total $415.1M $1,395 Qualified Person Statement David Salari, P.Eng. of D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd., Christopher Jacobs, CEng, MIMMM, Kerrine Azougarh, P.Eng. and William Lewis, P.Geo. of Micon International Limited, and Doug Reid, P. Eng. of SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc. are independent of the Company and are Qualified Persons as defined in NI 43-101. Sonoro Director Stephen Kenwood, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person within the context of NI 43-101 and has read and approved this news release. About D.E.N.M. Engineering Limited D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd. is a niche engineering company servicing the mining / mineral processing sector that specializes in Engineering & Design, Equipment Supply, Project & Construction Management, Commissioning and Operations Support. D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd. has proven success while championing projects for over fifteen years in Canada, USA, Mexico and Central America. In addition, D.E.N.M. Engineering, with its principal and independent specialists, performs NI 43-101 compliant assessments and studies in the sections of mineral processing metallurgical design, process design, capital and operating costing and cash flow analysis. About Micon International Limited Micon International Limited (Micon) has provided consulting services to the worldwide mining industry since 1988 from its offices in Canada and the UK. Micon comprises a multi-disciplinary group of highly qualified and experienced professionals who are guided by the Company principles of Integrity, Competence and Independence. Micons experience in Mexico ranges from exploration programs and resource estimation to technical studies on operating mines, as well as due diligence for precious metals and base metals projects. Micon has worked in most of the major mining districts throughout Mexico, as well as some lesser-known historical districts. In northern Mexico, assignments have been undertaken in the gold and silver districts of Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas, Chihuahua and Baja California. About SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. SRK Consulting is an independent international mining consultancy firm, which provides focused advice and solutions to clients in the earth and water resource industries. The company has contributed to its clients' success for over 45 years in over 20,000 projects globally. It is based across 45 offices worldwide with leading mining specialists in fields such as due diligence, technical studies, mine waste and water management, permitting and mine rehabilitation. About Sonoro Gold Corp. Sonoro Gold Corp. is a publicly listed exploration and development Company holding the near-development-stage Cerro Caliche project and the exploration-stage San Marcial project in Sonora State, Mexico. The Company has highly experienced operational and management teams with proven track records for the discovery and development of natural resource deposits. On behalf of the Board of Sonoro Gold Corp. Per: Kenneth MacLeod Kenneth MacLeod President & CEO For further information, please contact: Sonoro Gold Corp. - Tel: (604) 632-1764 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statement Cautions This press release may contain "forward-looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future exploration and development on the Cerro Caliche project, and future plans and objectives of the Company, constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions in connection with the continuance of the Company and its subsidiaries as a going concern, general economic and market conditions, mineral prices and the accuracy of Mineral Resource Estimates. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include exploration and development risks associated with the Companys projects, the failure to establish estimated Mineral Resources, volatility of commodity prices, variations of recovery rates, and global economic conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Readers are encouraged to review the Companys complete public disclosure record on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - August 28, 2023 Westward Gold Inc. (CSE:WG), (OTC:WGLIF), (FSE:IM50) (Westward or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert Edie, P.Geo., to the Companys technical team, effective immediately. Over the course of the following month Mr. Edie will be transitioning into a leadership role as Westwards new Vice President Exploration, with the Companys current VP Exploration Mr. Dave Browning stepping down at the end of September. Mr. Edie has worked as a geologist in Nevada for 13 years, developing an expertise in the discovery and development of Carlin-type gold deposits. He is also an experienced leader, having most recently held the position of Exploration Manager at the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine from 2020 to 2023. Mr. Edie was also formerly Project Manager of the Dark Star gold deposit for Gold Standard Ventures from 2015 to 2017, during which time the company achieved impressive exploration successes and delivered remarkable value to its shareholders. Following the transition, Mr. Edie will be responsible for managing all of the Companys ongoing interests in Nevada, and will be supported by Westwards seasoned Technical Advisory Committee. This includes Lead Technical Advisor Mr. Steven Koehler, who worked closely with Robert during his tenure at Gold Standard Ventures. Mr. Edie brings a systematic approach and a passion for discovery, with the goal of advancing the Companys projects from exploration successes into economic resources. His experience includes greenfield, brownfield, and near-mine exploration from both surface and underground, working in sediment-hosted gold, epithermal gold, and iron-oxide-copper-gold systems. Mr. Edie is a Professional Geologist and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from San Diego State University. Mr. Edie, incoming VP Exploration, noted: I am thrilled to be joining the team at Westward Gold and for the opportunity to bring my exploration experience to their highly-prospective projects in elephant country. Just a stones throw away from the Cortez Complex, I believe Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle have the strong potential to develop into a multi-million-ounce economic gold district. I am also highly impressed that the Company was able to acquire additional properties along the Carlin Trend to compliment its flagship asset, and Im excited to hit the ground running alongside an ambitious and committed management team. The Company would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Dave Browning for his outstanding work and dedication to Westward over the last 2+ years, and to congratulate him on his next role as Chief Executive Officer of TerraCore Inc., a world leader in hyperspectral imaging. Mr. Browning remains a staunch believer in the potential of the Companys projects and will continue to be a supporter and advocate for Westward as it builds upon the strong foundation he leaves behind. Mr. Colin Moore, President and CEO, commented: Through Daves leadership and execution on the ground, Westward has made immense progress advancing our flagship Toiyabe Project with the discovery of new zones of gold mineralization and the re-interpretation of the geological model. Weve also grown from a single-asset company to one that controls nearly 50 sq. km of prospective exploration ground across 5 properties and along both of Nevadas major gold trends. Over the course of the next month, Dave will coordinate an orderly transition ensuring that his intimate knowledge of our projects is not lost. Mr. Moore continued: Were extremely fortunate to have found Mr. Edie to take the reins, who brings a wealth of experience in the discovery and advancement of Carlin-type gold deposits in Nevada. On behalf of the Board and Management Id like to welcome Robert to the team; his drive and enthusiasm for the role fits perfectly with the ethos of our company. Westward also announces that Ms. Savannah Reyes is resigning from her position as Project Geologist, effective August 31st. The Company would like to thank Ms. Reyes for all her work in support of its extensive exploration activities during her tenure, especially while overseeing drilling activities at site. Westward wishes Savannah all the best in her future endeavours. About Westward Gold Westward Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on developing the Toiyabe, Turquoise Canyon, and East Saddle Projects located in the Cortez Hills area of Lander County, Nevada, and the Coyote and Rossi Projects located along the Carlin Trend in Elko County, Nevada. From time to time, the Company may also evaluate the acquisition of other mineral exploration assets and opportunities. For further information contact: Colin Moore President, CEO & Director Westward Gold Inc. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.westwardgold.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / (TSXV:OGN) (OTCQX:OGNRF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to report profitable financial results from its operations for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. Paddy Nicol, CEO of Orogen, commented: "We are happy to report another profitable quarter, supported by strong royalty revenue, a sustainable prospect generation business, and reduction in overhead and G&A expenses. This resulted in a 178% increase in cashflow from operations from the previous quarter which further strengthens the company's balance sheet. We look forward to continuing strong revenue performance in H2 with First Majestic increasing production at Ermitano by 27%. During the quarter, we have continued to grow our mineral properties and royalty assets through prospect generation activities and acquisitions. An estimated 28,000 metres (approximately $18 million) of partner funded drilling and exploration activities are planned on Orogen's properties in 2023. Low-risk exposure to discovery is at the core of Orogen's business model and exemplified by AngloGold's recent disclosure of an exploration target of 6 to 8 million ounces of gold for the Merlin zone1 at the Silicon-Merlin project, where the company holds a 1.0% NSR royalty." Q2 2023 Highlights All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Net Income from Operations: Net income was $131,616 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $648,635 for the same period in 2022. This resulted in a net income of $763,829 or $0.004 per share year to date (2022 - net loss $222,554 or $0.001 per share). Net income was $131,616 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $648,635 for the same period in 2022. This resulted in a net income of $763,829 or $0.004 per share year to date (2022 - net loss $222,554 or $0.001 per share). Royalty Revenue: Royalty revenue of $1,178,941 was earned during the current period with 435 attributable gold equivalent ounces ("GEOs") sold at average price of US$1,976 per ounce, up 25% compared to the same period in 2022 and down 10% compared to the previous quarter. Royalty revenue of $1,178,941 was earned during the current period with 435 attributable gold equivalent ounces ("GEOs") sold at average price of US$1,976 per ounce, up 25% compared to the same period in 2022 and down 10% compared to the previous quarter. G&A Expenses : General and administrative expenses of $956,030 were incurred in the current period, up 9% compared to the same period in 2022 and down 36% compared to the previous quarter. : General and administrative expenses of $956,030 were incurred in the current period, up 9% compared to the same period in 2022 and down 36% compared to the previous quarter. Cash flow : Cash flow of $455,289 was generated from operating activities in the current period. Cash flow generated from operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital, was $682,776, up 165% compared to the same period in 2022 and up 178% from the previous quarter. : Cash flow of $455,289 was generated from operating activities in the current period. Cash flow generated from operating activities, excluding changes in non-cash working capital, was $682,776, up 165% compared to the same period in 2022 and up 178% from the previous quarter. Working Capital: The Company has working capital of $16,796,224 at June 30, 2023 compared to $12,083,375 at the beginning of the fiscal year, an increase of $4,712,849. The Company has no long-term debt. For complete details of the Company's financial results, please refer to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023, and 2022. The Company's filings are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Orogen's website at www.orogenroyalties.com. Please also see non-IFRS Measures at the end of this news release. Summary of Results First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") operates the Ermitano mine, where the Company holds a 2.0% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty. For the current quarter, the Company recorded $1,178,941 in royalty revenue consisting of 435 GEOs. Production at Ermitano include 213,878 tonnes processed containing average gold and silver head grades of 3.12 grams per tonne ("g/t") and 39 g/t, respectively, producing 20,073 ounces gold and 142,037 ounces silver. Total GEOs produced attributable to the Company's NSR royalty decreased by 14% in the second quarter, due to lower gold grades compared to the previous quarter. However, both gold and silver recoveries achieved record highs in the second quarter averaging 94% and 52%, respectively, compared to 90% and 50% from the first quarter. These improvements in recovery were driven by investments made by First Majestic to improve plant performance when processing ore from Ermitano. First Majestic forecasts production from Ermitano to increase by 27% to between 48,000 to 53,000 ounces gold and 700,000 to 800,000 ounces silver for H2-2023. During the current period, the Company incurred $956,030 (2022 - $875,220) in G&A expenses. This is an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2022 and a reduction of 36% compared to the prior quarter. The reduction in G&A expenses was due to continued optimization of administrative functions and lower overhead costs, which were offset by higher stock-based compensation cost for long-term equity-based compensation vested during the period. The Company capitalized $2,810,093 in acquisition and exploration expenditures from royalties and mineral property interests and recognized $238,261 in recoveries during the current period. During the quarter, the Company completed its first material royalty asset acquisition on the La Rica project located in Colombia. The Company acquired a 1.0% NSR royalty on the project by paying a cash consideration of US$1.75 million. The area of interest contains at least four undrilled copper-gold porphyry targets within a fifteen kilometre long trend of anomalous copper geochemistry on the western margin of the Mande Batholith. To date, the Company has 24 royalties in Canada, United States, Mexico, Argentina, Kenya, and Colombia, most of which were generated organically through the Company's prospect generation business. The Company also has 11 mineral properties under option, 8 projects that are available for sale or option and one alliance. Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Laurence Pryer, Ph.D., P.Geo., VP Exploration for Orogen. Dr. Pryer is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Certain technical disclosure in this release is a summary of previously released third-party information and the Company is relying on the interpretation provided. Additional information can be found on the links in the footnotes. About Orogen Royalties Inc. Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver Mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. and the Silicon-Merlin gold project (1.0% NSR royalty) in Nevada, U.S.A, being advanced by AngloGold Ashanti. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners. On Behalf of the Board OROGEN ROYALTIES INC. Paddy Nicol President & CEO To find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President of Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com. Orogen Royalties Inc. 1015 - 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 1H2 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect 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 believe 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, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Furthermore, the extent to which COVID-19 may impact the Company's business will depend on future developments such as the geographic spread of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, travel restrictions, physical distancing, business closures or business disruptions, and the effectiveness of actions taken in Canada and other countries to contain and treat the disease. Although it is not possible to reliably estimate the length or severity of these developments and their financial impact as of the date of approval of these condensed interim consolidated financial statements, continuation of the prevailing conditions could have a significant adverse impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations for future periods. Forward-looking information in this news release includes disclosures regarding NSR royalty payments to be paid to the Company by First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic"), the owners and operator of the Ermitano mine located in Mexico and that the forecasted revenue which are based on First Majestic "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates" having an effective date of June 30, 2021. In addition to the technical report, the disclosure herein also contains and the updated mineral reserve and resource estimates for the Ermitano mine based on the Santa Elena Mineral Reserve, Resource Estimates with an effective date of December 31, 2022 as announced by First Majestic on March 31, 2023 and as disclosed in their December 31, 2022 AIF, and First Majestic's MD&A for the period ended March 31, 2023. Forward-looking statements are based on several material assumptions, which management of the Company believe to be reasonable, including, but not limited to, the continuation of mining operations in respect of which the Company will receive NSR royalty payments, that the commodity prices will not experience a material adverse change, mining operations that underlie the royalty will operate in accordance with the disclosed parameters and other assumptions may be set out herein. 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 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. Except where otherwise stated, the disclosure in this news release relating to properties and operations in which Orogen holds a Royalty are based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of these properties and information/data available in the public domain as at the date hereof, and none of this information has been independently verified by Orogen. Specifically, as a Royalty holder and prospect generator, the Company has limited, if any, access to properties on which it holds Royalty or other interests in its asset portfolio. The Company may from time to time receive operating information from the owners and operators of the mining properties, which it is not permitted to disclose to the public. Orogen is dependent on, (i) the operators of the mining properties and their qualified persons to provide information to Orogen, or (ii) on publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the properties on which the Company holds Royalty or other interests, and generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Some reported public information in respect of a mining property may relate to a larger property area than the area covered by Orogen's Royalty or other interest. Orogen's Royalty or other interests may cover less than 100% of a specific mining property and may only apply to a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, mineral resources and or production from a mining property. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain results in this news release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") including total GEOs sold, average realized gold price per GEO, and cash flow from operating activities excluding changes in non-cash working capital adjustments. The Company's royalty revenue is converted to a gold equivalent ounce by dividing the royalty revenue received during the period by the average gold price of the period. The Company has also used the non-IFRS measure of operating cash flows excluding changes in non-cash working capital. This measure is calculated by adding back the decrease or subtracting the increase in changes in non-cash working capital to or from cash provided by (used in) operating activities. 1. Cautionary Note: The ranges of tonnage and grade of the Exploration Target are conceptual in nature and could change as the proposed exploration activities are completed. There has been insufficient exploration of the relevant property or properties to estimate a Mineral Resource at this point in time. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource and the Exploration Target therefore does not represent, and should not be construed to be, an estimate of a Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. Given the conceptual stage of the project, a number of risks, uncertainties and opportunities, are evident in the confidence of the known orebody and the potential for upside at Silicon, Merlin and in the surrounding area. The Merlin Exploration Target grade and tonnage ranges have been determined by a preliminary review of the location and weighted average grade of the mineralised intercepts. The geology of the deposit contains a significant number of faulted offsets, which require detailed geological modelling to fully define the extent and continuity of the mineralisation. A bulk density value of 2.4 t/m3 was used. No economic constraint has been applied to the deposit to determine the extent of what material may ultimately be extracted. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Cosa Resources Corp. (CSE: COSA) (OTCQB: COSAF) (FSE: SSKU) ("Cosa Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares are now trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the symbol "COSAF". Common shares of the Company will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "COSA", as well as on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the new symbol "SSKU". Keith Bodnarchuk, President & CEO, commented: "Given our team's successful track record of discovery and delivery of shareholder value, and our growing portfolio of under-explored Athabasca Basin uranium projects in Northern Saskatchewan, we have seen continued interest from investors outside of Canada, and are excited to provide them with easier access and exposure to Cosa as we grow and advance as a company." The OTCQB is a U.S. trading platform operated by the OTC Markets Group which operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for over 12,000 securities including stocks and Exchange Traded Funds. To be eligible for quotation on the OTCQB, companies must meet a minimum bid price test among other financial conditions, be current in their reporting, and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. By trading on the OTCQB, The Company aims to simplify trading of its common shares and provide increased access to financial and other disclosure. OTCQB exposure and quality standards allow Canadian listed and operated companies to build shareholder value by improving liquidity and attracting new investors. Transparency, modern technology, and market regulation allows investors to make confident and informed decisions when investing in OTCQB listed companies. The Company's common shares are eligible for electronic clearing and settlement through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") in the United States; U.S. investors can access financial disclosure and real-time quotes for the Company at www.otcmarkets.com. About Cosa Resources Cosa Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, BC and is focused on the exploration of its uranium properties in northern Saskatchewan. The portfolio includes seven uranium exploration properties: Ursa, Orion, Castor, Charcoal, Helios, Astro, and Orbit totaling 147,347 ha in the eastern, northern, and southern Athabasca Basin region. The team behind Cosa Resources has a track record of success in Saskatchewan, with several decades of combined experience in uranium exploration, discovery, and development in the province. Keith Bodnarchuk, President and CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1 888-899-2672 (COSA) Cautionary Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forward looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at the Company's mineral projects. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of the Company, future growth potential for the Company and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on 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. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner. These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the speculative nature of exploration and development; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TXSV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling is underway at the RDP copper-gold project ("RDP" or the "Project"), located in northcentral British Columbia, 40 km west of the Company's flagship Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul") (see Figure 1). Antofagasta Minerals S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Antofagasta PLC (LSE: ANTO), can earn a 75% interest in RDP by spending $10,000,000 on exploration over eight years and delivering a preliminary economic assessment report (See news release dated February 8, 2022). Pacific Ridge is the operator and is supporting the RDP exploration program from Kliyul camp. Location of RDP and Kliyul 2023 RDP Exploration Program update The Company has completed one drill hole (RDP-23-07) of the planned 1,800 m diamond drill program so far. RDP-23-07 is a 300 m eastern step out from drill hole RDP-22-005, which intersected 107.2 m of 1.45% CuEq1 (0.63% Cu, 1.10 g/t Au, and 2.91 g/t Ag) within 497.2 m of 0.68% CuEq1 (0.37% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au, and 1.6 g/t Ag) at the Day Target in 2022 (see Figures 2 and 3). The surface geochemical grid sampling (rocks and soils) and Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical survey program is complete and focused on the Bird and Porcupine targets; an IP geophysical survey was also completed over Day. In total, 45 rock samples were collected over an 800 x 600 m area at Porcupine, 345 soil samples collected at 50 m spacing in 12 lines (100 m line-spacing) at Bird and Porcupine, five IP survey lines (9.2 line-kilometres) completed over Bird and Porcupine, and three IP survey lines (4.4 line-kilometres) completed over Day (see Figure 3). RDP Targets RDP 2023 Ground Exploration Program Showing Surface Sampling Sites and IP Survey Stations. Background is Magnetic 1VD (2011) About RDP Located 40 km west of the Company's flagship Kliyul, RDP is greater than 10,000 hectares in size and lies within the Stikine Terrane, which is host to numerous significant porphyry deposits in northern British Columbia, including Kemess, Red Chris, Kerr-Sulphurets and Galore Creek. The eastern margin of Stikine Terrane in this part of northcentral BC has been underexplored historically and has seen increased exploration activity since its coverage in the 2017 Geoscience BC Search Phase III airborne magnetic and radiometric survey. RDP contains several porphyry copper-gold targets (Roy, Day, Porcupine, and Bird) that have been explored intermittently since the early 1970's, including prospecting and mapping, various geochemical surveys, ground- and airborne geophysical surveys, trenching and a limited amount of drilling. The Project is underlain by lower Hazelton Group volcanic and sedimentary rocks (Lower Jurassic) of andesitic and dacitic composition and the Gyr rhyolite porphyry; and by Late Triassic to Early Jurassic plutonic rocks including the Fir gabbro and Roy plutonic suite with porphyritic plugs, sills, and stocks of monzodiorite composition. About Pacific Ridge Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship project is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Blaine Monaghan" Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Corporate Contact: Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Tel: (604) 687-4951 www.pacificridgeexploration.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex- https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX Investor Contact: G2 Consultants Corp. Telephone: +1 778-678-9050 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 1CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + (Ag(g/t) x $Ag x 0.032151)) / ($Cu x 22.0462) Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.50/lb., $Au = US$1,750/oz., and Ag = US$20.00/oz. Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lb. per tonne, 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne, and 0.032151 = Ag g/t to troy oz per tonne. Recovery is assumed to be 100% - there has been no metallurgical testing on RDP mineralization Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy. Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the 1,800 m drill program at RDP. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. 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. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. New claims along property-wide mineralized trend bring the Apex Property to a combined 14,892 acres of contiguous claims Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Kraken Energy Corp. (CSE: UUSA) (OTCQB: UUSAF) (the "Company" or "Kraken") announces that it has expanded its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property ("Apex Property" or the "Property") in Central Nevada by 117 contiguous claims located on Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") ground along strike with a property-wide mineralized trend. The newly staked claims consist of 2,401 total acres, bringing the Property to a combined 14,892 acres of contiguous claims, and cover a continuous geophysical trend west of the Apex Uranium Mine at a shallow interpreted overburden depth. "As we continue to progress drill permitting at Apex, we are excited to explore the newly outlined targets on BLM ground immediately west of the historic Apex Uranium Mine," stated Matthew Schwab, CEO of Kraken. "As we build on the work we've already completed, our team is very keen to be moving ahead with continued exploration plans at Apex." Figure 1: Apex Uranium Property Expansion of Claims on BLM Ground Kraken plans to conduct passive seismic testing in Q4 2023 to accurately determine target depths and also plans to complete additional airborne magnetic surveys which will tie into the existing property wide coverage. Ongoing additional prospecting and radon surveying will continue through the summer and fall of 2023, ground truthing airborne radiometric anomalies and geophysical signatures across the Property. Figure 2: Newly Staked Claims West of Historic Apex Uranium Mine The Company has also received a response from the United States Forest Service ("USFS") for drill permits on the USFS portion of the Property. The USFS has requested that Kraken complete three additional baseline surveys in order to proceed with the planned inaugural drilling program. The first, a botany survey, was completed as of July 2023. The Company currently plans to commence the required archaeological / cultural study that is scheduled to begin in Q4 2023 and will schedule a wildlife survey based on raptor nesting dates. Technical Information: All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or reviewed and approved, by Matthew Schwab, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company, and Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Chairman of the Company. Each of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Ainsworth is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Kraken has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Kraken considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling. About Kraken Energy Corp.: Kraken Energy Corp. is a new energy company advancing its portfolio of high-grade uranium properties in the Unites States. The Company is advancing its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property, located 280 km (174 miles) east from Reno, Nevada which is recognized as Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine. The Company has additionally entered into an option agreement to earn 100% of the Garfield Hills Uranium Property. The past-producing Garfield Hills Uranium Property covers 1,238 ha (3,060 acres) and is located 19 km (12 miles) east of Hawthorne in Mineral County, Nevada. Kraken Energy has also recently staked the Huber Hills Uranium Property, located 136 km (85 miles) north of Elko, Nevada which covers 1,044 ha (2,580 acres) and encompasses the historic Race Track open pit mine. The Company has recently entered into an option agreement to earn 75% of the Harts Point Uranium Property. The Harts Point Uranium Property covers 2,622 ha (6,480 acres) and is located 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah. For more information about the Company, please visit; www.krakenenergycorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Kraken Energy Corp.: Matthew Schwab President & Chief Executive Officer Corporate Office: Suite 907 - 1030 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2Y3 T: (604) 628-2669 For investor relations inquiries, contact: Kin Communications Inc. T: (604) 684-6730 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include our exploration plans to conduct passive seismic testing, complete airborne magnetic surveys, conduct additional prospecting and radon surveying, complete three additional baseline surveys at the properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include changing costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Ltd. (CSE: NICO) (" Class 1 " or the " Company ") announces that the resolution to ratify the acts and proceedings of the Board of Directors described in the Information Circular of the Company for the Annual and Special... Read More PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2023 / MARTIN HORGAN, CEO, COMMENTED: "Today's judgment on the constitutionality of Egyptian Law No. 32 is most welcomed. We are delighted to now be in a position to apply to set aside the 2011 third party challenge to the validity of the... Read More The top Dutch court upheld an appeals ruling Friday that said former Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz was immune from prosecution in a case relating to a deadly 2014 air strike in Gaza. Palestinian-Dutch citizen Ismail Ziada sought damages for alleged war crimes after losing six relatives in the attack during Israel's Operation Protective Edge targeting Gaza. His lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court in The Hague after the Appeals Court upheld a lower court ruling which found that the Netherlands did not have jurisdiction in the case against Gantz and a former Israeli air force chief. "The Supreme Court rejects the appeal" by Ziada, it said in a written judgement. The rules of customary international law mean that "government officials... can invoke immunity from jurisdiction in civil cases... regardless of the nature and seriousness of the conduct alleged against them," the Supreme Court said. Gantz, who was Israel's defence minister between 2020 and 2022, was the chief of general staff of the Israeli defence force (IDF) at the time of the air strike on the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza on July 20, 2014. The case also named former Israeli air force chief Amir Eshel. The two Israelis had argued that it was against international law for one state to rule on the conduct of another. Dutch courts agreed, with the case at the Supreme Court a final attempt to have it heard in the Netherlands. At a previous hearing, Ziada told judges he was "seeking justice" in the Netherlands because of his Dutch nationality and would not get a fair hearing before an Israeli court. Israel said it launched Protective Edge at the time to stop rocket fire against its citizens and destroy tunnels used for smuggling weapons and militants. The operation left 2,251 dead on the Palestinian side, most of them civilians, and 74 on the Israeli side, most of them soldiers. The British Museum.Photo:IC (Global Times) As a Chinese media, we formally request the British Museum to return all Chinese cultural relics acquired through improper channels to China free of charge, and to refrain from adopting a resistant, protracted and perfunctory attitude. First of all, a public commitment should be made to the world for the return of the relics and this long overdue work should begin as soon as possible. We also support the claims for the restitution of cultural relics made by other countries that have been looted by Britain, such as India, Nigeria and South Africa. We urge the British government to cooperate in the legal and other procedures to facilitate the process, which will be a test and verification of Britain's sincerity in clearing the colonial stain and making amends for its historical sins. The recent revelation that some 2,000 artifacts from the British Museum's collection inexplicably went missing has shocked not only the UK, but also all other countries that have collections in the British Museum. The huge number of missing artifacts, the long duration of the case, and the seriousness of the suspected internal thief have made it impossible to connect it with the British Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. People have questioned why the British police and the museum have delayed releasing photos and detailed descriptions of the stolen artifacts. The failure to release photos may indicate that the British Museum still has not been able to find out exactly how much of its vast collection has been lost, probably more than 2,000 pieces. The vast majority of the British Museum's huge collection of up to 8 million items came from countries other than the UK, and a significant portion of it was acquired through improper channels, even dirty and sinful means. As a result, the British Museum has earned the name of the world's largest "receiver of stolen goods" which exhibits "stolen cultural property." In other words, what the British Museum fails to take good care of, and what it loses and breaks, is in fact mainly cultural property belonging to other countries, so how can this not be heartbreaking. The huge loopholes in the management and security of cultural objects in the British Museum exposed by this scandal have led to the collapse of a long-standing and widely circulated claim that "foreign cultural objects are better protected in the British Museum." This statement has been accepted by some people in the victimized countries, indirectly weakening the motivation and determination to recover the artifacts from the British Museum. We doubt very much that it is an excuse of cultural colonization and brainwashing of developing countries. In the British Museum, there are about 23,000 pieces of cultural relics from China. Among them, about 2,000 pieces are on display for a long term, including the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies from the Tang Dynasty, Liao tri-colored luohan statues, ritual bronzes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, stone buddhist sutra scrolls of the Wei and Jin dynasties, and other extremely valuable national treasures. It's difficult to trace how exactly China lost them to the British Museum, but most Chinese collections were certainly looted or stolen by Britain when it created and later took advantage of China's crisis, or even directly robbed China. As long as Britain cannot prove which collection was acquired legally and honestly, then the mother country of these collections has the right to seek their repatriation. The UK, which has a bloody, ugly, and shameful colonial history, has always had a strong sense of moral superiority over others, often standing on the moral high ground to dictate to and even interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. We really do not know where their sense of moral superiority comes from. The United Kingdom, before pointing its finger at others, should first pay back its own historical debts and take the initiative to contact and discuss with the countries that have suffered from its colonial infringement on how to return the historical loot as soon as possible. It should not wait for others to come to its doorsteps, and then use all sorts of excuses, thus leaving the world with a very unflattering impression once again. Over the years, the British Museum has refused to return the cultural relics mainly on the grounds and basis of the British Museum Act, which was amended by the British Parliament in 1963 and basically prohibits the museum from returning any of its collections. This is equivalent to the UK installing a threshold on its own door and then telling the owner of the relics that it cannot return the artifacts because it cannot get out of the door. It is obviously very hypocritical and ridiculous to use a law set by oneself as an excuse for refusing to obey international morality and fulfill international responsibility. The British Museum is a microcosm of the history of British colonial expansion. Even if the UK has wiped the fingerprints of the looters on these artifacts, it cannot erase the true ownership of these cultural properties. Some say that the disappearance of 2,000 cultural relics from the British Museum could be the "largest" theft event to date. In our view, the questionable origins of the millions of artifacts in the British Museum raise further concerns about what constitutes the "largest" theft. Recently, Greece once again called for the return of sculptures taken from the Parthenon Temple by Britain in the past, only to be accused by British politicians of "blatant opportunism." This once again reveals the "traditions" of imperialism and colonialism. However, Britain's stubborn and evasive behavior comes at the expense of the image and reputation of the British Museum and even the entire country. Let us see how long Britain can hold out before facing this issue. The Kremlin on Friday dismissed rumours it orchestrated the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, presumed dead in a plane crash two months after leading a mutiny in Russia. It also announced by decree that Russian paramilitary fighters will be obliged to swear an oath to the Russian flag, part of measures to rein in groups like Wagner in the wake of the uprising. Speculation the Kremlin may have been involved in the crash has swirled since Wednesday, when a private jet reportedly carrying Prigozhin crashed between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The rumours have been voiced by Western countries, Kremlin critics and even suggested by some pro-Kremlin figures. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the incident as "tragic" to reporters on Friday and acknowledged public discourse around foul play and possible involvement of the authorities. "Of course, in the West, this speculation is being presented from a certain angle. All of this is an absolute lie," Peskov said, urging patience and adding that ongoing probes would reveal facts around the fatal crash. Russian officials have opened an investigation into air traffic violations but have so far not disclosed details of the probe or the incident. President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on the crash Thursday, offering condolences to the families of the 10 people onboard and describing the incident as a "tragedy." He said Prigozhin, who in June led an armed mutiny against Russia's military leadership, had made some "serious mistakes in his life" and had a "complicated fate." - Suspicious timing - The short-lived but bloody unrest was seen by observers as having been the biggest threat to Putin's long rule. Moscow has not yet confirmed Prigozhin's death. Putin used the past tense to refer to him but Peskov said work was being carried out to formally identify Prigozhin as among the victims. "As soon as the results are in, they will be published," Peskov said. Asked if Putin would attend Prigozhin's funeral, he said: "At the moment there is no date for the funeral, it is not possible to talk about this." "The president's work schedule is quite busy at the moment," Peskov added. In an address Thursday, Putin said he had known Prigozhin -- once a loyal ally -- since the early 1990s. Both hail from Russia's former imperial capital of Saint Petersburg. Under Putin, Russia has a history of mysterious deaths. For many in Russia, the fact that Prigozhin's armed march on Moscow ended in an unusual deal that involved the Kremlin allowing the rebellious warlord to go into exile in Belarus had raised eyebrows. Many Western officials said the timing of the crash was suspicious coming two months to the day after the mutiny. Moscow moved quickly to disarm the group and transferred its heavy weapons to the defence ministry, and the decree signed by Putin on Friday was aimed at "forming the spiritual and moral foundations for the defence of the Russian Federation". - 'Heroism not forgotten' - With Prigozhin's apparent demise, the fate of his private army Wagner -- which shot up in influence during the Ukraine offensive but is also present in African conflicts -- remained unclear. International NGOs and UN-mandated experts have regularly accused the Wagner group of war crimes. "I can't tell you anything right now. I don't know," Peskov said, referring to what comes next for the mercenary outfit. After the June mutiny, Moscow was careful to run a campaign against the outspoken Wagner chief but not his fighters, who spearheaded Russia's advance in key battles in Ukraine and were seen as heroes back home. "As the president has said many times, the Wagner group made a great contribution to the special military operation," Peskov said, using Kremlin-approved vocabulary to describe the conflict. "The heroism of these people will not be forgotten. That is what the president said." As part of the deal that ended Prigozhin's mutiny, Wagner fighters set up camp in neighbouring Belarus. Even after his mutiny, Prigozhin enjoyed some popularity in Russia, with many nationalist-leaning Russians embracing his tough-guy speak. The Kremlin on Friday dismissed rumours it orchestrated the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, presumed dead in a plane crash two months after leading a mutiny in Russia. It also announced by decree that Russian paramilitary fighters will be obliged to swear an oath to the Russian flag, as part of measures to rein in groups like Wagner in wake of the uprising. Speculation the Kremlin may have been involved in Wednesday's crash has been rife, with Western leaders, Kremlin critics and even pro-Kremlin figures floating the idea Prigozhin might have been assassinated. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the incident as "tragic" to reporters on Friday, echoing President Vladimir Putin's words the previous evening. He also addressed the accusations of foul play. "Of course, in the West, this speculation is being presented from a certain angle. All of this is an absolute lie," Peskov said, urging patience as investigators look into the fatal crash. Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin who mediated the deal that ended the June mutiny, said he "can't imagine" the Russian President ordered the assassination. "It's too rough and unprofessional work, if anything," he was cited as saying. Russian officials have already opened a probe into air-traffic violations. On Friday, investigators announced they had recovered 10 bodies as well as flight recorders from the scene. "The investigation will scrutinise all possible versions of what happened," the country's Investigative Committee said in a social media post. Putin broke his silence on the crash Thursday, offering condolences to the families of the 10 people onboard and describing the incident as a "tragedy". He said Prigozhin, who in June led an armed mutiny against Russia's military leadership, had made some "serious mistakes in his life" and had had a "complicated fate". - Loyal ally - Some observers say his short-lived but bloody rebellion was the biggest threat to Putin's long rule. Moscow has not yet confirmed Prigozhin's death. While Putin used the past tense to refer to him, Peskov said work was being carried out to formally identify Prigozhin as among the victims. "As soon as the results are in, they will be published," he added. As to whether Putin would attend Prigozhin's funeral, he said: "At the moment there is no date for the funeral, it is not possible to talk about this. "The president's work schedule is quite busy at the moment," Peskov added. In an address Thursday, Putin said he had known Prigozhin -- once a loyal ally -- since the early 1990s. Both hail from Russia's former imperial capital of Saint Petersburg. Under Putin, Russia has a history of mysterious deaths. For many in Russia, the fact Prigozhin's armed march on Moscow ended in an unusual deal that involved the Kremlin allowing the rebellious warlord to go into exile in Belarus had raised eyebrows. Many Western officials said the timing of the crash was suspicious coming two months to the day after the mutiny. After the mutiny, Moscow moved quickly to disarm the group and transfer its heavy weapons to the defence ministry, and on Friday, Putin signed a decree forcing paramilitary fighters to swear an oath. - 'Wagner lives' - International NGOs and UN-mandated experts have regularly accused the Wagner group of war crimes. With Prigozhin's apparent demise, the fate of his private army Wagner -- which rose in influence during the Ukraine offensive but is also present in African conflicts -- remains unclear. "I can't tell you anything right now. I don't know," Peskov said, regarding what might come next for the mercenary outfit. After the June mutiny, Moscow was careful to run a campaign against the outspoken Wagner chief -- but not against his fighters, who spearheaded Russia's advance in key battles in Ukraine and were seen as heroes back home. "As the president has said many times, the Wagner group made a great contribution to the special military operation," Peskov said, using Kremlin-approved vocabulary to describe the conflict. "The heroism of these people will not be forgotten. That is what the president said." As part of the deal that ended Prigozhin's mutiny, Wagner fighters set up camp in neighbouring Belarus. Belarus's leader said Wagner members would remain in the country. "Wagner lived, is alive, and will live in Belarus," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by state-run news agency Belta, without specifying who would lead the personnel. Even after his mutiny, Prigozhin enjoyed some popularity in Russia, with many nationalist-leaning Russians embracing his tough-guy talk. The descendants of former British prime minister William Gladstone apologized for their family's slaveholding past in Guyana on Friday, and urged the United Kingdom to discuss reparations in the Caribbean. Gladstone's father was one of the largest slaveholders in the parts of the Caribbean colonized by Britain. John Gladstone is also believed to have owned two ships that transported thousands of Asians from India and elsewhere to work as indentured laborers after the abolition of slavery in 1834. "Slavery was a crime against humanity and its damaging impact continues to be felt across the world today," Charles Gladstone, William's great-great grandson, said at a launch for the University of Guyana's International Centre for the Study of Migration and Diaspora. "It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor's involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologize to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana," he added. "We also urge other descendants of those who benefited from slavery to open conversations about their ancestors' crimes and what they might be able to do to build a better future." The Gladstones also apologized for their role in indentureship. But his words were met with a strong rebuke by several Guyanese descendants of African slaves present at the university lecture hall. "It is not accepted," one of them shouted. The protesters held placards that read: "Your guilt is real Charlie. Move quickly to reparations now," and "The Gladstones are murderers." Afro-Guyanese activist Nicole Cole, who was among the protesters, said the apology was insufficient. "No apology can suffice but it is a step towards recognizing that a crime was committed and that people's lives have been disrupted," she told AFP. Charles Gladstone and five other family members vowed to support the work of the new university department and called on the United Kingdom to hold talks with the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on reparations. Besides a "sincere formal apology", the right of repatriation for descendants of "stolen people" and debt cancellation to clean up the "colonial mess", CARICOM is seeking a development program for their member states' indigenous communities and the funding of cultural institutions such as slavery museums. Eric Phillips, a member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, said research showed the British owe the descendants of Africans in Guyana more than $1.2 trillion. Charles Gladstone told AFP that, while he could not comment on the actual monetary figure, the United Kingdom and governments in Europe may be "frightened of the amount." Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Xinjiang on Saturday, state media reported, calling on officials to conserve "hard-won social stability" in a troubled region where Beijing is accused of severe human rights abuses. The Chinese government has pursued a years-long campaign against what it describes as terrorism and Islamic extremism in the northwestern region, detaining large numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslims. A United Nations report last year found China's actions in Xinjiang may constitute "crimes against humanity", and the United States and legislatures in other countries have labelled the policies a "genocide" -- claims Beijing denies. State broadcaster CCTV said Xi travelled to regional capital Urumqi on Saturday, listened to a government work report and delivered a speech "affirming the achievements made in various tasks in Xinjiang". It was his first publicly known visit to Xinjiang since last July, when he made his maiden trip since the crackdown in the region was escalated. Xi "stressed that top priority must always be given to maintaining social stability... and we must use stability to guarantee development", CCTV reported. He said it was "necessary to... combine the development of the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism struggle with the push for normalising social stability work and rule of law", according to the broadcaster. It said Xi also urged officials to "more deeply promote the Sinicisation of Islam and effectively control illegal religious activities". "We must enhance our awareness of adversities... and consolidate our hard-won social stability," he said, according to CCTV. "In the process of Chinese-style modernisation, we will better build a beautiful Xinjiang that is united and harmonious, wealthy and prosperous." Rights campaigners, overseas researchers and members of the Uyghur diaspora accuse China of committing a litany of abuses in Xinjiang. They include detaining over a million Muslims in a network of extralegal facilities, exposing them to forced labour, compulsory sterilisation and political indoctrination, and destroying their cultural and religious sites. Beijing vehemently rejects the allegations, saying the facilities were vocational and voluntary training centres from which people have "graduated". It has said the claims are part of a US-led plot to smear China and contain its rise, and has attempted to push back on what it views as negative Western press coverage in Xinjiang. In Saturday's speech, Xi said officials must "strengthen positive publicity and show Xinjiang's new atmosphere of openness and self-confidence... (while) refuting all forms of false public opinion and negative or harmful speech", CCTV reported. The region should also open up further to domestic and foreign tourism, Xi said, according to the broadcaster. On 23 August 2023, Russian authorities reported that a private jet carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin Wagner Private Military Companys No. 1 and No. 2 crashed killing everyone on board. The next day, Russias President Vladimir Putin appeared to confirm Prigozhins death, promising a thorough inquiry into the crash. Wagner PMC, active since at least 2014, has been linked to war crimes in Ukraine, Mali, Libya, Central African Republic (CAR) and Syria. In January 2023, the U.S. Government designated Wagner PMC as a Transnational Criminal Organization. Commentators have opined that Wagner PMC acts as a private proxy for the Kremlins foreign policy. Despite several U.N. reports and a steady stream of NGO and media accounts linking Wagner PMC to atrocities, the group and its leadership has never been prosecuted by the international community. In March 2022, Malian forces and Wagner PMC instructors descended on Moura, a village in the Mopti region of Mali. Over the next five days, at least 500 people the majority unarmed civilians were reportedly massacred. A detailed report by the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights alleged that Wagner PMC participated in the operation which involved extra-judicial killings, rape and torture, and called for the prosecution of those responsible. According to the U.N. Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries, in September 2019 Wagner PMC troops supporting General Haftars Libyan National Army summarily executed detainees on the outskirts of Tripoli. According to Human Rights Watch, since 2019, Wagner PMC militants have summarily executed, tortured, and abused civilians in the CAR. Most recently, a former Wagner PMC mercenary in Ukraine described torturing and killing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Behind the violence and brutality, there are also reports of organised pillage and plunder of natural resources. Reports from the Central African Republic suggest that Wagner PMC has free reign over the countrys gold mines and tropical hardwood. Other reports suggest that Wagner PMC is using unrest in Sudan to plunder the countrys gold. An opportunity missed for the ICC One thing that all these alleged war crimes have in common aside from evidence of involvement of Wagner PMC mercenaries is that they all reportedly took place on territory over which the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction. To the authors knowledge, the ICC Prosecutor has yet to announce an investigation into any of these incidents, or request arrest warrants for any Wagner PMC personnel. Nor have there been any other international efforts to bring the Wagner PMC leadership to account. For nearly a decade, this Kremlin-linked mercenary group has carried out Russias foreign policy objectives in Ukraine, Syria and across Africa demonstrating patent disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights with impunity. Surely this represents a missed opportunity for the project of international justice. Prigozhin and his lieutenants are known to have openly travelled in and out of ICC Member States like Mali and CAR to negotiate their nefarious deals. ICC arrest warrants against Wagner PMC leaders may have made Wagner PMCs African adventures trickier, or if anything, embarrassing for the host nations. Now that its two top leaders are dead, is this the end of the accountability road for Wagner PMCs crimes? Granted, the world has lost an opportunity to watch Prigozhin tell his story in the Hague. At least one Syrian victims family has tried to find justice in Russia, to no avail. His case was disregarded by Russian investigators and thrown out by Russian courts. Its likely that analogous efforts by Malian, Libyan or Ukrainian victims will meet a similar fate given Russia continues to deny Wagner PMCs existence as a legal entity. The ICC is also unlikely to pursue Wagner PMC foot soldiers or low-level field commanders the Court was set up to prosecute the top brass. Should the buck stop with Prigozhin? But should the buck stop with Prigozhin and his deputy? What of the Kremlins responsibility for Wagner PMCs crimes? In June 2023, Putin made an extraordinary announcement, telling military officials and the press: I want to point out and I want everyone to know about it: The maintenance of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided for by the state [] from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget, we fully financed this group. Whilst this is not an admission of effective control over the groups conduct in the field, this does appear to be a confirmation of the long-held belief that Wagner PMC is an agent of the Russian state. At the very least, this merits a detailed inquiry into the extent to which Russian authorities controlled the conduct of Wagner PMC units. Those found to have been in effective authority and control over mercenaries who committed war crimes, and who failed to prevent or punish such crimes, should be brought to justice. Poland and Baltic nations on Monday asked Belarus to expel the Russian mercenary group Wagner, whose fighters are sheltering there after a failed rebellion against Moscow. "We have asked the regime (of Belarusian President Alexander) Lukashenko to immediately expel the Wagner group from Belarus," Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said after meeting his counterparts from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Poland says thousands of Wagner fighters are stationed in Belarus, which borders Russia, Ukraine and Poland. Belarusian strongman Lukashenko recently said he would keep some 10,000 Wagner troops in the country. "Thousands, some of whom are criminals freed from Russian prisons in return for a promise to fight in Ukraine, are deeply demoralised and accused of crimes against humanity," Kaminski said. "It's a major group, capable of anything," he said, warning Belarus that Poland would shut its frontier with the country in case of a "critical border incident". The three countries also asked Belarus to "immediately send back illegal migrants from the border region back to their home countries". Warsaw has also accused Belarus and Russia of orchestrating a new migration influx into the European Union in order to destabilise the region. According to the Polish border guard, 19,000 migrants have tried to enter Poland from Belarus so far this year, compared to 16,000 during all of 2022. Two rights groups said Monday they brought a legal complaint in France against the boss of Iran's Paralympic body, accusing him of torture and crimes against humanity. Ghafour Kargari, president of his country's national paralympics committee for next year's Games, is currently in France for a meeting with his counterparts from other participating countries, the organisers told AFP. The two rights groups say Kargari is a former commander of the Quds Force, a branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) which runs intelligence and covert military operations in Iran and abroad. France should never have granted him a visa for the meeting, said Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for the French collective Femme Azadi and Swedish NGO House of Liberty who brought the complaint. "The IRGC and the Quds group have been at the forefront of the violent repression of peaceful movements for democracy, civil rights and equality of men and women in Iran," they said in a document filed with France's anti-terror prosecutors and seen by AFP. Kargari's visit to France is "an insult to all the victims of Iranian repression, first and foremost women", Daoud told AFP. The associations also say Kargari is a founder of the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance Movement of Azerbaijan which opposes the government in Baku. Femme Azadi and House of Liberty say Kargari "must have participated in, or been an accomplice to, acts of barbarism and torture perpetrated by those groups in Iran, Azerbaijan and more generally in the Caucasus and Central Asia". As a senior figure in Iran's military hierarchy Kargari participated in the conception and the implementation of the groups' strategies which, the associations said, meant his actions "could also be qualified as crimes against humanity". The most recent protest movement in Iran was sparked by the death last year in police custody of Mahsa Amini after she allegedly violated dress rules. Hundreds of people, including dozens of security personnel, died during demonstrations during the autumn, and thousands were arrested. The 2024 Summer Paralympics are scheduled for August 28 to September 8 and will feature over 4,000 athletes. Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip the G20 summit in India next month and will send his foreign minister instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office said Monday. Modi's office said he spoke to Putin by telephone, "expressing an understanding" for his decision not to attend the September 9-10 summit, which Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend. New Delhi and Moscow have ties dating back to the Cold War, and Russia remains by far India's biggest arms supplier. India has shied away from explicit condemnations of Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, despite pursuing greater security ties with the United States. Modi and Putin also spoke on "issues of mutual concern", including on recently concluded BRICS summit in South Africa, which Putin opted to address via video link. In March, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Putin over the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. India is not a signatory of the ICC. The Kremlin denies the accusations, insisting the warrant against Putin is "void". China Canada Photo: VCG (Global Times) Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault kicked off his trip to Beijing on Saturday to join talks on climate change and biodiversity issues, making him the first Canadian minister to visit China in four years. The visit could be seen as an opportunity to ease the strained China-Canada relations, experts said, as climate cooperation has always been a window for de-ideologizing cooperation between China and the West, and this could then expand to other fields. Guilbeault is set to attend the annual meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), a high-level international advisory body, from Monday to Wednesday. Canadian Ambassador to China Jennifer May thanked the Chinese side for the work done for Guilbeault's visit during a meeting with Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu on Friday. May said that she looks forward to further deepening and expanding exchanges and cooperation in the field of environment and climate with the Chinese side, and to jointly address the global environment and climate challenges. The Canadian minister, who is also a former advocate for environmental groups, said he hopes the two sides can have open and frank conversations about a number of issues relating to climate change and find ways to cooperate, Reuters reported Saturday. Guilbeault said two important issues he wants to bring up are methane emission reductions and a global renewable energy target, which is being discussed ahead of the UN climate change conference later this year. He also wants to follow up on the results yielded during the second part of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was hosted by Canada and presided over by China late last year, according to Reuters. Founded in 1992, the CCICED is a high-level international advisory body which seeks to foster cooperation between China and the international community on environment and sustainable development policies. It 2023 annual general meeting is scheduled under the theme of "Green Transition for High-Quality Development: Modernization in Harmony with Nature." China and Canada, as major countries in the world, have many areas in which they can cooperate in fighting climate change, experts told the Global Times, pointing out that such cooperation will bring positive significance and a demonstration effect to the world. Both China and Canada are signatories to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and have made commitments to reduce carbon emissions, Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, told the Global Times on Sunday. "As major countries in the traditional energy chain, the two countries have many prospects for cooperation in the field of energy transformation," Ma said. "The two countries can also further strengthen cooperation in technological innovation in renewable energy." Canada is suffering from extensive wildfires, a natural disaster that has resulted in significant excess carbon emissions. This further emphasizes the importance of a common global response to climate issues, Ma noted. Anchoring the global carbon market could be another potential area of cooperation, Xia Guohan, founder and director of Zonghengce Strategy Institute and Research Fellow of the Charhar Institute think tank, told the Global Times. Xia pointed out that Guilbeault visiting China amid prolonged tensions signals a detente between the two sides. "Fighting climate change is one of the main areas where China and the West have generally been able to de-ideologize and reach cooperation, and a window of cooperation has always been open," he said. China welcomed visiting US climate envoy John Kerry earlier in July. Other major countries including France and Germany have also recently sent climate representatives to China. "Climate cooperation could serve as a knock on the door to improve bilateral relations," Xia said. "If a relevant cooperation agreement can be reached, then naturally, this can be used as an opportunity to upgrade cooperation and expand it to other areas." However, some observers remain skeptical that Guilbeault's visit to China will result in much substantive cooperation, considering Canada's limited ability to reduce emissions. If the Canadian minister demands that China accelerates its "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" targets in a condescending tone, the output could be counterproductive, Xia said. China-Canada relations took a sharp turn for the worse in 2018 when the Canadian government arrested Huawei's Meng Wanzhou at the request of the US government while she was transiting a flight in Vancouver. Bilateral relations have not recovered since then. Earlier in August, China announced a third round of resumptions of outbound group tour services, expanding the scope from 60 to 138 countries and regions. Canada was noticeably absent, which led to Canadian tourism insiders and media outlets expressing concern over a competitive disadvantage in the travel industry. Some of the much-awaited and biggest K-dramas, such as "A Time Called You," "The Worst of Evil," and more, are about to occupy the first month of the second half of 2023. Starring our favorite and brilliant Korean stars, they are ready to meet the viewers with their dramas this September. Keep on reading to know what new K-series are about to be added to your watchlist! 1. 'A Time Called You' Debuting first on primetime is the Korean remake of the Taiwanese series "Someday or One Day." The Korean adaptation tells the story of a woman who desperately misses her boyfriend after he dies. She then finds herself traveling back in 1998 and wakes up as a high school student. There, she meets a fellow student who looks exactly like her late boyfriend. Headlining this drama are Ahn Hyo Seop, Jeon Yeo Bin, and Kang Hoon, who will work for the first time on a project. "A Time Called You" is scheduled to premiere this September 8 on Netflix. 2. 'Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun' The second installment of the fantasy series "Arthdal Chronicles" is about to steal the spotlight on primetime beginning September 9. It tells the story of Eun Seom's twin brother, Saya, who was raised by Ta Gon, the Arthdal ruler, and his wife Tae Ai Ha, who is determined to get revenge on her husband for killing her father. Reprising their roles for "Arthdal Chronicles 2" are Kim Ok Vin and Jang Dong Gun. Meanwhile, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung will join season 2 as the main leads. EXO's Suho is also confirmed to make his special appearance in the Disney+ series. 3. 'Song of the Bandits' Starring Kim Nam Gil, SNSD's Seohyun, Yoo Jae Myung, Lee Hyun Wook, and Lee Ho Jung, Netflix introduces its new action-adventure drama "Song of the Bandits." Set in the 1920s, this series depicts the story of people who throw a fierce punch of defiance to those who have chased them away from their homes to protect their family and comrades. This drama is expected to debut on September 22. 4. 'Twinkling Watermelon' Giving off a youthful vibe, this coming-of-age series "Twinkling Watermelon" presents the journey of Eun Gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adult) student who has a passion for music, crashes at an unfamiliar place after traveling through a suspicious music shop. Breakout stars Ryeo Un, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, and Shin Eun Soo will lead this new tvN drama, which is confirmed to occupy the Monday and Tuesday slots starting September 25. 5. 'The Worst of Evil' The newest duo on primetime Ji Chang Wook and Wi Ha Joon are meeting the viewers with "The Worst of Evil" this September 27 on Disney+. This crime-action drama follows the journey of a police officer who goes on an undercover mission to take down a big drug operation based in Gangnam, the center of drug trafficking between Korea, Japan, and China. Which of these upcoming K-Dramas are you excited to watch? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Moon Jang Yeol (Lee Min Ki) asked Bong Ye Bun's (Han Ji Min) help in solving his new case in "Behind Your Touch" episode 5. 'Behind Your Touch' Episode 5: Bong Ye Bun Tries to Cover Up Her Grandfather's Mistake In "Behind Your Touch" episode 5, Sia is killed by a suspicious murderer. The story then followed at the Mujin police station, where a group of protesters were arguing about who started the fight. Detective Moon Jang Yeol got lost in thought since he was too occupied to solve the case. Bong Ye Bun, on the other hand, found the donor list in her grandfather's room. When she met Jang Yeol, she denied telling the truth as she didn't want her grandfather to get into trouble. She decided to go to the assemblyman's office and put the document inside the room. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Behind Your Touch' Episode 4: Han Ji Min Starts to Lose Her Psychic Power However, Ye Bun's grandfather saw her and they had a conversation. The case was closed the next day since the list was found. Moon Jang Yeol was mad since he had high expectations on the case. Moon Jang Yeol Asks Bong Ye Bun's Help for His New Case He received another case of a missing fish finder. Apparently, an Arabic man, Ali, works and stays in Bae Dok Hee's (Jo Min Kook) father's boat. Due to this, Moon Jang Yeol suspected him to be kidnapped. To find the truth, he asked Ye Bun's help, but she forced him to find the culprit who bound a dog and buried it alive. Bong Ye Bun, Moon Jang Yeol, and Kim Sun Woo (Suho) joined forces to find the culprit. Ye Bun believed that if she pampered her hands, her power would increase. Hence, Detective Moon paid for her nails, vitamins, and a ring so her power becomes strong. Later on, Ye Bun discovered the location of the culprit and arrested him. She touched Ali's back and saw his memory talking to someone in Arabic. Since she doesn't understand Arabic, Jang Yeol made her learn it. Ye Bun forced herself to learn and even enrolled in Sun Woo's class since he knows that language. After putting her effort, she became a translator and learned that Ali's mother was sick. Moon Jang Yeol and Jang Ye Bun discovered the place Ali visited and encountered gangsters. Unfortunately, they found them and tied the duo, and threw them into the ocean. Thankfully, Ali saved them. Jang Yeol returned and beat them all. The following day, Ali apologized to Dok Hee's parents, but Jang Yeol arrested him. As the story progressed, there were people seen fishing, and one of them found a jewel, while a person joked that there might be a corpse nearby. Before the episode concluded, Sia's cold body washed up near the shore. What can you say about "Behind Your Touch" episode 5? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. "Moving" writer Kang Full talks about the adaptation and the casting of the Disney+ series. Among the characters that he discussed is Lee Mi Hyun, played by none other than Han Hyo Joo. In the 20-episode K-drama, the South Korean star takes on the role of a former agent with superhuman abilities. After an incident involving Kim Doo Shik, played by Jo In Sung, Mi Hyun raised her son alone. In the present time, she is running a restaurant called Namsan Donkatsu and was able to raise her teenage son alone. It was played by Lee Jung Ha, who portrayed high school student Kim Bong Seok. During the interview cited by a media outlet, Kang Full shared his thoughts about the powerful cast lineup. Kang Full Amazed by the Star-Studded Lineup of 'Moving' Cast The writer admitted that he was impressed by the compelling cast lineup, where a slew of notable and award-winning stars headlined the series. "Every time the casting board was completed, 'Is this actor really doing it?' It was a lineup that even I couldn't believe," he said. Expressing how honored he is to be part of such a masterpiece work, Kang Full praised the actors and said, "Veteran superstars performed brilliantly in their respective scenes," adding how the "synergy" was "so great" between the senior and junior stars. "There was a lot of talk about casting, but the acting was the most important," he furthered. Joining Han Hyo Joo and Jo In Sung, the "Moving" cast also includes Ryu Seung Ryong, Kim Sung Kyun, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryoo Seung Beom, Go Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha, and Kim Do Yoon. Kang Full Says He Was 'Grateful' to Han Hyo Joo the Most - Here's Why During the interview, Kang Full revealed that Han Hyo Joo had some doubts about playing Lee Mi Hyun and "was going to turn down the offer." According to the writer, the actress was hesitant to play the mother role. "Actress Han Hyo Joo said she wasn't confident enough to play the mother of a high school senior taking the exam," the writer recalled. Thankfully, the actress officially said yes and gained positive responses for her amazing portrayal of Lee Mi Hyun. "I am especially grateful to actress Han Hyo Joo," Kang Full said, adding how the character perfectly fits the actress and saying that he was not wrong for selecting Han Hyo Joo. In addition, Kang Full also shared that he thanked the South Korean star upon watching the edited version of "Moving," showing his deep gratitude to Han Hyo Joo. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Officials have identified the Billings man whose body was found earlier this month near Interstate 90. Investigators have yet to announce a cause of death for 44-year-old Luis Torres, Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Rich Hoffman said, as they are still awaiting a toxicology report from the Montana State Crime Lab. On August 13, the Gazette previously reported, the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a body lying in the grass near King Avenue East and City Center Circle. Members of YCSO and Montana Highway Patrol contributed to the subsequent investigation. The toxicology report could take several months to complete, Hoffman said. A few days after Lewiss body was found, Sheriff Mike Linder said detectives did not see any immediate evidence of foul play. Kennesaw State celebrates 10th cohort of Birla Carbon scholars KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 28, 2023 From left, John Loudermilk, Katie Moerschel, Vishnu Suppiramaniam, and Kathy Schwaig Senior biology student Katie Moerschels study on the effects of prenatal exposure to THC won the top prize on Thursday at the Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium. Now in its 10th year, the Symposium marks the completion of an intensive summer research program that allows students to apply their studies toward sponsored projects under the guidance of Kennesaw State faculty scholars. Today is a celebration of many things, said Vishnu Suppiramaniam, interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. First, we recognize our students and their work throughout the summer, and second, we celebrate the continued partnership between Birla Carbon and Kennesaw State University that is highlighted by the Birla Carbon Scholars Program. Through this unique collaborative effort, we have seen our students investigate truly impactful topics that only serve to benefit their growth as researchers. Working in Suppiramaniam's laboratory, Moerschel theorized the use of tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, among pregnant people led to memory and learning issues in children via specific receptors in the brain. By exposing rats to THC and then putting them through mazes and other learning experiments, Moerschel discovered that the drug affected the rats learning. She added that little research on prenatal THC exposure exists and that its a field ripe for discovery. Were hoping to create some groundbreaking research on THC because currently theres only research on how cocaine affects those specific receptors, she said. Were looking to educate the public on how ingesting marijuana during pregnancy can affect children and lead to the rising autism rates we see today. In the spring, the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) selected 12 students to each receive a $4,000 stipend to pursue research during a summer program established by Birla Carbon, a worldwide chemical manufacturer. The 12 scholars were chosen based on the recommendations of faculty members, submission of an undergraduate research project abstract, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients worked with their sponsoring faculty members on their proposed research projects in six departments within CSM. This years scholars, their majors and faculty mentors included: Faith Arends , biology, mentored by Ramya Rajagopolan, assistant professor of cell biology , biology, mentored by Ramya Rajagopolan, assistant professor of cell biology Sarah Chang , biology, mentored by Graham Collier, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry , biology, mentored by Graham Collier, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Elizabeth Ehme , mathematics, mentored by Eric Stachura, assistant professor of mathematics , mathematics, mentored by Eric Stachura, assistant professor of mathematics Mahdi Ghasemi , biology, mentored by Mohammad Abdul Halim, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry , biology, mentored by Mohammad Abdul Halim, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Benjamin Gibbas , chemistry, mentored by Michael Stollenz, associate professor of inorganic chemistry , chemistry, mentored by Michael Stollenz, associate professor of inorganic chemistry Darmon Kahvazadeh , biology, mentored by Clint Penick, assistant professor of biology , biology, mentored by Clint Penick, assistant professor of biology Ira Menich , chemistry, Graham Collier, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry , chemistry, Graham Collier, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry Abby Moen , biology, Marina Koether, professor of chemistry , biology, Marina Koether, professor of chemistry Katie Moerschel , biology, Vishnu Suppiramaniam, interim dean and professor of biology , biology, Vishnu Suppiramaniam, interim dean and professor of biology Connor Muth , chemistry, Mark Mitchell, professor of chemistry and biochemistry , chemistry, Mark Mitchell, professor of chemistry and biochemistry Benjamin Nguyen , biology, Brandon Carpenter, assistant professor of molecular biology , biology, Brandon Carpenter, assistant professor of molecular biology Mark Sheehan, biology, Christopher Cornelison, associate professor of microbiology Since 2014, funds provided by Birla Carbon have enabled 93 Birla Carbon Scholars to participate in research. This year marks the 10th cohort of scholars, and Birla Carbon recently reaffirmed its pledge to the program by extending the agreement for another five years and adding $325,000 to the commitment. Birla Carbon CEO John Loudermilk said the company looks forward to the continued partnership as well as the Symposium, a yearly event to showcase young scientists. After many years, the partnership between Birla Carbon and Kennesaw State University remains successful and has reached an unprecedented maturity level, Loudermilk said. Our Birla Scholars Program is one example, as many students from the College of Science and Mathematics apply each summer. To see the popularity and support from all is fulfilling in every sense. Along with the $4,000 stipend each scholar received, Moerschel received an additional $2,000 in travel funds to present her research at a national or regional conference. About Birla Carbon Birla Carbon is the worlds largest producer and supplier of carbon black additives, which are used to make everything from tires to plastics, from paints to electronics. A flagship business of the $45 billion Aditya Birla Group, the multinational conglomerate based in Taloja, India, Birla Carbons Technology Laboratories are located in Marietta and Taloja, India. Dave Shelles Photos by Judith Pishnery Related Stories A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu. 22 Shares Share Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join Amy Baxter, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, as we explore the intricate balance between physicians roles in perpetuating the crisis, addressing systemic factors, and the influence of pharmaceutical industry-sponsored education. Discover the brains response to pain and opioids, contextual risk factors for opioid use disorder post-surgery, and the potential of non-opioid alternatives. Amy Baxter is a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at Augusta University, federally funded for neuromodulation research to reduce needle pain, multimodal low back pain, and opioid reduction. After attending Yale University and Emory Medical School, she completed her residency and a child maltreatment fellowship at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, an emergency pediatrics fellowship in Norfolk, Virginia, and a K30-NIH Clinical Research Certificate at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is also CEO, Pain Care Labs, and can be reached on Twitter @AmyBaxterMD. She discusses the KevinMD article, Ending the opioid crisis starts with physicians. 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. AI-driven ambient clinical intelligence promises to help by revolutionizing patient and provider experiences with clinical documentation that writes itself. The Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience, or DAX for short, is a voice-enabled, ambient clinical intelligence solution that automatically captures patient encounters securely and accurately at the point of care. Physicians who use DAX have reported a 50 percent decrease in documentation time and a 70 percent reduction in feelings of burnout, and 83 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational. Rediscover the joy of medicine with clinical documentation that writes itself, all within the EHR. VISIT SPONSOR https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE https://earnc.me/8g2s5S Powered by CMEfy. Government has asked struggling stand-alone startups to make partnerships so as to make their business more lucrative. Mr David Gonahasa, the lead manager for Industry 4.0 bureau at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, says weak and struggling small and medium enterprises should make partnerships to transform and create jobs. He said the government has earmarked more than Shs90 billion for the promotion of innovations in the country to support ecosystems, incubation, and other such systems. The government is willing to work with investors and scientists through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. We at the ministry believe innovation should lead to the development of products that consumers are willing to buy, he said. Mr Gonahasa made the remarks while officiating at a ceremony where the Youth Start-up Academy Uganda (YSAU) signed an investment deal with Korean venture capital company Ventureport to promote the development of local startups in the country. YSAU is a project funded by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME). It is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Hive Colab in partnership with the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U). The overall project objective is to contribute to increasing youth employment in Uganda. The project aims to improve the startup ecosystem for young entrepreneurs in Uganda, with the aim of driving innovation and job creation in the region. The YSAU national coordinator, Ms. Rita Ngenzi, said this transformative project also aims to incubate and nurture talents of 1,000 young entrepreneurs with an ultimate goal to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in Uganda, bolster youth employment and business establishment. Although Ms Ngenzi did not disclose the package in the investment deal, she quickly said they would be getting technical support from the said donors. The ceremony showcased modern maker space that YSAU created at Hive Colab. The maker space, equipped with machinery and tools, provides young Ugandan entrepreneurs with a facility to design and innovate their products before bringing them to the market. However, Mr. Valeriu Stoian, the programme officer, of enterprise competitiveness at the International Trade Centre, said the deal represents the first Korean venture capital investment into a Ugandan company, and he is optimistic that it will be empowering entrepreneurs to contribute to the countrys economic growth. This is the first-ever Koran venture capitalists that invest in a private company in Uganda, and the funds they will receive from the company will enable them to create growth of their business, he said. The Culture and Creative Industries in Uganda are increasingly attracting the attention of various stakeholders, the latest being Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), which seeks to make artistes across the multidisciplinary spectrum to familiarize themselves with proper business practices and fulfill their obligation to pay taxes from their earnings. Ritah Kemigisa hosts Victoria Sekitoleko, the chairperson of Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, economist John Walugembe, and Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lawrence Muganga on the VPN show to explore the potential of creatives. Listen to the show below; By Malik Fahad Jjingo Police in Greater Masaka are investigating circumstances under which a bus belonging to Global Bus Company was involved in a road crash in Lwengo district. The crash occurred this morning at Kyekulula Village about 1km from Kinoni town in Lwengo district when a speeding bus registration number UBB 985M that was heading to Mbarara from Kampala overturned several times, injuring over 10 passengers. The Southern Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye says the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, and it veered off the road during a heavy downpour. He says preliminary investigations indicate that the road crash was caused by a slippery road. Kasirye says the injured are receiving treatment at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital as investigations into the crash continue. Kasirye has however warned road users against speeding and violating traffic rules to avoid getting much damage in case of a crash, especially as the rainy season sets in. Jimmy Rwamafa, the embattled former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service is among the 200 prisoners that have received the latest presidential pardon. According to the spokesperson of the Uganda Prison Services, Frank Baine, President Museveni has extended pardon to the 200 prisoners on grounds of public health and humanitarian grounds. This, he says is contained in an Instrument of Pardon dated August 20th, 2023. Baine adds in a statement, that the presidents decision is in accordance with Article 121 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 as amended and on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Read the full statement below; Cindy made history. When it tuned into a tropical storm on June 22, 2023 became the first year on record where two named storms (tropical storm or hurricane) developed in the main development region of the Atlantic Ocean in the month of June. The main development region is an area from the Lesser Antilles east to the west coast of Africa, typically between 10 and 25 degrees north latitude. Children in Hospital Ireland (CIH Ireland) are looking for Kilkenny locals to support children at St Lukes General Hospital and to join their play volunteer team. With almost 300 volunteers across 14 hospitals in Ireland, Children in Hospital Ireland creates play opportunities and eases the experience of hospitalisation for children and their families. CIH Ireland also provides information and advocates on behalf of all children and their families to ensure they have access to the resources and supports they need before, during and after hospitalisation. Karen Byrne, Play Volunteer with CIH Ireland said: We would love to have more volunteers join our play team. Play creates a sense of fun and normalcy for a child during what is usually a very distressing time. We also give the parents a break, whether that is to go get a cup of tea, go home and shower, or even attend to other children. It is a simple service that makes such a difference. Children in Hospital Ireland are looking for volunteers to dedicate two hours a week to play with children in the hospital. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as arts and crafts, story time, board games and more. Volunteer Coordinator at Children in Hospital Ireland, Jessica Hurley said: Our volunteers play a huge role in making hospital a happier place for children. They are truly at the heart of our organisation and we are delighted to be growing our volunteer team in Kilkenny. We will be recruiting volunteers acros s the country and welcome those from all walks of life to join us. CIH Ireland is hosting an information evening in Kilkenny on September 21 for those interested in volunteering. To register your interest in becoming a volunteer, please visit childreninhospital.ie. The world has entered a new era that will see great and vying-to-be-great powers seek to carve out new political realities, and the future of Europe may well be in the balance. What that future could be and indeed, what Europe even is as a concept was the theme of this years Hubert Butler Lecture, as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival. The speaker was British journalist and author of This Is Europe, Ben Judah, with the event chaired once again by stalwart Olivia OLeary in a packed St Canice's Cathedral. Unsurprisingly, the Russian/ Ukraine war was a focal point and much of the Q&A centred around the conflict, but Judah began by posing the question that concerns his book: In a continent of almost 750 million people, from different countries, regions, cultures, languages, etc what does it mean to be European? Europe, he says, is more that the borders drawn on the map, (although the question of where it begins and ends does it stop in the east remain contested). It is blurry. It is not a language or a religion. There are, he notes, more French speakers in Africa than in France, and they are not Europeans. It is, he says, a shared ideal, a community of ideas that becomes harder to pin down the more you try to. The urban Parisian or the Kyivan may have more in common with a denizen of Sydney or Toronto than he does with a rural Bulgarian. There is shared history and the grand narrative of histories. More murky and perhaps complicated, Judah feels, is the shared vision for the future. Europes common past brings us together, but where do we see its future? Responding to an audience question, he concedes the American shared vision for the future, as espoused in the post-war 50s and 60s, may have had more tangibility and shape than anything existing in Europe today. Defining this may be key to the success of the European project. What Europe is and will become ultimately, he says, will be dictated by two great issues of our time. The first is the conflict to our east: Ukraine, with its population of around 40 million people, wants to be part of the great European community. Western leaders have courted and encouraged this, drawing Ukraine away from the Kremlin and increasingly into the Eurosphere. Can they now follow this through to its conclusion? Ukraines moving closer to the EU and away from the pan-Russian vision will change the face of Europe, in part due to the demographic shift and also the incorporation of such a large agri/food producing nation. Following up, OLeary wonders if bringing Ukraine a country actively fighting a protracted war within its borders may undermine the noble vision of a conflict-free Europe. She also wonders has Europe failed in its ideals and its obligations to those immigrating from the global south, by concocting grubby deals with North African and Middle Eastern countries to contain transient groups and prevent them reaching European shores. Judah foresees more of these deals being hatched. The second issue is the great migration north by people coming from Africa and the Middle East, leaving their homelands for a better life. They are attempting to come here in their millions, and this is going to continue; indeed it is going to become more and more pronounced, Judah says. Expanding, Judah suggests that the global reality has now shifted, and the days of a struggle between the great powers for supremacy have in many ways returned. He says that since the mid-1980s right up until the beginning of the present decade, that balance had been maintained through a series of both written and unwritten rules and understandings the hierarchy, permissible interventions, acceptable, overt diplomacies, and quieter ones. This may now be at an end; and we will live in a very new and evolving global reality which may be the case for some time to come. The restoration of bison in Yellowstone National Park since their near total extermination in the 1800s is a national environmental and conservation success story. But managing the species today in cooperation with tribal, federal, state and NGO partners means the parks draft management plan cannot solve the many problems facing our national mammal, said Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly on Monday. There are a lot of opinions on bison management, he said, speaking during a webinar. Some want unlimited bison in the park. Some want far fewer bison. And were trying to strike a balance, and really, in many ways, solidify progress thats been made over the last two decades plus. I think this plan does that. The public has another chance to hear the parks presentation on its draft Bison Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement, and to ask questions of staff during a 4 p.m. webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 29, by logging on to bit.ly/YellowstoneBisonEIS2. Staff members also stressed they are willing to talk to anyone interested about the draft plan. Comments on the draft are being taken through Sept. 25. The park expects to have a final plan out by next summer. A spokesman for Gov. Greg Gianforte said he has requested an extension of the comment period out to 60 days. Proposals In its draft EIS, the park has outlined three possible bison management alternatives. Alternative 1: The Park Service would maintain a population range of bison similar to the last two decades (3,500 to 5,000 bison after calving), continue to balance populations in the park by using culling and hunting opportunities outside the park, increase the number of brucellosis-free bison relocated to tribal lands via the Bison Conservation Transfer Program (BCTP), and work with the state of Montana to manage brucellosis to keep the disease from spreading to cattle. Yellowstone bison are not allowed to roam freely outside the park in Montana. Instead, they are confined to whats referred to as tolerance zones bordering the west and north sides of the park. Bison are the only wildlife species in Montana managed by the Department of Livestock because of the risk of them transmitting brucellosis. Elk in the region also carry the disease but are managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and are free-roaming, although monitored. Alternative 2: Bison would be managed within a population range of about 3,500 to 6,000 animals after calving with an emphasis on using the transfer program to restore bison to tribal lands and tribal treaty hunting outside the park to regulate numbers. Alternative 3: The Park Service would rely on natural selection, bison dispersal, and public and tribal hunting in Montana as the primary tools to regulate numbers, which would likely range from 3,500 to 7,000 or more animals after calving. Critics Bison conservation advocates have criticized the plan for not going far enough. The parks plan represents a piecemeal approach to wild bison management that entrenches the status quo, at a time when we must be acting in a holistic manner, said James Holt, Buffalo Field Campaigns executive director, in a statement. Moving from a policy of slaughter to a policy of domestication doesnt protect their long-term viability. Intensified human handling and removal called for in the alternatives will have a continued negative impact on their wild characteristics. BFC board member Dallas Gudgell wrote in an email that management of Yellowstone bison is fractured because the Park Service and Forest Service do not work together across the landscape for the benefit of the species. All alternatives further entrench the status quo of severe government management of populations inside the park. Inside the park only, Gudgell said. This type of siloed management cannot integrate science-based biological realities across the entire ecosystem. We believe we must have true holistic management across the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem when it comes to buffalo and their ability to access their historical migratory habits within the entire bioregion. Roam Free Nation, which was critical of this past winters record-high tribal bison hunting harvest, said continued reliance on such lethal management frustrates the parks attempts to rely on natural selection in managing the population. The group also referred to the transfer program as domestication and relocation that needs to stop. Wild buffalo need to be free to roam, like deer, elk, and all other wildlife species, the group stated on its website. 10k withdrawn Roam Free Nation questioned why an earlier park proposal to allow bison to expand to a population of 10,000 was withdrawn from the draft EIS, accusing the agency of caving to threats made by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte who said he would sue the park if the population wasnt driven down to the cattle industrys proposed population of 3,000 animals. Sholly pointed to the past winters heavy bison migration into the Gardiner Basin, north of the park, as one reason the population limit was modified. Going into the winter there were about 6,000 bison in the park, about 4,000 of which migrated into the basin after heavy November snow and cold weather. There simply is not the winter habitat to support those high numbers, even if there is the summer habitat for those high numbers, Sholly said. I get it. Many, many people want to see more bison. These normally arent people that are having to manage bison, and so theres got to be a balance in there. Just as I dont think 3,000 or less is a good way forward, at this particular point in time, I dont feel that 10,000 even if the park can support them in the summer is a good idea considering what we have to work with and what we want to be cognizant of in managing this issue outside the park, especially in the winter. Sholly said the Park Service will also be working with the eight tribes allowed to hunt bison outside the park to ensure the animals can move beyond the border, where a firing-line atmosphere exists, to spread out hunting. I think we had roughly 1,200 harvested this year, most of that in the north, but there were substantial numbers of bison in the tolerance zone throughout the winter that were not harvested as well, Sholly said. What we want to try to do also is get the bison more conditioned to getting into the tolerance zone in the winter and not getting shot right on the boundary, which forces them back into the park. Yellowstone Center for Resources Chief, Jennifer Carpenter, said the agency is also working with its partners to address the issue of gut piles left on the landscape from hunter kills. In March, federal, state and tribal partners helped clean up the mess by hauling off a 14-foot trailer and three dumpsters full of bison entrails, hides and bones. Incremental Since 2000, when the Inter-Agency Bison Management Plan was created as a resolution to the state of Montanas lawsuit against Yellowstone regarding bison, progress has been made in managing the large mammals, Sholly noted. Back then, the area where bison could roam outside of Yellowstone into Montana was smaller, more animals were shipped to slaughter and hazed. Hunting was by a select few. Now eight tribes exercise their treaty rights to hunt bison in Montana and shipments to slaughter have been lessened in place of more live bison being transferred to tribes. Weve made significant changes together. Incremental changes, but cumulatively that paradigm that was identified in 2000 was never really implemented or followed if you look at the numbers, Sholly said. And most of the controversy around this plan is based on population numbers and means of controlling that population. This past week wherein Gold finally garnered a wee bit of grip, 'twas Sweet Sister Silver who showed how to rip! Whereas Gold settled yesterday (Friday) at 1943 for a +1.3% weekly gain, Silver settled at 24.285 for a reigning +6.8% weekly gain. Let us thus duly start with the white metal in revisiting a few phrases from recent of these missives as below dated: 15 July > "How many times have we herein written "Don't forget the Silver!"" 12 August > "from the " Means Reversion Dept .' to price Silver via the century-to-date mean [Gold/Silver] ratio of 67.7x puts it at 28.76, (i.e. +21% above today's 22.75). Again: "Got Silver?'" 19 August > "Silver's "Baby Blues' are just starting to curl upward, whilst price sits just above major trading support (22.75) in the Profile Can Sweet Sister Silver actually lead Gold? Absolutely!" And so justifiably it came to pass this past week that Silver indeed did rip, and moreover, she did so before Gold itself at least sought some grip. In fact : all-in from Silver's low of 22.265 on 15 August, it took but six trading days for price to touch 24.430, a low-to-high gain of +9.7%. Had you been impossibly lucky enough to have bought that low and sold that high for a gain of +2.165 points, your single contract gain (at $5k/pt) equated to $10,825 or as a deep-pocketer had you instead bought 100 contracts, your six-day gain equated to $1,082,500 (just in case you're scoring at home). Visually, here are the respective cumulative percentage tracks (per net daily closes) for Silver and Gold from two weeks ago-to-date, wherein the latter still looking rather flat is saying "Gimmie more lift, baby!" Significantly intrigued by Silver's finally coming 'round, we warrant her being paired with Gold in displaying the weekly bars and parabolic trends for both precious metals from one year ago-to-date. In each case, such trend remains Short (per the declining red dots), but with prices knocking on their respective doors to flip Long: Indeed with Silver less than one point away from flipping her trend from Short to Long, the question is begged: "How much farther does Silver then climb?" Answer : across Silver's past 10 weekly parabolic Long trends (extending back into December 2018), the "median maximum" price gain from each Long confirmation at week's-end until again flipping back to a Short trend is +13.2%, and such average max gain is +19.6%. Strictly in that vacuum, were Silver's trend to flip Long in the ensuing week at 24.870, a match to that median max gain would bring 27.480 and further to the average max gain 29.040. As for duration, the average Long trend across those 10 prior cases has lasted for 11 weeks. A lot of statistics there, but the prudent trader/investor looks to both time as well as range in cash management. "Which means that 90% are not very prudent, right mmb?" So say various studies, Squire. Or as a dear futures mentor of ours from many years ago might say: "They all knew better than the market which is why they're not around anymore." In other words, investing as Smart Alec on a wing and a prayer won't get you anywhere, (e.g. how's that "live" 41.5x price/earnings ratio of the S&P 500 gonna work out for ya?). Scary remains the story there. As to the "when" for these two precious metals' Short trends to end: Gold is 32 points away from flipping to Long with the "Expected Weekly Trading Range" now 47 points; and Silver is 0.585 points away from same with an "EWTR" of 1.315 points. Thus it is plausible one if not both precious metals' weekly trends can be Long in a week's time. "Stay tuned to this channel for further developments" Meanwhile in briefly reviewing our "non-events" take from a week ago, "twould seem that (after all the FedMedia hype as was anticipated) both the Fed's Holiday Camp and the BRICS' Revamp had almost no sway on our primary BEGOS Markets: week-over-week, the B ond was +0.6%, the E uro -0.7%, G old (as noted) +1.3%, O il -1.7%, and the S &P 500 +0.8%. Add to that the quiet Economic Barometer producing just a mild thud, and the week on balance (save for that of Silver) was a dud. Here's the Baro as Federal Reserve Chairman Powell keeps a tight grip on the money whilst BRICS' arguably succumbed to its namesake in adding six bricks to its mix: But let not too much summertime complacency enter your veins as next week's incoming Econ Baro metrics shall bring both losses and gains. Wherein this past week was weathered just five economic data points for the Baro, the ensuing week brings 16 metrics, the key highlight being Thursday's (31 August) release of July's Fed-favoured Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, the consensus for which is an annualized pace of +2.4%, (i.e. +0.2% for the month). Yet, if you really want to get into the weeds, recall the recently reported/leading July Core Producer Price Index having registered +0.3%; moreover the Core PCE's 12-month regression level also "suggests" +0.3%. Too much information perhaps, but should +0.3% be the number, we shan't be too surprised whilst all around are "expecting" +0.2%. Either way, one must deem Silver as the anticipated "surprise" of the past week. Per our tweet (@deMeadvillePro) on Thursday, Silver's "Baby Blues" of trend consistency were well on the northerly move after pointing to their commencing a fresh up-curl in last week's missive. Such is recalled below in the following two-panel graphic of the precious metals' daily bars from three months ago-to-date with Gold at left and Silver at right . And specific to the latter, we've coloured in red Silver's bar and dot from Friday a week ago, from which point she truly did go. Way to rip, Sister Silver! In so "ripping", the Gold/Silver ratio in a mere week fell from 84.1x to now 80.0x: such like week-over-week drop has happened but one other time this year, indeed just recently so from the first-to-second week of July. Thus our interpretation? Sister Silver is getting a long overdue bid! Long overdue, too, to rise from their respective Market Profile basements were both Gold next on the left and Silver on the right . The volume-dominant supporters and resistors are as labeled: So with Sister Silver having put in a semaine superbe, let's wrap it here with something hardly superb. As you regular readers of The Gold Update know, we've become more and more skeptical these recent years of the FinMedia's foundational grounding and market understanding, (i.e. in referring on more than one occasion to the once-mighty and revered Barron's as having become a children's writing pool). And to wit, we balked again at a headline yesterday from ever-lovin' Bloomy. Ready ? "Stock Rally Has a Ways to Go Before Americans Feel Rich Again". Instantly, we had a John Patrick McEnroe moment: "You canNOT be SERious!" What rally is being cited ? "Course having virtually vanished from essentially the entirety of bullish market musings is the "E" word (Earnings) which themselves haven't actually vanished but are, on balance, unsupportive of the S&P 500's present level (4406 and its ghastly-high aforementioned P/E of 41.5x). In fact, let's go all the way back to The Gold Update penned on 28 January with respect to the S&P: "The S&P is today priced at [then] 4071. Morgan Stanley already is well on the record of it reaching down this year to 3000. We anticipate sub-3000. The P/E reverting to its historical mean (22.4x) suggests were there no growth in earnings 2313." Yet to be fair for Q2 Earnings Season, as you know S&P cap-weighted profits grew at a +6% pace; but the overall level (as just stated) remains Index unsupportive. Regardless, from here with just over four months remaining in 2023, "twould be a terrific tumble: from today's S&P 4406 level to 3000 = -32% with 87 trading days to go. Has the S&P ever fallen by -32% within 87 trading days ? Of course it has: during 1987, 2002, 2008, and most recently in 2020. Shall it so do in the remainder of 2023? Until we see fear at the website's MoneyFlow page, the answer is "No" and our sub-3000 notion we'd have to forego. Still, let us also reprise that: "Marked-to-market, everybody's a millionaire; market-to-reality, nobody's worth squat." Or translated for you WestPalmBeachers down there: shall you be out of stocks before it all goes wrong? And better yet: be in Gold and Silver ! Cheers! TOKYO, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said the pace of economic activity in China has been a disappointment that could cloud Japan's economic outlook, according to a text of his speech delivered at the weekend Jackson Hole Symposium. China's July data, such as retail sales, business investment and industrial production were "on the weak side," Ueda said, according to the text posted on the BOJ's website on Monday. "The underlying problem appears to be the adjustment in the property sector and its spillover to the rest of the economy," Ueda said on China, adding that the hit to Japan from China's weakness has been somewhat offset by the relative strength of the U.S. economy. Ueda also said trade and foreign investment flows suggest Japanese firms are diversifying production from China into the rest of Asia and the United States, partly in response to geopolitical risks. "Longer run effects of geopolitical factors on the Japanese economy are unsurprisingly very uncertain," Ueda said, adding that "the tit-for tat war," mainly in the semiconductor sector, between major advanced economies and China was a risk. "Central banks will have a hard time factoring in these forces when making policy decisions," he added. Ueda delivered the speech during a session on globalisation held on Saturday at the Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming. Geopolitical tension between the United States and China has been among the risks to global trade that have weighed on export-reliant economies such as Japan. Relations with China soured after Japan started releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, drawing expressions of concern from neighbouring countries. Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - India continues to lead the push for global cryptocurrency regulations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for countries to collaborate during the recent Business 20 (B20) Summit. The rapid pace of change of technology is a reality there is no point in ignoring it or wishing it away, Modia said in an interview with Business Today. Instead, the focus should be on adoption, democratization and a unified approach. At the same time, the rules, regulations and framework around it should not belong to one country or a group of countries. And it's not just cryptocurrencies that Modi is focused on, as he stressed the need for a global framework and regulations for all emerging technologies, especially one that considers the concerns of the Global South. He cited the field of aviation as an example, saying, Be it air traffic control or air security, there are common global rules and regulations governing the sector. Modi noted that over the past nine months, vast efforts and energy have been channeled into debt and crypto agendas, and said Indias role as the G20 president expanded the crypto conversation beyond financial stability to consider its broader macroeconomic implications, especially for emerging markets and developing economies. The G20 reached a consensus on these matters, guiding standard-setting bodies accordingly, he said. We have also come up with tangible details on the way ahead and how quickly we need to move. So, our road map is detailed and action-oriented. While speaking at the B20 Summit that took place in New Delhi from August 25-27, the prime minister reiterated his stance on cooperating to develop rules around blockchain technology, saying, I believe there is a need to develop a global framework that should protect the interests of all parties. The B20 is an event associated with the G20 Summit aimed at collecting insights and recommendations from international business leaders to tackle todays pressing issues. Modi called on business leaders to begin considering issues related to cryptocurrencies and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing the importance of responsibly integrating fast-paced technological advancements. Modi also said businesses should focus on boosting the buying power of the broader population and warned that a self-centered approach could be detrimental. He argued that only seeing other nations as markets to be exploited is unsustainable and will ultimately backfire on producer countries. The path ahead is to involve everyone as equal stakeholders, he suggested. One company that is already heeding Modis call is Reliance Industries Ltd., an Indian multinational conglomerate, headquartered in Mumbai, that is chaired by Asias richest man, Mukesh Ambani. On Monday, Ambani announced that Reliance is venturing into the world of blockchain and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) through its new financial services entity, Jio Financial Services (JFS), which launched at the end of July. The new venture, which was launched in collaboration with BlackRock, will combine BlackRocks expertise in investment management, risk management, technology, operations, and intellectual capital around markets with JFS local market knowledge, digital infrastructure capabilities, and execution capabilities to introduce a new player to the India market with a unique combination of scope, scale, and resources. JFS will consolidate its payment infrastructure, with a ubiquitous offering for both consumers and merchants further driving digital adoption for India, Ambani said. JFS products will not just compete with current industry benchmarks but also explore pathbreaking features such as blockchain-based platforms and CBDC. They will adhere to the highest standards of security, regulatory norms and ensure protection of customer transaction data at all times. Reliance Retail, a Reliance entity, and Indias largest retail chain, began accepting the countrys CBDC, the digital rupee, during its pilot phase in February. Reliance Retail has more than 17,000 stores throughout the country, and its inclusion in the pilot program represented the largest integration to date, helping to put the digital rupee in the hands of Indian citizens. Aug 28 (Reuters) - Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI said on Monday it is releasing a version of ChatGPT targeted to large businesses, increasing the overlap in what OpenAI and its financial backer Microsoft (MSFT.O) offer to customers. ChatGPT Enterprise offers more security, privacy and higher-speed access to OpenAIs technology, the company said. Early customers include Block (SQ.N), Carlyle and Estee Lauder Companies (EL.N). When OpenAI released the consumer-focused ChatGPT in November, it set off frenzied use of generative AI in daily tasks from writing to coding, and reached 100 million monthly active users in January. Many people in the U.S. have used ChatGPT to help with work-related tasks, even though their employers discourage it, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. With the launch of ChatGPT Enterprise, OpenAI hopes employers will feel comfortable embracing ChatGPT usage at work. Microsoft already offers businesses access to ChatGPT via its Azure OpenAI Service, though in order to use it businesses must be a customer of Azure, Microsofts cloud computing platform. ChatGPT Enterprise subscribers need not subscribe to Azure, OpenAI said. OpenAI and Microsoft have introduced overlapping services before, and it is unclear how much the two companies are competing over customers. Asked whether ChatGPT Enterprise competes with Microsoft over customers, an OpenAI spokesperson said that "customers can choose which platform is right for their business." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Although I initially hesitated to write the title of today's column, in the end I simply had to. This is what is happening in the United States of America right before our eyes. We need to confront it. Former President Trump has been targeted since the day he first announced he was running for president in 2015. His enemies are the elite media, the deep state bureaucrats, and of course the Democrats. He has been impeached twice, indicted four times, three by the feds and one from New York. He has had numerous civil actions taken against him, many are still active and involve multi-millions of dollars against the former president and his family. During his time in office, accusations and incriminations were made concerning his motives, his ties to foreign governments, his character, his family, his business, even his speech. He was called a crook, a misogynist, a racist, a homophobe, a Hitler, and worse. These baseless accusations were made by Democrats and Trump-hating Republicans and echoed every single day by the legacy media. Everything they said about him was a lie. Both impeachments were bogus and were brought about to divert and cover up what the real crooks in this country were doing. It went on for four years. It is still going on. The goal is to distract the American people from the underhanded machinations that the Leftists have been up to for years. This thing is bigger than Joe Biden, although he is a major player in it. Our government has become corrupt and the authoritarians in power need to keep that under wraps. Donald Trump is in their way and they need to silence him. The fourth indictment against former President Trump happened last week and this week the media can hardly contain their giggling as Donald Trump, his attorneys and former aides are marched into the criminal court building to "surrender" themselves. One example: "Trump was hit with a sweeping fourth set of criminal charges on Monday when a Georgia grand jury issued an indictment accusing him of efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "The sprawling indictment lists 19 defendants and 41 felony counts in all. All were charged with racketeering, which is used to target members of organized crime groups and carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison." If this reads like a fait accompli guilty verdict, it's supposed to. Bail was set for former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani at $150,000. He "surrendered" on Wednesday and yes, his mug shot was flashed across the world. Former president Donald Trump, whose bail was set at $200,000 "surrenders" this week as well. The Left will finally get their prized Trump mug shot. With everything that's been thrown at him for the past almost eight years, it's a wonder Trump hasn't lost his mind. Of course that would be just fine with his enemies. If they can't have that, they'll settle for him losing all his money. Or losing his freedom by going to prison. Or worse. Whatever it takes to get him out of the public arena and out of the presidential race. What was it that the gangsters used to say in those old 1930's movies when they wanted to get rid of someone who was in the way of their nefarious business operations? "Make him disappear!" Which reminds me of another story this week. Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was one of ten people on the passenger list of a plane that crashed in Russia's Tver region on Wednesday, according to the press service of the Federal Air Transport Agency. Who was Prigozhin? He was the head of a private paramilitary group who launched an insurrection against President Putin's military. It didn't last long. Forces loyal to Prigozhin marched toward Moscow, before turning back after several days. Prigozhin allegedly struck a deal with Putin where he didn't face prosecution and was relocated to Belarus, according to the Kremlin. Prigozhin's last known public appearance came in a video dated Aug. 21 from an undisclosed location in Africa. How do you say, "Make him disappear" in Russian? Let's hope this doesn't give Biden any ideas. Nothing would surprise me at this point. (COMMENT, BELOW) A legal battle over a rifle trigger that's playing out in federal courts in New York and Texas is no longer being litigated in North Dakota, after questions about whether the manufacturer actually is doing any business in the state. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2021 ordered Rare Breed Triggers to stop selling its model FRT-15 trigger, declaring the devices illegal machine guns. The company in 2022 sued U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the U.S. Department of Justice, ATF and its acting director in U.S. District Court in North Dakota, maintaining the classification was wrong. Federal government attorneys a few months later asked a federal judge to dismiss the suit. Rare Breed Triggers was founded in Florida and now is based in Fargo. Federal lawyers argued that U.S. District Court in North Dakota wasn't a proper venue for a legal battle because they said Rare Breed's Fargo headquarters is likely only a mailing address, with the company's principal place of business remaining in Florida. Rare Breed attorneys in a response denied "judicial forum shopping" and said the company moved to North Dakota because the state had a more favorable business climate. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal late last year granted the government's request to dismiss the case. She noted in her decision that Rare Breed did not dispute the government's assertion that its Fargo location was a "virtual office." Rare Breed Triggers owner and attorney Kevin Maxwell claims the trigger resets -- readies for another shot -- faster than any other trigger in the world, and requires the shooter to pull the trigger a second time to fire another round. A gun equipped with an FRT-15 would malfunction if the shooter forced the trigger to stay in the fire position, he has said. ATF officials contended that continued pressure on the trigger after the initial pull causes the firearm to continue to shoot. They tested a gun equipped with an FRT-15 by using a zip tie to keep continuous pressure on the trigger. The gun continued to fire, they said. The bureau classified it as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. Other lawsuits Two other lawsuits involving the trigger continue. Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, sued Rare Breed in January, accusing the company of fraud, according to The Associated Press. The lawsuit, being heard in federal court in Brooklyn, claims Rare Breed failed to get ATF approval before selling the devices and defrauded customers by telling them the triggers are legal. Rare Breed denies any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the National Association for Gun Rights sued the ATF in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas this month, challenging its classification of the FRT-15 as a machine gun, AP reported. The ATF has been asking people who bought the triggers to voluntarily turn them over to the agency. Another kind of rapid-fire trigger, the binary trigger, was used earlier this month in a shooting in Fargo that killed a police officer and wounded two others and a civilian. The binary trigger, which enables a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released, is legal in most states and at the federal level. Weather Alert ...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois. Portions of central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. && Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB) posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July, 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.32. The real estate investment trust earned $384.34 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $382.65 million. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust had a negative net margin of 5.41% and a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 2.53%. The firm's quarterly revenue was down 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.72 EPS. Ford Motor Company is the second largest US auto manufacturer by market cap and market share and ranks 4th globally. The company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford following a series of cars that led to the introduction of the Model T. The Model T revolutionized the automobile industry not only because it made vehicles affordable for the budding middle class but it changed the way manufacturing was done. The Ford factory features the worlds first moving assembly line, an introduction that not only improved the pace of production but lowered the cost of its vehicles. Other prominent innovations made by Mr. Ford include the strict standardization of parts that allowed for easy construction and repair and the standardized workweek. Henry Fords switch to a $5 workday and 8-hour shifts allowed him to run 3 shifts per day and improve productivity while providing his employees with the power to buy their own products. Today, Ford Motor Company makes and markets a large lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, and Lincoln luxury vehicles globally. The companys iconic F-series of trucks is the worlds best-selling pickup truck for decades running and the new all-electric Lightning is on track to dominate the top spot in the EV market. Other iconic brands in the Ford lineup include the Thunderbird introduced in 1954, the Mustang in 1964, and the Transit work van in 1965. The Mustang, notably, was created for the Worlds Fair and expected to sell 100,000 in its first year but shocked the industry with 22,000 units sold on the first day. The company operates through four segments including Ford Blue (ICE vehicles), Model e (EVs) Mobility, and Ford Credit. The Ford Blue and Model e segments sell Ford and Lincoln vehicles, parts, and accessories while the Mobility segment designs and builds advanced technologies including but not limited to self-driving autonomous car systems. The Ford Credit segment primarily offers commercial and retail loans to auto dealers and car buyers. This segment not only provides financing for new purchases and dealer inventory but makes loans for new dealerships and expansions of old ones. Ford has fully embraced the switch to EV and is planning for an all-EV future. To that end, the company pledged to spend up to $50 billion on EV infrastructure by 2026. The plans include the build-out of an entirely new campus dedicated to EV manufacture from batteries to motor platforms, manufacturing capacity, and new vehicles. In regard to total capacity, the company is targeting 2 million in total annual EV sales by that same year. Eli Lilly and Company is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company. It is the 12th largest pharmaceutical company by revenue and has offices in 16 countries. Its medicines are sold in at least 125 countries including its 8 blockbuster drugs. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indices, it brought in roughly $5.5 billion in revenue for 2021 and employs more than 35,000 people across its network of research and production facilities. Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly. The colonel, a veteran of the Civil War, had recently dissolved an unsatisfactory partnership and set on his own to produce and develop medicinal chemicals. Colonel Lilly remained as president until his death in 1898. His charge to his family, company and coworkers was to take what you find here and make it better and better. The company is well-known for many drugs, including the first mass-marketing of quinine to treat malaria. The company brought in $4,470 in its first year and saw that figure grow 10X over the next 3. Among the many innovations during this time period is the addition of gelation coatings for pills which helped set the company up for rapid expansion. The company was incorporated in 1881 as Eli Lilly and Company issuing stock to family and friends. The 1900s brought about more change for the company, change in the form of expansion which included international markets. Advancements during the war years included increases in efficiency due to increased automation and the development of precision technologies. Among the technologies was pill manufacturing which included injecting medicines directly into a gelation capsule. This method allowed for more exact dosing, setting the standard for modern production. The company produced capsules for itself and sold excess capacity to competitors. Other major advancements include fruit flavorings in medicine, straight-line manufacturing and a method of blueprinting manufacturing tickets to prevent errors. The modern period saw the company grow and discover new, world-class pharmaceuticals. Today, the company is engaged in the discovery, development and marketing of human pharmaceuticals. It offers a wide range of treatments, including Prozac but is perhaps most noteworthy for its work with insulin. The company is the first to mass produce insulin and has made numerous advances in treating diabetes in the time since. While other drugs are more widely known, its diabetic drugs Basaglar, Jardience, Trulicity, Humalog and Humulin are its top-sellers and contribute the bulk of revenue and cash flow. Along with Diabetic research, the company also focuses on Alzheimer's, Oncology, Immunology, Obesity and Pain care. At the end of 2022, the company pipeline had 23 compounds in Phase 3 clinical trials and 1 in review. There were another 18 in Phase 2 trials and more than 2 dozen in Phase 1 trials. The average cost to discover a new drug was running at $2.6 billion with a 10-year discovery-to-patient timeline. Morris Chang founded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited in 1987. The company was founded as and remains to this day the world's leading pure-play semiconductor foundry. A semiconductor foundry manufactures semiconductors for other companies at their specification; clients of Taiwan Semiconductor include but are not limited to Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, NVIDIA and Broadcom. Even some semiconductor manufacturers with their own production facilities, such as Intel and Texas Instruments, use Taiwan Semiconductor to some degree. This model aims to ensure Taiwan Semiconductor remains relevant to the semiconductor industry while never competing with its customers. The companys mission statement says it all to be the trusted technology and capacity provider of the global logic IC (integrated circuit) industry for years to come. The company has been traded on the Taiwan stock exchange since 1993 and the New York Stock Exchange in 1997. Taiwan Semiconductor is the 2nd most valuable semiconductor company on the market and is only supplanted by Nvidia, a primary customer. In regard to its growth, the stock has grown revenue and earnings by better than 15% annually for investors since its IPO. The company operates a network of foundries throughout Taiwan. As of 2022, there seven operations foundries and 2 in the works, including 1 in Arizona and 1 in Japan. The Arizona plant will be operational by 2024 and will begin manufacturing with the 3 nm processes. With these, Taiwan Semiconductor can manufacture nearly 15 million 300 mm wafers per year. The companys capabilities include process nodes ranging from 2 microns to 4nm. The company also packages, tests, and markets integrated circuits, semiconductor devices and related services internationally. The companys products include logic, mixed-signal, RF and embedded memory chips. Taiwan Semiconductor has been focused on maintaining its leading position right from the start. To that end, the company tends to reinvest large amounts of capital to increase and expand production as well as in the advancement of semiconductor technology. Among the companys many advancements are the development of N7+ and then N5 and down to the current standard of N4. These technologies were the first commercially available extreme ultraviolet lithography processes. This technology allows for smaller circuitry on the microchip and increases the chip's transistor density and overall functioning. Areas of research are centered on 4 disciplines that include Logic, Interconnect, Memory and Artificial Intelligence. Specific avenues for research include transistor structure, ferroelectrics and on and off-chip interconnect systems. Taiwan Semiconductor's revenue topped $57 billion in 2021. The company manufactured 12,302 different semiconductor devices that year, using 291 different technologies for 535 clients. Its products are used in mobile devices, telecommunications, automobiles, manufacturing and consumer technology, to name a few end markets. The company employs more than 65,000 people and is committed to the shift to green energy and sustainability. To that end, it became the 1st semiconductor company to make the RE100 pledge which states it will use 100% renewable energy by the year 2050. A North Dakota program aimed at helping royalty owners and mineral companies settle issues with royalty payments is now available through the state Agriculture Department. One of the broader goals of the program is to use ombudsmen to prevent litigation, according to Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. Were not here to advocate, but we are here to make sure that there is a sense of fairness and hopefully clarity, he said. The program is a product of recent legislation. It came about after the defeat of a separate bill that would have required oil and gas companies to increase transparency over how royalty payments were calculated. The original bill was backed by landowners but broadly opposed by industry. The head of one landowners group is optimistic about the ombudsman program, while the president of another has reservations. Both are skeptical of the programs potential to resolve more controversial issues such as post-production cost deductions. Naming ombudsmen The program will utilize independent ombudsmen contracted by the Agriculture Department to assist royalty owners once they make a complaint with the state. Goehring said the program is primarily looking toward companies that have a background in mineral leases for ombudsmen, as they have experience dealing with these issues. They understand the culture, they have a working relationship with both sides, he said. The list of ombudsmen is not yet complete, but Goehring said he was hoping for around a dozen. Two companies he mentioned as being on board are Williston-based Diamond Resources and Bismarck-based Aurora Energy Solutions. The companies operate in land services, helping with negotiations between royalty owners and mineral companies. Others were contacted by the Agriculture Department but turned down the offer to serve as ombudsmen, according to Goehring. Brent Brannan, the listed contact for Aurora Energy Solutions, referred all questions to the Agriculture Department. Brannan also serves as director of the state Oil and Gas Research Program. Representatives for Diamond Resources did not respond to inquiries from the Tribune. Northwest Landowners Association Chairman Troy Coons said he and association members are not opposed to the Agriculture Department contracting ombudsmen that come from industry, but the group does have concerns with firms whose primary clients are oil and gas companies. Theres going to be people that you know have colored glasses because theyve spent so much time in one spot, he said. They need to understand both sides of this. Coons said his preference for an ombudsman would be someone who is either retired or more independent from oil and gas companies. He said officials from the Trust Lands Department would be well-suited for the program as they already represent the whole state in issues related to mineral extraction. The department manages mineral acres and other assets in the state to help fund numerous public institutions. When the legislation that created the program originally was introduced, the program ran through the Department of Trust Lands, but it was amended to run through the Agriculture Department. Goehring said there are too many differences between Trust Lands agreements and individual royalty owner agreements for Trust Lands officials to serve as ombudsmen. Goehring said the program will help clarify payment schedules and deductions in contracts that royalty owners have signed, as well as bring a resolution to discrepancies between a contract and a payment statement that could be due to accounting errors by oil and gas companies. Some of the factors that cause issues which are more easily resolved are inconsistent language across companies documents and lengthy contracts. Optimism and skepticism Coons said overall he is optimistic about the program, adding that his group will promote it to its members. Well do everything we can to make it successful, he said. Williston Basin Royalty Owners Association President Bob Skarphol is skeptical of the program. Why would I bother to go talk to them? he asked. They have no authority to decide anything, so that to me is the biggest weakness. Skarphol said he understands why someone might use the program to clear up confusion in contracts, but he does not believe it will be able to accomplish much beyond that. For those of us that have substantial differences of opinion with the industry, its a useless conversation, he said. The Agriculture Department runs another ombudsmen program assisting landowners who have issues with pipeline reclamation and restoration. Goehring said that while not every landowner has walked away from the process of that program satisfied, it has been broadly successful. Ill tell you, we got most of the issues fixed, he said. Coons said members of his organization found the program to be helpful, but not perfect. Youll find that the good people that have differences come together and thats a good thing because it does solve some things and youll find some of the middle-grade type things get done, he said. But what weve seen is the most egregious ones, they dont come to the table. Law of the land Goehring said he can and will require companies that receive complaints to engage with the program. If they dont want to comply and respond to us, to myself, then I will turn it over to the Department of Mineral Resources, he said, referring to the agency that regulates North Dakotas petroleum industry. Still, Goehring recognizes disputes will not always be settled through the program. If you point (an issue) out to the company, the company has at times recognized that, weve been told on a few occasions, and theyll adjust it and make it right, he said. There are a few other times where they just didnt see it that way and then it ends up having to go to court unfortunately, so youre just trying to provide a venue where you have better communications. Brady Pelton, vice president and general council for the North Dakota Petroleum Council, a trade group representing more than 550 companies, said oil and gas companies want to come to the table to resolve these issues. When we began our policy stance on the ombudsman program we reached out to the majority of our operators and every one of them was supportive of this, he said. The Petroleum Council lobbied in favor of Senate Bill 2194, which created the program. The bill passed following the defeat of Senate Bill 2374, which would have increased transparency on how royalties were calculated and required records be available in electronic format. Several royalty owners testified in support of Senate Bill 2374, but the Petroleum Council and other representatives for the oil and gas industry opposed it. It got a little in the weeds with the amount of information that our operators would be required to submit and be opened to public record potentially; that and the fact that it was onerous in the level of detail that was required to be submitted, Pelton said. Royalty realism One issue driving royalty owners frustrations concerns post-production costs that oil and gas companies are deducting from royalty payments. Some people are deducting nothing, others weve heard theyve deducted up to 70% of what a royalty check is, Coons said. Many of these deductions did not take place until recently, Coons and Skarphol told the Tribune separately. Pelton said the deductions that royalty owners are seeing are already accounted for in the contracts they signed, and the only entity that could make decisions on issues related to that would be the courts. Coons said the Legislature should address the issue but believes lawsuits likely will be a necessary route for royalty owners to reach clarity on post-production deductions. I hate that there has to be litigation but you know were talking about hundreds of millions of dollars or more that this is affecting citizens of North Dakota, so its definitely something that has to be dealt with, he said. Goehring said even if a dispute cannot be solved through the program, a better overall understanding of royalty contracts will still prove beneficial. This program might offer clarity so that we dont have people going to court with the wrong premise on the wrong issues, he said. Royalty owners can go to bit.ly/3E3b5JX to submit a request for assistance. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, travel, entertaining and bar, home decor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, shakes hands with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during an armistice anniversary event in this July 28 photo carried by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap North Korea criticized a recent decision by the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway for providing F-16 fighters to Ukraine in its fight against Russia as an "anti-peace act," the North's state media said Monday. The commentary by the North's Institute of International Studies came as Pyongyang has expressed support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and amid speculation of an arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow. "Their decision to supply even fighters is an anti-peace act of inciting a long war and totally destroying the regional peace and stability," said the English-language commentary, carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. Claiming the move shows the "sinister intention" of the United States and European countries to defeat Russia, the commentary said the U.S. is the "arch criminal" pushing Europe to the brink of a "horrible nuclear war." In what appeared to be an effort to align itself with Russia and express support for the country, the institute said the "righteous international community including the DPRK" denounces the move, using an acronym of the North's official name. "Nothing can block the advance of the brave Russian army and people out in defending justice and peace, and the U.S. and the West are doomed to ruin," the commentary said. Pyongyang has been increasingly seeking to strengthen ties with Russia, alongside China, in the face of a growing security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo. Last month, the reclusive country invited a Russian military delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to events marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un accompanied Shoigu on an arms exhibition featuring drones and missiles. (Yonhap) U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, right, speaks during a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, unseen, at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 28. AP-Yonhap Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Chinese counterpart expressed a desire to improve trade conditions on Monday, as Raimondo began a visit to Beijing aimed at warming chilly relations, but neither side appeared willing to make concessions on the other's main demands. Raimondo joined American officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July who have visited China in the past three months. They expressed optimism about improving communication but have announced no progress on technology, security, human rights and other disputes that have plunged relations to their lowest level in decades. For its part, Chinese leader Xi Jinping's government wants to revive foreign investor interest in China as it tries to reverse a deepening economic slump. Beijing is ready to work together to "foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation" and "bolster bilateral trade and investment," Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Raimondo. Wang gave no details of possible initiatives. Raimondo said the two sides are working on establishing "new information exchanges" for "more consistent engagement." "It is profoundly important that we have a stable economic relationship," she said. "I believe that we can make progress if we are direct, open and practical." Beijing broke off dialogue with Washington on military, climate and other issues in August 2022 in retaliation for a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the House of Representatives. The mainland's ruling Communist Party claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory and objects to foreign governments having contact with it. The state press has given positive coverage to the American visits to Beijing, but China has given no indication it might change trade, strategic, market access and other policies that irk Washington and its Asian neighbors. Raimondo told reporters before leaving Washington she was looking for "actionable, concrete steps" to move forward in commercial relations but gave no details. She said she was realistic that the "challenges are significant." The visits take place under an agreement made by Xi and President Joe Biden during a meeting last November in Indonesia. In June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi for 30 minutes during a visit that was postponed from February after a Chinese surveillance balloon entered U.S. airspace. The Chinese leader called on Washington to change policies on Taiwan and other issues and rebuffed a request to resume military-to-military cooperation. Last week, on the day Raimondo's visit to Beijing was announced, Washington removed 27 Chinese companies from a blacklist that limits access to U.S. technology. The decision "may have helped grease the wheels for Raimondo's trip," said Anna Ashton and Kylie Milliken of Eurasia Group in a report. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, right, speaks during a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, left, at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 28. AP-Yonhap Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, left, meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24. Courtesy of Tanzania's presidential office President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Thursday that the BRICS-Africa partnership needs to focus on unlocking the continent's potential towards realization of Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals and operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). President Hassan was addressing the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, where she was among the invited heads of state and government. She said Tanzania envisioned a BRICS-Africa partnership that supports the continent's endeavor to promote and strengthen regional value chains and help African producers to gain access to global export markets. "Tanzania is and remains a strong supporter of multilateralism, more inclusive and fair global systems and deeper South-South cooperation. In this regard, we remain a friend and partner of BRICS in all its interventions," President Hassan said. She emphasized the continued relevance and validity of multilateralism, noting that it is a major tool in addressing most global geopolitical challenges and added that more efforts should also be made to strengthen the United Nations, which remains the sole body with universal membership. "Tanzania at this point would wish to reiterate the need to reform the U.N. Security Council to make it fairly representative, effective and reflective of the current geopolitical realities." The Head of State said international challenges that led to the creation of BRICS had worsened and there is a need to have a meaningful dialogue that seeks to find common solutions to common challenges. "That is why I am very optimistic that this dialogue will advance deliberations geared towards resolving complex challenges which our countries are facing, both individually and collectively." She singled out one aspect she considers critical in the course of the dialogue the call to redouble efforts and take concrete actions to address the North-South divide to deepen strategic financial, trade, investment and economic partnerships based on a just international economic order. Meanwhile, Tanzanian analysts said yesterday the expansion of the BRICS group of nations and its endeavor to encourage the adoption of local currencies and alternative financial systems can greatly benefit other developing nations such as Tanzania. BRICS, which currently comprises the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will grow to 11 members next year following Thursday's admission of six new members Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Closing the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also announced that BRICS is ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, political scientists noted that these new developments will balance out political influences and create a new political and economic power. University of Dodoma lecturer Paul Loisulie said world politics has for a long time been dominated by the Western bloc, which comprises the U.S. and most European countries. He said the emergence of a new bloc comprising emerging economies and developing countries will provide an opportunity for poor countries, especially member states, to discuss issues that affect them. Amid the current shortage of dollars and its associated problems, many of the suggestions by BRICS countries hold economic prospects for developing nations even as Tanzania continues to embrace its non-alignment policy. "The greatest advantage lies in the economic sphere, particularly their initiative to promote the use of local currencies in trade," Loisulie said. Prof. Mohammed Bakari of the University of Dar es Salaam said BRICS' efforts are focused on reducing dependence on Western nations. "In my opinion, the new influence they are striving to create will bring much-needed relief to poor countries. It is building a new economic order, especially for developing nations," he said. Discussions during the three-day BRICS summit revolved around political and socioeconomic coordination, with member countries identifying business opportunities, economic complementarities and areas of cooperation. Speaking on the groups' expansion, Chinese President Xi Jinping said BRICS countries shoulder an important responsibility for world peace and development. "This membership expansion is historic. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries. It also meets the expectation of the international community and the common interests of emerging market countries and developing countries," he said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said BRICS will continue to be the driving force of new international order and strive for fairness and global peace. "We will continue to promote the overcoming of all ways of inequality that exist in the world," he said. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country has always fully supported the expansion of BRICS membership and believes that the addition of new members will further strengthen BRICS as an organization. "This will also strengthen the belief of many countries in a multipolar order in the world. "I am confident that together with these countries we will be able to infuse new momentum and new energy into our cooperation," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the importance of mutual currency settlements and the joint issuance of a unified currency. He acknowledged the complexity of this endeavor, while expressing a commitment to finding solutions. President Putin, who participated virtually, stressed the need for secure economic transactions between our nations and highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster BRICS' global influence, particularly through fostering meaningful collaborations with new BRICS members. The bloc was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was added in 2010. The BRICS bloc represents around 40 percent of the world's population. (The Citizen) This article was originally published in . Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola at the White Picket Gardens where you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, teacher, writer, actress and a collector of front porch stories. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com., Members of the Angola High School Class of 1983 pose for a photo on Aug. 5 during their 40th reunion in Angola. Events were held Aug. 4-6 for the event. 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. With eight months of 2023 still under way, fans are already well-fed with numerous music releases from their favorite K-pop artists. K-pop has continued its march towards its expansion across international areas, adapting to current trends and genres. Given how much social media is also an integral part of people's daily lives, some songs are naturally made to gain viral traction with aspects like tune and choreography. There are many songs this 2023 that garnered attention, but several really hit that right mix of trendy and era-defining sound. What's better? These picks are just releases from January to August, meaning, there are many more upcoming tracks heading our way! Here are 7 viral 2023 K-pop songs in TikTok so far! 1. 'CAKE' by ITZY ITZY's 'CAKE' shook the K-pop community for its hand dance moves, which is a fitting match for any dance challenges. Not only did the main "killing" choreo gained attention within the industry, but maknae Yuna's "Shakey shake, bust it up" part took the internet by storm, and spawned a series of improv or original dance covers of the line. 2. 'Seven' by BTS Jungkook Jungkook at this point is K-pop's very own "Golden Maknae." While Jungkook has a knack for selling out random items such as clothing, perfumes, or even shocking stuff like coffins, he is also capable of making headlines with his music. "Seven" didn't go viral just because it's from the Jeon Jungkook himself, but also for its memorable and earworm melody during the chorus. The song was also utilized in numerous video edits on platform TikTok. 3. 'I AM' by IVE Sometimes, a song can go viral for the oddest of reasons. While most songs garnered lots of attention with their musicality, IVE's "I AM" actually spawned dozens of memes. This context started from a funny video edit by a fan, which edited Wonyoung falling directly on top of an airplane wing during the chorus, thus, causing laughter in the entire K-pop community! @kpopchartofficial Apakah idola kamu juga jadi 'korban' dari meme lagu "I AM" IVE ini? #IVE #IAM #Kpopchart original sound - Kpop Chart Media 4. 'Super Shy' by NewJeans NewJeans is definitely going up the ranks and has shown no signs of stopping. This is evident with their pre-release "Super Shy" that induced numerous dance challenges from both idols and fans! 5. 'ASAP' by NewJeans NewJeans' final and third title track "ASAP" also garnered massive attention in TikTok ahead of its release. While the group didn't showcase any spoiler for the song's dance style, many talented Bunnies "predicted" what the choreo would look like. This trend started because NewJeans is also known for having complex dances that involves countless movements and dynamic footwork! 6. 'Shoong!' by BIGBANG Taeyang (feat. BLACKPINK Lisa) Taeyang's "Shoong!" managed to catch everyone's interest with its smooth dance moves and music. However in TikTok, the song also went viral, much to the enjoyment of dancers. Apart from these dance challenges, Lisa's part in the song also gained lots of love. 7. 'Cupid' by FIFTY FIFTY While 2023 still has a few months left, everyone is indeed curious as to which next K-pop song would make the same impact as FIFTY FIFTY's "Cupid" did. There are songs that can go viral because of fanbase power or just simply good music. However, "Cupid" is considered a top tier breakout song from a fourth-gen girl group in 2023, which landed them their breakthrough success and international recognition. Which K-pop song on the list are your favorite tracks? Let us know in the comments below! Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news. KpopStarz owns this article Written by Riely Miller This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week. Up Art can bring people together, and those involved with a huge mural on the east pier of the Grant Marsh Bridge had just that in mind when they launched the project. The artwork celebrates the areas connection to the Missouri River. And it was unveiled during an event that featured a free meal and informal dialogue, with the goal of helping bring people in the community together. The project was conceived seven years ago, and a lot of organizations and hundreds of people worked to make it a reality. Its a true community success. Down More than 2,000 newspapers in the U.S. have closed in the past 20 years, and several of them have been in North Dakota. Now, eight more weeklies have shut down with the closure of the Fordville-based Ness Press earlier this month. The century-old family business was impacted by staffing woes and a shrinking pool of local advertisers. Its similar to what has happened to many other papers as so-called news deserts increase. Newspapers can be vital to binding communities together, and the loss of any is lamentable. Up Officials in North Dakota are increasing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade on American Indian reservations. State and federal authorities already had enforcement agreements in place involving the Spirit Lake Nation and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and now theyve signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Its an agreement that makes sense, given that the drug problem goes beyond reservation and state borders. Authorities have worked in recent years to shut down a pipeline of narcotics from the Detroit area to the reservations. Theyve had some success, and hopefully this latest agreement will advance those achievements. Down Its sad to see the announcement from Hersheys that it plans to close the flagship Dots Pretzels facility in Velva. Hersheys, which in 2021 announced plans to acquire Dots Homestyle Pretzels for $1.2 billion, said the Velva facility was less efficient and not conducive to scaling, The Forum reported. The popular snack that became the countrys fastest-growing pretzel brand originated in the Velva kitchen of Dot Henke. Its understandable that Hersheys would want to look for efficiencies, but part of the appeal of Dots Pretzels is the origin story in small-town Velva. The move will likely cause Hersheys to lose some loyal North Dakota customers. Twenty-seven people worked at the plant, which will close at the end of October. J-Hope made his successful return on the Billboard charts with his 2022 solo album "Jack In The Box," proving his undisputed impact on the music industry. BTS J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' Returns on Billboard 200's Top 10 After One Year J-Hope made a new feat in his solo career. On August 27, local time, J-Hope's 2022 solo album "Jack In The Box" has re-entered Billboard's Top 200 albums chart. The album earned the No. 6 spot on Billboard 200, where it reached the top 10 for the first time. J-Hope entering the Top 200 Albums chart is impressive in itself since the chart records the most popular albums in the United States. Previously, the album debuted on the chart's No. 17. According to the data Luminate collected, "Jack In The Box" managed to secure an overall figure of 50,000 equivalent album units during the week ending on August 24. This total figure was comprised of 47,000 traditional album sales, 2,000 streaming equivalent album (SEA) units, and 2.99 million on-demand audio streams. Moreover, the album also secured a total of 1,000 track equivalent album (TEA) units. Initially, "Jack In The Box" was released in July 15, 2022 through digital and as a Weverse album. However, on August 18, BIGHIT MUSIC released a physical version of the album. BIGHIT MUSIC Announces Plans to Release 'Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)' In other news, BIGHIT MUSIC announced on July 16 that J-Hope plans to release "Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)," a physical version of his solo album. According to Korean media outlet Osen, it was disclosed that J-Hope already had the album prepared before making his military enlistment. The album also received J-Hope's participation in aspects such as arrangement and composition. "Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)" also included three live tracks and two instrumental tracks from J-Hope's legendary stages during his iconic appearance at the Lollapalooza festival. Inside the album's contents, J-Hope also treated fans to newly released featured photos and items. "Jack In The Box" is one of the most love albums in K-pop due to J-Hope's utilization of numerous themes and genres which departed away from his upbeat vibe. "Jack In The Box" was also highly anticipated by ARMYs and the K-pop community, since J-Hope was about to make his solo debut. Meanwhile, you can check out on this link how J-Hope singlehandedly lit the stage on fire at the 2022 Lollapalooza, where he became the first-ever Korean artist to perform on the event. Congratulations to J-Hope for this amazing feat! Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BTS J-Hope Has ARMYs Swooning Over Him With THESE Louis Vuitton Campaign Photos KpopStarz owns this article Written by Riely Miller Bowhunters can buy a license online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov , or at vendors linked to the departments online licensing system. All archery hunters must have a bow tag in possession before hunting. Hunters should plan for the time it takes for the tag to arrive via postal mail, Game and Fish said. The bow tag is mailed the next business day after the license is purchased. El Salvador festivals attract tourists for numerous compelling reasons, providing a unique and enriching experience that highlights the nation's culture, traditions, and people in an enthralling manner. These vibrant celebrations offer a window into the heart and soul of Salvadoran heritage. Tourists witness authentic rituals, traditional dances, vibrant costumes, and age-old customs deeply ingrained in society. Colorful parades, intricate decorations, and beautifully adorned altars captivate the eyes, creating a photographer's dream and a sensory delight. Festivals foster local unity, enabling tourists to engage with Salvadorans and forging cross-cultural connections and friendships. Many of these events have religious roots, allowing travelers to delve into the country's profound faith traditions and observe the intricate intertwining of spirituality in daily life. The festivals present unique experiences like participating in local dances, savoring traditional foods, and immersing tourists in Salvadoran life and culture. These celebrations retain an authentic, grassroots atmosphere, attracting tourists seeking an unfiltered travel experience. Ultimately, these El Salvador festivals offer an authentic and unforgettable way to connect with El Salvador's culture, engage with its people, and create enduring travel memories. READ NEXT: El Salvador National Dish, Pupusa Las Bolas De Fuego Traveling north of the capital city, San Salvador leads you to Nejapa. The unique and vibrant "Balls of Fire Festival" takes place in this small municipality, per Trip101. In this festival, opposing teams engage in a rather extraordinary tradition of hurling fireballs made of cloth and lit with kerosene at each other. It's a display of bravery and enjoyment that captures the attention of locals and visitors alike. The festival has two plausible explanations for its origins, despite its unusual nature, according to the locals. One theory is rooted in history, suggesting that the festival commemorates the catastrophic eruption of El Playon volcano in the 17th century. This eruption allegedly forced the residents of Nejapa to flee their homes and livelihoods, leaving behind a landscape of destruction. The other explanation ties the festival to local religious beliefs. It's said that the volcanic eruption of the 17th century symbolized the efforts of St. Jeronimo, a local saint, who was attempting to protect the town from malevolent spirits. While the exact reason behind the "Balls of Fire Festival" remains uncertain, the celebration has become lively and enjoyable in El Salvador. San Miguel Carnival The San Miguel Carnival is a lively and one of the most anticipated El Salvador festivals in the city of San Miguel in eastern El Salvador. This vibrant festival honors the city's patron saint, Virgen de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace). The carnival is a joyful celebration characterized by parades, dance performances, marching bands, and the lively sounds of Latin American music that fill the streets, creating a festive and exuberant atmosphere. Scheduled in November, the San Miguel Carnival is a highly popular event in El Salvador. The festivities culminate with a mass and a procession dedicated to Virgen de la Paz. This religious aspect of the carnival is followed by cultural performances on the last Saturday of the month. Fiestas Agostinas Fiestas Agostinas, celebrated in early August, is one of the most prominent holidays in El Salvador. This festive event takes place in the capital city of San Salvador. It is known for its vibrant and lively celebrations. The festivities of Fiestas Agostinas offer a diverse range of activities that appeal to both locals and visitors, said iExplorer. The celebration starts with a unique tradition - a marching band playing lively music as early as 4:00 am. This early morning wake-up call signifies the beginning of the festivities and sets the energetic tone for the day. Fiesta Julias For an exhilarating experience in Santa Ana, the ideal time to visit is during Fiesta Julias. This lively month-long celebration takes place in July. The city comes alive with many engaging activities, making it a must-visit time for those seeking cultural immersion and festive energy. Fiesta Julias in Santa Ana is a true spectacle, featuring captivating street parades, culturally enriching events, and solemn masses that pay homage to tradition. Moreover, families can delight in fairground rides and the playful antics of clowns, ensuring that children are also thoroughly entertained. READ MORE: El Salvador Food: Traditional Salvadoran Dishes This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Nejapa town in El Salvador celebrates annual fireball festival - From WION A 21-year-old white man opened fire at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday and specifically targeted African Americans. However, it turns out that he bought his guns legally, making calls for gun control even louder. The racist Florida gunman has been identified as 21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter. According to CNN, he legally bought a handgun in April before buying an AR-15-style rifle in June. He used both in his racially motivated mass shooting attack. Palmeter reportedly had no criminal arrest history and had been living with his parents in Orange Park, Florida. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a news conference Sunday, "In this situation, there was nothing illegal about him owning the firearms." It became known that the attack was racially motivated because Palmeter was spouting racial slurs as he shot up the Jacksonville Dollar Store General, killing three people. Authorities called the shooting as an anti-Black hate crime; and to make it even more obvious, the gunman left behind a racist screed and drew swastikas on his firearm. After his shooting spree, the gunman is believed to have shot and killed himself. It was later revealed that the gunman acted alone and texted his father before doing his heinous deed. His father then found a will and a suicide note. "This is a dark day in Jacksonville's history," said Sheriff Waters. "Any loss of life is tragic, but the hate that motivated the shooter's killing spree adds an additional layer of heartbreak." READ MORE: Donald Trump Georgia Arrest: All 19 Co-Defendants Have Surrendered and Had Their Mugshots Taken Jacksonville Shooting Victims Identified According to CBS News, the three victims that were killed in the racially-motivated attacks were 52-year-old Angela Carr, 29-year-old Jerrald De'Shaun Gallion, and 19-year-old Anolt Laguerre Jr. All three were African-Americans and were specifically targeted because of the color of their skin. The gunman, Palmeter, first fired 11 rounds into a car, killing Carr before entering the store and killing Laguerre. He then exited the store but returned to kill Gallion. A few minutes later, another gunshot was heard, with police confirming that the gunman killed himself with that final shot. Jacksonville residents soon gathered near the scene where the mass shooting took place and offered a prayer for all the victims. The sheriff called the shooter a "madman" and added that "there was no logic to his violent actions." President Joe Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland React to Jacksonville Shooting Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department has now opened an investigation into the shooting and find out whether it can be regarded as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism. President Joe Biden also reacted to the attack, saying, "Yesterday in Jacksonville, Florida a white gunman went on a shooting rampage at a store near a Historically Black University and killed three Black individuals. While we still need to learn more about the motivation for Saturday's shooting, law enforcement has opened a federal civil rights investigation and is treating this incident as a possible hate crime and act of domestic violent extremism." READ NEXT: Nashville School Shooting: Autopsy Report Reveals Concerning New Details on Gunman This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH:Three black people shot and killed in Jacksonville, Florida, hate crime attack - CBS Chicago Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finally reacted to the Jacksonville shooting. However, many pointed out that his policies may have led to this racist attack happening. DeSantis was interrupted by jeers from the locals but quieted down after some urging from City Council member Ju'Coby Pittman. DeSantis, who has been threatening to lower the budget for state-funded colleges and universities that do not adhere to his anti-woke policies, then vowed to offer financial help to boost the security of Edward Waters College. "We've already been looking to identify funds to be able to help make sure there is adequate security for Edward Waters College. We are not going to allow these institutions to be targeted by people," said the current presidential candidate. He added that his administration has "already identified funds from the state of Florida" to fund these promises, according to Florida Politics However, local leaders do not seem to be aboard with DeSantis, as State Rep. Angie Nixon called out the governor for his audacity" for even attending. She added that he needs to apologize for his part in the Jacksonville mass shooting as his policies on guns and race may have led to this moment. Its the audacity for me. @GovRonDeSantis @RonDeSantis is here and needs to apologize for his part in this. pic.twitter.com/EdMjHiDkLj State Rep. Angie Nixon (@AngieNixon) August 27, 2023 DeSantis has moved far to the right as he runs for president, being embraced by white supremacists, with a white supremacist group recently showering the governor their praise and support while protesting outside Disney World, which he has been feuding with. Are his friends there with him? pic.twitter.com/EPpbtgv3hE Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) August 27, 2023 READ MORE: Ron DeSantis Continues Slide After Chris Christie Overtakes Him in New Hampshire Poll Critics Slam Ron DeSantis After the Jacksonville Shooting Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters stated in a news conference that the Jacksonville shooting gunman "hated Black people," based on the shooter's social media posts. Following the reveal of the shooter's racist intent, many pointed out that the Florida governor signed a law that allows people to carry concealed weapons without a government permit. According to Newsweek, critics accused him of "fueling hate in his state with laws and policies targeting the teaching of Black history." "Hey, Ron DeSantis: We aren't forgetting about the permitless carry bill you signed," said Democrat Victor Shi. "Nor are we forgetting about the white nationalism & fascism you've bred with your attacks on Black history & the LGBTQ+ community. You have blood on your hands. We are going to make you find out." Another Florida Democrat, Jon Cooper, noted, "A new law in Florida-in effect as of last month-allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Who thinks Ron DeSantis and the GOP-controlled state legislature share the blame for today's mass shooting in Jacksonville?" Critics Outside Florida Also Slam on Ron DeSantis over Jacksonville Mass Shooting Critics outside of Florida also started piling on DeSantis after the racially-motivated mass shooting, with some calling him "an asinine governor attacking Black people, attacking Black history." "I mean other nations have hate, but we're the only nation that keeps having mass shootings because of policy decisions and we don't have to live this way. We don't have to live this way anymore," stated Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones, one of the Tennessee Three. READ NEXT: Florida Could Face Mass Labor Shortage Due to Ron DeSantis' New Immigration Law This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Gov. DeSantis booed at Jacksonville prayer vigil for victims of mass shooting - First Coast News The anticipated Tropical Storm Idalia path has raised concerns as it potentially approaches Florida's Gulf Coast this week, with the potential to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane, per the South Florida SunSentinel. In response to the potential threat, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state of emergency for 33 counties in Florida. Having originated on Sunday morning, Idalia is forecasted to attain hurricane status by Tuesday, with projections indicating a potential landfall along Florida's coast. During a briefing on Sunday afternoon, Governor DeSantis noted that while the current trajectory suggests the Big Bend region as the probable target, the situation remains dynamic, and storm paths can shift unexpectedly. He urged Tampa Bay and Bay County residents to remain vigilant and prepared. Governor DeSantis cautioned that the storm could intensify to a Category 2 hurricane when it reaches land. The predicted path indicates the storm veering northward toward Florida's Gulf Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Addressing potential power outages, Governor DeSantis advised those in the storm's path to prepare for such scenarios. Kevin Guthrie, the Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, emphasized the need for individuals with medical dependencies or special needs to be vigilant regarding potential power disruptions. Resources and assistance can be found at Floridadisaster.org/snr. Guthrie reiterated the importance of recognizing storm surges' dangers, highlighting lessons learned from Hurricane Ian last year. He emphasized that even a tiny distance of evacuation inland can significantly impact safety during a storm's impact. For more information on emergency supply kits, individuals can visit Floridadisaster.org/kit. READ NEXT: California, Nevada, and Arizona Under Threat of Hurricane Hilary's Massive Downpour Tropical Storm Idalia Tracker Tropical Storm Idalia is on track to develop into a hurricane over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday. There's potential for further strengthening as it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast later Tuesday, Fox35 reported. Currently, Idalia is characterized by a northeast movement at a speed of 3 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It is positioned approximately 95 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. The storm's trajectory is anticipated to involve a slow and potentially erratic motion overnight as it gradually shifts towards the north or north-northwest with an increasing forward speed. Authorities have issued a storm surge watch from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, Florida, encompassing Tampa Bay. This advisory signifies the potential for life-threatening inundation from rising waters that could move inland from the coastline within the next 48 hours. Furthermore, a hurricane watch is currently in effect for the region extending from Englewood to Indian Pass, Florida, including Tampa Bay. This watch indicates the possibility of encountering hurricane conditions in these areas. Authorities Prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia Florida In preparation for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Idalia, around 1,100 National Guardsmen have been activated and equipped with 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft for rescue and recovery operations, as revealed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Additionally, the Florida Highway Patrol has prepared 300 troopers for rapid deployment. Governor DeSantis highlighted that power companies are set to position personnel on Monday, reinforcing readiness measures. Concerning education, schools in Hernando County, located to the north of Tampa, are scheduled to remain closed from Monday through Wednesday. Voluntary evacuations have been recommended for specific areas within the county, as communicated in a Facebook post. The county advised residents to consider taking refuge with family or friends in secure structures. Alternatively, a public shelter will open at noon on Monday to accommodate those in need. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storm's trajectory and is anticipated to receive regular updates as the weather system progresses towards the United States, according to a White House official to CNN. READ MORE: Florida: Hidden Camera Catches Chemistry Student Injecting Opioid' Chemical Agent' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Tropical Storm Idalia forms, forecast to impact Florida later this week - From WPLG Local 10 Former First Lady Sandra Torres, who lost to progressive candidate Bernardo Arevalo in the Guatemala elections, is channeling Donald Trump and is challenging the election results by claiming voter fraud. However, much like Trump, she is not presenting much evidence to back those claims. Arevalo won by a landslide, going from an obscure candidate to a surprise runoff qualifier and then becoming the president-elect against Torres, who had remained silent before issuing the challenge to the results. A part of the political establishment and allied to the current and unpopular Alejandro Giammattei administration, Torres has not yet accepted the results of the election. The Associated Press noted that Guatemalans have grown tired of the political establishment in their country, which Torres has exemplified. This made many flock to Arevalo who had been targeted by the current government as he is seen as a threat to many of them. Her complaint has been described as the latest attempt by Guatemala's political elite to eradicate all competition in the country. Before the primary election, three of the most popular opposition candidates were disqualified for various reasons. The Complaints Filed by Sandra Torres Regarding Guatemala Elections Sandra Torres is part of the National Unity of Hope Party, and a lawyer for her party, Carlos Torres, filed the complaint on her behalf. He cited irregularities in the vote counting and claimed that there was electoral fraud that changed the true voting results, violating the "popular will expressed by the people through vote." READ MORE: Guatemala Elections: President-Elect Bernardo Arevalo Congratulated by US President Joe Biden However, there was no evidence presented to back these claims when they were filed. Several international observers from various foreign governments, such as the Organization of American States, the European Union, and the United States, have all agreed that the Guatemala elections did not have as many voting irregularities as the establishment politicians claimed. Torres noted that there were duplicate vote tallies that called into question the country's vote-counting system. The party also claimed that votes were counted too hastily and that party monitors were not given copies of documents tallying the votes. The Associated Press has obtained a copy of the complaint and pointed out that there was no evidence given in these claims. OAS Demands Protection for Guatemala Elections Winner Bernardo Arevalo The Organization of American States' Human Rights Commission demanded that the Guatemalan government protect its new president-elect. The human rights organization claimed that there were reports that there was a possible plot to kill him. Arevalo and his running mate, Karin Herrera, are reportedly the target of "at least one" plan to harm or kill them, according to the Associated Press. The Guatemalan government said it has offered the president-elect and the vice president-elect protection while Arevalo stated that he was coordinating with the government on protective measures. "At least the sources within the government that are considered highly reliable have warned about the existence of a plot codenamed 'Colosio,'" said the OAS commission in a reference to the 1994 assassination of Mexico presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio. READ MORE: Guatemala Elections: Observers Say Political Parties and Justice System Interfered This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: How an anti-corruption outsider triumphed in Guatemala's presidential election - PBS NewsHour Tragic events unfolded in Haiti on Saturday, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives, as reported by the local human rights organization CARDH, according to Reuters. A Haiti gang wielding machine guns, in control of a northern suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince, unleashed gunfire upon a protest orchestrated by a Christian church leader. Although initial local media accounts indicated a death toll of at least 10, CARDH director Gedeon Jean has expressed concerns that the final count may surpass these figures. Numerous individuals sustained injuries, and unsettlingly, reports surfaced of church attendees being abducted. Videos circulated on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, portrayed approximately 100 individuals clad in yellow shirts that symbolize the religious affiliation of Pastor Marco, embarking on a march within the suburb of Canaan. Unverified footage spread across social media platforms, depicting scenes of people being targeted by gunfire in the streets, lifeless bodies strewn on the ground, and individuals who appeared to be hostages sharing their disbelief that the march, which they perceived as peaceful, was unexpectedly transformed into a confrontation with the gang. In response to the escalating violence, many Haitians have aligned with civilian self-defense groups called "Bwa Kale." While imbuing a sense of optimism, this movement has also triggered retaliatory actions against civilians and raised concerns that these groups may inadvertently contribute to further turmoil. READ NEXT: Haiti Kidnapping: Protests Erupt The Haiti Gang Responsible for the Shooting Canaan, the suburb in question, falls under the control of a gang led by an individual known solely as "Jeff," suspected of having affiliations with the "5 Seconds" gang, AP reports. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, gangs have grown in power, and they currently exert influence over an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince. Gedeon Jean, the director of Haiti's Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, observed the unfolding events online. He intends to petition the Ministry of Justice to investigate the matter. Jean leveled accusations of irresponsibility at the pastor, asserting that he had "put them in a situation like this" by involving a group of people. Despite the parishioners brandishing machetes and chanting "Free Canaan!" their efforts proved futile against gang members armed with assault rifles. Jean expressed that the police should have intervened to prevent such a situation, describing it as "extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen." Gang Violence in Haiti Haiti's profound challenges, characterized by decades of instability, natural disasters, and economic struggles, have positioned it as one of the world's most impoverished and violent nations, per BBC. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti gang violence has experienced a sharp escalation. This unfortunate turn of events has resulted in a substantial portion of the country's territory slipping beyond government control, leading to approximately 80% of the capital city under various gangs' sway. The ensuing territorial disputes have triggered a range of dire consequences, including a rise in refugee numbers, acute shortages of food, and a surge in violent crimes such as homicides, kidnappings, and sexual violence. UN rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani revealed alarming statistics, indicating that between August 15, 2023, at least 2,439 Haitians lost their lives, 902 sustained injuries, and 951 were subjected to kidnappings. Notably, the UN reports more than 350 fatalities since the inception of the uprising in April. READ MORE: Culture of Haiti: Here's What You Need to Know This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Haiti violence: Several killed as gang open fire on protesters - From Al Jazeera English Despite receiving federal and state indictments over his election misinformation, Donald Trump has since doubled down on them even if his claims have already been proven wrong in various recounts, investigations, and court cases. While campaigning for another run at the presidency, Trump continued to repeat claims that the election was stolen, with supporters echoing his sentiment that Trump won. However, many of his claims, from voter fraud in swing states to widespread voter fraud have been debunked repeatedly, and this happened in court. Trump spent a significant amount of money on election recounts and reviews after the 2020 election. This includes a six-month review of ballots in Arizona's Maricopa County, which was commissioned by Republican state legislators who supported Trump. However, this extensive review only solidified Biden's win as it found 306 more votes for the Democrat. Over in Georgia where Trump was indicted, state officials recertified Biden's win after three recounts. The state's Republican governor and secretary of state also admitted to being asked by Trump to help overturn the 2020 election results in the state. A Republican-led committee in Michigan also concluded that there was no widespread or systematic fraud in the state in 2020. Trump and his allies repeatedly spouted unfounded voter fraud claims in the state's urban areas. The Associated Press investigated the former president's claims and found minimal voter fraud in swing states, as the outlet stated that its journalists found "fewer than 475 instances of confirmed voter fraud across six battleground states." The Trump administration itself has been saying that there was no widespread voter fraud in 2020, with the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issuing a statement shortly after the election and stating, "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history." Trump's own Attorney General William Barr also admitted that a Justice Department investigation was not able to find any evidence that there was massive voter fraud. Barr even directed US attorneys and FBI agents to investigate Trump's claims but found nothing. READ MORE: Donald Trump Georgia Arrest: All 19 Co-Defendants Have Surrendered and Had Their Mugshots Taken Despite Being Proven Wrong, Donald Trump Supporters Still Think He Won During his political rally in Iowa back in 2021, Trump kicked off his presidential run by repeating his debunked election claims and this was made worse when some of the state's top Republicans were right by his side cheering him on. According to PBS News, Trump once again claimed that the Democrats rigged the elections and presented no evidence to back up those claims. While out on the campaign, Trump has since been repeating those claims. Donald Trump's Election Misinformation Spreading Through Social Media The spread of Trump's unfounded claims has been made worse thanks to social media, with Politico pointing out that the two biggest platforms, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have struggled to contain these false or misleading statements by the former president. While social media platforms have been policing content more carefully over the last few years, other smaller social media platforms that cater to conservatives like Gab, Gettr Parler, and even Trump's Truth Social, have been eager to spread the ex-POTUS' debunked message. Claire Wardle, co-director of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University has stated that Trump remains a "critical figure in terms of pushing narratives that undermine election integrity" and added that while the big social media platforms have been able to remove him and stop him from spreading misinformation on their own platforms, they have not stopped his supporters from re-sharing content from these fringe platforms like Truth Social. READ MORE: Donald Trump Election Interference Co-Conspirators Turning on Each Other This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Georgia recount: Trump loses state recount, reaffirming Biden's victory - Daily Mail A popular brewery and restaurant chain born in Delaware is now setting its sights on the Lehigh Valley. The owners of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant said they plan to expand into Whitehall Township as early as spring 2024, and theyre bringing their unique spin on beer and table dining with them. The new location is proposed to open at 950 Lehigh Lifestyle Center at the Lehigh Valley Mall, inside the spot formerly occupied by Bravo! Cucina Italiana. Bravo! permanently closed last October after attempting a bumpy comeback in 2021. The shopping center is also home to a taproom for Pocono Brewing Co. Iron Hill is known for featuring made-on-site beer options unique to each of its locations. The company said customers can now expect a revamped food menu as well. The new menu is the companys most extensive overhaul in more than 25 years and includes dishes designed specifically to pair with Iron Hills signature beers. This new menu reflects the commitment and mindset that fueled our growth, said Chris Westcott, CEO of Iron Hill Brewery. I rolled my sleeves up and jumped back into the kitchen with our culinary team to develop every item on the menu. The result is delicious. Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson and Kevin Davies founded the first Iron Hill together 26 years ago. Today the brewery/restaurant boasts 20 locations across Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Westcott joined Iron Hill as CEO in 2021. In addition to the re-imagined all-day menu, Iron Hill recently said a new brunch menu will be served every Saturday and Sunday until 2 pm at all Iron Hill locations. The nearest Iron Hill locations to the Lehigh Valley are in North Wales and Newton, Pa. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter. Easton councilwoman Taiba Sultana will be considered for a special program that would wipe domestic assault charges from her criminal record. The 39-year-old South Side woman is accused of attacking the 19-year-old victim on July 31, 2023, at her home in what police have labeled a domestic assault. She allegedly slapped, punched and head-butted the victim multiple times. She waived her right to a preliminary hearing Monday to be considered for the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program. The program allows first-time criminal offenders to wipe charges from their record if they meet guidelines. Northampton County Deputy District Attorney Julianne Danchak said District Attorney Terence Houck will weigh whether to accept Sultana into the program. Theres no guarantee shell be accepted. Its now up to Houck, Danchak said. Her attorney, Ettore Ed Angelo, said the alleged assault resulted from a family dispute. It wouldnt draw much attention for an anonymous member of the community, but Sultana has had the case blasted all over the media. Thats just the way it is when youre a public figure, he said. Police added a second count of simple assault to her charges, Danchak said. Sultana allegedly injured the victims foot, Danchak said. Danchak couldnt recall the date of the foot injury. Sultana is now charged with two counts of simple assault and a single count of harassment. Sultanas formal arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 21. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. UPDATE: Easton charter school is closed again due to power outage A brief power outage wreaked havoc on the computer network at Easton Arts Academy Elementary Charter School and forced the cancellation of the first day of school. The power failure on Sunday impacted several systems at the school, including the computer network, according to school CEO Paul Hunter. He sent an email to parents around 1:30 p.m. Monday updating them on the situation. Met-Ed spokesman Todd Meyers said a tree fell down on power lines near Pearl and Bushkill streets at 5 a.m. Sunday. About 250 customers were without power until repairs were made at 7 a.m. Sunday, he said. The systems outages forced the charter school to close for safety reasons, Hunter said. The school notified parents Monday morning. Children whose parents responded to the notice were sent home on buses. Children whose parents could not be reached stayed behind, Hunter wrote. Those children received breakfast and lunch, he said. He thanked teachers for watching the children. Although this was not the first day of school that we had hoped for, it was an excellent example of how our students, staff, and supporting school districts could make the best of a challenging situation, Hunter wrote in the letter to parents. Hunter said the schools facilities team is working with Met-Ed to determine the extent of the problem. Hunter hopes to get more information later from Met-Ed to determine whether to open school Tuesday. He said parents can expect an email and a One Call notification later with an update. I am grateful for your patience while we navigate this challenge, he said to parents. The school at 30 N. Fourth St. in Easton hosts children from kindergarten through fifth grade. Charter schools are publicly financed but privately run. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. The competition for staff in the buoyant jobs market appears to have be influencing Aldi to start planning early for the Christmas shopping rush. The German-owned chain is creating 13 jobs in its stores in Laois as part of a national campaign to recruit 340 new team members between now and the busy Christmas period. The company which claims to best-paying supermarket, which now operates 160 stores in the country, including three in Laois, currently employs 4,650 people nationwide. Aldi has shops Portlaoise, Portarlington and Graiguecullen. Aldi recruitment is currently underway and Aldi says it is keen to fill all positions as soon as possible as the company continues to open new stores and sees an increase in customer demand across its existing store network, while the retailer prepares for the busy Christmas period. It says vacancies include both roles at new stores and filling existing vacancies. Commenting, Brian OShea, HR Director at ALDI Ireland, said: ALDI has continued to grow in 2023 and to invest in new stores, and now were looking for hundreds more colleagues to join our incredible teams across the country ahead of Christmas, including 13 new jobs in County Laois. Working at ALDI means a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business and we look forward to welcoming even more people to be a part of our team and our success in the future, said Mr O'Shea. The new recruits will join the 4,650-strong ALDI team in Ireland and will benefit from a competitive package including market leading pay, access to dedicated employee benefits and wellbeing supports, in addition to career progression opportunities. The chain could be getting in early on recruitment for Christmas due to the high employment figures in Laois and the rest of Ireland. The number of people signing on at social welfare offices in Laois has dropped by nearly 6,000 since the trough of the Celtic Tiger recession according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The latest CSO Labour Market survey shows that an estimated 2,643,000 persons were in employment to the end of July 2023 across Ireland. That is up 3.5% or 88,400 from 2,554,600 in Q2 2022. Interested applicants can apply for open vacancies through www.aldirecruitment.ie. Dogs Trust has invited dog lovers all across County Kildare to honour their beloved late pets through an upcoming event. The organisation has announced plans to create a safe space with fellow dog lovers to acknowledge the loss of your beloved furry friend, by walking in their honour. Dog lovers are being invited to join the charity and take part in 'The Big Paws' event. The charity is calling on the people of Kildare to hold community events or to mark the occasion in a personal way and all details can be found on its website: www.DogsTrust.ie/Event. Speaking about 'The Big Paws', Suzie Carley, Executive Director of Dogs Trust Ireland, said: "We believe it is hugely important to acknowledge and celebrate the role dogs play in our lives. "When a dog passes away, there is no funeral or ritual to mark their passing, so we want to give owners the opportunity to celebrate their dogs life in a meaningful, positive way." She added: "This campaign is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the incredible bond we have with our dogs while helping to raise vital funds for our work, caring for dogs across Ireland." Last year, Dogs Trust launched its 'Not Just a Dog', a campaign which aimed to normalise talking about the grief experienced when a much-loved dog passes on. As a result, the charity received an outpouring of grief from its supporters, highlighting the importance for an event where dog lovers can take 'paws' and reflect on the indelible mark dogs make in their lives. All those taking part are being encouraged by Dogs Trust to share photographs of their experience on social media using the hashtag #TheBigPaws to show how many people in Ireland value the huge impact dogs have on so many aspects of our lives. 'The Big Paws' is being supported by PetStop Ireland and 98FM, and it will take place on the evening of Saturday, September 30. ABOUT DOG'S TRUST IRELAND According to Dogs Trust, it has been working in Ireland since 2005 and believes that 'every dog deserves to live a safe, healthy and happy life.' Management at Dogs Trust added: "We wont rest until we make Ireland a safe and happy place for dogs, so we never have to let any dog down. "Through our national responsible dog ownership campaigns and education programs, were here for all dogs and the people who love them." As of publication, the charity currently 287 dogs in its care. Dogs Trust rehomes dogs all around the country via their regional rehoming program. Vietnamese men work at the construction site on the roof of a block of flats in Bucharest, September 26, 2019. ADRIAN CATU / AFP With a population of 19 million, Romania is sinking into a worrying demographic decline. Over 5 million Romanians have left their homeland, searching for a better life in Western Europe. On August 21, the Federation of Associations of Romanians in Europe (FADERE) urgently appealed to the government for immediate measures to stem the demographic drain. "Migration to the West is taking on alarming proportions, and many of those leaving are young people," said Daniel Tecu, president of FADERE, in an open letter to the government. "The poor quality of public services, bureaucratic corruption, lack of road infrastructure, and an archaic healthcare system are all factors driving Romanians to leave their country. While the European Union is offering funds, the loss of manpower risks jeopardizing their use." Since the fall of the Communist regime in 1989, a quarter of Romania's population has moved to Western Europe. This demographic hemorrhage intensified after the country joined the European Union in 2007. According to data from the foreign ministry, many migrants opted for Latin countries. Italy welcomed 1,137,000 Romanians, Spain 1,087,000, and the United Kingdom 950,000. Germany followed with 826,000, and France was 10th on the list with 106,000. This westward exodus created a labor shortage in a country with promising growth rates. In 2022, it attracted over 10 billion in foreign investment, but the companies setting up there struggle to recruit. Russia's war in the Ukraine has prompted many Western companies to leave Russia and Ukraine for Romania and Poland. Although the influx of capital improved economic indicators, finding labor remains a significant challenge for investors. A country full of contrasts Every year, Romania grants 100,000 work permits to non-EU applicants, most of whom come from Asian countries. "Without foreign workers, Romania would be in danger," said sociologist Gelu Duminica. "Whereas a Romanian generation in the 1990s had 800,000 children, today the figure is just 180,000. Some of them will leave the country." Immigration is not limited to Asians and Africans many entrepreneurs from Western Europe, particularly France, are looking for opportunities in a booming market. "Romania is a modern, dynamic country with a thriving start-up ecosystem," said 43-year-old Gregoire Vigroux, who has created around 20 companies and heads up the Romanian branch of La French Tech. Romania is beginning to take its place on the map of investments attracting Western capital. France ranks sixth among these investors, with 9.7 billion (or 10% of foreign investment). Romania's French chamber of commerce and industry counts over 550 companies that have generated 125,000 jobs. You have 30% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Wopke Hoekstra has an important job interview with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. The current Dutch foreign minister and commissioner appointed by the Netherlands to replace Frans Timmermans the former vice-president of the commission will discuss his future responsibilities on Tuesday, August 29. Theoretically, he should inherit the commission's climate action portfolio from Timmermans but not its vice-presidency in charge of the Green Pact, which has gone to Slovakia's Maros Sefcovic unless von der Leyen offers Hoekstra another portfolio, which would lead to a deeper reshuffle of the bloc's executive. However, this appointment has caused quite a stir in the Netherlands and Europe. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte declined to comment on his government's decision but the appointment of Hoekstra did not make everyone happy, particularly within the Reform Party (D66, liberal left), the most pro-European of the Dutch parties. As the second-largest party in the cabinet, which has recently resigned legislative elections will be held in November it had hoped that one of its own would succeed Timmermans. Weakening the Green Pact "A large number of factors came into play" in the appointment of the foreign minister, said Rutte. One of them, it is said in The Hague, was the strong insistence of the president of the European Commission, who wanted to see a Christian Democrat, a member of the European People's Party (EPP) like herself, manage this critical portfolio. For some months now, the EPP group has been blocking the texts of the Green Pact, which aims to make Europe a carbon-neutral continent by 2050. After attempting to scuttle the law on nature restoration, it is now trying to weaken future legislation on pesticide use, which is still under negotiation. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes European Green Deal: More leaders call for 'a regulatory pause' If approved by the European Parliament and the European Council, Hoekstra will represent the European Union at the next Conference of the Parties (COP28) on climate change in Dubai in November. By early 2024, he will have to outline Europe's climate ambitions for 2040. A daunting task for a leader who, in 2021, during a debate, criticized the "dogmas" and "ideological biases" of the leader of the Dutch environmental left. In the European Parliament, the first reactions were harsh against Hoekstra, who previously worked for Shell, where he began his career in 2002, and consulting firm McKinsey. The Social Democrat (S&D) group criticized him in no uncertain terms. "Wopke Hoekstra became known to the European public thanks to controversial statements made during the Covid-19 crisis," the Socialist Group said. Hoekstra was finance minister at that time, and his nickname, "Mr. No," summed up his philosophy quite well. You have 40% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. HUNDREDS of people have gathered for a vigil to mourn the deaths of four young people, including two siblings, who were killed in a collision in County Tipperary. Young people in the crowd were seen comforting each other as they grieved the loss of 24-year-old Luke McSweeney, his sister Grace McSweeney, Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, all aged 18. Classmates of Ms McSweeney and Ms Coffey from Presentation secondary school wore lilac jumpers that commemorate their graduate class of 2023. Grieving family members were also present at the Kickham Plaza gathering this Sunday evening. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, told the crowd it was amazing to see so many people at the vigil, and that there was a goodness in people coming together to console one another. He said people would support one another in the coming days and find a strength in that. Mayor of Clonmel Richie Molloy addressed the vigil by saying that the tragedy was the worst in living memory. He added: Its very hard to know what the families are feeling this evening, and while we can imagine, its very hard to know. All I can say as the mayor, the people of the town really want to show the families the feeling of unity thats out there. Father Michael Toomey, a chaplain at CBS High School which Mr McSweeney attended, said that people in the Clonmel area and around the country had been left speechless by the tragedy. He said that some people will be struggling to make sense of it, and wondered why them? The question we will certainly never get the answer to, not in this life anyway, he added. The deaths of Zoe, Nicole, Luke and Grace, its like a massive stone that hit a stilled lake, the rippled effects have sent shockwaves right across our family, our schools, our town, our country. As I said to the girls in Loreto the other day, and the lads in the High School, none of us would ever get over their deaths. But we will learn to live with it. It will become part of us and, as I also said, it will make us stronger once we grieve properly. Young men and women embraced one another and cried as the vigil came to a close with the song Rise Up by Andra Day. Mr McSweeney was driving the teenagers to a bus on Friday when the car overturned and crashed into a wall in the town. The youngsters were on their way to celebrate their Leaving Cert exam results, which they had received earlier on Friday. Bouquets of flowers, notes and candles have continued to be left at the wall of Loreto Secondary School, where Ms Murphy went to school and which is around the corner from the scene of the crash. On Sunday, as Mountain Road was reopened, people covered a corner of a stone wall with more flowers, notes and candles. People also stopped their cars to stand in front of the scene and pay their respects. Earlier on Sunday, students attended Loreto secondary school and Presentation secondary school to mourn together. Education minister Norma Foley said that immediate support would be offered from schools and their staff, with the National Educational Psychological Service offering any further support. Those services will be in place as long as theyre required by the schools and were very cognisant of the fact that different schools will have different needs, she said. Im very conscious that the class of 2023 have technically moved on from the school but it is so important that they would know that the school continues to be there for them, the door of the school is always open to a student, whether they are an immediate student, or a past student, and so the supports will be ongoing as theyre required. When asked about other tragedies involving school leavers that took place this summer, the minister said she had engaged with some of those schools involved and found they can help one another. Ive always been struck where they have pointed out that they have been raised up, their hearts have been lifted by that enormous solidarity from other schools. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were among those who expressed their sympathies, with Mr Varadkar saying the nation is in mourning. Mountain Road reopened on Sunday after a Garda forensic examination of the scene. Gardai are appealing for witnesses and said their investigation is focusing on preparing a report for the local coroner. Adverse weather conditions at the time of the collision, including heavy downpours at the scene when first responders arrived, will be considered as part of the inquiry. THE NUMBER of dog fouling fines issued in the last year has been revealed, with a small number in Limerick. The most recent data, gathered by National Council for Blind Ireland (NCBI), shows that 82 dog fouling fines were handed out in the country, in total, over the course of 2022. To give comparison, 788 inappropriate parking fines were issued last year in Limerick, while only five dog fouling fines were issued in the county in 2022. As part of NCBIs Clear Our Paths campaign, the data collected showed that some 17 counties didn't issue any dog fouling fines. A recent survey by NCBI also found that visually impaired people said dog fouling was the third most frequent, unexpected obstacle that they regularly encountered. Explaining why dog fouling can be dangerous for those who are visually impaired, Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer with NCBI, went on to say that: The dog fouling data shows that councils cant be expected to police the issue alone. "Its impractical to think that wardens could observe every dog owner who doesnt clean up after their dog and issue them with a fine. There needs to be significant effort from the public to clean up after their pets - its imperative that we all work to make our footpaths usable for all members in our communities. SENIOR gardai are being asked to attend a meeting next week to address a spike in criminality and anti-social behaviour in Limerick city. It follows a number of reported incidents including scrambler bikes being driven dangerously, open drug taking and physical assaults. Councillor Catherine Slattery, who organised the special meeting, set for Thursday, September 7, said: Limerick is a beautiful city and we need and want our city back. Scrambler bikes have taken over our city. Teenagers are being attacked by other teenagers and its being filmed and put on social media. People are frightened to go into the city centre during the day, not to mind at night, and this has to stop, said Cllr Slattery. Shane Gleeson, whose family have traded in the city centre for decades said hes had to reduce the opening hours at his Spar shop in Catherine Street. There is a growing issue with serious, aggressive anti-social behaviour. We have already shortened our hours. We close at 9pm now. A number of years ago, we'd have closed at 11pm. Were actively considering closing earlier again. Its about the presence on the street and it becomes more apparent during the hours of darkness. The businessman said after dark his staff are scared to use a nearby laneway which is an access point for his shop, for fear of being attacked. It shouldn't be an issue using it. It's not OK - we shouldnt be nervous, he added. Another trader, a coffee shop owner, has reported seeing open drug taking on the streets. It's something Cllr Slattery alluded to, saying: People do not want to sit on outside seating with drugs being taken right in front of them. As well as more gardai on the streets - or leather on concrete, Mr Gleeson wants officers better paid. It appears there is a crimewave but it's not really. It's just a small number of people who are acting outside of societal norms and they think it's OK as they don't get punished, he said. We're not in a Dublin situation yet, but we are heading in that direction, he warned. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has stepped in to provide 10m worth of measures to support policing in the capital. What about Limerick and the rest of the country? asked Cllr Slattery, We need a 24-hour garda presence in the city as traders are losing business here. AN OBJECTION by Mary Immaculate College to student accommodation in Limerick has been described as bizarre and mind-boggling. Plans for a new 22-room, three-storey apartment block at Courtbrack Avenue near the city college were approved by council. The proposal is being delivered by a private developer, Westbourne Student Residences, with its proposed building being built alongside three other complexes housing third-level students. However, the college has formally appealed against the councils decision to approve - with An Bord Pleanala now not set to make a decision on whether the project goes ahead until December. Agents acting on behalf of the college wrote in an initial objection to the council, that: Student accommodation can be subject to boisterous and at times anti-social behaviour. It is essential, particularly for younger students, to ensure they have adequate levels of privacy as well as adequate levels of recreation space. This is manifestly not the case in the present proposal as the exceptionally high density proposed can only be achieved by compromising on space separation, it adds. Labour councillor Joe Leddin, a neighbour of Mary Immaculate College is hugely disappointed and has called on the institution to withdraw its appeal to the national planning body. I am getting letters from the college this very week begging people living in the South Circular/Ballinacurra area to see if they have a spare room and would be interested in taking a student. The councillor criticised the commentary the colleges objection uses around behaviour in some student accommodation. They're condemning their own students and accusing them of anti-social behaviour. Its outrageous. To have a university object to the construction of student accommodation less than 500 yards from its front door is bizarre and mind-boggling. In a detailed submission, the colleges agents added the plans do not make adequate provision for car parking or vehicle access. We have demonstrated the proposal will result in significant breaches or normal planning codes including providing inadequate separation distance, inappropriate and unsafe access provision, interference with amenity of neighbouring properties, excessive density, site coverage and plot ratio and disregard for the character of the surrounding area. MAGA fan favorite, Newt Gingrich the devout Christian serial philanderer best known for allegedly saying that his ex-wife Jackie was "not young enough or pretty enough to be the wife of the President. And besides, she has cancer" has an important message for his followers about Democrats. On his August 25 appearance on The Sean Hannity Show, he claimed that the Democratic Party is "committed to killing your baby on the last day, or in some cases, committed to killing your baby up to 30 days after it's born." It's considered true because Gingrich, often described as the stupid person's idea of a smart person, said it. Hundreds have gathered for a vigil to mourn the deaths of four young people, including two siblings, who were killed in a car crash in Co Tipperary. Young people in the crowd were seen comforting each other as they grieved the loss of 24-year-old Luke McSweeney, his sister Grace McSweeney, Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, all aged 18. Classmates of Ms McSweeney and Ms Coffey from Presentation secondary school wore lilac jumpers that commemorate their graduate class of 2023. Grieving family members were also present at the Kickham Plaza gathering on Sunday evening. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, told the crowd it was amazing to see so many people at the vigil, and that there was a goodness in people coming together to console one another. He said people would support one another in the coming days and find a strength in that. Mayor of Clonmel Richie Molloy addressed the vigil by saying that the tragedy was the worst in living memory. He added: Its very hard to know what the families are feeling this evening, and while we can imagine, its very hard to know. All I can say as the mayor, the people of the town really want to show the families the feeling of unity thats out there. Father Michael Toomey, a chaplain at CBS High School which Mr McSweeney attended, said that people in the Clonmel area and around the country had been left speechless by the tragedy. He said that some people will be struggling to make sense of it, and wondered why them? The question we will certainly never get the answer to, not in this life anyway, he added. The deaths of Zoe, Nicole, Luke and Grace, its like a massive stone that hit a stilled lake, the rippled effects have sent shockwaves right across our family, our schools, our town, our country. As I said to the girls in Loreto the other day, and the lads in the High School, none of us would ever get over their deaths. But we will learn to live with it. It will become part of us and, as I also said, it will make us stronger once we grieve properly. Young men and women embraced one another and cried as the vigil came to a close with the song Rise Up by Andra Day. Mr McSweeney was driving the teenagers to a bus on Friday when the car overturned and crashed into a wall in the town. The youngsters were on their way to celebrate their Leaving Cert exam results, which they had received earlier on Friday. Bouquets of flowers, notes and candles have continued to be left at the wall of Loreto Secondary School, where Ms Murphy went to school and which is around the corner from the scene of the crash. On Sunday, as Mountain Road was reopened, people covered a corner of a stone wall with more flowers, notes and candles. People also stopped their cars to stand in front of the scene and pay their respects. Earlier on Sunday, students attended Loreto secondary school and Presentation secondary school to mourn together. Education minister Norma Foley said that immediate support would be offered from schools and their staff, with the National Educational Psychological Service offering any further support. Those services will be in place as long as theyre required by the schools and were very cognisant of the fact that different schools will have different needs, she said. Im very conscious that the class of 2023 have technically moved on from the school but it is so important that they would know that the school continues to be there for them, the door of the school is always open to a student, whether they are an immediate student, or a past student, and so the supports will be ongoing as theyre required. When asked about other tragedies involving school leavers that took place this summer, the minister said she had engaged with some of those schools involved and found they can help one another. Ive always been struck where they have pointed out that they have been raised up, their hearts have been lifted by that enormous solidarity from other schools. Irish President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were among those who expressed their sympathies, with Mr Varadkar saying the nation is in mourning. Mountain Road reopened on Sunday after a Garda forensic examination of the scene. Gardai are appealing for witnesses and said their investigation is focusing on preparing a report for the local coroner. Adverse weather conditions at the time of the crash, including heavy downpours at the scene when first responders arrived, will be considered as part of the inquiry. Shares of China's real estate developer, Evergrande Group are bleeding in red as the stock plunged 87% in Hong Kong trading as they started trading for the first time in a year and a half. Over 99% of the share value of embattled Chinese developers has been lost in the past three years. On Monday, Evergrande's market value shrank to just HK$4.6 billion ($586 million) from a peak of more than $50 billion in 2017. On Sunday, the realty firm posted a loss of 33 billion yuan ($4.5 billion) for the first six months of the year. However, that was an improvement on the 77.4 billion yuan loss it posted for the same period last year. EVERGRANDE RESUMES TRADING On 28 August, China Evergrande Group, the defaulted developer at the heart of the countrys real estate crisis resumed trading after a 17-month halt. The trading of Evergrande Group was suspended on March 18, 2022, with the company has lost over 95% of its market capitalisation from its peak. The property developer released long-delayed earnings last month for 2021 and 2022 to resume trading in the Hong Kong stock exchange. The Chinese developed claimed that conducted an independent investigation into the enforcement by banks of pledge guarantees for its Evergrande Property Services unit and addressed auditor modifications. CHINA's CRACKDOWN ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS Several real estate developers have been hit in China due to the recent crackdown by the Chinese government on the booming real estate industry to cut risk and make homes more affordable. Chinas real estate sector is unraveling and risks are spreading to the countrys $60 trillion financial system. Chinas existing policies have failed to sustain a rebound in the property market as price declines extend across the nation, putting the governments 5% economic growth target at risk. However, this weekend, China unveiled a further easing of its mortgage policies to halt a slump in its residential property market and revive growth. Beijing has proposed that local governments can scrap a rule that disqualifies people whove ever had a mortgage - even if fully repaid - from being considered first-time homebuyers in major cities. The government also said it will extend the personal income tax rebates for people who buy new homes within one year after selling old homes till the end of 2025. In at least ten of the biggest cities, homebuyers with a mortgage record who dont own property have been subject to higher down payment requirements and more restrictive borrowing limits. That has suppressed demand as these people have been treated as second-time buyers. The countrys top housing official last month urged financial regulators and lenders to strengthen efforts to revive the property sector, calling for homebuyers who had paid off previous mortgages to be considered as first-time purchasers. Developers are facing a 62 trillion yuan ($8.5 trillion) gap to meet their financial obligations, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group estimated in a report. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! NEW DELHI: Monday is set to be a crucial day for the grounded airline Jet Airways, with the National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) expected to pronounce an order today in the ongoing case between the airlines' successful bidder Jalan-Kalrock Capital consortium and erstwhile lenders led by State Bank of India (SBI). Jet Airways ceased operations on 17 April, 2019, after 26 years of service, due to financial difficulties. Seeking revival, Jet Airways filed for insolvency in June 2019 with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai. However, the process was derailed by the covid-19 pandemic and legal complexities raised by various stakeholders. In October 2020, the Murari Lal Jalan-Kalrock Capital consortium emerged victorious in the bid, earning approval from the Committee of Creditors (CoC) and the NCLT. Their revival plan involves injecting 475 crore within the first two years and raising 125 crore through the sale of non-core assets by the end of the first year. However, the revival process has been stuck since. Mint examines the prevailing legal disputes that are obstructing Jet Airways' efforts to revive and resume operations. Challenging the Winning Bidder and Pending Dues The successful bidder, Kalrock Capital Murari Lal Jalan consortium (JKC), faced opposition from former lenders led by SBI in the NCLAT. SBI contested the NCLT Mumbai bench declaration of the consortium as the winning bidder, arguing that the consortium hadn't fulfilled the outlined conditions in the resolution plan, including settling dues of approximately 800 crore. The successful bidder for Jet Airways, JKC, is facing legal challenges from the airline's workers and employees, all of whom are seeking to recover their pending dues. Both the workmen and lenders took their grievances to the Supreme Court, pursuing the recovery of amount from the consortium. Adding to the legal web, a Malta-based aviation company, Ave Aviation, sought NCLATs permission to purchase aircraft from Jet Airways. However, the NCLT Mumbai bench dismissed their plea in July, with Ave Aviation accusing lenders of obstructing the aircraft sale. The Crucial NCLAT Extension Plea At the heart of the matter lies the extension plea filed by the successful bidder, JKC, which has requested a 90-day extension from the NCLAT to pay pending dues amounting to 350 crore. The SBI-led lenders set a deadline for JKC to deposit 350 crore by August 31, as a condition for ownership transfer. JKC proposed paying the dues in two installments, with 150 crore by August 31 and the remaining 150 crore by September 30. JKC has accused lenders of deliberately blocking ownership transfer through legal roadblocks and seeks the tribunal's intervention to ensure a smooth transition. While the NCLAT reserved its decision for 28 August regarding the extension, lenders expressed willingness to extend support to JKC. However, they contested JKC's attempt to modify the resolution plan's terms, including the addition of a performance bank guarantee of 150 crore. Workers' Plea and Aircraft Purchase Dispute Workers of Jet Airways took their plea to the NCLAT in October 2022, leading to a favourable ruling. The NCLAT directed JKC to pay around 224 crore in remaining dues along with provident and gratuity funds to the grounded airline's employees. The Supreme Court upheld this NCLAT order in February, instructing the airline to reinstate 169 workers with full wages. These workers were deemed temporary by the airline, despite fulfilling the 240-day service requirement on a fixed-term contract. Regarding the dispute involving Ace Aviation, NCLAT postponed the matter until the dues issue between JKC and lenders was resolved. The next hearing for the Ace Aviation case is scheduled for 6 September. Regulatory Hurdles and Stalled Operations The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 28 July renewed Jet Airways' air operator certificate (AOC) that had lapsed in May 2022 due to JKC's failure to resume operations. However, despite AOC renewal, legal obstacles continue to prevent the airline from resuming flights. The airline's spat with DGCA over slot allocation further compounds the situation. In June 2021, DGCA asserted that old slots wouldn't be reinstated based on the airline's 25-year operational history. NCLT's final order also rejected Jet Airways' claim for pre-allowed slots under the 'use it or lose it' rule. What lies ahead With these intricate legal proceedings in play, the fate of Jet Airways' revival hangs in balance. The NCLAT's forthcoming decision is anticipated to shed light on the extension plea, payment date, and the viability of a performance bank guarantee. The airline also saw key executives like CEO-designate Sanjiv Kapoor and airlines accountable manager P.P. Singh leave the airline since the new promoters were not even being able to pay full salaries and all keep executives were working on pay cut. The airline, sources say, currently has a very low number of employees in the operational departments, a key prerequisite for any airline. Amidst this legal maze, the future of Jet Airways and its revival aspirations remain uncertain. Reliance AGM 2023: Chairman and MD of Reliance Industries Limited, Mukesh Ambani began the speech of 46th Annual General Meeting by congratulating ISRO for its historic success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. In his speech, Mukesh Ambani said, This is a new India full of self confidence." Reliance AGM 2023 LIVE Updates This India is unstoppable, this India is tireless. It doesn't gasp for breath. This India does not give up. The historic success of Chandrayaan-3 demonstrated this yet again. On behalf of all of us, I send our heartiest congratulation to all the scientists and engineers at ISRO. India has consolidated its position as a global space power," said Mukesh Ambani. Also Read: Reliance AGM 2023: From Jio True5G to Jio Smart Home Services, here are key technology announcements He also talked about the important role of India played in the coming G20 summit in September. He also said that "India will rise as a leading nation in the increasing multi-polar word." He said that India's rising position stands out as a beacon of hope for the world. The same is reflected in "India's G20 theme one Earth, one family, and one future." He said that India's G20 presidency has made the international divided community to take note of the inspiring words of Upanishads Vasudev Kutumbukam. Mukesh Ambani went ahead and said that the same shloka is a source of inspiration for Reliance to develop its 'We Care' philosophy. Also Read: RIL AGM 2023: Reliance added 2.6 lakh jobs in FY23, says Mukesh Ambani Continuing his speech, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman, Mukesh Ambani called his company New Reiance which will be a new age-technology driven company with distinctive capabilities. He also said that Reliance Jio's AirFiber service will be launched on the ocassion of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 19. He also added that Jio Financial Services will enter insurance segment in the present financial year. Also read: Reliance AGM 2023: We are now a new-age tech company says RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani In his speech, he highlighted the four frontiers for Reliance Jio's growth, ie the consumer segment, the home segment, the Business segment, opportunity for global expansion. Batting on these segments, Mukesh Ambani said that they will provide the company with an opportunity for multi-fold growth in the coming years. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! MUMBAI : Late-stage technology investor SoftBank Investment Advisers has made more than $5.5 billion in exits from its Indian portfolio since it began operations in November 2018 in Mumbai, said Sumer Juneja, the firms managing partner. Of the total, about $1.5 billion was booked in the last 12-18 months, said Juneja, also the firms head for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Another $1.5 billion is liquid and in tradable equities, he said in an interview. Our portfolio is now maturing, so exits will happen. Our view is that every year, we should have one, if not two exits," said Juneja. Most investments weve made since the India office opened five years ago has had up-rounds from some marquee investors," he added. An up-round is when a new set of investors come in to invest at a higher valuation. In recent months, SoftBank made partial exits in private startups such as Lenskart and FirstCry and booked profits from listed startups such as Paytm, Zomato, Delhivery and PolicyBazaar. It continues to hold stakes in these firms. SoftBanks biggest exit so far was from Flipkart in 2018, when the firm sold its 20% stake in the Indian e-commerce marketplace to Walmart for about $4 billion. SoftBank subsequently made a return investment in Flipkart in 2021, as part of a larger $3 billion funding round. Overall, the Japanese investment giant has invested around $15 billion in India since 2011. It has put in around $11 billion through its vision funds since 2017. Our thesis in India is that we will invest in companies at $1-2 billion valuation and exit at the $5-6 billion valuation mark," said Juneja. As additional companies from its portfolio go public, SoftBank, run by Masayoshi Son, is likely to make more exits in India. Companies such as FirstCry, Lenskart, OfBusiness, Swiggy, Icertis and Ola Electric from its portfolio are potential candidates for public listings, Juneja said, adding that the timings of the public issues are hard to predict given the volatile markets and impending general elections in 2024. SoftBank has been investing in India out of its Vision Fund I launched in 2017 and Vision Fund II launched in 2019. The total assets under management of both funds exceed $154 billion, as of May 2023. The firm turned into a defensive mode" in May 2022, after the tech markets collapsed and the vision funds incurred losses. On 8 August, the vision funds clocked a $1 billion investment gain after six straight quarters of losses. Meanwhile, earlier in July, SoftBank founder Son told investors and analysts it was shifting to an offensive mode" and was keen to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. SoftBank Investment, which hasnt made any new investment in the last 15-16 months in the country, has been building a robust pipeline in AI-first and tech-first companies, including in India, said Juneja. He attributed the recent investment drought to good companies deferring fundraising plans and a broken pipeline in early-stage investing. Most of the good companies, including our portfolio companies were well-capitalized and do not require capital immediately, even till the next three years. Secondly, we had already passed on some companies in 2021, likely for issues with product market fit, or unit economics, or the quality of tech team or the quality of management. We are unlikely to fund these companies in 2023," he said. Juneja noted that early-stage venture firms, which feed into late-stage investment firms such as SoftBank, have focussed more on portfolio management over the last 12 months, which has resulted in a lag in the investment pipeline. This is likely to change going forward, he indicated, as it scans the Indian market for tech-first and AI-first firms. Masayoshi Son has been talking about AI since 2017. But the use of AI has become more sophisticated. If it is not a very high tech team and product team, which has the ability to use AI, then we will not invest in them," said Juneja. He added that the firm spends an inordinate amount of time on companies to assess if they have the right tech team, product team and the DNA to build an AI-first business. I think AI has become more accessible, more democratized and the use of AI will rapidly increase...," said Juneja, noting that all of the firms portfolio companies have always incorporated some element of AI in their processes. NEW DELHI : ChatGPT has made waves across the world since entering the public discourse last year; but for the hard-nosed judges combing through law and jurisprudence, the large language model is not grown up enough. Not just yet. The artificial-intelligence (AI) platform made an unexpected entry into commercial litigation, with French luxury footwear maker Christian Louboutin citing the platforms responses as evidence in an intellectual-property case before the Delhi high court. Christian Louboutin had moved court against an Indian shoemaker, accusing them of making shoes that the French company had patented. To prove its patent claim over spiked shoes for men, it cited a response given by ChatGPT stating that Christian Louboutin enjoys great reputation as producer of mens spiked shoes. The company asked ChatGPT whether Christian Louboutin was known for spiked men shoes and it responded positively. However, the court framed the same question differently, by asking names of brands that make spiked shoes; the AI platform listed 10 different companies, including Christian Louboutin, in response. The court then observed that the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content was still a grey area. There is no doubt in the mind of the court that at the present stage of technological development, AI cannot substitute either the human intelligence or the humane element in adjudicatory proceedings," the court order dated 22 August said. The case was settled after the defendant agreed not to manufacture shoes resembling Christian Louboutin in the future. However, legal experts say AI tools may soon turn relevant in the legal arena, especially in aspects like collecting statistics. AI tools need to address the bias before becoming reliable enough for courts to rely on them. Once the issue of bias is addressed, AI can be a useful tool for data centric issues, i.e., statistics and trends," said Gyanendra Kumar, partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Earlier, courts were conservative in accepting technology into mainstream legal proceedings, but that has changed massively. Recently, courts have allowed notices to defendants to be served over WhatsApp if they could not be reached by registered post. AI offers the potential to transform the legal sector, aiding tasks from research to case outcome prediction. While they promise efficiency, challenges like ethical implications, algorithmic biases, and over-reliance risks persist. Its vital to balance AIs benefits with ensuring justice remains human-centric," said Aviral Kapoor, partner, Alagh & Kapoor Law Offices. While the new technology is expected to take over human interface in several sectors, its usage may mean vulnerability for the legal industry, given complex challenges involved with such an evolving sector. Today if in a litigation, an adverse order is passed due to the material made available by ChatGPT, who will be authored/own for loss caused if the aggrieved party wishes to counter?" Amit Panigrahi, partner designate, Luthra & Luthra Associates, asked. Earlier this year, a US resident named Roberto Mata sued the airline Avianca alleging a metal serving cart stuck his knee to injure him while he was at the New York airport. In the petition, Matas lawyers cited cases that the judge later realized did not exist. Eventually, it transpired that the lawyer had used an AI platform to file the affidavit and the AI platform had made up random cases. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! In a major change of leadership role, Brightcom Group 's Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Reddy and CFO Naryana Raju have resigned from their post, said the company in its stock filing on Sunday. The decision was approved at the Board of Directors meeting of the company held on Sunday. Other than accepting the resignation, the board has also approved the search for an CEO and an CFO to ensure the smooth continuation of essential operations. Received and acknowledged resignation letters from Mr. Suresh Reddy, who was serving as the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the company. Received and acknowledged resignation letters from Mr. Narayana Raju, who held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company," the company said in its stock exchange filing. After the news, company shares plunged by 5% in the stock market. At 10:12 am, Brightcom shares were trading 4.96% lower at 19.72 per share on BSE on Monday. The decision has come after the capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its interim order, found lapses in Brightcom Group Limited (BGL) preferential issue of shares. Moreover, SEBI had also barred Suresh Kumar Reddy, the promoter-cum-chairman and MD of the company, along with CFO Naryan Raju from continuing their position until further notice. To appoint new leaders, a transition leadership team has been proposed by the board. It has also approved the commencement of a search for a new CEO and CFO for the company. The company also hinted that it will also prepare and issue a detailed press release about the departure of Reddy and Raju in accordance with SEBI's interim order. The two former company leaders are barred from holding any directorial or key managerial positions at any listed company or their subsidiaries till further order. Whereas, Suresh Reddy was also banned from accessing security market. "There is a real apprehension that , if allowed to continue to be at the helm of affairs, may make every effort to derail SEBIs investigation to unravel the truth in this matter by further forging and fabricating records and misleading SEBI," the order said. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! New Delhi: After a reset triggered as part of the post-1991 liberalization process was completed, announcements on trade measures by the Indian government became boring, barely making the headlines. In the early-1990s, Indias peak tariff rate was in triple digits and dominated discussion on economic reform. By 2007-08, that peak rate had fallen to around 10%. Any further changes to trade policy, it was assumed, would just be minor tweaks and not worthy of headlines. But it was exactly Indias trade measures that hit the headlines in early-August, when it imposed licencing requirements on the import of computers, a move it back pedalled on somewhat in the face of protests. Ultimately, the government delayed the introduction of the measures by three months, but didnt reverse it. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Many observers were quick to point out this measure was not an isolated one. In the last few years, after a steady downward trend for many years, India has been increasing its tariffs. The World Trade Organization (WTO), in its review of Indias trade policy for 2021, pointed out that since the previous review in 2015, the countrys simple average tariff rate had increased from 13% to 15.4%. The number of goods with tariffs below 10% declined to 67.8% of the overall trade basket in 2020-21, from 79.1% in 2015. By comparison, the share of goods with tariffs between 10% and 30% increased to 22.1% of the overall trade basket in 2020-21, from 12.1% in 2015. In a paper in 2020, Shoumitro Chatterjee and Arvind Panagariya, noting that there had been about 3,200 tariff increases done by India since 2014, said: India is turning inward. Domestic demand is assuming primacy over export-orientation and trade restrictions are increasing, reversing a three-decade trend." According to the Global Trade Alert database, which tracks trade policy measures across countries, India has seen a spike in trade measures that could be seen as harmful to trade, since at least the last decade. While there is data available for close to 280 sectors, close to one in seven harmful trade policy measures have been seen in six sectorsprecious metals, jewellery, vegetable oils, oilseeds, organic chemicals and metal waste/scrap. Union minister of state for entrepreneurship, skill development, electronics and technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar tweeted that by licencing imports of IT hardware, it was the governments objective to ensure trusted hardware and systems" while also reducing Indias dependence on imports and increasing its reliance on domestic manufacturing. In other words, this was a form of industrial policy, in all but name. The classic argument against industrial policybroadly defined as a set of policy measures aimed at large-scale changes in the structure of the economyhas been broadly two-fold. First, economists argue, governments are terrible at predicting the future. Bureaucrats are bad at identifying future economic trends or industries (let alone companies) to promote, which will take off in the future and pull the rest of the economy along with them. Secondly, even if governments could do this, there is the risk that any benefits that governments offer will be snapped up by politically well-connected business groups rather than the dynamic, under-funded entrepreneurs who really need it and will put it to good use. So, are the new industrial policies any different? A global trend While much criticism has been directed at the Indian government for appearing to be more trade interventionist in recent years, the reversion of many countries to some form of industrial policy, which effectively aims at replacing imported products with domestically produced ones, is a global phenomenon. A recent paper by Reka Juhasz, Nathan J Lane and Dani Rodrik on the return to industrial policy uses data compiled for countries on trade and industrial policy measures implemented by governments across the world, using official documents. It concludes: Industrial policy has indeed returned and is on the rise." The total number of policy interventions classified by the database relating to industrial policy rose from 56 in 2012 to 1,568 in 2022 (chart 1). Importantly, they note, high-income G20 countries are major users of industrial policy, with advanced countries accounting for the overwhelming majority" of industrial policy interventions (chart 2). This is partly because while industrial policy is implemented in various different ways, an important avenue is the government budgeteither as subsidies or as tax concessions. Richer countries have much more financial leeway to spend a greater proportion of their budget on such policies. Interestingly, the authors conclude that import tariffs are not the main tool of industrial policythe trend in import tariffs provides only a partial picture of industrial policy measures. The most obvious example of this in Indias case is the 1.97 trillion production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. On the face of it, the PLI scheme has nothing to do with tweaking tariffs. It is focused on incentivizing companies to increase domestic production across 14 sectors, rather than manufacture products outside India. Another important category of industrial policy measures across richer, middle-income, or poorer countries attempt to lower cost of production for companies through a variety of meansloan guarantees, trade finance, loans from the state, or even outright grants. Finally, even in the case of trade, the so-called non-tariff barriers to tradegovernments setting minimum quality standards for imports, for examplehave become progressively more important in influencing trade flows. Some sectors stand out prominently when it comes to industrial policy. Green energy in general, and electric vehicles in particular, are sectors that many governments give attention to. The auto sector is another example. Among poorer countries, textiles and apparel figure prominently as sectors targeted for incentives. Spot the change So, how is the new industrial policy different? Contemporary industrial policies, the authors argue, are much less inward looking. They are aimed at blocking off imports, but much more focused on promoting exports. An industry focused on winning export orders is likely to be much more cost-efficient and uses the latest technology than one that knows it can operate safely in a sheltered domestic market with few competitors. In an important sense, of course, this is hardly new industrial policy. The tiger economies of Asiastarting from Japan, followed by South Korea, Taiwan and others, and finally Chinadid exactly this. By doing so, these countries have effectively set the standard for what is good industrial policy and what isnt. But even trying to identify what is, and what isnt, an industrial policy can be difficult. For instance, a month before the laptop licencing restriction, India imposed import licencing requirements on gold jewellery. This was hardly related to any aim by the government to promote a domestic jewellery industry, but an explicit attempt to close off a loophole which businesses were using to import gold without duty. Thus, its critical to identify why governments are attempting to impose, say, a tariff or a licencing requirement, rather than to automatically assume that they are to protect domestic industry. Further, a government can target a single sector through a variety of industrial policy instruments over time. Some of these are measurable, like import tariffs. Others are unquantifiable such as administrative guidancewhen bureaucrats sit down with companies and nudge them in a certain direction. The difficulty of observing industrial policy is not just an academic issue. Governments, point out Juhasz, Lane and Rodrik, cannot use many of the tools that were at their disposal decades ago to influence trade. Given the commitments to the WTO, for instance, few governments can raise import tariffs at will. So, import tariffs have become much less important a tool of industrial policy than in earlier decades. Even the experiences of the successful Asian economies throw up different lessons, depending on which country we look at. Both China and Vietnam, for example, relied to a much greater extent on foreign direct investment (FDI) to promote domestic industry than their predecessors. China followed a model whereby foreign companies partnered with domestic companies, such as those in the auto sector, to set up manufacturing units. Over time, a process of skill and technology transfer would take place to the domestic partner. This form of quid-pro-quo FDI has proved controversial with foreign companies, who tend to view it as a form of forced technology transfer. Nevertheless, as research by Jie Bai, Panle Jia Barwick, Shengmao Cao, and Shanjun Li showed, the quid pro quo FDI route led to auto models being produced in China with quality improvements of between 3.8-12.7%. Across East Asian economies, facilitating exports through the use of tools such as trade finance was ubiquitous and critical. And again, reliance on formal protective measures, so beloved of Indian policymakers, came down over time in East Asia and even in South Korea. A critical aspect of the success of the Asian tigers was the relationship between state and industry. It was neither top-downan approach that would effectively result in the government ordering the private sector around and telling them where to put their money. It was also not too clubby, which would have resulted in the political capture of the state by industry. Bureaucrats worked closely with industry and there was constant feedback from industry to government about what was working and what wasnt. Thus, governments were able to be pragmatic and constantly improve policies which worked and throw out those that didnt. The other major policy that works is just better infrastructurebetter roads, better ports, better and more reliable power supply. In addition, better targeted infrastructure investment that directly addresses the needs of manufacturers and entrepreneurs, rather than being the vanity project of a prime minister or president. The new context The context in which industrial policy is done has changed dramatically from a few decades ago. The biggest change is the actual decline in manufacturing across the world as a source of growth of GDP and of employment. Even in China, manufacturing employment has been declining since at least 2014. If a core goal of industrial policy is employment, then by definition, industrial policy will have to focus on services to a much greater extent than it has. So, the question becomes whether the productive development policies typically applied to manufacturing can also be appropriate for sectors such as retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, or long-term care," write Juhasz, Lane and Rodrik. But good-jobs externalities (which lead to jobs that provide social mobility to the middle class) are rampant in such services, and we know that these activities can benefit from complementary investments in new work practices, job-specific training, technologies that complement and empower workers, better tailored regulations, and improved organizational culture." The contemporary debate on industrial policy in India tends to get caught up in the issue of should we go down this road again. This is essentially irrelevant. All governments use such policies and they always will. The questions should really evolve around what policies to use, what sectors to target, and how to set up a mechanism by which governments learn from the experience of private industry and adapt. howindialives.com is a search engine for public data. CNN-News18 has claimed leadership position in the English TV news genre with an average viewership share of over 35% for more than a year now. Citing data from television monitoring agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) India, the channel said it has captured 35.3% market share, higher than that of rivals like Times Now, Republic TV and others. With 23.5% market share, Times Now is at number three behind Republic TV, which presently has 29.6% share, the company said. In the 15 plus target group, CNN-News18 has maintained its top position by capturing 34.6% market share. With 22.5% market share, Times Now is at number three. Republic TV has captured the second spot with 30.4% share. The continued dominance of CNN-News18 in the robust All India 15 plus or 2 plus TG (target group) indicates the strength of the brand and the value it delivers to its advertisers. By convenient slicing and dicing of viewership data on thin slivers, the competition cannot mislead advertisers," Avinash Kaul, CEO (Broadcast), Network18 Group said in a statement. On the digital front, CNN-News18 has clocked in 1.4 billion views on YouTube, surpassing Times Now which had 795 million views between July and August 2023, according to social media analytics website Socialblade. On Facebook too, the channel had 787 million views, as compared to 731 million views of Times Now for the same period according to content discovery and social monitoring platform Crowdtangle. Television news viewership that hit a record following the pandemic outbreak and plunged thereafter as normalcy resumed has begun to pick up again, at a time critical state and general elections are approaching. At the beginning of the lockdown, the news category commanded nearly a fifth of overall TV viewership, thanks to lack of fresh content and viewers hunger for covid-related information, only to fall to nearly 4% as the economy opened up. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Once a humble India-focused moped and two-wheeler maker, TVS Motor has undergone a transformative journey. This ability to understand and solve customer needs in markets globally and deliver satisfactory products, has emboldened the company to chart a bold new path. With a remarkable ability to weather economic fluctuations, TVS Motor has forged a reputation for resilience. It is no wonder that investors turn to this stalwart during uncertain times. Beyond its financial success, TVS Motor is also recognised for its commitment to sustainability. TVS Motor Company, which unveiled its all-new flagship electric scooter, is aiming for strong global play with this high-on-technology EV. To achieve this, TVS Motor is stitching a grand EV plan. Let's delve deeper into TVS Motor's plans for this groundbreaking endeavour. EV production target TVS Motor is all set to dispatch a record volume of more than two lakh scooters, based on its electric vehicle (EV) platform, in the current financial year. This launch is strategically aimed at capturing the attention of a new segment of buyers. Starting from August 2023, the company plans on accelerating the production of the existing EV scooter, iQube, by an additional 25,000 units per month. The introduction of novel electric scooter models will also contribute to the overall EV production growth. The company is targeting to produce 100,000 EVs in FY24, up from 50,000 units in FY23. Holding a 22% market share as of July, TVS Motor stands as India's second-largest two-wheeler EV company, trailing only behind Ola Electric. The company has invested nearly 2.5 bn in the development of the TVS X model. For the current fiscal year, TVS Motor anticipates capital expenditures ranging between 9-10 bn, with a significant portion allocated to EV product development. TVS Motor is confident that it can achieve its target of doubling EV production in FY24. The company has a strong brand image and a broad dealer network, which will help it reach a vast customer base. EV ecosystem play TVS Motor is a key player in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, with a market share exceeding 20%. The company recently unveiled a novel electric two-wheeler called TVS X. TVS Motor, on 24 August 2023, announced that it has invested a substantial capital expenditure (capex) of 2.5 billion (bn) for this endeavour. The vehicle's pioneering design is poised to captivate younger demographics, particularly Generation Z and Millennials. TVS envisions establishing a comprehensive presence across diverse segments of the EV ecosystem, encompassing three-wheelers and Business-to-Business (B2B) sectors like e-commerce and food delivery scooters. The company has a dual commitment to investing in both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles. It believes that these two technologies will harmoniously coexist and flourish in tandem. This multi-faceted strategy is anticipated to bolster EV production and enhance market differentiation. Global EV expansion plan Looking ahead, TVS Motor is charting an ambitious global expansion plan. It envisions venturing into international markets such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Europe. The company has already secured a significant position as the leading seller of e-bikes in Switzerland, and it plans to extend its product reach across various parts of Europe. E-bikes have swiftly gained favour as a preferred mode of personal mobility in these regions, indicating an early shift in consumer preferences. Furthermore, TVS Motor has strategically invested over $90 million in diverse startups operating in fields including Industry 4.0, risk modelling, Internet of Things (IoT), and the electric vehicle (EV) sector. In its pursuit of global prominence, TVS Motor's expansive international strategy signifies a crucial stride toward establishing itself as a pivotal contender in the worldwide EV market. To Conclude TVS Motor's propensity for pioneering innovative approaches has consistently set it apart from its competitors. With aspirations of becoming a global leader in the EV two-wheeler sector, the company's endeavors align well with the Indian government's incentives to bolster EV adoption. Through substantial investments and the establishment of a dedicated EV factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, coupled with strategic collaborations for technology advancement, TVS Motor is clearly committed to its EV business expansion. Moreover, the company's strong emphasis on developing novel and cutting-edge EV products underscores its dedication to shaping the future of electric mobility. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Samuel Wurzelbacher, the telecommunications company worker better known as Joe the Plumber, died over the weekend of pancreatic cancer. Wurzelbacher rose to fame during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign season when he told Democratic nominee Barack Obama that he didn't like Obama's tax policy. It was later reported that Wurzelbacher, who espoused a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps philosophy, was a welfare recipient. Here's what The New York Times had to say in 2011 about Wurzelbacher's self-owning hypocrisy: In fact, Joe's real name was Samuel Wurzelbacher, and he was not a licensed plumber. He had no plumbing business, and was in no financial position to buy one. Aspirations aside, he was in debt and owed the state substantial back taxes. In other words, the real Samuel Wurzelbacher was precisely the sort of citizen who would have benefited most from Obama's proposed policies. Yet the distance between what "Joe" imagined his status to be and its reality says a great deal both about the inflated condition of the American dream, and the deflated reality of the American worker. Joe the Plumber, in other words, was a perfect cipher for the complications of class anxiety afflicting many Americans. Wurzelbacher spent the rest of his life as a tool for oligarchs to stir up class resentment. Globetrotters are always on the search for good, cheap accommodation. And that is good news for people offering homestays via platforms like Airbnb. The Airbnb story, though, is not new in India. For the last several years, many homeowners in the country have been subletting a part of their home, mostly to tenants initially and then to travellers via online portals. But, the concept has now evolved into a full-fledged BnB (bed and breakfast) business opportunity. View Full Image (Graphics: Mint) In Goa, Bhavya G (see grfx), had her first brush with Airbnb nine months ago when she listed her leased apartment on the platform. Bhavya, along with her husband, had leased the apartment when they moved to Goa from Mumbai in 2020. The couple shifted to a Portuguese villa soon but Bhavya decided to keep the apartment to try her luck with Airbnb. Everyone in Goa was doing it, so I decided to try it for myself," said Bhavya, who is a designer and also runs a kids online clothing brand. She now lists her villa also on Airbnb whenever the couple is out travelling. And barely eight months into the business, Bhavyas entrepreneurship skills have come to the fore. Im in the process of leasing two more apartments in Goa and one villa in Bali in partnership with two others," she said. In distant Delhi, 29-year-old Sahil Arora (see grfx) will soon be hosting six flats on Airbnb. Arora started with just one listing seven months back, while the rest were rented out to regular tenants. My first experience was great. The earnings from this was higher than the rental yield. I also had more control over my property and it saved me the hassle of dealing with tenants. Now, Im gradually turning all my six properties into Airbnb listings," said the 29-year-old. Airbnb hosting is now Aroras bread and butterhe positions himself as a professional host. I have an under construction project in Gurgaon, which, on completion, will be let out on the Airbnb platform," he said. His next investment destination for an Airbnb is either Goa or Dehradun. Bhavya and Arora are not isolated cases. Several people are investing in real estate properties in popular vacation cities, like Goa, Dehradun, Coorg, Ooty, etc,that have a high tourist influx for the purpose of running them as BnBs. The reason: a handsome monthly income stream that is significantly higher than a standard rental yield and also allows you to own a holiday home for yourself. Remote work opportunities have also prompted some to realize their dream of moving to these cities permanently, which makes it easier to manage the BnB business. Ritu Mehdiratta (see grfx) is a case in point. After she and her husband moved from Bengaluru to Goa, they leased one 1-bhk apartment and listed it on Airbnb, just to test the waters. It was an instant success with 80% occupancy in the first month. Over the next few months, they leased one more apartment and bought one Portuguese condominium near the beach. The condominium was bought on loan. I easily earn 50% of the lease amount as profit during the peak season. During the off-season, I managed to break even but the surplus was not much. As for the condo, the yield covers the home loan EMI, but the earning is not secondary in this case as Ive also built myself a beach home," she said. Leasing properties to run them as BnBs is not uncommon. It is a good option for those who do not have upfront capital to purchase a property and those who dont prefer to take on the hassle of property ownership. The alternative Bnb model is also proving to be a more economically feasible option over renting. Shreya Chandola (see grfx) in Dehradun has been listing the first floor of her two-storey house in Dehradun for two years. Her average monthly earning is 50% (net of expenses) higher than what she would have earned from regular rental. She has never rented the house before, so the estimate is based on rental yields of similar properties in nearby areas. Listing the house as a BnB also allows the Chandola family to use the house for their personal reasons whenever they want, an option that is not available with long term rentals. This was my parents retirement home. After my mother died, we thought of renting it out but decided not to as the house also has great emotional value for us and we wanted to keep using it. I have travelled worldwide and stayed in Airbnbs, and hence, decided to test it out for our home," she said. Chandola is very happy with her decision and is in the process of constructing a property in Pauri, Garwhal, and list it as BnB. Pauri has a huge tourist footfall so it will be a good business proposition. We are looking at buying land and building a cottage," she said. Arora, too, believes the BnB model has far greater value than renting. Tenants dont care about the upkeep of your house. With short-term rentals, you are in better control of your property," he said. Income from BnBs is also treated as rental income for taxation. Airbnb also effects tax deduction at source (TDS) before paying the final amount to the hosts. It also issues TDS certificates. What to expect The duration to break even and thereafter start making profits depends on a host of factors: occupancy rate, upfront costs to set up the place, premium services that are provided, and pricing. For Bhavya, Julywas the first month that she booked a profit. She says that occupancy rate of 20-60% in her case is modest for a tourist hub like Goa, but she has maintained that on purpose. I let out the villa only when my husband and I are travelling out of town. Even with the apartment, I dont chase higher occupancy as my priority is to provide a good experience to my guests," she said. Despite the low occupancy, Bhavya is now a superhost in just eight months. Her current profit is about 15% of the lease she pays on both the properties. Thats not what one earns on Airbnbs in Goa," she laughed. I aim to increase my profit to 25% by the first quarter next year." In any case, hosts can expect to break even in under six months after starting operations. Chandola started making profits within two months because the house didnt require too much capital initially for setting up. As she occupies the house herself, she doesnt pay extra on housekeeping either. Take note that these economics may not work in places that dont witness high tourist footfalls as the occupancy rates will be low. When the occupancy rate is below 30-50%, you will manage to just break even and not make any profits. Shreya pointed out that she had just two bookings in August given the flooding situation in Uttarakhand. Similarly, during the off-season in Goa, Ritu just manages to break even and doesnt earn much surplus. As for maintenance costs (see grfx), utility bills, laundry and cleaning services are fixed costs for everyone. You will need to keep a full-time caretaker if you dont occupy the listed property. Arora says the economics of keeping full time caretakers make sense only when you have more than two units as the costs get spread out. Beyond these, the costs depend on the premium services you want to provide. For instance, Ritu is particular about stocking premium quality soaps and linens for her guests. Arora, on the other hand, sticks to basics. My b&Bs are priced lower and, accordingly, I stock basic items. Given the modest pricing, guests too dont expect premium services," he said. Sticking to moderately priced items also helps cut down the replacement cost of linens, crockeries and electrical appliances if these get damaged. Bhavya said that she has decorated her villa with antiques that she has handpicked during her vacations and uses luxury crockery. But the damage done to these items has started to hurt, she said. Most guests dont value such things. Its not just a financial but also emotional loss." Airbnb charges a flat 3% service fee from hosts. For guests, the subtotal is at least 14% higher than the listing price as the platform charges service fee and taxes to guests. The final amount may be higher if theres a cleaning fee. Even then, staying in Airbnb is 10-30% cheaper for guests compared to a hotel offering similar services, especially when booked for a longer duration of over a week as the platform gives incentives for longer bookings. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday said that Article 35A of the Indian Constitution that was scrapped in 2019, took away fundamental rights. The CJI made the comments during the hearing of petition challenging the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant for the eleventh day on Monday, continued hearing petitions challenging the Centre's decision to repeal the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by diluting Article 370 and Article 35A. In 2019, union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed that Article 370 and Article 35A be scrapped. The then President Ram Nath Kovind issued an order, the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019, stating that the provisions of the Indian Constitution will henceforth be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir, which according to experts brought the northern state at par with other states of India. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was placed under preventive house arrest, along with other PDP leaders in 2019. Lockdown like situation was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir as tension erupted in the state, with residents protesting the decision. CJI Chandrachud on Article 35A During the hearing on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, the matter was raised to remove Article 35A. CJI Chandrachud on Monday noted that 35A took away three fundamental right. Employment under State govt is specifically provided under Art 16(1)..so while on the one hand Art 16(1) was preserved, 35A directly took away that fundamental right & granted immunity to any challenge on the ground that it would deprive you of a fundamental right under 16", the CJI said to SG Tushar Mehta. The CJI further added, When you introduce Article 35A, you take away 3 fundamental rights- Article 16(1), right to acquire immovable property which was then a fundamental right under 19(1)(f), A 31, & settlement in the state which was a fundamental right under 19(1)(e)", as reported by Live Law. Article 35A which creates exception under three areas - employment under State government, acquisition of immovable properties and settlement in the State" CJI noted. During the debate on Article 35A, SG Tushar Mehta argued that the article created an obstruction for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. He presented before the court that scrapping the article encouraged investment in the state, whose only other form of income was tourism and a few cottage industries. It brought them at par with other country men as well. Till now people were convinced that article 370 is not the hindrance to your progress and it cannot be removed. That is what is very sad. Now with no 35A, investments are coming. Now policing with central government. Tourism has started. 16 lakhs tourists have come till now and is generating employment for the mass as well." the SG noted. What is Article 35A? Article 35A of the Indian Constitution was an article that empowered the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to them. The state of Jammu and Kashmir defined these privileges to include the ability to purchase land and immovable property, ability to vote and contest elections, seeking government employment and availing oneself of other state benefits such as higher education and health care. Non-permanent residents of the state, even if Indian citizens, were not entitled to these 'privileges'. The Article 35A barred anyone from outside Jammu and Kashmir (who is not a permanent resident) from getting a state job or owning a property in the state. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! The meeting took place over three days. The leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa attended it in person, but Russias Vladimir Putin participated virtually following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. Besides this, the leaders of a number of developing countries, including Bangladesh, Senegal and Mozambique, attended. Talks spanned terrorism, multilateral reform, digital economy , trade and food security. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres, who was also present, said the UN, formed in 1945, must be reformed to reflect modern power realities. What were the major outcomes? The big one was the expansion of Brics to include six new members, who will join the organization next year. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were added. Besides this, a much-awaited meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on the sidelines. The two discussed the state of bilateral ties, which have been in deep freeze since 2020. They agreed to direct their officials to speed up the process of military disengagement on the Line of Actual Control. The border standoff between India and China, which began in 2020, is now into its fourth year. How was the expansion received? Many experts speculated that the rapid expansion was pushed by China and Russia on the one hand and opposed by India on the other. Reports cited concerns in New Delhi that Beijing and Moscow wanted to add countries that share their hostility to the West. India welcomed the move but insisted on laying down rules and procedures for the entry of the newbies. Was expansion a victory for China? This is hard to tell. Some observers speculate that India was bested diplomatically. The rules and procedures which were agreed have not been made public. Others argue India successfully kept out countries that could turn Brics into an instrument of Beijings ambitions. More than 20 countries were said to have applied to join the group and only six were let in. India enjoys fairly close ties with all of the new entrants, and that may mean New Delhi has succeeded in securing at least some of its objectives. What does expansion mean for Brics? Brics was conceived as a group of high-performing emerging economies that would help even out the global balance of power, concentrated in Western hands. But economic slowdowns and political differences meant Brics failed to fulfil hopes. While some analysts believe expansion could revitalize the grouping, others fear it will only deepen a crisis that bedevils Brics. Chinas ambitions for an expanded group will sit uneasily with India, and this could hurt the ability of member-states to work together. NEW DELHI : Indias B20 task force has recommended setting up a regulatory framework for responsible AI", and PM Narendra Modi has called for a global AI framework to promote ethical development. Mint decodes if such a global regulatory model is achievable. Why the buzz around regulating AI? Talk of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) really became mainstream in the aftermath of the popularization of private tech firm OpenAIs ChatGPT. Since new AI tools can mimic human cognitive abilities and create deepfakes that are hard to distinguish from original audio and video, global tech leaders say a framework is needed to regulate the tech. The B20 Summit said regulating AI would be crucial to enable global real-time payments, maintain trust at workplaces, prevent cyber attacks and, most importantly, ensure that the internet does not become fragmented by regulations in different countries. What are business leaders saying? On Sunday, Modi told the B20 Summit India in Delhi that there is a need for a global framework on ethical AI. B20 is the G20 business forum. A panel featuring Microsoft vice-chair Brad Smith, Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen, IBM chief Arvind Krishna and others highlighted the role of AI in finance, cloud services, healthcare and infrastructure. OpenAI chief Sam Altman has said AI must be regulated to reduce its role in fraud and warfare. But laws must not restrict innovation. A B20 task force asked India to set up regulations to establish checks on firms in India and globally, while enabling innovation. Is there a precedent for such global regulation? Take civil aviation. Every nation has its own commercial aviation regulator to lay down what is permissible. But theres a common framework all nations agree with in order to facilitate international flightsthe International Civil Aviation Organization. Microsofts Smith says this United Nations body offers a precedent for how global regulation of AI can work. Can countries and tech collaborate? Despite geopolitics and corporate rivalry, a global framework is possible. In 2020, India helped found the Global Partnership on AI, a 29-nation body. Its goal is to collaborate on establishing a common global framework for responsible and ethical AI. This year, Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and others created an industry body, Frontier Model Forum, that will follow common oversight and governance rules. Shortly before this, these firms joined Meta and Amazon to agree to the US governments AI safety assurances. Where do Indian laws stand in terms of AI? In June, the minister of state for information technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said regulation to check risks from AI is being considered for the upcoming Digital India Act. In July, the apex telecom regulatory body Trai floated a consultation paper that proposed setting up a body to regulate AI through a risk-based framework". The new Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, introduced checks on data scraping for AI. But as of now, there are no direct regulations in India on AI. Happy Onam 2023! Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday inaugurated the State Tourism's Onam cultural festival Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram district. The 10-day-long festival commenced on August 20 and will conclude on August 31 this year. "Onam is a distinctive festival that honors and promotes the values of inclusivity and togetherness and befittingly the central theme of the event this year is Onam, the symphony of harmony, said Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas. View Full Image Secercetariat illuminated during Onam celebrations, in Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday, Aug 26, 2023. (PTI Photo) Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A.N Shamseer also inaugurated the 'Ponnonam 2023' Onam celebrations at the district town square in Kerala's Kannur, according to a report published by the news agency ANI. View Full Image Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan greets artists during the Onam celebrations at the State Legislative Assembly complex, in Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. (PTI Photo) The 'Ponnonam 2023' was organized by the Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) on Sunday in the Kannur district. The event included performances such as a flash mob, aksharslokam, folk songs, group dances, mega thiruvathira, and mohiniyattam. The speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly illuminated the evening in Kannur with his speech and emphasized that festivals like Onam should serve as a unifying force against communalism. View Full Image Artists work on statues ahead of the festival of Onam in Kochi. (PTI) The 10-day-long Onam festivities, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, are celebrated with much pomp across Kerala as people pays homage to legendary King Mahabali's homecoming, entwined with a tapestry of stories and myths. The sequence begins with Atham, followed by Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradam, culminating on the 10th day, known as Thiruvonam holds much significance. Thiruvonam, the last day, is the most auspicious day as it marks the end of the Onam celebrations, and families prepare and enjoy Onasadya, the opulent Onam feast. View Full Image A man dressed as King Mahabali amd others during the Onam celebrations, in Thiruvananthapuram, Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023. (PTI Photo) Onam is celebrated in the Chingam month, which marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar. Onam also marks the beginning of the Malayalam year called the Kolla Varsham. The harvest festival marks the return of demon King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state Kerala. The legends say that, King Mahabali defeated the Gods and ruled all three worlds. He was a generous and wise leader, but the Gods started feeling insecure due to his popularity. They approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to help them. Therefore, Vishnu took his fifth avatar -- the Brahmin dwarf Vamana. To welcome Mahabali, people start constructing floral carpets (Pookkalam) in front of their homes and institutions. Celebrations of many kinds begin today in schools, universities, offices, and other locations. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! The commerce ministry Sunday said the Indian and UK officials will continue their negotiations till the month-end to resolve the differences on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) reported PTI. The meeting will be followed by a review at the higher level, it said. After the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting (TIMM) at Jaipur, the progress of the FTA negotiations was reviewed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK's Secretary of State for Trade Kemi Badenoch on August 26. "Teams are going to continue negotiations till the end of August 2023 which will be followed by stock taking at the higher level," it said. While expressing satisfaction over the last 12 rounds of negotiations wherein several chapters have been finalized, both exuded confidence that the next round of talks to be similarly successful. "Both Chief Negotiators apprised the ministers about the current state of play, issues outstanding for resolution and their continuous joint efforts to iron out the same," the ministry added. The ministers directed the officials to maintain a good pace of exchanges with a better understanding of each other's aspirations and sensitivities. "Both leaders expressed their unwavering commitment to reaching a conclusion on a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade deal that will enhance economic cooperation between the two countries," it added. In a separate statement, the ministry said that Goyal and Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda also held talks on ways to strengthen economic ties. They reviewed the progress made in the ongoing negotiations for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA (European Free Trade Association). The EFTA members are Ieland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. "Both leaders reiterated their shared vision of achieving a mutually beneficial trade deal based on the principle of reciprocity that reflects the evolving economic landscapes of both India and the EFTA countries," it said. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will unveil a 100% ethanol-fueled variant of Toyota's Innova car tomorrow, August 29, Tuesday. The minister provided the information while addressing the Mint Sustainability Summit here. Gadkari has been exhorting automakers to come out with alternative fuel-powered and green vehicles. Last year, he had launched a hydrogen-powered car, the Toyota Mirai EV. On August 29, I am going to launch the popular (Toyota) Innova car on 100 percent ethanol," the minister said. Notably, this will be the world's first BS-VI (Stage-II), electric flex-fuel vehicle, as per PTI reports. He informed that he started taking an interest in biofuels in 2004 after the petrol price hike in the country and visited Brazil for this purpose. According to Gadkari, biofuels can do wonders and save a lot of forexes which is being spent on the import of petroleum. If we want to become Atamnirbhar (self-reliant) we have to bring this oil import to zero. At present it is 16 lakh crore. This is a big loss to the economy. India needs to take more sustainable measures as pollution is a big problem in the country," Gadkari asserted. We have taken a lot of (sustainability) initiatives but we need to take more because pollution is a problem. Ecology and the environment are very important," he said as quoted by PTI. "We need to reduce air and water pollution. We have to improve the quality of water in our rivers. This is a big challenge. We need to protect our ecology and environment," the minister added. In addition, Nitin Gadkari said that various road projects worth 65,000 crore are expected to be completed by the year-end which also includes the construction of the Dwarka Expressway. He also pointed toward the harmful impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides saying this causes cancer-like diseases. He believes that organic farming can create a lot of wealth and move us towards sustainability, PTI reported. We need to educate people to change waste into wealth. The logistic cost would come down to nine percent from 14 to 16 percent at present with the construction of more highways," he said. (With PTI inputs) "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Prime Minister Narendra Modi , on Monday, distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in various para military forces . The PM addressed the 8th edition of Rozgar Mela on Monday. The Rozgar Mela will be held across 45 locations in the country. In his virtual address, PM Modi said that several changes have been made in recruitment process for paramilitary forces to open new avenues for youth. He also said that the recruitment process in paramilitary forces has been streamlined to reduce the time of recruitment. Talking about the job opportunities for youngsters, he said that automobiles, pharma sectors are growing very fast and will create huge job opportunities in days to come. He claimed that India will become one of world's top three economies in this decade. When I give this guarantee, I do that will full responsibility," said PM Modi. Talking about the importance of all the sector for a blooming economy, PM Modi said,"From food to pharma, from space to startups, it is necessary for all sectors to grow for any economy." Throwing light upon the decisions made to reform the banking sector and make it more available for common available, PM Modi reminded that Jan Dhan Yojana was launched nine years ago on August 28. He said that the scheme played a key role in job creation. He suggested paramilitary forces personnel to continue their will to learn even during their services. He urged the new recruits to register themselves at the new portal for skill development and courses. Whatever you will learn during these courses will help you in becoming an excellent officer," said PM Modi. He also asked the new recruits to focus on their physical fitness and maintain their health and fitness throughout their service. PM Modi also said, The government focus on the purchase of Made-in-India laptops, computers with vocal for local mantra giving boost to manufacturing, jobs." Rozgar Mela held at 45 locations across India today Under Mission Recruitment, the Government of India and some of the States/UTs have been organizing the Rozgar Melas across the country and distributing appointment letters to lakhs of youth every month. The event was organised at 45 locations across the country for the distribution of 51,106 appointment letters to new appointees, an official sad. These locations include Guwahati as well. There Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Ayush will chair the Rozgar Mela - 8th Tranche at BSF Frontier HQ Patgaon. In Guwahati, around 287 appointment letters will be distributed while 150 appointment letters will be distributed in the event held in Silchar. With this Mela, the Ministry of Home Affairs will recruit personnel in various paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, CISF, ITBP and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as well as Delhi police. The new recruits will join various positions such as Constable (General Duty), Sub-Inspector (GD) and Non-GD Cadre Posts in various organisations under MHA. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Canada immigration minister Marc Miller has expressed concern over the integrity of student immigration in the North American nation amid reported cases of fake admission into colleges by agencies that had the potency to ruin a students' career and future. Marc Miller in an interview with Canada Broadcasting Corporation said that the Canada is concerned about the overall integrity of the system that educates hundreds of thousands of international students and not just the added pressure they put on housing. Notably, Canada is on track to welcome 900,000 international students this year, as mentioned by minister Miller. This is the most number of immigration students Canada has seen, and definitely triple the number who entered the country a decade ago. During the interview Miller pointed out that private and public universities generate C$20-C$30 billion ($14.7-$22.1 billion) per year in revenue on those who come to study from abroad. "Some people are making a lot of money out of it legitimately, some people are gaming the system, and my principal concern is with that integrity of the system," he said, according to a Reuters report. When asked if the Canadian government is mulling putting a cap on the number of student intake, Millar said, "Just putting a hard cap, which got a lot of public play over the last few days, is not the only solution to this," Miller said. Miller was replying to the housing minister saying the government is mulling whether to cap the number of students allowed in each year as a way of easing the housing crunch, but Miller was skeptical. Meawhile, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reportedly planned to implement a new Trusted Institution framework to its student visa programme by 2024. This framework is a key component of a larger strategy aimed at modernising the International Student Program (ISP) operated by the IRCC. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Terry Gou, who founded Apple supplier Foxconn, has announced that he will run as an independent candidate in Taiwan's presidential election, scheduled to take place in September this year. Gou pledged to fix ties with China and added, "I will definitely not allow Taiwan to become the next Ukraine". Gou criticised the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, saying its policies have brought Taiwan into the risk of war" with China. In his maiden speech as a Presidential candidate, the Foxconn founder said Taiwan also needs new approaches to the economy and other matters at home. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is a major supplier to Apple and has many factories in China that manufacture iPhones. TERRY GOU's POLITICAL IDEOLOGY Terry Gou's is most in line with the Kuomingtang, the opposition party that is friendly to China. The party believes that China and Hong Kong are together as part of one country, called the Republic of China. The Kuomingtang ruled over China in the early half of the 20th century before they lost a civil war to the Communist Party. They retreated to Taiwan in 1949, where they vowed to one day retake the republic. Earlier also Gou stood on Taiwan's Presidential race. Gou lost in the Kuomingtang primary in 2019 and tried again this year, but the party selected New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih as its candidate. However, this time he is running as an independent candidate and he needs to gather public signatures to qualify for the ballot. Gou said he felt he had something to contribute to the issues that matter to Taiwan's people. I have not seen substantive discussions of policy recently, especially on the topics of cross-straits relations (with China), economic development or international relations," he said. Gou said he would work for Taiwanese societys unity because unity was critical to Taiwan's future. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! In Japan, businesses and institutions have started receiving abusive phone calls about its decision to release over one million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. One restaurant chain has even received more than 1,000 calls. It has been observed that the calls come from phone numbers with Chinese dialing codes. Following this, Japan has complained to the Chinese government in this matter, according to a report published by BBC. Authorities informed that the abusive calls had begun since the release of Fukushima water into the Pacific and the callers usually speak in Chinese, English, and Japanese language. The callers strongly oppose Japan's move to release treated radioactive nuclear water. This came after China on Thursday said that it would ban Japanese seafood imports. However, Tokyo reiterated that seawater around the Fukushima nuclear plant does not contain any detectable levels of radioactivity, BBC reported. China expressed deep concern about the potential for radioactive contamination in Japan's food and agricultural products exported to China, according to a statement from Chinese customs officials. Japan began dumping the water from the plant north of Tokyo into the sea on Thursday despite objections both at home and abroad from fishing communities and others worried about the environmental impact. Japan and scientific organizations had said that the water, distilled after being contaminated by contact with fuel rods when the reactor was destroyed in a 2011 earthquake and tsunami, is now safe. A Reuters report said that Tokyo Electric Power has been filtering the water to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate. Japan's fisheries agency also clarified that fish tested in waters around the plant did not contain detectable levels of tritium. However, South Korea said it sees no scientific problems with the water release but environmental activists argue that all possible impacts have not been studied. In 2014, a Scientific Americal article stated that tritium is considered to be relatively harmless because its radiation is not energetic enough to penetrate human skin, but when ingested at levels above those in the released water it can raise cancer risks. The water disposal process will take decades to complete alongside the planned decommissioning of the plant. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! The U.S. presidential election is more than a year away, but allies and adversaries around the world have already begun to contemplateand even plan forthe return of Donald Trump to the White House. For many foreign capitals, the possibility of a second Trump administration is a source of anxiety. Allies from Paris to Tokyo regard Trump as an erratic leader with little interest in cultivating long-term ties to counter Russian and Chinese expansionism. Others, including Beijing and Moscow, see potential benefits from Trump, whom they view as a transactional leader who might be willing to strike deals to ease tensions in hot spots such as Ukraine and Taiwan, according to analysts. Nationalist and populist politicians also voice support for Trumps ambitions. Policy makers and politicians were reluctant to make public statements that might rile the current administration or an incoming one. But officials interviewed by The Wall Street Journal did share their thoughts about what a Trump return to the world stage would mean for geopolitics. Among the most widespread fears is that Trump would spark a global trade war. The candidate has threatened to impose fresh tariffs on all goods imported into the U.S.hitting friend and foe alikea move that risks sowing divisions in trans-Atlantic relations in a time of war. Trump has also threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a move that his former national security adviser John Bolton recently described as a near certainty if he is elected again. Some governments are moving to lock in military assistance to Ukraine to strengthen security there in case a newly elected Trump scales back U.S. support. Members of the Group of Seven wealthy nations are trying to reach bilateral agreements with Kyiv to provide weapons that meet NATO standards. Theres a strong possibility Trump might be re-elected," said Benjamin Haddad, a French lawmaker from President Emmanuel Macrons party. It forces us Europeans to read the writing on the wall and take more responsibility." With Russia digging in for a long fight in Ukraine, the Kremlin is waiting out the Biden administration in the hope that Trump, if elected, would back away from helping Kyiv. U.S. support for Taiwan could waver under Trump, according to analysts, if Beijing dangles concessions on trade. Trump values U.S. allies less, and Beijing therefore expects that U.S. alliances and coalitions would fray and ease pressure on China," said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Those scenarios send a chill down the spine of allies in Europe and the Pacific. The Biden administration has worked to corral allies in Asia, deepening military cooperation and helping mend relations between Japan and South Korea. And Washington has sent billions of dollars in arms and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to hold its own on the battlefield against Russia. French officials have been warning European allies that the possibility of Trumps return requires the continent to significantly expand arms production, from artillery to missile defense systems, so it can supply Ukraine on its own. Eastern European countries and France are also pushing allies to admit Ukraine into NATO, a move that would significantly raise the stakes with Russia by providing Kyiv with security guarantees. Weve been lucky with Ukraine to have an American administration that helped us," Macron recently told Le Point magazine. Can we let Ukraine lose and Russia win? The answer is noWe have to hold out over time." Military expenditures are rising across the continent, but Europe has struggled to wean itself off American hardware. Macron was blindsided when a German-led coalition announced plans to spend billions of euros on a program to buy Patriot missile systems from the U.S., snubbing a rival system developed by France, Italy and the U.K. Macron has long been skeptical that President Bidens election in 2020 signaled the end of the Trump era, according to Biden. Biden has recounted arriving at his first G-7 summit as president, declaring to his peers: Americas back." Macron replied: For how long?" Macrons office declined to comment. Trump has vowed to impose sweeping new tariffs, stating in a recent interview that he would set an automatic 10% tariff on all foreign imports to the U.S. When companies come in and they dump their products in the United States, they should pay, automatically, lets say a 10% tax," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business. I do like the 10% for everybody." Economists were quick to warn that Trumps proposal could ignite a global trade war and raise prices for U.S. consumers. The White House slammed Trumps comments, saying Biden strongly opposes the plan. Germany, Europes economic powerhouse, is focused on forging channels of communication in an effort to avoid the experience of 2016, when Trumps election took world leaders by surprise. The government of Angela Merkel, who was then chancellor, struggled to gain access to the White House as Washington aimed a barrage of tariffs at Germany and other countries in Europe. Relations between Trump and Merkel quickly soured. Leading members of the three parties of German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs governing coalition have been jetting across the Atlantic ever since they took power in late 2021, meeting with GOP officials and Trump confidants. A key Scholz aide, Wolfgang Schmidt, has made regular visits to Washington, forging links with key Republicans. In September, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will embark on a 10-day visit to the U.S., including an extended visit to Texas, a GOP bastion, to familiarize herself with the party. Some governments welcome the possibility of Trumps return. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and opposes Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, has said on numerous occasions he hopes Trump wins the next election, even as Trumps legal woes have mounted. Keep on fighting, Mr. President! We are with you," Orban wrote in a recent social-media post. For China, Trump was the leader who ignited trade tensions with the U.S. while a Biden presidency held out the prospect of a return to the previous era of relations, when many U.S. policy makers supported free trade in the belief that it would liberalize China. But Biden maintained much of his predecessors tough policies toward Beijing. Tariffs remained in place. Restrictions on Chinese technology companies expanded, including a U.S. ban on sales of advanced semiconductors and chip-making equipment to China last year. On policy substance, even though Trump kicked off the trade war, it was Biden that implemented policy more effectively and was able to bring in important allies that Trump had alienated," said Mary Gallagher, a political-science professor at the University of Michigan. South Korea and Japan this year turned the page on years of historical quarrels, allowing for deeper military coordination with Washington. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol forged a personal bond with Biden during an official state visit in April to the White House and on a recent trip to Camp David. That contrasts with Trump, who criticized Seoul for not paying enough for the roughly 28,500 U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea. Trump even suggested a troop drawdown. Yorizumi Watanabe, a former Japanese diplomat, said he expects support for Trump to rise in Japan if he moves decisively to calm tensions with China. When all is said and done, we need a strong American president." In the Middle East, the leaders of Israel and Saudi Arabia are weighing whether their push to establish diplomatic ties have a better shot with Biden in office or Trump. While leaders in both countries have had chilly relations with Biden, they are wrestling with the possibility that the Democratic president might be better positioned than Trump to broker a pact. Trump remains broadly popular with the Israeli public and aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, which bills itself as the most right-wing and religious in the countrys history. But Trump was critical of Netanyahu after the prime minister congratulated Biden on his 2020 victory. In an interview this summer, Netanyahu praised Trump, but he declined to say whether he had been in close contact with him. I think he did things that were superb for Israels security," Netanyahu said. So I value that." Iran is moving to release U.S. detainees in a bid to gain access to around $6 billion in oil revenue. The money, which was effectively frozen in South Korea under U.S. sanctions, is being transferred through Switzerland to Qatar for possible release to Iran. This month, Iran moved four U.S. citizens from prison to house arrest, the first step in a hoped-for prisoner release agreement between Tehran and the Biden administration. Trump as president withdrew from the 2015 deal that placed limits on Irans nuclear program in return for lifting sanctions. He ratcheted up sanctions on Iran and criticized the release of frozen Iranian funds by the Obama administration. Securing the funds is now a key objective for Tehran, a visible signal to ordinary Iranians that the regime is seeking to improve the countrys troubled economy, said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. Theyre trying to get as many concessions as they can out of the Biden team," he said. Dion Nissenbaum, Sabrina Siddiqui, David S. Cloud, Laurence Norman, Timothy W. Martin and Chieko Tsuneoka contributed to this story. Ukraine-Pakistan ties have gradually deepened amid the ongoing war with Russia. Islamabad started importing wheat from Kyiv earlier this year and is reportedly shipping weapons and other defence items to the war-hit nation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had also made a day trip to Pakistan last month - the first ministerial visit from Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1993. The developments have not gone down well with Moscow, with officials stating that very explicit anti-Russia actions could not be ignored. Yes, there have been reports and information about such instances, we take this information very seriously. Such examples, if confirmed, is a very explicit anti-Russia actions that we cannot ignore. And as I said, we have watched very closely the news and the reports and take them very seriously because they influence the situation on the ground very directly and do not go contrary to the efforts aimed towards the quickest and fastest, peaceful resolution of the conflict," said Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov. Islamabad has also been building ties with Moscow in recent months and began importing discounted Russian crude oil to meet local demands earlier this year. ALSO READ: Putin chairs meeting on development of unmanned aircraft in Moscow Pakistan whose ailing economy is getting a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout was hit hard when food prices surged after Russia's invasion. Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal which allowed for the export of grain from Ukrainian ports last month. It contends that the international community had failed to ensure Russia was also able to ship its own grain and fertiliser exports under the accord due to the effects of Western sanctions. In April this year, an ET report indicated that Islamabad was planning to ship 230 defence containers from Karachi port via two vessels. Reportedly this was not a one-off with ships transferring weapons reportedly using US and European flags and ports in Poland and Germany. The weaponry in question was believed to include tanks and rockets. Officials from the then Pakistan government however denied such claims. Following a meeting with Kuleba former foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto insisted that Pakistan was not supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. We resolve to move forward in fostering cooperation and friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and UkraineWe hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," he had said last month. (With inputs from agencies) "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! NEW DELHI : Schools, hotels, restaurants and even companies in Japan have been recipients of some rather galling calls lately. Callers from China swearing at people across the sea have clogged Japanese phone lines. The reason for their anger? Japans decision to release water from the disaster-struck Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear facility into the Pacific Ocean. Though all radioactive elements have been removed except tritium, which remains limited to levels not considered harmful, China is protesting a possible contamination of seawater and has even banned seafood imports from Japan. Tokyo, though, has the UN atomic watchdog in concurrence that the plants over 1.3 million cubic metres of water is safe to release, slowly, a process which may take 30 years. Such actions ought to follow the approval of all stakeholders. To the extent it leaves even an iota of possibility of affecting marine and other life, Chinese protests may be justified. But thats no reason for people in China to make angry calls to Japanese folks who had no direct say in their countrys decision. As Japan is a democracy, trying to sway its public opinion on the issue would be considerably more effective. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said he was hopeful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma will benefit the state which follows secular thoughts. The remarks came while addressing a rally in the Beed district, according to a report published by the news agency PTI. The NCP leader said that nobody is a permanent friend or foe in politics, while also thanking local leaders of Shiv Sena and BJP for welcoming him along with other party leaders in the Maharashtra government. In the rally, Ajit Pawar said, Nobody is permanent friend or foe in politics. This is politics. It is our expectation that PM Modi's charisma would benefit Maharashtra and hence we all decided to join the (BJP-Shiv Sena) government for the benefit of the state." He further clarified that there is no self-interest behind joining the Maharashtra government and dismissed any kind of speculative talks in this matter, as per PTI reports. I am a person who likes to work and like to speak through my work. I won't respond to comments made against me by anyone," Ajit Pawar said. Notably, Ajit Pawar's uncle and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had addressed a rally in Beed ten days ago. In July, Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Maharashtra. He was then sworn in as a Deputy Chief Minister of the state along with BJPs Devendra Fadnavis. However, there are speculation that Ajit Pawar might be willing to join Sharad Pawar's party again. With the Ajit Pawar group still using Sharad Pawars picture on some of its billboards, it is clear that the faction is not confident of winning elections without the support of Sharad Pawar. The Pawar senior has consistently maintained that he is against joining hands with the BJP and has called Ajit Pawar and other MLAs cowards" without taking their names. On Friday, Sharad Pawar claimed that there was no split on NCP and Ajit Pawar is its leader, however, he denied his statement within hours, PTI reported. He had also said that the opportunity to correct oneself is given once but the opportunity cannot be given again or one shouldn't ask for it again, apparently referring to Ajit Pawar's early-morning oath ceremony with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis after the 2019 assembly polls. (With PTI inputs) "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! ISRO Chairman S Somath has appealed to everyone not to create controversy over the 'Shiv Shakti' point name that PM Narendra Modi gave to Chandrayaan-3's landing site on the Moon. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has narrated the reason why Shiv Shakti suits the name of the landing site. " Shiv Shakti represented a combination of man and woman, the contribution of women in Isro, and the need to create that kind of synergy in the organisation. So he narrated the meaning of the word in a manner that suits all of us. There is nothing wrong with that. He also gave the next name to Tiranga. Both are Indian-sounding names. He has a prerogative of naming it being the prime minister of the country," the chairman of the Indian space research organisation (Isro) during his visit to a temple in Kerala. Also read: India can travel to Moon, Mars and Venus but, ISRO chief on what is needed to enhance space sector capabilities Further, he elaborated on Chandrayaan-3's findings on the Moon. The ISRO boss said that most of the scientific mission objectives of Chandrayaan-3 are going to be met now and the team at ISRO is looking excitedly for the next 13-14 days. "Most of the scientific mission objectives are going to be met now. Lander and Rover all of them are switched on. I understand that all the scientific data is looking very good. But we will continue to measure a lot of data from the Moon in the coming 14 days. And we hope that we will make a really good breakthrough in science while doing so. So we are looking excitedly for the next 13-14 days," he said. Also read: 'What a visual': Pakistani media heaps praises on India, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission | Watch video He also expressed his happiness about the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the control centre in Bengaluru. PM Modi on Saturday announced the celebration of India's National Space Day on August 23 every year, naming the landing site of the lander as Shiv Shakti Point, and designating the point on the moon with symbols of Chandrayaan-2 as Tricolor Point. CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION FINDINGS Meanwhile, ISRO on Sunday said that the e ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander has shared details about Moon's temperature. The national space agency said Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload onboard Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander measured the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the Moon's surface. Also read: In a first, Chandraayan-3 sends temperature profile of Moons surface at various depths of South Pole "The presented graph illustrates the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probe's penetration. This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway," ISRO said. ISRO scientist B H M Darukesha explained the graphic illustration, "We all believed that the temperature could be somewhere around 20 degrees centigrade to 30 degrees centigrade on the surface but it is 70 degrees centigrade. This is surprisingly higher than what we had expected". The temperature dips to minus 10 degrees Celsius below the lunar surface, he added. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! The minimum margin ratio of financing for purchasing securities will be lowered from 100 percent to 80 percent in China, according to a statement by the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange and Beijing Stock Exchange on Sunday. Approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the move will take effect after shares close on Sept. 8, 2023, the statement said. The bourses said that the adjustment is aimed at implementing the policies recently issued by the CSRC to invigorate the capital market and boost investor confidence. The CSRC noted that moderately lowering the minimum margin ratio will help put available funds to good use. China halved the stamp duty on stock transactions effective Monday to invigorate the capital market and boost investor confidence, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced Sunday in a statement. The stamp duty on stock trading is currently 0.1 percent. Chinas Ministry of Finance and its State Taxation Administration said in a joint statement the move was designed to invigorate the capital market and boost investor confidence. Chinese markets have eagerly awaited the reduction of the duty from its current rate of 0.1 percent after being shaken by slower-than-expected growth figures, as well as a property debt crisis, weak consumption and record youth unemployment. The CSI 300 index of the top stocks traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges has fallen by around four percent so far this year, following two consecutive years of declines, according to Bloomberg. The fall can be partly blamed on Chinas slowing economic recovery following the Covid pandemic. The Chinese stock market is the second largest in the world by market capitalization, after the United States. It is also one of the most volatile markets in the world, and it has been subject to a number of boom-and-bust cycles in recent years. Despite its volatility, the Chinese stock market is becoming increasingly important to the global economy. This is due to a number of factors, including: The size of the Chinese economy: China is the worlds second largest economy, and its stock market reflects the size and growth potential of this economy. The rise of Chinese companies: Chinese companies are becoming increasingly globalized, and they are listed on stock exchanges around the world. This makes the Chinese stock market more relevant to investors outside of China. The opening up of the Chinese market: The Chinese government has been gradually opening up its financial markets to foreign investors. This has made it easier for investors to access the Chinese stock market. The global importance of the Chinese stock market is likely to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the continued growth of the Chinese economy and the increasing internationalization of Chinese companies. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the global importance of the Chinese stock market: Size: The Chinese stock market is the second largest in the world by market capitalization, after the United States. This means that it has a significant impact on the global economy. The Chinese stock market is the second largest in the world by market capitalization, after the United States. This means that it has a significant impact on the global economy. Growth: The Chinese economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including urbanization, industrialization, and consumer spending. The Chinese economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including urbanization, industrialization, and consumer spending. Internationalization: Chinese companies are increasingly investing and expanding overseas. This is making the Chinese stock market more relevant to investors outside of China. Chinese companies are increasingly investing and expanding overseas. This is making the Chinese stock market more relevant to investors outside of China. Liquidity: The Chinese stock market is relatively liquid, meaning that it is easy to buy and sell shares. This makes it attractive to investors who are looking to trade frequently. The Chinese stock market is relatively liquid, meaning that it is easy to buy and sell shares. This makes it attractive to investors who are looking to trade frequently. Regulation: The Chinese government has been gradually opening up its financial markets to foreign investors. This has made it easier for investors to access the Chinese stock market. Overall, the Chinese stock market is a significant player in the global financial system. It is likely to become even more important in the coming years as the Chinese economy continues to grow and Chinese companies become more internationalized. Shayne Heffernan Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is the oldest and largest commercial bank in Thailand. It was founded on January 30, 1907, by King Rama VI. SCB has a nationwide network of over 1,700 branches and over 15,000 ATMs. SCB is a listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The banks shares are traded under the ticker symbol SCB. SCB is a major player in the Thai economy. The bank provides financial services to millions of people and businesses in Thailand. SCB is also a major investor in the Thai economy. The bank has invested billions of baht in Thai businesses and projects. SCB is committed to being the leading financial institution in Thailand. The bank is investing in digital banking and other technologies to improve its services and make it easier for customers to bank with SCB. SCB reigns as Bank of the Year 2023. SCB was named Bank of the Year 2023 by Money & Banking magazine. The magazine cited SCBs strong financial performance, its commitment to corporate social responsibility, and its innovation in digital banking. SCB was named Bank of the Year 2023 by Money & Banking magazine. The magazine cited SCBs strong financial performance, its commitment to corporate social responsibility, and its innovation in digital banking. SCB and OR join forces to empower SMEs with nationwide shift to eco-friendly PTT stations through solar rooftop loans. SCB and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) have partnered to provide solar rooftop loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The loans are designed to help SMEs reduce their energy costs and adopt more sustainable practices. SCB and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) have partnered to provide solar rooftop loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The loans are designed to help SMEs reduce their energy costs and adopt more sustainable practices. SCB and BOT collaborate to launch retail CBDC SCB App pilot project. SCB and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) have collaborated to launch a pilot project for the retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). The project will test the use of CBDC for retail payments in Thailand. SCB and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) have collaborated to launch a pilot project for the retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). The project will test the use of CBDC for retail payments in Thailand. SCB EIC expects continued growth across CLMV economies. SCBs Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) has forecast that the economies of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) will continue to grow in 2023. The EIC expects CLMVs GDP to grow by 5.5% in 2023, supported by strong domestic demand and exports. SCBs Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) has forecast that the economies of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) will continue to grow in 2023. The EIC expects CLMVs GDP to grow by 5.5% in 2023, supported by strong domestic demand and exports. SCB terminates the purchase of a 51% stake in Bitkub, Thailands largest cryptocurrency exchange. SCB Securities (SCBS) has terminated the purchase of a 51% stake in Bitkub Online Co., Ltd., Thailands largest cryptocurrency exchange. SCBS cited regulatory concerns as the reason for the termination. SCB Securities (SCBS) has terminated the purchase of a 51% stake in Bitkub Online Co., Ltd., Thailands largest cryptocurrency exchange. SCBS cited regulatory concerns as the reason for the termination. SCB X(Trade Price) closed unchanged at 117.000. Volume was 44% below average (neutral) and Bollinger Bands were 20% wider than normal. For a free 30-day trial showcasing MetaStock Charts, click here. Summary Technical Outlook Short Term: Neutral Intermediate Term: Bullish Long Term: Bullish SCB X(Trade Price) is currently 10.4% above its 200-period moving average and is in an upward trend. Volatility is extremely low when compared to the average volatility over the last 10 periods. There is a good possibility that there will be an increase in volatility along with sharp price fluctuations in the near future. Our volume indicators reflect moderate flows of volume into SCB.BK (mildly bullish). Our trend forecasting oscillators are currently bullish on SCB.BK and have had this outlook for the last 37 periods. Short-term traders should pay closer attention to buy/sell arrows while intermediate/long-term traders should place greater emphasis on the Bullish or Bearish trend reflected in the lower ribbon. Bollinger Bands On 8/28/2023, SCB X(Trade Price) closed below the upper band by 5.9%. Bollinger Bands are 13.03% wider than normal. The current width of the bands (alone) does not suggest anything conclusive about the future volatility or movement of prices. The recent price action around the bands compared to the action of the Relative Strength Index (RSI) does not suggest any trading opportunities at this time. Candlesticks During the past 10 bars, there have been 5 white candles and 1 black candles for a net of 4 white candles. During the past 50 bars, there have been 21 white candles and 16 black candles for a net of 5 white candles. Press Release August 28, 2023 Bong Go champions healthcare accessibility with newly signed Regional Specialty Centers Act, continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, and establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide In continuing efforts toward enhancing healthcare accessibility especially in the grassroots, Senate Committee on Health Chair Christopher "Bong" Go has championed three key health initiatives to bring medical services from the government closer to Filipinos in need. These are the Malasakit Centers, designed to provide immediate medical and financial assistance; Super Health Centers, focusing on primary care, early detection, and free consultations; and the recently enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act, aimed at bringing specialized medical services closer to communities across the Philippines. Go, the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers (RSC) Act, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for prioritizing and eventually signing the legislation into law. "His support has been instrumental in bringing specialized medical care closer to our fellow Filipinos," Go said. The senator emphasized that no Filipino should be left behind when it comes to availing the healthcare they need to live productive lives. "Walang Pilipino ang dapat mapag-iwanan pagdating sa kalusugan. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatan sa de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal, kahit saan man sila sa bansa," he stressed. The newly enacted law aims to create additional specialty centers in various regions, thereby ensuring that Filipinos have access to specialized medical services without the need to travel to Manila. "With the signing of this law, we are taking a giant leap in improving access to specialized medical care and bringing these services closer to Filipinos in need," Go added. The legislation also includes provisions for the establishment of specialty centers within existing government-controlled corporations or specialty hospitals. It also outlines the specific service capabilities that the Department of Health (DOH) will implement in regional hospitals. "By setting clear standards, we are ensuring that these specialty centers will have the necessary expertise and resources to cater to patients' specialized medical needs effectively across the country," Go elaborated. The law also details the medical specialties that DOH must prioritize in the establishment of these centers. Go expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of his fellow legislators, stating, "Isa pong malaking tagumpay para sa atin ang pagiging ganap na batas ng SBN 2212, o ang Regional Specialty Centers Act." "Nakakuha ito ng 24-0 na boto sa Senado dahil sa pagsang-ayon ng aking mga kasamahan na makakabuti ito para sa lahat at makakatulong sa mahihirap," he added. According to the DOH's timeline, the establishment of specialty centers will take place in key hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In Luzon alone, specialty centers will be established in over 20 medical facilities, including Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Batangas Medical Center and Bicol Medical Center. In the Visayas region, six major hospitals will house these specialty centers, including Western Visayas Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Mindanao will also see the establishment of specialty centers in nine key hospitals, including Zamboanga City Medical Center and Northern Mindanao Medical Center. "These specialty centers will reduce the need for travel to Metro Manila for specialized treatments. Our people will now have access to these services in regional DOH hospitals, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life," Go stated. Go has also initiated the Malasakit Centers which act as one-stop-shops inside public hospitals for medical and financial assistance provided by various agencies of the government. To date, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide that have helped more than seven million Filipinos. Go also principally sponsored and authored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. These centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs. In addition to Malasakit Centers, Go has been pushing for the construction of more Super Health Centers across the country, especially in rural areas. Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine. These centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases. They are equipped with basic medical facilities that can be found in hospitals to help reduce hospital occupancy rates. Free consultations can be accessed in these Super Health Centers. Through collective efforts of lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for DOH to construct 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. "Through the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and the Regional Specialty Centers Act, we are not just creating policies; we are building bridges to quality healthcare for every Filipino," said Go. "This is our commitment to the well-being of our people, ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we are making healthcare not just accessible, but also equitable, across our country," he concluded. Target is among the Fortune 100 firms still happy with its Covid-era remote working arrangements, but its Minneapolis HQ drove so much traffic to local businesses that they are demanding it force its staff back to the cubicles. It is now Target workers' moral responsibility to collectively subsidize the restauranteurs of Minneapolis. Target's downtown workforce was estimated at 7,100 in 2022 that's down from 8,500 in 2021, but still enough to make it the neighborhood's biggest employer on paper. But how many actually work downtown regularly? Target won't share the data, though it claims more of its workers are choosing to return to headquarters. Observers say the gap is obvious. "That's a lot of lunches and cups of coffee and rides on the light rail and the bus, and that is hurting us, badly," said commercial real estate broker Tom Tracy, who specializes in Minneapolis office leasing at Cushman & Wakefield. The usual "return to office" motive amounts to the sunk cost fallacy: to justify long-term leases on corporate premises, to justify the positions of middle managers with nothing to do, to justify decades of investment in cultish office productivity doctrines. Articles popping up about how "return to the office" is needed to get people to eat at McCormick & Shmick's Seafood and Steakhouse is a more contemporary flavor of dystopia: superficial, narcissistic, indistinguishable from parody. Unserious yet unnervingly desperate, the last lies before the liar gives up talking and just makes you do whatever it is they want you to do. Center Parcs bosses are celebrating a post Covid revenue boost as new figures show the leisure giant recorded pretax profits of almost 20m this year. They show the Ballymahon based company returned a near 150 per cent increase in pretax profits as revenues skyrocketed by 51 per cent, or 29.6 million, to 87.4 million in the 12 months to the end of April 20 last. When broken down, the aforementioned 87.4m translates to an average of almost 240,000 in daily income. In a further indication of Center Parcs' established foothold in the local and wider tourism sector, occupancy rates increased to 97.9 per cent, up from 73.2 per cent in the previous year. The directors report discloses that the average daily lodge rent achieved was 281.28 compared to 254.74 in the prior year. Even after paying a 2m corporation tax bill, the resort recorded a post-tax profit of 17.8m. Those figures come as the Canadian owners of Center Parcs' resorts in Ireland and the UK, private equity group, Brookfield announced that they were up for sale. The company are looking to offload the short break holiday giant by securing between 4bn and 5bn. The company's filings arrive a month after its fourth anniversary in Ireland and as it has a planning application before An Bord Pleanala for a big expansion within the existing 160-hectare site that includes 198 new lodges. According to its latest records, Center Parcs now employs over 1,200 staff, an increase on the 1,079 it had on its books last year. The company put a book value of 258 million on its fixed assets at the end of April last. It had shareholder funds of 112 million at the end of April 2023, with cash funds increasing from 35.6 million to 50.9 million. The accounts show that in a post-balance sheet event, the company last month refinanced its existing 165.3 million loan and a new facility of 265 million was entered into, of which 165.3 million was used to settle the existing loan facility on July 26th, 2023. Irelands deputy premier is to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and the coup in Niger with EU ministers in Spain this week. Micheal Martin will attend a gathering of EU foreign affairs and defence ministers in the city of Toledo. The defence ministers will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday, and ministers for foreign affairs will hold discussions on Wednesday and Thursday. Ukraines defence minister Oleksii Reznikov is expected to brief his counterparts on recent developments in his country in an informal meeting that will also be attended by representatives of the United Nations and Nato. Foreign affairs ministers from Ukraine and Niger will also join their EU counterparts during the discussions. Mr Martin, who is Irelands Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence, said the diplomatic trip would give the EU a chance to practically coordinate. Ukraine continues to face enormous challenges in the face of Russian aggression, he said. The EU has repeatedly sent strong messages of our continuing determination and abiding commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and I look forward to these discussions, as they offer us an important opportunity to practically coordinate and implement the many different initiatives and assistance measures we are taking collectively. We must remain resolute in our commitment to stand with Ukraine and these discussions provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Ukraines freedom and democracy. He added: The situation in Niger is extremely grave and the EU has made clear its firm condemnation of the coup in Niger. Discussions over the next few days will allow us the opportunity to assess how the EU can be most effective in ensuring a return to democratic government, and support regional leaders in their efforts. The EU will continue to provide humanitarian aid and to stand alongside the people of Niger, in particular in its commitment to their human rights. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has set March 4, 2024, as the date for Trump's Federal election interference trial to begin. Taking no nonsense from Trump's lawyers, the date is two months later than Special Counsel Jack Smith stated the United States would be ready to bring its case against Trump, but two years earlier than Trump's lawyers said they need to defend their client appropriately. NBC News: "These proposals are obviously very far apart," Chutkan said Monday. "Neither of them is acceptable." Chutkan said that Trump will have to prioritize the trial and that she wouldn't change the trial schedule based upon another defendant's professional obligations, say, for a professional athlete. The public has an interest in the fair and timely administration of justice, Chutkan said. Trump's lawyer said that going to trial next year would violate the former president's rights, noting the millions of pages of discovery that prosecutors have turned over. Judge Chutkan does not seem receptive to Trump's attorney Jon Lauro complaining they can not prepare an adequate defense in anything less than two years. She seemed to suggest the defendant had wasted time not preparing while he knew he was under a grand jury investigation. "This case is not going to trial in 2026," Chutkan said. She pointed out that Trump's team has had time to prepare already; the public has known about the existence of the grand jury investigating Trump since September 2022 and the identity of many of the witnesses has been known. A speedy trial is a speedy trial, even if you don't want a trial at all. Seems Trump's first attempt to delay, delay, delay is failing. Levittown Man Sentenced to 50 Years to Life in Prison for Murdering Wife and Attempting to Kill Brother Crime By Chris Boyle Published: August 28 2023 Thomas DiNapoli was convicted at trial in June; jury deliberated for an hour. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Levittown man was sentenced today to 50 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife and attempted murder of his brother-in-law in August 2020 at their Cord Lane home. Thomas DiNapoli, 70, was convicted by a jury in June of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony), Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (a B violent felony), and Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony). The defendant was sentenced today by Judge Tammy Robbins to 50 years to life in prison. DiNapolis trial started on June 16 and summations were on June 26. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Cheryl DiNapoli was senselessly murdered by her husband in August 2020, when he brutally fired a rifle twice into her face and neck during an argument in their home, DA Donnelly said. Cheryls brother ran to her aid and was able to disarm the defendant, but Thomas carnage only continued when he retrieved a second weapon and shot his brother-in-law as well. Cheryls life was tragically cut short because of her husbands murderous rage, and while no amount of prison time can ease the pain of the many family members and friends who loved her dearly, we hope that todays lengthy sentence brings them some measure of comfort. DA Donnelly said that on the evening of August 13, 2020, the defendant and his wife, Cheryl DiNapoli, were arguing in the bedroom of their home in Levittown. The defendant shot the 61-year-old victim in the eye and neck with a 9mm rifle. The womans younger brother, who was also living at the home, entered the couples bedroom and struggled with the defendant for possession of the gun, ultimately taking it away from DiNapoli. The defendant then went downstairs to a safe in the garage where he retrieved a second weapon, a shotgun. DiNapoli then shot his brother-in-law, who was behind a door, in the right arm. The two men physically fought in the house and the struggled continued to the front lawn of the home. There, the brother-in-law was able to take the shotgun away from DiNapoli. At that point, at approximately 11:49 p.m. that evening, responding officers from the Nassau County Police Department arrested the defendant. Cheryl DiNapoli was pronounced deceased at the scene. The injured man was taken to the hospital and is recovering from his wounds. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: August 28 2023 Defendant Allegedly Preyed on Women to Sexually Assault and/or Rob Them. A 20-count superseding indictment was filed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn charging Chad Barclay with interstate prostitution, Hobbs Act robbery, kidnapping, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, witness tampering, and obstruction of an official proceeding. Those crimes involve five female victims. In addition, one male was the victim of access device fraud and aggravated identify theft. Barclay was arrested in May 2023 and ordered detained pending trial. Barclay will be arraigned on the superseding indictment at a later date. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the superseding indictment. As alleged, the defendant is a dangerous criminal who sexually assaulted and robbed multiple vulnerable women while using fear to make them his prisoners, stated United States Attorney Peace. I commend the prosecutors and FBI Special Agents for bringing this serial offender to justice. Anyone who believes they are a victim of a crime committed by Barclay is asked to contact the United States Attorneys Office at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/report-crime or the FBI. Barclay is alleged to have callously sexually assaulted, robbed multiple women, or both through threats of violence and coercion. This type of criminal behavior has no place in our communities. Todays indictment serves as a notice to any individual who willingly uses threats and intimidation to commit sexual assault and other violent crimesthe FBI will ensure you face punishment in the criminal justice system, stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith. As alleged in court filings, from September 2022 to May 2023, Barclay engaged in a criminal pattern of enticing women, some of whom were contacted through online escort websites, to meet with him, and then sexually assaulting and/or robbing them. After luring them to his apartment in Brooklyn, Barclay sexually assaulted multiple female victims, instilling fear and confining them for hours in his apartment. Barclay also compelled the victims to unlock their phones so he could take control of the phones and transfer thousands of dollars to himself through various financial platforms. On several occasions, Barclay stole the victims bank cards and used them to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals. In some cases, Barclay asked his victims personal questions in an attempt to identify whether they had friends and family in New York or lived alone, and accessed their phones to gather personal information about themincluding where they lived and whether they had childrento further coerce them into complying with his demands. If you are a victim or have information, there are several ways to contact the FBI: send a tip online at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI is ready to work with callers in their native language and regardless of your immigration status. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of kidnapping, Barclay faces up to 20 years in prison. Know Your Rights: Attorney General James, NYSED Commissioner Rosa Affirm Every New York Student Has the Right to a Free Public Education Local News By Chris Boyle Published: August 28 2023 The law is clear: every New Yorker is entitled to a free public education, and anyone who lives in our state is a New Yorker, said Attorney General James. In advance of the start of the school year, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Education Department (NYSED) Commissioner Betty A. Rosa today released Know Your Rights guidance affirming that every student between the ages of 5 and 21 has the right to a free public education in New York, regardless of the student's nationality or immigration status. The guidance details schools responsibilities in accepting new students and warns against the implementation of policies or requirements that would prevent noncitizens, undocumented students, and families without a lease from registering for school. The law is clear: every New Yorker is entitled to a free public education, and anyone who lives in our state is a New Yorker, said Attorney General James. With the first day of school just around the corner, we must ensure that all students are welcomed to attend without delay or difficulty. I will always defend our young peoples right to learn, and I encourage any New Yorker who is denied their right to attend our public schools to contact my office. We are a nation of immigrants. It is crucial that diversity, equity, and inclusion are rooted in all we do, particularly when it comes to teaching and learning, said Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. School districts are legally responsible for ensuring that all students, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, have access to an equitable, high-quality education. The Department and the Board of Regents are committed to ensuring schools and school districts have the resources to provide these incoming students and their families with the support they need to succeed. All school and district leaders must continue to faithfully carry out their duty to accept and provide educational support services for these students and their families, said Commissioner Rosa. In partnership with Attorney General James and our school and district leaders, we will continue to take concrete steps to ensure a smooth transition for these students. We must create a safe and welcoming environment where all students have a sense of belonging, as well as the supports they need to learn and grow. Under New York law, students between the ages of 5 and 21 have the right to a free public school education. Any policies that prevent students from enrolling in their local public school violate that lawful right. Federal and state laws require public schools to accept and enroll school-age migrants and other students experiencing homelessness, or living in shelters or other temporary housing, even if those students cannot provide proof of residency, school records, or other documents usually required for enrollment. In order to attend a school districts schools for free, students must live in that district. While schools can ask families to submit documentation proving residence, they must accept many different kinds of proof, including but not limited to: Letter or affidavit from the students landlord; Letter or affidavit from a social worker, teacher, lawyer, religious leader, or other individual with personal knowledge of the students residence; Pay stub that shows the students address; Bill for a utility or service, including cell phone, that shows the students address; Membership documents based on residency, such as library cards, whether or not they show the students address; Government-issued identification that shows the students address; and Documents issued by a government agency, such as a local social services agency or the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, among others. When a student requests enrollment, the school must allow the student to begin attending classes the next school day, or as soon as possible. The student then has three business days to prove residency. If the school decides the student is not a resident and therefore not eligible to attend, the school must provide a written notice explaining the decision and how the student can appeal. New York schools should not impose residency requirements for students that would make it difficult for noncitizens, undocumented students, and students who live in rented homes without a lease to register for school. Such policies include: Requiring proofs of residency be less than 30 days old; Requiring students to present proof of residency more than once if residency has not changed; Making home visits to investigate every student who does not have a lease or deed; Denying enrollment if a student or their family cannot provide a voter registration card or drivers license; Requiring a social security number or any details about a students immigration status as a condition of enrollment; and Reporting or threatening to report information about a students living situation to local code-enforcement authorities. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) encourages New Yorkers who have been denied enrollment at their local public school to file a confidential complaint online with the Civil Rights Bureau. This matter was handled for OAG by Assistant Attorney General Ben Pollak of the Civil Rights Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The Civil Rights Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. Driving in Chicago today is utter chaos. Here are some tips for beating bad traffic. Including the secret cab driver route called the Northwest Passage. 28-Aug-23 Illinois may have the second highest real estate taxes in the nation, but now Chicago is ranked #1 of all United States cities for bad traffic, congestion, and road delays. A new report by INRIX, a global traffic scorecard, found that in 2022, Chicago-area drivers logged an annual average of 155 wasted hours sitting in traffic a whopping 50 percent gain over 2021. The poor planning and the inane idea of simultaneously shutting down both the Kennedy Expressway and DuSable Lake Shore Drive this spring and summer probably put us over the top. Add a dash of NASCAR madness to the mix with a special Streets and Sanitation award for welding down the manhole covers on streets surrounding Grant Park it is easy to see how the city won this dubious title. The cherry and chopped nuts on top of this delectable dish is the citys master plan to install new sewer lines everywhere on the North Side, repave miles of neighborhood streets, and erect snazzy new protected bicycle lanes complete with concrete curbs. Driving in Chicago today is utter chaos. This writer, son of a lifetime Chicago cabdriver, offers the following auto-transportation tips for weary Windy City residents and commuters: Avoid the Dan Ryan Expressway, especially south of the intersection with the Stevenson Expressway. The southern end of the Dan Ryan should officially be designated as a NASCAR driver training site, a road where cars with black-tinted windows race at more than 100 mph even in the slow lane. If you enter the Kennedy from the Jane Byrne Interchange, or spaghetti bowl, never venture northbound into the Ohio Street Tunnel on the Kennedy unless you want to be trapped for half an hour while breathing truck exhaust fumes. In rush hour, always avoid the northbound Lake Shore Drive construction zones after 6:00 p.m. A few weeks ago, this writer was trapped from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. when city crews shrank the road from four lanes to one lane at Fullerton Avenue with orange cones and flashing lights. Traffic was at a total standstill for 15 minutes. One driver with a bursting bladder actually exited his vehicle, strolled into Lincoln Park, and relieved himself behind a tree before returning to his car. According to cab driver lore, here are the best non-expressway alternative routes from the West Side to the North and Northwest sides of town: To avoid wasting 2.5 hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic inching along congested expressways from Rush University Medical Center at Harrison & Ashland to the North and Northwest sides, try this secret cab driver route called the Northwest Passage. Take Ashland north to Grand Avenue. Turn west and take Grand to Kedzie Boulevard. Take Kedzie to Milwaukee Avenue, turning north at the statue in Logan Square Park (see map at right). Continue north on Milwaukee until you reach Addison Street near Schurz High School. To avoid the Metra railroad overpass construction (now in its second year) over Milwaukee, make a left turn onto Addison and go west to Central Avenue. Continue north on Central from 3600 N to Caldwell Avenue. Make a left on Caldwell to Devon Avenue (6000 N), where the speed limit is 40 mph, and go north to Milwaukee Avenue. Turn right on Milwaukee and go northwest to the city limits and the quiet suburb of Niles. Try to avoid Metra train roadblocks. During the rush hour, you will encounter commuter rail delays with seven-car express trains passing every 15 minutes, rumbling across the Metra tracks at Caldwell. Never take this route at 11:30 a.m., or 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, because that is when the 100-car Metra industrial-strength freight train crosses the tracks at the intersection of Peterson-Caldwell and Devon. While traffic on Milwaukee can move well going north, dont automatically assume that other diagonal streets such as Lincoln Avenue and Elston Avenue will always be smooth sailing. Traffic experts say Chicagos angle street stoplights can be twice as long, depending on the number of turn lanes. Time the angle-street lights, especially at those six-corner intersections such as Lincoln, Halsted, and Fullerton, or Elston, Western, and Diversey. If you love sitting in traffic with tranquil views of Lake Michigan, then the famed Northwest Passage is not your best shortcut to Chicagos Northwest Side. Lake Shore Drive is your only option. Take LSD not the drug, the highway north to Hollywood Avenue. Be prepared for a long traffic light at Sheridan Road, and slow going on Hollywood up to Clark Street. Beware of another traffic snare at Ravenswood, where Metra is building a new station. Then go north on Peterson Avenue, a two-lane street that moves along relatively quickly through the neighborhoods of North Lincoln Square, Hollywood Park, Peterson Park, and Sauganash. When you cross the Edens Expressway just west of Cicero Avenue, sneak a peek at the bumper-to-bumper traffic in both directions and have a good laugh. You just beat the citys bad traffic plan. Continue west on Peterson to Central Avenue, and pray you missed that 100-car freight train. Congratulations! You now are a member of the Windy City Beat Bad Traffic Club. Reckinger studied under Roger Castel of the 'School of Paris', and made a departure from abstract painting at an early stage Marc Henri Reckinger is set to receive the prestigious Konschtprais 2024, Luxembourg's ministry of culture announced on Monday, recognising a lifetime of exceptional artistic achievement and social engagement. "With Marc Henri Reckinger, we honour an artist, a man, a career, a life dedicated to art and social commitment," Culture Minister Sam Tanson said in a press release. "At all times, it is important to be open, tolerant, and critical of the world around us, and to the challenges of a democratic and pluralistic society. The contemporary work of this great artist inspires us to reflect and challenges us to act." Examining Reckinger's illustrious career, the jury noted his role as a key figure in the artistic renewal of Luxembourg in the 1960s. Reckinger studied under Roger Castel, a prominent figure of the post-war 'School of Paris', and made a departure from abstract painting at an early stage. The award ceremony for the Konschtpreis 2024 is scheduled to take place in October next year at the National Museum. The award, endowed with 10,000, is presented every two years to honor the complete body of work of an artist who has made a mark on Luxembourg's cultural landscape. Vivek Ramaswamy is no performer; these rap videos prove that. The show he put on during the Republican "Presidential debate" and past Sunday during some media interviews, reminds me of a Hollywood snake oil salesman in the worst way. His presence in the race seems to contradict his own words, and Chuck Todd tries to get him to explain it several times. Ramaswamy is clear; he wants to do whatever Trump does, but this time he's going to force the libs to love it. He intends to unite people with ideas more than half the country hates. Ramaswamy says he's going to unite the country. The magic will be Trump's 2015 platform but delivered by a guy who got rich, leaving many investors out in the cold. I think he smiles at the wrong times. He certainly doesn't seem to be uniting us, comparing a Democratic congressperson, who is Black, to the leader of the KKK. Daily Beast: Ramaswamy had blasted the congresswoman, who is Black, on Friday for her 2019 comment that Democrats "don't need any more brown faces that don't want to be a brown voice." He said her words were "the words of the modern grand wizards of the modern KKK." Speaking to CNN's State of the Union, he double downed on itall while trying to dismiss it as a "fringe comment." "The Grand Wizard of the KKK would be proud of what they would hear her say because there's nothing more racist than saying that your skin color predicts something about the content and your viewpoints to support your ideas," he said. Host Dana Bash pushed back at the candidate, asking him, "How on earth is she a modern grand wizard of that kind of an organization?" The Ku Klux Klan, a racist organization, has a long history of subjecting Black people to lynchings, murders, and sexual assault. Ramaswamy tried to brush the question off entirely, arguing his inflammatory comment was an attempt at having an "intellectually honest" debate about race relations in the country. Still, Bash said, that ignored how the KKK "lynched people, they raped people, they murdered people, they burned their homes." "And that was obviously wrong," he responded. This clearly demonstrates he is trying to unite the United States in exactly the same way Trump did. Featured Image: YouTube Manchester, VT (05254) Today Rain. High 49F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. There is a consequence to not keeping your promises. Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week. The Amherst Industrial Development Agency terminated the remaining property and sales tax breaks it had awarded to Bureau Veritas in 2017, after the consumer products testing company failed to comply with its agreement to keep at least 266 full-time local jobs. That means the company will not receive another seven years of relief from school property taxes and six years of town and county property taxes, and will lose $29,679 in sales tax breaks. The Amherst IDA voted on Friday not to seek to recapture more than $762,750 in tax incentives that were previously received by the company, noting that Bureau Veritas did satisfy its obligations for capital spending on construction and equipment, as well as its use of local labor in construction. And, AIDA added, the companys investment has generated new property taxes that otherwise would not have been collected without the project. However, the agency reserved the right to claw back the rest of the subsidies if Bureau Veritas does not meet its new agreement to maintain the Amherst facility at at least 202 employees through the end of 2029. The company, which agreed to the AIDAs revised terms, has blamed the shortfall of more than 60 jobs on the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the so-called Great Resignation, which caused it to cut jobs at the start of the pandemic, and then come up short when it was ready to hire again. The action against Bureau Veritas, which has been brewing since last year, represents a rare rebuke of a company by an industrial development agency. Companies usually agree to maintain and create a certain number of jobs in the first two years in exchange for tax breaks, and must then hold a minimum employment level for the duration of the incentives. Fluctuations in job tallies are not unusual especially in the wake of the pandemic but IDAs usually try to work with companies first before terminating or even recapturing incentives. In this case, the AIDA in August 2017 approved a pair of related projects for Bureau Veritas totaling $9.1 million, in which the company would construct a 43,500-square-foot expansion of a building at 100 Northpointe Parkway. The goal was to consolidate multiple operations into a single expanded location, while attracting more work from its French parent companys global network. The property is owned by Zaepfel Development, which took on the $7 million building project, while Bureau Veritas purchased the equipment involved in the expansion. The testing company was to spend $1.82 million on improvements. But the pandemic hit its customers hard, particularly those in the retail sector that are handled by the Amherst facility. Revenue fell by almost 15% from 2018 to 2022. That prompted a plunge in the job count, which fell to 203 as of a year ago. The company worked with the agency, which agreed to a modification in 2021 that reduced the job commitment to 223 retained positions and three new ones. The company tried to introduce new services in an effort to grow employment. But even that wasnt enough. Employment is not likely to return to its pre-pandemic levels given the state of the industry, a memo from IDA staff to its board of directors stated. Mister Sizzles is coming to Clarence. The Clarence Planning Board on Aug. 30 Wednesday will review a proposal by the Buffalo business for a new burger restaurant project at 6409 Transit Road, in a former First Niagara and Northwest Bank branch. Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week. The restaurant will have seating for 92, including 24 seats at the bar and a game area for 15, plus an outdoor patio for 46 people, including 16 bar seats and a family play area. Known for its burgers and cocktails, Mister Sizzles will offer lunch and dinner service all week, with a pair of television screens for graphics and occasional live sports, as well as speakers for music. There will not be live music. Mister Sizzles is currently located on Connecticut Street, on Buffalos West Side. Also coming to Clarence is the Clarence Motor and Sport Estates, a proposed automotive self-storage facility for high-end cars, to be located on part of a 10.6-acre vacant parcel in an industrial business park at the southwest corner of Goodrich and County roads. Developed by Leonard Higgins, and designed by Sutton Architecture and Metzger Civil Engineering, the complex would feature nine dark-gray one-story buildings with 56 vehicle storage bays, each with barn-style wood doors and pedestrian entrances. That includes seven buildings with seven units in each, plus one with four units and one with three. The middle units would all have 1,148 square feet, while the end units in each building would have 1,289 square feet. Finally, Munro Products Commercial wants to build an 800-square-foot metal-clad addition to an existing warehouse at the rear of the property at 9150 Clarence Center Road. All three projects will be up for review Aug. 30. I received some great responses to last weeks 10 historical IPAs column, and a few readers filled in some tasty beers that I missed. So I thought it would be both fun and informative to share some of the feedback along with a few of the beers that probably deserved equal attention to the ones I chose. I was thrilled that I received plenty of agreement with my choices and was also happy to get a good amount of suggestions about ones that escaped my recall. Starting with longtime reader, first-time writer Keith Fuller, I was pleased to hear that Keith felt I hit the mark with most of my choices. Keith wrote: In your column, I think you hit the major ones that were well done back in the day. And I want to say that as much as I have enjoyed the NEIPAs for the past few years, they have (a) added substantial weight to my midsection (b) become a little same ol same ol (other than the ridiculously good standouts from Tree House, Hill Farmstead, Trillium and Back East, to name a few) and (c) sometimes lack the punch the West Coast IPAs offer. I felt empathy for Keith on the midsection comment, as I also blame IPAs for my lack of a six-pack stomach. And I think hes right about many of the NEIPAs: There are plenty of good ones, but they dont seem to have the same zing that the great West Coast ones have. Jerry Pfieffer wrote in to remind me of two excellent IPAs that I missed. He mentioned Victory Brewing in Pennsylvania, and although Victory has several IPAs, I will assume he meant the brewerys first one, the delicion HopDevil. The other one was one I like but dont think quite makes the top 10: Firestone Walkers Union Jack. Both were great suggestions though. Joe Wicht said he enjoyed reading about all the old great beers while he was sitting at [renowned craft beer mecca] Toronado in San Francisco. One beer he thought might have been included was Moylans Hopsickle. I think Joe does a perfect pour of a description for his love for the brew: This beer was the king of hoppiness and over-the-top caramel charm. A brewer introduced me to it in 2006 and I couldnt drink any other beer for months. Of course, now, Hopsickle is deemed too old-fashioned for the beer scene. But, oh, does the memory of that beer linger in my mind, he wrote. I mostly have to agree with reader Kevin Baca, who would have liked to see Stone Ruination, Pizza Port Swamis IPA and Heady Topper on the list. But I had to limit myself to 10, and it was inevitable that some greats would miss the cut. While I welcomed the differences of opinion, I must admit that the response that warmed my heart the most was from Jay Neely, who wrote in solely to affirm my choice of Pretty Things Meadowlark IPA as the best ever. Jay was hoping there might be something similar on the market, but I sadly had to inform him that Ive yet to come across anything. Let me know if any of you have found anything close. Id love to find that Holy Grail. Reach me at geolenker@yahoo.com. Thanks to all who wrote in. Cheers. Multiple teenagers have been arrested after police reportedly broke up fights at two Boston movie theaters during National Cinema Day on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to officials. Police were called to the South Bay Shopping Center in Dorchester just before 5 p.m. after fights broke out among a large crowd near the AMC Theater located at 25 District Ave, Boston police reported. The theater was especially busy for $4 tickets in celebration of National Cinema Day. Initial reports indicated that nearly 200 people were possibly in the crowd, according to Boston25. A video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, showed dozens of cop cars swarming the plaza and officers trying to control the crowd. Boston police said multiple people in the crowd did not leave when asked and became confrontational with officers. Some teenagers assaulted officers, according to police. This prompted additional help from multiple districts and the Massachusetts State Police, Boston police said. In total, eight arrests were made. They included: A 12-year-old girl who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery A 12-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, affray and disorderly conduct A 14-year-old girl who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, affray and disorderly conduct A 14-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer and disturbing the peace A 14-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; disorderly conduct A 14-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest A 17-year-old girl who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery A 17-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace, and resisting arrest All are expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court, police said. Police do not have any information on if there were injuries. Read More: Several arrests made in connection with shooting at Boston Caribbean Carnival Five more teenagers were also arrested in connection with a fight outside the AMC Boston Common movie theater, located at 175 Tremont St., as also reported by MassLive. This happened just before 10 p.m. Sunday. A Boston man is being accused of stabbing someone with a screw driver on Saturday. Michael Josey, 62, of Boston, was arrested and faces assault and battery charges after the Boston Police department said he stabbed someone near 493 Blue Hill Ave. The person who was stabbed had non-life-threatening injuries. Read more: Man arrested in connection with double stabbing in downtown Worcester Sunday Police said the person was stabbed with a screw driver but the suspect had fled. They later found Josey, who they said matched the description of the suspect, holding a screw driver, police said. He was arrested at 6:13 p.m. and charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. He is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court. SPRINGFIELD Aging is inevitable, but wisdom is not. Just for that reason the Prime Living Senior Expo offered up loads of information to help make getting older a little less daunting. Sponsored by Reminder Publishing and The Republican, the second annual Prime Living Senior Expo was held in the MGM Aria Ballroom on Sunday. Basically, it is a chance to have a one-stop shopping experience for anything you might need for living your best life after the age of 45 or 50, said Debbie Gardner, editor of The Reminders Prime Magazine. We have got people for exercise, weve got people for travel, weve got people for home improvements, real estate, people who will help you make sure you have the right things for Medicare, we have some elder law people, and we have some yoga people. Reminder Publishing has been offering Prime Magazine, its monthly publication catering to seniors, for the past 35 years. More than 40 exhibitors filled the Aria Ballroom, passing out all sorts of information. Need to know how to negotiate Medicare? Independent insurance broker Erica Beaudry of Easthampton was ready to help. My role is as an independent broker, so I am an advisor, she said. Medicare is a very confusing landscape that leaves a lot of people completely baffled. My goal is to guide them through the process, whether it is initial enrollment or if they have been enrolled in a plan and it just doesnt seem to be working for them, I do a review and help them with options. But some attendees to the expo were only looking to improve their home, maybe new windows or a bath refit. Craig and Maria Burke were looking into having work done on their home. We were interested in having some construction, maybe windows on our house, Craig Burke said. The couple has a son who uses a wheelchair and who moved in with them. They were also interested in installing structures around their home in the fall, such as a ramp. The Prime Living Senior Expo tallied more than 10 companies ready to make the repairs or improvements the Burkes are looking for, as well as work that other older folks look for including sit-down tubs and walk-in showers. Of course, some want to get away from home and hearth and see the world in their senior years. A lot of people are interested in the river cruises, said Amy Frank of Magical Moments Vacations. European river cruises are a great way to see and experience different countries. Frank, who exhibited at the expo, also specializes in Sandals Resorts and Disney destinations. Many seniors are military veterans and look to the Veteran Administration for care as they grow older, but did you know the VA also helps families as they care for older veterans? Todd Hynek works out of the VA in Leeds, and he had information about the VAs Caregiver Support Program, which is designed to support family caregivers of veterans, be they spouses or children of the vet, as they continue to live in their home. The VA provides lots of different services for veterans, Hynek said, but this is the only program that does something that recognizes the family caregivers as an important part of the veterans care. ... Our program supports those family caregivers that works on their health, their mental health, their physical health and their emotional wellbeing. We provide them with education and clinical supports. Care is a continuum for older Americans. Patricia Roos, from Holyoke, was looking for after-care for a friend of hers and said she may well have found it at the expo. I have a friend who just got out of a nursing home, and she is in need of care, and the Visiting Angels had a program that seems it might work for her, Roos said. I got their information to pass on to here. Denise Buckel wandered into the expo with few expectations but found some compelling information. I live with my mother, and I was basically coming to see what was offered in the area, Buckel said. We are in our own home now, but if she needs additional independent living or assistive living, I wanted to see what was around and pick up some information. She also found some potentially immediate help for her mother. She has issues with balance, and I found someone in there who may be able to help her with that, Buckel said. That someone is physical trainer Lamar Moore at Moore Fit for Life Training. I specialize in training for the fit folks 55 and over, he said. They have different goals than those in their 30s and 40s. It is about maintaining. Moore said that proper physical exercise can help to circumvent future illness such as heart disease. Exercise is probably the best intervention for those conditions and is the best longevity drug. As long as you are moving, they cant bury you, Moore said. Moore said proper exercise and movement can help issues such as balance and osteoarthritis as well. If one message comes out of the Prime Senior Expo, it is that getting older is not the time to quit learning. There is so much that needs to be learned and only so many resources are available. Donna Kimball is the director of planning for Top Floor Learning, a company designed to teach older Americans how to navigate todays technological world. We do adult education of all sorts, especially technology, she said. We recently started pairing with AARP and senior planning to start offering technology workshops and classes for seniors specifically. That includes computer literacy, as well as new smartphones; we work on how to access health apps and medical information on your phone. Gretchen Halasi-Kun, director of business development for The Republican, said events like the Prime Living Senior Expo allow the company to bring valuable information to its readers. We love to do events like this that engage the community, she said. This event taps into our readers and community members ages 55 and up. There are a lot of great services in our community for that age group and we want to bring the community members to those services. A GoFundMe set up on Sunday to help a Massachusetts State Police trooper badly hurt in Utah on Aug. 25 has already blown past its goal in one day. Trooper Matthew McRae has been a state trooper for four years, while beforehand being a police officer. To those who know him, he is a generous and fun-loving person, wrote the fundraisers organizer Casey McRae of Ashby. McRae was in a rideshare vehicle while vacationing in Salt Lake City when the car was hit by another vehicle, according to the GoFundMe page. McRae, the rideshare driver and another passenger were all taken to the hospital, with McRae needing to go into the ICU with several broken bones including a broken neck and spinal injury. Salt Lake police spokesperson Brent Weisberg told KSL.com that a Mini Cooper driving at a high rate of speed before crashing into a KIA the vehicle McRae was in. The news station reported that the other driver was detained for interfering with the investigation, while Casey McRae wrote in quotes that it was due to suspicion of DUI. The goal of this GoFundMe is to raise money for a potential medical transport flight as well as any care he may need as he progresses, the page read. The expenses for Matthews medical treatment and other unforeseen costs may be significant and any little bit will help. As of Sunday, Aug. 27, Matthew remains in critical condition in the ICU. Even if you are unable to donate to this fund, we please ask that you share this page and say a prayer for Matthew. The fundraisers initial goal was to receive $60,000. As of Monday afternoon, with 750 donations, the fundraiser has received $77,533. Two donors submitted $5,000, one gave $2,000, three people donated $1,000 each and 19 donors each submitted $500, among the many people who contributed. Commenters expressed short messages of support to McRae. One commenter said they were praying for McRaes recovery and his family. Cheering you on from CA!! wrote Kathleen OMalley, who donated $50. Casey also thanked the first responders involved and to the other people involved in the horrific crash. Special thanks to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the University of Utah Hospital, thank you, Casey wrote. Additionally, we thank the State Police Association of Massachusetts for all the guidance through this difficult time. Those who want to contribute to the fundraiser, head over to GoFundMe by clicking the link here. The husband of Ruth Marie Terry who was identified last year as the famed Lady of the Dunes from Massachusetts oldest unidentified murder in Massachusetts has been officially named as Terrys killer, according to Cape and Island District Attorney Robert J. Galibois. The Lady of the Dunes case is now officially closed, the office said. Guy Muldavin has been identified as the man who killed Terry in 1974, the district attorney said in a press release Monday. Muldavin died in 2002, and the office added that he was also the prime suspect in the disappearance of another wife and a stepdaughter in Seattle, Washington about 10 years prior. Terrys body was found among the dunes by Race Point Road in Provincetown on July 26, 1974. The towns police department had initially taken over the case at the time, which was turned over in 1982 to Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit for the Cape and Islands District. Identification of Terrys body was difficult because her hands were severed and her head was nearly decapitated, Special Agent Joseph R. Bonavolonta said at the time. She had been killed by blunt force trauma to the head, the district attorney said. The womans skull had never been sent to the cemetery to be buried with the rest of her body and had stayed in police custody, the district attorney said. Parts of her skull were tested over the years for potential DNA matches, the office stated, and with newly-developed DNA testing in 2021, a portion of her jaw led officials to finally identify the Lady of the Dunes in October 2022. A death certificate for Ruth Marie Terry was issued on April 5, 2023, by the Chief Medical Examiners Office, the district attorney said. Because of her identification, the district attorney said State Police discovered Terry had been married to Muldavin just before her death in either 1973 or 1974. The couple had been traveling after their wedding, the office stated, and stopped in Tennessee to see Terrys family. The offices stated Terry and Muldavin honeymooned after their wedding for the summer of 1974, and that Muldavin came home alone from the trip driving what was believed to be Terrys car, the district attorney said. Witnesses at the time said Muldavin indicated to them that Terry had died, the office said. Terrys brother had tried to find her after her death, the office said, but Muldavin told him he had fought with his wife during their honeymoon, and that he hadnt her from her again. Muldavin was married several times between the 1940s and 1960s prior to his marriage to Terry, months before her body was discovered. Muldavins name first appeared in the news in 1960 when living in Seattle with his then-wife and stepdaughter, Manzanita Mearns and Dolores Ann. Running an antique shop, both women suddenly disappeared. Muldavin fled and police searched his home, finding pieces of human flesh in a septic tank. Without any DNA testing, it was assumed but never confirmed that those were the remains of the missing women. Seattle prosecutors dropped the unlawful flight charge with no evidence, and Muldavin married Terry after he moved to Reno. After her death, he fled to California. The Californian wrote a profile on Muldavin when he gained a cult following as a result of his popular radio program Take to Me on KAZU in Pacific Grove. He died in Salinas on March 14, 2002. The district attorneys office thanked State Police for their efforts in the identification of Terry and her killer, along with closure in the case, and thanked the other law enforcement and forensic scientists. District Attorney Galibois expressed his deepest condolences to Terrys family, who recently visited where her body was found. Terrys son, Richard Hanchett, 64, was among the family members who visited the site, NBC 10 Boston reported. Hanchett connected with Terrys family after he completed a DNA test in 2018, and gathered with her family at the site earlier this year. Hanchett approached her grave and said he loved her. Then everything set in, it broke my heart, he told the outlet. Some of Terrys remains stayed in Provincetown, while some were buried with her mother in Tennessee, NBC 10 said. Hanchett brought some of her ashes back home with him but also scattered some of her ashes on the same beach where her body was found almost 50 years ago. Gov. Maura Healey has weighed in on the shootings that rocked Boston and Worcester over the weekend, saying shes heartbroken by the violence, while adding that shes deeply grateful for the swift reaction from law enforcement and emergency services personnel. On Sunday, two people, including a 15-year-old, were injured during a shooting at Worcesters Caribbean American Carnival, the Worcester Police Department said. The 15-year-old, and a 23-year-old who also was shot, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, MassLive previously reported, citing police accounts. Read more: 2 people injured in shooting at Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Sunday On Saturday, several people were arrested after eight people were shot in Boston during the Caribbean Carnival celebration, according to city police. Boston police responded around 7:44 a.m. to the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Talbot Avenue in Dorchester for a report of multiple people shot, the Boston Police Department said on Facebook. The shooting was reported near a parade that was passing through as part of the Caribbean Carnival, MassLive previously reported. Read more: Several arrests made in connection with shooting at Boston Caribbean Carnival In her statement, Healey pointed to the administrations efforts to combat gun violence across the commonwealth, including earlier this summer where the Democratic governor said she convened community partners, state public safety officials, district attorneys, and police to discuss collaborative community partnerships that have proven impacts on public safety. Healey added that the administration has deployed some $1.5 million in federal grant money to support violence prevention efforts, as well as response and community engagement efforts through the summer and fall months when violent crime is often at its peak. Here is the full text of Healeys statement: Im heartbroken over the gun violence that occurred this weekend in Boston and Worcester amid proud celebrations of culture, community and joy. This comes as the city of Springfield faces a devastating spike in violence this summer My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the entire communities that have been impacted by these senseless shootings. Im deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of law enforcement, public safety personnel and first responders whose quick actions have saved lives. Our administration is committed to being a strong partner to cities and towns by collaborating on a coordinated approach to get illegal guns off the streets, address the root causes of violence, and ensure safe communities for all. A Massachusetts State Police trooper is fighting for his life in the hospital after he was hit by a suspected drunk driver early Friday morning in Utah, according to the State Police Association of Massachusetts. The crash happened at 1 a.m. in Salt Lake City on Aug. 25, State Police said. Trooper Matthew McRae, 28, had been a passenger in a ride-share car when a person, who Salt Lake Police believe was intoxicated, hit the ride-share and seriously injured McRae, according to the State Police Association. A GoFundMe for McRae stated his neck was broken in the crash and that his spinal cord was injured, among other severe injuries. The GoFundMe also stated another passenger and the driver were also seriously injured and all brought to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle that hit the ride-share was arrested after the crash for operating under the influence, the Association said. McRae is still in critical condition at the ICU at the University of Utah Hospital as of Monday, the Association stated. According to the GoFundMe, he has been a state trooper in Massachusetts for four years, and was previously a local officer for three years. The GoFundMes goal is to raise money for a potential medical transport flight, it stated, along with any medical care he needs. The fundraiser, created by a family member, had a goal of $60,000 which it already surpassed in 24 hours at over $75,000 as of Monday. ...[McRaes] health is slowly improving and we eagerly await his return to Massachusetts. All of his immediate family are with him for the time being as well as Association Treasurer Christopher Donahue who has been on the ground assisting the family navigate through this process, the Association stated. The McRae family stated they are grateful for the outpouring of love and support for Matthew and our family, and that they cannot adequately express our gratitude to everyone who has been supporting us, praying for us, and helping guide us through this terrible time. The family called McRae a fighter, and stated they have witnessed firsthand the fight and determination Matthew has within him and know him to be one who stands up for the things he believes in. They also stated McRae is generous and fun-loving. He has already defied the odds and continues to fight this very minute here in this hospital for his life, the family added in their statement. For now, we ask for privacy and your continued prayers as we navigate the next steps in this process. Thank you all again for your love and support during this difficult time. The organizers behind the Boston Caribbean-American Carnival were outraged by the violent outbreak that disrupted their event on Saturday, Aug. 26. Absolutely deplorable and unacceptable, the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston wrote on Facebook. We are praying for all the victims from the weekend. Were praying for your mental and physical healing and hoping for your full recovery. Boston police responded to the area of Blue Hill and Talbot avenues in Dorchester for a report of multiple people shot, around 7:44 a.m on Sunday, Boston police reported. The shooting happened near a parade that was passing through as part of the Caribbean Carnival. Read More: Several arrests made in connection with shooting at Boston Caribbean Carnival Authorities found eight people who had been shot: six men and two women, according to police. Five men and one woman were taken to the hospital while the other two victims declined treatment. None of their injuries were life-threatening, according to Boston police. This happened against the backdrop of a city celebration, but also against the backdrop of a nation that cannot fashion a rational policy on reducing gun violence, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. This joyous festival of Caribbean heritage may have been affected by senseless violence, but we stand with the many good people here today who will not let this violence define their cultural celebration. The violence erupted after two rival gangs were seen taunting each other from opposite sides of Talbot Avenue near the Boys & Girls Club, according to a police report obtained by MassLive. Officers saw the groups taking specific notice of each other while ignoring the festival, the report reads. As the groups got closer to one another, police determined that some of the gang members were armed. Officers were also aware that gang violence has erupted at Bostons Caribbean Carnival in the past and noticed several individuals who had criminal paths, according to the report. Officers started walking towards the groups and, when they were about 15 yards away, heard roughly 12 gunshots. This caused hundreds of people to run and duck for cover, police said. Officers kept moving forward while looking for any victims. One officer saw a suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Gerald Vick, of Dorchester, running up the handicap ramp to the Boys & Girls Club. He was arrested shortly after. Vick also had a 9mm pistol with a large capacity magazine, equipped with a Glock switch, that enabled the firearm to fire continuously, in his possession, police said. Officers also arrested 30-year-old Dwayne Francis, also of Dorchester, onsite, police said. Francis had a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol. Both men were expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court Monday on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, according to police. Read More: 2 people injured in shooting at Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Sunday During the investigation, detectives obtained video that showed two men involved in the initial shooting. One of the men was shot in the leg and was seen limping into a tow lot. Officers found him and sent him to the hospital for treatment, police said. He was later identified as 21-year-old Sebastian Fernandez, who was arrested in connection with the shooting and is being guarded at the hospital, according to police. Another man in the video was seen running behind the Boys and Girls Club towards Franklin Field. He was arrested around 1:50 p.m. on Westview Street, police said. The 17-year-old boy from Dorchester was in possession of a Polymer 80 pistol also equipped with a Glock switch, police said. He was placed under arrest for firearm possession. His involvement in shooting is under investigation. The annual Caribbean Carnival consisted of two separate parades. The first, the Jouvert parade, began at 6:30 a.m. on Talbot Avenue and proceeded up Blue Hill Avenue to the Circuit Drive entrance of Franklin Park. The second and main parade, the Caribbean Carnival, was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Warren Street at Martin Luther King Boulevard. It goes up Warren Street to Blue Hill Avenue and ends at the Circuit Drive entrance of Franklin Park. The festivities proceeded despite the shooting. Read More: Worcester Caribbean American Carnival joyful celebration of culture prior to nearby shooting Im heartbroken over the gun violence that occurred this weekend in Boston and Worcester amid proud celebrations of culture, community and joy, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy said in a statement referencing the shooting that occurred during Worcesters Caribbean Carnival on Sunday, Aug. 27. A 15-year-old and 23-year-old were shot and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Worcester police. The department is seeking the publics help in finding a suspect. Im deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of law enforcement, public safety personnel and first responders whose quick actions have saved lives, Healy continued. Our administration is committed to being a strong partner to cities and towns by collaborating on a coordinated approach to get illegal guns off the streets, address the root causes of violence, and ensure safe communities for all. The Boston shooting also remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Boston police detectives at (617) 343-4700. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Boston Police Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463). As Massachusetts becomes the eighth state in the country to make free meals permanently available to all students, local school districts hope for full participation among students. The statewide program benefits students not only with hunger but with the stigma attached to getting free meals as well, said Laura Amedeo, the supervisor of school cafeterias in West Springfield. There are still many families who struggle with food insecurity. However, students can now enjoy nutritious meals without worrying about debt or feeling ashamed for receiving reduced or free meals, said Amedeo. On Aug. 8, Gov. Maura Healey signed a $56 billion budget, which included $172 million for the permanent universal lunch program for public school students in kindergarten through grade 12. Although school districts in Chicopee, Springfield and West Springfield have had free lunches in place for some years, officials say the program shines a light on just how many families depend on school meals daily. Our goal is always to increase participation. We want more families to realize the benefits and participate, said Melanie Wilk, director of food service at Chicopee Public Schools. Chicopee serves about 5,000 children two meals a day, in addition to a supper program for students in secondary school, Wilk said. With free meals, Chicopee Public Schools hopes the 80% participation rate among students increases to 100%. With The Universal Free Lunch Program, students in the district are eligible to receive one free breakfast and lunch regardless of family income, Amedeo said. In West Springfield, Amedeo said although over 80% of students participate in the school lunch program, all students can benefit from the program. The school lunch program has been improved thanks to increased participation reimbursements. We now provide a greater variety of menu options, including fresh fruits and vegetables every day, she said. Springfield Public Schools has had universal free lunch in place for over five years, said the districts spokesperson Azell Cavaan. Like Springfield, Chicopee and West Springfield were also already participating in an eligibility-based reimbursement program. After adopting the Community Eligibility Provision, West Springfield became a universal-free-lunch district in 2021, Amedeo said. CEP allows districts that have high poverty to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to students helping all families save money, Amedeo said. Chicopee has also been a universal free lunch district through the Community Eligibility Provision. It is not something guaranteed; we have to reapply every four years, Wilk said. The Chicopee Public Schools district has been an advocate for the universal free lunch program, Wilk said. Wilk said with the end of the Federal Pandemic Program free meal program, district food service agencies were able to understand the need and benefits of a universal free lunch and breakfast program. According to Wilk, the COVID-19 pandemic amped up the advocacy for national and statewide universal free lunch programs. School breakfast and lunch are sometime the only meal students may receive, Wilk said, adding that the pandemic demonstrated how many families rely on meals provided by the schools. In Chicopee, about three million free meals were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilk added. Wilk said to start charging for lunch now would only be confusing for the families and frustrating for districts, so the universal free lunch program is a no brainer. According to Wilks, although many districts have already been participating in a free lunch program, the permanent statewide lunch program will be a huge contributor to stamping out hunger in the state. The grandmother of a 12-year-old student from Buffalo who died by suicide in May has begun legal action against Buffalo Public Schools, the Buffalo School Board and the City of Buffalo, claiming each paid deliberate indifference to severe, pervasive and disturbing bullying that caused the boys death. Blanca Martinez cited more than 20 incidents of bullying reported about her grandson, Dariel Rivera Reyes, to district teachers, staff and officials in the two years preceding the boys death in a notice of claim prepared by attorney John F. Maxwell at Maxwell Murphy Law. The notice, filed with the district and in State Supreme Court in June, is the first step toward a civil lawsuit against government agencies or schools. Martinez seeks damages for personal injury, emotional distress, conscious pain and suffering and the wrongful death of Reyes. The school and city entities are accused of negligence as well as violations of New Yorks Human Rights Act, Civil Rights Act and Dignity for All Students Act. The state implemented the latter in 2012 as a formal measure to address incidents of bullying and harassment. Family demands change in Buffalo Schools after a 12-year-old, bullied relentlessly, dies by suicide A 12-year-old died by suicide after relentless bullying by a fellow sixth-grader at Buffalo's Martin Luther King Jr. School 48. The boy's grandparents and teachers who spoke to The Buffalo News say the system failed Dariel Rivera Reyes. Reyes, a bilingual student at School 48, was found dead by his grandmother in their West Side apartment May 17. Teachers at the High Street elementary school examined the bullys disciplinary record which was seven pages long, listed several severe offenses and included specific bullying reports and discussed a pattern of cyberbullying through social media platforms such as TikTok and Discord that accompanied in-person harassment. Amid her grief, Martinez who speaks only Spanish condemned bullying following her grandsons death, telling The Buffalo News through an interpreter that she believed the tragedy could have been avoided if the district had heeded documented warning signs. The next step in the legal process is a 50-H hearing similar to a deposition on Oct. 2 at City Hall, where Martinez will be questioned under oath about the injuries and damages described in the notice of claim. Following the hearing, Maxwell Murphy Law is expected to file a formal lawsuit, a spokesperson for the firm said. 'No easy, quick solution': Bullying experts describe trends in schools following tragedy Regional mental health experts say the most important takeaway from a BPS school climate survey is acknowledging that bullying is a significant challenge, and that discussions among educators, community organizations and students are vital to moving forward. Martinez, joined by her mother from Puerto Rico and several Buffalo-based family members, appeared as a community speaker at a tear-filled Buffalo School Board meeting in June. With board members gathered closely around her following a microphone malfunction, she spoke through an interpreter, demanding change in district bullying policies so other families would not have to experience her grief. Immediately afterward, Superintendent Tonja M. Williams, who visited Martinez with an assistant superintendent of school leadership shortly after Reyes death, committed to an evaluation of Buffalos current procedures. Buffalo School Board wants assurances district follows state bullying regulations The Buffalo School Board wants to know more about how Buffalo public school administrators and school leaders handle state-mandated reports of bullying, harassment and cyberbullying, as well as how often those reports have been filed by schools. The Superintendent and entire district continues to extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Dariel Rivera Reyess family, friends, students, school staff, said Jeffrey Hammond, Buffalo Public Schools spokesperson. He said the district learned July 26 that Martinezs legal counsel advised her to cease contact with Buffalo Schools due to the litigation. The notice of claim focuses on events preceding Reyes death. It alleges failure to report bullying; ineffective discipline of and services provided to the bully; an inability to safeguard Reyes personal information, which allowed the bully to also torment the students grandmother; and ultimately a failure for the district to ensure student safety. Buffalo Schools features resources prominently on its website for preventing and responding to bullying. A bullying FAQ is available in five languages, a link connects to a bullying-specific incident report form and documents show school-specific contacts. Buffalo School Board at-large member Larry Scott on Aug. 16 passed a resolution, with unanimous support from the board, that demanded district accountability to the Dignity for All Students Act. The board wants clarity on the districts DASA reporting procedures, demands DASA coordinators to be identified for each school and for the district as a whole to oversee bullying and harassment matters. It also seeks hard data on the frequency of DASA incident reports in the district over the last five years. There are many ways to reach out to a trained counselor in times of crisis. Crisis Services of Erie County operates a 24-hour hotline at 716-834-3131. The Niagara County crisis hotline is 716-285-3515. The national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988. More teenagers are facing charges in connection with a second fight that broke out at a Boston movie theater during National Cinema Day on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to officials. Police were called for multiple fights happening near Washington and Avery Streets around 11 p.m., Boston police reported. This is right outside the Boston Common 19 AMC Theater, which was selling $4 tickets in honor of the holiday. Read More: 8 teens facing charges following brawl at South Bay Plaza in Dorchester The fights were blocking car and foot traffic, police said. When officers asked the group to stop fighting, they refused. One person even jumped on top of a car and starting stomping on the roof, according to police. Some teenagers assaulted officers as they tried breaking up the fights, police said. One officer was pushed to ground and was punched and kicked by the group, police said. When another officer went to help, one person jumped on the officers back and put him in a chokehold. With the help of more responding officers, multiple young people were put in handcuffs, police said. In total, five arrests were made. They included: A 13-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; malicious destruction of property, and disorderly conduct A 14-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct and affray A 14-year-old girl who was charged with delinquent to wit; affray A 14-year-old boy who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery on a police officer, disturbing the peace, affray and resisting arrest A 16-year-old girl who was charged with delinquent to wit; assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, affray, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest All five are expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court, Boston police said. This came after eight teenagers were also arrested in connection with a large brawl that happened outside the AMC Theater at South Bay Plaza in Dorchester, also on Saturday. WEST SPRINGFIELD A driver and passenger were injured when the car they were in was struck by a train and pushed about 2,000 feet down the tracks Saturday night. The two people were taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. No one on the train was hurt, said West Springfield Deputy Fire Chief William Grassetti. The crash took place late Saturday night on Front Street. Agawam Police and Fire departments, which also responded to the collision, put out an alert at about 11 p.m. saying Bridge Street, which crosses over the Westfield River into West Springfield, would be closed for several hours while the scene was investigated and cleared. The crash involved a CSX train and took place at a street-level train crossing. The train was heading westbound and is believed to have just left the station and was not going that fast when it struck the vehicle, Grassetti said. The conductor saw the car but was unable to stop on time, he said. There are stop gates at the crossing. Police are investigating to see what went wrong before the crash, including examining footage from cameras that are near the intersection, Grassetti said. CSX also contacted Fire Department officials to find out more information about the collision, he said. This is not the first time someone has been hit by a train at that intersection. At least one crash was fatal, Grassetti said. In December 2022, a driver was injured when he was struck by a train at the same spot. In 2012, a Springfield man was injured and his car destroyed after he tried to beat the train at the intersection. A year later, a train struck a car that was left on the tracks. Dear Amy: Last year, my husband and my best friend Derry were caught having a very intense emotional affair. When it all came out, Derry was overheard saying that she didnt care about breaking girl code and didnt feel guilty about hurting anyone. Her own marriage was in the toilet at the time, so she jeopardized mine. I was obviously devastated and extremely angry. Of course, the affair exposed fissures in my own marriage, and my husband and I had a year of intense marriage counseling and worked through it. Were doing great now. Derry never apologized in any meaningful way until last week, via email. A mutual friend also saw her last week and talked to her about it, so I was privy to some of her feelings for the first time. I learned that, like us, she and her husband did a lot of therapy and have patched things up. Our mutual friend told me that Derry is in an enormous amount of pain over hurting me and cried through their whole conversation. In her email, Derry said it took her a year and a half to reach out to me because she wanted to have enough perspective to make a genuine apology. I believe this is true and I know she deeply regrets the pain she caused. My question is: Should I respond and have some closure, or maybe even give her absolution? I have mostly healed, and I worry this will reopen the wound. Betrayed in CO Dear Betrayed: Call it what you will, but in my view, breaking girl code trivializes this persons behavior. People often ask if couples can heal from betrayal and emotional or physical adultery, and Im happy youve provided a positive example showing that sometimes it is possible to come back from the brink. Im not sure it is within your power to grant absolution to this friend who betrayed you so completely (that job might best be left to clergy), but you can certainly forgive her and it sounds as if you have. You can close the loop by replying to her email, acknowledging her apology, and stating that you forgive her. (If you havent forgiven her, you can say youre working on it.) I suggest that you keep it short: I want you to know that I believe your apology is genuine, and that Ive forgiven you. I hope that we can now all close this very challenging chapter of our lives. You dont say whether you want to engage in a dialogue and perhaps attempt to revive your friendship, but this is a decision you can make later. No matter what, you should always protect your own feelings and interests by being completely honest and speaking your truth. Dear Amy: My older sister Barb lost her husband two years ago. My husband and I live five minutes away from her. Being an introvert, I enjoy my solitude. I walk every morning at sunrise for 90 minutes and love being alone with my thoughts and with nature. Barb began walking with me immediately following her husbands death, which was OK because I knew she was lonely. For the last six to nine months though Ive been dreading her coming with me. She talks constantly from the time we meet up until the time we part. We dont have conversations, as I dont have an opportunity to say much. Shes very judgmental and nosy. What can I do or say, short of telling her I want silence from her if she goes with me? My Ears Hurt Dear Ears Hurting: Why cant you tell your sister that you want silence on your walks? Youve provided needed company and no-doubt an important lifeline to her over the past two years since her husbands death. And now its time for you to revert to meeting your own needs during your morning constitutional. Shes your sister! Tell her, Barb, I need silence at sunrise. Lets catch up for the first couple of minutes of our walk and then shut it down for some quiet time. We can visit at other times. Earbuds might be your best morning accessory. Dear Amy: Desperate Phone Hostage needed a way to get off the phone with overly talkative people. She should use the Wisconsin Goodbye. You just say, I should stop taking up so much of your time. Ill let you get going. Growing up in Wisconsin, everyone learns this. Hello and Goodbye from WI Dear Hello: This is delightfully Wisconsin. Thank you. (You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.) 2023 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., has fired back at GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy after he called her and anti-racism activist Ibram X. Kendi, modern grand wizards of the modern KKK to a group of voters. The verbal assault lobbied against myself and Dr. Kendi is shameful, Pressley said on Sunday during an interview with MSNBC. It is deeply offensive, and it is dangerous. Ramaswamys comment was in response to a question he took while he was campaigning in Iowa. A voter had asked the presidential hopeful if critics would blame him for white supremacy, NBC News reported. Ayanna Pressley, shes in the Congress today, Ramaswamy responded, according to NBC. Shes a member of the squad. Her words, not mine: We dont want any more Black faces that dont want to be a Black voice. We dont want any more brown faces that dont want to be a brown voice. The GOP White House hopeful then went on to criticize Kendis book How To Be Anti-Racist, NBC reported. He read a line from the bestseller which said: The remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination. These are the words of the modern grand wizards of the modern KKK, Ramaswamy said according to NBC. Pressleys comments, which she made in 2019, were addressed to a group of progressives during the Netroots Nation conference. The House Democrat later clarified her remarks on Twitter stating, speaking to the collective impact of lifting up ones lived experience, *whatever* that is, whatever your life walk. Read More: Nearly 90 Dems pen a letter urging Biden to cancel student debt by early 2024 Kendi responded to Ramaswamys critique on Sunday during an interview with MSNBC, where he defined discrimination according to his book as something that can be good. Specifically, he gave the example of elderly Americans being the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That can be described as age discrimination, but it was actually an equitable policy that saved lives, Kendi said. And similarly, when Black people are deprived and have been deprived for centuries of rights and resources, how else are we going to create equity? he continued. But, of course, that is described as racism, which to me is very different than depriving people of rights which is the problem we were talking about to being with. Despite this, Ramaswamy doubled down on his comments. On an appearance on Sunday with CNN, he said that he wanted to provoke an open and honest discussion in this country. There is nothing more racist than to assume the color of someones skin dictates something about the content of their viewpoints, which is what Ayanna Pressley peddles to Americans, Ramaswamys campaign spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told POLITICO in a statement. Whats really stunning, is that now she is trying to make money off of it. Ramaswamy has a history of making racially insensitive remarks. Earlier this month, he called Juneteenth, a useless holiday and advocated for canceling the celebration, two months after he posted a video celebrating it. SPRINGFIELD A $6.8 million construction project will enhance historic Court Square Park, which hasnt been refurbished in four decades. The park is across from City Hall and home to Old First Church, constructed in 1810. The project will be funded by a $6 million bond from the city, authorized by City Council last July, and a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, according to Christopher Cignoli, director of the Department of Public Works. Improvements will include new sidewalks, pavers, landscaping, drainage and electrical systems. The funding will also underwrite improvements on Main, Court and Elm streets and Court Square Way, according to an agenda item from the Division of Administration and Finance. Court Square was always on the front burner to be redone, Cignoli said. It was (the) early 80s when it was (last) done, so it needed an upgrade. The renovated park will include a relocated bike and bus shelter and an event plaza. The park was fenced last week by workers with Mountain View Landscapes and Lawn Care, the company responsible for the construction portion of the project. Mountain View will begin to work on the project later this week, Cignoli said. Sean Corrigan, vice president of Mountain View, said the company chose the project because it peaked their interest. The scopes involved with this project were really up our alley, so we went after it, he said. Corrigan said five to 10 people will work on the site at any given time. The project is expected to conclude in July of next year. Cignoli said there will be a shutdown during the winter. Tyrone Holt, one of the DPWs civil engineers, will oversee construction. Cignoli said the DPW will work with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to ensure residents are able to access a bus stop in the area. He said the sidewalk, which holds a current bus stop, will remain open for now but will at some point be closed to public use. People will be notified when changes are made. Once we really start to get into (a project), we usually try to put out construction notices every couple of weeks, Cignoli said. Countless events have taken place in the park over the years, including the laying of wreaths to commemorate Memorial Day and the lighting of the Menorah. Secretary of State William Galvin hosted a recent press conference to announce the distribution of grants to address domestic violence issues statewide. The coming crime-thriller Barrons Cove was filmed at the park in June. Last week, a tour was given of 31 Elm Apartments, a $62.8 million renovation of the 1892 Court Square Hotel and overlooks the park. WESTFIELD On Friday night law enforcement officials tracked down and arrested the second suspect in Connecticut who allegedly started fires in two railcars at the CSX railyard on Aug. 15, according to the Westfield Police detective investigating the fire. Brandon Jasorkowski, 25, was located at a relatives home in Ansonia, Connecticut, and arrested by Connecticut State Police, Detective Rick Mazza said. Jasorkowski and Johnny Hundley, 23, both of whom police said are homeless, were the two suspects identified by police who were allegedly responsible for setting a fire that destroyed a shipment of food-grade paper products, attempted to set a fire to the contents of an adjoining railcar filled with similar products, and damaging a caboose. The combined value of the railcars contents was $180,000. One of the railcars was destroyed with an estimated replacement cost of $70,000, Mazza said. There was no estimate in court documents about the estimated cost to repair the damaged caboose. The incident took place in the CSX railyard off North Elm Street that extends under Notre Dame Street. Last Wednesday, Hundley was taken into custody and arraigned in district court on six felonies and one misdemeanor related to the fire, Mazza said last week. Westfield Police got a tip that led them to Hundley and Jasorkowski less than two days after the public was asked for help in identifying the culprits on the departments social media site. Investigators didnt initially know if there was one, or more than one, person responsible for the fire, Mazza said. The tipster told police that a family member spoke to the two men only minutes after the incident, he said. He said investigators spoke with the witness, who lives less than 3,000 feet from the site of the fire, and told investigators that Hundley and Jasorkowski came to their residence and showed them a cellphone video recording of the railcar burning. Mazza also said that when the witness was shown the video and told them what they had just done, the witness demanded both men leave their home. The men also told the witness details of their actions that police had not released to the public, specifically that they had broken into a caboose at the railyard and broken all its windows, he said. Once inside, the pair trashed the cabooses interior, threw various items that were inside out into the railyard, and sprayed the interior with a fire extinguisher, Mazza said. When they left the caboose, they took an emergency flare with them and turned their attention to two railcars, Mazza said. Mazza said the suspects then cut a heavy-duty plastic zip-tie, which had secured the railcar door latch, to get inside. Using the flare, they allegedly ignited the paper products in the one railcar, and then allegedly broke into a second railcar carrying the same material, he said. Only a small portion of the paper in the second railcar ignited, he said. But because the products were being transported in a sealed car to prevent contamination, all of the contents are considered ruined, a total loss, he said. Both men were charged with two counts of burning a building, three counts of felony breaking and entering of a railroad car, one count of malicious destruction of property over $1,200 and one misdemeanor count of trespassing by walking on a railroad track, according to court documents. Because Jasorkowski was arrested in Connecticut, the state must hold an extradition hearing there, unless he waives extradition. Once he arrives in Westfield, he will be arraigned on those charges. Hundley was arraigned last Thursday on the charges and ordered held in lieu of posting a $15,000 cash bond. If Hundley makes bail, he will have to wear a GPS tracking device and stay away from the witnesses, according to court documents. On Monday, Hundley remained in custody at the Hampden County House of Correction, according to a spokesperson with the Hampden County Sheriffs Office. If convicted of the burning building charges, both could be sentenced for up to 20 years in prison on each count. If convicted on the felony breaking and entering of railcar and the malicious destruction of property over $1,200, both could be sentenced for up to 10 years on each count. Worcester police continue to investigate the shooting that left two people injured Sunday night following the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival, and they are seeking the publics help. The shooting happened on Boynton Street close to the intersection with Salisbury Street, near Worcester Polytechnic Institute, at around 6 p.m., the department said in a Facebook post on Monday. When shots were heard, a chaotic scene erupted when the large crowd attempted to run away. Read more: Worcester Caribbean American Carnival joyful celebration of culture prior to nearby shooting Police found a 15-year-old and a 23-year-old who were both injured by gunfire but had non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Officers stayed with them until emergency services took them to the hospital. Both people were bystanders unrelated to the shooting, which police believe was caused by a dispute. The department asked that anyone with information about what happened is asked to send an anonymous text to 274637 with their message, or send an anonymous message at worcesterma.gov/police. Another option is to call the departments detective bureau at 508-799-8651. The status of the two shooting victims, including whether either of them has been discharged from the hospital, as of Monday is unknown. No information about potential suspects has been released by Worcester police. The investigation remains ongoing. The event through the day was amazing, it was an amazing celebration of our culture ... of the city and our community, Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association President Jennifer Gaskin told MassLive. We were disappointed and disheartened and saddened by the way that we had to end the event. A judge has reinstated a Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center nurse who was fired for refusing to be vaccinated for Covid-19, and in so doing cast a disapproving look at how public officials handled the pandemic. An arbitrators January decision upholding Wendy Coopers firing was irrational, violative of public policy and contrary to the interests of justice, State Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo ruled. The judge directed Roswell Park to negotiate over her retroactive pay and benefits. Colaiacovo called the issue before him narrow: Did the arbitrator rationally decide Coopers case? But his written decision offered a wider criticism of how some public officials overstepped their bounds while others ceded their powers to others amid the pandemic. Ms. Cooper is an unfortunate victim in the wake of excesses exhibited by governors, administrators, legislatures, and yes, even the judiciary, Colaiacovo wrote in his decision. All too frequently did critical thinking and the exercise of personal liberties expire at the altar of false righteousness, fear and authority. Roswell Park declined to comment but confirmed it will appeal Colaiacovos decision. Nearly 36,800 health care employees in New York about 3.5% of the states health care workforce lost their jobs, resigned, retired or were furloughed due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19, according to data released by the state in late April 2022, the most recent figures available. That included several hundred, if not thousands, of employees across Western New York. Roswell Park suspended Cooper and took steps to fire her in late 2021, saying it had no other choice at the time given the state Health Departments Covid-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers. The vaccine requirement was controversial when it went into effect in fall 2021, and it triggered lawsuits across the state from those who resisted vaccination even at the risk of their jobs. Those filing lawsuits did not fare well in lower courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court also rejected challenges over New Yorks refusal to allow religious exemptions to the states mandate that health care workers be vaccinated against Covid-19. Statewide decisions But the legal landscape changed in New York in January when State Supreme Court Justice Gerard J. Neri in Onondaga County ruled that the state Health Department, Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett violated the boundaries of their authority in making the Covid-19 vaccine mandate permanent for health care workers. We think the landscape is pretty clear now, said attorney Edward J. Greene Jr., who represented Cooper and her union, the New York State Public Employee Federation. Greene asked Colaiacovo in April to vacate the arbitrators decision that allowed Roswell Park to terminate Coopers employment. The timing of the arbitrators decision in January proved pivotal to Colaiacovo, because it came two weeks after Neri declared the vaccine mandate null, void and of no effect in an unrelated lawsuit filed by a group called Medical Professionals for Informed Consent. And Neris decision had not been stayed yet by a state appeal when the arbitrator ruled, so Coopers lawyers argued there was no longer any vaccination mandate. In May, the state announced it stopped enforcing the vaccination requirement and would repeal the regulation due to the changing landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the arbitrator in Coopers case mentioned Neris decision in a footnote in his written arbitration ruling, the arbitrator ignored it as a factor in his ruling. The arbitrator found that Cooper simply because she refused the vaccine was derelict in her duties, incompetent, insubordinate, and that Roswell Park had just cause to fire her. In his decision, Colaiacovo cited Neris ruling, saying that when there is a change of law while the arbitration is ongoing, a hearing officer or arbitrator cannot simply elect to ignore it. Since the mandate which formed the basis for Ms. Coopers termination was found to be invalid while the matter was being litigated (in arbitration), the arbitrators decision upholding the termination must be vacated, Colaiacovo ruled. Coopers lawyers stressed the Neri ruling in their bid to overturn her termination. During a hearing earlier this month, Colaiacovo quizzed Roswell Parks attorney about why the arbitrator ignored that ruling. Colaiacovos questioning and eventual ruling focused on the arbitrators lack of reaction to Neris ruling this past January not on why Roswell Park initially suspended Cooper and began termination proceedings in 2021. Roswell Park contended the arbitrator should not have been bound by Neris ruling in Onondaga County because it was one of a number of cases across the state. A stellar employee Attorney Michael E. Hickey, who represents Roswell Park, told Colaiacovo the Cooper case should turn on one issue: At the time Roswell Park fired Cooper, it had just cause to do so. The arbitration was not over the legality of the Health Department mandate but whether Roswell Park had just cause to fire her, Hickey said. If Roswell Park had allowed her to work unvaccinated, the cancer center would have been in violation of a state regulation, Hickey said. What else are they supposed to do? Hickey asked during the hearing before Colaiacovo earlier this month. Also, Neris State Supreme Court order in Syracuse was at odds with a State Supreme Court ruling in Albany County. His decision is in conflict with another decision in Albany, Hickey told Colaiacovo at the hearing. But Greene told Colaiacovo that the arbitrator based his decision entirely upon a state regulation that a judge had declared unenforceable because the State Legislature had not adopted the vaccine mandate. So Roswell Park could not impose discipline based on a state regulation that went beyond the Health Departments authority, he said. Hired in 2016, Cooper had no prior disciplinary issues during her employment, Greene said. The disciplinary charges confirmed by the arbitrators report would have followed Cooper beyond Roswell Park. Without the judge overturning the arbitrators decision, shes going to wear that the rest of her career on her professional record, Greene said at hearing. Colaiacovo, in his decision, noted that other than refusing the vaccine, Roswell Park conceded Cooper was a stellar employee without blemish. It is troubling to find that this arbitrator found it fair and just to confirm Coopers termination despite there being scant evidence of Ms. Cooper being derelict in her duties, incompetent or insubordinate, other than refusing to take a vaccine pursuant to a mandate which was found to be found null and void, that the person issuing the mandate lacked the authority to do so, and that the rule was unenforceable, the judge wrote. Roswell Park has reached out to the union health care employees who were suspended for not getting vaccinated and inviting them back to work without requiring them to be vaccinated, according to Greenes court papers. Roswell Park confirmed that previously terminated employees may apply for open positions. Mediapool , , , , . , Mediapool.bg . Mediapool.bg by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, August 28, 2023 Due to their production schedules, five scripted series -- two new and three returning -- will be ready for fall premieres on NBC. Their availability stands in stark contrast to the other broadcast nets, whose scripted series have largely been held up by this summers writers and actors strikes. Earlier this summer, the other networks announced fall slates that were revised from the schedules they announced last May. The schedules they planned were full of new and returning dramas -- despite the fact that a summer production shutdown was already in sight. The Writers Guild went on strike May 2. SAG/AFTRA followed on July 14. The new schedules are heavy on unscripted shows. But due to their production schedules, four of the NBC dramas have enough episodes in the can -- produced in the months before the strikes -- to put them on this fall. advertisement advertisement The new shows are The Irrational, starring Jesse L. Martin (pictured above) as a world-renowned professor of behavioral science [who] lends his unique expertise on an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations, says NBC. The show is set to premiere on Monday, September 25, at 10 p.m. Eastern (and the next day on Peacock) following the Monday night edition of The Voice from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Irrational has 13 episodes ready to go that were produced between last December, when the show was picked up, and the onset of the strikes, according to Deadline.com. Another NBC show, the missing persons drama Found, also has 13 episodes available, Deadline said. This is because the show was ready for prime time, and originally slated to premiere last February in midseason, but was rescheduled at that time for fall. Found is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, October 3 at 10 p.m. Eastern, following another two-hour edition of The Voice. Two of the returning dramas with episodes already produced are Magnum P.I. and Quantum Leap, also due to production schedules that allowed them to produce episodes before the strikes, according to Deadline. Magnum reportedly has 10 episodes ready to go. The upcoming season -- its fifth -- will be its final season and the first one to air on NBC, which picked it up after CBS dropped the show after its fourth season. Quantum Leap also reportedly has episodes ready for fall, but the number of them has not been reported. New seasons of Quantum and Magnum are both scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, October 4, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively. They will follow an 8 p.m. repeat episode of one of NBC's Chicago-based dramas Chicago PD, Chicago Med or Chicago Fire, all of which formerly took up the entirety of NBCs Wednesday night lineup. A fifth drama, the Canadian-made medical series Transplant, is slated with new episodes starting Thursday, October 5, at 9 p.m. Eastern. The show has been slotted after a repeat at 8 p.m. of one of NBCs Law & Order shows -- Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit or Law & Order: Organized Crime. Despite the availability of five scripted dramas, NBC did have to revise its fall plans this summer because so many other scripted shows do not have new episodes available due to the production stoppage, including the Chicago and Law & Order dramas. In addition, two comedies -- the returning Night Court and the new Extended Family starring Jon Cryer -- are not available. by Fern Siegel , August 28, 2023 Global brand experience and packaging design agency Vault49 has named Charlie Hughes as strategy director in its London office. Reporting to Meg Asaro, the agency's head of strategy, Hughes will lead work across clients such as Guinness and PepsiCo. Previously, Hughes was a strategy director for ECHO brand design, as well as an account director for Underscore and senior account manager for Jones Knowles Ritchie. "Were entering a new phase of growth at Vault49 and this is significantly fueled by clients bringing us into the earlier strategic phases of projects," said Jonathan Kenyon, co-founder of Vault49. He cited Hughes' strategic design and sustainable innovation, "particularly across global FMCG and drinks brands," as aligned with the needs of brands the studio represents. With studios in London and New York, Vault49 positions itself as a company where art and business intersect. Staffers include strategists, designers and artists. Vault49 works with some of the worlds top brands, including Diageo and Colgate-Palmolive. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, August 28, 2023 Neiman Marcus is taking its fashion marketing in a new direction, shifting toward more of an editorial perspective, with an edge designed to appeal to a more contemporary, younger crowd. In addition to digital, video and print, the new campaign includes an ultra-glam catalog, with stories that celebrate tastemakers tucked in beside spreads starring over 50 brands, including Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta. "We're hoping people see a spirit of boldness and gumption that is endemic to our Southwestern roots," says Nabil Aliffi, the retailer's chief brand officer. "It's drawing lots of inspiration from the past but looking ahead to the future. This campaign turns the page for the brand." The campaign is tagged "In Pursuit of the Extraordinary since 1907." Articles in the catalog feature stories about new faces, like Ceedee Lamb, a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, writer Amy Sall, and fashion fixtures like socialite Cornelia Guest. advertisement advertisement Aliffi, who started with the company in January, joins the retailer amid a rough patch. In February, it announced strategic changes to its operating model, resulting in layoffs that eliminated about 5% of its employees. And earlier this month, the company, which also owns Bergdorf Goodman, announced additional cuts to its corporate staff. The company shot the campaign in New York, using giant high-res LED screens to create landscapes and imagery, including palm trees and desert scenes. The campaign includes kinetic motion window displays in select stores, connected TV, out-of-home, print and digital advertisements, and a shoppable digital version of the Fall Book. The company is also amplifying the effort on social media. Aliffi tells Marketing Daily the catalog, in a larger format than in years past, is intentionally different. There are three tiers of distribution, with a hardcover limited edition cloth-bound book for the retailer's best customers, a soft cover version for loyal customers, and a mailer for new customers. The campaign also leans more heavily into integrated retail. "That just means making sure that we show up where our customers expect us to show up," Aliffi says. "We want to be consistent across all customer channels and also be precise in terms of our true luxury positioning." The company is spanning ages in different ways, too. "Look at our models, he says. We have Hannah Wick, who speaks probably to a younger audience. But we also have Mark Vanderloo, an iconic supermodel we are bringing back in a big way. That's the happy intersection." Aliffi concedes it's all a bit of a dance. "But we want to make sure longstanding customers can see themselves in the expression of the brand, while imbuing modernity and a sense of what's contemporary." He hopes that will draw younger luxury shoppers to the brand, including testing different kinds of in-store events. Adds Aliffi:"We're hoping to open up the aperture to customers who maybe historically haven't seen themselves as part of the Neiman Marcus experience." by Ray Schultz , August 27, 2023 Vice Media, in a move that is perhaps symbolic of its situation, is giving up its 77,000-square foot office space in Brooklyn, New York. The staff will switch to remote work until the company finds a new space. Vice Media, which filed for bankruptcy in May, announced the shift in an internal memo. The story was first reported by Bloomberg. Giving up the space -- in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn -- seems part of a steady downward path for the organization. In April, Vice Media pulled the plug on Vice News Tonight newscast amid layoffs reportedly totaling 250. Barely a month later, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, owing $834 million, according to a figure reported by The New York Times. In a related development, four ex-staffers of Vice Medias Motherboard tech site have founded a new site called 404 Media, according to the Times. This group includes Jason Koebler, former editor-in- chief of Motherboard; editors, Emanuel Maiberg and Samantha Cole; and writer Joseph Cox. Vices Cyber product bid a bittersweet farewell to Koebler. 404 Media will focus on such topics as hacking, sex work, niche online communities, and the right to repair movement, the Times writes. The Western New York Land Conservancy didnt have to look far to find a new executive director. The 32-year-old organization which works to preserve forests, farmland and wetlands turned to Marisa Riggi, promoted to deputy executive director of conservation in last year and named acting director in June, following the six-month tenure of Jonathan Kaledin. Riggi, a Williamsville native who began working at the Land Conservancy in December 2017, has worked on several land acquisitions and is spearheading the Western New York Wildway to protect biodiversity and preserve forested corridors for plants and animals. Marisa has been a vital part of the Land Conservancys leadership team since her arrival, and she has done a fantastic job steering our conservation activities, said Kathy Bieler, board president. She has also conceptualized and championed the Western New York Wildway, a groundbreaking vision that is an ambitious, long-term project that will galvanize our community for decades to come. Nature advocate sees big rewards for Western New York Wildway The plan envisions a protected expanse of forest and other natural lands providing corridors for animals and plants needed to combat the loss of wildlife and biodiversity and dangers posed by climate change. Riggi, a 36-year-old married mother of two children who began her new job earlier this month, told The Buffalo News on Monday that she considers saving nature and biodiversity to be her lifes mission. This is the work I grew up wanting to do and went to college to do, Riggi said. To do it in my home and get to protect the lands I always got to recreate in or look at or visit, and to make such a difference in the place thats my childrens home, too, is an honor. Riggi received her masters degree in natural resources from the University of Vermont, then went to work for five years at the Northeast Wilderness Trust in Montpelier, Vt., including three years as conservation director. It was there that she saw firsthand how large, connected forests were essential to protecting plants and animals. She brought the concept of the Western New York Wildway, which she jokingly referred to as her third child, to the Land Conservancy. The Western New York Wildway is working to protect, connect, and restore our regions largest forests and habitats, she said. The projects scope calls for the creation of core wildlife habitat and corridors from the Allegheny Mountain Range at the Pennsylvania border northward toward Lake Ontario to the Alabama Swamps, which consist of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. It would veer westward toward Lake Erie along Cattaraugus Creek before heading east toward Letchworth State Park, the Finger Lakes and across the Southern Tier. The area would touch all eight counties of Western New York Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and a sliver of Niagara and encompass some of the regions most rural areas. With her new responsibilities, Riggi said the Land Conservancy will hire a director shell work with to lead the Wildway. Riggi oversees a growing organization with a $6.7 million budget, including $2 million of it for operations. There are 15 full-time and three part-time employees. Shes excited about a number of other projects, starting with the Floating Fen, a a 223-acre forested property with an 8-acre marsh next to the Landmark Conservancys recently protected College Lodge Forest in Brocton. The two areas, together, will form nearly 400 acres of protected land. It is a magnificent property with incredible biodiversity and wildlife habit, Riggi said. Its really important for water quality and falls within a prioritized linkage in the Western New York Wildway. To date, $600,000 has been raised toward the end-of-the-year goal of reaching $925,000. Among the other projects Riggi is excited about is the Riverline, the Land Conservancys first urban project, which envisions a 1.5-mile nature trail along the former DL&W rail corridor near downtown Buffalo. The Land Conservancy just hired an Americorps/Vista volunteer, Molly Gadenz, as the Riverline outreach coordinator to work with Jeff Lebsack, the projects director. The project is in a really good spot, Riggi said, and Im super excited to see what will happen with it over the next year. Obsession returned to the local music scene for the first time in eight years with a show at The Jameson Pub in Watertown, Connecticut, and they did it with a Vengeance! Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023 Words and Photography: Jody Wilk Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk This time, the bands lineup included three original members. Mike Vescera on vocals, Jay Mezias on drums, and Matt Karagus on Bass, along with John Bruno and Scott Boland on guitar, who have been with the band since 2005 and the release of Carnival Of Lies. The Jameson Pub is a small bar/music venue that hosts lots of bands from the 80s and also features local musicians. Although I dont think the show was officially sold out, it certainly was a full house. Getting to see Obsession was a huge throwback for me. I remember many nights cruising around town, listening to the albums Scarred For Life and Hard To The Core at maximum volume with my friends looking for trouble. Obsession late 80s at Baby Js in Fairfield Connecticut. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk I had the honour of photographing Obsession multiple times back around the time when their hit song For The Love of Money was making the rounds on MTV. Some of my friends and I even got to hang out at the warehouse where they used to practice on Canal Street in Shelton, Connecticut. Having seen them a dozen or so times in the 80s and a few times in the 2000s, it was great to see them get back together for a few shows. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk Rumour has it that there are no more shows on the schedule for them. For those of you who arent familiar with Mike Vescera, he also had a short run in the Japanese Heavy Metal band Loudness from 1989 to 1991. He has also sung for Yngwie Malmsteen, Animetal USA, and D-Metal Stars Metal Disney, as well as a long list of other projects. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk Obsession kicked off the night with Marshall Law, from their first EP of the same name. Although this time, Mike didnt have the zebra-striped spandex outfit and teased hair, he still had a great stage presence. With long jet-black hair, a black leather vest, and several silver cross necklaces, he still had the look of a rock star. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk Mike was still able to hit most of the searing high notes like the original recordings. The fans were excited to see Matt Karagus on bass and Jay Mezias on drums as it was the first time in many years. The last few shows they played featured Dokkens Chris McCarvill on bass and BJ Zampa on drums. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk Jay didnt lose a beat playing on a large kit with two bass drums. He can still throw sticks with the best of them. John Bruno and Scott Boland traded off leads just like the original recordings. I was a little disappointed that they used tracks for a few of the intro parts, which featured acoustic guitar. Obsession played for about an hour and a half, featured all of the fan favourites and even included Carnival Of Lies. They played a full set of 11 songs and some medleys that included songs from Marshall Law, Scarred For Life, Methods Of Madness, and Carnival Of Lies. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk The crowd was helping, singing along to most of the songs, and fists were pumping. If you were a Metalhead growing up in Connecticut in the 80s and didnt make it to this show, you should be ashamed of yourself. At the end of the night, Obsession was selling 40 Years Of Marshall Law t-shirts, which I am sure can be bought through John Bruno online or at his store, Route 1 Guitars, in Milford, Connecticut. A hot, sweaty, fist-pumping night of Heavy Metal was had by all, which brought back many memories from the 80s local rock scene. Although the days of hitting 4-5 shows at local clubs each week are gone, the music scene is still alive. Get out and support local music and share it with the next generation before it is no more. Obsession The Jameson Pub, Watertown, CT 25 August 2023. Photo: Jody Wilk/MetalTalk Obsession Setlist Marshall Law High Treason Losing my Mind Methods of Madness Carnival of Lies For the Love of Money Only the strong will survive In the End Medley: Mai Lai Take No Prisoners Killer Elite Hard to the Core Taking your Chances (Winner Take All intro piece) Taking your Chances Scarred for Life Bang em till they bleed Encore Shadows of steel Obsession is: Michael Vescera Lead vocals Jay Mezias Drums Matt Karagus Bass John Bruno Guitar Scott Boland Guitar A judge has granted the Town of Cheektowaga a temporary restraining order to block New York City and government contractor DocGo from sending any more asylum-seekers to Cheektowaga hotels. Three hotels being used as long-term housing for asylees are in violation of town code because they are essentially acting as homeless shelters, which are not permitted under town zoning laws, Cheektowaga officials argued. Erie County Legislator Tim Meyers, whose district includes Cheektowaga, said he doesnt see why Cheektowaga has been the only town in the county to take in the migrants sent by New York City. Cheektowaga hires law firm that helped another town dealing with migrant influx As Cheektowaga continues to grapple with an influx of asylum-seekers living in hotels in the community, the town has hired a law firm that has successfully represented another community that did not want migrants living in hotels in its town long-term. Ive said all along that its totally unfair that one community should feel all the burden, all the stress and the financial stress on those school districts and so on, he said. I mean, this is a big county, theyve come to one town. Meyers knocked on doors Sunday to discuss the issue with his constituents, and said many were concerned about asylum-seekers being housed in town after two separate asylees were accused of a rape and a sexual assault at local hotels. Everybody wants to help everybody and be humanitarian. But we have an elderly population. We have schools. We have retired people, he said. They shouldnt be living in fear and worried about things. Cheektowaga will ask Monday for the restraining order to be extended. This is going through the town level and the courts. Im assuming this is going to take a little while to get this all figured out, Meyers said. Hopefully, they will also take them to some other municipalities. Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro, whose district also includes parts of Cheektowaga, said his phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from concerned town residents. Cheektowaga has risen up against the whole premise of having any migrants in their town without a plan, he said. Again, its not that theyre against the actual people trying to seek a better life. Its about whos paying for it. Housing asylum-seekers has already impacted residents quality of life, he said, with police incidents increasing at the hotels, as well as incidences of loitering and panhandling. He shared a list of the incidents from Cheektowaga police. The taxpayers that live in Cheektowaga had no say-so, Todaro said. Buffalo State evicts 44 migrants who had been staying in dorm rooms Forty-four migrants who have been staying in dormitory rooms at SUNY Buffalo State will be evicted this weekend after the school abruptly ended an agreement with Jericho Road Community Health Center. Around 570 asylum-seekers are living in three hotels in Cheektowaga. Since June, more than a dozen busloads of asylum-seekers have traveled to Western New York from New York City because the city is running out of room for the tens of thousands of asylees sent from the countrys southern border. More than 200 migrants residing in one of the hotels, on Dingens Street, are in the process of moving to a hotel in Amherst. Todaro said he hears from Cheektowaga Supervisor Diane Benczkowski and Cheektowaga Chief of Police Brian Gould about the issue daily. They looked at all the legal ways to do it, Todaro said. On my part, I looked into the properties where everyone was staying. I discovered that property on Dingens Street was in arrears for thousands of dollars (in taxes). Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz had already declared earlier this month that he would put a pause on the acceptance of any new asylum-seekers from New York City to Erie County, in the aftermath of the rape and sexual assault. We were assured of the safety, security and proper screening by New York City through DocGo. Clearly that hasnt been done. Refugee agencies, local workers and others should not and cannot work under the present security conditions, Poloncarz said at a news conference earlier this month. New York City needs to fix this. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has agreed not to send further asylees to Erie County, Poloncarz said. DocGo is the company responsible for providing basic services to asylum-seekers in New York City, as well as placing them elsewhere in the state. New York State AG calls on feds to expedite work permits for migrants Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday joined a chorus of New York State politicians who want the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to more promptly grant work permits to migrants an asylum-seekers. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday said she had sent President Biden a letter asking him to expedite work permits for migrants and provide financial resources to help care for the estimated 100,000 asylum-seekers who have come to the state in the last year, mostly to New York City. The reality is that weve managed thus far without substantive support from Washington, and despite the fact that this is a national, and indeed an inherently federal issue, Hochul said. The asylum-seekers living in the Cheektowaga hotels have temporary legal status in the United States while their asylum petitions are pending. The costs for transportation, housing, food and other resettlement expenses for the migrants sheltered in Western New York are being paid for by New York City and coordinated through DocGo. Local refugee resettlement organizations, such as Jericho Road and Journeys End, are handling intake and helping with immigration legal assistance. The Army is considering outfitting a "robot dog" unmanned robot with its new infantry rifle to "explore the realm of the possible" for future close combat, a service spokesman told Military.com. Bhavanjot Singh, a senior scientific technical manager at the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), first mentioned potentially arming a Ghost Robotics-manufactured Vision 60 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) with the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle during a late July reception with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as Janes first reported earlier this month. The Army has already experimented with mounting an M4A1 carbine on a Q-UGV, according to Janes. But testing the new Sig Sauer XM7 rifle would mark a new frontier for the use of the unmanned robots meant to emulate some of the skills of man's best friend. Read Next: Army to Test Out its New Guns in Extreme Environments "The unique capability of the dog is the ability to traverse different types of terrain that wheeled vehicles may not be able to go," Singh reportedly told lawmakers. When asked about Singh's remarks, DEVCOM spokesman Tim Ryder told Military.com that Army Futures Command "continues to explore the application of human machine integration," while cautioning that the development of a prototype doesn't indicate the weaponized robot dogs will be deployed downrange. "While advanced technology demonstrations -- in this case, related to the Next Generation Squad Weapon and unmanned ground vehicles -- allow us to explore the realm of the possible when it comes to transformative capabilities for future combat formations, they don't necessarily represent or result in formal service-wide research programs or investments," Ryder said in an email. U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, observe a Next-Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Machine Gun with fire control during a Program Executive Office Soldier Operational Kit demonstration, July 11, 2023, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. (Alvin Conley/U.S. Army) Using 6.8mm ammo, the XM7 rifle and its sister weapon, the XM250 automatic rifle, were adopted under the NGSW program in 2022 to replace the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon respectively in Army arsenals within the next decade. While already popular among U.S. special operations forces, Military.com previously reported that some soldiers expressed concern that the XM7 is too large and heavy to function effectively as a standard infantry rifle. Meanwhile, robot dogs like the Vision 60 Q-UGV have become an increasingly common fixture across the U.S. military, performing functions like enhancing perimeter security at various installations; augmenting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for troops in remote environments; and even carrying out some explosive ordnance disposal tasks at the behest of their uniformed operators. While semi-autonomous and remotely controlled weapons platforms are already established tools in the U.S. military's toolkit, the prospect of arming robot dogs and sending them into hostile territory alongside U.S. troops has triggered controversy in the robotics industry. Half a dozen robotics companies, including leading firm Boston Dynamics, released a letter last October calling on global militaries to abstain from weaponizing their technology. "We believe that adding weapons to robots that are remotely or autonomously operated, widely available to the public, and capable of navigating to previously inaccessible locations where people live and work, raises new risks of harm and serious ethical issues," the companies said. "Weaponized applications of these newly-capable robots will also harm public trust in the technology in ways that damage the tremendous benefits they will bring to society." Those concerns haven't stopped defense contractors from developing novel combinations of unmanned ground robots and weapons systems. In October 2021, Ghost Robotics and SWORD International unveiled a so-called Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle robot dog equipped with a 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual conference in Washington, D.C. One year later, a viral video from Chinese defense contractor Kestrel Defense showed an unmanned aerial vehicle airdropping a robot dog armed with a Chinese 5.8x42mm QBB-97 light machine gun onto a rooftop during a training simulation. Thus far, officials with the Army's robotics program have said that the service likely won't deploy unarmed mechanized canines alongside soldiers for another decade at least. Multi-legged ground robots "have some promises which we've identified, primarily from a mobility standpoint. ... [But] there are limitations to them as well from an endurance [perspective], as well as the payload capability and power of how much they can support," Milot Resyli, the chief of dismounted robotic systems at DEVCOM's Ground Vehicle Systems Center, told C4ISRNET this past October. When armed versions are eventually employed, the Defense Department remains committed "to developing and employing all weapon systems, including those with autonomous features and functions, in a responsible and lawful manner," Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks wrote this past January as part of the Pentagon's latest update to DoD Directive 3000.09, "Autonomy in Weapons Systems," which dictates rules for buying autonomous systems. Related: Portland Air National Guard Unit Is First to Test Out Robot Dog for Base Security Fox News issued a public apology Saturday for a recent false story about a Gold Star family after Military.com revealed that the Marine Corps had privately urged the network to pull the article. The Military.com coverage on Aug. 23 showed how the Marine Corps confronted Fox News in July over its story on Sgt. Nicole Gee, one of 13 service members killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan two years ago. The Fox News story elevated claims from a freshman congressman that the Gee family had to pay $60,000 to transport her remains to Arlington National Cemetery. That turned out to be incorrect, and Fox News later quietly deleted the story without any correction or public acknowledgment of the error. The Gee family did not have to pay for transporting the Marine's remains. After Military.com published the exchange between the service and the news outlet, other outlets like The Washington Post, CNN and Newsmax picked up the story. Read Next: 8 US Marines Remain in a Hospital After a Fiery Aircraft Crash Killed 3 During Drills in Australia Fox News declined to comment for the Military.com story, which included emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. It issued the apology Saturday -- exactly two years after Gee, along with 10 other Marines, a Navy corpsman and a soldier, were killed by a suicide bomber while assisting in the evacuation of personnel at the Abbey Gate near the Kabul airport. "The now unpublished story has been addressed internally and we sincerely apologize to the Gee family," a Fox News spokesperson told Military.com via email. The statement was first reported by the site Mediaite and then obtained by other outlets. Military.com asked Fox News whether it had contacted the family directly to apologize and if it expected to issue a published correction to the piece, which was deleted without explanation soon after the Marine Corps pushed back on its claims and Task & Purpose cast doubt on its accuracy. Fox News did not answer those questions, but provided the apology statement. The story stemmed from Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who told Fox News that Gee's family was forced to pay to have her remains transferred from California to Arlington National Cemetery at a cost of $60,000. Days after the inaccuracy came to light, Mills, who is an Army veteran, walked back his claim and said that the family was "in their time of grief, confused" about the transportation policy. On Monday, Military.com asked Mills' office whether he had offered the family an apology similar to Fox News, or if the family could expect one. A spokesperson for Mills provided the publication a statement the congressman made in July about the handling of Gee's remains, but did not comment on an apology. Christy Shamblin, Gee's mother-in-law, was first to offer an apology, almost immediately after the story took off. "At the time, I just understood we would be responsible for the cost of her transportation to Arlington," she told Military.com a few days after the initial Fox story. "I now understand there is a reimbursement process for this." "I am truly very sorry, and Congressman Mills has been very supportive and helpful," she added. Fox News softened its claim by changing the headline and adding information after the initial publication. At the time, a top spokesperson for the Marine Corps accused the outlet of using the family to draw readers. "Using the grief of a family member of a fallen Marine to score cheap clickbait points is disgusting," Maj. James Stenger said in a July 27 email to Fox News executives. Throughout that week in late July, Fox News updated its story without note and eventually deleted it outright without an official retraction, which is typically accompanied by an update stating why a piece was removed. The 47-page Pentagon policy on remains transfers does require family members of fallen service members to pay up front if they want their loved one's remains to be transferred to a second location after they are shipped back from overseas at direct cost to the government. The second transfer would then be reimbursed by the Defense Department. After being transported from Afghanistan to California, where she was memorialized by her local community, Gee's family wanted Nicole's remains transferred to Arlington. Before any process could even begin for the second transfer, a nonprofit called Honoring Our Fallen secured a donation from a veteran to ship the remains via private flight. "We did not have to pay any bill and never had a bill presented," Shamblin told Military.com last month after the Fox News story disappeared from its website without a correction. When telling her story to Mills at a Gold Star family event, it was her intent to bring light to the policy and -- in general -- get answers from President Joe Biden's administration about how the Afghanistan exit where her daughter-in-law died was the "success" the president touted it to be. "None of our kids went over there asking what political affiliation anybody had," she told Military.com recently, saying that her interest in hearing answers from top officials has nothing to do with politics for her. "I would just like them to have a chance to tell me how this was successful." Of the Gold Star family community, Shamblin said, "it's a group you don't ever want to be a member of, but the members are pretty spectacular. We hold each other up pretty well." -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: Inside the Marine Corps' Fight with Fox News over a False Gold Star Family Story The Marine Corps on Monday identified three Marines who were killed in an MV-22 Osprey crash during an exercise in Australia over the weekend. Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, 21, of Arlington, Virginia; Capt. Eleanor V. LeBeau, 29, of Belleville, Illinois; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, 37, of Jefferson, Colorado, died when their tiltrotor aircraft went down. There were 20 other personnel on board the Osprey, and five were transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition. In an update Monday evening, the Marine Corps said that three troops remain in the hospital. One is in critical condition, and the other two are stable. The other Marines were treated for minor injuries and released. Read Next: Fox News Apologizes for False Gold Star Family Story Following Military.com Report "We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family," Col. Brendan Sullivan, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force -- Darwin, said in a released statement. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved." The crash occurred during Exercise Predators Run, an annual multinational exercise held in the Northern Territory of Australia. A press release from Marine Rotational Force -- Darwin, the parent unit to the exercise, said Sunday that the Osprey went down on Melville Island, north of the territory's capital city of Darwin. CNN reported that the Australian territory's police commissioner, Michael Murphy, said two Ospreys departed Darwin on Sunday morning toward the Tiwi Islands. Only one crashed. The troops involved in the crash were part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, which is based out of Hawaii, and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, out of Camp Pendleton, California. The three Marines who died were part of the tiltrotor squadron. LeBeau was one of the unit's pilots, according to the Marine Corps, and had been in the service since 2018. Lewis was the squadron's executive officer and had 15 years' experience in the Marines. Collart enlisted in the Corps in 2020 and was the Osprey's crew chief at the time of the crash, according to the statement. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory Police, Northern Territory Government, CareFlight Air and Mobile Services, NT Health, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Center, and Tiwi Island Government, who have come together to assist us in this difficult time," the statement said. The Osprey is the Marine Corps' primary assault support craft, and it is also used by the Air Force and Navy. The Osprey has been in a number of high-profile accidents that have claimed the lives of more than 50 service members since the 1990s. An investigation remains ongoing, according to the statement, and a clear reason for the crash is not yet known. While the Osprey's overall incident rate is lower compared to other aircraft, a clutch issue that can shred important parts in the airframe has become a prominent issue. Last year, the Air Force, which has a smaller number of Ospreys compared to the Marine Corps, grounded the aircraft. The Marine Corps, which relies heavily on the aircraft as its premier troop air delivery system, has continued flying the Osprey. The service said that it has reduced the clutch issue malfunction by "99%," something about which family members of those in one of the latest Osprey accidents are skeptical. Last year, five Marines were killed in a crash due to the clutch malfunctioning. The clutch issue is not always responsible for deadly Osprey incidents. In March 2022, the Marine Corps reported that a crash that claimed the lives of four Marines in Norway was caused by pilot error. Regarding the crash in Australia on Sunday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that "these Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family." -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: Marine Corps Suspected Part Causing Osprey Clutch Failures in 2010 Jennifer Barnhill is a columnist for Military.com writing about military families. If you had opened Heroic Comics issue number 81 in 1953 when it was published, you would have seen an incredible true tale of bravery as a soldier fought to save the lives of his battle buddies atop "Hill 528." The battle took place in Korea, in June 1952, when Cpl. Fred McGee assumed command from his wounded squad leader and held off the enemy so his troops could take Hill 528. Despite being shot in the face and leg, he stayed behind to carry wounded soldiers to safety. His actions earned him the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. But something about the comic is off. Instead of seeing a depiction of McGee, a Black man, the cartoon hero meant to embody his acts of valor is white. It was just one sign that gaining recognition for McGee's place in history wouldn't come easily. Despite recommendations from a number of officers, it would take until after his death in 2020 for McGee's actions to be fully recognized. Approval to award McGee the Medal of Honor now sits on President Joe Biden's desk, with his family attributing much of the delay to the way the country treated Black Americans in the 1950s. The family's fierce advocacy led to the opportunity for much of the public to hear McGee's full story. The injustice apparent in our failure to recognize veterans like McGee highlights the importance of capturing our military stories. But what facet of his story is most worthy of being told? Is it the heroism on the battlefield, the subsequent recognition of McGee's actions despite prior injustice, or the advocacy of the military family who brought it all to light? After Cpl. Fred McGee came back from the Korean War as a hero, he experienced symptoms of PTSD, but was always supported his wife Cornell (right) who was always by his side. (Photo courtesy of the McGee family) "He never discussed the war," said his wife, Cornell, during a 2011 PBS interview. "The only thing I remember him saying was, 'I don't want my boys to go to war. My boys will never go to war.'" While she wasn't married to McGee while he was on active duty, Cornell was there for the aftermath. "He would wake up at night, arms flailing and hollering," she recalled. Although PTSD was common among those who had experienced battle, it was not something that was well understood or discussed in 1950s America. "Even though this happened to my Pap, he always showed his pride & love for his country," said McGee's granddaughter Brandi Jones, a military advocate and spouse, in an interview with Military.com. And as was common with McGee's generation of soldiers, it was decades before he started to share stories of service with his family. "He said, 'You know, I was supposed to get the Medal of Honor.' And we were like, 'What! What do you mean you were supposed to get the Medal of Honor?'" said Jones. "When people who were Black and brown fought in wars before civil rights, it would have been very difficult for them to be recognized at the highest level. Because, you know, the Medal of Honor. It's the highest level of honor, and it also comes with benefits." Benefits and honors that the nation was not yet comfortable bestowing upon Black soldiers. When the war ended, McGee was happy to have been awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. To him, the story was over, as was his fight. And that tracks. In the movies, the story often ends when the soldier steps off the battlefield because once they arrive home and take off the uniform, they are just them, humans. When Cornell (center right) married Fred McGee she knew he had served in the Korean War, but she didnt know the extent of his heroism because like his peers, he never discussed the war. (Photo courtesy of the McGee family) But to a military family, service members are not just a body to fill a uniform, they are the person who makes their family whole. We honor their service not because we fully understand it, but because we seek to fully understand them. So to McGee's family, his story was not over. It just needed to be rewritten and, in helping him rewrite it, they became part of it. Jones and her family had to petition their congressional representatives to take up McGee's cause. In 2019, they reached out to Congressman Bill Johnson of Ohio, who launched a congressional inquiry not long before McGee passed away in 2020. McGee would have been one of the first Black men to receive the honor. Even now, the Medal of Honor has been posthumously awarded to only 94 Black service members. But McGee's story did not end with his passing. Instead, Jones and her family put together more than 100 pages of reasons to honor her grandfather's legacy, something that was required to prove his case because he and many of his peers who could have confirmed his story had already died. Johnson petitioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for review. While Austin recognized McGee's heroism in Korea and agreed in a letter that he should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, due to policies governing the medal, the Defense Department could not unilaterally correct this wrong. It needed congressional approval, which the agency received in 2022. McGee's long-awaited honor was ultimately included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. And now all that stands between McGee receiving this honor is a presidential signature. "These are missing stories, and they're actually history, American history," said Jones. "I've been sharing the story for probably 10 years, wherever I would go. But in that moment, when I saw that letter, I felt relieved that it wasn't gonna die with me." -- In addition to her reporting, Jennifer Barnhill is also the chief operating officer and lead researcher for Partners in PROMISE, editor-in-chief of the National Military Spouse Network Day of Advocacy Steering Committee, and the military spouse liaison on The League of Wives Memorial Project. Clifford Bell could not catch every word. He was in a thick crowd around the reflecting pool in Washington, D.C., doing his best to hear the amplified voice of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as it rolled across an audience almost as large as todays entire population of Buffalo. Yet something in that 1963 delivery to more than 250,000 people in conscience, force and sheer love went straight to Bells core. In later days and months, by film or article, he would come to appreciate every sentence in Kings March on Washington speech, eternally known by four words: I have a dream. This was a congregation, said Bell Brother Bell to generations in Buffalo, a community extension of his presence in the church wrapping together a kind of grace that united the crowd, Black and white. The violent history of legal or de facto racism, of Jim Crow segregation, could get people discouraged because it seemed your efforts werent getting you anywhere, Bell said. At that moment, for so many weary or scarred from the long struggle, denominations did not matter: With that speech, Bell said, King reinforced our faith. That was 60 years ago Monday. Bell was 33, and in the dry cleaning business. He and John Mayo, a close friend then and now, climbed on one of the buses lined up by the Buffalo branch of the NAACP. The two men recall traveling all night, eating packed lunches, in order to be there on time. Just amazing, Bell said, to see so many people, in so many directions. Sean Kirst: Martin Luther King Jr.'s almost forgotten speech in Buffalo In 1956, at a celebration at the old Statler Hotel for the 50th anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, 27-year-old Martin Luther King inspired the crowd in a speech, The Birth of a New The prevailing atmosphere, Bell and Mayo said, was warm respect. Mayo, 93, of Grand Island, recalled how he and Bell always liked to sing, and joined in waves of song from the crowd. The solidarity the proximity of so many African Americans and whites in common cause, fraternity magnified by memorable speakers gave Mayo shivers, he said. He went home believing the nation had turned a corner, that the march would signal profound change. It wasnt to be, he said. We had not solved the problem. In Buffalo, the new Kensington Expressway was hammering through established neighborhoods of color. It remained difficult if not impossible for Black families to move into too many historically white communities. Children in predominately African American schools still faced a harsh climb with education, with good health, with barriers in many professions. Sixty years later, that jarring contrast is what shapes Mayos memory. The two old friends were familiar with Kings work for civil rights long before they made that bus trip to Washington. What Bell could not anticipate was how the speech, intertwined with coming struggles and enshrined by the grief of Kings assassination in 1968 would shape and propel Bells own life, to this day. He would serve for 12 years on Buffalos Common Council, and in several civic roles involving key economic counsel and direction for small businesses trying to succeed in the city. Even now, Kings legacy in Buffalo remains Bells ongoing mission: For 30 years, he chaired the citys annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, and he was at the center of a community effort to build a King memorial at the city park named in his honor. Fifteen months ago, Buffalo was traumatized by the 2022 Tops massacre the racist murder of 10 people at the Jefferson Avenue Tops Markets by a killer whom investigators say was radicalized by internet poison. The assault laid bare how neighborhoods at the citys heart continue to suffer from segregation and deprivation, a stark fact of life 60 years after Kings speech. Bells resolve, at 93, is to accelerate his efforts. He is deeply involved in a Together As One initiative, for instance, that will weave together cultural, educational and historic presentations during Februarys Black History Month. As for Kings speech with such calls as to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope Bell said it ties into his fundamental makeup: Keep up the fight. Dont quit. Keep it going. Lynne Williams, of Cheektowaga, speaks of a sense of how her own hope from the march, while tempered, still endures: Raised in a white family in the Bronx, she journeyed to the march with some passionate New York University students that included her then-boyfriend only days before she began college at then-Buffalo State College. There was an overwhelming sense of joy and forward movement, she said, a feeling challenged when she experienced violence and heard ugly taunts in later marches. Sean Kirst: Deep family ties to John Lewis remain in Buffalo, a city that changed his life If the South defined Rep. John Lewis' role in history, those who knew him best say his view of human possibility was shaped by a childhood moment when he stepped out of his uncle's car in this city, on North Division Street, writes Sean Kirst. What she hangs onto from 1963, she said, is the belief we were on the cusp of something great, something overwhelming, that would change everybodys lives. In Buffalo, Judson Price a young teacher in 1963 could not make it to the march. Looking back on it at 92, he said one of the most resonating impacts was the appearance of compelling, high-profile examples of courage and aspiration to African American children who too often saw no faces like their own in places of mainstream authority. It built a lot of morale, said Price, a friend of Bells for at least 80 years and a community activist who helped found Buffalos Juneteenth celebration. The jubilance flowing from the march was replaced by the grinding truth, Price said, that change remains slow, slow, slow. The speech is also on the mind of Willie Lee Sis Carter Whitaker of Niagara Falls. Certainly she remembers Kings words, but she has another powerful reason for vivid memories of that time: She is a first cousin of the late John Lewis. In 1963, Lewis spoke at the march as 23-year-old chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He would later endure a fractured skull in a 1965 beating by state troopers at Selmas Edmund Pettus Bridge, rising from that ordeal to become a revered American figure who died in 2020, while serving in Congress. Lewis had close family ties to Buffalo: His uncles, O.C. and Dink Carter, raised in Troy, Ala., both settled in this city. Many relatives including Whitaker, a first cousin made a similar journey, part of the Great Migration of African Americans who left oppressive conditions in the South for what they hoped would be opportunity in Northern cities. Lewis visited Buffalo as an 11-year-old, barely a decade before he spoke in Washington. He would later describe the instant when he arrived at the home his uncles shared on North Division Street, offering an almost unimaginable perspective for a child from rigidly enforced segregation: When we reached (their) house, I couldnt believe it, Lewis wrote in March: Book One, an autobiographical graphic novel. They had white people living next door to them. On both sides. A fierce impatience with injustice meshed into his cry for equality and humanity at the march. He spoke of countless thousands, locked down by pain and struggle, who had no way to be there. He spoke of police beatings and starvation wages, of Black Americans who could lose everything by seeking the simple chance to vote: We must say: Wake up America! Wake up! For we cannot stop, and we will not and cannot be patient. In 1963, Whitaker was a high school student in Troy. As historian David Greenberg wrote in Sundays New York Times, the Lewis speech bluntly assailed deficiencies in the civil rights bill others were championing but succeeded in doing so without undermining the days unity. Whitaker said her family knew of Lewis speech but had to discuss it quietly. We were fearful for him and proud of him, she said of Lewis, the cousin she and many relatives will always call Robert, his middle name. Speaking out like he did, they knew, could get you killed. The idea that Lewis own family could not fully embrace his role in such a moment was part of the reason that Whitakers daughter, Niagara Falls native Kimberly Whitaker, went to Washington on Saturday to join a march commemorating the anniversary. Kimberly is director of operations for the nonprofit John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, created by a group of relatives to work toward social justice, equity in education and health awareness, in Lewis memory. She knew and loved Lewis as a regular attendee at family reunions, even before she learned his historical magnitude. Kimberly, now a case manager for an Atlanta law firm, said she was thinking of her mom and other relatives Saturday, how in 1963 they had to nurture secret pride in Lewis because speaking openly put them at such risk. In that sense, she was there both as proof of what his pain helped to change, and of so much left to do. The military entity charged with removing 104 million gallons of aviation and marine fuels from the Navy's controversial, underground Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Halawa marks a milestone Monday. That day, Joint Task Force-Red Hill composed of members of various U.S. armed services will begin "repacking" operations to fill empty pipelines that snake for miles under and through the World War II-era facility with more fuel in order to remove any air. That work will pave the way for gravity-based defueling of the site's main underground storage tanks by Oct. 16, according to Vice Adm. John Wade, who commands the task force. "We are on schedule to start defueling in the middle of October," Wade told a group of news reporters Friday following a media tour of the facility. He added that the gravity method "is not fully dependent on electricity." "While many of the valves do require electrical power, some are hydraulically generated, some are manual; we'll have personnel at all of the valves," he said. Wade said defueling is scheduled for completion by Jan. 19 and would be conducted with the utmost care. "That is why I'm here," said Wade, "and why we've implemented a mitigation strategy to identify all of the threats and vulnerabilities and implement the strategy to reduce those risks." To reduce risk, the joint task force says it intends to fill the lines with fuel from the site's upper tank farm, then move that fuel into the lines in small increments and in a deliberate, controlled manner. The repacking process is expected to take several days. "It is yet another opportunity to test the integrity of the system as we gradually fill those lines to ensure that all the valves, all the flanges, everything works to standard," Wade said. "If not, we can back the fuel down and take corrective action and make sure that everything is ready to go." But Joint Task Force-Red Hill whose primary mission is to defuel the entire site won't stop there. "After gravity defueling we still have to get after residual fuel," he said, adding that 100,000 to 400,000 gallons of fuel will likely remain in the tanks. "So, we've got to integrate with the Navy on how we're going to get every last drop out." During the tour of the Red Hill facility much of it hundreds of feet below the surface, near the mouth of Halawa Valley members of the task force noted the point where, on May 6, 2021, a pipeline filled with JP-5 jet fuel failed, following what was described as operator error that allowed a surge to build in that line prior to its rupture. Soon after, 19,000 gallons of jet fuel spilled. The media tour, however, did not include another point at which a similar fuel leak occurred later that year. On Nov. 20, 2021, roughly 14,000 gallons of petroleum leaked out of the fuel storage facility and into drinking water that supplies Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and other military sites on West Oahu, detrimentally affecting hundreds of families. Following these incidents, Brig. Gen. Michelle Link, deputy commander of the task force, said independent engineering assessments were required in order to determine the facility's safety before the site could be defueled. "The results of those assessments were consolidated and compiled into one master list," she said. Out of that list, the task force completed 253 mandatory repairs while also receiving required conditional approvals from third-party "quality validators," the state Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Link said the repairs featured surge mitigation measures as well as pipeline integrity repairs. "And those included such things as replacing corroded pipes, supports or other valve replacement concerns," she added. Meantime, according to the EPA, since the 2021 fuel spills at Red Hill, the Navy was required to collect environmental data to satisfy environmental monitoring requirements, as defined by state law. The Navy was also required to install groundwater monitoring wells to expand the number of locations where groundwater data is collected. Currently, there are 23 Navy-installed monitoring wells, which include wells at the Red Hill facility or near the site, the EPA says. In 2022 the Navy submitted a work plan to install up to 10 additional monitoring wells. Other entities, such as the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, have also installed monitoring wells in the area and had plans to install more, the EPA says. To that end, Wade said, the facility implemented more methods and controls to prevent future fuel leaks particularly to potable water sources. "We've taken painstaking methods to ensure that we have containment, that we have barriers, that we have good protections for the aquifer," Wade told reporters. "But we also have controls that if we have any leaks, we can drain the fuel down and conduct repairs." Also, Wade said more "temporary cameras" had been installed in and around the facility, to either bolster or replace antiquated, decades-old equipment. "It makes sense from a community perspective to have an understanding of what we're doing," Wade said of the new cameras, which are remotely operated from the facility's control center. "It also aids in surveillance, to help us understand what's going on in the facility ... so we can provide 24/7 coverage of the entire pipeline, along with our roving security and fire watch personnel, so that we have boots on the ground if we have any problems." In its effort to drain Red Hill's fuel tanks, the task force's work will be overseen by the EPA and the state Department of Health. "They will be on-site," Wade added. "In fact, they're here right now, doing a walk-through." And he noted that Joint Task Force-Red Hill comprising 270 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and civilian employees continues to do its job until defueling operations have ceased. "Right now my mission is to continue to progress, reduce risk and ensure that we're ready to defuel," Wade said. ___ (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. BAGHDAD Iran and Iraq have reached an agreement to disarm members of Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in northern Iraq and relocate their members from their current bases, officials from the two countries said Monday. Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry, said in a news briefing Monday that the Iraqi government had agreed to disarm the armed terrorist groups stationed in Iraqs territory by September 19, and then, evacuate and transfer them from their military bases to camps designated by the Iraqi government. He added that the deadline would not be extended and that while relations between the two countries are entirely friendly and warm ... the presence of terrorists in the northern region of Iraq is an unpleasant stain on mutual ties. Iran has periodically launched strikes targeting members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iran, or KDPI, and other Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region near the border with Iran. An Iraqi government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the agreement was signed between the two countries and said the central government in Baghdad is working as quickly as possible to relocate the groups with the approval of authorities from the Kurdish regional government in Irbil and Sulaimaniyah. He declined to give the exact location to which the disarmed militants would be moved, but said it will be within the Iraqi Kurdish region. He said they will have a camp to live in and will be without arms. Different Iranian dissident groups in Iraq are aligned with each of the two main Iraqi Kurdish parties - the Kurdistan Democractic Party, with its seat of power in Irbil, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, whose stronghold is in Suleimaniyah - and are at odds with each other as well as with Iran. Previously Sulaimaniyah would accuse Irbil of working with these groups, and Erbil would accuse Sulaimaniyah of working with them, but as a central government we agreed to relocate them, the Iraqi official said. We are trying as hard as possible for this to take place on Sept. 19. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came to power last year via a coalition of Iranian-backed parties and is seen as close to Iran, although he has also attempted to build ties with the United States and Turkey. ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Salar Salim in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report. KYIV, Ukraine Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation after a midair collision between two warplanes in the west of the country killed three pilots. Ukraine's air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat told Ukrainian television on Sunday it wasn't immediately clear how long the probe would take. According to the air force's Telegram page, two L-39 training military aircraft collided on Friday during a combat mission over Ukraine's western Zhytomyr region. Three pilots were killed, including Andriy Pilshchykov, a well-known pilot with the nickname Juice who was an outspoken advocate for Ukraine getting F-16 fighter jets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his nightly address on Saturday paid tribute to Pilshchykov, describing him as a Ukrainian officer, one of those who helped our country a lot. Ukraine's Vasilkiv tactical aviation brigade on Sunday identified the other two pilots killed in the collision as Viacheslav Minka and Serhiy Prokazin. Russian forces, in the meantime, targeted central and northern regions of Ukraine with cruise missiles overnight. Ukraine's air force on Sunday reported air defenses successfully intercepted four of them. In the Kyiv region surrounding the Ukrainian capital, the falling debris damaged a dozen private homes and wounded two people, Ukraine's Interior Ministry said. Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement Sunday that it targeted and successfully hit an airfield in the Kyiv region. Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the claim. In Kyiv, relatives of soldiers captured by Russian forces in Mariupol, a port city in eastern Ukraine Moscow's army besieged and seized early on in the war, gathered for a rally marking 500 days since their family members were in captivity. They demanded that the Ukrainian authorities bring their loved ones home. In Russia, the Defense Ministry reported bringing down two drones over the Bryansk and Kursk regions that border Ukraine. The drones, the ministry said, were launched by the Kyiv regime in yet another attempt at terrorist attacks on Russian soil. Kursk Gov. Roman Starovoit, however, reported that a drone slammed into a multistory residential building in the region's namesake capital. It wasn't immediately clear if it crashed after being shot down by air defenses, like the Defense Ministry reported, or was targeting the building. Starovoit said no one was hurt, but a number of windows were shattered. ___ Dasha Litvinova contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia. Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves, broadcasting to the world on a livestream Monday morning, rattled off a list of possibilities as to what could be inside the nearly 200-year-old time capsule that was sitting center stage before the crowd gathered in West Point's Thayer Hall. West Point had been building anticipation for nearly two weeks over the planned opening of the time capsule, which was found on campus in May underneath a monument to a general who designed West Point's defenses during the American Revolution. Reeves wondered aloud about the contents. Could the gray lead box hold the original recipe for West Point's corn chowder? A clue to a National Treasure-style caper that leads to the mythical South American city of El Dorado? Read Next: The Army Wants to Slap a Next Generation Squad Weapon on a Robot Dog Or would it be something less exciting? In one scenario thrown out by Reeves as the auditorium crowd waited for the reveal, "we open it, we reach our hand in and there's just dust, very much like Indiana Jones and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,'" he said. In the end, when the time capsule was finally opened, it contained ... silt. Not even close to the sand-filled, face-melting power of the Ark of the Covenant in the movie. "So, the box didn't quite meet expectations," Paul Hudson, West Point's archaeologist, told the crowd after he and another handler peeled back the opening at the top of the box. They then pulled out what looked like broken shards of hardened sediment and dust. The bottom of the box appeared to have been warped, and Hudson speculated that moisture may have seeped in. "We don't want to think that they went to all the trouble to put this box in the monument and not put anything in it," he told the crowd. "We're going to collect all the silt at a later point. We'll screen it through a fine mesh screen to see if we can find any remains in it and determine what -- if anything -- was in here." Since it was discovered in May, West Point cadets and faculty had built up public curiosity about its contents. The school took to social media to collect guesses, and a panel of historians was invited to the unveiling to help decipher whatever was found inside. It is unclear from the event when the contents of the box will be conclusively analyzed. A mark on the lid that the historians assessed to be a "stamp from the manufacturer" was also noted in the unveiling. The discovery stemmed from a cadet pointing out cracks and damage to the base of Brig. Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko's monument in 2021. The Polish general was an important figure in the American Revolution who sailed to the U.S. in 1776 to help the war effort. He helped design blockades in the Delaware River after his initial arrival and two years later went to then-Fort West Point to fortify it. He was eventually promoted to brigadier general. Upon discovery of the damage, the academy's engineers and public works staff took to renovating the nearly 200-year-old statue when they discovered the box in its base this year. It is not known who put the container there, adding to the now continued mystery of the capsule. The Associated Press reported that it could have involved a committee of several cadets, including Robert E. Lee. Historical staff used high-intensity X-rays for clues as to what was inside the box before they opened it. Those scans were inconclusive, according to the school. It appears that the school's leaders had anticipated disappointment as a possible outcome to the historic unveiling. "It's not really what's important, what's in there," Reeves said after talking about the school's history and Kosciuszko's importance as the handlers prepared to crack open the box. "But at the end of the day, what this is really about is an opportunity to reflect upon and be inspired by the history I've just briefly discussed and just pause and realize that we have the immense honor and responsibility to continue the legacy that he has started," he said. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: Ten-Hut Time Machine? West Point to Open Time Capsule Possibly Left by Cadets in the 1820s Artic Monkeys began their North American tour with stops in Minnesota and Chicago and will swing through Michigan, and Toronto. Find last-minute tickets at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster. Tickets for the Aug. 29 stop at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston are going for as low as $64 but prices may fluctuate. Arctic Monkeys released their first single I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor in late 2005, the song immediately shot to No.1 in the UK singles chart. Their infectious sound -- a blend of catchy pop and garage band edginess -- quickly garnered them an enthusiastic fanbase in the UK and abroad. The band was touted as the next big thing by UK press, and their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, Thats What Im Not, became one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year, according to Ticketmaster. Artic Monkeys fans recently enjoyed excellent live performances with a setlist to include songs: Sculptures of Anything Goes, Brianstorm and Snap Out of It. Get last-minute tickets for the Artic Monkeys tour at Pine Knob in Clarkston, and Toronto at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster. Clarkston - Tue Aug. 29, 8:00pm, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI Stubhub Vivid Seats SeatGeek Ticketmaster Toronto - Wed Aug. 30, 8:00pm, Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, CA Stubhub Vivid Seats SeatGeek Ticketmaster Toronto - Fri Sept. 1, 8:00pm, Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, CA Stubhub Vivid Seats SeatGeek Ticketmaster OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A Holland-area woman was jailed Monday, Aug. 28, after she pleaded no contest in a crash that killed her three young boys. Leticia Gonzales pleaded no contest to opetrating while intoxicated causing serious injury, a five-year felony, and three misdemeanor charges of moving violation causing death. MACKINAC ISLAND, MI The viewing platform for Mackinac Islands most famous rock formation will soon close. The upper viewing area of Arch Rock, known as the Arch Rock Plaza, will close on Monday, Sept. 11, as construction crews begin a $7.5 million project to construct the Milliken Nature Center in the area. The area will remain closed to all traffic, including carriages, bicycles, and pedestrians, through at least April of 2024, according to Mackinac State Historic Parks. Guests will be able to view Arch Rock from M-185, the shoreline road that circles Mackinac Island, and walk the stairway known as Spring Trail to the Arch Rock viewing platform. The Milliken Nature Center will be a welcome and fitting addition to the Arch Rock area, said Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson. In order for this structure to be ready for guests during the 2024 season construction must start soon. While we empathize with guests who may not be able to fully visit Arch Rock this fall, we are confident future guests will appreciate and enjoy the new Milliken Nature Center. Arch Rock, a unique natural limestone arch, stands on Lake Hurons shoreline 146 feet above the Great Lake and can be seen from the islands perimeter. It has been visited by millions of people since humans first came to the island. The Arch Rock Plaza will be closed at the intersection of Rifle Range Road and Leslie Avenue and again at the intersection of Arch Rock Road and Huron Road. The Arch Rock Bicycle Trail and Botanical Trail will dead end before the hill leading to Arch Rock. During this time Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, private livery tours, drive-yourself carriages, and saddle horses will have alternate routes that avoid Arch Rock. Roads will be closed at Leslie Avenue and Huron Road. Arch Rock Bicycle Trail will dead end before hill heading to Arch RockMackinac State Historic Parks Guests on bicycle or walking will still be able to make a loop near the Arch Rock area by backtracking to Winnebago Trail, which runs from Huron Road to Rifle Range Road. It crosses Pottawatomie Road, Arch Rock Road, the Arch Rock Bicycle Trail, Rock Trail, and ends at the intersection of Rifle Range and Sugar Loaf Roads. Occasional truck traffic from British Landing, on State, Garrison, and Rifle Range roads, will also occur. During construction a new drain field will be added to the Arch Rock area, and the out-of-date restroom structure will be demolished. The Milliken Nature Center, named for Michigan Governor William Milliken, will include modern restrooms, a nature center, and space for guests at Arch Rock to relax. Mackinac Associates, friends preserving and sharing Mackinacs heritage, helped contribute to this project. The Milliken Nature Center is slated to open in May 2024. Official groundbreaking on the site, which will include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, will take place Sept. 1. GRAYLING, MI Several sections of a popular trail at Hartwick Pines State Park will be closed this week as crews remove several trees from the area. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said a couple dozen American beech trees that were killed by beech bark disease are coming down as part of the project, which should be completed before the Labor Day holiday weekend. Several sections of the parks Old Growth Trail will be closed. The 1.25-mile accessible trail is a popular spot at the park near Grayling in Crawford County. The infected trees are near the paved trail. There are also a few dead and decaying white pines close to the path that will be removed. The tree-removal crew will be working on different sections along the Old Growth Trail, said Craig Kasmer, interpreter at Hartwick Pines State Park. Signs have been posted and visitors are welcome to come to the visitor center. Our staff will be glad to explain what section the crew is working on a given day. Of course, safety is the highest priority, and we ask that visitors simply be aware that some parts of the trail will be inaccessible. The tree-cutting crew is removing the top sections of the trees, keeping the remaining tree snags at a height of about 12 to 15 feet. The cut portions will remain on the forest floor in their natural habitat, said Heidi Frei, forest health specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Were doing our best to emulate and respect natural conditions and to make sure this process is as low-impact as possible, Frei said. Old-growth forests are dynamic. Changes brought from invasive pests such as the changes wrought by beech bark disease are an increasing threat to Michigan forests and are now part of our management in the old-growth forest at Hartwick Pines State Park. The park is named for its 49 acres of old-growth pine forest, some of the last remaining in the state. The parks rolling hills overlook the valley of the east branch of the AuSable River, four small lakes and unique timber lands. The park is also home to a seasonal modern campground, year-round rustic cabin, group-use area, a picnic area and 21 miles of year-round trails. READ MORE: 7 reasons Hartwick Pines is a Michigan summer must-see Woman who saved Hartwick Pines State Park honored by Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame How a lumbermans daughter saved Hartwick Pines magical forest for Michigan Its Tropical Storm Idalia now. And its gotten a lot stronger. The National Hurricane Center on Sunday said the ninth named storm of 2023 had formed in the northwest Caribbean. It is forecast to move into the Gulf of Mexico and could become a hurricane by Monday. It had winds of 60 mph late Sunday. Hurricane-force winds begin at 74 mph. As of Sunday night Idalia (pronounced ee-DAL-ya) was forecast to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The hurricane center increased the intensity forecast late Sunday and said Idalia could be near Category 3 strength by the time it reaches Florida. Hurricane and storm surge watches have now been issued for parts of Floridas west coast. " ...it should be stressed that additional strengthening to major hurricane strength is becoming increasingly likely before Idalia reaches the Gulf coast of Florida, the hurricane center said late Sunday. Interests within the storm surge and hurricane watch areas are urged to prepare for possible significant impacts and monitor future updates to the forecast. The storm surge forecast is concerning -- 7 to 11 feet of surge could be possible along parts of Floridas Gulf Coast. The forecast cone of uncertainty has narrowed and shows that the center of the storm could make landfall anywhere from Apalachicola to Tampa, with the center of the cone focused on Floridas Big Bend region. But it should be noted that heavy rain and winds from Idalia will be felt far outside the cone, which only shows where the center of the storm is forecast to go. Alabama is not included in the cone as of Sunday. The National Weather Service offices in Mobile and Birmingham were keeping a close eye on the storm in case the track shifts and the potential for more significant effects become possible in the state. Idalia will bring an increased risk for rip currents to the Alabama coast this week. The weather service in Mobile urged those along the Alabama and northwest Florida coasts to stay alert: No watches or warnings are in effect for our area at this time. No local impacts are expected through Monday. High risk of rip currents and high surf are expected to ramp up late Tuesday through Thursday. Please continue to closely monitor the progress of this system over the next few days and DO NOT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN. The storm is forecast to track across northern Florida, then into Georgia and could emerge into the Atlantic off the coast of the Carolinas, spreading heavy rain and gusty winds far inland across the Southeast. As of 10 p.m. CDT Sunday, the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was located about 145 miles south of the western tip of Cuba and was nearly stationary. Idalias sustained winds rose to 60 mph from 45 mph on Sunday evening. Here are the watches that have been issued for Florida: * A storm surge watch has been issued for the Gulf coast of Florida from Chokoloskee to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf coast of Florida from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. * A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Dry Tortugas. * A tropical storm watch has been issued for the Gulf coast of Florida south of Englewood to Chokoloskee and for the Lower Florida Keys west of the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge. A hurricane warning has been issued for western Cuba, and tropical storm warnings continued along parts of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. Some significant storm surge could be possible along the Florida coast: * Aucilla River to Chassahowitzka -- 7-11 feet * Chassahowitzka to Anclote River -- 5-8 feet * Ochlockonee River to Aucilla River -- 4-7 feet * Anclote River to Middle of Longboat Key -- 3-5 feet * Tampa Bay -- 3-5 feet * Middle of Longboat Key to Chokoloskee -- 2-4 feet * Charlotte Harbor...2-4 feet * Indian Pass to Ochlockonee River 2-4 feet * Chokoloskee to East Cape Sable 1-3 feet * Florida Keys --1-2 feet The storm could bring a lot of heavy rain to areas in its path. For Florida, the hurricane center is forecasting 3 to 6 inches with the potential for up to 10 inches for areas along the west coast and Panhandle as well as southern Georgia. HURRICANE FRANKLIN Hurricane Franklin could become a Category 3 storm soon but is not a direct threat to the U.S. The hurricane center also continued to track a strengthening Hurricane Franklin on Sunday. Franklin poses no direct threat to the U.S., but it will track close to Bermuda this week. Franklin is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane and could become a Category 4 storm before its done. As of 10 p.m. Sunday Hurricane Franklin was located about 530 miles southwest of Bermuda and was moving north-northwest at 8 mph. The center of the storm is expected to pass west of Bermuda in three or four days, forecasters said. Franklin was a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds as of Sunday night. The hurricane center said Franklin could become a Category 3 hurricane by Monday. It could peak as a Category 4 hurricane later this week with winds as high as 130 mph. Franklin could generate deadly rip currents along the southeast coast of the U.S. this week. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A Michigan company hasnt taken no for an answer when it comes to its plans to develop a 400-acre sand and gravel mine in rural Washtenaw County. Michigan Materials and Aggregates Co., also known as Stoneco of Michigan, is taking Sharon Township to court to appeal officials denial of a zoning permit for the project, as well as alleging township ordinances break state law in a separate lawsuit. The township rules that governed the yearslong review of Stonecos application for a new mine are designed to prevent gravel mining and conflict with Michigan law, Stoneco alleges in a complaint filed in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on Aug. 25, one day after the appeal of the township decision, filed on Aug. 24. Through an attorney, the company declined to comment on the litigation. Stoneco operates 18 quarries, gravel pits and railyards across the Lower Peninsula, including others in Washtenaw County, per its website. It first applied for a zoning permit nearly two and a half years ago for a new mine on Pleasant Lake Road, west of M-52 about 20 miles from Ann Arbor. After an extensive review process including a stage that evaluated the need for the materials extracted, commonly used in road construction, and another evaluating if very serious consequences to the township would result from the operation, Sharon Townships board voted unanimously to deny the project on July 17. Read more: Too little, too late: Township denies proposed 400-acre Washtenaw County gravel mine In doing so, township leaders cited the findings of its planning commission, which raised concerns about the destruction of prime farmland, a potential decline in nearby property values and danger to school children frequenting the area gravel haulers would use, among other issues. Stoneco refuted many of the worries in responses to the commission, pointing to studies dealing with noise, traffic, hydrology, property values and other aspects of the operation it said supported its claim the mine wouldnt result in serious consequences for the area. The appeal Stoneco filed just over a month later seeks to reverse the townships denial and compel officials to issue the zoning permit. The separate lawsuit against the township asks the court to declare the townships ordinance regarding mining invalid, illegal and unenforceable, as it imposes requirements above those outlined in state law, the suit alleges. There is a statewide shortage of sand and gravel, and Stoneco has a need for both materials, the lawsuit states. Still, the township sought to determine the extent of the need for the materials, conflating need with public interest and improperly using that determination in its decision, in violation of the letter of state law over local permitting of mines, the lawsuit claims Stoneco attorneys raised similar issues over the township permitting process more than year prior, warning then of a potential legal challenge to the township mining ordinance. Sharon Township has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit or the appeal in court, but officials take a different stance from the mining company. Our position is that we followed our ordinance and state law and we complied with all that and did what was necessary to protect the health and welfare of our community, said township Deputy Supervisor Peter Psarouthakis. The assertion that the townships rules are meant to prevent gravel mines is a completely false allegation, he said, pointing to an existing gravel mining operation in the township. Were not anti-gravel. Unfortunately, Stoneco from the beginning did everything they could not to comply with our ordinances, and we tried to work with them, Psarouthakis said, adding the township planned to defend its position in court. Washtenaw County Judge Timothy Connors will oversee both the appeal and the Stoneco lawsuit. The suit claims the townships actions violated the companys civil rights, including its right to due process. There is no rational basis for defendants refusal to grant the application, it states. The suit requests a court judgement declaring the townships procedures violated Stonecos rights, awarding compensatory damages and granting plaintiffs costs and attorneys fees. The court should also impose punitive damages in an amount appropriate to punish the township and deter future conduct of the type alleged in the lawsuit, the complaint requests. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. More from The Ann Arbor News: Construction contractor sues Washtenaw County township over $2.2M in unpaid billings Students head back to school across Washtenaw County In DTE Energy Bermuda Triangle, Washtenaw County couple clocks 18 outages in a year Violent incidents at Ann Arbor elementary have parents seeking answers Press Release August 28, 2023 Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the DOJ's response to concerns regarding new international travel rules Sana ay huwag natin balewalain ang hinaing ng mga pasahero na sa huli ay maaabala kung palpak ang ating international travel guidelines. The public's concerns with the revised international travel guidelines should not be waved off as mere "miscommunication." The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) must take into consideration the various inputs from lawmakers, legal experts, and everyday Filipinos about the new pre-departure guidelines. We shouldn't turn a blind eye to warnings that some of the requirements would only promote delays and are prone to exploitation by corrupt immigration officers. Kailangan nating pag-aralan mabuti kung paano maipapatupad ng maayos at praktikal ang mga kwestyonableng requirements. Are all first-time travelers required to present "proof of hotel booking or accommodation?" How can the requirement of "notarized Original Affidavit of Support and Guarantee" for sponsored travelers be complied with without unduly burdening such persons? If these problematic requirements are not rectified, then the "45 second" processing time for travelers being promised by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will become an empty promise. The 163 percent increase in budgetary allocation being requested by the BI will be of no use if flawed rules are allowed to fill the immigration process with delays and complaints from aggrieved travelers. The Senate Committee on Public Services has been actively conducting hearings and receiving inputs from various stakeholders on the issue of airport delays and inefficiencies. I urge the IACAT to integrate the findings and recommendations of this committee - as well as earlier findings by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality hearings on human trafficking - before implementing any new international travel guidelines. Human trafficking is a grave problem that demands urgent solutions, and I commend the IACAT's efforts to save lives and end human trafficking in the Philippines. However, insisting on dysfunctional guidelines will only derail our nation's anti-trafficking efforts. Imbes na ipagkibit-balikat, pakinggan natin ang hinaing ng ating travelers, at gamitin ito para palakasin ang ating mga polisiya. New research suggests a hearing test may one day help diagnose newborns with autism, a condition so daunting to pinpoint that it typically takes years. Researchers at two universities and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities pored through results of nearly 200,000 hearing tests on newborns and as they aged. They learned that babies later diagnosed with the condition had a split-second delay responding to sound compared with babies who did not. That delay may help explain why newborns later diagnosed with autism and similar neurological conditions weather sensory storms that can include struggles with vision and movement, learning to talk and social communication, the scientists said. The new research shows that repetitive and ritualistic behaviors associated with autism are an adaptation of a system that is operating on different hardware and nevertheless, attempting to communicate with us, said Dr. Elizabeth Torres, who led the study and directs the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence at Rutgers University. Our results call us to rethink what autism really is, she said. The researchers also said their findings could be used to create a screening tool to identify those at risk as early as possible, when the nervous system is rapidly changing and adapting to its environment, and the brain-body circuitry is forming, Torres said in a Rutgers news release. A University at Buffalo autism specialist cautioned that the study is observational and that it will take more research to learn if its possible to help distinguish autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions this way. Overall, its a very innovative and clinically relevant study, said Dr. Michelle Hartley-McAndrew, medical director of the Childrens Guild Foundation Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at John R. Oishei Childrens Hospital. It could potentially strengthen early screening for autism, yet it doesnt really help us know how relevant the findings are in terms of the ability to predict autism, said Hartley-McAndrew, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics in the UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences who was not involved in the study. Both are important because when diagnosed early, specialists can start working with children and families on challenges that come with the condition. Early detection is really important because of neuroplasticity, Hartley-McAndrew said. As our brains develop, they become somewhat less plastic over time. We can all learn a new language, but its a little bit easier when were younger. Thats why we really try to focus on identifying and intervening at an early age. Autism is fairly common Kids with autism 'can completely be themselves' at Explore & More's Au-Some Evenings The event presents a place where children can play freely and safely under the watchful eyes of staff, while parents compare notes on how best to nurture and support those children and Those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders can have symptoms that range from mild to severe. The symptoms may or may not include intellectual challenges and an inability to speak, though repetitive movements and at times anti-social behavior are among the disorders hallmarks. Many with autism struggle interacting with others. Children often develop a dramatic fascination with one or two subjects, sometimes taking toys, color coordinating and keeping playthings in specific order. They often do not like to be touched. Challenging behavior is common. This is truly a brain-based neurodevelopmental disorder, Hartley-McAndrew said. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this year that about 1 in 36 American children have autism. It can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2, though typically takes place after age 4, according to Autism Speaks, a nonprofit advocacy and research organization. The condition affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Children in minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often. Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan, Autism Speaks says on its website, autismspeaks.org. Study findings, limitations The new research report published earlier this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says there is substantial evidence that brain-related developmental disorders start early in children. It maintains that very early intervention could lessen some symptoms. Researchers examined two sets of data from 187,346 newborns and a third set of children ages 22 months to nearly 7 years old. They included babies born prematurely and at term. They found newborns who later received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis had pronounced delays in auditory brainstem responses to sounds. On average, these newborns had a 1.76-millisecond lag in a system that operates on a microsecond timescale compared with newborns who developed neurotypically. The differences were measured on hearing tests that use clicking sounds played for sleeping babies whose brain response is recorded through soft electrodes. Researchers also found that infants later diagnosed with autism had reduced access to sound frequencies compared with typically developing newborns. We look forward to the creation of a tool that will help put this screening into practice, said Kerri E. Neifeld, commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, whose agency coordinates services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities that also include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other neurological impairments. The researchers said further study may show that the brainwave differences found early in life may eventually disappear with growth of the nervous system in infancy and early childhood. Still, they concluded, A neonatal screener of neurotypical development is now within our grasp. That said, Hartley-McAndrew cautioned it will take time for researchers to learn how subtle differences in brainwave patterns can predict autism, how accurate such testing will be and what percentage of false positives which can bring unnecessary stress to the early years of parenting are acceptable. How we apply this testing will be important. I think wed also like to compare them to other developmental conditions to know whether they also have delayed latencies or not, she said, referring to the delayed response. There would have to be some additional controls. Theyre noticing a difference and the correlation, but how do you make it clinically relevant, and how do we use the information? A complex diagnosis Up to 900 patients are evaluated each year at Oishei Childrens Autism Spectrum Disorder Center, said Hartley-McAndrew, a developmental neurologist whose practice focuses on autism spectrum disorders and children with related developmental disabilities. Families, teachers and health specialists are key to diagnosing autism. One sort of objective measure we do have are standardized assessments, Hartley-McAndrew said, but its not like we have a blood test or a brain scan. We have to interact with the child and get information from other people who have interacted with the child to be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Standard assessments include a childs baseline behavior, physical growth, language, social and cognitive skills, measured over time. Specialists want to learn how a child interacts with others. Is there social and emotional reciprocity? Is the child picking up on nonverbal cues used in social interactions and developing, maintaining and understanding relationships? Their behavior is a little bit more self-directed, almost like they hear their own instructions louder than anyone elses, Hartley-McAndrew said. And they might also have certain very strong preferences to how they want their day to go. Measuring sensory differences that can lead to frustration and disruptive behavior is also key. Language delay is probably one of the biggest reasons that we get referrals, she said, starting at ages 2 and 3. Support and a backlog Assessments are thorough and take time. Weve been able to increase our number of teams doing autism evaluations, so weve been able to get our waiting list down significantly, Hartley-McAndrew said, but were still at about 10 to 12 months out to offer appointments. Having the diagnosis, she added, is almost like a key that unlocks a lot of doors for services and supports for children in the community. That usually involves speech therapy. It also can include fine motor and sensory integration and, as a child grows older, developing better social and organizational skills. About 30% of children on the spectrum have some cognitive disability, as well, Hartley-McAndrew said. Related programs, services, educational classes and schools can support those and other children in need of more support, she said. Autism on average is detected at 4.5 years of age, on the basis of differences in social interactions, researchers involved in the related study said. By then, the brain circuitry has already matured to some degree, and neurodevelopment is off its normal course. Thats why the latest research spurs hope to get children diagnosed earlier. FLINT, MI Genesee County prosecutors have charged a 29-year-old woman in connection with the shooting death of a man found at a Vienna Township rest stop last week. Elizabeth Ann Freiburger, of Flint, was arraigned Monday, Aug. 28, on felony charges of first-degree premeditated murder and felony firearm in connection to the death of 59-year-old Kristopher Myers. MANISTEE COUNTY, MI A 77-year-old woman died Sunday, Aug. 27, when a fishing boat sank on Lake Michigan, four miles off the coast of the Village of Arcadia, officials said. Another occupant in the 20-foot vessel, a 63-year-old Arcadia resident, remains missing, but three others aboard the boat survived, Manistee County Sheriffs Office officials said. Occupants of a neighboring boat responded to the sinking boat at about 9:30 a.m., locating four individuals in the water, sheriffs officials said. The three survivors were a 69-year-old man, 82-year-old woman and 71-year-old woman. Agencies still searching for the missing boater include Manistee County Sheriffs Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, state police, Arcadia Fire Department, Frankfort Fire Department and Onekama Fire Department. We ask individuals who might come across the emergency responders working to please stay away from the area, Manistee County Sheriff Brian Gutowski said in a statement. Gutowski said the cause of the boat sinking remains under investigation and no further details are available. More on MLive: 1 suspect arrested, 2 at large after shooting at off-campus apartment injured one person Hundreds flock to Burning Foot Festival on Lake Michigan for 100 breweries, Bob Marleys son About 125K still without power days after tornadoes, deadly storm hit Michigan OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A woman suffered injuries Sunday, Aug. 27 when she was ejected from a vehicle in a crash, the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies were dispatched at about 2:22 a.m. Sunday to westbound I-96 in Crockery Township. The 26-year-old Muskegon woman, who was hospitalized with serious injuries, was a passenger in the single-vehicle crash, involving a 2011 Jeep Cherokee that swerved off I-96 and rolled over in a median, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office. The driver was a 23-year-old Muskegon man who was not injured, officials reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. More on MLive: 1 suspect arrested, 2 at large after shooting at off-campus apartment injured one person Hundreds flock to Burning Foot Festival on Lake Michigan for 100 breweries, Bob Marleys son Got debris caused by severe storm? Heres where to get rid of it in Kent County. LENAWEE COUNTY, MI A Michigan man drowned after jumping from a moving boat, police said. Joseph Richard Hedke, 22, of Gibralter, was found dead Sunday morning, Aug. 27, after leaping from a boat on Silver Lake early Saturday in Lenawee County, according to the Lenawee County Sheriffs Office. Rescue crews were called at 2:20 a.m. Aug.26, for a report of a possible drowning on Silver Lake in Woodstock Township, police said. The caller told dispatch that Hedke, one of five people on a boat, had jumped into the water while the boat was traveling fast on the lake and he could not be found, police said, adding that the caller also said Hedke might have struck the boat while leaping into the water. Multiple dive teams were called to the lake in an effort to find Hedke, but were unsuccessful Saturday, police said. Hedke was found dead shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, having drowned during the incident, police said. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the incident, police said Dive Teams from Calhoun County Sheriffs Office, Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police, Jackson County Sheriffs Office and the Oakland County Sheriffs Office assisted in the search and recovery. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. More from The Jackson Citizen Patriot: Strong family bond has kept Blossom Farms going in Concord since 1976 Pets of the week: Thor loves to be outside with a ball. Patricia is mild mannered Cannons boom as reenactors engage in battles at 2023 Jackson Civil War Muster JACKSON, MI More public art can now be spotted in a southside Jackson neighborhood. An unveiling event for a new sculpture took place Friday, Aug. 25, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive roundabout. The sculpture titled The Tower of Us/We Rise is a work from Maxwell Emcays, a Chicago-based artist. This sculpture was installed in an effort to bring public art to the southside, Jackson city officials said. The Jackson Public Arts Commission engaged residents on what kind of sculptures theyd like to see in their neighborhood and this was the popular choice. This installation bolsters JPACs goal of bringing a diverse range of art to Jacksons neighborhoods, Kelli Hoover, parks director and staff liaison to JPAC, said. The Tower of Us/We Rise is also located within the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority so this will be the start of positive changes on the way. The Jackson City Council approved spending up to $30,000 on this sculpture in January after a lengthy debate. Another sculpture, Community of Shapes, was also approved at that same meeting for $30,000 and was installed in July along the Martin Luther King Jr. Equality Trail. Related: Sculpture for Jackson roundabout picked after council confusion, lengthy debate The Tower of Us/We Rise is a 30-foot-tall cylindrical sculpture that will be illuminated at night. The sculpture depicts individuals standing on each others shoulders forming a tower. This sculpture represents how community support can help with overcoming adversity, city officials said. Similar to many challenges like the Great Migration, it is the strength in unity that has allowed us to rise above adversity, Emcays wrote in his artist proposal for the sculpture. It is unity that will allow us to ascend to the next frontier. People can find this sculpture at the northwest corner of the S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and W. Morrell Street roundabout. In the last five years, the city of Jackson has worked with the Jackson Public Arts Commission to install sculptures in two roundabouts and one gateway. These include the Kibby and Denton roads roundabout, the downtown Jackson gateway at Washington Avenue and Cooper Street and a roundabout in Ella Sharp Park, 2800 Fourth St. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot: Strong family bond has kept Blossom Farms going in Concord since 1976 Grass Lake dominates opener against Royal Oak Shrine Decision to revoke permit for Skydive Tecumseh campground tabled to next meeting Intense storm downs power lines, knocks out power to 29K in Jackson County Jackson students can play outside again after fire debris is found non-toxic CONSTANTINE, MI -- Two people escaped from a burning home in Southwest Michigan, and three dogs died in the fire, according to the Constantine Fire Department. At approximately 4:14 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, the Constantine Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 200 Block of Plum Street in the village of Constantine. Fire units arrived on scene within minutes and found the back porch of the house fully involved in fire. Fire crews quickly attacked the rear of the house, and the fire was knocked down by 4:30 p.m., the department said in a news release. The occupants reported that they heard an explosion and opened the back door to find heavy smoke and flames on the porch. Both occupants exited the house, but three dogs were not able to get out and died in the fire, Chief Mike Haydon told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. The White Pigeon Fire Department, Constantine Fire Department, White Pigeon Police Department, Constantine Police Department, and St. Joseph County Victims Services Unit assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at 269-467-4195. Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: Driver stabbed in chest at red light in Michigan road rage attack Activist sentenced for clash with police at Kalamazoo homeless camp sweep Lake Michigan city adds New Holland Brewing to offseason social district Michigan county rejects constitutional county proposal Amtrak train hits person on tracks near Kalamazoo Michigan county to ask Gov. Whitmer to remove its sheriff after drunk driving crash PORTAGE, MI Kids may be headed back to school this week, but that doesnt mean summers over yet. After all, Wednesday, Aug. 30, is none other than National Beach Day. To celebrate, Long Island Cafe, at 5222 Portage Road, is firing up a pig and a special menu for a special happy hour luau from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. The party will feature a pig roast, buffet, a la carte menu, exclusive island-themed gifts for early attendees and giveaways, including gift cards from local businesses. The cafe, which opened in May, is also treating the event as sort of a second grand opening in the community, Hunter Baker, told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. This is the first time ever we have been open in the evening, so we wanted to give people a chance to come and experience us that havent been able to yet, said Baker, marketing director at Climax Enterprises. We want to show everybody what we have to offer, from the special events we can do there, to all the amazing entrees and other things we can create as well. Related: Long Island Cafe opens with mimosa towers, breakfast happy hours With seating for 200 inside and a patio outdoors, Long Island Cafe is available to be rented out after-hours for afternoon baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties and other events. The restaurants normal hours are from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. The luau is the first special event of its own that the cafe has hosted for the public, Baker said. We are planning on doing an annual luau and National Beach Day was the perfect way to roll this out being an island-themed restaurant, Baker said. The luau buffet costs $19.99 per person and includes slow roasted pork from the pig roast, potato and veggie skewers, Hawaiian baked beans, macaroni coleslaw salad, grilled pineapple rings and Hawaiian sweet rolls. The a la carte menu is highlighted by Hawaiian chicken skewers, Hawaiian BBQ chicken wings, the Island sloppy joe and a loco moco dish that features a burger patty over basmati rice with sauteed onions and gravy that is topped with a fried egg and green onion. Theres also a coconut pineapple sundae for dessert. While restaurant staff is excited about the event, Baker said, admittedly there were some growing pains over the first few months the cafe was open as they were overwhelmed by the amount of traffic they got. While it showcased the potential of our cafe, it also highlighted our teething issues, Baker said. The overwhelming response, though flattering, was a tad more than we were prepared for during our soft launch, which unfortunately led to mixed experiences for some of our guests. Weve since refined our operations, and this upcoming luau is our grand showcase. Its an embodiment of our growth and our commitment to the Portage community. This isnt just an event. Its our way of saying we listened, we improved and were here to celebrate with you on National Beach Day. Long Island Cafe is regularly open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week. The cafe features breakfast all day and also serves up an extensive lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular weekday specials at the island-themed restaurant include Mahalo Mondays, where restaurant industry workers get $2 off glasses of wine, sangria, mimosas and draft beer all morning. They also have Third-Shift Thursdays, where third-shifters can get half off pints until 9 a.m. For more information, visit Long Island Cafe Portage on Facebook or call 269-218-0003. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: Smiles, new building, nervous moments: First day of school arrives in Kalamazoo Sounds of the Zoo unveils lineup for year two of week-long music festival 167 years after only Michigan speech, Abraham Lincoln returns to Kalamazoo MUSKEGON, MI Serial killer Jeffrey Willis is requesting a new sitting judge review evidence and listen to witness testimony in another court battle to have his two murder convictions overturned. Its unclear if the two-time murderer will make a physical appearance in a Muskegon County Circuit Courtroom again or appear via Zoom but a hearing has been ordered, court records show. SAGINAW, MI -- A semi truck hauling an excavator along M-13 on Saginaws East Side has crashed into a Interstate 675 overpass. The collision was reported about 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28. The excavator could not fit beneath the overpass, striking the steel beams under it. Saginaw firefighters are on scene, said Battalion Chief Ray Tanner. Traffic along northbound M-13, connecting Saginaw to Bay City, is closed. Traffic along I-675 is still moving, though that may change once Michigan Department of Transportation staff assess it, Tanner said. No injuries were reported. BAD AXE, MI Nearly three years after a Huron County man was killed by two masked intruders who barged into his home, police have found the murder weapon in another state. Ricky H. Bailey, 59, was shot twice when two masked men broke into his home at 2374 Rapson Road in Verona Township about 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2020. Baileys 20- and 11-year-old sons were home at the time. FREELAND, MI A Bay City-based bakery known for its best-selling Almond Joy cookies, jalapeno cheese bread, freshly-baked hot dog and burger buns, and grab-and-go meals like chicken pot pie and lasagna is expanding its sweet business into Saginaw County. Barneys Bakehouse Bakery, 421 S. Van Buren St., is opening a new location this fall at 218 N. Main St. in Freeland. The original Barneys Bakehouse Bakery is located where Bay Citys historic Barneys Bakery operated for nearly a century before closing in 2020. Owner and head baker Jarrid Weighman took over the business in November 2020 and said the business has been growing ever since. We want to continue on that growth track and felt it was time to expand and have the ability to reach more customers, states a Barneys news release announcing the new Freeland location. Barneys products are served at some mid-Michigan bars and restaurants and can be found on the shelves at two Jacks Fruit & Meat Market locations. Earlier this year, Barneys was among 11 Michigan Small Business Development Center clients to receive Best Small Business awards at the 19th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala. The response has been overwhelming to our announcement, Weighman said Monday morning, Aug. 28, the day after he announced the news on Facebook. We are excited to open a location in Saginaw County. With the addition of our grab-and-go line, we look forward to offering items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to breads and desserts, Barneys offers grab-and-go meals for quick, easy dinners. We are finding people are busy and on the go and are enjoying our homemade line of chicken pot pies, lasagna, pasties and fresh salads, Weighman said. Weighman sought to assure customers that the Bay City location will remain open and will continue to be Barneys main production facility for bread, buns and rolls, as those items require a specialized carousel oven for best results. An opening date for the new Freeland location has yet to be announced, but customers can follow Barneys BakeHouse Bakery on Facebook for updates. Read more from MLive: Michigans cider and doughnuts season is almost here, and this fall destination is ready A niche Old Town Saginaw business closes after 50-plus years Whats that? $58.6M facility to bring gyms, swimming, water slide to mid-Michigan Bay Citys Barneys BakeHouse Bakery named among Michigans Best Small Businesses Michigans Department of Civil Rights is taking often three times longer than it should to investigate complaints lodged with the agency, revealed a state audit, noting the process needed significant improvement. Auditors found it took the department an average of 19 months to complete investigations of alleged civil rights violations in Michigan blowing past the agencys self-imposed six-month deadline. (The department) needs to significantly improve its timeliness in completing civil rights complaint investigations to bolster the publics confidence regarding expeditious enforcement of the states civil rights laws, the report reads. The report, released by the Office of Auditor General on Aug. 24, sought to assess whether the department was making an effort to complete civil rights complaint investigations in a timely manner and sufficiently assigning civil rights complaints for investigations, when required. A sample of 2,096 cases from between Jan. 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, found that just 179 of those probes or about 8% had been completed in six months or less. Another 435 cases took between six months and a year to complete. The remaining 1,482 cases sampled, or the remaining 71%, took anywhere from more than year to more than three years to complete. State law tasks the Department of Civil Rights with receiving, initiating and investigating complaints of alleged civil rights violations across Michigan. These investigations are not lawsuits, instead being a way for the department to mediate between two parties in the chance a settlement can be reached. If no settlement is reached, the department will complete the investigation and report on its findings according to its state webpage. Filing a discrimination complaint with the department, however, does not preclude a person from taking legal action. In a sample of 39 completed investigations, auditors found 62% experienced significant delays in getting off the ground. In some of those completed cases, the department did not assign an investigator to a case until more than 100 days after receiving the complaint. One waited 165 days to receive an investigator. There is no established timeframe goal for assigning an investigator to a complaint, auditors noted. There were also noted issues with the departments investigators failing to contact those alleging civil rights violations in a timely manner. Of those 39 completed investigations sampled, most claimants were contacted within 19 days, again going past a self-imposed goal of five days. In five instances, however, claimants were not contacted for a significant length of time, including in one case where a person was not initially interviewed until nearly a year an a half (529 days) after theyd submitted a complaint. Inactivity within investigations was another issues auditors flagged, with a lack of action in complaint cases averaging about four months. Nearly 85% of ongoing investigations of alleged civil rights violations had been open for more than six months, the audit noted. On average, the investigations had been open for approximately 18 months (559 days) since receipt of the complaint, making achievement of its six-month investigation completion goal not possible for the vast majority of ongoing civil rights investigations. Of 2,405 open investigations sampled, auditors found just 17% had been open for six months or less. The remaining 1,994 cases, as of the audits publication date, had been open for anywhere from more than six months to more than 36 months, with the bulk being open for anywhere from one to two years. An agency response included within the report indicated the Department of Civil Rights understood and agreed with auditors it was taking too long to open and conclude investigations, blaming the wait on a lack of staff to complete these probes. As to how it would remedy this, department staff pointed to the recently passed 2024 fiscal year budget containing an ongoing $5.7 million for complaint investigation and enforcement to reduce the backlog of discrimination cases and complete investigation in a timely manner. This supplements and increases the one-time $3.1 million used to hire limited term staff to address complaints, officials with the Department of Civil Rights noted in the report. Therefore, the limited term staff hired with the $3.1 million are able to become permanent employees. With the additional funding, agency staff noted it would enable the Department of Civil Rights to hire additional permanent investigators and enforcement staff to adequately support the timely assignment of complaint investigations. It would also allow the department to hire additional permanent management and oversight staff to monitor the case process and timelines, as well as to hire a special investigation unit to handle more complicated cases that tend to increase the average time it takes to complete complaint investigations. LANSING, MI How many teenagers could help lead a U.S. territory? Better yet, how many 20-somethings could guide a brand-new state from its frontier past toward its industrial future? Only one American has ever led a state so young, and it was Michigans first governor: Stevens T. Mason. Mason goes down in Michigan history because hes young, because hes the first, and because hes kind of this maverick that helps us become a state, Michigan Capitol historian Valerie Marvin told MLive. And he saw himself as kind of this young, scrappy guy who was going to lead the charge. The Democrat, a descendant of Founding Father George Mason, came to Michigan as a teenager. His father, John T. Mason, had moved the family from their ancestral Virginia to the developing frontier of Kentucky. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson appointed John Mason secretary of the Michigan Territory. The next year, Jackson sent him on a mission to Mexico, where he would eventually become a key figure in the Texas Revolution. Up north, Stevens Mason took over as territorial secretary at 19 years old not even old enough to vote. George Porter, a former Army major, was territorial governor, but he spent more time in his native Pennsylvania than in Michigan. And when the governor was away, someone needed to take his place. So, Stevens T. Mason was on and off acting governor starting at the age of 19, Marvin said. Michigan Capitol historian Valerie Marvin stands by a portrait of the state's first governor, Stevens T. Mason, in the House chamber in Lansing, Mich., on Aug. 25, 2023. (Ben Orner | MLive.com)Ben Orner | MLive.com Over the next few years, Stevens led the effort to earn Michigan a star on the American flag. He petitioned for statehood multiple times, even commissioning a census of the territory to prove to Congress enough people lived here. He was also a central part of the big questions Michiganders were asking: How do we write a constitution? How do we make laws from scratch? I think a lot of us would feel like we were going to be tied in knots if we were told today you have to write a first constitution for a place out of thin air, Marvin said. Michiganders loved Masons bold vision for what Michigan could become a place with better roads and railroads, canals, and universal public education. If Gov. Gretchen Whitmers slogan is fix the damn roads, Masons could have been build the damn roads. But his boldness angered President Jackson when he refused to back down from Michigans claim to the Toledo Strip. Jackson replaced Mason in August 1835 with a new territorial secretary, but after voters approved Michigans first constitution two months later, they elected Mason their first governor. People in Michigan said, No, hes one of us. We want to keep him. Dont send us somebody from outside, Marvin said, even though Mason had come from outside himself. At just 24 years old when he was sworn in, Mason remains the youngest person ever to serve as an American governor. Nicknames abounded. Jackson called him young hotspur, while Masons most famous nickname boy governor didnt begin as the compliment it is today. The newspaper editor who coined the phrase during Masons tenure meant it as an insult. His response, Marvin said, is that the next time Mason saw that editor in public, he crosses the street and slugs the guy in broad daylight. More history: Why one Michigan governors official portrait appears forever unfinished Voters didnt mind. He had a temper, but he was also witty and ambitious, Marvin said. Mason was reelected in 1837. That year is when Congress officially recognizes Michigan as a state, but even at 26 years old, Mason would still hold the record for youngest U.S. governor. Possibly Masons grandest ambition was for schools. Michigan was the first state to have a superintendent of public education and a full vision for a public education system in its constitution, Marvin said. Schools that are free and open to all. Mason is credited for rebooting the University of Michigan founded in 1817 by relocating it to Ann Arbor in 1837. He was making sure the state is going to give the university the support it needs to be a legitimate concern going forward, Marvin said. But Mason leaves office on a sour note. His most grandiose visions for building canals, railroads and public schools are swept away by a national financial crisis in the late 1830s. We dont have enough dollars to make that happen, Marvin said. While unsuccessfully trying to negotiate loans in New York City during that crisis, Mason fell in love with a woman named Julia Phelps. They married in 1838, and he returned to the city after his governorship to establish a law practice. But by the winter of 1842, he got sick (Marvin says typhoid, flu and scarlet fever are all possibilities), and he died in early January 1843. Mason was just 31 years old. He is always young in our memories, Marvin said. Its like President Kennedy. We talk about he died young, so hes always young in our minds. Mason is eternally the boy governor, because in some ways he never grew into the full flowering of manhood. The Stevens T. Mason State Office Building in downtown Lansing, Mich. (Ben Orner | MLive.com)Ben Orner | MLive.com A statue of Mason stands in downtown Detroits Capitol Park, and a state office building in Lansing bears his name. As do various public schools, and two halls at UM and Michigan State. Mason County (home of Ludington) is named after him, as is Mason, a small city outside Lansing. The massive portrait hanging in the statehouse was donated by several citizens while he was still governor. I dont think its a mistake that theres a bust of Washington in his portrait, Marvin said. That portrait is one of few to have hung in every Michigan Capitol building, she added, and Mason is also a favorite governor among many schoolchildren who come to Lansing to visit. They think its cool that somebody so young could do that, Marvin said, because they might have brothers and sisters at home who are 19 years old or are close to Masons age. A handful of states set their minimum age to be governor at 18, so Masons record could one day be broken but it wont be in Michigan. The states minimum age has since been increased to 30, cementing Mason at least with the record here. He didnt always make the right decisions, Marvin said, but I firmly believe that he was ambitious not only for himself but he was truly ambitious for the state and wanted the state to succeed. More Michigan history from MLive: Battle flags, beer bottle caps among historic treasures in Michigan Capitol exhibit That time a former president sued a Michigan newspaper and won Michigan lawmaker Daniel West vanished 58 years ago. But did he ever really exist? Congress added a sixth Great Lake in 1998. It didnt last three weeks. Happy Monday, readers. Its hard to believe but we are rounding the corner on the last week of August meaning it wont be long before were swapping out swimsuits for sweatshirts. But as you kick off this last (official?) week of summer, lets recap some of the top economy stories. If SCOTUS recent ruling striking down President Bidens relief plan still has you reeling, then the Broke & Bothered newsletter is for you. Join Reckons Alexis Wray as she questions the legitimacy of student loans, gives you tools to take action and shares stories from real people most impacted: Enter your email to subscribe. Before killing three African American shoppers in Jacksonville, Florida, a racist white gunman had an encounter with campus security at Edward Waters University, a historically Black university, which later issued a campus-wide lockdown. A private, Christian school where about 2,000 students are enrolled, Edward Waters isnt well known outside of Florida or circles with deep knowledge of HBCUs. However, the school has a rich history that shouldnt be overshadowed by the weekends tragic events. Here are several more fascinating facts you should know about Edward Waters: Ghanaian artist Fameye has said comparing Ghanaian music to their counterparts in Nigeria is impossible at this stage. According to Fameye, Nigerians make significant investments in their craft, which contributes to the success they are now experiencing ahead of Ghana and others. In an interview with TV3, he said despite the enormous effort Ghanaian artists put into their work, Ghanaians do not often support them. I will love to hear my song outside, recently I was in Germany buying something when they started playing Burna Boys song, which shocked me. Right now if you call, me to come to perform at Afronation Portugal I wont go, I dont have the people there. I want to work well so when I go, I can match up to the audience. I have to be prepared and I feel like that I am not prepared because some so-called international artists are unable to make the numbers when they travel out to perform, Fameye stated. He continued by asserting that despite the fact that there are concerts for Ghanaians in the international space, Ghanaians are really reluctant to even sing along. Since I blew up in 2019, I played shows in UK and America, I have gone with other people I have gone with and it didnt pick for us. Even if it would work for us, the Ghanaians have to be the majority there, and even they are shy to sing along. Why do you think Ghanaians keep canceling their shows, they dont come. When Wizkid has a show, people seek permission from work four months prior to the show, they wont do that for any Ghanaian artist. Because our people, all of a sudden, it looks like its an intentional thing cos it was not like that before, that was why the Nigerians used to feature us again but right now it is us chasing them to feature them because they dont feel like they will get the mileage they want, he emphasised. John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party's flagbearer, has expressed satisfaction with the newly chosen executives. According to Mr. Mahama, this most recent development demonstrates the NDC's commitment to winning the national elections in 2024. In a tweet, he said, "I congratulate all the brilliant men and women appointed to various Directorates and other positions in our party, the NDC." The quality and breadth of the appointments offer scope for inclusive leadership and efficient management of the party. The appointments show the NDC's intent to secure victory in the 2024 elections. I want to commend the Council of Elders, the National and Functional executives, and all stakeholders for their seamless handling of the appointments, which underscores the close working relations established since the reorganization exercise, John Dramani Mahama stated. Meanwhile, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the newly appointed Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed his commitment to steer the party back into power. According to Mr. Boamah, being promoted to Director of Elections and IT for NDC is an honor. He said the recent gains by the NDC in the Assin North Constituency demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the party's commitment to rescuing Ghanaians from the bad leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliaments Education Committee has ridiculed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias camp for failing to secure a convincing win despite their alleged manipulations. According to Mr. Apaak, Bawumia's camp are bemused because the 68% DMB they got is far below the target of 90%. In a tweet, he said "The DMB camp is distraught after failing to garner 90% of the supper delegates votes. They are bemused because the 68% DMB got is far below the target of 90%. This is after the bundles of big notes, freebies shared, and the machinations. Ken coming 2nd is adding to their woes." Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the victor in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) super delegates conference, having secured a total of 629 votes, which constitutes 68.15% of the overall valid votes. Following him, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong attained the second position with 132 votes (14.30%), while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen ranked third with 95 votes (10.29%). 28.08.2023 LISTEN The National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for the Binduri constituency in the Upper East Region is calling for calm amid what he described as high incidence of insecurity and organized crime in the district. There are reports of growing gun attacks in the area in recent times. Issifu Mahmoud in a statement called on the state to put in pragmatic security measures to curtail the poor security situation bedeviling the area. This comes after some unknown gunmen allegedly raided the house of the National Democratic Congress' constituency chairman amidst sporadic gunshots this dawn. Two middle-aged men were killed last week by armed men. The private legal practitioner is also calling on the locals to be vigilant and assist law enforcers in their quest to combat crime. Below is the state: STATEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE NDC PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR BINDURI CONSTITUENCY ON THE STATE OF INSECURITY IN THE BINDURI DISTRICT AND CALL FOR CALM As political leaders in the Binduri Constituency we are alarmed by the high incidence of insecurity and organized crime in the Binduri Constituency. Lately, the epicenter of insecurity was the greater Masaka, particularly in Bazua township of the Binduri district, with the very latest been the attempted Murder on the NDC Constituency chairman Hon MARTIN ARIKU. If the situation is not brought under control, it could spread to other parts of the constituency. It is reported that criminals would, in advance, issue out anonymous threats via social media to their victims before viciously attacking them and, in some cases, killing them. It was in this fashion that the Constituency Chairmans residence was attacked by gunmen in the Bazua township on the 26th August 2023 leading to the death of some people in the attack. According to the Constitution (1992), of the Republic of Ghana it is the duty of the State to provide protection to its citizenry but same is yet to be seen by the people of the BInduri District. While we appreciate the little effort by the Police service and other sister security agencies for endeavoring to Play their constitutional role, we feel there is complacency in the way they discharge their duties. The arrest of the suspects is often a belated and reactive response. There is no doubt that the attacks and subsequent loss of lives- could have been pre-empted by the security apparatus if there is numerical strength and resources at their disposal to fight crime in the District. We, therefore, call upon all the security agencies tasked with fighting crime to increase cooperation and information sharing between, and or among the general public. We assert that, the police and other security agencies involved in the fight against crime in the District discharge their duties professionally to gather as well as to extract information from suspects without unnecessarily violating their human rights by inflicting bodily harm and destruction of property. At the same time, we wish to call upon the residents to be vigilant, security-conscious cooperate with security agencies to fight insecurity in the District . Government should also consider strengthening the numbers of security personnel with the necessary logistics to be visible in every part of the District. Finally, we appeal to all residents to be law abiding, preach peace and love in their respective congregations, and avoid abetting insecurity. We also appeal to the communities, as well as the leaders to avoid apportioning blame to one another or the other as being the one instigating insecurity. Issued by : Counselor Jambeidu Mbawini Sadat NDC Communication Officer for Binduri constituency Signed by : *Lawyer Issifu Mahmoud* *NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Binduri Constituency* Thousands of people demonstrated Sunday in Niger in support of last month's coup, a few hours before the deadline given to France's ambassador in an ultimatum to leave the country. Demonstrators gathered near the French military base in the capital Niamey, some waving Nigerien or Russian flags, others with placards calling for the departure of French troops. Former colonial power France still has 1,500 soldiers based in Niger. They had been helping the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in the fight against jihadist forces active there -- before military officers toppled him in the July 26 coup. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) led by General Abdourahamane Tiani has detained him and his at the presidential palace. Sunday's rally started at dawn on a roundabout near Niamey airport by the Nigerien air base where the French force is located, as demonstrators answered an appeal from organisations backing the country's new rulers. "We don't want the French army in Niger," said one demonstrator, Abou Kountche. "Let the French leave." "The French say that Niger is a poor country, but when we tell them to go home, they refuse," said restaurateur Adama Assane. On Friday, Niger's foreign ministry announced that French ambassador Sylvain Itte had 48 hours to leave, saying he had refused to meet with the new rulers and citing French government actions that were "contrary to the interests of Niger". Paris has rejected the demand and said the "putschists do not have the authority to make this request", insisting that the government of Bazoum that they had overthrown remained the legitimate authority. On Saturday some 20,000 people rallied in the Senyi Kountche stadium to support the country's new military rulers and call for the removal of French soldiers. Two important nonprofit organizations in Western New York suffered through a torturous 2022 over fractured leadership but, now, both are showing signs of moving to a better time. Most recent is Forest Lawn, which on Wednesday announced the hiring of Julie R. Snyder, a former top executive with another area nonprofit, HealthNow New York. She will become the cemeterys chief executive officer on Sept. 11. And while Sheas Performing Arts Center is still looking for a new leader, it has made operational changes that will serve it well and which Forest Lawn and other nonprofit groups should look to emulate. Both these entities, in different ways, strengthen the culture of Western New York. Sheas, of course, is a magnet, drawing theater-lovers from around the region for plays, concerts and other performances. They eat at restaurants, patronize bars and pay to park their vehicles. They spread the word to others. Forest Lawn, meanwhile, is first and foremost a place of peace and beauty one of the countrys most lovely cemeteries and the forever home many influential people, including former President Millard Fillmore. Its a gorgeous feather in the citys cap. But both entities lost their way and in similar fashion, with persistent allegations of bullying and abuse from chief executives and implications of inattentive or uninterested boards of directors. Complaints at Forest Lawn also included allegations of labor violations. For Sheas, the fallout was especially harmful, as it lost the longtime financial support of M&T Bank whose late founder, Robert Wilmers, was instrumental in resurrecting Sheas from near ruin. While the crisis could have done irreparable damage to Sheas, there was no such existential risk to the cemetery. Still, a high-profile asset needs high-quality leadership and it appears that Forest Lawn has found the right person an executive not just with proven leadership skills, but with experience dealing with sensitive issues. I view this role as a vocation, Snyder said, having worked in health care for more than two decades and frequently been close to families at times of great loss, Snyder said in the statement. This role is one of both leader to a dedicated team, but also liaison with the funeral professionals who serve our community, our important regulators in Albany and my fellow Buffalo residents who value, as do I, Forest Lawn as a historic parkland. Those are the words of someone who comprehends the importance of her new role. Now she has to put them into action. Under her leadership, Forest Lawn should consider some of the improvements already made at Sheas, including regular meetings between the leadership team and the board of directors; necessary revisions to the employee handbook and monthly meetings for staff. As obvious as the need for communication may seem to be, it was allowed to fall apart at both Sheas and Forest Lawn. This is a way to begin rebuilding it. Sheas, meanwhile, is still looking for a new leader. To be sure, the job requires a different and specialized set of skills, which is more evidence of the need to find the right person. It, at least, is beginning to deal with the problem that fomented its mess. Its good to see these invaluable assets move past the crises that each brought upon itself. To be sure nothing like it can happen again, the board of each institution and all other nonprofit organizations, for that matter need to take to heart their own obligations, one of which is, first, to be aware and, second, to act when signs of trouble appear.Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. 28.08.2023 LISTEN The entire leadership of NDC-UK/Ireland Chapter and membership would like to congratulate all the newly appointed national officers of the NDC, particularly Hon. Alex Segbefia and Dr Karl Arhin on their re-appointment as NDCs Director of International Relations and Deputy Director of International Relations respectively including Maame Efua Sekyi-Addo, the newly appointed Deputy Director of International relations. During Hon Alex Segbefias first tenure as the Director of International Relations, NDC in the diaspora saw exponential increase in the number of diaspora chapters and membership of NDC. Hon. Alex Segbefias cordial and positive working relationship with the diaspora chapters motivates and inspires members of these chapters to contribute relentlessly to the political fortunes of NDC. It is worth noting that, just like any institution, the NDC-Diaspora has had some challenges although media reportage on some of these issues have been largely inaccurate and over-exaggerated. As the Chairman of the NDC-UK & Ireland Chapter, I will urge members of the NDC and the public to apply the model Appreciative Inquiry in looking at the issues confronting NDCDiaspora chapters. The model seeks to challenge the traditional approach to problem-solving in organisational settings and is an intentional move away from solely focusing on the drawbacks of a situation to focus on what is already working well. There is evidence to show that Hon Alex Segbefias achievements outweigh the exaggerated issues, and with the prospects of the implementation of the Representation of the Peoples LAW(ROPAL), we cannot ask for a more qualified person to head the International Relations Directorate than Hon. Alex Segbefia. As a former Chairman of NDC- UK & Ireland we are proud of Hon. Alex Segbefia as he has continued to fly high the flag of NDC- UK & Ireland and the entire NDC-Diaspora. The NDC-UK & Ireland Chapter looks forward to strengthening the already good working relationship with the mother party in Ghana via the International Directorate - so that we can contribute our quota to NDCs resounding victory for President John Mahama and NDCs parliamentary majority in 2024 presidential and parliamentary election in order to help President Mahama to build the Ghana we all want. Thank you Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba Chairman NDC-UK & Ireland Chapter A ceremony has been held in Obuasi by the Kings Convenant Life Chapel to officially dedicate the Hammond Temple to God. Started by the Late Rev. Maxwell Nyameba Hammond, the Church has now grown in leaps and bounds with large following and a magnificent church auditorium. The occasion was also used to celebrate the 19th Anniversary of the church and the 10th Anniversary of the passing of Rev. Maxwell Nyameba Hammond. Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Madam Comfort Nyameba Hammond, a co-founder of the Church and the Widow of Rev. Hammond seized the opportunity to advise the youth against indecent dressing. She said as explained in the Bible, man's body is the temple of Christ hence must not do anything to desecrate it. "As Christians, our appearance is very important. It is what will convince others to join the church and live a Christ-like life. We must not do anything to jeopardize our Christian faith," she stated. Madam Hammond also admonished the youth to be patient and wait upon the Lord. She said though times are hard there is the need to have faith in the Lord and wait for His blessings. She said the Late Rev. Hammond lived an exemplary life, a life worthy of emulation. On his part Rev. Abraham Hammond, the Administrator of the Church said understanding the Gospel and knowing what Christianity stands for is what underlines one's faith in the Lord. He said most Christians do not understand Christianity hence are not able to live a Christ-like life. Rev. Hammond further stated that Christianity has made the necessary impact in society stressing that societies where Christians dominate are mostly preserved and peaceful. Rev. Paul Robinson Bediako, the Evangelism Coordinator of the Kings Convenant Life Chapel Church also added his voice to calls for Christians to uphold their faith in the Lord and wait for the appointed time. He said it was only through Christ that one can be successful. The Chief Executive for the Obuasi Municipal Assembly Hon Elijah Adansi-Bonah who was the Special Guest of Honor eulogised the late Rev. Maxwell Hammond. He said his teachings served as motivation to the youth. He bemoaned the rate at which some pastors are disrespected in the society. He said though there are fake pastors, that should not be a yardstick for branding all pastors as fake. He said " there are a lot of pastors and churches in Ghana that are contributing positively to the development of the country. Some are building schools, hospitals and are contributing to the development of human capital in the country". I don't understand why a party like the NDC, which has accomplished so much, is unwilling to educate the public about its accomplishments and the NPP's falsehoods. The worst political party in Ghana is the New Patriotic Party, but they are very good at lying and spreading false information to win the hearts of the people because they have appointed people to deal with those lies to mislead the people, even though no one is aware of where the million jobs Bawumia said they have created are. Subsequently, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the current National Communications officer, and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the chairman, need to begin creating narrative documentary films as quickly as time permits, to educate both the urban communities and towns to comprehend the horrendous truth of Ghana's position today, after NPP's guarantee to improve it. Allow the people to figure out the danger, as one of the drivers that drove Ghana to economic catastrophe has now been selected to be president. I wish to let Mr. Sammy Gyamfi and Mr. Asiedu Nketiah know that this is their first assignment, among many unpublished articles I have kept to assist the NDC to win in the 2024 elections and revive the economy because Bawumia is incapable of doing it since Akufo Addo has failed. Kennedy Agyapong called the NPP "fools" for a reason. He is correct; if the party has any sensible politicians, not one of them would think to support Bawumia for president. The vice president appears to have forgotten the lies he told about the economy, his accomplishments, and other pledges he made while he was seeking office. Therefore, it is now more important than ever for the NDC to step up its political campaign to inform and remind the public of the falsehoods about Bawumia and his wife. I'm not a tribal fanatic and certainly, I wouldn't live abroad where cleaners get 1500 Euros a month and pretend that whatever happens in Ghana under the NPP government is a good thing, mostly because Akufo Addo is in power or I hate Mahama, I will not accept such nonsense. As long as I wake up in the morning, I will thank God, and fight to stop this fake economist and criminal called Bawumia, who printed new money without the approval of parliament from becoming become president. I gave the NPP all my efforts to make it the best government possible, but all I got in return were insults. To remove this worthless administration and political criminals from power, I have now turned my focus to the NDC and will help them by implementing the finest political ideas that have made Belgium a prosperous nation. I urge them to adopt these policies immediately and to get to work on them, to allow the majority to understand how dangerous, corrupt, and incompetent Bawumia is, after plunging the nation into disaster. Even though a good product doesn't need an advertisement since Ghana is a strong tribal nation where many people believe in lies, John Mahama and the NDC politicians must exert more effort because they have been too slow and inactive on many issues that are affecting the nation. As a result, many Ghanaians are losing faith in them and now believe that the NDC and the NPP are the same, when there is a significant difference between the two parties. Since tribalism has a significant impact on Ghanaian politics, it is hard for faceless tribal bigots to accurately inform Ghanaians about the NDC; as a result, they claim that the two parties are identical. A few NPP leaders who are disinterested in the fabrications and deceit of their party are speaking on the radio, and they are now asserting that the NDC has outperformed the NPP even in their strongholds. The NDC should not be pleased with these praises; they need to put in more effort to reveal them. Readers who enjoy this writer's article will agree with me that I don't often write about Mr. Sammy Gyamfi and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. I had waited internationally to see who the NPP would nominate as its presidential candidate to release this urgent article, to prevent frustrated and hungry Ghanaians from scaling high-tension poles. There is no way intelligent Ghanaians must allow the person who turned a thriving economy into a suicidal one, to set on becoming president. I took my time to read through a lot of the articles on the ModernGhana website, and I was astonished to see what many of these tribal bigot writers wrote against John Mahamas exemplary governance and flourishing economy. This won't happen again. Even though I don't need to beg for my country's advancement, I'll respectfully ask Mr. Sammy Gyamfi and Mr. Asiedu Nketiah to start this crucial political project in English and local languages to help the party win in 2024. In the grand theatre of Ghana's political landscape, a drama unfolds. A narrative of aspirations, setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of power. At the heart of this tale stands Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng, a seasoned politician, an esteemed public servant, and a man whose presidential ambitions now teeter on the brink of collapse. Once regarded as a strong contender in the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer race, Mr. Kyeremateng's trajectory has taken a disheartening turn. His once vibrant political future, a vivid tapestry of dreams and aspirations, appears to be unraveling at the seams. Back in 2007, Mr. Kyeremateng was a force to be reckoned with, a formidable opponent who gave then-candidate Akufo-Addo a run for his money. His reputation as a competent handler of the Ministry of Trade and Industry had lent credibility to his candidacy. Even when Akufo-Addo fell short of the 50% plus one vote needed to secure the nomination, Kyeremateng conceded, allowing Akufo-Addo to proceed without a runoff election. The outgoing President's parting words, "You will come after me," seemed to presage a bright future for Kyeremateng. But those words have since turned into a haunting echo, a chilling reminder of the unfulfilled promise of his political career. Mr. Kyeremateng's bid for the NPP flagbearership has been met with a lukewarm response. The emergence of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong has cast a shadow over his campaign. The results of the party's super delegates conference were a stark reminder of this fact, with the former Trade Minister finishing third behind the two new faces. Despite his claims of being able to secure votes from the Volta region, a stronghold of the opposition NDC, the results from the region told a different story. His tally of four votes, equal to Kennedy Agyapong's and significantly trailing Dr. Bawumia's 29 votes, painted a grim picture of his chances. His defeat in his own home region, Ashanti, was another blow to his campaign, gaining 10 votes compared to Dr. Bawumia's 97 was clear that Kyeremateng's support base is eroding. The question that now looms large is whether Mr. Alan Kyeremateng should reassess his political path. His presidential aspirations seem almost shattered, and the cost of campaigning for the main November 4 contest might be too high a price to pay for a dream that seems increasingly out of reach. The narrative of Alan Kyeremateng's political journey has been one of high hopes and disheartening setbacks. It is a narrative that reflects the unpredictable nature of politics. His story is a stark reminder that in the world of politics, one's fate can change in an instant, and yesterday's hero can quickly become today's underdog. The political landscape of Ghana waits in anticipation as Alan Kyeremateng ponders his next move whether to soldier on, braving the storm of uncertainty and opposition?which is more likely he will or will he choose to step back, reflecting on the lessons of his journey and perhaps, preparing for a different path? Only time will tell. According to Zimbabwe's elections commission incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa had won this week's presidential election with roughly 53% of the vote, but the opposition and analysts immediately questioned the result. ZANU-PF supporters started singing and cheering at the results centre after the elections commission said Emmerson Mnangagwa had won. Mnangagwa took over from longtime leader Robert Mugabe after a 2017 army coup. He was widely expected to secure re-election for a second term as analysts said the contest was heavily skewed in favour of the ZANU-PF ruling party, in power for more than four decades. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said Mnangagwa's main challenger, Nelson Chamisa, who leads the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) party, secured 44% of the presidential vote. Mnangagwa already narrowly defeated Chamisa at the last presidential election in 2018. The opposition alleges that election was rigged but the constitutional court upheld the result. The opposition claims victory The opponent denounces a "coup by the ballot box". "We won this election," hammered Nelson Chamisa to the press. We are in the lead, we will challenge these results, assembled hastily and without real verification. A CCC spokesperson said in a post on Twitter that the party rejected "any result hastily assembled without proper verification". We are ready to form the next government added Nelson Chamisa during his address to the media, including RFI's correspondent. Delays, irregularities, and a "climate of fear" ZANU-PF denies it has an unfair advantage or seeks to influence the outcome of elections through rigging. Voting in this week's presidential and parliamentary elections was meant to be wrapped up within one day on Wednesday, but it was extended into Thursday in some wards after the late distribution of ballot papers. While the run-up to the election has been largely free from violence, the police routinely ban opposition rallies and arrest opposition supporters using Zimbabwe's tough public order laws. Southern African regional bloc SADC's mission noted issues including voting delays, the banning of rallies and biased state media coverage. Nicole Beardsworth, a politics lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa, said she thought the late announcement was probably a response to the critique by SADC and other election observers. "We all have a lot of questions about the speed with which ZEC is announcing presidential results," she said. The head of the European Union's observer mission on Friday said this week's vote took place in a "climate of fear". (with newswires) 28.08.2023 LISTEN Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed his delight after winning the Super Delegates Congress of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Dr. Bawumia secured 629 votes (68.15%) of the total votes cast to win the polls on Saturday, August 27, followed by Kennedy Agyapong who had 132 votes (14.30%). Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in with 95 and 36 votes respectively to make the top four. Reacting to his big win, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he is inspired to work harder to secure victory in the flagbearer election on November 4. I am immensely grateful to all, for the emphatic show of confidence in me to lead our party for the 2024 Elections. This is one step of the process, and the overwhelming support I have received throughout the country, inspires me to continue to even work harder, for a more resounding victory in the next step in November, to embark on this journey of possibilities with you, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said. Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has likened the recently concluded super delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a warfare worse than the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This comparison comes in the wake of the pockets of violence that erupted during the elections in various parts of the country. In a tweet, Dr Omane Boamah stated, NPP super delegates elections worse than Russia-Ukraine war. Former President John Dramani Mahama also weighed in on the issue, urging well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn the pockets of violence that occurred during the NPP's conference. He expressed his surprise at how an internal contest could result in such acts. He connected this violence to the legacy of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, recalling past incidents such as the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence and the deaths during the 2020 elections. The 2024 flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, conveyed his thoughts in a series of tweets shortly after the NPP's conference, which aimed to elect five candidates out of 10 for its November Presidential Primary. The event was marred by attacks on some opponents, including physical altercations at polling stations. Mahama condemned these incidents, emphasising that violence should have no place in a peaceful civic exercise, especially among members of the same political party. Mahama also criticised the NPP, stating that violence has seemingly become a norm within the party. He called on all Ghanaians to stand against these acts of violence and ensure that internal contests within political parties remain peaceful. The NPP is set to choose its 2024 flagbearer from candidates such as Dr Bawumia, Mr Kyerematen, Mr Agyapong, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Boakye Agyarko, and Francis Addai-Nimoh, who will eventually face John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections. Source: Classfmonline.com Felix Kwakye Ofosu 28.08.2023 LISTEN Former Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has criticised the decision by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to hold a Super Delegates Congress in its bid to elect a flagbearer. The ruling NPP on Saturday, August 25, held a Super Delegates Congress to select five out of the 10 aspirants contesting the flagbearer position of the party to advance to the main election. Sharing his view on the Congress, Felix Kwakye Ofosu described it as a complete waste of time and money. What was the point of the super delegates conference today? Couldn't the entire delegates base of the NPP have voted once and for all today and get it over and done with? What a waste of time and money, the former Deputy Minister of Communications said. At the end of the NPP Super Delegates Congress over the weekend, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the winner. Dr. Bawumia secured 629 votes (68.15%) of the total votes cast to win the polls followed by Kennedy Agyapong who had 132 votes (14.30%). Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in with 95 and 36 votes respectively to make the top four. 28.08.2023 LISTEN The Co-Regional ECK Spiritual Aide, Co-RESA of ECKANKAR Ghana Frank Offei, has stated categorically clarifying that ECKANKAR, The Path of Spiritual Freedom has no root of occultism. He said ECKANKAR has nothing to do with spiritual mystical practices of divination or ritual magic of any form. He reiterated that the ECKANKAR is the true path of spiritual freedom. He was addressing a media interaction at the recently held 3-day ECK AFRICAN SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR at the Beautiful ECK Temple located at East Legon in Accra. "This is a seminar that was organized by Ghana on behalf of all ECKANKAR African Regions. "Participants were drawn mainly from about 35 countries. "This is the first meeting after the COVID-19 Pandemic so it was an opportunity to once again come together as one Faith to reignite our spirituality and connect with our various communities worldwide. "Touching on the theme, he said in Ghana, the Co-RESAs, himself and Enyonam Offei, are usually invited to select a theme for the seminar and further discuss it with the international office. "We do not use our minds to do things here. So we invited the guidance of God and arrived at the theme: "Your Life is a Spiritual Adventure," he explained. He also emphasized that these spiritual gatherings have served as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the divine Almighty God. He used the opportunity to share some highlights of the event. "We had round-tables, workshops, Small group interactive Sessions and talks on Developing Your Spirituality as well as Creative Arts," Frank Offei revealed. The 2023 ECK African Soul Adventure Seminar was no different at all, as it drew individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together with a shared goal to explore the depths of their spirituality and embark on a transformative journey. About four thousand (4,000) participants attended the three-day event. They were both Eckankar members (ECKists) and invited guests from all the continents of the world: Europe, North and South America, Australia, Asia, and the Far East. The seminar acts as a sanctuary, providing a nurturing environment for attendees to delve into the realms of their inner selves. One of the most remarkable aspects of the ECK African Soul Adventure Seminar is the opportunity to learn from esteemed spiritual leaders, renowned scholars, and experienced practitioners. These experts impart their wisdom, guiding participants towards a greater understanding of spiritual principles and practices of the ECKANKAR Faith. Through series of lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions, attendees have gained invaluable insights that can be applied to their daily lives. Moreover, the conference offered a unique chance for individuals to connect with like-minded souls. A pre-seminar Public Workshop was organized on Thursday, August 24, 2023. The Workshop Topic was Getting Your Own Answers from God, and it was handled jointly by the Guest Speaker, Henry Alapiki, the Regional ECK Spiritual Aide (RESA) for Nigeria, and Frank Ofei, the co-RESA for Ghana. During the Workshop, it was stressed that the basic teaching of Eckankar is that the real you is Soul, not the physical body you wear; you are Soul, created in the image and likeness of the Supreme Being, and you exist because of GODs Love for you. As such, you have a direct link to God, through singing HU, the most beautiful prayer. HU is the most sacred, ancient, and secret name of GOD. The sense of community and camaraderie fostered during these gatherings is unparalleled. It served as a perfect platform for engaging in conversations, sharing experiences, and forming meaningful connections with others who are on a similar spiritual journey of enrichment. The impact of this Spiritual seminar indeed extends far beyond the duration of the event itself. Attendees are now leaving Ghana with a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer vision of their spiritual path, and a heightened level of consciousness. The knowledge and experiences gained during the conference serve as a guiding light, inspiring individuals to make positive changes in their lives and embrace a more spiritually fulfilling existence. Furthermore, the benefits of attending a spiritual conference are not limited to the individual. As participants return to their communities, they bring with them a newfound sense of compassion, love, and understanding. It has provided a sacred space for personal growth, enlightenment, and the cultivation of spiritual wisdom. Attendees used the opportunity to embark on a transformative journey to connect with like-minded souls, and gain valuable insights that can be applied to their daily lives. The impact of the ECK AFRICAN SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR extends far beyond the individual, creating a ripple effect of a positive change in the world. ECKANKAR is an ancient wisdom for today. Its teachings, which resurfaced in 1965, emphasize the value of personal experiences as the most natural way back to God. Whatever your religious background, ECKANKAR shows how to look and listen within yourself to expand your consciousness and enjoy spiritual connectedness. It thrives on a see for yourselfperhaps for the first timehow to live a happy, balanced, productive life and put daily concerns into loving perspective. ECKANKAR has a few basic beliefs. Simple spiritual exercises are taught that lead to the experience of the Light and Sound of God. As we practice the spiritual exercises, we learn to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. According to ECKANKAR, each of us is a Soul, a spark of God sent to this world to gain spiritual experience. ECKANKAR studies dreams as a source of inner truth, learning how working with our dreams from a spiritual perspective can help us handle daily challenges and learn from them. Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has claimed the results of the NPP's super delegates elections were influenced by some political establishment. He stated that the majority of delegates who participated in the special electoral college that pruned 10 aspirants down to 5 were "politically baked by the establishment". "Nothing was surprising, the majority of the delegates who voted over the weekend were politically baked by the establishment," Prof. Gyampo told Accra-based Joy FM Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the clear frontrunner, winning all 17 polling stations representing 67%. Kennedy Agyapong and Alan Kyerematen took the second and third positions respectively. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Boakye Agyarko had a tie which called for another election for the fourth and fifth positions. The flagbearer contest on November 4 will decide the NPP's presidential candidate for the 2024 elections as the party seeks to maintain power. The final primary outcome will set the stage for the 2024 presidential race where the NPP hopes to secure a third consecutive term in office under its breaking the 8 agenda. There are two issues of concern that Id like to share with you. Both seem to be threats to our democracy in one way or another. The fight for abortion rights and consequently womens rights is in jeopardy if state legislatures gain control of the abortion issue, as Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito would like to see, It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives. Ohio voters had a mechanism for keeping control of this issue in the hands of the voters and they protected abortion rights from a legislature that functioned in its own anti-democratic interests and not the voters. However, in other states there are harsh punishments, including jail, for aiding abortion in any way. Anti-abortion projects are an assault on freedom that could lead to assaults on other freedoms. Another threat to our democracy is Vladimir Putins war with Ukraine. Ukraines defense against dictator Putins war is a defense for the US as Putins win will surely increase his desire for other conquests. If Poland wasnt part of NATO, Polish leadership believes Russia would be trying to conquer Poland. It is a more complicated war than just having Ukraine be admitted into NATO, but an invitation for them to do so would be a blow to Putin and a victory for other countries, including the United States, who are concerned about Russian imperialism. Marguerite Battaglia Buffalo India's Supreme Court has asked judges to shun words like "whore", "hooker" and other offensive terms for women in its first ever handbook for the judiciary on gender stereotypes. The 30-page glossary by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud hopes to help rid courtrooms of sexist language that can tarnish verdicts, experts said. If harmful stereotypes are relied on by judges, it can lead to a distortion of the objective and impartial application of law, Chandrachud wrote in the handbook. Launching the new guide on 16 August, the judge referred to instances of courts suggesting rapists marry their victims in the skewed belief matrimony restores the dignity of assaulted women. Marriage is not a remedy to the violence of rape, he said. In 2021, then Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharad Bobde faced calls to step down after he asked an alleged rapist if he would marry his schoolgirl victim to avoid prison. Four years earlier, Delhi High Court overturned another man's rape conviction on the argument that a feeble no may mean a yes. Tackling stereotypes The Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes will ensure legal reasoning and writing is free of harmful notions about women, the top court said. It said terms like wanton, easy, fallen or slut conveyed a misplaced sense of moral censure, and that it is vital judges not only avoid relying on stereotypes in their decision-making but also actively challenge and dispel harmful stereotypes. Such stereotypes include labels such as career woman, housewife, mistress, unwed mother or adulteress, it said. The guide also advises against judging victims by their smoking or drinking habits or choice of clothes, and that absence of physical struggle does not mean consent. Judges may not insist that transgender people cannot be the victims of rape, it said, and should not use stigmatising language to describe the vulnerable community. The handbook prescribed alternative terms such as relationship outside marriage for affair, and said ravished or violated should be replaced with terms like sexually harassed or simply raped. Welcomed by activists Activists welcomed the rules as a step towards confronting gender-based violence in India, where police received reports of 86 rapes a day in 2021. Guides can be a great starting point for lawyers and judges who are interested in using the right language but working on a lot of issues, journalist and communications expert Ragamalika Karthikeyan told India's Supreme Court Observer. Gay activist Meghna Kulkarni hoped the handbook would help teach Indians to use neutral language, while women's rights campaigner Brinda Adige told NDTV it would remind courts to apply the law fairly. It has been too long that we allowed this kind of language to be used in judgements and arguments in courts when the courts are supposed to be upholding constitutional guarantees of not just equality but also dignity, Adige said. But communications specialist Karthikeyan argued that the handbook should not be considered a set of hard-and-fast rules. Some things can be enforced as rules, but some should remain a suggestion, Karthikeyan said. Language is evolving and even the terms we use today may not be the terms used ten years later so what should and shouldn't be codified is still a conversation. 28.08.2023 LISTEN Director of Operations of Alan Kyerematen Campaign in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential race, Hopeson Adorye has alleged that the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare was at the partys Headquarters sharing money to delegates after casting their votes in the just ended Super Delegates Conference. This allegation has earned him an invitation to appear before the NPP Disciplinary Committee to justify his claim. The vociferous Alan's Operations Director stated that people voted in certain directions because they do not want to lose their jobs. Somebody doesn't want to lose his job, so do you want him to go and vote in a certain direction? So that he can lose his or her job? I am saying that people who have been in the government for these years who are even old ladies still want to continue. So do you think they will vote in a certain direction? What are you talking about? An old lady wants to be a Vice President, how much more the young ones. The person engaging in indiscipline here, you didn't tell them anything, the rules were clear that when you come do nothing, but the Chief of Staff was here giving money to people. We are not afraid to say it, Hopeson Adorye stated when speaking to journalists at the party's headquarters on Saturday August 26, 2023 where he was the agent of Alan Kyerematen. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia took first place at the New Patriotic Party's Super Delegates Conference held to choose five candidates for the party's presidential primary on November 4, 2023. Kennedy Agyapong, member of parliament for Assin Central, came in second beating Alan to the third position. The Vice President received 68% of the total votes cast. With 10.85% of the total votes cast, former Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third, and former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto placed fourth. There was tied between two aspirants who are scheduled to have a run-off on Saturday to elect one to join the top four. Watch Hopeson Adorye speaking in a video below: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's camp has refuted claims that his overwhelming victory in the NPP's special delegates conference was cooked. Dr. Gideon Boako, technical advisor and spokesperson at the Vice President's office, asserted in a tweet on Monday, August 28, that the super delegates conference accurately reflects the base of the party. He noted that most of the super delegates were previously polling station and constituency officers or party footsoldiers. "The Special Delegates election was made up of people who have served and continue to serve in various capacities in the party right from the polling station level," Dr. Boako said. "Their appreciation of politics is not different from our current polling station and constituency officers," he added. Out of 961 super delegates, only 21 were government appointees without elected party positions, Dr. Boako highlighted. The remaining 97%, according to him hold elected party offices at constituency, regional and national levels. "Everyone who goes through elections in the NPP and is able to win is a grassroots person," he said. Dr. Boako cited 2014 as precedent, when Nana Akufo-Addo won 81% in the special delegates vote before securing 94% in the main primary. He argued Bawumia's 67% super delegates victory will likely align with grassroots support in the November 4 contest. The super delegates conference which pruned 10 aspirants down to 5 on Saturday saw Vice President Dr. Bawumia emerging as the clear favourite. The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reacted to the reports of violence recorded during the Super Delegates Conference of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The ruling New Patriotic Party held its Super Delegates Conference on Saturday, August 25, to trim down the number of 10 aspirants contesting the flagbearer position of the party to five. The election witnessed pockets of violence as a polling agent of Alan Kyerematen suffered the most. Identified as Ali Zakari, the polling agent was allegedly assaulted in the North East region where he was stationed. He suffered a swollen eye. In his reaction to the incidents, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has kicked against election violence, stressing that there must be no place for All-Die-Be-Die violence in Ghanas politics. Didnt know the NPPs BREAKING THE 8 has become BREAKING OUR BONES. Really distressing scenes as Frankenstein monsters devour their own. There must be no place for All-Die-Be-Die violence in Ghanas politics. Our politics should be inspiring & transformational, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared in a Facebook page. At the end of the NPP Super Delegates Congress over the weekend, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged winner. Dr. Bawumia secured 629 votes (68.15%) of the total votes cast to win the polls followed by Kennedy Agyapong who had 132 votes (14.30%). Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in with 95 and 36 votes respectively to make the top four. Gabon has come under fire for cutting internet access and restricting media broadcasts during the weekend's elections. As vote counting continues, opposition leader Albert Ondo Ossa denounced "fraud" in his battle for the presidency against incumbent Ali Bongo Ondimba. The government cut off the internet on Saturday evening and put a curfew in place citing the risk of violence as voting drew to a close in the race between incumbent Ali Bongo Ondimba and his main opponent, Albert Ondo Ossa. Earlier in the day, the opposition had denounced the way the election was being conducted, calling it a "fraud orchestrated by Ali Bongo and his supporters". Later that evening, the communication authority announced "the provisional ban on the broadcasting in Gabon of France 24, RFI and TV5 Monde". It accused them of "a lack of objectivity and balance... in connection with the current general elections". In a statement on Sunday, France Medias Monde, the parent company of RFI and France 24, said it "regrets and is surprised by this provisional suspension, which lacks foundation," adding that it "deprives the Gabonese of two of their main sources of reliable and independent information". The elections in Gabon presidential, legislative and municipal have gone ahead without the presence of election observers. Bongo, the scion of a family that has ruled for 55 years, is seeking victory over a newly united opposition. Disorganised Onda Ossa a 69-year-old economics professor who served as a minister under Bongo from 2006 to 2009 was chosen by the main opposition grouping, Alternance 2023, as its joint candidate just eight days before the election. The opposition accused the Bongo government of deliberately creating a disorganised election. Onda Ossa's team said that he was only able to cast his vote after his polling station opened eight hours behind schedule. Francois Ndong Obiang, president of Alternance 2023, told French news agency AFP that many others had experienced similar delays and that ballots listing Ondo Ossa's name were missing in some polling stations. Appealing to the international community, Ondo Ossa added: "The moment has come for Ali Bongo to leave. There will be no negotiation. I'm not afraid of him." Paris-based media rights campaigners Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced the fact that foreign journalists had been largely restricted from covering the election. (with AFP) 28.08.2023 LISTEN The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema East constituency, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has said among all the flagbearer aspirants of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) considers Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia a big threat. According to Mr Glover, Dr Bawumia is the only candidate who can help the NPP break the eight. Mr Glover, who is lending his support to the Vice-President, explained that: Hes the candidate the NDC fears most, of all the 10, when you look around when you scout around who is the most attacked candidate amongst the 10. It tells you something. When NDC [set] their eyes on you, consistently attacking you, then you are the one that they fear the most. He also stressed the involvement of Dr Bawumia, in the NPPs performance in the Northern Region, describing it as phenomenal. This is somebody who has sacrificed so much for the country, Im not saying the others havent sacrificed but when you look at the individual contribution, look at the days of the Supreme Court...I think that he has done his best. He added: He [Dr Bawumia] has defended this party, he has sacrificed for this party, he is the candidate that the NDC fears so much. Mr Glover said these to the media over the weekend during the Super Delegates Conference on Saturday, 26 August 2023 in Ho. -classfmonline The Governing Council of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has appointed Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual as the next Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University. His appointment will take effect from Monday, October 1, 2023. He will take over from Prof. Mawutor Avoke, whose tenure of office expires on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The Chancellor of UEW Nenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of Effutu Traditional Area, announced this at the Second Session of the 27th Congregation of the University at Winneba. He stated that in accordance with the statutes of the University, the Governing Council initiated the process of searching for a new VC and at its meeting on August 1 appointed Prof. Mitchual to succeed Prof. Avoke. Until his appointment as UEW VC, Professor Mitichual with more than 20 years of teaching experience was the Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Ag. Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skill Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). He holds a PhD in Wood science and technology obtained from Kwame Nkrumah University (KNUST) in 2014. MSc in Wood technology and management awarded by KNUST in 2005, and BSc in Agriculture Engineering also obtained from KNUST in 1993. Prof. Mitchual was appointed a lecturer in the Department of Design and Technology Education, UEW, Kumasi Campus in 2003, promoted to Senior lecturer in 2011, and subsequently promoted to Associate Professor by AAMUSTED. During the period in both UEW and AAMUSTED, he held various positions including Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Mathematics Education from 2019-2020 to 2022, Dean of the Faculty of Technical Education from September 2017-2018 to 2020, Vice Dean of Students affairs from 2007/2008 and 2015/2016 academic year and many more. The Chancellor, Neenyi Ghartey, told the graduates on the threshold of new beginnings, to remember that the knowledge and experiences acquired in the university would be their guiding light, shaping the path they had chosen to walk in the years ahead. Our education has equipped you with unique set of skills and knowledge that must be harnessed to drive positive change and foster economic growth, he stated. He further noted that unemployment was not just a challenge but an opportunity for innovation and transformation, hence the need for them to embrace their role as graduates, be proactive and have positive mindsets, than to wait for a perfect job to come their way. He entreated them to consider becoming job creators themselves, upgrade their skills and seek certification to keep them adaptable in the face of changing job landscapes. A resilient attitude towards setbacks will help you persevere and navigate uncertainties, which will make you align with ethical and sustainable practice, he urged the graduates. Prof. Mawutor Avoke, Vice Chancellor of the University, in his welcoming address, expressed his gratefulness to the Governing Council and its leadership under Nana Ofori-Ansah I, faculty, administers and all stakeholders for sustaining the university in pursuing its mission and vision. He stated that UEW was appreciative of the continuous support of Government of Ghana, particularly under his tenure as VC towards the efforts to stir the university to pursue its mandate and prayed for even greater support for the succeeding administration. My tenure as VC ends on September 30, 2023 and I will be retiring after almost 31 years and I am thankful to God Almighty, for the opportunity to serve as Vice-Chancellor of UEW, thank the Governing Council and all who supported us to build UEW to where it is now, he stated. I wish also congratulate Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual who will resume office as the in-coming VC and also within the same breath entreat all faculty to embrace and support him," he added. GNA Former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has appeared before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee established to investigate an alleged plot to remove the Inspector-General of Police from office, Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare. Bugri Naabu is accused of being part of a meeting that discussed the removal of the IGP. The parliamentary committee last week warned that it would not tolerate any excuses aimed at delaying its work. The warning came after the first witness, Bugri Naabu, failed to show up on grounds of ill health during the committee's initial sitting last week. However, the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Kyea, cautioned that they will not accept excuses from witnesses, indicating that they expect Bugri Naabus cooperation during the investigation. It is not a good enough reason, Atta Kyea said. We do not want people who appear before this committee subsequently to be giving excuses to delay our work. I do not believe that it is right and proper that when people are invited to appear before the committee, they have scheduled a time for the committee, it should be the other way around. If you know all the sacrifices people make for the committee, people should be in their constituencies, but they are here. And the witness is the one who is holding us to ransom. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the leaked tape containing alleged plans by the government to remove the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, from office in an attempt to rig the 2024 elections. The committee is chaired by the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, and includes a technical person, Dr. Isaac Lartey Annan, who is a lawyer and a human rights specialist. The committee has been tasked with investigating the authenticity of the leaked tape, as well as the allegations contained therein. The committee is also tasked with making recommendations on how to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. -Citi Newsroom The Afadzato South Constituency Youth, Zongo Caucus, and Constituency Executives have been advised on ways the party could woo the electorate to vote in the 2024 general elections. Addressing the opening session of a day workshop for the partys executives on the 26th of August, 2023, the Volta regional youth organizer, Mr. Mathias Alagbo (Kabila) stated that the workshop organized under the auspices of the Regional Youth Wing was planned to interact and discuss modalities for the party to win the crucial elections of 2024. Speaking to the media, the Regional Communications Officer of the Volta NDC, Mr. Kafui Agbleze stated that the National Democratic Congress, in its days in power has introduced various policies which improved the lives and security of Ghanaians as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in government as compared to what is happening under the governorship of President Nana Addo Danqua led NPP government. He added that all indices of national growth and development including cost of food items, currency exchange rate and security situation which were well managed under the NDC Administration had plummeted under the Bawumia-led NPP Administration in the six and half years. The Volta regional secretary of the party, Mr. James Gunu during his interaction with the constituency executives also stated that the Party had felt the pulse and sufferings of Ghanaians and was now placed in a better position to address the needs of the people more effectively and efficiently if it wins the general elections in 2024. He appreciated the executives for coming out from their various homes to attend the workshop and commended the organizers. The event which took place at the E.P. Church auditorium in Have, Etoe saw the inauguration of a Working Committee of the Youth and the Zongo Caucus coordinators. The party additionally provided orientation, training, and preparation to participants for the upcoming limited registration exercise and District Assembly elections. The youth wing of the party extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Regional Youth Patrons, Reg FEC, Afadzato South Constituency PC, Frank Afriyie, the Constituency Executive Committee, and the Youth Working Committee of the Afadzato South Constituency adding that, their active participation and diverse support greatly contributed to the resounding success of the program. When I saw a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Elon Musk, himself, drumming up support for Global South online content creators, I immediately understood why he is the world's richest entrepreneur. How many billionaires running global tech behemoths interact regularly with the ordinary people who use their products, I ask? Get it, dear critical-reader, lol? For his genuine concern about the financial well-being of innovative Global South thinkers, and inventive-types, here are a few free money-making from an ignoramus and uneducated old fool, living in a Global South backwater in Ghana's beautiful and idyllic Central Region, lol: 1) Today, as we are all aware, even little school children, the world over, now know that a world-changing idea, shared with Elon Musk, through X (formerly Twitter), will be taken to market via an EverythingXApp start-up-lab, and the profits shared equally. between XCorp, and the originator of the idea - so: Over to you, Joe Lartey, oooo, wai", Nana Elon Adjumawurahene1, lol. Cool. 2 Should the EverythingX app not also have a fleet of self-driving ride hailing Tesla's, for the use of its membership, any of whom can sit behind the steering wheel, if that makes them more comfortable about their personal safety, in self-driving vehicles? Naturally, car thieves will avoid targeting them, as they are aware that they simply won't be able to get away with stealing XRideHailing vehicles, because Starlink will be tracking all their journeys, lol. And, let's not also forget that no one can use the service if their biodata isn't available on the XRide-hailing system, lol. Cool. 3) Finally, wouldn't it be wise for XCorp to purchase Telcos worldwide, to levarage their mobile money services potential, to underpin an XBank global online banking behemoth, anaaa, lol? In that light, perhaps Nana Elon Adjumawurahene1, could begin XCorp's foray into the license-to-print-fiat-money world, of telcos, by purchasing bankrupted Ghana's orphaned government-owned Telco, AirtelTigo, for say US$ 5 billion - to take advantage of its hidden-value, in the EverythingXApp's scheme-of-things, lol? No? Roll on the EverythingXApp juggernaut, lol! NB: There is more where those crazy ideas sprung from, oooo, Nana Elon Ajumahwura1, wai, lol. Get in touch if they blow your super-creative contrarian-mind, lol. Cool. The campaign team of Kennedy Agyepong has accused Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of using to tribal politics during the recently concluded Super Delegates Conference held over the weekend. The results from the North East Region, which is the Vice President's home region, saw all aspirants scoring zero votes except for Bawumia who secured all 28 votes. Mr Samuel Duah, a member of the Kennedy Agyepong campaign team, alleges that Vice President Bawumia manipulated the situation by leveraging his tribal identity. Mr Duah claims that despite Kennedy Agyepong offering transport allowances to certain delegates, they were allegedly coerced into voting for Dr Bawumia due to his regional affiliation. The tensions during the voting process culminated in an incident involving the campaign coordinator of Alan Kyerematen, Ali Zakaria, who nearly lost an eye while confronting party officials who showed their cast ballots to other delegates. Mr Duah contends that this incident highlights Dr Bawumia's intention to anchor his campaign on tribal politics, which he considers a worrying trend. He made these allegations during a discussion on the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by Odyeeba Kofi Essuman on Accra 100.5 FM. Mr Duah in another development appealed to the Alan Kyerematen campaign to lend their support to the Kennedy Agyepong campaign. He claimed that the Alan campaign has lost momentum leading up to the November 4 presidential primary. Mr Duah also placed responsibility on the Ashanti Region delegates for not matching the North East delegates' show of support for their local candidate, Alan Kyerematen Source: Classfmonline.com Bugri Naabu 28.08.2023 LISTEN The former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked tape that allegedly captures a plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. Bugri Naabu made this admission while appearing before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee, which was formed to investigate the alleged conspiracy against the IGP. Bugri Naabu openly acknowledged that the controversial conversation did indeed take place between himself and three senior police officers. He identified the officers as Commander Asare, COP Mensah, and Superintendent Gyebi. The discussion reportedly took place within the premises of Bugri Naabus office, situated opposite the Osu Police Station. The former Chairman disclosed that the two high-ranking officers initiated the conversation, expressing their desire to advocate for the removal of the IGP. Their alleged reason behind this request was that Dr. Akuffo Dampares actions were seen as aligning more closely with the interests of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially undermining the ruling partys chances in the 2024 elections. Bugri Naabu, feeling apprehensive about the officers proposal, decided to record the conversation in order to safeguard himself against any possible denial. His candid admission has raised serious concerns within political circles, prompting the formation of the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the leaked tapes authenticity and the intricate allegations surrounding it. Chaired by Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, the Ad-Hoc Committee also includes legal and human rights specialist, Dr. Isaac Lartey Annan. The committee has been entrusted with the task of conducting a thorough investigation into the leaked tape and the allegations it contains, which have captured the nations attention. The revelations made by Bugri Naabu have further intensified the ongoing controversy, as Ghanaians eagerly await the outcome of the Ad-Hoc Committees investigation. The implications of a plot against the IGP, if proven, could have significant ramifications for the nations security apparatus and the upcoming 2024 elections. The nation remains divided as opinions on the matter vary, with some calling for strict action against those involved, while others emphasize the importance of due process and impartiality in the investigative process. As the parliamentary committee delves deeper into the issue, Ghanaians patiently wait for answers and justice to prevail. -DGN online Bugri Naabu, ex-NPP Northern regional chairman 28.08.2023 LISTEN Revelations continue to emerge about the leaked secret audio plotting to oust Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare. Former Northern regional chairman of the ruling NPP, Bugri Naabu who confirmed the secret meeting has expressed shock that the audio got leaked to the media. According to him, he only submitted the recording he did to the President to do his own investigation whether the IGP is truly against the ruling partys bid to win election 2024. "When I heard the recordings had reached the media, I was shocked. I dont know who leaked the tape to the press. From the day the audio was recorded, I handed over the devices to the President," Mr. Naabu stated. Appearing before a Parliamentary probing committee today, August 28, the ex-NPP regional chairman claimed the aim was to gather information for the NPP to take immediate action ahead of the 2024 elections. "Mr Chairman, my only interest was when they were telling me about the IGP, what he does and how he can jeopardize the works of the President. I wanted to gather the information and make sure I pass it to the President," Naabu told the committee. "My main interest was to protect the party," he added. The leaked audio contains voices of police officials and him discussing a plot to oust IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare over claims he would not allow NPP rig election 2024. This shocking development raised serious concerns about the integrity of Ghana's electoral systems and democracy. Consequently, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin set up a committee to further investigate the disturbing matter. 28.08.2023 LISTEN The Campaign Team of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has expressed confidence in their candidate's chances in the November 4 presidential primaries. According to the team, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central will win the elections with ease. Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, CF Amoasi, an adviser to the Campaign Team said it was not surprising that the MP finished second in the superdelegates conference. Let me put this on record, Kennedy Agyapong will win the presidential primary with one touch. His win will be a landslide, he stated. He continued that anyone who has studied Ghanaian politics and dynamics should not be surprised that Mr Kennedy Agyapong managed to secure the second position in a short term of campaigning. He remarked that just because Bawumia had more votes in the super delegates election does not guarantee he would be the presidential candidate. November 4, it is going to Ken one touch, Amoasi stated. "The delegates will elect him as the presidential candidate." Meanwhile, Kennedy Agyapong has been summoned before the Disciplinary Committee of the NPP for his conduct in the super delegates election. Mr Agyapong expressed his frustration after his agent was unexpectedly removed from a polling center. Mr Agyapong, who represents Assin Central in Parliament threatened President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia following the alleged mistreatment of his agents. He stated, "President Akufo-Addo, I will give you a showdown in this country, I swear to God. Vice President, I will give you a showdown for chasing my agent away. I swear to God. You will hear what will happen here. I swear to God, I will challenge President Akufo-Addo big time." According to a statement issued by NPP's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Sunday, certain individuals, including Raphael Patrick Sarfo, Charles Dokyi Yaw-Addo, Musa Sulemana, and Hopeson Yaovi Adorye, will be referred to the party's Disciplinary Committee based on evidence including videos and photographs that suggest possible violations of the party's constitution. France's ambassador to Niger is still in the country despite an ultimatum from coup leaders to leave his post, French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday. The decision comes against a backdrop of anti-French protests over the weekend. During a foreign policy speech to ambassadors gathered in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French envoy Sylvain Itte was still in Niger's capital Niamey, despite being given a 48-hour deadline to leave the country last Friday. "France and its diplomats have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment and I applaud your colleague and your colleagues who are listening from their posts," Macron said. Macron insisted that France would not change position in condemning the coup and offered support to Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, stressing he had been democratically elected and was being "courageous" by refusing to resign. "Our policy is clear: we do not recognise the putschists," Macron said. On Friday, Niger's foreign ministry even announced that French ambassador had 48 hours to leave, claiming he had refused to meet with the new rulers. Niamey also cited French government actions that were "contrary to the interests of Niger". Paris rejected the demand and said the "putschists do not have the authority to make this request". 1500 French soldiers Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered near the French military base in Niger's capital, Niamey, over the weekend. Some 20,000 people also rallied on Saturday in the Senyi Kountche stadium to support the country's new military rulers and call for the removal of French soldiers. On Sunday, the rally started at dawn on a roundabout near the Niamey airport, by the Nigerien air base where the French force is located. "We don't want the French army in Niger," Abou Kountche, one demonstrator, told agencies. "Let the French leave." "The French say that Niger is a poor country, but when we tell them to go home, they refuse," said restaurateur Adama Assane. Some were waving Nigerien or Russian flags, others placards calling for the departure of French troops. Former colonial power France still has 1,500 soldiers based in Niger, sent to help in the fight against jihadist forces active in the Sahel. Since military officers toppled Bazoum in a coup on 26 July, demonstrations in favour of the coup leaders have been organised regularly. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) is led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and has detained Bazoum and his family at the presidential palace since late July. Ongoing diplomatic efforts France has consistently backed calls by the West African bloc Ecowas for the reinstatement of president Bazoum. Ecowas has applied sanctions against the new regime and threatened to use military means to remove it if the new rulers do not hand back power to Bazoum. Efforts to find a diplomatic solution are continuing, however. Last week, Algeria's foreign Affairs minister, Ahmed Attaf, went on a three-state tour to Nigeria, Benin and Ghana. The top US diplomat for sub-Saharan Africa, Molly Phee, also visited Nigeria to meet Ecowas officials on Saturday. (with newswires) In the United States, the 28 August marks the 60th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington DC in favour of civil rights. Thousands gathered Saturday on the National Mall with a message that there's still a long way to go in a country that remains riven by racial inequality and violence. We have made progress, over the last 60 years, since Dr. King led the March on Washington," said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. Have we reached the mountaintop? Not by a long shot." Saturday's event was convened by the Kings' Drum Major Institute and the Rev. Al Sharpton 's National Action Network. A host of Black civil rights leaders and a multiracial, interfaith coalition of allies rallied attendees on the same spot where as many as 250,000 gathered on 28 August in 1963 for what is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice and equality demonstrations in US history. Inevitably, the event was shot through with contrasts to the initial, historic demonstration. Speakers and banners talked about the importance of LGBTQ and Asian American rights. Many who addressed the crowd were women after only one was given the microphone in 1963. Pamela Mays McDonald of Philadelphia attended the initial march as a child. I was 8 years old at the original March and only one woman was allowed to speak she was from Arkansas where I'm from now look at how many women are on the podium today, she said. For some, the contrasts between the size of the original demonstration and the more modest turnout were bittersweet. I often look back and look over to the reflection pool and the Washington Monument and I see a quarter of a million people 60 years ago and just a trickling now," said Marsha Dean Phelts of Amelia Island, Florida. It was more fired up then. But the things we were asking for and needing, we still need them today. As speakers delivered messages, they were overshadowed by the sounds of passenger planes taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rugby games were underway along the Mall in close proximity to the Lincoln Memorial while joggers and bikers went about their routines. Yolanda King, the 15-year-old granddaughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., roused marchers with remarks delivered from the same spot her grandfather gave the I Have A Dream speech sixty years ago. If I could speak to my grandfather today, I would say I'm sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream, she said. Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools and our shopping centers. From the podium, Sharpton promised more demonstrations to push back against injustices, new and old. Sixty years ago Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later we're the dreamers. The problem is we're facing the schemers, Sharpton said. The dreamers are fighting for voting rights. The schemers are changing voter regulations in states. The dreamers are standing up for women's right to choose. The schemers are arguing whether they are going to make you stop at six weeks or 15 weeks." Martin Luther King Jr.'s Washington remarks have resounded through decades of push and pull toward progress in civil and human rights. But dark moments followed his speech, too. Two weeks later in 1963, four Black girls were killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, followed by the kidnapping and murder of three civil rights workers in Neshoba County, Mississippi the following year. The tragedies spurred passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The voting rights marches from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama, in which marchers were brutally beaten while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in what became known as Bloody Sunday, forced Congress to adopt the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Speakers warned that King's unfinished dream was in danger of being further whittled away. I'm very concerned about the direction our country is going in," Martin Luther King III said. "And it is because instead of moving forward, it feels as if we're moving back. The question is, what are we going to do? Rosetta Manns-Baugh knew the answer: Keep fighting. I think we have accomplished a lot, but I also think we lost." said Manns-Baugh, who was a Trailways bus counter worker in 1963 when she left her seven children and husband at home in Virginia to come to D.C. Now she's so disillusioned she's stopped singing We Shall Overcome, the anthem of the civil rights movement. But even at age 92, she returned to Washington for the 60th anniversary, bringing three generations of her family, all the way down to her 18-month-old grandchild. I think that's why we all are here because we do expect the world to get better," Manns-Baugh said. "We can't stop working at it that's for sure. (With newswires) 28.08.2023 LISTEN The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Madam Naana Eyiah, has asked the Ghana Immigration Service to keep tightening security and operational procedures at the country's borders. She said this has become more urgent in the wake of terrorist attacks and political unrest in the sub-region. Madam Eyiah stated this at the passing-out ceremony of the Ghana Immigration Service recruits intake 29 at the Ghana Immigration Service Mid-Country Training School in Tepa. The ceremony, which also marked the first passing-out parade of the Mid-Country Training School, saw 454 Officers graduate. The Deputy Minister cited the implementation of the e-visa, which is intended to enhance the work of the Service, as a desirable technological advancement that must be embraced. Madam Eyiah asked the officers to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism and discipline and to respect the ethical and professional standards expected of immigration officials. A nine-member delegation from the Gambias Ministry of Public Service Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery is in Ghana to understudy the countrys civil service. The Head of the Civil Service, Nana Kwasi Agyekum-Dwamena, was happy that the delegation was visiting Ghana for the second time since his assumption as the Head of the Civil Service. He assured the delegation of the offices readiness to share the necessary information that would help them improve their services. The leader of the delegation, Mr Musa Chan, was optimistic that the objective of coming to Ghana for the second time which has to do with learning and adapting to our environment what Ghana is doing right in the areas of reforms initiatives, HR management and operational tools, scheme of service and others would be met. 28.08.2023 LISTEN Debates on the best form of government remain inexhaustible, despite the profound attempts by scholars to explicate the reverse of the first (18281926), second (19621976), and third waves (19761990) of democracy that, in the past, swept across the world. These periods, with significant democratic gains, witnessed major transitions of states from absolute monarchism, fascism, totalitarianism, and military dictatorship to democracy. An American political scientist, Samuel Huntington, in 1991 identified at least 30 states that experienced transitions to democracy between 19741990, and this experience represented a global democratic revolution that was expected to reach virtually every state in the world. By the 1990s, however, these democratic gains were halted by military coups in some states that have previously transited to democracy. These states include Suriname in 1990, Haiti and Thailand in 1991, Sierra Leone in 1992, Gambia in 1994, and Pakistan and Ivory Coast in 1999, following the overthrowing of the democratically elected government of Nawaz Sharif by General Pervez Musharraf and the ousting of President Henry Konan Bedie by a group of soldiers led by Tuo Fozie, respectively. Indeed, the concerns over this democracy in retreat continue unabated, as scholars become more inquisitive about unravelling the obstacles to democratic consolidation in these hitherto democratic states, with emphasis on understanding the factors that tend to promote societies that are both stable and democratic. The most common factors are electoral process and pluralism, the functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Besides, education has previously been theorised as a viable factor for promoting stable and democratic societies. Scholars have argued, with testable hypotheses, that education leads to greater political tolerance, increases the likelihood of political participation, and reduces inequality. In view of the obvious need for education to pollinate democracy, citizens in Western societies, to a certain extent, are seen as more politically adept at organising democratic forms of government, but fail to also consolidate other traditional values of what are considered as functioning democracy, such as tolerance, respect, negotiation, and social cohesion. In fact, every society is governed in the self-interest of a very few power elites. Even in Western societies, democracy has, surreptitiously, been commandeered by a very few often extremely rich political rogues who perpetrate injustice at home and abroad. The history of democracy in Western societies, with its strand of liberalism, suggests a system in which the power elites have often placed the sovereignty of the state far above justice for their citizens. With power residing in a very small group at the top of the military, economic, and political system, the state is, indeed, interwoven with the preservation of the interest of this small group, even if it means suffocating its citizens for the sake of combatting external forces that it feels threatened by, a situation frequently witnessed during the Cold War polarisations with regard to the US. There have been instances of agents of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) cremating US citizens in the course of preserving US national interests or orchestrating coups in other sovereign states, based on its noxious doctrine of containment to prevent the expansion of global communist influence, such as happened with the army-led overthrow of the democratically elected governments of Mohammad Mosaddegh in Iran in 1953, Patrice Lumumba in the DRC in 1961, and Salvador Allende in Chile in 1973. It is still material, in my own view, to enthusiastically critique Western oriented Darwinian liberal or neoliberal democratic propaganda that is synonymous with the global capitalist exploitation of the weak and which is the reason for the global diffusion of the culture of corruption, clientelism, and patronage. This culture of corruption, clientelism and patronage, which is undoubtedly inherent in the Western neoliberal credo, has been handed down through colonialism and inherited by African elites who are perpetually subservient to the whims and caprices of the core Global North elites. No matter whether these African elites succeed in holding elections, they are still seen as failing to legitimise their governments and unable to deliver good governance and effective service to large parts of their populations. Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth, as mentioned by Cosmos and Kitabayashi in 2023, may be viewed as a vital guide both to the tenacity of white supremacy in the West and to the moral Android intellectual failures of the Global South elites. An article by Halford Fairchild in 1994 on Fanon's work emphasised the evil of African elites depending on these core Global North elites for survival and stated that Fanon's conclusion underscores the importance of this work for African and African American liberation, to be sure; but, more importantly, it challenges Africans throughout the diaspora to assume a leadership position in bringing about a new, more humane world order. Since independence in many African states, the indigenous power elites, whether civilian groups or military gangs, have consistently subverted the growth of political empowerment among Africans through a deliberate opaque propaganda machine that has helped them to sustain their dominance in power. Denying Africans education is to subvert their political empowerment, which has resulted in losing their trust in their ability to change their incompetent governments or considering that they can't understand and influence political affairs. This prevailing lack of political enlightenment in African societies has created a poverty of politics among Africans in which many African states are now categorised as closed societies. Also, injustice festers in these African states that are closed societies, while this injustice is closely monitored and exploited by a still imperial Collective West comfortably pilfering African resources. It is, therefore, not surprising that Washington, London and Paris are encouraging ECOWAS member states to engage in a military conflict with the military junta that overthrew a civilian government in Niger on July 26, 2023. Paradoxically, rulers of ECOWAS member states, who pretend to be advocates of Western democracy, are also incapable of making democracy deliver. The report of the 2022 research by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on global democracy index showed that all the regimes in ECOWAS member states have either retrogressed to hybrid regime, authoritarianism, or flawed democracy, with its research being based on five democratic indicators, which include electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties. Mauritius, according to this report, is the only African country that was categorised as a full democracy, having scored reasonable points across the whole range of these democratic indicators. Furthermore, the study of politics has shifted from institutional approaches to behavioural, based on political inquiry, where we find a new fashion of experimental codification that involves the use of scientific criteria in testing and retesting previously acceptable political hypotheses. One such attempt to explain the paradox of Western democracy is a discussion by Karl Popper in The Open Society and its Enemies that was published in 1945. Popper was a political realist who saw many contradictions in the classical theory of democracy (majoritarian rule). These contradictions were similar to what Alexis Tocqueville described as tyranny of the majority based on the notion that majorities in a democracy are capable of electing a tyrant. This is a possibility which in some states, for example, would cause national leaders to not hold elections, out of fear that anti-democratic fundamentalist parties could rise to power. In the case of Algeria, the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the first round of the 1991 Algerian legislative election was annulled by the army in 1992. The army justified its action on the basis of preventing Algeria from becoming an Islamic state. Popper, himself, in his own observations on Western democracy, concedes that majorities could also vote for an end to democracy, with the examples of the democratically elected governments of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in mind. In fact, however, perhaps "the people have the right to rule" is a misunderstanding of the reality of Western democracy where, even today, elections are merely used as a means of control of a potential work force that is exploited to satisfy every whim, military or otherwise, of the ruling class. This misunderstanding is a practical reference to the illusion of majoritarian rule, which contradicts the old held Abraham Lincoln's dictum of democracy as government of the people, by the people, for the people. Wayne Norman noted, in a study entitled A Democratic Theory for a Democratising World: A Re-assessment of Popper's Political Realism, that Popper's work reminds us of a wide range of frustrating moral and political dilemmas that are yet to be resolved when we contemplate that despotism is no longer acceptable but democracy is not quite possible. And, in fact, in the so-called democratic West, democracy has enabled the gap between poor and rich to grow to obscene levels, where one percent of the population in the US, for instance, now owns 50 percent of that country's GDP. In a protest against this wide economic divide in the US, Oliver Anthony sang the Rich Men North of Richmond to decry the fat cats who would take advantage of the working man. Also in China, democratic practise is nothing but unapologetic dictates of one party communist politburo, with reference to Orwellian 1984 book which depicts a society where civil liberty and human rights are heavily suppressed. The problem is that political theories were developed to justify the means of exploitation rather than to address the core issue of exploitation, itself. For a good reason, the study of politics is an existential necessity in understanding the place of people in a society. Socrates, in his analysis of politics and society, was, essentially, preoccupied with the meaning of justice in relation to virtue and happiness. Plato's Republic emphasised the pursuit of justice, virtue, and happiness as the basic ideals for every political community. The political community conceived by Aristotle was the one that fostered virtue and happiness for all citizens. By asking this age old question again about which human societies provide optimal happiness for their citizens, and whether they might be theocracies, monarchies, feudal aristocracies, or political systems controlled by technologically driven predatory capitalism, Francis Fukuyama in 1989 presented the concept of a historical evolution of human societies leading toward the end of history in which mankind would achieve a form of society that satisfied its deepest and most fundamental longings. For Hegel, the end of history was the attainment of a liberal state, while for Marx, it was the eventual enthronement of a communist state. However, history has shown that no system of political organisation has ever given peace and prosperity equal recognition with the other concerns of contemporary Western neoliberal democracy. The conclusion is quite simple. No matter whether primitive or advanced, traditional or modern, the most important concern for any society should be governmental virtuehaving a system of government populated by people of good character. Hakeem Sule, PhD Director of Academic Planning, Development and Quality Assurance Foreign Links Institution, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Hikaru Kitabayashi, PhD Professor Emeritus of English Language. Daito Bunka University, Tokyo, Japan. 28.08.2023 LISTEN A member of the campaign team of Alan Kyerematen, Mr. Hopeson Adorye has been dragged before the Disciplinary Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This follows his ranting in the media about how Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare was paying huge sums of money to delegates at the partys Super Delegates Congress to vote for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. People who have been in government for these years who are even old ladies they still want to continue. Im saying an old lady wants to be a vice president so much more a vice president. The Chief of Staff was here giving money to people. Do you think we are scared of anyone? This election money played a role. You are able to give someone $5,000. What are you talking about? We also shared money, but whose was bigger? You give one person 100,000 to go and vote, Hopeson Adorye told journalists. In a press release from the NPP on Sunday, it indicated that Hopeson Adorye has been referred to the partys Disciplinary Committee over alleged misconduct. He is one of four people who will face the Disciplinary Committee to explain their actions. Meanwhile, the leadership of the NPP says flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong will also be summoned before the Disciplinary Committee of the Party to provide responses and further details to the accusations and threats he made against certain personalities in a video that has since gone viral on social media and mainstream media. Below is a copy of the NPP press release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2023 NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY EXTENDS GRATITUDE TO STAKEHOLDERS FOR EXEMPLARY SPECIAL ELECTORAL COLLEGE ELECTION The New Patriotic Party (NPP) extends its heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the Special Electoral College Election which took place on Saturday, August 26, 2023. We commend the collaborative efforts of the Presidential Elections Committee, the Electoral Commission, the Ghana Police Service, Media partners, aspirants, delegates, supporters, and the wider general public for their unwavering dedication to the democratic process. We extend our congratulations to all aspirants and their supporters for their responsible conduct, following the guidelines, rules, and regulations set forth for the election. Your commitment to the democratic principles of the Party is acknowledged and celebrated. While the majority of voting centers experienced a smooth process, we acknowledge that isolated incidents occurred at certain locations. The leadership of the Party unequivocally condemns such incidents and emphasizes our unwavering commitment to the integrity and fairness of the election process. Pursuant to Article 10(7)(5) of the NPP Constitution, certain individuals namely; 1. Mr. Raphael Patrick Sarfo 2. Mr. Charles Dokyi Yaw-Addo 3. Mr. Musa Sulemana 4. Mr. Hopeson Yaovi Adorye will be referred to the Party's Disciplinary Committee. This is a direct response to evidence, including video and photographic materials, which suggest potential violations of the provisions outlined in Article 3(5)(A)(1)(2)(3) and (4) of the Party's Constitution and a potential misconduct under Article 4(7). Emphasis must also be placed on the fact that Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, pursuant to the afore-stated constitutional provisions of the party, will also be summoned before the Disciplinary Committee of the Party to provide responses and further details to the accusations and threats he made against certain personalities in a video that has since gone viral on social media and mainstream media. The NPP remains committed to upholding democratic values, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct. We are confident that this disciplinary process will be conducted with fairness, transparency, and impartiality. Signed Justin Kodua Frimpong General Secretary Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told troops in Port Sudan on Monday time has come to "end the rebellion" by paramilitaries, promising victory four months into a brutal war. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by Burhan's deputy turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo had besieged the army chief inside military headquarters in Khartoum for the past four months. But last week, Burhan made his first public foray outside the headquarters to review troops in parts of the war-scarred country. That led to speculation in the local media that Burhan and Daglo had negotiated a deal -- a move the army chief staunchly denied in his defiant speech to soldiers in Port Sudan. "No one helped me out of the army headquarters. I did not come as a result of any agreement. It was a successful military operation," Burhan said in the Red Sea port city. Port Sudan -- where government officials and the United Nations have relocated operations -- is the site of Sudan's only functioning airport. "We are mobilising everywhere to defeat this rebellion, defeat this treason, by these mercenaries who come from all over the world," Burhan told cheering troops. "There is no time for discussion now, we are concentrating all our efforts on the war, to put an end to the rebellion," he said. His comments come a day after Daglo released a statement detailing a 10-point "vision" to end the war and build "a new state". The plan calls for "civilian rule based on democratic norms" and "a single, professional, national military institution" -- the very sticking point which turned the former allies into rivals. Before they fell out, Burhan, backed by Daglo, became Sudan's de facto ruler in a 2021 coup that derailed a fragile transition to civilian rule.The RSF "started this war by saying 'this is the army of the old regime and the Islamists,' this is a lie," Burhan said Monday. Conservative estimates from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project show that nearly 5,000 people have been killed in the conflict. But the real figure is thought to be much higher, and the UN says more than 4.6 million people have been displaced by the fighting both inside and outside Sudan. Fighting meanwhile continued Monday in Khartoum, where residents reported street battles as fighter-jets flew overhead. 28.08.2023 LISTEN A Parliamentary Candidate hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Abuakwa North Constituency, Palgrave Frimpong Boakye-Danquah has said Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias convincing win in the recent Super Delegates conference is a clear indication that he is the ideal candidate to 'break the 8.' According to Mr. Boakye-Danquah, the National Democratic Congress should be prepared for a massive defeat. He said the grassroots of the party has proven that indeed they are in support of the Vice President. We are breaking the 8-year cycle of political tradition in Ghana as we are breaking the cycle and truly involving the Dombo tradition. We are setting the records that the grassroots rewards hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. Its not money or age its the FUTURE and my personal thanks to delegates for choosing the FUTURE, Palgrave Frimpong Boakye-Danquah stated. He congratulated all the delegates for voting massively for Dr. Bawumia. A National Congress is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 4 to elect the 2024 flagbearer of the party. - Source: 28.08.2023 LISTEN Arriving at the tranquil village health facility in southwestern Nigeria, we were met by a small gathering of men young and old with thinly veiled excitement. These rural farmers were visibly intrigued by our research interest in their experiences as proud growers of ewe ola (leaf of wealth), as they colloquially describe cannabis in the Yoruba language. They had consented to meeting at the health facility because of its obscure location. Cannabis is a heavily criminalised plant in Nigeria. It can get its growers, traders and users long prison sentences. The National Drug Law Enforcement Act prescribes an imprisonment of not less than 15 years for possession and use of cannabis. Yet its very illegality ensures high prices and makes it lucrative to grow. We are researchers who have studied drugs and drug policy in Nigeria for nearly 20 years. We were aware of the risks to our interviewees and the need to protect them. Our research project is one of the few to explore the inside views of illicit cannabis farmers and traders in Africa. These insider views challenge the dominant story that the illicit cultivation and trade of cannabis is unproductive or driven by organised criminals. Our main findings show that livelihoods are not only made from legal crops. In fact, it is illicit cannabis, with its illegality premium, that made a difference to our interviewees' lives in Nigeria. Understanding what roles cannabis plays in people's lives can help to inform alternative and possibly better drug policies. Cannabis livelihoods Our research is fieldwork-based and has so far included more than 40 interviews and ethnographic observation of individuals involved in illicit cannabis in the region at the centre of cannabis production and trade in Nigeria. The aim of the research is not to estimate the scale of the cannabis trade or use, as UN and government studies have (often unsuccessfully) done before. Our aim is to try to understand what cannabis means to the ones growing, trading and using it. We learned from our interviewees that cannabis farming and trade offered socioeconomic benefits. For many, cannabis had become the main source of income, fetching far more than traditional crops, such as cocoa. These benefits, which need to be seen in the context of widespread poverty , unemployment and income precarity, were the main reason they engaged in these activities. For most rural dwellers cannabis farming served as a means of income generation and diversification to meet basic needs. Many of the farmers we interviewed told us that they used the proceeds of cannabis farming to feed their families, send their children to school, and provide shelter for their households. For those who worked as transporters and retailers of cannabis in the city, cannabis provided the income to meet their own needs and those of their dependants. The ability to meet basic needs in turn made many of them feel better about themselves. They were also able to help others in need, a gesture that earned them respect and status in their community. We witnessed this firsthand when we interviewed a farmer whose neighbours had arrived to collect gifts from him in cash or kind. The farmer told us people are expected to share their wealth, and that he had introduced many young men to cannabis farming. Contrary to popular views, it was not just uneducated and socially deviant individuals who were engaged in cannabis farming or trade. Our interviewees included university graduates, traditional healers, village elders and other community members who otherwise lived largely law-abiding lives. For example, one of our interviewees was a university graduate who returned to the village to farm cannabis because he saw it as a better livelihood than paid employment. And some farmers switched from farming other cash crops, including cocoa and cassava, to commercial cannabis because it was more lucrative. While most continued to grow other crops for subsistence or income, cannabis served as their major cash crop. In some cases, the cultivation of cocoa, cassava and other crops was used as a cover to avoid the threat of detection by police officers. The socioeconomic benefits of cannabis farming and trading did not cancel out its stigma. The cannabis plant, which has long been associated with deviance and mental disorder among Nigerians, is widely demonised. Growing, trading and using it is subject to social opprobrium. Our interviewees repeatedly told us about the lack of legitimacy that they experience and how this adversely affects their self-esteem. They also told us about the effects of drug criminalisation and police raids on cannabis farms and retail sales outlets (known locally as bunks). Sometimes they set aside money to bribe law enforcers. These measures often amounted to significant financial expenditures that could undercut profits or threaten their cannabis livelihoods. Cannabis legalisation? The group of growers we spoke to wanted the stigma to be lifted and to produce their crop legally. They knew of cannabis legalisation elsewhere and hoped that eventual legalisation in Nigeria would make their livelihoods respectable. They also expressed concerns about a potential takeover of the future legal cannabis market by wealthy, urban-based politicians seeking new investment opportunities. It does not look as if their wishes are likely to materialise soon in Nigeria. Aside from social conservatism, there are institutional reasons why legalisation or any other drug policy change is resisted by Nigerian politicians, officials and law enforcers. For one thing, some law enforcers have made their own livelihoods from policing the illegal cannabis market. Still, the farmers we spoke to made it clear they would not give up farming what they considered as their leaf of wealth. For them, it is not a drug and they are not criminals. Gernot Klantschnig receives funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council/Arts and Humanities Research Council (Grant: ES/S012060/1, Cannabis Africana: Drugs and Development in Africa; https://cannabisafricana.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/ ). Ediomo-Ubong Nelson et Janet Ogundairo ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possedent pas de parts, ne recoivent pas de fonds d'une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n'ont declare aucune autre affiliation que leur poste universitaire. By Gernot Klantschnig, Associate Professor in International Criminology, University of Bristol And Ediomo-Ubong Nelson, Africa research project coordinator, Global Drug Policy Observatory, Swansea University And Janet Ogundairo, PhD candidate and Research Fellow, University of Ibadan A driver for Edern Security Services who allegedly stole GHC106,570 from his employer has appeared in an Accra Circuit Court. Emmanuel Adenyo allegedly stole a money bag containing GHC106,570.19 and then destroyed the cash deposit slips as well as the schedule covering the cash. Adenyo, who was charged with stealing, pleaded not guilty. The court, presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, granted Adenyo bail in the sum of GHC120,000 with two sureties to be justified with a landed property. It further directed the prosecution to file their disclosures for a case management conference. The matter has been adjourned to September 25, 2023. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, said the complainant, Michael Asamoah-Duku, is the Head of Cash in Transit at Edern Security Services. According to the prosecution, Adenyo is a driver residing at Achimota and an employee of the Edern Security Service. It said Adenyo is the driver in charge of the companys Fiat Money Van with registration number GT 7081-23, with which he, two Tellers, and a Police Officer pick up money on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank from their customers. The prosecution stated that on July 25, 2023, the company received information from Standard Chartered Bank stating that the management of Shoprite, Junction Mall claimed that an amount of GH106,570.19 collected from their shop on July 4, 2023, had not been credited to their account. Based on the information, it was established that Adenyo's van picked up the money on July 4, 2023. The prosecution said Adenyo, who was interrogated alongside everyone else in the van that day, admitted stealing one sack of money and carrying it home. A formal complaint was made to the Police on August 1, 2023, and Adenyo was arrested. The prosecution said Adenyo confirmed the crime in his caution statement in the presence of an independent witness and indicated that he stole the sack of money containing GHC106,570.19 and then destroyed the cash deposit slips as well as the schedule covering the cash. During the investigation, the amount of GHC37,616.00 and a Hyundai Grace van with registration number WR 2391-13, which the accused claimed he bought for GHC46,000.00 were retrieved. GNA Assistant Chief Fire Officer I (ACFOI) Olivia Ayem, the Bono Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has expressed worry about constant attacks by the public on personnel while attending to fire incidents. She cited a recent incident at Chiraa in the Sunyani West Municipality when fire personnel attending to a fire outbreak incident were attacked by the people on arrival at the scene for allegedly delaying responding to the call. ACFO Ayem an interview with the media, said it had never been the intention of fire personnel to arrive late at the scene of fire outbreaks when under the circumstance the public's properties could burn and even lead to loss of lives. The interview was after a fire outbreak simulation exercise by the Service at the Ghana Education Trust Fund hostel of the University of Energy and Natural Resources at Fiapre, near Sunyani. The exercise was done to demonstrate the Service's ability in rescuing people from storey buildings in the event of fire incidents as part of its 60 years anniversary celebration and an awareness creation campaign. The Fire Office explained the cause of the perceived delays could be attributed to the unmotorable nature of some of the roads and thus posed difficulty for the fire vehicles to arrive at the scenes of fire outbreaks with the required amount of speed. Sometimes the unauthorised location of metal containers and wooden kiosks for business purposes by private individuals in some areas also become hindrance for the vehicles to have easy access to the scenes of fire outbreaks, ACFOI Ayem added. . She appealed to the Metropolitan/Municipal and District Assemblies and financially capable individuals to assist for the construction of fire posts and fire stations in designated communities so that fire personnel might not have to travel long distances in attending to fire outbreak incidents. In another interview, Mr Eric Mills, an Advanced Engineering Medical Technician of the Ghana Ambulance Service appealed to the public to always pave way for ambulances whenever they heard the tooting of the horns since it might be that somebodys life was at stake and needed to reach the hospital on time to be saved GNA Several gunshots were fired at the District Court in Tamale on Monday morning, resulting in damage to property and injuries to some persons at the court's premises. Information gathered by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) showed that a riffle, belonging to a Police Officer on duty at the court, was snatched away from him by the crowd that besieged the court over a case involving some alleged illicit drug peddlers. When the GNA visited the area at 13hrs GMT on Monday, it was observed that the court's premises was cordoned off while the street in front of the court was also blocked to vehicular and human movement, with Police personnel and vehicles stationed along the street in the area. It was not clear what led to the gunshots, but some sources said a case involving some alleged illicit drug peddlers was called at the court and some local people who believed that the Police would present a poor case against the suspects, besieged the court and started firing gun. The local people argued that the increasing crime rate amongst some youth in the Tamale Metropolis was because of the abuse of these illicit drugs. GNA The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, August 28, launched Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Programme at the University of Development Studies, Tamale. Launching the programme at a colourful event, the President stressed that phase two of the PFJ Programme is a five-year master plan for the transformation of agriculture in Ghana. President Akufo-Addo said the objective of phase II of the project is to transform and modernise Ghanas agriculture through the development of a selected commodity value chain, with active private sector participation. The five key elements of the second phase of the PFJ Programme that will catalyse the modernisation and transformation of Ghanas agriculture include an input credit system that provides farmers with access to inputs such are as- seeds fertilizers and pesticides; high-quality inputs and other support services for improving productivity and yields; and storage infrastructure and logistic hub to improve storage and distribution of produce and reduce postharvest losses. The others are off-taker arrangements/commodity trading to improve farmer access to markets, and guarantee fair prices for their crops; and a digitised platform for management, monitoring and coordination to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. While in Tamale for the launch of Phase II of PFJ, President Akufo-Addo also paid a working visit to the newly constructed Tamale International Airport. The Airport was commissioned last week by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The work undertaken at the airport includes the construction of a modular airport terminal building of approximately 5,000 square metres, which is expandable in the future; construction of a Hajj facility of approximately 1,000m2; construction of a single carriageway access road; construction of landside and airside infrastructure adapted to the terminal size; and construction of water, power and sewerage infrastructure deemed necessary for normal operations. The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has today launched the Unifying Campaign in Ghana as part of the strategic measures to advocate for gender equality that can enable girls and women to contribute their quota to the development of the country. In June this year, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) launched a one year campaign during its 20th anniversary celebration, under the theme, We are equal. Working together, our society can be too, with the aim to accelerate gender equality in Africa, through advocacy by member states. Speaking at the brief ceremony to launch the campaign in Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo called for action to enable women and girls have equal access to health, education and skills and free from gender-based violence. She also encourages policymakers to activate or accelerate the implementation of existing policies within the ministries and agencies to ensure gender is truly a cross-cutting theme that runs through strategies and programmes. The fight for gender equality is an age old one. Sadly it is a fight that has not been won. Even though the global gender gap has been narrowing, we need a lot more urgency and action to make very significant impact. When women and girls, representing about half of our society, have equal access to health, education and skills and are free from gender-based violence, they can contribute their quota to the development of our nation, she said. Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo also took the opportunity to urge everyone most especially, the social media influencers to use their platforms to promote gender equity in health, economic empowerment and livelihoods, education, decision making and development as a whole. To all influencers, your voices go far. Use your platforms to promote gender equity in health, economic empowerment and livelihoods, education, decision making and development as a whole. Our expectation is that this campaign will achieve intensified awareness, effective stakeholder engagement, stronger policy commitments and increased media attention on closing the gender gap, she added. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon, Lariba Zuweira Abudu thanked the First Lady for her tremendous efforts to always empower women and children and also her outstanding contributions towards the PICU and Mother and Baby Units. She added that her ministry has already taken advantage of the Free Education policy to tackle the menace since most girls can go to school under this program. I want to take this opportunity to appreciate the good works done by the First Lady to also ensure women and children are the topmost priority. My ministry has already started the implementation of this all-important gender equity call. With the help of the free SHS policy, most girls are now enrolled in schools, she said. Also, Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Tina Gifty Naa Mensah added that her outfit is ever ready to support the success of the campaign. According to her, the time has come for strong advocacy and enforcement of gender equity by involving more women in decision-making and championing the promotion of qualified women and support those who have the potential to fill higher positions Hon. Yaw Adutwum, the Minister of Education applauded the idea and says, with the help of the free SHS policy by the government, a lot of girls have gotten the chance to go SHS and have an education to better their lives. He also spoke about the STEM girls school constructed which will help bridge the gap between Male science students and Female science students. The event was also attended by dignitaries such as the Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Prof. Amin Alhassan, DG of Ghana Aids Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Presidential Advisor on Gender, Dr Angela Asante, Deputy Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Emmily Naphambo and many others A new Nigerian-based airline is all set to start flights to Accra, Ghana in September, after satisfying all regulatory requirements. With its flight schedule approved by Ghanas Civil Aviation Authority, the Akwa Ibom State Government-owned Ibom Airs inaugural flight is slated for September, AviationGhana sources close to the airline have confirmed. The venturing of the airline, which currently services five destinations in Nigeria from its hub in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, into the regional market is in response to demand on the Accra-Lagos, and Accra-Abuja routes. The entry of the two new Nigerian-based airlines is expected to further increase the regional passenger throughput this year. Nigeria will then have three of its main airlines servicing Accra, Ghana. Ibom Airs fleet is made up of two Airbus A220-300s and five Bombardier CRJ900, with 10 more on order. Africa World Airlines (AWA) remains the only Ghanaian registered airline designated to operate commercial flights into Nigeria. AWA currently operates scheduled flights from its base in Accra to Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. For regional flights, it services the Accra-Lagos-Accra and Accra-Abuja-Accra routes Captain Musa Nuhu, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in an earlier interview with AviationGhana, noted that the commencement of flights to Accra, Ghana by these airlines will help deepen air connectivity in a sub-region known for its limited air connectivity. Generally, West Africa has one of the poorly connected regions of the world and one of the most expensive. If you are traveling from one country to the other, it can take you more than 12 or 15 hours. Sometimes, one has to fly to Europe and come back to a particular destination in West Africa, he said. A suspected thief, attempting to steal from a mechanic shop at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality has been electrocuted. The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered around the place of the incident that the thief went to the area in the night with three other colleagues to engage in the crime. Madam Akua Asamoah, a resident of the area, told the GNA that the deceased, only known as Frimpong, alias 'Akalin' entered the shop through a small hole under it whilst the other accomplices were watching from afar. She said Frimpong stole some electrical wires in the shop but in trying to exit by the same entry route, he stepped on a live wire and was instantly electrocuted. His loud shout scared his colleague thieves to run away leaving him to his fate. Mad. Asamoah said in the morning some neighbours who heard the shout went to the place and found only one hand of the deceased showing out of the shop and a quantity of wires held in the other hand. She said they called the shop owner to inform him and when he came to open the shop, the thief was found dead on the floor surrounded by items. Mad. Asamoah said the incident was reported to the Police who took the body to the morgue after taking some photographs at the scene for investigations. GNA 28.08.2023 LISTEN The World Bank Group is offering the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) $27.7 Million to increase its annual active membership and to facilitate claims processing and payments for primary healthcare providers. The primary healthcare providers comprise community-based health planning and services (CHPS), health centres and maternity homes under the Primary Health Care Improvement Programme for Results. The programme would be implemented for four years, spanning from 2022 to 2025 and is being financed through a World Bank facility with co-financing grants from the Global Financing Facility, Canada, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Operation, and the Gavi Alliance. The funding is allocated based on the Disbursement Linked Result achieved per the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) of the programme. The DLis under the programme include increase in the membership of the NHIS, increase in the enrolment of vulnerable populations in the Scheme and improvement in claims processing and payment for the primary healthcare facilities. This was in a statement issued by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Technical Working Group led by Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the Chief Executive and copied to the Ghana News Agency after their meeting with the World Bank Group. It said under the facility, the NHIA in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Health Facility Regulatory Authority were to improve on relevant aspects of accreditation of healthcare providers, monitoring, and financing of primary healthcare services. The NHIA and the Social Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection collaborative effort would boost the enrolment of indigent populations, such as the disabled, orphans, widows, women, and children in the Scheme, the statement said. This will be done through linkage with the National Household Registry which is also supported by the World Bank, it stated. The 'New NHIS' leadership's ultimate goal is building a more resilient Health Insurance Scheme that responds to the needs of all by providing access to quality and affordable healthcare services on a sustainable basis, it said. The statement said the Executive Management's strategy towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was the adoption of 'pro-poor pathway' interventions fastened to the legal framework that every Ghanaian should register with the NHIS. It stated that the NHIA Chief Executive, his deputies, and some directors had completed a national tour of all 16 regions as a way of connecting with staff and the citizenry and discussed how to strengthen the NHIS and the role it played as a vehicle for Ghana to achieve UHC. Leadership is determined to open more offices in strategic locations to make the NHIS accessible to all. Some additional offices recently commissioned are the Western North Regional Office, Bono East Regional Office, Ahafo Regional Office, Dormaa East, Jamaan North, Asunafo North, Asutifi North, Obuasi, Asawase, Atwima Kwanwoma, Ejisu, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) Mion, Kumbungu, and Nanton, it said. The statement added Bono East, Sunyani Municipal, Jaman South, Kintampo Municipal, and Techiman Municipal have received newly branded operational vehicles. It said the NHIS had grown to become a major instrument for financing healthcare delivery in Ghana and it was the financial mainstay of over 4,600 credentialed healthcare service providers and over 80 per cent of the internally generated funds of most healthcare providers were from the Scheme. The statement mentioned that the NHIA had received support from development partners including the World Bank Group, World Health Organization (WHO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Korea Foundation for International HealthCare (KOFIH), among others. The support had positioned Ghana's NHIS as a remarkable social protection model in Africa and is evidenced by the number of foreign delegations who have so far visited the NHIA to understudy the NHIS operations, it stated. The statement said the World Bank Group's recent financial support was therefore key and timely in the NHIA quest to achieve UHC by the year 2030. GNA The campaign manager for Kennedy Agyepong's flagbearership bid, Mr Kwame Owusu at an emergency press briefing has stated that team Kennedy will petition the disciplinary committee of the New Patriotic Party on the fallout from the super delegates congress. According to him, the conduct of some of the party members at the just-ended super delegates congress on Saturday, August 26, needs to be addressed by the Elections Committee of the Party. In an interview with Metro TVs Paul Adom Otchere, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Wontumi revealed that it was Kwame Owusu who called Kennedy AAgyapong to inform him about the said development. "Something happened in the Northern Region and the people who were there just called Kennedy to tell him. It was specifically my uncle, Kwame Owusu. He called Kennedy, and you know at a time like this, his energy will be high. "And you are not there but called him to say what has happened; meanwhile, we have police and agents there, so why do you have to talk?" he stressed. He said Kwame Owusu, who was in Kumasi, was talking to Ken in intervals of five to 10 minutes in his capacity as a campaign lead for the Assin Central MP, giving updates from across the country. Mr. Kwame Owusu in setting the records straight on what Chairman Wontumi said in an interview with Paul Adom Otchere in Kumasi described as false. Mr. Kwame Owusu Hajia Diley Humu Saeed, Known as Hajia Ken, the said agent of Ken who was chased out of the polling station speaking at the press briefing said, "I introduced myself as the agent of Hon Kennedy Agyapong to the security officials on duty. The atmosphere I saw wasn't good in the sense that the voting was supposed to be done in an open place but it was held closed doors. The people at the place of the election took place were even more than the 28 delegates who were supposed to cast their votes." "I complained to the Regional Police Commander and he told me that the people who were present were all party members. It got to a time when I had to run for my life because they were chasing me. After all, I raised the alarm of something fishy going on at the election center," she narrated. Hajia Ken Mr. Kwame Owusu commended the Inspector General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare who professionally ensured possible calmness in the North East Region when he called to draw his attention to the incident involving their polling agent in the North-East Region. According to him, when the said agent in the region (Hajia Diley Humu Saeed popularly known as Hajia Ken) drew his attention to the challenges she was facing, he drew the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, who professionally ensured calm was restored. Charles Addo, Bono East Regional Youth Organizer, and Ken's Agent was also beaten mercilessly because he raised concerns that some delegates during Saturdays exercise went contrary to the election rules by showing their ballot paper to the camera. On the issue of the "showdown" comment, he said Ken Agyapong was referring to the contest suggesting that he will beat Bawumia in the November 4 polls in his own backyard. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the private sector to take advantage of Phase II of governments Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme. The President launched Phase II of the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs at the University of Development Studies, Tamale, on Monday, August 28. Delivering his speech at the launch, President Akufo-Addo said it is proof of plans by government to create an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish. It is your programme, as we often say, Government has no business being in business, Governments role is to create the enabling environment and facilitate private sector investment. The PFJ 2.0 is evident of the enabling environment Government plans to use to make private sector flourish. I therefore urge all value chain actors of the commodities under the PFJ Phase II, to up their game and take advantage of the opportunities created under the programme, President Akufo-Addo said. President Akufo-Addo further admonished all stakeholders to help his government to transform the country through agriculture. Together, let us transform Ghana's agriculture through the power of accessible credit, modern technologies, and the unwavering spirit of our farmers. With determination, innovation, and collective effort, we will create a brighter future for our nationone where agriculture flourishes, prosperity abounds, and Ghana stands as a shining example of agricultural excellence, the President shared. Phase Two of the PFJ Programme is a five-year master plan for the transformation of agriculture in Ghana. The objective is to transform and modernise Ghanas agriculture through the development of a selected commodity value chain, with active private sector participation. Two armed robbers have stabbed a gold buyer to death at Subriso near Benso in the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. The deceased, who has been identified as Alhaji, was attacked by the robbers at around 4:30 a.m. while he was on his way to work. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which shows the robbers approaching Alhaji and stabbing him multiple times. The robbers then fled the scene but one of them was later arrested by residents of the area. The robber was beaten to death by the angry residents, while the other is currently on the run. The police have since launched a manhunt for the second robber. The incident has caused fear and panic among residents of the area, who are calling on the police to beef up security. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Hollister and Abercrombie. It offers an assortment of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Hollister, Gilly Hicks, Social Tourist, Abercrombie & Fitch, and abercrombie kids brands. The company sells products through its stores; various wholesale, franchise, and licensing arrangements; and e-commerce platforms. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. was founded in 1892 and is headquartered in New Albany, Ohio. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., a non-clinical contract research organization, provides drug discovery, non-clinical development, and safety testing services in the United States, Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Research Models and Services (RMS), Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA), and Manufacturing Solutions (Manufacturing). The RMS segment produces and sells rodent research model strains and purpose-bred rats and mice for use by researchers. This segment also provides a range of services to assist its clients in supporting the use of research models in research and screening non-clinical drug candidates, including research models, genetically engineered models and services, insourcing solutions, and research animal diagnostic services. The DSA segment offers early and in vivo discovery services for the identification and validation of novel targets, chemical compounds, and antibodies through delivery of non-clinical drug and therapeutic candidates ready for safety assessment; and safety assessment services, such as toxicology, pathology, safety pharmacology, bioanalysis, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics services. The Manufacturing segment provides in vitro methods for conventional and rapid quality control testing of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals and consumer products. This segment also offers specialized testing of biologics that are outsourced by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; and avian vaccine services that provide specific-pathogen-free (SPF) fertile chicken eggs, SPF chickens, and diagnostic products used to manufacture vaccines. The company also provides contract vivarium operation services to biopharmaceutical clients. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. BlackRock, Inc. is a leading American multinational investment company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1988, BlackRock has become the world's largest asset manager, overseeing more than $8 trillion in assets under management. The company operates on a global scale, with a presence in 30 countries and serving clients in 100 countries across the globe. BlackRock's history dates back to 1988, when it was established as an enterprise risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager. Over the years, the company steadily expanded its range of services and investment products to meet the evolving needs of its clients. BlackRock's dedication to innovation, data-driven strategies, and commitment to responsible investing contributed to its meteoric rise in the financial industry. BlackRock offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, catering to a diverse clientele, including institutional, intermediary, and individual investors. The company's core functions include investment management, risk management, and advisory services. BlackRock's wide range of investment products encompasses mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and hedge funds designed to suit various risk profiles and investment goals. BlackRock's target market primarily consists of institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds. The company also caters to individual investors seeking professionally managed investment options through mutual funds and ETFs. BlackRock's reputation for expertise, global reach, and innovative solutions has attracted clients from various sectors seeking competent and reliable asset management services. BlackRock's leadership team consists of accomplished individuals with diverse expertise in the financial sector. Mr. Laurence Douglas Fink, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder of BlackRock, possesses extensive experience in finance and investments, steering the company's strategies and vision since its inception. BlackRock has displayed impressive financial performance. Despite challenges in the market, the company has maintained robust revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain clients. Additionally, BlackRock's earnings metrics have remained solid, underlining the effectiveness of its investment strategies and risk management practices. The company's profit margin metrics also highlight its efficiency in managing costs and generating profits. BlackRock's consistent focus on innovation and technological advancements, such as the Aladdin software, has likely contributed to improved profitability and operational effectiveness. Aladdin is a comprehensive investment management software platform developed by BlackRock, Inc. Aladdin stands for "Asset, Liability and Debt and Derivative Investment Network." BlackRock was initially created in the late 1980s as an internal risk management tool to help the company manage its investment portfolios. Over the years, Aladdin has evolved into one of the financial industry's most widely used and sophisticated investment management systems. Furthermore, BlackRock's prudent approach to managing its debt levels ensures a healthy financial position and minimizes financial risks. By maintaining a manageable debt-to-equity ratio, the company exhibits a responsible financial strategy, instilling confidence in investors. BlackRock's valuation metrics showcase the market's recognition of the company's strong performance and future growth potential. Compared to industry peers, BlackRock's valuation appears favorable, reflecting investor confidence in its ability to deliver sustained returns. The company's solid financial track record, extensive global reach, and diverse product offerings contribute to its attractive valuation. BlackRock operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, specifically in the asset management and custody banks sector. Several large players characterize the industry, each vying for market share and client assets. BlackRock's competitive advantage lies in its scale, global presence, and reputation for delivering consistent investment performance. As an industry leader, BlackRock benefits from economies of scale, allowing it to offer cost-effective investment solutions to its clients. The company's focus on ESG principles and risk management aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible investment options, positioning it favorably in the industry. BlackRock's growth opportunities are abundant, fueled by global economic growth, expanding financial markets, and increased demand for investment products. The company's broad range of mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment vehicles cater to various investor preferences, offering diversified and tailored solutions. Moreover, the growing interest in ESG investing presents a significant growth avenue for BlackRock. As investors seek socially responsible investment options, the company's expertise in ESG integration can attract a broader client base. Furthermore, as technology continues to reshape the financial landscape, BlackRock has the opportunity to capitalize on digital innovations. The company's Aladdin platform, a sophisticated investment management system, has driven efficiency and risk management. By leveraging technology and data analytics, BlackRock can enhance its product offerings, expand its client base and deliver personalized investment solutions. In addition to organic growth, strategic acquisitions can be pivotal in expanding BlackRock's market presence. Selective mergers and partnerships can provide access to new markets, strengthen the company's capabilities and foster innovation. However, successful integration and alignment with the company's long-term vision are critical considerations in pursuing such opportunities. Despite its strong market position, BlackRock faces various risks and challenges that can impact its performance and direction. Market volatility, asset price fluctuations, and interest rate changes can affect the company's investment returns and lead to potential client redemptions. Moreover, regulatory changes and compliance requirements pose ongoing challenges for the financial industry. As governments implement new regulations and policies worldwide, BlackRock must adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and maintain its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. The competitive landscape also presents challenges. As new players enter the market and existing competitors innovate, BlackRock must continuously differentiate itself and demonstrate its value proposition to retain and attract clients. Furthermore, cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for financial institutions. BlackRock's vast data and information infrastructure make it a potential cyberattack target. The company's proactive approach to cybersecurity and investment in robust risk management practices is crucial to safeguard its assets and protect client data. Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 443,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 102,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,328 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,076,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 584,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 90 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 68,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 274,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 33,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 17,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. It also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 90,200 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 51,200 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface. Read More 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. It operates through three segments: Exchanges, Fixed Income and Data Services, and Mortgage Technology. The company operates regulated marketplaces for listing, trading, and clearing an array of derivatives contracts and financial securities, such as commodities, interest rates, foreign exchange, and equities, as well as corporate and exchange-traded funds; and trading venues, including regulated exchanges and clearing houses. It also offers energy, agricultural and metals, and financial futures and options; and cash equities and equity options, and over-the-counter and other markets, as well as listings and data and connectivity services. In addition, the company provides fixed income data and analytic, fixed income execution, CDS clearing, and other multi-asset class data and network services. Further, it offers proprietary and comprehensive mortgage origination platform, which serves residential mortgage loans; closing solutions that provides customers connectivity to the mortgage supply chain and facilitates the secure exchange of information; data and analytics services; and Data as a Service for lenders to access data and origination information. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Invitae Corporation, a medical genetics company, that provides genetic information to improve healthcare of people in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company offers genetic tests in various clinical areas, including hereditary cancer, precision oncology, women's health, rare diseases, and pharmacogenomics; digital health solutions; and health data services. It serves patients, healthcare providers, biopharma companies, and other partners. The company was formerly known as Locus Development, Inc. and changed its name to Invitae Corporation in 2012. Invitae Corporation was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. 1 hour ago 2 tech stocks insisting the hospitality industry is still strong The post-pandemic pent-up demand generated travel boom may be starting to normalize based on recent data from the airlines. Airlines have cut forecasts but insist demand is still there. When it comes to the travel and leisure sector, dining and hospitality also see elevated activity levels. So, it only makes sense that dining and hospitality face a slowdown if the lead category sees softness. However, two companies at the pulse of the dining and hospitality industry insist that demand is still going strong. To get a better insight into Read Article iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. The index represents approximately 50% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. The Index is a subset of the Russell 1000 Index. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Charles Schwab Corporation is a financial services company that offers a wide range of investment services, including brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Westlake, Texas, the company operates through two main segments: Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment offers individual investors retail brokerage and banking services, while the Advisor Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors. In 2020, the company completed its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, further expanding its client base and offerings. Charles Schwab Corporation's management team is led by Walt Bettinger, who has been the company's President and Chief Executive Officer since 2008. Mr. Bettinger joined the company in 1995 and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Head of Schwab Institutional. Over the past few years, Charles Schwab Corporation has experienced steady growth in its key financial metrics. It is reporting increased revenue and increased profit margin. Charles Schwab Corporation's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers. The company's price-to-earnings ratio is slightly lower than the industry average, and the company's price-to-book ratio is also somewhat lower than the industry average. Charles Schwab Corporation's stock has generally performed well over the past few years, with some fluctuations in response to broader market conditions and regulatory changes. The company's stock price has outperformed the S&P 500 for several years. The company has also experienced increases in trading volume in response to changes in market conditions and regulatory changes. Charles Schwab Corporation operates in the financial services industry, which has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past few years. The industry has been impacted by a range of factors, including advances in technology, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. Charles Schwab Corporation competes with other financial services firms, including traditional brokerage firms, online investment platforms, and banks. Charles Schwab Corporation has a range of potential growth opportunities, including expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company has been investing in technology and digital platforms to improve its services and attract new clients. In addition, the company's acquisition of TD Ameritrade has provided new opportunities for growth and expansion. The company also focuses on expanding its international presence and exploring new markets. Charles Schwab Corporation faces a range of potential risks and challenges, including changes in regulatory and political environments that may impact the company's operations and profitability. The financial services industry is subject to a wide range of regulations, and changes in these regulations could significantly impact the company's operations. In addition, the industry is subject to intense competition, which could affect the company's ability to attract and retain clients. Another potential risk is the impact of market volatility on the company's operations. Charles Schwab Corporation generates a significant portion of its revenue from commissions and fees, which are impacted by changes in market conditions. In periods of market volatility, clients may reduce their trading activity, which could affect the company's revenue and profitability. The company also faces risks related to data security and privacy. The company collects and stores sensitive financial and personal information on its clients. Any breach of this data could significantly impact the company's reputation and financial performance. To address these risks and challenges, Charles Schwab Corporation is focused on maintaining a robust regulatory compliance program and investing in data security and privacy measures. The company is also focused on diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. you are here: News / National by Staff reporter Independent development economist Prosper Chitambara said President Emmerson Mnangagwa is under pressure to leave a legacy for himself as he is set to begin his second and final term as the Head of State.Speaking to Al Jazeera before the results of the Harmonised Elections held on 23 and 24 August were announced, Chitambara said Mnangagwa's Second Term could be better than his first. He said:"I think if Zanu-PF wins, the party will be under a lot of pressure to make significant economic improvements."He [Mnangagwa] will be under a lot of pressure to leave a legacy for himself given this will be his last term and this could be a good thing for the economy."As such, his second term could be better than his first. That is the best-case scenario."Chitambara added that the worst-case scenario would be a continuation of the economic policies of the past five years of Mnangagwa's administration.Since Mnangagwa took over from the late Robert Mugabe in November 207 following a military coup, the Zimbabwe dollar has depreciated against the United States dollar owing to the unbridled printing of money.Prices of goods are so high that ordinary people cannot afford them and the majority of Zimbabweans have been forced to take on some sort of menial work to survive.Meanwhile, Taurai Gwatidzo, a Harare-based shoe cobbler told Al Jazeera that Zanu-PF's victory in the 2023 Harmonised Elections means that suffering will continue.olo Zuma, a 37-year-old mother of three, said that she if Zanu-PF wins she will become a sex worker to earn a living for her children.On Saturday, ZEC declared Zanu-PF candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner with 2,350,711 votes which translates to 52.6%, while CCC's Nelson Chamisa received 1 967 343 which translates to 44% of the total votes cast.However, the opposition spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said on X, previously known as Twitter, that the party rejected the results. Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering banks, banking trends and more, tweets @jinitparmar10 #banks #bankingtrends #RBI Price of rice surged to a 12-year high globally after the Indian government imposed restrictions on sale of all non-basmati varieties overseas which accounted for 80 percent of total rice shipments. India, on July 20, banned the export of non-white basmati rice and imposed a 20 percent export duty on parboiled rice on August 25. India's share in global rice trade is 40 percent out of which it shipped 4 million tons of basmati rice. Basmati rice was exported to Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arab, United Arab Emirates and the US. Also Read: Govt introduces additional safeguards to ensure restricted rice varieties are not exported out of the country In 2022-2023, India exported 45.6 lakh tons of basmati rice for $4.8 billion and 177.9 lakh tons of non-basmati rice for $6.36 billion. India produced 135.54 million tons of rice in 2022-2023 and 129.47 million tons of rice in 2021-2022. Other countries too are looking at restrictions on rice export as Myanmar, the fifth-largest rice exporter, is looking to restrict exports and Thailand has advised its farmers to reduce rice cultivation to conserve water. Also Read: Govt imposes 20% export duty on parboiled rice The Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) rice index was the highest in July at 129.7 since September 2011. We have seen a healthy rebound amid consolidation on August 28 after two days of correction, but experts are not convinced by the bounce back, though it is on expected lines suggested by the Inverted Hammer kind of pattern formation on the weekly charts. They expect the rangebound trade to continue unless the Nifty50 breaches 19,400 on the higher side which can take the index up to the 19,600 hurdle, whereas the 19,200-19,300 range is expected to be a support area in the near term. The BSE Sensex jumped 110 points to 64,997, while the Nifty50 rose 40 points to 19,306 and formed a Doji kind of pattern on the daily charts after bearish candlestick pattern formation in the previous session, indicating the possibility of rangebound trade in the coming days. "The Nifty has taken support from 19,260 four times in the last 10 trading sessions, making it a strong support for the index. The index managed to hold above the 50-day exponential moving average (DEMA) of 19,286, after closing below the same in the previous trading session," Ashwin Ramani, derivatives & technical analyst at SAMCO Securities said. Hence, he believes that a breakdown below 19,260 will lead to the initiation of fresh shorts which can take the index to 19,000. However, for the momentum to pick up on the upside, the Nifty needs to break the 19,500 barrier, which is the level where maximum Call open interest is placed, he said. The broader markets fared better than benchmarks on positive breadth. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices gained half a percent and seven-tenth of a percent respectively, while the volatility jumped to a three-month high. India VIX, the fear index rose 2.6 percent to 12.40 levels, which is a bit for bears. We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades: Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks are the aggregates of three-month data and not just the current month. Key support and resistance levels on Nifty The pivot point calculator indicates that the Nifty may get support at 19,263, followed by 19,235 and 19,190. In case of an upside, 19,352 can be the key resistance, followed by 19,380 and 19,425. Nifty Bank On August 28, the banks provided good support to the market, as Bank Nifty rallied 263 points to close a tad below 44,500 levels, at 44,495, which coincides with the 50-day EMA (exponential moving average). The index has formed a bullish candlestick pattern on the daily charts with lower-than-average volumes. "The option activity at 44,500 strike will provide cues about the Bank Niftys future direction as both Call and the Put writers are fighting it out to dethrone each other," Ramani said. He feels a close above Mondays high of 44,610 can result in bulls coming back in the Bank Nifty. The pivot point calculator indicates that the Bank Nifty is likely to take support at 44,279, followed by 44,183 and 44,026. On the upside, the initial resistance is at 44,592, followed by 44,688 and 44,844. Call options data As per the options data, the maximum monthly Call open interest (OI) was seen at 19,500 strike with 1.28 crore contracts, which can act as a key resistance for the Nifty. It was followed by 19,400 strike, which had 97.4 lakh contracts, while 19,600 strike had 87.44 lakh contracts. The maximum Call writing was seen at 19,600 strike, which added 7.93 lakh contracts, followed by 19,500 and 20,100 strikes, which added 5.96 lakh and 2.04 lakh contracts, respectively. We have seen the maximum Call unwinding at 19,300 strike, which shed 15.13 lakh contracts, followed by 19,800 strike and 19,700 strike, which shed 10.36 lakh contracts, and 9.18 lakh contracts, respectively. Put option data On the Put front, we have seen the maximum Put open interest at 19,300 strike, with 1.08 crore contracts. This can be an important support for Nifty in the coming sessions. It was followed by 19,000 strike, comprising 94.85 lakh contracts, and 19,200 strike with 83.47 lakh contracts. The maximum Put writing was seen at 19,300 strike, which added 51.17 lakh contracts, followed by 19,200 strike and 18,600 strike, which added 21.39 lakh and 14.01 lakh contracts, respectively. Meaningful Put unwinding was at 19,500 strike, which shed 6.94 lakh contracts, followed by 18,400 and 19,400 strikes, which shed 3.54 lakh and 2.45 lakh contracts, respectively. Stocks with high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. HDFC Life Insurance Company, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Auto, and Pidilite Industries were among the stocks that saw the highest delivery. 71 stocks see a long build-up Indiabulls Housing Finance, ONGC, Punjab National Bank, Piramal Enterprises, and PFC were among the 71 stocks to see a long build-up. An increase in open interest (OI) and price indicates a build-up of long positions. 15 stocks see long unwinding Based on the OI percentage, 15 stocks, including Coforge, Sun TV Network, GMR Airports Infrastructure, Escorts Kubota, and Wipro saw long unwinding. A decline in OI and price indicates long unwinding. 26 stocks see a short build-up A short build-up was seen in 26 stocks, including Mphasis, Delta Corp, Dr Lal PathLabs, Info Edge India, and Reliance Industries. An increase in OI along with a fall in price points to a build-up of short positions. 73 stocks see short-covering Based on the OI percentage, 73 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included Metropolis Healthcare, Ramco Cements, Oracle Financial, Jubilant Foodworks, and Tata Chemicals. A decrease in OI along with a price increase is an indication of short-covering. Bulk deals Tiger Global Management has offloaded Rs 1,123.85 crore shares in Zomato. ICICI Prudential Life and Fidelity picked a 3.35 percent stake in Star Health, while University of Notre, Mio IV Star offloaded 3.4 percent shares. (For more bulk deals, click here) Investors meeting on August 29 Stocks in the news Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: The pharma major expects high-single-digit consolidated topline growth for FY24. The expansion of its global speciality business is expected to continue, while the research & development (R&D) spending is expected to be about 7-8 percent of sales in FY24 with an increasing share of spending in specialty R&D. Indiabulls Real Estate: Atul Chandra is appointed as Chief Operating Officer of the real estate firm, with effect from August 28. Presently, Chandra is the senior vice president of the company. NBCC India: The state-owned construction company has bagged a work order worth Rs 66.32 crore from the Indian Medical Association. The said work order included planning, designing and executing of IMA House at Indraprastha, New Delhi. The order is expected to be executed within 30 months. SJVN: Subsidiary SJVN Green Energy has received a Letter of Award from Assam Power Development Corporation (APDCL) for three solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 320 MW. These three solar power projects will be developed on a build-own-and-operate (BOO) basis and are expected to generate a cumulative 628 MUs in the first year and the cumulative energy generation over a period of 25 years would be about 14,591 MUs. LTIMindtree: The technology consulting and digital solutions company has announced a strategic collaboration with SaaS company CAST AI which specialises in automated cost optimisation for customers who run their cloud-native applications on Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Bayer CropScience: Duraiswami Narain has resigned as the Vice Chairman & Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company with effect from October 31, 2023 due to his planned repatriation to Bayer US. The company appointed Simon Weibusch as the Vice Chairman, Managing Director and CEO with effect from November 1, 2023. Weibusch resigned as the Executive Director as the Whole-time Director of the company with effect from October 31, 2023. HFCL: The Fund Raising Committee of Directors of the company has decided to launch a qualified institutional placement (QIP) issue on August 28, for fundraising. The floor price for the issue has been fixed at Rs 68.61 per share. Fund Flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FII) sold shares worth Rs 1,393.25 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DII) purchased Rs 1,264.01 crore worth of stocks on August 28, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) showed. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The NSE has added Indiabulls Housing Finance to its F&O ban list for August 29, while retaining BHEL, Escorts Kubota, GMR Airports Infrastructure, Hindustan Copper, India Cements, Manappuram Finance, RBL Bank, and Sun TV Network in the list. Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts have crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Disclaimer: Moneycontrol is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Starting from August 30, 2023, inbound travelers will no longer be required to take a pre-entry nucleic acid or antigen test for COVID-19. Xinhua News Agency: General elections were held throughout Zimbabwe on August 23 and 24. On August 27, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner with 52.6 percent of the vote. President Mnangagwa has delivered a victory speech, calling for efforts to continue the countrys growth trajectory as one united nation. But some candidates refuse to accept the result and said they would challenge it in the Constitutional Court. Whats Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: As a friend to Zimbabwe, China has been closely following the general elections in the country. At Zimbabwes invitation, China sent an observer mission there. The mission believes that the elections were held in a peaceful and orderly fashion with active participation by the people. We have noted the result released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and extend congratulations to President Mnangagwa. We stand ready to work with the new government to bring our two countries comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights. We have noticed reports on some disputing the election result. It is our hope that parties in Zimbabwe will put peoples interests first and resolve differences properly through legal means. China adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs. We respect the Zimbabwe peoples choice, wish the country continued stability after the election and greater progress in pursuing national development and prosperity. Reuters: Chinas aggressive behavior in the South China Sea must be challenged and checked, Commander of the US Navys Seventh Fleet Karl Thomas said in the Philippines yesterday. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: We find it hard to understand why the US commander made the remarks that distort facts, sow discord and flex muscles. China Coast Guard takes necessary measures to safeguard Chinas sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. This is beyond reproach. The US has no right to interfere. It needs to be pointed out that it is the frequent muscle-flexing and discord-sowing by US warships in the South China Sea that truly fits the description aggressive behavior. We urge the US to respect Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, earnestly respect regional countries efforts to safeguard peace and stability in these waters, stop words or actions that are not conducive to regional peace and stability, and avoid being a disrupter and saboteur of peace and stability in the South China Sea. TV Asahi: Since Japan started discharging treated radioactive water into the ocean, some people in China have thrown stones at Japanese schools and made harassing calls to Japanese restaurants. What measures will China take in response to this? Wang Wenbin: First, China protects and ensures the safety and lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals in China in accordance with laws. I would also like to stress that in disregard of the international communitys strong criticism and opposition, the Japanese government unilaterally started the release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. Japans neighboring countries and the international community have criticized this selfish and highly irresponsible action and taken precautionary measures. The DPRKs Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that in disregard of the strong protest, opposition and warning from both at home and abroad, the Japanese side unilaterally started the release of the nuclear-contaminated water, calling that a crime against humanity that would cause catastrophic consequences only to serve Japans selfish interests. Solomon Islands Prime Minister expressed strong opposition to Japans decision of ocean discharge, saying that it has an impact on our people, ocean, economy and livelihood. Vanuatus Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister called for efforts to reject Japans discharge. Russias Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said that the ocean discharge will force regional countries to increase the scale and intensity of detection of radiation concerning the marine environment and living resources. ROK Prime Minister said that the country will demand an immediate halt of the release and file an international lawsuit in the event that the concentration level of a single nuclide goes beyond the standard, and ROK will also keep in place its import ban on fishery products from eight Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima. The ROKs Democratic Party called the release of the nuclear-contaminated water an act of environmental terrorism. Germanys Federal Environment Minister said that she is extremely critical of any additional discharge of radioactive substances into the sea. Only when all other possible means have been exhausted can the last resort of ocean discharge be considered, and any plan like that must be carried out on a scientifically sound basis and the process must be transparent. Malaysias health director-general said that the country will impose higher-level inspection on high-risk food products imported from Japan. Thailands Food and Drug Administration said it will strengthen examination of seafood imported from Japan and double the collection of samples for examination. The beginning of discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea also met with strong opposition in Japan. The Democratic Party of Japan raised concerns over the discharge plan of the government which violated its commitment. The Social Democratic Party of Japan said that the outrageous act of deliberately dumping radioactive material into the sea is unforgivable. The National Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Japan and the fisheries cooperative of Miyagi have jointly reiterated their opposition to the plan. Organizations including the Hiroshima nuclear bombing victims group rallied to stop the ocean discharge plan. According to a Japanese poll, about 40 percent of the people surveyed oppose the plan, 88.1 percent are worried that it will damage Japans image and potential economic benefits, and 81.9 percent think that the Japanese governments explanation is insufficient. Even the US, who has said its satisfied with Japans ocean discharge plan, has actually reduced imports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products from Japan over the first half of this year, as has been reported. You may ask the US what its worried about. We strongly urge Japan to take seriously the legitimate concerns of all sides, stop dumping the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, engage in full consultation with its neighbors and other stakeholders, and dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a truly responsible way. China News Service: We have learned that the FBI recently stole a Chinese students personal information from his study application materials and arrested and charged him with visa fraud. Also, three Chinese students were detained, interrogated and deported by US Customs and Border Protection without valid evidence or basis. Whats the foreign ministrys comment? Wang Wenbin: The US has detained, interrogated and deported Chinese students without cause and trumped up charges against them. This is wanton suppression and persecution motivated by political purposes. We firmly oppose it. People-to-people exchanges form the foundation for public support to China-US relations, of which academic, educational, scientific and technological exchanges are an important part. The US side claims to support educational and other people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and welcome Chinese students, but in fact has continued the wrong practice of the previous administration of overstretching the concept of national security and restricting and thwarting Chinese students planning to study or do research in the US. This seriously harms the lawful rights and interests of the Chinese students and undermines normal people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation between the two countries. We urge the US to genuinely welcome Chinese students as it has said, withdraw the biased and discriminatory Proclamation 10043, and stop going after Chinese students in the US in the name of national security. China will continue to take necessary measures to defend Chinese citizens lawful rights and interests and remind our students heading for the US to be mindful of such risks. CCTV: Recently Japans ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water has drawn high attention from the Chinese people, who expressed in various ways their concern over the safety of marine environment and aquatic products. Are China and Japan in communication on the ocean discharge through diplomatic channels? Wang Wenbin: China has all along been opposed to Japans decision to discharge the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, which spreads the risk of nuclear contamination to the whole world. Recently China has consistently communicated its stern position to Japan through diplomatic channels and asked Japan to stop pushing through the ocean discharge plan. Competent authorities of the Chinese government have taken measures to monitor the risks of nuclear contamination on marine radioactivity and aquatic products, so as to ensure the health and safety of the Chinese people. Reuters: Yang Jun, an Australian citizen detained in China said yesterday that he has a medical condition that is not being properly treated. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Wang Wenbin: We have repeatedly made clear Chinas position on this individual case. We would like to stress again that China is a country under the rule of law. The Chinese judicial authorities try cases in strict accordance with the law. They fully protect the legal rights of the individual concerned and respect and safeguard Australias consular rights including the right to visit. Global Times: The US DoD and Indonesia MoD Joint Press Statement issued on the website of the Pentagon claims that the two sides shared the view that Chinas expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. What is Chinas comment? Wang Wenbin: We noted that no such content can be found in the press release by the Indonesia MoD on the same meeting. The Chinese Embassy in Indonesia has communicated with the Indonesian side, who said that what the US side described is not true. This is not the first time such things happen. I wonder if this is yet another example of the USs coercive diplomacy or lying diplomacy or instigation diplomacy. Countries in the region share common aspirations and interests to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and work together for development. The US needs to earnestly respect regional countries effort to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, stop meddling in South China Sea issues, stop sowing discords and creating trouble, and refrain from disrupting peace and stability in the region. AFP: The ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit will be held in Jakarta next week, and there will be an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting next Sunday. Are you able to identify who will be representing China at these meetings? Wang Wenbin: Regarding the upcoming leaders meetings on East Asia cooperation you mentioned, well release information in due course. Please check back later. TV Asahi: Some Chinese have been posting videos with anti-Japan sentiments on social media, and many Japanese people living in China are worried that anti-Japan actions may gain more momentum. Do you have any comment? What measures will China take in response to this? Wang Wenbin: As I just said, China protects and ensures the safety and lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals in China in accordance with laws. The Paper: We noted that the BRICS expansion has attracted wide attention from the international community. International media outlets say that it is an important milestone for the development of the BRICS mechanism. It represents the historical trend of the rise of the Global South and the common expectation from countries in different regions for a multipolar international order. Some also say that the BRICS countries are increasingly capable of wrestling with the West, which will intensify bloc confrontation. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: Last week, during the 15th BRICS summit, leaders of BRICS countries unanimously agreed to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to become members of the BRICS family and welcome other willing and eligible developing countries to become BRICS partners. It is a historical moment for the development of BRICS. The expansion accords with the historical trend and the common aspiration of developing countries. It will certainly promote multi-polarity in the world and greater democracy in international relations, contribute to making the global political and economic governance system more just and equitable, and increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in international affairs. BRICS advocates openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation for common development and prosperity, not bloc confrontation. It is fundamentally different from small circles or exclusive blocs. The dynamic development of the BRICS mechanism is an expansion of the platform for South-South cooperation, a boost to the force for peace and justice and another important milestone in the solidarity and cooperation among developing countries, which has been welcomed by most countries. Together with our BRICS partners, we will continue to deepen the BRICS strategic partnership, expand the BRICS Plus cooperation model, enrich the cooperation architecture featuring three main drivers, namely, political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, and continue to open new chapters of solidarity and cooperation for development among emerging markets and developing countries, so as to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Reuters: Has China asked Chief Representative of Komeito to postpone his visit originally scheduled to start today? If so, why did China ask him to postpone the visit? Wang Wenbin: According to what we learned from competent authorities, in light of the current China-Japan relations, the two sides have agreed to postpone the Komeito delegations visit to China. Komeito is long committed to promoting friendship between China and Japan. We attach high importance to exchanges and dialogue with the party and stand ready to work with it to make active efforts for improving and growing China-Japan relations. Reuters: Is the British foreign secretary going to visit China? Could you share some information with us? Wang Wenbin: I have nothing to share at the moment. Fuji TV: What you answered just now was about issues between the Japanese and the Chinese governments. I want to ask about the harassing calls from some in China to Japanese nationals. Do you have any comment on that? Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you mentioned. I want to stress that the international community have expressed criticism extensively and taken relevant preventative measures in response to the selfish and irresponsible act of the Japanese government to forcibly start discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. The attitude of criticism and opposition to the Japanese government is highly representative in the world. This calls for serious reflection from Japan. News / National by Staff reporter THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has deleted last week's Presidential election results from its website.Its Excel spreadsheet has also been removed from the site, without the usual explanation.President Emmerson Mnangagwa retained his post with 52.6% of the vote, in a poll that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) intends to contest in court.CCC President Nelson Chamisa, who got 44% according to the election management body, claims he won the election with over 60% of the vote, against ZEC's Sunday results.A ruling party affiliate Zanu-PF Patriots claimed Team Pachedu, the pressure group keeping ZEC on its toes, was to blame for the absence of results."ZEC's website is down, and we all know the culprit, it's PacheduZW. We are in a dangerous cyber war, it's unfortunate that CCC works with an institution that attacks State Institutions," it said on Twitter."Pachedu's plan is simple, paralyze and discredit ZEC. We defeated Chamisa, we will defeat the government funding Pachedu."Chamisa rejected Zimbabwe's general election results vowing his party will not wait five more years to take action.His position has been further cemented by abrasive Election Observer reports from regional body SADC, the Carter Centre and EU who all agree Zimbabwe's electoral field was neither free nor the conditions conducive for a free plebiscite.Team Pachedu is currently dissecting ZEC operations, accusing it of keeping the voters roll secret, ignoring delimitation boundaries, allowing people without national identification cards to vote and allowing quasi-security organisation Forever Friends Zimbabwe (FAZ) to intimidate voters in a long list of issues. Daily and weekly insights bundled and sent to your inbox to keep you ahead in the race. Exclusive access to live webinars from market experts on trading and investment strategies Have a Global edge with access to content from world renowned experts and journalist Access to 230+ exclusive stories per month from our editorial and Experts Limited Period offer on Moneycontrol PRO. Subscribe to PRO and get up to Access the exclusive stories, weekly investment ideas and daily technical calls in an Ad free experience In this edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: The special case of expiry-day strategies, SEBI needs to nip the scam in the bud, gl... Fed chair Jay Powells speech at Jackson Hole has been analysed threadbare, primarily because he focused on the immediate problems facing the US economy, which of course are what the markets are most interested in. In contrast, the speech by Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, didnt get the same level of attention, despite her speech being more in tune with the theme of the conference, which was Structural Shifts in the Global Economy. Lagarde, whose speech was... 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. 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News / National by Staff reporter I congratulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his re-election. I wish him and the people of Zimbabwe well for the upcoming term. Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 28, 2023 SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President Mnangagwa after being re-elected the country's President following last Wednesday's Harmonised Elections.In a post on his official X (Twitter) account Monday evening, President Ramaphosa said he wished his counterpart and the people of Zimbabwe well for the upcoming terms."I congratulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his re-election. I wish him and the people of Zimbabwe well for the upcoming term," wrote President Ramaphosa.President Mnangagwa amassed the majority votes gaining 52,6 percent of the vote while his closest rival Mr Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change managed 44 percent of the vote. On the latest episode of '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days', David also confessed it had been "bothering" him that Sheila hadn't yet bothered to learn American Sign Language to communicate with him David is gearing up to pop the ultimate question! On Sundays episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days, the Nebraskan native ventured to the streets of Cebu, Philippines, in order to find the perfect engagement ring for Sheila. When David finally found his way to the jewelry store, he admitted that being Deaf on top of the English to Tagalog language barrier was frustrating, but he was willing to be patient to find Sheilas perfect ring. Related: 'Before the 90 Days' Star David Praises 'Beautiful' Girlfriend Sheila for Being 'Better Than Any' Woman He's Dated (Exclusive) TLC 90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days In a confessional interview, he revealed his plans to whisk Sheila away on a romantic getaway at a fancy resort by the beach. If everything works out, Ill pop the question, David shared with a smile. Weve been through some tough times, but because of that our relationship is stronger. Theres new ways that Ive fell in love with her, mainly the way she interacts with her family and son. He added, She makes my heart flutter. TLC David on '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Related: 90 Day's Sheila Pushes David Away When Her Mother Dies Just Hours After They First Meet: 'I Want to Be Alone' Despite knowing he wanted to be with Sheila forever, David admitted he had a few apprehensions about the timing of his proposal. He shared that he wasnt sure what was going on in her head following the sudden death of her mother just a few days into his visit to the Philippines. Maybe right now is not the right time to propose because her mother just passed away and [her son] Jhonreil doesnt want to move to America. But if I put it off, I dont know when Ill get another chance, he said. TLC David and Sheila on '90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days' Related: 90 Day's Sheila Fears She'll 'Scare' David Away After He Realizes Her 'Poverty'-Stricken Home Is 'Worse Than' He Imagined Story continues Later in the episode, David and Sheila boarded a shuttle to travel to the romantic resort in Moalboal. Sheila asked him what he was most looking forward to on their trip, to which David replied he was excited to experience nice food, nice hotel, going to bars, dancing and making love a lot. The first time we were trying to have sex didnt work out, she told cameras and added with a sly smile. It was painful, his d--- is too big. Its an American d---. Once they arrived at the resort, Sheila grew excited over the luxurious facilities and shared that it was her first time staying at such a nice hotel. In a confessional interview, David admitted hed have to work hard and many hours to pay for this. But after everything shes been through, she deserves it and I want the perfect spot for this proposal. TLC Sheila on '90 Day Fiance: Before The 90 Days' Related: 90 Day: Sheila's Jealousy Gets the Best of Her After David Hires New Interpreter and Asks If She's Married The couple settled in to their accommodations and David suggested they put their phones away and attempt to communicate via American Sign Language. When Sheila struggles to understand him and sign back to him, David admitted he was frustrated that she hadnt made more of an effort to learn ASL. When he asked why she put off practicing until now, she admitted she hadn't bothered because they communicated via text primarily. Sheila not using sign language has been bothering me, David acknowledged in a separate interview. I ignored it because of the passing of her mother, but I really wish that Sheila could use sign language more easily. He added, When I try to talk to Sheila through texting, it feels harder to connect on a deeper level in a way she can understand me clearly. If we cant communicate, itll be very hard for us to have a future." 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. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. NG Energy logo (CNW Group/NG Energy International Corp.) NG Energy encounters 570 feet of net gas in the second phase of the drilling and an additional 150 feet of net gas pay in the third phase of drilling Drilling reached a Total Depth (TD) of 9,050 feet TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - NG Energy International Corp. ("NGE" or the "Company") (TSXV: GASX) (OTCQX: GASXF) is pleased to announce that all three phases of drilling at Aruchara-3 have been completed on time and under budget to a total depth of 9,050 feet. While drilling Phase II of the well, the Company encountered 570 feet of net gas pay in the H4-H3 sections of the Jimol formation. This new zone was identified between 6,000 feet and 7,500 after experiencing gas showings (C1-C5+) throughout the 1,500 feet. NGE, with the support of its technical team using leading drilling and logging technology, confirmed this zone as a possible new finding after successfully logging the well. While drilling and logging Phase III of the well, which reached the total depth of 9,050 feet, the Company identified 150 feet of net gas pay in the zone. The Company will commence the testing of all potentially productive zones including the newly identified zone in Phase II with drill stem tests ("DSTs") in order to assess the best way to complete the well. Serafino Iacono, Chief Executive Officer of NGE, commented: "The potential magnitude of this possible finding could redefine our expectations of the full block potential at Maria Conchita. Our drilling and technical team have done a remarkable job drilling under extremely hot conditions and working around the clock given these gas encounters. The Company looks forward to providing further updates on DST testing in the coming two weeks." About NG Energy International Corp. NG Energy International Corp. is a publicly traded E&P company on a mission to provide a clean and sustainable solution to Colombia's energy needs. The Company intends on executing this mission by producing and bringing gas to the premium priced Colombian gas market from SN-9, a 311,353 acres block which is adjacent to Canacol's Nelson field, as well as Maria Conchita, a 32,518-acre block located in the region of La Guajira. NGE's team has extensive technical expertise and a proven track record of building companies and creating value in South America. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.ngenergyintl.com). Story continues Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, including, without limitation, the information contained in this news release regarding any possible new finding, the possibility of producing from any zone, the Company's ability to complete the well, and whether the finding could redefine the Company's expectations of Maria Conchita's potential. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's most recent Management Discussion and Analysis and its Annual Information Form dated June 30, 2023, which are available for view on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These risks include but are not limited to, the risks associated with the oil and natural gas industry, such as exploration, production and general operational risks, volatility of pricing for oil and natural gas, changing investor sentiment about the oil and natural gas industry, competition in the markets where the Company operates, any delays in production, marketing and transportation of natural gas, drilling costs and availability of equipment, regulatory approval risks and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE NG Energy International Corp. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/28/c2681.html Families pick up their children from their first day of school at Agana Heights Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. All schools will be inspected and passed by April 2024, according to Guam Department of Education Superintendent Kenneth Swanson. Brazils Raccord Producoes, Chiles Araucaria Cine and Frances Nord-Ouest Films are teaming to produce acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Gabe Klingers feature drama project Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki will topline celebrated Brazilian actor-helmer Leandra Leal (A Wolf at the Door, The Oyster and the Wind), Yuki Sugimoto, star of Disney+ series Mila in the Multiverse, and feature Marco Pigossi, of Netflixs Invisible City and Tidelands. More from Variety The feature-length project has been selected for the San Sebastian Film Festivals Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum, its industry centerpiece, which runs Sept. 25-27. The film is produced by Clelia Bessa and Marcos Pieri at Raccord, Araucarias Isabel Orellana and Nord-Ouest Films Ola Byszuk, who are looking fo further financing and co-production, as well as sales and distribution partners for the project. Offscreen talent includes longtime Pablo Larrain DP Sergio Armstrong (No, Neruda, The Club) and editor Soledad Salfate, of Sebastian Lelios Oscar-winner A Fantastic Woman. Principal photography on Okonomiyaki is scheduled to kick-off second quarter next year in Sao Paulo. Klinger will direct the film from his original screenplay, a Sao Paulo-set feature drama with two young leads, floundering on the way to adulthood. Martim, 24, is an aspiring priest living in the countryside, who arrives in the big city to search for his missing older sister Jacqueline. Parallel to him, Yumi (23, Sugimoto), a recent downtown Sao Paulo transplant from the suburbs is trying to land on her feet after breaking up with her boyfriend. Story continues Martim and Yumi converge when they both start working at a coffee shop owned by a lonely woman named Agnes, in her late 30s, played by Leal, who turns into an uneasy surrogate mother for them. Okonomiyaki evolved out of an impulse to reflect honestly and urgently about the messy process of leaving childhood. Becoming introspective about mortality in the face of a global pandemic, I evoked anxious memories from my late teens to add layers to two characters whose respective journeys could symbolize essential challenges of growing up: Martim, an orphan who finds his place in organized religion, and Yumi, a kind of wanderer who hasnt yet found meaning in her life, Klinger said. Okonomiyaki will be shot on Super 16 and follow a primary color scheme, with high saturation, Klinger explained. This lively palette will go against the cliche that visual stories containing melancholy emotions need to be drained of warmth and variety. The dark inner moods of the characters and the outer worlds vividness and electricity will provide needed tension, he added. Beyond this, the gentleness of the film images in opposition to the harsh sharpness of digital we associate with most images nowadays will lend an impressionism to the story, as if it were a memory being revealed by the characters, Klinger argued. Sao Paulo-born, Klinger directed Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater (2013), which won best documentary at Venice. His second feature, the Jim Jarmusch-produced Porto (2016), starring Anton Yelchin, screened at more than 20 festivals and was widely distributed, including in the U.S. by Kino Lorber. Klingers films have been shown at hundreds of major events and venues worldwide, such as SXSW, Rotterdam, BFI London and CPH:DOX. Raccord, the Rio de Janeiro-based company, has produced recent festival hits such as Madalena, Family Album and Pluft, a co-production with Brazilian film giant Globo Filmes. Production credits by Santiago-based Araucaria take in 2014 Berlinale Teddy winner Youll Never Be Alone. Operating since 1999, Paris-based Nord-Ouest Films have been behind films such as Gaspar Noes Irreversible (2002), Stephane Brizes Cannes award-winning The Measure of a Man (2015), Thomas Cailleys Love at First Fight (2014) and The Animal Kingdom, which opened this years Cannes Un Certain Regard to acclaim. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency board of directors meets July 20, 2023, at the agency's conference room in Tiyan. A view of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after it started releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean, seen from the nearby Ukedo fishing port in Namie town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 25, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Bateman/File Photo Cameras captured roads and traffic shaking as a 3.6 magnitude earthquake rattled northeastern Ohio, video shows. A little shaking going on Sunday night in NE Ohio. Here are a few views of the magnitude 4.0 #earthquake from some of the @ODOT_Statewide traffic cameras at https://t.co/y2mdfitzGi. Details about the quake here: https://t.co/cjhiK6pNIj pic.twitter.com/UrI7LNHwni Matt Bruning (@mbruning81) August 28, 2023 The quake struck at 10:43 p.m. Aug. 27, roughly seven miles southeast of Madison, at a depth of 3.1 miles, U.S. Geological Survey data shows. While the quake was initially reported as a 4.0 magnitude, it was later downgraded to a 3.6. A 2.3 magnitude tremor was also detected nearby about 20 minutes later, according to the USGS. There was no damage to buildings or infrastructure, but over 1,200 people reported feeling the quake to the USGS, data shows. Some reported feeling weak tremors in Cleveland and Akron and as far away as Niagara Falls and Buffalo and across the border into Canada. Plenty of people also chimed in on social media to express their surprise. I brag about living in Ohio where we avoid hurricanes, natural disasters, gators, sharks. In the last week an earthquake and tornado. Tonight a second 4.0 magnitude earthquake. I felt my house shake. Wild times. pic.twitter.com/ixssgfZeKT Victor Habat (@The_BAD_Habat) August 28, 2023 Ah, second earthquake ever in Ohio Ive felt. First tornados, and now another earthquake REALLY close by me yikes pic.twitter.com/z4hQdZ4zO1 jessi (@zubenes_) August 28, 2023 The pair of quakes came just three days after another 2.3 earthquake in the Madison area, according to the USGS. Story continues the fact that we're starting to get earthquakes in ohio is the point where im getting scared radiohead himejoshi nerpa pup (@thomsredpants) August 28, 2023 Earthquakes with a magnitude between 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt, but only (cause) minor damage, according to Michigan Technical University. The town of Madison is roughly 40 miles northeast of Cleveland. Iconic swimming hole is drying up in Texas. Maybe our tears will fill the well Eight earthquakes in 4 weeks proves old fault exists near NC mountain town, USGS says SRM University-AP Hosts Global Principal Conclave: Fostering Global Perspective in Education Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India] Published : August 26, 2023 As part of its initiative to whittle the future of education, The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies under the aegis of SRM University-AP has organised a Global Principal Conclave that saw the participation of 50+ Educational Leaders from across 15+ countries. Throughout the conclave, the educational leaders were seen exchanging thought-provoking discussions, and innovative teaching approaches in order to foster a global perspective on teaching and learning. Distinguished guests, including Dr Mukesh Tripathi, Director of AIIMS Mangalgiri, who served as the Chief Guest, and Dr Ramesh Srikonda, Director of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, along with Anil Tentu, CEO of AP Innovation Society, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, as Guests of Honour, joined delegates from around the world to discuss the importance of the event and praised the university's initiative in hosting the conclave. The Conclave also witnessed the historic moment where institutes of excellence like AIIMS, Mangalagiri and SRM University-AP signed an MoU. This new collaboration between the two institutions will prove to be a noteworthy milestone in advancing medical research, education and healthcare in the region. Although we have been working together, this MoU will further enhance the inter-disciplinary collaboration among the institutions, said Mukesh Tripathi in his address. In his speech to the delegates, Prof. Manoj K Arora said, Our objective is to be globally connected, nationally relevant and regionally transformative. The conclave also saw multiple panels that deliberated on issues such as holistic development, assessment systems and how they impact the education system, intercultural system of learning and harmony in the realm of education. The panellists who spoke on holistic approaches to measuring educational excellence collectively agreed on the scarcity of teachers who join the profession as a choice. The session also deliberated on the system of assessments in education where, C A Govindrao Naik, CEO & Managing Director, JSS Private School, Dubai opined that, Not everything important is measurable and also not everything that is measured is important. The Global Conclave ended with a cultural performance by students of SRM University-AP with closing remarks by Dr Swetha Pasupuleti, Director of International Relations and Higher Studies SRM University-AP. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions Bob Barker at the PAWS Ark 2000 sanctuary in the San Andreas area of Calaveras County View Photos San Andreas, CA The PAWS ARK 2000 sanctuary in the San Andreas area of Calaveras County is honoring the life and legacy of animal activist and TV gameshow host Bob Barker. Barker is best remembered for hosting The Price is Right, but he also used the popular show to fight for animals, stating at the end of each show to remember to spay and neuter your pets. He died Saturday at the age of 99. He literally changed the publics perception of pet overpopulation for the benefit of companion animals everywhere, recognized PAWS President/CEO and Co-Founder Ed Stewart, adding, Bob is greatly responsible for PAWS nearly 40 years of success in advocating on behalf of and providing sanctuary to captive wild animals at our 2,300-acre captive wildlife sanctuary. Barker visited the animal refuge several times throughout the years. Stewart released this statement regarding Barker that ended, Thank you, Bob, for everything you have done for PAWS and for the animals. Rest in peace. Stewarts entire statement is below: All of us at the PAWS ARK 2000 sanctuary are paying tribute to Bob Barker, celebrating the life of this incredible man and animal activist who passed away today at age 99. Bob is greatly responsible for PAWS nearly 40 years of success in advocating on behalf of and providing sanctuary to captive wild animals at our 2,300-acre captive wildlife sanctuary in San Andreas, California. Im writing this while sitting in the pickup truck in which Bob would ride with me during visits to our sanctuary. He loved seeing the animals we care for, including elephants, big cats, and bears rescued or retired from zoos, circuses, and the exotic animal trade. I am fortunate to have fought for animal rights alongside Bob for more than 35 years. We travelled to Alaska; North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Canada, and other places to ensure that animals would be protected. Bob broke down barriers when organizations like ours couldnt get a foot in the door, during an era when animal exploitation went unquestioned. Bob was extremely generous with his time, knowledge, and his resources. Who else could make arrangements with the U.S. Air Force to airlift an adult African elephant named Maggie (pictured) out of Alaska to our sanctuary, and then pick up the tab? He was always there when the animals needed him, whether it was awaiting the arrival of elephants from Canada or funding the Bob Barker Bear Habitat at the ARK 2000 sanctuary. Bob often gave testimony on behalf of animals before governing bodies, including in Sacramento, Anchorage, Los Angeles, Canada, and Washington D.C. He was extremely effective. The rooms were always packed with people wanting to hear and see Bob Barker. News reporters didnt expect the high level of expertise Bob displayed in interviews. He spoke expertly on any animal issue he addressed. He was entertaining, but also one of the toughest negotiators Ive ever seen behind closed doors. I have spent time with celebrities over the years, but nobody elicited peoples love like Bob Barker. When PAWS co-founder, the late Pat Derby, and I expressed how beloved he was by everyone, he once quipped, Of course, I give em all brand new refrigerators every day! Bobs generous nature extended to his fans, who often approached him when he was in public. He would gladly take pictures and sign autographs. I cant remember how many times someone yelled, Bob Barker, come on down! An authentic animal advocate, Bob left lucrative television jobs such as the Miss America Pageant because the show featured fur coats. His send-off at the end of every The Price is Right show for decades was to spay and neuter your pets. He literally changed the publics perception of pet overpopulation for the benefit of companion animals everywhere. My condolences go out to Bobs family, and especially to Nancy Burnet, his very close friend for 40 years. Nancy and Bob made a formidable team that greatly improved the lives of countless dogs, cats, tigers, bears, and elephants. When the late Pat Derby and I formed PAWS in 1984 we had no idea that the most popular man in show business would be our friend and fellow warrior. For many years, I would send Bob a Christmas card and address it to The Most Important Animal Rights Activist of All Time. There will never be another Bob Barker. Thank you, Bob, for everything you have done for PAWS and for the animals. Rest in peace. ZANU PF, the ruling party in Zimbabwe, has advised Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), to pursue legal action following his dissatisfaction with the results of the general election. Incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa of ZANU PF emerged victorious with 52.6 percent of the vote, securing a second and final term as the countrys leader. Following the release of the election results, the CCC expressed its disagreement, accusing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of publishing an incorrect outcome. In response, Christopher Mutsvangwa, the spokesperson for ZANU PF, cautioned Chamisa against resorting to violence to express his grievances. Mutsvangwa emphasized the importance of upholding the countrys constitution and utilizing the existing systems for conflict resolution. He urged Chamisa and the opposition to seek legal redress, stating that the constitution provides various avenues for addressing grievances. The election on Wednesday faced delays as the ZEC failed to deliver voting materials on time in major cities, leading to allegations of voter suppression by the opposition. Reportedly, the CCCs chief election agent refused to sign the final presidential results on Saturday night, further fuelling the dispute. In 2018, a similar electoral dispute between Chamisa and Mnangagwa resulted in the case being brought before the Constitutional Court, which ultimately upheld Mnangagwas victory. Chamisa is yet to reveal his next course of action following the contested election on Wednesday. Mutsvangwa reiterated that it is vital to respect and abide by the constitution, urging the opposition to approach the courts for resolution. He stated that ZANU PF, despite any difficulties, would strive to comply with court rulings. Breaking News via Email President Mnangagwas bold promise to transform Zimbabwe: Economic growth and development projects await PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has vowed to continue rolling out development projects and further consolidate the economic growth momentum across the country as he paid tribute to Zimbabweans for giving him a second term in office in the just-ended harmonised elections. The Zanu-PF candidate garnered 52,6 percent of the vote in the August 23-24 harmonised elections to trounce the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Mr Nelson Chamisa, who got 44 percent, according to the final election results announced on Saturday night by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). President Mnangagwa got 2 350 711 votes against 1 967 343 secured by his CCC rival, extending his winning margin from 50,8 percent polled in 2018. The total votes cast were 4 561 221, which represents a voter turnout of 68,9 percent. Zanu-PF also scooped the absolute majority in the National Assembly with 136 seats out of 210 while CCC managed 73. This means the revolutionary party will constitute the bulk of the 60 senators that make up the August House, including women (60) and youth quotas (10), which are determined by proportional representation. One seat in Gutu West remains vacant after elections were postponed due to the death of one of the nominated candidates, Mr Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi. Zanu-PF consolidated its support in its strongholds while it also ate into some of the urban constituencies. In Harare, it secured four seats, three more than in 2018. It also had a clean sweep in Mashonaland Central, where it won all 18 seats by overwhelming margins. However, the opposition CCC won all the 12 seats in Bulawayo after Zanu-PF lost Bulawayo South. In Masvingo, the ruling party bagged 23 of the 25 contested seats while in Mashonaland West, it got 16 compared to the oppositions six. In the Midlands, Zanu-PF won 23 compared to CCCs five. Matabeleland North saw the CCC winning nine seats while Zanu-PF got four. In Matabeleland South, Zanu-PF won eight seats with four going to CCC and in Mashonaland East, the ruling party got 19 seats to the oppositions four. In Manicaland, Zanu-PF scooped 21 seats against five that went to CCC. This years elections were held in a very peaceful environment. In a statement yesterday, President Mnangagwa congratulated Zimbabweans for upholding peace and tranquillity during the election period and pledged to push the development agenda to consolidate the gains achieved so far under the Second Republic. Under President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has scored major development milestones in key economic sectors in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and the broader vision to achieve an upper middle-income economy by 2030. The elections have come and gone. I am humbled by the trust and confidence that you my fellow countrymen and women have reposed in me, to once again serve as President of our great country, Zimbabwe. There is much more work to be done, he said. Together, as one united people we shall continue on the growth trajectory witnessed over the last five years, no one and no place will be left behind. President Mnangagwa said the peaceful conduct exhibited in the just-ended election has demonstrated political and democratic maturity by Zimbabweans, which has shamed the countrys detractors. This is who we are, as Zimbabweans. We fought for the right to vote over a protracted 16-year armed liberation struggle. The democracy and right we have exercised through our vote, was paid for by the supreme sacrifice of many sons and daughters of our great country, he said. Siyepambili Drive rehabilitation I, thus, commend the nation, across all provinces for the huge turnout in exercising this sacred right to vote. As the people of Zimbabwe, we have demonstrated that we are a mature democracy. In line with the countrys Constitution, the President said Zimbabwe under the Second Republic was collectively deepening and entrenching constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance. We take pride in the fact that we are an independent and sovereign nation. I want, therefore to congratulate all the national institutions involved in the conduct of the election, in particular the independent, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), said President Mnangagwa. I thank most heartily all those who contested in these elections, in particular the Presidential candidates. There are no winners or losers, but one united people of Zimbabwe. Thus far, we have shamed our detractors who wished to see us divided and in turmoil. The President said Zimbabweans shall forever remain a united, peace-loving, and resilient people, from Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, and proudly singing one national anthem under one national flag. Hwange Units 7 and 8 expansion He paid tribute to church leaders for promoting peace and harmony in the country and acknowledged the critical role played by the various election observation missions who have been witnessing the electoral processes. As a sovereign State, we continue to call on all our guests to respect our national institutions as they conclude their work. Fellow Zimbabweans, in this post-election period that we are now entering, let us remain vigilant and jealously guard the prevailing peaceful and tranquil environment. That which unites us is much greater than that which could ever divide us, said President Mnangagwa. He urged Zimbabweans to return to work with a greater sense of purpose towards increased production and productivity across all sectors. We are a hard-working people and more success is ahead as we accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030 guided by our philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabaninilo, he said. Herald Breaking News via Email A pastor from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo sh0cked residents when he beat up his tenant who is a traditional healer while she was nkd as punishment for playing music too loudly while he was conducting a church service. Khumbulani Mzizi, pastor and founder of Tsime Rase Bethsaida who was conducting a church service at his house, assaulted Sikhululiwe Dube for playing music loudly on her radio. It is reported that while Mzizi was conducting a church service at his house, Dube started playing music loudly. This didnt go down well with Mzizi who accused Dube of disturbing him and his congregants. It is reported, Mzizi confronted Dube to tell her to reduce the volume and she reportedly refused. Tempers flared leading Mzizi to storm into her room where he found her nkd before thrashing her with a walking stick. He did not stop there when he choked Dube and punched her in the forehead. Dube screamed for help thereby attracting the attention of their neighbour who swiftly came and restrained Mzizi. Dube who suffered injuries reported the incident at Mzilikazi Police Station leading to the arrest of Mzizi. Mzizi appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Temba Chimiso facing an assault charge He pleaded guilty to the charge. The magistrate sentenced him to pay a fine of US$200 by the 30th September failure to which he will spend three months in jail. In addition he was sentenced to serve three months behind bars which were wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years. In sentencing him the magistrate noted that Mzizi was a first-time offender who did not waste the courts time when he pleaded guilty to the charge adding that he also apologised for his unbecoming behaviour. This was also after Mzizi told the court that he was a breadwinner and father of four young children. The magistrate however, chastised him saying he did a wrong thing when he physically abused a defenceless woman with a weapon and for that he was supposed to be punished. He said it was the duty of the courts to protect vulnerable members of the society against being physically abused by men. However, the magistrate said Mzizi was saved by the fact that a medical report was not produced to ascertain the degree of the injury suffered by Dube since she refused to go to the hospital claiming her beliefs do not allow her to seek medical attention. BMetro Breaking News via Email Untranslatable phrases that explain what makes French, Japanese and American people tick The Telegraph Why Central Bankers Are Unsure Whether Theyve Raised Rates Enough WSJ Financial stability risks from cryptoassets in emerging market economies Bank of International Settlements FTC Pauses Challenge to Amgens $27.8 Billion Deal for Horizon Therapeutics WSJ. Stoller will be happy. Purdue Pharmas Bankruptcy Heads to the Supreme Court WSJ Climate Water Navigating Water Conflict in Central Asia: The Amu Darya River and the Qosha Tepa Canal Project Modern Diplomacy #COVID19 Evidence of leaky protection following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection in an incarcerated population Nature. Important. From the Abstract: A fundamental question regarding SARS-CoV-2 immunity is whether infection and vaccination confer all-or-nothing or exposure-dependent (leaky) protection against infection. If the vaccines are leaky, then the dose makes the poison. From the Discussion: These findings also suggest the benefit of layered interventions in general, and particularly within densely packed social settings. In the presence of leaky vaccines, non-pharmaceutical interventions have been proposed in tandem with vaccination in order to reduce exposure and mitigate infection spread. While our findings are obtained from the investigation of a correctional facility system, in the presence of a leaky vaccine, layered interventions may afford a benefit in other congregate settings and community settings where prolonged, close contact with infected people may occur, such as mass gatherings. If the protection offered by vaccination is indeed leaky, the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant may have contributed to the well documented decline in the effectiveness of vaccination during periods of Omicron predominance. A Quick Update on the BA.2.86 Variant Eric Topol, Ground Truths: Project NextGen, a $5 billion initiative by the US Department of Health and Human Service (HHS), is supposed to be funding development and clinical trials of better vaccines, which includes nasal and variant-proof. Initial allocations for over $1 billion were just announced, but it isnt clear when we will see any real progress and whether a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine is a priority. The dream vaccine has been written about for nearly 3 years. It isnt a dream. We can do this; BA.2.86s appearance tells us once again why its so important. Youd think weve forgotten how quickly the very potent Covid vaccines were made and validated in the first 10 months of 2020. Hopefully the public health establishments butchered vaccine roll-out hasnt poisoned the well against new vaccines that are either genuinely sterilizing, or universal. One thing Im sure of: If they do, it will take a whole new (and non-eugenicist) PMC generation to close the sale, because outside the Blue Bubble, none are trusted, and there arent enough Blue Arms for the necessary uptake. Mandy Cohen already makes my skin crawl, and Im sure Im not the only one. China? Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou announces Taiwan presidential bid Channel News Asia Myanmar Children of Notorious Ex-Myanmar Junta Minister Continue Corrupt Legacy The Irrawaddy Trains Intersect with Everyday Life in Nostalgic Illustrations by Shinjiro Ogawa Spoon & Tamago India Africa European Disunion Dear Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War The Supremes Qualified Immunity Faces an Existential Threat at the Supreme Court The New Republic. The deck: A judicial doctrine that has denied justice to an untold number of plaintiffs may be founded on a centuries-old scriveners error. Once-suspended Twitter user argues California violated his First Amendment rights SCOTUSblog Spook Country Partners in Crime The Tablet. More on the Censorship Industrial Complex and Missouri v. Biden. Digital Watch Our Famously Free Press Sports Desk The Bezzle Zeitgeist Watch 6 Zendaya-Approved Tips to Take the Perfect Instagram Selfie Teen Vogue. News you can use! Guillotine Watch Realignment and Legitimacy A right-wing sheriffs group that challenges federal law is gaining acceptance around the country AP. Note that the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers view their powers as self-executing. Class Warfare Is It Real or Imagined? Heres How Your Brain Tells the Difference Wired. Dont tell Marketing! Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. The Sunday New York Times has me banging my head on my desk again: As you can see, in the printed version of the Times, Covid Closed the Nations Schools. Cleaner Air Can Keep Them Open is laid out in the top right corner of the front pages; that makes it the lead story for that day (a Sunday, as it happens, the day that tens of thousands of Acela Corridor readers are settling into their summer deckchairs with a couple of pounds of newsprint for a solid afternoon of PMC hive mind thought before moving on to the Crossword puzzle. And possibly the recipe). A shame, then, that the story is mediocre at best, at a time when we need excellence so very badly (the same slovenly operational incapability from the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department had me banging my head on my desk yesterday). Perhaps, after three years and counting of Covid, we should be grateful for any content that isnt outright eugenicist. In the first part of this post, Ill quote the portions of the story that I am, in fact, grateful for; material that, in a phrase thats all over everything these days, what to know. In the second part, I will do a closer reading of the text, revealing material thats sloppy, haphazard, poorly sourced, and superficial; in a word, lazy. Here are the paragraphs I am grateful for; truths that New York Times readers can accept as true: Ventilation means good air quality, and good air quality is good. [T]he problem is bigger than the coronavirus. Indoor air may be contaminated not just by pathogens, but also by a range of pollutants like carbon monoxide, radon and lead particles. Concentrations can be five times higher or more indoors than they are outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And: [D]ecades of research have suggested that improving air quality also can raise academic performance, increase test scores, bolster attention and memory, and decrease absences due to illness or other factors. We would not accept drinking water that is full of pathogens and looks dirty, said Linsey Marr, an expert in airborne transmission of viruses at Virginia Tech. But weve been living with air that is full of pathogens and dirty. Theres big money out there for improving ventilation. [T]here have never been more resources available for the task: nearly $200 billion, from an array of pandemic-related measures, including the American Rescue Plan Act. Another $350 billion was allotted to state and local governments, some of which could be used to improve ventilation in schools. Mysterious, unnamed forces prevent big money from being spent on ventilation. Schoolchildren are heading back to classrooms by the tens of millions now, yet much of the funding for such improvements is sitting untouched in most states. Among the reasons: a lack of clear federal guidance on cleaning indoor air, no senior administration official designated to oversee such a campaign, few experts to help the schools spend the funds wisely, supply chain delays for new equipment, and insufficient staff to maintain improvements that are made. Some school officials simply may not know that the funds are available. I cannot believe the amount of money that is still unspent, Dr. [Joseph] Allen said. Its really frustrating. How odd! One can only wonder why that might be. However, if one believes that the Biden Administrations Covid policy can be described in the following points, then everything falls into place, and theres no reason to think this administration would support a mitigation like ventilation at all: (1) Mass infection without mitigation (2) Intramuscular injection of vaccines (3) Hospitalization and death as only metrics that matter There is also a fourth point: (4) PMC who support this program are hegemonic, hence amplified; the exceptional others are at best ignored and at worst ostracized or attacked. (This applies to the media, academe, medical professionals, the political class, and agencies like CDC; NIH; HHS, etc.) I cant help but wonder whether the articles thin sourcing on airborne transmission is due to some similar dynamic[1]. Now let us turn to the fun part: A close reading of five passages. I will go passage by passage, indenting quotes from the article, prepending NYT, and adding lettered notes yellow wader-style, thus: [A]. (1) Masking omitted from discussion of CDC study NYT The coronavirus is an airborne threat, and the incidence of Covid was about 40 percent lower[A] in schools that improved air quality, one study found. And below: NYT Researchers at the C.D.C. and the Georgia Department of Public Health surveyed 169 elementary schools[B] in Georgia at the end of 2020, after in-person learning had resumed in the state. Schools that improved ventilation had 39 percent fewer Covid cases, compared with schools that had not. Schools that combined better ventilation with filtration had 48 percent fewer cases. [A], [B]. Confusingly, the links in the two paragraphs are both links to the same CDC study. The study concludes: This study highlighted the importance of masking and ventilation for preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in elementary schools and revealed important opportunities for increasing their use among schools. A multicomponent approach to school COVID-19 prevention efforts is recommended (2), and requirements for universal and correct mask use among teachers and staff members and improved ventilation are two important strategies that could reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission as schools continue, or return to, in-person learning. Why does the reporter erase masking?[2] (2) Masking omitted from discussion of Italian study NYT A large study of schools in Italy estimated that students in classrooms equipped with ventilation systems or devices that deliver clean air had an at least 74 percent lower risk of infection than students in classrooms with open windows[C]. [C] Yes, but the baseline for the study is other non-pharmaceutical interventions also practiced by Italian schools. From the study: [D]uring the observation period, protective measures were adopted in Italian schools for students such as distancing, use of personal protective equipment (masks) , and frequent opening of windows and doors to improve ventilation. Once again, the reporter erases masking. Why? This is important not merely because masks are an important part of the story, even in schools, and so erasing them is wrong. More importantly, I believe that a strategy of layered projection (Swiss Cheese Strategy) is best, and it makes no sense at all to omit a layer. (3) Corsi-Rosenthal boxes are better and cheaper than air purifiers, but are omitted NYT C.D.C. researchers have estimated that air purifiers[D] may decrease the exposure to aerosols tiny floating droplets that might contain virus by up to 65 percent. [D] Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes (see NC here and here) are better than HEPA filter units. From Jim Rosenthal: All DIY air cleaners outperformed the commercial HEPA. This is not a surprise. We have seen the same thing in all of our head-to-head comparisons. At last count there are 13 other peer-reviewed studies that have found the same thing. How can air cleaners using MERV 13 filters that are 50% effective on particles less than 1 um do better at removing sub-micron sized particles than a HEPA filter that is 99.97% efficient on these same particles? The answer is that filter effectiveness is not determined just by filter efficiency. It is the combination of the filter and the flow through the filter that gives the full picture. (Besides being better, theyre cheaper.) By omitting Corsi-Rosenthal boxes, the Times does a real disservice to readers MR SUBLIMINAL By making their environment more lethal . Further, the Times also misses an interesting social movement: Many, many people, particularly parents with schoolchildren, make the DIY Corsi-Rosenthal boxes, often by mass producing them, and give them away. (4) CO2 is not merely a pollutant, but a proxy for shared air NYT The research wrapped up early last year, and the results so far indicate that the network produced a 44 percent drop in carbon dioxide levels, often used as a proxy[E] for air quality. [E] When humans exhale by breathing, talking, singing, or shouting, they exhale carbon dioxide along with bio-effluent (say, SARS-CoV-2 aerosols). When humans inhale, they inhale carbon dioxide along with bio-effluent (say, SARS-CoV-2). We cannot measure SARS-CoV-2 directly (yet), but we can use the concentration of rebreathed CO2 in a given space as a proxy for the amount of rebreathed virus. Hence, CO2 is not a proxy for air quality. Its a proxy for the presence of an airborne Level Three biohazard. So either the reporter didnt talk to the right people[1], or they did, and what those people said got lost on the cutting room floor: Everything you needed to know about using CO2 levels as a proxy for too much shared air.https://t.co/PIXE6aVp53 Trisha Greenhalgh (@trishgreenhalgh) April 5, 2021 The upshot is that any Times reader who owns an Aranet4 or similar device is now stupider about how it works than they were before they read this story. (5) A classic case of the press is never the story. NYT At East High in Denver, as in the rest of America, Covid is fast receding as a priority. Mr. Oxman, the music teacher, is back full time, but the pandemic doesnt seem to have brought many lasting changes. East High is mostly the same. Things are kind of going back to the way they were[F], he said. [F] Thanks to the Goebbels-level propaganda good work of so many Covid minimizers, prominent among them David Leonhardt, also of The Times. Churlish of me to mention, but there it is. Conclusion As I said, Im glad the Times raised the issue: Good air is good, after all. But why the shoddiness at the detail level? Im guessing that The Times likes to think of itself driving policy, not merely reporting the news. Its clear that the Biden Administrations policy on Covid is and has been social murder in the first degree miserably inadequate, as anyone who follows the science on airborne transmission must know. Hence, the desire to avoid losing any journalists all-important access by holding anyone Biden, Fauci, Walensky, Zeints, Jha, Cohen, not to mention the Democrat Party generally, including the putative left accountable by naming them. Hence the deliberate and consistent erasure of masking, hated by the Biden Administration, and the hegemonic factions of the PMC in particular. You dont get to make policy by annoying important people! Im guessing The Times, along with some activists, would like, as a first step to driving policy, to detach indoor air quality from the contentious and divisive topic of the airborne tranmission of SARS-CoV-2. But the repressed returns, right in the headline: Covid Closed the Nations Schools. As it will continue to do, until the next airborne pandemic replaces Covid. NOTES [1] Allen, Marr, Hernandez, and Corsi are all good (but see note [2] on Allen). However, if youve been following the overthrow of droplet dogma by aerosol science a paradigm shift sadly not complete you will recall a seminal article that appeared in The Lancet: Ten scientific reasons in support of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The Lancet authors are: Trisha Greenhalgh, Jose L Jimenez, Kimberly A Prather, Zeynep Tufekci, David Fisman, and Robert Schooley. The omission of Jimenez and Tufekci from the Times article is especially odd, since Jimenez is at the University of Colorado Boulder, and the reporter visited Boulder; while Tufekci actually works at the Times. Greenhalgh, Prather, and Fisman are also all eminently quotable. This matters, because anybody mentioned in a Times story has a leg up on future media appearances, being perceived as authoritative, and the #CovidIsAirborne brigade needs and deserves all the help it can get. Its also odd that Corsis partner in designing and propagating the Corsi-Rosenthal box, Jim Rosenthal, is also omitted. Of course, one could argue that air in schools is the topic, not air as such. Hospital Infection Control takes a similar view, to the detriment of patients. Aerosol engineering is aerosol engineering. [2] If masking was omitted on the advice of Joseph Allen, that should have been mentioned by the reporter. APPENDIX Needless to say, schools in wealthier communities knew everything this article has to say about ventilation, and more, in 2020. See How Ashish Jha and Rochelle Walensky of Newton, MA Protect Their Children from Covid (But not Yours). The reporter might have mentioned this. Or even visited Newton. Lambert here: Substituting income inequality for class, in the very first sentence, is a pretty neat trick. Interesting nonetheless, given that the Socialist Party in Imperial Germany and after went so very, very wrong. By Charlotte Bartels, Post-doctoral researcher at German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Felix Kersting, Postdoctoral researcher in Economics at Humboldt University Of Berlin, and Nikolaus Wolf, Professor and Director of the Institute of Economic History at Humboldt University Of Berlin. Originally published at VoxEU. Traditional Marxists believe that capital accumulation leads to income inequality and support for socialism, a perspective that was challenged by Revisionists. This column examines these competing claims using historical statistics and modern statistical techniques. The authors find that while capital accumulation intensified income inequality, it did not necessarily bolster support for socialism. Moreover, trade unions played a pivotal role in curbing income inequality. The findings highlight the role of historical, institutional, and technological factors in shaping capitalist trajectories, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach may be insufficient. What can we learn from Marx about inequality? The current debate about inequality frequently refers to ideas about capitalist dynamics that were first formulated by Karl Marx and his followers in 19th century Europe (e.g. Bowles 2018). Does capital accumulation increase capital concentration and income inequality? And does it spur political support for socialism? Orthodox Marxists like Karl Kautsky, the leading theoretical Marxist of the Second International (18891916) considered these mechanisms to be the defining feature of capitalism (Gronow 2016). However, these mechanisms were disputed at the time, even within the socialist movement. The so-called Revisionists around Eduard Bernstein heavily attacked the orthodox Marxists arguing that, with the help of trade unions, capitalism could be changed for the benefit of workers. The debate on the observed increase in inequality during Germanys industrialisation and their political repercussions shaped all later discussions about income inequality in capitalist economies. This influence extended to the work of Kuznets (1955), who predicted in response to orthodox Marxism that inequality would first rise with economic development and then fall. In our recent work (Bartels et al. 2023), we ask with the benefit of hindsight which predictions of orthodox Marxism were borne out in the data of 19th century Germany. We also test the competing predictions of the Revisionists around Eduard Bernstein and investigate how trade unions and labour conflict turned out to be related to income inequality and political support for socialism. We do so by drawing on a wealth of historical statistics and modern econometrics. Our approach can be read as a contribution to the history of economic thought that uses econometric methods to test claims made by economists of the past. Both orthodox Marxists and Revisionists grounded their arguments in statistical evidence from the German statistical office and other contemporary official statistics. For example, in 1899 Kautsky claimed If ever a theory was splendidly confirmed, it was the theory by Marx in the data from the German occupation and industry census. (Kautsky 1899, p.68, own translation). Using the same sources but relying on modern statistical techniques, we reevaluate the Revisionism debate. We compile new panel data on capital accumulation, income inequality, capital share, capital concentration, and socialism across 28 districts and 544 counties in Prussia between 1874 and 1913. We measure capital accumulation and top-income shares using regional wealth and income tax statistics. We compute regional capital shares by combining tax statistics with additional data sources on retained earnings and self-employment. We measure capital concentration by average firm size documented by the firm census. Finally, we collected vote shares from the elections of the federal parliament (Reichstag), strike activity across industries, and membership in trade unions. Does Capital Accumulation Increase Capital Concentration and Income Inequality? For Imperial Germany before 1914, we have strong evidence that capital accumulation causally led to a growing share of capital in total income and contributed to income inequality, as first predicted by Karl Marx and believed by his followers, but contested by their critics. To establish causality on the effects of capital accumulation, we exploit the spatial diffusion of industrialisation over time across Prussia. The coefficients from our preferred IV estimation indicate that one standard deviation increase in capital accumulation can causally explain roughly 70% of a standard deviation increase of the change in the top 1% income share and more than 75% of a standard deviation increase of the change in the capital share. Next, the evidence is mixed about the role of concentration within the process of capital accumulation. Note that orthodox Marists at the time considered this prediction to be crucial: The concentration of capital sets the historical task: the introduction of a socialist social order. It produces the forces to accomplish this task, the proletarians, and it creates the means of doing so: social production. (Kautsky 1899: 54). According to our evidence, they were right in their prediction that capital concentration was rising steeply. However, they were mistaken in their conviction that this centralisation of capital was causally driven by capital accumulation. Given the weight that Kautsky placed on this question, this finding is significant. Does Capital Accumulation Lead to More Political Support for Socialism? The orthodox Marxist hypothesis regarding the relationship between capital accumulation and support for socialism was always related to the claim that capital accumulation would lead to an immiseration of the working class, which would fuel the political struggle. In the words of Karl Marx: Along with the constantly diminishing number of the magnates of capital [] grows the mass of misery []; but with this too grows the revolt of the working class []. (Marx 1867, Ch.23). Our findings speak against this prediction. Real wages started to increase, significantly in the 1890s. This is in line with evidence from other industrialised countries at the time, such as the UK (Allen 2009). We also do not find evidence that capital accumulation strengthened political support for socialism through any other channel. Can Capitalism, With the Help of Trade Unions, be Changed for the Benefit of Workers? The Revisionists rightfully stressed the role of labour conflict in limiting income inequality. In the wake of the new trade laws of 1869, a growing number of trade unions was formed in Germany. They quickly improved their organisation and managed to mobilise an increasing part of the industrial workforce. After the end of the anti-socialist laws in 1890, unions were allowed to resume their activities. We find support for the Revisionists claim that successful strikes helped to redistribute income between capital owners and workers, albeit only temporarily. A 10% increase in the number of successful strikes is associated with a reduction of the top 1% income share by around 1.4 percentage points. These are sizeable magnitudes given that, on average, the top percentile received 12% of total income. Apparently, the greater the number of successful strikes, the more income was redistributed from top-income earners to the middle and bottom of the distribution. What is more, the Revisionist strategy of strengthening the trade unions seems to have been a building block for the remarkable political success of the SPD before 1914. General Laws of Capitalism and Institutional Change Our paper illustrates why theories seeking general laws of capitalism are bound to fail unless they place historical factors such as institutional and technological change on centre stage (Acemoglu and Robinson 2015). We view our study as a case of how economic theory itself in the form of Marxist thinking can lead to policy responses that make a given economic model no longer a good fit for the data. The possibility of institutional change that could limit inequality and let workers benefit from industrial growth was not part of the Marxist predictions. This speaks to the bemoaned dilemma of social democratic socialism: Socialism cannot be achieved without participation in democratic institutions, but participation erodes the will for socialism (Przeworski and Sprague 1986: 2). To conclude, our evidence on Germany before 1914 shows again that any quest for general laws of capitalist development must be elusive. We find that Marx and his orthodox followers were (partly) correct in their diagnosis of the wide-ranging effects of capital accumulation on capital concentration and income inequality. However, they underestimated the scope for institutional adjustment within a capitalist society. Nevertheless, while Marx is long dead, his question about the long-run dynamics of capitalism will continue to haunt us. References available at the original. The special legislative session is shaping up to be worse than I predicted. I thought it would be a sad mess "the people who could help [the Covenant School parents] arent going to," I wrote last week, "and theyre going to come up with literally the most vacuous reasons to fail these parents and kids, because they are utterly certain that most voters wont care." But did I expect Covenant moms to be pulled out of committee rooms? Drinking fountains being conveniently broken? Troopers keeping people out of the Capitol? A lawsuit? House Republicans blame-shifting for this debacle onto the Senate Republicans? The governor being completely absent? (OK, yes, that last one I would have expected had I given any thought to what the governor might be doing at this time. Gov. Bill Lee: what happens when you elect a man with the soul of a white-tailed deer to lead the state.) No, I did not. A very basic rule of politics is that you dont go to war against your own voters if you want to stay in office. If Republican legislators goal was to get in and out of this session which was called to discuss gun reform without passing any meaningful bills while still placating their very understandably upset white, suburban, private-school-mom voter base, they needed to strike a tone of apologetic hands-tied-ness. Im so sorry, maam. These are grave tragedies, but what can I do about it? So-and-so wont let the bills you want to see come up for a vote. That feigned compassion might not have worked, but Im in charge here and youre either going to fall in line or Im going to make you sorry definitely isnt going to work. If there is one thing country music has taught us, its that if you lay hands on the good girls, all bets are off. As far as we all know, the Gatlin boys are still in a heap on the floor after Tommy ended them. Earl, of course, is still dead. And yet these nimrods in the state legislature still thought bullying the pretty blond moms was going to be a successful strategy. I guess theres still time. Maybe John Rich or Kid Rock can write them up a catchy tune where bullying the distraught mothers of kids who went through a school shooting makes you a hero. But I wouldnt hold my breath. So whats next? The very simple, basic first step is that you, pissed-off conservatives who have been done wrong by your representatives at the state legislature, need to unseat a few of them. You dont even need the whole lot. You just need to oust a couple of them on a clear campaign of gun reform and youll find the rest of them suddenly a lot more willing to address your problems. The nice thing about this plan is that you dont have to focus solely on the state legislature. Andy Ogles is defeatable. He's mean and dumb, and you can be one or the other, but being both is a political liability. Its harder to unseat a senator, but even the people who vote for Marsha Blackburn think shes mean and stupid, so a loss to Blackburn where you do better than expected might shake some things loose. And now you know state Rep. Gino Bulso will say one thing to you in private and another in public. Run against him. Republican legislators have been counting on you to not pay much attention. They have been counting on you sleepwalking through politics here in Tennessee, having a few buzzwords you somewhat pay attention to, and voting on those buzzwords and your habit of voting Republican. But now youre awake. A loud noise the killings of six of your friends and neighbors woke you, and youre disoriented, looking around, shocked to find that the people who promised to take care of things while you napped have instead made things worse. Stay woke, as the kids say. The next time you hear someone in your social circles running down Black people or talking shit about Memphis, remember who was there for you this week. Speak up for women like Shaundelle Brooks, who was fighting this fight long before you arrived at the Capitol. Remember the legislators from Memphis who grieved with you and were outraged on your behalf. They didnt have to do that. Theres no political benefit. Youre never going to vote for them. You dont live in Memphis. Theyre treating you this way because they have compassion for you. Now you stand up for them and the people in their communities. Are you still shocked and outraged that male legislators diminished and dismissed your concerns? Welcome to feminism. Next time you hear someone running off at the mouth about how men and women have different, but complementary, roles ordained by God and how men are in charge because God made them more capable than women, I want you to think of yourself, who showed up, and think of Gov. Lee, who did not, and laugh in the face of anyone who tries to suggest that men are supposed to run things because theyre inherently better than women. Is Bill Lee better than you? Bill Lee is in your same boat. His friend was also shot to death at Covenant. Youre rowing said boat. Bill Lee is hiding under a blanket behind a bench hoping no one expects him to help. God thinks hes a better option than you? Really? And some of you have seen the shooters writings. You also saw how much Republicans wanted to turn this into not a gun problem, but a mental health problem. You saw how they wanted to vilify LGBTQ people and blame this tragedy on them. You all your community stopped that. You already are successful advocates for people who dont get a fair chance in this state. I dont expect you to stop being Republican. Hell, Beth Harwell was done just about as wrong as a woman can be done by Republicans in this state and shes still in The Washington Post blaming our states woes not on the people in power but on Democrats moving too far left. (Beth, they are never going to love you back!) But you can stick up for the people who have your backs. You can advocate for people who are suffering like youre suffering. You can be a little woke, and that would be a good change for our state. +7 Special Session Begins With Turbulence Critics, including Covenant families, disagree with strict House rules as session on gun reform begins +7 Special Session Continues With More Censorship, More Tabled Bills Spectators including Covenant School parents were removed from a House committee meeting Tuesday for applauding Bank of America de-banks conservative Christian charity that serves impoverished Ugandans More controversy has erupted in the banking sector after Bank of America reportedly "de-banked" an ultra-right-wing Christian charity based out of Tennessee. Indigenous Advance Ministries (IAM), a Memphis-based non-profit organization that provides necessities to Ugandan orphans, reportedly lost it bank account at Bank of America, despite maintaining a business relationship since 2015. The group touts pro-life and anti-LGBT messaging on its website, which is believed to be the impetus behind its targeting by Bank of America. IAM has since filed a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General's office over concerns its bank account was shuttered because Bank of America disagrees with its "religious views." According to Bank of America, IAM's religious views have nothing to do with why its account was closed. In a statement to the DailyMail Online (United Kingdom), Bank of America said that "religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision." Precisely why Bank of America made the decision remains unknown, though. And campaigners are demanding greater transparency in cases such as this that would force banks to provide valid reasoning for closing a customer's account. (Related: In Great Britain, banks that de-bank customers because of their political views could lose their banking licenses.) De-banking is on the rise as punishment for wrong-think and wrong-belief The news comes after multiple other large banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Coutts, and NatWest, were all caught de-banking certain customers based on their religious and / or political beliefs. It would seem as though de-banking is the latest tactic being used by leftists to try to stamp out conservatives and Christians. Limiting another's access to money is, it turns out, one of the most powerful methods of silencing one's opposition. Formerly known as World Shine USA, IAM had opened a new business checking account with Bank of America back in January right before applying for two credit cards. Several months later on April 24, Bank of America sent IAM a letter notifying it that its various accounts were going to be closed within 30 days. Numerous associated Bank of America accounts belonging to a partner entity called the Indigenous Advance Customer Center, as well as to a church operating under the same address called Servants of Christ Community dba University House of Prayer, were also shuttered. Representatives from IAM claim they "repeatedly" asked Bank of America for some kind of explanation about the closure, only to receive silence in response. Then, on May 24, the organization was finally sent a letter from the bank stating that its "risk profile no longer aligns with the bank's risk tolerance." At the time of receiving this letter, IAM had $270,000 in its deposit account, which is slightly above the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) threshold of $250,000 per account. Under the "Core Beliefs" tab of IAM's website, a variety of evangelical Christian views are presented, including the statement that "all human life is sacred ... from conception to natural death." The website also advocates for "marriage between one man and one woman," calling this "the only proper context for sexual relations." In its letter to the Attorney General's office, IAM board members Steve Happ and Bob Phillips stated that: "Being forced to transition so quickly caused a great deal of trouble for us. It also disrupted our mission to Uganda in June and we were temporarily unable to pay salaries in Uganda. And we were left very confused." "Our mission and work, supporting Ugandan children and families through indigenous Ugandan Ministries, has remained the same since we were founded and first opened our accounts with Bank of America." Corporate fascism is on the rise. Learn more at Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk NaturalNews.com Health Ranger Report: Michael Yon exposes Bidens simultaneous creation of migrant cities and depopulation of Americans Independent journalist and former Green Beret Michael Yon discussed with Health Ranger Mike Adams how President Joe Biden's administration is replacing the American population , which is being "slaughtered" through bioweapons and geoengineering, via illegal immigration at the open borders. The former United States Army Special Forces member, who just came from the Darien Gap to document the invasion of the United States and the construction of the migrant city in Texas, sat down with Adams for an interview for a "Health Ranger Report" episode recently. According to him, they are getting ready for the next phase of "Operation Burning Edge," which is a serious operation studying the negative impacts and downstream carnage caused by the current administration's policies and illegal, unconstitutional border. They utilized sophisticated military tactical observational equipment including trucks equipped with Swarovski crystal optical devices and night vision lenses to check out what really was happening at the borders. As per Zelenko Freedom Foundation Co-Chair Ann Vandersteel, who joined him in this operation, it is more than just an invasion problem. "American cities are collapsing. American people are being replaced and slaughtered. They're being subjected to economic collapse, vaccines, and depopulation bioweapons. And then they're being replaced with these migrant cities," Adams agreed. Yon confirmed his statement saying: "Roughly 10,000 migrants are coming in per day. But nobody actually knows the actual numbers In the Darien Gap, where I spend a lot of time between Colombia and Panama, it's overflowing." Adams touched on the migrant city that has been constructed specifically for illegals to come in, live, and occupy Texas. Yon confirmed the huge size of the city being built within the Lone Star State. "It's 200,000 people," he said adding that he had already flown over it a couple of times. "We had a small drone up, looked around and said, 'Wow, this is too big.' So, I said, 'Let's go to the airport.' We went over to the airport and came back with an airplane. And it was still too big." It is also not a secret anymore how Biden is bringing more foreigners into the States. Yon revealed that Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Alejandro Mayorkas has gone down there on at least two trips in April 2022 and April 2023. He said he was there both times and that Mayorkas came down to Panama to further expand migration. Moreover, it does not seem too hard to invade America, he claimed as he disclosed how "easy" it is to "penetrate" the borders once an illegal reaches South America. It kind of further encourages migrants to go and "invade" the United States. "If you can get your feet into South America, you can get to anywhere in the United States. All you have to do is get your feet in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, or Ecuador, or maybe fly to Quito, and then it's easy to get to Colombia. Once there, you get a straight shot to the Darien Gap then you can be in the United States in a week or two," he added. (Related: Actual invasion of U.S. underway: Hundreds of thousands of military-aged males pouring into country with help from the Biden regime.) It is easy to get a war started but hard to turn it off, Yon warns Elsewhere in the show, Adams raised the question: "How quickly is the U.S. really falling apart?" "Because it seems to me that the acceleration is like we're past the tipping point of being a cohesive society, the cities are just collapsing by the day. The military is collapsing by design from the top down and they're just gutting the principles of the military. Meanwhile, its recruitment has fallen off a cliff," he raised, pointing out how the government has just become a terrorist organization. Even the judicial system won't uphold the law. It looks like we are almost at the end, he said. At his point, Yon lauded Adams as well as independent journalist Alex Jones of InfoWars, for their courage over the years to disclose "shocking truths" that people thought were "crazy conspiracy theories." "The things that you, Alex Jones, and the others have been saying for years, that sounded completely crazy, are now accepted by almost everybody with a brain," he noted. "Now, the discussion is when and what's going to actually unfold. One of the things I've learned over the years and studying wars is that those who think that they know how the war is going to unfold, should not be listened to. Because it's too complex." He warned how easy it is to get a war started but it's hard to turn it off. And it's hard to know how they can because wars are like fires -- they change with the wind. "It is the same with wars. Like fires, they tend to breed more of themselves until they reach some point where the conditions change or the fuel is burned. And then they abate and people say we'd never do that again. And then it happens again," Yon said. Check out InvasionUSA.news for more stories on illegal immigration and open borders. Watch the "Health Ranger Report" episode with Mike Adams featuring Michael Yon below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources for this article include: Brighteon.com 1 Brighteon.com 2 Expanded BRICS seen as antidote to conflict 08:58, August 28, 2023 By JAN YUMUL and XU WEIWEI in Hong Kong ( China Daily Six new members welcomed into group, bringing countries closer Experts have hailed the entry of Middle Eastern countries into the BRICS bloc of developing nations, seeing it as bringing national shared interests closer together in a region long constrained by conflict. With the long-term interests of Iran and Saudi Arabia expected to intertwine, BRICS could help secure stability in the region, create a balance in world energy markets and improve regional and food security, they said. Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with Argentina and Ethiopia, were invited to become new BRICS members, joining the original members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with their membership to take effect from Jan 1 next year. "The most significant part in my opinion is that four of the six countries invited as full members are from the Middle East," said Furkan Halit Yolcu, a researcher at Sakarya University Middle East Institute in Turkiye. BRICS membership boosts the prestige of Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are struggling under current US foreign policy, he said. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, executive director of the Center for South Asia and International Studies in Islamabad, said the policymakers at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last week had achieved one of their biggest goals by inviting the six developing countries and signaling a "drastic change in global geopolitics and geoeconomics". Expanding BRICS will also improve regional and food security, he said. The ministries of foreign affairs of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE separately issued statements on being invited to join BRICS. Iran's Foreign Ministry said the country's "great success in joining BRICS" will not only strengthen multilateralism but "can pave the way for pursuing the objectives of this administration", and expand other grand strategies to implement Iran's dynamic diplomacy. Seyed Mostafa Khoshcheshm, former professor at the Iranian Foreign Ministry's Faculty of International Relations, said the country's accession to BRICS was a "setback for the United States" in its attempts to stifle the country. "Now Iran is taking very wide jumps after joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and now the BRICS group of countries, showing that the US push for isolating Iran has failed." On a larger scale, he said, this shows that "the world is changing now", as has been acknowledged by Western intellectuals, politicians and officials for the past two or three years. Global power, he said, was "on a transition from the West to the East". "On a different dimension, this will also have very positive outcomes for the West Asian states, for the Persian Gulf states. Iran and Saudi Arabia started a rapprochement with the help of the Chinese." In addition to China-brokered rapprochement and the enhancement of bilateral ties, Khoshcheshm said, relations between the two Middle Eastern powers will be more intimate under the BRICS grouping. Shared interests "When shared interests are intertwined and intermingled with each other, then there will be more stability and more security in the Persian Gulf region and for West Asia because the two can find more grounds for economic cooperation than hostility and rivalry." Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan said at the summit that the kingdom is the largest BRICS trading partner in the Middle East, with the value of its bilateral trade with the countries of the group exceeding $160 billion last year. Prince Faisal expressed appreciation for the invitation extended by the BRICS group and said Riyadh would be studying it, adding that Saudi foreign policy focuses on building economic partnerships, according to a report by the newspaper Saudi Gazette. The UAE Foreign Ministry said the country has been "a long-term partner of the BRICS group". The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation to the founding countries of BRICS and said the invitation forms part of the UAE's commitment to promote constructive dialogue through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies. The UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said the UAE recognizes BRICS "as a mechanism to promote global peace, stability and prosperity". Khan in Islamabad said the UAE has become the biggest country for the re-export of numerous goods and essential food items, a connecting hub for investment and innovation, and a bridge between the Gulf and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Given the overwhelming interest shown by many countries in joining BRICS, the success in building consensus in inviting as many as six new members is a reflection of both the bloc's self-confidence in opening itself to new members just as it underlines its growing credibility, said Swaran Singh, professor of diplomacy and disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. What is even more interesting is how all five national leaders indicated this to be only a beginning and that many more aspirant nations are likely to be added to the bloc in coming years, Singh said. This has implications for most of the conventional post-World War II global governance structures that have failed to accommodate these emerging economies, he said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Baku will host the forum "Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2023: Corridors, Cargo, and Infrastructure,, organized with the cooperation of Azerbaijan Maritime Engineering and Construction LLC (AMEC) and with the organization of the Association of International Road Carriers of Azerbaijan (ABADA), from September 20 through September 21, Azernews reports, citing the ABADA The forum will discuss modern realities, the active use by logistics companies and shippers of transport corridors passing through the territory of the countries around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea, as well as the development of new services, routes, and infrastructure. Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2023: corridors, cargos, infrastructure is an in-person networking platform for the experts from the Black and Caspian Seas logistics market this year will take place in 2 days format in the vibrant city of Baku in Azerbaijan, on September 20-21 in the Four Seasons Hotel Baku. 20 September technical site visit to Port of Baku and evening cocktail reception. 21 September all day Forum and exhibition with a closing gala dinner in the Four Seasons Hotel Baku. Nowadays realities are forcing logistics companies and cargo owners to actively use the transport corridors that pass through the territories of the Black and the Caspian Sea countries. This dynamic facilitates the development of new services, routes, and infrastructure. In addition, during the forum, discussions will be held with professionals of the logistics industry of the Black Sea and Caspian regions on current market issues. Jack Smiths indictments of President Trump are ill-founded and unconstitutional, judicial clerk explains why A law clerk recently wrote an article in the American Mind, the official publication of the think tank Claremont Institute, explaining why Special Counsel Jack Smith's indictments of former President Donald Trump are unconstitutional and unsubstantiated According to Paul Ingrassia, a judicial clerk at the McBride Law Firm, a graduate of Cornell Law School, and one of the Board of Advisors of the New York Young Republicans Club, Smith's claims are ill-founded to the extent they have no merit at all. The two-time Claremont Fellow cited Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution: "The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America." Therefore, he said, Trump had this power that provides certain privileges and executive immunities. "Among these privileges are those expressly delineated in the Constitution itself. The impeachment process, for example, as stated in Article II, Sec. 4, requires that for all 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' the president 'shall be removed from Office,'" he said, highlighting that the highest law of the land lays out a process by which presidents are to be prosecuted by impeachment only and not traditional prosecution and attendant punishments like incarceration. He added that this is because the POTUS exposes himself to outsized publicity, controversy, and risk as a result of his office. Therefore, the punitive measures that uniquely attach to the executive officeholder are consonant with the duties and powers of the office itself. There is a special constitutional prerogative, he added, in safeguarding the integrity of the presidential office, no matter the character and fitness of its occupant. "That would mean not imprisoning the officeholder or former occupants of the office based on alleged criminality done within the officeholder's official capacities as president," he elaborated and cited the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) confirmation: "to wound the President by a criminal proceeding is to hamstring the operation of the whole governmental apparatus, both in foreign and domestic affairs." He also noted the Impeachment Judgment Clause of the Constitution via Article I, Sec. 3, saying that a person convicted upon an impeachment, shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment. Meaning, the clause allows for the subsequent indictment after a person is convicted and convicted only. This is in agreement with the longstanding judicial canon of construction "expressio unius est exclusio alterius," or "the expression of one is the exclusion of others." This provides that because the text excludes the term "acquittal" from the relevant clause, the framers' intent was that only convicted officeholders would be open to additional prosecution, and not officeholders who were already acquitted based on the constitutional procedure for their alleged crimes, he further elaborated. Double jeopardy clause prohibits punishing twice The Supreme Court has affirmed that "the Double Jeopardy Clause prohibits merely punishing twice, or attempting a second time to punish criminally, for the same offense." Because the president has already been prosecuted twice for the asserted crimes underlying both of Smith's indictments, the legal remedy has already been applied. There is simply no other form of legal redress that is tolerable under the Constitution. Special Counsel Jack Smith. (Photo credits: AP) He also said that Biden's DOJ has already prosecuted Trump to the fullest extent the Constitution allows, and on each count, he has already been acquitted of any criminal wrongdoing. The factual grounds on which the former president allegedly committed crimes within his official duties as president have already been twice considered by the House of Representatives, for which the president, in conformance with Article II, Sec. 4, was acquitted both times by the Senate. Therefore, to continue to bring charges against the former president for the asserted crimes on which he has already been prosecuted is by definition an abuse of the judicial power and an express violation of the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment: "nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb," the law expert explained. Trump, the first current or former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges while in his third presidential bid, currently has four outstanding indictments. He was first indicted in March by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star in 2016. Prosecutors alleged he was part of an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election. Furthermore, they alleged he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment. In June, he was also indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government's attempts to retrieve the materials. On July 27, the special counsel charged him with three new counts, including one additional count of willful retention of national defense information. Trump's third indictment is a result of Smith's investigation into his alleged efforts, and that of his allies, to overturn the 2020 election. It also alleged he and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them to delay the certification" of the election. Lastly, an Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14 indicted him and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president's 2020 electoral defeat. The charges were brought in an investigation led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Trump pleaded "not guilty" on all charges. (Related: RIGGED: Trump's charges appeared briefly on Fulton County website way before grand jury officially announced indictment.) Visit Trump.news for more news related to the ongoing legal battle the former president is fighting. Sources include: AmericanMind.org Edition.CNN.com BAIT AND SWITCH: Pfizer docs show its COVID-19 injections contain MODIFIED RNA instead of messenger RNA Pfizer's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine reportedly contains modified RNA (modRNA) instead of messenger RNA (mRNA). Documents submitted by the New York-based vaccine maker to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) attested to this. Based on the COVID-19 vaccine's Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers issued by the regulator, each dose for children aged between five and 11 years old contains 10 micrograms (mcg) of modRNA. Meanwhile, each dose for individuals aged 12 and older contains 30 mcg of modRNA. According to Pfizer's website, modRNA instructs the cells to produce desired proteins. It elaborated: "In the synthesis of the [modRNA] used in this vaccine platform, some nucleosides which are important biological molecules that constitute DNA and RNA are replaced by modified nucleosides to help enhance immune evasion and protein production." However, modRNA is a synthetic ingredient that poses a substantial risk to human health. Injecting it into the body may lead to adverse events like strokes, cardiovascular complications, pulmonary embolism and the formation of blood clots. The latter was observed in many individuals injected with Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. Natural mRNA is broken down within days after vaccination and eliminated from the body. In contrast, synthetic modRNA lasts longer in the body and is more efficient at producing a protein the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in this case. This is because modRNA modifies one of four compounds in RNA. (Related: mRNA in COVID-19 vaccines contain FAKE URACIL which may be causing white, rubbery clots.) Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and rival Moderna contain the naturally occurring mRNA. In its description of mRNA and how vaccines work, the public health agency makes no reference to modRNA. Likewise, the CDC does not disclose that the RNA used in COVID-19 vaccines has been modified. Misbranding modRNA as mRNA violates various laws Research bioscientist David Wiseman pointed to the FDA's similar deception regarding Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. He told the Epoch Times in an email that the regulator uses modRNA internal documents compared to mRNA it used in the injection's emergency use authorization. The FDA described mRNA as "genetic material" that contains a "small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus' mRNA that instructs cells in the body to make [its] distinctive 'spike' protein." But according to Wiseman, the regulator's description is problematic as the pathogen responsible for COVID-19 does not contain mRNA. He explained: "mRNA is the kind of RNA produced in the copying of instructions from DNA in a process called transcription, so to say this is viral mRNA is inaccurate." Ohio-based attorney Tom Renz told the news outlet in an email that the intentional use of mRNA to deceive people into receiving the injections with synthetic modRNA broke numerous laws. "It is my opinion that, at a minimum, the intentional use of mRNA an acronym well-known to stand for messenger RNA along with the endless statements about the vaccines being based on naturally occurring messenger RNA constitute misbranding in violation of a number of laws," said Renz, who hosts "Lawfare with Tom Renz" on Brighteon.TV. "There is a legal and moral duty to provide informed consent. To misrepresent a drug that was intended to be a gene therapy as a vaccine containing 'natural messenger RNA' is an apparent violation of both of those duties." Renz also warned that modRNA isn't only limited to being injected into people's bodies using syringes. "We have discovered that various RNA technologies are in development for various uses, and these technologies, along with new adjuvant technologies, can allow for the introduction of gene therapy products into foods, the air (aerosolized vaccines) and even topical products." PharmaceuticalFraud.com has more stories about the deception involving the COVID-19 vaccines. Watch Tom Renz expounding on modRNA and how both health authorities and vaccine manufacturers misled the world. This video is from the Prevent Global Genocide channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: MEDICAL BOMBSHELL: Blood doctor releases findings showing Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines change red blood cells from round to tubular, causing them to stick together. RNA vaccines don't strictly contain mRNA, they contain modRNA, which genetically manipulates (GMO) healthy human cells. Peer-reviewed study says mRNA covid "vaccines" would more accurately be labeled GENE THERAPY products. BEWARE: USDA allows genetically engineered vaccines to infiltrate organic food production. Lawfare with Tom Renz: The fight against mRNA vaccine is not yet over Brighteon.TV. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com Russia fines Google $32,000 for not deleting alleged MISINFORMATION about ongoing war in Ukraine Russia has fined tech giant Google three million rubles ($32,000) for not taking down what the country deemed as false information about its special military operation in Ukraine. "[The court hereby rules to] find Google guilty of committing an administrative violation under Part 2, Article 13.41 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and impose a penalty in the form of an administrative fine in the amount of three million rubles," said the judge presiding over the case. Google was charged for hosting videos on YouTube that contained information about illicit methods of gaining entry into secure facilities - information deemed potentially perilous to human life and well-being. Moreover, the videos in question disseminated allegedly false information about the conflict taking place in Ukraine. (Related: Donbas separatist republics BAN Google for pushing Western propaganda and threatening Russian speakers in the region.) Legal documents revealed that Google had previously received notices about the requirement to remove the said content from its platforms. However, the company failed to comply with these requests, resulting in the court's decision to impose the fine. Big Tech companies are ganging up on Russia Ever since the military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian government has taken a stance against any form of criticism regarding its military actions. Just like Google, Wikipedia, Reddit and Apple have been slapped with monetary fines for allegedly being involved in disseminating misleading information about the ongoing military operations in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Apple had been hit with its third fine from Russia. The tech giant was handed a fine of 400,000 rubles ($4,238.30) for its failure to remove certain podcasts and applications with "inaccurate content" about the ongoing Ukraine war from its App Store and podcast platform. The Kremlin claimed that certain information provided in these apps and podcasts was misleading and incorrect to sway public opinion on the ongoing conflict. Russian authorities argued that these materials were intended to involve minors in illegal activities and destabilize the political situation within Russia. Similarly, the Wikimedia Foundation, the owner of Wikipedia, incurred a three million ruble fine for failing to remove content related to the Russian military. This marked the seventh time the organization has been fined, with active appeals still pending in Moscow courts. In July, Russia issued Reddit its first-ever two million ruble ($21,000) fine after the platform failed to delete content on "knowingly false information" about the involvement of the Soviet Union in World War II. In 2022, Amazon was fined four million rubles ($42,000) for failing to remove content related to suicide and drug use as the content contradicted Russia's legal regulations. As reported by Interfax, a Russia-based news agency, the Magistrates Court issued this fine in response to Amazon's failure to delete content related to methods of suicide and drug consumption. The latest news about Google can be found at BigTech.news. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, interviews writer, whistleblower and former Google and YouTube senior engineer Zach Vorhies about the Big Tech company's plan to dominate and then decimate humanity. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Senators call for FTC investigation into Google over YouTube ads that violate children's privacy. Google rolls out new generative AI feature that summarizes articles meaning, you can only see what it allows you to see. Google forges deal with UN, WHO to unleash new global CENSORSHIP tool. Google, Apple cut off access to ordinary Russians, meaning they can do the same to Americans at any time. Russia slaps Google with record-setting $98 million fine for CORRUPTING minors. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.com TASS.com MSN.com TechSpot.com Law.com Brighteon.com RULE OF LAW: Sheriff group vows to uphold Constitution and not enforce tyrannical, unjust legislation A recent report by the New York City-based news agency, the Associated Press, may have put right-leaning sheriffs in a bad light by pointing out that their group vows to uphold the Constitution and that they are training law enforcers to refuse to implement "unjust" laws. The media outlet also highlighted how the elected government officials' challenge to the federal law is "gaining acceptance around the country." In the feature, the AP writers, who collaborated with the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism and the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, described the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association's (CSPOA's) office as displaying a flag that said: "God, Guns, and Guts, Make America Free." There was also a photo in the report showing German tyrant Adolf Hitler and Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, with the words, "Gun Control Works." According to AP, the chief law enforcement officer for Barry County, Michigan Dar Leaf, their interviewee, is on the advisory board of CSPOA, which was founded in 2011 by former Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack. The group teaches that elected sheriffs must "protect their citizens from the overreach of an out-of-control federal government" by refusing to enforce any law they deem unconstitutional or "unjust," the coverage noted. "The sheriff is supposed to be protecting the public from evil," said Leaf during a break in the National Sheriffs' Association 2023 conference in June. "When your government is evil or out of line, that's what the sheriff is there for, protecting them from that." The report also included Mack's statement in an interview: "The safest way to actually achieve that is to have local law enforcement understand that they have no obligation to enforce such laws. They're not laws at all anyway. If they're unjust laws, they are laws of tyranny. CSPOA has railed against gun control laws, Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mask mandates, pandemic public health restrictions, and alleged election fraud. Meanwhile, the AP indicated that the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism's seven-month probe found that the sheriffs' organization "has also quietly spread its ideology nationwide to become more mainstream by getting state approval for taxpayer-funded law enforcement training. In the last five years, the investigation disclosed that CSPOA hosted trainings, rallies, speeches, and meetings in at least 30 states for law enforcement officers, political figures, private organizations, and members of the public. The probe said that legal experts warn that such training, especially when it's approved for state credit, can "undermine the democratic processes enshrined in the U.S. Constitution" and is part of what Mary McCord, a former federal prosecutor and executive director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University, called a "broader insurrectionist ideology that has gripped the nation since the 2020 presidential election. "They have no authority, not under their state constitutions or implementing statutes to decide whats constitutional and what's not constitutional. That's what courts have the authority to do, not sheriffs," McCord said. "Theres another sort of evil lurking there because CSPOA is now essentially part of a broader movement in the United States to think its OK to use political violence if we disagree with some sort of government policy." Moreover, the article quoted one of the left-wing terrorism watchdogs Amy Cooter, research director at the Middlebury Institute Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, saying many sheriffs join the group from "a misinformed but well-meaning perspective." But, she added, it also allows some sheriffs to "potentially engage in extremism by not enforcing legal, lawful, legitimate orders." (Related: AP abandons facts, and demands all media outlets play along with transgender pronoun insanity.) Mainstream media outlet maligns sheriffs' group using racism AP demonstrated their bias against the constitutionally focused sheriffs as it slipped in some subtle racism: "The public-facing image of the sheriff group, which is led by white men, prominently features the American flag and the experiences of Black civil rights icons who pushed back against unjust laws. Furthermore, it made Leaf look like a criminal and suggested he was a subversive: "Leaf was investigated, but not charged, in connection with the Michigan attorney general's investigation into the alleged illegal seizure and breach of vote-counting machines in 2020. He also appeared at an election-denier rally with two men later charged in the conspiracy to kidnap Michigan's Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Jon Lewis, a research fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism, described the sheriffs' group as 'insidious' and said it had become 'mainstream standard-bearers for entrance into more violent forms of extremism.'" Head to Propaganda.news for similar stories on media cartels and news manipulation. Sources for this article include: IndependentSentinel.com APNews.com WEF Adviser Prof. Sarah Harper says UKs population collapse is good for the planet Even just a few short years ago, the idea that deranged psychopaths at the highest levels of government want to kill all or at least most of us was dubbed a crazy conspiracy theory. Today, those same deranged psychopaths are openly talking about how depopulation is, in fact, happening, and that it is supposedly "good for the planet." These were the exact words uttered by World Economic Forum (WEF) adviser Prof. Sarah Harper, "Britain's top demographics expert," to quote The Telegraph, and the founder and director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. In speaking about the precipitous decline in the number of new births across Great Britain these days, Harper pretty much celebrated this as a great thing that will help to stop global warming and climate change. The latest data from Great Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS), by the way, shows that in 2022, there were just 605,479 live births across both England and Wales. This is the lowest number since 2002, we are told. (Related: Last fall, a UN representative at a WEF gathering declared that "we own the science.") The worst over-consumers are the globalists perhaps they need to be extinguished? In reporting on her braggadocious credentials, The Telegraph conveniently failed to mention that Harper also serves on the Global Agenda Council on Ageing Societies of the World Economic Forum, which centers around eugenics and genocide. Harper frequently speaks her nonsense at various "literary and scientific festivals," including at WEF gatherings, TED talks, and other such globalist gatherings. The Telegraph is more than likely well aware of the fact that any association with the WEF these days is not exactly seen as a good thing by the general population. The eat bugs, be poor, and be happy globalist body is hardly popular among regular folks, after all. "I think it's a good thing that the high-income, high-consuming countries of the world are reducing the number of children that they're having," Harper is quoted as saying about how formerly white Great Britain is declining at a rapid pace. "I'm quite positive about that." Harper went on to state that declining fertility in wealthier nations is a really good thing because it will help to address the "general overconsumption that we have at the moment." "We," in this context, more appropriately describes the excesses of Harper and other globalists, to be fair, who routinely jaunt around the world in their private jets while fine dining, lounging on fancy beaches, and partying in uber-mansions that consume more electricity and fuel than an entire neighborhood full of poor people. If anyone is overconsuming, in other words, it is globalists like Harper and the rest of that grotesque ilk. The truth about what is really happening in the UK and other Western countries is not so much that of population decline as it is population replacement. In short, the globalists are purposely replacing all the native whites with foreign non-whites, which they apparently deem as easier to control and enslave. In the UK, almost one in three children born last year were delivered by mothers born outside the country, i.e., from India or Africa. The overall number of births by women born outside the UK has also been rising by about 3,600 year-on-year, and now accounts for 30.3 percent of all new births in Great Britain. "When including the father, more than one in three children born last year had at least one foreign-born parent," reports explain about the dire consequences of the population replacement scheme taking place in the UK. "In London, the figure was two thirds." Depopulation and globalism go hand in hand. Learn more at Genocide.news. Sources for this article include: DailySceptic.org NaturalNews.com Climate change is the primary cause of the extraordinary temperatures, not the eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga in the Pacific Ocean in January 2022. While the volcano's eruption is an aggravating factor, scientists say it is not having the impact that conservative critics who have dismissed the importance of climate change have claimed. "It's probably fair to say that the influence of [the volcano] on this year's extremes is quite small," Stuart Jenkins, said in an interview. Read Also: Volcanic Twilight "Afterglow": How Tonga's Eruption Left Antarctica in Magnificent Light Volcanic eruption not a big contributor Massive volcanic eruptions typically lower temperatures because they eject large amounts of sulfur dioxide, which forms sulfate aerosols that can reflect sunlight back into space and temporarily cool the Earth's surface, according to the researchers. However, the Tonga eruption had an additional effect because it occurred underwater. According to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the eruption raised the water vapor level of the stratosphere by 10% to 15%, the largest rise scientists have ever measured. This determined that water vapor might raise the average global temperature by up to 0.063 degrees Fahrenheit (0.035 degrees Celsius) using a model. Because of this discovery and other studies suggesting a potential warming influence, several commentators linked the eruption to warming, although researchers participating in these studies have made it clear that the volcano isn't a big contributor to our unpredictable weather. "Even though El Nino has made the global temperature higher and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption might have affected some regions for a short time, the main culprit is climate change," Gloria Manney, a senior research scientist at NorthWest Research Associates and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and Luis Millan, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in an email interview. Holger Vomel, a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, said it's too early to say whether the volcano is a contributor to the heat waves. But, even if the eruption is playing a role, he believes it should not be used to dismiss the significance of climate change. "Hypothetically speaking, if the volcano does warm the surface, it adds to our man-made global warming that we already have," he said. Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption The eruption began in December 2021 and peaked in January 2022, when hundreds of tons of material were released into the surrounding air. The volcano is located around 65 miles north of Tongatapu, Tonga's largest island, and is submerged approximately 150 meters beneath the ocean surface. When it erupted, it not only emitted the usual volcanic mix, but it also carried a massive amount of water with it. The ensuing cloud generated the most powerful lightning storm in recorded history. When the volcano erupted, an estimated 146 metric tons of water were released into the stratosphere, many miles above the planet's surface. Water vapor functions as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat and increasing the average temperature across the Pacific. That warming is just brief, but it puts more strain on an already stressed system. Related Article: Researchers Claim that the Tonga Eruption May Have Lasting Effect on Climate Change Related Video: Weather experts forecasted high risk impacts for Florida as Tropical Storm Idalia could rapidly transform into a hurricane. According to meteorologists, Idalia could turn into a powerful hurricane while in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall over the Sunshine State. They said that the high risk for impacts has been centered around the Big Bend region bridging the Gulf coasts of the panhandle and peninsula. So far, this area is seen to experience life-threatening and destructive winds, torrential rains as well as storm surge that will result in floods as Idalia will approach the state around the middle of this week. Due to these developments, the southeastern portion of the United States, including Georgia to Carolinas and Virginia, will be affected by the weather disturbance later this week. From Tropical Depression to Tropical Storm It was on Sunday when Tropical Depression Ten enhanced and developed into Tropical Storm Idalia as it was spotted on the east of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, packing maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). Weather forecasters said that Idalia is expected to slowly move and start tracking north toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham bared that Idalia is expected to continue to strengthen in the southern and eastern Gulf of Mexico in the next as it becomes more organized amid the very high ocean water temperatures and low wind shear. More importantly, Idalia is seen to make a landfall as a hurricane in Florida by Wednesday. Prior to the landfall, the storm is forecasted to quickly develop. Buckingham then warned that the strengthening of a storm before it makes a landfall in a certain area quick can bring extra danger and risk because the degree of preparations needed and required prior to the storm's arrival would have to be increased in the final hours. "This will pose an extra risk to Florida since preparations for an intense hurricane may need to be completed very quickly," Buckingham said. Based on forecasts from the Hurricane Center, Idalia could reach Florida on Wednesday packing winds of up to 100 mph (160 kph). Officials said this would make Idalia a Category 2 hurricane. Authorities warned that some parts of the western coast of Florida are in danger of experiencing seawater surging onto land, which will later result in floods in communities, when a tropical storm or hurricane comes by. Read Also: Florida Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms To Hit Next Week Due to Developing Storms State of emergency In preparation for the bad weather, Governor Ron DeSantis already declared a state of emergency across 33 counties in Florida. "I've signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L. Issuing this order today ensures communities have time to prepare for the storm system which could have impacts along the Gulf Coast next week," DeSantis said. Ive signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 33 counties in preparation for Invest 93L. Issuing this order today ensures communities have time to prepare for the storm system which could have impacts along the Gulf Coast next week. Floridians should have a Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 26, 2023 DeSantis advised residents to have a plan and prepare a supply kit for their needs. The governor ensured residents that authorities are already preparing for the possible impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia, noting that the government has resources on standby for deployment when needed. Meanwhile, the Florida Division of Emergency Management also advised residents to take the time to learn if they live in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area. Related Article: Tropical Depression Ten Seen To Delay Travels As Landfall Forecasted In Florida Related Video: A total of 77,000 hectares of land have been reduced to ashes due to the massive wildfires being experienced in Greece. According to Copernicus, the massive blaze has a total of 120 active hot spots as it continues to rage many parts of Greece. The wild flames has since destroyed vast tracts of forest and scorched residences that are located in the outlying areas of the city of Alexandroupolis. Largest recorded in Europe Authorities have branded the wildfires in northeastern Greece, near Alexandroupolis, as one of the largest flames that was ever recorded in the history of Europe. It brought massive damage in the Dadia National Park and resulted in the evacuation of around 15,000 individuals More than 600 firefighting personnel, including the reinforcements coming from several European countries, have been battling the three major wildfires in Greece in which two have been causing damage for days. These firefighters were supported by water-dropping planes and helicopters so that the fire will be easily contained. Greece has since asked for help from other European countries to address and mitigate these wildfires. So far, Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while dozens of firefighters from Romania, France, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Albania, Slovakia and Serbia have been deployed to help fire personnel on the ground. The death toll in this massive blaze has already climbed to 21, according to authorities. Included in the fatalities were the 18 individuals, believed to be migrants, that were found in Dadia forest situated in northern Greece. Meanwhile, security forced had made 79 arson arrests as these individuals were supposedly starting new fires in Mount Parnitha, which is located northwest of Athens. Earlier, the Greek government already said that tougher penalties would be imposed on arson as it aims to dissuade potential criminals and bring those responsible for damaging fires to justice. Authorities noted that the majority of the 667 fires which earlier erupted across Greece in recent weeks were ignited "by human hand." Read Also: 18 Killed; 13 Communities Evacuated In Greece As Powerful Winds Threaten to Spark More Destructive Wildfires Start of wildfires Experts from Copernicus said that Greece has been affected by significant wildfires since August 2, following the fires which struck Rhodes and Attica in the middle of July. They noted that the most recent of these fire episode have been observed in the East Macedonia and Boeotia regions, noting that they were clearly observed by visible imagery and active fire detections from satellites since August 20. Scientists further noted that the wildfire emissions that authorities had monitored in Greece over the last few days of August were occurring at a similar time during late summer, similar to the major fires that affected the country in 2007 and 2021. Experts said that winds and temperatures at this time created conditions that were conductive to increased wildfire activity. As Europe currently experiences hot summers, its southern countries are particularly prone to wildfires. European officials have blamed climate breakdown for the increasing frequency and intensity of the wildfires being experienced in Europe, saying that 2022 was the second worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017. Related Article: Greek Government To Impose Tougher Fine For Arson Following Major Wildfires That Damages The Country Related Video: Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Indium Corporations Jason Chou to Present at SEMICON Taiwan Published: 28 August 2023 by Tyler Hanes by Tyler Hanes CLINTON, NY Indium Corporation Senior Area Technical Manager Jason Chou will present at SEMICON Taiwan on September 7, in Taipei, Taiwan. In his presentation, The Lead-Free Materials Evolution in Power Die-Attach Soldering Applications, Chou will provide an overview of the die-attach process and explore the ongoing evolution of materials used in the application including high-Pb, low-alpha solder paste, high-temperature, Pb-free paste, and sintering products. As senior area technical manager in Taiwan, Chou provides technical support to customers with a focus on the semiconductor industry. He has 10 years of industry experience, including specialization in front-end wafer fabrication processes, thin-film modules, and defect analysis for wafer metrology. Chou earned a masters degree in Chemistry from National Tsing Hua University and a bachelors degree in Chemistry from National Cheng Kung University. He served as the group leader for the National Nano Device Laboratory, Tainan, Taiwan, where he collaborated with university professors and industry professionals on special projects for semiconductor manufacturing. Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) for receiving wages for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is set to become mandatory from September 1, data shows that only 57.75 per cent of workers are eligible for it despite the Union government issuing multiple deadline extensions. To be eligible for APBS wage payments, a worker must have a job card and her bank account should be seeded with an Aadhaar card. The account must also be connected to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mapper, a complex process known as mapping. Activists and workers have been protesting against the ABPS as there are widely reported cases of failure of Aadhaar-mapping with NPCI, resulting in the rejection of payments and deletion of job cards of workers in large numbers. According to data analysed by non-profit LibTech India, the national average of ABPS-eligible workers stood at a mere 57.75 per cent out of the total of 26.84 crore workers under the rural job scheme as of August 21. The data from the NREGA MIS further showed that eight states have less than 60 per cent of ABPS-eligible workers. While Assam recorded 25.1 per cent, bigger states such as Maharashtra (26.7), Gujarat (33.1), Uttar Pradesh (55.3), Bihar (46.7) and Madhya Pradesh (58.3) are lagging. However, as per the Union Rural Development Ministrys data on August 26, out of 14. 4 core active workers, the beneficiaries eligible for Aadhaar-based payments were only 81.50 per cent. Nearly 20 per cent of workers are yet to be made eligible. According to the ministry website, Meghalaya (3.1 per cent), Nagaland (20.8), Assam (38.7), Lakshadweep (60.8) and Arunachal Pradesh (62.2) are the bottom five states in terms of ABPS eligibility. Speaking to this newspaper, Nikhil Dey of the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha said that the rural employment law stipulates that the workers have to be paid within 15 days of doing the job, and denying them payment based on ABPS eligibility is unconstitutional. The ministry has only looked at the numbers of active beneficiaries, who are eligible for Aadhaar-based payments. The number of total workers in the country needs to be included. Even the fact that 20 per cent of over 14 crore workers are not eligible for payment is a huge number, said Dey, adding that the unions will be soon submitting a memorandum to the Ministry of Rural Development. By ignoring non-active workers, the government is undermining their constitutional right to work, said Laavanya Tamang of Libtech India. Though the Union government made the Aadhaar-based payment mandatory in February this year, it later allowed multiple extensions, the latest till August 31. The introduction of ABPS has invited strong protests from many quarters including workers and activists. While the Union government admitted in July that over five crore job cards were deleted in 2022-23, activists point out that in many cases, it is wrongfully deleted. The ABPS exacerbates the problem, says Tamang, In several cases, we found that officials find it difficult to sort out inconsistencies regarding ABPS. As there is no SoP or guideline, they find it convenient to delete the job cards of workers who are not eligible, she said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: As the Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) for receiving wages for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is set to become mandatory from September 1, data shows that only 57.75 per cent of workers are eligible for it despite the Union government issuing multiple deadline extensions. To be eligible for APBS wage payments, a worker must have a job card and her bank account should be seeded with an Aadhaar card. The account must also be connected to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mapper, a complex process known as mapping. Activists and workers have been protesting against the ABPS as there are widely reported cases of failure of Aadhaar-mapping with NPCI, resulting in the rejection of payments and deletion of job cards of workers in large numbers. According to data analysed by non-profit LibTech India, the national average of ABPS-eligible workers stood at a mere 57.75 per cent out of the total of 26.84 crore workers under the rural job scheme as of August 21.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The data from the NREGA MIS further showed that eight states have less than 60 per cent of ABPS-eligible workers. While Assam recorded 25.1 per cent, bigger states such as Maharashtra (26.7), Gujarat (33.1), Uttar Pradesh (55.3), Bihar (46.7) and Madhya Pradesh (58.3) are lagging. However, as per the Union Rural Development Ministrys data on August 26, out of 14. 4 core active workers, the beneficiaries eligible for Aadhaar-based payments were only 81.50 per cent. Nearly 20 per cent of workers are yet to be made eligible. According to the ministry website, Meghalaya (3.1 per cent), Nagaland (20.8), Assam (38.7), Lakshadweep (60.8) and Arunachal Pradesh (62.2) are the bottom five states in terms of ABPS eligibility. Speaking to this newspaper, Nikhil Dey of the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha said that the rural employment law stipulates that the workers have to be paid within 15 days of doing the job, and denying them payment based on ABPS eligibility is unconstitutional. The ministry has only looked at the numbers of active beneficiaries, who are eligible for Aadhaar-based payments. The number of total workers in the country needs to be included. Even the fact that 20 per cent of over 14 crore workers are not eligible for payment is a huge number, said Dey, adding that the unions will be soon submitting a memorandum to the Ministry of Rural Development. By ignoring non-active workers, the government is undermining their constitutional right to work, said Laavanya Tamang of Libtech India. Though the Union government made the Aadhaar-based payment mandatory in February this year, it later allowed multiple extensions, the latest till August 31. The introduction of ABPS has invited strong protests from many quarters including workers and activists. While the Union government admitted in July that over five crore job cards were deleted in 2022-23, activists point out that in many cases, it is wrongfully deleted. The ABPS exacerbates the problem, says Tamang, In several cases, we found that officials find it difficult to sort out inconsistencies regarding ABPS. As there is no SoP or guideline, they find it convenient to delete the job cards of workers who are not eligible, she said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Dilip Singh Kshatriya By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: A metropolitan court in Ahmedabad gave Tejashwi Yadav, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, a summons on Monday in a criminal defamation case brought against him for remarking that "only Gujaratis can be thugs (fraudsters)." The court also ordered Tejashwi Yadav to appear before the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate court on September 22. On Monday, the court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav in a criminal defamation complaint brought against him under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The court issued him the summons based on a complaint filed by one Haresh Mehta, a social worker and businessman from Ahmedabad. "The court had conducted an inquiry against Yadav under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and had found sufficient grounds to summon him on the basis of a complaint filed by Haresh Mehta," P.R. Patel, counsel for the complainant, told the media. Mehta (63) had filed his complaint in court along with the proof of Yadav's statement made before the media in Patna on March 21 this year. The complainant said that the statement had been made in public and called the entire Gujarati community thug to defame and humiliate all Gujaratis in the public. The complainant said he is also a Gujarati, and when he came across the news on a digital platform, he realized that such a defamatory statement would make a non-Gujarati look down upon a Gujarati as a thug. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp AHMEDABAD: A metropolitan court in Ahmedabad gave Tejashwi Yadav, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, a summons on Monday in a criminal defamation case brought against him for remarking that "only Gujaratis can be thugs (fraudsters)." The court also ordered Tejashwi Yadav to appear before the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate court on September 22. On Monday, the court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav in a criminal defamation complaint brought against him under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The court issued him the summons based on a complaint filed by one Haresh Mehta, a social worker and businessman from Ahmedabad. "The court had conducted an inquiry against Yadav under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and had found sufficient grounds to summon him on the basis of a complaint filed by Haresh Mehta," P.R. Patel, counsel for the complainant, told the media.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Mehta (63) had filed his complaint in court along with the proof of Yadav's statement made before the media in Patna on March 21 this year. The complainant said that the statement had been made in public and called the entire Gujarati community thug to defame and humiliate all Gujaratis in the public. The complainant said he is also a Gujarati, and when he came across the news on a digital platform, he realized that such a defamatory statement would make a non-Gujarati look down upon a Gujarati as a thug. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI LUCKNOW: A case was lodged against fact-checking website Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair, on Monday, for allegedly revealing the identity of the seven-year-old Muslim boy who was slapped by his classmates on the instructions of teacher Tripti Tyagi, 60, of Neha Public School in Khubbapur village of Muzaffarnagar district in western UP recently. As per the police sources, the case was registered against Zubair, who was among the first to post the video of the private schoolteacher making communal remarks while encouraging other students to slap the victim in the class. However, Zubair allegedly removed the video minutes later, citing a call by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to remove the videos from X, formerly known as Twitter. The FIR was registered against the Alt News co-founder under Section 74 (prohibition on disclosure of identity of children) of the Juvenile Justice Act based on a complaint filed by a person named Vishnu Dutt of Muzaffarngar. Section 74 of the JJ Act bars publication of any report in any newspaper, magazine, audio-visual media or other forms of communication regarding any inquiry or investigation or judicial procedure, and disclosing the name, address or school or any other particular, which may lead to the identification of a child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection or a child victim or witness of a crime, involved in such matter. Meanwhile, Zubair told the media persons that he had not received any notice or call from the Muzaffarnagar police. It was through social media that he came to know about the case against him. I was checking the FIR, and it does not have any other name barring me. There were several media outlets that posted the video before and after me. I removed the post after I was told that I was disclosing the minors identity. This has happened to me before in 2020 as well. I was targeted This shows the police can target anyone, he told the media persons. However, the district police authorities said that an investigation into the charge against Zubair was on. Meanwhile, besides sealing the school building on Sunday, the district authorities also initiated the process to de-recognize the school from UP Education Board. Besides, the Uttar Pradesh Police booked the alleged teacher in the video and under Sections 323 (causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code ordered a probe into the incident. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LUCKNOW: A case was lodged against fact-checking website Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair, on Monday, for allegedly revealing the identity of the seven-year-old Muslim boy who was slapped by his classmates on the instructions of teacher Tripti Tyagi, 60, of Neha Public School in Khubbapur village of Muzaffarnagar district in western UP recently. As per the police sources, the case was registered against Zubair, who was among the first to post the video of the private schoolteacher making communal remarks while encouraging other students to slap the victim in the class. However, Zubair allegedly removed the video minutes later, citing a call by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to remove the videos from X, formerly known as Twitter. The FIR was registered against the Alt News co-founder under Section 74 (prohibition on disclosure of identity of children) of the Juvenile Justice Act based on a complaint filed by a person named Vishnu Dutt of Muzaffarngar. Section 74 of the JJ Act bars publication of any report in any newspaper, magazine, audio-visual media or other forms of communication regarding any inquiry or investigation or judicial procedure, and disclosing the name, address or school or any other particular, which may lead to the identification of a child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection or a child victim or witness of a crime, involved in such matter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, Zubair told the media persons that he had not received any notice or call from the Muzaffarnagar police. It was through social media that he came to know about the case against him. I was checking the FIR, and it does not have any other name barring me. There were several media outlets that posted the video before and after me. I removed the post after I was told that I was disclosing the minors identity. This has happened to me before in 2020 as well. I was targeted This shows the police can target anyone, he told the media persons. However, the district police authorities said that an investigation into the charge against Zubair was on. Meanwhile, besides sealing the school building on Sunday, the district authorities also initiated the process to de-recognize the school from UP Education Board. Besides, the Uttar Pradesh Police booked the alleged teacher in the video and under Sections 323 (causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code ordered a probe into the incident. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a bid to press its claims over the un-demarcated borders with India, China is busy setting up border settlement villages in many sensitive areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Multiple sources confirmed to this newspaper that these settlements (Xiaokang in Chinese) have focused on the Eastern Sector. While the number of such settlements is estimated at 628 villages in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the focus has been towards Tawang (30 villages) and Tulung La (25). From a strategic perspective, Tawang is the entry point to Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. Also, it has religious significance as far as the Tibetans are concerned. Tulung La holds significance as in 1975, the Chinese had ambushed 4 Assam Rifles troops. Such settlements have also been spotted in the sensitive area of Chumar (8 villages). According to sources, construction is also taking place opposite West Bhutan and North Bhutan. This activity gained pace after the 19th Party Congress in October 2017, which was intended to create a buffer and a means of surveillance and territorial claim, said sources. However, officials warn against treating these settlements as villages, as China will use them while pressing its claim over the areas. We should call these Chinese border settlements in the un-demarcated areas and not Chinese villages, said an official, adding: If we call them Chinese villages now, after 10 years they will say even Indian media term these settlements Chinese villages. Chinas 2022 Land Border Law calls for resettling the population and upgrading critical infrastructure along the border. These villages fill the gap between civil and military infrastructure. Connectivity has improved they have oil pipeline, optical fibre, and heliport, say sources, adding that Chinese people have been forced to live there. During a field trip to Kibithu, East of Arunachal Pradesh, this reporter witnessed one such settlement called Tatu Camp. It had two separate sections constructed. Half of it is a village area and the other half is a military block having an administrative building, helipad, and a small firing range on the backside of the building. India has also begun constructing villages closer to the borders but we are a late starter, said sources. Legal status According to the 2022 Land Border Law of China, these villages have a legal basis. This law stipulates that the PLA and Chinese Peoples Armed Police Force are responsible for maintaining security along the border. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: In a bid to press its claims over the un-demarcated borders with India, China is busy setting up border settlement villages in many sensitive areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Multiple sources confirmed to this newspaper that these settlements (Xiaokang in Chinese) have focused on the Eastern Sector. While the number of such settlements is estimated at 628 villages in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the focus has been towards Tawang (30 villages) and Tulung La (25). From a strategic perspective, Tawang is the entry point to Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. Also, it has religious significance as far as the Tibetans are concerned. Tulung La holds significance as in 1975, the Chinese had ambushed 4 Assam Rifles troops. Such settlements have also been spotted in the sensitive area of Chumar (8 villages).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to sources, construction is also taking place opposite West Bhutan and North Bhutan. This activity gained pace after the 19th Party Congress in October 2017, which was intended to create a buffer and a means of surveillance and territorial claim, said sources. However, officials warn against treating these settlements as villages, as China will use them while pressing its claim over the areas. We should call these Chinese border settlements in the un-demarcated areas and not Chinese villages, said an official, adding: If we call them Chinese villages now, after 10 years they will say even Indian media term these settlements Chinese villages. Chinas 2022 Land Border Law calls for resettling the population and upgrading critical infrastructure along the border. These villages fill the gap between civil and military infrastructure. Connectivity has improved they have oil pipeline, optical fibre, and heliport, say sources, adding that Chinese people have been forced to live there. During a field trip to Kibithu, East of Arunachal Pradesh, this reporter witnessed one such settlement called Tatu Camp. It had two separate sections constructed. Half of it is a village area and the other half is a military block having an administrative building, helipad, and a small firing range on the backside of the building. India has also begun constructing villages closer to the borders but we are a late starter, said sources. Legal status According to the 2022 Land Border Law of China, these villages have a legal basis. This law stipulates that the PLA and Chinese Peoples Armed Police Force are responsible for maintaining security along the border. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Hours after the Nebraska Attorney General Office offered its opinion that the offices responsible for investigating the state's child welfare and prison systems are unconstitutional, inspectors general's access to those agencies' case management systems ended abruptly. The Office of the Inspectors General, as well as the state's ombudsman office, were shut out of the online systems that track incidents, disciplinary actions, grievances and other reports for inmates, children in the care of the state, as well as employees who work with what officials describe as vulnerable populations. It's the first time the offices created by the Legislature to provide oversight and offer transparency to state senators have lost access to those systems in the decade since they've been in existence, according to Julie Rogers, the state's public counsel. Less than a week later, on Aug. 22, employees of both the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Correctional Services were directed to refer any inquiry or request from the inspectors general to the legislative liaisons of their respective agencies. And, according to nearly identical letters from top lawyers at HHS and Corrections, if anyone from the Office of the Inspector General, the Ombudsman or the Office of Public Counsel showed up at an agency facility they should be denied entry "other than access that would be granted to any other member of the public." Instead, those inspectors general should be referred to the legislative liaisons to discuss requests for access, the letters state. The change in how the offices of the inspector general can access information from the agencies they are charged with performing oversight on comes on the heels of an opinion written by Attorney General Mike Hilgers at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Correctional Services. Hilgers, in the 38-page opinion, said the inspectors general's "untrammeled power to impede, control and access" information from other government branches violated the separation of powers clause in the Nebraska State Constitution. The letters circulated by HHS and Corrections did not detail how the change came about. But Gov. Jim Pillen, through a spokeswoman, called the attorney general's opinion "thorough and well-reasoned," but stopped just short of saying the governor directed the change. Spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor was "responsible for ensuring that agencies within the executive branch comply with the constitution and Nebraska's laws." "Since the issuing of the AG's opinion, the agencies have operated consistent with that responsibility," she said. Anthony Schutz, an associate professor of law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that while attorney general opinions are "entitled to substantial weight," justices have noted in multiple opinions across four decades that those opinions do not carry the authority of a judiciary decision. "In theory, it means these opinions ought not guide conduct until they've gone to the judiciary and the judiciary has made its determination," Schutz said. Still, the attorney general's opinion has had an immediate impact on how the state ombudsman's office does its work, said Rogers, who was appointed to the position by the Legislature in 2020. "We no longer have the ability to sift through what is accurate and what is not when an allegation comes to our attention through our intake process," she said. "We are now trying to figure out how to do our work without those systems. It's definitely slower." Rogers said what impact requiring the inspectors general to make an appointment with or reach out to a legislative liaison in either office will have on their ability to provide oversight to state lawmakers remains to be seen. "We do not yet know the full practical implications for continuing our work," Rogers wrote in a letter to the Legislature this week. Jennifer Carter, inspector general of Nebraska Child Welfare, and Doug Koebernick, inspector general of the correctional system, co-signed the letter. The abrupt changes have raised concerns among state lawmakers, including Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, who leads the Legislature's Judiciary Committee and has introduced several proposals aimed at reducing prison overcrowding in Nebraska. Wayne said the changes have made performing oversight "much more difficult." State senators and their staff can walk into any Corrections facility at any time, Wayne said. By that rationale, he said the inspectors general who he considers legislative staff members should be able to as well. "I'm not sure what's changed," he said. "Nobody can explain what's gone wrong." A group of state lawmakers plan to meet to address the situation next week, and it will likely come up when the Legislature reconvenes in January for its 60-day session. But what form any legislation will take as well as how the executive and judicial branches of Nebraska's state government respond to it remains to be seen. Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington, also a member of the Judiciary Committee who relies upon the inspectors general to help inform her work as a legislator, said she views the recent change made by the agencies as a stopgap measure until the Legislature can craft a more permanent solution. Inspectors generals should still be able to access the staff and facilities they are charged with performing oversight on, DeBoer said, even if they have to jump through an extra hoop to do so. She said the offices are important to current and future legislators, particularly at a time where turnover in the body is high and committees can have entirely new membership every few years. "I'm hopeful that we'll be able to find a solution that recognizes the need for the Legislature to have that expertise, especially in an era of term limits," DeBoer said. "That experience with Corrections is valuable to members of the judiciary." Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who oversees the state ombudsman's office as the chair of the Executive Board, echoed DeBoer, saying he's confident the Legislature can find a path forward that "will satisfy any constitutional concerns laid out by the attorney general." "All branches of government have a shared and common interest in ensuring these programs are ran in the best way possible," Briese said. But that requires all parties "to show a willingness to cooperate to some degree," he added. Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2023 By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a move that could elevate the nations military ties with Egypt, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday sent its contingent to participate in Exercise Bright Star-23, a biennial multilateral triservice exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt from August 27 to September 16. This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Exercise Bright Star-23, which will also see the participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar, the IAF said in a statement. The objective of the exercise is to practice planning and execution of joint operations. Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations, IAF added. The Indian Air Force contingent will consist of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAFs Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons, will participate in the exercise. The IAF transport aircraft will also provide airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army. President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, was the chief guest at Indias Republic Day celebrations in January 2023. In June this year, an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Al-Sisi. Under the framework of strategic partnership, India and Egypt are to strengthen their cooperation in the political, defence, security, energy and economic areas. India and Egypt have had an exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook the development of aero-engine and aircraft in the 1960s. The training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts. The relationship between the two civilisational countries was further strengthened with the recent visits by the Chief of Air Forces of the two countries and the Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt. The two countries have also enhanced their joint training with regular exercises between their Armed Forces. 150 Army personnel part of Indian contingent The Indian Air Force deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft and a group of its special forces personnel at a 21-day multilateral war game in Egypt that began on Sunday. It is for the first time that the IAF is participating in the exercise. The IAF contingent will consist of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAFs Garud special forces, and those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 squadrons will take part, the IAF said. Around 150 personnel from the Army are also part of the Indian contingent. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: In a move that could elevate the nations military ties with Egypt, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday sent its contingent to participate in Exercise Bright Star-23, a biennial multilateral triservice exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt from August 27 to September 16. This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Exercise Bright Star-23, which will also see the participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar, the IAF said in a statement. The objective of the exercise is to practice planning and execution of joint operations. Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations, IAF added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Indian Air Force contingent will consist of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAFs Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons, will participate in the exercise. The IAF transport aircraft will also provide airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army. President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, was the chief guest at Indias Republic Day celebrations in January 2023. In June this year, an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Al-Sisi. Under the framework of strategic partnership, India and Egypt are to strengthen their cooperation in the political, defence, security, energy and economic areas. India and Egypt have had an exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook the development of aero-engine and aircraft in the 1960s. The training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts. The relationship between the two civilisational countries was further strengthened with the recent visits by the Chief of Air Forces of the two countries and the Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt. The two countries have also enhanced their joint training with regular exercises between their Armed Forces. 150 Army personnel part of Indian contingent The Indian Air Force deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft and a group of its special forces personnel at a 21-day multilateral war game in Egypt that began on Sunday. It is for the first time that the IAF is participating in the exercise. The IAF contingent will consist of five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAFs Garud special forces, and those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 squadrons will take part, the IAF said. Around 150 personnel from the Army are also part of the Indian contingent. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Harpreet Bajwa and Ujwal Jalali By Express News Service CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is adamant about holding a Shobha Yatra in volatile Nuh on Monday in the face of the Haryana government denying permission for it. As a precautionary measure, the district administration has ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on the day, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and imposed prohibitory orders in the communally-sensitive district. It has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of four or more people in the area, till Monday. Referring to the Nuh violence that took place on July 31, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in Panchkula: Instead of the yatra, people can visit temples in their areas for jalabhishek, he said, adding it is the state governments responsibility to maintain law and order. According to a police spokesperson in Nuh, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the district. No outsider will be allowed to enter Nuh, said the spokesperson. All entry points to the district have been sealed and the road leading to the Malhar temple has also been closed, he said, adding the traffic on the KMP Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will continue. At least six people were killed, including two Home Guard personnel, while more than 80 people sustained injuries in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh on July 31. The violence quickly spread to Gurugram where a mosque was set on fire and its cleric brutally killed by an unruly mob. Meanwhile, Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said the administration denied permission for the yatra due to a meeting of the G20 Sherpa Group, due in Nuh from September 3 to 7. READ MORE: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is adamant about holding a Shobha Yatra in volatile Nuh on Monday in the face of the Haryana government denying permission for it. As a precautionary measure, the district administration has ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on the day, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and imposed prohibitory orders in the communally-sensitive district. It has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, prohibiting the assembly of four or more people in the area, till Monday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Referring to the Nuh violence that took place on July 31, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in Panchkula: Instead of the yatra, people can visit temples in their areas for jalabhishek, he said, adding it is the state governments responsibility to maintain law and order. According to a police spokesperson in Nuh, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas of the district. No outsider will be allowed to enter Nuh, said the spokesperson. All entry points to the district have been sealed and the road leading to the Malhar temple has also been closed, he said, adding the traffic on the KMP Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will continue. At least six people were killed, including two Home Guard personnel, while more than 80 people sustained injuries in the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh on July 31. The violence quickly spread to Gurugram where a mosque was set on fire and its cleric brutally killed by an unruly mob. Meanwhile, Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur said the administration denied permission for the yatra due to a meeting of the G20 Sherpa Group, due in Nuh from September 3 to 7. READ MORE: Nuh: Violence in the name of god & distortion of religious processions Never seen such mayhem since 1992, claim Nuh residents While bulldozers raze shanties in Muslim-dominated Nuh, no action against Bajrang Dal Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on Monday with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. While expressing an understanding of Russias decision, the PM thanked President Putin for Russias consistent support of all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency. Meanwhile, President Putin congratulated PM Modi on Chandrayan 3 success. The two leaders reaffirmed their willingness to have bilateral cooperation in the space sector, according to the Kremlin. ALSO READ | Putin to skip G20 Summit in Delhi, prepare for 'special military operation' The two leaders spoke about the significance of BRICS and Russias upcoming chairmanship from January 1st, 2024. They also spoke about the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi, according to a statement issued by the Kremlin. Meanwhile, aspects of Russian-Indian relations, steadily developing in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership, were touched upon. The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation were underscored. A mutual commitment to the consistent implementation of large-scale projects in the energy sector and joint work on the expansion of international transport and logistics infrastructure was expressed, said Kremlin. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on Monday with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While expressing an understanding of Russias decision, the PM thanked President Putin for Russias consistent support of all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency. Meanwhile, President Putin congratulated PM Modi on Chandrayan 3 success. The two leaders reaffirmed their willingness to have bilateral cooperation in the space sector, according to the Kremlin. ALSO READ | Putin to skip G20 Summit in Delhi, prepare for 'special military operation' The two leaders spoke about the significance of BRICS and Russias upcoming chairmanship from January 1st, 2024. They also spoke about the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi, according to a statement issued by the Kremlin. Meanwhile, aspects of Russian-Indian relations, steadily developing in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership, were touched upon. The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation were underscored. A mutual commitment to the consistent implementation of large-scale projects in the energy sector and joint work on the expansion of international transport and logistics infrastructure was expressed, said Kremlin. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Police have arrested a lecturer of Government Higher Secondary School in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district for beating a Class 10 student for writing Jai Shree Ram on the blackboard of his classroom. The principal of the school, who is still at large, have been suspended and an inquiry has been ordered against the duo. The student alleged that on August 25, the lecturer and principal of the school thrashed him after he wrote Jai Shree Ram on the blackboard. They [lecturer and principal] first beat me. They later took me to the office room, where I was thrashed again. They also kicked me, alleged the student, who reportedly sustained injuries and has been admitted to a hospital. The sub-divisional magistrate Bani Satish Sharma said the students father has registered a complaint alleging that the teacher and principal had beaten his son in the school. The locals staged a protest and demanded action against the erring teachers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SRINAGAR: Police have arrested a lecturer of Government Higher Secondary School in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district for beating a Class 10 student for writing Jai Shree Ram on the blackboard of his classroom. The principal of the school, who is still at large, have been suspended and an inquiry has been ordered against the duo. The student alleged that on August 25, the lecturer and principal of the school thrashed him after he wrote Jai Shree Ram on the blackboard. They [lecturer and principal] first beat me. They later took me to the office room, where I was thrashed again. They also kicked me, alleged the student, who reportedly sustained injuries and has been admitted to a hospital. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The sub-divisional magistrate Bani Satish Sharma said the students father has registered a complaint alleging that the teacher and principal had beaten his son in the school. The locals staged a protest and demanded action against the erring teachers. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: Three days ahead of the crucial meeting of the opposition parties in Mumbai, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday virtually opted out of the race for the post of the convener of the opposition alliance, 'INDIA'. Nitish, who is considered the architect of opposition unity and also a frontrunner for the post of INDIA's convener, told media persons in Patna, I don't have any personal desire to become the convener of the alliance. Other people will be appointed to the post. Nitish said, "I only want to unite all opposition parties and all of us contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election together," he added. The two-day meeting of opposition leaders is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from August 31. On Sunday, Nitish had claimed that more parties were likely to join the INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance) soon. 26 opposition parties held a meeting in Bengaluru last month, where the opposition's alliance was named, INDIA. The Mumbai meeting is considered a crucial one as the opposition parties would thrash out major issues like deciding the name of the convener of the alliance and also planning a strategy for how to share seats among the parties. Nitish Kumar revealed that more parties from northeast India, eastern states, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh were interested in joining the opposition alliance. He, however, did not name the specific parties, adding that these were all regional parties. He also said that all these opposition parties were opposed to the BJP government at the center. Nitish once again reiterated that he does not want anything for his personal gain, as he wanted to unite all the opposition parties against the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said the BJP leaders were giving irresponsible statements against him as they were nervous about his anti-BJP drive. I do not give any attention to their statements and there is also no need for it, he remarked. Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad had said that there would not be a single convener of INDIA but there would be multiple conveners. He had contended that each convener would be responsible for 3-4 states for better coordination. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PATNA: Three days ahead of the crucial meeting of the opposition parties in Mumbai, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday virtually opted out of the race for the post of the convener of the opposition alliance, 'INDIA'. Nitish, who is considered the architect of opposition unity and also a frontrunner for the post of INDIA's convener, told media persons in Patna, I don't have any personal desire to become the convener of the alliance. Other people will be appointed to the post. Nitish said, "I only want to unite all opposition parties and all of us contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election together," he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The two-day meeting of opposition leaders is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from August 31. On Sunday, Nitish had claimed that more parties were likely to join the INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance) soon. 26 opposition parties held a meeting in Bengaluru last month, where the opposition's alliance was named, INDIA. The Mumbai meeting is considered a crucial one as the opposition parties would thrash out major issues like deciding the name of the convener of the alliance and also planning a strategy for how to share seats among the parties. Nitish Kumar revealed that more parties from northeast India, eastern states, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh were interested in joining the opposition alliance. He, however, did not name the specific parties, adding that these were all regional parties. He also said that all these opposition parties were opposed to the BJP government at the center. Nitish once again reiterated that he does not want anything for his personal gain, as he wanted to unite all the opposition parties against the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He said the BJP leaders were giving irresponsible statements against him as they were nervous about his anti-BJP drive. I do not give any attention to their statements and there is also no need for it, he remarked. Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad had said that there would not be a single convener of INDIA but there would be multiple conveners. He had contended that each convener would be responsible for 3-4 states for better coordination. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Shahid Faridi By Express News Service Opposition Disunity Nitish grows restive for INDIA convenorship All is not well in the opposition INDIA alliance. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar eyes the post of INDIA convenor. The alliance meets in Mumbai on August 31, but there is no talk of appointing a convenor. Nitish was the first to bring the disparate opposition parties under one umbrella by meeting the leaders of different parties individually. He persuaded West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav to abandon the idea of a non-Congress front that Telangana chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao proposed. He also persuaded the Aam Aadmi Party to join the front that includes its arch-rival Congress. Undoubtedly the key figure in forging opposition unity, Nitish expects to be rewarded for his efforts with the post of convenor. Sources said Nitish is exerting pressure on his Bihar allies, Lalu Yadav and son Tejashwi Yadav, to persuade the Congress leadership to decide on the issue. The Congress, however, is not keen on putting one leader above the rest. Congress, party sources said, prefers a situation where the leaders of every party feel that each may have a chance to occupy the top post in the event of INDIAs victory in 2024. They said that parties would try and win the maximum possible seats to get a shot at the top job. But Nitish is not happy with this reasoning. The Bihar chief minister, who has followed a revolving door policy in his political alliances, is reportedly keeping all options open. AICC Reconstitution New Congress office-bearers likely next week Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge may end all speculations and announce his team of new office-bearers in the first week of September. Last week, he announced the new Congress Working Committee, the partys highest decision-making body. Now, he has to appoint general secretaries, secretaries, and heads of departments and cells. Sources said the party has finalised the names. Most current general secretaries will likely be retained, though there may be a few fresh faces. Kharges decision to keep the present treasurer, Pawan Kumar Bansal, out of the CWC, comprising 39 members, has triggered speculation about the latters fate. In the Congress organisational setup, the treasurer is the second-most important post after the president, and they nearly always find a place in the CWC. But not Bansal. He figures among the permanent invitees to the Working Committee. Congress circles are abuzz with talk of his imminent removal from the post. The successors names are already doing rounds. K C Venugopal, a close confidant of former president Rahul Gandhi, is likely to retain the post of general secretary (organization), considered the third most important post in the party. Intense lobbying is also on for the new post of general secretary in charge of election strategy and planning. The party has decided to create this department to oversee elections across the country. It will collect all election-related data, appoint booth committees and plan strategy for all state and national elections. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Opposition Disunity Nitish grows restive for INDIA convenorship All is not well in the opposition INDIA alliance. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar eyes the post of INDIA convenor. The alliance meets in Mumbai on August 31, but there is no talk of appointing a convenor. Nitish was the first to bring the disparate opposition parties under one umbrella by meeting the leaders of different parties individually. He persuaded West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav to abandon the idea of a non-Congress front that Telangana chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao proposed. He also persuaded the Aam Aadmi Party to join the front that includes its arch-rival Congress.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Undoubtedly the key figure in forging opposition unity, Nitish expects to be rewarded for his efforts with the post of convenor. Sources said Nitish is exerting pressure on his Bihar allies, Lalu Yadav and son Tejashwi Yadav, to persuade the Congress leadership to decide on the issue. The Congress, however, is not keen on putting one leader above the rest. Congress, party sources said, prefers a situation where the leaders of every party feel that each may have a chance to occupy the top post in the event of INDIAs victory in 2024. They said that parties would try and win the maximum possible seats to get a shot at the top job. But Nitish is not happy with this reasoning. The Bihar chief minister, who has followed a revolving door policy in his political alliances, is reportedly keeping all options open. AICC Reconstitution New Congress office-bearers likely next week Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge may end all speculations and announce his team of new office-bearers in the first week of September. Last week, he announced the new Congress Working Committee, the partys highest decision-making body. Now, he has to appoint general secretaries, secretaries, and heads of departments and cells. Sources said the party has finalised the names. Most current general secretaries will likely be retained, though there may be a few fresh faces. Kharges decision to keep the present treasurer, Pawan Kumar Bansal, out of the CWC, comprising 39 members, has triggered speculation about the latters fate. In the Congress organisational setup, the treasurer is the second-most important post after the president, and they nearly always find a place in the CWC. But not Bansal. He figures among the permanent invitees to the Working Committee. Congress circles are abuzz with talk of his imminent removal from the post. The successors names are already doing rounds. K C Venugopal, a close confidant of former president Rahul Gandhi, is likely to retain the post of general secretary (organization), considered the third most important post in the party. Intense lobbying is also on for the new post of general secretary in charge of election strategy and planning. The party has decided to create this department to oversee elections across the country. It will collect all election-related data, appoint booth committees and plan strategy for all state and national elections. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Opposition alliance INDIA is gearing up for its third crucial meeting in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1, which will set the tone for building a stronger strategy for the 2024 general elections. The agenda of the meeting involves setting up an 11-member coordination committee, deliberations on strategic issues including seat-sharing, shaping coalitions, and maximising anti-BJP votes at the state level. The meeting will also unveil a logo and is expected to formulate a common minimum programme for the group. Leaders from 28 Opposition parties, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and chief ministers of six non-BJP-ruled states will participate in the third meeting of the bloc. Senior leaders involved in back-channel talks said that setting up of the 11-member coordination committee and selecting a convenor for the group will be of utmost importance. The coordination committee will play a crucial role in seat-sharing talks among various parties and issues regarding leadership are also likely to be discussed, said a senior leader. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to be the agreeable candidate for the convenor post, said a leader. Though the INDIA bloc is yet to discuss a face for the 2024 elections, senior Congress leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel have pitched for Rahul Gandhi as the partys prime ministerial candidate. This may be the personal opinions of leaders. However, the leadership issue may figure in the meeting, said another leader. Significantly, the bloc is meeting for the first time after Rahul Gandhi was reinstated as an MP after getting Supreme Court relief in the 2019 defamation case. The Mumbai meeting also comes amid the growing tensions between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Both the parties were locked in a war of words after AAPs recent efforts to penetrate Congress-ruled states of Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, where polls are due this year. However, a senior leader said this wont be a hurdle. In states like Kerala, Punjab, Delhi and West Bengal, Congress will be in a direct fight with CPI (M), AAP and TMC. Though they fight each other in the state elections, there can be post-poll alliances. Even if they are rivals at state-level, all of them agree on the common goal of defeating the anti-democratic dispensation at the Centre, he said. More parties likely to join INDIA bloc, says Nitish Ahead of the meeting of Opposition leaders in Mumbai, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday asserted that more parties were likely to join the INDIA bloc in the near future. Kumar told media persons in Patna that parties from northeast India, eastern states, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were interested in joining the Opposition alliance. He, however, did not name the specific parties, adding that these were all regional parties. He said that all these parties were opposed to the BJP government at the Centre. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Opposition alliance INDIA is gearing up for its third crucial meeting in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1, which will set the tone for building a stronger strategy for the 2024 general elections. The agenda of the meeting involves setting up an 11-member coordination committee, deliberations on strategic issues including seat-sharing, shaping coalitions, and maximising anti-BJP votes at the state level. The meeting will also unveil a logo and is expected to formulate a common minimum programme for the group. Leaders from 28 Opposition parties, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and chief ministers of six non-BJP-ruled states will participate in the third meeting of the bloc.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Senior leaders involved in back-channel talks said that setting up of the 11-member coordination committee and selecting a convenor for the group will be of utmost importance. The coordination committee will play a crucial role in seat-sharing talks among various parties and issues regarding leadership are also likely to be discussed, said a senior leader. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to be the agreeable candidate for the convenor post, said a leader. Though the INDIA bloc is yet to discuss a face for the 2024 elections, senior Congress leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel have pitched for Rahul Gandhi as the partys prime ministerial candidate. This may be the personal opinions of leaders. However, the leadership issue may figure in the meeting, said another leader. Significantly, the bloc is meeting for the first time after Rahul Gandhi was reinstated as an MP after getting Supreme Court relief in the 2019 defamation case. The Mumbai meeting also comes amid the growing tensions between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Both the parties were locked in a war of words after AAPs recent efforts to penetrate Congress-ruled states of Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, where polls are due this year. However, a senior leader said this wont be a hurdle. In states like Kerala, Punjab, Delhi and West Bengal, Congress will be in a direct fight with CPI (M), AAP and TMC. Though they fight each other in the state elections, there can be post-poll alliances. Even if they are rivals at state-level, all of them agree on the common goal of defeating the anti-democratic dispensation at the Centre, he said. More parties likely to join INDIA bloc, says Nitish Ahead of the meeting of Opposition leaders in Mumbai, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday asserted that more parties were likely to join the INDIA bloc in the near future. Kumar told media persons in Patna that parties from northeast India, eastern states, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were interested in joining the Opposition alliance. He, however, did not name the specific parties, adding that these were all regional parties. He said that all these parties were opposed to the BJP government at the Centre. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit that concluded recently, said that his country is willing to send more cheetahs to India, as India was taking care of its feline population. We were pleased to donate cheetahs to India as you are a country that takes care of big cats, President Ramaphosa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that he was in the land of cheetahs. South Africa had sent 12 cheetahs to India in February this year. This was in addition to the eight big cats that were brought in from Namibia in November 2022. Out of this, nine cheetahs (including three cubs) that were released in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh have died. There are 15 surviving cheetahs in Kuno, including a female cub. Most of the deaths occurred due to bacterial infection, maggots, renal failure, injuries and heat. Meanwhile, according to an MoU signed between India and South Africa on January 26 this year, South Africa would facilitate the translocation of 100 cheetahs to India over the next decade. The plan is to translocate 12 cheetahs every year from South Africa, for the next decade. The terms of the MoU on cooperation in the reintroduction of cheetahs will be reviewed every five years, the agreement states. The death of the cheetahs has ignited speculation on whether Kuno National Park was the wrong choice for the cheetahs, as it doesnt suit the terrain the animals belong to. Kuno was initially considered for translocation of lions from Gir, but this proposal was shelved and then came the cheetahs. The total area in Kuno and the moist weather are not conducive to the cheetahs whose natural habitat is dry, said a source. There have been talks of relocating the surviving cheetahs to Mukundra Hills in Rajasthan. However, since the Mukundra Hills house tigers, there are concerns about a potential clash between Project Cheetah and Project Tiger. Meanwhile, PM Modi in Johannesburg had spoken about the Big Cat Alliance and suggested cooperation on the issue of big cats. Several species of big cats are found in the member nations of BRICS. Under the International Big Cat Alliance, BRICS nations can come together for their protection, Modi had said. India launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on April 9 in Mysuru for the conservation of seven big cats which include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. The alliance aims to reach out to 97 countries covering the natural habitats of these big cats. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit that concluded recently, said that his country is willing to send more cheetahs to India, as India was taking care of its feline population. We were pleased to donate cheetahs to India as you are a country that takes care of big cats, President Ramaphosa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that he was in the land of cheetahs. South Africa had sent 12 cheetahs to India in February this year. This was in addition to the eight big cats that were brought in from Namibia in November 2022.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Out of this, nine cheetahs (including three cubs) that were released in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh have died. There are 15 surviving cheetahs in Kuno, including a female cub. Most of the deaths occurred due to bacterial infection, maggots, renal failure, injuries and heat. Meanwhile, according to an MoU signed between India and South Africa on January 26 this year, South Africa would facilitate the translocation of 100 cheetahs to India over the next decade. The plan is to translocate 12 cheetahs every year from South Africa, for the next decade. The terms of the MoU on cooperation in the reintroduction of cheetahs will be reviewed every five years, the agreement states. The death of the cheetahs has ignited speculation on whether Kuno National Park was the wrong choice for the cheetahs, as it doesnt suit the terrain the animals belong to. Kuno was initially considered for translocation of lions from Gir, but this proposal was shelved and then came the cheetahs. The total area in Kuno and the moist weather are not conducive to the cheetahs whose natural habitat is dry, said a source. There have been talks of relocating the surviving cheetahs to Mukundra Hills in Rajasthan. However, since the Mukundra Hills house tigers, there are concerns about a potential clash between Project Cheetah and Project Tiger. Meanwhile, PM Modi in Johannesburg had spoken about the Big Cat Alliance and suggested cooperation on the issue of big cats. Several species of big cats are found in the member nations of BRICS. Under the International Big Cat Alliance, BRICS nations can come together for their protection, Modi had said. India launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on April 9 in Mysuru for the conservation of seven big cats which include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. The alliance aims to reach out to 97 countries covering the natural habitats of these big cats. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: After migrating from Uttarakhand a year ago, a tiger is returning to its native state after finding no protective shelter in four other states. The tiger left last year and is now returning to Uttarakhand after covering hundreds of kilometres from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Dr Saket Badola, Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, told this daily, This tiger, which migrated from Uttarakhand, is on a long-distance migration, evidenced by the photographs captured in the trap camera in the forest of Renuka in Himachal. The tiger may return to the Rajaji area once the water level of the Yamuna recedes, Rajaji Tiger Reserve Director Dr Badola said, adding that long-distance migration and safe return of the tiger through four states shows its genetic superiority. The Himachal Forest Department is constantly monitoring the movement of the tiger, he is completely healthy, Dr Badola added. Director Dr Badola said, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department officials have confirmed the sighting of the tiger in the trap camera. The return of the tiger to the forests of Himachal Pradesh shows that it is moving towards its previous habitat in RTR. According to sources in the tiger reserve, The tiger first crossed the Ganga through the Gauhari and Chilla ranges of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and reached the Motichur range of the reserve, after which it was reported in the Simbalwada Wildlife Sanctuary of Paonta-Renuka in February. In May, the tiger was reported to be in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana, Badola said. According to wildlife environment and forest ecology experts, The tendency of male tigers to migrate long distances in search of new habitat is seen as a good sign. Tigers often travel long distances in search of new habitats, during which they adopt if they find the new habitat safe from human intervention and have adequate availability of food and water and other survival criteria. If this is not the case, they return to their previous habitat, said Badola, director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. He added that the long and uninterrupted migration of the tiger through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana also indicates that the corridor passing through the four states is alive. Dr Badola, who is the brain behind encouraging the tiger population in Uttarakhand, which has the third largest tiger population in the country with 560 tigers in 53 tiger reserves in the country, said, Initially, the Uttarakhand forest department had installed camera traps after finding tiger footprints. After this, some more camera traps have also been installed by the Himachal Forest Department to monitor the tiger. Training has also been given to forest personnel by the Uttarakhand Forest Department to handle the situation in a better way. This is to avoid any inconvenience the big cat might face. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: After migrating from Uttarakhand a year ago, a tiger is returning to its native state after finding no protective shelter in four other states. The tiger left last year and is now returning to Uttarakhand after covering hundreds of kilometres from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Dr Saket Badola, Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, told this daily, This tiger, which migrated from Uttarakhand, is on a long-distance migration, evidenced by the photographs captured in the trap camera in the forest of Renuka in Himachal. The tiger may return to the Rajaji area once the water level of the Yamuna recedes, Rajaji Tiger Reserve Director Dr Badola said, adding that long-distance migration and safe return of the tiger through four states shows its genetic superiority.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Himachal Forest Department is constantly monitoring the movement of the tiger, he is completely healthy, Dr Badola added. Director Dr Badola said, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department officials have confirmed the sighting of the tiger in the trap camera. The return of the tiger to the forests of Himachal Pradesh shows that it is moving towards its previous habitat in RTR. According to sources in the tiger reserve, The tiger first crossed the Ganga through the Gauhari and Chilla ranges of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and reached the Motichur range of the reserve, after which it was reported in the Simbalwada Wildlife Sanctuary of Paonta-Renuka in February. In May, the tiger was reported to be in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana, Badola said. According to wildlife environment and forest ecology experts, The tendency of male tigers to migrate long distances in search of new habitat is seen as a good sign. Tigers often travel long distances in search of new habitats, during which they adopt if they find the new habitat safe from human intervention and have adequate availability of food and water and other survival criteria. If this is not the case, they return to their previous habitat, said Badola, director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. He added that the long and uninterrupted migration of the tiger through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana also indicates that the corridor passing through the four states is alive. Dr Badola, who is the brain behind encouraging the tiger population in Uttarakhand, which has the third largest tiger population in the country with 560 tigers in 53 tiger reserves in the country, said, Initially, the Uttarakhand forest department had installed camera traps after finding tiger footprints. After this, some more camera traps have also been installed by the Himachal Forest Department to monitor the tiger. Training has also been given to forest personnel by the Uttarakhand Forest Department to handle the situation in a better way. This is to avoid any inconvenience the big cat might face. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The Assam Rifles has sent a legal notice to Thounaojam Maheshwar, Republican Party of India (Athawale) national secretary, demanding an apology from him for allegedly disgracing the countrys oldest paramilitary force. According to the legal notice sent by advocate Nitin Khera of the Shillong Bar Association, Maheshwar had made certain false and baseless allegations against the Assam Rifles while holding a condolence meeting Condolence of Meitei Martyrs in Delhi on June 30. The RPI leader had allegedly stated: The villagers also reported that the Assam Rifles has been helping the Kuki militants in order to burn down that village defence force. That means the Assam Rifles has to (be) removed immediately from Manipur. He had allegedly also questioned the role of the Assam Rifles in the then two-month long ethnic violence. The legal notice said the Assam Rifles has been diligently serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security and development in various regions, including Manipur, and protecting the citizens and upholding the integrity of the nation, especially the Northeast. Any form of slander or disparaging comment against the organizationis not acceptableAlthough Manipur is not a notified area under AFSPA, the competent magistrate had specifically issued requisitions dated 03 May, 2023 and 05 May, 2023 for the armed forces to be deployed there for aiding in maintenance of law and order, the notice stated. ALSO READ | Manipur unrest: Tribal bodies call for postponement of Assembly session scheduled for August 29 It said the remarks made by Maheshwar were clearly intended to defame and discredit the Assam Rifles without any basis and that the same caused considerable harm to its reputation and standing in the public eye. your false claims and allegationsresulted in tarnishing the reputation of my client organisation in the society. It has, to a very large extent, discouraged and demoralised my client organisation whose members have been working diligently and sincerely for the good of the northeastern state and the country, the notice stated. It directed Maheshwar to tender a formal apology to the Assam Rifles which has to be published in prominent print and digital media outlets within 15 days, failing which the paramilitary force would be constrained to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against him. Further, it directed him to desist from making any further defamatory statements and remarks against the force. Defence sources said the Assam Rifles was deployed in Manipur after being requisitioned by the state. The sources said all actions carried out by the force are aimed at restoring normalcy. The sources added that the actions are fair, impartial and for the welfare of all communities. Meanwhile, members of Meira Paibi (Meitei women torchbearers) staged a sit-in at Keishampat in Imphal on Monday against the legal notice. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GUWAHATI: The Assam Rifles has sent a legal notice to Thounaojam Maheshwar, Republican Party of India (Athawale) national secretary, demanding an apology from him for allegedly disgracing the countrys oldest paramilitary force. According to the legal notice sent by advocate Nitin Khera of the Shillong Bar Association, Maheshwar had made certain false and baseless allegations against the Assam Rifles while holding a condolence meeting Condolence of Meitei Martyrs in Delhi on June 30. The RPI leader had allegedly stated: The villagers also reported that the Assam Rifles has been helping the Kuki militants in order to burn down that village defence force. That means the Assam Rifles has to (be) removed immediately from Manipur.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He had allegedly also questioned the role of the Assam Rifles in the then two-month long ethnic violence. The legal notice said the Assam Rifles has been diligently serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security and development in various regions, including Manipur, and protecting the citizens and upholding the integrity of the nation, especially the Northeast. Any form of slander or disparaging comment against the organizationis not acceptableAlthough Manipur is not a notified area under AFSPA, the competent magistrate had specifically issued requisitions dated 03 May, 2023 and 05 May, 2023 for the armed forces to be deployed there for aiding in maintenance of law and order, the notice stated. ALSO READ | Manipur unrest: Tribal bodies call for postponement of Assembly session scheduled for August 29 It said the remarks made by Maheshwar were clearly intended to defame and discredit the Assam Rifles without any basis and that the same caused considerable harm to its reputation and standing in the public eye. your false claims and allegationsresulted in tarnishing the reputation of my client organisation in the society. It has, to a very large extent, discouraged and demoralised my client organisation whose members have been working diligently and sincerely for the good of the northeastern state and the country, the notice stated. It directed Maheshwar to tender a formal apology to the Assam Rifles which has to be published in prominent print and digital media outlets within 15 days, failing which the paramilitary force would be constrained to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against him. Further, it directed him to desist from making any further defamatory statements and remarks against the force. Defence sources said the Assam Rifles was deployed in Manipur after being requisitioned by the state. The sources said all actions carried out by the force are aimed at restoring normalcy. The sources added that the actions are fair, impartial and for the welfare of all communities. Meanwhile, members of Meira Paibi (Meitei women torchbearers) staged a sit-in at Keishampat in Imphal on Monday against the legal notice. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp o9 Solutions has announced the launch of o9 Hyderabad, an expansion of its existing operations in India. Collaborating with the Telangana government, the company intends to establish a specialized Supply Chain Skills Academy aimed at making Hyderabad a premier talent hub for skilled supply chain management professionals to meet the growing global demand. The newly established o9 Hyderabad will serve as a center for expanding the companys Research and Development (R&D), Product Management, and Global Delivery operations in India. Presently, o9 operates across 17 offices spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, employing around 1,600 professionals in India alone. These skilled employees cover diverse functions such as R&D, Product Management, Implementation, and Customer Support, essential for the companys global operations.Additionally, leading Solution Integrators (SIs) and professional services firms are forming implementation practices, deploying thousands of consultants to cater to the software demand from global enterprises. Numerous large enterprises spanning various industries rely on o9s AI-powered Digital Brain platform to transform their supply chain, commercial, and integrated business planning processes. We have been especially impressed with the growth of Hyderabads infrastructure to absolutely world-class standards. Our fruitful conversations with the honorable Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr. K. Taraka Rama Rao, during his recent visit to Chicago reinforced our conviction that Hyderabad is the right place for o9 Indias next phase of growth. We are thrilled to be starting o9 Hyderabad immediately, said Chakri Gottemukkala, Co-Founder and CEO of o9 Solutions.Its an honor to have a world-class, fast-growing software company like o9 come to Hyderabad and grow this to be its hub for India operations and supporting global growth, said Mr. Kaivakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Commerce, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications of Telangana, India. Chakri and Sanjiv Sidhu, o9s Co-Founders, are not just exceptional entrepreneurs and foremost experts in supply chain technology, they also have deep Hyderabadi roots. As such, we look forward to partnering with them closely to help make Hyderabad and Telangana a hub for delivering world-class supply chain talent to global companies, Mr. KTR added. New Delhi, Aug 27 P rime Minister Narendra Modi while underlining that a profitable market can be sustained when there is a balance in the interests of producers and consumers, on Sunday suggested for a 'International Consumer Care Day'. He also said that treating other countries only as a market will not work. "A profitable market can be sustained where there is a balance in the interest of producers and consumers. This also applied to nations, treating other countries only as a market will never work. It will even harm the producing countries sooner or later," Modi said while addressing the B20 Summit India 2023 here. He said, "Making everyone equal partners in the progress in the way forward. There are many global business leaders here, can we all give more thought on to how to make business more consumer-centric. These consumers could be individuals or countries, their interest need to be taken care of as well." "Can we think of a yearly campaign for this? Every year, can global business leaders come together to dedicate themselves for the good of the consumers and their markets. We talk about consumer rights. The Consumer Rights Day is also celebrated across the world. Can we take the initiative for consumer care? ," Modi asked the business leaders. He further said, "Once we start celebrating the Consumer Care day, the environment will change with a positive signal. If we talk about the consumer care, then the issues related to rights, will automatically be solved. Therefore, International Consumer Care Day, I want you all to think on this. This will further strengthen trust between the consumer and the business." The Prime Minister elaborated that consumers are not confined to retail consumers within a particular geography but also the nations that are consumers of global trade, global goods and services. Referring to climate change, water security, cyber security, among others, the Prime Minister said, "These all puts an impact on business. We have to increase our efforts to tackle this." Talking about the challenges of cryptocurrencies, Modi said, "More and more integrated approach is required. For this, a global framework should be made in which all the stakeholders should be taken care of." Mentioning about the Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Prime Minister said, "Today the world is seeing excitement for AI. But, there are some ethical consideration, skilling and re-skilling. We have to unitedly solve this." "Global business communities and governments together have to ensure that ethical AI gets expand," Modi added. The Prime Minister also said, "As a business, we also have to focus on creating an ecosystem that will benefit us in the long term. Now, due to the policies implemented by India in the past few years, 13.5 crore people have come out of poverty in just 5 years. These people are the new consumers." "This neo middle class is also giving momentum to India's growth. That is, the net beneficiary of the work done by the government for the poor is our middle class as well as our MSMEs," Modi said. India holds an important place in building an efficient and trusted global supply chain, he added. Expressing happiness that B20 has emerged as a robust platform among businesses of G20 nations, the Prime Minister also stressed the need to focus on sustainability. He asked global business to move forward as sustainability, in itself, is an opportunity as well a business model. PM Modi pitches for International Consumer Care Day for strengthening trust between businesses, consumers Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Chennai, Aug 27 V eteran Tamil actress Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan celebrated their first Onam with their twin sons, Uyir and Ulag, whom they welcomed via surrogacy in October, 2022. Taking to Instagram, the veteran filmmaker shared the photos and captioned "First Onam with my Uyir & Ulagam. #GodBless. As the festival starts early here ! Wishing everyone in advance a very happy ONAM." The couple was all dressed in white while sitting, with everyone dressed up in traditional attire. The twins Uyir and Ulagam were wearing small dhotis with gold necklaces. Nayanthara donned a traditional Kasavu (traditional Kerala woven handloom cloth) salwar kameez for the festivities while Vignesh was seen wearing a Kasavu white shirt and dhoti. In the photos, the couple's twin sons are seen sitting in front of a traditional Onam sadya (traditional Onam meal) with lots of delicacies on banana leaf plates. The filmmaker also shared two photos of himself with Nayanthara which showcased their heartfelt romance and married life. He captioned the post "In our very simple, beautiful life!" "A beautiful, simple moment which feels special. ONAM festivities begin here with my Uyirs & Ulagamsss wishing everyone in advance a very happy ONAM." Onam is a traditional Kerala festival. Nayanthara began dating Vignesh back in 2015 after their collaboration in the film 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan', before getting hitched and tying the knot in a traditional ceremony in Mahabalipuram in 2022. Nayanthara is currently scheduled to act in the Atlee directed Shah Rukh Khan-starrer film 'Jawan' alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Sunil Grover. Vignesh last directed the Tamil film 'Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal' and recently provided the lyrics for the Rajinikanth- starrer film 'Jailer' song 'Rathamaarey'. Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan celebrate 1st Onam with twins Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Sunburn issue: Govt will not dance to tune of music festival organisers, says Goa Tourism Minister Panaji, Aug 27 A mid speculation that the Sunburn Music Festival will be shifted to Mopa, in close vicinity of the Manohar International Airport, this year, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Sunday asserted that the government will not dance to the tune of the festival organisers. "Music festivals should play music. We will not allow musical events to make the Goa government dance. There is a process for organising events. Whatever announcement they have made is for their best knowledgeBut Goa government is not in the mood to dance as per their wishes. They should know it first," Khaunte told reporters when he was asked about the Sunburn event. "Very clear thing people who are organising music festivals should not start thinking that they can make the government dance to their tune," he reiterated. Started in 2007 in Goa, Sunburn festival attracts thousands of music lovers - both from India and other countries - to the coastal state. This music festival takes place in December. Some locals from Mopa-Pernem in North Goa have opposed the alleged move of shifting Sunburn festival to their area. Sunburn issue: Govt will not dance to tune of music festival organisers, says Goa Tourism Minister Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Chennai, August 27 C ouple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan, on Sunday, celebrated their first Onam with their twins Uyir and Ulag. Taking to Instagram, Vignesh Shivan dropped several images from their traditional celebrations. All of them were dressed in ethnic wear. In the pictures, we can see the little ones enjoying the scrumptious Onam feast on banana leaves while they were dressed in white mundu. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwb8lqBRDT-/?img_index=1 "First Onam with my Uyir & Ulagam. As the festival starts early here! Wishing everyone in advance a very happy ONAM," Vignesh captioned the post. In the second post, Vignesh shared beautiful pictures with Nayanthara and the couple was seen sharing a special moment. He wrote in the caption, "In our very simple, beautiful life! A beautiful, simple moment which feels special. ONAM festivities begin here with my Uyirs & Ulagamsss, wishing everyone in advance a very happy ONAM." https://www.instagram.com/p/CwcB4W1NR9s/?img_index=1 Nayanthara wore a white salwar kameez for the festivities while Vignesh Shivan is seen wearing a white shirt and mundu. Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan married in Chennai on June 9, 2022. It was an intimate wedding with only their close friends and select guests, including Shah Rukh Khan, AR Rahman, Suriya, and Rajinikanth, in attendance. Four months after their wedding, they welcomed their sons via surrogacy. The news was shared by Vignesh on his Instagram handle where he shared pictures of his twin newborns named Uyir and Ulagam. Meanwhile, on the work front, Nayanthara will be seen sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in 'Jawan', which is all set to be out on September 7. A sneak peek into Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan's 1st Onam celebrations with sons Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Washington, Aug 27 F ormer US President Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants including his counsel Rudy Giuliani and Chief of Staff Mark Meadows would face the acid test on Monday as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will open the first details of her sprawling anti-racketeering case against them at a court hearing. For the first time Americans will see substantive arguments made in court about the four criminal cases brought against Trump this year and the subject of hearing -- Meadows' motion to shift his case to a federal court in an effort to have it thrown out. But the Meadows move could end up acting as a mini-trial that determines the future of Fulton County's case against the former President, media reports said. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, whom Trump telephoned in January 2021 to find 11,000 votes to reverse the victory Joe Biden, has been subpoenaed to testify, along with an investigator in his office and two other lawyers, who were present on the call. Meadows is a defendant in the case as he was also present on the call. Trump has said there was nothing wrong in his call as he had the right to question an election verdict. Trump might try to delay the proceedings set to start at Fulton County at 1000 hours, in a last ditch effort to stand trial in the indictment as he faces criminal charges in four cases while running his third presidential campaign. His legal calendar looks rather murky and dark as trial dates fixed and proposed extend well beyond May 2024, CNN said in a report. In the federal election subversion case, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan is expected to set a trial date on Monday as the former President attempts to delay proceedings until after the 2024 election. Special counsel Jack Smith's team has proposed a January 2024 trial including the jury selection as early as December. Trump's legal team has rejected it on grounds that Smith's timeline conflicts with the other criminal and civil cases in which the former president is a defendant. Trump's team proposed an alternative date April 2026, well after the presidential election. In the election subversion case in Fulton County, Georgia, two of the former President's allies -- Kenneth Chesebro, architect of the 'fake electors plot', and attorney Sidney Powell -- have requested a speedy trial, media reports said. The judge on Chesebro's trial scheduled the hearing to begin October 23, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis attempted to apply the date to all defendants in the case, including the former President. However, the judge made it clear that the trial date applies only to Chesebro. Trump's lawyers have informed the judge of their objection to club the former President's case with Cheesebro's saying they will attempt to separate the two cases to avoid the speedy trial. Two hearings are expected on Monday related to former President Trump's alleged election interference -- one in Fulton County District Attorney Willis' case and the other related to special counsel Jack Smith's January 6 probe. While both cases focus on the former president's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, here's how they differ How are the Fulton County case and the Federal January 6 case different? Jack Smith's team has accused Trump of trying to overrun the 2020 election, leading to the violence on Congress' Capitol on January 6, 2021 to coerce lawmakers to "delay the certification" of results in favour of Biden. Trump is facing four federal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty. If elected President and convicted in this case, Trump could potentially pardon himself, CNN said. In the Fulton County case, Trump and his accomplices are accused of orchestrating the so-called fake elector scheme including calls from the former President to elected officials to "find votes" and decertify the election that showed Trump was a loser. Willis has charged Trump and 18 others -- including his former personal lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows -- with 41 charges of felony. The charges focus on violating the state's anti-racketeering law, and the indictment claims the defendants worked as an "enterprise" to overturn the election result. Trump has been arrested and released on bond, but he has not yet been arraigned in this case, reports said. If Trump is convicted and also elected President in 2024, he would not be able to pardon himself or his allies in this case -- or dismiss the Fulton County prosecutors bringing the charges -- as it would be a state conviction, CNN said. Those facing the charges that will be opened in a federal court on Monday are Trump; Rudy Giuliani, Trump's lawyer; Mark Meadows, White House chief of staff; John Eastman, Trump's lawyer; Kenneth Chesebro, pro-Trump lawyer; Jeffrey Clark, top Justice Department official; Jenna Ellis, Trump's campaign lawyer; Robert Cheeley, lawyer who promoted fraud claims; Mike Roman, Trump's campaign official; David Shafer, Georgia GOP chair and fake elector; Shawn Still, fake GOP elector; Stephen Lee, pastor tied to intimidation of election workers; Harrison Floyd, leader of Black Voices for Trump; Trevian Kutti, publicist tied to intimidation of election workers; Sidney Powell, Trump's campaign lawyer; Cathy Latham, fake GOP elector tied to Coffee County breach; Scott Hall, tied to Coffee County election system breach; Misty Hampton, Coffee County elections supervisor; and Ray Smith, Trump campaign attorney . All, expect one, of the defendants have been bailed out on bonds ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 for Trump and Giuliani respectively. Harrison Floyd is in Fulton County jail as he could not arrange his bail in time. ash/sha Major test for Trump, accomplices as DA Fani Willis to unleash election racketeering charges Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Laos Cuts Power Supply To Crypto Mining Firms, Cites Production Concerns Source: Pixabay Electricite du Laos (EDL), the state-run power distribution company, has announced a major cut to crypto mining firms in the country, swerving from its pro-crypto stance since 2021. According to local news reports , the country cites several reasons for the sudden decision ranging from electricity production to climate concerns linked to how it produced electricity due to drought. The country suffered drought in the first half of the year coupled with rising temperatures triggering a higher consumption demand amid hydropower stations struggling to meet demand. The authorities noted that hydropower plants responsible for 95% of the countrys total electricity have been impeded by the recent drought causing a significant shift in priorities as it weathers the storm. The EDL seeks to increase its production and bolster output for export to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) ahead of the upcoming dry season. The head of EGAT has also underscored the need for Loas to bolster its production as a result of the drought which will significantly affect its exports. Another reason for the decision to part ways with crypto firms is the inability of firms to pay their debts amid huge investments by the country. In a recent interview, a staff of the EDL noted that a key reason was miners being unable to pay their outstanding balances. Despite the reasons cited, most crypto enthusiasts met the decision with displeasure in the wake of the recent bearish market outlook and miners struggling to stay afloat. A partnership turned soar; Laos cut ties with miners In September 2021, Laos took a huge leap to formally regulate crypto mining and trading including plans to offer incentives to firms that are licensed and operate in the country. The move was perceived as an attempt to make the country the next digital asset mining destination amid Chinas mining clampdown at the time. China shut down mining operations in several cities citing colossal energy consumption and climate concerns. Per the agenda, authorities in Laos approved licenses for six to trade and mine cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin ( BTC ), Ethereum ( ETH ), and Litecoin ( LTC ). Boviengkham Vongdara, Laos Communications and Technology Minister disclosed that the crypto firms to receive the incentives must be wholly owned by Laos and pay a $5 million security with the Bank of Laos. Crypto mining firms also received a minimum usage of 10 megawatts, renewable under a six-year contract including exemption from import and transmission fees by the EDL. The atmosphere around mining activities remains uncertain with several jurisdictions clamoring for a huge cut on electricity to miners after multiple reports have criticized the sectors high energy consumption. As legislators look to impose taxes on miners, pro-web3 commentators have pointed to the high energy usage of traditional finance companies and gaming firms. This year, the Biden-led administration proposed a 30% crypto mining tax citing climate and energy concerns on other users. On the flipside, the Sultanate of Oman has launched the second mining facility worth $370 million investing over $650 million in the sector after opening its Economic Free Zone with promises to prioritize the development of blockchain-based firms. Patricia Hruby Powell is the author of the award-winning Josephine, Loving vs Virginia and Struttin With Some Barbecue, among others. She teaches community classes at Parkland College. Find out more at talesforallages.com. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Omans Multi-Million Crypto Investments Trigger Sharia Compliance Discussion Image Source: Pixabay The Sultanate of Oman is continuing its push into the world of cryptocurrency with a series of multi-million-dollar investments. The country, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, aims to establish itself as a digital hub in a highly competitive region. The government has revealed plans to invest nearly $1.1 billion in cryptocurrency mining operations, according to a report from Forbes. This initiative aligns with our goal to diversify our economy, integrating modern technologies while upholding our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, Sheikh Mansour Bin Taleb Bin Ali Al Hinai, Chairman of Omans Authority for Public Services Regulations, said in a recent press statement. One of the significant investments was a $300 million deal with the Abu Dhabi-based engineering firm Phoenix Group. As part of the collaboration, the company will develop a 150-megawatt crypto-mining farm, known as Green Data City, which will be Omans first licensed crypto-mining entity. Set to launch in the upcoming year, the project marks a pivotal milestone in Omans journey to becoming a prominent player in the digital realm. Additionally, Exahertz International, in partnership with local authorities, has received approval for a $370 million crypto-mining farm and plans to deploy an additional 15,000 machines by October. Our project transcends the boundaries of traditional mining data centers. By synergizing purpose-built hardware, hyperscale abilities, and smart energy consumption, Jad Fredrick Kharma, the CEO of Exahertz, said in an interview. Were building a robust framework that is both innovative and sustainable, in line with Omans 2040 vision. Omans adoption of cryptocurrency aligns with the broader regional trend, as numerous countries in the Middle East are becoming increasingly open to the use of digital currencies. Omans Emrabce of Crypto Sparks Sharia Compliance Discussions Omans embrace of crypto has sparked discussions surrounding its compliance with Sharia law, which generally refers to correct Islamic behavior in regard to different matters, including financial activities. Islamic scholars are divided in terms of their opinion regarding the permissibility of cryptocurrency. Some scholars argue that the speculative nature of cryptocurrency deems it impermissible under Sharia law. This stance has been supported by influential Islamic groups in countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Indonesia. Conversely, proponents of cryptocurrency argue that it can be considered halal (permissible) because it does not involve the collection of interest, known as riba. Furthermore, the widespread acceptance of crypto as a form of currency strengthens the argument for its compliance with Islamic principles. Despite the ongoing debate among scholars, Muslim-majority nations have shown a remarkable adoption rate of cryptocurrencies in recent years. A report by Chainalysis in October 2022 highlighted the Middle East and North Africa as the fastest-growing crypto markets. Among the top twenty adopters were four Muslim-majority countries, along with other states with significant Muslim populations like India and Nigeria. Nevertheless, the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies in the Muslim world remains fragmented. While countries like the United Arab Emirates have positioned themselves as attractive destinations for crypto entrepreneurs, providing favorable environments for crypto-related businesses, others such as Turkey have imposed restrictions on cryptocurrency usage for payment and financial intermediaries. Among the accounts given to Danville police in reports of firearms being stolen: A man forgetting he left it on the toilet seat during a break from playing video poker at a gas station and a woman leaving hers in her unlocked car, parked in an unlocked garage. In a recent study posted to the preprint* server Research Square while under review for publication in BMC Medical Genomics, researchers investigate the potential causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the risk of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) during regular menstrual cycles. Study: A causal association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of heavy menstrual bleeding with regular cycle: A Mendelian randomization study. Image Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com *Important notice: Research Square publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. What is GERD? GERD is a widespread gastrointestinal issue characterized by chest burning and is often diagnosed through symptom evaluation and endoscopy. The chronicity of GERD is attributed to genetics, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and potentially female hormones. HMB, which impacts two to five out of every 10 women, significantly diminishes well-being and is linked to symptoms like nausea. The primary causes of HMB range from uterine problems and systemic disorders to certain medications. Notably, the connection between GERD and regular-cycle HMB remains underexplored, with some studies suggesting a potential role of estrogen in GERD symptoms. About the study The genome-wide association study (GWAS) database was utilized for obtaining data from numerous GWAS, from which summary statistics for GERD and HMB, both of European descent populations, were obtained. Specific statistical criteria were used to isolate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) associated with GERD, which led to the identification of 75 SNPs. These SNPs underwent further analysis to gauge their relevance to GERD and HMB. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to determine the correlation of each SNP to GERD and the association between these SNPs and the risk of HMB in regular menstrual cycles. MR analysis was also used to ascertain the causal relationship between GERD and HMB. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator were used to provide statistical analysis discerning the causality between GERD and menstrual cycles. Study findings A total of 75 SNPs were identified from GWASs on GERD for use as instrumental variables (IVs), with four SNPs excluded during data analysis. These SNPs had a positive association with HMB in regular menstrual cycles, which was supported by specific P-value and F-statistic criteria. Through the IVW method, evidence supporting a causal link between GERD and HMB during regular cycles was observed. However, the MR-Egger method, which was utilized to inspect potential directional pleiotropy, did not indicate a causal link. Conversely, the weighted median method suggests there might be a causal relationship; however, the results were inconclusive. Upon comparing the methods, the IVW method exhibited greater precision. Given the consistent direction across all models, the Mendelian randomization analysis suggests a potential causal link between GERD and HMB during regular menstrual cycles. There was no significant evidence of horizontal pleiotropy; however, potential signs of heterogeneity were identified. Notably, no single SNP dominated the IVW estimate. Even when considering potential biases in MR methods due to horizontal pleiotropy, both the funnel plot and MR-Egger regression showed consistent results, thus implying no evident asymmetry. Scatter plots of genetic associations with GERD against the genetic associations with HMB with normal menstrual cycles. The slopes of each line represent the causal association for each method. The blue line represents the inversevariance weighted estimate, the green line represents the weighted median estimate, and the dark blue line represents the Mendelian randomizationEgger estimate. Conclusions GERD is a complex disorder encompassing various syndromes intensified by gastroesophageal reflux. Given its widespread and persistent nature, GERD imposes a significant economic strain, from doctor visits to cancer monitoring. A previous Swedish study highlighted a relationship between body weight and GERD symptoms, thus suggesting the potential role of estrogen in GERD. While some women report nausea during menstruation, other studies have reported that increased sex hormones during pregnancy contribute to reflux. Due to confounding variables, traditional epidemiological studies face challenges in defining the causality between exposure factors and disease outcomes. Studies have noticed a connection between estrogen and GERD. Women typically display more GERD symptoms, whereas men experience severe complications. Such gender discrepancies might be estrogen-related. GERD also links with hormone replacement therapy and pregnancy, potentially indicating an association between estrogen levels and heavy menstruation. *Important notice: Research Square publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. A recent BMJ Oncology study screens the prevalence of prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in men based on age rather than prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Study: Prevalence of MRI lesions in men responding to a GP-led invitation for a prostate health check: a prospective cohort study. Image Credit: Peackstock / Shutterstock.com Background In men, the prevalence of prostate cancer is relatively common, with one recent study reporting that prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among men in the United Kingdom. In fact, as compared to the United States, France, Italy, and Spain, the U.K. has high age-standardized prostate cancer-specific mortality. The European Randomized Screening study for Prostate Cancer proposed that systematic screening can significantly reduce the prevalence of prostate cancer mortality. However, the introduction of screening programs based on PSA and standard transrectal biopsy has been associated with overdiagnoses, which ultimately leads to unnecessary continued monitoring or overtreatment, both of which increase healthcare costs. Although PSA and subsequent transrectal biopsy in the case of positive PSA is a widely accepted screening procedure, it is not an accurate method to assess prostate cancer. Consistent with this observation, the Cluster Randomized Trial evaluated more than 400,000 men in the U.K. and estimated similar all-cause mortality rates between screened men (PSA) and controls. One previous study reported that MRI can reduce unnecessary biopsies in men with increased PSA. Considering this observation, scientists previously explored whether age-defined MRI scans alone, irrespective of PSA, can be used to determine the prevalence of prostate cancer. The PROMIS study revealed that individuals with MRI lesions scoring four out of five were at a 50% increased risk of prostate cancer, whereas those with five out of five scores were at a 70% increased risk of prostate cancer. These findings indicate a positive association between histological score and prostate cancer incidence. About the study The ReIMAGINE prostate cancer screening study is a single-center cohort study designed to determine the possibility of developing a screening approach using PSA and MRI. Participants of the current study were selected based on the response of general physician (GP) invitation. Here, men between the ages of 50 and 75 without a history of prostate cancer were selected and subsequently subjected to a PSA blood test and screening MRI (sMRI). Two radiologists independently scored the MRI findings as positive or negative. Men with a positive sMRI or PSA density of at least 0.12 ng/mL were considered screen-positive. Screen-negative participants were excluded from the study. Screen-positive individuals were referred to the National Health Service (NHS) for further assessment for cancer. Study findings Of 2,096 men across eight GP practices invited for this study, 457 men responded. Notably, older men responded to the invitation to a greater extent than relatively younger men. A multivariable logistic regression revealed that, as compared to Black men, white men were more likely to respond to the invitation. Due to the limited availability of MRI, all eligible participants were not able to participate in the study, which led to a total of 303 men who were ultimately subjected to both screening tests. About 21% screened positive and were recommended to NHS for further assessment. Moreover, one in six men had a screen-positive MRI, whereas one in twenty men tested positive for PSA density alone. Most men with a screen-positive MRI had PSA levels less than 3.0 ng/mL. Additionally, fifteen out of twenty-five men with a positive MRI with clinically significant cancer had PSA levels less than 3.0 ng/mL. NHS assessments revealed that 9.6% of the screened men had clinically significant prostate cancer, while only 1% had clinically insignificant disease. Limitations The current study has some limitations, including its small sample size. Furthermore, because the scanning center was located in London, the study was limited for wider invitation spread. A better-advertised campaign would have increased the number of participants. The current study began before the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which subsequently paused participant recruitment between April 2020 and August 2020, after which the process restarted. However, many individuals avoided visiting healthcare facilities due to the pandemic. Conclusions The current study revealed that two out of three men with a positive screening MRI had PSA levels lower than 3.0 ng/mL. These findings indicate that MRI can be used to screen for prostate cancer risk independent of the PSA test. This MRI-based screening strategy could be used for primary assessment of prostate cancer. Since the PSA test is associated with certain limitations in accurately detecting men at risk for prostate cancer, this MRI method could be an effective alternative approach. In the future, the researchers emphasize the potential advantages of a community-based MRI delivery program using a mobile MRI scanner. Is the routine implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in myocardial infarction survivors with heart failure still an adequate therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death? The PROFID EHRA trial is set to answer this question in a large, multicentre, EU-funded study set to enroll the first patient this summer. The consortium of partners and colleagues involved in the trial, including the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), will meet during ESC Congress 2023 to discuss the start of the study. Myocardial infarction survivors with reduced left ventricular function are at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. ICDs detect and terminate ventricular tachyarrhythmias, thereby preventing sudden cardiac death. Trials conducted in the 1990s and early 2000s showed that ICDs reduced mortality in patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after myocardial infarction compared with medical therapy alone. Mainly based on these two trials, ESC Guidelines recommend ICD therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with an ejection fraction of 35% or less. In the last two decades, the medical management of patients with severely reduced LVEF has improved dramatically. Novel drugs were introduced that lower the risk of sudden cardiac death. As a result, rates of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure have declined and the delivery of life-saving ICD shocks has reduced. Therefore, the risk-benefit ratio of routine prophylactic defibrillator implantation in these patients warrants reassessment. The PROFID EHRA trial will be the first randomized adequately powered assessment of the potential benefit of ICD therapy in myocardial infarction survivors with reduced LVEF under contemporary optimal medical therapy. International chief investigator of the PROFID EHRA trial Dr. Nikolaos Dagres of the Heart Center Leipzig, Germany said: "A novel randomized assessment of the ICD benefit in these patients is urgently needed in order to close a significant evidence gap for a major aspect of clinical routine." The hypothesis of the trial is that in post-myocardial infarction patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced LVEF (35% or below), optimal medical therapy without ICD implantation is not inferior to optimal medical therapy with ICD implantation with respect to all-cause death within around 2.5 years of follow up. The potential of novel methods for personalizing risk prediction of sudden cardiac death will also be explored in two substudies on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genomics, which will be conducted in a subset of study sites, and in an artificial intelligence-based analysis of the 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) collected at baseline and during follow up. PROFID EHRA will enroll approximately 3,595 patients from 180 clinical sites in 13 countries. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 1) optimal medical therapy alone or 2) optimal medical therapy with ICD implantation. Primary outcome is all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes include death from cardiovascular causes, sudden cardiac death, hospital readmissions for cardiovascular causes, length of stay in hospital and quality of life. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be conducted. The study will last around 49 months, with results expected in early 2027. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung began his visit programme in Vietnam today by calling on the Ministry of Public Security and witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on co-operation concerning immigration matters between Hong Kong and Vietnam. In the morning, Mr Tang met Vietnams Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and introduced to him Hong Kong's latest situation. Both sides exchanged views on the collaboration of immigration matters and the safeguarding of public safety. They then witnessed the signing of the MOU by Director of Immigration Au Ka-wang and Vietnams Director General of Immigration Department Pham Dang Khoa on enhancing co-operation in respect of immigration matters linking the two places. The pact will enhance exchanges of experience and information in relation to immigration matters between both places in various areas, including detecting and seizing fake travel documents, as well as preventing and combatting illegal entry and exit. The two places will also strengthen co-operation on verification and repatriation of illegal migrants to enhance efficiency. Noting that the exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam in terms of trade and people-to-people connection have been increasing over the years, Mr Tang said the signing of the MOU signifies that their close relations have scaled new heights. He welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to travel to Hong Kong and do business in the city. He also expressed his hope that more young talent in Vietnam will pursue their studies in Hong Kong and stay to develop their careers after graduation. In the afternoon, Mr Tang had a meeting with the heads of the Department of External Security, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Foreign Relations under Vietnams Ministry of Public Security, and exchanged views with them on matters including anti-terrorism and the safeguarding of national security. In the evening, Mr Tang visited a Hong Kong enterprise's investment in Vietnam to learn about its operation and the local business environment. Apart from meeting some Hong Kong people in Vietnam to understand more about the socio-economic situation there, he also briefed the group about the latest developments in Hong Kong. Mr Tang will depart for Singapore tomorrow. Toyota India has launched the all-new Rumion MPV in a price range of Rs 10.29-13.68 lakh (ex-showroom) in the country. Available in six variants namely S MT, AT, G MT, V MT, V AT and S MT CNG, it is the rebadged version of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Toyota Rumion MPV deliveries will start from September 8 onwards in the Indian market. Toyota Rumion Price in India Grade Name Price in Indian Rupees S MT (Petrol) 10,29,000 S AT (Petrol) 11,89,000 G MT (Petrol) 11,45,000 V MT (Petrol) 12,18,000 V AT (Petrol) 13,68,000 S MT (CNG) 11,24,000 Making the announcement, Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President Sales and Strategic Marketing, TKM said, We feel deeply humbled and honoured by the overwhelming response in terms of customer enquiries that the All New Toyota Rumion has received. We are delighted to announce the commencement of bookings and the prices for the much-awaited All New Toyota Rumion that starts from Rs. 10,29,000. Delivery of the vehicles for the customer who book the All New Toyota Rumion, will commence from 8th of September 2023. Toyota Rumion Engine Specs The 7-seater MPV is powered by the tried-and-trusted 1.5L K-Series petrol engine with Neo Drive (ISG) technology and E-CNG technology. It returns mileage of 20.51 kmpl for the petrol variants while the lone CNG variant will deliver fuel efficiency of 26.11 km/kg. The MPV is offered with two transmission choices: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic unit. Toyota Rumion Features It is equipped with the 7-inch Smartplay Cast touchscreen audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The MPV also gets Toyota i-Connect which comes with a host of remote control features for climate control, lock/unlock, hazard lights and many more. As far as safety is concerned, the Rumion MPV boasts of 4-airbags, ABS with EBD, Engine immobilizer, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and more. Toyota Rumion Design It flaunts Toyota MPV signature grille upfront with a chrome-finished bumper. Riding on and machined dual-tone alloy wheels, the MPV is packed with LED tail lamps with back door chrome garnish. The cabin is finished in a premium dual-tone theme with wooden finish dashboard and door trims. In a move to expand the network and provide seamless air travel, the leading carrier in India Vistara is all set to start the non-stop flight service from Delhi to Maldives. While confirming the news, airlines said they will kickstart the direct flight service on above mentioned route from October 1, 2023. The report says the decision has been taken after witnessing a growing demand for the destination from Delhi. However, the Vistara already operates the direct flight from Mumbai. Vistara Direct Flight From Delhi To Maldives: Schedule and Timing Now, interested flyers from Delhi can book a direct flight to Maldives by visiting Vistaras official website. The same also can be done through any authorized third-party platform. Indulge in tropical vibes as you vacation amidst sun-soaked beaches, & awe-inspiring landscapes. Now fly to the Maldives daily from Delhi with return fares starting at INR 26999 all-in. Flights operating from 01-October-2023. Book now: https://t.co/iKR6tiM2fd#MaldivesOnVistara pic.twitter.com/aNE785OyRB Vistara (@airvistara) August 26, 2023 As per the details shared by Vistara, the service will be operated on a daily basis, where the flight named UK 0273 from Delhi to Maldives will depart at 10:45 and will reach the destination at 14:20. While on return, the flight named UK 0274 will leave from Maldives at 15:20, and will land in the national capital at 19:55. Which Aircraft Will Be Used For Delhi To Maldives Flight? It has been reported that after joining hands with Singapore Airlines and Tata Groups, the company decided to allow interested flyers to enjoy the improved air travel experience on this route, using A320neo aircraft. It will be operated in a three-class configuration that includes economy, premium and business. Check Vistaras CEOs statement About Newly Added Route Reacting about the newly added route in operations, Vistaras Chief Executive Officer Vinod Kannan said that the company is thrilled to introduce the non-stop flight connectivity between Delhi and Male. He said it is the second most beautiful beach destination on their routes list. In addition, he said the Vistara will not only provide an improved flying expirence to customers on their way to one of the most exotic famous holiday destinations, but also try to make better their existing bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Maldives. hedu Students and faculty have only recently returned to University of Virginia Grounds, but theres one thing that never left Charlottesville: COVID-19 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increase in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in recent weeks. Nationally, there were 12,613 hospitalizations between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12, according to the CDC. Thats a 21.6% increase over the prior week. In Virginia, there were 3.37 COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the week ending Aug. 19, according to the state Department of Health. Thats a 22% increase over the prior week. And while Charlottesvilles numbers are hard to come by and the state says they remain low, local doctors say they have seen an uptick in patients and there are likely even more going unreported. Despite the rise in hospitalizations, deaths remain incredibly rare locally, statewide and nationally: averaging in the low single digits week to week. The predictably unpredictable nature of the coronavirus isnt changing any time soon, epidemiologists say. I think the new normal is what were seeing right now, the continued anticipation that things will not be as predictable as we like, Costi D. Sifri, director of hospital epidemiology at UVa Health, told The Daily Progress. COVID-19 has been harder to track now that the pandemic has come to an end, data portals have been shut down and testing has become more accessible with at-home kits, according to Sifri. Its believed that the rate of unreported cases now exceeds the days when the pandemic first started. An inaccurate number of cases reported poses a potential risk for those who are immunocompromised by limiting the amount of information available. Understanding what the risk is for them is challenging, and if they have that information they may elect to make some behavioral changes that would reduce their risk to COVID, Sifri said. The UVa COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard stopped updating its data on March 8. Recent reports of cases come from physicians receiving calls from patients who have coronavirus and an uptick in employees who have called out sick, according to Sifri. I think were seeing an increase in COVID, and I dont want to call it a spike that may be a little bit of hyperbole at this point but I think its undeniable that were seeing more COVID, Sifri said. An increase in the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at UVa has been reported, according to Sifri. It is not a huge increase, though still one worth noting. For much of the summer and including up until the start of this month here in August weve averaged about two to three patients in the hospital with COVID at any given time, Sifri said. The current number of those hospitalized with COVID-19 sits around 12 patients, according to Sifri. Most are not hospitalized due to COVID. They have COVID and they may have symptoms, but theyre in the hospital for other reasons, Sifri said. But weve had individuals who are here in the hospital and are here primarily because of having a COVID infection that has led to their hospitalization. COVID-19 has mutated a number of times since it first arrived in the U.S. in 2020. New variants are expected to continue to emerge with some disappearing and others spreading and replacing preceding variants, according to the CDC. A more recent variant discovered by the CDC is BA.2.86, according to a Wednesday update. Existing medications and tests appear to be effective with the variant. People at higher risk for COVID-19 should stay up to date with the most recent information, according to Sifri. Masking and other precautionary measures are based on an individualized risk assessment, though it should be emphasized that masking does works. What we found with widespread mask use is that other respiratory illnesses, influenza and also RSV infections really plummeted and essentially went away when people were masking, social distancing and doing the things to protect themselves from COVID, Sifri said. Cases of RSV and flu peak between December and February, according to the CDC. Taking a holistic approach with respiratory viruses may help to decrease cases, according to Sifri. We are also watching closely to see what happens with the flu season and the RSV season. We had significant challenges last year, but we feel that if those are challenges as well, then the way we use to protect ourselves from COVID, things like masking, will also be beneficial to prevent transmission of flu and RSV, Sifri said. The Reliance Foundation has so far touched the lives of 70 million Indians across the smallest towns and remotest villages of the country, the foundations Chairperson Nita Ambani said at the 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on Monday. I represent the beating heart of Reliance, our beacon of empowerment and transformation the Reliance Foundation. For us, business and philanthropy complement and reinforce each other because both are guided by the same spirit of We Care. Together, they multiply the impact of everything we do in terms of improving lives of millions of Indians, especially those belonging to underprivileged and marginalised sections of our society, she said. According to a company statement, the RIL Board of Directors on Monday accepted Nita Ambanis resignation, respecting her decision to devote her energies and time to guide and enable Reliance Foundation to make an even greater impact for India. Introducing his wife and Reliance Foundation Chairperson at the event, RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani said: I am very proud of the work Reliance Foundation (RF) has been doing under the leadership of Smt Nita Ambani. Be it in the use of technology or being amongst the first to provide relief to those affected by disasters, or working with partners, our Reliance Foundation teams are working tirelessly to make lives better for millions of Indians. Sharing the milestones achieved by the Reliance Foundation this year, Nita Ambani chose to start with a project close to my heart. In April this year, we opened the doors of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. For a long time, Mukesh and I had nurtured a dream that India should have a world-class cultural centre. NMACC is a realisation of that dream. It is an ode to our great nation, a tribute to our artistic heritage, and a dedication to all young Indians. Our vision is to showcase the best of India to the world and bring the best of the world to India. Over the last five months, we have worked hard to live up to that vision. Since the opening of #NMACC, we have welcomed over 20 lakh visitors. Will support 50,000 students through Reliance foundation over next 10 yrs, says Nita Ambani at the 46th AGM of Reliance IndustriesHere's more #RelianceAGM #RelianceIndustries #RelianceAGM2023 #NitaAmbani pic.twitter.com/Gu0j929s4b CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) August 28, 2023 We started with our very own production The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation and followed it up with iconic Broadway musical The Sound of Music. We hosted maestros of Indian arts like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Pandit Kartick Kumar. At the AGM, Nita Ambani said that the NMACC has so far welcomed over 20 lakh visitors. Featuring arts like Pichwai and Pattachitra; weaves like Benarasi, Paithani, Patola; crafts like Kashmiri carpets and shawls, and blue pottery, Swadesh spotlights the spirit of Make in India and offers respect and sustenance to our skilled craftsmen and women. These artisans truly are the pride of our country. Announcing a new initiative, the Reliance Foundation Skilling Centres for Artisans, Nita Ambani said the digitally enabled capacity building programme will transform the crafts sector by creating attractive livelihoods and raising the social prestige of Indian artisans across the country. Talking about the Reliance Foundations initiatives for children, the Chairperson said the flagship Dhirubhai Ambani International School continues to be amongst the Top IB Schools globally, and the No. 1 International School in India for 10 consecutive years. We are now eagerly looking forward to opening our new school, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School. Led by my daughter Isha, this new school is envisioned as a model school of the future with an Indian soul. As a teacher myself, I know that teachers are at the heart of driving education, she added. Last year, we celebrated the 90th birth anniversary of our Founder Chairman and my father-in-law, Shri Dhirubhai Ambani. As a tribute to Papa, we have made a commitment to support 50,000 students through Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships over the next 10 years. We are pleased to have awarded 5,100 scholarships this year. DISCLAIMER: Network18 and TV18 the companies that operate News18.com are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary. Reliance AGM 2023: On Monday (August 28, 2023), Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is scheduled to conduct its annual general meeting (AGM), a significant occasion known for yielding substantial announcements according to investor and analyst anticipation. Reliance AGM 2023 LIVE: Jio, Retail IPO Updates To 5G Plans, Devices: Heres What All To Expect Notice calling the 46th Annual General Meeting (Post-IPO) (AGM) scheduled to be held in compliance with applicable circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Securities and Exchange Board of India through video conferencing/other audio visual means on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 2:00 pm IST, RIL had said in a public notice. Reliance Industries Ltd RIL AGM Time And Date The Reliance Industries Limited annual general meeting will be held on August 28, 2023, i.e Monday at 2 pm Indian Standard Time. Reliance AGM 2023 Date: August 28, 2023 Reliance AGM 2023 Time: 2 pm RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani will address the meeting, which will be held via video conferencing. Reliance AGM 2023: Where To Watch LIVE The 46th annual general meeting of Reliance Industries Limited will take place via video conferencing. The annual general meeting can be joined via video conferencing (VC) or other audio-visual methods. Investors have the option to utilize the provided link: https://jiomeet.jio.com/rilagm/. RILs chairman & MD Mukesh Ambanis speech will be made available on the following sources; Jio Meet Link: https://jiomeet.jio.com/rilagm/joinmeeting Click on OTHERS, enter your FULL NAME & ORGANISATION, and CAPTCHA CODE that will appear on your screen, to join the AGM. Access will be available from 30 minutes before scheduled time of AGM. RTMP Url: Direct Receive Primary Stream Link rtmp://136.233.57.194:1935/event/RILAGM2023 Secondary Stream Link rtmp://115.241.69.102:1935/event/RILAGM2023 YouTube Reliance Updates Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RelianceUpdates Playback URL: https://youtube.com/live/I2OV4qbaurU Jio Channel: https://www.youtube.com/jio Playback URL: https://youtube.com/live/aQNZvj0Q8iQ Facebook Reliance Industries Limited Page: https://www.facebook.com/RelianceIndustriesLimited Playback URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/997149691555558/ Jio Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jio Playback URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/206530869074918/ X @FlameOfTruth (https://twitter.com/flameoftruth) @RelianceJio (https://twitter.com/reliancejio) Playback URL: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1jMJgLkEvlOxL Instagram @RelianceUpdates (https://www.instagram.com/relianceupdates) @RelianceJio (https://www.instagram.com/reliancejio) This AGM marks the inaugural occurrence since the Jio Financial Services IPO was listed on the stock market. The IPO was introduced last Monday but experienced a decline during its initial trading. RIL AGM 2023: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) on Monday, August 28, said its RIL board has recommended appointment of Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani on its board of directors. Nita Ambani to step down from the RIL board to continue as chairperson of Reliance Foundation. Addressing the companys 46th annual general meeting, RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani said, RIL has cumulatively invested more than $150 billion in the last 10 years, higher than any corporate in India. He said RILs consolidated revenues stood at Rs 9,74,864 crore, its Ebitda in FY23 was Rs 1,53,920 crore and net profit was Rs 73,670 crore, says Mukesh Ambani during 46th AGM. The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held today, on the recommendation of the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, considered and recommended to the shareholders appointment of Isha M. Ambani (DIN: 06984175), Akash M. Ambani (DIN: 06984194) and Anant M. Ambani (DIN: 07945702) as Non-Executive Directors of the Company with effect from the date of assumption of office after approval from shareholders, RIL said in a regulatory filing. It added that the three nominees satisfy the criteria of directorship as prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. ISHA M AMBANI Isha M Ambani is part of the executive leadership teams as a Member of the Board at Reliance Retail Venture Ltd, Reliance Jio and Reliance Foundation (RF), Reliance Foundation Institution of Education and Research, and Dhirubhai Ambani International School. She has been driving the expansion of Reliance Retail into new categories, geographies and formats and is focused on enhancing the overall customer experience. Isha Ambani is also actively involved in the work done by Reliance Foundation. Isha Ambani graduated from Yale University with a double major in Psychology and South Asian Studies and is also an MBA from Stanford University. AKASH M AMBANI Akash M Ambani has served as the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) since June 2022. He was earlier serving as non-Executive Director on RJIL board since October 2014. He also serves on the Board of Jio Platforms Limited, Reliance Industries digital services business. At Jio, he spearheads the creation of products and services that leverage new-age technologies like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and the Internet of Things to bring about a generational shift in commerce, education, and healthcare across India. Under his leadership, Jio crossed the 100 million subscriber mark in less than six months of its launch in 2016, and today serves over 450 million customers. He is part of the RJIL Executive Committee, the governing and operating council. He is also a member of the Product Leadership Group and is closely involved in the development of products and all digital services applications. In addition to the digital services business, Akash Ambani has been part of the leadership team of Reliance Industries retail businesses serving on the Board of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited as a Director since October 2014. Akash Ambani received a Bachelors in Economics from Brown University, USA. ANANT M AMBANI Anant M Ambani has served as a Director on the Boards of Jio Platforms Limited since March 2020, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited since May 2022 and Reliance New Energy Ltd and Reliance New Solar Energy Ltd since June 2021. He has also served on the Board of Reliance Foundation since September 2022. Anant Ambani is driving the expansion of energy and materials businesses of Reliance Industries and its global operations in renewable and green energy. Under his leadership, Reliance aims to become a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035 by building world-scale capabilities in the production of clean fuels and materials of the future, developing next-generation carbon capture and storage technologies, creating holistic and circular materials businesses, and maximising crude to chemicals conversion. He is also keenly involved in various employee engagement initiatives to bring in a young and vibrant culture. He has been intensely passionate about animal welfare from a very young age and is currently involved with several compassionate initiatives to rehabilitate at-risk animals and providing them care and dignity in their residual life. Anant Ambani received his Bachelors degree from Brown University, USA. Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, on Monday addressed the 46th Annual General Meeting. During the event, the RIL Chairman made a slew of key announcements. Those for those who want to watch the Reliance AGM 2023 can watch it by clicking here. This AGM closely follows the listing of Jio Financial Services and Qatar Investment Authoritys purchase of a stake in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL). While chairman Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate is set for its 46th AGM, investors have been eagerly waiting for announcements on the timeline Now is the time for everyone in the business community to work together as a grand coalition to transform India into a fully developed nation by 2047, said Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani on Monday while addressing the companys 46th annual general meeting (AGM). The new Reliance has been a forerunner of the emerging new India, he said. With soaring ambition, we have set seemingly impossible goals and achieved them. This is evident from the fact that Reliance has cumulatively invested more than $150 billion in the last 10 years higher than any other corporate in India, and comparable to the leading businesses across the world," Ambani said. RIL has shown a ceaseless spirit of innovation by offering customers products and services of the highest quality at prices among the lowest in the world, he said. This can be seen from the fact that Reliances businesses and philanthropic initiatives have enhanced the quality of life as well as the ease of living of hundreds of millions of Indians, Ambani added. We have shown impeccable execution capabilities by consistently delivering on all our plans. This can be seen from the fact that Reliance has executed its projects however big, complex, and difficult well before time, and at lower costs than global benchmarks," he said at the RIL AGM 2023. The best way to describe this new Reliance is that it has now become a new-age technology company with distinctive capabilities, said Ambani. Today we are a net producer of technology, a large-scale deployer of technology, as well as a democratiser of technology," he said. These achievements are a testament to our faith in India, to the unlimited India opportunity, and to the boundless Indian talent." What is true about Reliance is equally true about scores of other Indian enterprises leading corporates as well as start-ups, said Ambani at the RIL AGM 2023. I hugely admire their brilliant achievements. They too have made India proud by enhancing our nations fame globally with their spectacular growth, commitment to quality and passion for innovation," he said. Now is the time for all of us in the business community to work together as a grand coalition to transform India into a fully developed nation by 2047 a prosperous India in which no Indian and no region will be left behind." DISCLAIMER: Network18 and TV18 the companies that operate News18.com are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will issue the state NEET PG counselling 2023 round 1 seat allotment result today, August 28. Once it is declared, candidates can access the allotment result by visiting the official website of KEA at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The Karnataka NEET PG seat allotment result is expected to be released after 8 PM. The Karnataka NEET PG 2023 counselling round 1 seat allotment result will mention details like NEET PG 2023 rank, allocated college and programme, along with the reporting date and time to the college. It is to be noted that the seat allotment result will be available in a pdf format. Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2023 Round 1 Seat Allotment Result: How To Download Step 1: Go to the Karnataka Examinations Authoritys official website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Step 2: Look for the Counselling or NEET PG Counselling section on the homepage. Step 3: Then search for the Karnataka NEET PG Round 1 Seat Allotment Result link. Step 4: The seat allotment result will appear in pdf format. Step 5: Look for the NEET PG 2023 rank. Also, check the college and course allotted. Step 6: Candidates must note down the date and time printed in the seat allotment result for reporting to the college. All those candidates who have been assigned seats must follow the reporting to the college process. Students must visit the college on the specified date and time, along with their original documents. The reporting to allotted colleges will take place from August 29 to 31, as per schedule. Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2023: List of Documents Required NEET PG 2023 admit card NEET PG 2023 mark sheet Qualifying degree certificate Caste certificate (if applicable), Transfer certificate (for in-state candidates) Migration certificate (for out-of-state candidates). The Karnataka NEET PG Counselling 2023 consists of two rounds, followed by a mop-up round. The first round is for state quota seats, and the second round is for all India quota seats (AIQ). The mop-up round will be aimed at filling vacant seats. According to the schedule, the mop-up round registration will start from September 6 to 9. While the reporting to the college is scheduled from September 17 to 19. The United Kingdom granted 1,42,848 student visas to Indian nationals in June 2023. It increased by 54 per cent (49,883 more visas granted) since June 2022. Indian students accounted for one-third of all sponsored study funds awarded to major applicants, the greatest proportion of any nationality, according to the Indian Express. Grants to study for Indian nationals have risen markedly since the year ending June 2019 and are now around 7 times higher, an official report published by the Home Office, Government of UK stated. For the year ending June 2023, there were 4,98,626 sponsored study visas that have been granted to main applicants, i.e., 23 per cent more than in the year ending June 2022 and double (+108 per cent) the year ending June 2019, prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the report added. Chinese nationals were the second most popular nationality to be given a sponsored study visa, with 1,07,670 visas granted. Students from China and India accounted for half of all sponsored study grants. Meanwhile, Nigeria was third, Pakistan was fourth, and the United States (US) stood fifth. Sponsored study visa holders are permitted to bring their partners and children to the United Kingdom as dependents. According to the data, dependents of students received 24 per cent of all sponsored study-related visas 1,54,063 dependent visas were awarded. Furthermore, dependents of students from India and Nigeria received 72 per cent of all dependent visas issued. Nigeria has the most dependents (67,516 in total), followed by India (43,552). The rise in the number of dependents corresponds to the rise in the number of primary applications. Additionally, sponsored study extension visas nearly increased (98 per cent) to 66,495 in June 2023. China accounted for two-fifths of all sponsored study extensions, with India coming in second with 9,153 visas, accounting for over 14 per cent of the total. According to the data obtained, the total number of dependents and the fraction of all sponsored study-related visas given to dependents have increased since 2019. As per the most recent data, students going to study at a higher level in the UK are more likely to already have established a family. The total number of CAS utilised in a study visa application in the fiscal year ending June 2023 was 500,366a 29 per cent increase over the fiscal year ending June 2022. Also, as per the recent figures, higher education increased by 30 per cent while all other institutions increased by 22 per cent. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a one-of-a-kind number that certifies your acceptance to a course of study in the United Kingdom. Studying abroad can be financially challenging for many meritorious students who often opt out due to the expensive course fee, visa charges, accommodation and food expenses. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams. News18 Scholarship Guide brings the best and most prestigious grants for Indian students to study abroad, with most of them covering flight tickets, accommodation and course fee; and some also providing stipend. Where there is a will, there is a way an associate professor at a university in Tamil Nadu, who bagged the Fulbright scholarship in his third attempt, has proved that persistence plays a key role in achieving a desired result. Balasubramani K, 42, who teaches in the Department of Geography at the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), had applied for the scholarship twice before but could not get through. I came to know to about Fulbright when I read about it online. I applied for the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence (FNAPE) scholarship twice in 2021 and 2022. Both times (I) received the regret mail. This year, my host wanted me at the US and he applied for me for the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence. He proposed me as scholar. His proposal was selected among the US institutions and I was invited, Balasubramani said. His research revolves around studying geographical conditions such as disaster risk and spatial analysis, and reducing any loss to farming. ALSO READ: Scholarship Guide | Top 8 Govt & University Grants That Will Help Fulfil Your Dream to Study in US Balasubramanis passion for his research has kept him motivated all these years despite a few setbacks. Had he not been selected, he would have continued his search for the right scholarship, he told News18. The associate professor has applied for dozens of fellowships in India already. He has received research grants from DST, SERB, ICMR, ICSSR and UGC. The academician has already published over 50 research articles on topics such as remote sensing, earth science, and public health in reputed journals. He is also a recipient of the Young Geographer Award by the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), and the Young Scientist Fellowship by TNSCST (Tamil Nadu government). Yet, he says finding a supportive host institute was the toughest part of the grant. Finding a very supportive host at a US institution and writing a proposal are the toughest parts. Submission of proposal online (at Fulbright) is easy compared to other grants/fellowships, he explained. ALSO READ: Scholarship Guide | Studying in UK Can Be Affordable, Less Daunting; News18 Brings You Top 10 Grants The professor advised the researchers to focus on the purpose behind their research. The purpose of the research is more important than quality. Sometimes, quality is not that sound, not even published, but it serves the purpose or solves the problem. In India, we do research mostly to attain a degree or for promotions. We have systems to improve the quality but the systems are just a paper work or evidence. His doctoral research has shed important insights into the potential of geospatial technologies in preparing sustainable agricultural development plans. Life After Fulbright As a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, Balasubramani will represent CUTN as he joins North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as a visiting scholar from August 2023 to May 2024. Out of 28 countries, Balasubramani is among 44 distinguished scholars selected for the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence program (2023-24). ALSO READ: Scholarship Guide | Shah Rukh Khan, JN Tatas Among Top 8 Grants to Study in Australia He will teach a course on remote sensing at NCCU, besides mentoring student projects and working with the sustainability group of the university on geospatial technologies in agriculture. I will also deliver a series of lectures in the departments of NCCU and local institutions, and interact with the students on the effective utilisation of geospatial techniques for sustainable agriculture, the professor said. His quest of learning does not stop here, after completing his scholarship, he plans to apply for different visiting fellowships and continue to do academic and interdisciplinary research work in the fields of physical geography, disaster risk and spatial analysis. Balasubramani has completed his Masters and Ph.D. from Madurai Kamaraj University. Before joining CUTN in 2017, he was a faculty at Madurai Kamaraj University (2009-11) and Bharathidasan University (2011-17). He has also worked as a visiting researcher at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in 2019. ALSO READ: Scholarship Guide | 6 Grants That Make Europe Affordable Study Destination for Indian Students The United India Insurance Company Ltd (UIIC) released an official notification for at least 100 posts of Administrative Officer (scale-1) Specialist. The last date to apply for these vacancies is September 14. The process commenced on August 24. Interested applicants may visit the official website: www.uiic.co.in. Important dates: Applications commenced on August 24. The last date for applications is September 14. Age criteria: The minimum age is 21 years while the maximum is 30 years. Age relaxation as per the governments relaxation policies. Application Fees: For the general category: Rs 1000 (inclusive of taxes and service charges) For ST/SC/PwBD/permanent employees of the company: Rs 250 (ST: schedule tribe; SC: schedule caste; PwBD: person with benchmark disability) Vacancies: Legal Specialist: 25 Accounts/Finance Specialist: 24 Company secretary: 3 Actuaries: 3 Doctors: 20 Engineers (civil/automobile/mechanical/electrical and electronics/ECE/computer science/information technology/information science): 22 Agriculture Specialist: 3 Education Qualification: Educational qualification will be based on the posts applied for. Visit the official website for further details. Applicants must have a degree from an authorised university or institute in India and must know how to use computers. Application Process: Visit the official website, uiic.co.in. Register yourself or login to your existing account. You need to use your registration ID, password, and security code. Fill out the application form with the required details. Upload the required documents. Pay the application fees. Submit the form and take a printout. Selection process: Written examination. Interview A written examination will not be held for the doctors post and the selection will be based on an interview. Salary: The salary will range from Rs 50,925 to Rs 96,765. Additional information: Applicants are required to visit the official website for regular updates. Applicants must provide a valid email ID while registering, as all updates regarding the vacancies will be forwarded via email. Mobile phones or any other electronic devices will not be allowed at the examination centres. Applicants providing fraudulent information regarding verification will be considered a punishable offence. Candidates choosing any unfair means will be automatically disqualified. The company will not accept any personal references or agency connections with any individual. Applicants must be certified medically fit for further processing. Official notification EMPLOYMENT_NOTICE_23-8-23_v1.pdf (adda247.com) Application link Recruitment of Administrative Officer (Scale I) (ibps.in) West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may go for early Lok Sabha polls which are due in April-May next year. The TMC chief, who was speaking at a TMC youth wing rally, claimed that all choppers have been booked by the ruling party at the Centre for campaigning so that no other political party can use those for canvassing. The chief minister also blamed some people engaged in unlawful activities for the illegal firecracker factory blasts that have occurred in the state. She alleged that this was being done with support from a few police personnel. If BJP returns to power for the third consecutive term, the nation would face an autocratic rule. I am apprehensive that they (BJP) could hold the Lok Sabha elections in December 2023 itself They have already turned our country into a nation in the throes of animosity among communities. If they return to power, it will make our country a nation of hatred, said Banjeree, who is a senior member of the oppositions I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Earlier, another senior member of the opposition bloc and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar made a similar claim citing efforts of the opposition camp to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unitedly. Commenting on Banerjees remark, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP said, Anything can happen. Modi ji can have the election in December instead of May or even earlier. Anything is possible he is always in election mode. INDIA bloc in Mumbai This Week Key leaders of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bloc, which has more than two dozen parties, will gather in a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 in what will be their third huddle since coming together on a common platform for the first time in June in Patna. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said Sonia Gandhi will attend the INDIA alliances meet in Mumbai. He said the alliances official logo will be unveiled during the gathering, where opposition leaders will also discuss their agenda ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The first meeting of the bloc was held in June in Patna, while the second gathering in Bengaluru in July finalised its name Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The grouping has been formed with the aim of taking on the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 parliamentary polls. (With PTI inputs) A Linn County resident was killed in a car versus motorcycle crash Saturday, Aug. 26 in Douglas County. At 3:17 p.m., two Shedd residents were riding on a Honda VTX1300 motorcycle at the intersection of Highway 38 and Dean Creek Road, according to a news release from Oregon State Police. The motorcycle riders were headed eastbound when a white Honda CRV pulled onto the highway heading west, authorities said. The motorcycle operator, 70-year-old Lynn Eugene Kropf, tried stopping but the bike went down on its side, according to the release. Stay up to date on mid-Willamette Valley news, wherever you go Easily access the latest Albany and Linn County news in an app that lets you select the topics that matter most to you. The motorcycle passenger, 67-year-old Marilyn Rae Kropf, reportedly came off and hit the rear of the CRV. She died at the scene. Lynn Eugene Kropf suffered minor injuries and declined medical transport. No injuries were reported among the CRV occupants, which included the driver, 79-year-old Nancy Jean Funk of Reedsport, and two passengers. Funk remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing. After the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its first-ever solar space mission known as Aditya-L1 to study the sun. Aditya-L1 will be launched on September 2 at 11.50 am from Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. This is the countrys first space-based mission to study the hot star. The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the sun from an orbit around the L1. What is the Aditya-L1 mission? Aditya-L1 is Indias first sun mission to provide very vital scientific studies of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium. The spacecraft is designed in a way that it will provide remote observations of the solar corona and undisturbed observations of the solar winds. Aditya L1 Launch Date & Time Aditya L-1 mission, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the sun will be launched from Sriharikota on September 2 at 11: 50 am. The spacecraft will be launched using a PSLV-C57 rocket from the southern state. What are the main objectives of the Aditya L1 mission? The data provided by the spacecraft will be used for solving how the temperature of the corona can reach about a million degrees while the Suns surface itself stays just over 6000 degrees Centigrade. The spacecraft would provide observations on the corona and on the solar chromosphere. This will be done by using the UV payload. PSLV-C57/Aditya-L1 Mission:The launch of Aditya-L1,the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun , is scheduled forSeptember 2, 2023, at11:50 Hrs. IST from Sriharikota. Citizens are invited to witness the launch from the Launch View Gallery at pic.twitter.com/bjhM5mZNrx ISRO (@isro) August 28, 2023 Aditya L1 Launch Vehicle & Spacecraft Information Aditya-L1 is developed by U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru and it arrived at ISROs spaceport of Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh earlier this month. Will Aditya L1 land on Sun? Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around the L1 point of the Sun-Earth system. What are the Advantages of Aditya-L1? The placement of Aditya-L1 in this halo orbit acts a major advantage as it can consistently view the Suns without any planets obstructing, according to ISRO. This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time, ISRO added. So, 4 payloads would directly view the sun, and the remaining 3 would carry undisturbed studies of particles and fields at the L1 point. What is Aditya L1 Mission Objectives? The Aditya L1 mission has four main objectives: To study the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanism. To understand the dynamics of the solar wind acceleration. To investigate the origin and dynamics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). To study the propagation of particles and fields in the interplanetary medium. What is the future of the Aditya L1 mission? The spacecraft will carry 7 payloads (boards of satellite) to observe layers of the sun. It will observe the three outermost layers including photosphere, chromosphere and the corona in different wavebands. Aditya-L1 is a fully indigenous effort with the participation of national institutions, an ISRO official said. Aditya L1 Budget: What Is the Total Cost of the First Space Based Solar Mission of India? Aditya L1 mission is done at an estimated to cost Rs 424 crore, which is US$570 million. How big is Aditya-L1? The spacecraft is about the size of a refrigerator and weighs about 1,500 kilograms. The spacecraft will be powered by solar panels and a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. How long will Aditya-L1 operate for? The spacecraft is expected to operate for five years. What does L1 mean in the spacecrafts name? The L1, in the name of the mission, means the Sun-Earth Lagrange point which is about 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. Lagrange Points are essentially positions in space where the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion, according to NASA. These forces are used in the to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position. What is Chandrayaan-3 mission? Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2 that will attempt safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission aims to showcase Indias technical capabilities in achieving a precise landing on the Moon. The lunar craft will deploy a rover on the lunar surface to demonstrate its ability to rove and explore the Moon. The rover will collect data on the composition and geology of the moon, which will help scientists learn more about the history and evolution of the satellite. Chandrayaan-3 will also be the first mission to land on the lunar South Pole. This region is of special interest due to its permanently shadowed areas, where the presence of water ice is anticipated. With PTI inputs A two-year-old toddler, who stopped breathing mid-air onboard a Bangalore to Delhi Vistara flight, had a miraculous recovery after a team of five doctors travelling on the same flight gave her emergency medical treatment. The incident happened onboard Vistara Airline flight UK-814 on Sunday, in which five senior resident doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) were returning to Delhi from the Indian Society for Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR). In a post on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), AIIMS Delhi shared the details about the incident along with images of the baby and the doctors. After the child stopped breathing, a distress call was announced on the flight before it was diverted to Nagpur. It was a 2-year-old cyanotic female child who was operated outside for intracardiac repair, was unconscious and cyanosed, AIIMS Delhi posted from its official account. #Always available #AIIMSParivarWhile returning from ISVIR- on board Bangalore to Delhi flight today evening, in Vistara Airline flight UK-814- A distress call was announcedIt was a 2 year old cyanotic female child who was operated outside for intracardiac repair , was pic.twitter.com/crDwb1MsFM AIIMS, New Delhi (@aiims_newdelhi) August 27, 2023 The doctors on the flight immediately responded to the distress call and examined the child and found that her pulse was absent, extremities were cold, and the child was not breathing with cyanosed lips and fingers. While still in the air, immediate CPR was started on the child with limited resources, using skilled work and active management by the team. Successfully IV canulla was placed, oropharyngeal airway was put and emergency response was initiated by the whole team of residents on board- and the baby for brought to ROSC- return of circulation. It was complicated by another cardiac arrest for which an AED was used, the post read. For 45 minutes, the baby was resuscitated while the flight was routed to Nagpur, where she was handed over in stable hemodynamic to the pediatrician. The five doctors who saved the life of the child included Dr Navdeep Kaur (SR Anesthesia), Dr Damandeep Singh (SR Cardiac Radiology), Dr Rishab Jain (Ex SR AIIMS Radiology), Dr Oishika (SR OBG) and Dr Avichala Taxak (SR Cardiac Radiology). A woman was bludgeoned to death with a cooker by her lover in Bengalurus New Mico Layout on Saturday. The lover, who went missing after the murder was arrested on Sunday. The 24-year-old victim, Deva S, is from Keralas Thiruvananthapuram, while the accused her lover is from Kollam, a Times of India report said. According to the police, Vaishnav doubted Deva of having an affair with someone. Initial probe revealed that Deva was hit in the head with a cooker three times, somewhere between 4 pm and 4:30 pm. The accused had emptied out the rice from the cooker on a plate and then went ahead to hit Deva in the bedroom using that cooker. Deva, who suffered several injuries from the hits, died on the spot. Reportedly, the knowledge of Devas death came to light when her sister, Krishna called on her mobile and also requested the neighbours to check on her. According to Krishnas statement, the couple had gone to her house in the morning and were constantly arguing. She said that Vaishnav claimed Deva was always on her phone, messaging somebody. However, Krishna tried to pacify the two and sent them home around 1 pm. Following the arrest, Vaishnav confessed to murdering Deva, Begur police said. The accused claimed that even after being warned several times Deva was in constant touch with someone and was also close to him. The couple Vaishnav and Deva met in Kerala via common friends. They had fallen in love and had been living together for the last three years. Both of them were working from home in the field of share market trading and marketing. The duo moved to Bengaluru just one-and-a-half years ago. Previously in June this year, a man in Uttar Pradesh killed his lover and hid her body in a tank at his under-construction house. The 35-year-old victim, Raj Kesar, was reported missing by her family and based on her phone call details, her lover Arvind was taken into custody for interrogation. After this, Kesars body was recovered. Again in June, in a horrifying incident, a man killed his live-in partner in Mumbai. The victim was chopped into several pieces in Mira Road. According to sources, 13 body parts were found at the residence of the 56-year-old Manoj Sahan. He had disposed of other parts after cutting them into several pieces. The accused used to boil body parts in a cooker to ensure there was no foul smell. ALSO READ | Mira Road Murder: Man Kills Live-in Partner Near Mumbai; Boiled Body Parts, Blood-filled Buckets Found The accused was arrested on June 7 while he was trying to flee from his rented apartment. With beefed up security, and an aim for more inclusivity, India is all set to welcome world leaders at the G20 Summit set to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 this year. This will be the 18th G20 summit, and the first one hosted under Indias presidency. It aims to bring together G20 member countries along with guest nations to participate in discussions about diverse economic reforms. World Leaders Attending G20 Summit in Delhi US President Joe Biden will attend the G20 summit, and this will be his first visit to India after becoming the president. Biden will urge reforms to the IMF and World Bank that will better serve developing country needs at the G20 summit, the White House has said in a release. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will attend the summit was eagerly looking forward to attend the G20 Summit, news agency PTI said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also confirmed his presence at the G20 summit. I will be at the G20 in a week and we will continue to make sure that the world is standing with Ukraine Trudeau had said, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the G20 Summit, and will also try to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, PTI said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to attend the G20 summit, and will visit the country as part of his 3-nation tour. From September 9-10, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the Australian government said in a statement. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to attend the upcoming summt, South Koreas Ambassador to India Chang Jae Bok told news agency ANI. We strongly support Indias G20 presidency this year and we hope that the summit meeting in September will be the highlight and culimination of the G20 presidency efforts by the Indian Government, the envoy said. World Leaders Not Attending G20 Summit in Delhi Russian President Vladimir Putin informed PM Modi that he wont be able to attend the summit. Instead of Putin, Moscows Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Moscow in his place. In the call, PM Modi also thanked Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a release. G2O Summit in New Delhi The summit will take place at the revamped India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) complex, erstwhile Pragati Maidan. It has been built at a cost of Rs 2,700 crores and constructed within an area of 123 acres. The theme of Indias G20 Presidency is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth One Family One Future. The concept is taken from the ancient Sanskrit text, Maha Upanishad and entails the intrinsic value of all forms of life humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the worlds major developed and developing economies. G20 Countries The group of G20 countries comprises 19 nations including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, United States and the European Union. The members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. According to the G20 website, the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. PM Modi and G20 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Business 20 (B20) Summit India 2023, the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community, in Delhi on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Indias presidency has been a peoples presidency and it has made the grouping a more inclusive forum. We have a vision of inclusiveness and with that vision, we have invited the African Union to become permanent members of the G20, Modi said World leaders stays in New Delhi A total of 35 hotels in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have been booked by different missions and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for guests and dignitaries who will arrive for the G20 summit on September 9 and 10, according to local sources. The hotels are in New Delhi, South Delhi and Aerocity. The war between Russia and Ukraine is set to be a topic of discussion at the G20 meet, News18 had earlier reported, citing a US State Department official. Leaders of the G20, including US President Joe Biden, are scheduled to convene in New Delhi. After several months of attempting to secure a meeting with the Union government, the e-pharmacy industry finally had the opportunity to meet the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on August 24. Even though e-pharmacy sales constitute only 3 per cent of pharmaceutical sales in India, they have faced severe opposition from the lobby of retail pharmacists All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The DCGI organised a consultation meeting to discuss the Delhi High Court order passed on online sale of medicines, giving time to the government to either frame rules or take action against e-pharmacies. The drug regulator had informed the court that it was thinking of holding fresh stakeholder consultations related to the matter and hence, the meeting. The matter is listed for hearing on August 28. The meeting on Thursday was attended by representatives from the chemists body AIOCD, Pharmacy Council of India and online pharmacy platforms, including Tata 1 MG, PharmEasy, Netmeds, Practo, and others. Inside details of the meeting In March, a top government official said the group of ministers (GoM) is in favour of closure of e-pharmacies as they did not propose the idea in the present shape hinting at the governments U-turn on legalising the industry. Since then, the industry has been making unsuccessful attempts to meet with officials at the health ministry. However, three sources who attended the meeting on August 24 indicated that the governments stance, which had previously been unfavourable to e-pharmacies, appeared to be neutral now. At least, they are discussing the issue, the first source said. An e-pharmacy industry representative, who was also present at the meeting, stated that they align with the governments perspective when it comes to asserting that there is no distinction in the operations or order fulfilment between online and offline pharmacy businesses. Dispensation has to happen from a brick-and-mortar pharmacy only so there is no difference in our or their business mechanism, he said. Till now, it is only the front-end part that is under discussion which is about the sourcing of orders. Now, the DCGI is likely to seek more time in the next hearing as stakeholder consultations are still going on. The main discussions revolved around data privacy, inventory versus marketplace models, licenses and liabilities (that should be considered for platforms) and assurance of doctors and pharmacists in the chain among other issues. Everyone basically agreed that there should be a dispensation from a licensed pharmacy by a pharmacist, and upon a doctors prescription in all cases, online or offline, the third source said. DCGI has also sought suggestions from the e-pharmacy industry on what they could do to ensure better consumer grievance management, especially around medicine expiry, returns and availability of pharmacists. The industry is likely to submit its recommendations by this week. Govt plans to create one policy, bring e-prescriptions The government is trying to figure out a way under which regulations are channel agnostic and should be applicable both online and offline. Reason: 97 per cent of the pharmacy industry in India is dominated by brick-and-mortar or offline chemists whereas the online sales of drugs or e-pharmacies constitute just 3 per cent of the market. A government official in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare told News18 that the idea is to create one set of policies that can apply on both platforms instead of making two separate policies for online and offline pharmacies. In fact, we want to create a system for e-prescriptions and are already studying several models for the same, he said, without divulging more details which are at premature stages of discussion. Why do we need e-pharmacies? According to a study published in 2020 titled E-pharmacies in India: Can they improve the pharmaceutical service delivery?, medicine costs in India account for about 70 per cent of all healthcare costs. It said the availability of medicines remains sub-optimal in the public sector, forcing the majority to depend on the more expensive private sector. And to solve this public health crisis, India needs a far more efficient pharmacy sector, said the study published in the Journal of Global Health, adding that the rising chronic disease burden in urban India is also likely to expand the online pharmacy market, outdoing the retail counterparts. Another discussion paper presented at the Internet Governance Forum 2019 in Berlin listed the benefits of e-pharmacies or internet pharmacies. These include familiar benefits of e-commerce such as convenience and privacy, as well as price transparency, comparison shopping, and access to medicines when there are shortages locally. Multiple studies have found that cost-related issues remain the most commonly stated motivation by consumers for seeking out Internet pharmacies. Global demand & challenges in mid-low income countries Undoubtedly, people do seek medicines online, akin to how they shop for various products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, and Zomato. The data shows, globally, the demand for online pharmacies, is surging. According to the Global Online Consumer Report by consultancy firm KPMG, for example, 20 per cent of respondents indicated that they had bought medicines and other healthcare products online. The US National Center for Health Statistics estimated that approximately 47 lakh Americans rely on personal medicine importation, which includes internet pharmacies. The region that presents the biggest knowledge gap is low and middle-income countries, said the paper authored by Aria Ilyad Ahmad, York University in Canada. While adoption of stringent restrictions on Internet pharmacies in some of these countries is partly responsible, this also reflects broader evidence gaps on health systems utilization and digital consumer behaviour. Gaps in our understanding can pose public health and policy challenges. That is exacerbated in this case by significant access and affordability gaps coupled with vulnerabilities in physical and digital regulatory systems. Slow uptake not just in India Divergent reception is not limited to India but extends to numerous other countries worldwide. For instance: In the United States, efforts to regulate e-pharmacies involved limiting online sales permits exclusively to websites certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and accredited through the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) programme. Additionally, the US implemented more stringent regulations, including the blocking of credit card transactions for e-pharmacies lacking NABP/VIPPS certification. Also, its not even a year since China introduced Administrative Measures for Supervision of Internet Pharmacy which opened the door wide for the operation of Internet pharmacy businesses in the country. In December 2022, China permitted internet pharmacies to sell both non-prescription and prescription drugs whereas the controlled drugs are not within the scope. Apart from US and China, many other countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Italy also allow e-pharmacies but there is a significant diversity across nation and its states in how they regulate pharmacies. Regulate, not reject E-pharmacy needs regulation and not prohibition. Considering that the country has been running one of the most crucial and ambitious projects for creating the digital backbone of the healthcare ecosystem Prime Minister Narendra Modis flagship Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM) rejecting the concept of e-pharmacy would sound incongruous or hypocritical. Digitisation of healthcare will not be complete without creating a solid, fool-proof mechanism for online sales of drugs. Last year, the research conducted by Frost & Sullivan for the Chinese market for opening up the e-pharmacy market said: The timing is particularly good as over half of the Chinese population are internet users and regularly shop online and China is experiencing a massive increase in demand for health care goods and services. Data shows that internet pharmacies account for over 30 per cent of the total retail sales in the US and 1.5 per cent in China. Internet pharmacies account for 3 per cent of total retail sales in India double that of China despite the erratic regulations and unfavourable growth conditions. It shows that probably the demand in India is much higher than in China and hence, its time to regulate so that everyone plays by the rulebook. Denying the demand and booming industry would end up creating a black market. A Hyderabad police sub-inspector was arrested and sent to jail for attempting to sell the drugs he seized from a Nigerian citizen. The incident came to light on Sunday. K Rajendra, a native of Suryapet district in Telangana, was a sub-inspector with the Cyberabad polices cybercrime. Earlier this year, he went to Maharashtra as part of an investigation where he found a bag full of Methacholine drugs in the house of a Nigerian citizen during a raid. The cop then brought the accused to Hyderabad and sent him to remand. However, instead of producing the confiscated drugs in court, he kept the drugs in his house in Manikonda and He planned to sell them for Rs 1 crore. Also Read | 29 Kg Heroin Seized, Two Pak Smugglers Held Along IB in Punjabs Ferozepur In his plan, another sub-inspector and two constables assisted them with the commission in the deal. After receiving information that a person living in Manikonda possessed drugs, the Telangana Narcotics Bureau (T-NAB) kept a vigil in that locality to catch the drug peddler. The anti-drug agency officers went undercover as drug buyers and caught the sub-inspector. He was later taken into custody as soon as he appeared to make a drug deal. The T-NAB sleuths handed over the accused along with drugs of 1,750 grams worth Rs 1 crore to Rayadurgam police. However, this is not the first time that sub-inspector Rajendra was found involved in corrupt practices. He was once allegedly caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the victim of theft. In the bribery case, the ACB special court found him guilty and awarded two-year-imprisonment with a fine of Rs 5,000. The department also suspended him from services but he later brought a stay order from the High Court and joined in the duty. Communal violence broke out in Nuh on July 31 after a mob tried to attack a procession of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaving six dead and several others injured. Amid the chaos over 20 policemen were also injured. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh after a procession of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was attacked by mobs on July 31 and spread to adjoining areas, including Gurugram. All mobile internet services, and SMS services were banned. All educational institutes were also shut. It was only after 11 days that these academic institutions including schools were re-opened on August 11. Two week after the violence broke out, on August 14, the mobile internet services were also restored. A woman sanitation worker was killed on Monday morning after being hit by a private bus while she was sweeping a footpath in Telanganas Hyderabad. The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the Ramkote area in the heart of Hyderabad. The victim was identified as D. Sunita (35), a worker of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). She was hit by a bus belonging to Ayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Four medical students traveling in the bus were also injured in the accident. Sunita was sweeping the road when the bus belonging to Ayan Institute of Medical Sciences hit her. She sustained critical injuries and succumbed while being shifted to the government-run Osmania General Hospital, GHMC officials said. The CCTV visuals of the incident went viral on social media. In the footage, the woman can be seen sweeping the footpath when a speeding bus hits her before ramming into a tree and coming to a halt. #Hyderabad: A #GHMC worker was hit by a school bus at Ramkote, she died on the spot.The staffer was at work when the bus crashed into her. #schoolbus#accident #Accidente #CCTV pic.twitter.com/beSk5SYIHO TajKeShorts (@Mawt777) August 28, 2023 A GHMC official said negligence and rash driving by the bus driver led to the accident. On a complaint by GHMC officials, police registered a case and took up an investigation. Meanwhile, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi has assured financial assistance to the deceaseds family and employment to a family member. Deeply Saddened by the unfortunate incident happened today at Ram Koti. One of our GHMC Sanitation Worker T Sunitha was spot dead at Ram koti when she was hit by a college bus while she was performing her duties. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and loved ones, Vijayalaxmi posted on X (formally Twitter). Deeply Saddened by the unfortunate incident happened today at Ram Koti. One of our GHMC Sanitation Worker T Sunitha was spot dead at Ram koti when she was hit by a college bus while she was performing her duties. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/IRXA7uPbzo Vijayalaxmi Gadwal, GHMC MAYOR (@GadwalvijayaTRS) August 28, 2023 Instructed Zonal commissioner to provide the immediate financial assistance as per government norms. Assuring the family that all necessary support from GHMC will be taken care, she added. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of love between siblings when a brother vows to protect her sister from all evils, however, in a special Rakhi celebration, a 21-year-old woman from Mumbai donated a part of her liver to save her brothers life. According to TOI, Rahul, 17, was battling autoimmune liver cirrhosis and needed a liver transplant when her sister Nandini decided to bestow him with the extraordinary gift of life ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Nandini donated a part of her liver required for the treatment of her brother, which was later transplanted by the team of doctors led by Dr Vikram Raut, Director of Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, TOI reported. As per Dr Raut, in autoimmune liver disease, the patients immune system starts acting against his own liver cells. It can be treated with medicines if diagnosed early however, when it reaches a later stage, a transplant becomes necessary. In Rahuls case, it was diagnosed late and had complications like repeated bleeding, ascites (abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen), and jaundice. So, he was advised to have a liver transplant. His mother was found to have HbsAg positive and rejected as a donor. His 21-year-old sister Nandini Patil came forward and was found eligible after a complete evaluation, Dr Raut was quoted as saying by TOI. Also Read | This Rare Coincidence On Rakshabandhan After 200 Years Will Benefit 3 Zodiac Signs The doctor added that any further delay in Rahuls treatment could have led to the loss of his life and since Nandinis liver perfectly matched her brothers, she fearlessly donated a part of her organ to save her brother. The family also had some financial distress and was unable to afford the transplant, but the hospital and other charitable organizations supported Rahuls transplant. Nandini Patil, Rahuls sister is currently attending college, and her younger brother Rahul, is studying in 10th standard. My brother means the world to me. I am overjoyed that I gave him a valuable gift on Raksha Bandhan. We had all been extremely concerned about his condition for months. I am grateful to the doctors for giving a second lease of life to my brother who can fulfil his dreams now, Nandini told TOI. Rahul said that he was surprised by the Rakhi gift his sister gave her by saving his life. The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine whether anti-conversion laws which have been enacted by various states have an impact on the children of interfaith couples. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JP Pardiwala and Manoj Misra stayed the proceedings against a Catholic priest, who had baptised a child on the request of his Christian mother, separated from her Hindu husband. The plea has been filed against a Gujarat High Court order, rejecting to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered under Sections 3 & 4 of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003 (the Act), concerning forcible conversion. A single bench of Justice Sandeep N Bhatt refused to grant relief to the Catholic priest, stating that the defense raised in the case required the test of trial. The bench heard lawyer for the petitioner woman, who argued that there was no case of forcible conversion made out, but the Gujarat police had registered an FIR against the priest who baptised the child in 2012, when the child was a little less than eight years old, at the behest of social worker Dharmendrakumar Natwarsinh Rathod in 2020. He had claimed that the boy could not be converted without the permission of the District Magistrate. He had further claimed that the school leaving certificate of the child said he was Hindu and the parents were also married through the Hindu rites. Moreover, it is one of the grounds of the petitioner that the first informant, Rathod, had no locus standi to lodge an FIR as he is a complete stranger to the issue at hand. Although the priest had approached the Gujarat High Court, he did not get relief and the investigation under anti-conversion laws was allowed to continue. According to the averments of the petitioner, Charles, the trial is currently pending at the stage of prosecution evidence. It was then that a special leave petition was filed before Supreme Court through Advocate Shivansh B Pandya. The petitioner has further argued that the High Court, while rejecting the interim relief prayer for the priest, has failed to consider that there has been no conversion within the meaning of the Act. It is his case that according to the facts and circumstances in the case, there was no renunciation of one religion and adoption of another, and instead, the child has been treated as being born to a Christian mother and raised with Christian beliefs, which is a pre-condition to administration of the rite of baptism to a child. It is submitted that the provisions of the Act need to be interpreted to ensure that only the acts which amount to conversions without consent of the participating individual/ their legal guardians would constitute an offence, the plea states. One of the grounds taken by the petitioner is that the constitutional validity of the Act itself is under challenge before the top court. An amazing idea is the foundation of every revolutionary business and if the founder is able to supplement it with proper execution as well, the startup can become successful. Pradeepa Thirumudi of Tamil Nadu, a certified cosmologist by the central government, stumbled upon a similar idea. According to a News18 report, she knew about various skincare products available in the market, that contain harmful chemicals and are allergic to the body. She decided to make similar products but with the help of natural herbs for the skin-related problems faced by her and her family as well. Pradeepa was elated to know that the beauty products had the desired effects. This encouraged her to tread forward in her efforts to sell these products even further. Some of these products are soap, face and lip balm and others. She started to sell these skin-care products under the brand name Earth Veda and used herbs available in places like Bulgaria and the Himalayas to make them. They have been successful by far in eliminating problems like black spots, acne, dark circles, and skin discolouration. Initially, she kept the business prospects limited and sold these skin-related medicines online only. She then expanded her area of operations and started a branch near Mandaveli Amman Temple, Cumbum to sell these medicines. Pradeepas children, son Krupa Venkat Kumar and daughter, Vino Durga, are also assisting their mother in the business by handling the marketing work. Earth Veda, the brand started by Pradeepa, has now become famous all over Tamil Nadu and she is happy with this achievement. Pradeepa told News18 that she is earning a good amount from this company. According to her, people prefer to buy skin-care products from her branch only, because they rely more on medicines made from natural herbs. These medicines, as she said, have proved beneficial for them and thus people want to use them in their daily lives. As shown in a News18 video, Pradeepa and her family use all the necessary safety precautions like face masks and gloves while making these skin-care products. The medicines are neatly stacked in different boxes as well. Two boys were allegedly sexually assaulted by classmates in northwest Delhis Samaypur Badli area, police said on Monday. They said the alleged incident took place in April during a summer camp at a school. Two boys filed separate complaints with the police alleging that they were sexually assaulted by five to six classmates, police said, adding two cases have been registered in this connection. All the accused are minors and they were produced before a child welfare committee, police said, adding further investigation is underway. Delhi Commission For Women chief Swati Maliwal said the panel is issuing notices to the police and the school management for action in the matter. In a government school in the Shahbad Dairy area, two 12 and 13-year-old boys were sexually assaulted by other boys from the same school. This is a very disgusting and scary matter. How is such a criminal mindset being created in children? FIR has been registered in the matter, notice is being issued to the police and the school for further action. Our team is with the victims and their families, she said in a post in Hindi on X. Three teenaged boys, who were arrested by West Bengal Police for kidnapping and killing a 14-year-old boy, told cops that they strangled the victim to death after fulfilling his last wish of having rosogulla and cold drinks. The incident took place in Krishnanagars Ghurni area in West Bengals Nadia district, where three teenagers kidnapped their friend for ransom to buy a computer to play games but instead killed him after their call to his widowed poor mother apparently went unheeded. The blood-curdling revelations came forth in a police submission to a Juvenile Justice Board on Sunday about the death of the Class VIII student on August 25 at the hands of his three friends. The deceased, a resident of Ghurni, had gone missing on Friday afternoon while going to a nearby shop to buy some items. His mother received a ransom call of Rs 3 lakh on Saturday morning, following which she informed the Kotwali Police Station. Police recovered the boys body, tied in a sack, from a pond in the Hijuli area on the outskirts of Krishnanagar city later on Saturday. Police nabbed the trio, who are class 10 students of the same school the deceased studied in, after they confessed to the crime. They confessed to killing the boy and dumping his body in a pond, a police officer said, adding further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the murder. The deceaseds father had died long ago and his mother works as an aaya (caregiver), while the mother-son duo stayed at their maternal uncles house. Police suspect that the trio realised that the boys mother may not be able to pay the ransom amount and killed him fearing they would be caught by the law enforcers if they released him. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, the official said. (With PTI Inputs) In the realm of social media, the allure of an idealized lifestyle often clashes with the authenticity of reality. The chasm between influencer-curated content and the genuine experiences they depict is a growing subject of scrutiny. This exploration delves into the intriguing contrast between the polished narratives influencers present and the unfiltered truths that exist beyond the screen. Unraveling this paradox reveals the complexities of perception, aspiration, and the evolving landscape of online influence. Ritesh Ujjwal, CEO & Co-Founder, Kofluence, says, Influencers often turn their lives into endlessly compelling stories and capture our attention with expertly curated visualsimagine those Insta-perfect trips and Pinterest-worthy experiences. But behind the scenes is a less visible reality that not many are aware of. The pressure to create new content and stay relevant is significant, often leading to burnout. Amidst the praise, influencers are all too familiar with the scrutiny and criticism of internet trolls. Balancing personal lives with online personas can strain their personal relationships and often lead to feelings of isolation. Yulia Aslamova, Head of Asia, DRIM Global- Indias first performance based influencer marketing platform, says, Its crucial to deeply analyze the contrast between the polished lifestyles portrayed by lifestyle influencers and the genuine realities depicted in their content. This exploration is paramount for understanding the authenticity behind their posts. By promoting increased transparency and honesty within the influencer realm, we have the potential to bridge this gap and create a more authentic connection with the audience. This shift towards authenticity holds the key to fostering a sense of relatability and promoting healthier self-images among consumers. Contrary to the misconception that only glamorous content gains traction, the reality is that influencers who maintain a strong and genuine bond with their audience, particularly those who deeply resonate with their followers, tend to excel. This effectiveness often translates into successful outcomes using the Cost Per Action (CPA) model. This model, rooted in performance, underlines that influencer marketing isnt just about glitz and glamour; its about building a genuine, relatable connection that resonates with the audiences own aspirations and realities, adds Aslamova. Its crucial for audiences to avoid projecting their personal lives onto the curated narratives they encounter online. Ujjwal opines, Content creators too should start prioritizing authenticity by truly connecting with their audience, sharing more unfiltered opinions, and passionately pursuing meaningful goals. In addition, todays consumers, who are essentially the first generation of digital natives, demonstrate analytical and pragmatic decision-making. This generation is also a force for environmental awareness and sustainable consumption. Creating authentic content therefore shifts from being a choice to becoming an imperative in order to sustain audience trust. Cultivating authenticity is critical not only to maintaining the integrity of the influencer-follower relationships but also to fostering a more transparent and empathetic digital landscape. By shifting our focus from idealized concepts to unadulterated reality, our industry can evolve more holistically and effectively in line with the values of both content producers and consumers. RAKSHA BANDHAN 2023: Rakhi, a cherished Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings, has transcended religious boundaries and taken on a broader significance in fostering interfaith relationships. Rakhi, a thread used to symbolize love, protection, and commitment, is traditionally tied around the wrists of brothers by sisters on this auspicious occasion. In return, brothers give their sisters presents and make a lifelong commitment to keep them safe. ALSO READ: Happy Raksha Bandhan 2023: Best Rakhi Wishes, Quotes, Messages and Images to Share With Your Brother or Sister While traditionally rooted in Hindu culture, Rakhi has evolved into a symbol of unity, love, and mutual respect among people of different faiths. Throughout history, there have been numerous references to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Queen Roxana gave a Rakhi to The Great Indian emperor Alexander as a sign of expressing brotherly trust. Rakhi was also used as a sign of peace and brotherhood throughout the Mughal dynasty. The universality of Rakhis message of love and unity is demonstrated by these historical accounts. ALSO READ: Raksha Bandhan 2023: Is Rakhi on August 30 or 31? Date, History, Rituals, and Shubh Muhurat to Tie it Rakhi has become a platform for embracing interfaith unity. In a world where divisions and misunderstandings between religious communities exist, Rakhi transcends these barriers by encouraging individuals from different faiths to come together and celebrate their shared values of love, respect, and protection. The festival highlights the importance of peaceful coexistence and collaboration. Beyond its religious origins, Rakhi represents a symbol of respect and harmony. By participating in Rakhi celebrations, people acknowledge the significance of diverse beliefs while emphasizing the common threads that bind humanity. The act of tying a rakhi becomes a demonstration of commitment to understanding and appreciating each others differences. Over time, the essence of this ritual has taken on a universal meaning, resonating with the idea of safeguarding relationships and embracing diversity. People of many faiths have dialogue while they exchange rakhi. It facilitates conversations regarding cultural customs, values, and traditions so that people can learn more about one anothers worldviews. These discussions promote empathy and understanding between people, resulting in a society that is more inclusive and peaceful. The festival encourages personal connections that transcend religious divides. Friends, colleagues, and neighbours often exchange Rakhis as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. This practice not only strengthens individual relationships but also promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and unity within communities. Rakhi offers an avenue for educating individuals about different faiths and their customs. Schools and community organizations can use the festival as an opportunity to raise awareness about various religions and promote cultural sensitivity. Chandramukhi 2, headlined by Kangana Ranaut and Raghava Lawrence, is one of the most anticipated films of this year. It is the sequel to the 2005 blockbuster Chandramukhi, starring Rajinikanth in the titular role. Chandramukhi 2, directed by P Vasu, is going to hit the big screens on September 19. Its pre-release event was organised on August 27. The entire cast and crew of this film attended this audio launch event. Raghava appreciated Chandramukhi 2s cast and crew on this occasion. Subaskaran had donated Rs 1 crore to a charitable trust managed by Raghava Lawrence. Raghava said that the films producer Allirajah Subaskaran seems like a serious person, but he is like a child at heart and greets everyone with love. Raghava also appreciated the films music composer MM Keeravani and said that the veteran composer always has a tension-free approach to his work, which enhances the quality of his music further. Regarding Chandramukhi 2s director P Vasu, Raghava said, Our director Vasu Garu has four decades of experience. He has made great films as a director since the time I worked as a side dancer. He made Chandramukhi 2 a grand affair. He is solely responsible for the success of this film. Raghava Lawrence also extended a vote of thanks to actress Kangana Ranaut. He said that Kangana has a very courageous demeanour and arrived on the films sets with her gunmen. Raghava recalled that he was tense before meeting her and became even more anxious after seeing this. He requested the actress to keep her gunmen outside the set and she obliged him. Raghava said that he became friends with her thereafter. Raghava Lawrence also heaped praises on the differently-abled dancers on this occasion and spoke about their welfare. He said that he would purchase land with the money contributed by Subaskaran for his charity. Raghava, an eminent choreographer as well, said that his students will learn and practise dance in that building. He also requested everyone to donate money to other charities that need money. Just a few days back, paparazzi spotted Bollywoods power couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor at Mumbai Airport all ready to jet off to an undisclosed location. They managed to keep their destination hush-hush, leaving us all guessing about their secret getaway. Social media was flooded with wild guesses, and fans were all playing detective trying to figure out the location of their mini-vacation spot. Now, a few hours ago, Alia Bhatt dropped a glimpse of a stunning view seemingly from her place of stay in New York. This view, she wrote confirming her vacation in NYC. Not only this, a fan page named ranbirkapooruniverse shared a picture of Ranbir and Alia posing with some fans at their date night in New York. In the picture, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor can be seen flashing their bright smiles, while their fans sit next to them and post. For the evening in New York, Alia Bhatt wore a colourful sleeveless dress with yellow heels. Ranbir Kapoor, on the other, looked dapper in a casual grey outfit. Sharing the picture, the fan page captioned, RK and Alia in New York. In no time, the picture received compliments from fans. Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranbir Kapoor Universe (@ranbirkapooruniverse) Work-wise, Alia Bhatt is beaming with joy as the actress recently won the National Award for Gangubai Kathiawadi. To celebrate her achievement, she thanked Sanjay Leela Bhansali, entire crew, her family and her fans for their love and support. This national award is yours .. because without you ALL none of this would be possible.. Seriously!!! I am SO grateful. I do not take moments like these lightly.. I hope to continue to entertain for as long as I can, a part of her post read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt) Apart from Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia Bhatt recently had two successful releases. One with Ranveer Singh Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and the other one marked her Hollywood debut Heart of Stone. She will next be seen in the multi-starrer project Jee Le Zaraa with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra. She also has Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Baiju Bawra in her pipeline. Meanwhile, Ranbir was last seen in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar alongside Shraddha Kapoor. Recently, the actor wrapped up the shooting of Sandeep Reddy Vangas directorial Animal. He will be sharing the screen space with Rashmika Mandanna in the film. Apart from Animal, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen playing the role of Shiva, in Ayan Mukerji-directed franchise Brahmastra 2. Rana Naidu actress Priya Banerjee took to Instagram on Monday to share an adorable video with her boyfriend Prateik Patil Babbar to mark the third anniversary of their relationship. The video, synced to AP Dhillions recent hit With You, featured moments from the couples happy times together. The video also includes a sneak peek into their ongoing vacation. The actress captioned the video, Happy 3 soulmate Priya and Prateik lovingly embraced one another in many photos included in the clip. They also shared pictures where they lovingly kissed, holding each other close. They also shared photos with their dog and glimpses of the many vacations they took together in the three long years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priya Banerjee (@priyabanerjee) The couples friends from the industry flooded the comments sections with their love and blessings. Elli AvrRam wrote, Omg first seeing those rose petals I thought a proposal has happened! Happy 3 years to you guys. Sayani Gupta, Prateiks co-star in the popular web series Four More Shots Please, wrote, Best ever! Love you both so much! Chef Vicky Ratnani wrote, Stay blessed & happy hamesha. Fans also took to the comments section to express their appreciation. One person wrote, Literally crying looking at this video you guys are my inspiration tut-tut so people dont nazar Another person commented, Finally a video that can compete the original one One fan commented, You guys are too adorable! Time to star in a RomCom. Another fan wrote, This is so awesome Prateik is the worlds luckiest guy for sure. Prateik Patil Babbar and Priya Banerjee share the same initials PB. They had earlier got their initials tattooed with a red heart and an infinity sign. Priya had said in an earlier interview with ETimes that she realised Prateik was the one for her a year and a half into dating him. The excitement surrounding Shah Rukh Khans highly anticipated film Jawan is not showing signs of dying down anytime soon. The audience is desperately waiting to watch further glimpses of this action entertainer in the trailer and finally, the makers are ready to treat everyone with the trailer on August 31, 2023. Meanwhile, the megastar has confirmed that he will be in Dubai on the same day. Is it for the trailer? Only time will tell! Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah Rukh Khan shared a photo from Zinda Banda on the iconic Burj Khalifa and revealed that he will be there on August 31. He wrote, Jawan ka jashn main aapke saath na manau yeh ho nahin sakta. Aa raha hoon main Burj Khalifa on 31st August at 9 PM and celebrate JAWAN with me. And since love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, toh pyaar ke rang mein rang jao and lets wear redwhat say? (Its impossible for me not to celebrate Jawans festivity with you. Im coming to Burj Khalifa on 31st August at 9 PM to celebrate Jawanwith you. And since love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, lets immerse ourselves in the colours of love and wear red what do you say? READYYYY!) Jawan ka jashn main aapke saath na manau yeh ho nahin sakta. Aa raha hoon main Burj Khalifa on 31st August at 9 PM and celebrate JAWAN with me. And since love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, toh pyaar ke rang mein rang jao and lets wear redwhat say? READYYYY! pic.twitter.com/IUi4AkGrZy Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 28, 2023 Jawan is Shah Rukh Khans first project with Atlee. The teaser gave the audience a sneak peek into the many roles the superstar will play in the film. The much-anticipated film is scheduled for release on September 7. The ensemble cast includes Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupati, Deepika Padukone, Sanya Malhotra, and Priyamani in important roles. Reports also suggest that Shah Rukh will have a double role in the film, playing a fighter (father) and a jailer (son), as per Times Now Digital. Usually, its fans who journey far to meet their favourite celebrities, but this instance has a unique twist. South Korean actor Kim Woo-bin, who often shares engaging posts and project updates on Instagram, recently penned a lengthy and heartbreaking message to his fan, Ji Won, who tragically passed away due to health concerns. Along with an emotional note, the Black Knight star shared a photo taken from an airplane window, revealing that he was returning home after attending Wons funeral. The journey made him realise the distance Ji Won had gone through to support him. Kim calling Ji Won, purest and the brightest, wrote, I went to bid my farewell to you and now the path you always walked to come to me, to say your final farewell on that long and difficult road, I now realize how far and challenging it was, after Ive walked it myself. Not long ago, your face that used to ask about my well-being with a smile comes to my mind and my heart aches so much. I dont think this is goodbye forever, Ji Won. Wherever you are, lets only share days filled with smiles, health and happiness and when the day comes for us to meet again, lets take many photos together and share the stories we couldnt finish. Ill work harder, thinking of the new projects you were eagerly anticipating. Watch over me. Lets definitely meet again, he concluded. Shortly after Kim Woo-bin shared the post, it touched the hearts of his other fans and even Ji Wons family. Her younger sister, Ji Su, appreciated the actor in the comments section and disclosed that the actor had not only attended the funeral but also sent flowers. She wrote, Even just the flowers you sent gave us immense strength and when Kim Woo-bin came to visit in person, it was a tremendous source of comfort for our family. Both Mom Dad, and I gained significant strength from it. Unni saw Woobin-nim, whom she loved every single day, on her final journey, so now she will fly endlessly without any limitations. She further thanked Kim Woo-bin for his attendance despite his busy schedule. She wished for his health and success in all his future projects. In the following comment, Ji Su shared a message on behalf of her parents, who were deeply touched by Kims gesture as he travelled this far to pay tribute to their daughter. Ji Su shared that during a challenging period when her family was mourning due to the unexpected loss of Ji Won, the condolences, flowers, donations and kind words from Kim Woo-bin gave them strength. Kim was last seen in the Netflix series, Black Knight with Song Seung-heon, Kang Yoo-seok, Esom, and others. He will next appear in Everything Will Come True, which is set to release in 2024. Within the framework of cooperation between SOCAR and DeGolyer and MacNaughton, work has begun on counting 27 fields according to SPE-PRMS classification in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, Azernews reports. The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) reports that SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with John Wallace, Chairman and CEO of DeGolyer and MacNaughton. During the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the cooperation on the calculation of hydrocarbon resources of strategic fields in accordance with the international standards of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, as well as field modeling, which has been underway since 2017. SOCAR's strategic goals and objectives were discussed at the meeting; it was stated that further increasing efficiency and ensuring optimization are the main directions of the company's long-term corporate strategy, steps being taken to optimize production, and other issues of mutual interest. Earlier in 2017, Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR and DeGolyer and MacNaughton, a US consulting firm specializing in the oil and gas sector, signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement provides for analyses and technical support to improve the efficiency of development and production at SOCAR's oil and gas fields. According to the signed document, DeGolyer and MacNaughton will provide services for the productive management of oil and gas facilities at SOCAR's existing and long-standing fields. DeGolyer and MacNaughton, a petroleum consulting company based in Dallas, Texas, is at the forefront of a new classification system for counting Caspian deposits. Founded in 1936 by Everette Lee DeGolyer and Lewis MacNaughton, the company has been providing reliable and independent studies and evaluations of reservoirs for over 80 years. The new classification system was developed in response to the need for reliable and accurate data on existing oil wells and properties. DeGolyer and MacNaughton have been working to develop a consistent and accurate system of evaluation for oil properties, which is essential for obtaining long-term loans from banks. By utilizing the new classification system, the company is able to provide more accurate data on Caspian deposits, which is essential for the development of new technologies and techniques in the petroleum engineering field. The new classification system is based on the work of Everette Lee DeGolyer, who is known as "the founder of applied geophysics in the petroleum industry" and "the father of American geophysics". DeGolyer's work has helped to advance the field of petroleum engineering and has contributed to the development of new technologies and techniques. DeGolyer and MacNaughton have recently extended their lease in the Providence Towers at Spring Valley Road and the Dallas North Tollway in Farmers Branch, Texas. The 65,543-square-foot lease is one of the largest in the high-profile building, which is owned by investor KBS. The lease deal was one of the largest signed in the Dallas area in the second quarter, according to commercial property firm Transwestern. With the new classification system, DeGolyer and MacNaughton are helping to advance the field of petroleum engineering and provide more accurate data on Caspian deposits. The company's work is essential for the development of new technologies and techniques in the petroleum engineering field. Actress Kriti Sanon is currently basking in the success of her film which brought home her first National Award in the best actress award. Celebrating the the same, she recently hosted an intimate bash with her close friends from showbiz. On Sunday night, the actress was seen partying with Dinesh, Manish Malhotra, Varun Sharma, Nitesh Tiwari, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari. Several photos from their get-together have gone viral now. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra also joined them. For the party, Kriti looked stunning in a black bodycon dress. Manish Malhotra shared a selfie where they donned their brightest smiles. Manish captioned the photo and wrote, Celebrating Kriti Sanon. The other selfie shared by him, featured them along with Dinesh, Varun and others. Earlier this weekend, the actress also visited the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha, for her big win. She was also accompanied by her parents and sister Nupur Sanon as she sought blessings at the holy place. Meanwhile, in a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Kriti revealed that when she received the news of her win, she was at home, caught up in a meeting. I was actually in a meeting which was happening at my house itself when the awards were being announced, and my phone just started buzzing. I had to excuse myself from the meeting and thats when I got to know that I had won. I was just extremely overwhelmed and requested them to just hold the meeting and I ran down to hug my parents, she said. Its definitely an achievement that one can only dream of. When youre on the set, you only think about giving your best, for every film, for every character. Ive a diary where I write my dreams and goals and yes this was definitely in there, the actress added. Kriti Sanon shares her Best Actress National Award with Alia Bhatt, who received it for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi. Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi, who played a key role in Mimi, also won the National Award in the Best Supporting Actor category. Meanwhile, the actress had also penned a heartwarming Instagram post after winning the National Award. She wrote,Elated, overwhelmed, grateful. Still sinking inpinching myselfthis has actually happened! The National Award for Best Actress for Mimi! Thank you to the Jury who considered my performance worthy of the most prestigious award! It means the world to me! Dinoo, I cant thank you enough for believing in me and my potential, for standing by me always and for giving me a film Ill treasure all my life. Laxman Sir You always told me Mimi, dekhna aapko is film ke liye National Award milega Mil Gaya sir! And I couldnt have done this without you. Theres nothing like a hot tub and Avneet Kaur will agree! The actress took to Instagram on Monday to share glimpses of the relaxing time she spent recently. She wore a blue bikini set with a pink and red floral design as she sipped on a refreshing beverage, looking absolutely stunning. She raised her glass and smiled at the camera as she enjoyed her time in the hot tub with scattered rose petals. She captioned the post, Hot tubs>>> The video was titled, Pov: let me fall madly for me first. Fans of the actor expressed their love in the comments section. One person wrote, She is becoming more beautiful day by day. Another fan called Avneet a hottie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13) The actor is currently enjoying a staycation in Lonavala. She took to her Instagram story recently and shared a video of the hot tub on her story and captioned it, Milk and honey today. She poured a cup of honey into the tub with rose petals and milk and had a replenishing day with music. She also shared some of the scrumptious food she has been enjoying. She shared a photo of her healthy cereal and fruits breakfast followed by a relaxing day at the spa. Avneet is a popular face on television, having participated in shows like Dance India Dance Lil Masters and Dance Ke Superstars. She then began her acting career in Meri Maa and worked in popular shows like Aladdin Naam Toh Suna Hoga, Ek Mutthi Aasmaan and Humari Sister Didi among others. She made her Bollywood debut with Rani Mukerjis 2014 film Mardaani, directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She recently played the female lead in Kangana Ranauts Tiku Weds Sheru opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui. She will soon be seen in the film Luv Ki Arrange Marriage opposite Sunny Singh of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety fame. Tamil actress Vijayalakshmi who is famous for acting in films like Friends has levelled fresh allegations against Naam Thamizhar convenor Seeman for cheating on her by promising to marry her. In her official police complain, Vijayalakshmi alleged that Seeman cheated her and threatened her over phone. She also urged the police that Seeman should be arrested. The actress said in a statement, Even after several years, no action has been taken on her complaint against Seeman. Hence I chose to knock on the doors of the police. I have faith in the DMK government and the police. The earlier AIADMK government for reasons unknown did not proceed with the enquiry. Back in 2020, Vijayalakshmi had attempted suicide by consuming sleeping tablets. However, she was rushed to a private hospital, where she recovered. Meanwhile, her case was being investigated by the Thiruvanmiyur police. The actress had alleged that while Seeman was in a relationship with her, he had allegedly asked the co-ordinator of the Panangattu Padai Katchi, Hari Nadar to harass. According to her, that led to her taking the extreme steps. In a video that she shared in July 2020, she had expressed, This is my last video and I have been in tremendous stress in the last four months because of Seeman and his partymen. I tried my level best to survive all these days because of my mother and sister, but I have been humiliated in the media by Harinadar recently. She added, I would like to tell fans who are watching the video just because I was born in Karnataka, Seeman has tortured me a lot. As a woman, I have put up with it to my highest capabilities. I wont be able handle the pressure anymore. I am from the Pillai community, the same community LTTE leader Prabhakaran is part of. Prabhakaran is the only reason Seeman is who he is today, but now he has been harassing me on social media continuously. You slut shamed me to make me feel the pain and it is up to me to decide on what to do after facing such insults from you. I request my fans not to let Seeman get away from this case. He should never get anticipatory bail. My death should be a big eye-opener to everyone. I dont want to be a slave to anybody. Her sister Usha had also given a statement. She had shared, She (Vijayalakshmi) was in a relationship with Seeman for two years. Seeman said he will marry Vijayalaksmi, but after he launched his political party, everything changed. Seeman and his partymen had been harassing her for the past couple of years. We have no enmity with Hari Nadar. He was provoked by Seeman to defame us. A couple of days ago, he posted a video where he said he will cut the tongue of my sister if she continues to talk against Seeman. Ten years back, we lodged a complaint against Seeman. We were forced to withdraw that complaint following death threats. Seemans influence prevented Vijayalakshmi from receiving any film opportunities. We moved to Bangalore and even there we were tortured by Seeman. We again came back to Chennai on March 8, 2020 and we lodged a complaint against Seeman. No action has been taken on that till date. We dont want anything. We just want to live in peace. After her allegations, the police had registered a case against Hari Nadar, who at the time was already serving a sentence at the Parapana Agrahara Jail in Bangalore, in the context of a money-laundering case. After seeking special permission from the Karanataka police, the Chennai cops got him extradited back to Tamil Nadu. DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata). Director Vivek Agnihotris The Vaccine War was premiered in New York recently and R Madhavan shared the films first review. The actor was one of the stars in the audience at the special screening which took place as part of the India for Humanity Tour. Madhavan took to Instagram and praised the film. He said he cheered, applauded and even cried while watching the film. The actor also praised Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, Nana Pathekar and Raima Sens performances in the movie. Just saw THE VACCINE WAR and totally blown out of my mind by the spectacular sacrifices and achievements of the Indian scientific community, which made Indias very first vaccine and kept the nation safe during the most challenging period, told by a Master Storyteller @vivekagnihotri who makes you cheer, applaud, weep, and euphoric, all at the same time, he said. Stellar performances by the entire cast, @pallavijoshiofficial @anupampkher #Nanapathekar @raimasen (and every single one of them )so beautifully depict the sacrifices and the sheer grit of our Indian scientists ( ladies) aptly and impact-fully, Madhavan added. Take a huge bow team #TheVaccineWar .. the Indian scientific community owes your debt of gratitude as we to them.. go see the film in the theaters and make sure to buy a ticket for your superwoman helped you survive the lockdown..The domestic helps and the lovely women, The Rocketry: The Nambi Effect actor wrote. Vivek Agnohotri has been showcasing his film in different cities of the US. On Sunday, he revealed that he hosted a screening of the film in Atlanta and the room was packed. Brilliant audience in a jam packed house today at Atlanta. Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick and his wonderful wife enjoying the movie. Thanks @RichforGA for your overwhelming appreciation of #TheVaccineWar #ATrueStory. Apologies to those who couldnt be accommodated. pic.twitter.com/5EdxvI6Mbm Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) August 27, 2023 Vivek Agnihotris The Vaccine War is based on the coronavirus vaccine during the pandemic. The film will be released in Hindi, English, Bangla, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati and Marathi. The Vaccine War is slated to release on September 28. The film will clash with Prabhas upcoming release, Salaar. The film is helmed by KGF director Prashanth Neel. Sushmita Sen is beaming with joy as her daughter Alisah Sen turns 14. Marking this special occasion, the Aarya star took to her Instagram account to share a special birthday message for her daughter along with a series of pictures. In her latest Instagram entry, Sushmita Sen dropped a delightful reel capturing their cherished moments. The short clip features Alisah, along with her sister Renee, actor Rajeev Sen and other family members. Among the snapshots is a touching image of Sushmita and Alisha sharing an emotional moment on the young girls first day of school. Happpyyyyy Birthday LOVE OF MY LIFE. How special God made you and this privilege of being your Mother I couldnt be prouder Alisah. I love you Shona, she wrote. Sushmita Sens birthday message touched the hearts of social media users. Along with warm birthday wishes, people also expressed their admiration for the strong bond between the mother and daughter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) In July, Sushmita Sen went on a vacation across Europe and after enjoying the time in Switzerland, the actress arrived in Paris with her daughter, Alisah Sen. Sushmita shared a video on her social media, dancing with her daughter in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Alongside the video, Sushmita expressed her emotions, as she revealed that Alisah would soon be leaving her to study abroad. My Shonas first trip to Paris, France before she leaves to study abroad. How time flies. I will forever cherish our dance, the caption read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) Sushmita Sens elder daughter, Renee wrote, So so special. Actor Charu Asopa, who was previously married to Sushmitas brother Rajeev Sen, also showered love by reacting to the video with a heart emoji. In the year 2000, Sushmita Sen adopted her first daughter, Renee. Later, in 2010, she expanded her family by welcoming Alisah. Talking about her mothers reaction to adopting a kid at 24, Sushmita told Humans of Bombay, My mother was like, You are a child yourself. What are you talking, whats gone wrong with this girl. She was furious with me. My father was more patient. He asked, Where is this coming from? and I told him, Its a calling daddy. I am feeling it very strongly. He told me that the calling wasnt going anywhere, I could do it in a few years. I said if I do get married and someone says no, the marriage will break because this is my calling. So let me have a baby first, so no one can question it. Meanwhile, Sushmita Sen is currently receiving appreciation for her role in Taali, where she portrays the character of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. Additionally, she is shooting for the third season of Aarya. Tamil superstar Vijays son Jason Sanjay is gearing up to take his fathers legacy forward by venturing into the movie business. However, instead of becoming an actor like his father, Jason is all set to make his directorial debut, as announced by Lyca Productions on Monday. The production house made an official statement on its official handle on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sharing photos of Jason Sanjay with executives from the production house, they captioned the post, We are beyond excited & proud to introduce #JasonSanjay in his Directorial Debut We wish him a career filled with success & contentment carrying forward the legacy! We are beyond excited & proud to introduce #JasonSanjay in his Directorial Debut We wish him a career filled with success & contentment carrying forward the legacy! #LycaProductionsNext #JasonSanjayDirectorialDebut @SureshChandraa @DoneChannel1 @gkmtamilkumaran pic.twitter.com/wkqGRMgriN Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) August 28, 2023 Jason said in an interview with the Hindustan Times, It is a matter of pride for me that my first film to be directed by a prestigious production company like Lyca Productions. The production house is a place to nurture talent and create opportunities for new directors. I am very happy that they liked my story. Similarly, I have been given full freedom to act with creative freedom. We are currently in talks with rising stars and technicians in the film industry. I am thankful to Subhaskaran sir for this opportunity. It has created great excitement and a great responsibility for me. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Tamil Kumaran, who has been a great support in realizing my dream of becoming a director, he added. Vijays fans took to the comments section to congratulate him and Jason. One person wrote, The cub is here All the best Sanjay Another person added, Congrats #JasonSanjay Hope you will touch heights in your Career Best wishes to #JasonSanjay. Hope he will take the legacy of #ThalapathyVijay forward in a different field, wrote another fan. Jason has a bachelors degree in Screenwriting from London and a Diploma in Film Production from Toronto Film School. He previously directed a short film called Pull The Trigger. The founder of Sulabh International and acclaimed social reformer, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, breathed his last on 15 August 2023 at the age of 80. His unwavering commitment for the worlds largest democracy shall inspire the generations to work for humanity. He was a social revolutionary who single-handedly made the strides to end the ill practice of manual scavenging, further expanding the movement to cleanliness, sanitation and effective water management through Sulabh toilets across the country. A free thinker and with a deep sense of commitment for development, he made the world his home and in reciprocation, the world was with him throughout his remarkable journey for emancipation of marginalised sections. The New York Times, in a piece in 1980, hailed Dr Pathaks mission and described him as an articulate advocate of the role of voluntary organisations in development. The major reason for success has been Pathaks sociological and psychological genius he knows how to translate ideas into action and get people to act. The Washington Post in 1985 defined Pathaks mission as formidable. In the 1960s, when he entered the fray as a young idealist in Patna, he wouldnt have even a vague idea of creating history one day. Destined to be proven a major transformational decision, the Gandhi Centenary Committee in Patna sent a young volunteer (Bindeshwar Pathak) to work amidst the Dalit community in Bettiah. Pathak braved humiliation and ridicule from members of the Brahmin caste he was born into to spend three months in a village studying the socio-economic conditions of the scavenger community. While he was aware about the realities of caste atrocities with his roots in north Bihar, this was a moment to revolt through his firm resolve and peaceful action. In those days, open defecation was a highly prevalent practice with paucity of resources to afford the septic tanks and proper sewerage channels. It would be hard to imagine today that only a few decades back, the public toilets were nearly non-existent. With little or no efforts to end the wrong practice of manual scavenging, a task that was carried out by the Dalit community, it was difficult to see a ray of hope for an egalitarian society in independent India that was otherwise supposed to ensure equal rights to all its citizens under the progressive constitutional framework. As a young activist with a strong urge to reform some of the odd social norms, Pathak had taken a resolve to replace the bucket latrines with the Sulabh toilets that dont use sewers or expensive treatment plants. The Sulabh toilets heralded transformational changes in no time as the new experiment made it possible to use a fifth of the water used in conventional toilets, allowing easy switching between pits to enable composting and suitably equipped to local conditions. Before the bright ideas and unswerving action combined and finally transpired in a much-needed social revolution, a promising young activist Pathak was deeply inspired with the humanitarian values and ideals. Highly inspired by the founding fathers of modern India, especially Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, he decided to devote his life to the social uplift of downtrodden classes. Trained in sociology at the prestigious Patna University, it took almost five years for him to finally convince the Bihar government officials of the value and importance of Sulabh toilets. In 1973, the Arrah municipality gave Pathak a measly sum Rs 500 to construct two toilets in the compound of its office. It took off from there and the rest is a history of Sulabhs phenomenal success. Words travelled fast. In 1974, the Bihar government issued a circular to all local bodies to experiment with Sulabhs technology and method to convert bucket toilets into two-pit pour-flush toilets. While the Municipal Corporations gave land and financed the construction of the toilets, they did not agree to pay for their maintenance. Compelled to make his humane venture survive and grow, Pathak took a risk by asking the users to pay a token amount for using Sulabhs public facilities. He succeeded, unlike the British colonial state that too made an attempt for paid public toilets. Initially in Bihar and later across the country, people saw the merit of the clean, odourless and environment-friendly Sulabh toilets and their trust helped the Sulabh toilet and sanitation movement to survive and thrive. With a resounding impact and success, by 1980, over 25,000 people were using Sulabh public facilities in Bihars capital alone. Sooner than later, Sulabh became the implementing agency for building and maintaining toilet blocks in educational institutions and this way, it made a seminal contribution because the absence of latrines in schools was believed to force a large number of girl students to drop out. Finally, the Sulabh movement has helped significantly the larger sanitation ecosystem in the government and private sectors besides ushering in the sustainable model of urban planning and designs. It would be worthwhile to note that Sulabh has converted dry latrines into two-pit pour flush latrines in more than 1,700 towns and built over 1.5 million toilets. Dr Pathak has achieved well-deserved acclaim nationally and internationally, including the Padma Bhushan, Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Stockholm Water Prize. In recognition of its exemplary contribution for making behavioural changes for sustainable water and sanitation practices, Dr Pathak was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2016. His mission was, under the banner of Sulabh, the key enabler of the governments flagship programme Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. As a fellow Bihari but with an urge to create a positive difference in the lives beyond borders, I had the chance to work closely with him in recent years. Dr Pathak was keen to take the sanitation movement to Indias neighbourhood, especially in Nepal, where we were close to institutionalising an implementation framework, starting with pilot projects in the border towns near Bihar: Janakpur, Birgunj and Biratnagar. Just a few months back, he was in Nepal and his visit was expected to add another dimension to the unique and reliable bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal. Hailing from north India, his emphatic commitment to reshape Nepals readiness for sanitation and water uses was quite natural. While he is not around, hopefully, his vision and Sulabhs success stories will help in putting forward a positive sanitation movement for Nepal. Dr Pathaks sudden demise was more than shocking for his fellow country people and admirers across the world. The true tribute to ever affectionate, kind and large-hearted Dr Pathak would be to make the world cleaner, greener, more livable and equitable. The movement this human rights champion started with Sulabh should be taken forward for ensuring the greater common good. The author is a policy professional and writer with a special focus on South Asia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the uncharted south pole of the Moon has cemented Indias position in the exclusive league of global space powerhouses and etched its name in the annals of space exploration history. As the lander module descended to the Moons lunar greyness and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) compound reverberated with collective pride and Vande Matram chants, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, the chair of the ISRO, said, India is on the Moon. Congratulating the ISRO team and fellow citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Indias successful Moon mission is not Indias alone. This is the year of Indias G20 presidency. Our idea of One Earth, One Family, One Future is resonating across the world. This human-centric approach has been welcomed by all. Our Moon mission is also based on this principle. Our success belongs to all of humanity. Indias space odyssey has swelled the hearts of Indians with pride and excitement, and Indias growing space ambitions have turned some faces green with envy. Indias burning ambitions and upcoming missions, like the launch of the Aditya-L1 mission in September and the Gaganyaan missions, are sure to dovetail with a roiling, ignominious, and petulant Britain that cant savour Indias triumphs, once Britains largest colony. It would be fair to say that envy is the sincerest form of flattery. A UK news presenter, Patrick Christys, while congratulating India on its monumental achievement, said, I would like to congratulate India for landing on the dark side of the moon. I would also like to invite India to return the 2.3 billion pounds of aid money that we sent them between 2016 and 2021. We are also set to donate 57 million pounds next year. But I think the British taxpayer should keep a hold of that. As a rule, we should not be giving money to countries with space programs. India reportedly has 29 million people living in poverty. According to the UN, it is the highest anywhere in the world. India is also the fifth-largest economy in the world, with an annual GDP of 3.75 trillion dollars. Why are we paying poverty-stricken India when their government wont bother? As for the financial aid from the British government, perhaps a quick session of general knowledge is in order for the British news anchor. In 2011, Indias then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, on the floor of the Rajya Sabha, categorically expressed that India didnt require any charity from the United Kingdom and said, We do not require the aid. It is a peanut in our total development expenditure. In fact, in the same year, the International Development Committee (IDC) of the UK Parliament published an inquiry that concluded that the UKs financial assistance could only have a marginal impact on Indias development because it made up only a tiny proportion of its gross domestic product. Moreover, even the inconsequential aid was stopped in 2015, and most of the UKs funding comes from business investments. A report published in The Guardian in March 2023 explicitly said, Since 2015, the UK has given no financial aid to the Government of India. Most of our funding now is focused on business investments, which help create new markets and jobs for the UK as well as India. UK investments are also helping tackle shared challenges such as climate change. Besides, in line with beating all expectations of economic growth, India leapfrogged the UK to become the worlds fifth-largest economy by March 2022, lifting almost 135 million people out of poverty between 2014 and 2019. Many were quick to point out that the British still owned India whilst conveniently obfuscating the fact that they syphoned out at least $45 trillion over the 200 years of their colonial rule in India, but in retrospect, India still writhes from the dark realities of colonisation. VS Naipaul rightly called India a wounded civilization. From violent colonisation, economic exploitation, orchestrated famines, cultural devaluation, unprecedented levels of bloodshed, legislation based on anachronistic Victorian values, and colonised consciousnesses, the incomprehensible horrors go beyond monetary compensation. The pusillanimous and deracinated homegrown leaders of independent India embraced the Macaulay idea of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect, instead of exorcising the ghosts of the colonial era and developing veritable decolonised and freestanding thoughts for a new India. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs acknowledgement of the beneficial consequences of colonisation is an indictment of the successful subjugation of Lord Macaulays worldview that the Hindu way of life is inherently flawed. Indias experience with Britain had its beneficial consequences too. Our notions of the rule of law, of a constitutional government, of a free press, of professional civil service, and of modern universities and research laboratories have all been fashioned in the crucible where an age-old civilization met the dominant empire of the day, the former prime minister said. It was not until 2014 when Narendra Modi was ensconced in the Prime Ministers chair, that Indian society started to rediscover and celebrate its civilisational glory and heritage. Ever since, the Narendra Modi-led dispensation has worked to envision and help build an India independent of the last traces of its colonial baggage and, by extension, proud of its ancient civilisational identity. This decolonisation project is reflected in the governments decisions, such as the renaming of the Rajpath as Kartavya Path, the construction of the Central Vista project, the merging of the flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti with the flame at the National War Memorial, changing the naval ensign to encompass the royal seal or mudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and ultimately, the rolling out of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims for the renaissance of the Indian civilisation. Therefore, the naysayers who mocked India as a nation of snake charmers and cow-worshippers are correct, because this India is confident in its civilisational moorings and antiquity and is finally ready, rising, and impatient to meet its destiny of palpable development and futuristic endeavours. Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Earlier this week, the Indian National Congress reconstituted its Working Committee. At the top of this list were former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi while the former two jointly spearheaded the country between 2004 and 2014, also infamously known as Indias Lost Decade, Rahul made his first parliamentary appearance in 2004. The Manmohan-Sonia era which lasted for two tenures, with Rahul in the trainee seat, saw scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore i.e. Rs 12,00,00,00,00,00,000. These are not just zeroes on paper, this is Indias taxpayers money which was siphoned off into private kitties. The list of scams is long and truly painful to see, but even more disturbing is the nonchalance with which processes were discarded and transparency in following established systems for procurement and allotment was completely ignored, over and over again. However distressing, we must endure and recollect the top financial scams of the era that set the country back several decades 2G spectrum, Satyam, Adarsh Housing Society, Coal, Commonwealth, Tatra Truck, cash for votes, National Herald, DLF, fodder, Ghaziabad Provident Fund, IPL, and many more. THE MANMOHAN-SONIA ERA Gandhi, who had stated that she listened to her inner voice to give up the post of the prime minister and nominated Dr Singh instead, remained very much a power centre. She bypassed constitutional processes and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) when it came to policy-making, procurements, allocations, selection of bureaucrats and ministers. A standout example was the creation of the National Advisory Council (NAC), for which she hand-picked members, left Dr Singh out, chaired it herself and made decisions which the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had to implement. An unconstitutional body such as the NAC provided unhinged power to its members to make decisions which would be subject to zero accountability. It became a politically fatal combination, as described by Dr Singhs PMO official, further adding that responsibility without power and governance without authority meant that Dr Singh was unable, even when he was aware, to check corruption in his ministry to avoid disturbing the political arrangement over which he nominally presided. As a result, he wasnt able to dismiss ministers at will. The other problem was Gandhis personal branding exercise which continued aggressively according to insiders, she would take credit for all the good work, project herself as the caring socialist concerned about the welfare of the poor, while all the blame for any mistake or failure would go to Dr Singh. SONIA LOYALISTS Gandhis disdain for abject poverty in India, in contrast to her high European taste, is well-known to the Delhi durbari circles. Journalistic accounts are telling of her personality. Tavleen Singh has written about an episode when Gandhi visited a village and saw a baby crawling around a pile of cow dung. He was playing with it and putting it in his mouth. The filth appalled her. Gandhi, however, found a way to ignore the Indian reality, of how the Congress, specifically the family she got married into, had left the poor of the country. Instead of vowing to make a change, she allegedly chose to spend time on decorating her house and curating a social group apt for her taste. Intimate members of this social group were the Quattrocchi couple husband Ottavio was alleged to be the middleman in the Bofors deal, which the Gandhi family went to great lengths to cover up. The Quattrocchis were so close to Gandhi and Rahul that at one point Mrs Quattrocchi kicked a security guard at 7 Race Course Road for trying to use a metal detector on her. Even after Dr Singh took over, Gandhi harboured and protected her loyalists. She continued to bypass and avoid constitutional processes to save them many of whom she even placed in the NAC. Lobbyists and middlemen thrived during the UPA era, many of whom became power-brokers for folks trying to negotiate their way into the Union Cabinet. Even after a scam was exposed by the media, Dr Singhs UPA government tried to minimise the damage to the loyalist concerned for as long as possible. As we inch closer to the 2024 General Elections, it may be time to give this contrast some deep thought Has the stern, corruption-free governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi made us forget the misdeeds and loot of the UPA government? Have we forgotten the point of desperation and despair that the country was driven to at the end of the UPAs second term? Perhaps, it may be time to dig out those old stories and refresh the horrific memories. This is Part V of a multi-part series. A look at the other parts: Part I: Opinion | Indian Prime Ministers and Cases of Corruption: Rajiv Gandhis Indefensible Defence Deals Part II: Opinion | Indian Prime Ministers and Cases of Corruption: Nehru and the Birth of Scams Part III: Opinion | Indian Prime Ministers and Cases of Corruption: Indiras Biggest Racket Garibi Hatao Part IV: Opinion | Indian Prime Ministers and Cases of Corruption: Indiras Dhritrashtra Syndrome & Emergency Excesses Priyam Gandhi-Mody is an author of three bestselling books, including A Nation to Protect. Her fourth book is expected to be released in October 2023. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. In the realm of Indian politics, a recent proclamation by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Ajay Rai, has ignited discussions and raised pertinent questions about the upcoming electoral landscape. The announcement stated that the former party president and Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, is set to re-enter the fray from the emblematic Amethi constituency. This revelation unfolds against the backdrop of a nascent alliance named INDIA, which is a collaborative endeavour between various Opposition parties. However, it emerges at a juncture when the contours of seat-sharing agreements and state-specific strategies within the Opposition bloc remain uncharted territories. The timing of these sweeping announcements is now under scrutiny, sparking a debate on their sagacity within the political discourse. Alliance Vs Ambition Crucially, the essence of the matter extends beyond the individual choices of candidatures; it encompasses the broader implications for the strategic cohesion of the newly formed INDIA alliance. As the Congress party contemplates centring the election narrative around Rahul Gandhis candidature from Amethi and the potential candidature of Priyanka Gandhi from VaranasiPrime Minister Narendra Modis strongholdit raises a critical question about the proportionality of this focus within the larger ambit of the Oppositions objectives. While it is undeniable that individual charisma and lineage bear significance in politics, overly fixating on these personalities could inadvertently detract from the overarching goals of the INDIA bloc. A skewed emphasis on a couple of constituencies could lead to a scenario where the partys attention becomes unduly concentrated, sidelining other crucial constituencies and diluting the broader narrative. The core principle that emerges from this scenario is the need for a balanced approach that harmonises individual ambitions with collective aspirations. It is imperative that the Congress party, as a key component of the alliance, recognise the importance of synchronised decision-making. When forging a collaborative front, it becomes indispensable for all participating parties to engage in shared deliberations before making substantial announcements. A parallel track of unilateral declarations could potentially erode the unity that is vital for the alliances effectiveness. Amethi is an ego battle, not a strategy A deeper historical perspective offers insights into the significance of Amethi within the Congress partys narrative. Analogous to Rai Bareli, Amethi has entrenched itself as a bastion of the Congressa legacy synonymous with the Gandhi family. The trajectory began in 1980 with Sanjay Gandhis representation of the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. Following his untimely demise, the mantle was passed to his brother, Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, who secured consecutive victories in 1984, 1989 and 1991. Subsequently, Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress president, emerged victorious from this constituency in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. The baton was then taken up by Rahul Gandhi, who maintained the familys legacy by triumphing in Amethi between 2004 and 2014. However, the political landscape underwent a seismic shift during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when BJP leader Smriti Irani dethroned Gandhi to claim Amethi. Notably, Irani had previously contested the seat in 2014, losing to Gandhi by a substantial margin of over 1.5 lakh votes. Her electoral fortunes reversed in 2019, as she managed to secure victory with a narrower margin of around 55,000 votes. The 2019 elections marked a historic shift, representing the first instance where a member of the Gandhi family was unseated in the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. This transformation was swiftly capitalised upon by the BJP, which leveraged the event to level criticism against the Congress. Irani, now a prominent figure in the political landscape, emerged as one of Rahul Gandhis vocal adversaries, actively challenging him both within the parliamentary chambers and outside. The contest for Amethi thus metamorphosed into an arena of ego-driven rivalries, particularly for Rahul Gandhi. However, in the broader context of coalition politics, the fundamental paradigm demands a departure from ego-centric battles. Instead, the focal point should be the formulation of comprehensive ground-level strategies that resonate with the aspirations of the diverse constituencies involved. The nascent INDIA alliance must eschew succumbing to the gravitational pull of individualistic aspirations. It is incumbent upon the Congress to recognise that the path to a successful alliance lies in embracing shared goals and coordinated strategies. In summation, the decision to field Rahul Gandhi from Amethi and the resonance of Amethi within Congresss political psyche underscore the intricate interplay of personal aspirations and collective strategies. As the INDIA alliance takes shape, the imperative is to balance the charisma of individual candidates with a broader narrative that encapsulates the aspirations of the electorate. While Amethis historical significance is undeniable, its transformation from an ego-centric battleground to a strategic asset hinges on the ability of the Congress and the alliance partners to navigate this delicate equilibrium. In this transformative phase of Indian politics, the mantra is clear: collective vision over individual egos. Not good news for the opposition The Opposition coalition is still in the process of finalising several crucial aspects, which include determining the seat-sharing arrangement and formulating state-specific strategies. An intriguing scenario emerges if Rahul Gandhi chooses to contest from Amethi and Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi. This decision would necessitate the Congress partys undivided attention on these two constituencies. Although the recent dynamics seem to indicate a swift decline in the Bharatiya Janata Partys influence, it is essential for the Opposition to broaden its focus across the entirety of India rather than getting fixated on specific electoral battlegrounds. The risk of hyper-focusing on particular seats, particularly in the face of formidable opponents, demands a strategic reconsideration from the Opposition political parties. An inherent concern arises if Rahul Gandhi opts for Amethi, potentially constraining his capacity to campaign extensively for the Opposition alliance. This might limit his mobility to the state of Uttar Pradesh, effectively sidelining other crucial electoral battlegrounds. Furthermore, the Congresss decision to field candidates in such a manner can inadvertently furnish the BJP with potent ammunition to fuel their narrative against not only the Opposition alliance but also the Congress itself. The BJP could amplify its stance against dynastic politics, portraying it as a quintessential facet of the Oppositions agenda. This argument would gain traction if Rahul Gandhi contests Amethi, as it could be construed as a preference for personal interests over broader public service objectives. This very narrative was instrumental when Gandhi sought reprieve from the Supreme Court in the Modi surname defamation case, a move that led to his disqualification as a Member of Parliament. Furthermore, such a scenario could potentially trigger a reiteration of the 2024 election narrative: the Gandhi family versus Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, historical trends underscore that this narrative hasnt borne significant fruit in past Lok Sabha elections. It becomes evident that this formula doesnt resonate effectively with the electorate, emphasising the importance of the Opposition steering their discourse towards more tangible and pressing issues that resonate with the common people. To achieve success, INDIA must steer clear of an overemphasis on personal ambitions, particularly those tied to the Gandhi family. Its pertinent to acknowledge that the Opposition coalition is already grappling with an array of pressing issues. Within this alliance, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress have been embroiled in exchanges, reflecting underlying tensions. Furthermore, the dynamics between Mamata Banerjee, the Congress, and the Left remain largely unchanged in Bengal. Notably, in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is signalling a diminished tolerance for the dominance of the Gandhi family, especially given the Congresss precarious political standing within the state. It is not hidden why Congress wants Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in such crucial seats. Its the hunger for power. In summation, the ongoing discourse around the Oppositions electoral strategies reveals the intricate balance between personal aspirations and collective objectives. While the prospect of Rahul Gandhi contesting from Amethi and Priyanka Gandhi from Varanasi carries its own intrigue, the Oppositions capacity to succeed hinges on their ability to transcend individual ambitions and focus on broader, more pertinent issues. A deeper examination reveals that the Oppositions potential rests in its ability to construct a narrative that resonates deeply with the diverse populace of the nation, steering away from overwrought narratives that have proven ineffective in the past. The author is a visiting professor of journalism, a political columnist, and a doctoral research scholar. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. In just a matter of a few hours, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is all set to hold the second Jalabhishek Yatra taking the same route in Haryanas trouble-torn Nuh despite being denied permission for it. What makes it tricky for chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar is that the decision to have another yatra was essentially taken by village councils, a powerful unit of the rural parts of the state that play a crucial role during elections. Nuh Violence LIVE Updates With the law and order situation ahead of G20 as well as political balancing before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in mind, Khattar is in a tight spot. Defiant VHP backed by khaps The VHP has made it categorically clear: the yatra will take place. Its logic is that since this is a tirtha yatra, there is no question of either seeking or being denied permission. August 28 is the last Monday of the Hindu month of Sawan. This is a nation of pilgrimage. No one has sought any permission and, hence, the question of denial doesnt arise, said VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal, adding that the yatra will start at 11 am. The Hindutva outfits international working president Alok Kumar said, Maintaining peace and harmony in the last month of Sawan, Hindu society will complete its dharma yatra in Mewat. The VHP does not consider it a second yatra but an attempt to complete the first one, which was interrupted as it came under attack from external elements. Mounting pressure on the police, the VHP called for strict action against Ferozepur Jhirka MLA Mamman Khan of the Congress for inciting the mob violence. In the budget session in February, Khan had gone into a diatribe against cow protection in the area. It is claimed that the Mewat region is a hub of illegal cow smuggling. Now the dilemma for the ruling party in the state is that it is not exactly the VHP, but the khaps that have given a call for this yatra. Does saying no to yatra make Khattar anti-khap? Khap panchayats are an influential part of rural Haryana and can influence voting patterns. During elections, many MLAs seek their blessings. To vehemently be seen against the yatra is not just anti-VHP but also anti-khap. After the contest in 10 Lok Sabha seats during the general election, the assembly polls will take place in 90 constituencies of Haryana. In such a politically crucial juncture, Khattar cannot afford to offend a Hindutva organisation and, most definitely, not the khaps. The G20, moreover, will begin early next month in New Delhi where top world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, will be in attendance. The global focus will remain on New Delhi, and if Nuh experiences another spate of communal violence that spreads to millennium city Gurugram, it stands to sully Indias image. No wonder, the chief minister is walking a tightrope faced with a situation between the devil and the deep blue sea where he needs to keep the law and order situation under control without offending any stakeholders. When News18 visited Nuh on Sunday, it found a large-scale presence of paramilitary forces on the proposed yatra route. An uneasy calm The rare but horrific communal riot in Nuh 72 km from the national capital broke out on July 31 and claimed six lives, including two home guards and a cleric, in clashes that spread to neighbouring Gurugram. More than 20 police personnel were injured and an investigation into the violence shows that the attack was done in a calibrated manner with the help of weapons arranged beforehand. Even the cyber police station in Nuh was attacked. A total of 55 FIRs and 141 arrests later, Nuhs present situation can best be described as an uneasy calm. Such was the scale of violence that the state government decided to immediately move the battalion headquarters of the 2nd India Reserve Battalion (IRB) from the police complex Bhondsi to Nuh district to meet imminent operational exigencies of maintaining law and order as well as peace and security. The third meeting in Mumbai of the INDIA bloc of opposition parties on September 1 is critical as it plans to take a great leap for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. While a new logo is expected to be unveiled, the friction and dilemma within seem to be coming out in the open too. What could be the areas over which there will be tug of war? Who will be convener? Sonia Gandhi was unanimously chosen as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson in 2004 with no rancour. She was the one who had taken the first step forward to ensure the coming together of like-minded parties to unseat the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2004. And the Congress was still the big player in the opposition spectrum. But things have changed now. Not only is the Congress much weaker, but simultaneously regional outfits like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) have become powerful and ambitious. And with this, the issue that arises is who after Sonia Gandhi will be the convener of the opposition bloc. The Janata Dal (United) feels the mantle automatically falls on Nitish Kumar. Says party spokesperson KC Tyagi, Nitish Kumar is the founder of INDIA. He is the best person suited for this job. Also, we would certainly think that he is the best to become the PM in 2024 but we dont want to say anything before the Mumbai meet. The Nitish Kumar camp is feeling disappointed over the Congress plan to not appoint any single convener of the INDIA group. It is apparent that Nitish wants to become the convener of the alliance given the stellar role he has played in bringing various parties into the fold including challenging partners like AAP and the Samajwadi Party, a JD(U) leader told News18. However, the leader said that the feelers from the Congress camp indicate the party does not want to appoint a single convener as that would by default project that person as the prime ministerial candidate as well, which the grand old party wants only for Rahul Gandhi. It is believed that Nitish was also disappointed with Lalu Prasad Yadavs recent statement that there could be multiple conveners of INDIA depending upon regions. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president had further said that his son Tejashwi Yadav will be Bihars chief minister one day, virtually putting Nitish Kumar on notice. Though Kumar has publicly said he does not wish for any post in INDIA and has ruled himself out of the prime ministerial race, the ambition does exist with his role in the state on a diminishing path. All this is expected to aggravate the challenges for the INDIA blocs chemistry. But behind closed doors, the demand for Nitish as the convener is gaining traction. Many small parties, as well as the JD(U), think he would be a good choice. Hindi-speaking and belonging to the Hindi belt, Nitish can counter PM Modi, they feel. But many others are not so keen as they feel making him the convener would make it Nitish vs Modi in 2024. This brings us to the issue of who will be and can be the PM face. Who will be PM face? Thats where the problem begins. Everyone wants to be the PM face. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel threw the cat among the pigeons when they said Rahul Gandhi must be the prime ministerial pick. While this may enthuse the Congress cadre, its not something others like Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee will be happy about. While no one is saying it openly, the murmurs and ambitions cannot be checked. And this is what the Bharatiya Janata Party is taking advantage of. The fact that Baghel and Gehlot have pushed for Rahul as PM has drawn jibes from the BJP on who will be the PM candidate and how will the opposition decide. It helps the BJP to make the point that it, unlike the INDIA front, has clarity and stability of leadership. Seat distribution And this is what will cause further tension. TMC vs Congress and AAP vs Congress will make it difficult for seat allocation to be a smooth affair. The same will be the case when it comes to the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. While the Congress has decided to support the SP for a bypoll in the state, this bonhomie may not last long. The road to 2024 for the INDIA front has become rocky. Billionaire Elon Musk has always been a virtual supporter of India. Not long ago, when Indian scientists and researchers at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scripted history with their lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 making a successful soft landing on the Moons South Pole, Musk congratulated their efforts through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Now, the number of Indian-based business executives around the world who are ranked at the top positions in reputed tech and non-tech companies seems to have impressed the business magnate again. Lauding their commendable talent, Musk dropped an appreciatory post on X, which has grabbed the eyeballs of social media users again. On Saturday, August 26, the World of Statistics shared a long list of Indian-origin CEOs in some of the renowned global firms. Among the companies that made it to the list were Sundar Pichai-led Google and Alphabet, Satya Nadella chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, Sanjay Mehrotra-led Micron Technology, Neal Mohans YouTube, Ajay Banga, CEO of World Bank, and Laxman Narasimhan CEO of Starbucks among others. In fact, the CEOs of Chanel, Cognizant, Vimeo, and Motorola Mobility to name a few are also Indians. CEO of Alphabet Google CEO of Microsoft CEO of YouTube CEO of Adobe CEO of World Bank Group CEO of IBM CEO of Albertsons CEO of NetApp CEO of Palo Alto Networks CEO of Arista Networks CEO of Novartis CEO of Starbucks CEO of Micron Technology World of Statistics (@stats_feed) August 26, 2023 Reacting to the list, Elon Musks one-word praise was, Impressive. Impressive Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2023 Social media users also marked their presence in the comments, dropping multiple plaudits on the success of Indians. Indians are some of the hardest working people. Dubai has so many millionaires who came from India with nothing and worked their way all the way up. Good on them, one of them commented. Wonderful to see Indians leading many global organizations, Jai Hind, noted another. Wow. Go India, cheered someone else. Indians are some of the hardest working people. Dubai has so many millionaires who came from India with nothing, and worked their way all the way up. Good on them Irina . Heaver (@IrinaHeaver) August 26, 2023 Wonderful to see Indians leading many global organisations, Jai Hind Varun Kumar Rana (@VarunKrRana) August 26, 2023 Wow. Go India. Diana Dukic (@diana_dukic) August 26, 2023 Elon Musks love for India might not just be restricted to virtual posts. The business mogul seems to be planning on visiting the country soon. On August 23, an X user photoshopped Musk in a traditional Indian ensemble and captioned the post, Im planning to visit India next year as if it were Musks words. Replying to the post, Musk appeared to be optimistic about the idea as he said, I look forward to it. According to reports, the Tesla executive planned to visit India after he met the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in June this year. Asked whether or not he got an invite from the PM, Musks answer was positive. He said, He (Narendra Modi) did. And yes, Im tentatively planning to visit India again next year. Im looking forward. Maria Sanchez walks slowly through her house in the Venezuelan capital with two surgical drainage bags hanging from her waist the nightmare result of her search for the perfect derriere. Almost a decade ago she underwent a backside-enhancing procedure, the kind that has soared in popularity as women crave a figure popularized by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian. I was mutilated, the 50-year-old tells AFP, but I had to assume the consequences. In 2006, she was injected with what is known as a biopolymer, a term commonly used to refer to naturally derived products, but which also encompasses synthetic fillers made from silicone or even paraffin. Sanchez now has a scar running across her lower back as a painful reminder of the reconstruction surgery in which doctors managed to extract 90 percent of the filler. The fillers, seen as a cheaper and less invasive alternative to fat grafting, are injected and expand inside the body. Their use was banned in Venezuela in 2012 after years of massive commercialization in outpatient clinics but also in hair salons and even in doctors offices. Recognition of their toxicity is growing. Neighboring Colombia on Tuesday enacted a law imposing two- to 10-year jail terms on those who inject biopolymers in consumers as well as fines up to US$70,000. Growing numbers of people suffering chronic pain are seeking to have biopolymer removed from their bodies. Last year, American rapper Cardi B admitted she had had polymer filler removed from her buttocks, warning young women against the procedure. Little fat balls The presence of biopolymers triggers the immune system, which constantly fights them, causing fever, swelling and pain. Over the course of two years, Sanchez was successively diagnosed with arthritis, rheumatism and lupus before reaching a diagnosis that the chemical was actually the cause of her ailments. An acquaintance, a public hospital employee, referred her to plastic surgeon Juan Carlos Blanco, who has treated some 50 cases in the last five years, of which 20 ended in surgery, including Sanchezs. Also read: Damaged My Butt: Man Posts Pic of Broken Train Seat Handle, Indian Railways Responds Blanco told AFP that when he goes in to remove the filler he finds little fat balls. When he cauterizes them they explode and what comes out is oil. There are no official figures on the number of people suffering from biopolymer injection in Venezuela, although local media have documented deaths. AFP unsuccessfully requested statistics from the Ministry of Health. Venezuela is famous for producing beauty queens sculpted by cosmetic doctors and has a deep-rooted culture of plastic surgery. Sanchez says her bad decision to get the fillers was about conforming to a stereotype, for not feeling somehow all right about my silhouette. But it was allowed. It wasnt that I was crazy. She was unable to sit down for 20 days after her reconstruction surgery. While buttock enhancement was the most popular biopolymer treatment, it has also been used to enhance breasts, calf muscles, or even for penis enlargement. Fever, swelling, pain Surgical removal of the biopolymer has been performed for about five years, but before that the recommendation was not to touch the affected area. Surgeons agree that it is impossible to remove 100 percent of the biopolymer, and whoever offers a different assessment is lying, Blanco says. Extraction operations can cost up to $11,000. Thats what 39-year-old Susana will have to pay for her third attempt to remove the toxic filler she had injected in her buttocks 12 years ago. Susana, who asked that her real name not be used because of the stigma attached to those who have opted for these treatments, lives in a shantytown in the hills of Caracas. Getting around is an ordeal. I cant walk very far, she says. I have to put my feet in hot water. She began to suffer pain five years after the injections, after her second pregnancy, and made the mistake of having surgery in 2017 with a contraindicated technique similar to liposuction, which only made things worse and cost $3,000. I couldnt walk anymore, she recalls, and a doctor performed emergency surgery on her in 2019 for an additional $5,000. She has scars on her upper and lower buttocks, bruised from the operations. In the upcoming third operation, the specialist is going to take out as much as she can. The doctor warned Susana not to hate her if she leaves me flat' in the buttocks, she said. Im not going to hate her. Im going to thank her very much. Scores of young women have been paraded before potential suitors at a Bulgarian bride market where poor families can arrange financially beneficial marriages for their children. If one visits the town of Stara Zagora in Bulgaria on the first Saturday of Orthodox Christian Lent, one would be amazed to see the whole town busy with merry-making. Here, the potential brides are proactively dressed, donning gobs of mascara and wearing flashy jewellery, towering heels and mini-skirts to lure their potential husbands into the market. The culture of the Kalaidzhis community, who traditionally make a living as coppersmiths, has undoubtedly caught the medias attention with its beliefs and customs. People gather there to dance, have drinks and food along with chatting around. The place is also known as the Gypsy Bride Market. The mothers who are dressed in a festive mood also accompany their daughters as they feel proud of the fact that they have reached an age where they are successfully able to comply with the traditions of their society. The community migrated to Bulgaria and other states of Eastern Europe in about the 12th-14th century and usually lived far away from each other in villages. The girls and women are not allowed to meet or date any male members. In the Kalaidzhi families, the virginity of the girls until the day of the fair is given high priority because of the high price that would be able to negotiate, otherwise, non-virgin women will be sold at a lower price. The girls from the community are only allowed to meet men at the fair through their families. The women in the community are not allowed to date since teenagers are forbidden to meet without the presence of an adult. However, with the technological advancement, the girls are connected through social media now. Marriage outside the group is a taboo as it will hinder the growth of the community. An article by the New York Times cited that in the bridal market, the man is not buying a wife, but her virginity. In the community, there is a tradition to marry off their daughter between the ages of 16 and 20. The girls are dropped out of the school in their 8th grade with the belief that they would be stolen otherwise by their suitors. Men spend about $7,500 to $11,300 (Rs 6.19 lakh to Rs 93.38 lakh) after rounds of bargaining and the wedding festivities are much more modest with cash so tight, but the prices are said to still rise for a gorgeous young woman with many suitors. According to the Daily Mail, the bridal market is held four times a year on various religious holidays during the spring and summer. Indian industrialist Ratan Naval Tata is a philanthropist, and a former chairman of Tata Sons. He has also served as the chairman of Tata Group and still continues to head its charitable trusts. The industrialist has also been honoured with the highest civilian awards of India, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008, and Padma Bhushan 2000. Now, a story has emerged and it is doing rounds on the internet. Not many know but in the 1960s, Ratan Tata was all set to settle down in Los Angeles after completing his architecture and structural engineering degree from Cornell University. However, due to unavoidable circumstances of his grandmothers deteriorating health, he had to return to India. Also Read: There is No Finish Line: Neeraj Chopras Inspirational Words Get Lauded After His Historic Win When he was back in India, he received a job offer from IBM. However, Tata Groups then chairman JRD Tata was not so happy about it. According to reports, Ratan Tata revealed that he got a call from him where he said that he cannot be here in India and working for IBM. I was in the IBM office and I remember he asked me for a resume, which I didnt have. The IBM office had electric typewriters so I sat one evening and typed out a resume on their typewriter and gave it to him, he said. This is how he managed to secure a job with Tata Industries. Meanwhile, just a few days back, an old video of Ratan Tata went viral. In the video, originally posted in 2015, Ratan Tata can be seen talking about the time he encountered a gangster who was targeting Tata Motors. Shared by the Columbia Business School on their YouTube channel, the video features the legendary industrialist sharing details of an incident from the early 1990s when he was serving as the chairman of Tata Sons. He says that despite everyone not agreeing to his decision, he confronted a gangster trying to extort money from Tata Motors. Also Read: Drunk Woman in Vadodara Abuses, Attacks Cops, Aggressive Video is Now Viral In the video, he talks about two weeks after he took charge as Tata Sons chairman, he encountered a major issue within the company involving a workers union. Ratan Tata explains that there was an outsider, a gangster, who believed their union held substantial wealth and wanted to seize control. He had around 200 followers who were disruptive, violent, and intimidating, while the remaining 4,000 plant workers were not involved. The United States and China will set up a new working group for discussing trade tensions, Washington said Monday, as the worlds largest economy seeks to cool tensions with its strategic competitor. Washingtons Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo reached the agreement with her Chinese counterpart in Beijing on Monday, during the latest in a series of high-level trips to China by US officials. The trips could culminate in a meeting between leaders, with US President Joe Biden saying recently that he was expecting to sit down with Chinas Xi Jinping this year. Raimondo met on Monday morning with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, describing the economic relationship between the two countries as the most significant in the world. The two sides agreed to set up a working group to seek solutions on trade and investment issues and to advance US commercial interests in China, according to a readout from the US Commerce Department. The working group is set to meet twice annually, with the US hosting the first meeting next year, according to the readout. They also agreed to establish what Washington called an export control enforcement information exchange described as a platform to reduce misunderstanding of US national security policies. The first meeting of the group, to be conducted by assistant secretary-level officials, will take place in Beijing on Tuesday, Washington said. China and the United States will also aim to have annual meetings between the Commerce Secretary and their Beijing counterpart, Washington said. We share $700 billion dollars of trade and I concur with you that it is profoundly important that we have a stable economic relationship, Raimondo told Wang, according to a separate readout. Its a complicated relationship; its a challenging relationship, she told Wang. We will of course disagree on certain issues, but I believe we can make progress if we are direct, open, and practical. Wang, in turn, told Raimondo it was a great pleasure to conduct dialogue and coordination with you in the field of economy and trade. Raimondo arrived in Beijing on Sunday and was met by Lin Feng, the director of the commerce ministrys Americas and Oceania department, as well as US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. In posts on the social media platform X, Raimondo said she was looking forward to a productive few days. Monday also saw her visit a showcase of US beauty products for the Chinese market at a Beijing hotel, accompanied by Ambassador Burns. She will later travel to Chinas economic powerhouse Shanghai, before leaving on Wednesday, the US Department of Commerce said. Trade tensions Relations between the United States and China have plummeted to some of their lowest levels in decades, with US trade curbs near the top of the laundry list of disagreements. Washington says they are crucial to safeguarding national security, but China sees them as seeking to slow its economic rise. This month, Biden issued an executive order aimed at restricting certain US investments in sensitive high-tech areas in China a move Beijing blasted as being anti-globalisation. The long-anticipated rules, expected to be implemented next year, target sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sought to reassure Chinese officials about the expected curbs during a visit to Beijing last month, promising that any new moves would be implemented in a transparent way. And Raimondo on Monday told Chinese officials that while there was no room to compromise or negotiate on US national security, the vast majority of our trade and investment relationship does not involve national security concerns. We believe a strong Chinese economy is a good thing, she said. We seek healthy competition with China. A growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. In June, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing, where he met Xi and said progress had been made on a number of key sources of contention. US climate envoy John Kerry also visited China in July. But none of the visits led to major breakthroughs, and a recent Camp David summit between the United States, South Korea and Japan aimed in part at countering China sparked condemnation from Beijing. Following that summit, Biden said he still expected to meet Xi this year. The US president is inviting the Chinese leader to San Francisco in November, when the United States holds a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which includes China. They could also potentially meet next month in New Delhi on the sidelines of a G20 summit. Another Chinese ship is likely to dock soon at the Colombo port in Sri Lanka, with the island nations leading English daily The Daily Mirror reporting that the Lankan government has granted permission for the Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 to dock amid Indian concerns. According to top sources, the ship is likely to call at the Colombo Port in October. Media Director of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense, Colonel Nalin Herath, said permission from the ministry has been given for the ship in question based on a request made by the Lankas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). He said NARA is scheduled to conduct research with the Chinese research ship, and the date of the ships arrival in Sri Lanka is not yet confirmed. Earlier, Chinas state broadcaster CGTN described the Shi Yan 6 as a scientific research vessel crewed by 60 people that carries out oceanography, marine ecology, and marine geology tests. Last year, India had raised concerns over a Sri Lankan port call in Hambantota by Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5, which specialises in spacecraft tracking and which New Delhi described as a spy vessel. It was finally berthed at the Chinese-built Hambantota Port in southern Sri Lanka after waiting in the mid-seas for a few days. India had opposed its entry, claiming it could be used to spy on Indian military and nuclear establishments in the South. Two weeks ago, the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit. It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India. Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Colombo owes $7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including $3 billion to China. The negotiations for Sri Lankas external and domestic debt restructuring must be concluded by September, the time for the International Monetary Funds review of its $2.9 billion bailout extended in March this year. The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves. Frances powerful Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Sunday issued a stark warning over the danger of far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen winning the presidency in the next election, while burnishing his own ambition to succeed Emmanuel Macron in 2027. A sequence of bold statements by Darmanin have rocked French politics over the summer holiday period and, as the elite return from vacation, turned eyes firmly toward the 2027 presidential poll even though it remains years away. Darmanin, still only 40, heads what is now a super ministry of the interior, which also has responsibility for Frances overseas territories that span the globe. He has carved out a niche as a tough-talking right-wing figure. In a sign of his ambition, he invited some 700 people including a dozen ministers and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to the northern town of Tourcoing where he was once mayor and which served as his springboard into national politics for an afternoon rally fuelled by the beer, sausages and chips that are the pride of the region. We are here to defend the results of the president of the republic who has done a lot. There are four years left and we still, I think, have a lot to do, he said as the rally opened. And then we are also here to say that there is a problem. Obviously, we cannot give Marine Le Pen an inexorable path to power, said Darmanin, who last week told a French newspaper that it was quite probable Le Pen could win the presidency. Much more security Darmanin has in recent weeks warned that Macrons centrist faction needs to take note of the popular classes if it is to have a chance of continuing his legacy in 2027. People are asking for much more security, they are asking for better control of immigration, for secularism to be reaffirmed, he said. We need to explain this better and I am part of this criticism, he added. Le Pen lost to Macron in the run-offs of the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections, but analysts believe that 2027 will give her and the far right their best ever-chance of winning power in France. Polls show public concern growing over issues including immigration, security and the cost of living that her National Rally (RN) party have shown increasing confidence in seizing upon. Darmanins sudden firing of the gun for the 2027 campaign has not won universal approval even from within Macrons faction, in particular from those on the left in what is still a broad-based movement. 2027 is quite far away, Borne noted last week. French media have repeatedly noted the icy relations between Darmanin and Borne, who kept her job in a recent reshuffle a post her interior minister is widely reported to have coveted. Borne, whose attendance at the event was only confirmed at the very last minute, told those present that the unity of the ruling faction must be protected at any cost. This is the condition for continuing to act and not ourselves paving the way for the extremists This is how we will fight the populists and the extremists, she added. On the offensive The Le Monde daily said that after the disappointment of missing out on the job of prime monitor this summer, Darmanin had decided to emancipate himself and go on the offensive. But he realised he also needed to enlarge his audience by addressing those who might not necessarily be fans of his right-wing position, it added. In Tourcoing, the post-Macron period has begun, said hard-left figurehead Jean-Luc Melenchon. Its the end of Renaissance, added the leader of the Socialist Party Olivier Faure, warning that Darmanin would bring together the right and the far-right. For critics and supporters alike, Darmanins political style is reminiscent of his mentor, the former president Nicolas Sarkozy who also launched his bid for the presidency with a hyperactive stint as a hardline interior minister. Darmanin has already won Sarkozys endorsement for his 2027 bid, with the ex-leader writing in his latest book published this month that I would want him to (win) as he has evident qualities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the latter said that he wont be able to attend the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. Putin conveyed his inability to attend the summit on September 9 and 10, and said that the countrys Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Moscow in his place, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said in a release. In the call, PM Modi also thanked Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency. The two leaders also discussed a number of issues and reviewed progress of the bilateral ties between the two nations, the PMO added. PM Modi and Putin exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. Putin once again, congratulated the prime minister on Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the moon. The duo also reaffirmed the willingness of India and Russia to further develop bilateral cooperation in the space exploration. Apart from this, topical issues of Russian-Indian relations including trade and economic cooperation were discussed. Mutual cooperation to implement large-scale projects in the energy sector were also spoken about. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. G20 Summit in New Delhi The G20 Summit, of which India is hosting the presidency for the year 2023, is scheduled in Delhi for September 8, 9 and 10. The event is aimed to bring together G20 member countries along with guest nations to participate in discussions about diverse economic reforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Business 20 (B20) Summit India 2023, the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community, in Delhi on Sunday. The group of G20 countries comprises 19 nations including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, United States and the European Union. Modi-Putin Met Virtually at BRICS While PM Modi visited South Africas Johannesburg for a three-day official visit to attend the 15th BRICS summit, Putin attended it virtually. Putin was unable to attend the summit in person because of an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine, according to Reuters. A 37-year-old migrant labourer from Tamil Nadu successfully sued his employers in Singapore for negligence after he fell from an overcrowded lorry, according to a report by CNN. This is a rare victory because migrant workers have been ill-treated for decades in Singapore and very few Singaporean organisations have risen up to bat for their rights even though the city-state is home to about 1.4 million migrant workers, nearly a quarter of its population. Ramalingam Murugan fractured his leg in 2021 when a co-worker pushed him in an overcrowded lorry as he and over 20 other migrant workers were being ferried from their dormitories to their work site. Singapores sprawling infrastructure and real estate sector depends solely on migrant workers who come from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other neighbouring South Asian nations. However, the lack of safe working conditions to which neither the employers nor the government has paid proper attention has led to criticism, especially after the deaths of Toffazal Hossain from Bangladesh and Sugunan Shudeeshmon from India in 2021. Ramalingam Murugan, the migrant labourer from Tamil Nadu, after hurting himself went to the hospital when the pain did not subside. He underwent a surgery for a leg fracture and was placed on medical leave for about five months. He then launched a lawsuit against Rigel Marine Services, seeking 100,000 Singapore dollars ($73,500) in damages because he was not able to work because of his injuries. He injured himself coming down from a lorry which was overcrowded a simple thing that turned out to be risky. The injury left him unable to work. And even if he could, he would not have been able to fulfil basic duties required as his knee injury was causing him great pain, said his lawyer Muhamad Ashraf Syed Ansarai from the Yeo Perumal Mohideen Law Corporation was quoted as saying by CNN. Hes been waiting anxiously for two and a half years since it (the accident happened) and is back in India. (He) recovered to an extent but is still unable to work, Ansarai further added. Ansarai said Murugan was relieved when he heard that District Judge Tan May Tee ruled in favour of Murugan on August 17 and held Rigel Marine Services responsible for breach of duty. Rigel Marine Services filed a counter-claim against the damages paid to Murugan and even contended that Murugans accident was caused by his own carelessness in failing to watch his footing before alighting from the lorry but Judge Tan found no contributory negligence on Murugans part and said there had been no way for him to avoid the accident since the vehicle was not supposed to carry more than 22 persons at the time. Ansarai says that it is common for companies, especially those involved in heavy construction, to take risk assessments for granted. Even though Singapore has immensely profited from cheap labour for decades, negligence towards the safety and security of workers has led to public outrage in some cases. Moreover, workers are also working for long hours sometimes in extreme weather, and without minimum wage. It is common for workers to be brought to their work sites in cars without passenger seats or seat belts. This has resulted in numerous road accidents and deaths. The government claims that imposition of a ban will cripple the industry. Employers have stated that if the government imposes a ban, many companies, especially small and medium enterprises, will not be able to continue operating their businesses, Minister of State for the Ministry of Transport Amy Khor was quoted as saying by CNN. From a road safety perspective, it would be ideal for lorries not to carry any passengers in their rear decks but there are very significant practical and operational issues on top of just cost considerations, she further added. Meanwhile, Murugan hopes that he will recover soon. Im hopeful I will get reasonable compensation for my injuries which have caused me to suffer greatly, Murugan said, urging other migrant workers to come forward. He says that other migrant workers are afraid of reprisals from their employers due to which they choose to take them to court. Judge Tan said that damages awarded to Murugan will be assessed at a later stage. At least 47 organisations and members of the public have demanded that the government mandate use of buses to ferry migrant workers from their dormitories to the work sites. They felt current safety measures for migrant workers were inadequate. By communicating an intention to ban this unsafe practice we can send a powerful message about our commitment to ensuring the well being of all workers in Singapore regardless of their nationality or occupation, the statement said. The government has issued a response and said that there are mixed views on this because there are operational aspects included when it comes to these industries and added that there is a shortage of bus drivers in Singapore. Beyond financial costs, there are also structural and operational challenges including the availability of alternative modes of transportation, the Singaporean transport ministry said. Critics believe that the ruling has instilled a sense of urgency in the Singaporean government. The ruling serves as an important milestone. It shows the urgency for the Singapore government and its relevant agencies to act, an activist told the news outlet. Japan summoned Chinas ambassador on Monday to protest against a flood of nuisance calls from China to local businesses following the release of water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano told ambassador Wu Jianghao that China should properly inform the public rather than unnecessarily raising peoples concerns by providing information that is not based on scientific evidence, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Last week, China banned all seafood imports from its neighbour after Japan began releasing cooling water from the stricken Fukushima plant in an operation that Tokyo and the UNs nuclear watchdog have said is safe. Since then, apparently randomly chosen Japanese businesses ranging from bakeries to aquariums have received reportedly thousands of sometimes abusive crank calls from Chinese numbers. Social media users in China have posted recordings and videos of these calls, some of which have attracted tens of thousands of likes and a large number of comments. Since the start of the discharge there have been numerous phone calls and other harassment regarding the discharge that are suspected of originating from China. The situation has not improved since then, Okano told Wu. A number of similar incidents are also happening in China against Japan-related facilities. This is extremely regrettable and we are deeply concerned, he said, according to the release. Japans embassy over the weekend urged the tens of thousands of Japanese living in China to keep a low profile and not talk loudly in public. On Monday, it said it had increased security measures outside Japanese schools and diplomatic missions in China. According to Japanese media, there have been several incidents of stones and eggs being thrown at Japanese schools. Japan has begun releasing more than 500 Olympic swimming pools worth of wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific, 12 years after a tsunami knocked out three reactors in one of the worlds worst atomic accidents. Plant operator TEPCO says that all radioactive elements have been filtered out except for tritium, levels of which are within safe limits. Test results since the start of the discharge have confirmed this, according to Japanese authorities. Lebanese authorities have arrested a Russian national suspected of spying on the Iran-backed Hezbollah group on behalf of its arch-rival Israel, a security official told AFP Monday. Hezbollah had told Lebanese security forces that a Russian citizen was recruited by the Israelis for a reconnaissance mission of their headquarters in the southern suburbs of Beirut and south Lebanon, the official told AFP. Security forces arrested him around two weeks ago at Beirut airport while he was trying to flee with his wife and child, the official said. It came after Hezbollah told security forces that the suspect had tried to break into an apartment in Beiruts southern suburb, a stronghold for the group. Following his arrest he was interrogated at the general security department and then referred to military prosecutors who are now in charge of the investigation. On Friday, the interim chief of Lebanons General Security agency Elias al-Baysari said authorities had arrested a two-person network with ties to the enemy (Israel) at Beirut airport, and who were tasked to carry out operations in Lebanon. We interrogated them and referred them to the competent military judiciary, he added, without providing details on the nationality of the detained. On Saturday, the Russian embassy in Beirut said it was aware of the arrests and taking the necessary steps to clarify the details of the circumstances, according to state-run news agency RIA Novosti. Lebanon technically remains at war with Israel and forbids citizens from having any contact with Israel or travelling there. Israel and Hezbollah fought a 33-day war in Lebanon in 2006. The number of people arrested for allegedly collaborating with Israel has signficantly jumped since the countrys economy collapsed in late 2019, security officials had previously told AFP. The leader of Libyas government said Sunday that he had suspended his foreign minister after her Israeli counterpart announced he had held talks with her last week in Rome. Najla al-Mangoush has been temporarily suspended and will be subject to an administrative investigation by a commission chaired by the justice minister, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Sunday evening in an official decision posted on Facebook. The Libyan foreign ministry described it as a chance and unofficial encounter, but news of the meeting had already led to street protests in several Libyan cities. The political row broke out Sunday after Israels foreign ministry said the two countries foreign ministers had met the previous week. The statement said Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Mangoush, his Libyan counterpart in the Tripoli-based administration, spoke at a meeting in Rome hosted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The Israeli statement described it as the first such diplomatic initiative between the two countries. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for the two countries from their relations, Cohen said in a statement from Israels foreign ministry. But the Libyan foreign ministry said Sunday evening that Mangoush had refused to meet with any party representing Israel. What happened in Rome was a chance and unofficial encounter, during a meeting with his Italian counterpart, which did not involve any discussion, agreement or consultation, the ministry said in a statement. The minister had reiterated in a clear and unambiguous manner Libyas position regarding the Palestinian cause, the statement added. News of the meeting had sparked protests in some Libyan cities and a letter from the countrys Presidential Council requesting clarification. The Libyan foreign ministry accused Israel of trying to present this incident as a meeting or talks. In the Israel foreign ministry statement, Cohen was quoted as saying that the two discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyan Jews, which includes renovating synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country. Libyas size and strategic location offer a huge opportunity for the State of Israel, he added. There was no immediate confirmation of the meeting from Rome. Street protests Earlier on Sunday evening, Libyas Presidential Council requested clarifications from the government, according to Libya al-Ahrar TV, citing correspondence from spokeswoman Najwa Wheba. The Presidential Council, which has some executive powers and sprang from the UN-backed political process, includes three members representing the three Libyan provinces. The letter said that this development does not reflect the foreign policy of the Libyan state, does not represent the Libyan national constants and is considered a violation of Libyan laws which criminalise normalisation with the Zionist entity'. It asked the head of government to apply the law if the meeting took place. On the streets of Tripoli and its suburbs, protests erupted Sunday evening in a sign of refusal of normalisation with Israel. The protests spread to other cities where young people blocked roads, burned tyres and waved the Palestinian flag. Like several other North African countries, Libya has a rich Jewish heritage. But during decades of rule by former Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi, who was a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, thousands of Jews were expelled from Libya and many synagogues were destroyed. Kadhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011 by a NATO-backed uprising that plunged the country into more than a decade of chaos and lawlessness. The country is split politically with rival administrations the Tripoli government in the west and another in the east backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Israel has normalised relations with some Arab countries in recent years as part of US-backed deals known as the Abraham Accords. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus hardline government has come under intense criticism from Arab states because of surging violence in the West Bank and for backing the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied territory. An anti-terror court in Pakistan granted human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir and former lawmaker Ali Wazir post-arrest bail in a sedition case on Monday. The arrests stemmed from their participation in a public rally where both of them slammed the all-powerful military over enforced disappearances in the country. Imaan was taken into custody from her home on August 20, while prominent Pashtun leader Wazir was arrested on August 19. The first information report (FIR) was filed against them at Islamabads Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station, the Dawn newspaper reported. Cases of Rioting and Sedation The FIRs against Imaan and Wazir were registered on August 19 at the Tarnol police station and CTD police station. The first FIR charged them with various offenses including rioting armed with deadly weapons, unlawful assembly, and criminal intimidation. The complaint alleged that during the PTM rally, participants armed with sticks confronted police officers, obstructed traffic, and engaged in acts of violence. The second FIR invoked sedition charges under Section 124A, among other offenses. The police alleged that Imaan and Wazirs speeches aimed to incite rebellion, weaken the army, and promote terrorism. The FIR specifically noted their attempt to create distance between Pashtun and the army, causing fear by threatening to march towards Islamabad. Court Rejects Remand According to the Dawn, the Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) rejected the prosecutions request to extend Imaan and Wazirs physical remand in the sedition case. Instead, they were sent to Rawalpindis Adiala Jail on judicial remand. In an earlier court hearing on August 22, Imaan had been granted post-arrest bail in a rioting and dacoity case, although she remained in custody due to the sedition charges. During the recent hearing, the presiding judge read aloud a script of Imaans speech from the PTM rally. The prosecution opposed granting bail, highlighting the need for further forensic examination of a USB found in Imaans possession. However, the ATC granted both suspects post-arrest bail against surety bonds of 30,000 Pakistani Rupees each. Despite the bail, the release from jail had not yet occurred for either individual, the newspaper said. Pakistan media said that nearly 3,000 people attended the PTM rally in Islamabad, where both Imaan and Wazir condemned harassment against Pashtuns and called for the return of missing individuals. A PTM spokesperson stated that dozens more members had been detained since the protest. Human Rights Outcry The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) termed the arrests as an attempt to suppress dissent, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process. In arresting Imaan Mazari and others, Pakistani authorities are using vague, overboard anti-terrorism laws to stifle dissent. The government should uphold the right to due process, the statement added. In his governments defence, the federal information and broadcasting minister Murtaza Solangi told the BBC that Mazari-Hazirs speech was a condemnable act. I cant even imagine the result of such speeches. Pakistan is a nuclear state. How can someone say that the commander or chief of the army, sitting in the Headquarters is involved in terrorism? NATO members Poland and the Baltic states will seal off their borders with Russias ally Belarus in the event of any military incidents or a massive migrant push by Minsk, the interior ministers warned Monday. The ministers said they were seeing growing tensions on NATOs and the European Unions borders with Belarus, which has taken in thousands of Russias military mercenaries and is pushing Middle Eastern and African migrants into Europe, despite barriers having been put up. They warned of swift and concerted reaction in the case of a military incident or large migrant push. The ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia addressed the media following their talks. In a joint statement, they demanded that the government of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko immediately remove from its territory the Wagner Group mercenaries. They also demanded the removal of migrants from border areas and their return to their home countries. The four countries, which are also European Union members, support Ukraine in its fight against Russias invasion. The sudden death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash in Russia last week has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group, which Polands Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski branded as extremely dangerous and demoralized. He also said the mercenaries pose a threat to the citizens of Belarus and the entire region. Russias President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, according to a decree published on the Kremlins website late Friday and effective immediately. The ministers held talks about joint ways of reacting to the increasingly difficult situation on their borders with Belarus and Russia. The Taliban banned women who received scholarships to study abroad from leaving Afghanistan in July, according to the BBC. The terrorist group apprehended over 60 women all of whom were scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for higher studies at a university-level. The scholarships were announced in December 2022 to study at the University of Dubai in the UAE from Emirati billionaire businessman Sheikh Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor. Only Afghan women who have been living abroad have travelled to Dubai. A female student told the BBC that she set off for the airport and took along with her male members of the family on July 23. When she reached the airport her hopes were dashed. When the Taliban officials saw our tickets and student visas, they said girls are not allowed to leave Afghanistan on student visas, the female student was quoted as saying by the BBC. She said at least 60 other women along with her were turned away from the airport. Women are also required to bring along with them mahram(s), a male companion as they are forbidden to travel alone. Three female students with male members of her family boarded the plane, but terrorists in-charge of the so-called Afghan ministry of vice and virtue took them off the flight. The BBC said that it saw pictures of forlorn and devastated young women standing next to their luggages as their hopes of higher studies were dashed. The scholarship gave new hope to my sister after the universities were closed here. She left home with hope and returned in tears. All her rights have been taken away, a male member was quoted as saying by the BBC. The man also said that some of these women are very poor and borrowed money to pay for a visa. The University of Dubai and Sheikh Khalaf Al Habtoor confirmed that the students were stopped. He posted a video message on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticising the Taliban and pointing out that men and women are equal under Islam. A voice note in English from an Afghan girl who was stopped at the airport is also added to the video. We are right now in the airport but unfortunately, the government is not allowing us to go to Dubai. Even they dont allow those who have a mahram. I dont know what to do. Please help us, the female student can be heard saying. Mohammad Sadiq Akif Muhajir, a member of the terrorist group who is also a spokesperson of the Vice and Virtue ministry, told the news outlet that they are not aware of any such development. I missed this opportunity in a country where it is a crime to be a girl, another female student said. Yevgeny Prigozhin smiled as a crowd of adoring fans surrounded his black SUV on June 24 in Russias southern city of Rostov-on-Don and cheered him on. You rock! fans shouted while taking selfies with the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, who was sitting in the vehicle after nightfall. Youre a lion! Hang in there! Prigozhin and his masked, camouflage-clad fighters were leaving the city after a daylong mutiny against the countrys military leadership. President Vladimir Putin decried it as treason and vowed punishment, but then cut a deal not to prosecute Prigozhin. Beyond that, his fate looked uncertain. Two months later, on Aug. 23, Prigozhins business jet plummeted from the sky and crashed in a field halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. All 10 people on board the plane were killed, Russian authorities said. Russias Investigative Committee said Sunday that forensic testing confirmed Prigozhin was one of them. The two scenes, which unfolded just two months apart, provide bookends to the mystery-shrouded final days of the outspoken, brutal mercenary leader who initially appeared to have escaped any retribution for the rebellion that posed the greatest challenge to Putins authority in his 23-year rule. Suspicions immediately arose that the crash of the plane, which also carried some of the Wagner founders top lieutenants, was a Kremlin act of vengeance. The Kremlin denied it. In on-camera remarks eulogizing Prigozhin, the Russian president sought to show that there was no bad blood between them. He described the head of Wagner as a talented man whom he had known for a long time and who made serious mistakes but was still apparently doing business with the government. The last weeks of Yevgeny Prigozhins life were overshadowed by questions about what the Kremlin really had in store for him. Had he already dodged a bullet? Or was his comeuppance just further down the road? Shortly before footage emerged of Prigozhin driving off into the night in Rostov-on-Don, the Kremlin announced a deal to end the mutiny. Prigozhin would retreat to Belarus, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, without elaborating on whether that meant a permanent exile. Prigozhin himself went silent, which was unusual for a man who used to release multiple written and spoken statements every day. Responding to an email from The Associated Press on June 25, the day after the mutiny, Prigozhins press service said only that he says hi to everyone and would respond to all questions once he gets proper connection. An elaborate 11-minute statement from Prigozhin appeared the next day, but it contained nothing about where he was or what was next for him and his forces. Instead, he defended himself and the mutiny in his usual defiant and bullish manner. He said his march on Moscow started because of an injustice an alleged attack on his fighters in Ukraine by the Russian military. He taunted the military, calling Wagners march a master class in how government soldiers should have carried out the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He pointed out security breaches that allowed Wagner to advance 780 kilometres (500 miles) without resistance and to block all military units on its way. The following morning, on June 27, Russian authorities announced they were dropping the criminal investigation into the revolt, with no charges for the Wagner leader nor any other participants even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes and several military aircraft were shot down. Later in the day, Putin hinted that there might be a new probe this time into Prigozhins finances. The Russian leader told a military gathering that the state paid Wagner almost $1 billion in just one year, while Prigozhins other company earned about the same from government contracts. Putin wondered aloud whether any of it was stolen and promised to figure it out. On the day the charges were dropped, Prigozhins plane was spotted in Belarus, and Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, who helped broker the deal to end the mutiny, said the Wagner chief had arrived. Belarusian activists soon reported that a camp was being erected there for fighters who decided to follow him. In Russia, Prigozhins major business asset a media company called Patriot shut down, and many of the news outlets it owned were blocked by authorities. Prigozhins media operations included the infamous troll factory that led to his indictment in the US for meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Wagner also announced a halt to recruitment of new mercenaries due to the move to Belarus. On July 6, however, Lukashenko told reporters that Prigozhin was in St. Petersburg or maybe he went to Moscow, or maybe somewhere else, but he is not in Belarus. The remarks came amid media reports that cash and equipment seized during police searches of Prigozhins property were returned to him. What will happen to him next? Well, anything can happen in a lifetime. But if you think that Putin is so malicious and vindictive that he will be offed somewhere tomorrow. No, this will not happen, Lukashenko assured. As it turned out, Putin met with Prigozhin several days after the revolt. Peskov, Putins spokesperson, told reporters on July 10 that the meeting took place in the Kremlin and involved more than 30 Wagner commanders in addition to Prigozhin. The revelation came after Peskov repeatedly said the Kremlin knew nothing about Prigozhins whereabouts including on the day of the meeting with Putin, June 29. Putins spokesperson wouldnt offer any details about the meeting, saying only that the commanders pledged their loyalty to the Russian president. Putin later echoed that idea, saying in a July 13 interview that many were nodding when he offered to let them continue serving under one of the Wagner commanders. But a defiant Prigozhin spoke for them and said they didnt like the proposal, according to the Russian president. Comments from the Wagner chief himself became rare. Nothing more was posted by his spokespeople beyond the 11-minute audio message issued two days after the mutiny. Words or visuals of Prigozhin instead appeared in one of several Telegram channels believed to be linked to Wagner. The relative quiet raised questions over whether keeping a low public profile was part of his deal with the Kremlin. One such video on July 19 reportedly came from Belarus. Blurry footage showed a silhouette of a man looking like Prigozhin against the sky at dusk, and his distinctive gravelly voice was heard addressing rows of men in fatigues. Welcome guys! I am happy to greet you all. Welcome to Belarusian land! he said. Prigozhin repeated his criticism of the conduct of the fighting in Ukraine. What is going on the frontline today is a shame in which we shouldnt take part, he said, adding that Wagner forces could return to Ukraine in the future. In the meantime, Prigozhin said, Wagner would train in Belarus and then set off on a new journey to Africa, where his mercenaries have been active in several countries. Another video, posted on Aug. 21 in a different Telegram channel, showed a close-up of Prigozhin toting a rifle while standing on a dusty plain. Prigozhin didnt say where the video was recorded, but he referenced the temperature being 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Just the way we like it, he boasted. He said Wagner was making Russia even greater on all continents and Africa even more free. Two days later came the plane crash exactly two months after Priogzhin first announced his revolt. Although the Kremlin rejected allegations that it was behind the crash, the reality of those two months likely didnt sit well with Putin, political analyst Abbas Gallyamov said. The mutiny showcased Putins weakness to everyone, said Gallyamov, who once worked as a Kremlin speechwriter. After that, Prigozhin was feeling normal. He was working on projects in Belarus and in Africa, and the case against him was closed. That reality completely dissatisfied Putin because it was an open invitation for potential mutineers, Gallyamov said. The mysterious death of 10-year-old Pakistani girl Sara Sharif in England earlier this month has triggered an intensive search by police teams in Punjab provinces Jhelum for her family, including her father, Malik Urfan Sharif, who is the prime suspect. According to the Dawn newspaper, Pakistani authorities have conducted frequent raids in potential hideouts, spanning from Dena in Jhelum to Mirpur in Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and Sialkot, where relatives of the suspects reside. Despite efforts, the family has eluded law enforcement, with Mr. Sharif reportedly taking extra precautions to evade capture. There are indications that the suspected family might have gone into hiding in another province. Local police have expressed hope that the prime suspect would be apprehended within 24 hours. Murder Mystery Sara Sharifs body was discovered in a Woking council house in Surrey belonging to Mr. Sharif, a local taxi driver, on August 10. The post-mortem examination, which took place on 15 August, did not establish the cause of Saras death and further tests are being carried out. The post-mortem did, however, reveal that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, which are likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time, police said. Saras death prompted a murder investigation, leading the police to hunt for the three suspects, including Saras father. Detectives have identified three people they would like to speak to as part of the ongoing investigation into Saras death. Later police three possible suspects including Saras father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfans brother, Faisal Malik, 28. It is believed Urfan traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan, in company with his partner and his brother on August 9. Pakistan media reports revealed that the suspects allegedly spent a significant amount on one-way air tickets to escape to Pakistan. Interpol has been involved in alerting Pakistani authorities to assist in tracking down the suspects. Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Syed Khurram Ali Shah shared that efforts were being made to locate the suspected familys hideouts. Video footage from Islamabad airports immigration counter indicated that Mr. Sharif, his wife, and children arrived on August 9. Their subsequent movements, however, remain unclear from CCTV footage outside the airport, Dawn reported. Citing a police source, the report said that the maternal uncle and brother of the prime suspect were questioned. However, uncertainties persisted about Mr. Sharifs whereabouts and the location of other family members. Mr. Sharifs father has urged his son to come forward and cooperate with the police. Muhammad Sharif expressed the desire to resolve the matter, citing the privacy impact of frequent police raids on their house. Meanwhile, police in Pakistan have been tracking a mobile phone SIM believed to belong to Urfan Sharif, further underlining the efforts to locate the suspects. The $7 million purchase of 200 pallet units for homeless shelters will be discussed by Denver City Council during Mondays 3:30 p.m. meeting. The mini shelters, provided by Pallet PBC Inc., will be purchased through Aug. 31, 2024 and will include home furnishings, which the resolution states will support getting people experiencing unsheltered homelessness safely indoors, citywide. Heres a list of major items on the agenda: Contracts and resolutions A resolution approving a grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $8,617,637 through Sept. 30, 2025 for the 2023 Shelter and Services Grant Program. The program funds sheltering and related services for newly arriving migrants and asylum seekers. Two Denver International Airport resolutions for a combined $13.5 million. One is to purchase sand for winter conditions ($1 million). The other approves a purchase with JBT Aero Tech Corp. for $12.5 million through July 31, 2026 to provide 18 replacement passenger loading bridges and related equipment to DIA. A resolution adding $1.1 million for a new contract total of $1.5 million with Colorado Kenworth, LLC to continue providing new medium and heavy-duty truck parts and service for city vehicles. A resolution to pay Insituform Technologies, LLC $4,247,898 to rehabilitate 84,000 linear feet of sanitary and storm pipes, citywide. A resolution between the city and Mellon Foundation discussing the Monuments Project Grant program approving $2.3 million and three years for two projects at Civic Center Park. The projects are for a monument audit and the construction of a Gang of 19 disability rights movement commemoration. Bills A bill allowing the construction of drainage and flood control improvements to the South Platte River. The bill adds $1.95 million in city funds and $2.97 million in MHFD funds for a new total of $5.27 million. A bill that would pay Denver Public School Dist. 1 $861,100 to provide behavioral health-related programming. Public Hearing Some in China are extremely unhappy about the release of treated radioactive wastewater from Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, placing abusive phone calls to government departments, schools, restaurants, even a concert hall and aquarium in Japan, per the BBC . More than a million tons of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged plant will be released into the Pacific Ocean over 30 years. The discharged wastewater contains small amounts of the radioactive isotope tritium, though Japan says radioactivity levels in the ocean around the plant have remained within safe limits since Thursday's start. Reports indicate China also releases treated wastewater containing tritiumand in some cases higher levels of tritium. Still, the country has been hugely critical of the move, calling it an "extremely selfish and irresponsible act" and moving to ban imports of Japanese seafood. Japanese authorities say the calls came from numbers with a Chinese dial code. The callers speak in Chinese, Japanese, and English, and at times use abusive language while discussing the release, authorities say. Some Japanese businesses "reported that they had started receiving so many calls from Chinese speakers that they had difficulty conducting normal operations," per the Guardian. The owner of four restaurants and pastry shops said his businesses received 1,000 calls on Friday alone. A senior Japanese diplomat called officials at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo to urge calm, according to a Saturday statement from Japan's Foreign Ministry, which also claimed that Japanese facilities in China had been targeted. "We strongly urge the Chinese government to take appropriate measures, such as calling on its citizens to act calmly, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in China and Japanese diplomatic missions in China," the statement said. Japanese authorities will continue monitoring radioactivity levels in the seawater around the plant, with test results to be released weekly for the next three months, per the BBC. (Read more Japan stories.) Tropical Storm Idalia, brewing off the east coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday and threaten the US soon after. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40mph on Sunday when it was 95 miles from Cozumel, Mexico, and moving northeast at 3mph, per ABC News. It's expected to pick up speed and strength on Monday into Tuesday while moving northward into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, meteorologists say. It's predicted to make landfall Wednesday morning in northern Florida as a category 2 hurricane, with winds of at least 96mph. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 33 counties along the Gulf Coast, or nearly half of the state, per ABC. Some areas could see 4 to 6 inches of rain, meaning a risk of flash floods. The storm will then move into Georgia and the Carolinas later in the week. A South Carolina college student went to the wrong house Saturday, and it cost him his life. The 20-year-old sophomore at the University of South Carolina lived on the same street in Columbia, the state capital, where he was shot; police say he was trying to get into the wrong home around 2am when he was mistaken for a burglar and shot, ABC News reports. Police were first called to the home, which is adjacent to the campus but not on it, for a reported burglary in progress. "While en route, the emergency call for service was upgraded to a shots fired call," authorities say in a statement. In what is the largest mass tort in US history, hundreds of thousands of veterans took legal action against 3M, accusing the manufacturing company of producing earplugs that failed to protect them from hearing loss. Now, sources tell the Wall Street Journal the two sides are getting close to a massive settlement that would resolve all the claims. The final amount hasn't yet been settled on, nor has the 3M board voted on anything, but sources say a $5.5 billion payout by 3M is being discussed. The company sold the earplugs to the US military, which then issued them to soldiers, Bloomberg reports. The earplugs were developed by Aearo Technologies, a company 3M acquired in 2008. The howling winds and perpetual darkness of the Antarctic winter were easing when mechanic Liz Monahon at McMurdo Station grabbed a hammer. If those in charge weren't going to protect her from the man she feared would kill her, she figured she needed to protect herself. So she kept the hammer with her at all times, either looped into her Carhartt overalls or tucked into her sports bra. "If he came anywhere near me, I was going to start swinging," Monahon says. "I decided that I was going to survive." Monahon, 35, is one of many women who say the isolated environment and macho culture at the US research center in Antarctica have allowed sexual harassment and assault to flourish. The National Science Foundation, which oversees the US Antarctic Program, published a report in 2022 in which 59% of women said they'd experienced harassment or assault, and 72% of women said such behavior was a problem in Antarctica. But the problem goes beyond the harassment: In reviewing court records and internal communications, and in interviews with more than a dozen current and former employees, the AP uncovered a pattern of women who said their claims of harassment or assault were minimized by their employers, often leading to them or others being put in further danger. Kathleen Naeher, the COO of the civil group at Leidos, told a congressional committee in December that they would install peepholes on dorm room doors, limit access to master keys that could open multiple bedrooms, and give teams in the field an extra satellite phone. Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said the proposed fixes left him flabbergasted. "This should have been done before we sent anyone down to Antarctica," he said. The NSF report triggered a Congressional investigation. In a written response to Congress contradicted by its own emails, Leidos, the prime contractor, said it received "zero allegations" of sexual assault in Antarctica during the five years ending April 2022. The AP notes that there are typically 200-300 people at McMurdo during the winter and more than 1,000 in the summer; typically 70% are men. Law enforcement falls to a single deputy US Marshal. Among the cases reviewed by the AP: A woman reported a colleague had groped her was made to work alongside him again. A woman who told her employer she was sexually assaulted was later fired. She has since settled a wrongful termination claim. Another woman said that bosses at the base downgraded her allegations from rape to harassment. story continues below Monahon met New Zealander Zak Buckingham in 2021; he eventually became so openly threatening that a bartender at one of McMurdo's two bars called the station's 911 number. Monahon's supervisor sent her on a dangerous eight-day resupply mission to get her off base and away from Buckingham. "To protect her, they put her in a dangerous situation," says one official. Monahon and all but one of the workers quoted in this story are speaking publicly for the first time. Trapped in one of the most remote spots on Earth, the women say they were largely forced to fend for themselves. Monahon was determined to keep working at Antarctica and returned in 2022, but has decided to skip this season. "It's that mentality of don't let them win," she says. "But I do think they are winning right now." Click for the full story. (Read more Antarctica stories.) A Florida man suspicious about chemical smells in his home that appeared to be making his infant sick installed a camera to see if he could suss out what was going onand now his neighbor is accused of being the cause. NBC News reports that 36-year-old Xuming Li, a former chemistry PhD student at the University of South Florida, has been arrested and charged after Umar Abdullah's hidden camera caught a man believed to be Li appearing to inject something out of a syringe and under the door of the condo he shares with his wife and 10-month-old baby. WFLA reports that Abdullah and his wife moved into the third-floor condo in June 2022, and they welcomed their daughter later that year. Soon after the baby arrived, Li and Abdullah became embroiled in a texting war, with Li complaining that the Abdullahs, who lived above him, were making too much noise. The noises Li was upset about apparently didn't have anything to do with the baby per se, but were noises you'd expect to hear from everyday living"a vacuum running, a toilet seat closing, a dresser drawer opening," notes the New York Times. When Li wrote to the condo association to complain about the noises, the association told him that it wasn't unusual to hear such routine sounds and that he should be a bit more understanding. Then, in May, while Abdullah and his family were away, a friend collecting a package at the condo noticed a strong smell that made her eyes burn. When the Abdullahs returned, the chemical smells continued, leading to headaches, skin and eye irritation, hair loss, and shortness of breath; their baby also experienced coughing fits and vomiting. No one could determine the source of the odornot a plumber, AC repairperson, or the local fire department. That's when Abdullah decided to install a hidden camera and says he spotted Li in the footage on June 27, crouching down in front of his front door and inserting something from a syringe through a crack. story continues below Per a Tampa Police Department affidavit, testing found that the injected chemicals included methadone and hydrocodone, both opioid narcotics. Li was arrested that same day. "Even during war, the worst enemies do not attack the opponent, the other party, with chemicals," Abdullah tells WFLA. Li has been charged with felony aggravated stalking, dispersing a chemical agent, and possession of a controlled substance, as well as with battery on a law enforcement officer for exposing that officer to the chemicals. He has been released on bond, with his next hearing set for early December. "All the facts will come out in due time," Li's attorney tells the Times, which notes that Li has pleaded not guilty. (Read more chemicals stories.) The man the world came to know as "Joe the Plumber" has died at age 49 from pancreatic cancer, reports Fox News . Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher gained national fame back in 2008 when he questioned then-Sen. Barack Obama on the campaign trail in Toledo, Ohio, about his tax plan, per WTOL11 . Wurzelbacher owned a plumbing company at the time, and he asserted that Obama's plan ran counter to the "American dream," while Obama maintained that it would help small businesses. After the exchange, GOP nominee Sen. John McCain dubbed Wurzelbacher "Joe the Plumber" and had Wurzelbacher join him on the campaign trail. "When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as 'Joe the Plumber' but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: 'just Joe,'" widow Katie Wurzelbacher wrote to Fox News Digital. "He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question." Fox notes that his name came up more than a dozen times during an Obama-McCain debate in 2008. Wurzelbacher ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Ohio in 2012, and eventually returned to plumbing when his political career faded, per the AP. (Read more Joe the Plumber stories.) Tropical Storm Idalia intensified and was expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches Florida's Gulf Coast later this week, the National Hurricane Center said Monday. Officials declared states of emergencies in dozens of counties and ordered some evacuations in preparation for life-threatening storm surges, per the AP . Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned of a "major impact" to the state, noting that what was originally forecast to be nothing stronger than a tropical storm was now predicted to become a Category 3 hurricane. Idalia would be the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season and a potentially big blow to the state, which is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Ian almost a year ago. DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties, a broad swath that stretches across the northern half of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast. The state has mobilized 1,100 National Guard members. Large parts of the western coast of Florida are at risk of storm surges and floods anytime a storm of this magnitude approaches. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning Monday from Longboat Key in the Sarasota area to the Holocene River, up past Tampa Bay. Pasco County, located north of Tampa, ordered a mandatory evacuation for low-lying areas, areas prone to flooding, and residents living in manufactured or mobile homes. President Biden spoke to DeSantis on Monday morning, telling the Florida governor that he had approved an emergency declaration for the state, the White House said. DeSantis is running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. At 11am EDT Monday, the storm was about 80 miles off the western tip of Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, the hurricane center said. Idalia was moving north at 8 mph. On Tuesday, it was expected to turn northeast at a faster pace, reaching Florida's western coast as a dangerous major hurricane on Wednesday. (Read more hurricanes stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region Its not just in India where platform-based initiatives are aiming to boost women-run businesses. In Malaysia rural broadband service provider MEASAT has officially activated the Program Transformasi Usahawan (PTU) segment of the KampungDigital365.com joint initiative by MEASAT and app-based parcel locker network system Parcel365. KampungDigital365.com aims to open up e-commerce buying and selling, income streams and job opportunities for rural communities through logistics, skill development and infrastructure support that help them overcome the limitations of living in remote villages. The recently activated PTU platform enables corporations and individuals to support the sales of local products, as well as training and creation of employment for villagers. The PTU will first focus on empowering women entrepreneurs to uplift themselves and their communities via the digital economy; subsequent phases will target youths and farmers, among others. Participants in the PTU will be provided start-up capital, tools and access to MEASATs CONNECTme NOW high-speed satellite broadband Wi-Fi hotspot service to get their business activities off the ground while being trained in e-commerce and marketing skills to sustain their businesses successfully. CONNECTme NOW supports all digital applications and online services including transactions, communications, training and other use cases. Parcel365 allows e-commerce merchants, home-based sellers and general consumers to send and receive parcels 24/7 via a seamless and connected parcel locker network. Its aim is to help open up e-commerce buying and selling, income streams and job opportunities for rural communities through logistics, skill development and infrastructure support that help them overcome the limitations of living in remote villages. The inaugural five-month phase of this initiative targets training for 125 entrepreneurs, in turn supporting 2,500 villagers from the Orang Asli community. Corporations and members of the public can support the PTU by ordering listed products from the KampungDigital365.com website to generate income for the villagers. The PTU is also supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)s Sharing Economy Programme, whereby MDEC empowers Malaysians by utilising crowd-sourced assets, goods and skills, to help them generate income via digital platforms. The collaboration between MEASAT and Parcel365 enhances digital inclusivity among rural communities with the CONNECTme NOW agent serving as the local KampungDigital365.com programme operator. CONNECTme NOW currently covers nearly 4,000 rural and remote sites. By 2027, the KampungDigital365.com initiative hopes to have 3,000 participating villages, generating 25 million e-commerce transactions annually. This was taken out near the Castner Glacier ice cave, with the sun just above the mountains and snow falling. A bird on the top of a spruce sang a song and eclipsed the moment! Thanks, David Sandberg of Fairbanks, for sending along this shot. You can submit your best photo online at newsmi TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Report by Mahir Haneef Bahrain yesterday unveiled a quick-action plan to propel the country into the elite club of nations capable of taking advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through a national initiative called iFactories, which aims to convert around 40 per cent of its factories into smart factories by 2026. The launch of the national initiative to transform the countrys industrial sector towards 4IR was done by His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, at a function held in the Bahrain Bourse Hall at the Bahrain Financial Harbour on Sunday. Following the launch, the minister said the ultimate goal of the plan and the project is to grow the productivity of factories, leading to an increase in productivity and the GDP of the country, along with providing better and more skilled jobs for Bahraini citizens. Such action is in line with the target of the industrial strategy of 202226, which envisions that the industry will play a bigger role in its contribution to the GDP, the minister stated. Further, the minister stressed the keen interest of the government in developing the industrial sector and increasing its efficiency and global competitiveness. Citing the iFactories initiative as an example, the minister said the best regional and global practices in managing production lines would be adopted for it. This would ensure the sustainability of the industrial sectors resources, raise productivity, increase efficiency, and reduce the dependence on unskilled manpower, the minister said. As part of the initiative to convert 300 of the 800 licenced factories in the country to smart factories, the digital maturity of the factories will be analysed by certified assessors in accordance with the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) developed by the World Economic Forum, Khaled Fahad Al Alawi, assistant undersecretary for industrial development at the ministry, said. SIRI is a suite of frameworks and tools to drive the 4IR transformation in global manufacturing. In partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), support would be provided to the factories to invest in technology infrastructure and manufacturing automation, he added. After the evaluation process, which includes a self-evaluation and evaluation by accredited assessors, a digital transformation plan will be developed for each factory, officials revealed. At this stage, the factory will be able to obtain support and incentives, depending on its progress, and the ministry will monitor the transformation process, officials said. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, affirmed the importance of advancing Bahrains media sector in line with its comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the medias role in supporting development policies and programmes that benefit the Kingdom and its citizens. The Deputy King was speaking as he met yesterday with the Minister of Information, HE Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, at Riffa Palace. HRH Prince Salman was briefed on the National Communication Centers (NCC) plans and efforts to enhance the governments communication system according to desired development aspirations. His Royal Highness also urged NCC officials to double their efforts to keep pace with communication developments and enhance communication with local, regional, and international media outlets. He wished Ahmed Khalid Al Araifi further success in his duties as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. Dr Al Nuaimi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with His Royal Highness and for HRHs support in government communication programmes. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, also attended the meeting. Airtel Payments Bank, Frontier Markets and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth have announced the launch of She Leads Bharat:Udyam, an initiative to elevate 100,000 Indian women-owned small businesses with resources, tools and opportunities to grow and diversify their incomes. In the first phase, this initiative will enable 100,000 women-owned small businesses in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to learn and earn via Frontier Markets proprietary, flexible Meri-Saheli platform. 10,000 of these business owners will be further enabled to grow their business by becoming Airtel Payments Bank Business Correspondents (BCs) and unlock additional revenue streams. The partners envision She Leads Bharat:Udyam helping to expand access to financial services, delivering a new blueprint for serving rural markets and extending women-owned small businesses with support tailored to their needs. In partnership with Airtel Payments Bank, Frontier Markets will onboard eligible women-owned small businesses as business correspondents and leverage its Meri-Saheli network and platform to increase product and brand awareness and generate leads to maximize their earning opportunities. In addition, these businesses will get access to a suite of tools, resources, and market services available in the Meri-Saheli ecosystem, offering them ways to learn how to run a successful business and earn more revenue. She Leads Bharat:Udyam will be funded by the Mastercard Impact Fund, and Mastercard will bring the catalytic capital and global expertise of its Centre for Inclusive Growth to unlock tools, resources, and networks for the women-owned small businesses. Airtel Payments Bank offers a diverse range of banking solutions through a network of 500,000 banking points spread across the country and its digital platforms. Social enterprise Frontier Markets (FM) is Indias premier rural assisted social commerce platform. The Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. She Leads Bharat:Udyam is powered by Mastercard Strive India, which aims to enable 500,000 small businesses to succeed in the digital economy by 2025. Japan's Environment Ministry has tested seawater around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant for tritium - a material contained in treated and diluted water that the facility began releasing on Thursday. The ministry says all samples were below the level set as detectable. Samples were from 11 locations on Friday, the day after the water release started. The results of the lab tests were made public on Sunday. The ministry says tritium at all locations measured less than 10 becquerels per liter. That is the minimum level the government says is detectable. The fisheries agency is testing fish caught in the area and says that tritium levels in the fish are also too low to be detected. The plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, has shown media personnel its process of discharging treated and diluted water into the sea. Monitors in the remote-control room show the water levels in storage tanks. A loud noise can be heard outside the huge facility where the diluted water is stored. This indicates the water is flowing into an undersea tunnel on its way to being released into the ocean. TEPCO said it had released 1,420 tons of water by 5 p.m. on Sunday. It also said its equipment has been functioning normally, and seawater samples show no abnormality in radioactivity levels. The company said it expects to discharge 7,800 tons of water by around September 10 as planned, equivalent to eight tanks. More than 1,000 tanks at the plant are now used to store treated water. The nuclear power plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has mixed with rain and groundwater that seep into the damaged reactor buildings. The water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. The water is diluted to reduce tritium to about one-seventh of the guidance level set by the World Health Organization for drinking water quality. China opposes the water release and has ordered a suspension of imports of Japanese seafood. Japan's industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi criticized the move. "We urge China to restart imports and act based on scientific evidence," he said. Nishimura says he will continue to explain Japan's stance at international conferences and at other opportunities. Aug 28 (ANNnewsCH) - 2411110 The new Ontario Cybersecurity Excellence Initiative is supported by $5 million from the Government of Ontario, and $3.8 million from Rogers Communications through its support for Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. The investment will drive Ontario's competitiveness in cyber and help address cybersecurity challenges faced by several of the province's critical sectors. OTTAWA and BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange ("CCTX") and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University ("the Catalyst") are proud to announce the Ontario Cybersecurity Excellence Initiative (OCEI) a first-of-its-kind effort to drive Ontario's cyber competitiveness and resilience in six key sectors: advanced manufacturing, automotive, life sciences, mining, law enforcement and smart infrastructure. This ambitious initiative is funded by $5 million from the Government of Ontario's Critical Technology Initiatives (CTI) program, which drives the use of critical technologies by Ontario companies and enables the development and adoption of innovative made-in-Ontario solutions. The government's contribution was announced by Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, in Ottawa today. The funding from the Government of Ontario will combine with $3.8 million provided to Brampton-based Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst by Rogers Communications, to enable the implementation and delivery of OCEI. Other in-kind contributions will bring the program total to $10 million over three years. OCEI will activate new streams of programming at the Catalyst that will: Empower technology startups to solve key cybersecurity-related challenges in Ontario's critical sectors, driving new made-in- Ontario security solutions; Train small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario in particular those SMEs that are working in critical sectors to adopt and integrate cybersecurity technologies into their products and processes, driving their competitiveness and ability to access international supply chains. The programs will be free to participating companies and individuals. Additionally, they will leverage membership within CCTX to give participants exposure to the Canadian cybersecurity threat landscape. "Ontario is one of the largest tech hubs in North America and critical technologies like cybersecurity fuel and drive made-in-Ontario innovation as companies include new technologies in their products," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Our government is proud to support CCTX's work to help businesses across the province develop and adopt new-generation cybersecurity technology so they can become more competitive, grow and create more good-paying jobs." "Rogers is pleased to contribute to this first of a kind effort in Ontario," said Navdeep Bains, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Rogers Communications Inc. "The Ontario Cybersecurity Excellence Initiative will energize the digital transformation taking place in industries and sectors across the province, and ensure that those transformations are secured by homegrown solutions and talent." "Toronto Metropolitan University is proud to be at the forefront of driving training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity," said Toronto Metropolitan University President, Dr. Mohamed Lachemi. "We are immensely grateful to the Government of Ontario and Rogers Communications, whose support will bring to market this groundbreaking initiative, which will protect the province's critical sectors, spark innovation and drive Ontario's global competitiveness in cybersecurity." "CCTX is delighted to join forces with the Catalyst to launch the Ontario Cybersecurity Excellence Initiative," said Jennifer Quaid, Executive Director of CCTX. "This partnership is a unique opportunity to pool our expertise, resources and networks within the cybersecurity ecosystem to help foster a technologically advanced economy in Ontario, secured by best-in-class cybersecurity products and processes." For more information and to sign-up for updates about OCEI, please visit https://cybersecurecatalyst.ca/ocei/ About Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX) CCTX was established by the private sector as a not-for-profit organization to provide actionable cyber threat intelligence with a Canadian focus. CCTX's unique cross-sectoral membership includes organizations of all sizes, from the largest financial institutions to small construction companies. We gather, enrich, analyze, and share cyber threat information across business sectors and from other Canadian and international cyber threat sharing hubs. CCTX enables its members to collaborate and share information in numerous ways, at a variety of levels, from analyst to CISO. Today, CCTX is made up of more than 170 member organizations, representing 15 sectors and 1.5 million employees across the country. About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University's national centre for training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, and offering programs and services across Canada, the Catalyst empowers individuals and organizations to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity. Together with our partners and collaborators, we work to realize a vision of healthy democracies and thriving societies, powered by secure digital technologies. Through our groundbreaking training and certification programs; unique commercial accelerator for cybersecurity start-ups and scale-ups; first-of-its-kind cyber range; wide-ranging public education programs; and influential policy development platform, the Catalyst helps drive Canada's global competitiveness in cybersecurity. SOURCE Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University For further information: Media Contact: Claire van Nierop, Communications Lead, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, 416-525-6842, [email protected] PICKERING, ON, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - MTL Cannabis Corp. (CSE: MTLC) ("MTL" or the "Company") is pleased to report it has filed the financial statements as at and for the three-month periods ending June 30, 2023 and 2022 for its wholly-owned subsidiary Montreal Cannabis Medical Inc. ("Montreal Cannabis"). Complete details may be found at www.sedarplus.ca. Montreal Cannabis completed a reverse takeover of MTL (formerly Canada House Cannabis Group Corp.) on July 28, 2023, and the first set of consolidated statements for the combined entity will be as at and for the six-month periods ending September 30, 2023. First Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights for Montreal Cannabis: Net Revenue of $12,763,787 an improvement of $6,997,659 , or 121%, compared to $5,766,128 in the same quarter of last year. an improvement of , or 121%, compared to in the same quarter of last year. Gross Profit of $3,274,781 , an improvement of $602,069 , compared to $2,672,712 in the same quarter of last year. , an improvement of , compared to in the same quarter of last year. Operating Income of $599,599 , a decrease of $207,219 , compared to $806,818 in the same quarter of last year. , a decrease of , compared to in the same quarter of last year. Net cash inflows from operating activities of $2,140,029 , compared to ($690,847) in the same quarter of last year. , compared to in the same quarter of last year. Net cash used in investing activities of ($318,847) , compared to ($226,292) in the same quarter of last year. , compared to in the same quarter of last year. Net cash used in financing activities of ($1,291,189) , compared to $1,192,913 in the same quarter of last year. , compared to in the same quarter of last year. Overall net cash increased to $967,544 , an improvement of $529,993 , from $437,551 at the beginning of the period. "Our team has done an outstanding job to help drive significant growth in both revenues and cash flows from operations over the last year. The results affirm that we have built a sound business model focused on premium quality cannabis, which is confirmed by our customers appreciation for the products produced at MTL." Commented Michael Perron, CEO of MTL Cannabis Corp. "We look forward to consolidating the results of the former Canada House Cannabis Group Inc. operations into our next quarterly financials and to continue delivering results for both our shareholders and customers." About MTL Cannabis MTL Cannabis is the parent company of Montreal Medical Cannabis Inc., a licensed producer operating from a 57,000 sq ft licensed indoor grow facility in Pointe Claire, Quebec; Abba Medix Corp., a licensed producer in Pickering, Ontario that operates a leading medical cannabis marketplace; IsoCanMed Inc., a licensed producer in Louiseville, Quebec growing best-in-class indoor cannabis, in its 64,000 sq. ft. production facility; and Canada House Clinics Inc., with clinics across Canada that work directly with primary care teams to provide specialized cannabinoid therapy services to patients suffering from simple and complex medical conditions. As a flower-first company built for the modern street, MTL Cannabis uses proprietary hydroponic growing methodologies supported by handcrafted techniques to produce products that are truly craft for the masses. MTL Cannabis focuses on craft quality cannabis products, including lines of dried flower, pre-rolls and hash marketed under the "MTL Cannabis", "Low Key by MTL" and "R'belle" brands for the Canadian market through nine distribution arrangements with various provincial cannabis distributors. MTL Cannabis has also developed a number of export channels for bulk and unbranded GACP quality cannabis. It is MTL Cannabis' goal for Abba Medix Corp. to become the leading distributor of medical cannabis in Canada and for Canada House Clinics to be the leading Canadian provider of medical cannabis clinic services. Please visit http://www.mtlcannabis.ca/ , https://isocanmed.com/, https://abbamedix.com/, www.canadahouse.ca, or the Company's public filings at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information. This press release contains forward- looking statements, including statements that relate to, among other things, the Company's clinic, production and technology businesses, its future plans, the Company's markets, objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "likely", "possible", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "objective" and "continue" (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Material assumptions used to develop forward-looking information in this news release include, the regulations related to cannabis use under the Cannabis Act (Canada); Company liquidity and capital resources, including the availability of additional capital resources to fund its activities; level of competition; the ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; the ability to attract and retain key executives; and the ability to execute strategic plans. Additional information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the Company's Listing Statement dated August 14, 2023 and its most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis under "Risk and Uncertainties" as well as in other public disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE MTL Cannabis Corp. For further information: Michael Perron, CEO, MTL Cannabis, 1-877-685-2266, [email protected] The musical collaboration introduces expanded access to the YMCA's free youth mental health program, Y Mind TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - YMCA Canada and Canadian indie pop band Walk off the Earth today released a modern take on the Y.M.C.A. anthem to raise awareness of expanded access to the free youth mental health program, Y Mind. Originally released in 1978, the hit song has brought crowds to the dance floor, with an enduring legacy internationally. The reimagined cover of the classic party anthem, performed in a more soulful and sincere tone, brings new light to the original lyrics through a mental health lens as the YMCA aims to highlight today's need for community and open dialogue surrounding mental health. Alongside the new musical arrangement, Walk off the Earth has also released an accompanying full-length music video now available on YouTube. THE YMCA AND WALK OFF THE EARTH REIMAGINE THE Y.M.C.A. ANTHEM, FOCUSING ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH "We've seen how music is so connected to emotions for us and our fans so we were honoured to take on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic song and give new meaning to its enduring lyrics," says Sarah Blackwood of Walk off the Earth. "When we took a look at the original lyrics, it was staggering how a message about the YMCA from 45 years ago is just as relevant and pointed today - but now we're sharing that message with a focus on mental health tied to Y Mind." The collaboration aims to bring awareness to a new era YMCA Canada hopes to usher in, as the charity has expanded their broad range of programming to include free mental health services through Y Mind, serving the changing needs of Canadian communities. Y Mind is an innovative early intervention mental health program that helps teens (ages 13-18) and young adults (ages 18-30) cope with stress and anxiety with the support of health professionals. The seven-week program is available online or in person, in English and French (under the name YMCA Libere ta tete). The Y Mind program is offered completely free of charge thanks to support and funding by the Public Health Agency of Canada. "YMCA Canada has been proud to serve our communities for decades, helping Canadians overcome many obstacles that impact overall health, which includes mental well-being," said Peter Dinsdale, President and CEO of YMCA Canada. "The number of stressors that today's youth face can seem overwhelming, including the post-pandemic experience, school and social media pressures. While there has been good progress made to alleviate the stigma around mental wellbeing, programs like Y Mind are critical to addressing one of the biggest barriers to accessing help: cost." "Mental health is health, and everyone, including Juno Award winners, like Walk off the Earth, are opening up and having conversations about their mental health. The music lets young people know that it's okay to not be okay and that there is help available through YMCA's Y Mind program. Our government continues to be very supportive of this initiative," says The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health. The Y Mind program comes at a time when young people's stress and anxiety levels remain at an all-time high. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by Deloitte, close to half of Gen Zs (46%) and four in 10 Millennials (39%) report feeling stressed or anxious all or most of the time.1 Guided by qualified mental healthcare professionals, participants in the Y Mind program have reported reduced anxiety, improved well-being and reduced feelings of isolation. To learn more about the Y Mind program or find a location near you, visit www.ymca.ca/ymind. About Y Mind Y Mind was first developed by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver (now YMCA BC) and has been offered across British Columbia since 2018 thanks to financial support from the British Columbia government. Y Mind was born to meet the growing need for free, accessible mental health support. It quickly established itself as a pillar of support for the region's youth, serving over 3,200 young people in 54 communities. Building on this momentum, the Y Mind program was extended across Canada, including Quebec with YMCA Libere ta tete, through the support of YMCA Canada and YMCA BC. Y Mind has now expanded to 21 YMCAs across the country and is currently being supported though the Public Health Agency of Canada's investment Supporting the Mental Health of Those Most Affected By COVID-19. About YMCA Canada The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA's commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging. The YMCA in Canada is comprised of 37 YMCA Member Associations, supported by YMCA Canada, the national office, working together so all Canadians can shine on. SOURCE YMCA Canada For further information: Shantelle Pereira, Edelman Canada, Shantelle.[email protected]; Denise Gho, YMCA Canada, [email protected] Researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extension of the mouses lifespan. Mole rats can live ten times longer than mice . Naked mole rats, known for their long lifespans and exceptional resistance to age-related diseases, have long captured the attention of the scientific community. By introducing a specific gene responsible for enhanced cellular repair and protection into mice, the Rochester researchers have opened exciting possibilities for unlocking the secrets of aging and extending human lifespan. Our study provides a proof of principle that unique longevity mechanisms that evolved in long-lived mammalian species can be exported to improve the lifespans of other mammals, says Vera Gorbunova, the Doris Johns Cherry Professor of biology and medicine at Rochester. Gorbunova, along with Andrei Seluanov, a professor of biology, and their colleagues, report in a study published in Nature that they successfully transferred a gene responsible for making high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) from a naked mole rat to mice. This led to improved health and an approximate 4.4 percent increase in median lifespan for the mice. A unique mechanism for cancer resistance Naked mole rats are mouse-sized rodents that have exceptional longevity for rodents of their size; they can live up to 41 years, nearly ten times as long as similar-size rodents. The researchers previously discovered that HMW-HA is one mechanism responsible for naked mole rats unusual resistance to cancer. Compared to mice and humans, naked mole rats have about ten times more HMW-HA in their bodies. When the researchers removed HMW-HA from naked mole rat cells, the cells were more likely to form tumors. The researchers found that the mice that had the naked mole rat version of the gene had better protection against both spontaneous tumors and chemically induced skin cancer. The mice also had improved overall health and lived longer compared to regular mice. As the mice with the naked mole rat version of the gene aged, they had less inflammation in different parts of their bodiesinflammation being a hallmark of agingand maintained a healthier gut. While more research is needed on exactly why HMW-HA has such beneficial effects, the researchers believe it is due to HMW-HAs ability to directly regulate the immune system. The next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans. They believe they can accomplish this through two routes: either by slowing down degradation of HMW-HA or by enhancing HMW-HA synthesis. We already have identified molecules that slow down hyaluronan degradation and are testing them in pre-clinical trials, Seluanov says. We hope that our findings will provide the first, but not the last, example of how longevity adaptations from a long-lived species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health. The US Air Force will undergo a major transformation over the next ten years by adding new superdrone wingmen with existing fighters and bombers and then the introduction of the next generation B21 stealth bomber and then the new NGAD fighter. The US Air Force has been testing some superdrones that can work as wingmen with existing bombers and fighters. They will have a competition to select the winning superdrones late this year. However, there will be multiple contracts and constantly upgrading superdrones over the next few years and beyond. The F-35 is in the process of getting 25 times more computer processing, 20 times more computer memory and sensor upgrades. These are in the TR3 and block 4 upgrades. The F-35 needs the TR-3 improvements and will prepare them for block 4 upgrade include new sensors, the ability to carry more long-range precision weapons, more powerful data fusion, increased interoperability with other platforms and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The F35 electronic brain transplants and upgrades are happening now and will continue throughout the multi-decade life of the planes. The Mitchell Institute, a think-tank for the Air Force Association, thinks the computer and sensor upgrades could increase the F-35s combat power by up to 10 times. Constantly improving and changing drones and constantly improving electronics will mean the combat capabilities of the US Air Force will improve much faster. The superdrone wingmen will add more missiles for the bombers and fighters to add more offensive capabilities and can add jamming to improve the defensive capabilities. Next Generation Bomber The B21 next generation stealth bomber is only a few months behind schedule for a 2023 first test flight. This means we are about 4 to 16 weeks away from the first test flight. The prototype B21s have already had engines turned on and runway taxi tests performed. The first combat ready next generation B21 bomber could be operational in 2026-2027. It is expected that there will eventually be about 100 B-21s built. After the first flight the B21 will go into low -rate production for the next six years or so. This will likely mean about 20-30 built over the next six years. 100 to 145 B-21s will replace 45 B-1s and 20 B-2s over the next decade or so. The increased number of less detectable B-21 could increase the number of possible deep strikes per day from about six per day to dozens or even a hundred per day. An undetectable stealth bomber is able to destroy air defenses, so that detectable bombers can follow up to wreck an enemy. Next Generation NGAD Fighter The US Air Force is trying to accelerate the development and deployment of the NGAD (6th generation) fighter. The engine and plane primary makers could be selected in 2024. If delays can be avoided the first NGAD deployments could happen in 2029-2030. "And may there not be a single place in Cuba where the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) is not constituted, and not a single revolutionary woman who is not a member of the Federation of Cuban Women," Fidel Castro said on August 23, 1960. On March 8, 2013, at the IX Congress of the FMC, Jose Ramon Machado Ventura stated that if Fidel's idea of creating the FMC was brilliant, timely and truly forward-thinking, "so was his wise decision to put Vilma Espin Guillois at the head of the nascent women's organization." The words of Fidel Castro (1960) and then those of Machado Ventura (2013), at that time second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), demonstrate that the creation of the FMC and the appointment of its president were decisions made by a man, not a result of Cuban women's struggle for their emancipation. The tasks assigned, starting with the defense of the Revolution, did not admit women any dissenting women, even if they were also Cuban. A brief look back In Roman legislation - the basis of European and American legislation - women had no legal control over themselves, their money or their children. Those legal norms were rooted in a patriarchal culture. At the end of the 18th century, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of feminist movements. In revolutionary France, in 1789, clubs of republican women demanded that the aims of liberty, equality, and fraternity be applied equally to both sexes. In 1792 the first feminist book calling for equality, in an adamant tone, was published in England. And, among the main demands of the first convention on women's rights, held in New York in 1848, was equality between men and women, including the right to vote and an end to double standards of moral conduct for men and women. In Cuba, since the nineteenth century, several intellectuals have championed women's rights. Mercedes Santa Cruz y Montalvo (Countess of Merlin) reflected the feelings and perspectives of women in her literary works. Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda published the magazine Album Cubano de lo Bueno y de lo Bello, in which she encouraged women to question male dominance. Ana Betancourt de Mora, at the Constituent Assembly of Guaimaro (1869), presented a petition to the Chamber, requesting that as soon as the Republic was established, women be granted the rights to which they were justly entitled. Edelmira Guerra de Dauval, President of the Esperanza del Valle Club, helped draft the revolutionary manifesto of March 19, 1897, whose Article 4 read: "We want women to be able to exercise their natural rights through the vote of single women or widows over 25, or those divorced for just causes." That same year, Maria Luisa Dolz y Arango introduced participatory education to promote independent thinking by women. During the Republic, making use of constitutional freedoms, women founded hundreds of associations, including: the National Feminist Party (1912), the Suffragette Party (1913), the Women's Club of Cuba (1918), the National Federation of Women's Associations of Cuba (1921), the Lyceum (1928) and the Women's Labor Union (1930). They held three national congresses: the first (1923), groundbreaking among those of its nature in Hispanic America, was attended by 31 associations and, according to its president, Pilar Morlon, was "A congress of women, devised by them, organized by them, and carried out by them, without official help of any kind!" The fundamental demand of the second congress (1925), with 71 associations, was the right to vote. The third congress (1939), with 2,000 delegates, under the slogan "For women, for children, for peace and progress in Cuba" had among its demands a constitutional guarantee for equal rights for women, which was discussed at the Constituent Assembly that produced the Constitution of 1940. The feminists Alicia Hernandez de la Barca, Esperanza Sanchez Mastrapa and Maria Esther Villoch Leyva participated in that assembly. Making use of these conquered freedoms, women demonstrated in the streets, founded obstetric clinics and night schools, developed health programs and established contacts with feminist groups abroad, without any men assisting them. In the 1950s they created, among other associations, the Marti Centennial Women's Civic Front, the Humanist Women's Group, the Brotherhood of Mothers and the Revolutionary Women's Brigades. As a result of their struggle, in 1917 they achieved parental authority over their children, and the free administration of their property; in 1918, the Divorce Law; in 1934, the right to vote; and in 1940 the Constitution endorsed universal, egalitarian and confidential suffrage in its Article 97. In Fidel's History Will Absolve Me speech (1953), women were not included when defining the concept of people, nor in the first five laws that were proclaimed upon his triumph. In the insurrectionary stage of 1958, unlike what happened in the War of Independence, when Magdalena Pena Redonda obtained the highest military rank (general); three others, that of colonel; and more than 20, that of captain, no woman came down from the Sierra Maestra with the highest rank, which was then that of commander. In January 1959 women's associations were dissolved, and those that emerged in the 1950s, fighting against Fulgencio Batista, were grouped into the Revolutionary Women's Unit (UFR) and held their First National Conference in April 1959. In August 1960 the UFR became the FMC, first subordinated to the Government that created it, and then, constitutionally (from 1976 to today), to the only political party permitted. This explains why all its congresses have been presided over by the highest-ranking male authorities of the Party-State-Government. What about today? Denying or not knowing about the rich history of women's struggle in Cuba, the Secretary General of the FMC, Teresa Amarelle Boue, on October 18, 2012, on the television program Mesa Redonda, stated that thanks to the revolution in 1959 Cuban women were able to exercise their right to vote; they actually obtained it in 1934, and exercised it in 1936, 1940, 1944, 1948, and in the disputed elections of 1954 and 1958. Lacking autonomy, feminism in Cuba is right where Ana Betancourt left it in 1869: demanding rights. The rest went into a tailspin. Rectifying this historical regression calls for the reinstitution of civil the and political freedoms and rights the foundation of emancipation and sovereignty that were swept away by the Revolution. The minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa has denied issuing statement on her NYSC status as a serving Minister, which is circulating in the media. In a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Press Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the minister said she has not released any official statement regarding the aforementioned matter and asked the public to be cautious of unverified information. She expressed appreciation to the support, solidarity, and understanding of Nigerians in these times, and insisted that she had not issued any statement on the issue. The statement reads in parts: The attention of Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Hon. Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has been drawn to a recently circulating piece titled: MY PERSONAL STATEMENT ON MY NYSC STATUS AS A SERVING MINISTER. The piece is inaccurately associated with her in relation to the current NYSC discussion. The Hon. Minister clarifies that she has not released any official statement regarding the aforementioned matter and kindly asks the public to be cautious of unverified information. I deeply value and appreciate the support, solidarity, and understanding of Nigerians in these times. For clarity, I wish to state that I have not issued any statement on the current issue. Phillip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, on Monday staged a walk-out at an event in the state after his aides, including security operatives, were denied entry. In a video shared by Arise Television on Monday, while Shaibu was allowed into the venue of the 60th anniversary of the Midwest referendum organised by the state government, his entourage was stopped from gaining access to the event. When the deputy governor sought permission for his team to come with him into the venue, a security official was seen as blocking the way. They must go with me, the deputy governor said. But the security officials in front of him said: Dont go in. Shuaibu then ordered a member of his entourage to start making a video of the incident. Be videoing what is happening. It is not fair. Continue recording him, he said in the one-minute 46-second video. But an official who looked like the one in charge told the deputy governor: Just hold on and let me get instruction. After what appeared like some time of waiting, the embattled deputy governor signalled his team to leave the venue of the referendum saying Lets go. A visibly frustrated deputy governor was seen leading his aides out of the venue after which they boarded their vehicles and drove away. SHAIBU VS OBASEKI Over the past few weeks, Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo and Shaibu have been at loggerheads over issues pertaining to the alleged impeachment plot against the deputy governor. In July, Shaibu approached a federal high court in Abuja with a suit to prevent the plot. However, Obaseki and Blessing Agbebaku, speaker of the Edo house of assembly, denied the alleged impeachment plot. In early August, Obaseki accused Shaibu of attempting to overthrow him. On Sunday, a crisis almost erupted at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin, when an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) prevented Shaibu from meeting with the governor. Reacting to the incident, Andrew Okungbowa, the governors chief press secretary, said Obaseki was not aware of the security actions. Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, neither was he aware of what the security aides were doing, Okungbowa had said. In fact, the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him. The church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal. President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry of foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for government officials who have no business at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. A statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said the move is in line with a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria. Government officials without proof of direct participation in UNGAs official schedule of activities have been barred from making the trip, he said. To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigerias Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority, the statement reads. By this directive of the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event. Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process. The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation. The 78th session of the UNGA will open on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says its bilateral currency swap agreement with China was renewed after the expiration of the deal in 2021. The apex bank released the details of the 2018 currency swap agreement with Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) in a freedom of information (FOI) request sent by Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer. BACKGROUND In May 2018, CBN and PBoC signed a currency swap deal valued at renminbi (RMB) 16 billion (about $2.5 billion). The swap deal was signed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended CBN governor, and Yi Gang, the former PBoC governor. The deal was designed to provide the Chinese and Nigerian currencies directly to industrialists and other businesses from both countries. This agreement will provide naira liquidity to Chinese businesses and provide RMB liquidity to Nigerian businesses respectively, thereby improving the speed, convenience, and volume of transactions between the two countries, CBN had said after the signing of the deal. In June 2023, Falana sent an FOI request to the CBN to disclose the details of the currency swap agreement. CBNS RESPONSE In a response to Falanas request, the apex bank said the swap deal, which commenced in July 2018, is renewable every three years, adding that the agreement was renewed after it expired in April 2021. The CBN disclosed that the sum of 15 billion Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY) was the amount usable within the year. The financial regulator said since the renewal of the deal, nine billion yuan have been drawn, six billion yuan utilised, while the sum of three billion yuan is outstanding. According to the bank, out of the six billion yuan utilised, the sum of 5.10 billion yuan had been repaid, while 2.10 billion yuan had not been utilised. The swap commenced in July 2018, expired in April 2021, and was subsequently renewed. The sum of CNY 15.00 billion was the overdraft amount usable within the year, the apex bank disclosed this in a response dated August 8, 2023. Since its renewal, CNY9.00 billion had been drawn, CNY6.00 billion utilized and CNY3.00 billion outstanding, and out of the CNY6.00 billion utilized, the sum of CNY5.10 billion had been repaid, while the sum of CNY2.10 billion had not been utilized, leaving the sum of CNY900.00 million yet to be repaid. Furthermore, the next renewal is expected to take place in 2024. FALANA ASKS NIGERIANS TO TRANSACT BUSINESS WITH CHINESE PEOPLE IN NAIRA Commenting on the development, Falana claimed that despite the currency swap agreement, the federal and state governments, and business community have been prevented from transacting business in naira and yuan. The swap was also designed to improve the speed, convenience, and volume of transactions between the two countries. But the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which superintend the Central Bank of Nigeria, have colluded with the Central Bank of Nigeria to frustrate the currency swap. The purpose of the economic sabotage is to promote the dominance of the United States Dollar in Nigeria. Hence, the federal government, state governments, and the business community have been prevented from transacting business in Naira and Yuan. Thus, by compelling Nigerians to pay dollars for goods imported from China, the Central Bank has continued to promote the unwarranted dollarisation of the Nigerian economy. The human rights lawyer asked Nigerians to use naira as payment for goods imported from China. The simmering crisis between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, took a new twist on Sunday as the Department of State Services, DSS, denied him access to the governor. The incident happened at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin, on Sunday, at a church service to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State. Shaibu, who was one of the guests, stood up to greet Obaseki, but a DSS operative blocked him just a few metres away. Obaseki, who was seated beside his wife, Betsy, and Charles Aniagwu, a Delta State Commissioner, looked away as Shaibu fruitlessly explained to the plain-cloth security operative, who stood his ground before he (Shaibu) later returned to his seat. However, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said the DSS operative was only doing his job. Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, neither was he aware what the security aides were doing. In fact, the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him. The church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal, he said. The deputy governor spoke with journalists at the venue after the embarrassing incident, pledging absolute loyalty to the governor. He also described Obaseki as his elder brother. The French government says pupils in state-run schools will be banned from wearing abayas, loose-fitting full-length robes worn by some Muslim women. Gabriel Attal, Frances education minister, described the abaya as a religious gesture, aimed at testing the resistance of the republic toward the secular sanctuary that school must constitute. When you walk into a classroom, you shouldnt be able to identify the pupils religion just by looking at them, Attal said. I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools. The minister spoke in an interview with Frances TF1 TV on Sunday. He said he would give clear rules on how schools should proceed with the ban, adding that secularism means the freedom to emancipate oneself through school. France has a strict ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings, arguing that they violate secular laws. Traditional Catholic influence has long been removed from public education while head scarves have been banned as far back as 2004. In 2010, the government also passed a ban on full face veils, a move that drew heavy criticisms from its Muslim community. The new rule on abayas is expected to take effect from September 4 when the fresh school year starts in France. Lagos State Government has directed all schools below the Tertiary Level to resume on Monday, 4th September, 2023, in compliance with the Y2023/2024 Harmonised Academic School Calendar as approved by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education. The Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni made this known during an interview held in her office at the Secretariat, Alausa on Monday, urging all schools to ensure strict compliance with the resumption date for the delivery of quality and sustainable education in Lagos State. She also enjoined Proprietors and School Administrators to ensure strict compliance with the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, stressing that there must be full compliance with all safety protocols on school premises for a safe learning environment, as the State Government remains committed to the delivery of quality education. Seriki-Ayeni informed the general public, especially school management and parents, to download the school academic calendar via: www.oeqalagos.com for more details. French President Emmanuel Macron says France will continue to support Mohamed Bazoum, the Niger Republic president who was deposed last month. Speaking to ambassadors in Paris, the French capital, on Monday, Macron said France has faced hostility in recent times owing to its policy of backing the courageous. On Friday, Nigers military junta ordered Sylvain Itte, the French ambassador, to leave the country within 48 hours. In a statement, the countrys foreign ministry said the decision to expel the ambassador stemmed from his refusal to honour an invitation by Nigers minister of foreign affairs. The statement also added that other actions by the French government contrary to the interests of Niger led to the ambassadors withdrawal. Hours after the expiration of the deadline, Macron applauded Itte for staying put. France and its diplomats have faced particularly difficult situations in some countries in recent months, from Sudan, where France has been exemplary, to Niger at this very moment, the French president said. I applaud your colleagues who are listening from their posts. Macron added that France would not change its position on the coup. I think our policy is the right one, he said. Its based on the courage of President Bazoum, and on the commitments of our ambassador on the ground who is remaining despite all the pressure, despite all the declarations made by the illegitimate authorities. We do not recognise those who have carried out the putsch, we support a president who has not stepped down, and besides whom we remain engaged. France, the former colonial power in Niger, has been very vocal in the condemnation of the coup that ousted Bazoum. Frances position has been rebuffed by the junta which has accused French forces of freeing captured terrorists and breaching an air space ban. Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has reiterated his commitment to his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Obaseki had recently accused his deputy of plotting a coup against him, further deepening the rift between the duo amid moves for Shaibus impeachment. When questioned on the sidelines of the Tankgiving service held at the Government House to mark the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, Shaibu refused to make public comments. Instead, he said, As for the issues that were around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk. Issues that concern my governor are not things I like to speak about on camera. No, no, no! He is my elder brother and boss, and I dont think I should talk about anything. If I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up, he said on the sidelines of a Thanksgiving service held in Benin to mark the 32nd anniversary of Edo State. I can tell you that, from my Christian background, if you make a vow with God that you want to do something, you must fulfil it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end. But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal, and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor and nothing more. The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA has put 13 states across Nigeria on red alert about potential massive flooding following plans by Cameroon to release water from the Lagdo Dam. The alert was issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) following a notification from the Foreign Affairs Ministry that Cameroon plans to open the Lagdo Dam. NEMA also warned that Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba dams could overflow between now and the end of October, thus worsening the flood situation in the states. According to NEMA, the states likely to be affected are : Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa. NEMA issued the alert following a notification from the Foreign Affairs Ministry that Cameroon plans to open the Lagdo Dam. In the letter signed by Ambassador Umar Salisu, the Director, African Affairs, the foreign affairs ministry said efforts should be put in place to mitigate ravages of the flood especially in areas that may be impacted by the opening of the Dam. The statement reads: I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a note verbale from the High Commission of Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gate of Lagdo Dam in the Benue River in days ahead due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in the Northern Cameroon. According to the note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of Lagdo Dams will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the release may cause along River Benue Basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria. In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitive the people living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions. It has been confirmed that there is a rising case of chickenpox and other diseases in the Agagbe Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwer LGA of Benue State. Recall that at least nine children were infected with measles at the same camp last week. The chairman of the IDP camp, Mr Terna Jacob, told newsmen that chickenpox was detected by some medical doctors from a nearby private hospital. He said the doctors broke the news to some government officials who visited the camp over the weekend. The government officials, who, according to the camp manager, were from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had visited to ascertain whether the cases of measles, other illnesses, and hunger reported in the media were true. SEMA was here to confirm the widespread news in the Agagbe IDP camp concerning sickness and hunger. They interviewed Mrs Ioryoosu Udisugh, who gave birth in the toilet, and she told them the same story. They went to the European Economic Community (EEC) hospital, Agagbe, where the doctors confirmed the situation to be true (for measles). Those doctors also reported chickenpox to them, Jacob said. Meanwhile, the camp manager disclosed that Reverend Father Bua Cletus, the vicar in charge of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Agagbe, informed him that two people sent N70,000 into his account to help with pressing issues of sickness at the IDP camp in Agagbe. We have been able to take them to St Francis Xavier Primary Health Care, Agagbe, so far. If the money remains, we will still take in more ill people, the camp manager posited. Amobi Ogah, a member of the house of representatives, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a way of proving his love for Igbos. Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency in the green chamber, offered his recommendation last week after a courtesy visit to Alex Otti, governor of Abia, in his country home at Isiala Ngwa LGA. The lawmaker said Kanus release will expose criminal gangs that are using the IPOB leaders detention to cover their acts of terrorism in the south-east. The president has done so much. The only disagreement I have with him is the issue of giving us only five ministers in the entire south-east, he said. I think the president should have balanced it to show that really, he loves us. I was telling the world that Mr. President loves us. But the only way he can show that he loves us is to give us Nnamdi Kanu by releasing him so that insecurity in the south-east will be reduced drastically. The issue now is that we do not even know those who are behind the insecurity in the south-east. IPOB will tell you they are not the one, ESN will tell you they are not involved. But some will say the reason is because they are holding Nnamdi Kanu. So my prayer to Mr. President is that he should give him to us as a gift. This will be the best gift he can give to the Igbo nation. Release him to us so that we can know those who are really behind the insecurity in the south-east. When you release this man, we can see reason to hold anybody that is messing up. President Bola Tinubu on Monday asked members of his cabinet to work hard to revive the countrys economy because Nigeria is in a difficult time. Tinubu spoke on Monday when he inaugurated the federal executive council (FEC) at the Aso Rock villa, Abuja. The president said the ministers have the capacity to make a difference in the ministries that they have been assigned to oversee. We have talents; we have the level of intellectuals and capacity to turn this country around, he said. You and I know that the expectation is high and there is a tough time right now, therefore, we must work hard, commit ourselves and create a buoyant economy that will serve every Nigerian. We must unlock the energy and natural resources of this country. We must start to produce for ourselves, dig ourselves out of the woods, focus on education, and healthcare, and make social investments that are essential for the development of our people. Our priority areas are defined in our economic programmes. Every area is our priority and you belong in the drivers position to realise and make that priority a fulfilling promise to the entire nation and the continent of Africa. Tinubu said members of his cabinet must achieve the kind of economy Nigerians have envisioned. I am ready to listen. Like I said to the Nigerian Bar Association yesterday, I am ready even for corrections because only God is perfect, he said. The president said the ministers should not be afraid of making decisions as that is the problem of leadership. President Bola Tinubu has told Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), not to give him free land should he ask for one. Tinubu charged Wike to deliver the Abuja metroline for the good of the city instead. The president spoke in Abuja on Sunday, while declaring open the annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He described Wike as the landlord of Abuja. I want to ride on your metroline. If I ask for free land, do not give me, Tinubu said. But deliver the metroline for the good of the greatest number of Nigerians. Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was one of 45 ministers appointed by Tinubu. During an inspection tour on Wednesday, Wike said the Abuja rail mass transit (ARMT) should be completed in eight months. The FCT minister took the train ride from the metro station, through the Idu station and then to the airport station. The rail, which was developed in six phases, was funded with loans from the China EXIM Bank. It was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 12, 2018, but packed up shortly after, largely due to vandalism. Wike frowned at the dysfunctional state of the rail system and said one of his priorities is to address challenges affecting public transportation in the FCT. He added that if completed, the train system would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city. The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), on Monday, said the palliatives distributed by the state government were not based on political considerations. Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, who is also the chairman of the committee in charge of the distribution of the palliatives, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe. The SEMA boss was reacting to allegations that the palliatives were distributed based on political consideration and that only members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state received it. Residents told NAN that the palliatives were distributed by APC executives at the ward level to their members, hence members of other opposition parties were shut out from the distribution. Hajia Halima Musa, a resident of Hayin Dogo in Nasarawa community, alleged that APC executives in their ward anchored the distribution and only members were considered, which I feel is wrong. Musa said it was not only APC members that were affected by the fuel subsidy removal and queried why palliatives would be given to them alone. Ms Rebecca John from the same community alleged that prior to the distribution, APC members in their ward held series of meetings to plan the distribution methods and we have seen the result because only APC members were considered. John said she was aware that the state Governor, Inuwa Yahaya had directed that the palliatives be given to the most vulnerable, so I wonder why they will not follow the Governors directive. I know that the governor is passionate about the people but some of the people working at the grassroots dont understand the need for inclusiveness, this is a major challenge. This one-sided distribution of palliatives must be addressed before they distribute the Federal Governments palliatives; otherwise, it will create tension and widen the gap between the people and the government. Also, a member of the Labour Party (LP) in Billiri community, Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) who pleaded anonymity said in his community, majority of the beneficiaries were APC members, adding the palliatives belong to the state and not a one-party affair. Responding, Abdullahi said the palliatives were meant for Gombe people and not for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and as such were distributed fairly to the most vulnerable in the state. It is not true that only APC members are the ones that benefited from the palliatives that were shared across the state. The palliatives were meant for Gombe state people and since it is 10 persons per polling unit, it is clear that not everyone will get the palliatives. The beneficiaries were selected randomly from polling units so the issue of it is only APC members are not true. According to him, we didnt consider the party in the distribution of palliatives and that is the fact. On allegations that APC executives anchored the distribution of the palliatives in some wards within Gombe LGA, Abdullahi said he was yet to get any complaints in that regard. Naturally, if somebody didnt get something, he or she may feel somehow but once the Federal Governments palliatives come, it will certainly cover more since our target is 420, 000. The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has said that he is not afraid of being investigated for what is being done at the agency. Rimin Gado, who is facing investigation by the EFCC, declared no amount of intimidation would stop the commission from fishing out and investigating suspected corrupt public officials as long as the law establishing the commission permits it to do so. Recall that the commission was probing former governor Abdullahi Ganduje on alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure, and it was also alleged that the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) had invited some staff of the PCACC for questioning in regard to their administration. Speaking to newsmen on Monday, Rimin Gado claimed that some suspected corrupt public officials under investigation are making efforts to distract the commission from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. He dismissed the recent allegations of corruption within the commissions management as the handiwork of those who had skeletons in their cupboards. You are aware of unfolding events concerning the commission in recent times. These are the orchestrations of those who have clear cases of corruption to answer. Their argument was that the commission has no power to investigate corrupt public officeholders. To us, this is laughable, and we will not give in to such cheap ploys by those who syphoned public money to evade justice, he said. Speaking further, Rimin Gado: Just recently, a law firm defending the case of N4 billion fraud at KASCO, which is already before a Kano High Court, went as far as writing the Inspector General of Police for the withdrawal of police personnel attached to the commission. He noted that since the case is in court, the commission will remain focused since we have enough evidence to prove our case, we are not losing sleep. The anti-graft boss disclosed that the commission would keep abiding by the rule of law. We are not deterred in all our investigations because we have weighty allegations against them. We have a Court of Appeal judgement that empowers the commission to investigate not only the staff or former executive members of the Kano State executive arm of government but even those working in the judiciary. The Court of Appeal said the Commission has the powers, without even writing a letter to the Chief Judge, to investigate a matter. I believe we are on course. We will continue with our investigations, and we will try as much as we can to get rid of corrupt practises in the system. So, as far as we are concerned, they are only postponing the D-day. Nothing would stop the state from prosecuting or initiating criminal prosecution against any person because Section 211 of the Constitution is so explicit, Rimin Gado said. A Jersey City police officer fatally wounded a man inside a Randolph Avenue home Sunday afternoon, the state Attorney Generals Office said. Officers went to the home near Bramhall Avenue at about 2:30 p.m. after receiving a request by an EMS unit for assistance. The Attorney Generals office did not give additional details about why EMS personnel were at the residence. One Jersey City officer fired his service weapon during the incident, hitting the man, the office said. The man died at a local hospital at about 4:45 p.m. The mans identity was not released late Sunday, nor were other details of the shooting, which remained under investigation by the Attorney Generals office. The mans family identified him as Andrew Jerome Washington, 52, according to WABC-TV. He was suffering from a mental health crisis, his family said. His family told WABC they did not expect a SWAT team to confront their loved one when they called for help. He was in an agitated state and had recently been treated at a crisis center for his mental illness, they said. Washington was shot in the arm during another confrontation with police more than a decade ago, his family told WABC. The Attorney Generals office investigates all deaths statewide involving law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties or while a person is in their custody. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com When the Miami Marlins acquired reliever David Robertson during the Mets trade-deadline fire sale, he was having one of his best seasons with a 2.05 ERA in 44 innings. BUY METS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER So what happened? In 10 appearances with the Marlins, hes posted a sky-high 7.20 ERA, with just four saves in seven chances and has lost his job as closer, according to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald. Tanner Scott is likely to assume the role, Mish reports. When the Marlins acquired Robertson who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Mets prior to the 2023 season they were 54-49 and challenging for one of the NL wild card spots. Since then, they are 12-16, three games back in the wild card race. Fangraphs places their playoff odds at 19.4%, down from 49.3% on the day of the Robertson deal. Robertson was not happy with the trade. For me personally, I wanted to be here, Robertson said, via SNY. This was the place to play. I thought this was the spot to be and have a good chance of winning it all. But Im going to move on and join a new team and try to really focus on that goal now. In the trade, the Mets acquired Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernandez, two teenage prospects who rank No. 8 and No. 20, respectively, on the Mets MLB Pipeline prospect rankings. Robertson added that he would absolutely be open to a reunion with the Mets this offseason and that he had No complaints and nothing bad to say about the Mets. I had a great time there. MORE YANKEES: Yankees Ian Hamilton wants a piece of Rays after near brawls that he helped start Yankees Aaron Boone has a message for disgruntled fans calling for him to be fired Rays on near brawl with Yankees: Last-place team. Not worth our time! Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Authorities were continuing to search for an alligator in Middlesex County on Monday, five days after it was first spotted in a local park, officials said. A local police officer shot at the alligator Saturday night after officers spotted the reptile in the Ambrose Brook in Middlesex Borough, following a prior sighting that evening in Lake Creighton, according to an update provided Monday afternoon. The alligator, estimated to be 3 to 4 feet in length, immediately submerged into the brook and it was unconfirmed if the attempt was successful, the Middlesex Borough Police Department said on Facebook. However, police also alluded to unconfirmed sightings of the alligator on Monday morning in Lake Creighton. A bystander reportedly claimed seeing a duck getting attacked and pulled under by the alligator, just before noon, but a search as of four hours later failed to locate either the reptile or the ducks carcass. Victor Crowell Park will be closed to the public for at least 72 hours or until the alligator is deemed to no longer be a threat, Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist said. Citizens are strongly urged to stay away from Creighton Lake and the Ambrose Brook and should not approach or make attempts to capture the alligator. They should contact the Middlesex Borough Police Department at 732-356-1900 if the reptile is observed in the area, Geist said. Police did not say how many shots were fired at the alligator Saturday night, but said that the area in which it was located was not accessible to make capture feasible. Because the threat to public safety that this reptile causes is significant, a Middlesex police officer employed a safe discharge from a firearm in an attempt to neutralize it, while in close proximity, police said. The alligator was described as capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries. Lake Creighton is commonly known as the Duck Pond, police said, and the Ambrose Brook serves a conduit between the lake and the Raritan River. Alligators are not native to New Jersey and it is not known how the reptile ended up in Middlesex Borough, officials said. Possession of alligators or crocodiles is against the law in New Jersey, said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Sometimes, however, these animals are purchased out of state and brought into New Jersey illegally. The owners often release them in local water bodies when they find they can no longer care for the animal, Hajna said. Regardless of how it got to New Jersey, the alligator is on borrowed time. An alligator is most likely not going to survive the winter here in New Jersey, Dave Schneider, a regional manager for Herpetological Associates, told NJ Advance Media. As long as it has access to food, it could survive until we get a couple of really cold snaps, said Schneider, whose organization is headquartered in Pemberton and has specialized in the study of endangered and threatened reptiles and amphibians since 1977. The DEPs Fish & Wildlife devision is seeking information about the reptiles location so that a humane trap can be set, Hajna said. Anyone with information about the alligators current or recent location may call the state Department of Environmental Protections hotline at 877-WARN-DEP, Hajna said. Geist, the Middlesex Borough police chief, said the departments officers and officers from the states conservation police have been monitoring the lake and the Ambrose Brook in attempts to locate the reptile and will take all means necessary to resolve this situation. These are the law enforcement partnerships we count on to help protect our community from this potential threat to the public health, Geist said. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. The children arrived at the Paterson charter school one day early last week with smiles on their faces, waving goodbye to their parents and rushing into the newly opened facility. It was just 7:30 a.m. and the students were soon gathered in the nest the cafeteria where they began a routine they call birdcall, reciting the pledge of allegiance, the school virtues, and reading an inspirational message of the day. Its the first week and Ive already fallen in love with English and Math, said Jordan Wilson, a fifth grader at Brilla Paterson, the newest charter to open in the states third largest city. But if Im being honest, Im most excited about P.E and being an all-star. Brilla Paterson is one of two new charter schools approved to operate this fall in New Jersey. The other is Kindle public charter school in Jersey City. The Brilla Paterson school, part of a network that includes charters in the Bronx, New York City, and New Jersey, consist of three grade levels which include kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade. Grade levels are determined when schools are granted charter by the state Department of Education. The DOE then stipulates which grades they can offer when they open and how many seats. For years, Gov. Phil Murphy has been critical of charters, granting a small number of expansions, but earlier this year, Murphy approved 78 percent of requested expansions, more than double last years rate, saying requests evaluated on a broad range of criteria. The New Jersey Department of Education continues to make decisions on charter expansions and renewals each year based on a broad range of data, the office said in a statement. A comprehensive set of factors are evaluated to measure each schools performance and accountability to the students and communities it serves. This approach will continue to help ensure New Jersey students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Harry Lee, CEO of New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, says it very important that Brilla Paterson opened in a city that has struggled to provide a quality education in its traditional public schools. In Paterson, there are nearly 4,000 students sitting on public charter school wait lists today, he said. Clearly, parents are voting with their feet and the demand for public charter schools continues to rise with the citys population. According to the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, New Jersey has 85 public charter schools in 44 cities and towns and 18 counties. In Paterson, where 63% of the residents are Hispanic, 23% are white, and 8% Black, according to the Census Bureau, Brilla Patersons student population nearly mirrors that diversity, with 60% of students Hispanic, 31% Black, and 6% white. We pride ourselves on proving a holistic education, but always making it a place that feels like home, said Reyes Acosta De Claudio, chief operations officer for the Brilla Schools Network. Whether it be families, administration, or custodial staff, we are all a part of this community and responsible for success of Brilla. Genesis Betancourt, a kindergarten teacher at Brilla Paterson, says the school is one of one. I have never seen another school like Brilla, she said. Theres so much culture here. From the kids to the relationships Ive developed, you can tell we are family. Theres nowhere else Id rather be, she added. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or Twitter @DeionRJohhnson A man who was allegedly driving impaired struck and seriously injured a pedestrian in South Jersey before fleeing the scene during the weekend, police said. Police responded to a report of a crash at 1:51 a.m. on Saturday at Route 47 and 5th Street in the Rio Grande section of Middle Township in Cape May County, township police Capt. Tracey Super said. Officers on the scene located a 48-year-old female who had been struck by a vehicle and learned that the car had left the area, police said. Witnesses provided a description of a silver Nissan to officers. Police later located and arrested Elijah Bethel, 21, of Wildwood Crest, authorities said. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, assault by auto and knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with serious bodily injury, and was issued three motor vehicle summonses, according to court records. The victim is being treated at Atlantic Care Regional Medical Center City Division and is listed in critical, but stable condition, police said. A stretch of Route 47 was closed for three hours due to an investigation of the crash. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Known for its rich history, Azerbaijan's Gazakh region unveils a treasure trove of historical significance. The region has a diverse range of archaeological sites, which provide valuable insights into the cultural, social, and economic aspects of ancient societies. From pottery and tools to architectural remains, each makes it possible to learn more about the region's past. Launched in 2015, Azerbaijani-Japanese International Archaeological Expedition aims to prove that the area is an ancient human settlement, and to obtain material evidence from the Neolithic era, Azernews reports. At the initiative of the Culture Ministry, a large delegation led by Professor Yoshihiro Nishiaki was invited to conduct exploration searches at the Avey foothills. A tripartite international memorandum was signed to explore the world-wide archaeological heritage complex, including Damjili cave, and camp around the cave, on the Avey Mount. Azerbaijani-Japanese International Archaeological Expedition has recently completed excavations in the Avey State Historical and Cultural Reserve. Cultural layers of the Middle Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Bronze Age and Late Middle Ages have been discovered as the result of excavations. The artifacts found during the latest excavations are artifacts belonging to the transitional period between the Mesolithic and Neolithic. This created the conditions for the study of Neolithic agricultural activities. The research revealed that 6,000 years ago, there was a transition to the Neolithic culture. Taking into account the importance of this historical time, archaeological excavations in Damjili Cave are expected to continue in the future. For more accurate study of the found samples of material culture, the artifacts have been sent to the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography while the rest of the exhibits will be on display in the reserve. This is the second intact stratum of Mesolithic culture discovered by archaeologists in Azerbaijan after Gobustan. Archeological excavations at Damjili cave started in August 2016. Exploratory excavations were carried out in 10 different directions. Neolithic ruins, hearth places, bones, samples dating the late Middle Paleolithic were discovered at the depth of 4 meters. Research was carried out at Japanese laboratories to determine the periods of the material culture found in Damjili. Damjili is the largest of the 30 caves of the Stone Age discovered on the territory of Gazakh region in the mid 1950s. Located at the foot of Avey Mount, its area is about 460 square meters and the height is four meters. Discovered in 1953 by Azerbaijani scientist Mahammadali Huseynov, Damjili Cave is the first monument of the Stone Age discovered in Azerbaijan. It also has similarities with the Goytepe settlement of the Neolithic period in Tovuz region. A number of various stone tools, arrowheads, flint knives, and bones of animals were discovered in the cave during excavations. Archaeological excavations in Gazakh contribute to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. By studying and documenting these sites, archaeologists can develop strategies to protect them and ensure that future generations can learn more about Azerbaijan's historical legacy. In a tradition dating back to the 1800s, members of the Enterprise Fire Department christened the new 2023 E-One Typhoon fire engine Friday. The new $678,000 pumper truck was hosed down, wiped dry, and physically pushed by firefighters joined by Mayor William Cooper and Councilman Scotty Johnson and his wife, Dawn, back into the bay in a traditional wet down-push in ceremony. The ceremony dates back to the 1800s when horse-drawn equipment was used to fight fires, explained Enterprise Fire Chief Christopher Davis. After a mission, the horses and the pumpers were washed down before being pushed back into the firehouse by firefighters. The 2023 E-One Typhoon fire engine was first sprayed down with a firehose by firefighters assisted by the mayor. We are proud to have this new piece of equipment to help us better serve the citizens of Enterprise, said Davis. But it takes more than a new fire truckit takes the men and women who make up this department, who give of themselves so selflessly to protect our community. The new engine, Engine 8, features a commemorative plaque with the names of Cooper, the City Council members, City Administrator Jonathan Tullos and Davis. The 1997 truck thats being replaced is being donated to the Coffee County Firefighters Association. It can now be used by any of the countys volunteer departments that may be down a vehicle, Davis said. Accepting the engine on behalf of the countys 10 volunteer fire departments was Jeffery Wood, vice president of the county fire fighters association and chief of Battens VFD. The much-appreciated engine will be house at the Battens VFD and be available for use by any of the countys fire departments as needed, Wood said. The volunteer fire service depends heavily on donations. They do a phenomenal job funding themselves through fundraisers and donations, said Davis. A lot of these departments only have one engine so by providing this to them they can loan it out to others temporarily. Seventy-five percent of the United States is covered by volunteer firefighters, so my hat is off to them and anything that we can do to help we do, Davis said. We have had many times when they help us. They are professional. Cooper agreed. This truck will last for a long time so its good when our departments can work with the smaller communities. What we are doing here is looking out for each other, he said. We are always making sure that our department is second to none. As a councilman, Im proud that we have this new fire engine because it helps our citizens and business folks know that these first responders will be there for them at a moments notice, said Johnson, who is a councilman and director of the Coffee County Community Emergency Response Team. As the CERT Coordinator, I say that we couldnt do what we do without our fire department, so Ive got goosebumps seeing this new engine. To be able to help our rural communities by giving them this replaced fire engine is a plus, Johnson added. The Hip Hop Caucus and the New Orleans Katrina Commemoration Foundation hosted the 18th annual commemoration of Hurricane Katrina Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at the site of the breach in the Industrial Canal levee in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The event featured a healing ceremony, a reading of names of people who died during Katrina, prayers, and a march to Hunter's Field for a rally. Scott Threlkeld Follow Scott Threlkeld 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 Oh, if only Jerry Lewis were still with us today. Not that his comedy is greatly missed by many. As frivolously enjoyable as his earliest on-screen frolics were, the last of his movies to be consistently funny was 1965s Family Jewels. And even thats arguable. But it would be a sublime delight to watch Lewis eat his oversized hat upon seeing the teen sex comedy Bottoms. Lewis, of course, famously and repeatedly disregarded the talent of female comics, essentially declaring a uterus a disqualifying condition when it comes to the high art of low comedy. Bottoms, with its double-entendre title, almost certainly wasnt created as a response to that Pleistocene philosophy. I have a sneaking suspicion the young women who made it dont spend a lot of time wondering what Jerry Lewis would think. Venture Global LNG's Calcasieu Pass export facility. Three people have sued Venture Global, including the companys former attorney and the widow of a former board member, over $77 million in stock options they say the liquefied natural gas exporter has refused to release to them. In a message sent to parents, school administrators said the district employs several safety measures, including restricted access to buildings. School officials with the Livingston, Ascension and Assumption Parish districts also issued statements that were published on Facebook. Livingston Parish Public Schools cancelled classes as a precaution after officials said several employees and schools received an email just after 5 a.m. stating that bombs had been placed at various facilities. In Ascension Parish, school administrators delayed the start of classes by 30 minutes due to the threat. Both Livingston and Ascension school officials noted that districts "across the country" received the threat. State Police spokesman Trooper Christian Reed said in a statement the agency is "aware of the numerous school safety threats made across our state." ENTERPRISE Alabamas first female Republican senator visited her hometown Saturday to give an update about her first eight months in office and a preview of whats to come. Our hometown heroine, is how U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was introduced as keynote speaker at the Wiregrass Republican Womens Club meeting Saturday morning. We sent this mom on a mission to Washington, D.C., said RWC member and longtime family friend Frances Strickland, who introduced Britt to the capacity crowd. We knew she would hit the ground running and she would keep her Alabama values of faith, family, and freedom. Britt is the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama and the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Senate. So happy to be back out, said Britt who has been sidelined on doctors orders while recovering from a health issue. They told me a month and guess what? Today is a month to the day, she said. We appreciate everyones prayers and really could feel them. They make all of the difference and we are happy to be back out here and moving around. The Wiregrass is such a special place and I am so proud to be from here, Britt said. I have said numerous times that I am only standing here as a United States senator because a lot of people did a lot of things. Being here, immersed in questions and conversations, is what matters, Britt said. The people we are representing each and every day, when I go cast that vote thats who I am voting on behalf of. Britt outlined activities on each of the committees she has been assigned, to include the Appropriations Committee, the Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee, and the Rules and Administration Committees. The Democrats and the Liberal Left agenda is being shoved down Americas throat each and every day and we are working diligently to stand in the gap to shine a light on it, Britt said. The ever-increasing national debt is unsustainable and absolutely immoral, Britt said. We cannot allow the next generation to have to carry the burden that we created, she said. One of the things I want us to do is put able bodied working age Americans, without dependents, back to work. We need to be vigilant about this. While our unemployment rate is 2.5 %, we are 48th in the nation when it comes to our labor participation rate. There is a mental health aspect to this, she said. There is a pride and dignity that comes along with an honest days work and so, giving people hope, giving people purpose and giving people knowledge that they contribute and are part of something bigger than themselves is something that were going to have to continue to do. One thing Im focused on is mental health, Britt said. We really need to talk about it more and do more. The depression rate in our youth has more than doubled between the years 2011 and 2019. It is not a coincidence that that is the exact same time that social media took off and we started using front facing cameras, Britt said adding that she has called for legislation to prohibit social media use by children younger than 13 and require strict age verification. Britt signed on as a co-sponsor to the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act that Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, has introduced. Britt said she traveled to the United States border three times her first two months in office. It is horrifying what is happening there, she said. You hear Biden talk about his border policy as humane. It is not humane. There were over 800 people who died at the border in the last 12 months. This is the drug cartel sticking its tentacles into our nation and keeping their finger on these people for the remainder of their life, Britt said. Weve got to say enough is enough. I am a really big believer that no one gets anywhere alone, Britt told the capacity crowd of friends, family and supporters. And the only reason that I am standing here is because there were so many of you who are here who gave me opportunities. The national centers bases its estimates on reports from other federal and state government agencies, the insurance industry and other sources. It updated its annual report on Tuesday. Of the 10 costliest storms in U.S. history, all but one have come in the past 20 years, further evidence of how climate change is causing more intense storms. The Top 10 storms hit Florida (5), Louisiana (3) and Texas (2), as well as Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, New Jersey and South Carolina. Several of them hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, for example hit more than one state. But its not just coastal states where damage mounts. Once a hurricane comes ashore and weakens, it is cut off from the warm seawater that fuels it but still carries immense amounts of moisture. As it moves hundreds of miles inland and tears apart, it continues to dump that moisture in the form of phenomenal rain that floods creeks and rivers, causing even more damage. A former Ochsner doctor accused of placing a hidden camera in the hospital's staff bathroom was rearrested Friday on new counts in the case, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Andrew Matthews, 31, of Jefferson, was booked with 34 counts of video voyeurism, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The new charges stem from images downloaded during a search of Matthews electronic devices which were seized during his earlier arrest, Rivarde said. Matthews was first taken into custody on Aug. 2 after an employee discovered a hidden camera inside a bathroom at Ochsner Medical Center's main campus in the 1500 block of Jefferson Highway in Jefferson, according to authorities. The device was in a unisex staff bathroom not used by the public. A pastor and registered sex offender pleaded not guilty Friday to raping and molesting two teenage boys that authorities say he preyed on through the church he operated out of his Terrytown home, according to Jefferson Parish court records. Terry Reed, 63, was charged Thursday with two counts of third-degree rape and four counts of molestation of a juvenile. Investigators allege Reed coerced the teens, telling them that sexual activity with him would provide them with the "covering of Jesus" and "help them become a man," according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. LSU criminologist Dr. Peter Scharf, during a morning of discussion about the high rates of incarceration and recidivism in St. Tammany and in Louisiana, their contributing factors and potential solutions sponsored by Leadership St. Tammany at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club in Mandeville Tuesday, October 7, 2014. (David Grunfeld, NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune) Big donations from trial attorneys helped power John Bel Edwards to victory in the 2015 and 2019 governors races. This time, however, lawyers are pouring money into electing Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican who has been Democratic Gov. Edwards biggest foe. Landry and the groups supporting him have raised at least $700,000 so far from trial attorneys, who have long been supportive of Democrats. The amount outpaced how much Edwards who once sat on the board of the trial attorneys association in Louisiana -- raised from them at this point in the 2019 race. The lawyers support for Landry adds to the uphill climb for former Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, a Democrat who is running as Edwards political heir. Wilson has been counting on trial attorneys to fund attacks against Landry that weaken his support. Although Tropical Storm Idalia is not expected to have a major impact on the Wiregrass area, the Houston County EMA is preparing to assist possible evacuees coming into the region. For right now, were going to miss a direct impact, Houston County EMA director Mark Powell said. In the impacted areas, the storm surge could be severe, so we want to provide evacuees with the resources they need. This is a close area out of the way, and in my opinion, this is definitely somewhere they need to go. According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, Idalia is currently a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph and located about 600 miles south of Tallahassee, moving north at 8 mph. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee predicts Idalia to become a category 3 hurricane on Tuesday and make landfall along Floridas Nature Coast late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Wind, storm surge of 7 to 11 feet, flooding rain, and tornadoes are the primary concerns for Floridas Big Bend. In the Wiregrass region, the effects of the storm will be significantly less. Were going to have some wind and rain from it for sure, Powell said. There is a small chance we can see some tropical storm force winds, but as far as big-time impact from weather, we may not see that. The Houston County EMA has been in contact with agencies such as the American Red Cross and is coordinating with local businesses in order to make sure evacuees have places to go. We just want to welcome them in and provide that southern hospitality, Powell said. Were going to be able to give them hotels, restaurants, and anything else they need. Powell is encouraging local residents to still have some type of plan in place even though the impact isnt expected to be severe. With us having a near miss at this point, I think this is a good opportunity to be prepared for the next one. Powell said. It could still head to the west and be an impact for us, so this is definitely something you should start planning for. Go to our website, download our app, and check our social media because they will show what you need to do or where you need to go to be prepared. Evacuees may go to visitdothan.com, dothanhoustoncountyema.com, or dial 2-1-1 for additional information. Global small business platform Xeros research reveals 80% of small business owners are concerned that AI development and adoption are outpacing regulation. As generative AI tools become increasingly integrated across industries and workplaces, apprehensions regarding unchecked growth are on the rise. Conducted as part of Xeros Future Focus AI study, the survey involved over 3,000 small business owners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, 41% of respondents identified sensitive information disclosure and data privacy violations as the leading ethical challenges tied to AI implementation in their businesses. This was closely followed by concerns about worker displacement, highlighted by 38% of participants. The findings were revealed during Xerocon Sydney, a prominent event for cloud accounting leaders in the Asia Pacific region. The event showcased Xeros approach to AI product development, introducing new AI-powered predictive features, including generative AI pilots and an AI guide tailored for accountants and bookkeepers. Mark Rees, Chief Technology Officer at Xero, highlighted the need to provide more knowledge and tools to ensure small businesses can leverage AI without getting left behind. While many small businesses are actively exploring AI solutions to stay ahead, 32% are not taking any proactive steps. To manage the risks associated with generative AI tools, businesses are implementing policies (26%), providing employee training (25%), and seeking client/customer consent (23%). Despite these efforts, the survey indicates that some small businesses are entrusting AI tools with sensitive data, necessitating greater support in assessing security and privacy risks. More than half (51%) of respondents trust AI with identifiable customer information, while 45% trust it with sensitive commercial information. The survey also sheds light on drawbacks faced by businesses using generative AI tools, including increased biases or inaccuracies (18%), decreased employee morale (18%), and efficiency loss due to quality control (16%). Furthermore, 14% of businesses using generative AI reported reduced headcounts. While small businesses hold a mix of feelings about AIs impact, with 32% intrigued, 31% anxious, and 30% excited, they lean toward optimism. Half of the respondents believe AI will be more helpful and positively impact their operations, while 20% express concerns about harm. Looking forward, three-quarters of small businesses expect AI to influence their operations in the next five years, with 34% anticipating a significant impact. However, 24% remain uncertain about AIs effects. While 59% believe AI wont affect their hiring plans, 31% foresee hiring fewer due to AI. Xeros research also underlines that AI is not a top priority for the majority of small businesses in the near term. Concerns about growing revenue, attracting customers, and managing costs remain dominant. Only 8% ranked adopting or investing in AI as their top priority over the next 12 months. Addressing the need for education and support, 43% of respondents felt that training on AI types and their impact is essential. To cater to these needs, Xero introduced the Future Focus: AI Guide for Accountants and Bookkeepers, aimed at aiding professionals in navigating AIs impact on their practices and clients. Mark Rees emphasized that the guide intends to provide well-informed choices for accountants and bookkeepers when employing AI tools to manage risks and reap benefits. For more information, visit: www.xero.com. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Cleveland-Cliffs is asking U.S. Steel to disclose any other merger offers it might have received since it offered to purchase the steelmaker earlier this month. Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said the company's collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers union would require it to notify Cleveland-Cliffs of any other prospective buyers. The USW negotiated a right to bid if there was a sale and assigned that right to Cleveland-Cliffs, a company it long has had good relations with at the bargaining table. Goncalves said the right to bid included a right to receive notice in a letter he wrote to U.S. Steel. "USS has publicly indicated on multiple occasions that it had received 'multiple unsolicited proposals that ranged from the acquisition of certain production assets to consideration for the whole company.' It is interesting to note that in your letter to employees that was publicly disclosed to the SEC, you referred to these other proposals as inquiries for the first time. Regardless, to date, neither the USW or Cliffs has received any notice of such proposals or inquiries." Cleveland-Cliffs has proposed merging the last two remaining integrated steelmakers in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $7.3 billion. Congressman weighs in United States Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, the vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, wants U.S. Steel to stay in American hands if it is sold. In response to recent media reports regarding the potential sale of one of the last remaining domestic integrated steel manufacturers, it has been reported that potential suitors are headquartered internationally," he said. I remain gravely concerned that our nations security is lessened when we allow foreign entities to have an outsized influence in Americas critical industries, whether it be in iron and steel, semiconductors, or other essential commodities, products, and technologies. We must not ignore the lesson that COVID taught us about how our supply chains must have domestic capacity to meet the needs of our nations consumers and security." Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal, which largely exited the U.S. market by selling most of its mills to Cleveland-Cliffs for $1.4 billion in late 2020, has expressed interest in acquiring at least parts of U.S. Steel, according to Reuters. Mrvan said that raised potential concerns on a number of fronts. Now is the time to reinforce our support for the American manufacturing industry that promotes the ability of workers to collectively bargain and negotiate fair wages, ensure safe working conditions, and secure a sound retirement and quality health care," Mrvan said. The Andrews Labor Government is broadening the scope of sick and carers pay to encompass a higher number of casual and contract employees. This initiative not only extends coverage under the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee but also prolongs the trial period until March 2025. Minister for Employment Ben Carroll has announced that over 400 fresh positions now qualify for the pioneering Sick Pay Guarantee, a measure that permits thousands of individuals engaged in casual and contract work to avail up to 38 hours of sick and carers pay annually. Casual, contract, and self-employed laborers including community support workers, rideshare drivers, arts personnel, early childhood educators, fitness trainers, tourism professionals, factory staff, agricultural workers, and hairstylists can assess their eligibility and enroll in the program immediately. Those newly eligible can claim sick and carers pay from the moment they register, while workers who met the criteria in the pilots initial phase gain an additional year of coverage. This groundbreaking Australian-first initiative, valued at $245.7 million, strives to diminish workplace illnesses and injuries, fostering both a safer work environment and enhanced productivity. Since its launch in March 2022, over 76,000 casual and contract workers have enlisted in the pilot. During this period, the Sick Pay Guarantee has provided compensation for more than 1.8 million hours of sick and carers pay, granting workers the financial stability to take time off when unwell or required to care for loved ones. Eligibility confirmation and enrollment can be accomplished online at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee or via the Service Victoria app. Assistance in signing up and accessing the program is also accessible through Neighbourhood Houses. Visit www.nhvic.org.au to locate a participating Neighbourhood House. The Sick Pay Guarantee website offers information in 19 languages. Those needing assistance can speak with an interpreter by dialing the Translating and Interpreting Service at 131 450 and requesting the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee hotline. Minister for Employment Ben Carroll commented, No one should be compelled to make the tough choice between going to work while ill or providing for their family. We are proud to expand the Sick Pay Guarantee, recognizing its crucial role in supporting Victorians. He further emphasized, Insecure work has serious consequences, and ensuring people have the support and certainty to stay home and recover when they are unwell or caring for a loved one is of utmost importance. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. MUNSTER Police say they have made an arrest in a break-in that occurred a year ago at the Radiance Salon at 8231 Hohman Ave. Kenneth King, 44, of Chicago, has been charged with burglary and theft, Munster police said. Police said they had been called out around 3:17 a.m. Sept. 17, 2022 to the salon and while on the way, were advised a suspicious person was spotted behind a nearby home. Police said they recovered a cash drawer from the salon. Man fled Portage crash that sent woman to hospital, police said The driver left at the scene, a 61-year-old Lake Station woman, complained of head pain and believed her left wrist was broken, police said. "The salon was found to have had its front door smashed open and the suspect had fled the scene," according to police. The arrest comes after an investigation into the burglary. King was taken into custody at the Porter County Jail. PORTAGE A 44-year-old Gary man wound up behind bars after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that sent another driver to the hospital, Portage police said. Police said they arrived around 7:40 a.m. Thursday to the area of Stone Avenue and Christy Street to learn the driver of a black SUV was involved in a crash and then fled. The driver left at the scene, a 61-year-old Lake Station woman, complained of head pain and believed her left wrist was broken, police said. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Region mom encouraged others to discipline young son, put him in grave if necessary, cops say "Austin (Justice) informed me that Leanne (Disbrow) told them that she didn't care what happened to Victim 1, that they could kill him, and that she would help bury the body, and then bail them out of jail," charges say. Police said they spotted an SUV with damage exiting the Central Elementary School parking lot and pulled over the vehicle. The driver, Enrique Alonzo reportedly told police he fled after the crash because he did not have a driver's license and was unsure if the vehicle was insured. He was taken to the Porter County Jail on a criminal charge of leaving the scene of a crash, police said. Lake Ridge Schools has been put on notice by state officials for excessive transfers from its education fund. During an Aug. 24 Distressed Unit Appeals Board meeting, the boards executive director, Peter Miller, informed board members of the excessive transfers. Indiana state law does not permit school districts to transfer more than 15% of revenue from their education fund. According to Miller, Lake Ridge exceeded the transfer limit for the past two years. In 2021, the school district transferred over 26% of its education fund into operations. In 2022, it transferred nearly 23% of the funds revenue. The Indiana Department of Education and DUAB gave notice to Lake Ridge of last years excessive transfers in March and asked the school district to explain the transfers and steps it would take to meet the 15% limit this year. In its June response to IDOE and DUAB, Lake Ridge officials blamed the property tax circuit breaker, which caps the amount an individual pays in tax levies, for impacting the school districts revenue, stating the circuit breaker made it impossible for Lake Ridge to operate without exceeding the transfer limits. According to the school district, the circuit breaker amounted to around $2.3 million in lost revenue for Lake Ridge, leaving it with a working levy of just $1.1 million. Lake Ridge told state officials it might have to pursue an operating referendum vote as early as next year. It had previously sought an operating referendum in 2018, but failed, with 65% of voters rejecting it. However, the school district said it viewed a future referendum as futile, given low property values in Calumet Township, and it already having the highest property tax rates in Lake County at $2.9507 per $100 of assessed valuation. The school district said its school board had passed a resolution to terminate all transportation services, except those required by law, if additional revenue could not be secured. During the DUAB meeting, an IDOE official told the board they would keep an eye on Lake Ridge. DUAB also heard updates on academics and operations of Gary schools. This was the last DUAB meeting for Rebecca Kubacki, and Justin McAdams, who will become a judge on the Indiana Tax Court. McAdams, who served as the boards chairman, will be succeeded by Chris Johnson, the director of the states Office of Management & Budget. Johnson has previously served as chairman of DUAB. PHOTOS: Groundbreaking at Gary's historic Union Station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station Fiber, gary union station fiber union station MERRILLVILLE The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors gained an expert in the hospitality and tourism industries as Deann Patena was appointed to the group. The Merrillville Town Council on Tuesday unanimously selected Patena to serve as the towns representative on the board. Patena, President/CEO of the Merrillville-based Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the SSCVA Board of Directors. I am so excited to be a part of this worthy organization and add value with my tourism background, Patena said. She got her start in the hospitality and tourism industries as a Sales Executive with the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville. Patena later became the Director of Sales with Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa before returning to Radisson as the Director of Sales and Marketing. She also served as the Director of Meeting and Event Sales at Fair Oaks Farms & The Farmhouse Conference Center. We are excited to have someone like Deann representing Merrillville on the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella said. Her background in the hospitality industry should provide the board with great ideas, and her passion for our Regions hospitality will serve the SSCVA group well. Patena has been the President/CEO of the Crossroads Chamber since 2020, and she has extensive experience dealing with many of the movers and shakers in the Region. Town Councilman Shawn Pettit has worked closely with Patena while hes served on the Board of Directors for the Crossroads Chamber. Pettit said the Chambers growth is a reflection of Patenas hard work. He believes her knowledge in the hospitality and tourism industries will be an asset to the SSCVA, which helps its partners across Northwest Indiana with the development and support of attractions. Shes going to make an excellent representative, Pettit said. SSCVA President/CEO David Uran welcomed Patena to the Board of Directors. Uran told town leaders that hes excited about the Councils selection to fill the seat, which became vacant after former Merrillville Town Manager Patrick Reardon resigned in July. CHESTERTON A Sip and Savor wine and food pairing event Oct. 13 will help support the human services programs of Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary. It kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Banquet Hall, 640 N. Calumet Road in Chesterton. The 240 expected guests and sponsors are invited to mix and mingle while investigating the wide variety of offerings on display for the live and silent auctions. Guests will then gather to be welcomed by Terry Seljan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities and board members. This will be followed by what the events Sommelier Patrick Cullers refers to as The Culinary Wine Pairing Experience, featuring five different wines one selected to be served with each course of the meal. The live auction, conducted by Brian McDaniel, follows. Following this culinary wine pairing experience will be the Live Auction led by the entertaining Auctioneer Brian McDaniel. Sip Savor Support is such a fun event and a wonderful way to support all of the amazing work that Catholic Charities is doing in our community, said Beth Casbon, attorney and partner with Komyatte & Casbon PC in Highland. Our law firm is thrilled to be a Strive & Thrive Sponsor for Sip Savor Support for the third straight year. Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary programs and services include emergency assistance, Tabor House affordable housing program, Isaac Program pathway to U.S. citizenship, womens care center, mobile and food pantries, financial workshops and much more. The nonprofit organization serves residents of Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Starke counties, providing its services to anyone in need without discrimination, no matter the persons race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation. Military veterans are encouraged to contact Catholic Charities when needs arise. As an example of impact, since Jan. 1, 2023 Catholic Charities Pantry and Mobile Food Pantry has served 6,460 households in Northwest Indiana. Visit www.catholic-charities.org/events to register as a guest or sponsor for the Sip Savor Support event help support Northwest Indiana neighbors in need. Please direct all inquiries or requests to Kevin Feldman, Director of Development/Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary. His office number is 219-886-3549 ext. 102; mobile is 219-689-3153 and email at kfeldman@catholic-charities.org GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week United Auto Workers-represented employees at Lear Corp. in Hammond have voted overwhelmingly again to reject a proposed contract. About 75% of members of UAW Local 2335 in Hammond voted to reject the latest contract proposal, with 25% voting for a deal that was tentatively reached during collective bargaining. More than 92% of workers had voted to reject the first contract proposal Lear negotiated with the union. UAW Local 2335 represents around 1,200 workers at Lear's Hammond plant, including about 300 newer hires. The factory, located just south of the South Shore Line's East Chicago station, makes seats for the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles that are manufactured just across the state line at the Chicago Assembly Plant on the far South Side. A total of 580 workers, or 94%, have voted to authorize a strike if negotiations break down or the union believes the company is bargaining in bad faith. Local 2335 President Fausto Rodriguez said he has been trying to find a sweet spot both sides could agree on. The union is seeking raises and an end to the two-tier system that pays newer hires less to do the same work, in some cases less than the person standing next to them on the assembly line. The automakers and the union agreed to a tier system during earlier rounds of contract talks when the auto industry was struggling. The idea was to keep down labor costs without hurting the financial well-being of long-tenured workers. But the two-tier system has long been contentious among rank-and-file workers. Now that the industry is thriving, the UAW is looking to put an end to it not just at the Lear plant in Hammond but as part of its negotiations with the Big Three Detroit automakers. UAW Local 2335 workers went on strike in 2014 when the job paid as little as $13 an hour. Rodriguez said the union wanted to bring in more in line with other seat plants around the country. The two sides have proposed bringing the top wage to $25 after ratification and to $27 at the end of the four-year contract. Christopher Schweitzer walked with a new sense of confidence to the courtroom podium. He revealed a casual nonchalance when speaking to Lake Superior Court Magistrate Kathleen Sullivan. At first I didnt really believe in the program. But Ive lost everything, he told her. I can either keep getting high and druggin again, then go back to jail, or I can suck it up and do the right thing." Schweitzer, a Schererville resident, currently lives at the Kimbrough work program center, a residential correctional facility near the Lake County Jail in Crown Point. The program offers local courts a sentencing alternative and residential services for male and female nonviolent felony offenders. Im so used to doing time, it doesnt really bother me at this point, Schweitzer told the magistrate. Im doing what I have to do to stay clean. Im sick of living like that. He has to bicycle everywhere he needs to be, including to two jobs that hes trying to hold down, at a gym and a restaurant. Ive seen you on your bike, Sullivan told him. You have? he asked, chuckling that she noticed him hustling to work. I couldnt figure out why I kept screwing up. And then I realized I was self-medicating to avoid the inevitable - starting my life over, Schweitzer said. Welcome back to the new Lake County Criminal Division Drug Court, serving offenders who have committed felony crimes as a result of severe addiction. Alcohol, pills, cocaine, meth, PCP - you name it, it's been used or abused by the drug courts hand-picked clients addicts who are in recovery. Not all of them will make it through the program successfully. Some will return to old habits, old lifestyles, old excuses. Todays column is the third in a series on this new problem-solving court inside the Lake County government complex in Crown Point. (Read the first two columns at NWI.com by searching for drug court.) Youve got a lot of incentive, Sullivan told Schweitzer. If he screws up again and regresses in this program, he could face many years behind bars. Hes currently on Phase 1 of the program, staying at Kimbrough and its work release opportunities. Phase 2 involves GPS electronic monitoring. He is actively attending meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and he meets with a therapist on a weekly basis. Im 45. If I dont bite the bullet now, I may never get out of this lifestyle, Schweitzer told me in the hallway after the court hearing. As fellow participants chatted nearby - they meet here every two weeks - Schweitzer shared his regrets with me, and his hopes. (Watch a video and view more photos at the online version of this column.) I need to be held accountable, he said. I can do this. Not all drug court participants are able to complete the rigorous program. On Friday, two clients were transported to the courtroom from the county jail, dressed in drab-gray jail garb and shackles. It was an ominous clue to their fate a few minutes later. Were going to proceed with sentencing today, Sullivan told one of the inmates. He was expelled from the program for numerous violations including the altering of a drug test sample, testing positive for alcohol, and being located out of bounds while monitored. I wish you the best of luck, sincerely, Sullivan told him. The offender didnt have much to say. He simply lowered his head and walked out of the courtroom escorted by a bailiff. Drug court team members include judiciary officials as well as representatives from community corrections, adult probation, the public defenders office, the prosecutors office, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers and community members. Their collective goal is to reroute offenders dangerous habits, enhance public safety and, literally, save lives. Whos had a support team like this in your life? Raise your hand, Lake Superior Judge Samuel Cappas asked participants at a previous hearing. No one did. You are fighting for control of the wheel with me and this crew. If you do, youll be back in prison, Cappas said sternly. Drug court candidates must undergo clinical evaluations and be found to have a diagnosis for substance use and/or alcohol use disorder. Priority in program placement is given to individuals who are at moderate and high risk of re-offending, according to the Indiana Risk Assessment Screen. If you can make some payments, wed love to see that, Sullivan told participants on Friday. Guillermo Gonzalez has two jobs, at a Jiffy Lube and house rehabilitation with a relative. Sullivan offered him words of caution regarding who he spends time with, reflecting a common mantra with recovering addicts: change your friends. I want to talk to you about temptation, Sullivan told him. Are you tempted with things that tempt you? Um no. My mind is a lot clearer, Guillermo replied. Im 30, so Im kind of getting old. Sullivan didnt hesitate to respond. Youre saying that to a 63-year-old, she said. Everyone chuckled. Other participants spoke just briefly with Sullivan, sharing updates of their progress or struggles. Kristy Garcia, of Hammond, who I profiled in a previous column, recently went on a trip to Chicago and Navy Pier. I went on a Ferris wheel by myself, she said. Garcia just celebrated one year of sobriety, a momentous milestone for anyone in recovery, with or without drug court assistance. Everyone in the courtroom applauded. Congratulations, Sullivan told her. Research shows the more praise the better with recovering addicts. Though that's a tough sell in the corrections departments, said Kellie Bittorf, executive director of Lake County Community Corrections. Schweitzer basked in any praise and reaffirmation he could get from the magistrate and drug court team members. This is the first time Ive been sober this long in years, he told Sullivan. I hope I keep progressing and moving forward. It feels good to do the right thing, finally. Now that Im actually doing it, its working. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Against the background hum of the convention center, Dar Leaf settled into a club chair to explain the sacred mission of America's sheriffs, his bright blue eyes and warm smile belying the intensity of the cause. "The sheriff is supposed to be protecting the public from evil," the chief law enforcement officer for Barry County, Michigan, said during a break in the National Sheriffs' Association 2023 conference in June. "When your government is evil or out of line, that's what the sheriff is there for, protecting them from that." Leaf is on the advisory board of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, founded in 2011 by former Arizona Sheriff Richard Mack. The group, known as CSPOA, teaches that elected sheriffs must "protect their citizens from the overreach of an out-of-control federal government" by refusing to enforce any law they deem unconstitutional or "unjust." "The safest way to actually achieve that is to have local law enforcement understand that they have no obligation to enforce such laws," Mack said in an interview. "They're not laws at all anyway. If they're unjust laws, they are laws of tyranny." The sheriffs group has railed against gun-control laws, COVID-19 mask mandates and public health restrictions, as well as alleged election fraud. It has also quietly spread its ideology across the country, seeking to become more mainstream in part by securing state approval for taxpayer-funded law enforcement training, the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found. Over the past five years, the group has hosted trainings, rallies, speeches and meetings in at least 30 states for law enforcement officers, political figures, private organizations and members of the public, according to the Howard Center's seven-month probe, conducted in collaboration with the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting. The group has held formal trainings on its "constitutional" curriculum for law enforcement officers in at least 13 of those states. In six states, the training was approved for officers' continuing education credits. The group also has supporters who sit on three state boards in charge of law enforcement training standards. Legal experts warn that such training especially when it's approved for state credit can undermine the democratic processes enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and is part of what Mary McCord, a former federal prosecutor and executive director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University, called a "broader insurrectionist ideology" that has gripped the nation since the 2020 presidential election. "They have no authority, not under their state constitutions or implementing statutes to decide what's constitutional and what's not constitutional. That's what courts have the authority to do, not sheriffs," McCord said. "There's another sort of evil lurking there," McCord added, "because CSPOA is now essentially part of a broader movement in the United States to think it's OK to use political violence if we disagree with some sort of government policy." At least one state, Texas, canceled credit for the sheriffs' training after determining the course content which it said included a reference to "this is a war" was more political than educational. But other states, such as Tennessee, have approved the training, in part because it was hosted by a local law enforcement agency. Unlike other law enforcement continuing education, such as firearms training, the sheriffs' curriculum is largely a polemic on the alleged constitutional underpinnings of sheriffs' absolute authority to both interpret and refuse to enforce certain laws. One brochure advertising the group's seminars states: "The County Sheriff is the one who can say to the feds, 'Beyond these bounds you shall not pass.'" Since 2018, the Howard Center-AZCIR investigation found, at least 69 sheriffs nationwide have either been identified as members of the group or publicly supported it, though at least one later disavowed the organization. A 2021 survey of sheriffs by academic researchers working with the nonprofit Marshall Project found that more than 200 of the estimated 500 sheriffs who responded agreed with the group's ideology. In addition, reporters found, at least a dozen U.S. counties influenced by the sheriffs group have considered "constitutional county" resolutions over the past two years. Nationwide, there are some 3,000 sheriffs, whose salaries are funded by taxpayers. They serve as the chief law enforcement officers in their counties and are the only elected peace officers in the country. They appoint deputy sheriffs and jailers and service the courts in their jurisdictions. Especially in rural areas, sheriffs hold immense sway over what happens in their county. Some states have pushed back against the group's training efforts, and not all sheriffs subscribe to the group's ideology. Many at the National Sheriffs' Association conference distanced themselves from the constitutional sheriffs or claimed not to know what they were about. "When I took an oath 17 years ago as sheriff, I took the oath to uphold the Constitution, not overstep it," said Troy Wellman, sheriff of Moody County, South Dakota, and a vice president of the National Sheriffs' Association. And there has been public pushback in some counties led by "constitutional sheriffs." In Klickitat County, Washington, residents alleged Sheriff Bob Songer, a board member of the sheriffs group, engaged in fearmongering and intimidation. He was the target of a formal complaint in 2022 that the state's law enforcement standards agency ultimately dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The public-facing image of the sheriffs group, which is led by white men, prominently features the American flag and the experiences of Black civil rights icons who pushed back against unjust laws. But details of its operations are closely held, and its finances are shielded from public scrutiny. It was briefly registered as a nonprofit in Arizona, but internal records indicate it is now a private company. A former chemistry student is facing multiple felony charges after a neighbor said he caught him on camera using a vial and syringe to insert an unknown substance through his condominium apartments door in Tampa, Fla. Xuming Li, who was enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of South Florida, had been making noise complaints about the apartment of Umar Abdullah, for more than a year, Mr. Abdullah said in a phone interview on Sunday. The university said in a statement that Mr. Li was no longer enrolled and that his last term was this summer. The complaints went on for months, but it wasnt until May that a chemical smell was noticed in Mr. Abdullahs apartment, he said. The mystery odor, which caused Mr. Abdullahs family to experience breathing difficulties and burning eyes, eventually led Mr. Abdullah to place a concealed camera that recorded a man who appeared to be Mr. Li crouching outside the door on June 27. According to a police affidavit, the video camera captured Mr. Li on two occasions using a syringe to inject the substances under the door. Preliminary hazmat testing on the scene indicated that methadone and hydrocodone, both opioids, were involved, the affidavit said. Samples are undergoing more thorough testing. In a lawsuit filed in April, Erik af Klint, the great-grandnephew of the artist and the Hilma af Klint Foundations chairman, said that business agreements have been struck without the approval of the foundation board and without his knowledge. The suit accuses board members of collaborating with its chief executive, Jessica Hoglund, on deals to produce NFTs, books about af Klint and an immersive experience that would benefit them, not the foundation. The suit said they had waived licensing rights, causing the foundation to miss out on millions of dollars. The suit also asserts that publishing profits associated with af Klint have increased tenfold, from an estimated $350,000 in 2018 to $3.5 million in 2021, but that the revenue has gone to a foundation run by Almqvist, the scholar, rather than the Af Klint Foundation. They are trying to gain a profit from peoples search for inner meaning, Erik af Klint said about the board members in an interview. He said he hoped the courts would let him reshuffle the board and cancel contracts overseen by the chief executive, whom he has tried to dismiss. He added that he was worried about the commercialization of his relatives art and the foundations finances: We can manage for another year, but not much more. Hoglund and the board have disputed the familys assertions, saying the deals were correctly processed without requiring the familys involvement and have recently brought $100,000 into the foundation. As to my alleged dismissal, Hoglund said in a statement, Erik af Klint has not been authorized to dismiss me. Three board members have resigned in response to the infighting with the family. One of them was Almqvist, who has defended the work done by the Ax:son Johnson Foundation, which has published several books on the artist and which he leads as chief executive. Almqvist said that the copyrights to Hilma af Klints works held by the foundation expired in 2014, and that, contrary to the assertions in the suit, Ax:son Johnson had donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in publishing profits to support the artists foundation so that it remains in good financial health. A cash transaction is seen at a bank in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Many banks with strong bancassurance portfolios saw their commissions decline by at least 50% in the first half of this year following allegations of scams by customers. But the quality of the service is improving after a period when many of them focused completely on sales targets, leading to complaints by many customers they were misled into buying insurance by staff who claimed it was some kind of deposit or investment. In the second quarter, some private banks switched to overall targets for their staff, including home and car loans, reducing pressure to sell insurance. Phuong Tien Minh, general director of insurer Prudential Vietnam, said insurance companies and banks have learned a "massive amount of lessons" in the past seven years. During that period of hot growth, most banks sought to sell insurance at any cost with an eye on commissions rather than contract retention rates, or the period for which insurance buyers continue to pay premiums. Some banks have recently committed to contract retention plans. Many banks had retention rates of 60-70% at the end of last year. In May, VIB and Prudential committed to a minimum contract retention rate, and extended their tie-up to 2036. They also agreed to establish a committee to manage standards of customer conduct, helping the insurer and the bank have the same set of standards in the event of a claim. The head of a top five insurer, who asked not to be named, told VnExpress their company would definitely seek a contract retention rate from its bank partner when their contract comes up for renewal. In July, the government issued a decree guiding implementation of the Law on Insurance Business with new regulations for better bancassurance services. In the last few years customers perforce had to buy life insurance if they wanted bank loans. So many would pay the premium for the first year and stop thereafter. The central bank has repeatedly warned banks not to make buying life insurance a precondition for loans. In the new book Getting In, the journalist David Kennerley takes an electric visual stroll through New Yorks 1990s gay club scene. Not with photos, exactly, but through fliers more than 200 of them featuring polychromatic drag queens and come-hither hunks who enticed him to dance to Frankie Knuckles and Junior Vasquez remixes at popular nightclubs like Twilo and the Palladium, and parties like Jackie 60 and Lick It! People threw the fliers on the ground, Kennerley, 63, said in a recent interview at a Midtown cafe. I thought, why would you throw this out? Its going to be a memento. Kennerley assembled the book from his collection of over 1,200 fliers that he acquired from several sources promoters outside clubs, now-closed gay shops and bars, club mailing lists all before social media. A self-described bit of a hoarder, Kennerley considers the book an act of queer music history preservation. We werent all snapping pictures at clubs back then, so we dont have much of a visual record, he said. These provide some sort of visual evidence of what went on. Rich Men North of Richmond, the out-of-nowhere viral protest song by Oliver Anthony Music, is the countrys No. 1 single for a second time, after playing a key role in last weeks Republican primary debate. Rich Men, a spare acoustic track uploaded to YouTube just weeks ago by the largely unknown Anthony, quickly caught fire as an angry cry against corporate and political elites, though it also took shots at welfare recipients. Embraced by conservative commentators, the song shot to the top of Billboards Hot 100 chart, with big download and streaming numbers. Last week, the first question at the Republican debate was about the significance of Rich Men, and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida spun it as a sign of policy failures by the Biden administration. In a video response posted to YouTube, Anthony real name Christopher Anthony Lunsford said he was bothered by how his song has become a political talking point. Its aggravating seeing people on conservative news try to identify with me like Im one of them, he said. I see the right trying to characterize me as one of their own. And I see the left trying to discredit me. The song, he added on Facebook, is about corporate owned D.C. politicians on both sides. In this podcast, one of Pakistans first in the true crime realm, we travel to Karachi in the late 1960s and early 70s, when the citys lust-fueled nightlife and high-society scandals would rival the most sensational eras of Hollywood or New York. This story has it all: the mysterious death of a tortured poet, Mustafa Zaidi, whose body was found next to his unconscious muse and lover, the socialite Shahnaz Gul, renown for her beauty; a rumored suicide pact; an exhumation; a murder trial; breathless media coverage; and even revenge porn, which was not digital as we understand it today, but printed on thousands of fliers. The shows hosts, Tooba Masood and Saba Imtiaz, Pakistan-based journalists, have been researching the circumstances surrounding Zaidis death for years. Over two seasons, they share their findings in great detail, attempt to apply logic to the gossip of that time and debate the legitimacy of the possible scenarios. This is an independent podcast, and some might find the format a conversation between the hosts, with a couple of notable guests in Season 2 simplistic, but there is nothing simple or boring about the tale theyve resurfaced. In India, arranged marriage, as its known in the West, is simply known as marriage but marrying for love, which still accounts for only a small fraction of marriage there, is an anomaly called love marriage. As we learn in Love Commandos, the final season of NPRs Rough Translation podcast, love marriage can be a dangerous, even deadly, proposition for the young couples who follow their hearts instead of their parents wishes. In this five-episode podcast hosted by Gregory Warner, guest-hosted by Mansi Choksi and drawing on years of reporting by the NPR correspondent Lauren Frayer listeners are taken to modern-day India, where a mysterious Delhi-based group called Love Commandos has for about a decade offered shelter and safety to those who marry for love. Now, its leader, Sanjoy Sachdev, is facing allegations of extortion. As Warner puts it, Escape is far from the same thing as freedom. For years, writing about Algeria, or even acknowledging Frances violent past there, was a lonely endeavor. The novelist Gerard-Martial Princeau, who publishes under the pen name Mathieu Belezi, spent 15 years writing about the early colonial years in virtual anonymity. Those novels found only a few thousand readers the result, Belezi long believed, of deep-seated unease with a past that challenged Frances image as a beacon of human rights. But the periods history compelled him. His luck changed with his fourth novel, Attaquer la terre et le soleil, or Attacking the Earth and the Sun, which recounts the brutal, 19th-century French colonization of Algeria and was published last year. Its popularity the book has won prestigious prizes and sold nearly 90,000 copies has come as a surprise in a country that has often preferred to forget its colonial past rather than address it. That is particularly true in the case of Algeria, which the French ruled over for 132 years before being ousted by a bloody war of independence that left lasting scars. But in a country where literary hits are a kind of Rorschach test, the popularity of his latest novel may be a sign of changing times. In recent years, France has sought to acknowledge its history in Algeria, while calls to better reckon with the countrys colonial legacy have fueled a new wave of books and movies. The U.S. and China agreed to broaden talks During her visit to Beijing, Gina Raimondo, the U.S. commerce secretary, said the U.S. and China had agreed to hold regular discussions about certain economic issues the latest step toward reducing tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Raimondo said yesterday that she had open and pragmatic discussions with Chinas commerce minister, Wang Wentao, and that two separate dialogues would be established: One would include business representatives and focus on commercial issues. The other would exchange information on export controls. The first meeting of the export control group will take place in Beijing today. Bilateral talks about trade, technology and other economic issues were once the norm between the U.S. and China, but those discussions have atrophied in recent years. China halted eight bilateral discussion groups a year ago in retaliation for a visit to Taiwan by Representative Nancy Pelosi, who was House speaker at the time. But relations have begun to thaw as both nations, whose economies are tied to one another, work to improve ties. After the meeting, the Chinese ministry of commerce said in a statement that Mr. Wang had expressed serious concerns about U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, as well as the Biden administrations efforts to bolster the U.S. semiconductor industry by providing government subsidies. Mr. Wang criticized those new subsidy programs, which are designed to lure manufacturing to the United States, as discriminatory, and he expressed concerns about U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies. China is willing to work with the United States to create a sound policy environment for business cooperation between the countries, he told the U.S. side, according to the readout. Even before Ms. Raimondo traveled to China, Republican lawmakers criticized her for planning a working group of U.S. and Chinese officials to discuss American export controls. Four senior Republicans contended in a letter last week that it was deeply inappropriate for our foremost adversary to have any influence over controls on sensitive U.S. national security technologies that the American people charged her to protect. Ms. Raimondo announced the new dialogue not as a working group but as an information exchange. She said that it had been set up to share more information about U.S. export restrictions on advanced technology, but that the groups creation did not mean the United States would be compromising on issues of national security. The first meeting of the export enforcement group was scheduled to take place in Beijing on Tuesday. A senior Commerce Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly said that American officials in the export enforcement group would discuss with their Chinese counterparts how regulations are enforced, but not which products are covered or how the policies are made. Enforcement has been a difficult issue for the two countries, partly because it involves having American officials conduct inspections in China. Even before the inferno that engulfed the Maui resort of Lahaina is fully contained, local officials and Hawaiis leading utility are at odds over a fundamental question: Did a single fire break out in the hills overlooking the town on the fateful day, or were there two? The answer may be crucial to establishing the cause of the disaster and the liability for it. The utility, Hawaiian Electric, acknowledged for the first time late Sunday that its power lines, buffeted by uncommonly high winds, fell and ignited a fire early on the morning of Aug. 8. But the company said that by 6:40 a.m. minutes after the first reports of a fire the windstorm had caused its lines in the area to shut off automatically. And it noted that the fire was later reported 100 percent contained by the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety, which left the scene and later declared that the fire had been extinguished. And Hawaiian Electric said its lines were carrying no current by the time flames erupted in midafternoon and quickly consumed much of downtown Lahaina and killed at least 115 people. The cause of that fire, the utility said, has not been determined. Jamila Robinson, a top editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, will be the next editor in chief of the food magazine Bon Appetit. Conde Nast, the publisher of Bon Appetit and titles like Vogue and Vanity Fair, announced on Monday that in her new role, Ms. Robinson would be in charge of all content and strategy for Bon Appetit and the recipe website Epicurious. Ms. Robinson, 49, is the assistant managing editor for food and culture at The Inquirer, which she joined in 2020. She was previously an editorial director at Atlantic Media and has also worked at the USA Today Network, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Detroit Free Press. Ms. Robinson recently served as chair of the James Beard Foundations Journalism Awards Committee and is a chair for the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants annual list. Anna Wintour, Conde Nasts chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, described Ms. Robinson in a statement as a community builder and a major editorial talent, as well as an absolute star in the kitchen. In a sagebrush valley full of wind turbines and solar panels in western Utah, Tim Latimer gazed up at a very different device he believes could be just as powerful for fighting climate change maybe even more. It was a drilling rig, of all things, transplanted from the oil fields of North Dakota. But the softly whirring rig wasnt searching for fossil fuels. It was drilling for heat. Mr. Latimers company, Fervo Energy, is part of an ambitious effort to unlock vast amounts of geothermal energy from Earths hot interior, a source of renewable power that could help displace fossil fuels that are dangerously warming the planet. Theres a virtually unlimited resource down there if we can get at it, said Mr. Latimer. Geothermal doesnt use much land, it doesnt produce emissions, it can complement wind and solar power. Everyone who looks into it gets obsessed with it. Four Twenty Five The name is the Park Avenue address of a new, 47-story office tower designed by Norman Foster. But Mr. Vongerichten and his partners hope to evoke another Park Avenue landmark: the former Four Seasons restaurant, the celebrity magnet that closed in 2019. This new place checks many of the same boxes: Its art-filled, architecturally dramatic bar and the plush formal dining room above it furnished by the architect in gray and burgundy are tailor-made for a corporate clientele. Jonathan Benno, whose resume includes Lincoln Ristorante, will run the kitchen, as culinary director. He is working with Mr. Vongerichten on a menu that will showcase French, American, Italian and Asian flavors and techniques. 425 Park Avenue (56th Street). Late October. Eulalie In 10 years on the Upper East Side, the Simone won many admirers for its old-school charms including the Timess restaurant critic, Pete Wells, who praised the kind of textured, lived-in, analog warmth that has become rare. Tina Vaughn and her husband, the chef Chip Smith, lost their lease last year, but will open this place in the space once occupied by Montrachet, the pioneering TriBeCa restaurant, and later Batard. The room, with sage-green walls, has a more traditional look and fewer seats than before, but Mr. Smiths country French food and Ms. Vaughns handwritten menu will be familiar to Simonistes, as will her deep and thoughtful wine list. 239 West Broadway (White Street). Late September. Nomad Tea Parlour If you confuse this with the venerable Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown, youre forgiven. Its the work of Wilson Tang, who owns the Nom Wah brand (though no longer the Chinatown restaurant), and Mandy Zhang, a partner in Blue Willow. They were drawn to NoMad as a young, happening neighborhood. Theyll offer dim sum, familiar Chinese American fare, and tea and cocktail service in a spacious setting. 244 Fifth Avenue (28th Street). November. Synnex FPT subsidiary FPT Pharma is distributing Nordic Naturals products in Vietnam with the ambition to double sales every three years and reach total revenue of US$2 billion by 2024. Jack Hong (L) and Duong Dung Trieu (R) shake hands after finishing the signing ceremony of the strategic partnership in Hanoi on Aug. 24, 2023. Photo courtesy of Synnex FPT Synnex FPT is not only looking for new product prospects to achieve its growth ambitions, but it is also eager to leverage its nearly 30 years of distribution experience, find partners, and negotiate to deliver the best products to the Vietnamese market. It is a distribution partner for approximately 50 major technology brands worldwide. Almost 30 years of distribution management experience have also been packed and evolved into a digital distribution platform (DDP), formally released by Synnex FPT in July. Furthermore, the company's proven strengths in operating distribution channels, market research, products, and distributor sales promotion programs will be the primary motivators for its success in this new business segment. Duong Dung Trieu, Chairman of Synnex FPT and FPT Pharma. Photo courtesy of Synnex FPT FPT Pharma will bring Nordic Naturals brand functional food products to Vietnam under the cooperation agreement. This is a group of products that promote the addition of micronutrients for children under the age of 12 (including babies in the mothers womb). Nordic Naturals is an American brand with 28 years of experience in the production of health-promoting supplements, particularly fish oil-based products. Omega-3 fish oil is sourced from the northernmost Norwegian seas, and advanced production technology is used to ensure product purity and freshness. A number of third-party organizations, including the American Pregnancy Association, Better Nutrition, Taste for Life, and others, have certified the quality of Nordic Naturals products. Jack Hong (L), Managing Director of Greenwise. Photo courtesy of Synnex FPT Nordic Naturals has long been known to Vietnamese customers, who can now purchase authentic products guaranteed by FPT. According to Duong Dung Trieu, Chairman of Synnex FPT and FPT Pharma, the first thing to ensure for medicines and functional foods is the origin and quality of the products. Nordic Naturals products will reach Vietnamese customers at reasonable prices and true standard quality thanks to this collaboration agreement with the supplier. As part of the signing ceremony, FPT Pharma announced a collaboration with Chothuoctot.vn, one of Vietnam's leading online drug distribution and retail systems, and a number of other major pharmaceutical retail chains. Bui Duc Hanh (L), CEO of Cho Thuoc Tot, and Nguyen Ngoc Minh Huan (R), CEO of FPT Pharma, shake hands at the signing ceremony. Photo courtesy of Synnex FPT The products to hit shelves in September are children's eye health gummies, which are ideal for children aged 2 to 12 who are exposed to lots of blue light, as well as DHA chewing gummies for children aged 2 to 6 help to develop the brain and central nervous system, increase concentration, and improve learning and calculation ability. Children's DHA promotes a healthy central nervous system and immune system in children aged 3 to 6 while Vitamin C gel supports resistance in young children. Prenatal DHA promotes the baby's optimal brain and visual development in the womb, as well as the mother's psychological well-being throughout the pregnancy. Baby vitamin D3 for children aged 0 to 12 months helps children's immune systems and bones, as well as promotes sleep. FPT Pharma, a new component in the healthcare supply chain, will provide more suitable choices to match Vietnamese demand and renowned domestic and foreign partners thanks to its expertise and capacity. Pastel de Nata, a compact custard tartlet, is Portugals signature dessert. Some bakeries, notably the Paris Baguette chain, sell them. But now to have at home, theyre available frozen, made in Portugal (Vila Nova de Gaia near Porto) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). Ten minutes in the oven is all it takes. For now only the plain, or original flavor, is available, but variations like passion fruit, chocolate, mixed berry and salted caramel are on their way. Pastel de Nata, four for $8.99 at Zabars, $5.99 at Union Market, natapura.com. The question is whether an industry, mainly composed of small businesses, that is organized around the quality, size and color of stones not their provenance could segregate stones and accurately produce paperwork that categorizes them by origin. That challenge likely would be further exacerbated by the multiple supply chain loopholes that are possible when diamonds make their multinational journey from a mine, through a hard-to-police global web of middlemen, and ultimately to consumers or into industrial uses. Diamonds can change hands 20 to 30 times between mine and market, according to Hans Merket, a researcher with the International Peace Information Service, an independent research agency. It will be important to find the right balance between ambition and realism, he added, as it could take years rather than months to get all noses in the right direction and reorganize this complex global supply chain. Another headache? Russia is known for producing small diamonds that are mostly sold in very large quantities. The new G7 sanctions likely would cover only finished stones of one carat or larger, Mr. Brooks-Rubin said, although smaller gems may be included later. Tiffany Stevens, the chief executive and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, a nonprofit organization based in New York City that focuses on ethics via legal compliance and policy advocacy in the jewelry trade, said the invasion had required the diamond industry to make significant changes in its operations, and it had been given time to prepare for the new requirements that tougher rules would bring. The G7 sanctions is a turning up of the heat on Russia and also offers a brightening of the lines for the trade on how to enforce it, she said. But our industry is also very fragmented and global, with many in the trade who still wont fall under its remit. The word unseemly has appeared in 44 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on June 14 in Spotted Lanternflies Are Back. You Should Still Kill Them by Asmaa Elkeurti: The Department of Agriculture strongly encourages people to stomp, squash or swat lanternflies when they see them. Officials have been recruiting residents along the Eastern Seaboard to join the effort for years. As global supply chains become increasingly intertwined, the ecological impact of trade continues to grow. Invasive species introduced through imports, like the spotted lanternfly, will need to be controlled through means that might feel unseemly to some. Daily Word Challenge Can you correctly use the word unseemly in a sentence? Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using todays Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the words definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun. Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the Recommend button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you. If you want a better idea of how unseemly can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. Nicholas Hitchon, whose life was chronicled in the acclaimed Up series of British documentaries, beginning when he was a boy in the English countryside in 1964 and continuing through the decades as he grew to become a researcher and professor at the University of Wisconsin, died on July 23 in Madison, Wis. He was 65. A posting on the universitys website announced his death, from throat cancer. In the most recent installment of the series, 63 Up, in 2019, he described his struggles with the disease. Professor Hitchon was a student in a one-room primary school in Littondale, north of Manchester, when a researcher working on a Granada Television project came looking for a 7-year-old willing to participate in what was originally viewed as a one-shot TV special. Young Nick was only 6, but he was talkative and unintimidated by cameras, so he was signed up as one of 14 youngsters to be profiled. The idea was to get a cross-section of children from Britains economic classes, look at their schooling and other experiences and capture their perspectives on the adult world. Nick represented the rural child. He endeared himself to that original television audience with his response to an interviewer who, clearly fishing for cuteness, asked, Do you have a girlfriend? There is time for leaders like Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat and a New Yorker, to intervene if they want to. While the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee rarely interferes in open primaries, there is a tradition of less direct maneuvering to boost preferred candidates and edge others out. So far, Mr. Jeffries appears to be doing the opposite privately encouraging more potential candidates, with mixed success, according to four Democrats familiar with his outreach who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to discuss it. He tried to nudge State Senator Michelle Hinchey into a Hudson Valley contest earlier this year and urged the former Nassau County executive, Laura Curran, to enter a large primary field for another seat as recently as July. Mr. Jeffries has also offered support to Tom Suozzi to enter the race for his old House seat on Long Island, where a crowded field of Democrats is circling Representative George Santos, a first-term Republican who faces federal fraud charges. The leaders allies argue that the competition will strengthen their nominees, and brush off concerns that Democrats will be short on funds. A Democratic super PAC has already earmarked $45 million for New York races. And the D.C.C.C. is pitching donors as recently as a party retreat in Torrey Pines, Calif., last weekend, according to an attendee to give to special nominee funds, a kind of escrow account collecting money for primary winners. Leader Jeffries has no plan to endorse in any Democratic primary in New York, said Christie Stephenson, his spokeswoman. He is confident that whoever emerges in these competitive districts will be strongly positioned to defeat the extreme MAGA Republican crowd. A few months before he was elected mayor of New York City, Eric Adams was feted at a $1,000-a-head fund-raiser at Russos on the Bay, a plush wedding venue overlooking the water in Howard Beach, Queens. Among the hosts was Eric Ulrich, a city councilman whom Mr. Adams would eventually appoint as buildings commissioner. Now, at least four hosts of the August 2021 event, including Mr. Ulrich, are under scrutiny, with several expected to face charges stemming from a bribery and organized crime investigation by the Manhattan district attorneys office, according to several people familiar with elements of the inquiry. It is unclear whether the fund-raiser is connected to the pending charges. Law enforcement officials plan to announce charges next month against at least five individuals, some of the people said. In addition to Mr. Ulrich, those facing indictment include Anthony and Joseph Livreri, who own a Queens pizzeria that has drawn the attention of prosecutors investigating gambling and organized crime activity. The Livreris were also hosts of the fund-raiser, as was Michael Mazzio, a towing-company operator and friend of Mr. Ulrichs who is also under investigation. Law enforcement officials had previously identified Mr. Mazzio and the Livreri brothers as having connections to organized crime. Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City said on Monday that he hoped body-camera footage from the encounter would be released to the public, adding that he believed it would make it clear that the officers had followed protocol. It certainly is a tragic situation any time somebody loses their life, and certainly in the case of Mr. Washington, the mayor said in an interview. Unfortunately, the use of force was justified here. On Sunday, Jersey City Medical Center workers notified the police that they felt it was unsafe to enter Mr. Washingtons home, the mayor said. Police officers in the departments emergency services unit responded to the scene shortly afterward, according to Mr. Shea, and spent close to an hour talking with Mr. Washington through the door of his second-floor apartment. The officers decided to open the door because they believed Mr. Washington was speaking in an irrational fashion and was planning to harm himself or someone else in the apartment, Mr. Shea said. When the door opened, Mr. Washington rushed the officers with what appeared to be a common kitchen knife with a six- to eight-inch blade, the city officials said. The responding officers deployed a Taser and a firearm. As with so many infectious diseases, lack of determination is the real stumbling block. The United States and other donor nations could argue that we already do more than our share, contributing billions annually to the fight against TB and other infectious diseases. But donors still fall short by more than half on the funding the W.H.O. says it needs to end the TB epidemic by 2030. Until we get the job done, we need to have a broader sense of what our share could yet entail: Up to 13 million Americans currently live with latent TB infection, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The realities of modern travel mean that none of us is protected from a TB resurgence until we have protected people everywhere. Its the same story with malaria, which used to sicken and kill Americans as far north as the Great Lakes until a well-funded federal initiative protected us. Consciously or otherwise, we then set malaria aside as a third world disease. In June, however, for the first time in two decades, homegrown malaria cases turned up in Texas and Florida, raising the specter that it might again become endemic in the United States. That ought to serve as a reminder that an estimated 247 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide in 2021, and 619,000 people died. The vast majority of them were children under the age of 5 in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Malaria prevention has stumbled at times because of rapidly evolving resistance to drugs and insecticides. But we are now making major progress with a variety of new tools and a more coordinated and agile response. Sixteen nations, from El Salvador to China, with efforts coordinated by the World Health Organization, have eliminated malaria since 2000, with another 10 countries aiming to stamp it out in the next two years. Moreover, public health agencies for the first time now have a vaccine against malaria, and about 1.7 million young children across three countries in Africa Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have already received at least one dose since the start of a pilot program in 2019. The vaccine is only moderately effective, but by preventing about 40 percent of cases of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria variety, its expected to save tens of thousands of children every year. With proper funding to develop other necessary tools and get them into the field, the W.H.O. goal for this decade is to drive the annual malaria death toll down to well under 100,000 en route to eradication. Polio, finally, offers the most immediate opportunity for a major success over infectious disease. In 1988, when international agencies, national governments and nonprofits launched an eradication campaign, polio was still endemic in 125 countries and every year paralyzed an estimated 350,000 people, mostly young children. This year, there have been just seven cases of wild poliovirus, all in one small, mountainous area on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where the virus remains endemic. Both countries are now cooperating to stop it. They have eliminated wild poliovirus from major cities and Taliban-dominated regions where it was still circulating just a few years ago. Border crossings between the two countries now require polio vaccination. And vaccination teams, often with women taking the lead, routinely travel to remote and sometimes dangerous border villages to finish the job. Much like in Florida, the fight over public education in Texas has become a lightning rod in the countrys culture wars. Seventh-grade social studies teachers, who teach a full year of Texas state history, are required to describe the defenders of the Alamo in a heroic light. I attended Robert E. Lee Elementary School, in Austin, where I learned history according to what was then the states history curriculum. In 2016, the school, which my niece now attends, was renamed Russell Lee Elementary. That is why Mr. Smith will most likely seek to prove that the former president was engaged in speech incident to criminal conduct when he and his co-conspirators lied to state legislators, state election officials, gullible supporters, Justice Department lawyers and Vice President Mike Pence in an illegal effort to prevent Joe Biden from succeeding him as president. Since Mr. Trump is charged with, among other crimes, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to deprive people of the right to have their votes counted, Mr. Smith would clearly be right in arguing that the Alvarez decision doesnt apply. Characterizing Mr. Trumps words as speech incident to criminal conduct would neatly solve Mr. Smiths First Amendment problem but at a substantial cost to the prosecution. To win a conviction, the government must persuade 12 jurors to peer inside Mr. Trumps head and find beyond a reasonable doubt that he knew he was lying when he claimed to be the winner of the 2020 election. If Mr. Trump actually believed his false assertions, his speech was not incident to criminal conduct. How can Mr. Smith persuade 12 jurors that no reasonable doubt exists that Mr. Trump knew he was lying? The prosecution will, no doubt, barrage the jury with reams of testimony showing that he was repeatedly told by every reputable adviser and administration official that no credible evidence of widespread electoral fraud existed and that Mr. Pence had no choice but to certify Mr. Biden as the winner. But there also will probably be evidence that fervent supporters of Mr. Trumps efforts fed his narcissism with bizarre false tales of result-changing electoral fraud and frivolous legal theories justifying interference with Mr. Bidens certification as president-elect. Those supporters could include Rudy Giuliani; Sidney Powell, a lawyer and purveyor of wild conspiracy theories; Jeffrey Clark, the acting head of the Justice Departments civil division, who apparently plotted with Mr. Trump to unseat the acting attorney general and take control of the department; and John Eastman, the lawyer who hatched the plan that Mr. Pence refused to follow to keep Mr. Trump in power. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and his Singaporean counterpart at a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential palace in Hanoi, Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh helmed the welcoming ceremony of his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace on Monday. Following the ceremonies, the two Prime Ministers would have a dialogue and witness the signing of agreements. Lee is also expected to meet with General Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, besides other activities in Hanoi. Lee's official visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday is considered to be the highlight of Vietnam and Singapore commemorating their 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, and the 10th anniversary of establishing a strategic partnership. Singapore is Vietnam's leading economic partner in the region. The two countries are always in the group of each other's 15 largest trading partners, with Vietnam now being Singapore's 12th largest trade partner and Singapore being Vietnam's 15th. Singapore ranks first in ASEAN and second globally when it comes to investments in Vietnam, with 3,273 projects and a total capital of $73.4 billion. Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $9.15 billion in 2022, an 11.57% increase from 2021. Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks have become a symbol of economic cooperation between the two countries, with 14 such parks in 10 Vietnam localities, garnering $18.7 billion in investments for 866 projects, creating 300,000 jobs. Like many college graduates, Hattie Kolp needed two major things: a job and somewhere to live. Born and raised in New York, Ms. Kolp always knew shed be back. California living, she decided after four years attending college outside Los Angeles, wasnt for her. Her West, she realized, would always be the Upper West Side, where she had lived in the same apartment since she was 10 years old and where the ballet, the opera, art exhibits and Broadway shows were just a few blocks, a train or a cab ride away. Central Park, she likes to say, was basically my backyard. She wanted that spirit again. So with no money and no job, she did what any other 20-something would do: She moved back in with her parents. She had many fond childhood memories of the two-bedroom, prewar rental. Her parents her father worked at a nonprofit and her mother as an art historian and, later, a nursery school teacher loved to throw a good party, she said. Returning to the bustling, cramped apartment was easy. That was 2014. And Ms. Kolp is still there. Why? Thats the stuff of New York urban legend the kind that makes New Yorkers swoon or loathe, the kind that has gained Ms. Kolp some moderate fame, 241,000 followers on TikTok and 230,000 on Instagram. In flight, the Eurasian kestrel is mostly silent, a small falcon that seems to defy physics as it faces the wind and hovers in midair, tail spread out like a fan. Flapping its wings vigorously, the bird of prey catches every eddy of the breeze while scanning the ground below for quarry. Perched in its breeding grounds, however, the kestrel emits a series of raspy screams, each note a single-syllabled kik-kik-kik. In June, a team of Israeli and French archaeologists proposed that 12,000 years ago the Natufians, people of a Stone Age culture in the Levant and Western Asia, mimicked the raspy trills of the Eurasian kestrel with tiny notched flutes, or aerophones, carved from waterfowl bones. The flutes, which were discovered decades ago at a site in northern Israel but were inspected only recently, may have been used as hunting aids, for musical and dancing practices or for communicating with birds over short distances, according to the studys authors, who published their paper in Scientific Reports. This is the first time a prehistoric sound instrument from the Near East has been identified, said Laurent Davin, an archaeologist at the French Research Center in Jerusalem who made the discovery. This isnt shaping up to be your usual presidential primary. On Monday, the judge overseeing the election subversion case against Donald J. Trump in Washington set a March 4 trial date, putting his trial right in the heart of primary season. If the trial goes as scheduled and lasts no longer than four to six weeks, as the government said in a filing, around two-thirds of the delegates to the Republican convention will be awarded during the trial of the partys front-runner but, in all likelihood, before a verdict. A March trial could easily become the center of gravity of the primary season the fact that structures the opportunities available to Mr. Trump and his rivals. It could even start to affect the calculations of the candidates today. Why It Matters: The lawsuit puts other districts on notice. The Chino Valley Unified School District in San Bernardino County recently began requiring that parents be notified when their child asks to use a name or pronoun that does not align with the childs birth certificate, or seeks to use a bathroom assigned to a different gender. Mr. Bonta is seeking not only to stop that policy, but also taking aim at three other districts in California that are trying to follow suit. The attorney general, a Democrat, said the policies amounted to the forced outing of transgender students. Although the number of young people who identify as transgender in the United States remains small, it has nearly doubled in recent years, and schools have come under pressure to protect the privacy and safety of students who are changing their gender identities. This has led to backlash from conservative groups, as well as from some parents who say that such protections infringe on their own rights to know what their children are requesting at school. Background: The issue has become contentious even in parts of California. The issue has inspired conservative legal groups to file a number of lawsuits against school districts across the country and has prompted a campaign by religious conservatives to promote parental rights candidates for nonpartisan local school board seats. In California, a state dominated by Democrats, only a handful of districts have pursued policies similar to the one enacted by Chino Valley Unified, which serves suburbs about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. In a gripping account in The New York Times Magazine, Dashka Slater chronicled what happened at that school in the Alameda County community of Albany. The years of fallout from the Instagram account including sit-ins, families fleeing town and a court case that was appealed all the way to the Supreme Court illuminate how Americans think about race, social media and punishment. I highly recommend reading the full article. I spoke to Dashka, who is based in the Bay Area, about her reporting and what it reveals about young people and hate incidents. This isnt her first foray into this world: In 2017, Dashka published The 57 Bus, a nonfiction book about a teenager who identifies as agender neither male nor female and was set on fire by another teenager while riding a bus in Oakland. That book began as a New York Times Magazine article. Heres my conversation with Dashka, lightly edited for length and clarity: How did you come to this story? Why did it appeal to you? I had just finished writing The 57 Bus, and I had no intention of having teenagers and hate be my beat. But I was at an advance signing event for that book, and someone in the signing line mentioned what had just happened in Albany with the discovery of the racist Instagram account. As I began to investigate, I found that same sense of disturbed attraction, where I thought both: I dont want to spend any time at all on this very disturbing, upsetting story and I want to know everything about this, and I want to understand all the issues that are kind of lurking beneath the surface about race and gender and justice and social media and shame and accountability. This story takes place at Albany High School. Does it feel to be specific to the Bay Area? Or do you think such racial tensions could explode anywhere? Well, it does happen everywhere. In 2019, the Southern Poverty Law Center sent a survey to school districts asking about hate incidents on campus for K-12 schools. And in the fall of 2018 alone, there were almost 3,300 separate incidents. Were in almost the best place weve been in the pandemic since it began, said Michael T. Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. But we are caught in the very uncomfortable area of having left the fog of the pandemic war and trying to understand what the sunrise on a normal post-Covid world looks like. In cities across the country, the remnants of coronavirus restrictions still remain, even if they are no longer observed. Retail stores may have signs in the windows requesting that patrons wear masks, but no one inside is wearing them. Years-old stickers asking customers to stand six feet apart in line are faded, worn and ignored. The occasional storefronts in major cities advertise free Covid-19 testing, though the spaces inside are empty. And the virus is still disrupting work, school and politics: A Covid outbreak tied to a City Council meeting in Nashville this month left more than a dozen people infected, including council members, city employees and at least one reporter. One of the people who tested positive for Covid Freddie OConnell, a City Council member who is in a Sept. 14 runoff election for mayor said it was a stark reminder that the virus had once again taken hold in the community. All year long, there have been many Covid spikes in my personal network, but it hasnt felt like this, where all of a sudden were back to events that we used to hear about in 2020, where suddenly dozens of people in one fell swoop all get it, Mr. OConnell said in an interview from his home, where he had been marooned for a five-day quarantine. I havent really had to think about the phrase superspreader event in a long time. A rescue helicopter that was experiencing mechanical trouble caught fire and crashed into an apartment building in Pompano Beach, Fla., on Monday morning, killing two people and injuring four others, the authorities said. The Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue helicopter was en route to provide medical assistance to a mother and daughter who had been a car crash in North Lauderdale when it started experiencing mechanical issues around 8:43 a.m. that led to a fire on board, Sheriff Gregory Tony of Broward County said at a news conference on Monday. The three people aboard tried to extinguish the fire, he said, but encountered additional mechanical issues that sent the helicopter crashing into an apartment building southwest of the Pompano Beach airport. Capt. Terryson Jackson, 50, of Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, who was on board the helicopter, died in the crash, the authorities said. A woman who lived in the building was also killed. Her name was not immediately released. Earlier this year, the Republican presidential primary looked as though it would be driven by conservative cultural battles, especially fights over education that had animated the partys base since the pandemic. Gov. Ron DeSantis seemed poised to lead the charge, thanks to an anti-woke agenda he put into effect in Florida, restricting how schools teach Americas racial history, banning lessons about gender identity and empowering parents to have books removed from libraries and classrooms. Even Donald J. Trump seemed to be trying to outflank Mr. DeSantis on education policies, promising to root out Marxists in the Education Department. But anti-wokeness has not played as large a role as expected in the Republican race so far. On the campaign trail, Mr. DeSantis has refocused his stump speech on the economy and border security while leaning less into culture-war issues. Former Vice President Mike Pence called in a speech this month to redistribute federal education spending to states a traditional Republican goal dating from long before anti-woke crusades. By the end of Monday, another piece could be put in place in the complicated jigsaw puzzle of the four criminal cases facing former President Donald J. Trump: A date could be chosen for Mr. Trumps federal trial on charges of seeking to overturn the 2020 election. At a hearing on Monday morning in Federal District Court in Washington, Judge Tanya S. Chutkan was considering widely differing proposals for the date of the trial, and could select one. In dueling court papers filed this month, the government and Mr. Trumps lawyers each proposed ambitious schedules for the trial, with prosecutors asking for the case to be put before a jury as early as Jan. 2 and the defense requesting that it be put off for more than two years, until April 2026. As Judge Chutkan considered the arguments, another legal proceeding related to Mr. Trump was set to play out on Monday in federal court in Atlanta, underscoring the complexity of bringing the charges against him to trial. Fani T. Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, Ga., recently proposed starting a trial in her case against Mr. Trump, on charges of tampering with the 2020 election in that state, in March. But that date remains somewhat uncertain not only because of the jockeying among prosecutors over the timing of the different cases, but also because some of Mr. Trumps 18 co-defendants in the case have asked for the trial to start as early as this fall while others want to slow things down. A battle over whether to move the Georgia racketeering case against Donald J. Trump and his allies to federal court began in earnest on Monday, when Mark Meadows, a former White House chief of staff, testified in favor of such a move before a federal judge in Atlanta. Under questioning by his own lawyers and by prosecutors, Mr. Meadows stated emphatically that he believed that his actions detailed in the indictment fell within the scope of his duties as chief of staff. But he also appeared unsure of himself at times, saying often that he could not recall details of events in late 2020 and early 2021. My wife will tell you sometimes that I forget to take out the trash, he told Judge Steve C. Jones of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. At another point during the daylong hearing, he asked whether he was properly complying with the judges instructions, saying, Im in enough trouble as it is. The effort to shift the case to federal court is the first major legal fight since the indictment of Mr. Trump, Mr. Meadows and 17 others was filed by Fani T. Willis, the district attorney of Fulton County, Ga. The indictment charges Mr. Trump and his allies with interfering in the 2020 presidential election in the state. Mr. Meadows is one of several defendants who are trying to move the case; any ruling on the issue could apply to all 19 defendants. Ho Ching (L), the spouse of Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong, and Le Thi Bich Tran, the spouse of Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh, hold bags with pictures of tourist icons of the two countries when they visit Vun Art Cooperative in Hanoi, Aug, 29, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The spouse of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Le Thi Bich Tran, and the spouse of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Ho Ching, visited the Vun Art Cooperative in Hanoi on Monday. Ho Ching is accompanying PM Lee on a three-day official visit to Vietnam from Aug. 27-29. Van Art is a collective economic model founded in 2017 by Le Viet Cuong, a disabled person, with the desire to preserve and introduce traditional culture, create jobs for people with disabilities and make use of fabric scraps towards protecting the environment. In Vun Art, silk fabric scraps are put together to create vibrant artworks imbued with Vietnamese culture through the skilful hands and creativity of people with disabilities. Additionally, Vun Art also provides vocational training courses on fabric painting for people with disabilities, with the participation of leading painters in Vietnam. The two ladies visited the production workshop of the cooperative in Ha Dong District, where the craftspeople create unique handicraft products. Ho Ching (3rd, L), the spouse of Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong, and Le Thi Bich Tran (4th, L), the spouse of Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh, try making fabric paintings under the guidance of Vun Art members in Hanoi, Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Craftsmen introduced the guests to a painting of President Ho Chi Minh, which is currently being completed. The ladies were impressed with the meticulousness and perseverance of craftspeople in the process of creating the work. The ladies experienced making fabric paintings under the guidance of Vun Art members. They showed their appreciation for the works created by disabled craftspeople of Vun Art, expressing their belief that this model will continue to be expanded and help more people with difficulties in the future. The creative use of rags also helps to protect the environment, demonstrating sustainable business development, the ladies said. They said that a big journey starts with small steps, affirming that workers at Vun Art are the ones who have created a great source of inspiration and motivation for many people in society. France will bar children in public schools from wearing the abaya, a loosefitting, full-length robe worn by some Muslim women, the government said this week. It said the measure was necessary to stem a growing number of disputes in its secular school system. But critics called the ban a discriminatory policing of teenagers clothing, fueling yet another debate in France over the way Muslim women dress, which has become a recurring flashpoint in the countrys relations with its Muslim minority. Since 2004, middle and high-school students in France have been barred from wearing ostentatious symbols that have a clear religious meaning, like a Catholic cross, a Jewish skullcap or a Muslim head scarf. Since 2011, it has also been illegal to wear a face-covering veil in public in France. French people broadly agree with those rules. The abaya, however a long dress that covers the legs and arms, but not the hands, feet or head falls into a gray area. While it is popular in the Gulf and in some Arab countries, it does not have a clear religious significance. Government officials from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia demanded on Monday that Belarus expel the Russian mercenary group Wagner from its territory, amid heightened tensions related to Russias war in Ukraine. The four countries which are all NATO members and, except for Estonia, share a border with Belarus said in a statement that the presence of Wagner fighters posed a threat to their territorial integrity. Poland and Lithuania already closed several border checkpoints in recent months, citing security concerns. Speaking at a news conference in Warsaw with his counterparts from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, Polands interior minister, Mariusz Kaminski, said that the four countries would shutter all their border crossings with Belarus if there is a critical incident. The officials comments came just a day after Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, was confirmed dead, plunging the mercenary group into an uncertain future. The fighters relocated to Belarus after Mr. Prigozhin staged a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June. Russias domestic security service said on Monday that a former employee of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok had been charged with illegally collecting information about the war in Ukraine and passing it to American officials. The Federal Security Service, or F.S.B., announced the charges against Robert Shonov, a Russian national who was detained in May. The charges carry a punishment of three to eight years imprisonment. A State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, said in a statement that the allegations against Mr. Shonov were wholly without merit and that the arrest only highlights the increasingly repressive actions the Russian government is taking against its own citizens. We strongly protest the Russian security services attempts furthered by Russias state-controlled media to intimidate and harass our employees, he said. Airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights and delay hundreds more on Monday after Britains air traffic control service experienced a technical issue that caused widespread disruption on one of the countrys busiest travel days of the year. More than 200 flights departing from Britain were canceled, according to Cirium, the aviation analytics company, along with 271 that were scheduled to arrive in the country on Monday. Many other flights would be delayed by more than eight hours, which will inevitably result in a cancellation, Cirium added. NATS, Britains National Air Traffic Service, said a technical problem had affected its ability to automatically process flight plans, which meant that the information had to be entered manually, slowing down the process. While British airspace was not closed at any time, NATS restricted the number of flights departing from and landing at airports in order to maintain safety while its engineers tried to fix the problem. At about 3 p.m. local time, NATS said it had resolved the issue, but noted that air traffic remained disrupted. Britains government has a 49 percent stake in NATS, which is a public-private partnership. The Libyan foreign minister has fled to Turkey out of fear for her safety, Libyan officials said Monday, amid a growing uproar in their country over news that the minister met with her Israeli counterpart in Rome last week. Israels triumphal announcement of the meeting on Sunday set off protests in several Libyan cities and prompted the prime minister to suspend the foreign minister, Najla el-Mangoush. Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Libya, one of a host of Arab countries with a long history of hostility toward Israel. The Libyan foreign ministry said the meeting in Rome last week was informal and unplanned, and that Ms. el-Mangoush had reaffirmed Libyan support for the Palestinians. But that did little to quell protests in the capital, Tripoli, and other parts of the country. Tracking Post-tropical Cyclone Idalia Idalia was a post-tropical cyclone in the Sargasso Sea on Saturday afternoon Eastern time, according to the National Hurricane Center. The post-tropical cyclone had sustained wind speeds of 60 miles per hour. Follow our coverage here. As the storm moved inland, it dropped excessive rain along and near the storm's path, from Florida to North Carolina. Some areas received more than 10 inches of rain. Seven-day observed precipitation 1 2 3 5 10+ inches Search for a place to see the observed precipitation. Source: National Weather Service The damaging winds from Idalia caused power outages along the storms path. Share of customers without power by county 10% 20 30 40 50 60 70 No data Source: PowerOutage.us By The New York Times Idalia is the ninth named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2023. In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 12 to 17 named storms this year, a near-normal amount. On Aug. 10, NOAA officials revised their estimate upward, to 14 to 21 storms. There were 14 named storms last year, after two extremely busy Atlantic hurricane seasons in which forecasters ran out of names and had to resort to backup lists. (A record 30 named storms formed in 2020.) This year features an El Nino pattern, which arrived in June. The intermittent climate phenomenon can have wide-ranging effects on weather around the world, and it typically impedes the formation of Atlantic hurricanes. In the Atlantic, El Nino increases the amount of wind shear, or the change in wind speed and direction from the ocean or land surface into the atmosphere. Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and the instability caused by increased wind shear makes those conditions less likely. (El Nino has the opposite effect in the Pacific, reducing the amount of wind shear.) At the same time, this years heightened sea surface temperatures pose a number of threats, including the ability to supercharge storms. A Swiss man ended up in the hospital after reportedly putting his head into the Jet DEau, a giant water fountain on Lake Geneva, and being thrown several meters into the air. According to eyewitness reports, the 20-something man, whose name has not been revealed, somehow breached the security perimeter around Genevas famous Jet dEau water fountain and put his head into the nozzle of what is essentially an extremely powerful water cannon. The Jet DEau pumps out 500 liters of water per second, at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour, to a height of 140 meters (460 feet) into the air. When the water sprouted out of the fountain, the young daredevil was catapulted backward by the force, which was actually a lucky outcome considering the alternatives. However, this was only his first attempt Photo: Bernard Vogel/Wikimedia Commons Seemingly not one to be content with having survived a giant water cannon shot to the head, the Swiss man once again climbed the Jet DEau, this time in an apparent attempt to embrace it. When the powerful jet of water shot out of the fountain, it sent the man flying several meters into the air, from where he crashed onto the cement platform around the Jet DEau. The man managed to get up from his fall and threw himself into Lake Geneva, from where the police, alerted by eyewitnesses, ended up fishing him out. He was rushed to the hospital to have his injuries checked, and his condition remains unclear. Police officers came and asked to urgently shut off the Jet dEau to be able to go get him, one eyewitness said. SIG, the electricity company that owns and runs Jet DEau, one of the worlds most powerful water fountains, reportedly intends to file a complaint against the man for trespassing. Aric Caplan When students return to school this fall, they may feel as though theyve entered The Twilight Zone. Thousands of classrooms from middle and high schools to universities will be beset by politicization and contrived claims about the reliability of science, cleaner energy and rising emissions are having on extreme weather events and the climate crisis. It may seem surreal, but ideologues within state legislatures (e.g., in Ohio, Texas and Florida) are substituting proven climate scholarship with politicians deeply held beliefs and the influence of dark money from the fossil fuel industry with the goal of corrupting science curriculums. Some argue false equivalencies and insist that higher-education teaches both sides while officials try to prevent instructors from defending established scientific facts about the climate. If you think your state is immune from culture warriors greenwashing classes and new textbooks and obscuring facts from curriculum, think again. Extremists claims allege parents and teachers are fed up and that schools have been hijacked by the Left. PragerU recently went on offense, counteracting known science to promote so-called conservative edutainment, which pitches cultural biases towards naive communities and their children. These capricious teaching programs by PragerU Kids are disguised among Floridas public schools since state government endorsed the company as an official vendor. Unapologetically insidious, their propaganda seeks to establish conservative lesson plans devoid of perceived radical political agendas rather than an alleged pressure campaign, indoctrinating students to liberal viewpoints. Oddly, PragerU (aka, the Prager University Foundation) is a misnomer because it lacks accreditation and offers no academic degrees. Mike Huckabee, the former presidential candidate and 44th Governor of Arkansas, is promoting his new childrens book called the Kids Guide to the Truth About Climate Change. Its fraught with duplicities. He contends that schools today ostensibly miss the mark by teaching science. But Huckabee, who lacks any science credentials, downplays the climate crisis, defends the fossil fuel industry and fails to produce any relevant or peer-reviewed evidence. Huckabee claims that kids arent being taught the facts about climate change. Yet, his calculated agenda would prevent students from learning known facts about the existential crisis of our time: global warming. Teaching real science in meaningful ways can encourage kids to learn about the environment, biodiversity and how to adapt to our warming planet. The Texas State Board of Education seems committed to this view, albeit with a dark twist. The Board has vowed to institute objective teaching of science and climate change, such that schools now must present positive aspects of the United States and Texas and its heritage and abundant natural resources. That doesnt inspire confidence nor impartiality. But a positive slant on air pollution can produce childhood asthma or premature death. Since energy trade groups often help shape lesson plans, kids are learning that Americas increased reliance on fossil fuels is okay. Overlooking climates causal result from human activity, they mislead students about Earths warming and cooling being natural and cyclical. The Texas Energy Councils agenda changed professional development workshops for teachers and published baseless climate theories in textbooks. Likeminded petrochemical supporters that push Fossils to Fuel classes and doubt climate science include Arkansas Energy Rocks and Oklahomas Energy Resources Board Home Room. We cant rationalize putting corporate profits above education. Yet, oil and gas champions obfuscate todays menacing climate crisis, insisting its a fad. Their glib greenwashing deceptions must only see financial gain for exaggerating benefits from expanding the development of fossil fuels. Oil and gas-sponsored schoolbooks are primed to indoctrinate young minds, promoting falsehoods that are indifferent to scientific inquiry. But climatology isnt an unsettled science. Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree humans are causing and exacerbating it. Our dependence on oil and natural gasaka methaneproduces toxic emissions. Culture-warrior extremists undermine todays classrooms as special interests leverage dark money in elections and align with severe deregulatory policy schemes. Allies of oil, natural gas and coal allege government overreach, spinning tales of Americas so-called fossil fuels tradition. A recent teachers conference threw out CO2 Coalition members for circulating deceptive comic books, claiming greenhouse gases are eco-friendly. Polluting industries deride the social cost of carbon, which many call the most important number youve never heard of. Big polluters routinely deny the tons of carbon they dump into the atmosphere as anti-science nonsense and ignore energy efficiency, renewables and electrification. Regrettably, their naivete about feedback loops and catastrophic tipping points worsens the climate crisis. Investigative reporter Katie Worth, in her book Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America, explains how Big Oil downplays the climate crisis to school kids. She observed an industry facilitator address a seventh-grade class. My feeling is that if this presentation were part of, you know, if the next day they were getting someone from the solar company or the Sierra Club or something it ... could have potentially been part of like a balanced education on this issue. But thats not the case. She added, the kids probably ended that year with this very positive perspective and very partial perspective on the fossil fuel industry. Resultant bias from curriculum sponsorships is problematic. As for industrys place in the classroom, Worth added, I dont think anyone is arguing that we shouldnt have any private business in schools. Like computers are donated through Apple. But when kids are just getting a very unadulterated (account), just kind of messages straight from the horses mouth with no questioning, no deepening, no kind of broader perspective. When politicians grandstand on education, they intimidate teachers. Meanwhile, partisan state legislatures cherry-pick facts to sow doubt about climate resilience. They also confuse families and distract constituents, endangering their self-interests further impairing pollution-related health risks. Elected officials scoff at doomsday scenarios about living on our warming planet. Their lies are reminiscent of tobacco industry marketing tactics propagated decades ago. Its time we call out greenwashing. The truth is clean energy can electrify our homes, cars and trucks and protect our planet without destroying the climate. This generation must reject todays foremost scourge of disinformation. *** Aric Caplan is President of Caplan Communications, a public interest practice founded in 2004. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has retained The Levinson Group for PR support in its battle with striking screenwriters and actors over compensation and the use of artificial intelligence. The Writers Guild of America went on strike on May 2. It was joined by members of the Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists on July 14. Molly Levinsons firm is charged with providing strategic communications regarding the union negotiations. The studios and streaming companies are struggling to overcom the perception that they are greedy and out-of-touch with the people responsible for producing Hollywoods magic. AMPTP released a revised proposal to the WGA on Aug. 23 that recognized the foundational role writers play in the industry. President Carol Lombardini said AMPTPs priority is to end the strike so that valued members of the creative community can return to what they do best and the end the hardships that so many people and businesses that service the industry are experiencing. The WGA dismissed the revised AMPTP offer as either nothing, or not nearly enough. Washingtons Precision Strategies, which was co-founded by Joe Bidens deputy chief of staff Jen OMalley Dillon, represents SAG-AFTRA. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (L) shakes hands with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh before their dialogue in Hanoi on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday said Vietnam is an important strategic partner in the region for Singapore. In a dialogue in Hanoi, Lee expressed his satisfaction towards the development of the Vietnam-Singapore relationship, a press release by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Lee's official visit to Vietnam holds important meaning as Vietnam and Singapore commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of establishing a strategic partnership, and sends a message regarding a powerful commitment to cooperate for development, according to the release. Both leaders remarked how Singapore became Vietnam's biggest foreign investor in the first eight months of this year, with over $3.6 billion of newly registered capital. They also considered the possibility of upgrading bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the coming times. Chinh requested Singapore to provide opportunities for the import of Vietnamese goods, as well as the development and transition of Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks into smart industrial parks, while expanding investments into Vietnam's prioritized fields. He also wanted Singapore to support Vietnam with industrial development for production, like textile, wood-making and ship-building. Both leaders agreed with bolstering cooperation on defense and security through the signing and effective deployment of agreements, utilizing dialogue mechanisms and collaborating in multilateral activities. Chinh requested Singapore to help Vietnam build and operate a big data center for anti-crime purposes, especially criminals utilizing high technologies. He also wanted to hasten the system connectivity between Vietnam and Singapore's digital identification and verification system to make it easier for citizens of one country traveling to or living in another. Both leaders stressed the importance of maritime freedom and security, as well as the comprehensive and effective conduct of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the creation of a practical and effective code of conduct on the South China Sea in accordance with international law. Vietnam calls the waters the East Sea. Following their dialogue, the two leaders witnessed the signing of seven documents on fields such as innovation, skill development, infrastructure and economic development. Singapore is Vietnam's leading economic partner in the region. The two countries are always in the group of each other's 15 largest trading partners, with Vietnam now being Singapore's 12th largest trade partner and Singapore being Vietnam's 15th. Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $9.15 billion in 2022, an 11.57% increase from 2021. Vietnam-Singapore industrial parks have become a symbol of economic cooperation between the two countries, with 14 such parks in 10 Vietnam localities, garnering $18.7 billion in investments for 866 projects, creating 300,000 jobs. Ayodhya Seer Stopped From Entering Nuh, Sits On Hunger Strike India oi-Madhuri Adnal Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a prominent Hindu seer hailing from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on an indefinite "hunger strike" at the Sohna toll plaza after encountering obstruction while en route to Nuh. Nuh was the intended destination for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)'s proposed Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, despite the Nuh district administration denying permission for the event. The previous procession organiSed by the VHP on July 31 had led to communal clashes, resulting in fatalities and unrest. Speaking to news agency ANI, Acharya said, "We had brought the soil of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and the Jal of Saryu river to pay homage to the Bajrang Dal workers who were killed and were to return after performing Jalabhishek with the Jal of Saryu river. There was a convoy of vehicles and people with me. Upon learning that Section 144 has been imposed, I cut short the convoy." Despite administrative obstacles, the VHP and Bajrang Dal remained steadfast in their determination to carry out the planned procession. The July 31 procession, marred by an attack in Nalhar village of Nuh, triggered communal unrest that extended to various parts of Haryana, resulting in the loss of several lives. Why Is Haryanas Nuh Tense Again? Top Points Acharya further articulated that law enforcement officials hindered the movement of his convoy. He stated, "The administration has halted our progress here. They neither allow us to proceed nor permit us to retreat. In response, I have initiated a fast until death. Until I am permitted to honorably conduct the Jalabhishek ritual, I shall remain stationed here. Should they (the administration) move me to another location against my will, I will continue my fast until death there as well." He expressed concern over the unequal treatment of religious groups, questioning why only Hindus were being obstructed while others weren't. Acharya emphasized, "This day marks the final Monday of Savan. We merely seek permission for a small group to peacefully partake in the ritual and promptly return. It is a matter of a one-minute rite, yet they thwart our movement." In anticipation of the VHP's Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, surveillance drones, over 2,000 Haryana Police personnel, and approximately 3,000 central paramilitary forces were deployed. Entry and exit points to Nuh were sealed, with even the primary road leading to the temple under lockdown. To ensure security, internet services and bulk SMSs were suspended, and prohibitory orders were enforced by the Nuh administration. Educational institutions and banks were also temporarily closed as precautionary measures. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 14:49 [IST] Not a love story: Sana Sheikh lures Dipak Sonawane, converts him to Islam and extorts lakhs from him If A Dalit Is Not Made Deputy CM, It Will Spell Trouble For Congress, Warns Parameshwara Mob Kills Dalit Teen, Strips Mother Naked Over Sister's 2019 Sexual Assault Case India oi-Madhuri Adnal A Dalit teenager was beaten to death by a mob of hundreds in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on Monday. The victim was killed over a sexual harassment case filed by his sister against four men in 2019, according to police. His sister was also beaten and his mother was stripped naked when she tried to save her son from the attackers. Nine persons are facing murder charges, while three will be charged under the strict provisions of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Act. Eight of them have been apprehended, as confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Uikey. The 18-year-old victim's sister claimed that pressure to withdraw her case led to the violent assault on them. "They thrashed him a lot. He couldn't survive. They stripped me. The police arrived and handed me a towel. I stood there in a towel until they got me a saree," recounted the victim's mother. Dalit Girl Gang Raped By Trio On University Campus In Jodhpur She further detailed how the mob ransacked and vandalized their home, causing widespread damage. "None of the household items are left intact. Even the solid roofs were broken," she lamented. Later, the mob proceeded to another house in search of the victim's other two sons. The victim's aunt revealed that a mob also invaded her home, threatening her husband and children. She alleged, "They would have killed my children and husband too. They even checked our fridge." Following the incident, heavy police presence was deployed in the village to maintain order. The victim's family performed his last rites after receiving assurances of government assistance under various schemes and being informed of the arrests by the district collector, the police reported. In 2019, the victim's sister had filed a case against four men, accusing them of threats and assault. All four were subsequently arrested, and the case is currently in court, according to law enforcement. The incident has ignited a political controversy in the election-bound state, with opposition parties such as Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (led by Mayawati) criticizing the BJP government. The ruling party responded by claiming prompt action was taken and accusing Congress of a selective approach toward crimes. UP Man Urinates On Dalit Youth; Arrested Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the ongoing oppression of Dalits and tribals in Madhya Pradesh, which is gearing up for elections later this year. He asserted that the state has the highest rate of crimes against Dalits and accused the BJP of turning Madhya Pradesh into a "laboratory of Dalit atrocities." State Congress chief Kamal Nath demanded financial support for the victim's family and alleged that the accused had ties to the BJP. Madhya Pradesh Minister Bhupendra Singh refuted the allegations, stating that the crime stemmed from a dispute. He accused the Congress of politicizing the incident. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 10:39 [IST] Gyanvapi Case: Verdict Deferred, Hearing Transferred To New Bench India oi-Sushmita Halder The Chief Justice of the Allahabad Court Pritinker Diwakar will hear the proceedings of the Gyanvapi case today after the proceedings of the case have been suddenly moved to a new bench of the Allahabad Court. However, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee raised an objection to the transfer of the case citing that it was illegal to transfer the case without any prior notice. Even the legal counsel representing the Muslim parties claimed that the case supposed to be announced today cannot be moved to a new bench without any information. Reacting to this, the Chief Justice said that the matter may be released automatically after a lapse of some time. On the other hand, defending the decision of the court proceedings today, opponent counsel Advocate Puneet Gupta said that the Chief Justice of the administrative side can withdraw the case if the judgment of the case could not be driven even after an adequate amount of arguments. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex on August 4 following the Allahabad High Court's order. Besides, the survey of the 'Tahkhana' of the dome was also conducted. The survey was not conducted amid heavy security. ASI Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Complex Continues On Day 7 Amid Tight Security Last year, a videographic survey was conducted in the Gyanvapi complex, situated near the Kashi Vishwanath temple. During this survey, the Hindu side claimed to have found a 'Shivling' inside the mosque premises, while the Muslim side argued that it was merely a fountain. The application for the scientific survey of the entire Gyanvapi mosque premises was filed by four Hindu women worshippers. Putin 'is not the only suspect' in Ukraine crimes Putin Informs PM Modi He Will Skip G20 Summit, Foreign Min To Represent Russia India oi-Sushmita Halder Russian President Vladimir Putin through his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday confirmed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in the national capital the next month. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia at the G20 Summit in New Delhi that will take place on September 9 and 10. The two leaders also reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, a statement issued by the PMO said. Responding to Russia's decision to attend the G20 Summit, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Putin for Russia's consistent support of all initiatives under India's G20 Presidency. PMO further said that the two leaders agreed to remain in touch. This came after the two leaders dropped a hint last week that the Russian President may not be a part of the Summit and that a representative of the Russian President will join the Summit as Kremlin on Friday announced that Putin has a "busy schedule" and the main focus is still the "special military operation" in Ukraine. The G20 world leaders' summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The G20 comprises 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA and the European Union (EU). For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 20:37 [IST] Rs 100 NTR Coin Unveiled By President Murmu India oi-Madhuri Adnal The family members of legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) attended an event to unveil a Rs 100 coin featuring NTR at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on August 28. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presided over the ceremony. The coin, which is worth one hundred rupees, has a diameter of 44 mm and has 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper, 5 per cent nickel and 5 per cent zinc. One side of the coin features three lions and the Ashoka Chakra, while the other side displays a picture of NTR along with text which reads "Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Satha Jayanthi". The coin would be marked with the years 1923-2023 to commemorate NTR's centenary. NTR's daughter, Daggubati Purandeswari, who is the state BJP president, is believed to have played a pivotal role in urging the central government to issue the Rs 100 coin as a tribute to NTR's memory. Notably, she was closely involved in designing the coin as well. However, NTR's second wife, N Lakshmi Parvati, has expressed her discontent over not receiving an invitation to the ceremony. In a complaint addressed to the President, Lakshmi Parvati has alleged that invitations were extended to all members of the NTR family, including TDP president Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who she claims collaborated with family members to wrest power from NTR, despite his victory of 226 out of 294 Assembly seats in the 1994 elections. Lakshmi Parvati emphasized that her legal marriage to NTR took place on September 11, 1993, and she actively participated in the 1994 Assembly elections. 'Missile To Music', Women Have Achieved So Much, Says President Droupadi Murmu Pointing out the surprise and dismay caused by inviting the very family members she believes were responsible for NTR's demise to the prestigious event, while sidelining the rightful heir, she expressed her deep disappointment. However, as of now, there has been no response from Rashtrapati Bhavan regarding her complaint. The controversy surrounding the coin unveiling ceremony is the latest in a series of disputes between Lakshmi Parvati and the NTR family. In 2014, Lakshmi Parvati had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a share in NTR's properties. The petition is still pending in court. SC Asks AG To Look Into Suspension Of J&K Lecturer Who Argued Against Abrogation Of Article 370 India oi-PTI The Supreme Court on Monday asked Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to look into the issue of the suspension of Jammu and Kashmir education department lecturer who had argued before the top court in a matter related to the abrogation of Article 370. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud took note of the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who had argued before the top court on August 24 as petitioner in-person in the case. As soon as the court resumed its hearing, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan pointed out that Bhat was suspended from his job by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after having argued before the top court. ''He took leave for two days. Argued before this court and went back and was suspended,'' Sibal said. The bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant, asked Venkataramani to talk to the J-K Lieutenant Governor and look into the issue. ''This should not happen. Someone arguing before this court gets suspended...,'' the bench said. Venktaramani replied that he will look into the issue. Unacceptable: SC On 'Article 370 Ceased To Exist After 1957' Argument Mehta said after the news of Bhat's suspension was published in a newspaper, he checked with the administration and he was informed that there were various reasons behind the lecturer's suspension including that he has been regularly filing petitions before different courts. ''We can place before the court all the materials related to his suspension,'' Mehta said. Sibal countered, ''Then, he would have been suspended earlier, why now. I have the suspension order of Bhat and it says that he has argued before this court and therefore the suspension. This is not fair. This is not how democracy should function.'' The bench said if there are other reasons then it is another matter but if a person gets suspended in close proximity of arguing before this court, then it needs to be looked into. Mehta said he agrees that the timing was not appropriate and he will look into it. On August 24, Bhat had appeared in-person before the top court and argued against the Centre's August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370. Bhat was removed from his place of posting in Srinagar and was attached to the office of the Director School Education, Jammu, while a senior official was appointed as an inquiry officer to conduct an in-depth inquiry into his conduct, according to an official order. ''Pending enquiry into his conduct, Mr Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Senior Lecturer, Political Science, presently posted at Government Higher Secondary School Jawahar Nagar Srinagar, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect for violation of provisions of J&K CSR, Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules 1971, J&K Leave Rules,'' School Education Department Principal Secretary Alok Kumar said in an order. During the period of suspension, the delinquent officer shall remain attached in the office of Director School Education, Jammu. ''Further, it is hereby ordered that Ms Subah Mehta, Joint Director, School Education, Jammu is appointed as inquiry officer, who shall conduct an in-depth inquiry in the conduct of the delinquent officer,'' the order issued on Friday read. Hailing from central Kashmir's Budgam district, Bhat, who holds a law degree, personally appeared before the Supreme Court which is currently hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to the erstwhile state. The central government abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into Union territories of J-K and Ladakh on August 5, 2019. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 14:03 [IST] UP Muslim Boy Slapped By Fellow Classmates, Unable to Sleep, Say Parents India oi-Madhuri Adnal A Muslim student in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, was slapped by his classmates at the behest of their teacher, Tripta Tyagi. The boy's parents took him to Meerut for a medical examination on Sunday after he was unable to sleep due to the distress caused by the incident. Despite his unease, the parents conveyed that the boy's condition is stable, according to reports from news agency PTI. The boy's father disclosed that due to his unsettling experience, exacerbated by numerous inquiries from various sources, including reporters, regarding the incident at Neha Public School, the boy experienced distress and insomnia. He stated, "After complaining of being upset and not able to sleep throughout last night on Saturday, the boy was brought to Meerut for a check-up. The doctor said the boy was normal." This Is How We Tackle Them: UP Teacher On Making Kids Slap A Muslim Student When questioned about any potential resolution with the involved teacher, Tripta Tyagi, the father categorically stated that there would be no compromise in this matter. Meanwhile, Muzaffarnagar Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Shubham Shukla outlined that the boy could be admitted to a government primary school provided his parents agreed to it. Shukla elaborated, "The father of the boy who was slapped does not want his son to continue his studies there (Neha Public School). The block education officer spoke to the boy, and he expressed his willingness to study in the government primary school in the village. On Monday, his enrollment will be done in the government school, provided his family is willing to do so." Regarding this proposed enrollment, the boy's father mentioned that the family has yet to decide due to the child's emotional state. Shukla clarified that the private school in Khabbupur village will remain open and continue its regular educational activities. The BSA highlighted that the school's affiliation status needs clarification within a month. Furthermore, Shukla indicated that the education department will take action against teacher Tyagi post the police investigation and appropriate legal steps. Additionally, the BSA mentioned that the block education officer will visit Neha Public School on Monday to arrange for the students who wish to continue their studies there. Amid widespread outrage, Tyagi, the teacher accused of making communal remarks and instructing her students to slap the Muslim classmate over unfinished homework, was officially booked by the police on Saturday. The charges were made based on a complaint from the boy's family under IPC sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), both of which are non-cognizable offenses. These charges are bailable and do not result in immediate arrest, requiring a warrant. 'Was Under Pressure, Made Students Beat Up Classmate As I'm Handicapped,' Says UP Teacher In her defense, Tyagi asserted that the video evidence has been manipulated to incite tensions. She claimed that the video was filmed by an uncle of the boy. In the face of this incident, Kerala's Minister of General Education, V Sivankutty, penned a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding stringent action in response to the student ill-treatment case in Muzaffarnagar. Sivankutty urged for immediate measures against those responsible for promoting divisive actions within an educational institution, and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of the affected students. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 12:42 [IST] Why Is Haryanas Nuh Tense Again? Top Points India oi-Madhuri Adnal Stringent security measures are being implemented in anticipation of a religious procession in Nuh, Haryana, despite authorities denying permission for the event. The procession, known as a shobha yatra, was due to take place on 28 August, the final Monday of the holy month of Shravan. It was organised by the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat, a Hindu group. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), another Hindu group, has said it intends to go ahead with the procession, arguing that no permission is required for religious events. However, the authorities have refused to grant permission. Mobile Internet Services Suspended In Haryana's Nuh district The call for the shobha yatra comes after clashes on 31 July, which left six people dead. A VHP procession was attacked by a group of people, and the violence spread to the neighbouring city of Gurugram. Here are the Top updates: In response to the VHP's call, the police have deployed significant forces, including 30 companies of paramilitary personnel. Security measures have been stepped up at inter-state and inter-district borders, and CCTV cameras have been installed. The police have also set up multiple barricades at various points, and are conducting thorough vehicle checks on people entering Nuh. Identity verification of local residents is being carried out, and outsiders are barred from entering the town due to prohibitory orders. As a precaution, the Nuh district administration has ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday. Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended, and prohibitory orders (Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code) are in place until Monday. The denial of permission for the shobha yatra is attributed to a scheduled G20 Sherpa Group meeting from 3 to 7 September, as well as the need to maintain law and order after the violence on 31 July. Despite the lack of permission, the VHP has said it will go ahead with the procession. They plan to shorten the route, but have said they are committed to completing it peacefully. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has suggested that people offer prayers at local temples instead of participating in the shobha yatra. He has emphasized the state government's commitment to maintaining law and order. The Board of School Education, Haryana, has postponed the diploma in elementary education exam in Nuh to 4 September from its original date of Monday. Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata has deployed executive magistrates at key locations to maintain law and order during the shobha yatra. He has urged local people to cooperate with the authorities. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 10:03 [IST] The Egyptian-Azerbaijani Friendship Society, operating in Cairo, Egypt, has launched a new project within the framework of the Year of Heydar Aliyev - teaching the art of carpet weaving, Azernews reports. Chairman of the Egypt-Azerbaijan Friendship Society, research scientist Seymur Nasirov said that 52 students from different countries will learn the secrets of this ancient art under the guidance of 57-year-old carpet master Jamal Muhammad in a course created to popularize the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. Given the great interest in the art of carpet weaving in Egypt, further expansion of the course activities is planned in the future. There are currently over 120 students waiting in line for future courses. The chairman of the society, scientist-researcher Seymour Nasirov, at a meeting with participants in carpet weaving courses, said that the organization he represents contributes to strengthening ties between peoples and has been operating for many years, serving students of different nationalities. In this regard, the leadership of the society, taking into account the numerous requests of young people who want to learn the ancient art of carpet weaving, decided to start a new project. Seymur Nasirov drew attention to the fact that the Azerbaijani state pays great attention to the art of carpet weaving, which occupies a special place in the lives of our people. At the initiative of the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, various international projects are being implemented in this direction. Recall that, in addition to the art of carpet weaving, more than 600 students from 55 countries are currently studying the Azerbaijani language, the art of mugham, and other subjects offered by the society free of charge. The news about the company's launch of a carpet weaving project in Cairo was widely covered in the media of Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. A Qatar Airways plane takes off at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, January 11, 2021. Photo by Reuters A travel blogger was slapped with a fine of almost US$1,200 for carrying a single rose that she was gifted on a Qatar Airways flight into Australia. Lays Laraya breached Australia's Biosecurity Act for failing to declare the rose, 9News newspaper reported. Upon arrival at Perth Airport, she was randomly screened by two security officials who asked to see her passenger card, which all arrivals into Australia must complete to pass through customs. Officials found she had not declared the rose in the passenger card's plant section, though she claimed that she did not know she had to. Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world and plants must be declared. She claimed she received the rose from a cabin crew member on a Qatar Airways flight while en route to Australia. After landing at Perth airport, she held the rose in her hand because she did not want to spoil it, she said. France Is Important Partner In Make in India Initiative: PM Modi India and France To Jointly Develop New Generation Jet, Helicopter Engines France Bans Sale Of iPhone 12 Amid Launch Of iPhone 15: Here's Why French Troops Pull Out of Niger After Coup: A Significant Shift in French African Policy Louvre Museum And Versailles Palace Evacuated Amid Bomb Threats As France Remains On High Alert France to ban Muslim abaya dresses in schools International dwnews-DW News France will ban school pupils attending state-run facilities from wearing the abaya, a loose-fitting, full length dress some Muslim women wear. Education Minister Gabriel Attal, who was only promoted to his role earlier in the summer, made the announcement late on Sunday in an interview with French television channel TF1. "When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn't be able to identify the pupils' religion just by looking at them," he said. What prompted the move against the abaya? In 2004, a French law banned "the wearing of signs or outfits by which students ostensibly show a religious affiliation" in schools. This applied to large crosses, Jewish kippas and Islamic headscarves. Majority Of Muslims In India Have Converted From Hinduism: Ghulam Nabi Azad Nevertheless, abayas were somehow spared, until last November. The Education Ministry at the time issued a circular including the abaya in a group of items of clothing which could be banned should they be donned "in a manner as to openly display a religious affiliation." The circular also singled out bandanas and long skirts. Recommended Video France to ban wearing of abayas by Muslim women in schools: Education minister | Oneindia News The controversy surrounding the abaya intensified in 2020, when a radicalized Chechen Muslim beheaded a teacher. The teacher had shown students caricatures of Muslim prophet Mohammed. What has the reaction been? Head teachers' union leader Bruno Bobkiewicz welcomed the announcement. "The instructions were not clear, now they are and we welcome it," Bobkiewicz, general secretary of the NPDEN-UNSA, said. Chennai Cop Claims Hindus Will Rule India, Muslims, Christians Can Go To Pakistan; Gets Suspended Eric Ciotto, head of the opposition right-wing Republicans party, also welcomed the news. "We called for the ban on abayas in our schools several times," he said. Others, such as left-wing opposition France Unbowed party member Clementine Autain, condemned it as a "policing of clothing." She argued that it was "unconstitutional" and against the founding principles of France's secular values. Autain accused the French government of harboring an "obsessive rejection" of the country's some 5 million Muslim population. Source: DW UK Airspace Shuts Due To Failure Of Air Traffic Control System International oi-Sushmita Halder The airspace of the United Kingdom has been shut down after a major technical issue was found in the country's air traffic control system. Reportedly, the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) informed that they have 'applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety' and engineers are trying to fix the issue. Meanwhile, British Airways has officially addressed the situation while European air traffic authority Eurocontrol warned everyone about the chaos. According to Eurocontrol, disruption occurred from flight data processing system failure within the UK. Scottish airline Loganair on the other hand took to platform X (formerly Twitter), to inform that the incident had resulted in a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems. Loganair posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning. Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local coordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights may be subject to delays. If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport." A large number of passengers across the country found themselves in the middle of chaos after the sudden breakdown of the UK's air traffic control system. Passengers have been directed to keep some patience and keep an eye on the official websites of the airlines to track the latest developments. Reportedly, authorities are working tirelessly to resolve the issue and restore the normal situation to UK airspace. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, August 28, 2023, 18:49 [IST] The AFL mens and womens competitions will receive equal prizemoney for the first time, as AFLW captains push for a stronger marketing strategy that showcases their personalities on social media platforms like TikTok. While Ukraine has not officially acknowledged the drone attacks on Moscow, allies are warning against the use of weapons supplied by the West. Upworthy 22 Aug 2023 A pair of House committees on Monday subpoenaed FBI and IRS officials to testify about alleged political interference into the.. Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. DEAR PEOPLES PHARMACY: My son, now in his 50s, has always suffered from motion sickness. To travel to business meetings, he would take Dramamine but arrive sick and unable to function. Recently, he has been taking scopolamine. Both times he has tried it, he has not been sick and attends the events without problems. However, the next day, he does not remember anything about them. The entire day before is lost. I find this scary. Have you heard of others experiencing this? Will it lead to long-term memory problems? He has tried lots of remedies before this, but nothing else has helped his motion sickness. A. Scopolamine is a compound found in certain toxic plants such as belladonna, angels trumpet and Jimson weed. It helps prevent motion sickness, a property the Allies utilized in World War II while crossing the rough English Channel during the Invasion of Normandy. Today, it is still prescribed as a patch to be worn behind the ear as Transderm Scop. Scientists began experimenting with a combination of scopolamine and morphine at the turn of the 20th century. German doctors used it to induce anesthesia during surgery and childbirth. Morphine reduced the pain, and scopolamine ensured that the patient forgot any discomfort that did occur. Occasional use should not pose a serious problem. If he needs to remember what happened during his meetings, though, he may need a different strategy. If he has not yet used acupressure wrist bands, he might want to try them. Q. I have been taking duloxetine DR capsules (Cymbalta) twice daily for acute anxiety for a year. No one warned me about the negative sexual side effects of the medication. I stopped taking it cold turkey five days ago. I have strange hot flashes that make my face turn red and feel warm. I have also had other problems, including loud tinnitus and dizziness. Its all strange, but Im trying to fight my way through. Do you have any advice on stopping duloxetine? A. Physicians prescribing duloxetine or many other antidepressants should warn patients about sexual side effects. These can include lower libido and inability to achieve orgasm. A black box in the prescribing information also warns about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Getting off duloxetine can be challenging. The Food and Drug Administration lists discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, vomiting, insomnia and anxiety. It suggests a gradual reduction in dosage, but offers no real guidance. In our eGuide to Dealing with Depression, readers offer their detailed stories about how they were able to lower their dose a bit at a time to get off Cymbalta and other antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. This online resource is available under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com Q. You have written about some of the serious side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy. Ive been taking Ozempic for 13 months, gradually increasing the dose to 2 milligrams. Ive lost 40 pounds and have experienced absolutely no side effects. It has been a godsend! A. We have heard from others that semaglutide has helped them lose weight when other strategies have failed. The FDA approved this drug as Ozempic for treating Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for chronic weight management. We are pleased to learn that it has been effective for you without causing adverse reactions. The most common complaints are digestive distress. * * * In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them. (c) 2023 King Features Syndicate, Inc. Oregons workplace safety agency is examining a federal settlement that calls for Dollar Tree to fix persistent unsafe conditions at thousands of stores nationwide but the agreement wont apply in Oregon. The settlement comes after the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration identified more than 400 violations, including blocked exits, unsafe storage of merchandise, inaccessible fire extinguishers and electrical panels and other hazards since 2017. A portion of westbound Interstate 84 near Biggs Junction will close Monday morning so workers can retrieve two semitrucks that crashed into the Columbia River at the same spot hours apart over the weekend. No one was injured in either crash. The closure will begin at 7 a.m. and extend from Biggs Junction at milepost 103 to Celilo near milepost 97. Westbound motorists may use Oregon 206, which runs parallel to I-84, or they may cross the river at Biggs Junction to Washingtons State Route 14, looping back to I-84 at The Dalles via the US 197 bridge, officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation recommend. Its not yet clear how long it will take the special equipment to fish the two semitrucks out of the river. Expect delays. Beth Slovic; bslovic@oregonian.com; 503-221-8551 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Cecily Wong might have been born in Hawaii, but she says it was while growing up in Eugene that she first developed a love of writing. Coming of age in the Willamette Valley city thats home to the University of Oregon was an interesting experience, recalls Wong, who now lives in Portland. Eugene was a lovely place. Everyone was friendly, and open-minded, and smart. It was a creative place, an intellectual place. Wong is a 2023 Oregon Literary Fellowship recipient, one of 13 writers and two publishers who, out of a field of more than 500 applicants, were selected by a panel of out-of-state judges to receive grants of $3,500 each. In Kaleidoscope, Wongs second novel, which came out in paperback this summer, the author draws upon elements of her years in Eugene to weave a story about a family, and a protagonist whose path takes her far from Oregon. In the novel, Wong takes readers into the world of the Brightons, a biracial family that move from Hawaii to Eugene, where the parents operate a grocery store called Om Organics. Their daughters are Morgan, talented, stylish and confident, and younger sister Riley, who is introspective, independent, yet deeply influenced by her dynamic older sister. "Kaleidoscope," the second novel by 2023 Oregon Literary Fellow Cecily Wong, was published in paperback this summer. The Brightons start a retail business called Kaleidoscope, which sells clothing and other items imported from India. The business becomes so successful, the Brightons expand to locations in Seattle and Portland, and the family moves to New York City, to open a gleaming new outpost in Columbus Circle. Everything seems perfect, until tragedy strikes, and the characters are forced to deal with hidden truths and painful realizations. While Wong says some aspects of Kaleidoscope story have parallels with her own experience like Riley in the novel, for example, Wong moved to New York City, went to college, and lived for several years other details are different. In terms of Kaleidoscope, the trajectory of Riley is exactly mine, Wong, 35, says. Shes got roots in Hawaii, she grows up in Eugene in the early 90s, and then she goes to New York, where she goes to college, finds independence, falls in love for the first time, and gets her first taste of travel. All those things ring true to me. However, while Riley is half-Chinese and half-white, Wong is Chinese American, as she says. Her parents did run a business in Eugene, but it was, she says, a Hawaiian plate lunch restaurant, not a health food grocery store. I was 7 when we moved in 1994 to Eugene, Wong says. I think my parents just needed a change of pace. Were related to half the island of Oahu. They wanted something slower, and they took this long road trip from Los Angeles up to Seattle, and they stopped in Eugene. Her parents werent considering moving to Eugene at that time, but they went into a grocery store there to ask for directions, and the cashier locked her drawer and took them outside, and pointed out directions. She told my parents where to go for lunch. It was warm and friendly. Wong recalls going through this serious period of culture shock when we arrived, she says. Eugene didnt have a very large Asian community. In elementary school, there was just me, and one other Chinese girl. It was very surprising to me, and it made me look at myself in a different way. My Asian-ness became a larger part of myself. Her time in Eugene made Wong want to know more about her culture, which led to her writing her first novel, 2015s Diamond Head, about a Chinese family in Hawaii, and a legacy of secrets. In addition to sparking curiosity about her culture, Eugene also helped foster Wongs interest in writing. I went to South Eugene High School, and I loved it, Wong recalls. I think my love of literature started there, thanks to amazing teachers. Ive always been a reader, and I had a love of novels all through high school, and I was always writing little journal entries, Wong says. But it wasnt until she got to college in New York, where she graduated from Barnard College, that Wong realized writing could be a job. Wong married a New Yorker, and spent more than a decade back East. We had always kicked around the idea of coming back to Oregon. He would come out and see my family, and he made me see Oregon with new eyes. We were living in a small, one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, and then I got pregnant, and we looked at each other, Wong recalls. They made the decision to move to Portland about three years ago. With her familys background in the restaurant business, and many scenes featuring characters dining on delectable-sounding meals in Kaleidoscope, its not surprising that Wong was also the co-author of Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurers Guide, an exploration of food and culture around the world. Asked what Portland restaurants shed recommend, Wong laughingly says, I blank with recommendations of any kind. But she mentions recently going to Han Oak for the first time, and that was probably one of the most enjoyable experiences Ive had. It feels like a backyard party. And I love the happy hour at Jakes Crawfish. Its so Portland. I feel like its so old school. Wong, who is working on a new novel and other projects while being a parent to her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, praises the Oregon literary community. Its been such a gift, she says. Though she felt nervous about coming back to Portland, its been so wonderful. I really am floored by how nice it is here, with people organically introducing you to other people, and people showing up for each other. The literary scene in Portland really punches above its weight for how big a city it is. Kristi Turnquist 503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe There are numerous challenges facing Libya as it seeks to create conditions conducive to elections. One of those is the outbreak of violence within Libya and broader region, said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield: Persistent grievances cannot be resolved through more fighting. That is abundantly clear. And with instability growing in places such as Sudan and Niger, factions within Libya must avoid actions that could precipitate a spiral into wider violence. The best path forward for the Libyan people is to consolidate support for elections as soon as possible, urged Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield: All parties the House of Representatives, High State Council, Government of National Unity, Libyan National Army, and Presidential Council need to come together to make the necessary compromises required to hold elections. The Libyan people are ready for compromise that will bring about elections and stability. Toward that end, noted Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, we are open to supporting the formation of a technocratic caretaker government whose sole task would be to bring the country to free and fair elections. With regard to revenue management, we are encouraged by the unification of the Central Bank and establishment of a High Financial Committee, noted Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. This Libyan-led effort will ensure no single player has exclusive control over public expenditures. And it will help address legitimate grievances over equitable revenue distribution. The United States is encouraged by efforts to remove foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries and advance efforts toward possible disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. Recent progress toward the formation of a joint unit that could patrol the south will help secure Libyas borders and prevent the spillover of regional turmoil, noted Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The United States will continue to shine a spotlight on the Wagner Groups pernicious impact in Libya and across Africa, declared Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield: Lets be clear: countries with Wagner deployments within their borders find themselves poorer, weaker, and less secure. We see that in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Sudan. Wagners leadership has made no secret of its ambition to gain a further foothold in Africa, and its disregard for Libyas territorial integrity. The Libyan people deserve change, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, they deserve progress, they deserve hope. And it is up to Libyas leaders to take action and deliver results. The Oregon State Hospital is for the first time in more than four years in compliance with a federal order that requires the psychiatric institution to admit certain patients within seven days. The hospital has been admitting aid and assist patients, or those found unable to defend themselves against criminal charges in court, within seven days of a judge making that determination since July 20, Oregon Health Authority spokesperson Tim Heider said. Southeast Portlands Hawthorne Boulevard filled Sunday with artists, musicians, small business vendors and revelers at the 40th annual Hawthorne Street Fair. Just two blocks north, in the 3500 block of Southeast Main Street, a second event gave visitors the opportunity to connect more quietly with art and creativity. At the Portland Indigenous Marketplace, beaded cords, pottery mugs, and painted canvases decorated vendors stalls. One table featured a mix of spirit masks and handmade earrings. Another offered leather pouches and bracelets. All products were handmade, reflecting the artistry and dedication of their makers. The market, founded in 2018 by executive director Lluvia Merello, exists to create a culturally inclusive space for all. More than that, it encourages people of Indigenous origin to celebrate where they come from, participants said. For people who live away from their tribes, youre always kind of looking for your community, said Hana Doe, a market vendor who was raised in the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe of Massachusetts. In Portland, theres so many urban Natives to talk to and share ideas with. It gives you a sense of community when youre missing your own. Doe, who uses repurposed materials to craft everything from earrings to buttons, has sold items at the Indigenous Market for two years. She said she draws inspiration from nature, family, and human interaction. I want to make things that encourage cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation, she said. While Doe uses the market as a platform to spread cultural awareness, others simply find it a comforting place to connect with Indigenous spirituality. Katana Connelly, of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, paints with ink to pay homage to the fluidity of her community, Connelly said. Having an Indigenous-specific market brings a crowd that receives my work so much better and quicker, Connelly said. I do this to remind people to be grateful for what they take from the land. Cheyenne Kouri, of Portland, said the market gives people the freedom to share their stories regardless of ethnicity. Kouri is part of the Red Lake tribe in the Minneapolis area and traces her family roots to the Ojibwe. I think its really important because it helps people express who they are in this world by sharing their views through creativity, she said. Ill definitely be back. Merello, the founder, said the Indigenous Marketplace partnered with the SE Uplift neighborhood coalition to host the outdoor event. It reassures her to see the public support Indigenous art and products, she said. Its all about creating a space where we dont have to be anyone else, she said. Just to be who we are, and be appreciative of Indigenous cultures. I hope to continue doing this for as long as I can. Kayla Nguyen, knguyen@oregonian.com Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has launched its own investigation into former Secretary of State Shemia Fagans spending of taxpayer and campaign dollars on hotels, plane tickets and rental cars for trips with her children, aunt, sister, romantic partner and dog. The commission voted 7-0 on Friday to delve into whether Fagan used her public office for her personal gain or the personal gain of a relative or household member. An Oregonian/OregonLive investigation in June found tens of thousands of dollars in questionable spending and possible double-dipping by Fagan during the nearly two and a half years she was the states second-in-command, from January 2021 until her resignation in May 2023. That state spending ranged from as little as $15 for pet fees at Oregon hotels to hundreds of dollars for rental cars. It also included extensive spending from her campaign funds for a $177 meal at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.; $1,300 in lodging for a family weekend in Sunriver; and $3,300 in airfare to an unnamed destination. In some cases it appears that Fagan may have been reimbursed by the state for meals or plane tickets while also reimbursing herself from campaign funds. That would be a violation of state rules. Fagans lawyer, David Elkanich, declined this spring to share specifics that might alleviate those concerns and did not immediately respond to a request for comment this week. After the news organization published its June story that included criticism from former state Rep. Julie Parrish, Parrish filed a complaint that on Friday prompted the commissions decision to investigate. The Oregon Capital Chronicle first reported on the commissions vote. Investigator Susan Myers told commissioners that the secretary of states office sent the commission more than 500 pages of documentation into Fagans spending and reimbursements. Myers said investigators need more time to analyze whether Fagan violated any ethics rules. That specifically includes whether Fagan took side trips to scenic sites like the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California, which appears unrelated to her official duties. The deeper query also will look into whether Fagan improperly rented larger rental cars using state money in order to accommodate her family and dog on business trips in Oregon prompting a staffer to rent a second rental car because there was no room for the staffer in Fagans packed car. A formal investigation could take up to six months. Myers noted that the commission doesnt have the power to oversee Fagans spending of campaign funds. But if Fagan used state money and campaign donations to pay for the same expenses, that could be a breach of ethics rules, Myers said. Fagans lawyer, Elkanich, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. But in a letter to the commission this month he said his client was careful to comply with all regulations and policies regarding expenditures reimbursed by the State or her Political Action Committee. He also pointed to a decision not to investigate Fagans travel after she self-reported some potential concerns to the commission last year. This is the second investigation the commission is conducting into Fagan. The first, which began in July, is exploring whether Fagan violated ethics rules by securing a $10,000-a-month side job with a marijuana company. Shed said her $77,000-a-year state job made it difficult to make ends meet as a divorced mother of two. Federal officials also appear to be investigating Fagans ties to the pot company. Early this year, Fagan applied to have her law license reinstated by the Oregon State Bar, in a move that would allow her to once again practice as a lawyer. But that application is still pending. -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. Intel appears to be doubling down on its key research and development sites in Oregon, with plans to spend billions of dollars to expand its computer chip factories in Washington County. Mike Rogoway, who covers the tech industry for The Oregonian/OregonLive, broke the news of Intels plans earlier this month. He joined business editor Elliot Njus on the Beat Check with The Oregonian podcast to talk about the Intels big investment in Oregon and the challenges ahead for Intel, which happens to be the states biggest corporate employer. Related coverage: Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to get new episodes each week. You can support local journalism by becoming a subscriber to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Explore more of our podcasts and sign up to get newsletters for the latest news and top stories. Fire crews across Oregon are requesting additional firefighters and equipment to subdue several large wildfires even as cooler temperatures and rain are in the forecast. The Camp Creek wildfire, which burns near Portlands Bull Run water reservoirs, grew to 1,606 acres as of Monday. Firefighters have not yet been able to contain the blaze, which was sparked by lightning Thursday, when state officials reported over 2,000 overnight lightning strikes across Oregon and Washington. The fire is burning in the Mount Hood National Forest just 1.5 miles from one drinking water reservoir and 3 miles from a water treatment facility. Helicopters and aircraft are dipping into one of the Bull Run reservoirs and the Columbia River to drop water on the fire, officials said. Firefighters have requested additional crews, engines and equipment, officials said. Water Bureau officials said they do not expect any immediate impacts on the regions drinking water. Until considerable rainfall washes sediment and nutrients from burned areas into streams that feed the reservoir, it may be too early to measure any increased turbidity in the regions drinking water, according to city officials. There are no evacuations or closures for the Camp Creek fire at this time, but residents nearby can sign up for public alerts on the Clackamas County website. Douglas County Tyee Complex wildfires Firefighters made progress establishing fire lines around the Tyee Mountain, Hardscrabble and Big Tom fires part of a larger complex of 19 fires in Douglas County. Lower temperatures and higher humidity helped moderate fire activity. Crews set up hoses connected to Hubbard Creek to fight the Cougar Creek fire. More firefighters and equipment from across the U.S. are enroute to help fight the many lightning-caused fires, fire officials said. In total, the Tyee Ridge complex has burned just under 2,900 acres and is 5% contained, officials said Monday. The Douglas County Sheriffs office issued Level 3 (go now) evacuation orders for homes in the 10000 block of Hubbard Creek Road and the intersection of Millwood Drive. Level 2 (be set) evacuation notices are in effect for all residences on Lighthouse Road in Tyee. Residents in the area can see the Douglas County evacuation map for updated information. The Red Cross has moved their shelter from Oakland Elementary School to The Way Church of Sutherlin at 1352 E. Central Avenue. Horse Creek fire threatens McKenzie Bridge community The Lookout fire 3 miles north of McKenzie Bridge has scorched 22,317 acres, and is now accompanied by two smaller fires. The Lookout fire is 17% contained as of Monday morning, officials said. A few miles away, the Horse Creek fire has burned 616 acres and has not been contained. Firelines have been set up on the north and west edges of the blaze, and the fire has been moving east. It was sparked by Thursdays lightning storms. The Pothole fire 6.5 miles south of Belknap Springs near Three Sisters Wilderness has burned just under 100 acres. Its near an area that has already burned, slowing its growth, officials said. The fires are in a similar area to the devastating Holiday Farm fire in 2020, which burned hundreds of homes and killed one person. Level 3 (go now) evacuations are in place for Horse Creek Road east of the Horse Creek Bridge, Foley Hot Springs, Mona and Lookout Campgrounds, H.J. Andrews Headquarters and the area west of Oregon 126 from Scott Road north into Linn County. For more information on evacuations, see the Lane County website. Several campgrounds and outdoor areas are under evacuation in Linn County as well. Where are wildfires happening? Keep tabs with our live wildfire tracker map Your emergency go bag needs to have these essentials in case of wildfires Best-rated air purifiers with HEPA filters to buy online, or pick up locally, to improve indoor air quality in your home The latest news on wildfires and wildfire smoke dangers in Portland and around Oregon Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe On August 25, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union. That same week, said United States Representative at the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ukraine notified the United Nations of its independence based on the right of a nation to self-determination in accordance with the Charter. Thirty-two years later, Ukraine is fighting the Soviet Unions successor, the Russian Federation, to keep its independence and safeguard its cultural heritage. Today, Ukraines very existence is under attack, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Ukrainians have courageously fought back to defend their countrys sovereignty. To defend their freedom. Their democracy. Their culture. And Ukrainians are fighting valiantly to defend and return Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia, Belarus, and Russian-occupied territories, she said. Children are the future, and a country that loses its children has no future. Since the invasion, and going as far back as 2014, the government of Ukraine estimates that Russian authorities have deported or forcibly displaced from their homes, over 19,500 children, including babies as young as four months old, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Russias campaign of cruelty continues to this day. Russia and its proxies have detained children fleeing violence. They have forced children out of schools and orphanages. And local proxies have tricked or coerced parents into sending their children to so-called summer camps only to be cut off from communication and refused to have their children returned to them, she said. The abducted children are subjected to propaganda, brainwashing, and even given military training. Some are pressured to accept Russian citizenship, and others reportedly adopted by Russian families, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Russian officials claim that they are performing humanitarian evacuations. But this is a gross perversion of reality, and a futile attempt to justify the unjustifiable, she said. And lets be clear: these atrocities are being orchestrated by all levels of the Russian government up to the top, she said. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russias Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights for allegedly deporting and transferring children from occupied areas of Ukraine. We must hold Russia to account. We must lift up organizations doing the good work of trying to return these children to their families, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. And we must call on Russia to end its brutal war of aggression, comply with its obligations under international law, and immediately return all of Ukraines children. New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for peaceful resolution of an election dispute in Zimbabwe where the opposition has rejected results of last week's polls that gave President Emmerson Mnangagwa victory and a second five-year term Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - Sudanese military leader, Lieutenant General Abdul Fatah al Burhan, has vowed to continue fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) "until the last man standing" Photo: (Photo : Yana Paskova /Getty Images) Yale University officially settles landmark lawsuit alleging mental health discrimination against students. The lawsuit accused the prestigious Ivy League institution of discriminatory practices against students grappling with mental health challenges. Yale University Settles Landmark Ruling On Friday, both parties announced the settlement, revealing that Yale University would introduce a slew of modifications to its medical leave policies. One such amendment involves simplifying the reinstatement process for returning students. For years, students have hesitated to take medical leaves, fearing the complexities of the reinstatement process. This has, in particular, been a point of contention for students who desperately needed mental health breaks. Rishi Mirchandani, a 2019 Yale graduate and a co-founder of Elis for Rachael - the group behind the lawsuit, hailed the settlement as a "watershed moment" for both Yale University and mental health advocacy. This organization was founded to provide support to students navigating mental health issues, and it draws inspiration from a tragic event involving a Yale student who lost her life to suicide. Yale University's Mental Health Discrimination Against Students The lawsuit that Yale University is facing alleges mental health discrimination against students, with claims suggesting that the Ivy League school has been pressuring certain students to leave due to their mental health challenges. Furthermore, those who attempt to return encounter disproportionate obstacles. This landmark lawsuit, initiated in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut, represents both current and past students of Yale. Notably, the plaintiffs aren't seeking financial compensation. Instead, they are calling for substantial revisions to Yale's existing withdrawal policies, emphasizing the forced relinquishment of health benefits and tuition fees among several regulations. The lawsuit asserts that the university's current withdrawal and reinstatement procedures alienate students with mental health disabilities from the Yale community, impose harsh penalties on those who opt for withdrawal, and set up undue challenges for those wishing to return, particularly impacting students from less affluent backgrounds. Read Also: Florida Chemistry Student Injects Opioids in Bizarre Neighbor Feud: University Lab Used for Toxic Mix Key Changes to Yale's Policies in Academic Medical Leave The joint statement from Elis for Rachael and Yale University, released this past Friday, emphasized the commitment to resolve a lawsuit filed last November in federal district court related to policies and practices impacting students with mental health disabilities. Under the settlement's terms, Yale University will make an unprecedented move to permit students with urgent medical needs to pursue part-time studies. This accommodation also comes with a 50% tuition reduction, if granted at the onset of a new term. The Dean of Yale College, Pericles Lewis, expressed satisfaction with the settlement's outcome, underscoring the valuable contributions from both students and alumni. In an earlier letter to Yale alumni, President Peter Salovey acknowledged the rising demand for mental health services in academic settings, especially heightened by the pandemic. However, Elis for Rachael advocates felt that more comprehensive changes were necessary. As part of the settlement, the length of a student's medical leave will now rely on a clinical assessment, allowing students the flexibility to take the duration of leave they genuinely require. Related Article: Pregnant Woman Fatally Shot in Ohio Parking Lot for Shoplifting in Case of Mistaken Identity Photo: (Photo : Maria Oswalt on Unsplash) Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is channeling significant resources into Republican campaigns for this fall's General Assembly elections, eyeing a conservative legislative shift. One of the central tenets of his agenda, should Republicans secure control, is to pass new abortion legislation. Abortion Debate in Virginia Virginia stands out as the last state in the South without extensive abortion restrictions, rendering it a critical battleground for both sides of the debate. Youngkin aims to introduce a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, with exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or threats to the mother's life. The governor believes the 15-week restriction can achieve cross-party consensus, avoiding the backlash that more stringent measures have incited in other states. According to inside sources, this view is partly shaped by all-women focus groups conducted by the Republican Party over the summer. Zack Roday, campaigns director for Youngkin's state PAC, Spirit of Virginia, described women's perspectives on abortion as "complicated" but noted that many nodded in agreement with a 15-week limit with exceptions. Democrats in the state are increasingly alarmed by what they perceive as insufficient national party efforts to thwart Youngkin's legislative goals. They are counting on the threat to abortion rights to rally voters in the November elections. Digital campaigns highlighting abortion restrictions in other states aim to energize the Democratic base with the message that Virginia could be next. Read Also: Google's Anti-Abortion Ads Generate $10 Million Amid Misleading Tactics by 'Fake Clinics' Republicans Downplay Abortion as a Priority Interestingly, abortion was not listed as a key issue for Republican voters in a recent Spirit of Virginia briefing. Instead, the focus was on the cost of living, safety, and education. Republican state Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, who is also an OB-GYN, stated that Democrats are keen to make abortion a priority when it might not be one for the broader electorate. Recent polls indicate a nuanced picture. Nearly 70% of Americans support legal abortions during the first trimester, according to a Gallup survey. An NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found that a similar percentage of Iowa Republicans supported both a six-week ban and a 15-week ban. Under existing Virginia law, abortions are permitted up to 26 weeks and six days into pregnancy, with exceptions in the third trimester if the woman's health is at risk. Earlier this year, Democratic control of the state Senate halted several abortion-related legislative proposals, including one similar to Youngkin's proposed 15-week ban. Both parties are leveraging abortion as a campaign issue. Democrats accuse Republicans of dismissing women's rights, while Republicans counter by labeling Democrats as extreme on abortion. State Sen. Aaron Rouse, a Democrat whose focus on abortion rights helped him win a special election, warned Republicans, stating, "Women have been very loud and clear in the state of Virginia: Don't touch my rights, my freedom, when it comes to making a really tough health care decision." The upcoming elections will undoubtedly serve as a referendum on Virginia's future stance on abortion, among other pivotal issues. Both sides are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle over the state's legislative agenda. Related Article: Legal Battle for Mifepristone Abortion Pill Reaches Supreme Court After Texas, Washington Judges Issue Opposing Rulings Yesterday, Saturday, I received an important communication from one Jack Anderson perhaps its his real name, perhaps its not that reads as follows: The Brighamite Mormon church was founded by a sexual predator and is infested with sexual predators. It is perfectly reasonable for the good people of Cody to do whatever possible to drive the groomers out of their town and back to Utah. Im actually pleased that Jack A. isnt trying to hide behind pretexts like zoning issues, light pollution, and the height of the temple spire. His forthright call for for a crusade to strip the Latter-day Saints of their First Amendment religious freedom and their human rights and to expel them from Wyoming is refreshing for its candor. As I said to Jack A., I hope that he will be as vocal as he can possibly be, and that he will become the recognized face and the acknowledged voice of the opposition to the Cody Wyoming Temple. I also recommended that he consult the work of Jennifer Roach concerning sexual predation within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is a former Protestant minister and a trained professional counselor. In a radically novel approach, she actually consults empirical data before commenting. Her presentation on the subject at the 2023 FAIR Conference is already available for free, I think, to registered guests. It will shortly be made even more generally available. In the meantime, I would like to comment on a couple of issues that have been raised in connection with the proposed temple for Cody. Some critics so far as I can tell, mostly if not all of the disaffected former Latter-day Saint type have been pointing to the opponents of the Cody Wyoming Temple as an illustration of the fact that Latter-day Saints are not widely liked. The inference made from this is that we and/or our church are objectively unlikeable, that we behave in unlikeable ways, and that, accordingly, we have brought the hostility upon ourselves. First of all, it is true that we arent popular, generally speaking. (See We have work to do: Latter-day Saint image takes another hit in new poll: Americans view Jews, Catholics, Protestants, evangelical Christians, Muslims and atheists more favorably than members of Utahs predominant faith.) We are disdained by a broad swath of the American public (and, Im confident, well beyond the borders of the United States). And it is, in fact, obviously true that, were we not Latter-day Saints a voluntary identity that we take upon ourselves of our own free will and choice and that we are free at any time to jettison we would not draw the ire of anti-Mormons or the disdain of much of the general population. But does it necessarily follow that it is Latter-day Saint misbehavior that results in our disappointing, indeed shockingly poor, approval numbers? Maybe. Maybe not. It seems to me that it would be hard to argue that Latter-day Saints have behaved more offensively than did atheists such as Vladimir Lenin, Enver Hoxha, Joseph Stalin, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh, and many more. And yet, if the survey data to which I allude above is to be believed, atheists have a higher approval rating than Latter-day Saints do. And it would be difficult to point to a Latter-day Saint analog to al-Qaeda, the Taliban, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Boko Haram, or ISIS, or to identity any twentieth-century Latter-day Saint parallels to Islamist terror attacks in Madrid, London, Paris, San Bernardino, and many other locations around the globe.* And yet, if we trust the survey data, Muslims have a higher approval rating than do Latter-day Saints. I doubt that the folks who claim that Latter-day Saints are unpopular because they deserve to be unpopular, that we have earned popular disdain, would endorse the same assertion with regard to European Jewry in the years between, say, laffaire Dreyfus in 1894 and the end of the Nazi death camps in 1945. I suspect that they would hesitate to justify the Eastern European pogroms in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries on the basis of Jewish misbehavior. Another argument that Ive been encountering against the Cody Wyoming Temple is that if construction actually goes forward, it will raise property values in the neighborhood for which it is proposed thus thrusting innocent Codyites into higher tax brackets. Its a curious phenomenon when people complain that something will increase the value of their property. But lets take it seriously. I suppose that the Church could do such concerned citizens a favor by turning the parcel of property that it owns for the temple over to someone else and then joining the new owner in a petition to turn the land into, say, an auto wrecking yard. Doing so would definitely lower property values and, thus, reduce the property tax burden on the lucky neighbors of the new Acme Auto Wrecking and Scrap Metal Yard. I expect that they would be very, very happy. In this connection, by the way, my friend and Interpreter Foundation colleague Allen Wyatt recently called to my attention a 2011 study of The Impact of LDS Temples on Local Property Values, by Steven J. Danderson, who, at the time, was teaching finance at the university level. It offers a far more nuanced account of the question. Ive posted on five prior occasions here about the controversy that has been swirling around the proposed Cody Wyoming Temple. (See, in chronological order, A small tempest about a small temple in Cody, In the world after the Fall, Once More, on the Conflict in Cody. An Update on the Continuing Crisis in Cody, Wyoming, and Peggy Brown, Dale Brown, and the Cody Wyoming Temple. This is my sixth comment. * I say twentieth-century in order to bracket the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which occurred, ominously enough, on 11 September 1857. Still, I dont grant that the Mountain Meadows Massacre constitutes a genuine parallel largely because I doubt that a significant proportion of Americans have even heard of it, but also because it is a substantially different kind of event. (See my Searching Out the Truth about the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the books recommended there.) Posted from Newport Beach, California Today, the 28th of August, is pretty busy in the Christian calendar. A lot of people are celebrating today as a feast for Augustine of Hippo, bishop and theologian. He was a lovely writer and his autobiography is rightly noted as a Christian classic. And, for my money he becomes one of the more unfortunate figures in shaping western Christianity. We can draw a near enough straight line from him to John Calvin and, at best, to a morose Christianity. Augustines original sin has little corrective in original blessing, near as I notice. As I see it he never completely let go of the Manichaeism of his youth. Lets just say, hes not my guy. Rather my attention for this day goes to Abba Moses. Sometimes hes Abba Moses the Ethiopian. More commonly hes known as Abba Moses the Black. For me a vastly more interesting figure. I try to notice when his feast rolls around in the calendar and to share a few words about him. And. Well. Here we are One of those books to which I return over and over is the Wisdom of the Desert by Thomas Merton. It recounts some of the teachings of the desert fathers and mothers, Christian monastics in the fourth and fifth centuries who lived in the Egyptian deserts. Their stories on occasion recall the sayings and actions of the Chan masters of Medieval China. Actually, it was a small sadness when I started reading other versions of those lives and it became obvious Father Merton had carefully curated his collection and even slightly reworked an account or two to enhance that sense of similarity. Nonetheless the book is a source of genuine wisdom, and one of my consistent guides on the way I walk. And, I recommend both that book, well, most of all that book, but also visiting the more authentic accounts, as well. They, too, are past interesting to those who care about the great struggles of the spiritual way. Among the figures who grace Father Mertons book and the literature of the Desert monastics is Abba Moses the Black. His life is celebrated liturgically in pretty much all the older churches as well as among the Lutherans and Anglicans, in the East on the 1st of July, and, today, the 28th of August in the West. Abba Moses appears to have started out as a fourth century Nubian slave who became an Egyptian gang leader. He was a thief, and possibly a murderer. But out of an encounter with a desert monk, he repented his wasted life, and joined the community. There he slowly gained fame for his holiness and wisdom. Two illustrative stories, in my own paraphrases from the collections: Once he was called to join in the trial of a brother. He took a large bag of water slung over his shoulder as he walked. It had a small hole causing it to leak as he walked. When he arrived as he had been ordered and told help render judgment, he replied, I walk along with my sins spilling out behind me. How can I possibly judge another? On another occasion during a time set aside for fasting, traveling monks arrived at his hut. He immediately invited them in, and set to cooking them a simple meal. When a fellow monk saw that he was eating during a fast he complained to their abbot. The abbot replied that Moses was faced with obeying their human made rule to fast, or Gods commandment to hospitality, and made the only right choice. For me these are illustrations of someone who has found something genuine, and is conveying it the only way one really can, in all the choices he made in his lived life. Eventually a community gathered around him, which was said to grow to include seventy-five monks, the same number as had been in his gang. At some point Abba Moses was ordained a priest. The abba died a martyr in 405, when he refused to leave his monastery as a Barbarian hoard descended on his community. There are, no doubt, many Christianities. Perhaps a different one for everyone who cares. Actually I believe this is true no matter what the religion it is we each of us profess. I think of Father Mertons religion as presented in his little book, and my heart is stirred. And my own path is illuminated. A way is pointed. All I need do is put my own feet into motion. And I look at some of those people he showed us as guides for our own walk, and I remain so grateful. Among them, Abba Moses certainly is one showing that way with enormous heart. Revealing a love that stands above all creeds. And that is one thing of which I am sure. If your religion doesnt manifest in love, youve made a terrible mistake. Of course theres more to it. For me it is mostly about a letting go, a surrender. But. But. Somewhere in the mystery of our being, within the cloud of unknowing that love is the search and it is the finding. Thats the message. The Icon of Abba Moses the Black is available here. On August 21, just hours before the United Nations Security Council held a briefing on the situation in the Middle East, an Israeli woman was shot dead in the West Bank a stark example of the almost daily violence taking place there and in Israel. The number of Israelis and Palestinians killed in attacks so far this year has surpassed all of last year and is the highest since 2005. In her remarks to the Security Council, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas- Greenfield strongly condemned Palestinian terrorist attacks against Israelis, including the August 21st killing of the woman near Hebron, as well as the earlier August attacks that killed a father and a son outside Huwara and an Israeli police officer in Tel Aviv: We condemn the reckless launch of rockets by militants in the West Bank a deeply troubling event. And strongly condemn the terror attacks by settlers in Burqa on August 4th that killed a 19-year-old Palestinian. We note Israel has made several arrests and expect accountability and justice to be pursued with equal vigor in all cases of violent extremism, whether the perpetrators are Palestinian militants, or extremist Israeli settlers. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged the parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate and restore calm. She called on Israeli and Palestinian security forces to increase their cooperation to improve the security situation in the West Bank: And we urge all parties to take proactive measures to counter all forms of violence and incitement to violence, and refrain from actions that inflame tensions including settlement activity, evictions, the demolition of Palestinian homes, terrorism, incitement of violence, and payments to the families of terrorists. The United States, she emphasized, continues to support a two-state solution for the Palestinians and the Israelis, and stands ready to support all efforts to bring that goal closer. The bottom line is this: Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom, she said. So lets keep at it, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. Let us work together. And let us do everything in our power to advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Yesterday, the 26th of August marks a momentous day in US history. Not that you would necessarily know, given the scant attention he received in the press. It was on that day, yesterday, in 1920, that Bainbridge Colby, the then American Secretary of State signed the proclamation enacting the 19th amendment, securing American women the constitutional right to vote. He did so in the privacy of his home, we can say behind closed doors, at 8am. The press was not invited. Nor were the leading feminists of the day, especially or maybe specifically Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt. I suggest we can see a lot in those facts. All of them. The run up to that moment was long, very long, and hard, extremely hard. And, of course, of course, the struggle did not end there. Nor, I hope its obvious, although apparently it isnt to everyone, that struggle for full gender equality isnt anywhere near over. Not if were talking about the place of women in our culture. I would add, nor within the worlds various cultures. This day has been observed in various ways since 1920. And under several names, among them, Suffrage Day, Woman Suffrage Ratification Day, and Womens Emancipation Day. But it always carried a shadow as it really was mostly, although not exclusively, white womens suffrage day. And this was noticed. Being aware of the nuances and incompleteness of it, the 26th of August is still an enormously important marker. Despite the unfinished character of the moment, something truly important and significant happened. For me its joined with another event on a 26th of August. In 1970, for the fiftieth anniversary of that signing, feminist leader Betty Friedan plotted a major demonstration. She managed to attract and if barely kept it together, did keep together what one article called both the bourgeoise and radical crazies. By the former term middle-class women who formed the core of second wave feminism and by the later term mostly younger people and people of color. Friedans demonstration included groups like the National Organization for Women and the Third World Womens Alliance. It was called the Womens Strike for Equality. The strike was set for 5pm so working women could attend. Speakers included radical lesbians as well as middle class liberals. No one can say precisely how many people arrived, although one number is 50,000. What we know is that it was very large. It captured a moment as one article noticed where long simmering discontent among women that had been brewing since pioneering Rosie the Riveters were fired from their jobs and told to go home to make way for the boys returning after World War II finally boiled over. That date is also considered the foundation moment for organized reaction to womens rights. So, a powerful moment. And like all powerful moments, dangerous. Responding to this and wanting to secure the forward motion of this struggle, Bella Abzug a firebrand representative from New York authored a proclamation for the 26th to be observed as Womens Equality Day. In 1973 Congress passed the resolution. And every year since then the sitting president has annually renewed the proclamation. To this day. Just read President Bidens. This year it is a bit more obscured by the 60th anniversary of the 1970 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr, which occurred on the 28th, tomorrow. Speaking of Dr King, it has been observed making his birthday a national holiday was at least in part an attempt to tame him, reel the dangerous thing in, to corral the energy. And with this day, the 26th, well actually the 28th, as well; weve seen some of that. I think theres a similar danger anytime something as wild and revolutionary as, well, saying all human beings are equal, is turned into a holiday. At the same time, Im very much aware of the power of civic religion. Enshrining holidays also enshrines ideas. And as we revisit them over years these ideas begin to weave into who we see we are. From my perspective, one of the most important things we can embrace right now are the unique contributions to both our country and the world that come from women. The minority who are a majority. Like with the achievements of African Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities, I believe those ubiquitous reminders of womens contributions to science and culture we can see popping up constantly on social media are really, really important. As are images as metaphors of the heart, of what we can really be. Like that article which spoke of all those Rosie the Riveters. I believe as an image that captures the feminist spirit rising, few are as important as Rosie. There are a number of versions, I bet you can dredge up at least two right off. But, me, and here today, Im thinking most of all of Norman Rockwells painting. Throughout my younger years I thought Rockwell wasnt really an artist, or at least not a great one. I held this view for a couple of reasons. His thematic choices mostly of smalltown Americana together with his use of an often-humorous realism just ran against the grain of mid and late twentieth centuries intellectual aesthetics. Basically my circles. More challenging, I think, and perhaps a more authentic critique, was his free use of sentimentality. He could pile it on. And when I think of sentimentality I also think of cheap. But then there were his paintings exploring racism. Years ago Jan & I were in his hometown in Western Massachusetts at the museum where his painting the Problem We All Live With hangs. My response standing in front of that painting, like the response of so many confronted with it, was simply to weep. The pure artistry of his work cannot be challenged. And in it, the cutting to the heart of what racism actually means, well. No one has captured it quite so directly and vividly. So, while Rockwell could be and often was sentimental, he also touched much deeper currents of the human heart. At his best he was one of the great artists. Clearly, he understood the mysteries of love as something vastly more than sentiment. His images often unpacked what love meant in action. And of his work the one that most captures me, that most puts love into action, is his Rosie the Riveter. It is a great picture, and great art. After years in private hands Rosie now hangs in the Crystal Bridges museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. Its an icon of the war effort, in this case the 2nd World War. It is quite literally an icon, drawing upon themes used for images of Mary in both the Eastern and Western churches. Not to mention how for me it evokes even older goddess images. Hard not to find at least distant echoes of Ishtar, of Inanna, of Athena. Of Kali. Of what the divine of women means when turned to flesh. With those muscles, but also that delightful upturned nose. And wearing makeup, but with that rivet gun in her lap. And her foot resting, not on the snake of traditional western images of Mary, but on a copy of Mein Kampf. Thinking of it and his masterful use of classic religious themes just thrills me. The painting is in fact directly based upon one by Michelangelo; the older artists portrayal of the prophet Isaiah on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Right down to the arc of the arm, although in Michelangelos original its without the ham sandwich. We also get a buried subtext in that use. Isaiah said sin will bring down the nation. But through turning to the redeeming power of love, by turning toward justice, we can be saved. And the embodied promise showing who is being sinned against, and where our saving can happen. Well. Rosie the Riveter. All those Rosie the Riveters who were used and then abandoned. And who are sitting here today. Icons are images into heaven. Icons tell us who we really are. I suggest as we contemplate Rosie, we think not only of how people pulled together in the second world war or the echoes of Mary and other goddesses throughout time, but also theres something prophetic here. Rosie is a prescient image, a foreshadowing of something amazing that is going on in our times. For individuals. For communities. For culture. For all of us. This is the important thing. Rosie is, or certainly can be, the image of the promise of the 26th of August. It is a call to a holy project, something we are caught up in, and to which we need to constantly recall, for and about ourselves. And, I believe, in that recollection to recommit ourselves, in a more conscious way. It has to do with the saving of our republic, and more importantly it is about the saving of humanity, and most importantly about the saving of our planet. Everything is tied up in this. And with that, a suggestion of the particular shape that this saving must take. Womens place in our culture is different than it was a single generation ago, and with few exceptions, mostly moments, substantially different than throughout history. There has been a continuous progression towards genuine equal rights between women and men at least within the Global North for generations now. I believe we have crossed some tipping point, and we need to notice. There can be no going back. Although there are those who want it so. And are working hard to turn it all back. Just some examples of the good, as regards what is being called traditional marriage, setting aside what it means in the scriptures, which would horrify most of us should we actually look, in English common law, which was our law for most of our history, when a woman and a man married, they became a single person, the man. And thats the way it was until 1981, thats 1981, not very long ago when the Supreme Court finally struck down all state laws designating men as head and master with control over the property owned jointly by the couple. This older perspective is unthinkable for most of us, even most of those calling for something they imagine as traditional marriage. Some great revolution is birthing. And This is what it means to side with Love. To be part of a revolution. Today in Afghanistan, where in the spirit of one step forward and then a step back has become a fall down a flight of stairs into a basement, in villages where women are kept in bondage and ignorance, they whisper to their daughters the secret message: they are equal to the men. In Saudi Arabia, women gather in secret and talk of driving and voting and how that is their divine right. In America young women demand to be paid the same as men, and they know the day one of their number will be president is not far off. There are those around the globe who do not want this to happen, who want that backward and downward fall. Here in this country a rigged up supreme court has overturned womens right to choose. There are now laws on the books in numerous states that rival the worst of pre-Roe. In the same spirit, the Southern Baptist Convention is expelling congregations where women dare to preach. And we need to note the backlash against LGBTQ rights are completely tied up with this. The great hubbub in conservative circles around homosexuality and in the moment specifically trans rights turn on the same issues as restricting the rights of women. Strict prescriptions about sexual roles have assured the old paradigm. Theyve been used for much of forever to subject women and sexual minorities in exactly the same way. This is why those of us concerned with the firm establishment of womens rights are almost always equally concerned with the rights of lesbians, and gay men, of bisexuals and transgender people. Let me throw in race here, as well. It is one thing. I repeat, as passionately as forcefully as I can: it is all about one thing. Maintaining a strict hierarchy of control. The very paradigm of totalitarianism, where everyone has a place in a relentlessly narrowing of power. But the power of the heart will prevail. There is another way. And it turns on that passing strange thing we call love. The eyes of love that see connections. And in seeing connections calling us into new lives. Lives where we all count equally. The real revolution. What is central to this revolution is simple enough. We need to move from fixed views about ourselves and about each other, including our ideas of sexual relationships; shifting to a dynamic sense of inclusion. This is the call to love as a generous spirit, already expressed in many ways. This is a fierce love, a fire burning away the false. So, I find myself returning to that amazing icon, Rosie the Riveter. And I think of Isaiah, the pattern for Rosie, whose prophetic voice called us back to our best nature, to a path of equity and justice. I think of Womens Equality Day. And I think of revolutions. It is a call of and to the heart. And heres the hearts promise. Here is what love looks like. Think of Rosie. Think of her muscles and that dab of makeup. Think of her foot on the bible of evil. There we find an archetype for all of us, an icon of a world that can be. Icon. A window into heaven. A window into what can be in this time and in this place. A transformed world. Heres some good news. If you can find this openness, loves heaven is at hand. At that moment when your heart opens, justice will fall like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Everything we do from that place of openness will be graceful. Our lives will become a glorious and sacred dance, now leading, now following, each step a glory for the world. All of us together. The Day of Equality. Amen. About 200 women traders in the Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern region have received support from Chief Michael Ansah, an aspirant in the Asuogyaman Constituency in the upcoming NPP Parliamentary primaries. The Women in Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (WESs) is a component of a comprehensive skills and enterprise programme being implemented throughout the Asuogyaman constituency. The comprehensive programme, which was implemented in four (4) phases, benefited approximately 200 women traders in the constituency. WESs was introduced to directly impact the lives of the people in Asuogyaman and transform the communities by ending the difficulties often encountered in accessing support that are frequently encountered, as the scheme ensures that traders have easy access to financial support to help their businesses. The implementation of WESs follows a similar entrepreneurial and skills development training programme in which 120 youth were trained in the use and operation of forklifts. Chief Michael Ansah emphasised that he will continue to institute life-changing programmes like WESS that will have a direct impact on the lives, businesses, and communities in Asuogyaman during a brief ceremony to provide support for the final batch of women traders in the 4th phase of WESs. It cannot be business as usual and I know that as you invest these funds into your businesses, it will have a direct impact in your lives and communities. If you support a woman, you have supported her entire household so I believe that this will reduce the burden of a lot of our women traders in this constituency, he added. According to Chief Michael, Asuogyaman has the potential to become an industrial hub, hence the need to ensure that the youth are equipped with the skills that will guarantee them employment in the industries that will be built. Im developing a comprehensive development plan for Asuogyaman. I see potential in the Akosombo-Tema corridor, I see industrial transformation coming here, I see job opportunities being created, I see us setting industries that will transform this place, I see us bringing development to our schools, the social infrastructure that we have, hospitals especially roads; and all these things are part of a comprehensive plan that we have already started implementing. Hannah Odame, a WESs beneficiary, expressed gratitude to Chief Michael for keeping his promise to support traders, who make up the majority of the constituency's population. About 75% of the population in Asuogyaman are traders especially women, so this support to us traders by Chief Michael is timely and will serve as a major boost to our individual businesses. We cant thank him enough, Martha Anim noted. Another beneficiary, Eunice Yayra, emphasised that Chief Michael has demonstrated that he prioritises their welfare and the development of communities within Asuogyaman, which is a significant departure from the past. We struggle to access loans from the bank and sometimes cannot get the supporting documentation to complete the process. This has really affected our businesses so to have Chief Michael provide us with this support is really a dream come true. Hes shown that he will do even more when given the opportunity, Eunice added. The programme has benefited all 177 women traders in the Asuogyaman constituency who applied for the Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (WESS). Chief Michael Ansah launched the Forklift Training Youth Skills Development Programme in Asuogyaman District in October last year as part of the first phase of his "Impacting Lives and Transforming Communities" campaign. The Forklift Training Programme, which was implemented through a collaboration with a globally recognised institution, Katals Global Company Limited, was designed to develop the youth's skills and prepare them for potential employment opportunities in Asuogyaman and beyond. Chief Michael is the current CEO of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), the organisation tasked with developing and promoting Ghana's integrated aluminium industry. Prior to joining GIADEC, Chief Michael was the Senior Vice President at Dell Corporation, United States, with responsibility over 180 countries. 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 Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan has urged the various Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to, as matter of urgency, fix up their streetlights which are not working. Mrs. Assan indicated that "it so pathetic when some people sit on radio and bitterly insult me when street lights within the municipalities are not working; find it so demeaning". She stressed; "It is as if the people don't really know what the various MMDCES supposed to do for them". Speaking at the Regional Coordinating Council meeting with the various Heads of departments in the Region, Mrs. Marigold Assan entreated the MMDCES to educate the populace on their responsibilities. "MMDCES, I think you are losing or are missing out on something you need to do. I therefore plead with you to start engaging your community members, do townhall meetings, start getting closer to them. Let them know why you are there and what you can do to support them." The Minister was also disappointed about the alarming rate of the teenage pregnancies in the Region and urged the MMDCES to organize programmes to sensitize teenagers on the effects of early pregnancies. She further appealed to the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VI to help the Regional Coordinating Council in resolving the chieftaincy disputes in the Region to ensure peace. Source: Sally Ngissah/Peace News 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 Russia says 10 bodies and flight recorders have been recovered from the scene of a jet crash presumed to have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. "Molecular-genetic tests are now being carried out," investigators say. The plane crashed near Moscow on Wednesday, prompting speculation that a bomb or a missile was to blame. Claims that the Kremlin gave an order to kill Prigozhin were a "complete lie", Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman told the BBC earlier. Prigozhin - once a Putin loyalist - led an aborted armed revolt by his mercenary fighters in June. Mr Putin at the time described the mutiny as "treachery", but a deal was later struck for Wagner mercenaries to either join Russia's regular army or go to Belarus - Moscow's ally. Even so, in the wake of the rebellion, many observers described Prigozhin, 62, as a "dead man walking", arguing that the Russian president would never forgive the Wagner boss. During Friday's conference call with journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC there was "lots of speculation" around the "tragic" deaths of all 10 people in Wednesday's air crash in the Tver region, north-west of the Russian capital. Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, as well as five other passengers and three crew members, were on board of the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, according to the passenger list. 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 Voting has taken place in the oil-rich central African nation of Gabon where President Ali Bongo - who came to power when his father Omar died in 2009 - is hoping to win a third term. He faces competition from 13 people. As polls closed, the government announced a curfew and suspension of internet access for security reasons. On Saturday main opposition candidate Albert Ondo Ossa had complained that many polling stations lacked ballot papers bearing his name. "Gabon is not the property of the Bongos," he said on the campaign trail. Mr Ondo Ossa, a former economics professor and one-time education minister, was appointed as leader of the Alternance 2023 coalition just last week. The coalition says the names of some of those who have withdrawn from the presidential race are still on the ballot sheet. As in previous general elections, there are serious concerns about the process. Both of Mr Bongo's prior wins were disputed as fraudulent by opponents, and this time around controversial changes were made to voting papers just weeks before election day. For the first time, voters were asked to mark a single ballot with their choice of a president and MP who must belong to the same party. Experts say this disadvantages independent candidates - notably Mr Ondo Ossa, who heads the main opposition coalition but lacks a party of his own. Foreign media have been banned from setting foot in the country to cover Saturday's vote, says the campaign group Reporters Without Borders. No international election monitors from the EU or UN were present either. Local civil society group Tournons La Page said they would try to act as observers despite having no official accreditation. There were reports of delays at some voting centres, and as voting closed the government announced a curfew starting on Sunday evening and said internet access had been suspended throughout the country. Communications Minister Rodrigue Mboumba Bissawou said the measures were aimed at countering "calls for violence... and false information". Before Saturday's vote a row erupted, with President Bongo accusing Mr Ondo Ossa and another opposition figure of treason. The pair deny claims that they were recorded plotting ways to create a power struggle in Gabon and win support from foreign powers, and they have accused the government of "shameful manipulation" in a statement released by Alternance 2023. As well as voting for their choice of president and MPs, the people of Gabon were also choosing mayors and local councillors. Gabon has a total population of 2.3 million people and enjoys oil wealth and rich swathes of rainforest. But the global economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has led to declining exports of raw materials. Back in 2018, President Bongo suffered a stroke which sidelined him for almost a year and lead to calls for him to step aside. The following year, a failed coup attempt saw mutinying soldiers sent to prison. 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 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. Alan Kyerematen, one of the Presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has thanked delegates for voting for him during the party's Super Delegates Conference. The former Trades Minister came third after Saturday's election with 95 votes representing 10.29 percent. In a statement released on Monday, he however expressed "deep sorrow about the brutal assault on my polling agent in the North East region. This is an indelible blot to the integrity of the internal democratic process within the NPP and assured the agents family of his unwavering support for his wellbeing Meanwhile, in the course of his week, he will deliver a public broadcast on the way forward for my campaign". FULL STATEMENT PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN On Saturday, 26th of August 2023, the Special Electoral College convened by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) selected my good self as one of the Presidential aspirants to contest the November 4th Presidential primaries. Congratulations to all my colleagues who participated in the selection process. I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for His grace and mercy in guiding my path this far. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to the Delegates of the Special Electoral College who voted for me in this initial selection process. My appreciation also goes to my family and the Alan for President (A4P) 2024 campaign team, including members of the Pro-Alan Groups for their dedication and commitment to my campaign agenda. I would however like to express my deep sorrow about the brutal assault on my Polling Agent in the North East region. This is an indelible blot to the integrity of the internal democratic process within the NPP. I wish my colleague speedy recovery and Gods manifold blessings, and would like to assure him and his family of my unwavering support for his wellbeing. The A4P Campaign Coordination team is currently analysing the results of the Special Electoral College Election, and in the course of this week | will deliver a public broadcast on the way forward for my campaign. I wish to reassure my teeming supporters, particularly those at the grassroot level that the battle is still the Lord's, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong! Outcome of August 26 primary: At the end of the August 26 super delegates conference of the NPP, official results showed a big victory for Vice President Dr Bawumia, over nine other contenders, ahead of the main primary in November. He polled 629 votes, coming first, Kennedy Agyapong garnered 132, placing second, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen polled 95 of the votes, placing third, and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto had 36 votes, placing fourth. Mr Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai Nimoh had nine votes each, thus tying at the fifth position. The rest were Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; Six, Joe Ghartey, Four, Kwadwo Poku, three, and Kofi Konadu Apraku zero. There were a total of 923 valid votes cast. Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Artiste manager and chairman of Ghana Songwriters Association, Emmanuel Barnes, popularly known as Mr Logic, has jumped to the defence of dancehall artiste Shatta Wale over his recent comments on Nigerian Asake's successful debut at the O2 Arena, London. Asake gave an electrifying performance in a charged auditorium filled with 20000 music lovers and following his achievement, Shatta Wale took to Twitter to pass critical comments about Ghanaian musicians and the music industry. He tweeted; Nigerians are making Ghana music look like feeding bottle compared to Hennessy bottle. Congrats to Asake meeenn!!!" Shatta Wale returned with a series of posts reading "you people call me a drug addict, why should I risk my life to fill a place for Ghanaians or the music industry? I am okay, I wanted to buy house, lands and investments, I am okay, so filling the O2 is not my priority, my priority is to keep a billion dollars in my account , that is where I am at right now. Nobody should disturb me about filling the 02 or my music". He has however been met with a caustic public backlash with some Ghanaians rebuking him for being a major reason why Ghana's music growth is hindered. A section of the public slammed him over his constant negative remarks about his colleague musicians, wondering why he would turn back to expect Ghanaian music to blossom by envisioning Ghanaian artistes perfoming to a mammoth crowd like their Nigerian counterparts. But Mr. Logic says Ghanaians should leave Shatta Wale alone, stressing the artiste is not the problem. "See, Asake's music is pratically and basically a Yoruba and the use of English with melodies. It is nothing strange that these people cannot do. It's because of the push and the kind of investment these Nigerians get unless you haven't worked with a Nigerian artiste before...The problem we have is funding. Our boys don't have money. There is no money, so don't blame Wale!", he said on "United Showbiz" aired on UTV every Saturday. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Philadelphia police are searching for a gunman who reportedly fled into a wooded area in Northeast Philly after shooting and critically wounding a woman at a Motel 6, according to news reports. NBC10 and 6ABC are reporting that the incident occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday in the area of 11500 Roosevelt Boulevard, with NBC reporting that the 43-year-old woman was shot three times in the legs and is in critical condition. The suspect, a man, knows the victim, ABC reported. Police continue to search as of Sunday, the stories said. More: One killed, another wounded at Independence Hall shooting: reports Howie Roseman is the smartest man in Philly sports. The trick is making his genius last. | Opinion Entergy Mississippi recently welcomed two new members to its economic development team. Stacy Lester and Lauren Gurtowski have joined the team's effort to assist Mississippi communities expand and attract new business. Lester serves as senior project manager, focusing on industrial recruitment and site development. She acts as the liaison between prospective companies and engineering teams, and she works closely with state and local partners to market Entergy served sites. Lester has more than 16 years of experience in state, local and utility economic development. She earned a bachelor's degree in polymer science and master's degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi. She's a member of the Industrial Asset Management Council and Mississippi Economic Development Council. Gurtowski is a business retention and expansion representative, tasked with assisting companies with navigating expansions. In her role, she consults on utility capacity, workforce development, tax incentives and grant opportunities. She previously served as the chief operating officer at the Madison County Economic Development Authority, where she assisted in several location and expansion projects yielding more than $1.5 billion in corporate investment and 2,200 jobs in Madison County. Gurtowski obtained a degree in international business from Mississippi State University and is a certified economic developer. She is a member of the Industrial Economic Development Council and Mississippi Economic Development Council. About Entergy Mississippi Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 461,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy, visit the Newsroom. Pennsylvanias universal free breakfast program isnt new: During the COVID-19 emergency, the federal government authorized schools to make free breakfast available to everyone, regardless of financial need. The federal program has ended. But Pennsylvania has made it permanent, including universal free breakfast as part of the recently approved state budget. Beyond offering a convenient, nutritious breakfast to all, schools are witnessing another transforming impact: Students are less likely to pass up a free breakfast because of any stigma associated with needing a free meal. There may have been students who were hungry but they didnt want their friends to know they were getting free breakfast. Now it doesnt matter. No one knows anything, said Shawn Harlacher, the food services director for Cumberland Valley School District. At Cumberland Valley, the number of free breakfasts served daily has quadrupled since they became free to everyone, with some district schools serving up to 400 meals per day, Harlacher says. Before the pandemic, students qualified for free breakfast based on their familys income. When the district began providing school-wide breakfasts in 2020, it had to add a full-time employee, adjust schedules and adopt a routine of prepping on the previous day, according to Harlacher. He says the district doesnt consider it a logistical burden because school staff members believe the benefits for students justify the effort. Thats the prevailing view among a sampling of central Pennsylvania school district officials asked about the logistics of providing the breakfasts and the impacts on their students. I have a wonderful staff. The big thing is everyone was on the same page that this is whats good for kids, said Ryan Neuhard, the superintendent of Newport School District. Chester Holmes, the assistant to the superintendent for Susquenita School District, pointed to research showing students who eat breakfast do better in school. We believe that this program helps our students begin their school day with a nutritionally sound breakfast and allows for optimal student performance in the classroom, he said. We applaud the Pennsylvania legislature for their efforts in providing universal free breakfasts for all students. Gov. Josh Shapiro was a major backer of universal free breakfast, saying school officials across the state expressed worry about students who face food insecurity. Every expert will tell you that you cant learn on an empty stomach and we cannot expect kids to learn math and science and English when they havent eaten anything all day, he said. Nationally, universal free breakfasts have become a partisan issue, generally supported by Democrats and opposed by Republicans. There was talk in Congress of extending the federal program. But with Republicans controlling the U.S. House and focused on cutting spending, a federal extension was deemed a non-starter. So the decisions shifted to the states. In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf extended the program when it would have ended in fall 2022. This summer, Pennsylvania joined about 10 other states in making the universal free breakfasts permanent with a $46.5 million appropriation to provide breakfasts to all public school students during the 2023-2024 school year. The breakfasts must be nutritionally sound, containing grains, fruits and vegetables and milk. In general, central Pennsylvania districts say they offer cereal every day, along with a rotating hot option, such as breakfast sandwiches, pancakes or waffles. Other standard offerings include yogurt, apples and bananas. Each day its something different, Harlacher said. I always try and offer a kind of hot grab-and-go item, and then cereal is always an option for those who dont want that or cant have that. He noted that in 2020, the breakfast items available from food manufacturers were limited, but now manufacturers offer a broader array of easily prepared items. Districts vary in their approach to serving breakfasts. Some require students to eat in the cafeteria and others allow students to take their breakfast to the classroom, while some offer hybrid approaches. At Newport, for example, high school and middle school students can eat at the cafeteria or pick up a bagged breakfast to eat during homeroom. At the elementary school, the cafeteria delivers the breakfasts to the classrooms, where students eat during daily announcements and morning activities. Neuhard said participation rates vary by age. Almost all elementary students accept a free breakfast, but participation drops by middle school and high school, where he noted some teenagers decide they would rather skip breakfast. At Newport, more than half of students come from lower-income families that qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. It means they may struggle to get enough food. But Neuhard points out its not only money that can prevent a student from eating breakfast. Sometimes its the morning rush. He knows older students who are responsible for getting younger siblings off to school, which doesnt allow time for a good breakfast. Neuhard also figures that, before universal free breakfast, some lower-income students might pass on breakfast in order to have money for lunch. Those are all the more reason he believes providing breakfast for all is a good thing. Harlacher said students are limited to the standard items including up to two pieces of fruit. However, he said the district plans to reinstate a sharing table, where students can place items they dont want, making them available to others with a bigger appetite. Looking at the number of students eating breakfast at school assures Neuhard of the need, and also gives him comfort knowing students are living a healthier lifestyle, and none are quietly enduring a hunger that can undermine their education. Every kid that comes to us comes with whatever has happened to them or is going on in their life. When they walk through these doors, its a clean, safe environment that provides an education, and where they know it will also provide any food thats needed, he said. Pennsylvanias universal free breakfast program also impacts lunches, extending free lunches to students who previously qualified only for reduced-price lunch. Previously, free lunches were available only to students from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, which is about $36,000 for a family of four. Now, Pennsylvania public school students from families earning up to 185% of the poverty level can receive a free lunch adding about 22,000 students to the free lunch program. More: Pennsylvania children need free lunch at school as well as free breakfast | Opinion Just what are the odds youd meet your partner and discover you two share the same birthday? Many would consider it a weird twist of fate, but what if the year after, you two are now expecting, and you discover youre having twins and then those babies are born on the birthday you two share? Many would consider that mind-boggling to the point where you just know a higher power is in control. Well, it happened to one Ohio couple, news sources have reported. The pair, 32-year-old Scierra Blair and her fiance 31-year-old Jose Ervin Jr., who met in 2022, were born one year apart from each other on Aug. 18 and were surprised to find out they shared the same birthday. I thought she was telling a tale, because she asked me about my birthday and then said thats pretty ironic, because thats my birthday, Ervin told People about their first meeting. Im like, get outta here. But she showed me her ID and proved me wrong. Now, as fate would have it, the two were set to celebrate their first joint birthday together with a pregnancy and expected their babies to arrive around the supposed due date of Aug. 28, a couple weeks after their joint birthday. But things changed when Blair was told on Aug. 17 that one of the twins was lying bottom-down in the uterus and was in a breech position, which was considered unusual. She was informed that it would be best if she delivered the babies via caesarean section. When the couple arrived at Cleveland Clinics Hillcrest Hospital that afternoon, they were aware that their joint birthday was hours away, so Ervin asked if the delivery could be delayed until after midnight, to which staff agreed. According to what Ervin told WOIO, he then pleaded with Blair to wait until they all got the same birthday. We can just do one big celebration, do it all at one time, and that would be beautiful, Ervin said to People magazine, as he thought of all the birthday parties to come once the couple made the decision. Since she was in good health and wasnt stressed, and the kids were in good health and werent stressed, I thought, Why not wait? he added. Blair wasnt totally on board with her Ervins idea at first, only because she wasnt allowed to eat prior to the surgery. She mentioned Ervins mother loved the idea also. I just wanted it to be over, Blair told People. He said, Its only a few hours and it will go by real fast. And I just looked at him and said, Easy for you to say. Im starving. I agreed, but I told them they owed me a week of potato salad, Blair added. After waiting, it wasnt before long when Blair gave birth to fraternal twins with Ervin by her side. The couple had a healthy baby boy and girl, where Jose Ervin III, was born at 12:35 a.m., and his younger sister, Arria Lannette Ervin, came a minute later at 12:36. The two weighed a little more than 5 pounds each, The Guardian, WPTV, WOIO and People reported. Its extremely rare for both parents and their newborn twins to all share the same birthday, Dr. Jeniffer Eaton, the chairperson of Cleveland Clinic Hillcrests obstetrics and gynecology department, confirmed in a statement to the Guardian. Turns out, twins run in the couples families on both sides, so it wasnt the biggest surprise when the couple learned that Blair was having twins. Everything worked out in the end. Blair and both babies are healthy and at home. To Ervin, it was a blessing and called the event the best birthday present ever. Read More: The exaggerated way you talk to your dog might help your pooch pick up on what youre saying, a new study from Hungarian researchers suggests. The study published last week in the journal Communications Biology by scientists from Eotvos Lorand University and the Research Centre for Natural Sciences in Budapest looked at the responsiveness of family dogs to verbal cues by using MRI scans of the dogs brains when humans were speaking to them. Researchers specifically looked at what they called exaggerated prosody, meaning the exaggerated, sing-song inflections and rhythms humans often use when talking to animals and babies. The study found heightened sensitivity particularly in two separate regions of the dogs brains when exposed to exaggerated speech of the type usually directed toward infants and animals, compared to the dogs response to the tone of voice people use to communicate with other adult humans. Further, the dogs response was greater to exaggerated speech coming from women. The question, the researchers wrote, then becomes whether dogs had an existing preference for certain speech patterns in their primordial state or whether this has been created by human domestication with the likely answer being a bit of both. Remarkably, the voice tone patterns characterizing womens dog-directed speech are not typically used in dog-dog communication, one of the researchers wrote in a post on Phys.org, meaning that our results may thus serve evidence for a neural preference that dogs developed during their domestication. As the researchers note in their publication, existing evidence indicates that the exaggerated speech used with dogs and babies possesses general acoustic characteristics to call and maintain the attention of a social partner with limited linguistic competence. This would suggest that a similarly measurable brain response would exist in babies as well, although performing such a study would be challenging. As the researchers note, the major limitation of their study is that the sample group was limited to those dogs that could be trained to stay still in an MRI machine while their owners talked to them. More: Dog beaten in central Pa. recovering well: report Large cats spotted in central Pa. arent wild after all: Game Commission Troegs Independent Brewing said today it will donate $1 from every pint of Sunshine Pilsner sold to the Courtyard of Honor. The Courtyard of Honor is a multi-year project to memorialize citizens of Derry Township who have served in the military during periods of armed conflict as well as emergency responders who died in the line of duty. It will be located on the west side of downtown Hershey at Chocolate and Cocoa avenues. Plans are to unveil the memorial in 2026, just before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001. The Courtyard of Honor will include a special 9/11 memorial to be erected as a tribute to Hershey High School alum and United Airlines flight No. 175 First Officer Michael Horrocks, who tragically lost his life while co-piloting the second plane to strike the World Trade Center, Troegs said in a news release. Its taken me years, but were finally moving forward thanks to the generosity of Derry Township Supervisors and Dauphin County Commissioners, said Randy McKillop, president of Courtyard of Honor. Im really excited to have Troegs on board as one of our many sponsors. Its great to have the support of one of Hersheys biggest attractions. Through Sept. 30, 2023, the brewery will donate $1 from every pint of Sunshine Pilsner sold in its tasting room. Were honored to pay tribute to these fallen hometown heroes, said Chris Trogner, Troegs co-founder. Hershey has really embraced our brewery since we moved here in 2011, and we cant think of a better way to give back to the community that weve called home for more than a decade. READ MORE: Fall is in the air as Troegs brings back a seasonal fan-favorite beer. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden is old and confused, and former President Donald Trump is corrupt and dishonest. Those are among the top terms Americans use when theyre asked to describe the Democrat in the White House and the Republican best positioned to face him in next years election. Unflattering portraits of Biden and Trump emerge clearly in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. For Biden, the largest share of U.S. adults including both Democrats and Republicans mentioned his age. At 80, Biden is just three years older than Trump, but many Americans expressed real concerns about his ability to continue as president. Trump, meanwhile, has been indicted in four cases featuring 91 total criminal counts and elicits words such as corrupt and crooked (named by 15%), along with bad and other generally negative comments (11%). Not far behind are words like liar and dishonest (8%). Another 8% offered generally positive comments like good, though. A deeper look doesnt improve things much for Biden or Trump. And while many of the criticisms reflect a familiar partisan divide, the poll shows neither man is immune to criticism from within his own party. He looks like he needs to be someones kindly grandpa on the arm, not someone at the wheel of power, Justin Campbell, a 27-year-old Democrat and security guard in the Brookhaven area of Mississippi, said of Biden. He was even more negative about Trump, though, saying that the former president acts like a kindergartner when people tell him no. Campbell suggested that Trump reads so little about policy and national security that he might be functionally illiterate. He said he plans to vote for Biden next year and, I eagerly await Donald Trump being in jail. FILE - People walk past the White House in Washington, Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Unflattering portraits of both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump emerge clearly in a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which asked an open-ended question about what comes to mind when people think of them. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)AP Such sentiments were common. Fully 26% of respondents use words like old or outdated to describe Biden, and another 15% mention things like slow and confused. Another 10% give generally negative comments about the president, and 6% use words like corrupt and crooked. Just 6% offer words like president and leader, and 5% use those like strong and capable the top positive comments made about Biden. Bidens age was referenced frequently even among Democrats, 28% of whom mention it a significantly higher percentage than those who point to the presidency or leadership (11%) or strength and capability (11%). Trumps negative comments center not on age but on his moral standing and conduct, along with things like loudmouth and angry (6%), crazy and dangerous (6%) and narcissist (6%). Some 5% use words like strong and capable. Rami Marsha, a 58-year-old CEO of a manufacturing company in Agoura Hills, California, is a registered Democrat who voted for Trump in 2016 and for Biden in 2020 but says hed likely leave the presidential race portion of his ballot blank if those two square off again in 2024. I think he might be having some dementia, and I dont think he has the power to run the country, Marsha said of Biden. But he was equally blunt about Trump: Ive had enough of him. Thats a fairly common sentiment. The poll shows that only 24% of Americans overall want to see Biden run again, while 30% say the same about Trump and majorities say they are reluctant to support them if they are nominated again. Also, 62% of Americans say they have an unfavorable opinion of Trump; 52% say the same about Biden. Bidens reelection campaign said the presidents age is not a top motivator for voters, especially compared to the administrations policy accomplishments or key issues like abortion. It also noted that perceptions of the president and Democrats were not strong before last years midterms only to have the party defy expectations. A Trump campaign spokesman did not answer messages seeking comment, but the former president has previously used his indictments to go on the political offensive, telling supporters at rallies, Im being indicted for you. Larry Haith, a 73-year-old Idahoan and retired president and general manager of an auto parts firm, is a Republican who described Biden for the poll as an idiot and called Trump arrogant. He said he doesnt plan on voting for either next year. Haith blamed Bidens economic policies for his cash net worth declining at least about $150,000 and said the president just needs to retire and get on with it. Though he had some kind words for Trump, Haith was also critical of the former president. I really like what he did, and I like the decisions that he made, said Haith, who added that, at first, I really liked that gruffness about him. But those feelings have cooled, he said, in part because Trump has what Haith described as a typical New York, arrogant attitude. Im not going to support him anymore, he said. Im done with him. Annie Doerr, a 60-year-old retiree from suburban Atlanta who described herself as a moderate Republican, said of Trump, I thought some of his policies were good for Americans, but hes just too much of a distraction. Doerr had problems with the president, too, comparing him to what she had seen while caring for her 95-year-old father. He reminded me a lot of Biden, just things that come out of (Bidens) mouth, Doerr said. I just dont think hes fit to be president for four more years, she added. He may have been when he first ran, but not now. The poll also illustrated familiar ideological divides. It found that Republicans are more likely than Democrats to use words like slow and confused to describe Biden, 25% to 7%, as well as words like corrupt and crooked (14% to 0%) and weak or unqualified (9% to 2%). For Trump, meanwhile, the top comments among Republicans include the generally positive (15%) along with things like strong (11%) and mentions of America or patriotism (8%), along with mentions of the presidency or leadership (6%). Even some Republicans use negative words to describe Trump, though, including labels such as loudmouth or angry (7%). Others mentioned arrogance or pompousness (6%), narcissism (5%) or other generally negative comments (6%). Democrats are more likely than Republicans to cite corruption (25% to 4%) and dishonesty (12% to 4%) to describe Trump. Seven percent of Democrats mention racism, bigotry, homophobia or misogyny among their top words to describe the former president. Those words were hardly invoked by any Republicans in the poll. Susan Grant, a 66-year-old retired office manager for a nonprofit physician membership association from Westfield, Indiana, said Trump does not need to run again for any office. Hes not fit. But she added that, While I respect Biden, I think hes too old. I do feel like hes at the age where he probably needs to not run, said Grant, a Republican. Im not saying hes not able. But, overall, I would like to see younger people running for president. Instead of soaring above the clouds at several hundred miles per hour, he plods along on the ground. The roar of jet engines is replaced by the rattle of a metal beverage cart rolling over bumpy roads 300 miles of them. Through cities, small towns and vast, empty rural areas, Paul Veneto travels step by step, yard by yard, mile by mile to make a point: The four flight crews who came under attack on Sept. 11, 2001, were that terrible days first victims of terror. In Venetos estimation, they were too quickly forgotten. This is why the retired United Airlines flight attendant is crisscrossing Pennsylvania on his third journey to pay tribute to all the flight crews lost that day. His first trek, from Logan International Airport to Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood tall, took place on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. READ MORE: Dateline Shanksville: 20 years of reports as a Pa. coal field becomes 9/11 hallowed ground In an interview with PennLive during a pit stop at Dunkin Donuts in Lemoyne, Paul said he got the idea for the beverage cart tribute way back on the terror strikes first anniversary. Thats when he first sensed that the story of the flight attendants the beginning point of the tragedy were already being lost. It took him 20 years and his retirement for the Boston-based former flight attendant to finally pull it off. His beverage cart trek has become known as Paulies Push. Veneto worked nearly another decade after 9/11. But serving passengers was never the same. He and many of his airline colleagues traumatized by 9/11 were convinced it was only a matter of time before the terrorists tried it again. Paul said he was ready. His eyes roamed the cabin looking for anything anyone unusual. You couldnt drop a pin on a plane without me knowing about it, he said. I was like a cat on the plane. Paul said he almost welcomed another attack. I was waiting every single time I got on a plane. I wanted revenge, he said. But wired and hypervigilant was no way to work or live. I wasnt too stable, Paul recalled. I dont know how I lasted another 10 years working. At one point, Paul said he reached for prescription painkillers to numb it all away. As he plunged into addiction, all his plans for the beverage cart tribute seemed to fade away, too. In the end, Paul said he realized painkillers werent the remedy for his emotional pain. Purpose was. When I put that stuff down, I knew I was going to do this. I just knew, he said. A clean-and-sober Paul phoned up a group of grade school buddies, letting them know the beverage cart tribute was back on just in time for the two-decade anniversary in 2021. Is this for real? Stephen Lynch, one of Pauls friends from the Boston area, shot back. I didnt believe it. These days, Lynch trails behind Paul as he pushes the beverage cart, driving an RV emblazoned with words and images commemorating the four flight crews and Paulies Push to honor them. The RV was donated by one of Pauls many supporters after his first trek to honor United Flight 175. This maiden voyage was the one most personal to Paul. As he puts it, he got off the same plane the night before. The doomed crew, most of whom Paul knew, replaced him the next morning. For the rest of his working life, he kept a collage of their pictures taped to the carry-on bag he rolled through airports before his every trip. After retirement, it was time to roll his beverage cart for another, much deeper reason: To remember the crews who went to work like any other day, only to have it cost them everything. Paul says a new generation of flight attendants will never know what it was like in the weeks, months and years following the trauma of 9/11. The skies were never friendly again. Potential terrorists seemed to be everywhere and nowhere. These days, flight crews seem to have more to fear from unruly passengers and embarrassing social media posts. No wonder the airports where he departs for each of his beverage cart tributes make a big ceremony of it. The airline industry remembers its own, even all these years later. I understand these new flight attendants, theres no way they can begin to comprehend it, Paul said. This years journey began early this month at Newark Airport, where United Flight 93 originated on that brilliantly blue Tuesday morning. Paul calls it his most challenging trip yet some ten times longer than last years 30-mile sojourn from Dulles Airport to the Pentagon to mark American Flight 77. Next year, Paul plans to complete his honoring of the four flight crews with a final trip from Boston to Ground Zero to commemorate American Flight 11. The roads and hills of Pennsylvania are giving the 64-year-old a workout. Hes sunburned and pealing. The rattle of the beverage cart vibrates up his arms a feeling that lasts long after hes done pushing for the day. Im not an athlete, trust me, he said. Its a mental thing. He rolled through Harrisburg Monday, including a stop at the Capitol. Hell push on from Lemoyne bright and early Tuesday. Paul said he likes to log a dozen miles a day, except for certain designated rest days. As he looks ahead to his expected arrival at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville in time for yet another somber commemoration of 9/11, Paul said hes ahead of schedule. But his trip is about the journey, as much as it is the destination. The sight of Paul pushing the cart, plus all the images and signs emblazoned on the RV that trails along behind him, brings it all back for so many who lived through 9/11. People have been fabulous out there, he said. The people that come out of their homes, or drive up beside me, or come down their driveways and wait for me Oh, I get emotional. Pauls voice breaks then. He falls silent. Clearly, his long slog behind the beverage cart isnt the only thing thats draining. And when he finally reaches Shanksville for 9/11, the emotional part will be only beginning. An earthquake near Cleveland Sunday night was felt by some Pennsylvanians as well as western New York residents, according to multiple reports. The quake happened at 10:43 p.m. and was centered in Madison, Ohio, about 45 minutes northeast of Cleveland along the Lake Erie coast. Initially, the quake was measured at a 4.0 magnitude on the Richter scale, but the U.S. Geological Survey later downgraded it to 3.6. A little shaking going on Sunday night in NE Ohio. Here are a few views of the magnitude 4.0 #earthquake from some of the @ODOT_Statewide traffic cameras at https://t.co/y2mdfitzGi. Details about the quake here: https://t.co/cjhiK6pNIj pic.twitter.com/UrI7LNHwni Matt Bruning (@mbruning81) August 28, 2023 Western Pennsylvania residents as far southeast as Allegheny County, about two hours from Cleveland, reported feeling the effects of the earthquake. A resident of Natrona Heights in northern Allegheny County told WPXI-TV that it felt as if someone had fallen down the stairs. Madison resident Rick Fike told WOIO-TV news that there was a tremendous boom that shook his house and sent neighbors scurrying into the street thinking there was an explosion. Fike said the shaking was enough to rattle windows and send photos falling off walls. He also said there was a brief aftershock about 25 minutes later. The quake, which was felt as far away as Buffalo, N.Y., was the second one to strike in Madison in a week. WOIO reported last week that a 2.3 magnitude earthquake occurred on Aug. 24. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has removed college credit requirements for cadets, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Monday, with the hope of opening up state police careers to a wider pool of candidates and alleviating the slowdown in applicants the agency is seeing. Shapiro, along with State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris and other PSP leaders, announced the change effective immediately at a press conference at the state police academy in Hershey. For nearly 30 years, college credit requirements have prevented some of the most capable and committed from being able to serve our commonwealth, Shapiro said, and that we all agree that this flexibility will allow us to recruit more well-qualified applicants. Until Monday, those wishing to become state troopers had to have 60 college credits some of which could be waived with previous law enforcement or military experience - in order to enter the academy, Paris said. With the removal of that requirement, applicants will still need a high school diploma or equivalent, be between the ages of 21 and 40 at the time they start the academy, and be able to pass a rigorous background check and physical and mental examinations. Both Shapiro and Paris expressed confidence that the state police academy will continue to turn out quality officers even without the college requirement, which they said has often just served as an unnecessary barrier to entry. I do not expect to see a drop-off in the ability or caliber of those who go on to successfully graduate from our training academy and become troopers, Paris said. The academy is a 28-week course and has been continually expanded, Paris said, most recently with the addition of crisis intervention and de-escalation training that takes the curriculum to over 1,300 hours. All aspiring state troopers, even those with prior law enforcement experience, go through the academy. Mondays change for the PSP is part of a broader effort by Shapiro to ease up on college requirements for state employees in deference to practical skills and ability. One of Shapiros first acts immediately upon taking office earlier this year was to eliminate hard college requirements from those executive branch positions that still had them and to emphasize experience in lieu of a degree for other state job postings. Making college requirements the focus of job offerings knocked people out from even beginning the process, Shapiro said, and his office has seen anecdotal evidence, positively, that people with the skills that we want working in government are now applying, whereas they didnt before. Were seeing reason to believe that without these credit or degree requirements were going to get a broader range of people applying, and thats a good thing for the commonwealth and of course a good thing for the state police, Shapiro continued. The PSP has been warning that its applicant pool is thinning. Shapiro said that the agency has seen just 1,800 applicants for this years academy classes; as recently as 2019, that number was around 8,000. The 2023-24 state budget funds 384 new troopers coming through the academy, which is expected to fill existing vacancies as well as those immediately upcoming due to retirements. The state police force is capped at 4,740 troopers by legislative fiat, but Paris and PSP leadership said at a budget hearing in March that roughly 800 troopers are eligible for retirement this year. That number is expected to grow to 1,300 by 2026 meaning the PSP may soon be facing major turnover pressures. Paris said in March that the drop in applicants might be due in part to younger people being less interested in jobs that take years to pay off in terms of pensions and other benefits although he also stressed Monday that base salaries for troopers are now up to $66,911 annually. Paris and Shapiro also pointed to what Paris described as issues with the operating environment, particularly with the recent headline-grabbing line-of-duty deaths of PSP troopers and other officers in Pennsylvania. Shapiro reiterated his often-used line that policing is a noble profession and that a key component of recruiting is that officers need to know youre going to have their back. The PSP provides law enforcement on state highways throughout the commonwealth, and is also the primary police agency for municipalities that dont have their own department. The agency also provides specialized functions for local police, such as forensics, tactical teams, and other services. Graduates of the academy typically spend at least three years on the road as a patrol trooper before becoming eligible to move into specialized roles, Paris said. More: Plan to stop diverting road dollars to state police could be final piece of Pa. budget Gov. Josh Shapiro refuses to intervene on Pa. police officer data disclosure By Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Earlier this year, I had the honor of becoming Pennsylvanias first Black lieutenant governor and the youngest lieutenant governor in the country. Next month, I will become something even more important a father. But Im worried about bringing a daughter into the world when firearms are now the number one cause of death for young people in America. According to a survey conducted in March, half of young Americans reported they felt unsafe in the previous month, and four in 10 were worried about becoming a victim of gun violence or a mass shooting. Of course, the threat of gun violence is not a new problem; its the issue that first brought me to public service. I was 15 years old, living in a working-class community near Pittsburgh with my mom and my sister, and gun violence came to our doorstep. Not 50 feet from our house, a man was shot. I decided to go to a city council meeting and find out what our representatives intended to do about it. I started a youth violence prevention program at my high school, and after graduating from college, I helped to start Allegheny Countys first violence prevention office. Today this work is more important than ever. Last year there were more than 300 shootings on school property. In recent months weve experienced a wave of horrifying mass shootings. This year in our state, police officers have been shot and killed in Brackenridge, Philadelphia and my hometown of McKeesport, and in June we lost a State Police trooper in a shooting in rural central Pennsylvania. Despite what you may hear, the epidemic of gun violence is not a Philadelphia or Harrisburg problem. Its a uniquely American problem. But its a problem we can do something about. In fact, there are glimmers of hope right now as elected officials, law enforcement and community members work together to address this violence. Homicides are declining in many major U.S. cities, including in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This is cold comfort for those who have lost loved ones and the residents who have been traumatized, but it is evidence that efforts on the ground by law enforcement officers and community-led organizations are making an impact. Public safety is one of the top priorities of the Shapiro-Davis Administration and Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe and be safe in their communities. Last month I launched a statewide Safer Communities tour as chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to learn more about the groups and individuals who are addressing gun violence in their communities. In Pittsburgh, I met with Father Paul Abernathy, an Orthodox priest and Iraq War veteran who is leading the Neighborhood Resilience Project, which deploys a mobile trauma response unit across Allegheny County whenever there is a shooting. I heard from Tiff Lowe, who once led a life of crime and now heads up York citys Group Violence Intervention project. In Allentown, I talked with Jeani Garcia, a mother whose son was murdered and who now works to stop the cycle of violence through the Promise Neighborhoods organization. Hearing how these Pennsylvanians are turning their pain into purpose was truly inspiring. We need a comprehensive response to make sure their efforts arent in vain. We must support common-sense gun safety proposals that have broad support amongst Americans of every political persuasion. The Pennsylvania House recently took bold, bipartisan action on legislation that would require background checks on every sale of a firearm and provide a mechanism for loved ones, family members or law enforcement to ask a judge to hold a hearing to temporarily disarm someone in crisis, also known as an extreme risk protection order or red flag law. I encourage my colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate to take up these bills as soon as possible. We must continue to invest in community-based organizations like the Neighborhood Resilience Project and Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley. The Shapiro-Davis budget makes record state funding investments in grants and technical assistance to address community violence throughout the Commonwealth, including $40 million through the Violence Intervention and Prevention program, which has supported these organizations in their vital work. Finally, we must address the root causes of violence, like poverty and unemployment. Its critical that we create ladders of opportunity, through high-quality public schools, workforce development, apprenticeships and career and technical education, so every kid has the freedom to chart their own course and achieve their dreams. Thats what I want for my daughter a safe community and the opportunity for her to become whoever she wants to be. Austin Davis is Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By Andrew Dinniman It was a beautiful spring day this year at the Lincoln University Commencement. A day where hope springs eternal. Honorary degrees were presented to Gov. Josh Shapiro and educator Steve Perry. Shapiro was honored for his commitment to educational opportunity and Perry for establishing the Capital Prep Magnet School, where 100% of impoverished students go on to 4-year universities, including Lincoln. If only the governor and educator could have talked together about their common mission: lifting up students from poor, failing schools. Can educational change happen? Dr Perry showed it can. Can it happen in Pennsylvania? Thats the real question before the legislature. For 12 years, as Democratic chair of the Senate Education Committee, I sat through endless hearings on failing schools. As a result, I agree with Perry when he advocates that all options, including vouchers, must be on the table. We are in the midst of an education emergency. It is simply unacceptable that most of the 15% of failing schools have been on the list for decades, yet nothing changed. Why? At the hearings rarely did we hear the voices of the students and the parents impacted. Rather, it was a parade of representatives from the educational gatekeepers: unions, foundations, consultants, and advocacy groups. The gatekeepers have fortified their views for so long that they didnt hear the points of others and refused to compromise. They often gave campaign funds to legislators who agreed with them, creating a deadlocked legislature, while another generation of students attended dead-end schools. The interests of these groups are not always in sync with the interests and needs of students. Increased funding for schools is vital and we celebrate the recent court decision which obligates the legislature to fund schools fairly. But rebuilding our schools requires much more than money. We must educate and empower students as individuals since each student learns differently. Choice must be an important piece of our overall strategy. Vouchers can be part of the solution, but these vouchers must have academic safeguards. A sampling of safeguards would include: State paid Educator Navigators who help parents and students understand their educational choice, including vouchers and which school best fits their needs and expectations. Transparency from all schools receiving vouchers. Schools would be required to put their curriculum, teaching approach, student evaluation and advising online, so that students and parents can make informed choices An Individualized Education Plan should be developed for every student and signed by the school, parent, and student. Creation of new vouchered and teacher-run schools that empower teachers to establish the parameters needed for successful learning A Required Annual Report to the community on the successes and failures of each school Accountability at all levels of education is essential and I have discussed some ways to create vouchers with academic safeguards. The Education Code, not yet approved, could provide for a study of some of these safeguards, so they are ready if in the next budget vouchers are implemented. It is important to remember that based on the recent court decision, more money will have to be provided to underfunded schools, and vouchers, paid by the state, do not take any money away from failing schools. Rather they provide more money for students in the areas served by such schools. In signing the budget, Gov. Shapiro made it clear that expanding education opportunities for all children is a top priority and meeting that need is unfinished business. Vouchers and parental choice are part of that unfinished business. The questions for legislators are would they send their own children to failing schools? If not, why are poor parents forced to do so? All parents want their children in schools where they can learn, are safe, and are in a place that radiates hope and possibilities. School vouchers are not magic, they are one approach among many including: magnet schools, charters, private schools, and redesigned public schools. Vouchers are not new in education. In higher education we have government grants that allow a student to go to the public or private institution of their choice. As the saying goes, e\Education is more than the filling of a pail, it is the lighting of a fire. Steve Perry lit the fire for his students, Gov. Shapiro deserves praise for challenging the Commonwealth to do the same. The gatekeepers, including the legislature, need to reject the status quo. Failing schools have crushed the hopes and dreams of too many students. Andrew Dinniman, Ed.D., is Professor Emeritus at West Chester University. Energy savings from electric utilities' efficiency programs for customers have stagnated in recent years, according to the Utility Energy Efficiency Scorecard released today (Aug 24) by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Scorecard evaluates 53 of the largest U.S. electric utilities on their incentive and other programs for energy-saving improvements and finds that energy savings dropped 5.4% between 2018 and 2021. The Scorecard includes a large-scale assessment of utility performance on energy equity, finding major gaps in bringing energy savings to underserved households. Utility programs are the primary drivers of energy savings in most states, and leading utilities can serve as models. Eversource Massachusetts topped the Scorecard for the third consecutive time. Rounding out the top five utilities are Pacific Gas & Electric in California (#2), National Grid Massachusetts (#3), Commonwealth Edison in Illinois (#4), and DTE in Michigan (#5). Overall, the report finds a wide range of performance, but only 15 of the utilities earn at least half of the Scorecard's points. The report also finds many opportunities for improvement, even among the leaders. "Amid ever-higher temperatures and increasingly common extreme weather, most utilities, regulators, and state policymakers should do a lot more to help reduce energy waste," said Mike Specian, utilities manager at ACEEE and lead author of the Scorecard. "Now is the time for bold action by all utilities and states to scale up energy efficiency efforts rapidly. What they're doing today is not enough." Most utilities that score well are in states that have enacted robust energy savings targets and provide strong regulatory support for achieving those targets. Virginia illustrates the importance of a robust policy framework for successful efficiency programs. Dominion Virginia moved to 27th place, up from 50th place in the 2020 Scorecard, largely due to a 2020 law requiring electric utilities to establish efficiency programs that achieve specific energy-saving targets. In Michigan, the legislature is considering a proposal to increase utility energy-saving targets to 2% of annual sales starting in 2025, which could vault the state's energy companies past the perennial leaders in Massachusetts and California. 2023 Utility Energy Efficiency Scorecard rankings Most utilities have significant room for improvement on equity in efficiency programs As part of its expanded focus on equity, the Scorecard includes metrics that were developed as part of a multiyear consultation process with community-based organizations. Eversource Massachusetts and Pacific Gas & Electric stand out for earning 84% of the equity points available, but more than three-quarters of the utilities scored less than half the equity points available. "Low-income communities and communities of color often face significant barriers preventing them from participating in utility efficiency programs. Centering equity in energy efficiency means not just providing efficiency incentives to underserved communities but also working with them to design programs that best serve them," Specian said. The Scorecard looks at how utilities handle customers at risk of having their electric service disconnected, which can severely damage people's health and well-being by depriving them of safe living temperatures, refrigeration, and the use of medical equipment. Only 13 of the utilities direct customers at risk of service disconnection toward energy efficiency programs, which can reduce utility bills and make shutoffs less likely. This is particularly important because utilities disconnected service to more than four million customers last year. Because energy efficiency supports more than 2.2 million American jobs, the Scorecard evaluates utilities on how they ensure diverse workforces for their efficiency programs. Over half 28 utilities achieve none of the Scorecard's workforce diversity measures. Twenty-one earn some workforce points, with the majority of that group having only diversity requirements for suppliers or contractors. Only four utilities score full points for their workforce efforts, including Consolidated Edison in New York. Among its leading workforce policies are publishing employee demographics annually; using diversity, equity, and inclusion goals to guide decision-making; and linking executive compensation to meeting those goals. Only two utilities Eversource Massachusetts and National Grid Massachusetts score full points for reaching customers who do not speak English. Those utilities have language access plans that track program participation and energy savings by customers whose primary language is not English, and the utilities have educational materials on their efficiency programs in 13 languages. Almost 80% of utilities scored receive no credit for language access. Lowest-performing utilities have little to no energy savings The five lowest-scoring utilities are Ohio Edison (#53), Florida Power and Light (#52), Alabama Power (#51), Duke Ohio (#50), and American Electric Power Ohio (#49). Ohio utilities score poorly because of a 2019 law that eliminated utility efficiency programs in the state. Nearly all of the 5% drop in energy savings nationally in recent years can be attributed to the elimination of Ohio's efficiency programs. The 2023 Utility Scorecard evaluates the 50 largest electric utilities in the country by retail sales volume as well as three other utilities that were assessed in previous editions of the Scorecard. The 53 utilities in this year's Scorecard serve around 79 million residential customers, or about 60% of all U.S. households. ACEEE previously published Utility Scorecards in 2017 and 2020. Story by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the powerful to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG Pennsylvania will not release a state-maintained database of certified police officers, even after a national coalition of newsrooms asked Gov. Josh Shapiro to intervene. The newsrooms, including Spotlight PA, sent a letter on July 14 asking for the Democratic governor to assist with accessing public information about police officers that Pennsylvania State Police maintain. https://www.spotlightpa.org/embeds/newsletter/ https://www.spotlightpa.org/embeds/newsletter/ This type of information is the bedrock of what Americans expect to access from their public bodies, the letter to Shapiro reads. We are collecting and analyzing the data in an effort to hold the systems that govern policing in each state accountable to the citizens they serve, by allowing journalists and researchers to analyze the employment history of officers that, when compared with other data and sources, may enable reporting on issues of police misconduct and oversight. Shapiros office, in a response this week, declined to step in. For law enforcement officers under his jurisdiction, Governor Shapiro continues to make this data available to the public in a responsible way that does not compromise trooper safety which is our utmost priority, said Will Simons, Shapiros communications director. However, the Pennsylvania State Police is not responsible for the administration of the other 1,300 law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania and has no way of knowing which officers from those agencies are putting their lives on the line in dangerous undercover or covert operations, Simons said. The letter comes after Pennsylvania State Police denied the newsrooms request under the Right-to-Know Law to release the data earlier this year. The database is maintained by the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission, an internal State Police body that certifies local police officers. The information contained in the data, such as name, rank, and employment history, is public. But in 2014, Commonwealth Court ruled State Police did not have to release it because the agency did not know which officers were doing undercover work and could not redact their names. Simons said that members of the public, as well as the media, can access information about officers from individual departments. But the newsrooms argue that without access to the database, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to create a record of all certified officers statewide, as there are more than a thousand police departments in Pennsylvania, if not more. Such a result is at odds with the [Right-to-Know Law], the letter reads. The laws presumption in favor of transparency is explicit. The coalition of newsrooms, which includes Spotlight PA as well as the Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY, sought the database as part of an ongoing national project to identify wandering officers who have been fired for misconduct from one department and hired again elsewhere. The outlets were convened in 2019 by Big Local News, a program of Stanford Universitys Journalism and Democracy Initiative that helps journalists collect, process, and analyze public data. Since 2019, 34 other states have provided newsrooms access to police rosters without compromising public safety. These include Connecticut and Montana, where officials alerted local police departments to the request and allowed the agencies to identify undercover officers for removal. Pennsylvania is one of 15 states that denied the newsrooms requests, instead exempting police officers from a law that otherwise lets the public to know the names and job titles of the government workers who collect taxpayer-funded salaries. Withholding the names and employment histories of police officers makes accountability difficult in a state where it is nearly impossible to know how many police departments exist and where loopholes hinder oversight mechanisms. Pennsylvanias largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as the state government itself, already voluntarily publish employee rosters that include police officers. This kind of disclosure is important, said Chris Burbank, a former Salt Lake City Police chief who now consults for the Center for Policing Equity, because residents should have the right to investigate (if) bad cops are going from agency to agency. Pennsylvania has a history of such officers finding new jobs in law enforcement after leaving a prior department due to misconduct. In 2022, Tioga Borough, a tiny Pennsylvania town, hired Timothy Loehmann, the officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice as he played in a Cleveland park. Controversy following the hire unraveled the town and ground government to a halt. Thats where there should be more public disclosure on those things, as opposed to hiding it away, Burbank said. Sam Stecklow of the Invisible Institute contributed reporting. WHILE YOURE HERE If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. An aerial photo taken from a helicopter Wednesday showing Cathedral Lakes Lodge on Quiniscoe Lake. The lodge facility survived the Crater Creek wildfire, but 44,000 hectares of forest around it did not. IRENA endorses UN resolution proclaiming 26th January as International Day of Clean Energy, calling it a meaningful step towards achieving a just and inclusive energy transition. Today (Aug 25th), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution proclaiming the 26th January as the International Day of Clean Energy, the anniversary day of the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009. By selecting the 26th January, the 193 Member States of the UNGA acknowledge IRENA's leading role in accelerating the global, renewables-based energy transition. Welcoming the UN resolution, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: "It is with much enthusiasm that I applaud the UN and its Member States, including the United Arab Emirates and Panama as co-facilitators of the resolution, on their decision to create an International Day of Clean Energy. It is proof, that since the foundation of IRENA on the 26th of January 2009, the energy transition has taken centre-stage to fight climate change, enhance human welfare and drive an urgent and systemic shift for increased energy access, reduced inequalities, improved energy security, and prosperous and resilient economies and societies." By creating a day focused on clean energy, the UN underscores the importance of inclusivity and offers a dedicated day for both traditional and non-traditional actors to showcase their contributions to more affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy systems that ultimately help accelerate progress towards the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. La Camera added: "Launching an International Day of Clean Energy is a powerful way to remind the world of its commitment to universal clean energy access and meeting the Paris Agreement climate goal." With COP28 in Dubai approaching, this UN decision highlights the need for a unified global approach to energy issues. In line with IRENA's 1.5C scenario and the COP28 agenda, the UN resolution emphasises the need to increase the share of renewables and clean energy by 2030 for a just and sustainable energy transition. IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook calls for a tripling of annual renewable power capacity additions from around 300 gigawatts (GW) to 1000 GW on average until 2030 globally. Global Poker USPO Midway Update: PattyC & FlushMe2Tears Two-Time Winners August 28, 2023 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S. The Global Poker US Poker Open is back for a third season in collaboration with PokerGO's US Poker Open (USPO) in Las Vegas. The series passed its halfway mark over the weekend, and the final week is underway! In addition to the 64 trophy events, the Global Poker USPO will feature multiple satellites every day, starting from SC 5.5 for the SC 33 tournaments and SC 16.5 for the SC 99 tournaments. Be on the lookout for reward drops, which can be used for the SC 5.5 and SC 16.5 satellites. Make sure to claim the Global Poker bonus code when you sign up to Global Poker. Use the code POKERNEWS and receive 150,000 Gold Coins for $10, as well as 30 FREE Sweeps Coins! The biggest storyline thus far has been a pair of two-time winners, one on the Gold Coin side and the other on the Sweeps Coin side. Regarding the former, FlushMe2Tears kicked thing off on Monday, August 21 by topping a 462-entry field to win Event #01L GC 20,000,000 GTD NLH for GC 4,789,785. Two days later, they were back at it besting a 272-entry field to win Event #03L GC 12,500,000 GTD 6-Max for GC 3,318,480. 2023 USPO Gold Coin Winners Thus Far... *Date Event Buy-in Entries Player Winnings* Monday, August 21 01L - GC 20,000,000 GTD GC 33,000 462 "FlushMe2Tears" GC 4,789,785 Monday, August 21 01H - GC 40,000,000 GTD GC 99,000 364 "Bokerpux" GC 11,631,510 Tuesday, August 22 02L - GC 12,500,000 GTD Progressive Bounty GC 33,000 449 "BekeraWorlds" GC 1,910,165.64 Tuesday, August 22 02H - GC 25,000,000 GTD Progressive Bounty GC 99,000 349 "Ship1TimePlz" GC 7,234,368.75 Wednesday, August 23 03L - GC 12,500,000 GTD 6-Max GC 33,000 272 "FlushMe2Tears" GC 3,318,480 Wednesday, August 23 03H - GC 30,000,000 GTD PLO GC 99,000 233 "LIL KID POKER" GC 8,909,505 Thursday, August 24 04L - GC 10,000,000 GTD Super Bounty 6-Max GC 33,000 428 "Stealthexe" GC 1,321,590 Thursday, August 24 04H - GC 25,000,000 GTD Super Bounty 6-Max GC 99,000 302 "Stanam" GC 3,431,655 Friday, August 25 05L - GC 15,000,000 GTD Progressive Bounty GC 33,000 392 "BoilermakerKSR" GC 2,200,810 Friday, August 25 05H - GC 30,000,000 GTD Progressive Bounty GC 99,000 302 "STAGGERLEA" GC 4,463,053 Saturday, August 26 06L - GC 10,000,000 GTD 1R1A GC 33,000 268 "Taterflash83" GC 2,895,000 Saturday, August 26 06H - GC 25,000,0000 GTD 1R1A GC 99,000 240 "FEltonJohn" GC 8,262,000 Sunday, August 27 07L - GC 15,000,000 GTD 8-Max Super Deep GC 33,000 384 "Hollerguy" GC 2,925,000 Sunday, August 27 07H - GC 40,000,000 GTD 8-Max Super Deep GC 99,000 311 "Bingoray" GC 8,000,000 Sunday, August 27 08L - GC 10,000,000 GTD Progressive Bounty Turbo GC 33,000 252 "KingFido1" GC 1,846,598.76 Sunday, August 27 08H - GC 20,000,000 GTD Progressive Bounty Turbo GC 99,000 239 "OgGab" GC 3,393,210.97 On the Sweeps Coin side, PattyC won their first event on Tuesday, August 22 when the topped a 1,037-entry field to win Event #02L SC 25,000 GTD NLH for SC 3,865.15, and then four days later on Saturday, August 26 they navigated a 479-entry field to win Event #06L SC 20,000 GTD 1 Rebuy/1 Add-On NLH for SC 5,038.61. 2023 USPO Sweeps Coin Winners Thus Far... *Date Event Buy-in Entries Player Winnings* Monday, August 21 01L - SC 40,000 GTD SC 33 869 "DeuceNukem" SC 8,653.7 Monday, August 21 01H - SC 80,000 GTD SC 99 412 "Logan08" SC 15,160 Tuesday, August 22 02L - SC 25,000 GTD SC 33 1,037 "PattyC" SC 3,865.15 Tuesday, August 22 02H - SC 60,000 GTD SC 99 522 "AceFromSpace" SC 8,852.41 Wednesday, August 23 03L - SC 25,000 GTD PLO SC 33 459 "BustoRobusto" SC 5,019.86 Wednesday, August 23 03H - SC 50,000 GTD PLO SC 99 237 "Pokerlayer79" SC 10,975 Thursday, August 24 04L - SC 20,000 GTD Super Bounty 6-Max SC 33 838 "Nacho Day" SC 2,234.2 Thursday, August 24 04H - SC 50,000 GTD Super Bounty 6-Max SC 99 447 "FishSamich" SC 6,158.21 Friday, August 25 05L - SC 30,000 GTD Progressive Bounty SC 33 945 "Flush634" SC 4,002 Friday, August 25 05H - SC 60,000 GTD Progressive Bounty SC 99 486 "Scubajub" SC 10,061 Saturday, August 26 06L - SC 20,000 GTD 1R1A SC 33 479 "PattyC" SC 5038.61 Saturday, August 26 06H - SC 50,000 GTD 1R1A SC 99 262 "TheTexican" SC 9,650 Sunday, August 27 07L - SC 30,000 GTD 8-Max Super Deep SC 33 1,147 "OldYoungNuts" SC 5,815.3 Sunday, August 27 07H - SC 80,000 GTD 8-Max Super Deep SC 99 809 "FakeAZN" SC 14,160 Sunday, August 27 08L - SC 20,000 GTD Progressive Bounty Turbo SC 33 666 "Eleveneleven" SC 2,732.55 Sunday, August 27 08H - SC 40,000 GTD Progressive Bounty Turbo SC 99 427 "StreetFlash" SC 5,850.2 Win a Trip to Las Vegas The Global Poker US Open series will feature 64 unique trophy events and will be headlined by the GC 125,000,000 guaranteed and SC 250,000 guaranteed Main Events. In total, the series will feature GC 757,500,000 and SC 1,515,000 in guaranteed prize pools. There will also be leaderboards for the players competing in the series. The overall GC Leaderboard Champion will win the GP X USPO Champion hoodie, additional Global Poker X USPO apparel, the Golden Crown Trophy and five free entries to a Global Poker Golden Scrimmage tournament. Meanwhile, the overall SC leaderboard champion will win a $5,000 trip to Las Vegas, where they will be presented with a $5,000 check and other prizes inside the PokerGO Studio. As of press time, lapochka888 sits atop the Gold Coin leaderboard with 1,167.33 points with FlushMe2Tears hot on their heels with 1,116.48. On the Sweeps Coin leaderboard, flush634 is on top with 547.52 points, while PattyC isnt too far behind with 521.87 points. The remaining Gold and Sweeps Coins schedules for the Global Poker USPO are available in the tables below. Remaining Global Poker USPO Gold Coins Schedule DATE TIME TITLE BUY-IN (IN GC) GUARANTEE Monday, August 28, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 09 L - GC 12,500,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, Turbo] 33,000 12,500,000 Monday, August 28, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 09 H - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, Turbo] 99,000 25,000,000 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 10 L - GC 10,000,000 Guaranteed [Super Bounty, Deep] 33,000 10,000,000 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 10 H - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [Super Bounty, Deep] 99,000 25,000,000 Wednesday, August 30, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 11 L - GC 15,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 6-Max] 33,000 15,000,000 Wednesday, August 30, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 11 H - GC 30,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 6-Max] 99,000 30,000,000 Thursday, August 31, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 12 L - GC 10,000,000 Guaranteed [Progressive Bounty, 6-Max, Deep] 33,000 10,000,000 Thursday, August 31, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 12 H - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [Progressive Bounty, 6-Max, Deep] 99,000 25,000,000 Friday, September 1, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 13 L - GC 15,000,000 Guaranteed [Super Deep] 33,000 15,000,000 Friday, September 1, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 13 H - GC 30,000,000 Guaranteed [Super Deep] 99,000 30,000,000 Saturday, September 2, 2023 17:00 US Poker Open 14 L - GC 10,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 8-Max] 33,000 10,000,000 Saturday, September 2, 2023 18:00 US Poker Open 14 H - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 8-Max] 99,000 25,000,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 17:00 US Poker Open 15 L - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] 33,000 25,000,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 18:00 US Poker Open 15 H - Main Event - GC 125,000,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] 99,000 125,000,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 16 L - GC 10,000,000 Guaranteed [Turbo] 33,000 10,000,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 16 H - GC 25,000,000 Guaranteed [Turbo] 99,000 25,000,000 Remaining Global Poker USPO Sweeps Coins Schedule DATE TIME TITLE BUY-IN (IN SC) GUARANTEE Monday, August 28, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 09 L - SC 25,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, Turbo] 33 25,000 Monday, August 28, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 09 H - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, Turbo] 99 50,000 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 10 L - SC 20,000 Guaranteed [Super Bounty, Deep] 33 20,000 Tuesday, August 29, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 10 H - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [Super Bounty, Deep] 99 50,000 Wednesday, August 30, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 11 L - SC 30,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 6-Max] 33 30,000 Wednesday, August 30, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 11 H - SC 60,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 6-Max] 99 60,000 Thursday, August 31, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 12 L - SC 20,000 Guaranteed [Progressive Bounty, 6-Max, Deep] 33 20,000 Thursday, August 31, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 12 H - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [Progressive Bounty, 6-Max, Deep] 99 50,000 Friday, September 1, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 13 L - SC 30,000 Guaranteed [Super Deep] 33 30,000 Friday, September 1, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 13 H - SC 60,000 Guaranteed [Super Deep] 99 60,000 Saturday, September 2, 2023 17:00 US Poker Open 14 L - SC 20,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 8-Max] 33 20,000 Saturday, September 2, 2023 18:00 US Poker Open 14 H - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [1R1A, 8-Max] 99 50,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 17:00 US Poker Open 15 L - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] 33 50,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 18:00 US Poker Open 15 H - Main Event - SC 250,000 Guaranteed [1R1A] 99 250,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 20:30 US Poker Open 16 L - SC 20,000 Guaranteed [Turbo] 33 20,000 Sunday, September 3, 2023 21:30 US Poker Open 16 H - SC 50,000 Guaranteed [Turbo] 99 50,000 Sharelines Check out all the winners thus far in the 2023 US Poker Open online festival on @official_glp. Goran Mandic Goes All-In Blind to Win Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller Trophy (418,980) August 28, 2023 Matt Warburton Live Reporter The PokerStars Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller, which ran at the Casino Barcelona, has now concluded. The event attracted 2,214 entries over the course of two starting flights to make for a prize pool of 4,250,880. Of those, 332 players made it through to Day 2 and locked up at least the min-cash of 3,400. By the end of Day 2, just ten players remained. Conor Beresford came back to the felt as the chip leader on Day 3 and remained out in front until he lost a huge pot when his aces were cracked by Antoine Labat with pocket jacks. Labat continued to accumulate chips and make it to third place as chip leader, at which point a deal was made. Labat earned the most from the deal, taking 500,000 in an ICM (Independent Chip Model) split. The final three then flipped all in blind for the trophy. Goran Mandic came out on top to claim the trophy and the title as the official winner of the event. He earned 418,980 from the deal. Final Table Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 Goran Mandic Croatia 418,980* 2 Antoine Labat France 500,000* 3 Yunsheng Sun China 385,240* 4 Thomas Saminadin France 215,390 5 Conor Beresford UK 165,230 6 Rodrigo Noceda Mexico 126,630 7 Candido Cappiello Italy 96,960 8 Bart Lybaert Belgium 74,130 9 Edilson Marques Brazil 58,580 * denotes three-way deal Antoine Labat Day 3 Action Ten players returned to the felt for the final day of the Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller. After just 20 minutes of play, Castro was the first to bust after shoving from the small blind and getting called by Noceda in the big blind. With that, the final table was drawn. Beresford had a significant chip lead going onto the final table, more than 2:1 over second-place Noceda. Marques was the first to bust from the final table when he shoved from the blinds and was called by Saminadin. Next to go was Lybaert, who shoved and was called by Cappiello, who held up with the better hand. At this point, Beresford still held the chip lead, but that all changed when he got his aces in against Labats jacks. Labat rivered a set to win the pot and double up. That knocked Beresford off the top spot for the first time since the end of Day 2 and brought Labat into the lead. Shortly afterwards, Sun doubled up through Cappiello. Saminadin was also gaining chips and momentarily took the lead when he got it in good to bust Cappiello in seventh place. Both Sun and Labat then doubled through Saminadin to bring his stack back down. Labat once again took the lead. Soon after the first break, Noceda was next to bust. He shoved and was called by Saminadin, who held up and gained a few million for his stack. Noceda was followed to the rail by Beresford, who made a reshove and ran into ace-king. Beresford was the chip leader at the start of the day, but had to settle for fifth place and 165,230. Conor Beresford Saminadins deep run ended shortly after when he called off his chips in the big blind as the slight favorite in the hand, only to be busted by Mandic. He came in fourth for 215,390. The action went three-handed and after only a few minutes, players decided to look at the numbers for a deal. An ICM deal was made, and the final three payouts were confirmed. Yunsheng Sun took 385,240 as third in chips, Mandic took 418,980 for second in chips, and Labat took 500,000 as the chip leader. All that was left was to see who would claim the official title and trophy. For that, players opted to spin it blind. Four hands was all it took to decide the outcome. Mandic prevailed to earn himself the trophy. Sharelines The event attracted 2,214 entries over the course of two starting flights to make for a prize pool of 4,250,880 Excitement will be in the air at Casino Barcelona for an added day on the schedule, as the final six competitors return to crown a champion in the 1,100 Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event. Day 5 of this record event at the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour Barcelona sees Lucien Cohen lead the way, sitting down with almost 30 percent of the chips for a sizeable advantage at the final table. Lucien Cohen The Rat Man will look to add an ESPT title to the EPT trophy he claimed in Deauville back in 2011. Petros Karadimos and Danilo Velasevic will also take their seats with healthy stacks, both sitting above 40 big blinds as play resumes. The final six players standing from this record field of 7,398 entries have locked up at least 136,850, but everyone is chasing the largest piece of the record 7,102,080 prize pool, with todays winner earning the 676,230 top prize. Final Table Seat Draw Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Lucien Cohen France 65,500,000 66 2 Avihai Smadga Israel 11,000,000 11 3 Petros Karadimos Greece 42,200,000 42 6 Ferdinando D'Alessio Belgium 30,100,000 30 7 Danilo Velasevic Serbia 40,900,000 41 8 Ankit Ahuja India 32,200,000 32 Ferdinando D'Alessio The others giving chase include veteran Ankit Ahuja, who boasts over $1.5 million in live tournament earnings. Ahuja is closing in on his career-best cash of $330,134, looking to surpass that total under the ESPT spotlight today. Day 3 chip leader Ferdinando D'Alessio is next on the leaderboard after eliminating PokerStars Ambassador Parker Talbot on the final hand of Day 4, while Avihai Smadga enters the final day as the short stack. The native of Israel has already improved on his impressive 30th-place finish in this very event in Barcelona seven years ago. Remaining Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 676,230 2 415,320 3 294,620 4 232,090 5 177,810 6 136,850 7 Parker Talbot Canada 105,590 8 Igor Kaufman Israel 81,230 Play will get underway at 12:30 p.m. local time, with all the action streamed on the PokerStars YouTube and Twitch channels on a 30-minute delay. The tournament resumes on Level 38, seeing blinds of 500,000/1,000,000 with a 1,000,000 big blind ante. The final six will play down to a champion today, and the PokerNews reporting team will be there for complete coverage at EPT Barcelona. The PokerStars Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller, which ran at the Casino Barcelona, has now concluded. The event attracted 2,214 entries over the course of two starting flights to make for a prize pool of 4,250,880. Of those, 332 players made it through to Day 2 and locked up at least the min-cash of 3,400. By the end of Day 2, just ten players remained. Conor Beresford came back to the felt as the chip leader on Day 3 and remained out in front until he lost a huge pot when his aces were cracked by Antoine Labat with pocket jacks. Labat continued to accumulate chips and make it to third place as chip leader, at which point a deal was made. Labat earned the most from the deal, taking 500,000 in an ICM (Independent Chip Model) split. The final three then flipped all in blind for the trophy. Goran Mandic came out on top to claim the trophy and the title as the official winner of the event. He earned 418,980 from the deal. Final Table Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1st Goran Mandic Croatia 418,980* 2nd Antoine Labat France 500,000* 3rd Yunsheng Sun China 385,240* 4th Thomas Saminadin France 215,390 5th Conor Beresford UK 165,230 6th Rodrigo Noceda Mexico 126,630 7th Candido Cappiello Italy 96,960 8th Bart Lybaert Belgium 74,130 9th Edilson Marques Brazil 58,580 * denotes three-way deal Antoine Labat Day 3 Action Ten players returned to the felt for the final day of the Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller. After just 20 minutes of play, Castro was the first to bust after shoving from the small blind and getting called by Noceda in the big blind. With that, the final table was drawn. Beresford had a significant chip lead going onto the final table, more than 2:1 over second place Noceda. Marques was the first to bust from the final table when he shoved from the blinds and was called by Saminadin. Next to go was Lybaert, who shoved and was called by Cappiello, who held up with the better hand. At this point, Beresford still held the chip lead, but that all changed when he got his aces in against Labats jacks. Labat rivered a set to win the pot and double up. That knocked Beresford off the top spot for the first time since the end of Day 2 and brought Labat into the lead. Shortly afterwards, Sun doubled up through Cappiello. Saminadin was also gaining chips and momentarily took the lead when he got it in good to bust Cappiello in seventh place. Both Sun and Labat then doubled through Saminadin to bring his stack back down. Labat once again took the lead. Soon after the first break, Noceda was next to bust. He shoved and was called by Saminadin, who held up and gained a few million for his stack. Noceda was followed to the rail by Beresford, who made a reshove and ran into ace king. Beresford was the chip leader at the start of the day, but had to settle for fifth place and 165,230. Conor Beresford Saminadins deep run ended shortly after when he called off his chips in the big blind as slight favorite in the hand, only to be busted by Mandic. He came in fourth for 215,390. The action went three handed and after only a few minutes, players decided to look at the numbers for a deal. An ICM deal was made and the final three payouts confirmed. Yunsheng Sun took 385,240 as third in chips, Mandic took 418,980 for second in chips, and Labat took 500,000 as the chip leader. All that was left was to see who would claim the official title and trophy. For that, players opted to spin it blind. Four hands was all it took to decide the outcome. Mandic prevailed to earn himself the trophy. Thats a wrap for the PokerNews coverage of the PokerStars Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller. Stay tuned for updates on the EPT Main Event and other prolific tournaments in the series. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Trump didnt get his asked for a delay until 2026. The former president didnt get his federal 1/6 trial delayed until after the 2024 election. Instead, Trump will be on trial on March 4, 2024. NBC News reported: Its only two months distant from what the special counsel had proposed, which was January of 2024, and the judge said that was too aggressive. But she really didnt give the Trump team much of anything, and they didnt help themselves at this hearing with some rather bombastic comments about the enormity of the case. She told them right away, look, April of 2026 was not happening, that was not reasonable in her view. It was way too far from the actual point of the alleged crimes, witnesses could lose their memories. She said, give me a reasonable timeframe that you need to process all the discovery in this case, and they just wouldnt do it. They wouldnt get off the April 2026 date that they were proposing. Its pretty clear they wanted to make a record so they could appeal this question down the line. But the judge said that its in the interest of justice and in the public interest to get this case to trial. The prosecution, Molly Gaston had a really interesting thing to say about that. She stood up after the defense had made their arguments for delay and she said, this defendant is accused of historic crimes and she said theres an incredibly strong public interest in a jurys prompt consideration of those claims in open court. Thats essentially what the judge decided as well, that the public has a right to hear this case before the election, and its not just the defendants right to a speedy trial, its the publics right to a speedy trial. She said the idea that the defense couldnt process all the discovery, 12.8 million documents, really wasnt persuasive to her and she agreed with the prosecutions argument that a lot of this evidence had been made available by the committee that investigated the matter. She has set a March 4, 2024 trial date, and thats the day jury selection would begin. Video: Judge Chutkan rejects Trump's trial date proposal and the former president's election interference trial will begin on March 4, 2024. pic.twitter.com/6AJl6RUA6C Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 28, 2023 Republican voters have made it clear that they they dont care about the indictments. They believe Trumps claims that this is a witch hunt, so it doesnt matter if the trial takes place before the Iowa caucuses or Super Tuesday, it likely will not impact the outcome of the Republican primary. Where this ruling is devastating for Trump is the general election. If Trump is convicted of crimes related to his attempted coup, the conviction could be used as a legal argument to disqualify him from the 2024 ballot. Not only does Trump not get the delay he was seeking, but if he gets convicted, he could get tossed off the ballot in key states in 2024. The ruling is a disaster for Trump and a victory for the American people. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Speaker Kevin McCarthy is going to Hawaii to see the wildfire damage and to announce a House investigation into President Bidens response. Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News reported: NEWS @SpeakerMcCarthy is heading to HAWAII this week to see the damage from the fires that killed more than 115 people there. AND: He is also opening a congressional investigation into the disaster, the lead up and the response. Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) August 28, 2023 The Biden administration set a record by getting the Hawaii disaster declaration approved in 63 minutes. It doesnt matter to Speaker McCarthy that the people in Hawaii appear to be pleased with Bidens visit and the support that he has shown them. Biden went beyond thoughts and prayers with his visit, but he made a commitment to the people who have been impacted by what is likely to be one of the worst natural disasters in recent US history. The idea that Biden did not do or say enough is refuted by his remarks in Wisconsin on August 15. Kevin McCarthy has House Republicans on course to shut down the government at the end of September, but he is going to Hawaii to announce an investigation into President Biden because House Republicans arent interested in governing. Their majority exists solely to help Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Sarah Jones detailed Bidens Hawaii wildfires response in a recent podcast for our newsletter The Daily: Instead of government funding bills being passed, the American people will get an investigation into the Hawaii wildfires. Kevin McCarthy is what incompetent but cynical governance looks like. Over the last decade, congressional Republicans have played politics with natural disasters. Republicans no longer unify to help their fellow Americans in need. The modern GOP playbook exploits the victims of disasters to score cheap partisan political points. Hawaiians dont need Kevin McCarthy to visit. The people of Hawaii need him to do his job and keep the government open to get the disaster relief funding they need. Department 1 Judge Kriston HillAug. 8Daniel Adam Souliere, 42, pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was sentenced to 12 to 30 months in prison and was ordered to pay $214.90 reimbursement for extradition expenses to the Nevada Attorney Generals Office. - Guadalupe Moreno Torres, 57, pleaded no contest to driving under the influence with one or more prior felony DUI convictions and was sentenced to 24 to 60 months in prison and was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine. Aug. 11Jamie Lee Cochran, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of invasion of the home, one count of burglary of a residence, and two counts of attempted grand larceny of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 96 to 240 months in prison and was ordered to pay $7,629.23 restitution to the victims. Department 2 Judge Al KacinAug. 8Thomas Jonathyn Kraychir, 27, pleaded no contest to two counts of conspiracy to commit grand larceny, was given a suspended sentence of one year in jail, was placed on probation for one year and was ordered to pay $4,859.07 restitution to the victim. Aug. 15Bryant Wayne Donohue, 35, pleaded no contest to one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and was sentenced to 19 to 48 months in prison. Aug. 17Wade Alan Knight, 34, pleaded guilty to low-level possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance and was sentenced to 12 to 30 months in prison. Aug. 21Rafael Antonio Ortega Ramirez, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 35 days in jail. - Amanda Jaylene Smith, 31, pleaded no contest to fraudulent use of a credit card illegally possessed, was given a suspended sentence of 12 to 36 months in prison, was placed on probation for two years and was ordered to pay $784.37 restitution to the victim. Aug. 23Roman Marin Cervantes, 36, pleaded no contest to one count of burglary of a residence, one count of battery constituting domestic violence by means of strangulation, and one count of false imprisonment, and was sentenced to 62 to 156 months in prison. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 56F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. The legislators' suggestion was met with a hesitant reception from much of the school board. Board members vote down a measure that would have expressed support for creating the commission, instead calling for further discussion of the idea during their September board retreat. Multiple members said they lacked information and had questions about the proposal, and questioned whether Lexington-Richland Five was the right venue for such a commission, rather than a county- or state-wide setup. "I am not opposed to the idea of a commission to address some of the concerns that are raised in that proposal, I think it's important," board chair Rebecca Blackburn Hines said on Aug. 22. "I don't know that it's appropriate for it to be a District Five only initiative, or just owned by the school district, because it doesn't really sound like a true ownership is coming from the school district. But I just don't know." After the meeting, Superintendent Akil Ross said it was the first time he'd heard of the plan and he needed more details. He noted that the district already has policies governing its school materials. Other board members pointed out the political persuasions of the legislators who presented the idea, both members of the hard-right S.C. Freedom Caucus, which sued two S.C. school districts last year over alleged violations of the same state budget provision that fueled concern over the Chapin High lesson. "It's politicizing these issues ... they are partisans, we are not, so it needs to stay out of that arena," board member Kevin Scully said. The idea was partly formulated by Zoe Warren, a former candidate for chair of the South Carolina Republican Party who ran on an America First platform and pushed for increased ideological purity in the party. He framed the proposed commission as a way to help policymakers with "factfinding" and understanding the community's stance on ideas such as obscenity. COLUMBIA A detainee at the Richland County jail was sexually assaulted by another detainee in the same cell, adding to a long series of incidents at the facility, according to sheriff's deputies. The Richland County jail has been under increased scrutiny from the state Department of Corrections since an October inspection found the facility violated more than a dozen state standards. Under the gun from a state ultimatum to either come up with a plan or risk closing the jail, officials promised reform and have since been working to fix the issues noted in the inspection. Still, problems have persisted. At least 30 detainees were injured in aggravated assaults involving a weapon or serious injury between the beginning of the year and July 17, according to the most recent data available from the Sheriff's Department. That outpaces the 26 for the same time period in 2022 and a mere five in 2021. Deputies responded to a local hospital around 1 p.m. Aug. 26. There, a detainee said he or she had been assaulted by another detainee housed in the same cell, according to a news release. No other information was released, including the genders of the detainees or what the hospitalized person said led up to the assault. As is typical for ongoing investigations, deputies significantly redacted a report of the incident. GEORGETOWN A deputy with the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office was fired after being charged with driving under the influence early on the morning of Aug. 27. Sheriff's office spokesman Jason Lesley confirmed that Adam Paxton of the GCSO Narcotics Unit was fired the same day he was pulled over by another Georgetown County deputy on U.S. Highway 17 Business in Murrells Inlet. Records at the Georgetown County Detention Center show that Paxton was booked into the jail at 3:01 a.m. on Aug. 27 and released about six hours later on $992 bail. Paxton began working with the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office in November 2020, according to his S.C. Criminal Justice Academy training file. He left the Mullins Police Department after two and a half years to take the job in Georgetown County. No criminal investigation or charges were pending against Paxton when he left Mullins PD, according to his file with the academy. A SLED background check conducted on Aug. 28 turned up no other arrest data for Paxton. Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver praised his agency in a news release announcing the firing. "I am very proud of our Uniform Patrol Division because it shows no one is above the law," Weaver said. "That's our culture here." The DUI investigation has been assigned to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. When Halloween arrives each October, most people are interested in the entertaining aspects of the holiday in addition to the abundance of sweet foods that are there for the taking. Even though fun may be foremost on the brain, it is important for everyone keep safety in mind as well. Read moreHow to keep kids safe on Halloween I stumbled upon this story a while back that has been retold many times, and as I read it again recently, it caused me to think about Gods love which cannot be measured or fully comprehended, and I wanted to share it with you today. Its listed as an allegorical short story called, To Sacr Read moreThe greatest love ever known The South Carolina Senate once kicked out the public and locked the doors to its chamber so senators could debate the state budget in executive session. Of course, as outrageous as that seems to anybody who values open government, the state law that the House and Senate wrote demanding public meetings allows the House and Senate to do anything they want in secret. The same is not true for other governing bodies. Which brings us to the lawsuit filed last week by Greenville County legislators against the Greenville County Council. As The Post and Couriers Conor Hughes reports, a half-dozen Republican legislators filed the suit alleging that seven of the 12 members of the council held a closed and unannounced meeting the day the full council adopted a budget, and as a result one member who had opposed the tax hike flipped his vote, providing the supermajority needed to raise taxes for the first time in three decades. The lawsuit gave few details, alleging merely that the plaintiffs were informed and believe that during the meeting a poll took place about the pending votes and efforts were made to encourage Councilors to support the Budget. The lawsuit goes on to allege, correctly, that With a quorum present this should have been publicly announced, open to the public, and minutes of that meeting should have been taken." After nearly three days of silence, the council chairman issued a vague denial of the entirety of claims in the lawsuit, which focuses primarily on whether its legal for the council to adopt a two-year budget; the statement gives us little reason to believe the secret meeting could have been a fabrication. The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication. YORK After months of debate, York County Council will proceed with a 20-year-old highway-widening project that has ignited community members for months. In a 5-2 vote, council members agreed to move forward with the widening of Highway 557 project, a state road that cuts across the northern part of York County, even if it will drain nearby pond. At the end of the day, yall have waited 20 years on this thing, councilmember Tom Audette told the crowd. Your time has come for this. Residents packed into the York County Chambers for the meeting Aug. 21. Fifteen minutes before the 6 p.m. start time, every seat was taken, forcing some to stand or watch in an overflow room. Four hours later, when discussion about the road project finally began, nearly every seat was still filled. Some waved green and white paper signs that read Widen Highway 557, "Safety over frogs and Screw the frog pond." Others wore bright green t-shirts reading Save the Pond @ Woodend Farm. In Lake Wylie, a fast-growing area near Charlotte where the population has risen by 150 percent in the past decade, controversy has brewed for months over whether to move forward with a taxpayer-funded highway-widening project that was initially approved in 2003. The tension began in April after Department of Transportation Secretary Christy Hall rescinded the project's approval. To some, the road isnt just a luxury its a necessity to alleviate traffic, stop crashes and deal with the growth flooding the area. To others, the widening project will destroy a pond that represents the nature that makes Lake Wylie unique. They have expressed worry about a widening project that is 20 years old, with hopes of devising a new design that better fits the current community. Since the permits were pulled in April, Council member Allison Love has publicly fought to save the pond, now owned by the county, calling it a community asset." PACOLET Residents living in rural areas of eastern Spartanburg County will have more accessibility to programs to improve their quality of life once the new Benjamin E. Mays Family Center opens in September. Spartanburg School District 3 donated the former Middle School of Pacolet building on Sunny Acres Road for the new center. The school closed in June 2021 after the school district consolidated Cowpens Middle School and Middle School of Pacolet. Pacolet, a town of about 2,500 residents, has struggled economically in recent years. It once relied on the textile industry to support jobs. With little industry and few jobs, the town's poverty rate is 21.2 percent, above the national average of 13.6 percent. The new center aims to help reverse these trends and offer renewed hope by providing access to services and programs offered through local non-profits. "We are trying to build a resource center with programming and bring them to Pacolet so they don't have to travel to Spartanburg," said Jerry Rice, executive director of the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center. "I have been here the last four months working on getting to know people and develop relationships." Rice said the center will open Sept. 7 with Favor Upstate providing support services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders. Over the next several months, SC Works will begin providing job search and training opportunities at the center. ReGenesis Health Center, Hope Center for Children and First Steps Spartanburg will also partner with the center to offer services. "We have some agreements already in place," Rice said. "There will be other programs run out of the center. People who live in small rural communities have to drive to Spartanburg for everything. We are working to find an easier way for them to get resources so they can can become self sufficient." Spartanburg School District 3 donated 25 computers for the center, which will include conference space for meetings. The 50,000-square-foot building has two hallways connected to a space formerly used as a media center. Rice said the building remains in good shape and is scheduled to be cleaned in September. The former cafeteria space could be used to host meetings as well. Rice is also working with local churches to make people aware the center will be opening. Martha Njolomole is one of the most extraordinary people I know. She grew up in Malawi, in East Africa. Her family was poor, although not particularly so by Malawian standards. Her home had neither electricity nor running water. She walked a considerable distance to and from school, and when she got home she walked a mile or two to a well for water, which she carried home in a bucket on her head. (Obviously, her family owned no vehicle.) That was drinking water; her family washed their clothes in a nearby river. They had no means but candles to light their home after dark. Martha loved to read, but her family owned no books, so she obsessively read scraps of newspapers that she found lying about. At age 16, Martha won a scholarship to study in the United States. She was luckythe top seven finishers on the national test won scholarships to study in China. She was one of three runners-up. Having never traveled far from the town where she grew up, Martha boarded an airplane for a 30-hour journey to Alabama, where she enrolled at Troy University. Nine years went by before she saw her family again. Malawi is essentially a socialist country, with the government providing pretty much all services. Very badly. Marthas original idea was that she would study economics so that she could return to Malawi and help the government to do things more efficiently. Happily, at Troy she found herself in an economics department that subscribes to the Austrian school. Her curriculum was heavy on Hayek and von Mises, with a liberal dose of Friedman. She was good at math, and excelled in econometrics. She stayed on at Troy to get her masters degree in economics. Upon getting her masters degree, Martha looked for a job in a conservative or libertarian think tank. John Phelan (himself an immigrant) and I interviewed her via Zoom and liked her a lot. Since 2019 or so she has done terrific work for American Experiment as an economist. It is hard for an American to appreciate that during her six years as a student in Alabama, Martha had no money. For the first four years she didnt own a cell phone, and communication with her family was only occasional. An airplane ticket was out of the question. Going to work for us, she finally had an income and was able to save some money. She wanted to visit her family in 2020, but was stymied by covid shutdowns. She finally made the trip last year and, among other things, saw for the first time a younger brother who had been born while she was in the U.S. In a recent edition of the American Experiment podcast, I interviewed Martha. We talked about her extraordinary life, and at one point I asked what she thinks when she sees young Americans saying they want our country to go socialist. She said that, having grown up in a socialist country, she finds such sentiments heartbreaking. It is our constitutional framework, our free enterprise system and the rule of law that enable us to live in a land of plenty rather than a land of grinding poverty. Maybe you have to come from that kind of background to fully understand the insanity of socialism. Here is the podcast: Martha writes frequently at AmericanExperiment.org. Her recent research papers cover such topics as occupational licensing reform here and here, how excessive regulation drives the high cost of child care in Minnesota, and the folly of rent control. Within the next couple of weeks, she will release a major study of welfare spending in Minnesota. I think it is an open secret in Washington that President Biden is a few elements short of a compound. Indeed, word has somehow gotten out to the rest of us in flyover land: Seventy-seven percent of Americans say President Biden would be too old to be effective if he were reelected in 2024, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll (Im quoting Brittany Bernstein/NRO)(footnote: Meanwhile, only about half of Americans said 77-year-old former president Donald Trump is too old for office). NBC News reports under the bylines of three reporters: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is increasingly being viewed as a nuisance to some of President Joe Bidens political advisers, according to four people familiar with the matter. The story is framed on Newsoms possible debate with Governor DeSantis on Fox News in November. According to the story, Bidens camp no longer sees Newsom as a wannabe challenger[.] However, [s]ome Biden advisers have complained privately that the planned debate, which Fox News host Sean Hannity would moderate, could make voters think Newsom is running a shadow 2024 campaign at a time when most Democrats say theyd prefer a different candidate at the top of the ticket. Kamala Harriss umbrage is mentioned. Newsom is getting uppity. The possible elevation of DeSantis in the Republican field is mentioned. Hey, they have the Department of Justice working overtime to elevate President Trumps standing among the Republican field. Any fool can see that Newsom seeks to position himself for the Democratic nomination in the event Bidens infirmity cant be shielded from view. The NBC News story only goes so far as to mention Bidens age. Bidens patent infirmity goes unmentioned. Via Bonchie/RedState. If you need a reminder of how profound the shale revolution has been to domestic oil production in the U.S. and the western hemisphere as a whole, note how our region of the world became a net exporter of oil after being a heavy importer for decades: To be sure, some of this increase came from Latin America, especially Brazil, though it could be more if Venezuela werent s dysfunctional socialist state. But the U.S.only trend is impressive, with oil production rebounding toward a new high this year despite the ongoing hostility to domestic energy by the Biden Administration: PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 14:30:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 516 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TUCSON, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Applied Energetics, Inc. (OTCQB:AERG), a leader in the advancement of ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) technologies, announced today that it has been awarded a $1.99 million, two-year contract from the Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research (ONR), to develop a high-peak and high-average power ultra-short pulse (USP) optical system. The system is expected to demonstrate effects compatible with multiple Navy platforms and missions with an attractive size, weight, and power-cooling footprint. Applied Energetics' continuing development efforts in collaboration with ONR signify the importance of sustained development and maturation of USP-based directed energy systems to support the Navy's technological priorities."We are thrilled to have the continued support of ONR in developing and demonstrating the value USP technologies can bring to critical Navy missions," said Dr. Greg Quarles, President and CEO of Applied Energetics. "This development effort will allow us to continue innovating and shaping the future of directed energy for national security applications. We believe this award is an important next step in the evolution of our technology, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with ONR." Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this press release are those of the Company and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Naval Research.About Applied Energetics, Inc.Applied Energetics, Inc., a leader in Advanced Optical Technologies and Ultrashort Pulse Directed Energy Solutions, utilizes patented, dual-use laser and optical technologies to advance critical industries, including defense, national security, biomedical and manufacturing. Applied Energetics pioneered and holds all crucial intellectual property rights to the development and use of Laser Guided Energy technology and related solutions for defense, security, commercial, and medical applications.Forward Looking StatementsCertain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to the historical or current facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may," "believe," "will," "expect," "project," "anticipate," "estimates," "plans," "strategy," "target," "prospects," or "continue," and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of our management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect our current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition and may cause our actual results, performances or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements.For Investor information contact:Kevin McGrath, Managing DirectorCameron Associates, Inc.kevin@ cameronassoc.com T: 646-418-7002Media Contact:Sara KnottLaunchTech Communicationssknott@ golaunchtech.com T: 540-764-0043SOURCE: Applied Energetics, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 13:46:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 719 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DTC Eligibility is Expected to Increase the Accessibility of Beyond Oil's Stock for U.S. InvestorsVANCOUVER, BC and KIBBUTZ YIFAT, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE:BOIL)(OTCQB:BEOLF) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company extending the life of frying oil, reducing costs and waste, is pleased to announce, following its listing on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") that was announced on June 2, 2023, that the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") has made the Company's common shares eligible for electronic clearing and settlement at DTC.DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible". DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance the liquidity of Beyond Oil's common shares in the United States."We are pleased to have received DTC eligibility, as we believe that this milestone will provide investors with greater accessibility and visibility to Beyond Oil in the United States," said Jonathan Or, CEO and Co-Founder of Beyond Oil. "This milestone has also opened the door to new investors that may have been previously restricted from trading our stock, while existing shareholders will also benefit from greater liquidity and execution speed." About Beyond Oil Ltd.Beyond Oil develops and manufactures an innovative, proprietary, and patented product designed to extend the life of frying oil while preserving the oil's quality and nutritional value. The unique product integrates into the existing filtration systems of both commercial and industrial fryers, reducing oil costs, helping create healthier food, decreasing waste and increasing sustainability. For more information visit: www.beyondoil.co ContactsJonathan OrCEO and Co-founder1-647-691-9801info@ beyondoil.co Caroline SawamotoInvestor Relations1-647-691-9801ir@ beyondoil.co Forward-Looking Statement and InformationThe Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, we cannot assure that any patent will issued as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will issue in a form that will be advantageous to us. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at www.sedar.com . Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.SOURCE: Beyond Oil Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 17:34:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 893 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / International WELL Building Instituteby Yan TaiThis summer, Cadence, an affordable senior living development located in Fort Collins, Colorado and comprising 55 senior living apartments, achieved a new first in the country - attaining Green Communities Plus and WELL Certification. Green Communities, created and administered by Enterprise Community Partners, is the leading sustainable building program designed specifically for affordable housing, while the WELL Building Standard (WELL), developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is the world's leading framework for creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and well-being. The "Plus" level of 2020 Green Communities is the highest certification tier, recognizing significant achievement for housings that meet all certification requirements and have invested in deep levels of energy efficiency.In addition to the dual Green Communities Plus-WELL Certification, Cadence was also named a Zero Energy Ready project through a program offered by the U.S. Department of Energy.Advancing health and sustainability through smart, integrative designCadence, built during the COVID-19 pandemic, made health and well-being top priorities. The building focused on indoor air quality by installing high-performance HVAC systems coupled with an airtight and insulated building envelop that, when necessary, help protect against harmful outdoor pollutants such as wildfire smoke. It also introduced other health strategies including interventions for moisture control, passive radon ventilation, and operable windows. The project's health-first solutions don't stop there, also including several biophilic designs and community-engagement strategies.The development was also a leader in sustainability, adopting important interventions to help save energy and reduce utility bills. For example, the well-insulated building envelope is also a key strategy to reduce energy consumption. Because of a full-range of energy efficiency measures, the building is certified under ENERGY STAR and the Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home program, meaning Cadence is a high-performance building that is so energy-efficient that its renewable energy system could offset most or all the building's annual energy use. Cadence also dramatically reduced its water consumption by 42.6% compared to the industry baseline-saving 1.2 million gallons of water per year."Through our partnership with Enterprise, affordable housing developments all across the country can attain dual certification under Green Communities Criteria and WELL, which helps ensure this critical sector has the opportunity to take the lead on both sustainability and health," said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBI. "We congratulate Cadence for taking up this leadership challenge and being the first to achieve WELL Certification and Green Communities Plus, making it one of the country's most exemplary projects working to pioneer places that foster well-being and advance both human and planetary health." How financial incentives helped CadenceVolunteers for America, a non-profit organization that developed Cadence, financed the construction costs utilizing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) with equity provided by Enterprise. Colorado is one of 35 states, in addition to the District of Columbia and New York City, whose LIHTC programs require or incentivize certifying to Enterprise Green Communities. Apartments at Cadence are reserved for seniors earning between 20% and 80% of the area median income.What others are saying about Cadence's leadershipVOA's decision for Cadence to pursue certification under the 2020 Enterprise Green Communities criteria showcases a dedication to fostering a resilient community and supporting both human and climate health."We put the thought and care into making the design sustainable for the long term to ensure that the property is an asset for the (Cadence) community for the foreseeable future." -Brian Reilly, Development Director, Volunteers of America"Resilient building is the only way to future-proof our communities against the effects of a changing climate. Cadence represents a deep commitment to sustainability: healthy, energy-efficient affordable homes that are responsive to resident, community, and environmental priorities." - Krista Egger, Vice President, Building Resilient Futures, EnterpriseBackground on IWBI & Enterprise's partnershipIn 2019, IWBI and Enterprise formed a strategic partnership to create and implement a shared vision for affordable homes that improve residents' health and well-being. By working collaboratively to integrate WELL features into the 2020 Green Communities Criteria, Enterprise and IWBI created a best-in-class certification pathway that provides affordable housing developers a flexible roadmap for achieving higher levels of health and well-being benefits that are rooted in the latest scientific evidence and best practices. Today, through the partnership, projects that are certified to Enterprise 2020 Green Communities Criteria are simultaneously certified under WELL, helping affordable housing developers to focus on ensuring affordable homes advance health outcomes while promoting environmental sustainability.Since the launch of the 2020 Green Communities, Enterprise has been working with 20 affordable housing developments comprising more than 500 new and rehabilitated homes across 12 states and the District of Columbia to support early adopters of the new joint certification program.In 2022, Thessalonica Court, a Bronx, NY-based apartment building that was rehabilitated by Jonathan Rose Companies, became the first to achieve the joint certification under Enterprise Green Communities and WELL. Cadence, one of the projects in this leadership cohort, is the second to achieve the joint certification, but the first to do so at the Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification level.To learn more about Cadence, click here.View original content here.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: International WELL Building InstituteWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-well-building-institute Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 18:45:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 378 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Global power technology leader Cummins Inc. and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, have announced a memorandum of understanding to leverage complementary positioning in hydrogen, natural gas and other lower carbon fuel value chains.The announcement expands the two companies' previous strategic collaboration on hydrogen and renewable natural gas and is expected to encompass other liquid renewable fuels, such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel and renewable diesel. This collaboration is intended to encourage commercial and industrial adoption in North America."At Cummins, we are working to bring our Destination Zero strategy to life, and we recognize we can't do this alone," said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins' Chair and CEO. "Through Accelera by Cummins we have leading zero-emissions technologies for commercial and industrial applications, and we continue to offer a broad portfolio of engine-based solutions that reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions today." "By collaborating strategically with Chevron, we plan to improve access to fuel and infrastructure for our customers, helping grow the availability of alternative and renewable fuels while reducing emissions," Rumsey added.Chevron President of Americas Products Andy Walz said achieving a lower carbon future will require ambitious innovations."Collaborations like this one with Cummins are intended to make energy and global supply chains more affordable and reliable while helping commercial fleets who use our products and Cummins' equipment to advance a lower carbon world," Walz said. "No one company or industry can go at it alone - together with Cummins, we aim to deliver progress today." Cummins and Chevron each have contributed to the research, development and global deployment of alternative fuels innovation, systems and technologies and will work together on enabling the commercial development at scale of alternative fuels production, transportation and delivery systems for industrial and commercial markets.Workstreams in the new collaboration will focus on hydrogen, natural gas, and other alternative lower carbon intensity fuels such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed natural gas, and other liquid renewables to expand commercial adoption.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc. on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Cummins Inc.Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 16:35:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 932 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Direct Relief has donated and delivered more than $1 billion in medicine and medical supplies to the people of Ukraine since Russia launched its war against its neighbor 18 months ago, a conflict that has driven 12 million Ukrainians from their homes, killed or injured more than 26,000 Ukrainian civilians and disrupted the nation's health care systems.In response to the brutal fighting, continuing attacks on Ukraine's civilians, destruction of the country's electricity infrastructure, and infliction of widespread psychological trauma, Direct Relief has conducted its largest and most sustained humanitarian aid response in its 75-year history.The $1 billion milestone reached this month includes more than 292 million daily defined doses of prescription medicine for all kinds of conditions, including diabetes, infections, seizures, cancer, hypertension, psychological conditions, transplants and more, reaching millions of Ukrainians.As Direct Relief operates without government funding, the $1 billion in donations comes entirely from private sources. (The U.S. government has provided $3.9 billion in humanitarian assistance since the war's start.)In the city of Kremenchuk along the Dnieper River, the children's hospital had received no new supplies from early February through April, when a large shipment of Direct Relief donations arrived, delivered by the Association Internationale de Cooperation Medicale (AICM), Direct Relief's core partner in the eastern Poltava region. The hospital was treating around 250 children, many of them suffering war wounds, when the supplies arrived.The donations from Direct Relief "should sustain us for the next six months," Deputy Director Iryna Roman told Direct Relief."It is hard to overestimate the impact of Direct Relief's emergency response to the war in Ukraine," said Nataliia Bohachenko, head of Ukrainian Soul, an Odesa-based NGO that is a partner of Direct Relief. "Continuous support, diversified grant programs and repeating shipments helped to fill gaps in the supply of Ukrainian hospitals and other healthcare facilities caused by war, thus helping and saving the lives of many Ukrainians who needed the help." For people with diabetes, Direct Relief has delivered 2.2 million bottles and vials of insulin, 3.7 million needles and syringes, and 4.1 million test strips. Direct Relief has been the largest humanitarian supplier of insulin to Ukraine since the war began.The aid also has included large quantities of medical supplies ranging from battlefield tourniquets to diabetes test strips to prenatal vitamins. The $1 billion total figure represents the wholesale value of the products delivered between Feb. 2022 and August 2023. Direct Relief has based the valuation on the wholesale costs of prescription medications in Europe, where prices for certain products are as much as 70% lower than comparable products sold in the United StatesIn addition to the $1 billion in donated medicine and supplies, Direct Relief has committed $35 million in grants in financial support to local healthcare organizations providing care in Ukraine and others in countries, including Poland and Slovakia, that have opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees.That funding has covered medication costs for more than 266,000 Ukrainian refugees in Poland, provided mental health care for close to 25,000 Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, and funded rehabilitation programs focused on working with amputees, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychosocial support. Direct Relief is also providing funding to support Ukraine's national system for distributing medicine around the country to the people who need it."Direct Relief has reached this milestone through the generous support of people in 84 countries around the world, as well as from dozens of the world's leading pharmaceutical makers," said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief's President and CEO. "It reflects the breadth of support for the people of Ukraine and our ongoing commitment to help them through this terrible national ordeal." SUPPORT FROM COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONSSeventy-nine pharmaceutical and medical supply companies and organizations donated their products to Direct Relief's Ukraine response. Of the 292 million daily defined doses of medicine donated to Ukraine, about 163 million have been of generic drugs.The companies and organizations that provided donations include: 3M, Abbott, AbbVie, Accord Healthcare, Ajanta Pharma USA, Alvogen, AmerisourceBergen, Amgen, Apotex, AstraZeneca, Baxter Europe, Baxter International, Bayer AG, Bayer USA, BD, BD Europe, Belmora, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cal OES, Carlsbad Technology, Coherus Biosciences, Covidien, CVS, DeVilbiss Healthcare GmBH, Dragerwerk AG, Drive Medical GmBH, Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly & Company, Encube Ethicals, Ethicon, Genentech, Gilead, Grifols US, Greenstone, Grifols Worldwide, GSK, GSMS Incorporated, Haleon, Henry Schein, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, ICU Health, ICU Medical, Inogen, Integra LifeSciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, J&J Consumer, Kate Farms, Kenvue, Kirk Humanitarian, LifeScan, Liquid IV, McKesson Medical Surgical, Medline Industries, Medtronic, Merck & Co., Merck KGaA, Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, MSD, Novo Nordisk A/S, Organon, Perrigo Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Purdue Pharma, Sanofi, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Mepha Schweiz, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Trifecta, Unilever, Unite to Light, Viatris Europe, Viatris USA, ViiV Healthcare, Westminster Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Pharmaceuticals.SUPPORT FOR REHABILITATIONEvents of the past 18 months have made some of the long-term health consequences of the war very clear. People who have sustained disabling injuries will require lifetime care, including children who have lost limbs and will require new prosthetic devices as they grow up. Supporting rehabilitation and recovery from war injuries, both physical and psychological, has been a core focus of Direct Relief. The organization has allocated $15 million to specifically support rehabilitation and injury recovery efforts in Ukraine, including support for the Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv.HELPING UKRAINIANS MANAGE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMAA significant portion of the Ukrainian population has suffered from psychological trauma. Trauma-focused psychologists are providing care at the scene of Russian attacks, to help victims begin to process what they have experienced. Direct Relief has provided funding t PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 16:11:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 343 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Hum, the leading provider of AI & data intelligence solutions for publishers, today announced the open source release of their new large language model (LLM), Lodestone.Using Google's BERT architecture as a foundation and leveraging several improvements that have been released since then, Hum developed a novel model for processing longer text sequences. Lodestone is the highest performing model of its size and sequence length on the MTEB Leaderboard. This makes it particularly compelling for real-time applications on long text where larger models may be prohibitively expensive or slow."We are excited to contribute to the open source community and advance natural language processing research, while helping other organizations unlock value from content data," said Niall Little, Hum's CTO. "Lodestone can contextualize an entire research paper, surfacing content insights that previous models couldn't comprehend looking at just one or two paragraphs at a time." Lodestone was trained on a large publicly available dataset, including over 1 million scholarly research articles and publications. The model can process text sequences of 4096 tokens to better capture topical context and nuance compared to other commonly-used LLM models.Key features include:Long sequence embeddingImproved semantic understandingSentence vectorization for information retrieval, clustering, and sentence similarity tasksStarting today, developers and enterprises can fine-tune and deploy their own models using Lodestone on Hugging Face, putting long-sequence AI applications in reach of more projects and businesses."This release furthers our commitment to using AI to solve challenges for publishers and societies," said Little. "We're continuing to fine-tune the model for the needs of our publishing industry clients, but look forward to seeing how the community can build on Lodestone to advance applications for content intelligence and responsible AI." About HumHum is a leading AI and data platform designed for publishers and societies. Hum offers powerful content and audience intelligence, enabling content-driven organizations to derive strategic insights and deliver personalized experiences. Learn more at hum.works For more information, contact Laura Simis, Marketing Director at Hum, at laura@ hum.works SOURCE: Hum President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to South Africa and his attendance at the 15th BRICS Summit are proof of the noticeable and fresh progress made by emerging markets and developing economies toward building a fairer and just global governance system, senior officials and experts said. Xi had a packed yet productive diplomatic schedule from Tuesday to Thursday in South Africa as he attended and addressed a slew of wide-ranging multilateral meetings and held bilateral talks. In addition to his state visit to South Africa in its administrative capital, Pretoria, and attending the annual gathering of BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Johannesburg, Xi also co-chaired the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Hailing the trip as "bearing strategic significance", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the tour highlights China's consistent approach to embracing Africa and the whole world, carries forward the traditional China-Africa friendship, consolidates fresh consensus for South-South cooperation, and injects positivity into the pursuit of peace and development. "The expansion of membership means BRICS is now embarking on a new journey. The China-Africa community with a shared future enjoys new connotations, and the strategic mutual trust between China and South Africa is reaching new heights," he added. The visit is "another successful practice of Xi Jinping's Thought on Diplomacy" and demonstrates China's global vision, Wang told reporters at the conclusion of the trip. Currently, the 17-year-old BRICS represents more than 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the world's economic output, and this years' BRICS events engaged leaders from more than 60 countries. Wang noted that last year, with the push from China the rotating president of BRICS the grouping launched its expansion process, "ushering in a major development opportunity for the BRICS mechanism". During the South Africa trip, President Xi attended BRICS events and made several important speeches, "continuing to promote and lead the momentum of BRICS development", Wang added. The BRICS summit on Thursday made the landmark decision to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to the BRICS family as official members. Assem Hanafi, Egyptian ambassador to China, said: "BRICS is a representation of the Global South. It is an important instrument whereby developing countries and emerging economies integrate their political and economic efforts to give themselves more voice, more representation in the current global architecture." "The expansion of BRICS is a natural and expected one. China, along with other states, gives BRICS an added impact on the world scene," he said in a recent interview with People's Daily. Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, said, "In recent years, some developed countries have worked on building up their cliques such as the Group of Seven for their own selfish interests, while the lawful interests of developing countries have been disregarded and the role of emerging economies has been further marginalized." "BRICS is one of the most important cooperation platforms that serves a vast number of Global South countries, and a bigger and stronger BRICS in effect helps promote and deepen South-South cooperation," Wu said. At the summit, Xi unveiled China's planned actions for advancing BRICS cooperation, such as setting up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era and jointly establishing a BRICS Framework on Industrial Cooperation for Sustainable Development. "As the world's second-largest economy and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China should continue to work with other BRICS countries to boost the voice and influence of developing countries in global economic governance," Wu said. At the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue held on Thursday evening, President Xi announced three major moves to chart the course for China-Africa practical cooperation in the next stage and assist in Africa's integration and modernization the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. African leaders attending Thursday's dialogue said that China's help and cooperation have vigorously promoted the development of African countries and their integration process, and that China is a true friend of African countries and a partner they can rely on when they encounter difficulties. At the meeting, the African leaders voiced firm support for the Xi-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and said that they will continue to actively promote the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road. "The solid progress of Africa's integration and the desirable development of China and Africa's own modernization undertakings surely will provide fresh fuel for the world's economic growth and contribute positivity to international fairness and justice," said Wang, the foreign minister. He added that the joint statement issued by the dialogue "charts a road map for the development of China-Africa relations in the new era". Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department of American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said that what Xi has emphasized is that in China's eyes, it is the opportunities and fruits of development that should be shared among countries. "We have seen countries interested in the Chinese path to modernization. China is also willing and ready to share its experience in poverty reduction and the benefits brought by infrastructure construction. It inspires a lot of countries, especially developing countries," she said. Xi's state visit to South Africa marked his fourth to the country as president as well as the only state visit arranged during this years' BRICS events. The foreign minister said that the visit "yielded a bumper harvest", noting that the two leaders witnessed the signing of a slew of cooperation agreements. Wang Fan, president of China Foreign Affairs University, noted that the two countries are "like-minded partners who weather the storms together, and they are both striding on their own paths toward modernization". PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 18:11:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 436 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Karbon-X Corp ("Karbon-X") (OTC PINK:KARX), an innovative carbon credit project development company, is pleased to announce finalising the definitive agreement to acquire 80% of Silviculture Systems Corp ("SCS") for $7,300,000 USD in a combination of cash and stock transaction. The initial transaction results in Karbon-X owning 32% of SCS, with the remaining ownership being acquired in tranches over the next 14 months. SCS is a leading proponent for reforestation and environmental conservation in South America, with a current focus on a reforestation project in Bolivia. This strategic union marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat climate change and foster a greener, more sustainable world. Learn more about the project here."We are excited about acquiring Silviculture Systems as it aligns perfectly with our core mission of establishing a global portfolio of projects in our mission to create a cleaner and greener planet while driving shareholder value. The synergies between our technologies and their expertise in reforestation and biochar will enable us to tackle climate challenges from multiple angles," said Chad Clovis, CEO of Karbon-X.SCS has devised a strategic plan to plant 250,000 trees this planting season and is also developing a cutting-edge biochar facility. Their visionary scope extends to planting millions more trees in the forthcoming years. These bold reforestation endeavours in Bolivia and other parts of South America align perfectly with Karbon-X's primary mission of democratising carbon offset solutions and amplifying their ecological impact."Uniting with Karbon-X opens the door to scaling and expanding our efforts to even greater heights. With a firsthand understanding of our potential in Bolivia gained over the past few years, I'm profoundly aware of the immense possibilities ahead. Partnering with Karbon-X provides us with the resources to make a profound impact." adds Jeff Zelinski, Founder of Silviculture Systems.For media inquiries, please contact: Sarah Lachance, Director of Operations, at sarah@4 everforest.org For information on Karbon-X, please contact: Daniel Haigh, Senior Marketing Manager, at dh@ karbon-X.com About Karbon-XKarbon-X is a trailblazing company dedicated to developing and implementing eco-friendly technologies that combat climate change and promote sustainability. With a focus on reducing carbon emissions and environmental impact, Karbon-X is committed to creating a cleaner and greener future.Website: https://karbon-x.com About Silviculture SystemsSilviculture Systems is a full-service climate change company and a pioneering force in reforestation and sustainable practices. The company is committed to environmental preservation and drives projects that foster ecosystem restoration and carbon offset initiatives. Silviculture Systems aims to redefine sustainable land management through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.SOURCE: Karbon-X Project Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 16:35:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 657 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOISE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / KeyBank has awarded a $100,000 grant to Life's Kitchen, a non-profit organization that prepares at-risk youth in Idaho to be successful in food service and other careers. The KeyBank grant will allow Life's Kitchen to expand its program and equip more young adults with the skills and training needed to secure employment."KeyBank is proud of the mission and work of Life's Kitchen," said Scott Schlange, president of KeyBank Idaho. "This grant will help to equip more young adults in our community with the confidence, skills and training needed to navigate the workplace and manage their household budgets." Founded in 2003 by localrestaurateur Rory Farrow, Life's Kitchen operates three foodservice businesses to provide on-the-job work experience to trainees. In addition to foodservice training, students receive GED training, and attend life skills and employability classes each week. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including financial literacy, healthy relationship skills, mock job interviews, understanding insurance, taxes, college enrollment and more."Life's Kitchen offers the confidence and training so desperately needed for at-risk youth to gain sustainable employment, escape poverty and learn to become financially stable," said Angel Reyes, corporate responsibility officer for KeyBank in Idaho and Utah. "KeyBank is honored to support this valuable and much-needed community initiative." More than 53% of Life's Kitchen students live at or below the poverty level and 20% experience homelessness. In addition, many of these young adults face other serious challenges, such as mental illness, addiction, and abuse."We have seen the increased need in our community to support and provide workforce development, life skills and GED services to our young adults," said Tammy Johnson, Executive Director of Life's Kitchen. "The $100,000 impact grant from KeyBank Foundation will provide the means to help us reach more young adults to become independent and self-sustainable. On behalf of the board, staff, and our young adults we are deeply grateful. The KeyBank investment will open doors for more youth in our community." About Life's KitchenLife's Kitchen is a 501c3 nonprofit social enterprise organization, providing Opportunity Youth (at-risk youth) ages 16-24 with wrap around work and life skills since 2003. Through our Workforce Development, Food Service, Life Skills, and GED Training Program, trainees receive the valuable skills and resources they need to become independent, financially stable, and successful. Life's Kitchen students not only graduate from our program - they become part of a community. Upon graduation from the program, alumni maintain access to support from Life's Kitchen for multiple needs including connecting with resources, continuing education, job placement and much more. Fifty-nine percent of alumni continued to engage whether for assistance or volunteer opportunities. Over the years, Life's Kitchen has provided over 575,000 hours of job training to more than 900 young adults, while providing more than 1,350,000 meals to community members in need. Life's Kitchen provides 1,000 meals a week to Interfaith Sanctuary to help feed the homeless community.About KeyCorpKeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $195 billion at June 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/ . KeyBank is Member FDIC.CONTACT:Life's Kitchen: Tammy Johnson 208-331-0199 x 302 tammy@ lifeskitchen.org KeyBank: Jennifer Shermer 303-902-9419 jennifer@ keetonpr.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: KeyBankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybankEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-29 00:00:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 880 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EAST LANSING, MI and McHENRY, IL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire McHenry, IL based McHenry Savings Bank from its parent company McHenry Bancorp, Inc. (OTC PINK:MCHN). The transaction is structured as a purchase agreement with MSUFCU purchasing substantially all assets and assuming substantially all liabilities of McHenry Savings Bank.The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both institutions. Following the completion of the transaction, McHenry Bancorp, Inc. will liquidate and dissolve and distribute its remaining assets to its stockholders. When the transaction is finalized, the combined institution will have approximately $8.2 billion in assets, $6.3 billion in loans, $6.7 billion in shares and deposits and will have thirty-one branches throughout Michigan and Illinois. In connection with the transaction, the shareholders of McHenry Bancorp, Inc. are expected to receive approximately $39-$41 in cash for each share of McHenry Bancorp, Inc. common stock, subject to adjustment based on McHenry Savings Bank's equity value at closing.The acquisition helps MSUFCU grow its presence in the Chicago market, diversify its assets, and add additional talent and expertise. McHenry Savings Bank customers who become members of MSUFCU will have full access to all MSUFCU's expansive product and service offerings. The transaction serves as a milestone, as McHenry Savings Bank is the first bank MSUFCU will acquire.April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, said "This transaction provides an excellent opportunity to further expand and complement our services in McHenry County and the surrounding Chicagoland area. MSUFCU has five branch locations in downtown Chicago and this adds exponentially to our growing market. We look forward to the combined synergies our two organizations will achieve in our local communities while providing McHenry Savings Bank's clients with an expanded array of resources and products." Donald H. Wilson, Chairman, President and CEO of McHenry Savings Bank stated, "We are excited about the opportunity to combine resources with MSUFCU and look forward to joining with a successful organization that is like-minded in its philosophy of offering highly personalized financial services and that has the financial capabilities to support further expansion." Mr. Wilson emphasized that by joining forces with MSUFCU, "the transaction allows us to continue to serve our customers and communities while becoming part of a growing and dynamic force in Chicagoland banking. We clearly see the benefits for our clients, and look forward to joining the MSUFCU team. For our shareholders this represents the culmination of the turnaround process begun in 2018, and we appreciate their support during the process." The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the late first quarter of 2024 subject to receiving all required regulatory approvals, approval by the shareholders of McHenry Bancorp, Inc., and other customary closing conditions.Michigan State University Federal Credit Union was advised in the transaction by Piper Sandler & Co as exclusive financial advisor and Luse Gorman, PC as legal counsel. McHenry Bancorp, Inc. was advised by Janney Montgomery Scott LLC as exclusive financial advisor and Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. as legal counsel.About Michigan State University Federal Credit UnionFounded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 12 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Mich., and has 23 branches, and an additional five in construction, over 350,000 members, $7.61 billion in assets, and more than 1,200 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org About McHenry Bancorp, Inc. and McHenry Savings BankMcHenry Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for McHenry Savings Bank, which operates three offices in McHenry County, Illinois. McHenry Savings Bank has served the financial objectives of personal and business clients in McHenry County and surrounding areas since its founding in 1955. The Bank's service-driven professionals deliver personal service supported by a wide array of technology solutions across banking and wealth management products. Since its recapitalization in 2018, the Bank has built on its "Fair, Clear and Transparent" values to earn the trust of the clients and communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.mchenrysavings.com Forward Looking StatementsThis news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future plans and expectations. Such forward-looking statements are about matters that are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this news release or made elsewhere from time to time by McHenry Bancorp, MSUFCU or on behalf of either of them. McHenry Bancorp and MSUFCU disclaim any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. In addition, statements regarding historical stock price performance are not indicative of, nor guarantees of, future price performance.SOURCE: McHenry Bancorp, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 15:02:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 516 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Over 120+ investors have already supported Garra Fish Spas, the safer and more hygienic fish spa experience, on the investment platform www.StartEngine.com , where Garra Fish Spas is conducting its start-up campaign.CLEARWATER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Garra Fish Spas has successfully opened 18 locations across six states and is set to launch an additional 5 sites in 2023. These locations are in Simon Malls, Tanger Outlets, and other prime spots. With the money raised through Start Engine, Garra Spas plans to expand to more than 100 mall kiosks and store locations nationwide.Garra Fish Spa Kiosk Located in King of Prussia Mall, PAA unique spa experience located in the center of the King of Prussia Mall."We recently unveiled our sleek new kiosk footprint, and now we are expanding our presence nationwide," said James Kalp, Chief Operations Officer of Garra Fish Spa Holdings, Inc.Unlike the more widely known and banned "fish pedicure" - which involves fish biting and eating dead skin - Garra Fish Spas offers a safe and hygienic experience. They use the Garra Rufa Fish native to the fresh waters of Turkey, which consumes only tropical fish food and not dead skin. The Garra Rufa Fish are attracted to your pulse, and the sensation of the fish scales rubbing up against your feet creates the spa experience. There is no biting."Our fish spa experience mimics our little fishy friends' natural environment. Our guests' feet give off a vibration in the water (from their pulse), and the fish swim around the feet in search of the source of this vibration," said Kalp."They do the same thing in streams and rivers, but they swim around much larger fish, creating a symbiotic relationship where the smaller fish are protected and the larger fish get cleaned by the brushing of many small fins and scales. This light sensation of the fish brushing against the feet of our guests creates a very relaxing and therapeutic (and sometimes ticklish) feeling like nothing else you can imagine," said Kalp.Garra Fish Spas also uses a patented filtration system that keeps the tanks clean for each guest. The water is cycled and sterilized multiple times during a single session, constantly washing away the skin as it's rubbed off, with no harm to the Garra Rufa Fish.To join the campaign and invest in Garra Fish Spas, visit the website www.startengine.com/offering/garraspas Garra Fish Spas is based in Clearwater, Florida, and offers a unique fish spa experience you won't find anywhere else. Our process includes a fish spa experience and an ionic cleanse to help the body feel relaxed and refreshed. Garra Spas can be found in stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Georgia, and Florida and is quickly growing from a single shopping center kiosk to a well-known brand of store-front locations offering franchise opportunities throughout the U.S.Contact InformationJames KalpCOOjames@ garraspas.com 513-967-3604Joseph MaguireSenior Marketing Strategist, Garraspas.com joe@ elephantmark.com 9783442870Related Video https://vimeo.com/831222509 SOURCE: Garra Fish Spa Holdings, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 14:01:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SARASOTA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / NetReputation.com , the leading name in online reputation management solutions for companies worldwide, has recently been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces. The 2023 award is the second such honor won by the reputation management brand, which took home a Top Workplaces badge in 2022.NetReputation made the esteemed Sarasota-Herald list based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage LLC. Earning high marks from employees and staff across the organization, NetReputation stood out for its exceptional showing across 15 culture drivers deemed "critical to the success" of any company, including alignment, execution, and connection, to name a few."We are honored and grateful to have qualified as a Top Workplace for the second straight year," said Adam Petrilli, Founder and CEO of one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies in the U.S. "We are committed to creating a positive and productive work environment for our employees, and I believe this honor helps show just how much we value people and the work our staff does every day to position our firm for success." The Top Workplaces Award is considered among the most prestigious workplace awards not only in the Sarasota region but across Florida and the United States."Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends." Established in 2015, NetReputation adds this latest award to a growing collection of industry and business accolades, including multiple Top Digital Marketing Agency honors from Manifest.com , recognition as one of Clutch's Top 100 Global Companies for 2022, and five straight years as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company.About NetReputationNetReputation.com specializes in online reputation management services for local brands, high-profile public figures, and Fortune 500 companies across the globe. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, NetReputation executes world-class reputation management, review management, content removal, and online monitoring strategies that put clients in control of their online brands. NetReputation utilizes the latest technology, methods, and processes to restore, improve, and create positive reputations that generate opportunities and empower long-term growth on the web.SOURCE: NetReputation.com ContactSupport@ netreputation.com 7866295518SOURCE: NetReputation.com PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-29 01:16:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 515 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ARLINGTON, VA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / WhensIt, a groundbreaking application that aims to simplify and streamline public school calendars for parents, students, and educators, is pleased to announce the release of its latest version, 2.6. Launched on August 23, 2023, after months of meticulous development, the app fully integrates innovative features that simplify and streamline managing and sharing school schedules for families, groups, and organizations.Founded in July of 2021 in Arlington, Virginia, WhensIt started as a vision to modernize how parents manage their children's school calendars. Feedback from parents, teachers, and even students played a crucial role in shaping the app's evolution. This latest update is a culmination of months of intensive development and testing focused on fully integrating the originally planned features.Bridging the Gap between Old and NewWhensIt takes the hassle out of interpreting confusing, symbol-heavy PDF school calendars by transforming them into user-friendly calendar listings. Parents no longer need to decipher complex symbols and legends. With WhensIt, this information is presented in a clear, concise, and user-friendly format, ensuring parents and students never miss an important date again.Sharing Made EasyOne of the flagship features in the latest release is the ease of sharing calendars. Users can effortlessly share customized school schedules with family members, childcare providers, or even community groups. This is particularly beneficial for parents who are juggling multiple schedules or who are part of school committees and other organizations. In addition, educators can now easily communicate essential dates, ensuring optimal attendance and preparation.Growing Network of SchoolsSince its launch, WhensIt has witnessed an ever-increasing number of school districts embracing its technology. Every day, more schools sign up, enabling parents across various districts to take advantage of this time-saving tool. Schools benefit from the increased engagement and streamlined communication facilitated by the app.Tailored for Various UsersWhile the focus is primarily on public school calendars, WhensIt's versatility makes it valuable for various other establishments. Community organizations, clubs, and other groups can also use the platform to manage and share their event schedules. However, the most significant impact remains for parents and educators who have found it a game-changer for planning and coordination.How to Get StartedWhensIt is available for download on all major app stores. Upon installation, parents can input their zip code to find their child's school and instantly gain access to the official school calendar, which is updated in real-time. The app has a free basic version and a premium version with additional customization features.A Bright FutureWhensIt's recent update marks a significant milestone in its journey to revolutionize how people engage with public school calendars. The team is excited about the future and is committed to continuous improvement based on user feedback.About WhensIt:Founded in Arlington, Virginia, in July of 2021, WhensIt is dedicated to revolutionizing how public school calendars are accessed and understood. Its cutting-edge technology and user-centric design serve as a bridge between schools and families, ensuring important dates are never missed.Media DetailsWebsite URL: https://electrifysocial.com/ Company Name: Electrify SocialCompany Contact: Kevin RevinovEmail address: kevin@ electrifysocial.com SOURCE: WhensIt PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 16:35:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1045 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / TriplePunditOriginally published on TriplePunditAs a multinational producer of agricultural machinery and construction equipment with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, CNH Industrial recognizes that the opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint is substantial. With that in mind, the company has mounted a highly ambitious effort to decrease the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing processes and products.It's an effort that is making significant progress, according to the company's 2022 sustainability report, which shows that CNH Industrial has reduced emissions KPI by 31 percent since 2018 and now derives 60 percent of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources."Our goal is to lower our carbon footprint by 2030, to reduce CO2 emissions per production hour of our plants worldwide by 50 percent compared to 2018, and to achieve 90 percent of total electricity consumption from renewable sources," Maria Francesca Drago, CNH Industrial's energy manager, told TriplePundit.Part of this effort centers on installing solar panels at the company's manufacturing sites around the world. Solar installations came online at five sites in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Nine plants will have solar installations operational by 2024, with plans to power all plants with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and install photovoltaic systems on the majority of plants by 2040.The company's strategy utilizes existing infrastructure (roofs) to help generate renewable energy, coupled with innovative installations like solar smart flowers. And its journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances of onsite solar in order to reduce their footprints.Onsite solar isn't easy, but it offers real benefits for employee engagementCoordinating this effort across a wide variety of jurisdictions brings a particular set of challenges, Drago said.The first thing multinational companies like CNH Industrial must do is analyze the national and local laws relevant to each of their sites in order to ensure compliance. For example, India puts a cap on the maximum area covered by solar energy systems, and some states in the U.S. require solar ground installations to be enclosed. Companies also need to know if government grants or subsidies for solar installations are available.But the biggest challenge - and the greatest opportunity - is involving global employees in these changes, Drago said."CNH Industrial has been looking at renewable energy for many years now. We set ambitious targets because we strongly believe we have to adopt a responsible approach based on the contribution of each employee," she explained. "The real result comes if all of us trust in our capabilities to make the change." Onsite solar projects contribute to increase participation and awareness in the low-carbon transition among local employees, raising their sense of belonging to the company, Drago said. Employees at a CNH Industrial plant in India, for example, started asking for information about how to get solar panels for their homes.The company also tries to demonstrate the impact of onsite solar by helping employees benefit directly. For example, employees at the company's plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, can recharge their electric bikes from power generated by onsite solar smart flowers. Inspired by sunflowers, these free-standing arrays offer an alternative at plants where rooftop solar is less feasible. Although smaller, their ability to track and capture the sun's rays via petal-shaped panels results in 40 percent more energy output for their size.The role of onsite solar in the low-carbon transitionBringing more clean power online while using less land is among the core benefits of onsite solar at corporate plants, said Alex Perera, deputy director of the World Resources Institute's energy program and its corporate partnership lead for energy."You're putting solar on an existing warehouse or existing roof," Perera explained. "You're not putting it on land, which can be difficult to site because of competing uses for that land," such as agriculture and housing.Further, placing power generation where it's needed reduces what's known in the energy sector as load pockets - or areas where local demand for energy exceeds the capacity of energy transmission infrastructure during peak times."New York City is a classic example of a load pocket. There's just not enough transmission into New York City to meet all the demand," Perera said. "Putting solar in those areas can relieve congestion." Beyond onsite solar: Small shifts to reduce corporate carbon footprintsConcurrent with its move toward onsite solar, CNH Industrial has a multi-year plan to scale the use of intelligent LED lighting technology to 21 plants worldwide. This smart management system includes motion sensors, dimmers and timers, which will generate up to 30 percent more energy savings than the LED technology already in place at most CNH Industrial plants, according to the company.CNH Industrial's decarbonization strategy also includes a shift toward a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio, including a tractor that runs on bio-methane that can be extracted from organic waste produced on farms in a closed-loop system.Companies have a major role in scaling solar energy worldwideAverage annual investment in solar solutions needs to double from 2021 through 2030 if the world is to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, according to 2022 research from the World Resource Institute."We need to raise the awareness of companies to move toward the sustainability goals so that everyone reduces their carbon footprint for the future of the next generations," Drago said.Indeed, these efforts will be "mission-critical," both for businesses and the environment, in the years to come, added Perera of WRI."Companies will not be able to exist unless they align their business interests with climate and development objectives," he said. "It's becoming so strategic for companies to do this because investor pressure and consumer pressure is really mounting on companies to move in this direction. The companies that are embracing this, taking leadership positions, and trying to get out in front are going to set themselves up for success in the future." This article series is sponsored by CNH Industrial and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.Image courtesy of CNH IndustrialAn onsite solar smart flower at CNH Industrial's plant in Lecce, Italy.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from TriplePundit on 3 blmedia.com Contact PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 14:50:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 960 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Maker of America's #1 Vegan Cookie Dough Bar Joins PlantX Web FamilyVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / PlantX Life Inc. (CSE:VEGA)(Frankfurt:WNT1)(OTCQB:PLTXF) ("PlantX" or the "Company"), the digital face of the plant-based community, operating a one-stop shop for plant-based products, today announced that it has added Whoa Dough, the maker of flavor-packed, gluten free and vegan cookie dough bars and cookies, to its growing roster of brands adopting its ecommerce fulfillment solutions. As part of this collaboration, Whoa Dough is launching its first refrigerated product, chocolate chip cookie dough, and PlantX will help bring the product to consumers."Whoa Dough has grown from a local Ohio treasure, distributed in Whole Foods and other retailers, to a brand that is in high demand across the country," commented Lorne Rapkin, PlantX CEO. "Their delicious bars target not just consumers with allergies, but vegans and health-conscious consumers seeking a gluten free, plant-based alternative. Their new refrigerated cookie dough has been wildly popular at trade shows, and we are eager to give our large consumer base access to this exciting and tasty product." "With PlantX as our new partner, Whoa Dough continues to execute on our mission to indulge America's sweet tooth without wreaking havoc on our bellies," commented Whoa Dough's founder, Todd Goldstein. " I started this company to give those with gluten intolerance, like me and my children, a delicious, safe alternative. Demand has taken off, and we are capitalizing on this demand by expanding distribution to PlantX.com and we think this ecommerce relationship will only drive incremental demand." About PlantX LifeAs the digital face of the plant-based community, PlantX's platform is a one-stop shop for plant-based products. With its fast-growing category verticals, PlantX offers customers across North America more than 5,000 plant-based products. PlantX also has other brands in the PlantX portfolio including a juice brand, a coffee company, a plant shop, and brick-and-mortar grocery stores. PlantX uses its digital platform to build a community of like-minded consumers and, most importantly, to provide education. PlantX's digital presence eliminates entry barriers for anyone interested in living a plant-based lifestyle and thriving in a longer, healthier, and happier life.Connect with PlantX: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTokAbout Whoa DoughWhoa Dough was created by Todd Goldstein, an entrepreneur and "foodie" who spent the last decade helping entrepreneurs get their start. In 2011, Goldstein was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance which began his hunt for gluten free products. When his sons were born in 2015 and 2017, they were also diagnosed with a gluten-intolerance which only further increased his desire to create a gluten-free treat. Recognizing that the cookie dough market was a growing trend, but still left those with allergies in the "raw," Todd and his team got to work and 19 iterations and a year-and-a-half later, Whoa Dough was created.Connect with Whoa Dough: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramContact:Lorne RapkinChief Executive Officer(416) 419-1415Forward-looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "likely", "should," "would," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "potential," "proposed," "estimate," "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information contained herein includes, without limitation, statements regarding the availability of Future Farm products, PlantX promotional events and the business and strategic plans of the Company.By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release including, without limitation: receiving sufficient demand for the Offering; the Company's ability to comply with all applicable governmental regulations including all applicable food safety laws and regulations; impacts to the business and operations of the Company due to the COVID-19 epidemic; the conflict in eastern Europe; having a limited operating history; the ability of the Company to access capital to meet future financing needs; the Company's reliance on management and key personnel; competition; changes in consumer trends; foreign currency fluctuations; and general economic, market or business conditions.Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which have been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com . Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.SOURCE: PlantX Life Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 20:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 307 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Potts To Play An Integral Part In the Private Equity Firm's Growing Investment Operations Including Transaction Dynamics and Business Development, Reporting To 3 Rivers Capital Managing Director, Transactions, Michael ZhongPITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Private equity firm 3 Rivers Capital (https://3 riverscap.com/) has announced Dalton J. Potts as Vice President, Transactions Team, effective immediately. Headquartered in the private equity firm's Dallas-Fort Worth location, Potts will report to 3 Rivers Capital Managing Director, Transactions, Michael Zhong.Dalton J. PottsVice President, Transactions Team3 Rivers Capital In his new position as Vice President, Transactions Team, Potts will play a vital role in all investment activities, including, but not limited to, transaction evaluation and executing, business development, investment thesis creation, and portfolio company monitoring. He will oversee the Transactions team in its progression through 3RC's deal analysis process.Potts joins 3 Rivers Capital from a middle market, consumer services focused private equity firm where he was a Principal on the investment team. Previously, he served as an Investment Banker at Greenhill & Co. Potts received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA) from The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business."We are excited to announce the hiring of Dalton J. Potts to the 3 Rivers Capital Transactions Team, where his extensive experience and impressive track record of achievement will contribute to the continuing expansion of our firm's investment portfolio," said Zhong.About 3 Rivers Capital:3 Rivers Capital is a private equity firm focused on control acquisitions of small businesses with EBITDA between $3-10M. Since its founding in 2005, 3 Rivers Capital has built expertise in acquiring family and entrepreneur-owned businesses that present a clear and compelling opportunity to create significant value. 3 Rivers Capital adds value through active ownership and supportive partnerships with highly motivated management teams. Visit https://3 riverscap.com/ # # #CONTACT: Steve SyattSSA Public Relationssteve@ ssapr.com SOURCE: 3 Rivers Capital PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 17:49:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The California Central Coast's wine and barbecue destination wants to help people dodge the crowds and the price hikes and will give them $100 to do it.SANTA MARIA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Santa Maria Valley is inviting people to break free from the year-end hustle and take a "Midweek Break," offering travelers $100 to relax, recharge and repay themselves. Following the overwhelming success of its Stimulus campaign, this Central Coast destination is the gift that keeps on giving-literally.Couple enjoying wine in Santa Maria Valley, at Andrew Murray WinerySanta Maria Valley, the California Central Coast's wine and barbecue destination, is offering $100 gift cards to the first 500 visitors to book a two-night stay at a qualifying lodging property between Sunday and Thursday.The first 500 visitors to book their Midweek Break will be eligible to receive a $100 Visa gift card after booking a two-night stay at a qualifying lodging property between Sunday and Thursday. The trip must be between Oct. 15, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, and the reservation must be made before Sept. 30, 2023, and submitted through a form found on Santa Maria Valley's website to qualify."In Santa Maria Valley, $100 goes further than it would in other wine destinations," said Jennifer Harrison, director of tourism for Visit Santa Maria Valley. "We're excited to once again put our money where our mouth is and prove that people get more for their money in Santa Maria Valley. As a bonus, we get to continue supporting our local businesses, who often see a drop in midweek traffic after schools start back up and people resume their routines." According to Bankrate, the majority of Americans (at least 80%) are making changes to their vacations in order to be more practical with their budgets. Some are seeking less expensive accommodations and/or destinations, while others are taking fewer or shorter trips."People need to be reminded to take a pause, invest in themselves and take that much-needed vacation-while not letting any hard-earned PTO go to waste," said Harrison. "With the price hikes we've seen taking place in different areas of the travel industry, Santa Maria Valley remains a true value for visitors and whether you're traveling with friends, family, or flying solo-the break people need is right here." The numbers show that in Santa Maria Valley, people can eat, drink and do more for less. In comparison to Paso Robles, Napa Valley or Temecula, a stay in Santa Maria Valley saves hundreds of dollars, which leaves a lot more money to sip on world-class wines or get a taste for famous Santa Maria-style barbecue.Take a Midweek Break enjoying central coast vineyards, tantalizing dining options, incredible scenery and more-visit santamariavalley.com/midweek ###About Santa Maria Valley:Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California's Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit association that facilitates local tourism and provides information on the region's many attractions and visitor services. Famed for its fine wines, natural wonders, agricultural heritage and flavorful barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley offers a broad range of cultural, sporting and historical experiences. For details on Santa Maria Valley lodging, wine tasting, travel deals and e-newsletter alerts, visit santamariavalley.com or call (800) 331-3779.Contact InformationNicole Shearer530-448-6485Related FilesSOURCE: Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry shared a post on X (former Twitter) to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Balligaya massacre, Azernews reports. The post noted that 31 years ago the Armenian armed forces committed a horrifying massacre in the Balligaya village, Goranbay district of Azerbaijan. In this massacre, 24 Azerbaijani civilians including 6 minors, as well as a 6-month-old baby and a 93-year-old woman were brutally killed. The construction of "the tallest building in Africa," with a designed height of 385.5 meters, in Egypt has been facilitated by the tower cranes, lifts, truck cranes and concrete pumps coming from China. Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology introduced its equipment and took part in the entire process, from construction to capping of the project. An array of advanced products, such as 101-meter carbon fiber boom concrete pump trucks and AI-based harvesting machines, has consistently enhanced the global competitiveness and impact of Chinese machinery brands, while also playing a role in economic recovery. In the first half of this year, the added value of the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 6.5 percent year on year, contributing 53.9 percent to the growth of all industries above the designated size. SOPHISTICATED TECH China views enterprises as the main body of innovation, dedicating efforts to nurture world-leading firms and those employing specialized and sophisticated technologies to create unique products. A smart industrial base of Zoomlion situated in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, features eight world-leading "lighthouse factories," 300 smart production lines, more than 600 patented technologies for production lines, and eight national platforms for scientific research and innovation. Zoomlion's super-large tonnage crawler crane ZCC3200NP played an important role in the construction of China's several domestic nuclear power projects. On April 20, another tower crane of this enterprise, named R20000-720, rolled off the production line in a smart plant in Hunan's Changde. Incorporating 158 innovative breakthroughs and 305 patented inventions, the R20000-720 utilizes over 60 core technologies. It has a maximum lifting capacity of 720 tonnes and a maximum lifting height of 400 meters, which is equivalent to lifting 500 cars to the height of 130 floors at a time. In addition, the multi-source information fusion intelligent control system propels the tower crane to achieve rapid millisecond-level responses. The development of modern infrastructure in Africa has accelerated in recent years. The demand for high-quality and high-performance construction machinery has become urgent in order to adapt to the complex terrain and the unpredictable and challenging conditions of certain projects. Chinese construction machinery manufacturers have specifically crafted numerous advanced products to cater to the African market. For example, Zoomlion has developed a specialized rice machine, fueled by a turbo engine, designed to swiftly harvest high-yield plots and minimize food losses during the process. Additionally, an innovative wheat harvester, outfitted with a front camera, can effectively monitor and identify crop lodging. BENEFITTING THE WORLD When constructing a transportation hub in Egypt, the project required a type of large-diameter thick-walled structural pipe of more than 1,000 tonnes, a challenge that numerous manufacturers in Europe and the United States couldn't meet. China's Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Co., Ltd. stepped in and delivered the necessary products, ensuring the project's timely completion. "China has long been exporting its construction machinery and equipment," said Wu Weiheng, a vice-general manager of Zoomlion's overseas business. "In recent years, the construction machinery industry's overseas revenue and orders have increased significantly." At present, Zoomlion has subsidiaries in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria, and set up a joint venture factory in Algeria. In 2022, the company's sales performance in countries like Indonesia, India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey exceeded 100 percent year-on-year growth. According to Zoomlion's 2023 first-quarter report, its overseas revenue increased by 123 percent year on year. Also, China Railway Engineering Equipment Group (CREG) has introduced its tunnel boring machines to Europe in recent years. In 2015, CREG won the bid for a project in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 2019 and 2020, it exported shield tunneling machines to France and Poland, respectively. To date, CREG has secured orders for over 1,400 sets, with exports reaching more than 30 countries and regions. According to the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), the country's construction machinery exports maintained a high growth rate in the first half of 2023, firmly supporting the stable operation of the construction machinery industry. STABLE GROWTH After CCMA analyzed customs data, it was found that China's import and export trade volume of construction machinery reached 26.31 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 23.2 percent year on year, in the first half of 2023. The trade surplus was 23.67 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 5.31 billion U.S. dollars year on year. Much like the performance of overseas businesses, China's machinery industry registered stable domestic growth in the first half of 2023. In the domestic market, sales of eight categories of construction machinery products saw growth, with the most significant increase of 27.9 percent occurring in the truck crane segment, according to the CCMA. The China Machinery Industry Federation said the sector's added value went up 9.7 percent from a year ago in the January-June period, driven by vibrant electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing and automobile production. Indicating a swift transition propelled by innovation, the business revenue and profits of strategic emerging industries in the machinery sector surged by 10.4 percent and 15.6 percent, respectively. By the end of June, the number of innovation platforms in the machinery sector reached 260, offering support for the stability of the industrial chain. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-28 13:46:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 939 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 2023 Interim Results Highlights:The Group realized net profit of RMB 1,071 million, up 6.14% YoY.Profit attributable to the Company's owners grew by 0.6% YoY to RMB 1,004 million.Segment profit of the Growth Business increased by 38.63% YoY to approximately RMB 31476 million.It implemented the policy of increasing crop yield with fewer fertilizer applications and vigorously promoted "bio-fertilizer+" and "Houpu" soil health strategy.HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Sinofert Holdings Limited ("Sinofert" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries collectively known as the "Group") (stock code: 297.HK) announced the interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 (the "Period").In the first half of 2023, the fertilizer industry was clouded by a supply glut, leading to continued decline in product prices. In the face of severe market condition, the Group adhered to the strategic transformation towards "bio-fertilizers + soil health" operation, continued to expand diversified channels and focused on the development of differentiated products through R&D and innovation efforts. Under the guidance from Syngenta Group China, it made achievements in different areas.During the Period, the Group realized revenue of RMB 13.128 billion, representing a 14.23% year-on-year decrease mainly due to the Group's initiatives to adjust the product mix and reduce the low-margin products. With the support of accurate market analysis along with efforts to boost business volume and create value, it achieved a net profit of RMB 1,071 million, up 6.14% year-on-year. Profit attributable to the Company's owners amounted to RMB 1,004 million, up 0.6% year-on-year. Basic earnings per share were RMB 0.143, up 0.6% year-on-year.In the face of intensified market competition, the Group proceeded with the policy of increasing crop yield with fewer fertilizer applications. While significantly scaling down the low-margin nitrogen fertilizer and sulphur businesses, it vigorously promoted "bio-fertilizer+" and "Houpu" soil health strategy. With an emphasis on addressing the needs for crop plantation, it made relentless efforts to upgrade technology and products, enhanced the product mix by driving transformation towards environmentally-friendly and highly efficient fertilizers, thereby creating a variety of differentiated products and enhancing its market competitiveness. The Group sold a total of 1.15 million tons of differentiated products in the Period, up 6% year-on-year.The Group's businesses are classified on the basis of supporting the "Bio+" strategy and divided into three segments: Basic Business, Growth Business and Production Business. The segment profit of the Growth Business (including production, procurement and sales of products such as bio-compound fertilizers and special fertilizers) increased by 38.63% year-on-year to approximately RMB 314 million. The segment profit of the Production Business (including the production and sales of fertilizers and MCP / DCP) grew by 7.70% year-on-year to approximately RMB 356 million. The segment profit of the Basic Business (including procurement and sales of potash, phosphate fertilizers and sulphur) dropped by 6.21% year-on-year to approximately RMB 535 million.During the period under review, the Group remained committed to the strategy of promoting business synergistic development with Syngenta Group China. It carried out intensive collaboration with various business units of Syngenta Group China to promote high quality and rapid development of plant protection and seed business. The customized products developed by Syngenta Group China for the Group generated revenue of RMB 21 million. The launch of Maiyouban, the customized seed coating agent, created greater room and opportunities for business collaboration between both parties. The collaboration of their seed business was in full swing, which drove high-quality and rapid development of this business.The Group persistently enhanced the operational management standards and the risk control capability, while retaining a sound financial position. As at 30 June 2023, the Group's current ratio was 1.5 and its debt-to-equity ratio was 17.99%. The relatively high amount of available bank credit, an easy access to financing channels and diversified funding methods lay a solid foundation for its sustainable growth.Looking ahead to the future, Mr. Liu Hongsheng, Chairman of Sinofert, commented, "Domestic fertilizer market remains severe in the second half of 2023. Under the policy guidance of the government's No.1 Policy Document, the fertilizer industry is moving towards high-quality, diversified and service-driven development. With the promotion of the technology of increasing crop yield with fewer agricultural inputs and the water-fertilizer integrated technology, the fertilizer industry is set to experience significant changes, which will create considerable opportunities and development for the Group's strategic transformation. We are committed to the strategic transformation towards bio-fertilizers + soil health' operation, aiming at improving crop nutrition utilization rate, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing soil health through R&D and innovation efforts." Mr. Liu Hongsheng said, "The Group will continue to consolidate its market share for the potash and phosphate business, further strengthen its capability of strategic procurement and develop more high-quality sourcing channels, hence reinforcing core customer system in agriculture and industry and providing a solid foundation for the Group's strategic transformation. Meanwhile, we will fully utilize the advantages of Syngenta Group's platform, enhance the synergies of R&D, production and sales between both sides, provide scientific and technological support to drive the rapid growth of its business and its transformation into the leader of bio-fertilizers and soil health innovation'".~END~About Sinofert Holdings LimitedSinofert Holdings Limited is a comprehensive crop nutrition enterprise centering on distribution services and vertically integrating production and network distribution. Major businesses of the Group include the production, import and export, distribution and retail of raw materials and finished products of crop nutrition products, provision of technological research and development and services relating to the crop nutrition business and products, exploration and exploitation of phosphate mine, and production of monocalcium/dicalcium phosphate.The Company was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 28 July 2005. It strives to become China's leading technology-b Etim Effiong had just returned home after hours of toil at sea with little catch. Experts would describe him as one of the numerous victims of climate change. The fisherman operates at the Museum Fishing Port behind the dilapidated National Museum in Oron, Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He said his recent experience is the worst in his over 20 years of fishing. Mr Effiong is one of the many artisanal fishermen in Akwa Ibom coastal communities whose livelihood is threatened as fishing expeditions become less productive. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the situation worsened in recent months due to temperature changes. Fishing communities in Ibeno and Eastern Obolo local government areas of the state have noticed fewer fish in the waters. They blame the situation on climate change and gas flaring by international oil companies (IOCs). Artisanal fishing, the use of traditional or small-scale fishing gears (traps, traps, etc.) and motorised or non-motorised vessels (dugout boats and canoes) for fishing in the seas and oceans, is the main source of income for households in the communities. However, catches have declined in recent years as temperature changes and global warming affect fish populations. In mid-July, when PREMIUM TIMES visited the Museum fishing port in Esuk Abanda the largest fishing port in the area and Esin Ufot (a small market square around Esuk Abanda), hundreds of buyers, mainly women, were waiting for fishermen to return from the ocean. But the mood changed to frustration when the boats arrived with poor catch. As a result, the price of fish shot up threefold. A fish size that sold for N1,000 was sold for N3,500 at the market on that day. The fishermen attributed the poor catch to a rise in sea level. But they also cited the activities of militants (sea pirates), who they said had snatched over 100 outboard engines from them. According to multiple accounts, outlaws routinely kidnap or kill fishermen at sea. Scientists and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency have long warned that rising sea levels lead to more erosion and high tide flooding particularly during extreme coastal storms. In Emereoke, an oil-rich but poverty-stricken fishing community in Eastern Obolo, the wreckage of homes washed away by ocean expansion is glaring evidence of the devastating effect of climate change on the coastal community. Climate change impact Experts say the primary cause of climate change in freshwater ecosystems is global warming. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, gas flaring in the Niger Delta could be responsible for the increase in temperature and the associated global warming in Nigerias freshwater ecosystems. Scientists warn that oceans are warming fast, the sea is rising, and storms are becoming more torrential. Similarly, increased heat could pose a grave threat to the fish population the world depends on by the end of this century if climate change continues unchecked. The low-lying nature of its about 800km coastline makes Nigeria more vulnerable to climate change. The effect of climatic changes on fish and their habitat affect the fisheries in the context of production, species, markets, environment and management arrangement, studies have shown. In most communities visited by this newspaper, it was observed that fishing hours vary. For instance, the first set of fishermen in Oron returned at sunrise, while the second batch returned in droves around 2 p.m. But this was not the case in Ibeno, where fishermen in the area returned from the ocean between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Meanwhile, in Eastern Obolo, fishermen were seen fishing at all times. Devastating impact Asked how climate change has affected the over 1,000 fishermen in Oron, a 25-year-old fisherman, Innocent Bassey, said ocean surge, waves and militants activities are their most challenging issues. There are no fish now. It is raining now so all the fish would go down because the sea is big. Some of us lost everything. Water storms destroy our boats and nets because there are many waves. The waves sometimes cause accidents. Some people died because when the waves are too much, the boat would just capsize; some would manage to swim out while others may not make it, he said. Mr Basseys explanation was corroborated by Leo Mbakara, a fisherman at Utit Ndak fishing port in Mkpanak in Ibeno LGA, and Ezekiel Ezekiel, a fisherman in Emereoke Kingdom, Eastern Obolo LGA. They added that gas flaring, a leading cause of global warming, also contributed to the migration of fish to the ocean. A climate activist and assistant thematic lead at Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria, Ediongseyene Ndunobong, said like humans, when the climate is not favourable, fishes would migrate to where they are more comfortable. Another issue that affects them is oil exploitation. It affects the mangrove which is the breeding ground for fish and other aquatic creatures. With the pollution going on there the fish are migrating and most of them do not have the space to breed, he said. Adaptation strategy The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that ocean warming has contributed significantly to an overall decrease in maximum (fish) catch potential, and the condition has worsened due to overfishing. According to IPCC, fishing and fisheries will be impacted if there is a rise in temperature between 1.5 to 2C. Any increase in temperature above the tolerance limit in their habitat will surely have serious negative effects on fish physiology, especially in the supply of oxygen to their tissues. Nsidibe Isemin, a hydrobiologist and lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, said when fishes cannot withstand certain temperatures, particularly when it rises above the optimum they require for growth and development, they migrate to convenient temperatures. When the temperature is higher than that, some fishes would tend to go down deep to where they can have cold water, he said. For the rise in sea level, Mr Isemin said, Below the seafloor of an ocean and seas, there are icebergs. When the temperature becomes unusually high, the seafloor begins to melt and discharge the water into the sea volume, so at point, water that was small will spread into the beach and coastal homes in the fishing communities. Explaining further, Mr Isemin likened the mechanism to putting a small amount of ice in a cup, which later melted and filled the cup and sometimes ran over. A study published by Science Journal shows there are future challenges with fish and those that rely on it for livelihood if the climate crisis continues unchecked as over 60 per cent of fish species will be struggling to reproduce in their current habitat by the year 2100. Multilayered challenges Local fishermen and community dwellers in the three LGAs visited by PREMIUM TIMES identified Ekpai (local name), whose scientific name is Ethmalosa fimbreata, as a fish species that is gradually heading to extinction due to temperature variables. Mr Ndunobong, an aquaculturist, said climate change has also taken a toll on periwinkle. The seafood is costlier now than at any other time as a result of scarcity. In Akwa Ibom, we are not supposed to buy crayfish at the price we are buying now. But because of climate change, basically caused by anthropogenic activities like oil exploration, most of the commons are not readily available. That is why the price is high. But this year there is an unusual prevalence of catfish even after its season, so you dont know where they migrated from so that we have such a harvest. It has never been like this for the past three years. You dont know where there might be some instigators that have to push them ashore for fishers to harvest them, he said. While fish migrate to comfortable water zones in response to climatic impact, the artisanal fishermen take long trips going after the fish and, in the process, lose more in terms of fuel, nets and canoes to ocean currents. Local fishermen also complained that their fishing business is further hampered by insecurity at the ocean, which exposes them to pirates. Odiko Macdon, the police spokesperson in the state, did not respond to requests for comment on protection for the fishermen. But at Esuk Abanda in Oron, officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Customs Service in gunboats were seen conducting checks on passengers in suspected boats due to the proximity of the area to the Republic of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. However, residents said the two federal agencies do not provide security far away from the seashore where most fishing is done, leaving them vulnerable to pirates. Impact of petroleum on fishing The fish species prevalent in Oron, in local names. include Akwe, Oniok, Inagha (cat fish), and Akpan ata. When PREMIUM TIMES visited Uwuochang and Mkpanak fishing ports in Ibeno, fishermen had left for the ocean, leaving a few rickety boats ashore. A few metres away from the fishing ports, the intense heat of burning gas could be felt from an Oil Flow Station owned by Mobil Producing Nigeria. Some fishermen who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said they found crude oil on the sea while fishing, which they blamed for the gradual decrease in fishes. In this area, fishermen mainly target greyish. They sail their boats in the morning, several kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean, close to Cameroon, and often return in the evening. Leaders of communities that operate the Uwuochang fishing port complained of a lack of fish due to high waves, temperature changes and high cost of fuel, adding that they spent about N180,000 daily on fuel. Fisheries economy Artisanal fisheries contribute about 30 per cent of the gross domestic product of developing countries, with about five per cent of the population depending wholly or partly on the fisheries sector for their livelihood. Artisanal fishermen dominate fish production in Nigeria, contributing about 85 per cent. Besides being a leading oil producer in the county, Akwa Ibom is also a major fish producer. Artisanal fishery contributes about 95 per cent of the states total fish output, with about 11 local government areas involved in artisanal fisheries. Ini Akpabio, a professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension at the University of Uyo, said the fisheries industry in the state is dominated by non-indigenes, describing it as a master-servant relationship. Each time they harvest, the bulk belongs to outsiders. That is why you may get cheaper fish in Aba than in Ibeno. We thought that the government would empower indigenes even in cooperatives to get trawlers so that they can own the fishing equipment, he said, adding that indigenes only operate in lower water. There are also plenty of fish near the Mobil Platform but they dont go near there because the security would shoot at them. You know all the food workers eat on Platform and waste some of it so fish around there are very healthy on offshore platforms but local people cannot go there due to security, Mr Akpabio said. Grace Leo, a businesswoman at the Utit Ndak fishing port, located opposite the operational base of Mobil Producing Nigeria, in Mkpanak, Ibeno, told PREMIUM TIMES that they provide boats and diesel for the fishermen to work and make returns. What we do is that we buy boats, give them money for fuel from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, where theres no fishing we count the number of basins they have caught within the week, bargain the price, take our fuel money the remainder is their gain, she said. Coastal effects In the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, residents said they face an uncertain future as homes and buildings continue to collapse into the ocean amid torrential water currents. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that no fishing activities took place in Iko, Okoroette and Emereoke fishing ports near the Atlantic Ocean a week before the visit to the community in July, due to storms and ocean surges. Besides the impact on fish, ocean expansion has taken a toll on Emereoke Kingdom as some houses were seen crumbling, despite the presence of oil flow stations belonging to five IOCs. The journey to Emereoke was a nightmare. After arriving at Iko fishing port on a motorcycle from Ikot Akpaden, home of Akwa Ibom State University, a canoe ferried this reporter across a river bounded by Sterling Global, an oil company operating in the area, with additional transport hassles. The youth leader of the community, Ephraim Ngofah, said the five IOCs are operating both offshore and onshore in the community. At the coastline, yellowish gas was seen burning from different oil flow stations inside the Atlantic Ocean which bordered the community. Mr Ngofah identified the IOCs as Exxon Mobil OML 70, Amni International Development Company OML 112, Total FINA ELF, NPDC/NOSL-Sterling OML13, and Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited. Mr Ngofah believes the oil exploration in the area contributes largely to the climatic changes being witnessed. The community had an intervention through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 2019 when we experienced a very serious flooding. However, NEMA only gave relief materials but failed to address the main challenge of the people, which the community leaders said is Shore protection. Emereoke kingdom is badly affected by perennial flooding as a result of coastal erosion. I think for the past 20 years, over 1,000 houses have been brought down because of flooding. As a matter of fact, we are calling on the federal and state governments to urgently intervene in this coastal flooding that is ravaging this community. The flooding has caused a lot of harm. It has caused some persons to relocate to IDP camps of which we dont know what would happen after now. We are the host community to all these oil companies that I have mentioned but none of them have ever come to our aid. In this community, we dont have anything that we can boast of as the community that produces the largest oil in Akwa Ibom State both onshore and offshore, he said. He also spoke on the impact on fish production, I think everybody knows that because of climate change and the rise in the sea level it affects fishing badly. Because the water current has increased and theres always an ocean rise, turbulent tide and this affects fishing operations. On the loss recorded by the fishermen to climate change impact, Mr Ngofeh said, During dry season we got enough to fish but currently, we lose over N3 million daily. The climate change effect has persisted in the community for over a decade, he said. Solutions The community leaders called on corporate organisations and governments to construct shoreline protection for the community to protect them from being washed away by ocean expansion. When contacted, the state Commissioner for Lands, Iniobong Ekong, promised to investigate the matter and act accordingly. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Have you paid to have a call made to your loved one, to apologise, congratulate them or tell them you love them? Then you would have spoken to Jennifer or some other call-preneurs in Nigeria. Growing up with a business mindset, 22-year-old Jennifer Egwudike graduated recently from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with a discipline in English Education, but even this has not hindered her pursuit of running a business. Jennifer is the CEO of an online call brand, the CMJ Moment Centre, which offers services such as birthday celebration calls, apology calls, appreciation calls, congratulatory calls, encouragement calls, and prank/loyalty calls among others. Excerpts: PT: When did you make that decision, I want to be an entrepreneur? Were there factors that led to that? Jennifer: Right from when I knew my right from left, Ive always been business-centred. My mom once left her business and travelled for a week and I made thousands of naira as far back as 2012. She was perplexed because she never fathomed the worth of goods in the shop would amount to that. During my undergraduate days, I was known as the most industrious business lady, I sold kerosene in the school hostel, helped students up their nails game, and sold cosmetics and a couple of things to keep body and soul together. When I started my call brand in 2022 and it was not going well, I re-strategised and one time during the Valentines period, I had close to 300 call orders and I said to myself, You see this call business, I die here. PT: You just got out of school. The usual expectation is that you start sending out your CVs. Were your family members in support of your decision? Jennifer: They were partially in support. I must say, to some of them, I was wasting my time on social media posting what they could not fathom. My Grandma once asked me if I was working with MTN because Im always on call all through the day not until she saw me making a call to a client and she loved the process. Ever since then, her perspective of my business changed. Now, theyre in total support, unlike when I started. PT: You run a unique type of business, a call agency if I can put it that way. What inspired this business? Jennifer: The reply to this question would be funny. Breakfast, normal parlance to heartbreak, birthed the brand. I was going through a tough time in my relationship, and finally, we broke up, I was in a very bad state for a long time. I decided to start something that would help people mend their relationships, more like a confidential centre where people can rely on their heartfelt wishes and requests, while I serve as a bridge between them and their loved ones. So, that was how the brand came into being. PT: How long have you been running it, and how has the journey been? What is doing business in Nigeria like? Jennifer: I started CMJ MOMENT CENTER on January 15, 2022, so the brand is one year and seven months. The journey, I must say, has been bittersweet I must confess, especially the fact that my brand is online-centered and sometimes getting clients can be challenging. Some days youll record massive bookings, some days, very few, but one sweet aspect of the service is that if youre good, youll be getting referrals, especially from your old clients. Running a business in a country like Nigeria is not easy, especially for my brand. You must be emotionally available to face challenges because its inevitable. If transportation doesnt disappoint, the system will disrupt your process. PT: What are the major challenges in this line of business, and how were you able to overcome them? Jennifer: My biggest challenge is the network challenge. I now have all the network packages, in case MTN fails me, GLO might come to my rescue. The challenges Im having are visibility and network. My niche is relatively new and only a few people know about it, so to reach a wider audience, I now run influencer marketing and sponsored ads. Talking about the network challenge, for most international call orders, I get requests for WhatsApp calls instead of the normal call. Sometimes, network here can be challenging. What I did was to get multiple sims, anyone more favourable, I use for the time being. Another challenge Ive been facing is rude clients. Youre surprised, right? Some clients think that once they pay for your services, they have the right to use demeaning words on you, but I confront them with kindness and before you know whats happening, they comport themselves. Everything about me is positive vibes and energy. I dont entertain negativity. It has been amazing. Regardless of the ups and downs, I love my job so much. PT: Is there any story to your business name? Just curious. Jennifer: CMJ MOMENT CENTER is a coinage from my Aunty, Dad and my name. Both are late. C stands for Chiamaka (Aunts), while M stands for Maduaka (Dads). I named it after them because they wanted the best for me while alive and Im sure theyre proud of me wherever theyre. Moment Center on the other hand is a place where we help you with your emotional needs and requests. PT: On a scale of 1-10, how open do you think Nigerians are to having a call agency reach out to their loved ones instead of doing so themselves? Jennifer: I would rate it seven. People are accommodating the service already. The acceptance level is mind-blowing because not everyone gets birthday gifts from their friends for various reasons but seeing us call them, gives them another level of love and security. Tell me who doesnt love surprises? People love our services. PT: What is the starter pack for this kind of business, what is the barest minimum requirement to start this business? Jennifer: You dont need much to start a call brand, interestingly. I started with less than 10k in my account in 2022 and here am I today. If youre good with marketing, storytelling and copywriting, youre good to go. PT: What advice do you have for young people who seek to start this line of business? Jennifer: My advice to them is to stay consistent and focused and learn marketing skills. It would help them in showcasing their brands to people. PT: How do you strike a balance between your time and your businesses? Jennifer: I have opening hours for the brand, I open by 7 a.m. and close by 10 p.m. and any calls outside those time frames warrant an extra charge. I have more birthday calls than other calls and I make them in the morning, create content online and go about my other activities. PT: How do you think the government can solve some of the challenges of the entrepreneurs in this line of business? Jennifer: If they can bring down call tariffs, it would favour us the more. PT: Where do you see your business in five years? Jennifer: In five years, my brand would have expanded. I will start offline birthday gift delivery and have a studio for my call brand. PT: If you were to get a grant, how would you invest it? Jennifer: I would invest in online and offline advertisement. Ask anyone doing online business the challenge they face, and most will chorus visibility, especially if they are still growing and with few followers. Sponsored ads these days are getting more rigid and the higher your budget, the better the result. The grant will aid me in reaching more people and preaching the gospel of my brand faster. PT: How would you describe your experience so far? Jennifer: It has been amazing. Regardless of the ups and downs, I love my job so much. PT: After such a tight schedule, how do you relax? What is your hobby? Jennifer: I watch YouTube a lot. I hang out with friends and sometimes I go to the studio to take pictures, lol. Im a picture freak. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has called on Nigerian filmmakers to submit their feature films for consideration. The filmmakers are expected to enter their films in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars). The AMPAS officially recognises the NOSC and will choose one film as the countrys official submission for the IFF Award. The portal, according to the committee, is open for submissions from 28 August 2023 to 15 September on thenosc.org. The IFF Award is presented annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains 50 per cent or more in a language or languages other than English. The Academy Awards requires that submitted films meet other criteria, including accurate, legible English subtitles, shooting formats, and theatrical releases details of which are available on the NOSC website. READ ALSO: Nigeria attained the first feat at the Academy with the countrys submission, The Milkmaid. The film was ratified by the Executive Committee of the IFF, having passed the eligibility test before failing to make it past the first shortlist category. In 2019, Nigerias official submission, Genevieve Nnajis Lionheart movie, was disqualified for not meeting the non-English dialogue criteria. It led to the controversy on whether or not Nigerian pidgin should not be considered a local language Remarks Newly appointed chairperson of NOSC, Stephanie Linus, expressed excitement at her new role, saying that the 96th Oscars presents another opportunity to honour exceptional Nigerian storytellers and talents on the global stage. I am honoured to take on the esteemed role of NOSC Chairperson for the Oscar Awards. I look forward to working closely with my committee members on our shared vision of promoting African filmmakers on a global platform. We now have a unique opportunity to honour the exceptional storytellers and talents whose works have entertained and connected us in many ways. I hope the decisions we make in the days ahead will inspire the next generation of filmmakers, she stated. The 96th Oscars will take place on 10 March 2024. The show will air live in more than 200 territories worldwide, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Last months coup in Niger once again revealed Africas crisis of multilateralism. Political and security developments in Niger and other African countries confirm the continents collective security dilemmas and the deficiencies of its architectures for peace, security and governance. There have been strong divisions among African stakeholders about the appropriate response to Nigers coup, illustrating an erosion of the consensus reached in the July 2000 Lome Declaration on unconstitutional changes of government. The military takeover in Niger is the sixth in West Africa in two years, and shows the fragility of governments facing violent extremism. It also reflects the difficulty that continental and regional bodies in this case, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) face in preventing military and civilian coups. In the Central African Republic (CAR), a new constitution removing presidential term limits was adopted by referendum in July. To achieve this, President Faustin-Archange Touadera illegally sacked the Constitutional Courts Speaker, who initially deemed the extension of the term limits unconstitutional. In Sudan, the outbreak of a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces marks the failure of the 2019 transition initially designed by the African Union (AU) following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir. While different in scope and nature, these three developments highlight how African organisations struggle to weigh in on conflict situations, showing increasing disagreements about the right solutions to crises. To address this, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) asked the AU Commission in July to review the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) to adapt it to contemporary security challenges facing the continent. Several factors reveal the crisis facing APSA, including inconsistency in the use of existing mechanisms. For example, the AU Commission chairpersons chief of staff was appointed spokesperson on the Sudan situation even though an AU Liaison Office was already on the ground in Khartoum. And despite the CARs brewing crisis, the AU hasnt replaced its special representative there four months after the incumbent left. AU special envoys are an underestimated but highly efficient conflict prevention tool. In Niger, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and the PSC unanimously condemned the coup despite slight differences on whether force should be used to restore constitutional order. By contrast, the PSCs handling of crises like that in Chad was considered inconsistent. Another trend illustrating APSAs problems is the preference among governments for military approaches to insecurity. Such strategies not only fail to address the root causes of conflict, but also increasingly question APSAs basis as a collective security mechanism. Governance matters dont get as much attention as military measures, even though African countries cant fund military interventions on their own, as the ongoing financing crisis of African peace support operations shows. Reviewing APSA requires an assessment of existing instruments, especially those dealing with preventive diplomacy, governance and subsidiarity. Given the costs associated with peacemaking, some useful and affordable conflict prevention tools could be activated. Recent AU reforms have damaged the organisations conflict prevention framework, and should be reassessed at the political and technical levels. The ability of the Panel of the Wise to preemptively address emerging crises should be strengthened. It should ideally comprise former heads of state, and the capabilities of its secretariat should be augmented and moved to the Office of the Chairperson. AU special envoys are key to preventive diplomacy but have rarely received adequate substantive and administrative support to implement their mandates. This undermines the AUs capacity to deploy the political good offices needed in crises. More broadly, the dismantling of the Continental Early Warning System and its merger with regional desks should be reassessed. Understaffed regional desks focus on existing crises tabled by the PSC instead of identifying new flashpoints. This situation removes the distinction between conflict prevention and crisis management, turning the AU Commission into a reactive body. Regarding governance, the AU and regional economic communities (RECs) have often struggled to adequately use regional frameworks. The string of unconstitutional changes in government in West Africa and the CARs recent change of constitution raise questions about the effectiveness of bodies such as the African Peer Review Mechanism. The added value of governance mechanisms that are separate from APSA has never been demonstrated, and the AU reforms missed an opportunity to streamline these legally distinct instruments. The overreliance of the AU Commission on election observation generates visibility but doesnt compensate for the lack of clarity on the AUs approach to averting recurrent malpractices in the long term. Finally, the meaning of subsidiarity for the AU and RECs should be reviewed. Niger and Sudans junta leaders have been hostile towards ECOWAS and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, suggesting that proximity to a crisis may be a problem in itself. Recent experience of transregional crisis management shows that a joint, synchronised intervention by the AU and RECs in crisis hotspots is more likely to work than the mechanical sequencing that sees the regional body as the exclusive first responder. For this, the PSC should demonstrate more consistency in discharging its duties as the main decision-making body on security and governance. RECs and the AU should pursue consensus building to manage the fractures that have recently appeared in many regional mechanisms, notably ECOWAS in the Niger case, hampering their effectiveness and credibility. When APSA was launched in 2003, it was considered an innovative contribution to African multilateralism. Its three-pronged intervention approach involving the national, regional and continental levels was original, as it also allowed for minilateral arrangements. But with rising geopolitical tensions and African states wanting greater involvement in global governance, APSA needs to adapt to current governance and insecurity challenges. Paul-Simon Handy, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Director East Africa and Representative to the AU, and Felicite Djilo, Independent Analyst (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has disclosed plans to introduce the lifesaving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to protect teenage girls against cervical cancer and other related diseases. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, made this known during the bi-annual review meeting of religious leaders on PHC Delivery in Abuja on Monday. Mr Shuaib said the government will begin the rollout of the HPV vaccines on 25 September for girls between the ages of 9 and 15. This cervical cancer affecting our mothers, sisters and daughters is caused by HPV, he said. On 25 September this year, we will be introducing the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our daughters between 9 and 15 years. HPV and Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer, a type of cancer that develops in a womans cervix, is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Experts said in 2018 alone, it caused an estimated 311,000 deaths worldwide. Research by The Lancet also reveals that more than 44 million women globally stand to develop cervical cancer between 2020 and 2069. It also warned that deaths from cervical cancer will increase a further 50 per cent by 2040 and that many women, their families and communities will be impacted. Although the causes of cancer are unknown, 14 out of the 100 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) strains have been identified to cause at least 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases. READ ALSO: According to WHO, HPV types 16 and 18 cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. There is also evidence linking HPV with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. WHO estimates that cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated if 90 per cent of girls are vaccinated against HPV, 70 per cent of women are screened, and 90 per cent of women with the disease receive treatment. HPV vaccination is more than a medical breakthrough; It is a testament to our unity in safeguarding the sanctity of life, Mr Shuaib said. Religious leaders involvement Mr Shuaib said in its endeavour to reach every corner of the nation, the pivotal role of religious leaders cannot be overemphasised. He said religious leaders possess the power to disseminate critical information that can influence behaviour, dispel myths and encourage preventive practice. In their roles as spiritual guides, they own the power to influence hearts and minds, and their words carry weight and inspire action, he said. He urged religious leaders to join hands with the medical community in championing the course of HPV vaccination nationwide. By encouraging HPV vaccination within your congregations, you become advocates of life and guardians of health, he said. READ ALSO: Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said there is a need to constantly blend the spiritual with scientific knowledge and skills to address the countrys health challenges. Mr Pate, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Emmanuel Odu, said religious leaders would help raise awareness in their congregations about the free HPV vaccines, dispel myths and misconceptions about the vaccine, and also encourage members to embrace better health-seeking behaviours. I acknowledge the contributions of our faith community to healthcare delivery in the country, as we are aware that some of our religious organisations provide healthcare services at the primary, secondary and even tertiary healthcare level, he said. This is most commendable, as I urge you to keep it up, as the government alone cannot do. Mr Pate said this administration will change the narrative by making health care affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. We will, therefore, need the support of the faith community as we roll out the governments agenda for the health of our people, he said. Collaborations In his remark, the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Saad Abubakar III, said the government can count on traditional and religious leaders to deliver the right messages to the people. The president said: This forum will review all health issues, successes, failures, and what must be done. We are ready to do the needful, and the government can count on us traditional and religious leaders because we believe in telling the people what the government is doing, he said. The National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that the PHC in Nigeria is beginning to get the kind of attention it deserves. Mr Okoh said religious leaders are also given the opportunity to dialogue by way of review about happenings in the health sector. He said even on health issues, many Nigerians still prefer to listen to their religious leaders before listening to their doctors or the government. Our places of worship have been used for sensitisation, for administering vaccines, and our health facilities have been in collaboration with the government for a very long time now, especially for primary health care, he said. With initiatives like this, we are optimistic that improved healthcare will be made accessible to those who before now have been far from it, especially those in the rural areas. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has tasked the new cabinet ministers to hit the ground running by working hard to turn around the fortunes of the country. He gave the charge on Monday while addressing the cabinet members at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. We have talents; we have the level of intellectuals and capacity to turn this country around. You and I know that the expectation is high. Therefore, we must work hard, commit ourselves and create a buoyant economy that will serve every Nigerian. The president charged the ministers to work as a team, stressing that if they stay focused on the discharge of their responsibilities, the country would quickly move forward. Every one of you is a member of this team, we can do whatever we want from our areas of responsibility, but it all depends on you. If you stay focused, we will all arrive at a better destination, and the country will be better for it, he said. Mr Tinubu added that the natural endowments of the country must be properly harnessed to make life better for citizens of the country. We must unlock the energy and natural resources of this country. We must start to produce for ourselves, dig ourselves out of the woods, focus on education and healthcare, and make social investments that are essential for the development of our people. Our priority areas are defined in our economic programmes. Every area is our priority, and you belong in the drivers position to realise and make that priority a fulfilling promise to the entire nation and the continent of Africa. READ ALSO: We must achieve the economic growth that is expected of us. We must feed our people, we must leverage on what we have and grow more to satisfy Nigerians, he said. Mr Tinubu said he would continue to listen to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and make corrections where necessary, as he enjoined the ministers to be bold in taking decisions that would move the nation forward. I am ready to listen. Like I said to the Nigerian Bar Association yesterday, I am ready even for corrections because only God is perfect. Dont be afraid to make a decision; thats the problem of leadership, he said. The president also said that the challenges confronting the nation, like security, unemployment and food security, would be addressed to alleviate the plight of citizens. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria may experience devastating floods this year as Cameroon is set to open the gates of the Lagdo dam. Lagdo dam is located around Garou in northern Cameroon. The dam is along the River Benue. In a statement signed by Umar Salisu, the director of African Affairs in the Foreign Affairs ministry, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was asked to prepare proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the flooding. The agency was also asked to sensitise Nigerians on the impending aftermath of opening the gates of the dam. I have the honour to inform that the Ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead due to the heavy rainfall around the Dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon. According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria. In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed Agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitise the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions, it added. NEMA reacts The NEMA said the national headquarters of the agency is working with its offices in Niger, Benue and Kogi states to mitigate the impact of the expected floods. Ive met with state governors during their meeting where I explained everything to them. After that I met with them (governors) during another meeting and I warned then about the floods. I advised that they should take measures especially by creating emergency offices at the local level, clear blocked drainages and others, Mustapha Habeeb, the NEMA director general, said in a BBC Hausa interview monitored by PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Habeeb said Cameroon would be releasing the water in small quantities to avoid devastating floods. When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES for comments, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, Haruna Hadejia, referred this reporter to the Director of Erosion and Flood at the ministry, Dilichukwu Etigbue. Mr Etigbue didnt respond to an SMS sent to him while his number was unreachable. Backstory Unprecedented floods were recorded in the country in 2022. About 612 people were killed by the floods while 1.4 million people were displaced. The floods led to the destruction of over 200,000 houses and partial destruction of 110,000 hectares of farmlands. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs at the time, Sadiya Umar Faruk, said the country suffered N4.2 trillion economic loss due to the flooding. The floods were worsened by the opening of the Lagdo dam in September last year though other reasons were also given. Last year, PREMIUM TIMES spoke to hundreds of farmers, residents, fishermen, business owners and others on the impact of the floods. Floods Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry. Floods are also caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas. Floods can cause widespread devastation, resulting in loss of life and damages to personal property and critical public health infrastructure. Between 1998-2017, floods affected more than 2 billion people worldwide. People who live in floodplains or non-resistant buildings, or lack warning systems and awareness of flooding hazard, are most vulnerable to floods. Edited: Nicholas Ibekwe, Tosin Omoniyi Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Bayelsa State Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis in Nembe Local Government Area of the state. The caucus, during a press briefing at the National Assembly on Monday, said the latest killings and maiming of innocent citizens in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government are politically motivated. Some persons were reportedly killed in Nembe following attacks on the community on 15 August. Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa), who spoke on behalf of the caucus, said the president should commission a panel of inquiry to investigate the alleged involvement of the Nigeria Police Force. She said, We want to in the strongest terms condemn the killing and maiming of innocent citizens in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa state acting on the behest of individuals bent on destroying the existing peace. We want to use this opportunity to call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency empanel a high-powered commission of inquiry on the immediate and remote causes including the role of the Nigeria Police, particularly the SWAT department, their source of funding and other individuals who played roles in the armed invasion to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the wrath of the law. She said some youths of Nembe are currently in detention in Abuja after they were arrested by the police following a raid on the community. The lawmaker said the police officers who carried out the raid disregarded the governor of the state who is the chief security officer. She also urged the families of the victims to remain calm while relevant authorities are allowed to investigate the incident. We also want to use this medium to appeal to families of those killed in the unfortunate incident to please remain calm and allow peace to reign in the kingdom. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call on all sons and daughters of Nembe to remain calm, she stated. Other lawmakers at the briefing include: Agbedi Frederick, Rodney Ambaiowei and Obuku Oforji. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Editor-in-Chief/Chief Operating Officer of PREMIUM TIMES Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, has said that corruption is largely responsible for rampant poverty and instability in the West African sub-region. Mr Mojeed stated this recently while speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Accra-North in Ghana, a West African country. Speaking on the topic, Stealing from the poor: The West Africas corruption epidemic, the award-winning investigative journalist lamented that West Africans had been sufficiently impoverished by the political class. The editor-in-chief, who is Nigerias Country President of the International Press Institute, stressed that the major problem affecting the sub-region stems from corruption and that if an immediate action was not taken to reverse the situation, the sub-region and Africa could be doomed. He urged members to put pressure on the governments to fight corruption just like they fought the dreaded wild polio virus to a halt. Tackling corruption is very important because it is at the root of almost all the problems we are having in the sub-region. Part of the problem of the rampant poverty and instability in the sub-region is largely due to corruption, he said. Most corrupt in the world Mr Mojeed, citing recent reports from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and Transparency International (TI), said the sub-region was the most corrupt in the entire world. The Corruption Perception Index provides the scores of every country from zero to 100 and over 180 countries are ranked. If a country scores between 100 80, it can be said to be clean. But African countries have usually been shown to be highly corrupt, he stated. Apart from Cape Verde which scored 60 per cent, the editor-in-chief said no other West African country scored up to 50 per cent and that none was in the top 70, adding that the 2021 ranking of the subregion was equally poor. Perhaps, I might be telling you what you already know but we can never get tired talking about corruption. Apart from TI index, UNODC also released a report in 2022, indicating that despite the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan adopted in 2014, corruption remains rampant in Ghana and most of West African (countries) and Africa. But that of West Africa is much more endemic, he said. Under the prevalence of bribery, the UNODC report indicates that 26.7 per cent of adult Ghanaians paid a bribe to a public official in 2021. Thats huge. The report went on to report the prevalence of bribery by the employment status of bribe payers, meaning that even when youre employed, you still must pay the bribe to get service. Under salaried employed persons in the private sector, 37.8 per cent said they paid a bribe to get service, Mr Mojeed added. He said the report showed that police officers were the most corrupt, followed by the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Revenue Authority, adding that Ghana has a number of high-profile corruption cases being handled by the countrys Office of the Special Prosecutor. What this data tells us is that the government is losing a lot of revenue. Monies that should have come as revenue to the Government of Ghana go into private pockets of either police, immigration or revenue officers, doctors, nurses, elected officers and so on, he said. What can be done Mr Mojeed said, as a way of tackling it, corruption should be designated as a crime against humanity and that those found culpable sent to the International Criminal Court to face trial. He argued that corruption deprives governments of revenue, erodes public trust, and damages the images of countries in the sub-region. The mere fact that we continue to say that West Africa is the most corrupt region in the world means that several investors would not come to the sub-region because they believe that our judiciary is corrupt, our public servants are corrupt and our government officials are corrupt and cannot do clean business. It means that there will be huge unemployment because people wont set up factories and that we will continue to import even the most basic commodities. We must realise that corruption endangers citizens, he said. When there are poor quality services, it means that roads that are built this year may collapse next year and people will keep dying on that road, there will be increase in the rate of accidents, schools will be poor, there will be inefficient hospitals where people would die due to treatable diseases, infrastructure will never be delivered because there will be no money. Supporting whistleblowers laws Mr Mojeed said, apart from designating corruption as a crime against humanity, the Rotary club and the media must also push for whistleblowers laws to be workable in various countries in the sub-region as well as sensitise citizens of those countries on the dangers of corruption. It is important that we all continue to partner with the government on anti-corruption war and oppose people with corruption issues who are vying for public offices in our various countries, he said. Earlier during the event, the Clubs President, Thomas Shabashie, while introducing Mr Mojeed, the guest speaker, said there was an urgent need for leaders of the West African sub-region to tackle corruption. Mr Shabashie explained that Mr Mojeed was carefully selected to address what has become an existential threat not only to the sub-region but Africa. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Price of 5% broken rice reaching 638 USD per tonne, and 25% broken rice 623 USD per tonne (Photo: nongnghiep.vn) Meanwhile, Thailands 5% broken rice is sold at 628 USD per tonne, and that of Pakistan at 598 USD a tonne. In the Mekong Delta the largest rice granary of Vietnam, the price of paddy rice remains at an unprecedented high level in many localities, helping farmers achieve good profits. In July, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)'s rice price index rose to its highest level in nearly 12 years. The move was due to a spike in prices in key rice exporting countries after India imposed export restrictions. Recently, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the list of 210 businesses that are eligible to export rice. According to the ministry, in the first seven months of this year, Vietnam exported 4.83 million tonnes of rice. The country plans to export about 2.67 million tonnes in the remaining five months of the year. Vietnamese tuna exports to EU enjoy rebound While Vietnamese tuna exports to major markets such as the United States, Japan, and Canada continued to decline, exports to the EU market have prospered, reported the Voice of Vietnam according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. Statistics indicate that tuna export turnover to the US, Japan, and Canada in July witnessed decreases of 26%, 20%, and 38%, respectively, the lowest since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, tuna exports to the EU in July continued to recover, climbing 28% year on year. The sharp rise prompted Vietnams seven-month tuna export turnover to inch up by 5% to US$96 million. Within the bloc itself, Italy returned to the top three leading consumers of Vietnamese tuna, experiencing a 10-fold rise in value against the same period from last year. Elsewhere, tuna exports to Germany and the Netherlands also saw strong annual rises of 43% and 96%, respectively. Experts say there are bright prospects ahead for tuna exports to foreign markets in the remaining months of the year. VASEP cited statistics from the US Department of Commerce, indicating that retail sales in the US market edged up by 0.7% in July. Most notably, US retail spending, especially on food, has picked up remarkably since the beginning of the year, a factor which has opened up a positive outlook ahead for the recovery of tuna exports in the US market by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the amount of inventories in several markets witnessed a downward trajectory, duly leading to the rise in tuna export orders moving forward Moreover, the number of festivals to be held till the end of the year will see consumers tend to hoard food for their dining needs, a factor which is anticipated to raise Vietnams tuna export turnover ahead in the coming months. Vietnam ranks third at ABU Robocon 2023 in Cambodia Vietnam and China finished third at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) which took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on August 27, reported Vietnam News Agency. Contestants at at ABU Robocon 2023 in Cambodia (Photo: VNA) Japan was the winner of the grand prix of the ABU Robocon 2023, followed by Hong Kong (China). Held at the Phnom Penh-based Morodok Techno National Stadium, the half-day event attracted 14 university teams from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (China), Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Speaking at event, Neth Pheaktra, Cambodias Information Minister, said the international event provided an opportunity for university students to demonstrate their technological capabilities, share experiences and show cultural diversity. He noted that this is the first such event hosted by Cambodia, showcasing the progress of the countrys robot technology to the world. Pang Chamnan, Robocon Cambodia director of the state-run National Television of Cambodia (TVK), which co-organised the event with ABU said that this years competition themes are Casting flowers over Angkor Wat and Throwing rings into poles. Accordingly, a pair of robots are required to complete a task within a timeframe, is intended to advance engineering and broadcasting technologies in the region and to foster friendships among young people with similar interest. Also at the event, Cambodia handed over the ABU Robocon flag to Vietnam, the event's host in 2024. Vietnams FDI inflows top 18 billion USD in 8 months Vietnam lured close to 18.15 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) from the beginning of this year to August 20, up 8.2% year-on-year, reported Vietnam News Agency according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. A gas stove component production line of the Japanese-invested Paloma Vietnam Co. Ltd in the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park in Hai Phong city (Photo: VNA) In the period, there were 1,924 newly-registered projects with a combined capital of 8.87 billion USD, up 69.5% and 38.6% compared to the same period last year, respectively. Meanwhile, over 4.53 billion USD was added to 830 existing projects, down 39.7% and up 22.8% year-on-year, respectively. The value of capital contribution and share purchase deals rose by 62.8% to 4.47 billion USD. Workers produce wooden furniture at Woodsland's factory. (Photo: VNA) The manufacturing and processing sector led in FDI attraction, with close to 13 billion USD, followed by real estate with more than 1.76 billion USD. In the January-August period, Singapore topped the list of countries and territories pouring capital into Vietnam with more than 3.83 billion USD, down 15.4% annually. It was followed by China (nearly 2.69 billion USD) and Japan (over 2.58 billion USD). Hanoi received the lion's share 2.34 billion USD of the foreign investment, up 2.89 times against last year. Hai Phong came second with over 2.08 billion USD, increasing by 72.2%, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Giang, and Binh Duong. As of August 20, FDI disbursement was estimated at about 13.1 billion USD, an annual rise of 1.3%./. The chairperson of the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owasanoye, has urged workers of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Sokoto, Sokoto State, to shun and expose any act of corruption in the hospital. Mr Owasanoye, Law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), gave the charge at the inauguration of the hospitals Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) on Monday in Kware Local Government Area. The chairman, who was represented by the Resident ICPC Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Garba Tukur-Idris, stressed the need for the workers to continue to ensure that the hospital remains corruption-free. He attributed the rising level of corruption in public offices to community pressure and expectations of people on public service workers in the country. Mr Owasanoye commended the Medical Director of the hospital, Shehu Sale, a professor, for his support of the ACTU and ensuring it performed effectively. The chairman explained that the federal government mandated ICPC to establish anti-corruption units in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as an internal mechanism of monitoring and reporting corruption issues. He enjoined the inaugurated ACTU members to live above board and serve as representatives of the ICPC in the fight against corruption in the institution. Undeniably, for the war against corruption to be fought and won in all MDAs on a sustainable basis, all hands must be on deck, as allies in the war against corruption, we believe that members of ACTUs need to be on the same page with the ICPC, Mr Owasanoye added. In his comment, the Medical Director commended ICPC for its support and encouragement which ensured sanity and prudence in the affairs of the hospital. Mr Sale pledged to sponsor some hospital staff for training at ICPC Academy to strengthen their capacity and effectiveness in the fight against corruption in the hospital. He said that the hospital had automated all its services including financial transactions, as part of efforts to ensure transparency in its activities. He lauded the ICPCs approach to combating corruption and called on Nigerians to support the anti-corruption agency. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ACTU members were sworn in by Suleiman Ahmad, a lawyer, while a lecture on ACTU responsibilities was delivered by Abdullah Abubakar. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate has promised to make laws that will reduce the debt burden on the country. It also assured that it would come up with policies that would increase the revenue of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and prescribe sanctions for defaulting ministries in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, gave the assurances in a statement on Sunday. The country is faced with dual challenges of rising debt and insufficient revenue, which demand our immediate attention. The Senate Finance Committee, under my leadership commitment, will embark on a mission to amplify our revenue streams, driving economic growth that is not only robust but also resilient through legislative means, manage our debt judiciously, exploring avenues for favourable terms and sustainable repayment simultaneously, he said. The President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, has given the committee a marching order to, as a matter of national concern and interest, embark on serious legislative oversight of all Revenue Generating Agencies with a view to making sure all revenue incomes are deposited in the federation account, identify defaulting agencies and prescribing sanctions where necessary in line with extant legislation and also in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility act, he said. Mr Musa, the senator representing Niger East, also assured that the committee will look into increasing revenue from the mining sector and other informal sectors. Also, of importance, the Senate Finance Committee will seriously look at the informal sector, which constitutes about 80 per cent of the Nigerian Economy. The committee will look into empowering the informal sector with a spotlight on mining. The informal sector, particularly the mining industry, is a hidden gem in our revenue potential. This was corroborated by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) that the solid minerals have the capacity to generate about 2-3 billion US dollars annually. We will dedicate our efforts to understanding and nurturing this sector with appropriate legislation with an emphasis on formalising artisanal and medium-scale mining activities. This strategic move will bring economic benefits while promoting safer and more responsible practices. We will harness and raise revenue sources from both the Blue Marine and the Creative Economies by setting targets. The committee will legislate to encourage regulations of consumption and production, facilitate enabling the environment through legislation for domestic Industries to develop and stimulate economic growth through direct foreign investments inflow, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senator representing Lagos East in the National Assembly, Mukhail Abiru, has urged budding software developers and tech enthusiasts to harness massive opportunities in the tech space. Delivering a keynote address at the second annual Hackfest, organised by GenZtechies, at the University of Lagos, Akoka over the weekend, Mr Abiru noted that technology is gradually revolutionising all economic sectors. He shared the experience of how the tech industry revolutionised the banking sector where he worked for about three decades. He noted that the task of nation-building requires collective efforts of all citizens. The lawmaker emphasised that young people should be encouraged and galvanised to explore the opportunities that the current fourth industrial revolution age has provided which is technology & innovation. He challenged young entrepreneurs and tech professionals to strive for excellence and success in their respective fields so they can make quality contributions to the policy development process of the nation. Mr Abiru noted that he will continue to support initiatives that provide platforms for young Nigerians to thrive in tech, business and other areas of endeavours. He commended the courage and resilience of promoters of the GenZ Hackfest. About GenZtechies GenZtechies was founded in 2020 as a small WhatsApp group for youths in tech and has grown to become arguably Africas fastest-growing network for Gen-Zs in tech after their international expansion in late 2021. The community is one of the top places where young people in tech across Africa learn, connect, and discover life-changing opportunities. Some members of the GenZtechies went from zero to getting top tech jobs internationally after joining the community, while some have raised over a million dollars for their startups. Speaking at the event, the founder, and convener of GenZHackfest, Eniola Osabiya, appreciated Mr Abiru and other sponsors of the annual event since 2022. Mr Osabiya said the passion of Senator Abiru for sustainable empowerment through human capital development is exemplary. He noted that with the leadership and encouragement provided by the senator, the sky will be the limit for young people who are passionate about tech and innovation. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The House of Representatives has vowed to abolish waivers in recruitment exercises in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government. The lawmakers described the waiver as an abuse of recruitment processes, with alleged nepotism and favouritism taking centre stage. Yusuf Gagdi, chairperson of the Ad hoc Committee on Job Racketeering and Mismanagement of IPPIS, said this when the Provost National Postgraduate Medical College (NPGMC) appeared before the committee in Abuja on Monday. He said that MDAs had abused the waiver policy, adding that any MDA that grants waivers in its recruitment exercise is not doing the country any good. He said that any recruitment that would not follow due process by advertising such on the pages of national dailies would no longer be tolerated. We will abolish the use of waivers; it is not for the good of this country; a waiver is subject to abuse. Chief Executive Officers, directors and others have abused the use of waiver by employing cronies, family members and those in their good books. Recruitment in MDAs should henceforth be advertised; any recruitment without the advertisement of same is unjustifiable, he said. READ ALSO: Mr Gagdi called on MDAs to respect federal character in carrying out recruitment exercises to enable participation across the board and to encourage fairness, justice and equity. He described the action of NPGMC, which engaged in selective recruitment without considering others as unjustifiable. Your action is unjustifiable; you have not respected the federal character. Your nominal roll keeps increasing while staff keep retiring. On your organisations recruitment list, Borno, Yobe, and Plateau are not represented. In your recruitment in 2021, you did not know that Sokoto, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi, among others, have zero representation, the chairman said. Mr Gagdi, therefore, queried why the recruitments carried out were not shared among the states with zero representation. Speaking, the Registrar of the NPGMC, Fatiu Arogundade, apologised to the committee, promising that all anomalies in the previous recruitments, as noted by the lawmakers, would be corrected. It is not that the college has not involved the people of the North-east. We apologise and will correct the anomaly in subsequent recruitments, he said. A member of the committee, Jaha Babao (APC-Borno), condemned what he called the lop-sidedness and exclusion of Borno and other northeastern states in the college recruitments. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A civil society organisation, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), has accused Abdullahi Ganduje of exerting his influence on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate Muhuyi Magaji, chairperson, Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission. But the spokesperson of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said Monday that the allegation was untrue. An aide to Mr Ganduje also denied the allegation saying: APC national chairman does not interfere with the operations of government agencies let alone anti-corruption institutions. Mr Ganduje, the immediate-past governor of Kano State, is the current national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Messrs Ganduje and Magaji have been having a running battle due to the latters attempt to investigate the former over corruption allegations. Mr Ganduje as Kano governor would later sack Mr Magaji from office as chairperson, Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission. But upon assumption of office as Kano governor in May, Abba Yusuf, in obedience to a subsisting court order, reinstated Mr Magaji as the states anti-corruption chairman. Mr Yusuf won the Kano State governorship election in March on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), defeating Mr Gandujes anointed candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, of the APC. Following Mr Magajis reinstatement, he reopened Mr Gandujes investigation. Mr Ganduje, while being governor, was seen in a viral video receiving wads of dollars from a contractor and pocketing them in his flowing gown. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and EFCC launched investigations against Mr Magaji over alleged breach of code of conduct, leading to allegation of using federal might to stifle local investigations. Alarm In a statement Saturday, HEDA chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said Mr Magaji is being targeted for daring to probe grand corruption allegations involving Mr Ganduje who recently assumed office as APCs national chairman. All these actions and discoveries have prompted the former governor (Mr Ganduje) to target the Chairman of the Kano Commission, using his current position as the National Chairman of the ruling party to intimidate the Federal government agencies to help in squeezing the Kano anti-corruption agency, the anti-corruption activist stated. Mr Suraju recalled that the Kano anti-corruption agency had enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the EFCC and the CCB over the years in tackling graft. However, the EFCC and the CCB have both sent out letters to the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, requesting information claiming to be investigating the commission, the HEDA boss said. He wondered why federal government anti-corruption agencies have shied away from investigating Mr Ganduje and other members of his cabinet severally accused of corruption. He counted a petition written against Mr Gandujes wife by her son as one of the corruption complaints ignored by the EFCC. According to the HEDA chairman, Mr Ganduje is flexing his influence as a ruling party chairman by deploying the federal anti-corruption agencies to do his hatchet job aimed at Mr Magaji. Copies of the letters from the EFCC and CCB addressed to Mr Magaji, and seen by PREMIUM TIMES, requested for several financial transactions of the Kano anti-corruption agency while Mr Magaji held sway. In a letter dated 8 August, the EFCC requested Mr Magaji to release his commissions director of finance and accounts for interrogations at the federal agency in Abuja. Details of total funds released to your office by the office of the Accountant General of Kano State from 2019 to 2021 fiscal year, the EFCC letter signed by Mukhtar Bello requested among other things. The CCB in its letter dated 14 August, requested Mr Magaji to furnish the bureau with his letter of appointment. The bureau in its letter signed off by Gwimi S.P, also asked the Kano anti-corruption boss to supply it with his salary pay slips from July 2020 to August 2023. HEDA blamed President Bola Tinubu for laying the foundation for Gandujes audacity with his support for (Godswill) Akpabio to emerge as Senate President, appointment of former governors under EFCC investigations as ministers and finally, Ganduje as party chairman. Allegations are untrue Reacting to the allegations, the EFCC spokesperson, Mr Uwujaren, said, The invitation letter explicitly stated the reasons for the invite. The Commission (EFCC) is unwilling to be drawn into any speculation that borders on fallacy. Veronica Kato, the spokesperson for the chairman of CCB, Isah Mohammed, a law professor, said she could not comment on the issue. I advise you to write to the chairman (of CCB) concerning the allegation, Ms Veronica told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. Mr Gandujes aide who pleaded anonymity noted that the CCB and EFCC are independent institutions that cannot be influenced by an individual. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dozens of residents have invaded a private warehouse in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and looted palliatives stored in the facility since 2022. The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The facility was used by the Bayelsa State Government to store the palliatives comprising foodstuff and other materials, according to a report by the Punch. The items carted away by the residents included bags of rice, garri, cartons of noodles, and bottled water. The foodstuff were said to be part of the relief materials donated by some concerned Nigerians during the 2022 flood disaster in the state. Some of the residents reportedly stormed the warehouse with Toyota hilux pickup trucks and private vehicles to cart away the foodstuff some of which had already expired. While the residents carried out the looting, the state government deployed men from its security outfit, Doo Akpo, to disperse them and secure the building. Not fit for human consumption Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA) has expressed surprise and concern over the invasion of the warehouse, describing the incident as unwarranted. In a statement on Monday, BYSEMA said the food items were remnants being gathered for disposal the next day because they were no longer fit for human consumption, the newspaper reported. The remnants, which were swept from the floor and packed in disused bags, were less than 10 bags of rice and garri and with some broken cans of oil. For emphasis, BYSEMA states that these items were not fresh food palliatives and were not hoarded by the agency or the state government. Importantly, these items are unfit for human consumption and a responsible, caring government like ours will not give Bayelsans such items as palliatives. In essence, there were really no food items to loot. So, those who carted away the unfit items are please advised in their own interest not to consume them, the statement read in part. BYSEMA equally condemned some of the residents who, they claimed, attempted to politicise the incident to score cheap political points. The agency assured residents of the state of its preparedness to handle the distribution of palliatives provided by the Federal government as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal as well as the expected flooding this year. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias failure to capitalise on the Saudi Arabian agricultural investment opportunity in 2017 was a missed chance for economic growth and job creation. However, with a new administration and the Nigeria Saudi Chamber of Commerces willingness to revive the project, there is hope for a brighter future. Nigerian officials must reflect on past mistakes and work diligently to create an enabling environment for foreign investors On 1 March, 2017, the prospect of a groundbreaking agricultural investment of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria was met with enthusiasm and hope. The proposed Agric City in Kwara State, envisioned by the Saudi Investment Company, Zain Al-Abdin group, held the promise of creating millions of jobs and boosting the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, due to the carelessness of Nigerian officials, this initiative was marred by delays, resulting in a lost opportunity for the countrys economic growth. The vision of the Agric City was one of immense potential, with plans to establish a cluster of farms specialising in rice, maise, and vegetable cultivation, processing, and export. The venture aimed to offer comprehensive facilities, including schools, hospitals, shops, and other essential services, making it a holistic investment that could have significantly contributed to Kwara States development. The Chairman of the investment group, Zain Nafawi, expressed the Saudi Arabian governments support for investing in agriculture globally, particularly in Africa. The choice of Kwara State for this ambitious project was well-founded, considering the regions successful track record in large-scale agricultural investment, exemplified by the Shonga farm initiative. Additionally, the favourable weather conditions and arable land along the River Niger further strengthened Kwaras suitability for the venture. However, despite the promise and backing of Saudi Arabia, the carelessness of Nigerian officials and bureaucractic red tape hindered the project. The delay in completing the necessary paperwork became a significant roadblock, leading to the stagnation of the multimillion dollar investment. While Saudi investors were keen on seizing the opportunity, the Nigerian side failed to match their enthusiasm with efficient administrative procedures, thus jeopardising a chance at prosperity and progress. The new administration must learn from past mistakes and demonstrate a proactive approach to welcoming foreign investments. By streamlining bureaucratic processes, offering necessary support, and ensuring a conducive business environment, Nigeria can prove its commitment to diversifying the national economy through agriculture. Fast forward to the present day, with a new administration in Nigeria, there is a glimmer of hope for recovering this missed opportunity. The Nigeria-Saudi Chamber of Commerce, committed to promoting bilateral trade and investment, stands ready to reignite discussions with the Saudi Investment Company and move the Agric City project forward. The potential to create millions of jobs and boost the agricultural sector remains as enticing as ever, and the Nigerian government must seize this second chance. The new administration must learn from past mistakes and demonstrate a proactive approach to welcoming foreign investments. By streamlining bureaucratic processes, offering necessary support, and ensuring a conducive business environment, Nigeria can prove its commitment to diversifying the national economy through agriculture. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmeds welcoming stance towards the initial project showcased the states eagerness to embrace such investments. Now, with the Nigeria Saudi Chamber of Commerce eager to revive the opportunity, the state and federal authorities must collaborate effectively and rekindle the potential of the Agric City. In conclusion, Nigerias failure to capitalise on the Saudi Arabian agricultural investment opportunity in 2017 was a missed chance for economic growth and job creation. However, with a new administration and the Nigeria Saudi Chamber of Commerces willingness to revive the project, there is hope for a brighter future. Nigerian officials must reflect on past mistakes and work diligently to create an enabling environment for foreign investors, seizing this second chance to drive the nations economic progress through agriculture. Abubakar Adamu, an assistant professor of Economics, currently lectures with the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria needs more focused economic planning, a clear and achievable vision and goals, and a clear understanding of its position in the emerging New World Order. In this Order, capital and economic development is premium. The core lesson from the China experiment is that pragmatic and visionary leadership makes a tremendous difference in economic growth. Nigeria needs such now more than ever. Our new president has a date with history to map a course that makes him such a leader. History beckons. Touching down at the bustling Beijing Capital International Airport, you cannot miss the fact that China has again opened to the world after the COVID-19 shut down, nor can you miss the pervasive positive spirit and a sense of endless possibilities in the atmosphere. If you have any doubt, a 30-minute drive from the airport to Changping District, North of Beijing, tells the story of a countrys metamorphosis, ancient roots, and what pragmatic leadership can do. I am a guest of the Chinese government from the 20th of August till the 2nd of September. It has proven to be a unique opportunity to understand Chinese leadership thinking and the nations development trajectory. It has allowed me to do contrastive leadership and political models between China and Nigeria, to see if there are vital lessons to be learnt and applied in Nigeria to accelerate our socioeconomic development. Although different in many ways, China and Nigeria represent giants in their respective continents (Asia and Africa). They symbolise the hopes and aspirations of their people in a highly competitive and polarised world dominated for over 500 years by the West. The story of how China got it right and has become the quintessential alternative economic and political power, whilst Nigeria has, at best, remained stagnant over the past decades, is fascinating. No doubt, a multiplicity of factors contributed to this dichotomous and contrasting outcomes, which will merit elaborate analysis at an appropriate forum. We must delve into their past to understand Chinas and Nigerias present. First, let us look at China. Chinese civilisation dates to the first Chinese dynasty, Xia, founded in 2070 BC. From the period of this dynasty, through the Middle Han dynasty in the Third Century to the North Song dynasty of the 10th to 13th Century, ancient China has been credited with four great inventions: gunpowder, paper making, the compass, and moveable-type printing. Ancient China also grew in economic power, constituting 26% of the world GDP in 206 BC, 58% in the 7th to 9th Century, and 60% of the global GDP in the 10th to 13th Century. Like all civilisations, ancient China declined in power and influence and was invaded by Western forces and Japan in the 18th century, which influenced the Chinese psyche for generations. This history of past economic development, though not a predictor of future economic status, mirrors hope, possibilities and what could be achieved with visionary leadership and excellent governance structures in China. Although almost on its knees by the middle of the 20th century, China came up with a way of working itself out of the dungeons of the lack of productivity and economic quagmire. The founding of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, led by Mao Zedong, opened a new chapter in Chinese history. From the ashes of the Korean War, the PR of China effectively began economic reconstruction with the first five-year development plan as the foundation. Within 1953 and 1957, the visionary Chinese leaders established a solid foundation for its industrial renaissance. The scheme delivered over 10,000 large-scale industrial projects covering the construction of 250,000 kilometres of railways, development of aviation, power generation, automobile production, precision equipment, steel pipes, and radio. The leaders of China centred its emancipation on economic growth. They pursued the vision of a new China utilising the instrumentality of economic growth as a strategy to power a great nation. A study of three of Chinas most consequential leaders reveals a remarkable pattern that contributed to the countrys phenomenal prosperity. The three leaders are Mao Zedong, popularly called Chairman Mao, who was the architect of a unified China and the Peoples Republic of China. 1978 marked a turning point in the development of China. Deng Xiaoping opened the country to the outside world, introduced foreign direct investment, and legalised private investment. The private sector-led economy catalysed the establishment of a socialist market economy system and the development of capital markets and stock exchanges. The government privatised almost all small and medium-sized state-owned enterprises and lifted price control over most products. But this pragmatic approach was only the beginning of a phenomenal growth. This unprecedented and rapid economic development reflects the quality of the practical and visionary leadership of the Chinese. The leaders of China centred its emancipation on economic growth. They pursued the vision of a new China utilising the instrumentality of economic growth as a strategy to power a great nation. A study of three of Chinas most consequential leaders reveals a remarkable pattern that contributed to the countrys phenomenal prosperity. The three leaders are Mao Zedong, popularly called Chairman Mao, who was the architect of a unified China and the Peoples Republic of China. The second was Deng Xiaoping, the champion of the reform that opened China up to the world in 1978. Lastly, Xi Jinping, who is the father of modernisation and the current leader of China. He is leading the digital China: that of digital industrialisation, industrial digitisation, digital governance, and data valurisation. All three leaders share five common traits: their subscription to the power of ideas, strategic thinking, pragmatism, discipline, and resilience in sticking to a clear vision. Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forward and Deng Xiaopings economic reforms transformed Chinas economy, and subsequent leaders have prioritised the countrys economic growth and development to maintain social stability. Xi Jinping also follows a similar path of economic prosperity as a pathway to social peace. China is unarguably the worlds manufacturing hub. It is a product of vision, strong leadership, discipline, meticulous planning, hard work, and resilience. Powered by visionary leadership, China is focused on modernisation and a digital civilisation today. It achieved zero poverty in society in 2021, became the second in research and development globally in the past five years, and has had above $3 trillion in its foreign reserves since 2011. The power of visionary leadership does not submit to excuses. In contrast, historically Nigeria was a product of colonisation and it cannot lay a serious claim to economic progress of any significance in Africa. It is a fact that Nigeria suffered the double whammy of slavery and colonialism and was just a property for subjugation by Britain. Its fight in the pre-colonial period was that for survival and statehood. Having been conquered culturally, religiously, and economically, Nigeria was gasping for air to breathe when Britain gave it an independence which, by all ramifications, was just a paper victory, and the fight for freedom and prosperity started in 1960 when our leaders began clamouring for the dignity of the black man. Chinas economic growth is a multifaceted force reshaping the world order in complex ways. It challenges existing norms and global power structures, creates new opportunities in business, supply chain, technology and innovation. Chinas growing influence has forced countries, especially in Africa, to navigate a changing geopolitical and resource control landscape. How these implications unfold will depend on the strategies and policies adopted by China and other countries in response to this evolving global dynamic. Post-1960s, much remained the same concerning leadership outcomes. Our leadership quality has even worsened and has since plummeted. Except for a handful, each subsequent leader plunges Nigeria deeper into the abyss. And Nigeria is in dire need of visionary leaders that will transform it like the Chinese leaders did to China. Who are our innovative and visionary leaders in the mould of Chairman Mao, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping? Who among our leaders has created a vision of economic growth based on productivity and put in place the structures and systems that will make it work? Unlike most Nigerian leaders, many Chinese leaders are long-term thinkers. Developing strategic thinking involves considering the more significant macro issues, unlike the micro focus many tend to take in Nigeria. Strategic thinking means seeing how the world, the country and the broader economy will evolve and function. It also includes thinking long-term in contrast to near-term, which is our trademark in Nigeria. Notably, in 1978, when China laid the foundations of its economic emancipation, Nigerias per capita income was better than that of the Chinese. Chinas per capita income was around $155 to $175. Nigerias per capita income then was around $350 to $400, which was double that of China. In 2022, Chinas per capita was $12,814, while Nigerias was $2,184. This is over $10,000 more! It beggars belief! Since 1978, Chinas per capita has increased by over 50 times, whilst Nigerias has increased marginally by five times. We dont need to look further to identify the cause of this. What is our shared or common vision? China, from 1978, focused on Better Life and Prosperity for all. Leaders and strategy have changed, but every leader is yet to abandon this vision. We had development plans at various times: Operation Feed the Nation, Green Revolution, Vision 2010, Vision 2035, and Vision 2050. What happened to all our long- and medium-term plans? Why did they fail, and why did those of the Chinese succeed? Chinas economic growth is a multifaceted force reshaping the world order in complex ways. It challenges existing norms and global power structures, creates new opportunities in business, supply chain, technology and innovation. Chinas growing influence has forced countries, especially in Africa, to navigate a changing geopolitical and resource control landscape. How these implications unfold will depend on the strategies and policies adopted by China and other countries in response to this evolving global dynamic. Chinas hard and soft power is evident, and the world has taken notice. Besides, China is vying for global economic pre-eminence with the US but has no economic comparative advantage yet. However, the leadership factor puts it at a strategic advantage because of its unique one-party authoritarian model that aggressively pushes for growth and defies the hitherto philosophy that economic advancement is impossible outside the Western democratic and capitalist model. Nigeria needs more focused economic planning, a clear and achievable vision and goals, and a clear understanding of its position in the emerging New World Order. In this Order, capital and economic development is premium. The core lesson from the China experiment is that pragmatic and visionary leadership makes a tremendous difference in economic growth. Nigeria needs such now more than ever. Our new president has a date with history to map a course that makes him such a leader. History beckons. Dakuku Peterside is a policy and leadership expert. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The other day, I was invited alongside some other economists, to a parley with the Statistician General (SG), to help critique their new methodology for labour-related statistics for Nigeria. The SG noted that this new framework was informed by the best practices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He informed the audience that in the past, they had considered anyone who worked less than 40 hours a week and was willing to take on more work as unemployed. This led to several tens of millions being reported as unemployed in Nigeria, even as sheer hours of work became less relevant and the emphasis shifted to productivity, aided by technology. Later, they reduced that number according to international best practices, to 20 hours a week, with similar results. Nigerias unemployment figures were always alarmingly high. And of course, that fits into the narrative that most Nigerians would desire. Whereas many Nigerians are suffering but it looks like we love to over-exaggerate our predicament at every turn and this itself is a major problem because except a people feel positive about their country, they may not evolve to a better place. The doom and gloom scenario to which we have become addicted needs to be ditched at some point. Nigerians must have to be convinced away from the idea that the country will only get worse. That is not a winning attitude. It must be said that our expectations in this country especially more than even any other black African nation I know and/or have been to diverges a lot from the expectations of say the western societies whom we try to benchmark with our economy. Nigerians are generally very aspirational. But unfortunately, our actions are usually about self-aggrandisation and not the collective. This is what plays out in our politics and why some politicians see nothing wrong in appropriating what belongs to the commonwealth. But down the rank and file, it is basically a case of me, me, me! Many Nigerians have this migrated abroad, only to find that beyond the facade, many citizens of those countries are passing through sheer hell as well, only saved by the products of centuries of collective thinking and provisions! But here, we talk about our glorious past. We have so many princes of different royal ancestries, many of whom carry on like they should be served. Our religiousness emphasizes how we should get favours from God and how we should be the richest in our society. Some sects emphasise getting so much money and riches for little work, or for nothing. All these nuances need to be figured out in our quest for collective socioeconomic development whenever it starts in earnest. Im afraid that successive governments often focus on the hard numbers but often totally ignore the softer side of things without which they labour in vain until the tide turns against them. I am advising the current administration not to make the same mistake. There has to be immediate plans to engage the public on some of the issues I mentioned above, as most Nigerians may miss that point when the country actually begins to make progress with the suffusing pall of negativity that chokes the land and those who dwell therein. I read quite a few commentaries that are dismissive of the new methodology which dropped Nigerias unemployment rate to 4.1 per cent. But I think we should understand that there are merits and demerits. And the methodology forces us all to think about critical issues in the labour space today. First, the ILO is the United Nations body supervening labour issues worldwide, so at some point we must adhere to their improving standards. The NBS further says many countries have internalized these new guidelines. However, the NBS is basing its survey on 35,520 households. It is unclear whether the NBS has been using same database for a while or if it shifts its surveys spatially and geographically to get new perspectives. Also, the NBS has to explain to the public why it chose to survey only 35,520 households. Is that number representative enough for 200 million+ people depending on whom you believe? I have personally not been surveyed by the NBS and honestly dont know anyone who has. Again, this throws up the usual cynicism, among ordinary Nigerians just as happened when we heard that the Buhari government (working with the World Bank) came up with a list of 60 million Nigerians who live in poverty. Dont blame us if we disbelieve, work on your methodology. Now, the NBS says that three-quarters, or 73.6 per cent 76.7 per cent of working-age Nigerians were employed because they did more than 1 hour of paid work (or for profit) in a week. People are asking if one hour of work in Nigeria is good enough even if someone chooses not to do more work. The amount earned by people who work for one hour a week will differ considerably, with techies earning a lot but casual workers being unable to survive on their earnings. A high-flying executive in many industries does not need more than one hour of work in a week, but an artisan who says one hour of work in a week is enough surely needs help. The NBS report also says that 36.4 per cent and 33.2 per cent of working-age Nigerians worked for less than 40 hours in the period under survey (Q4, 2022 and Q1, 2023) but did not seek more work. Underemployment rate (which is a share of employed people working less than 40 hours per week and declaring themselves willing and available to work more) was 13.7 % in Q4 2022 and 12.2% in Q1 2023, the NBS declared. The bureau further stated that wage employment accounted for only 13.4 per cent and 11.8 per cent in Q4, 2022 and Q1, 2023 respectively while a whopping 73.1 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 75.4 per cent in Q1, 2023 were operating their own businesses or into farming! The balance of 10.7 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 10.6 per cent in Q1, 2023 were either engaged helping in a household business or serving as apprentices/interns (2.6 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 2.2 per cent in Q1, 2023). This means that of all the people working in Nigeria, roughly 85 per cent were engaged on their own, hustling, serving as apprentices, doing buying and selling, or generally in the informal sector. This is shameful, sad, and scary. This leaves a balance of 5.3 per cent in Q4, 2022 and 4.1 per cent in Q1, 2023 that could be considered as truly unemployed, according to the NBS. But obviously, Nigeria is in deep trouble. The NBS concluded that 22.3% of the working age population were out of labour force in Q4 2022, while it was 20.1% in Q1, 2023. This may mean that this category is not looking for employment. Why? Could they all be infirm? Or for some reason zoned out and unwilling to work? I think this is where the real work is. We should have a much smaller percentage of young or working-age people who are unwilling to work in a country with so much problems and pining for labour. Again, providing for the shortcomings of a small sample size, this survey by the NBS tells a story. The face of work has changed the world over. Young people these days no longer think of work as some 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. place to go. And oftentimes, the old format is inefficient. Perhaps many young Nigerians are simply no longer interested in work. Why? They are now exposed to the developed world and all the glitz via the internet and the plethora of social media handles. Leaders too have not done much work in psychoanalysing the youths of today in designing policies. Nigerian youths can no longer be bothered to do the heavy lifting of building a nation from scratch. Many have stopped trying and are just waiting to japa through any means. Many are also deluded about what it takes to become successful in life and many think abroad is a place of enjoyment. Many would also rather be pranksters, bloggers or Big Brother soft porn stars anything for a big haul of money. Even the children of the rich, sponsored to very expensive schools home and abroad would rather be musicians or Deejays (who work at night or never have to work at all since their work is also their play). A recent report in The PUNCH details how there is a drastic drop in apprenticeships and skills learning in Nigeria. This is a scary prospect because the skills we are talking about play very critical role in society carpenters, mechanics, tailors, welders, technicians, electricians, plumbers etc. Most of the workers (bosses) interviewed say they no longer have young people coming in as apprentices. Most say that less than 2 per cent of those who come bother to learn the work before leaving. For most boys from poorer homes in the south of Nigeria, the allure of yahoo-yahoo is way too strong. For the rich or middle-class ones, learning such skills does not even come up as everyone desires a degree. Even the world-famous Igbo apprenticeship system is waning out. Fewer and fewer boys remain in the villages to be picked up by big men for training. Most are already hardened and searching for big bucks in their teenage years. And for those who bother to sound savvy in and out of government, the focus is on technology. Can we focus on technology and abandon these core skills? Who will repair our cars and plumbing in the future? Are we deluding ourselves that we can leap over into the tech future without taking care of these dirty jobs? The future is bleak in this regard. We are rudderless and rootless. Roughly 85 per cent of the Nigerian economy is informal full of hustlers. Yet Nigeria is pushing more of her youths into entrepreneurship. Our understanding of entrepreneurship here is shallow and used as an excuse for successive governments to shirk their responsibility of organising society, creating adequate public sector jobs to ensure proper manning of public amenities. We cite the example of small-scale industries in China being the fulcrum of their economy, but deliberately ignore that small scale industries in China, Germany, USA and elsewhere are capacitated to produce tangible things and engage in massive exports. Most of our biggest businessmen/entrepreneurs (who are mere agents of the industries in these countries), only go as far as dealing with small scale players out there. We should not deceive ourselves. If the NBS intends to use this one-hour-per-week benchmark, it should remember that we are comparing apples with oranges at some level. A majority of Nigerias workforce are stuck at subsistence level as maibolas, chewing gum sellers inside traffic and so on, until they get tired and become liability upon the country. Whereas the NBS report has presented the data from a global angle, same data needs to be discombobulated to allow for Nigerian nuances. A youth working in MacDonalds in the US for example has many opportunities to grow even in the same sector, and to live a fulfilled life. I am speaking here about the fundamental and foundational damage to our social system which render most of our youths as illiterates, unemployable, despondent and unable to scale their usefulness to society beyond that petty hustle they do. So, as I advised the SG in that parley, perhaps we dont want to use 1-hour as benchmark. Perhaps we want to make that like 10 hours a week (two hours a day), in determining who is fully employed. Or we want to evolve more granular data that separates top earners as fully employed, but those earning meagre amounts with no prospects for bettering themselves, as unemployed. It is indeed unfair to consider everyone working for one hour as fully employed. Also, we need to look into the kind of survey questions that make such a large number of people say they dont need more work! I expect a lot more acerbic reaction in the next few days But at least this strikes up a good debate that allows us to dissect our many problems with our population, productivity, youth engagement, job creation, government responsibility, private sector contributions, artificial intelligence, technology in general, our several experimentation with petty entrepreneurship, and what the future holds for our dear nation. These are crucial times indeed. Tope Fasua, an economist, author, blogger, entrepreneur, and recent presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), can be reached through topsyfash@yahoo.com. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The life pension packages of former state governors has been a controversial issue since 2007 when the first set of Fourth Republic governors served out their eight-year tenures. It is a new low in public morality or governance, which has elicited a large dose of flak from Nigerians. It is not only odious but a serious violation of Nigerias Constitution. What makes it even more obnoxious is the fact that there are about seven, out of eight former governors in President Bola Tinubus cabinet, who enjoy this obviously undeserved reward, and will, at the same time, be paid salaries as serving public officers. Ironically, the president is one of them. As governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, his administration was the first to chart this unpopular policy course, which has now careened into more than half of the 36 states of the federation. This is despicable. As a result, the president should show leadership by denouncing it to serve as a moral compass for his ministers. For them to receive dual emoluments at the expense of suffering Nigerian masses, thousands of unpaid pensioners and workers in their respective states of origin, is a crass display of callousness. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was spot on when it recently called out these ex-governors. It drew the presidents attention to the public interest it raises and advised him to stop the scandal. Ministers entangled in this moral skein are: Nyesom Wike, Adeboyega Oyetola, Atiku Bagudu, David Umuahi, Ibrahim Geidam and Simon Lalong. Bello Matawalle is not involved, having instigated a move that repealed the Governors Pension Act by Zamfara States House of Assembly as governor in 2019. That some states have repealed their pension acts, others have totally shunned it, and with some ex-governors in states where the law exists refusing to accept these benefits, should have evoked moral qualms for those who still receive these pensions. As SERAP stressed, if the new ministers collect such life pensions, while claiming to be serving the public interest, then it says much about their conducts and integrity. Instructively, the pension benefits of ex-governors run against the grain of constitutionalism and good conscience. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, stipulates that a pensioner in Nigeria must have worked for at least 10 years. Yet, this perverse entitlement is meant for a select group that spends between four and eight years in public service. Besides Zamfara, Imo is among a few states that have repealed their rogue pension Acts. More should follow suit, enamoured of the trite position in our grundnorm that any piece of law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency, and of no effect. Lagos State set this noxious ball rolling in 2007 with a law that provides a former governor life pension at the rate of N30 million per annum; a house in Lagos and Abuja for those who served two terms; six brand new cars every three years; free medical care for him and his family members; and a retinue of domestic servants. Successive governors after the class of 2007 have upped the ante, evident in the N300 million pension benefits for an ex-governor in Gombe State. Godswill Akpabio, as governor of Akwa Ibom State, signed a pension Act that provided N200 million annual benefit to an ex-governor. As of 2017, 21 states treasuries had been fleeced of N37.4 billion as pension payments to 47 former governors. In this mix is their spending of billions of naira as security votes, which are unaccounted for, while in office. And as one of them once admitted, no ex-governor is poor, given the perks of office he enjoyed while in office for at least four years. The president and ministers should swiftly respond to this public yearning. To act otherwise will be emblematic of insensitivity and greed. Public positions are for public service, not self-enrichment At last, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated 45 ministers, out of his envisaged 48-member ministerial team, last week. He urged them to be armour bearers in the execution of his Renewed Hope agenda. Sounding like a cleric, the president harped on transparency, accountability and integrity as sinews of good governance, amid high expectations from Nigerians. PREMIUM TIMES believes that they have no choice in this regard! Clearly, their jobs are well cut out with the mountain of challenges before them: the economy is in tatters, which is pretty evident in the rising daily costs of living that has become a nightmare for most Nigerians. Insecurity is still an ever-present danger, typified in the recent massacre of 26 soldiers in Niger State by terrorists, while the health sector and educational systems are in sorry states. Nigerias crude oil is largely stolen, while the little oil revenues that come in are despoiled, just as abandoned projects litter the landscape, exemplified by the scam that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has become. These absurdities stem largely from the woeful failure of successive ministers to perform creditably. What the country needs desperately is a redemption song in these areas and much more. And only ministers who understand their responsibilities can play the symphony. In clear terms, the essence of public office is service, not self-aggrandisement. Unfortunately, the latter is often the case in Nigeria. Many ministers had in the past been caught in the web of criminal abuse of office, such as phoney contracts, cronyism, contract-splitting, bribe-taking, flagrant disregard of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and nepotism. This explains why the records of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are replete with dossiers of corrupt practices of former ministers. Laughably, many of these cases have been languishing in courts for about a decade, stymied by corrupt denizens of the judiciary and lawyers. The penchant of ministers for bribery, as was evident in the case of the late Sunday Afolabi, an erstwhile Police Affairs minister, was an eye opener in the $214 million SAGEM contract in 2003, under President Olusegun Obasanjos administration. He was incarcerated and prosecuted along with his cohorts. Some ex-ministers have fled the country to escape being prosecuted or they secured higher offices that conferred immunity from prosecution on them. Arising thereof, it behoves all Nigerians to be part of the watchdogs on these ministers. The situation that the country is presently in is akin to a state of war or emergency, which leaves no room to chance. One sure way to corral the ministers to the right track is for the president to have performance indicators and delivery timelines for each of them. President Tinubu should act like Obasanjo, if any of them derails; and not like his aloof predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Homilies, as he delivered on their inauguration, simply cannot replace the application of closely supervised performance indicators. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is welcomed at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA) Welcoming the Singaporean and his entourage at the airport were Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung, and Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam. Accompanying the Singaporean PM are his wife Ho Ching, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing, and Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng. This is his fifth visit to Vietnam by Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister of Singapore, showing the closeness and cohesion between the two countries. It is also among a wide range of activities in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership. On this occasion, Lee is expected to attend many important activities and events./. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has requested well-wishers to refrain from placing congratulatory billboards in his honour. The Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday. The attention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been drawn to lamp post billboards, full-scale billboards and other adverts congratulating him on his appointment as minister. While the minister deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith. The minister acknowledges the overwhelming goodwill from the residents of the FCT and beyond and understands the sentiment behind these congratulatory displays and is genuinely touched by the show of support. However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting President Bola Tinubu in realising his vision and renewed hope agenda for Nigeria, he said. Mr Ogunleye said that Mr Wikes foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of residents and the nation as a whole. He added that the minister held in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remained dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication. According to him, this can be achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities. Wike sincerely hopes that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation. He looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united FCT and Nigeria, the director said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 110-minute feature, adapted by the director, and based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, was sold internationally (excluding Italy and North America) by The Match Factory. Ahead of its world premiere on the Lido, MUBI has acquired rights across multiple territories the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America, the Benelux region and Turkey. The synopsis, published by The Match Factory, follows: When the teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. Through Priscillas eyes, Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscillas long courtship and turbulent marriage, from a German army base to his dream-world estate at Graceland, in this deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of love, fantasy and fame. Cailee Spaeny (Mare of Easttown, Bad Times at the El Royale) starred as Priscilla, and Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, The Kissing Booth) stars as Elvis Presley. Dagmara Dominczyk (Succession) is also confirmed as one of the main cast members. Read more LC HAMBURG, Germany, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 3B Scientific, a leading manufacturer and marketer of medical simulation products and anatomical models for healthcare education, announces today that it has reached an agreement to acquire iNNOGING Medical. iNNOGING Medical has developed the pioneering cloud-based SaaS solution e Sono for ultrasound simulation that enables users to train and analyze ultrasound scans, anywhere, anytime using any internet-connected device on real-life scenarios as if the patient was right next to them. Led by CEO Adi Baruch and CTO Eliad Moshe, iNNOGING Medical was built by a highly experienced, innovative group of industry and tech leaders, with a shared vision of revolutionizing the way ultrasound image analysis is trained for the improvement of ultrasound diagnosis worldwide. Todd A. Murray, CEO of 3B Scientific, shared: "We're extremely excited to have iNNOGING Medical join our growing 3B Scientific family. Their innovative approach to digitally training ultrasound skills with e Sono is truly impressive. Together, we will work towards revolutionizing the field of sonography training. Our shared goal is to make a profound impact on healthcare education worldwide." Adi Baruch, co-founder and CEO of iNNOGING Medical, commented: "We are incredibly excited to join forces with 3B Scientific, embarking on our journey to redefine the landscape of digital ultrasound simulation with e Sono. Together with the development strength and global reach of 3B Scientific, we aim to revolutionize how healthcare professionals acquire and train their ultrasound skills. This partnership marks a pivotal step forward in our commitment to advance ultrasound training around the world." About the 3B Scientific Group 3B Scientific, established in 1948 in Hamburg, Germany, is a global provider of state-of-the-art medical simulators, catering to medical education training across all levels. Building on an extensive range of top-quality educational and simulation products, the 3B Scientific Group of Companies has established a strong presence in over 120 countries worldwide. Using this wide-reaching platform, 3B Scientific continues to drive its mission forward: advancing the delivery of medical and healthcare education worldwide. For further insights into 3B Scientific, visit www.3bscientific.com. About iNNOGING Medical Founded in 2018 in Israel, iNNOGING Medical has undergone four years of technological development. The company successfully addressed a critical technology gap in ultrasound diagnosis and turned it into a web-based SaaS ultrasound simulator. The e Sono ultrasound simulator empowers medical students and practitioners to practice real ultrasound scenarios via the internet, from any location, without the need for specialized equipment. This solution designed to accommodate an unlimited number of users and includes both basic content packages and a smart curriculum creator. Driven by innovative cutting-edge technology, iNNOGING Medical is dedicated to revolutionizing the ultrasound simulation market. To learn more about iNNOGING Medical, visit www.3bscientific.com/innoging. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2167288/3B_Scientific_Logo.jpg SOURCE 3B Scientific DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Single Cell Analysis Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Product (Consumables v/s Instruments), By Technique, By Application, By End User, By Region and Competition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Single Cell Analysis Market is expected to experience substantial growth with a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the period of 2024 to 2028. This growth can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide, along with significant technological advancements that have led to substantial investments from life sciences companies and government research initiatives. The escalating adoption of single-cell analysis products to enhance the understanding of molecular biology's central dogma is expected to be a key factor driving market expansion in the forecast period. In a significant research development in March 2021, researchers from The NHLBI LungMap Consortium and The Human Cell Atlas Lung Biological Network conducted a single-cell meta-analysis involving 1,320,896 cells from 228 individuals across the globe. This endeavor aimed to understand the entry genes of SARS-CoV-2, contributing to the ongoing fight against the pandemic. Increasing Demand for Personalized Medicine The field of personalized medicine is rapidly growing and aims to provide tailored treatments based on an individual's genetic profile. Single cell analysis plays a pivotal role in this sector by enabling the identification of rare cell populations and analyzing individual cells at the molecular level. The rise in personalized medicine's adoption has resulted in an increasing need for tools and technologies facilitating single cell analysis. This process assists researchers and clinicians in analyzing individual cells to identify molecular changes associated with disease progression. This information is then used to formulate personalized treatment strategies targeting specific molecular pathways. Investments from governments and private organizations into personalized medicine research, including the development of single cell analysis tools, are expected to foster innovation in the field and accelerate the creation of optimized tools for personalized medicine applications. Single cell analysis is being employed across various domains such as cancer research, immunology, and neuroscience, beyond personalized medicine, indicating further market growth. Advancements in Genomic and Proteomic Technologies The growth of genomic and proteomic technologies has significantly influenced the expansion of the global single cell analysis market. These technologies have facilitated the analysis of individual cells at the molecular level, yielding valuable insights into cellular function and disease progression. These technologies allow for high-resolution and sensitive analysis of individual cells, leading to the identification of rare cell populations and individual cell analysis. This high precision is critical for applications such as personalized medicine. The growth of these technologies has spurred the development of tools optimized for single cell analysis, such as microfluidic devices and high-throughput sequencing platforms. These innovations enable researchers to conduct experiments that were previously unattainable. With the integration of genomic and proteomic technologies with imaging and flow cytometry, there is potential for multi-modal single cell analysis tools and technologies to evolve. Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes, are significant drivers of the global single cell analysis market. Researchers employ single cell analysis to identify molecular changes contributing to the development and progression of chronic diseases. With the need to analyze individual cells for disease understanding, tools and technologies that facilitate single cell analysis are in high demand, propelling the market's growth. As single cell analysis identifies therapeutic targets for chronic diseases, it paves the way for targeted therapies with fewer side effects. Increasing Government Funding for Life Sciences Research Government funding plays a pivotal role in the growth of the global single cell analysis market. Governments allocate funds to drive innovation and improve health outcomes through research and development in life sciences, including single cell analysis. This funding supports research studies aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, thus driving innovation. Governments also invest in infrastructure that supports life sciences research, which includes developing research facilities and data-sharing platforms. Regulatory support and public-private partnerships are also critical for the growth of this market. Governments ensure that tools and technologies developed for single cell analysis meet safety and efficacy standards. Market Players Key players operating in the Global Single Cell Analysis Market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Danaher Corporation, Merck KGAA, Qiagen N.V., 10X Genomics, Promega Corporation, Illumina, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Fluidigm Corporation, and Takara Bio Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1vzw84 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets A fisherman cleans at Tsurishihama Fishing Port after fishing in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) The Japanese government's reckless dumping of the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger and concerns over environment deterioration and tourism decline among Fukushima locals, especially fishermen and business owners. TOKYO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Haruo Ono, a fisherman in the town of Shinchi in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, has been fishing in the sea for 56 years since he was 15 years old. Shinchi is located in the eastern part of Fukushima Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. The waters here are where the warm Kuroshio Current meets the cold Oyashio Current, thus a natural high-quality fishing ground. Its seafood was once the "darling" of fish wholesale markets in big cities such as Tokyo. But after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan on March 11, 2011, which is also known in the country as the Great East Japan Earthquake, wholesalers at Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market were reluctant to purchase fish products from Fukushima. It was not until the past few years that the prices of Fukushima seafood returned to pre-earthquake levels. Despite the raging opposition of the international community, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, sparking concerns among many fishermen about their livelihoods. This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows fisherman Ono Haruo sitting near Tsurishihama Fishing Port in Soma Gun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) The 71-year-old fisherman told Xinhua in a recent interview that "for us, the ocean discharge is a matter of survival." The Japanese prime minister and the minister of economy, trade and industry have visited Fukushima many times, but they have not met directly with the fishermen, nor have they asked for their opinions, Ono said. Even more unacceptable to fishermen is the government's failure to keep its word. Ono said that fishermen have been voicing opposition, but the government still made a hasty decision, which was unacceptable. In 2015, the Japanese government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, promised local fishermen that they would not release the radioactive wastewater into the sea "without the understanding of relevant parties." Yoshio Satomi, who lives in Fukushima's Iwaki City, also said it was unacceptable. Iwaki City is over 50 kilometers away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Satomi, who runs a hot spring hotel with a history of more than 300 years in the city, told Xinhua that after the nuclear disaster in 2011, there were fewer visitors from outside Fukushima and almost none from abroad. In recent years, the number of tourists has finally started to pick up, but now news of the nuclear-contaminated water discharge has spread all over the world, and Fukushima has been implicated again, Satomi said. This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows a deserted fire station in Futaba Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, with the hands of the clock pointing to the time of the tsunami. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) Satomi said, "The government promised the fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture not to discharge nuclear-contaminated water arbitrarily, and now it has decided to discharge it, so the government lied." The Japanese government claimed that without emptying and removing the tanks storing radioactive wastewater in the nuclear power plant, there will not be enough space for the decommissioning of the reactor and Fukushima will not be able to be revitalized. From Satomi's point of view, this is simply a lie. In Futaba Town and Okuma Town, where the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is located, the government has poured money into building many beautiful houses, but only 10 percent are now occupied, and most of those who left Fukushima 12 years ago have long since settled somewhere else. Satomi said, "So no matter how much money is spent or how the government talks about revitalization, the reality is that people don't come back." Pediatrician Yoichi Yatsuda is one of the residents who have returned to Futaba since the evacuation order was lifted in August last year. Futaba had a population of more than 7,000 before the accident, but so far only about 80 have returned, Yatsuda said. Yatsuda and his wife found it hard to leave their hometown behind, so they returned shortly after the evacuation order was lifted, although their children chose to stay in Sendai, a city in Miyagi prefecture. This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows a view of an empty beach in Yotsukura Town of Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu) Ono, a lifelong fisherman, said he has no other career choice and will continue to be a fisherman even if the price of fish is low. "This is both a fisherman's pride and a wish for consumers to taste delicious sea fish... Do politicians understand this? The sea is not a dustbin." Ono said that he has joined the plaintiffs to take the Japanese government and TEPCO to court to stop the release plan and will file the lawsuit in the Fukushima District Court in early September. Ono's three sons are all fishermen. "I stand against it now so that my sons will not be forced to struggle to live in the future." Editor: ZAD Dr. William Albright specializes in breast and body contouring procedures SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alamo Plastic Surgery is thrilled to announce they were voted the Best Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio for the third year in a row. This recognition would not have been possible without the support and votes from their loyal patients and readers of SA Current. Dr. William Albright expresses his gratitude and looks forward to another year of delivering outstanding service and incredible results. With over a decade of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Albright, a San Antonio native, is dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for his patients. His journey began at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he graduated with top honors. Following that, he completed an intensive six-year integrated plastic surgery program at Penn State. To further enhance his skills, Dr. Albright underwent additional training in Brazil and served as a clinical professor at the University of Iowa. He is now starting his fifth year serving the great patients of Central Texas. One of the highlights of Dr. Albright's expertise lies in breast and body contouring procedures. His commitment to patient satisfaction and exceptional results is evident in the feedback received from a recent review. Casey, a patient who had previously undergone breast augmentation elsewhere, praised Dr. Albright's skills in addressing her tuberous breast deformity, expressing her delight with the remarkable results achieved after implant removal (explant) with a breast lift. About Alamo Plastic Surgery Alamo Plastic Surgery focuses on providing transformative surgical experiences in breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and mommy makeovers. Dr. Albright's mission is to empower patients through education, ensuring they make informed decisions about their procedures while utilizing advanced surgical techniques to achieve incredible outcomes. SOURCE Alamo Plastic Surgery Ameren identified as one of the best companies to work for in the US for seventh year in a row ST. LOUIS , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) employees have once again reported the company as a Great Place to Work a prestigious Certification awarded to companies with an empowering and engaging culture. Thanks to rankings provided by Ameren employees, the company scored 19% higher than average U.S. companies. In addition, 85% of Ameren workers acknowledged that new employees are made to feel welcome. Great Place to Work is a globally recognized authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to increase innovation and employee retention. "A Great Place to Work Certification isn't something that comes easily it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience," said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. "It's the only official recognition determined by employees' real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that Ameren is one of the best companies to work for in the country." "People are at the center of everything we do here at Ameren, so this employee-driven certification is especially meaningful," said Mark Lindgren, executive vice president, corporate communications and chief human resources officer for Ameren Corporation. "It confirms that we're taking the right steps to create an inclusive environment and help employees grow and be successful, which makes it possible for us to serve our customers and communities even better." Ameren has developed a broad array of programs and partnerships to provide pathways to meaningful careers at every stage. Additionally, its unwavering focus on diversity, equity and inclusion makes Ameren an ideal work environment for anyone seeking a career in energy. Ameren offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well as hybrid and remote work alternatives. The company's benefits and flexible options provide a variety of work-life balance opportunities that are attractive to many prospective candidates in today's marketplace. Opportunities at Ameren Ameren is an industry-leading and innovative Fortune 500 company that is a vital part of the communities it serves, building a sustainable energy future for generations to come. Ameren currently has more than 600 open positions in Missouri and Illinois, including opportunities in information technology, engineering, supply chain, finance, human resources, skilled craft, fleet/vehicle maintenance and customer service. Learn more about Ameren's job openings and comprehensive total rewards package at Ameren.com/careers . About Ameren Corporation St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren. About Great Place to Work Certification Great Place to Work Certification is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place to Work-Certified. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. SOURCE Ameren Corporation The city's established history in the creative industries, growing workforce and diverse economy made Nashville the perfect home for Ampersand's second location as the company continues to grow. The workspace is focused on thoughtful design and flexibility, and offers a range of membership options, including daily and monthly passes, private offices, content production, space rentals and more. "Ampersand Studios was created to provide connection and business growth opportunities for any entrepreneur and creative that would benefit from the resources of an innovative and collaborative working environment," said Matthew Giles, the company's founder and principal. "Our model and offering are a perfect fit for the many creatives who call Nashville home, and we look forward to helping them expand their relationships and businesses by providing a unique creative incubator." Ampersand Nashville is located on the second floor of 1030 16th Ave S. To view photos of the Nashville space, please click here . ABOUT AMPERSAND STUDIOS Founded in Miami in 2018, Ampersand Studios provides thoughtfully designed and inspiring workspaces dedicated to cultivating the creativity and talent that shapes communities. Focused on being more than just a place to co-work, Ampersand Studios provides business support, meaningful connections and programming with unique offerings of content studios and other creative amenities. To learn more, please visit https://amperstudios.com . Media Contact: Emma Raby, emma@pierce-pr.com SOURCE Ampersand Studios DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Bedpan Washer Global Market Insights 2023, Analysis and Forecast to 2028, by Manufacturers, Regions, Technology, Application, Product Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This comprehensive report unveils a comprehensive analysis of the global market size for Bedpan Washer, spanning the period from 2018 to 2022, and its corresponding Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the same interval. Additionally, the report provides forward-looking insights, projecting the market's size up to the conclusion of 2028, along with the anticipated CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Geographical Insights: Delving into the intricacies of the market's regional dynamics, the report presents an exhaustive analysis of supply-demand trends, major players, pricing dynamics, and more across key geographical regions. The regions covered include North America, South America, Asia & Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA), with an exploration of the market landscape for each from 2018 to 2028. Country-level Breakdown: For each of these regions, the report meticulously highlights key countries that exert significant influence on the Bedpan Washer market. These influential countries encompass a broad spectrum of global economies, such as the United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN countries, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, CIS countries, and Brazil, among others. Competitive Landscape: The report features an in-depth examination of the global key players and emerging contenders in the Bedpan Washer market. For each competitor, the report provides critical insights, including company profiles, core business details, SWOT analysis, sales volume, revenue, pricing, gross margin, and market share. Segmentation Analysis: Applications Segment: Hospitals Medical Centres Nursing Homes Types Segment: Automatic Type Semi-Automatic Type Manual Type Key Companies Profiled: Ajcosta ARCANIA ArjoHuntleigh AT-OS Dekomed DGM Pharma-Apparate Handel Discher Technik JLA Ken Matachana Medisafe International MEIKO Data Breakdown: Base Year: 2023 Historical Data: 2018 to 2022 Forecast Data: 2023 to 2028 Expert Insights: This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders seeking profound insights into the Bedpan Washer market. Its meticulous analysis of market trends, competitors, and regional dynamics empowers businesses to make informed decisions for their future endeavors. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jrchjj 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 The agency is the first law enforcement agency in TX to leverage CivicEye's cloud-based RMS software. BANDERA, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CivicEye, a leading software provider specializing in web-based solutions for law enforcement and prosecutors, is proud to have been selected by the Bandera, TX Marshal's Office, marking its entry into Texas law enforcement and introducing the innovative CivicRMS solution to the Lone Star State. The company already serves the District Attorney Office in Ellis County, TX, on their prosecutor software tools CivicDocs and CivicCase. CivicRMS, CivicEye's advanced records management system, offers a comprehensive and seamless approach to managing critical law enforcement data. By embracing CivicRMS, the Bandera, TX Marshal's Office will revolutionize its records management practices, streamlining data entry, retrieval, and analysis. This transition to modernized technology is poised to enhance operational efficiency, increase collaboration across jurisdictions, ensure compliance with State-mandated reporting requirements, and ultimately facilitate improved decision-making within the agency. "CivicEye worked meticulously to bring us a tailored solution within our budget," said Marshal Nancy De Foster. "In my career, I've had the ability to vet and work with so many different companies. CivicEye's approach established a new standard for superior service and innovation compared to Texas' legacy software providers." "Despite the abundance of technological advances that we have all enjoyed in our personal lives over the last ten to fifteen years, there are still countless law enforcement agencies in need of modern solutions that meet their unique needs," said Josh South, Head of Operations at CivicEye. "Our web-based platform scales to meet the needs of agencies of all sizes, allowing our clients to keep progressing their technology with the emerging updates and integrations vital in supporting their communities." Driven by its core mission, CivicEye is steadfast in providing law enforcement agencies with advanced technology solutions to improve community outcomes. Through partnerships with law enforcement agencies like Bandera, CivicEye's influence extends across Texas, enhancing data sharing and fostering a more connected law enforcement landscape and unified strategies to ensure public safety. About CivicEye CivicEye delivers modern, easy-to-use cloud software for law enforcement and prosecutors that enhances daily workflows and improves community outcomes. The CivicEye platform includes Records, Digital Evidence, and Case Management solutions that reduce friction points within and across departments. CivicEye serves over 130 agencies across the United States. Media Contact: Adrienne Clarke, [email protected] Sales Contact: Khristian Gutierrez, [email protected] www.civiceye.com SOURCE CivicEye DHAKA, Bangladesh, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from Spellbound Leo Burnett: Bangladesh has been remarkable and promising economy in world, with steady growth rate of over 7% for over decade, except during pandemic. As 35th largest economy and potential developed economy by 2041, Bangladesh presents great potential for trade and partnerships. Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority jointly organized a Roadshow campaign titled "Rise of Bengal Tiger: Bangladesh Trade & Business Summit" in Johannesburg on August 23, 2023. HPM Sheikh Hasina led Bangladesh delegation as Chief Guest of event. Prime agenda was discussing opportunities for partnerships, extension of trade partnerships and presenting Bangladesh as profitable destination for business community of South Africa. Photo She addressed people of South Africa with hope of extending partnerships in trade, business, education culture and overall bilateral relationship. She focused on trade partnership opportunities in sectors like textile, readymade garments, jute goods, leader, ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. She also highlighted potential of enhancing export to South Africa and exploring avenues to procure essential natural resources and raw materials from African nations. Private Industry and Investment Adviser to HPM, Mr. Salman Fazlur Rahman, drew attention to limited cooperation between south-south countries and increasing interest in building cooperation. He emphasized that South Africa can be gateway for Bangladesh to do business in all of Africa and Asia. Professor Shibli Rubaiyat-Ul-Islam, Chairman of BSEC, demonstrated aspects and opportunities of business with Bangladesh in brief presentation on '50 years of Bangladesh: Rise of Bengal Tiger' overwhelming yet stable growth of Bangladesh, demographic dividend, manpower, infrastructure, and readiness of Bangladesh give clear vision of country's future and scopes of trade partnership. As fastest growing consumer market of world, statements are important for global business community. South African counterparts expressed great interest in doing business with South Asian country, and Public Works & Infrastructure Minister of South Africa, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, expressed positive enthusiasm for fur partnerships. Emphasizing infrastructure investment and market exploration for economic growth. Minister urged South Africa and Bangladesh to strengn existing cooperation and initiatives to work knowledge creation and exchange to unlock opportunities for future. More than 200 South African business leaders have attended program and exchange views with highstakeholders of Bangladesh by interactive sessions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2195139/Photo.jpg SOURCE Spellbound Leo Burnett DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Biochemical Incubator Global Market Insights 2023, Analysis and Forecast to 2028, by Market Participants, Regions, Technology, Application, Product Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This comprehensive report delves into a detailed analysis of the global market size for Biochemical Incubator, spanning the years 2018 to 2022, along with its corresponding Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during that period. Moreover, the report presents forward-looking projections, forecasting the market's size up to the conclusion of 2028, accompanied by the anticipated CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Geographical Insights: Embarking on an exploration of the market's regional intricacies, the report conducts an exhaustive analysis of supply-demand dynamics, major players, and pricing trends across vital geographical regions. The regions covered include North America, South America, Asia & Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA), with an in-depth examination of the market landscape for each from 2018 to 2028. Country-level Breakdown: The report meticulously highlights key countries that wield substantial influence over the Biochemical Incubator market within each region. These influential countries encompass a diverse spectrum of global economies, including but not limited to the United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN countries, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, CIS countries, and Brazil. Competitive Landscape: The report offers an extensive analysis of both global key players and emerging contenders in the Biochemical Incubator market. Each competitor's profile provides critical insights, including company details, core business information, SWOT analysis, revenue, gross margin, and market share. Segmentation Analysis: Applications Segment: Environmental Protection Health And Epidemic Prevention Drug Testing Types Segment: 70L 150L 250L 350L 500L Key Companies Profiled: WIGGENS ZHETU Brocent Binder HUITAI ThermoFisher Scientific EDESON IRM Memmert YSEI TATUNG SANTN Data Breakdown: Base Year: 2023 Historical Data: 2018 to 2022 Forecast Data: 2023 to 2028 Expert Insights: This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders seeking profound insights into the Biochemical Incubator market. Its meticulous analysis of market trends, competitors, and regional dynamics empowers businesses to make informed decisions for their future endeavors. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lcovfq 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 Bright Pattern has officially developed a trusted partnership with MoData to create a seamless customer experience through the delivery of world class CX with an emphasis on emerging digital and AI technologies. SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Pattern has partnered with MoData to dramatically transform the world of CX for innovative companies throughout Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa through futuristic digital and AI capabilities. MoData provides digital consulting advice, implementation, and services for companies who are looking to expand the customer experience to match today's new digital and mobile world. MoData allows companies to leverage and extend its existing solutions while adding new digital and AI technologies in a fast and seamless process. It combines AI expertise and evolving technologies with Bright Pattern the easiest-to-use and highest-rated contact center for companies in Africa. Coupling AI with Bright Pattern's advanced technology allows MoData to provide companies four key capabilities to significantly improve their customer experience. Bright Pattern and MoData partner to advance CX via contact center software throughout Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa. Post this Omnichannel Conversations Easy, seamless omnichannel conversation across both voice and digital channels for agents and customers. Connect to customers via voice and digital channels: voice, webchat, email, SMS, chatbots, and messengers WhatsApp, Facebook, LINE, etc. Easy, seamless omnichannel conversation across both voice and digital channels for agents and customers. Connect to customers via voice and digital channels: voice, webchat, email, SMS, chatbots, and messengers WhatsApp, Facebook, LINE, etc. Omnichannel Quality Management (Omni QM) Monitor 100% of interactions on every single channel and allow managers or supervisors to review, assess, and score an agent's performance to improve CX. Monitor 100% of interactions on every single channel and allow managers or supervisors to review, assess, and score an agent's performance to improve CX. Omni-Enterprise CX Ability for any employee to connect on voice or digital channels via Bright Pattern Mobile App. Ability for any employee to connect on voice or digital channels via Bright Pattern Mobile App. Conversational AI & Automation Humanize digital interactions for the end-user customer and intuit through natural AI capabilities. Now, take your digital adoption initiatives to the next level through contextual, conversational, interactive, and intelligent automation. "At MoData, we are excited about this partnership with Bright Pattern. Our MoData Interactive Digital Customer Enterprise 360 Ecosystem is a unique blend of critical CX technologies that combine Omnichannel Contact Centre, Workforce Management, Quality Assurance and Speech Analytics, all underpinned by Conversational AI and Business Applications to provide the most comprehensive customer engagement management methodology available in modern customer communications today," said Brendan van Staaden, Managing Executive of MoData. "Bright Pattern brings the magic of true cloud maxi-channel customer contact solutions to round off this brilliant ecosystem. With this powerful solution in our toolkit, MoData will continue to drive innovation and customer service delivery excellence through listening, understanding, and delivering in our world of customer service expertise." "Bright Pattern is eager to work with MoData to unite our advanced contact center capabilities with its customer experience technologies," said Michael McCloskey, CEO of Bright Pattern. "With this partnership and synergy, we're excited to push forward CX in a new space that has a need for both of our proficiencies." Who Are Our Target Markets? Mid-size and enterprise-level banks, financial institutions, and investment companies across Africa that are looking to digitize and automate their entire customer experience journey. Why Bright Pattern and MoData? Stay at the forefront of innovation and exceptionalism with Bright Pattern Omni-Enterprise CCaaS and MoData AI automation and consulting services In-region support and expertise Highest-rated contact center by customers Fastest and easiest-to-deploy contact center in the industry half the industry average per customer reviews and Frost & Sullivan Real, reliable results committed to providing a 99.999% uptime About Bright Pattern Bright Pattern provides a simple yet powerful omnichannel contact center software that is the fastest to deploy with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry. Bright Pattern offers the most advanced omnichannel cloud platform across channels like voice, text, chat, email, video, messengers, AI and bots. Bright Pattern provides native omnichannel quality management allowing companies to measure every interaction on every channel. Bright Pattern also offers a mobile app allowing any employee in your company to communicate with your customers. With over 500 customers in 26 countries, Bright Pattern is the highest-rated omnichannel contact center solution based on analysts and customer reviews. About MoData MoData (https://modata.com) is a South African software and services operation bent on service excellence and provides innovative digital automation and data-driven solutions to businesses in the banking, insurance, and mobile/telco industries. MoData's solutions help businesses to digitize their operations, improve customer service, improve revenue, and reduce costs. With over thirty years of experience in the fintech industry, MoData has a strong track record of providing innovative, customer centric solutions, used by many of the leading financial institutions in South Africa and Africa. MoData is a customer-focused and service led company offering a flexible approach and fast enablement to customers serious about digital adoption. SOURCE Bright Pattern SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CEE2023 Shenzhen, hosted by Shenzhen Informa Markets Creativity Exhibition Company Limited, will be held from August 23rd to 25th. What is CEE? CEE, the Shenzhen International Consumer Electronics Expo, is a fusion field that represents the epitome of power in the Shenzhen consumer electronics industry. It serves as an interactive space for tech leaders and thought-provoking tech experts, a platform for unveiling new products and technologies, an annual grand offline experiential venue, a new hub connecting international cooperation and markets, and an energy fusion field for integrated innovation in the electronic technology industry. CEE is co-organized by Bowen Creative Exhibition (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Wanbo Exhibition Co., Ltd. under the guidance of Industry and Information Technology Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and Informa China. The event aims to foster collaboration among leading global electronic brands in order to showcase integrated innovative electronic technologies and products, drive technological innovation, facilitate industry chain exchanges, and extend the influence and outreach of Shenzhen as a global electronic industry hub. Highlights of CEE2023 The brand-new digital human, Ceeci, developed by Xiaoice Company, is coming to the scene. CEE2023, in collaboration with Xiaoice, the leading AI enterprise, jointly unveiled the innovative digital human, Ceeci, who will also take the stage as the host of the opening forum at CEE. Born within the framework of Xiaoice, Ceeci embodies cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, which endows her with knowledge, wisdom, and natural voice and expression. Ceeci will be present on-site to witness the grand opening of CEE2023 together with all attendees. A Forward-Looking Beacon of Ideas Honoring the presence of visionary leaders in technology such as Wan Biao from Honor, Huang Hongsheng from Skyworth, and Pan Xiaoming from AMD, the CEE2023 Pioneer Forum gathers over 200 corporate executives and media representatives. This forum serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge technologies, exchanging industry insights, exploring outstanding consumer electronics innovation perspectives, and aligning them with international developments and commercial market trends. Furthermore, it aims to lead individuals, enterprises, and industries to contemplate the future ecosystem of integrated innovation from a fresh perspective. Citywide Interactions, Fostering Fresh Ideas and Technologies The development and leadership of an urban industry rely not only on a multitude of excellent enterprises and brands but also on vibrant landmark areas and platforms driven by youthful energy. These spaces serve as hubs for international perspectives, fresh ideas, and emerging technologies, where countless thoughts converge and numerous innovations take root. CEE will select iconic venues within the consumer electronics field: Shenzhen innoX, Lenovo Future Center, and HQ-mart. Shenzhen innoX was founded by Professor Li Zexiang under the guidance of the Shenzhen government. It is dedicated to cultivating talents, incubating innovative projects, and promoting an ecosystem of investment and innovation. As one of the CEE Urban Experimental Lab sites, Shenzhen innoX will conduct pre-show interviews under the theme "CEE Shenzhen innoX" during the exhibition, and it will lead excellent incubated innovative enterprises to participate in the exhibition together. Lenovo Future Center focuses on Lenovo's latest innovative achievements in artificial intelligence, metaverse, and other fields. It showcases the latest practical results of Lenovo's empowerment of various industries and the promotion of intelligent transformation, highlighting its vision of "Smarter Technology, Empowering a Changing World". During the three days of the exhibition, with the theme of "CEE Lenovo Future Center Exploration", guests will be invited to visit Lenovo Future Center to achieve multi-location interactive effect. HQ-mart, known as the "First Street of China's Electronics," is the most active global trading center for electronic products and components. With the support of Shenzhen's strong electronic design and manufacturing capabilities, HQ-mart has nurtured numerous successful grassroots entrepreneurial enterprises during its decades-long development. Under the theme "CEE HQ-mart Electronics Market", CEE will unleash strong advertising in this landmark location that represents the technological prowess of Shenzhen. Exhibition - Get a First Look: Cutting-edge Technology and Cross-border Interaction Shine Together With an exhibition area of 80,000 square meters, 50+ professional forums, 200+ experts, and 100,000+ visitors, this event showcases the innovative achievements in the integration of electronic science and technology: embedded design, chips and supply chains, electric vehicles with smart chassis, new display technologies, fast charging and energy storage, chiplets and advanced packaging, and other cutting-edge technologies. It provides a one-stop experience for visitors to quench their thirst for knowledge. Popular exhibitors participating in the exhibition include Lenovo, BOE, TCL, Changhong, Skyworth, Pango Micro, Shenzhou Godson, Metax, Deepx, Digikey, Mouser, StarFive Technology, GuboTechnologies, Qinheng Microelectronics, China Mobile IoT, MindMotion Microelectronics, Hangshun Chip, CEC Huada Electronic Design, CKSIC, Lingyange, AMEC, megawin, CECport, Longsys, Shichuangyi, Payton, Kowin, Dosilicon, Meig, Smarter Micro, Sky Semiconductor, Xpeedic, Siemens EDA, Boschman, Heraeus, Cadence, Chipuller, KiwiMoore, BYD Auto, Dongfeng Motor, FAW Group, Foton Motor, NIO, Gaohan, LeapMortor, Oriental Jicheng, Bosch, Schaeffler, Infineon, Mobis, Black Sesame, EcoFlow, Huabao, Biwin, Apacer, and Netac, among others. 200+ top experts from the industry will give speeches at over 20 forums during the same period. The hot topics of the conference include computing power and GPUs, embedded AI, RISC-V open-source ecosystem, HarmonyOS (Hongmeng), intelligent chassis, chiplet heterogeneous integration, and third-generation semiconductors. Why CEE Shenzhen is not only the global center of electronics manufacturing but also a driving force for hard-tech innovation. With a complete electronic industry ecosystem, a vibrant atmosphere for innovation and entrepreneurship, and convenient export channels, Shenzhen has not only outperformed the rest of the world in the consumer electronics industry but has also taken the lead in seizing opportunities in new trends such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, electric vehicles, energy storage, chips and supply chains, and open-source technologies. In the economic review of the Greater Bay Area in the first half of this year, Shenzhen's GDP reached 1.62976 trillion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 6.3%, with investment in high-tech manufacturing growing by 56.3%. With the theme of "Bay Area Driving, Convergent Innovation", CEE2023 believes that through the exhibition and exchange activities of this event, it will greatly contribute to promoting technological innovation and continuous progress in the field of electronic science and technology in Shenzhen during the new development era after the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome professionals from the electronics industry to visit and exchange ideas at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (Futian) from August 23rd to 25th. TEL: 0755-88311535 Mail: [email protected] SOURCE Shenzhen Informa Markets Creativity Exhibition Company Limited Reimagined curriculum now available for the 2023-2024 school year WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) announced the launch of its new Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0 program (EIF 2.0), a 120-hour curriculum that educates high school and technical school students about energy and careers within the industry. Alongside industry educators and representatives from energy businesses, CEWD worked to modernize the long-established EIF curriculum to ensure the preparedness of a skilled, diverse energy workforce. The program aims to provide expanded energy education to 500,000 students over the next 10 years. "The energy industry is rapidly growing and evolving to support the clean energy future. In the coming years, the sector needs new talent to lead the charge and fuel the industry," said Kristie Kelley, Director of Workforce Development at CEWD. "That's what drove our decision to bring a refreshed EIF curriculum to students nationwide we're looking to set both students and educators up for success in an industry at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure that shape how we live our lives." The free, virtual course offers units that explore the power of energy. Its labs and interactive exercises connect students with foundational learnings about energy and career opportunities. Students who successfully complete the program can earn industry-recognized credentials with the option of earning additional stackable credentials through the program's supplemental modules. These credentials provide students with a competitive advantage when applying for internships or jobs. "We're proud to support this program that will uplift the future of the energy industry," said Robert Matthews, VP, Talent and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Exelon, a CEWD member company and contributor to the program. "The EIF 2.0 curriculum will undoubtedly spark interest in students who will excel within our innovative and essential workforce. Now more than ever, it's important we help create opportunities that expand the talent pipeline for years to come." The EIF course connects with almost all learning management systems. Educators, community-based organizations, and others interested in bringing energy education into their classrooms have complimentary access to the EIF curriculum and its associated resources, including curriculum training support. EIF 2.0 was created in partnership with CEWD's energy and community educators: Center Point Energy, Constellation, Duke Energy, Exelon, National Urban League, and PSEG. To download or learn more about the program, visit https://getintoenergy.org/eif-2-0/ . To inquire about education or distribution opportunities, reach out to Kristie Kelley at [email protected] . About The Center for Energy Workforce Development The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy companies, and their associations, committed to the development of a skilled, diverse energy workforce. Learn more at www.cewd.org and www.GetIntoEnergy.org . SOURCE Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) The Hungarian government will protect farmers and, if necessary, close the border for some grain products coming from Ukraine from September 16, Hungarian Minister of Agriculture Istvan Nagy said at the Transit political festival in Tihany. "If the EU does not extend the ban on the import of certain Ukrainian grain products, which expires on September 15, then Hungary will impose a ban on the import of not only four products, but all 24 previous products to protect the domestic market," the Hungarian publication agrarszektor.hu quoted the minister as saying. According to him, in recent years, Hungary's agriculture has experienced one shock after another. The coronavirus epidemic, the drought, the war raging in the neighborhood and its consequences, the energy crisis, and the fact that cheap Ukrainian agricultural products flooded the European market duty-free all these are difficulties for producers, he said. "Although the harvest is better a near-record amount of corn is expected this year sales are struggling due to cheap competition," Nagy added. As reported, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland Robert Telus, after a coalition meeting of five front-line countries on August 25 in Poland, said that the position of Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania regarding the need to extend restrictive measures against Ukrainian wheat, rapeseed, corn and sunflower remains unchanged the ban until the end of 2023. On June 5, the European Commission agreed to extend until September 15 restrictions on the export of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. "The restrictions do not mean a ban on the transit of these goods through Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia," said the document, signed by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. WENZHOU, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From August 24th to 26th, the China (Zhejiang) World Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference (referred to as "Overseas Entrepreneurs Conference") was held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China. This conference focused on key areas such as technological innovation and project collaboration. Through keynote speeches and themed discussions, it aimed to promote cooperation, exchange of networks, funds, technology, and projects in various fields for mutual benefit and development. As China continues to deepen its internal and external openness, overseas Chinese have become an important force in advancing people-to-people diplomacy, economic and trade exchanges, technological cooperation, and friendly exchanges between China and other countries. Among them, young people in the overseas Chinese community leverage their advantage of integrating diverse modern civilizations, actively engage in innovation and entrepreneurship, and demonstrate the strength of the overseas Chinese in the tide of economic and technological development. During the conference, various activities such as high-level dialogues and digital trade discussions were held, along with the recording of the 2023 "Cultural China Moon Represents My Heart" Mid-Autumn Festival Gala for Overseas Chinese. More than 650 participants, including young entrepreneurial elites from the global overseas Chinese community, overseas academicians and experts, overseas Chinese groups, and representatives, attended the event. SOURCE China (ZheJiang) Overseas Chinese New Generation Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 24th, the ChiNext board celebrated 3rd anniversary of registration-based IPO reform. The ChiNext board served as one of the main channels of equity financing for innovation-driven small and medium-sized enterprises whilst the registration system fostered market-oriented development and encouraged investor engagements. Over the past three years, 500 companies, or nearly 40% of all ChiNext-listed companies, have been listed through the new IPO system with RMB 500 billion (USD 69.3 billion) capital raised, and the aggregate market capitalization surpassed RMB 3 trillion (USD 414 billion). Of these listed companies, more than 90% are recognized as high-tech companies, operating in fields including information technology, advanced equipment, and new materials. As of August 23rd, 385 ChiNext-listed companies posted solid performance in semi-annual reports with total revenues of RMB 726 billion (USD 100 billion, +15% YoY) and total net profits of RMB 65.8 billion (USD 9.1 billion, +17% YoY), demonstrating their potential in driving economic growth. In particular, 74 companies delivered net profit growth of over 50% YoY. Investor sentiment remained upbeat, supported by Wind's consensus estimate of over 30% yearly increase in the total net profits of the ChiNext index's constituents. Backed by strong fundamentals, the ChiNext index has gained the attention of investors during the market swing. There are 26 ETFs tracking ChiNext board, which have attracted RMB 32 billion (USD 4.4 billion) net inflows, as of August 23rd, and E Fund ChiNext ETF was at the top of the list with approximately 50% market share by AuM. In recent years, the ChiNext board has accelerated its pace of cultivating the multi-tiered product system and E Fund Management ("E Fund") took proactive actions to cope with the trend. In September 2022, the launch of ChiNext Board ETF Option with E Fund ChiNext Board ETF as the underlying security marked the debut of the first exchange-listed standardized derivative on the ChiNext board and illustrated its dedication to provide risk management instruments for investors. In July 2022, the inclusion of E Fund ChiNext ETF to the ETF connect program allowed foreign investors to invest in the ChiNext board. While Mr. Pang Yaping, Head of Index Research Department at E Fund, believed that the ChiNext board could ride the tailwinds of the country's economic growth, industry insiders expected massive, coordinated stimulation efforts from China Securities Regulatory Commission to restore investor confidence and create a supportive environment for ChiNext board. About E Fund Management Established in 2001, E Fund Management Co., Ltd. ("E Fund") is a leading comprehensive fund manager in China with close to RMB 3 trillion (USD 414 billion) under management. It offers investment solutions to onshore and offshore clients, helping clients achieve long-term sustainable investment performances. E Fund's clients include both individuals and institutions, ranging from central banks, sovereign wealth funds, social security funds, pension funds, insurance, and reinsurance companies, to corporates and banks. Long-term oriented, it has been focusing on the investment management business since inception and believes in the power of in-depth research and time in investing. It is a pioneer and leading practitioner in responsible investments in China and is widely recognized as one of the most trusted and outstanding Chinese asset managers. SOURCE E Fund Management BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Common Securitization Solutions (CSS) announced today that Farhad Fariba has joined the firm as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Fariba was appointed to the CSS Executive Committee by the Board of Managers and will report directly to Tony Renzi, CSS's Chief Executive Officer. As CTO, Farhad will play a pivotal role in developing CSS's technology strategy while overseeing technology infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Farhad Fariba, Chief Technology Officer, Common Securitization Solutions "CSS is thrilled to welcome Farhad to our executive management team," said Renzi. "Farhad brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the technology industry and has an outstanding track record of driving innovation, developing scalable business solutions enabled by technology, and most importantly leading high-performing teams." CSS supports U.S. housing markets as the largest and most technologically advanced mortgage securitization administrator in the financial services industry. Through its state-of-the-art cloud-based platform, CSS manages the issuance and servicing of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security (UMBS) and complex multi-class securitization structures. Today CSS administers over 1 million securitization structures representing 30 million loans and outstanding principal balances of more than $6 trillion dollars. The monthly processing volume (a function of loan originations) routinely exceeds $400 billion each month. "The CTO position is a critical leadership role within CSS," added Renzi. "Farhad will play a pivotal role in helping CSS shape our technology strategy, driving transformative initiatives, and ensuring the alignment of our technology goals with our overall business objectives." Fariba joins CSS from Travel & Leisure Co, where he served as Senior Vice President, IT Platforms and Services. In this role, he was responsible for cloud and on-premises IT platforms, end-user and resort technology, service management, and application support. Prior to this, Farhad was Vice President, Technology Shared Services and Service Management at Trellix, where he led global shared services with a focus on divestiture and integration priorities. Additionally, Farhad has leadership experience in enterprise architecture, infrastructure engineering and operations, security operations, application support, and shared services management for companies including Freddie Mac, McAfee, Ally Financial, MGM Resorts International, EDS (HP), McGraw Hill, and Standard and Poors Comstock. COMMON SECURITIZATION SOLUTIONS, LLC: Common Securitization Solutions (CSS) supports U.S. housing markets as the largest and most technologically advanced mortgage securitization administrator in the financial services industry. Through its state-of-the-art cloud-based platform, CSS manages the issuance and servicing of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security (UMBS) and complex multi-class securitization structures. Today CSS administers over 1 million securitization structures representing 30 million loans and outstanding principal balances of more than $6 trillion dollars. The monthly processing volume (a function of loan originations) routinely exceeds $400 billion each month. CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Common Securitization Solutions, L.L.C. MARLTON, N.J., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 1,237,681 consumers are being notified that their Social Security numbers and other confidential information were compromised after hackers targeted the company's IT network in a recent cyberattack. The data breach lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. are investigating claims on behalf of anyone affected by the PurFoods breach, hoping to fully inform them of the risks they face in the wake of the breach as well as their legal rights. The sensitive personal data of 1,237,681 consumers has been compromised. Now, consumers' full names, Social Security numbers, financial account information and more may be in the hands of criminals, putting victims at a greater risk of identity theft and other frauds. On August 25, 2023, PurFoods, the parent organization of the meal-delivery service "Mom's Meals," filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine describing a data breach affecting consumers nationwide. PurFoods notes that the incident stemmed from a cyberattack that occurred between January 16, 2023, and February 22, 2023, resulting in portions of the company's computer network being encrypted. According to the notice, the data breach affected an estimated 1,237,681. The list of sensitive information that was exposed includes: Names, Social Security numbers, Driver's license numbers, State identification numbers, Financial account information, Payment card information, Medical information, Health information, and Dates of birth. If you receive a data breach notice from PurFoods, you could now be at risk of identity theftand the devastating financial and legal consequences that go along with it. What Should You Do if You Receive a Mom's Meals Data Breach Letter? Individuals who receive a data breach letter from Mom's Meals should take steps to protect themselves. (See our Guide for Victims of Data Breach for more details at https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/consumer-privacy-data-breach-lawyers/if-your-information-has-been-compromised-in-a-data-breach/ ). Additionally, victims should consider contacting a data breach attorney immediately, as anyone who receives a data breach letter from PurFoods may be entitled to financial compensation. If you wish to discuss this data security incident, or if you have any questions regarding your rights following the PurFoods/Mom's Meals data breach, please contact Console & Associates, P.C. at (866) 778-5500. Interested parties and potential plaintiffs can also learn more about this data breach and potential lawsuit at https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/purfoods-llc-data-breach-investigation/ . This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Console & Associates, P.C. 866-778-5500 [email protected] SOURCE Console & Associates, P.C. LYON, France, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Elkem launches SILCOLEASE UV POLY 126 a new 'Ready-To-Use' UV acrylate formulation especially designed for release coating of thermal labels that are self-wound without the use of a separate release liner. It guarantees the desired level of performance during the manufacturing, cutting, converting and printing stages, making it possible to develop sustainable thermal printed linerless labels and enable a circular economy. Elkem is one of the world's leading suppliers of silicon-based advanced material solutions shaping a better and more sustainable future. Elkem is committed to develop products needed for the green transition and minimizing the negative environmental and social impact of these products. Elkem is offering silicone release coatings in the widest range of formats, including solvent-based, water-dilutable emulsion formulations, solventless thermal and UV. Users can choose the most appropriate system for their specific coating equipment and substrate while taking into account energy, sustainability, regulatory and safety requirements. UV LED technology has emerged as a promising method for radiation curing silicone chemistries at specific wavelengths as an alternative to mercury vapor curing lamps. In addition to its effectiveness and flexibility compared to standard mercury lamps, UV LED provides the benefit of improved sustainability by consuming less energy and the elimination of greenhouse gas produced. To support the Label Industry in its transition to a more sustainable footprint, and the conversion to UV LED curing, Elkem introduces new UV LED curable silicone solutions, SILCOLEASE UV LED Series. SILCOLEASE UV LED systems utilizing Elkem photoinitiator demonstrate excellent cure and physical properties for more sustainable release coatings. Elkem launches SILCOLEASE UV POLY 126 a new "Ready-To-Use" UV acrylate formulation especially designed for release coating of thermal labels that are self-wound without the use of a separate release liner. It guarantees the desired level of performance during the manufacturing, cutting, converting and printing stages, making it possible to develop sustainable thermal printed linerless labels and enable a circular economy. The latest addition to the SILCOLEASE UV 100 acrylate series, SILCOLEASE UV POLY 125 fills the gap between release force that can be too light and release force that can be too tight. This formulation works well with a wide variety of permanent self-adhesives and removable adhesives. It successfully cures under Hg UV and specified UV LED parameters. To learn more about these products, meet us at Label Expo 2023 in Brussels Expo, from September 11th to 14th on booth #7B27. CONTACT: Wendy Cots Elkem Silicones Communications Director + (33) 4 72 13 19 00 [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/17898/3823100/2250221.pdf PR_Elkem_LABELEXPO_2023 https://news.cision.com/elkem-silicon/i/f7a58285-6528-49a7-8e4e-0c8c61f32347,c3209100 f7a58285-6528-49a7-8e4e-0c8c61f32347 https://news.cision.com/elkem-silicon/i/elkem-silcolease-uv-poly-125,c3209103 ELKEM SILCOLEASE UV POLY 125 https://news.cision.com/elkem-silicon/i/elkem-silcolease-uv-poly-126,c3209104 ELKEM SILCOLEASE UV POLY 126 SOURCE Elkem Silicon Community solar farms aim to address the energy burden faced by low- to moderate-income households, providing an opportunity for these communities to benefit from the environmental and economic advantages of solar power without having to own a home or report their credit score. "Today marks a significant step towards a cleaner and more equitable Cook County," said Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. "The collaboration between Solstice and The Housing Authority of Cook County to expand renewable energy access is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared mission. By providing affordable solar energy options to low- to moderate-income households, we are not only reducing energy burdens but also contributing to a more sustainable future." To further the mission of this collaboration the duo have set a goal of enrolling a minimum of 150 residents in the community solar program. Solstice will be coordinating with the Housing Authority of Cook County to host enrollment days where participants can receive additional help signing up. These events will provide personalized assistance and guidance to ensure that residents can easily access the benefits of community solar. The Housing Authority of Cook County is one of the many government agencies that Solstice has worked with this year. Nandia Black, Mayor of the Village of Kildeer told us "I'm thrilled to promote the incredible opportunity for Kildeer residents to save money, promote resilient energy built here in Illinois, and support the Village through Solstice community solar." As part of its commitment to supporting the local community, Solstice will contribute $50 to the Friends of the Forest Preserve for every resident who enrolls in the community solar program. This contribution will help fund environmental conservation and recreational initiatives in the area, further enhancing the positive impact of renewable energy in the region. Sarah Gyurina, Partnership Development Associate at Solstice, added, "This collaboration aligns with our mission to democratize renewable energy access and create a more equitable energy landscape. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from solar power, regardless of income level. By working together with the Housing Authority of Cook County, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of families, and that's not a task we take lightly." The joint enrollment effort from Solstice and the Housing Authority of Cook County demonstrates a shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility. By leveraging community solar, the organizations aim to reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity costs, and empower low- to moderate-income communities to actively participate in the clean energy transition. Successful Solstice partners in Illinois have already seen the benefits, lauding efforts to make clean energy affordable. "It's so important for people to see that they can make a difference and that one organization, and even one person, can stir powerful change." said Jillian Gonzalez, Senior Vice President at El Valor, "We're grateful for the positive impact that signing up for community solar has had on us and those who rely on us, and we can't wait to see the benefits grow year after year." HACC residents can attend an enrollment day or visit solstice.us/cookcounty to sign up and benefit from this program. For more information about Solstice and its initiatives, please visit https://solstice.us/ . About Solstice Power Technologies Solstice Power Technologies is a leading U.S. customer acquisition and management service provider in community solar. Originally based in Cambridge, MA, Solstice was founded in 2016 by women of color co-founders who believe every community can be powered by renewable energy. Solstice is dedicated to bringing affordable solar power to the 77% of American households that cannot support a rooftop system. Community solar offers a solution, enabling residents to support local clean energy at no upfront cost and save money on their electric bill every year. Solstice offers customer solutions for the community solar industry enrolling households and local organizations in shared projects, creating financing innovations that expand access to underserved communities (the EnergyScore), and providing a frictionless subscriber management software platform for projects. For more information, visit https://solstice.us . About The Housing Authority of Cook County The Housing Authority of Cook County is the second largest public housing authority in Illinois. Established in 1946, the Housing Authority of Cook County is a municipal corporation whose jurisdiction spans 108 communities. We believe that when residents have access to affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination, people thrive. http://www.thehacc.org Media Contacts Mary Jackson Solstice Power Technologies LLC. [email protected] Marcus King Housing Authority of Cook County [email protected] SOURCE Solstice Power Technologies LLC -International transaction volume guidance for full-year 2023 raised to RMB7.7 billion, representing year-over-year growth of around 80.0%- -International transaction volume increased 100.0% year-over-year, contributing 16.3% of total revenue- -International revenue reached RMB502.5 million, a year-over-year increase of 112.1%- SHANGHAI, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FinVolution Group ("FinVolution," or the "Company") (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. For the Three Months Ended / As of YoY Change June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 Total Transaction Volume (RMB in billions)[1] 41.5 47.3 14.0 % Transaction Volume (China's Mainland)[2] 40.6 45.5 12.1 % Transaction Volume (International)[3] 0.91 1.82 100.0 % Total Outstanding Loan Balance (RMB in billions) 56.4 63.7 12.9 % Outstanding Loan Balance (China's Mainland)[4] 55.9 62.6 12.0 % Outstanding Loan Balance (International)[5] 0.48 1.11 131.3 % Second Quarter 2023 China Market Operational Highlights Cumulative registered users [6] reached 149.4 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 8.3% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached 149.4 million as of , an increase of 8.3% compared with . Cumulative borrowers [7] for the China market reached 24.4 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 7.0% compared with June 30, 2022 . for the China market reached 24.4 million as of , an increase of 7.0% compared with . Number of unique borrowers [8] for the second quarter of 2023 was 2.3 million, a decrease of 6.9% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 2.3 million, a decrease of 6.9% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume [2] reached RMB45 .5 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 12.1% compared with the same period of 2022. reached .5 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 12.1% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume facilitated for repeat individual borrowers [9] for the second quarter of 2023 was RMB40.3 billion , an increase of 11.9% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was , an increase of 11.9% compared with the same period of 2022. Outstanding loan balance [4] reached RMB62.6 billion as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 12.0% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached as of , an increase of 12.0% compared with . Average loan size [10] was RMB7,816 for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB6,978 for the same period of 2022. was for the second quarter of 2023, compared with for the same period of 2022. Average loan tenure [11] was 8.4 months for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 8.7 months for the same period of 2022. was 8.4 months for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 8.7 months for the same period of 2022. 90 day+ delinquency ratio[12] was 1.68% as of June 30, 2023 , compared with 1.60% as of June 30, 2022 . Second Quarter 2023 International Market Operational Highlights Cumulative registered users [13] reached 19.9 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 74.6% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached 19.9 million as of , an increase of 74.6% compared with . Cumulative borrowers [14] for the international market reached 4.0 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 48.1% compared with June 30, 2022 . for the international market reached 4.0 million as of , an increase of 48.1% compared with . Number of unique borrowers [15] for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.79 million, an increase of 23.4% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.79 million, an increase of 23.4% compared with the same period of 2022. Number of new borrowers [16] for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.31 million, an increase of 22.0% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.31 million, an increase of 22.0% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume [3] reached RMB1 .82 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 100.0% compared with the same period of 2022. reached .82 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 100.0% compared with the same period of 2022. Proportion of transaction volume in the Indonesia market funded by local financial institutions has increased to 65.2% for the second quarter of 2023 from 39.0% for the same period of 2022. market funded by local financial institutions has increased to 65.2% for the second quarter of 2023 from 39.0% for the same period of 2022. Outstanding loan balance [5] reached RMB1.11 billion as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 131.3% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached as of , an increase of 131.3% compared with . International business revenue was RMB502.5 million ( US$69.3 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 112.1% compared with the same period of 2022, representing 16.3% of total revenue for the second quarter of 2023. Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights Net revenue was RMB3,075 .7 million ( US$424.2 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 15.4% from RMB2,666.0 million for the same period of 2022. .7 million ( ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 15.4% from for the same period of 2022. Net profit was RMB590.1 million ( US$81.4 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 0.8% from RMB585.2 million for the same period of 2022. ( ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 0.8% from for the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, [17] which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was RMB606.9 million ( US$83.7 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 10.9% from RMB681.5 million for the same period of 2022. which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was ( ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 10.9% from for the same period of 2022. Diluted net profit per American depositary share ("ADS") was RMB1.95 (US$0.27) and diluted net profit per share was RMB0.39 (US$0.05) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 1.5% from the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP diluted net profit per ADS was RMB2.06 (US$0.28) and non-GAAP diluted net profit per share was RMB0.41 (US$0.06) for the second quarter of 2023, which remained unchanged compared to the same period of 2022. Each ADS of the Company represents five Class A ordinary shares of the Company. [1] Represents the total transaction volume facilitated in China's Mainland and the international markets on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [2] Represents our transaction volume facilitated in China's Mainland during the period presented. [3] Represents our transaction volume facilitated in international markets outside China's Mainland during the period presented. [4] Outstanding loan balance (China's Mainland) as of any date refers to the balance of outstanding loans in China's Mainland market delinquent within 180 days from the given date. [5] Outstanding loan balance (international) as of any date refers to the balance of outstanding loans in the international markets' delinquent within 30 days from the given date. [6] On a cumulative basis, the total number of users in China's Mainland market registered on the Company's platforms as of June 30, 2023. [7] On a cumulative basis, the total number of borrowers in China's Mainland market on the Company's platform as of June 30, 2023. [8] Represents the total number of borrowers in China's Mainland who have successfully borrowed on the Company platform during the period presented. [9] Represents the transaction volume facilitated for the repeat borrowers in China's Mainland who successfully completed their transaction on the Company's platform during the period presented. [10] Represents the average loan size on the Company's platform in China's Mainland during the period presented. [11] Represents the average loan tenor on the Company's platform in China's Mainland during the period presented. [12] "90 day+ delinquency ratio" refers to the outstanding principal balance of on- and-off balance sheet loans that were 90 to 179 calendar days past due as a percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of on-and-off balance sheet loans on the Company's platform as of a specific date. Loans that originated outside China's Mainland are not included in the calculation. [13] On a cumulative basis, the total number of users registered on the Company's platforms outside China's Mainland market as of June 30, 2023. [14] On a cumulative basis, the total number of borrowers outside China's Mainland market, on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [15] Represents the total number of borrowers outside China's Mainland who have successfully borrowed on the Company platform during the period presented. [16] Represents the total number of new borrowers outside China's Mainland whose transactions were facilitated on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [17] Please refer to "UNAUDITED Reconciliation of GAAP And Non-GAAP Results" for reconciliation between GAAP and Non-GAAP adjusted operating income. Mr. Tiezheng Li, Chief Executive Officer of FinVolution, commented, "During the second quarter of 2023, total transaction volume reached RMB47.3 billion for a year-over-year increase of 14.0%, while our total outstanding loan balance reached RMB63.7 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 12.9%. "Our 'Local Focus, Global Outlook' strategy empowers our progressive growth in the China market while we pursue rapid growth internationally. In the second quarter, international transaction volume reached RMB1.82 billion, representing an increase of 100.0% year-over-year, while our international outstanding loan balance reached RMB1.11 billion, representing an increase of 131.3% year-over-year. These achievements propelled our international revenue to RMB502.5 million, up by 112.1% year-over-year and contributing 16.3% of total revenue in the quarter," concluded Mr. Li. Mr. Jiayuan Xu, FinVolution's Chief Financial Officer, continued, "We are encouraged by the financial results we achieved in the second quarter. Net revenue for the second quarter reached RMB3,075.7 million (US$424.2 million), representing a year-over-year increase of 15.4%. Our total liquidity position as of the end of June 2023 further strengthened to RMB8,196.3 million (US$1,130.3 million), a year-over-year increase of 58.1% and a sequential increase of 5.8%. Moreover, we remained committed to optimizing shareholder value through our annual dividend policy and share repurchase policy. In the first half of 2023, we deployed approximately US$46.3 million to repurchase our stock, which we believe is an efficient use of our capital in the current environment," concluded Mr. Xu. Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Net revenue for the second quarter of 2023 increased by 15.4% to RMB3,075.7 million (US$424.2 million) from RMB2,666.0 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in loan facilitation service fees, post facilitation service fees and guarantee income. Loan facilitation service fees increased by 6.0% to RMB1,115.0 million (US$153.8 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB1,052.1 million for the same period of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the increase in transaction volume, partially offset by the decrease in service fee rates. Post-facilitation service fees increased by 1.1% to RMB488.2 million (US$67.3 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB482.8 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in outstanding loans served by the Company and the rolling impact of deferred transaction fees. Guarantee income increased by 51.2 % to RMB1,072.9 million (US$148.0 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB709.5 million for the same period of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the increased outstanding loan balance of off-balance sheet loans and the rolling impact of deferred guarantee income. The fair value of quality assurance commitment upon loan origination is released as guarantee income systematically over the term of the loans subject to quality assurance commitment. Net interest income decreased by 7.0% to RMB263.0 million (US$36.3 million) for the second quarter of 2023, from RMB282.9 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the decrease in transaction volume of consolidated trust accounts. Other revenue decreased by 1.5% to RMB136.5 million (US$18.8 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB138.6 million for the same period of 2022. Origination, servicing expenses and other costs of revenue decreased by 2.6% to RMB516.0 million (US$71.2 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB529.7 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the reduction in loan collection expenses as a result of higher percentage of repeat borrowers and improved loan performance. Sales and marketing expenses increased by 43.3% to RMB468.8 million (US$64.7 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB327.1 million for the same period of 2022 as a result of proactive customer acquisition efforts focusing on higher-quality borrowers in both China and international markets. Research and development expenses increased by 7.4% to RMB124.6 million (US$17.2 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB116.0 million for the same period of 2022, due to the increase in investments for technology development. General and administrative expenses decreased by 5.2% to RMB90.8 million (US$12.5 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB95.8 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in operating efficiency. Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets decreased by 28.5% to RMB67.5 million (US$9.3 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB94.4 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the better-than-expected default rate, partially offset by the increases in loan volume and outstanding loan balances of off-balance sheet loans. Provision for loans receivable increased by 169.4% to RMB159.2 million (US$22.0 million) for the second quarter of 2023, from RMB59.1 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in loan volume and outstanding loan balances in the international markets. Credit losses for quality assurance commitment increased by 36.4% to RMB1,073.5 million (US$148.0 million) for the second quarter of 2023 compared with RMB787.1 million for the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increases in loan volume and outstanding loan balances in both China and international markets. Operating profit decreased by 12.4% to RMB575.4 million (US$79.4 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB656.7 million for the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was RMB606.9 million (US$83.7 million) for the second quarter of 2023, representing a decrease of 10.9% from RMB681.5 million for the same period of 2022. Other income increased by 155.7% to RMB119.9 million (US$16.5 million) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB46.9 million for the same period of 2022, mainly due to the increases in gains from increased cash management efficiency as well as government subsidies. Income tax expense was RMB105.2 million (US$14.5 million) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB118.4 million for the same period of 2022. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in pre-tax profit for the second quarter. Net profit was RMB590.1 million (US$81.4 million) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB585.2 million for the same period of 2022. Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB554.4 million (US$76.5 million) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB581.2 million for the same period of 2022. Diluted net profit per ADS was RMB1.95 (US$0.27) and diluted net profit per share was RMB0.39 (US$0.05) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 1.5% from the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP diluted net profit per ADS was RMB2.06 (US$0.28) and non-GAAP diluted net profit per share was RMB0.41 (US$0.06) for the second quarter of 2023, equivalent to the same period of 2022. Each ADS represents five Class A ordinary shares of the Company. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB4,724.9 million (US$651.6 million) and short-term investments, mainly in wealth management products, of RMB3,471.4 million (US$478.7 million). The following chart and table display the historical cumulative 30-day plus past due delinquency rates by loan origination vintage in China's Mainland for all loan products facilitated through the Company's online platform as of June 30, 2023: Click here to view the chart. Shares Repurchase Update On August 21, 2022, the board of directors of the Company approved the expansion of the Company's existing share repurchase program from up to US$60 million to up to US$140 million and the extension for another twelve months from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, which allows the Company to repurchase its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs with an aggregate value of up to US$140 million until December 31, 2023. During the first half of 2023, the Company has deployed a total of US$46.3 million to repurchase its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs in the market. As of June 30, 2023, in combination with the Company's historical and existing share repurchase programs, the Company had cumulatively repurchased its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs with a total aggregate value of approximately US$228.6 million. Business Outlook The Company will continue to closely monitor changes in the macro economy in the markets in which it operates and remain vigilant in its business operations. The Company announced that it expects its China Mainland transaction volume for the third quarter of 2023 to be around RMB49.0 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10.4%. The Company also announced that it expects its international markets transaction volume for the third quarter of 2023 to be around RMB1.9 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 72.7%. Furthermore, the Company reiterates that it raised its international transaction volume guidance for full year 2023 to RMB7.7 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 80.0%, while maintaining its China Mainland transaction volume guidance for full year 2023 in the range of RMB189.0 billion to RMB205.0 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10.0% to 20.0%. The above forecast is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company's current preliminary views and expectations on market and operational conditions and the regulatory and operating environment, as well as customer and institutional partner demands, all of which are subject to change. Conference Call The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on August 28, 2023 (8:30 a.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on August 29, 2023). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States (toll free): +1-888-346-8982 Canada (toll free): +1-855-669-9657 International: +1-412-902-4272 Hong Kong, China (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong, China: 852-3018-4992 Mainland, China: 400-120-1203 Participants should dial in at least five minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "FinVolution Group." Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.finvgroup.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until September 04, 2023, by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States (toll free): +1-877-344-7529 Canada (toll free): +1-855-669-9658 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4673303 About FinVolution Group FinVolution Group is a leading fintech platform with strong brand recognition in China and the international markets connecting borrowers of the young generation with financial institutions. Established in 2007, the Company is a pioneer in China's online consumer finance industry and has developed innovative technologies and has accumulated in-depth experience in the core areas of credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data and artificial intelligence. The Company's platform, empowered by proprietary cutting-edge technologies, features a highly automated loan transaction process, which enables a superior user experience. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had over 169.3 million cumulative registered users: across China, Indonesia and the Philippines. For more information, please visit https://ir.finvgroup.com Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We use non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net profit, non-GAAP net profit attributable to FinVolution Group, non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per share and per ADS which are non-GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in our business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and expected discretionary measures. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. Non-GAAP adjusted operating profit, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net profit non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per share and per ADS are not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, cash flows or our liquidity, investors should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operation and cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00, the rate in effect as of June 30, 2023 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the Company's ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace, its ability to increase volume of loans facilitated through the Company's marketplace, its ability to introduce new loan products and platform enhancements, its ability to compete effectively, laws, regulations and governmental policies relating to the online consumer finance industry in China, general economic conditions in China, and the Company's ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the NYSE, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with the NYSE's continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and FinVolution does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: FinVolution Group Head of Investor Relations Jimmy Tan, IRC Tel: +86 (21) 8030-3200 Ext. 8601 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Jenny Cai Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) As of December 31, As of June 30, 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD Assets Cash and cash equivalents 3,636,380 4,724,925 651,597 Restricted cash 2,842,707 2,491,689 343,620 Short-term investments 3,427,020 3,471,381 478,725 Investments 1,084,084 1,112,445 153,413 Quality assurance receivable, net of credit loss allowance for quality assurance receivable of RMB374,304 and RMB420,018 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023, respectively 1,669,855 1,660,999 229,062 Intangible assets 98,692 98,692 13,610 Property, equipment and software, net 141,345 169,118 23,322 Loans receivable, net of credit loss allowance for loans receivable of RMB294,355 and RMB267,488 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023, respectively 2,136,432 1,383,245 190,758 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of credit loss allowance for accounts receivable and contract assets of RMB496,918 and RMB422,359 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023, respectively 2,217,445 2,202,510 303,740 Deferred tax assets 919,361 1,315,170 181,370 Right of use assets 192,428 172,496 23,788 Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,966,751 2,852,409 393,365 Goodwill 50,411 50,411 6,952 Total assets 21,382,911 21,705,490 2,993,322 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Deferred guarantee income 1,805,164 1,831,396 252,561 Liability from quality assurance commitment 3,555,618 3,758,572 518,331 Payroll and welfare payable 274,408 202,380 27,909 Taxes payable 134,027 134,299 18,521 Funds payable to investors of consolidated trusts 1,845,210 1,185,798 163,529 Contract liability 5,109 5,109 705 Deferred tax liabilities 232,188 317,669 43,809 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 909,708 998,688 137,725 Leasing liabilities 176,990 159,287 21,967 Total liabilities 8,938,422 8,593,198 1,185,057 Commitments and contingencies FinVolution Group Shareholders' equity Ordinary shares 103 103 14 Additional paid-in capital 5,692,703 5,714,469 788,061 Treasury stock (568,595) (858,133) (118,342) Statutory reserves 698,401 698,401 96,314 Accumulated other comprehensive income 52,237 103,772 14,308 Retained Earnings 6,496,852 7,330,707 1,010,951 Total FinVolution Group shareholders' equity 12,371,701 12,989,319 1,791,306 Non-controlling interest 72,788 122,973 16,959 Total shareholders' equity 12,444,489 13,112,292 1,808,265 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 21,382,911 21,705,490 2,993,322 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Operating revenue: Loan facilitation service fees 1,052,129 1,115,041 153,771 2,053,492 2,283,294 314,881 Post-facilitation service fees 482,790 488,187 67,324 941,226 975,358 134,508 Guarantee income 709,506 1,072,913 147,961 1,321,628 2,059,433 284,009 Net interest income 282,934 263,047 36,276 552,056 548,679 75,666 Other Revenue 138,629 136,490 18,823 244,380 259,557 35,795 Net revenue 2,665,988 3,075,678 424,155 5,112,782 6,126,321 844,859 Operating expenses: Origination, servicing expenses and other cost of revenue (529,675) (515,960) (71,154) (1,027,379) (1,028,388) (141,821) Sales and marketing expenses (327,149) (468,833) (64,655) (659,129) (865,951) (119,420) Research and development expenses (115,967) (124,577) (17,180) (228,370) (250,793) (34,586) General and administrative expenses (95,808) (90,770) (12,518) (186,947) (176,172) (24,295) Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets (94,438) (67,451) (9,302) (167,488) (130,651) (18,018) Provision for loans receivable (59,129) (159,189) (21,953) (158,597) (302,505) (41,717) Credit losses for quality assurance commitment (787,136) (1,073,451) (148,036) (1,446,145) (2,054,134) (283,278) Total operating expenses (2,009,302) (2,500,231) (344,798) (3,874,055) (4,808,594) (663,135) Operating profit 656,686 575,447 79,357 1,238,727 1,317,727 181,724 Other income, net 46,917 119,901 16,536 97,766 202,678 27,951 Profit before income tax expense 703,603 695,348 95,893 1,336,493 1,520,405 209,675 Income tax expenses (118,416) (105,230) (14,512) (217,047) (240,467) (33,162) Net profit 585,187 590,118 81,381 1,119,446 1,279,938 176,513 Net profit attributable to non-controlling interest shareholders 3,977 35,684 4,921 3,573 29,620 4,085 Net profit attributable to FinVolution Group 581,210 554,434 76,460 1,115,873 1,250,318 172,428 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax 50,846 80,703 11,129 48,300 51,535 7,107 Total comprehensive income attributable to FinVolution Group 632,056 635,137 87,589 1,164,173 1,301,853 179,535 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share Basic 1,422,833,623 1,387,090,179 1,387,090,179 1,427,265,435 1,398,767,090 1,398,767,090 Diluted 1,470,156,102 1,423,975,798 1,423,975,798 1,472,303,208 1,430,367,809 1,430,367,809 Net profit per share attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders Basic 0.41 0.40 0.06 0.78 0.89 0.12 Diluted 0.40 0.39 0.05 0.76 0.87 0.12 Net profit per ADS attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders (one ADS equal five ordinary shares) Basic 2.04 2.00 0.28 3.91 4.47 0.62 Diluted 1.98 1.95 0.27 3.79 4.37 0.60 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (323,259) 506,617 69,866 (358,411) 1,178,903 162,578 Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 1,942,342 (880,715) (121,456) 199,167 925,171 127,587 Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities (695,030) (518,630) (71,522) (293,802) (1,405,346) (193,806) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 32,539 65,202 8,991 30,443 38,799 5,351 Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash 956,592 (827,526) (114,121) (422,603) 737,527 101,710 Cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash at beginning of period 7,112,346 8,044,140 1,109,338 8,491,541 6,479,087 893,507 Cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash at end of period 8,068,938 7,216,614 995,217 8,068,938 7,216,614 995,217 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Net Revenues 2,665,988 3,075,678 424,155 5,112,782 6,126,321 844,859 Less: total operating expenses (2,009,302) (2,500,231) (344,798) (3,874,055) (4,808,594) (663,135) Operating Income 656,686 575,447 79,357 1,238,727 1,317,727 181,724 Add: share-based compensation expenses 24,792 31,457 4,338 44,890 51,816 7,146 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income 681,478 606,904 83,695 1,283,617 1,369,543 188,870 Operating Margin 24.6 % 18.7 % 18.7 % 24.2 % 21.5 % 21.5 % Non-GAAP operating margin 25.6 % 19.7 % 19.7 % 25.1 % 22.4 % 22.4 % Non-GAAP adjusted operating income 681,478 606,904 83,695 1,283,617 1,369,543 188,870 Add: other income, net 46,917 119,901 16,535 97,766 202,678 27,951 Less: income tax expenses (118,416) (105,230) (14,512) (217,047) (240,467) (33,162) Non-GAAP net profit 609,979 621,575 85,718 1,164,336 1,331,754 183,659 Net profit attributable to non-controlling interest shareholders 3,977 35,684 4,921 3,573 29,620 4,085 Non-GAAP net profit attributable to FinVolution Group 606,002 585,891 80,797 1,160,763 1,302,134 179,574 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share Basic 1,422,833,623 1,387,090,179 1,387,090,179 1,427,265,435 1,398,767,090 1,398,767,090 Diluted 1,470,156,102 1,423,975,798 1,423,975,798 1,472,303,208 1,430,367,809 1,430,367,809 Non-GAAP net profit per share attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders Basic 0.43 0.42 0.06 0.81 0.93 0.13 Diluted 0.41 0.41 0.06 0.79 0.91 0.13 Non-GAAP net profit per ADS attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders (one ADS equal five ordinary shares) Basic 2.13 2.11 0.29 4.07 4.65 0.64 Diluted 2.06 2.06 0.28 3.94 4.55 0.63 SOURCE FinVolution Group USA Today's inaugural list recognizes the best financial advisory firms PLANO, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the world's largest independent, fee-only investment advisers, Fisher Investments reviews its award as a 2023 Best Financial Advisory Firm by USA Today and Statista. "We're honored to be named a Best Financial Advisory Firm," said Fisher Investments' CEO Damian Ornani. "With this award, we are filled with gratitude to be held in high regards by our clients and peers." USA Today and Statista chose winners based on peer and client recommendations via an independent survey as well as growth of assets under management (AUM) over the short and long-term. "Fisher Investments is proud to receive an award based on recommendations from other Registered Investment Advisers," said Jill Hitchcock, Senior Executive Vice President of Fisher's and head of Fisher's US Private Client Group. "We are thrilled to demonstrate our dedication to helping private and institutional clients achieve their financial goals." Fisher Investments Reviews Award Criteria AUM growth was analyzed over 12 month and 5-years periods based on publicly available data, as of January 2023. Recommendations had a weight of 20%, while AUM growth had a weight of 80% to derive the final score. Firms registered with the SEC, having a clean disciplinary record and the highest overall scores were named Best Financial Advisory Firms. For more information about Fisher Investments, review www.fisherinvestments.com About Fisher Investments Fisher Investments is an independent, fee-only investment adviser. As of 6/30/2023, Fisher Investments and its subsidiaries manage over $211 billion in assets globallyover $173 billion for private investors, $35 billion for institutional investors and $3 billion for US small to mid-sized business retirement plans. Fisher Investments maintains four principal business groups: US Private Client, Institutional, Private Client International and 401(k) Solutionsserving a global diverse investor clientele. Strategies may vary by jurisdiction. Founder and Executive Chairman Ken Fisher wrote the Forbes "Portfolio Strategy" column for 32 years until 2017, making him the longest continuously running columnist in its history. He now writes monthly for the New York Post. Ken's columns, varying by country, have run regularly in major media globally, spanning more countries and more volume than any other columnist of any type in history. Ken has appeared regularly on major TV news like Fox Business and News and CNN International. Ken has written 11 investing and finance books, including four New York Times bestsellers. For more information on Fisher Investments, please visit www.fisherinvestments.com. Media Contacts SOURCE Fisher Investments LAKELAND, Fla., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Four years after announcing an innovative partnership on autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, Florida Polytechnic University and Tallin University of Technology (TalTech) in Estonia have taken their research to the next level. The collaboration has produced significant results, enabling the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise between the two institutions and beyond. Dr. Rahul Razdan (right), senior director for special projects at Florida Polytechnic University, is joined by Johannes Mossove, CEO of Auvetech, an AV shuttle company founded after a research project with TalTech. The partnership integrates Florida Poly's expertise in AV validation and verification with TalTech's ability to run AV technology on a shuttle built on open-source software, which allows access to the software's internal workings. This created an open-source environment called PolyVerif, which provides new tools for testing and validating AV technology. "There's a need for a research platform where we can accelerate the rate at which we're solving the safety problems with AV technology, and that's what our joint research with TalTech offers," said Dr. Rahul Razdan, senior director for special projects at Florida Poly and researcher at its Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI). Razdan said the research has been used by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, with whom AMI also has an ongoing partnership. On the Taltech side, the initial work led to the formation of the commercial entity Auvtech, which offers AV shuttles worldwide. "It's been rewarding to see the progress we've been making through our partnership with Florida Poly's Advanced Mobility Institute in developing tools that are helping in the advancement of AV technology," said Raivo Sell, a robotics professor who leads the AV research group at TalTech. "We're looking forward to continuing working together on solving critical challenges in safety, testing, and verification." As part of the collaboration, Sell spent months at Florida Poly working with faculty and building a robust research framework. The work provided crucial information that facilitated a National Science Foundation grant awarded to Florida Poly's AMI. Florida Poly and TalTech have garnered attention beyond their partnership. TalTech submitted a proposal to the Baltic American Freedom Foundation to sponsor several talks by Razdan as an expert in the field. These were hosted in Estonia, Finland, and Latvia, including one at FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, a multi-national research organization focused on improving urban environments by testing and developing new technologies. SOURCE Florida Poly President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that people in Ukraine need to learn to live in conditions of confrontation "Ukraine needs to understand that at one time or another it may be left alone. Some partner may break away due to some internal processes or internal politics, or even because of elections," he said in an interview with Natalia Mosiychuk, published on her YouTube channel on Sunday, August 27. "However, we need to learn how to live with it, simply learn. Israel is in a war, we are ready to fight for a long time, without losing people, to minimize the number of casualties, like in Israel," he said. Asked if the war could cross into Russian territory, Zelenskyy said: "I think it would be a significant risk as we could wind up alone." The 5th China-Africa Eye Health Development Forum, co-sponsored by He Eye Specialist Hospital, held in Kenya MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This event was meticulously organized by the National Health Commission's Training Base for Blindness Prevention and Treatment, with support from the Liaoning Provincial Department of Commerce. Co-sponsored by esteemed entities like the African Ophthalmological Society, College of Ophthalmology of Eastern Central and Southern Africa, Orbis International, and He Eye Specialist Hospital (301103.SZ), the forum showcased a collaborative effort for progress. Ophthalmology experts from the World Health Organization, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Orbis International, and Christian Blind Mission, along with representatives from health ministries, ophthalmological associations, and institutions from African countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, convened in Mombasa for intensive discussions. The focus was on implementing blindness prevention models driven by artificial intelligence and thorough big data analysis. Furthermore, they explored innovative talent cultivation strategies employing cutting-edge technology in African nations to elevate overall eye health services. The conference was presided over by Chairman He Wei, who leads He Eye Specialist Hospital. He noted that this year commemorates the 60th anniversary of China's foreign medical aid. Health and medical collaboration play a pivotal role in fostering China-African amicable relations. He Eye Specialist Hospital, as the training hub for blindness prevention and treatment under the National Health Commission, has forged enduring alliances with health departments in multiple African countries and regions. This cooperation was solidified through initiatives like the China-Africa Eye Health Development Forum and the hosting of "Foreign Aid Human Resources Development Cooperation Projects," organized by the National International Development Cooperation Agency. Over the years, they've nurtured a cadre of over a hundred clinical and management talents in ophthalmology for the betterment of African countries. As the future unfolds, the proactive models for blindness prevention and talent cultivation, enriched by digital technology, will constitute essential pillars of Sino-African cooperation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2194958/image_5003628_35166459.jpg SOURCE He Eye Specialist Hospital Group NOIDA, India, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the post-pandemic landscape, India and the United States are poised to establish robust partnerships, ushering in a transformative era of global trade. Leading this charge is Moglix, a purpose-driven company with a strategic presence, symbolizing the power of reshaping international businesses. Friendshoring Ascendancy - Moglix Catalyzes New Era of Global Trade Between India and US As a premier Asian B2B platform, Moglix is revolutionizing supply chain optimization for enterprises. Under its umbrella, Zoglix, a Moglix subsidiary, pioneers India's manufacturing capabilities through end-to-end solutions, bolstered by technology-enabled traceability and innovative financing. Operating across India, Singapore, the UK, the US, Mexico, and the UAE, Moglix and Zoglix facilitate seamless sourcing, catalyzing dynamic partnership growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled companies to reassess their supply chains and strategies. Enterprises are embracing transformative strategies like China-plus-one, reshoring, nearshoring, and friendshoring. India, alongside South Korea, Japan, and Germany, emerges as a strategic hub due to skills, cost benefits, stable economies, and tech infrastructure. India is at the forefront of realizing the potential of China-plus-one strategy's stages. Discussions began on mitigating geopolitical risks and operational hiccups due to single-region dependence. Organizations then set concrete diversification goals. Apple aims to shift 20% of its iPhone manufacturing to India. Walmart and Amazon have set significant sourcing targets. India's prominence is no surprise, excelling in IT, software, BPO services, and manufacturing. Friendshoring between the US and India thrives due to English proficiency, compatible time zones, cultural affinity, and a young workforce. India meets 40% of US's generic drug demand and leads in diamond exports. The 'Make in India' initiative supports new industries. Intel's semiconductor partnership showcases dedication to nurturing manufacturing. Learn more about Moglix's transformative impact at https://business.moglix.com/ or on LinkedIn. About Moglix: Moglix is a trailblazing B2B platform reshaping global trade dynamics through supply chain optimization. With a strategic presence spanning India, Singapore, the UK, the US, Mexico, and the UAE, Moglix empowers enterprises with innovative solutions that streamline processes, reduce costs, and fuel partnership growth. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2194460/Friendshoring_Ascendancy.jpg SOURCE Moglix Trial program measures Guardians' physical activity and biometric data to assess readiness OLATHE, Kan., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin smartwatches are being deployed by the thousands to help assess the physical fitness of U.S. Space Force Guardians, the company (NYSE: GRMN) announced today. Commissioned by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the two-year study will explore the effectiveness of smartwatch technology to supplant annual physical fitness assessments. A U.S. Space Force Guardian syncs data from a smartwatch to a phone during a Continuous Fitness Assessment, or CFA, study informational session hosted by an Air Force Research Laboratory team at a facility near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 8, 2023. Photo credit: U.S. Space Force / Rick Eldridge "Garmin is gratified to be part of this exciting research effort that will help ensure Space Force Guardians are physically prepared to perform their duties. The accurate health metrics and exceptional battery life of our smartwatches will provide a reliable snapshot of a Guardian's physical readiness, potentially saving the U.S. Military time and money." Scott Burgett, Senior Director of Garmin Health Engineering Guardians who actively participate in the study will be exempt from U.S. Air Force physical fitness assessments. Enrollment has been robust, with over two-thirds of the 8,400-strong Space Force signing up since the program was announced in May. To date, more than 6,000 Garmin smartwatches have been or will be issued to active military members who have agreed to log workouts and complete monthly surveys provided by AFRL, and a second wave of enrollment is expected to begin in October. "By tracking two basic metricscardiorespiratory fitness and physical activitywe can quickly verify that a Guardian has met their physical requirements and is ready for duty," said Dr. James Christensen, a product line lead with AFRL's 711th Human Performance Wing. "We hope that continuous fitness assessment, implemented via wearable technology, will promote a higher, more consistent level of fitness across the force with expected outcomes like reduced injury and stress, improved resilience and higher overall operational performance." Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Forerunner 55 smartwatches were chosen for the U.S. Space Force's Continuous Fitness Assessment (CFA) project because they offer abundant battery life, high-quality biometric data and the ability to disable GPS functionality. Further, the Garmin Health API and secure data collection practices are compliant with federal privacy and cybersecurity standards for software, sensors and data encryption. "We were pleased that the Garmin wearable ecosystem went through a rigorous U.S. Air Force cybersecurity and privacy review," Burgett said. "The U.S. military has high security standards, and our system is designed end-to-end to protect sensitive user data." The AFRL team will analyze study results to determine the effectiveness of smartwatches relative to the current physical fitness tests and advise on future efforts to make smartwatches a permanent option. If successful, the program could be adopted by other branches of the Armed Services and include broader Department of Defense requirements such as musculoskeletal injury risk. Garmin Health provides custom enterprise business solutions that leverage Garmin's extensive wearable portfolio and high-quality sensor data for applications in the corporate wellness, population health, and patient monitoring markets. The Garmin Health API allows third parties to ask customers to share their data in accordance with their specific privacy policies. As part of a global company that designs, manufactures and ships products worldwide, Garmin Health supports its customers' commerce and logistics needs, allowing enterprises to scale with a single, trusted provider. For more information, email our media team, connect with us on LinkedIn, or visit us online at garmin.com/health. About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, Forerunner and Instinct are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. About Air Force Research Laboratory The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com. About the United States Space Force The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947. The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. The Space Force consolidates satellite acquisition, budget and workforce from across more than 60 different organizations into a unified, efficient, effective service for space operations. The military and civilian Guardians who work for the Space Force protect and defend American interests in space to ensure that our forces, our allies and our people have the ability to harness space whenever and wherever they need it. Notice on Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Krista Klaus 913-397-8200 [email protected] SOURCE Garmin International, Inc. MIT Sloan research finds that a combination of factors including fewer opportunities, a lower likelihood of being trained by the most invention-focused faculty advisors and a "leaky pipeline" contribute to explain why female PhD students in 'STEM' fields are less likely to become new inventors during their doctoral training. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the innovation economy, individuals with STEM PhDs are a critical source of human capital, with nearly 60 percent of PhDs in STEM fields such as engineering, chemistry and biologybeing employed outside of universities. These students are increasingly contributing to commercial science through patenting. New research from MIT Sloan School of Management and Copenhagen Business School investigated the training of these PhD students to better understand the pipeline and preparation of new inventors. Female PhD students in STEM fields are less likely to become new inventors during their doctoral training. Post this New MIT Sloan research finds a combination of factors including fewer opportunities, a lower likelihood of being trained by the most invention-focused faculty advisors and a leaky pipeline contribute to explain why female PhD students in STEM fields are less likely to become new inventors during their doctoral training. Credit: Gorodenkoff/iStock Conducted by Fiona Murray , MIT Sloan professor and associate dean for Innovation and Inclusion, and Mercedes Delgado , associate professor of Strategy and Innovation at Copenhagen Business School and research affiliate at MIT, the research focused on whether PhD students start their careers as inventors early, filing their first patent during doctoral studies. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), " Faculty as Catalysts for Training New Inventors: Differential outcomes for Male and Female PhD Students " Delgado and Murray found that PhD students' advisors play a critical role in training new inventors. Faculty advisors who are themselves top inventors serve as catalysts for encouraging their advisees to become new inventors through co-patenting. Four percent of PhD students at the top 25 universities ranked by patenting became new inventors, but when advised by a top inventor faculty member, the probability of them filing their first patent increased to 23 percent. An important finding in the research was that female STEM doctoral students are less likely to become new inventors compared to their male counterparts during the years of their training. "Is the opportunity to become an inventor during PhD training equally available to female and male students? This is a phenomenon that hasn't been studied before and the short answer is 'no'," said Delgado. "We found that the female share of new inventors was 9 percentage points lower than the female share of PhD graduates in our university sample," Delgado said. "This means that even early on in the career pipeline of PhDs, there is an inventor gender gap higher than one would expect given the female share of STEM PhD students." To better understand this gap, the researchers focused on the role of faculty advisors, especially since advisors and PhD students patenting together as co-inventors on work coming out of a lab is a key channel for advisees to learn how to patent and become new inventors. Faculty advisors who are themselves top inventors accounted for 44 percent of all new inventor PhDs in the study's samplehighlighting their key role in training the next generation of inventorsand the gender gap in the likelihood of first-patenting was exacerbated when a student's advisor was not a top inventor. "To put this starkly: female PhDs have a 21 percent lower likelihood of being matched with advisors who are top inventors than male PhDs, and even when matched, are approximately 17 percent less likely than their male PhD counterparts to become new inventors," Murray described. "This means there is a 'leaky pipeline' of female inventors-to-be even when these women make it into the labs of top inventor advisors at top universities. Not surprisingly, these findings have significant implications for inclusive innovation in STEM fields and more widely for the startups and large corporations who hire these talented students," she continued. Although there is no single contributing factor, the researchers, in their paper, describe a number of factors that may contribute to this differential outcome, falling into "supply-side" factors and "demand-side" factors. Supply-side factors include differences between female and male advisees in patenting preferences, self-assessment of skills, or access to resources. The researchers found no measurable differences in the thesis topic that male and female students are doing that might contribute to lower patentability. On the demand-side, "our findings are consistent that women's innovation skills and contributions are somewhat under-valued by advisors" Murray said, noting that, "even in the same lab with the same advisor and in similar fields, female PhDs have a lower probability of patenting." The research project, funded by the National Science Foundation, has yet to test the effectiveness of different interventions. There are a number of interventions that the research suggests could increase the number of female new inventors, for example: Having a better understanding of the advisor-advisee matching process so that more women are trained by advisors who are top inventors, or encouraging female faculty themselves to engage in high levels of patenting, which would also increase the pool of female top inventor advisors for future doctoral students. The early training in patenting and commercial science is particularly important because of the cumulative advantage these individuals could have over time with this experience. "Imagine you became a new inventor during your PhD studies," Delgado said. "We think that can haveand this is a question for our follow-on worka long-lasting effect because after graduation you enter an organization and already know how to do commercial science, so you'll be an even more productive inventor during your career." "By offering more opportunity and access to further training and experience with the patenting process and other entrepreneurial activities for all PhD students, but especially for women, we will improve innovation throughout our economies at a time when this is especially important for national competitiveness," Murray said. Media contact: Casey Bayer MIT Sloan School of Management Director of Media Relations 914.584.9095 [email protected] SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management Gigamon harnesses powerful network-derived intelligence and insights, enabling clients to enhance business agility, ensure cloud security, and minimize hybrid cloud cost and complexity. SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Frost & Sullivan assessed the network observability for the cybersecurity industry and, based on its research, recognizes Gigamon with the 2023 Global Company of the Year Award. The company offers a deep observability pipeline that harnesses actionable, network-derived intelligence and insights to amplify the power of cloud, security, and observability tools. This powerful combination enables businesses to assure security and compliance governance, speed up the root cause analysis of performance bottlenecks, and lower the operation overhead associated with managing hybrid and multi-cloud IT infrastructure. Gigamon gives visibility into network traffic for analysis to identify and mitigate potential risks, protecting systems against threats effectively. Gigamon Award Logo View the full multi-media landing page: https://best-practices.frost.com/gigamon/ Gigamon understands that different networks and systems have unique traffic patterns and vulnerabilitiesthere is no one-size-fits-all cybersecurity solution, and understanding this is the key to thorough network traffic analysis. The company goes beyond current security and observability approaches that rely exclusively on metrics, events, logs, and traces (MELT) data. It can extend the value of cloud, security, and observability tools with real-time network intelligence and insights derived from packets, flows, and application metadata to deliver defense-in-depth and complete performance management across any hybrid or multi-cloud infrastructure. This capability allows clients to shift to a proactive security posture by pinpointing threats and anomalies to mitigate risk exposure and expedite troubleshooting. Georgia Edell, best practices research consultant at Frost & Sullivan, observed, "Gigamon stands out as the top solution provider that offers comprehensive visibility and analysis for security solutions. Organizations leverage its capabilities to enhance their network observability and strengthen their overall cybersecurity defenses." Gigamon differentiates itself from other observability solutions with its cybersecurity enablement capabilities. It enables other cybersecurity tools to work better and enhances customer experience. It provides more telemetry to cybersecurity tools for higher fidelity security data; enables visibility on the network, cloud, and cybersecurity teams; and reduces duplicate traffic to cybersecurity tools for reduced size and capacity requirements. It has earned the trust of over 4,300 customers globally, including 86 Fortune 100 companies, 10 of the top 10 federal agencies, 8 of the top 10 leading healthcare providers, 9 of the top 10 top mobile network operators, and 7 of the top 10 major global banks. This impressive track record established Gigamon as the preferred choice for the most demanding enterprises worldwide, giving it a competitive edge. "Gigamon is the market leader in deep observability with over 140 patents, providing greater visibility, assured security, and compliance governance through its deep observability pipeline offering," added Edell. For its outstanding commitment to collaboration, innovation, and customer centricity, and strong overall performance, Gigamon earns Frost & Sullivan's 2023 Global Company of the Year Award in the deep network observability for the cybersecurity industry. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Kristen Moore P: 210.247.3823 E: [email protected] About Gigamon Gigamon offers a deep observability pipeline that harnesses actionable network-level intelligence to amplify the power of observability tools. This powerful combination helps enable IT organizations to assure security and compliance governance, speed root-cause analysis of performance bottlenecks, and lower operational overhead associated with managing hybrid and multi-cloud IT infrastructure. The result: modern enterprises realize the full transformational promise of the cloud. Gigamon serves more than 4,000 customers worldwide, including over 80 percent of Fortune 100 enterprises, 9 of the 10 largest mobile network providers, and hundreds of governments and educational organizations worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.gigamon.com. Gigamon Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Green Technologies and Sustainability: Global Market Outlook" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report covers the market for green technology with regard to the user base across different regions. It also highlights major trends and challenges that affect the market and the vendor landscape. The report estimates the global market for green technology in 2022 and provides projections for the expected market size through 2028. The market for green technology is still relatively new, but because more people are becoming aware of the effects of climate change and the depletion of natural resources, it has attracted a lot of investment interest. Protecting the environment, repairing environmental harm from the past, and preserving the natural resources of the planet are the objectives of green technology. Green technology is a booming business that has drawn significant sums of financial capital. The use of green technology may be a company or industry target. Green technology objectives are frequently included in an organization's environmental, social and governance (ESG) statement or even in the mission statement of a company. Socially conscious investors are increasingly trying to focus their potential investments to include only businesses that use or create green technologies. Green technology lowers costs by enhancing product design, reducing waste, reducing carbon footprint, and improving business efficiency; it also generates new job opportunities. Green technology increases quality of life while reducing negative effects on the environment and lowering expenses when compared to older technologies. Sustainability has become an essential component of contemporary enterprises that no business can afford to ignore as the globe struggles with the environmental repercussions of human activity. Today's clients, shareholders and employees want ethical behavior towards the environment and society. Companies must put sustainability at the top of their lists of priorities if they want to win over stakeholders' trust and loyalty. Similarly, steps are being taken by governments and international organizations to cut carbon emissions. Businesses therefore must contribute by reducing the carbon footprint of their daily operations, distribution networks, and resource consumption. The United Nations (UN) has several projects to help actors in national innovation systems create and use technology for more productive and sustainable activity. The Technology Facilitation Mechanism created by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has facilitated collaboration and partnerships in science, technology and innovation for sustainable development. The UN system aids nations in putting multilateral environmental agreements into effect by providing the necessary funding. Corporate social responsibility programs have developed to put a stronger emphasis on sustainability. For instance, Google asserts that the Google Maps eco-routing tool has helped to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. Google's strategy for combating climate change includes educating consumers to make wiser decisions, decarbonizing its supply chain and operations, and leveraging technology to assist companies and towns in calculating their carbon footprints. Report Includes An overview of the global markets for green technologies and sustainability Estimation of market size and analyses of global market trends, with data from 2022, estimates for 2023, 2024, 2027, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2028 Coverage of innovative and fascinating cutting-edge startups and businesses which are environmentally friendly and creating amazing green technology solutions Explanation of the major drivers, restraints and opportunities, competitive landscape, and current trends of the green technology and sustainability market Detailed analysis of the regulatory framework and policies and technological changes within the industry Market share analysis of the key companies of the industry and coverage of their proprietary technologies, strategic alliances, and other key market strategies and a relevant patent analysis Comprehensive company profiles of the leading players of the industry Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights Market Outlook Market Summary Chapter 3 Market Overview Overview Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Challenges Patent Analysis Chapter 4 Emerging Technologies and Opportunities Opportunity to Save Costs by Investing in Green Technology and Sustainability Solutions Widespread Adoption of Ai Greentech Startups Can Attract Large Organizations Chapter 5 Market Breakdown by Technology and Industry Green Technology and Sustainability Market by Technology Internet of Things (Iot) Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence (Ai) and Analytics Digital Twin Cybersecurity Blockchain Green Technology and Sustainability Market by Industry Energy and Utilities Transportation and Logistics Industrial Manufacturing Automotive Fmcg and Retail Others Chapter 6 Market Breakdown by Region Global Green Technology and Sustainability Market Size by Region Americas Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East and Africa Chapter 7 M&A and Venture Funding Outlook M&A Analysis Venture Capital (Vc) Funding in Green Tech Chapter 8 Environmental, Social and Governance (Esg) Developments Overview Esg Performance in Green Technology and Sustainability Solutions Market Environmental Impact Social Impact Governance Impact Current Status of Esg in the Green Technology and Sustainability Solutions Market Consumer Attitudes Towards Esg in Green Technology and Sustainability Solutions Market Esg Practices in the Green Technology and Sustainability Solutions Market Case Study Concluding Remarks Chapter 9 Competitive Landscape Strategic Analysis Recent Key Developments Chapter 10 Company Profiles Cority Enablon ( Wolters Kluwer ) ) Engie Impact General Electric IBM Intelex Technologies Minesense Technologies Ltd. Processmap Salesforce Inc. Schneider Electric For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/h2vjx5 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 BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With groups of people waving goodbye, China's naval hospital ship the Ark Peace sailed from Honiara Harbor on Saturday morning after it successfully concluded its weeklong visit and dispensing medical services to the Solomon Islands. Similar to its arrival, the shores were filled with crowds bidding farewell, with their sentiments toward the hospital ship evidently profound. For them, the opportunity to receive medical treatment aboard the Ark Peace was a rare one. The 10,000th patient to receive medical care during the Ark Peace's visit to the Solomon Islands, 8-year-old girl Alaina, and her family expressed their hopes that the hospital ship would return once again. The hospital ship, on the "Mission Harmony 2023," embarked on a seven-day visit and medical service mission to the Solomon Islands from August 19 to 26. This marked the hospital ship's inaugural visit to the Solomon Islands and the first visit by a Chinese Navy vessel to the country. Situated in the southwest Pacific, the Solomon Islands established formal diplomatic relations with China in September 2019. In July 2023, both sides officially established a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era. As the only active ocean-going hospital ship in the Chinese Navy, the Ark Peace has sailed across three oceans and six continents, earning the affection of people from various countries. Seeing is believing and during the Ark Peace's visit to the Solomon Islands, the Global Times witnessed the ship's appealing charm. A chance in a lifetime Since the Ark Peace's arrival, hundreds gathered at the Solomon Ports area as early as 9 am daily to wait for a chance to be seen by medical specialists onboard, according to the Solomon Star News, a local daily newspaper. Some even arrived at the Ports as early as 6 am, as the floating hospital was viewed as "a chance in a lifetime for many" in the nation, the report said. Captain Deng Qiang of the hospital ship told the Global Times that to shield patients from the sun and rain and improve the efficiency of medical treatment, the team set up tents and waiting and triage areas on the pier. After registration at the triage area, patients proceeded in an orderly fashion onto the ship for examination and medical treatment under the guidance of staff. Xi Huijun, Director of Nursing aboard the hospital ship, held a walkie-talkie to monitor the number and flow of patients boarding the ship. "The original plan was to start work at 8:30 am, but to expedite patient diagnosis and treatment, we began pre-consultation and pre-registration work at 7.30 am," she explained. After boarding, patients were required to first register, after which blood was drawn. Two large boards in this area displayed 45 badges representing the 45 countries and regions visited by the hospital ship. Another electronic screen displayed the ship's global voyages since its first departure from China's Zhoushan port in East China's Zhejiang Province in 2010, with routes spreading out from Zhoushan like vines from a tree. Deng had visited 32 countries with the hospital ship over seven voyages. During its latest mission, the ship stopped in Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The final stop would be Timor-Leste. Deng recalled the different experiences at each stop, and the local people's love for the Ark Peace remained consistent and growing. "In 2014, when the ship visited Vanuatu, an elderly local resident underwent cataract surgery in one eye. When the ship returned in 2018, the same patient underwent surgery in the other eye." Local resident Malachi Hi Nai, who was waiting on board for cataract surgery, believed that Chinese doctors and technology were the most advanced, which was why he chose to have the surgery on the hospital ship. Hi explained that the local people seeking treatment aboard the hospital ship were mainly dealing with chronic illnesses such as gastric problems, as well as ophthalmological and orthopedic conditions. "The weather in South Pacific Island countries is hot, and prolonged sun exposure can lead to eye diseases, so there are many patients seeking ophthalmological services. Additionally, there is a high demand for dental services among the locals," she said. Political Commissar Ren Junwei of the hospital ship's Maritime Hospital said that demand for medical services among Solomon Islands residents was high. During the seven days of medical service provision, the ship and its medical crew treated 10,310 local patients and conducted 5,825 auxiliary examinations, setting a record for the highest single-station patient reception during the Mission Harmony 2023. "To meet the local demand for medical services, we not only received patients on the main platform of the hospital ship, but also dispatched seven medical teams for on-site consultations, which is also the most in the countries we have visited this summer," Ren explained. "We also sent a shipborne medical rescue helicopter to Tulagi Island for on-site consultations. Three expert medical teams went to national referral hospitals to hold joint consultations and conduct surgeries with local medical personnel, engaging in academic exchanges," he said. Janeth Sau, 30, was among those whose lives were changed by the arrival of the floating hospital. Sau suffered from pain in her left knee for nine years. When the Global Times saw her, she was lying on a bed in the orthopedics department aboard the hospital ship, ready to receive treatment. Her husband told the Global Times that they had gone to local hospitals many times, but the same medication was always prescribed to no effect. They saw the news of the ships planned arrival to the Solomon Islands in the local media and arrived at the port early to queue up. Regarding Sau's condition, Tong Wenwen, an orthopedic doctor aboard the hospital ship, told the Global Times that the initial diagnosis was knee joint effusion, commonly seen in knee synovitis. "It will be better to undergo multiple treatments for a complete recovery, but our treatment for the day can greatly alleviate her pain as well," Tong said. Modern, hi-tech ark The white-toned behemoth with a striking red cross painted on its side made the Ark Peace a beautiful sight in Honiara Port. Stepping onto the deck of hospital ship, one will be greeted by a bustling scene from departments of internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, to dentistry. Each department had numerous patients awaiting treatment. If it were not for the occasional sway of the ship and the visible medical equipment, one could have easily forgotten that this is a mobile hospital ship. The hospital ship exudes a sense of modernity and technology, which is equipped with eight operating rooms, 266 beds, and more than 2,600 pieces of equipment, including magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopes, CT scanners, and X-ray machines. There are more than ten departments, such as the trauma classification area, the pre-op preparation room, and an ICU ward, allowing for over 40 different types of examinations, treatments, and surgeries, including general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and otolaryngology. While in the ICU ward, the Global Times reporters encountered Liu Yaoyang, an ICU doctor aboard the hospital ship. On August 20, there were a total of nine admitted patients, including those who had already undergone surgery and were under observation, as well as those awaiting surgery. One such patient under Liu's care, Jamie, had undergone cataract surgery in his right eye. He had previously undergone the same surgery in his left eye in the Philippines, costing approximately 8,000 yuan ($1,097). This time, Wu Jinhui, an ophthalmologist aboard the hospital ship, performed the cataract surgery in his right eye. According to Wu, Jamie's left eye now has a visual acuity of 0.8, and after the surgery, his right eye's visual acuity would recover to 1.0, which was a pleasant surprise to the patient. Sun Chang, a gastroenterologist aboard the hospital ship, performed seven endoscopic examinations in the outpatient department on August 20. The magnetically-controlled capsule endoscope used in the examinations is a high-tech product independently developed by China, which has been used in 25 countries, including the US and Canada. Sun explained that its core technology involves precise magnetic control and artificial intelligence. The patient only needs to swallow a small capsule with water. A comprehensive gastroscopy examination can be completed in about 20 minutes, Sun said. "A strict evaluation needs to be conducted on patients who are qualified for this examination, to ensure that the magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy procedure can safely be performed on them." Chinese medicine fever Aboard the hospital ship, there are not only advanced modern facilities but also unique traditional Chinese medicine clinics offering services like cupping and acupuncture, which are highly popular among patients and have sparked a "Chinese medicine fever" in the local area. On August 22, the Chinese medicine department treated 97 local patients, marking the highest daily outpatient volume since the implementation of the "Mission Harmony 2023." Atop the Chinese medicine consultation room's seven beds, some patients were seen with "cups" on their backs, some had needles inserted in various acupuncture points on their legs, while other received moxibustion treatment on their feet. A local middle-aged woman told the Global Times that she came to the hospital ship for treatment because she heard that Chinese medicine is famous and effective for foot pain. "I feel very good. Chinese doctors are very good!" she said, expressing her happiness and relief. Wang Lina, a Chinese medicine doctor aboard the maritime hospital, said that patients were particularly satisfied with the effectiveness of Chinese medicine treatment. Some patients had come for follow-up treatment and had achieved remarkable results after as few as three visits. Patients also requested treatment for other forms of chronic pain, and expressed their hopes that the hospital ship would stay in the Solomon Islands for longer. "The local volunteers aboard the ship have been inspired by the enthusiasm of the patients and have also requested treatment from us." In addition to the main platform of the hospital ship, medical teams were dispatched to various communities every day for diagnosis and treatment. One local community strongly requested for Chinese medicine doctors to be dispatched. "As soon as we arrived at the community, we saw a long queue, and we immediately started diagnosis and treatment, using different methods for 80 patients." Although tired, Wang felt extremely gratified when she saw the relieved smiles on the patients' faces. 'Promote borderless peace' The arrival of the Ark Peace wasn't just a rare opportunity for ordinary individuals, but also provided a unique experience for local officials as well. Apart from local residents, officials from the Solomon Islands also boarded the ship to tour and receive medical treatment. The types of physical examinations carried out on officials included blood work, liver function, and kidney function. The examination team, led by two chief doctors aboard the ship, Tang Wei and Bian Qi, compiled detailed medical reports in both Chinese and English after examination. "Once a patient requests it, we can provide one-on-one explanations according to the medical reports and suggest corresponding treatment plans," Tang said. As an example, Tang mentioned the case of a 38-year-old patient from the Solomon Islands whose fasting blood sugar was as high as 14 during the examination. The individual had noticed elevated blood sugar levels for five years, and had a similar family history, but hadn't received proper guidance and treatment. "Based on the examination results, I designed a treatment plan involving oral medication combined with insulin reinforcement, along with monitoring and adjustment strategies. The patient was especially pleased with the treatment advice and plan, and expressed hopes for a chance to meet again," Tang said. When the Ark Peace stopped in Tonga, at the invitation of Tonga Prime Minister, Bian Qi spent nearly an hour conducting a detailed explanation of the prime minister's medical report and held discussions with the prime minister's personal doctor. "Both the prime minister himself and his private doctor gave very high praise to our medical results and recommendations," Bian said. Chang Le, the director of the ship hospital, said that during the process of offering treatment plans to patients from various countries, they also genuinely felt the high recognition of their comprehensive medical and service capabilities. "After communicating with national leaders and doctors, they would always express hopes for another opportunity to meet," Chang said. Ship of Life, Ship of Peace, Ship of Friendship, Ship of Culture - these slogans could be seen in the ship's corridor. Deng, the captain, said he believed that this was the most accurate definition of the Ark Peace. "As a hospital ship, the Ark Peace carries the duty of saving lives and providing medical care. Wherever it goes, it brings health and hope to local people, planting seeds of friendship in their hearts," Deng said. The ship's name, "Peace," is what the world needs today. The good-will medical visit is a sure way of achieving peace, Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, said while boarding the ship on August 20, according to a report by Solomon Islands Broadcasting. Biblically, it was an "Ark" that God used to save the world. Thus, the boat saves lives and promotes borderless peace, said Sogavare. SOURCE Global Times GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Goelzer Industries, the renowned sheet-fed, die-cut envelope manufacturer, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mary Kay Hobbs as its new Vice President, National Sales. As an innovative industry leader in Grand Prairie, TX., Goelzer Industries has long been recognized for its precision, quality, and reliability over its 38-year legacy. Mary Kay Hobbs Paul Goelzer, Jr., President of Goelzer Industries, expressed his enthusiasm over the new hire, saying, "Mary Kay has a lot of knowledge and skills that perfectly match our company's mix of tradition and modern innovation. She's really good at coming up with special solutions, which makes our customer service even better. We're excited to see what the future looks like with Mary Kay's help." Drawing from a vast reservoir of experience, Mary Kay Hobbs shared, "Being a vendor to Goelzer for several years has granted me a unique insight into its dedication towards customers. I'm elated to now contribute as a core member of this team, especially with the innovative techniques and technology the company leverages." Goelzer Industries is celebrated for the meticulous craftsmanship and quality of its sheet-fed, die-cut envelopes, made exclusively from North American-manufactured paper. With state-of-the-art technologies and collaborations with notable names such as Heidelberg, W&D, and Schwabe, Goelzer Industries has fortified its position as an undisputed leader in the domain. Boasting an unrivaled record of timely deliveries and unmatched quality, Goelzer Industries underscores the essence of excellence and reliability. The company has steadily garnered acclaim for its quality, reliability, and punctuality, making it a beacon in the industry. Hobbs' passion for sales transcends transactional encounters. "The people I meet and the relationships I forge in sales are invaluable. Engaging with customers, understanding their businesses, and aiding them in overcoming challenges to attain their goals is deeply fulfilling," she commented. "From ideation to final delivery, my commitment is to satisfy my clients' needs. My belief in fostering resilient customer relations and unfaltering integrity aligns perfectly with Goelzer Industries' ethos." For additional information about Goelzer Industries and its offerings, please visit https://envelopes.expert/. About Goelzer Industries: Founded 38 years ago, Goelzer Industries has solidified its name as a premium custom envelope manufacturer. Committed to quality, reliability, and on time deliveries, Goelzer Industries employs the finest materials and craftsmanship, coupled with cutting-edge technology, to deliver unparalleled products in the industry. Press Contact: Mark Toney Chief Marketing Officer Goelzer Industries (469) 907-1057 [email protected] SOURCE Goelzer Industries CALGARY, AB, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") announces our financial and operating results for the three month period and six month period ended June 30, 2023. Selected financial and operational information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Company's June 30, 2023 financial statements and the related management's discussion and analysis, which are available for review at www.sedarplus.com or the Company's website at www.groundedlithium.com. Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights On May 25, 2023 , the Company selected Koch Technology Solutions (" KTS "), a Koch Engineered Solutions Company, and it's proprietary Li-Pro technology as the direct lithium technology of choice for implementation in a future field pilot. Assuming the proposal from KTS is agreed upon by all parties, we would be responsible for work associated with preparations of a functional field pilot, including but not limited to, provision of sufficient feedstock, job site and associated facility requirements such as permits, civil works, buildings, storage tanks, access to utilities, manpower and brine disposal. KTS would provide the pilot extraction equipment, and the right to use the Li-Pro technology together with complimentary field support during construction and operations of the specific extraction unit; , the Company selected Koch Technology Solutions (" "), a Koch Engineered Solutions Company, and it's proprietary Li-Pro technology as the direct lithium technology of choice for implementation in a future field pilot. Assuming the proposal from KTS is agreed upon by all parties, we would be responsible for work associated with preparations of a functional field pilot, including but not limited to, provision of sufficient feedstock, job site and associated facility requirements such as permits, civil works, buildings, storage tanks, access to utilities, manpower and brine disposal. KTS would provide the pilot extraction equipment, and the right to use the Li-Pro technology together with complimentary field support during construction and operations of the specific extraction unit; During the quarter, the Company completed the Preliminary Economic Assessment (" PEA ") on the Company's Kindersley Lithium Project (" KLP ") Phase 1. The robust economics were announced on July 26, 2023 , and included: ") on the Company's Kindersley Lithium Project (" ") Phase 1. The robust economics were announced on , and included: After-tax net present value of US$1.0 billion using an 8% discount rate and a capital investment of US$335 million , implying an after-tax profitability index (" PI ") of nearly 4X. A PI of nearly 4X suggests a highly accretive project with further torque to the upside if current spot prices for battery grade lithium material were modeled; using an 8% discount rate and a capital investment of , implying an after-tax profitability index (" ") of nearly 4X. A PI of nearly 4X suggests a highly accretive project with further torque to the upside if current spot prices for battery grade lithium material were modeled; After-tax internal rate of return (" IRR ") of 48.5%; and ") of 48.5%; and Payout of only 3.7 years, inclusive of a 1.5 year design and construction phase. This is extremely rapid given a project of this magnitude and scope. The full KLP development involves a phased approach which provides several benefits stemming from economies of scale as each phase drives the funding, performance learnings, capital efficiencies and torque in rates of return. Prudent development of sub-surface resource bases is critical to maximize shareholder value. Second Quarter 2023 Financial & Operational Results (CAD$, except per share amounts and common shares outstanding) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS Net comprehensive loss 944,463 602,545 2,626,751 1,192,966 Per share - basic and diluted 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.04 Cash flow used in operating activities 407,588 315,680 2,138,424 1,035,597 Per share - basic and diluted 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.04 Funds flow used in operations 684,960 533,556 2,158,016 1,060,568 Per share - basic and diluted 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 Capital expenditures Capital expenditures 7,210 21,498 450,847 678,216 Liquidity Working capital surplus 166,415 1,829,712 166,415 1,829,712 Common shares outstanding Weighted average - basic and diluted 69,656,423 28,119,114 69,132,779 27,367,204 Outstanding, end of period 69,656,423 28,119,114 69,656,423 28,119,114 Operational and Corporate Update During the quarter the Company achieved several operational accomplishments. This momentum will continue with a commensurate funding strategy. The Company is evaluating a number of alternative strategies to allow it to execute on its stated business goals. In addition to traditional methods of raising capital in which insiders will continue to participate, we actively pursue strategies which include: Seeking funds under various government programs which could defray the cost of both drilling and field pilot operations; and Seeking funding and partnerships with one or more strategic partners. A strategic partner provides multiple benefits including experience in either responsible resource development or technologies related to our emerging industry, an interest in realizing the robust value identified in our PEA, and/or a desire to support energy transition. The Company maintains current dialogue with a number of qualifying strategic partners. About Grounded Lithium Corp. GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 4.2 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent of inferred resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as of the effective date of the PEA. The PEA, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project Phase 1" dated August 9, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/. Qualified Persons and Technical Report Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Suryanarayana Karri, P. Geoph., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposal from KTS to provide the direct lithium extraction technology for the Company's field pilot project, the future price of lithium, seeking funding under government programs, seeking funding and partnership opportunities, and GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE Grounded Lithium Corp CAMBRIDGE, Mass., ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Harbour BioMed ("HBM", or the "Company"; HKEX: 02142), a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics focusing on oncology and immunology, today announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Harbour BioMed commented, "In the first half of 2023, Harbour BioMed recorded a significant increase in its revenue, turning losses into profits. The outstanding performance demonstrated the Company's excellent global business development capabilities and remarkable achievements in cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Our strategy on global innovation ensures we maintain a competitive edge in multiple fields of drug discovery, further creating favorable advantages for differentiated pipeline development and expansive international collaborations, thus unleashing a wider range of value. Despite the numerous challenges ahead, we will steadfastly promote the Company's global strategy to drive sustainable growth on the base of innovation, thereby accelerating the advancement of our business." With strong R&D capabilities, the Company has continued to optimize and upgrade its industry leading and globally patented antibody platforms to further implement its "Antibody+" business strategy. During the reporting period, the Company filed 268 patents, 12 of which had been granted invention patents by the China National Intellectual Property Administration with 174 in progress. Robust patent clusters provide effective protection for the Company's products and new technology innovations, enabling the company to maintain an advantageous position in global biotech industry. Leveraging the unique antibody discovery technology, Harbour Therapeutics currently has over 10 innovative global programs in immuno-oncology and immunology, while Nona Biosciences further create value through global collaborations based on technology innovations. The Company has achieved positive half-yearly revenue growth rates exceeding 40% for two consecutive years benefiting from its robust technology platform and cutting edge innovations in the field of Immuno-oncology and Immunology. The Company recorded revenues of over $40 million in the first half of 2023 and achieved its first interim profit of approximately $3 million. Turning to a profit verifies Harbour BioMed's sustained and outstanding value creation ability. The out-licensing and collaboration of innovative products from Harbour Therapeutics' portfolio, including HBM7008 and batoclimab (HBM9161), have significantly contributed to this growth. At the same time, the Company has also seen the positive contribution from Nona Biosciences to the earnings growth and profits during the period. Harbour Therapeutics: Advanced pipeline with exciting advancements Batoclimab (HBM9161) 's positive results on its phase III clinical trial for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) were announced during 1H2023. Batoclimab resulted in a higher rate of sustained MG-ADL improvement in adult patients with gMG than placebo, and sustained improvement were observed in the second cycle. As the most advanced asset in the portfolio, this marks a major milestone for Harbour BioMed as it is the first positive readout of a registrational trial since its establishment. Also, as the first anti-FcRn product with a complete data set in Greater China, this result of batoclimab has significant positive impact on the development of effective therapeutics for patients with gMG in China. Porustobart (HBM4003) is a next-generation fully human heavy chain only anti-CTLA-4 antibody generated from the Harbour Mice HCAb platform. It has showcased promising efficacy and safety profile in multiple clinical trials in patients with melanoma, neuroendocrine neoplasms and hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrating the potential to be developed as a cornerstone therapy in immuno-oncology. Data released in 1H2023 showed that the overall objective response rate (ORR) was 36.8% in its phase Ib clinical trial of porustobart in combination with toripalimab in patients with advanced high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms, and in its phase Ib clinical trial of porustobart in combination with toripalimab in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the ORR hit 46.7%. The Company is poised for the first pivotal trial of porustobart in the next 6 months and plans to expand in multiple new indications including colorectal cancer. HBM1020 is a first-in-class therapeutic monoclonal antibody against B7H7/HHLA2 entering clinical development globally. It obtained U.S. FDA clearance for phase I trial in January 2023 and completed the first patient dosing in June 2023. As a newly discovered member of the B7 family, B7H7/HHLA2 expression is found non-overlapping with PD-L1 expression in multiple tumor types, which indicates an alternative immune evasion pathway besides PD-(L)1. Preclinical data demonstrated its immune activation and anti-tumor functional activities, showing great potential to address huge unmet medical needs in patients with advanced malignancies. HBM9033 is an antibody-drug conjugate-based (ADC) drug that specifically targets human mesothelin (MSLN), a TAA that is upregulated in various solid tumors, including mesothelioma, ovary cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancers. HBM9033 is the first ADC product of the Company, which is generated from the Company's patented ADC platform and has obtained the IND Clearance by U.S. FDA for phase I trial in August 2023. The collaboration with industry partners on product development has provided more diversified avenues and enriched resources for Harbour Therapeutics' portfolio advancement, which is an integral part of the strategy that the Company will continue to implement and optimize. Regional and global business collaborations are accelerating the development of numerous programs including HBM7022, HBM7008 and HBM9378. These efforts have verified our innovation ability and recognized the value of the product portfolio of the Company. Nona Biosciences: Unleashing platform value to shape the second growth curve As a pioneer in innovative antibody platform technology, the Company continues to advance the "Antibody+" strategy based on its unique advantages of Harbour Mice technology and develop its strengths in cutting-edge research areas such as bispecific antibody, ADC, mRNA, CAR-T, artificial intelligence and protein engineering, providing strong momentum for breakthroughs in innovative technologies. Nona Biosciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as a pivot of value realization and business expansion, is committed to providing global partners with innovative antibody solutions, continuously developing the global cooperation network, and constantly exploring diverse business areas to promote sustainable business growth. With its world-leading technology innovation, the Company's second growth curve is steadily gaining momentum. In the field of ADC development, the Company disclosed its ADC technology platform patent as early as 2021 to invest strong R&D efforts ahead of the curve. Not only is Harbour Therapeutics advancing its ADC program HBM9033 generated from the ADC platform from Nona Biosciences, it has successively entered into strategic cooperation with global ADC leaders with rich technology expertise and has generated substantial financial returns through technology licensing and product partnerships. During the period, there were more than 30 projects ongoing with over 20 new projects initiated by Nona Biosciences. The ongoing platform upgrade driven by Nona is broadening the frontiers of applications in challenging fields including immune cell engager, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), mRNA, etc. and more platform-based global bio-innovation is expected to continue to emerge. About Harbour BioMed Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142) is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics focusing on immunology and oncology. The Company is building its robust portfolio and differentiated pipeline through internal R&D capability, collaborations with co-discovery and co-development partners, and select acquisitions. The Company's proprietary antibody technology platforms Harbour Mice generates fully human monoclonal antibodies in two heavy and two light chains (H2L2) format, as well as heavy chain only (HCAb) format. Building upon the HCAb antibodies, the HCAb-based immune cell engagers (HBICE) bispecific antibody technology is capable of delivering tumor-killing effects unachievable by traditional combination therapies. Integrating Harbour Mice, and HBICE with a single B cell cloning platform, our antibody discovery engine is highly unique and efficient for the development of next-generation therapeutic antibodies. For further information, please visit www.harbourbiomed.com For more information, please contact. Media: [email protected] Investors: [email protected] SOURCE Harbour BioMed President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some Ukrainian partners are not ready for a war on the territory of Russia. "I try to do so that we are open to maintaining an understanding not only of the states that are with us from the beginning and will be further with our state. It is those states that look at us from a distance, but were almost at a historical distance. And now in time of war, thanks to some steps, some chemistry, some relationships, we have brought closer and some are even on our side," he told Natalia Moseychuk on her YouTube channel on Sunday. "And for them it is a painful question when you enter another territory. Do you understand? That's why they support you. They say it's impossible. There are great states in our world, very great states, for which there is only one point, because of which they are not on the side of Russia. This is the territorial integrity of the state. If I deliberately send my troops and decide to go to the territory of Russia, I must know for sure that this state will not be with me," he said. Social equity survey to gather information regarding access and disparities in the cannabis industry via patient experience and inform community engagement CLEVELAND, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey designed to gather information about patient experience, access to medical marijuana, and perceptions of disparities in the cannabis industry will launch at Harvest of Ohio locations on August 28, 2023. The Harvest of OH companies will use the data from the survey to help shape community outreach and shape initiatives that will increase social equity through the cannabis industry. "The Harvest of OH companies, including three dispensaries, a cultivation facility and a processing facility, have been pushing boundaries and making history since our founding," said Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO, founder, and majority owner. "We're the only Black and woman owned vertically integrated cannabis company in the state of Ohio. We are committed to addressing the social inequities in the cannabis industry, including patient access, education, and community engagement." The survey will focus on four variables: the ease with which individuals can access medical marijuana, affordability of medical marijuana, the availability of different types of medical marijuana products and whether they meet individual needs, and the extent to which individuals experience discrimination or stigma related to their use of medical marijuana. "The information we receive from the survey will help us better understand the challenges our clients may face when it comes to being able to access medical marijuana," said Kirkpatrick. "And it will help inform our outreach to the community. We are committed to building strong relationships with the communities we serve." The Harvest of OH companies, which have done community toy drives for the holidays in the past, will host a food drive at all three of their dispensary locations for the month of September. Additionally, in 2024, Harvest of OH will launch a series of monthly educational town hall style meetings on the following topics: How to become a patient/obtain a medical marijuana license; How to become a caregiver for a loved one; Hear from doctors on the benefits of medical cannabis; Testimonials from patients on how they have benefited from cannabis; and, In addition to hearing about Ohio's qualifying conditions. SOURCE Harvest of OH CHICAGO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) is providing more than $9M to community organizations in the states through its 2023 Major Grant Program. HCSC is the largest customer owned health insurer and operates health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. These grants will provide critical funding to address the social determinants of health (SDOH), and support HCSC's newly redesigned community investment areas of focus, which recognize the importance social and economic factors have on health and wellness: Economic Opportunity and Stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs, and upskilling. Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs, and upskilling. Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food. Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food. Neighborhood and Local Assets: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation, and access to physical activity. Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation, and access to physical activity. Locally Defined Health Solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs. Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs. Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close gaps in care, specifically around six priority areas: immunizations; diabetes care; cardiovascular care; behavioral health; early detection cancer screening and maternal & infant health. "HCSC is pleased to contribute to the resilience and ongoing efforts of local community organizations in driving positive change," said Clarita Santos, HCSC executive director of corporate and civic partnerships. "The meaningful impact they make every day, reflects our commitment to expanding access to care, supporting community development, and addressing social determinants of health." 2023 grantees include: In Texas: Bonton Enterprises , Which runs a community farm and aims to transform lives by disrupting systems of inequity and lay a foundation where change yields health, wholeness, and opportunity as the norm. Which runs a community farm and aims to transform lives by disrupting systems of inequity and lay a foundation where change yields health, wholeness, and opportunity as the norm. My Possibilities, the first full-day, year-long continuing education and job placement program in North Texas , aimed to give adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities the chance at higher education and an opportunity to let their untapped possibilities shine. In Oklahoma: Madison Strategies , which supports the provision of educational opportunities, career pathways, soft skills, and career advancement training for marginalized communities in north Tulsa . supports the provision of educational opportunities, career pathways, soft skills, and career advancement training for marginalized communities in north . Hunger Free Oklahoma feeds children in Oklahoma schools who are currently unable to access federally-funded summer meal programs. In New Mexico: provides no-cost ramps to low-income individuals across the state who are disadvantaged by mobility issues so that they can safely enter and exit their residences. supports low-income Latina immigrants in building skills to generate income in the home health industry as small business owners, independent contractors, community health educators and members of a worker-led cooperative In Illinois: Cultivate Collective is developing and scaling an evidenced-based community model where education, wellness, sustainability, and economic vitality work in harmony to drive meaningful, multi-generational impact. is developing and scaling an evidenced-based community model where education, wellness, sustainability, and economic vitality work in harmony to drive meaningful, multi-generational impact. NAMI Illinois, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. In Montana: St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation raises awareness and reduces stigma associated with mental illness, especially among youth. raises awareness and reduces stigma associated with mental illness, especially among youth. Montana Pediatrics, which supports Montana Pediatrics efforts to address two primary challenges concerning health care delivery: limited access to pediatric care and a waning primary care workforce in rural areas of the state. About Health Care Service Corporation Health Care Service Corporation is the country's largest customer-owned health insurer, with 18 million members in its health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. A Mutual Legal Reserve Company, HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. SOURCE Health Care Service Corporation NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE) between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 23, 2023. SO WHAT: If you purchased Hawaiian Electric 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 Hawaiian Electric class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18336 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 October 23, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Hawaiian Electric's wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (2) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (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 Hawaiian Electric class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18336 mailto: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. CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023 was held successfully in Cancun, Mexico on August 25, 2023. At the event, Huawei, together with the attending customers and partners, launched the IP Club member program tailored to the Latin America region. IP Club member program launch ceremony (PRNewsfoto/Huawei) Key attendees at the launch ceremony included Vincent Liu, President of Huawei's Enterprise Network Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, Wu Jiaxing, President of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Business Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Diego Alberto De Gracia, Enterprise Network Director of Huawei's Latin America Region, and delegates from pioneering customers and partners across diverse industries such as public service, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and education. Alongside the launch of this IP Club member program, more than 260 IP Club members were recruited at the event. Diego Alberto De Gracia said, "We stand ready to continuously build an inclusive IP industry ecosystem together with customers and partners. For this reason, we proposed the IP Club member program. Through this program, we will help build a communication and interaction platform for the IP industry to share global best practices and drive digital transformation across industries." IP Club is initiated by Huawei, aiming to build an open thoughts sharing platform for IT managers, IP technology experts, and engineers. Since the first IP Club event in Japan in 2018, Huawei has successfully held nearly 700 IP Club events in 35 countries and regions, attracting more than 30,000 attendees. As IP Club activities gain momentum around the globe, Huawei has upgraded its IP Club events into an IP Club member community since 2020. To date, Huawei has established a complete IP Club membership system, and recruited nearly 2900 registered members worldwide. IP Club members have access to more professional IP technology information and differentiated technology know-hows provided by Huawei, in turn expanding their unique insights into the IP industry. IP Club members can also connect with Huawei's global experts to dive into cutting-edge IP technologies. Member-exclusive activities promote communication between IP industry peers, and diversified bonus points for members inspire more contributions. By creating all-new connectivity, IP Club brings together industry thought leaders, experts, and peers from all over the world to explore future network trends, challenges, opportunities, and more. They also dive into network construction practices in all industries during digital transformation, and embrace new opportunities together for future industry development. To learn more about Huawei's IP Club member program, click https://ipclub.huawei.com/ About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei SOURCE Huawei CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023, two events related to commercial markets took center stage: a "Connectivity Upgrade, Business Win-Win" keynote and a "Build High-Quality Connections to Achieve Business Win-Win" session. Over 100 customers and partners from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, as well as other countries and regions, attended the events, sharing their thoughts on commercial market prospects and win-win cooperation strategies. During these events, Huawei Data Communication (Huawei Datacom) unveiled its high-quality IP network solutions with three distinctive traits versatile, premium, and cost-effective for diverse industries like public service, education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Huawei Datacom invests strategically in product R&D for commercial markets by building on its years of experience in enterprise business and leadership in infrastructure innovation. At HNS, Saul Arjona Bueno, CTO of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Network Solutions, unveiled future-proof network solutions for five scenarios in the Latin America commercial markets. Subsequently, Francisco Jose Fuster Montiel, CTO of Huawei's Mexico Enterprise Business Department, delved deep into these network solutions together with attending customers and partners. High-quality government office network solution : Integral to this solution, one AP ensures a smooth 1080p video conference of 30 to 50 channels, without any lags. : Integral to this solution, one AP ensures a smooth 1080p video conference of 30 to 50 channels, without any lags. High-quality primary and secondary school network solution : With its simplified network architecture, this solution enables fiber-to-the-room and facilitates network evolution over the next 5 to 10 years. It just takes 3 days to deploy the network for one school building. : With its simplified network architecture, this solution enables fiber-to-the-room and facilitates network evolution over the next 5 to 10 years. It just takes 3 days to deploy the network for one school building. High-quality hotel network solution : A core part of this solution, Huawei APs draw on smart antenna technology to ensure more focused Wi-Fi signals and deliver 30% greater coverage range than omnidirectional antennas. More importantly, Huawei's lossless roaming technology ensures zero roaming disconnections and zero network complaints from guests. : A core part of this solution, draw on smart antenna technology to ensure more focused Wi-Fi signals and deliver 30% greater coverage range than omnidirectional antennas. More importantly, Huawei's lossless roaming technology ensures zero roaming disconnections and zero network complaints from guests. High-quality small and midsize hospital network solution : As part of this solution, Huawei's IoT-capable APs enable Wi-Fi and IoT converged deployment. Specifically, one AP provides both Wi-Fi coverage and IoT connectivity, making it easy to expand healthcare IoT use cases while improving the quality of hospital services. : As part of this solution, Huawei's IoT-capable APs enable Wi-Fi and IoT converged deployment. Specifically, one AP provides both Wi-Fi coverage and IoT connectivity, making it easy to expand healthcare IoT use cases while improving the quality of hospital services. High-quality retail network solution: A unique component of this solution is Huawei's 6-in-1 gateway NetEngine AR5710 router which helps to lower network investments by 30% for retail stores. At the event, Luis E. Juarez, Director of Security One at Mainbit and Hector Cabrera, Executive Director at NGN also shared their successful practices of cooperating with Huawei in commercial markets. By leveraging Huawei's high-quality IP network offerings, MainBit and NGN help their customers quickly address network pain points and enjoy the ultimate network experience. Huawei's high-quality IP network offerings have been proven valuable in numerous customers across diverse industries such as public service, education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail in more than 100 countries and regions. As a trusted partner for digital transformation, Huawei Datacom is committed to becoming a key contributor to the ICT infrastructures of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, Huawei Datacom keeps integrating technologies into specific enterprise scenarios and helping global SMEs to lay a solid digital foundation for their digital transformation journey. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei SOURCE Huawei CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023 was held successfully in Cancun, Mexico on August 25, 2023. With the theme of "Innovations Never Stops", HNS attracted over 500 customers and partners from more than 10 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile. At the event, attendees from diverse industries such as public service, finance, energy, Internet Service Provider (ISP), education, and healthcare delved into data communication technology innovations and explored new ways to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and create new value together in Latin America. Tony Sze, President of Huawei Latin America Enterprise Business, opening speech Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, delivering a speech Launching groundbreaking innovations In the opening speech, Tony Sze, President of Latin America Enterprise Business, pointed out that the digital economy is taking shape and accelerating in Latin American countries, with digital infrastructures playing a pivotal role. Against this backdrop, Huawei will continue to help enterprise customers to take their digital transformation journey to the next level. Specifically, Huawei will help federal and state governments to build all-wireless office and service-oriented capabilities; Huawei will also assist financial organizations to build future-proof data center networks, in turn propelling agile and stable financial services. Huawei will remain a trusted partner for ISPs, helping them build stable, ultra-broadband bearing networks that meet future needs over the next decade. In the energy and transportation fields, Huawei will help customers build IP-based production networks for more stable and future-oriented services. All industries are raising new requirements for digital transformation, productivity improvement, and service experience optimization. For example, governments are going digital, requiring better campus-wide wireless coverage for optimized office and service experience. The Bank 4.0 era is fast approaching, driving the need to migrate applications and services to multi-cloud, as well as equip data center networks with multi-cloud, multi-vendor operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities. Similarly, ISPs are seeking premium wide area network (WAN) capabilities to support rapid user growth. Another priority for enterprise business development is cyber security. This is compelling enterprises to look for multi-dimensional security capabilities for fending off rampant ransomware and other attacks. In response, Huawei constantly innovates its Intelligent Cloud-Network Solution by enhancing experience, AI, and convergence. CloudCampus 3.0 + Experience : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. CloudFabric 3.0 + Intelligence : Huawei's CloudFabric data center network solution becomes more intelligent than ever, and takes on three distinctive features: ultra-powerful performance, ultra-fast deployment, and ultra-intelligent O& M . In diverse industries like finance, public service, education, and ISP , this solution can improve AI training efficiency by 20%, provision services across clouds and data centers in minutes, locate network root causes for application exceptions with one click, and demarcate faults in minutes. Huawei's CloudFabric M ISP CloudWAN 3.0 + Convergence : Huawei's converged CloudWAN solution creates new value for customers through converged networks, converged devices, and converged management. Leveraging Huawei's solution, customers in industries such as public service, ISP , energy, and transportation can reduce the total cost of ownership ( TCO ) by 30% and capital expenditure ( CAPEX ) by 30% while increasing O& M efficiency by 60%. Enterprise business is thriving in Latin America. To support this, Huawei continuously builds CloudCampus, CloudFabric, and CloudWAN solution capabilities, and launched many groundbreaking innovations, including the first-of-its-kind zero-roaming distributed Wi-Fi, high-quality experience assurance card (used on flagship campus switches), CloudEngine 16800-X (a 400GE data center network switch), NetEngine 8000 F8 (a converged transport router), and iMaster NCE-based network digital map. All of these offerings empower networks with innovations and unleash digital productivity at an accelerated pace. Key attendees at the launch ceremony included Vincent Liu, President of Huawei's Enterprise Network Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, Wu Jiaxing, President of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Business Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Diego Alberto De Gracia, Enterprise Network Director of Huawei's Latin America Region, and delegates from pioneering customers and partners across diverse industries such as public service, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and education. Alongside the launch of this IP Club member program, almost 300 IP Club members were recruited at the event. IP Club is an IP industry peer communication platform initiated by Huawei. IP Club members can enjoy diversified member-only activities, such as in-person technical workshops, face-to-face meetings with industry experts, IP Club Carnival, and peer interaction in the online community. To date, Huawei has brought together over 2900 IP Club members worldwide. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to innovate and overcome technical bottlenecks through more R&D investments. Furthermore, Huawei will keep aligning best-in-class products and solutions with customers' future business development. Doing so will help a wide range of industry customers to bridge technical divides and stay ahead of the competition. Huawei's extensive training and communication platforms help customers gain fresh insight into leading products and solutions, and explore unique ways to unleash digital productivity. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei SOURCE Huawei CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023 was held successfully in Cancun, Mexico on August 25, 2023. With the theme of "Innovations Never Stops", HNS attracted over 500 customers and partners from more than 10 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile. At the event, attendees from diverse industries such as public service, finance, energy, Internet Service Provider (ISP), education, and healthcare delved into data communication technology innovations and explored new ways to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and create new value together in Latin America. Tony Sze, President of Huawei Latin America Enterprise Business, opening speech Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, delivering a speech Launching groundbreaking innovations In the opening speech, Tony Sze, President of Latin America Enterprise Business, pointed out that the digital economy is taking shape and accelerating in Latin American countries, with digital infrastructures playing a pivotal role. Against this backdrop, Huawei will continue to help enterprise customers to take their digital transformation journey to the next level. Specifically, Huawei will help federal and state governments to build all-wireless office and service-oriented capabilities; Huawei will also assist financial organizations to build future-proof data center networks, in turn propelling agile and stable financial services. Huawei will remain a trusted partner for ISPs, helping them build stable, ultra-broadband bearing networks that meet future needs over the next decade. In the energy and transportation fields, Huawei will help customers build IP-based production networks for more stable and future-oriented services. All industries are raising new requirements for digital transformation, productivity improvement, and service experience optimization. For example, governments are going digital, requiring better campus-wide wireless coverage for optimized office and service experience. The Bank 4.0 era is fast approaching, driving the need to migrate applications and services to multi-cloud, as well as equip data center networks with multi-cloud, multi-vendor operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities. Similarly, ISPs are seeking premium wide area network (WAN) capabilities to support rapid user growth. Another priority for enterprise business development is cyber security. This is compelling enterprises to look for multi-dimensional security capabilities for fending off rampant ransomware and other attacks. In response, Huawei constantly innovates its Intelligent Cloud-Network Solution by enhancing experience, AI, and convergence. CloudCampus 3.0 + Experience : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. CloudFabric 3.0 + Intelligence : Huawei's CloudFabric data center network solution becomes more intelligent than ever, and takes on three distinctive features: ultra-powerful performance, ultra-fast deployment, and ultra-intelligent O&M. In diverse industries like finance, public service, education, and ISP, this solution can improve AI training efficiency by 20%, provision services across clouds and data centers in minutes, locate network root causes for application exceptions with one click, and demarcate faults in minutes. : Huawei's CloudFabric data center network solution becomes more intelligent than ever, and takes on three distinctive features: ultra-powerful performance, ultra-fast deployment, and ultra-intelligent O&M. In diverse industries like finance, public service, education, and ISP, this solution can improve AI training efficiency by 20%, provision services across clouds and data centers in minutes, locate network root causes for application exceptions with one click, and demarcate faults in minutes. CloudWAN 3.0 + Convergence: Huawei's converged CloudWAN solution creates new value for customers through converged networks, converged devices, and converged management. Leveraging Huawei's solution, customers in industries such as public service, ISP, energy, and transportation can reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by 30% and capital expenditure (CAPEX) by 30% while increasing O&M efficiency by 60%. Enterprise business is thriving in Latin America. To support this, Huawei continuously builds CloudCampus, CloudFabric, and CloudWAN solution capabilities, and launched many groundbreaking innovations, including the first-of-its-kind zero-roaming distributed Wi-Fi, high-quality experience assurance card (used on flagship campus switches), CloudEngine 16800-X (a 400GE data center network switch), NetEngine 8000 F8 (a converged transport router), and iMaster NCE-based network digital map. All of these offerings empower networks with innovations and unleash digital productivity at an accelerated pace. Key attendees at the launch ceremony included Vincent Liu, President of Huawei's Enterprise Network Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, Wu Jiaxing, President of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Business Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Diego Alberto De Gracia, Enterprise Network Director of Huawei's Latin America Region, and delegates from pioneering customers and partners across diverse industries such as public service, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and education. Alongside the launch of this IP Club member program, almost 300 IP Club members were recruited at the event. IP Club is an IP industry peer communication platform initiated by Huawei. IP Club members can enjoy diversified member-only activities, such as in-person technical workshops, face-to-face meetings with industry experts, IP Club Carnival, and peer interaction in the online community. To date, Huawei has brought together over 2900 IP Club members worldwide. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to innovate and overcome technical bottlenecks through more R&D investments. Furthermore, Huawei will keep aligning best-in-class products and solutions with customers' future business development. Doing so will help a wide range of industry customers to bridge technical divides and stay ahead of the competition. Huawei's extensive training and communication platforms help customers gain fresh insight into leading products and solutions, and explore unique ways to unleash digital productivity. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2195067/image_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2195068/image_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2195069/image3.jpg SOURCE Huawei NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The size of Insurance brokerage market in Europe is expected to grow by USD 7.60 billion increase in market share from 2021 to 2026, driven by a projected CAGR of 5.98%. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges, making it an indispensable guide for companies looking to refine their strategies in this evolving landscape. Download Sample PDF Report. Insurance Brokerage Market in Europe: Regional analysis Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Insurance Brokerage Market in Europe 2022-2026 The insurance brokerage market in Europe, as indicated by the research report, offers several regional opportunities. The UK is set to be a significant market, with potential arising from rising medical costs and an ageing population, suggesting a demand for tailored insurance solutions. Additionally, post-COVID recovery strategies across Europe could entail insurance solutions addressing evolving business and individual needs. Insurance Brokerage Market in Europe: Market driver The growth trajectory of the European insurance brokerage market is driven by several key drivers identified in the research report. Notably, an escalating demand for insurance policies is a prime catalyst for market expansion. The rising populations of both baby boomers and millennials are fostering opportunities in medical, life, and accidental insurance, leading insurance brokers to prioritize policies that offer optimal benefits to customers. Moreover, the provision of personalized financial services and security solutions has amplified the call for insurance products. Responding to this demand, insurance companies are increasingly investing in innovative policies and services to tap into the potential of the insurance landscape. With an increased awareness regarding the advantages of insurance policies, the market is expected to experience sustained growth throughout the forecast period. Insurance Brokerage Market in Europe: Market Trends Integration of IT and data analytics driving marketing strategies and underwriting services. Adoption of advanced analytic tools to curb insurance fraud and enhance market integrity. For more details on the market trends and challenges, download the sample report here. Insurance Brokerage Market in Europe: Company Analysis The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on major companies, including: AmWINS Group Inc. Aon Plc Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. and Co. Assured Partners Inc. Blythin and Brown Ltd. HUB International Ltd. Lockton Companies Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc. NFP Corp. Willis Towers Watson Public Ltd. Co. Buy the full report now and make informed decisions! Related Reports: Europe Insurance Technology Market: The insurance technology market in Europe is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 34.58% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 14,523.99 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by type (solution and service), technology (cloud computing, IoT, big data and business analytics, blockchain, and others), and geography (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Rest of Europe). Freight Brokerage Market: The Global Freight Brokerage Market size is estimated to grow by USD 15.95 billion between 2022 and 2027 accelerating at a CAGR of 5.45%. This report extensively covers market segmentation by service (LTL, FTL, temperature-controlled freight, and others), mode of transportation (road, inland waterways and coastal shipping, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). Table Of Contents: 1. Executive Summary 2. Market Landscape 3. Market Sizing 4. Five Forces Analysis 5 Market Segmentation by Type 6. Customer landscape 7. Geographic Landscape 8. Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 9. Vendor Landscape 10. Vendor Analysis 11. Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ Newsroom: newsroom.technavio.com/news/insurance-brokeragemarket SOURCE Technavio Invitae adds chief commercial officer to leadership team; Innovative leader to help expand market share and drive revenue growth SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced that it has appointed Robert (Rob) Guigley as its chief commercial officer, effective September 5, 2023. Mr. Guigley brings to the role more than 20 years of commercial experience spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and genetic testing. He will develop and implement Invitae's commercial strategy with a focus on driving profitable revenue growth, expanding the market, improving reimbursement levels and enhancing the service of clients and patients. "I'm excited to welcome Rob to the leadership team as we sharpen our focus on expanding the size and number of pathways for profitable growth," said Ken Knight, president and chief executive officer of Invitae. "Rob is a talented and innovative leader who has provided vision and led impactful change throughout his career. His deep understanding of the long-term prospects of genetic information, along with his extensive experience working with payers, make him the perfect choice to help guide the next phases of our journey." Mr. Guigley has led direct sales and marketing campaigns in a variety of roles. Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer at Ambry Genetics, responsible for executing their commercial strategy and overseeing commercial sales, business development, client services, managing genetic specialists and expanding market access. Mr. Guigley began his career in pharmaceutical sales at AstraZeneca, giving him a strong foundation in selling to physicians. He then migrated into diagnostics, leading sales and market access at Quest Diagnostics and Counsyl. Mr. Guigley earned his MBA at Boston University Questrom School of Business and his BS at the University of Pittsburgh, where he focused on economics, math and philosophy. "I'm excited to be joining Invitae and for the opportunity to support its mission to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine," said Rob Guigley, incoming chief commercial officer for Invitae. I'm looking forward to using my passion for patients and broad experience to develop an innovative commercial strategy for Invitae." Inducement Grant Pursuant to his hiring as the Company's chief commercial officer, Invitae is granting 850,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs") to Rob Guigley under Invitae's 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan"), which will be amended and restated to add 850,000 shares of Invitae common stock to a pool of shares under the 2015 Plan which is to be used exclusively for the grant of inducement awards in compliance with New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.08 ("Rule 303A.08"). The RSUs, which were subject to approval by Invitae's Board of Directors, are being granted as an inducement material to Mr. Guigley's agreement to be employed with Invitae in reliance on the employment inducement exemption under Rule 303A.08. One-third of the RSUs will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of August 15, 2023, subject to Mr. Guigley's continued service as an employee of Invitae through the applicable vesting dates. The grant of the RSUs is subject to the terms and conditions of the 2015 Plan and the applicable form of stock award agreement. About Invitae Invitae (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company trusted by millions of patients and their providers to deliver timely genetic information using digital technology. We aim to provide accurate and actionable answers to strengthen medical decision-making for individuals and their families. Invitae's genetics experts apply a rigorous approach to data and research, serving as the foundation of their mission to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. To learn more, visit invitae.com and follow for updates on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn @Invitae. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the appointment of Mr. Guigley as the company's new chief commercial officer. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the company's ability to grow its business in a cost-efficient manner; the company's history of losses; the company's ability to maintain important customer relationships; the company's ability to compete; the company's failure to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; risks associated with litigation; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Invitae Contacts: Investor Relations Hoki Luk [email protected] Public Relations Amy Hadsock [email protected] SOURCE Invitae Corporation AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeep brand launches Famous for Freedom global marketing campaign for the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler featuring legendary California Love music track (photo credit: Jeep brand) (PRNewsfoto/Stellantis) "Famous for Freedom" global campaign for the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler features legendary "California Love" 1995 track Campaign debuts as 50th anniversary of hip-hop music is celebrated and acknowledged for the role it has played in transforming marketing and culture "California Love" track is one in lengthy line of Stellantis brands featuring highly sought-after, but elusive tracks for advertising industry This is the first time the song will be used in an automotive commercial Sixty-second "Famous for Freedom" video launches on Jeep brand's YouTube channel, with shorter form content, including 30-second and 15-second videos, running across the brand's social media channels Thirty-second spot will run across television From the 49-MPGe electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid to the V-8-powered 470-horsepower Rubicon 392, the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler offers the most diverse powertrain options in the off-road segment, giving Wrangler customers the ability to choose the propulsion system that best suits their lifestyle Jeep Wrangler 4xe, offering zero-emission freedom, is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the United States Ordering is open now and the 2024 Jeep Wrangler has started to arrive in U.S. dealerships 2024 Jeep Wrangler will be available in markets around the world The Jeep brand is marking the launch of the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler 4xe with the debut of its "Famous for Freedom" global marketing campaign. The global campaign launches with a 60-second version of "Famous For Freedom" on the Jeep brand's YouTube channel [add YT link to 60-second social here], with shorter form content, including 30-second and 15-second videos (here and here), running across the brand's social media channels and online video placements. A 30-second version will run on broadcast television. "Music has long played a pivotal role in our rich history of advertising, and as the industry marks the 50th year of hip-hop, the Jeep brand has been granted the enormous honor of incorporating the elusive 'California Love' anthem track into our 'Famous for Freedom' campaign for our new 2024 Jeep Wrangler," said Olivier Francois, global chief marketing officer, Stellantis. "As the '90s sees a renaissance throughout fashion, film and music, we want to tap into the nostalgia from that decade while recognizing the unique hold that the Wrangler has across the entire automotive and cultural landscapes. 'California Love' captures the spirit of the Jeep Wrangler and our owners around the world in a way no other can." The global marketing campaign, which will also air in Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and other markets around the world, signals the launch of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler 4xe, featuring the famous track "California Love." This is the first time the song will be used in an automotive commercial. "'Famous For Freedom' goes beyond a tagline. It's a state of mind for our Jeep Wrangler owners, and this global campaign celebrates this community of dreamers and doers who seek to live freedom-fueled lives," said Lucy McLellan, senior vice president, global head of marketing & communications, Jeep brand. "As we introduce the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler to markets around the world, we celebrate the Wrangler's legendary off-road capability and also the unique lifestyle it enables. And there's no better way to do that than to feature a number of our loyal Jeep Wrangler customers in the campaign to ensure the essence of the Jeep community is authentically captured." See the 60-second "Famous for Freedom" spot here: https://youtu.be/4etWmTFUxlA The video was filmed in California to capture the culture, landscapes and lifestyle that make the Jeep Wrangler and "California Love" track so iconic. Scenes from the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes to the Los Angeles skyline and additional California texture bring the lyrics of the track to life. Adding to the film's authenticity, it also features several real Jeep brand owners making appearances throughout. "Famous for Freedom" was directed by Grammy-winning director Dave Meyers at RadicalMedia. Over the past 20 years, Meyers has directed music videos for artists like Drake, SZA and Kendrick Lamar, as well as commercials that have shaped culture. He has firmly established himself as one of the industry's most prolific and sought-after directors, which is why he was a perfect match for the Jeep Wrangler "Famous for Freedom" campaign. "Since its introduction, the Jeep Wrangler has set new levels of 4x4 capability with each new generation, dating all the way back to 1941," said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. "The new 2024 Wrangler builds upon that 80-plus-year legacy, offering our first full-float Dana rear axle, and makes it possible for Wrangler owners to easily upsize tires, in addition to a more advanced and comfortable interior with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, available power seats tested for water fording, and more technology and safety features, including standard side-curtain airbags. Wrangler offers customers more choice with best-in-class gas engines to the only electrified off-road SUV, the Wrangler 4xe, which continues to be the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the United States." The Jeep brand is raising the bar once again by combining the most capable Wrangler yet, with more capability, technology safety features and refinement. This no-compromise combination is enhanced by the ability to choose from four different powertrains. From the 49-MPGe electrified 4xe plug-in hybrid, which is the best-selling PHEV in America, to the V-8-powered 470-horsepower Rubicon 392, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler offers the most diverse powertrain options in the off-road segment, giving Wrangler customers the ability to choose the propulsion system that best suits their lifestyle. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, 4xe, Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. Ordering is open now and vehicles have started to arrive in U.S. dealerships. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will launch in markets around the world. "Famous for Freedom" was created by the Jeep brand in partnership with Chicago-based Highdive agency. Jeep Wrangler The iconic Jeep Wrangler, the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world, delivers unmatched off-road capability and is produced with more than 80 years of 4x4 engineering excellence. New for the 2024 model year, the Wrangler adds even more capability with its first full-float Dana rear axle, available factory-installed 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch and increased 5,000-pound tow capability. Inside, the new 2024 Wrangler offers more comfort and safety features with available 12-way power adjustable front seats, standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen radio and standard side curtain airbags in the first and second rows. Powertrain options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, a 6.4-liter V-8 and the electrified Wrangler 4xe, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack to deliver 21 miles of all-electric range and 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). Jeep Brand Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom and added 4x4 capability. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified variant by 2025. Follow Jeep and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE Stellantis Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba will visit the Czech Republic, the French Republic and the Kingdom of Spain this week in fulfillment of the priorities set by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Ukrainian diplomacy. According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on August 28 in Prague, at the invitation of his Czech colleague Jan Lipavsky, Kuleba will address the heads of diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic as an honored guest of the annual conference of ambassadors. The minister will also hold bilateral talks on the development of military-technical cooperation. "On August 29-30, in Paris, the minister will hold talks with the leadership of France and leading companies of the French military-industrial complex. At the invitation of his French colleague Catherine Colonna, he will also become an honored guest of the conference of French ambassadors," the MFA said. In addition, on August 31 in Toledo, Spain, the MFA head will take part in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers. According to the ministry, the core subjects of negotiations in the Czech Republic, France and Spain will be new arms supplies, in particular, strengthening air defense, promoting the Peace Formula, preparing for the Global Peace Summit, and opening negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU by the end of 2023. "Another important goal of the meetings will be to attract European companies and the EU as a whole to participate in the first Defense Industries Forum, which will be held in Ukraine in the autumn," the Foreign Ministry said. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- John Moran Auctioneers has a new jewelry team that is ready to take the industry by storm! Moran's is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Burstein as Director, and Peggy Gottlieb as Senior Specialist to the Jewelry & Watches department. John Moran Auctioneers newly appointed Jewelry & Watches team Tom Burstein as Director, and Peggy Gottlieb as Senior Specialist. To contact, email or call: Tom Burstein, [email protected], phone (914)292-4130, and Peggy Gottlieb, [email protected], phone (310) 650-8077. With nearly thirty years of experience, Tom Burstein is recognized as a top specialist and business leader in the jewelry retail and auction fields. He has held senior positions at some of the world's most recognized auction houses, including Christie's, Phillips, and Sotheby's. In addition, Tom was a Vice President at Harry Winston, managing their US retail business and the Winston heritage division. Throughout his career, Tom has been involved in the sales of many historic auctions, including the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, and the Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. Tom lives in Connecticut with his two teenage children, with whom he likes to spend most of his free time. He also enjoys writing and recording music, and collecting prints, photographs, and sneakers. To contact Tom, email [email protected] or call (914)292-4130. For decades, Peggy Gottlieb's name has been synonymous with high-end jewelry and luxury in Los Angeles, CA. Peggy was a staff gemologist for the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory and has held senior high-level positions at Sotheby's, Heritage, and Christie's, as well as having worked independently as an appraiser and dealer. She is a past member of the American Society of Appraisers and the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers and has lectured extensively. While at all the auction houses, Peggy's main focus was procuring high-quality jewelry for sale at auction, in addition to valuation and appraisals. Now, John Moran Auctioneers has the privilege of having Peggy as a Senior Specialist where she continues to share her love and expertise of jewelry. To contact Peggy, email [email protected] or call (310) 650-8077. John Moran Auctioneers is currently accepting consignments until October 27th for the upcoming Jewelry & Watches auction taking place on December 5, 2023. Contact Tom & Peggy today to find out how John Moran Auctioneers can bring your items to market or go to www.johnmoran.com to learn more! CONTACT: Brenda Smith, [email protected] SOURCE John Moran Auctioneers WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Foundation of America and Lupus Canada are pleased to announce Joan Wither, MD, PhD, FRCPC has been awarded the 2023 Lupus Canada Catalyst Award for her study "Interferon and Prediction of Treatment Responses in Lupus Nephritis," focused on interferon (IFN)-induced genes (an inflammatory marker) to predict treatment response in lupus nephritis with a new technique that could be incorporated into routine analysis of kidney biopsies. Dr. Wither will be examining an inflammatory marker called IFN-induced genes in patients with lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease). Studies have recently shown that the presence of high levels of IFN-induced genes found during kidney biopsies are associated with poor treatment responses in a small number of patients. This inflammatory marker can potentially be used to predict the response to therapy in lupus nephritis patients, however, the current technique used to measure this is expensive, time consuming, and requires fresh tissue samples, preventing its use as a clinical test. Dr. Wither's research will use a newly developed technique to measure the levels of IFN in the kidney, by examining the levels of IFN-induced proteins, rather than genes. "Lupus nephritis is highly variable in its severity and response to therapy, with up to 30 percent of patients failing to respond to treatment, which can lead to decreased kidney function requiring dialysis or transplantation," shared Dr. Wither. "The Lupus Canada Catalyst Award from the Lupus Foundation of America and Lupus Canada is allowing us to take critical steps in this research, which has the potential to improve kidney outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis." The Lupus Canada Catalyst Award supports and provides funding for one year to Canadian researchers at any stage in their career as they pioneer groundbreaking research that can potentially and positively impact the lupus population. "Our partnership with Lupus Canada continues to enable us to support more researchers delving into crucial and innovative realms of lupus research," said Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN, Director of Research, Lupus Foundation of America. "Dr. Wither's research on IFN-induced genes in patients with lupus nephritis holds the promise to revolutionize evaluation of lupus kidney biopsies and treatment strategies to improve kidney outcomes." "Today's announcement between Lupus Canada and Lupus Foundation of America will kick start critical research into lupus nephritis clinical testing, with hope to improve treatment outcomes," said Thomas J. Simpson, Chair of Lupus Canada. "Research funded through Lupus Canada's Catalyst Grant, like Dr. Wither's, is important in filling a gap in research for this commonly misunderstood disease. On behalf of Lupus Canada, I congratulate Dr. Wither on her award." Learn more about the Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant and the 2023 awardee . About the Lupus Foundation of America The Lupus Foundation of America is the national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org . About Lupus Canada Lupus Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission and vision of improving the lives of Canadians living with lupus through research, advocacy, public awareness and education. No other Canadian organization provides a bigger opportunity to make an impact on lupus and those who live with this debilitating disease. Learn more about Lupus Canada at lupuscanada.org . Media Contact Mike Donnelly [email protected] SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - MANTARO PRECIOUS METALS CORP. (TSXV: MNTR) (OTCQB: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ) ("Mantaro" or the "Company") announces that it has received a notice of termination from Luis Fernando Kinn Cortez (the "Optionor") terminating the option agreement dated August 23, 2021 (the "Option Agreement") among the Company, Mineral Golden Hill S.R.L. ("MGH") and the Optionor. Under the terms of the Option Agreement, the Company had the right to earn up to an 80% interest in the Golden Hill Property. Concurrent with the delivery of the notice of termination, Mr. Kinn Cortez also resigned as a director of the Company. Darren Hazelwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Company states "The current junior capital markets made it difficult to raise the capital necessary to meet the cash payments due under our Golden Hill property option agreement. Our focus will now be to complete a financing to carry out a drill campaign on the high-grade Santas Gloria Silver Property located in Peru. With drill permits issued and drill pads already constructed, we will be able to carry out a drill campaign shortly after the necessary capital is raised. Even with the loss of Golden Hill, we continue to hold exploration concessions in the Bolivia Shield. In June 2023, we acquired a 100% interest in two highly prospective licenses, being the East Trend and Media Sur properties, in the San Ramon Greenstone belt. These properties have minimal holding costs and we are looking forward to carrying out an initial exploration program and entering into potential partnerships on these properties." Under the Option Agreement, the Company will retain a 2% net smelter royalty on the Golden Hill Property, which may be repurchased by MGH with a one-time payment of US $1,000,000. Future exploration programs by the Company will focus on the high-grade Santas Gloria Silver Property, which is located in the Miocene epithermal gold-silver belt of Peru. The Company's previous exploration program resulted in very high silver grades (>10,000 g/t Ag in underground channel samples) and unusually high gold grades (up to 56 g/t Au in surface channel samples). Subject to raising additional financing, the Company plans to carry out a 2500 diamond drill program on the 10 pads constructed at Santas Gloria. Drilling will initially target the strike and depth extensions of high-grade gold-silver-base metal mineralized segments of the Tembledara, San Jorge, Paquita and Maribel veins, which have been defined by channel sampling of surface veins and underground workings. About Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company's flagship property is the high-grade silver Santas Gloria Silver Property. In addition, the Company also holds two highly prospective exploration licenses in the Bolivian Shield, the East Trend and Media Sur Properties, that were acquired in June 2023. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, the requirement to raise additional financing to commence drilling activities, the success of future exploration and drilling activities at the Santas Gloria Property, and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. CLEVELAND, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Media are invited to attend a series of events with NASA and community leadership on Aug. 29 and 30 at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Over the course of two days, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, and U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Max Miller will visit NASA to discuss investments and partnerships strengthening Northeast Ohio's aerospace community, including STEM education, small business initiatives, and new and updated NASA facilities. Media interested in attending one or more events should contact Jacqueline Minerd at [email protected]. Tuesday, Aug. 29 Armstrong Test Facility, Sandusky Melroy and Kaptur will tour the new home of the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) and several other locations at Armstrong Test Facility with NASA Glenn Center Director Dr. Jimmy Kenyon Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 10-11 a.m. Currently under construction, NEAT is uniquely equipped to pave the way for future hybrid-electric commercial transport aircraft. Melroy, Kenyon, and Kaptur will also visit the Hypersonic Test Facility and In-Space Propulsion Facility. A brief media availability will follow the tour. Tuesday, Aug. 29 Glenn Research Center, Cleveland Melroy, Kenyon, and Brown will attend NASA Glenn's STEM Aviation Day, a STEM education event for middle and high school students, Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. Afterward, they will meet with local business and community college leaders to talk about growing the Northeast Ohio aerospace ecosystem. Melroy, Kenyon, and Brown will be available to answer questions from the media. Wednesday, Aug. 30 Glenn Research Center, Cleveland For the first time in 30 years, Glenn will open the doors to a brand-new mission-focused facility that will support the agency's Artemis and Advanced Air Mobility missions. On Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, Kaptur, Miller, and NASA leadership will cut the ribbon to the Aerospace Communications Facility, a new building designed for advanced radio frequency and optical communication technology research and development. A brief media availability will take place at 10:30 a.m. following the formal ribbon cutting. Glenn experts will then provide tours of the facility, describe their research, and discuss what's next for the center's facility master plan. For more information on NASA, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ SOURCE NASA KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Heidi Schlumpf, executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter, will move into a new position as NCR Senior Correspondent, a role that will place her focus on investigative reporting and in-depth writing about the Catholic Church. She begins in that role on September 5th. This new position comes after an accomplished three-and-a-half year term as executive editor. During that time, Schlumpf reshaped and enhanced NCR's editing and reporting teams. The quality of their work was frequently recognized by professional organizations, including 29 awards this year from the Catholic Media Association. Her own work as a columnist and author of NCR editorials has received coverage in mainstream news outlets like the Washington Post, NPR and CNN. She also oversaw NCR's expansion into social and digital media. NCR's CEO and publisher Joe Ferullo will assume some of Schlumpf's executive editor duties temporarily. The search for a new executive editor will take place by the end of year. Prior to becoming executive editor, Schlumpf served as NCR's national correspondent. Her work in that role included in-depth coverage of the influence of money in the church, politics, women's issues, and racism. Her reporting included investigations into Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Schlumpf previously served as managing editor of U.S. Catholic magazine and as a reporter at Chicago's archdiocesan newspaper and secular newspapers in California and Wisconsin. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she also earned a master's of theological studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, where she studied with feminist theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether. CONTACT: Tony Hernandez [email protected] SOURCE The National Catholic Reporter Publishing COMMERCE CITY, Colo., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting this week, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, Vuela for Health, Delta Research Education Foundation, Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice, Asian Health Coalition, and National Association of Hispanic Nurses in Colorado will host the All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that brings the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program to communities across the United States. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and moreall designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research. Interested attendees will learn how they can help shape the future of health for themselves, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the All of Us Research Program during their visit. WHAT: Colorado is one stop on the All of Us Journey's national tour. The public are invited to attend and learn how they can help change the future of health as participants in the All of Us Research Program. WHEN and WHERE: Monday, August 28 to Thursday August 31, 2023 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Our Lady Mother of the Church 6690 E 72nd Ave Commerce City, CO 80022 Tuesday, September 5 to Friday September 8, 2023 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church 1500 S Dayton St Aurora, CO 80247 Tuesday, September 12 to Friday September 15, 2023 10 a.m. 4 p.m. H-Mart 2751 S Parker Rd. Aurora Aurora, CO 80014 See the full list of events in Colorado from August 28 to October 5 here. The All of Us Research Program, led by the National Institutes of Health, aims to recruit at least one million participants that reflect the diversity of the United States. All of Us will help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. To learn more about the All of Us Research Program and upcoming events, visit https://www.joinallofus.org/. About the All of Us Journey All of Us is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The Journey is managed by Montage Marketing Group in collaboration with Scripps Research Translational Institute, and funded by the National Institutes of Health award OT2OD035580. For more information contact: Edelena Smith Butler, Outreach Engagement Manager Phone: (843) 224-3117 Email: ebutler@montagemarketinggroup.com SOURCE Montage Marketing Group Advanced data analytics, automation, and AI/ML transforms security operations at petabyte scale and speed as legacy security tools struggle with massive data, noise, and toil SAN JOSE, Calif, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Netenrich , featuring Resolution Intelligence Cloud, a secure analytics operations company, today announced its participation at Google Cloud Next '23 , on August 29 - 31, 2023, at booth #1631, Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The company invites security and IT professionals to see how our Resolution Intelligence Cloud advances a modern SecOps approach to manage security aligned to business risk. For enterprises and digital native businesses (including ISVs) looking to transform their operations, Resolution Intelligence Cloud is a clear choice. Unlike legacy SOC architectures and security tools that fail to scale and handle massive data, the Netenrich platform disrupts current architectures with a built-from-the-ground-up platform centered around data analytics, automation, and engineering-led operations. Security operations is a big data problem. The growing volume and complexity of data flowing in and out of organizations have created new challenges in managing digital risk. Existing SIEM solutions cannot scale with the velocity of data growth, without taxing security budgets and draining existing resources. Harnessing the power of data analytics provided by Google Cloud, Resolution Intelligence Cloud takes a quantitative lifecycle approach to assessing, identifying, and managing digital risk to reduce the toil of security operations. The platform focuses on key areas, including: Analytics-driven decision making to allow organizations to assess critical events, rapidly identify the best personnel to take action, keep customers and stakeholders informed, and drive continuous improvement through rich postmortem analytics. to allow organizations to assess critical events, rapidly identify the best personnel to take action, keep customers and stakeholders informed, and drive continuous improvement through rich postmortem analytics. Situation analysis using quantitative risk scoring and contextual evidence to proactively assess threat likelihood and impact severity. By targeting and providing the right on-call personnel with a full view into a situation, teams can rapidly remediate and resolve issues--when applicable, through automation--while notifying stakeholders in the process. and contextual evidence to proactively assess threat likelihood and impact severity. By targeting and providing the right on-call personnel with a full view into a situation, teams can rapidly remediate and resolve issues--when applicable, through automation--while notifying stakeholders in the process. Cross-functional communication and collaboration , so teams and key stakeholders can better coordinate actions for situation analysis with actionable insight. , so teams and key stakeholders can better coordinate actions for situation analysis with actionable insight. Granular capture and analysis of event timelines to drive better prioritization and categorization to ensure that an organization remains focused on delivering the best customer experience and executing on the most important tasks. With Resolution Intelligence Cloud, Netenrich helps organizations become operationally mature as they shift to Autonomic Security Operations (ASO). The approach is a combination of philosophies, practices, and tools that improve an organization's ability to withstand security attacks through an adaptive, agile, and highly automated approach to threat management. The shift optimizes overall operations while maximizing security efficacy. Processes, workflows, and systems are improved. Human toil is reduced. The right people with the right expertise (high-level analysts and engineers) gain the time and insight to focus on high-value work. It's about building operational scale to align security to business risk, and meeting the needs of the growing business. For all ISVs, DevOps, and software developers who are building their applications stack on Google Cloud, come talk to us as we help transform and scale your operations. Visit Netenrich at Google Cloud Next '23. When: August 29-31, 2023 Where: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA Netenrich Booth #1631 How: Conference, meetings, and special events details here Contact Netenrich to schedule a demo and meeting About Netenrich Netenrich makes data the solution, not the problem. With Resolution Intelligence Cloud, our secure analytics operations platform, we turn complex big data into actionable intelligence so enterprises can manage security to business risk. The platform leverages a cybersecurity mesh architecture to converge security and digital operations. Its data engineering, multitenant, and automation capabilities optimizes current security systems to achieve petabyte scale and speed. More than 3,000 global customers rely on Netenrich to increase operations effectiveness, improve ROI, and ensure cybersecurity and business resilience. SOURCE Netenrich VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTCQX: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Phase II resource expansion and definition drilling program at its 5,166 hectare (51.6km2), 100%-owned Atlanta Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend 264km northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Highlights: Figure 1. Atlanta Gold Mine Project target area map (CNW Group/Nevada King Gold Corp.) From inception of the Phase I ( 5,550m ) Atlanta program in June 2021 , followed by the ongoing Phase II program starting June 2022 , Nevada King has completed 320 reverse-circulation (" RC ") holes totaling 50,145m and 17 core holes totaling 1,398m for a total of 51,543m drilled . ) program in , followed by the ongoing Phase II program starting , has completed 320 reverse-circulation (" ") holes totaling and 17 core holes totaling . The three RC rigs currently operating at Atlanta have been largely focused on completing drilling within the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" AMFZ ") and the West Atlanta Graben (" WAG "). One of the drills is now being utilized for testing geochemical and geophysical targets elsewhere within the Atlanta District, looking for additional deposits. have been largely focused on completing drilling within the Atlanta Mine Fault Zone (" ") and the West Atlanta Graben (" "). One of the drills is now being utilized for testing geochemical and geophysical targets elsewhere within the District, looking for additional deposits. To date Nevada King has reported assays from 221 holes covering 31,104m with results pending from 116 drill holes totaling 20,439m . Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, stated, "With the addition of two track-mounted RC drills this past May, the Company rapidly expanded drill production along the AMFZ and WAG. Over the past four months our knowledge regarding geometry of the structural controls over high-grade mineralization has increased dramatically, which has enabled us to consistently track higher-grade (>1.5 g/t Au) and thicker (>50m) mineralized zones within a very large, sub-horizontal lower grade (0.20-1.5 g/t Au) gold-silver horizon occurring west of the AMFZ, which also encompasses the WAG. This horizon currently measures 850m long N-S by 325m wide and remains open to the west and south. As our drilling program heads towards winter we will continue to define the higher grade Au-Ag values in the WAG and firmly merge it into the AMFZ, thereby forming a cohesive zone that should figure prominently in a future resource model." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). About Nevada King Gold Corp. Nevada King is the third largest mineral claim holder in the State of Nevada, behind Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick/Newmont) and Kinross Gold. Starting in 2016 the Company has staked large project areas hosting significant historical exploration work along the Battle Mountain trend located close to current or former producing gold mines. These project areas were initially targeted based on their potential for hosting multi-million-ounce gold deposits and were subsequently staked following a detailed geological evaluation. District-scale projects in Nevada King's portfolio include (1) the 100% owned Atlanta Mine, located 100km southeast of Ely, (2) the Lewis and Horse Mountain-Mill Creek projects, both located between Nevada Gold Mines' large Phoenix and Pipeline mines, and (3) the Iron Point project, located 35km east of Winnemucca, Nevada. The Company is well funded with cash of approximately $17 million as of August 2023. The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a NI 43-101 compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). NI 43-101 Mineral Resources at the Atlanta Mine Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000 Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operations and activities of Nevada King, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans and the Company's ability to potentially expand mineral resources and the impact thereon. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp. According to BCC Research analysts, advances in digital food management will save restaurants and other food service outlets up to 20% of their operating expenses. BOSTON, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The average restaurant in the US throws out 50,000 pounds of food every year, leading to financial waste and unnecessary methane emissions. Digital food management services can reduce this waste by 10-20% by providing real-time inventory tracking, automated recipe management, optimized menu planning, and data-driven purchasing insights. Traditional food management requires significant manpower for inventory management, recipe creation, menu planning, customer interactions, etc. Shifting to digital food management improves precision, speed, and insights. In BCC's report, Global Digital Food Management Market, BCC analysts forecast the market growth for digital food management by application and geographical region for the next five years. The analysts project that the market will grow from $1.75 Billion in 2022 to $4.48 Billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2%. The analysts forecast product growth for inventory management, product development, and marketing. They segment the market by geographic region, covering the traditionally robust North American market, the APAC region, and Europe. 95% of service providers in the digital food management space are startups. BCC analysts highlight innovators in the area, such as Agilysys, Apicbase, and Tastewise Technologies. The analysts discuss which solutions are growing fastest and which are getting the most attention from Angel investors and venture capitalists. The analysts explain how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming food management. For further information or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected]. Download Report Overview Report Name: Global Digital Food Management Market (IFT288A) Report Link: https://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/information-technology/digital-food-management-market.html Collection / Vertical: Commerce / Information Technology Author: Nakerikanti Harish Company Registration Number: 2293034 About BCC Research BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: BCC Research LLC 49 Walnut Park, Building 2 Wellesley, MA 02481, USA [email protected], +1 781-489-7301 Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research Despite small increases in Grades 1 and 2 reading, achievement levels remain largely stagnant from the prior school year and below pre-pandemic levels NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates has released its newest annual report, State of Student Learning in 2023: Academic Recovery Remains Slow in Most Grades, which demonstrates that little progress has occurred since the beginning of the pandemic, and even students in Grades 1 and 2who were not in school at the start of the pandemicare not performing at pre-pandemic benchmarks. The State of Student Learning in 2023 report describes reading and mathematics achievement of students in Grades 18 gathered from Curriculum Associates' i-Ready assessment tool, which is administered to more than 11 million Grades K8 students in the United States. The results in this report are from a nationally representative sample across three school years: 20222023, 20212022, and 20182019the last full academic year prior to the pandemic. "Educators have been working tirelessly to help students close learning gaps over the past few years," said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. "It's essential that we stay focused and support educators to accelerate student learning to get back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. We need to continue to push forward on data-driven and evidence-based strategies that can drive student growth and set students on a pathway to proficiency." Key Findings: Grades 1 and 2 students were not yet in school when the pandemic shut down schools in March 2020 , yet they are still performing below pre-pandemic averages. , yet they are still performing below pre-pandemic averages. In spring 2023, 61 percent of Grade 1 students and 60 percent of Grade 2 students placed on grade level in reading on the i-Ready Diagnostic . While these results are slightly above achievement levels in spring 2022, they are seven percentage points below achievement levels in spring 2019. . While these results are slightly above achievement levels in spring 2022, they are seven percentage points below achievement levels in spring 2019. Overall, early-elementary students show a small increase in grade-level attainment in reading between spring 2022 and spring 2023, yet they remain below pre-pandemic achievement levels. Upper-elementary and middle school achievement levels in reading have remained stagnant. In Grades 58, fewer than 50 percent of students are reading on grade level, comparable with pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 50 percent of Grade 4 students placed On Grade Level, a three-percentage-point drop from 2019. This is notable because Grade 4 students were in Grade 1 when schools initially closeda crucial year for the development of foundational reading skills. In mathematics, fewer students are on grade level and more students are below grade level across all grades compared to pre-pandemic levels. In Grades 58, the percentage of students on grade level was between four and 10 percentage points lower than in 2019. Across all grades, student learning from 20212022 to 20222023 remained stagnant. Historical inequities continue to persist between schools serving majority Black and Latino students and schools serving majority white students, as well as between schools in low-income communities and schools in higher-income communities. "The research cannot be any clearer," said Kristen Huff, vice president of assessment and research at Curriculum Associates. "On the whole, student recovery for the last two years is largely stagnant and is not happening at the rate needed to make up for unfinished learning. We need to look carefully at how we are supporting and accelerating student growth and at all of the factors impacting student learning if we want to start seeing significant turnaround in student grade-level achievement." About Curriculum Associates Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students. Contact: Kati Elliott Charlotte Fixler KEH Communications Curriculum Associates (410) 975-9638 (978) 901-6066 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would like to hold elections within a year, but he sees many obstacles to this. As the president told Natalya Moseychuk in an interview, he held a meeting in Kyiv with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who said that elections in Ukraine should be held in 2024. "My answer is very simple. And Lindsey was very pleased with it. If our parliamentarian is ready, then why not? As then we need changes to the legislation, to the electoral code. Do it quickly. One. If, as I told him, you are ready give me 5 billion, because I am not a person who deals with paving stones, and I can't just take 5 billion from the budget, but it seems to me that this is the amount needed to hold elections in normal times. In the military, I don't know what that amount is. Therefore, I told him if the United States, together with Europe, gives us financial support and I don't ask for anything, I won't hold elections on credit, I won't take money from weapons and give it to the elections either. And this is provided for by law " Zelenskyy said. "I told him: if the United States and Europe give us financial support... I'm sorry, I will not hold elections on credit, I will not take money from weapons and give it to elections either. But if you give me this financial support, if the parliamentarians realize that we need to do this, then let's quickly change the legislation and, most importantly, let's take risks together. Observers should be in the trenches. I told him: observers must be sent to the frontline so that the elections are legitimate for us and for the whole world. And this is absolutely fair," he said. In turn, according to the head of state, Lindsey said "such remarks are very adequate and fair." As Zelenskyy noted, he was against holding elections due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure for voting for people who left Ukraine in connection with the war and for the military at the front. According to the president, he would not want to fantasize now about the fact that "we would live without elections for three, five, seven years." "I don't want the authorities to have the idea that they are holding on to something. I'm not holding on to anything, I would like to hold elections. Honestly, I would like to do this within a year," the president said. According to the presidential press service, in his interview he also said elections in Ukraine under martial law are possible only if it is possible to exercise the right to vote for all citizens, including military personnel and internally displaced persons abroad, and with funding and presence foreign observers at polling stations on the frontline. "We need every vote. We cannot say for ourselves that this is very democratically done. We need a legitimate choice. For this choice to be made by society. So that this does not divide our people. So that the military can vote. They are defending this democracy today and not giving them this opportunity because of the war is dishonest," the head of state said. SHANGHAI, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Noah Holdings Limited (the "Company" or "Noah") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider in China offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for high net worth investors, today announced that the Company's board of directors (the "Board") proposes that each issued and unissued ordinary share of the Company with a par value of US$0.0005 each (the "Shares") be subdivided into 10 ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.00005 each (the "Subdivided Shares") (such proposed subdivision, the "Share Subdivision"). The Share Subdivision is conditional on, among other things, the approval of the Company's shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting to be held on or around October 26, 2023 (the "EGM"). Subject to and conditional upon the Share Subdivision becoming effective, the Board has approved a change in the Company's American depositary share ("ADS") ratio proportionate to the Share Subdivision from two ADSs representing one Share to one ADS representing five Subdivided Shares (the "ADS Ratio Change"). The ADS Ratio Change and the Share Subdivision, if approved, will take effect on the same date. No action is required by the Company's ADS holders to effect the ADS Ratio Change (other than to vote to approve the Share Subdivision proposal at the EGM). The Board believes that the Share Subdivision will lower the investment barrier and increase the trading liquidity of the Company's ordinary shares, which would attract more investors to trade in the Company's ordinary shares on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and give the Company more flexibility to explore future fundraising activities. The Shares are currently traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in board lot size of 20 Shares each. The Board also proposes that, subject to and conditional upon the Share Subdivision becoming effective, the board lot size will be changed from 20 Shares to 100 Subdivided Shares (the "Change in Board Lot Size"). The Change in Board Lot Size will not affect any of the relative rights of the Company's shareholders. Holders of the Shares as of the close of business on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Hong Kong time, will be entitled to attend and vote at the EGM or any adjourned meeting thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of close of business on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights in respect of the underlying Shares must give voting instructions to Citibank, N.A., the depositary of the ADSs. Details including the date and location of the EGM will be set out in the Company's notice of EGM to be issued and provided to holders of the Shares and ADSs as of the respective record dates together with the proxy materials in due course. Further details on the proposed Share Subdivision, Change in Board Lot Size and record date for the EGM are available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.noahgroup.com. ABOUT NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX:6686) is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider in China offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for high net worth investors. Noah is a Cayman Islands holding company and carries on business in Hong Kong as Noah Holdings Private Wealth and Asset Management Limited. In the first half of 2023, Noah distributed RMB35.2 billion (US$4.9 billion) of investment products. Through Gopher Asset Management, Noah had assets under management of RMB156.9 billion (US$21.6 billion) as of June 30, 2023. Noah's wealth management business primarily distributes private equity, private secondary, mutual fund and other products denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah delivers customized financial solutions to clients through a network of 1,375 relationship managers across 63 cities in mainland China, and serves the international investment needs of its clients through offices in Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), New York, Silicon Valley and Singapore. The Company's wealth management business had 446,557 registered clients as of June 30, 2023. Through Gopher Asset Management, Noah manages private equity, public securities, real estate, multi-strategy and other investments denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah also provides other businesses. For more information, please visit Noah at ir.noahgroup.com. SOURCE Noah Holdings Limited ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2022, weather events like tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires in the U.S. incurred losses exceeding $1 billion each, NOAA reported . The U.S. Census Bureau reported more than 3 million people were displaced from their homes. Natural disaster preparedness utilizing advanced geospatial and AI technologies for forecasting and emergency response is becoming critical for government and business leaders. GEO SWRM: Severe Weather Resilience and Mitigation Conference Scheduled in St. Louis and Houston for National Preparedness Month "As climate change accelerates, the threat from more severe natural disasters is increasing," said Andrew Montgomery, vice president of strategy, Object Computing . "With powerful geospatial data and AI-powered analytics, leaders can more effectively ensure public safety, protect physical assets, and maintain infrastructure." Object Computing, in partnership with Planet and other technology leaders, is hosting two conferences to help leaders prepare and respond. The GEO SWRM: Severe Weather Resilience and Mitigation Conference will be held in St. Louis on September 19 and in Houston on September 28. Conference goals are two-fold: To gather civic and business leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to share best practices for managing weather incidents and educate on the capabilities new technologies can have in pre- and post-disasters. To provide awareness and hands-on training using cutting-edge tools for geospatial technology professionals. Conference will highlight geospatial technology solutions required to mitigate specific weather-related impacts of their region, featuring speakers, roundtable discussions, and hands-on training sessions for technologists. "We have an exciting line-up of guest participants who bring experience from the communities they serve, such as our keynote speaker in St. Louis, Col. Kevin Golinghorst, former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of St. Louis District," Montgomery said. St. Louis GEO SWRM is presented by Object Computing, Greater St. Louis Inc., Planet, New Light Technologies, Taylor Geospatial Institute, Cortex, Saint Louis University, and University of Missouri's Data Science & Analytics Program. Houston GEO SWRM is presented by Object Computing, Planet, and Colorado School of Mines. Object Computing is a modern consulting company that takes businesses from insights to outcomes using breakthrough technology, including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Engineering, Best Practices in Security, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. As pioneers of enterprise open source solutions, we strategically integrate best-in-class technologies into enterprise solutions to deliver impactful digital capabilities that enable scalability, reusability, security, and quality. SOURCE Object Computing, Inc. OLYPHANT, Pa., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Manzo, the driving force behind Pathways Consulting Group, has been named one of Inc Magazine's Best CEOs of 2023, celebrating her remarkable leadership and transformative impact on the tech industry. With a career spanning over 35 years, Mary's journey from creating document automation processes as a college student to CEO of a top consulting firm has been a testament to her innovation and adaptability. Pathways Consulting Group, under her guidance, has solidified its position as a leading ServiceNow Elite solutions provider, delivering tailored solutions that consistently surpass operational and sales goals. Mary's leadership ethos is marked by her commitment to innovation and diversity. She fosters an environment of continual growth and change, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve exceptional outcomes. As a fervent advocate for women in technology, Mary recognizes the profound influence of varied viewpoints on business dynamics. Upon receiving this honor, Mary expressed gratitude and a desire to leave a lasting positive impact. "I believe in helping people achieve their aspirations and improving lives. My journey has been one of seizing opportunities and embracing the unexpected, and I encourage others to do the same," she stated. Pathways Consulting Group's success is a result of Mary's unique approach, valuing collaboration and inclusivity. Her emphasis on diverse viewpoints echoes her dedication to shaping a more inclusive technology landscape. As one of Inc Magazine's Best CEOs of 2023, Mary Manzo inspires individuals to embrace innovation, champion diversity, and seize opportunities fearlessly. Her story underscores the pivotal role of visionary leadership in shaping the future of business. You can read the full feature on Mary in Inc Magazine and learn more here . About Pathways Consulting Group We are ServiceNow experts. At Pathways, we listen. We care. We execute. As a Certified Women Owned ServiceNow Elite Partner, Pathways Consulting Group has been helping clients unlock productivity, fuel efficiency and accelerate the path to digital transformation for over a decade. From banking to healthcare, high-tech to supermarkets, we help organizations across industries automate processes, saving them time and man hours, leading to a faster realization of ROI and employee adoption of ServiceNow. We've earned and maintained a high customer satisfaction score for over a decade, and have earned our reputation for strategic and technical excellence as well as our flexible, collaborative approach and proven outcomes. SOURCE Pathways Consulting Group Mridha International Institute of Peace & Happiness (MIIPH) invites public to participate in third year of event focused on peace and nonviolence SAGINAW, Mich., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The public is invited to participate in the Third Annual Saginaw Peace Walk on Thursday, September 21, International Peace Day. The event, which will include a Peace Expo highlighting mid-Michigan-based non-profit organizations' connections to peace, takes place at the historic Montague Inn Bed & Breakfast, 1581 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore is among the distinguished guests scheduled to appear. Mayor Moore will issue a proclamation recognizing MIIPH's efforts to promote peace in the community through its peace walk event, annual peace symposium, and the development of its online peace education platform. Food trucks, live music, and local nonprofit activities and information will be featured. The Peace Walk is co-sponsored by Wildfire Credit Union. Event Schedule 4:00pm - Peace Expo will feature participating organizations: CAN Council Castle Museum of Saginaw County History Child & Family Services of Saginaw East Side Soup Kitchen Great Lakes Bay Pride Association Heart of the City Development Center Major Chords for Minors Mexican American Council Positive Results Downtown Saginaw READ Association of Saginaw Saginaw Children's Zoo Saginaw Choral Society Saginaw Valley Rotary Club Saginaw YMCA The Underground Railroad, Inc. United Way of Saginaw County Youth for Understanding 5:00pm Welcome address from MIIPH Founder Dr. Debasish Mridha, Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore, other distinguished guests 5:30pm Saginaw Peace Walk leaves from The Montague Inn, following Washington Avenue to Fordney Street, passing the Saginaw YMCA, and returning to the Montague via Washington Avenue by 6:15pm. 6:30pm Afterglow socializing with music "Peace is the most valuable resource that we can share," says MIIPH Founder Dr. Debasish Mridha. "Our goal is to bring the community together to celebrate places where peace can be found." About MIIPH: Founded in 2021, the Mridha International Institute of Peace & Happiness (MIIPH) is a 501(c)(3) company and a subsidiary of the Mridha Foundation. Based in Saginaw, Mich., the Institute is dedicated to promoting peace, happiness, and harmony through peace education and its annual peace symposium. For more information, visit http://miiph.org. SOURCE Mridha International Institute of Peace & Happiness ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sana Lake Recovery has been named one of America's Best Addiction Treatment Centers for 2023. This prestigious award, co-sponsored by Newsweek and Statista, recognizes excellence in addiction treatment. The official list can be found at www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-addiction-treatment-centers-2023. The America's Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2023 list highlights the nation's top facilities based on quality of service, reputation, and accreditation relative to in-state competition. Facilities in the 25 states with the highest number of addiction treatment centers, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), were included in the survey. Sana Lake Recovery's Achievements: Among the Top 50 Addiction Treatment Centers out of 3,500 Selected as a Leading 360 Center Recognized in the Top 11-17% of Facilities "Recognition as one of America's Top 50 Addiction Treatment Centers in 2023 confirms Sana Lake Recovery's commitment to providing outstanding care," says Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, Elizabeth Barton. "This award emphasizes the importance of providing effective addiction treatment and compassionate support to ensure every member receives the best care possible." Sana Lake Recovery remains committed to improving the lives of every member, their families, and the community. The organization firmly believes addiction and mental health issues are chronic conditions, not choices. Their approach involves tailored, evidence-based care rooted in their support, guidance, and care philosophy. Sana Lake Recovery is honored to be selected as one of America's Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2023. About Sana Lake Recovery: Sana Lake Recovery is a leading addiction treatment center based in Missouri, providing personalized and extended care to individuals struggling with addiction. We are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of our members, their families, and the community through our dedication to healing and lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how we can help you or a loved one achieve long-term recovery. Visit www.sanalake.com for more information. Press Contact: Elizabeth Barton (314) 369-8248 SOURCE Sana Lake Recovery ~The Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort Company Takes Home 13 Accolades at the Exclusive Awards Celebration Hosted at Sandals Grande St. Lucian~ GROS-ISLET, Saint Lucia, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, took home 13 prestigious awards at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, which took place on August 26th at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The World Travel Awards recognizes and celebrates the top players in the travel and tourism industry each year, bringing together government officials and leaders in the hospitality industry. From left to right: Sandals Resorts Internationals CEO, Gebhard Rainer; Managing Director for the Eastern Caribbean, Winston Anderson; and Sandals Grande St. Lucians General Manager, Michael Nassiri, accepting the Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023 and St. Lucia's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023 awards. SRI team members, including CEO Gebhard Rainer, and resort General Managers, celebrating winning the Caribbeans Leading Hotel Brand at the 30th Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Amid the glimmer of the gala, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand for the 30th year in a row. In addition to this top honor, the all-new Sandals Dunn's River , which opened its doors in May, celebrated its first wins as the Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort and Caribbean's Leading New Resort. Ushering in a new era of Jamaican hospitality, the all-inclusive resort boasts entirely new ways to experience the natural treasures of the island, with cascading waters throughout the resort sourced from the nearby Dunn's River Falls and unique room concepts completely new to the brand such as the Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-Up Rondoval Suites and Tufa Terrace Skypool Suites. Marking another milestone, Sandals Royal Curacao won Curacao's Leading All-Inclusive Resort for the second year in a row, highlighting the resort as the best place to explore the island of Curacao, with its luxury suites and sprawling bungalows, MINI Cooper convertible access, and cutting edge Island Inclusive dining program. "To be named the Caribbean's leading hotel brand for the 30th consecutive year is such an honor and a testament to the incredible team members and valued guests that make up the Sandals family," says Gebhard Rainer, CEO of Sandals Resorts International. "Authentic and exceptional Caribbean hospitality are at the center of all that we do, and we're beyond proud to be hosting and recognizing the travel industry's best trailblazers at our very own Sandals Grande St. Lucian." Located on its own peninsula in Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, Sandals Grande St. Lucian offered an idealistic backdrop for World Travel Awards guests to enjoy delectable dining, accompanied by panoramic views of the island. The 13 awards won under Sandals Resorts International's portfolio are: Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand 2023: Sandals Resorts International Caribbean's Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica Caribbean's Leading New Resort 2023: Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica Caribbean's Most Romantic Resort 2023: Sandals Grande Antigua Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023: Sandals Grande St. Lucian , St. Lucia St Lucia's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Grande St. Lucian Grenada's Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Grenada Jamaica's Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Montego Bay Bahamas' Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Bahamian Caribbean's Leading Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Barbados Curacao's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023: Sandals Royal Curacao Jamaica's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2023: Beaches Negril Caribbean's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2023: Beaches Turks & Caicos The World Travel Awards, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023, is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence voted on by qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer worldwide. This year, there was a record-breaking surge in votes, causing an extension for the voting period. For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com . For more information on the World Travel Awards, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/ . About Sandals Resorts International Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of travel's most recognizable vacation brands. The company operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands including: Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curacao. Beaches Resorts, the Luxury Included concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. Family-owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region. For more information, visit Sandals Resorts International . Media Contact: The Decker/Royal Agency [email protected] SOURCE Sandals Resorts International Connected devices such as energy storage and smart thermostats centrally managed to reduce demand on the grid SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As extreme heat records fall across the West and strain the power grid, San Diego Gas & Electric is piloting a new cleantech innovation known as a virtual power plant (a VPP) to reduce energy demand and put electricity back on the grid during peak hours all through leveraging the capabilities of customer-owned smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage and other connected resources such as water pumps. (Download project photos via this Dropbox link: VPP) Unlike a traditional power plant, a virtual power plant does not rely on a physical facility to generate electricity for the grid to distribute to homes and businesses. Instead, a VPP uses advanced software to aggregate and coordinate the functions of a collection of small-scale, decentralized resources located at customers' homes and businesses to meet grid needs. A VPP network can comprise a wide range of devices and resources everything from home appliances such as electric vehicles and chargers to HVAC equipment and solar plus battery energy storage systems. Software programs run VPPs in concert with grid operations to dispatch communications signals to devices in the VPP network to either power down or discharge electricity from existing resources back to the grid. "The beauty of a virtual power plant is it can leverage existing resources to provide significant grid reliability benefits with zero incremental emissions," said SDG&E Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Romero. "When hundreds or thousands of businesses or homes are connected to a VPP and their resources are flexibly managed to charge or discharge electrons, they can help keep the lights on during hot summer days." In August, as temperatures soared, SDG&E deployed its VPP pilot three times to support the grid during peak demand periods. Connected devices functioned as expected. Because of how well the pilot project has performed, SDG&E is considering expanding the program to other areas in the future. SDG&E's VPP pilot is different from most other VPPs because of the diversity of devices it has integrated into a centralized system. Most VPPs typically involve only one brand or one type of device (e.g., battery energy storage). SDG&E's VPP involves multiple brands and types of devices including smart thermostats, well water controllers and battery energy storage systems. The pilot is taking place in Shelter Valley, a remote community in eastern San Diego County about an hour and a half drive from central San Diego. Participants in the pilot include single-family homes with existing rooftop solar and the Shelter Valley Community Center, which serves as a resource center for the community during emergencies. The center received free installation of two batteries onsite. "We can use this equipment to maintain a place for people if the power goes off and keep the center cool and hope we can provide food if needed for our community residents," said Shelter Valley Community Center Board President Steve Bassett, who believes the project will better prepare the community for emergencies. When VPP participants receive a message about the potential for their devices to be turned off or discharge electricity to support the grid, they can opt out for certain devices (except battery storage). So far, the opt-out rate has been very low. The pilot first came online last December and will run through December 2023. Since the start of the pilot, the VPP has been tested through 17 simulated demand response events. More about the Shelter Valley VPP Pilot Project HERE. SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on X (previously known as Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook. SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Danaher Corporation ("Danaher" or the "Company") (NYSE: DHR), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and docketed under 23-cv-02055, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Danaher securities between April 21, 2022, and April 24, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Danaher securities during the Class Period, you have until September 15, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Danaher designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Company is comprised of more than 20 operating companies organized under four segments: Biotechnology; Life Sciences; Diagnostics; and Environmental & Applied Solutions. In 2020 and 2021, Danaher's diagnostic tests and life sciences research tools were widely used in the effort to combat the COVID-19 virus. Specifically, Danaher's diagnostics segment included Cepheid, a leader in molecular testing, and its life sciences segment included a variety of companies that worked to develop COVID-19 vaccines and therapies. As a result, Danaher experienced a significant upswing in revenue growth over the course of this period. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) as the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, revenue growth associated with Danaher's COVID-19-related businesses was declining; (ii) contrary to the Company's prior representations to investors, revenues associated with Danaher's non-COVID-19-related businesses were insufficient to compensate for the foregoing negative trend; (iii) accordingly, Danaher overstated the Company's ability to sustain the growth it had experienced in 2020 and 2021; (iv) as a result, it was unlikely that Danaher would be able to meet its 2023 revenue forecasts; and (v) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. On April 25, 2023, Danaher issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2023. Among other items, Danaher reported that "[r]evenues decreased 7.0% year-over-year to $7.2 billion, with a 4.0% non-GAAP core revenue decrease, due to the impact of lower COVID-19 revenue, and 6.0% non-GAAP base business core revenue growth." The Company also projected that "[f]or the second quarter and full year 2023, . . . non-GAAP base business core revenue growth will be up mid-single digits year-over-year", down from an earlier projection of high-single-digit growth. Notably, this announcement appeared to be at odds with Danaher's prior reassurances that revenues associated with the Company's non-COVID-19-related businesses would compensate for the foregoing negative results. On this news, Danaher's stock price fell $22.36 per share, or 8.79%, to close at $231.99 per share on April 25, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ("Hawaiian Electric" or the "Company") (NYSE: HE) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and docketed under 23-cv-04332, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Hawaiian Electric securities between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Hawaiian Electric securities during the Class Period, you have until October 23, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Hawaiian Electric, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility, banking, and non-regulated renewable/sustainable infrastructure investment businesses in the state of Hawaii. The Company provides service to 95% of Hawaiian residents and operates in three segments, including the Electric Utility segment, which engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Hawaiian Electric's wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (ii) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. In early August 2023, a series of severe wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The most destructive fire began in West Maui near the town of Lahaina on the morning of August 8, 2023. By that afternoon, intense winds had knocked down approximately 30 utility poles throughout Maui, resulting in at least 15 separate outages impacting more than 12,400 customers. Moreover, videos captured by local residents showed that downed power lines belonging to Hawaiian Electric appeared to have ignited at least several of the fires. Ultimately, the wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and have killed at least 114 people, with some 850 others still missing in Lahaina. On August 12, 2023, news outlets began reporting that Hawaiian Electric lacked the proper policies and procedures to mitigate the impact of the wildfires. Specifically, it was revealed that, at the time the wildfires began, the Company did not maintain a public power shutoff plani.e., a plan in which electricity is intentionally cut off to areas where strong wind events could cause the fires to spread. On this news, Hawaiian Electric's stock price fell $10.94 per share, or 33.76%, to close at $21.46 per share on August 14, 2023. Then, on August 16, 2023, the Wall Street Journal ("WSJ") reported that Hawaiian Electric is meeting with firms that specialize in restructuring advisory work, exploring options for the various financial and legal challenges that the Company faces as a consequence from the Maui wildfires. Finally, on August 17, 2023, the WSJ reported that Hawaiian Electric had for years been aware of the threat posed by wildfire but waited years to act. Indeed, the WSJ stated that between 2019 and 2022 the Company spent less than $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects on Maui and did not seek state approval to raise utility rates to pay for broad wildfire safety improvements until 2022. Following the publication of the WSJ articles, Hawaiian Electric's stock price fell $2.54 per share, or 17.43%, to close at $12.03 per share on August 17, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP The International Working Group on Russia-related sanctions, led by Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute (FSI) Ambassador Michael McFaul, has examined 174 foreign components seized from three models of UAVs used by Russian forces on battlefield in Ukraine, the presidential press service said on Monday. Russia still relies heavily on foreign-made components, in particular microelectronics, in the UAV manufacturing process, according to the text. China is the main supplier of critical components for Russian drones, accounting for 67% of shipments, with 17% of them going through Hong Kong, according to the international working group study. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates account for 5% and 2% of the components, respectively. The drones also contained components manufactured in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and other countries, in particular processors, microcircuits, transistors and other vital components. According to the international working group's report, many details can be obtained through public platforms, which makes it difficult for regulatory oversight. With this in mind, the group's experts urged manufacturers to do more to prevent Russia from accessing their products in circumvention of economic sanctions. "Russia is very actively using drones for massive attacks on infrastructure, civilian and military facilities in Ukraine, so it is disturbing to see that important components for the production of hostile UAVs come from different states, including from Ukraine's allies. This issue requires our joint immediate response. Comprehensive measures must be taken to prevent the aggressor from using critical components to continue hostilities on Ukrainian soil," Yermak said. In particular, it was proposed to harmonize the sanctions lists between partner countries, unify the lists of dual-use goods based on the Harmonized System codes and expand the categories of goods subject to sanctions based on the Harmonized System codes. Companies should also develop clearer guidelines for complying with legal requirements. According to experts, more efficient use of existing institutions and mechanisms is needed. In particular, the application of anti-money laundering mechanisms can strengthen export control measures, since sanctions circumvention often has similar patterns to money laundering. The international working group on sanctions was established at the initiative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It is headed by Head of the Office of the Head of State Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) Ambassador Michael McFaul. The group includes international and Ukrainian experts, among them are also representatives of Kyiv School of Economics. NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The Boeing Company ("Boeing" or the "Company") (NYSE: BA). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Boeing and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On August 23, 2023, Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. ("Spirit Aerosystems"), a key supplier of components for Boeing aircraft, issued a press release acknowledging "a quality issue involving elongated fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead on certain models of the 737 fuselage produced by Spirit AeroSystems." Spirit Aerosystems stated that it "has implemented changes to its manufacturing process to address this issue" and is "working closely with [Boeing] to address any impacted units within the production system and address any needed rework." On this news, Boeing's stock price fell $11.27 per share, or 4.93% percent, to close at $217.31 on August 24, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Shift4 Payments, Inc. ("Shift4" or the "Company") (NYSE: FOUR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 23-cv-03206, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities between November 10, 2021 and April 18, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities during the Class Period, you have until October 19, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Shift4 provides software and payment processing solutions in the United States. The Company provides, among other products and services, integrated and mobile point-of-sale ("POS") solutions. In Shift4's third quarter of 2022, the Company completed its so-called "mass strategic buyout program" as part of a purported strategic initiative to insource its sales distribution network. According to Shift4, because the Company is not a "member bank" as defined in certain payment network rules, the Company is not eligible for primary membership in certain payment networks and is therefore unable to directly access them. Accordingly, Shift4's payment networks require the Company to be sponsored by a member bank as a service provider, which the Company has accomplished through a sponsorship agreement with its sponsor bank. To cover overdraft obligations at the sponsor bank, prior to December 2022, Shift4 had funds deposited in a sponsor bank merchant settlement account to facilitate gross card transaction deposits for those customers the Company bills on a monthly, as opposed to a daily, basis. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Shift4 had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (ii) as a result, Shift4 failed to properly account for customer acquisition costs, thereby artificially inflating its net cash provided by operating activities; (iii) accordingly, Shift4 would likely be forced to restate one or more of its previously issued financial statements; (iv) Shift4 employed accounting maneuvers in connection with, among other things, its mass strategic buyout program and sponsor bank merchant settlement account, that were designed to present an inaccurate picture of, inter alia, the Company's performance, its underlying business quality, and its earnings power; (v) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Shift4's reputation and business; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On October 21, 2022, Shift4 disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the Company's third quarter 2021, full year 2021, first quarter 2022, and second quarter 2022 financial statements should no longer be relied upon and would need to be restated because of a material weakness in the Company's financial controls, which had caused it to incorrectly treat "customer acquisition costs" as cash used in investing activities rather than cash used in operating activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result, Shift4 was forced to negatively revise its net cash provided by operating activities to $3 million (down from its originally reported $29.2 million), $30.8 million (down from its originally reported $37.1 million), and $70.8 million (down from its originally reported $85 million) for the year ended December 31, 2021, the three months ended March 31, 2022, and the six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively. On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $1.21 per share, or 2.67%, to close at $44.16 per share on October 24, 2022. On April 19, 2023, Blue Orca Capital published a report addressing Shift4 (the "Blue Orca Report"). The Blue Orca Report alleged, among other things, that "Shift4 [is], in reality, a roll-up of low-tech POS systems and payment processors which is substantially less profitable, generates far less cash, and is materially more levered than investors are led to believe." The Blue Orca Report further alleged that in 2022, "Shift4 engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyper-aggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat, from cash flow manipulation to inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS [cost of goods sold]." For example, the Blue Orca Report alleged, inter alia, that Shift4's "buyout of 50% of its independent distributors"i.e., in connection with its mass strategic buyout program"and Q4 2022 cash account withdrawal" from its sponsor bank merchant settlement account "together inflated operating cash flow by 61%." On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $5.95 per share, or 8.68%, to close at $62.59 per share on April 19, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: May 25, 2022 to February 8, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 11, 2023 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in BAX: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/baxter-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=44764&from=4 Baxter International Inc. NEWS - BAX NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Baxter International Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company concealed the true extent of the supply chain problems it was experiencing while simultaneously exaggerating its ability to maintain a healthy supply chain in the face of global pressures; (ii) as a result, the Company's projected earnings were materially misleading during the Class Period; (iii) the foregoing, once revealed, was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on the Company's financial condition; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Over the course of the Class Period, Baxter's stock price declined by nearly 50%, eliminating billions of dollars in market capitalization. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Baxter you have until September 11, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Baxter securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the BAX lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/baxter-lawsuit-loss-submission-form?id=44764&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, August 25, 2023, following a five-day jury trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), an eight (8) person jury unanimously found that Steampunk, Inc. and Steampunk Holdings, Inc., (hereinafter "Steampunk" or "the Company") had not discriminated against a former employee on the basis of pregnancy discrimination, nor had the Company retaliated against the former employee in violation of federal law. The Company terminated former Executive Vice President and General Manager, Kathleen (Kate) Abrey, in January 2021 for consistent underperformance. In June 2022, Abrey filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her 2021 dismissal was motivated by pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. After deliberating for just two hours last Friday, the jurors unanimously rejected Abrey's allegations of wrongdoing and concluded that Steampunk had not discriminated nor retaliated against her. The jurors returned a verdict in favor of the Company on all counts and the Court dismissed Abrey's case in its entirety. Steampunk CEO, Matt Warren, said "It's very unfortunate, but we had been accused of some very calculated and hurtful things. We knew we had done nothing wrong, so we felt obligated to contest Abrey's claims as maintaining an anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation workplace is of the utmost importance to us. We are greatly relieved that we are now able to set the record straight with the outcome of this trial and continue our steadfast focus on our clients, partners, employees, and culture." Steampunk is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and unlawful retaliation, in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. John Harllee, Steampunk's COO, added that, "There are times when principles and business expediency conflict, and in those situations, principles must always come first. That's the Steampunk way. I'd also like to express my profound gratitude to the jury of our peers for their time and attention in seeing justice done last week." Steampunk, Inc. and Steampunk Holdings, Inc. were represented by Nigel Wilkinson and M. Robin Davis of Jackson Lewis P.C. Kate Abrey was represented by Lawrence Pearson and Alfredo Pelicci of Wigdor, LLP. About Steampunk Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health, and DoD sectors. Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges. As an employee-owned company, we focus on investing in our employees to enable them to do the greatest work of their careers and rewarding them for outstanding contributions to our growth. If you want to learn more about our story, visit https://www.steampunk.com. Media Contact: Robert Pearson, Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] | 571.344.5538 www.steampunk.com | @steampunk_inc SOURCE Steampunk TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced today the promotion of Steve Harris to senior vice president of payor and government affairs. "With the expansion of Tampa General's geographic footprint to deliver world-class care to more families throughout the state of Florida, our advocacy efforts are more important than ever," said John Couris, president and CEO of TGH. "Steve plays a key role in advocating for TGH and the patients we serve by working closely with our community leaders, elected officials and regulatory agencies to advance policies that promote quality and expand access to health care." As senior vice president, Harris will continue to promote policies that enable TGH to deliver high quality, accessible and affordable care among policymakers on the federal and state level, including members of Congress, federal administration officials, members of the Florida Legislature and key stakeholders in Florida's health care agencies. In addition, Harris serves as the key liaison for health plans and government payors, including Medicare, Florida Medicaid, and Tricare, and oversees regulatory compliance efforts with federal law, state legislation and regulatory rules. "Steve has a keen understanding of the complexities of health care policies, regulations and reimbursement systems," said Mark Runyon, executive vice president and chief financial officer of TGH. "With his deep knowledge and experience, he is an exceptional advocate for TGH, and that work has greatly contributed to our ability to deliver world-class care and focus on the patients we serve." In his new role, Harris will also oversee government relations for new facilities, such as the TGH Rehabilitation Hospital, recent acquisitions from Bravera Health expected to close at the end of this year, and the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital anticipated to open in 2024. "Tampa General is consistently breaking records, achieving milestones and saving lives. It's a privilege for me advocate on behalf of one of the nation's leading academic health systems to our partners in health care and our key stakeholders in government," said Harris. "By effectively communicating the value of TGH, we're able to strengthen the quality of world class care we deliver to the people and communities we serve." Harris joined the TGH team in 2011. His experience in health care policy spans more than 25 years. Prior to joining TGH, Harris was a Senior Manager in the KPMG Healthcare Advisory practice. While at KPMG, he worked with the firm's hospital clients in the review of Medicare and state Medicaid cost reports, performing audit support as a third-party reimbursement specialist, and special reimbursement projects including, graduate medical education, organ acquisition reimbursement, wage index submissions and provider reimbursement appeals. Harris received a master's degree in health administration and a master's in business administration from the University of Florida. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Beth Hardy, APR Senior Communications Specialist (727) 510-6363 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Dispatch, the industry-leading car shipping platform, announced today the company has joined global tech innovation hub 1871 's 2023 Supply Chain Innovation Lab as a Late-Stage Partner. The Innovation Lab connects growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate tech businesses that want to solve the most significant challenges and opportunities in Supply Chain. 1871's Supply Chain Innovation Lab consists of four immersive weeks to connect growth-stage and late-stage startups, corporates, and VCs who use supply chain technology. As a pioneer in the auto transport industry, Super Dispatch has delivered more than 20 million cars in the U.S. and Canada. The company has also developed significant innovations for the automotive supply chain and disrupted legacy infrastructure with a modern, all-in-one platform, creating a better way to move cars. Super Dispatch has joined global tech innovation hub 1871's 2023 Supply Chain Innovation Lab as a Late-Stage Partner. Post this Bek Abdullayev, Super Dispatch Founder and Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement around the selection, noting, "Super Dispatch is excited to join the 1871 Innovation Lab. This invitation further sets us apart as an industry expert, which we aim to be daily." Abdullayev continued, "We'll use this exposure and connection to expand our impact on the auto transport community." As a Late-Stage Partner, Super Dispatch will participate in the Innovation Lab, which allows companies to: Emerge as a showcased thought leader Network with peers and leaders in the industry Mentor future industry leaders Connect with industry leaders and up-and-coming companies disrupting the industry Explore curated connections between potential partners across maturity curve (growth to corporate) Amplify brand at the Supply Chain Summit Starting as an app, and now as a robust car-hauling platform, Super Dispatch connects the auto transport industry through best-in-class technology backed by real people enabling brokers, carriers, and shippers to move cars faster, smarter, and easier. The company recently launched Auto Transport Co-Pilot , the first-of-its-kind video podcast offering a dedicated conversation for the auto transport industry. About Super Dispatch Super Dispatch, founded in 2013, is the end-to-end shipping platform backed by a digital suite of tools built to make the lives of auto transport industry professionals easier. Connecting shippers, brokers, and carriers with innovative software enables them to move cars faster while managing and growing their businesses. Super Dispatch is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, please visit our website or contact a Super Dispatch representative at [email protected] . About 1871 1871 is Chicago's innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage, late stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital. SOURCE Super Dispatch NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teleperformance, a global leader in digital business services, announced today that it was honored by Singapore Airlines (SIA) with the CEO Service Excellence Award as an Outstanding Partner. The award recognizes Teleperformance for its customer care support of SIA customers across Europe. In recognizing Teleperformance with the award honored, SIA cited Teleperformance for its unwavering commitment to compassionate customer care. In the first year of its partnership, the Teleperformance launched unique dashboard tracking of SIA customer escalations, which helped the Teleperformance customer care team serve Singapore Airline's customers 50-70% faster. The proprietary dashboard provided Teleperformance with greater visibility into the escalation and helped categorize high-priority customer requests. "This recognition reflects the collective hard work of our team, our culture of innovation, and passionate focus on the customer to deliver against our promise of providing superior customer care on behalf of Singapore Airlines," said Charlotte Foucteau, CEO, Teleperformance Greece. "Teleperformance has led the way in leveraging digital solutions to deliver experiences that wows customers. We are proud to be recognized for this achievement." ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP Teleperformance (TEP ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), is a global leader in digital business services, blending the best of advanced technology with human empathy to deliver enhanced customer care that is simpler, faster, and safer for the world's biggest brands and their customers. The Group's comprehensive, AI-powered service portfolio ranges from front-office customer care to back-office functions, including Trust and Safety services that help defend both online users and brand reputation. It also offers a range of specialized services such as collections, interpreting and localization, visa and consular services, and recruitment process outsourcing services. With more than 410,000 inspired and passionate people speaking more than 300 languages, the Group's global scale and local presence allows it to be a force of good in supporting communities, clients, and the environment. In 2022, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 8,154 million (US$8.6 billion, based on 1 = $1.05) and net profit of 645 million. Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350, MSCI Global Standard and Euronext Tech Leaders. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares are included in the CAC 40 ESG since September 2022, the Euronext Vigeo Euro 120 index since 2015, the EURO STOXX 50 ESG index since 2020, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and the S&P Global 1200 ESG index since 2017. Visit the Group at www.teleperformance.com. SOURCE Teleperformance Ventura Attorney Lauren Nicholson Joins Governing Board of Law School Focused on Access, Opportunity, and Affordability SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and VENTURA, Calif., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lauren Nicholson (J.D. '17) is the newest member of The Colleges of Law Board of Trustees. A graduate of the school's Ventura campus, Nicholson joins the 15-member governance body that oversees the region's oldest and largest independent law school. Lauren Nicholson, J.D. Nicholson currently serves as president of the Women Lawyers of Ventura County, advocating on behalf of women and girls in the local community. She is also a board member at large for the Ventura County Family Law Bar Association, organizing local continuing legal education opportunities and contributing to the local family law community. Nicholson regularly volunteers with the Ventura County Superior Court as a Settlement Officer, acting as a neutral guide to help family law litigants understand the strengths and weaknesses of their cases and discuss settlements, and she is a volunteer attorney at the Conejo Free Clinic, providing free legal services to litigants in need of family law assistance. "I am honored to be joining the Board of Trustees," said Nicholson. "The Colleges of Law is a wonderful law school. It provided me with an opportunity to study under professors who were accomplished lawyers and judges. I am proud to call it my alma mater and give back through board service." Nicholson brings extensive knowledge of The Colleges of Law's academia to her appointment. She was ranked first in her graduating class in 2017, with concentrations in Business Law and Family Law, and has also served as adjunct faculty at the college where she taught classes such as Litigation: An Overview of Processes and Procedures, Bar Studies, Legal Writing, and Remedies. "The Board made an inspired choice with electing Lauren as a trustee and fiduciary," said The Colleges of Law President Matthew Nehmer, Ph.D. "As someone who knows and lives our mission, she is sure to make a difference in realizing our vision of modernizing legal education through innovation and better preparing graduates for where the field goes next." The Colleges of Law Board Chair Jana Johnston (J.D. '03) agreed. "By adding Lauren, we took what was already an excellent and engaged Board and made it better," she said. "She will bring distinct perspectives to our work as a proud alumna, past faculty member, and rising star in the Ventura legal community." Prior to The Colleges of Law, Nicholson earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Fresno, and a Master of Arts in English from California State University, Bakersfield. Nicholson currently owns a solo practice in Ventura where she works as a family law attorney dealing with uncontested and contested dissolutions and legal separations, divorce mediation, division of marital property, child support, child custody, paternity, domestic partnerships, and domestic violence restraining orders. About The Colleges of Law: Established in 1969, The Colleges of Law was founded to expand opportunities and broaden access to legal education. The Colleges of Law is dedicated to a student-centered approach that affords students of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to pursue careers in law or legal-related fields. The college's faculty advances a real-world perspective and practicality on the application of law and includes practicing attorneys, judges, public servants, and leaders in business and nonprofit organizations. An accredited nonprofit institution, The Colleges Law offers a Juris Doctor and a Master of Arts in Law. Additionally, in the fall of 2018, The Colleges of Law became the first accredited law school in California to offer a Hybrid J.D. degree. The Colleges of Law is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The Juris Doctor program is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) of the State Bar of California. The Colleges of Law is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. For more information, visit www.collegesoflaw.edu. SOURCE The Colleges of Law NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The residential toaster ovens market is estimated to increase by USD 924.07 million from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 6.96%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report - Request a free sample report Residential Toaster Ovens Market - Company Scope Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Residential Toaster Ovens Market The residential toaster ovens market report also offers information on the criticality of inputs, R&D, CAPEX, technology, and products of 15 companies listed Below - AB Electrolux, Avanti Products, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., Brentwood Appliance Inc., Breville Pty Ltd, De Longhi S.p.A, Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co., Havells India Ltd., Koninklijke Philips NV, Midea Group Co. Ltd., Newell Brands Inc., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc., Taurus Group, Toshiba Corp., TTK Prestige Ltd., Usha International Ltd., Weber Stephen Products HK Ltd., and Whirlpool Corp. Download a free Sample Report Chart & Data Table on 5-Year Historic (2017-2021) Market Size, Comparative Analysis of Segments, and Y-O-Y Growth of Residential toaster ovens market Residential Toaster Ovens Market - Segmentation Analysis The market is segmented by distribution channel (offline and online), product (nonsmart toaster ovens and smart toaster ovens), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) The market share growth by the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. Offline distribution includes the retail sale of products in specialty stores, department stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and clubhouse stores. These include company-owned stores, multi-brand appliance retailers, and home improvement and decor stores. They offer a wide range of residential toaster ovens covering different brands and price ranges. In addition, the convenience of finding products from different brands under one roof significantly motivates consumers to choose department stores when shopping for home appliances. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period. To procure the data - Buy the report! Residential Toaster Ovens Market - Market Dynamics Key Driver The enhanced product safety features is one of the key factor driving market growth. Improper handling or use of these devices can cause burns and serious injury to both children and adults. Most home toasters are equipped with an automatic shut-off function, which greatly reduces the risk of accidental operation by children. Even if the user accidentally turns them off manually, these toasters will automatically turn off after cooking is complete, according to the programmed timer setting. In addition, residential toaster ovens are designed with fireproof wiring for enhanced safety. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Major Trend - Portability and compatibility are major trends in the market. Significant Challenge - The long product replacement cycle is a significant challenge restricting market growth. For Insights on the market dynamics & segmentations VIEW PDF SAMPLE! Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports The smart oven market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.02% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 272.65 million. This smart oven market report extensively covers market segmentation by distribution channel (offline and online), product (smart microwave oven and small wall oven), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). The changing lifestyles in developed and developing economies are driving growth in the smart oven market. The residential microwave oven market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.35% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,313.45 million. This residential microwave oven market report extensively covers market segmentation by type (countertop microwave oven and built-in microwave oven), product (microwave oven without smart connectivity and microwave oven with smart connectivity), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The increasing disposable income of consumers is driving growth in residential microwave ovens. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 7 Market Segmentation by Product 8 Customer Landscape 9 Geographic Landscape 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 11 Company Landscape 12 Company Analysis 13 Appendix About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com SOURCE Technavio In-person event features speakers from Avangrid, AES, National Grid, Microsoft, Oracle, GE Digital, Fluence, and more. NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Script Media , a B2B media and market intelligence firm, announces Transition-AI: New York, on October 19, 2023 . This in-person event brings together top experts using artificial intelligence (AI) in the transition to a net-zero energy future, with a specific focus on AI for renewable energy development, utility operations, and grid optimization. The emergence of AI is already having an enormous impact on creativity, corporate structures, and economic productivity and on the engine that drives our economy: energy. Transition AI: New York asks how can we use it in the right way? The event will be held Thursday, October 19, 8am - 6pm EDT, at Convene Midtown West, 117 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036. Confirmed speakers for Transition-AI: New York include: Raiford Smith, Chief Utility Innovation Officer, AES Carlos Nouel, VP of Transformation Programs, National Grid Hanna Grene, Global Operations and GTM Leader for Energy at Microsoft Mark Waclawiak, Senior Manager, Operational Performance, Avangrid Daniel Hynum, Senior Product Manager, GE Digital Puneeth Kalavase, VP of Data Science and Engineering, Fluence Paul McDonald, Senior Director, Opower Product and Strategy, Oracle Energy & Water Chris Streeter, Chief Information and Risk Officer, Convergent Energy and Power Katie McClain, Partner and COO, Energize Capital Dr. Lauren Kuntz, CEO and Co-Founder, Gaiascope, Inc. Apoorv Bhargava: CEO and Co-Founder, WeaveGrid Dr. Kyri Baker, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Sherry Huang, Group Product Marketing Manager, Aurora Solar Jae Beom Bae, Director of Platform Operations, Leap David Groarke, Managing Director, Indigo Advisory Group Sonam Kala, Senior Director, Product - Risk Operations, Urbint Astrid Atkinson, CEO and Co-Founder, Camus Energy Stephen Lacey, Co-Founder and Executive Editor, Post Script Media Conference themes Deep dive conversations with leading AI thinkers. Real-world uses of AI for renewables development, resource forecasting, financial transactions, and grid optimization. Workshops and interactive technical discussions. Explorations of how organizations can integrate AI and build AI teams. Building on the success of Transition-AI: Boston , Post Script Media is reconvening experts to discuss the role of autonomous technologies in the energy transition. The New York event will explore utility and industrial use cases, the role AI can play in furthering renewable project development and asset management, its impact on distributed energy resources (DER) integration and marketplaces, and other emerging applications that will shape and optimize our electricity system. Attendees include leaders from utility, tech, startup, research, and other sectors working to define, discover, and convey the value AI brings to the energy industry. Previous attendees came from a wide range of leading companies, including Engie, National Grid, Tesla, Intel, Google, Schneider Electric, and Snowflake. Past participants call Transition-AI "an excellent and engaging conference" that is "well curated and well facilitated." "It's important to separate AI hype from reality, particularly how it will be used across the power system," said Scott Clavenna, CEO and co-founder of Post Script Media . "Our conference series is curated to fill knowledge gaps between those developing AI and those implementing it, and make it easier to understand where AI can create value in the energy market." Tickets are on sale now. Early bird pricing ends on September 8. About Transition-AI Transition-AI is the leading B2B event for energy practitioners and artificial intelligence experts. The conference series brings together business leaders across the energy sector who are building AI teams, integrating AI into new products, and using AI to streamline operations. Excerpts from the June 2023 Transition-AI: Boston event are featured on The Carbon Copy . About Post Script Media Post Script Media , founded by Stephen Lacey and Scott Clavenna, is a B2B media and market intelligence firm devoted to enabling a faster transition to a net-zero economy. Its latest undertaking, Transition-AI , is focused on serving the climate tech community with a deep understanding of how digital solutions and AI will enable and accelerate the clean energy transition. Post Script's audio business produces award-winning podcasts in the energy and climate space, including The Carbon Copy, Catalyst with Shayle Kann, The Big Switch, Columbia Energy Exchange, Climavores, Hot Buttons, and Watt It Takes. Post Script Media is headquartered in Boston. Contact us at: events (at) transition-ai (dot) com. SOURCE Post Script Media Qabil Ashirov Approaching with double standards with similar problems in the former Soviet territories by the pro-West and Western media outlets, especially French, causes dissatisfaction in Azerbaijani society toward the same mass media. When the USSR was dissolved, some part of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and later Ukraine was invaded by their neighbors under the guise of self-determination of nations. However, the point is that even though the 4 mentioned countries suffer from the same problem today, the approach from the West does not seem unambiguous. Especially when the issue is related to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as Garabagh, the pro-West (in the former Soviet territories) and the Western media, including the French press, try to present the problems in a completely different direction, that is, in the discussion of the same problems, Azerbaijan is distinguished from the other three post-Soviet countries, and the targets are completely directed against Azerbaijan. Take Rain TV for example. Rain TV is a Russian TV which broadcasts from Europe. When the 44-day war broke out in 2020 with the attack of Armenia on Azerbaijans territories, Rain TV sent one of its correspondents to Armenia and the other one to Azerbaijan. The TV allowed Armenian propagandists to tell the "truth" about the events. The TV substantiated its act as media impartiality. However, when the Ukrainian war started the same TV never sent its correspondents to the invaded Ukrainian territories and allowed any Russian propagandists to speak to the TV. This time Rain TV substantiated its act by not trivializing the violation of territorial integrity. When Ukraine security services arrested Russian agents the pro-West and Western media broadcasted it as a legal act done by the Ukrainian side. But when Azerbaijan arrested Vagif Khachatryan, who had tortured the Azerbaijani POWs and cauterized them with red-hot cress, the same media interpreted it as "kidnapping". When Ukraine blew up the Crimean Bridge, the Western media supported it by saying that Russia uses the bridge not only for humanitarian issues but also for weapon transportation. Later Ukraine was provided with the Franco-British missile SCALP (Storm) which can hit the bridge. However, when Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road which Armenians used not only for humanitarian issues but also for illegal weapon transportation, the same media made a fuss and accused Azerbaijan of pursuing policy of "ethnic cleansing". French media never criticized their state for providing Ukraine with weapons can hit the Bridge which is the only plausible route for Crimeans. But the same French media, besides inappropriately criticizing Azerbaijan, also called for the imposition of sanctions against Azerbaijan. As a matter of course, such a position of the West and France towards Azerbaijan not only forms a negative opinion against the double standards of the West in the society, but also completely discredits the image of the Western press. Even those media organizations that supposedly tried to defend Ukraine and other post-Soviet states raised a number of questions about their biased activities among the society. To clarify the crux of the matter, Azernews learned the opinion of Maxime Gauin, Associate Professor at ADA University, a researcher at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy. He said that it is not frequently as brutal as said but there is a difference of treatment. He emphasized Armenians due to the threats, playing victim cards and business-to-business relations through lobbies, and a lack of appropriate replies from the Turkic side make Western media stand with Armenia. Unlike the Armenian diaspora, the Russian diaspora never had groups using electoral blackmail, threats on life of journalists, and corruption in order to promote the re-creation of the Empires of the Tsars. In France, journalists were openly threatened with death during the 2020 war, only because they revealed the participation of neo-Nazis in the ranks of the Armenian army. Others received the same threats for a report on the Azerbaijani civilian victims of the Armenian bombings, Maxime Gauin noted. Besides, he said that not the media organs, but some journalists with unknown reasons choose to stand with Armenia. He exemplified Alexandre Devecchio and Jean-Christope Buissone. Currently, the problems with this daily issues come almost entirely from two editors, Alexandre Devecchio (as a result of his proximity with the Kremlin) and Jean-Christophe Buisson, who found in the Armenian cause a compensation to his personal problems (he is notorious for his sad face at the public events, such as the concerts, in Paris). Obviously, the Armenian nationalist leadership encouraged them, and, in the case of Jean-Christophe Buisson, was at the origin of his stance on the issue. Concerning France 24, it is more mixed, because they interviewed Elchin Amirbayov recently and organized a debate between him and ARF leader Franck Mourad Papazian during the clashes of April 2016 (what is sometimes called the Four Days War). One of the main sources of problems is the fact that they have a correspondent in Yerevan but not in Baku. I think the Azerbaijani side should be more optimistic about this TV channel and take initiatives to obtain interviews of Ambassador Leyla Abdullayeva and leaders of French Azerbaijani NGOs, Maxime Gouine said. He elaborated that Jean-Christophe Buisson is not happy in his life and he has the testimonies of several persons who attended the same public events as him. Even the music he likes does make disappear the sad expression on his face. For unknown reasons, he finds in the support for the Armenian cause something that makes sense, something that brings joy and motivation in his life. I would rather say that defending the Armenian claims fills an empty space nothing has filled yet. He added that some Armenian businessmen have shares of media outlets and it also impacts the vision of media as well. ARF leader Franck Mourad Papazian has a minority part of the shares of Liberation. Something more frequent is the infiltration of Armenian nationalists in the staff (the archetypal example being Valerie Toranian, ex-wife of former ASALA leader Jean-Marc Ara Toranian) and the harassment of ethnic Armenian journalists who are not particularly nationalist, but who do not want to be isolated. A clear example for the second category is Christian Makarian, he concluded. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) continues a series of trainings on psychological first aid for teachers of higher educational institutions. "The training, along with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the State Agency for Arts and Art Education, took place in Odesa and Dnipro," the society said on Facebook on Monday. The participants of the trainings gained knowledge about mental health, the skills to provide effective psychological assistance, got familiar with the system of psychological support for students and teachers. The trainings are held as part of the National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Program initiated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. The project is being implemented as part of the EU4Health programme with the support of the European Commission and the Danish Red Cross. Mike Tyson's new Solventless Mike Bites contain no butane, heptane, or ethanol, are harvested in small batches, and prepared by a former Michelin star chef. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mike Tyson's premier cannabis brand Tyson 2.0 launched Solventless Mike Bites, a new line of gourmet THC edibles prepared by a former Michelin star chef and produced with My Green Network. California cannabis connoisseurs can now enjoy the new Solventless Mike Bites in Mango, Watermelon, Blueberry, and Green Apple flavors. Solventless Mike Bites in Mango, Watermelon, Blueberry, and Green Apple flavors. All Tyson 2.0 products undergo strict laboratory testing and rigorous quality control. But Solventless Mike Bites takes this commitment further: "Solventless extraction is the cleanest and purest way to preserve the plant's unique properties," said Alexander Federico, Chief Revenue Officer of My Green Network, Tyson 2.0's partner for the Solventless Mike Bites. "Instead of chemicals, we use ice cold water, time and temperature, harvesting and handling flower in small batches to preserve and protect each live trichome. The final result is a pure and uncontaminated extract infused into each Solventless Mike Bite," said Federico. Solventless Mike Bites' ingredients include pectin, a vegan, plant-based ingredient derived from citrus fruitsnot gelatin, an animal derivative common in most gummiespaired with glucose, not high fructose, resulting in a clean, sweet taste encased in a satisfyingly chewy texture that packs a punch and lingers delightfully on the palate. "We're honored to have partnered with My Green Network in crafting the Solventless Mike Bites. Their expertise in solventless extraction aligns seamlessly with Tyson 2.0's pursuit of perfection," said Adam Wilks, CEO of Tyson 2.0. "Get ready for a truly undisputed edible experience." TYSON 2.0 is renowned for curating exceptional products in quality, consistency, and accessibility through strategic partnerships with the world's best cannabis operatorslike My Green Network. About Tyson 2.0 TYSON 2.0's award-winning cannabis line includes choice flower, pure concentrates, and consumables that pack a punch, all renowned for their exceptional quality, consistency, and affordable pricing. TYSON 2.0 is available in select U.S. states and Canadian provinces through partnerships with best-in-class cannabis operators so that discerning cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy undisputed cannabis anywhere. For more information on TYSON 2.0, visit tyson20.com. TYSON 2.0 branded merchandise is available for purchase at shoptyson20.com. TYSON 2.0 hemp-based products are available for sale at tyson20global.com. About My Green Network Established in 2019, Green Network is a connected California community and manufacturing facility founded by attorneys and chefs passionate about producing clean, solventless products. To learn more about My Green Network, visit www.mygreennetwork.com . Media Inquiries Brian Roberts Chief Communications Officer, Tyson 2.0 202-202-1124 [email protected] SOURCE Tyson 2.0 WEST CHESTER, Pa., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a significant global unmet need for the "SUTURE-TIGHT" catheter, VESTECK, Inc. is expanding the International Scientific Advisory Board. We are honored to have Professor Dainis Krievins, from Latvia, Canadian, Dr. Bao Bui and Australian, Professor Ramon Varcoe join the VESTECK Scientific Advisory Board. VESTECK Scientific Advisory Board members address significant global unmet need Post this Dr. Bui and Professor Krievins have participated in all 7 successful "SUTURE-TIGHT" cases. Dr. Bui commented, "we have CT images of the patients whose endovascular grafts were secured by "SUTURE-TIGHT" ~150 days ago. As we expected, the CT's show the sutures are in place and the grafts have not leaked or migrated." Professor Varcoe is the Director of the Vascular Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery UNSW and also hosts the VERVE Symposium in Australia. Professor Krievins, is the Director of the Institute of Research at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia. Dr. Bao Bui, is an Interventional Radiologist specializing in aortic endovascular repair at CHUS Hospital Fleurmont Sherbrooke, Quebec. Additional participants in these first 7 "SUTURE-TIGHT" implant procedures were: Dr. Sean Lyden, Chairman Department of Vascular Surgery Cleveland Clinic, OH. Professor Dai Yamanouchi, Chairman Department of Vascular Surgery Fujita Health University, Japan. Dr. Venkatesh Ramaiah, Chief/Network Director of Complex Vascular Services at Honor Health, AZ. New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Latvia, Netherlands, Canada and the USA are represented on the SAB. About VESTECK, Inc.(WWW.VESTECK.com) is a clinical stage medical device company focused on bringing a platform technology to the aortic repair, structural heart, peripheral vascular markets. The "SUTURE-TIGHT" catheter comes preloaded with 4 pair of nitinol sutures, it secures EVAR/TEVAR grafts to the aorta on initial implant or during repair procedures. "SUTURE-TIGHT" brings a simple, easy to use technology to physicians, patients and payors. VESTECK is raising a $16M Series B round to support a clinical trial for FDA 510K clearance. The VESTECK, Inc. "SUTURE-TIGHT" is not commercially available in the USA or OUS. MEDIA CONTACTS: VESTECK, Inc. CEO, Joe Rafferty, [email protected] Please note that this document reflects statements that may constitute forward-looking statements and projections that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including information about possible or assumed future events, results of economic conditions and VESTECK's business, results of operations, plans and objectives. These statements are based on management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of VESTECK's future performance, taking into account information currently available to it. You should not place undue reliance on such statements, as new risks and uncertainties may arise and it is not possible for management to predict those events or how they may affect VESTECK, Inc. SOURCE VESTECK, Inc. As Exclusive Medicare Partner, Wellcare and The American Legion will work to bring innovative healthcare solutions to veterans and their families, and support efforts to reduce veteran suicide ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellcare, the Medicare brand of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced today a new strategic partnership with The American Legion, America's largest veterans service organization, during The American Legion's 104th National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Through the multi-year partnership, Wellcare will serve as the exclusive Medicare partner, connecting aged 65+ veterans, their spouses and the greater military community with innovative products and solutions that complement the benefits eligible veterans receive through their Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare, as well as host joint events at Legion Posts nationwide and virtually to connect and educate about opportunities for Medicare Advantage Plans. Wellcare will also support The American Legion's Be the One initiative, a long-term priority to destigmatize asking for mental health support, provide resources to save veterans, and ultimately, eliminate veteran suicide. Today, veteran suicide rates are more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults, and nearly 6,000 veterans or servicemembers take their lives each year. Wellcare and The American Legion are committed to driving awareness of this critical work through leadership and event activations. To kick off this partnership, U.S. Navy Veteran, military spouse, and Chief Marketing Officer for Centene, Suzy DePrizio (LT, USN), will speak to military leaders and Legionnaires in attendance at the 104th National Convention. "Our organizations share a deep commitment to improving the whole health of the veteran community, and to working together to reduce the rate of veteran suicide," said Ms. DePrizio. "I look forward to the opportunity to combine forces in support of this important initiative." Wellcare and The American Legion will be teaming up at the Texas Motor Speedway on September 23-24, 2023 for the NASCAR Playoffs weekend, to connect with service members, veterans and race fans. This is the first in a series of events at Speedway Motorsports tracks throughout the 2023 and 2024 racing season which will promote the Be the One initiative. "The American Legion is proud to partner with Wellcare to connect Legionnaires and veterans across the country with meaningful medical and supplemental benefits," said American Legion Chief Marketing officer, Dean Kessel. "We also look forward to working with Wellcare on our Be The One platform as, collectively, we have a shared mission to end veteran suicide." Legionnaires will receive additional information about current products, events and offerings at The American Legion's 104th National Convention, through Be The One outreach efforts and at local community events. For more information on specific Wellcare products, Legionnaires are invited to call 844-599-0128 (TTY:711). Additional product details will be available after October 1, 2023, at Wellcare.com About Wellcare For more than 20 years, Wellcare has offered a range of Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), which offer affordable coverage beyond Original Medicare. Wellcare is the Medicare brand of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, Centene's Medicare brands, including Allwell, Health Net, Fidelis Care, Trillium Advantage, 'Ohana Health Plan, and TexanPlus transitioned to the Wellcare brand. For more information about Wellcare, visit www.wellcare.com. About The American Legion The American Legion is the nation's largest veteran's organization, comprised of roughly 1.6 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the country. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion has spent over 100 years creating a community of servicemembers and veterans to strength the United States of America. SOURCE Wellcare (Specialist Alleges Hoag Put Profits Over Patient Safety at Marina Del Rey "Surgery Mill") BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A whistleblower lawsuit filed by an internationally renowned orthopedic spine surgeon alleging that hospital giant Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian put profits over patient care at one of its surgery centers is headed for arbitration. Hooman Melamed, M.D. claims that Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) (formerly Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center) in Marina Del Rey, California compromised patient care by increasing its volume of aggressive, unnecessary spine surgeries that resulted in an uptick in revision procedures to correct the problems. In addition, he alleges that HOI instituted several cost-cutting measures including hiring less experienced (and lower wage) surgical staff and routinely scheduling aggressive, complex surgeries in the late afternoon and early evening hours a practice Melamed says set the stage for mistakes due to staff exhaustion. Also, HOI allowed one practitioner to perform two surgeries simultaneously in 2 separate operating rooms, which led to a serious potential life-threatening injury. Melamed alleges to have witnessed numerous instances in which the practice was being transformed into a "surgery mill": To increase volume, one of his colleagues performed surgery on 2 patients simultaneously, which led to a serious potential life-threatening injury One surgeon regularly performed unnecessary surgeries and/or more aggressive procedures than were medically necessary A growing number of revision surgeries had to be performed due to an uptick in post-op complications Inexperienced nurses made multiple mistakes, putting patients needlessly at risk of complications Lack of pre-surgery review and a rush to get patients under the knife Lack of appropriate peer review for catastrophic patient complications Melamed has become an internationally renowned specialist due to his ability to perform complex cases. Inducted into the "Leading Physicians in the World, National Castle Connolly "Top Doctor" and Southern California "Super Doctors," he lectures worldwide before colleagues in his field, has published numerous research papers in prestigious medical journals and shared his expertise as a guest on national and local media. His nonprofit, "Back To You" has helped treat those who do not have the resources nor medical insurance to treat their spine conditions. Since his ouster from Hoag, Melamed has set up his own practice at 9777 Wilshire Blvd, #808, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. For more information, visit www.thespinepro.com or call 424-21-SPINE (424-217-7463). SOURCE FGI Public Relations SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company" or "we"), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. Second Quarter 2023 Operational Highlights Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 QoQ YoY Total loan amount facilitated and originated (RMB in million) 16,879 24,088 25,874 7.4 % 53.3 % Number of active borrowers 1,140,249 1,523,738 1,474,930 (3.2 %) 29.4 % The total loan amount facilitated and originated [1] in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB25,874 million , representing an increase of 53.3% from RMB16,879 million in the same period of 2022. in the second quarter of 2023 was , representing an increase of 53.3% from in the same period of 2022. Total number of active borrowers[2] was 1,474,930 in the second quarter of 2023, representing an increase of 29.4% from 1,140,249 in the same period of 2022. As of June 30, 2022 As of March 31, 2023 As of June 30, 2023 Total outstanding loan balance (RMB in million) 29,075 41,531 45,071 Delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days 0.93 % 1.05 % 0.96 % Delinquency rates for all outstanding loans that are past due for 91-180 days 3.07 % 2.40 % 2.50 % The total outstanding loan balance [3] as of June 30, 2023 was RMB45,071 million , compared with RMB29,075 million as of June 30, 2022 . as of was , compared with as of . The delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 31-60 days [4] as of June 30, 2023 was 0.96%, compared with 0.93% as of June 30, 2022 . as of was 0.96%, compared with 0.93% as of . The delinquency rate for all outstanding loans that are past due for 91-180 days[5] as of June 30, 2023 was 2.50%, compared with 3.07% as of June 30, 2022 . [1] Represents the total amount of loans that the Company facilitated and originated during the relevant period. [2] Represents borrowers who made at least one transaction on the Company's platform during the relevant period. [3] Represents the total amount of loans outstanding for loans that the Company facilitated and originated at the end of the relevant period. Loans that are delinquent for more than 60 days are charged-off and are excluded in the outstanding loan balance, except for Xiaoying Housing Loan. As Xiaoying Housing Loan is a secured loan product and the Company is entitled to payment by exercising its rights to the collateral, the Company does not exclude Xiaoying Housing loan delinquent for more than 60 days in the outstanding loan balance. [4] Represents the balance of the outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for loans that were 31 to 60 days past due as a percentage of the total balance of outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for loans that the Company facilitated and originated as of a specific date. Loans that are delinquent for more than 60 days are charged-off and excluded in the calculation of delinquency rate by balance. Xiaoying Housing Loan was launched in 2015 and ceased in 2019, and all the outstanding loan balance of housing loan as of June 30, 2022, March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023 were overdue more than 60 days. To make the delinquency rate by balance comparable, the Company excludes Xiaoying Housing Loan in the calculation of delinquency rate. [5] To make the delinquency rate by balance comparable to the peers, the Company also defines the delinquency rate as the balance of the outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for loans that were 91 to 180 days past due as a percentage of the total balance of outstanding principal and accrued outstanding interest for the loans that the Company facilitated and originated as of a specific date. Loans that are delinquent for more than 180 days are excluded in the calculation of delinquency rate by balance, except for Xiaoying Housing Loan. All the outstanding loan balance of housing loan as of June 30, 2022, March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023 were overdue more than 180 days. To make the delinquency rate by balance comparable, the Company excludes Xiaoying Housing Loan in the calculation of delinquency rate. Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights (In thousands, except for share and per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 QoQ YoY RMB RMB RMB Total net revenue 824,338 1,004,934 1,220,422 21.4 % 48.0 % Total operating costs and expenses (630,515) (700,897) (775,713) 10.7 % 23.0 % Income from operations 193,823 304,037 444,709 46.3 % 129.4 % Net income 185,700 284,346 366,292 28.8 % 97.2 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income 210,688 306,525 364,885 19.0 % 73.2 % Net income per ADSbasic 3.36 5.94 7.62 28.3 % 126.8 % Net income per ADSdiluted 3.30 5.82 7.50 28.9 % 127.3 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADSbasic 3.78 6.36 7.62 19.8 % 101.6 % Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADSdiluted 3.72 6.24 7.44 19.2 % 100.0 % Total net revenue in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB1,220.4 million ( US$168.3 million ), representing an increase of 48.0% from RMB824.3 million in the same period of 2022. ( ), representing an increase of 48.0% from in the same period of 2022. Income from operations in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB444.7 million ( US$61.3 million ), compared with RMB193.8 million in the same period of 2022. ( ), compared with in the same period of 2022. Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB366.3 million ( US$50.5 million ), compared with RMB185.7 million in the same period of 2022. ( ), compared with in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP [6] adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB364.9 million ( US$50.3 million ), compared with RMB210.7 million in the same period of 2022. adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was ( ), compared with in the same period of 2022. Net income per basic and diluted American depositary share ("ADS") [7] in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB7.62 (US$1.05) and RMB7.50 (US$1.03) , compared with RMB3.36 and RMB3.30 , respectively, in the same period of 2022. in the second quarter of 2023 was and , compared with and , respectively, in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and adjusted diluted ADS in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB7.62 (US$1.05) and RMB7.44 (US$1.03) , compared with RMB3.78 and RMB3.72 , respectively, in the same period of 2022. [6] The Company uses in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income (loss), (ii) adjusted net income (loss) per basic ADS, and (iii) adjusted net income (loss) per diluted ADS, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense, impairment losses on financial investments, income (loss) from financial investments and impairment losses on long-term investments. For more information on non-GAAP financial measure, please see the section of "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. [7] Each American depositary share ("ADS") represents six Class A ordinary shares. Mr. Justin Tang, the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, commented, "We are delighted to end the first half of 2023 with outstanding operational and financial performance in the second quarter. We continued to execute our proven strategy and maintain our growth momentum. In the first half of the year, the total loan facilitation and origination amount reached nearly RMB50 billion, an impressive increase of over 55% year-over-year. Our top line improved by 30%, while our bottom line nearly doubled in the first half, underpinned by our proven business model, consistent asset quality and optimized operational efficiency. Furthermore, our net income per basic ADS for the first half of the year grew more than 130% year-over-year, driven by our robust profitability and dedication to rewarding shareholders through our share repurchase program." "On the regulatory side, with the recent settlement of fines imposed on some large financial platforms by the government, the market believes that the industry-wide rectification is expected to come to an end, and a more stable regulatory environment is expected. Financial regulatory authorities are now shifting their focus towards regular supervision. As a highly responsible company, we always operate in full compliance with regulations and laws and will continue to prioritize financial consumer protection." "Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, we are confident in our ability to achieve sustainable growth and enhance shareholder value. The normal regulatory environment provides a solid foundation for our continued growth and success. We remain committed to executing our share repurchase and dividend program to reward our valued shareholders." Mr. Kent Li, President of the Company, added, "During the second quarter, our total loan amount facilitated and originated increased by 53% year-over-year and 7% quarter-over-quarter to RMB26 billion, in line with our expectations, with the total outstanding loan balance reaching RMB45 billion at the end of June 2023. We continued to strengthen our risk management system to maintain healthy asset quality, with the delinquency rate for all outstanding loans past due for 31-60 days remaining stable at 0.96% at the end of June 2023, and the delinquency rate for all outstanding loans past due for 91-180 days at 2.50%, significantly improved from a year ago. We are proud of our consistently high quality risk control and stable prime borrowers base, which have been well received and recognized by our institutional funding partners. We will continue to work together to meet the financing needs of consumers and SMEs in support of China's economic recovery." Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, added, "We are very pleased with our strong financial results for the second quarter. Total net revenue increased by 48% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter to RMB1,220 million. Our relentless focus on tightening cost control and improving operational efficiency enabled us to deliver revenue growth that outpaced cost and expense growth. As a result, net income for the second quarter surged by 97% year-over-year and 29% quarter-over-quarter, reaffirming our commitment to delivering substantial profits. The positive impact of our ongoing share repurchase program further contributed to our achievements, resulting in a noteworthy improvement in net income per basic ADS, rising by 127% from RMB3.36 in the same period last year to RMB7.62. To maximize shareholder value, our board of directors has also approved a special dividend of $0.17 per ADS, which is expected to be paid in October this year." "Given the stabilized regulatory environment, we expect to achieve steady growth in both operational and financial performance in the second half of the year, further solidifying our position in the market." Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Total net revenue in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 48.0% to RMB1,220.4 million (US$168.3 million) from RMB824.3 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2022. Three Months Ended June 30, (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2022 2023 YoY RMB % of Revenue RMB % of Revenue Loan facilitation service 471,531 57.2 % 715,503 58.6 % 51.7 % Post-origination service 82,304 10.0 % 140,317 11.5 % 70.5 % Financing income 234,756 28.5 % 274,639 22.5 % 17.0 % Other revenue 35,747 4.3 % 89,963 7.4 % 151.7 % Total net revenue 824,338 100.0 % 1,220,422 100.0 % 48.0 % Loan facilitation service fees in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 51.7% to RMB715.5 million (US$98.7 million) from RMB471.5 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in the total loan amount facilitated this quarter compared with the same period of 2022. Post-origination service fees in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 70.5% to RMB140.3 million (US$19.4 million) from RMB82.3 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the cumulative effect of increased volume of loans facilitated in the previous quarters. Revenues from post-origination services are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying loans as the services are being provided. Financing income in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 17.0% to RMB274.6 million (US$37.9 million) from RMB234.8 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in average loan balances compared with the same period of 2022. Other revenue in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 151.7% to RMB90.0 million (US$12.4 million), compared with RMB35.7 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in referral service fee for introducing borrowers to other platforms. Origination and servicing expenses in the second quarter of 2023 increased by 25.6% to RMB669.7 million (US$92.4 million) from RMB533.1 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the following factors: (i) an increase in commission fees resulting from the increased in total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2022 and (ii) an increase in interest expenses as a result of an increase in payable to institutional funding partners and investors. Provision for loans receivable in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB55.4 million (US$7.6 million), compared with RMB32.2 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to an increase in loans receivable held by the Company as a result of the increase in total loan amount facilitated and originated this quarter compared with the same period of 2022. Income from operations in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB444.7 million (US$61.3 million), compared with RMB193.8 million in the same period of 2022. Income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB443.9 million (US$61.2 million), compared with RMB220.2 million in the same period of 2022. Income tax expense in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB87.0 million (US$12.0 million), compared with RMB42.2 million in the same period of 2022. Net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB366.3 million (US$50.5 million), compared with RMB185.7 million in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB364.9 million (US$50.3 million), compared with RMB210.7 million in the same period of 2022. Net income per basic and diluted ADS in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB7.62 (US$1.05), and RMB7.50 (US$1.03), compared with RMB3.36 and RMB3.30, respectively, in the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted net income per basic and diluted ADS in the second quarter of 2023 was RMB7.62 (US$1.05), and RMB7.44 (US$1.03), compared with RMB3.78 and RMB3.72 respectively, in the same period of 2022. Cash and cash equivalents was RMB1,320.4 million (US$182.1 million) as of June 30, 2023, compared with RMB921.2 million as of March 31, 2023. Recent Development Share Repurchase Plan In the second quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 405,845 ADSs for a total consideration of US$1.58 million. In 2022, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of 266,882 ADSs and 46,487,276 Class A ordinary shares for a total consideration of US$21.1 million. On November 16, 2022, the Company announced that the board of directors (the "Board") authorized to increase its share repurchase program to US$30 million from US$20 million, effective through September 2023. Under this plan, the Company has approximately US$7.3 million remaining for potential repurchases. On August 28, 2023, the Board approved the extension of the Company's existing share repurchase program for an additional twelve months, until the end of September 2024. Declaration of Special Dividend The Company today announced the Company's board of directors has approved the declaration and payment of a special dividend of US$0.17 per ADS (approximately US$0.028 per ordinary share). The Special Dividend will be paid on or about October 18, 2023 to the holders of the Company's ordinary shares of record as of the close of business on September 19, 2023, being the record date for determination of entitlements to the Special Dividend. Business Outlook The Company expects the total loan amount facilitated and originated for the third quarter of 2023 to be between RMB28.5 billion and RMB29.5 billion. The total loan amount facilitated and originated for 2023 is expected to be between RMB105 billion and RMB110 billion. This forecast reflects the Company's current and preliminary views, which are subject to changes. Conference Call X Financial's management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 29, 2023 (7:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on the same day). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States: 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong: 852-301-84992 Mainland China: 4001-201203 International: 1-412-902-4272 Passcode: X Financial Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until September 5, 2023: United States: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 5551060 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com. About X Financial X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company") is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system. For more information, please visit: http://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP measures as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. We present the non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. We believe that the use of the non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors' assessment of our operating performance and help investors to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain income or expenses that we include in income (loss) from operations and net income (loss). We also believe that the non-GAAP measures provide useful information about our core operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. We use in this press release the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) adjusted net income, (ii) adjusted net income per basic ADS, and (iii) adjusted net income per diluted ADS, each of which excludes share-based compensation expense, impairment losses on financial investments, income (loss) from financial investments and impairment losses on long-term investments. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB 7.2513 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of June 30, 2023. Disclaimer Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "targets," "guidance" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the followings: the Company's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the credit industry, and marketplace lending in particular, in China; the demand for and market acceptance of its marketplace's products and services; its ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace; its relationships with its strategic cooperation partners; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the corporate structure, business and industry. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is current as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. Use of Projections This announcement also contains certain financial forecasts (or guidance) with respect to the Company's projected financial results. The Company's independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections or guidance for the purpose of their inclusion in this announcement, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this announcement. This guidance should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of the Company, or that actual results will not diff materially from those set forth in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this announcement should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will actually be achieved. You should review this information together with the Company's historical information. For more information, please contact: X Financial Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng E-mail: [email protected] Christensen IR In China Mr. Eric Yuan Phone: +86-10-5900-1548 E-mail: [email protected] In US Ms. Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1-480-614-3004 Email: [email protected] X Financial Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except for share and per share data) As of December 31, 2022 As of June 30, 2023 As of June 30, 2023 RMB RMB USD ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 602,271 1,320,414 182,093 Restricted cash 404,689 594,739 82,018 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net 1,161,912 1,493,595 205,976 Loans receivable from Xiaoying Credit Loans and other loans, net 3,810,393 4,302,970 593,407 Loans at fair value 120,280 4,415 609 Deposits to institutional cooperators, net 1,770,317 1,759,421 242,635 Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net 71,082 26,992 3,722 Deferred tax assets, net 88,428 79,943 11,025 Long-term investments 495,995 517,017 71,300 Property and equipment, net 5,861 7,465 1,029 Intangible assets, net 36,550 35,931 4,955 Loan receivable from Xiaoying Housing Loans, net 10,061 9,865 1,360 Financial investments 192,620 201,932 27,848 Other non-current assets 67,204 62,308 8,593 TOTAL ASSETS 8,837,663 10,417,007 1,436,570 LIABILITIES Payable to investors and institutional funding partners at amortized cost 2,627,910 3,034,343 418,455 Payable to investors at fair value 141,289 3,537 488 Financial guarantee derivative 107,890 - - Short-term borrowings 70,209 662,709 91,392 Accrued payroll and welfare 63,681 50,987 7,031 Other tax payable 255,691 276,978 38,195 Income tax payable 270,089 371,935 51,292 Deposit payable to channel cooperators 19,700 19,700 2,717 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 476,035 507,175 69,943 Dividend payable - 58,693 8,094 Other non-current liabilities 51,193 45,059 6,214 Deferred tax liabilities 722 8,727 1,204 TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,084,409 5,039,843 695,025 Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Common shares 207 207 29 Treasury stock (124,597) (132,201) (18,231) Additional paid-in capital 3,191,194 3,210,797 442,789 Retained earnings 1,622,851 2,214,795 305,434 Other comprehensive income 63,599 83,566 11,524 Total X Financial shareholders' equity 4,753,254 5,377,164 741,545 Non-controlling interests - - - TOTAL EQUITY 4,753,254 5,377,164 741,545 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 8,837,663 10,417,007 1,436,570 X Financial Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2022 2023 2023 2022 2023 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Net revenues Loan facilitation service 471,531 715,503 98,672 980,234 1,296,107 178,741 Post-origination service 82,304 140,317 19,351 169,648 261,590 36,075 Financing income 234,756 274,639 37,874 466,031 528,695 72,910 Other revenue 35,747 89,963 12,406 96,780 138,964 19,164 Total net revenue 824,338 1,220,422 168,303 1,712,693 2,225,356 306,890 Operating costs and expenses: Origination and servicing 533,062 669,720 92,359 997,561 1,303,529 179,765 General and administrative 41,144 44,138 6,087 86,489 89,785 12,382 Sales and marketing 4,567 3,431 473 9,225 5,468 754 Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets 25,715 3,175 438 51,771 2,235 308 Provision for loans receivable 32,224 55,449 7,647 65,964 75,826 10,457 Reversal of provision for contingent guarantee liabilities (14,000) - - (14,000) - - (Reversal of) provision for credit losses on deposits to institutional cooperators 7,803 (200) (28) 8,534 (234) (32) Reversal of provision for credit losses for other financial assets - - - (765) - - Total operating costs and expenses 630,515 775,713 106,976 1,204,779 1,476,609 203,634 Income from operations 193,823 444,709 61,327 507,914 748,747 103,256 Interest income (expenses), net 1,691 (8,457) (1,166) 2,718 (10,455) (1,442) Foreign exchange loss (13,102) (11,798) (1,627) (12,146) (8,781) (1,211) Income (loss) from financial investments (9,626) 12,093 1,668 (9,626) 2,579 356 Fair value adjustments related to Consolidated Trusts (3,250) (247) (34) (1,491) (800) (110) Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivative 44,758 667 92 24,625 24,966 3,443 Other income, net 5,911 6,932 956 26,028 18,263 2,519 Income before income taxes and gain from equity in affiliates 220,205 443,899 61,216 538,022 774,519 106,811 Income tax expense (42,243) (87,043) (12,004) (223,278) (139,607) (19,253) Gain from equity in affiliates, net of tax 7,738 9,436 1,301 10,888 15,725 2,169 Net income 185,700 366,292 50,513 325,632 650,637 89,727 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests - - - - - - Net income attributable to X Financial shareholders 185,700 366,292 50,513 325,632 650,637 89,727 Net income 185,700 366,292 50,513 325,632 650,637 89,727 Other comprehensive income, net of tax of nil: Gain (loss) from equity in affiliates (142) 40 6 70 42 6 Foreign currency translation adjustments 35,801 27,186 3,749 32,717 19,925 2,748 Comprehensive income 221,359 393,518 54,268 358,419 670,604 92,481 Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests - - - - - - Comprehensive income attributable to X Financial shareholders 221,359 393,518 54,268 358,419 670,604 92,481 Net income per sharebasic 0.56 1.27 0.18 0.98 2.26 0.31 Net income per sharediluted 0.55 1.25 0.17 0.96 2.21 0.30 Net income per ADSbasic 3.36 7.62 1.05 5.88 13.56 1.87 Net income per ADSdiluted 3.30 7.50 1.03 5.76 13.26 1.83 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstandingbasic 331,967,010 287,607,857 287,607,857 331,886,487 287,955,066 287,955,066 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstandingdiluted 339,516,588 293,863,323 293,863,323 339,436,065 294,078,329 294,078,329 X Financial Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2022 2023 2023 2022 2023 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD GAAP net income 185,700 366,292 50,513 325,632 650,637 89,727 Less: Income (loss) from financial investments (net of tax of nil) (9,626) 12,093 1,668 (9,626) 2,579 356 Less: Impairment losses on financial investments (net of tax of nil) - - - - - - Less: Impairment losses on long-term investments (net of tax) - - - - - - Add: Share-based compensation expenses (net of tax of nil) 15,362 10,686 1,474 29,337 23,351 3,220 Non-GAAP adjusted net income 210,688 364,885 50,319 364,595 671,409 92,591 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per sharebasic 0.63 1.27 0.18 1.10 2.33 0.32 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per sharediluted 0.62 1.24 0.17 1.07 2.28 0.31 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADSbasic 3.78 7.62 1.05 6.60 13.98 1.93 Non-GAAP adjusted net income per ADSdiluted 3.72 7.44 1.03 6.42 13.68 1.89 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstandingbasic 331,967,010 287,607,857 287,607,857 331,886,487 287,955,066 287,955,066 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstandingdiluted 339,516,588 293,863,323 293,863,323 339,436,065 294,078,329 294,078,329 SOURCE X Financial LONDON, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 22, Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy, issued its Food & Drink 2023 report. Yili's brand value surged to US$12.4 billion, making a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Yili has retained the top spot for four consecutive years, showcasing its robust growth potential. Yili tops the Most Valuable Dairy Brands 2023 ranking. (PRNewsfoto/Yili Group) As highlighted by Brand Finance, Yili, a global dairy giant, has earned a world-renowned reputation with its focus on quality, innovation and social responsibility. The consultancy underscored that, "Yili has fostered strong customer loyalty in its local market by consistently delivering products of exceptional quality and perceived health benefits. This has contributed to strong domestic sales growth, while the brand's global presence has also propelled its overseas revenue." "Dual-engine" for fast-paced growth Yili's "dual-engine" strategy -- one that features both innovation and digitization -- has greatly contributed to its brand value growth. Yili has set up a three-tiered R&D platform that includes the open innovation platform, group innovation center and BU-level application innovation platform. Running 15 R&D and innovation centers across the globe, Yili has been relentlessly pursuing whole industrial chain innovation collaboration that extends from pastures to end products. Yili has continued its efforts aimed at meeting consumers' diverse demands for healthier food. In 2023, Yili has led the industry by launching multiple functional dairy products that help boost people's immune systems or control their blood-sugar levels. SATINE active lactoferrin organic pure milk, for example, is a newly launched star product that was created after 3 years of R&D, drastically improving the lactoferrin retention rate from 10% to over 90%. The new product has played a pioneering role in the industry by creating an entirely new category of immune-boosting dairy products. Yili has also been stepping up its supply-chain digital transformation. Toward the upstream, it has developed a series of world-leading smart farms that operate without human intervention throughout their processes. Toward the midstream, it has launched numerous smart factories featuring enhanced production and management efficiency. And toward the downstream, Yili has adopted a digital consumer operation approach that covers both online and offline consumption, reaching all types of consumer scenarios and spanning the entire product life cycle. By putting digital technology into comprehensive application, Yili has step-by-step effected digital and intelligent upgrading throughout the entire operations chain, covering various functions including R&D, manufacturing, supply chains and marketing. Realizing the company's social value In April 2022, Yili became the first Chinese food company to release its peak carbon emission and carbon neutrality targets as well as a roadmap which includes a long-term pledge to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the industrial chain by 2050. Since then, Yili has gradually rolled out its carbon reduction plans and worked together with partners throughout the industrial chain to curb energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. Last year, a focus on reducing water footprints opened a new chapter for Yili's sustainability journey. In March 2023, Yili led China's food industry by obtaining the international water footprint verification both at the product and organizational levels. It also became China's first company to join the UN Water Action Agenda. As the world's most valuable dairy brand, Yili is committed to achieving not only its own commercial success but also the sustainable development of the entire dairy industry. In pursuit of its dream of "World Integrally Sharing Health", Yili will continue to enhance its global partnerships, innovation and digitalization to further improve its product and service quality. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=441892 Caption: Yili tops the Most Valuable Dairy Brands 2023 ranking. SOURCE Yili Group Interior Minister: Death toll from Russian strike on Hoholive, Poltava region rises to three, one considered missing One of those who were considered missing as a result of a strike by Russian occupiers on an oil mill in the village of Hoholive, Myrhorod district, Poltava region, was found dead, thus increasing the number of victims to three, Interior Minister of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said. "Another dead person was found in Hoholive, Poltava region. As a result of a Russian strike on an oil mill in Poltava region, three people were killed. Another one is considered missing. We are looking for," Klymenko said in Telegram on Monday. According to him, five people received injuries of varying degrees of severity. All the victims are employees of the enterprise that was hit. "The fire has been contained. Russia's war crime is being documented," Klymenko said. Earlier it was reported about two killed and five wounded as a result of a night strike by the occupiers on the oil mill in Hoholive. Two employees were considered missing, and a search was launched for them. 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 Jerusalem, Aug 28 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Hamas will pay full price if they try to carry out attacks against Israel. "Whoever tries to hurt us, whoever finances and organises, whoever dispatches terrorists against Israel, will pay the full price," said Netanyahu in a televised statement on Sunday. The remark came after Hamas' deputy political chief Salah al-Arouri threatened a "multi-front war" if Israel tried to assassinate more Palestinian leaders, Xinhua news agency reported. Last week, right-wing Israeli ministers and lawmakers reportedly called on the government to return to the so-called "targeted killings" of Palestinian militants amid a wave of Palestinian attacks against Israelis. The attacks come amid nearly daily Israeli military raids in the West Bank, which often result in Palestinian fatalities. The most recent "targeted killings" by Israel took place on May 9, when a large-scale military offensive in the Gaza Strip killed three Islamic Jihad leaders in an airstrike. Khartoum, Aug 28 : Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, made a rare public appearance in Port Sudan, the capital city of the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan. The press office of the Sovereign Council published photos of Al-Burhan's arrival in Port Sudan, with captions on Sunday saying "The arrival of the President of the Sovereign Council, Commander of the (Sudanese) Armed Forces, to Port Sudan city". On August 24, Al-Burhan showed up for the first time outside the headquarters of the SAF's General Command and the Ministry of Defence since the war broke out in mid-April, where he inspected the Army's outposts in the city of Omdurman, north of the capital Khartoum, Xinhua news agency reported. Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left more than 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. More than four million people have fled their homes -- 3.2 million people were displaced internally and close to 900,000 have crossed the border into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and other countries, according to the latest UN estimates. Some 25 reps of Interior Ministry, Prytula Foundation to go to Israel for training ambassador Some 25 representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation will go to Israel for training, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky has said. "Some 25 representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the charitable foundation of Serhiy Prytula are sent to Israel for training entitled 'Creating a rehabilitation system for victims of hostilities," according to his Telegram channel. Brodsky said since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, in Israel, more than 400 Ukrainian specialists have been trained under the program of the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine. Bucharest, Aug 28 : A new death has been registered following the fire and explosions overnight at a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) station in southern Romania's Dambovita County, announced an official with the country's Interior Ministry. According to Raed Arafat, head of the Department for Emergency Situations of the Interior Ministry, the new death was confirmed by an emergency hospital in Bucharest. Two explosions overnight at an LPG station in Crevedia Commune, less than 30 km northwest of Bucharest, caused one death and 57 injuries at the scene, Xinhua news agency reported. According to an earlier statement of the Interior Ministry, the first explosion resulted in eight victims, of whom one died from a heart attack, with no burns or other injuries on his body, while the other 50 victims occurred in the second blast. The Ministry also pointed out that most of the wounded were their staff, including 39 firefighters, two policemen and two gendarmes. According to the official Agerpres news agency, the local and surrounding counties and cities quickly dispatched more than 20 fire trucks and fire fighting robots soon after the explosions. The wounded were quickly sent to nearby hospitals, and four wounded with serious burns were sent to Belgium and Italy for treatment by two planes arranged by the National Defence Ministry. The exact cause of the explosions has yet to be known. Arafat told media that preliminary investigations showed that the LPG station has no operating authorisation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared at Crevedia that in the next period checks will be ordered at all fuel and LPG stations in the country. Tehran, Aug 28 : Iran and the Netherlands have highlighted the necessity of resorting to diplomacy and dialogue to clarify misunderstandings, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In a phone call, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri Kani, and his Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink, discussed bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly in the consular sector, according to the statement published on the Ministry's website on Sunday. Bagheri Kani said Iran and the Netherlands are having new conditions in bilateral cooperation, which is expected to further expand if both sides are committed to doing so, Xinhua news agency reported. Resorting to dialogue and constant consultations have always been Iran's first option in its relations with the Netherlands despite their differences, he added. The Dutch official, for his part, stressed the importance of holding dialogues between the two countries and said diplomacy could help correct misunderstandings. Ankara, Aug 28 : Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) killed a senior member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in an operation in northern Iraq, the media reported. Kadri Encu, code-named "Dogan," was "neutralised" in Iraq's Gara region, the semi-official Anadolu Agency quoted anonymous security sources as saying. The PKK member joined the group's rural ranks in 2006 and was trained in the Zap region. He was responsible for the transfer of group members and weapons between Iraq and Syria, said the sources. He was providing the routes, as well as arms and munitions for the group's members in northern Iraq's Gara, Zap, Metina and Haftanin regions, aimed at carrying out attacks in Turkey's "Operation Claw-Lock" zone, the sources added. He was also involved in the activities of the group's foreign relations, Anadolu reported. The Turkish intelligence agency has stepped up its operations abroad in recent years to stamp out "terrorist" activities in Iraq and Syria, Turkey's two southeastern neighbours, Xinhua news agency reported. On Sunday, the Turkish military killed two militants of the PKK in the "Operation Claw-Lock" zone in a separate operation, the Turkish Defence Ministry said in a statement. TArkiye launched the cross-border Operation Claw-Lock against the PKK militants in April 2022. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Yangon, Aug 28 : Myanmar police have seized 6.6 kg of heroin worth more than 160 million kyats (about $76,100) in the country's northern state of Kachin, said a statement by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC). The seizure was made in the state's Mohnyin Township on Friday, said the committee on Sunday. On Saturday 182,000 stimulant tablets worth more than 72 million kyats (about $34,200) were seized in an operation by anti-narcotics police who acted on a tip-off in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, it added. The police found the stimulant tablets when searching a motorcycle driven by a suspect in the state's Mong Hsat township, Xinhua news agency reported. Further investigation into the cases was underway, the committee said. Kiev. Aug 28 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the coalition aiding Kiev's fight against Moscow would not support the war-torn nation if it were to move the hostilities into Russian territory. "I believe that this is a big risk, we will definitely be left alone," CNN quoted the President as saying on Sunday in an interview to local media when he was asked if it was time for such a move. Zelensky said Ukraine's fight to reclaim its own territory has been critically aided by its relationships with allies. The progress and responsibility for Ukraine on the battlefield "is always bilateral", he said, adding that international partners were a part of any victory, any hold-up in the counteroffensive, any defensive actions and any weakness. Zelensky also said he believes it is possible to "push for the demilitarization of Russia" in the occupied Crimea by political means, reports CNN. The last several months have witnessed an increase in strikes on Russian territory, with Russian officials saying Ukrainian drones and shelling are responsible for the attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine has taken credit for attacks by sea drones and other weaponry on the Russian-held Crimea and surrounding Black Sea targets, promising there will be more to come. Gurugram, Aug 28 : Security has been beefed up in the Nuh district and adjoining areas in view of the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat's call for a 'Shobha Yatra' on Monday, despite the authorities denying permission. Police, paramilitary forces and drones have been deployed to keep a strict vigil while security at inter-state and inter-district borders has also been increased. Markets in Nuh were also closed in view of the yatra. As a precautionary measure, the Nuh district administration has already ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and imposed prohibitory orders in the communally-sensitive district. It has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, preventing the assembly of four or more people in an area till Monday. Communal clashes had erupted in Nuh, Gurugram and adjoining areas after a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession was attacked by a mob on July 31 leading to the death of six people, including two home guards and a cleric. On August 13, the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat gave a call to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on August 28 which was disrupted by the communal clashes on July 31. The VHP has said the procession will be taken out and asserted that there is no need to obtain permission for such religious events. August 28 is the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan. However, the authorities have denied permission for the yatra. A few locals said they have no objection to holding the religious procession if it is allowed but asserted that there should be no provocative sloganeering during the yatra. Multiple layers of barricades have been erected by police from Gurugram's Ghamroj toll, Sohna-Palwal Chowk and other various points and vehicles entering Nuh were thoroughly checked by the security personnel. Washington, Aug 28 : Fresh out of the first Republican primary debate, Indian-American candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has suggested that he would want to have Elon Musk on as an advisor if he wins the 2024 presidential election. Ramaswamy said he wants to bring in people with "a blank fresh impression", after a voter at a town hall in Iowa asked the 38-year-old entrepreneur last week where he would seek guidance if elected, The Hill reported, citing NBC News. "I've enjoyed getting to know better, Elon Musk recently, I expect him to be an interesting adviser of mine because he laid off 75 per cent of the employees at Twitter," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy has previously complimented Musk's management of X, previously Twitter, saying he would run the government the way that Musk runs the social media company. "What he did at Twitter is a good example of what I want to do to the administrative state," Ramaswamy had said in an interview on Fox News last week. "Take out the 75 per cent of the dead weight cost, improve the actual experience of what it's supposed to do. He put an X through Twitter, I'll put a big X through the administrative state," he said, adding: "So, that's where I'm at on common tactics with Elon." Musk, who had previously pledged support for Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis' White House bid, called Ramaswamy "increasingly compelling", as the Indian-American faced his first political debate in Wisconsin to select the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nominee. The tech billionaire had also called the youngest presidential aspirant a "very promising candidate", referring to Ramaswamy's interview with talk show host Tucker Carlson. Ramaswamy believes it's time for an "outsider" in the White House in 2024, and is almost tying up with DeSantis at number two in polls, beating fellow Indian-American Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll released last week showed DeSantis in second place in the Republican race with 12 per cent support -- just four points ahead of Ramaswamy. With a worth of more than $950 million, Ramaswamy raised more than $450,000, with an average donation of $38, in the first hour after the Republican debate. In addition, he was the most Google-searched Republican candidate, followed by Haley, according to Fox News. --IANS mi/ksk Miami, Aug 28 : Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seeking a Republican nomination for the 2024 US presidential election, has left his campaign trail and returned home after two major crises have hit his home state, including a racially-motivated attack that killed three African-Americans and an intensifying tropical storm. DeSantis made a public address on Sunday from the state's emergency operations centrein Tallahassee to brace Florida's gulf coast for Tropical Storm Idalia, which could make landfall as a hurricane as early as Wednesday, reports CNN. Before speaking on the storm, the Governo read a statement addressing Saturday;s attack at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville. The White gunman, who DeSantis called "a deranged scumbag," used racial slurs, left behind a racist screed and drew swastikas on his firearm, according to authorities."Perpetrating violence of this kind is unacceptable. And targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida," DeSantis said. The governor's campaign did not immediately provide an update on his future political travel, but he told reporters on Sunday that he was "locked in on this" storm and "we're gonna get the job done", CNN reported. DeSantis has canceled a town hall scheduled for Monday morning in South Carolina, as well as his keynote address at South Carolina Representative Jeff Duncan's 12th annual Faith & Freedom BBQ. Asked where he planned to be this week, the Governor replied: "I'm here. I am here." In his address, DeSantis also provided updates on Idalia's trajectory as it gained strength between Cuba and Mexico. The storm has maximum sustained wind speeds of 40 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center, and it could become a hurricane by Tuesday afternoon. DeSantis warned that the Gulf of Mexico, experiencing record warm sea surface temperatures, could quickly turn this storm more powerful. "Please just heed the warnings of your local officials (and) continue to watch the news," he said. Sunday's address was DeSantis' first public appearances in his home state since he entered the race for president in May. Los Angeles, Aug 28 : Veteran Hollywood star Julie Andrews was disappointed when British star and icon Audrey Hepburn was cast as Eliza in the classic 'My Fair Lady'. Although Andrews had received rave reviews for the role on stage, Warner Bros' Jack Warner opted to cast Audrey in the lead for the feature film, reports aceshowbiz.com. "Though I totally understood why Audrey had been chosen for the role (I'd never made a movie and was a relative unknown compared to her worldwide fame), I felt sad that I would never have the chance to put my version of Eliza on film," Andrews told US Closer magazine. However, Andrews had her revenge when she went on to win an Oscar and Golden Globe for 'Mary Poppins' and took a cheeky dig at Warner during her acceptance speech for the Globes. She said: "My thanks to a man who made a wonderful movie and who made all this possible in the first place - Mr Jack Warner." Despite being feted for her turn in 'Mary Poppins', Andrews said that she found the attention of Hollywood difficult to deal with at first. Speaking about the movie's US premiere at the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, she said: "I was unprepared for the pressure and scrutiny, the feeling of being pulled, poked and shouted at. I never sat down, and I don't recall eating a morsel a I couldn't wait to go home." Los Angeles, Aug 28 : Actress Pamela Anderson had once found a stalker in her bed wearing her iconic red bikini and hid under her bed. Anderson found fame in the 1990s when she played C.J Parker on the hit series 'Baywatch' and was shocked years later in 2001 to find that a French woman known as Christine Roth, then 27, had broken into her house and climbed into her bed wearing her costume from the show, reports aceshowbiz.com. The stalker handed her a note which read: "I'm not a lesbian, but I dream of you," on seeing the actress for the first time. Anderson told The Sun: "My mum was in hospital and my dad was coming into town so I was preparing a room for him when someone came upstairs and said, 'Pamela, there is someone sleeping in your bed.' I was thinking, 'Very Goldilocksy', like maybe it was my brother's wife or maybe someone sneaked in the back door." "We went into the room and there was a woman wearing my red bathing suit and speaking French, blonde hair - and then she gave me a letter saying she wanted to touch me and she was there for that, and she had a lot of my clothes under the bed." She added that the woman had cut herself with broken glass and that a lot of items that had gone missing from her house ended up being found under the bed where the woman had been hiding. She said: "She had been there for a while and then she cut her wrists with glass and it was this panicky moment. I grabbed the kids and went outside. There were lots of little things that had gone missing, like bread and my jean jacket, and I kept thinking I was losing my mind. It was all under the bed and it was a room that had an outside entrance so she came in off the beach." Anderson added that the stalker ended up being deported back to France and when police asked if she wanted the bikini back, the actress quickly told the police that the fan could keep it. She said: "Anyway, she was deported back to France and she had some issues, and her family was happy to have her back and I was happy to see her go. And then the police asked me if I wanted my bathing suit back and I said, 'No, it's OK, thank you very much though. Just give it to her!" Ukraine will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 that will take place in Malmo, Sweden. "The public broadcasting company has confirmed Ukraine's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Sweden will host the contest after the victory of Loreen with the song 'Tattoo' at the Eurovision 2023 that was hosted by Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine in May this year," Suspilne said. Ukraine's representative will be chosen during an open national selection that will call for applications soon. Kolkata, Aug 28 : West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will reach Mumbai a day in advance of the two-day meeting of the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on August 31 and September 1. Party insiders said that the chief minister is expected to reach Mumbai on the evening of August 30, which coincides with the auspicious occasion of Rakhi festival. As per the schedule fixed as of now, the chief minister after landing at Mumbai will go straight to the bungalow of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and tie Rakhi on the latter. "On several occasions before, the superstar and his wife Jaya Bachchan had visited Kolkata on the occasion of the Kolkata International Film Festival. Last time when they came to Kolkata, Mrs Bachchan especially invited the chief minister to pay a visit to their bungalow when the latter went to Mumbai. So the chief minister wants to utilize the opportunity," said a member of the state cabinet. She is also scheduled to attend the dinner hosted jointly by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on the evening of August 31. The INDIA meeting at Mumbai, the third such meeting after Patna and Bengaluru, is happening at a time when there is turmoil in the West Bengal units of both Congress and CPI(M) over the rationale behind having an understanding with Trinamool Congress considering that the latter is their principal opposition in the state. While a section of the Congress leaders are extremely vocal against their central leadership over their hobnobbing with Mamata Banerjee amid the plight of the state Congress workers in the hands of the activists of the ruling party. Similar internal tension is brewing within CPI(M) over the party's general secretary Sitaram Yechury seen sharing the same dais and even the same frame with Mamata Banerjee. Bhopal, Aug 28 : Under fire from the opposition over the murder of an 18-year-old Dalit youth in Sagar district, senior BJP leader and urban development minister Bhupendra Singh said the "incident should not be politicised". The village where the incident took place is located in the Khurai Assembly constituency of state cabinet minister Bhupendra Singh. Responding to the allegations made by the opposition, Singh said it was an unfortunate incident and all the accused have been arrested. The minister also said that it wasn't a case of atrocity against Dalit but it happened because of a long conflict between two parties. "Its not a case of atrocity against Dalit. There was a long dispute between two sides (victim and accused families) which caused the unfortunate incident and it should not be politicised," Singh added. The incident has sparked a political controversy in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and the Congress has been hitting out at the ruling BJP on atrocities against Dalits. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who had visited Sagar last week to address a public rally, said that the "BJP has made the state a laboratory" for atrocities on the community. "A Dalit youth was beaten to death in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. The goons did not even spare his mother. The Prime Minister, who projects the facade of building the Sant Ravidas temple in Sagar, does not even flinch at atrocities and injustice handed out to Dalits and tribals in Madhya Pradesh," Kharge said on Sunday. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Sagar on August 12 and had laid the foundation of a temple of Sant Ravidas. He had addressed a mammoth rally also. At least nine persons belonging to the OBC community and the minority community have so far been arrested under IPC Sections pertaining to murder, sexual harassment and voluntarily causing hurt, a Sagar district police official had said on Saturday. According to the police, a group of men led by prime accused Vikram Singh (28) stormed into the house of 20-year-old Nitin Ahirwar on Thursday late night and forced him to withdraw a 2019 case of sexual harassment filed by Ahirwar's sister against Vikram and his family members. When Ahirwar refused, the attackers mercilessly assaulted him with sticks and rods. The critically hurt Dalit youth was rushed to a hospital, where the doctors declared him dead. Kolkata, Aug 28 : With the recovery of another body, the death toll in the illegal firecracker factory blast at Duttapukur in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, has risen to eight. However, as per local police sources, the foul smell of decomposed bodies indicate that more bodies are buried under the debris. A headless body was recovered this morning and after a search, the severed head was located from the backyard of the illegal unit where the blast took place on Sunday morning. "The incident of the head being severed from the body and recovered from the distance gives an estimation of how powerful the impact of the blast was. The police also recovered a severed palm this morning. This severed palm has no connection with the body recovered, since both the palms of the body are intact," said a local police official who refused to be named. Meanwhile, tension is still brewing among the locals of the area who are alleging that had the police taken timely action against the illegal firecracker entity, in response to their frequent complaints, so many lives would not have been lost. On Sunday, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose targetted "Kanyashree Prakalpa", a conditional state cash transfer scheme aimed at improving lives of girl children and a pet project of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as he criticised the state government over the blast Bose said that "Kanyashree" will never be successful unless the lives of the "Kanya (daughters)" are secured. Meanwhile, state BJP president and the party Lok Sabha member Dr Sukanta Majumdar has shot off a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the matter. Trinamool Congress has accused the opposition parties of unnecessarily "politicising the accident". Bengal cracker factory blast may not have occurred had authorities heeded plaints by locals. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, Aug 28 : The death toll in the blast at an illegal firecracker warehouse in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district rose to eight on Monday following the discovery of another body. Local police sources said the death toll was likely to increase as more bodies might be buried under the debris. The body discovered on Monday was without a head, a police officer said, adding that it was recovered later at some distance in the backyard of the warehouse in Duttapukur. "The incident of the head being severed from the body and recovered at a distance gives an estimation of how powerful the impact of the blast was. On Monday, the police also recovered a severed palm. However, it was not from the body as it had both its palms intact," the officer added. Meanwhile, tension isbrewing in the area as locals have alleged that if the police had taken timely action against frequent complaints related to the illegal warehouse, the tragedy could have been averted, On Sunday. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose targeted "Kanyashree Prakalpa", a conditional state cash transfer scheme aimed at improving lives of girl children and pet project of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as he criticised the state government over the blast. Bose said that "Kanyashree" will never be successful unless the lives of the "Kanya (daughters)" are secured. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has written a letter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the matter. The state's ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the opposition of unnecessarily politicising an accident. New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Supreme Court on Monday asked Attorney General (AG) R. Venkataramani to look into the decision of J&K Lieutenant Governor administration to place a lecturer under suspension after he reportedly argued against abrogation of the Article 370 before the ongoing Constitution Bench. The matter was mentioned before the CJI D.Y. Chandrachud-led Constitution bench by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. "He argued what was argued. He was suspended from the faculty on 25th of August. These things should not happen," said Sibal, adding that senior lecturer, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, was placed under suspension immediately after he appeared in the court on August 23. At this, CJI Chandrachud said: "Mr. Attorney, just see what Mr. Sibal is saying. Talk to the Lieutenant Governor... If there is something apart from this, that's different." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is defending Centre's action to revoke status status accorded to erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said that the UT administration can place the order pertaining to lecture's suspension before the apex court. "What is reported in the newspaper may not be the whole truth. There are other issues also. We can place it before your lordships... We will look into it," Mehta said. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a senior lecturer of political science posted at the Government Higher Secondary School in Srinagar's Jawahar Nagar was suspended pending inquiry for alleged violation of provisions of J&K Civil Service Regulations, J&K Government Employees (conduct) Rules,1971 and J&K Leave Rules. Gurugram, Aug 28 : The local people performed the 'Jalabhishek' and offered prayers in the Shiva temple of Nalhad in Haryana's Nuh on Monday. The district administration has banned the arrival of devotees from other districts to the temple. The security at all mosques and temples across the district has been tightened. A number of people attended the morning prayers at the Shiva temples in Nalhad. People were seen performing 'Aarti' at the temple as August 28 is the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan. The Gururgam Police have also beefed up the security in Sohna and adjoining areas to keep an eye on suspicious people. "We started checking vehicles since yesterday. We are collecting public information, their destination information, vehicle checking, vehicle registration numbers are being noted to get all the details about their movements," Siddhant Jain, DCP, (South) told IANS. Sources said the police have received some secret inputs about the movements of suspicions elements that can harm law and order situation in the distirct. On August 13, the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat gave a call to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on August 28 which was disrupted by the communal clashes on July 31. The VHP said the procession would be taken out and asserted that there was no need to obtain permission for such religious events. Kochi, Aug 28 : A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight was called back from the runway at the Cochin International Airport on Monday after receiving an anonymous call that a bomb was placed in the aircraft. The aircraft was taxiing on the runway when the call was received Following a thorough search after offloading the passengers and cargo, it turned out to be a hoax. Just before 1 p.m., the aircraft was allowed to proceed to its destination. Meanwhile, the local police has started a detailed probe into the incident. --IANS sg/ksk London, Aug 28 : UK researchers have developed a new way of identifying patients at risk of an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, that can raise odds of having a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke by up to five times. The team from the University of East Anglia found four specific factors that can predict which patients will have atrial fibrillation. These include older age, higher diastolic blood pressure and problems with both the coordination and function of the upper left chamber of the heart. The team created an easy tool for doctors to use in practice to identify those at high risk, which will help diagnose and treat more patients, reducing their risk of future strokes. "Identifying who is at high risk and more likely to develop atrial fibrillation is very important," said lead researcher Prof. Vassilios Vassiliou, from UEA's Norwich Medical School. "This is because it requires specific treatment with anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of future strokes," Vassiliou said. To determine the cause of the stroke, Vassiliou explained that people often undergo multiple investigations like prolonged monitoring of the heart rhythm with a small implantable device called a loop recorder, and an ultrasound of the heart, called an echocardiogram. In the study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the team collected data from 323 patients who had had a stroke with no cause identified known as Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. They analysed medical records as well as data from prolonged heart rhythm monitoring and also studied their echocardiograms. "We determined how many of these patients were found to have atrial fibrillation up to three years following their stroke, and went on to perform a thorough assessment to identify if there are specific parameters that are connected with atrial fibrillation identification. "We identified four parameters that were linked with the development of atrial fibrillation, which were consistently present in patients that had this arrhythmia. We then developed a model that can be used to predict who will show atrial fibrillation in the next three years, and is therefore at increased risk of another stroke in the future," Vassiliou said. "This is a very easy tool that any doctor can use in clinical practice And it can potentially help doctors provide more targeted and effective treatment to these patients, ultimately aiming to highlight the people at higher risk of this arrhythmia that can benefit from prolonged heart rhythm monitoring and earlier anticoagulation to prevent a future stroke," he added. The study is also being presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference held in Amsterdam from August 25-28. --IANS rvt/ksk New Delhi, Aug 28 : Brightcom Group has announced the resignations of Suresh Reddy, who was serving as the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the company, and Narayana Raju, who held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the company. The resignations came after the SEBI order, which barred the companyas CMD and CFO from holding directorial positions. The company said a Transition Leadership Team was proposed, with the responsibility of overseeing the leadership transition process. The Board also approved the commencement of a search for an CEO and a CFO to ensure the smooth continuation of essential operations. It was decided to promptly inform the company's staff about the upcoming leadership changes. Transparent and clear communication will be maintained throughout this transition period to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations. The company will inform the public, stakeholders, and investors about the departure of the Chairman & Managing Director and CFO in alignment with SEBI's interim order. The communication will be truthful, professional, and consistent with the company's values, it said. The Board acknowledged the need for regulatory compliance. Steps will be taken to engage with relevant regulatory bodies and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations during this transition period. The Board is committed to managing this leadership transition in a responsible and strategic manner, prioritising effective communication, regulatory compliance, financial stability, and the well-being of the company's employees and stakeholders. Chennai, Aug 28 : The Tamil Nadu Government has rejected a proposal of the state Water Resources Department (WRD) to desilt dams, including Mettur dam, citing shortage of funds/ Department sources told IANS that the storage capacity of the dams could increase if they were desilted. An official said that the Mettur dam presently has a storage capacity of 93 tmcft if desliting was done, the capacity could increase to120 tmcft in a few years. However, the cost of the desilting work in Mettur dam alone could be around Rs 3,000 crore and the state government has outright rejected the proposal citing its poor financial position. The state can generate supplementary revenue by seling the sand that is removed from the bottom of these dams during desilting. Dams in Tamil Nadu, including the Bhavanisagar, Amaravathy and Sathanur, were also surveyed by the WRD and had subsmitted a desilting proposal to the state government. While Tamil Nadu is facing a shortage of water, excess water in these dams flow out out as the capacity of the dams could be raised only by the desilting process. The Central government, that generally supports the renovation of dams, will not provide funds for desilting citing environmental concerns. WRD sources told IANS that they have already submitted a proposal to the state Water Resources Minister and senior DMK leader, S. Duraimurugan and explained to him the necessity of the desilting process and how it could help the dams store more water. --IANS aal/ksk The President's Office of Ukraine expects a quick and adequate response from the European Commission in the event of the extension of unilateral restrictions on the export of Ukrainian agricultural products after September 15, Deputy Head of the Office Ihor Zhovkva said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. "If, after September 15, individual EU member states nevertheless unilaterally introduce a decision to restrict Ukraine's trade with the EU, we will expect a quick and adequate reaction from the European Commission, in particular, in the legal plane, in relation to such states. After all, the principles of the EU Single Market and the provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement shall not be violated under any circumstances," he stressed. Also, according to him, "in the event that the EC side violates the Association Agreement, including the relevant provisions on the deep and comprehensive free trade area, Ukraine reserves the choice of legal mechanisms on how to respond to this." Zhovkva recalled the meeting between the President of Ukraine and the head of the European Commission last week in Athens. "It was a very important meeting. The President of Ukraine very clearly told Madam President that we remember that the decision of the European Commission to restrict Ukrainian exports is valid until September 15. And after that it will not work," he said. "Madam President once again confirmed that her position has not changed. We are sure that no pressure from any EU member state will entail a violation of the association agreement between Ukraine and the EU," Zhovkva said. According to him, "we talked about the need to clearly distinguish between de jure actions and de facto actions. Sometimes, de jure, some countries say that they do not block transit, but de facto this is far from the case." "I have an agreement with the cabinet of President von der Leyen that we will immediately prove any facts of blocking Ukrainian transit and demand a response," the deputy head of the President's Office said. After this meeting, he noted, "pressure from Poland continued (I mean the corresponding statement of the Polish Minister of Agriculture that some countries will continue to ban the export of Ukrainian grain to them after September 15)." "But Ukraine will not be a hostage to any foreign election campaign. By the way, this is not only about Poland. Therefore, we work with every government that wants to hear the position of Ukraine and wants to hear arguments. And if decisions are made, then only on the basis of arguments, facts and relevant procedures," Zhovkva stressed. Vadodara, August 28 : A woman, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, wreaked havoc in Vadodara after she vehemently resisted arrest and engaged in a heated altercation with the police following a collision involving her car. A video of the incident, which took place on Sunday, is making the rounds on social media. It shows the woman verbally abusing the police and also captures her unruly behaviour. The woman was apprehended by the police for not only driving while intoxicated but also for engaging in a physical altercation with the officers. Authorities have registered a case against her in connection with the incident. The confrontation unfolded when the police stopped the woman, who was driving her car at night, during routine checks. The incident took place against the backdrop of heightened vigilance by Traffic Police and increased checks across the state following a harrowing accident on the Iskcon bridge in Ahmedabad. The woman's car was stopped during a road check near Gotri Gokul Nagar in Vadodara. Evidently inebriated, a female officer requested her cooperation to exit the vehicle for inspection. However, the woman's reaction was far from calm, she unleashed a torrent of abuse and escalated to physically clashing with the lady officer. Despite her attempts to strike the officer, the female officer maintained her composure and urged the woman to remain calm. The situation escalated further when the woman slapped a male police officer present at the scene during the check. Islamabad, Aug 28 : A court in Pakistan has dismissed an FIR stating murder abetment charges against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his lawyer confirmed on Monday, In June, Khan was charged with abetting the murder of Supreme Court lawyer Abdul Razzaq, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Quetta that month, reports The Express Tribune. Razzaq's son had accused the former premier of being behind his father's murder. In a tweet, Khan's lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha said: "The court has dismissed the FIR registered against Imran Khan registered in Bijli Road police station in Quetta... Once again Imran Khan has emerged victorious against a false case. "Congratulations to all of Pakistan for the victory of justice." Before he died, Razzaq had submitted an application seeking the registration of a treason case against the former Prime Minister for violating the Constitution by unconstitutionally dissolving Parliament after he lost a vote of confidence in April 2022, that ousted him from power, The Express Tribune reported. A division bench of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) had fixed a hearing of the case on June 7 -- the day of the killing. However, the case could not be heard because of the absence of the bench, while members of the legal fraternity boycotted court proceedings against the killing of the senior lawyer. Ramanagara : , Aug 28 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a college girl was stabbed and kidnapped here on Monday. The kidnapper later admitted her to a hospital. The condition of the girl is said to be critical. According to police, the girl was waylaid by the accused and his associates at the entrance of the college in Ramanagara city. The kidnapper stabbed her in the shoulders and hands. When she collapsed bleeding severely the kidnappers dragged her into their car and escaped from the spot. The kidnappers managed to escape even as the locals and students attempted to prevent them and pelted stones at the car. The locals passed on the information to the police. The cops later got information that the girl was admitted to the Ramakrishna hospital. The police rushed to the hospital and took the kidnapper and the car into custody. The preliminary probe has revealed that both the accused and the victim hailed from a village in Ramanagara district. The police are suspecting that it is a matter of one-sided love. However, police said the exact reason would be ascertained sooner and other accused will be arrested in connection with the case. The girl is admitted to the ICU and is yet to record her statement. Further investigation is on. Dhaka, Aug 28 : Bangladesh is preparing to start safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland Myanmar later this year, initially with around 1,000 people, a senior government official said here. "As part of confidence-building measures, a Bangladesh delegation is set to visit Myanmar next month while a team from Myanmar will be here soon to talk to the refugees," Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen tas saying to reporters. "We've prepared a list of over 3,000 Rohingya from whom we expect to send back 1,000 to Myanmar initially in or around December," he said. He said the reduction of assistance for Rohingya, whose population is growing with around 30,000 newborns every year, is compounding the crisis in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently urged the international community to continue providing necessary humanitarian support till the sustainable repatriation. More than 1 million displaced Rohingya from Myanmar are currently living Kutupalong and Nayapara refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, some 300 km southeast of the capital Dhaka, insome of the largest and most densely populated camps in the world. The UN has described the Rohingya as "the most persecuted minority in the world". More than half of all Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh (52 per cent) are children, while 51 per cent are comprised of women and girls. The current refugee population accounts for one-third of the total population in the Cox's Bazar. Since 2021, to decongest the 33 camps in Cox's Bazar, nearly 30,000 refugees have been relocated to Bhasan Char island by the government of Bangladesh. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Known for her unconventional body of work, actress Kalki Koechlin, who skillfully portrayed the nuances of her character's emotions in the movie 'Goldfish', said the colour of her skin limits her roles in Bollywood, and this role she knew it was cut out for her. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is presenting this stirring drama, which is directed by Pushan Kripalani and produced by Amit Saxena. Set in London, 'Goldfish' deals with memory, music, mental health and identity. This Indian-British-American production brings together powerhouse talents Deepti Naval, Kalki Koechlin and Rajit Kapur, with some actors from the United Kingdom Bharti Patel, Gordon Warnecke, Ravin Ganatra and Shanaya Rafaat to tell a delicate, timeless story of a mother and a daughter, and of community. Kalki said: "Goldfish was special because complex, layered, sensitive and funny scripts like that are rare to come by. Anyway there are few roles for someone like me in the industry, since the colour of my skin limits my roles in Bollywood, and this being about the identity of a half Indian, half british was something I knew I was cut out for." About her experience of working with Deepti, she said: "It was a pleasure to work with Deepti ji, she is quiet and yet so brilliant and surprising, I was always kept on my toes as she would come up with something on the spot and I'd have to react to it. I loved working with her." The movie marks the return of Kalki to the theaters after four years. Kalki was last seen in 2019 Hindi movie 'Gully Boy', starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. She also starred in 2020 Tamil anthology drama 'Paava Kadhaigal', in the segment 'Love Panna Uttranum' as Penelope. On September 30, 2019, Kalki confirmed her pregnancy with her boyfriend, Guy Hershberg, an Israeli musician. Their daughter was born on February 7, 2020 through water birth. The film revolves around Anamika (Kalki Koechlin), the child of a mixed marriage, who returns home to her estranged mother Sadhana (Deepti Naval) because she is suffering from the onset of dementia. Ana returns to a neighbourhood she barely remembers, to a woman who sometimes doesn't remember her. A Splendid Films production, produced by Amit Saxena, the film will be released on September 1. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kalki was recently seen in 'Made In Heaven 2'. Jamui : , Aug 28 (IANS/101 Reporters) Bablu Kumar (35) stays in the Railway Colony of Gangra village in Bihar's Jamui district. He buys drinking water at the rate of Rs 20 for a 20-litre bottle. "We need at least two bottles a day. Of the 1,000 households in the Colony, about 700 buy water while the rest draw drinking water from a hand pump. Work for the tap water scheme started in our ward in 2019 but it is still incomplete," said Kumar. Four concrete pillars on which a water storage tank was to be placed stand testimony to an unfulfilled dream of tap water supply in Ward No.1, where Bablu lives. The tank, pipeline connection to households and taps still remain. "I did not have the documents of the scheme under which the project came. Now that I have acquired them, we have complained to the officials about the incomplete work. Hopefully, the matter will be resolved soon," said Mahesh Majhi, a member of Ward No.1. A ward member is the official in charge at the ward level of implementing the Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal Yojana (HGNJY) the tap water supply scheme of Bihar. In April this year, Jamui district, located on the Bihar-Jharkhand border, got an award in the half-yearly Jal Jeevan Survekshan-2023 (JJS) of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Central Ministry of Jal Shakti. The district was ranked third in the "High Achievers" category meaning it has achieved 75-100% tap water connections. This is second only to 'Frontrunners' a category of districts that have achieved 100% connections. The state Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) had put up a social media post on Facebook about the award on July 6. The JJS ranking is based on indicators like the percentage of households receiving more than 55 litres of water per person per day, potability and regularity parameters, source sustainability, chlorination, user charges and grievance redressal system. The two components of the assessment are self-reporting by districts on these standards and vetting by an independent agency to check the functionality of tap water connections. "Jamui falls in the category of aspirational districts those defined by poor socio-economic indicators. Despite that, it performed well on the JJS. Hence, the award. However, if we compare with other districts in Bihar, not much work has happened in Jamui under the HGNJY scheme," said Ashok Kumar, Chief Engineer cum Special Secretary of the PHED department at Patna, the state capital. HGNJY is Bihar's own scheme, separate from the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). It was launched on September 27, 2016, and promised water supply thrice a day for two hours each. HGNJY aimed at providing tap connections to the whole state by March 2020. Till 2021, Bihar's HGNJY had achieved 152.16 lakh tap connections as compared to 8.44 lakh connections under JJM and 2.32 lakh connections through the National Rural Drinking Water Programme. According to a source in the PHED, two lakh households still await connection. Four km away from Ghangra is Patsanda village. Sanjay Majhi (50) says that his locality, Musahari Tola, is home to about 1,500 people but is still not connected via HGNJY. They are dependent on two handpumps installed by the state government in 2015 for drinking water. "The groundwater in Patsanda has high iron content so the handpumps are of no use. We have complained to the Mukhiya (village head) and government officials many times, but to no avail," said Majhi. Of the 13 wards in Patsanda, three are not yet connected to the scheme. "But even in the wards that are connected, very few people drink tap water because it has not been filtered for years and the taps are broken in many places. They only use it for washing clothes," said Majhi. "Biru Majhi, the ward member in Musahari Tola went to jail on minor charges and the work could not begin due to that," says Anjani Singh, the Mukhiya (head) of Patsanda village. Though the Mukhiya and Gram Panchayat can exert pressure on the ward member, nothing was done in the case of Musahari Tola. Four years ago, Jamuni village in Chakai Panchayat of the district got an overhead water tank and taps in every household under HGNJY. "A large amount was spent on the tank, pipelines and taps but it has been a year now since these taps dried up. We have lodged complaints to officers at all levels of the administration but to no avail," says Bharat Sharma, a resident of Jamuni. Under the scheme, groundwater is extracted from a source near the village and a reverse osmosis filtration system is installed over it. The filtered water is pumped to an overhead tank and piped to individual households. "I don't see how Jamui's situation is better than any other district in Bihar. The scheme has either not reached villages and wherever it has reached, the taps and pipelines are lying damaged or closed. One will hardly find any village where the HGNJY is running well," says Rahul Kumar, a resident of Jamui and a local journalist. "In the whole of Bihar, in fact, water supplied from the HGNJY is only used for washing clothes. If the scheme was working well, people would not have had to buy drinking water," he says. Numerous water purification plants have mushroomed all over the state and are minting good money. Middle-income families can afford to buy water but poor households have to depend on handpumps, added Kumar. 101Reporters found that even in villages connected with tap water under the scheme, either the pipeline is broken or the taps, leading to wastage of water. "HGNJY is full of corruption. It is well-known that contractors use bad-quality pipes and there is no coordination between them and ward members who are incharge of implementing the scheme on the ground. Wherever work has actually happened, it has not been followed up efficiently," says Amlesh Jha, a Right to Information activist from Patna. In 2022, a news report published in the Hindi Daily Dainik Bhasker said 70% of the work done under the HGNJY in 10 blocks of Jamui is lying shut. Scarce groundwater creates a catch-22 situation Low groundwater level leads to contamination. Even as tap water supply is crucial in such areas, it is difficult to implement it there at the same time because water is sourced from underground aquifers only. The state Government's Minor Water Resources Department which covers ponds and canals says that Jamui is one of the five districts where groundwater is lowest. In 2020, water was available at 11.28 meters before the monsoon and 7.35 meters after the monsoon, whereas in 2021, water was available at 9.9 meters before the monsoon and 6.03 meters after the monsoon. Also, Jamui is one of the 11 districts in Bihar with high fluoride content in groundwater. "Arsenic is also being found in groundwater now," said Gyan Chandra Gyani, an environmentalist from the neighbouring district of Bhagalpur. "Jamui is a hilly region. That's the reason the groundwater level there is low," said Gyani. There are 5-6 rivulets apart from Kiyul and Ulai, the main rivers in the district but they mostly run dry apart from monsoon. "Groundwater is used for agriculture apart from drinking water and other needs. In such circumstances, if the water under the HGNJY is wasted due to broken taps or pipes, it is a grave misuse of such a precious resource. The PHED department is doing an appreciable job in trying to provide drinking water to areas with high contamination but they should look into this problem urgently and focus on an efficient filtration system," says Eklavya Prasad, founder of Megh Pyne Abhiyan, a non-profit working on water issues in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. 101Reporters called the District Development Council, Jamui, in charge of implementing HGNJY in the district, several times but did not get a response. An official from the Patna PHED office says on conditions of anonymity that till now, the HGNJY was being run by three agencies- PHED, Panchayati Raj and the Urban Development and Housing Department of the state. "Lack of coordination between the three departments led to problems. There were also litigation issues between ward members and contractors that delayed the process. However, in May 2023, the state government decided to hand over the scheme entirely to PHED. Things should improve now," he says. (Rahul Kumar Gaurav is a Bihar-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.) New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Delhi Commission for Women on Monday issued notice to police and the Directorate of Education in the connection with the sexual assault on two minor government school boys by their classmates. According to DCW, they received an information regarding sexual assault on two minor students of a government school in Rohini. "A 13-year-old boy, who is a class eight student, was allegedly sexually assaulted by other students of the school. He has informed that in April 2023, he attended school during summer camp wherein some students forcibly took him to a nearby park and sexually assaulted him for seven days," said a DCW official. "He has alleged that the accused also threatened him not to disclose the incident to anyone. He has stated that a couple of days ago, he narrated his ordeal to two of his teachers, but they asked him not to report the matter," said the official. In another incident, in the same school, a 12-year-old boy was also sexually assaulted by the students. "He said that in April 2023, during the summer camp, he was sexually assaulted in the school toilet. He has stated that the accused students had threatened him not to disclose the incident to anyone. He has further alleged that around 16 days back, a student again tried to sexually assault him in the toilet," said the officials. "The victim further told DCW that he had narrated the incident to two of his teachers in July and August, but they had asked him to not talk about the incident to anyone. The Commission has been informed that the parents of the boy learnt about the incident around 6 days ago. When the mother of the child went to the school, the principal allegedly asked them to not talk about the incident to anyone," said the official. The official further said that the DCW chief Swati Maliwal has issued notices to police and the Education Department of Delhi Government. In her notice to police, Maliwal has asked the status of arrests made in the matter. "The Commission has also sought details of action taken against the school principal and teachers and has asked whether FIR have been registered against the under POCSO Act for allegedly not reporting the matter to authorities. The Commission has sought the copy of orders passed by the concerned Child Welfare Committee in the above matters," said the official. Further DCW has asked the Directorate of Education to provide an inquiry report in the matter. "The Commission has also asked whether the principal and the teachers of the school have been suspended for not reporting the incidents to authorities? The Commission has sought details of guidelines framed by the department for counselling of students and reporting of cases of sexual assault in the schools," said the official. Kolkata, Aug 28 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday claimed that she had received a message from an unknown person threatening to arrest Trinamool Congress national general secretary and the party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee. "I received a message yesterday from someone who said that Abhishek will soon be arrested as all evidence from his computer had been retrieved. Yes they have retrieved some files from the computer and planted their own files there. But we are not fools. "We have also extracted all the evidence of planting files which were not there in the computer. A general diary has also been filed in the matter," the chief minister said while addressing a gathering on the occasion of the foundation day of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students wing of the party. She indirectly referred to a complaint filed with the cyber cell of Kolkata Police by an employee of a corporate entity linked to Sujay Krishna Bhadra, the prime accused in the school job case in West Bengal. The complainant has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths of "planting evidence" while conducting raids at the said corporate entity in south Kolkata in the first two days of the last week. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister also launched a scathing attack against the West Bengal Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose accusing the latter of making attempts to run a parallel administration in the state. "I respect his chair. But I cannot accept his style of functioning. He is crossing his constitutional limits. He has recently appointed a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer without any academic experience as an interim vice- chancellor of a state- university, In Jadavpur University he has appointed someone as an interim vice- president who is a president of a particular cell of BJP. The Governor is forgetting that while he is appointed, we are elected," the chief minister said. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Congress on Monday attacked the BJP government at Centre and Madhya Pradesh state government saying that now women are stripped naked and humiliated on a routine basis and the BJP will never protect them as they have a long history of turning a blind eye to atrocities against the weak. Congress General Secretary (organisation) K.C Venugopal said: "First Manipur, now MP. Under the BJP rule, women are stripped naked and humiliated on a routine basis. Be it Dalits or tribals or minorities, the BJP will never protect them - they have a long history of turning a blind eye to atrocities against the weak." He said that every single day, Madhya Pradesh is giving us stories of the complete subjugation of Dalits and tribals. "In retaliation to a sexual harassment complaint, the victim's brother was killed, her mother humiliated. What is the Chief Minister doing? Why are (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (Union Home Minister Amit) Shah silent on this huge spate of violence? "This is the culture set by the 18-year rule of BJP in MP, and nine-year rule of Prime Minister Modi at the Centre. Their silence proves their complicity, yet again," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP said. The remarks from the Congress leader came after a Dalit youth was beaten to death and his mother allegedly stripped and assaulted by a group of men in poll bound Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. The shocking incident happened on Thursday late night in Barodia Naungar village in the district. The accused also vandalised the Dalit family's house. The deceased's mother said police gave her a towel to wrap herself, after they rushed to the spot following the incident. At least nine persons belonging to the OBC community and the minority community have so far been arrested under IPC Sections pertaining to murder, sexual harassment and voluntarily causing hurt. Police said that a group of men led by prime accused Vikram Singh (28) stormed into the house of 20-year-old Nitin Ahirwar on Thursday late night and forced him to withdraw a 2019 case of sexual harassment of Ahirwar's sister by Vikram and family members. When Ahirwar refused, the attackers mercilessly assaulted him with sticks and rods. As alleged by his mother, when she came to save her son, the accused men stripped her and thrashed her. The critically hurt Dalit youth was subsequently rushed to the Bundelkhand Medical College in Sagar district only, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Days after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge replaced Madhya Pradesh in-charge J.P Agarwal with party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Monday met with the senior Delhi leader at his residence. Priyanka Gandhi arrived at the residence of Agarwal in Delhi on Monday afternoon and discussed issues. The meeting between the two leaders comes in the wake of the discussions going on in the party to decide new chief for Delhi Congress unit. Agarwal was replaced by Surjewala as Madhya Pradesh in-charge. Surjewala is also the in-charge of Karnataka. He had played an important role in bringing the party back to power in the southern state. Meanwhile, as Madhya Pradesh in-charge Agarwal also worked closely with the party veteran leaders like Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh and the preparations in the state is in full swing. The Congress, which won in the 2018 assembly elections in the state, lost power in March 2020 after senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia led a rebellion along with his 22 loyal MLAs. Scindia along with his loyalists joined the BJP. The Congress is looking to make a comeback in the state where elections are due later this year and has also made several guarantees to the people. The versions of the plane crash in Zhytomyr region, in which three pilots died, include a technical malfunction of the aircraft, a pilot error, and a violation of the organization of flights, the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) has said. Specialists from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the Air Force Command will be involved in the investigation, SBI Communications Adviser Tetiana Sapyan said on the air of the national telethon on Monday. "As for the versions, the investigation will consider a technical malfunction of the aircraft, a pilot error. The third version is violations in the organization of flights," she said. According to the official, in order to confirm any version, it is necessary to conduct a whole range of examinations a forensic medical examination, decoding of the flight recorders, a comprehensive forensic aviation and technical examination. "Currently, according to the pre-established circumstances, there is information that the crash occurred as a result of a collision of two aircraft during a turnaround maneuver. This is what we received from our investigators this morning," she said. As reported, the SBI is investigating the circumstances of the air crash of L-39 combat training aircraft in Zhytomyr region on August 25, in which three pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force were killed. "The incident occurred on August 25, 2023. During a combat mission in the sky near Zhytomyr, two L-39 combat training aircraft collided. Three pilots of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were killed," the press service of the SBI said. Preliminary qualification of the offense is the following: violation of flight rules or preparation for them (Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 15 years. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 28 : The spat between two top film personalities in Kerala - director Vinayan and director turned actor and also producer Ranjith, presently the chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy, took a fresh turn on Monday when the former asked the CPI-M government not to include the latter in the film awards distribution ceremony and also in the upcoming edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala. Vinayan again asked Ranjith to step down as the chairman of the Academy which has run into trouble after the former accused the latter of interfering when it came to selection of the winners of the Kerala state film awards which were announced last month. As soon as the awards was announced Vinayan, a known CPI activist, threatened to move the court if the Pinarayi Vijayan government "fails" to intervene in the matter, alleging that Ranjith had " influenced" the film award juryas decision-making regarding his film 'Pathonpatham Noottandu'. Controversy erupted when Vinayan in a post on Facebook claimed that a senior member of the award jury had even informed the cultural affairs ministeras office regarding the academy chairmanas alleged attempts to influence the jury. Vinayan in another post came out with a voice clip of a jury member saying that Ranjith did not deserve to continue in the post. But on Monday Vinayan through his fresh Facebook statement said he has got support from eminent film maker and the first chairman of the Academy Shaji N.Karun who appreciated his efforts in bringing out this controversy because he said that if the chairman has intervened then itas not good. In his Facebook post Vinayan goes on to add that a tamasha is being enacted as a adummya complaint on the award selection process was filed in the Kerala High Court and it was done with no evidence. It is a well scripted drama as the court for want of evidence will dismiss the petition and thereby the entire process gets approved by the court. Film director M.J.Lijesh had first approached the single bench of the High Court and his petition was dismissed and then he approached the division bench which also dismissed it and on Monday his petition met a similar fate in the Supreme Court. On expected lines, the apex court dismissed it for want of evidence to buttress his complaint that the selection of awards was not transparent. Toronto, Aug 28 : Canadian Police said it has arrested another suspect in connection with the murder of a 37-year-old Indo-Canadian man in Ontario province last year. Eduardo Tito Silva, 34, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in connection with the fatal shooting of Shawn Singh at Park Street North in Peterborough, on July 2, 2022. Officers had responded to a daytime shooting and located Singh, who later died in hospital due to his injuries. He was Peterborough's second homicide victim of 2022. "At approximately 11 p.m. on August 22, 2023, Eduardo 'Tito' Silva was located and taken into custody after a two-hour stand off with police at a residence in Sault Ste. Marie," Peterborough Police Service said in a statement. Following his arrest, search warrants were conducted at Silva's residence in Sault Ste. Marie, which have led to further charges, the police said. Silva was charged with second-degree murder, discharging a restricted firearm with intent, possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo, and three other firearm-related charges. He was held in custody for a bail hearing and made an appearance in court on August 23. "The distance between where Silva is accused of committing his crime and where he was ultimately arrested highlights the fact that crimes and those who commit them transcend regional borders and agencies," Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service, said. "We have become increasingly reliant on cooperation of other agencies, to bring a conclusion to such complex investigations that threaten the safety in our communities," Betts added. According to Global News, before Silva, police arrested a Peterborough man and a Toronto woman in September 2022, who were each charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. At that time, police had identified Silva as a third suspect in the investigation and warned that he was considered dangerous. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Actor Puneet Vasishtha, who is playing the role of Narad in mythological magnum opus 'Shiv Shakti- Tap Tyag Tandav', said that it is an honour to play the role of the greatest sage known to humankind. The show revolves around two of the most venerated deities- Shiv and Shakti. It outlines their journey of duty, sacrifice, and separation that leads to tap, tyag, and tandav. The show portrays the magnificent portrayal of Lord Shiv and Goddess Sati's first love story. Puneet spoke about why he chose to play this mythological character: "As a genre and way of life, mythology is very close to my heart. It is an honour to play the role of the greatest sage known to humankind. He had the ability to travel anywhere in the universe. We worship Narad Muni for his intelligence, knowledge, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. He is mischievous and not afraid to speak his mind in a witty manner. It is a privilege to be part of producer Siddharth Kumar Tewaryas vision." Talking about his character, he said: "I'm essaying the role of Narad, son of Lord Brahma. Narad is regarded as a travelling musician and a wise sage who imparts wisdom. He was gifted with a boon of knowledge regarding the past, present, and future. He is often seen chanting the words aNarayan, Narayana whenever he makes an appearance, and he worships Lord Vishnu through devotional songs." Puneet added that the show aims to impart spiritual wisdom that will remain relevant for eternity. "This saga encourages us to find our inner strength and accept the divinity within us." aShiv Shakti a" Tap Tyag Tandava airs on Colors. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Reliance has cumulatively invested more than $150 billion in the last 10 years - higher than any other corporate house in India, and comparable to the leading businesses across the world, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited, said in his address at the 46th AGM of the company. "In all humility, I would like to say that the new Reliance has been a forerunner of the emerging new India. With soaring ambition, we have set seemingly impossible goals and achieved them", Ambani said. "The best way to describe this new Reliance is that we have now become a new-age technology company with distinctive capabilities. Today we are a net producer of technology, large-scale deployer of technology, as well as a democratiser of technology," he said. Ambani added: "What is true about Reliance is equally true about scores of other Indian enterprises, leading corporates as well as start-ups. I hugely admire their brilliant achievements. They too have made India proud by enhancing our nation's fame globally with their spectacular growth, commitment to quality and passion for innovation." Jaipur, Aug 28 : A woman and her five-month-old son died when a man, worried over rising debt, gave poisoned food to his family in Jaipur. Later he too consumed the same food. When the five-month-old innocent son started suffering a few minutes after eating the poisoned pudding, the man took his wife, son and daughter to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital. While his wife and son died during treatment there, the daughter and the man were referred to Sawai Mansingh Hospital. The brother-in-law of the husband has filed a case of murder against him. Pratap Nagar SHO Zaheer Abbas said that the incident was reported in Sector-26 on Sunday morning. Resident Manoj Sharma (30) mixed poison in the food of his wife Sakshi (28), 5-year-old daughter Nia and his 5-month-old son. After this he also consumed poison. When the family's condition began deteriorating, Manoj called a cab. At around 9:30 in the morning, the cab reached Mahatma Gandhi Hospital with the wife and both the children. The hospital administration informed the Pratap Nagar police station. Sakshi and her 5-month-old son Atharva died during treatment. Seeing the condition of Manoj and his daughter, the doctors referred both of them to SMS Hospital. According to police sources, they found a diary during a search of the house which mentioned about the attempt to commit suicide. Manoj mixed poison in halwa and gave it to his family. A suicide note was left in the diary. Manoj used to work in an online delivery company earlier and was unemployed for a long time. Manoj's brother-in-law Shubham said that his sister Sakshi was married to Manoj in February-2017. Manoj's father had retired from the army. Shortly after the marriage, the mother-in-law, brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law and Manoj started harassing Sakshi. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, told the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday that Article 35A providing its application only to Jammu and Kashmir created an "artificial class". Mehta told the court said that Article 35A created a new provision in the Constitution of India to be applied only to "permanent residents" of Jammu and Kashmir. Attorney General R. Venkataramani strengthened SG's submission by contending that "Article 35A is not a modification of Article 35 but it is a creation of a new article under the Constitution." He said that similarly situated persons, like safai karamcharis settled for years, who did not come within the artificially-created definition of "permanent residents", were completely deprived of all fundamental rights in J&K. During the hearing, he said that if a resident lady married outside J&K, she lost her permanent residentship, adding that Article 370 from the very beginning was conceived as a temporary provision. Mehta questioned the political parties of the state who moved the Supreme Court challenging nullification of Article 370, saying that they were supposed to "guide" the residents of Jammu and Kashmir over its abrogation as it would open up progress in the region. "Your lordships have at least two major political (parties) defending (retention) of Article 370, including Article 35A," he said, disclaiming that he is not being "political." He added: "That till now the people were convinced by those (referring to political parties).... that this a privilege you fight that nobody could take away Article 370 from you. That is the most unfortunate part." Mehta said that there were many provisions which were working against the interest of the people, but the residents were convinced for retention of Article 370. "Now they have realised what they have lost. Because of Article 35A not being there, investments are coming. Now policing being with the Centre, tourism has started... by now, 16 lakhs tourists have come. New hotels are coming up which give employment to a large number of people," Mehta contended. He requested the Constitutional Bench to have a "relook" from the perspective of the people of J&K. "Please look at the matter from the point of view of the people of J&K. The impugned constitutional exercise of power confers fundamental rights and applies the entire Constitution to bring them at par with the rest of their other brothers and sisters and applies all welfare laws which were not applicable (prior to abrogation of Article 370)," he said. Mehta argued that the J&K Constitution and its Constituent Assembly were meant to be subordinate to the Indian Constitution. He contended that signing of merger agreements by states was not mandatory for integration with dominion of India. Defending the substitution of 'Legislative Assembly' for 'Constituent Assembly', he contended that whenever a word becomes otiose in Article 370, the same is replaced by its successor. He illustrated that "Sadr-e-Riyasat" later became "Governor" in the context of Article 370. Earlier, the Centre had said that the judgment of the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, going either way, will be 'historic' and would end the 'psychological duality' which existed in the minds of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the 2019 Presidential Order taking away the special status accorded to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. The Constitution Bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, and Surya Kant, will continue hearing the matter on Tuesday. New Delhi, 28 Aug : India and Bangladesh held the 'Annual Defence Dialogue' on Monday in Dhaka. During the high-level bilateral talks, India and Bangladesh discussed relations between the two armed forces. It was the fifth 'Annual Defence Dialogue' held between the two countries. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, who is on a two day visit to Bangladesh, for the Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired the meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the aAnnual Defence Dialoguea between India and Bangladesh is the highest institutionalised interactive mechanism between both the countries. In the dialogue, both the countries highlighted its significance in chartering the future course of the relations between the two armed forces. MoD said that the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed and both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing defence cooperation engagements. It said that the talks covered the existing bilateral exercises and both sides agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises. MoD said that Giridhar Aramane and Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman acknowledged the fruitful dialogue and stressed that both countries look forward to continued engagement based on the common understanding reached at the fifth aAnnual Defence Dialoguea. MoD said that the armed forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and the increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of the relations of both countries. In June, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) had also visited Bangladesh. During the visit, the Army Chief met the senior military leadership of Bangladesh where he discussed avenues for further enhancing Indo-Bangladesh defence relations. Engagements of the Army Chief included, formal interactions with the Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army and the Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division apart from briefings by senior Bangladesh Military officers on bilateral cooperation issues. Ahmedabad, Aug 28 : The father of the key accused in the Ahmedabad accident case in which a speeding Jaguar car ploughed into a crowd of people on the ISKCON flyover resulting in at least nine deaths moved the Gujarat High Court on Monday seeking interim bail on health grounds. Pragnesh Patel, 44 -- father of key accused Tathya Patel -- is also facing charges in the accident as he has been named co-accused. The move came after the Ahmedabad district court previously rejected a similar plea on grounds related to his need for cancer treatment and medical evaluation at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. The court, opposing bail plea, put forth its argument asserting that he demonstrates a pattern of engaging in similar offences and then proceeding to amicably settle disputes with the complainants. In addition, the court referred to a report issued by the Jaguar car company, which seemingly suggests that Tathya Patel failed to apply brakes despite knowing that he was driving the vehicle at over 141 kmph. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad district court also dismissed the bail application filed by Tathya Patel on August 24. This decision was motivated by a notable factor that has surfaced a" five of Tathya Patel's acquaintances who were moving in the Jaguar car at the time of the accident have emerged as pivotal prosecution witnesses. Among them, a few have already provided their statements under CrPC Section 164 -- a provision that pertains to confessional statements. In response to this, the court expressed concerns regarding potential tampering and manipulation of these essential witnesses. Consequently, it was observed that there exists a distinct apprehension about the susceptibility of these witnesses to undue influence or intimidation. Mumbai, Aug 28 : The third meet of national opposition I.N.D.I.A. will give a clarion call of 'Chale Jao BJP' (Go Away BJP) during its two-day Mumbai conclave from August 31-September 1, a top Congress leader said here on Monday. State Congress President Nana Patole said that various political parties around the country have united against the 'tyrannical' rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and have made a thunderous fist called I.N.D.I.A. to give a unified challenge. "Just as Mahatma Gandhi had given the slogan 'Quit India' to the British rulers from Mumbai, we shall also issue a 'Chale Jao BJP' call at the Mumbai meeting," said Patole. He said the alliance will also unveil its new logo at the meeting in the presence of all the parties, adding that more parties including some from the ruling NDA are likely to join the I.N.D.I.A. group. Patole said besides Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, six CMs including Nitish Kumar, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, presidents or top leaders of various other parties will also join the conclave. The Congress leader said that the prime ministerial candidate for next year's Lok Sabha polls will be decided after consultations among the senior leaders attending the meeting later this week. "However, as a Congress worker, I feel that Rahul Gandhi should be the PM. The people of the country are fed up with the BJP and PM Narendra Modi who is fast losing his popularity," asserted Patole. Referring to ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he said that Sharad Pawar himself made it clear that some of his party colleagues led by Ajit Pawar have joined hands with the BJP to escape the threats of the ED and other central probe agencies, and not for any developmental agenda. He also slammed the Maharashtra government for the huge delays of over 17 years in the Mumbai-Goa Highway project which is reeling under corruption, and how public money is being allegedly looted in the name of the 'Government at Your Doorstep' campaign. "The present (state) government is implementing the programmes and policies of the previous Congress governments and grabbing credit for them," said Patole. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the I.N.D.I.A. conclave at the Grand Hyatt five-star hotel with over 100 rooms booked and all other arrangements being made to host the top opposition leaders who will start arriving here from Wednesday onwards. The Maha Vikas Aghadi ally, Shiv Sena (UBT), is hosting the meet this time and party President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray is personally overseeing the arrangements for the conclave. After the meeting, some of the top leaders of I.N.D.I.A. will have a media interaction on the outcomes on Friday afternoon at the venue, informed Shiv Sena (UBT) Secretary and MP, Anil Desai. Bali : , Aug 28 (IANS) As the world moves into the "cyber age" with the number of internet-connected devices zooming amid expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI), the mounting scale and expertise of cyber crime makes the concept of cyber security outmoded and it is necessary to move to "cyber immunity", said Kaspersky Labs CEO Eugene Kaspersky. "Which age we're living right now? Some people say that we are living in an age of plastic... there was the Stone Age, the Iron Age and now the Plastic Age... and we are fast moving to the Cyber Age. We are still not there, but we'll be there soon. But unfortunately, there are problems. "The first problem is that there are many highly-professional criminal gangs which are able to hack very well-protected enterprises... very well-protected businesses, governments. And second, unfortunately, we see that they are slowly shifting to industrial systems. "They are moving to the direction of infrastructure, including critical infrastructure. And of course, we cannot get to the Cyber Age if it's not safe," he said at the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Weekend 2023, titled 'Deus Ex Machina: Setting Secure Directives for Smart Machines', held in Indonesia's Bali recently. We cannot move there if there are hackers' attacks which can destroy the systems, he stressed. Showcasing the scope of the problems, he said that Kaspersky Labs collect over 400,000 new unique malware every day, adding that he had been in Indonesia for a week and in this time, they had collected over 3 billion malware. "And this malware speaks Russian, broken English, Spanish and Portuguese and many, many, many other languages. So it is massive cyber crime. The good news is that they are mostly of junior or mid-level complexity, so they are like a student malware. So technically, we can easily handle them. But the numbers are huge... so how do we do it," he asked. The Kaspersky CEO said that to handle this problem, they had a lot of engineers working on it and are able to automatically collect new data and process it. He said they collect 15 million new suspicious files everyday. "...We don't know its malware or not malware. This is just suspicious data. And we have machine learning systems, layer of machine learning systems. So you can call it AI," he said. Kaspersky noted that they do not only have software engineers, but mathematicians too, including 30 PhDs, in their R&D team to create new algorithms to recognise which data is malicious, and which is not. "But the problem is that these junior or mid-level criminals... they are also learning, they are getting smarter, they exchange information, and they join highly-professional criminal gangs," Kaspersky said, noting that the first highly-professional malware attack happened in 2014 and targeted banking systems. "Operating from inside the banks, they even directed ATMs to release cash," he said that this had professional hackers and street criminals unite to end up making away with $1 billion. So its not mid-level or junior criminals that hack your mobile phone, but very very professional gangs, he said, noting that there are gangs which work on several projects while there are cases where several gangs work on one project. "It is impossible to guarantee 100 per cent protection in the current IT landscape, where everything is vulnerable to hacking," he said, stressing the need to adopt cyber immunity, which is implementing protection that makes attacking a company more costly than the potential benefits. "In an age where technology can be used by good guys and bad guys alike, traditional cyber security is no longer enough. We need to revolutionise our defences to ensure we create a more secure digital world," he added. The way ahead is to make attacks financially unprofitable for potential criminals, Kaspersky said. "Kaspersky Cyber Immunity is an approach we recently trademarked in both the United States and the European Union. It embodies a secure-by-design system that makes it possible to create solutions that are virtually impossible to compromise and that minimise the number of potential vulnerabilities. "In an age where technology can be used by good guys and bad guys alike, traditional cybersecurity is no longer enough. We need to revolutionise our defenses to ensure we create a more secure digital world," he said. The cyber immunity approach segregates the IT system and controls the interactions between the different parts, making most attacks ineffective and allowing the system to continue performing critical functions amid an aggressive hacking attack. Kaspersky also stressed that international cooperation is needed to enhance cyber immunity and create a secure digital world. Cybercriminals transcend national or geographic boundaries, making it essential for countries to have cybercrime laws in place, he said, adding it is vital for countries to have the legal authority to assist other countries in investigations, even if they have not suffered any damage themselves. "By establishing international guidelines for combating cyber crime, the process of digital investigations involving multiple countries can be streamlined, eliminating regions where cyber criminals can escape the reach of national laws," he said. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Protection of infrastructure, preparation for winter, transition to new types of aircraft discussed at Commander-in-chief HQ Zelenskyy President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters, where they discussed, in particular, the protection of energy infrastructure in winter and the results of inspection of military medical commissions. "Today, maximum attention is paid to offensive actions and providing the front with weapons, everything necessary. Reports of the Commander-in-Chief of Zaluzhny, commanders Syrsky, Tarnavsky," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Monday evening. "Implementation of the plan to protect critical energy infrastructure. Preparation for winter. Development of a program for the transition to promising types of aircraft. Report on the inspection of military medical commissions. We will consider it at the next meeting of the National Security and Defense Council," the head of state added. Bengaluru, Aug 28 : As the ruling Congress in Karnataka moves ahead aggressively to poach leaders from the opposition parties including the JD (S), its supremo and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda announced that he has pledged to save the party. Speaking to reporters, Deve Gowda declared that no legislator will quit the JD (S). The news about the JD (S) leaders' alleged exodus to the Congress is just a rumour, he added. He maintained that a meeting would be held on September 10 and party leaders and workers from all the districts would take part in it. "I request all the workers not to desert me at the age of 91," he appealed. Many programmes would be organized. "We don't have hatred towards opposition parties. I want to organize programmes in the interest of the party. We will organize the party and save it. I will also actively take part in party work. I have resolved to retain the identity of the party, facing competition from the national parties Congress and BJP," he stated. "I know how the politics of the country works. The core committee members will tour the state. I am watching the developments after the Congress took over the reins of government. No one should take former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy (his son) lightly. No one can take him for granted," Deve Gowda said. Meanwhile, the Congress is vigorously moving ahead with the plans for "Operation Hast" through which it is trying to poach leaders from the JD (S) which has 19 MLAs and one MP. The Congress, by projecting deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar as the face of the party in the assembly elections, managed to dent the influential Vokkaliga vote bank in south Karnataka. The Vokkaliga vote bank is the core strength of the JD (S) and the Vokkaligas rallied behind Deve Gowda. Shivakumar succeeded in emerging as the alternate leader of the Vokkaliga community. There is a straight fight between Kumaraswamy and Shivakumar for the Vokkaliga vote bank, sources said. If the JD (S) leaders join the Congress, it will strengthen the hands of Shivakumar. According to sources, Shivakumar has planned to pull more than six MLAs from the JD (S) to weaken the Deve Gowda family. Gurugram, Aug 28 : The Haryana government has allowed 15 Hindu religious figures and leaders of right-wing groups to hold the 'Shobha Yatra' in Nuh demanded by the 'Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat' on a small scale, even as the district was transformed into a virtual fortress with a heavy cover of security. The 'Shobha Yatra' was allowed on a small scale to proceed to the Shiv Temple in Nalhar even as several Hindu saints and devotees who had arrived from other states were prevented from entering Nuh district. The yatra was attended by International Working President VHP Alok Kumar, Prant President Pawan Kumar, 'prant' Pracharak (RSS) Vijay, president of 52 'pals' Arun Zaildar and 12-member representatives of Sarv Hindu Samaj and other senior workers and local workers of the VHP. After the communal riots on July 31, authorities had refused permission for the yatra on Monday. On the final Monday of the holy month of Shravan, people were, nonetheless, permitted to offer prayers in the temples nearby. In light of the yatra's call, extensive security measures have been put in place, and several seers travelling to Nuh were stopped at Gurugram, according to police officials. From the Delhi-Gurugram border to Nuh, five significant checkpoints were put in place. Even vehicles belonging to the media were not permitted to pass through the third one. "Locals have been performing prayer and Jalabhishek since last Monday. We cannot stop anyone from doing religious things. We did not allow outsiders to come here in huge numbers. Locals performed Aarti and Jalabhishek in Nalhad temple without any problem," Mamta Singh, ADGP Law and Order, told IANS. The vehicle of Hindu seer Jagatguru Paramhans Acharya, who was travelling from Ayodhya, was reportedly halted at the Ghamorj toll booth close to Sohna. Acharya told the media that the police had stopped him and his followers as they were bringing the Saryu river's water and the soil of Ayodhya for the 'Jalabhishek' at the Nalhar temple. He was near the toll booth when he went on a hunger strike in protest. Around 15 seers and representatives of some Hindutva organisations have been given permission to attend the Shiv temple in Nalhar and perform a "Jalabhishek", according to Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata. Swami Parmanand and Mahamandaleshwar Swami Dharm Dev were among the group permitted to enter the shrine. After doing their prayers at the Nalhar temple, a group of VHP members and local people travelled to the Jhir temple in Firozpur Jhirka and Shringar temple in Punhana in police vehicles. A small group of people participated in the "yatra," according to President of 52 Pals Arun Zaildar, who said that they had boarded a bus from Nuh police lines to Nalhad temple under heavy security. From Sohna to Nuh, the area appeared to be desolate. No stores were open, and there were no locals to be seen on the streets. A 35-year-old resident of Nuh, who didn't wish to be named, said: "There are no problems at all. The locals are peaceful, and we have closed our businesses out of caution. We witnessed what occurred previously. There is no reason whatsoever to instill fear in this place. They are performing Yatra as per their religion, so we have no problem with that." As a preventive measure, the Nuh district government has already placed prohibitory orders in the communally sensitive district, halted mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday. Security personnel have been stationed at each entry point to the district, preventing outsiders from entering Nuh. Officials claim that 24 companies of paramilitary forces and 1,900 members of the Haryana Police have been sent out to maintain a tight vigil. Police have built many tiers of roadblocks. Drones and anti-riot vehicles have also deployed. After a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) parade was attacked by a mob on July 31, resulting in the death of six individuals, communal confrontations broke out in Nuh and its surrounding districts. The Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh, which was postponed in July due to racial tensions, will resume on August 28 after being called off on August 13 by the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat. The Mahapanchayat then agreed that the 'yatra' would continue from Nalhar in Nuh and travel through the district's Jhir and Shingar temples before ending at Punhana. The VHP has stated that a procession will be held and that no permit is required for such religious gatherings. Following the summons for the "Shobha Yatra", Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata has assigned 57 Duty Magistrates to certain locations. Additionally, he urged the neighbourhood residents to assist the district authoritries in upholding law and order. Kolkata, Aug 28 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging an administrative decision to allot a portion of Adi Ganga, also known as Gobindapur Creek or Tolly Canal, in Sunderbans in South 24 Parganas district worshiped by Hindus to a private body. The division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya observed that since the allotment of a portion of the waterbody was done under the provisions of the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955, the petition objecting the same was not tenable. The petitioner had contended that since the waterbody was attached to a temple where prayers and rituals are carried out since 1933, its allotment to a private body might hinder the process of worship by the villagers there. The division bench observed that all faiths have the right to offer prayers and carry out rituals in a public area which belongs to all religions. However, the division bench kept the option open for the petitioners to challenge the order of the Block Land & Land Reforms Officer passed under the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955. However, the private body to whom it was allotted argued in the court that it was more of a "political interest litigation", where the petitioners allegedly tried to give "communal" colours to the matter. They also argued that they have no intention to either fill-up the waterbody or cause hindrances towards people offering prayers. The division bench also took exception to the petitioner's approach of giving religious twist to the matter and asked them to refrain from attempting to create communal tension. "If there is so much tension in the area, we will impose Section 144 and allow none to step in the area," the bench said. New Delhi, August 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who conveyed his inability to attend the G20 summit in New Delhi, which is scheduled to be held on September 9 and 10. Putin informed Modi that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the G20 summit. The two leaders reviewed progress on number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. While expressing understanding for Russiaas decision, Modi thanked Putin for Russiaas consistent support to all initiatives under Indiaas G20 presidency. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. New Delhi, Aug 28 : The number of the parties is all set to increase in the third meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in Maharashtra's Mumbai on August 31 and September 1, which will also be attended by Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Party sources said that the Haryana-based Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) led by former chief minister O.P Chautala is likely to be part of the INDIA alliance. Sources said that Chautalaas party and his leaders are likely to join the meeting in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. It is worth to mention that Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar shares a close bond with Chautala. During his visit to the national capital in September last year, Nitish Kumar along with his party general secretary KC Taygi had reached at Chautalaas residence in Haryanaas Gurugram. Earlier, party sources had confirmed of the participation of Maharashtra Shetkari Dal in the INDIA meeting. With the two more parties participating the INDIA meeting, the number of parties will increase to 28. Besides the two parties, some other regional parties from Uttar Pradesh, Assam and other states are also in touch to be part of the INDIA alliance. Sources said that Sonia Gandhi will again participate in the third meeting in Mumbai. They said that Sonia Gandhi along with Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge will be participating in the programme to launch the Gruha Lakshami scheme in Karnatakaas Mandya on September 30 and from there they will be arrive in Mumbai for the third meeting. The first meeting of the INDIA alliance in Bihar's Patna had witnessed the participation of 16 parties. However, in just a span of less than a month the INDIA alliance grew to 26 in the second round of meetings in Karnataka's Bengaluru between July 17 and 18. During third meeting decision will be taken on sub-committee and group public meeting for the alliance at the state level. The INDIA alliance is planning to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections scheduled next year. The source said that formation of the sub-committee will help in the functioning of the alliance to take on the BJP. In the Mumbai meeting of INDIA, a decision is to be taken regarding the national convenor of the alliance. However, many leaders feel that instead of creating the post of the national convenor, a sub-committee from multiple parties can handle the position, which will also work to decide the programmes and play an important role of coordination among the parties. The source said that a draft of the common minimum programme and the logo of the INDIA parties will also be discussed in the third meeting, which is being organised by the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena (UBT)-led Maha Vikas Aghadi in Mumbai. Gandhinagar : Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the launch of Advantage Healthcare India Portal at 'One Earth, One Health'. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 28 : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday lauded a team of doctors from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) who saved the life of a two-year-old girl on board a flight. The Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the child. "Kudos to the team of doctors from AIIMS Delhi for their heroic life-saving efforts on a flight and for saving a precious life. Your inspiring act has shown why doctors are called second to God on earth," Mandaviya wrote on X (formerly twitter). The minister added, "Praying for the good health and quick recovery of the kid." The doctors saved the life of the two-year-old girl on board a flight on Sunday evening. According to AIIMS, a two-year-old cyanotic female child who was operated outside for intracardiac repair was unconscious and cyanosed on board the Bengaluru-Delhi Vistara flight on Sunday evening. Following a distress call, five doctors from AIIMS who were on board immediately examined the child, the AIIMS said on Monday. "The child's pulse was absent and she was not breathing. On air immediate CPR was started and with limited resources. Due to the active management by the team, IV cannula was successfully placed, oropharyngeal airway was put and emergency response was initiated on board and the baby was for brought to ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation)," the AIIMS said. It added, "But the process was complicated by another cardiac arrest for which an AED (automated external defibrillator) was used. For 45 minutes, the baby was resuscitated and the flight was routed to Nagpur." On reaching Nagpur, the child was handed over in stable hemodynamic condition to the pediatrician, AIIMS said. Gurugram, Aug 28 : A virtual shutdown was witnessed in Haryana's Nuh district amid the presence of a heavy layer of security ahead of the 'Shobha Yatra' called by the VHP, even as the administration did not impose a curfew. Following the arrest of over 250 people after the July 31 violence and demolition of houses after the clashes during a similar Shobha Yatra, the locals decided to shut themselves in their houses. Each and every lane and market in Nuh was closed. Police, however, said they had appealed to people to keep their shops and establishments shut in view of the Shobha Yatra. "We have no connection with the July 31 riots. Still, we have lost our houses and shops. We are targeted. So in view of the Shobha Yatra on August 28, we decided to remain indoors so that no one can blame us," Hamid Khan, a resident of Nalhad village, said. In Ghasera village, a group of men sitting outside a tea shop discussing Shobha Yatra said: "We are noting car numbers and names of strangers passing by. We can not bear another clash. "Our brothers' houses have been demolished without any reason. We are in touch with the local administration and decided not to venture out," Mahmood Khan, a resident of the village, said. "The local administration, without any notice, have razed our shops and houses. I had papers for some while one was disputed and the matter was in court. We are still living in fear of what could happen if outsiders gain entry. They can do anything to disrupt harmony in the district. They will run away while we pay the price," one Imran Hussain said. People of Nuh blamed "outsider Muslims from Rajasthan and some anti-social elements among the Hindu devotees" for the clashes. "A number of youth from Ghatmika village (village of two Muslim men who were killed by cow vigilantes in Bhiwani) in Rajasthan reached here two days ahead of the clashes. They came here with all preparations to spread the violence. We offered shelter to Hindus also during the riots, but later, the police targeted us. They arrested youths from Nalhad even though they were not involved," Imran Ahmad, a local resident, said. Bhopal, Aug 28 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced that it will launch five 'Jan Ashirvaad Yatras' in five different regions ahead of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag-off the first yatra from the Chitrakoot Assembly constituency in Satna district of Vindhya region on September 3, state BJP president V.D. Sharma said at a press conference on Monday. Sharma said the other yatras will begin from four regions in Mandla (Mahakoshal), Khandwa (Nimad), Ujjain (Malwa), and Sheopur (Gwalior-Chambal) over the next five days. He stated the party has also requested defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda to flag off the yatra from separate places. After covering 10,641 km, all these yatras will conclude in Bhopal on September 25. Importantly, this time all these yatras will be conducted without any particular leader leading them unlike in 2008, 2013, and 2018. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had led the yatras before the three previous polls. The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003, barring 18 months between 2018 and 2020. Addressing the press conference, BJP leader and Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the party will raise awareness about the development work undertaken in Madhya Pradesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chouhan. "The party is going to retain power and the state will contribute to India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047." He said the yatra has been decentralised as a new experiment to cover the maximum distance in 18 days. The previous such yatras spanned 90 to 92 days. "The yatras will cover 210 assembly constituencies and 10,641 kilometres." Tomar informed that all the five yatras will culminate with a gathering in Bhopal and a 'Workers Mahakumbh" on September 25. Ramanagara : , Aug 28 (IANS) In a tragic incident, six persons occupants of car were killed while another was seriously injured in a road accident near Kemmale Gate in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district on Monday. According to the police, the tragedy took place in a head-on collision between a bus attached to the Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and a Qualis car. All the deceased were travelling in the car. While the passengers in the car were travelling to Bengaluru from the Male Mahadeshwara Hill, a pilgrimage site, the bus was moving towards Malavalli from Bengaluru. The car was totally mangled in the accident in which a few passengers in the bus also suffered injuries. The injured have been shifted to the Ramanagara district hospital. The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained. More details are awaited. New Delhi, Aug 28 : RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Monday chaired the meeting of the sub-committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), which reviewed the major global and domestic macroeconomic and financial developments. It resolved to remain vigilant against any build-up in vulnerabilities in all segments of the Indian financial system as well as in the broader economy. It also focussed on preserving the financial system stability for attaining strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. The panel also discussed issues of inter-regulatory coordination relating to the Indian financial sector activities of various technical groups under its purview, and the functioning of state level coordination committees (SLCCs) in various states. The meeting was attended by the members of the committee namely Finance Secretary T.V. Somanathan, Banking Secretary Vivek Joshi, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, Corporate Affairs Secretary Manoj Govil and SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The IRDAI, the PFRDA and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India chiefs and Deputy Governors of the RBI, also attended the meeting. Ukraine expects from each of the countries of the "aviation coalition" a concrete contribution to the training of Ukrainian pilots and/or the provision of aviation equipment, said Ihor Zhovkva, deputy head of the Presidents Office. As Zhovkva recalled, on June 1 of this year, during the summit of the European Political Community in Chisinau (Moldova), an informal meeting of the leaders present there took place and an aviation "protocol coalition" was formed to support Ukraine. "There were eight-nine presidents and prime ministers. President Zelenskyy gathered them all in one room. Even then, by the way, a specific number of aircraft that could be transferred to Ukraine was called," Zhovkva said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. At the same time, according to him, "the United States was not present in Chisinau, and their role, without exaggeration, is the most important, since the F-16 is still American-made cars." "Then, formally, an [aviation] coalition was formed on one of the Ramstein meeting. Now, when, after passing the appropriate procedures, the United States gave a green light to specific countries and they immediately reacted. These are three countries that have announced future deliveries of aircraft after the completion of training Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. They did it for a reason. They have gone through the appropriate procedures," he said. At the same time, Zhovkva noted, "some countries, not having the appropriate aircraft, or not having enough of it, are talking about training Ukrainian pilots, or about providing Ukraine with a certain number of cars to those centers where Ukrainian pilots will study." "This is both Portugal and Greece. And Norway announced two cars that will be transferred to a specific training center. Plus instructors. We expect a specific contribution from each of the coalition countries. And it will be, because the countries joined the coalition consciously," he said. According to the deputy head of the President's Office, it's not just about the F-16. "But we don't want to assemble all types of aircraft that exist in the world. Obviously, we will talk about two-three types of aircraft and no more, because we do not need the entire aviation fleet of the world," he said. Speaking about the possibility of Ukraine receiving Swedish Grippen aircraft, Zhovkva noted that after the visit and negotiations of the Ukrainian president's team with the leaders of the political parties of the Swedish parliament, a statement appeared from the leader of their opposition that the Swedish government should seriously address the issue of providing these aircraft to Ukraine. "Therefore, the Swedish government should now make an appropriate analysis. They should calculate how much they can provide to Ukraine so as not to put their security at risk," he said. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will launch an innovative comic book titled 'Let's move forward' which is developed jointly by NCERT and UNESCO. The ministry said that the comic book focuses on promoting adolescent health and wellbeing. The ministry said that the special book will be launched on Tuesday in New Delhi. The comic book is aligned with the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) initiated under Ayushman Bharat. SHWP, a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education and Health and Family Welfare, aims to provide health education, disease prevention, and better access to healthcare services in schools, the official at Education Ministry added The aLetas move forwarda comic book covers essential themes related to adolescent health and wellbeing. Its interactive approach imparts crucial life skills and health knowledge. The book will be available in multiple languages, official said. The launch anticipates positive implications for schools and health departments across the nation, contributing to a healthier and empowered generation. The e-copy of the comic book will be made available on the MoE, NCERT, UNESCO and DIKSHA website, the official added. New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Supreme Court on Monday was told by the Union government that nobody except it is entitled to conduct a census or any exercise akin to a census. A short affidavit was filed by the Office of the Registrar General from the Union Home Ministry in response to the batch of pleas challenging the caste-based survey in Bihar placing the constitutional and legal position for consideration of the top court. It said that the subject of census is covered in the Union List under Entry 69 in the VII Schedule of the Constitution and the the Census Act, 1948 "empowers only the Central Government to conduct the census". "It is submitted that no other body under the Constitution or otherwise (except Centre) is entitled to conduct the exercise of either Census or any action akin to census," the affidavit stated. It also clarified that the Central government is committed to take all affirmative actions for upliftment of SCs/STs/SEBCs and OBCs in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India and other applicable laws. On August 21, the Supreme Court allowed the Union government a period of one week to file its reply after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said that he wanted to place on record the constitutional and legal position as the matter will have "ramifications". The clutch of special leave petitions in Supreme Court challenges the Patna High Courtas order dismissing pleas challenging the caste-based survey in Bihar. The pleas could not be listed on Monday but were scheduled to be heard on August 28. The petitioners before the apex court argued that the survey process violated the privacy law and only the Union government had the authority to conduct a census in India, adding that the state government had no authority to decide and notify the conduct of caste-based survey in Bihar. The top court had repeatedly refused to pass any interim order staying the survey process or publication of the outcomes of the survey, though it was contended that the matter will become infructuous post publication of the data. The Nitish Kumar-led state government has said that the caste-based survey in Bihar is complete and will be out in public soon. In its order passed on August 1, the Patna High Court, while dismissing the batch of pleas, had given green signal to the state governmentas decision to conduct the survey. The Bihar government resumed the process on the same day following the high court verdict while directing completion of the remainder of the survey process within three days. Earlier, the high court had ordered an interim stay on the survey which had started on January 7 this year and was scheduled to be completed by May 15. "We find the action of the state to be perfectly valid, initiated with due competence, with the legitimate aim of providing 'Development with Justice'," the high court had said later while dismissing the batch of pleas. --IANS pds/vd Ahmednagar, Aug 28 : The district police have nabbed four of the six accused who allegedly stripped, spat and assaulted four Dalit youth in Ahmednagar, all workers of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), activists said here on Monday. The accused had fled to Pune district after the shocking incident came to light on Sunday, sparking a furore, said Ahmednagar VBA President Vishal Kolge. They arrested accused have been identified as Yuvraj Galande, Manoj Borake, Deepak Gaikwad and Durgesh Vaidya, while the kingpin Nanasaheb Galande, a local money-lender and land-grabber, is still at large, according to Kolge. VBA President Prakash Ambedkar will arrive in Ahmednagaras Haregaon village a" where the incident occurred a" and take out a protest rally on September 1. The four Dalit VBA workers, including two students and one minor, were allegedly stripped, urinated upon, hung from a tree and brutally assaulted on rumours of stealing goats and pigeons at Haregaon village in Shrirampur last Friday. They were hung upside down from a tree and then repeatedly assaulted with sticks by the six accused persons for the alleged stealing incident that happened at least three months ago, claimed Kolge. Taking serious note of the incident, Ambedkar called up his party workers and spoke to one of the victims and his family. "The victims in the caste atrocity case are shaken and pleading for justice. I spoke to one of them and his grandmother. The VBA will do everything to ensure justice," said Ambedkar. VBA Vice President Siddharth Mokle added that Ambedkar will visit the victims' families, offer them all help in the matter, and take out a protest rally on Friday a" when the national opposition I.N.D.I.A. alliance will hold its conclave in Mumbai. The police said the incident came to light as one of the accused shot a video of the incident which later went viral on social media. In a statement, the VBA said that the assailants allegedly urinated and spat on the victims, stripped them, forced them to lick the spittle, hung them upside down from a tree and then severely beat them up, with the torture going on for more than an hour. The injured youth were taken to a local hospital and later one of them, Shubham Mogade, filed a police complaint on Saturday. The police have registered an FIR invoking sections pertaining to abduction, attempt to murder and atrocities on SC/STs against the accused. Gurugram, Aug 28 : The Gurugram Police on Monday put several Hindu leaders, including Kulbhushan Bhardwaj and Abhishek Gaur, under house arrest in view of the Shobha Yatra called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The Hindu leaders were not allowed to go outside their houses. Police personnel were stationed outside their houses throughout the day. "It was around 8.22 a.m. on Monday when a PCR van of the Gurugram Police was deployed outside my house here in Sector-14. They did not allow me to go outside," Bhardwaj said, adding the Haryana government has placed some Hindu leaders under house arrest. "The Haryana government has reminded Hindu leaders of the Mughal era by placing us under house arrest, but Hindus can not stop and Jalabhishek was offered at Nalhad Temple in Nuh. When the time comes, Hindus will give a befitting reply to this arbitrariness," he added. A notice was sent by the police to the Hindu leaders, which read: "In the wake of the Nuh violence on July 31, it has been known from the Intelligence report that you are a 'conscious member' of Hindu society and raise your voice against anti-Hindu activities, so you will neither participate in the Shobha yatra on 28 nor will you tell anyone. "You also will not even make such religious comments through oral or social media, which may disturb peace and order. If you indulge in such activities without permission, action will be taken as per rules," read the police notice. New Delhi, August 28 : The Supreme Court on Monday overruled a decision of the Madras High Court which had held that self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu cannot be solemnised in secrecy and cannot be performed in presence of advocates. A bench of Justices Ravindra Bhatt and Aravind Kumar said that there exists no blanket ban for advocates to solemnise Suyamariyathai form of marriage under Section 7(A) of the Hindu Marriage Act (Tamil Nadu State Amendment Act). The court held that lawyers, in their personal capacity of a friend, relative or social activist, can perform such marriages but not in their capacity when acting as the officer of court. The special leave petition, filed through advocate A. Velan, challenged the Madras High Court decision which had ordered initiation of disciplinary action against the advocates under whose aegis these self-respect marriages were solemnised. Also, the impugned High Court order had held that a marriage conducted in secrecy with few strangers around will not amount to solemnisation as required under Section 7 & 7-A of the Hindu Marriage Act as applicable in Tamil Nadu. Suyamariyathai is a form of marriage between two Hindus which could be solemnised in the presence of relatives, friends or other persons and presence of a priest is not necessary. --IANS pds/vd Chennai, Aug 28 : Sam Pitroda, considered the father of Indian telecom revolution, and a close confidant of Nehru-Gandhi family, has said that Congress' idea of India is different than that of BJP's. US-based Pitroda, who has been an advisor to Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh when they were Prime Ministers, feels that in the Lok Sabha elections next year, if 60 per cent of the votes don't get divided, the results can be different. In an interview with IANS, Pitroda, who is considered one of the major advisors to Rahul Gandhi, also spoke about the difference between Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's style of working and how he was instrumental in bringing the telecom revolution in India where he credits former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for clearing all the bureaucratic hurdles. He also talked in detail about the sacrifices made by the Nehru-Gandhi family for the country. Here are some excerpts from the interview: IANS: You are considered as the father of Indiaas telecom revolution. How do you view it? Pitroda: No, I donat think I shall take all the credit. A lot of people have helped us to reach this stage. The first credit must go to Rajiv Gandhi who gave us political support. Then a lot of young talent in India worked hard and gave their best. Without good human resources and the domain experts nothing is possible. You look at Chandrayaan today. What we have accomplished has a lot to do with the kind of human resource India has been able to build over a period of time. So, the ultimate credit goes to a lot of people who work on a project. IANS: But you initiated Indiaas telecom revolution? Pitroda: True. I was lucky to have a vision which was supported by a prime minister and young talent joined us, a lot of things came together. If you take any of our major programs in India like space, milk revolution, or the agricultural revolution all these programs require political will, domain experts and a large number of professionals. Nothing happens overnight and such programmes take years to get completed. IANS: During that era, you had come to India from Chicago and it was difficult to communicate back to Chicago. How was the experience? Pitroda: There are very few people who remember such things. The new generation has no idea that it used to take 10 years to get a telephone connection. We used to have a lightning call, which cost eight times more than the ordinary call and we had to go through an operator. I remember the first phone call I ever made from the US to India, it took four hours to wait and at the end you could hardly hear anything. In 1981, we had only two million telephones for 750 million people. We now have over 1.5 billion phones and everyone has a smartphone. In addition, we generate 200 billion dollar worth of software service export business every year. I think IT and telecom have changed the face of India. It has provided millions of our young an earning opportunity. A lot of poor families have been lifted out of poverty because of these young people. The 25 year old young boy in software made more money than his father ever did. We are well recognised as the global leader in IT. Wherever you go, people will say aOh Indians, the IT wizardsa. Indians now run some of the largest IT companies in the world like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Adobe. Itas a matter of great pride for all of us. Today, we have a huge amount of foreign exchange surplus mainly because of IT. However, we have not used IT effectively yet to change the lives of the 400 million people who are below the poverty line. We haven't used IT effectively to improve health delivery, our education system, for our farmers yet. So we have a long way to go. IANS: Is lack of political will a reason for IT not recognising its full potential in India? Pitroda: There are a lot of issues. One is the vision. Because people want to really copy what the West does. When we started CDOT, we did exactly the opposite to what the West was doing. The Western world was then focused on urban communication but our focus was on rural communication. The West was focused on improving telephone density but we tried to improve access to telephones. The West was interested in importing equipment into the developing world and we said no to it and will build our own equipment and human resource. So, we were doing exactly the opposite. And thatas what it takes to plant the right seeds. This requires courage. We donat show the same courage to take risks, to use IT to improve our education system. How can we do it if your education ministry is more focused on changing textbooks, changing history, renaming cities, and promoting Hindutva. Then you lose focus of the main goal because technology holds the key to the future. Future belongs to science and technology. Future doesnat belong to history. Future doesnat belong to temples. I keep saying that and people donat like this when I say temples will not create jobs. So somebody will come and say, but there is a job for aPujaria (priest). It's just a lame argument. We will need to provide employment to our young generation in future and this can be only achieved by focusing on technology. Look at what is going to happen with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is going to change everything around us. IANS: In a recent incident in Kerala, a person was cheated using AI technology by morphing a friendas face and voice in video call and money was siphoned off. Is AI turning its evil face on people? Pitroda: It is not only AI but take a look at social media. It is used to promote hate and lies because there is no authenticated behavior. You can have Sam Pitroda seven times and you donat know which one is real Pitroda. There is a very serious problem in the way we use some of these technologies. It is like a knife. Knife cuts fruits but at the same time knife can also kill. We are using technology which is always not good for the people. We always misuse some part of it. This where the regulations and government intervention comes into play. But if the government wants to support those people who spread hate on social media, what can you do? If the government wants to support misinformation and lies, one cannot help it. We will have to learn to use technology effectively to take humanity to the next level and not bring in the worst in humanity to create more fights which is a challenge for all of us. IANS: Did Rajiv Gandhi get the recognition he deserved for the works he did for the country? Pitroda: It all depends on how you look at it. People who know and understand appreciate what he has done for the country. Then there are also people who peddle lies and say that Rajiv Gandhi didnat do anything for the country. You donat do work to take credit. You work because it needs to be done. You do it to get glory because glory doesnat last. We all die at the end and everyone forgets. You do it because it has to be done. It is about serving people. It is like our aKarmaa. One should not worry what others say. Critics donat matter. Rajiv did his part. Actually, he has done more than what he could do. But Rajivas dream is still unfulfilled -- his dream to take India into the 21st century with dignity and respect is still in process. It requires a focus on democracy, which I am worried is lost now. It requires independent history, the role of civil society, and free judiciary. Collaboration and cooperation between all communities of all races, religions, and languages is needed. One must respect the other for what he or she is and not worry about what his or her religion is. One should not worry about the different languages people speak. It is fine and I love it. In fact, if you are not different, how can I get to eat South Indian food? I have to enjoy the diversity and not look for uniformity. This is what the idea of India is all about. India is all about diversity, about different groups of people carrying on different conversations. And we need the ability to listen to them. Presently, this is being affected. It bothers me. IANS: Do you feel that there is polarised politics in India and that politics is winning back to back in electoral hustings? Pitroda: I think this is a challenge world over right now and not only in India. Polarised politics, authoritarian regime, manipulation of media, propagation of lies and hate has become a global challenge. Bad actors have taken over all over the world. You cannot build peace and prosperity by dividing people. You have to say India is for everybody and everybody should have the same rights. There is no concept of second class citizens. This is the difference between the Congressa idea of India and BJPas idea of India. Congress' idea of India is embedded in our Constitution. We donat treat our Dalits and OBCs properly. We donat treat our 200 million Muslims properly. It is a concern for everyone and should also be the real concern for the majority. Today, election victories decide the destiny of a country even if you have 40 per cent Hindu voters and 60 per cent secular voters. The 60 per cent secular voters get divided in multiple parties and it is the Hindu vote which finally decides. It is no sense means they have to build a Hindu nation. They have to first look at the Constitution. Iam not a political person and donat want to comment too much on politics. But as an ordinary citizen, I want peace and harmony with all communities. I respect my Muslim brother. I respect my Christian brother. I respect my Buddhist brother. I respect my Jewish brother. I have no issues with any of them. Same way I respect people from Kerala, Assam, Orissa, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh (UP). They are all great people. They all have good and bad like we all have. Take them what they are, love them, respect them, and work with them. Then only there will be peace and prosperity for all of us. IANS: Recently, there was controversy regarding Rahul Gandhi speaking in London about Indian democracy and seeking help from people of other countries to intervene. Pitroda: People twist facts. Even this interview that you and I are having can be twisted in many ways. It depends on what you want to see. If you have a twisted mind, you will see twisted agendas but if you are honest, fair, simple, and true then you will tell the truth only. Rahul Gandhi basically said and always says it and I believe in it, that Indian democracy is a larger global public good. It is the largest democracy in the world and if our democracy goes bad or rogue, the world will pay for it. So, it is in the global interest to pay attention to what is happening in India. It doesnat mean you are seeking somebody to come and help us. It doesnat mean that you are criticising Indians or its heritage. You are criticising the Indian government. The Indian government is not India. India is much bigger. Nobody can criticise India. India is what India is. But people get insulted because their self-esteem is very fragile. So, you have to do what you have to do and they have to do what they have to do. IANS: People are now taking Rahul Gandhi very seriously. Have you played any role in it? Pitroda: No, I havenat played any role except I love him. I care for him. I like him. Maybe, I am biased but I only see good in him. I think he is intelligent. I think he is a serious reader. He is a thinker. He is a good looking young man. He keeps his body in shape. And you know he has a larger public interest at heart. He is concerned about Indiaas future. He is concerned about Indiaas poor and her minorities. So, he is a threat for the people in power. They want to spend crores and crores to destroy his image which is understandable. I wouldnat do such a thing and will not use public money for it. It is dishonesty. But then if they consider it fair, I am really no one to argue with them. I would not spend one rupee of public money to discredit anybody, not even my enemy because it is not ethical. But their ethics are very different from mine. The strategy they have used is to discredit Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. When the Prime Minister says that has been done in India for 70 years -- it is a lie. How can one lie like this? It is discrediting people of India by saying that for the last 70 years everybody was sleeping. We got a lot of things done in the last 70 years. Of course we could have done more and of course we made mistakes. Of course, we are not very happy with everything that we have done. But then also look at all the good we have done. Going back to your original question, I am glad that people are beginning to know Rahul Gandhi. I think aPadhyatraa (Bharat Jodo Yatra) helped him a lot and got to know him more from close quarters. I am delighted that people of India are finally beginning to understand who the right person is. What DNA Rahul has and what is his commitment to a larger cause of India. IANS: You have worked closely with Rajiv Gandhi. You are considered to be close to Rahul Gandhi also. How different is the son from his father? Pitroda: I think the basic DNA is intact. From Nehru to Indira Gandhi; Rajiv Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi; or whosoever will be their next generation. The family has made a lot of sacrifices for India. Of course, they are privileged. You canat take it away from them. You know, they have a background in education from Motilal Nehruas time. He was a great lawyer. He was rich. He had palatial homes in Allahabad. You canat take it away from them. They have also lost two major family members as well in a very bad way while working for the nation. Their sacrifices are unimaginable. One must respect the family for their sacrifices. So, Rahul Gandhi has a great background and DNA. However, this background also brings baggage with it like you donat live a normal life like we all do. Rahul Gandhi canat just walk on the street and do whatever he wants. Even during his childhood he couldnat do whatever he wished. He comes from a great family with great DNS, he brings in values honesty, truth, trust, ethics, sincerity, openness, concern for poor, minority and concern for global good. This is something he doesnat talk about. The Rajiv Gandhi era was different from the Rahul Gandhi era. The Rajiv Gandhi era didnat had privatisation, or technology. Rahul Gandhi's era is different where Indiaas population has reached 1.5 billion people; a country where privatization has taken roots; a country that is growing very fast after 1991 liberalisation. Both operated in different ears. However, the overall agenda of the Rajiv Gandhi era is still unfinished. IANS: You keep on repeating that Rajiv Gandhias agenda remains unfinished even after the Chandrayaan-3 successful mission? Pitroda: I am very proud of Chandrayan-3 success. But we still have to lift 400 million out of poverty; eliminate caste; and learn to respect our minorities. We have not achieved all these things yet. After we are able to empower our women, give them respect, safety and security, I can say Rajivas dream and work has been completed. INAS: There are rumours that Stephanie Cutter, advisor to former US president Barak Obama, is being roped in by Congress, specifically by you, for Rahul Gandhias media management. Pitroda: These rumours are completely bogus, and false. It is a total lie. IANS: Rahul Gandhi has changed a lot. He is showing maturity. His approach, speeches and body language has completely changed. How did it happen? Pitroda: Bharat Jodo Yatra, his international interactions and talking to different people have changed him. All this is his own creation. It is not that some lady who held public relations for Obama has taught Rahul Gandhi anything. This is what Indians do. They lie. And the media promotes such lies. IANS: In 2019, Congress only won 52 seats. Think tanks and pollsters say that there will only be a slight improvement in Congress fortunes in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Your comments? Pitroda: It does not matter what the think tank or people say. Only peoplesa votes matter. If elections are fair -- which is a big aifa I have my doubts and concerns; however, I canat prove anything. If elections are fair and if 60 per cent of the votes donat get divided into multiple candidates, I think you will see different results. If 60 per cent of the votes get divided in multiple parties and elections, then the results will be different. IANS: Do you indicate we revert back to paper ballot? Pitroda: No, I didnat mean that. We need a printer in the EVM that will keep paper readable for five years and the receipt to be dropped in a box and be counted as a vote. It is different from paper ballots and the ballot will still be in an EVM machine and the paper receipt is verification. IANS: But Congress and other opposition parties are winning state elections for example in Karnataka in 2023. Pitroda: What is the problem with incorporating these ideas so that things are transparent and true? People across the globe will understand that Indian elections are transparent and fair and for that we have to adopt such methods. IANS: You and your brother went to boarding school Sarda Vidya Mandir in Gujarat. Please tell us about that experience? Pitroda: I along with my elder brother were sent to the Sardar Vidya Mandir School in Gujarat which functions on Gandhian ideology. My father sent us to this school which was around 1,000 km from our home in Odisha. We were too young. However, schooling was my turning point in life as I found Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals will carry this world forward. We could interact with students from several places, lived the disciplined life in a school hostel and learned about time management, secularism, caring for others and whatever I have in life were imbibed from that school education. My father was not an educated person and still he sent us to that school just because he wanted us to imbibe Gandhian culture and values. My father was highly enthused at our country getting independence and he was very much happy that we need not prostrate before foreigners. We could meet our parents only once in six months. New Delhi, Aug 28 : In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Delhi government on Monday informed the Delhi High Court that a notification has been issued, wherein officers are now empowered to compound traffic violation offences on the spot. The PIL, filed by advocate Amit Sahni, had contended about the challenges faced by individuals in compounding challans issued for traffic violations following the September 2019 amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act. This amendment had led to difficulties in immediate fine payment, forcing violators to resort to court visits or online payments via the virtual court (traffic) website. As a result, the courts experienced increased burdens, and citizens struggled to address petty violations promptly. The government stated that a notification has already been issued to this effect, granting designated officials the authority to collect fines immediately for certain offences. The compounding process allows offenders to pay fines without the need to visit a court. Instead, fines can be settled with authorised officials upon notification from the states. The Delhi government's response clarified that a notification pursuant to section 200 of the Motor Vehicle Act was issued on March 13, 2020, by the Lieutenant Governor of NCT of Delhi. The government also assured that documents available on the Centre's DigiLocker application are considered valid by enforcement officials. A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula noted the government's response and concluded that no further orders were necessary, and disposed of the petition. The government also said that all documents accessible through DigiLocker, m-Parivahan, and other government websites are recognised as valid by the transport department's enforcement branch. It was alleged that despite the amendments introduced by the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019, which raised penalties for traffic violations significantly, the Delhi government's transport department had not yet appointed authorised officers or established compounding fees. Additionally, the Virtual Court (Traffic) portal www.vcourts.gov.in was found to accept payments of traffic challans above Rs 2,000 only through credit cards or online banking, posing a challenge for individuals lacking such payment methods. The amendments include substantial penalties for offences such as not giving way to emergency vehicles, over-speeding, dangerous driving, drunken driving, driving without insurance, driving without a helmet, and lacking a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate. The penalty amounts vary depending on the specific violation, ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. --IANS spr/dan Agartala, Aug 29 : A three-member team from the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a series of meetings with Tripura officials on Monday to review the preparations for the by-elections to two Assembly seats on September 5. The crucial by-elections will be held in Boxanagar and Dhanpur Assembly seats in Sepahijala district on September 5. The team led by Election Commission's Principal Secretary Arvind Anand held the review meetings at Sepahijala district headquarters. Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Puneet Agarwal, District Magistrate and Collector Vishal kumar and two other EC officials -- Santosh Kr. Dubey (Secretary) and Ankur Matla (Assistant Section Officer) were present at the meetings, among others. An official said that on Tuesday, the EC team would hold a meeting with the District Magistrates of all the eight districts to discuss the special summary revision of the electoral rolls for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The by-election to the Dhanpur Assembly seat was necessitated after Union minister Pratima Bhoumik resigned, days after her election as a BJP nominee in February. The Muslim-dominated Boxanagar Assembly seat fell vacant after the death of sitting CPI-M MLA Samsul Haque, who passed away on July 19 after a cardiac attack. Mumbai, Aug 28 : "What Jhumkas!", that's what actress Geetanjali Mishra told herself when she saw them in Lucknow's famous Aminabad Bazaar. The actress, who essays the role of Rajesh Singh in the television show 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan,' recently went on a shopping spree during her visit to Lucknow to promote the show and her entry into the show. The actress, who possesses an extensive collection of Jhumkas, wears them during shoots and incorporates them into her style. For Geetanjali, acquiring a pair of Jhumkas is a must-do when travelling across India, showcasing her deep affection for these intricately designed treasures that seamlessly blend culture and fashion. And this time, she expanded her collection by adding several pairs of Jhumkas in one go. The actress shared that a common bond between her real-life persona and Rajesh is their fondness for Jhumkas. Talking about her love for the Jhumka's, Geetanjali Mishra said: "When it comes to jewellery, earrings always take the top spot for me. The right pair of earrings can transform your entire look magically. They are the first to catch anyone's eye, so they must exude elegance and captivate attention. Whether it's gatherings, parties, formal occasions, or traditional ceremonies, a pair of Jhumkas from my collection always emerges as the perfect choice to create a stylish impact. My affinity for authentic traditional jewellery deepened as I grew older, leading me to embrace Jhumkas as a regular accessory." The actress feels that there's something magical about Jhumkas because of their intricate designs, vibrant colours, and the way they effortlessly blend tradition with elegance. They are, in a way, more than just a piece of accessory, but a symbol of heritage and artistry. She further mentioned: "The gentle sway and tinkling sound add to their allure, creating a mesmerising and enchanting vibe. I have a large collection of Jhumkas and keep collecting them everywhere I go. Over time, my collection has burgeoned to encompass an array of Jhumka styles, with Chaandbalis being a favourite due to their versatility that complements all my outfits. I've even designated a dedicated space to store them. Recently, during a visit to the historical city of Nawabs, Lucknow, I indulged in local street food and went on a shopping spree for traditional Jhumkas." She continued: "Aminabad Bazaar, Lucknow's renowned market, became my haven. While on a shopping spree there, one can't help but indulge in bulk purchases. This market house's designs are steeped in history and not easily found elsewhere in other markets, big or small, across various cities. Believe it or not, I procured almost fifty pairs of Jhumkas, each boasting unique designs, colours, and sizes. However, fifty-one felt like an auspicious number, so I couldn't resist adding one more as a special touch. Collecting pairs of earrings from different cities is a cherished ritual for me. If I don't get to partake in this during my travels, I feel like my trip remains incomplete." Geetanjali shared that she prefers delicate, intricately designed jewellery that radiates simplicity and grace. She said: "To me, jewellery embodies more than mere design; it encapsulates the essence of craftsmanship's quality. Accessories, especially Jhumkas or earrings, add a touch of style and elevate the style quotient. Jhumkas are versatile and complement traditional and contemporary ensembles, making them a go-to accessory. I opt for jhumkas that are meticulously crafted and infused with artistry. If these pieces can be personalised to resonate with my personality, that's the ultimate win." "I thoroughly enjoy the process of experimenting with my choices, whether it's a hoop, suryakanti, Jhaalar, or my beloved Chaandbali, all complementing various traditional ensembles that I enjoy experimenting to complement the traditional Indian look," she added. 'Happu Ki Ultan Paltan' airs Monday to Friday on &TV. Ahmedabad, Aug 28 : A court in Ahmedabad issued a summons to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in connection with a defamation case. The Ahmedabad court, having examined the allegations of defamation levied against Tejashwi Yadav, has deemed them substantial and consequently issued summons to him to appear before it. The defamation case was filed by social activist and entrepreneur Haresh Mehta, under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing Tejashwi Yadav of employing disparaging language in labelling Gujaratis as "thugs". This alleged statement has been perceived as an affront not only to the state of Gujarat but also to its people, as per Mehta's complaint, which seeks due legal action and fitting penalties to be imposed on Tejashwi Yadav, holding him accountable for his "inflammatory utterances". The purported remarks were made by Tejashwi Yadav in reference to the revocation of the red corner notice for fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Punjab National Bank scam and aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The topic of the status of Kosovo was not among the key ones raised during a meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic in Athens last week, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency. "If you ask whether the Kosovo issue was voiced during the meeting with the president as a key one, no, it did not. Because Ukraine's position did not change," he said. According to the deputy head of the Office of the President, more important issues were discussed during the meeting. "Serbia has experience of European integration. And it is interesting to us taking into account the fact that the country has got not only candidate status but it has also started the EU accession talks," Zhovkva said. "Certainly, Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed how the process of Ukraine's European integration is going on. We heard clear affirmation from the president of Serbia regarding his support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea. It was very important to hear this from the president of Serbia," he said. "If you noticed, on the next day, when the Crimea Platform was held, Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabic spoke there. That was also a result of the visit," Zhovkva said. Supertech twin tower demolition: A year on, no action yet against erring officials. Image Source: IANS News Noida, Aug 28 : A year ago, exactly on this day, the twin towers of Supertech were demolished at around 2.30 p.m. on the orders of the Supreme Court. The top court had ordered demolition of the high rises citing irregularities and flouting of norms. Cases were registered against 26 officials following a probe conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). However, no action has been taken yet against the officials who were held responsible for the irregularities. In the SIT report, it was mentioned that rules were violated by Supertech, while the Authority officials made avenues to make the building earn benefits. In lieu of this, the Authority officials also got financial benefits. Following a meeting that was held, the SIT team asked the authorities to submit all the documents. Later, on the basis of the SIT's report, an FIR was lodged in the Vigilance office, Lucknow, on behalf of the Planning Department of Noida Authority. In the FIR, a number of officials, including then CEO Mohinder Singh were named. Currently, the board of 'Vijay Path' has been put up in the place where the Twin Towers had earlier stood. One UBS Tewatia, who fought a long battle in this case, said that action should have been taken against the accused officials. "Today, one year has passed but it is sad that no action has been taken so far. The investigation should be completed soon. The Vijay Path shows how the people of the (residential) society united and achieved victory after a long struggle," he said. Even as four officials have been suspended, the action is not deemed satisfactory. The investigation into the alleged involvement of 11 of the 26 officials was handed by the government to Saumya Srivastava, OSD of Greater Noida Authority on March 23. Little progress, though, has been achieved or noticed. However, even at the Vigilance level, investigation is still underway. Also, the Vigilance team has not visited Noida for the last four months. Besides, no senior official seemed to be keen to speak anything about the matter. Sangli : , Aug 28 (IANS) Over 160 students of a government-aided residential school in Maharashtra's Sangli district were rushed to a hospital on suspicion of food poisoning, officials said on Monday. The students, aged between 5 and 15 years, were admitted to address concerns of their well-being and are currently reported to be in stable condition. District Collector Raja Dayanidhi has ordered an inquiry by the Social Welfare Department into the incident, which occurred at an "ashram shala", a residential school catering to tribal students, situated in Umdi in Jath tehsil during Sunday evening. "Following the consumption of their evening meal, a total of 169 students presented symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Action was taken to transfer them to government hospitals within the tehsil. Presently, the condition of the affected students is stable, and they are no longer in immediate peril," he said. Gurugram, Aug 28 : A section of Hindu groups on Monday raised slogans against Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar after the state government did not allow a full-fledged Shobha Yatra in the tension-stuck district of Nuh where communal violence was witnessed on July 31. Even as the symbolic -- small-scale and curtailed Shobha Yatra organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu organisations, remained peaceful, the agitated section of Hindu groups, besides raising slogans against CM Khattar, also burnt his effigy. Disappointment was quite visible at Ujina in Nuh as the protesters also shouted slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram' while burning an effigy of the Haryana CM. The local residents said the Haryana government did not allow the yatra to commence in its proper and full-fledged form. "The stand towards Yatra taken by the Khattar-led Haryana government shows signs of weakness. The government even imposed several restrictions on the religious Yatra. We expressed anger against the Chief Minister who did not give nod to organising the Yatra in its full strength. After imposition of these restrictions, it seems like we are responsible for the July 31 violence in Nuh," said a local resident. Meanwhile, the Nuh police beefed up security across the district to avoid any untoward incidents in view of Shobha Yatra on Monday. Five major check points were installed between Sohna and Nuh for checking. During checking, the police also maintained the data of all visitors visiting Nuh. Imphal, Aug 28 : Ahead of the vital single-day Assembly session scheduled on Tuesday, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Monday discussed the prevailing law and order situation and ways and means to ensure security for the people of the state with Lt. Gen. R.P. Kalita, Chief of the Indian Army's Eastern Command, and others. "Held a productive meeting with Lt. Gen. R.P. Kalita, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army's Eastern Command, Major General Ranjan Sherawat, IGAR South, Lt. General H.S. Sahi, General Office Commanding of 3 Corps, at my official residence. Focused on strengthening cooperation and ensuring security for the people of the state," Singh said in X, formerly Twitter. Since the outbreak of the ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, this was Lt. Gen. Kalita's third visit to the northeastern state. On previous occasions too, the senior Army officer had discussed security related matters with the Army and Assam Rifles officers, besides holding meetings with the Chief Minister and senior state government officials. Officials said that ahead of the crucial Assembly session on Monday, the Chief Minister also held a separate meeting with the ministers and MLAs of the ruling BJP. Singh stated in X, "Chaired a meeting with the ministers and MLAs of the ruling party at my Secretariat. The meeting deliberated the key issues, policy matters, and strategies to address the pressing challenges facing the state." Meanwhile, 10 tribal MLAs, including seven ruling BJP legislators, who since May 12 have been demanding a separate administration for the tribals, have already announced to not attend Tuesday's Assembly session due to "security reasons". The 10 tribal MLAs include two ministers -- Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen. Five MLAs of the Naga People's Front (NPF) are likely to attend the session, though they are yet to declare their decision officially. The NPF has two ministers in the 12-member council of ministry headed by Biren Singh. Over 170 people have been killed while more than 700 people have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in the state 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. In view of the ethnic strife in Manipur, approximately 70,000 men, women and children belonging to different communities have been displaced and are now sheltered in 350 camps set up in schools, government buildings and auditoriums in Manipur while several thousands have sought refuge in the neighbouring states including Mizoram. Over 60,000 Central security forces personnel, including Army and Assam Rifles, have been deployed in Manipur since the outbreak of violence. Patna, Aug 28 : The police in Bihar's Bhagalpur district have arrested six persons on the charge of gang-raping a minor girl, while a hunt is on to nab the seventh accused who is absconding. The accused were produced in a local court which sent them to judicial custody. The incident came to light on Sunday when the police learnt about around half-a-dozen people holding a girl captive at a place falling under the Jogasar police station. The police said the girl, a seventh standard student, was missing for the past three days and her parents had lodged a missing complaint with the Jogasar police station. As per the statement of the victim's mother, she had stepped out of the house saying that she was going to meet her friend on Thursday, but she never returned. The family members searched everywhere, but failed to trace her. On Sunday, the district police learnt about some 'fishy' activities underway in the Adampur area. The police immediately conducted a raid and rescued the girl. They also arrested six persons on the charge of gang-rape. A seventh accused is on the run. As per the statement of the victim, she had gone to meet her friend but the accused kidnapped her midway. They took her to a room where she was held captive for two days. The accused gang-raped her one by one. After committing the crime, they changed her location to Adampur and brutalised her there as well. "We have rescued the victim and booked the accused under POCSO Act. Six of the accused have been arrested and we are making efforts to nab the seventh accused," the police said. New Delhi: TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu coming out from the office of the Election Commission of India. Image Source: IANS News Amaravati, Aug 28 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday ridiculed Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu for lodging a complaint to the Election Commission about bogus voters in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Chittoor district, he claimed that his government is removing bogus voters but Naidu was spreading lies. Jagan alleged that it was Chandrababu Naidu who got bogus voters enrolled in the past. "Culprits are lodging complaints against us," he said. The chief minister addressed the public meeting a few hours before Naidu met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Delhi to complain about 'large scale irregularities' in the voters list and the 'blatant violation' of the poll panel's guidelines. Naidu called on CEC Rajiv Kumar and submitted him an 11-page letter. The TDP leader brought to the notice of the poll panel that the ruling dispensation is mounting political pressure on the election machinery and not allowing it to function independently. Meanwhile, a delegation of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MPs also called CEC in Delhi and demanded a probe into irregularities in voter list since 2014. Alleging that Naidu was behind enrollment of a large number of bogus voters, YSRCP said Naidu was spreading lies. YSRCP parliamentary party leader V. Vijayasai Reddy, who led the delegation, told media persons later that Naidu is 'Olympic hero' in bogus votes. He said the TDP leader was worried as bogus voters were being removed from the rolls. The MP alleged that Naidu lodged a complaint in frustration against YSRCP. He said that the TDP resorted to malpractices with the 'My TDP' app and claimed that it had indulged in similar practices earlier with 'Seva Mitra' app. Vijayasai Reddy alleged that it was Naidu who started enrollment of bogus voters and deletion of genuine voters. He said YSRCP complained to the CEC about objectionable questions being asked to voters in the name of voter profile survey. He wanted to know who gave Naidu the right to ask voters their political preferences. Patna, Aug 28 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sanjay Jaiswal was shown black flags on Monday during a visit to Bihar's West Champaran -- the constituency he represents in Lok Sabha. The flags were shown during his visit to a village in Banjaria block. The people, who showed the former Bihar unit BJP chief black flags, submitted that they have supported Jaiswal and "sent him to Lok Sabha thrice but he has failed to bring any development in the region". The villagers demanded Jaiswal to point out "what type of developmental work he has undertaken in his own constituency". When the villagers learnt about Jaiswal's visit, they soon gathered at a place, surrounded him and showed black flags. They also raised slogans against him and displayed posters. The villagers also asked Jaiswal to go back. The people in the village also criticised the BJP, saying the party was into "Hindu-Muslim politics" to collect votes. "After the election, they forget all the people and stay in the comfort of their house," a villager said. Jaiswal, who was already stunned, tried to explain the work he carried out in the constituency but the local villagers were not ready to listen to him. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Former Assam minister Rakibul Hussain on Monday said the Congress is ready for the Panchayat polls in the state. "Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) is completely prepared for the Panchayat polls. We are holding meetings in various places," Hussain told reporters at the Assam House here. The senior Congress leader from Assam also claimed that there was a dislike for the BJP among the people in the state. Panchayat elections in Assam are likely to be held later this year. On being asked about the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Hussain, who also represents the Samaguri Assembly constituency, said: "We have already held the first round of meeting at the Congress headquarters (in Delhi)." Congress' Assam unit president Bhupen Kumar Borah also held separate meetings in this regard. Earlier this month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge while holding a meeting with the party's Assam unit called upon the party leaders to reach out to people and expose the "misgovernance and incompetence" of the BJP-led government in the northeastern state. New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday accused Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena of forming a cabal with the bureaucrats of the Central government, as AAP discussed issues related to the L-G and the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) formed by the Union government. Days after Delhi Services Minister Atishi accused the Chief Secretary of disregarding her directives to establish a coordination mechanism with the National Capital Civil Services Authority, the Principal Secretary of the L-G stated that these instructions were in conflict with constitutional and statutory provisions. The Principal Secretary further mentioned that the directions held no legal authority and were therefore considered invalid. In a communication addressed to the Department of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs of the Delhi government, a request has been made to ensure "rigorous adherence" to the Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023. The Principal Secretary also said the directives issued by Atishi displayed a "total disregard" for the stipulations outlined in the new legislation. In response, the AAP stated that the unconstitutional GNCTD Amendment Act took away the vested powers of the democratically-elected government of Delhi. The AAP also said that anything outside the purview of NCCSA falls within the power of the elected government, and unfortunately, the L-G is forming a cabal with the bureaucrats of the central government. "Vicious attempts are being made to snatch the remaining power left with the Delhi government. In May, the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of the Delhi government, unequivocally stating that the democratically-elected Delhi government should have discretionary powers to exercise on behalf of its people. However, the BJP is scared of the governance of Arvind Kejriwal and that is why it is trying to put all hindrances in his work," the AAP said. Guwahati, Aug 28 : Even though the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) is not included in the 'INDIA' alliance, they would support the opposition bloc in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a party leader said on Monday. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam said that his party will morally assist the opposition alliance INDIA in its battle against the BJP. Party chief Badruddin Ajmal had earlier said that the party opposes the BJP and will back the aINDIAa bloc. The MLA, citing Ajmalas statement, said: "In the event that the aINDIAa alliance needs a couple of additional seats in Assam in order to establish the country's next government in 2024, our party will gladly support it." "The leadership of aINDIAa should engage with a few other political parties who are still outside of the aINDIAa coalition or NDA," Islam added. He said that three parliamentary constituencies in the state had a good likelihood of going for his party. "Earlier, in Assam, our party won three MP seats. After the delimitation exercise, there have been numerous adjustments. However, we are capable of taking at least three of the state's parliamentary seats -- Dhubri, Karimganj, Nagaon -- in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. We are currently focusing on these seats," he said. Next meeting of ambassadors on Zelenskyys Peace Formula to bring together more than 70 participants Zhovkva As part of the next meeting of foreign ambassadors to discuss and work on the Peace Formula of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than 70 participants will gather, it will be held in Kyiv, Deputy head of the Presidents Office Ihor Zhovkva said. "We are guided by our Peace Formula. We [also] take into account all those proposals, including from China, Brazil, rational and compatible with the interests of the world, with the interests of Ukraine. At the next meeting of ambassadors, which will be held this week in Kyiv, there will be even more participants. I think more than 70," Zhovkva said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. As he stressed, "it is very important that the Republic of South Africa, as well as other states of the Global South - Brazil, India, China participate in this work according to the Peace Formula." In particular, according to Zhovkva, the diplomatic adviser to the President of South Africa was at two meetings on the Peace Formula both in Copenhagen and in Jeddah. The Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine also noted that "we are confidently going to hold the Peace Formula summit this year, in the fall." "Peace in Ukraine can only be based on the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine, because the war continues in Ukraine," he concluded. New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday said it has noted the approval by the Lt. Governor (L-G) for the restructuring of the Delhi Administration Subordinate Services (DASS) on August 19, which included the creation of Group 'A' posts in this cadre, adding it considered the development "highly unfortunate". "The L-G's approval in this matter is a clear violation of both the Constitution Bench judgment and the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2023. A comprehensive analysis of the judgment and the amendment indicates that all matters related to 'services' outside the purview of NCCSA (National Capital Commission for Civil Services Authority) should be handled by the elected Government of Delhi," the AAP said. The party further said that the L-G's sanctioning of the restructuring exceeded the powers vested in the office and amounted to an encroachment upon the authority of the elected government, thereby, constituting a significant violation of the Constitution. "As outlined in clauses (3) and (4) of Article 239AA of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers of Delhi holds executive power in matters listed in the State List or Concurrent List, except for 'Land,' 'Police,' and 'Public Order.' The Lt. Governor is bound to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in instances where he must exercise discretion as per the law," the AAP said. The AAP further said that the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2023 only grants specific powers to the Lt. Governor concerning services, and these powers are to be exercised based on recommendations from the NCCSA. All other powers related to services, not designated to the Lt Governor or NCCSA, are within the jurisdiction of the elected government of Delhi, represented by the Council of Ministers. "While the restructuring of the DASS cadre has been a long-standing demand, there may be legal challenges against this order. It is likely that such an order could be invalidated for sidestepping the constitutional framework of governance. Hence, the Minister of Services has requested the L-G to return this proposal for processing through the appropriate constitutional and statutory channel, i.e., the Council of Ministers," the AAP said. New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah at the launch of the transfer of funds to the genuine depositors. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 28 : Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired the 26th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Gujarat capital Gandhinagar. During the meeting, Amit Shah, inaugurated an e-resource web portal -- iscs-eresource.gov.in -- of Inter State Council Secretariat of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The portal will facilitate functioning of Zonal Councils, a government spokesperson said. During the meeting, Amit Shah said: "After the recent success of the country's Chandrayaan mission, the whole world is praising the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to India's space sector, and has made a time-bound programme and framework to take India to the forefront of the world in the field of space by year 2030." The meeting was attended by the chief ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and others, Chief Secretaries from the states in the Western Zone, Union Home Secretary, Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat and other senior officers from the States and Central Ministries and Departments. In the 26th Western Zonal Council meeting, a total of 17 issues, out of which nine issues were resolved and remaining issues, including issues of national interest, were kept for monitoring after in-depth discussion. "Some crucial issues concerning the member states in particular and the country as a whole were 'transfer of land related issues, Issues related to water supply, operationalisation of Auctioned Mines, cash deposit facility at Common Service Centre, Coverage of villages by Bank Branches/Postal Banking facilities, Speedy investigation of cases of sexual offence/rape against women and children, Implementation of the Scheme of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases, utilisation of Bharat Net infrastructure by states for providing broadband connectivity to the households in villages, Adoption of Telecom RoW Rules by States for facilitating roll out of 5G, Implementation of Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Ve hicle Scrapping Facility Amendment), Strengthening of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), and other matters were discussed," a spokesperson said. Shah asked Zonal Council member states to work sensitively on three issues of national importance a" POSHAN Abhiyaan, reducing the dropout rate of school children and taking benefits of Ayushman Bharat a" Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to every poor. Shah said that co-operatives are the only way to connect 60 crore people of the country with the economy so that they can contribute in the progress of the country. "By creating 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and making existing PACS viable, the country's cooperative sector will witness a huge change," an official said. Amit Shah said that between 2014 and 2023, a total of 23 meetings of the Zonal Councils and 29 meetings of its Standing Committees were held, whereas from 2004 to 2014, there were 11 meetings of the Zonal Council and 14 meetings of the Standing Committees. Shah said that the Western Zone is a crucial region of the country and with a contribution of 25 per cent to the country's GDP, this region is the hub of finance, IT, diamond, petroleum, automobile and defence. He said that the member states of the Western Zonal Council share long coastlines where there are highly sensitive institutions and industries and there is a need for sustained efforts towards ensuring tight security. New Delhi, Aug 29 : The Delhi High Court has expressed concerns over the presence of 63 structures inside the Central Ridge area in the national capital, stating that these structures, lacking any court protection, will have to be removed. "How can they have protection? I don't understand. Sixty-three is not a small number. It is a huge number It [Central Ridge] is the lungs of Delhi. How can there be 63 structures? What are these and what is the protection? If there is no protection, the structures have to go," the court said. The court's comments came during a hearing of a contempt plea, wherein the Amicus Curiae raised issues related to tree plantation directions in the national capital. The Deputy Conservator of Forest, West Forest Division, informed the court that there are 63 structures, including ashrams, within the 864-hectare ridge area. He noted that these structures existed prior to the Supreme Court's judgement in the MC Mehta case, which allowed certain institutions to remain under the condition that their presence wouldn't expand in the Ridge. The court directed the Delhi government to file an affidavit indicating the status of these 63 structures and their stand regarding them. The Deputy Conservator of Forest also informed the court about the removal of construction and demolition materials as well as municipal solid waste from the Central Ridge over the last two months. The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the presence of such materials on the Central Ridge and said that there should not have been any such material in the area to begin with. The Deputy Conservator of Forest assured the court of proper monitoring and deployment of staff to prevent further dumping of materials. The court was also told about the construction of a trail path in the Central Ridge area and that the path already made shall be removed along with the material within six weeks. The court also asked for optimal utilisation of the Delhi Green Fund in consultation with relevant authorities. Furthermore, the court asked the counsel for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to join the proceedings regarding the expansion of forested areas in Delhi. The DDA's counsel was directed to work with the Director of Planning in the Delhi government to identify land that could be used for extending forested land. The case will be heard next on October 9. During the last hearing, the HC had expressed its displeasure over encroachments in the Central Ridge area and had issued a warning to the authorities to take corrective action promptly, or face contempt proceedings. "This will not happen. In case you don't rectify and take corrective measures, we will initiate contempt. Get instructions by Monday. This is not acceptable. Nothing happens on the Central Ridge," Justice Jasmeet Singh had told the Deputy Conservator of Forests, West Forest Division. The court had asked the authorities about the areas designated for tree plantation, the utilisation of funds in the high court's bank account meant for tree planting, and the encroachments within the Central Ridge. Kolkata, Aug 29 : Six present and former students of Jadavpur University (JU), who have been accused in the ragging-related death of a fresher of the university on August 10, were remanded to judicial custody till September 8 by a lower court here on Monday. These six present and former students are Mohammad Arif, Mohammad Asif Azaml, Ankan Sardar, Saptak Kamilla, Asit Sardar and Suman Nashkar. After the accused were present before the court on Monday, their counsels moved their bail petition on grounds of 'impressive' academic career. The defence counsels also claimed that the main culprits are roaming freely after being let off. The public prosecutor, on the other hand, argued that sheer academic brilliance does not allow anyone to 'provoke' an innocent person to end his life. "Someone might be a excellent scientist. But does that achievement give him or her the right to be the cause for the death of anyone," the public prosecutor asked. He also said that even if a scientist, who is part of the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, is involved in the murder of anyone, he or she will be punished. After hearing both sides, the judge remanded the six accused to judicial custody till September 8. WASHINGTON, April 26, 2019 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is pictured at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on April 26, 2019. Trump announced on Friday that the United States is withdrawing from an international arms tra. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Aug 28 : US District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan has posted for March 4, 2024, to bring to trial former President Donald Trump on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election even as parallel hearing was being held in Atlanta Monday morning to determine whether his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, can move his election-related indictment from state to a federal court. Trump is a frontrunner in the Republican 2024 presidential contest, and the Washington D.C. trial's starting date is the day before the Super Tuesday primaries, media reports said. Trump, only person indicted in the Washington D.C. case so far, reportedly enlisted six unnamed conspirators to overturn the Joe Biden victory to cling to power in the White House, his indictment reveals. He is the first former US President to face criminal charges, being indicted in four cases -- all of them while leading the Republican field in the 2024 presidential nomination race. The former President has denied any wrongdoing and claimed it was his right under the constitution (which he once said should be annulled) to question an election verdict. Chutkan, in setting a March 2024 date for the D.C. federal trial of Trump on charges that he tried to obstruct the certification of the 2020 election, said that the public has a right to see the trial ASAP. "I take seriously the defenseas request that Trump will be treated like any other defendant appearing before this court, and I intend to do so," Chutkan said at a hearing Monday morning. The trial date set by Judge Chutkan is actually two months later than prosecutors had requested, but far earlier than the proposal by Trump's legal team. Trump wanted the trial to begin in April 2026, long after the 2024 presidential election. Prosecutors had proposed that it begin in January 2024, media reports said. Patna, Aug 29 : Police in Bihar's Jamui have registered an FIR against unknown persons for stealing boulders from an embankment of the Gamohar canal. The incident came to light in the knowledge of the Minor Irrigation department on August 10 and its assistant engineer Dharmendra Kumar Bharti lodged a departmental complaint with Sikandra police station. However, according to an official, the district police did not take the matter seriously till August 20. When the matter came to the knowledge of District Magistrate Awanish Kumar Singh on August 23, he directed the police to investigate. Following that, ASI Yogendra Kumar Yadav reached Kumar village and found big stones were being stolen in broad daylight using earth mover machines, tractors and trucks. Police suspected that the strongmen of Kumar village were involved in stealing the big stones having a current market price of more than Rs 30 lakh. Such an incident was taking place for the last 1 month. The Minor Irrigation Department had placed the boulders and concretised them in 2010-11 at the cost of Rs 9.70 lakh to make it work like an embankment to avoid flooding. The boulders were accumulated at vacant land and transported through trucks to Kunda Ghat dam. Following the incident, Circle Officer Krishna Kumar Saurav, SHO Sikandara Vijay Kumar, investigating officer Jay Prakash Tiwari and others reached Kunda Ghat dam and inspected the area. "We will conduct forensic examination of the clay contained on big stones found at Kunda Ghat dam and match them with the clay of Gamohar canal. The department has collected the samples. Action will be taken after the report," the Circle Officer said. "We have learnt that boulders were stolen from Gamohar canal. The District Magistrate has been asked to investigate the incident. After the investigation, we will take action against the accused," Building Construction and Minor Irrigation Minister Ashok Chaudhary said. New Delhi, Aug 29 : A Bangladeshi national, who had used a fake Indian passport when he arrived in India in 2016, was caught after he was deported from South Korea for overstaying. Interestingly, his passport was found to be fake only after he arrived in India after the papers were scanned by the officials at IGI airport. The officials said that on the fake passport, the accused identified as Anupam Barua, a resident of Banshkhali, Bangladesh, and he had travelled from India to Thailand, Bangladesh and South Korea. According to the FIR, accessed by IANS, on August 25, one Indian male passenger, Anupam Chowdhary, a resident of Nagpur, as per Indian passport he was holding, arrived from South Korea at IGI Delhi. "During questioning of the passenger it was found that he is a Bangladeshi national. It was further revealed during questioning that he arrived from Bangladesh to India through Haridaspur Land ICP using his Bangladeshi passport on April 10, 2015 and stayed in Kolkata for one day as transit," read the FIR. "Then he went to Bodh Gaya, Bihar and stayed in a Buddhist monastery for two days. Then he went to Nagpur Maharashtra and with the help of one Joy Kumar he procured an Aadhar card and PAN card," the FIR further stated. "With the help of these documents, he fraudulently obtained an Indian passport .To obtain these documents, he gave Rs 20,000 to his agent (Joy Kumar). After he illegally crossed into Bangladesh and again came to India on April 9, 2016 through Haridaspur Border and again went to Bangladeshi passport via Haridaspur Border on July 3, 2016," read the FIR. "Again, he came to India using Bangladeshi passport on October 21, 2016 from Haridaspur Border. After coming to India, he went to Thailand using Indian passport on December 30, 2016 and came back to India on January 16, 2017," stated the FIR. "Then again, he went to Bangladesh on January 19, 2017 using his Bangladeshi passport. Again, he came to India on April 24, 2017 via Haridaspur Border and never went back to Bangladesh as per immigration records," said a senior police official. "Then using his Indian passport he went to South Korea and was working there as a construction labourer. He was caught by local police in South Korea for overstay and was deported to India on August 24," said the official. "We have registered an FIR under section 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (whoever fraudulently or dishonestly uses as genuine any document which he knows or has reason to believe to be a forged document) of the Indian penal Code, 12 passport act and 14 foreigners act at IGI police station," said the official. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday complained to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over 'large-scale irregularities' in the voters' list and the 'blatant violation' of the poll panel's guidelines. Naidu called on CEC Rajiv Kumar and submitted an 11-page letter. The TDP alleged that the ruling dispensation is mounting political pressure on the election machinery, not allowing it to function independently. The former Chief Minister said that the ruling dispensation in the state has set up almost a parallel election machinery in the form of 'grama' (village) and ward secretariats subverting the polling staff and bypassing the Election Commission's instructions. He sought the intervention of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to strengthen the constitutional machinery in the state and ensure their accountability to the ECI to uphold democratic values. "All of them work under the supervision of the nominated leaders of the ruling YSRCP. These staff members, numbering about 1.45 lakh, have been appointed as booth-level officers in place of ECI suggested employees," he told the poll panel. In an attempt to pre-empt the poll panel guidelines, the state government issued norms on November 29, 2022 removing the teachers from the list of the staff members available to the district collectors for the election process, Naidu said that if this is allowed to be continued, the election process will turn into selection process. Pointing out various violations in the summary revision of the electoral rolls, the TDP supremo made an appeal to the poll panel to initiate necessary steps to conduct free and fair elections scheduled for next year. Naidu wrote that the TDP made several representations to the Election Commission with regard to the bypolls to the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat and in the elections held for the Legislative Council on various issues including revision of electoral rolls, but the poll panel attended to only certain issues while there was abnormal delay on several other matters. This delay, he felt, is due to the extraordinary political pressure from the ruling party. Naidu also brought to the notice of the CEO that thousands of false cases have been foisted in the past four years against the political leaders belonging to rival parties though the leaders are staging peaceful demonstrations in a democratic way. The administrative machinery has been silenced by false cases, transfers and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) inquiries, he mentioned in the letter. Stating that the local body elections held in 2020-21 were almost made unanimous using political and muscle power along with 'brutal' police force, Naidu claimed that when some candidates ventured out to file their nominations, they were either kidnapped or were forcibly shifted to unknown places from the premises of the respective returning officers. The officials were forced not to issue necessary certificates to the contesting candidates, he alleged. The State Election Commissioner, an IAS officer of the rank of the Special Chief Secretary, was hounded, humiliated and publicly abused in filthy language with Cabinet ministers taking the lead, Naidu claimed. Naidu also brought to the notice of the CEC that the door-to-door survey is not complete yet and political parties are not provided with the weekly reports in various constituencies. He referred to the media reports coming out almost on a daily basis that hundreds of voters are registered with a single common address and with zero house numbers. The deletions are either suo motto or through Form-7 applications without following due process. Though the poll panel has issued directions that the voters' list should be in serial order of house numbers and that all the members of a family be allotted the same booth, no such formula is being followed in several constituencies, he claimed. The party in power has chosen the election machinery to serve its needs, from volunteer to district collector, making the whole election process a mockery of democracy, Naidu claimed. He also demanded that the teachers and other department staff members be drafted for poll duty and urged the Election Commission officials to make frequent visits to the state to assess the situation. He also appealed to the poll panel to constitute a high-power committee to regularly monitor the situation and suggest remedial measures. New Delhi, Aug 28 : Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Monday interacted with the newly-elected members of Delhi Government schools' Student Advisory Boards (SABs) at the Thyagraj Stadium. During the interaction on leadership, the SAB General Secretaries and members shared their experiences and the impact of the SAB works on school improvement. They also shared the SAB formation process with the minister and told her how it has helped them develop skills of leadership, communication, negotiation, critical thinking and problem-solving. It is to be noted that based on the success of SABs in 20 schools, it is now being implemented in all the 1,000-plus schools of the delhi government. Atishi said that the Arvind Kejriwal government has been diligently working on improving Delhi government schools for the past eight years. "Through the Student Advisory Boards, and by engaging with the elected members today, I can see this dream becoming a reality," she said. She added that the confidence exhibited by the SAB members is truly inspiring. The way they presented their experiences and ideas today demonstrates that Delhi government school students are on par with their counterparts in private schools, she said. Washington, Aug 29 : Former US President Donald Trump once again tried to steal the show from the Washington D.C. Federal Courts and Atlanta County hearings on his election subversion and racketeering charges by calling President Joe Biden's federal officials "fascist thugs". Trump literally defied the Federal district judge in Washington D.C. Judge Tanya Chutkan, ahead of her hearings today on him, who previously had warned the former President that "inflammatory statements" would compel her to speed up his trial. Monday's court hearing set the date for Trump to stand trial on March 4, 2024, in the thick of the Republican primaries and campaigns to the 2024 presidential race. In a post on Monday on Truth Social, Trump called special counsel Jack Smith "deranged", suggesting federal officials investigating his actions were "political sleazebags" and accused Biden allies in the White House of being "fascist thugs", media reports said. "It has just been reported that aides to TRUMP prosecutor, Deranged Jack Smith, met with high officials at the White House just prior to these political SleazeBags Indicting me OVER NOTHING," Trump wrote. "If this is so, which it is, that means that Biden and his Fascist Thugs knew and APPROVED this Country dividing Form of Election Interference, despite their insisting that they 'knew nothing.' It's all a BIG LIE, just like Russia, Russia, Russia, & not knowing about son's business dealings. DISMISS CASE!" Trump ranted in his post to shift attention from Monday's hearings against him in two courts. Trump seems to allege that White House officials met with aides to special counsel Jack Smith ahead of the federal indictment involving Trump's efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. Trump also referred to controversies surrounding Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, on China and the "illegal means" of acquiring a gun. The former President's attack was timed to appear before attorneys and federal prosecutors began their arguments for the trial date in the federal criminal case related to the 2020 election. Even as prosecutors pushed for a January 2, 2024, start date, while Trump's attorneys pulled for a April 2026 trial, Judge Chutkan chose a middle path setting the date for trial to March 4, 2024, much to the discomfiture of Trump and his legal team as it appeared in the middle of the Republican campaign schedules for the 2024 presidency. Trump had always wanted to push off his court fights until after the presidential election. Because, if he was elected president, his Justice Department could end his federal prosecution, or Trump could pardon himself, reports said. Earlier this month, however, US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, had warned both sides in the case to refrain from making any statements that could intimidate witnesses or prejudice the jury pool. She said making such statements would compel her to speed up the trial. "The more a party makes inflammatory statements about this case, the greater the urgency will be that we proceed to trial quickly," Chutkan said at the hearing. According to a recent US Department of Justice report, Nadine Arslanian regularly received expensive gifts from a New Jersey-based food manufacturer, Azernews reports, citing the New York Post. The Egyptian officials and the New Jersey businessman contracted were hosted by Menendez at his office in 2018. A year later, the businessman became the sole certifier of halal meat exported from the U.S. to Egypt. The investigation looked at whether Menendez could have improperly used his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to influence the deal. According to an NBC report earlier this year, the committee oversees about $2 billion in U.S. aid to Egypt. Recall that pro-Armenian Senator Menendez is widely known for his anti-Azerbaijani statements aimed at undermining the peace process negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. At the same time, this is not the first scandal around the senator and his entourage. The fact that he also receives sponsorship from the Armenian lobby in the US is also well known. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his wife Nadine Arslanian came under federal investigation for receiving unregistered luxury gifts, including a car and a flat in Washington, D.C., in exchange for political favours. The investigation began within months of their relationship beginning in December 2020. This is the second time the senator has come under scrutiny by federal authorities over allegations of corruption. The investigation revealed that between April and June 2022, Arslanian sold up to $400,000 worth of gold bullion despite facing foreclosure just three years earlier. This came months before Menendez's office publicly acknowledged that a new federal investigation was underway. The sale was a surprising financial turnaround for Arslanian, who was reportedly struggling financially before she married Menendez. The Manhattan federal prosecutor's office is also investigating whether Nadine Arslanian received gifts or favours from individuals seeking her husband's favours. This investigation is separate from a 2015 investigation that resulted in bribery and corruption charges against Menendez, 68, and a mistrial two years later. According to the Wall Street Journal, the current investigation began in at least 2019, when federal investigators served search warrants on New Jersey businessman Wael Hana, who runs the only company authorised to certify meat exported to Egypt as halal and is an associate of Arslanian. Court documents reportedly indicate that prosecutors are looking into possible undisclosed foreign lobbying. Menendez is required to declare assets worth more than $1,000 belonging to him or his wife, and he said she had checking and savings accounts worth no more than $117,000 in the first year of their marriage. Only a month before she cashed in the gold, Menendez filed an amendment to her 2020 tax return that showed Arslanian had up to $250,000 in gold bullion. To help pay for his legal team, Menendez last month set up the Menendez Legal Defence Fund. Between January and April of this year, Menendez for Senate spent nearly $187,000 on "legal services" to firms in Chicago and Washington. According to Menendez's most recent financial disclosures, Arslanian earned income from her consulting business and Fusion Diagnostics Laboratories, a medical testing company in New Jersey. Menendez and Arslanian married in October 2020 in a ceremony moved outdoors due to the coronavirus pandemic. They had a small outdoor reception with family and friends at Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Bayside, Queens. Menendez proposed at the Taj Mahal, standing behind his bride-to-be at Princess Diana's bench and humming the song "Never Enough" from the film "The Greatest Showman." U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian have been charged with financial fraud, including allegations of bribery and corruption, undisclosed foreign lobbying and unregistered luxury gifts. Although the spouses deny any wrongdoing, the federal investigation continues. Over the past day, the Defense Forces have repelled the offensive of the Russian occupiers in Maryinka direction in the east of Ukraine, while at the same time continuing to conduct an offensive operation in Melitopol direction in the south, gaining a foothold on the borders reached, and carrying out counter-battery measures. As reported in the operational information on the Russian invasion as of 18:00 on Monday, published on the Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 26 military clashes occurred during the day. "In Maryinka direction, the Defense Forces continue to restrain the offensive of Russian troops in Maryinka area of Donetsk region," the summary says. In Volyn and Polissia directions in the north of Ukraine, the operational situation has not significantly changed. In the Q2 2023 Europe Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), analysts report the region currently has 1,715 projects/256,578 rooms in its construction pipeline at the close of the quarter. There are currently 776 projects/118,400 rooms under construction. Projects sc... [] In Nikopol, as a result of a kamikaze drone attack, four civilians were injured, said head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak. "The Russian army covered Marhanetska merged territorial community in Nikopol region with artillery fire. Nikopol itself was attacked by a kamikaze drone. Four people were injured in the district center. They will be treated at home," he wrote on the Telegram channel on Monday. In addition, as Lysak reported, the administrative building was "damaged. There was a fire, which rescuers have already extinguished. Five cars were damaged." Ingram Content Group has added its Chambersburg, Pa., facility to its print-on-demand distribution network, making it the first Ingram site with print and distribution in the same building. Chambersburg has long been the hub for Ingrams East Coast distribution business, and the new Lightning Source POD function will augment the centers wholesale and distribution capabilities. With the upgrade, Chambersburg joins Ingrams global print distribution network, which includes integrated operations in the U.K. and Australia and joint ventures for print distribution in France and the United Arab Emirates. Our long-term strategic vision of colocating fast print-on-demand services with state-of-the-art, automated book distribution is coming true, Ingrams chief logistics officer, Shan Everson, said in a statement. We are proud of our Chambersburg team for bringing this vision to completion. Abraham Verghese's The Covenant of Water, published by Grove Atlantic, was the first hardcover printed at Chambersburg. Grove Atlantic president and publisher Morgan Entrekin said he was impressed: The quality of these print-on-demand editions is impressive, and it is great to be able to get books with strong demand to customers faster. Property details: INVESTMENT PROPERTYCIBOLA COUNTY, NEW MEXICOI own a nice 10 acre lot in the Tierra Verde private community in Cibola County, New Mexico. This area is called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its volcanic landscape and ice caves. The property is in an excellent location with close access to Highway 53, about 30 miles southwest of Grants, New Mexico. Its west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, off Interstate 40. Local pick up for this sale is not necessary despite it saying so in the shipping ... Price: $ 5 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 87321 Zoning: Residential City: Ramah State/Province: New Mexico Location: 873**, Ramah, New Mexico You will be redirected to eBay Nearby New Mexico BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is currently exploring potential collaborations with several Azerbaijani banks for the year 2023 and beyond, Nataly Mouravidze, Head of EBRD operations in Azerbaijan, told Trend in an exclusive interview. "One of our key objectives in Azerbaijan is to strengthen local financial institutions, so that they can in turn ensure that the private sector can readily access the necessary finance for its growth. We are actively driving the growth of financial markets as well," she said. Moreover, according to Mouravidze, the bank is also looking to expand the involvement in trade finance and lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). "Our focus for the upcoming years will be on bolstering competitiveness, promoting green finance initiatives, supporting women in business, and boosting youth employment. There is still plenty of work ahead to help SMEs truly thrive in Azerbaijan," the head of EBRD operations noted. Furthermore, Mouravidze pointed out that the EBRD is ready to review country strategy for Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijan is working on creating more opportunities for investors who want to tap into its rich natural resources, strategic location and a growing private sector. As outlined in the countrys vision for 2030, todays Azerbaijan prioritizes market-oriented reforms, business-friendly governance and trade liberalization," she said. According to Mouravidze, the EBRD's next country strategy will take all these tenets in consideration. The review period is approaching fast and the bank is already preparing to engage with authorities, clients and partners. "What I can say with confidence at this stage is that diversification and greening of Azerbaijans economy and our efforts to expand local businesses access to finance are set to remain top priorities for our work in the country," she noted. Speaking further, the head of EBRD operations said that the bank remains in close contact with different developers who are planning to implement new renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan. "We are very proud to have supported the first privately owned, utility-scale solar power plant in Garadagh. The installed capacity there will be 230 megawatts. Nevertheless, we do not want to stop there. We are also working with Azerbaijans Ministry of Energy to develop the renewable energy auctions scheme and we expect the launch of the first renewable energy auction later this year. We remain steadfast in our support of Azerbaijans renewable energy ambitions declared through the countrys resolute Paris Agreement commitments," she said. In regard with other renewable energy initiatives, Mouravidze noted that the EBRD is following the developments on the Black Sea submarine cable initiative with great interest. "It is a very ambitious project aiming to link Azerbaijan and Georgia with European power grids. As of now, we know that the project is in its exploratory phase, but we are fully prepared to explore potential investments not only in this endeavor, but also in other grid-related projects throughout the region in general, and Azerbaijan in particular. Investment in strengthening Azerbaijans power grid is a key to the growth of the countrys nascent renewable energy sector," she explained. Moreover, as the head of EBRD operations in Azerbaijan noted, the country is also capable of producing environmentally friendly hydrogen. "We have been working with Azerbaijani authorities since 2022 to assess the potential for a low-carbon hydrogen economy in the country. The study showed that Azerbaijan is more than capable to produce renewable hydrogen, which can in turn support local decarbonization and provide cost-competitive renewable fuels to high-demand regions like the European Union. Now, the next steps would be to develop a national hydrogen strategy that prioritises sustainable development laws and frameworks to incentivize the production of low-carbon hydrogen. The country will also need to align such strategy with relevant international laws and regulations. Afterwards, works could begin on expanding the renewable energy production and further developing the electricity grid, both in line with the future demand of course," the official explained. Mouravidze believes that the EBRD and Azerbaijans cooperation has yet to reach its full potential. "Throughout three decades of our work in Azerbaijan, we have built a very strong relationship with the government, the private sector and other stakeholders. Recently, there have been numerous success stories like our Green Cities programme in Ganja, investment in Aztelekom and financing of the first utility scale solar power plant in Garadagh. Our policy dialogue with the ministries of the economy, finance, energy, education, and other state institutions have been quite fruitful as well. I am confident that we can do more, and the key priority for me during my tenure here will be to capitalize on these building blocks to strengthen this longstanding partnership between the EBRD, the government, and the private sector of Azerbaijan," Nataly Mouravidze concluded. Property details: HOMESITE BUILDABLE PROPERTY KERN COUNTY NO MINIMUM / NO RESERVE --- HIGH BID OWNS THE LOT This property is located east of Mojave this land lies along 58 Hwy near North Edwards, south of Aerial Acres in Kern County. A really growing community. Enjoy the Wonderful 4 Seasons Weather, all in the growth in The Heart of This City! Just across State Route 14, north of State Hwy 58 Barstow-Bakersfield and 395 Fwy. Aerial Acres is a fly-in unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It is locat... Price: $ 1,500 Seller State of Residence: California Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential State/Province: California Location: 928**, Anaheim, California You will be redirected to eBay Nearby California Hayley Erbert / Instagram By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/28/2023 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. 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ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. judge Derek Hough and So You Think You Can Dance alum Hayley Erbert have officially become husband and wife.Derek, 38, and Hayley, 28, got married in an "incredibly romantic" redwood forest wedding in Monterey County, CA, on Saturday, August 26, People reported The pair exchanged personal and traditional vows outdoors while standing underneath an arch of beautiful greenery and a wide array of blush and white roses.The newlyweds and their 106 guests then moved into a "regal" and "rustic" 100-year-old barn for the reception."It's so interesting what a small sort of piece of metal can do to your whole persona and your whole outlook on everything, where all of a sudden it's sort of like, 'Oh, I have this promise that I carry with me all the time,'" Derek told the magazine."And to want to be a man to live up to that promise daily for that person and for yourself and for others, it's a powerful thing. It's a beautiful thing. So for me, I'm excited to continue to aspire to be that man each and every day for her, for our animals and for our future family."The six-time mirrorball trophy champion called his venue "one of the most breathtaking places" he's ever seen, like something out of "a fairy tale."And Hayley shared of her ceremony at the cliffside estate in Carmel, CA, "We're in a redwood forest, but we got married right in front of this mother tree that's surrounded by all these smaller trees.""They drop all the seeds, and it plants kind of like an army of children to protect the mother," she continued. "The symbolism of it was beautiful. We're here, planting our seeds to grow our family."Hayley looked beautiful in a custom duchess satin gown for her big day."It's all very just classic, timeless," Hayley shared of her dress, which was designed by Georgina Chapman from Marchesa.Derek and Hayley's guests included Derek's sister and former pro Julianne Hough , who served as a bridesmaid, as well as DWTS alum Mark Ballas , who served as one of Derek's groomsmen.pro Jenna Johnson and host Alfonso Ribeiro also attended the wedding, along with the following celebrities: Amy Purdy , Frieda Pinto, Kym Johnson Robert Herjavec , Shaun White, and Shawn Johnson Hayley's bridal party dressed in champagne gowns, while the groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos.The newlyweds' first dance was to "Fall Into Me" by Forrest Blakk."It's so beautiful, but I'll say this: I think everybody [expected] us to do a performance and a dance whole thing," Derek told People."But that's the thing -- we perform, we go on stage, we dance, we do things. So for us, it feels more special for us to not perform. To be on the floor with each other, to listen to music and just be in the moment."At the reception, wedding guests dined on steak, salmon and vegetarian dishes followed by a huckleberry lavender cake for dessert, and Derek gushed about how he was "really excited about" the food.After the wedding, Derek and the former DWTS Troupe member planned to travel to Italy for their honeymoon."We've never been. I mean, I've been for a competition, but that was it. We've never experienced it properly. So it's really great because it's a place that we're going to be able to experience together for the first time," Derek gushed."And we're hitting everywhere from Lake Como, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Tuscany, Florence. We're hitting it all."The two pro dancers and choreographers are now looking ahead to the future and growing old together."We went to Disney a couple of weeks ago, and there was the cutest little old couple, and they were swing dancing. There was a band playing, and I was like, 'That's so sweet. I want to do that when we're older,'" Hayley shared."That's what I look forward to -- dancing until the end of time together and loving each other until the end of time."Derek and Hayley got engaged in June after more than six years of dating."It's only the beginning... the beginning of forever," the couple wrote in a joint Instagram post on June 2.Hayley and Derek met in 2014 when Hayley joined Derek and his sister Julianne on their "Move Live Tour," according to Us Weekly.Hayley and Derek's work relationship took a romantic turn one year later in 2015.But Hayley didn't find fame until she competed on So You Think You Can Dance's tenth season as a contemporary dancer and also performed as a member of the troupe beginning in 2016.Derek will be judging the upcoming 32nd season of , which is expected to premiere in September and will air on Monday nights this fall on ABC.Derek, who also previously judged World of Dance alongside Jennifer Lopez , will be sitting on the judging panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli ' fourth judge, Len Goodman announced his retirement at the end of the show's 31st season late last year, and then he unexpectedly passed away in April 2023. Over 600 students gathered Saturday at the Tate Student Center Grand Hall for the annual Dawg Day of Service event. This year marked the 10th year the Engagement, Leadership and Service Department has provided this volunteering service for students. With 689 students signing up this year, there was the largest number of volunteers since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Several marquee global strategic and financial investors have shown strong interest in Reliance Retail, which has raised $1 billion from Qatar's sovereign agency recently, RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Monday. Photograph: ANI Photo He also said that if the company was listed on stock exchanges, then based on the current valuation, it would be among the top four listed entities in the country. In less than three years, the valuation of Reliance Retail has doubled and the pace of this value creation is "unmatched globally", Ambani said while addressing the shareholders of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). "Several marquee global strategic and financial investors have shown strong interest in Reliance Retail. "I will update you about our progress with them in due course," he said. Referring to the recent acquisition of around 1 per cent stake by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Reliance Retail Venture Ltd (RRVL) by investing Rs 8,278 crore ($1 billion) at a valuation of $100 billion, Mukesh Ambani said the company's valuation has doubled in less than three years. "Just for context, during our fund-raise in September 2020, the valuation of our retail business stood at Rs 4.28 lakh crore. "In less than three years, the valuation of retail has almost doubled, notwithstanding the intervening Covid-19 pandemic. "Based on this valuation, Reliance Retail, had it been listed, would have ranked among the top four companies in India and top ten retailers globally," he said. RRVL is the holding company of the RIL's retail business. While welcoming QIA, Ambani said the investment was done at a valuation of Rs 8.278 lakh crore. "It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, customer-centricity, and adaptability. Through strategic investments, digital transformation, and relentless focus on delivering exceptional experiences, we continue to earn the trust and love of our customers," he said. According to him, Reliance Retail, which is expanding its business, is the "fastest growing" company. "I am confident that as India grows from a $2,500 per-capita economy to a $10,000 per-capita economy, Reliance Retail will be our fastest growing business in revenues and EBITDA," he said. In 2020, RRVL had raised Rs 47,265 crore (around $6.4 billion) from global private equity funds for a 10.09 per cent stake, valuing the company at more than Rs 4.2 lakh crore. The company had raised funds from Silver Lake, KKR, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, GIC, TPG, General Atlantic and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund at a valuation of around $57 billion at that time. RRVL is aggressively expanding its business here by acquiring companies and getting franchise rights of leading international brands for the Indian market. Besides, it is investing on scaling up infrastructure and also acquired the India business of German retail major Metro Cash and Carry. "We have invested over $10 billion in the past two years, focusing on building integration, growing in-house brands, and improving supply chain networks," Reliance Retail director Isha Ambani said. In FY23, Reliance Retail's digital commerce and new commerce businesses contributed to 18 per cent of its revenue, which stood at Rs 2.60 lakh crore. In its latest annual report, RIL said Reliance Retail had achieved a significant milestone of crossing a billion transactions and its registered user base has grown to 249 million. "We are delivering value to over 30 per cent of India's addressable population. "All this has made Reliance Retail rank among the Top-10 most visited retailers in the world," Isha said. Reliance Retail is one of the largest employers in the country, with nearly 2.5 lakh on-roll employees. Ajit Balakrishnan offers a thinking persons guide. Last week, I was sitting in the rear seat of my car, deeply immersed in my Kindle, reading about recent breakthroughs in machine learning techniques (which is what my friends think is boring about me), being driven by my long-serving driver from the Mumbai airport to home when I felt the car slowing down suddenly. When I looked up, I saw a traffic policeman in front of our car, waving us to stop. When we did, he appeared at the driver's window, and demanded to see his driving licence. He then tapped on a gadget he had in his palm, obviously entering data from the licence. When my driver asked what we had done wrong, he said, in a contemptuous tone in Marathi: "Your car moved while the yellow light was still on and the green light had not come on. The CCTV camera at this traffic light says so." My driver and I sat politely, not wanting to argue with a Mumbai traffic policeman. The policeman then went in front of the car and used his gadget to take a picture of the car's number plate. He then stepped aside and waved us on, and we resumed our journey to my home in Colaba. Next morning I got an SMS from the Mumbai traffic police that I, as the registered owner of my car, had been fined Rs 500 for a traffic light violation. That's when I realised something: My car number is linked to my mobile number and my Aadhar Card number, which in turn is linked to my income tax return number and god knows what else! Numbers came flashing to my mind: Mumbai has some 170 surveillance cameras per square mile, watching all of us. This is the 18th highest for any city in the world, but New Delhi has 1,900, the highest in the world, far ahead of London, New York, and even Beijing or Shanghai. Usually, when I read these stats, I, as a person devoted to tech, usually feel satisfied. These stats are a signal for how modern India is, but now I started wondering. Then came the news a few days ago that our Parliament had passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. Normally, my reaction would have been: 'Great idea! Another step in showing India is a leader in everything technological!' But after the traffic police incident, I found myself deep in thought: Is collecting all this data good, or can this data be misused by people in authority? Much of the enthusiasm in India for 'data protection' comes from a puzzling set of bedfellows: Nasscom (the trade association of IT services companies), the Internet and Mobile Association of India (now representing Google, Microsoft, and other foreign Big Tech companies), and, surprisingly, major Indian pharma companies. Then there are social activists like the 'Internet Freedom Foundation' and online media companies passionately debating risks of any kind of data-protection legislation. Part of our bewilderment arises because we, as citizens, have a centuries-old concept of 'privacy'. Privacy to us has meant, for example, no strangers peep into our homes and intrude into our 'private life'. Privacy has meant people being not too inquisitive about how much money you make, what caste you come from, or what health issues you may have. Our normal response to such inquisitive questions has historically been: 'It's none of your business!' That normally ends the inquisitiveness. The world of computers, data, and the Internet lived through many years without too much questioning of what possible negative uses any of the user data was being put to till the 'Cambridge Analytica Scandal' in 2018. It was discovered that the British company had used its app on Facebook to collect profiles of 87 million people and used it to help Donald J Trump in his 2016 election campaign. These anxieties were seen earlier in 2013, when Edward Snowden revealed how US intelligence agencies were using personal data to do surveillance on private citizens. Further anxiety was generated when the European authorities fined Google $50 million and Amazon $800 million for misusing citizens' private data. But don't worry, in the past there have been innovations that have given us major benefits but at the risk of our 'privacy'. An amusing example is when postal companies in the 19th century introduced postcards, there were widespread negative reactions: Why would I use a postcard when anyone, including the postman, can read everything in it! But with time, because of the low cost and speed of delivery, postcards became a hit. These events have created a new and complex view of 'personal data' and 'privacy' and governments all over the world are rushing to enact data protection laws. In doing this, governments are finding that they are caught in a dual role: The first role is where they must mediate between business firms and citizens about the use of personal data and at another level in the role of a State competing with other sovereign States in the use of their citizens' data for national defence and other geostrategic ends. In meeting our cherished goal of being the world's best democracy as well as an economic leader, no policy initiative will be as important as the Data Protection Board as envisaged in the recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act. So let's work all out to get our wisest and deepest-thinking tech folks on it. Ajit Balakrishnan (ajitb@rediffmail.com), founder and CEO, Rediff.com, is an Internet entrepreneur. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry made a publication in connection with the 31st anniversary of the Balligaya massacre, Trend reports. "31 years ago, on August 28, the Armenian armed forces brutally killed 24 Azerbaijanis (civilians) in the village of Balligaya in the Goranboy district of Azerbaijan. Six of those killed were minors. A six-month-old child and a 93-year-old woman were also victims of the genocide," said the publication. The massacre happened around 5:00 (GMT+4) on August 28, 1992. A sabotage detachment of the Armenian army consisting of 10-12 people entered the village on that day and brutally killed 24 and seriously wounded nine people. All those killed and seriously injured were shepherds and their family members who were engaged in animal husbandry. 'It is not just the religious minorities who are being intimidated or targeted.' 'You see an equal intimidation towards anyone who does not agree with the Hindutva interpretation of the Hindu faith.' IMAGE: Residents of Jahangirpuri in New Delhi outside their homes after communal clashes broke out on April 16, 2022. Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational reasons. Photograph: PTI Photo Dr Ajai Sahni, executive director, Institute for Conflict Management and the South Asia Terrorism Portal, is an astute observer of the challenges that confront India's national security. "Polarising politics will always destroy a country. It will destroy institutions. It will destroy the capacity of the State to achieve any positive developmental goals. This should be very clear to us, given the example of Pakistan next to us," Dr Sahni tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com in the first of a two-part interview. Are minorities in India feeling that they are under siege today given the attempts to boycott them economically, their children getting beaten up in school, and how they are being mob-lynched by cow vigilantes? Very certainly, there is a sense of enormous pressure, almost of siege, in the entire community because these incidents, while they are not very large in number yet, them being so widely dispersed across the country bring that chilling effect, the demonstration effect of such violent acts which are disseminated virally has terrorised or intimidated the entire community. How are these minorities coping? Are they feeling besieged? Certainly they are feeling besieged and as far as coping (with this siege) is concerned they have extremely limited choices at this juncture. They are being overwhelmed because not only are these incidents happening across a very wide geographical area there is clear evidence of State support or State indifference. The impression has been fairly effectively conveyed that the people who are carrying out these intimidatory or violent activities are acting with complete impunity that they are not going to be acted upon by the State. If there is a great deal of international or media pressure, some token action may be taken against them, but they (those who use violence or intimidation against the minorities) are quickly released. More importantly, we should also understand that many of these people have been celebrated openly by people close to the ruling party (the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra D Modi) or by members and ministers or prominent members of the ruling party which is, of course, the majoritarian Hindutva party, the BJP. This again conveys the fact that the State is behind all this. So the options before the (minority) communities are extremely limited. They are more or less quiescent. They are accepting what is happening with whatever limited protest that they can bring about. However, there has been no major mass response or mobilisation of the minority community against these actions. How safe are the religious minorities feeling in India today? How safe do you think is their future in the India that is evolving since the last eight-nine years? Everybody is feeling unsafe. It is not just the minority communities. You must understand that Hindutva does not even represent the Hindu community in its entirety. It is a deviant faction within the majority community. It is not just the religious minorities who are being intimidated or targeted. You see an equal intimidation or effort of intimidation towards anyone who does not agree with the Hindutva interpretation of the Hindu faith. So there is an enveloping environment of intimidation at this point of time. And while, of course, the minorities -- and particularly the Muslims -- see themselves as being targeted, anybody who disagrees with or dissents from this particular narrow and perverse interpretation of the Hindu faith is equally under direct or potential threat. IMAGE: Bharat Mata Vahini members protest against the offering of namaaz in Sector 37, Gurugram, December 3, 2021. Photograph: Yogendra Kumar/ANI Photo Why have we reached such a stage where a section within the Hindu faith feels so emboldened to intimidate minorities? As I said before, there is abundant evidence of State support or State indifference or studied conscious State indifference. it's not just a question of inadequate State action. It is also the question of celebrating such violence by prominent members of the ruling party and a complete absence of any kind of censure or criticism of people who lionise criminals, rapists, lynch-mobs. If you are holding public ceremonies to honour people who have committed heinous crimes, and these ceremonies are not being organised by some criminal group, but by members of the ruling party, then what is the message that is being put across? It is a conscious campaign that has been implemented systematically and strategically to dominate all communities and all, shall we say, population groups who do not accept the Hindutva ideology. Where is India headed given the kind of dehumanisation of the minorities, especially Muslims in India? Polarising politics will always destroy a country. It will destroy institutions. It will destroy the capacity of the State to achieve any positive developmental goals. This should be very clear to us, given the example of Pakistan next to us. They have done precisely this for 75 years, and we have also been doing this at a much lesser scale for a fairly long time. Polarising politics has always been part of India's electoral political game, but it used to come and go. But since 2014 we have seen a systematic effort to make this the principal plank for mobilisation -- electoral mobilisation and political mobilisation. Now you have seen Pakistan's trajectory. We may be 20 to 30 years behind Pakistan in this direction, but the direction is the same. Pakistan has been brought to complete ruination by precisely these factors, and we seem to be becoming a mirror image of Pakistan. Are we looking at a 'Pakistanisation' of India? The entire concept of Hindutva is actually an Abrahamic or Islamised concept. It seeks to have a central authority. It seeks to have a single and unquestioned catechism of faith. Only one interpretation of the faith is legitimate. And all other interpretations of the faith are false and deviant and subversive and blasphemous. This is not part of anything that you would call the culture of this geographical mass that we call Bharat, India, whatever you want to call it. It is certainly not part of the culture of what is known as the Hindu faith. The Hindu faith is, if you see the sheer multiplicity of interpretations, the sheer capacity for absorption of various other streams of thought, of philosophy, of different interpretations, of metaphysics, all systems have been absorbed into the Hindu faith in the past. There is no single authorised version that you have to accept in order to be a Hindu. When you start transforming all this into a single monolithic, one ideology, one nation, this kind of nonsense is completely alien to Hinduism and to the culture of India. What we are seeing is a complete distortion of the cultures of India inspired by Abrahamic faiths, inspired by the nature of Islam. The Abrahamic faiths have now sort of reformed themselves and have become a little more accepting of different interpretations and ideas. But Islam is today the one surviving Abrahamic faith which persists with this hard line of a single interpretation from which all deviation is blasphemous or sacrilegious and punishable by death. And that is the kind of interpretation the Hindutva-vadis are trying to get into Hinduism in India. 'After having changed chief ministers in Uttarakhand, Tripura, why are they not doing it in Manipur?' IMAGE: Manipur Students Union members protest in Imphal, July 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo All India Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev visited Manipur twice in recent weeks to understand the situation in the troubled state. Dev tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com what the people of Manipur are asking for and how she believes the situation can be normalised in the state which has seen at least 150 deaths since May 3 when the violence began. What do people of Manipur want? It's very simple. People want a resolution. But what that resolution is and who's going to do that resolution is controversial because there are two states within a state. There's the hills and the valley and huge distrust against the government. The way forward -- the first step -- in the strife torn state could be to put someone in the seat of the chief minister who enjoys the faith of the people, somebody who's acceptable to all sides. First problem is the distrust with the government and why did they let it happen? So many arms, ammunitions are stolen from the local police. The local police are guilty of handing over people to mobs. How do you sit with people like that on the mediating table? The BJP is refusing to acknowledge this ground situation and relent. After having changed chief ministers in Uttarakhand, Tripura, why are they not doing it in Manipur? That's the one step they've not taken in Manipur yet. And that's a big problem. How to win trust of Meiteis and Kukis of Manipur There are two ways to do it. First of all, contrary to popular belief, they (both Kukis and Meiteis) were very happy that we had made it (the ethnic violence in Manipur) an issue in the Parliamentary session. The mainstream media kept on crying 'disruption, disruption' (that the Opposition was disrupting Parliament over the issue and the visits of Opposition MPs to the state were stalling tactics), but people of Manipur were very happy that we kept the issue alive in Parliament. Our visits have sent the first message to the people of Manipur that we care. Apart from the all-party delegation (which visited the state between July 19-20), Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief) sent a delegation of her own. Similarly, many other parties did it. They were happy to see us because they feel they were in a remote area and that they were disconnected from the Internet and outside world. They have no way of communicating with the world. So we going there was the second message, second way of giving them a message that we care and that we would raise their voice in Parliament. Thirdly, we went to the President of India, that also gave a good message to the people of Manipur because Amit Shahji had an all-party meeting, but it achieved nothing. The people of Manipur are upset that the prime minister did not make any statement in Parliament despite their local media, which is quite vibrant, repeatedly asked us 'What's the modus operandi? Why is he (Modi) not speaking (in Parliament)? But it's not for us to answer that because that was our demand too. We had to move a no confidence motion to bring him into Parliament for a day. The prime minister's silence has impacted the people there because he is a star campaigner. Otherwise, during elections, he goes there repeatedly to ask for votes. But in their times of trouble, he didn't as much as step in there but had time to visit so many foreign countries and is still visiting foreign countries. This has definitely impacted the people of Manipur. Nominating two women from Manipur in Parliament IMAGE: MPs from INDIA parties at Delhi airport before leaving for Imphal on July 29 morning; Sushmita Dev (in blue) is standing fifth from right. Photograph: @INCIndia/Twitter I requested the President of India to nominate two women from Manipur to the Rajya Sabha. The reason behind this request demand is that Parliament is basically a forum for the people's voice. All the people who are elected or nominated and sit in the Upper House (the Rajya Sabha) or the Lower House (the Lok Sabha) are there as representatives of the people. There are two communities (the majority Meiteis and minority Kukis) who are deeply divided. One woman from each community being nominated by the President would give them a message that the nation is not shying away from their voice. Because they would come to Parliament and speak, you have to give them a voice. That's what Parliament is for. Back-to-back visits to Manipur There was no difference in the ground situation in Manipur between these two visits because I went in very quick succession of like a week. To my plain eyes I could see no difference. Mamata Banerjee had written to Amit Shah that she wanted to visit Manipur. But she got nothing but a simple acknowledgement. It was very difficult for a chief minister to travel under these circumstances without support from the Union home ministry. Therefore, she sent a delegation of MPs from the party. And thereafter, when the Parliament session started, the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) partners basically sat and said that one MP from every party of the alliance should go. And that's how I went the second time as a part of that delegation. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday said nobody is a permanent friend or foe in politics. IMAGE: Ajit Pawar said that PM Modi's charisma will benefit Maharashtra. Photograph: @AjitPawarSpeaks/X Addressing a rally in Beed, nearly 390 km from Mumbai, Ajit Pawar said he was hopeful Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma will benefit Maharashtra which follows secular thoughts. Notably, Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had addressed a rally in Beed ten days ago. "Nobody is permanent friend or foe in politics. This is politics," Ajit Pawar said as he thanked local leaders of Shiv Sena and BJP for welcoming him and other ministers of NCP. He said PM Modi's charisma is seen all over the country and hoped Maharashtra which follows secular thoughts will benefit from this charisma. It is our expectation that PM Modi's charisma would benefit Maharashtra and hence we all decided to join the (BJP-Shiv Sena) government for the benefit of the state. There is no self-interest behind our decision to join the government. There is no iota of truth in some speculative talks, he said. In a surprise move, Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government last month and took oath as the deputy chief minister. Eight MLAs of the NCP also took oath as ministers. He also staked a claim to NCP and its symbol. The Pawar senior has consistently maintained that he is against joining hands with the BJP and has called Ajit Pawar and other MLAs cowards without taking their names. Interestingly, Sharad Pawar on Friday claimed that there was no split in NCP and Ajit Pawar is its leader, but denied his statement within hours. He had also said that the opportunity to correct oneself is given once but the opportunity cannot be given again or one shouldn't ask for it again, apparently referring to Ajit Pawar's early-morning oath ceremony with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis after the 2019 assembly polls. I am a person who likes to work and like to speak through my work. I won't respond to comments made against me by anyone, Ajit Pawar said in Beed. Amid tight security that included house arrests and restrictions on people entering this communally sensitive Nuh district, some members from Hindu groups offered prayers at key temples on Monday but were stopped from holding a full-scale religious yatra. IMAGE: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll in Haryana plaza by the administration. Photograph: ANI The Vishva Hindu Parishad-led organisations had given a call to 'resume'the religious yatra that was cut on July 31 when mobs attacked the procession in Nuh. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, were killed in the communal violence that erupted then in Nuh, and also spread to adjoining areas. Police made clear that no permission was being given to 'complete' the yatra on the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan, and the organisers too had indicated that they would scale down their plans. The state government had made it clear that local people were free to offer the jalabhishek at the temples on the occasion, but no yatra would be permitted. Barricades were erected on the border of Nuh district, and outsiders kept away. The town itself wore a deserted look. Earlier in the day, there were reports that some leaders from the Hindutva organisations were detained in adjoining Gurugram. Police did not give the numbers, but said they took action to maintain peace. Only about 15 seers and leaders from Hindu outfits were allowed to enter the Nuh district. They were taken from the Nuh police lines to the three temples in Nalhar, Jhir and Singar on the original yatra route and brought back in four vehicles. The distance between the first temple at Nalhar and the third at Singar is about 90 kilometres. A religious leader said about 100 local people accompanied them. No incident of violence has been reported in Nuh or the adjoining districts till the evening. A video clip, however, surfaced online, purportedly showing a group of people burning an effigy of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar over the restrictions. Khattar on Sunday asked devotees to offer prayers at temples in their neighbourhood instead of holding any yatra. Permission has not been granted for the yatra, he had also said. Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said around 15 seers and leaders of some Hindutva outfits were allowed to visit the Shiv temple in Nalhar to perform jalabhishek there. In a statement, he said the jalabhishek programmes were held peacefully. "No organisation was allowed to take out processions in the district. 'Jalabhishek' programmes were conducted peacefully throughout the day by the locals at Nalheshwar and Jhir temples," Khadgata said. Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Mamta Singh said around 15 people were allowed for the jalabhishek at the three temples in Nalhar, Jhir and Singar. VHP's working president Alok Kumar, Swami Dharm Dev, Swami Parmanand and others took part in jalabhishek. It was held peacefully, she said. After the jalabhishek at Nalhar, the yatra left for Ferozpur Jhirka's Jhir temple in four vehicles. It ended with the jalabhishek in the Shiv temple in Singar village. The permission was given by the district administration. The yatra was held peacefully, Swami Dharma Dev told PTI. National vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's minority morcha Chaudhary Zakir Hussain and his wife Naseema Hussain offered prayers at the Nalhar temple. He later released to the media a photo of him at the temple. Five major checkpoints were set up from the Delhi-Gurugram border until Nuh with media vehicles not being allowed to go beyond the third checkpoint. According to officials, the vehicle of Hindu seer Jagatguru Paramhans Acharya from Ayodhya was stopped at the Ghamorj toll plaza near Sohna. Acharya told reporters that he and his followers were carrying the water of the Saryu river and the soil of Ayodhya for the jalabhishek at Nalhar temple but were stopped by the police. Meanwhile, Hindu rights leader Kulbhushan Bhardwaj claimed that Hindu leaders have been put under house arrest by the Haryana government. "This is an attack on the Hindu faith. By putting Hindu leaders under house arrest, the Haryana government has reminded them of the reign of the Mughals," he said. Police personnel were also deployed outside Bhardwaj's house. In Ambala, Vishwa Hindu Takht chief Viresh Shandilya was also detained by police. The area from Sohna to Nuh wore a deserted look. No shops were open and no locals were seen on the streets. A 30-year-old resident of Nuh, who didn't wish to be named, said, "There are no issues here. People here live peacefully and we have closed our shops as a precautionary measure. We saw what happened last time. An atmosphere of fear is being created here for absolutely no reason." The Nuh district administration had ordered the closure of educational institutions and banks on Monday, suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services, and imposed prohibitory orders in the communally-sensitive district as a precautionary measure. Outsiders were barred from entering Nuh with security personnel being deployed at all entry points of the district. According to officials, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed to keep a strict vigil. Multiple layers of barricades have been erected by police. Anti-riot vehicles and drones have also been deployed. On August 13, the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat had given a call to resume the Brij Mandal Shobha Yatra in Nuh on August 28 which was disrupted by the communal clashes on July 31. The mahapanchayat had then decided that the 'yatra' would resume from Nalhar in Nuh and then pass through Firozpur Jhirka's Jhir temple and Shingar temple in the district. The Nuh deputy commissioner had deputed 57 duty magistrates at designated places in the wake of the call for the shobha yatra. The Supreme Court on Monday prima facie agreed with the Centre's submission on pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 that the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is "subordinate" to the Indian Constitution, which is on a higher pedestal. IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, however, did not seem to be in agreement with the plea that the constituent assembly of the erstwhile state, which was disbanded in 1957, was in reality a legislative assembly. Without naming the two mainstream political parties of the erstwhile state, the Centre said citizens have been misguided that the special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir were "not discrimination but a privilege". "Even today two political parties are before this court defending Article 370 and 35A," the solicitor general told the top court on the 11th day of hearing the litany of pleas challenging the abrogation of the constitutional provision which bestowed special status to the erstwhile state of J-K. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said there is enough material to show that the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is subordinate to the Constitution of India and the constituent assembly of J-K was in reality a legislative assembly making laws. "At one level, you may be right subject to rejoinder arguments from the other side (petitioners' side) that the Constitution of India is really a document which lies on a higher platform than that of the constitution of J-K," the bench, also comprising justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant, said. It told Mehta that it would be difficult to accept the second limb of the argument that the constituent assembly (CA) of J-K was, in reality, a legislative assembly as proviso to Article 370 specifically mentioned that it (CA) brought certain subjects into the fold of the state upon its approval. Mehta said, "The constituent assembly of J-K was for all purposes functioning as the state legislature apart from framing a subordinate document called 'the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir' also made legislations by passing several laws." He said the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, in the exercise of its limited powers, approved and adopted the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir which was nothing but a "legislative piece" for internal governance with the overarching application of the Indian Constitution. The solicitor general further submitted that the effect of Article 370 was such that by the administrative act of the President and the state government, any part of the Constitution of India with respect to J-K can be amended, altered or even "destroyed" and new provisions can be created. He said that after the 42nd amendment, the words "Socialist" and "Secular" were not made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. "Even the word "Integrity" is not there. Fundamental duties were not there, which exists in the Indian Constitution. "The Jammu and Kashmir constitution provided for a separate provision for permanent residents of J-K in Article 7. It removed references to Scheduled Tribes from Article 15(4). Other Articles 19, 22, 31, 31A and 32 were applied with some modifications," Mehta said. He referred to another contentious provision, Article 35A, of the Indian Constitution that gave special rights to only permanent residents of the erstwhile state and said it was discriminatory, to say the least. "Under the provision (A-35A), people like sanitation workers working in the erstwhile state for decades were not given equal rights like that of permanent residents of J-K. "This discrimination continued till the provision was abrogated in 2019. Non-permanent residents of J-K were not able to purchase lands, could not avail scholarship, employment in the state government," he said, urging the court to look into issues from the "eyes of people". CJI Chandrachud, deciphering Mehta's submissions, said that by enacting Article 35A, they took away fundamental rights of equality, liberty to practise profession in any part of the country and even granted immunity from legal challenges and the power of judicial review. "People were misguided by those -- who were supposed to guide them -- that this was not a discrimination but a privilege. Even today two political parties are before this court defending Article 370 and 35A," the solicitor general said. Mehta submitted that the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir needed to be repealed because it could not co-exist with the Indian constitution. "On November 21, 2018, the legislative assembly of the state was dissolved but there was no contemporaneous challenge by any political party or any citizen or leader. "Till, today there is no challenge to the dissolution of the assembly," he said, adding that despite there being no challenge, arguments were made by the petitioners' side that the action was "arbitrary". Mehta added that on June 20, 2018, under Section 92 of the J-K constitution, the governor's rule was imposed in the state due to the failure of constitutional machinery in the state and only one petition challenged it after 14 months. "No political party challenged the governor's rule or dissolution of the assembly. We are being called at midnight in this court for a hearing on forming governments, but here there are no challenges. "Yet, arguments have been made that how can the governor dissolve the house. I am unable to understand the hollowness of the arguments," he submitted, adding that in J-K, governor's rule has been imposed eight times and President's rule three times. The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue on Tuesday. On August 24, commencing their arguments in support of the abrogation of Article 370, the Centre had asserted there was no "constitutional fraud" in annulling the provision that accorded special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Several petitions challenging the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which split the erstwhile state into two Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- were referred to a Constitution bench in 2019. Four Dalit men were allegedly hanged upside down from a tree and beaten up with sticks by six persons on suspicion of stealing a goat and some pigeons in a village in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, police said on Sunday. A video of the incident surfaced on social media, following which the police on Saturday arrested one person in connection with the attack, while five others are absconding, an Ahmednagar police official said. A shutdown was observed in Haregaon village in Shrirampur taluka on Sunday in protest against the incident. Opposition Congress has termed the incident as a "blot" on humanity and the fallout of "hate" being spread by BJP. On August 25, a group of six persons from the village allegedly went to the homes of four Dalit men, all in their 20s, and forced them to accompany them, the official said. They were hanged upside down from a tree and beaten up with sticks over the suspicion of stealing a goat and some pigeons, he said. The accused have been identified as Yuvraj Galande, Manoj Bodake, Pappu Parkhe, Deepak Gaikwad, Durgesh Vaidya and Raju Borage, the official said. One of the accused allegedly shot a video of the attack, which later surfaced on social media, he said. The injured men were later taken to a nearby hospital, the official said, adding that one of the victims, Shubham Magade, lodged a complaint with the police. A case under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 364 (kidnapping) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been registered, the official said. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the incident was a blot on humanity, and demanded that all the accused be arrested immediately and given strict punishment. "Such incidents are a result of hate being spread by BJP for its political gain," he alleged. Nationalist Congress Party's chief spokesman Mahesh Tapase accused the government of failing to protect the self-respect of Dalits. Thousands of passengers bound for airports in United Kingdom remain stranded on Monday following a 'technical issue' that hit the country's air traffic control systems, which has since been 'identified and remedied' but the disruption caused with hundreds of flight cancellations is expected to continue into the week. IMAGE: Travellers, whose flights are cancelled, sit at Heathrow Airport, as Britain's National Air Traffic Service (NATS) restricts UK air traffic due to a technical issue causing delays, in London, on August 28, 2023. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters The disruption comes on one of the busiest travel days of the year -- with many people returning from holidays on the last Bank Holiday weekend of the summer. The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which had 'applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety' across UK airports, apologised for the disruption caused by issues in its flight planning system which was affecting its 'ability to automatically process flight plans'. It said that engineers would be monitoring the system's performance as it returns to normal. 'We have identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning,' NATS said in a statement. 'We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system's performance as we return to normal operations,' it said. It explained that the flight planning issue affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. 'Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight,' it added. The NATS describes itself as the country's leading provider of air traffic control services, which handles 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers in a 'normal year'. Meanwhile, airlines and airports have continued to warn of 'widespread disruption' while systems get back up and running as normal. Some travellers were forced to sit inside a plane for hours, while others have been stuck inside airports. British Airways and several other airlines said it has made 'significant changes' to its flight schedule due to the earlier air traffic control issue. 'The technical issue which limited UK air traffic earlier today has been fixed by NATS. However, schedules will remain significantly disrupted for the rest of the day. We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating,' Heathrow Airport said. 'Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected,' it said. An estimated 500 flights are believed to have been cancelled as a result of the glitch, which will continue to cause chaos at UK airports for days to come. Luton, Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester airports all reported problems. Airlines including Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Loganair and Aer Lingus had all warned passengers of delays or cancellations to flights and will now be working to try and cover the backlog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin who conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit on September 9 to 10 in India and said Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of SCO in Samarkand in September 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo The two leaders also reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Johannesburg, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. Meanwhile, the Kremlin in its readout said 'a mutual commitment' to the consistent implementation of 'large-scale projects' in the energy sector and joint work on the expansion of international transport and logistics infrastructure was 'expressed' during the conversation. It said the significance of the decision on the expansion of BRICS at its summit in Johannesburg last week figured in the conversation and that they emphasised that it will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the grouping's influence in international affairs. The PMO said PM Modi and President Putin reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of 'mutual concern', including the recently concluded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Johannesburg. 'President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov,' the PMO said in a statement. 'While expressing an understanding for Russia's decision, the PM thanked President Putin for Russia's consistent support to all initiatives under India's G20 Presidency. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,' it added. India is hosting the G20 summit in New Delhi in its capacity as the current president of the grouping. Putin did not travel to Johannesburg for the BRICS summit from August 22-24 and joined some of its key sessions through video conferencing. The Kremlin also said that topical issues of 'Russian-Indian relations, steadily developing in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership, were touched upon'. 'The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation was underscored. A mutual commitment to the consistent implementation of large-scale projects in the energy sector and joint work on the expansion of international transport and logistics infrastructure was expressed,' it said. The Kremlin said Putin once again warmly congratulated Modi on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon near its South Pole and that they reaffirmed the willingness to further develop bilateral cooperation in the space exploration sector. 'The results of the XV BRICS summit in Johannesburg were discussed. The significance of the agreements reached, primarily, the expansion of BRICS, which will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of its influence in international affairs, was emphasised,' it said. In a landmark move, the top leaders of the BRICS nations last week decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members of the grouping that is largely seen as a counterweight to Western powers. 'The sides agreed on close interaction in the context of Russia's BRICS chairmanship starting on January 1, 2024. An exchange of views was also held with regard to the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi,' it added. In a significant order, the Supreme Court on Monday said lawyers can solemnise 'Suyamariyathai' marriages between two consenting adults under the amended Hindu Marriage Act in Tamil Nadu. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons The Tamil Nadu government, in 1968, had amended one of the provisions of the Act to legalise Suyamariyathai (self-respect) marriages, to radically simplify weddings by shunning mandatory Brahmin priests, holy fire and saptapadi (seven steps) and only declaring marriage in the presence of their friends or relatives of the couple or other persons. The amendment was made with a view to do away with the need for the upper-caste priests and elaborate rituals to complete wedding ceremonies. These marriages too, however, needed to be registered as per law. The apex court order on Monday came from a bench comprising justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar while setting aside a recent Madras high court which had held that the advocates cannot preside over such marriages in their offices and then issue marriage certificates to consenting Hindu adults. The top court allowed the petition. However, it said the lawyers are not acting in a professional capacity as officers of the court but in their personal capacity of knowing the couple and they can perform marriages under Section 7(A) of the law. The detailed order is awaited. The top court was hearing an appeal of one Ilavarasan against the Madras high court order rejecting his habeas corpus petition (bring the person). Ilavarasan, who was represented by lawyer Athenam Velan, claimed he had performed Suyamariyathai marriage with his wife who was currently in illegal custody of her parents. The high court, on May 5, 2023, refused to rely upon a self-respect marriage certificate issued by an advocate and dismissed the habeas corpus petition. The high court also directed that the Bar Council should initiate disciplinary action against advocates who issue such "fake marriage certificates". Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi will attend this week's meeting of INDIA bloc in Mumbai and the gathering will be see the unveiling of the opposition grouping's logo, the party's Maharashtra unit president Nana Patole said on Monday. IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with party leader Sonia Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Opposition leaders' dinner meeting, Bengaluru, July 17, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Key leaders of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bloc, which has more than two dozens parties, will gather in a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 in what will be their third huddle since coming together on a common platform for the first time in June in Patna. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Patole said, Sonia Gandhi will attend the INDIA alliance meet in Mumbai." He said the alliance's official logo will be unveiled during the gathering, where opposition leaders will also discuss their agenda ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The first meeting of the bloc was held in June in Patna, while the second gathering in Bengaluru in July finalised its name -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The grouping has been formed with an aim of taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2024 parliamentary polls. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Azerbaijan has refuted the information spread by the Armenian Ministry of Defense about the alleged shelling from the Azerbaijani side, Trend reports. "We categorically refute the information disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia that, on August 27, at 23:30 (GMT+4), units of the Azerbaijani Army allegedly shelled the positions of the Armenian armed forces located in the direction of the Azizli settlement," the message reads. Two boys of a government school in northwest Delhi's Shahbad Dairy area were allegedly sexually assaulted by their classmates, police said on Monday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Pixabay.com The Delhi government has set up a committee to probe the matter. Police said the alleged incident took place in April during a summer camp organised by the school. The two boys, aged 12 and 13 years, filed separate complaints with the police alleging that they were sexually assaulted by five to six classmates, police said, adding two cases have been registered in this connection. All the accused are minors and they were produced before a child welfare committee, police said, adding further investigation is underway. Taking cognisance of the incident, Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal issued notices to the police and the school management demanding action in the matter. Meanwhile, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leaders demanded the resignation of Education Minister Atishi, claiming that the condition of government schools in the national capital under Aam Aadmi Party rule has 'deteriorated'. The 13-year-old victim, a student of Class 8, alleged during the summer camp in April, his classmates forcefully took him to a park and sexually assaulted him. They also threatened him not to disclose it to anyone, officials said. He was scared and did not tell this to anyone. A few days ago when the boys started troubling him, he told his teachers about the incident who asked him not to tell anyone about this, they said. The victim informed his parents who later made a PCR call and a case was registered on Sunday, they said. The Delhi government, in a statement, said it is tragic that such a despicable incident allegedly happened in the summer camp organised by the school. 'An enquiry committee has been set up and a thorough probe is underway on the subject. Let the due course of law take place. If any teachers or staff were aware of this issue and did not bring it to the notice of higher authorities, then stringent action will be taken against them,' the statement said. 'We can assure you all that the Delhi government will take swift and stringent action on the matter. We want to set the standard of education in the country which includes character development among students. Such culpable deeds would not be tolerated and would be dealt with due severity,' it said. According to the DCW, they received information about sexual assault with two minor boys in a government school in Delhi. The Commission said a 13-year-old student of a government school in Rohini was allegedly sexually assaulted by other students of the school. He has informed that in April, he attended school during summer camp wherein some students forcibly took him to a nearby park and sexually assaulted him for seven days. He has alleged that the accused students also threatened him not to disclose the incident to anyone. He has stated that a couple of days ago, he narrated his ordeal to two of his teachers, but they asked him not to report the matter, the DCW said. The 12-year-old boy has also alleged that the same students sexually assaulted him as well, it said. He said during the summer camp he was sexually assaulted in the school toilet. The accused students had also threatened him not to disclose the incident to anyone, the DCW said. He has further alleged that around 16 days back, a student again tried to sexually assault him in the toilet. He further claimed that he had narrated the incident to two of his teachers in July and August, but they asked him to not talk about the incident to anyone, the Commission said. The DCW has been informed that the parents of the boy learnt about the incident around six days ago. When the mother of the child went to the school, the principal allegedly asked them to not talk about the incident to anyone, it stated. Maliwal, in a post in Hindi on X, said, 'In a government school in Shahbad Dairy area, two 12 and 13-year-old boys were sexually assaulted by other boys from the same school. This is a very disgusting and scary matter. How is such a criminal mindset being created in children? FIR has been registered in the matter, notice is being issued to the police and the school for further action. Our team is with the victims and their families.' Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that the Delhi government constantly claims to be providing the best educational infrastructure and atmosphere in schools for the students, 'but the truth is that under the Aam Aadmi Party government, the conditions in government schools have deteriorated'. The victims had to lodge complaints with the police when the teachers tried to keep a lid on the 'horrid' crime, he said. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, "I, along with the party president, demand the resignation of Education Minister Atishi for the confusion and propaganda regarding education while the ground reality is that education standards of Delhi government schools are fast deteriorating leading to crime situations." Sachdeva said, "Since FIR has been lodged the senior students of the school who indulged in sexual exploitation of the two minor students will be arrested but the matter should not end there. The negligence by the teachers and the role of the School Management Committee too needs to be investigated." Delhiites want to know from the Kejriwal government why didn't the School Management Committee of this school, the local MLA nominee in it or the counsellors or school mentors intervened and why couldn't the CCTV of the school catch the 'multiple instances' of 'sexual exploitation' of minors at school premises, he said. Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP workers including party general secretary Kamaljeet Sehrawat staged a protest outside Dwarka AAP MLA Vinay Mishra's office over the recent incident of nearly 70 children of a government school getting unwell allegedly after eating a mid-day meal. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar on Monday said that the Braj Mandal Shobha Yatra will be taken out and will not stop in Nuh, where section 144 has been imposed following the call for a procession in the district. IMAGE: Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal workers protest against the Haryana violence on August 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Kumar, however, said that the number of people, joining the procession, would be reduced. The district administration has imposed Section 144 and urged locals in Nuh to avoid movement, roads have been barricaded with restricted access and outsiders have been banned entry to the district, which saw clashes last month. The VHP president responding to the heavy deployment said that had half of this been done last month, then the violence on July 31 would not have erupted. "Not only in Nuh but in other areas of Haryana where 'Jalabhishek' is to be performed in temples (on the occasion of the last Somvaar of Saawan month) a heavy police deployment is in place. If even half of this had happened on the day of the yatra, then probably the violence would not have happened (on July 31)," the VHP president told reporters at a toll plaza in Gurugram. The authorities have denied permission for the procession in Nuh. Alok Kumar, who was on his way to Nuh, said that it is beyond understanding that the administration is denying permission for a peaceful Yatra. "I wonder why people, including women, aged persons and children, who are peaceful and unarmed are being told not to take out the Yatra," he said. "We know that there is G20 and it is a sensitive area. We have decided not to create hindrances for the administration, and hence we are reducing the number of people joining the Yatra," he said, adding that the procession will not stop. Meanwhile, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a Hindu seer from Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya, sat on an indefinite hunger strike after he was allegedly stopped from entering curfew-imposed Nuh. The Hindu seer alleged that the administration stopped him and his followers at the Sohna toll plaza, while they were on their way to pay homage to people who were killed in last month's clashes and to perform 'Jalabhishek' in Nuh temple on the occasion of the last Somvaar (Monday) of Saawan month. "We had brought the soil of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and the Jal of Saryu river to pay homage to the Bajrang Dal workers who were killed and were to return after performing Jalabhishek with the Jal of Saryu river, there was a convoy of vehicles and people with me, Upon learning that section 144 has been imposed, so I cut short the convoy to two-three people. Still, the administration stopped us and is not allowing us to return also," Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya said. He said that he would sit on a hunger strike until he received permission to pay homage and perform Jalabhishek. Mamata Singh, Additional Director General, Law and Order said that strict action will be taken against those who attempt to instigate people through social media. "We have denied (permission) for any type of Yatra or group movement... However, people are offering prayers in the temple as it is the last Somvaar (Monday) of Saawan month," she said. "Internet service has been suspended till 12 midnight..., she said. On the violence that broke out on July 31 in Nuh, the senior police officer said, "Investigation is underway, more than 250 accused have been identified and arrested. Four SITs are carrying out the investigation on the basis of technical evidence." "A dozen FIRs have been registered in Nuh. Those who will try to instigate through social media, action will be taken against them and their (social media) accounts will be blocked," she added. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Rain likely. High 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 34F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to Tajikistan, following flood in the country, Trend reports. "We are deeply saddened by the news of a large number of human casualties as a result of heavy rains and landslides in several regions of Tajikistan. We express our deep condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with the friendly people of Tajikistan and its government," said the ministry on X (Twitter). As a result of heavy rains that took place on August 27 in several districts of Tajikistan, 13 people were killed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. An armed attack was carried out on the "administrative building of the separatist regime" in Azerbaijans Khankendi last night, Trend reports. Footage of the incident was shared on social media. The video shows how the attackers repeatedly shelled the "administrative building of the separatist regime" in Khankendi. There is no exact data on the number of dead and wounded as a result of the attack. This once again proved that the residents of Khankendi are tired of the current so-called "regime". In addition, various forms of protest against the "regime" took place in Khankendi earlier. All this confirms that the situation has worsened and that the protesters have armed themselves. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Financial fraud charges have been brought against U.S. senator Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, who is of Armenian origin, Trend reports, referring to the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of Justice investigation claims that a New Jersey-based food business frequently gave lavish gifts to Nadine Arslanian. In 2018, Menendez hosted the contracted New Jersey businessman and the Egyptian officials at his office. The businessman was made the exclusive certifier of halal meat exported from the United States to Egypt a year later. The probe examined whether Menendez might have illegally influenced the transaction by abusing his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This year, NBC reported that the committee was in charge of managing almost $2 billion in American funding to Egypt. Moreover, Senator Menendez, a supporter of Armenia, is well known for making anti-Azerbaijani remarks that seek to sabotage the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a possible peace treaty. While at the same time, this is not the first controversy involving the senator and his group. Also well known is the fact that he receives funding from the American Armenian lobby. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. One of the clear examples of genocide policy on the part of Armenia is its committing genocide in Balligaya, said Azerbaijan's Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva in Facebook post on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the Balligaya massacre, Trend reports. "The Armenian Armed Forces committed a mass murder of Azerbaijani civilians in the village of Balligaya in the Goranboy district on August 28 , 1992. During this tragedy, which is one of the acts of genocide committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis, contrary to all international legal norms and human values, civilians, including six minors, were mercilessly killed," said the publication. The massacre of the peaceful Azerbaijani population in the village of Balligaya was committed by Armenians around 5:00 (GMT+4) on August 28, 1992. A sabotage group of the Armenian army consisting of 10-12 people entered the village and committed brutal murders of 24 people and nine people were seriously injured. Group founder Andrew Chan says he took the step to protect family, former colleagues from a crackdown on dissent. A group set up to uphold the status of the Cantonese language in Hong Kong has disbanded after its leader was questioned by police officers claiming it was in breach of a national security law. Andrew Chan, founder and convenor of Societas Linguistica Hongkongensis, said he was shutting down the group with immediate effect after national security police turned up at his former home while he was away, searching the property without a warrant. "I have decided, with the guidance of legal counsel, to cease all operations of the Societas Linguistica Hongkongensis, effective immediately, in order to ensure the safety of my family and former members," Chan wrote in a post on Facebook. "Dissolution procedures are also initiated." Cantonese, the lingua franca of Hong Kong, has long been regarded as a conduit for opposition to rule from Beijing, and any attempt to assert the city's unique identity is now regarded by the authorities as "secession," punishable by lengthy jail terms under a national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in 2020. In October 2022, Chinese social media platform Douyin pulled the plug on a live-stream host broadcasting in Cantonese, which is also spoken in the southern province of Guangdong. Chan said he made the move after national security police turned up at his former residence, where his family members still live, searching the property without a warrant. He said officers claimed that one of the entries to the society's Cantonese-language essay competition had violated a national security law that criminalizes criticism of the government, along with words or actions deemed to incite "independence" for the city. Chan removed the essay from the group's website on the same day, he said. "In light of the circumstances mentioned above and to avoid any adverse impact on my family members and former participants of the [Society], I have taken the difficult decision to halt all operations of the Societas Linguistica Hongkongensis," he wrote. "Regrettably, I have had to halt my efforts to safeguard Cantonese in Hong Kong." Safeguarding linguistic rights Chan said his group had campaigned for 10 years to "safeguard the linguistic rights of Hong Kong people," and focuses in particular on Cantonese and traditional Chinese characters. He said he had received death threats and was forced to leave his job in 2018 after he spoke against a mandatory Mandarin-language exam for students at the Hong Kong Baptist University, and his group was reported to the authorities as a "radical, anti-China" organization. An undated publicity shot shows cast and crew during the making of the Hong Kong independent movie "10 Years," which imagines the eventual banning of Cantonese under the national security law. Credit: Jevons Au The Communist Party-backed Wen Wei Po newspaper repeated those claims in a report on Aug. 28. "On the surface, it claims to promote Cantonese, but this is really ... independence in disguised form," the paper said. "[Chan] deliberately sought to separate Hong Kong from mainland China." "The organization has frequently cooperated with a number of opposition organizations and vigorously opposed the government's plans for [patriotic] education in primary and secondary schools," it said. In 2016, the dystopian Hong Kong film "Ten Years" imagined the eventual banning of Cantonese the city's current lingua franca under draconian rules imposed by the ruling Chinese Party, to be replaced by Mandarin, mainland China's national language. The authorities banned public screenings of the film. While that scenario has yet to take place, the authorities have styled expressions of a uniquely Hong Kong identity as a form of "independence" activism, banning protest slogans calling for a return to the city's former freedoms. Chan's Societas Linguistica Hongkongensis reported in 2018 that more than 70% of the city's primary schools were offering classes with Mandarin as a teaching medium, while free-to-air broadcaster TVB switched to the simplified Chinese characters used in mainland China in its subtitles as early as 2016. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Some Hong Kong news outlets point out that Chinese reactors wastewater is more contaminated. Hong Kong fishermen protest outside the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong on Aug. 22, 2023, a day after Tokyo announced its plan to release treated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Chinese social media was awash with anti-Japanese sentiment on Monday after Beijing criticized the release of wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the surrounding ocean, sparking fears of tainted seafood and environmental damage. "Get off the planet, Japanese devils!" user @OurBigBrotherMao wrote. "Folks, you know what to do next, right?" @winealleyidiot wrote. "There are 1.4 billion people." Japanese businesses and public venues from concert halls to aquariums also were targeted by large numbers of nuisance callers from China, who posted video of themselves to social media making the calls. The moves prompted Japan's top regional diplomat Hiroyuki Namazu to call on the Chinese Embassy to calm its citizens down. Many of the posts seemed to come from the country's army of national "little pink" commentators. "We strongly urge the Chinese government to take appropriate measures, such as calling on its citizens to act calmly, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in China and Japanese diplomatic missions in China," he said in a statement. A sign regarding the suspension of the sale of fish products from Japan is seen at a Beijing restaurant, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: Pedro Pardo/AFP The owners of four restaurants and pastry shops in Fukushima told Agence France-Presse that he had received about 1,000 calls on Friday, mostly from China, prompting his businesses to unplug their phones. Fukushima city Mayor Hiroshi Kohata said on Saturday that city hall had gotten 200 similar calls in two days, and that local schools, restaurants and hotels were also targeted. Very irrational The nuisance calls weren't a good idea, said Li Ning, a Japan-based Chinese citizen. "I don't know what they're thinking there are so many people calling," Li said, adding that some had called hospitals. "Hospitals are there to save lives and heal the sick, and these actions could affect the treatment of patients, as well as causing huge trouble to companies and restaurants." "A lot of people really are very irrational," he said. Online comments seen by Radio Free Asia on Monday read: "All we ordinary folk can do is boycott all products imported from Japan," and, "As long as we're united enough, we can force little Japan to stop discharging polluted water." Last week, news of the release of Fukushima wastewater used to cool the reactor cores that melted down following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami prompted the panic-buying of salt across China last week, similar to scenes after the 2011 crisis. International experts said the radiation levels in the treated water, which contains tritium, aren't high enough to be of concern to human health. "China is now engaging in wolf-warrior diplomacy, and its strategy on Japan is driven by political needs," a senior Hong Kong-based engineer Li Guangde told Radio Free Asia, referring to the aggressive approach used by some Chinese diplomats. Police and security personnel stand outside the entrance of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Security was increased at the embassy after the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan. Credit: Greg Baker/AFP "It's using the Fukushima incident to promote anti-Japanese nationalism, and to do that it has to have a policy of ignoring the science." Yang Haiying, a professor at Japan's Shizuoka University, agreed, saying Beijing is likely trying to distract its citizens from the burst property bubble and tanking economy. "They can play the anti-Japanese card at any time, and aim the gun of nationalism at Japan at any time," he said. "They know very well that this treated nuclear wastewater has no impact on biology they are playing this card from a highly political perspective." Li cited data from the International Atomic Energy Agency as showing that levels of tritium in the Fukushima wastewater are low, and acceptable for discharge into the ocean. "People don't have the correct scientific information, so all kinds of panic have arisen the result of the unfortunate policy of ignoring the people, which is very damaging," he said. Higher levels in China A number of Japanese and Hong Kong media have reported that tritium levels in wastewater emitted by China's nuclear power stations is far higher than those of the Fukushima waste. Li said this should rather spark concerns over the safety of Chinese seafood. Taiwan's government reported "negligible" effects on its waters from the Fukushima waste outflows. Zhao Tong, a senior researcher at the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said: "Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge standards are in line with the safety thresholds laid down by the International Atomic Energy Agency ... so, it won't have any obvious impact on public safety or marine ecosystems. Some media reports in Hong Kong did point out that the tritium levels in the Fukushima wastewater are actually lower than the wastewater emitted by Chinese nuclear power facilities just along the coast from Hong Kong. Staff members from Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings test the level of tritium in a fish caught off the coast of Fukushima, Japan, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Credit: Kyodo/via Reuters But most people in mainland China don't have access to more balanced reporting on the topic, according to Wang. "It is impossible for average Chinese people to see this kind of reporting," he said, adding that nationalistic anger is often a channel for anger at their own government, which doesn't brook public dissent or protest. "There will be a kind of panic among the people, a kind of rebellious mentality," Wang said. "Unfortunately, this is now being vented in the direction of Japanese citizens and shopkeepers." "It's ... just like the anti-Japanese demonstrations in 2012." Tensions between China and Japan sparked waves of major protests in cities across China in that year, as Japanese and Chinese boats gathered in the waters around a disputed island chain in the East China Sea. Anti-Chinese sentiment in Japan Wang Dai, vice chairman of the political group "Front for a Democratic China," said the nuisance calls seem to be deepening anti-Chinese sentiment in Japan, too. "The Japanese TV stations, the Asahi Shimbun, the Sankei Shimbun and other major newspapers are all focusing on the large number of nuisance calls from China," Wang said. "Japanese people who know I'm Chinese are asking me why the Chinese are doing this, and what is going on." "This will make a lot of people feel that Japan should entirely rid itself of any dependence on China in future, including economically," he said. Chinese Communist Party newspaper the People's Daily on Monday reported that Tokyo "has ignored the public interest and unilaterally launched the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea for its own self-interest," citing a number of regional protests against the move. "All parties strongly urge the Japanese government to correct its wrong decision, immediately stop the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea ... so as to avoid ... unpredictable damage and hazards to people's health and well-being," the paper said. Meanwhile, a Chinese owner of a Japanese-themed business in the southwestern province of Guizhou posted a video of himself destroying the decor, according to the X, formerly Twitter, account "Mr. Li is not your teacher." "The owner, a millennial surnamed Fu, said the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water in Japan would affect seafood and related industries," the account said in a tweet posted Aug. 25. "So he smashed [his restaurant] up out of nationalistic sentiment, and said he didn't feel bad about it, and that it would be turned into a Chinese restaurant in future," it said. The Japanese Embassy in Beijing warned its citizens not to speak loudly in Japanese, AFP said. Vendors wait for customers at a seafood market in Shanghai, China, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Credit: Aly Song/Reuters State media appeared to be helping to whip up nationalistic sentiment in China, with a poll posted to the official Sina Weibo account of state news agency Xinhua on Aug. 24, the day authorities began discharging treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, asking readers to choose among three responses to the move. Option 1 was "resolutely oppose, strongly condemn!", option 2 was "a disaster for future generations, a disaster for all mankind!" while option 3 was "Remember Aug. 24, 2023: Japan will enter the historical hall of shame!" By Monday, the poll had disappeared, although references to the topic still appeared in a list of "hot searches" on Weibo. Nuclear physicist Li Jianmang, who claimed to have worked at the China Institute of Atomic Energy for eight years, posted on Weibo that the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater "isn't worth worrying about." He said the discharges would be closely monitored by experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency, including some from China. Li's post was also later deleted. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrives for a meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. United States Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is in Beijing on a trip Raimondo described as aiming to promote healthy competition while also holding China accountable for security issues of concern to the U.S. If you wanted to put a tagline to the trip and the mission, it is: protect what we must and promote where we can, Raimondo said to reporters in the U.S. before leaving for Beijing. On Monday, Raimondo told her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in Beijing that the U.S. does not aim to stifle Chinas economic growth, adding that it seeks a stable economic relationship that benefits both nations. Its complex and challenging. While we'll disagree on some points, I believe direct, open, and practical dialogue can lead to progress, Raimondo said. Raimondo is the fourth top U.S. official to visit China in three months. Her trip comes as the Biden administration is set to finalize restrictions on advanced semiconductors established last year and as China struggles to find its feet after last years pandemic lockdowns and amid a wide-ranging downturn in the property sector. The commerce secretary said she aimed to improve travel and tourism between the U.S. and China, adding that bringing Chinese visitor numbers back to the levels before the pandemic could mean tens of thousands of U.S. jobs. Among the many challenges to getting the U.S. and China back on the track to normalized trade relations, she said, are Beijings unfair trade practices, an expression that is sure to rankle with the Chinese Communist Party elite. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao attend a meeting in Beijing, China August 28, 2023. Credit: Reuters/David Shepardson Beijing is already smarting at restrictions on exports of semiconductors, technology equipment and expertise, which are regarded as an attempt to hold back Chinas emergence as a technology leader. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on President Biden to drop the restrictions. Meanwhile, Raimondo is reportedly in high demand, both in China, which hacked her unclassified email earlier this year, and with the international business community, especially the semiconductor sector, but her visit coincides with a host of external events that underscore the rifts between the worlds two leading superpowers. Cloudy horizon Just two weeks ago the U.S. struck a deal with Japan and South Korea that included defense cooperation commitments and vows to combat economic coercion in obvious references to China. China in turn accused the U.S. of trying to divide the region and damage Chinas interests. In further words that were unlikely to be music to Beijings ears, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said all three countries would be members of the U.N. Security Council next year and they should put pressure on Beijings expansion and Pyongyangs nuclear program. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao arrives at the BRICS Summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa August 23, 2023. Credit: Reuters/Alet Pretorius/Pool Meanwhile, in another sign that U.S.-China tensions remain high, during last weeks BRICS summit in South Africa, Raimondos counterpart Wang Wentao read a statement from President Xi who was unexpectedly unable to give the speech himself that criticized the U.S. for its hegemonic tendencies. Wang, via Xi, warned against a new cold war and criticized a nation obsessed with maintaining hegemony for undermining emerging markets and developing countries. All the same, some observers conjecture that there are signs the two nations may be cautiously inching toward a more conciliatory space. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has recently said the countries can benefit from trade cooperation and maintaining stable global supply chains, while the U.S. removed trade restrictions on 27 Chinese firms, a move that has received the nod from Beijing. Separately, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it has agreed to add six more flights operated by Chinese airlines, effective Sept. 1. Such moves indicate that the Biden administration is gradually realizing that relentless suppression and restraint of China's development will impact America's own interests, Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, told the Global Times on Saturday. But ahead of her current Beijing mission, Raimondo, speaking to reporters in the U.S., was not pulling any punches on U.S. expectations of her trip. I want to be clear with you around what my goal is for the visit, which is to promote a healthy competition, Raimondo said before she left for China. And by that, I mean a competition on a level playing field, playing by the rules, because on a level playing field, nobody can outcompete American businesses or American workers. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. Junta uses arrests and raids on medical clinics to punish or intimidate doctors and nurses. Medical students grieve and some flash the three-fingered salute during the funeral for their fellow student Khant Ngar Hein in Yangon, Myanmar, on March 16, 2021. Khant Ngar Hein, 18, was shot in the chest two days earlier by security forces during a protest against the military coup. Almost 90 health care workers have lost their lives in military and police raids and other junta-associated violence since the February 2021 coup detat, a network of medical workers associated with the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement told Radio Free Asia on Monday. In most cases, the deaths were the result of arrests or targeted violence initiated by the military junta, according to Dr. Lwan Wai, a Yangon-based member of the Civil Disobedience Movement Medical Network. Our country is the only country in which health care workers have to worry about losing their lives simply because of treating a patient, he said. I have never heard of such a situation in any other country. The tally of 89 doctors and health care workers killed and 110 injured since the coup was released following last weeks decision by the junta to close a private hospital in Mandalay city for three months after it had employed two doctors who had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement, or CDM, in which public employees quit their government jobs to protest the coup. In May, the junta revoked the business licenses and shut down three other Mandalay hospitals that employed CDM health care workers. Medical workers give the three-fingered salute outside Asia Royal Hospital as they watch protesters march in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 7, 2021. Credit: AP Tens of thousands of Myanmars government employees have left their jobs in protest of the coup as part of CDM, and more than 45,000 doctors and health workers have participated in the movement. The CDM Medical Network also reported on Monday that 853 doctors and health workers have been arrested by the junta since the coup. In 2022 alone, the junta fired and revoked the licenses of 557 doctors associated with the movement. The arrests, closures and raids on medical clinics and buildings are all attempts by the junta to punish or intimidate health care workers, according to the network. Nurses, medical students, doctors May Zon Moe, a 28-year-old CDM nurse from Aye Mya Thar Yar District Hospital in Bago region, was one of the health care workers killed by the junta, according to the network. Those close to her say she was arrested and tortured to death by junta soldiers last February as she was returning from a mountain ridge where she had given midwife services to a patient. In another incident, Thal Thal Win, a 40-year-old nurse from Moe Dar Gyi village of Katha township in Sagaing region was killed after being arrested by a junta patrol on Feb. 21, local residents said. And on May 11, 23-year-old Soe Moe Naing, a second-year student at Pakokku Nursing and Midwifery Training School in Magway, was shot and killed by junta troops while treating a wounded member of a Peoples Defense Force. Health officials from the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG made up of junta opponents and former government leaders said that medical personnel were killed and hospitals and clinics were damaged on May 20 due to the juntas targeted air strikes and ground attacks. Dr. Zaw Htoi Aung was killed in a mine explosion while being transferred from Monywa Prison in Myanmars Sagaing region, Aug. 15, 2023. Credit: Provided by Chindwin Medical Network More recently, Dr. Zaw Htoi Aung died in a mine explosion on Aug. 15 as he was being transferred from Monywa Prison in Sagaing region. He was a CDM member and a key official in the Chindwin Medical Network, which provides health care to refugees in Sagaing. The 34-year-old was arrested by the military council in September 2021 and sentenced to 11 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Act. It was unknown which organization was responsible for the landmine that killed him. RFA contacted junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun seeking comment on the tally of health care worker deaths, but he did not respond. NUG Health Minister Dr. Zaw Wai Soe said that justice will be served for the health workers who have lost their lives. We will continue to fight till we can serve justice for those who sacrificed their lives, he told RFA. We have to record and honor these people as true martyrs. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Fed up with discrimination, a lack of work opportunities and the deplorable conditions of their village for displaced persons in western Myanmars Rakhine state, Bocholla, a 45-year-old member of the mostly Muslim ethnic Rohingya community, sold nearly everything his family owned to pay for his 18-year-old sons passage to Thailand. Six years after a military crackdown drove tens of thousands of Rohingyas from their homes in Rakhine, he hoped that his son could start a new, happier life in Bangkok, free from the difficulties of being a second-class citizen in the Buddhist majority country of his birth. "The agent took him from our village, promising to get him to Thailand via Yangon and said nothing bad would happen to him, Bocholla told RFA Burmese from Rathedaung townships Nyaung Pin Gyi village. Bocholla sold his familys land and house, took out a high-interest loan and even pawned a food assistance booklet from the World Food Program to cobble together the 6.5 million kyats (US$3,100) his sons handler had demanded to help him relocate. Not long after his son left in January, Bocholla learned that he had been arrested in Magwe regions Minbu township and the two lost contact. I asked the agent so many times what had become of him and what to do next, but he never responded, he said. Bocholla and his family are among tens of thousands of Rohingya living in temporary villages and camps for those displaced by a Myanmar military crackdown in 2017. More than 140,000 are sheltering in camps in Rakhines Sittwe township that the UK-based Burmese Rohingya Organization has likened to open air prisons. Desperate to return Another 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh from Rakhine during the military clearance operations and have refused to take part in a repatriation program that would see them sent to camps in Rakhine state, saying they want to return to their original homesteads because they find the camps unsafe. With few options after years of a stateless existence, many Rohingya are now doing whatever they can to sail or travel over land to Muslim majority countries in the region, including Indonesia and Malaysia, or nations with a more open society, such as Thailand and India. But their desperation to leave makes them susceptible to exploitation by human traffickers. Rohingya refugees wait on a wooden boat as Indonesian authorities help them off at the Krueng Geukueh port in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia, Dec. 31, 2021. Credit: Fachrul Reza/Xinhua via Getty Images Bochollas experience is not uncommon for Rohingya living in Rakhine and Bangladesh. Members of the ethnic community say similar tales of falling victim to trafficking can be heard throughout villages and camps for the displaced. Mamotsolein, a 16-year-old Rohingya boy, recently left the Ohn Taw Ghi (North) Rohingya camp in Sittwe after a trafficker promised him a job with good pay in Rakhines Rathedaung township. Instead, he was kidnapped and held for a 6 million-kyat (US$2,860) ransom, his father said. We dont have that much money so we offered to pay 3 million, but they wouldnt return our son, he said. Now they say theyre going to kill him if we cant pay them what they ask. Mamotsoleins father said that he filed a complaint with the Sittwe Township Police Station about the kidnapping and human trafficking, but authorities have yet to respond. Trafficking networks Rohingyas told RFA there are at least three human traffickers in each village and camp for the displaced, and that nearly all of them are fellow members of the ethnic group. These people act as groomers to select potential victims and connect them with second-level trafficking networks that arrange their transport to a city such as Yangon, they said. From there, a third-level trafficking network sends the victims to a third country, where they are sold for labor or held for ransom. Members of aid groups working with Rohingya communities told RFA that second- and third-level traffickers include Rohingya, as well as ethnic Rakhines and majority Bamar. They said traffickers also bring Rohingyas to Rakhine state from camps in Bangladesh and keep them in groups before transporting them elsewhere. RFA spoke to at least 10 individuals for this report, including Rohingya human trafficking awareness campaigners, aid workers who help arrested Rohingyas, lawyers for Rohingyas, Rohingyas in camps and villages for the displaced, leaders from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and Rohingya activists. One human trafficking awareness campaigner said that most of the networks operate in Rathedaung township's Ah Nauk Pyin and Nyaung Ping Gyi villages. "Their head gangs, who are located in Yangon and Thailand, offer lower-level traffickers incentives, such as 200,000 kyats (US$95) per person, if they can recruit people at the Rohingya camps, said the campaigner, speaking on condition of anonymity citing security concerns. They usually leave via motorboat from Ah Nauk Pyin and Nyaung Pin Gyi villages, he said. People from the Bangladesh camps, as well as from Rakhines Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Sittwe townships, also go there to leave. Those villages are a meeting point for them." A Rohingya will typically pay 6-12 million kyats (US$2,860-5,720) to traffickers to get to Thailand or Malaysia from Rakhine state, whereas those from camps in Bangladesh pay around 300,000 taka (US$2,750) for the same service. Convincing victims to leave Khin Maung, director of the Rohingya Youth Association of Bangladesh's Thankhali camp, said that recruiters work to convince camp residents who are having difficulty earning a living to leave for other countries. "They persuade the [victims] saying that the food is not good in the camp and they can't go back to Myanmar, so they will have to live like that for the rest of their lives or they can go abroad, and people take the bait," he said. Displaced Rohingya shelter in the Thae Chaung camp, Sittwe, Myanmar, April 21, 2023. Credit: RFA If those who try to leave are arrested, their traffickers are rarely brought to justice, according to a lawyer who provides legal assistance to Rohingyas. He said the networks typically keep their chain of operations disconnected so that traffickers cannot be caught. When there are arrests, they are of the Rohingya victims and dock workers, not the traffickers or the owner of the boats, he said. Rohingya activists and residents say human trafficking takes place in areas controlled by the junta as well as by the Arakan Army of ethnic rebels, although they declined to say whether the groups are involved in the networks, due to fear of reprisal. Attempts by RFA to contact Arakan Army spokesperson Khaing Thukha and junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tin for comment have gone unanswered. According to the U.S. State Department's 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report, Myanmar has made no significant efforts to eliminate human trafficking and is the third worst country in the world in terms of willingness to cooperate on combating the problem. In 2022, the United Nations refugee agency estimated that 2,400 Rohingya embarked on life-threatening sea journeys from Bangladesh's camps, a five-fold increase from the previous year. Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, told RFA that in 2022 alone, more than 400 Rohingya died enroute to another country. Rohingya activists have called for authorities to better police trafficking in camps and villages for the displaced and for a loosening of restrictions at the sites that limit Rohingyas right to travel, work and pursue an education. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. They were among 35 civilians sheltering from an artillery bombardment in Myanmars Sagaing region. Residents of Ye-U township, Sagaing region flee junta raids on their homes in a photo taken in May 2023. Junta troops arrested six civilians who were sheltering in a monastery in Myanmars Sagaing region and killed four of them, locals told RFA Monday. They were among 35 people hiding there as junta troops raided Wetlet townships Kyee Kan (north) village. Locals said troops shelled the village at dawn on Saturday before moving in. One man, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals, said troops released two of the six people they captured. Four people were killed, he said. Among them Shwe Man Thu, who was in her twenties, was raped and killed at a mango farm between Kyee Kan (north) village and Hla Taw village. RFA has been unable to independently confirm his claim. Pro-military Telegram chat group channels said the column that raided the village killed four members of an anti-junta Peoples Defense Force. RFAs calls to the regions junta spokesperson, Tin Than Win, went unanswered Monday. Displaced people on the rise Raids on townships in Sagaing region since the Feb. 2021 coup have left more than 800,000 people homeless according to the U.N. In Ye-U township, 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Wetlet, more than 20,000 people are in need of emergency food and medical supplies according to the information officer from a local militia. Htoo Khant Zaw from the Peoples Defense Comrades said thats how many people have lost their homes in the township since the coup, and are now living in makeshift tents in their villages. More than 20,000 people affected by the fires are facing a crisis of living and food shortages, he said. Although the township humanitarian group and other social groups are helping on the ground, not everyone from the 51 villages has received enough assistance. The main need is food. He said 3,429 houses were destroyed by junta arson attacks, along with churches, monasteries, shops and other buildings. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang. The Chinese leader also urges the further Sinicization of Islam. Visiting Xinjiang for the second time in just over a year, President Xi Jinping vowed to double down on Chinas hardline policies toward the 11 million mostly Muslim Uyghurs who live in the restive, far-western region. Maintaining hard-won social stability would remain the top priority, and that stability must be used to guarantee development, Xi said during a speech on Saturday in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Uyghur Region, state media reported. Xi said it was necessary to combine the development of the anti-terrorism and anti-separatism struggle with the push for normalizing social stability work and rule of law. He also told officials to further promote the Sinicization of Islam and effectively control various illegal religious activities. Under Xi, China has clamped down hard on the Uyghurs since 2017, detaining 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in concentration camps, in reaction to sporadic terrorist attacks that Uyghurs say are fueled by years of government oppression. Beijing has also sought to destroy religious and cultural sites and eradicate the Uyghur language and its culture. The United States and legislatures of several Western countries have declared that abuses committed by China including arbitrary detentions, torture, forced sterilizations of Uyghur women and the use of Uyghur forced labor amount to genocide and crimes against humanity. China denies the accusations, saying its Xinjiang policies are necessary to combat religious extremism and terrorism. Uyghur advocates denounced Xis remarks, saying they pointed to more repression. Its crystal clear from Xi Jinpings speech in Urumqi that the Chinese government and he intend to continue the ongoing Uyghur genocide and crimes against humanity in East Turkestan, said Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, using Uyghurs preferred name for Xinjiang. Noting that Xi called for more positive propaganda on Xinjiang, Isa cautioned the international community not be fooled by those false images and messages. Xi last visited Xinjiang in July 2022, before the U.N.s human rights office issued a report concluding that China may have committed genocide and crimes against humanity. Chinas President Xi Jinping speaks during his visit to Urumqi in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 26, 2023. Credit: Yan Yan/Xinhua via Getty Images War on Islam On Monday, Rusha Abbas, executive director of the campaign for Uyghurs, said Xis use of the phrase Sinicization of Islam meant war on Islam, while counter-terrorism measures meant mass imprisonment. Xi also emphasizes security as the priority in Xinjiang followed by the regions economic development, said Adrian Zenz, a researcher at the Washington, D.C.-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and an expert on the Xinjiang region. In that context he strongly emphasizes cultural assimilation, Uyghurs learning Chinese, and a Sinicization of Islam, he told RFA. Zenz also noted that Xis point on the need for Uyghurs to work in other provinces of China and along the east coast is significant because the government has long suppressed statistics on labor transfers to other provinces. Thats actually a very important data point an important point of evidence and really an argument why the United States really urgently needs to add many more Chinese companies to the blacklist related to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Signed into law in December 2021, the act requires American companies that import goods from Xinjiang to prove that they have not been manufactured with Uyghur forced labor at any stage of production. David Tobin, a lecturer on East Asian studies at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, said the speech signaled that the Communist Party will not listen to criticism on its ethnic policy in general and its policies towards the Uyghur people in particular. Domestically, Xi Jinping is signaling to party state officials and regional leaders that he is in command and his policies must be implemented, he said. So, the visit is a display and an assertion of strength, but also belies a weakness to these concerns. Translated by Shahrezad Ghayrat for RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster. The US president will stop over in Hanoi on his way back from the G-20 leaders meeting in New Delhi. President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam will be the first dedicated trip to the country by a U.S. president since May 2016. U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Vietnam on his way home from the G-20 summit in New Delhi next month, the White House said Monday. After the G-20 summit on Sept. 9, Biden will fly into Hanoi on Sept. 10 and depart the same day to attend a ceremony in Alaska marking 22 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a statement said. While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, it said. The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand our people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. The visit to Hanoi comes amid criticism that Biden is shirking the U.S.-ASEAN leaders summit in Jakarta just days before the G-20 event Vice President Kamala Harris is attending in his stead but also amid rumors the United States and Vietnam plan to upgrade ties. The visit will be the first dedicated trip to Vietnam by a U.S. president since Barack Obamas trip in May 2016. That was criticized at the time for setting aside human rights concerns for strategic reasons as the Obama administration, of which Biden was the vice president, courted stronger relations with Hanoi in the face of a rising China. Former President Donald Trump twice visited the country while in office, but both times were primarily for other reasons: an APEC summit in November 2017 and his second summit on neutral soil with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in February 2019. Armita Garavand, the 17-year-old girl fatally injured in an alleged confrontation with Iran's morality police over a head-scarf violation, was buried amid tight security in Tehran on October 29. Unconfirmed reports say several people, including two of Garavands relatives, were arrested during the ceremony at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in southern Tehran. Civil rights activist Reza Khandan told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that his wife, prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, was beaten and detained at the funeral. "A number of participants were arrested and beaten up. Nasrin was among them," Khandan said by phone from Tehran. WATCH: Scores of mourners attended the burial of Iranian teenager Armita Garavand on October 29 in Tehran. Amateur video obtained by RFE/RL shows raw emotions on display at the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery and at a separate funeral ceremony in the Jaberi mosque. A heavy police presence was observed at both places. He added that a number of those detained had been released, although others, including Sotoudeh, remained in detention. He said he hasn't been able to contact her. Irans semiofficial Fars news agency later confirmed that Sotoudeh had been detained, charged with violating the conservative Islamic nation's head-scarf law. Sotoudeh has previously been arrested and jailed after representing opposition activists, including women prosecuted for removing their mandatory headscarves. Video clips published on social media showed a large crowds of people -- both men and women -- attending the burial ceremony. Irans state media had reported Garavands death on October 28, nearly a month after she fell and went into a coma in the Tehran subway. Garavand was reportedly confronted by the morality police in the subway at the start of October for failing to wear a hijab. The news of Garavand's death came just over a year after the death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest by Irans morality police for an alleged head-scarf violation sparked nationwide protests and international condemnation. A relative told Radio Farda that security agents had told the family they would be given Garavand's body under the condition that the burial be held in Tehran and not in their native village in the western province of Kermanshah. "We live in Tehran, but we don't bury our dead [here]. We hope to receive Armita's body, the family member had said. Shortly after the subway incident, authorities isolated Garavand family members and attempted to prevent journalists from reaching them. Security measures were still being enforced as of October 28, fueling speculation that authorities were worried about renewed protests in the country. Rights groups and journalists say Garavand and two of her friends were confronted on October 1 by police officers for not wearing the mandatory hijab as they tried to enter a Tehran subway station. One of the friends has said the officers physically assaulted Garavand, who later fell unconscious after entering a subway carriage. Officials have said Garavand suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure, fainted, and fell to the floor, hitting her head. A source at Fajr Hospital, who spoke to Radio Farda on condition of anonymity due to security reasons, said shortly after the incident that Garavand suffered internal bleeding in the brain. "Unfortunately, she went into a coma for some time after suffering from brain damage. She died a few minutes ago," the official government news agency IRNA said on October 28. Garavand's condition triggered concerns in the West and among international rights groups after a purported video of the incident circulated on social media. The video shows Garavand entering the subway car, but it does not show what exactly transpired in the seconds before her body is shown being carried back out of it. Amnesty International has issued a statement saying authorities should allow an independent international delegation, including UN experts, to investigate the circumstances leading up to Garavand's hospitalization. Tehran has left the request unanswered. The United States on October 29 said it was deeply saddened by the death of Garavand after she was beaten by Iran's morality police for not wearing a hijab in public." Iran's state-sponsored violence against its own people is appalling and underscores the fragility of the regime, White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan wrote on social media. Garavands case, and suggestions of a cover-up by the authorities, has drawn parallels with the events leading up to the death of 22-year-old Amini last year. Aminis death soon after she was arrested for allegedly violating Irans hijab law triggered the greatest threat to the Islamic republic's leadership since the 1979 revolution. State media has shown Garavand's parents speaking of various potential causes for their daughter's fall and injury. It is not clear if the statements were made under duress, but the Hengaw human rights group, which first reported the incident, said on October 5 that Garavand's mother, Shahin Ahmadi, had been detained temporarily by Iranian government security forces. Earlier this month, Amini and the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran that was triggered by her death were awarded this year's Sakharov Prize, the European Parliaments top rights award, the second honor bestowed upon Iranian women this month for their sometimes deadly struggle for human rights after activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize. With reporting by dpa Many Central Asian migrants are among the estimated 50,000 prisoners who were sent from Russian jails by the Wagner mercenary group to fight in Ukraine. While some volunteered with promises of early release, there are accounts that others were coerced to enlist. RFE/RL spoke with current and former prisoners and to parents of migrants killed fighting in Ukraine. They revealed the techniques used by the authorities to pressure reluctant prisoners onto the battlefield. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. President Ilham Aliyev signed an order awarding Vagif Mustafayev with the "Emek" (Labor) Order of the Second Degree for many years of fruitful activity in the development of Azerbaijani culture, Trend reports. Vagif Mustafayev is an Azerbaijani film director and screenwriter, as well as People's Artist of Azerbaijan (2005), Laureate of the State Prize of the Azerbaijan SSR (1990), member of the European Academy of Film and Television, Vice-President of the Eurasian Academy of Television and Radio, and member of the Union of Cinematographers of Azerbaijan. More than 20 people were injured two critically when an anti-Israel mob shouting anti-Jewish epithets stormed and shut down the airport in the Russian city of Makhachkala in the predominantly Muslim region of Daghestan after a regularly scheduled flight arrived from Tel Aviv late on October 29. Dozens of protesters, many of them chanting "Allahu akbar" (God is great), broke through doors and barriers at Makhachkala airport and stormed the runway when the aircraft arrived. Riot police and reinforcements, including National Guard units, were subsequently sent to ensure the safety of arriving passengers, according to the Baza Telegram channel. Daghestans Health Ministry said on October 30 that 10 of those injured needed hospital attention, while the Baza Telegram channel said six police officers were among the casualties. Riot police were called to the scene after disturbances broke out when the aircraft arrived, prompting the Interior Ministry office in Makhachkala to send for reinforcements, including National Guard units, to ensure the safety of arriving passengers, according to the Baza Telegram channel. The RIA Novosti news agency reported on October 30 that more than 60 people have been detained at the airport. Russia's aviation authority later said the airport would remain closed until November 6, while the Investigative Committe said it had conducted searches of the residences of some of those involved in the unrest. "Participants in the mass unrest are being interrogated under the relevant criminal case...records from video surveillance cameras have been retrieved," the committee said. Anti-Jewish protests have broken out in several cities in the region in the face of Israels war with Hamas, rulers of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip. The Israeli Foreign Ministry on October 29 demanded that Russia protect Israelis and Jews and to apprehend anyone threatening them. "Israel expects the Russian authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and all Jews, and to act decisively against the rioters and against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis," a statement said. Late on October 29, videos and photos from the scene published by RFE/RLs Caucasus.Realities indicated that protesters had stormed onto the Makhachkala runway, attempting to gain entry to the incoming plane. Authorities said the airport was immediately closed for incoming and outgoing flights, while police reportedly began jamming communications in the airport area to prevent the crowd from coordinating further actions. A local news Telegram channel reported that protesters were attempting to check the identities of arriving passengers, seeking to prevent Jews from leaving the airport, including searching police vehicles. A protester was seen in one unconfirmed video carried a sign saying, "Child killers have no place in Daghestan." Daghestani officials accused "enemies of Russia" of instigating the anti-Semitic sentiments after the Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus called on authorities to prevent refugees from Israel from entering the republic, according to the Caucasian Knot news website. The Internal Affairs Ministry said that, "against the background of the situation in Makhachkala, the identities of all those who take part in the riots will be established, since video surveillance works at the airport." "We recommend that all persons who have violated the operating procedures of the [airport] to cease the illegal actions and to not interfere with the work of airport employees," a Telegram statement said. "It is not easy for each of us to stand and watch the inhumane massacre of a civilian population -- the Palestinian people, the government statement said. "Still, we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society." Anti-Semitic rallies took place over the weekend in other cities of the North Caucasus protesting against Israels military campaign. The Middle East conflict broke out after Hamas militants stormed Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israel retaliated with a military campaign against Gaza, leading to the deaths of some 8,000 people and the destruction of much of Gaza City. On October 28, a rally was held in Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachayevo-Cherkessia Republic, demanding that residents of Israel not be allowed into the republic. On the night of October 29, residents of Derbent in Daghestan protested after false reports of the settling of refugees from Israel in local hotels. With reporting by AFP and RIA Novosti PODGORICA -- In July 2011, with a recently independent Montenegro emerging as a nexus of corruption and transnational crime, two men with South African passports and at least 28 kilograms of opals boarded a plane in Zurich and flew to Podgorica. What happened next ignited a decade of Balkan intrigue over the fate of the confiscated gemstones involving courtiers to a dubious dynasty, a real-estate entrepreneur and his seaside safe, and a trail of abortive lawsuits culminating in a claim for damages that's more than half of Montenegro's gross domestic product (GDP). In between, there have been charges of smuggling and theft along with halting government efforts to appraise or even sell off the seizure, which is said to include the world's largest opal. Now, a court in the ancient city of Kotor is scheduled to unpack the case on August 31 to settle the tug-of-war, which has dragged the former Yugoslav republic's Central Bank into the uncomfortable role of custodian and pits shadowy plaintiffs against the state's protector of property and legal interests. "The plaintiffs are demanding the return of the seized opals," Kotor court Judge Veljko Bulatovic told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. "The case has been sent to mediation...in an attempt to resolve it peacefully." Opal is a mineraloid that falls under the category of precious or common, depending on its iridescence and density. Precious opal was particularly highly prized among European royalty when its only known source was mines in what is now eastern Slovakia. That changed with the discovery of vast opal deposits in Australia in the 19th century, but top-quality stones still fetch tens of thousands of dollars per carat. The South Africans' lawyers argue that the high-quality opals that were seized are worth 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion), or around 4,800 euros per resident in this country of around 620,000. Little is known about the South African nationals at the center of the case, Robert Fenjek and Antony Vernon Strelensky, or why they brought the gemstones to Montenegro in July 2011. Fenjek and Strelensky founded a company in Podgorica with an initial capital of just 2 euros a little over a month before their flight from Zurich. While the company, Canyon Holdings AD, is still registered, there is no official indication that it is active financially. The revenue and customs authority website shows no financial reports from the company for years. Both men introduced themselves in the past as representatives of a self-styled royal, Stefan Tchernetich, who claims to be a "prince of Montenegro and Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, and Vojvodina." Tchernetich is perhaps best-known to Montenegrins for his baffling attendance -- in the capacity of "hereditary prince" -- at a Statehood Day reception in 2022. Longtime ruler of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic, who lost the presidential election in April, sparked an investigation into how he got into the VIP event. Fenjek has claimed to be an honorary count and Strelensky a consul in Pretoria for the House of Tchernetich. The men have acknowledged traveling with the jewels to Podgorica in July 2011, when Montenegro was five years into independence from Serbia and coming into its own as a destination for organized criminals from cigarette smugglers to a ring of jewel thieves known to Interpol as Pink Panther. Fenjek and Strelensky were silent for nearly a year before suddenly contacting Montenegrin police to allege that Branko Cupic, a well-connected real-estate entrepreneur who has specialized in high-profile historical objects, had "fraudulently taken" their jewels. They told authorities that Cupic had waited for them at the airport a year earlier and "bypassed customs" to take them to one of his properties, the Belvi Hotel on the Adriatic Coast outside of Budva, where the gemstones were put in a hotel safe. When Cupic refused to return the stones a year later, they allege, they turned to the police. None of their allegations against Cupic have been verified and their claims will be examined in the Kotor proceedings. Cupic was quoted as saying in early 2012 that he "gave [police] the semiprecious stones, which [had been] deposited in the hotel safe by foreign guests." Police seized the gemstones and, in September 2012, a court in the capital, Podgorica, concluded that they had been brought into the country illegally and ordered them confiscated permanently. They were eventually moved to a Central Bank safe. By April 2013, a misdemeanor court had fined Cupic, Fenjek, and Strelensky 4,000 euros each in connection with the case, but there was still no public clarity on the provenance or fate of the jewels. Fenjek and Strelensky have been trying to recover them ever since. Montenegrin authorities say an inventory they conducted in 2014 determined that the seizure amounted to 28.172 kilograms of unprocessed, semiprecious opal of nine different types, including fire, white, and black opal. One of the stones weighed more than 4 kilograms, suggesting it outsizes the world's largest and most valuable gem opal, the 3.4-kilogram Olympic Australis and the world's most valuable black opal, the Aurora Australis. The collection also included more than a kilogram worth of animal figurines cut from the stone. The plaintiffs, who suggested in an earlier filing that their damages from the seizure amounted to 30 million euros and at another point estimated the worth of the gemstones at 2 billion euros, also allege that part of their original 33-kilogram stash has disappeared since its confiscation in 2012. The Montenegrin Special Prosecutor's Office announced in September 2022 that it had opened a case based on a criminal complaint asserting that 5.7 kilograms of semiprecious opals had disappeared from unspecified institutions. Asked at the time by a journalist about the confiscated stones, Governor Radoje Zugic said the Central Bank's only responsibility was to keep them. "And we are doing that perfectly," he said. More recently, the Central Bank declined to provide details to a query by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, saying it "has no right to provide information regarding items that are kept in the Treasury and are not the property of the bank." The South Africans previously filed abortive suits seeking the return of the gemstones or damages in Podgorica in 2014, in Niksic in 2017, and again in Podgorica in 2019. They have also previously estimated the value of the seized jewels at 2 billion euros. They are being represented in the current case in Kotor, which was launched in January, by the firm of Podgorica lawyer Dragan Prevelic. Prevelic's office told RFE/RL's Balkan Service ahead of the August court date that the Montenegrin state illegally confiscated 33 kilograms of high-quality black opal from its clients: "Whereby the state disproportionately sanctioned our clients, violated their right to property, protected by law, the constitution, and the European Convention on Human Rights. In such cases, states under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights are regularly obliged to return confiscated property and compensate damages." The lawyers insist the opals are worth 3 billion euros and warn that if they win their case, it will inflict serious damage on the Montenegrin state. "We estimate that the damage caused by the illegal actions of the state and gross negligence after the confiscation will be close to or even exceed the annual amount of the budget of Montenegro," Prevelic's office said. Montenegro's approved budget for 2023 predicts spending of 2.8 billion euros. Montenegro's protector of property and legal interests, Bojana Cirovic, who operates under the auspices of the government, will represent the state in the Kotor mediation proceedings this week. Cirovic confirmed to RFE/RL's Balkan Service that the plaintiffs are seeking a return of the confiscated items, damages for what they claim is a "missing 5 kilograms," and compensation for lost profits. She also said that experts will appraise the stones' value for the proceedings. Cirovic also told RFE/RL that the burden of proof will lie with the plaintiffs to establish "primarily the right of ownership over the opals and then also the other allegations in the lawsuit." An evaluation was commissioned by the Montenegrin Administration for State Property under current Prime Minister and then-Finance Minister Milojko Spajic in 2021 to determine the identification, size, and potential value of the confiscated stones as the government had decided to "enter into the procedure for selling the jewels." The Administration for State Property, however, has since confirmed that the process of determining the opals' worth -- a precursor to certification and sale -- had been suspended. Veljko Bulatovic, a spokesman for the Kotor court, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service that the court had issued a temporary decision prohibiting "disposing of or alienating the opal" pending a decision, thus blocking any government effort to ship samples abroad for testing. Montenegro has been plagued for decades by corruption and transnational crime following the breakup of Yugoslavia and since its declaration of independence from Serbia in 2006, with some accusing leader Djukanovic of turning a blind eye, or worse, to the problem. Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 but the fight against organized crime remains a key talking point in discussions about Podgorica's candidacy for the European Union. International law enforcement experts regard it as a significant transit route for arms smuggling, as well as for drugs like cocaine and heroin. Kotor has been the scene of some of its fiercest violence, with turf warfare and battles for control of illicit markets among rival criminal gangs blamed for dozens of killings there and in towns like Skaljari and Kavac. Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by Lela Scepanovic Russia struck Ukraine's eastern region of Poltava overnight, killing three people, Ukrainian authorities reported on August 28, as Kyiv confirmed the liberation of the southeastern village of Robotyne and said it was making further advances in the Zaporizhzhya region. 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. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the three people were killed at an industrial plant in central Poltava region. Five were wounded and another person was unaccounted for, he said. Two other people were killed on August 28 by shelling in other parts of Ukraine. Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of southern Kherson region, said a 63-year-old woman had been killed in mid-morning shelling of the village of Sadove. Russian shelling later in the day killed at least one person in Toretsk in the Donetsk region, prosecutors said. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar in a post on Telegram confirmed that Robotyne, which sits along an important road leading from the town of Orikhiv to Tokmak on the way to the strategic southern city of Melitopol, had been liberated. The Ukrainian Army last week announced that it had raised the national flag in Robotyne and was evacuating civilians, as mopping-up operations were still under way. "The defense forces of Ukraine were successful in the southeastern settlement of Robotyne," Malyar wrote. "Our forces are advancing southeast of Robotyne and south of Mala Tokmachka in the Zaporizhzhya region." Ukrainian forces continue their offensive operation in the Melitopol direction, Ukraine's General Staff said in its evening summary on August 28. In addition, the Ukrainian military said it made eight air strikes on personnel concentration areas, including one on a Russian command post and three on antiaircraft missile complexes. Melitopol, in the Zaporizhzhya region, is a vital transit hub for Russian forces and a key link in its so-called "land bridge" between Russian-occupied Crimea and the parts of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia. Ukraine's forces fought 26 combat clashes on August 28, the General Staff said in its summary, which also reported that Russian forces carried out eight missile strikes, 30 other air strikes, and 19 attacks from rocket-salvo systems on positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. In Russia, authorities said that drones were shot down in one of the districts of Moscow and in the western Bryansk region overnight on August 28. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a drone was destroyed in the Lyubertsy district of the capital, and there were no damages or casualties. Two Moscow airports, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, suspended operations for about an hour, Sobyanin added. The Russian Defense Ministry said air-defense forces shot down two drones over the Bryansk region at night. No damage or casualties were reported. WATCH: A Ukrainian anti-tank unit has been on the hunt for Russian armor using the Stuhna guided-rocket system to destroy military vehicles worth millions of dollars. According to Ukraine, Russia has lost over 4,000 tanks and 8,000 armed personnel carriers during the full-scale invasion. One day after saying he expected "a powerful September for Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the next meeting of the command staff had two tasks. "The first is a report on preparations for the winter. Various aspects, including security. Second: a program of preparation for the use of new combat aircraft," he said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Zelenskiy said on August 27 that he expected "new defense packages for Ukrainian soldiers" in the coming weeks. "Artillery, armored vehicles, air-defense systems and missiles, demining equipment," he wrote. "Our partners have been informed about our needs. We are expecting decisions." "A united world is stronger than any aggressor," he concluded. "In September, there will be more unity." Separately, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said any suggestion of differences with Washington over Ukraine's military strategy were "mistaken and invented." He told a news conference that Ukrainian Commander in Chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy was meeting "systematically" with senior officials from countries supplying Ukraine with weaponry. "Everything is going according to the plan, which was discussed with our partners in advance when our brigades were being formed, when they were equipped," Reznikov said. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. To subscribe, click here. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm looking at EU talks in Spain on how to boost Ukraine's military and unpacking the eventful "EU enlargement" summit in Athens. Brief #1: Brussels Considers More Military Assistance To Ukraine Amid Fears Of Niger Coup Fallout What You Need To Know: On August 29-31, first the EU's defense ministers and then the bloc's foreign ministers will meet in the Spanish city of Toledo for informal talks. These types of gatherings -- referred to in EU parlance as "Gymnich" after a German castle where the first such meeting took place -- happen twice a year, typically in January and after the summer break at the end of August. They aren't formal council meetings, like the monthly EU foreign affairs councils in Brussels where policy decisions are taken. Rather, they are supposed to be more like fireside chats among ministers, who often rock up without their customary suits and ties so they can kick back to discuss the more long-term goals and strategies of the European Union. These informal meetings are often considered the start of the fall political season and a warm-up ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in early September. Two items will dominate the agenda in Toledo: how to further help Ukraine militarily and the Niger coup and its consequences on the bloc. Deep Background: Regarding Ukraine, much of the discussion will center on increasing EU arms deliveries to sustain Kyiv's war effort. There have already been seven tranches of EU military aid through the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-EU budget funding mechanism where member states contribute according to their gross national income. So far, those contributions have amounted to 5.6 billion euros ($6.1 billion). An eighth tranche -- another 500 million euros ($540 million) -- is waiting to be approved, and it's possible it could get a sign-off in Toledo. For that to happen, though, Hungary would need to lift its veto that has been in place since early summer. The Hungarian red light stems from an unrelated dispute around a blacklist produced by Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention. On that list, the Hungarian bank, OTP, is labeled an "international sponsor of war" as it continues to do business in Russia, a designation that has angered both the bank and the Hungarian government. Typically, Budapest has made its support for the next chunk of EU cash conditional on Ukraine delisting the bank. There will also be more talks in Toledo on the possibility of a longer-term EU fund for military assistance to Ukraine. The EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service (EEAS), circulated a discussion paper to EU capitals before the August summer break about the need to provide Kyiv with 5 billion euros a year for the next four years. That plan could face some hurdles, though. Hungary has already questioned the wisdom of spending more on military aid to Ukraine. And Germany -- the bloc's single largest financial contributor -- has raised issues, such as the need to discuss the military funding within broader negotiations over the EU's budget. Drilling Down The EEAS discussion paper, seen by RFE/RL, and titled A Proposal For A Dedicated Ukraine Envelope Under The European Peace Facility (Ukraine Defense Fund) notes that European Union leaders have already confirmed "the EU's readiness to provide sustainable military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes." It also states that "having a dedicated envelope for Ukraine under the EPF would allow for continued political unity and financial solidarity," adding that it "would ensure the necessary predictability required in financial planning by member states at [a] national level." The EEAS text also explains the need for supporting Kyiv militarily to the tune of 5 billion euros annually, noting that while the EU will provide an estimated 4 billion euros in 2023, more is needed. According to the paper, that is because there will be "a shift in focus from destocking to procurement, the delivery of more sophisticated military equipment, as well as evolving needs by the EU military training mission for Ukraine, EUMAM." EUMAM, which was set up in the fall of 2022 and largely operates from Poland, has a budget of approximately 100 million euros a year. It has so far trained 25,000 troops, with plans to increase that number, double its budget, and possibly even allow for some training inside Ukraine if conditions allow. Separately but very much related to the issue of military aid, the EEAS also issued another discussion paper on what other security guarantees the bloc can offer. This comes as Ukraine is currently negotiating bilateral security arrangements with the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations and other Western allies. This paper, also seen by RFE/RL, states that "Ukraine will continue to need [the] EU's long-term commitment and support to secure its free and democratic European future, notably in a scenario where Russia is unlikely to abandon its goal to subjugate Ukraine and Ukraine cannot stop defending itself. Ukraine's EU membership would be in itself a security commitment." It also outlines 11 other suggestions of security support for Ukraine, such as the maintenance and repair of donated equipment, enhanced cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defense industries, continuous sharing of intelligence, more demining support, and assistance in bolstering Ukraine's cybersecurity and tools to fight against disinformation. Not all the focus in Toledo will be on Ukraine. The recent military coup in Niger is likely to take up a significant amount of the ministers' conversation. The issue is complicated as the Economic Community of West African States, which is a partner of the EU, has indicated that it is pondering a military intervention in Niger, something it has never done before. There are, however, divisions among the various West African states. What is clear from conversations with EU officials is that they fear a widening of the conflict and, as a result, a new wave of refugees coming to Europe. The issue of the Russian mercenary group Wagner's presence in Niger will also be debated by EU foreign ministers. It's not clear how the death of its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in an August 23 plane crash will affect the group; the current EU line is that there is no conclusive evidence that Wagner fighters are active in Niger. One European diplomat who wasn't authorized to speak on the record told me that images of the local population waving Russian flags indicated that "Moscow, one way or another, is very present there." Brief #2: A Meeting In Athens Gives Some Clues About The Future Of EU Enlargement What You Need To Know: Last week, on August 21-22, there was a rather unusual meeting in Athens, which brought together both the European Council President Charles Michel and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with a number of leaders from countries from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe who are hoping to join the EU. Also invited to the Greek capital were leaders from countries in the region that are already members of the EU: Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania. The meeting provided some clues as to how the enlargement of the bloc might shape up in the coming years, as well as revealing the fissures that could scupper the whole thing. This gathering has been a regular event for several years now, usually involving the six EU candidates and potential candidate countries from the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The meeting is a chance for Greece to demonstrate leadership in its neighborhood, where it already plays a critical political and diplomatic role. This year's meeting also marked the 20th anniversary of the historic decision in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, which for the first time proclaimed that all of the states of the Western Balkans would one day join the EU. Deep Background: This year, there were also some new attendees: Moldova and Ukraine. That slightly shifted the focus from the usual regional cooperation to discussions about EU enlargement, as both Kyiv and Chisinau are newly minted EU candidate countries and hope to start accession talks by the end of the year. Yet the addition to the group also raised questions, most notably: Why weren't the other EU hopefuls, Turkey and Georgia, also in attendance? EU diplomats I spoke to on the condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to speak on the record were quick to point out that Greece extended the invitation to Moldova and Ukraine but also acknowledged that this arrangement was "debatable" and "ad hoc" and that this format wasn't intended to be permanent. When asked why Turkey and Georgia weren't present, one diplomat explained: "The countries invited appear to be the most advanced on their path [toward EU membership]." This assertion may seem accurate at first. Georgia is, after all, one step behind Moldova and Ukraine, as it isn't yet an EU candidate country. And Turkey's EU accession talks have been frozen for years due to disagreements between Ankara and the EU on a number of issues. Technically, however, Turkey remains further advanced along the path to joining the EU than most other prospective members, having started accession talks back in 2006, which at least nominally places it in the same front-runner category as Montenegro and Serbia. It's also worth noting that Kosovo, invited for the Athens powwow, is not even recognized as an independent state by the EU. Drilling Down Something else could be at play here. One of the political themes likely to dominate EU discussions this fall will be "absorption capacity": how the EU could bear the burden and how it could function if it underwent further enlargement. France and Germany have established a joint working group on this issue, which will present its initial thoughts to other member states in September. When the European Political Community, which brings together all European countries apart from Belarus and Russia, convenes in the Spanish city of Granada in early October, "absorption capacity" will certainly be discussed. If there are any political and institutional decisions to be made on this issue, that could happen at the EU summit in Brussels in December. When EU officials discuss "absorption capacity," they often contemplate how an "EU of 35" would function -- adding eight new states to the existing 27. The issue here is that there are in fact 10 countries -- not just eight -- seeking to join the bloc: the six Western Balkan states, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine. So, which two are not being considered? While diplomats I speak to insist that the term "EU of 35" isn't linked to specific countries, the absences from the Athens meeting might be an indication to the contrary. According to diplomats involved that I spoke to on background, the meeting was deemed a success, as they said it brought Western Balkan countries closer to their Ukrainian and Moldovan counterparts. EU officials I've spoken to previously have said there are lingering fears among the six Western Balkan nations that Kyiv and Chisinau might "jump the queue" and join the EU ahead of them. The summit also resulted in a joint declaration , with all participants pledging to support Ukraine's territorial integrity. Serbian President Alexander Vucic did later boast that he had managed to remove references to Russia sanctions in the document, but several Brussels insiders I spoke to on the condition of anonymity said that the draft texts they had seen never contained any language about sanctions. Vucic was most likely just playing to his domestic audience, many of whom have positive political views of Russia. , with all participants pledging to support Ukraine's territorial integrity. Serbian President Alexander Vucic did later boast that he had managed to remove references to Russia sanctions in the document, but several Brussels insiders I spoke to on the condition of anonymity said that the draft texts they had seen never contained any language about sanctions. Vucic was most likely just playing to his domestic audience, many of whom have positive political views of Russia. More significantly, though, was the first face-to-face meeting between Vucic -- who has so far refused to align with EU sanctions on the Kremlin -- and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. While Belgrade won't be exporting arms to Ukraine any time soon, there were pledges of continued humanitarian and medical assistance to the war-torn country. The main news story from the Athens meeting was that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama wasn't invited. The reason for this was the arrest of Fredi Beleri, a man running for mayor in the southern Albanian town of Himare under the banner of a Greek minority party aligned with an opposition coalition. Beleri was arrested in mid-May on suspicion of vote-buying. Despite winning the mayoral election, he remains in custody, triggering loud protests from Greece and counteraccusations from Tirana of political meddling. There's now a real possibility that Greece will block Albania from officially opening EU accession chapters later this year, showing once again how beholden the bloc's enlargement process is to the whims of national or even local politics. Looking Ahead It is not only the EU foreign and defense ministers that will discuss how to better help Ukraine. The European Parliament also starts its work this week, and its foreign affairs committee will meet on August 30 in Brussels to discuss how to improve the bloc's military assistance to Kyiv. Expect the issue to come up again when all 705 members of the European Parliament meet for its first plenary session later in September. Otherwise, Brussels is still in its summer slumber and not too much is expected from its institutions this week. There is, however, plenty of activity on the think-tank conference circuit. A number of European officials and politicians will head to the Tyrolean town of Alpbach on August 27-30 for the European Forum Alpbach. Then there is the annual strategic forum run by the Slovenian Foreign Ministry and the Center for European Perspective on August 28-29 in the picturesque Slovenian resort town of Bled. That's all for this week. Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on Twitter @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org. Until next time, Rikard Jozwiak If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. The radiation levels in the waters near South Korea remain well below the standards for drinkable water defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), Seoul's oceans ministry said Sunday, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap news agency. It was the first such test conducted on 15 locations in three areas of South Korea's territorial waters after Japan began to release radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean last Thursday. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said it released the results of the radiation tests, carried out Friday, on five locations in the southeastern waters, and plans to disclose the rest of the test results on 10 other locations as soon as they are available. In the latest result, the concentration levels of cesium-135 and cesium-137 stood at 0.067-0.094 and 0.077-0.098 becquerel per liter, respectively, compared with the WHO's 10 becquerel per liter for drinking water. That of tritium, a hydrogen radioisotope, came to 6.6-7.1 becquerel per liter, the ministry said. The government plans to carry out detailed radiation tests on 92 locations and take expedited tests on 108 locations. Sunday's results are from an expedited analysis. Concerns have been deepening over the impact of the Fukushima water release on the South Korean fishing industry as people have reduced seafood consumption out of safety concerns. The concentration levels of cesium and tritium have been the most heavily debated issues. The plant's custom purification system, known as ALPS, is capable of removing all radioactive materials from the wastewater, except for tritium. In response, the government has beefed up the seafood radiation management system. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The "State Program for the Development of Social Services in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023-2026" has been approved, Trend reports. In this regard, President Ilham Aliyev signed a corresponding decree. According to the decree, guided by paragraph 3 of Article 109 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan Republic, in order to ensure the implementation of the "Strategy of Socio-economic Development of Azerbaijan Republic in 2022-2026" approved by the order of the President of Azerbaijan Republic dated July 22, 2022, number 3378, it is decided: 1. To approve the "State Program on Development of Social Services in Azerbaijan Republic for 2023-2026". 2. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Azerbaijan Republic shall: 2.1. Coordinate the implementation of measures envisaged in the State Program approved by Part 1 of this order (hereinafter referred to as the State Program); 2.2. Once a year, inform the President of the Azerbaijan Republic on the status of implementation of measures envisaged in the State Program. 3. Monitoring and assessment of the implementation of measures envisaged in the State Program shall be carried out by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications by order of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Azerbaijan Republic. 4. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic shall solve issues arising from this order. New York City subway Video capturing shocking incident spreads rapidly on social media NEW YORK: A disturbing incident unfolded aboard a New York City subway, as captured in a widely circulated video that has gained significant attention across various social media platforms. The incident occurred on the northbound F train en route to the Forest Hills 71st Avenue stop. Reports said that a passenger flew into a rage and assaulted a fellow commuter who had inadvertently fallen asleep on his shoulder. The disturbing footage, depicts the aggressor unleashing verbal abuse on a fellow passenger seated in front of him. Within moments, his anger turned towards the slumbering commuter seated beside him, leading to a heated exchange. As tensions escalated, the sleeping commuter offered a whispered response that only served to further enrage his antagonist. In a shocking display of violence, the man struck the passenger repeatedly with his elbow, rendering him momentarily unconscious. A swift reaction from a fellow passenger, a friend of the victim, followed suit as he lunged at the assailant in defense of his friend. The altercation continued for several minutes, causing other passengers to hurriedly distance themselves from the chaos. Advertisement The Altercation, which transpired at approximately 5:30 am, ended when both the victim and his ally disembarked from the train upon its entry into the tube system. This left the assailant free to continue his journey on the subway. Authorities have since identified the attacker as a key person of interest and an assault complaint has been formally lodged against him. According to the victim, a 27-year-old individual, the assailant had aggressively berated him in both Spanish and English, accusing him of using his shoulder as a cushion. Law enforcement is actively searching for the perpetrator as investigations into the incident continue. Mandeep Singh Ladi Mandeep Singh Ladi leaves behind a grieving family- a wife, and two children MILAN: The heart-wrenching news of Mandeep Singh Ladi's sudden demise has cast a pall of sorrow over the Punjabi community in Italy. The 45-year-old, who hailed from a village near Phagwara, met an untimely end due to a heart attack. Mandeep had been residing in the Tarvisio district of Italy with his family for an extended period. Last Wednesday night, tragedy struck when Mandeep Singh's wife discovered him bleeding from his nose and unconscious. The distressing situation prompted immediate action, as Mandeep was swiftly rushed to Tarvisio hospital with the aid of an ambulance. Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, Mandeep Singh could not be revived, succumbing to a fatal heart attack. Advertisement Mandeep Singh Ladi had been employed at a local factor. He leaves behind a grieving family, a wife, and two children. Known for their strong faith, the entire family practiced Amritdhari traditions. The tragic passing of Mandeep Singh has left his family in a vulnerable position. Adding to their plight, his wife battles cancer, making their circumstances even more challenging. In the face of adversity, a humble appeal has been extended to the members of the community in Italy to offer support to the bereaved family, easing their financial burden during this difficult time. Indian shares opened on a steady note Monday, mirroring firm global cues as investors factored in Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks at the Jackson Hole Symposium. The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was up 25 points at 64,912 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty index was up 17 points at 19,283. Vedanta rallied 2.4 percent after winning an arbitration against the government in a Rs. 9,500 crore case. DLF jumped nearly 2 percent on news it would launch two luxury housing projects worth Rs. 15,000 crore in Gurugram. Coffee Day Enterprises soared 4.3 percent after it won temporary relief against bankruptcy proceedings initiated by IndusInd Bank. Bharat Electronics climbed 2.1 percent after an announcement that it secured new defense and non-defense orders worth Rs 3,289 crore during July and August 2023. Larsen &Toubro rose about 1 percent after setting September 12 as the record data for a share buyback. Reliance Industries edged up slightly ahead of its AGM today. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Valneva SE (VALN) reported positive initial Phase 3 safety data in adolescents for its single-dose chikungunya virus vaccine candidate VLA1553. The company said the initial safety data generated in the trial VLA1553-321 showed that VLA1553 was generally safe and well tolerated in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, regardless of previous CHIKV infection. Juan Carlos Jaramillo, Chief Medical Officer of Valneva, said, "These new safety data in a younger population and in individuals previously infected with the chikungunya virus confirm the safety profile we previously observed in adults and the elderly." Valneva expects immunogenicity data for the trial in November 2023. The company anticipates present safety analysis to enable regulatory submission to the European Medicines Agency later in the current year. The trial is expected to support licensure of the vaccine in Brazil. A BLA for VLA1553 is currently under priority review by the U.S. FDA with a PDUFA action date planned for end of November 2023. For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Sandoz a unit of biopharmaceutical major Novartis AG (NVS) said on Monday that it has completed acquiring the worldwide brand rights of the antifungal agent Mycamine from Astellas Pharma Inc. (ALPMY), a Japanese pharmaceutical company. With this acquisition Sandoz hopes to reinforces its global hospital offering and leading anti-infectives portfolio. For the year ending March 2023, Astellas had reported Mycamine sales worth $105 million. The antifungal agent has a patient base over two million. According to the company, it is a therapy of choice in hospitals and intensive care units worldwide. It is a proven prophylactic in hematology and oncology patients and is widely used in organ transplants. It is also used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and esophageal candidiasis and is a preventive treatment for candida and aspergillus infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. On Friday, shares of Novartis closed at $101.78 up 0.93% on the New York Stock exchange and shares of Astellas closed at 2200 yen up 0.94% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange today. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Joint military exercises between Armenia and Iran threaten the security of the region, the Israeli news portal Israel Defense said in an article, Trend reports. "An agreement on military cooperation has been signed between the two countries, and joint military maneuvers are being held. The statements of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahiyan that "Armenia's security is also Iran's security" also raise concern," said the article. In addition, the authors also mention cases of missile supplies from Iran to Russia through Armenia, as well as recent arms supplies from India directly to Yerevan. "India sells weapons to Armenia, and Israel expresses concern that such weapons are transported to Iran, and from there, possibly, to Syria," said the article. At the same time, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel continues in various spheres for the benefit of the region. For example, when Azerbaijan successfully exports its energy resources to Israel, the countries cooperate in the fields of cybersecurity, business, trade, and culture. Tara Monsod, executive chef at Animae, San Diego Theres something happening at Animae, something you notice before you take your first bite of food. Its in the servers voice as they greet you, in the way the bussers reset the tables and how the staff talks to each-other in passing: these people are proud to work here. Its rare that an entire staff can click together with such enthusiasm, and were hardly the first to notice that it all started right around when Tara Monsod was promoted to executive chef.In a world of planetary egos and volcanic tempers, chef Tara is a welcome reprieve. Shes a huge talent achieving great things, but barely able to get a sentence out without crediting her mentors, or a member of her staff. She has slowly infused Animae with Filipino flavors and dishes, integrating them into the downtown Asian steakhouse.Chef Tara and her team will be among the more than 80 food and drink makers participating in this years inaugural Del Mar Wine + Food Festival (Sept. 6-11). But before the two-day Grand Tasting event where attendees can try her fare firsthand, we caught up with her to talk about leadership, San Diego food, and why its hard to recommend just one Filipino spot. How do you think about being a leader, and do you do anything specifically to unite front of house and back of house? I think naturally, Ive always been kind of a leader, because I work beside my people. I dont walk in like, Im the chef and you have to do these things, you know what I mean?When it comes down to it, me and some of the other chefs I grew up with at Tender Greens have a saying, Its never above, never below, but always beside each other. I think if you lead with that kind of mentality, and you show that you are willing to put in the work with them, I think people respect that.I learned a lot of leadership skills through different jobs. I learned how to motivate people from chef [Anthony] Sinsay. He was my mentor. I learned vulnerability as a chef through him. And I learned other things from other chefs that Ive been around. I learned at Tender Greens how to talk to your people, how to motivate somebody who isnt a cook.And then Anthony Wells at Juniper & Ivy, I learned a lot about cooking from him, and learned how he talks to his people, and how humble he is. If youre smart, you pay attention to the people that youve worked for, and you just pick up what you like. Like most chefs, you talked about being inspired by the dishes from your upbringing. I wont ask you what the best Filipino food in town is, but is there one where the dishes kind of feel like home? I go to certain places for certain things. Titas Kitchenette has become a staple. But I think theres a lot of smaller places, they call them point point places, that deserve a lot of love. A lot of them are kind of the same in the dishes they serve, but everybody has their own little touches on it.Some do one of their dishes better than others. Like if I want Babingka, which is like a mochi bread, I go to Manilla Sunset. But for me, I dont have one specific one. Theres nothing like your mom or dads home cooking, you know? Does San Diego have a style of food? Is San Diego cuisine a coherent idea? Thats a loaded question. Do we have a certain kind of style? Im not really sure, to be honest with you. Every chef has their own style. But still I think yeah? I think here we really, really get to focus a lot on our fruits and vegetables. I feel like its a luxury a lot of other places dont get. The access to local seafood is wonderful. The access to local produce is wonderful. I think San Diego chefs who are doing things right now are very good at featuring local ingredients, and really showing local [purveyors] a lot of love. The chefs that I admire, like Anthony [Wells], are great at this.Whats the last meal or dish you had in town that just knocked you over, that you thought was amazing?I call them fuck me up moments. Id say The porchetta and broccoli rabe sandwich that the guys from Bica did for a pop up. I worked with Charlie [Knowles] and Manny [da Luz] at Tender Greens. Theyre family. And they make an awesome porchetta sandwich. Its going to be on the menu in their next project coming soon, at Butchers Plate, in National City Food Hall. Ok, a few rapid fires: Do you have a favorite pizza place in San Diego? Tribute Pizza. Taco Shop? Tacos El Gordo. Do you have a favorite date-night spot? Wolf in the Woods. Favorite place to split a bottle of wine? Can I say Wolf in the Woods again? Theyre a wine bar, right? Okay, if not: Mabels Gone Fishing. Favorite cocktail bar? Its hard. So many have just opened up too. Ill say The Lions Share. Plus its close to work. Yeah, Its always a go-to place. What are you doing for the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival? Im doing the afterparty at the Pendry. Richard Blais party. Im doing a Hamachi Crudo my sous chef and I collaborated on. I like featuring her stuff because I think she deserves the credit. Her name is Chianne Mallari. I like to let them express themselves and I challenge them to try to create things, even if its a simple crudo, and she did a really good job on this one. Im really proud of her. Ive been trying to feature her dish while the melons are in season, so its hamachi crudo with a yuzu mint vinaigrette, with yuzu kosho and local melon. Fresh and juicy. Is there anything else that youre excited for for the festival? Im just excited to see what its like! Its the first one. Im honored to be invited. Its always nice for you to see your peers, everybodys just so busy doing their own thing individually, so whenever people of this caliber gather in one place, its really nice to see everybody. I like the San Diego camaraderie. Its what I look forward to, and just to see what people are excited about, and have good conversations about food and, you know, what we love. Its the people. Its the people Im most excited about. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The Western Azerbaijan Community condemns the unfair statement of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, of August 28, 2023, Trend reports. "First of all, we would like to emphasize that there is no territorial unit called "Nagorno-Karabakh" on the territory of Azerbaijan. The fact that some still show disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan after Armenia, at least in words, recognized Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory raises a number of questions. We urge the Commissioner to use the expression "Karabakh region of Azerbaijan" in the future. After joining the Council of Europe in 2001, Azerbaijan constantly raised the topic of the consequences of the Armenian occupation related to the humanitarian sphere and human rights in this organization, but every time it received standard, unacceptable answers such as: "We are not a political organization; we do not interfere in such issues". Why is it that now, after Azerbaijan has liberated its territories, the same organization and the same officials take a completely different position? Why has Dunja Mijatovic, who has been Commissioner since 2018, never once expressed concern about the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, ethnic cleansing, or the expulsion of a million Azerbaijanis? Mass graves are being discovered one after another in the liberated territories. Recently, the remains of several Azerbaijani servicemen, discovered in mass graves and identified after 30 years, were consigned to the earth. Mass graves as a concept imply a gross violation of human rights. Why do you not express concern about this? August 30 is the International Day of Missing Persons. Maybe you should call on Armenia to hand over the coordinates of mass graves to Azerbaijan? More than 300 Azerbaijanis have been killed or harmed by Armenia's mine terror since 2020. When will you, as Commissioner, express your attitude to this? The Western Azerbaijan community calls on the Commissioner not to be hostage to double standards and to defend its independence," the statement reads. Jerome Elbacha, 11, center, with his brother, Joseph, left, and mother, Ralda Rizke, is the honoree of this years Finish Melissas Walk event at Madison Middle School in Oceanside. Jerome has leukemia and the event raises money and donors for the national bone marrow registry. Two years ago, 14-year-old Melissa Lopez of Vista died from leukemia just a few days before she could fulfill her dream of walking at her eighth-grade promotion ceremony. This month, students from both Madison and adjacent Lake Elementary School in Oceanside will honor Melissas memory and help other children battling the disease at the second annual Finish Melissas Walk event. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, Madison will host a fundraiser for Be the Match, the national bone marrow registry. The event at 4930 Lake Blvd. in Oceanside, will include a walk-athon that will raise donations for research and testing, as well as a registry drive to collect new donors. There will also be music, a photo booth for participants, prizes and games for children. Advertisement Last year, Melissas family members were the guests of honor at the inaugural event. This year, organizers are honoring another student who, like Melissa, has leukemia. Jerome Elbacha, 11, is a fifth-grader at Lake Elementary. His older brother, Joseph, is an eighth-grader at Madison. Carole Levin, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Madison, said that while last years event was a solemn memorial for Melissa, this years event will be more celebratory. Melissa was never able to find a match for a transplant, but Jerome did get a match and he is now nearly two months into his transplant recovery. Finish Melissas Walk What: Walk-athon and registry drive to benefit Be the Match, the national bone marrow registry. Events will include music, childrens games and prizes for walkers When: 3:30-5:30 p.m. March 21 Where: Madison Middle School, 4930 Lake Blvd., Oceanside Admission: Free Register to walk online: bethematchfoundation.org This year we hope to get 100 to 150 people to participate and we want to celebrate that were bringing two schools together as one, Levin said. The most important thing for us is to draw awareness to the need for more people to register. Jerome lives in Vistas Shadowridge area with his 13-year-old brother Joseph and his mother, Ralda Rizke. The family moved to the U.S. from Damascus four years ago as the war in Syria intensified. A year later, Jerome was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He underwent six months of chemotherapy, then relapsed after 18 months of remission. Rizke said her family organized two marrow registry drives last year, but an exact match couldnt be found for Jerome. Instead, he was able to receive a stem cell transplant from donated umbilical cord blood in December. To prepare for the transplant, Rizke said all of her sons bone marrow had to be killed off last fall during four months of chemo. The treatment depleted his immune system so he hasnt been able to attend school at Lake this academic year. Although the transplant appears to have been a success, hes still taking 21 medications a day, has an IV line in his chest and struggles with painful side effects. One day he can walk outside and the next he cant go to the bathroom for himself, said Rizke, his full-time caregiver. But my son is a very uplifted child. Hes strong from the inside. Sometimes he stands at the window and watches his friends playing outside and he cant join them, which is heartbreaking. But he knows what hes doing is for his own safety. Because Jerome cant be around other children for another eight weeks, he wont be able to take part in Finish Melissas Walk. But his brother may walk to represent the family. Shelley Baker, a senior community engagement officer for Be the Match, said events like Finish Melissas Walk are vitally important to not only expanding the registry but also getting the correct information into peoples hands. There are 13.5 million registered members of Be the Match in the United States. The registry is the only hope of a cure for 14,000 patients each year who dont have a match within their own family. The greatest need for new registry members is among blacks and Latinos, who are sharply under-represented in the registry. The registry process is simple and free. Participants must be 18 to 44 years of age to sign up. It involves filling out paperwork and a painless cheek swab. Four months after registering, the member may be called on to donate. This involves further tests, and if a match is confirmed, a procedure is required that either involves a blood donation or the removal of marrow cells from the pelvic bone. While its easy to sign up, Levin said its important for participants to think through the decision thoroughly. Sometimes people will get the call and change their mind about going through with it, she said. Thats a waste of time and emotions for the patient and their family. Baker said the fact that the Madison and Lake community are carrying on Melissas fight, nearly two years after her death in May 2015, says a lot about what she meant to her teachers and fellow students. A lot of people dont know about the need until it touches their family or a friend in some way, Baker said. Its because of events like this that people who werent aware before may be encouraged to take that first step. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com The Azimuth music festival is returning to Saudi Arabia in September, bringing some of the region's top talents along with international artists to the incredible desert landscape of AlUla. The festival presents a celebration of East and West through music, art and experience. Read More: Azimuth Festival Returns to AlUla in September Here is everything you should know about AlUla's Azimuth 2023: When is Azimuth 2023 happening? The two-day music festival usually takes place over the Saudi National Day weekend in September. It's taking place from Thursday, September 21st, to Friday, September 22nd, 2023. Who is playing in Azimuth 2023? The confirmed international and regional artists for Azimuth 2023 include: Jorja Smith Shkoon Live Thievery Corporation Ame & Dixon Tinariwen Saint Levant Chet Faker Dope Lemon Sokkary Nomad Cosmicat Ry X Dorar Bluepaper B10 Jeme Daneel Anmarz Baloo Vinyl Mode Dish Dash NarKBeat Kayan Majid Husa & Zeyada The lineup of 25 acts for the 2023 edition of Azimuth will transport music lovers in AlUla with electrifying live music and dance, surrounded by majestic monuments and desert landscapes, so prepare to look forward to notable acts from local music names, renowned regional artists, DJs, and plenty of art activations! The festival showcases performances across a range of musical genres from electric techno beats, top-chart hits, and R&B. Tickets prices You can get a single day pass for Day 1 or Day 2 starting at SAR 665 for early birds or you can get a weekend pass to both days of Azimuth 2023 starting at SAR 1190. Azimuth highlights One of the highlights of the Azimuth Festival has always been the remarkable sunset and sunrise sets. The 2022 edition of Azimuth revolved around its sunrise and sunset events, which provided some dazzling moments for festivalgoers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The delegation led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Metin Gurak, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, visited the graves of the National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor, as well as the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) and Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery, Trend reports. The guests laid flowers and honored their blessed memory. A solemn welcoming ceremony was held at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, and the Chiefs of the General Staff of both countries passed along the guard of honor. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye accompanied by the military orchestra were performed. In accordance with the protocol, Army General Metin Gurak signed the Book of Honor. Then the First Deputy Minister of Defense Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart. Welcoming the guests, Colonel General K. Valiyev congratulated Army General M.Gurak on his appointment to the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces and expressed his satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. Colonel General K. Valiyev expressed his condolences to his Turkish colleague regarding the glorious Turkish Army`s serviceman becoming a Shehid in the region where Pence-Kilit (Claw-Lock) counter-terrorism operations were conducted. It was especially emphasized that the bilateral and multinational exercises conducted jointly with the fraternal country have a positive effect on raising the professional level of military personnel. Army General Metin Gurak thanked for cordial meeting, expressed his satisfaction with his first official visit to Azerbaijan as the Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. Army General M. Gurak noted the importance of the joint events planned to be held in 2024 with the participation of Azerbaijani and Turkish servicemen. The meeting discussed the results of the work carried out in the direction of further expansion of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, and other fields, as well as as the importance of implementing these activities more intensively. The parties exchanged detailed views on a number of other issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. On August 28, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with the delegation led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkiye, Army General Metin Gurak, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. Welcoming the guests, the Defense Minister congratulated Army General M. Gurak on his appointment to the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces. Colonel General Zakir Hasanov expressed his condolences to the Turkish side regarding the glorious Turkish Army`s serviceman becoming a shehid in the region where "Pence-Kilit" (Claw-Lock) counter-terrorism operations were conducted. The minister spoke about the successful work aimed at adapting the Azerbaijan Army to the Turkish model. Under the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and expressed gratitude to the fraternal country for the provided support. It was noted that Azerbaijani-Turkish ties are based on allied relations according to the Shusha Declaration, and consistent measures are taken in the field of army building as an integral part of it. The minister noted that the sincere relations between both heads of state play an invaluable role in achieving a high level of cooperation between the two countries. Expressing gratitude for the hospitality, Army General M. Gurak stressed that military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye is constantly developing. He noted that mutual military cooperation further strengthens unity and opens up new opportunities for the two countries in the future. The existence of unshakable friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye throughout history was noted, as was confidence that they will be further strengthened in the future. The meeting also discussed the prospects for the development of military cooperation between the armies of the two fraternal countries and a number of issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. In order to continue its insidious policy, the Armenian side is once again spreading false and deceitful statements by distorting information about the situation in the region, Spokesman for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada said, Trend reports. He commented on the statement of the Armenian Foreign Ministry on August 28. "Dissemination of allegations about kidnapping of three Armenian citizens, who were detained at the Lachin border checkpoint on August 28, following a criminal case opened in line with Azerbaijani legislation for incitement of ethnic and racial enmity, as well as insulting the national flag of Azerbaijan, along with questioning the legitimacy by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia of the checkpoint established on the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, demonstrates that Armenia does not respect its international obligations. With this, we would like to remind the Armenian side, which claims that Azerbaijan violated the decisions of the International Court of Justice, that there is a courts decision to prevent acts of hatred on ethnic and racial grounds, and instead of preventing these acts, Armenia delivers statements against Azerbaijan, which counters such acts. Notwithstanding the secession of the criminal prosecution by Azerbaijan against the mentioned three persons based on the principle of humanism, and taking into account their age, and expressed regret sincerely admitting their actions, the fact that the Armenian side is trying to cover up the committed crimes and accusing Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing indicates the true intention of this country. It is impossible to find more absurd idea than accusation against Azerbaijan in aggression by Armenia, which occupied the territories of Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years, expelled Azerbaijanis from these territories and from the territory of present-day Armenia, carried out ethnic cleansing, and currently does not fully withdraw its armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan, contrary to all its obligations, while encouraging separatism. We once again would like to remind the Armenian side that its policy of aggression promoted in the region will not have any practical results, and it would be more useful for Armenia to support Azerbaijan's initiatives to establish peace," he said. Jamie Reedy and Jordan Mazza from Amsive Digital stopped by to chat about SEO and all things search. Jamie is a Senior SEO Specialist and Jordan is an SEO and Communications Specialist at the company, Jordan used to be a TV news reporter (the guys you see on TV reporting on hurricanes and other events). We spoke about how they both got into SEO and what they do in SEO today while at Amsive Digital. E-Commerce SEO: We then dove into e-commerce SEO. Jamie explained a lot of the strategy is around making sure your products show up where people are searching for them. This comes across both technical SEO and also Merchant Center and other methods. We then touched on social ads and social commerce, which I downplayed a bit. The Google search results interface has changed a lot over the past few years around e-commerce, between the filters, carousels, and other search features - and these are opportunities. Jamie said how these experiences help improve the users' affinity with the brand. Jamie then spoke about the usability site of e-commerce, not just the user interface but the reviews on those products on the page. You can learn more about Jamie Reedy on LinkedIn and Jordan Mazza on LinkedIn or on Twitter @JordanMazzaTV. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking here so you don't miss the next vlog where I interviews. I do have a nice lineup of interviews scheduled with SEOs and SEMS, many of which you don't want to miss - and I promise to continue to make these vlogs better over time. If you want to be interviewed, please fill out this form with your details. Forum discussion at YouTube. Darshan Bathija founded Vauld, a Singapore-based crypto exchange that has been in ongoing bankruptcy proceedings since last year. has received permission from the courts to restructure its board and appoint a new CEO. The beleaguered crypto-lending will appoint a new CEO, a creditor representative, and a scheme manager, Bathija posted on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, the Singaporean courts have approved Vaulds proposed restructuring plan. The new top management will lead the companys bailout process. Vauld (Defi Payments Pte Ltd) got its scheme of arrangement passed in Singapore courts. As part of the scheme, the current board will be replaced with a new CEO, a creditor representative, and a scheme manager, Bathija posted. Customers are currently re-submitting their KYC information. More updates to follow in short order, he added. In August 2022, Indian law enforcement agencies seized Vauld's bank assets worth Rs 370 crore over its "predatory lending practices. The ED conducted searches at various premises of Yellow Tune Technologies Pvt Ltd in Bengaluru and froze assets belonging to Flipvolt crypto exchange, which runs the Vauld in the country. The company, like several other players offering crypto services in India, had received a summons from the ED office "seeking certain information/documents." We, like several other players offering crypto services in India, had received a summons from the Enforcement Directorate, Hyderabad, India, in the month of July 2022, seeking certain information/documents. In due compliance with the summons, we fully cooperated with the Enforcement Directorate and provided all the required information/documents, Vauld had said in a statement. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The construction of the Aghdam-Fuzuli highway, the foundation of which was laid during the trip of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to Fuzuli district on October 17, 2021, continues at an accelerated pace, the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads told Trend. "This road is one of the projects being implemented on the territory of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic districts and will play an important role in the socio-economic development of the districts and villages liberated from occupation," said the agency. According to the agency, the length of the road with four lanes is 64.8 km, the width of the carriageway is 15 meters, the width of the roadsides is 3.75 meters in each direction, the width of the dividing strip is four meters, and the width of the roadway is 26.5 meters. At present, work is continuing on the road to remove unsuitable soil, widen the road surface, construct a new roadbed and road base, a 380-meter-long retaining wall, construct culverts of various sizes, water drains, and reserve crossings for underground and communication lines. On the 032.4 km section of the road, the project has completed the construction of nine reserve crossings and 17 culverts. In addition, vegetation removal work was 68 percent complete, drilling work was 61 percent complete, and roadbed construction was 32 percent complete. Also completed were eight rectangular and 17 round water pipes, one traffic crossing, and one pedestrian crossing. Construction work is continuing on three bridges and other areas. The physical progress on this section (032.4 km) of the road is 16 percent. At 3264 km of the road section, excavation works have been completed, and now works on leveling and construction of the bottom layer of the road base are underway. In this part, 4 crossings, 11 communication pipes, and 25 culverts of various diameters have been constructed. The construction of bridge piers on this section is nearing completion. Earthworks on the mentioned section are 56 percent complete, construction of artificial structures is 50 percent complete, and the roadbed is 11 percent complete. In general, the construction work has been completed by 22 percent. Construction of five highway bridges is underway on the projected sections of 1, 6, 12, 37, and 63 km of the road. The construction of piles and piers continues on the bridges. Construction works are carried out in accordance with the requirements of "Construction norms and rules". The necessary number of forces have been attracted to the territory to complete the construction in accordance with the schedule. The Aghdam-Fuzuli-Fuzuliy, which is a continuation of the Barda-Aghdam highway, passes through the territory of Aghdam, Agjabadi, and Fuzuli districts. The construction of the road will provide comfortable movement from Barda to Aghdam and Fuzuli, as well as in the opposite direction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 104th 'Mann Ki Baat' address, felicitated the country for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Addressing the people of the country as family members, PM Modi said that Mission Chandrayaan has become a symbol of the spirit of New India, which wants to achieve victory and knows how to win in any situation. Making a special mention of women scientists involved in the mission, Modi asserted that the lunar program was also a living example of women's power. "Where the might of women's power is added, the impossible can also be made possible. India's Mission Chandrayaan is also a living example of women's power. Many women scientists and engineers have been directly involved in this entire mission. They have handled many important responsibilities like project director and project manager of different systems. The daughters of India are now challenging even the space, which is considered infinite. When the daughters of a country become so ambitious, who can stop that country from becoming developed," Modi said. He also recited lines from a poem written by him with the underlying message that the "sun has just risen." Modi said on August 23, India's Chandrayaan-3 proved that some "suns of resolve rise on the moon as well." Talking about the upcoming G20 summit, PM Modi said that India's G20 presidency is a people's presidency. "Our presidency of G20 is a people's presidency, in which the spirit of public participation is at the forefront. Among the eleven engagement groups of G20, academia, civil society, youth, women, our parliamentarians, entrepreneurs and people associated with urban administration played an important role. In one way or the other, more than 1.5 crore people are associated with the events being organized across the country regarding this. In this effort of ours for public participation, not just one, but two world records have also been created," he said. According to fintech expert Michael Zetser, PayPals launch of a dollar-backed stablecoin is big news for payments and transfers. On August 7, the payment giant announced that it would be launching a stablecoin backed by the US dollar. This officially makes it the first major tech firm to start using digital currencies for the purpose of payments and transfers. This begs the question: what are stablecoins? These are cryptocurrency tokens and their monetary value is based on a stable asset like a fiat currency. This makes a stablecoin very different from regular cryptocurrencies, which are subject to trends of significant volatility. Although stablecoins have existed for quite a long time, they still havent made their way into the mainstream ecosystem of consumer payments. PayPals Share Price Increases After Announcement After PayPal made the announcement, its shares went up by a whopping 2.5 percent during afternoon trading hours. Michael Zetser explains that this sudden increase shows a rise in confidence in the crypto industry. Over the last year, investors have struggled with major regulatory changes and crackdowns. To make matters worse, these were exacerbated by the collapse of many major crypto exchanges and lenders. While many major and mainstream companies have attempted to roll out their own stablecoins in the past, they were met with fierce opposition from government policy makers and financial regulators. Back in 2019, Meta, then known as Facebook, had planned to launch a stablecoin, Libra, but they were held back after regulators said that it could potentially have a negative impact on global financial stability. Governments Roll Out Stablecoin Regulations In the past few years, Michael Zetser has kept up with numerous economies that have rolled out their own rules to control stablecoins. By June 2024, the EUs policies on stablecoins will come into effect. Back in July, the US House Financial Services Committee pushed a bill that would set up a regulatory system for stablecoins. The purpose of such a framework is that it will focus on the registration and approval process for companies that issue stablecoins. PayPals latest stablecoin, called PayPal USD, is pegged to US dollar deposits and is backed by short- term US treasuries. They will be issued by Paxos Trust Co. and, over time, will be accessible to PayPal users in the US. Fintech entrepreneur Michael Zetser explains that PayPals brand name backing the stablecoin makes the launch seem like a big deal. However, the payments company has been involved with cryptocurrencies in the past, so it shouldnt come as a surprise. In 2021, VISA mentioned that it would allow the use of crypto tokens so users can settle transactions through its payment network. What Does a PayPal Stablecoin Mean? With the recent announcement of PayPals stablecoin, it raises the question as to what it can mean for customers. According to Michael Zetser, it means that the token can be redeemed for 1:1 USD. In his opinion, regulated and fully-backed stablecoins can enhance payments through Web3 and other digital environments. Once PayPal users purchase the stablecoin, he expects that theyll be able to make transfers, pay for other purchases, send PayPal USD to other people, and convert supported cryptocurrencies into PayPal USD. Further Clarification For Banks Issuing Stablecoins Despite the current launch of PayPal USD, there are still regulations in place to control dollar-backed crypto- currencies. According to the central bank, member state banks will need to obtain a written supervisory nonobjection from the Federal Reserve before they issue, hold, or transact in any dollar tokens for facilitating payments like stablecoins. In its recent supervisory letter, the Federal Reserve also stated that its developing a new supervisory program to monitor crypto-related activities of banks under its supervision. This also includes activities regarding tech-based nonbank partnerships and integration of blockchain technology. The aim of doing so is to enhance the current supervisory process and improve the oversight of tech- based activities. Will PayPals Stablecoin Really Be Decentralized? Michael Zetser expected the recent launch of PayPals stablecoin to be met with criticism from the Web3 community. Specifically, theyve raised concerns that, at its core, the stablecoin is a centralized digital asset. Thats because its operated by PayPal, one of the biggest regulated payments companies in the world. Consequently, it implies that a holders PayPal USD tokens can be frozen and seized, just like their bank account. He also notes that PayPal USD addresses can be blocked and unblocked by an operator, and other stablecoins like Tether and USDC have similar features. But this doesnt come as a surprise, he says. US regulators wouldnt allow a stablecoin with placing a centralized issuing entity. And even with features like freezing and blocking accounts, its a win for the crypto industry. That's because it increases the rate of adoption among consumers. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus (COVID-19) evolved three times faster in white-tailed deer compared to the rate observed in people, a study found, raising concerns the species could serve as a reservoir for the virus to mutate. The findings, published Monday in the journal Nature Communications, adds to a growing body of evidence that shows the coronavirus has spread widely among deer, likely after spreading from human hosts. The Ohio State University researchers collected 1,522 nasal samples from deer across Ohio between November 2021 and March 2022 and discovered more than 10% of the swabs tested positive for the coronavirus. At least 30 of those infections were introduced by humans, the scientists said. We generally talk about interspecies transmission as a rare event, but this wasnt a huge sampling, and were able to document 30 spillovers, Andrew Bowman, an associate professor of veterinary preventative medicine at The Ohio State University and a co-author of the study, said in a release. It seems to be moving between people and animals quite easily. Just under 25% of tested deer had viral antibodies, indicating they experienced a previous infection. That figure closely aligns with prior surveys that found around one third of deer, including some on Staten Island, have been infected with the coronavirus. Samples of deer in both urban and rural parts of Ohio returned positive results, said Bowman. Nearly 60% of the states counties had confirmed cases in white-tailed deer. The latest study primarily assessed the highly-contagious delta variant, which dominated United States cases in the fall of 2021, and the alpha variant that circulated earlier that year. A genetic analysis uncovered tell-tale signs in the variants composition in deer matched dominant strains spreading among people at the time, signaling the virus spilled over, likely in both directions. Bowman said the evidence is growing that humans can get it from deer which isnt radically surprising. Its probably not a one-way pipeline. While there is no current indication deer play a significant role in spreading the coronavirus to humans, experts have pinpointed numerous instances when the coronavirus appeared to have spread back into the human population after a person had close contact with a white-tailed deer. Theres probably a timing component to what we found we were near the end of a delta peak in humans, and then we see a lot of delta in deer, Bowman said. But we were well past the last alpha detection in humans. So the idea that deer are holding onto lineages that have since gone extinct in humans is something we were worried about. Study of the mutations found in the samples provided evidence of more rapid evolution of both alpha and delta variants in deer compared to humans. Not only are deer getting infected with and maintaining SARS-CoV-2, but the rate of change is accelerated in deer potentially away from what has infected humans, Bowman said. In the event the virus spills back over into people, the researchers said vaccination is likely to prevent severe disease. A follow-up analysis of the deer variants on Siberian hamsters showed vaccinated hamsters did not get as sick as their unvaccinated counterparts. The long-term effects of accelerated mutation rates in deer are not clear, said the study authors; however, they noted the coronavirus has transmitted among white-tailed deer for a relatively short period of time. The risk of future changes may have serious consequences for humans and livestock, the study authors wrote. In the meantime, Bowman said experts need to be wary about continued mutations. Having that animal host in play creates things we need to watch out for, he said. If this trajectory continues for years and we have a virus that becomes deer-adapted, then does that become the pathway into other animal hosts, wildlife or domestic? We just dont know. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City has released an action plan to help support families in the event of a school bus strike ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David C. Banks created the plan to assist families if there is a strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1181, which represents about half the bus drivers and attendants who serve city public school students. Ensuring our students can continue to go to school and learn every day is our top priority. We have a plan in place to help ensure that, even if a strike by school bus drivers does occur this fall, parents will still be able to get their kids to school with minimal interruptions, said Adams. The potential strike could affect approximately 4,400 routes across all five boroughs potentially impacting 80,000 students, of which 25,000 are special education students, according to the city. Officials said the top priority is ensuring that every student, especially the most vulnerable, can continue to attend school without interruption. Banks said the city is pushing for a resolution before the start of the school year. Make no mistake, this is a labor dispute that will have deep implications for some of our most vulnerable student populations and their families, said Banks. The city has consistently demonstrated good faith in its negotiations with union partners, such as the UFT and DC37. We anticipate and hope for a similar constructive approach with our bus companies and their employees. Adams said the city has outlined several contingency plans as a precaution in the event of a school bus strike. There will be several alternative transportation options for families, according to the city Department of Education (DOE). All impacted students and families will be eligible to receive emergency MetroCards valid on MTA buses and subways (excluding express bus service) that will provide a total of four trips and transfers daily from Monday through Friday between 5:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Some impacted families will be eligible for additional services, including: Reimbursement for alternative transportation The DOE is establishing a reimbursement system for families who must resort to taxis, rideshares, or personal vehicles due to the strike. A reimbursement rate of 58 cents per mile has been set, with a maximum reimbursement of $200 ($100 each way) per day. Rideshare for affected students and families Currently, the DOE is planning to provide rideshare to some impacted families. Students using the rideshare option would need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additionally, parents or guardians can use the service to travel to work or a destination of choice within the five boroughs and be picked up from that location in the afternoon in order to pick up a child from school. Other transportation options continue to be explored. The DOE said it will frequently update families of developments and available alternatives if a strike is called. The city said it remains hopeful a resolution can be reached. For further information or inquiries, contact the city DOEs transportation Customer Service Unit at 718-392-8855. The last time there was a school bus strike was in January 2013, when workers demanded better job security. At the time, dozens of school bus drivers and matrons, who were members of Local 1181, walked the picket line outside the Pioneer Bus yard on Arthur Kill Road in Rossville. Inside the lot, more than 380 yellow buses sat idle. That walkout in 2013 lasted more than four weeks. School Zone: An education newsletter with the updates you need throughout the school year and beyond. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. The divorce of actress Halle Berry from actor Olivier Martinez has been finalized, per PEOPLE. The couple shares a son, Maceo, 9. The Oscar winner and Martinez initially filed for divorce in October 2015 after two years of marriage. The ruling grants joint legal custody of Maceo, for whom Berry will pay Martinez $8,000 a month in child support. In addition, the Monsters Ball actress will pay her ex 4.3% of any income she receives above $2,000,000 in additional support. As part of the divorce, Berry will also foot the bill of her sons private school, uniforms and school supplies, as well as any extracurricular activities, paying back Martinez back for these costs from the 2023-2024 academic year. Halle Berry arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP The couple released a statement to PEOPLE about their divorce in 2020, saying, It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce. We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus of what is best for our son. We wish each other nothing but happiness in life and we hope that you respect our and, most importantly, our childrens privacy as we go through this difficult period. Halle Berry has been a mom since 2008. She has a daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry, with her ex Gabriel Aubry in March 2008. Berrys son, Maceo-Robert Martinez, whom she shares with now ex-husband Martinez, was born five years later. MORE ON SILIVE STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Borough President Vito J. Fossella recently announced that his office will allocate $45,000 in discretionary funding to the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp; a move that will take care of the transportation costs for the campers. Sunrise Day Camp is a full-summer day camp in which children with cancer and their siblings can enjoy summers full of fun, completely free of charge. The camp, which is administered by the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, is the first of its kind in New York City and located at Staten Island Academy. For a few precious moments, kids battling cancer can just be kids and enjoy the simple pleasures of camp, Fossella said. Just as importantly, their siblings get to go. Maybe, theyre not the individuals with the disease or illnesses, but they are suffering, too. It also makes an important difference in the lives of their biggest cheerleaders and best friends -- their parents. There is a fear of allowing your sick child to go to camp and then there is that moment when you can finally have the freedom to say, its going to be OK. We are very humbled to be able to support Sunrise Day Camp because it is life-changing in so many ways. - Borough President Vito Fossella (center) discusses the allocations as Jay Chazanoff (left) and Melisa Kolenovic (right), the mother of one of the campers listen. (Courtesy of the Office of the Staten Island Borough President's Office) The Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp serves over 140 children each year, providing them with a variety of activities such as sports, music, swimming, and more. We are so grateful to Borough President Vito Fossella for allocating this crucial funding that has helped us provide camp services to families of children with cancer, JCC Chief Executive Officer Orit Lender said. It is thanks to our supporters, like Borough President Fossella, that we can bring joy and fun back into these childrens lives. We get to see the impact of this funding all summer when we see the big smiles on our campers faces. We are so grateful for the support of elected officials in our community, as well as individual donors and sponsors who make sure we can support our campers and their families every year. - Borough President Vito Fossella talks to a Sunrise Day Camp camper. (Courtesy of the Office of the Staten Island Borough President's Office) When our lives were turned upside down by the devastating news of my son Orsons diagnosis, we entered a world of uncertainty, fear, and unimaginable challenges, Melisa Kolenovic, a parent, said. But in the midst of this darkness, glimmers of light emerged - one of them was Sunrise. At Sunrise, our children find solace in knowing they are not alone in their fight. And this camp is more than just a retreat for our children, its a lifeline for families like ours. Sunrise not only provides respite for our children but also grants us a much-needed break from the constant worry and stress that cancer has brought into our lives. We can let go of our anxieties and trust that our children are in the hands of people who understand how dark it can get through this struggle. Its an opportunity for us to recharge our spirits and find the strength to continue fighting alongside our brave little warriors. Sunrise is a testament to the power of compassion, love, and support. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. If you have purchased a Dole fruit cup in the last six years, you may be eligible for money from a $4.3 million class action settlement. The class action settlement resolves a lawsuit against Dole that claims the company advertised, marketed and sold the cups representing the fruit was contained in 100% fruit juice or in 100% juice, when the items contained trace amounts of ascorbic acid and/or citric acid or other ingredients (added ingredients). Dole has denied any wrongdoing and contends the fruit cups have always been appropriately marketed and labeled. Dole agreed to include explanatory language that is in the process of being added to certain fruit bowls labels, including with other natural flavors and ascorbic and citric acids, with added vitamin C and natural flavors or similar language. You may be eligible for money from this settlement if you purchased Dole brand and Dole fruit bowl products, including Cherry Mixed Fruit; Diced Apples; Diced Pears; Diced/Chunk Mango; Papaya Mango; Peach Mango; Mandarin Oranges; Mixed Fruit; Pineapple Tidbits/Slices/Chunks/Crushed; Mixed Fruit; Pineapple Paradise; Red Grapefruit Sunrise; Melon Medley; Tropical Fruit; or Diced/Sliced Peaches labeled in 100% juice or in 100% fruit juice. You must have purchased the fruit cups for personal use between Jan. 12, 2017, and June 27, 2023 in-store or online in the United States. If you have proof of purchase, you may receive a cash refund of up to $18 per household. If you dont have proof of purchase, you can receive a cash refund of up to $9 per household. The deadline to file a claim and receive a cash payout is Sept. 25. Visit https://fruitmarketingsettlement.com/submit-claim to submit a claim online. You can also choose to opt out of the settlement and receive no payment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Hundreds of people from Staten Island protested several new migrant shelters opening on the borough during a protest on Sunday outside of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayors on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Curtis Sliwa, along with scores of protestors, called once again for Mayor Eric Adams to open Gracie Mansion to asylum-seekers, rather than place them in shelters across the five boroughs. The crowd filled the sidewalks and a portion of the road in front of the building as Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder and former mayoral candidate, made remarks against the opening of new migrant shelters. Sliwa was later arrested during the event. Today, the valiant citizens of Staten Island have a 24-hour vigil outside of St. John Villa Academy for what wouldve been 300 illegals, there are now eight, said Sliwa during the protest on Sunday. And I have the feeling, just like Eric Adams recognized, he made another mistake when he sent the illegal aliens into the public schools in Coney Island and Sunset Park and he saw people of color, mothers and fathers of color, with their children, protesting outside. He understood he couldnt win that battle, and he retreated. And hes not going to win the battle of St. John Villa Academy. The New York Police Department warned protesters that if barriers set up for safety and security were tampered with or crossed over, they would be subject to arrest for obstructing governmental administration. Police officers then moved to arrest Sliwa and other civilians who moved against the barriers. The arrest was Sliwas 80th with his most recent arrest during a similar protest outside of Island Shores last week a former assisted living facility located at 1111 Father Capodanno Blvd., which will transform into a shelter for migrants in the coming months, according to local officials. Arrests were also made as the NYPD separated fights among opposing protesters, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The latest protest on Sunday comes after week-long protests and a lawsuit to shut down the former St. John Villa migrant shelter which opened on Friday. Another protest is scheduled to be held outside of the former St. John Villa on Monday evening at 6 p.m. dubbed Protest-a-Palooza which is circulating across social media. It is urging residents to join the event to Say No! At NYCs Biggest Block Party. ST. JOHN VILLA MIGRANT SHELTER On Friday, a judge temporarily blocked the housing of migrants at the former St. John Villa Academy, but it was overturned a few hours later after an appeal by the city. The Appellate Court removed a vacate order, which allowed 25 migrants females and adult families already moved into the shelter to stay, according to City Hall. Several Staten Island elected officials have requested the city institute a curfew at the Arrochar site. After a tour of the site on Saturday with the city Office of Emergency Management (OEM) representatives, several Staten Island elected officials have requested the agency, which oversees the site, institute a curfew like that at city homeless shelters operated by Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) said Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island). The letter is also signed by other elected officials who represent the area: State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Assemblyman Mike Tannousis (R-East Shore), Borough President Vito Fossella and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn). City Hall sources say the Adams Administration is considering the curfew, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. On Wednesday night, residents and elected officials held a massive protest against the new shelter, with more than 1,000 people flooding the streets to voice their opposition to the citys use of the site. The raucous crowd gathered along Landis Avenue outside the former school chanted about saving their children and sending the migrants back to their countries of origin. A small number of protesters who gathered during the day on Thursday quickly grew in the evening to more than 200 people, with three arrested overnight for obstructing governmental administration and trespassing after breaching the police barriers that had been set up at the location. On Staten Island, emergency shelters have been set up at several hotels and inside the former Richard H. Hungerford School on Tompkins Avenue in Clifton. Other sites around the Island have been rumored as potential migrant shelters, including a Midland Beach assisted living facility and Fort Wadsworth, both of which have been met with outcry and protests from locals and elected officials. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who shot to fame when he posed a question to then-candidate Barack Obama on the 2008 presidential campaign, has died Aug. 27, per NBC. His wife confirmed with the news outlet that he died after battling pancreatic cancer. Wurzelbacher was dubbed Joe the Plumber and rose to celebrity after posing a question to Obama about his tax policies and the potential negative impact on small businesses. He then became synonymous with everyman, which the Republican party referenced repeatedly on their presidential campaigns. Last year, Wurzelbacher was diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer, per an online fundraising campaign, which has raised $142K so far. His wife, Katie, said in a statement Monday that he fought long and hard, but is now free from pain. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, stands with Samuel "Joe The Plumber" Wurzelbacher at a rally at Mentor High School in Mentor, Ohio, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)ASSOCIATED PRESS In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Katie said, When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as Joe the Plumber but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: just Joe. He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question. My heart goes out to everyone whose lives are impacted by cancer, Katie continued. There are so many ups and downs but we tried to find joy in every day. He fought long and hard, but is now free from pain. In 2008, Republican Sen. John McCain, who was running against Obama, took Joe the Plumber with him on his campaign, with his running mate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Wurzelbacher was also referred to at the final presidential debate between McCain and Obama, with Joe the Plumber reffering to the average American. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Protests outside the former St. John Villa Academy continued Monday night, with a crowd numbering in the hundreds congregating to again call for the city to abandoned its plan to house migrants at the Arrochar site. Helicopters swirled overhead and music blared as the crowd began forming on Landis Avenue before 6 p.m. Numerous tents were set up by demonstrators, some of whom were handing out bottles of water to those gathered. A common sight the past week, many had American flags and signs and wore patriotic gear. Flyers online promoted Monday nights demonstration as Protest-a-Palooza and urged residents to say no to the migrant plan at NYCs biggest block party. Protesters gather at the migrant shelter at the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Scott Axelrod) Among the local politicians in attendance was Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), who said she was standing firm with the community and was not going to take this. Malliotakis criticized Mayor Eric Adams for his handling of the migrant crisis. This is beyond compassionate, hes out of control, she said, questioning what locations Adams would eye next for migrant shelters. Borough President Vito Fossella was among the first to address the gathering over the PA system. We are your voice, he said. We want the people in Manhattan, the people in Washington, D.C., to hear that this wont stand. Protesters gather at the migrant shelter at the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Scott Axelrod) He said the Villa site, located near several schools, is the worst place you could possibly use. Were not going to roll over and were not going to lay down, he said. Police set up barricades on the path leading up to the former school. Chants of close the border broke out. I feel sorry for [the migrants], said an Arrochar resident named Janine. They were invited here illegally and they came. We dont care if they come here legally, but we want them to be vetted. Said a man in the crowd: Ive got no problem with migrants, Ive got a problem with the fact that this was done in secrecy. A counter-protester walked among the rally with a poster bearing former President Donald Trumps mugshot. He appeared to have been escorted away by police, however, after a confrontation with some in the crowd began to escalate. The latest demonstration Monday night comes after nonstop protests and a lawsuit to shut down the migrant site at Villa which opened on Friday since the city announced last week that it would be the latest in a long line of shelters opened throughout the five boroughs. A protester holds signs outside the migrant shelter at the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Scott Axelrod) ST. JOHN VILLA MIGRANT SHELTER On Friday, a judge temporarily blocked the housing of migrants at the St. John, but it was overturned a few hours later after an appeal by the city. The Appellate Court removed a vacate order, which allowed 25 migrants females and adult families already moved into the shelter to stay, according to City Hall. Several Staten Island elected officials have requested the city institute a curfew at the Arrochar site. A woman holds a flag during a protest outside the migrant shelter at the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) After a tour of the site on Saturday with the city Office of Emergency Management (OEM) representatives, several Staten Island elected officials have requested the agency, which oversees the site, institute a curfew like those at city homeless shelters operated by Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS), said Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island). The letter is also signed by other elected officials who represent the area: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Assemblyman Mike Tannousis (R-East Shore), Fossella and Malliotakis. City Hall sources say the Adams administration is considering the curfew, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. On Wednesday night, residents and elected officials held a massive protest against the new shelter, with more than 1,000 people flooding the streets to voice their opposition to the citys use of the site. The raucous crowd gathered along Landis Avenue outside the former school, chanting about saving their children and sending the migrants back to their countries of origin. On Staten Island, emergency shelters have been set up at several hotels and inside the former Richard H. Hungerford School on Tompkins Avenue in Clifton. Other sites around the Island have been rumored as potential migrant shelters, including a Midland Beach assisted living facility and Fort Wadsworth, and both plans have been met with outcry and protests from locals and elected officials. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Azerbaijan exported 538,320 tons of crude oil and oil products to Croatia from January through July 2023, which is 3 percent of the total volume of raw materials exported from Azerbaijan, Trend reports. On a year-on-year basis, this indicator decreased by 1 percent, or 6,340 tons. The value of Azerbaijani oil and oil products exports to Croatia amounted to $306 million from January through July 2023. This is 37 percent, or $184 million, less year-on-year. Also, Azerbaijan exported about 15 million tons of oil and oil products from January through July 2023, which is 5 percent less year-on-year (16 million tons). In value terms, oil exports amounted to more than $9 billion, which is 23 percent or $2 billion less than the JanuaryJuly 2022 figure. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island real estate agency is branching out of the borough, extending its investment services to Sierra County in New Mexico. As we embark on this transformative endeavor, we pledge to work in tandem with local stakeholders, cultural custodians, and environmental experts to ensure that each venture respects and preserves the historical significance and natural land uses that make Sierra County a cherished gem, noted a press release from Tottenville-based PreReal Prendamano Real Estate, which recently launched PreReal Investments, a division that aims to support local economic growth in a small county that is more than 2,000 miles from Staten Island. With a profound appreciation for the states rich cultural heritage, history, and abundant natural resources, PreReal Investments endeavors to spearhead a venture that harmonizes economic progress with the preservation of Sierra Countys timeless allure, the press release continues. Led by James Prendamano and David Berman, who collectively have more than 50 years of real estate experience, PreReal Investments noted it has acquired all assets in its New Mexico portfolio with its own capital and zero debt financing. We have made a career out of staying ahead of the trends. We are focused on sourcing underperforming assets in emerging markets. Our experience allows us to unlock both the seen and unseen value of our real estate assets, explained Prendamano. Our new venture and website serve as a testament to our primary philosophy of transparency and accountability, offering detailed information on all investments and property offerings, said Berman. PreReal Investments is an exciting development in our companys journey highlighting our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to clients. PreReal Investments diverse portfolio of properties caters to both individual and institutional investors, the press release noted. Investment opportunities include raw land for residential and commercial construction, residential real estate from starter homes to luxury homes, commercial properties and residential and commercial rental properties. We are very bullish on New Mexico, Prendamano added. After studying the Southwest extensively, we think New Mexico is the next big opportunity for investors with lots of parcels available at low entry points. PreReal Investments offers a wide range of options that promise long-term stability and financial growth. Berman added: Our teams comprehensive expertise makes PreReal Investments the ideal partner for both commercial and residential investors looking to maximize returns and achieve long-term growth. We strongly believe our expansion solidifies our position in the national market and further establishes the company as a leading New York real estate brokerage firm. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An 86-year-old Staten Islander scammed out of $50,000 in cash said he was duped by a pair of men who claimed his son was in trouble after a crash, the victim told NBC New York. The man said he first received a call on Aug. 15 from an individual claiming to be his son. Dad, he says, Ive been in a bad accident. I broke my nose and hes got this nasal sound, said the victim. When that call comes in, Im half-groggy. Im tired. Then, a second person claiming to be his sons attorney said cash is needed to keep his son out of jail. Not long after, the scammers came to the mans home to collect money. They got me good, said the victim. A second meeting the next day got him for even more money. All together, I lost $50,000 in cash. His son, meanwhile, was never arrested. He walked through the front door not long after the second meeting. It was a perfect storm, the man told News 4. The only reason Im speaking out is because I want these guys to get caught. The NYPD is asking for the public's help to locate a gray Toyota Prius and two individuals in connection with an alleged scam where a senior was conned out of $50,000 from Aug. 15-16, 2023. (Courtesy of NYPD) Police are seeking two men in connection with the alleged scam, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. The department released photos of the individuals taken from surveillance cameras located in the vicinity of two meetings one in Huguenot and one in Rossville where the 86-year-old handed over cash. The first individual is described by police as standing about 6 feet tall with a heavy build and a light complexion. He was seen wearing a blue shirt and tan pants. The second individual is described by police as standing about 6 feet tall with a slim build and light complexion. He was seen wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. The individuals allegedly fled in an unknown direction in a four-door sedan described by police as a gray, 2007 Toyota Prius. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on Twitter @NYPDTips. 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! Qantas boss Alan Joyce received a round of applause from sharemarket types when he delivered his final profit as chief executive last week, but the divisive CEO received a far frostier reception at a parliamentary hearing on Monday. The inquiry was about the cost of living, and Joyce had been summoned last week to make his first appearance before the Senate in 14 years. The grilling Joyce endured was fierce, with questioning significantly more venomous than the standard fare most CEOs often endure. Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce on Monday. Credit: Eamon Gallagher It turned into a full-blown interrogation of Joyce over issues spanning from aviation regulation to whether Qantas had granted the prime ministers son a membership of the exclusive Chairmans Lounge, to the airlines reputation with the public. The troubled Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament continues to bring together traditional political rivals. Credit: John Shakespeare While the campaign is avoiding celebrities and high-profile backers by marking Wednesdays referendum date announcement with a rally in Adelaides working-class suburbs, its a different story in Sydneys east. At Kings Cross Station former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is set to join Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek for a spot of light campaigning for the Yes vote. He was approached by the Yes campaign, which presumably hopes Turnbull carries a bit of influence among his old constituents in Wentworth. While the former PM has backed the Voice for some time, local Liberals in teal country continue to go the other way. The Wentworth federal electorate conference sat out of co-hosting a town hall with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price last week because it was too busy resolving to follow Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in supporting a No vote. People might think EVs dont have enough range to deal with regional Australian distances, but my electric ute road trip busted that myth. Planning my charging points was straightforward, even with this early model ute which had a shorter range than some electric cars. When I climbed into the giant LDV eT60 electric ute in my home town of Ballarat, I discovered its power outpaced many petrol cars the instant torque electric motor meant it was smoother and quicker off the line. As a former petrolhead, I loved the gurgle of a petrol exhaust, but the melodious note from the ute at low speeds turned many heads, especially in Tamworth where theyre no strangers to musical displays. Ive just driven one of the first commercially available electric utes on a six-month trip through regional Australia. Driving more than 10,000 kilometres, visiting 25 communities and talking to hundreds of regional Aussies, heres what I learnt about how ready regional Australia is for electric vehicles. Loading That said, there are still areas needing government attention to get regional Australians better charging infrastructure. If one charging site is out of order, its important to have another one nearby not 100 kilometres away. In my journey that was only an issue twice, when people left their cars in charging bays, blocking their use for others. Throughout my summer-to-autumn trip, I dealt with plenty of rain and plenty of sunshine, but most places where I charged the ute had no weather protection. At truck stops, the petrol pumps would be undercover while the electric chargers were often at the edge of the car park. I found the solution some chargers are shaded by solar panel canopies, providing weather protection while generating clean energy. An obvious win-win for governments would be to regulate that chargers and car parks have solar-shaded covers to generate more clean energy for electric vehicles. One of the biggest upsides to an EV road trip was the savings. The whole trip cost barely a few hundred dollars for high-speed charging, compared with the $2700 it would have cost if you calculate fuel at roughly 27 cents per kilometre at $2 a litre. Not only are EVs great for the hip pockets, theyre also better for local economies. As you charge, instead of pouring money into your engine, you can pause to eat at a local cafe or restaurant injecting money into the local economy. The more chargers we put in small towns like Wangaratta or Karuah, rather than just at highway petrol stations, the more benefits will flow into those country towns. In Ballarat, Shepparton, Yackandandah and Taree, other EV owners kindly used their cars for electric-powered barbecues to provide a feed. Our ute didnt have this vehicle-to-load feature, but its available in overseas models. And thats the biggest problem were at the back of the global queue for EVs. Australia is the only developed nation (apart from Russia) without a mandatory fuel efficiency standard. Fixing this would increase the variety and supply of vehicles and drive prices down through competition. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Chef, waiter and restaurateur Joe Kitsana ran his tiny 20-seater single-handedly for eight years. Now hes opening at a larger site with double the capacity. And, yes, its BYO. Joe Kitsana hasnt taken a sick day in eight years. As chef, waiter and bottle washer at Joes Table in Darlinghurst, the restaurateur is also its only worker. Its just me, I cant call in, take the night off, Kitsana says. And hes going to have to lift his game again, because the tiny 20-seat Joes Table a favourite with the Sydney hospitality scene and in-the-know food-lovers is about to double its size. Joe Kitsana at his new larger venue. Edwina Pickles On Tuesday, August 29, Joes Table 2.0 opens 500 metres from its original location on Kings Lane. The new home seats 40 diners in a former vape shop on the corner of Bourke and William streets. But he is still doing it all himself. A typical day at Joes Table has Kitsana arrive in the morning, prepping ingredients, cooking and managing bookings. When guests start to arrive for lunch, he leans on the skills he picked up working in the kitchen at seminal Sydney restaurant Longrain, and on the floor at Sailors Thai. He juggles the kitchen, getting food on and off tables as well as processing payments. Then dinner guests start to arrive. NSW Police have discussed the threats with Nines security and management, who interpreted the comments as threats to its staff. Neither you nor the SMH nor any other person has anything to fear from me, LoGiudice told the Herald in an email. He initially said the conversations may have been doctored but subsequently claimed it was banter. There was nothing that implied I will hire an Italian hitman to rifle you, said LoGiudice, insisting that the Italian boy he referenced was a happy former patient of Teos. The family wanted to come to speak to you personally about the good outcome, he said. The Wolfpack was just a nickname based on our love of dogs, he said. He also offered that an empty 44-gallon drum could be used to ignite physical copies of the newspaper articles rather than burn down the Heralds office. I believe any reasonable person would not feel threatened. Teo declined to respond to questions about the contents of their group chat. Later, at a major fundraiser for his Charlie Teo Foundation and in front of hundreds of paying guests, Teo called this reporter a c---. The Heralds editorial management lodged a complaint with his charity. No reply was received. The Herald can reveal that in a 2021 presentation about the Transformation of Blacktown, the councils chief executive officer flagged a $100 million land sale to the BBSI group for its billion-dollar development. However, in March this year, the land was sold to developer Lang Walkers company for $42 million, without going to public tender. The same day Walker Corporation bought the land, ASIC documents show Manassa resigned as the sole director and he, Teo and LoGiudice quit as shareholders of the BBSI Group. The principal place of business moved from Manassas single-storey Auburn office for his demolition company to Walkers premises in the Governor Macquarie Tower in Sydneys CBD. Should Professor Teo not be involved in the project, a bank guarantee of $2 million would be forfeited by the BBSI developer, the council has previously stipulated in public documents. Teo, Walker Corporation and Blacktown Council did not answer specific questions about the status of the project and Teos involvement. Carlo LoGiudice (left) with Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto. Within the council, reputational risk concerns were raised as early as 2019 after the Herald revealed Teos and LoGiudices association with Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto. The article also raised the multiple attempts to bankrupt LoGiudice, who had featured a number of times in the diaries of the now-jailed former Labor minister Eddie Obeid. In a confidential session, councillors raised the Heralds investigations into Teo and his associates, which, according to one of those present, Mayor Tony Bleasdale brushed aside saying it was only a journalist with a gripe. In the councils own risk report dated March 2021, it was stated that there was a catastrophic risk if Teo was not involved in the BBSI as the project relies on the professional reputation of Dr Teo AM. The councils risk report also acknowledged concerns about the ability of Teos group to get a project of such magnitude off the ground and that it was expected that the project would be on-sold to a major developer. Mick Gatto and Charlie Teo at a fundraiser. Credit: Tamara Dean Former Labor councillor Kevin Gillies, formerly a senior health official at Western Sydney Area Health Service, said the people of Blacktown may have been misled from the outset about Teos vanity proposal. Show me the money, Gillies demanded of council when the BBSI project was first raised. There was no paperwork or anything. Basically, it was all rhetorical stuff from the mayor [Bleasdale] about what a marvellous surgeon Teo was. Concerns about the sale of council land for an unsolicited proposal and other issues led Gillies to not contest the 2021 council elections. His parting remark to council was: This thing will never be built as you propose. In July, Teo was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct with a professional standard committee finding he was unethical, failed to exercise appropriate skill and lacked insight and judgment. Loading The findings against Teo and the imposition of onerous supervision conditions have effectively ended Teos ability to operate in Australia. Any future role in an organisation such as the BBSI would bring the burden of possible reputational damage. According to council minutes, on March 15 at least half of Blacktowns councillors tried to rescind the decision to sell the councils land to Walker Corporation. Bleasdale used his casting vote to get the sale over the line, and the deal was inked the next day. Neither the council nor Bleasdale replied to the Heralds specific questions about the BBSI project which is now estimated to cost $2 billion. Charlie Teos BBSI without Charlie Teo, I dont even know how that works, said a current councillor, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale and Lang Walker, of Walker Corporation, at the signing of the land sale deal. The council has previously stated that a key advantage of the BBSI proposal is it provides the ability to fund a significant proportion of the cost of a new council administration building. However, it is not clear how the $150 million council building will be funded as lease documents show that it will cost the council almost $30 million over ten years to rent back their buildings from Walker Corporation. Its an absolute disaster, said the councillor, who explained that the initial $100 million valuation of the land was based on the sale having a residential component, which made it more valuable. Having acquired the land for less than half, on the basis there is no residential component, and with the council paying massive amounts in rent, Walker Corporation has acquired the councils land for almost nothing said the councillor. Carlo LoGiudice and a copy of one of the messages he sent in a WhatsApp group to business partners including Charlie Teo. Credit: Sydney Morning Herald Youre giving away the farm, said a second councillor. The numbers dont stack up. Ratepayers have contacted the Herald expressing concerns that the council has been dudded in the deal with Walker Corporation and that rate rises or further asset sales might be needed to fund the new council chambers. 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. More than 100 staff and students from the University of Sydney were victims of sexual assaults and harassment last year, an inaugural report into sexual misconduct has revealed in an attempt to improve transparency and reduce barriers to victims coming forward. The University of Sydney report released on Monday revealed the institution received 121 reports of sexual misconduct, comprising 74 cases of sexual assault and 47 cases of sexual harassment. It is the first time the University of Sydney has released a report on sexual violence involving students or staff members. Credit: Fairfax Of the 121 incidents, 55 were categorised as University related conduct meaning the incident either happened on campus or the perpetrator was a student or staff member. A further 66 were categorised as non-university related conduct meaning a student or staff member reported being the victim of sexual misconduc off campus. The universitys vice chancellor, Professor Mark Scott, said last years comparatively high number of reports could be attributed to the return of students to campus after COVID-19 disruptions and increased engagement with support services. The number of low-rise apartments being built in NSW has collapsed to near zero over the past 30 years, and the proportion of medium-rise unit blocks has recently shrunk, revealing the extent of Sydneys so-called missing middle of medium-density housing. Data from 1991 until today shows how apartment buildings of between one and three storeys have fallen from 15-20 per cent of all dwellings approved in NSW to less than 3 per cent in recent years, sinking below 1 per cent in some months. In July 2016, when the Australian Bureau of Statistics began publishing a more detailed breakdown of the data, apartment buildings of four to eight storeys consistently accounted for about a quarter or a fifth of all dwellings approved. These days it is very patchy, but often falling below 10 per cent. The long-term data shows NSW built very few apartment buildings of four storeys or more in the early 1990s, but this has increased to be the dominant type of unit block. The owner of a multimillion-dollar brothel empire denies he used his underworld connections to kill a woman who was blackmailing him for $100,000, as another man faces trial for her alleged murder. Mark Gray told a Supreme Court jury on Monday that dancer Ellie Price, 26, had been his soulmate, whose lifestyle he helped fund before she was found dead in her South Melbourne apartment in May 2020 with a large wound on her neck. Mark Gray outside the Supreme Court earlier this year. Credit: Joe Armao The court heard Gray told a mortician to make sure Prices body looked smoking hot. Prices boyfriend, Ricardo Barbaro, was arrested in NSW two weeks after Prices death and charged with her murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on trial. In fact I remember quite deliberately making the point that we would. Pakula said it was difficult to comment about what could be learned from the cancellation without access to the all information that had come to light since his retirement from politics. But he said it was conceivable that the regional multi-city model may have been too ambitious when this was put to him. I suspect its a model that the Commonwealth Games Federation may not persist with, in the immediate sense, but I dont think its something theyll put to bed forever because spreading the benefits of an event like this, I think, is a noble objective, Pakula said. I would remind the committee that at the time it was announced ... The commentary from the other side of politics in Victoria and I suspect from some of your colleagues as well was not there are too many locations involved, it was there are not enough. I remember very clearly having people come to me and say why not Mildura, why not Shepparton, why not Warrnambool and why not Nagambie? Former major events minister Martin Pakula and Premier Daniel Andrews announcing the Games in April 2022. Credit: Luis Ascui There was a great hunger for the benefits of the games in the spreading and more dispersed way across the state. Vicsport chief executive, Lisa Hasker told the inquiry the feedback from sports bodies she had spoken to was there hadnt been enough consultation as questions were raised about which locations were picked. Thats fantastic to be able to go out into the regions, but you need to consult with the sports so that youve got the right events in the right towns for the right people, she said. Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Michael Whelan said the council had been on the cusp of securing athletes from Scotland and Wales to stay in the region during the event. He said this would have delivered a major economic benefit but hoped this model could be used again for other major events. Earlier on Monday the main consultants behind Victorias Commonwealth Games business case told the inquiry the document was so secret they couldnt consult broadly about the costs of hosting the event. Representatives from Ernst and Young were called before the inquiry on Monday, which was originally set up to assess Australias readiness for the Games and the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. Senators Bridget McKenzie and Matthew Canavan at Mondays Commonwealth Games inquiry. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Submissions were re-opened when the Games were cancelled and the Andrews government cited new costs between $6 billion and $7 billion, with EY called to give evidence on Monday about the original business case which estimated a price tag of $2.6 billion. The Victorian Auditor-Generals Office is probing the governments costs for the event, with Premier Daniel Andrews last week saying the business case was not the greatest piece of work. Speaking at the inquiry, EY partner Dean Yates said the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions had ultimate responsibility for the document and his firm had collated figures, including estimates provided by other firms. He also flagged that the estimates had been limited by the top secret bid process. Given the confidential nature of this project, the discussions were confined to a core project team and key stakeholders and did not involve sporting organisations, venue operators and other governments or the Commonwealth government, Yates said. There were various parties who contributed to the business case, EY was one of them. We provided a range of best-case and worst-case scenarios. And that information was developed based on information known at the time. Despite this, Yates said he was confident in the figures provided in 2022. We were very comfortable with the accuracy of the estimates, he said. They were very early estimates because there was only a limited amount of information known and no consultation outside the group of stakeholders. Yates said the document was the departments business case and they were not given any information about the updated figures for the Games. He declined to speculate on what changes could have driven up the price tag significantly since the document was written. EY was also asked repeatedly to explain how it tested the assumption that the federal government would contribute more than $200m to the event, while millions of dollars were also assumed to come from government grants and councils in a best case scenario. Yates said these figures were informed by the department but would not go into further detail over fears of breaching confidentiality, prompting the inquiry to go into a session that was closed to the public. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips told the inquiry he did not believe it would have cost $4 billion to move the Games to Melbourne, a figure Andrews cited as a reason to cancel the event. Commonwealth Games Australia boss Craig Phillips took questions during the Senate inquiry. Credit: Eamon Gallagher He was also questioned about his comments the day the cancellation was announced that the state had been wedded to expensive temporary venues. Phillips said this had included a pop-up velodrome in Bendigo and swimming pools in Armstrong Creek that would later need to be demolished. The original business case had assumed the swimming events would be held at Kardinia Aquatic Centre, but this was later moved to the nearby growth suburb. In their submission to the inquiry, Games officials urged the federal government to find an Australian host for the 2026 event. They said keeping the Games in Australia was vital to the build-up towards the Brisbane Olympics and to provide a pathway for the countrys next generation of athletes. Earlier on Monday, Andrews was attacked for choosing not to attend the Senate inquiry, with Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie accusing him of a culture of secrecy. A mandatory phonics test introduced in Victoria this year to screen the reading ability of all grade 1 students may have too few words to be useful and could be conducted too early in the school year to detect problems. Critics of the states $11.3 million update to its existing literacy assessment tool, known as the English Online Interview, say schools would have been better off using the free phonics test available through the federal government. Teachers say Victorias new grade 1 phonics check is hopeless. Credit: iStock Overloaded teachers have dismissed the test as hopeless and time-consuming to perform for little meaningful data. The mandated grade 1 module in the Victorian test has only 10 words, as opposed to the national standard of 40, which has been adopted by both NSW and South Australia. Of the 10 words in the Victorian test, only five are non-words, which are used to teach sounding-out skills, whereas the other test has 20 non-words. Emmerich Lasakars eldest daughter came face-to-face with her mothers killer on Monday. It was the first time she had seen her father since his horrific attack in April. The teenager, who did not want to be named, spoke outside of Western Australias Supreme Court with her aunt and uncle after attending the hearing to set a date for Steven Deans sentencing. Emmerich Lasakar, 35, was killed at her Kewdale home. Credit: Facebook Dean, 37, had already pleaded guilty to the brutal murder of his partner in April a violent killing in front of his two daughters. Police said Lasakar was beaten and stabbed to death inside her home on Knutsford Avenue, Kewdale, on April 17, and neighbours recalled hearing screaming coming from the property around the time of the incident. In his 40-year career as a journalist, Western Australias Gary Adshead has pursued the truth no matter how ugly, how dangerous or how ridiculous. Whether on crooks, crimes, state secrets or heroic rescues, we take you behind the headlines of the biggest stories of his career. This week on The Reporter podcast, Michael Thomson and Gary Adshead discuss an industry that spun out of control. Perths unregulated tow truck industry was a hotbed of corruption and violence. Once the reporter exposed how police call centre operators were being paid in drugs and money for tip-offs and computer access, detectives intercepted a threat on his life. So seriously was it taken, Adhsead had to leave Perth with his family. Top-secret documents exchanged in a private stoush between Australias richest person Gina Rinehart and her eldest children will be handed to rival dynasties fighting for a slice of a lucrative iron ore mine. The order was issued by Supreme Court Justice Natalie Whitby on Monday, with Rineharts company Hancock Prospecting given less than 48 hours to produce dozens of files obtained in a highly charged document swap with her children, John Hancock and Bianca Rinehart. Don Rhodes, left, inked a deal in 1969 with iron ore pioneers Peter Wright and Lang Hancock, right, over a valuable tenement in Western Australias Pilbara region. The order was made at the request of lawyers for DFD Rhodes, the company pursuing a 1.25 per cent stake of the proceeds from Hancock Prospectings Hope Downs mine under a 1969 deal between pioneer Don Rhodes, Rineharts father Lang Hancock, and his business partner Peter Wright. Rhodes lawyer Kim Lendich, SC, told the court Hancock Prospecting had provided a list of files for inspection at the courts request related to Rineharts private arbitration, only for 350 pages to be retracted after both John and Bianca claimed they were covered by legal privilege. However, cardiologists subsequently told the Herald and The Age that hole-in-the-heart surgery does not result in speech alterations. On checking with her doctors, Burney then clarified that the vocal changes were probably a side effect of medication she is on. Dr Leo Davies, the senior staff neurologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney who treated Burney, this week told her she made a full recovery with no residual deficit. Burney, who has carriage of the governments most important reform the referendum on the proposed Voice to parliament faces increasing speculation on social media and questions from journalists about apparent difficulties in her speech. This speculation, some of it nasty and racist, has intensified in the lead-up to the referendum, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to reveal on Wednesday will take place on October 14. Loading As well as social media innuendo about her fitness for her job, Burney has received intense scrutiny from opposition MPs who see the minister as a weak link in the governments strategy to sell the Voice to the public. Liberal frontbenchers have targeted Burney in question time, with deputy leader Sussan Ley calling her parliamentary performances the most incompetent she has seen and asserting Burney is not up to the task. Journalists have also asked questions about Burneys health, which led to the minister volunteering to tell her story to end the speculation. Sometimes called a mini-stroke, a TIA is a clinical diagnosis given when stroke-like symptoms last for 24 hours or less, and fully resolve after that. According to the Stroke Foundation, a TIA has no lasting impact on how well you can walk, move, swallow, think, talk or see. Burney said she was cleaning her kitchen after hosting a dinner party in December 2020 when she dropped a pile of plates, smashing them. When I woke up the next morning, I didnt feel right and my right hand was I could use it, I could use it very well, but it didnt feel all that normal, she said. While Burney twice told the Herald and The Age this event occurred in December 2020, the letter supplied from her neurologist Dr Davies this week said the date of the event was May 2020. Burney later clarified her admission to RPA was on May 9, 2020. Burney attended the Garma festival with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour earlier this month. Credit: Rhett Wyman Burney, who was then opposition spokeswoman for Indigenous Australians, families and social services, presented at the RPA in Sydneys inner-west and was diagnosed with a TIA, she said. Burney said that after her diagnosis, she had to get the fine motor skills back into my hand, and that was over a period of a few months, not even that really, probably about two months. She said she went for treatment three times. Loading At the end of the day, none of this has stopped me from exercising my job very effectively and well. During medical investigations while being treated for the TIA, doctors discovered Burney also had a hole in her heart. And that allowed, as I understand it, blood to go through my heart and end up in my brain, she said. The hole in her heart was closed through a day procedure about four weeks later, with no complications, according to Davies. Burney said her health was a private matter, but clearly people are chatting about it, so I wanted to be very clear with the public about what has happened, where I am at. However, following the interview with Burney, the Herald and The Age contacted several cardiologists to research the medical background. All the experts said voice alterations were not a side effect of heart surgery. Dr David Roy from St Vincents Hospital in Sydney said that in the absence of a complication, a procedure to fix a hole in the heart should not affect a persons speech. Roy also said that a TIA is a clinical diagnosis just based on the 24-hour duration of symptoms. Other cardiologists said they had not heard of a patient taking in too much oxygen as a result of the heart procedure. Dr Ravinay Bhindi, the head of cardiology at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, said it would be an uncommon outcome for someone to have changes to their voice after this procedure. In a third conversation over the course of a week, the minister made clarifications after speaking with her cardiologist and neurologist. Loading Burney said shed long been led to believe the heart surgery was the reason for her altered speech, but said her neurologist and cardiologist had last week told her the speech issues could very well be the result of the medication I have been put on after the heart surgery. On further inquiry, the minister supplied a letter from her neurologist, Dr Davies, who stated the transient weakness and numbness was experienced in Burneys left arm, not her right as she told the Herald and The Age. This had the clinical characteristics of a transient ischaemic event, Davies said in the letter to Burney. Cerebral imaging was normal with no loss of brain tissue. At no time did you have any evidence of any cognitive impairment and your brain imaging with CT and MRI scans was normal. Nothing related to this incident has any bearing on your ability to perform your duties as a minister of the crown. Several racist memes and slurs targeting Burney have appeared on social media. I have stopped looking at my social media, to be quite frank, she said. There is deeply racist material sent to not just me, but anyone who expresses a view really unhinged, ugly stuff that quite frankly is appalling. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney at the Labor national conference in Brisbane on August 19. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen She said she takes excellent care of her health and meditates daily. Burney, who was born in 1957, said she had been to too many funerals of Aboriginal people who had died prematurely, and that while the Voice will not impinge on the lives of most Australians, itll mean an enormous amount to First Australians. Defence and emergency services will start working to recover the remains of three American marines who died in a plane crash north of Darwin on Sunday, while eight people who were on board the aircraft are being cared for in hospital. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said police, defence and fire services had been deployed to the remote site at Melville Island and would collect evidence to determine what happened when an aircraft carrying 23 people crashed about 9.30am local time on Sunday. The mission has now changed to one of rescue to one of recovery. [We] will now focus on recovery of three deceased marines with dignity, Murphy said on Monday. This recovery and investigation will be prolonged, enduring and complex. We are planning to be at the crash site for at least 10 days at this stage. The cluster bomb effect of John Barilaros New York appointment surely should have been a warning to any new government that total transparency is the name of the game, but Labor seems to have forgotten the damage done to the Perrottet government by the Barilaro scandal. Premier Chris Minns cannot easily avoid accusations of failing to keep senior appointments at arms length with the revelation that Transport Minister Jo Haylens hand-picked candidate for the Transport for NSW secretary role, Josh Murray, was appointed after being given a merit rating unavailable to other applicants during a sham recruitment process, a move that must have enhanced the former Labor staffers standing for the $588,250-a-year job. NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and NSWs new transport secretary Josh Murray. Credit: James Brickwood; LinkedIn Minns has dismissed the Barilaro parallels. But Murrays appointment certainly seems blatant. As Murray was chief of staff to former premier Morris Iemma, his appointment inescapably faced intense scrutiny. And it was quickly on show after he started his new job this month: documents obtained by the Herald or tabled in parliament last week revealed a Haylen staffer had lobbied on his behalf; further, an assessment report of the 15 candidates for the position said Murrays lack of operational experience made his appointment a significant risk. Yet the three-person recruitment panel hired to oversee the process later found that Murray would be very suitable for the role. London: Flights in and out of the UK were cancelled or delayed late on Monday after a reported network-wide failure of Britains air traffic control computer systems. The disruptions came on a public holiday and the end of the European summer, affecting families and travellers returning home to resume work. Planes at Heathrow Airport. Credit: Amanda Lewis The UKs National Air Traffic Service (NATS) said in two statements that airspace remained open but that it had been forced to apply air traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety, NATS said. CUL DE SAC:--- St. Maarten Academys academic campus was thrown into deep mourning yesterday with the announcement of the tragic passing of one of its students Justice Peterson. Peterson, 14, tragically ended his life over the weekend. No reason has been provided, and the school would like the public to desist from spreading unfounded rumours at this time out of respect for the family and close friends. The Board of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), under which St. Maarten Academy falls, as well as the Management Team, Faculty, and Staff would like to express sincere condolences to Justice's parents, extended family, and close friends on their loss. The FAVE Board remains committed to providing support to Management, students, and staff, says Interim Executive Director, drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, who donned her Psychologist cap and comforted grieving students and teachers. Acting Principal Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, in a press release, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from parents; Ms. Xiomara Balentina of the Student Support Services Division (SSSD); Mrs. Lisa Wilson-Gittens (one of Academys former counsellors); Sjemila Williams, Janique Baly-Kolfin; and Sarina Laroque-Petrona of SVOBE School Board (Sundial and MPC); and Ramonda Hanze and Nkosazana Illis from Academy sister school, PSVE. These counsellors/social workers reached out to the school and supported the Academy's Student Care Counsellor Mrs. Shameda Delaney-Weekes by providing emotional support to students and teachers. Other counsellor Ms. Amy Arrindell also joined virtually from Croatia to speak with all the students of Justices class and walk them through the breathing exercises before breaking the sad news to them. Students and teachers were given the opportunity to express their feelings and share memories of Justice. Management of St. Maarten Academy, after consultation with the FAVE School Board, also closed school at noon on Monday. Permission was granted by the Division of Inspections of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of our stellar students, Justice Peterson (3A1). Out of respect for this bright, young soul, we will be closing the school at 12:00pm today for students, Lucas-Felix stated in her email to parents. Management would like to extend sincere condolences to Ms. Jamie-Lee Peterson and the entire family for their loss. Our prayers are with you at this time. We would like to ask all to allow the family to grieve privately and not to inundate them with calls at this time...Anyone who needs someone to talk to...whether today, this week or sometime in the future please reach out to us for support. Additionally, parents who have some concerns about their child's behaviour or change in behaviour, are encouraged to reach out to our Student Care department or any staff member at our school via Quickschools or via telephone at 548-3412 and 548-3577. All persons in the school remembered Justice as an extremely respectful and diligent student who had gone too soon. He was well-liked by both students and staff. One member of staff recalled that at the end of last academic years Promotions Discussion, when Justices name was called, there was unanimous agreement for him to follow the coveted science track in Form 3 because of his intellect and strong work ethic. We will miss him dearly. The age of the universe is determined by the expansion rate of the cosmos and the standard model of cosmology. The universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old but its exact age is not yet clear. What we do know is that it's likely less than 14 billion years old. Research from various missions has yielded slightly different estimates. Data from the European Space Agency's Planck mission gathered between 2009 to 2013 suggests that the universe is 13.82 billion years old . Another estimate, based on observations from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile, shaves a few hundred million years off the universe's age, putting it at 13.77 billion years , though astronomers at Cardiff University in the U.K. told us that the uncertainties in this measurement are still consistent with the age derived by the Planck mission. Or, if controversial measurements of the expansion rate of the universe are correct, the cosmos could be younger . The uncertainty is not because our methods of measuring the universe's age are bad. Rather, there are still things about the universe we don't understand. A century ago, it was assumed that the universe was eternal and static. Then, in 1924, using the world's largest telescope at that time, the 100-inch (2.5 meters) Hooker telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory in California, Edwin Hubble discovered that almost all galaxies are moving away from us . Related: How big is the universe? The universe is expanding, and that has profound consequences. If the expansion of the universe is carrying galaxies away from each other, then in the past, they must have been closer together. Rewind that expansion back far enough, and every galaxy must have originated at the same point in space and time. That point is the Big Bang , the moment our universe was created. An expanding universe cannot be eternal, but it must have a definitive start date. Without a cosmic clock to refer to, astronomers have had to embark on detective work to figure out the age of the universe, and the investigation is still ongoing. Universe age FAQs Could the universe be older than 14 billion years? It is unlikely that the universe is more than 14 billion years old. For the universe to be older, we would have to throw out the standard model of cosmology the so-called lambda-CDM model that describes our current expanding universe. There is also other evidence that the universe is younger than 14 billion years. For example, the most distant stars and galaxies, which we see as they existed up to 13.5 billion years ago, appear young and chemically immature, which is exactly what we would expect if we are seeing them shortly after they, and the universe, formed. How large is the observable universe? A popular misconception is that because nothing travels through space faster than the speed of light , the observable universe should have a radius equal to the age of the universe 13.8 billion years, give or take. However, in truth, the observable universe the region of space in which light has had time to reach us is 46.5 billion light-years. How can this be so? It's because, while the speed of light is the maximum velocity possible through space, space itself is not bound by this speed limit. The most distant parts of the visible universe are expanding away from us much faster than the speed of light, allowing the observable universe to inflate. A galaxy whose light set out 13.5 billion years ago, such as those seen by the James Webb Space Telescope , is now much, much farther away because space has expanded since that light left it. How old is the universe compared with Earth? The universe at approximately 13.8 billion years old is much older than Earth. Earth is 4.5 billion years old . We know this thanks to a method called radiometric dating, which measures the amount of radioactive decay of isotopes in a sample to calculate how old that sample must be. The oldest rocks on Earth are 4.2 billion years old; any older rocks have been recycled through plate tectonics. However, scientists have also performed radiometric dating on lunar rocks and meteorites , and they all point to an age of 4.5 billion years for the solar system , including Earth and all of the other planets. Are there stars older than the universe? There have been claims that a small number of stars appear older than the universe. This would seem impossible, but if it is true, it would mean that the standard cosmology is wrong . The best-known of these stars is Methuselah , more properly known as HD 140283, located 190 light-years away. It contains very few elements heavier than the primordial hydrogen and helium from which it formed, and astronomers initially calculated its age as 16 billion years. However, rather than something being wrong with cosmology , it is more probable that our understanding of how stars age isn't quite up to snuff. Subsequent analyses have improved this modeling, and a recent scientific paper on the subject places Methuselah's age at about 12 billion years old. Age of the universe expert Q&A We asked Professor Geraint Lewis, of the Sydney Institute for Astronomy at the University of Sydney, Australia a few questions about the universe's age. Geraint Lewis Social Links Navigation Professor, Sydney Institute for Astronomy at the University of Sydney, Australia Geraint Lewis is also the author of several books, including The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook with fellow cosmologist Luke Barnes, which describes what any new theory designed to rival the Standard Model of cosmology needs to achieve to be taken seriously. How do we measure the age of the universe using cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation? During the first few hundred-thousand years of the cosmos, the universe was a hot soup, a plasma of charged particles and radiation. In this soup, dark matter, the dominant mass of the universe, began to be drawn together, forming the gravitational seeds of galaxies and clusters. The plasma was dragged along and sloshed about as immense waves rippled through the cosmos. Like the ocean, there were a particular mix of waves, some long, some short. At four hundred thousand years, the universe cooled enough for the plasma to become neutral, with electrons joining with protons to create the first hydrogen atoms. And with this, the universe became transparent, and the radiation was free to flow through the universe. We see this radiation today as the cosmic microwave background, and the waves in the early universe are written into the radiation we receive as tiny temperature variations. From the physics of gravity and plasmas, cosmologists are able to calculate the size and mix of waves in the early universe, but how we observe these waves on Earth depends on how the universe has expanded over the last thirteen billion years, in particular the curvature of space and the rate of expansion, which is given by the Hubble Constant. So by comparing the angular size we see to our how we understand these plasma waves to have behaves, one thing we learn is the Hubble Constant. An image of the CMB taken by the Planck telescope shows tiny variations that can be revealing to cosmologists. (Image credit: ESA and the Planck Collaboration) The CMB measurement of the Hubble Constant is 67 kilometers per second per megaparsec, but by measuring the light of supernovas, astronomers arrive at a different value, 73 kilometers per second per megaparsec. Depending on which is right, how does this affect the age of the universe? In our cosmological theories, the Hubble Constant is a number that sets the scale of the universe, and, all other things being equal, a larger Hubble Constant generally means a younger universe. So a universe with 73 km/s/Mpc is about 92% the age of a universe with 67 [so 12.6 billion years versus 13.8 billion years]. The real issue of the Hubble Tension is the uncertainty in each of these measurements. Usually, these have been relatively large, so the two numbers overlapped in a statistical sense. But the current claims are that the uncertainties are now small enough that the two ages we get are not consistent, and so there is an issue *somewhere*, either mundane (like underestimating the uncertainties) or profound (something weird is happening to the universe). There was a recent paper by Rajendra Gupta of the University of Ottawa in which he argued that observations of distant galaxies with the JWST, the existence of some stars apparently older than 13.8 billion years, and a phenomenon called 'tired light', mean the universe is actually 26.7 billion years old. Does this new theory fulfill the requirements of theories attempting to challenge the Standard Model of cosmology that you set out in The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook? This new cosmological model adds a significant amount of complexity to 'solve' the problem of large galaxies in the early universe. But is this complexity really justified? Well, firstly, I think most cosmologists feel the JWST observations are probably pointing to problems with our ideas of galaxy formation in the earliest stages of the universe rather than something amiss with the universe itself. Secondly, the added features, like tired light, don't fit with observations that have. Remember, if we are to take a new proposed cosmology seriously, it has to explain *all* previous observations and then some. And this new model has yet to do this. And I suspect that it won't. How do we know the age of the universe? The universe is expanding, but how do we know? (Image credit: MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) The most crucial point about the expanding universe is that the more distant a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away from us . Hubble and Belgian astronomer and priest Georges Lemaitre independently quantified this relationship mathematically in what has since become known as the Hubble-Lemaitre law . It states that the velocity at which a galaxy is moving away from us equals the galaxy's distance multiplied by a constant of proportionality referred to as the Hubble constant (H0), which tells us the expansion rate of the universe. If we have a precise value for H0, we can rewind the history of the universe and calculate when the Big Bang took place. So, to calculate H0 conventionally, we need to be able to measure both the distances to and the recession velocities (how fast they are receding from us) of the galaxies. We use objects called "standard candles" to measure the distances to faraway galaxies. Standard candles are objects that have a standard, easily predictable luminosity . Two good examples are Cepheid variable stars and Type Ia supernovas. Cepheid variables, discovered by Harvard astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt in the early 20th century, are a type of pulsating star whose pulsations result in their brightness varying periodically. Leavitt noticed that the longer their period of variation, the brighter they were. Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovered a relationship between the period of a star's brightness cycle to its absolute magnitude. The discovery made it possible to calculate their distance from Earth. (Image credit: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) There is a direct relation between a Cepheid's period of variability and its intrinsic luminosity. So, when we observe a Cepheid variable in the night sky, we measure the time between peaks in its brightness to know what its maximum intrinsic luminosity should be. Then, because we know how bright it should be, we compare that brightness to how bright or faint it appears to us in the night sky to determine how far away it must be. Type Ia supernovas work similarly. They are the explosions of white dwarfs incredibly dense stellar remnants and have a standardizable luminosity. Because they are far brighter than Cepheid variables, they can be used to provide distances to galaxies across a far greater range. The velocity of a galaxy being carried away from us by cosmic expansion can then be measured from its redshift , the change in light to longer wavelengths as the light gets stretched by space's expansion. The farther away a galaxy is from us, the more its light is redshifted. And remember: The more distant the galaxy, the higher the recession velocity. Therefore, the redshift is highly dependent on the recession velocity. Astronomers measure the distance and the recession velocity of millions of galaxies in deep surveys, and then plug the numbers into the Hubble-Lemaitre law to calculate the expansion rate of the universe, H0. From that, they rewind cosmic time to find the age of the universe. But there's a big problem nobody expected. The Hubble tension There's one other way to measure the age of the universe: to make measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the residual radiation of the Big Bang. For the first 380,000 years or so of its existence, the universe was so hot and so dense that photons released by the Big Bang were trapped, constantly scattering off free electrons . Only when the universe cooled enough for atomic nuclei to soak up most of the electrons, forming complete atoms , could those photons travel through space relatively unhindered. In effect, the universe became transparent, and the radiation that was released after 380,000 years is what we see today as the CMB, which the expansion of the universe has cooled to microwave wavelengths at just 2.73 degrees above absolute zero. By studying the temperature fluctuations in the CMB that result from the early distribution of matter and dark matter , scientists can measure both the density of matter and energy in the universe, and the value of H0. Then they can put those values into the Friedmann equation, which takes into account general relativity in the expansion of the universe. The resulting calculation gives the age of the universe. The Planck mission, which operated between 2009 and 2013, has provided our most detailed view of the CMB yet, and has calculated H0 to be 67 kilometers per second per megaparsec in other words, every 1 million parsecs of space (1 parsec equals 3.26 light-years, so 1 million parsecs is 3.26 million light-years ) is expanding by 67 kilometers every second. From this number, Planck's scientists deduced that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. However, by using standard candles such as Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovas, astronomers calculate H0 to be 73 kilometers per second per megaparsec . This difference is called the " Hubble tension ," and nobody knows why the expansion rate is different depending on how you measure it. If the value of 73 is correct, then the age of the universe would have to be revised down by hundreds of millions of years. That would be problematic because there would then be stars that would appear older than the universe. Assuming the tension isn't a measuring error, scientists suspect new physics may be required to explain it. How old will the universe get? Knowing when the Big Bang happened tells us the current age of the universe, but how old will the universe get? Will it have an end? Cosmologists are not sure what will happen. It all depends on the nature of dark energy , the mysterious force that is causing the accelerating expansion of the universe. If that expansion continues unabated, it could bring about the end of the universe sooner than you might expect, in a "Big Rip" where the fabric of space itself is torn apart, about 22 billion years from now. However, if dark energy weakens and the acceleration slows or even stops, the universe could have a more prolonged life. If the universe continues to expand steadily, or arrive at an equilibrium with the contractive force of gravity , the universe could possibly survive forever. After 2 trillion years , all of the galaxies beyond our gravitationally bound local supercluster will have vanished over the cosmic horizon, where the universe is expanding so fast that not even light could reach it. By about 100 trillion years into the future, all star formation will have ended. In about 10^43 years (that's a 1 followed by 43 zeroes), protons inside atomic nuclei would begin to decay, signaling the end of matter as we know it. Finally, after about 10^100 years (known as a "googol"), even supermassive black holes would evaporate. All that would be left would be photons, neutrinos , electrons and, possibly, dark matter. If dark energy were to somehow switch off which is possible if it is a variable energy field called a scalar field then gravity could regain its grip on the runaway universe and cause it to contract back down into a "Big Crunch." When this could happen, however, is unknown. Additional resources Learn more about ESA's Planck mission from the mission's official website . Explore the Hubble Constant in more detail with these resources from Harvard University. Learn more about the Planck constant with this informative video from The Organic Chemistry Tutor YouTube channel . Bibliography European Space Agency, Planck Science Highlights, https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Planck/Planck_science_highlights Cardiff University, Nature's Oldest Light Gives New Insight into the Age of the Universe, 20 https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2418835-natures-oldest-light-gives-new-insight-into-the-age-of-the-universe Rebecca Boyle, Standard Model of Cosmology Survives a Telescope's Surprising Finds, 2023, https://www.quantamagazine.org/standard-model-of-cosmology-survives-jwsts-surprising-finds-20230120/ NASA, About Story /Edwin Hubble, 2021, https://www.nasa.gov/content/about-story-edwin-hubble European Space Agency, Hubble diagram for Cepheids, 1999, https://esahubble.org/images/opo9919j/ International Astronomical Union, IAU Members Vote to Recommend Renaming the Hubble Law as the HubbleLemaitre Law, 2018, https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau1812/ Emily A. Margolis and Samantha Thompson, HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Remembering Astronomer Henrietta Swan-Leavitt, 2021, https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/remembering-astronomer-henrietta-swan-leavitt Australia Telescope National Facility, Cepheid Variable Stars and Distance Determination, https://www.atnf.csiro.au/outreach/education/senior/astrophysics/variable_cepheids.html Britannica, Type I supernovae, https://www.britannica.com/science/supernova/Type-I-supernovae#ref1030043 Adam G Riess et al, A Comprehensive Measurement of the Local Value of the Hubble Constant with 1 km/s/Mpc Uncertainty from the Hubble Space Telescope and the SH0ES Team, Astrophysical Journal Letters, 2022, https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ac5c5b Vanderbilt University, New model of cosmic stickiness favors Big Rip' demise of universe, 2015 https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2015/06/30/new-model-of-cosmic-stickiness-favors-%E2%80%9Cbig-rip%E2%80%9D-demise-of-universe/ Lawrence M. Krauss and Glenn D. Starkman, The Astrophysical Journal, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1086%2F308434 The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has annnounced the completion of work on a accommodation project for its employees working at Al Ghuwaifat border crossing in Al Dhafra region. The 110-unit complex can accommodate nearly 220 employees. The AED46.5 million project was executed over 18 months under the management of Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada), reported Wam. The project includes a three-storey building dedicated to male employees, containing 100 bedrooms, a services building, a security room, as well as an administrative office, a reception area, three lounges, a council room, a prayer room, a main dining hall with kitchen, a gymnasium as well as outdoor playgrounds, service facilities and parking lots for both eco-friendly and regular vehicles. Additionally, there is a one-storey building exclusively for female employees that contains 10 bedrooms, a reception room, a gymnasium, and a council room, it stated. The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs affirmed that the project aims to enhance security readiness through continued operational efficiency, providing the necessary human resources during peak times and emergencies. Also it helps in facilitating knowledge exchange between inspectors at customs centres, it added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Within the framework of cooperation between SOCAR and "DeGolyer and MacNaughton", work on counting 27 fields according to SPE-PRMS classification in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea has started, Trend reports. According to the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), a meeting was held between SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf and Chairman and CEO of DeGolyer and MacNaughton John W. Wallace. During the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the cooperation on the calculation of hydrocarbon resources of strategic fields in accordance with international standards by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, as well as the modeling of fields, which has been ongoing since 2017. The meeting discussed SOCAR's strategic goals and objectives; it was stated that further increasing efficiency and ensuring optimization are the main directions of the company's long-term corporate strategy, steps taken towards production optimization, and other issues of mutual interest. Earlier in 2017, the Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR and DeGolyer and MacNaughton, an American consulting company specializing in the oil and gas sector, signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement provides for analysis and technical support to improve the efficiency of field development and production at SOCAR's oil and gas fields. According to the signed document, DeGolyer and MacNaughton will provide services for the productive management of oil and gas facilities at SOCAR's existing and long-used fields. I came to The Woman in the Wall unprepared. Id pre-read nothing and knew only that it starred Ruth Wilson (The Affair, Luther, His Dark Materials) arguably the best of her generation at pulling off deliciously unhinged and was based on Irelands atrocious Magdalene Laundries. It is, youll know, a cardinal sin for a journalist to admit they havent done any research, but better to watch TV that way, I think; less hype equals less disappointment. As it transpires, a heads up would have been useful for this schizophrenic cross-genre melee. So, allow me to provide that public service here. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 29. Turkmenistan surpassed the production targets for both the production and export of natural gas from January through July this year, Trend reports. This was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Government of Turkmenistan, Batyr Amanov, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on August 25, 2023. As per his statement, during the specified timeframe, Turkmenistan achieved a production level of 109 percent for natural and associated gas, while the production of liquefied gas reached 108.8 percent. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that during the initial half of this year, the natural gas export target was achieved, surpassing the goal by 14 percent. Meanwhile, as stated by the Turkmen Turkmengaz State Concern, Turkmenistan's hydrocarbon reserves are evaluated to be in excess of 71 billion tons of oil equivalent. This includes over 20 billion tons of oil and more than 50 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. I would ask anyone who recognises him to get in touch without delay. Likewise, anyone with any information about Theos murder should get in touch even details that may seem irrelevant could be important to our investigation. In addition, Lord Brailsford and Mr Gale will set out how the inquiry will respect the independent role of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in investigating deaths which occurred in care homes, nursing homes and other settings during the pandemic. On those days, we will hold we consider to be our official preliminary hearing and that will constitute a formal opening to the Inquirys evidence gathering and hearings to follow, which I think again as you all know will commence late in October. He added: I think thats [the perception] improved over the years. We took over in 2018, and coverage before was very focused on problems. We set out in earnest to change that narrative and challenge some of the things being said and speak to people about the positive things of Carnival. I grew up in Carnival so always thought the media was being unfair. This despite the mayor announcing that every Londoner with a polluting car will now be eligible for a grant of up to 2,000 to switch to a greener model, while small businesses can get 21,000 to junk up to three vans. I was the only one in Walking With The Wounded as a Gurkha and he was more than welcoming to me. He was really nice to me and the whole team as well. It is expected that more than two million people will have taken to the streets of Notting Hill by the end of the bank holiday. In a reply to a passenger asking if their flight on Tuesday morning is likely to be delayed, Tui posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: Due to an air traffic control outage across UK airports, we expect that this may cause significant delays to some of our flights. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional said in an Instagram post, that the prospect of having a baby is scarier than swimming with sharks, jumping off cliffs or even swinging from bridges but the best news we could have ever ask for. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 28. During the meeting between the Minister of National Economy Askar Kuantyrov, who is also the Manager of the Islamic Development Bank from Kazakhstan, and the Head of the Regional Office of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Almaty, Ibrahim Shoukry, important aspects of the IDB's activities and work plans in Kazakhstan were discussed. During the dialog, the bank's proposals on the development of infrastructure and application of Islamic finance instruments in the country were also considered, Trend reports. Ibrahim Shoukry emphasized the active implementation of IDB projects in Central Asian countries and expressed readiness to strengthen partnership relations with Kazakhstan. In turn, the head of the Ministry of National Economy emphasized the dynamic development of the Central Asian region and its significant potential for future growth. He expressed his readiness to further deepen cooperation with the IDB in key areas. In light of these discussions, it was proposed to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure development, food security, and water resource strengthening. 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Attendance this year is in person, after the previous three editions took place virtually. The event, organised according to tradition near the Day of Romanian Diplomacy - marked annually on September 1 - and hosted by Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, brings together the heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, as well as directors of Romania's cultural institutes from abroad, alongside high-ranking Romanian state officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Romania, told Agerpres. Alsoinvited are prestigious leaders of the academe and think tanks, non-governmental organisations and the mass media. Odobescu's special guests will be her counterparts from Chile, Alberto van Klaveren Stork, and Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis. "The main theme of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy in 2023 is focused on the reaffirmation of Romania's foreign policy priorities, by managing challenges and in the perspective of capitalising on the opportunities generated by the current international environment. Amidst the ongoing war of aggression waged by Russia in Ukraine, it is obvious the centrality of security stakes, as well as the need to intensify diplomatic dialogue and related socio-economic efforts in order to strengthen the security architecture and the rules-based international order in a wider framework of joint efforts of the community of democracies," says MAE. The Romanian diplomats and their special guests will touch on guidelines for diplomatic action appropriate for the multiple overlapping challenges and crises, often interconnected, that the international community is facing. Coming up with firm answers, in the spirit of the solid values and principles in which Romania is anchored, contributes to the consolidation of its role as a security provider in the region and to its relevance as a credible, resilient partner, part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community. "Thus, the plenary session to be attended by Chile's minister of foreign affairs will address the importance of global partnerships in managing common challenges, with the title of the session being: 'Consolidating a strong democratic community: maintaining the rules-based international order and deepening global partnerships with like-minded partners.' Amidst the most serious security challenge on NATO's eastern flank, security, cohesion and connectivity is the subject of the second plenary session, called 'From the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea: increasing security and connectivity.' The special guest of at this session is the minister of foreign affairs of Lithuania." The second working day will comprise thematic plenary sessions, attended by guests from the government apparatus. Discussed will be the contribution of Romanian diplomacy to the consolidation of the European design; economic development strategies; the imperative of climate change, green and digital transition; the organisation, abroad, of the three rounds of elections in 2024, with an emphasis on the smooth running of electoral processes abroad; the role of Romanian missions in promoting cultural diplomacy and scientific co-operation. On the sidelines of RADR 2023, there will also be working sessions that will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions between Odobescu and the MAE leadership and heads of missions to identify the lines of diplomatic approach adjusted for the specifics of geographical spaces and international institutions in which they represent the interests of Romania. Another plenary session will focus on optimising and increasing the quality of consular services to the benefit of Romanian citizens abroad. Odobescu will have a meeting with Romanian diplomats holding leading positions in international organisations to reflect on the promotion of effective multilateralism. At the same time, Romanian-Chilean and Romanian-Lithuanian bilateral consultations will take place at the level of the foreign ministers. The Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy is traditionally organized every year close to the Day of Romanian Diplomacy - which, starting from 2005, is marked on September 1. An assessment of the activity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the last year as well as an analysis of the international challenges that Romania must face in the future are made. Also, the meeting allows the identification of effective ways to achieve the pursued priority objectives amid global, transatlantic, European and regional developments. The debates are equally designed to identify opportunities that have to be seized, and to draw the main guidelines for the action of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian diplomatic service in the short, medium and long term. Aquila reports 29pct increase in net profit on improved distribution business Aquila, a leader in integrated distribution and logistics services for the consumer goods market in Romania and Moldova, ended H1 2023 on growing business and net profit, in line with its unveiled strategy, told Agerpres. The company reported an increase of approximately 17% y-o-y to RON 1,122 million, driven mainly by a growth in revenues from the distribution business segment, which accounts for over 90% of the company's turnover. The company's net profit grew by 29%, to RON 42 million. "In the first half of 2023, we achieved strong performance on all three business segments. The traditional and HoReCa sectors were the distribution channels with a higher growth pace. We continued to develop our own brands, focusing on marketing and distribution. With new partnerships, the number of points of sale through which the company sells products across all channels has reached 72,000. Operational excellence through efficiency, with digitalisation component and sustainability, are AQUILA's priorities," CEO Catalin Vasile says in the CEO Statement included in the company's report on the H1 2023 consolidated financial results. Within the revenue structure, all three business segments recorded growth of 17% the distribution segment, 27% the logistics segment, and 1% the transportation segment. Revenues from the company's own brands increased by 38% in the first half of the year, to RON 39 million. The gross margin from goods sold remained steady, at around 22%. EBITDA increased by over 17%, an advance of RON 10 million compared to the same period of 2022, reaching approximately RON 70 million. At an April General Shareholders Meeting, an investment budget of EUR 12.7 million was approved for the current year. By June 30, 2023, the company had made investments totalling EUR 4.1 million in transportation means, IT equipment, and warehouse facilities. AQUILA operates in Romania and Moldova, with an integrated business model, with activity on the following business segments: distribution, logistics, and transport. AQUILA sells consumer goods at over 72,000 points of sale across all FMCG retail channels, covering over 90% of the market. The integrated product portfolio totals over 10,000 products, well-known brands from different categories such as: personal care products - Rexona, Dove; sweets - Kinder, Raffaello, Snickers and Mars; coffee - Lavazza; cleaning products - Dero, Cif or Coccolino; pet food - Whiskas, Pedigree; hygiene products - Kleenex, Kotex, Zewa, Tena, Libresse; baby diapers - Huggies; frozen vegetables and canned food - Bonduelle; vegetable sour cream and vegetable whipped cream - Gran Cucina and Hulala; fish and fish products - Frosta. The company was founded in 1994 by entrepreneurs Alin Adrian Dociu and Constantin Catalin Vasile. Since November 2021, its stock has been floated on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), following an initial public offering worth RON 367 million, the largest initial public offering carried out by an entrepreneurial company on the local capital market. The company's shares (symbol AQ) are included in the Bucharest Stock Exchange reference index- BET and in the Global Micro Cap index of FTSE Russel. From September 1, 2023, the company's stock will be included in the composition of the MSCI Frontier IMI and MSCI Romania IMI indices as well. Three patients injured following the explosions in Crevedia, Dambovita County, northwest of Bucharest who are hospitalized in medical units in Romania and six others who were transferred abroad are intubated and mechanically ventilated, the Ministry of Health informed on Monday. Of the three intubated patients from Romania, two are at the Bucharest Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital, and one at the Bagdasar Arseni Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital, agerpres reports. According to the Ministry of Health, of the 29 hospitalized patients in medium or mild condition, 16 are hospitalized at the Bucharest Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital, eight patients at the Bagdasar Arseni Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital, three at the Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest, one at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, one at the Elias Bucharest University Emergency Hospital. According to the MS, 12 patients were discharged, and two died.As many as 12 patients were transferred abroad. Among them, a patient transferred to Brussels has more than 15% burned body surface, he is intubated and mechanically ventilated, "hemodynamically stable". In the last 24 hours, his clinical condition did not change, he was continuously monitored.The second patient transferred to Brussels has more than 20% burned body surface, being intubated and ventilated, hemodynamically stable, without changes in the last 24 hours.One of the patients transferred to Milan has more than 80% burned body surface, being intubated and mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically unstable, requiring vasopressor support. His condition is critical.The second patient transferred to Milan has more than 45% burned body surface, is intubated and mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically stable, the clinical condition has not changed in the last 24 hours.The two patients transferred to Germany in Berlin breathe spontaneously, are hemodynamically stable, have burns on more than 40% of their body surface.Two other patients transferred to Graz, Austria, breathe spontaneously, present a complicated surgical pathology due to the location of the burn injuries and their degree, are hemodynamically stable.The patient transferred to Vienna, Austria breathes spontaneously, is hemodynamically stable, his clinical condition has not changed in the last 24 hours.The two patients transferred to Lubeck, Germany are intubated and mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically stable, without changes in the last 24 hours. They present burns on 40% and 30% of the body surface.The patient transferred to Bergen, Norway breathes spontaneously, is hemodynamically stable, and his clinical condition has not undergone changes in the last 24 hours. David Andrei Vlad wins two gold medals at International Earth Science Olympiad David Andrei Vlad, a 12th grade student at the "B. P. Hasdeu" National College, managed to win two gold medals at the "International Earth Science Olympiad, after being awarded a silver medal at the International Biology Olympiad this year, told Agerpres. The two gold medals were obtained in the theory and project events, together with two other members of the Romanian team. "Last year he got a bronze medal at the International Biology Olympiad, this year he got a silver medal at the same international Olympiad, he qualified for the first place in the 'Earth Science' Olympiad and here he comes with two gold medals. This young man has made continuous progress, he is a very special young man, I like him very much and I appreciate him very much because beyond these clearly demonstrated intellectual qualities, he is a special man with an extremely beautiful character, a very modest, respectful young man and he has a presence that simply makes you feel good. He's absolutely brilliant and for the school it is a further performance, we're delighted. We are glad that he remained our student even if he received offers from other high schools, here he stayed at Hasdeu and I am convinced that he does not regret it. He passed to the 12th grade," the director of the "B.P.Hasdeu" National College told AGERPRES. The Olympiad winner from Buzau sounds an alarm about the environment. "It was a very hard Olympiad because the subjects were so that we had to look for information in documents they gave us, we downloaded documents with measurements from a database and then we had to interpret the data. We had a short time for the given tasks, it was more complicated than in previous years from what I have seen among the topics in the theory test but it ended well. In the project part of the competition we had to choose a topic, take field and lab measurements and then make a presentation. It was a lot of fun and an interesting experience overall. I still have one more year of high school, I still haven't decided what I'm going to do after that, basically I'd like it to be something in biology, I'm not sure if I'll stay in the country or not but the ideal solution for biology would be to leave the country. We need to know how to appreciate nature, to respect it. They said in the Olympiad that nature is doing very well without humans. If we protect nature, we save ourselves first of all, we should do everything we can to exist on this planet and thus help other species," Olympiad winner David Andrei Vlad Finance employees resume protests in several cities Finance employees resumed protests in several cities across the country on Monday, as negotiations with Finance Minister Marcel Bolos have failed. According to information received from the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS), protests are taking place in several tax administrations in the country, in the counties of Iasi, Dolj, Vrancea, Buzau, Bacau, organised by the Solidaritatea Federation of Tax Administration Trade Unions, affiliated to the BNS. The trade unionists are preparing for a strike in the first part of September. Trade unionists in the Tax Administration organised a nationwide warning strike and a protest rally in front of the Ministry of Finance on August 22. Also, on August 11, more than 15,000 employees of the Ministry of Finance across the country staged spontaneous protests, dissatisfied with the measures proposed by the Executive to reduce budget expenditure, as they could affect more than 22,000 people in the system. ForMin Odobescu, Chilean counterpart extend compassion to victims of Crevedia explosions Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu and her Chilean counterpart Alberto van Klaveren Stork on Monday extended messages of compassion to the relatives of those who died in recent explosions in Crevedia and to those who were injured, told Agerpres. The two officials held a joint news conference, as Alberto van Klaveren Stork is a special guest of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy that starts on Tuesday. "I want to begin by sending my condolences to the families of those who died in the Crevedia explosion and wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured. Our thoughts go out to them and their families, in these difficult moments. I also want to thank all our partners who took over patients from Romania under the civil protection mechanism of the European Union - Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany and Norway- and also to other partners that haveshowed their openness to support us," said Odobescu. In his turn, Alberto van Klaveren Stork began his speech with a similar message. "Allow me to convey the condolences of the Chilean government for the tragedy (...) and we express our most sincere wishes that those brave rescuers injured in the accident will recover," he said. An explosion took place on Saturday, at an LPG station on DN 1A, in the town of Crevedia, Dambovita County, that killed two. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MAI) announced that the explosions left 58 injured, including 39 firefighters, two police officers and two gendarmes. Some of the injured were transferred to hospitals in Belgium, Austria, Italy and Germany. Over 1.4 million cross Romania's borders at week-end Over 1.4 million Romanian and foreign citizens crossed the Romanian border over the weekend both in and out the country, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Monday, told Agerpres. The highest traffic - approximately 637,000 people - was recorded at the Romanian-Hungarian border both in and out the country, followed by the border with Bulgaria, where traffic was 334,000 people during the same period. As many as 174,114 people, including 17,518 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Sunday. Starting February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict time) 5,800,490 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. The border police detected 62 illegal acts (38 crimes and 24 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the crossing points and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying about RON 31,165 in fines in the process. Assets of an estimated value of RON 41,397,200 were impounded. Fourteen foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry. Also on Sunday, 27 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. "Considering that traffic through the Giurgiu-Ruse border crossing (PTF) proceeds with difficulty, we recommend people who intend, in the immediate future, to arrive in Bulgaria to avoid the Giurgiu PTF and to transit the border through other border crossings from Bulgaria," said IGPF. President Iohannis to welcome Romanian diplomats on Tuesday President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday will welcome heads of Romanian diplomatic missions, consular offices and directors of Romanian cultural institutes at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace for the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy, told Agerpres. He will also give a speech to the meeting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) organises on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 29-30, the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy (RADR 2023) themed "A firm foreign policy of Romania: managing challenges and maximising opportunities." Attendance this year is in person, after the previous three editions took place virtually. The event, organised according to tradition near the Day of Romanian Diplomacy - marked annually on September 1 - and hosted by Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, brings together the heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, as well as directors of Romania's cultural institutes from abroad, alongside high-ranking Romanian state officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Romania. Also invited are prestigious leaders of the academe and think tanks, non-governmental organisations and the mass media. Odobescu's special guests will be her counterparts from Chile, Alberto van Klaveren Stork, and Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis. Scheduled events for August 28 DIPLOMACY: - Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu meets her counterpart from the Republic of Chile Alberto van Klaveren Stork, as part of the latter's the official visit to Romania * the two officials make joint press statements SOCIAL: - Opening Ceremony of the Elie Wiesel Study Tour, 6th edition, event organised by American Councils for International Education Romania ECONOMY: - Trends in economic activity between August and October 2023 (statistics) The Texas ranch where Gilda Jackson trains and sells horses has been plagued by grasshoppers this year, a problem that only gets worse when the hatch quickens in times of heat and drought. Jackson watched this summer as the insects chewed through a 35-acre pasture she badly needs for hay; what they didn't destroy, the sun burned up. Irrigation might have saved Jackson's hay, but she and her husband rejected the idea about 10 years ago over the cost: as much as $75,000 for a new well and all the equipment. But now with an extended drought and another U.S. heat wave this week that will broil her land about an hour northwest of Dallas for days in 100-degree-plus temperatures Jackson said she is "kind of rethinking." Many other farmers and ranchers in the U.S. might be forced to do the same in coming decades, according to recent research into the expected effects of the rising heat and more frequent weather extremes associated with climate change. That's if they even can. Some places in the U.S. are already struggling with groundwater depletion, such as California, Arizona, Nebraska and other parts of the central Plains. "There's no surprise that in the future when it gets hotter and there's more demand for water, people are going to be using more water," said Jonathan Winter, an associate professor of geography at Dartmouth College and an author on a new study on future U.S. irrigation costs and benefits in Communications Earth & Environment. Winter and his team used a computer model to look at how heat and drought might affect crop production by the middle and end of this century, given multiple scenarios for the emissions of warming greenhouse gases. In places like California and Texas where "everyone is dropping their straw into the glass" of groundwater, as Winter put it, current levels of irrigation won't be viable in the long term because there isn't enough water. But use of irrigation may grow where groundwater supply isn't presently an issue. In much of the Midwest, including the corn-and soybean-rich states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and the Dakotas, farmers might see a benefit in the next 50 years from installing irrigation infrastructure. That's an expensive investment, and whether it will pay off may depend on humans' ability to stem the worst effects of climate change. A worst-case scenario would involve one generation investing in costly irrigation equipment, only for the next to see them fail to keep crops alive through extreme heat and weather. There are many irrigation methods for row crops, but the most common is pivot irrigation the long strands of pipes mounted on wheels that are pulled in a circle around a water source to sprinkle water onto a field. The equipment can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus the cost of drilling a new well if needed, along with the electricity to pull up the water. But if the system boosts yields and provides a return of $50 an acre or more, it can pay off well for a farmer, said Brady Brewer, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University. While scientists are confident in the warming effects of greenhouse gas emissions, precipitation is harder to nail down, especially in the Midwest, said Dave Gochis, a senior scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research who was not involved with Winter's study. Climate change produces more weather extremes, meaning both an increased risk of flash droughts quick, intense periods of short-term heat and dry weather and more heavy rain and flooding events as precipitation increases with more water in the atmosphere. "That means we need to be more nimble and agile in how we manage water resources," Gochis said. Brewer hasn't seen much increased interest in irrigation from Midwest farmers yet. So far, a surplus of water has been the bigger issue in many places, but if yields start showing losses in the coming years due to worsening heat and flash droughts, "that's when farmers will invest," he said. Farmers who don't choose irrigation, for now, might cope by planning ahead. They could choose different crops with different water needs from season to season or be compensated for fallowing fields in times of water stress. Or they might use tools like the one developed by North Carolina State researchers Sankar Arumugam, a professor, and Hemant Kumar, a Ph.D. candidate. They recently helped create a computer modeling tool, outlined in the journal Water Resources Research, which they hope will help farmers and water managers use a combination of seasonal forecasts and other data to find a sweet spot for balancing crop revenue and water use. In the Southeast, where they focused their work and where water resources are plentiful, "it's more of a proactive strategy" for people who already have irrigation equipment, Arumugam said, "so that we don't overexploit the resources that are in place." Three artists in St. Louis focusing on ceramics, textiles and sculptural assemblage have been chosen winners of the 2024 Great Rivers Biennial Arts Award Program. A year from now, Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young will be featured in an exhibition at the Contemporary Art Museum. They were chosen from 96 applicants by jurors Rita Gonzalez, department head of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Jamillah James, curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; and Caroline Kent, a Chicago-based artist and assistant professor of painting at Northwestern University. Ronald Young, born in 1956, is the most senior of the three artists chosen for next years biennial. CAM says he creates mixed-media assemblages from objects he finds in his immediate environment: aged doors, old tools, wood molding trim, rusty chains, ropes, bricks, and nails are among the objects he repurposes at his discretion. His socially conscious artworks celebrate the resourcefulness and resilience of African Americans. Basil Kincaid, born in 1986, honors and evolves traditional practices through quilting, collaging, photography, installation, and performance. One of Kincaids pieces in 2021 joined the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Saj Issa, born in 1994, grew up in St. Louis and Palestine. CAM says her practice, often based in ceramics, is a representation of displacement, identity, social issues, consumerism, and drawing parallels between the East and West. She received degrees from Webster University and the University of California, Los Angeles. The Great Rivers Biennial, which began in 2004, is funded by the Gateway Foundation, which gives awardees $20,000. Their exhibitions will be on view at CAM Sept. 6, 2024-Feb. 9, 2025. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 28. An Embassy of Palestine will be opened in Kyrgyzstans Bishkek, Jeenbek Kulubaev, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan said, following a bilateral meeting with Palestine's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyadh al-Maliki, Trend reports. According to Kulubaev, the Kyrgyz side is prepared to provide necessary assistance to the Palestinian side in this process. He also said that Kyrgyzstan intends to accredit one of its embassies in Palestine Furthermore, during the meeting, the ministers signed several bilateral agreements, including: - Agreement on cooperation between the National News Agency of Kyrgyzstan "Kabar" and the Palestinian News & Information Agency "WAFA" - Agreement on cooperation in the field of culture - Agreement on cooperation in the field of agriculture - Agreement on cooperation in the field of healthcare Riyadh al-Maliki arrived in Kyrgyzstan for an official visit on August 27. This marks his second visit to Kyrgyzstan, with the first taking place in 2018. In his welcome speech, the minister said that Palestine is interested in developing bilateral relations and maintaining a political dialogue between the two countries. He also expressed hope that after the visit, bilateral relations would reach a new level, considering the potential for cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Palestine. CLAYTON Centene Corp. said Monday it will sell British hospital operator Circle Health Group to United Arab Emirates-based PureHealth for about $1.2 billion including debt, as the Clayton-based health insurer refocuses on its core business. The acquisition will help PureHealth, the UAEs largest health care provider, enter the United Kingdom in a deal that it said has the potential to deliver wide-ranging benefits to the health care systems of both countries. Founded in 2004, Circle Health is one of the UKs largest network of private hospitals with 54 establishments across the country. Centene is undergoing a review of its portfolio and expects the deal to close in the first quarter of next year. Centene first invested in UK-based Circle Health in 2019 and acquired its remaining equity in 2021. PureHealth is majority-owned by Abu Dhabi investment fund ADQ, with International Holding Co. also holding a stake. Both ADQ and IHC are chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the national security adviser and a brother of UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The firm recently completed a 1.8 billion dirham ($490.12 million) purchase of an equity investment in Ardent Health Services, which is a U.S.-based private health care group. Joe Holleman Metro reporter Follow Joe Holleman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is one of a host of senators pushing the FBI to answer questions about a memo that targeted some Catholics as possible domestic terrorists. Hawley, Missouris senior GOP senator, is one of eight members of the upper house to ask FBI boss Christopher Wray to be more forthcoming about the memo, which Wray discounted in March as being the work of one FBI field office. Since then, documents made public show that numerous field offices were involved in producing the memo. Targeting Americans because of their ideas or political affiliations is always wrong and an abuse of the FBIs power, the senators letter said, but its especially alarming when it threatens the fundamental rights guaranteed in our Constitution, including the free exercise of religion. Although the FBI quickly disavowed the memo, the senators noted that information continues to reach Congress ... and the information that has come to light conflicts with the FBIs original assurances that the report was limited in scope. The lead senator on the letter, which was sent Friday, is Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Federal authorities have arrested a southwest Missouri man on felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with the Capitol riot. Joseph Kerry Hicks, 49, of Willard, is charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, a felony; and misdemeanor offenses of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He was arrested Friday in Ozark, Missouri, according to court documents, and had his initial court appearance Monday in the Western District of Missouri. Hicks, who had been labeled BOLO (Be on the Lookout) No. 92 by the Justice Department on social media sites seeking information about Jan. 6 suspects, is the 33rd Missouri resident to be charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Eight of those defendants have been charged since mid-June. The FBI tracked down Hicks after a search warrant served on Google showed that a cellphone number associated with his Gmail account was in the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to the probable cause affidavit. Two FBI agents interviewed Hicks at his job in Springfield on June 14, 2021, the affidavit said. During the interview, which was secretly recorded, Hicks admitted going into the building. Hicks stated it was an error in judgment, the affidavit said. Hicks told the agents he was wearing a face mask, red sweatshirt, a hat and a hoodie, the document said. He said he was let into the building by people at the door and that he did not assault any law enforcement officers or damage property. Hicks declined to provide information on who else traveled with him, the document said. It said that on Jan. 5, 2021, a Facebook user named J.C. posted a photo with the words, Left to Washington DC at 8:00 pm tonight! Woo-hoo!!!!! God, Please be with us! J.C. was from the same area in Missouri as Hicks, the affidavit said, and Hicks was believed to be one of those in the photo. U.S. Capitol surveillance footage showed Hicks entering the Rotunda Doors at the Capitol about 2:41 p.m. on Jan. 6, the affidavit said, minutes after those doors had been breached. Hicks was seen on the video walking around the Rotunda for several minutes, it said, unfurling and waving a flag and talking to and fist-bumping other rioters. About 2:46 p.m., he exited the south side of the Rotunda and entered Statuary Hall, where he remained for less than a minute before heading back to the Rotunda, the affidavit said. Hicks also was seen on video obtained from another defendant carrying what looked like a black flag on a white flagpole. The flag appears to depict a skull with a stars-and-stripes pattern, the affidavit said. The flag states in white lettering at the bottom, We Are Everywhere. As depicted in other images of Hicks from January 6, 2021, the flag also appears to contain the word III% in one of the eye sockets of the skull. The III% symbol is associated with the Three Percenters movement, which postures itself as citizens standing against a tyrannical government, the affidavit said. At this time, the FBI has not identified Hicks as having ties to any Three Percenter group, it said. The footage showed Hicks walking around the Rotunda with his flag for several minutes, the document said. About 2:49 p.m., it said, Hicks left the Rotunda, then returned about a minute later, appearing to film the scene with his phone. Security footage showed Hicks walk toward the Rotunda doors through which he entered about 2:54 p.m. and work his way toward the exit. But two minutes later, it said, he turned around and went back inside. He again exited the Capitol around 2:58 p.m. but tried to go back inside about 3:29 p.m. as officers struggled to keep rioters out, the document said. Hicks is observed trying to re-enter the Capitol through the crowd, adding his body weight to other protestors in order to prevent the officers from expelling the rioters, the affidavit said. Hicks appears to push for several seconds, until the officers successfully overcome and expel the rioters in the entrance. As the right half of the door is closed, Hicks now on his own then appears to back into the officers at the entrance, pushing against the officers with his back for less than two seconds. Hicks then retreats away from the Capitol and disappears from view. ST. LOUIS Six men have been charged with taking hostage a 73-year-old jail guard and damaging property last week at the downtown St. Louis jail. Charges say Eric J. Williams, 20, started the incident around 6 a.m. by punching the guard in the head, and then he and another inmate, 29-year-old Anthony D. Newberry, began unlocking other inmates cells. Paul M. Mondaine, 20, and Ernest T. Lyons, 21, then joined in to help bind the guards hands and legs. Over the next two hours, charges say, two others Richard C. Bolden III, 30 and Cleveland V. Washington, 21 contributed to the destruction. Bolden helped Newberry throw an extension chord over TVs and pull them down to the ground, charges say, and Washington smashed the televisions while other inmates used the remnants to make weapons. SWAT officers removed the corrections officer after 8 a.m., but the fallout from the incident continued for several days as inmates complained of not getting regular meals or access to showers or phones. The hostage situation marked the latest controversy at the facility, which has seen multiple security breaches in recent years due to broken locks and understaffing. The jails civilian oversight board has complained for months that its being blocked from the access needed to provide real oversight. On Monday, the president of the citys NAACP chapter, Adolphus M. Pruitt, and the Rev. Linden Bowie, president of Missouris Missionary Baptist State Convention, called on the city to release more information about the incident and conditions at the jail. The City Justice Center has a judicial history attesting to years of abuse, mistreatment and violence, Pruitt and Bowie said in a statement. Effective CJC oversight is of paramount importance to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their legal status or alleged crimes. Charges say the hostage incident began when Newberry and Williams, both of whom are being held on first-degree murder charges, were helping the corrections officer pass out breakfast trays to inmates. Newberry and the guard were talking when Williams hit the officer from behind, according to court documents. Williams and Newberry pushed the guard into the shower area, took his keys and began unlocking several other cells, releasing dozens of inmates. Lyons, who was being held on robbery charges, brought the guard back out of the shower area, and several inmates handcuffed and bound his legs. Lyons, Newberry, Williams, Mondaine and Washington all now face charges of first-degree kidnapping, and Newberry and Williams face charges of third-degree assault. Mondaine is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Court documents say he held up a homemade weapon to the guard and said, Ill cut your throat if they come in here. Bolden, who was being held on an attempted rape charge, Newberry and Washington also face charges of damaging jail property. All are being held without bond. Police had said last week the guard was 70, but he is listed as 73 in court documents. PAGEDALE The first charter school in St. Louis County is considered financially stressed by the state education department just one year after opening. The Leadership School, which opened in 2022 in the footprint of the Normandy Schools Collaborative, ended the fiscal year in June with a fund balance of 2.3%, below the minimum 3% required by state law. The balance equaled 16 days of cash on hand. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in October will include the school on a list of financially stressed school districts and charter schools. The distinction comes with increased financial monitoring from the state and the schools sponsor, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. The commission issued a letter of concern on Aug. 17 regarding the fund balance, stating that failure to improve the schools finances could result in probation. The last school district placed on the states financially stressed list was Malta Bend in 2020. The 70-student district is in Saline County. DeLaSalle in Kansas City was the last charter school to make the list, in 2018. The Leadership Schools budget anticipates a fund balance of 11% for the fiscal year ending in June 2024. The budget is based on an enrollment of 144 students in kindergarten through third grade, down from original projections of 286 students. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Parson will head to Japan on his sixth trade mission in mid-October, the governor told reporters Monday. At a bill-signing event in his office, Parson said his latest overseas journey is aimed at boosting business connections between the two countries. We do a lot of business with Japan. Im looking forward to it, Parson said. His comments came as he signed legislation that includes a provision designating the month of May as Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Parson said it has been decades since a Missouri governor went to Japan, which exported an estimated $455 million in products to the state in 2022, according to the Missouri Partnership. The states largest trading partner is Canada, followed by Mexico, China, Japan and Belgium. Past governors to visit Japan include Republican John Ashcroft, who served as chief executive from 1985 to 1993. His trip included members of the St. Louis Symphony and is credited with helping lure Kawasaki Motors to build a small-engine plant in Maryville. Missouri exported an estimated $394 million in products to Japan in 2022, including processed foods, chemicals, computers and electronics and machinery. Im not sure why we really havent been over there to build those relationships, Parson said. Missouri currently is home to a Toyota engine plant in Troy, about 50 miles northwest of St. Louis. The Japanese automaker purchased the 550,000-square-foot facility in 1990 from Bodine Aluminum Inc. Its 1,000 workers build four-cylinder engine heads on three production lines. Missouri companies doing business in Japan include Enterprise, Hallmark and World Wide Technology. Parson said he will promote Missouris central location as an advantage for companies wanting a distribution center. If you put your finger in the middle of the United States, youll be right on top of Missouri, Parson said. He also said he hopes to promote Missouri agriculture, such as the states beef industry. I think agriculture is a priority anytime I go anywhere, said Parson, who operates a small cattle farms in Bolivar. Parson typically hands over power to fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe when he travels abroad. The temporary designation comes as Kehoe is running for governor in 2024. Japan has been a popular destination for governors this year. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited in April, while New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy went in July. The trip is being organized by the Hawthorn Foundation, a private, nonprofit created in 1982 by former Gov. Kit Bond to facilitate business recruitment, retention and development efforts. One of the foundations focuses is helping to pay the cost of foreign trade missions by Missouri officials. Parson previously has visited Sweden, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Ireland and the United Kingdom. WENTZVILLE Work on adding lanes to the Wentzville-to-Warrenton stretch of Interstate 70 is expected to begin around November 2024, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced Monday. The approximate 18-mile segment will be the second portion of the 200-mile, $2.8 billion widening project, following a 20-mile stretch between Columbia and Kingdom City in central Missouri that will go first. Work there will begin earlier in the year. The sequencing for the mammoth project was disclosed as MoDOT began a series of public meetings over the next two weeks along the I-70 corridor, including one Monday in Wentzville. A bill passed by the Missouri Legislature this year included money for the long-sought I-70 upgrade, which will add a third lane in each direction for about 200 miles from Wentzville to the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs. The plan is expected to be fully completed by 2030 and will ease congestion on the highway, a major east-west trucking route, and spur thousands of construction jobs. Long before the Legislature approved the state I-70 plan, MoDOT already had allocated $39 million to add a third lane in each direction under a railroad bridge at a curve in Wentzville and farther east. That area for years has caused major traffic congestion on the western end of the St. Louis metro area as three lanes drop to two. That work, which already had been projected to begin in the spring of next year, will now be rolled into the overall Wentzville-to-Warrenton work. As a result, its start will be delayed a few months, said Eric Kopinski, MoDOTs I-70 program director. Also added to the widening of the segment will be improvements to the I-70 interchange with Highway 40 (Interstate 64) and Highway 61, on the east end of Wentzville. To get the most work for the money available, MoDOT is using the design-build method of choosing construction companies. Under that approach, the agency sets a projects goals and budget, and the team of companies that best meets those is selected for designing and building in one contract. The Wentzville-Warrenton segment, in St. Charles and Warren counties, is estimated now to cost $400 million to $500 million, MoDOT said. Its expected to be done by 2028. Kopinski said MoDOT tentatively expects next March to solicit proposals from construction firms for the Wentzville-Warrenton work. MoDOT says that on average, 81,700 vehicles a day use the segment. Thats by far the largest traffic volume of any of the six segments in the statewide I-70 project. Anyone that drives through that area knows theres a real need for improvements, Kopinski said. JEFFERSON CITY The top Republican in the Missouri House is teeing up St. Louis earnings tax as a possible issue in the 2024 election. House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Des Peres Republican who is running for lieutenant governor, announced the formation of a special committee Monday on the 1% tax charged to people who work in the city. As costs rise and more Missourians are facing financial difficulties, its more important than ever to look at the data and have a meaningful discussion about these taxes and see just how they are affecting Missourians as well as employment and economic growth in our state, Plocher said. While there have been previous attempts to eliminate the decades-old tax, GOP lawmakers have in recent years sought to clarify the law when it comes to people who work remotely outside the city limits. Plocher last year led the charge for legislation that created a new process for people to request a refund of the citys earnings tax for any work they performed remotely during the coronavirus pandemic. The measure was approved in the House on a partisan 106-47 vote, but the legislation died in the Senate. According to a nonpartisan fiscal analysis, the proposal would cost the city an estimated $66 million in revenue, resulting in less money for police, fire and other city services. A loss of revenue of this magnitude would be a devastating blow to the citys credit and fiscal condition, and would seriously impair the citys ability to provide basic city services, the analysis notes. Despite annual attacks on the tax by Republicans who control state government, the earnings tax has wide support in the city. In a 2011 referendum, 88% of voters voted to keep the tax in place. In 2016, that number was 72%. In 2021, the tax was supported by 79% of voters. In all, the tax brought in $206 million in the most recent fiscal year. This is critical to the finances of our city, said Rep. Del Taylor, D-St. Louis, when the measure was debated in March. Heading Plochers new committee is Rep. Jim Murphy, a south St. Louis County Republican who sponsored the remote work measure last spring. Also on the panel is Rep. Steve Butz, D-St. Louis. Rep. Marlon Anderson, D-St. Louis, also is on the nine-member committee. The work of this committee will be invaluable as we continue to look at how our citizens are being taxed in this state, Plocher said. Plocher isnt the only Republican on the statewide ballot who has pushed back against the earnings tax. Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, sponsored legislation in 2022 that would have given refunds to remote workers. It faced similar pushback from Democrats. Koenig, who is term-limited, is now running for state treasurer. The panel is expected to meet in the months leading up to the start of the legislative session in January in order to have a plan ready for debate in the full House and Senate. The formation of the committee comes as the city is appealing a case that found in favor of six people who sued over being charged the tax while they were working outside of the city limits. A spokeswoman for Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly declined to comment, saying the office is awaiting further details about the parameters of the committees work. St. Louis first levied an earnings tax 0.25% in 1946. The Board of Aldermen voted 20-8 in favor. The 20 votes for the bill were cast by Republicans, while two Republicans joined the boards six Democrats in voting against it. The worlds corporations produce so much climate change pollution, it could eat up about 44% of their profits if they had to pay damages for it, according to a study by economists of nearly 15,000 public companies. The corporate carbon damages from those publicly owned companies analyzed a fraction of all the corporations probably runs in the trillions of dollars globally and in the hundreds of billions for American firms, one of the study authors estimated in figures that were not part of the published research. That's based on the cost of carbon dioxide pollution that the U.S. government has proposed. Nearly 90% of that calculated damage comes from four industries: energy, utilities, transportation and manufacturing of materials such as steel. The study in the journal Science, released last week by a team of economists and finance professors, looks at what new government efforts to get companies to report their emissions of heat-trapping gases would mean, both to the firms bottom lines and the worlds ecological health. Earlier this year, the European Union enacted rules that would eventually require firms to disclose carbon emissions and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the state of California are looking at similar regulations. Study co-author Christian Leuz, a finance and accounting professor at the University of Chicago, said the idea of shining the light on corporate activities that have costs to society is very powerful, but it is not enough to save the planet. An earlier study of his found that after fracking firms disclosed their pollution rates, those contamination levels dropped 10% to 15%, he said. The idea is consumers and stockholders would see the damage and pressure firms to be cleaner, Leuz said. Outside economists agreed. Leuz and his colleagues used a private analysis firm that finds or estimates carbon emissions of some publicly owned companies and analyzed the carbon pollution from 14,879 firms. Then they compared them to company revenues and profits. That calculation shows which activities are particularly costly to society from a climate perspective, Leuz said. Still, he cautioned that it would not be correct to just blame the companies. It is not possible to divide responsibility for these damages between the firms that make the products and consumers who buy them. The calculations are for only a fraction of the worlds corporations, with many public companies not included and private firms not listed at all, Leuz said. The economists didnt identify or tease out single companies but instead grouped firms by industry and by country. And they only used direct emissions, not what happens downstream. So the gas in a person's car does not count toward an oil company's emissions or corporate carbon damages. The calculations use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys $190 cost per ton for carbon dioxide emissions and the study doesn't give a bottom line number in dollars, just in percent of profit and revenues. Only when asked by The Associated Press did Leuz estimate it in the trillions of dollars. At $190 a ton, the utility industry averaged damages more than twice its profits. Materials manufacturing, energy and transportation industries all had average damages that exceeded their profits. On the opposite end, the banking and insurance industries averaged climate damages that were less than 1% of their profits. When looking at companies based on countries, Russia and Indonesia were the top for corporate climate damages, while the United Kingdom and the United States were the lowest. Leuz said that reflects the age and efficiency of the companies and which type of industries were based in countries. Several outside experts said the study made sense within certain limits, while a few found faults with some of the choices of what to count, saying not counting downstream emissions is a problem. Because it doesnt count those it does not provide an incentive to reduce these to the level needed, said Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, which studies global emissions and reduction efforts. The results are important but perhaps not that surprising, Stanford University economist Marshall Burke said. The bigger take-home is the number of caveats that are needed to do this analysis, indicating what a mess our emissions accounting systems currently are. Appalachian State Universitys Gregg Marland, who helps track global emissions by country, said good numbers do allow us to know who is producing the products that consumers want with the least contribution to climate change. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Romer, formerly of the World Bank and now at Boston College, said the damage estimates are useful but need to be interpreted accurately, without the moralistic framing and induced urge to punish. Romer used the example of his move from New York to Boston. The initial move would go under the moving companys corporate carbon damage, but when he took some books from his home they would not. Misusing corporate carbon damage figures could put the moving company out of business and hed drive his stuff instead, so total carbon emissions would not be changed. Shifting to zero carbon fuel makes more sense, he said. Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in the US. Here's how it breaks down by state Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in the US. Here's how it breaks down by state How transportation emissions compare to other sectors Transportation emissions approached pre-pandemic levels in 2021 Alaska has the most transportation emissions per capita Personal vehicles drive transportation emissions WASHINGTON A judge on Monday set a March 4 trial date for Donald Trump in the federal case in Washington charging the former president with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election, rejecting a defense request to push back the case by years. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rebuffed claims by Trump's attorneys that an April 2026 trial date was necessary to account for the volume of evidence they say they are reviewing and to prepare for what they contend is a novel and unprecedented prosecution. She agreed to postpone the trial slightly beyond the January 2024 date proposed by special counsel Jack Smith's prosecution team. "The public has a right to a prompt and efficient resolution of this matter," Chutkan said. If the current date holds, it would represent a setback to Trump's efforts to push the case back until well after the 2024 presidential election, a contest in which he's the early front-runner for the Republican nomination. The March 2024 date would also ensure a blockbuster trial in the nation's capital in the heat of the GOP presidential nominating calendar, forcing Trump to juggle campaign and courtroom appearances and coming the day before Super Tuesday a crucial voting day when more than a dozen states will hold primaries and when the largest number of delegates are up for grabs. "I want to note here that setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendant's personal or professional obligations," Chutkan said. Chutkan has so far appeared not only cool to Trump's efforts to delay the case but also concerned by social media comments he's made outside court. This month, she warned Trump's legal team that there were limits on what he can say publicly about evidence in the investigation. She also reiterated her intention Monday for Trump to be "treated with no more or less deference than any defendant would be treated." The Washington case is one of four prosecutions Trump faces. A March 4 trial would take place just weeks before a scheduled New York trial in a case charging him in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actress. Meanwhile in Atlanta on Monday, where Trump and 18 others were charged with trying to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows argued to try to get the charges against him transferred from state court to federal court. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones did not immediately rule. The judge said that he would try to rule as quickly as possible but that there isn't a lot of relative case law and he needs to give the matter thorough consideration. In the meantime, the case continues to progress in Fulton County Superior Court, and the judge said Meadows will have to honor a Sept. 6 arraignment if he hasn't ruled by then. Trump and the 18 people indicted along with him in Georgia are scheduled to be arraigned next week on charges they participated in a wide-ranging illegal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election. All 19 defendants, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Meadows, are scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 6, when they may enter pleas as well, according to court records. The setting of the trial date came despite strong objections from Trump lawyer John Lauro. He said defense lawyers received an enormous trove of records from Smith's team a prosecutor put the total at more than 12 million pages and files and that the case concerned novel legal issues that would require significant time to sort out. "This is one of the most unique cases from a legal perspective ever brought in the history of the United States. Ever," Lauro said, calling it an "enormous, overwhelming task" to review such a "gargantuan" amount of evidence. Prosecutor Molly Gaston countered that the public has an "exceedingly" strong interest in moving the case forward to trial and said that the crux of the evidence has long been well known to the defense. Trump, she noted, is accused of "attempting to overturn an election and disenfranchise millions." "There is an incredibly strong public interest in a jury's full consideration of those claims in open court," Gaston said. Trump, a Republican, was charged this month in a four-count indictment with scheming to undo his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Smith's team brought a separate federal case accusing him of illegally retaining classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida, property, Mar-a-Lago, and refusing to give them back. That case is currently set for trial next May 20. Trump also faces state cases in New York and Georgia. Manhattan prosecutors charged him with falsifying business records in the connection with a hush money payment to the porn actress who has said she had an extramarital affair with Trump. Prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, charged Trump and the 18 others in a racketeering conspiracy aimed at undoing that state's 2020 election. A spokesperson for New York's state court system, Lucian Chalfen, said Chutkan spoke Thursday with the judge in Trump's Manhattan criminal case, Juan Manuel Merchan, about their respective trials ahead. Chalfen said no decision has been made regarding postponing or rescheduling the Manhattan trial, which is to begin March 25. Trump surrendered Thursday in the Georgia case, posing with a scowl for the first mug shot in American history of a former U.S. president. He claims the investigations of him are politically motivated and an attempt to damage his chances of winning back the White House. A look at the 19 people charged in the Georgia indictment connected to Trump's election scheme Key people in the Georgia election fraud case Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani John Eastman Mark Meadows Sidney Powell Kenneth Chesebro Prosecutors have said Chesebro, an attorney, worked with Republicans in numerous swing states Trump lost, including Georgia, in the weeks after the November 2020 election at the direction of Trumps campaign. Chesebro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate declaring falsely that Trump won and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Jeffrey Clark Jenna Ellis Ray Smith A Georgia-based lawyer, Smith was involved in multiple lawsuits challenging the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. He also gathered witnesses to provide testimony before Georgia legislative subcommittee hearings held in December 2020 on alleged issues with the states election. Robert Cheeley A Georgia lawyer, Cheeley presented video clips to legislators of election workers at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and alleged the workers were counting votes twice or sometimes three times. He spoke to the lawmakers after Giuliani. Michael Roman A former White House aide who served as the director of Trumps election day operations, Roman was involved in efforts to put forth a set of fake electors after the 2020 election. David Shafer Shawn Still He was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won the state and declaring themselves the states duly elected and qualified electors. Still was the finance chairman for the state GOP in 2020 and served as a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention that year. He was elected to the Georgia state Senate in November 2022 and represents a district in Atlantas suburbs. Stephen Cliffgard Lee Prosecutors say Cliffgard Lee, a pastor, worked with others to try to pressure Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman and her daughter after Trump and his allies falsely accused them of pulling fraudulent ballots from a suitcase during the vote count. Lee allegedly knocked on Freemans door, frightening her and causing her to call 911 three times, prosecutors said in a court filing last year. Harrison William Prescott Floyd Also known as Willie Lewis Floyd III, he served as director of Black Voices for Trump, and is accused of recruiting Lee to arrange a meeting with Freeman and Chicago-based publicist Trevian Kutti. Trevian C. Kutti Prosecutors allege Kutti, a publicist, claimed to have high-level law enforcement connections. They say Freeman met with Kutti at a police precinct, where she brought Floyd into the conversation on a speakerphone. Prosecutors say Kutti presented herself as someone who could help Freeman but then pressured her to falsely confess to election fraud. Cathy Latham Scott Graham Hall An Atlanta-area bail bondsman, Hall was allegedly involved in commandeering voting information that was the property of Dominion Voting Systems from Coffee County, a small south Georgia jurisdiction. Also charged in the scheme were Powell, Latham and former county elections supervisor Misty Hampton. Misty Hampton She was the elections director in Coffee County. Hampton was present in the county elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, when a computer forensics team copied software and data from the countys election equipment. She also allowed two other men who had been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results to access the elections office later that month and to spend hours inside with the equipment. Read the Trump indictment in Georgia Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later. HEALTH CARE Cardiothoracic surgeon Fran-cis Sutter sits in a corner of a darkened operating room at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, his head buried in what looks like a large virtual-reality headset. His hands are nowhere near the chest of the patient that he is operating on. Instead, he uses joysticks to control a robot making precise cuts near the beating heart. The setup resembles a video game, but no game has stakes this high. "One false move with the robot arm, and you put a hole in the heart," he said. The procedure to replace a clogged artery with a new one, known as coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG, is the most common heart surgery in the U.S. But the method that Sutter uses is uncommon. Only 1% of CABG surgeries nationwide in the past five years were performed using a robot, according to data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. More than 200 of the roughly 1,800 robotic CABGs in the U.S. in 2021 were performed in Lankenau, where Sutter serves as chief of cardiac surgery. Although robots are becoming more familiar in some cardiac procedures, many surgeons question whether the robot-assisted method is an improvement when it comes to the CABG procedure. Sutter says that for patients who qualify, this type of surgery spares them from an open procedure that involves breaking the chest bone and usually stopping the heart, and leaves a 6to 8-inch scar. Instead, he said, his patients go home with three small incision scars, the largest less than 2 inches long. Critics of the robotic approach say that many CABG patients need multiple bypasses, and that's often not possible with Sutter's technique. Scary as it sounds to stop a heart, it's not risky in the hands of skilled practitioners. And the robot may add more cost, they say. Sutter has heard the criticism. He still hopes his research will encourage more surgeons to embrace the robotic procedure that he has been doing for nearly two decades. A steep learning curve In 1986, Sutter began performing coronary bypass surgeries using the standard approach, though it struck him as violent and risky. "Do you think you would like to have that?" he asked. So Sutter was immediately interested when he heard that some surgeons around the world mostly outside the U.S. at first started to use a robot for the procedure in the late 1990s. He saw a tool that allowed surgeons to operate on a beating heart, avoiding that fraught moment of praying the organ would restart. He thought robotic surgery could reduce recovery time and enable him to operate on frail patients unable to withstand the traditional surgery. To learn how to use the da Vinci Surgical System, Sutter visited the few surgeons across the U.S. then performing the technique. He trained on pigs, dogs and human cadavers. On living human patients, he gradually started using the robot. "I didn't feel the least bit confident until I had at least 300 cases," Sutter said. He started performing the procedure 18 years ago, and still marvels at how quickly his patients are sitting up in bed, just hours after the operation and not the day after. A specialized procedure Sutter uses the robot to address blockages in the largest artery that feeds blood to the heart muscle, in a two-part surgery that takes about four hours. First, Sutter uses the robot to "harvest" the left internal mammary artery, the standard choice to replace this damaged artery in many CABG procedures. Then he scrubs in, donning a sterile gown, and by hand stitches the "spare" artery to the heart, allowing blood flow to bypass the clog. This step requires the largest of the incisions he will make, a roughly 2-inch cut. In the past, Sutter was able to do the entire surgery robotically. But the company that manufactures the robot stopped making a critical instrument for the procedure due to lack of demand. Sutter surgically fixes only one artery in about 80% of his patients, he said. Because people often have more blocked vessels, many of Sutter's patients also receive stents a device resembling a spring that is inserted through a catheter in other vessels. He prefers this practice to opening the chest and performing multiple bypasses when possible. He makes the decision with a cardiologist. The 1% vs. the 99% Hospitals often chase cutting-edge treatments, even when the research doesn't entirely support the price tag. But heart surgeons in the Philadelphia area aren't following Sutter's robotic method. "There's a lot of talented heart surgeons," said Rohinton Morris, chief of cardiac surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. "There's a reason they don't do this." Morris said the concern over the use of a heart-lung machine is outdated. About 90% of the CABG surgeries at Jefferson are on a stopped heart, and none uses the robot. Randomized control trials demonstrated that performing CABG "off-pump" doesn't lead to better outcomes. "Every heart starts back up," he said. Temple University Hospital doesn't perform robotic assisted CABG either, according to Yoshiya Toyoda, chair of cardiovascular surgery. His biggest concern with the robotic technique is that it limits the number of arteries that the surgeon can fix, or revascularize, in favor of propping arteries open with stents. Toyoda usually fixes four arteries in one operation, and sometimes as many as eight. "Better skin incision vs.complete revascularization which is better?" he asked. "I think the patient will benefit with complete revascularization." There are also other minimally invasive techniques that allow for smaller incisions that don't involve the robot, Toyoda said. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center use the robot for about 10% of the approximately 550 CABG procedures the hospitals combined perform annually, a Penn Medicine spokesperson said. Surgeons also raised concerns about costs the robot alone is about $2 million and the ability to train surgeons to Sutter's level of expertise. Even some experienced robotic heart surgeons don't feel comfortable using it for CABG. T. Sloane Guy chaired the robotic surgery task force of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for years. His specialty is mitral valve repair and 98% of the time he does them robotically. But when he performs a CABG, he does it the old-fashioned way. The procedure Sutter uses "is for the sort of super elite who dedicate themselves to it," said Guy, the director of minimally invasive & robotic cardiac surgery at the Georgia Heart Institute. But Guy is bullish about the future of robotic heart surgery. As technology improves, he believes it will become the norm because of demand from patients. "Speedy recovery and minimally invasive is something that is important to patients," he said. Promising data Sutter recognizes the steep learning curve is a drawback to robotic bypass surgery. But he believes the surgery should be an option for patients who can benefit, and that research involving his patients will show why. One of his students, surgeon Aleksander Dokollari, presented preliminary analysis of nearly 2,400 robotic CABGs performed at Lankenau in the recent Society of Thoracic Surgeons conference. They view the results, which have yet to be peer-reviewed and published, as promising. Studies by researchers from outside of Lankenau have also demonstrated safety, and suggested positive outcomes. But so far none used a randomized controlled trial the gold standard of medical research to evaluate the robotic technique against the traditional surgery. Meanwhile, Sutter is convinced he is where he should be, inside his operating room, looking into a screen that shows the heart in 3D and magnified 10 times, while robotic arms operate a few feet away. DTC Eligibility is Expected to Increase the Accessibility of Beyond Oil's Stock for U.S. Investors VANCOUVER, BC and KIBBUTZ YIFAT, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE:BOIL)(OTCQB:BEOLF) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company extending the life of frying oil, reducing costs and waste, is pleased to announce, following its listing on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") that was announced on June 2, 2023, that the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") has made the Company's common shares eligible for electronic clearing and settlement at DTC. DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible". DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance the liquidity of Beyond Oil's common shares in the United States. "We are pleased to have received DTC eligibility, as we believe that this milestone will provide investors with greater accessibility and visibility to Beyond Oil in the United States," said Jonathan Or, CEO and Co-Founder of Beyond Oil. "This milestone has also opened the door to new investors that may have been previously restricted from trading our stock, while existing shareholders will also benefit from greater liquidity and execution speed." About Beyond Oil Ltd. Beyond Oil develops and manufactures an innovative, proprietary, and patented product designed to extend the life of frying oil while preserving the oil's quality and nutritional value. The unique product integrates into the existing filtration systems of both commercial and industrial fryers, reducing oil costs, helping create healthier food, decreasing waste and increasing sustainability. For more information visit: www.beyondoil.co. Contacts Jonathan Or CEO and Co-founder 1-647-691-9801 [email protected] Caroline Sawamoto Investor Relations 1-647-691-9801 [email protected] Forward-Looking Statement and Information The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Company and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, we cannot assure that any patent will issued as a result of a pending patent application or, if issued, whether it will issue in a form that will be advantageous to us. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. SOURCE: Beyond Oil Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed its condensed consolidated audited financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2023. Copies of these financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis can be found on the Company's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca. All financial information in this news release is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Operating Highlights and Recent Corporate Developments On April 5, 2023, the Company entered into a contract with Global One Media to manage its social media channels including brand promotion, social media strategy and planning, monthly content calendar creation and lead generation. Under the terms of the agreement, Global One Media will receive $110,922 in cash from the Company which will be paid in a single payment on November 30, 2023 in exchange for their social media services. The contract is expected to be completed by December 31st, 2023. On April 20, 2023, the Company issued a total of 347,692 common shares with a deemed cost of $22,600 for the settlement of compensation to AGORA Internet Relations Corp ("AGORA") for certain advertising services provided by AGORA to the Company over three months. On May 1, 2023, the Company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Forward Water Technologies Inc., has licensed specific intellectual property from FUJIFILM Corporation in order to solidify protection of its water treatment technology platform, and which will secure further clean water alternatives to legacy solutions to combat the ongoing global water crisis. As part of this agreement, the Company paid a $135,620 licensing fee. On May 30, 2023, the Company announced a partnership with Mead & Hunt. The Company will guide project support with its Forward Osmosis expertise, deign know-how, and technical assets. Mead & Hunt will provide extensive supply chain connections, engineering design experience, capabilities to fabricate the needed treatment equipment, as well as access to an established customer pipeline. On May 31, 2023, the Company announced that it has signed a technical advisory engagement with CleanTech Lithium PLC to review and assess technologies capable of further increasing CleanTech Lithium's existing process efficiencies. Under this advisory engagement, the Company will evaluate and advise on various technologies for use within CleanTech Lithium's operations, at its Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin projects located in the lithium triangle within Chile. Management Commentary "We are pleased with the strong commercial groundwork that has been accomplished in the last quarter and by using this foundation, the Company expects to complete several of the commercial opportunities it has developed." Summary of Financial Results Income Statement Balance Sheet Statement of Cash Flows About Forward Water Technologies Corp. Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams. For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com. Contact Information For more information or interview requests, please contact: C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer [email protected] 416-451-8155 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / To maintain American leadership in the global 5G economy, the wireless industry must keep deploying more spectrum for consumers. It's as simple as that. At T-Mobile, we have a record of putting our spectrum to good use quickly, now covering 326 million Americans with 5G service, 285 million of whom are covered by Ultra Capacity 5G. But this year, the government has not been doing its part to keep the pipeline flowing and action is needed. One year ago, the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) completed Auction 108. In that auction, T-Mobile spent $304 million on more than 7,000 2.5 GHz spectrum licenses to enhance our Ultra Capacity 5G network deployment. Unfortunately, we did not receive access to the spectrum we purchased before the FCC's Spectrum Auction Authority expired. My predecessor, Neville Ray, publicly called attention to this issue back in April. Congress allowed the FCC's Spectrum Auction Authority to lapse in March 2023 for the first time in history. While we, along with four former FCC General Counsels, believe the FCC still has authority to either grant the licenses or issue us special temporary authority (STA) to use the spectrum, we also understand the FCC is concerned about getting its auction authority renewed - as it should be. Earlier in August, we commemorated the 30th anniversary of the FCC's spectrum auction authority. As FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, auctions are "&a big reason why the United States leads the world in wireless innovation." Spectrum auctions are the only viable way to assign licenses to the benefit of consumers and the U.S. Treasury. T-Mobile fully supports the FCC getting that authority back as soon as possible and is working closely with CTIA and the others to accomplish that outcome. While we wait for Congress to act, Americans are losing out on enhanced 5G broadband and economic development opportunities. According to a recent report from the Brattle Group, the 2.5 GHz licenses we can immediately put to work with our STA request would deliver $28 billion worth of new services to Americans. And the entire spectrum portfolio due to T-Mobile would generate $42 billion in consumer welfare. Also at risk are the economic and innovation benefits brought by a competitive marketplace. While our competitors are deploying their mid-band spectrum assets, consumers are denied the immediate impact of T-Mobile doing the same with additional bandwidth at 2.5 GHz. That's not good for competition. Our outstanding 2.5 GHz licenses would improve high speed internet service for millions of American households, in all 50 states and Puerto Rico - improvements that could benefit veterans, tribal lands, and underserved communities, and help us to expand our in-home internet service that is bringing competition to cable. In fact, 61 of the nation's 109 operational Historically Black Colleges and Universities are in locations that would be immediately enhanced with improved 5G data speeds, mobile, and home internet services were the FCC to issue T-Mobile's licenses or grant access to the spectrum via STA. And as we move through hurricane season and other emergencies, this spectrum could be extremely helpful to provide needed service and additional capacity. Additional 2.5 GHz spectrum helps to increase the capacity of the network, improving connectivity and service in such instances. And we have gathered significant support from a wide range of consumer and public interest groups including Public Knowledge, the National Rural Education Association, Hispanic Federation, and the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition. These groups understand the importance of getting these licenses deployed. With Congress returning to Washington shortly, reinstating auction authority needs to be an immediate priority. Experience has shown that auctions are the best means to assign spectrum that is so critical to our economy. Restoring this authority not only provides a path forward for a future spectrum pipeline, but also ensures the Auction 108 licenses we purchased can be deployed for the benefit of consumers. The longer we wait to deploy the spectrum, the more Americans -especially rural and underserved communities - needlessly wait and competition suffers. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: T-Mobile Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile Email: [email protected] SOURCE: T-Mobile View source version on accesswire.com: TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2023 / Concerned Shareholder Grant Sawiak says he has been very surprised at the extent of both the number of shareholders contacting him to vote against the NWST management nominees and the level of anger across a wide base of shareholders from significant shareholders to smaller shareholders for the current NWST board destroying a portion of their personal net worth. "It should come as no surprise to NWST's current board and management that the central issue for shareholders is the increasing, or at the bare minimum, the preserving, of people's investments." said Mr. Sawiak. He went on to say "This is something that the current board has repeatedly failed to do for several years and which the board is now trying to distract from in its recent press releases." Mr. Sawiak ended his comments by saying "I imagine that the reception the NWST current board is getting when it solicits votes from shareholders must reflect this anger and that is why the number of management press releases are not only increasing in number but the tone of those press releases has become more shrill and desperate". IF YOU WISH TO VOTE WITH MR. SAWIAK TO CHANGE THE BOARD OF NWST YOU MUST CONTACT HIM BY: 1. CALLING HIM AT 1.416.917.2816; OR 2. EMAILING HIM AT [email protected] ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11, 2023. Information in Support of Public Broadcast Solicitation The Concerned Shareholder is relying on the exemptions contained in Section 9.2(2) and Section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations to solicit proxies from no more than 15 securityholders and by soliciting proxies by broadcast, speech or publication. The Concerned Shareholder may also choose to file a dissident information circular in due course in compliance with applicable securities laws. A copy of the press release and the Nominating Shareholder Notice which collectively contains all information on the Concerned Shareholder's Nominees as required by National Instrument 51-102 and Form 51-102F5 were filed on SEDAR+ on August 4, 2023 and are available for viewing there. The information contained herein, and any solicitation made by the Concerned Shareholder in advance of the Meeting, is or will be, as applicable, made by the Concerned Shareholder and not by or on behalf of the management of NWST. All costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by the Concerned Shareholder and by Mr. John Kimmel (the "Solicitors"), provided that, subject to applicable law, the Solicitors may seek reimbursement from NWST of the Concerned Shareholder's out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company's board of directors. Other than in respect of their beneficial ownership, control or direction of securities of the Corporation described above, none of the Solicitors or any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of directors. A Registered Shareholder who has given a Proxy may revoke the Proxy by: (a) completing and signing a Proxy bearing a later date and depositing it at the offices of Odyssey, 350- 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1T2 or and following the online voting instructions given to you no later than 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on the second Business Day preceding the date of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; (b) depositing an instrument in writing executed by the Registered Shareholder or by the Registered Shareholder's attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the Registered Shareholder is a body corporate, by a duly authorized officer or attorney either with Odyssey, 350-409 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 1T2 at any time up to and including the last Business Day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof or with the Chair of the Meeting prior to the commencement of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; or (c) in any other manner permitted by Law. Such instrument will not be effective with respect to any matter on which a vote has already been cast pursuant to such Proxy. If a Registered Shareholder who has submitted a Proxy attends the Meeting, any votes cast by such Registered Shareholder on a ballot at the Meeting will be counted and the submitted Proxy will be disregarded. Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a Proxy. Non-Registered Shareholders that wish to change their voting instructions must, in sufficient time in advance of the Meeting, contact their Intermediary to arrange to change their voting instructions. The Concerned Shareholder has engaged Shorecrest Group Ltd. to act as proxy solicitor in respect of this matter and will incur expenses of up to $120K plus out of pocket expenses. The Concerned Shareholder may engage the services of one or more other agents and authorize other persons to assist in soliciting proxies on behalf of the Concerned Shareholder. Any proxies solicited by or on behalf of the Concerned Shareholder, including by any other agent retained by the Concerned Shareholder, may be solicited in any other manner permitted under Canadian corporate and securities laws. Any such proxies may be revoked by instrument in writing executed by a shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing or, if the shareholder is a body corporate, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized or by any other manner permitted by law. The head office of NWST is located at Suite 1900, 1055 West Hastings Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2E9. A copy of this press release may be obtained on NWST's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. For more information contact: Grant Sawiak 416.917.2816 SOURCE: Grant Sawiak View source version on accesswire.com: SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Catcha Investment Corp (Catcha or the Company) (NYSE American: CHAA), announced today that New York Stock Exchange Regulation, Inc., by letter dated August 22, 2023, notified the Company that it was not in compliance with NYSE Americans continued listing standards (the Notice) because the Company did not timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter June 30, 2023 (the Form 10-Q), which was due on August 21, 2023. In accordance with Section 1007 of the NYSE American Company Guide, the Company will have six months from the date of the Notice (the Initial Cure Period), to file the Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). If the Company fails to file the Form 10-Q during the Initial Cure Period, NYSE American LLC (the Exchange) may, in its sole discretion, provide an additional six-month cure period (the Additional Cure Period). The Company can regain compliance with the Exchanges continued listing standards at any time during the Initial Cure Period or Additional Cure Period, as applicable, by filing the Form 10-Q and any subsequent delayed filings with the SEC. On August 14, 2023, the Company filed a Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 (the Form 12b-25), indicating that the filing of its Form 10-Q will be delayed. Although the Company has dedicated significant resources to the completion of finalizing its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for inclusion in the Form 10-Q, the Company was unable to file the Form 10-Q prior to August 21, 2023, the extension period provided by the Form 12b-25. Additional time is needed by the Company to complete its review of the financial statements included in the Form 10-Q in order to ensure a complete, accurate Form 10-Q. The Company intends to file the Form 10-Q as soon as practicable and in any event within the above-referenced six-month period. About Catcha Investment Corp Catcha Investment Corp is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an acquisition or a business combination target in any business, industry, or geography, it intends to focus its search on a target with operations or prospective operations in the technology, digital media, financial technology, or digital services sectors, which it refers to as the new economy sectors, across Asia Pacific, in particular Southeast Asia and Australia. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as believes, expects, plans, estimates, may, should, will, seeks, or other similar expressions. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Companys ability to comply with SEC rules and the continued listing requirements of the NYSE American . These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this press release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the finalization of the Companys 2023 second quarter financial statements, the Companys ability to continue as a going concern, and other factors discussed in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 filed with the SEC. For a description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Companys filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828232773/en/ Catcha Investment Corp Wai Kit Wong Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Source: Catcha Investment Corp Sale includes over 70% off select PCs RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shoppers will save big during Lenovos Labour Day Sale, with select electronics and PCs available for more than half off regular prices. Beginning August 28 and running through September 10, Lenovo is offering huge discounts on laptops, gaming PCs, tablets, monitors, and accessories, as well as doorbuster deals, available only at lenovo.com. During the sale, customers enrolled in the My Lenovo Rewards loyalty program will receive extra rewards points that may be redeemed on future purchases at Lenovo.com, and all shoppers may take advantage of low prices on ThinkPad products and more, including over 70% off select laptops. Below is a selection of deals and promotions included in this years Labour Day Sale*: August 28 - September 3 Item Price Savings ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 $2,199.99 44% Lenovo 3i Chromebook $319.99 43% ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 $1,553.99 71% Legion Pro 5 AMD Gen 8 $1,464.99 21% Yoga 6 (13 AMD) $949.99 35% September 4-10 2X My Lenovo Rewards Sitewide* Item Price Savings ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 $1,430.99 66% IdeaPad 1 (15 AMD) $284.99 45% Yoga 7 (16" AMD) $999.99 35% Legion Slim 5i Gen 8 $1,359.99 22% ThinkPad X13 Gen 2 $1,116.99 73% At Lenovo we offer a wide variety of solutions for all your technology needs- from the pocket to the cloud, said Carlo Savino, vice president of North America and Latin America eCommerce at Lenovo. Whether its for work, play, or school, theres something for everyone during the Lenovo Labor Day Sale. Go to Lenovo.com to find our most popular products at the lowest prices of the year. For more details on the great offers included in Lenovos Labour Day Sale, please visit https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/d/deals/doorbusters. Customers who sign up for the My Lenovo Rewards program and make purchases on Lenovo.com always receive a percentage of the purchase price returned to them as rewards points for use on future purchases and can earn extra rewards points during sales periods like the Lenovo Labor Day Sale. My Lenovo Rewards members also receive free expedited shipping on all qualifying purchases. Learn more at https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/rewards/ *Offers good while supplies last. Shop early to ensure the best availability. About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the worlds largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of New IT technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovos world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828761940/en/ Lisa Marie Ferrell, Lenovo [email protected] Ph: +1 (919) 805-1919 Source: Lenovo Sustainable fibers and initiatives will also be showcased WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and textile industry, announced today that it is showcasing its latest products at Intertextile Shanghai, August 28 - 30. The companys booth will feature three new LYCRA brand fibers making their trade show debut: LYCRA ADAPTIV BLACK fiber, LYCRA ADAPTIV XTRA LIFE fiber and LYCRA SHEER SENSATION technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230827508433/en/ The LYCRA Company launches LYCRA ADAPTIV BLACK fiber for durable, size-inclusive activewear and athleisure fabrics at Intertextile Shanghai - Autumn 2023. (Photo: Business Wire) To meet the markets need for durable apparel offering more inclusive sizing, enhanced comfort and greater functionality, The LYCRA Company is expanding its LYCRA ADAPTIV fiber portfolio to include two new fibers: LYCRA ADAPTIV BLACK fiber and LYCRA ADAPTIV XTRA LIFE fiber. LYCRA ADAPTIV BLACK fiber is for long-lasting activewear and athleisure apparel that helps reduce fiber damage caused by UV rays, sunscreen, and anti-chafing creams that can negatively impact a garments fit, functionality and lifespan. This technology also provides durable, spun-in true black color that resists fading and minimizes fiber grin-through and glitter. Garment makers and brands can create size-inclusive garments that deliver a second-skin fit and enhanced comfort with this versatile fiber. LYCRA ADAPTIV XTRA LIFE fiber is the solution for durable swimwear and activewear that lasts up to 10 times longer than garments made with unprotected spandex, while also providing shaping, dynamic comfort, and a wider fit window to adapt to different body types and enabling easy donning and doffing. The Rosset Group, one of Latin Americas largest and most differentiated knitters, developed the fabrics with LYCRA ADAPTIV XTRA LIFE fiber for Intertextile. The LYCRA Company is also launching LYCRA SHEER SENSATION technology in China. This proprietary anti-static version of LYCRA fiber was developed in response to consumer insights that indicated sheer hosiery consumers desired a permanent solution to annoying static cling. The LYCRA brand booth will also feature fabrics and garments made with LYCRA FitSense technology, moisture-wicking COOLMAX technology for cooling and THERMOLITE technology for lightweight warmth. Sustainable solutions on display include our family of fibers made from 100% textile waste, 100% recycled PET, and pre-consumer recycled fiber, which are offered under brands LYCRA EcoMade, COOLMAX EcoMade and THERMOLITE EcoMade. Attendees can also learn about the development of bio-derived LYCRA fiber made with QIRA, This sustainable offering made with field corn has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 44 percent* versus spandex made with traditional raw materials. Intertextile Shanghai is also the Asia-Pacific launch pad of a new sustainability brand campaign by The LYCRA Company entitled Waste for Good. The messaging promotes the advancement of circularity in the apparel and textile industry with COOLMAX and THERMOLITE EcoMade technologies. We are thrilled that Intertextile Shanghai is back, and we look forward to meeting with strategic partners and new customers in person after its cancellation last year, said Vincent Hu, vice president, Asia, apparel and president of the APAC region, The LYCRA Company. We will have two years of new products on display, and we are anticipating great interest in our range of innovative and sustainable offerings designed to meet consumer needs. The LYCRA brand pavilion, located in Hall 4.1, boasts its largest exhibition space yet at 932 square meters and features 28 co-exhibitors united under the theme of Co-Create the Future Today. Visit the Intertextile Shanghai event page on lycra.com to learn more about the pavilion, see its floor plan and explore the virtual showrooms of co-exhibitors. *Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, Ramboll US Consulting, Inc. About The LYCRA Company The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA, LYCRA HyFit, LYCRA T400, COOLMAX, THERMOLITE, ELASPAN, SUPPLEX, and TACTEL. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, sustainable solutions, marketing support, and LYCRA ONE marketplace. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumers need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit lycra.com. LYCRA, LYCRA FitSense, COOLMAX, and THERMOLITE are trademarks of The LYCRA Company. QIRA is a trademark of Qore LLC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230827508433/en/ Keyra Chen [email protected] Source: The LYCRA Company New Collection Blends Beauty and Functionality for Luxury Fashion Designers First-Ever Home Line BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global design company, West Elm, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the worlds largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today the launch of a new collaboration with Joseph Altuzarra, the founder and creative director of luxury womens ready-to-wear fashion brand, Altuzarra. The Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids collection features furniture with elevated finishes as well as textiles and decorative accessories that are infused with Altuzarras own hand-drawn motifs. Created as a love letter to his two daughters, the sophisticated collection celebrates the signature artistry of Altuzarra while maintaining kid-friendly functionality. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828859434/en/ Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids (Photo: Williams Sonoma) Our collaboration with Joseph is everything you would expect from this incredibly talented fashion designer, said Day Kornbluth, President at West Elm. With two daughters of his own, he knows exactly what parents are looking for, and were excited for our customers to discover this gorgeous collection. I am thrilled to be collaborating with West Elm Kids on this collection of nursery and childrens room furniture and accessories, marking my first foray into the world of home, said Altuzarra. When I became a father, I discovered a white space for chic, sophisticated interiors that were both beautiful and functional. Together with West Elm Kids, we created pieces that harmoniously blend style and practicality, capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood. Key items from the 42-piece capsule collection include the Clouds Crib & Kids Sheeting ($34-$199), Childrens Pajamas ($39.50-$44.50), Shooting Stars Quilt ($139-$199), Oval Mirror ($299), Ribbon Pendant Light ($299), Upholstered Crib ($1,199) and the 7 Drawer Dresser ($1,599). To learn more about the collection, please visit westelm.com/josephaltuzarra. Joseph Altuzarra + West Elm Kids will also be available for purchase in Canada, beginning on August 28th at westelm.ca/josephaltuzarra. Customers are also invited to join the conversation about the collaboration on social media with @westelmkids and @josephaltuzarra. ABOUT WEST ELM KIDS: Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming peoples lives and spaces through creativity, style, and purpose. In 2021, West Elm expanded the brands offerings to create the West Elm Kids collection. West Elm Kids celebrates the brands original, modern designs and Good Design approach through a curated assortment of GREENGUARD, Fair Trade Certified, and 100 percent organic cotton products. West Elm Kids currently offers more than 2,000 products for baby, kids, and teens. West Elm is a part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world's largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, and participates in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the fleet of best-in-class brands. ABOUT JOSEPH ALTUZARRA: Joseph Altuzarra is the designer and creative director of the luxury womens ready-to-wear brand Altuzarra. Raised by a Chinese-American mother and French father in Paris, Josephs work champions his multicultural upbringing, drawing on art, film, and craft for inspiration. Commended by the CFDA as Womenswear Designer of the year in 2014 and the Accessories designer of the year in 2017, as well as being featured as a judge on Amazons Making the Cut in 2020, Joseph is widely recognized as one of the most talented and lasting designers of his generation. WSM-PR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828859434/en/ Jess Ward [email protected] Walker Inge [email protected] Source: Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (Hawaiian Electric), a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE) (HEI), today issued the following update in response to the lawsuit filed on Thursday by the County of Maui. Our hearts and hands are with the people of Lahaina and Maui, said Shelee Kimura, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric. Hawaii has thrived on the collective strength and unity of our community, and we need to embrace that spirit now more than ever. There are important lessons to be learned from this tragedy by all of us collectively, and we are resolved to figure out what we need to do to keep our communities safe as climate issues rapidly intensify here and around the globe. We invite others to do the same with us. Several important facts are clear about the events on Aug. 8: A fire at 6:30 a.m. (the Morning Fire) appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high winds. The Maui County Fire Department responded to this fire, reported it was 100% contained, left the scene and later declared it had been extinguished. At about 3 p.m., a time when all of Hawaiian Electrics power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours, a second fire (the Afternoon Fire) began in the same area. The cause of the devastating Afternoon Fire has not been determined. We were surprised and disappointed that the County of Maui rushed to court even before completing its own investigation, Kimura said. We believe the complaint is factually and legally irresponsible. It is inconsistent with the path that we believe we should pursue as a resilient community committed and accountable to each other as well as to Hawaiis future. We continue to stand ready to work to that end with our communities and others. Unfortunately, the countys lawsuit may leave us no choice in the legal system but to show its responsibility for what happened that day. Outlined below are additional details: The records conclusively establish that Hawaiian Electric power lines to Lahaina were not energized when the Afternoon Fire broke out shortly before 3 p.m. on Aug. 8, in a field near Lahaina Intermediate School. Power had been out for more than six hours by that time. There was no electricity flowing through the wires in the area or anywhere else on the West Maui coast. Hawaiian Electric has informed ATF investigators of the availability of records that demonstrate these facts. energized when the Afternoon Fire broke out shortly before 3 p.m. on Aug. 8, in a field near Lahaina Intermediate School. Power had been out for more than six hours by that time. There was no electricity flowing through the wires in the area or anywhere else on the West Maui coast. Hawaiian Electric has informed ATF investigators of the availability of records that demonstrate these facts. The small Morning Fire, seen in videos taken by local residents, began more than eight hours earlier . Those videos show that power lines had fallen to the ground in high winds near the intersection of Lahainaluna Road and Ho okahua Street at approximately 6:30 a.m. A small fire that can be seen by the downed lines spread into the field across the street from the Intermediate School. . Those videos show that power lines had fallen to the ground in high winds near the intersection of Lahainaluna Road and Ho okahua Street at approximately 6:30 a.m. A small fire that can be seen by the downed lines spread into the field across the street from the Intermediate School. The Maui County Fire Department responded promptly to the Morning Fire. According to the Departments public statement that morning, by 9 a.m. the Morning Fire was 100% contained. The Maui County fire chief subsequently reported that the Fire Department had determined that the Morning Fire was extinguished, and the Fire Department left the scene by 2 p.m. Once the fire was out, Hawaiian Electric emergency crews arrived at Lahainaluna Road in the afternoon of Aug. 8 to make repairs; they saw no fire or smoke or embers. All lines to Lahaina remained de-energized and all power in the area remained off. Shortly before 3 p.m., while the power remained off, our crew members saw a small fire about 75 yards away from Lahainaluna Road in the field near the Intermediate School. They immediately called 911 and reported that fire. By the time the Maui County Fire Department arrived back on the scene, it was not able to contain the Afternoon Fire and it spread out of control toward Lahaina. The countys lawsuit distracts from the important work that needs to be done for the people of Lahaina and Maui, said Scott Seu, president and CEO of HEI. Since the devastating fire in Lahaina, Hawaiian Electrics focus has been supporting all of those who have been impacted and helping Maui recover. HEI stands with Hawaiian Electric and the community in rebuilding Lahaina and empowering a thriving future for Maui and the other islands we serve. DENVER, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forge Nano, Inc., a global leader in precision nano-coating technology, and 6K Energy, a leader in the sustainable production of critical materials for lithium-ion batteries, have signed an agreement to implement commercial-scale production of 6K Energys American-made battery materials with Forge Nanos proprietary Atomic Armor surface technology platform. This collaboration will support a robust and protected supply chain for next-generation, domestically sourced batteries and give the U.S. the advantage it needs to compete with the global market. This strategic partnership between Forge Nano and 6K Energy is an important step in our commitment to strengthening the domestic battery materials supply chain with new technologies that are more precise, more efficient and better for the environment, says James Trevey, CTO, Forge Nano. With Atomic Armor, we are building industry-leading batteries that outpace existing batteries on the global market in terms of performance, lifetime and safety. This alliance is exactly what the U.S. needs to be competitive in the global Li-ion battery market. Atomic Armor is the application of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coatings done with the speed, precision and know-how that will unlock a products performance and scale at a lower cost than incumbent technology. This cutting-edge technology improves existing battery materials, resulting in higher capacity and safety, while making batteries charge faster and last longer all at a lower cost. The combination of Forge Nanos Atomic Armor with 6Ks UniMelt materials production process will bring the highest performance and lowest cost materials to the market. As we develop our domestic battery material production capabilities, starting with our Jackson, Tennessee PlusCAM plant, we are teaming with best-in-class partners throughout the process, said 6K Energys Sr. Vice President of Battery Products Dr. Richard Holman. Leveraging Forge Nanos Atomic Armor platform provides us with a coating technology that meets the stringent specifications of our lithium-ion battery materials. About Forge Nano Forge Nano is a fast-growing specialty chemical developer and product commercialization partner. Forge Nano commercialized Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology for powders and has become the uncontested leader in materials science innovation and commercialization using ALD. The commercial-scale ALD technology, called Atomic Armor, is being implemented around the world and in Li-ion batteries [at giga-scale] is being used for improving product performance and reducing process costs for battery materials. Forge Nano is dedicated to development of a robust and resilient North American supply chain for Li-ion batteries and is using Atomic Armor to provide differentiation on cost, performance, and safety. For more information, visit www.ForgeNano.com About 6K With sustainability at its core, 6K has developed UniMelt, a proprietary advanced microwave plasma production system, to transform engineered materials into revolutionary products that advance industries across additive manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, consumer electronics, and more. 6K represents 6000 degrees, both the temperature of the operation of UniMelt, the worlds only microwave production scale plasma system and the temperature of the suns surface. 6K was founded in North Andover, Massachusetts. The 6K Energy division is focused on the production of low-cost, sustainable, and domestically produced battery material accelerating the pace of battery production and adoption of electric vehicles. The 6K Additive division specializes in sustainably sourced, AM metal powders production and reclamation, using a proprietary milling and cleaning process that ensures contamination-free, high-quality powders. For more information, visit www.6Kinc.com MEDIA CONTACTS 6K Bruce Bradshaw+1 (603) 689-4597[email protected] Forge NanoMichael Talarico+1 (720) 259-8579[email protected] Source: Forge Nano NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (Scott+Scott), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, continues to investigate whether certain directors and officers of Roblox Corporation (Roblox) (NYSE: RBLX) breached their fiduciary duties to Roblox and its shareholders. If you are a Roblox shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew with Scott+Scott for additional information at (844) 818-6982, or [email protected]. Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of Robloxs board of directors or senior management failed to manage Roblox in an acceptable manner, in breach of their fiduciary duties to Roblox, and whether Roblox and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result. On February 3, 2022, The Bear Cave published a report alleging that Robloxs online platform intended for children aged six to fourteen is also the leading platform for pedophiles. What You Can Do If you are a Roblox shareholder, you may have legal claims against Robloxs directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982, or [email protected]. About Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio. Attorney Advertising CONTACT: Joe Pettigrew Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP 600 West Broadway, Suite 3300 (844) 818-6982 [email protected] NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (Scott+Scott), an international securities and consumer rights litigation firm, continues investigating whether certain directors and officers of Exxon Mobil Corporation (Exxon) (NYSE: XOM) breached their fiduciary duties to Exxon and its shareholders. If you are an Exxon shareholder, you may contact attorney Joe Pettigrew for additional information toll-free at 844-818-6982 or [email protected]. Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of the Exxon Board of Directors (the Board) made, or caused Exxon to make, false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Exxons business, operations, prospects, and financial health. Specifically, Scott+Scott is investigating whether the Board failed to disclose material information, including whether: (i) Exxon forced its employees to use unrealistic assumptions regarding the timelines for well drilling in the Permian Basin; (ii) the foregoing assumptions served to artificially inflate the value of Exxons well operations in the Permian Basin; (iii) the foregoing conduct, when revealed, subjected Exxon to a heightened risk of regulatory investigation and oversight; and (iv) as a result, statements about Exxons business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. On January 15, 2021, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled Exxon Draws SEC Probe Over Permian Basin Asset Valuation. The article reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission probe stemmed from a whistleblower complaint that, during a 2019 internal assessment, workers were forced to use unrealistic assumptions about how quickly wells in the Permian Basin could be drilled to reach a higher valuation, and that at least one worker who complained about the assumptions was fired. On this news, Exxons stock price fell $2.42 per share, or 4.81%, to close at $47.89 per share on January 15, 2021. What You Can Do If you are an Exxon shareholder, you may have legal claims against Exxons directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at 844-818-6982 or [email protected]. About Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio. Attorney Advertising CONTACT: Joe Pettigrew Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP 600 W. Broadway, Suite 3300, San Diego, CA 92101 844-818-6982 [email protected] Full power for Garrido's new cluster in Portugal Voltalia (Euronext Paris, ISIN code: FR0011995588), an international player in renewable energies, announces the full commissioning of its new Portuguese cluster, Garrido, consisting of five solar power plants with a total capacity of 50.6 megawatts. The construction of the Garrido project cluster, combining five power plants with a total capacity of 50.6 megawatts, was initiated in September 20221. It reached full capacity after a gradual commissioning process that began in March 20232. The initial kilowatt-hours were generated from the Vale Serrao site (2.4 megawatts), Pinhal Novo site (11.8 megawatts), and Alcochete site (23.8 megawatts). The remaining capacity, including the Oliveira de Frades site (1.2 megawatts) and Antuzede site (11.4 megawatts), has just been connected to the grid. The entire cluster's capacity is secured through long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs3), including one with the industrial company BA Glass, a European leader in the production of hollow glass for the beverage and agri-food sectors. The companies consuming the produced decarbonized electricity will contribute to avoiding the annual emission of 46,685 tonnes of CO 2 into the atmosphere. "We are delighted to announce the full capacity of our Garrido cluster. Portugal is a pioneer in Europe, with a significant share of renewable energies in its energy mix. I thank all the teams for successfully delivering this cluster," says Sebastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia. Next appointment: 1st half 2023 results, on September 27th (before market-opening). About Voltalia (www.voltalia.com) Voltalia is an international player in the renewable energy sector. The Group produces and sells electricity generated from wind, solar, hydraulic, biomass and storage facilities that it owns and operates. Voltalia has generating capacity in operation and under construction of more than 2.7 GW and a portfolio of projects under development representing total capacity of 14.2 GW. Voltalia is also a service provider and supports its investor clients in renewable energy projects during all phases, from design to operation and maintenance. As a pioneer in the corporate market, Voltalia provides a global offer to private companies, ranging from the supply of green electricity and energy efficiency services to the local production of their own electricity. With more than 1,550 employees in 20 countries on 3 continents, Voltalia has capacity to act globally for its customers. Voltalia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris, compartment B (FR0011995588 VLTSA) and is part of the SBF 120, Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices. The Group is also included in the Gaia-Index, an index for socially responsible midcaps Voltalia Loan Duong, Head of Communications & IR Actifin [email protected] Press Contact: Jennifer Jullia Investor Relations : [email protected] [email protected] . T. +33 (0)1 56 88 11 19 1 Press release of September 22, 2022 2 Press release of March 21, 2023 3 The Corporate PPA (Corporate Power Purchase Agreement) is a direct sales contract entered into between an energy producer and a final consuming company. Attachment 2023 Icefields Exploration Highlights: Three (3) new zones consisting of sulphide-rich breccia, stockwork and veins in shear zones have been discovered on the icefields claim blocks of the Golddigger property and remain open (see map below): A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f836d36b-e832-4c3f-a204-2bf5bfd40a01 NEW TREASURE ISLAND DISCOVERY - DRILL READY: Treasure Island consists of new mineralized bedrock outcrops that have been exposed by glacial melt with multiple shear-hosted, polymetallic zones over a 500 meter long NW-SE trend that remains open in all directions. Mineralized zones are up to 20 meters wide with sections of massive chalcopyrite and pyrite occupying shears and forming sulphide rich mineralization at structural intersections and embayment zones within strongly folded and sheared mudstone, siltstone and tuff units. This discovery is on trend with the past producer Porter Idaho Mine located 6 kilometers to the west. The area is currently being channel cut and mapped in preparation for 2024 drilling (see images below). A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c062401-5edd-4201-970b-d2f69942dc02 A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d9b1c00-8f11-40a3-af92-bf1326745192 A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1da458ce-b156-4e8e-b068-05bb89a6027d NEW METALLICA DISCOVERY - DRILL READY: The Metallica Zone is situated 29 kilometers east of Stewart on the northeast portion of the icefields. Multiple oxidized quartz-carbonate veins, stockworks and lenses have been identified within altered andesite with 1 - 15 % sulphides. Zones up to 4 meters wide contain pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena over a 300 meter by 400 meter area (see image below). A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a7ce19a-0d53-416a-9fcf-4171278f092d NEW FULL CONTACT DISCOVERY - DRLL READY : Full Contact is located 19 kilometers northwest of the Surebet Zone. A 1.3-kilometer-long gossan in an area of glacial abatement was discovered with multiple silicified zones, quartz veins and shears. The area shares the same geological setting and alteration as Surebet with mineralization forming around the volcanic sedimentary contact. Mineralization consisting primarily of pyrite, with lesser arsenopyrite and sphalerite disseminated within silicified zones, concentrating in veins and fractures (see image below). A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/628cb466-1ff7-4f9d-ac7d-510225a41de8 The new discoveries show the immense untapped discovery potential remaining on the Golddigger property. With a total of just over 8 months of boots on the ground at the Golddigger property to date, including the current season, we are likely just seeing the tip of the iceberg. More than 75 new targets with excellent additional discovery potential were generated on the Golddigger property based on geochemical data, geophysical surveys, structural maps, satellite imagery and satellite spectral alteration data, that will be prospected, mapped, and sampled during the 2023 season in preparation for drilling. Prospecting and mapping are ongoing on the entire property which encompasses 56 km of the Red Line in an area where recent snowpack and glacial abetment has provided extensive zones of newly exposed outcrop in a world-class geological setting (see tenure map below). A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17745bf3-7873-4c1c-be8b-3e9825631b0e 2023 Surebet Exploration Highlights: Five (5) new zones consisting of strongly sulphide-mineralized veins and shear-zones directly connected to the Surebet system have been discovered on the Golddigger property and remain open (see map below): A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a582d4a-1c0b-4764-86ad-e436aa3c46f8 Kahuna: a new 600-meter strike extension of the mineralized Bonanza Shear 2 kilometers to the northeast of the Surebet Zone along the eastern part of the North Slope. Within the zone, two additional new polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins were discovered with up to 10-meter-wide blow-outs containing abundant galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. This zone remains open and will be drill tested in 2023. Full House: Multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins and shear zones with similar Surebet-style mineralization consisting of semi-massive to massive sphalerite and galena were discovered within a quartz-diorite intrusion located 5 kilometers northwest of the Surebet Zone. The stack of mineralized veins and shear zones has an average width of 5 to 10 meters, channel samples on Payday up to 3 ounces per tonne gold and remains open. Pending assay results, Full House will be drill tested in 2024. Outpost: Multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins, stockworks, and breccias have been discovered within sedimentary and volcanic rocks located 5 kilometers to the southeast of the Surebet Zone. These sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite rich veins and breccia zones have been traced over 700 meters in outcrop and range between 5 and 50 meters in thickness and remain open. Exploration is underway in preparation for 2023 drilling. Humdinger: The Bonanza Shear was projected to continue 1.5 kilometers south across the valley under the new Humdinger Zone. This zone is characterized by multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins and stockwork consisting of stringers and aggregates of sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite with a width of approximately 3 meters in the west and increases in width to over 20 meters in the east that remain open in both directions. The new Humdinger Zone will be drill tested during the 2023 season. Lower Surebet on Real Deal fault: The Bonanza Shear was traced for 400 meters on surface southwest of the Surebet Zone and extends south along Real Deal. This zone is characterized by Surebet style mineralization with galena and sphalerite within multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins and stockwork with a width up to 8 meters and remains open in both directions. The new Lower Surebet Zone will be drill tested during the 2023 season. The Bonanza Shear has been expanded to the northeast by 1.1 kilometers (outcropping on the western side of the North Slope at Kahuna), south by 1.4 kilometers (across the valley from Pad A at Humdinger) and southeast by 2.4 kilometers (along the main creek that drains from Surebet at Outpost) greatly expanding the footprint of the Surebet gold system. TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the Company or Goliath) is pleased to report the discovery of 3 extensive new mineralized zones consisting of sulphide-rich breccia, stockwork and veins in shear zones on the icefields claim blocks on its 100 % controlled Golddigger property (the Property), Golden Triangle, B.C. These new discoveries include Treasure Island, Metallica, and Full Contact all of which remain open and clearly demonstrate the enormous untapped discovery potential on the Golddigger property. Prospecting and mapping are ongoing on the entire property which covers 56 km of the Red Line in an area where recent snowpack and glacial abetment has provided extensive zones of newly exposed outcrop in a world-class geological setting. Icefields Exploration Treasure Island Treasure Island consists of new mineralized bedrock outcrops that have been exposed by glacial melt with multiple shear-hosted, polymetallic zones over a 500 m long NW-SE trend that remains open in all directions. Mineralization follows the same NW-SE trend as nearby deposits including the past producing Porter Idaho mine (6 km to the west, produced 27,268 tonnes at an average of averaged 0.986 g/t Au, 2692.1 g/t Ag, 5.08 % Pb, 3.853 % Zn and 0.101 % Cu between 1922 and 1950) and Red Mountain deposit (19 km to the east, with a total inferred resource of 405,400 tonnes grading 5.32 gpt Au and 7.33 gpt Ag). Mineralized zones on Treasure Island range up to 20 m wide with sections of massive chalcopyrite and pyrite occupying shears and forming phenomenal sulphide rich mineralization at structural intersections and embayment zones within strongly folded and sheared mudstone, siltstone, and tuff units. Mineralization also occurs disseminated in silicified and deformed felsic dykes. The area was discovered during prospecting in 2023 and is currently being channel cut and mapped in preparation for 2024 drilling (see map and images above). Metallica The Metallica Zone is situated 29 kilometers east of Stewart on the northeast portion of the icefields. Multiple oxidized quartz-carbonate veins, stockworks and lenses have been identified within altered andesite with 1 - 15 % sulphides. Zones up to 4 meters wide contain pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena over a 300 meter by 400 meter area (see map and images above). Full Contact Full Contact is located 19 kilometers northwest of the Surebet Zone. A 1.3 kilometers long gossan in an area of glacial abatement was discovered with multiple silicified zones, quartz veins and shears. The area shares the same geological setting and alteration as Surebet with mineralization forming around the volcanic sedimentary contact characterized by mineralization consisting primarily of pyrite, with lesser arsenopyrite and sphalerite disseminated within silicified zones, concentrating in veins and fractures (see map and images above). Surebet Exploration Kahuna Exploration, prospecting, and mapping in the newly discovered Kahuna Zone has delineated a new 600-meter strike extension of the Bonanza Shear defining the contact between sedimentary and volcanic units 2 kilometers to the Northeast of the known Surebet Zone along the eastern part of the North Slope. Within the zone, two additional new polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins were discovered with up to 10-meter-wide blow-outs above and below the Bonanza Shear that extend for over 100 meters strike and dips gently to the southwest containing abundant galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite in the form of semi-massive disseminations, stringers and veinlets. These veins together with the Bonanza Shear currently remain open and will be drill tested with a series of newly designed holes for the 2023 season at the Kahuna Zone (see map above). Full House The Full House Zone is located 5 kilometers northwest of the Surebet Zone in an area that extends from Hastings Arm in the west to the Payday Showing in the east. Multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins and shear zones with similar Surebet-style mineralization consisting of semi-massive to massive aggregates, stringers and veinlets of galena, sphalerite and pyrrhotite, have been discovered within a quartz-diorite intrusion (Bulldog Creek pluton?). The stack of mineralized veins and shear zones extends for more than 3.5 kilometers with most structures striking east and moderately dipping to the north. Mineralization at Full House Main located in the eastern part of the Full House Zone has been mapped for over 700 meters of strike in a north-south direction with an average width of 5 to 10 meters and is ready to be drill tested in 2024. North of Full House Main, a grab sample from the Payday showing from 2018 assayed 3 oz/t gold (113 g/t Au). New channel sampling undertaken during the 2023 field season identified several occurrences of visible gold in the vein. Currently the entire Full house Zone remains open in all directions and is being prepared for drilling in 2024 (see map above). Outpost The new Outpost Zone is located 5 kilometers to the southeast of the Surebet Zone 3 kilometers to the west of, and on trend with, the Humdinger Zone. In 2023 multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins, stockworks, and breccias have been discovered within sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Mineralization in these veins consists of disseminations, seams and semi-massive sections of galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite trending northeast - southwest. On the new Postman Creek showing, a 50-meter-wide polymetallic quartz-sulphide stockwork with considerable amounts of galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite was discovered within an andesite unit. The Postman Creek showing is currently being prepared to be drill tested during the 2023 season. Four (4) additional large and extensive polymetallic quartz-sulphide breccias with parallel vein sets have been discovered in sedimentary units. Individual vein and breccia sets have been traced over 700 meters in outcrop and range between 5 and 20 meters in thickness containing notable volumes of galena, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite, and remain open. Current exploration consisting of channel cutting, prospecting, and mapping is underway to prepare the site to be drill tested in 2023 (see map above). Humdinger To the southeast of the Surebet Zone below Pad A, the Bonanza Shear was traced for 400 meters on surface towards the west then south along the Real Deal Zone and projected to continue 1.5 kilometers south across the valley under the new Humdinger Zone. The new Humdinger Zone is characterized by multiple polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins and stockwork with abundant galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite occurring as strong disseminations, larger blebs and clots, concentrating in fractures or along bedding planes. The newly discovered mineralized vein and stockwork zones have been traced in bedrock exposures for 2.4 kilometers and dip gently to the south. The zone has a width of approximately 3 meters in the west and increases in width to 20 meters in the east. The new Humdinger Zone is ready and will be drill tested during the 2023 season with a series of holes designed to intersect the Humdinger Zone and the underlying projected Bonanza Shear (see map above). Lower Surebet Zone on Real Deal The Bonanza Shear was traced for 400 meters on surface towards the west then south along the Real Deal. The new Lower Surebet Zone on Real Deal is characterized by Surebet-style mineralized polymetallic quartz-sulphide veins, breccia and stockwork with abundant galena, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite occurring as strong disseminations, larger blebs and clots, concentrating along the sheared contact of the volcanic below and the folded sedimentary units above. The zone is up to 8 meters wide. The new Lower Surebet Zone will be drill tested during the 2023 season with a series of holes designed to intersect Bonanza Shear. The company has generated more than 75 new targets (52 of which are on the icefields) on the Golddigger property over the last year based on geochemical data, geophysical surveys, structural maps, satellite imagery and satellite spectral alteration data. All of these 75 new targets have excellent discovery potential and will be prospected and evaluated during the 2023 season. With a total of just over 8 months of boots on the ground on the Golddigger property to date, we are likely just seeing the tip of the iceberg (see tenure map above). Golddigger Property The Golddigger Property is 100 % controlled covering an area of 61,685 hectares (152,427 acres) and is located in the world class geological setting of the Eskay Rift within the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The property encompasses 56 kilometers of the Red Line that is host to multiple world class deposits. The Surebet discovery has exceptional metallurgy with gold recoveries of 92.2% inclusive of 48.8% free gold from gravity alone at a 327-micrometer crush. It is in an excellent location close in proximity to the communities of Alice Arm and Kitsault where there is a permitted mill site on private property. It is situated on tide water with direct barge access to Prince Rupert (190 kilometers via the Observatory inlet/Portland inlet). The town of Kitsault is accessible by road (190 kilometers from Terrace, 300 kilometers from Prince Rupert) and has a barge landing, dock, infrastructure capable of housing more than 300 people, and high-tension power. Additional infrastructure in the area includes the Dolly Varden Silver Mine Road (only 7 kilometers to the East of the Surebet discovery) with direct road access to Alice Arm barge landing (18 kilometers to the south of the Surebet discovery) and high-tension power (25 kilometers to the East of Surebet discovery). The city of Terrace (population 16,000) provides access to railway, major highways, and airport with supplies (food, fuel, lumber, etc.), while the town of Prince Rupert (population 12,000) is located on the west coast and houses an international container seaport also with direct access to railway and an airport with supplies. Qualified Person Rein Turna P. Geo is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Goliath Resource Limited projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release. Other Oriented HQ-diameter or NQ-diameter diamond drill core from the drill campaign is placed in core boxes by the drill crew contracted by the Company. Core boxes are transported by helicopter to the staging area, and then transported by truck to the core shack. The core is then re-orientated, meterage blocks are checked, meter marks are labelled, Recovery and RQD measurements taken, and primary bedding and secondary structural features including veins, dykes, cleavage, and shears are noted and measured. The core is then described and transcribed in MX DepositTM. Drill holes were planned using Leapfrog GeoTM and QGISTM software and data from the 2017-2022 exploration campaigns. Drill core containing quartz breccia, stockwork, veining and/or sulphide(s), or notable alteration are sampled in lengths of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. Core samples are cut lengthwise in half, one-half remains in the box and the other half is inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag. Standards, blanks and duplicates were added in the sample stream at a rate of 10%. Grab, channels, chip and talus samples were collected by foot with helicopter assistance. Prospective areas included, but were not limited to, proximity to MINFile locations, placer creek occurrences, regional soil anomalies, and potential gossans based on high-resolution satellite imagery. The rock grab and chip samples were extracted using a rock hammer, or hammer and chisel to expose fresh surfaces and to liberate a sample of anywhere between 0.5 to 5.0 kilograms. All sample sites were flagged with biodegradable flagging tape and marked with the sample number. All sample sites were recorded using hand-held GPS units (accuracy 3-10 meters) and sample ID, easting, northing, elevation, type of sample (outcrop, subcrop, float, talus, chip, grab, etc.) and a description of the rock were recorded on all-weather paper. Samples were then inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag for transport and shipping to the geochemistry lab. QA/QC samples including blanks, standards, and duplicate samples were inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a rate of 10%. All samples are transported in rice bags sealed with numbered security tags. A transport company takes them from the core shack to the ALS labs facilities in North Vancouver. ALS is either certified to ISO 9001:2008 or accredited to ISO 17025:2005 in all of its locations. At ALS samples were processed, dried, crushed, and pulverized before analysis using the ME-MS61 and Au-SCR21 methods. For the ME-MS61 method, a prepared sample is digested with perchloric, nitric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids. The residue is topped up with dilute hydrochloric acid and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Overlimits were re-analyzed using the ME-OG62 and Ag-GRA21 methods (gravimetric finish). For Au-SCR21 a large volume of sample is needed (typically 1-3kg). The sample is crushed and screened (usually to -106 micron) to separate coarse gold particles from fine material. After screening, two aliquots of the fine fraction are analysed using the traditional fire assay method. The fine fraction is expected to be reasonably homogenous and well represented by the duplicate analyses. The entire coarse fraction is assayed to determine the contribution of the coarse gold. The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled. About Goliath Resources Limited Goliath Resources Limited is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia and Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Quebec. All of its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada. For more information please contact: Goliath Resources Limited Mr. Roger Rosmus Founder and CEO Tel: +1-416-488-2887[email protected] www.goliathresourcesltd.com * Widths are reported in drill core lengths and the true widths are estimated to be 80-90% and AuEq metal values are calculated using: Au 1644.08 USD/oz, Ag 19.23 USD/oz, Cu 3.47 USD/lbs, Pb 1870.50 USD/ton and Zn 2882.50 USD/ton on October 28, 2022. There is potential for economic recovery of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc from these occurrences based on other mining and exploration projects in the same Golden Triangle Mining Camp where Goliaths project is located such as the Homestake Ridge Gold Project (Auryn Resources Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Homestake Ridge Gold Project, prepared by Minefill Services Inc. (Bothell, Washington), dated May 29, 2020. Here, AuEq values were calculated using 3-year running averages for metal price, and included provisions for metallurgical recoveries, treatment charges, refining costs, and transportation. Recoveries for Gold were 85.5%, Silver at 74.6%, Copper at 74.6% and Lead at 45.3%. It will be assumed that Zinc can be recovered with the Copper at the same recovery rate of 74.6%. The quoted reference of metallurgical recoveries is not from Goliaths Golddigger Project, Surebet Zone mineralization, and there is no guarantee that such recoveries will ever be achieved, unless detailed metallurgical work such as in a Feasibility Study can be eventually completed on the Golddigger Project. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliaths current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be 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 or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. Graphic 1 Graphic 1 Graphic 2 Graphic 2 Graphic 3 Graphic 3 Graphic 4 Graphic 4 Graphic 5 Graphic 5 Graphic 6 Graphic 6 Graphic 7 Graphic 7 Graphic 8 Graphic 8 Source: Goliath Resources Limited CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pan American Energy Corp. (the Company or Pan American) (CSE: PNRG) (OTC PINK: PAANF) (FRA: SS60) is pleased to announce the results from the 2023 high resolution UAV-borne magnetics survey over the Big Mack Lithium Project (the Project). The survey was completed by EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. ("EarthEx") and was successful in identifying multiple prospective features exhibiting low magnetic responses which have been interpreted to have the potential to host lithium-bearing pegmatites. These results are expected to aid in defining exploration targets and further delineating the extent of this type of mineralization at surface. The survey was part of a larger collaboration project between the Company and Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. at the Big Mack and Big Whopper Project near Kenora, Ontario. The University of Manitoba and EarthEx are also granted use of the data generated by the survey for research, publication, and case study purposes. The survey was completed to provide a highly detailed magnetic map to aid in exploration mapping and drill-targeting in the area. The survey was conducted by EarthEx by flying a drone equipped with an exMAG high-resolution magnetic surveying system over the Big Mack and Big Whopper Projects in a grid. The grid was comprised of 732.1 line kilometers with data acquired on 25 meter spaced lines, with 250 meter spaced tie-lines. The survey data was then processed by EarthEx to generate 3D inversion voxels and isosurfaces, as well as advanced 2D imagery products, including magnetic imagery data grids and interpreted maps (see Figure 2). Pegmatites often occur in semi-discontinuous swarms that can be concentrated along structural trends and geological boundaries. The exMAG high-resolution low-flying UAV magnetic surveying system used by EarthEx is useful in identifying structural trends and areas of low magnetic susceptibility that may correlate with lithium-bearing pegmatites. Final images from EarthExs magnetic data identified multiple high priority magnetic low targets. Figure 1 illustrates the magnetic lows identified by the survey with reference to the known lithium-bearing pegmatites at the Project. The coincidence of these magnetic lows with the known lithium-bearing pegmatites and their extensions appears to show the dominant trending structure of the geology within the Project, striking along a NE-SE plane. Of particular note is the anomalies that directly match the magnetic signatures of the Big Mack and Eleven Zone Pegmatites. This result provides strong motivation to investigate for previously undetected potential lithium bearing pegmatites. The Company intends to examine these anomalies further with the hopes of identifying additional lithium-bearing pegmatites at the Project. Figure 1: Outline of lithium-Bearing Pegmatites (red lines) and magnetic lows (yellow polygons and lines) overlain on EarthEx iView1 Image Based on the results of the survey, three high-priority target zones have been identified at the Project in the immediate vicinity of the Big Mack Pegmatite. These exploration targets were generated using 3D inversion and advanced 2D data imagery, by correlating low-magnetic structures with historic data and proximity to areas of known lithium mineralization (Figures 2 and 3). EEX01 Immediately south of the Big Mack pegmatite, and almost continuous with it. The 3D modelling in this area suggests that a sizeable but discrete deep magnetically low body extends down-plunge to the southeast of the known Big Mack mineralization. Two drill-holes, EX-A-P01 and EX-A-P02 have been recommended by EarthEx to test the core of the low magnetic susceptibility model (Figure 3). Immediately south of the Big Mack pegmatite, and almost continuous with it. The 3D modelling in this area suggests that a sizeable but discrete deep magnetically low body extends down-plunge to the southeast of the known Big Mack mineralization. Two drill-holes, EX-A-P01 and EX-A-P02 have been recommended by EarthEx to test the core of the low magnetic susceptibility model (Figure 3). EEX02 This trend extends to the NW from the Big Mack Pegmatite and follows mapped pegmatite trends. It exhibits appreciable volume, but less depth extent than Target EEX01. This trend extends to the NW from the Big Mack Pegmatite and follows mapped pegmatite trends. It exhibits appreciable volume, but less depth extent than Target EEX01. EEX03 A low body in the magnetic model correlates with a significant number of mapped pegmatites at surface. The Company intends to incorporate the results of the survey into future exploration program design and drill targeting. Figure 2: 3D inversion model with contours of magnetic low features (grey), stripped outcrop exposures (white), and mapped pegmatite trends (red). Figure 3: EarthEx Target EEX01 Big Mack Extension The NW-SE trending thick low body identified by the detailed 3D modelling of the data generated by the survey suggests that there may be significant additional extent to the Big Mack pegmatite that is not yet drill-tested. While many felsic rock types can exhibit low magnetic signatures, the U of M pegmatite mapping suggests that pegmatite sources for these lows is one likely interpretation, states Daniel Card, President of EarthEx. The correlation between historic drilling and the 3D modelled magnetic low directly below Big Mack, as well as the 2D representation of the mineralizations surface expression, are among the best EarthEx has seen to date. Pan Americans CEO, Jason Latkowcer, commented We are thrilled with the results of this magnetic survey and have identified several high-priority drill targets with potential for lithium mineralization. Wed like to congratulate Avalon on their recent measured and indicated mineral resource estimate upgrade at the Big Whopper and thank them for their collaboration on this survey. Wed also like to thank Daniel Card and his team at EarthEx for a job well done! Qualified Person and Quality Assurance/Quality Control The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel Card, P.Geo., RPGeo., who is independent of the Company and is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The magnetic data from the survey has passed standard control measures for verification by Daniel Card, P.Geo and EarthEx. Before surveying the grid, a cloverleaf test was completed to confirm that the geophysical system in the drone was performing correctly. While doing this test, the drone flew in a cloverleaf pattern recording the total magnetic field in the centre of the cloverleaf on each pass, while flying in several different directions. This provided a measure of the consistency of the readings with the sensor in various orientations. The cloverleaf tests for the survey grid flown by EarthEx were successful and within the appropriate standard deviation. Data from the survey has shown to be consistent across the survey area at locations where survey lines meet and where they intersect with tie lines. Tie line levelling and decorrugation filters have been properly applied to correct any minor data deviations due to variations in sensor altitude or turbulent flight. Examination of high order differentials of the data (4th and 8th difference) has been used to isolate noise envelopes and show they are consistent and within acceptable ranges throughout the study area. About EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. is a Manitoba company, founded in 2014 in Selkirk, Manitoba by president and Chief Geophysicist, Daniel Card, P. Geo., RPGeo. EarthEx is specialized in geophysical prospecting for hard-rock minerals, and work with cutting edge technologies and data analysis methodology. For more information contact Daniel Card, President and Chief Geophysicist, [email protected] or visit https://eexgeo.com About the Big Mack Project The Big Mack Lithium Project is located 2 km east of all-weather Snook Lake Road about 80 km north of Kenora, ON. The property is proximal (~1.3 km) to Avalon Advanced Material Incs Separation Rapids, Big Whopper deposit which hosts a measured and indicated resource. The property is within an Ontario registered mining lease, with over 30 years of exploration history. The property lies within the traditional land use area of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations of Whitedog, Ontario: an Aboriginal community located approximately 35 km southwest of the property. The property hosts four known Li-bearing pegmatites including the Big Mack pegmatite, Eleven Zone, Sprinkler Zone, and 6095 pegmatite which are thought to be related to the Separation Rapids Pluton. They are interpreted as zoned Complex Type, Petalite Subtype LCT Pegmatites. The Big Mack pegmatite represents the largest petalite-bearing mass on the property and is exposed over an 80 by 225 m area. Historic drilling campaigns (1998, 1999, 2001) intersected mineralization extending along a strike length of ~150 meters and to a depth of 75 meters. The deposit remains open at depth and along strike. About Pan American Energy Corp. Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTC PINK: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America. The Company executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources providing for the right to acquire up to a 90% interest in the drill-ready Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company has also entered a property option agreement with Horizon Lithium LLC providing for the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Horizon Lithium Project, located within the Clayton Valley Tonopah Lithium Belt, Nevada, USA. To register for investor updates please visit https://panam-energy.com. On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsJason LatkowcerCEO & Director ContactPhone : (587) 885-5970Email: [email protected] Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words could, intend, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the nature and characteristics of the magnetic lows identified by the survey and the potential for these low magnetic responses to host lithium-bearing pegmatites; that the results from the survey will aid in defining exploration targets and further delineating the extent of lithium mineralization at surface and provide strong motivation to investigate for previously undiscovered lithium-bearing pegmatites; the Companys intention to continue its exploration efforts on the Big Mack Lithium Project and to incorporate the results of the survey into future exploration program designs and drill targeting with the aim of identifying additional lithium-bearing pegmatites at the Project; and the potential that a sizeable but discrete deep magnetically low body extends down-plunge to the southeast of the known Big Mack mineralization at the Project that is not drill tested. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, the assumption that: the Company will continue to explore the Big Mack Lithium Project and will incorporate the results of the survey into future exploration program designs and drill targeting to identify additional lithium-bearing pegmatites at the Project; that the data and interpretations generated from the survey reflect the actual geology of the Project, including that there is a sizeable but discrete deep magnetically low body extending down-plunge to the southeast of the known Big Mack mineralization at the Project; and that the low magnetic responses from the survey are indicative of lithium bearing pegmatites and not other felsic rock types with low magnetic signatures. Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include the risk that the Company does not continue with its exploration of the Big Mack Lithium Project or does not include the results of the survey in future exploration program designs and drill targeting, whether as a result of a lack of financial resources, a failure to receive the requisite permits or approvals, the discretion of management or otherwise, including that the Company may never drill the two drill holes recommended by EarthEx or any of the drill targets identified by the survey; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to receiving requisite permits and approvals, changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project (including, with respect to the survey results, that the low magnetic responses from the survey are generated from felsic rock types with low magnetic signatures and not from lithium-bearing pegmatites); that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company; and the other risks and factors identified by the Company in its continuous disclosure filings filed on the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, including the risk factors included in the Companys annual information form. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50bf72d5-2467-4ce9-8635-05b045f06fbc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0441c743-3c38-4e34-b0e7-3c6bb0ad146c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0f269d6-1a10-4648-bb84-a1bdfbfc3c96 Figure 2 3D inversion model with contours of magnetic low features (grey), stripped outcrop exposures (white), and mapped pegmatite trends (red). Figure 3 EarthEx Target EEX01 Big Mack Extension Source: Pan American Energy Corp. CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sylogist Ltd. (TSX: SYZ) (Sylogist or the Company), a leading public sector SaaS company, is pleased to announce that Mr. Errol Olsen has been added as a director of the Company effective August 25, 2023. Errol Olsen, upon his appointment: "Im honoured to join the Sylogist Board at this very exciting time for the company and its investors. I'm looking forward to using my experience with SaaS companies in balancing fiscal stewardship and strategic innovation to further empower Sylogist on its profitable growth journey." Mr. Olsen currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Purpose Ventures and was previously CFO of Absolute Software for over nine years. He brings more than 25 years of experience leading the finance and operations functions of companies ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations. Prior to leaving public practice, Errol was a manager in the audit and advisory services group at KPMG LLP, where he worked with a portfolio of private and public companies. Mr. Olsen holds a CPA, CA designation and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. He brings to Sylogist a broad experience in finance, strategy development, operations, technology, and governance. Mr. Olsen has been nominated as a director pursuant to the Nomination Agreement entered into between the Company and PenderFund Capital Management Ltd., its largest shareholder, on June 20, 2023. A copy of the Nomination Agreement is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR+. Sylogist also announces that Ms. Janice Anderson has resigned as a director of the Company. The Companys management and its directors thank Ms. Anderson for her service and wish her the best in her future endeavours. Upon his appointment to Sylogists board of directors, Mr. Olsen has been appointed as an additional member of the Audit Committee, and effective as of August 25, 2023, the committees of the board of directors are constituted as follows: Audit Committee: Taylor Gray, Barry Foster, Errol Olsen Nominating and Governance Committee: Barry Foster, Ian McKinnon, Taylor Gray Compensation Committee: Craig ONeill, Ian McKinnon, Taylor Gray About Sylogist Sylogist provides mission-critical SaaS solutions to over 2,000 public sector customers globally across the government, nonprofit, and education verticals. The Company's stock is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist, inclusive of full financial statements together with Managements Discussion and Analysis, can be found at www.sylogist.com. Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements made, if any, with respect to the profitable growth journey of the Company. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including its inability to attract key employees or enlist customer support, its inability to develop innovative technology, its inability to find opportunities to deploy free cash flow, impacts of public health crises (including the COVID-19 pandemic), and economic turmoil. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found in the Companys Annual Information Form for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2022, and in the Managements Discussion and Analysis for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, and June 30, 2023, and other documents available on the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Material assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include Sylogists ability to attract and retain employees and customers and to realize on its investments, the ability to expand technology partner and customer relationships and the acceleration of organic and inorganic growth. Although Sylogist believes that the material assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur. Sylogist disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For further information contact: Sujeet Kini, Chief Financial Officer Sylogist Ltd.(416) 491-8004[email protected] Source: Sylogist Ltd. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - iPark, led by President and CEO Billy Lerner, is responding to the parking demands of NYU Hospital with the opening of a brand-new facility in Tudor City. This development aims to provide convenient and reliable parking for patients, visitors, and staff members at the Manhattan hospital. CEO and President of iPark, Billy Lerner Ranked as the No. 1 Hospital in the state of New York, NYU Langone Hospital provides care to thousands of patients each year. However, being located on the busy east side of Manhattan means it can be challenging to find safe and reliable parking in the area. iParks' President William Lerner recognized the importance of increasing accessibility to this valuable institution in the community and responded proactively by establishing the new facility. Strategically located near the hospital, the Tudor City operation aims to save hospital patients and visitors valuable time and effort in searching for parking, enabling quick and convenient parking options in a difficult situation. Staff members will also benefit from the new facility as advanced booking is available for spaces via iParks' website and through their app, eliminating an issue that many commuters face. NYU Langone Hospital provides care to thousands of people every year This latest development at Tudor City demonstrates Billy Lerner's commitment to addressing the ever-evolving needs of the public in a highly urbanized city like New York. Providing community-orientated services such as this demonstrates a true understanding of his customers and an interest in addressing the challenges they face on a daily basis. Billy Lerner's new parking operation is poised to make a significant difference in the daily lives of patients, visitors, and staff members, ensuring a smoother and more convenient parking experience for all who require access to NYU Hospital. Email: [email protected] - 855-472-7569 Website: https://ipark.com/ SOURCE: iPark NYC. SOURCES https://nyulangone.org/our-story https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-langone-health-ranks-no-1-new-york-no-3-nation https://expectny.com/nyu-langone-medical-center-nyu-hospital-center To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178725 During these small-group sessions, 12th graders (Class of 2024) work on college applications and write their personal statements under the guidance of KD's college counseling team Coppell, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - August 27, 2023) - KD College Prep has added three additional live-online Apply Now Boot Camp sessions to its 2023 offerings. During these small-group sessions, 12th graders (Class of 2024) work on college applications and write their personal statements under the guidance of KD's college counseling team. KD College Prep Releases Three More Apply Now Boot Camps For the Class of 2024 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/178604_fd1caf3b94ae68c8_001full.jpg KD limits each boot camp to 15 students. Sessions take place over the course of four days, about two and a half hours per day. The new fall sessions will occur in the evening after school, with each meeting date spread out over the course of two weeks. During each event, students receive personalized guidance on how to write their best essays and work through key aspects of the college application process, including letters of recommendation and college resumes. Since 2020, the Apply Now Boot Camp has provided college application assistance to more than 400 students in Dallas-Fort Worth and across the U.S. By offering three additional live-online sessions this fall, KD hopes to help more students earn acceptance to their top-choice colleges. In the coming months, KD College Prep will expand its college counseling services to include more online, classroom-based programs. The Apply Now Boot Camp is one of KD's most popular services, and KD soon plans to adapt its model to serve more students. "Our goal is to give students a very practical grasp of the most important aspects of the college application process for better applications, created more efficiently. For many, the powerful brainstorming help and experienced critique on early drafts of their main essay allows them to discover their own unique voice. This is when the student really stands out and conveys personality, mindset, and life's passions. Although more work will be required to complete applications beyond the boot camp, the powerful kick-start and meaningful direction sets them on a course for more impactful applications," said David Dillard, CEO of KD College Prep. Since 1992, KD College Prep has helped students prepare for college admissions tests through in-person or live-online prep courses and activities. The organization has four campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and serves students in 38 states across the U.S. Contact Info: Name: Jenny Moore Email: [email protected] Organization: KD College Prep Address: 621 Texas 121 Suite 450, Coppell, TX 75019, United States Website: https://kdcollegeprep.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178604 Kovo Pivots to Focus on Software Solutions; Accelerates Quarter-over-Quarter Growth +36% Company Updates 2023 ARR Projection +9% to USD$12M Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Kovo HealthTech Corporation (TSXV: KOVO) (the "Company" "Kovo") a leader in healthcare technology and Billing-as-a-Service - today reported its second quarter financial results for the three month period ending June 30, 2023. 36%+ Quarter-over-Quarter Revenue Increase Kovo posted USD$2.63 million in revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, which represents a 36% Quarter-over-Quarter increase compared to the period ending March 31, 2023. The Company completed two strategic acquisitions in April and June 2023 and signed new clients subsequent to quarter end which is expected to drive organic growth in the second half of the year. Kovo Increases 2023 ARR Projection +9% Based on Kovo's strong Q2 growth and the recent signing of three new clients representing an estimated Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) value of USD$1.14 million, Kovo CEO Greg Noble confirms that the Company is officially updating its 2023 ARR projection to USD$12 million - a 9% increase vs. Q2 2023. The Company expects a 2023 net loss between USD$3 million to USD$3.3 million, mostly driven by investments in its software development and marketing efforts to launch its new software platform KovoCloud, which is not anticipated to initiate revenue until Q4 2023. According to Noble, the Company expects to return to EBITDA positive as KovoCloud revenue grows. "To harness our SaaS and software solutions business, Kovo recently introduced our innovative KovoCloud platform, welcomed a new CTO to lead our AI innovation and have signed on three new long-term clients, which are due to begin billing toward the end of 2023," explains Noble. "The strategic evolution to focus on our SaaS strengths is a natural fit to Kovo's market-leading RCM e-health solutions and allows Kovo to continue to invest in meeting the specialized technology needs of US-based small and medium-sized healthcare providers," he says. The Company also completed financing of approximately $10.3M on April 20, 2023 consisting of $3.3M in equity invested, and availability of $7M in an acquisition debt facility. This financing enabled Kovo to complete the acquisitions of E&A Medical and Kairos Billing Solutions during the quarter, while continuing to invest in its SaaS software technology platform KovoCloud. Quarter Highlights: Listed in thousands USD unless otherwise specified To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8064/178659_2bf510f78446aba7_001full.jpg Detailed Quarterly Financial Statements, the Company's MD&A and related documents can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca **Subject to TSXV final approval. About Kovo HealthTech Corporation Kovo HealthTech Corporation is a growing healthcare technology company that specializes in Billing-as-a-Service offering SaaS-style recurring revenue contracts and software for more than 2250 US healthcare providers. Kovo helps healthcare providers digitally track and manage complex patient care registration, services, billing and payments in a seamless way, using its industry-leading KovoCloud technology platform. Currently, through its clients, Kovo processes over USD$250 million in annual billing transactions for more than 4.5 million patients. By offering effective billing practices and technology through long-term SaaS-style contracts, Kovo helps healthcare practitioners get paid so they can focus on offering quality care. To learn more about Kovo and to keep up-to-date on Kovo news, visit www.kovo.co For more information: Greg Noble, CEO [email protected] 1-866-558-6777 Forward-Looking Information and Non-IFRS Measures Statement This press release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") concerning the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the future financial outlook and anticipated events or results of the Company and may include information regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, acquisition prospects and plans, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company's expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "outlook", "forecasts", "projects", "prospects", "strategy", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the final prospectus of the Company dated May 26, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on the Company's opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Those factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Despite a careful process to prepare and review forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the Company bases its forward-looking information on assumptions that it believes were reasonable when made, which include, but are not limited to, assumptions with respect to the Company's future growth potential, results of operations, future prospects and opportunities, execution of the Company's business strategy, there being no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environments, future levels of indebtedness and current economic conditions remaining unchanged, the Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made). Any forward-looking statement that is made in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. This press release may make reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. The Company's definitions of non-IFRS measures used in this release may not be the same as the definitions for such measures used by other companies in their reporting. Non-IFRS measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non-IFRS financial measures, including "ARR**", "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA*" and "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" to provide investors with supplemental measures of its operating performance and to eliminate items that have less bearing on operating performance or operating conditions and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. "EBITDA" means net income (loss) before amortization and depreciation expenses, finance and interest costs, and provision for income taxes. *"Adjusted EBITDA" adjusts EBITDA for stock-based compensation expense, transactional gains or losses on assets, asset impairment charges, interest income, net foreign exchange gains or losses, income tax expense or recovery, forgivable one-time government financial payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic ("PPP Loans"), and any transactional expenses. Specifically, the Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with the Company's results under IFRS and the accompanying reconciliations, provides useful information about the Company's business without regard to potential distortions. By eliminating potential differences in results of operations between periods caused by factors such as depreciation and amortization methods and restructuring, impairment and other charges, the Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful additional basis for comparing the current performance of the underlying operations being evaluated. The term Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR") is a non-IFRS measure and refers to multiplying the monthly revenue for a current month by twelve. ARR is a metric typically used by recurring revenue companies to communicate run rate at a specific moment in time The Company believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS financial measures in the evaluation of issuers. The Company's management also uses non-IFRS financial measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178659 New York-based personal injury law firm, Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., is proud to announce the dedication of its iconic number, 877-ASK4SAM, to serve as a 24-hour hotline. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 27, 2023) - New York-based personal injury law firm, Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., is proud to announce the dedication of its iconic number, 877-ASK4SAM, to serve as a 24-hour hotline. The hotline is aimed at providing immediate legal assistance to Brooklyn and Queens residents who have suffered injuries in car and truck accidents. Injured residents of New York City should call 1-877-ASK4SAM, or visit https://ask4sam.net/queens-car-accident-lawyer/. NYC Attorneys ASK4SAM Unveil Brooklyn & Queens Hotline for Car & Truck Accidents To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/178616_5d635f4a6443f8b0_001full.jpg Understanding the immediate need for legal advice after an accident, the firm aims to empower accident victims by informing them of their rights, ensuring that they are not taken advantage of in their vulnerable moments. J. Michael West, who heads up one of the divisions of the firms marketing, commented, "Our communities in Brooklyn and Queens deserve immediate and top-tier legal counsel in the aftermath of a traumatic accident. By launching a 24/7 hotline, we want to be that first point of contact, helping victims navigate the complexities of their situation." The decision to focus on Brooklyn and Queens with this dedicated hotline stems from a concerning rise in car and truck accidents in these boroughs. With their extensive experience in representing accident victims, Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. recognizes the urgency of the situation and the importance of swift, expert advice. Residents of Brooklyn and Queens who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of a car or truck accident are encouraged to immediately dial 877-ASK4SAM to receive free consultation and to understand their rights and the potential paths to compensation. In the wake of motor vehicle accidents, victims often find themselves facing off against insurance companies that prioritize their bottom line over the welfare of the injured. The role of accident lawyers, especially those specializing as personal injury lawyers, becomes crucial in such scenarios. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. brings to the table a profound understanding of these dynamics, ensuring that auto accident victims receive the fair compensation they deserve. "Dealing with insurance companies post-accident can be a daunting task for many. Our dedicated hotline not only serves as an immediate point of contact but also offers a shield against potential intimidation from insurance entities," adds West. "Whether the incident is a car collision, a truck mishap, or pedestrian accidents, our aim is to ensure that every victim knows their rights and is rightfully guided towards achieving the maximum financial compensation." Traffic accidents, often spurred by factors like distracted driving, can lead to not just severe injuries but significant emotional distress. Victims find themselves overwhelmed, not just with the need for urgent medical attention but also with the complexities of accident claims against the fault driver. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. recognizes the depth of these challenges. "Our legal team, comprising seasoned personal injury attorneys, stands ready to shoulder the burden for victims," said West. "From the initial consultation right through the legal proceedings, we're committed to providing unparalleled support and expertise, ensuring that those affected can focus on their recovery while we champion their rights." An automobile accident, whether due to driver inattention or egregious actions like drunk driving, can have life-altering consequences. From head-on collisions to bicycle accidents, the extent of damages can range from severe physical injuries such as spinal cord injuries or loss of limbs to profound emotional ramifications like the loss of enjoyment in daily activities. "The aftermath of any accident, be it a construction accident or an unfortunate encounter with a reckless driver, piles up medical costs and unforeseen financial costs on the crash victims. As a leading accident law firm, we specialize in navigating these complexities, ensuring that our clients are adequately compensated for every facet of their trauma." About Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.: Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. is a premier New York personal injury law firm with decades of experience in representing the rights of accident victims. Renowned for their relentless advocacy and exceptional legal prowess, the firm has been a beacon of hope for countless New Yorkers, guiding them through their most challenging times. Contact Info: Name: Ask4Sam Email: [email protected] Organization: Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. | Queens NYC Personal Injury Attorneys Address: 89-00 Sutphin Blvd suit 303B, Jamaica, New York 11435, United States Website: https://ask4sam.net To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178616 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Transatlantic Mining Corp.(TSXV: TCO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the mobilization of a diamond drill rig to its Monitor Copper Gold Project. The inaugural plan is to drill up to 1,000 metres of diamond core to test the copper anomalism found on earlier surface geological reconnaissance. Grades of up to 30% copper at the nearby Big Elk Prospect have previously been reported near surface. The Monitor Copper Gold Project straddles the Montana and Idaho border, approximately 5 miles south of Taft Idaho USA. Plan of Monitor Project- Big Elk Prospect Plan Map showing the Big Elk Prospect within the Monitor Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4652/178731_a1dc3a0fd4bffb32_001full.jpg About the Monitor Claim Group: Transatlantic has a drill permit in place to commence drilling activities at the Big Elk prospect as part of its joint venture agreement within the greater Monitor Copper Gold project. "No drilling has been completed on the Big Elk prospect historically, and with copper anomalism on the surface, the company looks forward to its maiden drill program to test the depth and strike extents of its surface copper expression," commented Bernie Sostak, CEO of Transatlantic Mining. Review by Qualified Person Aslam Awan PhD MAusIMM (CP Geo) is the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 for having reviewed, only the technical information contained in this news release. Mr Awan is the Principal for AAA Geo Consultants: About Transatlantic Mining Corp. Transatlantic Mining (TSXV: TCO) is an emerging precious and base metal explorer. The Company has a focus on converting projects into mines within stable mining jurisdictions. The Company currently has property interests including an 80% Joint Venture position on the Monitor Copper-Gold project in Montana-Idaho (USA) and 100 % of the Golden Jubilee Gold Project with its associated mining rights. The Company has an extended lease, right to mine and purchase arrangement for the Miller Gold Mine in Montana to 100% ownership by way of payment royalty. For further information please contact: Bernie Sostak +61 (0) 439 904 044 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178731 -International transaction volume guidance for full-year 2023 raised to RMB7.7 billion , representing year-over-year growth of around 80.0%- -International transaction volume increased 100.0% year-over-year, contributing 16.3% of total revenue- -International revenue reached RMB502.5 million , a year-over-year increase of 112.1%- SHANGHAI , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FinVolution Group ("FinVolution," or the "Company") (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 . For the Three Months Ended / As of YoY Change June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 Total Transaction Volume (RMB in billions)[1] 41.5 47.3 14.0 % Transaction Volume ( China's Mainland)[2] 40.6 45.5 12.1 % Transaction Volume (International)[3] 0.91 1.82 100.0 % Total Outstanding Loan Balance (RMB in billions) 56.4 63.7 12.9 % Outstanding Loan Balance ( China's Mainland)[4] 55.9 62.6 12.0 % Outstanding Loan Balance (International)[5] 0.48 1.11 131.3 % Second Quarter 2023 China Market Operational Highlights Cumulative registered users [6] reached 149.4 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 8.3% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached 149.4 million as of , an increase of 8.3% compared with . Cumulative borrowers [7] for the China market reached 24.4 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 7.0% compared with June 30, 2022 . for the market reached 24.4 million as of , an increase of 7.0% compared with . Number of unique borrowers [8] for the second quarter of 2023 was 2.3 million, a decrease of 6.9% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 2.3 million, a decrease of 6.9% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume [2] reached RMB45 .5 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 12.1% compared with the same period of 2022. reached .5 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 12.1% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume facilitated for repeat individual borrowers [9] for the second quarter of 2023 was RMB40.3 billion , an increase of 11.9% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was , an increase of 11.9% compared with the same period of 2022. Outstanding loan balance [4] reached RMB62.6 billion as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 12.0% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached as of , an increase of 12.0% compared with . Average loan size [10] was RMB7,816 for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB6,978 for the same period of 2022. was for the second quarter of 2023, compared with for the same period of 2022. Average loan tenure [11] was 8.4 months for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 8.7 months for the same period of 2022. was 8.4 months for the second quarter of 2023, compared with 8.7 months for the same period of 2022. 90 day+ delinquency ratio[12] was 1.68% as of June 30, 2023 , compared with 1.60% as of June 30, 2022 . Second Quarter 2023 International Market Operational Highlights Cumulative registered users [13] reached 19.9 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 74.6% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached 19.9 million as of , an increase of 74.6% compared with . Cumulative borrowers [14] for the international market reached 4.0 million as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 48.1% compared with June 30, 2022 . for the international market reached 4.0 million as of , an increase of 48.1% compared with . Number of unique borrowers [15] for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.79 million, an increase of 23.4% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.79 million, an increase of 23.4% compared with the same period of 2022. Number of new borrowers [16] for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.31 million, an increase of 22.0% compared with the same period of 2022. for the second quarter of 2023 was 0.31 million, an increase of 22.0% compared with the same period of 2022. Transaction volume [3] reached RMB1 .82 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 100.0% compared with the same period of 2022. reached .82 billion for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 100.0% compared with the same period of 2022. Proportion of transaction volume in the Indonesia market funded by local financial institutions has increased to 65.2% for the second quarter of 2023 from 39.0% for the same period of 2022. market funded by local financial institutions has increased to 65.2% for the second quarter of 2023 from 39.0% for the same period of 2022. Outstanding loan balance [5] reached RMB1.11 billion as of June 30, 2023 , an increase of 131.3% compared with June 30, 2022 . reached as of , an increase of 131.3% compared with . International business revenue was RMB502.5 million ( US$69.3 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 112.1% compared with the same period of 2022, representing 16.3% of total revenue for the second quarter of 2023. Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights Net revenue was RMB3,075 .7 million ( US$424.2 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 15.4% from RMB2,666.0 million for the same period of 2022. .7 million ( ) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 15.4% from for the same period of 2022. Net profit was RMB590.1 million ( US$81.4 million) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 0.8% from RMB585.2 million for the same period of 2022. ( million) for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of 0.8% from for the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, [17] which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was RMB606.9 million ( US$83.7 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 10.9% from RMB681.5 million for the same period of 2022. which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was ( ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 10.9% from for the same period of 2022. Diluted net profit per American depositary share ("ADS") was RMB1.95 ( US$0.27 ) and diluted net profit per share was RMB0.39 ( US$0.05 ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 1.5% from the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP diluted net profit per ADS was RMB2.06 ( US$0.28 ) and non-GAAP diluted net profit per share was RMB0.41 ( US$0.06 ) for the second quarter of 2023, which remained unchanged compared to the same period of 2022. Each ADS of the Company represents five Class A ordinary shares of the Company. [1] Represents the total transaction volume facilitated in China's Mainland and the international markets on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [2] Represents our transaction volume facilitated in China's Mainland during the period presented. [3] Represents our transaction volume facilitated in international markets outside China's Mainland during the period presented. [4] Outstanding loan balance ( China's Mainland) as of any date refers to the balance of outstanding loans in China's Mainland market delinquent within 180 days from the given date. [5] Outstanding loan balance (international) as of any date refers to the balance of outstanding loans in the international markets' delinquent within 30 days from the given date. [6] On a cumulative basis, the total number of users in China's Mainland market registered on the Company's platforms as of June 30, 2023 . [7] On a cumulative basis, the total number of borrowers in China's Mainland market on the Company's platform as of June 30, 2023 . [8] Represents the total number of borrowers in China's Mainland who have successfully borrowed on the Company platform during the period presented. [9] Represents the transaction volume facilitated for the repeat borrowers in China's Mainland who successfully completed their transaction on the Company's platform during the period presented. [10] Represents the average loan size on the Company's platform in China's Mainland during the period presented. [11] Represents the average loan tenor on the Company's platform in China's Mainland during the period presented. [12] "90 day+ delinquency ratio" refers to the outstanding principal balance of on- and-off balance sheet loans that were 90 to 179 calendar days past due as a percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of on-and-off balance sheet loans on the Company's platform as of a specific date. Loans that originated outside China's Mainland are not included in the calculation. [13] On a cumulative basis, the total number of users registered on the Company's platforms outside China's Mainland market as of June 30, 2023 . [14] On a cumulative basis, the total number of borrowers outside China's Mainland market, on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [15] Represents the total number of borrowers outside China's Mainland who have successfully borrowed on the Company platform during the period presented. [16] Represents the total number of new borrowers outside China's Mainland whose transactions were facilitated on the Company's platforms during the period presented. [17] Please refer to "UNAUDITED Reconciliation of GAAP And Non-GAAP Results" for reconciliation between GAAP and Non-GAAP adjusted operating income. Mr. Tiezheng Li , Chief Executive Officer of FinVolution, commented, "During the second quarter of 2023, total transaction volume reached RMB47.3 billion for a year-over-year increase of 14.0%, while our total outstanding loan balance reached RMB63.7 billion , representing a year-over-year increase of 12.9%. "Our 'Local Focus, Global Outlook' strategy empowers our progressive growth in the China market while we pursue rapid growth internationally. In the second quarter, international transaction volume reached RMB1.82 billion , representing an increase of 100.0% year-over-year, while our international outstanding loan balance reached RMB1.11 billion , representing an increase of 131.3% year-over-year. These achievements propelled our international revenue to RMB502.5 million , up by 112.1% year-over-year and contributing 16.3% of total revenue in the quarter," concluded Mr. Li . Mr. Jiayuan Xu , FinVolution's Chief Financial Officer, continued, "We are encouraged by the financial results we achieved in the second quarter. Net revenue for the second quarter reached RMB3,075.7 million ( US$424.2 million ), representing a year-over-year increase of 15.4%. Our total liquidity position as of the end of June 2023 further strengthened to RMB8,196.3 million ( US$1,130.3 million ), a year-over-year increase of 58.1% and a sequential increase of 5.8%. Moreover, we remained committed to optimizing shareholder value through our annual dividend policy and share repurchase policy. In the first half of 2023, we deployed approximately US$46.3 million to repurchase our stock, which we believe is an efficient use of our capital in the current environment," concluded Mr. Xu . Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Net revenue for the second quarter of 2023 increased by 15.4% to RMB3,075.7 million ( US$424.2 million ) from RMB2,666.0 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in loan facilitation service fees, post facilitation service fees and guarantee income. Loan facilitation service fees increased by 6.0% to RMB1,115.0 million ( US$153.8 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB1,052.1 million for the same period of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the increase in transaction volume, partially offset by the decrease in service fee rates. Post-facilitation service fees increased by 1.1% to RMB488.2 million ( US$67.3 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB482.8 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in outstanding loans served by the Company and the rolling impact of deferred transaction fees. Guarantee income increased by 51.2 % to RMB1,072.9 million ( US$148.0 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB709.5 million for the same period of 2022. This increase was primarily due to the increased outstanding loan balance of off-balance sheet loans and the rolling impact of deferred guarantee income. The fair value of quality assurance commitment upon loan origination is released as guarantee income systematically over the term of the loans subject to quality assurance commitment. Net interest income decreased by 7.0% to RMB263.0 million ( US$36.3 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, from RMB282.9 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the decrease in transaction volume of consolidated trust accounts. Other revenue decreased by 1.5% to RMB136.5 million ( US$18.8 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB138.6 million for the same period of 2022. Origination, servicing expenses and other costs of revenue decreased by 2.6% to RMB516.0 million ( US$71.2 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB529.7 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the reduction in loan collection expenses as a result of higher percentage of repeat borrowers and improved loan performance. Sales and marketing expenses increased by 43.3% to RMB468.8 million ( US$64.7 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB327.1 million for the same period of 2022 as a result of proactive customer acquisition efforts focusing on higher-quality borrowers in both China and international markets. Research and development expenses increased by 7.4% to RMB124.6 million ( US$17.2 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB116.0 million for the same period of 2022, due to the increase in investments for technology development. General and administrative expenses decreased by 5.2% to RMB90.8 million ( US$12.5 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB95.8 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in operating efficiency. Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets decreased by 28.5% to RMB67.5 million ( US$9.3 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB94.4 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the better-than-expected default rate, partially offset by the increases in loan volume and outstanding loan balances of off-balance sheet loans. Provision for loans receivable increased by 169.4% to RMB159.2 million ( US$22.0 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, from RMB59.1 million for the same period of 2022, primarily due to the increase in loan volume and outstanding loan balances in the international markets. Credit losses for quality assurance commitment increased by 36.4% to RMB1,073.5 million ( US$148.0 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 compared with RMB787.1 million for the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to the increases in loan volume and outstanding loan balances in both China and international markets. Operating profit decreased by 12.4% to RMB575.4 million ( US$79.4 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB656.7 million for the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income, which excludes share-based compensation expenses before tax, was RMB606.9 million ( US$83.7 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, representing a decrease of 10.9% from RMB681.5 million for the same period of 2022. Other income increased by 155.7% to RMB119.9 million ( US$16.5 million ) for the second quarter of 2023 from RMB46.9 million for the same period of 2022, mainly due to the increases in gains from increased cash management efficiency as well as government subsidies. Income tax expense was RMB105.2 million ( US$14.5 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB118.4 million for the same period of 2022. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in pre-tax profit for the second quarter. Net profit was RMB590.1 million ( US$81.4 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB585.2 million for the same period of 2022. Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB554.4 million ( US$76.5 million ) for the second quarter of 2023, compared with RMB581.2 million for the same period of 2022. Diluted net profit per ADS was RMB1.95 ( US$0.27 ) and diluted net profit per share was RMB0.39 ( US$0.05 ) for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 1.5% from the same period of 2022. Non-GAAP diluted net profit per ADS was RMB2.06 ( US$0.28 ) and non-GAAP diluted net profit per share was RMB0.41 ( US$0.06 ) for the second quarter of 2023, equivalent to the same period of 2022. Each ADS represents five Class A ordinary shares of the Company. As of June 30, 2023 , the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB4,724.9 million ( US$651.6 million ) and short-term investments, mainly in wealth management products, of RMB3,471.4 million ( US$478.7 million ). The following chart and table display the historical cumulative 30-day plus past due delinquency rates by loan origination vintage in China's Mainland for all loan products facilitated through the Company's online platform as of June 30, 2023 : Click here to view the chart. Shares Repurchase Update On August 21, 2022 , the board of directors of the Company approved the expansion of the Company's existing share repurchase program from up to US$60 million to up to US$140 million and the extension for another twelve months from January 1, 2023 , through December 31, 2023 , which allows the Company to repurchase its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs with an aggregate value of up to US$140 million until December 31, 2023 . During the first half of 2023, the Company has deployed a total of US$46.3 million to repurchase its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs in the market. As of June 30, 2023 , in combination with the Company's historical and existing share repurchase programs, the Company had cumulatively repurchased its own Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs with a total aggregate value of approximately US$228.6 million . Business Outlook The Company will continue to closely monitor changes in the macro economy in the markets in which it operates and remain vigilant in its business operations. The Company announced that it expects its China Mainland transaction volume for the third quarter of 2023 to be around RMB49.0 billion , representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10.4%. The Company also announced that it expects its international markets transaction volume for the third quarter of 2023 to be around RMB1.9 billion , representing year-over-year growth of approximately 72.7%. Furthermore, the Company reiterates that it raised its international transaction volume guidance for full year 2023 to RMB7.7 billion , representing year-over-year growth of approximately 80.0%, while maintaining its China Mainland transaction volume guidance for full year 2023 in the range of RMB189.0 billion to RMB205.0 billion , representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10.0% to 20.0%. The above forecast is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company's current preliminary views and expectations on market and operational conditions and the regulatory and operating environment, as well as customer and institutional partner demands, all of which are subject to change. Conference Call The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 p.m. U. S. Eastern Time on August 28, 2023 ( 8:30 a.m. Beijing /Hong Kong Time on August 29 , 2023). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States (toll free): +1-888-346-8982 Canada (toll free): +1-855-669-9657 International: +1-412-902-4272 Hong Kong, China (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong, China : 852-3018-4992 Mainland, China : 400-120-1203 Participants should dial in at least five minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "FinVolution Group." Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.finvgroup.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until September 04, 2023 , by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States (toll free): +1-877-344-7529 Canada (toll free): +1-855-669-9658 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4673303 About FinVolution Group FinVolution Group is a leading fintech platform with strong brand recognition in China and the international markets connecting borrowers of the young generation with financial institutions. Established in 2007, the Company is a pioneer in China's online consumer finance industry and has developed innovative technologies and has accumulated in-depth experience in the core areas of credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data and artificial intelligence. The Company's platform, empowered by proprietary cutting-edge technologies, features a highly automated loan transaction process, which enables a superior user experience. As of June 30, 2023 , the Company had over 169.3 million cumulative registered users: across China , Indonesia and the Philippines . For more information, please visit https://ir.finvgroup.com Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We use non-GAAP adjusted operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net profit, non-GAAP net profit attributable to FinVolution Group, non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per share and per ADS which are non-GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in our business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses and expected discretionary measures. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. Non-GAAP adjusted operating profit, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net profit non-GAAP basic and diluted net profit per share and per ADS are not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, cash flows or our liquidity, investors should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operation and cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company encourages investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2513 to US$1.00 , the rate in effect as of June 30, 2023 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the Company's ability to attract and retain borrowers and investors on its marketplace, its ability to increase volume of loans facilitated through the Company's marketplace, its ability to introduce new loan products and platform enhancements, its ability to compete effectively, laws, regulations and governmental policies relating to the online consumer finance industry in China , general economic conditions in China , and the Company's ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain listing of its ADSs on the NYSE, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with the NYSE's continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and FinVolution does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China : FinVolution Group Head of Investor Relations Jimmy Tan , IRC Tel: +86 (21) 8030-3200 Ext. 8601 E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Jenny Cai Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States : The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) As of December 31 , As of June 30 , 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD Assets Cash and cash equivalents 3,636,380 4,724,925 651,597 Restricted cash 2,842,707 2,491,689 343,620 Short-term investments 3,427,020 3,471,381 478,725 Investments 1,084,084 1,112,445 153,413 Quality assurance receivable, net of credit loss allowance for quality assurance receivable of RMB374,304 and RMB420,018 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023 , respectively 1,669,855 1,660,999 229,062 Intangible assets 98,692 98,692 13,610 Property, equipment and software, net 141,345 169,118 23,322 Loans receivable, net of credit loss allowance for loans receivable of RMB294,355 and RMB267,488 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023 , respectively 2,136,432 1,383,245 190,758 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of credit loss allowance for accounts receivable and contract assets of RMB496,918 and RMB422,359 as of December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023 , respectively 2,217,445 2,202,510 303,740 Deferred tax assets 919,361 1,315,170 181,370 Right of use assets 192,428 172,496 23,788 Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,966,751 2,852,409 393,365 Goodwill 50,411 50,411 6,952 Total assets 21,382,911 21,705,490 2,993,322 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Deferred guarantee income 1,805,164 1,831,396 252,561 Liability from quality assurance commitment 3,555,618 3,758,572 518,331 Payroll and welfare payable 274,408 202,380 27,909 Taxes payable 134,027 134,299 18,521 Funds payable to investors of consolidated trusts 1,845,210 1,185,798 163,529 Contract liability 5,109 5,109 705 Deferred tax liabilities 232,188 317,669 43,809 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 909,708 998,688 137,725 Leasing liabilities 176,990 159,287 21,967 Total liabilities 8,938,422 8,593,198 1,185,057 Commitments and contingencies FinVolution Group Shareholders' equity Ordinary shares 103 103 14 Additional paid-in capital 5,692,703 5,714,469 788,061 Treasury stock (568,595) (858,133) (118,342) Statutory reserves 698,401 698,401 96,314 Accumulated other comprehensive income 52,237 103,772 14,308 Retained Earnings 6,496,852 7,330,707 1,010,951 Total FinVolution Group shareholders' equity 12,371,701 12,989,319 1,791,306 Non-controlling interest 72,788 122,973 16,959 Total shareholders' equity 12,444,489 13,112,292 1,808,265 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 21,382,911 21,705,490 2,993,322 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30 , For the Six Months Ended June 30 , 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Operating revenue: Loan facilitation service fees 1,052,129 1,115,041 153,771 2,053,492 2,283,294 314,881 Post-facilitation service fees 482,790 488,187 67,324 941,226 975,358 134,508 Guarantee income 709,506 1,072,913 147,961 1,321,628 2,059,433 284,009 Net interest income 282,934 263,047 36,276 552,056 548,679 75,666 Other Revenue 138,629 136,490 18,823 244,380 259,557 35,795 Net revenue 2,665,988 3,075,678 424,155 5,112,782 6,126,321 844,859 Operating expenses: Origination, servicing expenses and other cost of revenue (529,675) (515,960) (71,154) (1,027,379) (1,028,388) (141,821) Sales and marketing expenses (327,149) (468,833) (64,655) (659,129) (865,951) (119,420) Research and development expenses (115,967) (124,577) (17,180) (228,370) (250,793) (34,586) General and administrative expenses (95,808) (90,770) (12,518) (186,947) (176,172) (24,295) Provision for accounts receivable and contract assets (94,438) (67,451) (9,302) (167,488) (130,651) (18,018) Provision for loans receivable (59,129) (159,189) (21,953) (158,597) (302,505) (41,717) Credit losses for quality assurance commitment (787,136) (1,073,451) (148,036) (1,446,145) (2,054,134) (283,278) Total operating expenses (2,009,302) (2,500,231) (344,798) (3,874,055) (4,808,594) (663,135) Operating profit 656,686 575,447 79,357 1,238,727 1,317,727 181,724 Other income, net 46,917 119,901 16,536 97,766 202,678 27,951 Profit before income tax expense 703,603 695,348 95,893 1,336,493 1,520,405 209,675 Income tax expenses (118,416) (105,230) (14,512) (217,047) (240,467) (33,162) Net profit 585,187 590,118 81,381 1,119,446 1,279,938 176,513 Net profit attributable to non-controlling interest shareholders 3,977 35,684 4,921 3,573 29,620 4,085 Net profit attributable to FinVolution Group 581,210 554,434 76,460 1,115,873 1,250,318 172,428 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax 50,846 80,703 11,129 48,300 51,535 7,107 Total comprehensive income attributable to FinVolution Group 632,056 635,137 87,589 1,164,173 1,301,853 179,535 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share Basic 1,422,833,623 1,387,090,179 1,387,090,179 1,427,265,435 1,398,767,090 1,398,767,090 Diluted 1,470,156,102 1,423,975,798 1,423,975,798 1,472,303,208 1,430,367,809 1,430,367,809 Net profit per share attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders Basic 0.41 0.40 0.06 0.78 0.89 0.12 Diluted 0.40 0.39 0.05 0.76 0.87 0.12 Net profit per ADS attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders (one ADS equal five ordinary shares) Basic 2.04 2.00 0.28 3.91 4.47 0.62 Diluted 1.98 1.95 0.27 3.79 4.37 0.60 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) Three Months Ended June 30 , Six Months Ended June 30 , 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (323,259) 506,617 69,866 (358,411) 1,178,903 162,578 Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 1,942,342 (880,715) (121,456) 199,167 925,171 127,587 Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities (695,030) (518,630) (71,522) (293,802) (1,405,346) (193,806) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 32,539 65,202 8,991 30,443 38,799 5,351 Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash 956,592 (827,526) (114,121) (422,603) 737,527 101,710 Cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash at beginning of period 7,112,346 8,044,140 1,109,338 8,491,541 6,479,087 893,507 Cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash at end of period 8,068,938 7,216,614 995,217 8,068,938 7,216,614 995,217 FinVolution Group UNAUDITED Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (All amounts in thousands, except share data, or otherwise noted) For the Three Months Ended June 30 , For the Six Months Ended June 30 , 2022 2023 2022 2023 RMB RMB USD RMB RMB USD Net Revenues 2,665,988 3,075,678 424,155 5,112,782 6,126,321 844,859 Less: total operating expenses (2,009,302) (2,500,231) (344,798) (3,874,055) (4,808,594) (663,135) Operating Income 656,686 575,447 79,357 1,238,727 1,317,727 181,724 Add: share-based compensation expenses 24,792 31,457 4,338 44,890 51,816 7,146 Non-GAAP adjusted operating income 681,478 606,904 83,695 1,283,617 1,369,543 188,870 Operating Margin 24.6 % 18.7 % 18.7 % 24.2 % 21.5 % 21.5 % Non-GAAP operating margin 25.6 % 19.7 % 19.7 % 25.1 % 22.4 % 22.4 % Non-GAAP adjusted operating income 681,478 606,904 83,695 1,283,617 1,369,543 188,870 Add: other income, net 46,917 119,901 16,535 97,766 202,678 27,951 Less: income tax expenses (118,416) (105,230) (14,512) (217,047) (240,467) (33,162) Non-GAAP net profit 609,979 621,575 85,718 1,164,336 1,331,754 183,659 Net profit attributable to non-controlling interest shareholders 3,977 35,684 4,921 3,573 29,620 4,085 Non-GAAP net profit attributable to FinVolution Group 606,002 585,891 80,797 1,160,763 1,302,134 179,574 Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share Basic 1,422,833,623 1,387,090,179 1,387,090,179 1,427,265,435 1,398,767,090 1,398,767,090 Diluted 1,470,156,102 1,423,975,798 1,423,975,798 1,472,303,208 1,430,367,809 1,430,367,809 Non-GAAP net profit per share attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders Basic 0.43 0.42 0.06 0.81 0.93 0.13 Diluted 0.41 0.41 0.06 0.79 0.91 0.13 Non-GAAP net profit per ADS attributable to FinVolution Group's ordinary shareholders (one ADS equal five ordinary shares) Basic 2.13 2.11 0.29 4.07 4.65 0.64 Diluted 2.06 2.06 0.28 3.94 4.55 0.63 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finvolution-group-reports-second-quarter-2023-unaudited-financial-results-301911331.html SOURCE FinVolution Group MEMPHIS, Tenn. , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN or "First Horizon") is pleased to announce the naming of Hunter Hill as Regional President of the First Horizon Bank's South Central region, which includes Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama , and Atlanta, Georgia . As Regional President, Hill is responsible for all banking operations within the region. A native of Alabama , Hill joined the company in 2009 to grow the bank's commercial client base in Birmingham, Alabama . In 2014, he was promoted to New Orleans Market President . In this role, he led a wide variety of client segments including Commercial, Business, and Retail Banking as well as Private Client and Wealth Management for one of the company's top markets. Hill was then tapped to serve as Chief Digital Transformation Officer for the company responsible for creating and driving enterprise digital strategy and treasury management services. "We are thrilled for Hunter to be back in his home state where his experience and deep relationships will continue to add extraordinary value to the company," says Bryan Jordan , Chairman, President and CEO of First Horizon. "He has consistently executed on our value-based, relationship-oriented client strategy which is instrumental in building on our years of success as the trusted banking leader in the communities we serve." Reporting to Hill, Alex Morton will continue to serve as Market President of Birmingham , Ken Brown as Market President of Mobile and Rodney Hall as Market President of Atlanta . As an active leader in the community throughout his professional career, Hill has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards in Birmingham , New Orleans and Memphis . He currently sits on The National WWII Museum Board of Trustees and the Chickasaw Council Boy Scouts of America Board. He was also past Chairman of the Young Presidents Organization Louisiana Chapter and Annual Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Hill graduated from Auburn University with a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. In 2015, he completed an Executive Education Program at Harvard University. About First Horizon First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $85.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023 , is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN , the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-horizon-names-hill-regional-president-of-the-south-central-region-301911544.html SOURCE First Horizon Corporation COLMAR , France , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alsace Wine Route the world's' oldest established wine road, officially inaugurated in 1953 marks its 70th anniversary this year. Beginning just outside the city of Strasbourg in northeastern France , the historic route spans over 105 miles through stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and gourmet destinations throughout the Alsace region. Follow along the route for some can't-miss stops: Colmar : The Capital of Alsace Wine Country Wander Colmar's cobblestone streets along quaint canals and flower-adorned, half-timbered houses. Head to the Covered Market in " Little Venice " and enjoy a local speciality: tarte flambee paired with a glass of Cremant d' Alsace . A food-lover's fantasy, Colmar is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, in addition to hearty winstubs serving the signature dish of choucroute. History and architecture buffs will enjoy the Musee Bartholdi, whose namesake was a Colmar native and the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. Niedermorschwihr: A Sweet and Savory Stop Next, visit the village of Niedermorschwihr (knee-der-morsch-veer), home to Christine Ferber , also known as the "Jam Fairy." Head to Christine's patisserie, Maison Ferber , for an assortment of delicious treats, including her world-famous jams and jellies, as well as local artisan crafts. Once the shopping's done, take in views of Sommerberg Grand Cru to the north of town, a very steep hill rising to 1,300 feet with granite soil producing minerally Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Riquewihr: One of France's "Most Beautiful Villages" Consistently voted one of the "Most Beautiful Villages" in France , Riquewihr (rick-veer) will delight wine, history and architecture buffs alike. The village's first vineyard and wine estate is said to have been established in the 8th century. Marvel at the iconic 82 foot "Dolder," a belfry and watch tower erected in 1291 and don't forget to pick up some bretzels down the street at the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. Just north of Riquewihr lies Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, with steep vineyard slopes producing stunning, age-worthy Rieslings. The Steep Slopes of Grand Cru Rangen de Thann One of the steepest vineyards in Alsace , Grand Cru Rangen de Thann is a sight to behold. Plantings of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muscat thrive in volcanic soils high above the river below. If you're feeling extra adventurous, pack a picnic and hike to the top of the vineyard it's well worth the view of gothic masterpieces such as the Englebourg Castle! Even if European travel isn't on the calendar, you can experience the Alsace Wine Route through your glass. Enjoy wines from the region, including juicy Pinot Blanc, minerally Riesling, earthy Pinot Noir and the lively bubbles of Cremant d' Alsace . Follow Wines of Alsace USA (@drinkalsace) on Instagram for more virtual adventures. PRESS CONTACTS: USA Teuwen, an Evins Communications Company Beth Cotenoff | [email protected] Kaila Raymond | [email protected] ALSACE CIVA - Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d' Alsace Foulques Aulagnon [email protected] About Alsace Wines Located in northeastern France , Alsace is nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River . On the Vosges foothills, vineyards are planted on 13 soil types. Alsace grows seven main varieties including dry Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparklers and rich, late harvest wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace and complex Grand Cru bottlings, Alsace makes it all. About Teuwen, an Evins Communications Company Teuwen, an Evins Communications Company, is an award-winning food, wine, and spirits public relations and marketing agency with insight and influence. A collaborative and creative team, authentic industry connections, and personalized approach to each client produces strategic, integrated programs across multiple touch points, with powerful results. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frances-alsace-wine-route-celebrates-70-years-of-adventure-301911564.html TAIZHOU, China , Aug. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative vaccine company Recbio (02179.HK) announced its latest progress and interim results for 2023. During the reporting period, the company always adhered to the mission of " Protect Human Health With Best-In-Class Vaccines", rapidly promoted product research and development, and achieved the following milestones and progress in research pipeline and business operations. Follow-up on the subjects of REC603's primary efficacy trial is being conducted in accordance with the clinical protocol. We have completed the 18th month follow-up visit and are conducting the 24th month follow-up visit observation.The Phase III clinical program is highly consistent with the guiding principles of the regulatory authorities, the sample size and the clinical site advantages are obvious.Currently, the Company is conducting follow-up visits according to the established protocol and is expected to accelerate the completion of case collection, maintaining the leading domestic position in the clinical development progress The application for Chinese clinical trial of novel adjuvanted recombinant shingles vaccine REC610 has been officially accepted. Overseas phase I clinical progress is smooth, the overall safety and tolerability is good We continuously strengthen the construction of independent intellectual property rights for innovative vaccines.We have applied for a number of invention patents related to respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSV),new novel adjuvants and other projects. Cash and cash equivalents were approximately RMB 1.099 billion as of June 30, 2023 , compared to RMB 1.325 billion as of December 31, 2022 Operating expenses (R&D and administrative expenses) for the first half of 2023 were approximately RMB 326 million .Compared to the first half of 2022, the reduction was approximately 24.41% The loss during the period was approximately RMB 277 million , narrowed by 22.4% year-on-year BUSSINESS HIGHLIGHTS REC603-Recombinant HPV 9-valent Vaccine HPV 9-valent vaccines can provide protection against 90% of cervical cancer and 90% of the anal and genital warts, being widely considered as the most effective vaccines against HPV-related diseases. Currently, no domestic HPV 9-valent vaccine has been approved for marketing in China . We are in the process of conducting phase III clinical trial in China . The phase III clinical trial in China consists of three parts, i.e., the primary efficacy trial, the immuno-bridging trial in younger-age groups, and the immunogenicity comparative trial with Gardasil 9, with a multi-center, randomized, blinded and placebo controlled design and with a total size of 16,050 subjects. . The phase III clinical trial in consists of three parts, i.e., the primary efficacy trial, the immuno-bridging trial in younger-age groups, and the immunogenicity comparative trial with Gardasil 9, with a multi-center, randomized, blinded and placebo controlled design and with a total size of 16,050 subjects. Follow-up on the subjects of REC603's primary efficacy trial is being conducted in accordance with the clinical protocol. We have completed the 18th month follow-up visit and are conducting the 24th month follow-up visit observation. We plan to take the pathological endpoint for interim analysis and submit BLA application to the NMPA for REC603 after meeting the conditions. The Company has completed the three doses vaccination in the two studies of REC603 immuno-bridging trial in the younger-age groups and the immunogenicity comparative trial with Gardasil 9. 9. The "Technical Guidelines for the Clinical Trials of Human Papillomavirus Vaccines (for Trial Implementation)" issued by the Center for Drug Evaluation of NMPA clearly states that "randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design is currently the best strategy to confirm the protective efficacy of first-generation vaccines." Our Phase III clinical protocol for the 9-valent HPV vaccine strictly follows the guidelines of the regulatory authorities; We have the largest HPV 9-valent Phase III clinical trial subjects in China and are conducting clinical trials in Henan , Shanxi and Yunnan provinces with high HPV infection rates. Currently, the Company is conducting follow-up visits according to the established protocol and is expected to accelerate the completion of case collection, maintaining the leading domestic position in the clinical development progress. REC610 Novel Adjuvanted Recombinant Shingles Vaccine Shingles is an acute infectious skin disease caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the body. There is no specific medicine for shingles, and vaccine is an effective means of preventing shingles. According to research data on shingles vaccines that have been marketed around the world, the novel adjuvanted vaccine can provide stronger cellular immunity and protective efficacy as compared to live attenuated vaccines. The Company has recently received the notice of acceptance (acceptance number: CXSL2300518) issued by NMPA, pursuant to which the clinical trial application for its self-developed novel adjuvanted recombinant shingles vaccine REC610 has been accepted. The Company proposes to adopt a randomized, double-blind, Shingrix parallel controlled phase I clinical trial in 180 healthy adult subjects aged 40 and above in Mainland China to evaluate the safety, tolerability of REC610 and have a preliminary assessment of its immunogenicity. The Company commenced the first-in-human GSK Shingrix active controlled clinical trial of REC610 in the Philippines in February 2023 . Currently, the clinical trial is being executed smoothly. All subjects have completed 30 days of follow-up studies after two doses of the vaccination, with favorable safety and tolerability profile. in . Currently, the clinical trial is being executed smoothly. All subjects have completed 30 days of follow-up studies after two doses of the vaccination, with favorable safety and tolerability profile. REC610 is equipped with a novel adjuvant BFA01 independently developed by the Company, which can promote the production of high levels of VZV glycoprotein E (gE)-specific CD4+T cells and antibody. Preclinical studies have shown that REC610 has favorable immunogenicity and can induce high levels of gE specific CD4+T cell responses and IgG antibody, and its immune response is non-inferior to the controlled vaccine Shingrix. ReCOV-Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine ReCOV is a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the Company with its technology platforms, including its novel adjuvant, protein engineering and immunological evaluation platforms, and the adjuvant used therein is its self-developed novel adjuvant BFA03. It has a variety of comprehensive advantages, including favorable broad-spectrum of neutralizing antibodies and immune persistence, overall positive safety profile, potential growth in production scale, low production cost, preparation stability, and ability to be stored and transported at room temperature. For ReCOV international multi-center Phase III clinical trial, we have completed all subjects enrollment and full vaccination, and is currently under follow-up visit in accordance with the clinical protocol. We will analyze the endpoint of protective efficacy, and submit the application to the PRC regulatory authorities after meeting the conditions. We obtained an emergency use authorization (EUA) for ReCOV in Mongolia in March 2023 . Others We continuously strengthen the construction of independent intellectual property rights for innovative vaccines. Based on the protein engineering platform and mRNA technology platform, we have applied for a total of 15 invention patents related to antigens for respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSV),recombinant human herpes simplex virus vaccine (HSV), SARS-COV-2 and its variants projects. Based on the novel adjuvant platform, we applied for a total of 16 invention patents in the key raw materials of adjuvants, among which 1 novel adjuvant authorized patent was obtained. In April 2023 , the Company received the Reply of the Approval on the Registration of Shares Issued by Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. to Target Subscribers from the CSRC. The Reply should be valid for a period of 12 months from the date of approval. , the Company received the Reply of the Approval on the Registration of Shares Issued by to Target Subscribers from the CSRC. The Reply should be valid for a period of 12 months from the date of approval. In May 2023 , the Company has been selected as a constituent of the MSCI China Small Cap Index, with effect from the close of market on May 31, 2023 . FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Cash and bank balances Cash and cash equivalents were approximately RMB 1.099 billion as of June 30, 2023 , compared to RMB 1.325 billion as of December 31, 2022 . R&D and administrative expenses Operating expenses (R&D and administrative expenses) for the first half of 2023 were RMB 326 million .Compared to the first half of 2022, the reduction was approximately 24.41%. About Recbio Founded in 2012, Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Recbio or the Company; stock code: 02179.HK) is an innovative vaccine company driven by self-developed technologies. We are dedicated to the R&D, production and commercialization of innovative vaccines, leveraging our core technology platforms (novel adjuvant, protein engineering, immunological evaluation). Staying true to the mission of "Protect human health with best-in-class vaccines", the Company has established high-value pipelines consisting of several blockbuster vaccines with proprietary rights to satisfy the huge unmet demands in the markets of high-burden diseases. Through years of devotion to the vaccine industry, Recbio has developed three advanced innovative technology platforms, namely novel adjuvant, protein engineering and immunological evaluation platforms, and become one of the few companies in the world capable of developing novel adjuvant systems. We develop promising vaccine candidates constantly, taking advantage of the synergy between the novel adjuvant platform, optimized antigen designs, and immunological evaluation technologies. Recbio never ceases to optimize its technology platforms, and strives to achieve breakthroughs in mRNA vaccines using a joint venture model. With robust R&D capacity, the Company has developed high-value innovative vaccine portfolios consisting of ten-odd differentiated vaccines, covering cervical cancer, shingles, COVID-19, TB and other high-burden diseases. Our core product REC603, a recombinant 9-valent HPV vaccine in Phase III clinical trial, shows great promise of becoming the first marketed domestic 9-valent HPV vaccine. Apart from that, ReCOV, a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine with its commercialization in the offing, has been recognized as one of the most competitive next-generation COVID-19 vaccines in the world. Recbio has a clear commercialization strategy aiming to penetrate the diversified global vaccine market. Honed and refined for ten years, Recbio is going to reap the rewards as several products are approaching commercialization. For more information, please visit https://www.recbio.cn/. Forward-looking statements This Press Release may contain projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, opinions, prospects, results, returns and forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, capital position, strategy and business of the Group which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "plan", "estimate", "seek", "intend", "target", "believe", "potential" and "reasonably possible" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including the strategic priorities, research and development projects, and any financial, investment and capital targets and any other targets, commitments and ambitions described in writing or verbally herein. Any such forward-looking statements are not a reliable indicator of future performance, as they may involve significant stated or implied assumptions and subjective judgements which may or may not prove to be correct, accurate or complete. There can be no assurance that any of the matters set out in the forward-looking statements are attainable, will actually occur or will be realised or are complete or accurate. The assumptions and judgments may prove to be incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important actors, many of which are outside the control of the Group. There is also no assurance that the Group may develop or market its core products or other pipeline candidates successfully. Actual achievements, results, performance or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those stated, implied and/or reflected in any forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors (including without limitation general market conditions, regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions or data limitations and changes). Any such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Group at the date the statements are made, and the Group does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any obligation or duty to update, revise or supplement them if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change. For these reasons, you should not place reliance on, and are expressly cautioned about relying on, any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties, expressed or implied, are given by or on behalf of the Group as to the achievement or reasonableness of any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, commitments, prospects or returns contained herein. Please refer to the announcements published by the Company on the websites of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (www.hkexnew.hk) or of the Company (www.recbio.cn) for further details. If there is any inconsistency between this Presentation and the announcements, the announcements shall prevail. Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. Investor Inquiry: Email: [email protected] Tel: +86-0523-86818860 Media Inquiry: Email: [email protected] Tel: +86-0523-86818860 Related Links: https://www.recbio.cn/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiangsu-recbio-technology-co-ltd-announced-2023-interim-results-report-and-latest-progress-301910777.html SOURCE Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. DENVER , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PanXchange, which offers a vertically integrated carbon exchange program for nature-based solutions today announced it has received funding from the HBAR Foundation for its integration with the Hedera Network. PanXchange's patented Web 2.0 trading platform is designed to build liquidity and transparency in physical commodities. Through their partnership with Hedera, PanXchange will have access to a fast, secure blockchain to deliver an immutable audit trail to customers. DLA Piper advised PanXchange on the integration and serves as their legal counsel for developing all carbon program documentation. PanXchange's Carbon Project Development and trading platform offers landowners an economically viable path to earn credits and full ownership of and autonomy over the sale of the credits. For buyers, we offer a transparent, easily auditable, and liquid marketplace with direct access to the highest caliber nature-based carbon credits. Julie Lerner , PanXchange's CEO states, "With Hedera's technology and the guidance of DLA Piper, PanXchange's Carbon Project Development and trading platform offers landowners an economically viable path to earn credits and full ownership of and autonomy over the sale of the credits. For buyers, we offer a transparent, easily auditable, and liquid marketplace with direct access to the highest caliber nature-based carbon credits. We look forward to developing a vibrant market on Hedera, as well as exploring opportunities with other firms in the network as we build this ecosystem. " "The ability to offer transparent auditability in a commodities trading platform is a great step in bringing the balance sheet of the planet to a public ledger," said David Cramer , COO of the HBAR Foundation. "We are pleased to support PanXchange in bringing their first of its kind, fully traceable carbon credit market to the Hedera network." About PanXchange PanXchange is a vertically integrated carbon program for nature-based solutions. With a passion for commodities, they focus on how technology and other developments can improve the bottom line for landowners seeking to implement climate smart practices. They offer the lowest cost project management, full ownership of credits earned and direct access to buyers on their trading platform, which avoids the opaque and costly brokerage market. For additional information, please visit https://panxchange.com/ or contact [email protected] About The HBAR Foundation The HBar Foundation supports the creation of Web3 communities built on the Hedera network, by empowering and funding the builders developing these communities. The Foundation's six funds focused on the Crypto Economy, Metaverse, Sustainability, Fintech, Privacy, and Female Founders- each support communities within those areas, and the interconnectedness enables applications to participate as part of a larger ecosystem. The collective power of these funds enables entrepreneurs, developers, and enterprises of all sizes to tackle some of the world's largest problems, and create and control their own economies, all build on the Hedera public network. For additional information, please visit https://hbarfoundation.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panxchange-carbon-credit-market-to-integrate-with-the-hedera-blockchain-301910361.html SOURCE PanXchange, Inc. Mountain View Printing Relies on Quick Turnaround Times, Color Accuracy and Digital Varnish Capabilities to Expand Label Business LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Calgary-based print company Mountain View Printing has built a business on outstanding customer service. When its label printing business started to outgrow the current label printing solution, it turned to the Epson SurePress L-6534VW UV digital label press to deliver more accurate color labels with quicker turnaround times for brands across a wide range of markets. Mountain View Printing Installs Epson SurePress L-6534VW For Accurate Color Labels and Quick Turnaround Times "We purchased our first label press in the spring of 2019 to create labels for customers in a timely fashion," said B.J. Chandler , founder and partner, Mountain View Printing. "When the pandemic started in 2020, we had customers approaching us with requests for hand sanitizer labels, and from there, the business really grew. We started printing beer, cannabis and food labels, and the original machine we had purchased simply couldn't keep up." Chandler and his partner, Gary Fairgrieve-Park, started researching leading label printing solutions on the market and decided the Epson SurePress L-6534VW was the best solution to help them grow into the future. "Between the Digital Varnish enhancement capabilities, ease-of-use, speed, and small footprint, we felt the SurePress was the best solution to fit our needs and support our ongoing growth," said Fairgrieve-Park, owner and partner, Mountain View Printing. Mountain View Printing started in 1985 in a 500-square-foot warehouse with two people; today they have more than 40 employees and an 18,000-square-foot space. Serving brands across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical and manufacturing, Mountain View Printing partners with local brands to help them grow with print, which helps them run their business, market their services and package their products. "We're currently working with a local company to print large runs of fruit labels," said Chandler. "We print about a quarter million of these labels a month on clear material with opaque white. If we didn't have the SurePress, that's the type of business we wouldn't be able to do and the type of customer we wouldn't be able to help." Chandler notes the speed of SurePress has helped Mountain View expand and grow its business, and Fairgrieve-Park says they have clients with high standards of color that they have been able to serve because of SurePress. "Whether matching a color on a specific bottle that a customer has created or a specific PANTONE color, it's imperative that we can color match. Adding the Digital Varnish capabilities sells itself," said Fairgrieve-Park. And while customers are still learning about the option and value of Digital Varnish, as more businesses see it, "it's a no-brainer." "Industries change, technology evolves, and the one constant is service and partnership. SurePress makes it easy to give our customers an outstanding product, and at the end of the day, that's what makes the biggest impact to our business and our customer's satisfaction," said Chandler. "Businesses like Mountain View Printing rely on SurePress because it is a purpose-built digital press that is able to handle the multitude of customer label requirements," said Mike Pruitt , product manager, Epson America, Inc. "SurePress helps empower our customers to elevate their label printing capabilities and stand out in a competitive marketplace, and we are delighted with the success that Mountain View Printing has seen and the future growth they expect to experience." The SurePress L-6534VW is available with Digital Varnish or Orange Ink. The PrecisionCore print heads, inks, LED pinning technology and curing lamp units, media feeding, and control system are all developed, serviced and manufactured by Epson. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/surepress. For inquiries in North America , contact: Western Region : Mark Elsbernd , 818-620-2730 or [email protected] : , 818-620-2730 or Eastern Region : Bob Ochalla , 630-710-6005 or [email protected] About Epson Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan -based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/ Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif. , is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S. , Canada , and Latin America . To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). EPSON, PrecisionCore and SurePress are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2023 Epson America, Inc. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/premier-print-and-packaging-company-installs-epson-surepress-l-6534vw-uv-digital-label-press-301910470.html SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center will be the first of its kind, bringing unique resources to South Salt Lake SALT LAKE CITY , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Utah state, county and philanthropy are joining forces to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: mental health. On August 25, 2023 , state and county leaders, local philanthropists, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and the University of Utah celebrated the placement of the final beam during a topping out ceremony for the 82,000 square foot Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center. "Mental health challenges affect individuals from all walks of life and have wide-reaching implications for community health," said Joe Stampe , CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. "This endeavor undertaken by Utah's philanthropic network, in tandem with significant investment from the state and county, to establish a robust safety net of resources and services is an unparalleled effort. Our hope is for this collaborative model to set a new standard for philanthropic initiatives in the mental health arena." A critical part of Utah's best-in-class integrated crisis intervention system, the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center will provide crisis services and stabilizing treatment individualized to meet patient needs. In addition to clinical and crisis services, an entire building floor will be dedicated to supporting services including: a law clinic, intensive case management and connections to existing community programs for housing, health care, and employment. "This is possible because of a synergistic and strategic convergence of resources," said Christena Huntsman Durham , Executive Vice President of the Huntsman Foundation. "When the public, private and philanthropic sectors unite our resources with shared determination, we can drive change on an impressive scale. We know that when we address mental health challenges head-on with direct services, we transform lives." Support for the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center was provided by the State and County, as well as the following prominent Utah philanthropists: the Huntsman Foundation, Kem and Carolyn Gardner, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, Marriott Daughters Foundation, and Zions Bank. Kem and Carolyn Gardner who provided the lead philanthropic gift for the Crisis Care Center reflected on the importance of a shared vision for progress. "Amidst the challenges our community faces, there is an imperative for bold action and robust support. The crisis care center is able to attract donors because of its uniqueness. When the center opens its doors, it will be a sanctuary of hope and healing, and a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community unites for the greater good." A first of its kind, the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center will welcome people experiencing a mental health crisis and provide immediate, compassionate care at no cost to individuals. Scheduled to open in 2025, the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center will be located at 3300 South and 1000 West in South Salt Lake . About Huntsman Mental Health Foundation The Huntsman Mental Health Foundation was founded to support the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and its work to advance mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives. www.huntsmanmentalhealth.org About Huntsman Mental Health Institute Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was established in 2021 following the Huntsman Foundation's historic gift of $150 million to the University of Utah. HMHI is a university-wide Institute with a reputation throughout the Mountain West as a leader in advanced psychiatric treatment and care, serving a diverse population from young children to geriatric patients. Researchers at HMHI develop and apply the most advanced methods in genetics, imaging, epidemiology, and big data analysis. HMHI is also the regional training center for psychiatry and other mental health disciplines. HMHI's main 170-bed full-service hospital is adjacent to the University of Utah campus, and HMHI's 1,644 faculty, staff, and students provide clinical, research, and training programs in more than 20 locations across Utah and Idaho. For more information, visit HMHI.utah.edu and join the conversation on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utah-philanthropic-community-bolsters-state-and-county-investment-to-address-states-most-pressing-health-issue-301911374.html SOURCE Huntsman Mental Health Foundation Sets Up ESG Strategy and Targets Carbon Neutrality in its Own Operations No Later Than 2030 GUANGZHOU, China , Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vipshop, a leading online discount retailer for brands in China ("Vipshop" or the "Company"), has released its 2022 Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report (hereafter referred to as the "Report"). The Company pledges to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations and a 50% reduction in Scope 3 carbon emission intensity, no later than 2030. In 2022, Vipshop established a three-tiered governance structure that includes its Board of Directors, an ESG Committee, and an ESG Task Force, according to the report. The Company's ESG strategy, dubbed "co-creation of a new sustainable life," emphasizes five areas: new sustainable choices, happy consumption, proactive inclusivity, beautiful society, dependable compliance. A Pledge to Achieve Carbon Neutrality in its Own Operations No Later Than 2030 Vipshop has set ambitious environmental goals, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations and a 50% reduction in Scope 3 carbon emission intensity, no later than 2030. As outlined in the report, Vipshop has taken a comprehensive approach and rigorously assessed its potential for carbon reduction across its value chain. The Company actively champions energy-saving measures to minimize emissions across various scenarios. This involves joint efforts from consumers, partners, and other key stakeholders to cultivate a sustainable, low-carbon ecosystem. In 2022, Vipshop's Logistics Centers recycled around 21.19 million cartons, cutting carton use by 2,556 tons and reclaiming 16,774 tons of packaging materials. Additionally, the Company implemented photovoltaic energy systems at several logistics sites and its Shan Shan Outlets, generating 61,538 MWh of solar power during the course of the year. Meeting Customer Expectations for an Enhanced Quality of Life In 2022, Vipshop's core business has been strengthened through a series of enhancements in products, operations, and technology. This bolstered Vipshop's ability to offer unique and a more diversified product offerings, aligning with customers' aspirations for an improved quality of life. Vipshop has created "V-pulse", which defines an upgraded plan for all stages of operations including product selection, supplier logistics and after-sales service, in order for customers to feel the "pulse-like" customer service, close to their hearts. With a specialized team dedicated to effectively tackling customer concerns, the Company strives to align closely with customer expectations and sentiments. Vipshop's customer problem solving satisfaction rate reached 98.01% in 2022. Creating a Safe, Comfortable, and Inclusive Working Environment In 2022, Vipshop launched specialized training courses that focus on fostering innovation and promoting individual growth among employees. The program has seen universal participation, with 100% of the workforce having completed it successfully. Concurrently, the Company continues investing in employee empowerment, urging frontline staff to further their education and skills. In 2022, Vipshop prioritized a safe, inclusive workspace, with a special emphasis on creating a supportive environment for women. By year's end, women constituted 52.6% of Vipshop's workforce, outpacing the average level of 43% cited in Bloomberg's recent Gender Equality Index (GEI). Additionally, the Company initiated targeted recruitment to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining dignified employment opportunities. Embracing Simplicity, Sincerity, and Love in Charity Work Vipshop champions causes such as women's empowerment, rural revitalization, and aid for underprivileged communities. In partnership with stakeholders, the Company has developed sustainable philanthropic initiatives, exemplified by programs such as V-Love Mothers and V-Love Charity. By the end of 2022, Vipshop's charitable contributions surpassed RMB558 million (approx. USD76.7 million ). Notably, V-Love Mothers initiative has supported over 110,000 struggling single-parent families. Additionally, V-Love Charity program, in collaboration with various community organizations, has introduced more than 31 outreach programs for underserved communities. The initiative drew participation from over 13.44 million members, resulting in donations exceeding 20.1 billion V-Love points. View Vipshop's 2022 Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report: English version https://ir.vip.com/static-files/2e8df465-9a43-4156-8942-38fb79179e3c Chinese version https://h5rsc.vip.com/esg/esg/index.html View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vipshop-releases-2022-environmental-social-and-governanceesgreport-301911003.html SOURCE Vipshop FILE PHOTO: El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele listens to mexican film producer and actor of the movie "Sound of Freedom" Eduardo Verastegui during a press conference after a meeting, in San Salvador, El Salvador July 28, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele could comfortably win the 2024 elections with 68.4% of the votes, according to an opinion poll released on Monday, despite debate over his constitutional eligibility to seek re-election. The survey by the Center for Citizen Studies at the Francisco Gavidia University, found that Bukele's closest opponent, from the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), had just 4.3% support. Candidates from the leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) had 2.8% support. Null votes and abstentions made up 9.2% and 9.9%, respectively. The popular 42-year-old president has a large pool of devout voters, the pollster said, partly due to his controversial crackdown on crime, which has attracted international condemnation but won him domestic support. "We concluded that in El Salvador there is a kind of cult phenomenon related to the president (Bukele)," the survey's director Oscar Picardo said in a television interview. The survey was carried out between Aug. 15 and 21, and has a 95% confidence level with a 2.8 percentage point margin of error. Bukele has said he will run for re-election even though the constitution prohibits consecutive terms. In 2021 El Salvador's top court, whose members were appointed by congress which is controlled by the president's party, ruled that Bukele could run for re-election. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal will meet in September and begin to register official candidates. They could technically block Bukele, though the chances of that appear to be slim. Salvadorans will vote on Feb. 4 to elect a president and vice president for the 2024-2029 term. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria, Writing by Isabel Woodford; editing by Grant McCool) Electric power transmission pylon miniatures and Nextera Energy logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration NEW YORK (Reuters) - Florida is bracing for Tropical Storm Idalia as it intensifies into a major hurricane on Monday before making landfall on the state's Gulf Coast by Wednesday morning. Idalia is predicted to transform into a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale when it makes landfall in northern Florida's Big Bend area, where the panhandle transitions into the peninsula, the National Hurricane Center said. About 20 million Floridians are under hurricane and tropical storm watches, and authorities have begun issuing evacuation orders. Here's a list of stocks and sectors that could be impacted by the storm: POWER Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on Monday areas on the storm's path are expected to lose power. Shares of NextEra Energy Inc, which owns the Florida Power & Light Company, the state's largest utility, was little changed at $68.06, up 0.154%. Duke Energy Corp said on Monday it is mobilizing approximately 4,500 people - power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors and support personnel to respond to power outages as Idalia reaches Florida. Duke's stock on the session was off 0.4%. Generac Holdings, which often rises ahead of major storms as investors bet on increased demand for the company's home standby generators, was up 4.1% at $119.7, on course for a 4th straight session of gains. INSURERS Home and property insurance firms are likely to see claims rise as Idalia sweeps through the state. Shares of insurers in the crosshairs were trading lower: Universal Insurance Holdings was down nearly 4%; Allstate Corporation lost 0.29%, and American International Group fell 0.26%. RETAILERS / BUILDING MATERIALS SUPPLIERS As homeowners look to repair and rebuild in Idalia's aftermath, home improvement retailers and construction supplies firms may see an uptick in demand. Home Depot was up 0.7%, while Lowe's Companies was lower by 0.46%. Owens Corning Inc's shares are rising 1.4% and Beacon Roofing Supply Inc's stock is climbing nearly 2% on the session. (Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; editing by Lance Tupper and Nick Zieminski) FILE PHOTO: Man carries an elderly man as they flee their neighbourhood Carrefour Feuilles after gangs took over, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti August 15, 2023. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo By Harold Isaac PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Haiti's police chief, Frantz Elbe, said on Monday he would launch an operation to recover the bodies of followers of an evangelical minister who led a deadly protest against a heavily armed gang controlling a suburb of the capital. At least seven people were killed when gang members opened fire using machine guns in the northern suburb of Canaan on Saturday, according to local rights group CARDH, which said the death toll may be as high as 20, though investigations are ongoing and the area is not currently accessible. Haiti's national police - which has struggled to battle the country's powerful gangs - said in a statement it condemned the protest of several hundred people led by Marcorel Zidor, known as Pastor Marco, of the Evangelical Piscine de Bethesda church. Many Haitians since April have joined civilian self-defense groups known as "Bwa Kale," to protect communities against violent gangs that now control large parts of the country and whose frequent turf wars have driven a devastating humanitarian crisis. The movement has inspired hope but also sparked retaliation against civilians and stirred fears that the groups are spurring on the violence. Police had tried to stop Saturday's protest, but demonstrators managed to get around the security detail, the PNH said in a statement, adding that some of that organizers wore olive-green uniforms and carried assault rifles and machetes. The gang, led by a man known as Jeff, was armed with an "arsenal of war," the PNH said. Videos circulated on social media showed some protesters carrying sticks or machetes, though many were unarmed. Zidor defended the protest in an interview with Mega Radio on Monday, saying those who were shot at had lost faith. "Those who died are those who went to hide in the houses," said Zidor. "Ninety-five percent of my parishioners were being shot at, none of them got hit," he said. CARDH said Zidor's lawyers had requested a meeting with the local prosecutor be delayed due to health reasons, while the prosecutor called on victims' families to lodge reports. "I'll do it again," Zidor said," when asked if he would do so despite the death toll. 'TIME TO ENFORCE THE LAW' Unverified videos on social media showed people being shot at in the street, bodies lying on the ground and people who appear to be hostages saying they thought the march was peaceful and had no idea it was about taking on the gang. Some of the bodies seen in the videos were lying outside dressed in yellow and white shirts with "Pastor Marco" logos. In a statement on Sunday, rights group FJKL said that encouraging violence in pastoral speeches is punishable by three to 15 years imprisonment under Haitian law. "Those who provoked this massacre as well as those who acted it must answer for their actions," the group said. "It is time to enforce the law." The organization pointed to another protest on Sunday by followers of a religious leader known as Pastor Edrice, which had looked to confront the gang led by Vitel'Homme Innocent, though they were prevented by police. (Reporting by Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince and Sarah Morland in Mexico CityEditing by Matthew Lewis and Leslie Adler) FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience, in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, August 9, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis came under criticism on Monday for telling Russian youths to remember that they are the heirs of past tsars such as Peter the Great, who President Vladimir Putin has held up as an example to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine said the comments, which Francis made on Friday in a live video address to Catholic youths gathered in St. Petersburg, were "deeply regrettable". Francis read his prepared speech in Spanish but at the end, shifted into impromptu Italian and said: "Don't forget (your) heredity. You are heirs of the great Russia - the great Russia of the saints, of kings, the great Russia of Peter the Great, of Catherine II, the great Russian empire, cultured, so much culture, so much humanity. You are the heirs of the great mother Russia. Go forward." The Vatican released the text of the address on Saturday but did not include the last, improvised paragraph. A video of the pope making the comments was posted by religious websites. "It is precisely with such imperialist propaganda, the 'spiritual ties' and the 'need' to save 'great Mother Russia' that the Kremlin justifies the killing of thousands of Ukrainians and the destruction of Ukrainian cities and villages," Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, said on Facebook. "It is deeply regrettable that such notions of being a great power, which contribute, in essence, to Russia's chronic aggressiveness, are voiced by the pope, either knowingly or unknowingly," Nikolenko said. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of Ukraine's Eastern Rite Catholic Church, said in a statement that the pope's words had caused "great pain and worry" and feared they could "inspire the neo-colonial ambitions of the aggressor country". He asked the Vatican for an explanation. An editorial on Italy's Il Sismografo website, which specialises in Catholic affairs, called the pope's words "odd" at a delicate moment in history. It noted that Catherine, commonly known as Catherine the Great and who ruled from 1729 to 1796, annexed Crimea in 1783. It also noted that Catherine protected Jesuits in Russian-controlled lands after Pope Clement XIV suppressed the order worldwide in 1773. Pope Francis is a Jesuit. TRIBUTE TO TSAR Last year Putin paid tribute to Tsar Peter the Great, the other Russian leader mentioned by the pope, drawing a parallel between what he portrayed as their twin historic quests to win back Russian lands. Putin has repeatedly sought to justify Russia's actions in Ukraine, where his forces have devastated cities, killed thousands and put millions of people to flight, by propounding a view of history that asserts Ukraine has no real national identity or tradition of statehood. "This is truly revolting," former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves said on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the pope's remarks. Nexta, a site that reports on Belarus from Poland, said on X: "By the way, the Catholics of Poland, Lithuania and Belarus raised uprisings three times against this 'enlightened empire'". Francis has called Russia's actions in Ukraine brutal, cruel and ferocious and has said that the invasion violated a country's right to self-determination. He has spoken of a "martyred Ukraine" at nearly every public appearance since the invasion in February 2022. But he also has made a series of apparent gaffes when speaking extemporaneously. Last year, he upset Kyiv by referring to Russian ultra-nationalist Darya Dugina, who was killed by a car bomb near Moscow, as an innocent victim of war. The comment prompted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to summon the Vatican's ambassador in Kyiv to protest, saying the pope's words were "unfair" and had "broken Ukraine's heart". (Additional reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Alex Richardson) U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo steps out from a plane as she arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Andy Wong/Pool via REUTERS By David Shepardson BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo opened talks with Chinese government officials on Monday, saying it is "profoundly important" for the world's two largest economies to have a stable economic relationship. Raimondo is looking to boost business ties as U.S. firms have reported increasing challenges with operating in China, while China has sharply criticized U.S. efforts to block its access to advanced semiconductors. Raimondo said the world expects the United States and China will have a stable economic relationship; the two countries share more than $700 billion in annual trade. "It's a complicated relationship. It's a challenging relationship. We will of course disagree on certain issues," Raimondo said. "I think we can make progress if we are direct, open and practical." Raimondo, who is holding three days of talks with Chinese and business leaders to boost ties, met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday for just over two hours. Wang said US-China economic relations matter not just to the two countries, but also the rest of the world and expressed appreciation of Raimondo's remarks that she likes trade with China. He said he was ready to work together to "foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation between our businesses to bolster bilateral trade and investment in a stable and predictable manner." Raimondo said the United States and China have "worked over the summer to establish new information exchanges and working groups that will enable us to have more consistent engagement in our relationship." Some Republicans in Congress have criticized the suggestion that the United States would agree to a working group with China on export controls on advanced semiconductor chips. Raimondo has declared off-limits any discussion of U.S. export curbs aimed at slowing Beijing's military advances. "Of course, of matters of national security there is no room to compromise or negotiate," she said, adding the vast majority did not impact national security concerns. At an event later on Monday, Raimondo showed off a number of personal care products made by U.S. companies and sold in China to make the case that trade can flourish outside products with national security implications, and said 99% of trade between the two countries is unrelated to export controls. "No one can argue that health and beauty aids interfere in our national security," she said. "The plan, and the hope, is that our commercial relationship, if done right, can stabilize the political relationship." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Michael Perry, Clarence Fernandez and Mike Harrison) FILE PHOTO: Zimbabwe's President Elect Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks to the media at State House in Harare, August 27, 2023. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa and the U.S. separately on Monday noted observers' concerns with last week's presidential and parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe and called for peace, after the opposition called the vote a fraud. The elections commission declared incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 80, the winner late on Saturday, but analysts have widely questioned the credibility of the result. Mnangagwa's main challenger, Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change party, indicated on Sunday that he was counting on the international community to apply pressure over the way the elections were conducted. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country had "taken note of the preliminary pronouncements by ... the African Union (AU) and the South African Development Community (SADC) ... Observer Missions," urging all parties in Zimbabwe to work together. SADC's mission flagged voting delays, the banning of opposition rallies and biased state media coverage as concerns, while the head of the European Union's observer mission said on Friday the elections took place in a "climate of fear". Ramaphosa's statement showed his government was ready to help resolve the impasse between the Zimbabwean government and the opposition, foreign policy analyst Lwazi Somya said. Somya, a senior researcher at think-tank the Southern Africa Liaison Office, said South Africa would likely try to deal with the aftermath of the elections in a multilateral format such as regional bloc SADC. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Monday that the U.S. noted "systemic bias" against Zimbabwe's opposition in the pre-election period and strongly condemned the "intimidation and disruption of lawful election observers throughout the electoral period". The U.S. was engaging with regional leaders to share its concerns, spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Analysts said before the vote that the electoral playing field was heavily skewed in favour of Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF party, which has been in power for more than four decades. ZANU-PF denies it had an unfair advantage, and Mnangagwa has encouraged those with complaints about the results to go to court. (Reporting by Carien du Plessis and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Alexander Winning and Josie Kao) FILE PHOTO: A pedestrian walks past a Telstra logo adorning a phone booth in the central business district (CBD) of Sydney in Australia, February 13, 2018. REUTERS/David Gray/File Photo (Reuters) - Australia's Telstra said on Monday that its chairman John Mullen would retire at the conclusion of this years annual meeting on October 17. After serving on the telecom major's board for 15 years, the company said Mullen will be succeeded as chairman by current director Craig Dunn. Mullen served as chairman for the past seven years. Dunn, who first joined the Telstra board in April 2016, is currently chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee and has experience of over two decades in financial services in Australia and Asia. Telstra is targeting net cost reductions of A$500 million and mid-single digit underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) growth through to FY25. The country's largest telecoms firm expects underlying EBITDA between A$8.2 billion and A$8.4 billion ($5.38 billion)for fiscal 2024, higher than A$7.86 billion in the previous year. ($1 = 1.5603 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft) FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), holds a press conference after the weekly Democratic caucus policy luncheon at the U.S. Capito By Richard Cowan and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will host tech leaders including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai at an artificial intelligence forum on Sept. 13, Schumer's office said on Monday. The closed-door forum will also feature OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, according to Schumer's office, which added the forum will be bipartisan. Several governments are considering how to mitigate the dangers of the emerging technology, which has experienced a boom in investment and consumer popularity in recent months after the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT. In June, Schumer hinted that he would host a forum to "lay down a new foundation for AI policy." "We need the best of the best sitting at the table: the top AI developers, executives, scientists, advocates, community leaders, workers, national security experts - all together in one room, doing years of work in a matter of months," Schumer has said, according to the Senate Democrats' website. Regulators globally have been scrambling to draw up rules governing the use of generative AI, which can create text and generate images whose artificial origins are virtually undetectable. Its impact has been compared to that of the arrival of the internet. The risks of artificial intelligence to national security and the economy need to be addressed, U.S. President Joe Biden said in June, adding he would seek expert advice. Biden has also recently discussed the issue of AI with other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak whose government will later this year hold a first global summit on artificial intelligence safety. (Reporting by Richard Cowan, Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and David Gregorio) FILE PHOTO: Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau speaks during a U.N. General Assembly session at United Nations headquarters in New York City, U.S., March 29, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo/ SYDNEY (Reuters) - Vanuatu's parliament speaker has appealed a court decision that found a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau had been won by opposition parties, prolonging a political crisis in the Pacific Islands nation. Vanuatu, at the centre of a strategic rivalry between China and Western countries in the region, was plunged into political uncertainty when opposition leader Bob Loughman lodged the no-confidence petition criticising Kalsakau for actions including signing a security pact with Australia. Vanuatu's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the vote in parliament was won by the opposition party, but stayed action to remove Kalsakau until Monday, to allow for an appeal. The parliament speaker, Seoule Simeon, lodged an appeal on Monday afternoon, a government spokesman said in a statement on Facebook. Loughman, who drew Vanuatu closer to China as the previous prime minister, has said the security pact with Australia compromised Vanuatu's "neutral" status and could jeopardise development assistance from China, its biggest external creditor. China has sent police experts and security equipment to Vanuatu, with a handover ceremony involving Kalsakau taking place on Friday. Vanuatu's police force said in a statement on Saturday it had "good working relations with all partners - Australia, New Zealand and China". The United States and its allies are seeking to dissuade Pacific Islands nations from establishing security ties with China, after it signed security and policing pacts with the Solomon Islands. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Michael Perry) The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield, Mo., will be the center of the newly declared Stars and Stripes Historic Region in southeastern Missouri. The Stars and Stripes newspaper was first printed by Union troops in Bloomfield in 1861. (Stars and Stripes Museum) Missouri has dubbed a long stretch of its southeast as the Stars and Stripes Historic Region, a designation that honors the founding of the newspaper by Union soldiers following an 1861 Civil War battle in the state. Missouri legislation that advanced through the state Senate and took effect Monday established 25 Missouri counties along the Interstate 55 corridor as part of the region. The bill got bipartisan support and passed 156-0, Rep. Dave Griffith, the bill's sponsor, told Stars and Stripes by phone Friday. It's one of the few bills that had no opposition whatsoever. Griffith, a Republican from Jefferson City and chairman of the House Veterans Committee, said he has personal experience with the Stripes newspaper. When mail call comes and you don't get mail for a couple of days and you start missing home, you could always go to the PX or commissary and find the Stars and Stripes, Griffith said. Reading news, including from your home state, you could reconnect with home. Griffith served as a Green Beret in 8th Special Forces Group in Panama and spent 23 years working at local television station KRCG. Officials hope the designation will bring added recognition to the regions historic attractions and boost a part of the state that has struggled with economic development. A copy of the first Stars and Stripes newspaper is on display at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield, Mo., on Sept. 4, 2021. The newspaper was first printed in the small southern Missouri town by Union troops in 1861. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes) The newspaper ceased publication following the Civil War but reemerged during World War I. It has been published continuously since World War II and has transformed into a print, web and mobile source of news and information for service members, Defense Department workers and family members worldwide. I talked with some of my friends that were in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they were getting it there, Griffith said. Nobody really knows who delivers those papers, but they show up on a transport, whether its Kabul or Baghdad, and its amazing that this continues. At the heart of the newly dedicated region is the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield. Its less than 2 miles from the abandoned newspaper office where 10 Union soldiers printed the first edition of Stars and Stripes. The small museum preserves photographs, cartoons and gear used by reporters during the wars, along with a collection of newspapers. It also hosts historical reenactments, community events and a journalism summer camp that allows students to create their own newspaper using interviews with reenactors, educators and veterans. The legislation allows the Missouri Department of Transportation to install signs denoting places of interest along highways. The signs must be paid for by participating communities. With the addition of signage along (the interstates), visitors will be more aware of the museum's location and the history of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, said Laura Dumey, the museums executive director. This increased awareness has the potential to boost tourism and promote a deeper understanding of the region's cultural and historical heritage. The region also includes Civil War sites, like historic Fort D in Cape Girardeau. Meanwhile, the Vietnam veterans memorial in Perryville is a detailed replica of its famous counterpart in Washington, D.C., allowing visitors to pay their respects without having to travel to the East Coast, Griffith said. You can drive right by there and never know it's there, even though its only 2 miles off the highway, Griffith said. This isnt the first time Missouri has written its Stars and Stripes legacy into law. A 2019 bill established Nov. 9 as Stars and Stripes Day, commemorating the printing of the first pages in Bloomfield. Its not clear where the first historic region sign will be placed, officials said, but its likely Bloomfield will again get things started. (Gene Bane/Stars and Stripes) Vienna, Austria, December 1956: A young boy whose family fled Hungary in the wake of a brutal Soviet response to a popular uprising sits down for a meal at a Vienna refugee center. Among those helping care for the thousands of refugees was the 36th Fighter-Day Wing from Bitburg, Germany, which sent three Air Force C-47s that carried five tons of donated food and clothing. Looking for Stars and Stripes historic coverage? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/ A pair of Japanese F-35A Lightning II fighter jets are in Australias Northern Territory on their first international mission, the Australian Department of Defence announced Monday. The stealth aircraft, along with 55 Japanese airmen, flew nearly 4,000 miles from Japan to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, according to a department news release. The fifth-generation fighters arrived Saturday and will depart Tuesday, the statement said. Australia is honored to be chosen as the destination for Japans first international deployment of its F-35As, Australian Defence Department secretary Greg Moriarty said in the release. This is a significant milestone in the relationship between our two countries, and is the first activity to be held under the Reciprocal Access Agreement. A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. (Australia's Department of Defence) The recent agreement allows training by troops from Japan and Australia in each others territory. RAAF Tindal hosted a dozen U.S. Marine Corps F-35B short-takeoff, vertical-landing fighters from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 121 and 242 during last summers biennial Pitch Black exercise. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, they were the first Marine F-35s to operate from Australian soil, although F-35s had flown from ships off Australias coast since 2019. Multimillion-dollar upgrades are underway at RAAF Tindal to accommodate rotations of U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers during the southern hemisphere winter. Just over 200 miles drive south of Darwin, in an expanse of red soil and gum trees, RAAF Tindal is home to F-35As from Australias No. 75 Squadron and is one of only two bases with a unit of the countrys newest fighters. Australia is acquiring 72 F-35As from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, according to the Australian air force. Japanese F-35As are based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori prefecture, northeastern Japan. Japan plans to acquire 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs; the latter will operate from the helicopter carriers JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which are being upgraded to support them. Serizawa Kiyoshi, Japans vice minister of defense for international affairs, and Ambassador to Australia Suzuki Kazuhiro visited RAAF Tindal as guests of Australias air force chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman, according to the Australian Department of Defence news release. This visit to Australia will build closer working-level relationships between our respective air forces, and enhance our mutual ability to cooperate in the Indo-Pacific region, Chipman said in the release. Lt. Col. Kazuhito Okamoto, commander of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 301st Squadron, gives a coin to Cmdr. Martin Parker, leader of the No.75 Squadron, at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. (Australia's Department of Defence) Australia looks forward to future visits by the Japanese jets, he added. Developing our mutual understanding, especially in how we each operate the F-35A, is essential to how Australia and Japan contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific, he said. Next month, Australias air force will send six of its F-35As to Japan to participate in the Bushido Guardian exercise, Moriarty said. U.S. and South Korea flags wave side by side outside Camp Humphreys, South Korea, March 16, 2020. (Stars and Stripes) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The United States is assisting the South Korean military in retrieving wreckage from North Koreas failed reconnaissance satellite launch, a senior defense official told lawmakers Friday. Seoul and Washington are working to salvage the space launch vehicle from the Yellow Sea and are analyzing the launch together, Heo Taekeun, chief of South Koreas National Defense Policy Department, said at a televised hearing of the parliamentary National Defense Committee. Neither Heo nor National Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup disclosed during the hearing how U.S. forces are contributing to the search. U.S. Forces Korea did not immediately respond to requests for comment by phone and email Monday. The search for debris continued Monday, National Defense Ministry spokesman Jeon Ha Kyou told reporters that day. The North Korean Chollima-1 rockets third stage failed in flight Thursday, according to the regimes official Korean Central News Agency. The regime will attempt another launch in October, KCNA reported Friday. The Souths military radar detected the Norths rocket before it separated into roughly 40 fragments, unnamed South Korean government officials said in a Monday report by newspaper DongA Ilbo. South Koreas military has not ruled out that the North may have intentionally destroyed Thursdays rocket after its failure to thwart Seouls analysis of its technological progress, according to the report. Thursdays launch was North Koreas second failed attempt to put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit since May 31. Roughly five weeks after the first attempt, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military found pieces of the Norths satellite and rocket in the Yellow Sea and described the debris as rudimentary equipment that had no military utility. A spokeswoman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the launch as a violation of Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology. The Secretary-General reiterates his call on [North Korea] to cease such acts and to swiftly resume dialogue without preconditions to achieve the goal of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Florencia Soto Nino said in a news release Thursday. The launch occurred four days into Ulchi Freedom Shield, a 11-day, large-scale, semiannual military exercise in South Korea by the two allies. U.S. and South Korean military officials described the training as defensive in nature and said it will include around 30 separate air, land and sea drills. Lee told lawmakers that North Koreas latest launch has not delayed Ulchi Freedom Shield and that the exercise will be conducted normally. Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sabra Szavuly, a medical technician, trains alongside Petty Officer 3rd Class Diamond Goldberg to monitor an expectant mother July 18, 2023, at U.S Naval Hospital Okinawa in Japan. A group of medical professionals is seeking to jumpstart hiring of qualified military spouses on Okinawa, a move they say will pay dividends for the chronically understaffed hospital. (Beth Holliker/U.S. Air National) Medical professionals in Okinawa who have joined forces to shatter employment barriers for spouses of American service members see the effort as a way to relieve chronic staffing shortages at the Japanese islands U.S. military hospital. An online workshop Tuesday aims to identify impediments to putting more spouses to work at Naval Hospital Okinawa and its associated base clinics. At least 38 participants have agreed to attend the workshop, Hire Oki Spouse Project organizers said. There are so many issues that are happening with health care that if we could get some administrative rules changed, it would really ease the burden on the hospital, said Julia Whitaker, an unemployed nurse practitioner who is married to an active-duty Marine. But were not taking advantage of the things that are free to do that would help the system, and that is problematic. Located at Camp Foster, the hospital serves a military population of 47,000, including active-duty service members and their families, Defense Department civilian workers and their dependents, and retirees, according to the Navy. A second meeting next month will identify solutions, and a resulting report will be shared with advocacy groups and perhaps with congressional leaders, organizers said earlier this month. The groups efforts highlight the systemic problems that keep many military spouses overseas unemployed. Many of those issues were highlighted in a Stars and Stripes report last month. Barriers in Europe and elsewhere resulted in the reliance of a sizeable number of military families on a Defense Department program ensuring that pregnant women, infants and children have enough to eat. The report also showed how military medical facilities benefit from rules that keep spouses from working overseas, encouraging them to volunteer as nurses or perform other unpaid health care duties. The American and Japanese flags fly at Camp Foster on the Japanese island of Okinawa on July 20, 2023. A workshop to identify impediments to putting more qualified military spouses to work at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa and its associated base medical clinics is slated to have about 40 participants. (Beth Holliker/U.S. Air National Guard) Organizers of Tuesdays meeting in Okinawa point to inflexible hiring requirements and a lack of part-time or on-call positions. Those hurdles sideline spouses, who need more flexible work schedules that account for the requirements of active-duty military families, they say. Administrative rules and hiring practices that eliminate telework for Okinawa spouses who are medical professionals also are a problem, Whitaker said. The meeting could lead to an increase in the number of qualified medical professionals available to the hospital and base clinics, thus addressing staffing problems, advocates say. As an example of how problems at the hospital are affecting services, administrators notified pregnant military spouses in June that a critical personnel shortage meant that the women would have to leave the island several weeks before their due dates and deliver their babies in the U.S. or find a Japanese provider, Stars and Stripes reported June 9. After media coverage, the Defense Health Agency reversed course and restored labor and delivery services at the hospital. It blamed staffing shortages on the busy permanent change of station season and unexpected early departures of civilian staffers. But a population of military spouse nurses already on base could have helped the hospital avert the problem and avoid the stress it caused, said Sydney Clark, a military spouse and registered nurse who couldnt find a job in her field in Okinawa. Solutions proposed by the group also could improve quality of life for service members and their families who rely on the hospital, said Clark, who is pregnant and earlier worried that she might have had to give birth to her first child somewhere else. Workshop organizers say having a cross-section of participants should allow them to determine other pitfalls and pinpoint realistic solutions. An online survey prior to the meeting will help guide discussions because the perspective of active-duty personnel also is needed, said Elayne Saejung, a military spouse who works in emergency health care management. Its really going to depend on the solutions that are proposed and whether or not thats in the hands of (local leadership) to solve some of those problems or if were going to need further assistance, said Saejung, who recently left Okinawa and is now in Texas. Ukrainians board a medical train with the help of a Polish medic at a train station in Medyka, Poland, on March 30, 2022. (Oksana Parafeniuk/for The Washington Post) Polish authorities are investigating a series of sabotage attacks that brought dozens of trains to a standstill over the weekend amid heightened concerns about Russian attempts to disrupt the country. The trains were affected by several incidents between Friday night and Sunday involving the unauthorized use of an emergency stop signal, according to Polish rail authorities. Saboteurs exploited the vulnerability in the Polish "radio stop" command system, which automatically brings trains to a stop when three tonal signals are broadcast through the railway's radio network. Poland has already ramped up security on its railway lines after foiling a plot by Russian intelligence to monitor railway networks and derail a train carrying weapons for Ukraine. Around 80 percent of Western arms deliveries to Kyiv pass through Poland, making it the most crucial transit hub for logistical support. The first erroneous signaling took place at 9:23 p.m. on Friday on two sections of line near the northwestern Polish city of Szczecin when the signal was broadcast by "radiotelephone by an unknown perpetrator," Polish railway infrastructure manager PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe said. More than 20 trains were impacted, and freight traffic was halted as a precaution. A second incident took place on Saturday around 6 p.m. near the port of Gdynia, according to the Polish Press Agency, PAP. A freight train was stopped by the emergency signal later that evening. On Sunday morning trains were affected in the vicinity of Bialystok, near Poland's border with Belarus. Polish officials said that the disruptions are being investigated by police and intelligence authorities. "We know that for some months there have been attempts to destabilize the Polish state," Stanislaw Zaryn, a senior security official, told PAP. "Such attempts have been undertaken by the Russian Federation in conjunction with Belarus." It came after a freight train collision and a derailment last week, which officials have said they are investigating but have so far refrained from linking to any disruption efforts. On Monday two people were arrested in connection with the incidents. Poland's domestic intelligence agency is also investigating a mysterious outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Polish city of Rzeszow, a major logistical hub for weapons deliveries and a base for U.S. forces. The outbreak of the lung infection that comes from inhaling infected water droplets has killed 11 people and infected more than 100. Water supplies are being tested, and Zaryn said authorities are looking into whether there may have been any tampering with supplies. Critics of Poland's populist government have accused it of ramping up a fear-campaign ahead of crucial elections this fall. Bahrains Labour Fund (Tamkeen) will support the employment of approximately 70 Bahrainis over the next three years at the Bahrain-based Arabic Digital Research Institute (ADRI), with 40 of them already employed as of date. The majority of Tamkeens support is for technology related positions. ADRI is a leading innovator specialised in developing AI technologies for the Mena region with a mission to remove language barriers for Arabic speakers and empower the educational sector through their platform which is house to over 500 scientific and research articles in Arabic covering a wide range of sectors and specialties which have been translated from English using AI. The new appointments will be facilitated through Tamkeens National Employment Programme (NEP) and Mid-Career & Executive Leadership programme. In addition, Tamkeen provided research and development support to the company through the Innovation Programme to help with their objective to improve the availability of online scientific and research content in Arabic. Creativity and innovation Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, said: It is a priority for us in Tamkeen to champion creativity and innovation, especially in emerging and growing fields such as Artificial Intelligence. Thats why were keen on supporting initiatives such as ADRI, which utilises technology and innovation to bridge the gap in digital Arabic content. Companies that can facilitate the exchange of information and research are an important part of Bahrains business ecosystem; they encourage innovation, empower businesses, and help to drive sustainable economic growth. ADRI CEO, Ali Mazraeh, said: "Tamkeens support will accelerate our efforts to deploy computer vision and natural language processing in addressing the limited availability of Arabic research content a very real social issue for the Mena region. By expanding access to online Arabic content, we can make a substantial contribution to the advancement of Arab culture through empowering researchers, students, and professionals across the region with the latest scientific findings. Arabising content ADRI provides several services focused on Arabising content and producing high quality content in the Arabic language, such as translation through AI, reviewing and proofreading, digitising Arabic content by utilising advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technologies and scripting in various Arabic dialects. The agreement is in line with wider efforts by Tamkeen to connect Bahraini tech talent with companies looking to fill specialised roles through initiatives such as Kawader, a portal that connects local ICT talent with employers, and by helping thousands of Bahrainis achieve professional certifications that open up local and international employment opportunities.-- TradeArabia News Service BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. Iran is considering the possibility of holding diplomatic talks on the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program during the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly (GA) in New York in September, the official representative of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Kanani Chafi, said, Trend reports. According to him, the session of the UN General Assembly provides a good opportunity for conducting diplomatic negotiations on the JCPOA. In 2022, Iran had already held negotiations on the sidelines of the GA with representatives of the United States, as well as consultations with partners on the JCPOA. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, and Iran. It is aimed at resolving the crisis related to Iran's nuclear programs. In addition, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, the United States, and France have been negotiating with Iran in Vienna to restore the JCPOA in its original form since April 2021. A screenshot from a video of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin at a Russian prison, where he was offering prisoners release if they were willing to serve six months in Ukraine. (Twitter) RIGA, Latvia The Kremlin on Monday said a decision on the funerals of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, mercenary commander Dmitry Utkin and other members of the group rested largely with their families, after patriotic hard-liners called for Prigozhin to be buried with full military honors, in a sign of the ongoing fissures in Russia over the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin, Utkin and others in their entourage were killed when their private jet crashed last week following what Western intelligence agencies assessed to be an onboard explosion. Russian investigators on Sunday said they had confirmed Prigozhin's death using DNA. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that no decision had been made on the funerals or whether President Vladimir Putin would attend. The swirling questions highlighted continuing divisions within Russia's elite over the war, and the risks posed by hard-line pro-war "turbo-patriots" who have demanded a harsher approach against Ukraine. As the Kremlin weighed the dangers of potential unrest if Putin failed to give Prigozhin and Wagner their due as war "heroes," Kremlin propagandists fanned competing theories about the cause of the crash, apparently designed to tamp down suspicions in Russian society that Prigozhin's death was a targeted assassination with direct or indirect Kremlin involvement. Most propagandists blamed Ukraine and Western intelligence agencies, while one version suggested that Wagner's "careless handling of ammunition" could be to blame. Prigozhin, who earned billions and the nickname "Putin's chef" through lucrative government catering contracts, was the public face of Wagner's bloody, months-long assault on the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which the Russians ultimately captured in late May. That led many commentators to credit him with Russia's main military triumph since the early days of the war. Prigozhin also led a short-lived rebellion in June against Russia's military leadership, in which Wagner seized a key headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and a convoy of fighters rolled toward Moscow before being pulled back. Since last week's plane crash, spontaneous memorials have sprung up in Russian cities paying tribute to Prigozhin, a polarizing figure whose bitter criticisms of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the Russian general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, were shared by many pro-war hard-liners and by some rank-and-file members of the military. Many in Russia's elite view Prigozhin's death as a clear signal that Putin is moving to reassert control after the Wagner rebellion in June left him looking weak and ineffectual. The Russian president is standing by Shoigu and Gerasimov, and has dismissed senior generals close to Prigozhin or critical of the top brass, including Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who is known as "General Armageddon" for his ruthless approach in Syria and was frequently praised by Prigozhin. But the Kremlin now faces a delicate balance in its handling of the funerals of the Wagner leaders, with Putin attempting to separate Prigozhin, whom he has condemned as a traitor, in the public mind from Wagner, which he has praised for its fight in Ukraine. That effort, however, has met limited success, with Prigozhin being synonymous with the Wagner brand for many Russians. Pro-Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov on Sunday called Wagner "one of the few things that the people of Russia can be proud of in this Ukrainian crisis." Apart from Wagner, everything else was "too sluggish, with too many defeats, too many mistakes and weaknesses. And Wagner is strength and victory," Markov wrote on Telegram. Mark Galeotti, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in Britain and an expert on Russian security issues, compared Prigozhin's coming funeral to the mafia funerals that he once attended as a researcher an opportunity to see who shows the most grief and sends the largest wreath. But Galeotti said the funeral posed difficulties for the Kremlin after Putin's condemnation of Prigozhin as a traitor during the rebellion. Many argued that Prigozhin who is known to have been secretly awarded Russia's highest honor, the "Hero of Russia" medal and Utkin would be expected to be buried with military honors given their roles in the Ukraine war, were it not for their leading role in the June rebellion. "It is difficult because obviously, on the one hand, the turbo-patriots are expecting this," Galeotti said, referring to a military funeral. "And if the state denies it, then it once again becomes part of this whole myth of a stab in the back for the true defenders of the 'fatherland.' On the other hand, to provide it would seem in poor taste, and also a complex thing to negotiate." Amid warnings from pro-Kremlin analysts within Russia that it was foolish and dangerous to openly snub Wagner, Galeotti said the Kremlin's line was to co-opt Wagner members as "heroes" fighting for Russia. "But I don't know if they can really co-opt Prigozhin," he said. "I think they can try to do that with Wagner and just hope that Prigozhin just fades." "What they'll try to do is treat them separately, which also would imply two different funerals, not a Prigozhin plus Utkin [funeral] but a Prigozhin one and an Utkin one." Others argue that any perceived snub of Prigozhin's funeral would pose a political risk, and might be perceived as evidence pointing to the Kremlin's hand in the plane crash. Moscow-based political analyst Andrei Kolesnikov, of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said the Kremlin's best option was to take control of Prigozhin's funeral to avoid social media anger and to manage the optics of the event. Kolesnikov said the Kremlin and Russia's Federal Security Service "are probably afraid of unrest during the funeral, so it is better to appropriate the funeral, to 'nationalize' it, so as not to give Prigozhin to informal groups, but to leave him under state control, to preserve the image of a statesman who 'stumbled' but can be forgiven." To Putin, "all the bandits who participated in the 'special operation' [in Ukraine] and agreed to become cannon fodder are 'patriots of Russia' and 'heroes.' This means that such a complex figure as Prigozhin is also a 'patriot' and a 'hero,' especially when Prigozhin is dead and poses no threat to Putin," Kolesnikov said. Igor Korotchenko, a hard-line pundit and defense analyst who frequently appears on state television, said on Telegram that it was "only right" that Prigozhin and Utkin be given funerals with full military honors, including an honor guard, a military salute and the performance of the national anthem. Viktor Baranets, another hard-line Russian military analyst, warned of the risk that the funeral could turn into a "political show" unless authorities stepped in and put intense pressure on Prigozhin's family to say they wanted a quiet, closed ceremony. "Many people really want to politicize this process," Baranets said. "You really want 2 million people to gather, to march around St. Petersburg with banners, a portrait of the hero in front, a band? That's what some scumbags dream of. They want to turn the funeral into a political show. It could happen." Another pro-Kremlin analyst, Ilya Ananyev, said in an interview broadcast on Telegram that the funeral posed "a difficult dilemma for Vladimir Putin himself," with the Kremlin trapped by its own information policy against Prigozhin and Wagner. This meant Prigozhin's death had cast a "shadow" on Putin, amid widely circulating suspicions in Russia that the Kremlin played a role in the plane crash, Ananyev said. "The Kremlin will have to deal with the reputational risks of this version, which, it seems to me, are virtually impossible to recover from," he said, adding that abrupt expressions of admiration for Prigozhin by state propagandists would look "pretentious and silly." "Putin should not ride into the general human flow of the event to bid farewell to Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his colleagues in front of the cameras," Ananyev said. "The president should say goodbye to Prigozhin quietly, alone with his family." Ananyev said Putin needed to meet with the families of Prigozhin and other Wagner members, offering them special attention and guarantees, and that the Kremlin should publish photographs of these events later to dispel rumors of Putins involvement in the crash. Once Prigozhin is buried, the Kremlin can relax, Kolesnikov said. He added that the Kremlin, by arresting Putin critic Igor Girkin last month, had put hard-line nationalists on notice that criticism of Putin and the war would not be tolerated. "The turbo-patriots should realize after Girkin's arrest and Prigozhin's death that they are valuable only if they are loyal to Putin," he said. Some nationalists portrayed Prigozhin and Wagner as charismatic heroes who projected Russia's more aggressive global role. Far-right messianic nationalist Alexander Dugin, whose daughter Daria Dugina, an outspoken nationalist journalist, was killed in a Moscow car bombing last summer, said Saturday that Prigozhin's death had left a "charismatic void," calling the Wagner leader "the first vivid response to this challenge of the present." He said a new "hero of Great Russia" was needed, referring to Russia's expansionism, and adding that "whoever comes after Prigozhin must follow him at his best, and on an even larger scale, while avoiding his mistakes." The CH-53K King Stallion flies a test flight in West Palm Beach, Fla. on March 22, 2017. (( Lance Cpl. Molly Hampton/U.S. Marine Corps)) (Tribune News Service) Lockheed Martin unit Sikorsky has won a contract worth $2.7 billion to manufacture 35 CH-35K helicopters for the US government, which includes aircraft for Israel. The largest ever procurement for the multi-mission helicopter includes 27 aircraft for the US marines and 8 helicopters for Israel. This contract brings the number of helicopters to be delivered to Israel to 12, following the initial production announcement last year for the first four aircraft under a US Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. The first helicopters under the latest contract will be delivered in 2026, although they will not be operational until Israel has installed its own tech systems. The multi-mission CH-53K will support Israeli special operations programs, and gradually replace the CH-53D helicopter fleet, as well as provide the IDF with a platform that has the speed, safety, survivability and gross weight capability to support all of its missions, including troop and cargo transport, and search-and-rescue. At the end of 2022, the US Navy authorized Lockheed Martin- Sikorsky to move to full-scale production of the CH-53K helicopter at the companys plant in Stratford, Connecticut. Full capacity production will allow the company to increase the annual helicopter production rate to 20 in the coming years. The production of 35 additional helicopters in the CH-53K helicopter program is a very significant achievement and a milestone in the program, and will help continue to optimize the supply chain as well as speed up the pace of helicopter production, said Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo. (c)2023 the Globes (Tel Aviv, Israel) People across Pakistan are protesting against the inflated electricity bills to assert pressure on the government for relief. The protesting masses have been demanding that the government should end the provision of free electricity to the notables and provide them relief as the bills they have been receiving are more than their salaries. Protest demonstrations were held in several parts of Karachi. Masses carrying banners and placards along with their children criticized the government for making their lives miserable. People staged protest demonstrations in Karachis area of Ayesha Manzil, Korangi, Five Star Chowrangi, Yaseenabad, Labour Square and others. The enraged people set their electricity bills on fire. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have announced protest demonstrations against the inflated electricity bills. It may be noted that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Sunday chaired an emergency meeting at the Prime Ministers House and discussed the issue of rising power bills. In the emergency meeting convened over the increasing electricity prices, the caretaker PM was briefed on the rise in July power bills. The caretaker PM directed that power sector reforms and short, medium and long-term plans should be presented at the earliest. He directed the relevant ministries to provide complete details of the officers and institutions enjoying the free electricity. The polling on the vacant local government seats in 65 villages and neighbourhoods of 21 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa held on Sunday peacefully in which independent candidates clinched 40 seats. The Election Commission of Pakistan has released unofficial results for the Local Government (LG) by-elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing that independent candidates clinched victory in 40 out of the 72 contested seats. The by-elections, held on Sunday, saw independents dominate the electoral landscape. The preliminary results indicate that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured the second position with 14 seats, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl (JUI-F) secured the third spot with six seats. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emerged victorious on five seats, followed by Awami National Party (ANP) with four seats. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) managed to secure two seats, and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan secured one seat. The polling took place in 65 villages and neighborhoods across 21 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Commencing at 8am, the polling continued uninterrupted until 5pm. The Election Commission of Pakistan set up a total of 256 polling stations in the province, including 102 for males, 89 for females, and 65 joint polling stations. According to the Election Commission, the eligible voter count included approximately 208,964 males and 176,871 females, making a total of 385,835 voters across the districts where elections were held. Adjourning the case, Judge Gerard Jones warned him he would be jailed if he did not pay the 100 compensation to his neighbour. John McMahon hurled abuse at gardai when they spoke to him A man who threw a chair at his neighbours terrace, damaging it, screamed abuse at gardai when they came to investigate the complaint. John McMahon (42) was intoxicated and aggressive during the episode at his home in west Dublin, a court heard. Adjourning the case, Judge Gerard Jones warned him he would be jailed if he did not pay the 100 compensation to his neighbour. McMahon, with an address at Buirg An Ri Walk, Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, public intoxication and using threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour to breach the peace. He also admitted possession of a small amount of cannabis that was found by gardai after his arrest. Blanchardstown District Court heard gardai were called to Buirg An Ri Walk on March 19 last year. The owner of an apartment wanted to make a report about her neighbour who had caused 100 worth of damage to her terrace, Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said. A chair had been thrown by the accused from his balcony area at the terrace, the court heard. When gardai spoke to McMahon, he was highly intoxicated and screamed at the officer, calling him a fat c**t. He remained aggressive outside the property and was arrested and brought to Ronanstown Garda Station. McMahon was searched there and found in possession of cannabis worth around 70. Judge Jones asked if he had paid compensation to the victim. Defence solicitor Kelly Breen said the accused was willing to do so but was on a course dealing with drug and alcohol difficulties and unfortunately did not have the compensation with him in court. She asked the judge for more time to pay the 100. Judge Jones adjourned the case to a date in October. Its his choice, pay back the money or its Mountjoy, he said. McMahon was remanded on continuing bail. Taking a shower, brushing your teeth and washing your hair are the most basic daily habits that help you look well-groomed. Alas, not all celebrities approve of this. Some wash their hair once a week (or even less often!), while others don't wash until their body "gives the signal" in the form of a bad odor. ADVERTISIMENT Which of the stars of Hollywood is not very fond of taking care of body hygiene? Read in the material OBOZREVATEL. 1. Kim Kardashian American television star, model and actress Kim Kardashian washes her hair once every five days. She adapts her hairstyles to how dirty and greasy the strands are. The first two days she styles her hair, the third day she flat-ironed it, the fourth day she put it in a tight ponytail and the fifth day she washed it again. 2. Charlize Theron. American film, television and voice actress Charlize Theron washes once a week. She doesn't see the need to do this every day. When showering, the celebrity uses a coffee scrub and thoroughly moisturizes her body. ADVERTISIMENT 3. Kristen Bell American film and television actress Kristen Bell is convinced that there is no point in washing if the body has no unpleasant odor. She feels quite comfortable even a few weeks without a shower. If there is no stench, she thinks her body is clean. 4. Ashton Kutcher. American actor, host and producer Ashton Kutcher admitted in an interview that he does not regularly wash his entire body. Every day - armpits and intimate areas, and much less often - everything else. But it's not just this stance that is surprising. In an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Ashton and his wife Mila Kunis said that they bathe their children only when they see dirt on them, and try not to use soap. ADVERTISIMENT 5. Robert Pattinson English actor, model and musician Robert Pattinson could probably top the list of "star slobs". He very rarely washes his hair. He once boasted in an interview that he could go six weeks without washing his head. That's a dubious record. Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote about Kendall Jenner, Blake Lively and other celebrities who changed the cut of the eyes. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The jump in profits to 143,587 is up more than 80,000 on profits of 62,421 recorded for 2021 but following the failure of his latest legal bid for freedom, Quirke wont get to enjoy a cent of the money. Mr Moonlight killer Patrick Quirkes family farm business is back in the black recording a bumper increase in assets of more than 143,000 in 2022. Accounts for Breansha Farms Ltd show the company, where the murderer was once a director, increased its net assets from 451,000 at the end of 2021 to just over 595,000 in 2022. The jump in profits to 143,587 is up more than 80,000 on profits of 62,421 recorded for 2021 but following the failure of his latest legal bid for freedom, Quirke wont get to enjoy a cent of the money. Breansha Farms, located in Breanshamore in Co. Tipperary, was set up by killer Patrick Quirke in March of 2014 and lists its business as the growing of crops combined with the farming of animals. Bobby Ryans children Robert and Michelle Informed sources say the knock-on effects of the war in Ukraine, which led to increases in the price achieved for crops, is likely to have positively impacted on the companys profits. Weeks after being handed a life sentence in 2019 for the murder of Bobby Ryan, 54-year-old Patrick Quirke resigned from Breansha Farms Ltd as secretary and director. His son Liam and wife Imelda Quirke were listed as the companys new director and secretary just three weeks after his murder conviction. Quirke had hoped that a recent Supreme Court appeal against the use of information from computers seized by gardai would lead to his conviction being set aside and his return home. However, in July his conviction for the 2011 murder of the DJ known as Mr Moonlight was, instead, affirmed. The seven-judge court unanimously decided to dismiss the appeal, rejecting the Tipperary farmers application for a re-trial after finding a mistake in the warrant application for a search of Quirkes home was due to honest inadvertence. Quirkes original trial was told that the computer was used for internet searches on the rate of decomposition of human remains and the limitations of forensic DNA. In what was perceived as a substantial win for Quirke in his quest to have his 2019 murder conviction quashed, the Supreme Court ruled in March that gardai had unlawfully searched the computers contents. Mary Lowry The court ruled that a physical analysis of a digital device was permitted but its use as a portal into the digital world was a more significant intrusion into privacy rights and such an intention should have been raised in the warrant application so the digital search could be judicially authorised. Quirke pleaded not guilty to Mr Ryans murder but was convicted, by a 10:2 jury verdict, following a 13-week trial. The prosecution argued that circumstantial evidence established he had murdered Mr Ryan, his alleged love rival. At the time, Mr Ryan was in a relationship with widow Mary Lowry, with whom Quirke had previously had an affair. Bobby was missing for 22 months after vanishing on the morning of June 3, 2011, when he left his girlfriend Ms Lowrys home. On April 30, 2013, his body was discovered in an underground tank on farmland owned by Ms Lowry and leased by Quirke. Prosecutors told the trial that love and money had motivated the murder. They also claimed Quirke wanted to rekindle his earlier liaison with the widow. Quirke was ultimately found guilty of murdering dad-of-two Mr Ryan, 52, at Fawnagowan, in Co. Tipperary. Dowdalls mother fled Ireland when she found out her son was to give evidence against Gerry The Monk Hutch The mother of State witness Jonathan Dowdall said she has been left a broken woman by the Regency Hotel fallout. The Dublin woman initially fled Ireland after it emerged her son was set to give evidence against Gerry The Monk Hutch in the murder trial of David Byrne. In his testimony, ex-Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan told the court that his mother had received threats from Hutch gang associates over the phone. However, the 62-year-old is now back openly working and living in Dublin. She is now working on a market stall where, she says, she is just trying to make a living. But when asked about the effects the trial and the conviction of her son has had on her as a mother, she said she was broken. How do I feel as a mother? she asked. How would any mother feel? It never goes away, she said. Ive been left broken. I havent seen my son in 13 years. The last time I did he was living his own life, he was running his own company. I never asked for any of this, she added. I did my best, I really did, to bring up my children, the best I could. I dont wish anybody any harm, she said. Gardai at the home of Jonathan Dowdall I just want to be left alone. I am just an ordinary, decent person, trying to make a living. During the Regency trial, Jonathan Dowdall gave details of threats, he claimed, his mother had received after he turned State witness. My mother is being rang by people who she was kind to when kids, telling a 62-year-old woman shes dead, that my children are dead. This is a whole different level and this is why nobody comes in and gives evidence. He also claimed other members of his immediate family were also threatened. Children as young as ten, their lives are under serious threat, they havent been in school since September and death threats are issued on their Twitter pages. The schools wont take them back. My daughter had to leave her job as the company said its too dangerous to have her coming in and out of work. The former electrician also told defence barrister Mr Brendan Grehan: Everything I feared happen has happened and worse. They had people lined up to come in and lie. The level of pressure people get put under. Dowdall told the trial he couldnt say in an initial Garda interview following his arrest in May 2016 that he knew who was involved in the Regency attack. It was a lie out of necessity. My family would have been killed if I said who was involved in the Regency, he added. No decent man threatens a 10-year-old kid and a 14-year-old kid or gets someone to ring my mother. Dowdall recently lost his appeal against his prison sentence for helping the gang behind the murder of Kinahan Cartel criminal David Byrne. Dowdall was originally due to go on trial alongside Gerry The Monk Hutch for the murder of Byrne but the charge was dropped after he pleaded guilty to facilitating the killing and agreed to testify against his former co-accused. The day before the Hutch trial began, he was sentenced to four years in prison for facilitating the murder of Byrne. His father Patrick got two years in prison last October at the Special Criminal Court but time already served was taken into account and the sentence back-dated and has since been released. The Special Criminal Court later found Hutch not guilty of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in north Dublin in February 2016. Dowdalls familys links to the Hutches were also revealed during a hearing at the Special Criminal Court, in October 2022. Dowdall with his father, Patrick Garda Detective Sergeant Patrick OToole had told the court how Dowdalls relatives would likely have to be resettled abroad under new identities and will never be able to return home, after he agreed to tell all on the Regency attack. Det Sgt OToole said Dowdall had known the Hutch family since he was 15 and his mum, a third-generation market trader, grew up next door to them and had been friends with The Monks wife. The Dowdalls would occasionally borrow large sums of money from Gerrys brother Patsy, the court heard, and the Dowdalls often booked holidays for the Hutch family on a credit card but these smaller sums of money were always paid back. The truck was x-rayed by a scanning machine which showed an anomaly in the roof A truck driver was found with nearly 2 million worth of cannabis elaborately concealed in the roof of a trailer while bringing a consignment of fruit and vegetables into Dublin Port, it is alleged. Father-of-seven Paul Lennon (60) was stopped by gardai who were investigating a suspected drug importing operation by a transnational organised crime group. Mr Lennon, who denies any involvement, was remanded in custody with consent to 5,000 bail when he appeared in Dublin District Court. The accused, from Punchbowl, Gort, Co Galway, is charged with possession of drugs with intent to sell or supply at the port last Friday, August 25. Garda Gavin Curran of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau told Judge Susan Fay Mr Lennon was charged at 10.34pm on Saturday at Store Street station and made no reply after caution. Objecting to bail, Gda Curran said he believed the accused was a flight risk. He said an operation had been instigated with the assistance of the Irish Customs Services. Gardai were in receipt of confidential information that a crime group were using a Galway-registered Scania truck to bring a large quantity of drugs from Cherbourg to Dublin Port, Gda Curran said. A truck driven by Mr Lennon was intercepted by customs and detained at 10.50pm on Friday, for examination. The truck was x-rayed by a scanning machine which showed an anomaly in the roof. This was a sophisticated and elaborate concealment of man-made steel trays spanning the length of the 40-foot trailer. The garda said they contained 189 half-kilo vacuum packed packages of cannabis. They had an estimated combined value of 1.9m subject to analysis, Gda Curran said. The trailer also contained a legitimate consignment of fruit and vegetables from Rotterdam. Mr Lennon had earlier travelled from Rosslare to Dunkirk in the same truck with the same trailer. He made no admissions in interview but confirmed that he had been with the truck and trailer the entirety of the time he was there and did not unhitch them, the garda said. Gardai were satisfied the accused was trusted by the criminal group. Applying for bail, defence solicitor Philip Denieffe said his client was presumed innocent. Mr Lennon actively gave his own account in interview and outright denied any knowledge of or involvement in the offence, Mr Denieffe said. The accused had told gardai there were lengthy periods of time, up to six hours, when he was away from the truck and trailer. Mr Denieffe said gardai had no evidence Mr Lennon was connected to any criminal group or trusted by them, and he vehemently denied this. He was on social welfare, had worked part time in international haulage and had considerable ties to the jurisdiction. The accused had health issues, was of very limited means and had no trappings of wealth. His life would be entirely turned upside down if he were remanded in custody, his family rely on him, Mr Denieffe said. Judge Fay granted bail in the accuseds own bond of 100 and an independent surety of 5,000. Under conditions, he must surrender his passport, be contactable by phone, live at his home address and sign on at a garda station. He was remanded to Cloverhill District Court on September 1. Ciprian Grozavu is serving life for strangling a man and then dumping his trussed-up body into a river A House of Horrors killer has been caught holding a massive stash of drugs in prison this week. Ciprian Grozavu, who is serving life for strangling a man and then dumping his trussed-up body into a river, was found with the drugs at the Midlands Prison, according to Sunday Word sources. Described as a smorgasbord of drugs, the cache included heroin, cannabis, white powder thought to be cocaine and over 100 tablets, it was added. Sources believed the haul could be worth as much as 30,000 and that Grozavu was being used by inmates with gangland connections to store their drugs. Drugs can change hands for up to three times the going rate as on the outside making the haul even more valuable to drug dealing gangs. One man who was on the B3 landing and was connected to 3.9 million drugs seizure by gardai in the Midlands is suspected to have been controlling the illicit operation. John Forrester He has since been transferred at a Dublin prison after Sundays drug seizure, according to sources. Grozavu, a Romanian national, is serving time for his role in a double murder in which Cork woman Catherine OConnor pleaded guilty to both murders in 2011. The first victim John Forrester (42) was strangled and stabbed with a broken mug at Bridge House, Sean Hales Place, Bandon in OConnors flat O'Connor had been living with Mr Forrester in Bridge House for several months but she had moved in with Grozavu in the same building some weeks before the killing. All three had been out drinking around Bandon on the day in question but when they returned to Mr Forrester's flat shortly after 8pm, a row broke out when Mr Forrester told O'Connor he loved her. Gardai believe Grozavu looped some fabric around Mr Forrester's neck to strangle him while O'Connor smashed a mug and started stabbing him in the face. They then tied him up with TV cabling and threw his body over a railing . The body landed on a walkway beside the Bandon river in the centre of the town so they had to go down to the walkway and throw the body into the river. It was swept downstream where it was discovered three days later, it was heard in court. The second victim Jonathan Duke (27) suffered the same fate in the house of horrors the day after Forrester had been killed. The father-of-one, was visiting OConnor and Grozavu in her flat when he became aware of what had happened. At Grozavus trial for Dukes murder a garda gave evidence how two witnesses in a first-floor apartment heard O'Connor outside their flat saying: "Just pull him, Chippy [Ciprian], he's dead anyway." They saw O'Connor and Grozavu drop Mr Duke over the railings at the river - a 20-foot drop. On their return to the upstairs apartment, the couple were heard "cheering and laughing". The two witnesses left their flat to find the door of the upstairs flat open and could see pools of blood. They alerted gardai who found Mr Duke's bank card on the corridor floor and went upstairs to find "significant pools of blood" in the upstairs apartment. The officers asked Grozavu what happened and were told that the blood was his while another officer discovered and identified the body of Mr Duke. Mr Duke's body was found with more than 100 separate injuries. When gardai pulled Mr Duke's body from the River Bandon, an electrical flex with the plug attached was wrapped around his neck. Because Grozavu had pleaded not guilty to both murders he was tried separately to Catherine OConnor. He successfully had his convictions for Dukes murder quashed and at a retrial was instead convicted of obstructing an investigation by dumping the body. Ten years after the murder Grozavu was still fighting legal battles in court with his application for leave to appeal that conviction turned down just last year. The Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the courts A total of 120 new beds have been squeezed into Mountjoy Prison in anticipation of surging prisoner numbers as a consequence of the garda crackdown on crime in Dublin city and the courts reopening in September. The Sunday World has learnt that single beds have been replaced by bunk beds in landings across the Dublin city prison Sources told the Sunday World that prior to the new bunks being fitted, approximately 30 inmates were already sleeping on mattresses in the facility which has an official bed capacity of 755. Its further understood that the 120 new additional spaces created by the introduction of the bunks wont be added to the official capacity as officials hope the bed spaces will now be a permanent requirement. Mountjoy Prison A source told this newspaper: Effectively, prisons across the country are already full so until new facilities become available we have to make maximum use of what is already available. But there is a realisation and acceptance that figures are going to rise significantly in September. One factor in this is the garda crackdown in Dublin city. More gardai on the street mean more arrests which means more convictions and inevitably more prisoners. But there are other factors as well. The courts are in recess and when they come back in September, there will be a back up of cases to be dealt with and additional numbers remanded in custody. Then there is also the fact Irelands population has increased significantly over the past number of years. More people equals more crime equals more inmates. Its a knock on effect and until new facilities come online its being dealt with as best. Contacted this week, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service acknowledged that overcrowding is increasingly an issue that has to be dealt with within the prison estate. In a statement, he said: The Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the courts. As such the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time, and the prison system is, of course, subject to peaks and troughs Where the number of prisoners exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and structured temporary release. Decisions in relation to temporary release are considered on a case by case basis and the safety of the public is paramount when those decisions are made. Simon Harris The Irish Prison Service is taking a number of short and medium term steps to address the issue of increasing prison numbers. Government has provided significant capital funding to the Irish Prison Service in order to enhance existing prison infrastructure. The recent commissioning of a new male and female prison accommodation in Limerick Prison will provide an additional 90 male spaces and 22 additional female cell spaces. This new male and female accommodation is now fully open and operational The former Minister for Justice Simon Harris announced last April that he had brought a memo to Government outlining capacity issues in prisons both in terms of the scale of the problem faced and how we might progress medium and longer-term solutions for it. Working with Officials in the Department of Justice and the Prison Service, the Minister has identified 4 short-term capital projects at the existing Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons that could deliver over 400 prison spaces over the next 5 years. That would provide accommodation for a minimum of 620 additional prisoners. The theft was reported at a store inside Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport early on Sunday morning The items returned to Dublin Airport by the Aer Lingus crew on this EI3265 flight. Gardai shared how teamwork helped them catch a thief who stole 900 worth of goods from a Dublin Airport shop in a social media post this afternoon. The theft was reported at a store inside Terminal 1 at Dublin Airport early on Sunday morning. Gardai responded to the alert and identified a suspect using CCTV footage but quickly realised that the thief had already boarded a flight headed for Birmingham Airport. Early yesterday morning, Gardai at @DublinAirport responded to the reported theft of items worth over 900 from a store within Terminal 1. They quickly identified a suspect via CCTV but they soon discovered he had already departed for @bhx_official. Garda Info (@gardainfo) August 28, 2023 In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, gardai told followers that they made contact with police stationed at Birmingham Airport. After being provided with his details and a description of the stolen items, police stopped the thief as he got off the plane and recovered the smuggled goods. With the help of Aer Lingus cabin crew, the products made it back to Dublin Airport a few hours later and were back on shelves by lunch time. A spokesperson explained: Early yesterday morning, Gardai at (Dublin Airport) responded to the reported theft of items worth over 900 from a store within Terminal 1. They quickly identified a suspect via CCTV but they soon discovered he had already departed for (Birmingham Airport). But he wasn't off the hook just yet - we contacted (Birmingham Airport Police) to provide his details and a description of the stolen goods. Much to his surprise, they were there to greet him off the plane, conducted a search and recovered the items he stole from (Dublin Airport). The items were back instore by lunchtime having been returned to us by the Aer Lingus crew on this EI3265 flight. Successful policing outcomes often come down to teamwork, and we're lucky to have strong working relationships with our counterparts overseas. #KeepingPeopleSafe. Kim K and Victoria Beckham are just two of the many stars who have turned to laser treatment to fix their skin Men as well as women are opting for the revolutionary 'Halo' The 'Halo' is the company's most popular treatment Want glowing skin like Kim Kardashian or Posh Spice? Now you can because leading skin care brand Sciton has landed in Ireland. With over a quarter of a century of business behind them across the world the companys award-winning technology can now be enjoyed by Irish consumers. Their devices are scientifically proven and Irish aesthetics clinics, who have attained the award-winning technology, have already seen incredible results for their patients and their businesses. Some of the laser treatments target wrinkles, scars, acne, rosacea, port-wine stains, skin discoloration, sun damage, visible signs of aging, enlarged pores, vascular lesions as well as signs of melasma! The results are clearer, smoother, and younger appearing skin. The 'Halo' is the company's most popular treatment The phenomenal results are loved by countless celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, who both extoll the flawless skin they have from their treatments. Now thanks to Scitons arrival in Ireland all Irish beauty lovers can be red-carpet ready too! David Higham, Sciton Country Manager of Ireland and United Kingdom, says: We are thrilled to introduce our award-winning and well-established treatments HALO, MOXI, and BBL HERO - the biggest advancement in the history of laser and pulsed light based technology - to Ireland. Our innovative aesthetic technologies have outstanding customer experience to match and were delighted to see Irish customers benefiting from their experiences with Sciton already. We look forward to welcoming more clinics on board as we grow throughout Ireland Some of the most popular treatments available right now include Halo which can restore a healthy glow and youthfulness to your skin and is the companys first and most popular hybrid fractional laser for all skin types. Men as well as women are opting for the revolutionary 'Halo' There is also a head-to-toe skin transformation called BBL Hero that uses Scitons proprietary technology, rooted in science and backed by thousands of reviews and incredible before and afters. BBL Hero improves the appearance of aging skin and reduces rosacea, acne, and sun damage comfortably with little to no downtime. And then there is Moxi, which offers clients a gentle approach to radiant skin. It is Scitons newest fractionated and non-ablative laser for revitalized skin. In a quick 12-minute treatment with minimal downtime or discomfort, Moxi reduces pigment and improves the skins overall tone and texture. The treatment is perfect if youre looking to correct the initial signs of sun damage and aging - or if you want to upgrade your skincare regimen with a powerful solution for younger-looking skin. Performed year-round and on all skin types, men and women love their results from Moxi. Mrs Beckham is another huge celebrity fan There are clinics in Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick and Belfast. For more information on the treatments and specific clinic locations click here or follow any of their social media channels Sciton Inc. As the new term began today, Mr Burke arrived and took up position in a corridor in the school. Former teacher Enoch Burke has returned to the school that sacked him in what is seen as a pledge to continue his protest at his dismissal. As the new term began today, Mr Burke arrived and took up position in a corridor in the school. A statement from a family spokesperson said Enoch will not endorse an ideology which he as a Christian disagrees with and which wil have serious repercussions for young people. He has a right to his religious beliefs and believes it is wrong that he is being denied access to his place of work, it added. Mr Burkes dispute with Wilsons Hospital school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath had its roots in a request by the former principal, Ms Niamh McShane, in May of last year that teachers call a transgender child by a new name and by their preferred pronouns. Burke, an evangelical Christian, objected and publicly challenged Ms McShane at a chapel service and after a school dinner. These events prompted the principal to compile a report for the board of management, which ultimately decided to put Mr Burke on paid administrative leave on August 22 last year. Despite being suspended, the teacher continued to show up for work, even when the school secured a court order restraining him from doing so. He spent 108 days in prison for contempt of court before being released just before last Christmas despite not purging his contempt, but resumed his almost daily visits to the school following his release. Even after being arrested for trespass in January Burke continued to turn up at the school, prompting the High Court to issue him with a daily 700 fine for every day he remained in contempt of court by turning up at Wilsons Hospital. Gardai subsequently prepared a file on the trespass matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but the Irish Independent has learned there will be no prosecution. The daily fines on the contempt matter are still accumulating however, and Mr Burkes fines now total 148,400. On top of that he has been ordered by the High Court to pay 15,000 in damages for trespass, and is facing a six-figure legal bill, as the court awarded the school its legal costs in injunctions proceedings. In May the High Court found Wilsons Hospital School behaved lawfully when it suspended Burke in August of last year. Mr Justice Alexander Owens also dismissed a counterclaim the teacher had against the school in which he sought declarations that the disciplinary process against him was an unlawful interference with his constitutional rights. The teacher has also claimed that a report prepared by Niamh McShane was compiled in breach of natural justice and otherwise than in accordance with an administrative circular governing disciplinary sanctions. The ruling came after a four-day hearing in March during which Mr Burke ended up being excluded from the courtroom for being disorderly and in persistent contempt of court. He is separately appealing his sacking to a Disciplinary Appeals Panel. That appeal was due to be heard earlier this year but Burke took a High Court action seeking the removal of one of the members of the panel, Kieran Christie, with Burke claiming he is a promoter of transgenderism and could not have an unbiased opinion as a result. Mr Christie has strongly denied the claims and says Mr Burke has wrongly based his claim of bias from the fact that Mr Christie has accepted the law of the land on gender recognition. Judgment is pending on his application. On the last day of term in May, Mr Burke did not rule out returning to Wilsons Hospital School this term and described the fines he has racked-up for contempt of court as oppression. Im here standing outside the school. Ive been out here since January, Ive been out here in freezing conditions, Ive been out here in rain and sleet, and its because I have rights. "No judge has the prerogative, or no principal, or anybody else, to take those rights away, he told Independent.ie at the time. The judge who made the award of costs to the school, Mr Justice Alexander Owens, also made an order restraining Mr Burke from trespassing on the premises of the school in Multyfarnham, but said that the German and History teacher was not prevented from attending outside the school gates. None of us can remember such a tragic incident happening. Our hearts go out to the families. A teddy bear among the tributes and flowers left during the vigil for the four young people who died in the Clonmel crash. Photo: Arthur Carron Nicole Murphy (18), Zoey Coffey (18), Grace McSweeney (18) and Luke McSweeney (24) were killed in the collision in Clonmel, Co Tipperary People gather at Kickham Plaza in Clonmel yesterday evening for a vigil in memory of the four young people who died in a car crash on Friday night. Photo: Arthur Carron Young people leave flowers and tributes at the site of the crash on Mountain Road in Clonmel. Photo: PA People attend a vigil in Kickham Plaza, Clonmel for the four young people who died in a car accident on Friday night. Photo: Brian Lawless Luke McSweeney (24) and his sister Grace McSweeney (18) from Clonmel will be laid to rest on Friday. Two siblings who died in a tragic road accident in Co.Tipperary will be laid to rest on Friday. Luke McSweeney (24) and his sister Grace McSweeney (18) from Clonmel, and two of their friends, Nicole Murphy (18) from Ballypatrick, and Zoey Coffey (18) from Kilsheelan, died in the tragic accident which occurred on Friday night. The collision happened on the outskirts of town shortly after 7.30pm. Speaking with RTEs Morning Ireland, Father John Treacy at SS. Peter and Paul Parish said: We have confirmation for Luke and Grace McSweeney, their funeral will take place on Friday morning at St Peter and Paul Church at 11.30am, followed by a burial in St Patricks cemetery. They will be sadly missed and their precious short lives will never be forgotten by their mother Brigid (nee Phelan), father Paul, brothers Mark and David, Luke's beautiful girlfriend Kelly [and Grace's boyfriend Aaron], their aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends, a notice on RIP.ie said. Last night a vigil heard that the tragedy which saw four die was like a massive stone that has hit a still lake, sending shock waves across our families, our schools, our town and our country, a vigil for the four victims of the crash heard last night. Hundreds of people from the Tipperary town and its surrounding parishes gathered for the vigil yesterday evening in the calm and peaceful setting of Kickham Plaza on the site of the old army barracks. They were there to honour Nicole Murphy (18), Zoey Coffey (18), and brother and sister Grace (18) and Luke McSweeney (24), who died when the car driven by Luke overturned as the group made their way to a celebration of the girls Leaving Cert results which they had received earlier on Friday. Vigil held in memory of four crash victims in Clonmel Gardai and local volunteers handed out candles while people stood in silence, holding each other as an expression of support, solidarity and grief for the three families hit by the tragedy. A group of friends from Presentation Secondary School, where Zoey and Grace attended, all wore Class of 23 hoodies. They listened as local clergy and town officials said Nicole, Zoey, Grace and Luke would never be forgotten. Speaking at the vigil, Fr Michael Toomey said people have been left numb and speechless since Fridays tragedy. He told the young people of the town that they may be feeling shock, pain and denial, and that if they were then it meant they had begun the grieving journey. For some it has just not hit us that Luke and Grace, Nicole and Zoey have died. It doesnt make sense. Why? Why them? The question we will sadly never get the answer to. Not in this life anyway, said Fr Toomey. He paid tribute to the people of Clonmel for gathering in such huge numbers to support the families of the victims. No matter how low we are, we come out fighting, he said. He also praised the emergency services, and all of the victims friends and classmates. You have been over and above exemplary this weekend in the way you conducted yourselves and supported one another. You should be all very proud of yourselves, Fr Toomey said. The best support you have right now isn't your parents and families and teachers and counsellors. Perhaps the best person is actually standing right beside you. A teddy bear among the tributes and flowers left during the vigil for the four young people who died in the Clonmel crash. Photo: Arthur Carron "Your friends and your former classmates, and you, yourselves, can be the best to anyone who's struggling and doing what most of you have done cried, hugged, laughter, sat in silence, minding one another, looking out for one another. It's the most heart-breaking and strong tribute I have ever experienced in Clonmel. As I said to the girls in Loreto they other day, and the lads in the High School, none of us will ever get over these deaths. People gather at Kickham Plaza in Clonmel yesterday evening for a vigil in memory of the four young people who died in a car crash on Friday night. Photo: Arthur Carron Parish priest Fr John Tracy led prayers, while Mayor Richie Molloy addressed the gathering saying: None of us can remember such a tragic incident happening. Our hearts go out to the families. The vigil was attended by hundreds of people from Clonmel and further afield. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, also addressed the gathering, as did Reverend James Mulhall from the local Church of Ireland community, while a message of support was also sent from the local Muslim community. Nicole Murphy (18), Zoey Coffey (18), Grace McSweeney (18) and Luke McSweeney (24) were killed in the collision in Clonmel, Co Tipperary At the end of the vigil, the song Rise Up, by Andra Day, was played over the sound system, with its lines: All we need, all we need is hope. And for that we have each other. And for that we have each other. And we will rise. We will rise. As the ceremony came to a close, people moved toward the raised area where tables had been erected with photographs of Nicole, Zoey and Grace and Luke, each with a candle behind them. And as dusk came, candles were placed on the steps in front of the photographs, while mourners hugged each other and talked. Earlier in the day there were prayer services at the schools where the young students had attended, Presentation Secondary School and Loreto Secondary School. Young people leave flowers and tributes at the site of the crash on Mountain Road in Clonmel. Photo: PA The Loreto school was also a focal point for people from Clonmel to leave flowers in remembrance of the victims. It is situated at the bottom of Mountain Road, a short distance from where the crash happened, and formed the perimeter of the garda cordon that closed the road after the crash. All along the wall of the school floral tributes were placed in a long row, a symbol of the depth of feeling of the heartbroken friends and classmates of those whose lives were taken in the crash. At the entrance to the school a large banner, installed before the tragedy, told of the anniversary of the schools founding. 140 years of Love, Laughter, and Learning, it reads. Beside it, as a mark of respect, was a stand with a black lace ribbon tied to it. And at the spot nearby where the BMW car had overturned and hit a wall, there was another row of floral tributes being added to as the day went on. Small fragments of glass from the car could still be spotted in the cut-stone wall, and a wooden telegraph pole was splintered into two pieces. Groups of people could be seen in huddles, comforting each other as the reality of what happened on Friday weighed heavily on young hearts and minds. Now the town of Clonmel and the surrounding parishes must prepare for the funerals, with the McSweeney family having to bear the double tragedy of the loss of sister and brother Grace and Luke. Bryonny Sainsbury (25), a single woman of Briskil, Newtownforbes, Co Longford died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on August 31, 2021 An inquest into the death of a young Longford woman who died from injuries sustained when she was kicked by a horse has heard there is a divergence of views between medical staff at two hospitals who treated her. Bryonny Sainsbury (25), a single woman of Briskil, Newtownforbes, Co Longford died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on August 31, 2021. Ms Sainsbury, a hairdresser who operated her own hair salon in Newtownforbes, had been transferred to Beaumont from the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar where she was brought after suffering the injury from a kick from a horse on August 26, 2021. A brief sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court on Monday heard that a large number of doctors at both hospitals had been involved in the care of Ms Sainsbury over the space of a few days. The coroner, Crona Gallagher, observed that there was a divergence of views between various potential witnesses about contacts between staff in the two hospitals and when they occurred. Dr Gallagher said she was aware that staff at Beaumont Hospital, which specialises in injuries to the head and spine, are regularly contacted by doctors at other hospitals around the country for advice. However, the coroner noted that there were no written records about contacts between Beaumont and the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar in relation to Ms Sainsbury which meant it was not possible to establish certain facts from medical notes. She acknowledged that it would be neither desirable nor possible to call every doctor involved in the care of the patient to give evidence at a full inquest into Ms Sainsburys death which is scheduled to be held next month. Dr Gallagher asked the legal representatives of both hospitals to identify witnesses that would be able to give a comprehensive view of the care they provided to the deceased. The inquest heard there was also an issue about communications between radiologists and clinical staff at the hospital in Mullingar over a weekend in relation to reports of scans on Ms Sainsbury. The coroner said she hoped that requested reports on the matter would be made available in advance of the full inquest. However, Dr Gallagher acknowledged that it might be necessary to postpone the planned hearing due to take place at the end of September. The solicitor for Ms Sainsburys family, Karen Clabby, said there was a complete dichotomy between the two hospitals over the care of the deceased. Dr Gallagher said she was conscious that the second anniversary of Ms Sainsburys death was this week and that her family were anxious for the inquest to be heard. No relatives of the deceased were present at the hearing. Ms Sainsbury, a keen horse enthusiast, is survived by her parents, Chris and Alison, her brothers, Arron and Gregory and boyfriend, David. Ancient myths associate the retrograde movement of the planet Mercury with the journey of the god Hermes through the underworld, during which he accompanies souls in the transition between worlds and learns the deepest secrets of existence. That is why during Mercury retrograde, we are drawn to introspection and contemplation. This is the time when his influence extends from the world of the living to the world of the dead. It is a time when we all want to think about the eternal. ADVERTISIMENT Astrologers have analysed that Mercury's current retrograde through Virgo will have an intensified effect on this mystical journey. Virgo, an earth sign known for its meticulousness and analytical nature, will ensure that the planet's energy of communication and intelligence flourishes. Read on to find out what this retrograde will bring to each zodiac sign between 23 August and 15 September. Aries You may face challenges in personal relationships and professional pursuits when it comes to communication. The stars strongly advise you to be patient and avoid impulsive reactions. Always take time to think before responding - it will be very beneficial for you. This period is ideal for revisiting previously planned projects rather than rushing into new endeavours. And remember: you can handle anything that comes your way. ADVERTISIMENT Taurus Pay close attention to your financial matters, as Mercury retrograde will have the greatest impact on you here. Be especially careful, as there is an increased likelihood of misunderstandings or unfortunate accidents related to financial transactions. To maintain financial stability, review your budgets, avoid impulsive purchases, and pay close attention to contracts and agreements. Diligence now will lead to greater prosperity in the future. Gemini You may lose rapport with other people. Therefore, it is very important to practice active listening and refrain from jumping to any hasty conclusions. Pay attention to details and choose your words carefully. This will help you avoid potential pitfalls. In addition, reuniting with old friends or acquaintances can bring unexpected opportunities or pleasant surprises. Be balanced and careful, and you will be able to turn any challenges into victories. ADVERTISIMENT Cancer You may face problems in family relationships. Previous misunderstandings or unresolved problems may re-emerge, and their resolution will require a patient and compassionate approach. Now is the time to develop relationships and express your emotions effectively. The healing you receive will be very important in your life. Remember, you have the power to overcome any obstacle. Leo You may experience delays or disruptions in creative projects, finances, and even romantic relationships. It's important for you to remain flexible and patient, as these challenges can pave the way for valuable insights. Use this opportunity to reflect on your creative endeavours and strengthen personal connections. Your creativity and resilience will help you succeed. Virgo As Mercury moves retrograde through your sign, you will feel its energy most deeply. This will be a great time for introspection. Accept the life lessons you have to learn and use this time to re-evaluate your goals, reassess your direction and make the necessary adjustments. Remember to take care of yourself and avoid excessive self-criticism. Determination and the ability to adapt will lead you to success. ADVERTISIMENT Libra Your interpersonal relationships may experience difficulties during Mercury retrograde. There is a risk of misunderstandings and conflicts. Give priority to open and honest communication, clearly state your needs and accept the idea of compromise. Use this time to strengthen your relationship by improving mutual understanding. A diplomatic approach will help you overcome any obstacles. Scorpio Your work environment will be stormy, with communication breakdowns and misunderstandings with colleagues and superiors. It's important to stay calm and avoid unnecessary confrontation. Take the time to double-check your work and ensure clear communication. Use this period to reassess your career goals. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve your skills. Sagittarius During this retrograde phase, you may feel a strong urge to travel and a thirst for adventure. However, prepare for possible delays or complications in your travel plans. Remain flexible and patient - you may find alternative opportunities to explore the world and gain knowledge. Take this time to immerse yourself in books or enrol in online courses to broaden your horizons. Your curiosity and adaptability will lead you to new discoveries. ADVERTISIMENT Capricorn You have big financial problems on the horizon. Therefore, the stars recommend that you proceed with caution when it comes to investments or important financial decisions. Take these weeks to analyse your goals, alternative approaches, and seek advice if necessary. Patience and practicality will be your allies during this time. Focus and creativity in your approach to money will help you overcome any financial obstacles. Aquarius Mercury retrograde brings you turbulence and misunderstandings in your relationships. Prioritise clear and open communication, seek clarity and avoid making assumptions. These challenges can actually bring you opportunities to deepen emotional connections and resolve conflicts. With a thoughtful approach, you will be able to overcome any obstacles to communication. ADVERTISIMENT Pisces Your weaknesses during this retrograde are work and health. It is very important to pay priority attention to your condition. Both physical and psychological, as stress levels may increase. Avoid overcommitting and take time to review your work routine and habits. Maintain a self-care practice and don't hesitate to seek support if needed. Self-care is your main motto now. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL published a horoscope for the week of 3 September for all zodiac signs. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments. The Aer Lingus plane re-routed on its way from Dublin to Gran Canaria so the problem passenger could be handed over to police at Santiago-Rosalia de Castro airport in Galicia. A packed holiday jet heading from Ireland to the Canary Islands was forced to make an unscheduled stop because of unruly passengers. The Aer Lingus plane re-routed on its way from Dublin to Gran Canaria so two Irish people could be handed over to police at Santiago-Rosalia de Castro airport in Galicia. Spanish air traffic controllers confirmed the plane had landed successfully before continuing its journey southwards. The incident happened on Saturday evening on Aer Lingus flight EIN78L, which reached its final destination just over an hour late. Spanish air traffic controllers tweeted: The crew of a flight between Dublin and Gran Canaria tell us they have a problem with a problem passenger on board and need to divert to Santiago. We have facilitated descent and airport approach manoeuvres while a police presence on arrival is coordinated. The plane landed without incident. Local police today confirmed two Irish nationals had left the plane after they were called to attend the flight when it made an unscheduled landing at the airport in Santiago. A spokesman for the Civil Guard said: I can confirm officers were asked to head for an Aer Lingus plane on Saturday after it touched down at Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport. Two people who were both Irish nationals left the plane voluntarily and were reported for an administrative breach of air safety after being fully identified. A source described the two Irish nationals as a couple. Their ages have not been released. It was not immediately clear this morning whether they were still in Galicia or had decided to travel back to Ireland or try to continue to their planned holiday destination. Aer Lingus has been approached but has so far failed to respond to a request for a comment and more information. Standard procedure unless officers witness a crime being committed usually revolves around a formal identification of the person signalled as the cause of problems and taken off a plane so they can be handed a fine. The Spanish Air Safety and Security Agency (AESA) is the state body that in Spain ensures civil aviation standards are observed in all aeronautical activity in Spain. It has powers to fine offenders for breaches of a Spanish air safety law, with fines for the standard type of breach ranging from around 60 to nearly 50,000. They can also be hit with the cost of any diversion, and face a flying ban with the airline. Last Friday a 42-year-old British holidaymaker was arrested at Ibiza Airport on suspicion of sexually assaulting an air stewardess before spitting on her boss on a Jet2 flight from Manchester. The airline said after news of the arrest was confirmed by police that it was banning the traveller for life. In January 2018 a drunk Irish woman and her partner were filmed being escorted off a Ryanair plane forced to make an unscheduled stop in the northern Spanish port city of Santander en route from Alicante to Dublin. Other passengers clapped and shouted out Adios as the couple were led away by police. Fionn Laffan said his secret was quality rather than quantity A student from Bray has gone and done the unthinkable by receiving 625 points in the Leaving Cert. Fionn Laffan, who attends Colaiste Raithin, amassed the staggering tally after getting the 25 bonus points awarded for the top grade in Higher Level Mathematics, together with H1s in his five other subjects, but the results, he said, haven't hit him yet. To put that in perspective, the average Leaving Cert points tally in Ireland is between 400 and 419 as of 2022, so for someone to achieve 625 seems almost uncanny. Some 58,056 students sat the Leaving Cert exams last year but only 5.5 per cent of those students scored above 600 points, and an even smaller number 1.9 per cent got the maximum score of 625 points. Fionn said that while he did work hard for the exams, his secret was quality rather than quantity when it came to approaching his studies. I worked for a couple of hours per day, which may not sound a lot, but it adds up over time, he said. Then leading up to it, I began putting in more hours. He did say he was a little shocked at his result in French, as he wasnt particularly confident about his linguistic abilities. Chemistry and Physics are more to his liking, and with his passion for those subjects he hopes to go to UCD to study Science. Regarding the pressure that falls on the shoulders of those taking the Leaving Cert exams each year, Fionn admitted he did feel it, although he brought quite a lot of it on himself and it didnt tend to come from others. Naturally, this intensified as the big day approached but his words of reassurance for those about to head into it all next year are that once the first exam was out of the way, the pressure lifted. It wasnt all plain sailing for Fionn, despite his acumen, as the teacher shortage which has hit schools up and down the country didnt spare his school, and it found itself down one chemistry teacher, the area that he had hoped to excel in. A teacher from Presentation College Bray provided some cover, and the school was able to get assistance from a third year university Physics student, who turned out to be brilliant at teaching chemistry. But Fionn said he still had to do the extra work on his own, something he also recommends next years Leaving Cert students to take on board. I had to take it in my own stride," he said. And it [teacher shortage] will probably be a problem this year, so you should try and branch out and go a bit further to a get a few steps ahead yourself, he advised. Weather Eye with John Maunder The following data sets and comments are from the climate4you.com website developed by Professor Ole Humlum who is a Danish Professor Emeritus of Physical Geography at the University of Oslo, and Adjunct Professor of Physical Geography at the University Centre in Svalbard. The website climate4you.com which he edits endeavours to provide an ongoing climate data website which is updated monthly. It uses data from significant national and global sites such as NASA, WMO, NOAA, UEA, NCDC, IPCC, BoM, SIDA, UAH, NIWA. The objective of the website is to provide information on meteorological and climatological issues of general and specific interest. All temperature diagrams shown below have 1979 as the starting year. This roughly marks the beginning of the recent period of global warming, after termination of the previous period of global cooling from about 1940. In addition, the year 1979 also represents the starting date for the satellite-based global temperature estimates (UAH and RSS). For the three surface air temperature estimates shown (HadCRUT, NCDC and GISS) the reference period differs. HadCRUT refers to the official 'normal WMO period 1961-1990, while NCDC and GISS as reference instead uses 1901-2000 and 1951-1980, respectively, which results in higher positive temperature anomalies. For all three surface air temperature records, but especially NCDC and GISS, administrative changes to anomaly values are quite often introduced, even for observations several years back in time. Some changes may be due to the delayed addition of new station data, while others probably have their origin in a change of technique to calculate average values. It is clearly impossible to evaluate the validity of such administrative changes for the outside user of these records. In addition, the three surface records represent a blend of sea surface data, moving ships or by other means, plus data from land stations of partly unknown quality and unknown degree of representativeness for their region. Many of the land stations have also moved geographically during their existence, and their instrumentation changed. The satellite temperature records also have their problems, but these are generally of a more technical nature and therefore correctable. In addition, the temperature sampling by satellites is more regular and complete on a global basis than that represented by the surface records. It therefore is realistic to recognise that the temperature records are not of equal scientific quality. At the same time the big efforts being put into all five temperature databases should be gratefully acknowledged by all interested in climate science. On this background, the present website has decided to operate with three quality classes (1-3) for global temperature records, with 1 representing the highest quality level: ********************* The satellite records (UAH MSU and RSS) Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH), USA. This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, interpreted by Dr Roy Spencer and Dr John Christy, both at Global Hydrology and Climate Center, University of Alabama at Huntsville, USA. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Reference period 1991-2020. Global monthly average lower troposphere temperature since 1979 according to Remote Sensing Systems (RSS). This graph uses data obtained by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) TIROS-N satellite, and interpreted by Dr. Carl Mears (RSS). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. The cooling and warming periods directly influenced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption and the 1998 El Nino, respectively, are clearly visible. Click here for a description of RSS MSU data products. The HadCRUT surface record Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to Hadley CRUT, a cooperative effort between the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research and the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU), UK. The thin line represents the monthly values, while the thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. An introduction to the dataset has been published by Brohan et al. (2005). Base period: 1961-1990. The NCDC and GISS surface records Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), USA. This time series is calculated using land surface data from the Global Historical Climatology Network (Version 2) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies from the United Kingdom MOHSST data set and the NCEP Optimum Interpolated SSTs (Version 3). The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 year average. Base period: 1901-2000. Global monthly average surface air temperature since 1979 according to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), at Columbia University, New York City, USA. GISS is a laboratory of the Earth-Sun Exploration Division of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a unit of the Columbia University Earth Institute. The thick line is the simple running 37 month average, nearly corresponding to a running 3 yr average. Discussions of reasons why the GISS temperature estimate differs from other estimates can be read by clicking here, here and here. Base period: 1951-1980. ************************************************************ For further information on a range of weather and climate matters see my recent book "Climate Change: A Realistic Perspective.. The fall of the weather dice and the butterfly effect" . Available from Amazon. After a partial hiatus since 2019, Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival 2023 is back! And with just two weeks to go until its opening, which also celebrates Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori, two of the festival events have already sold out. Aronui is on from September 11-24 with a range of different events, guaranteed to have something for all. The festival includes waiata hou, toi maori including painting, carving, kapa haka, art exhibitions, contemporary dance, a Maori Market, the Miss Rotorua Crowning, drama, a rangatahi drag show and much, much more. Founding Festival Director, Cian Elyse White says one of the sellout events, Kupu Mareikura with Maori author Dr Ngahuia Murphy, sold out within a couple of weeks of the Aronui programme being released. The interest in this event was so high that we needed to move it to a bigger venue, with the extra capacity also promptly selling out, says Cian. This is truly an exceptional result for an indigenous Arts Festival and we are absolutely thrilled with the response weve received not only from locals, but from people outside our Te Arawa rohe. The other sellout event is for the red carpet premiere of TV series Kairakau, produced by Velvet Stone Media and involving more than 300 people, many of whom are locals. Cian says the other events on the programme are also proving extremely popular, and she urges those interested in seeing the popular new Maori band Coterie, to get tickets soon. Coterie will definitely sell out as they are making bold big moves on the global stage. They are one of the hottest new acts coming out of Aotearoa and Australia, and much like Six60s early concerts in small venues, Coteries outing at Aronui will no doubt go down in local history before they really go global. Cian says the festival team is feeling motivated and uplifted by the strong interest in the 2023 programme. Our inaugural festival in 2019 was a huge success, and we were utterly devastated to have to pull the pin in 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to Covid. Other than the mural of our mareikura of film, Merata Mita, created by Mr G in 2001 for Aronui, this is the first full festival since then, and weve been blown away by the public response. Its clear that people now have the confidence to come back to live events after Covid which is fantastic. The fact that we our exceptional performing arts centre is back open, along with a myriad of other arts venues, means we have been able to create a programme which literally has something for everything. We cant wait. Aronui Chair, Mercia-Dawn Yates, says despite the disruption of the Covid years, the philosophy and commitment of the team and the festival kaupapa remains as strong as it was in 2019 to uplift, empower and share indigenous arts with the world. Aronui is an indigenous arts festival unlike anything else in Aotearoa and due to its roots embedded within te ao Maori, based in Te Arawa, its also unlike anything else in the world. In this rebuild year, Aronui remains deeply focused on forging connections with other iwi around the motu, as evidenced by two amazing rangatahi acts from Ngati Kahungungu, and Perth based band Coterie (Te Aupouri, Ngapuhi, Ngai Te Rangi). Coterie will also open with two bands from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ruamata, who are finalists in the national Smokefree Rockquest. The future is incredibly bright for Aronui, everyone who is involved and our beautiful city. Were looking forward to showcasing everything our indigenous arts and culture has to offer. Nau mai, Haere mai Check out the full programme here. Hailed for her breath-taking range of colour, tone and inflection, by The Times, South Korean-born New Zealand pianist Somi Kim is one of New Zealands most sought-after pianists. A performance by Somi in Tauranga in Octoer will provide an opportunity to join music director Peter Walls and Opus Orchestra for an unforgettable concert as Somis extraordinary talent comes together with the timeless compositions of Mozart and a playful twist of Prokofiev. This will be a performance built from the desire to showcase talent from New Zealand says an orchestra spokesperson. "Opus Orchestra will collaborate with the fabulous Somi Kim, a pianist who represents a new generation of classical music in New Zealand. "This concert will also feature New Zealand composer Martin Lodge. Pairing the contemporary music of Martin with a classical master like Mozart, weaves together a programme that marries tradition and innovation." Opus Orchestra. Photo: Supplied. Somi Kim: Mozart and More will enrich the local arts scene, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience Somi Kims brilliance and foster a deeper appreciation for classical music and the performing arts in the Tauranga and Western Bay community. On Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, attendees will enjoy high-quality orchestral music and see what sets Opus Orchestra apart. A third of the orchestras members hail from the region and are accomplished performers and music educators in Tauranga, providing opportunities for young creatives. Opus Orchestra General Manager, Allison Harker says Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty rarely have the privilege to witness an artist like Somi, accompanied by a full professional orchestra. This concert has the potential to be an inspiration for budding talents within our own community. Witnessing an accomplished artist like Somi perform alongside an orchestra can ignite a spark in aspiring musicians, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with renewed determination and passion, says Allison. The transformative impact of experiencing a master of ones craft can be a driving force to propel ones artistic journey forward. The local Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund (TWBCEF) has supported this event by recently approving a grant of $10,000 to support the operational costs. TWBCEF is a partnership between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council designed to simplify applying for community event funding. Lori Luke, CEO of Acorn Foundation, says the fund sees significant value in the efforts of Opus Orchestra to provide concerts such as this for the community to attend. This event promises to be an unforgettable night for music enthusiasts throughout the region, and it is fantastic to support a not-for-profit orchestra to ensure the community has the opportunity to experience amazing talent, says Lori. The concert's goal is to leave attendees invigorated by the music and give the community the opportunity to experience Somis amazing talent. This concert will be remembered as it spreads joy and inspires its audience. Somi Kim: Mozart and More Programme - Overture to Don Giovanni W. A. Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor K. 466 W. A. Mozart - Cassation. Martin Lodge - Classical Symphony No. 1, Op. 25 Prokofiev For more information on Somi Kim: Mozart and More and to purchase tickets, head to Opus Orchestras website. Juan Cano Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Spain's coastguard and maritime rescue service, Salvamento Maritimo, has located around 15 nautical miles from the Costa del Sol coast the paddle surf board on which the two young men missing since Sunday 27 August from Huelin beach in Malaga, were riding. For now, the search to find Maxi Ludvik, 29, and Emmanuel Soria, 34, has been unsuccessful. The discovery was made at around half past six this Monday evening. The Helimer 207 helicopter located a paddle board identical to the one in a photograph provided by the family. It was drifting about 15 nauticalmiles southeast of Malaga, a logical route considering the strong westerly wind that blew on Sunday. A sailing boat passing through the area was in charge of rescuing the board, which still had a thermos flask on it. The two friends had both announced to their families that they were going to watch the sunrise from the sea sharing a drink. Concerns were raised just after four o'clock on Sunday afternoon when Maxi did not arrive at the ice cream parlour where he worked. His relatives and bosses called him constantly on the phone without receiving an answer. The same happened with Emmanuel, who is on holiday in Malaga. Santiago Soria, who is Emmanuel's brother, said the pair had only been paddle surfing for a short time - they bought inflatable boards on the internet - and had been out to sea three or four times. On Sunday there were strong winds with gusts of more than 50 kilometres per hour. A sister of Emmanuel went to the National Police provincial station to report the disappearance. A search operation was immediately set up involving Salvamento Maritimo, the Guardia Civil and National Police teams to try to locate them. The air and search involves the Helimer 207 helicopter, the Salvamar Alnitak and Gadir rescue vessels, as well as resources from other organisations such as the Red Cross vessel LS Cronos, the Rio Ter patrol boat, Frontex and Guardia Civil helicopters and an Air Force plane. Relatives and friends of the missing have also been involved in the search, which has spread to social media networks. If anyone has any information as to the pair's whereabouts, they are asked to contact 112 Andalucia emergency services control room, Guardia Civil (062), National Police (091) or Local Police (092). SpaceX spacecraft with four crew members on board successfully docked with the International Space Station. This happened as part of a joint operation with NASA. ADVERTISIMENT This is reported by NASA on Twitter. Crew-7 launched from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. "Docking has been confirmed for Crew-7! At 4:16 p.m., the Dragon spacecraft with four space travelers on board arrived at the ISS," the statement said. The Crew-7 mission was launched from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, August 26. According to information from NASA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully sent the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Crew-7 is expected to conduct new scientific research on the ISS. Experiments will include collecting samples of microorganisms from outside the space station, the first study of human response to different lengths of spaceflight and research into the physiological aspects of astronauts' sleep. As reported by OBOZREVATEL: ADVERTISIMENT - Ilon Musk's SpaceX published a new video about the upcoming colonization of Mars. The video shows what will happen when the Starship rocket will one day land on the red planet, and people will build housing there; - cryptocurrency company LunarCrush is about to launch a bitcoin wallet key containing 62 BTC (about $1.7 million at the April 3 exchange rate) into space. The password will be delivered to the moon using a SpaceX rocket in the fall of 2023; - SpaceX launched an advanced next-generation GPS satellite with a military mission. It is designed for the work of the U.S. Space Force. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! DEAR ABBY: We lost my mom a couple of years ago. This year, Dad started dating, got engaged and married -- all in a span of two weeks. This is a woman he knew through missionary work. Side note: Mom had wondered for a while if he wasnt having an emotional affair with her because every time she called, he would go somewhere so she couldnt hear him. They are now cleaning out the house and essentially getting rid of every sign of Mom! My sister told him she feels like her childhood home is gone. The other sister asked (hypothetically) if they are getting ready to sell the house. Apparently, the gal he married told him she expects to be his little girl. Gag. READ MORE: Dear Abby: Parents need to back out of complicated high school romance Dad is no longer responding to any of my text messages. I believe his new wife is running the show. What should we three do? Must we resign ourselves to the fact that we may have just lost our father as well? -- SIDELINED SISTER IN NEBRASKA DEAR SISTER: If at all possible, the three of you should try to maintain a cordial relationship with your fathers new wife. If you do otherwise, you will only drive them further away. You stated that your mother suspected your dad of having an emotional affair with this woman. IF that was true, he waited quite a long time to pursue it. Whats happening with the house is not unusual. Your dad and his little girl (gag) have a right to a home of their own. If you want any of the items that are being discarded, speak up NOW. ** ** ** Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. ** ** ** For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order How to Have a Lovely Wedding. Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.) COPYRIGHT 2023 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500 Green Day selling Nimrod shirt with Trump mugshot Billboard reports Green Day is taking former President Donald Trumps mugshot and putting it on a T-shirt that says Nimrod on it, referencing the bands hit 1997 album of the same name. Good Riddance, the punk rock band said on Instagram, calling it the ultimate Nimrod shirt. Green Day said proceeds from sales will be donated to Greater Good Music, which is currently helping bring food to the victims of the Maui wildfires. Trump, who was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday, is also raising money from his mugshot $7.1 million in less than three days for his 2024 presidential campaign, according to CBS. Disney star arrested Former Disney Channel star Mitchel Musso has been arrested in Texas. ET reports the 32-year-old actor, best known for playing Oliver on Miley Cyrus Hannah Montana, was booked Saturday on multiple charges, including public intoxication and theft. Authorities said Musso allegedly took a bag of chips from a hotel food cart and began eating them without paying for them, became verbally abusive, and appeared intoxicated. TMZ reports police then discovered a number of outstanding traffic warrants after taking him into custody. MORE BUZZ: Bob Barker mourned by Adam Sandler, Drew Carey, more ( ET Shakira to receive MTVs Video Vanguard Award at 2023 VMAs ( RS Disney+ wont release Spiderwick Chronicles series thats already filmed ( SF Streamy Awards winners list: Dylvan Mulvaney, Meghan Trainor, more ( RS SZA snuggles with Justin Bieber, others in Snooze music video ( BB Kevin Costners estranged wife asks for $175,000 a month in child support ( ET Derek Hough gets married in California forest wedding ( E! Arleen Sorkin, original voice of Harley Quinn, dies at 67 ( SF Bad Bunny shares nude selfie, shares video with Kendall Jenner ( ET Brandon Flowers axes new The Killers album, plans new sound ( RS Florence Welch says she underwent emergency surgery ( ET Ex-MTV boss says Christina Aguileras team asked him to re-edit kiss with Madonna ( BB Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. Phish announced Monday that the jam rock band has raised more than $3.5 million for flood recovery efforts in Upstate New York and Vermont. Phish performed two concerts at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in Saratoga Springs over the weekend to benefit communities hit by historic levels of rain and major flooding last month. Both shows featured special pre-show acoustic sets with Phishs Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio, while Saturdays performance included a surprise appearance by guitarist Derek Trucks. We are so grateful to everyone who donated their time and resources to make these benefits possible, and those that attended the shows or watched online, McConnell said in a statement. The joy in the room at these concerts was undeniable. But for the people affected by the flooding, it is an ongoing struggle. Thats why we are continuing to accept donations, raise awareness and distribute the funds. The concerts were also streamed online for free at LivePhish.com and Phishs YouTube channel, encouraging fans to donate directly to The WaterWheel Foundations 2023 Flood Recovery Fund. 100% of the net proceeds from the performances and all merchandise sales will go to The WaterWheel Foundations 2023 Flood Recovery Fund, which will support the many victims and their families, area businesses and non-profits affected by recent rain and flooding in Upstate New York and Vermont, where the band formed in 1983. The Recovery Fund will support both shorter term needs and long-term recovery and resiliency projects through the Vermont Community Foundation and similar organizations in New York. Created by Phish in 1997 to oversee the bands various charitable activities, The Waterwheel Foundation has been working to create positive change for more than 25 years. The band gave out more than $100,000 to non-profit groups in Upstate New York after their 2018 Curveball festival was canceled at Watkins Glen due to flooding and health concerns. Phish, led by Trey Anastasio, is named after drummer and Syracuse native Jon Fishman. The group drew a sellout crowd at St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview in July for Phishs first Syracuse concert in 7 years. ODESZA will perform at Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, N.Y. on Friday, September 1 (9/1/2023). The concert, which starts at 6:30 p.m., is part of the bands THE LAST GOODBYE TOUR. Standard seating tickets are currently on sale through Live Nation starting at $43.30 However, for those seeking discounted prices and alternative seating options, ticket resellers like VividSeats, StubHub, and others offer various choices. Heres a glimpse of what you can discover if you explore different ticket sources: Get ODESZA tickets on Live Nation VividSeats : Lawn seats start at $16. Reserved seating starts at $18 StubHub : Lawn seats start at $18. Reserved seating starts at $17 SeatGeek : Lawn seats start at $13. Reserved seating starts at $15 MEGASeats : Lawn seats start at $20. Reserved seating starts at $20 Odesza is a duo in the field of electronic music from Bellingham, Washington, USA. The group is composed of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, who are recognized by their individual names Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches. Maintaining the ethereal essence of indie electronica while infusing a more prominent rhythm, the duo from Seattle known as ODESZA achieved popularity in the mid-2010s through releases such as the 2014 album In Return and the 2017 album A Moment Apart, with the latter reaching the third position on the Billboard 200 chart. The bands most popular songs are The Last Goodbye, Say My Name, " Behind the Sun, and Its Only. More Music News Ithaca, N.Y. - An Ithaca man who had been missing for 100 days has been found dead, and 10 people have been arrested in connection with his kidnapping and death, New York State Police and Ithaca police said in a press conference Monday. Thomas Rath, 33, was abducted May 20 from an Ithaca homeless camp called the Jungle, police said. His remains were found in a shallow grave on state land in Candor, Tioga County, on Aug. 3, said Captain Lucas Anthony, who leads the Troop C State Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Police say a woman has been arrested after attacking cars with a meat cleaver in a Central New York store parking lot. WETM reports the Ithaca Police Department responded to multiple calls about a person waving a meat cleaver in the air and acting disorderly at an Aldi parking lot on Wednesday afternoon. Callers said the person was using the large knife to try to break windows, slash tires and cause other damage to multiple vehicles at the grocery store located at 505 Third Street in Ithaca, N.Y. Police arrived at the scene just after 1 p.m. and took the woman into custody safely and without incident. She was charged with disorderly conduct and taken to Cayuga Medical Center for a mental health evaluation. The Ithaca Police Department identified the woman as 38-year-old Ernetta Skipper of Ithaca. Additional details have not been released. By Raga Justin | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. Home health care aides filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Labor last week that seeks to have the agency re-open investigations into workers claims of systemic overtime wage theft that were allegedly abandoned because of union agreements. Home care workers, traditionally low-paid, have been urging state lawmakers for higher wages and more protections in their industry, which provides often round-the-clock care for elderly and disabled New Yorkers. The class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of numerous workers from New York City and alleges that the home care agencies that employ them systematically steal their wages by paying them for only 13 of the 24 hours of each shift, even when the aides do not receive at least five hours of uninterrupted sleep and three hours for meal breaks. As a result of the extra labor, home aides often make less than minimum wage and receive little overtime pay, leading hundreds to appeal to the Department of Labor to recover those wages. According to the lawsuit and related court documents, filed in state Supreme Court in Albany, the department conducted investigations into claims of wage theft and found overwhelming corroborating evidence that employers were willfully depriving employees of fair labor conditions and compensation. But the agency, which began investigating several similar complaints in 2019, closed its investigations in April, citing a new agency policy that they would no longer investigate claims made by workers whose unions had entered into mandatory arbitration agreements with employers if the union agreements cover the aides claims. The plaintiffs, some of whom said they were unaware that their union was opening claims on their behalf and that they had not seen a fraction of what they were owed returned to them, said that without the state Department of Labor agreeing to intervene, they have no meaningful recourse for obtaining their unpaid wages and no effective mechanism for ending the egregious wage theft that pervades the home care industry. The court filing comes as the Department of Labor has faced scrutiny in a separate but related matter of diminished wage recovery, an effort the agency is tasked with that has faltered in recent years. ProPublica recently reported that thousands of wage theft victims in New York have gone without their full pay for years, even when their employers were ordered to fully compensate them. The story found the understaffed Department of Labor has failed to fully recover millions in back wages for those workers. Home care agencies are allowed to skirt overtime and minimum wage provisions under the 13-hour rule, an interpretation of Labor Law that allows agencies to pay live-in caregivers who work 24-hour days for only 13 hours, as long as the aides get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep and three hours of meal breaks. But the lawsuit alleges that the department had repeatedly failed to enforce that rule, tacitly allowing home care agencies to reap the benefits of paying for a 13-workday without any of the other worker protections. The five plaintiffs suing the department are all women in their 60s who have struggled to meet their basic needs and those of their families, the lawsuit claimed. According to estimates, the majority of home care workers are women of color and many are immigrants. New York faces a home care worker shortage that ranks among the worst in the country. Despite the new litigation, the Department of Labor has continued to pursue investigations of employers underpaying home care employees. In early August the department announced two settlements totaling $113,800 in cases in which employers in Brooklyn and Staten Island had denied adequate sleep time to home care aides during 24-hour shifts and underpaid them for hours worked. The agency said its Division of Worker Protection has more than 50 active investigations involving home health care agencies allegedly committing wage and work-hours violations. The agency said that in the past decade it has recovered and dispersed more than $360 million in owed wages and identified more than a million misclassified workers. ___ (c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com By Raga Justin | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. Public schools must accept school-aged children as students regardless of their nationality or immigration status, state Attorney General Letitia James asserted in new guidance released Monday reaffirming New Yorkers right to receive free public school education. The message from the attorney general and state Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa directs school administrators to immediately review their policies to ensure compliance with state Education Law, which James said affords special protections for migrant children and youth who are living in temporary housing. Those students must be immediately enrolled in schools even if they do not have proof of residency, immunizations or school records and regardless of their language proficiency, they said. The guidance appears particularly pointed to leaders of upstate communities, where county officials and state lawmakers have clashed with Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over the influx of families sent from the city to upstate hotels that have been turned into shelters. Complaints about school districts turning away students for reasons related to their housing or immigration status should be directed to the attorney generals office, the guidance states. In the Capital Region, unease around new arrivals swelling school enrollment rosters has permeated local community forums, though some school officials have signaled they have the capacity to hold the children. Enrollment efforts are already underway in at least two local school districts as the beginning of the school year approaches; both North Colonie and the Mohonasen districts have together registered 110 migrant students who had recently come from New York City shelters and are living in local hotels. Officials with both of those school districts have said they are soliciting additional teaching services for those who speak English as a second language. The guidance said that although residents must live within a district to attend school for free, schools should accept multiple kinds of residency documents, including letters from landlords or social workers, attorneys and religious leaders. The proof of residency can include pay stubs that show an address, membership cards such as to a local library, voter registration cards or documents issued by a federal, state or local government entity, including social services agencies. In addition, schools must not place undue restrictions on proof of residency. The state officials said the migrant students must be allowed to attend class while any residency is being confirmed. State leaders have been critical of federal gridlock, the continuing surge of crossings at the southern border and delays in addressing the influx of migrants into New York City. James, along with Hochul and several congressional representatives, have repeatedly called for the federal Department of Homeland Security to expedite work authorization permits for migrants who are permitted to stay in the United States as they seek asylum and permanent residency. Though Hochul and the attorney general have not publicly signaled any tension over the states response to the migrant crisis, they have differed on at least one legal interpretation. Earlier this month, James declined to represent Hochuls administration in a lawsuit that seeks to compel greater state intervention in the mandatory housing of migrants under a New York City decree guaranteeing the right to shelter. Hochuls office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last week, the attorney generals office also announced it was investigating claims about DocGo, the company contracted by New York City to manage logistics and case management for the hundreds of people resettling in upstate communities. Multiple published reports have raised questions about the companys quality of care for migrants, including blocking or dissuading them from speaking with reporters. Also last week, James office said it was working to recoup funds from a fraudulent immigration service provider in Yonkers who was providing illegal services while posing as an attorney. ___ (c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com Geddes, N.Y. It was one year and two days ago that an Irish punk band from New York City showed up not-so-quietly in Syracuse and performed a magic trick at the State Fair: It took an empty Chevy Court and turned it into a full Chevy Court in the matter of 20 minutes. The Prodigals full-throttle hourlong set left a lasting impression on Syracuse. State Fair management booked the touring Celtic quartet to return this year, this time in a coveted weekend slot. The Syracuse Irish Festival, a two-day showcase that fills downtowns Clinton Square with more than 10,000 music fans, quickly signed them as a headliner for Friday, Sept. 8. State Fair Director Sean Hennessey welcomed the band to the stage on Sunday and told the crowd how he quickly became a fan at last years performance. Theyre so good, so fun, Hennessey said earlier in the day. Were so lucky to have them back. Unlike last years State Fair gig, the stands filled up early on Sunday afternoon. Fans sang along, and about a dozen people ran to the stage and danced in front. Security said the stands in the back under shade, were full. Its just brilliant, Prodigals frontman Gregory Grene said after Sundays show. We love Syracuse, and were lucky to play here twice in a few weeks. Theres such passion here. 50 1 / 50 The Prodigals return to the NYS Fair The 25-song setlist included songs from the bands 10 albums over its 25-year career and some new tunes. From here, The Prodigals return to New York City for regular performances at Paddy Reillys Music Bar on 2nd Avenue before returning to Syracuse for our Irish Fest. Theyll then head to the Greeley Irish Fest in Nebraska and the Austin Celtic Fest in Texas. MORE STATE FAIR ENTERTAINMENT George Thorogood and the Destroyers host Rock Party at NYS Fair (concert review, photos) Day 5 at the NYS Fair: Todays handpicked menu and schedule Make way for Rebecca Blacks big, gloriously gay comeback (NYS Fair review, photos) Reformed Quiet Riot keeps bands spirit alive at NYS Fairs Chevy Court (review) How did Lainey Wilson break NYS Fair concert record? And how do they calculate crowd size? **** Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. (AND he pays for what he and his guests eat and drink, just so you know.) You can also find him under @HoosierCuse on Twitter and on Instagram. Sign up for his free weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here. President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward an initiative to parliament to equate corruption to high treason for the period of wartime. At the same time, the prosecutor-general will decide who will be in charge of investigating corruption cases, and the Security Service of Ukraine, not the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, will be in charge of investigating such cases. ADVERTISIMENT The head of state said this in an interview with Nataliya Mosiychuk, which was broadcasted by the presidential office. He is convinced that such an instrument against corrupt officials cannot operate on a permanent basis in a democratic state, but it will be very practical for the period of war (to watch the video, scroll to the end of the page). "And this is not a firing squad, this is not Stalinism. This, if there is evidence, a person should be behind bars," the guarantor emphasized. At the same time, Zelensky cannot say for sure whether the Verkhovna Rada will support such a project. And he will not pressure his MPs, as Ukraine is building democratic values today. ADVERTISIMENT "It is very important not to twist the screws and not to look at one or another acute egregious case every time. Otherwise, we will not be in the European Union, we will not be part of the civilized world. We must introduce systemic things," the leader of the nation emphasized. The ZN.UA website quoted its sources in the presidential office and the NABU as saying that this draft law would provide for the investigation of corruption as state treason by the Security Service of Ukraine rather than the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Also, the article of the Criminal Code provided for harsher penalties and longer terms. "At first the idea was as follows: to amend the legislation, according to which all corruption cases investigated in the sphere of national security and exceeding 24 million hryvnias should be investigated by the Security Service of Ukraine. NABU was proposed to leave corruption smaller than 24 million," a source in the OP told ZN.UA. ADVERTISIMENT So far, according to the source, it is not about taking away from the NABU the right to conduct major anti-corruption investigations, but about giving the SBU the right to conduct them. Legislative changes have been worked out under the leadership of the OPU's specialized deputy. We are talking about initiating amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code in order to ensure that the SSU has the right to investigate cases of corruption schemes involving more than 24m hryvnyas," the source said. "If people are tempted to equate large-scale corruption with state treason, specialists in the anti-corruption sector understand the possible real goals. An absolutely controlled SSU, rather than the NABU, which is still uncontrolled by Bankova, will gain control over the investigation into large-scale corruption in the government," one of the investigative journalists said. ADVERTISIMENT And here's how a high-ranking NABU source commented on the intention: "We have heard about such plans, but I have not seen the bill itself. I think this is a bad idea: any case can be taken away from NABU, and there will be legislative grounds for this; Ukraine will have a bunch of lost cases in the ECHR, because the non-alternative sentencing will be a violation of the convention; plus the authorities will start to spoil relations with international partners. A preventive measure is not a punishment, everyone confuses this for some reason. Plus 90% of the results in the fight against corruption are administrative measures aimed at preventing it, rather than investigating existing facts. If it is adopted, it will be a disaster," the NABU source added. Recall, back in April, the guarantor responded to the petition of Ukrainians, who called on him to respond to corrupt officials in all branches of government. Then the appeal to the President was signed by 27,648 citizens. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Zelensky sharply criticized officials and civil servants who tainted themselves with participation in corruption, receiving bribes. He assured that all those who came to their positions to work for their own pockets rather than for the good of Ukraine would at least be sent to court. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Isabella Volmert, The Dallas Morning News (TNS) DALLAS A former Navy SEAL who has claimed to have fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden was arrested this week in Frisco. Robert J. ONeill, 47, was booked into jail Wednesday, according to Collin County records, and released on $3,500 bond the same day. ONeill did not respond to requests for comment, and it was not clear whether he had an attorney. In a written statement, Frisco police said ONeill faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury and a Class C misdemeanor charge of public intoxication. Jail records list only the assault charge. Frisco police declined to release more information Friday about the arrest. Social media posts show that ONeill, listed as a Tennessee resident in jail records, was in Frisco on Tuesday to record a podcast at a cigar lounge. ONeill, originally from Montana, first said in 2014 that he fired the shots that killed bin Laden in 2011. The U.S. government has neither confirmed nor denied the account. The former SEAL Team 6 member, who has received two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars and a Joint Service Commendation Medal, wrote a memoir, The Operator, about his military service. He made headlines in 2020 when Delta Air Lines banned him after he reportedly removed his face mask on a flight at a time when passengers were required to wear one to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In 2016, prosecutors in Montana dropped a DUI charge against ONeill. Both sides stipulated that the charge stemmed from prescription medication he used to treat a condition connected to his military service, the Montana Standard reported. _____ 2023 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. AMSC ASA, Maritime Partners, LLC sign share purchase agreement of ATHC AMSC ASA funds managed by Maritime Partners, LLC agrees to acquire U.S. Jones act business of AMSC ASA LYSAKER, NORWAY and NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ AMSC ASA (AMSC) and Maritime Partners, LLC today announced that AMSC and Project Merchant Acquisition LLC (the PM Acquisition), a newly-formed company owned and controlled by a fund managed by Maritime Partners, LLC, have signed a share purchase agreement (the SPA) for PM Acquisitions purchase of American Tanker Holding Company, Inc. (the ATHC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMSC, (the Transaction). ATHC, through its subsidiaries, owns nine handysize products tankers and one handysize shuttle tanker, all of which are on long-term bareboat charter to Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (NYSE:OSG) or Keystone Shipping Co. and operated in the U.S. Jones Act market. AMSC will receive gross cash proceeds from the Transaction, subject to certain adjustments, of in an aggregate amount of US$ 249.3 million, divided between consideration for the shares in ATHC and repayment of a shareholder loan, reflecting an enterprise value of ATHC of US$ 746.7 million based on the balance sheet of ATHC as at March 31, 2023. The parties expect the Transaction to close on or before October 31, 2023. AMSCs Board of Directors unanimously approved AMSCs entry into the SPA. The closing of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, as well as the approval of the Transaction by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of AMSCs shareholders present and voting at an extraordinary general meeting of AMSC expected to be held during the second half of September 2023. Each of Aker Capital AS and DNB Bank ASA, the two largest AMSC shareholders (representing in aggregate approximately 34.61% of the issued and outstanding shares of AMSC), has irrevocably and unconditionally agreed to vote all of its respective shares in favor of the Transaction. We are thrilled to acquire AMSCs Jones Act business which is a natural fit for our platform and consistent with our investment strategy, said Bick Brooks, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Partners, LLC. The acquired vessels are critical long-lived assets engaged in the transportation of non-discretionary cargo throughout the United States. The vessels are employed on long-term bareboat charters with two strong counterparties. This acquisition will nicely complement our existing lease portfolio by diversifying lessee exposure, asset exposure and end market exposure within the protected Jones Act markets. As we look to the future, we are excited about cultivating a lasting and growing partnership with our two new lessees, Overseas Shipholding Group and Keystone. Pal Lothe Magnussen, CEO of AMSC commented that the management team at AMSC is pleased that a Maritime Partners managed fund, a leading Jones Act leasing company, is acquiring our Jones Act business. We believe this is the ideal new owner of this business for the next phase in the lifecycle of these assets. AMSCs ownership tenure has surpassed 18 years since the ships were ordered, during which significant financial profits have been created and provided to AMSC and its shareholders. We believe that the long remaining commercial life of the fleet in combination with strong bareboat charter contract cover in a strong market represents a good opportunity and point in time for us to reconsider capital allocation for AMSC and strategy going forward, and this transaction is a natural step in this process. Pareto Securities AS has rendered a fairness opinion to the Board of AMSC concluding that the Transaction, from a financial point of view, is fair to AMSC. Advokatfirmaet BAHR AS and Blank Rome, LLP are acting as legal advisors to AMSC. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Buyer. Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS and Reed Smith LLP are acting as legal advisors to the Buyer. Ernst & Young LLP is acting as tax advisor to the Buyer. Earlier this week, officials from Turkey and Iraq tried to reach a breakthrough in talks to restart flows through a pipeline that carries oil from the fields in Northern Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. This pipeline carried 400-500,000 b/d in recent years, destined mostly for Europe. Turkey halted flows on the pipeline in March of this year after the International Court of Arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce ordered them to pay a reported net $1.5 Billion in damages to Iraq for unauthorized transportation of oil. According to the ruling, Turkey breached a 50-year-old pipeline transit agreement by allowing crude oil from Kurdistan to be exported without Bagdads consent. The Turkish action keeps 500,000 b/d of oil off the global market at a time that oil prices are rising, and Europe needs alternative supplies due to their ban on Russian oil imports. A resumption of exports would increase the availability of oil in the Mediterranean and boost the employment opportunities for Aframax and Suezmax tankers in the region. Download The Weekly Opinion The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine disclosed the results of "congratulations" of the occupants on the Independence Day and the Day of the Flag of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region. With the assistance of the resistance movement, reconnaissance men inflicted losses on the enemy in Kamianka-Dniprovska and Enerhodar. ADVERTISIMENT The Russians suffered such losses that the bodies of the killed had to be transported by trucks. This was reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page). On 24 August, a Ukrainian kamikaze drone flew into the window of the office of the 'deputy head' of the occupation military-civilian administration, Oleksandr Reimer, in Kamyanka-Dniprovska, Vasylivskyi district, Zaporizhzhia region. The collaborator was injured and evacuated to hospital. A day earlier, on 23 August, an event for the personnel of the occupation forces was held at the headquarters of the FSB branch in the temporarily occupied Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region. According to intelligence, at the moment of the highest concentration of occupants, a powerful explosion occurred at the headquarters. ADVERTISIMENT Moreover, during the evacuation, another strike was made in the car park near the building, which further destroyed the occupiers' personnel. The invaders' vehicles were also damaged. Three fire brigades and an ambulance arrived at the scene. The bodies of the killed occupants were taken away by several military Ural trucks in the direction of Melitopol. As a reminder, a battle involving boats and aircraft took place in the temporarily occupied Crimea on the morning of 24 August. As part of the special operation, personnel were landed on the peninsula. All objectives were achieved, and there were no losses among the Ukrainian military or our equipment. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the Russian occupier, who was sent to fight in Ukraine, complained about the huge losses of the Russian army. The enemy army also has big problems with the moral and psychological state of the invaders - they do not want to continue fighting and try to leave their positions, for which the command then punishes them. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! sasta_rider Newbie Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Kasaragod Posts: 19 Thanked: 189 Times My 2011 Toyota Innova 2.5L | Long-Term Ownership Review | 220,000 km Before starting the ownership review, let me throw some light on what made me fall in love with cars! It all started when Dad had purchased a brand new Maruti Omni back in 1996 when he was doing well in his business. I, being a kiddo, was not aware of how a car functions, what components are responsible for these beautiful machines to carry us from point A to point B. But, I was happy in my comfort zone of getting inside the car any random time of day when it was parked at my house: moving the gear lever, trying to honk and turning the steering wheel left-right! It was when I turned 10, Dad first asked me "son, please wash the car neat and tide from the outside". Since I loved playing with water, I took this task that day. I washed the car's reachable areas while Dad washed the top and windows. I mostly helped him in watering the car after being shampooed. Good ol' days! Someone said, "if you want to start loving a car, then first clean and wash the car!". This is true. Since then, he has changed the cars from Omni, to Maruti Suzuki Swift to Maruti Ritz and then finally the Innova's arrival in May 2011. I being a diesel head, love to drive any ICE car, but Innova has a separate place within me! So, here goes the ownership review: When in seventh grade, I received the news that Dad booked a Toyota Innova (diesel), which was scheduled to be delivered in a few weeks. Back then, I didn't have much technical knowledge about cars, but was aware that the Toyota Qualis was the predecessor of the Innova and that Toyota intended to replace the Qualis with the Innova in the Indian market, which eventually happened in 2005. All these conversations were happening when Dad interacted with his friends who are not much into cars. However, shortly after booking in March 2011, Japan was struck by an earthquake and a devastating Tsunami, resulting in a delay in the delivery of the vehicle. If my memory serves me right, at that time, Innova was imported as CKD and then assembled in India (please correct me if I'm mistaken). I don't recall the exact details of the booking experience as I was not involved, but I do remember being present on the day the car was delivered. Likes: Comfort: It is difficult to find someone who say that the Innova is not comfortable for long or even short drives. The captain seats provide exceptional comfort even today. Purpose: One aspect that has always impressed me is its versatility. It has been a popular choice among cabbies, politicians, and actors, highlighting its appeal as a reliable and trustworthy vehicle. Additionally, the Innova serves as an ideal family car, serving the needs of middle class. Quality: In contrast to the current generation of Innova (Crysta), the older Innova had a more traditional and straightforward design. Despite this, the quality of the parts that were manufactured in Indonesia has remained excellent till date, with the exception of typical wear and tear components. D4-D 2498 cc Diesel Engine: Sweet spot for me is when the engine roar is between 2500 - 3000 RPM, mainly while overtaking and cruising, is something I greatly appreciate. However, considering the current regulations surrounding diesel cars, I have concerns that enthusiasts who prefer diesel over petrol/hybrid may not be as satisfied in the future. Dislikes: Blind Spot: From the driver's point of view, the 'A' pillar obstructs the view during sharp right turns, creating a blind spot. Need an eagle's eye when tackling curves at ghat sections. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was not a standard feature at that time, specifically in this variant. However, unless you possess advanced skills in manoeuvring the vehicle during panic or sudden braking situations, this should not pose a significant issue. Front bumper vulnerability: The front bumper has a tendency to dislodge even with minor impacts involving medium to large rocks, wall scrapes, bushes, or side impacts. Once the bumper detaches, it becomes quite challenging to fix it unless the car is taken to an authorized service centre (ASC) for showroom-fit. A lot of Innova cabs can be seen with the bumper being held either using cable ties or after-market brackets. While, a few cabbies and private owners have maintained Innova brand new in terms of appearance. D-Day: Due to the absence of authorized dealers in Kasaragod back then, Dad opted Amana Toyota in Kannur as our dealer. Although it was approximately 110 km away from our home, the Innova embarked on its first long drive from there to our residence. While United Toyota in Mangaluru was closer to us, I believed that the cost in Karnataka was slightly higher than in Kerala and Dad wanted a 'KL' registered vehicle without much hassle of transfer etc. On D-Day morning, Dad and I took a local train from Kasaragod to Kannur. Upon arrival at the showroom, we were offered customer lounge to relax and were served tea and snacks, while Dad attended to some final paperwork. The showroom and the overall experience had a premium feel to it, which was quite impressive. During my time there, I was rapidly moving between the display vehicles that included the Corolla Altis, Fortuner, and the top-variant Innova. Just before the delivery, it started raining cats and dogs. While the car was being washed and accessories were being installed, the sales advisor reminded us about the details of service intervals and other relevant information. After a few minutes of waiting, a Toyota staff brought the car, and that was the first time I laid eyes on the stunning Light Metallic Blue variant. The excitement was palpable for me, but sadly had no driving license, hehe! Finally, after the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection), the vehicle was delivered to us. We took a picture to commemorate the occasion, bid goodbye to everyone present there, and embarked on our journey back home. After approximately two hours, we reached, where the sight of the new addition brought joy to everyone in my home! On-road price & discounts: I do not have precise details about the breakdown of the on-road price, but I was aware that it costed approximately 12 lakhs on-road. Along with the down-payment amount after selling the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, to reduce any financial burdens, Dad had decided to finance the car for a period of four years. Engine Type and Variants offered: The diesel variants of the Innova were highly sought-after and selling like hot cakes, as the dealer informed us about the numerous diesel Innova bookings they had received. However, the delivery of many vehicles, including ours, was significantly delayed due to the disruption in the supply chain and logistics caused by the Tsunami in Japan during that time. The Innova offered, and the current Innova Crysta continues to offer, a wide range of variants to choose from. When it comes to engine, the petrol variant featured a 2.0 L engine with only manual transmission as option. On the other hand, the diesel variant was equipped with the 2.5 Litre Direct Injection and 4 Cylinder Common Rail Engine (D-4D). This diesel engine has proven to be durable and capable of witnessing high mileage with minimal periodic maintenance or service visits. Automatic transmission was not available, but the manual transmission option, which was and still offered, remains the preferred choice for diesel enthusiasts like me. Safety: In terms of electronics, our variant did not come with a lot of safety features. It lacked ABS, Brake Assist, Airbags and Traction Control. However, Toyota did offer some basic features such as Central Locking, Power Door Locks, Door Ajar Warning, and Engine Immobilizer. In comparison to modern cars that are packed with hell lot of features, the Innova of that time feels relatively stripped down and barebones. Nowadays, non-enthusiast drivers and owners often forget to utilize the plethora of features available in present-day cars. Nonetheless, Toyota did include two reverse parking sensors in the centre of rear bumper, which was quite useful during the initial years of ownership. Accessories: In the year 2011, CDs and USB sticks were the prevailing methods of audio entertainment, while Bluetooth connectivity was not as popular as it is today. This variant did not come with a stereo set, rear spoilers, synthetic leather seats, or mud flaps. Consequently, soon after bringing the car home, we took it to a well-known car accessories shop located near to our home and installed the following accessories (not sure what was the price): A Sony X-Plod Stereo system that offered CD, USB, and Aux options, but lacked Bluetooth connectivity. Surprisingly, even to this day, this stereo continues to entertain the passengers on long/short trips. Rear spoilers that matched the body colour, providing an added cosmetic look. Without rear spoiler, Innova looks like a bald man. A floor carpet that matched with the car's other interiors. Synthetic leather seat covers, contributing to a more luxurious and comfortable driving experience. A steering cover that enhanced the grip. Number of km clocked at the time of writing this review: At the time of writing this review, the car has clocked 219 XXX km. Usage pattern: The purpose of buying Innova was to support Dad's business travel needs to nearby cities like Mangaluru, Puttur, Kannur, Kozhikode and sometimes long drives to Bengaluru/Coimbatore/Pune/Mumbai for various reasons including family functions, business and get together. In addition, since I used to stay in a residential school 40 km away from home, Innova was the one which used to safely ferry parents to meet me, take me to home for vacations and drop back when school reopens. So, from 2011 till 2014 hostel-home trips were also regular. Initially, the utilization of the car went well without any issues, aligning with its multiple purpose. However, leaving a diesel car unused for extended periods is not good to the rubber components (tires, belts, bushes, etc.). Additionally, rats tend to find enlightenment in the engine bay, making it their new home with their own modifications to the components. Unfortunately, the unplanned arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in limited use of the vehicle, although I used to start it regularly till engine reaches operating temperature. It was during this time that expenses began to accumulate, with rats being the primary cause of concern. Fuelled by frustration, my sole focus during the lockdown was to set rat traps and eliminate them safely. Subsequently, following the post-COVID period, usage declined slightly due to various reasons: I was not having a job as I just graduated in 2020, Dad's business travel needs reduced and the fuel prices also were a little high which took some time for us to accept the reality. Between 2011 and 2018, Dad utilized the Innova well until someone suggested the popularity of the Tata Tiago for city driving and short hops. Consequently, he decided to book a petrol variant of the Tata Tiago, a decision of his that I was not happy about. By 2017, I had got my DL and had begun taking frequent short drives on the Innova to nearby places on behalf of Dad's business. Being impressed with the performance, I recognized that, apart from safety features, the Tiago did not offer the same value for money (I know I am comparing two different segments). However, within three years, the Tiago was sold for reasons Dad never disclosed to me and even I too was waiting for it to be sold, finally! In 2021, he booked a Honda WR-V SV diesel variant. As a result, the Innova went through limited usage except for when I return home during my Bachelor's holidays and take it for a drive or our driver takes it for a trip with his family or Dad's friend takes it for airport pickup/drops. Styling and Design: In my opinion, the design of the Innova is simple, and appealing, especially considering the era it was launched. Even to this day, when I come across a well-maintained Innova, it brings a sense of joy within me. However, I believe that Toyota could have improved the design of the front bumper, as it tends to detach easily on small impacts. This part of the Innova I disliked the most, and it is evident with other Innovas on the roads as well. Overall Build Quality, Fit & Finish: As a significant portion of the Innova's parts were manufactured in Indonesia, there is no compromise when it comes to quality, fit, and finish. The car exemplifies the typical Japanese engineering standards. The tailgate has a substantial feel to it, showcasing a robust build, while the front bonnet is also sturdy enough to withstand impacts. Personally, one of the most satisfying aspects of the Innova is the door thud. The sound engineer deserves kudos for bringing such an engineering into existence! Wheels & Tires: Innova is equipped with 4 full-size tires with steel rims, including the spare tire which is also of the same size: 205/65 R15. However, it is worth noting that the 2.5 'V' variant came with attractive alloy wheels, featuring a sleek and elegantly simple design from the OEM. [b]Steering Wheel and the Cockpit Feel: The Innova features a simple three-spoke steering wheel without any mounted controls. It has a light feedback, and when driving over potholes, there are no noticeable impacts transferred through the steering wheel. The dashboard quality is also good, and even after 12 years, it has retained the glow as if it is brand new. The air conditioning controls are of the old-school type, with turning knobs for adjusting temperature, manual blower levels, and sliders for air circulation. Space and Comfort for Driver and Passengers: The first two rows of the Innova are equipped with captain seats, leaving no room for regrets or discomfort. The recline angle of the seats adds an added benefit for enhanced comfort, and provide proper neck support. None of my relatives or myself, who have travelled long distances in the car, have had any complaints about the seats or ride comfort being compromised. However, after a few years of use, the captain seats have developed some noise, possibly originating from the seat track. A simple lubrication of the tracks will fix this. Visibility & size of mirrors: The side view mirrors offer excellent visibility of the surroundings on both sides of the vehicle, providing a clear view of what is happening behind. However, it is important to note that there is a significant blind spot created by the A pillars. This blind spot can affect the driver's view of right and the co-passenger's view of left. It is crucial to exercise caution and use additional precautions when navigating through sharp curves. As for the rear view mirror is concerned, it does not come with an auto-dimming feature, but can be manually adjusted to ensure optimal visibility. Drivability in the city: During the initial years, it was primarily driven by Dad on city and highways. However, once I got my DL, I started taking the Innova out on the roads of hometown, Mangaluru and Bengaluru. I have never encountered any issues while driving: be it parking, manoeuvring, or overall handling. The Innova handles every aspect of the road, including potholes and speed breakers, with ease and grace. However, Dad now prefers the WR-V for his personal use, unless there are 5+ passengers or a need to carry a significant amount of luggage. Drivability in the highway: Whether it was Dad, uncle, myself, or our driver, everyone who has driven expressed their love towards the vehicle's engineering. Dad has made multiple business trips to Coimbatore and back, without any complaints. However, adult passengers seated in the third row have experienced discomfort and even vomiting on some occasions. One contributing factor to this is the driving style. I personally went on a round trip from Kasaragod to Bengaluru, then to Coimbatore, Kozhikode and back to hometown just after the first COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. This trip was done to vacate my PG at Bengaluru and hostel at Coimbatore. In total, the round trip covered around 1300 km in 75 hours. Surprisingly, I did not experience any signs of tiredness or the need for frequent breaks during the journey. The growl of the D-4D engine when "stick-shifting" from 1st to 2nd gear is truly music to the ears, and it remains a sound that I continue to admire even today. Fuel Efficiency: Whenever I embark on long journeys, I am always curious to see the fuel economy (full tank to full tank), considering the age of the vehicle. To my surprise, it delivers an average highway mileage of 13.0 kmpl and a city mileage of 10 kmpl. It can be improved by 0.5 kmpl or so if I go smooth on the accelerator. These figures are more than acceptable to me considering a 2.5 L diesel engine of the BS3 era, especially considering the minimal maintenance expenses we have incurred over the years. After all, it is a Japanese R&D that I can trust and rely on. Handling and Braking: The Innova provides good handling and comfort for occupants in the first two rows, particularly on highways and straight roads. However, when encountering hairpin bends, sharp turns, or ghat sections, some occupants in the second and third rows may experience discomfort, although this may not be the case for everyone. Additionally, it is worth noting that the driving style can also have an impact on the overall comfort of passengers. After six years of driving the Innova extensively, I recently encountered a situation where I had to make a "very hard" panic brake. This occurred a few months ago on 80 ft Road, Indiranagar, near the Chinmaya Hospital signal. The traffic light was green for me, and was driving at a normal speed at night, heading towards Old Madras Road. Suddenly, a food delivery person on his motorcycle, disregarding the red signal, made a sudden right turn towards Indiranagar Metro, cutting across my path. I noticed this from a short distance and immediately applied the brakes, resulting in rear tire screech, effectively slowing down and preventing a collision with the unaware rider. This is when I realized the absence of the ABS, which is a significant safety feature that was omitted in this variant. I also felt like wanting to install a dashcam, for my safety at least. Ground Clearance: In general, I don't worry about the ground clearance when driving the Innova, unless the vehicle is fully loaded or has to take an unusually large speed breakers or small-to-medium-sized potholes. In most cases, the ground clearance is more than sufficient to handle regular road conditions. However, there have been instances when the rear axle hit a few particularly high speed breakers when fully loaded, while on airport run. Nonetheless, these occurrences were relatively rare and did not significantly impact the experience. After Sales Service: Toyota and their after sales service: from date of delivery till date, no complaints except for the price difference of parts. Few years back, the Amana Toyota showroom plus service centre was opened at Periya, Kasaragod. This has made the periodic service very convenience. But I had few bad experience with United Toyota, Mangaluru few years back when they could not identify a simple issue with the poor air-conditioning. They had charged a hefty amount for opening the dashboard, refilling the gas and then when the vehicle was about to get delivered the SA said me "please get the vehicle if you feel the same issue persist". This made me feel how a Toyota ASC can staff say this to a customer, and they are known for their expertise. From then, I think twice before visiting any ASC in Karnataka, especially when in Mangaluru / Bengaluru. When Dad was on his way to Mumbai once, he had faced some issue with the braking which was checked at DSK Toyota, Pune. They were quick in identifying the issue, issued a job card and fixed the same day so Dad can continue his journey. Current Situation: Now, looking at the automobile industry progressing slowly towards EVs, Hybrid and CNG, I fear and at the same time feel sad for good old diesel cars like the Fortuner, Endeavour, Figo, Honda City and old Verna including the Innova and Innova Crysta. To add fuel to the fire, the government's latest news of banning diesel vehicles by 2027 scares me even more. So, until then I can enjoy driving Innova but post June 2026, need to plan how to get it re-registered for another 5 years, maybe! Below are few images which I could click today, and let the pictures speak the rest: Hello BHPians!Before starting the ownership review, let me throw some light on what made me fall in love with cars! It all started when Dad had purchased a brand new Maruti Omni back in 1996 when he was doing well in his business. I, being a kiddo, was not aware of how a car functions, what components are responsible for these beautiful machines to carry us from point A to point B. But, I was happy in my comfort zone of getting inside the car any random time of day when it was parked at my house: moving the gear lever, trying to honk and turning the steering wheel left-right! It was when I turned 10, Dad first asked me "son, please wash the car neat and tide from the outside". Since I loved playing with water, I took this task that day. I washed the car's reachable areas while Dad washed the top and windows. I mostly helped him in watering the car after being shampooed. Good ol' days! Someone said, "if you want to start loving a car, then first clean and wash the car!". This is true.Since then, he has changed the cars from Omni, to Maruti Suzuki Swift to Maruti Ritz and then finally the Innova's arrival in May 2011. I being a diesel head, love to drive any ICE car, but Innova has a separate place within me! So, here goes the ownership review:When in seventh grade, I received the news that Dad booked a Toyota Innova (diesel), which was scheduled to be delivered in a few weeks. Back then, I didn't have much technical knowledge about cars, but was aware that the Toyota Qualis was the predecessor of the Innova and that Toyota intended to replace the Qualis with the Innova in the Indian market, which eventually happened in 2005. All these conversations were happening when Dad interacted with his friends who are not much into cars. However, shortly after booking in March 2011, Japan was struck by an earthquake and a devastating Tsunami, resulting in a delay in the delivery of the vehicle. If my memory serves me right, at that time, Innova was imported as CKD and then assembled in India (please correct me if I'm mistaken). I don't recall the exact details of the booking experience as I was not involved, but I do remember being present on the day the car was delivered.Due to the absence of authorized dealers in Kasaragod back then, Dad opted Amana Toyota in Kannur as our dealer. Although it was approximately 110 km away from our home, the Innova embarked on its first long drive from there to our residence. While United Toyota in Mangaluru was closer to us, I believed that the cost in Karnataka was slightly higher than in Kerala and Dad wanted a 'KL' registered vehicle without much hassle of transfer etc. On D-Day morning, Dad and I took a local train from Kasaragod to Kannur. Upon arrival at the showroom, we were offered customer lounge to relax and were served tea and snacks, while Dad attended to some final paperwork. The showroom and the overall experience had a premium feel to it, which was quite impressive. During my time there, I was rapidly moving between the display vehicles that included the Corolla Altis, Fortuner, and the top-variant Innova.Just before the delivery, it started raining cats and dogs. While the car was being washed and accessories were being installed, the sales advisor reminded us about the details of service intervals and other relevant information. After a few minutes of waiting, a Toyota staff brought the car, and that was the first time I laid eyes on the stunning Light Metallic Blue variant. The excitement was palpable for me, but sadly had no driving license, hehe! Finally, after the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection), the vehicle was delivered to us. We took a picture to commemorate the occasion, bid goodbye to everyone present there, and embarked on our journey back home. After approximately two hours, we reached, where the sight of the new addition brought joy to everyone in my home!I do not have precise details about the breakdown of the on-road price, but I was aware that it costed approximately 12 lakhs on-road. Along with the down-payment amount after selling the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, to reduce any financial burdens, Dad had decided to finance the car for a period of four years.The diesel variants of the Innova were highly sought-after and selling like hot cakes, as the dealer informed us about the numerous diesel Innova bookings they had received. However, the delivery of many vehicles, including ours, was significantly delayed due to the disruption in the supply chain and logistics caused by the Tsunami in Japan during that time. The Innova offered, and the current Innova Crysta continues to offer, a wide range of variants to choose from.When it comes to engine, the petrol variant featured a 2.0 L engine with only manual transmission as option. On the other hand, the diesel variant was equipped with the 2.5 Litre Direct Injection and 4 Cylinder Common Rail Engine (D-4D). This diesel engine has proven to be durable and capable of witnessing high mileage with minimal periodic maintenance or service visits. Automatic transmission was not available, but the manual transmission option, which was and still offered, remains the preferred choice for diesel enthusiasts like me.In terms of electronics, our variant did not come with a lot of safety features. It lacked ABS, Brake Assist, Airbags and Traction Control. However, Toyota did offer some basic features such as Central Locking, Power Door Locks, Door Ajar Warning, and Engine Immobilizer. In comparison to modern cars that are packed with hell lot of features, the Innova of that time feels relatively stripped down and barebones. Nowadays, non-enthusiast drivers and owners often forget to utilize the plethora of features available in present-day cars. Nonetheless, Toyota did include two reverse parking sensors in the centre of rear bumper, which was quite useful during the initial years of ownership.In the year 2011, CDs and USB sticks were the prevailing methods of audio entertainment, while Bluetooth connectivity was not as popular as it is today. This variant did not come with a stereo set, rear spoilers, synthetic leather seats, or mud flaps. Consequently, soon after bringing the car home, we took it to a well-known car accessories shop located near to our home and installed the following accessories (not sure what was the price):At the time of writing this review, the car has clocked 219km.The purpose of buying Innova was to support Dad's business travel needs to nearby cities like Mangaluru, Puttur, Kannur, Kozhikode and sometimes long drives to Bengaluru/Coimbatore/Pune/Mumbai for various reasons including family functions, business and get together. In addition, since I used to stay in a residential school 40 km away from home, Innova was the one which used to safely ferry parents to meet me, take me to home for vacations and drop back when school reopens. So, from 2011 till 2014 hostel-home trips were also regular.Initially, the utilization of the car went well without any issues, aligning with its multiple purpose. However, leaving a diesel car unused for extended periods is not good to the rubber components (tires, belts, bushes, etc.). Additionally, rats tend to find enlightenment in the engine bay, making it their new home with their own modifications to the components. Unfortunately, the unplanned arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in limited use of the vehicle, although I used to start it regularly till engine reaches operating temperature. It was during this time that expenses began to accumulate, with rats being the primary cause of concern. Fuelled by frustration, my sole focus during the lockdown was to set rat traps and eliminate them safely. Subsequently, following the post-COVID period, usage declined slightly due to various reasons: I was not having a job as I just graduated in 2020, Dad's business travel needs reduced and the fuel prices also were a little high which took some time for us to accept the reality.Between 2011 and 2018, Dad utilized the Innova well until someone suggested the popularity of the Tata Tiago for city driving and short hops. Consequently, he decided to book a petrol variant of the Tata Tiago, a decision of his that I was not happy about. By 2017, I had got my DL and had begun taking frequent short drives on the Innova to nearby places on behalf of Dad's business. Being impressed with the performance, I recognized that, apart from safety features, the Tiago did not offer the same value for money (I know I am comparing two different segments). However, within three years, the Tiago was sold for reasons Dad never disclosed to me and even I too was waiting for it to be sold, finally! In 2021, he booked a Honda WR-V SV diesel variant. As a result, the Innova went through limited usage except for when I return home during my Bachelor's holidays and take it for a drive or our driver takes it for a trip with his family or Dad's friend takes it for airport pickup/drops.In my opinion, the design of the Innova is simple, and appealing, especially considering the era it was launched. Even to this day, when I come across a well-maintained Innova, it brings a sense of joy within me. However, I believe that Toyota could have improved the design of the front bumper, as it tends to detach easily on small impacts. This part of the Innova I disliked the most, and it is evident with other Innovas on the roads as well.As a significant portion of the Innova's parts were manufactured in Indonesia, there is no compromise when it comes to quality, fit, and finish. The car exemplifies the typical Japanese engineering standards. The tailgate has a substantial feel to it, showcasing a robust build, while the front bonnet is also sturdy enough to withstand impacts. Personally, one of the most satisfying aspects of the Innova is the door thud. The sound engineer deserves kudos for bringing such an engineering into existence!Innova is equipped with 4 full-size tires with steel rims, including the spare tire which is also of the same size: 205/65 R15. However, it is worth noting that the 2.5 'V' variant came with attractive alloy wheels, featuring a sleek and elegantly simple design from the OEM.[b]Steering Wheel and the Cockpit Feel:The Innova features a simple three-spoke steering wheel without any mounted controls. It has a light feedback, and when driving over potholes, there are no noticeable impacts transferred through the steering wheel. The dashboard quality is also good, and even after 12 years, it has retained the glow as if it is brand new. The air conditioning controls are of the old-school type, with turning knobs for adjusting temperature, manual blower levels, and sliders for air circulation.The first two rows of the Innova are equipped with captain seats, leaving no room for regrets or discomfort. The recline angle of the seats adds an added benefit for enhanced comfort, and provide proper neck support. None of my relatives or myself, who have travelled long distances in the car, have had any complaints about the seats or ride comfort being compromised. However, after a few years of use, the captain seats have developed some noise, possibly originating from the seat track. A simple lubrication of the tracks will fix this.The side view mirrors offer excellent visibility of the surroundings on both sides of the vehicle, providing a clear view of what is happening behind. However, it is important to note that there is a significant blind spot created by the A pillars. This blind spot can affect the driver's view of right and the co-passenger's view of left. It is crucial to exercise caution and use additional precautions when navigating through sharp curves. As for the rear view mirror is concerned, it does not come with an auto-dimming feature, but can be manually adjusted to ensure optimal visibility.During the initial years, it was primarily driven by Dad on city and highways. However, once I got my DL, I started taking the Innova out on the roads of hometown, Mangaluru and Bengaluru. I have never encountered any issues while driving: be it parking, manoeuvring, or overall handling. The Innova handles every aspect of the road, including potholes and speed breakers, with ease and grace. However, Dad now prefers the WR-V for his personal use, unless there are 5+ passengers or a need to carry a significant amount of luggage.Whether it was Dad, uncle, myself, or our driver, everyone who has driven expressed their love towards the vehicle's engineering. Dad has made multiple business trips to Coimbatore and back, without any complaints. However, adult passengers seated in the third row have experienced discomfort and even vomiting on some occasions. One contributing factor to this is the driving style. I personally went on a round trip from Kasaragod to Bengaluru, then to Coimbatore, Kozhikode and back to hometown just after the first COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. This trip was done to vacate my PG at Bengaluru and hostel at Coimbatore. In total, the round trip covered around 1300 km in 75 hours. Surprisingly, I did not experience any signs of tiredness or the need for frequent breaks during the journey. The growl of the D-4D engine when "stick-shifting" from 1st to 2nd gear is truly music to the ears, and it remains a sound that I continue to admire even today.Whenever I embark on long journeys, I am always curious to see the fuel economy (full tank to full tank), considering the age of the vehicle. To my surprise, it delivers an average highway mileage of 13.0 kmpl and a city mileage of 10 kmpl. It can be improved by 0.5 kmpl or so if I go smooth on the accelerator. These figures are more than acceptable to me considering a 2.5 L diesel engine of the BS3 era, especially considering the minimal maintenance expenses we have incurred over the years. After all, it is a Japanese R&D that I can trust and rely on.The Innova provides good handling and comfort for occupants in the first two rows, particularly on highways and straight roads. However, when encountering hairpin bends, sharp turns, or ghat sections, some occupants in the second and third rows may experience discomfort, although this may not be the case for everyone. Additionally, it is worth noting that the driving style can also have an impact on the overall comfort of passengers.After six years of driving the Innova extensively, I recently encountered a situation where I had to make a "very hard" panic brake. This occurred a few months ago on 80 ft Road, Indiranagar, near the Chinmaya Hospital signal. The traffic light was green for me, and was driving at a normal speed at night, heading towards Old Madras Road. Suddenly, a food delivery person on his motorcycle, disregarding the red signal, made a sudden right turn towards Indiranagar Metro, cutting across my path. I noticed this from a short distance and immediately applied the brakes, resulting in rear tire screech, effectively slowing down and preventing a collision with the unaware rider. This is when I realized the absence of the ABS, which is a significant safety feature that was omitted in this variant. I also felt like wanting to install a dashcam, for my safety at least.In general, I don't worry about the ground clearance when driving the Innova, unless the vehicle is fully loaded or has to take an unusually large speed breakers or small-to-medium-sized potholes. In most cases, the ground clearance is more than sufficient to handle regular road conditions. However, there have been instances when the rear axle hit a few particularly high speed breakers when fully loaded, while on airport run. Nonetheless, these occurrences were relatively rare and did not significantly impact the experience.Toyota and their after sales service: from date of delivery till date, no complaints except for the price difference of parts. Few years back, the Amana Toyota showroom plus service centre was opened at Periya, Kasaragod. This has made the periodic service very convenience.But I had few bad experience with United Toyota, Mangaluru few years back when they could not identify a simple issue with the poor air-conditioning. They had charged a hefty amount for opening the dashboard, refilling the gas and then when the vehicle was about to get delivered the SA said me "please get the vehicle if you feel the same issue persist". This made me feel how a Toyota ASC can staff say this to a customer, and they are known for their expertise. From then, I think twice before visiting any ASC in Karnataka, especially when in Mangaluru / Bengaluru.When Dad was on his way to Mumbai once, he had faced some issue with the braking which was checked at DSK Toyota, Pune. They were quick in identifying the issue, issued a job card and fixed the same day so Dad can continue his journey.Now, looking at the automobile industry progressing slowly towards EVs, Hybrid and CNG, I fear and at the same time feel sad for good old diesel cars like the Fortuner, Endeavour, Figo, Honda City and old Verna including the Innova and Innova Crysta. To add fuel to the fire, the government's latest news of banning diesel vehicles by 2027 scares me even more. So, until then I can enjoy driving Innova but post June 2026, need to plan how to get it re-registered for another 5 years, maybe!Below are few images which I could click today, and let the pictures speak the rest: Want Dolby Atmos sound without the Dolby Atmos hassle? With its latest tech, Dolby Laboratories is looking to bring its immersive 3D audio format to more living rooms with a setup process that doesnt involve rearranging your decor. Slated to make its debut at IFA 2023 in Berlin next month, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is designed to work with the speakers on a FlexConnect-enabled TV paired with accessory wireless speakers. TCL will be the first TV manufacturer to incorporate Dolby Atmos FlexConnect into its sets, Dolby says. With a TV and its speakers connected to the auxiliary wireless speakers, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect (which we have yet to hear in person) is designed to intelligently optimize the sound, adapting the audio to the room layout and position of the speakers. In addition to its new Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled TVs, TCL will be making its own wireless speakers that work with Dolbys FlexConnect technology, according to Dolby. This news story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best soundbars. The FlexConnect setup process will be simple and fast, Dolby says, employing microphones in the TV to map the position of each wireless speaker and then automatically calibrate the sound. The Dolby Atmos FlexConnect feature will also spread the audio across your speaker setup depending on the location and capabilities of each speaker. Technical details on the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology are sketchy for now. We still dont know which wireless technologyor frequenciesDolby is using to connect TVs and the accessory wireless speakers together, nor do we know much about the speakers themselves. A Dolby rep said that design and performance capabilities of the accessory speakers are made by the manufacturer, and that TCL would reveal more details about its Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speakers at a later date. An illustration provided by Dolby (shown above) depicts a tall cylindrical speaker sitting on a tabletop, with what appears to be audio being emitted from the top. Whether the speaker delivers surround sound as well as height cues remains to be seen (and heard). Dolby says its technology can work using as few as one of the speakers, but can easily expand to more speakers. While the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect technology can work with a flexible number of the accessory speakers, it cant work with your existing home audio speakers, Dolby confirmed. Once a format reserved for movie theaters, Dolby Atmos has become increasingly ubiquitous in the home, with dozens of soundbars now employing Atmos via either upfiring drivers (which bounce height cues off the ceiling) or Atmos virtualizers. Of course, youll get the best Dolby Atmos performance by installing height speakers in your ceiling, but many users (understandably) are reluctant to performand financethat kind of installation. And while Dolby Atmos soundbars offer an easy alternative to installing in-ceiling Atmos speakers, only the most expensive models come with room-calibration features that tailor the audio to your living room. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect could make for the easiestand cheapestway yet to bring Atmos audio to your home, although weve leery of FlexConnects use of (typically tinny) TV speakers to do the job. Well have more detail thoughts about Dolby Atmos FlexConnect once weve heard the technology in action, so stay tuned. Sign up for the Best of TechHive newsletter Why it matters: Linux is the open-source kernel you can literally find everywhere these days, the heart of both popular consumer operating systems and the most complex hyperscale or cloud setups. Every new change to Linux can be a "scary" thing to manage, but the latest release should be a drama-free affair for most users. Linus Torvalds announced on Sunday that the work on Linux 6.5 is now complete. The outspoken Finnish software engineer who brought the Free Open Source kernel to the world said that he did not find any valid excuse to delay the new release, which has been going smoothly because programmers were likely on their summer vacations. Linux 6.5 arrives after seven weeks of testing on seven release candidate (RC) builds, bringing a short yet significant changelog with bugfixes and improved hardware support. The new kernel is better at managing the latest CPU architectures from Intel, with an improved load balancing on processors equipped with both performance and efficiency (low-energy) computing cores. The latest Linux release also improves core management, performance balancing and power consumption on AMD "Zen" CPUs. Boot times on multi-socket servers with two or more CPUs working in parallel should be improved as well. Linux 6.5 brings support for the ACPI power management standard on the RISC-V architecture. Speaking of RISC-V, the FOSS kernel has improved support for Alibaba's Xuantie 910 chip. The Chinese giant wants to adopt its homegrown custom CPU to run and manage AI-based workloads, 5G devices and edge servers, where proper Linux support is an essential requirement. Linux 6.5 also introduces support for MIDI 2.0 in the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) for sound device management, an initial implementation of USB 4.2, Wi-Fi 7, and more. The list of hardware devices officially (and properly) supported by the Linux kernel now includes Lenovo Yoga Book yb1-x90f/l, Nextbook Ares 8A tablets, Dell Studio 1569, Lenovo ThinkPad X131e (3371 AMD version), and Apple iMac11,3 laptops. And there's room for temperature and humidity sensors (AHT20) as well. Now that Linux 6.5 is done and companies can start compiling the kernel for their distros, Torvalds isn't wasting any time by announcing that a new "merge window" for the new version (6.6) is already open. He already has around 20 new patches pending and "ready to go," but he is also asking kernel developers to give the latest official release one last round of testing before diving into the next "merge frenzy" with new features and bugfixes. Four Ukrainian soldiers were killed in Sumy region near the border with Russia. It happened on 25 August, when an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group tried to infiltrate the territory of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT The heroes served in the 101st Separate Territorial Defence Brigade. According to information from open sources, they gave their lives for their country: - Oleksandr Marchuk, senior rifleman; - Ihor Kasyanchyk, assistant grenade launcher; - Oleksandr Matviychuk, a grenade launcher; - Mykola Brovchuk, squad leader. Marchuk, Kasyanchyk and Matviychuk were from the Varash district of Rivne region. The mayor of Varash, Oleksandr Menzul, posted on his Facebook page that the tragedy occurred between the villages of Khodyno and Myshutyno (Hlukhiv district, Sumy region). Servicemen of the 101st separate territorial defence brigade came under mortar fire during a battle with a sabotage and reconnaissance group of Russian occupation forces, the official said. ADVERTISIMENT Oleksandr Marchuk, a 32-year-old senior soldier, was born in Varash, Rivne region. He is a computer operator by profession. He joined the army in 2015-2016 and took part in the ATO as part of the 54th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa. In 2018, he served for six months as an assistant grenade launcher in the 14th separate mechanised brigade named after Prince Roman the Great. On 27 February, 2022, he was mobilised to defend Ukraine, first as a machine gunner in the 104th separate brigade of the Territorial Defence. He fought in Bakhmut. In the 101st separate brigade of territorial defence he served as a senior shooter-operator in the rifle company. ADVERTISIMENT Soldier Ihor Kasyanchyk was 29 years old and also from the town of Varash. He was an electrical engineer by profession. The man had recently got married. He joined the service from the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, at his own request. Initially, he was a rifleman with the 104th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade, and in June 2023 he was transferred to the 101st Separate Territorial Defence Brigade as a grenade launcher in the rifle company. Ihor is survived by his young wife and parents. ADVERTISIMENT 25-year-old senior soldier Oleksandr Matviychuk was born in Zabolottya, Rivne region. He graduated as an electrician. From 2018 to 2021, he served as a senior firefighter at an artillery ammunition base. During 2019-2020, he participated in the ATO/JFO. On 26 February 2022, he was mobilised to defend Ukraine and enlisted in the 104th separate brigade of the logistics company. He served in the 101st Separate Territorial Defence Brigade as a grenade launcher. His father serves in the same brigade, and his brother serves in the military unit 3045. Brovchuk Mykola Stepanovych, the commander of the rifle division of the military unit A7081, was a native of Zakarpattia. He was born on 14.07.1976 in the village of Chorna Tysa, and lived in the village of Kvasy, Yasinya territorial community. This was reported by local authorities on Facebook. ADVERTISIMENT It is known that the Ukrainian had the rank of sergeant. "The hero laid down his life for Ukraine, for its peaceful and independent future," the community said. As OBOZREVATEL wrote: - Earlier, it became known about the death of National Guard soldier Igor Voevodin, who died in the battles for Ukraine just a month after his wedding. - Yevhen Mitin, a 21-year-old soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Kherson region, died the death of the brave. He joined the Defence Forces after completing his military service. He was the only son of his parents. - Also killed at the front was 21-year-old National Guard soldier Mykola Fedyk from the town of Tysmenytsia in Prykarpattia. He was a junior sergeant and a squad leader. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! What just happened? Terry Gou, the founder of electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn, has announced his intention to run in Taiwan's presidential election. Gou said China would not be able to pressure him by going after Foxconn's assets as doing so would harm the country's reputation, scare investors, and damage the interests of major global pension funds. Beijing has long claimed self-ruled Taiwan to be part of its territory, something that has caused plenty of tension between China and both the island and the US. Taiwan-based Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is China's largest private employer. When asked how Gou would react if China went after the company in response to him becoming Taiwan's president, he said, "I will not be threatened." He noted that such an action would hurt major global pension funds. "If the Chinese Communist Party dares to do this, which country, which investment fund, which company would dare to invest in China?" Gou said, adding that he has no personal assets in China and doesn't take instructions from Beijing. Foxconn said in a statement after Gou's remarks that it has over 800,000 shareholders and is jointly owned by investors at home and abroad. The billionaire also namedropped some of Foxconn's biggest customers, including Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, and Amazon, warning that any sort of political pressure that stops production would have a massive impact on global supply chains. "How would the Chinese Communist Party explain to major global brands?" he asked. "Besides, its economy is terrible now." Many decades after founding Foxconn in 1974, Gou stepped down as chairman in 2019 to run for Taiwan's presidency. He dropped out after failing to win nominations from the country's main opposition party, the Kuomintang KMT, which favors closer ties with China. A second bid to become the KMT candidate failed this year, leading to speculation that he would run as an independent. Gou says he can improve the relationship between Taiwan and Beijing, delivering "50 years" of peace. Taiwan's elections are set to take place in January. It's not just Foxconn that could be in danger if China decides to invade Taiwan. There's also the question of what would happen to TSMC, which manufactures half the world's semiconductors. There had been claims that the company's facilities would be purposely destroyed in such an event to keep them out of China's hands. The island's security chief said such a move is unnecessary as TSMC's reliance on overseas companies and supplies for its operations means the facilities would be useless if China took over Taiwan. The big picture: Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology designed to render sounds as 3D objects in space. Now, Dolby Laboratories is expanding the Atmos brand further with a new feature aimed at seamlessly enhancing the audio experience for customers. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is Dolby's new solution for delivering an immersive audio experience without requiring a degree in sound engineering to configure a surround setup correctly. The technology will be introduced at the upcoming IFA Berlin showcase, but it will unfortunately involve a significant initial investment to purchase a new, compatible TV set. Dolby explains that Atmos FlexConnect will seamlessly pair a TV's embedded sound system with accessory wireless speakers within a room. The TV's built-in microphone will be utilized to locate the position of each speaker in the room, and Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will determine the optimal sound configuration to provide a true surround sound experience. There's no need to move furniture or precisely position speakers to achieve the desired immersive sound. With Atmos FlexConnect, Dolby claims that no room will be too small or too large for proper surround calibration. The tech is designed to work with any speaker placement, ensuring no compromise in audio quality. After determining the optimal sound configuration, FlexConnect will intelligently distribute audio from the TV speakers to each wireless speaker in the room, dynamically optimizing the sound signal based on the capabilities and location of all available speakers. Dolby states that the technology will adjust the sound image to ensure listeners experience the best surround performance, regardless of their location. Similar to other Dolby products, Atmos FlexConnect will be licensed to third-party companies and TV manufacturers in the coming months and years. TCL, one of the world's largest consumer electronics manufacturers, will be the first company to incorporate this technology into its upcoming TV lineup for 2024. TCL will also introduce a new line of wireless speakers designed to complement new TVs equipped with the feature. Dolby has not provided any information regarding a potential upgrade path for consumers who have recently purchased an expensive UltraHD Smart TV with "traditional" surround features. It's unlikely to do so, meaning the ability to experience full surround freedom will come at a cost for early adopters and immersive audio enthusiasts. Rumor mill: Lenovo's full spec sheet for their new handheld gaming PC, including release date and price, has finally emerged after a month of leaks. Under the hood, it looks similar to the Asus ROG Ally and the latest GPD Win. However, Lenovo offers a more ambitious visual experience with more pixels and optional AR glasses. A source has given Windows Report a PR sheet containing all the critical details of Lenovo's upcoming Legion Go handheld gaming PC. If the materials are genuine, then the company will unveil it this Friday at the start of the IFA 2023 trade show in Berlin and ship the device in October for $799. Predictably, the Legion Go features AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme the same chip powering the Asus ROG Ally and the 2023 model of the GPD Win 4. With a 3.3 GHz base clock, a 5.1 GHz boost clock, eight cores, and 12 RDNA 3 CUs, the APU is a variant of the Ryzen 7 7840U with wattage and voltage specifically tweaked for gaming. One of Legion Go's most significant advantages over Asus and GPD is its 8.8" 2560 x 1600 pixel QHD IPS screen with VRR and a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. That's quite a leap over the leading competing system, the ROG Ally, with its 1080p screen and 120Hz VRR. Still, some might question the value of higher resolutions on tiny 8-inch screens. Plus, Giving the same processor a higher burden of pixels can cause lower frame rates and battery life, especially when Lenovo's two-cell 49.2 WHr battery is only marginally better than the other handhelds. Since these devices are PCs, users don't have to play every title at 1600p or 1080p, which reveals an advantage in Lenovo's choice of resolution. Setting a game to 720p or 800p enables an even 2x integer scale (the former leaving black bars on the top and bottom of the screen), which should look good enough on a portable display while improving performance and conserving power. Another notable difference with the Legion Go is its 7,500 Mhz LPDDR5X RAM, which should be markedly faster than the LPDDR5 memory in the GPD Win 4, ROG Ally, and Steam Deck. Internal storage space goes up to 1TB roomier than the highest capacities offered by Valve and Asus but far short of GPD's 4TB maximum. Lenovo also revealed a $499 pair of Micro OLED AR glasses that simulate a virtual 1080p 60Hz screen and receive a signal from any USB-C device. The Legion Go features two USB-C USB ports with USB 4.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Power Delivery 3.0. The features lie under Lenovo's most striking choice its previously leaked Nintendo Switch-like form factor with a detachable split controller. The separated screen or AR glasses could likely become a decent portable panel for streaming 1080p media, with the controller as a remote. Like the other portable devices competing with Valve, the Lenovo Legion Go comes with Windows 11, and the company will include three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, modders recently released a customizable cloned version of the Steam Deck's Linux-based OS that can run on other PCs, including handhelds. Author Tom Kemp believes that once a technological genie is out of the bottle, it cannot be put back. Thus, he noted that making rules to manage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) is smarter. In his new book "Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy," Kemp talked about how these regulations might look and what they mean for people. (Photo : OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images) This illustration photograph taken in Helsinki on June 12, 2023, shows an AI (Artificial Intelligence) logo blended with four fake Twitter accounts bearing profile pictures apparently generated by Artificial Intelligence software. From an Analyst's Perspective The Silicon Valley-based author, entrepreneur, investor, and policy advisor asserted that once the genie of technology has been let loose, there's no reversing that course. Hence, he noted that the prudent approach is to focus on establishing regulatory frameworks, Engadget reported. In his recently published work, Kemp delved into the potential shape of these regulations and their implications for the general public. It also unveiled Kemp's insights on the possible nature of these regulations and their significance in terms of consumer protection. Emergence of AI The rapidly growing AI sector has swiftly moved beyond the initial "move fast" phase of its evolution and plunged headfirst into the realm of causing disruptions - even within society itself. Since the introduction of ChatGPT last November, generative AI technologies have surged in popularity across the digital landscape. Their applications span a wide spectrum, including tasks like automated programming, industrial utilization, game development, and immersive virtual experiences. Unfortunately, this technology has also been swiftly embraced for malicious intentions, such as facilitating extensive spam email campaigns and fabricating convincing deepfake content. Read Also: Rules for AI? US Wants Your Suggestions on Creating Regulations for AI Models Including ChatGPT and MORE Regulating AI Engadget reported that people must tap into the advantages of AI while confining the potential harm it might bring to people within a figurative Pandora's box. Dr. Timnit Gebru, who established the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DAIR), shared her thoughts on tackling AI bias with the New York Times. She suggested that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach: establishing principles, standards, and regulatory bodies and involving people in decision-making, similar to the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In her view, solving the problem is more complex than just diversifying datasets, as it demands broader systemic measures. This technology could be used in the political sphere to wrongly attribute statements or actions to a rival, leading to voter deception. The Federal Election Commission is currently focusing on the potential control of political ads that use AI to alter the appearance of rival candidates. This issue has gained significance in light of the upcoming 2024 US presidential election. The heightened utilization of generative AI has contributed to a rise in the production of highly realistic fake images. Consequently, there has been a surge in deepfakes and manipulated content that strikingly resembles real individuals. Related Article: FEC Evaluates Regulation of AI-Powered Political Ads Amid Deepfake Concerns 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A recent report has focused on a Canadian patient whose life was saved by the famous Da Vinci surgical robot. This story emphasized the importance of robotic assistance in such cases, proving that robots are now becoming more present in surgeries to help save lives. (Photo : LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images) Surgeons, doctors and nurses perform a four hours heart surgery on a ten-month-old child using a miniature specialised probe at the CHU (University Hospital Center) of Toulouse, southwestern France on November 22, 2022. Da Vinci Surgical Robot Saves a Patient on Tumor Operation Robots are becoming an increasingly common sight within surgical environments, playing a pivotal role in preserving human lives. According to Interesting Engineering, the Canadian patient found his lifeline through the renowned Da Vinci surgical robot. This innovative technology, which resembles a giant spider with four arms, has successfully operated on the patient's tumor, a procedure no human doctor was willing to do. Glenn Deir recounted how his inoperable tumor almost cost him his life, but the robot saved him. His story underscored the significance of this robotic assistance, serving as a testament to the life-saving potential of these mechanical systems. The Da Vinci surgical robot not only tackled a medical challenge deemed insurmountable by human physicians but also became the savior that rescued Deir from the brink. Deir recounted his medical history and said, "Sixteen years ago, I contracted cancer in the left tonsil thanks to the human papillomavirus. That's the same virus that causes cervical cancer. Most folks shed the HPV virus with no harm done, but I had crappy luck. The subsequent radiation had me retching into a toilet for weeks. I turned into an advocate for the HPV vaccine." With no medical professional willing to undertake the operation, Deir's already dire circumstances took a further downward plunge. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when one of his physicians recommended exploring the expertise of a practitioner skilled in utilizing the Da Vinci robotic system. Read Also: Lexington Medical Center's Robot Assists Surgeons? | Interesting Facts About Robotic Surgery Life-Saving Moment Despite the geographical separation, the opportunity was deemed valuable enough for Deir to bear the burdens of travel and expenses. Given the intricate and delicate nature of the necessary surgery involving the tonsil, tongue, and throat, Dr. Boyd Lee extended an offer. He recommended connecting Deir with a surgeon based in Halifax, who had expertise in harnessing the capabilities of the Da Vinci robot. Unlike the absence of this advanced technology in Newfoundland and Labrador, Halifax boasted a unit of the Da Vinci, albeit at a substantial cost exceeding $8 million. Deir stated via CBC that he saw this option as a lifeline and a chance for a life-saving intervention. Running out of options, he eventually consented to the robotic procedure. Despite the assistance of the Da Vinci system, the operation proved to be a tremendously complex undertaking. The operation extended beyond 2 hours, defying the expectations initially set by Dr. Martin Corsten. The effects of prior radiation treatment had left the tonsil notably rigid, posing unexpected challenges during its extraction. Upon regaining consciousness post-surgery, Deir was confronted with the presence of a nasogastric feeding tube and a lengthy incision tracing his neck's entirety. This aftermath rendered a physical semblance resembling a fusion between the Elephant Man and Frankenstein. However, Deir's surgery was reportedly successful, and he is now beginning to recover and learning to swallow and speak again. Similarly, the research from scientists at University College London and the University of Sheffield reveals that robotic surgery offers enhanced safety and quicker patient recovery. The robotic systems empower surgeons to execute intricate procedures with heightened flexibility, precision, and command. Related Article: New Research Shows Robotic Surgery Is A Lot Safer 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Xpeng, an emerging player in the Chinese electric vehicle market, is set to acquire Didi's smart EV assets for a substantial sum of $744 million. This move adds to the series of notable collaborations that Xpeng, a formidable contender to Tesla, has initiated recently. (Photo : HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) People visit the Xpeng booth during the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai on April 19, 2023. Xpeng & Didi's Acquisition Deal In a recent announcement, Didi disclosed that the two companies are entering into a strategic partnership aimed at fostering the worldwide adoption of smart electric vehicles and related technologies. The distinct feature of this collaboration is the transformation of Didi's assets into a fresh sub-brand named "Mona," nestled within the Xpeng framework. The anticipated launch of "Mona" is slated for 2024. Beyond this, the partnership encompasses various domains such as marketing, financial insurance services, EV charging infrastructure, and expansion into international markets. Interestingly, this news comes on the heels of Xpeng securing a substantial $700 million investment from Volkswagen. This investment deal is poised to yield the creation of two new Volkswagen-branded models under the Xpeng umbrella. Xpeng, Didi's Goals Despite significant investments in research and development, Xpeng's electric vehicle adoption has remained relatively modest, constituting merely 2.1% of China's new energy vehicle market, inclusive of hybrids, throughout 2022. Joining forces with Didi offers the potential to tap into the extensive user base Didi commands in China, amounting to hundreds of millions. TechCrunch reported that Didi had around 587 million active users in the year leading up to Q1 2023. Envision a situation where these users see Xpeng's Mona model as a popular choice when they're booking rides on Didi's platform. It's worth noting that Didi's influence goes beyond China - it expanded to Latin America by acquiring the Brazilian rideshare company 99 in 2018. As stated in its submission to Hong Kong's securities authority, Xpeng has recognized that the collaboration will amplify the company's brand visibility and audience reach through the seller's platform. This expanded reach is expected to yield an upsurge in business inquiries and pave the way for fresh business prospects for Xpeng in untapped global markets. Much like Uber, Didi has established collaborations with prominent auto manufacturers over time. For instance, it joined forces with Volvo, a partnership focused on furnishing autonomous driving technology to support robotaxi fleets manufactured by Volvo. By divesting its smart car venture, Didi has relinquished a portion of its ambition in the realm of car manufacturing. Also Read: Tesla's Ex-Employees Were Responsible for May Data Breach, Sharing Confidential Information of Company Tesla's Chinese Efforts In comparison with these companies, Tesla is bolstering its commitments to China through increased investments. The company's latest move involves the announcement of a new battery factory to be established in Shanghai, with construction set to commence within this year. The plant's completion before the latter half of 2024 is anticipated, with a projected annual production capacity of 10,000 Megapacks. Related Article: Tesla Announces Plan to Construct New Shanghai Factory for Megapack Batteries 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A federal court dismissed the Republican National Committee (RNC) case against Google, alleging political prejudice in Gmail spam filters. According to the lawsuit, Google purposefully flagged multiple RNC emails as spam, causing alleged donation losses. The RNC's allegations cited research that claimed Gmail was more likely than other mail systems to classify Republican communications as spam, according to Engadget. The RNC requested compensation for the donations it said were lost due to these activities. The research's conclusions were later challenged for being arbitrarily picked to back up the RNC's viewpoint. Despite stating that the case was "close," US District Court Judge Daniel Calabretta concluded that the RNC had not provided enough convincing proof of Google's spam filtering being used in bad faith. Google disagreed, saying that user complaints probably had a part in emails being marked as spam. They also mentioned RNC domain authentication issues and frequent mailouts as probable filtering factors. RNC Lacked Evidence Against Google The court argued that Google's designation of the Republican emails as spam was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and that they might be categorized as "objectionable" content under the term in the CAN-SPAM Act, The Verge reported. The court judge found that Google's move was legal, even though he gave the RNC a limited chance to modify the case to show a "lack of good faith" on Google's behalf. Google launched a test program that allows candidate emails to go through spam filters in response to complaints, and federal authorities approved it. The RNC persisted in suing Google, alleging it was "discriminating" against email communications with certain political viewpoints. While still fighting the complaint in court, Google ended the experimental program. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said that the RNC intends to resubmit an updated lawsuit and that the matter has yet to be dismissed. Read Also: 7 Ways to Improve Your iPhone Battery's Lifespan: Essential Tips from Apple Google Welcomes Court Decision Meanwhile, Jose Castaneda, a spokesman for Google, applauded the court's decision that the claims against Gmail over its purported political bias were unfounded. Castaneda mentioned Google's dedication to spam-filtering technologies. "We will continue investing in spam-filtering technologies that protect people from unwanted emails while still allowing senders to reach the inboxes of users who want their messages," he said, as quoted by The Washington Post. Separately, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) dismissed a specific complaint brought by Republican campaign organizations against Google earlier this year, adding even another dimension to the continuing investigation into the internet giants' possible political bias. Related Article: From Paypal To Twilio, Gautam Madaan Is A Trailblazer In Software Engineering With Contributions To Nearly A Dozen Patents 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. According to reports, Google and Garmin are working together to provide two-way emergency satellite communications to Android 14. This action comes after Apple successfully launched emergency satellite messaging, which has captured consumers all over the world. Although these developments are not yet confirmed, the potential implications of such a collaboration are intriguing, as they could potentially revolutionize communication and emergency services for Android users. (Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Google Home devices for connected smart homes are demonstrated syncing with an Android phone at Alphabets Google Android plaza booth during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2023. Apple's Pioneering In the IT community, two-way emergency satellite communications from Apple have drawn notice. A new angle on the subject is provided by Google's prospective incorporation of satellite messaging into Android handsets. The code snippets make mentions of "Garmin" and "messaging by satellite," although neither Google nor Garmin have released remarks. The focus is on whether or not this hypothetical feature materializes as the IT community waits for Android 14 to be unveiled later this year. When iPhone models are activated, Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite, which is offered for free for two years, exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can coexist. However, due to Apple's pricing policy, cost is still a concern, leading Google to think about integrating satellite messaging with Android smartphones. Read Also: Majority of Teens Consider Android Phones an Outdated Technology Just For Old People Garmin's Satellite Messaging Products Iridium's 66 satellites are used by Garmin, a prominent provider of satellite messaging equipment, with products including the InReach Messenger and InReach Mini 2. These gadgets offer an emergency communication backup line, but incorporating this technology into cell phones is a challenging undertaking. There are currently few smartphones with satellite capabilities, while certain models, like the Cat S75, have antennas built right in. Cost-effectiveness becomes a critical factor when more popular producers like Samsung and Motorola enter the market and as demand for such revolutionary features rises. Possible Rates A satellite service that might be affordable for the typical customer is Garmin's inReach satellite subscription, which starts at $14.95 per month. Google could cover the accompanying costs and provide satellite texting as a free feature for premium Android customers. The expanded use of satellite messaging has important ramifications since it might act as a lifeline in emergency circumstances, potentially saving lives and assisting in disaster management. As technology matures and permeates more devices, the collective safety net grows stronger. Related Article: Android Brand Vivo to Feature a Rival to Apple's Cinematic Mode - Here's What You Need to Know 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Germany has approached Greece with a proposal to transfer 100 Greek Leopard 1A5 tanks, which are currently in service, to Ukraine. The transfer of tanks can take place under a trilateral agreement, according to which Greece will receive upgraded armoured vehicles. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Greek publication Flight. According to the publication, in exchange for outdated Leopard 1A5s, Greece can receive upgraded tanks from Italian stocks on a one-for-one basis. Germany will bear the cost of a complete overhaul of these Leopards. The Greek government will decide whether the repair will take place at Greek enterprises or elsewhere. In addition, these Leopard 1A5s will be fitted with modern thermal imagers, which are also used on Leopard 2. The tanks will also receive additional armour. The only requirement from Germany is the transfer of serviceable tanks, as the Greek Leopard 1A5s have not been upgraded in more than three decades. The exchange of tanks can take place on the basis of a trilateral agreement, thanks to which Ukraine received Greek IFV-1s and Greece received German Marder 1s. ADVERTISIMENT The Leopard 1A5 is the youngest modification of the Leopard 1. This tank was delivered to the German army in 1987, which means that the T-64BV is three years older than it. A total of 1,300 units of these tanks were in service with the Bundeswehr until 1992, while the Leopard 1A5 is still in use by the armies of Greece, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Turkey. Throughout its service life, the tank has taken part in a number of peacekeeping missions and military operations around the world, such as in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo. However, the fifth modification of the Leopard 1 has already distanced it quite a bit from the first version, in which the armour was the weakest point. The Leopard 1A5 was reinforced with a set of measures, as polycarbonate panels were provided, and additional modular armour could also be used. ADVERTISIMENT The Leopard 1A5 incorporated modern solutions that it "borrowed" from the systems of other Leopards. This includes the EMES 18 computerised fire control system with a Zeiss thermal imaging system, a weapon stabiliser, a laser rangefinder and the development of improved ammunition. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Greece will join the countries participating in the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16. Greece also joined the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine and officially supported Ukraine's membership in NATO. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Ukrainian guerrillas reported that they are actively "working" in Luhansk, temporarily occupied by Russia. They claim to have liquidated military patrols of the Russian occupiers in the city. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced on the official Telegram channel of theAtesh movement on Sunday, August 27. Representatives of the underground noted that their agents were conducting reconnaissance in the locality temporarily captured by the enemy. "We also managed to eliminate military patrols that operate in Lugansk. Some of the military Russians have not found", - stated in the message. The guerrillas noted that representatives of the terrorist group "LPR" from various units of the occupation forces in the Luhansk region are cooperating and defecting to the side of Ukraine. In addition, the local population is also helping the guerrillas and joining the Resistance Forces. ADVERTISIMENT Atesh also claims that Luhansk residents living in the temporarily occupied territory "have realized their mistakes and do not want to be involved in the "Russian world." They published photos and videos, which, apparently, were filmed and transmitted to the guerrillas by local residents. Each of them shows military equipment of the Russian occupation troops. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL reported, partisans conducted a successful operation in Mariupol temporarily occupied by Russia. As a result, three military trucks of the enemy were destroyed and damaged the location of the military engineering unit of the Russians. The Week of God the Tweeter: From the 37.5-Hour Workday to the Elections in Argentina "Got rid of attempts of foreign interference": a historian on the process of creating the Republic of Turkey The best burger in Europe is eaten between glazed saloons, has Korean sauce and is made in Valencia Two dead and two seriously injured in a shooting in the Gard We test the Dyson Gen5 Detect: it vacuums up to what you can't see "Everything Happens Without Our Participation": Russian Scientists Come Closer to Unraveling the Processes of the Origin of Life on Earth The family restaurant that wants to make birria fashionable in Madrid, that Mexican stew that is eaten in a taco and dipped in the broth The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that several eye drops can cause eye infections KyoAni Trial: Impact of Defendant's Delusions on the Case Two Doctors Have Different Views How harmful is it to throw a coin at an airplane? 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He breaks the silence Taiwan's name statistics are released, and the overlapping name "Tingting" has the most Olympic champion Chen Ruolin was announced to take up her new position, and the General Administration of Sports plans to deploy her to Beijing to work A 29-year-old player dies after his neck was cut by an ice blade How dangerous ice events are Alonso's dismal run reminiscent of his worst years at McLaren: "I have no brakes, no tyres and we are out of the points" Caster Semenya has given up her sporting career wants to win her victories in the courts "The skating rink was handed over to the morgue during the pandemic": Leonova on working in the United States, performing in the theater on roller skates and coaching dreams Luis Rubiales, banned for three years by FIFA after his kiss to Jenni Hermoso Pascal Praud and you - OM-OL: "The fault lies with those 50 idiots who attacked the bus," explains Rudy Manna, spokesperson for Alliance Police COMAC's first batch of two ARJ2 passenger-to-freighter aircraft was delivered and will soon be put into air cargo In the first three quarters, the operating income of China's cultural enterprises above designated size exceeded 9 trillion yuan COMAC's first batch of 2 ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter aircraft will be delivered to users and will soon be put into air cargo Unicaja increases its profit by 5%, to 285 million, due to the increase in revenues Telefonica rises in the stock market due to a possible entry of the Government into the shareholding Economic downturn: It's not just inflation and higher interest rates that weigh on the German economy The Federal Customs Service called for more active use of barter transactions in Russia's foreign trade National Energy Administration: China's new renewable energy capacity increased by 93% year-on-year in the first three quarters The Ministry of Finance is not yet discussing an increase in the down payment on preferential drip The moment of the event: the world reads China in the gathering The Jewish community accuses Diaz and Belarra of "anti-Semitism" and criticizes the government's "lack of unity" in the war between Israel and Hamas Big emotions and slamming doors this is where the pupils' ideas become theatre about feeling bad The Armed Forces of Ukraine lost up to 220 soldiers and a Leopard tank in the Zaporozhye direction during the day In Yekaterinburg, a student received a chemical burn on a bus and ended up in the hospital David Hirst: Hamas is rooted in Palestinian society and cannot be disposed of The internet information department is to investigate and deal with cases of "Quark" and "NetEase CC" violating the online ecology in accordance with law Netanyahu. How did it become a source of Israeli discord during the Gaza war? Marjam Samadzade: State Secretary in Schleswig-Holstein has to leave early because of mail critical of Israel Altitude record for mammals: mice lived at an altitude of more than 6000 meters in the Andes What is the curse of the "eighth decade" that Ehud Barak feared and Abu Obeida waved? The best burger in Europe is eaten between glazed saloons, has Korean sauce and is made in Valencia ICC prosecutor: The people of Gaza deserve justice and what is happening cannot be tolerated The whole of Uppsala without district heating the heating plant without electricity In Moldova, they announced the blocking of more than 30 sites, including Russian ones Matthew Perry's Estate: His Parents and Five Siblings, the Possible Heirs to His Million-Dollar Fortune Communities 2019 - Privacy The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. On Monday, 28 August, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a regular meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. The main topics for discussion were the situation at the frontline, as well as important issues related to ensuring the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, preparations for the upcoming winter period, and the results of inspections of military medical commissions. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram. A report on the inspection of military medical commissions will be submitted to the next meeting of the National Security and Defence Council. "Today, we are paying maximum attention to offensive actions and providing the frontline with weapons and everything necessary. Reports from the Chief of Staff Zaluzhnyi, Commanders Syrskyi and Tarnavskyi. Implementation of the plan to protect critical energy infrastructure. Preparing for the winter. Development of a programme for the transition to advanced aircraft types," he wrote. According to the Head of State, a report on the inspections of military medical commissions is planned to be presented at the upcoming meeting of the National Security and Defence Council. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the United States can provide Ukraine with "security guarantees" similar to those provided by Israel. And they will operate regardless of the change of president in the United States. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! 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 }} Joe The Plumber, the man who confronted then-candidate Barack Obama during the campaign in 2008, has died at the age of 49. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher became an important part of Republican candidate John McCains campaign after the confrontation with Mr Obama attracted national media attention. His wife Katie Wurzelbacher told Fox News Digital in an email on Monday that Mr Wurzelbacher had passed away on Sunday. In July, Mr Wurzelbacher announced that he had pancreatic cancer. Our hearts are broken. We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made an impact on so many lives, Ms Wurzelbacher wrote to Fox. When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as Joe the Plumber but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: just Joe, she added. He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question. My heart goes out to everyone whose lives are impacted by cancer. There are so many ups and downs but we tried to find joy in every day. He fought long and hard, but is now free from pain, she wrote. I dont think of him as losing his battle. Because he knew Jesus, his battle was won. John McCain, the Republican candidate for president, introduces Wurzelbacher at a campaign rally in October 2008 (Getty Images) Joes last wish was to get us back by my family. The first night here, he gave me a big smile and said we made it, she added. To everyone who has and continues to support us, and there are so many, Thank You! You helped bring Joe peace and for that I will always be grateful. Mr Wurzelbacher garnered national attention after he questioned Mr Obama on 12 October 2008 during a campaign stop in Toledo, Ohio. He accused Mr Obama of having a tax plan that went against the ideals of the American dream. Mr Obama argued that his plan would allow small businesses to achieve quicker growth. Mr McCain, the late Arizona senator who died of brain cancer in 2018, mentioned Joe The Plumber on the trail and later had him join him for events. Wurzelbacher with Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin at Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio (Getty Images) Mr Wurzelbacher was mentioned more than a dozen times during the debate between Mr Obama and Mr McCain on 15 October 2008, according to Fox. Mr Wurzelbacher later unsuccessfully challenged Democrat Marcy Kaptur for the ninth congressional district in Ohio in 2012. 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 }} Support for former president Donald Trump among Republican primary voters dipped slightly after the ex-president skipped out on the first debate among GOP presidential hopefuls last week, according to a new poll from Emerson College. The survey, which was conducted from 25 to 26 August, found just 50 per cent of GOP primary voters expressing an intention to vote for Mr Trump. Thats a six-point drop from a similar Emerson survey conducted before last weeks Milwaukee, Wisconsin debate. But multiple candidates who participated in the face-off saw gains in the same survey compared with the drop in support for Mr Trump. Ex-Trump administration UN Ambassador Nikki Haley saw a five-point boost in her polling, from 2 per cent to 5 per cent post-debate. Mike Pence, Mr Trumps former vice president, saw a four-point jump in post-debate support to seven per cent, from three per cent in the pre-debate survey. And Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a two-point bump in his polling, with 12 per cent of respondents saying theyd vote for him. While 27 per cent of voters felt biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the debate, his support in the poll dropped from 10 per cent to nine per cent in the post-debate poll. The survey results show Mr Trump may not have been wise to skip the debate, which he chose to do on account of his polling lead over his primary rivals. While Trump saw a slight dip in support, the question from this poll is whether this is a blip for Trump or if the other Republican candidates will be able to rally enough support to be competitive for the caucus and primary season, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a statement. Thousands gather in U.S. capital to mark 60th anniversary of March on Washington Xinhua) 09:09, August 28, 2023 WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Americans gathered Saturday on the National Mall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a monumental event in the U.S. civil rights movement most remembered because of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. The crowd of different racial and faith groups convened at the Lincoln Memorial, the very backdrop against which King gave his galvanizing speech on Aug. 28, 1963 to as many as 250,000 people who arrived from across the nation, calling for an end to racial discrimination and various kinds of social injustice. People gather during an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The day-long rally saw King's descendants as well as leaders of civil and human rights groups give speeches reminding Americans that 60 years on, King's ideals were far from a complete realization. Even worse, what he had achieved is being jeopardized. Dr. King's 15-year-old granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, in her address to the crowd said if she had a chance to say something to her grandpa today, she would say, "I am sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work, and ultimately realizing your hidden dream." "Sixty years ago, Dr. King urged us to struggle against the triple evils of racism, poverty and bigotry," she said. "Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now gun violence has come for our places of worship, our schools and our shopping centers." People gather during an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The young lady's remarks pointed exactly to the deep-rooted problems which, despite never-ending cries to remedy them, still roil the U.S. society on a day-to-day basis. From the brutal kneeling to death of black man George Floyd by white police in bright daylight three years ago to the numerous racially motivated shootings, among which a white man fatally shot three black people in Florida just happened on the same day when the commemoration was held, people of ethnic minority still face the daunting reality that even their right to live, let alone other rights, is being disregarded or even deprived of just because of the color of their skin. "I'm very concerned about the direction our country is going in," Martin Luther King III, King's son said. "Instead of moving forward, it feels as if we are moving backward." People gather during an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the United States, Aug. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) As speakers ranging from civil rights leaders to surviving participants in March on Washington stepped up to the microphone one after another, signs could be seen being held by the gathering crowd. They read "Stop Police Brutality,""Black Lives Matter," "I'm Chinese American, Not a Virus," among others. When the speeches drew to an end, the crowd marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the embankment of Tidal Basin. King's family and civil rights leader Al Sharpton were seen in the lead, holding a banner on which the slogan read: "Continuing the Dream." That's what the organizers intended for the event to serve -- not as a mere commemoration of what happened on the similarly sweltering summer day in 1963, but as a reiteration of what King had sacrificed his 39 years of life for. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has announced that 33 government entities in Dubai have proposed 79 project ideas in the third cycle of the Dubai 10X initiative. Launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai 10X, which is overseen by DFF, aims to develop government services and drive a shift in mentality among public sector employees. The initiative is in line with Dubais efforts to become the worlds most future-ready city. Dubai 10X aims to encourage collaboration and promote experience exchanges, and some of the latest projects were the result of collaboration between up to 11 entities. Dubai Municipality participated in 16 projects, more than any other entity. Over 25 workshops More than 25 workshops were organised as part of the third cycle of Dubai 10X. The sessions hosted teams from across government who discussed and developed ideas and projects based on the need to prepare for future trends, challenges and opportunities. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said: The third cycle of Dubai 10X marks a new milestone in government cooperation and supports its efforts to design the future of Dubai. This initiative has successfully promoted a culture of innovation and partnership among government entities, reflecting Dubais commitment to being at the forefront of shaping the future. These efforts are about keeping pace with evolving changes and leveraging new opportunities and technologies that serve society and further enhance our readiness for the future." He added: "The projects developed under Dubai 10X are based on unconventional ideas that lead to transformative initiatives within government. They are the result of cooperation between government teams who are committed to building the future of Dubai. This initiative has contributed to the development of skills and talents, equipping employees with the tools of the future and encouraging them to contribute to shaping the future of governance. Project evaluation The projects were evaluated according to a set of criteria relating to their potential outcome, the time taken to implement the project, the projects ability to integrate with other government services, and their impact on the quality of life in Dubai. The approved projects will be announced at a later date. Various sectors Amer Abdulraoof, Director of the Dubai 10X initiative, said: The third cycles projects focus on using partnerships to develop innovative government services that help us keep pace with and anticipate changes. These projects help consolidate Dubai's leadership as one of the best cities for shaping the future of governments. These projects were developed by more than 120 government employees from across 33 government entities. Each participant drew on their experiences and skills to co-develop ideas on enhancing government services in sectors including transport, aviation, space, energy, sustainability, infrastructure, economy, trade, finance, health, security, civil defense, community services and others. Launched in 2017, Dubai 10X has contributed to developing many future important projects in Dubai. Some of these have helped provide innovative government services and find solutions to challenges. They have helped Dubai to become a global destination for developing and exporting innovative models of governance. The projects have also encouraged government entities in Dubai to exchange experiences, skills, resources and ideas.--TradeArabia News Service Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov spoke about potential supplies of ATACMS and Taurus missiles to Ukraine. According to him, our partners will definitely transfer these types of weapons to our military. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov during a meeting with the media. He also promised that the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets would be in Ukraine. "We have already received Storm Shadow and SCALP. So today, in our opinion, Germany's joining the coalition is absolutely logical and realistic," he said. Reznikov said that he is optimistic about the transfer of Taurus cruise missiles, as there are already positive signals from the German parliament. "As for ATACMS, I don't see any serious obstacles, because America is a very pragmatic country. It takes them a long time to make decisions - how many missiles they have, how many they could provide, how many they could produce, so as not to reduce their combat capability," the Defence Minister explained. Therefore, according to him, we should expect deliveries of "serious" weapons. ADVERTISIMENT "There are no more red lines. All weapons will be delivered, including F-16s," he added. ATACMS (Army TACtical Missile System) is a solid-fueled tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has a range of up to 300 km. TAURUS (Target Adaptive Unitary & Dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System) is a family of German-Swedish long-range air-to-surface cruise missiles designed for high-precision strikes and destruction of highly protected and deepened targets, including important points, without the carrier aircraft entering the enemy air defence zone. The system was developed and manufactured by Taurus Systems GmbH, a Schrobenhausen-based joint venture of MBDA Deutschland. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported: - On 14 August, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner supported the provision of Taurus missiles to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv. He expressed hope that our army would soon receive these weapons. ADVERTISIMENT - German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock also indirectly expressed support for the transfer of Taurus to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. She said that Berlin "considers all the wishes" of Kyiv, and that Russia's full-scale invasion shows that "every day counts". Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Law enforcement and first responders gather on South Street near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 after a report of an "armed and dangerous person" on campus. Seen from the hallway through glass doors, Southside Junior High School science and STEM teacher Jessalyn Revelle (in pink) waves at a visitors coming through the door, as she and students get ready to start on the first day of classes for the new school year at Livingston Parish public schools, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. Many Australians couldnt pick him out in a crowd, but Steven Bartlett has interviewed some of the worlds biggest celebrities, CEOs and thinkers. Michael Pollan, Rita Ora, Richard Branson, Deepak Chopra and more have sat across from Bartlett on his podcast, The Diary of a CEO. And like his famous guests, the 31-year-old British-Nigerian has many lessons of his own to share. Bartlett was born in Botswana to a Nigerian mother and English father, and moved to England at age two. His family struggled financially, and with his parents busy working, Bartlett spent a lot of time alone. I was the poor black kid in an all-white middle-class area, in an all-white school, who didnt feel like it was enough, he says. Steven Bartlett, host of podcast The Diary of a CEO. Credit: Olivia Spencer At 18, Bartlett dropped out of university and co-founded Social Chain, a social media marketing agency. Since leaving the company in 2019, Bartlett has been involved in many business ventures, including the launch of Web3 platform Thirdweb, which received a reported $US5 million ($7.7 million) in funding in 2021. Today, he has 2.7 million Instagram followers and another 1.4 million on TikTok. Diary of a CEO, now in its sixth year, has become one of Europes most downloaded podcasts. This rags-to-riches origin story is a big part of Bartletts self-mythology. But what sets Bartlett apart from figures like Andrew Tate is his willingness to be vulnerable. While Tate sells toxic masculinity to a generation of young men, Bartlett talks about the strength in vulnerability. Last week, Anthony Albanese and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced one of the most important decisions any government ever makes: the appointment of Australias next chief justice. Upon the retirement of the incumbent Susan Kiefel in October, Stephen Gageler will become the 14th leader of the High Court. They also announced the appointment of the NSW judge Robert Beech-Jones to the vacancy created by Kiefels departure. The announcement attracted little notice. The national broadcaster regarded the story as of so little importance that it ranked fourth on its radio news bulletin, which led with the retirement of Ita Buttrose. (I guess if you live in ABC-land, the retirement of your chair is a lot more important than the appointment of the head of one of the three branches of government.) The existing High Court: (from left) Jacqueline Gleeson, James Edelman, Stephen Gageler, Chief Justice Susan Kiefel, Michelle Gordon, Simon Steward and Jayne Jagot. Not that Dreyfus would have minded the modesty of the coverage. Attorneys-general are judged by the quality of their senior judicial appointments. Absence of controversy is a good measure of success. The four so far made under Dreyfus Gageler, Debbie Mortimer as Chief Justice of the Federal Court, and Jayne Jagot and Beech-Jones to the High Court have been well received. All satisfied the double test: that the nominee should be respected professionally and should be untainted by controversy. After Kiefel, Gageler is the longest-serving member of the court. Before that, he was an impeccable solicitor-general. Because he is the oldest Justice, we should not expect any further appointments before he reaches retirement age in 2028. That is longer than usual for the composition of the court to remain unchanged, which gives Gageler time to put his stamp on its jurisprudence. NSW Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe will ask the states statutory authority on conservation to prevent Katoombas much-loved 105-year-old Paragon Cafe from perishing because of neglect. Experts say the NSW heritage-listed Paragon is an exemplar of the art deco Greek cafes that once brought Hollywood glamour and ice-cream sodas and sundaes to Australian country towns and suburbs. The 105-year-old Paragon Cafe is at risk of demolition by neglect, say its supporters. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos A group called Friends of the Paragon has been lobbying for the government to save the cafe. It says since the Paragons closure five years ago, the property has been unloved and neglected, and vandalised and graffitied. It has suffered water damage, dampness and mould that has threatened its famous finishes and plaster interiors. Satellite imagery of the Kursk airfield after a drone attack by the Security Service of Ukraine's counterintelligence service has been posted online. They do not show any obvious damage or destroyed aircraft. ADVERTISIMENT The photo was published by Tyler Rogoway, editor-in-chief of The War Zone. On 27 August, Ukrainian drones attacked a military airfield in Kursk. It was reported that they had targeted five Russian aircraft, an S-300 radar and two Pantsir missiles. However, according to Rogovey, no obvious damage was visible on the images. "Examination of satellite images taken this morning of the Russian airbase in Kursk, which is likely to have been subjected to a massive drone attack, shows no obvious damage. There are no destroyed aircraft," Rogovey wrote. Although, as he stressed, these images have yet to be analysed in detail. Therefore, there may still be damage. "This is a superficial overview. Commercial satellite imagery has certain limitations. There may be small damage that does not cause secondary events, but there is no obvious large-scale damage," the journalist said. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that on the night of 27 August, several explosions occurred in the Russian city of Kursk. Eyewitnesses claimed that there were at least 13 of them. In the morning, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that Russian air defence had shot down one drone, which crashed into a high-rise building, breaking windows in apartments on several floors. However, our sources claim that this was not the end of the story. The Russians kept silent about the fact that the "cotton" visited a military airfield in Kursk. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that up to 13 explosions occurred in Kursk last night. In the morning, the governor of the region announced that a UAV had hit a multi-storey building. Russian journalists conducted an investigation and found that the drone did not reach the location of the electronic warfare brigade of the Russian Armed Forces within 300 metres. ADVERTISIMENT It was also reported that on 20 August, an explosion occurred at the railway station in Kursk, with fragments of broken windows injuring five people. At the same time, airports in Moscow region were closed due to the threat of drone attacks. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Visitors to the Monash University website may have noticed a surprise guest in its promotional pictures. Among the listed advantages of studying politics at Monash was a curious poster boy for overseas opportunities: Russian President Vladimir Putin pictured in a tasteful spacesuit-business suit combo. CBD stumbled across a strange poster boy for Monash Universitys politics program: Vladimir Putin. Credit: Internet/Marija Ercegovac Sadly, on further inspection, CBD confirmed this was not from Putins private collection but a rather jazzy Photoshop job. As to how a foreign dictator ended up as an Australian university recruiting tool, speculation is running wild. Was it a rogue staff member? A student prank? A hack? The smoking gun of foreign interference in our university sector? The guide was initially $950,000 but after the agency received letters from strata in regards to the title it was lowered to $850,000. Buyers were undeterred to hear the property featured non-approved space such as a workshop and laundry accessible below the kitchen and a courtyard, all common property but claimed by the owner during his twenty years living there. The floor plan on the listing labels this area as not approved common property. The oversized art deco apartment located at 4/49 Francis Street attracted nine buyers, mostly first home buyers. Bidding opened at $700,000 in front of a curious crowd. After five $25,000 bids between five parties, bids of $5000 were placed until the reserve of $835,000 was met. Further $5000, $2000 and $1000 bids were placed until it sold for $989,000 to a first home buyer pair of sisters. A Bondi Beach apartment which once belonged to the father of actress Claudia Karvan sold at auction over the weekend. Credit: Wolter Peeters This was one of 736 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Sydney on the weekend. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 74 per cent from 440 reported results, while 81 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. Selling agent Brigitte Blackman from BresicWhitney Inner East, said the property had been in the family for generations, so although happy with the result it was an emotional outcome for one of our best actresses. A new space race is under way and the contrasting fate of two moonshots in the last few days provide a stark waymarker on the rise and fall of great powers. Russia, once the globes foremost space power, sent an uncrewed mission to the moon and aimed to land on August 19. It crashed spectacularly. Indias moon mission, also uncrewed, lined up to land on the lunar surface four days later. It touched down successfully. The Indian moon lander released a small, six-wheeled rover which is now searching for frozen water, among other things, as a dozen nations seek ways to set up permanent lunar bases. The live telecast of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon. Credit: AP Russias humiliation was Indias jubilation. More so because both nations were aiming for the same feat to be the first country to land at the moons south pole with the potential economic and strategic advantages that could bring. And because Russia only decided to make the attempt after India announced its plan. So Moscow raced its Luna-25 to the moon with the express intention of beating Indias Chandrayaan-3 by four days. The contrasting competence on display is even more remarkable because Russia was once Indias senior partner in space. Delhi put its first satellite into orbit in 1975 only because the then Soviet Union carried it there on one of its rockets. Today, the student has become the teacher. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Xinjiang officials to further encourage assimilation of Muslims and curtail illegal religious activities during a visit to the autonomous region Saturday. We should always give top priority to social stability, Xi said in a meeting with local government officials in the capital, Urumqi. We must further promote the Sinicisation of Islam and effectively control all kinds of illegal religious activities. Chinese soldiers training in Chinas Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in 2021. Credit: AP Over the past decade, Xi has tightened Chinas grip on the region, which is home to millions of Muslim Uyghurs, with additional state surveillance and an expansion of a labor program that Western critics say is tantamount to forced labor. China has denied any human rights abuses in Xinjiang, at one point calling the allegations the lie of the century. Its quite striking how this time security and stability seem to take a sort of increased importance again, said Adrian Zenz, director and senior fellow in China studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. This kind of reiteration clearly reminds officials that the security challenge in Xinjiang is not over. Kyiv: Ukrainian forces pierced the first line of Russian fortifications in the nations south-east and were fighting to widen the breach, the nations defence chief said, in a bid for a potential breakthrough. Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Ukrainian soldiers, on foot and mostly at night, had made slow progress in clearing heavily mined areas to create approach corridors for a larger force that has now fought through the first main line of Russian trenches, bunkers and tanks traps. A Ukrainian soldier watches a Grad multiple launch rocket system firing shells with flyers near Bakhmut, Donetsk region. Credit: AP We broke the first line and now we are expanding our foothold, Reznikov told reporters on Monday in Kyiv. The Ukrainian counteroffensive launched in June has been bogged down by Russian forces dug in along a vast frontline stretching from the Donbas region in Ukraines east through the south to the mouth of the Dnipro river. The slow-going has worried Ukraines allies, who say a long fight risks giving Russian President Vladimir Putin the upper hand in a war of attrition. There have been isolated cases of Russian prisoners of war returning to the front after an exchange with Moscow. But later they were captured by Ukrainian defenders again. ADVERTISIMENT This statement was made by a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov. "It's hard to say the percentage, but they do return, and these are not isolated cases," he said. Yusov noted that there have been cases where the same Russian servicemen have been captured by Ukrainian defenders several times. In his opinion, this proves the humanity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "There are such lucky characters," he said. It should be noted that Russia refuses to take back its severely wounded prisoners of war, despite Ukraine's offer to hand them over unilaterally. We are talking about 59 occupants who turned out to be useless to their state, which sent them to their deaths in a foreign country. Earlier, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced a new "goal of Russia's special operation" against Ukraine. It turns out that the aggressor state has launched a full-scale war to secure the release of Russian prisoners of war who were captured as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! In honor of American Archives Month, Family History Month, and Electronic Records Day (10-10), the Wyoming State Archives is hosting a series of free virtual lunch-time talks and special evening speaker events throughout October. Check out the Wyoming State Archives events calendar for more information at https://wyoarchives.wyo.gov/index.php/about-archives/events. You may also email wyarchive@wyo.gov for more information. All events are free and open to the public. To kick off the special evening events, Sam Mihara will present Memories of Heart Mountain, on Friday, September 15 at 7 p.m. in the Wyoming State Capitol Auditorium. During this presentation, Mihara will share his personal account of the Japanese American imprisonment at Heart Mountain and its civil rights abuses during WWII. This event is in partnership with the Laramie County Public Library with support from the Wyoming Humanities Council. Participants have the option to participate in-person or join us online by registering through our Eventbrite page, https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/wyoming-state-archives-speaker-series-834529.Those attending in-person should enter through the Wyoming State Capitol main entrance located at 200 W 24th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001. The next evening event is titled "Tom Horn - 120 Years Later" and will be held on Thursday, October 12, at 7 p.m. Wyoming State Archives, in partnership with the Laramie County Public Library, will host a panel of three historians, D. Claudia Thompson, Larry Ball, and John Davis, to discuss Tom Horn and his legacy. This discussion will be moderated by historian Rick Ewig. This event will be held at the Laramie County Public Library located at 2200 Pioneer Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Participants are also welcome to join us online by registering through our Eventbrite page, https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/wyoming-state-archives-speaker-series-834529. On Monday, October 30, Governor Dave Freudenthal will talk about his book, "Wyoming: The Paradox of Plenty, The Allure and Risk of a Mineral Economy. This event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Capitol Auditorium located in the extension of the Wyoming State Capitol Complex, 200 W 24th St., Cheyenne, Wyoming. Contact the Wyoming State Archives at wyarchive@wyo.gov for more information. The three lunchtime talks will be held online from noon to 1 p.m. MT online on Tuesdays during the month of October. Join us as genealogist and processing archivist Robin Everett demonstrates how to find those, Skeletons in the Closet: Genealogy Research in the State Archives on Tuesday, October 3rd. Everett will tell stories and share tips on using the State Archives resources to uncover those skeletons in the closet and more about your family's history. Join us on Thursday, October 10, for "Happy Electronic Records Day: Let's Talk Digital" with Cindy Brown and Dinah Miles. Cindy Brown, digital archivist for the Wyoming State Archives, and Dinah Miles, digital archivist for the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming, will discuss electronic records in honor of 1010. This event will be held virtually. Contact the Wyoming State Archives at wyarchive@wyo.gov for more information. To wrap up the events, Jordan Meyerl will present "Something Strange in the Archives: Call the Roving Archivist" on October 31st. Unsure how to survey a new acquisition? Need advice on archival preservation or utilizing environmental controls? Who ya gonna call? The Roving Archivist Program! For this presentation, Meyerl will share information about the Wyoming Roving Archivist Programs (RAP) offerings and how they can benefit institutions. Email spcr.rovingarchivist@wyo.gov for further information. The RAP is a program of the Wyoming State Historical Records Advisory Board with funding from the National Historical Public Records Commission. The Wyoming State Archives facilitates this program in partnership with the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center. Wyoming/American Archives Month, celebrated each October, celebrates the work of archives and archivists across the nation to collect, preserve, and provide access to our shared documentary history. Celebrated every October since 2001, Family History Month brings opportunities to improve your genealogy skills, find out about new resources, and meet others who share your passion for the past. Electronic Records Day, observed each October 10 as a nod to binary code (1010), is a day dedicated to creating awareness of the importance of electronic records and their management. The Wyoming State Archives collects, manages, and preserves Wyoming state public records that have long-term administrative, legal, and historical value. These records document the history of our state and the activities of Wyoming Government offices. The Archives also collects non-government records that contribute to the understanding of the states history. For more information, contact Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist, at wyarchive@wyo.gov or call the WSA at 307-777-7826. The Wyoming State Archives is accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. If you require special assistance, please contact the Wyoming State Archives at 307-777-7826. The Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, honoured the officers who served in the Anti-Terrorist Operation and the Joint Forces Operation. He stressed that these defenders are the backbone of the Ukrainian army. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Operational Armed Forces of Ukraine Telegram channel. Naiev noted that the officers who had served in the ATO and JFO gained invaluable experience there, and now continue to defend our country from the Russian occupiers. "Today, it is impossible to overestimate the importance and significance of servicemen who gained combat experience during the Anti-Terrorist Operation and the Joint Forces Operation and who continue to defend our homeland today," he said. According to him, they are the backbone of our army. It is thanks to them that in the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we managed to control the situation, make the right decisions and withstand challenges. "Most of these officers were in the operational reserve and therefore knew the algorithm of their actions in case of war. It was thanks to these experienced officers that we managed to deploy troops to the enemy's offensive areas in a timely and efficient manner, slow down the pace of their advance and organise a sustainable defence," Naiev concluded. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, Ukrainian hackers launched an address by the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Naiev in occupied Crimea. It happened on the National Flag Day and Independence Day of Ukraine. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Naiev said that the modernisation of the Air Force's aircraft fleet would shorten the path of Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia. The lieutenant general stressed that the air component is an important aspect of strengthening the power of our army. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The administration of US President Joe Biden is considering various options for strengthening military assistance to Ukraine. In particular, the White House is discussing the possibility of transferring cluster munitions for multiple rocket launchers to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in a piece by journalist David Ignatius for The Washington Post. Washington admits that the full-scale war started by the aggressor country Russia against Ukraine may continue in 2024. Therefore, the main challenge for the Biden administration is said to be the continued assistance to Ukraine to move forward. "Instead of looking for a quick diplomatic exit, most senior U.S. officials seem more convinced than ever of the need to support Kyiv. In their view, the United States cannot abandon its ally," the author writes. Biden administration officials are further considering several important new increases in support for Ukraine. In particular, according to the article, they are talking about transferring cluster munitions for MLRS, which will be able to hit deeper than artillery versions of these shells. ADVERTISIMENT "The United States is also hard at work planning a Ukrainian 'force of the future' that could deter further Russian aggression. The F-16s that will begin arriving in a few months will be part of that, but U.S. officials are working with allies on many other weapons and training systems," it said. As for the long-range ATACMS missiles, the Pentagon still continues to resist, mainly because officials fear that the U.S. does not have enough of these weapons to supply Ukraine without undermining its own preparedness for any future conflict with China. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that the country will soon join a program to train Ukrainian Defense Force pilots on modern F-16 fighter jets. We are talking about the training of "several" pilots. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Take lessons from Army, contribute to nations progress Business Bureau Major General Ian Cardozo, AVSM SM (Retd.) while addressing a session organised here by the Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) on Sunday said the Indian Army symbolizes the ideals of dedication, patriotism and sacrifice. If you wish to contribute to the progress of the country, take lessons from the Indian Army, he said. Cardozo also said that entrepreneurs can learn leadership qualities from the Indian Army, which is known for achieving maximum output from the limited available resources, added the war veteran. He was interacting with the participants at the special inspirational talk organised by VMA in association with Rotary Club of Nagpur Vision and Ladakh Jammu Kashmir Study Centre. The topic of the session was Unleashing Maximum Efficiency: A conversation with an inspirational war veteran and master of efficiency. Major General Cardozo, who led the Gorkha Regiment, is known as Kartoos Sahab in the army. He amputated his injured leg with his own machete while protecting the lives of soldiers in the 1971 war. He is known as the first war-disabled officer of the Indian Army to command a battalion and a brigade. Cardozo further said one has to be quick enough to make decisions. If you adopt this formula in your life, you can overcome any crisis. Taking right action without expecting a reward is a sign of true leadership, courage, and adventure, he highlighted. No matter how dire the situation is, focus on the mission. A leader in any field should have a clear role and should not let his confidence fall, he said. Major General Ian Cardozos wife Priscilla Cardozo was also present on the occasion. During his interaction, Major General Cardozo shared his experiences of 1965, 1971 wars. Gorkha, a Hindi movie based on his valour will be releasing soon. Actor Akshay Kumar has played the role of Cardozo in the film. Earlier, moderator of the session CA Sagar Mitkari introduced Cardozo. Jayashree Chhabarani of Rotary Club of Nagpur Vision, was coordinator for the question and answer session and interacted with Cardozo. Staff Reporter In a major breakthrough, Jabalpur police seized a truck loaded with 20-quintals of Ganja amounting to Rs 4 crores, nabbed driver, conductor and booked the supplier and buyer into the case, on Sunday. The huge quantity of narcotics was being transported hiding under Neelgiri wood logs from Umarkot in Odisha towards Haryana. It is the 14th big blow to the drug mafia during a month in Jabalpur during Operation Shikanja. The arrested have been identified as Mohammed Shakeel Mansuri, a native Modaha, Hamirpur district in Uttar Pradesh and driver Mahesh Kumar, a resident of Kala area, Umarkot in Odisha while truck owner and supplier Palash Rai of Umarkot and buyer Ved Prakash Sharma of Haryana are still at large. Superintendent of Police, Tushar Kant Vidyarthi informed that under the direction of Director General of Police, Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Jabalpur police have started Operation Shikanja under the supervision of ADGP (Jabalpur Zone), Umesh Joga and DIG (Jabalpur), RRS Parihar to put-up vigilant check on illegal trade and transportation of narcotic substances pointing out the forthcoming elections in the State. In compliance with the directions of senior officers, SP, Vidyarthi ordered to start strict vehicles checking on district borders. During the checking, SHO, Tilwara, Sarita Barman and SHO, Madan Mahal, OP Tiwari under the supervision of CSP, Bargi, Sunil Nema and Additional SP (Rural), Sonali Verma managed to stop a suspected truck numbered CG-08L-3830 when its driver tried to escape from the checking point. In the search, police found Neelgiri wood logs and two men including a driver were travelling in the truck. Police held doubt and again searched the truck by removing the wood logs and found huge quantity of Ganja weighing around 20 quintals amounting to Rs 4 crores. Acting promptly on the information, ADGP, Umesh Joga along with other senior officers reached the spot and monitored the case. In further investigation, police learnt that the narcotic stock was being transported by inter-state drug mafia activated in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana states. ED is contesting polls on behalf of BJP in State: CM Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Making a scathing attack at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said that central agencies like Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax (IT) Department and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are being misused to defame his Government in State. Talking to media persons in Raipur on Sunday, Chief Minister Baghel said that the ED, the CBI and the IT are danger for the democracy. He said that the political motivated actions are being taken by the ED. The BJP has no issues. So the central agencies are being misused by the Central Government against the Chhattisgarh Congress Government. The ED and the IT are the cells of the BJP. The ED is contesting elections in entire Chhattisgarh. BJP Chhattisgarh In-charge Om Mathur had yesterday said in his statement that it should be seen what else happens in the coming two months. The ED officials go to one department, if they dont get anything, then they go to another department. The Chhattisgarh Government has issued a look out circular for action regarding Mahadev App case. It is not their aim to act on the main accused, he added. Baghel further said that there were no irregularities in the CAG report. The Central Government amended the rule and after that the ED has got unlimited powers. After this amendment, the ED can arrest anyone. Once someone has gone to jail, there is no possibility of being bailed, he added. People are being interrogated after beating them. After this they are told whether to go to jail or sign it. Arrests are being made by showing fear. In Mahadev app case, an attempt is being made to defame the Congress Government. Many mobile laptops were seized and many were arrested. Two people are outside, not using energy to catch them. Money was taken in other states also but action is being taken only in Chhattisgarh. One capitalist has been given a mine in Raigarh for 20 years. It is simple that voting for BJP means handing over Chhattisgarh to the capatalist. Nagarnar has not started yet and it has also been included in the budget to sell it. Chhattisgarh Government has written several letters to ED officials to investigate chit-fund scam, but the ED is not doing anything on it. This is the biggest case of money laundering. Replying to a query, Bhupesh Baghel alleged that Dr Raman Singhs property has increased many folds and when will ED investigate the properties of Dr Raman sing. Today the District Congress Committee will go to the ED office to submit the memorandum. From tomorrow there will be a protest outside the ED office. The Congress party will go with these issues among the public in upcoming assembly elections and no one is bigger than the public, he added. Fear is always there, but we must conquer it: Cartoos Saab Staff Reporter Once a soldier, always a soldier. Nagpurians were fortunate to experience this common belief in the sparkling eyes of Maj Gen Ian Cardozo (Retd) AVSM SM, who is also known as Cartoos Saab in Indian Army, on Sunday, when this retired General shared his life stories with the people. Though the august gathering in Tamarind Hall of Chitnavis Centre gave Cartoos Saab a standing ovation for his bravery, he felt very embarassed due of this respect he got, because he believed that his contribution is not so great compared to many other soldiers of the Indian Army who performed more courageous acts of valour than him. This braveheart of India-Pakistan Liberation War of 1971, who amputated his own leg with the help of a Khukri during the war, believes that the courage of amputating his own leg came from the values and culture of his family. Our Indian culture and family values teach us to struggle, fight, respect, lead and help for country. It is in our nature. And these values helped me to cut my leg at that moment, which was not a big thing for me, said Maj Gen Cardozo. The highly decorated retired General was invited by Centre for Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Studies, Nagpur along with his wife Priscilla Cardozo to share his views and life story that he mentioned in his own book Cartoos Saab - A Soldiers Story of Resilience in Adversity. The jam-packed hall gave Cartoos Saab a rousing welcome and he also humbly accepted the gesture of Nagpurians by answering different questions asked by them. Do what you love, love what you do. Yes, fear is always there, but it is our job to conquer it by never giving up, said the 86-year-old retired officer. He himself proved this statement years ago when he became the first war-disabled officer of the Indian Army to command a battalion and a brigade. When asked about his name Cartoos Saab among his Jawans, he said, My jawans from Gorkha Regiment found it difficult to pronounce my name because of their accent, they would fondly call me Cartoos Saab. For the unversed, Cartoos in Hindi means cartridge. Fire breaks out at Ajni Railway Colony Staff Reporter A fire broke out at the Ajni Railway Colony health unit of Central Railways Nagpur Division, triggering sensation. The fire, whose cause is yet to be determined, was noticed on Sunday morning by the Colony residents. It started from the southern side of a building that was constructed in the year 1956. It houses the office of Chief Health Inspector as well as a dispensary for Ajni Railway Colony, it is one of the biggest in Indian Railways. Railway officials said the fire, though not very big, had prospects of gutting down the entire building as there is major use of timber in the construction. Hence, the fire spread quickly into the room that was a store-house for the materials used by the Health Department. Another adjoining small room, a chamber for doctors, was also covered by the fire. Although Fire and Emergency Services Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was informed about the fire quite immediately, the firemen team took some time to reach the exact spot, said the people who were present at the spot. Satish Yadav, Member, Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), said the firemen, on reaching the spot, got into action as the flames were spreading quite rapidly. The light wind only added to concerns, but the fire-fighting personnel were quite professional in their approach. As per information, the fire brigade team got confused about the exact location and hence were a bit delayed and by that time the timber material of the building got devoured. Had the fire fighting team not reached in nick of time, then the flames would have become uncontrollable and soon covered entire building. However, the Fire Brigade team reached by 9 am and started spraying water to put out the flames. Within half an hour, the flames subsided and those present at the spot heaved a sigh of relief. The firemen had a tough time in starting the operations due to presence of large number of onlookers and due to their curiosity and penchant for filming the operation, making firefighters task a little bit difficult. After about two and half hours of spraying the water, the fire was finally doused. Railway officials said the loss is notional and fortunately it being Sunday, the office and the poly-clinic was closed. On Sunday, August 27, after 10 days of waiting, Georgia allowed six Ukrainian citizens, including five former prisoners, to enter its territory. Earlier, Russian occupants had moved them from the occupied Kherson Region. ADVERTISIMENT This is reported by the human rights organization UnMode. Ukrainians were brought to a safe place. "Today the entire group of Ukrainians was officially allowed to cross the border of Georgia. Border services did not provide any additional conditions or explanations", - stated in the message. As part of the operation it was announced that the citizens of Ukraine are transported to a safe place. Recall that on August 19, there were reports that the citizens, previously imprisoned in the Kherson region, were denied entry to Georgia by the border guards of this country. The Russian occupiers forcibly removed them and deported them from Russia when their sentence expired. Thus, six Ukrainian citizens were blocked in the neutral strip separating the borders of Russia and Georgia. Among them were five previously convicted persons who were forcibly transferred to the territory of Russia. These men planned to leave the Russian Federation by overcoming the transit route through Georgia and arrived at the border on the night of August 17. However, Georgian border guards refused to allow them to cross the border. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported on its efforts to organize the return of the six citizens to the country. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Ukraine has started releasing some prisoners and arrested ex-military men who were ready to defend Ukraine in the war with Russia. It is stated that we are talking about a large number of people who are in custody and are already serving sentences throughout the country. Man murders wife by slitting her throat Staff Reporter A woman was brutally killed by her husband by slitting her throat with a sharp-edged weapon in Ambedkar Nagar area of Wadi Police Station on Sunday morning. The incident took place within an hour of her return from her parents home, police said. The deceased has been identified as Pranali Lalit Dahat (34). The accused, Lalit Ramdas Dahat (38), was apprehended by the police shortly after the incident. Lalit worked as a security guard at Shikara Bar, police said. A police official said that Pranali had previously been divorced from her first husband, while Lalit had parted ways with his first wife. The two got married in a temple six years ago, but their relationship seemed to have been going through constant arguments and suspicions about Pranalis character. On August 25, Pranali travelled to her parents home at Wardha. She returned to Nagpur on Sunday morning, around 8 am. Lalit picked her up from Rahate Colony and they reached their residence around 8.30 am. An altercation ensued between the couple, which escalated into a violent confrontation. Fueled by rage, Lalit allegedly attacked Pranali with a sharp weapon, ultimately slitting her throat. After committing the murder, he reportedly locked the house and left. Subsequently, he contacted a relative and a police friend, informing them about the murder. The police were alerted by the friend and rushed to the scene. Modi calls for global rules for ethical use of AI @ B20 NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a global framework for ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as he flagged concerns surrounding bias in such modern technologies and their impact on the society. Days ahead of the G20 Summit, the prime minister also made a strong case for developing an integrated approach to deal with issues concerning cryptocurrencies. Modi, addressing B20 Summit India 2023 organised by CII, said India is preparing a global framework for Green Credit and urged industry leaders to adopt life and businesses with emphasis on planet positive actions. Highlighting issues concerning climate change, energy sector crisis, food supply chain imbalance, water security, Modi said such matters have a big impact on business and to combat these challenges, there is a need to increase common efforts. Now, there is a challenge related to cryptocurrencies. There is a need for more and more integrated approach in this matter. I think, a global framework should be created for this, in which all stakeholders are taken care of, Modi said at the gathering attended by global and domestic business leaders. A similar approach, he said, is needed regarding artificial intelligence as well. Today, the world is showing a lot of excitement regarding AI. But amidst the excitement there are also some ethical considerations. Regarding skilling and re-skilling, concern is being raised about algorithm bias and its impact on the society. Such issues also have to be resolved together, he added. Modi called business communities and Governments to work together to ensure usage of ethical AI as we have to sense the potential disruptions in different sectors. This problem has to be solved under the global framework. The prime minister asked for a reconsideration of the traditional approach to business, stating they should go beyond brand and sales. He said, as a business, we also have to focus on creating an ecosystem that will benefit us in the long term. Modi stressed that businesses should focus on improving the purchasing power of more and more people as a self-centric approach will harm everyone. Referring to a similar challenge of uneven availability and universal need in critical material and rare earth metals, Modi said, If those who have them do not look at them as global responsibility then it will promote a new model of colonialism. He also underlined that a profitable market can be sustained when there is a balance in the interests of producers and consumers, and it also applies to nations. He said treating other countries only as a market will not work, and added it will eventually harm the producing countries sooner or later. The way forward is to make everyone equal partners in this progress. Modi urged business leaders to give thought to making businesses more consumer-centric. Every year, can global businesses come together to pledge themselves for the good of the consumers and their markets?, the prime minister asked. Modi suggested the global business to fix a day to talk about the interest of the consumer. When we talk about consumer rights, should not we also be mindful of consumer care as it will automatically take care of many consumer rights issues? We should definitely think about a system for International Consumer Care Day. This will help in strengthening trust between businesses and consumers, he said. He elaborated that consumers are not confined to retail consumers within a particular geography but also the nations that are consumers of global trade, global goods and services. Referring to the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, he said Indias festive season advanced to August 23, and the country is in a celebratory mood. He also acknowledged the role of the industry in the mission as many components of Chandrayaan-3 were provided by the private sector and MSMEs. This is a success of both science and industry, he said. Referring to G20, he said they have invited the African Union for a permanent seat at G20. Talking about lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said it has taught a lesson that there is a need to increase investment in mutual trust. Emphasising the attractiveness of partnership with India for the global business community, the prime minister mentioned Indias young talent pool and its digital revolution. The more your friendship deepens with India, the more prosperity will accrue to both, he said. One held under Operation Shikanja, liquor worth Rs 3.31 lakh confiscated Staff Reporter Continuing the Operation Shikanja, Majholi police have succeeded in apprehending an accused and seized 37 crates illegal stock of English liquor worth Rs 3.31 lakh and a loading vehicle. The arrested has been identified as Kaleem Ahmed (30), a resident of near Gausia Madarsa, Thakkar Gram in Hanumantal. It may be noted that under the direction of Superintendent of Police, Tushar Kant Vidyarthi, police have started a special campaign Opereation Shikanja against illegal trade and transportation of liquor in the district under the supervision of Additional SP (Rural), Suryakant Sharma and SDOP, Sihora, Parul Sharma. SHO of Majholi police station, Kamlesh Chouriya informed that during the campaign, police received information that a loading vehicle bearing registration number MP-20G-7023 loaded with illegal stock of liquor was seen travelling from Bachaiyya area in Katni district towards Jabalpur. Taking prompt action on the information, police started vehicles searching at Bachaiyya road near Dora river. Soon after starting of search, police spotted the identified pick-up vehicle. Witnessing the police, driver tried to escape from the spot but alert cops chased the truck and succeeded in stopping it near Aanganwadi Centre and its driver was arrested. PMs Greece visit has many positive features By Sushil Kutty THE best part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Greece visit, the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, was the Meghalaya Shawl and Chhattisgarhs Dhokra Art, along with the Telangana Bidri Art vases, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted to the President and Prime Minister of Greece with their spouses equal recipients, an association that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not have to worry about. In India, the gifts triggered talk of the glorious ties of two ancient civilisations. Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi know that as soon as he stepped on Greece soil he would be honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour in Athens one more country honouring the Indian Prime Minister with its highest civilian award? Before Greece, there was Egypt. If Prime Minister Modi was Pharaoh only the biggest pyramid would have had room for all of Prime Minister Modis international awards. The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour in Athens carries the legend Only the righteous should be honoured. And there are folks who say Prime Minister Narendra Modi is self-righteous not righteous. But you couldnt have expected Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou to know of this when she presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Greeces highest civilian award, which has the head of Goddess Athena on its front side. So, the Meghalaya shawl for Goddess Athena? And to top it, Telangana Bidri art vases, and Chhattisgarh Dhokra Art. Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign visits have become sideshows of Indias rich heritage of art. For this alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserved all the awards that foreign heads of State have honoured the Indian Prime Minister with. The question is, does this awards-for-gifts routine help take forward Indias diplomatic agenda with countries such as Greece? Best case scenario is maybe yes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a tonne of progress in the 24 hours they had. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece was in 1983. A year later, Mrs Gandhi was assassinated. Ominous? That is at most Greek mythology. The reality is the Meghalaya shawl, which is a symbol of good glad tidings. So no worries. The Meghalaya shawl had a royal significance back in the centuries ago. It signified power and status, beauty and grace. It was eternal to the Khasi and Jaintia royalty. Power and status are vital to the geopolitical interests of modern Greece and modern India, too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all the right words in his bilateral with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, noting how important the Mediterranean region was to Indias interests and that India wanted to build on existing ties while extending relationships to countries with which it had little interaction. Whether the one day in Greece was sufficient time is a contentious point. The point is, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is so obsessed with the Muslim Gulf Cooperation Countries, it doesnt tell much about his outreach with other regions and countries. That being said, Modis Greece visit is bound to cement India-Greece ties, help India in the Mediterranean region, which is an amalgamation of influences of Asia, Africa and Europe a Greek Salad. Countries of this region hold great significance for Indias geopolitical goals. The region is important for Indias Indo-Pacific policy. Countries like France and Italy are important for the Indo-Pacific region where India is a rising power. The time has come for India to reach out to Mediterranean countries including Greece in a big way. Also, there are countries like Egypt, Spain, Italy and Cyprus with footprints in the region. By resetting ties with Greece, India is filling up a vacuum. Indias External Affairs Ministry said honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Greeces top award was a sign that Modi has made a great deal of difference to Indias ties with Greece. And that the Greek valued friendship with India. What the External Affairs Ministry did not pinpoint was that over the last 9-years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honed his skills in diplomacy to an extent that oftentimes he does not seem to require the expertise of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In other words, contrary to canards and rumours, not everything is Greek to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If nothing, the Prime Ministers Greece outreach has gained the Meghalaya Shawl international recognition and a certain Mediterranean appeal. (IPA) Security tightened in Nuh after call for shobha yatra today NUH : SECURITY arrangements have been stepped up in Haryanas Nuh and other areas following the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayats call for a shobha yatra on Monday, despite the authorities denying permission for the procession. Officials said security personnel, including those from paramilitary forces, had been deployed to keep a strict vigil. Security at inter-state and inter-district borders had also been tightened, they said. Permission has not been granted for the yatra, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in Panchkula on Sunday, referring to the Nuh violence that took place a few weeks earlier. Instead of the yatra, people can visit temples in their areas for jalabhishek, he said and asserted that it is the State Governments responsibility to maintain law and order. August 28 is the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan. Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on Saturday said the administration had denied permission for the yatra due to a meeting of the G20 Sherpa Group, scheduled to be held in Nuh from September 3 to 7, and to maintain law and order in the aftermath of the July 31 violence. The Government has also announced the suspension of mobile Internet from August 26 to 28. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mamta Singh on Sunday said arrangements had been made to prevent any untoward incidents. According to a police spokesperson in Nuh, 1,900 Haryana Police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. No outsider will be allowed to enter Nuh. All entry points to the district have been sealed and the road leading to the Malhar temple has also been closed, he said. Traffic on the KMP Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, however, will continue, the spokesperson added. Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata and Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya on Saturday held a meeting with peace committees, the officials said. Thermal behaviour of Moons surface: ISRO releases graph BENGALURU : The ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander found that temperature at the Moons surface varied from 70 degree Celsius to minus 10 degree Celsius. ISRO on Sunday released a graph of the temperature variation on the lunar surface and a senior scientist of the space agency expressed surprise over the high temperature recorded on the Moon. The national space agency said Chandras Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload onboard Chandrayaan-3s Vikram lander measured the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the Moons surface. Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander. ChaSTE (Chandras Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the moons surface, ISRO said in an update on social media platform X. Speaking about the graphic illustration, ISRO scientist B H M Darukesha told PTI: We all believed that the temperature could be somewhere around 20 degree centigrade to 30 degree centigrade on the surface but it is 70 degree centigrade. This is surprisingly higher than what we had expected. The space agency said the payload has a temperature probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 centimetres beneath the surface. The probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors. The presented graph illustrates the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probes penetration. This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway, ISRO said in a statement. Scientist Darukesha explained, When we go two to three centimetres inside the Earth, we hardly see two to three degree centigrade variation whereas there (in Moon), it is about 50 degree centigrade variation. This is something interesting. The temperature dips to minus 10 degree Celsius below the lunar surface, the senior scientist said, adding that the variation is from 70 degree Celsius to minus 10 degree Celsius. ISRO said the ChaSTE payload was developed by a team led by the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) of the space agencys Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad. Thieves rob 3 ATMs in Bhilai, decamp with cash Staff Reporter BHILAI, In a shocking incident, unidentified thieves targeted two State Bank of India (SBI) ATMs in Hudco, Bhilai and one near the railway level crossing in Borsi Colony during the early hours of Sunday. The thieves managed to break open the ATMs and escaped with a significant amount of cash. The daring robbery took a more sinister turn as the culprits set the kiosks on fire after completing their theft. Local authorities swung into action swiftly, with the Bhilai Nagar police erecting barriers and launching a widespread search operation to apprehend the criminals behind this audacious crime. However, despite their efforts, no breakthrough has been reported as of the time of filing this report. The police sources revealed that the theft occurred at two separate locations near Shri Ram Chowk and at Milan Chowk. The thieves brazenly broke into the ATMs, making away with an estimated cumulative value of Rs 7 lakh. CCTV footage from the scene captured three individuals, their faces concealed with masks, arriving at the ATMs in a car. Following the robbery, they fled the scene at high speed, leaving authorities with a critical lead to pursue. Vishwa Deepak Tripathi, CSP of Bhilai Nagar Police Subdivision, disclosed that special teams have been formed to investigate the matter. These teams, including members of ACCU and Civil teams, are conducting raids across potential hideouts of the criminals. Furthermore, extensive checks are being carried out at railway stations, bus stands, hotels, lodges, and slum areas in an attempt to locate the individuals captured in the CCTV footage. Mani Shankar Chandra, CSP of the Durg Police Subdivision, revealed that the incident came to light during routine checks. Swiftly responding to the situation, the police launched a thorough investigation into the matter. The sequence of events as per the timeline suggests that the trio of culprits made their way to the nearby Hudco area after successfully executing the theft at the SBI ATM in Borsi Colony. The police are working in collaboration with SBI ATM Channel officials to determine the exact value of the stolen cash. As of now, the total sum remains unconfirmed. The investigation is ongoing, and local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the authorities. This audacious robbery has left the community shocked and concerned about the security of ATMs in the area. Authorities are under pressure to swiftly apprehend the culprits and restore a sense of safety to the citizens of Bhilai. Youth beaten to death, mother stripped and assaulted in MP BHOPAL : At least 9 arrested Victim was killed for not withdrawing old case against accused A DALIT youth was beaten to death and his mother allegedly stripped and assaulted by a group of men in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district. The shocking incident happened on Thursday late night in Barodia Naungar village in the district. The accused also vandalised the Dalit familys house. The deceaseds mother said police gave her a towel to wrap herself, after they rushed to the spot following the incident. At least nine persons belonging to the OBC community and the minority community have so far been arrested under IPC Sections pertaining to murder, sexual harassment and voluntarily causing hurt, a Sagar district police official said on Saturday. According to the polcie, a group of men led by prime accused Vikram Singh (28) stormed into the house of 20-year-old Nitin Ahirwar on Thursday late night and forced him to withdraw a 2019 case of sexual harassment of Ahirwars sister by Vikram and family members. When Ahirwar refused, the attackers mercilessly assaulted him with sticks and rods. As alleged by his mother, when she came to save her son, the accused men stripped her and thrashed her. The critically hurt Dalit youth was subsequently rushed to the Bundelkhand Medical College in Sagar district only, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival. Meanwhile, referring to the June 2023 incident of razing of several houses of Dalit families, including those built under the PM Awas Yojana on the forest department land, state Congress chief Kamal Nath said, During the present Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led regime, Sagar district is turning into an experimental lab of Dalit harassment. We demand adequate compensation to the bereaved family. I have talked to the concerned family and a Congress delegation has met them in Sagar district. Notably, this shocking incident occurred a week after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a poll rally in Sagar and raised the issue of atrocities against Dalit and tribals in Madhya Pradesh. Before Kharge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Sagar on August 12 and had laid the foundation stone of Sant Ravidas temple. The village where the incident took place is located in the Khurai Assembly constituency of State Cabinet Minister Bhupendra Singh. Japan Hotel REIT Investment Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPOF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totalling 14,500 shares, a decrease of 33.8% from the July 31st total of 21,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. Japan Hotel REIT Investment Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS NIPOF remained flat at $457.38 during trading on Friday. Japan Hotel REIT Investment has a fifty-two week low of $457.38 and a fifty-two week high of $607.00. The business has a fifty day moving average of $457.38 and a 200 day moving average of $457.38. Get Japan Hotel REIT Investment alerts: Japan Hotel REIT Investment Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation(JHR) is the J-REIT that specifies in the hotels. JHR has the basic principle of ensuring the steady growth and stable revenue in mid to long term view to operate asset. Receive News & Ratings for Japan Hotel REIT Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Japan Hotel REIT Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAC Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totalling 52,700 shares, a decrease of 35.7% from the July 31st total of 82,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 290,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Stock Performance Shares of NAC stock remained flat at $10.33 during trading hours on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 224,241 shares, compared to its average volume of 312,623. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 52 week low of $10.14 and a 52 week high of $12.40. The stocks 50 day moving average is $10.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.80. Get Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $0.036 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $0.43 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.18%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund About Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $91,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. acquired a new position in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth $110,000. EWG Elevate Inc. acquired a new position in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $112,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at $119,000. (Get Free Report) Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of California, United States. The fund invests in undervalued municipal securities and other related investments that are exempt from regular federal and California income taxes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Free Report) had its price objective cut by Royal Bank of Canada from $84.00 to $70.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a sector perform rating on the stock. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Atlantic Securities lowered shares of Advance Auto Parts from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $130.00 to $50.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $126.00 to $76.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Advance Auto Parts from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nineteen have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $94.74. Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Advance Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts Price Performance AAP stock opened at $64.08 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $3.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.09, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Advance Auto Parts has a 12-month low of $63.09 and a 12-month high of $194.35. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $70.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $101.83. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 23rd. The company reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.66 by ($0.23). Advance Auto Parts had a net margin of 3.08% and a return on equity of 17.53%. The company had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.66 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.74 EPS. Advance Auto Partss revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Advance Auto Parts will post 4.72 earnings per share for the current year. Advance Auto Parts Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 13th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 12th. Advance Auto Partss dividend payout ratio is currently 17.30%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Douglas A. Pertz bought 4,575 shares of Advance Auto Parts stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $66.02 per share, with a total value of $302,041.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,831 shares of the companys stock, valued at $847,102.62. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Advance Auto Parts news, Director Carla Jean Bailo purchased 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $65.90 per share, for a total transaction of $32,950.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,950. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Douglas A. Pertz purchased 4,575 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $66.02 per share, for a total transaction of $302,041.50. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 12,831 shares in the company, valued at approximately $847,102.62. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders purchased 5,463 shares of company stock valued at $359,924 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Advance Auto Parts Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 245.9% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 211 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Machina Capital S.A.S. purchased a new stake in Advance Auto Parts in the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in Advance Auto Parts by 113.7% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 156 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. 91.32% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Advance Auto Parts Company Profile (Get Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BENPG Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Wednesday, July 5th, MarketIndexAU reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 12th will be paid a dividend of 1.406 per share on Tuesday, September 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This is a positive change from Bendigo and Adelaide Banks previous interim dividend of $1.29. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Stock Performance About Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (Get Free Report) Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited provides banking and financial products and services to retail customers and small to medium sized businesses in Australia. The company operates through Consumer, Business and Agribusiness, and Corporate segments. It offers a range of products and services, including personal and business banking, financial planning, commercial mortgages and unsecured loans, investment products, insurance, and superannuation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Big Yellow Group (OTCMKTS:BYLOF Get Free Report) and CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (OTCMKTS:ACDSF Get Free Report) are both real estate companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, earnings, profitability, valuation and dividends. Insider & Institutional Ownership 53.1% of Big Yellow Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 34.2% of CapitaLand Ascendas REIT shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Big Yellow Group alerts: Profitability This table compares Big Yellow Group and CapitaLand Ascendas REITs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Big Yellow Group N/A N/A N/A CapitaLand Ascendas REIT N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Big Yellow Group 0 1 3 0 2.75 CapitaLand Ascendas REIT 0 0 1 0 3.00 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Big Yellow Group and CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Big Yellow Group presently has a consensus price target of $1,208.33, suggesting a potential upside of 8,951.19%. Given Big Yellow Groups higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Big Yellow Group is more favorable than CapitaLand Ascendas REIT. Dividends Big Yellow Group pays an annual dividend of $0.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. CapitaLand Ascendas REIT pays an annual dividend of $0.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.9%. Big Yellow Group pays out 23.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. CapitaLand Ascendas REIT pays out 78.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Big Yellow Group and CapitaLand Ascendas REITs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Big Yellow Group N/A N/A N/A $0.43 31.33 CapitaLand Ascendas REIT N/A N/A N/A $0.18 11.42 CapitaLand Ascendas REIT is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Big Yellow Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Big Yellow Group beats CapitaLand Ascendas REIT on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Big Yellow Group (Get Free Report) Big Yellow is the UK's brand leader in self storage. Big Yellow now operates from a platform of 108 stores, including 24 stores branded as Armadillo Self Storage. We have a pipeline of 0.9 million sq ft comprising 11 proposed Big Yellow self storage facilities. The current maximum lettable area of the existing platform (including Armadillo) is 6.3 million sq ft. When fully built out the portfolio will provide approximately 7.2 million sq ft of flexible storage space. 99% of our stores and sites by value are held freehold and long leasehold, with the remaining 1% short leasehold. The Group has pioneered the development of the latest generation of self storage facilities, which utilise state of the art technology and are located in high profile, accessible, main road locations. Our focus on the location and visibility of our stores, with excellent customer service, a market-leading online platform, and significant and increasing investment in sustainability, has created in Big Yellow the most recognised brand name in the UK self storage industry. About CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (Get Free Report) CapitaLand Ascendas REIT engages in the investment in a diverse portfolio of properties and property related assets. It operates through the following segments: Business and Science Park Properties and Suburban Offices; Integrated Development, Amenities, and Retail Properties; High-Specifications Industrial Properties and Data Centres; Light Industrial Properties and Flatted Factories; and Logistics and Distribution Centres. The company was founded on October 9, 2002 and is headquartered in Singapore. Receive News & Ratings for Big Yellow Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Big Yellow Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (TSE:BIP Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 3rd, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.507 per share on Friday, September 29th. This represents a $2.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of . The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Stock Performance Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSE:BIP Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The company reported C$0.51 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.89 by C($0.38). The business had revenue of C$5.72 billion for the quarter. About Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (Get Free Report) Further Reading Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates high-quality, long-life assets in the utilities, transport, midstream and data infrastructure sectors across North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. The Company is focused on assets that have contracted and regulated revenues that generate stable and predictable cash flows. 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. CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $7.87. Several analysts have recently weighed in on CX shares. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of CEMEX from $9.00 to $12.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of CEMEX from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $5.90 to $9.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of CEMEX from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Bank of America cut shares of CEMEX from a buy rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $6.80 to $7.20 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of CEMEX in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Get CEMEX alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on CX Hedge Funds Weigh In On CEMEX CEMEX Stock Performance Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group acquired a new position in CEMEX in the 2nd quarter worth $86,000. Blueshift Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in CEMEX in the 2nd quarter worth $74,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in CEMEX by 678.4% in the 2nd quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 9,247 shares of the construction companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 8,059 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in CEMEX by 21.8% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,689,469 shares of the construction companys stock worth $19,041,000 after purchasing an additional 481,249 shares during the period. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in CEMEX by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 3,732,329 shares of the construction companys stock worth $26,424,000 after purchasing an additional 367,511 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.81% of the companys stock. NYSE:CX opened at $8.15 on Monday. CEMEX has a 12-month low of $3.20 and a 12-month high of $8.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.81 billion, a PE ratio of 13.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.45. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $7.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.37. CEMEX (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. CEMEX had a net margin of 5.40% and a return on equity of 5.01%. The firm had revenue of $4.57 billion during the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that CEMEX will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About CEMEX (Get Free Report CEMEX, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, urbanization solutions, and other construction materials worldwide. The company also offers asphalt, concrete blocks, concrete block paving, rail sleepers, and flooring systems; architectural concrete products; and box culverts, bridges, drainage basins, barriers, and parking curbs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CEMEX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CEMEX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty-one brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, eleven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $75.70. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on FIS shares. Mizuho decreased their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 8th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $58.00 to $62.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $79.00 to $73.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Stephens upped their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $64.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. Get Fidelity National Information Services alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on FIS Insider Buying and Selling at Fidelity National Information Services Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fidelity National Information Services In other Fidelity National Information Services news, Director Ellen R. Alemany acquired 760 shares of Fidelity National Information Services stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $58.82 per share, for a total transaction of $44,703.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,743 shares in the company, valued at approximately $220,163.26. The transaction 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 purchased 760 shares of Fidelity National Information Services stock in a transaction on Monday, July 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $58.82 per share, for a total transaction of $44,703.20. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,743 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $220,163.26. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Also, CFO Erik D. Hoag sold 3,451 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.15, for a total value of $186,871.65. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,887 shares in the company, valued at $1,076,881.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.56% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 1.5% during the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 7,529 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $756,000 after buying an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Fidelity National Information Services by 3.8% during the first quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,098 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $311,000 after buying an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 83.3% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 286 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Shaker Investments LLC OH grew its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Shaker Investments LLC OH now owns 11,948 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $811,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 25.4% in the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 904 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the period. 90.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Fidelity National Information Services Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of FIS opened at $54.74 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $32.43 billion, a PE ratio of -1.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $57.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $57.41. Fidelity National Information Services has a fifty-two week low of $48.57 and a fifty-two week high of $96.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 0.74. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results 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. Fidelity National Information Services had a negative net margin of 161.74% and a positive return on equity of 12.54%. The firm had revenue of $3.75 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.71 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.73 earnings per share. Fidelity National Information Servicess revenue was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Fidelity National Information Services will post 6.02 EPS for the current year. Fidelity National Information Services Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.80%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio is presently -5.23%. 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. StockNews.com lowered shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Friday. Several other analysts have also commented on the stock. B. Riley raised shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their price target for the company from $10.00 to $9.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust from $6.50 to $7.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Oppenheimer downgraded shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $10.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust from $9.00 to $8.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Hersha Hospitality Trust currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $8.50. Get Hersha Hospitality Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on HT Hersha Hospitality Trust Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows HT stock opened at $6.28 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $251.83 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 2.00. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $6.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $6.60. Hersha Hospitality Trust has a one year low of $5.64 and a one year high of $11.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 1.71. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Hersha Hospitality Trust by 23.1% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,626 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $142,000 after purchasing an additional 2,936 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust by 8.2% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 35,523 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $323,000 after acquiring an additional 2,682 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new stake in shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust in the 1st quarter worth $1,075,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust in the 1st quarter worth $693,000. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its stake in shares of Hersha Hospitality Trust by 14.1% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 28,473 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $259,000 after acquiring an additional 3,510 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.56% of the companys stock. About Hersha Hospitality Trust (Get Free Report) Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) is a self-advised real estate investment trust in the hospitality sector, which owns and operates luxury and lifestyle hotels in coastal gateway and resort markets. The Company's 25 hotels totaling 3,811 rooms are located in New York, Washington, DC, Boston, Philadelphia, South Florida, and California. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Hersha Hospitality Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hersha Hospitality Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. reduced its stake in shares of iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report) by 22.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 497,061 shares of the companys stock after selling 146,592 shares during the period. Karpus Management Inc. owned 1.36% of iShares Europe ETF worth $24,863,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IEV. Stelac Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Stelac Advisory Services LLC now owns 104,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,237,000 after buying an additional 1,505 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 23.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 14,045 shares of the companys stock valued at $706,000 after buying an additional 2,708 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,929 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,000 after buying an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Europe ETF by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 12,927,582 shares of the companys stock valued at $649,482,000 after buying an additional 164,515 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new stake in iShares Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,464,000. Get iShares Europe ETF alerts: iShares Europe ETF Trading Up 0.9 % IEV traded up $0.43 on Monday, hitting $49.58. 36,199 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 385,982. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $50.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $50.22. The firm has a market cap of $1.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.45 and a beta of 0.92. iShares Europe ETF has a one year low of $36.88 and a one year high of $52.37. iShares Europe ETF Profile iShares Europe ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Europe 350 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 Europe 350 (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the stocks of companies in the countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report) by 12.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 190,256 shares of the companys stock after selling 25,879 shares during the quarter. Karpus Management Inc. owned about 0.17% of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF worth $12,871,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 0.7% during the first quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 23,492 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,589,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,740 shares of the companys stock valued at $238,000 after buying an additional 160 shares during the period. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 5,951 shares of the companys stock valued at $429,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the period. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,275 shares of the companys stock worth $399,000 after buying an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. Finally, High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.6% in the first quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC now owns 11,487 shares of the companys stock worth $827,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF stock traded up $0.43 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $66.30. 297,667 shares of the stock traded hands. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.44 billion, a PE ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 0.60. The businesss 50-day moving average is $67.48 and its 200-day moving average is $67.67. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $64.68 and a 12-month high of $76.51. About iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF The iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of developed-market equities, ex-US and Canada, selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio subject to constraints including sector exposure. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE 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 EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magellan Asset Management Ltd cut its stake in CMS Energy Co. (NYSE:CMS Free Report) by 3.7% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,426,715 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 132,259 shares during the period. CMS Energy makes up about 1.8% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. Magellan Asset Management Ltd owned approximately 1.17% of CMS Energy worth $210,332,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CMS. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec acquired a new position in CMS Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $188,418,000. Perpetual Ltd bought a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the 1st quarter worth $134,747,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in shares of CMS Energy by 387.9% during the 4th quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 2,570,344 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $162,780,000 after buying an additional 2,043,489 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of CMS Energy by 75.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,457,642 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $282,303,000 after buying an additional 1,910,519 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the 4th quarter worth $115,134,000. 95.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get CMS Energy alerts: CMS Energy Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of CMS stock traded down $0.25 on Monday, hitting $56.86. The company had a trading volume of 662,441 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,947,311. The firm has a market cap of $16.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.84, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.36. The stocks 50-day moving average is $59.27 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.95. CMS Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $52.41 and a twelve month high of $70.46. CMS Energy Announces Dividend CMS Energy ( NYSE:CMS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.04 billion. CMS Energy had a return on equity of 10.38% and a net margin of 9.07%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 19.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.53 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that CMS Energy Co. will post 3.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Investors of record on Friday, August 4th will be paid a dividend of $0.4875 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 3rd. This represents a $1.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.43%. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 78.00%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Jon E. Barfield sold 2,345 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.06, for a total transaction of $131,460.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 13,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at $783,830.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other CMS Energy news, SVP Catherine A. Hendrian sold 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.26, for a total value of $451,950.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 48,436 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,918,753.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Jon E. Barfield sold 2,345 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.06, for a total value of $131,460.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 13,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $783,830.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on CMS. Argus dropped their price objective on CMS Energy from $75.00 to $62.00 in a research report on Monday, June 26th. UBS Group upgraded CMS Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $63.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. StockNews.com began coverage on CMS Energy in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Mizuho dropped their target price on CMS Energy from $68.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Monday, June 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on CMS Energy from $62.00 to $58.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $64.55. View Our Latest Report on CMS CMS Energy Company Profile (Free Report) CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northland Securities started coverage on shares of Meritage Hospitality Group (OTCMKTS:MHGU Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday morning, MarketBeat reports. The firm issued an outperform rating and a $24.00 target price on the stock. Meritage Hospitality Group Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of Meritage Hospitality Group stock opened at $19.98 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.39. Meritage Hospitality Group has a 52-week low of $16.50 and a 52-week high of $21.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $130.07 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.65 and a beta of 0.12. The companys 50 day moving average price is $19.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $19.54. Get Meritage Hospitality Group alerts: Meritage Hospitality Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 1st. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This is a boost from Meritage Hospitality Groups previous dividend of $0.03. Meritage Hospitality Group Company Profile Meritage Hospitality Group Inc operates quick-service and casual dining restaurants. The company operates restaurants under the Wendy's, Morning Belle, and Stan's Tacos, as well as Taco John's brand names in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Meritage Hospitality Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Meritage Hospitality Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shilanski & Associates Inc. lifted its position in shares of Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC Free Report) by 2.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 15,156 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 359 shares during the quarter. Shilanski & Associates Inc.s holdings in Belden were worth $1,216,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Belden during the first quarter worth approximately $55,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in Belden during the first quarter worth approximately $300,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its stake in Belden by 2.7% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 15,004 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,302,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in Belden by 1,283.9% during the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 488,729 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,442,000 after purchasing an additional 453,414 shares during the period. Finally, Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its stake in Belden by 37.1% during the first quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 18,468 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,602,000 after purchasing an additional 4,996 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.16% of the companys stock. Get Belden alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BDC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Belden from $107.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Belden in a research report on Sunday, August 20th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Belden currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $101.80. Belden Trading Up 2.0 % Shares of Belden stock traded up $1.76 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $90.43. The companys stock had a trading volume of 85,019 shares, compared to its average volume of 267,005. Belden Inc. has a 1-year low of $58.53 and a 1-year high of $99.13. The business has a fifty day moving average of $92.74 and a 200 day moving average of $87.63. The company has a market capitalization of $3.83 billion, a PE ratio of 13.23 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.92, a current ratio of 2.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. Belden (NYSE:BDC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The industrial products company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $692.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $687.49 million. Belden had a net margin of 10.97% and a return on equity of 27.11%. The businesss revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.60 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Belden Inc. will post 7.27 EPS for the current year. Belden Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 12th. Beldens payout ratio is 2.99%. Insider Activity at Belden In other Belden news, EVP Brian Lieser sold 829 shares of the firms 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,638,025.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Belden news, EVP Brian Lieser sold 829 shares of the firms 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,638,025.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ashish Chand sold 7,123 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.88, for a total transaction of $654,461.24. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 45,682 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,197,262.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 34,421 shares of company stock valued at $3,241,593. Corporate insiders own 1.42% of the companys stock. Belden Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC Free Report). 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. SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, August 21st, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.271 per share by the real estate investment trust on Friday, September 15th. This represents a $3.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This is a positive change from SL Green Realtys previous monthly dividend of $0.27. SL Green Realty has increased its dividend by an average of 0.4% per year over the last three years. SL Green Realty has a payout ratio of -222.6% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Analysts expect SL Green Realty to earn $5.53 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.25 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 58.8%. Get SL Green Realty alerts: SL Green Realty Stock Performance Shares of SL Green Realty stock opened at $35.32 on Monday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $32.73 and a 200-day moving average price of $28.77. SL Green Realty has a one year low of $19.06 and a one year high of $49.83. The company has a current ratio of 2.84, a quick ratio of 2.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. Insider Transactions at SL Green Realty SL Green Realty ( NYSE:SLG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The real estate investment trust reported ($5.63) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by ($6.96). SL Green Realty had a negative net margin of 50.10% and a negative return on equity of 9.66%. The business had revenue of $221.07 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $178.80 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.87 EPS. SL Green Realtys revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that SL Green Realty will post 5.56 EPS for the current year. In other news, Director Edwin T. Burton III sold 6,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.30, for a total value of $233,240.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 89 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,052.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 5.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On SL Green Realty A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in SL Green Realty by 2.8% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,561,366 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $347,419,000 after buying an additional 315,294 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in SL Green Realty by 0.3% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,363,094 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $376,022,000 after buying an additional 32,617 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in SL Green Realty by 10.2% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,372,816 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $132,562,000 after buying an additional 403,257 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in SL Green Realty by 39.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,424,518 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,807,000 after buying an additional 400,373 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in SL Green Realty by 20.6% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,197,334 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $97,200,000 after buying an additional 204,750 shares during the last quarter. 82.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their price objective on SL Green Realty from $22.00 to $26.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. Piper Sandler upgraded SL Green Realty from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $27.00 to $41.00 in a report on Friday, July 21st. Truist Financial lowered their target price on SL Green Realty from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on SL Green Realty in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $21.00 target price on shares of SL Green Realty in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $34.47. Get Our Latest Analysis on SLG About SL Green Realty (Get Free Report) 3SL Green Realty Corp., Manhattans largest office landlord, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is focused primarily on acquiring, managing and maximizing value of Manhattan commercial properties. As of June 30, 2022, SL Green held interests in 64 buildings totaling 34.4 million square feet. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SL Green Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SL Green Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $68.33. A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on KO shares. Barclays raised their target price on Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com began coverage on Coca-Cola in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Wedbush raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $69.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, HSBC decreased their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $77.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Coca-Cola Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On Coca-Cola In other Coca-Cola news, SVP Monica Howard Douglas sold 21,074 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.90, for a total value of $1,283,406.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 18,360 shares in the company, valued at $1,118,124. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In other news, SVP Monica Howard Douglas sold 21,074 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.90, for a total transaction of $1,283,406.60. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 18,360 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,118,124. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, SVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 50,000 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.66, for a total transaction of $3,133,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 143,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,984,378.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 227,364 shares of company stock worth $14,122,016 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of KO. Summitry LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 1.7% in the first quarter. Summitry LLC now owns 9,668 shares of the companys stock valued at $600,000 after acquiring an additional 159 shares during the last quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 4.7% in the first quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,584 shares of the companys stock valued at $222,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Midwest Financial LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 7.5% in the second quarter. Johnson Midwest Financial LLC now owns 2,321 shares of the companys stock valued at $140,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 3.4% in the second quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 4,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Traynor Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Coca-Cola by 4.4% in the second quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. 68.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Coca-Cola Price Performance NYSE KO opened at $60.39 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $61.03 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.32. Coca-Cola has a 1 year low of $54.01 and a 1 year high of $64.99. The company has a market cap of $261.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.85, a PEG ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.54. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.74 billion. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 43.06% and a net margin of 23.81%. The firms revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.70 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Coca-Cola will post 2.63 earnings per share for the current year. Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement The firm 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 $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.05%. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.72%. Coca-Cola Company Profile (Get 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 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. WPP plc (NYSE:WPP Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $964.00. A number of brokerages have issued reports on WPP. StockNews.com downgraded shares of WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut WPP from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Get WPP alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WPP Institutional Investors Weigh In On WPP WPP Stock Performance Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WPP. Brandes Investment Partners LP increased its holdings in WPP by 2,330.9% during the 1st quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 349,753 shares of the business services providers stock worth $20,817,000 after purchasing an additional 335,365 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in shares of WPP in the second quarter valued at about $5,455,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD purchased a new stake in WPP in the third quarter worth about $2,866,000. Leuthold Group LLC bought a new position in WPP during the 2nd quarter worth about $3,459,000. Finally, Gilman Hill Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in WPP during the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,000,000. 4.34% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. NYSE:WPP opened at $47.22 on Monday. WPP has a 12-month low of $39.67 and a 12-month high of $64.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $51.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.71. WPP Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.9536 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 12th. WPP Company Profile (Get Free Report 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. Featured Stories 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. Three French police officers were arrested on Tuesday over the death of a 27-year-old man in the southern city of Marseille in early July during nationwide rioting, prosecutors said. France was convulsed in late June and early July by violent rioting over the killing outside Paris on June 27 of a teenager by a policeman during a traffic check. The riots were met by a forceful police response. Hundreds of people were arrested and hundreds of police officers were wounded. But there had not previously been any confirmation of a member of the security forces or a protester losing their life during the events. In all, five police officers from the elite Raid unit were taken into custody on Tuesday morning in Marseille for questioning in the probe over the death of Mohamed Bendriss, prosecutors said. Two of the five were released in the early evening, the public prosecutor's office announced. "The other three police officers remain in custody," confirmed Marseille public prosecutor Dominique Laurens. Several civilians and police are also giving evidence as witnesses, the prosecutors added. The incident took place during the night of July 1-2 during violent protests in the centre of Marseille sparked by the death of Nahel M., 17, who was shot dead by a policeman on June 27 during a traffic check. Widow expecting second child Bendriss, a married father of one, whose widow is now expecting a second child, lost his life after feeling unwell while riding a scooter. His autopsy showed traces on his chest of what could be the impact of a shot from a blast ball and commonly used by the country's police. The prosecutor's office has said it considers it "probable" that the man's death was "caused by a violent impact to the thorax caused by the firing of a projectile of the blast ball type". The investigation is the latest controversy to target Marseille police. Earlier this summer, a 22-year-old man called Hedi had to have part of his skull amputated after being beaten up and fired on with a blast ball on July 21 by a group of men suspected to be police officers. Four Marseille police officers have been charged over the incident. Three have been released under judicial supervision. The fourth has been remanded in custody for the duration of the investigation. His detention caused huge controversy within the French police. Officers across the country went on sick leave en masse as a sign of protest but a court last week rejected the appeal against his detention. The officer admitted in court to firing a blast ball round, reversing an earlier denial, but said he did not see anybody injured. His lawyer added that there was no proof it was his round that had wounded Hedi. The powerful police union, Alliance, said the ruling was "incomprehensible and very unfair". A total of 31 investigations by the IGPN police investigation unit were opened during the riots, a police source told AFP. Search Keywords: Short link: That release could not be found. President Bola Tinubu has decried servicing Nigerias external debt profile with 90% of the countrys revenue base, saying it is a simple path to destruction, and cannot be sustainable. The President declared that Nigeria will not sustain a failed economic theory that leads to the wastage of 90% of its scarce revenue in the servicing of external debts in the midst of the many development challenges facing the country The President made the statement on Sunday in Abuja while declaring open the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Velodrome, Chief MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja. While energising the gathering of 16,190 lawyers in attendance with an extemporaneous speech, President Tinubu stated that the prosperity Nigerians require will only occur once poverty is banished from society with the focused cooperation of Nigerias private sector leaders, many of whom were present at the opening ceremony. Can we continue to service external debts with 90% of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable. We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world, the President stated. Speaking on the theme of the conference, Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigerias Nation-Building, the President stated that hard decisions must be made to set the country on a growth trajectory, despite the initial pains that meaningful reforms usually bring. We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated. It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny. It is not about you, and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country, he affirmed. Against the backdrop of the renowned judicial reforms he undertook as Lagos State Governor, President Tinubu renewed his commitment to deal conclusively with the pressing issue of remuneration for judicial officers and legal practitioners, noting that true justice reform must begin with world-class salaries and benefits for legal professionals in Nigeria. You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed, yet we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of mindset. We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain a lot about the past. Is that the solution? No. Let us look forward and be determined! God has given us what we need. We must work hard with determination to make our country great, and it begins with you, who are seated here with me, the President said. Referring to the keynote address delivered by the Chairman of UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, whom he praised for setting an agenda for economic growth and development, President Tinubu bemoaned the inability of the country to eradicate poverty and tackle poor electricity supply, despite Nigerias abundance of gas. He made a commitment that his administration would ensure that Nigeria generates and distributes the electricity the economy requires to thrive. Yes, it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries. How can we address poverty without electricity? We can take many people out of poverty with an uninterrupted electricity supply. Poverty is not acceptable, and we must banish it, President Tinubu concluded. The illegitimate President of Nigeria is deservedly an object of international ridicule. A man of insufferable arrogance whose life outlook is built around the primacy of money in resolving all challenges, his ongoing international and national legal travails prove yet again that pride goes before an unmitigated fall. Instructive as his rapid moral fall may seem, hopefully to be swiftly followed by a similar political fall from his illegitimatepresidential perch, this piece is not about him. It is about us Nigerians and our individual and collective responsibility in facilitating the rise of this moral dwarfism that has overrun and enveloped our land. History will ask extremely critical questions of all of us who happen to be Nigerians. One of the most pertinent questions will be how did Nigerians allow a proven narco-money launderer, an alleged fraudster, an allegedforger, an alleged election rigger, an allegedlooter, an alleged identity thief, a man without any formal schooling from primary to secondary school level by his own admission, a man without any unqueried certificate, or unqueried past records besides his various stints in public office. How did such a man manage to rise from Senator to State Governor for eight years and then to President albeit illegitimate President of Nigeria. How could a thing like this ever be allowed to happen in a country, any country which is not a land of zombies? The correct answer is that it is only possible in a Democracy without the rule of law. What we are witnessing is not just the indictment of the illegitimate President as a person, it is also an indictment of the entirety of us Nigerians as a Collective. Think about it like this. In the eyes of the world, the unuttered international reaction, mark you not consternation is, where else can this happen but in Nigeria? The more I n I think about it, the more pertinent I n I find this supposition. Where else can this outrageous affront to national self-respect and dignity happen but in Nigeria? Not being a soldier, the illegitimate President did not seize power by military coup. Neither was he imposed on Nigerians by the military. He was "elected" by Nigerians or supported and assisted in his most suspicious and inauspicious "rise" to the pinnacle of power by Nigerians inmultiple Nigerian state institutions. So, at the very least he was tolerated by Nigerians, some of whom are still preaching that he should be given a chance or a soft landing. In Nigeria, chances or soft landings are given to rich and powerful criminals, no matter how vile their crimes may be. The stiffer punishments are reserved for poor and weak criminals to serve as a deterrent, when it should be the other way around considering their relative impacts on society. Are Nigerians so daft, so stupid, so foolish, so permissive, so ignorant, so complicit, so unpatriotic, and so retrogressive that among the 220 million odd Nigerians, Muhammadu Buhari first, and Bola Tinubu next, are the best the Nigerian system can throw up as Presidents? If Tinubu is our best at these perilous times, I n I wonder, what our worst would look like? Ishudder to imagine it. What we are witnessing is a whole system collapse along the moral, democratic, economic, and juridical dimensions. Such a systemic implosion cannot occur without Nigeria's elites, intelligentsia, institutions, politicians, Judiciary, Press, elders, Army, Police, INEC, religious leaders especially the Muslim folk first. and Christian folk next, assuming total responsibility for it. The elites in Nigeria above a certain cut-off age, I would suggest 50 years, are 100% complicit and self-incriminated already in terms of permissive utterances, inability to combat the steady erosion of the nobler virtues of civilized conduct, or the ethics of enlightened human behavior, or their further acts of commission or omission which catalyzed the moral degeneracy now in play. The most dangerous of these erosive activities has been the assault on the Rule of Law. I n I have said it before and I dare say it again, that far beyond democracy, the kernel national interest of Nigeria and other African countries is the Rule of Law. Democracy without the rule of law is an empty shell without substance. As the courts in Chicago, United States, and Abuja, Nigeria, separately determine the fate of Nigerias illegitimate President, who is confronted with very shameful and hitherto unimaginable litigatory charges for someone so highly placed, rest assured of one thing. History shall ask where each Nigerian elite stood and what role each Nigerian elite played or refused to play in catching, stopping, and correcting this humongous national humiliation, before it grew wings to perch on the presidential seat and was therefrom inevitably and logically brought to its legal denouement and fruition. Nigerians if you love your country, step back and think extremely hard this day about the role you played or continue to play in bringing about Nigerias rapid decline. We are watching . Anthony Chuka Konwea, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, MNSE, FNIStructE, MNICE. The acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed sadness over the death of two officers who recently died in active service. The Customs boss who described the deceased who were identified as Kabiru Shehu and Abdullahi Muhammad, as dedicated and valiant individuals, condoled with their families, vowing to stand with them in their period of grief. Recall that the two officers were shot dead on August 24, 2023 while carrying out a stop-and-search operation along Bunza Dakingari - Koko Road of Kebbi State. Reacting through a statement issued by CSC, Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, the acting Comptroller General emphasized perilous challenges that officers encounter daily while safeguarding the nations borders, assuring that the NCS, under his leadership, stands firmly united with the families of deceased officers during this period of profound grief. In this time of sorrow, we recognize the void their departure has left, both personally and within our Customs community. May the memory of their bravery, sacrifice, and service offer solace to their loved ones and motivate us all to uphold the principles they epitomized, CG Adeniyi was quoted saying. The Acting CGC applauded the swift response of the Kebbi Area Command in launching a comprehensive investigation to apprehend perpetrators and ensure justice for the fallen officers. The NCS pledges its complete support and collaboration in every step taken to bring those accountable for this reprehensible act to justice. Furthermore, the Acting CGC expressed gratitude for the solidarity and cooperation extended to the NCS by the Government and the good people of Kebbi state, led by the esteemed Executive Governor, His Excellency Mohammed Nasir Idris. He highlighted the significance of community engagement in the collective pursuit of safety and security, encouraging all citizens to actively contribute to these shared endeavors. On behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Acting CGC reiterated the resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of the nations borders, the statement read. The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, has reportedly demanded a shorter transition to democracy from coup leaders in Niger Republic. It could be recalled that the junta in Niger promised to transfer power in the next three years. However, Tinubu said the three-year transition proposed by the military leaders is unacceptable. A member of the Islamic clerics who met with President Tinubu, the National Missioner, Ansar-udeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, made this known while speaking to journalists. Ahmad, who is the spokesperson for the Ulamas during the interview revealed that President Tinubu insisted that the military leaders must give specifics of their transition programme which must also be brief. He said, What we did Thursday was to brief him (ECOWAS chairman) on the outcome of our visit. The reason he has asked us to go back is that he wants specifics from the junta. That was what he said; their response was too open-ended and he could not hold that. That is why he asked us to go back. The President wants specifics that what he (head of the junta) had said is too general; they want to be able to hold them to a timeline and the commitment and the specifics of the short time of transition. On when the delegation would return to Niamey, the cleric said, We are deliberating on when it will be convenient for members to go back and when it will be convenient for the people we are going to meet to receive us. We are still deliberating on when to go back, so we havent fixed a date yet. The point is that we have stated it time and time again, over and over, that we are not a government delegation as such. The vision to intervene was a private initiative of the Ulamas and it is not a committee set up by the government. We are only trying to facilitate a peaceful resolution with regard to the conflict without the need for the use of force. So, to that extent, we sought the permission of the President because it is not something we can do on our own, basically with another country. The President granted the permission, and then we began and of course, our President is the chairman of ECOWAS and we briefed him each time we visited the Nigerien people. But basically, its is about the convenience of members of the delegation, and then we will reconvene and then we go. The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) has successfully completed its training programme focused on the art of jewellery design. This programme was undertaken in collaboration with Kooheji Jewellery during the twelfth edition of the Youth City event. This initiative underscores Danat's commitment to upholding standards of corporate social responsibility, as well as its dedication to training and empowering young Bahrainis in the field of pearls and jewellery. Through this endeavour, the institute aims to actively involve the youth in executing the National Pearl Revival Plan. The training programme specifically catered to individuals aged 18 to 35 who possess an interest in the jewellery sector. Danat assembled a proficient team to educate participants on the fundamentals of diamonds, gemstones, and other precious materials. Additionally, another team from Kooheji Jewelry delivered hands-on instruction in the field of jewellery design and crafting techniques. Intricacies of jewellery design It specifically focused on the intricacies of jewellery design, encompassing a comprehensive curriculum where participants were educated in fundamental aspects of creating diverse jewellery models and diamonds. This included instruction in the production process, techniques for assessing and embellishing jewellery, sketching designs, and formulating intricate structures for valuable pieces. Moreover, the programme aimed to enhance participants' skills and hone their expertise in the realm of geology, offering a well-rounded series of workshops designed to nurture and cultivate the talents and capacities of young individuals. As the programme concluded, participants engaged in a competition aimed at identifying the finest jewellery design. The chosen design will be crafted by Kooheji Jewellery and showcased at this year's Arabian Jewellery Show. Notably, a specialized panel from Danat Institute will participate as jurors in the selection process to determine the winner. Invaluable training This training initiative emerges from the institute's unwavering dedication to conduct initiatives that invigorate the achievements of Bahraini youth. This initiative furnishes them with invaluable training prospects to acquire proficiencies in various domains linked to pearls and gemstones, refining their abilities to position them as optimal choices within the jewellery industry. We also praise the fruitful collaboration with Kooheji Jewellery in bringing this programme to fruition, said Noora Jamsheer, CEO of Danat Institute. Jamsheer explained that the training initiative held a distinct focus on nurturing the craft of diamond workmanship and jewellery within Bahrain. This emphasis was particularly poignant due to the nation's extensive history in pearl extraction and trade. Furthermore, the kingdom stands as the epicentre for the world's foremost institute specialising in the examination and classification of pearls and gemstones. Jamsheer highlighted that Danats aim, through its programmes, is to elevate the proficiency and expertise of young individuals within this domain, while also instilling enthusiasm for engagement in this pivotal field.-- TradeArabia News Service Fears linger over possibly radioactive seafood from Japan BANGKOK: The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) has asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Fisheries to take strict measures to screen seafood imported from Japan for fear it could be contaminated by a radioactive isotope. marinehealthpollutionChinese By Bangkok Post Monday 28 August 2023 10:32 AM Japan began releasing wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture into the Pacific Ocean on Aug 24. Photo: AFP The island country began releasing wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean on Aug 24, reports the Bangkok Post. Panuchote Thongyang, chairman of the TCCs sub-committee on food, drugs and health products, said yesterday (Aug 27) many countries, including Japan itself, have voiced concerns over the safety of the wastewater despite the green light from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which said the released wastewater, which has been treated, meets world safety standards. He said China, Hong Kong and South Korea have suspended imports of every form of marine product, but no Thai agency has announced any measures being taken to reduce safety risks despite the fact that the kingdom is a major importer of fishery products from Japan. Mr Panuchote said radioactive substances from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, struck by an earthquake over a decade ago, caused many cities to have been declared off-limits. Four years after the disaster, many of those cities were still restricted areas and some of them were completely abandoned. These indicated that the leaked radioactivity had spread to adjoining areas. I would like to call for the FDA and the Department of Fisheries to urgently take preventive measures, especially random checks of imported sea food both at checkpoints and at local markets, he said. Consumption of sea food contaminated with radioactivity could be hazardous to health. Mr Panuchote also called for the two agencies to publicise the measures they have taken to allay fears among consumers. On Aug 24, the day Japan started releasing the wastewater, FDA deputy secretary-general Lertchai Lertwut said the agency held a meeting with the Department of Fisheries, the Office of Atoms for Peace and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology to lay down measures to examine sea food imported from Japan. He said consumers should not worry as all imported sea food products are subject to examination at FDA and Department of Fisheries checkpoints with support from narcotics suppression police and the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. Importation of products found contaminated with radioactive substances must be suspended, and the products returned or destroyed, Mr Lertchai said. In fact, safety measures on fishery products from Japan have been taken since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was struck by a tsunami in 2011. No radioactive traces beyond international standards have been found in those products, Mr Lertchai said. The FDA deputy secretary-general said that in order to convince people of the safety of Japanese seafood, authorities will double the collection of samples for examination. The vigilance will remain despite the change of government and the transition of the fiscal years, Mr Lertchai said. Phuket Governor enters monkhood before retirement PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has entered a 15-day ordainment as a monk at a temple in Lamphun province to make merit ahead of his official retirement as Governor of Phuket on Sept 30. culture By The Phuket News Monday 28 August 2023 11:23 AM Governor Narong entered the 15-day ordainment at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai on Saturday evening (Aug 26) through a ceremony administered by the revered Chao Khun Luangpo Arayawangso. The governors decision to embark on this monk ordainment holds significance as he prepares for his forthcoming retirement later this year. Such a 15-day ordination is a customary practice for Thai men, reflecting their deep-rooted cultural and spiritual values, Sopon Keamkan, Chief of the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket), told The Phuket News today. Governor Narongs choice to undertake this temporary monkhood showcases his commitment to both his official role as a government representative and his personal dedication to the betterment of the nation. This act reflects a tradition where government officials symbolically offer themselves in service to the country, Mr Sopon said. The Phuket News was told that Governor Narong will return to Phuket after his 15-day ordainment, on Sept 10 or thereabouts. In his absence, Phuket Vice Governors Amnuay Pinsuwan, Anuparp Rodkwan Yodrabam and Danai Sunantarod will fulfill his gubernatorial duties. As the governor engages in this spiritual journey, the anticipation for the announcement of the incoming governor continues. The succession plan for leadership after Governor Narongs retirement remains an intriguing topic, generating curiosity among the people. So far, there have been no official announcements detailing who will succeed Mr Narong as Governor of Phuket. However, The Phuket News was told, Stay tuned for updates as we follow Governor Narong Woonciews transformative path and await news of Phukets new governor in the days to come. Governor Narong arrived in Phuket in June 2020 to replace Phakaphong Tavipatana, who had come under fierce criticism for his handling and implementation of COVID-19 policies. According to reports in the Thai media online at the time, some people said Governor Phakaphong did too little too late, while others reported that the measures he rolled out were too harsh. Mr Phakaphong was assigned to the post of Governor of Phetchaburi. Before his posting to Phuket, Governor Narong, a native of Phatthalung, had previously served as Governor of Chaiyaphum province. On Governor Narongs arrival at Phuket Provincial Hall three years ago, the welcoming party was out in force, with many officials present to greet him with flowers. I will do my best for Phuket, to develop and lead Phuket to move forward, Governor Narong told the press as he entered Provincial Hall. Governor Narong was immediately aware of the plight many people on the island were suffering without any income amid the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Subdistrict chiefs grilled over illegal houses near Phuket airport PHUKET: Thalang District Chief Bancha Thanu-in has ordered the chiefs of the Thepkrasattri Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) and the Sakhu OrBorTor to investigate 49 houses believed to have been built illegally within their areas. By The Phuket News Monday 28 August 2023 01:20 PM The order issued by Thalang District Chief Bancha Thanu-in. Image: via Isra Mr Bancha issued the order to investigate the suspected illegal structures earlier this month, with the two OrBorTor chiefs given until Friday, Sept 15 to report their findings, reported news agency Isra. A total of 34 houses are suspected of being built illegally in Tambon Thepkrasattri, and a further 15 houses are suspected of being built illegally in Tambon Sakhu, notably in areas around Phuket airport, said the report. The order was issued in response to a complaint filed by Jamroon Kerddam, Chairman of the Gulf of Thailand - Andaman Area Conservation Network, reported Isra. Also in response ot the complaint, Pol Capt Piya Raksakul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSi), arrived in Phuket on Aug 15 to inspect illegal structures and illegal occupation of areas within the Bang Khanun Protected Forest. The complaint reportedly included confidential information from a conservationist whos part of the network in Phuket, Isra noted. The information highlighted a flooding incident that occurred at Phuket International Airport in Thalang District, Phuket Province, last year. This incident has had a serious negative impact on the citys reputation as a top-tier tourist destination. Such a destructive event has never been experienced before. Upon investigation, the network discovered that the surroundings of Phuket International Airport are encompassed by numerous mountains, steep hills, and flat areas. Despite this challenging terrain, unauthorised construction is taking place. These buildings have been erected without proper authorization from local authorities, contravening the regulations set forth in the Building Control Act of 1979, which was later amended in 1992. The unauthorized construction including 34 houses have been built without proper authorization in Thepkrasattri and 15 houses in Sakoo. However, the responsible parties for this negligence remain unknown, whether they are relevant officers or not, the network said. Citizen and the civic body have joined hands on how to protect Banka, a small river that passes through Burdwan town. Like many river systems, Banka also has badly been affected by the human activities ~ perpendicularly or horizontally, as the morpho- logical adjustment of river channels have been affected with the fast growing development of urbanization with in the river catchment areas. The Banka has suffered the brunt of unplanned urbanisation and the river is one of the most severely polluted rivers in Bengal. The hydraulic geometry of the Banka river in Burdwan town, according to citizens and the Burdwan Municipality, needs to be taken into account for serious observation using spatial interpolation technique. A research work on the river, incidentally, had revealed that Banka has recorded sud- den increases in its channel width upto 21 per cent against an increase in its depth by 17 per cent within the Burdwan urban area. Advertisement The research by Abhay Sankar Sahu of Kalyani Uni- versity and Suvendu Roy of a Chandernagore-based col- lege revealed that Bankas carrying capacity has increased by 45 per cent within the urban area due to increased discharge by the linkages of the river with the Left Bank Main Canal of the Damodar Valley Corporation canal, besides the added flow of waste water drainage system. The impermeable urban surface in the down line of the town has also caused a rapid increase in runoff generation resulting in increased width of the river by 36 per cent, the research report stated. The 125 km-long Banka originated from Ramgopalpur village in Galsi block and meets the Bhagirathi in Kalna. The British used this as an source of drinking water and river transportation. Paresh Sarkar, chairman of Burdwan Municipality said: We need to act immediate- ly to save the river for the sake of sustainability of this increas- ing urban conglomeration. The Paschimbanga Bij- nan Mancha has partnered with the citizens to give a wake up call to the government for Banka. Tusharkanti Batabyal, district president of the Mancha, said: If the government fails to restore the fate of the river, Burdwan town would face a disastrous fate. With the biggest festival of the year round the corner, the truck operators are appre- hensive because of the restrictions on movement of such commercial vehicles in the city that have been imposed following the recent fatal accident in Behala. The truck operators are demanding a solution of their problems at the earliest as the countdown for Durga Puja has already begun. With a few weeks remaining for the upcoming mega festival, the demand for con- sumer and perishable items has gone up, according to the operators. Numerous trucks carrying such items are entering the city with the supply to various wholesale markets of the city like Posta, Shyambazar, Sealdah and so on. Advertisement However, entry of com- mercial vehicles in the city is now allowed only between 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Earlier, the tim- ing was between 10 p.m. to 8 a.m, informed the general secretary of the Federation of West Bengal Truck Oper- ators Association, Sajal Ghosh, noting that this earlier win- dow has now been slashed by two hours. Also, the vehicles were allowed to offload the trucks and leave the wholesale mar- ket between 12 noon to 4 pm. But, now, restrictions have been imposed on this prac- tice also making it difficult for the truckers to empty their vehicles and leave the city due to unavailability of parking spaces in the wholesale mar- kets, he added. The problems cumulatively are impacting the truck movements and their business. The operators are apprehensive that if the problems remain unsolved, it could impact the Puja market. A high level meeting between officials of the city traffic police, state transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty and the truckers body, Federation of West Bengal Truck Operators Association was held last Friday on the issues faced by the operators. Officials of the city traffic police are said to have informed that the matter would be communicated to the commissioner of the city police to find a solution at the earliest. In yet another success in its crusade against smuggling activities, Assam Rifles recovered 265 kilograms of marijuana worth Rs 13.25 lakh in Ashigar, Mandai, and West Tripura, said officials. As part of the Assam Rifles massive crackdown on narcotics and drugs abuse in the State, Assam Rifles under Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) seized 265 Kgs of Marijuana worth Rs 13.25 lakh in Ashigar, Mandai, and West Tripura on August 26, 2023, said an official statement by Headquarter Inspectorate General Assam Rifles (East). Based on the input received from a reliable source of a large quantity of processed Marijuana hidden at Ashigar in Mandai, a team of Assam Rifles along with State Police personnel of Mandai Police station launched a swift operation in which 265 kilograms of Marijuana was seized after thorough search of the area, said the statement. The cost of the seized consignment is estimated to be of Rs 13.25 lakh. The seized Marijuana has been handed over to Mandai Police station and an FIR has been registered against the owner of the house from where the contraband items have been recovered, it added. Earlier on Saturday, Assam Rifles recovered illegal foreign-origin cigarettes and liquor worth 10.12 Lakh at Zokhawthar in Champhai district, said an official statement from Assam Rifles. The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles and the Customs Department of Zokhawthar based on specific information on Saturday under the guidance of Inspector General (East), Assam Rifles. Advertisement The seized consignment was handed over to Custom Preventive Force Champhai for further legal proceedings. Ongoing smuggling of foreign origin cigarettes is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram. Assam Rifles, rightly christened as the Sentinels of Northeast have been successful in launching such operations against the smuggling activities in Mizoram, the official statement added. Earlier also in a similar kind of operation Sentinels of Northeast apprehended one individual along with Heroin worth Rs 1.71 crore on August 24 from Ratabari police station area in Karimganj District of Assam. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud highlighted the significance of workplace flexibility and open dialogues concerning menstrual health during a recent event. CJI Chandrachud shared an incident involving a female colleague who requested to work from home, reassuring her by saying, Feel free to work from home; I am sure you can manage your work as usual. Health should always be a priority. He also stated, I allow women law clerks to work from home when they experience menstrual cramps. Advertisement CJI Chandrachud stressed the importance of openly discussing menstrual health issues within society, stating, Its crucial that we engage in these conversations. We must acknowledge that these issues exist in our society. He further disclosed, Last year, out of five law clerks, four were women. Its common for them to inform me about their menstrual cramps. I encourage them to work from home and prioritize their health. Additionally, we have installed sanitary napkin dispensers in the female restrooms at the Supreme Court of India. Although India does not have a specific law governing menstrual leave, institutions have the freedom to independently make decisions and offer more favorable employment terms than those mandated by legal provisions. What happened earlier? Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition advocating for nationwide menstrual leave for employees and students, citing it as a policy matter. The court also noted concerns that menstrual leave policies could have various implications and potentially discourage employers from hiring female workers. Menstrual leave policies are designed to enable women to take time off from work or school during their menstrual cycle. These policies recognize the challenges posed by menstruation and provide women with the necessary time to manage their health and well-being. The duration of menstrual leave can vary depending on the specific policy, typically ranging from one to several days per month. The Supreme Court on Monday relaxed its order and permitted Islamic scholar Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, who has been accused of allegedly running a religious conversion syndicate, to travel to Muzaffarnagar, in Uttar Pradesh to attend the funeral of his brother today. Siddiqui was arrested by the anti-terrorist squad of Uttar Pradesh police in September 2021. Later he was granted bail by Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court later on May 9, 2023, modified the bail order and restricted the movement of Siddiqui with the National Capital Territory of Delhi. A Justice Aniruddha Bose, heading a bench also comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti said Siddiqui after attending the funeral of his brother, must return to his present place of residence in Delhi. He will refrain from participating in any political and social other activity or making any speech. Advertisement Relaxing the order earlier restricting his movement within the NCT Delhi only, the bench in its order today said, Considering the reason for which he wants lifting of the temporary restraint order on his entry into Uttar Pradesh. we permit him to go to his native village, which we are apprised of during hearing, is Fulat, Muzaffarnagar. We also make it clear that applicant (Siddiqui) shall not participate in any political or social activities while in Uttar Pradesh, barring activities connected with funeral, and he shall not deliver any speech while in Uttar Pradesh, the bench said in its order. Siddiqui had approached the top court on Monday August 28, with an urgent application seeking to attend his brothers funeral, which was to take place today (August 28) itself. The top court is seized of an appeal by the Uttar Pradesh government challenging April 2023, the Allahabad High Court order granting bail to Siddiqui for the alleged offences under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and that of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The top court on May 9, while hearing the Uttar Pradesh governments appeal against the High Court order had said that during the period Siddiqui remains enlarged on bail, he shall not leave the NCT Delhi except for the purpose of attending the trial or for meeting the investigating officer. The High Court granted bail to Siddiqui in the case while noting that one of the co-accused in the case was granted bail by the Supreme Court, while the other was given the relief by a coordinate bench of the High Court. Siddiqui, an Islamic scholar and president of the Jamia Imam Waliullah Trust, has been accused of running a mass religious conversion racket through several organisations and schools funded by him and for receiving funding from international organisations. He was arrested by the anti-terrorist squad of Uttar Pradesh police in September 2021. Siddiqui has also been accused of promoting enmity between different religious groups and disturbing Indias sovereignty and integrity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India will be among the top three economies of the world during the current decade itself, and this will expand its every sector several times and create unlimited employment opportunities for youth. He was speaking after distributing more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits at a Rozgar Mela, via video conferencing. The Rozgar Mela was held at 45 locations across the country. The newly appointed recruits joined various police forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA, like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Delhi Police. Advertisement The Prime Minister said India is currently the fastest growing economy in the world. People must be wondering how this will benefit the common man. It should be known the growth of the economy at a fast pace has brought unexpected transformation in various sectors of the economy, he said. The pharma industry had played an important role during the pandemic, he said. Today, it is worth about Rs 4 lakh crore and it is estimated that by 2030, the industry will be worth approximately Rs 10 lakh crore. This growth means the industry will need more youth in the coming years, creating opportunities for employment. The Prime Minister said the automobile and the auto components industries have been expanding. They are worth more than Rs 12 lakh crore now and they are expected to grow further in the years to come. Many more youth will be required by the automobile industry to maintain the growth rate, thereby creating employment opportunities in the nation. The food processing industry was worth about Rs 26 lakh crore last year and is bound to rise to Rs 35 lakh crore in the next three and a half years. With expansion comes increased employment opportunities, he said. Referring to infrastructure development, he said in the last nine years the central government has spent more than Rs 30 lakh crore on infrastructure. This is giving a push to connectivity as well as tourism and hospitality, creating new jobs. By 2030 the tourism sector will contribute more than Rs 20 lakh crore to the economy creating an estimated 13-14 crore jobs. The figures of expected employment and sector growth are not just numbers, Mr Modi said. These developments will impact the lives of common citizens by creating jobs, ease of living and increasing incomes, the Prime Minister said. A new era of transformation can be witnessed owing to the efforts of the government in the last nine years, he said. India made record exports last year. It is a sign of increased demand for Indian made goods in the global market. As a result, he said, production has gone up, employment has increased and thereby the income of the family has seen a rise. He said that India has become the second largest mobile manufacturing nation in the world and the demand for mobile phones in India has also shot up. He said the Governments efforts were behind the manifold increase in mobile manufacturing. The country is now focusing on other electronic gadgets. India is likely to replicate the success of the mobile manufacturing sector in the IT and hardware manufacturing sectors. The day is not far when Made in India laptops and personal computers will make us proud, the Prime Minister said. Referring to the Vocal for Local campaign, the Prime Minister said that the government is giving emphasis to procuring Indian-made laptops and computers, and as a result, production and employment has gone up. He recalled the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna was launched on this day nine years ago, and played a big role in creating employment along with economic empowerment of the villages. Under the scheme, more than 50 crore bank accounts have been opened and it helped in taking welfare benefits to the poor and deprived directly. Mr Modi said the new recruits joining the armed police forces have the responsibility to provide a secure environment for the economic development taking place in the nation. Giving the example of Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister mentioned that the state once lagged behind in development and was also one of the leading states in terms of crime. With the introduction of the rule of law, the state is now able to scale new heights of development and is now a society free from fear. On a day President Draupadi Murmu released a commemorative coin on noted Telugu actor and politician NT Rama Rao on his centenary year which was well attended by his family including TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed him for betraying the TDP founder and grabbing his party. The event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan saw Naidu in deep conversation with BJP national president JP Nadda in the presence of TDP and BJP leaders from Andhra Pradesh including state president of BJP Daggubati Purundeshwari who is also the daughter of NT Rama Rao. YSRCPs dissident MP K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, a known baiter of YS Jagan Mohan was also present at the event. Soon after the chief minister lashed out at Chandrababu Naidu. TDP is desperately trying to work out an alliance before polls in Andhra Pradesh and YSRCP is wary of any such move by the two parties. Meanwhile, Reddy while addressing a public rally at Nagari in Chittoor district after he released Rs 680 crore as financial assistance as fee remuneration for students pursuing engineering, medicine or courses in polytechnic and ITI reminded the people of Naidus betrayal of NTR by staging an internal coup in 1995, popularly known in the political circles as the August coup. Naidu is married to NTRs daughter Bhuvaneshwari. Today we are witnessing Chandrababu Naidu shamelessly taking part in the launch of commemorative coin of Rs100 honouring NTR, despite his history of betraying NTR and grabbing his political party, said the chief minister. Advertisement Lashing out at Naidu, he said: They are the same individuals that snatched NTRs position, stole his party and bear the sole responsibility for NTRs demise, referring to the Telugu star actors demise in January, 1996 after he was stripped of power and authority following the coup. NTRs children and other family members had also sided with Naidu and his son Harikrishna also became a minister in his Cabinet. The Chief Minister referred to recent violence in Punganur and Angulla ahead of Naidus public rally as TDP supporters clashed with the police. Chandrababu Naidu and his henchmen are very adept at playing politics over dead bodies, said Reddy while pointing out that the police had restrained in order to control the situation which left a number of policemen injured including one who lost his vision. Naidu also complained to the Election Commission of India that the electoral machinery was not being allowed to function independently in AP and Reddy hit back at him wondering how he could complain when he was the mastermind behind bogus voters. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Monday said that its Jalabhishek Yatra in Haryanas Nuh will be symbolic after Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urged the right-wing Hindutva outfit to no carry out their religious procession and state authorities denied permission. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said that their leader Alok Kumar will complete the Yatra symbolically and perform Jal Abhishek at Nalhar Mandir. Bansal said the decision was taken keeping in mind the preparations of the G20 Summit, which will held in Delhi later next month. The G20 Summit will be held under Indias presidency and attended by several heads of state, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Today, on the last Monday of Sawan month, with the blessings of sadhus we are performing Jal Abhishek at various locations. Our leader (Alok Kumar) is about to reach Nalhar Mandir and he will perform Jal Abhishek there. Representatives from the Hindu community will accompany him. Keeping in mind the difficulties of Govt and G20 preparations, we decided to complete the Yatra symbolically, the VHP spokesperson said. Advertisement Section 144 imposed in Nuh; internet internet services suspended Earlier in the day, Rajender, IG, South Range, Rewari said that the state and local administration has denied the permission for VHPs Jalabhishek Yatra and appealed to people to maintain a peaceful environment in the communally charged area. The authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area with mobile internet services and bulk SMS remaining suspended. The Local and State Administration has denied the permission (for the yatra). For Law & Order, force deployment has been done in the area. Section 144 has been imposed in the areaI would appeal to the people to maintain a peaceful environment through mutual understanding, he said. Haryana ADG, Law and Order Mamata Singh said that they will not allow any kind of group movement and formed four SITs who are carrying out an investigation based on technical evidence and anyone found instigating people through social media will be booked. Schools, and banks in the area will also remain shut on Monday in order to restrict movement. #WATCH | Nuh, Haryana: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration. I have come here from AyodhyaThe administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go pic.twitter.com/m1Dv76xkna ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 On Sunday, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that since the Yatra created a law and order issue last month, permission was not given this time and urged people to worship in local temples. He also asked the VHP and the Bajrang Dal to not carry out the Yatra. The Congress on Monday described the Prime Ministers Rozgar Melas as the Biggest Jumlas(rhetoric), saying Narendra Modi was feeling the heat in an election year after betraying the hope of aspirational youth for more than nine years. Soon after Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to the youth, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that the jobs were for sanctioned posts that have not been filled up for years due to some administrative or financial reason. In a very large number of instances appointment letters are being handed out by the PM even in cases of promotion. The Mela personalises employment in the government sector as if the PM is singularly responsible for mostly routine job offers, he said. Advertisement After destroying the MSME sector with demonetisation, a badly designed GST and an ill-planned sudden lockdown. After betraying the hope of aspirational youth for more than 9 years, the Prime Minister is feeling the heat in an election year.To save his flailing image, he has come up with one of the biggest jumlas the PM Rozgar Mela, he said on X. Noting that job creation came from economic growth that was driven by investments, the Congress leader charged, The PM Rozgar Mela is a gimmick and is yet another proof of a gigantic ego, enormous vanity, the unbounded self-obsession and the refusal to accept responsibility for the dire unemployment situation. The Yogi Adityanath government is gearing up to make gram panchayats of Uttar Pradesh TB-free. The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modis mission of TB-free India on a mission mode. It is worth mentioning here the World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 every year. PM Modi had announced this initiative in Varanasi. The initiative will be implemented on the ground soon with the collective effort of the District Tuberculosis Officer and District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO). Principal Secretary Health, Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma has issued specific guidelines to all Chief Medical Officers and District Tuberculosis Officers (DTOs) including the Director General of Health in this regard. These guidelines are in line with Chief Minister Yogis vision to make gram panchayats tuberculosis-free. In addition, meetings will be held at the DTO and DPRO levels to brainstorm on making the panchayats TB-free. Employees associated with the campaign from district to block level will be trained. This trained workforce will subsequently educate village leaders within their respective areas. Concurrently, collaboration with the District TB Center will aid in preparing panchayats to attain TB-free status. Efforts to eradicate TB will also be incorporated into the Panchayat Development Plans (PDP). Dr Deepa Tyagi, Director General of Health, informed that the public is being educated about diverse facets of tuberculosis, encompassing symptoms, prevention strategies, dispelling misconceptions, adherence to treatment, screening procedures, and the range of benefits extended by the Yogi Government to TB patients, along with the available treatment resources. Under this process, the Block Development Officer will send the claims of all eligible gram panchayats aspiring for TB-free status at the block level, along with all essential documents to the District Tuberculosis Officer for validation. Furthermore, the District TB Team will send a list of verified gram panchayats deemed eligible for the TB-free Panchayat status to the District Magistrate. As a result, every year on World Tuberculosis Day (March 24), the District Magistrate will issue a TB-free Panchayat certificate with a one-year validity to the gram panchayats meeting the criteria. In the pursuit of achieving TB-free panchayats, the Health Department officials will collaborate closely with the Panchayat Department. In this campaign various responsibilities have been assigned to several key individuals from the District Tuberculosis Officer, Medical Officer overseeing Community and Primary Health Centers, Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS), TB Home Visitor (TBHV), Senior TB Lab Supervisor, ANM, and ASHA workers. ASHA workers will record information regarding TB patients in the ASHA diary, locate individuals with TB within the community, and assist in the investigation process. They will distribute medicines to TB patients and offer guidance on adhering to the treatment, ensuring its successful completion, and provide nutritional recommendations. Additionally, they will facilitate the registration of bank account information, enabling TB patients to receive Rs 500 monthly to support proper nutrition throughout the course of treatment. At the community level, ANMs will disseminate information about TB using posters. They will educate people about TB symptoms including a persistent cough, fever lasting two weeks, weight loss, and night sweats. ANMs will also screen women exhibiting these symptoms. Their responsibilities extend to organizing outreach initiatives to assist TB patients and encouraging them to undertake treatment. The Senior TB Lab Supervisor will collaborate with the Health and Wellness Center/Sub-centre team, sharing the list of confirmed positive patients within the gram panchayat. To facilitate sample examination, they will provide necessary transportation support to the District Tuberculosis Officer and Medical Officer. The Senior Treatment Supervisor and TB home visitor will assume crucial roles within the TB-free panchayat campaign. They will contribute to Active Case Finding (ACF) within the village/panchayat, conduct monthly home visits for TB patients, and aid gram panchayats in gathering essential data for the TB Patients Enrollment Register and Stock Register. The BJP on Monday claimed that the massive explosion at a factory in West Bengals Duttapukur was due to the presence of RDX and not firecrackers. West Bengal LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said that he has filed a PIL in the Kolkata High Court demanding an NIA probe into the blast. At least eight people died and several others sustained injuries after a massive explosion at a two-story house in the Duttapukur area of North 24 Parganas district. The police said the house was being used to run an illegal fireworks factory. The intensity of the explosion was so high that it damaged some of the nearby buildings. The roof of the two-storey house, from where the factory was being run illegally, was blown off completely. Advertisement It was RDX and it was a powerful explosion. I have already filed a PIL in the Kolkata High Court. My submission is granted by the court and hopefully, it will be listed tomorrow, Adhikari was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Congress demands court-monitored probe Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, who visited the spot, said that it didnt look like a firecracker blast and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. After seeing the situation here, I can say that its not a firecracker (blast), there are some more things that police dont want to disclose. It should be thoroughly investigated, Chowdhary said. When asked if would also demand the NIA probe, the Congress leader said that there was no need for an NIA probe but a court-monitored investigation should be carried out. This was the third such incident in less than five months. Earlier on May 16, as many as nine people had died in a similar blast at an illegal firecracker factory at Egra in East Midnapore district. In another such incident, a huge explosion had taken place in a fireworks factory at Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas district. Jayanta Mahapatra, a notable figure in Odishas literary community, is once again in the spotlight following his recent passing. His decision to return the Padma Shri award in 2015 as a form of protest against growing intolerance in India has resurfaced as a testament to his unwavering principles. In a heartfelt letter addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee, Mahapatra expressed his concerns about the increasing societal divisions within the country. He explained, Mine is a small, insignificant step. But it is my personal way of showing protest to the growing asymmetry that is evident in the country. I express my desire to return the awardMy act should not be considered as any kind of dishonor to the country. Mahapatra, a distinguished contemporary poet of India, was renowned for his unique poetic style and was considered one of the founders of Indian English Poetry. Advertisement His literary legacy encompasses an impressive collection of 27 books, including seven written in Odia and the remainder in English. Reflecting on his decision to return the award, Mahapatra shared, It is a personal decision. I thought for a long time but some incident hurt me so much and I decided to return the award. Every day something is coming out in the paper. You cannot eat this or you cannot eat that. This hurt me. He emphasized that his protest was not against any particular political party but was a response to a series of events and incidents that deeply troubled him. My protest is not against a particular party. I am as much hurt by the Dadri issue, Jayalalithaas police arresting Kovan, as well as the utterances of the Assam Governor on Hindustan (being) for Hindus. I believe there is a genuine curtailment of freedom, he asserted. A year prior to this poignant act, Mahapatra had donated not only his Padma Shri award but also his Sahitya Akademi award and several state literary awards, along with a substantial collection of over 4,000 books. These contributions found their home in the heritage library of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore district, where he had previously served as a professor of physics. Reflecting on this gesture, Mahapatra noted, I may not be able to return the citation and the plaque as they are with the library. I wanted to lodge a symbolic protest. His actions, both in returning awards and making significant donations, highlight his unwavering commitment to his principles and his deep concern for the state of affairs in the country. Finally, India has introduced its own car safety rating system. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), a voluntary starrating system to assess and evaluate vehicle safety in crashes. It will come into effect from 1 October 2023, and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes will receive one to five stars based on their collision performance. With this announcement, India is reported to have become the fifth country worldwide to implement such a programme. And about time too. With only one per cent of the worlds vehicles, India accounts for almost 10 per cent of all road crash related fatalities. Poorer households bear a higher proportion of the socio economic burden of road accidents due to loss of income (over 70 per cent of crash victims belong to economically disadvantaged households), high medical expenses and limited access to social safety nets. According to a World Bank study, road crashes are estimated to cost the Indian economy up to seven per cent of GDP a year. Government data shows that each year road accidents in India kill about 1,50,000 people and injure another 4,50,000. More than half of the victims are pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists and almost 84 per cent of all fatalities are among road users between the working ages of 18 to 60 years. The World Bank has already pledged to support the governments efforts to reduce incidents of road crashes by creating efficient institutional mechanisms for safer roads, vehicles, and strengthening efforts to provide better on-the-spot care to victims of road crashes. Advertisement Indian automakers had previously subjected their vehicles to testing through the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP), which is an initiative under the United Kingdom-based Towards Zero Foundation striving for global adherence to vital United Nations vehicle safety standards. It serves as a standardised platform to foster international collaboration among new car assessment programmes (NCAPs), offering dependable crash safety insights based on common criteria. Indian authorities say Bharat NCAP aligns with global crash test protocols while considering Indian regulations. It allows manufacturers to test vehicles locally and cut costs associated with overseas NCAP-accredited centres. Though NCAPs are not obligatory, these are designed to encourage manufacturers to go beyond basic safety standards and promote competition in incorporating advanced safety features. Well done is half begun. But if the government is serious about achieving the primary objective of Bharat NCAP, which is to help raise road safety standards by encouraging vehicle manufacturers to prioritise safety in their vehicle design and features, clearing the B-NCAP test with a minimum of, say, three stars needs to be made mandatory. Sooner rather than later. It could be a form of extended producers responsibility for the auto sector under a proper legal framework. Not only will such a move ensure fewer lives are lost on Indias killer roads, it would provide a fillip to the global competitiveness of Indian car manufacturers and increase exports of made and safety tested in India vehicles. Has the Security Council fulfilled its obligations and upheld the principles enriched in the world Constitution the UN Charter and the UDHR? The answer would obviously be a big no because there have been more wars, armed conflicts and violence amongst the member States than they occurred in the century preceding the United Nations. According to Uppsala University, Sweden, there have been at least 285 armed conflicts in the world since 1946, out of which 23 conflicts have been devastating. The ten most devastating armed conflicts, wars or invasions engulfing the world have been: 1. The Korean War (1950- 1953: UN Command led by USA; fierce fighting for more than 3 years; Korea is divided ~ con- flict unresolved; casualties: 2-3 million. 2. The Vietnam War (1955- 1975): Also known as Conflict in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; US-led Cold War lasted for about 20 years; deaths: about 3 million Vietnamese, 310,000 Cambodians, 62,000 Laotians, and 58,220 US service personnel. According to Bertrand Russell, short of dropping atom bo- mbs, the US soldiers did every kind of inhuman torture, brutal- ities and genocide including using Napalm bombs on innocent men, women and children. Advertisement 3. The Bosnian War (April 1992- December 1995): NATO led forces; conflict continued for 5 years: 101,000 dead. 4. The Second Congo War (1998-2003): Also known as the Great War of Africa or Africas World War, the deadliest war since WW II. Although a peace agreement (Sun City Agreement brokered by South Africa) was signed in 2002 and the war ended officially in 2003, violence has continued in many regions, especially in the East. Nine African nations and twenty five armed groups funded by blood diamond are involved in the ongoing war. Casu- alties: 5.4 million deaths in war and disease, 3.4 million displaced, 2 million sought asylums, largescale destruction of forests and protected animals as more than a million people who fled to the forests lived on bushmeat. Critics have alleged that the UN had played a dubious role in the conflict. 5. The Afghan War (2001-2021): A sordid story of war, conspiracy and terrorism. US led NATO invasion continued for 20 years ending with withdrawal of US forces in 2001. Terrorist organization, Taliban has recaptured power but armed conflict is going on. The State was in near continuous state of war since 1970s. Casualties: 1.4 ~2.5 million dead and millions dis-placed. 6. The Second Gulf War (2003-2011): Also known as Iraq War started with the invasion by US-led NATO forces that overthrew the government of Saddam Hussain. The US was re-involved in 2014 but conflicts and violence are still continuing. Total casualties: 113,000 civilian deaths, Iraqi combatants 71,000 dead, coalition forces ~ 25,000 dead and 117,000 wounded. 7. The War in Darfur (2003- present day): Nicknamed as the Land Cruiser War~ a major armed conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan involving ethnic cleansing and genocide, that began in 2003 and ended with the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement on 31 August 2020 between the Sudanese gov- ernment and the various rebel groups. Conflict is going on. Casualties: 300,000 killed (UN estimate) 8. The War with ISIL ( June 2014-present): This was a global war against the ISIL who rapidly gained large territories of Iraq and Syria and established the Islamic State of Iraq, Syria and Levant with the objective of reviving the Caliphate. The ISISL and Al-Qaida operatives spread their tentacles to Iraq, Syria, Libya, Nigeria, Afghanistan, North Caucasus and South East Asia. In June 2014, a US-led coalition of 14 nations started air strikes followed by many other coalitions to fight the ISIL. ISIL military was defeated in Iraq and Syria but the fight is going on. Casualties: at least 28,000 civilians killed by ISIL; about 13,000 killed by coalition air- strikes; 7,600,000 civilians dis- placed in Syria and 3,300,000 displaced in Iraq. 9. The Syrian Conflict (March 2011-present day): The Syrian Civil War has been going on for more than 12 years be- tween Syrian President Basher alAssad and various domestic and for- eign forces who are opposed to his government. A cease fire since 6 March 2020 is still holding with spo- radic clashes. Ca- sualties: 470,000- 610,000 deaths. 10. The Rus- so-Ukraine War (2014-present day): This war which started with the annexation of Crimea in February 2014 by Russia turned into one of the deadliest. The conflict is going on for almost 10 years. Ukraine is sup- ported by the Western powers and there is no sign of the war ending. Casualties: estimates vary widely. One estimate puts Russian losses at 110,000 (US Intelligence source) and probably an equal number on the Ukrainian side. As of November 2022, Russia occupied 18 percent of Ukraines territory. While a number of nations had been burning and were being destroyed what was the Security Council doing? It must be admitted that the Security Council had always been pretty active (almost in continuous session for consultations both inside and outside the Chamber) but had been absolutely ineffective in taking effective and timely action in the major conflicts owing to the application of veto power by the permanent members. In conflicts where any of the big five was involved or had interest, the Security Council was unable to pass any resolution for military intervention. The all-powerful Secretary General was powerless and had to be a helpless spectator on the goings on in the Council. The glaring example is the Ukraine war because of Russian veto, the Security Council could not make any military intervention. If public memory serves right, only two Secretary Generals Dag Hammarskjold of Sweden (who was killed in a plane crash in Africa conspiracy theory remains) and Kurt Waldheim of Austria ~ could make a difference by their own efforts to negotiate peace in the conflict zones defying the machinations of the Big Five. Notwithstanding the veto syndrome and severe constr- aints, the Security Council could manage to pass as many as 2692 Resolutions (as of 14 July 2023). The question remains whether all these resolutions could be implemented. As of May, 2022, as many as 263 important resolutions of the UNSC had been vetoed ~ 121 times by Russia, 82 times by USA, 29 times by United King- dom, 17 times by China and 16 times by France. This only shows that the major and most serious resolutions of the Secu- rity Council, which affected any of the permanent members, were summarily rejected or neg- atived. Concerning flare-ups in 285 war zones (recorded since 1946), the Security Council could man- age to agree for military inter- vention and send peace-keep- ing missions only in 14 theatres of war ~ Korea, Congo, Cyprus, West New Guinea, Sinai Peninsula, Kuwait, Namibia, Cambo- dia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and DR Congo with limited suc- cess as many of the conflicts remain unresolved and peace is fractured by recurring resurfac- ing of violence. No evaluation about the fate of about 7,000 resolutions passed so far by the Council is available but it can be presumed that since implementation by the member-countries is volun- tary, the majority of the resolutions might have remained unimplemented. (The writer is a former Dy. Comptroller &Auditor General of India and a former Ombudsman of Reserve Bank of India. He is also a writer of several books and can be reached at brahmas@gmail.com) Jayanta Mahapatra, a revered figure in Odishas literary world, has passed away at the age of 95. His demise has sparked discussions among those who admired his literary works, particularly focusing on his role in the renowned Indian Poets Trio. Mahapatra was an integral part of a trio of poets who laid the foundations of Indian English Poetry. This illustrious trio included A. K. Ramanujan and R. Parthasarathy. Beyond his stature as one of the most celebrated Indian poets of his time, Mahapatras contribution to Indian English Poetry was significant. He shared a special connection with A. K. Ramanujan, a distinguished poet within the same literary tradition. Advertisement Mahapatras poetry was characterized by its extensive use of words, blending seamlessly with authentic Indian themes, placing him in a category of his own. Other poets of Indian Poets Trio: A. K. Ramanujan, a multifaceted scholar, was not just a poet but also a linguist, philologist, folklorist, translator, and playwright. His academic pursuits spanned five languages: English, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit. Ramanujans wide-ranging research encompassed both classical and contemporary forms of literature, and he passionately advocated for recognizing and preserving local, non-standard dialects. While his literary output encompassed various genres, Ramanujans poems are popular for their enigmatic quality. They startle originality with sophisticated style, and profound artistic expression. Posthumously, he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for The Collected Poems. R. Parthasarathy, on the other hand, served as a lecturer in English Literature in Mumbai for a decade before joining Oxford University Press in 1971 as the Regional Editor in Chennai. Later, in 1978, he relocated to New Delhi. Currently, he holds the position of Associate Professor of English and Asian Studies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. This trio of poets, consisting of Ramanujan, Parthasarathy, and Mahapatra, not only contributed significantly to Indian English Poetry but also stood out by not adhering to the conventions of the Bombay school of poets, with the exception of R. Parthasarathy. Over the years, Mahapatra crafted a unique, serene poetic voice that set him apart from his contemporaries. Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his inability to attend the upcoming G20 Summit which will be held in Delhi from 9 to 10 September under Indias Presidency. According to an official statement released by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), Putin told PM Modi that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be Russias representative at the G20 Summit. During the conversation, PM Modi and Putin also discussed issues of bilateral interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on global issues, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit. Prime Minister Modi, the PMO statement said, thanked the Russian President for his countrys support to all the initiatives under Indias G20 presidency. The two leaders reviewed progress on number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, the PMO statement read. Advertisement President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, it added. Also Read: Ahead of G20 Summit, Pro-Khalistan slogans found on walls of Delhi metro stations There were speculations that Putin would not travel to India for the G20 Summit in view of an arrest warrant issued against him by The International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has accused Putin of war crimes during Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Russian President had not attended the BRICS Summit in South Africa either. There were also rumours about his health condition but they were later dismissed by the Kremlin. The Delhi G20 Summit will be attended by several top leaders of the world, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The UKs Indian-origin PM Rishi Sunak will also visit Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has found himself surrounded by a fresh conflict of interest controversy ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi where he is expected to negotiate a post-Brexit trade deal with India. According to reports, there are claims that his wife Akshata Murthy, who owns shares worth around 500 million pounds in her parents India-based international tech giant Infosys, could stand to benefit financially from the deal. The Indian-origin British prime minister is likely to hold a separate bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit to finalise the India-UK trade deal. Sunaks critics and the Opposition Labour Party say Infosys could be a beneficiary of the trade deal. According to a UK media report, Labour and the chair of the all-party House of Commons Business and Trade Select Committee Saturday raised potential transparency issues relating to the British PMs wife and suggested he recuse himself from trade deal negotiations. Advertisement As the prime minister recently learned, its important he declares any interests properly. I expect him to do so in respect of the India trade deal too, Darren Jones, the Labour chair of the business and trade select committee was quoted as saying in the report. India-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations in final stage Earlier last week, UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch held intensive talks with Indian government officials in New Delhi on the prospective Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Badenoch had said that the deal was in the final stage of negotiations. She, however, said that visa liberalization for Indians was a separate immigration issue that didnt fall in the ambit of the FTA. The UK is one of the largest European markets for Indian IT services and more visas for its workers has been New Delhis key demand during the trade negotiations. If any more visa relaxations are given to Indians, Infosys would hugely benefit from the move. The tech giant has contracts with the British government as well as several UK companies. Infosys wants easier access to the UK for its thousands of employees. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Snow this morning will taper off and give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High near 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 100%. About one inch of snow expected.. Tonight Rain showers early with clear skies overnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Emirati e-payment company Network International announced plans to invest EGP 1 billion ($32.33 million) in Egypt's digital payment solutions sector, according to a press release on Monday. The company said that a "significant share" of its investments will be injected into procuring, deploying, and maintaining approximately 100,000 point-of-sale (POS) machines in multiple areas across Egypt. The remainder of the investments will be directed towards deploying its own payments technology platform, Network One, in Egypt, the company added. "The investment goes beyond monetary value our focus includes continuing to hire and develop local talent and leadership. Egypt has been our Africa headquarters for many years and [we have more than] 700 Egyptian colleagues serving over 160 banks across Africa and 65 banks in the Middle East," said Nandan Mer, group CEO of Network International. "The Egyptian government has been implementing a robust strategy to accelerate digital transformation objectives. Network is at the forefront of this transformation, aligning with the nation's 2030 agenda," commented Reda Helal, group managing director for processing in Africa. Egypt has made significant progress in recent years towards digitalization. The country inked 29 agreements with foreign businesses, including IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and Dell Technologies, in December 2022 to establish outsourcing centres, which are projected to increase Egypt's digital exports by $1 billion by 2025 and generate more than 34,000 jobs. Egyptian digital exports are projected to reach approximately $5.5 billion in FY2022/23, up 12.2 percent from $4.9 billion in FY2021/22. Last October, the Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Amr Talaat stated that Egypt invested EGP 50 billion in digital transformation projects. Search Keywords: Short link: The popularity of electric vehicles will likely impact the oil markets. As demand continues to increase, the need for petroleum-based gasoline and diesel engines will decline, decreasing the demand for petroleum use. While petroleum use could fall, natural gas use could rise as the demand for electricity rises and the need for alternative electricity generation sources increases to meet the growing demand for EVs. Several countries have generated legislation that will increase the need to produce Evs. In Europe, EU lawmakers approved an effective ban on new fossil fuel cars by 2035. In the United States, the new EPA rules do not mandate a certain percentage of EV sales but have decreased the average CO2 emissions allowed between 2026 and 2032. The underlying issue is that EV demand will cut into gasoline demand as more electric engines come to market, replacing fossil fuel-equipped engines. While demand destruction in physical oil will impact oil trading, the real issue is the volume of financial trading that will be deminished if as Evs achieve greater adoption. The volume of financial trading in futures, contracts for differences and over the counter transactions are much larger than the total trading volume for physical oil. The total volume of brent and WTI contracts traded per day is approxmately 2.8 million contracts per day which is more than two billion barrels per day of oil traded. These figures compare to global liquid fuel consumption in the physical market of 97 million barrels per day. What is an EV Engine It's essential to understand why EV engines are replacing gasoline engines to evaluate how this change will impact crude oil investing . An electric vehicle (EV) is powered by one or more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in batteries or obtained from an external source. There are two different types of EVs. Battery Electric vehicles use only rechargeable batteries. Plug-in hybrid Evs use a combination of batteries and a combustion engine (ICE). Ev's are more energy-efficient and produce lower or zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While some uses of an internal combustion engine with plug-in hybrids exist, gasoline or diesel is cut significantly compared to solely ICE vehicles. What Charges an EV Engine Electric vehicles (EVs) typically use a lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable. Lithium Ion batteries are widely used in portable electronics and electric cars due to their relatively long lifespan and good power-to-weight ratio. These batteries contain one or more individual cells, each containing a positive electrode (cathode), a negative electrode (anode), and an electrolyte. Lithium-ion batteries are favored in EVs due to their high energy storage capacity, which allows for longer driving ranges. Additionally, they can be recharged multiple times, making them suitable for daily use. What is a Lithium Ion Battery made of There are several parts to a battery. The positive charge cathode contains a lithium metal oxide compound. Common cathode materials include lithium, cobalt oxide, and nickel. The anode is the battery's negative electrode and is typically made of graphite, a form of carbon. Graphite has a layered structure allows it to intercalate lithium ions during charging and release them during discharging. The electrolyte is a substance that allows lithium ions to flow between the cathode and anode while preventing direct contact between them. It is typically composed of lithium salt. The electrolyte enables ions' movement and facilitates the battery's electrochemical reactions. The separator is a thin, porous material between the cathode and anode to prevent them from coming into direct contact. It allows the passage of lithium ions while inhibiting the flow of electrons, thus preventing short circuits. What is the Deadline in Europe What is clear is that there is no use of fossil fuel generating a charge for Evs. While the electric battery can use any source of electricity to charge, the emissions produce zero carbon. The European Union has approved a plan requiring all new cars to be zero-emission by 2035. The goal is geared toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since 25% of the EU comes from the transportation sector and 70% is from road traffic, a move toward zero emissions using Ev's strikes at the heart of the international combustion engine. Another part of the plan is to reduce emissions in new cars on average by 55% and new vans by 50% by 2030 compared to 2021 vehicles. In the United States, Presiden Biden issued an executive order to assist in the proliferation of electric vehicles. In the United States, an executive order is a directive issued by the President. Executive orders are considered a form of presidential directive with the force of law but are distinct from laws passed by Congress. Congress has the constitutional authority to create laws. The difference is that a new President without a vote can change an executive order while congress needs to vote on new laws. Additionally, several states have announced bans on ICE cars. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington will prohibit the sale of new internal combustion engine driven vehicles beginning in 2035. How Will New EV Demand Impact Oil Trading Base studies conducted by S&P Global show that U.S. oil and liquids demand could drop by 25% from the 2019 consumption information which was 20.3 million barrels a day in the United States. The outcomes according to S&P are dependent on government policies, and who is in power. In a high adoption outlook the tranportation sector that is focused on the internal combustion engine could see demand drop by seven million barrle a day by 2050. Oil trading could see greater impact as fewer traders transact. For example, the currently open interest of West Texas Intermediate crude oil which is the North American benchmark, is approximately 1.8 million contracts . Each contract is 1,000 barrels of crude oil. That would put open interest at 1.8 billion barrels of crude oil (1,800,000 * 1,000). If 25% of the open interest on WTI crude oil were removed from the market, about 450 million barrels of crude oil would not be transacted. The decline in demand would not only hurt the liquidity in the physical crude oil market, it would also damage the liquidity in the financial criude oil markets. The same issue could occur in the gasoline market, and since gasoline is mainly a transportation fuel, it could be impacted by a greater extent. Gasoline open interest on the Chicago Mercantile exchange is 326,000 contracts, which is 326,000,000 barrels. If 25% of that flow was removed from the market, the financial futures market would see a decline of about 81 million barrels. The Bottom Line The upshot is that demand for fossil fuel could tail off as demand for Evs start to accelerate. The biggest section of oil demand that will be impact is the transportation sector. In some instances more than 70% of the transportation sector will be impacted. There are estimates that about 25% of the total oil demand in the United States will be impacted. More importantly, the volume of oil that is traded can be affected by the change in the underlying physical demand for oil. The amount of oil that is traded on the Chicago Mercantile Change is much larger than the physical demand of oil. With current open interest numbers showing the volume of oil traded on the exchange as more than 1.8 billion barrels. These figures do not include the volumes of contracts for differences that are traded and the total volume of over the counter contracts that are exchanged that reference difference oil prices. Additionally, WTI is only a North American benchmark. There are billions of barrels of financially traded Brent traded throughout the globe that will be impacted by the move to Evs from internal combustion engines. What seems clear is that if there is more demand for electric vehicles there will be less demand for vehicles that are fueled by petroleum. While there is no specific regulation in the United States, the EU is attempting to remove all new internal combustion engines by 2035. The EU block is also trying to sinificantly reduce the number of new ICE cars that are produced by 2030. Regulation around the globe will eventually eat into the demand for fossil fuels and impact crude oil trading, by reducing volume and liquidity. Following the footsteps of his grandfather S.A. Chandrasekhar rather than his famous actor- father, Vijay's son Jason Sanjay has chosen to direct a film over acting. Lyca Productions, known for their big-budget star projects, on Monday announced a Tamil film with him at the helm. Confirming the news, producer A Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, said, "Jason Sanjay will direct our next project, which has a unique story premise and will be an engrossing experience." According to Subaskaran, the untitled film will have emerging stars in its cast. "We are in talks with top league technicians from the industry to be a part of this project," he added. In a press statement issued by Lyca Productions, Jason Sanjay said, "It's an honour to get the opportunity to direct my first film for a prestigious production house like Lyca Productions. It has been a hub of encouraging talents and has created a stream of new filmmakers. I am glad that they liked my script, and have given me complete creative freedom to materialise it." Jason Sanjay has done his BA (Hons) in screenwriting in London. He also has a film production diploma from Toronto Film School. A short film called 'Pull the Trigger', which runs a little over 13-minute, which he had directed as part of his course work, is being circulated in social media by Vijay's fans, soon after the announcement. "It's great to see that he has not only specialised in screenwriting and direction, but has also studied production, which we believe is an essential quality that every filmmaker should master," said Subaskaran. Shortly after the announcement, the news went viral in social media, mostly thanks to Vijay's fans. X user and Vijay fan Karthik DP tweeted: "Through #Kaththi, #ThalapathyVijay proudly introduced @LycaProductions to this cinema industry. Now, they are excitedly presenting Thalapathy Vijay's son -- #JasonSanjay's directorial debut." Another X user, @georgeviews, pointed out: "When #Thalapathy #Vijay made his acting debut, everyone referred to him as #SAC's son, but over the years he rose to stardom with his hard work and talent that now SAC has been identified as Vijay's dad. Jason Sanjay is now being referred to as Vijay's son. Hope he will also match the legacy of his dad!" A metropolitan court in Ahmedabad on Monday issued summons to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in a criminal defamation case filed against him over his reported remarks that "only Gujaratis can be thugs (fraudster)." The court of Additional Metropolitan Magistrate DJ Parmar issued summons to the senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader to appear before it on September 22 in a case filed against him under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal defamation. The court had conducted an inquiry against Yadav under section 202 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and had found sufficient grounds to summon him on the basis of a complaint filed by one Haresh Mehta, a 69-year-old social worker and businessman based in Ahmedabad. Mehta had filed his complaint in the court along with the proof of Yadav's statement made before the media in Patna in Bihar on March 21 this year. "Only Gujaratis can be thugs in the present situation and their fraud will be forgiven. Who will be responsible if they abscond after they are offered money belonging to the LIC and banks," Yadav had said. Mehta, in his complaint, said the statement, which was made in public, defames and humiliates Gujaratis. A term like "thug" refers to a rogue, sly and criminal person, and such a comparison will cause non-Gujaratis to look at Gujaratis with suspicion, Mehta said in his complaint and sought maximum punishment for Yadav. Incidentally, in March this year, a Surat court had sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail for his 'Modi surname' remark, which led to him being disqualified as Lok Sabha member, but a stay on the conviction by the Supreme Court on August 4 led to him being reinstated as Wayanad MP. A court in Ahmedabad has issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party colleague Sanjay Singh in a criminal defamation case filed by the Gujarat University for their media statements connected to a HC judgment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree. The two AAP leaders have been directed to remain present in court on August 31. The Begur Police on Sunday arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly killing his live-in partner by hitting her head with a pressure cooker in Bengaluru. The accused is identified as Vaishnav hailing from Kollam, Kerala. According to police, the incident occurred in the Mico Layout police station area on Saturday. Reportedly, the couple had been living together in a rented house at Mico Layout region for the last three years. His girlfriend, Devi (24) hailed from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. According to C.K. Baba, DCP South-East division, the accused was suspicious of his girlfriend having an affair. They were live-in partners. Both are from Kerala. A few days back, he (the accused) had some suspicions about the woman (deceased). They used to fight over it. Yesterday the same thing happened. They fought and he hit her with a pressure cooker. We have registered an IPC Section 302 case (murder). We have also arrested him and interrogation is going on, Baba told ANI. The CBI has registered an FIR against ED Assistant Director Pawan Khatri in connection with an alleged payment of Rs 5 crore bribe by liquor businessman Amandeep Dhall who wanted help in the Delhi excise policy scam case, officials said. Along with the two, the CBI has also named an assistant general manager of Air India Deepak Sangwan, the CEO of Claridges Hotels and Resorts Vikramaditya, chartered accountant Praveen Kumar Vats and two others -- Nitesh Kohar, an UDC in the ED, and Birender Pal Singh, they said. The CBI action was initiated on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which during its probe in the Delhi government's excise policy scam found that Amandeep Dhall, an accused in the case, and his father Birender Pal Singh gave Rs 5 crore bribe to chartered accountant Praveen Vats for arranging help in the ED probe, the officials said. Vats told the ED that Sangwan had introduced him to Khatri in December 2022, they said. Vats said that he paid Rs 50 lakh as advance to Sangwan and Khatri in December 2022 at a parking place behind ITC Hotel in Vasant Vihar for taking out Dhall's name from the list of the accused, they said. The ED referred its probe to the CBI, on the basis of which the central probe agency registered a case, they said. Heavy security arrangements have been put in place in Haryana's Nuh district as Hindu outfits plan to take out the 'shobha yatra' on Monday despite Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar denying permission. The development comes barely a month after six people were killed in communal clashes during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) procession in the Muslim-majority district. The state administration denied permission for the yatra, organised by the 'Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat', citing the G20 sherpa group meeting in Nuh from September 3 to 7. However, the Hindu outfits plan to proceed with the yatra, stating that it will be peacefully organised. Speaking to ANI, VHP leader Alok Kumar said: We know that G20 is going to start, so we will shorten the yatra. But we will not leave it, we will complete it tomorrow. Khattar urged Hindus to not participate in a procession that was denied permission; instead they could offer prayers in temples, he said. On high alert As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended in the communally sensitive district from August 26 to 28. Prohibitory orders have been clamped down in the district, and all educational institutions and banks will remain closed. According to reports, 1,900 Haryana police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the district. All entry points are being monitored and police personnel are checking all vehicles crossing through Sohna toll in Gurugram. Shortly after clashes broke out in Nuh in July, the violence spilled over to Sohna also with miscreants vandalising shops and vehicles. On Saturday, Nuh police officials held a meeting with counterparts from bordering states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Union Territory of Chandigarh to coordinate security efforts, Hindustan Times reported. In his Saturday order suspending internet services, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) TVSN Prasad said there is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in Nuh through spread of rumours and inflammatory content through the internet. So far 61 FIRs have been registered and 286 accused have arrested in connection with the violence that killed six, including two home guards and a cleric. In the wake of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Haryana's Nuh, security arrangement has been heightened in the district. Police is allowing only locals to enter the temple, while the rest were denied permission and escorted out. Entry inside the temple is only allowed after police checking and verifying the addresses, especially on Aadhar cards, of the people. Reportedly, around 40 people were allowed to worship in the Nalhar Mahadev Temple after VHP and their supporters reached the temple for Jalabhishek. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Nuh, with administration officials saying that the borders surrounding the district have been sealed and entry would not be allowed to anyone except the locals in the area. Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya was stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration on Monday morning. #WATCH | Nuh, Haryana: Seer Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya Maharaj from Ayodhya stopped at the Sohna toll plaza by the administration. "I have come here from Ayodhya...The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go pic.twitter.com/m1Dv76xkna ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 I have come here from Ayodhya...The administration has stopped us here, they are not allowing us to move ahead nor they are allowing us to go back. So I am doing fast until death. If they (the administration) will shift me somewhere else, I will do fast until death there also, the seer told ANI. Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Takht chief Viresh Shandilya was detained by Ambala Police on Monday before he could leave for yatra. SP Jashandeep Singh Randhawa said that he has been kept under "house arrest" at his residence in sector 1, reported HT. Haryana ADG, Law and Order Mamata Singh told reporters that the situation in the area is peaceful so far. "The situation is normal in the area. Force deployment has been done in the area to maintain a peaceful environment...The Internet services have been suspended in the area...We will remove all restrictions once everything is normal in the area." said Singh. Despite Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar denying permission to conduct shobha yatra, Hindu outfits planned to take out the yatra on Monday. Citing the G20 sherpa group meeting in Nuh from September 3-7, the state administration had denied the permission for the yatra organised by 'Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat'. Reportedly, 1,900 Haryana police personnel and 24 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the district. As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended in the communally sensitive district from August 26 to 28. Earlier, the procession on July 31 was attacked at Nalhar village in Nuh triggering communal clashes. At least six people died in the clashes. A logo for the alliance, a coordination committee to facilitate a joint campaign and common messaging and a broad framework for state-wise seat-sharing discussions are among the items on the agenda of the opposition parties when they meet in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 to take forward their discussions for a joint fight in the Lok Sabha elections. If the parties finalised a name for the alliance at their meeting in Bengaluru last month, deciding to call the grouping Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA, setting the tone for their discussions in Mumbai will be the unveiling of the logo of the bloc. The logo, aimed at establishing the idea of the parties being a united force for the Lok Sabha elections, will be unveiled on the evening of August 31 ahead of the dinner meeting of the opposition constituents. We are trying to reach out to 140 crore Indians. The logo will symbolise the country, its unity, and reflect the energy needed to keep the country together, said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. The opposition leaders will have a preliminary meeting over dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Mumbai on August 31. It will be followed by a formal meeting the next day at the same venue starting at 11 am. A joint briefing and a joint resolution will wrap up the proceedings on the afternoon of September 1. The meeting in Mumbai is being hosted by the constituents of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi the Nationalist Congress Party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress. Formation of a coordination committee which will draw members from the various constituents of the alliance and the setting up of smaller panels that will handle requirements such as logistics and communications are on the agenda of the two-day meeting. The alliance is expected to grow in number at the Mumbai meeting, with more regional parties, including from the Northeast, joining it. A total of 26 parties had attended the meeting in Bengaluru. The first meeting of the opposition parties was held in Patna in June. The choice of Mumbai as the venue for the meeting is significant since it is the first destination where the INDIA alliance is not in power. The opposition alliance though was in power in the state before the split in the Shiv Sena, with a large chunk of its legislators led by Eknath Shinde allying with the BJP. The meeting also comes close at the heels of the coming apart of the NCP and the continuing questions about where exactly NCP supremo Sharad Pawar stands with regard to the breaking away of a sizeable bloc of his party led by his nephew Ajit Pawar. Japan's space agency has suspended the launch of an H-2A rocket carrying a lunar probe and an X-ray astronomical satellite set for Monday due to adverse high-altitude winds. The rocket, operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), was scheduled for liftoff from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. Despite the H-IIA's impressive 98% success rate, stringent safety constraints led to this eleventh-hour decision, demonstrating Japan's unwavering commitment to safety in space exploration. Tatsuru Tokunaga, Chief of MHI's launch unit, cited the need to ensure falling debris wouldn't endanger unanticipated areas beyond designated zones as the reason for the launch delay. This meticulous attention to safety highlights Japan's dedication to space exploration endeavours. While the exact relaunch date remains uncertain, the rescheduled event won't take place before Thursday due to procedural necessities like refuelling. There's even a possibility of a launch window extending as far as September 15. This mission carries the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite, signifying significant progress for Japan's space ambitions. SLIM represents Japan's quest for its inaugural lunar landing. The plan involves landing the moon probe in the Mare Nectaris area, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese lunar exploration. XRISM satellite is a collaborative effort between JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency. The rescheduled event won't take place before Thursday due to procedural necessities like refuelling The H-IIA rocket, developed jointly by JAXA and MHI, has been a stalwart of Japan's space program, boasting 45 successful launches out of 46 attempts since 2001. However, recent setbacks, including the failure of the H3 rocket and an engine explosion during testing, have tested Japan's space ambitions. With a track record of 45 successful launches as of December 2021, H-IIA (H-2A) has been crucial for deploying satellites and interplanetary spacecraft. The rocket's adaptability is showcased by its ability to incorporate additional boosters to enhance its lifting capacity. The H-IIA's evolution under MHI's private operation has been a significant milestone, affirming its continued success in Japan's space odyssey. Moscow's Federal Security Service (FSB), on Monday, said that it detained a Russian citizen and former US consulate employee in Vladivostok for allegedly passing information about the ongoing war in Ukraine to American diplomats. The FSB in a statement said, it "suppressed the illegal activities of Robert Robertovich Shonov," Russian state news agency TASS reported. Shonov had been handing information to American diplomats since September. He reportedly passed on information regarding the conflict and mobilisation of citizens, a move that led to several military-aged men leaving the country. Shonov had worked for the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok for more than 25 years until 2021, according to a Moscow Times report. He allegedly reported to two diplomats in the political department in the US embassy in Moscow, Jeffrey Silin and David Bernstein-- the FSB planned to interrogate them too. The development is the latest in the spate of incidents that have put pressure on relations between the US and Russia. The FSB also alleged that ahead of presidential elections in Russia next year, Shonov had been asked to gauge protest sentiments in the country. In May, the US embassy said that the allegations were 'without merit' and added that, the "only role at the time of his arrest was to compile media summaries of press items from publicly available Russian media sources". After months of debate, France is set to ban female students from wearing 'abayas', full-length robe worn by Muslim women, in state schools. The announcement was made by Education Minister Gabriel Attal. The ban will come into effect as the new school year starts on September 4. Citing violation of secular laws, France has a strict ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings. "When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn't be able to identify the pupil's religion just by looking at them...I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools," Attal told France's TF1 TV. The right-wing parties have been pushing for a ban on abayas in schools, while the left parties had raised concerns on religious rights of Muslim women or girls. "Secularism means the freedom to emancipate oneself through school...abaya is a religious gesture, aimed at testing the resistance of the republic toward the secular sanctuary that school must constitute," Attal told TF1. Earlier in 2010, banning full face veils in public had led to series of protests from the Muslim community in the country. In 2004, wearing a headscarf was banned in state schools as well. Not just Muslim religious symbols, even Christian and Jewish signs were subject to ban in schools. Religious signs at schools including crosses were banned by France in schools as an effort to curb any Catholic influence from public education. Jewish kippa was also banned as part of the law. Meanwhile, CFCM, a national body representing Muslim associations has said that the items of clothing alone were not a "religious sign", reported BBC. One of Libya's rival prime ministers said Monday he has suspended his foreign minister a day after Israel revealed that its chief diplomat met with her last week, news that prompted scattered street protests in the chaos-stricken North African nation. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who heads the government of national unity in the capital, Tripoli, also referred Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for investigation over the meeting, which was the first ever between top diplomats of Libya and Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Mangoush met in Rome last week. It was a small breakthrough for Israel's government, whose hardline policies toward the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. Cohen said they discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libya's former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry. The Libyan foreign ministry, meanwhile, sought to downplay the importance of the meeting as unprepared and an unofficial meeting during a meeting with Italy's foreign minister. It said in a statement that Mangoush's encounter with Cohen didn't include any talks, agreements or consultations. Israel's foreign ministry did not respond to reporters' questions early Monday, including whether Cohen's announcement had been coordinated with Libya. Libya was plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil-rich country has been split between the Western-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the country's east. Each side has been backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Gadhafi was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Sunday's announcement of the meeting prompted scattered protests in Tripoli and other towns in western Libya. Protesters stormed the foreign ministry headquarters to condemn the meeting, while others attacked and burned a residence for the prime minister in Tripoli, according to local reports. In the town of Zawiya protesters burned the Israeli flag, while others held the Palestinian flag. There were also protests in the city of Misrata, a stronghold for Dbeibah, according to footage circulated on social media and verified by The Associated Press. Khalid al-Mishri, an Islamist politician who was the chair of the State Council, a Tripoli-based legislative body, condemned the meeting and called for the dismissal of Dbeibah's government, which is close to the US and the West. This government has crossed all prohibited lines and must be brought down, he wrote on the X platform, previously known as Twitter. The east-based House of Representatives also slammed the meeting as a legal and moral crime. It called for an emergency session on Monday in the eastern city of Benghazi. In Israel, Yair Lapid, a former foreign minister and prime minister, criticized Cohen for going public with the sensitive meeting. "Countries of the world this morning are looking at the irresponsible leak of the meeting of the Israeli and Libyan foreign minister and asking themselves: Is it possible to manage foreign relations with this country? Is it possible to trust this country? Lapid said in a statement. Sri Lanka on Monday rolled out a welfare scheme funded by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide direct financial relief to low-income families, the first such programme after the country plunged into an unprecedented economic crisis last year. The Aswasuma scheme, which replaces the Samurdhi benefits programme, however, has faced opposition from lawmakers. "We are targeting 2 million families to benefit from the programme. While 1.5 million families have been identified with another 1 million appeals and 120,000 disputed cases. A total of 800,000 people would receive their benefits today," state finance minister Shehan Semasinghe said. Under four categories, the poor will receive monthly cash benefits ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 rupees for three years from July this year. The opponents of the scheme say it is a flawed programme as it only recognises the most vulnerable for benefits and a large number of former Samurdhi beneficiaries have been left out. The dispute forced the resignation last month of the chair of the Welfare Benefits Board. Sri Lanka was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves. The economic crisis sparked widespread protests which led to the ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Foxconn's founder billionaire Terry Gou, on Monday, announced that he is running for president of Taiwan as an independent candidate. Foxconn is the world's largest contract manufacturer of electronics. Gou had sought the nomination of the main opposition Kuomintang party. But Kuomintang went with Hou Yu-ih, a former police chief who is now the mayor of New Taipei City. Taiwan is due to hold elections in January 2024. Currently, Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is a member of President Tsai Ing-wen's Democratic Progressive Party, is the frontrunner. Gou has for long nursed ambitions to lead the island nation that China claims is part of its territory. "I have decided to join the 2024 presidential race," Gou said, CNA reported. Give me four years and I promise that I will bring 50 years of peace to the Taiwan Strait and build the deepest foundation for the mutual trust across the strait Taiwan must not become Ukraine and I will not let Taiwan become the next Ukraine, he told the Guardian. In 2016 Gou joined the Kuomintang (KMT) party to run for president. He however lost the election and came in second in the Kuomintang primary. In 2019, he left the KMT. He also stepped down from Foxconn in 2019. Gou remains the firm's director. Terry Gou was born on October 18, 1950 in Taipei. His family fled to Taiwan in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War. Until age 24, Gou worked at a rubber factory and a medicine plant. He has served as an anti-aircraft artillery officer at the Republic of China Air Force. He married Serena Lin and the couple had two children. Lin died at age 55-- she had breast cancer. He then married Delia Tseng, with whom he had three children. Gou founded Foxconn in 1974 with $7,500 and a workforce of 10 elderly employees. The company started out by making plastic parts for television sets. He went on an 11-month trip across the US in the 1980s and expanded his business. In 1988 he opened his first factory in mainland China. Later, in the 1990s, his company snagged high-profile clients like Apple, HP and IBM. Reportedly, his current net worth is $7.4 billion. Gou has said that the sea goddess Mazu, in a dream, 'instructed' him to run for president in 2020. Gou is known to be pro-China and has called for talks between Taiwan and China to be resumed under the one-China framework. China, under Xi Jinping's leadership, has become more aggressive towards Taiwan. In recent years, Beijing has been sending more and more warplanes and ships into Taiwans Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Attacking Tsai Ing-Wen's Democratic Progressive Party (DDP), Gou said, In the past seven years, the situation in Taiwan has remained grim and its economy, defence and diplomacy have approached the edge of the cliff . For this, we must pull the DPP off the shelf, SCMP reported. He also said that the opposition camp needed to unite to overturn DDP's hold on power. Mumbai, Aug 28 (PTI) Global shipping and logistics firm UPS Technologies on Monday inaugurated its first technology centre in the country in Chennai. The company said 100 people have already been hired for the facility and plans are afoot to add 350 more staffers by the end of the year. In a release, UPS said the company is looking to increase its workforce across the country to 1,000 by 2025. Earlier this year, UPS said it is making a strategic investment of USD 15-20 million in India that will complement its existing technology teams in the US and Europe. Spread across 51,000 sq ft, the new facility is focussed on innovations that make it easier for its customers to do business and will be headed by Subramani Ramakrishan, Vice President for UPS Technology Centres in India, the company said. According to the release, UPS will host community workshops that will include career counselling and training sessions while upskilling programmes will complement the company's partnership with the government on several initiatives. "These centres will enable us to offer an unparalleled logistics experience for our customers, through advanced technologies, including AI, automation and robotics," Bala Subramanian, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at UPS, said. "We will focus on nurturing local talent, especially women and people from rural areas," he added. New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) Retailers Association of India on Monday asked the Delhi government to reconsider the total shutdown for retail stores, malls, and restaurants from September 8-10 in view of the G20 Summit. The move would deprive international visitors of experiencing India's unique shopping and culinary scenes, Retailers Association of India (RAI) said in a statement voicing concerns about the proposed blanket suspension of operations for retail stores, malls, and restaurants during the G20 Summit. "Retail is integral to Delhi's cultural identity. Entirely shutting down retail and food and beverage establishments during the G20 Summit would deprive international visitors of experiencing India's unique shopping and culinary scenes," RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan said. He asked the Delhi government to allow "at least partial retail operations to promote the 'Sell in India' initiative in tandem with Make in India". The retail industry body said a three-day total closure would significantly impact the retail sector economically, potentially jeopardising the livelihoods of numerous employees and their families. Also, it said, "Delhi boasts a rich culinary heritage. Closing markets would deprive visitors of the opportunity to savour authentic Indian dishes, an important part of our cultural presentation." Asking the Delhi government to revisit the comprehensive shutdown of retail operations, RAI suggested a "more measured approach to closures, potentially focusing on peak times or specific areas close to G20 venues like Lutyens' Delhi while pledging complete adherence to any standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided. Last week, the Delhi government announced public holidays in the national capital on September 8-10 with the closure of banks, financial institutions and commercial establishments in the New Delhi district in view of the G20 Summit. New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) Air India on Monday said there is no significant impact on its flights to and from the UK, where a technical issue has impacted air traffic services, and that the airline is actively monitoring the situation. NATS, which provides air traffic control services in the UK, has put in place certain traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. In an update at 1515 hours GMT, NATS said it has identified and remedied the technical issue affecting its flight planning system. Air India and Vistara, both part of the Tata Group, are the only Indian carriers operating flights to the UK. While Air India flies to London, Gatwick and Birmingham, Vistara operates services to London. "There is no significant impact on our flights to and from the UK, as of now. We are actively monitoring the situation," an Air India spokesperson said. Air India operates 98 weekly flights between India and the UK. On August 28, the airline is scheduled to operate 14 flights between India and the UK. Vistara operates two flights between the two countries daily. There was no comment from Vistara. "We have identified and remedied the technical issue affecting our flight planning system this morning. We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system's performance as we return to normal operations. "The flight planning issue affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions...," NATS said in its update at 1515 hours GMT. Beijing, Aug 28 (AP) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she and her Chinese counterpart agreed Monday to exchange information on US export controls that frustrate Beijing and set up a group to discuss other commercial issues, but neither side appeared ready to make concessions on disputes that have plunged relations to their lowest level in decades. Raimondo joined American officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July who have visited China in hopes of reviving chilly relations. They expressed optimism about improving communication but no progress on conflicts over technology, security, human rights and a lingering tariff war. For its part, Chinese leader Xi Jinping's government wants to revive foreign investor interest in China as it tries to reverse a deepening economic slump. Raimondo said she and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao agreed during a four-hour meeting to launch an information exchange on export controls. She said they also will set up a working group of officials and private sector representatives to seek solutions on trade and investment issues". A key Chinese complaint is limits on access to processor chips and other US technology on security grounds that threaten to hamper the ruling Communist Party's ambition to develop artificial intelligence and other industries. The curbs crippled the smartphone business of Huawei Technologies Ltd., China's first global tech brand. Raimondo said the information exchange will hold its first meeting Tuesday. The United States is committed to being transparent about our export control enforcement strategy," Raimondo told reporters at Ambassador Nicholas Burns's official residence. We are not compromising or negotiating in matters of national security," she said. "But this is meant to be a dialogue where we increase transparency. Earlier, Wang told Raimondo that Beijing is ready to work together to foster a more favourable policy environment for stronger cooperation and bolster bilateral trade and investment. Wang gave no details of possible initiatives. Beijing broke off dialogues with Washington on military, climate and other issues in August 2022 in retaliation for a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the House of Representatives. The Communist Party claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory and objects to foreign governments having contact with it. The visits take place under an agreement made by Xi and President Joe Biden during a meeting last November in Indonesia. The Chinese state press has given them positive coverage, but Beijing has given no indication it might change trade, strategic, market access and other policies that irk Washington and its Asian neighbours. In June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi for 30 minutes during a visit that was postponed from February after a Chinese surveillance balloon entered US airspace. The Chinese leader called on Washington to change policies on Taiwan and other issues and rebuffed a request to resume military-to-military cooperation. Last week, on the day Raimondo's visit to Beijing was announced, Washington removed 27 Chinese companies from a blacklist that limits access to US technology. The decision "may have helped grease the wheels for Raimondo's trip", said Anna Ashton and Kylie Milliken of Eurasia Group in a report. It suggests Washington "is making modest but measurable progress with Beijing in re-establishing limited government-to-government communication, Ashton and Milliken wrote. "Raimondo's visit could produce additional progress." Meting with Wang, Raimondo defended the Biden administration's "de-risking" strategy of trying to increase domestic US production of semiconductors and other high-tech goods and to create additional sources of supply to reduce chances of disruption. Beijing has criticised that as an attempt to isolate China and hamper its development. It is not intended to hinder China's economic progress. We believe a strong Chinese economy is a good thing, Raimondo told the Chinese minister. We seek healthy competition with China. A growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. Wang visited Washington in May. The US government invited Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington, but plans for that have not been announced. Raimondo also was due to meet China's No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang, and other officials. The Biden administration also has taken steps that are likely to rankle Beijing. In June, Biden added 59 Chinese companies including military contractors and semiconductor manufacturers to a list of entities Americans are prohibited from investing in. Last week, Washington approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan including infrared tracking systems for advanced F-16 fighter jets. (AP) SCY SCY London, Aug 28 (PTI) Four Indian-origin men in their 20s have been charged with the murder of a 23-year-old delivery driver, also of Indian heritage, after an attack in Shrewsbury, western England. Aurman Singh was pronounced dead at the scene when the local West Mercia Police attended reports of an attack in the Berwick Avenue area of the city last Monday and went on to arrest four men on suspicion of murder. On Friday, Arshdeep Singh, 24, Jagdeep Singh, 22, Shivdeep Singh, 26, and Manjot Singh, 24, were charged with Aurman Singhs murder and a fifth unnamed man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released on police bail. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Aurman at this difficult time, said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy, senior investigating officer at West Mercia Police. Our investigation is underway with officers carrying out a number of enquiries to establish the circumstances that led to Aurmans murder. We know Aurman was a delivery person, however at this stage we do not believe this was the motive for his death and we are not investigating this as a robbery, he said. We believe those involved are known to each other and are not local to Shrewsbury or the wider West Mercia Police area. We have so far arrested five people in connection with the murder and are progressing all other lines of enquiry to locate and arrest outstanding suspects, he added. The suspects are from Tipton, Dudley and Smethwick in the West Midlands region of England. Meanwhile, the victims family issued a statement via the police to say there were no words that could explain the impact the tragedy has had on their family. Today a mother will grow old without her son. A sister will grow up without her brother. We dont want what has happened to us to happen to another family. We would like to thank the police for conducting their investigation diligently and supporting us through this tough time, the statement reads. The police have appealed for anyone with information or digital footage of the attack to come forward. Islamabad, Aug 28 (PTI) Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and former lawmaker Ali Wazir were granted bail in a sedition case by an anti-terrorism court here on Monday. The Islamabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted both post-arrest bail against surety bonds of Rs 30,000 each, the Dawn newspaper reported. Imaan, the daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, and Wazir were arrested on August 20 by Islamabad police, two days after they participated in a protest organised by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which advocates the rights of ethnic Pashtuns. Imaan addressed in Islamabad a rally of the PTM, a group of ethnic Pushtu-speaking activists highly critical of the Pakistan Army, and criticised the powerful military establishment. According to the first information report (FIR) filed against Imaan and Wazir, the two were arrested for staging a sit-in, resistance and interference in state affairs. The authorities wanted both of them as part of an ongoing investigation. It alleged that the two were involved in unlawful gathering, resistance and "interference in state affairs". On August 21, the ATC sent Imaan and Wazir to a three-day police remand in the sedition case. On August 24, the court rejected the prosecutions request to extend Imaan and Wazirs physical remand in the case and sent the two to Rawalpindis Adiala Jail on judicial remand. During the proceedings of the case on Monday, ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain granted bail to Imaan and Wazir against surety bonds of Rs 30,000 each. The FIR filed against Wazir and Imaan stated that 700 to 800 people participated in the sit-in and several were armed with sticks and some even with weapons as they attempted to defy the authorities and march on the capital, according to a report in The Express Tribune newspaper. The report claimed the main highway, GT Road, was blocked by the protestors who proceeded to hold a rally in the middle of the road. It said that when the security personnel tried to stop the participants, they attacked a government vehicle, engaged in altercations with the authorities and even managed to forcefully take an anti-riot kit away from an officer. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned Imaan's arrest and demanded her immediate and unconditional release. It termed the Islamabad Police's act as "unacceptable". Pakistani authorities in recent months have cracked down against dissent. Former prime minister Imran Khan is also serving a three-year jail term after he was sentenced by a court in a corruption case earlier this month. Singapore, Aug 28 (PTI) To promote the Tamil language and culture among the younger members of the community in Singapore, the third edition of the Tamil Youth Festival will be held here from September 2-10, it was announced on Monday. Tamil, along with Chinese, Malay and English are Singapore's four official languages. "This years festival will feature 10 programmes by 10 partners, as youths come together to promote the Tamil language in Singapore. From traditional performances to modern expressions of art, the festival will be a platform for talents to shine. All programmes presented will target students, youths and young adults below the age of 35, the Tamil Language Council (TLC) here said. This years theme is 'Azhagu' (beauty), as the TLC encourages partners to highlight the richness, magnificence, and beauty of the Tamil language. We believe that the Tamil Youth Festival is more than just a series of events; it is a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a common passion for our Tamil language, TLC chairman S Manogaran said. This festival not only celebrates our language but also promotes the creativity and potential of our youth, as they curate and present programmes for their peers. It also underscores their commitment to preserving and promoting our language. We invite everyone, especially the youths to join us in celebrating our vibrant culture and language, he said. The event will have a variety of culture and literature-based performances, language-based workshops, and several competitions. There will be nine in-person programmes and one programme via Zoom. As we present the third year of the Tamil Youth Festival, we are very happy to witness how the Tamil organisations are stepping forward to create interesting and innovative experiences for our youths and students to participate or lead programmes, said Sundar Plavenderraj, a TLC member. The TLC encourages youths to continue playing active roles to celebrate our language, so Tamil can continue to remain relevant and vibrant for generations to come, he said. The Tamil Language Council (TLC) was formed in 2000 and comprises representatives from the education sector, major community organisations, arts groups and the media. All members are appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. The Tamil Youth Festival (TYF) was inaugurated in 2021. Warsaw, Aug 28 (AP) NATO members Poland and the Baltic states will seal off their borders with Russia's ally Belarus in the event of any military incidents or a massive migrant push by Minsk, the interior ministers warned on Monday. The ministers said they were seeing growing tensions on NATO's and the European Union's borders with Belarus, which has taken in thousands of Russia's military mercenaries and is pushing Middle East and African migrants into Europe, despite barriers having been put up. They warned of swift and concerted reaction in the case of a military incident or large migrant push. The ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia addressed the media following their talks. In a joint statement they demanded that the government of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko immediately remove from its territory the Wagner Group mercenaries. They also demanded the removal of migrants from border areas and their return to their home countries. The four countries, which are also European Union members support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion. The sudden death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash in Russia last week has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group, which Poland's Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski branded as extremely dangerous and demoralized. He also said the mercenaries pose a threat to the citizens of Belarus and the entire region. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state, according to a decree published on the Kremlin's website late Friday and effective immediately. The ministers held talks about joint ways of reacting to the increasingly difficult situation on their borders with Belarus and Russia. (AP) RUP RUP Nagpur, Aug 28 (PTI) A New Delhi-bound Vistara flight was diverted to Nagpur due to a medical emergency involving a 14-month-old baby with a heart problem who was attended by a group of doctors travelling in the aircraft and later admitted to a hospital, an airport official said on Monday. Due to the medical emergency, the Bengaluru-New Delhi plane was rerouted and it landed at the Nagpur airport on late Sunday night, he said. Aejaz Shami, Deputy General Manager (Communications) of Nagpur-based KIMS-Kingsway Hospitals, where the baby was admitted, said the toddler fell unconscious after suffering a cardiac arrest during the flight. "In a remarkable display of preparedness and professionalism, co-passengers from medical background on board promptly initiated life-saving measures by providing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to the baby passenger," said Shami told PTI. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a lifesaving technique used if someone is not breathing normally or their heart has stopped (cardiac arrest). The hospital official said as the situation got critical, the airline team coordinated with the Nagpur airport authorities for an emergency landing. An ambulance stationed at the airport immediately transferred the baby to the hospital, where the patient was attended by a senior consultant in paediatrics and neonatology, Shami said. The baby, who was put on a ventilator and administered life-saving drugs, was unconscious, he said. The hospital provides medical services at the Nagpur airport. Ranchi, Aug 28 (PTI) A Special CBI court here on Monday sentenced 52 people to imprisonment of various terms, with the maximum being three years, in a case of the fodder scam. Thirty-five others were acquitted in the case by Special CBI judge Vishal Srivastav. The case is related to the fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 36.59 crore from Doranda treasury of unified Bihar. The amount was withdrawn between 1990 and 1995. Lawyer Sanjay Kumar who represented several of the accused said the quantum of sentence of a number of others who are on trial in this case will be pronounced on September 1. The scam in which crores of rupees were fraudulently withdrawn from treasuries such as Doranda, Deoghar, Dumka and Chaibasa was exposed in the 1990s when Jharkhand was part of Bihar. RJD president and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad is one of the high-profile politicians who was convicted in the case. He is currently out on bail on the ground of ill health. Dimapur, Aug 28 (PTI) Union minister Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Monday handed over appointment letters to 134 new recruits as part of the Rozgar Mela in Nagaland. Singh, the MoS for External Affairs and Education, handed over the letters during an official function held at Assam Rifles Training Centre and School in Shokhuvi. Of the total selected in various central armed police forces (CAPFs), 84 recruits will join Assam Rifles, 24 will join CRPF, 21 will join BSF, five will join SSB and two persons will join ITBP. Speaking at the function, Singh said that Rozgar Mela is a unique concept visualised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to institutionalise the government's recruitment processes with a focus on transparency. "It is one of the hallmarks of the youth-centric administrative and governance reforms," he said. The government has also undertaken deep-rooted reforms to increase the efficiency of its employees through initiatives such as the 'Mission Karmayogi' and 'Karmayogi Prarambh', he said. New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) The Congress on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged lack of employment opportunities, saying he is holding Rozgar Melas as he is feeling the "heat of an election year" and to save his image. Addressing a Rozgar Mela this morning, Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to the youth, mostly in the security forces. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh termed the Rozgar Melas as the "biggest jumlas"(rhetoric) and said the prime minister has "failed" to fulfil his promise of creating two crore jobs per year. "After destroying the MSME sector with demonetisation, a badly designed GST and an ill-planned sudden lockdown. After betraying the hope of aspirational youth for more than 9 years, the Prime Minister is feeling the heat in an election year.To save his flailing image, he has come up with one of the biggest jumlas the PM Rozgar Mela," he said on X. Ramesh claimed that the "jobs are already sanctioned posts that have not been filled up for years due to some administrative or financial reason. In a very large number of instances appointment letters are being handed out by the PM even in cases of promotion". "The Mela personalises employment in the government sector as if the PM is singularly responsible for mostly routine job offers," he said. Noting that job creation comes from economic growth that is driven by investments, the Congress leader charged, "The PM Rozgar Mela is a gimmick and is yet another proof of a gigantic ego, enormous vanity, the unbounded self-obsession and the refusal to accept responsibility for the dire unemployment situation." Ramanagara (K'taka), Aug 28 (PTI) Six people travelling in an SUV were killed in a grisly head-on collision between their vehicle and a government bus here on Monday, police said. The accident occurred in Kemmale Gate near Sathanur town in the district, according to the police. The victims were said to be pilgrims from Chandapura in Bengaluru who were returning after paying obeisance at Male Mahadeshwara temple in Chamarajanagar. Of the six victims, five have been identified as Nagesh, Puttaraju, Jothirlingappa (car owner), Govinda and Kumar. The accident left the car in a mangled state. The bus driver too received severe injuries and has been hospitalised. Several others in the bus also sustained minor injuries. Police brought out the bodies from the badly damaged vehicle. Westerly, RI (02891) Today A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 40F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. New Yorkers are fed up. A new survey found that the majority of its residents think the state is on the wrong track, and a staggering 80% want term limits for both the governor and legislators. Governor Kathy Hochuls approval rating has suffered a striking blow, plummeting from 50% just three months ago to a discouraging 40% in the latest survey. State lawmakers fared even worse, with their approval rating dropping from 36% to 27% in the same timeframe. The poll presents a stark picture: 53% express their dissatisfaction with the current political direction of the state, while 40% admit to contemplating leaving altogether. Unsurprisingly, a resounding 80% of respondents express their support for implementing term limits for the governor and legislature, both of which currently lack such constraints. Tim Dunn, the Executive Director of Unite NY, pointed out the disillusionment among independent and unaffiliated New Yorkers, a significant voting bloc in the state, and emphasized the immediate need for bipartisan-supported reforms as a means to regain their trust. I would encourage elected leaders from both parties to take this into account during the policymaking process, as this group is growing in both numbers and extreme dissatisfaction, Dunn said. Addressing concerns that resonate across the state, crime and public safety emerge as the most pressing issues for New Yorkers. Albany lawmakers, in particular, have faced backlash since the enactment of the contentious bail reform measures in 2019, which critics link to a surge in crime. Despite the disheartening revelations, the poll indicates a 51% decrease in the number of voters considering leaving the state compared to a March poll. However, this silver lining doesnt extend to the Bronx, where 71% of voters expressed their desire to depart New York. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Tensions flared as protesters from opposing sides of the migrant dispute clashed outside Gracie Mansion on Sunday, as a large police presence worked to maintain order. Amid the extraordinary migrant crisis gripping the city, over 100 demonstrators gathered on the Upper East Side, engaging in heated exchanges and even physical altercations. The rally was marked by passionate voices both criticizing and supporting City Halls handling of the migrant crisis, resulting in a chaotic scene. Among the crowd, a Trump supporter shouted, No migrants on Long Island! outside the residence of Mayor Eric Adams. The sentiment of others resonated with cries of Americans over migrants! Anti-asylum seeker protesters brandished signs warning of unvetted migrants and voiced concerns about the threat to public safety. Approximately two dozen counter-protesters were also present, vehemently opposing the anti-asylum seeker group. Their passionate response included chants targeting the New York Police Department and allegations of white supremacy. The clash unfolded against the backdrop of an unprecedented influx of around 100,000 migrants from the southern U.S. border into New York City. The surge has prompted Mayor Adams to establish over 200 emergency shelters to accommodate the migrants. However, the move has generated concerns and frustration among locals who fear potential consequences and tensions arising from the situation. Amid the passionate throng outside Gracie Mansion was Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and a former mayoral candidate. Sliwa was among those arrested during the demonstration. In a symbolic gesture, Sliwa drew parallels between himself and Mahatma Gandhi, contrasting his actions with Mayor Adams, who has previously compared himself to Gandhi. These migrants have jumped the queue, Sliwa told the crowd, criticizing the preferential treatment that some migrants receive compared to Americans. He pointed out the resources provided to migrants, emphasizing that such conditions might incentivize further migration. Sundays events marked Sliwas third arrest in under two weeks while protesting migrant-related sites. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Three Republican members of the U.S. Congress made a quick trip Sunday into opposition-held northwest Syria in the first known visit to the war-torn country by American lawmakers in six years. They urged the Biden administration and regional partners to keep up the pressure on Syrian President Bashar Assad. The roughly one-hour stop was a signal of the significant support on Capitol Hill for the opposition in Syrias long civil war. U.S. Rep. French Hill of Arkansas, one of the three lawmakers, told The Associated Press by telephone after leaving Syria that the trip was the latest of his several to the region this summer to press the U.S. government and Arab allies to continue pushing for a political resolution to the war. Hill said his message was in behalf of those in Syria who want to have their own representative government. The conflict began in 2011 after Assad launched a campaign to crush what began as a peaceful uprising against his familys autocratic rule. Assad has held on to power despite the uprising thanks in large part to the armed intervention by allies Russia and Iran. But the conflict has splintered the country, killed at least 300,000 civilians, and displaced half of Syrias prewar population of 23 million. The trip comes at a time that Middle East leaders have begun restoring relations with Assads government. By doing so, the Arab leaders are breaking sharply from the U.S., which is pushing to keep Assad isolated over government abuses that the United Nations says include repeated use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians. The U.N says 300,000 Syrian civilians died in the first 10 years of the conflict. Hill and his fellow lawmakers, Ben Cline of Virginia and Scott Fitzgerald of Wisconsin, entered Syria early Sunday from Turkey via the Bab al-Salama crossing in northern Aleppo province. They were greeted by orphans who attend Wisdom House, a school for orphans that is a project of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a U.S.-based Syrian opposition organization that facilitated the lawmakers trip. Hills constituents in Arkansas have been leading donors to the school. It was an emotional day for me to see those children, holding up pictures of their parents whod been murdered by Assads regime, getting a hug and a kiss from them, he said. The children were students at Wisdom House, a school for orphans that is a project of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a U.S.-based Syrian opposition organization that facilitated the lawmakers trip. Hills constituents in Arkansas have been leading donors to the school. The lawmakers met with opposition and humanitarian leaders, including Raed Saleh, head of the White Helmets, a volunteer group of first responders known for extracting civilians from buildings flattened by bombing. Saleh spoke with the lawmakers about the political status of the conflict in Syria and on continuing humanitarian efforts for victims of a earthquake earlier this year in Turkey and Syria, the White Helmets said on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. Security concerns meant there was no public announcement of the trip beforehand. Hill spoke from neighboring Turkey, where the congressmen also held a series of meetings. The last-known trip by a U.S. lawmaker to Syria was in 2017, when Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., visited U.S. forces stationed in northeast Syrias Kurdish region. McCain had previously visited Syria and met with armed opposition fighters. Also in 2017, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, visited Damascus, the capital, and met with Assad, a decision that was widely criticized at the time. Since the beginning of the uprising-turned-civil-war in Syria, the U.S. government has backed the opposition and has imposed sanctions on Assads government and associates over human rights concerns. Washington has conditioned restoring relations with Damascus on progress toward a political solution to the 12-year conflict. A growing number of Arab leaders are moving to end their own isolation of Assad, in line with arguments that engagement is the best way to address the flow of refugees, illegal drugs and other problems for the region from Syria. The 22-member Arab League recently reinstated Syria as a member after cutting ties earlier in the Syrian war. Hill said he had engaged Middle East governments repeatedly over the past three months about what are the ramifications of the Arab Leagues admission of Syria back to the League and yet asking nothing of Assad in return in terms of greater political freedoms and an end to rights abuses. Hill also is pushing for the U.S. and Arab countries to press Assad harder on Syrias status as the worlds leading global trafficker of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine. Congress late last year passed a mandate for the U.S. to target Captagon smuggling in the Middle East, and President Joe Biden signed it into law. Hill accused Biden of not doing enough to pressure Assad to adopt political reforms and stop the flow of that illegal drug, an important source of revenue for the Assad government. What I believe Syria needs, and the same thing the U.S. needs, is American leadership, Hill said. Neither the State Department nor the White House had immediate comment on the Republican lawmakers trip. Control of northwest Syria is largely split between the Turkish-backed opposition groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that was originally founded as an offshoot of al-Qaida and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. In recent years, the groups leadership have attempted to publicly distance themselves from their al-Qaida origins. The Turkish-backed opposition groups have regularly clashed with Kurdish forces based in northeast Syria, who are allies of the United States in the fight against the Islamic State. (AP) Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley warned of the terrifying prospect of a President Kamala Harris, which is a very real possibility if octogenarian Joe Biden wins the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo on Sunday, Haley suggested that such an outcome should be alarming for every American citizen. My concern is we cannot have Kamala Harris as president. We cant chance this. We have to make sure that we have a new generational leader thats going to bring in not only Republicans, but were going to pull back the independents. Were going to bring back in the suburban women, were going to bring in Hispanics. Were going to bring in the Asian community. We have to make sure we win this, because the thought of Kamala Harris being president should send a chill up every American spine. Haley emphasized the need for a fresh conservative leader capable of addressing the issues of the present and future. She underscored the importance of moving beyond past disputes and ensuring that the justice system is not weaponized against political figures. Haley also spoke about the ongoing race for the Republican nomination. Although a recent Fox News poll indicated that 53% of likely voters preferred Donald Trump, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailed by 37 points, Haley expressed optimism about her campaigns trajectory. Its actually just getting started, she stated, highlighting her extensive engagement with voters in New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) You know those N95 masks that people still afraid of Covid consider to be the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus? Yeah, well, they could be giving people cancer and other health problems. A new study suggests that wearing the masks risks the wearer of potential exposure to hazardous levels of toxic chemicals. Although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) re-shared the study earlier this year, concerns are now emerging anew over the safety of these masks. Researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea conducted an investigation into disposable medical-grade masks, as well as reusable cotton masks. Their findings, originally published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, revealed that the chemicals emitted by certain masks exceeded recommended safety thresholds for toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) by eight times. Inhaling TVOCs has been associated with health problems including headaches and nausea, with prolonged exposure linked to organ damage and even cancer. The researchers emphasized the significance of addressing the potential effects of TVOCs released by medical masks, particularly the KF94 variety popular in South Korea. The study proposes a possible solution to mitigate the risk, suggesting that allowing masks to remain opened and unused for at least 30 minutes upon purchase can significantly reduce exposure. Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician, cautioned against drawing strong conclusions from the study but acknowledged the growing evidence on the drawbacks of prolonged mask usage. The study evaluated 14 disposable and cloth masks, focusing on the levels of TVOCs emitted by each. The disposable masks were KFAD and KF94 models, while the cloth masks were made from various materials including cotton and polyurethane. Notably, cloth masks showed significantly lower levels of TVOCs and were deemed harmless. While the study raises important concerns, it also acknowledges its limitations, including a small sample size and the exclusion of other popular disposable masks like KN95s. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In an appearance on Fox News on Sunday, Alina Habba, the legal spokesperson for former President Donald Trump, dismissed the notion that her client would require much preparation for his upcoming court trials. Anchor Shannon Bream questioned Habba about the logistical challenges of preparing a client for multiple trials while also considering Trumps potential presidential ambitions. Habba countered that Trump should not be regarded as an ordinary individual, highlighting his intelligence and familiarity with legal proceedings. She suggested that Trumps ability to wing it is a reflection of his unique qualities, including his perceived understanding of the situations he faces. If it was a normal person, honestly, Shannon, I could understand the concern, Habba responded. President Trump is not your average person. Hes incredibly intelligent and he knows the ropes. He also knows the facts because he lived them. These are not complicated facts. Addressing specific cases, such as the investigation led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Habba downplayed the need for extensive preparation. She referred to Trumps characterization of the relevant phone call as the perfect phone call, implying that there is little to prepare for when one believes they have acted appropriately. Habba also expressed her concerns about what she perceived as intimidation tactics, such as the subpoenaing of grand jury testimony for individuals associated with Trump. She portrayed these individuals as embodiments of the American dream who found themselves unexpectedly embroiled in legal matters due to their connections with the former president. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Less than 24 hours after Israel announced on Sunday about a secret meeting in Rome between Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush, the latter was dismissed from her position by Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The announcement of the meeting, which according to Israel, was coordinated with Tripoli beforehand, led to widespread riots in Libya, spurring the government to deny the meeting and suspend Mangoush, who subsequently fled the country to Turkey due to safety concerns. Israels Channel 13 News reported that Israeli government sources confirmed that the publication of the meeting was coordinated with Tripoli but in the wake of the riots, the Libyan government quickly reconsidered, suspending Mangoush and reporting that there were no discussions, agreements, or consultations at the meeting. It also claimed that the meeting happened by chance and was not planned and that Libya continues to reject normalization with Israel. Cohen announced on Sunday that the historic meeting with the Foreign Minister of Libya was hosted by Italys foreign minister in Rome and that it was the first step in the relationship between Israel and Libya. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for relations between the two countries. Cohen added that they discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyan Jewry, including renovating synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country. According to reports, the possibility of Libya normalizing ties with Israel was first raised in a meeting between Libyan PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and CIA Director William Burns in the latters visit to Tripoli in January. Burns suggested that Dbeibahs government follow in the footsteps of the four Arab countries that normalized ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords. Dbeibah responded favorably to the idea but was concerned about public opposition to the step. In 2021, the son of the Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, who is considered the most powerful man in the country, paid a secret visit to Israel and explored the possibility of Libya normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for security and intelligence assistance. In 2022, Libyan and Saudi media outlets reported that Mossad head Dovid Barnea and Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Mohammed Al-Dabaiba met in Jordan for talks on normalization. According to Libyan law, establishing contact with Israel is considered a criminal offense with violators subject to up to nine years in prison. Libya has been in a state of crisis since the overthrow of dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, with the country divided between Dbeibahs government in Tripoli, which is supported by the West, and the rival government in Benghazi in the east. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she and her Chinese counterpart agreed Monday to exchange information on U.S. export controls that frustrate Beijing and set up a group to discuss other commercial issues, but neither side appeared ready to make concessions on disputes that have plunged relations to their lowest level in decades. Raimondo joined American officials including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in July who have visited China in hopes of reviving chilly relations. They expressed optimism about improving communication but no progress on conflicts over technology, security, human rights and a lingering tariff war. For its part, Chinese leader Xi Jinpings government wants to revive foreign investor interest in China as it tries to reverse a deepening economic slump. Raimondo said she and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao agreed during a four-hour meeting to launch an information exchange on export controls. She said they also will set up a working group of officials and private sector representatives to seek solutions on trade and investment issues. A key Chinese complaint is limits on access to processor chips and other U.S. technology on security grounds that threaten to hamper the ruling Communist Partys ambition to develop artificial intelligence and other industries. The curbs crippled the smartphone business of Huawei Technologies Ltd., Chinas first global tech brand. Raimondo said the information exchange will hold its first meeting Tuesday. The United States is committed to being transparent about our export control enforcement strategy, Raimondo told reporters at Ambassador Nicholas Burnss official residence. We are not compromising or negotiating in matters of national security, she said. But this is meant to be a dialogue where we increase transparency. Earlier, Wang told Raimondo that Beijing is ready to work together to foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation and bolster bilateral trade and investment. Wang gave no details of possible initiatives. Beijing broke off dialogues with Washington on military, climate and other issues in August 2022 in retaliation for a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the House of Representatives. The Communist Party claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory and objects to foreign governments having contact with it. The visits take place under an agreement made by Xi and President Joe Biden during a meeting last November in Indonesia. The Chinese state press has given them positive coverage, but Beijing has given no indication it might change trade, strategic, market access and other policies that irk Washington and its Asian neighbors. In June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi for 30 minutes during a visit that was postponed from February after a Chinese surveillance balloon entered U.S. airspace. The Chinese leader called on Washington to change policies on Taiwan and other issues and rebuffed a request to resume military-to-military cooperation. Last week, on the day Raimondos visit to Beijing was announced, Washington removed 27 Chinese companies from a blacklist that limits access to U.S. technology. The decision may have helped grease the wheels for Raimondos trip, said Anna Ashton and Kylie Milliken of Eurasia Group in a report. It suggests Washington is making modest but measurable progress with Beijing in re-establishing limited government-to-government communication, Ashton and Milliken wrote. Raimondos visit could produce additional progress. Meting with Wang, Raimondo defended the Biden administrations de-risking strategy of trying to increase domestic U.S. production of semiconductors and other high-tech goods and to create additional sources of supply to reduce chances of disruption. Beijing has criticized that as an attempt to isolate China and hamper its development. It is not intended to hinder Chinas economic progress. We believe a strong Chinese economy is a good thing, Raimondo told the Chinese minister. We seek healthy competition with China. A growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. Wang visited Washington in May. The U.S. government invited Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington, but plans for that have not been announced. Raimondo also was due to meet Chinas No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang, and other officials. The Biden administration also has taken steps that are likely to rankle Beijing. In June, Biden added 59 Chinese companies including military contractors and semiconductor manufacturers to a list of entities Americans are prohibited from investing in. Last week, Washington approved a $500 million arms sale to Taiwan including infrared tracking systems for advanced F-16 fighter jets. (AP) Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested Sunday that an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden was becoming more likely, calling it a natural step forward as Congress soon ends its summer break and House Republicans seek to expand their investigative powers. McCarthy, R-Calif., has so far avoided committing to an impeachment vote or offering a timeline for possible action. Some House Republicans are eager to go after Biden over claims of financial misconduct involving his son Hunter, but the Democratic president has not been shown to have done anything wrong. Meanwhile, McCarthy said passing a short-term spending bill to keep the government running past the end of September would ensure that investigations of Hunter Biden could continue, a pitch directed at conservatives worried a bipartisan deal with Senate Democrats would not cut enough spending. The stopgap measure would buy time to work out a longer-term budget deal before mandatory spending cuts that neither party prefers are imposed in the new year. If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry, McCarthy told Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures. An impeachment inquiry, he said, provides Congress the apex of legal power to get all the information they need. McCarthy is walking a tightrope as he faces pressure from members of his party looking to demonstrate support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. But the speaker also risks imperiling the GOPs fragile House majority. Even if Biden were to be impeached in the House, he is unlikely to be removed from office by the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. With the House set to return to work in mid-September, the Oct. 1 start of the next budget year is fast approaching and a spending deal would be needed to avoid a partial federal closure. If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public, McCarthy said. Conservatives, including many from the House Freedom Caucus, are usually loath to get behind short-term funding measures as they push for steeper spending cuts, using the threat of a shutdown as leverage. In June, a small group of conservatives brought the House to a standstill to protest McCarthys leadership. All sides had agreed to budget levels during the recent debt ceiling negotiations when Biden and McCarthy struck a deal that established topline spending levels. But McCarthys GOP majority rejects those amounts. A stopgap spending bill would improve McCarthys negotiating position with the White House and Senate Democrats, the speaker said. Were in this discussion together, he said. And so we have got to have a stronger hand. (AP) Core Laboratories Inc. provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. It offers laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and oil delivered products; and proprietary and joint industry studies, as well as services that support carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrogen storage, geothermal projects, and the evaluation and appraisal of mining activities. The Production Enhancement segment provides services and products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production. It offers integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. The company markets and sells its products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through distributors. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Houston, Texas. Zalando SE operates an online platform for fashion and lifestyle products. The company operates through Fashion Store and Offprice segments. It provides shoes, apparel, accessories, and beauty products with free delivery and returns, as well as various payment options. The company also sells its products through Lounge by Zalando; and brick-and-mortar outlet stores. It operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Aeroports de Paris SA owns and operates airports worldwide. The company operates through Aviation, Retail and Services, Real Estate, International and Airport Developments, and Other Activities segments. The Aviation segment provides security and airport safety services, such as security checkpoints, screening systems, aircraft rescue, and fire-fighting services. The Retail and Services segment engages in the retail activities, including bars, restaurants, banks, car rentals, and retails shops, as well as leases space for terminals, advertising, restaurant, and car park services. This segment is also involved in the production and supply of heat, drinking water, and access to the chilled distribution networks. The Real Estate segment engages in the construction, commercialization, and lease management of office buildings, logistic buildings, and freight terminals; and provides property leasing services for airport terminals, as well as rents serviced land. The International and Airport Developments segment designs and operates airport activities. The Other Activities segment offers telecom and cybersecurity services. Aeroports de Paris SA was incorporated in 1945 and is based in Tremblay-en-France, France. Thanks to its partnering history, its real estate expertise and its European culture, Covivio is inventing today's user experience and designing tomorrow's city. A preferred real estate player at the European level, Covivio is close to its end users, capturing their aspirations, combining work, travel, living, and co-inventing vibrant spaces. A benchmark in the European real estate market with 24.8bn in assets, Covivio offers support to companies, hotel brands and territories in their pursuit for attractiveness, transformation and responsible performance. Build sustainable relationships and well-being, is the Covivio's Purpose who expresses its role as a responsible real estate operator to all its stakeholders: customers, shareholders and financial partners, internal teams, local authorities but also to future generations and the planet. Furthermore, its living, dynamic approach opens up exciting project and career prospects for its teams. Covivio's shares are listed in the Euronext Paris A compartment (FR0000064578 - COV) and on the MTA market (Mercato Telematico Azionario) of the Milan stock exchange, are admitted to trading on the SRD, and are included in the composition of the MSCI, SBF 120, Euronext IEIF SIIC France and CAC Mid100 indices, in the EPRA and GPR 250 benchmark European real estate indices, EPRA BPRs Gold Awards (financial + extra-financial), CDP (A-), 5 Star GRESB and in the ESG FTSE4 Good, CAC SBT 1.5C, DJSI World & Europe, Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20), Euronext CDP Environment France EW, ISS ESG, Ethibel and Gaia ethical indices and also holds the following awards and ratings: CDP (B), GRESB (5-Star, 100% public disclosure), Vigeo-Eiris (A1+), ISS-ESG (B-) and MSCI (AAA). Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Regions Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers. It operates through three segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment offers commercial banking services, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and investor real estate lending; equipment lease financing; deposit products; and securities underwriting and placement, loan syndication and placement, foreign exchange, derivatives, merger and acquisition, and other advisory services. It serves corporate, middle market, and commercial real estate developers and investors. The Consumer Bank segment provides consumer banking products and services related to residential first mortgages, home equity lines and loans, consumer credit cards, and other consumer loans, as well as deposits. The Wealth Management segment offers credit related products, and retirement and savings solutions; and trust and investment management, asset management, and estate planning services to individuals, businesses, governmental institutions, and non-profit entities. It also provides investment and insurance products; low-income housing tax credit corporate fund syndication services; and other specialty financing services. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Skyline Champion Corp is a leading manufacturer of factory-built housing and related components. The company is headquartered in Troy, Michigan and operates a network of more than 40 manufacturing facilities across North America. Skyline Champion Corp was formed in 2018 due to the merger between Skyline Corporation and Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC. Skyline Corporation has been known for producing high-quality manufactured homes since 1951. Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC had a strong modular and mobile home manufacturing track record. The merger united two industry leaders and created North America's largest publicly traded factory-built housing company. Skyline Champion Corp produces and distributes factory-built homes and related components to a diverse customer base. The company's products include manufactured homes, modular homes, park model RVs and commercial structures. Skyline Champion Corp sells its products through independent retailers, builders and developers. Skyline Champion Corp's management team is led by Mark Yost, the company's President and CEO. Yost has over 30 years of experience in the factory-built housing industry and previously served as the President and CEO of Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC. Skyline Champion Corp has reported strong financial results in recent years, reporting increased sales and net income. Skyline Champion Corp's profit margins have also improved recently, and its stock price has performed well. Skyline Champion Corp's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers. The factory-built housing industry has seen strong growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors, including affordability, quality and speed of construction. According to the Manufactured Housing Institute, factory-built housing accounted for approximately 10% of all new single-family homes sold in the United States in 2021. Skyline Champion Corp operates in a highly competitive industry, with numerous players competing for market share. Major competitors include Clayton Homes, Fleetwood Homes and Cavco Industries. In addition, regulatory and political issues, such as zoning restrictions and financing regulations, can also impact the industry. Skyline Champion Corp has identified several growth opportunities in the coming years. The company is investing in new product development, including energy-efficient homes and homes with advanced technology features. Skyline Champion Corp is also expanding its geographic reach, focusing on growing its presence in the Western United States. The company has also made several strategic acquisitions in recent years to support its growth strategy. In 2022, Skyline Champion Corp acquired Pinnacle Park Homes, a park model RVs and cabins manufacturer. The acquisition will allow Skyline Champion Corp to expand its product offerings and strengthen its park model RV market position. While Skyline Champion Corp has demonstrated strong financial performance in recent years, the company faces several potential risks and challenges. For example, consumer preferences or economic conditions could impact demand for factory-built housing, negatively impacting the company's sales and profitability. Regulatory changes or political issues could also impact the industry, including changes in zoning regulations or financing requirements. Skyline Champion Corp could also face increased market competition, affecting the company's market share and profitability. In addition, the company's financial performance could be impacted by fluctuations in raw material costs, such as lumber and steel. Skyline Champion Corp may also face challenges related to supply chain disruptions, such as delays in receiving materials or components from suppliers. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) pays an annual dividend of $1.60 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 3.28%. The company does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 30.02%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, AEM will have a dividend payout ratio of 67.23% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for AEM. 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. It also provides medical technologies to diagnose and treat rate and rhythm disorders of the heart comprising 3-D cardiac mapping and navigation solutions, ablation catheters, diagnostic catheters, mapping catheters, intracardiac ultrasound catheters, delivery sheaths, and other accessories; spinal cord stimulator systems for the management of chronic pain; indirect decompression systems; and deep brain stimulation systems. In addition, the company offers interventional cardiology products, that uses in the treatment of coronary artery disease and aortic valve conditions. Further, it provides stents, balloon catheters, guidewires, atherectomy, and thrombectomy systems to treat arterial and venous diseases; and peripheral embolization devices, radioactive microspheres, cryotherapy ablation systems, and micro and drainage catheters to treat cancer. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The following companies are subsidiares of TJX Companies: AJW South Bend Realty Corp., Arizona Merchants Inc., Bob's Stores, Concord Buying Group, Derailed, Fashion Factory Outlets (Trade Secret) Pty Limited, H. G. Conn. Merchants, H.G. AZ Merchants, H.G. Brownsburg Realty Corp., H.G. Conn. Merchants, H.G. Conn. Realty Corp., H.G. Georgia Merchants, H.G. Indiana Distributors, HomeGoods, HomeGoods Georgia, HomeGoods Imports Corp, HomeGoods Imports Corp., Jusy Meazza Buying Company S.r.L., Marmaxx Operating Corp., Marshalls, Marshalls Atlanta Merchants, Marshalls Bridgewater Merchant, Marshalls Bridgewater Merchants, Marshalls Woburn Merchants, Marshalls of Beacon, Marshalls of Beacon VA, Marshalls of CA, Marshalls of Elizabeth, Marshalls of Elizabeth NJ, Marshalls of Glen Burnie, Marshalls of Glen Burnie MD, Marshalls of IL, Marshalls of MA, Marshalls of Matteson, Marshalls of Matteson IL, Marshalls of Nevada, Marshalls of Richfield, Marshalls of Richfield MN, NBC Apparel, NBC Apparel LLC, NBC Atlantic Holding Limited, NBC Atlantic Limited, NBC Attire, NBC Attire Inc., NBC Charlotte Merchants, NBC Distributors Inc., NBC Europe Limited, NBC Fashion India Private Limited, NBC Fifth Realty Corp., NBC First Realty Corp., NBC Fourth Realty Corp., NBC GP, NBC Holding, NBC Hong Kong Merchants Limited, NBC Manager, NBC Manteca Merchants, NBC Merchants, NBC Nevada Merchants, NBC Operating, NBC Philadelphia Merchants, NBC Pittston Merchants, NBC Second Realty Corp., NBC Seventh Realty Corp., NBC Sixth Realty Corp., NBC Trading, NBC Trust, New York Department Stores, New York Department Stores de Puerto Rico Inc., Newton Buying Company of CA, Newton Buying Corp, Newton Buying Corp., Newton Buying Imports, STP Retail, STP Technology Systems, Sierra Trading Post, Strathmex Corp., T.J. Maxx of CA, T.J. Maxx of IL, T.K. Maxx Holding GmbH, T.K. Maxx Management GmbH, TJX Australia Holding Company Pty Limited, TJX Australia Holding Company Pty Ltd., TJX Australia Merchants Pty Limited, TJX Australia Pty Limited, TJX Australia Pty Ltd., TJX Austria Holding GmbH, TJX Deutschland Ltd & Co. KG, TJX Deutschland Ltd & Co. KG, TJX Digital, TJX Digital Memphis Merchants, TJX Distribution Ltd. & Co. KG, TJX Europe Buying (Deutschland) Ltd, TJX Europe Buying (Polska) Ltd, TJX Europe Buying Group Limited, TJX Europe Buying Ltd, TJX Europe Limited, TJX European Distribution, TJX European Distribution Sp. Z o.o, TJX Germany Ltd., TJX Incentive Sales, TJX Ireland Unlimited Company, TJX Nederland B.V., TJX Oesterreich Ltd. & Co. KG, TJX Poland, TJX Poland Sp. Z o.o, TJX UK, TJX UK Property Limited, TJX Vietnam Company Limited, TK Maxx, Trade Secret, WMI-1 Holding Company, WMI-1 Holding Company, WMI-99 Holding Company, WMI-99 Holding Company, Wagon Wheel Realty, Winners Merchants International, and Winners Merchants International L.P.. Read More JPMorgan Chase & Co. is the 5th largest bank in the world and the largest in the U.S. The current company is the result of a series of mergers that began in the earliest days of American banking history and include more than 1,200 original banks. The oldest predecessor is The Bank Of The Manhattan Company which was founded in 1799 by Aaron Burr. At the time, The Bank Of The Manhattan Company was the 3rd oldest bank in the U.S. and the 31st oldest in the world. The Chase Manhattan Bank, a precursor to JPMorgan Chase, was later formed when The Bank Of Manhattan Company purchased Chase Bank which was established in 1877. JPMorgan & Co came to life in 1895 in order to finance the United States Steel Corporation. Itself a result of merger, the company also financed other early American businesses as well as aided the federal government by backing a bond offering. It wasnt until the year 2000 and after several more mergers that JPMorgan Chase & Co was born. It will be four more years before the merger with Bank One which is notable because it brings CEO Jamie Dimon into the picture. JPMorgan Chase & Co was instrumental in aiding the US government during the 2008 financial crisis. It backed the accounts of several major banks including Bear Stearns and eventually took over their operations. Today, JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide with operations on every continent and in more than 60 countries. JPMorgan Chase & Co operates through four segments that are Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). Services are available in branches in 48 of the 50 US states and around the world. Services are available via ATM, online, mobile, and telephone. The CCB segment offers traditional banking services to consumers that include but are not limited to deposits, loans, mortgages, and lines of credit. The CIB segment provides investment banking products and services to businesses, institutions, and governments that range from prime brokerage, insurance, corporate strategy, and access to capital markets, to lending, cross-border financing, and derivative instruments. The CB segment provides financial services for small, medium, and large businesses including commercial real estate banking of all types. The AWM segment provides investment management solutions to institutional and retail investors. This segment also provides retirement products, brokerage, trusts and estates, and investment management products. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a leading global biopharmaceutical company with a long and impressive history of innovating and developing medicines that improve the lives of patients around the world. Founded in 1887 when William McLaren Bristol and John Ripley Myers purchased the Clinton Pharmaceutical Company, the company was initially named Bristol, Myers and Company. Its first nationally recognized product, Sal Hepatica, was released in the 1890s. Bristol Myers-Squibb offers chemically synthesized drugs and biologics administered through injections or infusions to patients. The company's pharmaceutical portfolio includes a large number of well-known products. BMS's primary research and development sites are in New Jersey, California, Spain, Massachusetts, New York, Belgium, Japan, India and Massachusetts. The company's products sell to wholesalers and distributors around the world. Bristol Myers-Squibb has a robust pipeline of investigational medicines in its pipeline. In addition, the company has established strategic collaborations and partnerships with various companies, successfully launching new products. These partnerships and investments generate portions of the company's revenue. Bristol Myers-Squibb has acquired several companies over the years, including Medarex in 2009, ZymoGenetics in 2010, Inhibitex Inc. in 2012, Amylin Pharmaceuticals in 2012, iPierian in 2014, Flexus Biosciences in 2015, Cardioxyl in 2015, Padlock Therapeutics in 2016, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals in 2017, IFM Therapeutics in 2017, Celgene in 2019, Otezla in 2019, Forbius in 2020, MyoKardia in 2020 and Turning Point Therapeutics in 2022. In 2005, the company divested individual consumer products and its subsequent consumer products businesses. In December 2014, the company received FDA approval for its cancer drug, Opdivo, used to treat skin cancers that do not respond to drug therapies. In 2019, the company divested its consumer health business, UPSA, to Taisho. The company has also faced several scandals, lawsuits and investigations over the years, the biggest of which is the ongoing $1 billion lawsuit from Guatemala for the company's role in a 1940s experiment that infected hundreds with syphilis. In 2001 BMS faced an accounting scandal that resulted in a restatement of revenues from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, BMS faced a lawsuit based on illegally maintaining a monopoly on Taxol, a chemotherapy medication. The former head of the pharma group and the ex-CFO were indicted for federal securities violations in 2005. In July of 2006, an FBI raid on the company's corporate offices revealed that the company took steps to delay the release of a generic version of one of its drugs. BMS began a significant restructuring in 2009, focusing on the pharmaceutical business and biologic products, productivity initiatives and cost-cutting. The U.S. attorney forced the company into oversight and appointed a monitor as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. Lou Schmukler joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2010 as global product development and design president. In 2013, Forbes magazine ranked the company as the drug company of the year. Dr. Giovanni Caforio took the reigns as CEO in 2015. In 2017, reports began to surface that activist investor Carl Icahn took a stake in the company, widely seen as a signal for a potential future takeover. As Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to experience success and growth, the company is committed to delivering innovative treatments to patients and staying ahead of the curve in the biopharmaceutical industry. With its focus on research and development and a long and rich history of delivering innovative medicines, BMS offers an excellent long-term investment opportunity. The following companies are subsidiares of Stryker: 2Hip Holdings SAS, ActiViews, Aimago SA, Alcott Indemnity Company, Arrinex Inc., Arrinex Inc., Ascent Healthcare Solutions, Berchtold, Berchtold + Fritz GmbH, Berchtold Consulting GmbH, Berchtold Corporation, Berchtold GmbH & Co. KG, Berchtold Holding Switzerland GmbH, BioMimetic Therapeutics LLC, BioMimetic Therapeutics USA Inc., CHG Hospital Beds, Cactus LLC, Cardan Robotics, Cartiva Inc., Changzhou Orthomed Medical Instrument Company Limited, Concentric Medical, EnMovi Ltd., Entellus Medical, Entellus Medical Inc., GYS Tech LLC, Gauss Surgical, Gauss Surgical Inc., Gauss Surgical Singapore Pte. Ltd., Gaymar Industries, Gongping (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd., Groupe Bertec, HeartSine Technologies LLC, HeartSine Technologies Limited, Howmedica International S. de R.L., Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Hygia Health Services, Hygia Healthcare Services Inc., HyperBranch, HyperBranch Medical Technologies Inc., HyperBranch Medical Technology, Image Guided Technologies, Imascap SAS, Imorphics Limited, Infinity MSD Corp., Infinity MSF Corp., Infomedix Communications, Instratek, InstruMedics L.L.C, Invuity, Invuity Inc., Ivy Sports Medicine, Ivy Sports Medicine LLC, Jiangsu Chuangyi Medical Instrument Company Limited, Jolife AB, K2M Group, K2M Group Holdings Inc., K2M Holdings Inc., K2M Inc., K2M UK Limited, Loon Intermediateco LLC, MAKO Surgical, MAKO Surgical Corp, Memometal Technologies, Mobius Imaging, Mobius Imaging LLC, Muka Metal, Muka Metal Ticaret ve Sanayi Anaonim Sirketi, NV Stryker SA, Nettrick Limited, Novadaq Corp, Novadaq Technologies, Novadaq Technologies ULC, OOO "Stryker", Orneo Ozel Saglk Hizmetleri Medikal Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Ortho-Space Ltd., OrthoHelix Surgical Designs Inc., OrthoSensor, OrthoSensor Korea Ltd, OrthoSpace, OrthoSpace US Inc., Orthomed (Hong Kong) Medical Instrument Company Limited, Orthosensor Inc., Orthovita, Orthovita Inc., OtisMed, P.C. Sweden Holding AB, PTH West LLC, Patient Safety Technologies, Patton Surgical, Physio-Control, Physio-Control (Shanghai) Sales Co. Ltd., Physio-Control Brazil Vendas Ltda., Physio-Control Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Physio-Control Holdings Inc, Physio-Control Inc., Physio-Control Investments LLC, Physio-Control Lebanon Sales Offshore s.a.l., Physio-Control Manufacturing Inc., Physio-Control Operations Netherlands B.V., Physio-Control Sales Limited Liability Company, Pivot Medical, PlasmaSol, Porex Technologies, SCI Calyx SA, SSI Divestiture Inc., SYK Costa Rica Services Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, SafeAir AG, SafeWire, Sage Products, Sage Products Coperatief U.A., Sage Products Holdings II LLC, Sage Products Holdings III LLC, Sage Products LLC, Scopis, Scopis GmbH, Sightline Technologies, Small Bone Innovations, SpineCore, Spirox Inc., Stanmore Implants Worldwide, Stanmore Implants Worldwide Limited, Stanmore Inc., Stryker (Barbados) Foreign Sales Corporation, Stryker (Beijing) Healthcare Products Co. Ltd., Stryker (Shanghai) Healthcare Products Co. Ltd., Stryker (Suzhou) Medical Technology Co Ltd, Stryker (Thailand) Limited, Stryker AB, Stryker Acquisitions B.V., Stryker Asia Holdings C.V., Stryker Australia LLC, Stryker Australia Pty. Ltd., Stryker Austria GmbH, Stryker B.V., Stryker Berchtold B.V., Stryker Beteiligungs GmbH, Stryker Canada Holding Company ULC, Stryker Canada Manufacturing ULC, Stryker Canada ULC, Stryker Canadian Management ULC, Stryker Capital B.V., Stryker China Limited, Stryker Colombia SAS, Stryker Communications Inc., Stryker Corporation (Chile) y Compania Limitada, Stryker Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Stryker Customs Brokers LLC, Stryker Czech Republic s.r.o., Stryker Delaware Inc., Stryker EMEA Supply Chain Services B.V., Stryker Employment Company LLC, Stryker European Holdings Cooperatief U.A, Stryker European Holdings LLC, Stryker European Operations B.V., Stryker European Operations Holdings I B.V., Stryker European Operations Holdings II B.V., Stryker European Operations Holdings III B.V., Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC, Stryker European Operations Limited, Stryker Far East Inc., Stryker Foreign Acquisitions Inc., Stryker France SAS, Stryker Funding B.V., Stryker Global Technology Center Private Limited, Stryker GmbH, Stryker GmbH & Co. KG, Stryker Grundstucks GmbH & Co KG, Stryker Grundstucks Verwaltungs GmbH, Stryker Holdings B.V., Stryker IFSC Designated Activity Company, Stryker Iberia S.L. Unipersonal, Stryker India Private Limited, Stryker International Acquisitions B.V., Stryker International Holdings B.V., Stryker Ireland Limited, Stryker Italia S.r.l., Stryker Japan K.K., Stryker Korea Ltd., Stryker Lebanon (Offshore) S.A.L., Stryker Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG, Stryker Luxembourg Sarl, Stryker Malta Holdings Limited, Stryker Manufacturing Holdings B.V., Stryker Manufacturing S. de R.L. de C.V., Stryker Mauritius Holding Ltd., Stryker Medical London LP, Stryker Medtech K.K., Stryker Medtech Limited, Stryker Mexico Holdings B.V., Stryker Mexico SA de CV, Stryker NV Operations Limited, Stryker Nederland B.V., Stryker New Zealand Limited, Stryker Osteonics AG, Stryker Pacific Limited, Stryker Performance Solutions LLC, Stryker Poland Services sp. z o.o., Stryker Polska Sp.z.o.o., Stryker Portugal - Produtos Medicos Unipessoal Lda., Stryker Professional Latin America S. de R.L. de C.V., Stryker Puerto Rico Holdings B.V., Stryker Puerto Rico LLC, Stryker Puerto Rico Sales LLC, Stryker Renovation Services LLC, Stryker Romania SRL, Stryker Sales LLC, Stryker Servicios Administrativos S.de R.L. de C.V., Stryker Singapore Private Limited, Stryker South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Stryker Spine SAS, Stryker Spine Sarl, Stryker Sustainability Solutions Inc., Stryker Tibbi Cihazlan Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Stryker Tijuana Operations S. de R.L. de C.V., Stryker Trauma GmbH, Stryker Turkish Holdings B.V., Stryker UK Limited, Stryker Unite Ltd., Stryker Verwaltungs GmbH, Stryker Vietnam Company Limited, Stryker do Brasil Ltda, Surpass Medical, Synergetics, TMG France SAS, TMJ Solutions LLC, TSO3 Corporation, TSO3 Inc., Thermedx LLC, Tornier Inc., Tornier Orthopedics Ireland Limited, Tornier Pty Ltd., Tornier SAS, Tornier Scandinavia A/S, Tornier UK Limited, Tornier US Holdings Inc., Trauson, Trauson (China) Medical Instrument Company Limited, Trauson (Hong Kong) Company Limited, Trauson Holdings (B.V.I.) Company Limited, Trauson Holdings (Hong Kong) Company Limited, Trauson Holdings Company Limited, Trooper Holdings Inc., Vexim, Vocera, Vocera Communications, Wright DutchCo B.V., Wright Medical Australia Pty Limited, Wright Medical Brasil Ltda, Wright Medical Costa Rica S.A., Wright Medical Device (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Wright Medical Group, Wright Medical Group Inc., Wright Medical Netherlands B.V., Wright Medical Singapore Pte Ltd, Wright Medical Technology Inc., Wright Medical UK Ltd, Wright PacRim Inc., ZipLine Medical Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ZipLine Medical Hong Kong Limited, ZipLine Medical Inc., and eTrauma.com. Read More Saudi government officials will join their Italian counterparts as well as private sector representatives at a key forum in Milan city, to explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities across clean energy, healthcare, advance manufacturing and hospitality. The Italian - Saudi Investment Forum, which will be held on September 4, is being co-hosted by The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia will be leading a delegation of government and business officials top the 49th edition of the Cernobbio Forum, an annual conference organized by The European House - Ambrosetti. The Italian - Saudi Investment Forum will reflect on the successes of the Italian Saudi partnership thus far and explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities across several key priority sectors including clean energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and hospitality. Saudi Arabia has seen strong growth in the non-oil sector, expanding 5.4% last year. The kingdom is looking to unlock more than $3 trillion in investment opportunities through its National Investment Strategy. Reflecting the high priority placed on the relationship by both sides, Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy and Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan will also attend the forum, alongside Al-Falih. At the Cernobbio Forum, MISA will showcase the investment opportunities available in Saudi Arabia as its economy is transformed by a series of initiatives linked to Vision 2030, the Kingdoms blueprint for social and economic reform. The latest visit comes as Italy and Saudi Arabia marked the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, with bilateral trade between both nations reaching over $11bn in 2022. Subsequent high-level visits have demonstrated enduring joint impetus to develop bilateral partnerships further. The Saudi Italian Business Council met in May this year, while Riyadh hosted the Saudi Italian Joint Committee and Saudi-Italian Investment Forum during Former Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maios visit in June last year. August 28, 2023 In a recent podcast interview with GeekWire, BRINC founder and CEO Blake Resnick recounted the moment the production version LEMUR 2 took its first flight. Although the 23-year-old engineer was in the midst of a board meeting when it occurred, he and the other board members paused and reveled in the moment when they heard the office outside erupt in resounding cheers as the quadcopter took to the air. First unveiled in March of this year, the LEMUR 2 is the culmination of 18 months of work by Resnick and the entire BRINC team. The new drone builds on the learnings from its previous versions, which began as a single prototype built on the kitchen table of Resnicks mom. Just 17-years-old at the time, he had dropped out of the mechanical engineering program at Northwestern University in order to found BRINC Drones in response to the deadly mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in his hometown of Las Vegas. Blake Resnick has said he had a passion for figuring out how things worked from an early age, spending his free time in his childhood deconstructing household appliances. He also bucked traditional schooling trajectories, choosing to earn his high school equivalent and begin attending college for mechanical engineering at just 14. For three years he studied at university while also earning prestigious internships at companies like McLaren Automotive and Tesla, before he was even legally able to drive himself. While at an internship with the Chinese drone manufacturing giant DJI, Resnick began toying with the idea of forming his own drone company. Envisioning the endless applications for autonomous or remotely-operated flying devices, it was only when he spoke with the Las Vegas Metro SWAT commander in the aftermath of the October 1st mass shooting on the Strip that he realized public safety was an area in which they could have the greatest impact. In addition to learning about the challenges first responders faced during what became the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, the SWAT commander also provided Resnick with information on the broader aspects of their line of work, which could include hostage situations, barricades, and high-risk warrant searchesall of which posed significant safety risks for those involved. Resnick spent months building an initial design for the drone, and then more than double the amount of time after that creating a second iteration after his first was handily critiqued by the Las Vegas SWAT team in an early demonstration. He has recalled one particularly humbling moment in which an officer walked up to the drone Resnick had spent months of free time building and simply swatted it to the ground with a towel. It landed on its back, rendering it inoperable until someone was able to physically pick it up and flip it back over. The officer tersely explained that exact scenario was guaranteed to happen within the first five minutes of a SWAT callout, and said it would be a worthless tool to them without the ability to flip itself back over. He would eventually spend six months on call with the Las Vegas Metro SWAT trialing the drone, and by the end of the half-year it was making a quantifiable impact on the missions. Officers could use the drone to enter a structure and search it out, either confirming the suspect wasnt there, or finding them and enabling two-way communications to begin a conversation. Resnick had built the first drone in the world with a bidirectional audio system, and Las Vegas Metro became the first customer of the BRINC LEMUR drone. Today, BRINC has raised more than $80 million in capital, attracting funding from Index Ventures, Sam Altman (News - Alert), Dylan Field and Alexandr Wang amongst other major players in the venture capital and technology sectors. BRINC drones are currently operated by over 400 customers across the globe, and have been used for countless public safety applications including SWAT tactical missions, the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, the war in Ukraine, and earthquake relief in Turkey. The Lemur 2 When he first introduced the LEMUR 2 to the world in March of this year, Resnick told the audience welcome to the future of public safety. A tool with primary use cases around tactical (over 400 safety agencies currently have purchased BRINC drones across the globe), it also has applications in search and rescue, hazmat response, bomb disposal operations, barricades, and negotiations amongst other public safety verticals. Most drones rely heavily on GPS technology, using it not only for navigation but a number of other purposes such as helping it maintain a stable position in the air. However, there are often situations in which GPS capabilities become unavailable, such as in when signaling is blocked by solid obstacles such as concrete. Another weakness that would prevent a standard drone from functioning in public safety is its reliance on conventional cameras for localization and navigation, which are again rendered useless in low-light scenarios. Resnicks BRINC drones were built on a system that remains robust in these conditions. They are equipped with a LiDAR sensor, which uses laser beams to measure distances to objects and surfaces, creating a detailed 3D representation of the environment. After scanning its surroundings with the LiDAR sensor, the drones use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to identify specific tracking points or objects of interest. These algorithms analyze the LiDAR data and learn to recognize important features. Once the tracking points are identified, the drones use a high-powered night vision illuminator camera to track these points as they move. This camera is capable of capturing clear images even in low-light or nighttime conditions. Utilizing an IMU that employs both accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure and report its precise force and angular rate, the drone can navigate effectively even in the absence of GPS functionality. In addition to blocking GPS signals, concrete tends to block cellular signals, command and control signals, and video signals. While this can be bypassed by using lower frequency comms, Resnicks new LEMUR 2 drones have the capability to act as signal repeaters, generating large mesh networks between drones, handheld controllers, and even body-worn radios. This means that if one drone is not able to reach the full distance before it begins losing communication capabilities, it can simply land and be used as a signal repeater, allowing another drone to complete the job. Resnick has called the LEMUR 2 the next era of first response technology, asserting that it will make law enforcement and emergency services in the United States more efficient and safer for all involved. Pre-orders for the drone began in March, and shipments are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. Resnick believes that the applications for BRINC drones have the potential to eventually make the police helicopter an obsolete tool, providing critical assistance to first responders and saving more lives in the process. [August 28, 2023] Element Materials Technology Announces $8 Million Expansion in Cincinnati Tweet Element Materials Technology (Element), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services, announces an $8m expansion in the Cincinnati region, with a new functional support center for colleagues in North America at The Landings in Blue Ash, Ohio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828679877/en/ Element Materials Technology has committed $8 million to expand in the Cincinnati region, with the addition of a new functional support center at The Landings in Blue Ash, Ohio. The investment will create 65 new jobs in the area. (Photo: Business Wire) The 21,525 square-feet of office space located on the fourth floor of the Landings II, a Class A building, will support colleague growth as the business expands. The investment is set to create 65 new jobs worth a total payroll of $5.6 million. A 10-year lease agreement has been signed with options to extend. Element already has a presence in Cincinnati with its state-of-the-art material testing laboratory based in Fairfield, Ohio, totaling 60,000 square feet and containing over 250 test machines. As Element's Fatigue Testing Center of Excellence, the location has been a world leader in testing metal and ceramic materials for over 40 years, supporting customers across unique industries including aerospace, transportation, and medical devices. Rick Sluiters, EVP Americas at Element, said: "A new central location for functional support [human resources, information technology, commercial, legal and finance] will bolster our 3,600+ strong workforce in America and free up space to expand customer operations at our existing location. "With our rich history in the region and strong support from the State of Ohio, the decision to select Cincinnati as the destination for our North American functional support center made strategic sense. We are excited for the next stage of our growth and thank REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio for their ongoing partnership." Dan Johnson, City of Blue Ash Economic Development Director, commented: "We are excited to welcome Element Materials Technology to Blue Ash. Our City Council and city administration, in concert with our local real estate community, go to great lengths to create an inviting and supportive corporate environment. With long-term vision and prudent public investments, Blue Ash will continue to support Element and its employees in every possible way." J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO, added: "Element's new back-office operations in Blue Ash expands the footprint of a global leader in product testing, inspection and certification here in Ohio. With two facilities in proximity to one another in the Cincinnati region, Element is growing its existing workforce by adding 65 new jobs for Ohioans who will improve the safety and quality of products vital to aerospace, healthcare, telecommunication and more." The State of Ohio and JobsOhio collaborated to provide support through a Job Creation Tax Credit, which was approved during Monday's Tax Credit Authority meeting. Element's customers cross aunique range of industries, including aerospace, biomedical, industrial manufacturing, power generation and transportation. About Element Materials Technology The Element Materials Technology Group is one of the world's leading global providers of testing, inspection, and certification services for a diverse range of products, materials, and technologies in advanced industrial supply chains where failure in use is not an option. Headquartered in London, UK, Element's c.9,000 scientists, engineers, and technologists, work across a global network of over 270+ laboratories, support customers from early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals, and into production ensuring their products are safe and sustainable, and achieve market access. In 2021, Element set out its new, industry leading environmental commitments, adopting science-based targets and committing to net zero emissions across its entire global business by 2035. These environmental commitments follow Element's achievement of the highest ESG ranking in the testing, inspection and certification industry from Sustainalytics, a global leader in ESG research and data. For more information about Element, please visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel. About JobsOhio JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828679877/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Fairview Microwave Announces Line of Electromechanical Relay Switches Tweet New Relay Switches Cover Popular Market Bands from DC up to 43 GHz IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairview Microwave, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of on-demand RF, microwave and millimeter-wave components, has announced a series of advanced electromechanical relay switches. These cutting-edge switches are set to redefine RF signal routing across an array of market bands, ranging from DC all the way up to 43 GHz. Signifying a significant leap in technology, these relay switches are poised to address the pressing demands of an industry grappling with the need for higher data rates and a rapid shift to higher frequencies. Fairview's components span a selection of 21 diverse models and provide comprehensive coverage of popular market bands, notably L, S, C, X, Ku, K and Ka. The designs are not only robust and versatile, featuring failsafe, latching, or normally open actuators, but are equipped with desirable characteristics such as TTL logic, position indicators, suppression diodes and solder pins. The new switches are powered by either +12 Vdc or +28 Vdc DC bias voltage supplies. They are meticulously craftd to be compact, conforming to MIL-grade standards, and are compatible with 2.92 mm female connectors. Reliability and performance are at the core of these designs. Ensuring they can weather a range of operational conditions, these switches are rated for temperatures between -25C to +65C (-25F to +165F). Furthermore, they boast an impressive lifecycle rating of 2 million cycles and meet the rigorous MIL-STD-202F environmental test conditions, particularly for shock and vibration. "With our new electromechanical relay switches, we're pushing the boundaries of technology to meet the growing demands of an ever-evolving industry," said Product Line Manager Kevin Hietpas. "As we transition to higher frequencies and seek enhanced data rates, our switches are designed to bridge the present with the future." Fairview Microwave's new electromechanical relay switches are in stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, please call +1 (949) 261-1920. About Fairview Microwave: A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the company's ISO 9001:2015-certified production facilities in Lewisville, Texas. Fairview Microwave is an Infinite Electronics brand. About Infinite Electronics: Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics offers a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions to the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Its brands include Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite serves its customers with deep technical expertise and support. Its broad inventory is available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. Infinite is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company. Press Contact: Peter McNeil Fairview Microwave 17792 Fitch Irvine, Calif. 92614 +1 (978) 682-6936 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairview-microwave-announces-line-of-electromechanical-relay-switches-301910627.html SOURCE Fairview Microwave Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 27, 2023] Trilliant's Corporate Commitment to Sustainability Reinforced with Certifications, Awards Tweet Trilliant, a leading international provider of solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), smart grid, smart cities and IIoT, continues to focus on its commitment to sustainability for its customers and the company with new recertifications, awards and assessments. Trilliant previously announced its Integrated Management System was recertified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. Recently, DEKRA Audits has also recertified Trilliant in the following areas, solidifying Trilliant's commitment to sustainable business operations: ISO 27001:2013 standard for information security management systems (ISMS): ISO 27001 is the world's best-known standard for ISMS and defines requirements an ISMS must meet. The standard provides companies with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. Conformity with ISO/IEC 27001 means that an organization or business has put in place a system to manage risks related to the security of data owned or handled by the company, and that this system respects all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard. ISO 27001 is the world's best-known standard for ISMS and defines requirements an ISMS must meet. The standard provides companies with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. Conformity with ISO/IEC 27001 means that an organization or business has put in place a system to manage risks related to the security of data owned or handled by the company, and that this system respects all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard. ISO 45001:2018 standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management: ISO 45001:2018 specifies requirements for an OH&S management system. It gives guidance for its use to enable organizations to provide safe and healthy workplaces by preventing work-related injury and ill health, as well as by proactively improving its OH&S performance. In June 2023, Trilliant was recertified for the ECORESPONSIBLE Certification, progressing to Level #2 (Performance. This certification in sustainable development management is part of an ongoing four-level improvement process, designed to help organizations improve their overall performance in economic, environmental, social and governance terms. By making strategic decisions regarding sustainable development through their ECORESPONSIBLE practices, organizations show their tangible contribution to sustainable development. In doing so, they reduce their ecological impact and improve their value chain. Trilliant is also the recipient of a 2022 EcoVadis Silver medal and placed in the top 19 percent within its industry. EcoVadis has grown to become the world's largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, creating a global network of more than 100,000+ rated companies. EcoVadis medals recognize companies that have completed the EcoVadis assessment process and demonstrated a relatively strong management system that addresses sustainability criteria, as outlined in the EcoVadis methodology. Companies must also meet specific licensing and eligibility criteria. Trilliant's office in Granby, Quebec, was recently recognized by the City of Granby with an Environmental Recognition Award. This awards honors citizens, non-profit organizations, businesses, industries and educational institutions of the City of Granby who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and its reputation through their commitment and achievements in environmental and sustainable development matters. Trilliant was honored in the Sustainable Industry category for its ECORESPONSIBLE certification. Sustainability: A key pillar of Trilliant's strategy Trilliant understands that not only is sustainability important for future generations, but that utilities and cities want to know their vendors and suppliers are dedicated to social responsibility. To demonstrate its commitment, Trilliant is a participating member of the UN Global Compact. The compact is a global call to action for companies to support the UN's social development goals (SDGs). Trilliant is focused on four of those goals, which continue to guide the company's strategy and align with its mission: affordable and clean energy; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; and climate action. "Our commitment to sustainability in our work has never been clearer," said Andy White, Chairman and CEO, Trilliant. "Our certifications and awards enable Trilliant to be accountable and ensure that our goals and practices have a positive impact on our customers, partners and all our stakeholders. We're also proud of our global team members who are energized to engage on initiatives that are aligned with the UN SDGs." As the company looks ahead, it has engaged COESIO - third-party sustainability experts - to finalize and support the implementation of Trilliant's Net Zero plan. Trilliant will share its progress and impact in a future update. About Trilliant Trilliant empowers the global energy industry with the only device-agnostic communications platform that enables utilities and cities to deploy any application securely and reliably on one powerful network. Our purpose-built portfolio is designed to offer the power of choice, without risk of customers being "locked in" with one technology provider or meter manufacturer. We are proud to offer mission-critical solutions that support AMI, Data & Analytics, Smart Metering, Smart Grids and Smart Cities. Customers worldwide benefit from Trilliant's unique combination of flexibility, sustainability and scalability that connects utilities and cities to the IIoT and a more strategic path to the Energy Transition. Visit us at www.trilliant.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230827921449/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 27, 2023] ORIGIN MATERIALS 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 Origin Materials, Inc. - ORGN 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 24, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Origin Materials, Inc. (NYSE: ORGN), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 23, 2023, and August 9, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Origin Materials 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-orgn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 24, 2023. About the Lawsuit Origin Materials 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 would not be able to meet its previously announced timeline for the construction of its Origin 2 commercial plant; (ii) demand for paraxylene, a product that can replace non-sustainable chemicals in existing supply chains, had dropped such that it would not be the production focus of the Origin 2 plant; and (iii) the Company could not construct the Origin 2 plant at its previously disclosed cost or at the scale it had previously identified. The case is Soto v. Origin Materials, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04332. 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/20230827287299/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 27, 2023] HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC 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 Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. - HE 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 23, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Hawaiian Electric 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-he/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 23, 2023. About the Lawsuit Hawaiian Electric 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 wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (ii) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. The case is Bhangal v. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04332. 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/20230827566900/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Ugreen Prepares Innovative Product Demo for IFA 2023 Tweet BERLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ugreen, a renowned consumer electronics brand focused on power solutions, has confirmed plans to participate in the highly anticipated IFA 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The event, known for showcasing innovation and technical breakthroughs in consumer electronics, will take place at Messe Berlin from September 1-5. Ugreen will showcase some of its upcoming products at the event as part of its commitment to revolutionizing the charging and portable energy sectors. Visitors will get to experience next-gen future power solutions up close by visiting Ugreen's exhibition booth located at Booth H 5.2-A113 on any given day during the event. Leading the way among Ugreen products at the show is the Nexode 300W Gallium Nitride Charger, which is the first 300W multi-port GaN fast charger. Capable of fast charging multiple devices simultaneously, the prduct also comes equipped with four USB-C and one USB-A port, establishing a new industry benchmark for mobile-device quick charging. Next up for visitors seeking innovative solutions is Ugreen's exciting PowerRoam 2200 Portable Power Station, which features the latest LiFePO4 EV-rated batteries and caters to the growing demand for reliable and portable energy solutions. As a global brand, Ugreen leverages its technical expertise in the consumer power domain to form strategic alliances with industry giants like BYD to foster pioneering product development and advances outdoor power solutions, creating a sustainable and mutually beneficial ecosystem for all stakeholders. Spearheaded by a commitment to being a value-driven and customer-centric brand, Ugreen has stood firm in its pursuit of industry-leading excellence. With an eye on the future industry landscape, Ugreen has planned to launch a new series - the Ugreen NAS (Network Attached Storage), which is positioned as a small data center. Ugreen's Vice President Evan Li said, "At Ugreen, we constantly listen to our users' feedback and strive to incorporate their suggestions into our product development process. It is through this close collaboration with our customers that we are able to bring them more surprises and exceed their expectations." About Ugreen Established in 2012, Ugreen specializes in providing distinguished accessories and digital solutions for global consumers. Ugreen has steadily grown into a trustworthy brand with over 100 million users worldwide, providing products ranging from charging devices, phone and computer accessories to home and automobile accessories. For more information, please visit www.ugreen.com Contact [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2187224/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ugreen-prepares-innovative-product-demo-for-ifa-2023-301902781.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Huawei Network Summit 2023 (Latin America): Innovations Never Stop, Accelerating Industry Digital Transformation Tweet CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023 was held successfully in Cancun, Mexico on August 25, 2023. With the theme of "Innovations Never Stops", HNS attracted over 500 customers and partners from more than 10 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile. At the event, attendees from diverse industries such as public service, finance, energy, Internet Service Provider (ISP), education, and healthcare delved into data communication technology innovations and explored new ways to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and create new value together in Latin America. In the opening speech, Tony Sze, President of Latin America Enterprise Business, pointed out that the digital economy is taking shape and accelerating in Latin American countries, with digital infrastructures playing a pivotal role. Against this backdrop, Huawei will continue to help enterprise customers to take their digital transformation journey to the next level. Specifically, Huawei will help federal and state governments to build all-wireless office and service-oriented capabilities; Huawei will also assist financial organizations to build future-proof data center networks, in turn propelling agile and stable financial services. Huawei will remain a trusted partner for ISPs, helping them build stable, ultra-broadband bearing networks that meet future needs over the next decade. In the energy and transportation fields, Huawei will help customers build IP-based production networks for more stable and future-oriented services. All industries are raising new requirements for digital transformation, productivity improvement, and service experience optimization. For example, governments are going digital, requiring better campus-wide wireless coverage for optimized office and service experience. The Bank 4.0 era is fast approaching, driving the need to migrate applications and services to multi-cloud, as well as equip data center networks with multi-cloud, multi-vendor operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities. Similarly, ISPs are seeking premium wide area network (WAN) capabilities to support rapid user growth. Another priority for enterprise business development is cyber security. This is compelling enterprises to look for multi-dimensional security capabilities for fending off rampant ransomware and other attacks. /div> /div> CloudCampus 3.0 + Experience : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. : Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution focuses on user experience and stands out with four unique features: ultra-high-speed access, simplified architecture, ultimate experience, and simplified O&M. This solution is a great fit for public service, finance, energy, education, healthcare, and other industries, where it can help to build a non-blocking office network. The resulting benefits include smooth video conferencing, 50% lower network construction costs, and fast fault recovery in minutes. CloudFabric 3.0 + Intelligence : Huawei's CloudFabric data center network solution becomes more intelligent than ever, and takes on three distinctive features: ultra-powerful performance, ultra-fast deployment, and ultra-intelligent O& M . In diverse industries like finance, public service, education, and ISP , this solution can improve AI training efficiency by 20%, provision services across clouds and data centers in minutes, locate network root causes for application exceptions with one click, and demarcate faults in minutes. Huawei's CloudFabric M ISP CloudWAN 3.0 + Convergence : Huawei's converged CloudWAN solution creates new value for customers through converged networks, converged devices, and converged management. Leveraging Huawei's solution, customers in industries such as public service, ISP , energy, and transportation can reduce the total cost of ownership ( TCO ) by 30% and capital expenditure ( CAPEX ) by 30% while increasing O& M efficiency by 60%. In response, Huawei constantly innovates its Intelligent Cloud-Network Solution by enhancing experience, AI, and convergence. Enterprise business is thriving in Latin America. To support this, Huawei continuously builds CloudCampus, CloudFabric, and CloudWAN solution capabilities, and launched many groundbreaking innovations, including the first-of-its-kind zero-roaming distributed Wi-Fi, high-quality experience assurance card (used on flagship campus switches), CloudEngine 16800-X (a 400GE data center network switch), NetEngine 8000 F8 (a converged transport router), and iMaster NCE-based network digital map. All of these offerings empower networks with innovations and unleash digital productivity at an accelerated pace. Key attendees at the launch ceremony included Vincent Liu, President of Huawei's Enterprise Network Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, Wu Jiaxing, President of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Business Marketing & Solution Sales Department, Diego Alberto De Gracia, Enterprise Network Director of Huawei's Latin America Region, and delegates from pioneering customers and partners across diverse industries such as public service, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and education. Alongside the launch of this IP Club member program, almost 300 IP Club members were recruited at the event. IP Club is an IP industry peer communication platform initiated by Huawei. IP Club members can enjoy diversified member-only activities, such as in-person technical workshops, face-to-face meetings with industry experts, IP Club Carnival, and peer interaction in the online community. To date, Huawei has brought together over 2900 IP Club members worldwide. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to innovate and overcome technical bottlenecks through more R&D investments. Furthermore, Huawei will keep aligning best-in-class products and solutions with customers' future business development. Doing so will help a wide range of industry customers to bridge technical divides and stay ahead of the competition. Huawei's extensive training and communication platforms help customers gain fresh insight into leading products and solutions, and explore unique ways to unleash digital productivity. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-network-summit-2023-latin-america-innovations-never-stop-accelerating-industry-digital-transformation-301910878.html SOURCE Huawei [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Thailand Paves the Way for a Resurgent Asia Tweet BANGKOK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise Asia is pleased to honor the trailblazing business leaders and enterprises in Thailand for pioneering the country's growth in the post-pandemic era at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2023. Organized annually in 16 markets by regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the Awards present Asia's largest award recognition program. Themed "Capturing Opportunities in a Resurgent Asia", the APEA 2023 aims to utilize its influential platform to accelerate Thailand's economic resurgence by encouraging enterprises to take advantage of Asia's post-pandemic recovery and view it as an opportune time for growth. The award recipients were selected from over 100 nominees through a rigorous evaluation process by a jury of prominent judges across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence. Since 2007, the Awards has been organized all over the region with past recipients comprising Taiwan's Douglas Tong Hsu, Hong Kong's Francis Lui and Lawrence Ho, TTC Vietnam's Dang Van Thanh, Thailand's Somphote Ahunai, Cuckoo Malaysia's Hoe Kian Choon, Indonesia's Hary Tanoesoedibjo and Mochtar Riady, India's Adi Godrej, and the Philippines' Dennis Anthony Uy. Datuk William Ng, Vice Chairman of Enterprise Asia, stated in his welcome address that "We must recognize that sustained success in this evolving arena demands more than technological prowess. It mandates careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the local market. Ultimately, capturing opportunities in Asia in the post-pandemic era requires a collective effort. Through cross-sector collaborations, businesses can access a dynamic and growing market with a talented workforce and a culture of innovation". Among the notable awardees are Manas Chiaravanond, CEO of Chia Tai Company Limited, and Sara Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, whose unwavering commitment, innovation-driven mindset, and fearless leadership have not only propelled their enterprises to remarkable heights but also left an indelible mark on their respective fields, standing as beacons of inspiration in the world of entrepreneurship. Further outstanding award recipients include Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. under the Fast Enterprise Category, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited and Mondelez International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. under the Inspirational Brand Category, and Energy Absolute PCL and Phyathai And Paolo Hospital Group under the Corporate Excellence Category. The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2023 Thailand Chapter is supported by the Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC). PR Newswire is the Official News Release Distribution Partner while Bangkok Post, Dailywire.asia, and SME Magazine are the Media Partners. FULL RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS 202 3 THAILAND CHAPTER MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY NAME COMPANY INDUSTRY PRASIT BOONDOUNGPRASERT CEO CHAROEN POKPHAND FOODS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AGRICULTURE MANAS CHIARAVANOND CEO CHIA TAI COMPANY LIMITED AGRICULTURE SANSERN KIATTIVEJSOONTHORN MANAGING DIRECTOR COSDENT HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY PADCHCHARRIN HEIMEAUNGKLOON MANAGING DIRECTOR GOURMET ONE FOOD SERVICE (THAILAND) CO.,LTD. FOOD & BEVERAGE BOONSAK KIATJAROONLERT CEO KUMWELL CORPORATION PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS KETTIVIT SITTISOONTORNWONG CEO LEO GLOBAL LOGISTICS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS JAMES RICHARD AMATAVIVADHANA CEO MC GROUP PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED RETAIL SARA LAMSAM CEO MUANG THAI LIFE ASSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED FINANCIAL SERVICES FAST ENTERPRISE CATEGORY COMPANY INDUSTRY NOVO NORDISK PHARMA (THAILAND) LTD. HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY INSPIRATIONAL BRAND CATEGORY COMPANY INDUSTRY CHAROEN POKPHAND FOODS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AGRICULTURE CHIA TAI COMPANY LIMITED AGRICULTURE COSDENT HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERLINK TELECOM PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ICT MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL (THAILAND) CO., LTD. FOOD & BEVERAGE MUANG THAI LIFE ASSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED FINANCIAL SERVICES NOVO NORDISK PHARMA (THAILAND) LTD. HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY SIAM?KUBOTA?CORPORATION CO., LTD. AGRICULTURE CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY COMPANY INDUSTRY CHAROEN POKPHAND FOODS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AGRICULTURE ENERGY ABSOLUTE PCL ENERGY KUMWELL CORPORATION PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS LEO GLOBAL LOGISTICS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS MSD (THAILAND) LTD. HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY MUANG THAI LIFE ASSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED FINANCIAL SERVICES NOVO NORDISK PHARMA (THAILAND) LTD. HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY OGILVY & MATHER THAILAND PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES PHYATHAI AND PAOLO HOSPITAL GROUP HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY About Enterprise Asia Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit www.enterpriseasia.org for more information. About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region's most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/asia-pacific-enterprise-awards-2023-thailand-paves-the-way-for-a-resurgent-asia-301910951.html SOURCE Enterprise Asia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Banking Circle Group expands into the Australian market with the launch of BC Payments Tweet BC Payments launches to empower Australian FinTechs to scale internationally with market leading global payment rails Piers Cracknell , former Director, Strategic Initiatives NAB, appointed to head BC Payments New payments infrastructure business addresses cross-border payments pain points currently restricting Australian FinTech growth SYDNEY, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BC Payments, the licensed subsidiary of EQT-backed innovative tech-led payments business, Banking Circle Group, has launched in Australia. It will provide Australian FinTechs, payments businesses and banks with global payment solutions, facilitating both onshore and offshore growth. The parent company, Banking Circle S.A., already serves over 250 financial institutions globally and is settling more than 10% of Europe's B2C e-commerce flow[1]. The latest data shows that in 2022, it processed enough payments to imply 332bn in total annual run-rate payment volumes[2]. BC Payments has appointed Piers Cracknell as Head of Australia. He joins from his previous role as Director, Strategic Initiatives at National Australia Bank (NAB), bringing over 20 years of payments experience. BC Payments will help local FinTechs facing barriers to non-domestic growth. At the centre of these barriers is the current de-risking in the B2B payments space by local incumbents. High-growth, compliant FinTechs have been caught in the crossfire, unable to find a clearing, settlement and cross-border payments partner. Free from the inflexible legacy systems of incumbents, BC Payments will focus on innovation; building new, market-leading solutions that meet the needs of local FinTechs. By reducing the cost and increasing the speed of non-domestic payments, Australian FinTechs will be able to extend their geographic reach and customer propositions efficiently and cost-effectively. Piers Cracknell, Head of Australia at BC Payments comments: "Having witnessed first-hand the frustration of Australian FinTechs losing access to global payment solutions, I'm excited to now be part of the solution. BC Payments' offering will be delivered utilising the scale and infrastructure of the broader Banking Circle Group, which is already meeting the needs of some of the world's largest payments businesses and banks. "For Australia's banks, we can help reduce the correspondent banking fees they have to absorb and provide more payment rail options with which to process their customers' international payments. For marketplaces, we can enable overseas collections and payments for local merchants. And as private and government stakeholders push to grow the size of the FinTech market here in Australia, there has never been a more important time to get these companies to market and keep them growing. For those FinTechs looking for a global payments provider to expand into the EU and UK markets, we have the expertise to help." Mishal Ruparel, Chief Revenue Officer of Banking Circle added: "Led by our tech-first approach, Banking Circle is driving the evolution of global payments infrastructure, which goes to the heart of financial inclusion. We believe this is a great fit for the growing Australian FinTech space. "We're excited that Piers will be heading BC Payments. His experience and strong network, coupled with our international track record, will be invaluable in helping Australian firms harness the benefits of our payment capabilities." About BC Payments BC Payments is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banking Circle S.A. headquartered in Luxembourg and licensed by the CSSF. Learn more at https://www.bcpayments.com.au . About Banking Circle S.A. Banking Circle S.A. is the Payments Bank for the new economy. As a fully licensed bank, free of legacy systems, Banking Circle enables payments companies and banks of any scale to seize opportunities in the new economy - quickly, at low cost. Banking Circle S.A. is a modern correspondent bank committed to building a local clearing network for all major currencies, to deliver fast, low cost payments with no hidden fees for the beneficiary. It provides a suite of unique and award-winning banking solutions, including multi-currency banking accounts and Virtual IBANs, bank connections for local clearing and cross-border payments, all underpinned by market leading compliance and security. Through bespoke, flexible, scalable and futureproof solutions Banking Circle S.A. is enabling financial institutions to help their customers transact across borders in a way that was previously not possible. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Banking Circle S.A. has offices in London, Munich and Copenhagen. Banking Circle S.A. is an affiliate company in the Banking Circle Group ecosystem which serves payment companies, banks, global marketplaces and online merchants through a rich set of complementary eCommerce solutions. These include global cross-border payments, accounts and liquidity management, revenue based financing, business payments & card issuing, B2B Buy Now Pay Later and account-to-account payment methods. Banking Circle Group is owned by EQT VIII and EQT Ventures, in partnership with Banking Circle S.A.'s founders. The Group entities have offices in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Luxemburg, Munich, Singapore and Stamford, Connecticut. [1] https://worldpay.globalpaymentsreport.com/en [2] METHODOLOGY The volume of payments was extracted from Banking Circle's internal systems using incoming volume as the identifier for cross border payments in Europe and compared with Worldpay's 2022 The Global Payments Report to arrive at a share of B2C e-commerce in Europe. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/banking-circle-group-expands-into-the-australian-market-with-the-launch-of-bc-payments-301910953.html SOURCE Banking Circle Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Pennsylvania Schools Get Free Access to Math Nation Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 Resources, Thanks to Pennsylvania Department of Education Grant Tweet Math Nation-Pennsylvania, a supplemental Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 math program, is now available at no cost to all Pennsylvania public schools and districts, thanks to a partnership between Accelerate Learning and the state of Pennsylvania. The online and print learning resources, which are 100% aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards for Mathematics, are funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Included in the partnership is digital access to Math Nation-Pennsylvania online resources, unlimited night and weekend tutoring via interctive Math Tutoring Walls, and 40,000 workbooks for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Students, teachers, and families can access Math Nation resources from the web, tablets, and smartphones 24 hours a day. In addition, implementation training is available for Pennsylvania schools and districts. "In Pennsylvania, like many states, there is a need to provide additional support to help address the lingering effects of the pandemic on student learning," said Dr. Shawn Wigg, vice president of Math Nation curriculum. "With Math Nation's supplemental resources, students can learn when and where they want, and build the knowledge and skills they need to master mathematics." Math Nation helps students master math skills with individualized instruction from dynamic content videos led by "Study Experts" - and students can choose the Study Expert who best fits their learning style. Using the Math Nation mobile app, students can also download videos and view them offline later when they may not have internet access. In addition to the videos, Math Nation resources include personalized remediation tools, digital practice tools, homework help and virtual tutoring, a professional learning community and resources for teachers, and family support videos. Math Nation is part of Accelerate Learning's comprehensive suite of results-oriented STEM solutions. For information, visit MathNation.com/PA or call 888.608.MATH. About Accelerate Learning Inc. Accelerate Learning provides STEM curriculum and professional development solutions that empower teachers, increase scores, and inspire students to become tomorrow's STEM leaders. Its STEMscopes, Collaborate Science, and Math Nation curricula and resources are highly adaptable, accessible, and support instruction in any learning environment. For information, visit acceleratelearning.com or call 800-531-0864. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828619055/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Guild Mortgage Acquires First Centennial Mortgage Tweet Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, has acquired First Centennial Mortgage, a privately held residential mortgage lender headquartered in Illinois with branches predominantly located in the Midwest whose culture, growth path and customer-centric business approach closely aligns with Guild's. First Centennial Mortgage was founded by brothers Steven and David McCormick in 1995. Family-owned, the company serves customers with an extensive portfolio of mortgage products and services. First Centennial Mortgage recently ranked 64 from the list of top 75 lenders in the US, according to the 2023 Scotsman Guide Top Mortgage Lenders, and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine from 2017-2022. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. "We continue to effectively execute our strategy to grow and gain market share through acquisitios where there exists a strong cultural match and the potential for value is present for both parties," said Terry Schmidt, CEO of Guild. "In today's market, good companies are coming together to do great things where the whole is stronger than the sum of its parts. First Centennial has high-performing local teams with a history of steady growth, and the Guild platform should allow them to accelerate growth and supercharge the good work they are already doing." Steven McCormick, president of First Centennial Mortgage, said his company has a similar culture and platform to Guild, focused 100% on retail, local sales and operational fulfillment. He believes his company's commitment to the borrower and their satisfaction is the reason for First Centennial's continued success. It also makes the company a strong fit to align with Guild with a shared commitment to customer service and focus on earning customers for life. "Guild's customer for life approach has long been practiced by all of us here at First Centennial," said McCormick. "For 28 years we have successfully navigated the ever-changing mortgage industry, never wavering on our commitment to customer service. Joining forces with Guild empowers our teams to continue to thrive and to help build, together, what is sure to be the best platform to serve both our borrowers and associates into the future." Headquartered in San Diego, Guild Mortgage is a leading national lender with an established history of offering a comprehensive array of loan products and partnering with government organizations to help deliver the promise of home in every neighborhood and community. Its loan professionals can serve the needs of any homebuyer, from helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership, often through government loan programs, to homebuyers looking for a jumbo loan. Guild also helps active duty and retired military personnel who qualify for VA loans with 100% financing and flexible qualifying standards. The company is consistently recognized for its impact in the communities it serves, commitment to customer service, strength in regulatory compliance and workplace culture. About Guild Mortgage Founded in 1960 when the modern U.S. mortgage industry was just forming, Guild Mortgage Company is a nationally recognized independent mortgage lender providing residential mortgage products and local in-house origination and servicing. Guild's collaborative culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion enable it to deliver a personalized experience for each customer. With more than 4,000 employees and over 300 retail branches, Guild has relationships with credit unions, community banks, and other financial institutions and services loans in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Guild's highly trained loan professionals are experienced in government-sponsored programs such as FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance programs and other specialized loan programs. Guild Mortgage Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guild Holdings Company, whose shares of Class A common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GHLD. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828640025/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Leidos to Participate in the Jefferies Industrials Conference Live Audio Webcast Available on Sept. 6, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. ET RESTON, Va., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, will participate in the Jefferies Industrials Conference being held in New York, NY. Tom Bell, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Cage, Chief Financial Officer, will engage in a question and answer "fireside chat" on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Leidos Investor Relations website at http://ir.leidos.com. A replay of the webcast will be available following the presentation at the same link listed above for 30 days afterward. About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil and health markets. Leidos' 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com. CONTACTS: Media contact: Investor Relations: Melissa Lee Duenas Stuart Davis 571.526.6850 571.526.6124 [email protected] [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-to-participate-in-the-jefferies-industrials-conference-301910221.html SOURCE Leidos [August 28, 2023] Alsym Energy: Commends New York Governor Hochul's Fire Safety Initiative, Recommends Increased Focus on Non-Lithium Battery Technologies Tweet Alsym Energy, a leading developer of non-lithium rechargeable battery technology, commends New York Governor Kathy Hochul's swift and proactive response to fire safety concerns at energy storage facilities. Establishing the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group reflects the state's promise to the protection and well-being of its citizens. The recent fires at energy storage facilities in New York, including one on a public school campus, have underscored the importance of vigilance in this rapidly evolving industry. Governor Hochul's decisive action in forming the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group highlights her commitment to immediate safety inspections and the long-term establishment of best practices. "New York has long been a leader when it comes to battery energy storage policy, and the formation of this new working group proves that the state is committed to ensuring that public safety comes first," says Alsym CEO and Co-Founder Mukesh Chatter. "In light of recent developments, we encourage the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to also dedicate time to exploring safer, non-lithium battery options that can be sited in urbanized areas without putting citizens at unnecessary risk." A member of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium, Alsym Energy fully supports these efforts and stands ready to support state agencies, first responders, and local leaders as they work to ensure the safety and reliable operation of energy storage systems across the state. About Alsym Energy Alsym Energy has developed an innovative low-cost, high-performance rechargeable battery chemistry that's free of lithium and cobalt, and ideal for applications such as stationary storage, maritime shipping, and electric vehicles. By using readily available, inherently non-toxic and non-flammable battery materials, Alsym is working to deliver wide-duration storage with performance comparable to lithium ion at a much lower cost, helping to speed the pace of decarbonization globally. The company is based in Woburn, Massachusetts. To learn more, please visit www.alsym.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828165697/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Tivoli Midstream acquires NTX Gathering System from Phillips 66 Tweet Tivoli Midstream LLC, ("Tivoli") today announced the closing of an acquisition of a crude oil pipeline system in Northern Texas ("NTX") from affiliates of Phillips 66 Company (PSX). The acquisition will be made through Tivoli Services LLC, a subsidiary of Tivoli. NTX consists of approximately 140 miles of crude oil gathering and transportation pipelines and storage capacity in the Barnett Shale area of Northern Texas. The system, which extends through portions of Young, Archer, Clay, Jack, Palo Pinto, Wichita and Stephens Counties, will be underpinned by a long-term transportation services agreement with Phillips 66. In conjunction with the acquisition of NTX, Tivoli Services LLC also announced the closing of an investment by funds managed by Intrepid Investment Management, LLC, the investing arm of Intrepid Financial Partners, L.L.C. ("Intrepid"). Proceeds were used to fund the NTX acquisition and to provide growth capital. Tivoli is led by industry veterans with over 70 years of combined experience leading midstream infrastructure organizations globally. Tivoli's expertise providing complex solutions and services to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries will create meaningful value for both NTX and its anchor customer, Phillips 66. "We are excited by our most recent acquisition of NTX, which Tivoli is ideally suited to operate," said Rance Fromme, President of Tivoli. "We welcome our long-term partnership with Phillips 66 and look forward to working with he existing team at NTX to continue to provide the best-in-class solutions for which NTX is known." "We have always been impressed by Tivoli management's extensive experience operating and improving high quality infrastructure assets, and we are excited to finally have the opportunity to partner with Rance, Rick and Bill," said Mike France, Head of Investment Management at Intrepid. "NTX is an attractive and unique asset to begin our partnership, which we look forward to growing through future acquisitions." About Tivoli Tivoli is a growth-oriented midstream, logistics and services company, dedicated to making the world and environment better every day. Focused on providing effective solutions to the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, Tivoli's primary objective is to be a trusted partner to its customers, exceeding expectations in safety, service and reliability. Tivoli has over 70 years of experience, providing service to over 20 distinct industries and handling over 200 different products. Tivoli is headquartered in Houston. Further information is available at www.tivolimidstream.com. About Intrepid Intrepid is the leading energy-focused merchant bank that provides investment banking and investing management services. Intrepid's leading boutique investment banking business provides independent and best-in-class merger & acquisition, restructuring and capital markets services to the traditional energy and energy transition sectors, and has advised on ~$200 billion of transactions since its founding in 2015. Intrepid's investment management business makes principal debt and equity investments through its managed funds. Current strategies include private equity, infrastructure and venture capital across traditional energy and energy transition. Intrepid has offices in Houston and New York. Further information is available at www.intrepidfp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828314907/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] AI is quietly building financial intelligence for younger Canadians, yet skepticism remains, reveals new RBC Survey Tweet 71% of Canadians aged 18-34 finding AI useful in automating savings 75% of survey participants expressed skepticism about AI's abilities RBC's NOMI Find and Save, which leverages AI, has helped clients put aside more than $4.5 billion since it launched in 2017 TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Younger Canadians are ready to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when managing their finances, according to a new RBC survey conducted by Ipsos. By surveying a sample of 1,501 Canadians, the report indicates a stronger, positive perception of AI's utility among younger Canadians aged 18-34, marking a transformative shift in the management of personal finances in the age of technology and innovation. From automated savings and budgeting to quick insights and cash flow forecasting, AI quietly yet significantly changes how Canadians can handle their finances. Results of the survey indicate that younger Canadians are more inclined to use these AI-based benefits, with 65% of this demographic finding AI useful in expedited bill payments through reminders. On the other hand, older Canadians appear more wary. The report finds that only 38% of those aged 35-44 and just 11% of those aged 55+ are open to using AI-powered apps or services for future personal financial management. This generational divide extends to the appreciation of advice on finding automated savings facilitated by AI. Seventy-one per cent of younger Canadians reported to value this AI benefit, while only 28% of those aged 55+ share the sentiment. "We believe AI is revolutionizing personal finance management," says Peter Tilton, chief digital officer, Personal & Commercial Banking at RBC. "The ability to harness the power of AI can help level the playing field in terms of financial literacy for Canadians. It can take the manual calculator work out of budgeting, tell you where you might be overspending, help you save automatically and even give you a view into your future cashflow." The impact AI can play in helping manage personal finances is significant NOMI, a digital assistant feature integrated into the RBC Mobile app, uses AI to provide personalized insights to help clients build confidence in managing their money. All the data-driven insights are generated to be hyper-personalized to individual finances, with the intent of making it easier for clients to stay connected to their money. "NOMI is a powerful tool that can enhance our client's financial intelligence and resilience. That clients are increasingly turning to NOMI underscores its value to meet the evolving needs of a digital-firs generation," says Tilton. NOMI has been enormously successful with clients, boasting a range of achievements including: NOMI Find and Save has helped clients put aside more than $4.5 billion since it launched in 2017 has helped clients put aside more than since it launched in 2017 More than 3.6 million budgets have been set in NOMI Budgets since 2019 since 2019 Approximately 1 million people have used NOMI Forecast to see their future cash flow to see their future cash flow NOMI Forecast, the latest addition to the NOMI suite of capabilities, was recently recognized for Best Use of AI for Customer Experience at the 2023 Digital Banker Digital CX Awards, adding to the many global awards the suite of NOMI capabilities have won over the years Building Trust in AI While 75% of survey participants expressed skepticism about AI's abilities, many of these same survey participants may be using AI without realizing it, especially given that its influence is subtly and steadily increasing. Whether it's personalized recommendations on streaming services or navigation assistance from GPS apps, many of these services are powered by AI technologies using predictive analytics and machine learning. "Building awareness and educating Canadians about AI and its applications in finance is a key priority for us at RBC," adds Alex LaPlante, interim head of Borealis AI. "We are committed not just to integrating AI into our services but to doing so responsibly and transparently so our clients are comfortable with the technology and realize the benefits it can deliver." Furthermore, the survey reveals that trust in AI applications is strong among Canadians who understand or have used the technology in the past. In fact, the findings indicate that Canadians who are knowledgeable about AI are 34% more likely to use AI in the future than those who aren't (Knowledgeable 51% versus Not knowledgeable 16%). This indicates that with increased awareness and understanding, the adoption of AI in finance can significantly rise. "Clients trust us with some of their most sensitive and personal information, a responsibility we've always taken, and will continue to take, seriously," says Tilton. With RBC's renowned digital team and Borealis AI, an RBC-backed AI research center, RBC continues to innovate and explore the development of responsible AI. In 2020, Borealis AI launched RESPECT AI, an online hub that brings open-source research code, tutorials, academic research, and lectures to the AI community, helping to make ethical AI available to all. "It's incumbent on us to ensure AI continues to be deployed responsibly, not only in our products, but across industries," explains LaPlante. "It's never been more important that we continue to enable secure, fair, ethical, and trusted AI products, especially in banking." The survey points towards an optimistic future where AI is more widely adopted. The report finds that a third of Canadians are likely to use an AI-powered app or service to help manage their finances in the future. As AI becomes a vital tool in managing economic challenges, RBC is ready to lead the way, helping clients navigate their finances with confidence. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com . We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact . About RESPECT AI RESPECT AI stands for Responsible, Ethical, Safe, Private, Equitable and Compliant Technology in AI, encompassing what the platform will contribute to the AI community. The program consists of publicly available scientific research and research code; training material and thought leadership. The code is intended for AI developers and researchers to use in their own AI research and development. It is not designed for commercial use. This material is made available under license as-is without any representations or warranties of any kind and in no event will Borealis AI be liable for any damages arising out of the use of the licensed material. About Borealis AI Borealis AI is a world-class AI Research center backed by RBC. Recognized for scientific excellence, Borealis AI uses the latest in machine learning capabilities to solve challenging problems in the financial industry. Led by award-winning inventor and entrepreneur Foteini Agrafioti, and with top North American scientists and engineers, Borealis AI is at the core of the bank's innovation strategy and benefits from RBC's scale, data and trusted brand. With a focus on responsible AI, natural language processing and reinforcement learning, Borealis AI is committed to building solutions using machine learning and artificial intelligence that will transform the way individuals manage their finances and their futures. For more information please see: www.borealisai.com. SOURCE RBC Royal Bank [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Global PC Shipments Expected to Return to Growth in 2024 Albeit Below 2019 Pre-Pandemic Levels, According to IDC Tweet The road to recovery for personal computers (PCs) has been challenging coming off explosive years in 2020 and 2021, but signs of growth are finally returning. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, PC shipments are forecast to grow 3.7% year over year in 2024 reaching 261.4 million shipments. This shipment volume will be higher than the 259.6 million in 2018, but still below 2019 levels. The industry still faces challenges including concerns around the consumer market refresh cycle, businesses pushing device purchases forward, and education budgets that are not rebounding in many markets. As a result, 2023 shipments are forecast to decline 13.7% year over year to 252 million units. "Consumer demand remains tepid at best as the segment continues to face economic headwinds," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. "Consumer demand for PCs also faces challenges from other devices including smartphones, consoles, tablets, and more, marking 2023 as the year with the greatest annual decline in consumer PC shipments since the category's inception." The commercial PC market is getting very interesting for several reasons. From a processor standpoint, we are arguably seeing some of the biggest shifts in commercial PC history with AMD reaching 11% share in 2022 and Apple just over 5% in 2022. Additionally, the introduction of generative AI has all IT decision makers questioning where to prioritize budgets. And while AI-capable PCs are not ready today, they are coming and have shifted some of the discussion around device purchasing within businesses. Lastly, the move to remote/hybrid work environments has not gone away and as a result we're still hearing that many companies are listening to the requests of their employees. This includes which brands, types of PCs, and whether multiple PCs are needed for those that are in a hybrid work environment. "These days it's hard to have a conversation that doesn't involve AI and where and how to invest," said Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC's Worldwide Mobile and Consumer Device Trackers. "Commercial PCs will remain interesting for years to come with technology advances adding an extra element to decision making, but it's important to remember that Windows 10 end of support comes in 2025 and this will drive commercial refresh regardless of whether companies are waiting on more advanced PCs or just needing to update an aging installed base. It seems clear that Apple sees an opportunity to continue its growth in the commercial segment and this will be an angle to watch closely going forward." Worldwide Personal Computing Device Forecast by Product Category, Shipments, Year-Over-Year Growth, and 2023-2027 CAGR (shipments in millions) Segment 2023 Shipments 2023/2022 Growth 2027 Shipments 2027/2026 Growth 2023-2027 CAGR Consumer 112.0 -16.2% 124.8 1.6% 2.7% Education 31.1 -11.2% 35.7 0.1% 3.5% Commercial (ex. Edu) 108.9 -11.7% 124.5 2.4% 3.4% Total 252.0 -13.7% 284.9 1.7% 3.1% Source: IDC Worldwide Personal Computing Device Tracker, August 28, 2023 Notes: Traditional PCs include Desktops, Notebooks, and Workstations and do not include Tablets or x86 Servers. Detachable Tablets and Slate Tablets are part of the Personal Computing Device Tracker but are not addressed in this press release. Shipments include shipments to distribution channels or end users. OEM sales are counted under the company/brand under which they are sold. In addition to the table above, a graphic illustrating IDC's forecast for worldwide commercial PC shipment growth (excluding Education) by operating system (Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows) is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker gathers detailed market data in over 90 countries. The research includes historical and forecast trend analysis among other data. For more information, or to subscribe to the research, please contact Jackie Kliem at 508-988-7984 or [email protected]. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, company share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools. Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828582016/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Moving Towards Globalization: GAC Group's Latest Internationalization Strategy Revealed Tweet GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 25th, GAC Group released its 2023 semi-annual report, showing a total operating revenue of 233.532 billion yuan in the first half of the year. According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to June, China exported a total of 2.14 million vehicles, overtaking Japan as the biggest exporter of cars. As GAC Group looks to the future, international business has become a central focus. GAC Internationalizes with the Release of the "1551" Strategy Moving forward, GAC Group has formulated a "1551" internationalization strategy that is guided by "1" goal of achieving 50 million in sales by 2030 and gaining a firm foothold in the "5" major markets of Europe, Asia-Pacific, CIS,Middle East and Africa, and Central and South America; this will be done through prioritizing "5" brand core values, including brand internationalization, product globalization and localization, sales and service integration, and ecological diversification. The plan will implement "1" system of global organization and talent guarantee mechanism for constructing an overseas business community. GAC Group aims to establish a branch office in the West European market through the introduction of pure electric vehicles. For the Asia-Pacific market, the company will focus on introducing fuel, hybrid, and pure electric vehicles and establishing production bases in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and more. For the Middle East and Africa, the Dubai branch will continue to develop Gulf region markets while simultaneously operating existing Nigeria and Tunisia SKD factories, and promoting CKD operations in Egypt and South Africa. For the Central and South American market, the newly established Mexico branch will strengthen regional operations and management. Development of CIS markets will concentrate on Russia, with a short-term focus on CBU, while being attentive to local production possibilities. AION New Energy Vehicles Enter Thailand A leader in the field of new energy vehicles, GAC AION boasts sustained high overseas sales and significant growth and progress. The firm signed a cooperation deal with a distributor in Thailand in June, officially announcing its entry into the Thai market. GAC Group will continue to be driven by technological innovation, promoting its globalization and accelerating its operations to a global scale. Working with talents and partners worldwide, it is continually helping to build a bright future for Chinese automobiles overseas. SOURCE GAC MOTOR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] SentinelOne Celebrates Strength of Global Partner Ecosystem Tweet Recognizing the pivotal role that partners play in the growth of its business, SentinelOne (NYSE: S), a global leader in autonomous cybersecurity, today announced the winners of the 2023 Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) Partner Awards. The news came during the company's second-annual APJ Partner Summit held in Da Nang, Vietnam. "Our channel partners are critical in helping us arm organizations of all sizes with industry-leading autonomous security solutions they can use to prevent cyber threats, reduce risk and protect their business," said Joe McPhillips, Senior Director for Channel Sales, SentinelOne APJ. "We are pleased to recognize the leaders we partner with across the region for their efforts and are committed to driving their ongoing success." Leading the Way to a Secure Future Winners of the 2023 SentinelOne APJ Partner Awards include partners from India, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Among the industry leaders recognized: APJ Partner of the Year - Advantage APJ Partner of the Year, Korea - ESCare Co, LTD APJ Partner of the Year, Japan - Tokyo Electron Device Ltd. APJ Partner of the Year, Australia/New Zealand - Nexon Asia Pacific APJ Partner of the Year, ASEAN - Bluesify Solutions APJ IR Partner of the Year - McGrath Nichol APJ Distributor of the Year - Orca Tech APJ Emerging Partner of the Year - Lenovo SAARC Partner of the year - Hitachi Systems, India APJ MSSP Partner of the Year - Pax8 In addition, Auriga Security won APJ Strategic Deal of the Year, Steve Smith from Advantage was recognized as APJ Top Salesperson of the Year, and Harapriya Behera from Lenovo was named APJ Top Sales Engineer of the Year. Better Together "We've been a SentinelOne partner for 3 years and within that time it has become a foundational part of our managed security services," said Brad Pearpoint, Managing Director at Advantage. "SentinelOne's technology has allowed us to scale our business rapidly by augmenting our human resources with AI capabilities, ensuring that all of our customers receive the best protection available. Our team is extremely proud to be recognized for the effort and time we've put into building our practice and look forward to the long and rewarding partnership ahead with SentinelOne." "We are truly honored to have received the 2023 APJ Distributor of the Year Award from SentinelOne," said Craig Ashwood, General Manager, Orca Tech. "This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the cybersecurity arena. Going up against strong competition, we've shown that we not only strive for the best outcome but consistently deliver it to our strong and supportive partner community. Our partnership with SentinelOne exemplifies the synergy that comes from two organizations relentlessly dedicated to offering the best solutions, and we are excited to continue this journey of excellence together to support our partners." "As Pax8 continues to build momentum across the PAC region, we remain stridently committed to partnering with world-class security vendors like SentinelOne," said Chris Sharp, CEO of Pax8 APAC. "As such, it's an honor to be awarded SentinelOne's APJ MSSP Partner of the Year. Creating an environment in which our partners can thrive in the channel ecosystem and strengthen their security offering is a key focus for us. Receiving recognition for our industry-leading marketplace and unparalleled technical support exemplifies this ongoing commitment." "We at Hitachi Systems India were thrilled to learn we were a finalist in the SAARC Partner of the year category, and our joy has more than doubled now that we have won the prestigious award," said Anuj Gupta of Hitachi Systems. "The security business is a business to be taken very seriously, not only by partners and vendors, but also by customers. We win in the cybersecurity battlefield by always keeping our customers safe and achieving our company vision of making our customers more productive. The cybersecurity business is like an F1 race with many twists and turns and one has to be really agile, adopt new technologies, understand market trends in advance, and invest for the future. We are happy to have achieved pole position in the final race. We sincerely thank our customers and SentinelOne who help us achieve our vision for our customers and for recognizing our efforts at team Hitachi Systems India." "This award is important to show our commitment to strengthening and protecting our customers by empowering them to take autonomous, real-time protection with greater visibility of their environment," said Izman Ibrahim, owner of Bluesify Solutions. "As the threat vectors are changing, precise and context-driven decisions are essential to defeating evolving and emerging cyber threats." "It has been a great run with SentinelOne for the last three years," said Henry Hu at Auriga Security. "A great product is always the key to winning crucial deals, and SentinelOne has proven itself with a product that can support and resolve critical customers' security issues. It has been a pleasure to work with the APAC team to help and support our customers with SentinelOne, and being one of the oldest and most technically advanced distributors, we will continue to utilize SentinelOne's key technologies to assist our customers." "As the authentic partner of SentinelOne in Korea for both nationwide distribution and direct sales to LE, FSI, and Hightech ventures, ESCare has been committing our efforts, devotion, and investment in growing and deepening the SentinelOne business since opening the Korea office," said KW Chong of ESCare Co. LTD. "This recognition is a true honor and I am proud of our achievements so far in this regard and looking forward to our next round of commitment into SentinelOne's business success in the country." Building the Future The 2023 SentinelOne APJ Partner Awards ceremony marked the culmination of a three-day Channel Partner Summit, where more than 170 participants from 14 countries gathered to strengthen business connections and share insights and best practices. The event follows on the heels of several strategic moves SentinelOne has recently made in the region, including the launch of virtual data centers in India and Australia, which will allow it to better serve its growing number of local customers, including marquis brands like Canva, as well as leading healthcare organizations and critical infrastructure defenders. To learn more about SentinelOne's partnerships and the value they can deliver, click here. About SentinelOne SentinelOne is the leader in autonomous cybersecurity. SentinelOne's Singularity Platform detects, prevents, and responds to cyber attacks at machine speed, empowering organizations to secure endpoints, cloud workloads, containers, identities, and mobile and network-connected devices with speed, accuracy and simplicity. Over 10,000 customers, including Fortune 10, Fortune 500, and Global 2000 companies, as well as prominent governments, trust SentinelOne to secure the future today. To learn more, visit www.sentinelone.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828447275/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] GoNetspeed Announces Plans to Deploy 100% Fiber Internet to Pinson Tweet GoNetspeed today announced plans that will soon deliver high-speed, 100% fiber internet to residents and businesses throughout the City of Pinson. Through GoNetspeed's privately funded $1 million investment in Pinson, more than 1,000 homes and businesses will have access to future-proof fiber internet by the end of 2023 with construction beginning this fall. Residents and businesses interested in GoNetspeed services may visit gonetspeed.com to indicate interest and receive construction updates. "We have seen an expanding need for high-speed fiber internet in many communities, and we are proud to be a solution for Pinson, and soon, many neighboring communities," said Richard Clark, GoNetspeed President and CEO. "As we deploy access to our 100% fiber internet, Pinson will gain access to another internet provider that will support the consistently increasing need for faster, more reliable internet." GoNetspeed continues to ensure thatmore communities throughout our service area have access to a high-speed 100% fiber internet infrastructure. Currently, Blountsville, Brindlee Mountain, Hopper and Morgan City have access to GoNetspeed's service, along with many other Alabama communities that are well on their way to having access to service. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to customer service, GoNetspeed is continuing to accelerate the expansion of its fiber networks throughout nine states, including Alabama. GoNetspeed continues to deliver more fiber, more access, more speed, and better reliability to residents and businesses throughout our footprint. With access to 100% fiber internet, customers have access to symmetrical upload and download speeds, ranging from 150 Mbps to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps). Learn more about GoNetspeed at gonetspeed.com. About GoNetspeed: GoNetspeed, a high-speed fiber internet provider serving residential and business customers in Maine, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia, formed a partnership with Oak Hill Capital ("Oak Hill") in January 2021, allowing GoNetspeed to accelerate the expansion of its fiber network throughout the Northeastern U.S. Adding thousands of new service areas every year, GoNetspeed is one of the largest independent internet providers in the east. For more information about GoNetspeed, or to inquire about service in your residence, business or community, visit gonetspeed.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828133034/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] The Cannabis Company Dispensary and Jointly Partner to Educate Mississippi Patients on Benefits of Purposeful Cannabis Consumption Tweet BROOKHAVEN, Miss., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannabis Company Dispensary has announced a new partnership with Jointly, a cannabis software, education, and personalized wellness platform. The partnership will focus on educating patients about the benefits of cannabis as it pertains to their medical conditions and improving overall well-being. Jointly's platform will now be integrated with The Cannabis Company Dispensary's products and services to provide patients with personalized guidance on cannabis products and consumption. Jointly uses data and analytics to help patients select products best suited to their individual needs and consumption preferences. The platform helps patients track their progress to safely get the most out of cannabis. "Our partnership with Jointly is an exciting development for our dispensary and our patients," said Mitch Parker, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of The Cannabis Company Dispensary. "We believe in the power of cannabis to improve lives and are committed to providing our patients with the best possible products, customer service, and education. Jointly's platform is a powerful tool for helping patients make informed decisions about products best suited to their needs and proper cannabis use. We are proud to integrate it into our services." The Cannabis Company Dispensary made the first legal medical cannabis sale in Mississippi on January 25, 2023. LeAnne Penn, Co-Founder and Co-Owner adds: "We continue to lead the industry forward by putting patients before profits. Using Jointly helps new patients understand how practicing purposeful cannabis consumption can improve lives and overall well-being." "We are thrilled to partner with The Cannabis Company Dispensary to bring our platform to Mississippi patients," said Jointly Co-Founder and CEO David Kooi. "Our mission is to help people use cannabis in a way that enhances their overall well-being, and we believe that working with The Cannabis Company Dispensary is a great way to accomplish that. By combining our expertise in cannabis education and personalized wellness with The Cannabis Company Dispensary's high-quality products and commitment to customer service, we can help Mississippi patients discover what is possible through purposeful cannabis consumption." About Cannabis Company Dispensary: The Cannabis Company Dispensary is a leading provider of high-quality cannabis products, committed to helping people improve their quality of life through purposeful consumption. Located in historic Brookhaven, Mississippi, they were the first dispensary in Brookhaven and the first to make a legal cannabis sale in the state of Mississippi. With a vast selection of products, The Cannabis Company Dispensary is dedicated to providing its patients with the best possible cannabis experience. For additional information, visit thecannabiscompanydispensary.com . About Jointly: Jointly is the cannabis discovery company. Powered by a proprietary data platform, the company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you. Cannabis enthusiasts use the platform to discover new products and reflect on their experiences to reveal insights that help them reach their goals. Their product ratings power Jointly's goal-specific cannabis product recommendation engine. That engine helps cannabis retailers sell more cannabis to more people more easily, for all the great reasons people shop and consume. For additional information, visit jointlybetter.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cannabis-company-dispensary-and-jointly-partner-to-educate-mississippi-patients-on-benefits-of-purposeful-cannabis-consumption-301910212.html SOURCE Jointly [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Outcomes Data Reveal Significant Impact of Etiometry Utilization in Liberating Patients from Invasive ICU Treatments Tweet Etiometry, the leader in clinical decision-support software, shares exciting new study results from ten hospitals, including Boston Children's Hospital, Children's of Alabama, Children's National Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital, that demonstrate the significant impact its platform has on outcomes for critically ill patients. Physician researchers presented their findings at the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Key data highlights include: Etiometry utilization reduced time on mechanical ventilation by 22% and decreased hospital length of stay in these patients by 19%. Etiometry utilization reduced time on vasoactive medications by 18%. Etiometry's Hyperlactatemia Index provides early warning for elevated lactic acid, alerting the care team to potentially impaired oxygen delivery. The studies utilized Etiometry's FDA-cleared Risk Analytics, Automated Clinical Pathways and Quality Improvement App to address pressing challenges in critical care settings, which are often the most complex and expensive units in the hospital. Etiometry's Risk Analytics provide an individualized assessment of the patient's condition, bringing attention to patients who need it most and revealing insight into the cause of potential deterioration or improvement to a patient's state. When paired with the platform's Clinical Pathway Automation, care teams can achieve the elusive balance of individualized and standardized care to support quality initiatives like ICU liberation. Mechanical Ventilation Management Extubation failure is associated with significant morbidity, including prolonged total ventilation time and longer hospital length of stay. Extubation readiness trials (ERTs) are used to guide clinicians when a patient is ready to extubate, and these manual workflows are cumbersome for staff. Etiometry automates this process, providing clinicians with alerts when a patient is eligible for an ERT, and automatically tracks performance throughout the spontaneous breathing trial. The study presented at WCPCCS analyzed before and after deployment of Etiometry's automated ERT pathway on patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and found that using Etiometry reduced time on mechanical ventilation by 22%. Study Title: Automated Extubation Readiness Tool is Associated with Improved Outcomes Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery 747 patients were included in the analysis Research led by Santiago Borasino MD, MPH, Donald M. James Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, and Section Head of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical Director, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, of Children's of Alabama Weaning of Vasoactive Medications Vasoactive medication is cucial for hemodynamic management after cardiac surgery, but its use carries risks of complications and requires close monitoring and individual patient management for appropriate care de-escalation. Until now, there have been no clinical trials exploring the use of algorithms in the safe de-escalation of care. Etiometry's IDO2 Index, a non-invasive algorithm that predicts the probability of inadequate oxygen delivery, was paired with Etiometry's clinical pathway automation capability to evaluate its potential to prompt earlier weaning of vasoactive medication support. The findings reveal the new automated standardized workflow in Etiometry informed data-driven decisions leading to an 18% reduction of time with vasoactive infusions. Study Title: Use of a Risk Analytic Algorithm to Inform Weaning from Vasoactive Medication in Patients Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery 851 patients enrolled Research led by Joshua Salvin, MD, MPH, Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist, Attending, Department of Cardiology of Boston Children's Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Early Warning of Hyperlactatemia Pediatric patients after cardiac surgery are predisposed to develop low cardiac output syndrome. Serum lactate is a well-defined marker of inadequate systemic oxygen delivery which can be a major risk for organ failure. Researchers utilized Etiometry's HLA Index to monitor inadequate perfusion and identify risk of HLA or hyperlactatemia (elevated lactic acid). Etiometry's HLA Index showed a strong positive association with elevated lactic acid, providing the bedside clinician with an early, non-invasive warning of impaired oxygen delivery. Study Title: A Near Real Time Risk Analytics Algorithm Predicts Elevated Lactate Levels in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Patients: 3,496 enrolled patients compared to 58,168 lactic acid test results Research led by Ahmed M. Asfari, MD, MSHA, Pediatric Cardiologist, Cardiac Critical Care at Children's of Alabama and Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham "We're grateful to the physician researchers who've utilized our platform and our superb team of data scientists, engineers and clinical specialists to tackle key challenges of a stressful, high-acuity environment, such as the ICU. The data are compelling, especially in terms of how our clinical intelligence can enhance patient care," said Shane Cooke, CEO of Etiometry. "We look forward to supporting many more research and quality improvement initiatives." Etiometry continues to expand its capabilities. This year, the company announced two software releases with several customer-driven enhancements, achieved two FDA clearances for its risk algorithms and continues to enable collaboration among clinicians to support standardization of care with automated clinical pathways. "Through our tools, automated reporting and support, we are committed to not only deploying our clinical decision support system technology into care, but equally important - enabling the measurement of their performance," said Evan Butler, Co-founder of Etiometry and Chief Operating Officer. "These studies are a testament to the unique capability we can provide our ICUs." Through Thursday, Aug. 31, WCPCCS attendees have the opportunity to engage in person with Etiometry's experts, delve into the platform's functionalities and experience live demonstrations that showcase its transformative potential. Those not in attendance can request an online demo at Etiometry.com/GetYourView. About Etiometry Founded in 2010, Etiometry is the leader in clinical decision-support software designed to help clinicians in the intensive care setting make data-based decisions regarding their patients' care and treatment. The company's technologies provide valuable clinical insight and analysis to support early recognition of subtle changes in patients' conditions to avoid complications and speed recovery. Etiometry has nine FDA clearances and four Health Canada approvals and CE markings. With roots in pediatric ICUs, Etiometry is utilized by some of the world's top academic medical centers as well as leading children's hospitals ranked by US News and World Report and Newsweek. Etiometry is committed to improving patient outcomes, increasing clinical efficiency, and lowering the cost of care through the more effective use of data. The Etiometry Platform is the only critical care software solution that reveals deep insights into patient physiology, helping critical care teams deliver standardized and individualized care - and provides the ability to automate care escalation and de-escalation decisions. It is designed to facilitate the use of all available data to support the anticipation and management of the dynamic condition of patients requiring intensive care. To learn more, visit www.etiometry.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230825290878/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] BayWa r.e. Solar Trade Marks Brazilian Market Entry with Acquisition of Ribeiro Solar Tweet In the weeks ahead, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Ribeiro Solar will finalize the acquisition process, enabling BayWa r.e. Solar Trade to extend an expanded offering to the Brazilian market. CURITIBA, Brazil, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ -- Today, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Ribeiro Solar, a solar distribution company operating exclusively in Brazil. This move solidifies BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's foothold in the Brazilian solar energy market, while also strengthening its existing solar distribution operations throughout the Americas, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the weeks ahead, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Ribeiro Solar will finalize the acquisition process. With a shared commitment to clean energy and empowering solar installers, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Ribeiro Solar are strategically aligning their expertise to drive the adoption of clean energy solutions. By leveraging Ribeiro Solar's deep market knowledge and extensive installer network within the Brazilian solar industry alongside BayWa r.e.'s global solar distribution capabilities, the collaboration aims to support solar installers with high-quality products, comprehensive training, and a strong service record. This integration combines Ribeiro Solar's established presence and expertise with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's track record of serving over 17,000 solar contractor customers worldwide. Ribeiro Solar is headquartered in greater Curitiba in the south of Parana with warehouse distribution hubs in Parana, Rio Grande do Sul e Pernambuco, allowing for efficient storage, inventory management, and timely delivery of solar products to customers across Brazil. BayWa r.e.'s global supply chain reach will enable Ribeiro Solar to benefit from global scale while continuing to provide best in class support to installers in Brazil. "The expansion of BayWa r.e. into the Brazilian market compliments the company's continued growth into the Americas," said Daniel Marino, Director of Solar Trade in the Americas at BayWa r.e. "Ribeiro Solar's deep-rooted expertise and strong market presence will be instrumental in driving our success in Brazil, and we look forward to combining our strengths to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the country." "We are very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the BayWa r.e. team, a respected global player in the solar market. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growth, innovation, and technical excellence, which in turn will benefit our valued clients. Together, we will make a greater impact in the renewable energy market, delivering enhanced value and sustainable solutions," said Liciany Ribeiro, CEO of Ribeiro Solar. As one of the world's largest distributors of solar components, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade has a strong track record of delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. Building on its international presence in more than 30 countries, the company provides integrated solutions to installers and technical companies for residential, commercial, and industrial-scale PV projects. About BayWa r.e. At BayWa r.e. we r.e.think energy -- how it is produced, stored and can be best used to enable the global renewable energy transition that is essential to the future of our planet. We are a leading global developer, service supplier, distributor and solutions provider and have brought over 5.5 GW of energy online and manage over 10 GW of assets. We are also an Independent Power Producer with an expanding energy trading business. BayWa r.e. works with businesses worldwide to provide tailored renewable solutions. Operating 100% carbon neutral, we are also committed to our own sustainability journey. About Ribeiro Solar In 2024, Ribeiro will commemorate its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of excellence in the industry. The Solar unit, spearheaded by Liciany Ribeiro, was established in 2015, bringing tried-and-true Ribeiro values into an unexplored market. Since then, Ribeiro Solar has garnered a prominent reputation within Brazil's dynamic and ever-evolving renewable energy scene. The company excels in delivering innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology to its clients. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and a customer-centric approach, Ribeiro Solar continues to drive advancements in the renewable energy landscape. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baywa-re-solar-trade-marks-brazilian-market-entry-with-acquisition-of-ribeiro-solar-301910647.html SOURCE BayWa r.e. USA LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Sea Skimmer Missile Market to Reach $2.7 Billion, Globally, by 2032 at 6.9% CAGR: Allied Market Research Tweet The rising demand for maritime security and increased defense spending, including investments in sea-skimming missile defense systems are anticipated to drive the growth of the global sea skimmer missile market during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. The North America region generated the major market share in 2022. PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research has recently published a report, titled, "Sea Skimmer Missile Market by Type (Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Air-to-Surface Missiles), by Application (Defense, Homeland Security): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global sea skimmer missile market generated $1.5 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $2.7 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 6.9% from 2023 to 2032. Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11036 Prime Determinants of Growth The increasing number of marine hazards and the growing territorial conflicts or geopolitical tensions leading to increased defense spending are predicted to be the important factors to boost the growth of the global sea skimmer missile market in the forecast timeframe. However, the rising legal and ethical concerns about innocent casualties and collateral damage may hamper the sea skimmer missile market growth in the coming period. On the contrary, advancements in missile technology, such as enhanced range, precision, and guidance systems is expected to offer growth opportunities for expansion of the sea skimmer missile market in the 2023-2032 forecast period. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $2.7 billion CAGR 6.9 % No. of Pages in Report 280 Segments covered Application, Type, and Region Drivers Rising demand for maritime security Increasing territorial conflicts or geopolitical tensions across the globe Opportunities Technological advancements, such as the use of AI in marine skimmer missiles Increased investment in missile defense technologies & systems Restraints Restricted range and endurance compared to higher-flying missiles COVID-19 Scenario The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the growth of the global sea skimmer missile market. The global supply networks, raw materials, and other components required for the manufacture of missiles were in limited supply during the crisis due to lockdown restrictions. In addition, various nations experienced economic difficulties during the epidemic, which had an effect on their defense spending. Therefore, some countries reduced or delayed missile procurement plans to allocate resources to healthcare & economic recovery. Application: Defense Sub-segment to be Highly Dominant During the Forecast Period The defense sub-segment accounted for the major share of 58.7% in the sea skimmer missile market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a the highest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The dominant growth of the sub-segment is mainly due to the rising threat of smuggling, piracy, and terrorism in maritime areas. Sea skimmer missiles are primarily used as a deterrent against their targets. Besides, increasing military expenditure from various countries across the globe is driving the growth of the defense sub-segment. Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/11036 Type: Surface-to-Surface Missiles Sub-segment to Flourish Immensely by 2032 The surface-to-surface missiles sub-segment generated the highest market share of 63.4% in 2022 and is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.3% by 2032. The continuous advancements in surface-to-surface missile technology is the major factor driving the growth of the sub-segment. in the last few years. Besides, these types of missiles can fly directly to the target, or move towards it from a distance, and are thus high in demand. Region: North America Market to Hold Majority of Market Share by 2032 The North America region accounted for the highest share of 35.2% in the global sea skimmer missile market in 2022 and is expected to continue to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Increased investment in the development of sea skimmer missiles and advancements in missile technology, such as enhanced range, speed, and guidance systems are the major factors predicted to boost the regional market growth by 2032. Besides, the increasing funding by key market layers of the region to deliver novel and more advanced sea skimmer missile solutions is another factor boosting the market growth. Leading Players in the Sea Skimmer Missile Market: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. BrahMos Aerospace SAAB AB Kongsberg Gruppen AS Northrop Grumman Corporation Defence Research And Development Organisation Raytheon Company Boeing Company MBDA Orbital ATK Inc. Procure Complete Research Report Now - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/sea-skimmer-market/purchase-options The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players of the global sea skimmer missile market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain their dominance in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Similar Reports We Have on Aerospace & Defense Industry: Surface to Air Missiles Market Research Report 2023-2035 Submarine Combat Systems Market Research Report 2023-2035 Missile Launching Systems Market Research Report 2023-2035 Maritime Missile Launch System Market Research Report 2023-2035 Submarine Market Research Report 2023-2035 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sea-skimmer-missile-market-to-reach-2-7-billion-globally-by-2032-at-6-9-cagr-allied-market-research-301911110.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] AMERICAN BATTERY FACTORY NAMES ARMY VETERAN JOHN S. KEM PRESIDENT Tweet Kem takes on lead role at ABF to ensure commitment to national security and development of domestic supply chain AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- American Battery Factory Inc. (ABF), an emerging battery manufacturer leading the development of the first network of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell gigafactories in the United States, today announced the appointment of former Major General John S. Kem as president. He joins the company in the head leadership role alongside recently appointed CEO Jim Ge. Kem's 35-year Army career spanned numerous positions including commanding the Europe District and the Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He will draw on his expertise enhancing national and global security in his capacity as president. "At the forefront of ABF's vision is to serve safe, reliable and efficient energy to a variety of markets including data centers, telecommunications and cellular network, healthcare providers, municipalities, the U.S. military and more," said Kem. "I am honored to join the company in this capacity and to help fulfill this vision of making energy independence a reality for the United States. Together, we will create solutions for the most complex energy transition issues the world has ever faced." Kem's experience includes numerous key positions at the Pentagon as well as international organizations. He served as the Commandant of the U.S. Army War College, focusing on educating U.S. and international leaders to operate at the stratgic-enterprise level. As Commanding General of the Northwestern Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, he led a geographically dispersed organization in civil works, military construction and environmental restoration covering 14 states as well as the Columbia and Missouri River basins. In his other command assignments, Kem was responsible for over $1B in Army and Air Force construction in Europe and Africa and served in Afghanistan as the head of the joint engineering team that managed the design and construction of over $7B of Afghan police and Army facilities. Kem also served as a fellow on the U.S. Senate Appropriations defense and military construction subcommittees. In addition, he taught microeconomics and macroeconomics as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy. By developing a U.S.-centric LFP battery cell supply chain and reducing dependence on global sources, ABF will improve U.S. economic competitiveness, drive equitable job creation and help meet national security and defense mandates. The company will support the federal directive to diversify the supply chain through its commitment to sourcing North American raw materials and through R&D to identify and develop new battery cell chemistries and technologies. In addition, the company will provide safe, reliable battery cells for use in critical infrastructure and for defense projects requiring innovations essential to military preparedness. "We are building and attracting a world-class management team, workforce and strategic partner network, and having John Kem join our company as president is the culmination of these efforts," said Jim Ge, CEO of ABF. "With his invaluable experience, we will navigate the development of the first network of LFP battery cell gigafactories in the country. ABF will continue to bring together entrepreneurs and scientific experts to enhance an unrivaled foundation for the most innovative battery cells for energy storage solutions." ABF is beginning the first phase of development on its gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona, with plans to break ground within the next few months. The site will serve as the company's official headquarters and will be the country's largest gigafactory to produce LFP battery cells. Investment and support from strategic partners will allow ABF to transform today's energy paradigm, opening the window for using software and technology to manage an unlimited inventory of clean energy sources. AMERICAN BATTERY FACTORY American Battery Factory Inc., a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer, is developing the first-ever network of safe LFP cell gigafactories in the United States. The company is dedicated to making energy independence and clean energy a reality for the United States by creating a domestic battery supply chain. Along with creating domestic manufacturing jobs, ABF will play a crucial role in meeting federal and state government climate change initiatives and "Made-in-USA" national security requirements. For more information on American Battery Factory, please visit www.americanbatteryfactory.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-battery-factory-names-army-veteran-john-s-kem-president-301911203.html SOURCE American Battery Factory [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Carvana-led Coalition Passes Consumer Friendly Home Delivery Legislation In Illinois Tweet Carvana Co. (NYSE: CVNA), the leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, today announced the successful conclusion to its campaign to enact legislation that more formally allows car buyers in the state the convenience of home delivery. Legislation sponsored by Illinois State Sen. Patrick Joyce and supported by thousands of Illinois consumers, explicitly permitting vehicle home delivery passed the Illinois Senate unanimously by a 57-0 vote, the Illinois House of Representatives by a 113 - 0 margin, and was signed into law by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230822336616/en/ Legislation led by Carvana enables dealers to deliver cars to customers' homes (Photo: Business Wire) The legislation modernizes existing vehicle sales laws, which were over 50 years old and did not formally account for current conveniences, like home delivery, that are now afforded to vehicle buyers in the state. More than 15,000 llinois customers took action to show support as Carvana led a coalition championing this legislation and launched DeliverMyCarHome.com to provide an easy mechanism to contact elected officials. "At Carvana, we are committed to continually innovating to make the car buying and selling experience easier, more transparent, and more fun. One of the ways we raise the bar for our customers is offering home delivery, and we are proud to work alongside Illinois customers and lawmakers to ensure consumers in the state are able to take advantage of this convenient service," said Will Dammann, Carvana Government Relations Manager. "We thank the thousands of Illinois customers who voiced their support for modernizing existing laws and commend Illinois Legislators and the Governor for taking action on behalf of local consumers." Carvana served its first Illinois customer in 2014 and since then, the nation's largest online auto dealer's connection to Illinois has grown tremendously, with more than 95,000 Illinois residents served and counting. About Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) is an industry pioneer for buying and selling used vehicles online. As the fastest growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history, its proven, customer-first ecommerce model has positively impacted millions of people's lives through more convenient, accessible and transparent experiences. Carvana.com allows someone to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home, completing the entire process online, benefiting from a 7-day money back guarantee, home delivery, nationwide inventory selection and more. Customers also have the option to sell or trade-in their vehicle across all Carvana locations, including its patented Car Vending Machines, in more than 300 U.S. markets. Carvana is one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500 and for more information, please visit www.carvana.com and follow us @Carvana. Carvana also encourages investors to visit its Investor Relations website as financial and other company information is posted. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230822336616/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] RS and MEAN WELL Partner to Support The Washing Machine Project MEAN WELL recently presented RS with market development funds intended to both further their successful partnership and support RS' well-meaning corporate activities, the latter of which resulted in a generous $178,659 donation to The Washing Machine Project on behalf of RS. FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RS, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of industrial product and service solutions, is proud to announce that MEAN WELL has donated $178,659 to The Washing Machine Project on behalf of RS. MEAN WELL recently donated $178,659 to The Washing Machine Project on behalf of RS. RS and MEAN WELL, a leading global supplier of standard power supply products founded on good intentions and fair and honest business practices, have been channel partners since 2011. In the years since, MEAN WELL became the bestselling power supply brand at RS. MEAN WELL recently presented RS with a market development fund as a reward for its effective partnership and successful marketing activities. The size of the fund was based on the MEAN WELL market growth that RS had achieved and, in true MEAN WELL spirit, it was bestowed with the stipulation that while some of the funds be used to further accelerate MEAN WELL marketing and engagement activities, some should be donated to charity. RS chose its global charity partner, The Washing Machine Project, as the sole recipient of $178,659. The Washing Machine Project is a global charity that developed an innovative, user-friendly, and off-grid manual washing machine designed to provide displaced and low-income communities facing humanitarian crises with a sustainable solution for maintaining healthy hygiene. The popular Divya 1.5 model has an 11-pound capacity, is capable of up to 500rpm, and is made of commercial-grade components to ensure operational durability. It also uses 50% less water, takes 75% less time than handwashing, and features an effective dewatering process that reduces drying times. A whopping 70% of the world's population doesn't have access to electrical washing machines, and it takes an average of 20 hours a week, or two and a half full workdays, to wash a family's clothes by hand. This task often falls on women and girls, which has a negative impact on their ability to capitalize on and complete education opportunities. It often has a negative impact on local water supplies as well. As of today, the Washing Machine Project has deployed more than 186 manual washing machines in 12 countries. These installations have saved more than 28,297 people from the back and joint pain and skin irritation caused by handwashing and, since a full cycle takes just 15 to 30 minutes, have provided women and girls especially with more time that could be spent earning a living or an education, which is a critical step toward achieving gender equity. "We're very proud that MEAN WELL recognized us for the market growth we've achieved and rewarded us with a substantial investment in our marketing services and a profoundly generous donation to The Washing Machine Project," said Marie Dawson, RS Product Director, Americas. "RS, MEAN WELL and its Sustainable Development Group (SDG), and The Washing Machine Project share several core values; so, we're thrilled to contribute to the fulfillment of several of those gender equality, clean water and sanitation, innovation, and responsible consumption and production with this sizeable donation." The $178,659 that MEAN WELL donated on behalf of RS will supercharge The Washing Machine Project's global impact. The funds will support the manufacture and distribution of 105 of its newest Divya 1.65 washing machines, virtually doubling the Project's global footprint and the number of displaced and low-income people served. Planned deployments will support families in Uganda that have fled neighboring countries, a school for street children in Nairobi, Kenya, and local homeless communities in California and Texas. The funds will also support critical research nd development processes aimed at further improving the Divya series and helping establish small-batch production processes for Divya washing machines, which would be a game-changer given that every model built to-date has been assembled manually. The MEAN WELL funds build upon almost two years of RS support for The Washing Machine Project. These efforts have separately generated more than $418,000 in fundraising and facilitated the donation of an abundance of critical machine components, the building efforts of more than 400 volunteers, and the professional support of more than 40 volunteers specialized in website design, legal issues, social media, marketing, data analytics, sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics. "To mean well means to have good intentions, and that's our founding principle here at MEAN WELL," said Leo Cheong, General Manager, MEAN WELL USA. "So, it is our pleasure to partner with effective and ethical suppliers, to reward them for contributing to our continued success as well as their own, and to support their own good intentions, as we have through the donation that MEAN WELL recently made to The Washing Machine Project on behalf of RS." RS has access to the entire MEAN WELL product portfolio, including power supplies, DIN-rail power supplies, DC-DC converters, inverters, power adapters, and battery chargers, and has more than 2,000 products in stock and ready to ship. For more information about MEAN WELL and the MEAN WELL products available at RS, please visit the embedded links, contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722, or reach out to our technical product support team. For more information about The Washing Machine Project, please visit https://www.thewashingmachineproject.org/. About RS in the Americas In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers . These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 80,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and YouTube . About RS Group RS Group plc provides product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers. We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimizing inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money. RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of 2,982 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter . Image Downloads and Captions: MEAN WELL presents TWMP Check to RS In April 2023, MEAN WELL presented the RS team with a check for $178,659 made out to The Washing Machine Project. Pictured from left to right, you'll find Leo Cheong, General Manager, MEAN WELL USA; Jerry Lin, Founder and President of MEAN WELL; Marie Dawson, RS Product Director, Americas; David Seals, RS Category Manager, Americas; and Jessica Chang, Distribution Sales Manager, MEAN WELL USA. TWMP and MEAN WELL On June 29, 2023, Nav Sawhney, The Washing Machine Project Founder, met with Leo Cheong, General Manager of MEAN WELL USA., at the MEAN WELL USA headquarters in Fremont, California, and addressed the impact that The Washing Machine Project has on the lives of women and children the world over. Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries: Karen Gavenda, RS Director of Marketing, Americas [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rs-and-mean-well-partner-to-support-the-washing-machine-project-301910731.html SOURCE RS [August 28, 2023] Momentum Website Earns Best Design Recognition From DesignRush UTICA, Mich., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum, a national web design and digital marketing agency based in Michigan, was recently featured in DesignRush's Best Roofing Company Website Designs That Combine Craftsmanship and Digital Artistry article. DesignRush's article highlights several roofing company websites that showcase exceptional design craftsmanship. Momentum appears in the article for its design work on Summit Commercial Roofing's website. DesignRush highlighted the website's cohesive color story, user-centric navigation, and exceptional display of the company's benefits. "We're really thankful for this recognition," said Jimi Plouffe, CEO and Co-Founder at Momentum. "It reinforces our mission to help small businesses connect with customers and thrive. Big thanks to our amazing team for making it all possible! We're excited to keep pushing boundaries and creating impactful designs that drive success for our clients." Click here to read the complete DesignRush article, or visit Momentum's website to learn more about the company's website design and digital marketing capabilities. ABOUT MOMENTUM Founded in 2010, Momentum is a digital marketing agency providing custom website design and online marketing solutions (SEO and PPC) to small- and mid-sized businesses in many industries. Visit https://www.seekmomentum.com/ to learn more about Momentum's offerings or to request a proposal. Contact Information: Jimi Plouffe CEO of Momentum [email protected] 586-276-7496 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/momentum-website-earns-best-design-recognition-from-designrush-301911375.html SOURCE Momentum [August 28, 2023] Six Tennessee Students Receive $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships Tweet The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has selected six students from around the state as recipients of its 2023 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships. Since 2013, the BlueCross Foundation has awarded the scholarship to help increase representation in Tennessee's health care workforce and address health disparities statewide. Each of this year's recipients will receive $10,000 toward school tuition. To date, the foundation has awarded $415,000 in scholarships to 44 students. "The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is one way we've been working toward health equity," says Ron Harris, vice president of corporate workforce diversity at BlueCross. "We are proud to support some of our state's brightest students, and we hope they will use their unique insights and experiences to help deliver high-quality care for all Tennesseans." This year's recipients are: Kendrick Cox - Cleveland Senior, Nursing Major University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Destini Givens - Chattanooga Senior, Psychology Major University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Anthony Guinn - Memphis Senior, Nursing Major Baptist Health Sciences University Zakiya Hamza - Nashville Senior, Nursing Major Tennessee State University Emmanuella Ingabire - Nashville Senior, Nursing Major University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Farraday Johnson - Covington Senior, Biomedical Engineering Major University of Memphis The BlueCross Foundation will begin accepting applications for 2024 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships later this year. Recipients are selected in partnership with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) - Memphis Chapter. To view eligibility criteria, visit BCBSTNews.com/scholarship. For the full stories and a video about this year's BlueCross Power of We Scholars, visit BCBSTNews.com. About BlueCross BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's news center at bcbstnews.com. About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association The BlueCross and BlueShield Association is an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828433613/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Axcient Receives 2023 Cloud Security Excellence Award Tweet DENVER, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axcient, a leader in business availability software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), today announced its Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solution x360Recover received the 2023 Cloud Security Excellence Award by Cloud Computing Magazine. Axcient x360Recover is the most comprehensive and cost-effective BCDR solution made specifically for MSPs and their clients. Managed Service Providers choose x360Recover because it offers peace of mind knowing their clients data is protected end-to-end, said Rod Mathews, Chief Executive Officer at Axcient. The way we build x360Recover automates processes, is easy to use, offers faster RTO and RPO, and reduces the time techs need to spend managing the solution. We continue to innovate so that partners can be assured their client data is secure. Thanks to Cloud Computing Magazine for recognizing Axcient as the leading BCDR solution for MSPs. Axcient helps MSPs improve data protection and reduce business downtime with x360Recoveran innovative solution that is easy to purchase, install, configure, and manage. With Axcients award-winning BCDR solutions, MSPs can simplify their operations with the option of appliance- or cloud-based BCDR from a single vendor. The self-managed Virtual Office cloud disaster recovery technology provides MSPs with flexibility, optimization, and peace of mind that their clients businesses will always be on. The Cloud Computing Security Excellence Awards, presented by Cloud Computing magazine, honor solutions that either leverage cloud platforms to deliver security solutions or provide security for cloud applications. Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Cloud Computing Security Excellence Award, said Rich Tehrani (News - Alert), CEO, TMC. Weve seen remarkable progress as security continues to be perhaps the leading consideration in cloud deployments, making this a very competitive process. There are literally hundreds of new players in the market than just a few years ago. Its our pleasure to recognize such impressive and important contributions to the cloud marketplace. To learn more about Axcient and its upcoming MSP Xperience event on October 12, please click here. About Axcient Axcient is an award-winning leader in business availability software for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Axcient x360 empowers MSPs to Protect Everything by combining SaaS Backup, BCDR, and secure File Sync & Share into one platform and experience for MSPs. Trusted by MSPs worldwide, Axcient protects businesses data and continuity in the event of security breaches, ransomware, human error, and natural disasters. For more information, visit www.axcient.com. Follow Axcient on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. About MSP Today MSP Today is the premier online destination for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT service providers worldwide. As the industry's leading web portal, we are committed to delivering timely and relevant news, cutting-edge product information, and invaluable insights to empower MSPs and IT professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape. At MSP Today, we understand the challenges faced by MSPs and IT service providers in navigating the complexities of the modern business environment. Our dedicated team of expert journalists and industry analysts bring you the latest trends, best practices, and industry thought leadership to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're seeking in-depth articles on emerging technologies, comprehensive product reviews, or actionable tips to optimize your IT services, MSP Today is your go-to resource for all things MSP-related. Join our vibrant community today and unlock the knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities to propel your MSP business to new heights. Follow MSP Today on Twitter or join our LinkedIn group. Subscribe or visit www.msptoday.com. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMCs content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all percipients. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360 degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet. Media Contact: Amanda Lee ARL Strategic Communications for Axcient [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Scramoge Technology corrects misleading narrative from BMW's counsel Finnegan LLP. Tweet DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scramoge Technology Ltd., an Irish-based company specializing in the licensing of technology in the field of wireless charging, responds to the misleading narrative released by BMW's counsel, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP. The true facts are far afield from the "one-two punch" described in Finnegan's August 23, 2023 press release. In 2022, Scramoge brought suit against BMW in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas arising out of BMW's alleged infringement of patented technology owned by Scramoge. As a result of that lawsuit, BMW's supplier of the accused infringing technology engaged in reasonable licensing discussions with Scramoge which resulted in a license. As a result, Scramoge was legally required to dismiss its action against BMW in Texas, and promptly did so. Despite the dismissal of such action, and the granting of the license, several months later BMW inexplicably maintained a subsequent action it brought against Scramoge in the Eastern District of Michigan seeking a declaratory judgment that BMW did not infringe Scramoge's patented technology despite being advised that its supplier was licensed . When BMW and its counsel Finnegan refused to dismiss the Michigan action, Scramoge publicly filed a motion to dismiss BMW's action with the Michigan Court. In that motion Scramoge also advised Finnegan that it would be liable to Scramoge for fees and costs incurred by Scramoge for BMW and Finnegan continuing to pursue the baseless Michigan action Finnegan never responded. Before that motion was decided, Finnegan and BMW relented, agreeing to dismiss the Michigan action and additional challenges filed with the Patent and Trial Appeal Board, and the parties also submitted a pleading in Texas stipulating that they would consider the dismissal with prejudice. Far from being a total victory for BMW, Scramoge successfully enforced its patent rights against companies, like BMW, who allegedly infringe the patented wireless charging technology. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scramoge-technology-corrects-misleading-narrative-from-bmws-counsel-finnegan-llp-301911599.html SOURCE Scramoge [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] First Farmers and Merchants Bank Receives Boys & Girls Club C.A.R.E. Award Tweet First Farmers and Merchants Bank, a Columbia, Tennessee-based bank wholly owned by First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (OTC Pink: FFMH), announced that it received the C.A.R.E. award from the Tennessee Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs. The C.A.R.E., or Children are the Reason for Excellence, award recognizes an individual or business for their outstanding in-kind or direct support to their local Boys & Girls Club. First Farmers was chosen from many nominations from 22 Boys & Girls Club organizations with over 70 Clubs in Tennessee. First Farmers has supported Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee since its inception in 1999, including financial support, involved volunteer board members, and organizing volunteer efforts from financial workshops to serving meals to children. Commenting on the award, Robert E. Krimmel, Chief Financial Officer, said, "First Farmers has been a long-term supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, and I have been very impressed with their high quality leadership and programs. I was fortunate to be invited to join their Board earlier this year and realized their need for more funding to support their programs. "I am pleased to announce that First Farmers increased their corporate giving to Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee by 250% to $25,000 per year for the next four years. We are very excited about increasing our sponsorship and look forward to their continued support of their programs that serve Maury and Giles counties." Commenting on the award, Ginny Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee, said, "Frst Farmers and Merchants Bank has supported our Boys & Girls Club since its inception in 1999 and in 2023 became the single largest corporate sponsor. Their corporate gift will provide funding to our endowment and allow us to provide more financial aid and scholarships to families in need to ensure no child in our community is turned away based on household income. "Their continuing sponsorship over the years literally kept the lights on for us. They have provided dedicated bank employees to serve on the Board of Directors who have contributed hundreds of hours of community service. Their employees volunteer to serve Club youth directly through opportunities like serving Thanksgiving meals to Club kids and families, participating in "Career Talks" during the Teen Center's career week, serving at the local soup kitchen alongside Teens in our Keystone & Torch Clubs, and more. We are very proud that First Farmers and their entire team was recognized with the C.A.R.E. award for their past and continued support to Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee." About First Farmers and Merchants Corporation and First Farmers and Merchants Bank First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, a community bank serving the Middle Tennessee area through 22 offices in seven Middle Tennessee counties. As of June 30, 2023, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $1.9 billion, total shareholders' equity of approximately $108 million, and administered trust assets of $5.7 billion. For more information about First Farmers, visit us on the Web at www.myfirstfarmers.com under "Investor Relations." About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee ("BGCSCTN") opened in 1999 when it was officially chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Club programs are designed to accomplish three key goals for youth: academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship. BGCSCTN has achieved national and state recognition for academic program success and currently serves more than 1,200 youth per year through youth and teen centers in Columbia, a Club in Pulaski, and school-based programs in 11 schools in Maury County. BGCSCTN is dedicated to making south central Tennessee a better place to live and work by ensuring that all children that walk through our doors graduate from high school ready for college or employment and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information, visit bgcsctn.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828160542/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Prominent Players Like BAE Systems and Kaspersky Lab Lead the Global Cyber Weapons Market to 2031 Tweet DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cyber Weapons Market By Type, By Application, By End User: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global cyber weapons market is poised for significant growth, driven by the escalating cybersecurity threats worldwide during 2021-2031. Rise in Cybersecurity Threats Cyber weapons, which encompass various types of software like malware, viruses, ransomware, and logic bombs, have gained prominence due to the surging cybersecurity threats globally. This rise in threats has prompted the development of advanced cybersecurity techniques to counter them. Cyber weapons are employed across military, government, and intelligence sectors to track adversaries, gather critical data, identify cyber threats, and monitor illicit online activities. Offensive Cyber Capabilities and Strategic Developments Several countries are investing in offensive cyber capabilities. Smaller nations such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Greece have acknowledged their offensive cyber capabilities, while larger nations like the U.S., UK, and Australia have reported conducting offensive cyber operations. Meanwhile, countries like North Korea, Russia, and Iran have undertaken catastrophic offenive cyber operations with significant impacts. The use of offensive cyber weapons by various nations is projected to drive market growth throughout the forecast period. Advantages and Challenges Cyber weapons offer several advantages, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, stealthiness, and the ability to operate at the speed of light. Their ability to remain discreet and attribution challenges make them enticing. Moreover, their offensive orientation is suitable for the asymmetrical conflicts of the modern era. However, the high cost of developing cyber weapons and technical deployment difficulties pose challenges to market growth. Market Dynamics and Key Players The report outlines the market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Drivers include the need for infrastructure protection, technological advancements like AI and ML, increased expenditure on cyber weapons by governments and commercial entities, and the rise in international conflicts. Restraints involve high development costs and technical deployment challenges. Opportunities stem from the demand for defense intelligence and surveillance in military operations and the growing presence of relevant digital equipment in cyber warfare. Market Segmentation and Stakeholder Benefits The market is segmented by application, end user, and type. Applications span national defense systems, public utilities, transportation systems, smart power grids, industrial control systems, financial systems, communication networks, and more. End users include government, BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), corporate, and others. Types comprise defensive and offensive cyber weapons. Regions covered are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). Key Market Players Prominent market players shaping the cyber weapons landscape include BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Broadcom Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, AO Kaspersky Lab, FireEye Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, and Cisco Systems Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xqvm40 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/prominent-players-like-bae-systems-and-kaspersky-lab-lead-the-global-cyber-weapons-market-to-2031-301911189.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Evoqua Water Technologies and Leading Players Drive UV Disinfection Equipment Market Expansion to 2030 Tweet DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global UV Disinfection Equipment Market 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global UV Disinfection Equipment Market is set to experience robust growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.61% over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. Factors such as the eco-friendliness of UV disinfection, increasing government initiatives, and the cost-effectiveness of disinfection processes are driving the growth of the UV disinfection equipment market. UV disinfection presents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods, as it produces no harmful byproducts or residues. This characteristic makes it a compelling choice for industries and government bodies seeking environmentally responsible solutions for water and air treatment. Furthermore, the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and support for the reusability of UV disinfection devices have opened up opportunities for the market on a global scale. However, challenges related to limited efficacy and the specific effectiveness of UV technology against waterborne microorganisms have limited the broader potential of the global market. Regional Outlook The global UV disinfection equipment market encompasses regions including Europe, Asia-Pacific, Ltin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the most rapid growth during the forecast period. The region's active efforts in wastewater treatment, driven by the scarcity of safe drinking water in countries like Vietnam and India, are contributing to the rising demand for UV disinfection systems. Additionally, the adoption of UV technology in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, along with the rise of UV tech startups, is further propelling the UV disinfection equipment market in the region. Market Dynamics Market Drivers UV Disinfection Equipment Emerges as Sustainable Alternative Growing Government Initiatives Cost-Effective Disinfection Technique Market Challenges Limited Effectiveness of UV Disinfection Equipment UV Technology Effective Against Waterborne Microorganisms Market Opportunities Implementation of UN Millennium Development Goals Cost-Effective Disinfection Solution Enabling Water Reusability Environmentally Suitable Disinfection System Key Market Players Prominent players in the market include: Xylem Inc Halma plc Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation Australian Ultra Violet Services Pty Ltd Germitec Evoqua Water Technologies LLC Danaher Corporation Calgon Carbon Corporation Osram Licht AG Severn Trent plc Evoqua Water Technologies LLC (formerly Siemens Water Technologies LLC) is a leading clean technology company specializing in wastewater treatment systems and solutions. The company's product range encompasses activated carbons, filtration, aeration, biological treatment, and more. Additionally, Evoqua provides services such as commissioning, maintenance, modernization, and more. Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, USA, Evoqua has manufacturing plants across the globe. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u00f15 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/evoqua-water-technologies-and-leading-players-drive-uv-disinfection-equipment-market-expansion-to-2030-301911231.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [August 28, 2023] Renaissance Community Loan Fund and FHLB Dallas Grant $160K to Eight Mississippi Businesses That Suffered Tornado Damage Tweet Owners Jody and Hope Powell of Jaco Machine (Jaco) had only been in operation a little more than a year when an EF3 tornado tore through their business in March. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828608867/en/ Eight businesses were each awarded a $20,000 Small Business Recovery Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas through FHLB Dallas member, Renaissance Community Loan Fund, during an awards ceremony today. (Photo: Business Wire) Jaco was one of eight businesses awarded a $20,000 Small Business Recovery Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through FHLB Dallas member, Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF). The funds were presented today during a ceremonial check ceremony at Jaco's location in Amory, Mississippi that was attended by area public officials and business leaders. "Without the grant, we would really be struggling," Mr. Powell said. "We were relieved when we learned about the funding. It was a tremendous help." Jaco, which provides fabrication services to the aerospace industry,suffered widespread damage when the tornado tore off its roof, blew out windows, crumpled metal siding and damaged machinery. It was shut down for weeks but is now up and operating. Some other businesses that were hit and awarded grant funding have still not reopened more than five months after the storm. "RCLF worked closely with Monroe Chamber of Commerce staff to identify qualifying businesses within the damaged area and to provide assistance in preparing and submitting the grant applications," said John-Michael Marlin, director of lending at RCLF. "The disaster relief funds from FHLB Dallas played a critical role in helping the community move toward recovery, but because of the extensive damage, it's a process that takes time. These businesses want to get back to work, and we're here to help." Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment for FHLB Dallas, said RCLF has been on the front lines as an ambassador for the Small Business Recovery Grant. "Our Small Business Recovery Grant provides a path for businesses to recover a little faster, and RCLF has played an integral part in getting the word out about the grants and how they can help businesses get back to business when their communities need them the most," Mr. Hettrick said. Small Business Recovery Grants are offered by FHLB Dallas through member financial institutions such as RCLF to provide financing for qualified small businesses affected by natural disasters such as the storms that hit Arkansas and Mississippi earlier this year. FHLB Dallas allocated $2.5 million in Small Business Recovery Grants, with grants up to $20,000 per eligible business, to support at least 125 small businesses in Arkansas and Mississippi. Funds are still available. About Renaissance Community Loan Fund Renaissance Community Loan Fund is on a mission to empower people with the skills and information they need to improve their finances. Renaissance can help you go from needing your credit repaired to being ready for a home or business loan. Renaissance Community Loan Fund is a different kind of lender - focused on helping residents in Mississippi and Alabama. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $174 billion as of June 30, 2023, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828608867/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hottie Miley turns 30 and wrote a song about her early career. And that inspires our latest peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . More Tasty Good Deeds Operation BBQ Relief teams up with restaurants in Maui to serve thousands of wildfire victims Operation BBQ Relief co-founder and CEO Stan Hays, along with a team of volunteers, partnered with Maui restaurants to provide thousands of meals to wildlife victims. Tragedy On Kansas City Street Bicyclist in critical condition after crash in east Kansas City A bicyclist is in serious condition after a crash with a Ford F150 on 30th Street and Brighton Avenue Sunday night in east Kansas City. Snack Cake Takeover Report: Hostess attracts interest from potential acquirers - Kansas City Business Journal Hostess is attracting interest from a different kind of consumer -the kind that live on Wall Street. Inferno At The Pump Shell Gas Station fire breaks out early Monday Kansas City Police responded to the report of a building fire at the Shell gas station early Monday. Agenda For Weekend Already Things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Kansas City 2023 With Labor Day Weekend on the horizon, there's a lot of events you can look forward to in the Kansas City metro area. Take a look at some of the things you can do. Politically Incorrect Survey Rings True Biden is widely seen as too old for office, an AP-NORC poll finds. Trump's got other problems A new poll finds rare agreement across partisan lines and in this case President Joe Biden is the unifying figure, though not the way he would prefer to be. Prez Talks Both Kinds Of Equity Biden boasts 'Bidenomics' working for Black Americans in op-ed honoring Martin Luther King: 'Advancing equity' President Biden boasted "Bidenomics is working" for Black Americans in a Washington Post op-ed tied to the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Global MAGA Deuce Awaits The World Is Contemplating a Second Trump Administration The possibility that the former president will win next year's election has capitals across the globe on edge. Republicans Might Lose Another Turning Point?!? GOP tensions between Senate, House raise shutdown odds Senate Republicans are signaling that they're in no mood to back conservative members of the House Freedom Caucus who are demanding major concessions from Democrats in the annual spending bills, raising the odds of a government shutdown this fall. Senate Republicans stood firmly behind Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Today's Rumors Of War Ukraine says it liberates strategic southeastern settlement Ukraine said on Monday its troops had liberated the southeastern settlement of Robotyne and were trying to push further south in their counteroffensive against Russian forces. Far East Loosens Up China won't require COVID-19 tests for incoming travelers in a milestone in its reopening China will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result for incoming travelers, a milestone in its reopening to the rest of the world after an isolation that began with the country's borders closing in 2020. Desperately Seeking Tourists Inside the largest Loch Ness Monster hunt in decades Hundreds of enthusiasts, many armed with high-tech help, descended on a lake in the Scottish Highlands over the weekend in the hopes of turning myth into reality. Climate Data Scared Shared This Brutal Summer in 10 Alarming Maps and Graphs From the Maui wildfires to ultrahigh ocean temperatures, climate change is leaving its devastating mark on the Earth. It's but a taste of the pain to come. Bud Light Victory Tour Cont'd Dylan Mulvaney wins Breakout Creator at Streamy Awards, calls out 'transphobia and hate' in speech Controversial transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney called out the "extreme amount of transphobia and hate" after winning Breakout Creator Creator at the 2023 Streamy Award -- declaring she would celebrate the win by cracking open a beer. Diva Cries Out Latest Hit Single Miley Cyrus tearfully reflects on Disney days past with new video, song 'Used to Be Young' Miley Cyrus released a new single, "Used to Be Young," and video paying homage to her Disney Channel days but also "looking toward the future." Cowtown Agenda Setting Nick's Picks | New Zoo Aquarium, Busy Labor Day Weekend The Kansas City Zoo is opening a new aquarium just in time for a busy Labor Day weekend of festivals. Forecast To Start . . . We will have a crisp and cool to start the week Heat will build heading into Labor Day Weekend Miley Cyrus - Used To Be Young is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Just wanted to throw this one in for the late night because it's worth posting as part of our KICK-ASS TKC dedication to recent history and we're surprised locals "historians" didn't make a bigger deal of it. Amid the hype and justified outrage regarding a newspaper raid in Marion County, Kansas . . . Another cowtown connection was nearly forgotten. Long ago, police raided a TV station newsroom in Kansas City, Missouri. In this week's episode of WIR, Dave Helling dutifully retold part of the story that might defy the local progressive narrative . . . "This is not the first time that a law enforcement official has raided a newsroom in our region. In the mid-1990s, Claire McCaskill raided the newsroom at channel 4 under the same circumstances with a search warrant not a subpoena looking for what she believed to be evidence in a murder case. It prompted a federal lawsuit. We, I worked at channel 4 at the time, won at the trail level and lost in appeals court." Actually, we remember the raid because it's remnant of a long ago tech legacy before the days of digital. If memory serves, TKC was still in high school at the time . . . The beef was over video footage. Police & prosecutors demanded an original videotape that might have contained clues in a murder investigation newspaper whilst newsies maybe offered to make a copy. Nowadays . . . Everything would have just been thrown on TikTok in less than a minute and there wouldn't be any tangible evidence to fight over, just computer code in the cloud. I don't know if the circumstances are the exactly same given that it was a murder case and not some Karen complaining that somebody was snooping on her. Still . . . The flex is a reminder that Constitutional freedoms are, in fact, important and part of this EPIC American experiment. Hopefully, we'll have more for the morning update . . . STAY TUNED!!! A BAD-ASS TKC TIPSTER titled this bit of info accordingly . . . "THE SIX DEGREES OF RAMASWAMY" That's a bit dramatic but i like it . . . Here's the story . . . "In 2007, Ramaswamy and Travis May co-founded Campus Venture Network, which published a private social networking website for university students who aspired to launch a business. The company was sold in 2009 to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation." And with that, we'll share just a bit more about the new guy in 2nd place . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Vivek Ramaswamy Booed After Calling Climate Change Agenda a 'Hoax' During GOP Debate The entrepreneur called the "anti-carbon agenda" the "wet blanket on our economy" at Wednesday night's Republican primary debate. Vivek Ramaswamy has Iowa voters curious, but not yet committed, after standout debate | CNN Politics At the conclusion of Vivek Ramaswamy's second campaign stop here on Saturday - his sixth event out of eight over two days in Iowa - his staff rushed him towards their campaign bus. The businessman-turned-politician was late for a flight across the state to his next event. How Vivek Ramaswamy has changed his characterization of Jan. 6 Most candidates at the first GOP debate said former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing by certifying the 2020 election. But what does Ramaswamy think? Elon Musk says Vivek Ramaswamy should be the GOP's VP pick for the 2024 election Musk - who's known for picking fights and posting contrarian views on his X account - is now backing Ramaswamy, yet another controversial GOP figure. Some in GOP See Vivek Ramaswamy as an Existential Threat Ramaswamy's competitors really don't like him. They are also starting to take him seriously, fearing he could soar like Trump did in 2016 Developing . . . We'll link to more info . . . But this is also important . . . A realization that this legal precedent isn't set in stone just yet and will require more courtroom debate . . . Check-it: The ACLU of Missouri vowed to keep fighting in wake of the ruling. While we are disappointed in and disagree with the courts ruling, we will not stop fighting to protect the rights of transgender people in Missouri, ACLU of Missouri spokesman Tom Bastian said in a statement. The case is not over and will go to a full trial on the merits. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Missouri judge declines to block ban on gender-affirming care A Missouri law banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors and some adults will take effect Monday after a circuit court judge on Friday declined to block it. St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Steven Ohmer on Friday rejected a request to temporarily block the enforcement of Missouri's gender-affirming care ban, writing in an order that "petitioners have... Law banning gender affirming care in Missouri to go into effect Monday - ABC17NEWS COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A Missouri judge signed an order on Friday that allows a law banning gender affirming treatment for minors to go into effect. St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer's ruling allows the ban to start on Monday, as was previously scheduled. Developing . . . "We welcome India's interest in gaining greater access to the port of Piraeus and investing in other Greek ports, in order to create gateways for its exports to Europe, but also to create manufacturing assembly chains in our country so that the final product has European passport. It is no coincidence that India, a member of the BRICS countries, after France and Germany, chooses a third European country, Greece, for a strategic relationship, as a political and economic partner. Greece is clearly suitable geopolitically and can become India's gateway to Europe. I consider it mutually beneficial and good practice for India to follow the same successful and safe path through Greece to Europe, as China chose years ago with Cosco's investment in the port of Piraeus," the head of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vassilis Korkidis, said following the business contacts that took place during the recent official visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Greece, ANA reports. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Nikolaos Diakidis A highly mutated COVID-19 variant has put scientists on high alert as they race to understand the immune impacts of the new lineage and determine whether it will spark a fresh wave of infections. The newly designated BA.2.86 has so far only been reported about a dozen times worldwide as of Wednesday. But the fact that its been detected in at least five countries and that it has a large number of mutations compared to other Omicron lineages has researchers in Canada and around the world closely monitoring the variant. Were worried about BA.2.86 because it has about 40 mutational differences from everything else thats circulating at the moment, said Sarah Otto, a professor at the University of British Columbia and researcher with Canadas Coronavirus Rapid Response Network, known as CoVaRR-Net. We dont yet have enough evidence this is an alarm. But it is an early alert. Experts say its too soon to know whether BA.2.86 will take off and help fuel a fall surge in COVID cases or simply fade away. Earlier this month, public health officials noted an increase in the Omicron subvariant EG.5 that is pushing up cases and is a progression from previous XBB variants. BA.2.86 the newest variant gaining attention has not yet been detected in Canada. Across the globe, researchers are monitoring to see if BA.2.86 continues to spread and are on the lookout for any signal that it causes more severe illness. Scientists need to be at high alert for this, said Otto, an evolutionary biologist and Canada Research Chair in Theoretical and Experimental Evolution. Im not yet sure the public needs to worry. Where has BA.2.86 been detected? Designated a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on Aug. 17, BA.2.86 has been reported in at least five countries. Sequences have been reported in Denmark, South Africa, Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a risk assessment for BA.2.86 published Wednesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Aug. 18, the variant had not been detected in Canada, though scientists are actively monitoring for this lineage, the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement to the Star. Robert Delatolla, director of CoVaRR-Nets Wastewater Surveillance Research Group and professor in the department of civil engineering at the University of Ottawa, confirmed in an email that BA.2.86 has so far not been found in wastewater. The Ontario program and PHAC are sequencing for it It is not being detected in Canadian wastewaters. What makes BA.2.86 different? The lineage has descended from another Omicron variant called BA.2 that was dominant in early 2022. According to the CDC, the genetic sequence of BA.2.86 has changes that represent over 30 amino acid differences compared with BA.2. It also has more than 35 amino acid changes compared to XBB.1.5, a dominant strain in 2023, the CDC said. Allison McGeer, an infectious disease specialist and professor of laboratory medicine and pathobiology at the University of Torontos Dalla Lana School of Public Health, said while sequencing the variant is still in its early days, BA.2.86 remains under the Omicron umbrella of lineages and, as such, does not mark a huge evolutionary leap. This is not Omicron. This is not Delta, she said, noting it will be critical to see further data on the variant in the coming weeks. It might be more like BA.4 or BA.5, McGeer said, referencing earlier Omicron subvariants that caused an increase in infections and hospitalizations in 2022 but not at the same levels as when Omicron burst on the scene in late 2021. Why are scientists on high alert? BA.2.86, while similar to an earlier version of Omicron, differs from the dominant variants currently circulating, breaking out of the predicted evolutionary pattern. These more unusual offshoots tend to have evolved in individuals with chronic infections lasting months or years, said Otto. Theyre accumulating these evolutionary changes that arent in sync with the rest of the population, she said. This appears to be one of those from out of left field. Scientists cant yet tell whether BA.2.86 will take hold or will peter out. According to the CDC, the large number of mutations in this variant raises concerns of greater escape from existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections compared with other recent variants. However, a greater number of virus samples are needed for more reliable laboratory testing of antibodies, making it too soon to know the real-world impacts on immunity, the CDC said. That BA.2.86 has been detected in at least five countries across three continents within a matter of weeks is worrisome, said Otto. That kind of rapid spread globally means one of two things: One is a superspreader event, or some event that brought people internationally, where travellers came and there happened to be BA.2.86. That would mean the variant doesnt have selective advantage and wont circulate widely, Otto said. The alternative is that it is actually rapidly spreading. How rapidly spreading are we talking about? It could be as rapidly spreading as the first Omicron wave. Thats what has people worried. But to be honest, we dont have enough data. What happens next? Scientists will continue to monitor for BA.2.86 and researchers worldwide will share sequences to help answer questions about its ability to spread and impacts on immunity. The CDC says its too soon to know whether BA.2.86 will cause more severe disease, noting it is closely monitoring hospitalization rates. Since the variant is in the Omicron family, we think its still going to be an upper respiratory disease, Otto said, adding that many of the people though not all who have been found to be infected with this variant have not needed to be hospitalized. Matthew Miller, director of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University, said in an email that there are a lot of questions, few answers in terms of understanding BA.2.86. Ongoing surveillance should provide a signal in the coming weeks if the virus is to really take off, he said. Updated COVID boosters are expected to roll out this fall, targeting the XBB Omicron subvariants most common in 2023. Researchers are trying to understand the extent to which these will protect against BA.2.86 should it become dominant, Miller said. So far and with the caveat that more data is needed McGeer said there doesnt appear to be a big enough change in the virus to substantially affect how well the vaccines will work. When Omicron came, you could immediately see from the sequences that we were going to be in trouble, she said. This is not in that category. Megan Ogilvie is a Toronto-based health reporter for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @megan_ogilvie or reach her via email: mogilvie@thestar.ca In the third and final part of the Exploring the Red Land series, Ahram Online visits Wadi Skeit, one of the oldest gateways of Ancient Egyptian Civilization and home to emerald mines and ancient Roman settlements. One man, I remember, told me, I know exactly what you came here for, you came to search for the gold. Unless you have the map, you won't be able to find it. But honestly, the map is not with us, the map is with the Romans, I shall tell you if you insist, where the Romans pass. That was the opening of the multi-award-winning documentary Shahira, Nomads of Sahara (1988), by Canadian director Shelley Saywell. The documentary followed the journey of Shahira Fawzy, an Egyptian anthropologist, human rights activist and designer who spent all her life helping the Busharia and Ababda tribes of the Eastern Desert. It highlighted the fact that such tribes were the true ancestors of Ancient Egyptians, still practicing many rituals and using the same tools found in museums. It showed that they were right about the gold map of the Romans. The so-called Goldmine Papyrus that include a map of the Wadi Hammamat and is now exhibited at the Museo Egizio, Torino Italy. In the first and second parts of the series, Ahram Online visited the Wadi El-Gemal National Park and explored the inspiring story of Shahira Fawzy (1954- 2022). Ahram Online ends the series by visiting Wadi Skeit, one of the oldest gateways of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Wadi Skeit Wadi Skeit is a some 20-minute-drive from Wadi El-Gemal in the Marsa Alam governorate on the Red Sea coast. It has witnessed the rise and fall of pre-historic civilization through to the Roman era. Wadi Skeit was indeed a sight. It was an incredible experience to travel past the mighty, steep mountains, which have stood the test of time and lived to tell the stories of all those who passed through this part of the world. We were greeted by green bushes amidst an abundance of rocks. There were gum, acacia, and neim trees and a couple of white camels wandering about. This is A Meswak tree, explained our Abadi guide, Hassan Abdel-Saleh, who gave each of us some green branches. When dried, these branches can be used as an effective, natural toothbrush and plaque remover. The Eastern Desert witnessed the prime of the late stone age and pre-dynastic period in Egypt. The topography of the Eastern Desert shows that it was not always an arid place like it is now, reads The Red Land: The Illustrated Archaeology of Egypts Eastern Desert (2022). The book was translated by professors Atef Moatamed, Riham Abu Dunia, Mohamed Rizk, and Ezzat Zayan. Before the last ice age, some 12,000 years ago, the rain that fell on this area enabled the creation of plant and animal life. Traces of stone tools indicate that it was inhabited at the end of the stone age, the book adds. Emerald mines and Roman temples Wadi Skeit contains emerald mines, the ruins of ancient Roman temples, and mine workers' settlements carved from mountain stone. After a two-hour drive off-road in Wadi Skeit, Ahram Online visited one of the Roman temples and miners quarters. Here, mine workers lived, planted, and raised their cattle. During the reign of Mohamed Ali Pasha in 1816, it [the emerald mine] was discovered by the French mining explorer and jeweller Fredrick Kayo. There are two Roman temples and an emerald mine there, he drew many pictures, describing the administrative offices and miner worker quarters as well as the Skeit temple," reads the book. We found evidence of intensive activities of the Roman lives there, seeds, plants, cattle raising in open yards, some children toys made out of stones and over 2,500 emerald beads that were pierced and ready to be used as jewellery," it adds. Who lives there? The book explains that the area was covered by sea millions of years ago. The topography changed and when the sea receded, rains turned the area green with pastures. This allowed prehistoric civilizations to leave their mark. Ancient Egyptians, Ptolemies, and Romans founded trade routes, built water wells, quarries, and settlements. It was not until about 5,000 years ago that the Eastern Desert turned arid. Today, the southeastern desert of Egypt is mainly inhabited by two tribes, the Ababdas and the Busharies, explained Shahira Fawzy in her thesis at the American University in Cairo titled "No Margins: Lake Nasser and the Ecological and Socio-Economic Dislocations among Nomads of the Southeastern Desert." "Those tribes are part of the Beja Tribe of Eastern Sudan and their territory extends from Edfu, some 100 km north of Aswan, to Is on the Sudanese borders, and from the Nile to the Red Sea. This region lies between latitude 25 and 22 east, and longitude 32 and 36 north. The Busharies and the Ababda inhabited a very arid zone, it is one of the hottest if not the hottest regions in the world," reads the thesis. Ababda and Bushari: Guardians of the gold mines The Ababda and Bashari tribes ancestors have long mined the area. They are locally known as the guardians of the gold mines of Wadi Al Allaqi, which is in the same geographical area of Wadi Skeit. The Ababdas mainly lived in domelike houses which are known as bersh, revealed the thesis. They are built of large carpets made from braided doum palm tree leaves that they either collect on their way to winter camp or trade for with charcoal in the south. The bersh is usually around eight square metres with an opening from the eastern side. They are built and owned by woman. Ababda's crafts and rituals of life and death When a child is born, the midwife will carry the dirty pieces of material and the remains of the birth and distribute it among women who helped her in the labour. Each woman walks to the nearest tree or bush, buries the objects and takes back a green leaf or plant. All the plants are put together in a piece of leather which is hung around the neck of the child until they are able to graze a small goat, around the age of six. If it is a boy, the Ababda celebrate for a week. They slaughter a sheep on his birthday and for three days the father offers sacrifices. This ritual is called "Yessawi El-Karama." On the seventh day, a big ceremony takes place they dance and sing and the father gets to see his son for the first time. If it is a girl, the celebration is smaller in scale, karama is offered on her birth and they would offer milk and sugar to relatives who pass by. On the seventh day, a large banquet is served but in silence. The mother is not allowed to leave her bersh for 40 days. As a mourning ritual, the Abadi women jump on their heels until they collapse and offer karama in honour of the diseased. Their graveyards are always centred around a dome of a sheik. This dome is visited for good luck and is mainly used as an "amana," or safe for valuables. If any man is travelling for a long time or for any other reason he cannot keep his jewellery, sword, or money, He hangs it inside the dome as it is believed that the sheik would never allow anyone to steal from the dome and live to tell about it. The Ababda do not have many crafts. Women braid the leaves of doum palm trees to make their bersh, and they also set the leather with shells and coloured beads. Men make gerba bags to save water and buckets called dalus to pull water from deep wells. Men are also clever at healing, using thin, hot pieces of metal placed on certain parts of the body. The use of animal organs is the basis of the Abadi medicine. They also sell charcoal, leather and medicinal herbs such as hargal, hanzal and sacaram, according to the thesis. Bushari's colourful braids and perfume The Bushari women braid very thin threads of leather to form camel saddles with beautiful designs, using herbs from Elba mountain to soften the leather. The men are very skilled at leatherwork, making gerbas and dalus as well. They also use herbs and woody herbs in many crafts like extracing oil from herbs to make perfume called khomra. Using Asaa wood, they make khelal, thin wooden hair ornaments for men. The transformation of wood into charcoal is a craft known to and carried out by every male in Bushari. Search Keywords: Short link: Hi all! I'm heading to the Balkans in a couple of months. I'm still researching car hire and seems too hard / expensive to go from Croatia to Albania so am considering hiring a car in each country and doing transfers over the borders. I want to go from Kotor, Montenegro to Theth, Albania. It says in Apple Maps (questionable) that travel time is about 4 hours. Has anyone travelled this route? Any transfer services you recommend? Thanks so much in advance. I'll head down to Tirana / Berat after Theth. TIA! Re: Cash or card or both? 3. Re: Cash or card or both? You will definitely need some cash for small transactions and because some places don't accept cards. No need to tip even when paying cash, let alone when paying by card. Emirati Astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi posted a beautiful picture of the Lebanese capital Beirut which went viral on social. The image was taken & posted from the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday on the social network X (formerly Twitter). AlNeyadi, who is nearing the end of his six-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS), took a photo of the moon from the ISS and shared it on social media. His post was translated into Arabic and English and received a lot of attention, with hundreds of thousands of views and hundreds of comments. "Here's a snap of #Beirut the city that breathes art, culture, and beauty that I was able to capture from the ISS. My heartfelt greetings to Lebanon and its wonderful people," he wrote on Saturday. Here's a snap of #Beirut - the city that breathes art, culture, and beauty - that I was able to capture from the ISS. My heartfelt greetings to #Lebanon and its wonderful people. pic.twitter.com/Vr965YGfdW Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) August 26, 2023 The message in Arabic starts begins "Beirut, Lady of the world," an expression taken from a famous poem by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani. The astronaut's photo of the moon from space was met with a lot of positive feedback from Lebanese people, who thanked him for sharing it and expressed their appreciation for the close ties between Lebanon and the UAE. Pharmacies have long been considered a cornerstone of community health care, but theyre closing in record numbers across the country. A new study led by researchers at the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine sheds light on the alarming impact these closures are having, especially on medically underserved areas. A new study from researchers at the University of Houston finds pharmacy closures negatively impact medically underserved communities. Pharmacy closures disproportionately affect underserved neighborhoods, deepening existing health disparities, said lead study author Dr. Omolola Adepoju, a clinical associate professor and director of research at the Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute. The work is published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE. Our study underscores the need for targeted solutions to ensure equitable access to health care for all. For most communities, pharmacies are vital health care hubs that offer a range of services beyond just the dispensing of medications. They also provide critical immunizations, medical education and advice. According to a previous study from the University of Illinois at Chicago, from 2009 to 2015, nearly 10,000 pharmacies in the U.S. closed, including one in four pharmacies in low-income areas. That trend has continued as more people are ordering prescriptions online and independent pharmacies are excluded from preferred pharmacy networks. The result, Adepoju says, are pharmacy deserts in communities that need them most. Pharmacies have always been the frontline health care access points for families in medically underserved areas, but thats going away, Adepoju said. In these areas, which are mostly minority communities with serious socioeconomic challenges, it is adding to existing health care disparities. Similar to food deserts, pharmacy deserts are described as low-income, urban neighborhoods with no pharmacy within a mile for people with a vehicle, or within a half-mile for people without a vehicle. In Houstons Third Ward neighborhood, the study found the nearest pharmacy was two miles away, or four-times further than more affluent neighborhoods nearby, like Midtown, where residents had three pharmacies within a mile. That added distance can have serious consequences, said study co-author Adebosola Karunwi, a third-year medical student from Houston. A diabetic who faces a long walk or multiple bus rides to get their insulin prescription filled might not do it, instead skipping doses or blood tests. Adepoju and Karunwi hope their study serves as a call to action by highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts from policy makers, health care providers and community stakeholders to ensure every person, regardless of their means, has equal access to the crucial services. We must address this issue by considering not just the economic impact of closures but also the broader health outcomes of the affected communities, Adepoju said. Our research provides critical insights that can inform policy decisions and improve equitable health care access. To help close the gap in pharmacy access, the researchers suggest improving partnerships between health care and prescription providers and better identification of patients with limited access. Additionally, they urge community leaders to lobby for pharmacy expansion and to apply for government funding to establish pharmacies in existing spaces, such as churches and community centers. Were already seeing hospitals using services like UberHealth to deliver medications and get people to their appointments, Karunwi said. But more needs to be done. In this day and age, theres no reason anyone shouldnt be able to get the health care they deserve. On the night of August 27, 2023, the fragments of Russian missiles damaged 10 detached houses in the Kyiv region. The relevant statement was made by Kyiv Regional Military Administration on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to Kyiv Regional Military Administration Head Ruslan Kravchenko, the air raid alert had lasted for about three hours. The air defense systems activated in the region. No critical or housing infrastructure objects were hit. Meanwhile, the fragments of the downed Russian missiles landed in one of the Kyiv regions districts. Ten detached houses were damaged. One of them was seriously affected, while the rest of houses suffered some minor damage like the doors, windows and roofs blown out or the facades slashed. Kravchenko mentioned that two cars had been damaged, as well as an agricultural machinery hangar. Two civilians were reported injured. They received medical aid at the scene. A reminder that, on the night of August 27, 2023, Ukraines Air Force intercepted four Russian cruise missiles over central and northern regions. Photo: ANDRII NEBYTOV The information regarding Iran's supply of missiles to the Russians is currently unconfirmed. "No. As of now, such information is not confirmed," Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, told ISLND TV in an interview when asked whether Iran delivers missiles to the Russian Federation. According to him, the Russian Federation is the number-one country smuggling military technology. "That is, of course, considering that they have a large border, and there are many companies, people, and organizations around the world that are ready to make money from it, then yes, it is actively practiced. But nevertheless, it does not meet the needs of the aggressor state at all. Including grey schemes. As for direct military support, there are actually very few countries that are fully ready to implement it," Yusov said. The military intelligence representative pointed to the supply of Shahed drones to the Russian Federation from Iran and stated that this was not all that Putin's Russia would like to get. He said that the work on the sanctions policy regarding the Russian Federation was ongoing. "And Ukraine takes an extremely proactive position here. The Yermak-McFaul Group and many other things are being done," Yusov stressed. As reported, ISW says that Russian forces currently use Shahed drones in Ukraine primarily as decoys so that high precision missiles have better chances of hitting their targets. According to a new study, thousands of baby emperor penguins drowned last year in Antarctica after sea ice broke up early. The British Antarctic Survey is blaming climate change and says satellite images suggest as many as 10,000 baby penguins may have died. Emperor penguins are the largest of the 18 species of penguin, and one of the largest of all birds. British scientists have reported an alarming die-off of chicks after reviewing data from the European Union's Sentinel-2 satellites. The research shows four of five emperor penguin colonies in the Bellingshausen Sea near the Antarctic Peninsula suffered a "catastrophic breeding failure" at the end of last year. It is the first time such a widespread regional breeding collapse has been recorded in emperor penguins. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Ukraine will have a chance to push Russias demilitarization in Crimea through politically. The relevant statement was made by the Head of State in an interview with Nataliia Mosiichuk, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. I believe it is possible to push Russias demilitarization on the territory of Ukrainian Crimea through politically. I believe it would be better. I think so. First of all, trust me, I care about those who will do it, Zelensky said. In his words, war is always about losses, and it is necessary to think how to make them as low as possible. According to Zelensky, many countries are providing support to Ukraine at the moment. However, if the Ukrainian leadership makes a decision to threaten Russias territorial integrity, these countries would not support this. If I, lets say, send our troops and decide to go for Russias territory, I must know for sure that these countries will not stand with me, the President of Ukraine stressed. Russia launched Kalibr cruise missiles over Ukraine in the early hours of August 28. Ukrinform reports this with reference to the interactive map of air raid alerts and the official Telegram channel of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At 04:57, the air raid alert was canceled in most of the regions. As the agency previously reported, on the night of August 27, Russian invaders again attacked Ukraine with missiles. The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Defense Forces hit the location of the coast guard of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied Crimea. "SOF of Ukraine, together with other units of the Defense Forces, hit the objects of the 126th Coast Guard Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation," the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted on Telegram. As noted, several combat UAVs were used during the attack, causing damage to the location of the enemy unit in Perevalne in Crimea. As a result of the strikes, the enemy suffered losses in killed and wounded. "It was difficult to carry out the operation due to certain features of the terrain. But drones successfully covered the route and reached the targets," the SOF concluded. As reported, soldiers of the Special Operations Forces destroyed four enemy equipment units in the south of Ukraine. Russia has put one missile carrier equipped with four Kalibr cruise missiles on combat duty in the Black Sea. The Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. "As of 10:00 a.m. on 28.08.2023, there are six enemy ships on combat duty in the Black Sea, including one Kalibr cruise missile carrier, with a total volley of up to four missiles," the statement said. In addition, the presence of one Russian ship was recorded in the Sea of Azov. Read also: One Russian missile carrier spotted in Black Sea In the Mediterranean, eight Russian ships are on combat duty, including two Kalibr cruise missile carriers, with a total volley of up to 24 missiles. As reported, the Russian army fired Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukraine in the morning on August 28. Over the past day, the Defense Forces of Ukraine decimated 174 occupiers in Bakhmut direction and 57 more in Kupyansk direction. Ukrainian defenders advance with heavy fighting. "The defensive operation continues in Kupyansk direction. Our MLRS are constantly working and inflicting fire damage on massive accumulations of enemy equipment and personnel. In particular, over the past day, the defenders of Ukraine decimated 57 occupiers. They also destroyed three trucks, a dugout, and many other enemy equipment units. Our artillery, both cannon and rocket, our intelligence are constantly working, identifying key points where enemy equipment and command posts amass, and inflicting fire damage on them," Illia Yevlash, the head of the press service of the Eastern Group of Forces, said during the United News national telethon, Ukrinform reports. According to the spokesman, in Bakhmut direction, the enemy resorts to assaults, trying to regain positions taken by Ukrainian troops. Despite enemy resistance, the defense forces are advancing meter by meter with heavy fighting in the southern direction. Yevlash also noted that the enemy was actively throwing reserves, which have not undergone appropriate training, into battles. So, representatives of the so-called private military companies, which are not supported by artillery or heavy equipment, come first and they are followed by military personnel whom the Russian army protects. "Over the past day, our service members managed to destroy a drone control point. Seven combat engagements occurred also and they were unsuccessful for the enemy, which tried to break through our defense lines. Also, the defense forces eliminated 174 invaders, a tank, two IFVs, and a whole range of different artillery systems, both cannon and rocket, in Bakhmut direction. Moreover, BM-21 Grad MLRS, D-30 howitzer, eight vehicles used by the occupiers to deliver ammunition and personnel, four Orlan UAVs were destroyed. Now the enemy will have less capacities to see the positions of our troops and spot their artillery fire," Yevlash emphasized. He also added that the enemy continued digging anti-tank ditches, trying to strengthen them in various ways. In particular, engineering and mine-explosive barriers, the so-called "dragon's teeth", are being installed. At the same time, with proper planning, these barriers are not insurmountable, Yevlash noted. According to him, the enemy tactics in general remain unchanged. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Russia's attempts to recreate its spheres of influence must be stopped, otherwise it will encourage not only the Putin regime but also other aggressors. Fiala said this at a meeting of Czech ambassadors, BRNO Daily reports, according to Ukrinform. Fiala said that the chances for a quick resolution of the conflict (war in Ukraine) have proved slim and are getting slimmer. And that the consequences of Russias aggression are multiple and to some extent, they also contribute to a certain degree to the nervousness we feel in our country. There is even the threat of stalemate and the reality of a frozen conflict, according to many analysts. I dont think this is the only scenario we must pursue, but we must also keep this in mind and think about it in our strategies, he noted. Read also: Finland approves new military aid package worth EUR 94M for Ukraine As the Prime Minister reminded, China is also following the conflict in Ukraine in view of its own ambitions. Fiala emphasized that the Czech Republic should continue to provide civilian and military assistance to Ukraine and support its integration into the EU and NATO, while preparing for the country's post-war reconstruction. He warned that Russia's attempts to recreate spheres of influence must be stopped, otherwise it will encourage not only the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but also other aggressors. As reported, Fiala also praised Ukraine's progress on its path to the EU and NATO. He assured that Prague would provide maximum assistance to Ukraine "not only by opening doors," but also by persuading other partners to understand Kyiv's ambitions and help implement reforms. The captured invader told about how Russian military enlistment offices "encourage" people to go to war with threats and about the low level of training of military instructors in Russia. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, posted a video of the interrogation of the Russian military on Telegram, Ukrinform reported. Thus, the prisoner is a 32-year-old native of Kalmykia, a private of the 1008th regiment. He previously served his sentence in a penal colony. After his release, he was under supervision and had to report to the federal penitentiary system, where there were military enlistment officers. The military enlistment office threatened the man: either he would serve or go to prison because they would plant drugs on him. According to the prisoner, this is a common phenomenon in Russia. The capturer signed the contract on July 13. He was promised that his criminal record would be expunged and he would be paid 200 thousand rubles, but he was paid only 37.5 thousand. The soldier did not attend classes at the training ground and went home without permission. He was promised to be promoted to officer because he had a university degree. There was no water at the prisoner's position, so they were looking for food in the remains of dry rations. They were tasked with performing diversionary maneuvers and drawing fire on themselves. During the assault, the prisoner's group was attacked with grenades. He sustained concussion and wounds and was abandoned by his retreating comrades. The man almost bled to death. He was captured by Ukrainian defenders, where his life was saved. As reported, according to the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, about 20% of Russian prisoners surrender voluntarily. During the day, 26 combat engagements took place between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian troops. This is stated in the report by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 18:00 on August 28 published on Facebook. During the day, the enemy launched eight missile strikes, 30 airstrikes, and 19 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated settlements. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, civilians were killed and injured. Residential buildings, schools, and other civilian infrastructure objects were destroyed, the report reads Twenty-six combat engagements occurred during the day. In Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation has not changed significantly. In Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna directions, the aggressor launched airstrikes in the areas of Popivka and Slavhorod in Sumy region. Mortars and artillery were fired at more than 20 settlements, in particular, Karpovychi, Kamin in Chernihiv region; Volfyne, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Popivka, Stukalivka in Sumy region; Mala Vovcha, Okhrymivka, Veterynarne in Kharkiv region. In Kupyansk direction, the enemy carried out an air strike near Ivanivka and Kyslivka in Kharkiv region. The settlements of Kyslivka, Kolodiazne, and Berestove in Kharkiv region were hit with artillery and mortars. In Lyman direction, the Russian invaders launched airstrikes near Tverdokhlibove, Bilohorivka in Luhansk region; Spirne in Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements came under enemy artillery fire, including Nevske, Bilohorivka in Luhansk region; Verkhniokamyanske, Torske, Spirne in Donetsk region. In Bakhmut direction, the aggressor launched an airstrike in the area of New York in Donetsk region. More than 15 settlements, including Pryvillia, Hryhorivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiyivka, and Druzhba in Donetsk region, were hit with enemy artillery. In Avdiyivka direction, the enemy launched an air strike in the area of Avdiyivka. Oleksandropil, Novokalynove, Avdiyivka, and Sieverne in Donetsk region were shelled with artillery and mortars. In Maryinka direction, the defense forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the area of Maryinka, Donetsk region. The aggressor launched an airstrike in the areas of Krasnohorivka and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Pobieda, Novomykhaylivka, Katerynivka in Donetsk region were hit with artillery. In Shakhtarske direction, the enemy carried out airstrikes in the areas of Vodiane, Novosilka, Blahodatne in Donetsk region. Such settlements as Vuhledar, Vodiane, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, and Urozhayne in Donetsk region came under enemy artillery fire. In Zaporizhzhia direction, the invaders launched airstrikes in the areas of Robotyne and Novodanylivka in Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements came under artillery fire, including Novodarivka, Poltavka, Huliaypilske, Charivne, Mali Shcherbaky, Kamyanske in Zaporizhzhia region. In Kherson direction, the enemy launched airstrikes in the areas of Mykolayivka and Olhivka in Kherson region. Kherson, Sadove in Kherson region; Ochakiv in Mykolayiv region were hit with artillery. At the same time, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct the offensive operation in Melitopol direction, gain a foothold on the achieved boundaries, and carry out counter-battery fight. "During the day, the aviation of the defense forces launched eight strikes on enemy personnel concentration areas, one on a command post, and three on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems," the General Staff informs. In addition, missile and artillery units hit two command posts, an air defense system, and an artillery system on firing position. President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that investments from various countries will come to Ukraine after the victory and declared the ability to rebuild a transparent state after the war. "It seems to me that we can rebuild a transparent state after the war. I believe it will be so. There will also be internal fluctuations, unfortunately. And I would like to reassure our society: do not forget the priority. We should preserve our advantage over Russia a strong united society. And I think this is the most important thing. I am sure that a lot of money will come to Ukraine after the victory from the EU, the USA, and simply from friends. There are investments. Believe me, we are talking with various countries on other continents, large, powerful, independent states. Yes, they are not part of any unions, but nevertheless, they support us today, not very publicly. They will be able to enter the fundamental economic sectors of Ukraine, energy. And these are serious investments," Zelensky told Natalia Mosiychuk in an interview, Ukrinform reports. The Ukrainian society now needs victories, he added. "We have been in such a difficult position for a very long time in the war against Russia or for ourselves. We are definitely against the enemy and society needs real victories that will unite us. And I understand the psychological state. Sometimes there is fatigue, and this is a fact. We are all human. And that's why we need fundamental, sometimes very drastic steps in relation to corruption risks to deal with the priority direction and this is the battlefield, this is politics, this is the peace formula. That is, de-occupation is both on the battlefield and in political terms. We need to focus on this," the President believes. Earlier, President Zelenskyy called on Ukrainian ambassadors to work actively towards attracting foreign investments. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Sunday for the African Union to be made a G20 member, while also pitching his country as the solution to supply chain woes ahead of the bloc's summit in New Delhi next month. The Group of 20 major economies consists of 19 countries and the EU, making up about 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population -- but South Africa is the only member from the continent. In December, U.S. President Joe Biden said he wanted the African Union "to join the G20 as a permanent member," adding that it had "been a long time in coming, but it's going to come." On Sunday, current G20 host Modi also called for including the pan-African bloc, which collectively had a $3 trillion GDP last year. "We have invited the African Union with a vision to give permanent membership," Modi said at B20, a business forum and prelude to the September 9-10 G20 summit. Participants of the international conference "Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Justice must be served", which took place in Kyiv on 21 August, signed a joint communique calling for the creation of an international Tribunal to try top Russian political leaders for the crime of aggression. This is reported by Ukrinform, referring to the Office of the President of Ukraine. "We call on the international community to join forces and work closely and jointly with Ukraine to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Special Tribunal should become a legitimate and authoritative mechanism of justice, which will be able to effectively carry out its work - to bring to justice representatives of the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation for the crime of aggression against Ukraine," the document says. In particular, the conference participants believe that the creation of the Special Tribunal should be the international community's response to the blatant and gross violation by the Russian Federation of the UN Charter, namely the principle of non-use of force or threat of force. "The establishment of the Special Tribunal will also play an important role in preventing possible future aggressions, as possible aggressors will see that acts of aggression receive an appropriate legal response. The crime of aggression committed by Russia's political and military leadership against Ukraine should not be left without an appropriate legal response. Therefore, we call on the international community to work actively and effectively to establish a Special Tribunal to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine," the communique reads. The document was signed by, among others: Richard Goldstone, South African former judge. First Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda; David Crane, American lawyer, former Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL); Mark S. Ellis, Executive Director of International Bar Association; Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations; Geoffrey Nice, British barrister. Lead prosecutor for the UN in trial of Slobodan Milosevic's; Stephan Hobe, Professor, Director of the Institute of Air Law, Space law and Cyber Law as well as Co-Director of the International Investment Law Centre Cologne; Emanuelis Zingeris, Lithuanian MP, Head of Lithuanian delegation to PACE, Rapporteur of the PACE two resolutions and rapports of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Vice president of European affaires Committee of Seimas; Roderich Kiesewetter, Member of the German Bundestag, Spokesperson for crisis prevention, Foreign Policy Representative; Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica, Latvian MP, part of a Committee of Foreign Affairs and a Committee of European Affairs. Head of Latvian delegation of the PACE; Terje Einarsen Professor of International Law, University of Bergen; Antoine Garapon, secretario general del Instituto de Altos Estudios sobre Justicia. The Czech Republic will support Ukraine on the path towards achieving peace which is possible only on Ukrainian terms and principles of international law. "A peaceful solution can be achieved only with the participation of Ukraine and according to its rules. The Czech Republic supports Ukraine's 10-point peace plan. We also offered help in filling it," Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavsky said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Prague, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Lipavsky assured his colleague that the Czech Republic would continue to support and provide assistance to Ukraine until its victory in the war unleashed by Russia. He emphasized that it is impossible to make any concessions, if this would mean a violation of international law, it is impossible to exchange peace for any part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. "Our only defense against Russian imperialism is active support for Ukraine, support for its accession to NATO and the EU," said the head of the Czech diplomacy, adding that Ukraine must fulfill the necessary conditions and carry out the necessary reforms to join the EU. The ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, the possibilities of ending the war, and coordinated international efforts. In particular, the diplomats touched upon the preparations for the second Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, which will be held in Prague on October 24, and the Forum for Ukraine which is also planned to be held in Prague as part of Forum 2000 in October. "The Czech Republic wants to show with these actions that it is a stable and reliable partner of Ukraine," Lipavsky noted. He thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for the security shield that protects the Czech Republic from the Russian invaders. The courage of the Ukrainian people deserves deep gratitude, the diplomat emphasized. Photo: Piratska strana Some of the winners at the ceremony The finest travel brands from across the Caribbean and the Americas have been unveiled at World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 in Saint Lucia. Winners included Jamaica, which saw off a tough field to emerge as Caribbeans Leading Destination, as well as Caribbeans Leading Cruise Destination and Caribbeans Leading Tourist Board. Turks & Caicos was voted Caribbean's Leading Beach Destination. The Bahamas took the title of Caribbeans Leading Luxury Island Destination. Canada was named North Americas Leading Destination, whilst Miami Beach claimed the coveted title of North Americas Leading City Destination and Seattle claimed North Americas Leading Meeting & Conference Destination. The Mexican resort of Tulum, with its great beaches, lush jungles and Mayan ruins, was named Mexico & Central Americas Leading Beach Destination. Costa Rica picked up the top prize for Mexico & Central Americas Leading Destination. Peru was voted South Americas Leading Destination, whilst its cutting-edge gastronomy was recognised with South Americas Leading Culinary Destination. The romantic charms of San Carlos de Bariloche were acknowledged as the Argentine resort picked up South Americas Leading Honeymoon Destination Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: It has been a privilege to start our 30th anniversary celebrations on the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, which has hosted an incredible ceremony featuring the leading lights of travel from across the Caribbean and Americas. Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark. The breadth and depth of Saint Lucias tourism offerings was reinforced with three key awards: the majestic island was named Caribbeans Leading Honeymoon Destination, Caribbeans Leading Adventure Destination and Caribbean's Leading Nature Destination. Dr Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information, remarked: We take immense pride in hosting the 30th annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and the Americas Gala Ceremony, an event that truly highlighted Saint Lucia's remarkable hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Being honoured with three significant accolades that will undoubtedly enhance our marketing endeavours is a source of great honour. This recognition serves to further strengthen our standing as a premier destination and serves as a motivating force to continue providing unparalleled world-class experiences to global travellers, spanning adventure, romance, and the wonders of nature. Hospitality Sector In the hospitality sector, winners included Amanyara, Turks & Caicos (Caribbeans Leading Beach Resort); Jamaicas Halfmoon (Caribbeans Leading Hotel); Round Hill Hotel & Villas (Caribbeans Leading Villa Resort); Beaches Turks & Caicos (Caribbeans Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort). The relentless drive for excellence helped Sandals Resorts International to lift the title of Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia was hailed Caribbeans Leading Luxury Resort and Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia took Caribbeans Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort. From the Americas, notable winners included Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun (Mexico & Central America's Leading Beach Resort); Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica (Mexico & Central America's Leading Green Hotel); Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana, Ecuador (South America's Leading City Hotel); Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverley Hills (California's Leading Hotel); The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (California's Leading Resort); One&Only Palmilla (Mexicos Leading Luxury Resort); The St. Regis New York (North America's Leading Wedding Hotel); Mandarin Oriental, Santiago (Chile's Leading Business Hotel). Aviation Sector In the aviation sector, Bahamasair was named Caribbeans Leading Airline, whilst Sangster International Airport, Jamaica took Caribbeans Leading Airport. Prive Jets won the title of North Americas Leading Private Jet Charter. Air Canada was named North America's Leading Airline. Other winners include GO! Jamaica Travel (Caribbeans Leading Tour Operator); Enchanting Travels (North Americas Leading Tour Operator); Costamar Travel (South Americas Leading Travel Agency); Llama Path, Peru (South Americas Responsible Tourism Award); Liberty Travel (United States Leading Travel Agency); and Skylux Travel (North America's Leading Travel Agency); and Ekinox Tours (Mexico & Central America's Leading Adventure Tour Operator). Find a full list of winners on the official WTA website. - TradeArabia News Service Thailand said this week it is preparing to sue Facebook in a move that could see the platform shut down nationwide over scammers allegedly exploiting the social networking site to cheat local users out of tens of millions of dollars a year. The country's minister of digital economy and society, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, announced the planned lawsuit after a ministry meeting on Monday. Ministry spokesperson Wetang Phuangsup told VOA on Thursday the case would be filed in one to two weeks, possibly by the end of the month. "We are in the stage of gathering information, gathering evidence, and we will file to the court to issue the final judgment on how to deal with Facebook since they are a part of the scamming," he said. Some of the most common scams, Wetang said, involve paid advertisements on the site urging people to invest in fake companies, often using the logo of Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission or sham endorsements from local celebrities to lure them in. Of the roughly 16,000 online scamming complaints filed in Thailand last year, he said, 70 percent to 80 percent involved Facebook and cost users upwards of $100 million. "We believe that Facebook has a responsibility," Wetang said. "Facebook is taking money from advertising a lot, and basically even taking money from Thai society as a whole. Facebook should be more responsible to society, should screen the advertising... We believe that by doing so it would definitely decrease the investment scam in Thailand on the Facebook." Wetang said the ministry had been urging the company to do more to screen and vet paid ads for the past year and was now turning to the courts to possibly shut the site down as a last resort. "If you are supporting the crime, especially on the internet, you will be liable [for] the crime, and by the law, it's possible the court can issue the shutdown of Facebook," he said. "By law, we can ask the court to suspend or punish all the people who support the crime, of course with evidence." 55 kilograms of narcotic drugs were seized by customs and border officers from the UNODC-supported Border Liaison Office in Uzbekistan UNODC concentrates its efforts on supporting the vulnerable border areas against the trafficking of Afghan opiates through strengthening the border crossing points and establishing the working intelligence-sharing and enhanced cross-border communication mechanisms allowing detection and interception of contraband, including narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. On 17 August 2023, customs and border officers from the UNODC-supported Border Liaison Office (BLO) at the Oybek border crossing point (BCP) located in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan intercepted a large shipment of drugs. Drugs by weight of 55 kg were identified in the vehicle, which are 49 polyethylene packages in a gas cylinder of the vehicle and 31 polyethylene packages in a petrol tank. The experts of Central Customs Laboratory concluded that the packages included 52.8 kg of hashish, more than 2 kg of heroin and a tube of glue with 950 grams of synthetic drug. Border Liaison Office (BLO) at the BCP Oybek BCP was established in 2014 and is one of 23 BLOs in Central Asian region which were established at the key border crossing points under the Regional initiative on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation in Central Asia of the Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia. It is the first project to establish BLOs in Central Asia, and its stakeholders are the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Border Troops, Customs and Drug Control Agencies of each country. For further information please contact: Arifa Fatikhova Communications and External Relations Officer United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Central Asia Mobile: (+998 99) 825-05-43 | Email: arifa.fatikhova[at]un.org (@Abdulla99267510) ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain approved their post-arrest bail, requiring both individuals to provide surety bonds of Rs30,000 each. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 28th, 2023) An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has granted bail to human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Ali Wazir in connection with a sedition case. The case pertained to a controversial speech made against state institutions. ATC Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain approved their post-arrest bail, requiring both individuals to provide surety bonds of Rs30,000 each. Imaan and Wazir were taken into custody on August 20 after allegedly delivering the contentious speech during a PTM public rally. On August 19, two first information reports (FIRs) were registered against them at Tarnol police station and Counter-Terrorism Department police station, following the PTM rally in the capital city. Charges against them include sedition, obstructing the duties of government officials, and causing damage to public property. During the recent hearing, Prosecutor Raja Naveed stated that over 1,000 people were present during the rally where Imaan criticized state institutions. He mentioned that Imaan accused government officials of treason in her speech, although the USB containing the speech had not yet been received. In a previous hearing on August 24, Imaan and Wazir were presented before the ATC judge after a three-day physical remand. The prosecutor requested an extension for their remand. The court was informed that voice matching and photogrammetry for Imaan and Wazir had been completed. The investigating officer mentioned that Imaan received a piece of paper from which she crafted the speech. The officer suggested that further interrogation was needed to determine the origin of the paper. Judge Zulqarnain emphasized that decisions would be made solely based on justice. As a result, both Imaan and Wazir were subsequently remanded into a 14-day judicial remand on Thursday. Regarding the FIRs, the first one pertained to "interference in state affairs." It was filed by Tarnol Station House Officer (SHO) Miam Mohammad Imran, citing violations during the PTM rally. The FIR included charges under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), such as rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstructing public servants. The second FIR was filed under PPC Sections 124A (sedition), 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), and 149 (offenses committed by members of an unlawful assembly with a common objective), among others. (@Abdulla99267510) The meeting will involve in-depth discussions with Chief Ministers, focusing on initiatives to promote energy conservation and address the increased electricity bills observed in July. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 28th, 2023) In a bid to address the concerns raised by the recent surge in electricity bills, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar will preside over a second meeting to formulate a comprehensive strategy. This strategy aims to tackle the issue of inflated electricity bills, which has sparked widespread protests throughout the nation. Scheduled for today, the meeting will involve in-depth discussions with Chief Ministers, focusing on initiatives to promote energy conservation and address the increased electricity bills observed in July. During the meeting, a detailed compilation of individuals and organizations benefitting from complimentary electricity will be presented. A press release from the Prime Minister's Office underlines the commitment to avoid hastily implemented measures that could adversely affect the nation's interests. Prime Minister Kakar has instructed relevant authorities to develop practical measures to reduce the impact of inflated electricity bills and submit the proposed plan within the next 48 hours. Sources indicate that immediate relief regarding electricity bills could not be finalized in today's session. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, where discussions will continue pertaining to electricity rates and billing practices. It is noted that the caretaker prime minister is actively seeking reports and recommendations to alleviate the burden on the public. The emergency meeting was convened following widespread demonstrations across multiple cities. Protesters expressed their discontent by burning their electricity bills and staging roadblocks. They demanded a reversal of the recent tariff hike and the discontinuation of additional taxes. Officials from the power ministry provided the prime minister with insights into electricity pricing. They emphasized that the National Electric Power and Regulatory Authority (Nepra) holds the authority to determine power tariffs in the country. They mentioned that rate adjustments were made in accordance with the consumer price index (CPI). Further details from officials revealed that fluctuations in fuel costs also contributed to changes in electricity prices. Additionally, the cost of imported coal surged to Rs61,000 per metric ton, up from the previous rate of Rs51,000. The increase in electricity prices will primarily impact consumers using more than 400 units. On average, domestic users will experience an increase of Rs3.82 per unit, with the per-unit price for August 2023 standing at Rs33.89. Approximately 63.5 percent of total consumers will remain unaffected by this tariff adjustment. For 31.6 percent of domestic consumers, there will be an increase of up to Rs6.5 per unit. A smaller fraction, accounting for 4.9 percent of consumers, will witness a hike of Rs7.5 per unit. (@Abdulla99267510) The actresss innate charm and exquisite facial attributes garnered substantial admiration. KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 28th, 2023) Lollywood diva Ayaza Khan who always sunned her fans ad friends surprised by her captivating snapshot from her the latest photoshoot. Ayeza Khan's innate charm and exquisite facial attributes garnered substantial admiration. Her recent photoshoot, posted on the widely-used photo and video sharing platform Instagram, has effortlessly captured the limelight. The allure of Ayeza Khan was further accentuated by her choice of a graceful saree, adding an extra layer of allure to her appearance. Enthralled by Ayeza Khan's captivating appeal, her devoted fans couldn't help but shower praises upon her unparalleled beauty. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Libya's internationally recognised prime minister has suspended his top diplomat after she met her Israeli counterpart, with news of the encounter triggering demonstrations in a country that does not recognise Israel Tripoli, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Aug, 2023 ) :Libya's internationally recognised prime minister has suspended his top diplomat after she met her Israeli counterpart, with news of the encounter triggering demonstrations in a country that does not recognise Israel. Oil-rich Libya, which plunged into chaos after dictator Moamer Kadhafi was toppled and killed in 2011, has been divided since 2014 between the UN-supported government of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah in Tripoli and a rival administration based in the country's east. Angry protesters took to the streets of the capital and other western cities on Sunday night, blocking roads with burning tyres and waving Palestinian flags, after it emerged that Najla al-Mangoush had met with her Israeli counterpart in Rome last week. Mangoush was "provisionally suspended and subject to an 'administrative investigation'", Dbeibah's government said, hours after Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the "unprecedented" meeting had taken place. On Monday, Libya's Internal Security Agency (ISA) said Mangoush had not been authorised to leave the North African country after reports on social media that she had flown to Turkey overnight as the protests flared. Internet users had posted the tracking details from the FlightRadar website of a flight said to be carrying Mangoush from Mitiga airport in Tripoli to Istanbul. "Surveillance cameras will prove this" is false, the ISA said in a statement. Mangoush "is on the travel ban list until she submits to the investigation", said the security agency. Turkey's Anadolu news agency, citing security sources, said Mangoush had already left for Istanbul following the diplomatic furore. There was no official confirmation of the flight from Ankara or Tripoli, however. Lankford Completes Summer Internship with Airbus Mon, 08/28/2023 - 03:41pm | By: David Tisdale University of Southern Mississippi (USM) graduate student Ashley Lankford gained valuable experience in corporate public relations through a summer internship with Airbus, a global pioneer in the aerospace industry that operates in the commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense, and space sectors. A native of Satsuma, Alabama, Lankford graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication studies from USMs School of Media and Communication in the summer of 2022. Since then, she has pursued graduate studies at the university and will finish in May 2024 with a master's degree in communications. An Airbus recruiter emailed her in January asking if she would be interested in interning with Airbus at its Mobile, Alabama Manufacturing Site (MMS) over the summer. As a native of Mobile County, Lankford knows firsthand how impactful the company has been to her community, and immediately applied. Airbus is a leader in designing, manufacturing, and delivering aerospace products, services, and solutions to customers worldwide. It employs approximately 134,000 people and is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, and a global leader in the aviation industry. I wanted to see how a global, for-profit organization was run, Lankford explained. Ive been exposed to several non-profits, and USM has allowed me to have insight into the communications realm of higher education. I know that I want to pursue a career that is fast-paced, and the Mobile Manufacturing Site (MMS) is one of the fastest growing Airbus sites worldwide. This quick growth and constant development interested me a great deal and led to me applying. The opportunity to work with Airbus allowed me the chance to utilize the skills I have been taught at USM and expand my knowledge base with hands-on training in a global market. Lankford interned in the Airbus communications department from May 23 until Aug. 4, one of 14 interns chosen to be a part of its first official summer internship cohort. There, she was tasked with developing a strategic communications plan for the EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) Department specifically relating to sustainability. She was also charged with creating and enhancing ISO 14001 communications, as well as Environmental Regulatory communications on site. The work I was able to do this summer will be used on site for a number of years to come, which was so exciting, Lankford said. Lankford said the biggest takeaway from her experience at Airbus was learning that it takes a team of people actively working together to achieve a goal to be successful. Global companies and even the Mobile Manufacturing Site are far too large for one person to tackle alone, so this summer I learned a great deal about teamwork in a professional setting, she continued. I also learned a lot about seeking out information that you may not know immediately. As an intern, it can be intimidating to ask questions at times, but this summer I saw first-hand how beneficial questions can be. Lankford also benefited from being exposed to so many people who truly had my best interest at heart and wanted my project to succeed. Most everyone I met at Airbus was beyond willing to give me greater insight into their job or offer me advice on how to make my final product better, she said. I was thankful for that, and was even more thankful for Ryan Hopkins in EHS, who helped me daily understand the complex world of environment regulations and environmental communications. Through this internship I was able to see how numerous positions across departments impact a final goal. Interning at Airbus also helped Lankford more clearly map out her interests and career goals. Ultimately, I would like to be the chief communications officer or chief executive officer of a company. This summer allowed me to gain a greater insight into what that role may look like and exposed me to the importance of an effective communication department. Lankford encourages college students at every level to take advantage of internship opportunities, even if not required for graduation. Theres nothing like having real world experience in the field you are interested in, and internships give students the opportunity to become involved with an organization and learn so much, she explained. Most places want to see their interns grow in their knowledge of the company, but also in their understanding of the field they are working in. Thats invaluable as one completes their degree and pushes forward to their next goal in life. Chinese tour groups are returning now the ban has been lifted and breathing fresh life into Seoul's tourist attractions. The Myeong-dong shopping district and Gwanghwamun area are already bustling with Chinese tourists, and many more are expected. According to the Justice Ministry last Friday, 11,801 Chinese arrived on Aug. 11, the first day when Chinese group tourist were allowed to enter Korea again. A daily average of 10,839 arrived from Aug. 11 to 14, up about 30 percent from the previous 10-day average. Only a week after the lifting of the group tour ban, more than 800,000 Chinese had already made bookings on 267 cruise ships bound for Jeju Island. An official with the Jeju Tourism Organization said, "We expect that there'll be more flights in preparation for an explosive increase in the number of Chinese tourists ahead of long holidays including China's Moon Festival in late September and Golden Week in early October." Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Cars made by Korea's Hyundai have claimed the first and second spot in this year's U.S. Tech Experience Index published by market researcher JD Power. The index valuates consumer satisfaction with technologies from convenience to automation, and this year 80,000 consumers were surveyed. This is the first time that both Hyundai and its luxury Genesis brand have secured the top two positions. More than 1,000 health experts, including African Cabinet ministers, are in Botswana for the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa meeting to discuss health challenges facing the continent. Delegates want the continent to be better prepared for the next pandemic following Africas poor response to COVID-19. Speaking at the start of the five-day meeting Monday, Jean Kaseya, head of Africas Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said it is important for the continent to be pandemic-ready, after being found wanting during COVID-19. The next pandemic is coming," Kaseya said. "This next pandemic we need to be prepared like other continents are preparing themselves. We need to see how Africa can be more independent by manufacturing their own vaccines. The second one is how we can provide funding for our pandemic preparedness, prevention and response. Africa faced challenges inoculating its population due to the difficulty in buying adequate amounts of the vaccine. Fewer than 10 percent of Africans are vaccinated. Additionally, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus says climate change is compounding Africas health challenges. The climate crisis is a health crisis, which is why I encourage member states to participate actively at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, which will feature a day dedicated to health for the first time," Tedros said. "Health systems are increasingly dealing with the consequence of climate change in terms of communicable and non-communicable diseases and the impacts of more frequent and more severe, extreme weather. COP28 is the United Nations climate change conference, taking place later this year in Dubai. Botswanas President Mokgweetsi Masisi says COVID-19 exposed inequalities in tackling a pandemic, which he adds, must be avoided in future. The inequities in access to vaccines, PPE and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic will probably remain one of the major failures of the international community in the 21st century... Diseases have no borders, pandemics are global and therefore, the risks to one country invariably affect another," Masisi said. While rich countries used their financial power to purchase COVID vaccines, distribution in Africa was erratic. WHOs regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, says the continent emerged from the pandemic with important lessons learned. Although we are living in a challenging global context of health, recent advancements in our member states demonstrate that the future of health in the Africa region is hopeful," Moeti said. "African leaders are more directly taking charge of continental institutions and are taking action. The future is hopeful because you are using important lessons from the pandemic to enhance our preparedness and response to health emergencies. The meeting is also expected to discuss ways to transform health care in Africa, including developing telemedicine strategies. Anti-Hezbollah sentiment is growing in Lebanon, especially among the countrys Christian population following the continuing impasse over the election of a president and the recent death of a Lebanese Christian in a shootout with Hezbollah. The Iran-backed Shiite Hezbollah political party enjoyed some degree of legitimacy in Lebanon because of its governing alliance with former President Michel Aouns Christian Free Patriotic Movement, says Lebanese analyst Dania Koleilat Khatib. But the relationship became strained over Hezbollahs repeated demand for Suleiman Frangieh to become president, a post traditionally held by a Christian. The Free Patriotic Movement and other Christian politicians have united to reject him. Although Frangieh is a Christian, he has aligned with Hezbollah and has close ties to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, a truck full of Hezbollah weapons overturned in the Christian town of Kahale recently, sparking clashes between Hezbollah gunmen and residents. One Christian and one Hezbollah member were killed. These incidents are roiling Christians and other Lebanese who say they are fed up with Hezbollahs dominance and want to regain control, Khatib told VOA. Khatib is the president of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building in Beirut. There is a big push back from Christians. Its not only the issue of president, Khatib said. They feel their presence, their existence is being threatened. Hezbollah still doesnt realize that the show of power is creating a backlash. They still have the mentality: We are powerful. We dont need to compromise. Khatib said some Lebanese have told her they want federalism to decrease Hezbollah's power while others say they want a state separate from Shiite power. They said they need arms to fight to divide the country because they cannot live with Hezbollah and its supporters. Lebanese economist Nadim Shehadi, writing in Saudi Arabias Arab News, said, "But not all federalists agree on the same formula or have the same rationale. The common theme is that, if we cannot live with an armed Hezbollah and we cannot fight it or disarm it, then the alternative is some degree of separation." Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut said Hezbollah has done the Christian community repeated harm in the past three years. Christians hold the party responsible for the ammonium nitrate explosion at Beirut port in August 2020, which destroyed large swathes of Beiruts mostly Christian-majority quarters. Hezbollah is suspected of having stored the material, Young wrote in Dubais The National newspaper. Young said Hezbollahs claim that it protects Lebanon against Israel is wearing thin even among some in the Shiite community, as the militants use the threat of war against Israel to maintain its military and political control, while other Lebanese are wary of another civil war eruptin The sectarian pushback at home appears to have led the party to try reshaping the disintegrating Lebanese order around its interests, Young wrote. This reflects hubris. As Hezbollah imposes its way, Lebanons other communities will increasingly resist whatever the party initiates. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s family to mark Mondays 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, where King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. All of King's children have been invited, White House officials have said. The Democratic president was taking a page out of history by opening the Oval Office to King's family. On Aug. 28, 1963, the day of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, President John F. Kennedy welcomed King and other key march organizers to the Oval for a meeting. The White House did not include the meeting on Biden's public schedule for Monday. Biden also was hosting a reception Monday evening to mark the 60th anniversary of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit legal organization that was established at Kennedys request to help advocate for racial justice. The 1963 march is still considered one of the greatest and most consequential racial justice demonstrations in U.S. history. The nonviolent protest attracted as many as 250,000 people to the Lincoln Memorial and provided momentum for Congress to pass landmark civil rights and voting rights legislation in the years that followed. King was assassinated in April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. On Saturday, thousands converged on the National Mall to commemorate the march, with speakers and others saying a country still riven by racial inequality has yet to fulfill King's dream of a colorblind society in which his four children "will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." The event was convened by the King family's Drum Major Institute and the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network. President Joe Biden is heading to Vietnam next month to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other Vietnamese leaders, the White House announced on Monday. The president will arrive in Hanoi on Sept. 10, tacking on the one-day visit to the Vietnamese capital after attending the annual Group of 20 leaders' summit in India. "The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand our people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. The White House also announced on Monday that Biden will stop in Alaska on his way home from Vietnam to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. He will take part in a memorial ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage with members of the military, first responders and their families, Jean-Pierre said. The announcement about Vietnam comes after weeks of Biden hinting at a possible visit. He said at a July 29 campaign reception in Freeport, Maine, that Vietnam's leader wanted to meet him. He then told donors at a New Mexico reception earlier this month that he would "be going to Vietnam shortly because Vietnam wants to change our relationship and become a partner." "I've gotten a call from the head of Vietnam, desperately wants to meet me when I go to the G20," Biden said at the Freeport reception. "He wants to elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China. What do you think that's about? No, I'm not joking." Biden has put a premium on improving and expanding relationships in southeast Asia throughout his time in office amid growing U.S. concern about China's growing military and economic influence in the region. At the same time, Biden and his aides have repeatedly said they seek to improve communication between the two governments to work on issues on which the Democratic administration says they have common interest such as global efforts to combat climate change and avoid unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. The United States for years has sought to strengthen relations with Vietnam, which has cautiously approached entreaties by Washington. Both China and Russia have long served as key trading partners for Vietnam. The Vietnam visit was announced after Biden earlier this month hosted the leaders of Japan and South Korea for a historic summit at the U.S. presidential retreat of Camp David to cement a new economic and security agreement. Five people, including four children, died and dozens were rescued Monday in two separate incidents involving migrant boats heading to Greek islands from nearby Turkish shores, Greek authorities said. The coast guard said four people died and 18 were rescued after a boat carrying migrants apparently sank northeast of the Greek island of Lesbos, which is near the Turkish coast. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said all four were children: an 8-year-old boy and three girls aged 14, 8 and 11 months. Coast guard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou said the incident occurred within Turkish territorial waters but the Turkish coast guard did not conduct a rescue operation, so a Greek patrol boat recovered the passengers. The survivors were taken to Lesbos' main port of Mytilene, where two people were transferred to a local hospital. Earlier Monday at about 1 a.m., a coast guard patrol boat spotted a dinghy carrying 37 people off the eastern Aegean Island of Samos, the coast guard said. It said the passengers fell into the water upon seeing the patrol boat, triggering a rescue operation. A woman and a young boy were pulled from the water unconscious and coast guard officers performed CPR, authorities said. The woman died but the boy survived and was transferred to a hospital on Samos along with nine other survivors, the coast guard said. We express our deepest sadness for the five deaths, Marinakis said at a regular briefing. He praised the coast guard for superhuman efforts to rescue lives at sea. It is imperative that the dismal smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable people are struck at their roots, he said. Over the weekend, the coast guard said it picked up dozens of people from boats near eastern Aegean Sea islands, part of an increase in new arrivals over the past two months. It said it recovered 20 people from a dinghy off the coast of Lesbos on Sunday, and 11 others from another dinghy that was sinking near the same island on Saturday. Two other boats arrived on Samos on Saturday, the coast guard said, one carrying 35 people and one with 21 people. For decades, Greece has been a preferred entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict or poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and hoping for a better life in Europe. More than 14,000 people have reached Greece by land and sea so far this year, according to United Nations figures. Thats about a tenth of the total successful Mediterranean crossings, most of which about 104,000 were to Italy. Arrivals in Greece for the whole of 2022 totaled 19,000. In June, a battered fishing trawler heading from Libya to Italy with an estimated 500-750 people on board sank in international waters off southwestern Greece. Only 104 survivors were found, and Greek authorities were heavily criticized for failing to evacuate the vessel in time. The government has attributed the rise in migrant crossings since then to better summer weather and smugglers taking advantage of an increase in Aegean small boat traffic during the tourist season. After nearly a million people entered Greece at the height of Europes 2015 migration crisis, the vast majority hoping to move north to wealthier European countries, Greece increased patrols along the sea and land border with Turkey to halt arrivals. Human rights groups and migrants denounced the government for carrying out summary deportations of people arriving in the country without allowing them to apply for asylum, an accusation the government strongly denied. On August 22, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions on Chinese officials suspected of involvement in the "forcible assimilation" of Tibetan children into state-run boarding schools. Blinken said the move was in response to China's coercive policies that seek to "eliminate Tibet's district linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans." Blinken's comments angered Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded on August 23, saying the boarding schools were set up to help the highly scattered population in Tibet to congregate and to ensure all children's equal right to education: "The rights and freedoms of all ethnic groups, including the freedom of religious belief and the freedom to use and develop their ethnic groups' spoken and written languages, are fully protected," Wang told reporters. "The boarding schools in Tibet are examples of human rights and cultural heritage protection. The so-called 'forced assimilation' is pure fabrication." That is false. According to a U.N. Human Rights Office report published in February, about 1 million Tibetan children have been herded into state-run boarding schools as part of a push to forcibly assimilate Tibetans into China's majority Han culture. The U.N. report indicated that the curriculum and environment in these residential schools are built around Han culture, with textbook content centered on the experience of Han students. "Children of the Tibetan minority are forced to complete a 'compulsory education' curriculum in Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) without access to traditional or culturally relevant learning," the report said. It also noted that these schools fail to provide a substantive study of the Tibetan minority's language, history and culture. At the same time, the number of boarding schools operating in and outside of Tibet has substantially increased, the U.N. experts pointed out. In 2010, China introduced a policy of "bilingual education" for all schools in minority areas in China. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based rights group, this approach to minority education is considered appropriate internationally when it promotes competency in both the local and the national language. Yet HRW pointed out that in Tibet's case, authorities put "indirect pressure to push primary schools, where an increasing number of ethnic Chinese teachers are teaching, to adopt Chinese-medium instruction at the expense of Tibetan, such as allocating increasing numbers of ethnic Chinese teachers who do not speak Tibetan to positions in Tibetan schools." While Tibetan and English courses would be taught in Tibetan, courses other than Tibetan and English were to be taught in Mandarin Chinese. The policy restricting the use of Tibetan in schools sparked protests by Tibetan students across China. An article published by China's state-run Global Times newspaper in January 2016 confirmed that Tibetan schools, especially in urban areas, were increasingly "using Putonghua [standard Chinese] as the primary language of instruction, with Tibetan being used only in classes where the Tibetan language is the topic of the class, if it is taught at all." In 2018, an activist who campaigned for Tibetan language education was sentenced to five years in prison for "inciting separatism." In August 2021, China's leader Xi Jinping said all ethnic groups must place the nation above all else. "All ethnic groups should be guided to always place the interests of the Chinese nation above anything else, with their consciousness of different ethnic groups serving the sense of community for the Chinese nation as a whole," the Xinhua News Agency quoted Xi as telling a central conference on ethnic affairs in Beijing in August 2021. Xi also stressed that "ethnic separatism and religious extremism should be continuously eliminated" and the Chinese Communist Party's "leadership over ethnic work must be upheld." Marlene Engelhorn wants the rich to pay more in taxes. The position of this 30-year-old Austrian woman who was born in Vienna probably wouldnt be very surprising if it werent for the fact that she herself is a future billionaire. According to Forbes magazine, Engelhorn is set to inherit a portion of the $4 billion fortune left behind by her deceased grandmother, Traudl Engelhorn. Since 2008, Austria has not had an inheritance tax. Engelhorn has always lived a life of abundance. As a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn who, in 1865, founded the multinational chemical company BASF she hails from one of the most prominent Austro-German families. However, while attending a public university to study German literature, the heiress began to question her wealth and feel concerned about the overwhelming majority of people who will never attain the financial security that she was born into. She joined activist movements concerned with LGBT+ rights and social inequality. She also contacted organizations made up of rich Americans such as Patriotic Millionaires and Resource Generation to learn about what could be done to reduce wealth inequality. Last year, she helped create Tax Me Now, an initiative of rich people committed to achieving tax justice in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as explained on the groups website. The initiative collects signatures to achieve systemic tax reform in German-speaking countries. Engelhorn has gone a step further, promising to give 90% of her inheritance to the Austrian state. She affirms that a government must apply taxes on wealth. In statements to The New York Times, Engelhorn who refused to speak with EL PAIS indicates that more charitable foundations are not needed, but rather, structural change is the answer to inequality. She is fed up with philanthropy, seeing it as a practice that members of her class and her own family use to exert social influence. Her great-uncle, Curt Engelhorn, incorporated his pharmaceutical business beyond his home country of Germany. When he sold the company in 1997 for $11 billion, the German Treasury didnt receive a single penny. His great-niece is keen on correcting this with her initiative, although much of the media has sneered at her public statements. Currently, 61 millionaires and billionaires are part of Tax Me Now, but only 28 give their names. At an Amsterdam summit organized by Millionaires for Humanity in August 2022, Engelhorn said that she and her partners consider themselves to be the products of an unequal society. For Anton Costas a professor of economics at the University of Barcelona the heiresss gesture seems like pure romanticism. I see it as an example of naive altruism and good philanthropy, he says in a telephone conversation with EL PAIS. But he considers that the scope of the initiative is limited, because both Engelhorn and those who accompany her are outsiders within their social class. Gonzalo Rodes a lawyer and businessman who runs the Barcelona Global Forum agrees with Engelhorn in her defense of the inheritance tax. Its essential to make social mobility work, he tells EL PAIS. He says that he would respect the heiresss generous offer more if after handing 90% of her fortune over to the Treasury, she left her mansion to live in a small apartment. Rodes also asks: What leads [Engelhorn] to assume that a government is going to manage her money better than she will? He wryly notes that one only has to look around his native Spain to see all the airports that have been built over the years, some of which are in disuse. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition French President Emmanuel Macron says Frances ambassador to Niger is staying at his post despite being ordered to leave the country by Nigers new military leaders. Macron told a gathering of French ambassadors in Paris Monday that Ambassador Sylvain Itte is remaining despite pressure. He also rejected concerns that standing up to the junta in Niger could be dangerous, insisting, Our policy is the right one. Itte was asked to leave Niger within 48 hours in a letter Friday from the Nigerian Foreign Ministry. The ultimatum was given after Itte refused to meet with the military leaders who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup in July. Bazoum and his family have been detained by the military in the presidential palace. Niger is a former French colony, and France still has 1,500 soldiers in the African country. They have helped Niger to fight jihadi forces. Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey, the capital, Sunday to show their support for the military officers who deposed Bazoum. France has not recognized Nigers new leaders, saying that Bazoums government remains the only legitimate authority in Niger. France has also agreed with the West African bloc ECOWAS and its calls for Bazoums reinstatement. Macron said Monday that Frances policy depends on the courage of President Mohamed Bazoum, the commitment of our diplomats, of our ambassador on the ground. He dismissed the view of junta leaders who have blamed much of Nigers problems on its former colonial ruler. "One shouldn't give in to the narrative used by the coup leaders that consists of saying France has become our enemy, Macron said. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is also the chair of ECOWAS, has been invited to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden next month on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, where the two leaders are likely to discuss Niger. ECOWAS has threatened to use military force in Niger to restore Bazoum to power. Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Several investigations are underway after three U.S. Marines died in an aircraft crash during military drills off the coast of Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory. The MV-22B Osprey vertical take-off aircraft crashed in dense forest Sunday on Melville Island, about 80 kilometers north of the Australian mainland. Onboard were members of the U.S. military, who were taking part in Exercise Predators Run, a series of war drills involving 2,500 troops from Australia, the Philippines, East Timor and Indonesia. Australias Department of Defense said the exercise was suspended while emergency evacuations were underway Sunday. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy told reporters that all injured Marines who had been onboard the tilt-rotor helicopter had been taken back to the mainland. They were treated at the Royal Darwin Hospital, which went to its highest alert level in response to the crash. Authorities Monday said one Marine remained in critical condition, while four others were seriously injured. Last month, four Australian airmen died when an army Taipan helicopter ditched into the sea during exercises near Hamilton Island, a popular tourist destination north of Brisbane. At the time, Australian officials said the military drills were necessary but dangerous. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Monday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles paid tribute to the sacrifice of military service men and women. "This is a very tragic event," Marles said. "Obviously, we have been reminded ourselves of the risks involved in defense exercises and the costs that defense personnel pay and we are very much standing with the United States in this moment and doing everything we can to help." U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also expressed his sympathies to the Marines' family and colleagues in a social media post saying that they had served their country "with courage and pride." This is the sixth fatal crash involving a U.S. Marine Osprey since 2012. In recent years, the United States has increased its military cooperation with Australia, a key ally in the Pacific. Formal defense ties between Washington and Canberra date back to the early 1950s. Whether China is a developing or developed nation has long been a source of debate among researchers and China experts especially as China has risen to become the world's second largest economy and a global manufacturing powerhouse. At the recent summit of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Johannesburg, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said "China has been and will always remain a member of [the] developing countries." However, in Washington, lawmakers in Congress have introduced legislation requiring the U.S. administration to use its influence in international organizations to strip China of its status as a developing nation. The debate may sound academic, but it has real-world implications. The benefits that come with the developing nation label include preferential tariff treatment from developed countries, making their exports more competitive in international markets. China also uses its developing status to justify subsidies to industries such as fishing and tech, even when many are effectively state-owned and have global impact. The development status of a country is determined in different ways by different international organizations. The World Trade Organization, for example, allows countries to self-identify as "developing" or "developed." Other international organizations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund employ a variety of metrics to measure a country's standard of living, using indicators such as average national income per person, gross national income (GNI) per capita, life expectancy, and education measures. Weifeng Zhong, a senior research fellow at George Mason's Mercatus Institute, tells VOA these are different ways of trying to measure the same thing. "I think it comes down to, on a per capita level meaning per person how high the income is, so when the national income per person in a country is high enough, we think of them as developed country rather than developing country," Zhong said. How China is classified Beijing classifies itself as a "developing" country in the WTO. However, the World Bank and U.N. Development Program classify China as an "upper middle income" country, while the IMF calls the country an "emerging and developing economy." Analysts say China is unique in ways that make it defy easy classification. "You have a country that has many of the traits of a developing nation and has historically qualified as one and technically in many ways still qualifies as one, but has also many of the attributes of a rich advanced economy and in some ways a massive rich advanced economy," Philippe Benoit, director of research at Global Infrastructure Analytics and Sustainability 2050, told VOA. China also defies classification on another commonly used indicator energy consumption. "For structural reasons, energy demand, energy use in China is going to increase for a number of years until they achieve a level of development, a level of income per capita that allows them to flatten that," Benoit said. China's burgeoning energy needs have spurred the state to seek resources in poorer developing countries. But China often behaves like a developed nation internationally, some analysts say. Many developing countries, particularly Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia, rely on China for development assistance and infrastructure funding. Benoit calls China a "hybrid superpower." He said its global power projection approximates that of a traditional superpower and it displays developed country traits such as its major investments in tech and high speed rail . It also has highly developed cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. But he adds, China also has developing country traits, such as the persistence of poverty in many areas of the country. In 2019, the International Energy Agency (IEA) found more than 35% of the population in China still lacked clean cooking technology and relied on highly polluting fuels such as coal. "What we mean when we say developing is a country that faces significant poverty issues where there's inadequate access to water, sanitation, transport, education countries where the standards of living are basically, as a general proposition, unacceptably low," Benoit said. Robert Ross, professor of political science at Boston College and associate at the John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, told VOA the developing nation classification no longer matches economic realities given China's reduction of extreme poverty and its status as the second largest economy and the world's largest manufacturer. "Many Chinese people acknowledge 'it makes no sense to treat us as a developing country,' and they will acknowledge that it undermines both the interests of the developing world and gives them unfair advantages in the American domestic economy," Ross said. US-China relations The question of China's development status has added to Washington and Beijing's strained relationship. In March, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill called the PRC Is Not a Developing Country Act. On June 8, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also approved the bill, now retitled the Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act. It calls on the State Department to "take actions to stop China from being classified as a developing nation by international organizations." No date has been set for the full Senate to vote on the bill. In response to the Foreign Relations Committee's approval of the act, Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused the U.S. of attempting to sabotage China's development. "China's status as the world's largest developing country is rooted in facts and international law. It's not something that can easily be wiped away by a U.S. Congressional bill," Wenbin said at a June 9 press conference. He added, "It's not up to the U.S. to decide whether China is a developing country." Ross said China's development status "is not a very important question," but rather a political issue between two competing superpowers. "China is resisting American efforts to improve American competitiveness against China, and so with that, the United States has a trade war and a tech war to undermine China's economic development and its technological development. For China's part it's the part that's competing with the United States it's going to use every instrument available to improve its own position." With many developing nations benefiting from Chinese investments and trade, Ross said these countries are unlikely to endorse efforts by the U.S. to change China's development status, especially since they see this issue as a political war of words between the two superpowers. The trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump on charges of plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election will be held next March, a federal judge ruled Monday. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, set the high-profile trial for March 4, a day before Super Tuesday when voters in 15 states go to the polls to pick their party nominees for the 2024 presidential election. Trump is currently the favorite to win the Republican nomination. Prosecutors had wanted to begin the trial on January 2, while the Trump defense team sought to put it off until April 2026, more than two years after the election. Chutkan rejected both proposed dates as unacceptable. However, the trial date she set could complicate Trumps presidential campaign and legal battles on multiple fronts. Not only will it coincide with the start of the presidential primary season, but it will also likely clash with other court proceedings involving him and his associates. In the southern U.S. state of Georgia, where Trump and 18 others were recently indicted for conspiring to overturn the election outcome there, prosecutors have proposed a March 4 trial date. A judge has yet to set a date. Three weeks later on March 25, Trump is scheduled to go on trial in New York in connection with a hush money payment to an adult movie start ahead of the 2016 presidential election. And on May 20, hell face a jury in Florida, where he was charged in June with illegally retaining classified documents after he left office and hiding them from investigators. For Trumps federal election interference trial to proceed, the dates of his state trials in New York and Georgia would have to be adjusted, according to legal experts. It would seem that something has to give in trials expected to last weeks, Jonathan Turley, a law professor at The George Washington University, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Chutkan said she had spoken with the New York judge who is overseeing the hush money case. The Manhattan prosecutor has previously signaled an openness to change the trial date. In the federal election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith, Trump faces four felony counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Trumps lawyers sought to delay the trial date citing the millions of pages of documents they must review and a potential conflict with other pending criminal cases. Speaking during Mondays hearing, John Lauro, one of Trumps attorneys, called the governments proposed trial date a violation to the oath of justice, saying never in history has a case of this magnitude gone to trial in four months. But Chutkan, noting that the case featured one defendant and four counts, said the defense didnt need two years to investigate the case and prepare for trial. Alluding to Trumps presidential campaign, she said that setting a trial date does not, should not, depend on a defendant's personal and professional obligations. Mr. Trump, like any defendant, will have to make the trial date work, regardless of his schedule, Chutkan said. Trump is the first former American president to face criminal charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Until his most recent criminal indictment in Georgia, Trump had dodged the ordeal of having to pose for a mugshot. But last week, he was made to face the camera when he was booked into an Atlanta jail, becoming the first former American president to have his mug shot taken. Trump and his 18 co-defendants in Georgia will be arraigned on September 5, according to a court filing Monday. They each face one count of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges. One of Trumps 18 co-defendants, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, took the stand Monday in federal court in Atlanta to argue that his case should be moved from state to federal court. Meadows faces two counts: one RICO count and one count of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. Of the four indictments Trump faces, the federal election fraud case looms the largest. But how it will impact Trumps presidential run remains to be seen. Thus far, Trump has defied the odds and remained the front-runner of the Republican Party, despite mounting legal troubles. But a guilty verdict on the election interference charge could change that, according to Allan Lichtman, a professor of American history at American University in Washington. What if [Trump] is sitting in jail, which is not impossible, either, Lichtman said. Technically, the guy could still run, but would the Republicans really want at the top of their ticket a guy whos been convicted of subverting our democracy? On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump lashed out at Chutkan, calling her a Trump Hating Judge and vowing to appeal her ruling. But legal experts noted that a trial date is not subject to appeal. And though they vowed to fight the charges against Trump, the former presidents lawyers did not express any intention to appeal Chutkans decision. VOA senior State Department correspondent Cindy Saine contributed to this article. Thousands of people demonstrated Sunday in Niger in support of last month's coup, a few hours before the deadline given to France's ambassador in an ultimatum to leave the country. Demonstrators gathered near the French military base in the capital Niamey, some waving Nigerien or Russian flags, others with placards calling for the departure of French troops. Former colonial power France still has 1,500 soldiers based in Niger. They had been helping the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum in the fight against jihadi forces active there before military officers toppled him in the July 26 coup. The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani has detained him and his family at the presidential palace. Sunday's rally started at dawn on a roundabout near the Niamey airport by the Nigerien air base where the French force is located, as demonstrators answered an appeal from organizations backing the country's new rulers. "We don't want the French army in Niger," said one demonstrator, Abou Kountche. "Let the French leave." "The French say that Niger is a poor country, but when we tell them to go home, they refuse," said restaurateur Adama Assane. The demonstration comes after a month of rising tensions and anti-France protests in Niger. On Friday, Niger's foreign ministry announced that French ambassador Sylvain Itte had 48 hours to leave, saying he had refused to meet with the new rulers and citing French government actions that were "contrary to the interests of Niger." Paris has rejected the demand and said the "putschists do not have the authority to make this request," insisting that the government of Bazoum that they had overthrown remained the legitimate authority. On Saturday some 20,000 people rallied in the General Seyni Kountche stadium to support the country's new military rulers and call for the removal of French soldiers. France has consistently backed calls by the West African bloc ECOWAS for the reinstatement of President Bazoum. A hostile rally outside the French embassy on July 30 prompted Paris to organize the voluntary evacuation of its citizens. ECOWAS has also applied sanctions against the new regime and threatened to use military means to remove it if the new rulers do not hand back power to Bazoum. Efforts to find a diplomatic solution are continuing, however, with Molly Phee, the top U.S. diplomat for sub-Saharan Africa, visiting Nigeria to meet ECOWAS officials Saturday. Diplomatic representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom are calling upon the South Sudanese government to initiate a thorough investigation of the 2017 death of British-American journalist Christopher Allen. A 26-year-old freelance journalist who held British and American nationality, Allen was shot and killed on August 26 of that year while covering a confrontation between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and the former rebels of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition, SPLA-IO, in Central Equatoria state along the South Sudanese-Ugandan border. American and British embassies in South Sudan recently issued a joint statement marking the sixth anniversary of Allen's passing, urging South Sudanese officials to probe and release the findings of what led to his killing. South Sudan has refused all prior calls to hold an investigation. Allen's family has been unsuccessful in calling on the FBI to investigate his death as a possible war crime. In an audio recording shared with VOA by the U.S. embassy in Juba, U.S. ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler emphasized the importance of transparency from the South Sudanese government. "On this somber anniversary, the U.S. and U.K. Embassies renew calls for the transitional government of South Sudan to conduct a credible investigation into the death of Christopher Allen, to make the results public, and to ensure accountability," Adler said. "After six years, Mr. Allen's family, friends, and colleagues deserve answers." South Sudan's information minister and government spokesperson Michael Makuei initially labeled Allen as a "white rebel," who met his end in the skirmishes. However, Makuei later altered the narrative, asserting that Allen fell victim to crossfire as government troops battled SPLA-IO rebels. John Wulu, a South Sudanese journalist, highlighted the chilling impact of Allen's death on the state of press freedom in the region. "Working as a journalist in South Sudan within a conflict zone is perilous. Our country lacks professionalism, and amidst the numerous conflicts, it's often unclear who is fighting whom," he told VOA. "This uncertainty extends to our safety." Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, a spokesperson for the South Sudan People's Defense Forces, attributed the responsibility for investigating Allen's death to the SPLA-IO. Koang argued that Allen was a guest of the SPLA-IO. At the time of his death, Allen was embedded with the SPLA-IO when the former rebel fighters attacked the defense forces in the government-held town of Kaya in Central Equatoria state. "The SPLA-IO should be responsible for the investigation. He entered the country illegally, associated with hostile forces, and they attacked us. We're not accountable. "Those who misled him and embedded him with their forces should conduct the inquiry into his demise," Koang added. "Our forces were attacked, and they retaliated in self-defense. We have no reason to investigate a death that occurred on the other side. Had he been killed on our side, we'd have undertaken the investigation." Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesperson for the SPLA-IO, countered Koang's stance, asserting that his group does not bear responsibility for investigating Allen's killers. "The American government is likely asking for the unity government to take responsibility, provide strong policies against such incidents, and possibly issue a statement to the late journalist's family," Gabriel said. Adler underscored that the demand for a credible investigation and accountability regarding Allen's death is integral to the safety of journalists in South Sudan. The U.S. envoy to South Sudan said that an independent and uninhibited press is a cornerstone of healthy democracies worldwide. "This issue concerns the right of journalists to work without endangerment and the eradication of impunity for acts of violence and crimes against them," Adler said. South Sudan In Focus' Deng Ghai Deng contributed to this report. This story originated in VOA's English to Africa Service. China is the main supplier of critical components for Russian drones used against Ukraine, The International Working Group on Russian Sanctions reports. The group is co-chaired by Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul, director of the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies. Russia relies heavily on foreign-made components, especially microelectronics in three of the drone models used to attack Ukraine. According to the study, 67% of drone component shipments come from China, while 17% of them are going through Hong Kong to Russia. Turkey and The United Arab Emirates account for 5% and 2% of the components, respectively. Components made in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and other countries, including processors, chips, transistors, and other vital components, were also found in the drones. "Russia is extremely active in using drones for massive attacks on infrastructure, civilian and military targets in Ukraine, so it is very disturbing to see that important components for the production of hostile UAVs come from different countries, including Ukraine's allies. This issue requires our joint immediate response. We have to take comprehensive measures to prevent the aggressor from using critical components to continue hostilities on Ukrainian soil," noted Yermak. The group's experts called on manufacturers to do more to prevent Russia from accessing their products while bypassing economic sanctions. It also recommended that governments investigate well-known companies that do not comply with the sanctions policy. Counteroffensive After liberating the southeastern settlement of Robotyne earlier this week, Ukrainian forces are pushing farther south against Russian forces in their counteroffensive. Robotyne is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of the front-line town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region near Tokmak, a Russian-occupied road and rail hub. Tokmak's capture would be a milestone as Ukrainian troops press southward toward the Sea of Azov in a military drive that is intended to split Russian forces following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. "We don't stop here," said a commander who led some of the troops into Robotyne and who uses the call sign "Skala," eponymous with the battalion which he leads. "Next, we have [the town of] Berdiansk, and then more. I made it clear to my fighters at once: Our goal is not Robotyne. Our goal is [the Sea of] Azov." Robotyne is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Berdiansk, a port on the shores of the Sea of Azov, and 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the strategic city of Melitopol. Both are occupied by Russian forces. Skala told Reuters that Ukrainian fighters have broken through what they believe is the most difficult line of Russian defenses in the south, allowing them to speed up their counteroffensive. Russia has not confirmed the Ukrainian advance. In its statement, Russia's Defense Ministry said Moscow's troops had repelled attacks by Kyiv's forces near Robotyne and Verbove. Ukraine's Defense Ministry posted a video on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of soldiers describing the liberation and raising the flag in the Robotyne settlement. "Mr. President, commander-in-chief. The village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region has been liberated from the occupiers by the forces of the 27th Mechanized Brigade and adjacent units," a Ukrainian soldier said in the video. "Robotyne has been liberated," said Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar, as quoted by the military. Maliar told Ukrainian television earlier that Kyiv's troops, who began their counteroffensive in early June, were now moving southeast of Robotyne and south of nearby Mala Tokmachka. Fighting rages in the east In Eastern Ukraine, fighting is grinding on as Ukrainian troops encounter vast Russian minefields and trenches. Maliar described the battlefield situation in the east as "very hot" in the past week. She said Russian troops were gathering new forces there and regrouping, and Moscow was aiming to deploy its best troops there. She added that in the past week, Ukrainian forces had retaken one square kilometer around Bakhmut, and Russian troops had not made any advances. Meanwhile, four people were killed by Russian missile strikes, Ukrainian officials said. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said three people were killed from a strike on a vegetable oil factory in the central Poltava region while they were working the night shift. Five others were wounded, while another person was unaccounted for. Yermak posted photos showing the plant in flames. Klymenko said the fire had later been extinguished. A 63-year-old woman was killed Monday morning by a Russian shelling of the village of Sadove, said Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of the Kherson region. The Ukrainian military said Russia had launched four missiles from the Black Sea overnight, two of which were shot down. The military also said the Kryvyi Rih region in central Ukraine had been struck in a missile attack. Local authorities said several private houses had been damaged. No casualties were reported. Russia's Defense Ministry said Monday it downed a Ukrainian drone in the Lyubertsy region, southeast of Moscow. As with other recent drone attacks near the Russian capital, flight operations at airports in the region were temporarily disrupted. Russia also reported destroying two Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Russia's top domestic security agency said Monday that a detained former employee of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok is accused of collecting information about Russia's action in Ukraine and related issues for U.S. diplomats. Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, said Robert Shonov is suspected of "gathering information about the special military operation, mobilization processes in Russian regions, problems and the assessment of their influence on protest activities of the population in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election." The FSB, the top KGB successor, said it has served summonses to question two U.S. diplomats who allegedly instructed Shonov to collect the information. Shonov's arrest was first reported in May, but Russian authorities provided no details at the time. The U.S. State Department has condemned his arrest. Shonov was charged under a new article of Russian law that criminalizes "cooperation on a confidential basis with a foreign state, international or foreign organization to assist their activities clearly aimed against Russia's security." Kremlin critics have said that the formulation is so broad that it could be used to punish any Russian who had foreign connections. It carries a prison sentence of up to eight years. The U.S. State Department has said Shonov worked at the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok for more than 25 years. The consulate closed in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened. The State Department has said that after a Russian government order in April 2021 required the dismissal of all local employees in U.S. diplomatic outposts in Russia, Shonov worked at a company the U.S. contracted with to support its embassy in Moscow. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in May that Shonov's only role at the time of his arrest was "to compile media summaries of press items from publicly available Russian media sources" and argued that his arrest "highlights the Russian Federation's blatant use of increasingly repressive laws against its own citizens." Russian news reports have said that Shonov was being held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison. Also held in Lefortovo is Evan Gershkovich, an American reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Gershkovich has been in custody since his March 29 arrest by Russia's security service on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government have denied. Gershkovich's arrest rattled journalists in Russia and drew outrage in the West. The United States has declared Gershkovich to be "wrongfully detained" and demanded his immediate release. Hola, Mama. What seems like an unremarkable greeting between mother and son was in this case anything but. Forty-two years ago, hospital workers took Maria Angelica Gonzalez son from her arms right after birth and later told her he had died. Now, she was meeting him face-to-face at her home in Valdivia, Chile. I love you very much, Jimmy Lippert Thyden told his mother in Spanish as they embraced amid tears. It knocked the wind out of me. ... I was suffocated by the gravity of this moment, Thyden told The Associated Press in a video call after the reunion. How do you hug someone in a way that makes up for 42 years of hugs? His journey to find the birth family he never knew began in April after he read news stories about Chilean-born adoptees who had been reunited with their birth relatives with the help of a Chilean nonprofit Nos Buscamos. The organization found that Thyden had been born prematurely at a hospital in Santiago, Chiles capital, and placed in an incubator. Gonzalez was told to leave the hospital, but when she returned to get her baby, she was told he had died and his body had been disposed of, according to the case file, which Thyden summarized to the AP. The paperwork I have for my adoption tells me I have no living relatives. And I learned in the last few months that I have a mama and I have four brothers and a sister, Thyden said in the interview from Ashburn, Virginia, where he works as a criminal defense attorney representing people who look like me who cannot afford a lawyer. He said his was a case of counterfeit adoption. Nos Buscamos estimates tens of thousands of babies were taken from Chilean families in the 1970s and 1980s, based on a report from the Investigations Police of Chile which reviewed the paper passports of Chilean children who left the country and never came back. The real story was these kids were stolen from poor families, poor women that didnt know. They didnt know how to defend themselves, said Constanza del Rio, founder and director and Nos Buscamos. The child-trafficking coincided with many other human rights violations that took place during the 17-year reign of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, who on Sept. 11, 1973, led a Chilean coup to overthrow Marxist President Salvador Allende. During the dictatorship, at least 3,095 people were killed, according to government figures, and tens of thousands more were tortured or jailed for political reasons. Over the past nine years, Nos Buscamos has orchestrated more than 450 reunions between adoptees and their birth families, del Rio said. Other nonprofit organizations are doing similar work, including Hijos y Madres del Silencio in Chile and Connecting Roots in the United States. Nos Buscamos has been partnering for two years with genealogy platform MyHeritage, which provides free at-home DNA testing kits for distribution to Chilean adoptees and suspected victims of child trafficking in Chile. Thydens DNA test confirmed that he was 100% Chilean and matched him to a first cousin who also uses the MyHeritage platform. Thyden sent the cousin his adoption papers, which included an address for his birth mother and a very common name in Chile: Maria Angelica Gonzalez. It turns out his cousin had a Maria Angelica Gonzalez on their mothers side and helped him make the connection. But Gonzalez wouldnt take his phone calls until he texted her a photo of his wife and daughters. Then just the dam broke, said Thyden, who sent more photos of the American family who adopted him, his time in the U.S. Marines, his wedding, and many other memorable life moments. I was trying to bookend 42 years of a life taken from her. Taken from us both, he said. He traveled to Chile with his wife, Johannah, and their two daughters, Ebba Joy, 8, and Betty Grace, 5, to meet his newly discovered family. Stepping into his mothers home, Thyden was greeted with 42 colorful balloons, each one signifying a year of lost time with his Chilean family. There is an empowerment in popping those balloons, empowerment in being there with your family to take inventory of all that was lost, he said. Thyden recalls his birth mothers response to hearing from him: Mijo (son) you have no idea the oceans Ive cried for you. How many nights Ive laid awake praying that God let me live long enough to learn what happened to you. Gonzalez declined to be interviewed for this story. Thyden, along with his wife and daughters visited the Santiago zoo where his American family first took him after the adoption. This time their tour guide was his biological sister. Back at Gonzalez home, Thyden realized that he and his mother share a love of cooking. My hands are in the same dough as my mama, he said as they made fried empanadas together. He pledged to keep using the family recipe to stay connected with his family and his culture. Thyden said his adoptive parents are supportive of his journey to reunite with his lost relatives, but were unwitting victims of a far-reaching illegal adoption network and are wrestling with the realities of the situation. My parents wanted a family but they never wanted it like this, he said. Not at the extortion of another, the robbing of another. Through a spokesperson, his parents declined comment. While Thyden was successfully reunited with his birth family, he recognizes that reunification might not go as well for other adoptees. It could have been a much worse story, he said. There are people who find out some really unfortunate details about their origin. While in Chile, Thyden and del Rio met with one of seven investigators working to address thousands of counterfeit adoption cases like his own. We dont want money, we just want the human recognition that this horrible thing happened in Chile and the compromise that this is not going to continue happening in the future, del Rio said. We are trying to make a difference. Not only with Jimmy and his family but we want to do it, the change, in the country. Thyden also met with Juan Gabriel Valdes, the Chilean ambassador to the United States, to seek government recognition of the pervasiveness of the adoption scheme. He said there was no mechanism, financial or otherwise, to assist Chilean adoptees in their efforts to visit their home country. He said he sold a truck to pay for his familys plane tickets and other expenses. People need to be able to decide ... what their name is going to be, where their citizenship is going to be. They should have access to both, he said. They should have all the rights and privileges of a Chilean citizen because this is a thing that happened to them, not that they chose. The Chilean Embassy in Washington did not return a request for comment. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has laid out conditions for ending its conflict with the country's army. The RSF says it wants a peaceful solution and a return to civilian government. In a statement, the leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, said his group is ready to resolve the conflict with Sudan's Armed Forces peacefully, with a settlement that would lead to civilian rule. Dagalo said he wants talks that would include political parties and civil society, aim to restructure Sudan's national army, and address the root causes of Sudan's wars. Hala al-Karib, regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, suggested Dagalo's comments are at least partially for show. "It's kind of trying to appeal to the international community, to the regional actors ... they think that they can actually wash their crimes and what they have done by just showing up and say that," she said. "But the grievances are way too much, and the level of violence that has been happening in Sudan ... since April 15, you know, it's historical." Karib said the RSF and others involved in the recent violence, abuse and atrocities must be punished for their crimes. "Without very serious compromises from the RSF side, without them accepting responsibility for their crimes and accepting mechanisms of justice and coming clean about that ... even if an agreement was signed, that would be a recipe for another cycle of violence," she said. The RSF's vision to end the more than four-month conflict through a negotiated settlement comes as Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the sovereign council and Sudan's Armed Forces, visited the coastal city of Port Sudan on Sunday, where he met government representatives and the United Nations officials and aid agencies who have set up a humanitarian base. Dr. Edgar Githua, a lecturer at United States International University and Strathmore University specializing in international relations, peace and conflict, told VOA the emergence of Burhan in public is a sign he is afraid of being sidelined in the country's future. "He's trying to also just gain acceptance, and its confidence building not only to himself but also to the international community," Githua said of Burhan. "And I have a feeling this conflict in Sudan is coming to a point where he is beginning to realize that the longer it prolongs, the longer he will isolate himself internationally. So, going forward, there will be overtures that we'll definitely try and bring about. He will be open to talks, discussions, and negotiations towards de-escalating the whole situation in Sudan." Conflict between Sudan's Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces broke out in April after the rival leaders failed to agree on how to lead the country to civilian rule. A power struggle ensued between Burhan and Dagalo, also known as Hemeti. The warring parties sent delegates to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in an effort to reach an agreement, but talks were unsuccessful. Githua said it will take time for talks to succeed. "Eventually, at some point, Burhan and Dagalo will have to come in front of the international community and cameras to shake hands and bury the hatchet," he said. "But for now, if it's the representatives that are doing it, so be it. But I know Burhan will not want to meet with Dagalo anytime soon. He hates him and he considers him to be someone very junior and minor to him." Karib said her country needs a peaceful settlement that will stop the war and suffering. "I don't think the country can afford short-term solutions anymore. We have been on these cycles of short-term solutions for a very, very long time and failed agreements. And every agreement fails," she said. "It takes us to an atrocity and violence that's worse than the one before." The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 4.6 million people being forced from their homes, and the U.N. says six million people are on the brink of famine. Globalization was for a long time just a matter of price. It was about finding the cheapest goods or the places where it cost the least to produce them, and then getting them to consumers to extract the greatest possible profit margin. That goal is still part of its essence, but since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, another factor has gained ground in the companies strategy: security of supply. It is useless to produce cheaply if restrictive laws keep factories closed beyond what seems reasonable, as China did when the coronavirus spread. Nor does it make sense to invest in a state that attacks its neighbor and attracts international sanctions, as is the case with Russia. Or to bet on a nation embargoed for production of high-tech chips for fear it will use them for military purposes against nearby Taiwan, i.e. China once again. The Asian giant, once considered the place to be, is now viewed with suspicion by multinationals. The idea is that you still have to be there, because it is a market of more than 1.4 billion people with decades of accumulated industrial knowledge, which earned it the nickname of the worlds factory. But its appeal is diminishing as the risks grow: wages have risen as its economy has developed, making it less competitive; the geopolitical question of its clash with the United States comes and goes, and any miscalculation in that balance would prove fatal; meanwhile the extremely strict lockdowns imposed by Beijing in its zero-covid policy, which left drivers and other key workers at home, and some large ports and factories running at low speed, showcased the dangers of putting all your eggs in the same basket and underscored the need to diversify. At a time when there are crises in the supply chains from the recent lack of vegetables in the United Kingdom to the traffic jam in the Panama Canal due to lack of water, or the drought that has caused shortages of agricultural products in different parts of the world and where environmental issues have become more important, extending the debate on whether it is really necessary for certain products to travel thousands of kilometers to reach the customer, companies are embarking on a double process: looking for suppliers closer to home, even at the cost of paying them more, and supplementing their exposure to China to reduce uncertainty. This movement has been dubbed China Plus One. This does not imply a massive exit from China there are ups and downs, but China is still by far the largest manufacturing market in the world. It will not collapse, said a senior manager of the Danish shipping company Maersk at the beginning of the year but companies are branching out to other areas. The countries that are benefiting the most are Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico and Turkey, says Carlos Cordon, professor of Supply Chain Strategy and Management at the Swiss business school IMD. Apple, for example, is being supplied, in addition to China, by Vietnam and India, and practically all the large multinationals with suppliers in China are doing the same, he adds. India is one of the most cited names. After becoming the most populous country in the world this year, ahead of China, its popularity is on the rise. It is a younger market the average age is 28, compared to 38 in China and it is gaining self-esteem by leaps and bounds with milestones such as its successful mission to the south pole of the Moon, or its status as host of the next G-20 summit, the forum that brings together the largest economies on the planet. Almost all analysts also agree that India has even more potential to develop. However, it has lagged behind all these years: the opening of its economy, still full of tariffs and protectionist measures, is moving slower than investors would like, and its transportation infrastructure remains deficient, as underscored last June by the railway accident in Odisha, in the east of the country, which claimed almost 300 lives and left more than 1,000 injured. There are already voices warning that the time for India is now or never. The China Plus One window of opportunity will not remain open for a decade. This is an opportunity [that will last] three to five years, the new World Bank president, Ajay Banga, an American citizen of Indian descent, warned last month during a visit to a textile factory in New Delhi. Mr. Sunjay Kapur, President, ACMA & Chairman, Sona Comstar, one of the leaders in this sector with factories in India, China, Mexico and the U.S., has closely followed the paradigm shift in global trade. It is important to recognize that while companies will maintain their presence in China due to the colossal size of its market and the promise of continued growth, an increasing number of these companies are choosing to diversify their supply chains and expand their manufacturing operations to India, or are sourcing more from here. This change is not only boosting Indias manufacturing sector, but also catalyzing job creation and strengthening the overall economy, he explains by email. Sunjay Kapur, president of ACMA, the Indian auto parts employer. What is Indias appeal as an investment destination? Kapur highlights two: the size of the labor force and its high qualification in sectors such as information technology, engineering or the automotive industry. This workforce provides a competitive advantage to companies looking to establish or expand their operations here. Apple, the most valuable company in the world by market cap, illustrates that transition. The company has a growing number of customers in India, has opened stores in New Delhi and Mumbai with CEO Tim Cook in attendance and long lines of enthusiastic brand followers outside its doors, as often happens in the West when it releases a new model and the volume of iPhones produced in India through its supplier Foxconn is increasing: according to Bloomberg, they already account for 7%. Some local players see an opportunity in this: the Indian conglomerate Tata has made an offer to acquire a factory in the state of Karnataka, in the south of the country, from the Taiwanese Wistron Corp, one of Apples suppliers, with more than 10,000 workers dedicated to assembling the iPhone 14. Relocating raises prices This trend is not incompatible with the indisputable dominance of China, which accounts for 75% of Foxconns production, according to what one of its managers recently told the Financial Times. There is not, therefore, a substitution, but a redistribution. Not just towards one country, but towards several. What consequences can these changes in supply chains have for the consumer? Cordon believes that the relocations may end up affecting peoples pockets. The impact is going to come in the form of higher prices because the costs of supplier diversification are going to be partially passed on to the consumer. Logistics giants such as Maersk or the German Hapag-Lloyd, owners of two of the largest fleets of container ships on the planet, are investing in ports, warehouses and other infrastructure in other parts of Asia, taking advantage of the shower of money they received from the great global gridlock in supply chains that followed the pandemic due to the boom in demand. And among its clients are the large textile and electronics multinationals, and in general, almost anyone who moves products from Asia to the West. Companies such as the British engineering firm IMI, the technology company Dell, and the textile giants Marc OPolo, Mango and Dr. Martens are among those that have reduced their presence in China or have announced that they will do so in the future. In Germany, which has China as its main trading partner, and which has also been suffering the consequences of its dependency on Russian gas, the debate moves between supporters of decoupling and those who maintain a less radical view and lean towards reducing risks by diversifying markets Volkswagen has just been ousted as the best-selling manufacturer by the local BYD, and looks to India to grow. This trend is not helping create optimism about the Chinese economy, hit by a wave of negative data this summer due to the fall in domestic consumption and exports, the bursting of the housing bubble and the threat of deflation after prices entered negative terrain. Some analysis firms are already lowering their growth forecasts for this year. Although the foreseen growth of close to 5% is still high by Western standards, it is well below the figures of recent times, and that is a bad thing when senior managers stand in front of a map of the world and think about where to make their next move. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said it was open to a long-term cease-fire with the army and presented its vision for a "Sudan Reborn," an initiative that could revive efforts to hold direct talks between the warring parties. The statement came as fighting between the RSF and the army enters its 20th week with no side claiming victory while millions have been driven from their homes in the capital and other cities. The United Nations has warned of a "humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions," with rising hunger, collapsing healthcare, and wrecked infrastructure. The RSF and allied militias have also been accused of ethnic cleansing in West Darfur. The two sides blame each other for starting the war on April 15, after weeks of tension over the integration of their troops into a single force as part of a transition to democracy. The two sides led the country together since toppling Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and pushing civilian politicians out of the government in a coup in 2021. In the statement released late on Sunday, RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo appeared willing to negotiate with the army over the shape of the future Sudanese state, going beyond the technicalities of a permanent ceasefire which have hindered Saudi and U.S.-sponsored mediation efforts. "Efforts to end the protracted crisis must be directed toward achieving a lasting ceasefire, coupled with comprehensive political solutions that address the root causes of Sudans wars," the statement said. Under his "Sudan Reborn" plan, Dagalo committed the RSF to previously floated principles such as federal, multicultural rule, democratic elections, and a single army. The statement came after army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived on Sunday in Port Sudan on his first trip outside the capital since fighting broke out. Government sources say he will travel to Saudi Arabia and Egypt for talks. Pro-democracy politicians warned Burhan against announcing a new government, saying it would prompt the RSF to form a parallel authority. Regional mediators have appeared to accept a future role for soldiers in a transitional government. But on Friday, the ambassador of the United States, one of the main sponsors of the post-Bashir transition, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "the belligerents, who have demonstrated they are not fit to govern, must end the conflict and transfer power to a civilian transitional government." Afghanistans Taliban have banned female visitors from a national park for not covering their faces or wearing traditional hijab when visiting the site. Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban minister for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, announced the ban during a recent visit to the central Bamiyan province, which is home to the popular Band-e-Amir park. Hanafi said in his televised speech in the minority Shiite Hazara-dominated region on Saturday that the hijab rule was being breached even though it has been in place in Afghanistan for two years. Women must be forbidden from visiting Band-e-Amir until a new regulation is established, Hanafi told religious clerics and security officials after a trip to the park. Sightseeing is not necessary but hijab is mandatory, the minister insisted. The park in the impoverished Afghan province is popular among domestic and foreign tourists. Hanafis announcement triggered a backlash from human rights activists. This latest ban is part of a continuing and perhaps escalating crackdown by the Taliban on the rights of women and girls. (The) Taliban have already taken so much from women and girls, including education, work, and freedom of movement, Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch told VOA. But they also seem to be intentionally taking away joy and the things that make you feel human through this ban and others on parks, sport, baths, beauty salons etc, said the associate director for the womens rights division at the U.S.-based global watchdog. The Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, on the country. They have prohibited girls from attending school past sixth grade. The hard-line de facto authorities have barred most Afghan women from working in the civil service and for national and international nongovernmental organizations. The international community has refused to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan citing their restrictions and treatment of women. Iran and Iraq have reached an agreement to disarm members of Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in northern Iraq and relocate their members from their current bases, officials from the two countries said Monday. Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said in a news briefing Monday that the Iraqi government had agreed "to disarm the armed terrorist groups stationed in Iraq's territory by September 19, and then, evacuate and transfer them from their military bases to camps designated by the Iraqi government." He added that the deadline would not be extended and that while relations between the two countries are "entirely friendly and warm ... the presence of terrorists in the northern region of Iraq is an unpleasant stain on mutual ties." Iran has periodically launched strikes targeting members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iran, or KDPI, and other Iranian Kurdish dissident groups based in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region near the border with Iran. An Iraqi government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the agreement was signed between the two countries and said the central government in Baghdad is "working as quickly as possible" to relocate the groups with the approval of authorities from the Kurdish regional government in Irbil and Sulaimaniyah. He declined to give the exact location to which the disarmed militants would be moved, but said it will be within the Iraqi Kurdish region. He said they "will have a camp to live in and will be without arms." Different Iranian dissident groups in Iraq are aligned with each of the two main Iraqi Kurdish parties - the Kurdistan Democractic Party, with its seat of power in Irbil, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, whose stronghold is in Suleimaniyah - and are at odds with each other as well as with Iran. "Previously Sulaimaniyah would accuse Irbil of working with these groups, and Erbil would accuse Sulaimaniyah of working with them, but as a central government we agreed to relocate them," the Iraqi official said. "We are trying as hard as possible for this to take place on Sept. 19." Tropical Storm Idalia formed Sunday in the Caribbean, buffeting southeastern Mexico with wind and rain, as forecasters predicted it will strengthen to a hurricane before reaching Florida later in the week. The storm, which is not forecast to make landfall in Mexico, will travel across the Gulf of Mexico before reaching northwest Florida, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. Idalia will create "increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds along portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle beginning as early as Tuesday," the NHC warned. "There is considerable spread in the model intensity guidance, ranging from minimal to major hurricane status before landfall on the northeast Gulf coast," the NHC added. At 2100 GMT Sunday, Idalia was swirling in the Caribbean, headed northeast with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour, the NHC said. In the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and other coastal tourist resorts, Idalia dumped rain and put a damper on one of the last weekends of summer vacation. Storm surge and hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Florida's coast and scattered flash flooding can be expected, the NHC said. Heavy rainfall is meanwhile expected across parts of the eastern Yucatan in Mexico and western Cuba. Last weekend, Hilary, which at one point rose to a Category 4 hurricane on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale, hit the state of Baja California on Mexico's Pacific coast as a tropical storm, causing one death and damaging infrastructure. Hurricanes hit Mexico every year on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer with climate change. The U.N. Secretary General has called for peaceful and transparent resolutions to any challenges to the legitimacy of Zimbabwes presidential election that returned Emmerson Mnangagwa to office. Zimbabwes elections commission said Saturday that President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is 80, won approximately 53% of the votes, while Nelson Chamisa, 45, the leader of the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change, garnered 44% of the ballots. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres is concerned about the arrest of observers, reports of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion, according to his spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino. While Chimisa said the election was a blatant and gigantic fraud, Mnangagwa said the election was conducted transparently, fairly in broad daylight. Mnangagwas win was another victory for the ZANU-PF party that has ruled the country since 1980 after obtaining independence from white rule. International observers say the last weeks election in the southern African country was held in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Voters went to the polls on Wednesday and in some locations voting booths were also opened on Thursday due to challenges with ballot distribution. Saturdays announcement of the results of the election came days earlier than expected. "We all have a lot of questions about the speed of the results announcement, Nicole Beardsworth, a politics lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, told Reuters. Some information for this report came from Reuters and the Associated Press. All children are entitled to a clean and healthy environment, a UN committee said for the first time on Monday, bolstering young people's arguments for suing authorities over the ravages of climate change. Issuing a fresh interpretation of an important international rights treaty, the United Nations watchdog determined that it guarantees children the right to a healthy environment. And this, it said, means countries are obliged to combat things like pollution and climate change. "States must ensure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in order to respect, protect and fulfil children's rights," the Committee on the Rights of the Child said. "Environmental degradation, including the consequences of the climate crisis, adversely affects the enjoyment of these rights." Tasked with monitoring implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the panel's 18 independent experts provided a new interpretation of the treaty, which counts nearly all the world's countries as parties. The fresh analysis comes just weeks after a landmark court ruling in Montana in favor of a group of youths who accused the western U.S. state of breaching their rights to a clean environment. The ruling found that a state law preventing consideration of greenhouse gas impacts when issuing fossil fuel development permits violated those rights. That followed several other recent high-profile lawsuits, including the youngsters who won a case against the Colombian government over deforestation, and the children who secured a ruling ordering a strengthening of Germany's carbon emissions law. And the UN committee itself heard a case in 2021 brought by Greta Thunberg and 15 other young climate activists, in which it determined that countries bear cross-border responsibility for the harmful impact of climate change. Holding states accountable The new analysis could provide a new and powerful tool for young people seeking to bring such cases, committee chair Ann Skelton told AFP. "Children themselves can use this instrument to encourage states to do the right thing, and ultimately to help to hold them accountable," she said. The new guidance, she said, "is of great and far-reaching legal significance." The 1989 convention does not explicitly spell out the rights of children to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment -- but the committee argued the right was implicit and directly linked to a long line of guaranteed rights, including the right to life, survival and development. "The extent and magnitude of the triple planetary crisis, comprising the climate emergency, the collapse of biodiversity and pervasive pollution, is an urgent and systemic threat to children's rights globally," the UN committee said in its so-called general comment. To reach its conclusions, the panel said it had consulted with governments, civil society and especially children. More than 16,000 children of all ages across 121 countries provided comments, describing the negative effects of environmental degradation and climate change on their lives and communities. "Our voices matter, and they deserve to be listened to," said a 17-year-old climate and child rights activist from India, named only as Kartik. The new committee guidance "will help us understand and exercise our rights in the face of the environmental and climate crisis," he said in a statement. The committee's findings are far-reaching, determining that the convention prohibits states from causing environmental harms that violate children's rights. "States must ensure that children's voices are brought to the table when big decisions are being made," Skelton said, adding that countries also needed to "make sure that businesses are toeing the line." Going forward, the committee could be called upon to determine if countries were properly regulating commercial activities in this area. The convention also requires countries to work to reduce emissions and "mitigate climate change in order to fulfil their obligations", the committee said, stressing children's rights to protest against practices harming the environment. Skelton said the committee had been inspired by children stepping up and "taking on the obligation to protect the environment, for themselves, but also for future generations." U.S. and Chinese officials expressed hope for positive economic relations as U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met with Chinese leaders for a second day in Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang told Raimondo that sound economic relations and trade cooperation will not only be beneficial to our two countries, but to the whole world. Raimondo said the United States seeks to maintain its commercial relationship with China and hopes those ties can provide stability for the overall relationship. Raimondo also highlighted global concerns such as climate change and fentanyl addiction, saying the United States wants to work with China as two global powers to do what is right for all of humanity. "The world is expecting us to step up together to solve these problems," she said. Raimondo met earlier Tuesday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and said the United States is not looking to separate economically from China. While we will never of course compromise in protecting our national security I want to be clear that we do not seek to decouple or to hold Chinas economy back, Raimondo said. He Lifeng said China wants to work on new, positive efforts to keep economic consensus and step up cooperation. The United States and China on Monday agreed to create two separate dialogues to reduce misunderstanding of U.S. security issues central to its tight export controls on Chinese technologies, which Beijing sees as an attempt to quash its companies. After meetings with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Raimondo said the two countries will establish a working group that will include business representatives to focus on commercial issues and a governmental information exchange to focus on export control issues. She told Wang Wentao that the Biden administration seeks healthy competition with China and that a growing Chinese economy that plays by the rules is in both of our interests. Wang Wentao said China is ready to work with the United States to "foster a more favorable policy environment for stronger cooperation between our businesses to bolster bilateral trade and investment in a stable and predictable manner." He said U.S.-China economic relations are important not just for the two countries, but also for the rest of the world. Wendy Cutler, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), told VOA Mandarin via email Monday, Establishing two new U.S.-China working groups is an important step in ensuring that the respective staffs of both commerce ministers will continue to engage beyond this weeks China visit by Secretary Raimondo. The difficult part will be keeping Chinese expectations in check on the export control enforcement information group, while achieving meaningful outcomes in the commercial group to address U.S. business and worker concerns, Cutler said. Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai, told VOA Mandarin in a telephone interview Saturday that he sees the step as a very positive expression. Zheng said, Our hope is that the two governments will continue to engage in discussions. We are hopeful and at the same time we would like to share our out of the ground perspective, what's going on in China, to provide her with more active, more nuanced understanding of the local market. It's not black and white. There are opportunities for sure and most of our companies are doing well in China and they hope to continue to grow in this strategic market. At the same time, there are issues, challenges that we faced with, such as a lack of transparency, IP protections, lack of a level playing field. So, there are challenges that we would like to share with the secretary as well, he noted. Raimondo is scheduled to visit Shanghai on Tuesday. Her China visit concludes Wednesday, August 30. However, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the Biden administration of being at best naive in starting a working group with China. The Biden administrations decision to join forces with the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] to establish a working group on export controls and commercial issues with CCP officials is at best naive, but also dangerous," he said. "The CCP steals U.S. intellectual property and hacks the emails of senior government officials including Secretary Raimondo. The administration must stop treating the CCP as anything other than an adversary who will stop at nothing to harm our national security and spread its malign authoritarianism around the globe, McCaul said. Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said the two countries need an enhanced dialogue on trade in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election ... before its too late. The U.S. ban on China-bound high-tech exports and investments has ended up promoting Chinas [tech] autonomy and innovative capabilities, he told VOAs Mandarin Service. All these developments do not serve the interests of [U.S.] high-tech firms. VOA Mandarin contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. It was not clear Monday if the French ambassador to Niger had left the African country as he was ordered to do by the countrys new leaders. On Friday, Nigers foreign ministry said Sylvain Itte had 48 hours to leave. The ultimatum was given after Itte refused to meet with the military leaders who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in a coup in July. Bazoum and his family have been detained by the military in the presidential palace. Niger is a former French colony, and France still has 1,500 soldiers in the African country. They have helped Niger to fight jihadi forces. Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey, the capital, Sunday to show their support for the military officers who deposed Bazoum. France has not recognized Nigers new leaders, saying that Bazoums government remains the only legitimate authority in Niger. France has also agreed with the West African bloc ECOWAS and its calls for Bazoums reinstatement. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is also the chair of ECOWAS, has been invited to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden next month on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, where the two leaders are likely to discuss Niger. ECOWAS has threatened to use military force to restore Bazoum. Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Womens rights activists in Israel are increasingly concerned about the new governments moves to separate men and women in public spaces. They also worry that the Supreme Court will fail to protect women. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen. Columbus Mavhunga HARARE, ZIMBABWE The U.S. Embassy in Harare joined other election observers Saturday in voicing deep concerns about Zimbabwes general election, saying it fell short of the requirements of the country's constitution and regional guidelines. Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwas government and his ruling ZANU-PF party have blasted criticism of the controversy-marred general election. Zimbabwes general election Wednesday did not meet many international standards, Rebecca Archer-Knepper, acting spokesperson at the U. S. Embassy in Harare, told VOA Saturday, but she said Washington hopes Zimbabweans will stay peaceful. While the election days were predominantly peaceful, the electoral process thus far did not meet many regional and international standards, Archer-Knepper said. We share the deep concerns expressed by SADC and other international electoral observation missions, she said, referring to the Southern African Development Community. The SADCs preliminary statement on Aug. 25 said the elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Archer-Knepper said, These missions cited problems with the transparency, independence, fairness and credibility of electoral processes; undue restrictions on the rights to freedom of assembly and association and freedom of expression that are guaranteed by Zimbabwes constitution and reflected in regional guidelines; reports of voter intimidation; and the disenfranchisement of candidates, particularly women. We are also gravely concerned by the arrest of civil society members that we believe were conducting lawful, nonpartisan election observation work, she said. On Wednesday, police took 35 election monitors from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network and Election Resource Centre into custody and charged them with plotting to announce unofficial results. They were released on $200 bail each on Friday Election observers, including those from the SADC, condemned the arrests and the confiscation of observers computers and cell phones by police, as well as the way the general election was held. Nevers Mumba, the head of the SADC observer mission to Zimbabwes polls, stopped short of calling the general election not credible when he presented the regional blocs preliminary report on Friday, but he did raise concerns. The Zambian national said a $20,000 registration fee for presidential candidates was restrictive. He also noted the Zimbabwe Electoral Commissions reluctance to release voter rolls to the opposition on time and criticized the disruption of opposition rallies by police. Late Friday, Christopher Mutsvangwa, spokesman for the ruling ZANU-PF party, responded to the SADC observers criticisms of the elections. SADC principles are not administered by a particular individual who may become a head of a delegation, Mutsvangwa said. It is not the duty of a particular individual to arrogate to himself the role of a constitutional review committee of the laws of Zimbabwe. So, Mr. Nevers Mumba from Zambia, we call you to order. Dont delve into the laws of Zimbabwe, he said. Zimbabwe Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi expressed support for Mutsvangwas statements. We waged a war for over 15 years, so that you and I, Zimbabweans here, would be able to hold a pen in our hands and put an X, he said. And the majority of those that are making noise never helped us. Its the blood and sweat of sons and daughters of Zimbabwe. So, the basic principle is we fought for this democracy, he continued. We will have elections when they are due. And we have religiously followed that to this day. So, we believe that some of those who want to teach us on democracy, they can actually get lessons from us. Eli Cohen (C), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel and Michael Brodsky (C-R), Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine raise Israel flag during the reopening ceremony of the Israeli embassy in Kyiv on February 16, 2023. The Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers met secretly in Italy last week, Israels Foreign Ministry announced Sunday, in what it said was the first-ever meeting between the countrys top diplomats. The meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Najla Mangoush, foreign minister of the Tripoli-based government, marked a small breakthrough for Israels government, whose hard-line policies toward the Palestinians have led to a cooling of its burgeoning ties with the Arab world. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for relations between the two countries, Cohen said in a statement. He said the meeting was hosted by Italys foreign minister in Rome. Cohen said he discussed the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyas former Jewish community, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance for humanitarian issues, agriculture and water management. A Libyan government official said normalization of relations between the countries was first discussed in a meeting between the Tripoli-based prime minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and CIA Director William Burns, who visited the Libyan capital in January. According to the official, Burns proposed that Dbeibahs government, which is recognized as Libyas internationally backed government, join the group of four Arab countries that normalized relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The Libyan premier gave an initial approval, but he was concerned about public backlash in a country known for its past support for the Palestinian cause, the official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. The late Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi, was hostile to Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including radical militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Libya was plunged into turmoil after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled Gadhafi, who was later killed, and left the country divided between rival governments in Benghazi in the east and Tripoli in the west. The United Nations has been struggling to shepherd the country toward new elections. Dbeibah is close to Italy and the West. Then-President Donald Trump brokered the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been eager to expand ties with the Arab world, but his government has come under heavy criticism due to its support for West Bank settlement construction and ongoing military raids on suspected militant strongholds in the occupied territory. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has raised concern over the situation in Zimbabwe where political temperatures are rising after a disputed election. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission yesterday announced that incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa had won the presidential election by 52, 6 % and his main rival Nelson Chamisa had garnered 44%. Chamisa has rejected the election saying it was rigged. In a press statement, Guterres spokesperson, Florencia Soto Nino, said, The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Zimbabwe's elections He is concerned about the arrest of observers, reports of voter intimidation, and threats of violence, harassment and coercion. Police arrested 41 independent election observers from the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network and the Election Resource Centre on Election Day. The two groups allege this was an attempt to stop independent verification of election results. Police allege they wanted to prematurely announce results of the elections. They have since been granted bail. The UN further said, The Secretary-General calls on political leaders and their supporters to reject any and all forms of violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence, and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected. Guteress urged political actors to peacefully settle any disputes through established legal and institutional channels, and urged the relevant authorities to resolve any disputes in a fair, expeditious, and transparent manner to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the will of the people. Crackdown on the opposition In a press statement, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, The Zimbabwe Republic Police has deployed officers throughout the country to maintain law and order. Nyathi said, The Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully aware of attempts by some political activists to mobilize groups of people to move in small numbers and come to Harare for purported briefing and popcorn demonstrations under the guise of citizen voter auditor verification. This has even been given credence by some social media posts obtained by the police where some individuals and groups are openly inciting violence and issuing threats aimed at causing alarm and despondency among Zimbabweans. The opposition Citizen Coalition for Change is alleging that the statement is meant to disguise the crackdown on its members. State security agents on Saturday night allegedly abducted a CCC member in the high-density suburb of Highfield in the capital, Harare. Party spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi confirmed the development to VOA Studio 7. Police have also issued a statement saying they want to detain Mkwananzi for a 2020 outstanding warrant for incitement to commit violence. Mkwananzi denied the allegation. The CCC supporter was allegedly targeted after scuttling plans by state agents to disrupt a party press conference in Harare. Observers from the African Union, the regional Southern African Development Community, the Commonwealth, the European Union, Washington and London said the election fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and regional and AU guidelines. Chamisa has also rejected the outcome. However, Mnangagwa at a press conference at the State House took a swipe at the observers, saying he does not, think it is in the mandate of election observers to interrogate institutions of sovereign government, the judiciary, the legislature and governance. Photo: Joseph Okpako/WireImage Florence Welch wrote on Instagram that an emergency surgery was the reason behind Florence + the Machine recently canceling several gigs. Im so sorry that I had to cancel the last couple of shows, she wrote. I had to have emergency surgery for reasons I dont really feel strong enough to go into yet, but it saved my life. Six days ago, Welch said she and the Machine would no longer be performing at the Zurich Open Air Festival and Rock en Seine on medical advice. Her Instagram post says that shell be back performing by September 1 for a show in Portugal. I will be back to close out the Dance Fever tour in Lisbon and Malaga, she wrote. Maybe not jumping so much, but you can do that for me. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos by The Powerpuff Girls/YouTube, Warner Bros. Entertainment/YouTube, Cartoon Network/YouTube, and Disney +/YouTube This article originally ran in 2022. Were republishing it now following the death at age 67 of Arleen Sorkin, who originally voiced and inspired the original Harley Quinn. Live-action superhero efforts are a precarious balancing act. How does one translate whats effective on a comic-book page to a world of flesh, blood, and Chris Hemsworth? In short, its a constant battle of: Is this gonna look dumb? Cartoons, on the other hand, might be the most natural format for the superhero adaptation, providing a more liberating canvas and allowing for all manner of fantastic derring-do without the limiting factor of having to stuff real people in the frame. And since 1992, with the one-two punch of the revolutionary Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men, weve gotten a nice helping of them. If youre looking for an animated adventure to watch, here are the thirty best superhero cartoons of the last thirty years. These are series that make the translation from page to screen feel effortless, applying the grand cadence of the drama of a comic book to movement and sound. They honor the source material without feeling cold in their references, and even those based on original ideas are assured in their world-building. And when comic book plots have seemed labyrinthine and unassailable, these series have stripped them to their best and most indispensable aspects. 30. New Batman series have been the bread and butter of Warner Bros. animation for years, but not all of them are a hole-in-one. A victim of extremely poor marketing, Beware the Batman had an abbreviated lifespan, only lasting 26 episodes before being quietly canceled. Its take on the Dark Knight was hard-hitting and refreshing, especially as it attempted to turn C-list, movie-less foes like Anarky, Professor Pig, and Humpty Dumpty into bonafide stars. However its CG animation could leave it looking fairly empty, especially in its early episodes. Streaming on HBO Max 29. Serving as a sort of tie-in cartoon to the disaster that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wolverine and the X-Men quickly lapped the film it was supposed to be advertising. A story full of alternate futures, deep-dive characters, and heavy stakes, WatX was a fun ride, especially when it gave the spotlight to Emma Frost, the antihero whos torn between helping the X-Men and helping to annihilate them. Its single season is strong overall, but too many diversions into bland Wolverine side stores leave a chunk of it feeling needless. Streaming on Disney+ 28. A relic of the Fox Kids era, Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot is based on a comic by industry luminary Frank Miller. Though certainly not treated well by its network (its schedule was pushed around as they attempted to fill every possible space with Digimon, and it went out with a whimper), Big Guy is great to look at with a story line that combines Silver Age comic-book wackiness with a likable cast in a way that belies its notoriety and feels tailor-made for the cartoon format. Available on DVD 27. Based on the character created by the late, great Dwayne McDuffie and his collaborators at Milestone Media, Static Shock was the fifth series in the expansive DC Animated Universe. A Black hero who would eventually make his way to the Justice League, Statics prominence has only grown with time, even if the first season reveals a production still finding its footing. It would also launch McDuffies entrance into the world of animation, where his storytelling talent would prove to be a wonderful fit. Streaming on HBO Max 26. For those inspired by an original idea growing into a seemingly unstoppable mega franchise, all without a big-name hero or a live-action movie to serve as a central pillar, look no further than the science fiction/fantasy of Ben 10. The original series is the story of a 10-year-old boy who can transform into different alien monsters thanks to a cool wristwatch device and fight evil, and its sequels and spinoffs and reboots launched from there. Streaming on HBO Max 25. Blending toyetic characters with swiftly weaving story lines can leave Spider-Man feeling breakneck at times. However, while the comic-book industry suffered under the weight of its own hubris in the 90s, Spider-Man reframed much of its complexities with breezy, galloping confidence. Its a show that has a lot to accomplish, and though a satellite view of its narratives can leave viewers wondering where exactly it has time to fit in Spider-Mans trademark pathos, watching it is a blast. Streaming on Disney+ 24. To fans of the beloved Teen Titans effort from the early aughts, Teen Titans Go! might disappoint. It combines action with heavy comedy and parody, a silly slice-of-life rendition of the adolescent heroes and their day-to-day activities rather than a Saturday morning adventure show or a grim live action TV series. That said, the voice actors from the original show all return for Go!, and their familiarity lends itself well to the rapid-fire goofiness. Streaming on HBO Max 23. Produced on the heels of the well-mocked Green Lantern film, Green Lantern: The Animated Series is all promise. Like Beware the Batman, a CG animated show from the same period, it was canceled unceremoniously, but unlike Batman, it doesnt have to contend with any comparisons to solid live-action incarnations. Green Lantern has great and surprisingly empathetic core characters, with a galaxy-trotting plot that live action has yet to garner the confidence to recreate. Streaming on HBO Max 22. Few comic-book characters created in the last 30 years have managed to have as immediate of an impact or been as instantly beloved as Harley Quinn. Introduced in Batman: The Animated Series, Harleys star power has risen to the point that shes led multiple live action films and now headlines her own HBO Max show. Entering its third season in July 2022, Harley Quinn is raunch, sweetness, and violence all in one, partly thanks to its assured voice acting (Kaley Cuocos Harley is great, but Ron Funchess King Shark is the heart of the series.) Streaming on HBO Max 21. The mid-90s were a good time to be a superhero fan for Fox Kids viewers Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, Spider-Man, and The Tick. A delightful superhero parody, The Tick is a justifiable cult classic and its placement beside more straight-faced crusaders meant that the jokes and references wouldnt be lost on its audience. Two live-action adaptations would be good in their own right, but in cartoon form, The Tick is a madcap circus. Kickin theme song, too. Streaming on Hulu 20. Created for a generation that was well-versed in the pleasures of Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, The Batman wears its anime influence on its sleeve. Its fight scenes and climactic set pieces are dynamic and well-choreographed, presenting a Worlds Greatest Detective thats more likely to deliver a spinning roundhouse kick than moody introspection. This makes it a fine alternative to the hit-or-miss martial arts of Christopher Nolans Batman films from the same time period, and its status as an origin story gives us the widest spectrum of Batmans career from scowling loner to Justice League co-captain. Streaming on HBO Max 19. Butch Hartmans follow-up to the Nickelodeon smash success of The Fairly Oddparents was Danny Phantom, a supernatural hero show with a rabid fanbase. It wouldnt have the longevity of Oddparents, but it made up for it with great design work, fun action sequences, and a stellar cast. In a genre bursting at the seams with young heroes finding themselves, Dannys youthful transformation feels surprisingly authentic. Streaming on Paramount+ 18. Any follow-up to Batman: The Animated Series would have huge boots to fill, but Superman: The Animated Series doesnt really try. Opting for a design style that favors simplicity and angular edges over BTASs moody detail, STAS latched onto Supermans finest qualities in a way that has seemed to elude filmmakers since 1978. Hes smart, strong, and always ready to protect the innocent, proving that sometimes you dont need to reinvent the wheel when youre dealing with the Man of Steel. The classics still work. Streaming on HBO Max 17. A darker interpretation that better reflected the original comics than the lighthearted late 80s series, the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a major hit. Like The Batman and Teen Titans, its anime influence is obvious, but it combines it here with a sense of angst that drove its first few seasons to be fan favorites. And it would likely be much higher on the list if that had continued, but a lightening of tone and a seeming narrative exhaustion leads to a disappointing final two seasons. Streaming on Paramount+ 16. Debuting the same year as The Dark Knight, Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a far cry from Chris Nolans grim and grounded stylings. Instead, its an open embrace of not just a more chummy Batman but everything that makes the DC Universe a ridiculous place. A team-up show that borrows its name and concept from a comic series, it throws Batman into all manner of partnerships, some of which he works well in and some of which he comically despises. The standout here is Aquaman, portrayed as a prideful lord of Atlantis that just wants to be liked. Streaming on HBO Max 15. The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes would face an early cancellation, but that in no way lessens the quality of the 52 installments it produced. Serving almost as a tribute to the Marvel comics world, Avengers: EMH carefully weaves together familiar stories with newly structured plots to create the finest onscreen interpretation of Marvels most famous band of heroes ever seen. It balances a constantly expanding cast with aplomb, and its replacement by the underwhelming Avengers Assemble series is quite the misstep. Streaming on Disney+ 14. If you can get past the live action introductions by Todd McFarlane himself, sitting in a hokily spooky room and waxing philosophically about the nature of good and evil or life and death, youll find SPAWN to be a troubling and effective adaptation. A violent show that delivers treatises on race, classism, and religion, SPAWN is much better than the clumsy 1997 live action film. Its more horrifying episodes also tend to lend it a How in the hell did this get past the censors? atmosphere and Keith Davids portrayal of the lead character balances anguish and menace in underrated fashion. Streaming on HBO Max 13. Premiering a little after the 2000 film, X-Men: Evolution didnt have the same narrative worries. (Theres no self-aware yellow spandex jokes to be found here.) Instead, its origin story about a growing team of teenagers and their mentors would become ripe for a dedicated online fan base and to this day, it remains a favorite of shippers and fan-fiction aficionados. Like The Batman, it builds to grander, fantastic adventures, and its willingness to let its characters grow and, um, evolve makes it perhaps the best rendition of the X-Mens early days out there. Streaming on Disney+ 12. Batman Beyond shouldnt necessarily work. A high-school Batman with all of the gadgets he could ask for being mentored by a grumpy Bruce Wayne sounds like a recipe for quick toy sales and not much else. But Beyond mixes a technologically focused world with a consistent motif of disturbing body horror that few other series can rival (a live-action version has been the stuff of rumors for over 20 years now, with no one pulling the trigger). And the times that it does dip into Batmans past makes for a kind of anti-nostalgia, with the return of Mr. Freeze proving to be a miserable look into the effects of immortality. Streaming on HBO Max 11. Few cartoons are as recognized for their mature storytelling as Gargoyles, a prime example of not talking down to a young audience. Thoughtful plot lines and characterization amid a Gothic metropolis backdrop means Gargoyles is kind of a sibling cartoon to Batman: The Animated Series. But where BTAS tended to focus on the episodic every episode is a movie approach, the constant serialization of Gargoyles provides a surprisingly rewarding experience to rewatch as an adult. Streaming on Disney+ 10. Regarded as one of the greatest cartoons of recent years, Steven Universes sense of broad empathy and its intricate portrayals of LGBTQ characters makes for a pleasant watch. Its lead character, the eponymous Steven, is also allowed to be affected by the stakes and dangers of the narrative, and his psychological trauma takes a forefront as the series goes on. Its follow-up, Steven Universe Future, is a rare treat, giving fans a chance to say good-bye while also looking back on the original series with both scrutiny and care. Streaming on HBO Max 9. If Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is anything, its gorgeous to behold. The characterization of each turtle is unique and its plotlines ride the line between silly and sincere, but the feather in its cap is action sequences so kinetic that they could not have been done anywhere else but in animation. Victim to sudden cancellation, Rise of the TMNT is getting a very welcome feature-film follow-up on Netflix in August 2022. Streaming on Paramount+ 8. Teen Titans has often been lumped in with the similarly spectacular Avatar: The Last Airbender as simply a Western attempt at recapturing the magic of anime, and its certainly inspired by the Japanese medium. But whereas the DC Animated Universe opted for square jaws and a roster of serious adults, Teen Titans crafted much of its fun out of its rambunctious, hormonal cast of young adults and an art style that allowed for easy exaggeration. To this day, it remains the high point of the teams history in comics, live action or otherwise, and the team would eventually meet the Teen Titans Go! crew in a straight-to-home-video movie that was a cute reminder of its potency. Streaming on HBO Max 7. The biggest problem with the first Justice League cartoon is that its just not as fun as a Justice League cartoon should be. Its follow-up, Unlimited, would rectify that with a greater emphasis on long-form storytelling and a team that its creators managed to balance in a way thats damn near a miracle. Serving as a victory lap of sorts for the DC Animated Universe, it all builds to an immensely gratifying fight between Darkseid, Lex Luthor, Batman, and Superman. Supermans monologue about finally being able to let loose with his full strength on interplanetary conqueror Darkseid feels like what the story had been building to since 1992 a franchise with universal stakes and the unique ability to hone in on what makes this expansive roster specifically tick. Streaming on HBO Max 6. While the development of a live-action film languished in the background, the release of the animated adaptation of the Invincible comic was met with almost universal acclaim. Its an epic, blood-splattered approach with dynamic storytelling and relationships that one cant help but be drawn into, even if its gritty nature means that theyre destined to fall apart at some point. With only one season under its belt, Invincible is the shortest series on this list, but its a hell of an eight-episode run, and if it can continue its streak of quality, it might be higher up one day. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video 5. Canceled after two wonderful seasons and then reborn thanks to the tireless efforts of a huge fan campaign, Young Justice presents perhaps the fullest realization of the DC Universe ever seen in animation. Its storylines and character connections form an intricate and constantly growing web, absconding from any live action idea that one must slowly introduce characters and concepts or else theyll lose their audience. Young Justice is proof of the opposite, with co-developer Greg Weisman bringing the same attitude that he brought to Gargoyles and The Spectacular Spider-Man: If you deliver good work, it doesnt matter how new or detailed it feels, fans will latch on and theyll stay latched on. And, having recently finished the shows fourth season, it appears that fans of Young Justice definitely have. Streaming on HBO Max 4. Though the mark of a good superhero cartoon is often more mature takes on what could easily be a collection of action figures thrown together, The Powerpuff Girls is pure pop art. An outrageous success for Cartoon Network in an era that produced Dexters Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and Ed, Edd n Eddy, The Powerpuff Girls is a triumph of a unique vision and clever writing. It would be rebooted in lackluster fashion and a live-action series would receive a huge social-media backlash, forcing its producers to go back to the drawing board. At this point, theres a second reboot series in the works, but time will tell if its able to recapture the same magic. Streaming on HBO Max 3. With an introductory theme full of colorful characters and Mighty Morphin Power Rangersesque musical radness, X-Men wasnt introduced so much as it was unleashed on the world. Before then, there had never been a Marvel cartoon this good and all of their live-action efforts had been low-budget disappointments. As such, X-Men served as the introduction of an entire comics brand to a generation of kids who may not have read the source material but would really dig the tale of mutant outsiders and their quest to protect humanity (and themselves.) With long-running plotlines and a varied cast, X-Men became a success that spawned an entire Marvel animated universe, and its set to be continued with a Disney+ series next year. Streaming on Disney+ 2. The phrase canceled too early appears quite a few times in this list (studios are just as eager to leave behind or reboot their cartoons as they are their live-action film properties) and the greatest shame of this circumstance remains The Spectacular Spider-Man. There is no better coagulation of the decades of comic-book history and Peter Parker characterization than this 2008 cartoon, one that over the span of 26 episodes made its mark as an almost untouchable series with distinctly fluid animation. While also taking cues from the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy, Spectacular is a one-stop shop of everything that makes the character and his gallery of rogues and friends worthwhile. Streaming on Netflix 1. It all begins with Batman: The Animated Series. Never before had a comic-book adaptation like this been concocted, distilling the narrative of the Caped Crusader down to his most iconic elements and presenting him with befitting adventures that still leave fans in awe to this day. Unlike the singular take of Tim Burton and his decidedly anti-heroic Batman, the central figure of B:TAS is action ready and compassionate, and his villains are tragic and monstrously disturbed. Such was its immediate and unparalleled success that Fox even put it on Sunday night prime time for a few months, challenging CBSs 60 Minutes in its time slot. It would spawn not just an entire DC Animated Universe but scores of prospective creators, all looking to see if they, too, could take animation and superheroes to the next level. However, to this day, very few have achieved the heights of this show. There is still only one Batman: The Animated Series. Streaming on HBO Max Photo: Ashley Pena Leslie Odom Jr. didnt intend to spend seven years away from Broadway. Back in 2016, after he wrapped his run in Hamilton and after his turn as Aaron Burr landed him a Tony, a Grammy, and worldwide recognition he was already thinking about his next role. Purlie Victorious was the first thing my subconscious brought to mind, he said. Ossie Daviss 1961 play, a satirical romp set in the Jim Crow South, had been put into Odoms hands when he was coming up as an actor, and over the years he had turned to it for audition monologues and scene studies. He wanted to get the play back onstage, and he wanted to play the title character: a freewheeling preacher, originally played by Davis, who works out a scheme to reclaim a local church from a white landowner. His plans blow up in his face, and he keeps on plotting. He is, per Daviss script, a man consumed with that divine impatience, without which nothing truly good, truly bad, or even truly ridiculous, is ever accomplished in the world. But getting the play back to Broadway decades after its premiere would take patience. Although it isnt as widely performed today, Purlie Victorious was significant in its time; Davis, a civil-rights activist as well as an actor and a writer, starred in it alongside his wife, Ruby Dee. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the cast backstage and later asked Davis and Dee to serve as the master and mistress of ceremonies during the March on Washington. The plays dark humor revolves around how the Confederate system survived in a different guise during the Jim Crow era, even if, as one character blithely insists to Purlie, Folks cant own people no more. On September 7, the show will open on Broadway again, this time directed by Kenny Leon, with Odom in the lead role. Ive been asked a couple times Why now? As if I had some grand design about This is gonna be whats happening in the Supreme Court. This is whats happening down in Florida, Odom said. But the truth is I wanted Purlie to happen six years ago. The problem was the rights, which were locked up with a producer who didnt want to meet with Odom about the play. It wasnt until that producers deal expired at the end of 2021 and the rights went to Jeffrey Richards, known for bringing shows like August: Osage County to Broadway, that Odom was cast as Purlie, Leon signed on to direct, and, eventually, they secured a theater. Everybodys got a Broadway dream, Odom said, adding an aphorism that might well be a quote from the play: Its just a dream until you get the real estate. Photo: Ashley Pena Talking over lunch at Soho House he ran into his Hamilton co-star Daveed Diggs on the way in Odom was thoughtful and precise, frank on some topics and careful on others. His answers tilted toward optimism; this is someone who published a memoir in 2018 called Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning. As most actors will, he pointed out that theres a difference between the roles he has been offered and his real personality, but theres a streak of certainty in his resting mode that has found its way into his performances. His Burr was a man with big aims and a willingness to wait for it, and the characters he has played since have tended to blaze with ambition but burn cool: Sam Cooke in the film One Night in Miami , a (initially) reserved scientist in Glass Onion, the founder of a rival charter school in the series Abbott Elementary. Hell soon appear as a concerned father in an Exorcist sequel. (Owing to the SAG-AFTRA strike, he would not discuss his screen work.) Purlie has that same ambition, but hes red hot. At a rehearsal, I watched Odom bound around a fluorescent-lit midtown space as he and his co-star Kara Young put the play on its feet; Young plays Purlies somewhat oblivious partner-in-shenanigans, Lutiebelle, a role first played by Dee. Odom was quiet and observant as the cast went over notes, then lit up like a firecracker when they read a scene. The play is under 100 minutes, but its dense with jokes, and Odom has to carry off a lot of them. The script is short, he told me, but this is the hardest part Ive ever done. Part of the challenge is that this is the first time Odom has led a big production of a nonmusical play. His career was built on his agile, powerful singing voice which he has deployed to croon jazz standards beginning when he joined the Broadway cast of Rent at 17. (He played Paul, the head of the life-support group.) On the advice of his castmate Michael McElroy, whose career Odom wanted to emulate, he went to Carnegie Mellons theater program, then to Los Angeles for some TV experience, which hed hoped would get him seen and cast in better Broadway roles. In a roundabout way, it worked: A role on the series Smash brought him to New York. After a couple of midsize theater jobs, he got wind of what would become Hamilton in 2015. Look back over his list of theater credits and you may pick up the other, crucial thing about Purlie Victorious: This is Odoms first professional role in a work by a Black writer. Theres a certain amount of energy and attention I spend on projects that are not written by a Black writer. Its okay; Im used to doing it. We all get used to translating, Odom said, then corrected himself with a rueful laugh: Well, we dont all do that. When hes acting in a show like this, theres no translation. I know these people, these rhythms, this world. While Odom grew up middle class in Philadelphia, he had family members who experienced poverty similar to what we see onstage. Some of his ancestors were enslaved in South Carolina. He said this production of the play is set in 1961, the same year Purlie Victorious premiered on Broadway, and he dived into research. Before we met, he sent me a link to a 1966 documentary called Lay My Burden Down, which surveys the conditions of Black sharecroppers around Selma, Alabama. During our lunch together, he brought out a heavily annotated copy of Clint Smiths 2021 book, How the Word Is Passed, in which the author travels to landmarks and monuments that present contesting approaches to the history of slavery. Theres a passage in which a tour guide at Monticello describes the difference between history, a story of the past using just facts; nostalgia, a fantasy without factual basis; and memory, which combines history and emotion. Its the last which Odom feels could be most useful in educating people. Thats what I want this play to be, he said. I want it to feel like a memory. Its notable to make that point when youre someone whose career was defined by playing a Founding Father. Hamilton depends on a degree of earnest nostalgia; its critique is implied through casting actors of color. Its a far rosier vision of American history than the one in Purlie Victorious, though as Odom said, the plays share a questing spirit: One is from a Black writer who grew up in the segregated South, and one is from our dear Lin-Manuel Miranda. But its two writers ruminating on what it means to be an American and what we own of the American story. Odom knows that Broadway plays have faced headwinds in drawing audiences back after the pandemic, especially to plays by Black authors. Last season, Jordan E. Coopers satire Aint No Mo closed just a few weeks after opening, while a revival of Adrienne Kennedys Ohio State Murders closed a month ahead of schedule. I dont kid myself, Odom said. Im not assuming anybodys presence in this Broadway audience. But he hopes, at the very least, that those who know him as Burr will think that when I invite them someplace, they know that Im never gonna waste their time or their money. Hes also hoping their revival will raise the plays profile including that of the musical version, which hit Broadway in 1970 so it will make its way to regional theaters and schools around the country. Broadway cant help but mean something, as far as the theater goes, Odom said. He turned reflective. I guess I should be more specific: It means something to me. Purlie Victorious opens at the Music Box Theatre on September 27. Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton (pictured in 2005). Ed McVey as Prince William (pictured in 2001). Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Netflix (Crown); Antony Jones/Brendan Bierne/UK Press via Getty Images (Kate); Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images (William) After leaving off in 1997, The Crown is moving into the current millennium in its sixth and final season and taking a close look at the next generation of Windsors. In doing so, the show has cast three new relatively unknown actors in the roles of Prince William (Ed McVey), Prince Harry (Luther Ford), and Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy), in their teens and early 20s. Will and Kate famously met at St. Andrews in 2001, and so well see plenty of McVey and Bellamy as the two lovebirds courting in college. Here, the shows casting director, Robert Sterne, explains how they found the right trio to bring an interior life to these heavily photographed and tabloided young royals. 1. The Crown, according to Sterne, takes an approach of finding actors with a strong resemblance to the personages theyre playing, but who are able to bring something beyond a straight-up facsimile. I think theres a pleasure, for the viewer and everybody, if the actor looks like them, Sterne said. But its about finding people who have a connection with the writing and the role. You want somebody whos going to represent as many different colors of a real, complex life as possible. The show frequently toggles between the familys public and private its portrait of Prince William started to expand last season, with scenes of him watching his mothers BBC interview and helping his grandmother operate the TV so the casting team is interested in actors who have the ability to do the same in their performances. He added, The way that the royals appear when theyre doing speeches isnt necessarily the way theyd appear sitting on the sofa at home. We have to go through these thought processes and provide a 360-vision of these characters. 2. The great thing about The Crown is that theres never any pressure to find a famous person to do the part, so its an open field, Sterne said, so they did a good old wide search. (Though Sterne wouldve considered established names if anyone fit with a role particularly well.) The team conducted an international open call, putting out word to drama groups in universities and high schools, on casting websites, and on social media everywhere we could think of where teenagers who were interested in acting might gather. The key requirement for these Gen Zers: Be able to convincingly play a range of ages from 16 to 17 to the characters early 20s and look enough like early-2000s Will, Harry, and Kate, no previous acting experience required. 3. After that initial scouting, Sterne and his team worked through hundreds of submissions for each role. They had actors read a page or two of dialogue from the script a fairly innocuous and undramatic one so wed see what happens when Peter Morgans words start coming out of their mouths. The Crown leans toward actors who bring out the subtext in even the most functional dialogue, and Sterne was especially interested in the ways someone could make their own decisions and bring their own levels of sophistication to the characters. Then, aspiring princes and princesses had to share a bit about themselves on tape, discussing their hobbies and interests to get a sense of what theyre like in their own voice. As the team narrowed down their search, they met with prospects over Zoom and gave them more scenes to read to explore different aspects of the characters. 4. In this season, William is stepping into his shoes as a man, emerging from the tragedy that had happened in his early teenage years, Sterne pointed out, referring to Dianas death. Ed McVey (24) who eventually landed the part, had graduated from Drama Centre London in 2021 and done a few plays (including a production of Camp Siegfried at the Old Vic) but hadnt appeared in any screen work. Ed, starting out in his professional acting life, was the person who made the most interesting connections with the text, Sterne said. McVey seemed at a point in his professional career similar to this version of William, finding his own way in the world. At the time of this season, the prince was getting full-court coverage in the press as a dreamy young heartthrob prince charming as a People magazine cover dubbed him when he turned 18 an image the show clearly intends to complicate. William, in our script, is not just a set of adjectives. Its about bringing a lot of different textures and seeing his humanity in light and shade, he added. McVey has a kind of incredible humanity about him. 5. Meg Bellamy (20), who booked the part of Kate, responded to The Crowns social-media listing for the role. She had graduated from high school (where she was head girl) with the intention of applying to drama programs but had held off during the pandemic and was working at a Legoland in Windsor when The Crowns team first read with her. She was terrific, and we just knew we were onto something from the start, Sterne said. Shes very bright, very charismatic, and a very good actress. 6. McVey and Bellamy, separately, were high up on Sternes shortlists, but a crucial test came with trying out Will and Kate together. Once they brought their lists down to four or five names, The Crown brought in the actors to read across from each other and test the different dynamics. We needed to find a relationship whereby the two characters felt like they had come home, in some sense, Sterne said. It was about what happened when these two characters met thats what we were keeping a keen eye for. 7. Luther Ford (23) was studying filmmaking at university, not interested in becoming an actor, but a friend suggested that he apply for the role of Prince Harry. Then we met with him and couldnt believe how great he was, Sterne said. Hes got such energy. Once we put the three of them together, we thought, Here, weve got our trio. 8. Sterne also had the young applicants read lines across from the actors playing the older characters, a kind of Balmoral Test of its own. He was interested in making sure there was a familial resemblance between generations of princes as well as actorly chemistry. Sterne has had lots of experience searching for princes to fit the exact ranges needed in different seasons of The Crown Weve had loads of them; its a bit like a jigsaw puzzle working it out and in season five, Dominic Wests own son, Senan, played the William to his Charles, which worked out well considering they needed someone who looked like a 13-year-old Etonian (which Senan was). For this go around, considering the depth needed to play the more expanded takes on William and Harry, Sterne got help from the queen herself. Imelda Staunton said, Ill come in and have a go at these boys, and Dominic also came in and did scenes, Sterne said. We really wanted to see what it was like to put this family together. 9. Lots of people wrote in saying, Could I be Meghan Markle? Sterne said. And I was like, You cant, Im afraid, because she doesnt appear in this one. It ends before she enters the story. The most tragic thing that has happened in Chinchero in recent years is the construction of the airport, says Nilda Callanaupa, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco in Peru, where dozens of women work and produce intricate designs with natural dyes. In this town in the south of the country, the Andean sky is dotted with clouds pierced by snowy peaks but, if you look down, the artisans fears are visible: among the fields and traditional tiled roof houses is a dusty airstrip under construction. Since work began in 2018 on the new Chinchero International Airport (AICC), the peace of the Sacred Valley of the Incas has been broken. The region already hosts an aerodrome that moves over three million passengers per year: the Velasco Astete, in the city of Cusco, where those who want to visit the tourist jewel of Machu Picchu arrive. The AICC, located just 28 kilometers (17 miles) away, will be able to handle more than six million passengers, tripling the flow of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. But there are other figures to consider. In 2017, UNESCO was on the verge of including the legendary Inca citadel on its list of endangered heritage. It did not do so precisely because Peru took measures to restrict the number of visitors. In 2020, the maximum number of visitors was set at 2,244 per day. However, in December 2022, the figure was raised to 4,044 and in June of this year it was announced that the possibility of raising it to more than 6,000 was being studied. Everything that gave Chinchero its value is being destroyed with this construction, says historian Natalia Majluf, who in 2013 launched an online petition to try and stop the project. Since then, she has garnered 111,014 signatures, both from Peruvian citizens and professors from Harvard and Berkeley universities in the U.S. But those efforts proved futile. Work on the airport began at the end of 2018, causing a first wave of protests. In the second half of this year, the passenger terminal will be constructed and work on the runway will move forward. If all goes according to schedule, the airport will be ready in 2025. This has prompted groups such as Salvemos Chinchero (Save Chinchero) and the Union Ciudadana por la Defensa y Valoracion del Patrimonio Cultural y del Ambiente (Citizens Union for the Defense and Valuation of Cultural Heritage and the Environment) to take action against what they consider irreversible damage to national heritage and the environment. They warn that under the 450 hectares of land the airport will occupy lie vital aquifers, as well as traces of Inca and colonial roads. A truck works on the construction of the runway for the new Chinchero airport. Natalie fernandez A construction project of this kind must have a Certificate of Non-existence of Archaeological Remains - something that, according to protestors, does not exist. The Ministry of Culture told this newspaper that the certificate has been issued, but at the time of publication it had not provided a copy. The airport does have the required environmental impact study, but this has been the subject of criticism. Researcher Carlos Soria published an article in which he points out that the report does not specify what will happen to the water sources during and after construction, nor does it establish environmental management measures to reduce the impacts. In 2006, the National Institute of Culture issued a resolution declaring the Sacred Valley of the Incas as National Cultural Heritage. The norm establishes that any new construction project must have the approval of the central authority, which today is the Ministry of Culture. Tacitly, this ministry has given its approval to the AICC, by not objecting to its construction. More than 16 million cubic meters of earth has already been removed at the site, which, according to detractors, may have damaged pre-Hispanic routes such as part of the Andean road system Qapaq Nan, (Inca Trail, in Quechua), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. In other cases, the Ministry of Culture has been more severe. In 2018, for example, it demanded that the private Inkariy museum remove a statue of the god Wiracocha because it put the valleys landscape at risk. More recently, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Peru, Alejandro Soto, who wanted to build a four-story house in the village of Yucay, was only authorized to raise two floors. Children learning to weave at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Natalie Fernandez Drought risk Marco Zeisser, an agronomist engineer living in Cusco, warns of the danger of irreversible changes in land use and rivers in the area due to the compaction, asphalting and waterproofing of almost 500 hectares within the airports perimeter. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications, on the other hand, claims that the replenishment of the aquifer is guaranteed. For Zeisser this is not the case and as Soria points out in his work he notes that the environmental impact study does not correctly identify or characterize the basins involved, nor does it present the indispensable inventory of all the water sources. Water shortages are already being felt in Chinchero, with service only available for a few hours a day. The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service issued a report in 2016 detailing how the area is at high risk of drought. Due to the recurrence of the El Nino phenomenon, and the effects of climate change, the lack of water resources is becoming increasingly acute. The lequechu, an elusive bird that inhabits the wetlands above the airport and is traditionally believed to forecast rainfall, has recently become more difficult to spot in the vicinity of the AICC, according to local farmers. An indigenous man in Chinchero. Natalie Fernandez At a meeting of varayocs - indigenous authorities in place since pre-Hispanic times - in Chinchero there is concern about the opening of the airport. When it enters the operational stage, it will be ugly, says Eulogio Quispe, a man who holds the title of Pachaq Curaca, one of the most respected ranks among the varayocs. The other men and women share Quispes concern. They fear that the mass arrival of tourists and the consequent construction of large hotel complexes will mean the loss of some of the traditions such as the textile industry, or traditional ceremonies like the one held by the varayocs where the debate takes place. But there are also residents who have accepted the construction of the airport. Veronika Tupayachi, an anthropologist from Cusco, points out: There is a lot of racism in the country and some farmers sold their land for the airport in the hope that their children would do other things and not be discriminated against for being Quechua speakers or farmers. As the years go by, she adds, the area may see fewer crops being planted and self-sufficiency may be at risk. The project also has its supporters, who have organized demonstrations in favor. The opening of a second airport for international flights is a long-standing demand in Cusco, in order to avoid having to go through central Lima to visit Machu Picchu. But the AICC will not fulfill that function, according to a report by the State Agency for the Promotion of Private Investment, which states that 91% of flights will be domestic. That is assuming it functions at all. The airport will be inoperable, says Bruno Papi, a former Peruvian Air Force officer. It will be located at 3,700 meters above sea level and surrounded by high mountains, which makes landing and takeoff difficult and the handling of emergencies problematic. First they build it and then theyll have to try and figure out how to get in and out of it, he says. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The strikes in the U.S. film industry have given the independent Italian production Comandante a chance in the spotlight. Selected to open the 80th Venice International Film Festival, it is the revolutionary way that the Visual Effects were developed that makes the film truly stand out.Italy is the only place where we could do this, explains VFX Designer Kevin Tod Haug, Hollywood would have never allowed us to do something so out- of- the-box. As a veteran Visual Effects Designer (his credits include Fight Club and Quantum of Solace), Haug has reinvented the wheel more than once. However, the budget and time constraints, combined with the reputable artistry of Italian production created the perfect conditions for establishing what Haug has coined Near Real Time VFX. In very simple terms, Visual Effects are computer- generated images that add something to a scene in a movie that does not exist in reality where it can be photographed. For the film Comandante, this meant WWII submarine battles in the open water. Generally, the majority of Visual Effects work happens in post- production, when all of the elements of a film come together. This process can take months - or even years - is incredibly expensive and effectively divides the process, creating VFX that are cut off from the earlier planning and shooting phases of making the movie. The reigning wisdom is that the preparation phase of a move, which is dominated by Art department via various forms of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the actual shooting of the movie, which is lead by the Camera department, are separated by the Analogue Abyss where all the CAD plans, references, pre-visualizations are printed out into sets and then photographed with the actors. Then, in what is usually referred to as the Digital Divide, all of that is re-digitized in the post process in order to finish the movie. In order to break this staccato process for Comandante, the Visual Effects department needed to be integrated into production from the beginning of the planning stages. By configuring a newworkflow which allowed the CAD renderings to be delivered to the director combined with the live action photography, in real time while shooting on set, Comandante broke new ground in the technological artistry of cinema. Haug has coined the term Near Real Time to describe the innovative method. This is the first time in filmmaking history that all the useful data from a camera and lens (including its position in space) has been merged in real-time with the Computer Graphics pipeline to be used on set and all the way through final delivery. It allows filmmakers to be informed over the final movements within shots, and, as in the case of Comandante, saves both time and money while also enhancing the artistic quality of the image. The presentation of Comandante at the 80th Venice International Film Festival will mark a paradigm shift in the way producers approach VFX. It seems like no coincidence, as it follows in the tradition of Italy being an innovator of cinema. Just take Neorealism for example. Neorealism came out of the Italian filmmakers necessity to create despite limited resources. It is now recognized as one of the most influential film genres in history. Italians arent interested in making a Marvel movie. The shift required to move away from what Haug describes as post- driven movie making, where VFX production happens mainly after the movie has been shot and edited, back to Old School filmmaking, where the creative focus stays with the director and his key collaborators - think of how any current Marvel movie does their VFX vs 2001: A Space Odyssey or the original Blade Runner - could have only happened in Italy. It is a place teeming with talent willing to adapt to new ways of doing things, positioned to be accessible to the technological advancements in camera, CG software and metadata recovery that are happening in Europe (Ireland and France), and the vision to tell a story with what theyve got. Comandante producer Pierpaolo Verga supported the return to the Old School way of incorporating Visual Effects (not to mention the fact that the VFX on Comandante have been done for a mere 10th of what the equivalent movie would have cost in the U.S. or the U.K.), which could potentially revolutionize the industry when the film premieres in Venice. Comandante recounts the true story of WWII Italian submarine commander Salvatore Todaro and his crew, who saved enemy sailors after sinking their merchant ship. By performing this perilous act, the commander draws a line between what it means to be human and the brutality of war. The film reminds us of how maritime law is based on values and ethics. The Visual Effects in the movie help convey the message through intense naval battles and uncertain seas. Comandante will premiere on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema, on the opening night of the 80th Venice International Film Festival. Comandante is an Indigo Film and O' Groove production with Rai Cinema, Tramp LTD, V-Groove, Wise Pictures, in association with Beside Productions, in collaboration with the Italian Navy and Cinecitta, and will be distributed by 01 Distribution. Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save Taiwanese voters will do more than just choose their next president and legislature when they go to the polls in January 2024: They will help set the course for US-China relations for years to come. China sees its eventual control of the self-governed island off its shores as a national security issue and doesnt rule out the use of force to make it happen. The US has increasingly positioned itself as prepared to act to stop any such military move. Taiwanese voters could either fuel or dampen the mounting tensions. Their choice is between a ruling party determined to maintain Taiwans political independence, and an opposition that sees closer ties with China as the only viable path. 1. Why are tensions so high? China increasingly sees the US as abrogating its One China policy, which has been the basis of relations since 1979. Thats when Washington recognized the Beijing-based Peoples Republic as the sole legal government of China and ended formal diplomatic recognition of Taiwan without clarifying the US position on the islands sovereignty. While US officials say there is no change in policy, President Joe Biden has repeatedly said the US would come to the defense of Taiwan if it is attacked, breaking with a longtime stance known as strategic ambiguity. The Pentagon estimated in 2021 that China wants its military capable of overrunning Taiwan by 2027, though it didnt predict an invasion. Meanwhile, Chinas suppression of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement in 2019, despite a promise to preserve the former British colonys autonomy, stoked fears about Chinas intentions for Taiwan. China staged one of the biggest military drills ever seen around the island late last year. People in Taiwan also view Russias attack on Ukraine which Chinese President Xi Jinping has avoided condemning as a sign of what could happen to them. The desire to take a hard line with China is a rare area of bipartisan agreement in Washington, where policymakers have sought to accelerate billions of dollars in arms shipments to Taiwan. Advertisement 2. What is Chinas claim? Taiwan was colonized by European and Asian powers for centuries, and its current status has been in dispute since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Thats when Chiang Kai-shek leader of the Nationalist Party that ruled China following the 1912 overthrow of the Qing dynasty fled to Taiwan, abandoning the mainland to Mao Zedongs Communists. Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan ever since. The island, which has a population today of 23 million, established a robust democracy and thrived under de facto American protection to become a critical supplier of high-technology goods including semiconductors, the key component in much of todays manufacturing. 3. Whats at stake in the election? President Tsai Ing-wen whos unable to run again because of term limits has long drawn Beijings ire with her contention that Taiwan is essentially already a sovereign nation, even if only a handful of countries recognize it. (China refuses diplomatic ties with those that recognize Taiwan.) Should her Democratic Progressive Party win, the US would retain a willing partner in its efforts to push back against China, and tensions could remain high. A victory by the opposition Kuomintang party or another party could de-escalate tensions, for a while at least. With a party charter that calls for eventual unification, the Kuomintang is Chinas preferred negotiating partner. Still, the party knows that stance isnt widely shared by voters. Polls show most Taiwanese people are happy to maintain the deliberately ambiguous status quo rather than seek unification or formal independence. Advertisement 4. Whos running? Share this article Share Vice President Lai Ching-te is the ruling partys candidate. The Harvard-educated physician once described himself as a political worker for Taiwanese independence. Hes toned that down as Tsais deputy, however. Writing in the Wall Street Journal on July 4, he said he would support the cross-strait status quo. The Kuomintang picked New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, a popular local leader with little foreign policy experience. In a July 3 local television interview, he pledged to keep the peace with China and potentially roll back Tsais extension of compulsory military service. Hou has said he opposes Taiwanese independence, stating theres no legal basis for it. At the same time, he rejects Beijings one country, two systems formulation for bringing the island under its control. That was the hands-off policy Beijing had promised for Hong Kong. Two other candidates are in the race: Tech billionaire Terry Gou, who founded the Foxconn Technology Group that helps supply Apple Inc. and Sony Group Corp., announced his entry in late August. Hes urged a restart in Taiwan-China talks and criticized Lais DPP. Theres also Taiwan Peoples Party candidate Ko Wen-je, who has said the island should both hold talks and maintain a strong defense force. 5. How are China and the US approaching the election? Advertisement Beijing has generally dialed back the pressure on Taiwan in recent months in whats seen as a bid to avoid alienating the public and perhaps boost the prospects of the Kuomintang. The partys strong showing in local elections in late 2022 gave its supporters hope that they could reclaim the presidency. Such a result would ease Beijings concerns that Taiwan is drifting further from its grasp and could prompt it to lower tensions. The US is expected to focus on calling for a free and transparent election without outside interference as close as itll likely get to a warning to China. Appearing to choose sides would be bad form and possibly counterproductive. (Updates section 4 with additional candidates and their positions.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Climate change and its consequences have been talked about since the turn of the century. Back then, iconic images of a polar bear on a tiny patch of ice surrounded by the vast Arctic Ocean helped show the extent of the coming drama. Now that tragedy has moved south. Last year, four colonies of Antarctic emperor penguins failed to raise their young. Their parents nested on icy water surfaces, but in the Antarctic summer of 2022, the ice melted before the chicks had exchanged their down for the hydrophobic feathers that would have allowed them to submerge themselves in the icy Antarctic waters. The adult pairs had to leave the colony and abandon their offspring, who either drowned or starved to death on tiny icebergs, much like those of the polar bears in the north of the planet. The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the largest penguin and the biggest warm-blooded animal that lives this far south. Discovered last century by Russian explorers, the animal lives and nests only in Antarctica. It has not been hunted or fished by humans (except by chance). Nor has its habitat, Antarctica, been seriously altered. So, it was thought to be an iconic species that was free of threats, which has made the emperor penguin a bellwether of climate change. That status stems from the fact that their life cycle follows the ice cycle. Penguin pairs arrive at the edges of the continent between the end of March and April, when it is autumn. The eggs hatch in July, when that ices maximum extension occurs. And so it goes, as the chicks grow with their gray down, which protects them from the cold. Under normal conditions shaped by natural selection and climate, the young penguins gradually lose the layer that protects them from the cold in favor of highly water-resistant feathers rich in fat in mid-December. That is when the sea ice, which has been cracking since October, sometimes disappears completely, facilitating the chicks transition from terrestrial to marine life. But in 2022, everything fell apart. When the ice supporting the ramp disintegrated, the parents would no longer have been able to reach their colony. The chicks would have died here of starvation or frostbite. Norman Ratcliffe, British Antarctic Survey Of the more than 60 colonies that have been discovered, only three nest on continental ice, that is, inland. The rest nest on land-fast ice. That variety is neither continental ice nor sea ice, the part that rests on sea water. It is the frozen portion of ice that is still in contact with the submerged continental shelf. Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), a scientific organization that has been on the continent since 1962 continuously, observed an anomalous melting on the westernmost edge of Antarctica. On the shores of the Bellingshausen Sea (named after the aristocrat who led the expedition that first sighted the emperor penguins), there was no more ice in November, leaving only water under the feet of birds that dont fly and were unprepared to swim. There is evidence that the chicks used a stranded iceberg as a kind of lifeboat at one colony, but the satellite data suggest that they did not survive there until they fledged, says Norman Ratcliffe, a BAS researcher. Ratcliffe and his colleagues used Sentinel2 satellite data to observe two processes at the same time: ice shrinkage and change in plumage. In early December 2022, ice extent marked an all-time low. There is no direct evidence about what happened to the chicks based on scientists observations on the ground, but, as Ratcliffe says, if the sea ice breaks up under the colony before the chicks have waterproof feathers in early December, they will either fall into the water and drown or drift away on floes, losing their parents. The image on the left shows the October 2022 ice situation on Smyley Island where 6,500 pairs of emperor penguins were nesting (the dark spot in the center). On the right: on December 10, there was only water where the colony had been located. BAS Scientists analyzed images taken of this area of Antarctica during the penguins entire breeding cycle. In the central and western part of the Bellingshausen Sea, there are five emperor penguin colonies. From the sky, they look like dark spots on the snow, the grayish brown of the young combines the brownish color of the guano, their droppings. In December 2022, the ice melting represented historic lows over the entire Antarctic Peninsula, but by November 100% of the sea ice in the Bellingshausen Sea had already disappeared. Researchers described the consequences in an article that was just published in the scientific journal Communications Earth & Environment. Of the five colonies in the area, three were abandoned in early December and a fourth, at Verdi Inlet, with some 3,000 pairs, was abandoned even earlier, in November, two months before the young molted. There were no field checks. The five colonies were discovered in the last decade, and there are no bases in that region of Antarctica. All that is known about them comes from satellites. The satellite images show that long before the chicks had their hydrophobic feathers, there was water where there should have been ice. Emperor penguin chicks in Antarctica in 2005. Zhang Zongtang (AP) The most dramatic case was likely the Pfrogner Point colony. Discovered in 2019, it consists of about 1,200 pairs and is among the few colonies nesting on continental ice. The satellite images show the brownish patch until October. But in the November 8 image, it was no longer there, and on November 12 there was no sea ice. It seems unlikely that the hatchlings fell into the water, but the alternative Ratcliffe describes is worse: Ice shelves often have a steep cliff on the edge facing the sea that penguins cannot normally climb. At Prfogner, a snow ramp had built up on the sea ice below the cliff that allowed access. When the ice supporting the ramp disintegrated, the parents would no longer have been able to reach their colony. The chicks would have died of starvation or frostbite. So far, sixty-two emperor penguin colonies have been discovered in Antarctica. There are a few small colonies and a few thousand pairs in the Bellingshausen Sea. In the southern and northern Antarctic, there are clusters of up to 20,000 pairs. In addition, climate changes impact on Antarctica is more complex and less clear than it is in the Arctic. For decades, ice has increased in the eastern portion of the continent, while in the West Antarctic, ice is melting at a faster rate. But if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, most of Antarctica will lose most of its seafloor and fixed ice sooner and for a longer time. Based on these models, a 2020 study estimates that 90% of the colonies could disappear by the end of the century. The lead author of the study, Peter Fretwell, also of BAS said, We know that emperor penguins are highly vulnerable in an increasingly warmer climate, and current scientific evidence suggests that extreme sea ice loss events like this will become more frequent and widespread. Although only four colonies collapsed last year, between 2018 and 2022, 30% of the 62 known emperor penguin colonies were affected by partial or total loss of sea ice. Based on previous local collapses, scientists know that emperor penguins move their nesting grounds. In a BAS article, climatologist Caroline Holmes explained what may happen this season: At this time, in August 2023, the sea ice extent in Antarctica is still well below all previous records for this time of year. In this period when the oceans are freezing, we are seeing areas that, surprisingly, are still largely ice-free. Where will the emperor penguins go to raise their young? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save What do you do about lab-made chemicals that are in 99% of people in the US and have been linked to immune system problems and cancer? Whose bonds are so stable that theyre often called forever chemicals? Meet PFAS, a class of chemicals that some scientists call the next DDT. For consumers, they are best known as components in products such as Scotchgard and Teflon. For businesses, PFAS which are used to make hundreds of everyday products, from stents to firefighting foams are a puzzle that has already created billions of dollars worth of liabilities. But 70 years of unchecked proliferation are ending. The US government is engaged in a sweeping multi-agency effort to reduce their presence in the nations air, water, land and food, and European Union regulators are also cracking down. 1. What are PFAS? PFAS (PEE-fas) stands for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Previously called PFCs, FCs or fluorocarbons, they come in an estimated 15,000 varieties. Some have been made since the 1950s by companies such as 3M Co. and DuPont (now DuPont spinoff Chemours Co.). Theyre characterized by bonds between carbon and fluorine that are among the strongest in organic chemistry. Their consumer-friendly abilities were discovered by accident in 1938 when a DuPont scientist was experimenting with refrigerants, and in 1952 when a 3M researcher splashed an experimental mixture on shoes, which then became stainproof giving rise to 3Ms Scotchgard. Consumers may be more familiar with the names of two of the most studied forms, PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), once used in Scotchgard; and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), also sometimes called C-8, once used to make Teflon. Advertisement 2. What are PFAS in? For a start, theyre in many types of outdoor clothing, camping gear, shoes, textiles, coated papers for fast-food takeout, firefighting foams and surfactants compounds that reduce the surface tension between two things for electronics manufacturing. Every year brings revelations about new products theyre used in; most recently, toilet paper, dental floss, semiconductors and solar panels. The medical equipment and construction industries depend on them too. Private labs have warned that handling blue chemical ice packs, sunscreen and Post-It Notes can expose a person to PFAS. And because the chemicals also get around on their own, they pop up in polar bears, newborn babies and kale. PFAS are found in high levels in the water of communities around the world. 3. Are they dangerous? Advertisement It depends who you ask. A scientific panel that from 2005 to 2013 monitored the blood and health of about 70,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio who lived near a DuPont Teflon plant found a probable link between PFOA exposure and cases of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol and pre-eclampsia. Animal studies have shown PFOS affects the ability of cells to communicate with each other potentially hampering the immune systems ability to destroy viruses and the rogue cells that cause cancer. In Minnesota, near a 3M plant, theres been a debate over whether PFAS are linked to problems such as lowered fertility and childhood cancer. US and European regulators now advise that they can lead to increased risk of miscarriage, developmental delays in children, increased risk of obesity, and reduced response to vaccines. 4. Is there a big difference between varieties? The argument over whether a newer generation of PFAS is safer than the older, phased-out types is ongoing. Manufacturers distinguish between older types, known as long-chain, and short-chain varieties. Long-chain PFAS have more than eight fluorine-carbon bonds. Around the year 2000, manufacturers began switching to short-chain PFAS, some of which have been shown to spend less time in the body. The Performance Fluoropolymer Partnership, which represents some manufacturers, says PFAS are diverse and cannot be regulated as a single group. Many scientists didnt agree, saying some short-chain PFAS including those currently used in Scotchgard spray and Teflon manufacturing may be as harmful to the liver, thyroid and kidney as the long-chain versions they replaced. More recently, 3M has said it will stop making all types of PFAS and work to get them out of its products by the end of 2025. Advertisement 5. Whos been affected by PFAS? Around 200 million Americans have drinking water with traces of PFAS, according to the Environmental Working Group, a public-health advocacy organization. The group has mapped more than 3,000 concentrated pollution sites across all 50 US states. The US Environmental Protection Agency has started conducting its own tests; after checking the first 2,000 water systems, it said it had found 26.3 million people affected. Beyond water, people are said to be exposed to PFAS through indoor dust, food and consumer products. There are reports of PFA-polluted sites in Belgium, Germany, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands, and contamination through agricultural use of biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, and landfills where chemical-laden products were disposed. 6. What lawsuits have PFAS generated? Advertisement More than 15 state attorneys general have joined lawsuits against 3M and other companies over PFAS in firefighting foams. Class-action suits also allege that 3M, Honeywell International, Georgia-Pacific LLC, DuPont, Chemours and other companies improperly disposed of the chemicals, leading to personal injury and loss of property values. Chemours, DuPont and Corteva Inc. have reached a provisional settlement to pay $1.2 billion to settle claims about PFAS in public drinking water. 3M agreed to pay as much as $12.5 billion to settle similar claims. In June, a US unit of Belgium-based Solvay SA agreed to pay New Jerseys environmental regulator $75 million in damages and $100 million to fund remediation projects in a PFAS-related case. 7. Whats the US plan to contain PFAS? A lack of national limits on PFAS has kept the regulatory burden on municipalities and states, many of which are setting their own drinking-water standards or taking legal action. California banned textiles and cosmetics with PFAS, for example. Finally, in late 2021, the White House announced a multi-agency, nationwide approach. Advertisement The main component is a three-year strategy for the EPA describing specific regulations with deadlines and research the agency plans to conduct to understand where additional controls may be needed. In March 2023, the agency published proposed standards for drinking water levels for six PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. A final rule is expected by January 2024. The EPA proposed in September 2022 that PFOA and PFOS be designated as hazardous under a law that would require the most polluted sites, known as Superfund sites, to be cleaned up. If the rule is finalized, companies could be on the hook for as much as $22 billion in clean-up costs and more lawsuits. The agency is exploring its authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act to determine whether to restrict PFAS currently used in commerce. Share this article Share The Department of Defense is examining the PFAS concentrations at nearly 700 of its installations and is urging military bases to boost efforts to manage or destroy the chemicals. The Pentagon expects to complete the assessments by the end of 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration is working to help airports switch to PFAS-free formulations of specialized foams used to fight aircraft fires. Advertisement The Food and Drug Administration is testing the extent of PFAS in the US food supply. It says so far that most food not grown in areas with known contamination dont have detectable levels. 8. Whats going on elsewhere? In February, the EUs European Chemical Agency introduced a broad new restriction. Under it, by this fall, manufacturers who want to keep selling products in the US must share information with regulators about any PFAS in the goods. The Netherlands government has said it will hold 3M legally responsible for PFAS pollution in the Scheldt river. Japans government banned PFOS and PFOA in 2021, and its Environment Ministry announced in August that it would embark on full-scale research into the toxicity of the chemicals. The Japanese chemical company DIC Corp. has developed a new PFAS-free surfactant for use in the production of semiconductors amid growing concerns about the health risks to workers in that industry. Advertisement 9. Can I do anything to limit my risk? Theres very little that can be done about PFAS youve already been exposed to; they leave your body very slowly, over time. Most doctors wont test for PFAS, so its hard to even find out your exposure levels. Some studies suggest blood-drawing might reduce PFAS in blood, but research is preliminary. Childbearing can decrease levels, though unfortunately thats by passing them on to the child. When it comes to avoiding exposure, you can: Check the the map maintained by the Environmental Working Group to see if your area is a PFAS hotspot. You can determine whether your municipality filters for them, and you can get an in-home filter. Some consumer advocacy groups recommend ditching non-stick cookware from pie pans to rice cookers especially if theyre scratched. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a guide. Advertisement Dr. Philip Landrigan, a childrens health advocate, has recommended not using Scotchgard even as we wait for more definitive information about the current formulation. You can try to avoid PFAS in products you buy, though thats difficult given the lack of labeling. Articles abound that identify products such as cosmetics and outdoor gear that do or dont contain PFAS. --With assistance from Christopher Cannon, Pat Rizzuto and Adam M. Taylor. (A previous version of this story mischaracterized the origins of Chemours Co.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Six months after Louisville bank employee killed five coworkers and wounded eight others, survivors, victims families and his parents wonder why it was so easy for a troubled young man to get a rifle. Some are planning to sue the gunmaker. KYODO NEWS - Aug 28, 2023 - 23:06 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is arranging telephone talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, government sources said on Monday, with the discussions expected to focus on reaffirming solidarity with Kyiv and providing aid for the country's reconstruction. The talks, potentially taking place Tuesday, would follow a planned bilateral meeting in July during the NATO summit in Lithuania that failed to materialize due to prolonged discussions. At that time, the two leaders could only manage a brief exchange. Kishida is also likely to use the talks to align positions with Zelenskyy ahead of the Group of 20 summit in India next month, where he plans to discuss assistance for Ukraine and ongoing sanctions against Russia with other leaders. Russia is also expected to attend the summit. During talks on the fringes of the Group of Seven summit in May in Japan's western city of Hiroshima, Kishida told Zelenskyy that Tokyo would provide some 100 vehicles from its Self-Defense Forces, including small trucks and material carriers, to Ukraine as part of its assistance. Arrangements are also being made to hold a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Japan early next year. Related coverage: Ukraine to compete at Paris Games even with Russian neutral athletes Japan's expanded blacklist for exports to Russia takes effect As the ubiquitous kitchen-wall slogan has it, every second counts in The Bear (Disney+). And every scene matters. Immersed in the messy business of discarding the old and welcoming the new, the two seasons of the brilliant restaurant procedural tell a straightforward story about the complicated business of change. But its how creator Christopher Storer and his team go about telling that story that makes it so distinctive. Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto in the memorable Omelette episode in season 2 of The Bear. Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX As it begins, chef Carmen Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) has returned home to Chicago to take over the failing family business, The Original Beef of Chicagoland, a small sandwich shop nestled in the shadows of the River North neighbourhoods high-rises. Hes there because his charismatic but deeply troubled older brother, Mikey (Jon Bernthal), took his own life, leaving his family to deal with the consequences. Mikey appears in several sequences which are marked as flashbacks only by his presence but its his absence that drives much of what happens outside them. Hes like a ghost haunting the series. Perfectionist Carmy is still measuring his own worth against the big brother hes lost. Down-to-earth sister Natalie, aka Sugar (Abby Elliott), has been keeping her distance from The Beef because of its painful connections to the past. And abrasive cousin Richie Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) continues to work there in front-of-house not only because of his limited options but also out of a sense of duty to Mikey. Its a family nightmare with Carmy at the centre of things. His way of dealing with the past is to build a different future. His goal is to turn The Beef into The Bear, named after a moniker given to him in childhood and modelled on the fine-dining restaurants where hed worked before coming back to Chicago. Showing fatherly interest as well as providing financial support and sage advice is Jimmy (Oliver Platt), whod been best friend to the Berzatto siblings late father. The estranged husband of Tatiana Dokhotaru, a 34-year-old woman found dead three months ago in her Sydney unit, will face court charged with her murder. On Monday homicide police disclosed that a four-year-old child had witnessed the alleged domestic violence killing and then spent almost a full day in the Liverpool unit with Dokhotarus body. The revelation followed the arrest of Danny Zayat, 28, at a house in St Clair in Sydneys west, by detectives from strike force Median at 6am. Homicide squad commander Danny Doherty alleged Zayat murdered his former partner in the early hours of May 27. A plan aimed at saving the nations businesses time and money has been abandoned by the federal government after an independent review found it would cost almost $3 billion to complete and not be operational until the end of the decade. The overhaul of numerous business and company registers, promised as part of the Morrison governments deregulation agenda in 2019, was originally estimated to cost taxpayers $480 million and be in place by the middle of next year. Former Service NSW chief executive Damon Rees scathing report into the Morrison governments business register program found it should be stopped. Instead, a review to be released on Monday by Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones found the Modernising Business Registers program had effectively fallen apart due to problems in its original design, the expansion of the program as it was being developed, skyrocketing costs of contractors, plus the pandemics impact on finding suitably qualified staff. The review, compiled by former CEO of Service NSW, Damon Rees, found that at least another $2 billion of taxpayer money would need to be spent on the program, describing even that expenditure as a high-risk undertaking. It would not be completely in place until 2029. West Australian renters earning the states minimum wage are now forking out nearly two-thirds of their income on rent. New analysis shows the increased cost of renting a house in Perth is fast outpacing the increase to the states minimum wage and it comes with a warning things could get worse. Soaring rents are affecting Perth residents across several demographics. Credit: iStockphoto Since 2020 the median weekly rent for a house in WA has increased $210 dollars to $580. Over the same period the states weekly minimum wage increased $109.60 to $863.40. The Fiji Airways hangar at Nadi Airport is usually busy with mechanics and engineers but on Tuesday, August 15, its hosting a milestone event for the national carrier. At the front of an audience of more than 2000, a conga line of women sways to and fro to the sound of island rhythms blasted over a PA system that fills the cavernous space. Theres an MC on the stage and the giant video screen shows an aircraft approaching. Fiji Airways newest Airbus A350 arrives at Nadi Airport earlier this month. Its an Airbus A350-900XWB, the latest acquisition for Fiji Airways. The camera follows the aircraft as it touches down and slowly makes it way to the front of the hangar. Just before it rolls to a stop its baptised with twin arcs of water spurting from fire engines on either side. Stairs roll into position, the door opens and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the CEO and chairman of the airline and several ministers march down and onto a stage. Speeches are made, theres a rousing performance by a cohort of over a hundred boys from the Queen Victoria School, established to provide education for the sons of Fijian chiefs, where Rabuka himself was once head boy. Finally, were allowed onboard, following hot on the heels of Rabuka as he makes a circuit of the aircraft. This is Fiji Airways third A350. Another is expected to arrive before the end of August. Within the space of two weeks the airline will have doubled its A350 fleet. Thats a big call for any airline, and a huge vote of confidence, symptomatic of the rapid recovery of the island-nations tourism industry. Our position is the one we publicly communicated since the beginning of the war, a Campari spokesman, Enrico Bocedi, said. But such statements are seen by many in Ukraine as platitudes. Russia along with Italy, Germany, France and the United States is one of the groups core markets for sales of Aperol. In 2022, the groups overall sales in Russia and Ukraine amounted to about 3 per cent of its total. Emilia Bulatetska, second from left, with her friends Maryna Volzhyna, right and Maryna Vakoliuk in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: Photo for The Washington Post by Oksana Parafeniuk. In the first quarter of this year, the groups international sales grew by nearly 20 per cent. It has served as an official partner for the Cannes Film Festival two years in a row. Completely withdrawing from the Russian market was the only possible position in our view, said Dmytro Krimsky, 52, co-founder of Goodwine, a large upscale grocery and liquor store in Kyiv that sold more than $US338,000 worth of Campari products in 2021. The store has since terminated its partnership with Campari as part of the principled decisions it took after conducting an assessment of its vendors responses to Russias invasion, Krimsky said. Loading Goodwine did not previously work with Bacardi, he said, but has written off any possibility of working with the company in the future and is actively working to exclude other brands with ties to Russia. Some alcohol brands that didnt quickly withdraw from Russia are now facing difficulties. Last month, after the Danish beer maker Carlsberg Group announced plans to sell its assets in Russia to an unnamed buyer, Moscow seized control of eight of its breweries and 8400 of its employees. In the spring, French company Pernod Ricard, which distributes Swedens Absolut vodka, faced outrage in Sweden after reports that it was selling products to the Russian market. In April, it backtracked previous plans to just scale back, announcing it would suspend all sales of Absolut to Russia. Western companies under pressure to end operations in Russia have cited concerns that completely stopping production could lead to accusations from Russian authorities that they are intentionally going bankrupt and could leave local employees liable. Ukrainians are not sympathetic to this narrative. People pay their last respects at a coffin of military medic Dariya Filipova during a farewell ceremony in Independence Square in Kyiv this month. Credit: AP Any companies that continue to work and pay taxes in Russia are sponsoring the war, said Dasha Andriushchenko, 32, marketing manager at Pure & Naive, a popular bar and restaurant in central Kyiv. For two months after Russias February 24, 2022, invasion, we didnt even think about alcohol and didnt make any orders, she said. The restaurant transformed into a volunteer hub where civilians gathered to make meals for Ukrainian troops fighting around Kyiv. When the bar reopened for business in spring 2022, it consulted other bars in Kyiv about the links of liquor companies to Russia, she said. It was then that managers opted to stop buying from Campari and Bacardi. Loading In August, as at Squat 17B, customers sipping bubbly orange drinks on their patio were drinking spirits from Italian company Luxardo not Aperol. Pure & Naive later switched to a different alternative, called Gamondi. It was pretty hard to check if [Luxardo] are working with Russia or not, Andriushchenko said. Luxardo did not respond to several requests from The Post for comment on any existing ties to Russia, but Instagram posts from a Moscow-based liquor distributor suggest some Luxardo products are still available there. Yevgeny Babiy, 20, a bartender at Champagnella, a pizza restaurant and bar in Kyiv, still has a bottle of Martini extra dry vermouth on display behind his bar. Its kind of a joke because its empty and no one can order it, he said. In general, Babiy said, his bar has tried to replace brands that still do business in Russia. But its kind of complicated, he said. Frankly speaking, we are not going to stop these companies from making money in Russia if they want to All companies who on a moral basis wanted to leave Russia have already left. At a bar next door, Aperol, Martini and Campari were all on display. When a Post reporter asked in Ukrainian to speak to the bartenders about how they felt selling the products, their manager refused. Theyre not going to talk to you because theyre just the workforce, she replied in Russian. When everything is gone, we will deal with that. Not everyone in Ukraine is paying attention to the politics of intoxicants. On a recent evening in the city of Kryvyi Rih, Yana Ovdii, 31, and her friend Natasha Polyakova, 46, sat down in an upscale hotel restaurant and each ordered an Aperol Spritz not knowing about the backlash against Campari. The pair had gotten together to try to cheer up, they said, because Polyakovas husband had just been mobilised. Her 24-year-old son was already in the military, and she was scared she might lose them both. This time is difficult, Ovdii said. For some bartenders, ensuring that the products are not for sale feels personal. Ilya Petrovskiy, 26, a bartender at Malevich, a drinking spot in a bustling part of Kyiv, said brands that still operate in Russia were being phased out. The only Bacardi product Malevich still has on its shelves is Oakheart spiced rum. Once the bottle runs out, we have no intention to place any more orders, Petrovskiy said. The bar has also renamed its White Russian cocktail a Dead Russian and donates all proceeds from purchases of it to the Ukrainian military. Being Ukrainian, being in a country where were at war I dont want me or the bar where I work to support these brands with any money, he said. The BBC is to be sued by a man interviewed in a case of mistaken identity over a row about royalties. Guy Goma became an internet sensation after BBC staff confused him with a technology expert due to be interviewed about the threat of online music to the industry. Guy Goma claims he received no payment for the 2006 interview on the BBC despite it being viewed millions of times in the years since. Credit: BBC Goma had arrived for a job interview with the corporations IT department when he was ushered into the BBC news studio and quizzed about a legal battle between Apple computers and the Apple Corps record company. A bemused-looking Goma answered the questions put to him by the journalist, sharing his thoughts on the future of online music, with the clip of the amusing encounter going viral. The evolution of the companies practices was described by more than a dozen current and former employees, many of them speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer sensitive details. The new approach marks a sharp shift from the 2020 election, when social media companies expanded their efforts to police disinformation. The companies feared a repeat of 2016, when Russian trolls interfered in the US presidential campaign, turning the platforms into tools of political manipulation and division. Loading These pared-down commitments emerge as covert influence campaigns from Russia and China have grown more aggressive, and advances in generative artificial intelligence have created new tools for misleading voters. Experts in disinformation say the dynamic headed into 2024 calls for more aggressive efforts to combat it, not less. Musk has taken the bar and put it on the floor, said Emily Bell, a professor at the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, where she studies the relationship between tech platforms and news publishers. For the 2024 presidential election, misinformation around races is going to be even worse, she added. The social media platforms say they still have tools to prevent the spread of misinformation. We remove content that misleads voters on how to vote or encourages interference in the democratic process, YouTube spokesperson Ivy Choi said in a statement. Additionally, we connect people to authoritative election news and information through recommendations and information panels. Meta spokeswoman Erin McPike said in a statement that protecting the US 2024 elections is one of our top priorities, and our integrity efforts continue to lead the industry. Yet it is already changing what some users see online. Earlier this month, the founder of a musical cruise company posted a screenshot on Facebook appearing to show Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) falsely signing a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to become police officers and sheriffs deputies. In Illinois American citizens will be arrested by illegals, reads the post, which has been shared more than 26o times. Fact-checkers at USA Today, one of dozens of media organisations Meta pays to debunk viral conspiracies, deemed the post false, and the company labelled it on Facebook as false information. But Meta has quietly begun offering users new controls to opt out of the fact-checking program, allowing debunked posts such as the falsified one about Pritzker to spread in participants news-feeds with a warning label. Conservatives have long criticised Metas fact-checking system, arguing it is biased against them. Meta Global Affairs President Nick Clegg said the ability to opt out represents a new direction that empowers users and eases scrutiny over the company. We feel weve moved quite dramatically in favour of giving users greater control over even quite controversial sensitive content, Clegg said. McPike added that the new fact-checking policy comes in response to users telling us that they want a greater ability to decide what they see. High-water mark of cracking down on bad information: Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump violently attack the US Capitol in an effort to overturn the election results on January 6, 2021. Credit: AP YouTube has also backed away from policing misleading claims, announcing in June it would no longer remove videos falsely saying the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump. Continuing to enforce the ban would curtail political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm, the company argued in a blog post. These shifts are a reaction from social media executives to being battered by contentious battles over content and concluding there is no winning, said Katie Harbath, former director of public policy at Facebook, where she managed the global elections strategy across the company. For Democrats, we werent taking down enough, and for Republicans we were taking down too much, she said. The result was an overall sense that after doing all this, were still getting yelled at . . . Its just not worth it anymore. The big lie test For years, many of Metas trust and safety teams operated like a university. Driven by curiosity, employees were encouraged to seek out the thorniest problems on the platform - issues such as fraud, abuse, bias and attempts at voter suppression - and develop systems to help. But in the last year and a half, some workers say there has been a shift away from that proactive stance. Instead, they are now asked to spend more of their time figuring out how to minimally comply with a booming list of global regulations, according to four current and former employees. Thats a departure from the approach tech companies took after Russia manipulated social media to attempt to swing the 2016 election to Trump. The incident transformed Mark Zuckerberg into a symbol of corporate recklessness. So the Meta CEO vowed to do better. He embarked on a public contrition tour and vowed to devote the companys seemingly infinite resources to protecting democracy. The most important thing I care about right now is making sure no one interferes with the various . . . elections around the world, Zuckerberg told two Senate committees in 2018, the same year a Wired cover depicted him with a bruised and bloody face. Meta Global Affairs President Nick Clegg. In the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, social media companies ramped up investigative teams to quash foreign influence campaigns and paid thousands of content moderators to debunk viral conspiracies. Ahead of the 2018 midterms, Meta gave reporters tours of its so-called war room, where employees monitored violent threats in real-time. Civil rights groups pressured the platforms - including in meetings with Zuckerberg and Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg - to bolster their election policies, arguing the pandemic and popularity of mail-in ballots created an opening for bad actors to confuse voters about the electoral process. These platforms were making all sorts of commitments to content moderation and to racial justice and civil rights in general, said Colour of Change President Rashad Robinson, whose racial justice group helped organise an advertising boycott by more than 1000 companies including Coca-Cola, The North Face and Verizon following the police murder of George Floyd. Loading They instituted strict rules against posts that might lead to voter suppression. As Trump questioned the validity of mail-in ballots in 2020, Facebook and Twitter took the unprecedented step of attaching information labels such as, This claim about election fraud is disputed to scores of misleading comments. Google restricted election-related ads and touted its work with government agencies, including the FBIs Foreign Influence Task Force, to prevent election interference campaigns. In early January 2021, rioters incited by Trump assaulted the US Capitol after organising themselves, in part, on Facebook and Twitter. In response, Meta, Twitter, Google and other tech companies suspended Trump, forcibly removing the president from their platforms. The moment was the peak of social media companies confrontation with political misinformation. But as the tech giants grappled with narrowing profits, this proactive stance began to dissolve. Loading In the summer of 2021, Metas Clegg embarked on a campaign to convince Zuckerberg and the companys board members to end all political advertising on its social media networks - a policy already in place at Twitter. Metas decision not to fact-check politicians speech had triggered years of controversy, with activists accusing the company of profiting off the misinformation contained in some campaign ads. Clegg argued the ads caused Meta more political trouble than they were worth. While Zuckerberg and other board members were sceptical, the company eventually warmed to the idea. Meta even planned to announce the new policy, according to two people. By July 2022, the proposal had been shelved indefinitely. Internal momentum to impose the new rule seemed to plummet after Musk boasted of his plans to turn Twitter into a safe haven for free speech - a principle Zuckerberg and some board members had always lauded, one of the people said. After Musks official takeover later that fall, Twitter would eventually rescind its own ban against political ads. Elons position on that stuff definitely shifted the way the board and industry thought about [policy], said one person who was briefed on the board discussions about the ad ban at Meta. He came in and kinda blew it all up. The Musk factor Almost immediately, Musks reign at Twitter forced his peers to rethink other industry standards. On his first night as owner, Musk fired Trust and Safety head Vijaya Gadde, whose job it was to guard the companies users against fraud, harassment and offensive content. Soon after, just days before the midterms, the company laid off more than half of its 7500 workers, crippling the teams responsible for making high-stake decisions about what to do about falsehoods. The cuts and the evolving approach to moderating toxic content prompted advertisers to flee. But while advertisers were leaving, other tech companies were paying close attention to Musks moves. In a June interview with the right-leaning tech podcast host Lex Fridman, Zuckerberg said Musks decision to make drastic cuts to Twitters workforce - including by cutting non-engineers who worked on things such as public policy but didnt build products - encouraged other tech leaders such as himself to consider making similar changes. It was probably good for the industry that he made those changes, Zuckerberg said. (Meta has since laid off more than 20,000 workers, part of an industry-wide trend.) Musk reinstated high-profile conservative Twitter accounts, including Jordan Peterson, a professor who was banned from Twitter for misgendering a trans person, and the Babylon Bee, a conservative media company. Musk also brought back Republican politicians including Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose personal account was banned for violating the platforms COVID-19 misinformation policies. He simultaneously suspended the accounts of journalists including Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell, CNN reporter Donie OSullivan and others who reported on Musk. A spike in hate speech on the site followed as users tested boundaries. The political winds facing Silicon Valley were shifting, too. Trumps 2020 election rigging claims had inspired a slew of Republican candidates to echo his rhetoric, cementing election denialism as a core Republican talking point. In a May poll by CNN, 6 in 10 Republican voters said they believed Trumps falsehoods that the 2020 election was rigged. Soon after Musks Twitter acquisition, scores of Republican candidates and right-wing influencers tested Meta, Twitter and other social media platforms resolve to fight election misinformation. In the months leading up to the midterms, far-right personalities and GOP candidates continued to spread election denialism on social media virtually unchecked. Mark Finchem, the Republican candidate seeking to oversee Arizonas election system as the states secretary of state, made a fundraising pitch on the eve of the 2022 election, falsely arguing on Facebook and Twitter that his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fontes, was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and a cartel criminal who had rigged elections before. When Twitter, seemingly in response to journalists questions, appeared to restrict his account, Musk declared he was looking into complaints that Finchem was being censored. Later that evening, Finchem was back to tweeting his message. He thanked Musk for stopping the commie who suspended me from Twitter a week before the election. Last year, Meta dissolved the responsible innovation team, a small group that evaluated the potential risks of some of Metas products, according to a person familiar with the matter, and simultaneously shuttered the much-touted Facebook Journalism Project, which was designed to promote quality information on the platform. What was once promoted as part of an essential component of Metas role in helping secure democracy, election integrity and a healthy information ecosystem, appears now to have been expendable, said Jim Friedlich, executive director of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, which served for two years as a lead partner in helping execute Facebooks journalism grantmaking. Now, Meta is eyeing ways to cut down on having to referee controversial political content on its new Twitter-like social media app, Threads. Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who led efforts to build Threads, said earlier this year that the platform would not actively encourage politics and hard news, because the extra user engagement is not worth the scrutiny. But even as it tries to retreat from the political culture wars, theres no hiding from the coming election. Soon after the company launched Threads, Meta started warning users who tried to follow Donald Trump Jr on the new social network that his account has repeatedly posted false information reviewed by independent fact-checkers. Trump Jr posted a screenshot of the message on rival Twitter, complaining that Threads not exactly off to a great start. KYODO NEWS - Aug 28, 2023 - 20:46 | World, All, 3/11 Fukushima China has tightened inspections at local retailers and eateries to check whether they are strictly observing a ban on all marine product imports from Japan as well as food imports from 10 of its prefectures over the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. The strict checks, some of which are carried out without prior notice following Tokyo's release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant last week, have prompted some outlets in China to publicly declare they do not sell imports from Japan. Market regulation authorities in various areas in China have released images showing how they ensure banned Japanese food imports are not sold at supermarkets and Japanese restaurants to "protect the health of consumers," with one picture showing officials checking sake bottles at a retailer. Such checks have been conducted in areas including the Chinese provinces of Hainan, Anhui and Fujian as well as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Chinese media have released the list of businesses that have been slapped with fines for selling banned Japanese food imports. A company in eastern China's Zhejiang Province was recently fined 17,000 yuan ($2,330) for selling candy produced in Saitama, one of the 10 prefectures involved, according to reports. A Shanghai sushi restaurant put up a notice Monday that said it had stopped the use of seafood imports from Japan and covered up images of fish and other marine product sushi items originating from Japan on its menu board. A worker at the sushi restaurant, which has seen its sales halved since the Fukushima water release began, said, "There are customers who are concerned about the ocean discharge. We fear that many diners will stay away from us." ==Kyodo Etihad Airways shared a heart-warming video to mark the Emirati Womens Day, and celebrate the success of almost 700 Emirati women employed by the UAEs national airline. Emirati Womens Day is celebrated on the 28 August every year to reinforce the important role Emirati women play in society. In the video, three young Emiratis, Shrina aged 10, Hind aged 7 and Khalifa aged 6, engage in inspiring conversations with First Officer Muneera Al Kaabi, Lead Aircraft Engineer Ayesha Al Zaabi and Aircraft Dispatcher Noura Haqi Abdulzahra, exploring their roles at the airline and their aspirations to join the aviation industry. Shrina asks First Officer Muneera Al Kaabi, If I want to become a pilot, what is your advice?. The Etihad pilot reassures her to Trust in yourself and your ambitions, and I am sure that you will become a pilot in the future. Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad, said: Growing and nurturing Emirati talent has always been a priority for Etihad, and on this special Emirati Womens Day we celebrate the talents and contribution they bring to our airline. We are proud to share in their successes and achievements as they continue to push the boundaries of our industry. One year ago, we celebrated Captain Aisha Al Mansoori becoming the first female Emirati to reach the rank of Captain in a commercial airline, having joined us in 2007 as a Cadet officer as part of Etihads extensive programme of training Emirati nationals to become pilots. Captain Al Mansoori is one of almost 400 Emiratis flying for Etihad. Shes a trailblazer, paving the way for her colleagues to follow in her footsteps and since then, Emirati females have progressed from cadets to Second Officers and continue to grow through the ranks. Emirati women make up exactly half of all Emirati employees at the UAEs national airline, Etihad. They perform diverse roles from chiefs to cadets, including pilots, engineers, mechanics, and technicians, as well as working in the healthcare, finance, legal, commercial and marketing teams. The video can be viewed here. TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Aug 28, 2023 - 20:57 | All, Japan Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's F-35A fighter jets have arrived at a military base in Australia for training, marking the first time Japan deployed the aircraft overseas, the Australian Defense Department said Monday. The move comes as the two nations seek to boost security ties amid China's growing military assertiveness in the region and marks the first activity under a new agreement to facilitate reciprocal access and cooperation between their defense forces. Australia is the first country to sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, outlining rules for weapon transportation during joint exercises and disaster relief operations in both nations. This agreement is similar to Japan's parallel arrangement with its security ally, the United States, known as the Status of Forces Agreement. The two F-35s arrived at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal in northern Australia on Saturday, along with a contingent of 55 personnel from the ASDF, according to the Australian Defense Department. The exercises, which started on Aug. 21, will take place through Saturday. Australian Defense Secretary Greg Moriarty called the deployment of the Japanese stealth fighter jets a "significant milestone" in the bilateral relationship, according to the department. "Australia is honored to be chosen as the destination for Japan's first international deployment of its F-35As," Moriarty said. A ceremony commemorating the first drills under the Reciprocal Access Agreement was held on Monday at Base Tindal, with Japan's Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Kiyoshi Serizawa among those in attendance. Australia will reciprocate the visit by the Japanese side in September, when six F-35A aircraft will be deployed to Japan for the joint air combat exercise Bushido Guardian 2023, according to Moriarty. KYODO NEWS - Aug 29, 2023 - 00:30 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday expressed regret over a number of nuisance phone calls from China and other harassment against Japanese citizens that have been reported following the start of the release of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear complex. Earlier in the day, Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano summoned Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao and called on the Chinese government to encourage its people to "react calmly" and ensure the safety of Japanese people and diplomatic offices in the neighboring nation. Anti-Japan sentiment has been growing in China since the water discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the sea began Thursday, amid strong opposition from the Chinese government. Nuisance phone calls believed to have originated from China have been reported in various locations, including the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, schools in the city of Fukushima, and a confectionary maker in Hokkaido. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., the operator of the Fukushima plant, said it has received more than 6,000 phone calls from China over four days through Sunday, although it did not disclose the contents of the calls. Japanese government sources reported that on Thursday, a piece of brick was thrown onto the grounds of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, and a rock was hurled into the premises of a Japanese school in Qingdao. On Friday, eggs were thrown at another Japanese school in Suzhou, located in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, the sources said. There have also been online appeals to boycott Japanese products. Kishida told reporters that Japan's water release is aligned with global safety standards and has been accepted by many other nations, including the United States and Australia. Addressing the issue of harassment, the prime minister remarked, "I must say these incidents are regrettable." He also expressed his intention to engage in dialogue "scientifically" with Chinese officials regarding the water discharge. During talks with Wu, Okano also strongly urged the Chinese government to deliver "accurate information" on the safety of the water, which has been treated through a process capable of removing most radionuclides, except tritium. The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said in a statement later in the day that Wu lodged a protest with Okano, asserting that a large number of nuisance calls have been made from Japan to Chinese diplomatic missions in the country, impeding their operations. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters that the Chinese government protects and ensures the safety and lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals in China in accordance with laws, brushing aside Japan's complaints. At a news conference in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the government is aware that many Chinese consumers have avoided buying Japanese products and canceled trips to Japan. But Matsuno, the government's top spokesman, did not elaborate on the potential impact of the boycott campaign on the Japanese economy. He pledged to implement all possible measures to safeguard Japanese citizens in China. The deepening row over the water release also seems to be casting a shadow on diplomacy, with the head of the junior coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party postponing a trip to China. Matsuno said Kishida's government will help rearrange the tour at an "appropriate time." Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi had planned to visit China for three days from Monday, but the Communist-ruled nation told the party, known for its close ties with Beijing, that "it is not the right time in view of the current situation." As for Yamaguchi's envisioned trip, Wang said the postponement was mutually agreed upon, but Beijing attaches "high importance" to exchanges and dialogue with Komeito and stands ready to work with the party to improve the Sino-Japanese relationship. Japan says the treated water is safe, given that it is diluted to reduce the tritium levels to less than one-40th of the concentration permitted under national safety standards before being released into the Pacific Ocean. On Sunday, the Japanese government said the radiation levels of the first samples of seawater collected by the Environment Ministry since the commencement of the water discharge were below detectable limits. China, however, has labeled it "nuclear-contaminated water" and reacted harshly to the release by banning all imports of seafood products from Japan. Kishida said Monday that his government will craft by the end of this week the details of steps to support the fishery industry, which is expected to be negatively affected by the blanket import ban. In another development, Japan's Foreign Ministry has requested its citizens planning to travel to or stay in China to be on alert, asking them to "act with care" and to refrain from speaking Japanese loudly in public spaces. In the early 2010s, tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated after the Japanese government of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda brought the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea under state control in September 2012. The group of uninhabited islets, called Diaoyu in China, is administrated by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. Noda's move sparked anti-Japanese protests across China. At that time, many Chinese people burned Japanese flags in opposition to Tokyo's purchase of the islands. Related coverage: Radiation level of seawater off Fukushima below limits: Japan gov't Anti-Japan sentiment grows in China over Fukushima water discharge Japan Komeito chief puts off China visit amid protest over Fukushima water Weber State professor headed to Poland on second Fulbright Scholar Award August 28, 2023 OGDEN, Utah When Marek Matyjasik taught in Poland as part of his first Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award, the COVID-19 pandemic cut his time short. In his eyes, there was much more to accomplish. Now, the professor and chair of Weber State Universitys Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has the chance to finish that work. Matyjasik is heading back to Warsaw, Poland, in January after receiving his second Fulbright award, where he will collaborate and teach about water resources and quality. International collaboration is extremely important, Matyjasik said. We need to compare thinking to make sure were making progress in important areas of education and science. The Fulbright program places awardees in more than 135 countries to teach, conduct research and complete projects. Matyjasik will be teaching at the University of Warsaw, where he also served in 2020. In addition, he will examine how remote learning and rapidly advancing artificial intelligence have changed teaching and learning in the country. Matyjasik said through this opportunity hes confident he can bring what he learns in Warsaw to Weber State, teaching students complex concepts and preparing the next generation to tackle critical issues. Its very uplifting to see the young generation of scientists trying to improve our quality of life on our planet, Matyjasik said. Through this scholarship, I hope to motivate even more young people to solve the problems our planet faces. SHILLINGTON. Pa. - A Shillington man who admitted to killing his own mother will spend decades behind bars for the crime. Jakob Murray was sentenced last week to 35-70 years in state prison for the 2022 murder of Jill Murray. He pleaded guilty to third degree murder, robbery and strangulation. On January 23 of last year, police were called to a home in the 200 block of North Brobst Street in Shillington. Authorities said Jill's boyfriend discovered her body when he visited the home after not receiving any texts back from her. Jakob was arrested a short time later in Philadelphia, where he told police he went to buy heroin following his mother's murder. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - At Bethlehem's Payrow Plaza outside of City Hall, there was singing as the community gathered 60 years since the historic March on Washington. "This is an extension, continuation of the March on Washington that was held yesterday in Washington D.C., an extension 60 years ago when Martin Luther King had the great march," said Esther Lee, Bethlehem NAACP president, on Sunday. People at the event said it is a continuation. "We're continuing it because the life for people, African Americans, people of dark skin are having difficulty with the freedoms," said Lee. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech echoed through the plaza. 69 News anchor Jaciel Cordoba read part of it aloud. "When the architects of our great republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed to the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Cordoba read from Dr. King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. One speaker touched on a deadly Saturday shooting in Jacksonville. Officials said the shooting was racially motivated. "We have to do something about the hate," she said. This weekend's event in Bethlehem included a march around City Hall. "It's so important to know that in commemorating we're also continuing legacy of the Reverend Dr. King because there's yet much work to be done," said Reverend Kari Holmes, executive chair of the Rising Sun Initiative. The governor is offering his condolences as people across the Lehigh Valley mourn the sudden passing of a well-known firefighter and first responder. John Kalynych died suddenly Sunday morning, officials said. Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a tweet Monday that Kalynych died in the line of duty while serving. Shapiro ordered flags in Northampton County to fly at half-staff in his honor, as Kalynych was a safety officer with Lower Saucon Fire Rescue. He previously served as deputy chief of the Catasauqua Fire Department, and was a life member of Hanover and Bethlehem Township volunteer fire companies where he served in multiple roles, Lower Saucon Fire Rescue said. Kalynych was well-known in Lehigh County circles as well, where he served as director of Lehigh County Emergency Management, overseeing the department and county 911 center. Before that, he worked with Lehigh County Special Operations for years, including leading the hazmat and technical rescue sections of the department. Most recently, Kalynych had joined the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office. A procession of emergency vehicles was held Sunday in his honor, as many took to social media to mourn, honor and remember Kalynych. Authorities have not commented on his cause of death. He was 50 years old. Majestic Realty will make its pitch Tuesday for development on more than 300 acres in Hanover Township (Northampton County). The Los Angeles-based company proposes 10 industrial buildings covering 3.2 million square feet on land off Airport Road. That is a big project, but smaller than what could have been put there, according to Joseph Uliana, whose J.M. Uliana & Associates firm represents Majestic. A developer could have put up 28 buildings covering 4.2 million square feet, Uliana said. Majestic will double the buffer space between buildings and residential areas to 300 feet, place loading docks at the interior of the development and keep 72 acres of land open, Uliana said. "It's a better plan for Hanover Township because it reduces the total square footage of development, the number of buildings and it reduces the traffic," Uliana said in a telephone interview Monday. Uliana will make a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hanover Township Community Center, 3660 Jacksonville Road, that is open to residents. Afterward, he will take questions and listen to comments. For as long as there are questions and comments, he said. "We're doing this because we value transparency," said Uliana, a former Pennsylvania state representative and senator. "We want people to get a chance to see this proposal." The land is farmed now, but it is zoned for commercial and industrial development. The current zoning district is Aircraft Flightpath Highway Business, reflecting its proximity to the Lehigh Valley International Airport. For Majestic's "Master Plan Flex Center" to be built, Hanover Township would have to approve a zoning "text amendment." A text amendment does not change the zoning map but can add uses to a district. A Lehigh Valley Planning Commission review of the zoning amendment noted that some potential uses, such as light industry, research and offices, are already permitted on the land. The text amendment would provide the developer with more flexibility, the LVPC said. What has some residents unhappy is the potential for warehouse space and data centers, in addition to more traffic and buildings in general. Some have organized a "Hanover Township Residents Against Warehouse Development" Facebook page to unite the opposition, but at the official level, the plan has moved forward. The township's Planning Commission has recommended the zoning change, which is subject to a vote of the Board of Supervisors. Majestic operates more than 90 million square feet of real estate. Its developments include the Majestic Bethlehem Center on former Bethlehem Steel Corp. land near Route I-78 in Bethlehem. That site is home to multiple uses, including large warehouses. Uliana said Majestic plans buildings that will accommodate multiple tenants at the Airport Road site. The largest building will be 690,000 square feet (15.8 acres), he said, with no others large than 400,000 square feet. That is how the real estate market is leaning now, he said. "The marketplace is saying it wants smaller buildings," he said. "We think there is a lot of opportunity into putting a number of companies into one building." Uliana declined to estimate the total cost of the project or give a timeline. He reiterated: "We think it's a better option for the community." The text amendment is, he emphasized, a first step. Then there will be engineering and site-plan reviews, a lengthy process involving multiple public meetings. "For good reasons, these things don't happen fast," Uliana said. He added that Majestic is not seeking any tax breaks for what it sees as a valuable location. "The airport is a tremendous economic development driver," he said. "We see the potential for lots of airport and aviation-related uses on that property, suppliers for aviation, manufacturing for aviation and aviation services." Majestic has an agreement to lease the acreage from the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, which operates three airfields: Lehigh Valley International, Queen City Airport in Allentown, and Braden Airpark in Forks Township. The lease is part of the authority's plan to diversify revenue sources beyond aviation. During travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, aviation suffered. By Rosi Byard-Jones, KYODO NEWS - Aug 28, 2023 - 18:08 | All, World An expedition this past weekend to find the legendary Loch Ness monster, or "Nessie" for short, has aimed to not only uncover more secrets of the lake's natural environment, but to continue a legacy of exploration in the Scottish Highlands and inspire a new generation of Nessie hunters. On Saturday and Sunday, the Loch Ness Centre in the village of Drumnadrochit and the Loch Ness Exploration group undertook the largest search for Nessie in 50 years, with around 100 surface watch volunteers participating each day. The search, which also attracted over 300 online volunteers monitoring Loch Ness via livestream, aimed not only to inspire a younger generation of monster hunters but to showcase new technology being used to explore Britain's largest body of water at about 36 kilometers long and 230 meters deep, such as hydrophones and thermal-imaging drones. First reported in the tale of St. Columba from the year 565, who apparently banished a water beast while on a mission to convert the local population to Christianity, stories of a monster in Scotland's Loch Ness had existed as a local legend for centuries. However, one evening in 1933, the manager of the Drumnadrochit Hotel, Aldie MacKay, burst into the hotel bar and described seeing a "whale-like water beast," sparking the modern Nessie legend known all over the world today. Ninety years on, the old Drumnadrochit Hotel now houses the Loch Ness Centre, a tourist attraction delving into every facet of the Nessie phenomenon, from the myths to the ongoing scientific investigations into the loch and its mysteries. Following a new 1.5 million pound ($1.9 million) refurbishment in January this year, the Loch Ness Centre approached Alan McKenna of Loch Ness Exploration to undertake "The Quest" -- the biggest search for Nessie since 1972. McKenna, 36, started Loch Ness Exploration two years ago to revive the spirit of previous organizations dedicated to discovering the truth of Loch Ness, such as the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau of the 1960s and 1970s, and the Loch Ness Project of the 1980s. A social worker from Edinburgh, McKenna was captivated by the story of Nessie at around age 9 when he discovered Tim Dinsdale's book "The Story of the Loch Ness Monster" at his grandparents' house, reading it in its entirety in one night. Now, he makes the three-hour drive to Loch Ness every month to continue the area's tradition of exploration, citing figures like full-time "Nessie Hunter" Steve Feltham, who has lived by Loch Ness for 30 years, and naturalist Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project as his inspirations. Whether visitors believe in Nessie's existence or not, McKenna's dream is to bring them together to discover the truth behind the loch's unexplored depths, as well as to admire the area's natural beauty. "You don't have to come here looking for Nessie. You can come here for the natural environment," McKenna said, "This place is so unique, and it really captures hearts and imaginations." Believing science holds the answer to the mysteries of Nessie and its habitat, McKenna hopes the Loch Ness Exploration's deep-scan and hydrophone results -- due to be published over the coming weeks -- will inspire a new generation of "Nessie Hunters" to continue the legacy of exploration, describing himself as a "guardian" of that history. "It would be great to find Nessie or whatever is supposed to be down here, but it's a lost world not many people have seen. So that would be my way forward, to get everyone's eyes on the loch," McKenna said. Many who answered the Loch Ness Exploration and the Loch Ness Centre's call for volunteers this weekend feel the same way. Craig Whitefield, a 29-year-old medical center worker who drove four hours to participate, has also been fascinated by the Nessie legend since childhood, and believes the monster should be respected as potentially undiscovered or prehistoric marine life. "Any sighting of a monster is going to be a bonus, but for me it's more about wildlife conservation and seeing what's in the loch that hasn't been discovered," Whitefield said, "Being part of the legend was something I couldn't pass up." Professional Speed Dating connects students with possible future employers Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit expose top performing students to an interview process with industry in five minutes. The Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) hosted Professional Speed Dating day to source top performing Wits students to start filling talent pool. Not only does this event serve to educate Wits students on what a real live interview is like, but to also equip them with the relevant skillset that industries look for in recent graduates. Wits Professional Speed Dating, which was held on the 25 August 2023 at Wits Professional Development Hub (Wits PDH) allowed each student to engage with a company representative for a mock interview of five minutes. Thereafter students and representatives of companies from industries such as banking, energy, legal and engineering were given about an hour to network. This is part of an ongoing effort by CCDU and the Wits Graduate Recruitment Programme (GRP) to ensure that Wits graduates are employable and possess the right attributes sought by employers, says, Bongi Ndlovu, GRP Co-ordinator. Wits Professional Speed Dating, which was first hosted in 2022 as part of Wits centenary celebrations, is driven by its key goal of connecting Wits students with their possible future employers. We had successful recruits from the event last year. The idea is really to expose our top performing students to an interview process with industry, so they get a feel and idea as to what recruiters ask and look for in their hiring process, says Gcina Mgcina, Events Co-ordinator & Marketing Assistant at CCDU. Wits is ranked #21 in the world for Employment Outcomes in the QS World University Rankings. Professional Speed Datings focus is on ensuring Wits graduates are highly employable and stands as a mutually beneficial endeavour for both students and corporations. By equipping Wits students with exceptional employability skills, this initiative also helps companies recruit top talent. As Rene Kohler-Thomas from South African Breweries noted, this is a great initiative, definitely adding to our talent pool, as an organisation we are looking at talent cross-functional. For students like Amogelang Mamogobo, a Wits Masters student in Education, the programme holds immense value. "It is beneficial because not only we are afforded an opportunity to sit with companies that are quite reputable but it's also an opportunity for us to sell ourselves and see what life can offer us in the end, she says. Bridgette Buqa, a Recruitment Consultant at PFK Octagon, echoes the sentiment, saying, "What I love about this initiative is that students are coming in, very confident asking questions, very keen, and the fact that they also want to advance their careers, so I think it's very important to have this on an annual basis". Chad Rayd, pursuing a B.Sc. with a major in Actuarial Sciences Statistics, shared his personal views on the program: "This programme has given me an opportunity to learn exactly how to do interviews, all the recruiters are here and asking me personal questions and giving me skills I am able to use for my future endeavours". ZAGREB, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Senj Wind Farm, a project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is an example of the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between Croatia and China, said Luci Veljacic, manager of the Grupa Company in southern Croatia, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "For me and my company it was a great honor to be part of the Senj Wind Farm project," Veljacic said, adding that in July 2019, the Grupa Company was offered a contract for supervision and implementation of safety and health protection, fire protection and environmental protection during construction of the Senj Wind Farm project. Despite numerous unfavourable conditions, including the extremely complex mountainous terrains, the COVID-19 pandemic, snow, strong winds and thunderstorms during the construction process, the Senj Wind Farm, undertaken by China's Norinco International Cooperation Ltd. (Norinco International), was completed on schedule and "without any worker injuries, deaths or incidents," Veljacic noted. "During the construction, all legal regulations of Croatia and the European Union (EU) and all safety measures were observed to the maximum," Veljacic said. The Grupa Company is one of the more than 70 contractors from across Croatia participating in the construction, and among the daily turnover of about 300 workers during the construction, more than half of them were from Croatia, Veljacic said, adding that most Croatian workers were from the local Lika-Senj County. Moreover, participation in the project has made many Croatian companies gain extensive professional experience, which will certainly make them more competitive in the EU market, not just in Croatia, Veljacic said. Veljacic hailed the "exceptional" cooperation with the Chinese side during the construction process. "We had an exceptional cooperation, both professional and friendly, with all Chinese companies and workers at the Senj Wind Farm project," Veljacic said, noting that in spite of the language barrier, "we successfully communicated, negotiated, solved daily problems and performed work safely." In addition, "We also found time to socialize during the project, getting to know the cultures of the two countries ... we talked about history, music, education, customs and the like," Veljacic added. Veljacic was deeply impressed by the hard work and expertise of the Chinese workers during the construction process. "During this project, Chinese workers performed the most demanding work and showed exceptional expertise, professionalism, endurance and technological progress," she said, adding that she and her company colleagues also received a lot of help from Chinese engineers who "were always ready to help with their professional knowledge and experience." The Senj Wind Farm, located on the Adriatic coast of western Croatia and inaugurated in December 2021, produces about 530 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green electricity each year and reduces Croatia's carbon dioxide emissions by about 460,000 tonnes per year. In the eyes of Veljacic, the Senj Wind Farm is a project valuable and important not only for the Lika-Senj County but also for the whole Croatia, as it can significantly contribute to the total annual production of electricity from clean and renewable sources, reduce electricity imports and further promote low-carbon development. "With this project, Norinco International has become one of the largest investors in green energy and the green economy in Croatia ... The example of the Senj Wind Farm project, the joint successful cooperation of Chinese and Croatian workers and companies will certainly be further developed," Veljacic said. American Water Works Company, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services to approximately 1,600 communities in 14 states serving approximately 3.4 million active customers. The company serves residential customers; commercial customers, including food and beverage providers, commercial property developers and proprietors, and energy suppliers; fire service and private fire customers; industrial customers, such as large-scale manufacturers, mining, and production operations; public authorities comprising government buildings and other public sector facilities, such as schools and universities; and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems. It also provides water and wastewater services on various military installations; and undertakes contracts with municipal customers, primarily to operate and manage water and wastewater facilities, as well as offers other related services. In addition, the company operates approximately 80 surface water treatment plants; 490 groundwater treatment plants; 175 wastewater treatment plants; 53,500 miles of transmission, distribution, and collection mains and pipes; 1,100 groundwater wells; 1,700 water and wastewater pumping stations; 1,100 treated water storage facilities; and 73 dams. It serves approximately 14 million people with drinking water, wastewater, and other related services in 24 states. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. Abcam plc, a life science company, focuses on identifying, developing, and distributing reagents and tools for scientific research, diagnostics, and drug discovery. Its principal products include primary and secondary antibodies; conjugated antibodies and conjugation kits; singleplex and multiplex immunoassays; proteins and peptides that include cytokines; edited cell lines and lysates; and various other products, including cellular activity kits, miRNA kits, biochemicals, and cell signaling pathway tools. The company serves scientists and researchers in academic institutions and research institutes, as well as in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostics companies. It has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, and rest of the Asia Pacific. The company sells its products online. Abcam plc was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. 9 Wall Street analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for InterContinental Hotels Group in the last twelve months. There are currently 2 sell ratings, 4 hold ratings and 3 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should "hold" IHG shares. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in IHG, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View IHG analyst ratings or view top-rated stocks. Target Corporation has a long history dating back to 1902. The company began as Goodfellows Dry Goods, operated by George Dalton, and later changed its name via a progression of mergers and acquisitions. The first Target store was opened in Roseville, Minnesota in 1962 as the discount division of the parent company. The idea was discount or low-priced items could still be fashionable and desirable. After meeting great success in the home territory, the concept went public in the late 1960s was later expanded on a national level during the 1980s. Target Corporation is now the 7th largest retailer in the US and is projected to bring in more than $113 billion in revenue for fiscal 2023. The department stores were shed in 2004 so today Target operates as a general merchandise retailer that serves on-trend items at discounted prices. It is known as a big box retailer and is a member of the S&P 500. The company listed about 2,000 stores in mid-2022 and had plans for growth. The company offers an assortment of everyday, household, and food goods in a bright and cheery atmosphere. It has set itself apart from other low-priced retailers as the chic choice for savvy shoppers. The companys stated purpose is to help families discover the joy of everyday life and it does so by offering quality products that families can afford. The company sells its products through a chain of stores as well as eCommerce. eCommerce is about 20% of Targets total revenue and was boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Services like delivery, same-day pickup, and access to thousands of necessary and discretionary items are also driving adoption. Target also offers amenities like cafes and opticians, and it hosts Starbucks inside the stores. Target Corporation has paid and increased its dividend for more than 5 decades. The company issued its 53rd consecutive distribution increase in calendar 2022 bringing the total annual payout to $4.32. In late October 2022, the payout was worth 2.7% in yield and came with a 40% payout ratio and a 9% distribution compound annual growth rate. Target is a leader in ESG and giving back to the community. Among its many endeavors is to return 5% of its profits to community charities as well as to inspire its employees to volunteer. Volunteers donate more than 1 million man-hours per year. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October, 26th. The restaurant operator reported $11.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $10.46 by $0.90. The restaurant operator had revenue of $2.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.47 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 45.26% and a net margin of 12.27%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $9.51 earnings per share. Read the conference call transcript. 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. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer non-cyclical, financial, energy, technology, communications, industrial, consumer cyclical, basic materials and utilities. BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA) serves as the investment advisor to the Fund. This photo taken on May 23, 2023 shows a platform of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Nairobi, Kenya. The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya has become a flagship project of China-Africa cooperation, a "business card" of Chinese enterprises and a demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) China's sincere cooperation with African countries has yielded tangible and positive outcomes that foster mutual benefits and shared progress. LUANDA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's sincere cooperation with African countries yields "tangible and positive outcomes" that foster mutual benefits and shared progress, said an Angolan expert. During its cooperation with Africa, China has established essential infrastructural foundations for economic and social development across the continent, leading to industrialization and enhancing the continent's commercial value, said Osvaldo Mboco, an expert in international relations at the Technical University of Angola, in a written interview with Xinhua following the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue held on Thursday in South Africa. "China, in recent times, has become the leading economic and financial partner for African nations. Beyond laying down infrastructural frameworks, the country sees the African continent as a promising business market, going beyond its role as a mere source of raw materials," Mboco said. Angola has now emerged as a pivotal market in Africa, experiencing a growing influx of Chinese enterprises establishing or planning to establish industrial production facilities and assembly lines, said the expert, adding that these Chinese companies are helping create employment opportunities for the local Angolan population. Chinese instructor Jiang Liping (R) and apprentice Horace Owiti walk past a train carriage on the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Nairobi, Kenya, May 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) According to data from the Chinese Embassy in Angola, in recent years, Chinese companies, by renovating or constructing 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100 schools, 50 hospitals, and more than 100,000 social housing units, have contributed to Angola's progress. Chinese goods have gained significant popularity in the Angolan market, resulting in mutual trade and investment benefits for both nations. Regarding the potential direction of China-Africa cooperation, Mboco envisions a trajectory towards high technology, with a particular focus on imminent areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and related domains. "China boasts an exceedingly advanced technological landscape. It stands out among nations with substantial technological advancements," he said, adding that China and other countries can help with Africa's technological progress. Exxon Mobil Corporation is the largest direct descendent of John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil and one of the worlds largest companies. Its earliest roots lie with Vacuum Oil which got its start in the 1860s. Vacuum Oils primary product was kerosene, an important advancement for heating and lighting in rural America. Vacuum Oil was later merged with Standard Oil of New Jersey which was the parent operation of the Standard Oil empire prior to its breakup. Standard Oil of New Jersey would merge with other independent operators over the next few years until settling on the brand Exxon for most of its operations. Meanwhile, Standard Oil of New York was operating under much the same impetus, merging and growing, until it became known as Mobil. Then, in 1999, the two giants became one with a merger of equals that on paper had Exxon buying Mobil. Now, the combined company operates under the Exxon, Mobil, and Esso brands as an international vertically integrated energy and petrochemical business. Today, the company explores and produces crude oil and natural gas and their derivative products globally. As of 2022, it was ranked 6th on Forbes Fortune 500 list and 12th on the Global 500 list but it has held positions from #1 to #10 over the years. In terms of its operations, it is the worlds second-largest oil refiner and the largest refiner outside of China. In terms of reserves, ExxonMobil claimed about 18.5 million barrels of oil and oil equivalents at the end of 2021 and was ranked 15th globally. ExxonMobil operates through three segments that are the Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces oil and oil equivalents and represents roughly 70% of the income. The Downstream segment gathers, receives, stores, transports and refines oil and equivalents and their derivatives. The Downstream segment also markets and delivers fuel products to consumers and businesses. The Chemicals segment produces the full range of petrochemicals including plastics, resins and synthetic rubber. ExxonMobil is committed to advancing sustainable and carbon-free energy solutions. The company is targeting 2050 for net-zero emissions and its 2030 interim targets are in alignment with the Paris Accord, the EU's Global Methane Pledge, and US Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. The companys plans include investing $15 billion into reducing greenhouse emissions by 2028. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes, and licenses lifestyle collections of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. It operates through five segments: Americas Retail, Americas Wholesale, Europe, Asia, and Licensing. The company's clothing collection includes jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets, activewear, knitwear, and intimate apparel. It also grants licenses to design, manufacture, and distribute various products that complement its apparel lines, such as eyewear, watches, handbags, footwear, kids' and infants' apparel, outerwear, fragrance, jewelry, and other fashion accessories, as well as to wholesale partners to operate and sell products through licensed retail stores. The company markets its products under the GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, MARCIANO, Question Mark and Triangle Design, a stylized G and a stylized M, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS, YES, G by GUESS, GUESS by MARCIANO, and Gc brand names. It sells its products through direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and licensing distribution channels. The company also offers its products through its retail websites. Guess?, Inc. was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY) pays an annual dividend of $0.14 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 1.14%. The dividend payout ratio is 19.18%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, BOSSY will have a dividend payout ratio of 13.73% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for BOSSY. 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. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Index. BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. 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). The company's midstream assets include two pipeline systems; and a 50% working interest in an 84-megawatt cogeneration plant at Primrose. It operates primarily in Western Canada; the United Kingdom portion of the North Sea; and Offshore Africa. The company was formerly known as AEX Minerals Corporation and changed its name to Canadian Natural Resources Limited in December 1975. Canadian Natural Resources Limited was incorporated in 1973 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 20 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. In addition, the company is involved in the electricity generation, wholesale energy purchases and sales, commodity risk management, fuel production, and fuel logistics management activities. It serves approximately 3.5 million customers with a generation capacity of approximately 37,000 megawatts with a portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. The company was formerly known as Vistra Energy Corp. and changed its name to Vistra Corp. in July 2020. Vistra Corp. was founded in 1882 and is based in Irving, Texas. National Storage Affiliates Trust (NYSE:NSA) pays an annual dividend of $2.24 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 7.89%. NSA has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The company has been increasing its dividend for 9 consecutive years, indicating the company has a new, but growing committment to grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 215.39%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on EPS estimates, NSA will have a dividend payout ratio of 84.53% in the coming year. This indicates that the company may not be able to sustain their current dividend. Read our dividend analysis for NSA. Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company specializing in developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide range of healthcare products. The company has its headquarters in Abbott Park, Illinois and operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. The company was founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace C. Abbott, and it has since grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected healthcare companies. Abbott Laboratories has a diverse portfolio of products, including medical devices, diagnostic tests, nutritional products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company is committed to developing innovative products that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. Robert B. Ford is the current President and CEO of the company. He was appointed to this position in 2020 after serving as the company's Chief Operating Officer. He has been with Abbott Laboratories since 1996 and has held various leadership positions. Abbott Laboratories has delivered strong financial performance, declining as investors seek growth. The company's net earnings have been increasing steadily. Abbott Laboratories has a solid balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio. The company has consistently delivered strong cash flow, allowing it to invest in research and development and return value to shareholders. Abbott Laboratories has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than the industry average, and the company's price-to-book ratio is also higher than the industry average. These metrics suggest that the market has a positive outlook on Abbott Laboratories and is willing to pay a premium for the company's shares. Over the past year, Abbott Laboratories' stock has declined as consumers seek to see what the company will do post-pandemic. The company's shares have experienced some volatility, but overall, they have outperformed the broader market. Abbott Laboratories operates in the healthcare industry, which is highly regulated and complex. The industry is characterized by rapidly evolving technology, changing regulatory requirements, and shifting consumer preferences. Abbott Laboratories competes with other large healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson. Abbott Laboratories' robust product pipeline is expected to drive growth in the coming years. The company is focused on developing innovative products that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. In addition to its core businesses, Abbott Laboratories is expanding into new markets and investing in digital health technologies. Like any company, Abbott Laboratories faces a range of risks and challenges. One of the most significant risks facing the company is regulatory uncertainty. Changes in regulatory requirements could impact the company's ability to bring products to market and could also increase the cost of doing business. Another risk facing the company is the threat of competitive pressures. The healthcare industry is highly competitive, and Abbott Laboratories faces competition from established companies and new entrants. Changes in consumer preferences could also impact the company's performance, particularly in the nutritional products segment. Additionally, Abbott Laboratories is exposed to geopolitical risks, such as changes in trade policies or political instability in key markets. The company's international operations also expose it to currency fluctuations, which could impact its financial performance. BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China has proposed eight tasks to ensure national food security, including strengthening the country's food security system and capacity-building, increasing support for agricultural protection, and accelerating the construction of a modern food industry and circulation system, according to a recent report from the State Council. The report on work to ensure national food security was submitted to the fifth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for deliberation on Monday. The report said that efforts would be made to implement a strategy of sustainable farmland use and the innovative application of agricultural technology to increase farmland productivity. In recent years, China's food production has been expanding steadily, with adequate market supply and generally stable operations. The country's ability to prevent and defuse major risks and challenges has been improving, and its level of food security has been raised significantly, according to the report. China's annual grain output has topped 650 billion kg for eight consecutive years. Last year, the country's total grain output was 686.55 billion kg, and its per capita food supply was 486.1 kg, which was well above the internationally recognized food security line of 400 kg, according to the report. Oxford Industries, Inc., an apparel company, designs, sources, markets, and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide. The company offers men's and women's sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; women's and girl's dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry, and belts, as well as footwear and children's apparel and swimwear under the Lilly Pulitzer brand; and men's shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, ties, swimwear, footwear, and accessories, as well as women and youth products under the Southern Tide brand. It also designs, sources, markets, and distributes premium childrenswear, including bonnets, hats, apparel, swimwear, and accessories through thebeaufortbonnetcompany.com and wholesale specialty retailers; men's apparel, which include pants, shorts, and tops through duckhead.com and wholesale specialty retailers. In addition, the company licenses Tommy Bahama brand for various products, such as indoor and outdoor furniture, beach chairs, bedding and bath linens, fabrics, leather goods and gifts, headwear, hosiery, sleepwear, shampoo, toiletries, fragrances, cigar accessories, distilled spirits, and other products; Lilly Pulitzer for stationery and gift products, home furnishing products, and eyewear; and Southern Tide trademark for bed and bath product. Oxford Industries, Inc. offers products through its retail stores, department stores, specialty stores, multi-branded e-commerce retailers, off-price retailers, and other retailers, as well as e-commerce sites. As of January 29, 2022, it operated 186 brand-specific full-price retail stores; 21 Tommy Bahama food and beverage locations; and 35 Tommy Bahama outlet stores. Oxford Industries, Inc. was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. The Chemicals segment produces and markets ethylene and other olefin products; aromatics and styrenics products, such as benzene, cyclohexane, styrene, and polystyrene; and various specialty chemical products, including organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalysts, and chemicals used in drilling and mining. The Refining segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks into petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, aviation, and renewable. The M&S segment purchases for resale and markets refined petroleum products, including gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels. This segment also manufactures and markets specialty products, such as base oils and lubricants. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). The Index is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Fund may invest in securities of non-United States issuers that may trade in non-United States markets. The Fund's investment advisor is BlackRock Fund Advisors. Seabridge Gold Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties in North America. The company also explores for gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum deposits. Its principal projects are the Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell property and Iskut project located in British Columbia, Canada; Courageous Lake property situated in Northwest Territories, Canada; Snowstorm project situated in the Nevada; and 3 Aces project located in the Yukon Territory. The company was formerly known as Seabridge Resources Inc. and changed its name to Seabridge Gold Inc. in June 2002. Seabridge Gold Inc. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trust's expenses. The Trust's business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to certain authorized participants (Authorized Participants) on an ongoing basis. The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold and any cash represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which will be based on the combined net asset value of various Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received. Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence. Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since. Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank. Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022. As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services. The following companies are subsidiares of Laboratory Co. of America: 1957285 Ontario Inc. dba Quality Underwriting Services, 2089729 Ontario Inc., 2248848 Ontario Inc., 3065619 Nova Scotia Company, 3257959 Nova Scotia Company, 8165335 Canada Inc., 8348596 Canada Inc., 896988 Ontario Limited, 9279-3280 Quebec Inc., Accupath Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., Assets of Pathology Inc, Beacon LBS IPA Inc., Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions Inc., CannAmm GP Inc., CannAmm Limited Partnership, Center for Disease Detection International, Center for Disease Detection LLC, Centrex Clinical Laboratories Inc., Chiltern, Clearstone Central Laboratories (U.S.) Inc., Clearstone Holdings (International) Ltd., Clinical Outreach Laboratory Services, Clipper Holdings Inc., Colorado Coagulation Consultants Inc., Colorado Laboratory Services LLC, Correlagen Diagnostics Inc., Covance Inc., Curalab Inc., Cytometry Associates Inc., Czura Thornton (Hong Kong) Limited, DCL Acquisition Inc., DCL Medical Laboratories LLC, DCL Sub LLC, DIANON Systems Inc., DL Holdings Limited Partnership, Decision Diagnostics L.L.C. (aka DaVinici/Medicorp LLC), Diagnostic Services Inc., DynaLifeDX, Dynacare - Gamma Laboratory Partnership, Dynacare Company, Dynacare G.P. Inc., Dynacare Holdco LLC, Dynacare Laboratories Inc., Dynacare Laboratories Limited Partnership, Dynacare Northwest Inc., Dynacare Realty Inc., DynalifeDX Infrastructure Inc., Envigo's nonclinical contract research services business, Esoterix Genetic Counseling LLC, Esoterix Genetic Laboratories LLC, Esoterix Inc., Execmed Health Services Inc., FirstSource Laboratory Solutions Inc., GDML Medical Laboratories Inc, Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratories GP Inc., Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratory Limited Partnership, HHLA Lab-In-An-Envelope LLC, Health Testing Centers Inc., Health Trans Services Inc., Home Healthcare Laboratory of America LLC, IDX Pathology Inc., Impact Genetics Corporation, Impact Genetics Inc., Kaleida LabCorp LLC, Lab Delivery Service of New York City Inc., LabCorp BVBA, LabCorp Belgium Holdings Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (Canada) Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (China) Inc., LabCorp Colorado Inc., LabCorp Development Company, LabCorp Employer Services Inc., LabCorp Health System Diagnostics LLC, LabCorp Indiana Inc., LabCorp Japan G.K., LabCorp Limited, LabCorp Michigan Inc., LabCorp Nebraska Inc., LabCorp Neon Ltd., LabCorp Neon Switzerland S.a.r.l., LabCorp Specialty Testing Billing Service Inc., LabCorp Specialty Testing Group Inc., LabCorp Staffing Solutions Inc., LabCorp Tennessee LLC, LabCorp UK Holdings Ltd., LabWest Inc., Laboratoire Bio-Medic Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America, Lifecodes Corporation, LipoScience Inc., Litholink Corporation, MEDTOX Scientific Inc., MNG Laboratories, MedAxio Insurance Medical Services GP Inc., MedAxio Insurance Medical Services LP, Medical Neurogenitics LLC, Medtox Diagnostics Inc., Medtox Laboratories Inc., Monogram Biosciences Inc., Monogram Biosciences UK Limited, Myriad Autoimmunes Vectra Testing Business, NWT Inc., National Genetics Institute, New Brighton Business Center LLC, New Imaging Diagnostics LLC, New Molecular Diagnostics Ventures LLC, Orchid Cellmark ULC, Ovia Health, PA Labs Inc., Paclab LLC, Path Lab Incorporated, Pathology Associates Medical Lab LLC, Pee Dee Pathology Associates Inc., Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc., Persys Technology Inc., Pixel by LabCorp, Princeton Diagnostic Laboratories of America Inc., Protedyne Corporation, SW/DL LLC, Saint Josephs-PAML LLC, Sequenom Biosciences (India) Pvt. Ltd., Sequenom Inc, Sequenom Inc., Tandem Labs Inc., Toxikon Corporation, Tri-Cities Laboratory LLC, Viro-Med Laboratories Inc., Visiun, and Yakima Medical Arts Inc.. Read More CANBERRA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Eight of the 20 U.S. Marines who were injured when their helicopter crashed off the coast of Australia remain in hospital, authorities confirmed on Monday. Three Marines were killed on Sunday morning when the MV-22B Osprey with 23 personnel on board crashed off the north coast of Australia's Northern Territory (NT) during a military training exercise. Natasha Fyles, the chief minister of the NT, said at a press conference on Monday that eight of the 20 survivors who were rushed to the Royal Darwin Hospital on Sunday are still receiving treatment and one is in intensive care. "We've seen 12 of those people discharged from Royal Darwin Hospital emergency department and eight remain in hospital," she said. Speaking at a press conference earlier on Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences to the victims and praised the response of the NT's emergency services. Angus Campbell, chief of the Australian Defense Force (ADF), also extended the ADF's condolences in a statement. NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy, who appeared alongside Fyles at Monday's press conference, said the ADF and U.S. Marine Corps are assisting police as they try to recover three bodies from the crash site on Melville Island and investigate the circumstances of the crash. He said it was not yet clear what caused the crash but confirmed the aircraft went up in flames on impact. "The emergency operations center will now focus on the recovery of the three deceased Marines with dignity." According to Murphy the recovery and investigation will be "prolonged and complex." "We are planning to be at the crash site for at least 10 days at this stage," he said. 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. The company operates anchor handling towing supply vessels, platform supply vessels, crew boats, utility vessels, and offshore tugs. The company serves oil and natural gas exploration, field development, and production companies; mid-sized and smaller independent exploration and production companies; foreign government-owned or government-controlled organizations, and other related companies; drilling contractors; and other companies, such as offshore construction, windfarm development, diving, and well stimulation companies. Tidewater Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Twilio Inc. is a leading American company in the communication technology industry. Headquartered in San Francisco, California and founded in 2008, Twilio provides programmable communication tools through its web service APIs. The company enables businesses to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and perform other communication functions programmatically. Twilio's mission is to fuel the future of communications by providing developers and businesses with powerful tools to create innovative and engaging customer experiences. The company offers a range of products and services, including Voice, Messaging, Video, Email, and more, all delivered through its cloud-based platform. Twilio's solutions are designed to be flexible, scalable, and easy to integrate into existing systems, empowering businesses to communicate effectively with their customers. The company serves a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, financial services, transportation, and entertainment. Twilio's target market includes businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Some of the key customers of Twilio include Airbnb, Uber, Netflix, and Lyft. A strong and experienced management team leads Twilio. Jeff Lawson serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the communications industry. Other key management team members include Aidan Viggiano as the Chief Financial Officer, Mark Simms as the Chief Technology Officer, Dana R. Wagner as the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, and Alice Katwan as the Senior Vice President & General Manager of Sales. The team's diverse backgrounds and expertise contribute to Twilio's success in driving innovation and delivering value to its customers. Twilio has shown impressive financial performance in recent years. The company has experienced significant revenue growth, driven by increased adoption of its communication tools and services. Twilio's revenue has consistently increased, reflecting its strong market position and customer demand. However, the company is still pre-profit, meaning it has yet to report a profitable year. Instead of reporting a profit, the company has focused on investing in its platform and expanding its product offerings to capture new market opportunities. Twilio's profitability metrics, including earnings and profit margins, have improved over time, indicating the company's ability to generate positive financial results. Twilio's positive valuation metrics reflect the market's confidence in the company's future. The factors driving Twilio's valuation include its consistent revenue growth, expanding customer base, and position as a market leader in the communication technology industry. The company's innovative products and services and ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences contribute to its positive valuation. Various factors influence the company's stock performance, including financial results, product innovations, market trends, and broader industry dynamics. News and events related to Twilio, such as product launches or strategic partnerships, can also impact the company's share price. The company's stock was a hot pandemic stock, and the price soared during the 2020 - Q1 2022 pandemic years. However, the stock returned to approximately its pre-pandemic price once the pandemic ended. Twilio operates in the communication technology industry, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations. The industry is highly competitive, with several established players and emerging startups vying for market share. As communication becomes increasingly digital and businesses seek more efficient ways to connect with their customers, the demand for communication platforms and services continues to grow. Twilio competes with both traditional telecommunications companies and other cloud-based communication service providers. Its key competitors include Vonage, Bandwidth, and Nexmo (a subsidiary of Vonage Holdings Corp.). These competitors offer similar services, but Twilio has differentiated itself through its developer-friendly approach, robust API ecosystem, and focus on delivering a seamless user experience. One of Twilio's competitive advantages is its extensive network of developers and partners. The company has built a strong community of developers who leverage Twilio's APIs to build custom communication solutions. This network effect creates a virtuous cycle as more developers contribute to the platform, attracting customers and driving further innovation. Another advantage of Twilio is its ability to cater to businesses of all sizes. Its scalable and flexible platform allows startups and small businesses to easily integrate communication capabilities into their applications while also serving the complex needs of enterprise customers. This versatility has helped Twilio expand its customer base and penetrate various industries. The industry also presents challenges and risks for Twilio. Regulatory and compliance requirements, such as data privacy and security regulations, can impact the company's operations and impose additional costs. Government policy or regulation changes could also affect the competitive landscape and market dynamics. Competition within the industry remains intense. Rivals may introduce innovative products or services, potentially disrupting Twilio's market position. The company must continuously invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve and meet evolving customer expectations. To mitigate these risks, Twilio maintains a proactive risk management strategy. The company closely monitors regulatory developments and complies with applicable laws and regulations. Twilio also emphasizes security and privacy in its product offerings, prioritizing the protection of customer data. This aerial photo taken on June 8, 2023 shows the Confucius Temple, the Kong family mansion and surrounding urban view in Qufu City, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Guo Xulei] JINAN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) In the sunlit lands to the south of Mount Tai, nestled along the banks of the ancient Zhu and Si rivers, lies the city of Qufu. It was in this city found in modern-day Jining in Shandong Province, east China that the Duke of Zhou established the state of Lu more than 3,000 years ago. It was the dawn of a new culturally-rich era, including the birth of Confucius and other ancient sages. "Governance based on virtue is like the North Star taking its place in the sky, while all the other stars revolve around it," Confucius once said. This philosophy of "governance virtue" as a cornerstone of Chinese traditional political culture continues to this day, and Jining has developed a distinctive model of education to cultivate moral excellence in officials. Under the theme of "promoting excellent traditional culture and cultivating virtuous leaders," Jining established the Jining Executive Leadership Academy for Governance Virtue Education, the country's first academy dedicated to governance virtue of officials, in April 2016. The academy runs on-site classes at cultural heritage sites such as the Temple of Confucius (the main temple for worshipping Confucius), the Kong Family Mansion (the official residence of the direct descendants of Confucius called "Duke Yansheng"), and the Cemetery of Confucius (where Confucius and his descendants are buried). It explains the contemporary value of traditional governance virtue ideology, and attracts officials from all over the country. So, what's new about this model? Firstly, it lies in its content. Chen Chong, secretary of the academy's Communist Party of China committee, emphasized that the institution focuses on the political and contemporary relevance of its teaching content, adding that the elucidation of the importance of "building public commitment to the greater good, public morality, and personal integrity" is its core task. Highlights of the on-site teaching content include "promoting moral excellence" at the Temple of Confucius, "people-oriented governance ideals" at the Mencius Temple in Zoucheng City, and "traditional thoughts on clean governance" at the Kong Family Mansion. The lecture on fighting against greed, given to officials at the Kong Family Mansion, is just eight-minutes long, yet it leaves a lasting impression. On an interior wall of the residence is a vivid image: a ferocious beast with a gaping mouth and glaring, greedy eyes. It eagerly devours treasures, even having the audacity to try to swallow the sun, leading to its downfall into the sea. "In the Ming Dynasty, Duke Yansheng commissioned this painting to warn himself and future generations to be wary of greed," explained Prof. Chong Shuxian from the academy. How do we guard against greed? Confucianism offers valuable insights. Firstly, one must establish a correct view of justice and benefits. Secondly, one must maintain a keen moral rationality. Lastly, the role of institutions cannot be overlooked. Confucianism stressed the importance of following rites, stating that without a profound grasp of rites, individuals will find it challenging to establish themselves in society. The term "rites" in ancient times referred to both moral principles as well as laws and rules. "Greed prevention" is an ancient subject that continues to be widely discussed today. Chong Shuxian further explained, "When faced with temptation, we must be aware of the harm that corruption poses to us. We must resist temptation, abide by regulations, and uphold the purpose of serving the people. With this spirit, we can make correct judgments and choices in many aspects of our lives." Jining's innovation in governance virtue education also lies in its teaching methods. Integrating classroom teaching, on-site teaching, experiential learning, and ceremonial music education, it makes modern China's demands of governance virtue deeply resonate with officials. In addition to on-site teaching at cultural heritage sites like the Temple of Confucius, the academy has also introduced experiential projects such as woodblock printing and bronze rubbing at places including the official residence of the direct descendants of Yan Hui, a revered disciple of Confucius. Experiential learning programs are also offered at rural homes to showcase how the traditional values of integrity and filial piety have helped enhance social governance. Operas have even been created to help nourish officials' governance virtue. Among them is "Guan Zhen Bei," which is dedicated to a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) four-sided stone tablet that bears inscriptions of four themes, namely benevolence, integrity, justice, and diligence, and is kept at the Mencius Temple. "The way to innovation, whatever its forms, either creative transformation or development of fine traditional culture, all starts with 'self-awareness.' Only by knowing our own culture can we have confidence," emphasized Liu Xubing, deputy head of the Confucius Research Institute. Indeed, many participants attending governance virtue education programs say they have personally witnessed the vibrant traditional culture in Jining, and have gained a significantly higher level of cultural confidence. The academy has hosted more than 1,800 sessions, training over 100,000 students from national ministries, and 31 provincial-level regions, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR. They even include some senior public servants from Belt and Road countries. Kong Hong'en, a lecturer in the academy, has a sincere desire to sow the "seeds" of interest in fine Chinese traditional culture among the students through his lectures. "I am delighted to see that students often contact me to schedule visits with their families and children, and even organize trips for their kids' classmates to come and learn about traditional culture at the Confucius Temple in Qufu," he said. "Some students return after completing their own study and bring their colleagues here to receive governance virtue education, too." (Source: Xinhua) Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Based on new CBRE data, retail leasing demand in the world's leading retail markets continues to rebound as economic activity recovers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tokyo retail market is no exception, with a resurgence in retailer demand having commenced from around H2 2022. In addition to existing retailers looking to increase their store numbers, several overseas brands have made their first ventures into the Japanese market. As was the case prior to the pandemic, Tokyo continues to be one of the preferred locations for retailers seeking to establish or extend their store presence. In a global context, Tokyo prime rents are quite reasonable relative to its city GDP. In other words, considering the city's economic scale, including total retail sales volume, it is relatively inexpensive for retailers to rent store space. This means that, in comparison to the world's other major retail markets, it is easier for retailers to make a profit from brick and-mortar stores. New York has the largest city GDP in the world at approximately JPY 126 trillion, with Tokyo in second with JPY 111 trillion, followed by London, Shanghai, and Seoul. Meanwhile, London registered the highest prime rents at approximately JPY 1,212,000 per tsubo per month, followed by New York at JPY 729,000. These two cities are followed by Paris and Milan, with Tokyo's figure of JPY 400,000 per tsubo placing it in fifth. Tokyo is popular with retailers as a location for Asian or global flagship stores. In June, a leading musical instrument manufacturer from the U.S. opened its first global flagship store in Tokyo's Harajuku district, while a worldwide fashion brand opened its first Asian flagship store in the same area the following month. With Tokyo continuing to be seen as a fashion and cultural epicenter, more retailers are likely to select the city as a location for flagship stores. CBRE further says Japan's e-commerce ratio remains low in comparison to other major markets. Section one of this report explained why it is easier for retailers to make a profit from brick-and-mortar stores in Tokyo. Another key factor underpinning this assertion is Japan's low e-commerce ratio. Of the nations and regions used for comparison in this report, South Korea has the highest e-commerce ratio, at 43.5%, followed by China at 31.4%. The next highest figures are recorded by the UK, the U.S, and Hong Kong, with Japan's figure of 14.7% trailing Singapore in 7th. In addition to the fact that Tokyo rents are relatively cheap when compared to the city's economic scale (as shown in the previous section of the report), the fact that a relatively high percentage of the city's consumers still make their purchases at brick-and-mortar stores is another reason that such stores are more easily able to turn profits. Japanese consumers' preference for making in-store purchases has also been noted in the results of CBRE's own surveys. Comparison of in-store purchase ratios (based on self-reporting in the survey) for a variety of different product types across the countries that are being used for the purposes of comparison in this report. A majority of Japanese consumers reported that they preferred to buy seven of the 10 product types in brick-and-mortar stores, well above average compared to other major markets worldwide. Broken down by product type, Japan ranked first among these nations in terms of the percentage of respondents who indicated they preferred in-store purchases for the categories of "DIY goods" and "children's clothes and shoes"; second in the categories of "furniture and interior furnishings" and "clothes and shoes"; and third in the categories of "daily essentials" and "jewelry and luxury goods". Turning to the issue of reasons given by Japanese consumers for their preference for in-store purchases, the most commonly given answers were that in-store purchasing "allows consumers to see products and try them before they buy", and that it "allows consumers to obtain products without waiting". To be sure, consumers were forced to conduct much of their shopping online during the pandemic, and doing so illustrated the convenience offered by online shopping, including the greater variety of stock available and the ease of making price comparisons. Despite this, the survey results show that Japanese consumers place a high value on the in-store experience of seeing and trying products for themselves and the ability to purchase items on the spot. While the coming years will likely see the introduction of new technological innovations that will change shopping habits, the preference for real physical experiences displayed by Japanese consumers seems unlikely to shift in the near future, says CBRE. Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Weather Alert ...FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM CDT /10 PM EDT/ THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees expected. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 9 PM CDT this evening to 9 AM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This will end the growing season. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. && GUANGZHOU, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric car company Xpeng said on Monday that it will acquire ride-hailing giant Didi's smart electric vehicle (EV) unit in a strategic partnership between the two companies. Xpeng said it will issue class A shares representing about 3.25 percent of the company's outstanding share capital for as much as 5.835 billion Hong Kong dollars (744 million U.S. dollars) to acquire the related assets as well as the research and development capabilities of Didi's smart EV unit. Xpeng said it will launch a new A-level intelligent EV model next year under "MONA" brand, targeting the mass market at a price tier of 150,000 yuan (20,875 U.S. dollars). Didi said it will provide support in the model's intelligent vehicle cockpit, intelligent driving, the shared traveling market, and so on to accelerate the application and promotion of automated pilot assistance and intelligent cockpit technologies in the global market, according to their cooperation plan. MOGADISHU, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union and United Nations officials have called on Somalia to ensure that the hard-won security gains thus far are not jeopardized as the AU forces continue with the drawdown in the country. Acting head of the AU peace support operations division Zinurine Alghali called on all stakeholders to ensure that the stabilization efforts are not lost. Alghali reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to ensuring Somalia takes over full security responsibility to guarantee stability, development, and prosperity for the people of Somalia. "We want to commend the efforts of AU Transition Mission (ATMIS) in implementing the mandate," he said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Sunday evening. Alghali and other AU and UN officials were on a joint visit to Baidoa in the Southwest State on the technical assessment for the first phase of ATMIS drawdown. Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of ATMIS, said the joint technical assessment for the first phase of ATMIS drawdown and planning for the second phase are progressing steadily. Souef said both the technical assessment and planning for the second phase of the drawdown have had to run concurrently due to the tight deadlines imposed, but ATMIS remains committed to meeting them. In the current mandate of ATMIS, the UN Security Council Resolution 2687 requests the African Union and Somalia in consultation with the UN and international partners to conduct a joint technical assessment by Aug. 31 to evaluate the phase-one drawdown of 2,000 troops and identify lessons, as well as the implications of the revised National Security Architecture and force generation, to inform planning for the remaining phases of ATMIS drawdown. The Resolution also requests ATMIS to draw down 3,000 uniformed personnel by Sept. 30 to reduce military personnel to 14,626 from 17,626. The head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Aisa Kirabo Kacyira affirmed the commitment of the world body to ensuring a smooth transition and lauded all stakeholders for the success of the first phase of the ATMIS troop drawdown. "I want to say that the first phase of the drawdown that took place in June was successful and provided us with good lessons based on which we will be able to provide even better support to the second phase," Kacyira said. She said so far the tripartite technical committee comprising the Somali government, ATMIS and UNSOS planning the second phase of the drawdown is making good progress. Peter Kimani Muteti, ATMIS deputy force commander in charge of logistics and support, who also leads the ATMIS technical evaluation committee, said that preparations are at an advanced stage to draw down 3,000 ATMIS troops. The technical team is expected to submit their report to the UN Security Council by Sept. 15. The United Steelworkers (USW) has called on Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey to intervene in the strike of more than 1,700 nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick. This appeal is the latest sign that the union seeks the Democrats help in ending the strike quickly and imposing a pro-management contract on its members. The nurses must heed this warning by taking the initiative away from the union leadership and expanding the strike. Striking nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick, New Jersey [Photo: USW4-200 Local] United Steelworkers call on all our elected officials, including Gov. Murphy, to stand with working people and support the unfair labor practice strike at Robert Wood Johnson, said David M. Wasiura, USW District 4 director, late last week. Its time for Gov. Murphy to show he also prioritizes our community by actively supporting members of USW Local 4-200. Wasiura is a career union official and a member of the executive council of the New York AFL-CIO. Having worked for the presidential campaign of John Kerry and served in the USWs political department, Wasiura also has links to the Democratic Party. The overriding priority of the Democrats is the war in Ukraine, and the party has responded with silence to the current resurgence of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. The main demands of the striking nurses at RWJUH are increased staffing and better nurse-to-patient ratios. No less important are the nurses calls for higher salaries, caps on medical insurance costs and healthcare benefits in retirement. The nurses have been on strike since August 4, and negotiations between the USW and hospital administration, which are taking place under the aegis of a federal mediator, are at a standstill. No new negotiations have been scheduled. Through COVID, management saw that we were able to do more, faster, and work when were tired, said a nurse who works in open heart surgery. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) on condition of anonymity, he said that management seeks to double nurses workloads. For me, even though the hospital gives us a raise, were going to be the clowns if we dont get patient ratios. RWJUH is part of Rutgers Universitys Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In addition to the New Brunswick campus, RWJUH also has campuses in Somerset and Rahway. These hospitals are part of RWJBarnabas Health, an ostensibly not-for-profit organization that is the largest healthcare provider in New Jersey. When Barnabas took over in 2016, staffing started to change, said a nurse from the cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) who preferred to remain anonymous. They dont go by the safe staffing of most hospitals. To date, Murphy has refused to intervene in the strike. No upcoming meetings between the governor, RWJUH management and the USW have been confirmed. The administration encourages both parties to maintain an open dialogue and will continue to remain engaged with them as they work towards a fair and acceptable resolution to these negotiations, said Murphy spokesperson Christi Peace on August 8. Peace described Murphy as a strong proponent of organized labor. This remark requires clarification: Murphy, a multimillionaire and former Goldman-Sachs executive, relies on the trade union bureaucracies to defend the interests of the corporations and banks at the expense of the working class. In April, he played a pivotal role in ending the first-ever faculty strike at Rutgers and imposing a contract that did not meet workers demands. Graduate student workers, for example, were denied a living wage. Other Democrats have inserted themselves into the RWJUH strike. Last week, Senator Bernie Sanders, a nominal independent who supports the Democrats, sent a letter admonishing Mark Manigan, CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, to negotiate with the USW. He criticized the health system for paying its executives millions of dollars in salaries while being somehow unable to provide its nurses fair raises. Sanders cited reports that the company is paying travel nurses as much as $300 per hour and reimbursing them for their travel expenses. If the company can afford to hire these replacement nurses and pay their executives millions each year, they can afford a contract that keeps nurses safe and provides living wages and good benefits, he wrote. Despite his rhetoric, Sanders is no more a friend of workers than Murphy. Last year, Sanders helped both parties in Congress to prevent a strike of 120,000 railroad workers. By introducing an amendment that had no chance of passage, Sanders provided a phony left-wing cover for Congress as it mandated a pro-company agreement that workers had previously voted to reject. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has also intervened in the strike. Last week, he sent a statement to NJ Spotlight News expressing his support for the nurses and encouraging hospital administration to bargain with them. Menendez is a steadfast defender not of the working class, but of US imperialism. He opposed the nuclear deal with Iran, criticized President Donald Trumps plan to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan and worked to persuade Ecuador to revoke the asylum of journalist Julian Assange. Menendez may soon face federal charges related to allegations of having traded his political influence for gifts. The USW is presenting these figures to the striking nurses as their allies. Meanwhile, the union has done nothing to expand the strike to the Somerset and Rahway campuses of RWJUH. This tactic has allowed RWJUH, with the aid of travel nurses, to remain fully operational. Moreover, the nurses are not receiving strike pay, even as the strike nears its fifth week. On the 31st, well be uninsured and jobless, the nurse in open heart surgery told the WSWS. He added that the USW has offered concessions on wages, ostensibly to persuade the hospital to improve nurse-to-patient ratios. Things could have been done better if it had been done earlier, he said. The union delayed the strike. Other nurses echoed these criticisms. I dont trust the union, said the nurse from the cardiovascular ICU. Theyre being too soft. Theyre not doing anything. They expect us to be out making noise, but theyre not making noise. The strategy of the USW has been to wear down the nurses and keep them isolated. In collaboration with figures such as Murphy, Sanders and Menendez, the USW hopes to use financial hardship and demoralization to pressure its members into accepting an agreement that does not meet their needs nor the needs of patient safety. To prevent this betrayal, the nurses must take charge of the strike by forming a rank-and-file committee that is independent of the union leadership. The strike can be won if the nurses expand it to the other RWJUH campuses and turn to the broader working class for support. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has appealed to the Armed Forces of Ukraine over its severe restrictions on reporting in combat zones of the countrys stalled NATO-backed counteroffensive. The appeal comes in the wake of a report by French newspaper Le Temps that the Ukrainian government had effectively banned all foreign journalists from visiting the front unless they had received personal permission from the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhnyi, a known admirer of the Ukrainian fascist Stepan Bandera. As the head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine Serhiy Tomilenko reported on Facebook on Wednesday, In recent days, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine received numerous appeals from accredited journalists regarding severe restrictions on the work of mass media at the front. In particular, the media claim that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has now completely banned filming in the combat zone, any coverage of special and foreign equipment, and the admission of the media to positions and command posts. Tomilenko noted that the National Union seeks to protect the interests and rights of journalists and requested that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine offer answers to several questions concerning the restrictive ban on journalists working at the front. In particular, it is important for us to hear answers to the following questions: what contributed to such a large number of restrictions for accredited journalists regarding the coverage of events at the front? Do all these prohibitions apply only to our Ukrainian colleagues or to foreign ones as well? (The National Union has received reports that priority for work in the war zone is being given to representatives of foreign mass media), Tomilenko wrote. Tomilenko couched his appeal in pro-war nationalist terms, prostrating his organization before the right-wing government of President Volodymyr Zelensky. He claimed, In fact, all these bans make it impossible for media representatives to show Russian aggression, tell and write about it, as well as highlight the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian defense forces to the occupiers. In the Le Temps article, Ukraines Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar claimed that the bans were a matter of operational security and cited an air attack on Ukraines 82nd Brigade that allegedly occurred in response to a Forbes article published from the front. Maliars lying claims are typical of government officials who seek to both justify their attacks on democratic rights and cover up their own responsibility for the mass death of workers and youth. During the second Iraq War, the administration of President George W. Bush banned coverage of coffins of US soldiers returning from Iraq. In reality, Ukraines Western-backed counteroffensive was destined to fail and result in mass Ukrainian casualties against an entrenched and well-fortified Russian army, a fact that was well known by the CIA and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as investigative journalist Seymour Hersh reported last week. According to Hershs sources, the counteroffensive propaganda was a show by [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky and there were some in the administration who believed his bulls..t. Rather than operational security, the fact that the Zelensky government has cracked down further on its censorship of the front is further confirmation that Zelenskys vaunted counteroffensive is slow and bloody, as the Wall Street Journal admitted earlier this week. Since the start of the counteroffensive in June, over 5,000 pieces of military equipment have been destroyed. It is estimated that at least 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, and undoubtedly tens of thousands more Ukrainian soldiers are permanently disabled or disfigured. While the Ukrainian government has intensified its restrictions as of late, censorship of journalists has been the policy of the NATO-backed Zelensky government throughout the course of the war. Earlier in March, in the run-up to the ongoing counteroffensive, the Armed Forces of Ukraine updated its policy on journalists access. From now on, the commanders in the areas of responsibility will determine the zones for the presence of media representatives by their decisions. The following zones are provided: green, where the work of accredited media representatives is allowed without the accompaniment of a public relations officer or a press officer; yellow, where media representatives are allowed to work only accompanied by a press officer; and red, where the work of accredited media representatives is prohibited, the Armed Forces representative Bohdam Senk stated. The change was also protested by journalists at the time who objected to the arbitrary and restrictive nature of the red zones, which they claimed were being applied to even peaceful areas. As the Ukrainian Institute for Mass Media reported about the protest, Members of the Media Movement, Ukrainian and foreign journalists declare the inadmissibility of the new excessive restrictions on the work of the media during martial law. Zoning as it is introduced by operational-strategic groups of troops actually makes it impossible for journalists to work not only along the entire front line, but also in peaceful settlements. The increasing mass censorship of journalists has been noted even by publications that generally support the war and the relentless US propaganda of unprovoked Russian aggression. As Luke Mogelsen, a contributing writer at the New Yorker, told the Intercept in June, Ive covered four wars, and Ive never seen such a chasm between the drama and intensity and historic import of the reality of the conflict on the one hand, and the superficiality and meagerness of its documentation by the press on the other. Its wild how little of whats happening is being chronicled. And the main reason, though not the only one, is that the Ukrainian government has made it virtually impossible for journalists to do real front line reportage. The Zelensky governments blatant attack on freedom of the press and its systematic undermining of any factual and honest reporting on the war not only exposes, yet again, the lie that the imperialist war waged against Russia in Ukraine is about democracy. It also underscores that nothing that is reported in the official pro-war media about what is happening in Ukraine can be taken at face value. On August 22, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka held a meeting at the University of Peradeniya under the title The Ukraine War and How to Stop It. The event, which was sponsored by the Peradeniya University Political Science Association (PSA) at the request of the IYSSE, was attended by over 100 students and about a dozen teachers. Socialist Equality Party (SEP) Political Committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena delivered the lecture, which was translated into Tamil by Shree Haran, also from the partys Political Committee. IYSSE and SEP members campaigned at the campus for about a week prior to the event, explaining to students, teachers and non-academic workers that the US and NATO-led war in Ukraine had provoked the Putin regime to invade Ukraine. They also discussed the growing threat of world war and the international socialist program required to prevent a global conflagration. Introducing the meeting, the head of the Political Science Department, Professor Upul Abeyratne, said: The Socialist Equality Party is closely following the world political developments Karl Marx said Workers of the World Unite in the Communist Manifesto. This has two implications. One is that mankind has a common heritage. Secondly, it means going beyond communal divisions and that the worlds working people must unite. He thanked the SEP for proposing an anti-war meeting at the university, which was multi-ethnic and multi-religious, and showed the way to unite. Professor Abeyratne also criticised so-called leftists who worked to divide workers on a racial basis and urged the students to seriously consider what the SEP had to say. IYSSE convener Kapila Fernando, who chaired the meeting, thanked Professor Abeyratne, Sumudu Walakulu, a senior lecturer in the faculty, and the PSA for sponsoring the meeting. Andre Damon from the US SEP sent video greetings, which were screened during the meeting. The World Socialist Web Site will publish a full version of his video message, with Sinhala and Tamil subtitles, in coming days. Wijesiriwardena began his speech by showing photographs of IYSSE anti-war meetings held internationally since the Ukraine war began. He explained that the Peradeniya University meeting was part of a global campaign to build an anti-war movement of workers and youth. Wijesiriwardena noted recent reports by US intelligence services about the failure of the Spring Offensive by Ukraine forces, noting, US imperialism cannot afford any failure in its military and geopolitical aims. The Biden administration is preparing to send F-16 fighter jets and cluster bombs to Ukraine. It has approved $US113 billion for the war, including $70 billion just for weapons. SEP Political Committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena. The speaker warned that the most consequential factor in the war was that US and Russia held 70 percent of the worlds nuclear weapons. War cannot be explained by who fired the first shot but only by understanding its origins, Wijesiriwardena said, and outlined the historical expansion of NATO and its encirclement of Russia. There are two intertwined factors, he continued. One is the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the restoration of capitalism by the Stalinist bureaucracy. Second is the declining economic power of the US relative to its global competitors, and its efforts to offset that decline by using its enormous military power. In 2014, the US conspired to oust Ukraines pro-Russian former president, Viktor Yanukovych, and install one of its own allies. Later president-elect Zelensky followed the same line of that political conspiracy and then Washington pushed Zelensky to create border conflicts with Russia. Putin responded to these provocations of US imperialism by invading Ukraine and doing exactly what the imperialists had hoped for, Wijesiriwardena said. That Ukraine and Russia face each other as two rival states in this bloody catastrophe is a direct result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Putin regime, which hates the legacy of the October Revolution, and represents the Russian oligarchy which was created with the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the looting of its resources. Wijesiriwardena reviewed Russias natural resources and quoted from Lenins Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism: The more capitalism develops, the more the need for raw materials arises, the more bitter competition becomes, and the more feverishly the hunt for raw materials proceeds all over the world, the more desperate becomes the struggle for the acquisition of colonies. Wijesiriwardena said that the central aim of the US and European imperialist powers was to exploit Russias vast natural resources. He also pointed out that China, the major economic rival of the US, was the main geo-strategic target of the US in the intensifying war in Ukraine. The speaker said that India was a major strategic partner in the US-led preparations for war against China. Washington and New Delhi desperately want to get Sri Lanka, situated in a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, in line with their strategy of encircling China. They are pressuring Colombo to give in to their demands. Prime Minister Modis statements that Sri Lanka must implement the 13th amendment [to the countrys constitution, which grants limited power sharing to Tamil-dominated provinces] is part of that, he said. Wijesiriwardena then reviewed Washingtons military preparations with Japan, South Korea and Australia for war against China, stating: The war drive is a result of the irreconcilable conflict between the globalised economy and the nation-state system in which the profit system is rooted. This war can only be stopped by eliminating the root cause of the war, global capitalism. The only social force capable of this is the international working class. The fight to end the war is the fight for socialism. Wijesiriwardena concluded by urging students to build the IYSSE and the SEP at Peradeniya University and quoted from Trotskys speech to the 1937 Dewey Commission: War has in fact often expedited revolution. But precisely for this reason it has often led to abortive results. War sharpens social contradictions and mass discontent. But that is insufficient for the triumph of the proletarian revolution. Without a revolutionary party rooted in the masses, the revolutionary situation leads to the most cruel defeats. The lecture was followed by an animated question and answer session. One student asked: Ukraine and Russia were member states of the USSR. If these two countries unite again can the war be ended? Wijesiriwardena replied: The 1917 October Revolution was the first step towards a world federation of socialist republics and the elimination of the capitalist nation state system. After the October Revolution, in December 1922, the USSR was created on a voluntary basis, uniting Russia, Ukraine and other countries. The dissolution of the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy saw the Stalinist-backed Russian oligarchy establish its capitalist state and Ukraine became a separate capitalist state. Zelensky, Ukraines current president, is an imperialist proxy and helping the US-NATO to subjugate Russia. These countries cannot unite on the basis of capitalism. That is why we call for the unity of the working class in both countries and the fight for a Union of Russian and Ukrainian Socialist Republics as part of the struggle for international socialism and the overthrow of both capitalist regimes. M.M. Ihjas, a senior lecturer of the Political Science Department praised the lecture and asked: What is the SEPs attitude towards China, which resorted to vast private investments? Wijesiriwardena explained that Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which led the revolution in 1949 were based on socialism in one country, a reactionary theory advanced in the 1920s by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet bureaucracy. This anti-Marxist theory was in opposition to the program of world socialist revolution as advanced by Lenin and Trotsky and on which the Russian Revolution was based. He added: In the aftermath of the 1949 Revolution, the CCP was compelled to abolish the private ownership of property. However, in 1989, the Chinese bureaucracy crushed the upsurge of workers and young people over its anti-democratic rule and a worsening economic crisis and opened its doors to foreign investment. The US is making war preparation against China even as it seeks to subjugate Russia. The Chinese bureaucracy led by Xi Jinping has no progressive solution to imperialist war but is seeking allies, including Putin, for a military alliance. Only the international working class can advance a policy against the developing war danger. Lively interest in SEP literature at August 22 anti-war meeting, Peradeniya University. Following the meeting many students expressed their eagerness to have further discussions with IYSSE members. A second-year political science student commented: The lecture pointed out the devastation caused by war and its dangerous implications. I was able to understand and get confidence in SEPs political program from the lecture. However, I had issues on how to bring this program to the masses and would like to discuss this with the SEP. What was said in the lecture about the political organisations currently dominating universities is correct. The student union leaders are hostile to this type of program, and their politics have no solutions to these problems. The critical issues of war and revolution do not occur to them. The lecturer explained that last years popular uprising was defeated due to a lack of working-class leadership. The solution to war and other problems is to provide this sort of leadership. After spending six hours in Maui feigning sympathy for the families of those who died and those who have lost everything in the wildfire disaster, President Joe Biden and wife Jill took a direct flight on Air Force One back to Nevada to resume their vacation at a billionaires luxury mansion in Lake Tahoe last week. Biden, who was joined by numerous family members, including his son Hunter, began his nine-day stay at the three-acre lakefront property of Tom Steyer on August 18. Steyer is a hedge fund manager and Democratic Party supporter whose personal wealth is estimated at $1.5 billion. The mansion, located in the exclusive and gated Glenbrook community, is estimated to be worth $18.1 million. Steyer, who lives in New York City, bought it in 2007 for $15 million, according to Douglas County records. Originally built in 1968, the 4,000-square-foot mansion sits on Lake Tahoes east shore and has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Charred remains of homes are visible following a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, August 22, 2023. When the winds from Hurricane Dora lashed Maui on August 8, they struck bare electrical lines that Hawaiian Electric utility had left exposed to the elements. [AP Photo/Jae C. Hong] The White House sought to downplay Bidens relationship with the elite financier by pointing out that his administration had signed a fair market rental agreement for a sum that was not disclosed. This revelation prompted residents to complain to local officials that Steyer did not have a Vacation Home Rental Permit and was in violation of the county code. It was obvious that Bidens trip to Maui was an exercise in damage control following his weeklong silence, as he sat on the beach at his vacation home in Delaware and then responded to reporters with no comment when asked what he had to say about the devastating wildfire. As the Bidens made their hasty return to one of the wealthiest communities in the US, the extent of the horrifying and deadly destruction from the Maui wildfire three weeks ago continued to impact working class families on the Hawaiian island. President Joe Biden speaks with reporters after taking a pilates and spin class at PeloDog, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in South Lake Tahoe, California. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] On Thursday, Maui county officials reported that 115 people were confirmed dead from the fast-moving blaze that burned much of the historic town of Lahaina to the ground on August 8 and 9. While just 46 of those killed have been identified, details about what happened to some of them are now emerging. Joe Schilling, 67, chose to stay behind as the fire swept through his apartment complex, along with several other elderly residents who were unable to evacuate due to mobility problems. In text messages reviewed by ABC News, Schilling told a friend that there were multiple houses on fire right across from me and that he cant leave, cant see. Schilling then wrote, We are trapped cant see a thing plus when u try to breathe it burns ur lungs. Breathing through wet towels, 6 of us in one unit. Another of the confirmed dead is seven-year-old Tony Takafua, the first identified child victim of the wildfire. Takafuas remains, along with those of three relatives, were found in a burned car near their home. Others killed include his mother, Salote Tone, 39, and his grandparents Faaoso Tone, 70, and Maluifonua Tone, 73. County officials also released on Thursday a list of 388 names of those thought to be missing. Within a day, friends, relatives and internet researchers went through the names and reported that more than 100 of those on the list were safe, according to the FBI, although these reports were still being verified. In a press conference on Friday, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen announced that Darryl Oliveira will be the interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, a week after Herman Andaya resigned from the post amid criticism for his response to the wildfire. Andaya resigned on August 17, one day after he publicly defended his decision not to activate the islands extensive warning sirens while the Lahaina wildfire was spreading rapidly. He said the sirens were not sounded because they would have created confusion and sent Lahaina residents into the path of the fire. The warning sirens, touted by Hawaiian officials as the most sophisticated anywhere in the world, were designed decades ago for the purpose of alerting the public to evacuate for oncoming hurricanes or tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the sirens are sounded, Andaya said. The county government reported on Thursday that it had sued the Hawaiian Electric company for causing the fires. The lawsuit says the utility company acted negligently by failing to shut off power despite exceptionally high winds and dry conditions. The county is seeking compensation for damage to public property and resources in Lahaina, as well as in nearby Kula. Witness accounts and video footage show that sparks from power lines ignited fires as utility poles snapped in the wind, driven by Hurricane Dora, which was passing to the south of the island. In a statement, Hawaiian Electric said it was very disappointed that Maui County chose this litigious path while the investigation is still unfolding. Hawaiian Electric is a publicly traded utility that serves 95 percent of Hawaiis electricity customers. In 2022, the electricity monopoly generated $3.74 billion in revenue and a profit of $241 million. The company is also being sued by Lahaina residents, who accuse it of fraud for failing to disclose that its wildfire prevention and safety measures were inadequate. The anger of the public over the inaction and indifference of the US government to the crisis in Maui continues to find expression on social media. On Friday, Mint Press published a video interview on X (Twitter) with a Maui resident, who said, I think Joe Biden should take his $700, get back on the f***ing plane and go home... $700 compared to all the millions hes giving Ukraine? Why? We need it. Contact the GM Lansing and Flint Rank-and-File Committees by filling out the form at the bottom of this article. Join the weekly autoworkers rank-and-file online forum on the 2023 Detroit Three-UAW contract fight, Sundays at 3 p.m. Eastern. Register here to attend. GM Flint Assembly workers on August 24, 2023. Brothers and sisters, Another life-threatening emergency took place Thursday night, August 24. An Imminent Extreme Alert was issued by the National Weather Service, warning of tornadoes throughout Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Seven tornadoes touched down. Warnings were issued in many counties throughout Michigan, which included areas where major auto plants and other factories employ tens of thousands of workers. This warning was virtually ignored by both management and the UAW bureaucracy. In addition to GM Flint, severely unsafe conditions developed at many other plants, including GM Lansing Delta Assembly. They kept the lines running, clearly putting profits of the auto companies over our lives! Approximately 388,000 residents did not have electricity across Michigan on Friday. Near Grand Rapids, a woman and two young children aged one and three were killed and two others injured in a two-vehicle crash, when the two vehicles, traveling toward each other, hydroplaned on water. Near Lansing, at least 25 cars were damaged, causing I-96 to be closed. According to multiple reports EF3 and EF2 tornadoes touched down in Lansing, Webberville and Williamston. GM Flint Rank and File Committee Only two weeks ago, the GM Flint Rank and File Committee issued a call to action when another severe storm erupted on August 11. Storm drains backed up and geysers of water flooded many areas of the plant, dangerously gushing next to electrical equipment. Water was pouring through the roof. The nearby town of Perry in Shiawassee County suffered major damage when a tornado touched down that evening. We stated: The entire factory should have been shut down and secured long before the situation reached that dangerous point. Our committee demands a full investigation, under the supervision of trusted workers, into the roof leaks and the failure of storm-water drainage systems and the immediate implementation of the necessary repairs. Moreover, the warning system for tornadoes and violent thunderstorms must be reviewed and upgraded to provide timely warnings so that all employees will have plenty of time to find safe shelter. No workers have been injured or killed as of now, but our warnings of lack of safety have been confirmed again. These incidents are becoming more frequent and extreme due to climate change, and the threats are being felt by all workers. Over 1,000 are still missing in the Maui wildfires, while the fires in the Northwest Territories of Canada are threatening cities. In December 2021 six workers were killed and dozens injured when the Amazon DLI4 was struck by an EF-3 tornado and collapsed. Plant management had refused to cancel production despite being aware of the impending danger. A member of the GM Flint Rank-and-File Committee said, We need to come together on this. Thursday night was like a ghost town. No management around, no union around. They were probably all sheltering, leaving us to run the line. In the complex, only the assembly plant was not taking shelter, because we the produce the trucks. We build the trucks which are GMs bread and butter. The next day, I saw Shawn Fain on his live-streamed Facebook event. He did not even mention the dangerous situation that workers faced during the storm the night before. Workers are livid. A coworker told us, No one came to the line to tell us that there was a tornado warning in effect. We heard tornado sirens only outside during break. These were not sirens internal to the plant's warning system, but the general ones for the Flint/Burton area. Throughout the whole time until I left work, like a few weeks ago, I never saw any union officials come out to do or say anything to us. When the sirens are going off for a tornado warning, we might want to take cover, but we just kept on rolling. Another worker asked for adding a tornado shelter near the body shop because its gonna take like 15 min to get to the front. Be dead if an actual tornado hit. Other coworkers took to Local 598s phone app asking UAW plant chairman Eric Welter why the union took no action Thursday night to stop production. Welters basic response speaks for itself: I am getting into it this morning, as if he was entirely unaware of the situation last night of a tornado that could have killed us. Comments from GM Flint workers posted on Facebook show the growing anger over working in unsafe conditions. We arent as important as their trucks. Another worker declared, They dont care about you, all they care about is that Mary (Barra) gets a paycheck next week. GM Lansing Workers Rank and File Committee Like our brothers and sisters at GM Flint, we were also being forced to continue work on second shift during the storm. Power lines and trees were knocked down, the metal umbrellas for outside break seating arrangements are mangled. We had a tornado warning years back where the tornado was a few miles from our plant and they never shut the line down or anything. One coworker in the paint shop saw the wall ripped away: I was standing next to the wall when it was ripped away and in the matter of seconds I went from shock to awe, to scared sh*tless, to, I need to get the f*ck out of here, to radioing everyone I could think of to get their a** to the area ASAP and figure this out. I think I need to put a safety committee call in tomorrow because if the debris would of came my way. I could have been hurt, maimed or killed... The UAW said, the wall that was ripped away wouldnt affect production and the paint shop kept working. The union just tells us, keep working its not a problem. We didnt hear any tornado alarms on second shift, nothing over the intercom. We have taken shelter in the bathrooms before for drills, but not for the actual event. The next day we were back to work running like it is just another day, none of the issues were addressed. We demand workers control over production and safety. The GM Lansing Workers Rank-and-File Committee in its founding statement stated: Neither the UAW nor management has concern for our safety The organizational chaos and irrationality produced by the current regime is the result of subordination of production to short-term profit. We urge all workers to join and build the rank-and-file committees as part of the network of the IWA-RFC. This is necessary to protect our safety, our lives. Within two weeks, we have faced two life-threatening storms and the response of the UAW bureaucracy is silence. Fain expects us to have faith in his discussions with Biden, who is only giving $700 per household to Maui residents, who shut down the rail strike and is preparing for World War Three. Workers control of production and safety! We have already said the UAW bureaucracy and management have no concern for our safety. We will make our lives a priority. The rank and file must be able to make decisions to keep workers safe including, if necessary, shutting down production. We must have access to information! We need lines of communication between workers in different departments and shifts, within a plant, as well as between plants, in Michigan, the US and internationally. We must have more easily accessible shelters that we can reach quickly. We must have a full investigation, under the supervision of trusted workers, into why we were kept on the line. In Lansing and Flint no warning systems were put in place. If any investigation or safety measures are to be put in place it must be developed by us the workers on the shop floor. 25 years ago: Riot police attack Korean workers On September 3, 1998, the Kim Dae Jung government in South Korea sent in more than 10,000 riot police to smash a 17-day strike, acting directly at the behest of Korean and international investors. Police attacked hundreds of workers and their families occupying six factories of the countrys largest auto parts maker, Mando Machinery. For over 10 hours police swept through the factory grounds, beating and dragging people off, filling jails and hospitals with the injured. Kim Dae-jung shaking hands with US President Bill Clinton at the 1999 APEC Summit in New Zealand Helicopters sprayed workers and their wives and children with tear gas, while armored personnel carriers crashed through their metal and human barricades. Riot police armed with gas canisters, water cannon and heavy equipment were shown on national television beating and kicking workers. Strikers and their supporters were forced to lie flat on the ground before being hauled away for interrogation. At least 1,600 workers were detained. At the Assan plant in Choongnam, striking families fled to the roof of the factory building, where helicopters dumped tear gas canisters on them. Trapped under this barrage, workers sustained many serious injuries. Skulls were cracked and strikers suffered broken limbs. One worker, Son Sung-Gyoon, 34, fell from the fourth floor of the building as police rushed up the stairwells. The Mando workers had been sitting in at the six factories since August 17, fighting the companys plans to terminate 1,090 workers out of a total of 4,500. Riot police also stormed a workers occupation at Halla Electronics, owned by Mandos parent company the Halla Group. Mando supplied auto parts to domestic car makers and also international giants such as GM and Ford. It posted a turnover of 1.4 trillion won in 1997, but went bankrupt that December in the wake of the countrys currency and share market crash. The violent operation was the first time that the government headed by Kim, a former pro-democracy dissident, had used the countrys paramilitary police forces to attack workers en masse and break a strike. The regime had come under intense criticism from financial markets and media editorials for retreating from using the same methods against striking Hyundai workers the previous month. The police raids were also calculated to intimidate Hyundai workers, who voted a day earlier to reject the agreement that their union had struck with Hyundai to end a protracted occupation against mass sackings. A Labour Ministry spokesman said the Mando operation could be taken as a warning to the Hyundai workers not to resume their struggle. 50 years ago: Nixon refuses to comply with court order to release White House tape recordings On August 29, 1973, Federal Judge John J. Sirica ordered President Richard Nixon to provide the court with tape recordings of White House conversations related to the Watergate break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters. In July, during the US Senate hearings investigating the Watergate scandal, White House aides had revealed that a tape-recording system had been installed in the Oval Office that recorded nearly all conversations held with the president. Judge John J. Sirica Shortly after, a grand jury issued a subpoena for the recordings. Invoking what he called executive privilege, Nixon had refused to cooperate with the Watergate investigation, claiming that releasing information would damage national security. In the first major challenge to Nixons refusal, Siricas order stated: President Richard Nixon, or any subordinate officer, official or employee with custody or control of the documents or objects listed in the grand jury subpoena is hereby commanded to produce forthwith for the courts examination in-camera [in secret], the subpoenaed documents or objects. Knowing full well that an inspection of the tapes would implicate him directly in the Watergate conspiracy, the president maintained his refusal to cooperate. The White House issued an official reply to the order that read: in-camera inspection of these tapes is inconsistent with the Presidents position relating to the question of separation of powers as provided by the Constitution and the necessity of maintaining the precedent of confidentiality of private Presidential conversations for this President and Presidents in the future. The president will not comply with this order. Nixon added in a press conference that to carry out duties a president must be able to do so with the principle of confidentiality intact. In other words Nixon admitted that to effectively do the presidents business of attacking the living standards of the working class, waging wars abroad and carrying out domestic repression of political opponents, he must be allowed to operate behind closed doors and away from public scrutiny. Siricas order came with a provision allowing the Nixon administration to appeal the order. It would take nearly one year before the dispute was resolved. In October Nixon would order Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox to drop the subpoena for the tapes. In what became known as the Saturday Night Massacre, Nixons attorney general and deputy attorney general resigned after refusing Nixons order to fire Cox. Eventually, Robert Bork, who was willing to fire Cox on behalf of Nixon, was chosen to lead the Justice Department. However, Coxs eventual replacement, Leon Jaworski, decided to continue to pursue the subpoena of the tapes. The case would make its way to the Supreme Court, which on July 24, 1973, ruled that the White House must release the recordings. The tapes left no doubt that Nixon had full knowledge of the break-in and had ordered subordinates in his cabinet and the CIA to cover up his involvement and that of others in the administration. In the face of this overwhelming evidence, Nixon resigned the presidency on August, 9 1974. 75 years ago: Right-wing parliamentary assembly convenes in West Germany On September 1, 1948, a right-wing parliamentary assembly convened in the city of Bonn, in the British-controlled zone of northwestern Germany. The new body marked a further step towards the establishment of a West German state, based on the maintenance of capitalist rule and a close alignment with the victorious imperialist powers in World War II, Britain and above all the US. The assembly was not the product of a direct election. Instead its members were selected by the various state governments in western Germany, some of which were themselves undemocratic provisional formations. The assembly was convened under conditions of a continuing occupation by the US and Britain, with both of those powers directly involved in its convocation. The assembly was dominated by right-wing bourgeois parties. Out of 65 voting members, the body included 27 from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who blocked with several much smaller Christian parties. The Social Democrats also held 27 seats. They were as committed as the far right to the stabilization of capitalism and the establishment of a new bourgeois state. Konrad Adenauer [Photo: Bundesarchiv] The assembly elected Konrad Adenauer of the CDU as its president, foreshadowing his role as the first head of the West German state. Adenauer, while he had come into conflict with the Nazis, was a fanatical anti-communist committed to free market policies. He was heavily oriented to Washington and London, viewing alignment with them as the best means of establishing a strong state apparatus, including a military and intelligence service. The assembly would eventually adopt a constitution. While it included various pledges to maintain parliamentary democracy and respect the rights of citizens, these differed little from provisions in the old Weimar constitution that had failed to prevent the Nazis from being elevated to power in 1933. Above all, these purportedly democratic clauses were aimed at aligning the emerging West German state with the Cold War that was being waged by the US against the Soviet Union. At the conclusion of World War II, Britain, the US, France and the Soviet Union had engaged in an uneasy power sharing arrangement in Germany. This was a continuation of the alignment of the Stalinist bureaucracy with the imperialist powers, in line with its nationalist and pro-capitalist program. In exchange for a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe, the Stalinists suppressed any independent action by the working class in Western Europe, and helped to restabilize capitalist rule. As the US turned towards the aggressive assertion of its dominance in 1947, the relations deteriorated, with the division of Germany into a Soviet-controlled east and an imperialist-dominated west becoming ever more deeply entrenched. 100 years ago: Japanese cities leveled by earthquake On September 1, 1923, at 11:59 a.m., an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the moment magnitude scale shook the Kanto region of Japans largest island, Honshu, which includes Tokyo and Yokohama, Japans largest port city. The earthquake had been caused by a collision of two continental plates from which developed a fault six miles underneath the floor of Sagami Bay, 30 miles east of Tokyo. The quake lasted for four minutes. Buildings collapsed, burying thousands. Fires erupted throughout urban areas, including in Tokyo, and a tsunami killed hundreds as it swept up on the coast of Sagami Bay. In Tokyo, water mains burst, making it impossible to put out fires for days. In rural areas, landslides buried whole villages. At least 140,000 people died, including 44,000 in downtown Tokyo who were immolated in a fire whirl of high winds and fire. The filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, then 13 years old, describes the carnage there in his autobiography: No corner of the landscape was free of corpses. In some places the piles of corpses formed little mountains. On top of one of these mountains sat a blackened body in the lotus position of Zen meditation. Devastation from the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake, as seen from Kotobuki Junior School in Yokohama In the days and weeks after the earthquake, over 6,000 Koreans living in the Kanto region were murdered by vigilantes. The home ministry on September 3 sent a message to police stations saying, there are a group of people who want to take advantage of disasters. Be careful because Koreans are planning terrorism and robbery by arson and bombs. Rumors spread that Koreans were poisoning the water. Japanese witnesses have said that police told citizens that it was permissible to kill Koreans. At the time, Korea was a colony of Japan and tens of thousands of Koreans worked in Japan as cheap labor. Hundreds of Chinese were also murdered by mobs. The government used the emergency to assassinate leading socialists and communists. In one incident that came to international attention, a prominent anarchist couple, Sakae Osugi and Noe Ito, and their six-year-old nephew were murdered by a squad of military police led by Lieutenant Masahiko Amakasu, who was convicted of murder but released in 1926. At least five people were killed and many more injured by a line of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that rolled through southern Michigan, northern Ohio and southeastern Ontario last Thursday night (August 24) and early Friday morning. The storms left a path of destruction in their wake, with significant damage to homes and major flooding of roads and communities. The severe weather, including at least seven separate tornadoes, toppled trees and downed power lines. The storms left over 700,000 people without power in southern Michigan and northern Ohio. But power outages from similar storms were experienced as far east as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A broken utility pole lies Friday, Friday, August 25, 2023, in the yard of a home in Southfield, Michigan, north of Detroit. Severe storms powered by winds of up to 75 mph (121 kph) in Michigan downed trees, tore roofs off buildings and killed several people while leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power, officials said. [AP Photo/Corey R. Williams] While the confirmed tornadoes were on the low end with regard to intensity, they still packed wind speeds of between 80 and 110 miles per hour. One touched down in Kent County, Michigan, home to the city of Grand Rapids, and a second landed in rural Ingham County, not far from the Michigan state capital, Lansing. Initially, the National Weather Service reported that two tornadoes had been confirmed, but the agency has since revised its report, saying it believes at least seven EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes, as well as a possible EF-2, made ground contact. Thursdays storms were the culmination of two days of severe weather that began Wednesday night with thunderstorms and intense lightning lasting several hours. The storms on Thursday were worse, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and torrential rains that created dangerous conditions for driving, especially on certain Michigan roads that are notorious for flooding even in a moderate rainfall. Creeks and riverbanks overflowed. The city of Canton in western Wayne County, Michigan received seven inches of rain in a short time period and in many areas was under water. The last two days have been extremely active compared to what we typically see in Michigan, said Steve Considine, a senior National Weather Service forecaster in White Lake Township. It is likely that the severe weather is linked to the northward movement of the boundary between the persistent dome of extreme heat plaguing the American southwest and the relatively cooler air over the eastern Midwest and Great Lakes region. The meeting of these two very different air masses with regard to their temperatures created highly unstable conditions. At least one of the fatalities has been linked to the tornado that hit Ingham County. An 84-year old woman died when a fallen tree landed on her house, according to Lansing police. In Kent County, a woman and two children, aged one and three, were killed in a head-on collision that occurred when a car hydroplaned on a flooded road. There were two vehicles traveling toward each other, Sergeant Eric Brunner told WZZM-TV. One hydroplaned on water and it was occupied by four people. Another motorist was killed when his car flipped in a 25-car pile-up on Interstate 96, also in Ingham County. Tornadic winds were also responsible for accidents involving semi-trailers that smashed into guardrails on highways throughout southern Michigan. Detroit Metro Airport reported 60 flight delays and 23 cancellations during Thursdays storms. The fatalities, however, were not the product simply of severe weather, as life-threatening as such storms can be. Tornadoes are not uncommon in Michigan. The deadliest funnel cloud to ever strike the state occurred 70 years ago in the Flint area, in June of 1953. That tornado killed 16 people and injured hundreds. Last weeks particularly destructive chain of events was exacerbated by a combination of deteriorating social conditions, poorly lighted and constructed roads with little to no drainage, crumbling infrastructure, and, most importantly, the callous indifference of the establishment political parties and the corporate entities masquerading as public utilities. One televised news report cited people who called DTE Energy to report power outages and were told to call an electrician. DTE has an infamous record of shutting off power to customers while its top executives line their pockets with tens of millions of dollars. The pledge of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, to fix the damn roads! has ended in a debacle. Michigan has some of the worst roads in the country, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, which issued a grade of D- for Michigan roads in 2018. The Detroit Free Press quoted Kelly Karll, the manager of the environment and infrastructure group at the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, as saying that most of southeast Michigans stormwater conveyance systems were built around the end of World War II or even earlier, and designed for far milder precipitation totals. The bottom line is, as weve been saying for years, our stormwater infrastructure needs are in a dire situation, Karll said. Meanwhile, Whitmers crash program to rebuild the roads and highways in Michigan has turned into a nightmare for drivers. Roads are suddenly closed without warning, explanation or even a sign. Orange barrels abound, but very often there are no work crews in sight. There is an acute shortage of road crews, caused no doubt by the poor wages and conditions these workers confront, and the state refuses to offer a night-time differential so that some roads can be repaired more quickly by crews working 24/7. As a result, driving in bad weather becomes more hazardous. The decrepit state of the overall infrastructure in Michigan was highlighted on May 19, 2020, after heavy rains caused the Edenville and Sandford Dams to burst, releasing Wixom Lake and producing a life-threatening flood that forced the evacuation of 10,000 residents. After almost four years, the state of Michigan has slated the dams for repair at some point between 2024 and 2026. The same is true for the aging electrical infrastructure. It is dominated by above-ground utility poles and exposed transformers, which are easily damaged by falling trees and branches. The result is frequent blackouts triggered by even moderately severe weather events. DTE Energy claims it does not have the funds for a more rational rebuilding of the infrastructure because of the companys carbon reduction efforts. Two months ago, after DTE announced that its summer peak time rate hikes were going into effect, the World Socialist Web Site wrote: That the utility claims that this new rate structure will take pressure off the electricity grid during those hours of peak usage is, in fact, an indictment of the overall decrepitude of the companys infrastructure. In the aftermath of last Februarys historic ice storm, over 700,000 Michigan residents lost power, with many not receiving electricity for nearly a week. The WSWS pointed out that according to the Energy and Policy Institute, DTE Energy is one of the most aggressively anti-consumer utilities in the country. The watchdog group noted that DTE is notorious for carrying out the highest number of residential electricity shutoffs in the country. Between January 2020 and October 2022, DTE cut off power to 377,492 of its customers. The CDCs Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) met on August 22 for a continued discussion of the proposed watered-down, anti-scientific new infection control guidelines that would reduce infection control standards particularly surrounding aerosol transmission and the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms. HICPAC advises the CDC on infection control policies and is made up largely of healthcare upper management, infectious disease clinicians and senior level personnel from federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The recommendations of HICPAC are not subject to any public oversight. The recent meeting was attended by members of the public and medical community who are fighting against the anti-scientific draft guidelines which include claims that masking is essentially ineffective or even harmful to individuals and the healthcare system. These claims were first presented during a discussion of the revised guidelines at a June 2023 HICPAC meeting. The evidence used to back these claims was made up of cherry-picked data from research studies that are widely recognized as flawed. Amidst this backlash, the August 22 meeting did not focus on issues of COVID-19, masking and respiratory precautions. Instead, the committee attempted to steer into safe waters through a discussion of contact precautions and other standard precautions in healthcare. The issues of COVID-19 and respiratory isolation were only discussed by the public during the comment section. The guideline revision is not an arbitrary decision or a misguided mistake, but a conscious and criminal maneuver designed to ensure that another surge or another pandemic will not cause any slowdowns in the economy. Healthcare facilities represent the high-water mark in infection control. If mitigation measures are abandoned in that context, it provides the argument for jettisoning safety measures within any workplace or social setting. Rising waste water levels and hospitalization rates indicate that a summer surge has been under way for several months without any warning or concerns raised by the Biden administration or public health organizations like the CDC. The HICPAC guidelines are the latest in a trend of unscientific decisions prompted by governments around the world to stop virtually all surveillance and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Biden administration ended their COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), disbanding the White House COVID Response Team. The CDC then ended all COVID-19 case reporting and CDC Director Rochelle Walenskywho championed pro-corporate and anti-public-health policies throughout her tenureresigned. Walensky was then replaced by Mandy Cohen, a staunch supporter of lifting mask mandates and school reopenings. Patient Mike Camilleri works with physical therapist Beth Hughes in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 1, 2023. After contracting COVID-19 Camilleri was left with dangerous blood pressure spikes, a heartbeat that raced with slight exertion, and episodes of intense chest pain. [AP Photo/Angie Wang] A full draft of the proposed guidelines has not been made available to the public. An introduction to the overhaul of the infection control standards can be most clearly seen in the slides from the Infection Precautions workgroup presentation from the June 8, 2023 meeting. The guidelines propose a major change to the framework of infection control categories which previously separated infectious diseases into three categories, based on their mode of transmission, contact, droplet, and airborne, all of which then had corresponding best practices for PPE and isolation. The new guidelines simplify these categories to by touch and by air. The new by air category is further broken up into routine, novel and extended. Examples of diseases falling under the routine category include seasonal coronavirus and seasonal influenza which, according to the committee, only require a surgical mask for PPE, no eye protection and no airborne isolation room. The novel class includes pandemic phase coronavirus and influenza, which require an N95 mask and eye protection, but no airborne isolation room. There is no scientific basis for the distinction between seasonal and pandemic phase coronavirus and influenza. These fabricated categories serve to support the political campaign to declare COVID endemic, the purpose of which is to accustom the population to mass infection and death, adding the virus to a list of ever-present diseases instead of engaging in a fight to eliminate the virus, which is perfectly possible but opposed by the financial oligarchy because of its cost. The guideline draft also attempts to discredit the effectiveness of N95 respirators, citing flawed scientific studies to make the claim that surgical masks are equal to N95 respirators. In the three main studies referenced, the N95s were only worn when in close proximity to the patient. In one study, healthcare workers donned N95s only when six feet from the patient. In another study healthcare workers donned them when just three feet from the patient, removing their mask when out of this boundary. Such misuse of N95 respirators would obviously not be effective since aerosolized viral particles can spread 20 to 30 feet and remain in the air for hours. N95 respirators must be worn continuously and must be well-fitting in order to be effective, especially in indoor and poorly ventilated areas. In addition, all three cited trials only had healthcare workers wearing N95s around symptomatic patients. This is another major flaw in the studies as it is a well-known scientific fact that coronavirus is often transmitted from asymptomatic individuals. In fact, according to a CDC study from February 2021, 59 percent of COVID-19 transmission occurs from asymptomatic spread. The committee makes another dangerous claim that mask wearingboth surgical and N95is harmful and has a negative impact on healthcare workers performance. In the evidence review portion of the presentation titled, Mask Adverse Events, the committee cites several negative outcomes of mask wearing such as headaches, difficulty breathing, acne, perspiration, difficulty talking, and work interference. No reference is made to the Adverse Events from COVID-19 infection, such as multi-system organ failure, disability and death. It is also notable that the new guidelines do not suggest other protective measures such as UV disinfection and HEPA filtration. They also do not address the fact that the current state of COVID-19 testing, even in the hospital setting, is disorganized and minimal, making it impossible to effectively put necessary infection control precautions in place. The guidelines for standard precautionsprecautions for every patient regardless of infection statusdo not include the bare minimum of a surgical mask. Due to mounting opposition against the guidelines, HICPAC had no choice but to allow for a limited discussion period open to the public. The committee did not respond to any of the public comments. Debra Gold, an employee of Cal OSHA, stated, If we learned nothing from the tremendous illness and loss of life in the past three years of COVID crisis it is how important it is that public health recommendations be clear and strong enough to protect both individuals and patients and healthcare system as a whole. She continued, PPE Is only part of reducing transmission the little we have seen of the draft guidelines does not include thorough discussion of isolation or early identification and isolation of infected people. Another commenter, Liv Grace, introduced herself as disabled and high risk and described how she is unable to safely access healthcare under the current conditions. Liv has caught RSV and COVID-19 at her infusion center, causing her to suffer from new kidney and heart issues. One way N95 masking is not enough for me This is a Catch-22, access healthcare or catch COVID and other dangerous to me infections to the point of further endangering my life or do not get care at all with the risk of further endangering my life This is eugenics. I am Jewish and I see the writing on the wall the history of not only the Holocaust but many genocides including the ongoing genocide of Native Americans, target disabled people first. I am literally begging for something to be done. A physician, scientist and pathologist, Kaitlyn Sunnling, stated, Im speaking in support of universal masking in healthcare ideally with the broad use of well-fitting N95s or better respirators as a new addition to standard precautions matching our understanding of the science of airborne pathogens to our precautions in healthcare allows us to build public trust and destigmatize aerosol transmitted infectious diseases especially where asymptomatic spread is common as with covid. Denying the well-proven science of N95 respirators would be a significant step backward. Dr. Sunnling added that patients should not be responsible for protecting themselves within the healthcare setting, asking, Should patients have to ask their surgeon to wear sterile gloves? Petitions and letters are also circulating to address the anti-scientific HICPAC guidelines. One letter dated July 20, 2023 was sent by 900 experts in occupational safety and health, medicine, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, ventilation, aerosol science, and public health to new CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. The ruling elite has already expressed a callous indifference to human life, expressed in the more than 24 million people who have perished over the last three and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the continued 10,000-person daily global excess deaths. Hundreds of millions continue to suffer from Long COVID across the globe, struggling on a daily basis with no viable treatment in sight. As with the deepening climate catastrophe and the rush into World War III, the resurgence of COVID, particularly with the threat of new and more lethal and infectious variants, threatens to kill millions more if the working class does not take matters into its own hands. NEW DELHI, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- India's private airline Go First on Monday announced extending the suspension of all its flights again to the end of this month. The crisis-hit airline has so far failed to resume its flight operations despite efforts. "We regret to inform that due to operational reasons, Go First flights scheduled till 31 August 2023 have been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations," the airline said in a statement. The airline's fleet was grounded on May 3 when it suddenly canceled scheduled flights for three days. Since then the airline has been extending the flight cancellations. Go First, owned by the Wadia Group, has filed for voluntary insolvency proceedings with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), blaming U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney (P&W) for its financial problems. Last month India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted Go First conditional approval to resume flight operations after resolution of its initial concerns that had emerged following a safety audit. Key among the pre-conditions laid out by the DGCA is the requirement that the airline conduct a test flight with each of its aircraft before pressing them into commercial operations. "Scheduled flight operations can be commenced only after the availability of the required interim funding and approval of flight schedule by the DGCA," it said. The airline has 4,200 employees and the total revenue from its operations in the financial year 2021-22 was over 507 million U.S. dollars. AviLease, the rising global aircraft lessor wholly-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), said it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the aircraft leasing business of Standard Chartered, which includes Dublin-based Pembroke Group. The acquisition will bring together two strategically complementary businesses, providing AviLease scale, global diversification and the opportunity to leverage Standard Chartered's best-in-class team and operating capabilities. As part of the $3.6 billion acquisition, AviLease will acquire a portfolio of 100 narrow body aircraft while also becoming servicer for another 22 aircraft. The combined platform will own and manage 167 of the latest technology, fuel efficient aircraft, consisting of 145 owned valued at $6 billion and 22 managed aircraft valued at $800 million leased to 46 airlines globally. As part of the transaction, AviLease successfully arranged $2.1 billion of competitive bridge financing commitments from four banks: BNP Paribas, Citibank, HSBC Bank Middle East and MUFG Bank. AviLease Chairman Fahad Al Saif said: "The Standard Chartered leasing business is an industry-leading platform combined with a team of high-calibre professionals with an outstanding reputation." "This acquisition will propel AviLease and will in turn support Saudi Arabia's aviation ecosystem, on our path to help realize the Saudi Vision 2030's objective of diversifying the economy and adding high value employment opportunities for Saudi citizens." AviLease CEO Edward O'Byrne said: "This acquisition is a fantastic next step in AviLease's young existence. We are purchasing a very high-quality portfolio of narrow body aircraft on lease to top-tier airlines globally. The transaction accelerates the scale-up and lessee diversification of our fleet, demonstrating our ability to execute on our investment strategy." "Equally important is the ability for us to combine forces and leverage the high-quality capabilities of the Standard Chartered platform. We have the ambition to become a top-10 global aircraft lessor and this acquisition brings us one step closer." Simon Cooper, CEO of Corporate, Commercial & Institutional Banking and Europe & Americas at Standard Chartered, commended AviLease for its strategy to develop further the business for continued growth, and delivering on its ambition, to be a significant global player in the aviation leasing sector. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2023. Citigroup acted as financial advisor to AviLease for this transaction, Allen & Overy and Arthur Cox LLP served as legal counsel and KPMG served as tax advisor. For Standard Chartered, JP Morgan Securities acted as financial advisor, Clifford Chance and McCann FitzGerald served as legal counsel and PwC served as tax advisor. BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to stop going after Chinese students in the country in the name of national security. "The United States has detained, interrogated and deported Chinese students without cause and trumped up charges against them. This is wanton suppression and persecution motivated by political purposes. We firmly oppose it," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular news briefing on Monday. Wang made the remarks when asked to comment on reports that the FBI recently stole a Chinese student's personal information from his study application materials and arrested and charged him with "visa fraud." Also, three Chinese students were detained, interrogated and deported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection without valid evidence or basis. People-to-people exchanges form the foundation for public support to China-U.S. relations, of which academic, educational, scientific and technological exchanges are an important part, Wang said. The U.S. side claims to support educational and other people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and welcome Chinese students, but in fact has continued the wrong practice of the previous administration of overstretching the concept of national security and restricting and thwarting Chinese students planning to study or do research in the United States, the spokesperson said. "This seriously harms the lawful rights and interests of the Chinese students and undermines normal people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation between the two countries," Wang said. "We urge the United States to genuinely welcome Chinese students as it has said, withdraw the biased and discriminatory Proclamation 10043, and stop going after Chinese students in the United States in the name of national security," Wang said. China will continue to take necessary measures to defend Chinese citizens' lawful rights and interests and remind its students heading for the United States to be mindful of such risks, the spokesperson added. MOGADISHU, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- International partners have strongly condemned the escalation of conflict between the Somali army and local fighters in Somaliland's Las Anod town in northern Somalia. The partners, including the African Union, the United Nations and the European Union, urged all sides to agree to an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. "We call for an end to the mobilization of fighters and to the provision of supplies and armaments," they said in a joint statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday evening. The partners said they were deeply concerned about reports of large numbers of detainees and expect those involved to abide by human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The conflict between the Somaliland army and fighters loyal to SSC-Khatumo escalated last week with the local fighters claiming to have seized the Gojacade base on the outskirts of Las Anod town. The fighting in Las Anod which has displaced thousands of people has been going on since Feb. 6 after local clan elders issued a declaration stating that they are no longer part of Somaliland and that Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions are now governed by the government of Somalia. Both sides are reportedly using heavy artillery and machine guns, causing serious damage, including to health facilities in the area. The international partners reiterated the importance of ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and delivery of assistance to those in need. "We urge all parties to refrain from divisive rhetoric. All grievances and tensions should be resolved peacefully and through dialogue," the partners said. BEIRUT, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army said on Monday in a statement that it has prevented about 850 Syrian nationals from illegally entering Lebanon over the past week. It said those Syrians were intercepted at the Lebanese-Syrian border on various dates during the past week. The Lebanese security forces have been trying to crack down on human smuggling in border areas with Syria as the government is facing domestic pressure on the inflow of Syrian refugees. With an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees residing within its borders, Lebanon bears the weight of hosting the largest number of refugees per capita. The large presence of Syrian refugees has put a strain on Lebanon's resources and created widespread discontent among its citizens. On Sunday's '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days', Meisha wondered if Nicolas was "ashamed" to be honest with his family about her, adding, "Because if so, this is going to be a huge problem" Meishas visit to see Nicolas family had an unexpected twist on Sundays episode of 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days. When it was time for Meisha to make her long awaited introduction to Nicolas family, she admitted the experience was very awkward and noticed that he was having second thoughts about sharing their plans to get engaged. I have no idea what's happening with Nicola right now, she explained in a confessional interview. I'm sitting here in this room and feeling so incredibly uncomfortable. We're supposed to be having this big reveal to his family about who I am and our plans for the future and all of a sudden Nicola is completely chickening out. Related: 90 Day's Meisha Is 'Depleted of Hope' and Has 'No Idea What to Do' with Nicola Meisha and Nicola on '90Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Meisha remarked how Nicola was sitting far away from me on the couch and was displaying absolutely no emotion towards me. She added, Is he ashamed to tell them that I am his girlfriend? Because if so, this is going to be a huge problem. His brothers Andy and Mickey asked Nicola to reveal how they met and he stayed quiet, which prompted Meisha to urge him to just tell them. Related: 90 Day: Nicola Fears His 'Very Difficult' Mom Won't Bless Marriage to Sexually Active Divorcee Meisha As the Israel native explained how the couple met online, his brothers admitted that they were surprised to hear that their relationship was romantic. Andy claimed that Nicola hadn't spoken of her during the six years they were together online. Despite Nicolas initial fears about his mother Nadias reactions to Meisha, she revealed she was happy and more than thrilled to hear of their plans to get married as she grew emotional. When Andy shared their intentions of moving to America to never return, Nadia said she wished him a great life and claimed she could always come visit. When my mom hears that I want to propose to Misha, [I] think she felt emotional and started to cry because it's her dream in life that [I] will get married, Nicola told the cameras. I feel very happy. Nadia on '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Related: 90 Day's Meisha Drops an Ultimatum for Nicola: Engagement or Their Time Together 'Will Be Over' Eventually, he informed his mother of Meishas previous marriage and her two daughters and to his surprise, Nadia couldnt care less. So what? she replied, sharing how shes urged Nicola to marry over the years. He chose his life now, and I am happy that he will marry before I die, she continued in a confessional. Hes old, not young. You cant judge if shes been married or has kids. Meisha and Nicola on '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' Mickey added that he believed Nicola had been so secretive about his relationship with Meisha because of how they would react to her past. I think Nicola didn't tell us about Meisha, maybe because she is divorced. She has kids, he explained in an interview. Maybe I think he's scared that his image of a religious person will [change and is scared] that we can look at him in a different way. Mickey told the couple, We're not here to judge anyone. I think that you need to be more open with your life. I think that if you have a treasure like this, I think that you need to be more open to your brothers. We only wish the best for you. We hope that you will be part of our family. Related: 90 Day's Meisha Navigates Love Sans Sex with Nicola as He Pushes for Marriage Despite Keeping Her a Secret With how easily his family was able to accept her, Meisha admitted she had doubts about Nicolas initial hesitations to introduce her to his loved ones. None of the things that I've heard Nicola saying that would be the big hurdles to cross with his family seemed to be hurdles to them, she said in a confessional interview. They were more than accepting. So there just seems to be like we're on two different planets at this point, and it's making me really wonder why I had to fight so hard to make this moment happen in the first place. She added, It kind of begs the question: Nicola, is it you that has the problem with me? And if Nicola cannot accept me, for who I am, how can we get married? 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. 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. American Ninja Warrior contestant Taylor Greene is bringing her A game to the first stage of the finals in Las Vegas, ready to build on her winning streak as the first female to hit the buzzer this season. In an exclusive clip of Mondays episode shared with TheWrap, the 15-year-old from Broomfield, Colorado, prepares for the elaborate challenge ahead of her, hoping to set a brand new record. Im definitely a little nervous, but I would say Im more excited because I feel like Ive already proven myself and my abilities, Greene said in the clip. Im absolutely ready to become the young women to ever hit a Stage 1 buzzer. As Greene gets ready to take the stage, her friends and family line the crowd cheering her on, including 2023 American Ninja Warrior reigning womens champion Katie Bone, who could be dethroned by Greene. With 2 minutes and 50 seconds on the clock, the commentators note that only three women in history have completed Stage 1, including Jessie Graff, Allyssa Beird and Jesse Flex Labreck. Greene, who first began competing on all three seasons of American Ninja Warrior Junior when she was about 4-foot-10, earned the nickname Sweet Ninja Girl, which stands as her social media handles to this day. Host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila instead nicknamed her Mean Taylor Greene. When shes up here shes mean, lean, hostile [and] highly motivated, Gbaja-Biamila explained in the clip. After completing the giant rollercoaster, which saw Greene taking a sixty foot dive down the rails, the hosts noted that she is still on time for a buzzer. The contestant hits a rough spot when it comes to the jumping spider, however, as her tentative performance threatens her place as a finalist as it eat[s] up a lot of time and energy, according to the hosts. Ultimately, however, Greene falls into the water with just 20 seconds left. Despite the devastating blow, the hosts applaud her for giving the best performance of any woman on Stage 1 this season. New episodes of American Ninja Warrior premiere Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with the Season 15 Finale airing Monday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The post American Ninja Warrior Contestant Battles to Become Youngest Woman to Hit a Stage 1 Buzzer (Exclusive Video) appeared first on TheWrap. "This is a tragic event, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims friends and family," a park official said An Arizona teacher described died at Bryce Canyon National Park on Friday, authorities announced. The U.S. National Park Service said Jeanne Roblez Howell, 64, of Sedona, Arizona, was overdue from an early afternoon hike on the Fairyland Loop trail when officials at Bryce Canyon National Park were notified at 7 p.m. local time. The Park Service added that a search was conducted in the area involving both the Garfield County Sheriffs Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety. Howells body was discovered early Saturday morning in Campbell Canyon, about a mile east of the Fairyland Loop. Matt Champlin / Moment / Getty Images Walking among the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. A Garfield County medical examiner pronounced the victim deceased at the scene, per the statement. The park service reported heavy rain brought on by a thunderstorm to the northern end of Bryce Canyon National Park on Friday afternoon, with flash flooding observed along the Fairyland Loop trail. Allana Olbrich, acting Bryce Canyon superintendent, said in a statement: "This is a tragic event, and our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims friends and family. I also want to express the parks appreciation for the support weve received from the Garfield County Sheriffs Office and the Utah Department of Public Safety." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: Missing Hiker, 78, Who Was Separated from Group in California Gets Rescued After Nearly 48 Hours The Fairyland Loop Trail "is a quiet 8 mile hike that combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a hike in the canyon with long views of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by unique hoodoos," per the Park Service website. According to the Arizona Republic, which cited the educator's Facebook page, Howell was a math teacher at Verde Valley School in Sedona. Benjamin Lee, the head of school, said that the institution was mourning the loss of Howell with her family and the community, per the Verde Valley Independent. The paper reported that Howell was described as an "experienced and enthusiastic hiker." Howell taught for over 30 years, per the school, adding that she and her husband moved to the Village of Oak Creek from Johannesburg, South Africa. Related: Hiker Who Died in Death Valley Spoke to Reporter About Risking Extreme Heat Hours Earlier: 'Why Not?' Jeanne initiated a number of programs at her previous school to promote community, such as inter-house competitions, student and faculty talent shows, spirit week, parties and dances, read Verde Valley School's faculty description of Howell. Equally committed to fitness, she has successfully led both students and faculty to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Local artist Rosamond Parrish is exhibiting some of her work in a show entitled Rosamond Parrish: Have Brush, Will Travel at The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. Exhibited behind the artist are "Fall Leaves, Maine" and "Italian Vineyard." Photo made August 24, 2023. [Fran Ruchalski for the St. Augustine Record] St. Augustines Lightner Museum is showcasing Rosamond Parrishs Have Brush Will Travel art through Sept. 17, in conjunction with the museums Lightner Local quarterly exhibits. Have Brush Will Travel consists of seven multi-media collages and 23 watercolor paintings Parrish described as an evocative journal of her travels, both domestic and abroad. The 30-year St. Augustine resident said she is doing back flips to be able to partake in this incredible opportunity. To see my work displayed at the Lightner Museum is the holy grail of painting for the love of art, Parrish said. Vibrant mixed media collages, born and bred from Parrishs vivid imagination, combine her love for travelling with tributes to great artists that inspire her. Artifacts from magazines, brochures, even menus from vacation sites, join the likes of Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gough, Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Rauchenberg, Frida Kahlo and Georgia OKeefe. Symbolic and hard to find images are embedded within the vibrant fray of these meaningful assemblies. Parrish underscored the collages of OKeefe and Kahlo as favorites. I pictured Georgia and Frida going to lunch as friends, like women do, she said. And Im sure they wouldve been as overjoyed to wander around the Museo Rafael Coronel as I was. Housed in this lovely, 17th century convent in Zacatecas, Mexico, is an incredible display of ancient Mexican dance and ritual masks created in every conceivable material: wood, clay, wax, papier mache, copper, silver, leather, cloth and bone. Other collages include Martha Stewart, Miriam Shapiro and New Yorks Statue of Liberty surrounded by immigrants. According to the Lightner Museum, Lightner Local was created to showcase the extraordinary talents of artists who live in the Northeast and Central Florida regions. Supported by the Benjamin and Jean Troemel Arts Foundation, local artists are juried for acceptance. Local artist Rosamond Parrish, right, chats with Midge Wische, a retired Spanish teacher from Houston who made the trip to visit the exhibition. Parrish is exhibiting some of her work in a show entitled Rosamond Parrish: Have Brush, Will Travel at The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. Photo made August 24, 2023. [Fran Ruchalski for the St. Augustine Record] Parrish noted that she felt like Jean Troemel, a personal friend, wouldve been thrilled for her. Angela de Gregory, The Lightner Museums engagement manager, described public reaction to Parrishs work as fascinating. The collages have drawn a lot of public attention. she said. People are fascinated by what they see. Trained in drawing and pastels as a child, it took but two years after graduating from Auburn University with a double-major in English Literature and Spanish for Parrish to sidestep the world of academia and pursue an art career. She completed post-graduate art stints at the University of Hawaii, Flagler College, and the University of North Florida where she studied under Edgar Whitney and Louise Freshman Brown. Touting a Signature Life membership in the Florida Watercolor Society, Parrish is also the recipient of the Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts award and honored as Artist of the year by the Watercolor Society. As founder of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society, Parrish described the title as a significant accomplishment. Parrish taught watercolor and outdoor sketching at the Jacksonville Art Museum for over 20 years. In addition to her artwork, Parrish is the author of two books - Lincolnville: A Sketchbook Journal of St. Augustines Historic Neighborhood and St. Augustine: A Sketchbook. These books showcase St. Augustines historic architecture, iconic ancestry and picturesque vistas while celebrating the Citys Spanish-style, Mediterranean Revival and British Colonial architecture, she said. Both books are for sale at the Lightner Museum. Nothing excites me more than being in a new place, driving down a back road with no particular goal in mind, or getting on a plane with my carry-on bag, travel palette, sketchbooks and pens, said Parrish. Have Brush Will Travel is all about sharing my love for travel with my love for art. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lightner Museum to feature local artist Rosamond Parrish C-Murder Fridays (Aug. 25) episode of REVOLT Black News Weekly took a deep dive into the case of Corey C-Murder Miller, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder. However, a couple of witnesses recanting their stories and some celebrity support means the New Orleans rappers chances of another retrial are only improving. RBN also took a look at who can and cant claim to be Black, and profiled a Black man admirably pushing to end mental health disparities in the community. C-Murder rose to fame as a star rapper on his older brother Master Ps No Limit Records in the late 90s and early 2000s. But in 2003, he received a life sentence for the murder of 16-year-old Steve Thomas. The incident occurred on the night of Jan. 12, 2002 when Thomas was beaten and fatally shot in Louisianas Platinum nightclub. Bouncer Darnell Jordan claimed he saw C-Murder shoot Thomas, as did Kenneth Jordan (no relation to Darnell), and the artist was convicted of second-degree murder. A judge did grant a retrial, ruling that the prosecution held back critical information from the defense. In August 2009, the retrial resulted in a 10-2 guilty verdict and C-Murder was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence. However, the two witnesses who fingered him as the shooter in a photo lineup and testified against him in court have recanted their stories. Theres no physical evidence. Youre not hearing anything about them having found a gun, said attorney Phillip C. Hamilton. There was nothing about any DNA. There was no surveillance video. There was no confession. This all boiled down to the witness statements of these two primary individuals who testified to having seen the shooting. In 2018, Kenneth signed an affidavit saying he was pressured to blame C-Murder and was adamant the rapper is not who he saw shoot Thomas. Darnell also signed a letter saying he was certain the No Limit Records emcee did not shoot the victim. However, about a year later, a judge ruled the new evidence was not enough for a retrial because it was suspect. Apparently, reversing a guilty verdict, particularly in Louisiana, is damn near impossible. But after over 15 years in prison, Master Ps little brother is still fighting for his freedom and has help. Recently, Kanye Wests ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, has been working to get C-Murder a retrial. In 2020, she began advocating for his release privately and has become more vocal about it recently. Notable civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Ronald Haley Jr. have also been added to his defense team. In February, C-Murder went on a hunger strike to protest alleged inhumane conditions and solitary confinement in the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, where he is serving his life sentence. The artist has said his three daughters continue to give him hope as he fights for another trial. On another note, RBN took a look at the Black Card as in who gets it and who decides if its valid or void. In a recent episode of BETs College Hill, reality stars Amber Rose and Joseline Hernandez got into a fight over the formers racial identity. Petty fights aside, who can claim Blackness and who has a right to question your racial identity is a serious discussion. From the so-called one drop rule to questions about Barack Obamas Blackness, the controversial topic has thrived for hundreds of years. Throw in Caribbean, Latinx and African communities in America, and youre dealing with more nuance about what it means to be Black. Mix in the Foundational Black American Movement and whats obvious is that Black people are not a monolith. RBNs discussion with Tanya Kateri Hernandez about Afro-Latinos was particularly of interest. But heres one thing to keep in mind; worldwide, the number of people considered to be Black is 1.2 billion, which is nearly 15 percent of the worlds population, and theres strength in numbers. Moreover, when it comes to Black men, mental health is becoming a priority. Global news anchor Mara S. Campo had an enlightening conversation with Lorenzo Lewis, a Black man who overcame growing up without the support of a mother and father, to help destroy the stigma of mental health treatment in the community. Lewis created the I Confess Project, which trains barbers to become mental health advocates, and help Black men cope with their trauma and solve mental health disparities in communities of color. I encourage people to really dive deeper into [our own] things that we have [gone] through and really work through those things, said Lewis. Thats really helped me moving forward in life. Be sure to watch new episodes of REVOLT Black News Weekly every Friday at 5 p.m. ET via REVOLTs app. Plus, catch a quick clip from the latest installment below. Trending Stories Mitchel Musso was arrested in Texas over the weekend on suspicion of public intoxication and theft. (Paul A. Hebert / Invision / Associated Press) Former " Hannah Montana " actor Mitchel Musso was arrested over the weekend in Texas on suspicion of public intoxication and theft. On Saturday, police in Rockwall, Texas, received a 911 call from someone "reporting a disturbance at a hotel" in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to a police statement. Officers were told that a person who "appeared intoxicated" entered the hotel, grabbed a bag of chips and began eating the snack. "When the subject was asked to pay for them, he became verbally abusive and left without rendering payment," the statement said. "Officers contacted the subject outside the hotel and he was identified as 32-year-old Mitchel Musso." Police noted that Musso showed "signs of intoxication" and the former Disney Channel star was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and theft. Read more: 'Hannah Montana' actor arrested in Burbank for alleged DUI "A routine records check also revealed Mr. Musso had several outstanding traffic warrants out of Rockwall Police Department," per the police statement. Musso spent the night in jail and was released Sunday afternoon after posting his $1,000 bond. Representatives for Musso did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment. The actor starred in "Hannah Montana" opposite Miley Cyrus and Emily Osment from 2006 to 2011. He also voiced a character in the Disney animated series "Phineas and Ferb" and had a leading role in the Disney XD show "Pair of Kings." The Texas native's 2009 self-titled album charted on Billboard's Hot 100. Read more: Miley Cyrus has a message for Hannah Montana: 'I still love you 15 years later' Musso was arrested in 2011 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in Burbank after police said he failed to follow directions from an officer who was directing traffic through a previous accident scene. Mussos blood-alcohol level was well over the legal limit of .08, authorities said. Musso was only 20 at the time, meaning that any alcohol in his system would be considered illegal. Musso posted $5,000 bail and was released. Former Times Community News reporter Maria Hsin contributed to this report. Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Elton John is "in good health" after the music icon was in a hospital overnight due to a fall Sunday at his home in the South of France, a representative for the singer said. John, 76, slipped at his home and went to a local hospital as "a precautionary measure," the representative said. He was discharged Monday morning and is back at home in Nice following checkups. BBC News reports John has been spent the summer in France, after he finished his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour in July. He is with his husband, David Furnish, as well as their two sons, the outlet reported. Sir Elton John performs on The Pyramid Stage at Day 5 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 25, 2023 in Glastonbury, England, just weeks before his final show / Credit: Harry Durrant/Getty Images His tour spanned years, beginning in September 2018 then pausing for nearly two years in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a hip injury John sustained in 2021. In January last year, shortly before he resumed the tour, John told "CBS Mornings" he was looking forward to spending time with his family when it was over. Shortly after his tour ended, he testified in July in Kevin Spacey's sexual assault trial via video from Monaco. How has Elton John's health been overall? John has made headlines for health-related issues in the past. In 2012, he was treated at a Los Angeles-area hospital for a serious respiratory infection. In February of 2020, he had to end a concert in New Zealand early after losing his voice due to walking pneumonia. In 2021, he postponed his world tour so he could have an injured hip operated on. He has also been open throughout his career about his struggle with addiction. "I so wish I'd never taken a drug. But in the end, unless I'd have got sober, I wouldn't be the person I am today," he told CBS News in 2019. At that time, he said he had been sober for nearly three decades. Aliza Chasan contributed to this article. Paul Whelan seen in Russian prison in rare video Software helps improve response time for school safety Graduate student accused of killing UNC professor ULAN BATOR, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian companies are looking forward to embracing new opportunities, introducing and promoting products in the Chinese market by participating in the upcoming 4th China-Mongolia Expo, said their representatives. The China-Mongolia Expo, an important platform for promoting economic and trade ties between the two neighbors, is scheduled to take place in Hohhot, capital city of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, from Sept. 6 to 10. At least 500 companies are expected to participate, said the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry. "Our company was established in 2007. We have always seen the Chinese market as an opportunity," Zesdorj Tuvshinjargal, manager of a Mongolian cashmere manufacturer, MGCashmere LLC, told Xinhua in a recent interview. That is why in the past, the cashmere manufacturer has continuously participated in expos and related events held in China, Tuvshinjargal said, noting that the company is now going to participate in the Expo for the fourth time in a row. "We participated in the previous expos with cashmere clothes for adults. Now we are going to participate in this expo with the aim of introducing our newly released children's cashmere clothes to Chinese consumers," she said. Founded in 2003, Teso Group, operating in business sectors such as food manufacturing, construction, real estate management, finance, investment, export, and tourism services, is one of the largest private enterprises in Mongolia. "We are looking forward to participating in the 4th Mongolia-China Expo which is expected to be held in the largest scale of its kind amid the post-pandemic recovery. We are fully prepared," said Gantumur Enkhbayar, export director of Teso Group. It is the second time for the company to participate in a row. Currently, the company is exporting its dairy products to several countries such as China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. "Of course, China is our company's top export destination. Therefore, through the expo, we are giving importance to studying and understanding our user behavior or to finding out how users interact with our products," noted Enkhbayar. "We are going to participate in the upcoming expo with a total of 13 types of products. At this expo, we are focusing on presenting our newly launched camel milk drinks and camel milk candy of the 'Mongolian Camel' brand, to Chinese consumers, in addition to the dairy products we have showcased in previous expos," he said. Khuns Complex LLC, one of the largest meat and meat product manufacturers in Mongolia, is going to participate in the China-Mongolia Expo for the third time in a row, and for the first time as a product exporter. "We are all happy that the fourth China-Mongolia Expo is coming soon. For us, all preparations for the expo are complete," Tumur-Ayush Battuvshin, CEO of the company, told Xinhua. The company is expected to display four types of thermally processed sausage products at the upcoming expo. "We see the expo as an important event that will contribute to the development of the economy, not only for our company but also for our industry," said Battuvshin. Founded in 1992, the Khuns Complex is now exporting thermally processed sausage products to several countries, including China, Russia, South Korea, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The company has become the first Mongolian company to be officially licensed to export meat products to China. "In the past, we used to export heat-processed meat and raw meat under quota, but now we produce export-targeted and finished products with added value, technological know-how and innovation," Battuvshin said, noting that the company is working to increase types of its products that it can sell in the Chinese market, which is its target export market. Did you know you can paddle through the McAlpine Locks during the Labor Day Mayor's 2023 Hike Bike and Paddle? That's a pretty big deal. "It's an amazing way to experience Labor Day, using human power to go through the largest and oldest lock system on the Ohio River," said David Wicks, River City Paddle Sports volunteer. For those not in the know, the McAlpine Locks and Dam are a set of locks and a hydroelectric dam at the Falls of the Ohio River. "Doors to the locks will close at 11:30 a.m. and we'll be lowered down 33 feet in our boats and then proceed to the new Shawnee Park Boat Ramp." The Mayor's 2023 Hike Bike & Paddle is held at Waterfront Park's Great Lawn on Monday, Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has something for everyone who wants to get outdoors this Labor Day. The popular event includes a walk with three different distances, an 11.5-mile round-trip bicycle ride or a 5.5-mile paddle. C-J Buzz columnist Kirby Adams and David Wicks paddle together with Dan Young of the Mayor's office out of the McAlpine Locks on the Ohio River south of downtown Louisville. August 22, 2014 Beginning at 8 a.m., there will also be free fitness activities including yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba classes. The Hike, Bike & Paddle portion of the event will begin at 10 a.m. Here's what else to know about the event: If you choose the 2.2-kilometer or 4.8-kilometer walk you can bring your pet. If you select the 5.2-kilometer route that takes you over the Big Four Bridge, to Indiana and back, pets are not allowed on the bridge. You can check the walk routes and distances at louisvilleky.gov. This is also where you will find the route for the bicycle ride from Waterfront Park to Shawnee Park and back to Waterfront Park. Helmets should be worn by anyone riding a bicycle. If you own a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, you can put in at the Harbor Lawn or the Community Boathouse. You'll find those locations on the Hike Bike & Paddle website along with the takeout point at the Shawnee Boat Dock. A shuttle will take you back to your car at Waterfront Park while volunteers watch your boat until you return to pick it up. Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mayor's 2023 Hike, Bike & Paddle includes trip through McAlpine Locks Michael Bezjian/Getty Mitchel Musso Mitchel Musso, the former Disney actor famous for playing Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana, was arrested in Texas over the weekend after an incident at a Rockwall hotel. Musso was booked on Saturday evening, according to Rockwall County jail records, over charges of public intoxication and theft of an item under $100. Around 7:15 p.m. local time on Aug. 26, officers responded to "a disturbance" at a hotel, reads a press release from the Rockwall Police Department. Upon arrival, they were informed that an individual who "appeared intoxicated" had entered the hotel, selected a bag of chips, and began eating them. When staffers asked him to pay, he became "verbally abusive" and left. The responding officers found the 32-year-old Musso outside of the hotel, determined that he was intoxicated, and took him into custody. A routine records check also revealed that Musso had several outstanding traffic warrants, so he was additionally charged for an expired registration, failure to display a driver's license, and violating a promise to appear. After a night in jail, Musso was released for posting a $1,000 bond. Representatives for Musso did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment. Mitchel Musso and Miley Cyrus in 'Hannah Montana' DISNEY CHANNEL/JOEL WARREN Mitchel Musso and Miley Cyrus in 'Hannah Montana' Musso was previously arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence after failing a breathalyzer in Burbank, Calif. While the actor is best known for appearing alongside Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Emily Osment in the hit children's sitcom, he continued to find success on the network as the co-lead of Pair of Kings and the host of PrankStars. Musso also voiced Jeremy Johnson in the animated series Phineas and Ferb, which was recently revived for 40 new episodes, and spin-off Milo Murphy's Law. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Related content Republican governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu sat with MSNBCs Jen Psaki on Sunday, and while he repeated many of his well-worn, anti-Donald Trump talking points regarding the 2024 presidential election, he shared an idea that may surprise those paying attention: a White House occupied not by President Joe Biden , but by Vice President Kamala Harris. Interviewing on Inside With Jen Psaki, Sununu was asked about the first Republican presidential primary debate that aired Wednesday on Fox News, with Psaki noting that it took 51 minutes in that debate for any of those topics [relating to Trumps four indictments] to come up. What did you make of that? The New Hampshire governor said that it was perfect that Trump topics didnt overtake the debate out the gate, because thats about Donald Trump, thats not about the future of this country. Look, Republicans are trying to save the country, Donald Trump is trying to save himself, right? So, when it comes to a debate, we dont want to just be rehashing yesterdays news. We want to be forward, we want to be about 2024, Sununu said. Thats when Psaki pivoted her attention to a breakout candidate from that first debate, Vivek Ramaswamy. Noting that hes moving up in the polls including polls out of Sununus own New Hampshire since his performance on Wednesday, Psaki asked how the governor feels about the businessman-turned-political hopefuls more divisive stances. I mean, he said climate change is a hoax, Psaki said. Do you think that is something that you would want to see on the platform of your party? Sununu responded by basically saying, Well, hes not Trump. I look, theres no doubt he took some positions that for me, personally, are a challenge, Sununu admitted. Do they connect with the Republican base? I dont know. I can tell you all those candidates could win in November of 24, and thats exciting. Thats when the governor doubled down, emphasizing once again that Trump cant win in November 2024. The math doesnt work out. If youre supporting Donald Trump today, youre effectively handing it to Kamala Harris, potentially, down the road, he said. So, I think the opportunity is a new face, fresh ideas. But I think Vivek, Haley, Pence, DeSantis they all did very, very well. Psaki, for her part, did not challenge the Harris statement and instead continued the interview with questions about the impact of Trumps historic mug shot. Find a clip from that portion of the interview below: "It doesn't change anything but it allows him to maintain his presence in the media He wants this drama to keep going. All he cares about right now is getting the nomination. He can't win in November. Independents hate it." @ChrisSununu on political impacts of Trump mug shot pic.twitter.com/hbXgRFxqpD Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) August 27, 2023 The post New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu Says Supporting Trump Today Is Effectively Handing Kamala Harris the White House appeared first on TheWrap. On McDowell Road and 24th Street in Phoenix, a sign emblazoned with a pink scrawl beckons passersby to Rosita's Place, "Established in 1964." The patio hasn't always overlooked McDowell Road, but it's been called Rosita's from the very beginning. "The name Rosita's comes from the owner before the Delgados," said MaryLou Medina, the current owner, whose parents purchased the restaurant from Alex and Maria Delgado in 1964. She pointed to a 1947 map of Phoenix hanging in the restaurant's waiting area. "She owned it at least at the end of the Second World War, so Rosita's has been around for almost 100 years. Subsequent owners kept the name for good luck," she said. "We are the family that's had it the longest." With the emergence of Phoenix Civic Plaza, the restaurant had to relocate from downtown Phoenix to 18th Street and Buckeye in the early 1970s and was forced to move again to the current location, a former Chinese restaurant on McDowell Road, in 1989 when the entire area was purchased for Sky Harbor Airport's construction. The restaurant grew from nine stools at the downtown location to 12 tables in Buckeye to 24 at the current location. "I've heard my mom's story from my godmother on her deathbed," MaryLou said of her mother Micaela, who was known as Mickey. "When she moved here from Mexico in the '50s, she was by herself and looking for a job. At that time, you either went to the radio station or newspaper if you were looking for a job. She went to the only Hispanic newspaper, El Sol. They sent her to Rosita's next door, which at the time was on Washington and Third in downtown Phoenix. My mom became really good friends with the daughters of the owners and lived with their grandmother. We still see them. She met my dad working at Rosita's." Customers eat at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Rosita's Place serves Phoenix comfort food On a recent visit, the blue door with a bright yellow border opened into a diminutive waiting area with a hostess stand made of logs. Streamers the colors of the Mexican flag hung over a candy case. The area gave way to two vibrantly painted dining rooms with walls filled with framed old photos of Mexican revolutionaries like Pancho Villa and Zapata, photos of departed loved ones, paintings and news articles about Rosita's Place. The bar area sat at the back of the first dining room and behind it a party room. MaryLou glided seamlessly between waiting tables, making drinks at the bar and checking guests in or out at the hostess stand. "Oh honey, I do it all." Silverware clinked, conversations pierced by occasional guffaws. On the way out, a patron stopped to tell her three companions, "I love it. They are the best," while another guest entered, stopping to greet MaryLou with a hug. "Everything is so good, I'd come here in 116 degree weather." The food that draws a steady stream of regulars reflects their tastes. Rosita's Place owner MaryLou Medina serves customers at her restaurant in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964. "My parents didn't have a certain cuisine because at that time it was what they could get," said MaryLou. She remembers taking trips to Nogales with her family to find ingredients. "There wasn't the availability of spices we have now, so the food was a combination of what they could get here made into comfort food. If you are looking for a good chicken soup, we have it. So many people love it." The restaurant caters to the culture it functions in. Alongside cocido and menudo, it also serves wings and burgers. And the menu has continued to evolve over the years. "Oh my God," MaryLou said. "My mom would never think of doing loaded nachos or carne asada fries." When it comes to Rosita's Mexican cuisine, MaryLou knows people are divided. Some customers bring their friends for "authentic Mexican food," while others complain that it's not like the dishes they remember from back home. But the ones who love it, stay with it. Restaurant comeback: The family behind this decades-old Mexican restaurant is making a comeback in Tempe Regulars are used to rubbing shoulders with celebrities and politicians Julie Diaz shows off a cheese crisp with green chiles at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. "We have such a diverse clientele and that's what I love," said MaryLou. "You could have your landscaper sitting next to the CEO of Banner." Celebrities, like Paul Rodriguez and Rob Lowe, have dined there along with politicians like former governor Doug Ducey, Janet Napolitano and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. "He announced running for presidency and had lunch with community leaders at Rosita's Place in November 2019," MaryLou said, adding that she had only 24-hours to prepare. "I had never seen so many news outlets in the same place and all I could think about was how in the world will our plugs handle the electrical demand. But what an honor for a small business owner to be selected for the event." Even more important are the regulars who keep coming back. "I've seen three generation come to the restaurant over the years," MaryLou said. Brisa Molina Medina, the owner's cousin, who has worked at Rosita's for more than 30 years, said her first customers kept returning and would occasionally remind her of the first time she waited on them, hands shaking from nervousness. Regulars often ask for their favorite server and if the person no longer works there, Brisa and MaryLou fill in and "try to give them our best service," she said. Near the entrance, a customer letter dated 2019, is taped to the wall. The note reads: "For twenty years, every Saturday morning we'd come in for red menudo and chips and salsa the best in Phoenix." The couple retired, left Phoenix and returned years later. "We of course had to have our usual at Rosita's ... Nothing had changed. Breakfast was just as we remembered. Thank you for that." The future of Rosita's Place is uncertain. And MaryLou Medina is just fine with that Anais Medina, the daughter of Rosita's Place owner MaryLou Medina, works the bar at the family-owned restaurant in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964. Whereas MaryLou's mother didn't want her in the kitchen, MaryLou has always encouraged her three kids and eight grandkids to participate at the restaurant. And though she'd love to keep the business in the family, she only wants to pass it along if her children want to run it. If not, she's at peace with selling the place. Her daughter Anais Sorkhabi started working at the restaurants in 2009. "Some of the customers have seen my kids and now their kids growing up." Her one rule is that there's no talk of business once they are home. For MaryLou Medina, Rosita's Place is more than a restaurant. It's a place to preserve happy family memories and create new ones. "You're going to remember your grandma," she said. "You're going to remember your aunt or a certain family member who used to cook for you. The whole place reminds me of my family, of my mom and dad and everything they cooked." Mexican food is served at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964 and has multiple regular customers. Visit Rosita's Place Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Details: 2310 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-244-9779, rositasplace.com. Food is her love language: So she's serving up Baja cuisine and a secret menu in Phoenix Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexican restaurant Rosita's Place serves a taste of Phoenix history A Hooters restaurant in North Carolina has been sued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for alleged racial discrimination against its employees. On 24 August, the federal agency announced the lawsuit filing against the Greensboro franchise location due to the supposed temporary termination of Black and darker-skinned staff members, otherwise referred to as Hooters girls. At the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the establishment allegedly laid off around 43 employees for a period of time. According to CNN, the EEOC said in a lawsuit that the restaurant laid off a class of Black and dark-skinned women and recalled mostly white or light-skinned employees by May 2020. The EEOCs release states that a total of 13 employees were recalled to the establishment and out of those, 12 of them were white and/or had light skin tones, reflecting a marked shift in the racial composition of the restaurants Hooters Girls workforce. In addition, the EEOC reported a 43 per cent decrease in dark-skinned and/or Black employees from the period before layoffs until after rehiring. The complaint also pointed to alleged racial hostility and observed preferential treatment of White employees by dark skin toned and/or Black employees while they were employed at the location. The EEOC filed the lawsuit in the US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina as the alleged actions directly violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is meant to protect employees from workplace discrimination and harassment. Regional attorney for the EEOCs Charlotte district, Melinda C Dugas, was quoted in the EEOCs release. When recalling employees from a layoff, it is critical that employers examine their selection criteria to ensure they are objectively verifiable and free from racial bias, she said. Federal law protects employees from race-based decision making in the terms of employment, including in layoff, recall and hiring decisions. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits employment decisions based on colour, including discrimination based on the lightness or darkness of a persons skin shade or tone, Charlotte district director, Betsy Radar, added. The EEOC is seeking monetary relief in the form of back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for the employees, as well as injunctive relief against the Hooters franchise. The Independent has reached out to Hooters and the EEOC for comment. New York-based sales company Visit Films has boarded Achilles, the Iran-set feature debut of Farhad Delaram, a promising filmmaker whose short Tattoo won the Crystal Bear in the Generation 14plus at Berlin in 2019. Achilles is set to world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, followed by a European premiere at San Sebastian. The film follows Farid nicknamed Achilles a former filmmaker turned orthotic doctor, who works nights in Irans capital. One night, he is led to the hospitals restricted psychiatric ward where he meets Hedieh, a political prisoner who has been institutionalized for years. Their unexpected connection sparks a daring escape, setting the stage for a transformative journey across Iran. The pair forge bonds with fellow citizens who share adversities, all while evading the relentless pursuit of government authorities. More from Variety The movie is headlined by Mirsaeed Molavian (Tooman) and Behdokht Valian (Tattoo). Its produced by Saeed Shahsavari, Frieda Oberlin, Johannes Suhm and Caroline Nataf (Salem). Producers are Irans GalanGedan Film Production and Saeed Shahsavari, Germanys Basis Berlin Filmproduktion, Barrieri Filmproduktion and Frances Unite. Iran is such a wonderful, yet politically complicated country, said Visit president Ryan Kampe. He added that Delaram allows us a view into the delicate nuance and struggles of everyday people as they are faced with moral and personal decisions that affect themselves as well as those around them. He described the helmer as a new voice in contemporary Iranian cinema which delivers a free perspective on these topical issues. Delaram, who was born and raised in Tehran, is part of a wave of local filmmakers tackling political issues within modern Iranian society. Several prominent filmmakers and actors have been arrested, put on trial or banned from making movies either because they protested against the Iranian regimes oppressive rules, or because they made films deemed critical. A recent example is Saeed Roustaee who was sentenced to six months in prison for showing his latest movie, Leilas Brothers, at the Cannes Film Festival. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Eras Tour has attracted a crazy number of A-listers since its kickoff in March particularly during the Los Angeles dates, drawing the likes of Jeff Goldblum , Cameron Diaz and Zoe Saldana, who showed up to have the best time . The celebrity sightings arent over, though, just because Ms. Swift bid adieu to Hollywood to embark on the international leg of her tour. Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain got in on all the Swiftie fun, spamming her followers with photos and videos of the pop culture phenomenon and photos of her meet-and-greet. Jessica Chastain hit up the August 26 show in Mexico City where Taylor Swift made a small but meaningful change to a song to show her love to the crowd. The Zero Dark Thirty actress and her friends seemed to be having the time of their lives as they took a pic with the artist and then proceeded to sing and dance the night away! Check out her Instagram post: A post shared by Jessica Chastain (@jessicachastain) A photo posted by on No VIP tent, no problem! The actress couldnt have seemed less bothered by her vantage point. During You Belong With Me, Jessica Chastains video showed just how many other Swifties were probably just happy to be in the venue at all. The actress really good Taylor Swift content should have come with a motion sickness warning for the video she took during Shake It Off, but I do love that she didnt feel the need to stop dancing in order to capture a less-vomit-inducing moment. The Eras Tour may be over 3 hours long, but with the show supposedly so impressive it can alter ones brain chemistry , I appreciate the effort to be present for as much of the 180 minutes-plus as possible. Jessica Chastain also provided a look at one of Taylor Swifts surprise songs on that night of the Eras Tour, with her companion having a well-deserved freak-out as the artist sang Cornelia Street off of her Lovers album. Unlike Jennifer Garner and Simu Liu, The Eyes of Tammy Faye star didnt reveal whether or not she participated in the exchange of friendship bracelets or other facets of the Eras Tour etiquette that fans have created, but the fun they clearly had singing along to their favorite songs is really all that should be required. Over the months weve seen many other celebrities posting their experiences from the show that even for those with connections was hard to get tickets to . From Mindy Kaling, Sarah Michelle Gellar and even T-Swifts former bestie Karlie Kloss to more unexpected Swifties like Aaron Rodgers , Flavor Flav and Kevin Costner (who grinned through a telling song ), theres no denying the Eras Tour is the place to see and be seen. The U.S. portion of the tour may be over for now, but theres always plenty of new music and other things for Taylor Swift fans to look forward to . Also, those wanting a glimpse of what its like to see the artist live can check out her concert film Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour, from 2018, which is available to stream with a Netflix subscription . Wurzelbacher rose to prominence after questioning Barack Obama s tax plan on the 2008 presidential campaign trail and later supporting Republican nominee John McCain Joe Wurzelbacher, who rose to fame as Joe the Plumber after challenging then-presidential candidate Barack Obama on his tax plan in 2008, died on Sunday at the age of 49, according to multiple reports. The Toledo, Ohio, native was recently battling Stage 3 Pancreatic cancer, according to a GiveSendGo page, which noted that he was a military veteran recently undergoing treatment at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital and the University of Michigan Hospital. It's with great sadness that I post this update: Joe passed away earlier this morning and entered our Lord's heavenly home, a friend wrote on the page. Joe had been too sick/in too much pain to get out of bed lately and his goal was to get Katie and their kids moved to her hometown surrounded by family. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty US Republican presidential candidate John McCain (L) shakes hands with "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbachers wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, wrote that doctors ran tests and performed scans which showed a mass in the head of his pancreas, noting he had lost 70 pounds. Last month, Wurzelbacher spoke with CBNs Faithwire about his diagnosis. I just honestly started crying, he told the outlet. Theres a lot of great people out theretheyre wanting to do good and, when they find theyre able to, most people will. Its astounding and just gives you more faith in people, he added, per the outlet. My wife and I sat and cried for a while and thanked God. Wurzelbacher, who is survived by four children between ages 5 and 25, said at the time that his diagnosis changed his perspective on life. They know daddy has stomach problems and that Im sick, but they dont know the full scope of things, he told the outlet. Until it becomes necessary to say anything, I dont want them thinking about losing their father. God doesnt promise us an easy road, Wurzelbacher told the outlet. He just promises to be there for us when we go on these roads. The former plumber cemented himself in the political limelight at Obamas 2008 campaign stop near his hometown. Im getting ready to buy a company that makes $250-280,000 a year. Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isnt it? he asked Obama, according to a video shared by the Associated Press. Related: Barack Obamas Personal Chef Tafari Campbells Manner of Death Revealed Obama acknowledged that Wurzelbacher would face higher taxes, but wanted to offer smaller businesses a tax break to spread the wealth around, per the outlet. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories Republican Sen. John McCain, who was running against Obama, then brought Wurzelbacher along on his campaign stops with his running mate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Wurzelbacher became a point of focus at the final presidential debate between McCain and Obama, with Joe the Plumber becoming a way to reference the average American. Related: Donald Trump's Georgia Mug Shot Prompts Response from President Joe Biden: Handsome Guy, Wonderful Guy I once told Joe that he was a walking metaphor, friend Kerri Toloczko wrote on Facebook. "He was a remarkable combination of humble and brash. He was a metaphor for what American citizens should be: more important than government with the right to speak truth to power and the courage. His response? 'I was just worried about my bank account. I need to go try and get an interview with that guy ...'" Classic, Toloczko continued, adding prayers of comfort and strength as Katie and his children weather Joes loss with a full portion of gratitude for his life and a full portion of grief. Katie did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Kim Kardashians friend Jonathan Cheban - also known by Foodgod - has sued a Korean barbeque sauce company for $20m over claims the glass bottle sliced his hand open. The social media influencer, 49, claimed he was injured by a bottle of San-Js Korean barbeque sauce, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. Cheban reportedly purchased the bottle from a grocery store in Florida in October 2020 and stored it in his refrigerator, before taking it out a few hours later when he was making dinner. In the lawsuit, he alleged that the bottle inexplicably exploded when he took it out of the fridge, causing a large gash in his hand and significant blood loss. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star included photos from the alleged incident in the lawsuit, in which he claimed that he never opened the bottle before it burst. Instead, Cheban said the bottles seal was still intact before his hand was allegedly cut. Cheban also claimed that the cut was close to major arteries in his wrist and that he had to receive numerous stitches in his hand. Nearly three years after the alleged incident, the influencer said he still suffers from nerve damage and ongoing pain in his hand. As a result, Cheban said that hes lost the ability to use his hand in his social media posts, in his advertisements, and in his ability to sponsor various food items, according to court documents. He is now suing the manufacturer of San-Js Korean barbeque sauce, as well as the distributor and the store he bought it from, for $20m. Cheban - who legally changed his name to Foodgod in 2019 - is known for his several appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and its spinoffs: Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, and Kourtney and Khloe Take The Hamptons. He met Kardashian more than a decade ago at a party hosted by Brittny Gastineau, the daughter of former New York Jets player Mark Gastineau. The social media influencer boats 3.8m followers on Instagram, where he shares photos and videos of unique cuisine. In a 2021 profile with the New York Post, it was revealed that the former publicist makes an estimated $30,000 per month on each social media endorsement. Cheban joined Celebrity Big Brother UK in January 2016 for its 17th season, but voluntarily left the show within days. In August 2020, two men allegedly stole a $250,000 Richard Mille watch at gunpoint from Cheban in New Jersey. Federal authorities in New York City brought charges against the alleged perpetrator, Victor Rivera, in November that year. The Independent has contacted representatives for Cheban and San-Js Korean barbeque sauce for comment. CHANGCHUN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A raft of high-tech achievements and products attracted the attention of many companies from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) attending the 14th China-Northeast Asia Expo, which concluded Sunday in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province. A total of 99 projects were signed during the five-day expo, setting a new record in terms of the scale of project investments, said Lyu Haiqiang, deputy director of the executive committee of the expo. These ventures span a diverse spectrum of sectors, including new energy, modern agriculture, equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and modern services. "Compared with their Japanese counterparts, Chinese scientists are generally young and more energetic, which is making China's science and technology develop rapidly," said Haruko Yoneyama, a senior adviser to the Japan Science and Technology Agency. Jilin recently unveiled 15 high-tech achievements and products covering three areas, namely, optoelectronic information and intelligent manufacturing, new materials and new energy, and medicine, health and modern agriculture. Among these, numerous new technologies that have attained a globally leading standard were commended by Haruko Yoneyama. "I am optimistic about the prospects of China's scientific and technological development, and I am looking forward to the progress of China's scientific and technological innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence and big data," she said. Toshio Shinoda, regional CEO for China of Marubeni Corporation, said the company has long done business with enterprises in Jilin, engaging in fields like water purification and real estate. With high-tech advancements thriving in the province, Marubeni Corporation has broadened its scope of cooperation with China, extending into areas like agricultural products and food, while also venturing into the realm of smart agriculture. "Jilin is rich in wind, solar and renewable energy. We hope to cooperate with Chinese enterprises in the fields of new energy and carbon neutrality there," Toshio Shinoda said. Lee Sung-ho, head of the Changchun office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, noted that Jilin has actively formulated new development plans, including focusing on cultivating emerging industries, especially in the field of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Local automakers are expanding global cooperation and investment in the research and development of core technology in new areas such as electric vehicles and driverless cars. He said the ROK government is also investing heavily in the development of the environment-friendly NEV industry, and China and the ROK have broad space for cooperation in this field. "We hope that the expo will serve as an opportunity for Northeast Asian countries to foster emerging industries and carry out collaborations," Lee said. According to the participants, the exchanges between China, Japan and the ROK in the high-tech field are not only a driving force for promoting friendly competition but also open up new avenues of cooperation. "The ROK and China are geographically close, and the economic cooperation between the two sides is also closely linked. The youth of the two countries shoulder the common future, and are looking forward to more opportunities to exchange, as well as contributing to the peace in Northeast Asia and the economic development of China and the ROK," said Jeon Yong-gi of the Minjoo Party of Korea. Themed "Joint Development of Northeast Asia in Cooperation for the Future," the expo saw the offline participation of over 20,000 merchants from 123 countries and regions. The China-Northeast Asia Expo has become a significant platform for building consensus and forging economic and trade cooperation between China and its neighboring countries, and even beyond. Since its inception in 2005, the China-Northeast Asia Expo has seen 14 editions and witnessed the signing of more than 3,000 cooperation projects with the total investment value exceeding 2 trillion yuan (about 278.33 billion U.S. dollars). Since becoming the newest monarch of the United Kingdom back in September 2022, and then more officially in May in his coronation, King Charles III has been clear about his desires to modernize and slim down the monarchy. And though change in the British royal family wont happen overnight, after all this is an establishment with decades and decades of history, it looks like hes not letting tradition stop him from some bold moves. Most recently, Daily Mail confirmed Charles plans to perform massive lay-offs in the staff of the familys Royal Households, including Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, Windsor Castle and Balmoral. Per the outlet, Charles reportedly plans to fire one in five of his middle-management staff. Talk about a drastic move! More from SheKnows According to the outlet, Charles decision wasnt taken lightly and is merely a reaction to many staffers having the same or similar jobs. In addition to that, the Mail reports Charles is acutely conscious of the financial burden a vast household places on the taxpayer. And, of course, the fewer people the royals have to employ, the less taxpayer money they use. King Charles III is reportedly set to meet his estranged son, Prince Harry, for 'peace talks.' https://t.co/X288hxOtF4 SheKnows (@SheKnows) August 21, 2023 There is a real feeling that the staffing at all the palaces is too heavy, one source told the outlet. There are far too many assistants to assistants. The King and Queen [Camilla] would prefer to pay people proper wages top to bottom but have less people. Seems reasonable, right? Click here to read the full article. And, according to the sources, the staff problem isnt only at the assistant level. For instance, there are chefs for them and chefs for the staff. Why, they ask, cant there be one lot of kitchen staff for everyone? the source added. In addition to Charles, it seems like his wife Camilla also feels strongly about the staff cut. Her Majesty cannot abide too many people doing the same jobs, the source added. Charles and Camillas upcoming move, therefore, is a step in the right direction in their mission to streamline the royals. Of course, the move comes after the royals themselves were streamlined to make for one tight-knit team. Currently, the senior working roles are the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex. And, from the looks of it, Charles is planning to keep it that way. Before you go, click here to see all the best pictures from King Charles IIIs coronation. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fulton County Sheriff's Office Rodney Shaw; Erica Mena ; Addie Richardson Three reality stars from the Love & Hip Hop franchise were arrested Friday night after a brawl with security guards at a lounge in Atlanta, EW has confirmed. Erica Mena and Addie "Bambi" Richardson of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood cast member Rodney Shaw (a.k.a. Zellswag) were at Lucca Lounge in Buckhead on Aug. 25 when Atlanta police responded to a call regarding a dispute on the property, Atlanta's Channel 2 Action News reports. Upon their arrival at 11:40 p.m. local time, officers observed the patrons in a physical altercation with the business' security guards. Police say the responding officer tried to de-escalate the situation by talking to the people involved but that they then became physically aggressive towards the officer. Police say security had asked the "unruly patrons" to leave the lounge several times, but they refused and a physical altercation ensued. Officials have not said what initially caused the fight or if anyone else was involved. Police escorted the group which also included Kareem Cadet, who is unaffiliated with the Love & Hip Hop franchise from the business and placed them under arrest. They were held at the Fulton County Jail, and all four were charged with willful obstruction of law enforcement, per the jail's records. Officials also charged Mena and Shaw with simple battery, and Mena with simple battery against a police officer. A video of the incident that TMZ has shared shows police and security guards forcibly removing them from the lounge. Shaw's partner, Love & Hip Hop: Miami star and rapper Saucy Santana, later addressed the situation in an Instagram video, claiming that he was at the lounge but left once the fighting began. He said Shaw was not fighting with Mena and Richardson, but rather attempting to defend them. "He had got into it with the security or the authorities," Santana said. "He was with his homegirls. I was out with him and his friends Erica was very belligerent. I don't know, maybe she probably got too drunk, or whatever the case is. She was real wild last night." He continued, "She got into it with the security guards. It was like three or four big security on top of her. So, Zell was just being a man, and them his girls. He was just trying to de-escalate the situation. The people ended up tussling with Zell, and that's how he ended up going to jail. I got the f--- out of dodge because I don't play that! Zell knows I don't play that." Santana ended the video by panning to the balcony, where he said Shaw was sitting. "I went and got my n---- out of jail," he said. "Zell ain't allowed to have no mo' friends. Period!" Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Related content Maya Jama and Stormzy appear to have confirmed they are back in a relationship after they were spotted holding hands while holidaying in Greece. The Love Island host, 29, previously dated the 30-year-old British rapper for four years before they split up in 2019. Last week, they sparked hope among fans that they had rekindled their romance after they shared individual videos and photos of themselves on holiday in what appeared to be a similar location. On Sunday night (27 August), photographs circulating in media reports and social media showed Jama and Stormzy smiling as they held hands and walked in the sunshine on the island of Hydra. Jama stepped out in a black string bikini top, with a white vest and a white midi-length skirt, a wide-brimmed straw hat and sandals. Meanwhile, Stormzy appeared beaming in a white vest and white shorts, complete with white trainers. He carried several shopping bags in his free hand, while the other showed his and Jamas fingers intertwined. According to reports, the Vossi Bop rapper has his mother to thank for encouraging him to make amends with Maya after he previously spoke about his mistakes. The Sun quoted a source as saying: Stormzy is really open about wanting to settle down and have kids one day and he knows Maya is The One. On social media, fans celebrated the couple, with many expressing how happy they were for the couple to have seemingly rekindled their romance. Im irrationally happy that theyre back together. its not even any of my business but its iconic, one fan wrote on X/Twitter. Stormzy and Maya Jama attend The Rated Awards at The Roundhouse on October 24, 2017 (Getty Images) Another commented on Stormzys expression in the images and said: He looks so happy. Practically skipping down the street. I love love. A third added: This is the highlight of the year. Look how gassed up he is!!! Power couple!!! Last October, Stormzy reflected on his breakup from Jama and described it as the biggest loss you can have. Speaking to Louis Theroux on the presenters series Interviews, Stormzy said that breakup was probably the biggest catalyst for his growth as a person. maya jama and stormzy back together??? the earth is healing <3 M (@bambooszn) August 28, 2023 It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you, he continued. Thats probably the biggest loss a man can have, isnt it? Away from someone passing away, thats the biggest loss you can have. The award-winning artist added that he had made mistakes and said: I didnt do what a man should do to fully appreciate love, and care for his woman. Jama has also spoken publicly about the breakup and told British Vogue earlier this year that neither she nor Stormzy had realised the cultural importance of their relationship when it ended. None of us really knew the level of importance it held to a certain group of people, us being together, she told the magazine. We were both super ambitious. We were both from similar upbringings and we were both just little grafters that have made something good of ourselves. It was lovely when it was lovely, and then you move. Neither Stormzy nor Jama have publicly addressed the speculation that they are back together. They first met in October 2014 at the Red Bull Culture Clash festival and started dating the following year. Jama appeared in Stormzys music videos for his tracks Birthday Girl and Big For Your Boots. Its no secret that the name Trump can invoke extremely varied reactions and, given the former presidents many ongoing legal battles, no one can blame his family members for wanting to distance themselves from all that the family name encompasses and thats exactly what a former Trump did this past weekend. Blaine Trump , the former wife of Donald Trumps late brother Robert, ditched the last name in a recent letter sent to supporters of Gods Love We Deliver, a charity for which she acts as vice-chair. The charity sent out invitations to its upcoming Golden Heart Awards dinner, an annual gala that will honor Scarlett Johansson and Ben Platt this year. More from SheKnows Blaine Trump attends the Gods Love We Deliver 16th annual Golden Heart Awards on Oct. 17, 2022, in New York. According to Page Six, the letter urges invitees to the event where tables go for up to $150,000 to help us make this the most successful Golden Hearts Awards ever, and is signed by chairpersons Anna Wintour, Micheal Kors and Blaine, with no surname included. On the charitys website, the socialite and philanthropist is listed as Blaine Beard, her maiden name. Blaine was married to the indicted former presidents younger brother from 1984 until their lengthy divorce battle was finalized in 2009. Their marriage reportedly crumbled when Blaine discovered Robert had purchased a $3.7 million home for his mistress and former secretary Ann Marie Pallan, who he later married. After the discovery Blaine overdosed and was hospitalized but, fortunately, survived. Robert Trump, Blaine Trump and Donald Trump at the opening of Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, N.J., April 6, 1990. Click here to read the full article. When Robert died in 2020, neither Blaine nor her son from a previous relationship, Christopher Trump-Retchin who was adopted by Robert, were invited to the funeral. That year, Blaine who was living in Beverly Hills during the pandemic told Town & Country that she doesnt use her married name in California because I know it isnt popular. In a 2022 profile in Park Magazine, Blaine added that she most frequently goes by her first name or maiden name because its easier and the magazine reported that the Trump name once led a waiter in California to say he wouldnt have served her if he knew she was a Trump. Before you go, click here to see every time Ivanka Trump has tried to distance herself from the Trump family: Ivanka Trump Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It is the end of a season at Netflix. The streaming service is ending its DVD mailing services and letting customers keep the DVDs for free. Our goal has always been to provide the best service for our members but as the business continues to shrink thats going to become increasingly difficult, explained Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos in a press release. Related According to Forbes, Netflix started as a DVD rental service in 1997. In 1999, the business model shifted, as subscribers would provide a list of DVDs theyd like to rent and Netflix would ship them out when they became available. Netflix (along with Redbox rental kiosks) had successfully competed with such brick-and-mortar DVD rental retailers as Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, per Forbes. How to get free DVDs from Netflix? According to Forbes, Netflix will ship their last red envelopes on Sept. 29. Afterwards, the subscribers have the option to keep any DVD. Please enjoy them for as long as you like! If you do choose to return the disc, we will continue to accept returns until October 27, 2023. Netflix announced last Monday, per Forbes. The company announced earlier this month that subscribers can opt into getting 10 extra DVDs, chosen by the company (somewhat based on the customers queue of desired movies), per The Washington Post. According to Netflix, people who chose to participate will not know if they are getting the extra discs until they arrive in the mail, per the Post. By the way, a happy clarification in response to all the news headlines out there: We are not charging for any unreturned discs after 9/29. Please enjoy your final shipments for as long as you like! https://t.co/lpSJHq29ZX DVD Netflix (@dvdnetflix) August 22, 2023 According to Lifehacker, heres what to do to opt in getting the DVDs: Login to your Netflix DVD account. Make sure you have at least 10 DVDs on your queue. Existing members already received an email on how to participate, new members can go to dvd.netflix.com/finalesurprise for more info. Today is the last day to change a disk plan or sign up for one, DVD Netflix announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Attention, interested parties. Today is the FINAL day to change your disc plan or sign up for one. We've seen tweets of people considering upgrading or signing upwhatever you choose, make your decision today! https://t.co/lIX25l4nN7 DVD Netflix (@dvdnetflix) August 28, 2023 Interesting facts about Netflix DVDs After 25 years, Netflix is ending DVD.com. Here are a few interesting facts about the service, according to Netflix: Beetlejuice was the first DVD shipped by the service (March 10, 1998). The number of DVDs shipped is over 5.2 billion. The most popular title is The Blind Side. The platform supported 20 main genres and 530 sub genres. The platform had 40 million unique subscribers over the years. Did Netflix DVDs make any money? According to Forbes, here is a list of Netflix DVD revenue in the last nine years: 2013 $911 million. 2014 $765 million. 2015 $646 million. 2016 $542 million. 2017 $450 million. 2018 $366 million. 2019 $297 million. 2020 $239 million. 2021 $182 million. 2022 $146 million. People in China are embracing quiet luxury. Some Chinese influencers have spent the summer curating tutorials on the old money aesthetic. Online retail platforms are also offering stealth wealth looks for cheap. People in China have figured out how to nail the old money aesthetic without breaking the bank. The old money aesthetic, which involves projecting wealth subtly, has taken China by storm. Known in the country as laoqianfeng, this fashion style is inspired by the country's old money people whose wealth has stacked up over multiple generations and who let their cash, not their clothes, do the talking for them. Laoqianfeng is all about portraying an air of effortless perfection by eschewing the garish colors, big logos, and general flashiness of the new money aesthetic. Alison Ho, a Singapore-based strategist at the trend forecaster WGSN, told Insider that such consumers "are less concerned with material wealth" and are instead hoping to "align luxury with wellbeing, purpose, and meaning." China's influencers have cracked the code of looking rich China's social media is abound with commentary and tips on nailing the laoqianfeng style. At press time, posts with the hashtag "" (laoqian) have been viewed a collective 1.67 million times on China's Twitter-like platform, Weibo. Multiple laoqianfeng explainers have mushroomed up this summer on Xiaohongshu, an Instagram-like platform in China. Xiaohongshu, or "little red book" in English, is a popular site the functions as a lifestyle bible for the modern Chinese person. Ho told Insider the social media platform "popularized aesthetic micro-trends associated with quiet luxury." She added that Xiaohongshu is predominantly used by affluent consumers in Beijing, Shanghai, and China's other tier-one cities the country's economic hubs. Multiple explainers on laoqianfeng, such as the one pictured above, can be found on Xiaohongshu. Xiaohongshu And it's not just explainers: People on Xiaohongshu have posted extensive tutorials dissecting the trend and teaching their audiences how to look the part. One Xiaohongshu post (pictured above) used multiple photo montages to educate men keen on achieving an old-money aesthetic. Xiaohongshu Some influencers have documented their purchases on Xiaohongshu, going over each individual purchase and explaining how each buy helps the consumer exude old money vibes. Others have uploaded comprehensive montages of the various outfits they have assembled, as well as reviews of clothes from brands they consider to be representative of the trend. Influencers have been documenting their purchases (left) and their outfit combinations (right) on Xiaohongshu. Xiaohongshu Ho told Insider that the pursuit of quiet luxury is a "way for shoppers to explore and convey who they are as individuals." "For quiet luxury, this means shoppers who embrace sophisticated, thoughtful, and quality apparel that convey luxury and wealth in an understated way," she added. You don't have to go broke to look classy But if you think you need to actually be rich to look rich, think again. Ease of access to China's fast fashion platforms means anyone can be a budget version of "laoqian." Insider's search of the Chinese e-commerce site Taobao surfaced hundreds of shop listings touting items in the vein of the old money aesthetic, some of which can be purchased for under $20 before shipping. Insider found multiple product listings just by searching laoqianfeng on online retail platform, Taobao. Taobao Take this pair of monochromatic dresses. Each dress is currently on sale at 88 yuan, or about $12. Each dress is currently on sale at about $12 each. Taobao And it's not just price. Most buyers said they were satisfied with the quality of these products. "This is excellent and has a really classy feel. I really liked it," a buyer said on the product listing's page. One could even hit the office with an outfit costing less than $50 if they go with the three-piece women's suit and matching bag below. The women's suit (left) and bag (right) cost about $46 in total. Taobao "The suit exceeded my expectations. It is of high quality, and the workmanship is well-made. I'm very satisfied," a buyer wrote in their review of the women's suit. Men can also try out the old-money aesthetic on a budget with pastel-colored polo tees and shoes. It costs about $25 to get this pastel colored polo tee and shoes. Taobao In China, looking rich is as close as people can get to being rich Elisa Harca, the Hong Kong-based CEO of marketing firm Red Ant Asia, told Insider that it's no surprise that quiet luxury is becoming a trend that fast fashion brands are going all-in on. But the people who jump on the stealth wealth bandwagon can't truly achieve quiet luxury just by hunting for pieces that resemble those produced by luxury brands, per Harca. This is because emulating the "look" isn't the same as investing in timeless pieces made with high-quality materials, she added. "Luxury is always first and foremost about craftsmanship and quality, you cannot get it cheap," Harca said. That said, being prosperous in China be it "laoqian" or "xinqian," the Chinese terms for old and new money respectively is an impossible goal for most broke millennials. For most Chinese youths, imitating the old money aesthetic is the closest they are going to get to being wealthy. A slowing Chinese economy and a soaring youth unemployment rate mean that millennials in China just don't have the spending power to live large. These grim circumstances have also driven some youths to just give up and eschew the hustle life in favor of "lying flat." Some have even taken it a step further by just "letting it rot," actively choosing to decay and waste their potential. But the truth is, you don't have to be wealthy to imitate stealth wealth. This is China, the land of Shein and Taobao, the country's answer to Amazon. And the nation's 1.4 billion people have figured out all the hacks they need. Read the original article on Insider People are praising a middle school students reaction to President Joe Biden visiting her classroom alongside his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. On 28 August, the President of the United States and the First Lady headed to Eliot-Hine Middle School in Washington, DC, in honour of the first day of the 2023-2024 school years. In a video shared by The Recount on X - formerly known as Twitter - Biden made his way into one of the classrooms, prompting applause and cheers from students in the background, with one shouting: Joe Biden! The video showed Biden giving a student a hug, while students in the seats continued cheering. The politician then posed for the camera with a young girl, who puckered up her lips and put on a funny a duck face while holding up a peace sign with her fingers. The president laughed at the camera, pointed at the student, and joked: Shes the school principal. In response, she jokingly gave a thumbs up and said: Yeah. After taking photos, the student also shared her excitement at the opportunity to shake hands with the US president, as she told her fellow classmates: Im shaking hands with the president... Im going to be famous! Both Biden and the other students laughed at her remark, as he told the young girl that she was going to be president herself. The middle schooler agreed, and quipped to her classmates: Im going assistant president, yall. In the comments of the post, many fans went on to praise the sweet interaction between Biden and the student. Im going to be assistant President, yall. So cute! one responded on X, while another wrote: Im so jealous This is so cool. A third wrote: The joy of the young woman with the president pretty much says it all. President Biden surprises a class at a Washington, D.C. public school. pic.twitter.com/ddOlOHILvZ The Recount (@therecount) August 28, 2023 This weeks visit to the middle school also kicked off several back-to-school activities for the First Lady, who is travelling to the Midwest later this week to celebrate teachers and highlight the mental health needs of students. Dr Biden - who is also a longtime college professor - has continued her career outside of the White House, as she teaches English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College. She also taught at the college during the eight years that her husband was Vice President of the United States. Shortly before the school year started in August 2022, Dr Biden recalled how she was set on keeping her teaching job when she first became the Second Lady. In an interview with Real Simple magazine, she described how she overcame the doubts that people had when it came to handling both jobs. I think people were a little sceptical. Could I truly do it, since I was the first one to try it? she said. But I knew I wanted to teach. She said she told her staff: This is what I want to do. We have to figure it out. She recalled how she was able to manage her teaching duties while her husband was vice president, saying: I saw it work then, and I knew we could figure out how to do it now. Next month marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death and members of the Royal Family will no doubt find themselves at the centre of attention once again. Reports suggest that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will mark the day privately at Balmoral, where they've spent the summer, while Prince William and Kate Middleton are thought to be attending a cathedral in Wales, where they are due to carry out a series of official visits. One royal whose plans for the emotional day remain uncertain, however, is Prince Harry. Although it was recently confirmed that the royal will be in the UK at the time of the anniversary which falls on 8 September it appears he has no plans to see his family during the visit. Last week, the Duke of Sussex confirmed he'll be attending the WellChild Awards on 7 September, saying in a statement through the charity (for which he is a patron): "For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that priorities the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of these individuals and their families." He went on, "The courage and strength embodied by these young people and the tireless devotion of those who support them never cease to inspire me. Im honoured to attend this year's awards ceremony and celebrate their incredible work." CHRIS Jackson GETTY IMAGES - Getty Images But, despite the ceremony taking place the night before the anniversary of his grandmother's death, a source close to the royal told The Mirror he has "no intention" of reuniting with his family. "While some may suggest it would be good order for the family to settle their differences, perhaps even in the late Queen's memory, things are a long way off," the insider told the newspaper, adding that Harry's relationship with his father and brother remains "firmly rooted at rock bottom". Last year, the WellChild Awards took place on the day of the Queen's death, with Prince Harry being forced to drop out at the last minute to visit his grandmother at Balmoral in the hours before her passing. After this year's event, he is expected to travel to Dusseldorf in Germany where the Invictus Games a multi-sport event founded by the Duke in support of veterans are being held. You Might Also Like Two women are alleging that veteran porn actor Ron Jeremy sexually assaulted them at the Rainbow Bar & Grill and are suing the Sunset Strip landmark for negligence in maintaining a safe environment for their female patrons. Defendant Rockin Horse, Inc. and Does 1 through 100, inclusive, knowingly allowed a sexual predator into their bar time and time again and allowed him a dungeon, the employees restroom, for committing heinous sexual acts against Defendants female patrons, the August 21 complaint filed on behalf of Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 in Los Angeles Superior Court against the owners of the Rainbow bluntly claims (read the lawsuit against the Rainbow Bar & Grill here). More from Deadline Referencing grand jury testimony that led to Jeremys arrest on multiple rape charges in 2020, the recent filing by Los Angeles-based firm Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP and Encino-set Nabati Law PC seeks a variety of unspecified damages for their clients arising out of the alleged March 17, 2017, attacks in the back bathroom of the rock n roll hangout. With prudent description, the complaint detailed what allegedly happened six years ago in the back of the Rainbow after Jeremy walked the duo past numerous staffers: Once the trio reached the bathroom, Ron Jeremy followed JANE DOE 1 and JANE DOE 2 into the bathroom. Ron Jeremy attempted to solicit pictures of them that appeared like they were giving Ron Jeremy a blowjob. JANE DOE 1 managed to escape, but JANE DOE 2 was not so lucky. Ron Jeremy continued to sexually assault JANE DOE 2 in the bathroom, putting his hands in JANE DOE 2s private areas, despite her pleas that he stop. At one point, after being in the bathroom for what felt like an eternity, and without any aid, JANE DOE 2 shouted at Ron Jeremy to stop, in hopes that Rainbow Bar staff would hear her cries. After both JANE DOE 1 and JANE DOE 2 escaped the restroom, Ron Jeremy still continued to target them while Plaintiffs attempted to leave Rainbow Bar. Further laying out their case against Jeremy, the plaintiffs lawyers say, Rainbow Bar employees would facilitate Ron Jeremy drugging womens drinks. They note: One woman [referred to as Jane Doe 9 in the grand jury transcript] met Ron Jeremy at Rainbow Bar. Ron Jeremy then told the bartender to get her the Ron Jeremy special. With the heinous acts that the much-accused Jeremy is alleged to have committed in this case alone, you perhaps are wondering why the slovenly adult movie actor isnt named as a defendant in the matter along with the 1972-founded Rainbow. Well, facing over 300 years in prison if found guilty on 33 rape and sexual assault counts, 70-year-old Jeremy was deemed incompetent to stand trial earlier this year due to incurable neurocognitive decline. Judge Ronald S. Harris pulled the plug on the case, and Jeremy then was moved from downtown LAs Twin Towers Correctional Facility into a state mental health facility. Unless his condition dramatically changes, Jeremy will remain in said facility for the rest of his days. Attempts to contact the Rainbow Bar & Grill about the suit were unsuccessful this morning. If and when we hear from the establishment, we will update this post. If the name of firm Panish Shea Boyle Ravipudi LLP seems familiar to some it is because they represented widower Matthew Hutchins in his wrongful death suit against Alec Baldwin and others for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of indie Western Rust on October 21, 2021. Altough Baldwin is facing a plethora of civil cases over the shooting and possible refiling of criminal charges, the Matthew Hutchins case never went to trial as the parties settled in October 2022. Among other aspects of that deal, the widower Hutchins was made an executive producer on the resurrected Rust, which finished production in Montana this spring, and is working on a documentary about his wife. 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. Sisterly love ruled at Chiles 19th Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic), which wrapped on Aug. 27 where female directors and actors clinched the top prizes. Israeli-Ukrainian drama Valeria is Getting Married by Michal Vinik and Kattia Zunigas Sister & Sister snagged the preeminent Chilean festivals best film plaudits, adding to their trove of accolades since their respective world premieres. More from Variety Aside from best international film, Vinik also took home the best director gong in Sanfics international competition. Picked up by Berlin-based M-Appeal before its Venice world premiere last year, the taut family drama revolves around two Ukrainian sisters: one is content in her married life in Israel and wants her younger sister, the titular Valeria, to marry, too. She and her husband arrange for Valeria to marry but the younger sister struggles to accept the pact. Israeli cinema has been very interesting of late, noted Sanfic fest director Carlos Nunez who praised Viniks interesting mise-en-scene, clear points of view and adept work with her actors. Panamanian-Chilean co-production Sister & Sister (Las Hijas) is an autobiographical coming-of-age tale that world premiered at SXSW before winning best Latin American Fflm at Spains Malaga Festival in March. Aside from snagging best Chilean film at Sanfic, Sister & Sister co-lead Ariana Chaves also won for her debut performance. Panamanian-Costa Rican but based in Chile, Zuniga makes her feature debut with the drama. It follows two sisters, Marina, 17, and Luna, 14, who go to Panama during their summer vacation in search of their estranged father. While tensions rise between them during the trip, they also learn to enjoy new relationships, skateboarding and their newfound freedom. Meanwhile, Chiles Bernardo Quesney won best director for his third feature, History and Geography while his lead Amparo Noguera won for her performance in the dark comedy. Produced by indie Equeco, History and Geography follows a renowned TV comedienne/actor who treks back to her hometown to stage a play about the conquest of Chile in order to recover the artistic recognition she thinks she lost, but in fact never had. Best short Pulcra revolves around Sibila, a young seamstress who develops a strange obsession with pricking herself with needles and consuming her own blood. Her peculiar fascination strangely helps her find her identity. This years selection was stellar; out of 25 submissions, we narrowed it down to nine fiction and nine documentaries, each displaying fresh, original perspectives, said Nunez, adding: We hope that next year will yield an equally good crop. Sanfic ran Aug. 20 27. Las Hijas 19th Sanfic Winners, 2023: International Competition Feature Film Valeria is Getting Married (Michal Vinik, Israel, Ukraine) Director Michal Vinik (Valeria is Getting Married) Performance Nicole Suazo (Las Demas, Chile) Chilean Film Competition Feature Film Sister & Sister (Las Hijas, Kattia Zuniga) Director Bernardo Quesney (History and Geography, Historia y Geografia) Best Performance Ariana Chaves (Sister & Sister) Amparo Noguera (History and Geography) Special Mention Bastard, the Inheritance of a Genocide (Bastardo. La herencia de un genocida, Pepe Rovano) Short Film Competition Best Short Pulcra (Blanca Rojas) Special Mention Concordia (Diego Veliz) Prologo de un cuento (Ashley Salman) 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. COLOMBO, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka disbursed 5 billion rupees (15.4 million U.S. dollars) to the banking system to be distributed among beneficiaries selected under the government's Aswesuma welfare program, a state minister said on Monday. State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe told the media that money will be transferred to the individual bank accounts of 800,000 beneficiaries selected out of 1.5 million shortlisted for benefits under the program within the next few days. He said plans are in place to increase the number of beneficiaries to 2 million. "We introduced this program to give relief to people who became economically vulnerable after the crisis," he said. Sri Lanka is going through an economic crisis at the moment with the country suspending loan repayment. However, the country's central bank said earlier that domestic economic activity is expected to recover in the second half of this year. According to the central bank, recovery would be supported by normalization of monetary conditions, improvement in business confidence, enhancement in supply conditions, relaxation of import restrictions, and the impact of growth-promoting structural reforms. Taylor Swift joked about being interrupted on stage, 14 years after Kanye West stole her mic at the VMAs Taylor Swift performs during the Eras Tour in Mexico City, Mexico. Hector Vivas/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management Taylor Swift joked about being interrupted during her recent concert in Mexico City. "People chanting your name, it's really the only way to be interrupted. And I would know," she said. Fans think the quip was a dig at Kanye West, who infamously crashed her speech at the 2009 VMAs. Taylor Swift made a joke at a recent show that sounded like a dig at Ye, the rapper and nemesis formerly known as Kanye West. During her Sunday night performance in Mexico City, Swift thanked the crowd for being enthusiastic and welcoming. "People chanting your name, it's really the only way to be interrupted. And I would know," she said, laughing and changing the subject immediately after. Taylor Swift Updates (@SwiftNYC) August 28, 2023 Naturally, fans were reminded of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, when Ye crashed the stage during Swift's acceptance speech. He took the mic from her hands and said that Beyonce deserved to win instead. ("You Belong With Me" had beaten "Single Ladies" for best female video, although Beyonce went on to win video of the year later that night.) Swift opened up about the incident in the 2020 Netflix documentary "Miss Americana." "At the time, I didn't know they were booing him doing that. I thought that they were booing me. For someone who's built their whole belief system on getting people to clap for you, the whole crowd booing is a pretty formative experience," she said. "That was sort of a catalyst for a lot of psychological paths that I went down," she continued. "And not all of them were beneficial." Swift added: "I really just went to this place where I was like, 'I'm gonna prove myself. I'm gonna make sure people know I deserve to be here." Swift is currently in the midst of her groundbreaking Eras Tour, which critics have praised as "the apotheosis of what a pop superstar tour can be" and economists have credited with boosting the US economy. After a 10-week hiatus, Swift will kick off the South American leg on November 9 in Argentina. Read the original article on Insider Meghann Cuniff, a go-to source for all things Tory Lanez since his December 2022 trial began, recently suggested that the Canadian artists lawyer, Jose Baez, was busy vacationing in Italy instead of working on his clients appeal. Baez addressed those claims and called out the legal affairs journalist for being biased. It has been brought to my attention that a blogger has claimed that Tory Lanez is not a priority because Im allegedly in Italy, Baez wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday (Aug. 26). For the record, I travel to Italy 2 to 4 times a year. I have both business interests as well as clients who have business in Italy. It is a beautiful country and a privilege to visit. This blogger has had a clear bias against Tory and has attacked everyone associated with him as well as made numerous inaccurate assumptions, he continued, in reference to Cuniff. In fairness to her, she has no legal training and has never worked in the court system, so her opinions have little to no merit whatsoever. Ignoring the unprofessional comments, the takeaway from Jose Baez's Instagram stories today is he's no longer sure if he'll file a motion for bail pending Lanez's appeal: "As for other motions, Tory is evaluating ALL of his options." I'll discuss live: https://t.co/IuWFYa0veT Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) August 26, 2023 Jose Baez closed off his message by saying that the appeal had not yet been filed because the court reporter had not finished all of the transcripts. As for other motions Tory is evaluating ALL of his options. Thank you all, he appreciates your support, Baez wrote. Meghann Cuniff responded to his post via Twitter, writing Ignoring the unprofessional comments, the takeaway from Jose Baezs Instagram stories today is hes no longer sure if hell file a motion for bail pending Lanezs appeal: As for other motions, Tory is evaluating ALL of his options.' She also shared screenshots of an email exchange where Baez stated that he has been and will always be respectful toward her, and even defended her against supposed comments people have made about her hair. Check out the email exchange below. Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this month for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. He was found guilty of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence back in December 2022. More from VIBE.com Click here to read the full article. Max is severing all ties with The Tourist. Amid word that Season 1 of Jamie Dornan s Bourne Identity-esque thriller will be leaving Max on Sept. 8, TVLine has confirmed that the streamer will not be the U.S. home for the UK series forthcoming second season. More from TVLine The Tourists inaugural six-episode season, which Max co-produced, premiered stateside on the streamer formerly known as HBO Max in March 2022. When its renewal was officially announced by BBC earlier this year, Max was no longer listed as a producer. (According to sources, Season 1 underperformed for Max.) It remains unclear if All3Media, the production company behind The Tourist, is in talks with any other U.S. outlets about acquiring Seasons 1 and 2. Season 2 of The Tourist, production of which has been completed, finds Dornans amnesia-stricken character Elliot and Probationary Constable Helen Chambers (the returning Danielle Macdonald) heading to Ireland as Elliott attempts to rediscover his roots. Hes quickly dragged into his past life, with dire consequences. A BBC premiere date is TBD. Im incredibly excited to continue the story with The Tourist, Dornan said in a statement back in February. [Series creators] Harry and Jack Williams are brilliant writers and I cant wait for audiences to see how well Ireland and its characters are utilized to keep them guessing as the tale progresses. Best of TVLine Get more from TVLine.com : Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Newsletter Click here to read the full article. "It knocked the wind out of me I was suffocated by the gravity of this moment," Jimmy Lippert Thyden said about the reunion with his birth mother After 42 years, Jimmy Lippert Thyden finally embraced his birth mother for the first time. Last week, the Virginia criminal defense attorney was reunited with Maria Angelica Gonzalez in Chile, more than four decades after hospital workers there told the woman that her son died after she gave birth, according to the Associated Press. It knocked the wind out of me I was suffocated by the gravity of this moment, Thyden told the AP after the reunion. How do you hug someone in a way that makes up for 42 years of hugs? On Aug. 17, the mother and son began to make up for lost time in Valdivia, Chile. Related: Texas Firefighter Who Was Stolen at Birth in Chile Says 'Time Is Running Out' to Reunite Similar Families "Te amo mucho," Thyden told her, according to USA Today. "I love you so much." "It's a miracle from God," Gonzalez, 69, told the newspaper. "When I learned that he was alive, I couldn't believe it." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Credit: MyHeritage.com The journey toward the happy moment began in April, when Thyden learned about Nos Buscamos, a Chilean nonprofit that is dedicated to reuniting Chilean-born adoptees with their birth parents, he told the news outlet. The paperwork I have for my adoption tells me I have no living relatives. And I learned in the last few months that I have a mama and I have four brothers and a sister, Thyden told the AP. Thyden took the MyHeritage DNA test to confirm his Chilean origin. Nos Buscamos teamed up with MyHeritage to provide Chelean adoptees and suspected victims of child trafficking in Chile with at-home DNA testing kits. Thyden's test confirmed he is 100% Chilean after he matched with a first cousin who also used MyHeritage. Thyden is among an estimated 8,000 to 20,000 babies who were taken from mostly poor mothers in Chile and placed with families in North America, Europe and beyond, through an illegal adoption network a policy orchestrated by the Gen. Augusto Pinochet regime in the '70s and '80s as a means of reducing poverty. Related: Twins Stolen at Birth Reunite with Biological Mom Who 'Never Forgot About Us' and Fought to Find Them The Virginia mans story is the latest in a series of such emotional reunions. Last November, Elan and Micah Nardi were reunited with their biological mother. The twins had been adopted by a couple in Massachusetts who were told only that their mother had wanted them to have a better life. Aware of their Chilean roots, the Nardis began to dig further after their adoptive mother saw a news story last December about Texas firefighter Tyler Graf and other stolen children of Chile. Tyler Graf grew up in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, but it took more than three decades for him to discover the shocking truth of his adoption he, like thousands of other babies in Chile in the '70s and '80s, had been stolen from his birth parents. Graf told PEOPLE last year that it is his mission to help others like him through his organization Connecting Roots. "Seeing the happiness that this creates when these two families meet for the first time, to know that there was a lifetime of pain that is now going to be patched, it's incredible," Graf told PEOPLE. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Weird, in Portland, is a compliment. And whether its based on an array of magical unexpectedness like the worlds largest naked bike rides or watching adults zoom down an extinct volcano in soapbox derby cars or perhaps because it has the most strip clubs per capita in the nation, or simply the rampant facial hair on anyone it doesnt matter anyway. Its a town of misfits, and you might just be one of them. The city, originally known as Stumptown, was frequented by settlers and traders in the 1830s and 40s. Named for the thick forest of fir, hemlock, maples, and cedars, the area was cleared for growing settlements. It was only officially founded in 1843, and then the name was decided by a coin toss between business partners Asa Lovejoy (from Boston) and Francis Pettygrove (from Portland, Maine). And you know who won. Also, these are just perfect names for these humans. More from Spin: People were always attracted to Portland. They wanted their place they could call weird without judgment. Like the carpet at the citys airport, with iconic geometric shapes on a teal background design (now famous all over the internet) that has become a weird moniker for the city. I mean, what is weird anyway? I had to look at the etymology and thus found that in the Old English weird is wyrd destiny, of Germanic origin. The adjective (late Middle English) originally meant having the power to control destiny, and was used especially for the Weird Sisters, originally referring to the Fates (Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) in Greek Mythology, later the witches in Shakespeares Macbeth; the latter use gave rise to the sense unearthly (early 19th century). I mean, why not? A local institution: Music Millennium, serving Portland since 1969 (Photo credit: Kathy Rankin) Things may have been unofficially weird here in Portland for a long time, but the Keep Portland Weird movement began in 2003 when Terry Currier, owner of the famous music store Music Millennium, learned of the movement in Austin, to Keep Austin Weird, following that towns increasing corporatization. He promptly brought it to Portland. I started to notice more and more boring big-box retailers opening across the country, and it all seemed so homogenous to me, and I was worried that my city would lose its uniqueness, says Currier as we walk around his neighborhood. So in 2007, he trademarked the phrase and sold more than 10,000 stickers by the end of that year alone. And as Currier says, Whats great about the slogan is that its open to interpretation. So all over town there were stickers saying Keep Portland Weird and Keep Portland Weird Support Local Business, and as if this was a rallying cry, the city came together. Who doesnt want to protect the things you love? And when I say things, I also mean things like Mill Ends, the smallest park in the world, established in 1976 (only two feet in diameter, and its really just a small flower pot), and the Vacuum Museum, and the sensational Freakybuttrue Peculiarium. Or the Zoobomb, which takes place every Sunday, involves riding down a steep hill near the Oregon Zoo on kids bikes, minibikes, and even unicycles. Brian Kidd, AKA The Unipiper, who dresses up as Darth Vader in a kilt and rides around town playing flaming bagpipes, says, as we sit on a picnic bench chatting over iced tea: Portland always drew a certain mindset the creatives and the artists wanted to be here. As much as New York has no culture, because it has all the culture, Portland has that very specific intangible culture. And unlike Nashville and Austin, trust me, Portland has maintained that weirdness. And maybe this is because the locals will fight anyone for it. We will preserve this weirdness over our dead bodies, and that is the impetus for Portland, shares drag performer Jinkx Monsoon, somewhat semantically clumsily, in our interview. Monsoon moved back to Portland, where she was raised, before the COVID pandemic. She (when in drag Jinkx uses she) is the winner of both the fifth season of RuPauls Drag Race and the seventh season of RuPauls Drag Race All Stars. Worth also mentioning is the phenomenon of put a bird on it. (Portlandias second episode offered this hard jab at the hipster-craft pretension we have had to live with for too long.) The show Portlandia is the best thing and the worst thing, says Kidd. (Like that genius episode about the knot store with Jeff Goldblum.) One of the things it did do is [turn] the spotlight onto Portland, and it started to grow at a pace it wasnt necessarily ready for. By 2017 new people were moving into the city without necessarily fully understanding that essence it was protecting so well. To help preserve the identity of the city, Kidd also runs a nonprofit called Weird Portland United, which he describes, perhaps redundantly, as the only 501-c-3 dedicated to keeping Portland weird. In Portland its religion (Photo credit: Kathy Rankin) Part of understanding this city is looking at the way it deals with gentrification. And as Monsoon points out, when it does take place, its a muted version where things are upgraded but not destroyed by corporate monsters. I know its a loaded topic, but I will share this as my experience. My neighborhood has certainly displaced marginalized families and the gentrification that has taken place here are witch shops, weed dispensaries, queer centers. Just walk around town and see for yourself. There are even Chase banks with no signage. No visible branding. Because who needs to see that anyway? And of course, the gayborhoods and LGBTQ community and how they are able to live says a lot about a city. Portland is such a queer friendly city. Queer people are not completely safe anywhere, but in Portland there are more resources, adds Monsoon. I was able to come out early and meet people who are like me. The city gave me this queer education, which I realized as I started traveling the world doesnt happen everywhere. But a space in Portland doesnt have to be queer-specific to be queer-friendly. And as Monsoon says, this is so unique. There are so many places all over the world where the moment I leave the gayborhood, I feel like I am in a completely different city, and safety becomes an issue. Poison Waters, a mouthy and divine queen (Photo credit: Daniel Scheffler) One of the trailblazers in the LGBTQ movement of the city is Darcelle. Spending time with this Portland legend a drag queen, an entertainer, cabaret owner, and sort of mascot for the city enlightened me. In 2016, the Guinness World Records certified Darcelle as the oldest drag queen performer, with a career spanning 56 years at the time of her death in March. Before she sadly passed, I sat with her in her bar, having clear fizzy drinks, laughing at life, and watching amateur night unfold in front of our eyes. In 1967 - before the Albina Riots Portland was different. We were gay inside the clubs, but once we went out the back door, we were not dressed up, said Darcelle. I remember when we used to be the weird ones. Now were just part of the fiber of the city. I say this to all young people: Please bring your weirdness; youre welcome here. And everybody is here. Of course, you cant swing a cat in this town now without hitting a drag queen, adds Poison Waters, drag queen extraordinaire, who joined us in the bar. Everyone is weird in their own and unique way here, and the ones who are not are voyeuristic and happy to watch the city be weird. As a performer with full beard and a short little white dress comes on stage, she says: Portland doesnt caricature any of its weirdness it just celebrates it. Its just a completely open place. I received the most amazing drag education here in Portland, Monsoon told me. I grew up watching radical drag king cabaret shows, and pageant drag on the weekends and club kids on Saturday nights. I did it all here. And Portland has room for all of that. Old school camp drag dripping in rhinestones, and then Katyas Klip Klop sexy queer dance parties. But as Darcelle told me, its not just queer people supporting queer creativity: I predict that within two years there will be a National Holiday for Gay Pride. Its not just queers going; everyone is coming. When youre cruising around the city, youll see things like a piano just sitting on a corner. Ready for anyone to play it. Thats Piano Push Play, a piano rescue mission. Even Weird Al Yankovich found a Prince-themed one and played it. Just for Portland to keep smiling, of course. The Slow Down Sloth, created by Portland artist Mike Bennett (Photo credit: Kathy Rankin) Or youll see these cartoon sloth plywood cutouts all over town. Made by artist Mike Bennett, theyre the Slow Down sloths asking people to be a little more mindful when theyre driving around. At some point the city was nicknamed Little Beirut for its efforts for change through protests and marching. And that little nugget of history started when George H. W. Bush came into town in 1990 and anarchists protested his arrival by vomiting red, white, and blue around his hotel. Portland is like touching an electric fence, says Currier. It creates a space that can hold all this creative juice. Here, for most people Starbucks is the antichrist, and I have seen so many of them close in this town. People want small independent local coffee roasters. There is no way Charleston or Nashville will allow that. And New York, I am side-eyeing you here. People gravitated to Portland in the 1970s because it was inexpensive. But the big acts would come into town like Santana and John Denver, they all came. And around 1974, the laws changed and the ordinance that said you were not allowed to dance in a club was abolished. You werent allowed to stand with a drink; you had to sit down. And when this changed, the city changed. Live music then became a big thing, full-on seven days a week, says Currier. In 1972 the mayor came up with a law: You could have half an ounce of marijuana with you with only a $25 fine. It was not illegal. It was a great benefit for living here in this city. Today its weed central, and soon to be the mushroom mecca. There is even an Adult Soapbox Derby, and the World Naked Bike Ride, plus that Vegan Strip Club I love. Whether its at the Saturday farmers market where there is someone painted silver juggling balls, or the citys unofficial Elvis impersonator, John Elvis Schroder, with his cardboard cutout guitar, its about having a passion and commitment for a thing, your thing. The annual Soapbox Derby, powered by only will and gravity (Photo credit: Kathy Rankin) I just want Portland to remain the type of place where anyone can come and do their creative thing and make a living and with the support of the city, says Brian Kidd. Another project Mike Bennett recently worked on, inside a former Banana Republic store downtown, is Dinolandia, a pop-up museum filled with cut-out cartoon dinosaurs. Yeah, thats weird its not something you might expect, wouldnt seem to be precisely commercial, and thats perfect. One of my favorite places on the planet is Powells, Portlands legendary independent bookstore. There I people watch. Because all of weird Portland comes through this giant, big-as-a-city-block store, looking for unusual, out-of-print books, the classics and everything in between. Im hoping we can attract more funky places to open up downtown in this post-pandemic world. It wasnt just the businesses but also the people. Like the Pearl district is where the artists would be doing their thing. I want affordable rent for everyone, proclaims Currier. Although Portland has suffered from some seriously unfair judgment, the city does have serious concerns, like the homelessness, the Antifa explosion and consequent violence. What started as a social justice movement quickly evolved into debauchery. And then the media ran amok with it. For better or for worse. Another unique thing about Portland is this liberal mecca surrounded by these very conservative areas, Monsoon tells me. What shocks me is the audacity of people coming into our city from outside places and treating people like they are the outsiders, just because their beliefs dont align with yours. But theyre daytripping in our communities. I am sorry youre in Portland now, and were a bunch of freaks. Protesting the worlds dependence on oil, naked (Photo credit: Kathy Rankin) To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here. Houston, Texas, implemented the second stage of its mandatory water conservation measures on Sunday, as the area experiences drought conditions, according to the city. The city's drought contingency plan is enforced when there is a major drop in yearly rainfall and when higher than normal temperatures lead to continuous stress on the water system, Houston Public Works said in a news release. During stage two, single-family homes with even-numbered street addresses can take part in outdoor water use on Sundays and Thursdays between 7 p.m. CT and 5 a.m. CT, according to Houston Public Works. MORE: 3 dead as Marine helicopter crashes in Australia during training, officials say Single-family residential customers with odd-numbered street addresses are restricted to Saturdays and Wednesdays for outdoor water use between the same times. All other customers are limited to Tuesdays and Fridays, according to officials. Houston Public Works asks the public to please do your part in helping us reduce citywide water use, Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock said in a statement. Our goal is to reduce water usage from all customers by 10%. Our crews are working diligently in conjunction with area contractors to repair water leaks across the city. Customers who violate the city drought contingency plan could be fined up to $2,000 for each offense after a written warning following the first violation, Houston Public Works said. Houston is one of many U.S. cities that have experienced record-breaking heat this summer. Temperatures in the city reached 110 degrees on Sunday, with a heat index -- or feel-like temperature of 115 degrees, according to Houston ABC station KTRK. PHOTO: Someone turning the tap on to wash their hands at a kitchen sink in an undated stock photo. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) Houston is forecast to remain in triple digits on Monday, according to meteorologists. "It's going to be hot for a minute, and so we have to manage this crisis," Mayor Sylvester Turner said about the heat at a city council meeting on Wednesday, according to KTRK. "We're just having to manage this situation as we move forward," Turner said of the then-anticipated stage two plan. Regarding broken pipes in Houston's water infrastructure, Turner said, "We need additional contractors to deal with water main leaks," according to KTRK. MORE: Houston confirms 1st heat-related death of the year amid extreme heat across US Houston is asking residents to check and repair water leaks, check sprinkler heads to ensure that water is not being sprayed into the street or storm drains, take shorter showers and run dishwashers and washing machines when full, according to Houston Public Works. Houston entered the first stage of the contingency plan in June 2022. Houston issues mandatory water conservation efforts as drought conditions continue originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Bahamas recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence. Formerly a British crown colony, the country celebrates the affair each year with events that honor its culture and freedom. Junkanoo, a tradition they celebrated since slavery, holds a special space in Bahamians hearts. Arlene Nash Ferguson dedicated her life and her childhood home to exploring and celebrating this beloved event. As the co-owner and director of Educulture Bahamas Limited, the veteran educator embodied the spirit of Junkanoo, since she was a toddler. Fergusons work ensures that Bahamian youth and visitors have access to its history year-round. Since 2000, Ferguson and her husband have spearheaded the Junkanoo Development Association. For Junkanoo Rush attendees, Ferguson shares that the rules are simple: come in [Bahamian] flag colors and be on your best behavior. Travel Noire spoke with Ferguson to learn more about the history of Junkanoo and its role in affirming Bahamian culture and pride. Photo credit: Arlene Nash Ferguson Travel Noire: For those who are unfamiliar, what exactly is Junkanoo? AF: Junkanoo is now officially the National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas. It has been documented in our country for over 200 years. We have a young Bahamian who was able to establish a link in Ghana. We also have an anthropologist, Dr. Nicolette Bethel, who has been able to make the connection between Junkanoo and several West African cultures and festivals. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Junkanoo, the National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas, has its roots in West Africa. [It] is a combination of a variety of West African traditions that were brought here in the hearts and memories of enslaved Africans. They were granted [a] three-day holiday at Christmas and they used that time, and other times, to recreate their festivals from home. Junkanoo started in the Western hemisphere as defiance. You are in an environment that has classified you as an animal. You are saying, I dont think so, because animals dont have festivals. Let us remind, if only ourselves, that we have a rich history [and] a rich heritage. That we are from proud cultural backgrounds, and we will do that by recreating our festivals from home. We will steal away under the cover of night to make sure that nobody stops us. I tell the children that Africans were not permitted to learn to read and write. The fact that our costumes are paper, that we stuck the paper on, is another symbol of defiance. You always decorate yourself fully for [the] festival and cover your face. That symbolizes the presence of the ancestors. From the leaves, the shells, the sponge, [and] all of the indigenous materials that the Africans used initially to decorate themselves, these traits have come down to us today. Even today, our costumes are still paper. We are still beating our drums. We are still shaking our bells. It is, as Peter Minshall said, a completely homegrown festival and true to itself. TN: What inspires you to share Bahamian and Junkanoo culture? AF: I have seen in so many Bahamian children the same excitement and passion for Junkanoo that I experienced as a child. My Junkanoo story started before I was born. The Americans entered World War II after Pearl Harbor. They made an arrangement with the British government to build airstrips in British territories in this part of the world to train airmen. Two of those strips were built on New Providence. Bahamian workers got wind of the fact that they were making less money than their American counterparts on Friday, June 1. Thats why Labor Day is the first Friday in June. They rioted. It came to be known as the Burma Road Riots. Because of the damage they did, the government banned all street parading. There were no Junkanoo parades through 1947, although the drums never stopped beating in the African townships. In 1947, my uncle was one of a group of Bahamians who petitioned the government to have Junkanoo return to Bay Street. The government said, you can have a trial parade, New Years 1948. If the people behave, it will continue. The people behaved [and] it continued. I mark the start of the modern era of Junkanoo from Jan. 1, 1948. In gratitude to my uncle for the part he had played in getting Junkanoo back on Bay Street, the Junkanoos would come up the street, rushing every Junkanoo morning. They would stop outside our house and beat their drums across the street. They waited patiently for my uncle who was waiting for them. He would get up and put on his coat. He then took Bay Street [and] went to Junkanoo in a full suit. They would escort him to Junkanoo every year in gratitude and when the parade was over they would escort him back. It left such a deep impression on me. As I went to Canada, to university, and discovered the peculiar traditions that were so normal for me as a Bahamian against the frigid background of Canada, I discovered who I was. I discovered what it meant to be a Bahamian. Before that, I did not know I had an accent. There was no conch. Nobody was getting up in the middle of the night to dance in the middle of the street. I had to discover why, as a Bahamian, I do those things. I said, Theres something deeper here. We are denying our children the power, the force, and the strength of their heritage. I have to share that story and I am a teacher, lets go for it. Those are the reasons: my experiences as a child and the determination to ensure that our children understand their heritage and the power of their past. TN: Having just celebrated this 50th anniversary, what significance does that hold for you since The Bahamas was previously under British rule for over 300 years? AF: It is a proud moment. It forces us to reflect on where we have been [and] where we have come. It forces us to commit to ensuring that some things that we want to see in our country will happen. One of my most poignant memories of independence is a week or two before July 10, 1973. I completed my first degree in Canada [at] the University of the West Indies. I, along with a number of Bahamians, were on our way home. We were very excited because we were heading home for the independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The stewardess came down the aisle and handed out the immigration cards. The Bahamian sitting beside me, generally so all the Bahamians could hear, said, Where they ask for your nationality, write Bahamian. I never forgot it. I get goosebumps even today because it suddenly hit me. We were going to be our own country and we were going to belong to ourselves. We had the power to shape our future. I have been trying to write Bahamian ever since. This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. Ashley Graham's latest photo shoot sees her decked out in bronze, but she's taking home the gold with fans. The 35-year-old model posed for the cover story of Vogue Germany's upcoming September 2023 issue, and after the publication previewed it online over the weekend, social media went wild for her work. In a preview of the shoot shared by the mag via Instagram on Friday, Aug. 25, Graham smirked at the camera wearing a glitzy bronze gown, minimal makeup, no shoes or jewelry. She emphasized her slicked-back hair by posing with one hand on her head and the other on her neck. "This cover is EVERYTHING ," one Instagram user exclaimed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Wow the cover is unbelievably great ," another gushed. A third gushed, "Well, once more you look like a goddess ." >>> 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 <<< "With our September issue, we celebrate the love of fashion together with cover star Ashley Graham," the caption began. "At our shoot, the supermodel posed in the most beautiful dresses of the new season and charmed everyone on set with her energy and beauty. A career like hers was thwarted by the fashion industry for a long time, because large sizes are still not standard." In her cover story interview, the supermodel explained the link between clothing size and self-esteem, how her body "became my identity." "I was very aware that my thighs rubbed together, that my belly fat bulged over my jeans, that my arms were thicker than my friends'," she said. Graham also opened up about learning to love her postpartum figure. "I don't want to lie to myself and say: belly, after three children you look so great!" she told the outlet. "But I can accept and love my body and thank it for giving birth to three healthy children." Next: Ashley Graham Shares Travel Diary Snapshots From 'Hidden Gem' in Italy Authentic Brands Group has created ABG Hunter LLC, and sold a 51 percent stake in the newly formed subsidiary for the Greater China and Southeast Asia region to Baozun Inc. A price was not disclosed. Under the terms of the deal, Baozun has acquired the rights to Hunters intellectual property across all the regions in that area. More from WWD In addition, Authentic and Baozun have entered an exclusive, long-term licensing agreement under which Baozun will design, manufacture, market and distribute Hunter brand products in Greater China. The license agreement will be assigned by ABG Hunter LLC to Hunter IP Holdco as the licensor across the region. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement We are thrilled to partner with Baozun to grow Hunter in this important region, said Jamie Salter, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Authentic. This strategic move is in line with our strategy to think global and act local. By partnering with Baozun, a leader in digital and e-commerce experiences in China and Southeast Asia, we are able to combine our expertise in brand management with their deep understanding of the local market nuances and cultural trends. Vincent Qiu, chairman and CEO of Baozun, added: This marks another milestone in our transformation where all three business lines will cooperate together to deliver an extraordinary suite of services to leading global brand companies in China and other Asian markets. Baozun is segmented into three major business segments: e-commerce, brand management and international. In June, Authentic bought Hunter, a British heritage brand best known for its Original Wellington boot, in a deal believed to have been valued at $125 million. At that time, it created a partnership with The Batra Group, a U.K.-based product development, design, sourcing and distribution firm, to become the core licensee for the U.K. and continental Europe. It also signed Marc Fisher Footwear to be Hunters core partner in the U.S. Hunter is 160 years old and over the years has evolved from a rubber boot to a lifestyle brand offering a wide footwear collection as well as outerwear, bags and accessories designed for outdoor performance in rural and urban environments. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. DAMASCUS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Aleppo International Airport in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo went out of service as a result of an Israeli attack targeting the airport early Monday, the Syrian army said in a statement. The air attack was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. (0130 GMT), from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of the northwestern Syrian province of Latakia, according to the statement. The attack caused material damage to the airport runway and put it out of service, the statement said without providing further details. How one traveler found the road to self-love, personal growth, and healing in Vietnam. Four days after my fiance and I broke up, I packed up my life in Atlanta and moved to New York City. Two days later, I flew to Vietnam and backpacked my way through the north of the country as a solo female traveler. While those days were the hardest of my life, traveling to Vietnam was the best thing I could have done for myself. Backing up a bit, I had been living in Atlanta with my fiance for two years. He had a demanding career, and I found myself spending much of my time alone in a city where I had no family and had only just started to make new friends. It just wasnt working. Though I loved him more than anything, in the end we decided to part ways. It wasnt a decision that came easily; the intense combination of love and fear made choosing what to do seem nearly impossible. The worry I could never move on or would never find someone else had me at a standstill until trusted friends and loved ones finally asked, But what if you do? What if you move to New York and your life turns out better than you ever thought it would? I thought about that. Could I really do it? Could I really move across the country and start my life over? They thought I could. They believed in me; they gave me the courage to see in myself what they saw in me. But what if I do? ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Related: 15 Best Trip Destinations for Solo Female Travelers Sophie Mendel So I did. The decision was made, but I knew I couldnt start a new life without taking a moment to pause and process everything, and acknowledge all I was leaving behind. I booked a flight to Vietnam. While I have taken many trips alone, this one was special more important, somehow. I spent so much of my life in Atlanta by myself, but with this trip I wanted to take back the power to choose to be on my own. I wanted to remember that I was strong and capable and could face this alone. I knew it would be the first step on a long road to healing and self-rediscovery. Vietnam had been on my radar for some time; I had been wanting to go back to Southeast Asia, and it seemed like the perfect place to reconnect with nature, experience a new culture, and meet notoriously friendly, welcoming travelers an important consideration as a solo traveler. Having visited 50 countries (and many of them solo), I was already a fairly seasoned traveler, but it had been a while since I had taken an international trip by myself. At age 29, part of me felt like I might be a bit too old for backpacking and staying in hostels an experience most often reserved for younger 20-somethings fresh out of college, or European students taking the summer off. I was feeling especially down on myself considering I had just been about to get married and start a family, and now here I was, single, nearly 30, and about to take yet another solo trip across the world. What if I didnt make friends? What if people were unfriendly and I spent the entire trip feeling sad and lonely? My old fears and anxieties about traveling alone started to bubble up, as they always did before a big trip. But I steeled myself against my doubts and tried to lean into living my Eat, Pray, Love moment with confidence and excitement. My plan was to fly into Hanoi and make the city my home base, traveling to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay from there before flying back to New York. After a redeye flight and 10-hour layover in Istanbul, I finally made it to Vietnam. The second I stepped out of the airport into the sweltering heat of the afternoon, I felt a jolt of excitement rush through me; this was happening. I hopped in a cab to Central Backpackers Hostel and took it all in; the endless motorbikes zooming past on all sides, some with entire families riding on a single bike, and street vendors in traditional non la hats perched in villages built along the highway. The honking, beeping, and complete chaos awakened something in me I hadnt felt for a long time. I arrived at my hostel in Hanois Old Quarter and went on a walk through the area. Though I had been to Southeast Asia before, this was completely different from anything I had ever experienced. The lingering French colonial influence was evident in the citys architectural style, but the buildings and sidewalks covered in vines and lush, tropical greenery felt distinctly Vietnamese. Sophie Mendel The intense humidity didnt deter the locals from eating bowls of piping hot pho on every street corner, and tiny food stalls selling banh mi and bun cha lined every block. I strolled through the winding maze of streets, dodging ceaseless motorbikes, street vendors, and cars, wishing my eyes were capable of taking in even more of it all at once. I made my way through shops and cafes until I reached Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city. As I walked along the lakeside path, the waterfront was alive with groups of women taking dance classes, men practicing tai chi, families with children on a late afternoon stroll, and teenagers giggling and snapping pictures on their phones. To me it seemed like the perfect snapshot of everyday life in Hanoi. As I walked along the busy Vietnamese street, completely alone, dripping with sweat, I felt perfectly in my element. I thought to myself once again ... but what if you do? I noticed right away how safe I felt in Hanoi; there was no catcalling or leering from the locals; everyone was extremely respectful and kept to themselves. My biggest concern was getting hit by a motorbike when crossing the seemingly lawless streets, and I quickly learned to keep my head on a swivel and cross with locals whenever possible. As dusk began to fall, I hailed a tuk tuk back to the hostel, which was an exciting and inexpensive way to see the city after dark. Without the need to pay heed to oncoming traffic, I rode leisurely through the streets. I was captivated by the scenes of the city, as local shop owners started to prepare for the evening rush, motorbikes zoomed by beside us, and street vendors packed up for the day. My awe must have been visible, as my driver began pointing things out to me, feeding off my excitement, eager to show me everything and anything I might find interesting. I could tell he was trying to see the city through my eyes and imagine what it looked like to me, feeling as though he was seeing it all for the first time. Sophie Mendel I arrived at the hostel and got myself ready for the night they were hosting a free pub crawl starting on the rooftop terrace, which seemed like as good a place as any to try my hand at making friends. Though I was a bit nervous at first, I walked in and instantly met three other American girls who were eager to chat and socialize. From there we met other travelers from Ireland, England, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and everywhere in between, all of whom couldnt have been friendlier or more accepting. As a solo female traveler, Ive often found going out on organized tours through the hostel is the best way to experience a citys nightlife safely and with other like-minded people from around the world, who can look out for you and will be returning to the same place at the end of the night. And in a city as hectic as Hanoi, that was certainly the case. We stayed out most of the night, visiting Beer Street and ending with late-night banh mi sandwiches. It was the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Sophie Mendel Over the next few days, I went on a walking tour with other travelers from the hostel and saw the rest of the sites, including the French Quarter, ancient Buddhist temples, and a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Theater, and ate some of the best food Ive ever tasted at local restaurant Bep Viet (address: 1b Ng. Bao Khanh, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam). I thought back to my arrival in Hanoi, remembering a sign welcoming people into the city that stated Hanoi, the City for Peace. And at first I thought it quite ironic, as Hanoi is easily one of the most chaotic cities Ive ever visited. But after spending a bit more time there, I couldnt help but realize the description rang true: Hanoi managed to bring me inner peace something I had been reaching for and struggling to attain for months before my trip. It helped me come back to myself and remember who I was and who I wanted to be. Sophie Mendel Next up on my jaunt through northern Vietnam was Ninh Binh. I decided to take a full-day tour from Hanoi, since it was only around two-and-a-half hours from the city. Ninh Binh was breathtaking. Everything we did there was simply spectacular, from biking through the lush countryside with views of glistening rice paddies and soaring green mountains to taking a traditional boat ride through a peaceful river valley, with landscapes reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Sophie Mendel We ended the long but fruitful day with a near-vertical hike to the top of a mountain overlooking the valley we had boated through below. While the stiflingly hot weather had let up a bit by late afternoon, the 500-stair climb left me breathless and pouring with sweat. The steps were so steep and slippery I feared I wouldnt be able to make it all the way to the top ... and if I did, I thought, how on earth was I going to make it back down again? But I pressed on, knowing the view at the summit would be worth it, forcing myself to think of nothing else. Finally I made it to the top, climbing up to the very peak on all fours. When I eventually allowed myself to gaze out at the view, it was sensational. I looked out over the endless valley, taking in the vibrant greens, stark browns, and pale yellows of the landscape, the bluest sky, and the bright red of Vietnamese flags blowing in the wind. I felt invincible. I felt alive. Fighting through the heat, the fear, the climb, and the physical and emotional exhaustion was all worth it to reach the pinnacle. The feeling was unmatched; to see a view so unimaginably beautiful laid out before me, and knowing I couldnt have arrived at that point without first going through the challenges that brought me there. As I stood there sweaty, tired, and proud of what I had accomplished, I couldn't help but believe that everything was going to be alright. I realized there was a lesson in that hike: When life gets daunting, just take it slowly, step by step, and youll make it out just fine in the end. Sophie Mendel The final leg of my journey brought me to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. I signed up for a two-night, three-day excursion with Halong Hideaway tours who took care of everything from start to finish, which I was so grateful for, as it would have been nearly impossible to navigate my way from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay on my own. We left from Hanoi by bus, then took a speedboat-ferry, then another bus, and then another ferry to finally arrive at our destination, which was an enormous yacht equipped with two Jacuzzis, spacious cabins with private balconies, and three top decks with breathtaking views of the surrounding bay. Regardless of the taxing travel day, it was great to be in a phenomenally beautiful locale with fellow travelers who were ready to relax and have a good time. We cruised through the bay, astounded by the otherworldly limestone karsts jutting out from the water. Over the course of the next few days, we cruised to hidden beaches, hiked and biked around Cat Ba Island, kayaked through the bay, and enjoyed parties on the boat with people from all over the world. I spent a lot of time with other travelers of all ages and backgrounds, all with different stories, and found each person friendlier than the next. They were people I never would have met otherwise, doing anything else. We couldnt have been more different, but we were all connected by the here and now. I was touched by the understanding, compassion, and genuine concern of other travelers, especially the younger ones, when they heard my story, and was moved by their insightful responses and advice. A young Irish couple told me to romanticize New York. Its the city; anything can happen there, they said, encouraging me to get excited about my fresh start. Others told me to be patient" and that whats meant for me would come in time. Sophie Mendel In the mornings I woke up early, before the rest of the ship began to stir, and sat in solitude up on the top deck. I savored the quiet time with the dramatic landscape all around me, admiring the ever-changing view as we glided through the ancient bay. It was in those slower moments, in the stillness of early morning, when I finally let myself stop to think, reflect, and just be. Vietnam had been good to me, I decided. Each day that passed had something exciting and new in store; I woke up with something to look forward to, which I hadn't felt in some time. It was good to have some perspective and to step away from the stress of my everyday life. However, I also acknowledged that at times throughout the trip, I felt bitterly alone and afraid. There were moments when I felt despair and sadness about losing the life I left behind. I knew I was entitled to those difficult moments and tried to just feel them rather than push them away, knowing that part of healing is going through it all and coming out on the other side better for it. Sophie Mendel Finally, it was time to make the journey back from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi. Drained from a long travel day, I decided to take a break from the hostel and spend my final evening in the luxurious (yet budget-friendly) Allure Hotel down the street, where I was greeted with warm Vietnamese hospitality and the cool flow of air conditioning. My trip to Vietnam was the perfect transition from my old life to the new one. It gave me time to grieve and space to think about everything from far away, instead of throwing myself right into something new before I was ready. It allowed me to get back out there and reignite my curiosity and excitement for the world. It brought me home to myself. Vietnam made me realize that no matter how much time passes, travel always welcomes you back like an old friend. Youre never too old (or too young) to get out there and start exploring everything this extraordinary world has to offer. This trip opened me up to self-love, self-rediscovery, and personal growth, and served as a reminder that sometimes its OK to take a leap of faith into the unknown. I know things still wont be perfect for a while as I process the ending of my most recent chapter, but Im ready to face whatever comes next with positivity and openness. For so long I was focused on the life I thought I should have, and not the life I actually wanted to have. Now Im determined to choose myself and do the things that make me feel happy and whole. The ache in my chest gets a little bit duller with each passing day, and while it still hurts, Ive started to let myself find joy in starting over. In the end, you might never solo travel the world, decide to radically change your story, or live a life thats most authentically yours. But what if you do? For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Key Takeaways Blue light blocking glasses claim to reduce eye strain and improve sleep, but theres no evidence to support these claims. If you experience digital eye strain, its more likely due to staring at the screen up close for hours at a time. To reduce eye strain, try to look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or longer for every 20 minutes of screen time. Blue light blocking glasses have become very popular over the last few years, but these glasses may not actually protect your eyes from the screen. A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggested that blue light glasses dont prevent eye strain or improve sleep qualitytwo key benefits that are often marketed by manufacturers. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement However, most eye health experts dont find the results surprising. Most vision scientists, most optometrists, most ophthalmologists have known for a long time that blue light from digital devices really doesnt pose any significant threat to the eyes or to the visual system at all, said Adam Gordon, OD, MPH, FAAO, chair of the department of optometry and vision science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Related: How Dry Eye Is Treated Is Blue Light Really Harmful? Your eyes can only see a small percent of the light waves called visible light. Every color of the rainbowincluding blue lightis found on the visible spectrum of light and the combination of these colors is what creates white light. Computers, TVs, and smartphone screens give off a lot of blue light. When consumers started spending more time in front of the screen, they began to worry about the increased exposure to blue light, according to Gordon. Thats an opportunity, of course, to market products, he said. Blue light glasses claim to filter out blue light to reduce eye strain or prevent sleep disturbances. But the standard blue light glasses only block out about 510% of blue light, according to Phillip Yuhas, OD, PhD, an optometrist and an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Do not expect to have any meaningful health benefits from wearing those glasses because the evidence just simply doesnt support it, Yuhas told Verywell. If you stare at a screen for a long time, you may experience headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, or other symptoms of digital eye strain. Staring at the computer can have some negative effects. It can cause your eyes to dry out and become uncomfortable. It puts stress on your eyes ability to work together as a team, it stresses your ability to focus up close, Yuhas said. The problem doesnt come from blue light exposure, but rather from staring at a screen up close for hours at a time, he added. To prevent eye strain, its best to take breaks from the screen. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 Rule, which means for every 20 minutes of screen time you should look at something thats at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds or longer. Related: Can Blue Light Harm Your Skin? Does Blue Light Disrupt Sleep? Blue light can keep your body from producing the hormone melatonin, which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. The sun is the main source of blue light, and you can actually benefit from blue light exposure during the day. In the daytime, blue light exposure helps suppress melatonin, according to Raj Maturi, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and an adjunct clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. But at night, the release of melatonin is supposed to help with sleep. A lot of bright lightespecially blue lighthitting our retinas causes our body not to produce melatonin, Maturi told Verywell. Without the melatonin, our sleep cycle is definitely affected, and we dont sleep as well. The best prevention is to reduce screen time before bed, Maturi said. If you have to use screens at night, he recommends cutting down on the output of blue light by using f.lux, dark mode, or night shift on your device. According to Yuhas, you should try to turn off your screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed. The worst thing that you can do is sit there and scroll through your phone before you go to bed. Its not going to damage your eyes, but it might affect your sleep, Yuhas said. Related: How Screen Light From Devices Affects Your Sleep Should You Ditch Your Blue Light Glasses? The new review noted negative side effects like headaches and discomfort from both blue light and non-blue light filtering glasses. However, there is not enough data to draw clear conclusions about the possible risks of wearing blue light glasses, according to Laura Downie, BOptom, PhD, a co-author of the review and an associate professor of optometry and vision sciences at the University of Melbourne. Most eye health experts dont seem concerned about any health risks from wearing blue light glasses. You may even experience a placebo effect and think you feel better while wearing them, according to Maturi. Besides the cost, theres no real downside to wearing blue light glasses. Its nice to see that its actually clearly stated in multiple studies now that it really doesnt matter. Its more of a fashion statement, Maturi said. Read Next: Effect of Blue Light Exposure on Eyes and Sleep What This Means For You Experts say that eye strain can also be caused by wearing an outdated prescription. If you feel symptoms of digital eye strain, you may want to speak with an eye care expert to see if you need a new prescription for your glasses. As fall approaches, we have so much to look forward to: crisp mornings, apple picking and pumpkin spice lattes, to name a few. But the arrival of fall also means cold and flu seasons are on the wayand the Eris variant means COVID cases are already climbing, along with hospitalizations. You've likely been getting messages from your doctor's office and pharmacy reminding you that it's time to schedule your vaccines, but should you get your COVID and flu shots at the same time? And if not, which one should be prioritized? Parade spoke with an infectious disease expert to find out. Here's what they had to say. The Ideal Time To Get Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot Even with the new surge in COVID cases, Dr. Shirin Mazumder, MD, an infectious disease expert at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, recommends waiting until the fall to get your COVID and flu vaccines. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "September or October is the ideal time to get vaccinated," she explains. "Immune protection from vaccines can wane over time, so the timing of vaccine administration is important. Obtaining the flu and COVID vaccines in September or October allows people to build immunity and have it last throughout the peak of the respiratory virus season." Related: Here's What COVID Symptoms Look Like Day by Day The exceptions, she says, are pregnant mothers in their third trimester so they can pass on protection to their babies, and children under the age of eight who are getting their flu vaccine for the first time. "Children in this category need two doses of the flu vaccine four weeks apart and this allows them time to get the second dose before the peak of flu season. " Related: What To Know About Flu Shot Side Effects Should You Space Out Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot? Last year, some people reported being completely taken down after getting the COVID booster and flu shot at the same time. While, medically, getting both shots together is completely safe, some people want to spare themselves the side effects. But, Dr. Mazumder says, this probably isn't a good idea: "It is safe to get a COVID booster and flu vaccine at the same time and may be better as it's a convenient option for many people. Coadministration of the flu vaccine and COVID booster ensures that people get all of their recommended vaccines in case they are not able to return for additional vaccine doses at a later time." That being said, if you do want to space out these vaccines, does it matter which one you get first? No, Dr. Mazumder says, explaining, "It does not make a difference if people get the flu vaccine or COVID vaccine first. There is no recommended waiting time between these vaccines." Related: How Exercise Could Make Your COVID Vaccine More Effective Other Tips To Protect Your Immune System This Fall Getting vaccinated with available vaccines is the single best thing you can do for your immune system this fall. Even if these shots don't protect you from getting COVID or the flu, they will make your symptoms milder. But there are other lifestyle tweaks that can help too. "Good hand washing, avoiding sick people when possible and wearing a high-quality mask in high-risk settings are additional precautions that can prevent respiratory viruses," Dr. Mazumder says. "Other healthy habits like eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise and reducing stress are also beneficial." Will you experience increased side effects if you get your COVID and flu shot at the same time? Maybe. But if you opt to get these shots in different arms (arm soreness is one of the most common side effects of both vaccines), you can reduce the side effects. Overall, doctors (and the CDC) feel that the benefits of coadministrationparticularly, the convenience factor, which increases the likelihood that you will get both shots this yearoutweigh the costs. So schedule your appointment for early September and get ready to roll up your shirtsleeves! Next up: The Most Common Symptoms of the COVID Variant Eris Sources Dr. Shirin Mazumder, MD, an infectious disease expert at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee Getting a Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine At the Same Time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Hair oils are believed to have a variety of benefits. They can moisturize your scalp and hair follicles, promote hair growth, and reduce the chances of hair falling out. But that isnt allsome hair oils even have therapeutic benefits, helping alleviate irritated scalp skin and reducing flaky dandruff. Basically, theyll make your hair look healthier and stronger overall. Meet the experts: Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, Dr. Ramya Garlapati, MD, Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of Skin Medicinals, and skincare expert, Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology on Long Island Wondering how hair oils can accomplish so much? Well for starters, they help kick sebum, your skins natural oil, into gear. Sebum is secreted by sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles, says says Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. By coating the hair shaft with oil, sebum helps soften and smooth hair and strengthens it to prevent breakage. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If you're new to using hair oils, rosemary oil is a pretty good place to start. As you may have seen on your TikTok FYP, it has many benefits for treating the scalp and hair, and this is one social media craze that actually has research to support its claims, says Dr. Ramya Garlapati, MD. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about using rosemary oil for hair growth, including how to use it and its potential side effects. What Is Rosemary Oil? This oil is extracted from the Rosemarinus officinalisor rosemaryplant, a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region that sprouts blue or whitish flowers. You're probably most familiar with this plant as a garnish for some of your favorite savory dishesit has an earthy taste and many powerful compounds that provide myriad health benefits. How Can Rosemary Oil Benefit Hair? Rosemary has been shown to have significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD. So, it can promote hair growth and prevent breakage by coating the hair with fortifying oils. In a 1998 randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 86 patients with alopecia areata, it was found that an aromatherapy essential oil blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood was way more effective than the placebo. Basically, rosemary oil has been found to be equally as effective as topical minoxidil, which treats androgenic alopecia, but its safe for all hair loss patients. Rosemary oil helps hair grow by blocking the effects of DHT, which is a type of testosterone that is normally responsible for shrinking hair follicles that can lead to hair loss, says Dr. Garlapati. It increases blood flow to hair follicles, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients promoting hair growth. It can also reduce scalp irritation from issues like dandruff because it is thought to be a vasodilator, meaning it increases blood flow in scalp skin, says Dr. Camp. This improved circulation is thought to help maintain hair in the growing phase and prevent shedding. Who Can Use Rosemary Oil? Anyone can use rosemary oil to treat their scalp, but its especially helpful for those experiencing dandruff, hair shedding, thinning, breakage, or lossin specific, those who may want to take a more natural approach to hair loss management or would like to add rosemary oil as a supplemental treatment to their regimen, says Dr. Garlapati. Just remember to discuss the cause of your hair loss with a dermatologist before trying an at-home treatment like rosemary oil. Others with more sensitive skin may want to use rosemary oil with caution to avoid skin irritation, Dr. Camp says. What Are The Side Effects Of Using Rosemary Oil On Hair? Its safe for all hair types, even color-treated hair, says Dr. Garlapati. There is little to no risk of any side effects, Dr. Penzi adds. However, Dr. Penzi points out that essential oils have biologically active components and may be toxic. Oils with high concentrations of aldehydes and phenols may cause skin irritation, she says. Essential oils containing high concentrations of ketones should be used cautiously in pregnant women and infants. Rosemary oil can also cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, so be on the lookout if youre noticing anything out of the ordinary going on with your scalp or hair. If you experience any irritation, stop using it. Even if you're not seeing any negative side effects, be wary of how often youre using it. When used in excess, rosemary oil can make thinner hair look greasy and feel weighted, Dr. Camp notes. How Long Does It Take To See Results From Using Rosemary Oil On Your Hair? If you're expecting to wake up the morning after using this oil with noticeable length or fullness, you're bound to be disappointed. Nothing works overnight and progress can be slowbut don't give up. "Keep in mind that hair changes in general are slow, and it will take a minimum of three to six months before seeing any noticeable results, Dr. Penzi adds. How To Use Rosemary Oil On Your Hair Rosemary oil can be used as a stand-alone treatment, and where you apply it should depend on what youre struggling with: When used to treat hair loss, it should be applied directly to the scalp," says Dr. Camp. "When used for treating damaged hair, it should be applied to the hair. Take a few drops and massage it right into your scalp to promote blood flow. Dr. Garlapati recommends leaving it on for at least ten minutes, and using it daily or a few times a week, and Dr. Penzi advises applying at night and washing it out in the morning. While applying the pure oil will probably be more effective, you can also put some drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and let it sit on your scalp for a few minutes to see if the benefits apply there too. It can also be added to a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, to dilute it, adds Dr. Camp. Also, BTW: there arent any known ingredients that interfere with rosemary oil, so Dr. Penzi says you shouldn't worry about using it alongside other products that might be in your haircare routine. And if you don't feel like using a bottle of essential oil from your local health food store, you can pick up one of these hair products that contain rosemary oil too. Happy moisturizing. Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil This daily use oil is also infused with biotin for locks that can withstand regular heat styling and damage. Shop Now Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil amazon.com $8.85 Rosemary Root Enhancer Spritz this directly onto roots and use your hands to massage the gentle formula into your scalp. Shop Now Rosemary Root Enhancer amazon.com $17.40 Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic A clever pre-cleanse that detoxifies the scalp and removes product build up to promote a healthy growth environment. Shop Now Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic amazon.com $11.98 Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist An everyday mist that combines rosemary oil with peppermint oil, horsetail leaf extract, and yucca leaf extract. Shop Now Rosemary Water Daily Strengthening Mist amazon.com $9.99 EverStrong Thickening Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Kit Use this shampoo and conditioner system with rosemary leaf extract to keep hair healthy and strong. Shop Now EverStrong Thickening Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Kit amazon.com $19.99 Scalp Serum Shield against shedding with this vegan and cruelty-free serum that has a lovely eucalyptus aroma. Shop Now Scalp Serum amazon.com $48.00 You Might Also Like Egypts Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone is getting a new textile factory. The general authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and Chinese industrial developer TEDA-Egypt announced Monday that they have laid the foundation stone of Egypt Cady Textiles, a $60 million, 145,500-square-meter facility that they say will produce high-end, environmentally friendly textiles and intelligent seamless garments using smart manufacturing methods. More from Sourcing Journal ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Comprising six buildings that will be constructed in three phases, the first of which will begin this year and end before the close of 2024, Egypt Cady Textiles is poised to deliver an annual output of 50,000 tons of polyester fabric and 8 million pieces of seamless clothing amounting to some $150 million in sales, the organizations said. Egypts strategic geographical location has given it a key position in the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinas $1 trillion plan to build infrastructure and telecommunications networks across Africa, Asia and Europe. Its for this reason their bilateral relationship has seen significant growth over the years, complete with an outpouring of economic and trade investments. Im happy to lay the foundation stone for the Cady Egypt project, Lai Siqing, Vice Chairman of TEDA China-Africa, said in a statement. I want to thank SCZONE for creating a favorable work environment and supporting Chinese companies, in coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the industrial developer TEDA Egypts existence and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Lai noted that Egypt Cady Textiless listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange expresses the strength of this company, which will be geared largely toward export to Europe and the United States. The factory, TEDA-Egypts largest to date, is part of the development companys broader expansion in the Sokhna zone Gulf of Suezs western shore, where it operates more than 130 industrial and service facilities with investments amounting to $1.6 billion. We are proud of the diversity of the projects being held within SCZONE, especially the fruitful partnership with Chinese investments, which is expected to witness more cooperation in the coming months, SCZONE chairman Waleid Gamal El-Dein said. We are keen on supporting the textile sector, for which SCZONE provides the infrastructure, legislative frameworks, and trade agreements that allow access to neighboring markets. Click here to read the full article. Restrictions limiting vessel flow through the Panama Canal will be in place for at least 10 more months. Only 32 vessels are permitted to move through the critical passageway each day instead of the usual 34 to 36, according to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), which is extending the restrictions through July instead of the original Sept. 2 end date. The news comes as the peak shipping season gets underway for U.S. retailers. More from Sourcing Journal ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Monday morning saw 123 vessels queued at the Panama Canal, including 50 that booked a transit reservation and 73 waiting without an appointment. This is up from the usual 90 or so watercraft, the authority said. However, 123 marks a decline from the 161 the authority reported on Aug. 10, suggesting improvements in cargo and commodity flow at the canal. The waterways deputy administrator, Ilya Espino, has urged vessel owners to reserve slots ahead of time to avoid delays. Container ships get priority passage over dry bulk carriers carrying grain, coal and iron; liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers; and other non-containerized vessels since they operate on more regular schedules. Ships cant exceed a depth of 44 feet because of the Panama Canas unusually low water levels. This means container ships, bulk carriers and tankers must ditch some cargo to meet depth requirements. Wait times this month averaged 10.4 days for northbound craft and 9.3 for southbound, higher than the respective 6.6- and 5.6-day averages in July. So far, while general waiting times have increased, container ships have not been significantly impacted by the restrictions in the Panama Canal. Most ocean carriers have had to reduce the load on their ships, but so far that hasnt had a significant effect on schedules and freight rates, Jena Santoro, senior manager of supply chain risk at Everstream Analytics, told Sourcing Journal. However, if container lines are forced to continue to load less containers, we could see issues for U.S. companies trying to replenish inventories ahead of the year-end holiday season, for everything from Christmas decorations to furniture and toys. Issues at the Panama Canal dont seem to be affecting retail operations just yet, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). NRF members have not indicated they have encountered significant delays due to the Panama Canal restrictions, an NRF spokesperson told Sourcing Journal. They continue to monitor the situation and work with their supply chain partners to address any issues that arise. Nate Herman, senior vice president of policy at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), also noted that the collectives members are closely watching the Panama Canal situation. The longer the water level concerns last, the more serious the impacts on our broader supply chains, Herman said. The Panama Canal is critical to the industry and the impact of climate change is clearly presenting itself in new ways, ensuring that businesses look closer at ways to mitigate both our environmental impacts and our operational risks. Everstream Analytics chief meteorologist Jon Davis expects the disruption wont go away anytime soon because Lake Gatun, the water body that feeds the canal, is still far shallower than it should be. The lake was 79.6 feet deep on Monday, below the 85.3 feet it averaged in August over the past five years. Davis doesnt see any potential for near-term water level improvements because the drought is linked to El Nino, the climate pattern responsible for higher temperatures and less rain to the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Davis said El Nino should continue as an area of concern into 2024. The short-term forecast into early September looks problematica continuation of below normal rainfall across Panama and well above normal temperatures, Davis said. Many freight brokers advise clients who typically route cargo through the Panama Canal to use the Suez Canal instead. But there are other options, according to Glenn Koepke, general manager of network collaboration at FourKites. For example, shippers could send cargo toward Chiles Strait of Magellan or around the tip of South America, but this will add significant transit days as well as operating expense for vessel operators, Koepke said. The current approach for vessels that are too heavy is offloading the cargo and having it shipped via rail across Panama and then reloaded onto the vessel, Koepke said. Shippers could also use the West Coast ports, and then ship freight via truck or rail across the U.S., adding up to about two weeks to transit times. Click here to read the full article. Ray Garcias celebrated Broken Spanish in Downtown Los Angeles was among the tens of thousands of restaurants across the country shuttered permanently by the pandemic. Now, just a few blocks away from where his groundbreaking Mexican restaurant stood, hes back with a new restaurant where hes looking further south for inspiration. Over the weekend Garcia opened Que Barbaro, a celebration of open-fire South American cooking inside a new development near L.A. Live where the Lakers and Clippers play and the Grammys are held. The menu will pull from flavors across South America, but the impetus for the restaurant is a little closer to home for Garcia. My wifes family is from Argentina, Garcia told Eater LA. Going to her familys house for the first time and having an asado, it was amazing. The meats on the grill, the conversation, the joy and laughter, and just that ritual of bringing lives togetherI want to tap into that cultural experience and put it in the center of the dining room. More from Robb Report ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Garcia first set up shop in the neighborhood nearly a decade ago. At Broken Spanish and B.S. Taqueria he blended his fine dining training with experiences he had growing up as a Mexican-American kid in Los Angeles and created playful takes on foods like pork chicharron and camote (candied sweet potatoes). The restaurant became part of a larger movement of Mexican fine dining, pushing the cuisine to get the respect it long deserved. Broken Spanish closed in August of 2020, unable to push through the financial hardships of the pandemic. He revived the restaurant with a residency at the Neuehouse and last year he returned to Downtown L.A., opening the California Cuisine-inspired Asterid inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This new restaurant lets him lean into Latin flavors again in the City of Angels. Chef Ray Garcia Drawing on the tradition of open-fire Argentine cooking, the menu is packed with meats. Once dubbed the King of Porc for his victory at the Cochon 555 cooking competition, Garcia is looking more in the direction of beef at Que Barbaro. Theres tira de asado, a 16 oz. short rib; the picahna, a 10 oz. American Wagyu sirloin; bife de lomo, an 8 oz. prime tenderloin; and then the big boy, the costilla gaucha, a 30 oz. bone-in short rib for two served with leaf lettuces, sweet potato, and chimichurri. For those looking for dishes from the hearth not of the bovine persuasion, Garcia is serving up oyster mushroom with black garlic and cambray onion; prawns with aji Amarillo, pineapple, and pichuberry; and half-chicken with roasted shallot, aji verde, and squashini. Que Barbaro isnt the first time Garcias menu has been influenced by his wifes Argentine roots. Back at B.S. Taqueria he had a torta inspired by South American Milanese where in a fun twist he subbed out the traditional for chicken and pork and served a breaded slab of beet in sandwich form. Views of Downtown Los Angeles from the dining room The cocktail program will be led by Devon Espinosa, who is stocking the bar with plenty of spirits from across Latin America including Colombian aguardientes, Brazilian cachacas, Peruvian and Chilean piscos, Caribbean rums, Bolivian singanis, and plenty of agave bottles. Expect riffs on South American classic cocktails like the Pisco Sour and the Caipirinha. The new restaurant is part of a larger development called Level 8 at the Moxy and AC Hotels with indoor and outdoor spaces housing eight separate restaurant and bar concepts that also includes a shabu shabu restaurant, Lucky Mizu, from Joel Robuchon alum Hisae Stuck. Garcia will also open Brown Sheep, a fast casual Mexican-inspired spot on the terrace that will look like a food truck. Click here for more photos of Que Barbaro. que barbara slideshow cover photo Culinary Masters 2023 Dont miss the food event of the year. Register for Robb Reports Culinary Masters now. Or, for more information on Robb Report experiences, visit RR1. 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. Love Island fans are rejoicing after season eight winners Ekin-Su CulculoAlu and Davide Sanclimenti appeared to have rekindled their romance, just two months after announcing their split. On Monday 28 August, the British-born Turkish actor seemingly confirmed that she and the Italian model are back together in an Instagram post. CulculoAlu shared several photos from her 29th birthday celebrations in Turkey, captioning the post: Favourite pics from the Motherland #birthday. In one photo, the rekindled couple could be seen smiling and gazing into each others eyes, as Sanclimenti held CulculoAlu close to him. Another image showed the two both dressed in white and posing for the camera. Sanclimenti wrapped his arm around CulculoAlus waist, while she placed her hand on his back. Fans of the former couple - who announced in June that they had broken up after nearly a year of dating - instantly rushed to the comments as they declared that love really isnt dead. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement MOM AND DAD ARE BACK TOGETHER, one Instagram user proclaimed under CulculoAlus post. I have officially died! My mom and dad are back together, another fan said. So glad you two are back together, a third follower wrote. Meanwhile, others expressed how glad they were that CulculoAlu and Sanclimenti were able to reunite after a brief separation. This is a very normal relationship. Couples break up and sometimes get back together, a fan commented. I am glad you both found a way back to each other. As long as you are both happy, then nothing else matters. Sanclimenti joined in on the fun when he left a red heart and side eye emoji in the comments, seemingly fuelling even more speculation that the two are back together. The pair were rumoured to have rekindled the romance earlier this week, when the Italian entrepreneur shared solo photos of himself in CulculoAlus ancestral country. In a recent video posted to his Instagram Story, Sanclimenti also teased fans when he shared a clip of him and CulculoAlu walking on the beach in Turkey. Ive found someone I think I know, he wrote over the video, as CulculoAlu appeared on camera in a black bikini. To celebrate CulculoAlus 29th birthday, Sanclimenti also shared a separate Instagram Story of the Love Island winner drinking a glass of champagne. He seemingly alluded to their recent breakup when he captioned the post: Despite all the storms, I wanted to make this day special for you... Enjoy the moment, make a wish and blow hard. Happy birthday, @ekinsuofficial. The soap opera star later shared the same picture on her Instagram Stories, adding: Surprising me like always, thank you for a good birthday. On 29 June, Sanclimenti announced that he and CulculoAlu had broken up, just 10 months after they were declared winners of the popular ITV reality dating show in August 2022. Ekin-Su and I are no longer together. I am grateful for the memories and opportunities we shared together and I wish her nothing but the best, he wrote on his Instagram Story at the time. I would like for everybody to respect this decision during this difficult time, I will continue to support Ekin in any way possible. Prior to their split, the two sparked engagement rumours when a video showed the Italian reality star gifting CulculoAlu a 1,000 Cartier Love ring from a box and placing it on her engagement finger. However, Sanclimenti later denied speculation that the two were engaged during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, saying: I gave a ring because now we are officially together, we love each other, we live together... I thought she deserved something on her hands. Lupita Nyong'o is remembering her former co-star, the late Chadwick Boseman, three years after his passing with a poignant post shared on social media. Earlier today, the Us actress shared a black and white photo she took of Boseman about five years ago while traveling in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, presumably for a press tour ahead of the Feb. 2018 release of Marvel's Black Panther film in which they both starred. "Three years ago today, I experienced a singular pain at the news of @chadwickboseman's death," the 40-year-old movie star began in the caption of her Aug. 28 Instagram post. "The confusion was so profound that it took months to trust the feeling of joy again." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This is a photo I took on film at the airport as we arrived in South Korea in 2018," Nyong'o explained, adding, "We had just learned to do the baby heart with our fingers. Here Chadwick was adding his suave flare ." Nyong'o continued, fondly recalling the trip and her friendship with Boseman, "We spent a glorious 72 hours there, and the memory fills me with so much joy. >>> 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 <<< "Death is hard to understand, maybe even harder to accept," she admitted before concluding with an inspired lesson, "But the love generated from the life he lived will fuel every anniversary marking his absence. Chadwick may no longer be in our photos, but he will always be in our hearts." Fellow Hollywood stars, including Kerry Washington, Elaine Welteroth, Mike Colter, and Katie Couric, honored Boseman's legacy with emojis and sweet messages of love in the comments. "We miss him dearly. Sending you LOVE ," wrote Washington, while Welteroth, Colter and Couric left heart and praise emojis. Boseman died in August 2020 at the age of 43, following a four-year battle with colon cancer, leaving behind his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward. Next: Anthony Mackie Was So Intimidated Working With One Legendary Actor, He Forgot His Lines Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG Fashion These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Monday. IMG reveals New York Fashion Week programming New York Fashion Week's official organizer and operator, IMG, has released its full schedule of programming for the upcoming season. Events happening alongside the shows include a fashion show supporting HBCU alumni-owned brands hosted by UPS, select NYC restaurants (including Indochine and Jac's on Bond) featuring NYFW-exclusive menu items and Tresemme holding an interactive space and hair salon in Spring Studios. The Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom, which spotlights emerging Black designers, will be back for a seventh season. The full programming schedule is available for viewing at NYFW.com/schedule. {Fashionista inbox} How publicists make an "It" girl For Business of Fashion, Diana Pearl speaks to the stylists and publicists of today's "It" girls to examine how those who hold the title reached the elusive status. Ivy Getty, the 28-year-old heiress, worked with Savannah Engel, founder of the PR firm Savi, to have her nuptials covered in Vogue Weddings. Since then, the two have strategized how to maximize Getty's personal brand. Getty has since received media training, boosted her social media presence and now makes consistent appearances at public-facing events. "Our goal is not at all to make her famous," said Engel. "Our goal is to create her brand. It's not about the next two years, it's the next 10 to 15 years." {Business of Fashion/paywalled} JCPenney x Jason Bolden. Photo: Courtesy of JCPenney View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Celebrity stylist Jason Bolden partners with JCPenney Through a new partnership, stylist to the stars Jason Bolden is taking over J.Ferrar and Worthington two of JCPenney's private brands. The collections said to offer an "innovative take on tailored suiting and chic staples" according to a press release will be available in select stores and online, beginning Sept. 7, with additional styles to be released the following month. "I want to give everyone a space and an opportunity to express themselves and feel like they have moments where they can walk through the world with impact," said Bolden in a press release. JCPenney's Chief Merchandising Officer, Michelle Wlazlo, added, "It's been truly amazing working with Jason on these collections. You can see his creativity, keen eye and sense of style in every piece and I'm so proud of this first-ever stylist collaboration for JCPenney." Want the latest fashion industry news first? Sign up for our daily newsletter. A Brazilian expert has emphasized the importance of cooperation when talking about the BRICS expansion, saying the isolationist posture is doomed to failure. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Rachel Comey is returning to the runway with a New York Fashion Week show scheduled for Sept. 6 at 3 p.m.. in SoHos Shinbone Alley. Its a pretty, picturesque, cinematic alleyway thats right by my studio and store. I always walk by and we have done a photo shoot there once before. Its just a charming little city nook, said the designer, who has also hired a new company president, and is shifting into retail growth mode. More from WWD ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Comey makes grown-up clothes with an artistic sensibility and counts Michelle Obama, Tracee Ellis Ross, Maggie Gyllenhaal , Zosia Mamet and Rashida Jones among her fans. The last time she had a runway show was in September 2021, when she celebrated her 20th anniversary in business by staging a full-on happening at Spring Studios, a celebration of movement choreographed by contemporary dance and performance artist Beth Gill. This show will also be performance based. This particular season were doing a collaboration with Joan Jonas , who is a groundbreaking performance artist who has lived and worked in this neighborhood for 50 years, Comey said. And shes got this incredible catalogue of work and ephemera around her expression and practice that we have been playing with making textiles. Because we have that, it lends itself to the storytelling of doing a show. Im hoping to cast some young performance artists, too, to connect the legacy of her career to younger artists working today. Those types of community things always really inspire and excite me. Jonas, 87, has been practicing performance art since the 70s. Often basing her pieces on myths, rituals and poems, she draws, paints, recites text and wears costumes and masks as part of her performances. In May, she partnered with Woolmark Company on a film bringing the Woolmark Prize finalists work to life. Titled Dialogue, the film was a contemporary restaging of one of Jonas most influential performances, Delay Delay (1972). Also in September, the brand is welcoming a new company president, Julie Discours-Rabin, most recently the president of Area, who comes with two decades of experience at Nanushka, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Barbara Bui, Versace and Sonia Rykiel. Julie Discours-Rabin She brings to the table a lot of experience, talent and vision we didnt yet have on the team, Comey said. Weve spent the last eight years building structures and dealing with logistics. Our current president, who is great, set those goals and completed them. Its nice now to bring on someone like Julie who comes from wholesale, from merchandising, from business strategy. Its an exciting collaboration Im very much looking forward to. In October, the brand will open its fourth store, on Fillmore Street in San Francisco, adding to the fresh fashion momentum in the city. Its the right time. Business is great, it was such a roller coaster through the pandemic and then we all got projected out of the cannon when life started happening again. Were up 10 percent from last year and are looking for ways to grow, like the San Francisco store, said Comey, who currently has three stores Crosby Street in New Yorks SoHo, Smith Street in Brooklyn and Melrose Place in Los Angeles. The newest will be 1,600 square feet. Weve always had a pretty strong customer base in San Francisco that traveled to our New York and L.A. stores and shopped on e-commerce as well. Our collection suits the vibe there. Fillmore has so much to offer in the way of community-based things a wine store, legacy book store, hair and beauty and other independent like-minded boutiques. And also the restaurants and coffee shops. Theres a vibrancy happening on the street, Comey said. San Francisco gets a bad rap, and downtown I get it, but there are so many other vibrant things happening. I love going there; I connect with it personally. Its so beautiful. Rachel Comeys spring 2022 runway show. Comey has been conservative when it comes to retail. Her last permanent store opened in 2016 in L.A., and she had a pop-up in Paris in 2020. Its been obvious the past couple years and through the pandemic how important it is to connect directly to the customer and how valuable that relationship is, she said. For me, its super inspiring to hear about the lifestyle of our customers, what they are doing, where they are going and how their lives have changed. Its nice to go where the customers are, too, and connect with a new community. The brand may be looking for more retail real estate opportunities in future. The great asset about Rachel Comey is we dress a woman from head to toe, for events, to go to work, its a lifestyle brand, Discours-Rabin said. Thats why were so successful in our retail stores. I was reading a report and the average time our client is spending in the store is one hour. Because they feel so good, like they are part of the family. Theres something very special about the experience we are providing in our stores. Wholesale is about half of the business now, and Comey and Discours-Rabin do not intend to pull back on it even as they open more brand stores. I feel so close with the buyers at all the boutiques, especially the founder-led ones where we connect over our customers and community. And also the value of designing clothes for peoples lifestyles, its super important, said Comey, whose clothes are sold at Hampden in Charleston, South Carolina, and Kick Pleat in Austin, Texas, among others. Julie will be able to bring a new perspective to that and structure it as well. Rachel Comey Fall 2023 After COVID-19, weve seen some e-comm players start to struggle. And Im not saying retail is amazing right now, but people are going back to shop in store because its important, Discours-Rabin said. Also, for many strategic reasons, its a key element for the development of the brand. Eighty percent of our wholesale partners are domestic, so there is a huge opportunity internationally. And if you are thinking of opening a retail store, wholesale is a way to test the appetitein Paris or Stockholm, for example. It gives you so much information about the market. The executive has been a fan of the brand for a long time. I moved to New York from Paris in 2012 because I was fascinated by the energy and how all the American designers were bringing something new and fresh to the industry, she said. Rachel Comey was one of the first brands I visited in store, because I saw so many girls wearing the cool denim. The brand totally fits my aesthetic Im one of the key accounts, maybe. I worked for different brands and sometimes the aesthetic was not my personal taste, but who cares? When you have to develop a business you look at opportunity. But this is a big plus. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Pappy Van Winkle is a name that needs no introduction. The most coveted brand of bourbon on the planet is released every autumn in painfully limited allocations. Bourbon fanatics go crazy for its smooth-yet-assertive profile, the result of meticulous maturation and a mashbill marked by the presence of sweet wheat. But its the distinctive recipe of high demand and short supply that's most responsible for the whiskeys notoriously inflated pricing. Thankfully, another venerated name is here to help you score a full suite of Pappy bourbons on the cheapand its benefiting a great cause. On September 28, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana is raffling off the five bottle lineup, ranging from 10 to 23 years in age, in a live drawing in Louisville. But you neednt be in Kentucky that day to win. You simply have to be holding a $100 raffle ticket. They went on sale here at the beginning of the month. These five coveted bottles offered as a group directly support sick children and their families, says Hal Hedley, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana. Its a win-win for everyone. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser benefit families who must travel to the region to receive urgent medical treatment for their children. Held since 2019, the annual event has become known locally as the Pappy Raffle, and has raised over $1.2 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities during that time. Courtesy Image This year, the organizers have sweetened the pot by getting the brands legendary founder (and third generation Kentucky bourbon-maker) Julian Van Winkle III to sign all the bottles. The winner also gets a curated basket of bourbon-barrel-aged sundries including maple syrup and pepper sauce. But lets be real: Its the whiskey you really want. And countless families in Kentucky and Indiana are quite thankful you do. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Indeed, even if youre not from this part of the countryencompassing two prolific whiskey-making states on either side of the Ohio RiverHedley and crew will still ship the winner their boozy prize anywhere in the U.S. that's legally allowed, of course. So the math is pretty straightforward: Put your hundred in the pile, help out families in need, and potentially win a cache of bourbon valued at over $6,000 on the secondary market. There is one catch, however Weve chosen to only sell 1,984 tickets, adds Hedley. It commemorates the year 1984, when Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana first opened its doors to families. Thankfully you can purchase multiple tickets at a time. So buy early and buy often. Southern California may be home to Hollywood stars and the Happiest Place on Earth, but it's also home to more wild animals than many people think. There are the normal suburban residents, like raccoons and possums, but there are also some larger animals prowling in the hills. Many mountain lions have their homes in the Santa Monica mountains, for example. There are so many cougars (that's another name for mountain lion) in the area that the National Park Service has been studying the animal population there since 2002. Researchers are interested to know how the wild animals are "surviving in a fragmented and urbanized environment, according to ABC News. And thanks to this study, two new mountain lion kittens were recently discovered! Earlier this month, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area posted an adorable video of the two wild kittens on their Facebook page. It's not surprising to see what a response the brother and sister have gotten from their Southern California neighbors. Make sure to watch it with your sound up! They're so adorable! These babies may not have gotten the hang of using their voices quite yet, but they'll be all grown up before we know it. In fact, this video is a great reminder of how the most unapproachable animals can be some of the most adorable, too. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement As Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area explained, these two mountain lion kittens will be known as P-116 (female) and P-117 (male). Their mother is P-106, who the National Park Service has previously met. If their letter and number names sound familiar, you're likely remembering the famous mountain lion P-22 who was euthanized at an old 12 years of age. When the kitten's mother is away hunting or looking for food, den biologists will approach the den, remove the kittens for a short health assessment, and place them back in the den. Don't worry--someone is always tracking Mom's movements! Wild cougars can be unpredictable, just like any animal, so the utmost precaution is always taken. Working with animals can come with risks, but many agree that it's well worth ensuring they grow up happy and healthy. Besides, adorable animal videos like this one happen as a result! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. READ THE COMMENTS Are you curious about that new restaurant on La Cienega Boulevard? The one with the social media star chef running the kitchen? Ive probably watched Tue Nguyens Thit Kho cooking video on TikTok 1,000 out of the 1.1 million views it has on the platform. The same goes for her rice paper egg rolls and chicken porridge videos. Nguyen, who goes by Tway Da Bae (@twaydabae) on social media, is funny and relatable, talking you through her recipes like a friend. In one video, she accidentally breaks her beautiful jade bracelet while smashing cloves of garlic. She lets out a pained Noooooooo after the mineral cracks on the cutting board. I could feel her pain. As could the 6.5 million other people who watched the video. When I heard that Nguyen was opening a restaurant with the h.wood group, the hospitality company behind some of the vibiest restaurants and nightlife spots around the country, I made a reservation. Bo Luc Lac and Tuna Tartare at Di Di The tuna tartare from Di Di in West Hollywood. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) Di Di is a Vietnamese restaurant, only Tway-nized. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The banh xeo are turned into crunchy, coconut crepe taco shells. Mae ploy sweet chile sauce is reimagined as Tway ploy. To dine at Di Di is to fully immerse yourself in Tway world. I really wanted it to be a Vietnamese restaurant thats not just about the pho or the banh mi, she says on a recent call. Me growing up in Vietnam, theres so many other dishes that I love. Nguyens bo luc lac is one of my favorite renditions of the dish. Its a nod to her father, who frequently orders the beef at Vietnamese restaurants. Bo luc lac, or shaking beef, is named for the way you shake the pan while cooking. Nguyen marinates her beef in a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic and sambal. She sears the beef in a wok, then gives it a good shake, adding even more of the marinade to the pan. The beef ends up saturated in the salty, garlicky marinade, perfectly caramelized and a just a tad sweet. Read more: How to eat pho: A Vietnamese food crawl with Jeannie Mai Jenkins She serves the beef as a salad, tossed into a jumble of super fresh watercress, tons of mint, cilantro and basil dressed in a tart lime vinaigrette. Slivers of pickled onion and halved cherry tomatoes add nice pops of freshness to the heavily marinated beef. Its everything you could ever want in a single bowl. And yes, its good on rice. Her tuna tartare is another standout in a bowl, with squares of tuna, jicama, avocado and cucumber swimming in a tamarind and pickled garlic vinaigrette. Nguyen serves it alongside a giant puffy rice cracker coated in makrut lime dust. I drank whatever dressing was left in the bowl. It feels so surreal and I genuinely am in such a state of gratitude every day, says Nguyen. Its different when you get support online versus when you have support in person. Its a whole other thing when people take the initiative, make a reservation, take time out of their day. Will Nguyens restaurant signal a possible shift in who gets to open a restaurant and how? Owen Han (@Owen.han), if youre reading this, please open a sandwich shop. Souffle pancakes from Gram Cafe Premium souffle pancakes from Gram Cafe in Monterey Park. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) This wasn't intended to be a TikTok-focused column, but here we are. It's my app of choice for scrolling when I can't sleep. In your own scrolling, you may have come across plates of wobbly souffle pancakes. I'm late to the trend, and there more than a handful of restaurants serving up plates of fluffy pancakes around Los Angeles and Orange County. During a recent visit to the Atlantic Times Square mall in Monterey Park (they have a good Daiso there), my mom suggested we try Gram Cafe. The Japanese pancake chain started in Osaka almost a decade ago, and now has more than 60 locations around the world. The specialty here is the Premium pancake, or the restaurant's name for a souffle pancake. The teetering stacks take around 30 minutes to arrive. Diners rush to take photos while a pad of butter precariously slides across the top pancake before slipping over the edge. Read more: Where to get the best ice cream in L.A.: From classic parlors, to gelaterias and vegan creameries Premium Creme Brulee pancakes from Gram Cafe in Monterey Park. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) They look like giant marshmallows perched atop each other, leaning to one side on the plate. Alone, they're like the angel food cake version of a pancake, with a texture like whipped egg whites barely held together in pancake form. They're vaguely sweet and eggy, disappearing quickly on your tongue. It's far too easy to finish a plate of two and have room for more. For something a little more decadent, I recommend the Premium Creme Brulee, which comes with a thick layer of custard cream cascading over the top and down the sides of the pancakes. Spots of crunchy caramelized sugar along the top mimic traditional creme brulee for a few bites with a satisfying crack. Add your name to the wait list via the iPad outside as soon as you arrive. It's typically faster than the time quoted, even on a weekend. But you'll have enough time to buy some house slippers and a back scratcher at the Daiso a few doors down. Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. In Meadville, Pennsylvania, housing insecurity is endemic, painful, and threatening family life. Martha Swann-Quinn Jaime Kinder, mayor of Meadville, Pennsylvania, pictured outside her home "Living housing insecure is the norm here." Jaime Kinder often walks the few blocks across town to work. Her office is the first door on the right in the city building, and its where she conducts many of the meetings she holds as mayor of Meadville, Pennsylvania. Kinder is in a unique situation as mayorwhen taking office, she became Meadvilles first female mayor and the small citys first Black mayor. In this capacity, she gives voice to historically overlooked populations, including those families who currently live as housing insecure. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Kinder is also a single mother and, like many of her residents, her family knows how hard it is to secure decent housing as she has navigated a years-long process of attempting to purchase the home she currently lives in. Kinder says, as a mother, she often feels like shes failing when shes living housing insecure, and she knows her story is just one of many. While her situation is somewhat uniqueshe currently has an article of agreement (something similar to a rent to own arrangement) with the homes ownerthe precarity for her family is very real. At the moment she is struggling to have the home appraised for a sum that would allow her to secure a mortgage to cover the remaining payment due to the owner which would allow them to finalize the sale and formally have the deed in her name. The historic home stood vacant for years and requires so many structural repairs that balancing the appraisal value with the cost of repairs is complicating the road to a mortgage even further. Still, Kinder remains realistic and candid about the struggles she faces. My story is not sad. It is what is happening, she says. It is the norm here. Whatever people are pretending is happening, this is what is normal, and its not OK. There are people living in tents along the river. People living in our town without plumbing, with raw sewage coming out of the drain. And why do they deserve that? Because they dont have money? Theyre human beings. A Renter's Crisis Dr. Madeleine Hamlin, a visiting assistant professor of geography at Colgate University, is an urban scholar whose research includes housing, race, and class in U.S. cities. Hamlin says the country has been dealing with a housing insecurity crisis for decades. She notes that while one of the most visible examples of this was the mortgage foreclosure crisis of 2008, in recent years it has become predominantly a renter crisis. Theres a huge percentage of the population thats whats known as rent burdened, Hamlin says, pointing to the formal definition that designates families and individuals paying more than thirty percent of their monthly income towards rent. [Thirty percent] is a really hefty burden to pay, she says, noting that for many individuals, designating that much of their income for housing might be unrealistic. You can see how housing could be really difficult to secure for people who are potentially paying less than that. The majority of Meadville residents rent their homes, and nearly one in five residents lives at or below the poverty line. With these demographics, Kinder says shes not surprised that her city is dealing with a crisis of housing insecurity. The minimum wage is $7.25. You tell me how anybody affords anything here, she says. And thats by design. Weve created this crisis, and then we pretend we dont know how it happened. People dont have equity in where they live. They dont have dignity in where they live. Though housing insecurity disproportionately affects families living in poverty, Hamlin says this can also intersect with and compound other forms of disadvantage, noting that structural discrimination has existed in the housing market for decades. If youre a racial minority its harder to access housing [because] you tend to be discriminated against in rental markets, she says. There are studies that show that queer people, disabled people, single mothers with lots of children, all of these groups get discriminated against in rental markets and its really hard to uphold renters' rights. A lot of states dont have robust housing discrimination protections in place for renters, especially for low-income groups. Living in Fear of Eviction, With No Place To Go Kinder has seen the effects of living with housing insecurity as a family not only through her time as mayor but also through her own experience watching her mother raise six children. My mother lived in the same house for 40 years [...] When she first moved in she had six kids. We lived in [...] two bedrooms and a closet. And she couldnt move. Number one, she couldnt afford it, number two, no one wanted brown kids in this place. Kinder says that families like hers who live in poverty have few opportunities to make real choices about their living situations. We are forced to make choices with no time, no resources. We could make better choices if we had more time or better resources. Autumn Vogel serves on Meadvilles city council and has been working to create protections for renting families, such as a rental licensing program that would require an inspection once every two years for every rental unit in the city. The program is designed to ensure safe housing for renters, noting these protections are especially important to families with children. Housing security is important especially when youre a parent, Vogel notes, pointing out that before Meadvilles anti-retaliation ordinance was approved this spring, many renters, especially parents, were hesitant to report unsafe living conditions out of fear they would later be evicted for speaking out. People are worried about safety conditions for their kids, she says. but also worried about not being displaced because they have kids. While Meadville has emergency eviction funds available to families through both local and county programs, income guidelines often exclude families who dont meet official requirements for aid. "Many families may struggle but arent defined as impoverished because the poverty line is so low, Hamlin says. She notes that it's difficult to capture a full picture of who is affected by these issues because the U.S. governments statistical definition of poverty doesnt adequately account for individual circumstances, for example, how much a family of five might need to spend to heat their home during an especially cold winter vs. what a family of three might need to spend. Other times, there simply arent enough resources to meet the needs of local populations. The need for assistance is urgently clear in organizations like the Center for Family Services (CFS) that assist housing insecure families in Meadville. Diann Bolharsky, Housing Department Supervisor and HUD-certified housing counselor, has worked with Meadvilles CFS office for more than eighteen years and says the housing situation in her city has become progressively worse in the past decade. Bolharsky shares that she has seen that housing insecurity has obvious impacts on family life and that many of the calls she receives are from parents who fear eviction. I have a lot of calls from people who are just so scared of being homeless, Bolharsky says, noting that her office often doesnt have enough resources to support the local population, let alone offer aid to the residents of neighboring counties that call for help. Theres only so much money a year, and we ran out the first of May, she says, pointing to the fiscal calendar her office works within. Thats two and a half months with no money at all. And Im getting eight to ten calls a week about rent, and I just have to tell people, Im sorry, call back in July. A Crisis of Affordability Bolharsky says that even if families do want to move, the current rental market is so unaffordable for the majority of residents that they have no option but to stay where they are, regardless of the conditions they live in. There arent a lot of affordable options. The places that do have anything remotely affordable have very long waiting lists. A couple of [the landlords] I talked to last week have upwards of 50 people on the waiting list. And thats not even subsidized housing, thats just private landlords with decent prices. People on the list for subsidized housingits just as bad. Jessica Matthews is a mother of three and has often experienced housing insecurity throughout her adult life. Matthews, who is currently involved in a dispute with her landlord, says she is concerned she will become homeless again. Above everything else, she worries about what effect living in a shelter has on her children. When we were living in the shelter, you cant sleep at night, especially as a mother, she says. Bringing your children to a shelter is horrible. They do everything they can to make it homey there, and theyre very kind, but its degrading. It feels like youre not providing for them in a way. You feel stuck. You definitely feel like youre in poverty. Its depressing. Its not a time I ever want to go back to. As a parent, you would do anything [for your children] and thats why we work with bad landlords because were so desperate not to go back to a shelter. Especially for a mom, its the worst. Its so important to be able to feel like youre giving them a safe, clean, healthy home. Its everything. Theres no price tag for that. Uninhabitable for a Newborn While many associate renting with apartment complexes or houses in town split into units, another common form of tenancy for many living in the United States is found in the increasingly prevalent mobile home parks. McKenzie Smith lives with her boyfriend and his 7-year-old daughter, and only recently found an apartment that they feel offers a safe and healthy environment for their family. They recently left a troubled rental situation at a local trailer park with an unresponsive landlord. Smith says it was immediately clear that her unit needed substantial repairs to make it liveable, but that the landlord was at times absent for weeks on end, or completely unresponsive. Smith says that as early as two days following her move-in date, she and her family began to experience a variety of problems within their unit ranging from inadequate to non-existent water pressure to fecal matter coming up into their home from a malfunctioning sewage system. At one point, a leak in the roof became so bad that the addition to the unit began to separate from the trailer, and groundwater seeped into the carpet. There was often no [running] water at all, Smith says. Or if there was water, it would literally trickle to the point where we couldnt take a shower in our own home. We had to pay for a hotel for a night just to get clean. Of one particularly horrific experience, Smith recounts how she had to use every towel in the trailer to mop up excrement that had come up out of their toilet. She said it was days before her landlord responded to her call. She came over with a wax ring for the toilet and said, 'Here you can put this on it, this might fix it,' Smith says. She never came back again. We did not hear from her until about three days before we moved out. At the time, Smith was six months pregnant. Smith and her family continued to endure unsanitary living conditions in part because they had nowhere to go. Although she began searching for a new apartment immediately, she and her partner faced rejection after rejection due to a felony record from his youth. As her pregnancy progressed, she became desperate to find a new home for her family. Our trailer was uninhabitable for a newborn, Smith says, noting that they spent approximately $900 in application fees for other apartments. I would tell them, Youre going to reject us because of his background, she says but notes that they were encouraged to apply regardless and promised a chance at acceptance. They always ended up with someone else, she says. Everybody was rejecting us everywhere no matter what. Thankfully, Smith and her family were offered a rental through an acquaintance, but though theyve relocated, Smith still thinks about the families she left behind at the park. Another family she knew told her they didnt have working water in their trailer for the entire three years they lived there. The water they do have is pitch black, Smith says. They take sponge baths or go elsewhere to shower, Smith says. They still live there. Smiths neighbors are not alone. Joe Tompkins, a member of Common Roots, a local rental cooperative in Meadville, PA says that many properties in town are not well maintained. Ive [...] been in places where the electrical wiring is not in good condition, where theres leaks in the home with water filtering through the light systems, Tompkins says. There was a gentleman that had mushrooms growing in his bathroom because of the mold situation, and Ive heard stories of people with lead in their homes and its making their children sick, and Ive heard of people developing asthma and other issues because of mold conditions. Tompkins agrees that affordability is a problem across the board. I think health and safety is a big problem and obviously thats going to affect people in their day-to-day life, he says. Unfortunately, those renters living in unhealthy conditions have little choice but to stay where they are. When over half the city struggles to pay for basic things like housing, food, and transportation, they dont have many options when it comes to leaving town or finding another place to live, Tompkins says. I shouldnt even say many. They have virtually no options. A Path Forward Little by little, local advocacy groups are working to change the status quo for residents and families living in Meadville. Kinder says that despite her own struggles with housing insecurity, shes proud of what theyve accomplished thus far through coordinated community efforts. Were starting to try to fix the problem of people having dignity where they live, she says. Everybody who is paying rent to someone should have a roof over their head that is safe, be able to walk on a porch that is safe, they should be able to be ok with their children playing in this home without falling through the floor, without having lead lined bones. Thats what were creating here. Kinder notes that as a mother, housing security is a very personal issue. I believe in it takes a village to raise a child, she says. It truly does. And if people wont take care of their rentals, its the governments responsibility. If you cant do the right thing, it needs to be regulated, she says of the recent rental registration ordinance the council passed last December. I feel blessed that I get to know the situation theyre in so that I can understand that it is urgent, that it is right now that these people dont have a choice, she continues. When I say Im giving voice to people its because I am people. I am the people that Im talking about. Im thankful that I get to be that for them. When you plan for the poor, for the most marginalized, everybody wins, everybody is elevated, Kinder says. Everybody does better. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents. After scalping the single fin, twin-fin and thruster divisions at the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions, it was only fitting that 2012 World Champ Joel Parkinson would beat 2015 World Champ Adriano De Souza in the grand finale, completing a clean sweep of the comp for the first time ever. And he did it in dramatic fashion, by turning the final on his very last wave. "With less than a minute to go Parkinson paddled into a long wall and tore into section after section, seemingly to take the win, an uncharacteristic claim after his last turn suggesting the Aussie definitely felt the same," reads the presser. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "De Souza and Parkinson sat next to each other in the channel as the scores were read out. De Souza locked in his best wave of the final, an 8.6, and Parkinsons requirement suddenly jumped up from an easily attainable 6.97 to a far more demanding 7.57. After a dramatic pause the judges deemed Parkinsons last wave to be worth a 9.0, and on his second visit to Kuda Huraa he hoisted the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy for the first time. Ten from ten! said Parkinson, after his win. I definitely didnt expect that, and for it all to come down to the last minute of the last heat is as good as it gets. Imagine if I won nine of nine then had a shocker and lost the event! With the momentum I had and getting to know the break and where to sit, I still felt like I was in a good rhythm in the final even when Adriano got a few scores early. Thankfully the wave gods sent me a wave right at the end. I havent done a turn like that first one in five years, I had the section and jammed it. When I rode out of it I knew was on my way and just had to get the job done, and in the end I was lucky enough to get the score. Click play above for highlights from the final, including the aforementioned "best turn" Parko's done in five years. Considering we don't get to see nearly enough of Parko's silky smooth style now that he's retired from the CT, we'll take any Parko clips we can get. *** Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos. A rendering of a parasitic roundworm. SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images In 2021, a woman in Australia went to the local hospital with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a cough. Her symptoms worsened in 2022 and included forgetfulness and depression. Doctors found a live worm in her brain. They think she was infected from eating foraged greens. In January 2021, a 64-year-old woman from New South Wales, Australia went to a local hospital for a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, night sweats, and a dry cough. Doctors concluded that she had pneumonia and prescribed her medication. But she kept returning with worsening symptoms: First, a fever and a persistent cough later in 2021, then depression and forgetfulness in 2022. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Eventually, doctors scanned her brain and saw a lesion that needed a biopsy. During the surgery, however, they found something unexpected: A long, string-like object. When they removed it, they realized it was a live, 3-inch parasitic roundworm the first of its kind to ever be reported in a human. Photos of the patient's brain scan and the extracted roundworm. Hossain, M., Kennedy, K. J., Wilson, H. L., Spratt, D., Koehler, A., Gasser, R. B....Senanayake, S. N. (2023). Human Neural Larva Migrans Caused by Ophidascaris robertsi Ascarid. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 29(9), 1900-1903. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2909.230351. She likely got infected from foraging wild greens According to the case study, which was published in the September issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, this type of worm Ophidascaris robertsi is usually found in carpet pythons, which live near the patient's home. While the patient never had direct contact with a snake, she did forage wild greens near her house, known as Warrigal greens or New Zealand spinach, to use in cooking. Doctors hypothesize that worm larvae were shed through the python's feces and then consumed by the woman through contaminated greens, hands, or kitchen equipment. A carpet python. artas/Getty Images Treatment involved killing off more potential larvae To treat the patient, doctors gave her multiple medications to kill other larvae that could be living in her organs. According to The Guardian , extra care had to be taken as the patient was the first person to ever be treated for this species of roundworm. For example, some medications that could kill the larvae could trigger damaging side effects like inflammation. The patient is still being monitored, The Guardian reported, as the worm can live in animal hosts for years. The doctors are also trying to figure out if her preexisting medical conditions (diabetes and hypothyroidism) played a role in her getting infected. While some of the woman's symptoms have improved, the case study said, her neuropsychiatric symptoms have still persisted. Read the original article on Insider WASHINGTON Three House Republican chairmen wrote Monday to Attorney General Merrick Garland, demanding information about the investigation into Hunter Biden after a plea deal with the presidents son fell apart. Reps. Jim Jordan, head of Judiciary Committee; James Comer, head of the Oversight and Accountability Committee; and Jason Smith, head of the Ways and Means Committee have questioned why U.S. Attorney David Weiss was named a special counsel in the investigation after a judge rejected his plea deal. "In light of Mr. Weisss record leading this investigation, we have concerns with his appointment as special counsel," the chairmen wrote. "Your appointment raises numerous concerns considering earlier statements from you and Mr. Weiss that Mr. Weiss already had 'ultimate' authority free of any political pressure to pursue the investigation where, when, and how he sought fit." The Justice Department confirmed receiving the letter but declined comment on it. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hunter Biden has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism of the president and the target of investigations into his business deals in Ukraine, China and elsewhere. The stakes of the latest investigation are high because House Republicans have discussed opening an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden , in part because of his sons financial dealings. But the White House noted the lack of evidence of any benefit the president received from his sons deals. Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson, called the baseless impeachment exercise a partisan stunt that will backfire. Instead of continuing their extreme, far-right political warfare to lie and try to politically damage the President, House Republicans should work with him on the issues that really matter to the American people, like lowering costs and creating jobs, or strengthening health care and education, Sams said. President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden arrive in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 4, 2023. Hunter Biden reached a plea agreement with Weiss to resolve tax and gun issues that had been under investigation for five years. The deal appeared to prevent him from serving time behind bars. Biden was scheduled in June to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges for failing to pay taxes in 2017 and 2018. He also agreed to participate in a pretrial program would have eliminated a gun charge for allegedly lying on a federal form when buying a gun in 2018, a charge that would have carried a maximum 10-year prison sentence. But U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned and ultimately scuttled the deal because of disputes about what provisions in it meant. Weiss, who was appointed by Donald Trump, has said he had the authority to pursue the investigation however he wanted. But IRS whistleblowers have testified that search warrants in the probe were delayed and prosecutors refused to pursue seemingly incriminating messages between Hunter Biden and a Chinese company. The House chairmen asked Garland for all documents relating to Weisss appointment as special counsel and any additional directives or instructions about the appointment. The chairmen set a deadline of Sept. 11 for the documents. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden investigation: House GOP demands answers from AG Garland SYDNEY, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Monday put an end to its COVID-19 rules for cruising, which was previously introduced in April last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NSW government, the protocols once required all passengers aged 12 years and over to get fully vaccinated to board a cruise ship when departing or arriving at a port. The rules also enforced mask-wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, and mandating negative COVID-19 test results before departure. "We need to get life back to normal. We have scrapped these rules because they aren't needed anymore," said NSW Premier Chris Minns. "These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever," Minns added. NSW's move followed an announcement on Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee on rescinding the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia National Guidelines for Cruising in Australia. The committee believed that there is no longer a need for COVID-19-specific recommendations and guidance to apply to the cruise industry. President Joe Biden chuckled when asked about his predecessor Donald Trumps mug shot taken at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr Biden was asked by Bloomberg about the photo when coming out of a pilates and spin class in Lake Tahoe, California. The president said he saw the image on TV. Handsome guy. Wonderful guy, Mr Biden said. Mr Biden was booed by bystanders as he approached the press. He said he watched at least an hour and twenty minutes of the first Republican debate, which didnt feature Mr Trump. The president said he didnt learn much from the Milwaukee showdown. I dont remember them speaking to any of the issues, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement I dont quite get where theyre going, he added. I didnt learn much. President Biden on Former President Trump's mugshot: "Handsome guy. Wonderful guy." pic.twitter.com/xbsuStN2Z0 CSPAN (@cspan) August 25, 2023 Mr Biden is the latest of a number of Democrats who have shared their reactions to Mr Trumps mugshot. New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman shared his gleeful reaction to the photo after the former president surrendered for the arrest. Mr Bowman, a former educator who won his seat back in 2020, shared a video of himself laughing at the mug shot, saying we got you, and more to come before calling Mr Trump a crook, clown, criminal, and a thug. Like Mr Trump, Mr Bowman used the mug shot to fundraise for the Democratic effort to take back the House. In a lengthy statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Mr Bowman wrote: In a normal world, Donald Trumps mugshot would be the end of his political career. But in this world, his poll numbers are actually going up. Official statement from Congressman Jamaal Bowman on the #TrumpMugShot pic.twitter.com/IS3hSi6wtq Jamaal Bowman Ed.D. (@JamaalBowmanNY) August 25, 2023 He continued: This mugshot is not what you think it is. Its a jackpot for Trump who will use this image to raise MILLIONS of dollars from his cult and the worst part is they are going to use it to win even more elections so they can change our laws to make it easier to steal our Democracy. Its a symbol of everything that is wrong with our country. It is a reminder of the deep divisions that exist, the hatred that is spewed, and hate is tolerated. It is a sign that our democracy is in danger. The New York representative said that the GOP will solidify their support around Trump and our fate will be sealed ... because Republican voters trust Trump more than their own friends and families. They believe that Trump is one of them and they want revenge. Maine Democrat Chellie Pingree tweeted: In the United States, no one is above the law. No one. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Democrat Madeleine Dean wrote: Four indictments and 91 charges in total now against the former President. This is not normal. Im sad for our country; hopeful for justice; thoughtful for Mr. Trumps day in court; disappointed yet confident for our democracy and rule of law. No one is above the law. Amanda Holder reads with her 1-year-old son, Graham, at their home in Leander. Holder, a labor and delivery nurse, had preeclampsia when she was 32 weeks pregnant with Graham. Labor and delivery nurse Amanda Holder was having what she thought was a pretty normal pregnancy. Sure, her feet were a little swollen, and she could no longer wear her rings, but that's just part of pregnancy, she thought. She had acid reflux and was vomiting almost every night. She had headaches. "I pretty much ignored all of my symptoms," Holder said. At 32 weeks of gestation, she had seen both her obstetrician and a maternal fetal medicine doctor for gestational diabetes. Everything looked good, including her blood pressure. Then, the next day at work at the St. David's Women's Center of Texas at North Austin Medical Center, Holder, then 35, was stopped by her boss. Holder was swollen, especially in her face. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A check of Holder's blood pressure, and then another check. A call to her obstetrician, a visit to the obstetric emergency department, and Holder was admitted to the hospital for preeclampsia. "I never left the hospital after that," Holder said, until after the Leander mom had safely given birth to son Graham on Nov. 29, 2021, two weeks later. Amanda Holder plays with son Graham. While pregnant with him, she experienced a lot of swelling, which got noticed by fellow labor and delivery nurses as a sign of preeclampsia. What is preeclampsia? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 25 pregnant people are diagnosed with preeclampsia. Bleeding, preeclampsia and infection are top causes of maternal death, according to the World Health Organization. Preeclampsia can happen any time after 20 weeks of gestation through six weeks after birth. Its notable symptom during pregnancy is an elevated blood pressure above 140/90 and 160/110 is considered severe preeclampsia. Other extreme symptoms include: Swelling, sudden weight gain or headache. Vision issues including seeing spots or double vision. Indigestion, including nausea or vomiting. Trouble breathing, pain in the upper right quadrant of the body. Increased protein in the urine, kidney damage. Liver inflammation, blood coagulation disorders. Some women won't feel any of these symptoms, doctors said. "Even with prenatal care, this is a wonky disease," said Dr. Kimberly DeStefano, medical director of maternal fetal medicine at the Women's Center of Texas. "It can literally creep up out of the blue. ... It can be missed if it comes on suddenly and is severe." In June, U.S. Olympic track gold medalist Tori Bowie died at eight months pregnant of eclampsia. Amanda Holder and husband Gabriel play with Graham at their home. Amanda Holder was hospitalized with preeclampsia for two weeks before giving birth to Graham. What causes preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is usually a problem with the placenta, DeStefano said. The placenta isn't developing normally, but, as the placenta tries to fix its blood vessels, it causes the blood pressure to rise. "The mom is mostly at risk," said Dr. Sandra Herrera, a maternal fetal medicine specialist and Holder's doctor, "but there are some fetal concerns such as placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery." Which women are more likely to have preeclampsia? You are more at risk if: This is your first pregnancy or if you had a previous pregnancy with preeclampsia or a family history of preeclampsia. You are a teenager or 35 or older. You are obese. You are pregnant with multiple babies. You suffer from hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, lupus or a blood clotting disorder. Today, Amanda and Gabriel Holder's son Graham is "a crazy toddler," she says. "He's very independent. He amazes me every single day, what he learns." What's the treatment for preeclampsia? The only cure for preeclampsia is to deliver the placenta. Until delivery, doctors monitor symptoms to lessen them. In cases of severe preeclampsia, doctors will hospitalize the mother until delivery. With Holder's pregnancy, once the nurse reached 34 weeks, she was induced to deliver her son. "I was overcome with joy," Holder said. "I will never forget that moment, being surrounded by my labor and delivery family and just the love we felt." Graham spent 16 days in the neonatal intensive care unit because he was born early. Holder continued to have high blood pressure for about a week after delivery. While the delivery of the placenta does stop the preeclampsia, sometimes the symptoms can flare up postpartum, DeStefano said, because excess proteins are still circulating. If after giving birth, a woman notices significant swelling, shortness of breath, heart issues, or something just doesn't feel right, she should call her doctor or go to the emergency room. Today, Holder's son Graham is "a crazy toddler. We're definitely experiencing the Terrible Two's. He's very independent. He amazes me every single day, what he learns. He's the biggest blessing in our lives." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is preeclampsia? Austin doctors, nurse warn of signs, symptoms Knoxville engineer Barry Thacker believes strongly in the value of education and local history, as Carolyn Krauses third and last article in our series on Coal Creek history shows. This article draws on Thackers recent talk on Coal Creek history in Oak Ridge. In 2000, Thacker founded the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation Inc., which has awarded college scholarships to former students of Briceville Elementary School. In this article we learn how Briceville students performed research as Coal Creek Scholars for a Harvard professor, leading to a better understanding of Welsh life in Tennessee. *** The largest collection of books in the United States on Welsh literature and history is housed at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some of the books on Welsh life were donated to Harvard by David Thomas, a mining engineer of Welsh ancestry who lived in Coal Creek and whom Barry Thacker portrays in his Coal Creek history talks. Thomas inherited from his father a library of books written in Welsh language in America. Coal Creek Scholars from Briceville who provided information that helped with the writing of the 2012 book The Welsh of Tennessee by Eilrug Davies, professor of Welsh literature at Harvard University. The Harvard collection grew after Briceville Elementary School students on a field trip in 2000 discovered in the Wiley cemetery the headstone of Henry Wiley, who was one of the original landowners in the area where the Coal Creek Mining and Manufacturing Company is located, Thacker said. The students also came across the headstone of the father and mother of David Thomas; it showed that his parents were both born in the same town in South Wales. The students posted their discoveries on the internet, arousing the interest of Eirug Davies, professor of Welsh literature at Harvard University. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Dr. Davies was so excited by their findings that he traveled to Briceville to meet with the students who discovered the headstone, Thacker said. He wanted to put the pieces together of how the Thomas collection of Welsh language books got to Harvard. He brought a flag of Wales and presented it to the students. Partly inspired by annual Eisteddfod celebrations that featured poetry and essay writing competitions, Thacker said, Welsh writers in America published books in the Welsh language in the 19th and 20th centuries. Such an achievement was not possible in Wales because the British banned the speaking of the Welsh language (until 2011). Barry Thacker took Briceville Elementary School students on a field trip to Militia Hill near Coal Creek (now Rocky Top) to witness the firing of a cannon. It is like the ones used by the Tennessee National Guard to defeat the Welsh miners opposing convict leasing in the 1891-92 Coal Creek War. Dr. Davies learned that Bees Thomas, the father of David Thomas, was an avid collector of books. His library of books in the Welsh language was one of the most extensive in the area. In 1915, David Thomas donated his fathers collection of Welsh language books to Harvard University, which he found out had been preserving Welsh literature and history. Over the next dozen years after the visit of Dr. Davies, several Briceville students did research for him at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, Thacker said. These Coal Creek Scholars searched its archives and found Welsh language books that Dr. Davies translated into English. As a result, he uncovered some interesting facts about local Anderson County and Coal Creek history, as well as Welsh life in Tennessee. The professor would then send what he had found to the students, and they would go to the East Tennessee History Center and corroborate his information, Thacker said. He used his English translations of books written in Welsh to document the lives and present a history of the Welsh of Tennessee and particularly the Welsh in Coal Creek. In 2012, Dr. Davies published a book titled, The Welsh of Tennessee. The Coal Creek Scholars examined old prison records from 1881 to 1892. They wanted to find out which of the 131 convicts who died from forced labor in the Anderson County mines lost their lives during service at the Coal Creek mine. The students sought to identify the convicts buried under fieldstones on the hillside above the Coal Creek mine owned by the Knoxville Iron and Coal Company. The students also tried to determine how the Coal Creek mine convicts died. (Many of the convicts were young Black men arrested for petty crimes in Nashville and Memphis.) The students found that Henry Clyburn died of dropsy, George Brown died of typhoid fever and Sam Morris was killed trying to escape from the mine. Their findings were reported in the April 2, 2006, edition of the Clinton Courier News. Eilrug Davies, professor of Welsh literature at Harvard University, presented students at Briceville Elementary School with a flag of Wales. Thacker likes to tell students the inspirational story about a member of the Harmon family. When Powell Harmon died in the 1902 Fraterville Mine explosion, his eldest son, Condy Harmon, was a 15-year-old student at Briceville School. He wanted to continue his education, but he felt obligated to support his family by working in the Cross Mountain mine. He never married or had children. He died at the age of 24 in the Cross Mountain mine explosion in 1911. In 2011, Harmans from four different states traveled to Anderson County for a memorial service recognizing the 100th anniversary of the death of Condy. He was a family hero because of the sacrifices he made. He is buried beside his father in Longfield Cemetery in Rocky Top, near Norris Dam State Park. The headstone of the graves of the Welsh-born parents of Coal Creek mining engineer David Thomas was discovered by Briceville Elementary School students. Thacker has taken Briceville Elementary School students on field trips to teach them Coal Creek history. When he took them to Militia Hill to witness the firing of a cannon like the ones used by the Tennessee National Guard to defeat the Welsh miners in 1892, the students said, This is the best field trip ever! To help celebrate their Welsh and Appalachian heritage, Thacker has recruited students in Briceville to plant hybrid American chestnut trees to restore mine sites to their original natural condition. Appalachia was once covered with chestnut trees until they were infected by a parasitic fungus that was accidentally introduced from Asia to North America around the turn of the 20th century. Over the last 40 years the American Chestnut Foundation has come up with a hybrid chestnut tree that is resistant to the blight, Thacker said. Since 2009, the Coal Creek students have been planting those trees on area coal mines. The chestnuts thrive on the acidic soil of the reclaimed mines. In the article Prints of Wales in an edition of the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Fred Brown wrote, Welsh immigrants may not have discovered America, but they did leave their mark on our history and culture. The cover of the book The Welsh of Tennessee by Eilrug Davies, professor of Welsh literature at Harvard University. *** Thank you, Carolyn, for an excellent capture of Barry Thackers magnificent work to preserve the history of Coal Creek. His exceptional efforts have produced admirable results and will benefit generations to come. The history of the coal mines and people who were included in the Fraterville and Cross Mountain mine disasters are better remembered for his untiring work. New forests of blight-resistant hybrid chestnut trees, including some planted by Briceville students, are thriving on the reclaimed mountain coal mines of Anderson County. D. Ray Smith, writer for the Historically Speaking column. Carolyn Krause This article originally appeared on Oakridger: How Briceville students helped a Harvard prof reveal Welsh life here A cruise passenger is accusing Carnival of mishandling norovirus outbreaks on their ships. Julie McLean-Phillips said she suffered from "uncontrolled vomiting and explosive diarrhea." She's asking to be monetarily compensated for "inconvenience, distress and disappointment." A woman embroiled in a class-action lawsuit with Carnival has made a new filing accusing the cruise company of mishandling norovirus outbreaks on its ships. Julie McLean-Phillips, who sailed on the Sun Princess cruise ship from December 5 to 18, 2016, said she and her sister, Vivienne Trudgeon, spent most of their trip being sick with the norovirus. The Carnival Corporation sold the Sun Princess and its sister ship in 2020, but the company was cited in McLean-Phillips' filing. In her lawsuit, McLean-Phillips accused Carnival of mishandling multiple outbreaks on eight cruises between December 2016 and February 2017. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement She first filed her lawsuit against Carnival in December 2022, according to court documents seen by Insider. McLean-Phillips' case was initially struck out by Australia's courts in April, but she submitted her newly amended statement of claim on August 18. Her lawyers had earlier submitted an amended statement of claim in May, per news.com.au. McLean-Phillips' statement of claim argues that her hopes of having a "relaxing and pleasurable cruise" were dashed when Trudgeon "began to experience symptoms consistent with the norovirus" on December 14, 2016. Trudgeon was so ill that she "had difficulties walking by herself and experienced sudden and uncontrollable diarrhea and vomiting on the bed, the carpeted floor and in her clothes," the filing read. The filing further claimed that while McLean-Phillips was carrying her sister into the bathroom, "diarrhea fell on several areas of the carpeted floor between the bedroom and the bathroom." McLean-Phillips claimed as well that she was not offered another room, and had to share a room with Trudgeon despite the smell of vomit and diarrhea in the space. McLean-Phillips eventually contracted the norovirus herself after taking care of her sister, per the filing. She said that she suffered from "uncontrolled vomiting and explosive diarrhea" too. The filing further claimed that "about 339 passengers and 13 crew had directly contracted the norovirus" by the end of the 13-day cruise. McLean-Phillips' lawyers further wrote in the statement of claim that Carnival should have alerted the passengers of the risks of norovirus and the possibility of an outbreak onboard, and offered passengers refunds or allowed them to rebook their journeys. Carnival said in court submissions that the chance of a norovirus outbreak is "merely an ordinary risk inherent in activities where people congregate," per news.com.au. McLean-Phillips is now seeking a full refund and damages for the "inconvenience, distress and disappointment" caused. Sometimes known as the "cruise ship disease," norovirus is a highly infectious stomach flu that spreads quickly. And with the post-pandemic rebound of the cruise industry, there's also been an uptick in outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships. According to the CDC, there have been 13 norovirus outbreaks reported in the first six months of 2023. This is higher than the 10 cases reported in the whole of 2019. A Carnival spokesman based in the US referred Insider to its Australia office, but did not immediately respond to a follow-up query about the lawsuit. McLean-Phillips' lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Correction: August 28, 2023 This story has been updated to clarify that the passenger who sailed on the Sun Princess cruise ship is suing Carnival, and with additional information about the ownership of the Sun Princess cruise ship, which the Carnival Corporation sold in 2020. The main image on the story was also changed from a photo of a Carnival cruise ship to a photo of the Sun Princess cruise ship. Read the original article on Insider Judge Hasbrouck Jacobs on Monday placed University of Missouri hazing defendant Blake Morsovillo, of Springfield, on the trial request docket, with a trial date to be determined sometime after Nov. 1. Morsovillo was in Boone County Circuit Court on Monday, wearing a suit, with attorney Richard Hicks. "I would really prefer to have this set no earlier than Nov. 1," Hicks said. November, December or January work for a trial, he said, adding that a two- or three-day trial would be needed. Hicks in a previous hearing said he was working with prosecution on a possible plea deal. The charge against Morsovillo relates to an Oct. 19, 2021, hazing party at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house at MU. Freshman pledges of the fraternity, including Danny Santulli, were required to drink large amounts of alcohol. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Santulli collapsed and became unresponsive. Taken by car to MU Hospital, Santulli was resuscitated by personnel. The alcohol poisoning left Santulli with brain damage and he's unable to walk, talk, or see. He is under constant care at his parents' home in Minnesota. MU documents show a trend of hazing with alcohol bingeing at Phi Gamma Delta and other fraternities. Morsovillo is one of 10 defendants originally charged with felony hazing in connection with the incident, though some have since pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Trial dates are scheduled for: Samuel Morrison, Sept. 26; Ryan Delanty, Dec. 5; Samuel Lane, Dec. 19; Benjamin Karl, Jan. 9, 2024; Benjamin Parres, Jan. 23, 2024; and John O'Neill, Jan. 30, 2024. Defendants Thomas Shultz, Harrison Reichman and Alec Wetzler have been sentenced. Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter @rmckinnney9. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: University of Missouri hazing case defendant on trial request docket A brewing court fight will decide the fate of a 2019 New York state law that allows judges to bar access to guns for up to a year to anyone deemed suicidal or threatening to others. Similar to safeguards in place in 20 other states and Washington, D.C., New York's "red flag" law aims to curb preventable shootings and suicides by enabling cops, parents and others to apply to the courts when they see clear warning signs. Judges have approved more than 6,400 orders since the law took effect four years ago. But lawyers for people resisting those requests have challenged the law itself and in some cases found sympathetic judges: three declared it unconstitutional. Blocking firearms access without a doctor's opinion violates gun rights and due process, they ruled. State Attorney General Letitia James is appealing three of those decisions, hoping to tamp down further challenges with higher-court opinions that affirm the law's validity. Her office filed its arguments in July in Appellate Division courts in Brooklyn and Rochester. New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a commemoration Dec. 14, 2022 of the 2019 Monsey machete attack that occurred at a rabbi's Hanukkah Party. The commemoration took place at Ramapo Town Hall. "The constitutional right to possess a firearm is limited to law-abiding and responsible persons, i.e., those who are not likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themselves or others," wrote Sarah Coco, an assistant solicitor general in James' office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A string of outside parties are seeking to join James in court in support of the law, widening the latest skirmish in the national debate over gun restrictions. One request to intervene was filed on behalf of the other states with red-flag laws and Washington, D.C. Another came from a pair of gun-control groups: the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the Giffords LawCenter to Prevent Gun Violence. A third intervention request was made by three New York City district attorneys Alvin Bragg Jr. of Manhattan, Melinda Katz of Queens and Michael McMahon of Staten Island and Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah. They called the red flag law a "valuable tool in the fight against gun violence." What happened in the disputed cases? One appeal case stems from a beef over a leaking bathroom that quickly escalated. Middletown police responded to a clash between condo neighbors in January and wound up arresting 26-year-old Corey Monroe and confiscating his two shotguns. He was accused of pointing a loaded gun at a neighbor who had pounded on his door, furious about a complaint Monroe made to the landlord, according to the police report. Orange County Judge Craig Brown approved an officer's request for a temporary extreme risk protection order against Monroe, the first step in a red flag case. But then an attorney filed a challenge on Monroe's behalf, citing a decision by another judge in December that declared the law unconstitutional. Judge Craig Brown talks to defendants Raymond Chong of Middletown, Vincenza Ferrante of New Windsor, Tara Schoonmaker of Wurtsboro and Jennifer Peterson of Chester. Brown agreed. Not only did he refuse a final order, but he, too, called the law invalid on April 4. Brown, who had granted similar requests before then, has since summarily dismissed all eight red flag cases assigned to him, declining to weigh the merits of each request - except in one instance - or issue even temporary orders, according to a USA Today Network review of his rulings. No arguments from lawyers were needed for those dismissals. More orders: Hochul touts increase in red flag law orders as election nears Among the orders he refused was one against a 13-year-old boy who told classmates on a school bus on April 11 that they "shouldnt come to school tomorrow." According to New Windsor police, the same boy had other disturbing episodes in school, including attempts to strangle himself and swinging a chair and a pipe at other students. He was far too young to buy a gun, but a red flag order would have required his mother to store safely any guns in their home. Brown rejected the application as soon as police filed it on May 4, saying the law was unconstitutional. The attorney general has appealed that ruling and Brown's decision in the Middletown shotgun case. What are the arguments? Brown ruled that judges can't decide someone is likely to cause serious harm the justification for a red flag order without a doctor or mental health expert saying so. An order prevents someone from buying or possessing a gun and requires them to turn over any firearms they have. Without an expert's mental-health determination, Brown concluded in April, the law "lacks sufficient statutory guardrails to protect a citizen's Second Amendment Constitutional Right to bear arms." Two other judges also found the law unconstitutional. Thomas Moran, a Supreme Court justice in Monroe County, did so in December in a case in which a man asked for an order against his estranged girlfriend. Like Brown, he decided a doctor's opinion was needed before suspending gun rights and allowing police to enter a home and seize guns. "A potentially mentally ill citizen should enjoy the (same) rights and privileges as any person of this state," Moran ruled. At least three other New York judges have taken the opposite view, dismissing any claims of constitutional violations. More than 20 legal challenges to the law have so far been brought, according to the attorney general's office. How does the state defend the law? State attorneys argue the law offers ample protections for gun rights, starting with the judge's ability to dismiss a request if no compelling evidence is shown, as they sometimes do. Orders may be sought by police, prosecutors, family or household members, school officials and medical professionals. Before a final order can be issued, they point out, the court must hold a hearing at which the subject can have a lawyer and present evidence and witnesses to oppose an order. If they lose, they can appeal. If their appeal fails, they can regain their gun rights in a year. Buffalo impact: Red flag law use in NY spikes in wake of Buffalo shooting. What to know The state also disputes the need for a doctor's analysis. "There are numerous other contexts in which federal and state laws authorize findings of risk of harm and prohibit the possession of firearms without expert evidence or a finding of mental illness," Coco wrote in the state's appeal. "Such findings and orders are authorized, for example, when a domestic violence order of protection is issued and when someone accused of a crime is released pending trial." What comes next? The appeals of two Brown rulings are pending in Brooklyn with no clear timetable. No responses have been filed yet to the briefs the attorney general filed a month ago. In one case the one involving the 13-year-old who allegedly made the school threat no lawyer has stepped in to oppose the appeal and defend the judge's ruling. The appeal in Rochester has been granted a sped-up review with an Oct. 25 court date. The opposing side is unclear in that case as well, with no response filed yet and no attorney listed in court records. Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News/lohud and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY red flag law focus of court fight over when to block gun access WORCESTER With jewels dripping from her head to her chest and an outfit perfect for dancing in the parade, Kay Moore, 28, said she was ready to dance, eat and have a good time at the 10th annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival on Sunday. Having spent the previous day at Bostons Caribbean Carnival, where eight people were shot and injured, Moore said she wasnt going to let the violence ruin her day, especially since the Worcester carnival is one of her favorites. Theres going to be violence every day," she said. "One person isnt going to ruin everything. She said she likes coming to Worcester because the parade has a better route and the community is more interactive and attentive. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Moore was with her friend, Jackie Massey, 47, and Masseys niece, Liyah Vann-Lites, 15. The trio were part of a group dancing to Soca music during the parade, which took marchers from Main Street down to Institute Park on Salisbury Street, where the carnival's festivities were taking place. Double shooting shuts down event in Worcester Jennifer Gaskin, the lead organizer of the event who works in the health care industry and is also president of the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association, said the violence in Boston was unfortunate. She said she hoped that due to the Worcester community being heavily involved with planning and organizing the event, it would all go smoothly. But later in the evening, the Worcester event was shut down due to a double shooting that resulted in two male victims being transported to a hospital with apparently non-life-threatening injuries. Before shooting, a festive atmosphere Earlier in the afternoon, Gaskin said she was excited about this year's event, not just because it was the 10th anniversary, but because it began to resemble its pre-pandemic form. Gaskin was particularly excited to see all of the different costumes people would be wearing for the day. At Institute Park, food and drink options lined the sidewalks and lawn, giving carnival-goers a plethora of choices. Many of the vendors donned a Caribbean countrys flag, including those of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Near the center of the festival on the lawn was space for people to gather and dance to the music blasting from speakers on a stage. Khiary Gray, 30, and his son, Tyronn, 11, were most looking forward to trying the different food options around them. Gray, who was also with his daughter, Khileena, 6, and wife, Nash Morales, 30, said he looks forward to attending the event each year. Morales said her favorite part of the event was watching the parade and getting to see all of the different cultures being represented. Tyronn and Khileena said they were excited to have an event like the carnival to celebrate before heading back to school next week. The Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house, across the street from Institute Park and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, sends a celebratory message on its painted rock. Across the street from Institute Park, next to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house painted a rock with an outline of Caribbean countries and a message: Phi Gamma Delta Celebrates Caribbean American Carnival 2023. Joe Martin, a graduate student at the university, said it was something he began to look forward to annually after living across the street from the event for several years. Its definitely cool. I like coming every year, Martin said. I like the food and the people are nice. John Diamond, a sophomore at the school who just moved into the house, said the event was exciting and that he was happy with the food he already tried and was looking forward to making his way over again and trying more. Day to celebrate culture Vendors open up to customers as the Worcester Caribbean American Festival gets started Sunday afternoon. For some, the carnival is not just a day to celebrate Caribbean culture. For Anthony Mishihu, it is an opportunity to celebrate African culture as well. Its the same culture, he said. These are my people. Mishihu, who lives in Worcester in the summer and Ghana the rest of the year, was selling handmade beaded masks, drums, jewelry and bags. One of the best parts, he said, is being able to bring Africa to them, with his items each year. Not just in Worcester, but in other cities as well, such as Lowell. He also looks forward to teaching customers about the handmade items, especially the drums. Kids are usually attracted to his stand, looking to get a drum lesson, to which Mishihu will happily oblige. Time with family From left, Maggie Gibson sits with her kids, Nassir and Selasey, as her husband Anthony Mishihu sells his handmade goods. For Maggie Gibson, Mishihus wife, and their kids Nassir and Selasey, it was also a day to celebrate spending time with family. I like it because its a family-friendly event and it shows a variety of cultures, Gibson said. Its great the city can see it. Nassir, who begins fifth grade this year, said that while the event was fun, it could get a little boring sitting in the tent all day while his parents work. But he still prefers it to going back to school next week. Selasey said she was going to miss summer and was excited to have something fun to do before it was over, but was excited to get back in school. Beautiful and diverse Although there were plenty of options for Caribbean food at the event, there were other options as well. Barbie White, a food vendor, was selling West African food like meat pies and jollof rice. White, who is Liberian, said she enjoyed attending Caribbean carnivals because of the different people she gets to meet. Its beautiful and diverse, White said. Despite having experienced some issues with the city this year while trying to organize the event something that Gaskin said has persisted over the years, she is going to continue to try to be a good partner to the city because she wants the event to continue years from now. It shows how important it is to have this event, Gaskin said. And reinforce that importance each year. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 10th annual Worcester Caribbean American Carnival celebrated Sunday The Detroit City Council wrapped its final week in July before taking a month-long break but members are continuing to explore changes involving housing, retirees and stricter accountability measures toward business owners and facility operators before the end of the year. In the last several months, the council banned most businesses in the city from refusing to accept cash, urged the state to propose gun-free zones and change tobacco laws in the city, and supported tax incentives for the $1.5 billion District Detroit mixed-use project. Council members are set to return in September, after Labor Day. Here are some policies council members are expected to work on: Holding business owners accountable In response to a gas station shooting in May that authorities said occurred after a clerk locked the station doors in an effort to prevent theft, Council President Mary Sheffield is exploring tighter restrictions against business owners to prevent similar incidences, her spokeswoman Kayla Rice told the Free Press. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The proposed law would make it a misdemeanor to lock patrons inside any business against their will. The proposed ordinance, which Sheffield's office is drafting, would ticket business owners who violate the law. Sheffield is exploring other consequences the city can impose on violators. Property tax reform Discussions involving remedies for property owners who were overassessed on their tax bills are ongoing. Council members are identifying solutions to prevent it from hitting Detroiters again after a Detroit News investigation found the city overtaxed thousands of homeowners by at least $600 million between 2010 and 2016. Sheffield eyed offering direct cash payments, such as checks, to affected property owners, but Detroit's law department said the city cannot reimburse Detroiters with general fund dollars because state law prohibits direct support from the general fund for private purposes. Using American Rescue Plan Act funding is also prohibited on matters which occurred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office indicated the decision falls under the city's jurisdiction. Remedies for retirees Municipal city retirees faced significant losses since the city filed for bankruptcy and officials slashed their benefits to pay off debt. Council member Fred Durhal III requested a report from the legislative policy division on the impact of pension cuts among retirees and whether the city could provide direct cash payments for retirees. A question of whether the city could tap ARPA funding for cash payments came up, however, the U.S. Department of Treasury specifically prohibits the use of funds toward pension funds. Mayor Mike Duggan's spokesman John Roach said in an email that funds also "can't be used to address issues that arose prior to the pandemic." Cities such as Ann Arbor, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles allocated ARPA funds to provide directguaranteed income payments to "vulnerable populations," according to the report. Durhal's office is eyeing a similar measure as a potential remedy for retirees who need cash assistance. Several retirees face challenges in covering various costs, including household and medical payments. Durhal's requested report suggests using ARPA funds through programs that provide direct payments to supplement retirees' income for help in paying utilities, housing aid or home repairs, or expanding medical coverage since funding pension payments is not permitted. The discussion is set to return in September. Renaming Hart Plaza Detroit's large public space along the riverfront may get a new name. Hart Plaza, home to events such as the MoPop and Movement festivals, was named after former U.S. Sen. Philip Hart, who was a key supporter of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. But community members proposed a non-violent community space and asked a council member to dedicate one of the city's public areas for it, raising the possibility of Hart Plaza, as well as a new name. Council member Mary Waters in July initially sought to name it after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. after constituents proposed the idea. "They specifically said 'King' because of what he symbolizes, non-violence," Waters said. After facing opposition during a council meeting, including from Sam Riddle, political director of the Michigan Chapter of the National Action Network, who publicly stood against it in a council meeting, Waters suggested changing it again. "We'll offer a 'Hart-King Plaza' instead because they were so close. They had a good relationship." Waters said. Changing the name of a public space requires a member of the public to submit an application and provide petition signatures for it to be considered, according to the mayor's office. The number of signatures depends on the space design. The city's general services department would consider it, then submit it to City Council with a recommendation to approve or deny the request. CROWN Act Michigan's Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, bans discrimination against hairstyles often associated with race, such as braids, twists, locs and more. Sheffield on July 25 requested that council's legislative policy division prepare language to add the new law to Detroit's city code to secure the legislation in the event of a change at the state level. Sheffield in 2020 requested the legislative policy division, which researches and reports policy analyses to the council, opine on the legality of creating local law that prohibits hair-based discrimination in the city of Detroit as an employer, according to her policy team. "Amending city code will specifically delineate race-based hairstyle discrimination as included in a finding of race discrimination," according to a statement from her office. Fugitive dust ordinance Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero said she wants tighter restrictions on the city's fugitive dust ordinance, which prevents facility owners from discharging visible fugitive dust into the air. The ordinance defines it as "solid particulate matter that becomes airborne by natural or human-made activities, excluding engine combustion exhaust and particulate matter emitted from a properly permitted exhaust stack equipped with a pollution control device." Santiago-Romero is working through the details but aims to strengthen the current ordinance with further accountability measures in place for companies and facility owners regarding post-project work cleanup and emissions control, she said. Santiago-Romero also hoped for a quicker resolution to her constituents' troubles of trucks idling in neighborhoods, leaving excess soot on their homes and vehicles, damaging streets and homes, and hindering their quality of life. But the policy will not be ready until early next year, Santiago-Romero said. Santiago-Romero did not reply to a request for more details on the delay. City Council meets for a formal session every Tuesday on the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue in the auditorium or Committee of the Whole room. Anyone can watch sessions online or through the city's new DetroitConnected application. More: Want to keep up with Detroit city government? Here are a few tips Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact her: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her on Twitter: @DanaAfana. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit City Council set to return in September Former Disney star Mitchel Musso was arrested after reportedly refusing to pay for a packet of crisps. The actor is best known for playing Oliver in Hannah Montana, the close friend of Miley Cyrus s titular pop star character. Musso appeared in all four seasons of the Disney Channel programme, as well as the 2009 spin-off movie. On Saturday (26 August), police were called to a hotel in Mussos hometown of Rockwell, Texas. The actor allegedly took a packet of crisps from a store in the hotel without paying, the American news network NBC states. After refusing to pay, Musso is said to have become verbally abusive and was then arrested. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Musso, 32, was discovered to have several outstanding warrants, including traffic and vehicular violations. After one night in jail, he was released from custody on Sunday (27 August) on a $1,000 (793) bond. Disney star Mitchel Musso is seen in his mug shot (Rockwall County Sheriffs Office) Musso also faces charges of expired car registration, failure to display a driving licence, and violating a promise to appear notice. The Independent has reached out to a representative of Mitchel Musso for comment. Mitchel Musso and Miley Cyrus in 2008 (Getty Images) In 2011, the Phineas and Ferb voice actor was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after failing to slow down for traffic police in Burbank, California. He was sentenced to 36 months of informal probation. He was also fined and required to attend alcohol education classes. After the event, Musso voiced his contrition in a statement released to E! Online. In becoming an adult, I have learned firsthand that stepping up and taking responsibility is the best way to move forward, he wrote. I am especially thankful to my family and fans for their unwavering support and encouragement. I am glad to now put this in the past. Following this incident, Musso was written out of the Disney sitcom Pair of Kings and PrankStars, the hidden-camera show which he hosted, was cancelled. MERCER, New Zealand New Zealands longest river courses through spongy green lowlands on the countrys North Island, a mighty behemoth that local Maori see as a living ancestor. For more than 10 years, government ministers and tribes of New Zealands Indigenous people have appointed equal numbers of board members to work toward the restoration of the health and well-being of the Waikato River. The arrangement known locally as co-governance is the result of a settlement delivered by a decadeslong effort to resolve state breaches of a historic treaty and has been described as a success by representatives of both groups. Since 2017 however, government efforts to go further and share decision-making with Maori in other areas of public life have fueled a febrile national debate about how to guarantee Indigenous rights without undermining democracy, echoing tensions in other postcolonial societies. Now in an election year, the issue is a political fault line ahead of what is expected to be a close race in October. The discussion, which many say is picking away at social cohesion, is rooted in differing interpretations of the countrys founding document the Treaty of Waitangi and competing visions for the best way to redress colonial wrongs and foster a just relationship between the British Crown and its Indigenous treaty partners. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The agreement between the Crown and some 540 Maori chiefs paved the way for British sovereignty and colonial governance in New Zealand. However, the English and Maori versions of the text differed, and many argue that Maori chiefs would not have signed had their version said they were ceding sovereignty to Britain. People cross a street in central Auckland. New Zealand, a liberal democracy that is increasingly multicultural, is grappling with how to guarantee Indigenous rights without excluding others. (Saphora Smith) The Maori version said their leaders gave Queen Victoria what has been translated as complete government over their territories, but that they were guaranteed the unqualified exercise of their chieftainship over their lands, villages and all their treasures. The English text by contrast says Maori leaders gave the queen all the rights and powers of sovereignty over their territories, and guaranteed Maori exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands and other properties. A New Zealand government website examining the differences between the texts says Maori believe that they kept their authority to manage their own affairs but ceded a right of governance to the queen in return for the promise of protection. There can be little doubt that the chiefs who signed the Treaty expected to enter into some kind of partnership and power sharing in the new system, it says. More than 180 years later, New Zealand is self-governing and independent from the United Kingdom, although King Charles III is still its head of state and bills still need royal assent to become law. While government efforts to increase shared decision-making with Maori have been welcomed by many as a recognition of Maori rights as signatories to the 1840 treaty, they have also been slammed by others as dismantling democracy in a country that was the first in the world to give women the right to vote. The Treaty of Waitangi represents true partnership, Tukoroirangi Morgan a leader of the Waikato-Tainui tribe and a chief architect of the Waikato River settlement agreement with the Crown said earlier this year from a cafe near the muddy brown river. Whether its health, or water or waterways, or any other thing in this country, were the perfect partner. But for David Seymour, the leader of the small libertarian ACT party, broadening power sharing in a country where Maori represent less than 20% of the national population, calls into question the principle of one person, one vote democracy and gives preferential treatment on the basis of race. The governments interpretation of the countrys treaty risks abandoning liberal democracy at the altar of the treaty, he said during an interview in April at his partys head office in central Auckland. Tukoroirangi Morgan was a chief architect of the Waikato River settlement agreement with the New Zealand government. (Saphora Smith) Since coming to power in 2017, coalition governments led by the center-left Labour Party have made it easier to establish Maori wards on local councils and introduced reforms they say will allow Maori greater authority over their health and greater influence throughout the entire health system. Under Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, the Labour-Green coalition government has said water infrastructure reforms will ensure there are an equal number of Maori and council seats on regional advisory groups. These reforms have met with ardent opposition from some quarters, with many saying the end goal of the policies remains unclear. This was fueled by the publication of a report commissioned by the government that set out a vision to share more power with Maori over the coming decades. Opposition parties accused the government of keeping it under wraps, while Jacinda Ardern, who was prime minister at the time, was quoted as saying it had not been published because it was not government policy. The latest polling suggests that Labours main opposition, the center-right National Party, and ACT could together capture a slim majority of seats in Octobers election, well ahead of the number a potential Labour and Green coalition are currently polling. Government policies that share more decision-making power with Maori seemingly hang in the balance. National has told local media that while it supports the co-management between government and Maori for natural resources in the context of treaty settlements, it does not support co-governance of public services or separate bureaucratic systems for Maori and non-Maori. The ACT party has called for a referendum on the matter. Debates about the status of Indigenous communities in modern society are not limited to New Zealand. There are parallels in other countries where European settlers came to dominate and Indigenous communities suffered as a result. In Canada, First Nation communities announced earlier this year that they were challenging unilateral Crown control over around two-thirds of Ontario province, arguing that they never ceded decision-making power over the lands and resources. And in Australia, a proposal by the government to recognize the countrys Indigenous people in the constitution has inflamed a culture war and set off divisive debates including among Indigenous people themselves. The debates playing out in former British colonies often center on interpretations of historic agreements made between the Crown and Indigenous communities and how they apply to the modern day. They are colored by the fact that Indigenous communities have been marginalized and have been victims of discrimination. In New Zealand, what was agreed to in the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between the Crown and Maori chiefs is still debated today. A museum at the treaty grounds situated on the idyllic shores of the Bay of Islands attempts to carefully unpick the disagreement for its visitors. The Waikato River is New Zealand's longest, making its way from high in the central North Island volcanic zone to the Tasman Sea. (Olly Box) The use of different words such as sovereignty rather than government and possession rather than chieftainship are complicating relations almost 200 years later. While the meaning of the treaty is still debated, in the late 20th century it was acknowledged that the Crown breached the agreement by confiscating and acquiring Maori land, and for the past three decades the government has been negotiating and settling Maori claims. The process has resulted in formal Crown apologies, multimillion-dollar compensation packages and power-sharing agreements over waterways and landforms, such as the one that governs the Waikato River. In 2010, the then-U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous people, James Anaya, described the treaty settlement process as one of the most important examples in the world of an effort to address historical and ongoing grievances of Indigenous peoples, and it is broadly accepted by New Zealanders as a justified way to redress colonial wrongs. However, Seymour, the ACT party leader who is Maori, is concerned the government is interpreting the treaty as a partnership between Maori and the Crown in which matters in the public sphere should be co-governed as a matter of course and where Maori are reserved seats at the table based on their race. It amounts, he said, to saying New Zealand is no longer a one person, one vote democracy. Thats where theres a major resistance from people like me, he said. I dont think theres any basis for what theyre trying to do. He has called for the principles of the treaty to be properly debated and defined by Parliament, with resulting legislation put to a referendum. The government declined to comment or answer NBC News questions on its position on the treaty or entrusing more power to Maori and local government minister Kieran McAnulty declined an interview request. Asked earlier this year whether the governments water infrastructure reforms were democratic, McAnulty told the broadcaster TVNZ that there are provisions that we have in this country that wouldnt stand up to a purely academic democratic framework. But thats not how we work in New Zealand, he said. We recognize that this country was founded on a treaty that gives Maori particular rights and interests in certain things. Christopher Finlayson, a former National politician, attorney general and minister for treaty of Waitangi negotiations, disagrees with Seymour that a referendum is a good way to resolve the definition of the principles of the treaty. But, he says, it is worth exploring their codification. Parliament should sit down and have a proper debate about some of these fundamental concepts, he said. I think its healthy. Christopher Finlayson is a former attorney general and minister for Treaty of Waitangi negotiations. (Saphora Smith) For those who welcome government efforts to share more decision-making with Maori and see it as upholding Maori rights under the treaty, new leadership after the October election risks a step back. Asked about accusations that sharing more power with Maori was undemocratic, Waikato-Tainui leader Morgan said New Zealand was founded on the treaty, and that democracy by the terms of opponents to co-governance was a tyranny of the majority. He pointed back to the treatys signing in 1840 where historical accounts suggest that the Maori population in New Zealand was somewhere between 70,000 and 90,000, while the European, or Pakeha, population was closer to 2,000. We were by far the majority, he said. But we still shared power. For others, even under the current government there is still a long way to go for Maori rights to be fully recognized in New Zealand. Millan Ruka, founder of Environment River Patrol Aotearoa, is fighting for the recognition of his tribes ownership of the Poroti Springs on the countrys North Island. We consider we own the water, we never ceded our resources in the 1840 treaty, he said. But we can concede totally that we share it. But for Susan and Lee Short, co-founders of Democracy Action, there is concern that the direction of travel on shared decision-making under recent governments is eroding the accountability of some organizations and undermining democracy. Their organization was established to champion democracy and equality of citizenship in New Zealand. Co-governance needs to be clearly defined and there should be a referendum because the public have never been asked what they think about it, said Susan. Lee said that they understood the need for settlements where the treaty has been breached and support preserving Maori culture but that government moves toward sharing more power have divided what was once a very cohesive society. In recent years he said, there had been massive division in New Zealand between Maori and others. Lee said he believes that if Labour is triumphant in Octobers election and governs with the Maori party, a possible kingmaker, lots of people will leave for neighboring Australia. This race issue is one of things that will drive them out, he added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com KABUL, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Army police arrested two men in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday after they looted cash worth more than 7 million Pakistani rupees (about 23,100 U.S. dollars), said a statement of the Ministry for National Defense on Monday. The two took 7 million Pakistani rupees from a businessman and were identified and arrested, the statement added. No weapon was fired when security forces made the arrests, the statement said, adding the operation was part of preventive measures to ensure a high level of security and safety in the city. Claim: Photographs shared to social media depicted a volcano in Ethiopia as it erupts blue lava. Rating: Rating: Miscaptioned Context: While the two photographs were authentic, they did not show blue lava erupting from a single volcano. Rather, the material that appeared blue was gas ignited by flames. Its dramatic coloration was caused by the combustion of sulfuric gas associated with volcanic activity. Also, one photo was taken in Indonesia, and the other which was indeed taken in Ethiopia showed a hydrothermal site, not a volcano. Photographs supposedly documenting vibrant, blue-hued molten rock erupting from a volcano in Ethiopia were shared to X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 20, 2023, (archived here). As of this writing, the post had been viewed more than 183,000 times: Volcano in Ethiopia erupts blue lava pic.twitter.com/vxyxPKRSQ3 Vids that will make you love earth (@VidsOfHeaven) August 21, 2023 While the two photographs were authentic, they did not show "blue lava" erupting from a volcano in Ethiopia, much less any other location. Rather, the material that appeared blue was gas ignited by flames. Its dramatic coloration was caused by the combustion of sulfuric gas associated with volcanic activity. Also, one photo was taken in Indonesia (right), and the other which was indeed taken in Ethiopia showed a hydrothermal site, not a volcano (left). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hydrothermal sites are thermal systems that function muck like volcanoes, but their processes are primarily prompted by the heating of underground water. Some of the most well-known hydrothermal sites are located in the United States' Yellowstone National Park. Through a reverse-image search, Snopes determined both photographs in question were originally taken by French photographer and filmmaker Olivier Grunewald in 2014. The photo of the Dallol hydrothermal site (located within the Danakil Depression) was first published in New Scientist on May 21, 2014. The photo of Indonesia's Kawah Ijen volcano was initially published in National Geographic on Jan. 30, 2023. Those credible sources accurately captioned the photo, though many articles and posts republishing the images did not. The latter portrayed them as depicting "blue lava," which was simply not true, Grunewald told Snopes. "These blue flames are [created] by sulfuric gas combustion," he told Snopes by email. (Images courtesy of Olivier Grunewald) Looking at the in-question photos, Peter Kelly, a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Service Volcano Emissions Project, told Snopes via email, "The blue flames result from the burning of sulfur vapor associated with the native sulfur deposits formed from the reaction of H2S [hydrogen sulfide] and SO2-rich [sulfur dioxide] gases there." When conditions at sites like Kawah Ijen and Dallol are just right, such environments can create a "natural sulfur factory." Gaseous H2S and SO2 form what is called native sulfur, which can be solid or liquid depending on the location's temperature and water-vapor levels. For example, above 110 degrees Celsius, native sulfur is liquid and can produce enough vapor to sustain flames at 160 degrees Celsius a temperature otherwise known as the sulfur's "flash point." When mixed with air above 230 degrees Celsius, native sulfur can "auto-ignite" and create flames that are "brilliant blue," said Kelly. There are anecdotal accounts of blue flames at other volcanoes around the world, including at Costa Rica's stratovolcano Turrialba and Mount St. Helens in Washington prior to its May 1980 eruption. Kelly wrote: However, unlike Kawah Ijen, which has sustained native sulfur production for centuries, those volcanoes probably briefly passed through the field with the right combination of temperature and gas composition to make native sulfur and blue flames on their way toward eruption. In other words, Kawah Ijen is the only known site in the world that has ignited blue flames for centuries. Meanwhile, the flames photographed at Dallol are only viewable under the right circumstances. In short, while the two photographs featured in the X post were authentic, they did not show "blue lava" erupting from a single volcano in Ethiopia. Rather, the images showed blue flames, not molten rock, and the blue coloration was caused by the combustion of sulfuric gas. Furthermore, the images depicted two different locations and landforms: the Kawah Ijen volcano in Indonesia and Ethiopia's Dallol hydrothermal site. For those reasons, we rated this claim "Miscaptioned." Sources: #author.fullName}. "Ethiopia's Blue Volcano Burns Deadly Sulphuric Gas." New Scientist, https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22229700-100-ethiopias-blue-volcano-burns-deadly-sulphuric-gas/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. Cashman, Katharine V., and Joseph E. Taggart. "Petrologic Monitoring of 1981 and 1982 Eruptive Products from Mount St. Helens." Science, vol. 221, no. 4618, 1983, pp. 138587. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/1691847. Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com/articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/. "Global Volcanism Program | Dallol." Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program, https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=221041. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. "Global Volcanism Program | Ijen." Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program, https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=263350. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. "Global Volcanism Program | Turrialba." Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program, https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=345070. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. "Https://Twitter.Com/VidsOfHeaven/Status/1693419479256969346." Twitter, https://twitter.com/VidsOfHeaven/status/1693419479256969346. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. "National Geographic Photo Contest Winners." Photography, 14 June 2017, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/photo-contest-gallery. Olivier Grunewald | Bernadette Gilbertas - Accueil. https://www.oliviergrunewald.com/fr/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. Peter Kelly | U.S. Geological Survey. https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/peter-kelly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. "Stunning Electric-Blue Flames Erupt From Volcanoes." Science, 30 Jan. 2014, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140130-kawah-ijen-blue-flame-volcanoes-sulfur-indonesia-pictures. The first big showdown for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in her case against Donald Trump and 18 of his allies will take place on unfamiliar turf: a federal courtroom. Officially, the Monday hearing in Atlanta will focus on a bid by co-defendant Mark Meadows to move the case out of Georgia state court. But the session will also be a post-indictment courtroom debut for Willis prosecution team and a chance for attorneys in both camps to air their strongest initial arguments about the case, which was unveiled just two weeks ago and alleges a sweeping conspiracy to subvert the 2020 presidential election in Georgia and other states. In short, the hearing before U.S. District Judge Steve Jones could resemble a mini-trial that will carry important lessons for the bigger battle to come. Some witnesses have even been served with subpoenas to testify at the hearing, including Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who resisted Trumps pressure to find extra votes in January 2021 and could be a star witness for the prosecution at the eventual trial. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A transfer of the case to federal court would not likely be catastrophic for Willis case, but it would, at a minimum, eliminate an intrinsic home-court advantage for the veteran Fulton County prosecutor, legal experts said. Fani Willis spends her professional life in Fulton County Superior Court. She knows the court. She knows the judges. Its geographically convenient. She knows the juries. She knows everything about it, said Norman Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and co-founder of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Shes prepared to do it [in federal court], but thats not her home court. For the moment, Trump himself has not asked for a transfer formally known as a removal to federal court. But five of the 19 defendants have: Meadows, who served as Trumps final White House chief of staff; Jeffrey Clark, who served in Trumps Justice Department; and three defendants who falsely claimed to be electors authorized to cast Electoral College ballots for Georgia. Trump still has plenty of time to seek a transfer. Under federal law, that deadline wont come for more than a month. Meanwhile, he can sit back and see what happens Monday, sizing up Jones an appointee of former President Barack Obama and assessing the judges openness to arguments that the case properly belongs in federal court because some of the defendants held posts in the federal government at the time of the 2020 election. If moved to federal court, the charges all of which are under Georgia law would remain the same, and Willis team could continue to handle the prosecution. But federal procedural rules, not state court rules, would apply. And some defendants might anticipate other, more substantive advantages in a federal forum. A jury for a trial in federal court would likely be drawn from 10 counties that comprise Atlanta and its sprawling suburbs, while a state-court trial would likely include jurors only from Fulton County, which delivered a 73% to 26% victory for Joe Biden over Trump in 2020. The broader set of counties is home to a somewhat higher proportion of Trump supporters, though the political makeup is not dramatically different. It's a slightly different jury pool, Eisen said. I don't think it'll be outcome-determinative. Only one of the counties went for Trump. It's almost all Biden counties in this division. A federal judge might also have more leeway to consider challenges to the constitutionality of the state racketeering statute or other laws included in the indictment than state judges, who are bound to follow state precedent. Questions of immunity Meadows hopes that a transfer to federal court would be a prelude to a ruling that he is entirely immune from the Georgia charges because they relate to actions he took as a federal official. Other defendants including Trump himself are expected to make the same immunity argument. The argument is rooted in the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, which declares federal law to be the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws that might conflict with it. Its intended to prevent states from criminalizing actions that federal officials take to do their jobs. But legal scholars say the Constitution does not provide immunity from state charges based on conduct that clearly falls outside the scope of a federal officials duties. A string of cases in which federal officials particularly law enforcement officers have faced state-level charges have resulted in court rulings that often lead to immunity for those officials. Federal courts, more so than state courts, have tended to show deference to such claims. The conduct alleged in the Indictment plainly came about because Mr. Meadows was serving as Chief of Staff to then-President Donald J. Trump, and the Chief of Staff has broad-ranging duties to advise and assist the President. This is not a case where the defendant was plainly acting on a frolic of their own which had no relevancy of their official duties, Meadows lawyers wrote in a court filing Friday, quoting an earlier legal precedent. Meadows submission even dabbles in a controversial argument advanced by some conservatives known as the unitary executive theory. The former chief of staffs lawyers argue that since state- and locally-run elections are overseen by portions of the federal government such as the Justice Department, they are the business of the president and, by extension, the presidents top adviser in this case, Meadows. Willis team argues the opposite: that the effort by Trump and his allies to revise the vote count in Georgia and to submit electors not certified by the state was purely political in nature and had nothing to do with the official duties of anyone involved on Trumps side. The prosecutors argue that a federal law known as the Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity as part of their official work, so Meadows couldnt have been acting as White House chief of staff when he lobbied Georgia officials to change the vote tally. Since the defendant was forbidden by law to use his authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election or otherwise participate in activity directed toward the success of Mr. Trump as a candidate for the presidency, every single one of these activities fell outside the scope of his duties, both as a matter of fact and as a matter of law, Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney McDonald Wakeford wrote in a brief submitted to Jones Wednesday. Mondays hearing is officially about Meadows request to transfer the case to federal court, but the immunity questions under the supremacy clause are related to that request, so the hearing may be the first time that lawyers on both sides will be questioned in court about a key potential legal defense. Removal repercussions Still unclear is precisely what any ruling the judge issues on Meadows transfer request would mean for Trump or other defendants. Typically, cases are moved from state court to federal court in their entirety, but some defendants might seek to have their cases sent back. It's a very unsettled question of law, Eisen said. Probably what happens is the whole thing goes up [to federal court], as in a civil case. But the courts have said that the presumption of a state's right to hang on to its criminal matters is stronger. So you know, while that's likely, it's not guaranteed. Removal of civil lawsuits from state court to federal courts is routine, but removal of criminal cases from the state system to the federal one is far rarer. One of the most high-profile transfers of a criminal prosecution from state to federal court came in 1997, when FBI sharpshooter Lon Horiuchi was indicted in connection with the Ruby Ridge standoff in Idaho five years earlier. A local prosecutor charged Horiuchi with involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Vicki Weaver, the wife of anti-government militant Randy Weaver, during the siege. Federal prosecutors had the case moved to federal court, where a judge later dismissed it, ruling that Horiuchi had immunity because he was acting within the scope of his duties. A federal appeals court reversed that ruling and reinstated the case, but it was eventually dropped after a change in leadership at the local prosecutors office. More recently, two U.S. Park Police officers got their prosecution in a Virginia state court moved to federal court after they were charged with involuntary manslaughter for killing an unarmed motorist, Bijan Ghaisar, during a traffic stop in 2017 following a chase on the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Fairfax County, Va. A federal judge later dismissed the charges against the pair. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, appealed that ruling. But after Republican Jason Miyares won the AG post in 2021, he dropped the appeal. Despite vocal protests over the officers actions, the Justice Department last year declined to reopen its investigation of the shooting and stood by an earlier decision not to file federal charges. Trumps transfer bids Trump himself has already backed two recent efforts to transfer cases against him from state to federal court. Less than two months before the 2020 election, the Justice Department stepped into a civil suit that writer E. Jean Carroll filed against Trump over his denials of her claim that he raped her in a New York City department store dressing room in the 1990s. The transfer to federal court went forward, but the judge rejected claims from the Justice Department that Trump had immunity for statements he made about Carroll while he was president. A federal jury in Manhattan found Trump liable in a parallel suit in May, concluding that he committed sexual abuse and defamation and ordering him to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump is appealing. Carroll's other suit is set for trial in January. The Justice Department recently changed its stance in the case, saying that Trump is not entitled to immunity and that his statements about Carroll appeared to be outside the scope of his official role as president. Earlier this year, Trump also sought to move his criminal prosecution over hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels from New York state court to federal court there. A federal judge rejected Trump's transfer request, but the former president is appealing. Margarine precedent Fights over forums have a long and, at times, peculiar history. Meadows' brief backing transfer of his prosecution to federal court cites a trio of Supreme Court cases from over a century ago. In 1890, the high court concluded that a deputy U.S. marshal charged in California with murdering a man who was assaulting a sitting Supreme Court justice was properly acting in his federal capacity when he fired the fatal shot. In 1899, the justices rejected a bid by Ohio to prosecute a federal official for a state-law crime the court described as "serving margarine in a home for disabled veterans without placing a sign in the window." And in 1906, the Supreme Court denied immunity in a case featuring conflicting evidence about a group of soldiers who shot and killed a thief after a rapid pursuit. But some critics of the attempt by Trump allies to move the Georgia prosecution to federal court say it flies in the face of Republican officials frequent calls for the federal government to devolve power to the states. It's ironic, Eisen said. Conservatives are known for trumpeting the role of the states in our federalist system, and here you have two conservatives who are running to federal court to avoid the operation of a state judicial system. Three defendants facing charges alongside Donald Trump in a sprawling Fulton County racketeering indictment are pointing their fingers at the former president and his campaign for their role in the fake electors scheme, signaling that they may be willing to cooperate with the prosecution in attempts to score a "sweetheart deal," according to legal experts. Former Georgia GOP Chair David Shafer, former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham and state Rep. Shawn Still argued in court filings last week that their actions were carried out under the guidance of the Trump campaign, according to The Wall Street Journal. The three defendants stated that when they submitted documentation claiming their ability to legitimately cast Electoral College votes for Trump, they were acting according to the campaign's instructions. "Mr. Still, as a presidential elector, was also acting at the direction of the incumbent president of the United States," an attorney for Still argued in a court filing. "The president's attorneys instructed Mr. Still and the other contingent electors that they had to meet and cast their ballots on Dec. 14, 2020." Latham has similarly asserted that she was acting "at the direction of the President of the United States" and so has Shafer, who contended that he "and the other Republican Electors in the 2020 election acted at the direction of the incumbent President and other federal officials." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Georgia Republicans could also claim at trial that they acted at the direction of Trump or his close aides, which would be "bad news" for Trump, as such testimony would serve to draw the sprawling scheme alleged in the indictment more tightly together, with Trump at the top, former federal prosecutor Kevin O'Brien told Salon. "At the same time, though, while such testimony could be a mitigating circumstance for the three defendants at sentencing, it's not a legal defense that would prevent their conviction," O'Brien said. "Each is properly charged with acting knowingly in violation of state law, especially since each held a position of responsibility either within the state Republican Party (Shafer) or within the state elections system (Latham and Still)." Contending that they operated under the approval of the then-president and a team of his attorneys, the three Republicans are arguing that they should essentially be shielded from state prosecution, as they believed their actions were aligned with a federal role. Shafer and a group of 15 fellow Republican electors convened at the state capitol on Dec. 14, 2020, and signed a document falsely declaring that Trump had won Georgia. Trump and his allies are now facing charges relating to their alleged roles in trying to overturn the results. "Their individual arguments are that they were acting as federal officers performing federal duties," former San Francisco prosecutor Lateef Gray told Salon. "As such, they feel that they are immune from prosecution in state court." The defendants want their cases removed to federal court, Gray added, explaining that if this happens, they would then likely argue that they are immune from prosecution because they were acting "under color of their federal positions," meaning they were doing what their federal positions allow them to do. There's no defense to a "blatantly illegal action," like falsely passing oneself off as duly elected presidential electors, who say that Trump directed or asked them to do it, O'Brien said. "They should have known better." Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani agreed and said that "this is essentially the 'Nazi defense' of 'I was just following orders.'" "Legally, you can't just direct someone to break laws," Rahmani said. "On the other hand, if the most powerful person in the free world, or their attorney, is telling you to do something, you'll probably do it. So this comes down to a question of whether jurors buy their argument. The legal term is mens rea, or 'guilty mind.' If the defendant persuades the jury that they genuinely thought they were doing something lawful, there isn't a basis for criminal liability." Former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and a former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark have also asked for their charges to be moved to federal court. But neither of them have strong enough arguments to move their cases to federal court, especially the false electors, Mai Ratakonda, an attorney at the election rights group States United Democracy Center, told Salon. "I don't really see their attempts to remove the federal court being successful," Ratakonda said. "If a federal court judge decides that one or more of these co-defendants could have their trials moved to federal court, [this would raise the question of] does only that defendant get to move their case to federal court, or does the entire case against all of the defendants get moved to federal court?" If the case is moved to federal court, the defendants could benefit from drawing a jury pool from more rural and conservative parts of Georgia, rather than predominantly liberal Fulton County. There's also the possibility of drawing a federal judge who Trump appointed. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. The defendants in the Georgia election interference case are accused of pressuring elected officials into overturning Trump's defeat, arranging for individuals to declare him as the president through false "electors" in Georgia, tampering with voting machines and engaging in various actions aimed at undermining democracy, according to the indictment. These efforts were allegedly taken in an attempt to maintain Trump's presidency, despite his loss to President Joe Biden in the election. But if one of the co-defendants decides to cooperate with the prosecution, they are likely to get "a sweetheart deal," meaning their charges will be "dismissed or minimized" in exchange for providing testimony against their co-defendants, Gray said. That is the strategy that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is employing here, Rahmani said. "Willis took the 'kitchen sink' approach, indicting 19 co-conspirators with RICO charges, putting maximum pressure on them to flip and cooperate," Rahmani said. "She doesn't want to try 19 people at once. With all of these defendants, there's no way the case is going to trial before November because they're going to raise all kinds of issues. The more defendants, the more difficult a case becomes." He added that in Georgia, "it's a 'prisoner's dilemma' situation." While It's best for all of the defendants to collectively stick together with none of them flipping, individually, it's better for each person to cooperate. And "usually, the ones who cooperate first get the best deal." Read more about the Fulton case KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to expand Interstate 70, adding a third lane from Blue Springs to Wentzville. Now theres a chance for Kansas City-area residents to learn more about the project, including whats next for I-70 and possible construction schedules. Royals release new renderings of proposed $2 billion baseball stadium MoDOT is holding two public informational meetings on its Statewide Improve I-70 Program: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 4-6 p.m. Concordia Community Center, 802 S. Gordon Street Tuesday, Sept. 5, 4-6 p.m. Jackson County Fire Protection District Education Center, 4715 West U.S. 40 Highway, Blue Springs ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement MoDOT will also hold other sessions across the state, including in St. Louis and mid-Missouri. Gov. Mike Parson signed the bill earlier this month, funding the massive road project. The work is expected to ease congestion on the heavily traveled interstate between St. Louis and Kansas City. Its a 200-mile stretch of I-70 where many parts of rural Missouri only have two lanes right now. MoDOT said its currently in the planning stage of the project. At the informational meetings, engineers will share preliminary information on the I-70 programs goals, possible construction timelines and next steps. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Previously MoDOT leaders have said construction is expected to begin next summer, and it will take about 6-7 years to complete. MoDOT said both meetings are open-house style. There wont be a formal presentation, and all the information will be the same at both sessions. The department is also hoping to gather feedback from Missouri residents on the project, including I-70s current condition, construction stages and more. There will be opportunities to provide feedback at both meetings, but Missourians can also submit online comment here starting Aug. 28 through Sept. 22. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A 12-year-old was injured after a downtown Stockton movie theater became one of at least three commercial areas across California disrupted by brawling crowds of young people on Sunday. Stocktons melee broke out sometime before 7:40 p.m. Sunday, Stockton police officer David Scott said. Thats when police say a caller reported to 911 dispatchers that about 100 young people had started duking it out inside the Regal theater on El Dorado Street. The fight spilled over into the outdoor plaza. A caller also reported that two people had been pepper sprayed, Scott said. He couldn't confirm. Twelve officers and two police supervisors rushed to the theater and with the help of the movie theater security staff were able to separate and de-escalate a few altercations, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A 12-year-old girl was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Scott said. Businesses near the plaza didnt have any visible external damage Monday morning. Its unclear why the fights started, and Scott said police werent aware of any social media discussion of a gathering or fight in the run-up to the incident. What is clear is that similar scenes unfolded in at least two other cities Sunday afternoon. Around 4:30 p.m. at Bay Street Mall in Emeryville, fights erupted amid a crowd of at least 200 young people, leaving one person stabbed, multiple outlets reported. Gunfire was reported, though no one was reported shot. Witnesses also reported gunfire during fights among dozens of young people around 4 p.m. yesterday at a shopping center in Torrance, just south of LAX, multiple outlets reported. The fights in Stockton dont appear to have been connected to a concert that took place across the street from the theater at Weber Point earlier on Sunday, Scott said. This article originally appeared on The Record: Large fight at Stockton theater leaves 12-year-old injured: police One person is dead and another is in custody after Arlington police say a drunk driver crashed into a stalled car, killing its driver, early Sunday morning. Officers responded to calls about a hit-and-run the 3600 block of southbound Texas 360 around 5:15 a.m. , according to a news release from Arlington police. There, they found a 2012 Toyota Yaris stalled in the outside lane. Investigators believe a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado hit the Toyota, causing the driver to be ejected. The 33-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office will release the drivers identity after next-of-kin has been notified. The driver of the Silverado, whose identity has not been released, left the area without stopping, according to the news release. An off-duty police officer from another agency followed the Silverado and Mansfield police were able to stop the vehicle. Arlington and Mansfield police arrested the driver and charged him with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid, according to the news release. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows , one of the defendants charged with racketeering in the Georgia 2020 election probe, took the witness stand for five hours Monday in an attempt to bolster his bid to move the Fulton County case to federal court. Former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants, including Meadows, were booked at the Fulton County Jail last week in connection with efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, a battleground state. Testifying before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones, Meadows portrayed the conduct he's charged with as part and parcel of his work as Trump's chief of staff, which he described as a 24/7 kind of job. Asked by his attorney George Terwilliger whether his duties ever intersected with political matters, Meadows said almost everything the president does has a political reaction. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office contended in court filings that Meadows crossed a line, including by arranging and joining a call on which Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" votes that would change the state's election results. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Federal law prohibits employees of the executive branch from engaging in political activity in the course of their work," they noted, pointing to the Hatch Act, a law Meadows once told Politico nobody outside of the Beltway really cares about. The law "bars a federal employee from 'us[ing] his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election,' prosecutors noted. Anna Green Cross, a lawyer for the district attorney's office, asked Meadows on cross-examination what, if any, federal goal he was furthering by taking part in meetings and calls challenging the election results. Meadows said he believed the federal purpose was to ensure that there were free and fair elections in the U.S. She asked him about the purpose of the Raffensperger call, and he said it was to come to a less litigious resolution of the Trump campaign's then-pending lawsuit against the state. Cross asked whether settling a private lawsuit served any federal purpose, and Meadows replied that his duties were broad. Asked what he thought would be crossing a line, Meadows said it would be if he'd been asked to speak at a campaign rally. Cross then pressed him about whether solely advancing the interests of the campaign would be outside the scope of his responsibilities. I would not agree with that, Meadows said. Taking the witness stand for the DA's office was Raffensperger, who testified for about an hour Monday. Jennifer Little, who is a member of Trumps legal team, and an attorney for former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, who is a co-defendant in the case, were watching the testimony from a courthouse overflow room. In court documents this month, Meadows lawyers argued that the charges all pertain to official actions he took while he worked for the president. Mr. Meadows has the right to remove this matter. The conduct giving rise to the charges in the indictment all occurred during his tenure and as part of his service as Chief of Staff, Meadows lawyers wrote in a 14-page filing. They requested prompt removal, citing a federal law that allows U.S. officers to remove civil or criminal trials in state court for actions alleged to have been taken under color of their offices to U.S. District Court. Meadows also intends to file a motion to dismiss the indictment as soon as is feasible, his lawyers wrote. They also said Meadows duties as chief of staff included arranging Oval Office meetings, contacting state officials on Trumps behalf, visiting a state government building and setting up a phone call. Nothing Mr. Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se, they wrote. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things. Jones did not issue a ruling Monday. He said that proceedings in state court could continue, and that Meadows would need to be arraigned on Sept. 6 as scheduled if hasn't ruled by then. Meadows was charged with two counts in the sprawling 41-count indictment: one of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and one of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. He surrendered to authorities and was released after a federal judge in Georgia denied his bid to delay his arrest. Meadows argues that his federal officer status and federal immunity defense protect him from being arrested and being brought to trial in state court, Jones wrote, noting that his case had not been moved to federal court. While the Court understands Meadowss argument that the federal immunity defense includes an immunity against arrest, the statutory language of the applicable law is clear that the state court proceedings continue until the Court has assumed jurisdiction over the case. The indictment by a Georgia grand jury alleges Meadows, Trump and other unindicted co-conspirators unlawfully solicited, requested, and importuned Raffensperger on Jan. 2, 2021, to help them reverse the results of the presidential election. Willis last week subpoenaed Raffensperger and his former lead investigator, Frances Watson, to testify at Mondays hearing about Meadows effort to move his case to federal court. A spokesperson from Raffensperger's office declined to comment on the subpoena at the time. Meadows testified in the morning and was due back for more cross-examination after lunch. Meadows, a former congressman from North Carolina who now lives in South Carolina, previously fought efforts to testify before the special grand jury in Willis probe about his actions in the final weeks of Trumps presidency amid his refusal to concede the 2020 election. Meadows, however, was compelled to testify after he lost court challenges. Meadows also refused to comply with a subpoena to testify before the House Jan. 6 committee. The House voted in favor of criminal referrals for Meadows to the Justice Department, which declined to prosecute him. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com TEHRAN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said on Monday that anti-Iran "terrorist groups" operating in Iraq's Kurdistan Region must be disarmed and relocated from the border area by the upcoming deadline of Sep. 19, stressing that the deadline would not be extended. Kanaani made the comments during his regular press conference in Tehran, where he said Iran expects the Iraqi government to fully implement a security agreement signed with Iran in March that requires the disbanding of the separatist groups, according to the official news agency IRNA. He said Iran is aware that the Iraqi government has communicated the contents of the agreement to the authorities in the Kurdistan Region, adding that "Iran is now awaiting the implementation of the agreement." The Kurdistan Region, a semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq, hosts camps and bases operated by several Iranian Kurdish factions, which Iran designates as "separatist terrorists." The spokesperson reiterated Iran's firm stance that the deadline will not be extended, noting that the Iraqi government, the Kurdistan Region, and the United Nations Special Representative in Iraq have all been informed of Iran's position. Kanaani said Iran expects the Iraqi government to "duly execute" the agreement's provisions as Iran attaches "paramount significance" to safeguarding its national security. He warned that if the terms of the agreement are not upheld, Iran will fulfill its responsibility of "preserving our nation's security." A security agreement signed between Iran and Iraq in March requires the Iraqi government to disband the Iranian Kurdish factions and relocate them to an alternate camp. During a surprise testimony in a courtroom hearing connected to a sprawling criminal conspiracy case in Georgia, Mark Meadows did not recall how a highly scrutinized and recorded phone call at the center of the case against Donald Trump and 18 allies came to be. The phone call during which then-President Trump urged Georgias chief elections official to find votes to overturn Joe Bidens victory in the state is among central pieces of evidence in a sprawling racketeering indictment targeting Mr Trumps efforts to subvert the outcome of 2020 presidential election results in the state. Mark Meadows, a former White House chief of staff, testified in US District Court in Atlanta on 28 August as part of his effort to move the state case out of Fulton County and into federal court, marking one of the first courtroom battles between the 19 defendants and prosecutors under Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in the largest case against the former president and his allies yet. He faces two counts in the sprawling 41-count indictment outlining dozens of acts that encompass the conspiracy: one count of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO statute, and one count of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Mr Meadows said on the stand that he was not sure whether attorneys on the call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger were working for Mr Trump or his campaign. US District Court Judge Steve Jones, shaking his head, asked why Mr Meadows would even allow them on the call without knowing their roles, ABC News reported. He said that the purpose of the call was to find a less litigious way to resolve a dispute over ballot signatures. He testified that he reached out to both Mr Raffensperger himself and a member of his staff, but neither had responded. Mr Trump himself eventually reached out to Mr Raffensperger, according to Mr Meadows. Ms Willis has subpoenaed Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to testify. Mr Meadows repeatedly testified that he did not recall setting up the call or how aides connected to the campaign not the federal government joined in. I dealt with the presidents personal position on a number of things. Its still a part of my job to make sure the president is safe and secure and able to perform his job, Mr Meadows said, according to CBB. Serving the president of the United States is what I do, to be clear. His surprise testimony comes two weeks after a grand jury indictment presented the largest and most significant case yet facing Mr Trump and others connected to an alleged racketeering scheme in which they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election to ensure he remained in power. Mr Trump, Mr Meadows and their 17 other co-defendants were booked in Fulton County jail and released on bond last week. They are scheduled to appear in court for their arraignment hearings on 5 September. Attorneys for Mr Meadows have asked for the prompt removal of the case from Fulton County, citing federal law that allows US officials to remove civil or criminal trials from state court over alleged actions performed under color of their offices, with Mr Meadows performing such acts during his tenure as White House chief of staff, they wrote in court filings. His lawyers said they then intend to file a motion to dismiss the indictment as soon as feasible, according to attorneys. Nothing Mr Meadows is alleged in the indictment to have done is criminal per se, his attorneys wrote. One would expect a Chief of Staff to the President of the United States to do these sorts of things. Prosecutors, however, have argued that Mr Meadows was acting on behalf of the Trump campaign, performing acts that were all unquestionably political in nature and therefore, by definition, outside the lawful scope of his authority as chief of staff. Even if the defendant somehow had been acting as authorized under federal law (rather than directly contrary to it), that authority would be negated by the evidence of his personal interest, malice, actual criminal intent, they wrote. During the hearing on Monday, which was not broadcast, Mr Meadows himself argued in his sworn testimony that he was both a principal figure and an observer in meetings with and about Mr Trump, and was invited to almost every meeting that the president had, CNN reported. Those were challenging times, bluntly, he said during his sworn testimony, according to CNN. I dont know if anyone was fully prepared for that type of job. He also was grilled over false election claims amplified by the former president despite statements from members of his own administration rejecting them, including then-Attorney General Bill Batt telling then-President Trump that allegations of voter fraud are bull****. Mr Meadows said he believed the claims warranted further investigation at the time but had no reason to doubt Mr Barr, according to CNN. Mr Meadows is one of five defendants in the Georgia case who want to transfer the case out of Fulton County. Former assistant US Attorney General Jeffrey Clark and three people wrapped up in the so-called alternate elector scheme David Shafer, Cathy Latham and state Senator Shawn Still are also asking a judge to move the case to federal court. Mr Trump also is expected to do the same. Ms Willis also has subpoenaed his former lead investigator Frances Watson. Mr Meadows met with Ms Watson in December 2020 during a state-run audit of absentee ballot signatures that Ms Watson was overseeing. Mr Trump called her the next day. On 27 December 2020, Mr Meadows asked if there was a way to speed up Fulton County signature verification in order to have results before Jan 6 if the Trump campaign can assist financially, which Ms Willis is likely to use to bolster prosecutors argument that Mr Meadows acted on behalf of the campaign, thus not immune from federal protections allowing his removal. Mr Meadows testified on Monday that he did not recall reaching out to Ms Watson. He also denied that he directed White House aide John McEntee to draft a memo outlining how to delay the certification of electoral college results on 6 January, 2021 during a joint session of Congress that would be targeted by a mob of the former presidents supporters in a violent attempt to upend the elections outcome. Mr Meadows did not ask Mr McEntee to that, he said, according to CNN. Those allegations outlined in the indictment from Georgia prosecutors did not happen and were the biggest surprise to him as he read the charging document, Mr Meadows said. The Georgia case is separate from the US Department of Justice investigation and federal charges against Mr Trump for his efforts to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. At a separate hearing on Monday, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington DC set a tentative trial date in that case for 4 March, 2024 one day before Super Tuesday primary election contests. PANAMA CITY A local organization will soon be reimbursed for money that was embezzled by a former city employee. In a special meeting Friday, Panama City commissioners reviewed the results of a recent auction for the 11 properties seized from Michael Johnson, the city's former community redevelopment director. Johnson was arrested in October on charges of embezzling money from the Friends of After School Assistance Program, a nonprofit organization that supports Panama City's After School Assistance Program. A forensic audit conducted by the city showed Johnson used about $1 million in embezzled funds to purchase the properties, which were deeded to the city after being seized by local law enforcement. The combined sales of the properties, which is expected to be about $1.45 million, will be used by the city to benefit the ASAP. Panama City commissions on Tuesday reviewed the results of a recent auction for the 11 properties seized from former Community Redevelopment Director Michael Johnson. "It's been almost a year since this process began and when the criminal activity was discovered, so it's definitely a very good thing for the community, the city and for the ASAP program to see this finally come to a close," Commissioner Josh Street said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The locations of the 11 properties and the amounts Panama City is expected to receive for each are: 3615 State Ave., Panama City $192,000 4109 West 19th St. Unit A&B, Panama City $189,000 1703 Foster Ave., Panama City $173,000 1033 Grace Ave., Panama City $157,000 1006 McKenzie Ave., Panama City $157,000 1041 Grace Ave., Panama City $155,000 1703 7t St. E., Panama City $110,000 924 Magnolia Ave., Panama City $106,000 908 Cone Ave., Panama City $81,000 2819 Altha Ave., Panama City $74,000 625 8th Court E., Panama City $56,000 According to information from the city, the purchase contracts of nine of the properties are essentially a done deal, with some details still needing to be squared away for 1703 7th St. E. and 2819 Altha Ave. The first of those has an pending purchase contract with its existing tenant. If they are unable to close, the city then will go to the next highest bidder. The deal with the highest bidder for the second property fell through, so the city also will contact its next highest bidder. Past reports state that Johnson resigned from his position in October after former City Manager Mark McQueen confronted him about sloppy management practices. These included a lack of policies, procedures and documentation, as well as noncompliance with federal regulations related to Johnson's local role with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Program. That program provides governments with federal funding to develop housing for urban communities. Johnson was arrested about two weeks later, after an account for the ASAP was discovered at Hancock Whitney Bank that had only him on its signature card. He directed the program since 2012 and had sole access to its checkbook. Forensic audit: Panama City reviews, accepts forensic audit results in wake of fraud by former employee Statements from Hancock Whitney show Johnson wrote himself checks, the first of which was written on Feb. 1, 2012, for $9,839. The largest check was written on Nov. 13, 2020, for more than $37,215. In March, Johnson pleaded no contest to grand theft, money laundering and 19 counts of official misconduct. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. "The city is not trying to profiteer off a bad situation," Street said of why the money is going to the ASAP. "I think that by committing it to the actual program where the funds were stolen from ... that's where we're trying to make a wrong right. It's the right thing to do to ensure that program is well funded." This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City selling 11 properties illegally bought by Michael Johnson Former President Trump saw a slight decrease in his support among Republican primary voters after he skipped the first GOP debate last week, according to a new poll from Emerson College. The poll, which was conducted Aug. 25-26, found 50 percent of GOP primary voters said they plan to vote for Trump, down from 56 percent in a pre-debate poll and the lowest support to date in an Emerson poll. At the same time, multiple candidates saw a slight uptick in support in the aftermath of the debate, which took place Wednesday in Milwaukee. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley saw the largest boost, with her support jumping from 2 percent to 7 percent after the debate. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The poll found Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 12 percent, up 2 percentage points from before the debate. Former Vice President Mike Pence got 7 percent support in the poll, up from 3 percent before the debate. The poll found that 27 percent of voters felt entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the debate last week, but it did not immediately translate to an increase in his support, which dropped from 10 percent to 9 percent in the Emerson poll. The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. The findings indicate Trump may pay a price with some Republican primary voters for his decision to skip the first debate, though its difficult to tell from one survey, and he maintains a commanding lead over the field. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage He instead opted to record an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which was published on social media at the same time the debate began. Trump has indicated he plans to skip future debates, as well, pointing to his large lead in GOP primary polls and questioning why he should subject himself to attacks from other candidates when he is ahead by roughly 30 percentage points in many national polls. While Trump saw a slight dip in support, the question from this poll is whether this is a blip for Trump or if the other Republican candidates will be able to rally enough support to be competitive for the caucus and primary season, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A series of solar eclipse images show the moon obscuring the sun until an orange ring is present. Where to go for the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 , is largely down to where the eclipse path is. On that day the entire Americas will experience a partial solar eclipse , but the 'ring of fire' will only be visible from within a 125-mile (200-kilometer) wide path heading from the northwest U.S. through Central America to Brazil. That path of the eclipse is the moon 's antumbra, where the moon appears completely within the sun 's disk to create the 'ring of fire' effect. The light levels will also noticeably fade as 90% of the sun is covered. Outside of the path is the moon's penumbra its fuzzier outer shadow where a partial solar eclipse will be visible across North, Central and South America Related: How to read and understand a solar eclipse map ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Although it won't be as dramatic as the total solar eclipse 177 days later on April 8, 2024, in Mexico the U.S. and Canada, this annular solar eclipse will be worth watching. "The 'ring of fire' will be a spectacle all of its own," Michael Zeiler, cartographer and eclipse-chaser at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com during a Zoom interview. "With eclipse glasses, you'll see the eerie sight of the sun appearing as a brilliant ring of sunlight." How to make a plan for the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse An eclipse map showing where the october 2023 annular solar eclipse will be visible from. The path of annularity crossing the U.S. on October 14, 2023. (Image credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio) When planning where to go, research where has the best climate and likelihood of clear skies. "I would recommend the U.S. National Parks in the 'Four Corners' area where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Ariana meet because it's a sunny time of year after the monsoon season and before the winter storms," says Zeiler. "An ideal trip would be to rent an RV and visit some of the magnificent places in the area at a time of year when you're not going to encounter huge crowds, except on eclipse day." However, it would be wise to stay mobile and keep plans relatively fluid, checking weather apps like Windy in the days before the eclipse and re-locating if necessary. It all begins with the position of the path of annularity on October 14, 2023. Only eight U.S. states, from Oregon through Texas, will see the 'ring of fire' (we've not included Idaho since only a tiny sliver of that state is crossed by the path). Here's where you need to be on the day of the eclipse to see the most of what this solar eclipse has to offer. Related: Annular solar eclipse October 2023: Plan your trip to see the amazing 'ring of fire' eclipse with these top tips 1. Southern Oregon green shrubs and grass on the left and a long sandy beach with crashing waves on the right. Oregon's coastal dunes and beaches will see the 'ring of fire'. (Image credit: Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Eclipse details When: 9:15-9:24 a.m. PDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 32 secs. Key locations: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Klamath Falls. Climate: High chance of cloud west of the Cascades, likely clear to the east As the 'ring of fire' arrives in the Beaver State it will be just 17 degrees up in the southeast, so photographers will likely line its beautiful coast between Lincoln Beach and Denmark. However, it's an often misty coast, so it's a risky choice. Ditto the sight of the 'ring of fire' reflecting in America's deepest lake at Crater Lake National Park . Nearby is Klamath Falls and its EclipseFest 2023 . Clear skies are more likely on the eastern side of the Cascade mountain range, with the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway in the arid high desert potentially a good option. Either way, it could get busy in Oregon. "The path is a two-hour drive south from Portland and six hours from Seattle," says Zeiler. "That's a lot of people." Related: 10 breathtaking locations to see October 2023's 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse 2. Northeastern California Eclipse details When: 9:18-9:22 a.m. PDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 39 secs Key locations: Lava Beds National Monument, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge Climate: Clear skies likely Although the annular solar eclipse comes to California, the path only clips its northeast corner. "It's a very lightly populated part of California," says Zeiler, who doesn't think the area will get too many visits from within the state. "For people in the San Francisco Bay area or southern California, their shortest journey into the path takes them into Nevada or Utah." One scenic location within California is Lava Beds National Monument close to the northern edge of the path, where a long display of Baily's beads is expected. Related: 'Ring of fire' from US national parks: 7 great places to see the annular solar eclipse 2023 3. Northern Nevada A row of stone huts with roofs tapering to a point with blue sky behind. The 'ring of fire' will be seen from the Ward Charcoal Ovens near Ely, Nevada. (Image credit: Bernard Friel/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.) Eclipse details When: 9:18-9:28 a.m. PDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 37 secs. Key locations: Great Basin National Park, Ely, Winnemucca Climate: Clear skies likely Massacre Rim Dark Sky National Conservation Area in remote northwestern Nevada might attract the adventurous, but most will head from California or Salt Lake City on Interstate 80 (which intersects the path and passes many small towns, such as Winnemucca), or from Las Vegas in the south. A popular target will be Great Basin National Park in the Snake Range. Nearby Ely will host a NASA live-streaming team at its Ring of Fire Eclipse Festival . 4. Southern Utah red rock structures and canyons below a blue sky with wispy white clouds. The 'ring of fire' will be visible from the Grand View Point Overlook in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. (Image credit: Andrew Lloyd/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Eclipse details When: 10:24-10:35 a.m. MDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 40 secs. Key locations: Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument, Canyonlands National Park Climate: Clear skies likely The path through Utah crosses some of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S. Visitors from Salt Lake City and Las Vegas can intersect the path using Interstate 15, but to its southeast are U.S. National Parks including Bryce Canyon , Capitol Reef and Canyonlands . However, choices are almost endless, with other beauty spots in the path including State Parks like Kodachrome Basin , Goosenecks and Goblin Valley , the National Monuments of Natural Bridges , Bear Ears and Hovenweep . Valley of the Gods near Mexican Hat is also in the path. Related: Dark Sky Utah: A complete guide to astro-travel in America's darkest state 5. Southwest Colorado Eclipse details When: 10:30-10:35 a.m. MDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 30 secs Key locations: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Yucca House National Monument Climate: Clear skies expected Colorado is another state just shaved by the eclipse path, but this Mesa Verde Region of the Colorado Plateau includes the famous Mesa Verde National Park and the less visited Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Yucca House National Monument as well as the town of Cortez. A popular place with the longest-lasting 'ring of fire' in Colorado will be the Four Corners National Monument where Colorado meets Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Related: The ultimate guide to planning epic stargazing road trips in the US southwest 6. Northeastern Arizona Eclipse details When: 10:29-10:35 a.m. MDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 26 secs. Key locations: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Navajo National Monument Climate: Clear skies likely Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Navajo Nation on the border with Utah is easily the most well-known destination in the area of Arizona crossed by the eclipse path. However, there are two others; Canyon de Chelly National Monument to the east and Navajo National Monument to the south. Eclipse-chasers at all of these locations should respect indigenous attitudes to eclipses . Popular tourist sites around Page, Arizona such as Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell are sadly just beyond the southern limits of the path. 7. New Mexico Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the skies. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta will host a "balloon glow" during the "ring of fire". (Image credit: Leo York/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) Eclipse details When: 10:30-10:46 a.m. MDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 46 secs Key locations: Chaco Canyon, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Roswell Climate: Highest chance of clear skies The path dissects New Mexico from northwest to southeast, crossing some remote areas on either side of one of the biggest cities anywhere in the path. "Albuquerque is going to be 'ground zero' for the annular and it's the perfect place to see it," says Jayne Aubele from Albuquerque's New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. "The sun will be fairly high in the sky and it happens on the last Saturday of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta ." Albuquerque is going to be very busy on eclipse day, but there are plenty of other places to consider, from Shiprock, Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historic Park to Santa Fe and Roswell. Related: How to build your own solar eclipse viewer (video) 8. Texas Eclipse details When: 11:41-12:03 p.m. CDT Maximum duration of 'ring of fire': 4 mins and 52 secs Key locations: San Antonio, Texas Hill Country, Padre Island National Seashore Climate: Likely clear in West Texas, potentially cloudy elsewhere The most populous part of the entire eclipse path, Texas is the final U.S. state where a "ring of fire" will be visible. San Antonio and Corpus Christi both get the peak experience, with Odessa and Midland in the state's west ideal for a more remote experience (with a higher chance of clear skies). In between is Texas Hill Country, 120 square miles of which will also experience totality during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Places that will see both eclipses include Concan, Vanderpool, Bandera, Kerrville and Uvalde. Related: 10 best events across the US to celebrate the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse Additional resources For planning trips to see solar eclipses, the interactive Google Maps on Xavier Jubier's eclipse website is invaluable (and the source for the timings in this article), as are the simulations for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses on Eclipse 2024 and the beautiful eclipse maps on GreatAmericanEclipse.com . Climate and weather predictions by meteorologist Jay Anderson on Eclipsophile.com are equally instructive as are ex-NASA eclipse calculator Fred Espenak's Eclipse Wise and Mr. Eclipse . Patients who would once have gone to the Leominster maternity ward will now be directed to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. With COVID cases in Massachusetts on the rise, UMass Memorial Medical Center is bringing back a mask mandate for all staff due to an increase in cases among employees. In a memo released to caregivers Thursday, UMass Memorial said that in response to the uptick in cases, masks will be mandatory for all patient encounters in all licensed clinical areas. Masks will not be required for common areas but are strongly encouraged, the memo said. Mask use is also encouraged for patients and visitors, but not required. If there is a further increase in transmission rates, UMass Memorial Medical Center will require masks upon entry of the building. The mandate will be re-evaluated in four weeks, "unless worsening conditions dictate otherwise." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "Please know that these changes are not made lightly and we know that a return to masking may be upsetting for some of our caregivers," the hospital said. Cases increasing in Worcester Last month, Worcester had 89 confirmed COVID cases. As of Friday, the count was 151, Worcester Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Matilde Castiel said. "We've had an increase," Castiel said. "I think the thing we've noticed the most is the increase in staff at hospitals. Hospital COVID numbers have tripled. Guidelines are beginning to change." Castiel said people who are at high risk or are immunocompromised should wear masks, especially in crowded spaces. Castiel also encouraged people to get vaccinated if they have not already, and to get any remaining COVID boosters. She added that everyone should get their flu vaccines and RSV vaccines. COVID numbers have also increased in nursing homes and rehab centers in Worcester, Castiel said. There were 40 new cases in the city the week of Aug. 4 through Aug. 10, 50 new cases from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 and 47 new cases Aug. 18 through Aug. 25. "I think it's up to people to know numbers are increasing and if they are at high risk, they should be wearing masks," Castiel said. "In the coming months, we won't be outdoors as much either so that's going to cause the numbers to increase as well." This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: UMass Memorial brings mask mandate back as COVID cases rise EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) Two women face multiple federal charges after allegedly trying to smuggle fentanyl from Mexico inside their bodies through the pedestrian lanes of El Pasos Ysleta port of entry. One indictment returned last week charges Angelysse Swink Gonzalez with the importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Gonzalez on Aug. 5 stated at the port of entry she was returning from visiting her grandmother on her birthday in Juarez, Mexico, but had no identification on her, court records show. She showed a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer a photo in her cellphone of a state identification card. The officer noticed during the interview that Gonzalez appeared to be wearing a thick undergarment under her legging jeans. The officer sent her to a secondary inspection area where a female officer conducted a pat down and asked her to squat. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Single DEA bust nets 50,000 fentanyl pills, three alleged drug dealers The officer reported the woman struggled to comply with her instructions, so she touched her and felt a bulge in the pelvic area. According to court records, Gonzalez voluntarily removed from her vagina a sealed condom carrying 1,000 pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Gonzalez was later interviewed by Homeland Security Investigators to whom she allegedly told a man in Las Cruces, New Mexico, offered her work bringing drugs into the United States. She and her contact traveled to Juarez, where she was instructed to call an Uber. They arrived at an address where she was offered 100 fentanyl pills as payment if she could smuggle a boat of pills into the U.S., court records show. A boat, according to the investigators, is a load of 1,000 illicit drug pills. The term was originally applied only to Ecstasy pills, according to some law enforcement agencies. 6 gallons of coma in a bottle stopped before arriving in Florida county She allegedly agreed and then was offered a similar deal if she could carry a second boat inside her, court records show. Gonzalez turned down the deal, telling the traffickers she could not fit any more drugs inside her body because she was already in pain, according to records. A day later, Ashley Judith Pedroza showed up at the same port of entry telling CBP officers she wanted to visit a relative in El Paso. The woman did not have a passport or other picture ID but showed border officers her Social Security card and her daughters American birth certificate. A records check revealed a federal government alert for Pedroza in connection to possible currency-smuggling activity, court records show. She was sent to a secondary inspection where a female officer patted her down and allegedly felt bulges around the womans upper thigh. The officer told Pedroza to remove whatever she was carrying under her shorts, but the woman allegedly told her, I cant. The woman was made to lower her shorts and the officer saw three packages wrapped in electrical tape around the inner thigh, court records show. The packages contained a substance that CBP officers said tested positive for nearly a pound of methamphetamine. Pedroza was asked if she was carrying more drugs and allegedly said, yes. She was asked to squat and then to surrender a sealed condom with 500 fentanyl pills from inside her body, court records show. Visit BorderReport.com for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border Pedroza allegedly told Homeland Security Investigators she purchased the drugs in Juarez and planned to hire associates to sell them in the U.S. A federal grand jury indicted her last week on two counts of importing a controlled substance and two counts of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute. CBP Office of Field Operations meth and fentanyl seizures in the El Paso area of responsibility, fiscal years 2022 and 2023. (CBP graphic) In fiscal year 2022, CBP officers seized more than 321 pounds of fentanyl at El Paso ports of entry. In the first 10 months of FY 2023, theyve already seized 312 pounds. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. Laura Shaver had just opened her law office in Everett when she received a call from a man who said hed been wrongfully convicted in a 1995 Sunnyside murder. Evaristo Junior Salas had already spent two decades in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Jose Arreola on Saul Road in Sunnyside. He told Shaver he wasnt the shooter. Shaver, whos originally from Yakima, reflected on the words of her former boss, attorney Pete Mazzone, about whether to take such cases pro bono. He said no way, thats how you go broke, she recalled. Believing Salas was telling the truth, Shaver took the case anyway. I felt like there was so much desperation in his voice, she said. When I talked to him, I honestly felt like no one was going to help him. That was six years ago. Salas quest for a new trial faced some setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed court proceedings. Yakima County Superior Court Judge David Elofson, now retired, denied Salas a new trial in 2021 without allowing a hearing to consider whether there was any new evidence warranting a retrial. Shaver didnt give up. She filed an appeal, which was successful. A three-judge panel sent the case back to Yakima County Superior Court, leading to a three-day hearing in Yakima to determine whether there was new evidence warranting a retrial. On Aug. 17, the matter came to a sudden end. Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic moved to dismiss with prejudice the nearly 27-year-old murder charge against Salas. Dismissing with prejudice means the charge cannot be refiled. That same day, Salas, 42, was released from Airway Heights Corrections Center in Spokane Valley. Shaver said it was one of the most difficult cases shes handled since becoming a defense attorney 13 years ago. I did not think it would take six years, she said. I did not think it would take thousand and thousands of dollars. I was ignorant to that, but it ended up all working out. The case Prosecutors built their case against Salas on the testimony of two witnesses: police informant Bill Bruhn and Arreolas girlfriend, Ofelia Cortez (formerly Gonzalez). She was there when Arreola was shot on a foggy November night. She said she saw the shooters face. Arreola was sitting in his girlfriends parked minitruck when someone walked up and fired two shots into his head. Cortez reportedly had just exited the truck with their infant son when the shooting occurred. Six months had passed and the case appeared to have gone cold. Then Salas emerged as a suspect after he was photographed for no apparent reason by the lead investigator, former Sunnyside Police Sgt. James Rivard. Salas was being interviewed by a Yakima County sheriff's deputy on another matter at the Sunnyside Police Department when Rivard photographed him with a Polaroid camera. That same day, Bruhn had come to Rivards office, and said the boy in the Polaroid photos was the same boy he overheard bragging about the killing. Cortez then identified Salas from a photo lineup. Salas, 15 at the time, was tried as an adult in Yakima County Superior Court. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on Dec. 16, 1996 two days after his 16th birthday. He was sentenced to nearly 33 years in prison. Omitted from trial was evidence showing a longstanding working relationship between Rivard and Bruhn, including receipts of payments Bruhn received for helping on cases. Also withheld from the trial was evidence showing that Cortez had retrieved her truck three days after the shooting, had it cleaned, repaired and sold it. The truck was under a police hold, meaning only police could authorize its release. Cortez somehow convinced the towing company to release it before police could process it as evidence. Also withheld from the trial was Rivards request that Cortez be charged with rendering criminal assistance in a homicide for removing the truck. A gun was never recovered in the case and a motive was never established. Shaver said she was struck by these issues as well as several others in the case. A new probe Salas spent years writing attorneys seeking help with his case without any takers. He even wrote award-winning producer Joe Berlinger, known for his documentaries on wrongful convictions. No answer. Then five years later, Salas received a call from Berlingers office, saying they had discovered his misplaced letter and were compelled by it. Berlinger assembled an investigative team, and Salas' story was featured on the "Wrong Man" series on Starz television network in 2018. Thats about the time Shaver began working the case. It was her first case under her new law office and she was doing it for free. In a recent interview, Salas said he was grateful for the chance Shaver took on his case, especially considering she had just opened her own firm. "She said she'd help fundraise, whatever it took but that she wasn't going to give up on me," Salas said. "And she literally kept her word." Shaver said she worked hard to make enough money to continue working Salas' case. "Other attorneys saw me in trial and then referred me cases, which helped me keep a full caseload, pay the bills and pay for things we needed for (Salas') case," she said. Shaver said it was the largest paper trail she had compiled in a case. Her motion for a new trial contained more than 2,000 pages of old trial transcripts, police reports including omitted information and other exhibits. Shaver said shes known for filing public disclosures, but this case brought her to a new level. But in this case I really didnt expect to get all this, she said. Some of the stuff we got back blew my mind. I felt like I dont know how I got it but I got it. Some of that information included reports involving Rivard helping Bruhn get a felony burglary charge reduced to a misdemeanor in Benton County prior to Salas trial. Shaver said she officially began working on Salas case on June 1, 2017. She brought on the Washington Innocence Project in fall 2019. The reason I wanted them is it became a monster case, she said. It was bigger than any other case I worked before. I felt like, yeah Im a trial lawyer and a criminal defense lawyer, but I never gotten anyone exonerated and they did, so I wanted them in on that. She said the Innocence Project has a reputation for taking on cases involving innocent people. And I felt like that mattered, she said. Shaver had an opportunity to go through the new evidence, and the holes, during the three-day hearing in Yakima this month, where she pressed Rivard during a tough cross examination. Rivard admitted he paid Bruhn on cases. Prosecutors were not aware of that when Salas was tried more than 26 years ago, Brusic said. The state would have a difficult time proving the case now, he said. "The nature of my decision wasnt based on this defendant's innocence," Brusic had said. "Im not saying he was innocent." Disagreeing, Shaver said questions remain unanswered. Just how Cortez was able to get the towing company to release the truck hasnt been resolved, she said. Prosecutors never said whether they received Rivards referral for charges against Cortez. How can you walk away with these facts and think (Salas) did it? she said. New beginning Shaver drove to Spokane Valley to be there the day Salas was released. Salas family was there too. Seeing Salas reunited with his dad, Ruben Alvarado, and sister, Debbie Salas, and others was most rewarding, Shaver said. Ruben, I think hes been really sad for 26 years and now hes smiling, she said. I feel like there is peace in the family now. Shaver said shes formed a brother-sister relationship with him. She said they share a similar moral compass when it comes to loyalty. Hes never going to turn his back on friends or his family, she said. She said Salas is entitled to receive about $50,000 a year for each year he was locked up. That would equate to about $1.3 million. He also could seek more than that in a civil lawsuit, she said. Shaver said its too early to tell what Salas is going to decide. Currently, hes focused on getting a job, his driver's license, health insurance and other immediate necessities. At this point I think everyone is just trying to adjust to him being home, she said. I dont know if hes thinking that far yet. Opinion Editor Dion Lefler has been providing award-winning coverage of local government, politics and business as a reporter in Wichita, Kan., for 23 years. He hails from Los Angeles, where he worked for the LA Daily News, the Pasadena Star-News and other papers. MOSCOW, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Monday it has charged a former U.S. consulate employee with spying on information about Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. The FSB said in a statement that it "stopped the illegal activities" of an informant of the U.S. embassy in Moscow, Russian citizen Robert Shonov, who was a former employee at the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok. Shonov is accused of collecting information for the U.S. Embassy about the course of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, including on mobilization processes in Russia's regions, and on potential "problematic aspects" that could spur protest sentiment in the country ahead of the presidential elections. The FSB has charged Shonov with committing a crime under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code which punishes cooperation on a confidential basis with a foreign state. It said Shonov passed information to two U.S. diplomats working at the political department of the embassy, adding that they would be questioned as part of the investigation. 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. Curs valutar 30 octombrie 2023. Euro si dolarul, in scadere Cursul pentru euro anuntat de Banca Nationala a Romaniei (BNR) astazi, 30 octombrie 2023, este de 4.9647 Lei, fata de vineri, cand valoarea era de 4,9681 Lei. Cursul pentru dolarul american este de 4.6943 Lei, fata de vineri cand a fost 4,7033 Lei. [citeste mai departe] Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the fifth session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, started its fifth session Monday in Beijing. Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the session's first plenary meeting. Lawmakers reviewed a draft revision to the Law on Administrative Reconsideration, a draft foreign state immunities law, and a draft amendment to the Civil Procedure Law, all submitted by the NPC Constitution and Law Committee to the session. In its reports to the session, the NPC Constitution and Law Committee said the three drafts are already relatively mature, and suggested the session adopt them. Lawmakers also deliberated a draft revision to the Company Law, a draft value-added tax law, a draft preschool education law, a draft academic degrees law, and a draft revision to the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security. The session reviewed a draft decision on extending a trial program allowing lawyers from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to obtain licenses and practice in nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area. Lawmakers also deliberated an extradition treaty with Ecuador. They heard a report on the implementation of the plan for national economic and social development since this year, a report on the execution of budget since this year, a report on the financial transfer payment, a report on the work for ensuring national food security, and a report on the work against domestic violence. Lawmakers also deliberated a report on deputy qualifications and personnel-related bills. Opposition party Mi Hazank has said it is offering a one million forint bounty (EUR 2,620) for anyone who helps capture a Vietnamese guest worker accused of a sex crime. Elod Novak, the radical partys deputy leader, told a press conference on Sunday that there were two types of migrant crime recognised by the government: Gypsy crime and emerging guest-worker crime. The party is organising a protest for Aug. 29 in front of a prison in Budapest. The Pest Central District Court has issued an arrest warrant for the individual in question, he said, adding that police had not managed to locate the man. Mi Hazank Hosts 'European Right-Wing Parties' in Budapest Hungarian radical party Mi Hazank hosted a meeting of right-wing parties in Parliament at the weekend, and the partys leader, Laszlo Toroczkai, mooted forming a new European alliance. Bulgarias Revival, Czechias Freedom and Direct Democracy Movement, the Dutch Forum for Democracy, Switzerlands Mass-Voll and Alternative for Sweden all took part. Toroczkai said these parties had similar programmes and histories. He said a new world order was under way harmful to European nations which were being flooded by millions of migrants. He spoke of the censorship on social media and mounting surveillance and control of people. Families, he added, were being ripped apart due to LGBTQ and other harmful liberal propaganda. Meanwhile, he referred to a worthless world with faceless consumers. This dark process was fuelled by the dark force of the European Union and a group of financiers who have never been democratically elected, he said, also citing NATO. Toroczkai said the duty of the parties gathered in Budapest was to stop the destruction of the Europe of nations. Dora Duro, the partys deputy leader, slammed western European politicians for failure to handle the war in Ukraine and for stoking an economic crisis. The Ukrainian government should not be helped, she said. First we should solve our own problems, she said. MTI Photo Ukrainian sources suspect that through digital backdoors in Chinese-made surveillance systems, the Russian armed forces were able to spy on Ukrainian cities. Such methods may have been used to locate Kyivs Patriot air defense systems during the May bombing of the city. Products of Chinese security tech companies have been blacklisted in several countries, but in Hungary, they are still widely used by the police and civil protection, and the Ministry of Defense even intended to install a Chinese security system in a vital military industrial plant. On the night of 16 May 2023, the Russian Air Force fired several missiles at Kyiv. The bombing damaged a part of the Ukrainian capitals Patriot air defense missile system. Within hours of the incident, Russian propaganda channels published videos of the impact, showing the Ukrainian air defenses being activated and then hit the videos were recorded not from the air, but from inside the city. Several Ukrainian experts have pointed out the potential risks of using internet-connected surveillance cameras, which may provide Russia with better options for intelligence gathering than their native tools, such as spy satellites. In May, the investigative group UnLawyers highlighted the risks posed by Chinese-made surveillance cameras. In Ukraine, two Chinese tech companies, Hikvision and Dahua, have a near-monopoly in the security technology sector. Before the war, the government installed CCTV cameras supplied by these two companies throughout the country as part of its Safe Cities project. Telecommunications equipment from the two companies is also widely used by the Ukrainian police. Backdoor spying Dahua and Hikvision are the global leaders in security technology, despite growing concerns about the privacy of their products. In 2022, the two companies had a combined revenue of $15 billion. As Kyivpost highlighted, a backdoor was discovered in 2017 in several models of Dahua cameras and video recorders, allowing third-party access. In 2022, security researchers discovered vulnerabilities in more than 80,000 Hikvision surveillance cameras that could allow unauthorised people to take control of them. Last year, already during the war, hackers offered tens of thousands of users details for sale on Russian forums, with the data also giving buyers access to Hikvision cameras. UnLawyers believes thet that Russian intelligence is aware of the vulnerabilities of Chinese devices, as the companies supply the Russian armed forces, among others. Massive profits since the war started Ukraine is also vary of Chinese security companies due to them still doing business in Russia. Ukraine has officially declared Hikvision and Dahua international sponsors of the war for allegedly supplying Russia with equipment used for military purposes, such as reconnaissance drones. According to Ukraines state sanctions database, the revenue of Hikvisions Russian subsidiary has increased by 42 percent since the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022, and its net profit by 1,526 percent, and doubled the number of its employees as a result. Dahua has not been so successful: according to a company profile by Russian business portal Tadviser, Dahuas local companys revenue fell 59 percent from 2021 to 2022. Vulnerabilities in Chinese products are not necessarily due to design flaws: Chinas 2017 National Security Law requires Chinese private companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies upon request. Unsurprisingly, tech companies are also involved in surveillance inside China, such as the Uighur crackdown. According to US and EU agencies, Hikvision has also supplied equipment to internment camps holding Uighurs. Blacklisted in the West Hikvisions name has also previously appeared in leaked Pentagon documents. In a US government document cited by the BBC, Hikvision was described as a partner of Chinese intelligence organizations that specifically sought to sell backdoor equipment to US government agencies, including the Department of Defense. The US had already banned Hikvision products from government supply chains, and last November regulators went further, imposing a nationwide ban on them, citing national security risks. In June this year, Chinese security equipment was also blacklisted in the UK: public organizations are no longer allowed to buy from Chinese companies and have been given six months to replace their existing equipment. Although China is neutral in the war, it is Russias partner in geopolitics, so the Ukrainians and their allies believe there is a real risk that they could provide intelligence information to Moscow, including using data collected by security firms. At the same time, Beijing is apparently careful not to appear as a proponent of Russian aggression. This policy is illustrated by Chinas participation in the Jeddah Peace Conference on 6-7 August. Less publicized, but equally significant, is the fact that, following the discovery that Russian forces in Ukraine had deployed Chinese-made modified civilian drones, the Chinese government-imposed export restrictions on several drones and other related equipment. Use by Hungarian law-enforcment Despite security concerns, the Hungarian government has on several occasions ordered security systems from problematic Chinese companies. Systems from Chinese companies have been widely installed in state institutions, public authorities and strategic industrial facilities in Hungary. The National Police Headquarters 2017 contract list includes two contracts with Dahuas Hungarian subsidiary: one for server migration in connection with border guard tasks, the other for Robotzsaru, the polices own case management system. In 2021, another Hungarian security agency bought equipment from a troubled Chinese company. According to the Public Procurement Bulletin, the subsidiary of NISZ Nemzeti Infokommunikacios Zrt., Pro-M Zrt. ordered Hyteara brand radio terminals and accessories from a private company for HUF 9 billion. According to the announcement, the devices will be used in the national network for emergency preparedness, disaster management and disaster relief. Hikvision products are also widely used by Hungarian public institutions. According to data in the Hungarian Electric Procurement System, several Hungarian universities and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences have purchased Hikvision products, and several municipalities use the Chinese companys security systems, especially surveillance cameras. In 2021, the companys name also appeared in two public procurement contracts of the Hungarian Police Service: the police ordered Hikvision dome and tube cameras. In 2022, Hyteras products were also banned in the US due to data and national security risks. In July, HVG reported that the new flagship of the Hungarian military industry, the Zalaegerszeg military-industrial complex producing Lynx combat vehicles, almost ordered test chambers, a camera system monitoring the firing range and even a complete access control system from Chinese companies. According to the newspaper, the Hungarian side would have bought security equipment from the Chinese company YLi, but the purchase was vetoed by the German partner, the Lynx developer Rheinmetall, citing security risks. On the Hungarian side, the plant is owned by N7 Holding through ZalaZone Ipari Park Zrt. The holding is owned by the Ministry of Defence and its director is former Minister of Innovation and Technology Laszlo Palkovics. With long hospital waiting lists, more and more patients are turning to alternative solutions to reduce waiting times. A survey by Atlatszo reveals that some patients travel hundreds of kilometres for an operation. And those who can afford it turn to private health care, which usually promises faster treatment, but patients have to dig deep into their pockets. For many procedures, we found significant differences in the time needed to access care between the capital and rural cities, exacerbating inequalities. Istvan had been having symptoms since early 2023. Soon, he discovered that he would need hernia surgery. His doctor told him he could have the operation in May 2024. After considering the possible consequences of the long waiting, Istvan went to a private hospital, where he had to pay 650 000 HUF. And hes not the only one: from more than 200 people who completed Atlatszos survey on hospital waiting lists, eighteen said they had paid for the treatment because of the long wait. Some reported that their job made it essential to have a clear vision, so they didnt even consider waiting a year and a half for cataract surgery. "Even in private health care, there was a waiting list, the patient told us, adding that after four months, they had eye surgery at a private clinic for nearly 1 million HUF. Several people also reported unbearable pain, which made them unable to wait any longer. We pay social security contribution and get nothing for it Kamilla is in her late 20s and found out this spring that she has endometriosis. However, her symptoms started long before that, about a year ago, when she had a gynecological examination, but doctors found nothing. Due to her specific type of endometriosis, there are only a limited number of locations where doctors are able to perform this surgery. According to reports from fellow patients, it takes at least half a year to get the first appointment, and from then on, waiting for surgery takes about a year and a half. She didnt want to wait that long and also feared complications. I think its also a scary thing that by the time you get there, its either going to be much worse or you could be in a life-threatening condition, she said, explaining her decision to go to a private clinic in the countryside. At the end of June, she underwent the operation, having to wait a month and a half. Its annoying that Ive been paying social security contributions for many years, but I get nothing for it. In addition, I had to pay almost three million HUF. All this to avoid waiting two years for the surgery, she added. Private healthcare is a big business The experiences of those who completed the survey of Atlatszo are not unique: more and more Hungarian patients are turning to the private sector, especially since the coronavirus pandemic. The National Health Insurance Fund Management (NEAK) also noticed that an increasing number of people are turning to private healthcare in Hungary. According to their data, compared to 2019, less than 80 percent of patients were treated in public healthcare last year. In inpatient care, one in 20 services was provided by the private sector, with elderly and chronic patients typically staying in public healthcare. According to a study by Political Capital, the rise of private healthcare has several reasons, including long waiting lists in the public health system, shortages of staff and capacity, and dissatisfaction with care. According to the analysis of Portfolio, the latest figures show that the market has practically doubled in three years. We looked at how the net sales and after-tax profits of the largest private hospitals have evolved over the past year. One of the largest private providers, Medicover, is not included in the list because although it was due to publish its report by May, last years report is still not available. However, the 2021 figures show that they achieved an outstanding result in terms of profit, closing 2021 with a profit of HUF 3 billion and a net turnover of nearly HUF 20 billion. The TritonLife Group (nearly 900 million), Swiss Medical Services (760 million), and Buda Health Centre (451 million) also achieved lower, but still remarkable, after-tax results of several hundred million euros. However, three private institutions made a loss last year. Some travel hundreds of kilometres to get care Private healthcare is not the only solution for those who want to shorten waiting times. Twenty-three respondents said that they had not gone to their local hospital. It can happen, for example, if the doctor works in several institutions and the patient registers in the hospital where the waiting time is expected to be shorter. Data shows many patients have had to travel up to 100-200 kilometres to get care. For example, one patient was sent from Papa to Budapest for knee replacement surgery, as it was impossible to perform this type of surgery in their hometown. According to our calculations, the patient had to travel 166 kilometres by car, the shortest route. Another patient travelling from Miskolc to Debrecen had to travel about 114 kilometres at best. In addition, some patients travelled more than 60 kilometres from Szeged to Oroshaza or from Zanka and Monostorapati to Zalaegerszeg. In more fortunate cases, patients living close to the capital, such as in Telki, Veresegyhaza, or Dunaharaszti, travelled only a shorter distance of 10-30 kilometres. Significant regional differences In some cases, patients have travelled hundreds of kilometres not to reduce waiting times but rather because they had no other choice due to the fact that some operations are not performed in all hospitals. It means that people living in rural areas have to travel longer, and the limited facilities can also significantly increase the waiting list at a given hospital as more patients are waiting in one institution. Even if the operation is performed in rural towns, the capacity is much smaller than in Budapest, so waiting times are usually longer. Using data downloaded from the NEAK waiting list database for February-July this year, we looked at the three longest waiting lists of patients in Hungary. The analysis revealed that patients are queuing for hip or knee replacement surgery in almost all regions of the country. In Budapest, knee replacement surgery is performed in several hospitals, meaning that the waiting time is relatively short (less than two years), whereas, in some rural towns, people usually have to wait much more in order to be scheduled for surgery. In Szombathely, for example, patients have had to wait an average of 1471 days, or almost five years, over the last six months. In Gyor, the average waiting time was three years. The same was the case for hip replacement surgeries. Written and translated by Luca Pete and Zita Szopko. This storys original, more detailed Hungarian version can be found here. Soma Kiss and Krisztian Szabo contributed to the story. The article was produced with the support of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN). The survey was conducted using BIRNs B-Engaged tool. James Blunts Who We Used To Be tour in 2024 James Blunt will perform at the MVM Dome in Budapest on 5 March 2024 as part of his spring European tour, hvg.hu reports. The tour will showcase the new album Who We Used To Be, out on 27 October. The five-time Grammy-nominated singer will also perform in the United Kingdom as part of his spring European tour, following Hungary. In the UK, he will play two concerts at Londons Royal Albert Hall. This is not the first time that the singer of the hit song Youre Beautiful has visited Hungary. Not the first time that he performs in Budapest Hungarian audiences have already seen the world star, known for his strong stage presence, romantic singing style, catchy melodies and danceable songs, the organiser writes. The statement quotes Blunt: Words cannot express how excited I am to be back on tour in 2024. Its been incredible fun writing and recording my new album. Im sure some of the new songs will move everyone. I cant wait to crowdsurf in Budapest too. Blunt was last due to come to Hungary in 2020, but his concert was cancelled due to Covid, 24.hu writes. However, he was positive about the Hungarian capital when he played at Papp Laszlo Budapest Sports Arena in 2018: I dont know how many times Ive been here, but I feel at home now. This time I went shopping in a supermarket because I ran out of things during the tour, he said at the time. Blunt also revealed that in addition to performing, he had also travelled through Hungary several times as a professional soldier. Beside You and Who We Used To Be The albums first single is the recently released Beside You. The video, directed by Craig Bingham, recalls memories of James past. In the video, James encounters past selves of himself, and as he moves on, he takes on the roles of his past life. Who We Used To Be is James Blunts first studio album since the critically and publicly acclaimed Once Upon A Mind in 2019. A compilation of the singers biggest hits, 2021s The Stars Beneath My Feet has gone gold. Tickets available at eventim.hu New Delhi: The escalating costs in farming sector have pushed many farmers to shifting from the traditional agriculture business and taking to other more feasible ideas. Gulkhaira cultivation has lately come up as a very promising avenue amidst dwindling opportunities for other agricultural ventures. Gulkhaira cultivation or Gulkhaira farming is an innovative venture that not only eliminates losses but also guarantees profitable returns. Gulkhaira, known to be a medicinal plant used in both unani and other medicines, holds the key to sustainable agricultural growth. A very interesting aspect of Gulkhaira cultivation lies in its ability to be planted amidst existing crops. This means, you dont need a separate or earmarked land for sowing this crop. By strategically sowing Gulkhaira amidst conventional crops, you could look forward to a good harvest and eventually get enhanced growth and increased profits. Gulkhaira, is highly sought after for its medicinal attributes. The components found in Gulkhaira flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds fetch premium prices in the market. Media reports state that one quintal of Gulkhaira fetches prices of up to Rs 10,000. As per reports a single bigha of land can yield around five quintals of Gulkhaira produce. This means, you have a potential earnings of upto Rs 50,000 from per bigha land. The cultivation cycle of Gulkhaira spans from November to May. Also the farming business requires just a one-time investment in seeds. Gulkhaira plantation cycle begins in November and harvesting in April-May. As the plant matures, its leaves and stems naturally fall, simplifying the collection process. These harvested components serve as valuable raw materials for creating medicines targeting a range of ailments, from fever to cough among other ailments. Gulkhaira cultivation is very prominent in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Lately, in Uttar Pradesh, Gulkhaira farming has picked up pace. Regions such as Kannauj and Hardoi have also witnessed a surge in Gulkhaira cultivation. The market driven Gulkhaira cultivation has solid demand from pharmaceutical companies and sometimes dealers even establish pre-harvest price agreements with farmers for this medicinal plant cultivation. ((Disclaimer: This article is for sole information purpose. The calculator is also mostly based on assumptive figures to give an example of certain type. The article does not intend to give any financial advice of any sorts. For initiating any venture, you must do your own due diligence and market research.)) They say life is better with a brother by your side. A brother's unconditional support is invaluable. Siblings often look up to each other to accomplish their dreams but there are also many who have gone on to build on a dream with their brother. Today we delve into the journey of Delhi-based billionaire brothers who have built a multi-crore business empire together. Billionaire brothers Ramesh Kumar and Mukand Lal Dua are at the helm of Indias most prominent footwear brand Relaxo which is known for its budget-friendly brands such as Bahamas, Flite, Sparx and Schoolmate footwear. While Mukand Lal serves as a board director, Ramesh Kumar manages the business. According to Forbes, Ramesh Kumar and Mukand Lal Dua are among the wealthiest persons in India with a combined net worth of $2.32 billion. Let us know the story of Ramesh Kumar and Mukand Lal Dua, who transformed the Relaxo brand from a maker of solely Hawaii chappals into the market leader in the footwear industry. The Initial Struggle Days Of The Dua Brothers The father of Mukand and Ramesh Dua used to produce and market rubber footwear and bicycle parts. Due to their father's overwhelming debt, Mukand Dua began helping out his father. Ramesh Dua later joined his father's struggling business. Ramesh had studied pre-med and was preparing for his entrance exam, but he was forced to make the difficult choice of working for his father's failing business. The Birth Of The Relaxo Brand While overseeing the cycle part and footwear businesses, Ramesh made the executive decision to quit making cycle components and concentrate only on making rubber footwear. Ramesh noticed that there was a big market gap that might be filled by producing high-quality, reasonably priced rubber shoes for the people. The brother duo kept producing affordable shoes in order to serve middle-class Indians. The business formally went into private ownership in 1983, at which point it started using the Relaxo brand. The Dua brothers carried on the Relaxo journey under the guiding principle of running a brand that could withstand everything. The success of Relaxo came after years of struggle. The business, which began with just one itemthe Hawaii chappalbecame the manufacturer of footwear under the names Bahamas, Flite, Sparx, and Schoolmate. Because of the tireless efforts of the visionary Dua brothers, who consistently innovate, pay attention to customer feedback, and provide affordable footwear, Relaxo has maintained its relevance in the Indian footwear market. Relaxo has roped in Bollywood stars including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh as brand ambassadors. Ramesh Kumar And Mukand Lal Dua's Net Worth According to Forbes, the combined net worth of Ramesh Kumar and Mukand Lal Dua is $2.32 billion as of 2022. NEW DELHI: In view of the 'Shobha Yatra' scheduled to be organised by the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat in Haryana's Nuh district on Monday, the local administration has heightened security protocols and imposed strict measures to prevent outsiders from entering the area. Security Tightened Amid Tensions The situation remains delicate as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) persists in its plan to conduct the procession, despite being denied police permission. The Haryana Government, recognizing the potential risks, has urged the public to refrain from any movement within Nuh district due to the imposition of Section 144 by the district administration. Section 144 Imposed Nuh's Sub Divisional Magistrate, Ashwini Kumar, announced the imposition of Section 144 in the district and appealed to citizens to abstain from movement. All schools and banks in the district have been closed to restrict mobility. Those promoting the yatra have been warned against violating Section 144, with punitive actions promised. Heavy Police Deployment The Deputy Commissioner of Nuh, Dhirendra Khadgata, detailed the extensive security arrangements in place. Thirteen paramilitary companies, three Haryana Armed Police (HAP) companies, and 657 police personnel have been deployed. Section 144 remains enforced, and internet services will be suspended on the day of the event. The administration emphasizes taking necessary actions against those disregarding Section 144. #WATCH | Haryana | Security tightened in Nuh and surrounding areas in view of Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call for 'Yatra'. Visuals from Nuh-Gurugram border pic.twitter.com/6LotAGHTLE ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Vigilance & Tight Surveillance The Haryana Police are closely monitoring the district's situation, employing drones for surveillance alongside manual inspections. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Surender Kumar, highlighted these efforts and emphasized the use of drones for local area monitoring. Visit Nearby Temples And Offer Prayers There: Haryana CM Haryana's Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, addressed the public's concerns by denying permission for the Brij Mandal Yatra in Nuh. Instead, he encouraged people to visit nearby temples and pray, given the auspicious month of 'Sawan'. "Looking at the kind of incident that happened there (Nuh) at the beginning of the month, it is the governments duty to ensure that law and order in the area is maintained. Our police and administration have taken this decision that instead of carrying out a yatra (Braj Mandal Shobha Yatra), people should go to nearby temples and offer prayers. Permission for yatra is denied but people can go and offer prayers in nearby temples as it is Sawan month," CM Khattar said. Meanwhile, VHP leader Alok Kumar asserted that the Braj Mandal Shoba Yatra would proceed peacefully and without causing law and order issues. He emphasized the government's role in maintaining peace and security. Denial Of Permission Rajendra Kumar, the Inspector General of South Range Rewari, noted that the district administration had denied permission for the yatra in Nuh, ensuring arrangements for law and order management. The authorities' decision was influenced by concerns expressed by local police and intelligence agencies about potential disruptions to law and order. Internet Suspension In a preventive measure, the Haryana Police suspended internet services in Nuh district until August 28. Despite this, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad announced plans for a Braj Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra on August 28 in Nuh, indicating their commitment to the event. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday prima facie agreed with the Centre's submission on pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is "subordinate" to the Indian Constitution, which is on a higher pedestal. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, however, did not seem to be in agreement with the plea that the Constituent Assembly of the erstwhile state, which was disbanded in 1957, was in reality a legislative assembly. Without naming the two mainstream political parties of the erstwhile state, the Centre said citizens have been misguided that the special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir were "not discrimination but a privilege". "Even today two political parties are before this court defending Article 370 and 35A," the solicitor general told the top court on the 11th day of hearing the litany of pleas challenging the abrogation of the constitutional provision which bestowed special status to the erstwhile state of J-K. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said there is enough material to show that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is subordinate to the Constitution of India and the constituent assembly of J-K was in reality a legislative assembly making laws. "At one level, you may be right subject to rejoinder arguments from the other side (petitioners' side) that the Constitution of India is really a document which lies on a higher platform than that of the Constitution of J-K," the bench also comprising justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant said. It told Mehta that it would be difficult to accept the second limb of the argument that the Constituent Assembly (CA) of J-K was, in reality, a legislative assembly as proviso to Article 370 specifically mentioned that it (CA) brought certain subjects into the fold of the state upon its approval. Mehta, said, "The Constituent Assembly of J-K was for all purposes functioning as the state legislature apart from framing a subordinate document called 'the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir' also made legislations by passing several laws." He said the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, in the exercise of its limited powers, approved and adopted the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir which was nothing but a "legislative piece" for internal governance with the overarching application of the Indian Constitution. The solicitor general further submitted that the effect of Article 370 was such that by the administrative act of the President and the state government, any part of the Constitution of India with respect to J-K can be amended, altered or even "destroyed" and new provisions can be created. He said that after the 42nd amendment, the words "Socialist" and "Secular" were not made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. "Even the word "Integrity" is not there. Fundamental duties were not there, which exists in the Indian Constitution. "The Jammu and Kashmir Constitution provided for a separate provision for permanent residents of J-K in Article 7. It removed references to Scheduled Tribes from Article 15(4). Other Articles 19, 22, 31, 31A and 32 were applied with some modifications," Mehta said. He referred to another contentious provision, Article 35A, of the Indian Constitution that gave special rights to only permanent residents of the erstwhile state and said it was discriminatory, to say the least. "Under the provision (A-35A), people like sanitation workers working in the erstwhile state for decades were not given equal rights like that of permanent residents of J-K. "This discrimination continued till the provision was abrogated in 2019. Non-permanent residents of J-K were not able to purchase lands, could not avail scholarship, employment in the state government," he said, urging the court to look into issues from the "eyes of people". CJI Chandrachud deciphering Mehta's submissions said that by enacting Article 35A, they took away fundamental rights of equality, liberty to practice profession in any part of the country and even granted immunity from legal challenges and the power of judicial review. "People were misguided by those - who were supposed to guide them - that this was not a discrimination but a privilege. Even today two political parties are before this court defending Article 370 and 35A," the Solicitor General said. Mehta submitted that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir needed to be repealed because it could not co-exist with the Indian constitution. "On November 21, 2018, the legislative assembly of the state was dissolved but there was no contemporaneous challenge by any political party or any citizen or leader. "Till, today there is no challenge to the dissolution of the assembly," he said, adding that despite there being no challenge, arguments were made by the petitioners' side that the action was "arbitrary". Mehta added that on June 20, 2018, under Section 92 of the J-K Constitution, the Governor's rule was imposed in the state due to the failure of constitutional machinery in the state and only one petition challenged it after 14 months. "No political party challenged the governor's rule or dissolution of the assembly. We are being called at midnight in this court for a hearing on forming governments, but here there are no challenges. "Yet, arguments have been made that how can the governor dissolve the House. I am unable to understand the hollowness of the arguments," he submitted, adding that in J-K, Governor's rule has been imposed eight times and President's rule three times. The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue on Tuesday. On August 24, commencing their arguments in support of the abrogation of Article 370, the Centre had asserted there was no "constitutional fraud" in annulling the provision that accorded special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Several petitions challenging the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which split the erstwhile state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh - were referred to a Constitution bench in 2019. PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again affirmed his selfless dedication by expressing his lack of interest in assuming any leadership position within the recently established Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) alliance formed by the Opposition. Speaking in Patna alongside his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, Nitish Kumar stated, "I don't want to become anything. I have been telling you this again and again. I have no such desire. I just want to unite everyone." When questioned about the possibility of him taking on the role of the INDIA convenor if offered, the Bihar CM stated, "I do not want to become anything. I don't have any such desire. Others will be made the convenor (Humko kuch nahi banna hai. Humari koi iccha nahi hain. Doosre logo ko banaya jayega). #WATCH | Patna | Ahead of the next meeting of the INDIA alliance in Mumbai, when asked if he will accept the role of the Convener if offered, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says, "I don't want to become anything. I have been telling you this again and again. I have no such desire. I just pic.twitter.com/ffSFEkgHF4 ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 On Sunday, the Bihar CM confirmed that he would be attending the meeting and added that there was nothing personal that he wished for. Notably, Kumar had many times denied that he wished to become the Prime Minister, saying that he was not seeking anything personal from the bloc. These statements come ahead of the upcoming meeting of the INDIA alliance scheduled in Mumbai. Nitish Kumar, who played a crucial role in initiating the unity movement among opposition parties, reiterated that his focus remains solely on uniting the parties, emphasizing that he lacks personal ambitions. Amidst speculations about the alliance's future strategies and the potential for more parties to join, Nitish Kumar maintained his commitment to the coalition's growth and success. He commented, "We will discuss the bloc's strategies for next year's general elections during the upcoming meeting in Mumbai. A few more political parties will join our coalition." While his influence within the opposition grows, Nitish Kumar remains steadfast in his aspiration to ensure the alliance's triumph in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Although discussions circulate around his potential candidacy for the prime ministerial position, Nitish Kumar's primary goal remains leading the INDIA alliance to victory. The upcoming Mumbai meeting, scheduled for August 31 and September 1, is anticipated to delve into the alliance's policies and strategies, further solidifying its course of action for the future. Among the various political discussions, Nitish Kumar's resolute commitment shines as a guiding light, focusing on unity and progress rather than personal gains. Meanwhile, the logo of the united opposition alliance - Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance - will be released at its next meeting to be held in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1. As per the latest information, the design of the logo of the opposition bloc will be based on the lines of the acronym, sources said. MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Security forces raided a gambling site and arrested seven people in north Afghanistan's Balkh province on Sunday, said a statement of the provincial police headquarters on Monday. A total of seven gamblers who gathered in Police District 6 of Mazar-i-Sharif city, the capital of Balkh province, on Sunday night were identified and arrested, the statement added. In a similar operation last week, the security forces raided a gambling site in Samangan province and arrested 12 people. Gambling is banned in Afghanistan by the caretaker government. SAGAR: In a deeply disturbing incident, a Dalit youth was reportedly beaten to death, and his mother was subjected to public humiliation by a mob numbering in the hundreds in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on Sunday. The attack was prompted by a sexual harassment case that had been filed by the victim's sister in 2019. Tragically, the young man's sister was also assaulted when she attempted to shield her family from the aggressors. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lokesh Kumar informed ANI, "A young man was embroiled in an ongoing feud stemming from past conflicts within the jurisdiction of the Khurai police station. He suffered a severe assault from the opposing party. Subsequently, when he was taken to the hospital, he was pronounced deceased." Lokesh Kumar added, "Nine individuals have been charged with murder, and three will face charges under the stringent provisions of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Act. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident." According to the victim's sister, pressure was being exerted on her to withdraw her case, ultimately leading to the brutal attack on her family. "They subjected him to brutal beatings, and he couldn't survive. They stripped me naked. Later, the police arrived and provided me with a towel. I stood there in a towel until they arranged for a saree," recounted the victim's mother. She revealed that the mob also ravaged and vandalized their residence. She tearfully lamented, "Not a single household item remains intact. Even the solid roofs were shattered." Subsequently, the mob ventured to another house in search of her two other sons. The victim's aunt disclosed that a mob forcibly entered her home as well, intimidating her husband and children. She asserted, "They might have even killed my husband and children. They rummaged through our refrigerator." The village remains on edge, with a substantial police presence deployed in the aftermath of the incident. Following the assurances of the district collector, the victim's family performed his final rites, reassured of assistance through government initiatives, and informed about the arrests, according to the police. In 2019, the victim's sister filed a case against four men, alleging threats and physical assault. All four were subsequently arrested, and the case is presently before the courts, as confirmed by the police. The incident sparked a political controversy in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the context of upcoming elections. Opposition parties such as the Congress and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party criticized the ruling BJP government. The ruling party countered by asserting that swift action had been taken and accused Congress of adopting a selective stance regarding criminal incidents. BSP chief Mayawati conveyed on X (formerly known as Twitter), "In Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, where PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the memorial of Saint Guru Ravidas with great fanfare, in the same area atrocities against Guru Ravidas's devotees are at its peak. It is proof of the dual character of the BJP and its government." Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge decried the continuing oppression faced by Dalits and tribals in Madhya Pradesh, a state poised for upcoming elections. He alleged that the state reported the highest rate of crimes against Dalits and accused the BJP of fostering an environment conducive to Dalit atrocities. State Congress chief Kamal Nath called for financial aid to the victim's family and asserted that the accused had affiliations with the BJP. Responding to the allegations, Madhya Pradesh Minister Bhupendra Singh contended that the crime was a consequence of a preexisting dispute. He accused the Congress of exploiting the incident for political purposes. State BJP secretary Rajneesh Agrawal emphasized that his party's government had acted promptly in response to the case. He contrasted this with what he described as a lack of action by Congress-led governments in cases of Dalit atrocities in states under their governance. Amid reports of Pakistan supplying weapons to Ukraine in war against Russia, the Russian Ambassador to India has reacted sharply saying that Moscow is monitoring these reports very closely. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said that Moscow is taking these reports very seriously as these influence the on-ground situation and are anti-Russia activities. "There have been reports and information about such instances, we take this information very seriously. Such examples, if confirmed, is a very explicit anti-Russia action that we cannot ignore. And as I said, we have watched very closely the news and the reports and take them very seriously because they influence the situation on the ground very directly and do not go contrary to the efforts aimed towards the quickest and fastest, peaceful resolution of the conflict," said Alipov. #WATCH | On reports of Pakistan sending arms to Ukraine, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov says, "Yes, there have been reports and information about such instances, we take this information very seriously. Such examples, if confirmed, is a very explicit anti-Russia actions pic.twitter.com/ycJbFnnDvo ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 It may be recalled that while India has close ties with Russia, Pakistan has been trying to get into the good books of Russia reportedly to get advanced weapons. Russia and India have inked several deals for weapon supply including S-400 to New Delhi to counter the threats from China and Pakistan. Responding to the question of delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft version of the missile system, designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, Denis Alipov said, "As far as the S-400 deliveries are concerned they have been going on track and the chiefs of the Russian companies involved in those supplies have come on record confirming the supplies will be concluded in time and according to the schedule mutually agreed with our Indian partners. We are speaking about the completion of deliveries by the end of next year." Alipov said that the Russia-India relations are touching new highs and are progressing smoothly. "As the figures say we are very much satisfied with the economic development between our countries (India-Russia). The trade is on the rise...We've been cooperating in various spheres of economy, we maintain the dialogue in various advanced spheres of economy and science and technology. The cooperation in nuclear energy has been very successful, we remain the only country which practically cooperates with India in this area of nuclear energy, peaceful use of nuclear energy...," he said. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via video conferencing, conferred appointment letters to more than 51,000 freshly-inducted CAPF recruits during the 8th Rozgar Mela on Monday. Addressing the event, PM Modi referred to these new recruits as 'Amrit Rakshaks' and extended his congratulations, saying, "I congratulate all of you on becoming the 'Amrit Rakshaks' of the people of India in this Amrit Kaal." It's worth noting that the Rozgar Mela initiative was initiated in October last year, and today's event was simultaneously held at 45 centres. PM Modi remarked at the Rozgar Mela, "This time, Rozgar Mela is being organized at a time when the nation is filled with pride and self-confidence. Our Chandrayaan and its rover Pragyan are continuously sending historic photos from the Moon." #WATCH | Youth aspires to serve the nation. I congratulate all those who have got the appointment letters today. I call them 'Amrit Rakshaks' of the people of India in this Amrit Kaal...: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/31eql9QCrJ ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2023 Additionally, PM Modi expressed confidence that India would become one of the world's top three economies during this decade. "Today, you are reading and watching that India is among the fastest-growing economies in the world. Within this decade, India will be among the top three economies of the world. When Modi gives this guarantee, he does it with full responsibility," he emphasized during his virtual address at the Rozgar Mela. He underscored the importance of growth across all sectors for any economy, stating, "From food to pharma, from space to startups, it is necessary for all sectors to grow for any economy." PM Modi also highlighted that the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors were experiencing rapid growth, and in the future, they would generate substantial employment opportunities for the youth. "The tourism sector is likely to contribute over Rs 20 lakh crore to the Indian economy by 2030, potentially creating 13-14 crore new jobs," he added. The newly inducted recruits, hailing from various regions of the country, will assume various roles, including constable (general duty), sub-inspector (general duty), and non-general duty cadre positions in various organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as per the PMO statement. These new appointees will also have the opportunity to undergo training through the 'Karmayogi Prarambh,' an online module accessible via the iGOT Karmayogi portal, offering over 673 e-learning courses for flexible learning, anytime, anywhere, according to the PMO release. It's noteworthy that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is seeking to recruit personnel into central armed police forces (CAPFs) like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Delhi Police via the Rozgar Mela. A statement from the PMO said, "The Rozgar Mela is a step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister's commitment to prioritize employment generation. It is expected to catalyze further employment generation and provide meaningful opportunities to youth for empowerment and participation in national development." Rozgar Mela The Government of India, in collaboration with several states and union territories, has been organizing Rozgar Melas across the nation under the Mission Recruitment initiative. These events distribute appointment letters to thousands of youth each month. This Rozgar Mela took place at 45 locations across the country and saw the distribution of 51,106 appointment letters to new appointees on Monday. Among these locations, Guwahati featured Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and Ayush, presiding over the 8th Tranche of the Rozgar Mela at BSF Frontier HQ Patgaon. Furthermore, Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Labour and Employment, addressed the gathering at Frontier Headquarters, BSF M&C, Masimpur, near Silchar in Cachar District. Approximately 287 appointment letters were distributed during the Guwahati event, while 150 appointment letters were distributed in Silchar. The Rozgar Mela aligns with the Prime Minister's commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation. Srinagar: G20s working group meeting hoisted in Kashmir is proving game changer for Jammu Kashmir. Miss world along other beauty pageant of world had one day Srinagar tour. A pre-event to the Miss world 2023 was held here in Srinagar, where along with the Miss World, many beauty queens like Miss World Caribbean, Emmy Pena; Miss World America, Shree Saini; Miss World India, Sini Shetty; Miss World England, Jessica Gagen; Miss Asia, Pricilia Carla Saputri Yules attended. The Chairman and CEO of Miss World Organization, Julia Eric Morley was also present. It made more glow in Kashmirs natural beauty.' As India is hosting the 71st edition of the Miss World 2023 pageant, to be held later this year. A tour of Srinagar city including the world-famous Dal Lake was organized for the beauty queens. All the visiting beauty queens were taken on shikara rides by the department of tourism. And all of them were praises for the beauty of Kashmir. Karolina Bielawska Miss World said "I love Kashmir and they are doing an incredible job. Would love the entire world to see it. I cannot wait for other contestants to come here and see this place. I hope they will bring them here as well as I hope they will enjoy this experience. India has so many beautiful places, India is very diverse and everytime I come here there is something new that I experience. Every state has so much to offer and is extremely hospitable. India, which has won the prestigious title six times, is hosting the pageant after nearly three decades. The last time the country hosted the event was back in 1996. And while Miss India world is travelling along the already crowned Miss World Karolina, she says it will help her in the competition. The two of these beauty queens were seen enjoying each other's company as they took the shikara ride together while taking many selfies. ''I think Karolina is the biggest source of inspiration as Miss world, I have learnt a lot of things, a lot of poise and grace and how you conduct yourself as Miss world, and everything that she does is an example of how I can improve myself. And maybe my stars will align, and I get the miss world title. The entire Miss World organisation along with Karolina have enjoyed the colors of Kashmir Valley, and the people here are really sweet. I am super excited to be in my home country and get to welcome 140 countries and show them what India is actually. It is the most picturesque place I have seen. Siad Sini Shetty Miss India The government of Jammu and Kashmir and event organizer says events like these will put the valley on an international map. The days visit by Miss World to Kashmir, promises to be a blend of elegance, artistry and cultural exchange. They said after abrogation of article Kashmir is touching new heights. Roubel Nagi organizer of tour said "After abrogation of article Jammu Kashmir is touching new heights, the G20 working group meeting had changed the perspective of Kashmir, thousands of foreign tourists have visited the valley apart from record domestic tourists." Around 17 thousand foreigners landed in the Kashmir Valley in the first six months of 2023 and with this event tourism department is hopeful that not only it will boost the foreign tourism but also there is hope that negative travel advisories will be withdrawn. London: Alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin must have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that there can be no peace negotiation with Putin on Ukraine, CNN reported. Johnson wrote in an op-ed, speculating about Prigozhins last moments, a few days after a plane carrying the Wagner boss crashed in a field northwest of Moscow. The reason behind the plane crash remains uncertain, but the US and Western intelligence officials told CNN that it was deliberate. It cant have been more than a few seconds between the explosion aboard the otherwise reliable Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, and the moment the Russian thug blacked out in his vertiginous acceleration to earth; and yet in that instant, I am certain that he knew with perfect clarity what had happened, Johnson wrote, according to CNN. He knew whose hidden hand was sending him 28,000 ft down, to be immolated with the rest of his Wagner group companions in a fireball in the countryside of the Tver region north of Moscow and then on downwards, of course, for the shade of Prigozhin: down, down to Hades and the Tartarean pit below. The former UK PM went on to say that the man allegedly behind the killing of Prigozhin was the very same man who authorised, for instance, the poisonings in the UK of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal. As the detonation sucked the air out of the aircrafts cabin, I would wager that the last thought in the doomed dome of Prigozhins skull was Putin!, preceded by one of the many profanities in which the former jailbird and hotdog salesman was so fluent, Johnson wrote, as reported by CNN. Prigozhin is believed to have died in a plane crash exactly two months after he instigated a brief uprising in Russia. Whether the Wagner group can continue to exist without Prigozhin has been questioned by experts. The death of Wagner mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash has been confirmed by Russias Investigative Committee on Sunday. In his first remarks on Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhins death in a plane crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called him a talented businessman who made some mistakes," Al Jazeera reported. Johnson referred to Prigozhin's belief that Putin would pardon him for opposing his government as the "height of conceit" in his opinion piece. As we watch the chilling footage of that plane spiraling to earth, we are witnessing something historic. This is the violent liquidation on TV of his enemies by an existing head of state. I cannot think of another example of such ostentatious and uninhibited savagery by a world leader not in our lifetimes, Johnson wrote. The mask is now fully off. Putin stands exposed as a gangster, and his absurd televised tribute to the dead Wagnerites is straight from the pages of The Godfather, Johnson concluded, CNN reported. New Delhi: Raksha Bandhan is a time to celebrate the cherished bond between siblings. Show your appreciation and love with thoughtful gifts that speak volumes. From personalized keepsakes to stylish accessories, gift these tokens of affection to make this Raksha Bandhan truly special. 1. Travel Kit The compact kit contains innovative toilet, safety, and personal hygiene solutions to empower a traveler. The 8 products included in the kit by Sirona offer what you need when you are out and about traveling the world. Perfect for sisters who are travel enthusiasts! This contains products like sanitary disposal bags, Peebuddy, Before & after toilet spray, Toilet seat covers, Intimate wipes, Period pain relief patches, Pepper spray and underarm sweat pads. This thoughtfully curated box has all the products you need when out and about traveling the world. 2. Floor Puzzles & Games As Rakshabandhan is around the corner, the anticipation of sharing heartfelt gifts fills the air. Skillmatics presents Piece & Play a giant floor puzzle and a game, all in one! Assemble the puzzle and learn all about underwater animals with a search-and-find game that has 2 ways to play! It includes 48 Jumbo Puzzle Pieces, 30 Double-sided Game Cards, and an Instruction Manual. 3. Headphones Rakshabandhan, the cherished festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, was just around the corner. Bringing you the world-class noise-cancelling headphones from the house of Crossbeats. With up to 40dB noise canceling and 60-200Hz bass compositions, this is a headphone waiting to Roar in its own silence. You get both Ambient and ANC mode on the headphones with preset equalizers to give you the studio performance everywhere you go. 4. Skincare Products Akihi's Genie in a Bottle serum is engrossed with a perfect combination of repairing the skin hydrating it and keeping it healthy. It contains ceramide that helps in reducing radicals in the skin that destroys elastin and collagen which results in making the skin plump and firm. Hyaluronic acid is vital for healthy and hydrated skin as it helps keep the skin moisturized while keeping it protected and acts as a skin barrier. 5. Perfumes Engage Verona for Women is a classic day fragrance with a concoction of citrusy, fruity, and floral notes. The addictive musk and nutmeg notes infused with sandalwood make it playful and fresh. The brand also offers a memorable night fragrance for women. 6. Home Decor "Home is the first place where our hearts belong." This quote throws light on one of the most dynamic, carefree phases of our lives that we all wish to go back to. The wish for a beautiful home is every persons aspiration on this planet. Gift some amazing home decor products from The Feel Good Studio and pamper your sister with beautiful pieces for her room. 7. All-in-one Hamper Raksha Bandhan is not complete without something sweet and Soco by Seven Seas is the perfect choice for your festive delicacies that are a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative flavours. This Rakhi, look no further for gifting as Soco by Seven Seas is your ultimate solution. Gift the perfect package filled with handcrafted sumptuous sweets to your caring brother or sister. 8. Kurti Sets For Little Ones As the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan draws near, Twinning is a major trend for this festival! Another way to stand out from the crowd could be if you coordinate your outfit with your brothers. LQ Milano brings ethnic collection Sets for girls and boys for twinning on this festivities. 9. Dry Fruits Dry fruit gifting has been every persons go-to-gifting. A perfect gift for someone who is health conscious, a foodie or someone who just likes to snack on dry fruits. American Pistachios are healthful and delicious which makes it an ideal gift of health for your siblings! 10. Footwear Women love footwears and no matter how many pairs they have, it's never enough! Keeping unwavering dedication to fashion-forward excellence, Metro Shoes, the country's leading footwear brand presents an impressive collection of elegant & captivating footwear styles. The special capsule is titled 'MARISTELLA' derived from the Latin term 'Maris' meaning 'of the sea' and the Italian word 'Stella' meaning 'star'. 11. Hair Accessories Hair fashion is so underrated, girls love to style their hair in as many ways as possible. Hair Drama, Indias leading Hair accessory brand presents a wonderful selection of Rakhi gifting hampers, tailored to suit every type of sister. 12. Beauty Combos The makeup set combo options offered by Nourish Mantra is the perfect gift for your sibling this year. They have a huge range of beauty product combos for both brothers as well as sisters. KOLKATA: Leader of the Opposition and BJP legislator Suvendu Adhikari on Monday demanded an NIA probe into the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, that claimed nine lives. The saffron party members staged a walkout from the assembly on Monday, protesting against the incident that occurred a day before. "Before all the evidence is destroyed, the state government must immediately hand over the probe to the NIA. We have also filed a PIL before the Calcutta High Court," Adhikari said while speaking to reporters outside the House. The Centre cannot suo motu hand over the probe to the NIA unless sections of the Explosives Act are applied to the charges, he said. The BJP wanted to move an adjournment motion, demanding discussion on the incident in the House but Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay allowed the party only to read it. Before the walkout, BJP MLAs raised slogans in the House for 10 minutes, demanding a statement from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the incident. The saffron party legislators, including Chief Whip Manoj Tigga and Shankar Ghosh, held the protest and tore papers containing the list of House proceedings while leaving. Adhikari demanded the resignation from the CM, claiming that Banerjee "remained silent for hours after the blast". The BJP leader also said the intensity of the blast was so huge that the concrete roofs of the neighbourhood houses were severely damaged. "The massive intensity of the blast was due to RDX explosive," he claimed. The intensity of the explosion was so high that over 50 houses in the neighbourhood were partially damaged and body parts of those killed in the incident were found on roofs of several buildings. The owner of the illegal firecracker factory and his son were also killed in the blast. Adhikari demanded compensation from the state for the families of those killed in the blast. One person has been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said. Adhikari said the local police "knew everything about the illegal factory but did not take any action". During the day, he also led a delegation of BJP MLAs to the blast site at Nilganj under the Duttapukur Police Station limits and interacted with local people, police personnel present at the spot and party activists there. The BJP leader also claimed that when a similar blast took place at Egra, the chief minister had said that a panel would be formed under the chief secretary to take measures so that these incidents do not recur. "What happened to the measures that the state government was supposed to take?" he asked. In May, twelve people were killed in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Purba Medinipur district's Egra. He also claimed that all those who died in the blast were linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress party. Echoing Adhikari, BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar said only an NIA probe will unravel "whether the blast was the fallout of the ruling Trinamool Congress aiding 'jihadi' forces for vote bank politics". "The nature of the blast suggests that 'jihadi' forces from across the border might be involved in the Duttapukur incident. Preliminary reports say people from Murshidabad were involved in making 'bombs' in the fireworks unit. Who are these people and what was the nature of their job? Only NIA can bring out the truth," he added. KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the BJP might conduct the Lok Sabha polls in December itself, claiming that all choppers have been booked by the saffron party for campaigning. Banerjee, who was speaking at a TMC youth wing rally, cautioned that a third term for the BJP would ensure the nation faces an autocratic rule. The chief minister also blamed some people engaged in unlawful activities for the illegal firecracker factory blasts that have occurred in the state. She alleged that this was being done with support from a few police personnel. "If BJP returns to power for the third consecutive term, the nation would face an autocratic rule. I am apprehensive that they (BJP) could hold the Lok Sabha elections in December 2023 itself...The saffron party has already turned our country into a nation in the throes of animosity among communities. If they return to power, it will make our country a nation of hatred," she said. The BJP has already booked all choppers to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls, so that no other political party can use those for canvassing, Banerjee claimed. Speaking about the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday morning in which nine people were killed, the CM said: Some people are engaged in illegal activities, and a few police personnel are supporting this. The majority of policemen are doing their duty with utmost sincerity, but some are helping such people. They must remember that just like the anti-ragging cell, we also have an anti-corruption cell in Bengal. The TMC supremo urged those involved in the firecracker industry to start manufacturing green firecrackers. "What is the problem in producing green firecrackers? Maybe the profit is a bit less, but it is much safer and environment-friendly," she said. Banerjee also alleged that Governor C V Ananda Bose was violating constitutional norms, and that she does not support his unconstitutional activities. Don't take 'panga' (challenge) with an elected government, the chief minister said, referring to Bose. The feisty TMC boss said she had ended the three-decade-long CPI(M) rule in Bengal, and will now defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. Hitting out at ABVP and BJP activists who raised 'goli maro' slogans at Jadavpur University, Banerjee said she had instructed the police to arrest those involved in voicing hate slogans at the varsity. "Those raising such slogans should not forget this is Bengal; this is not Uttar Pradesh," she asserted. New Delhi: Indian space research organisation (ISRO) has released new images of Chandrayaan-3 rover Pragyaan, roaming the lunar surface since August 23. Indian space agency informed that the rover came across a 4-meter diameter crater located 3 meter ahead of its previous location. ISRO successfully halted the clash by commanding the Rover to retrace the path. Its now, ISRO said, safely heading on a new path. ISRO shared the two images where the large crater could be spotted ahead of the rover, as seen by the Navigation Camera. The first image showed the crater that the Chandrayaan-3 Rover encountered on August 27, 2023, whereas the second image showcased the path retracted by the Chandrayaan-3 Rover on August 27, 2023. India made history by becoming the first nation to land the spactcraft on the Moons south pole. Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram successfully touched down on August 23, 2023. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: On August 27, 2023, the Rover came across a 4-meter diameter crater positioned 3 meters ahead of its location. The Rover was commanded to retrace the path. It's now safely heading on a new path.#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 pic.twitter.com/QfOmqDYvSF ISRO (@isro) August 28, 2023 ISRO then rolled out the Rover Pragyaan from the lander via the split ramp. Meanwhile, ISRO is gearing up to launch its first Sun exploration mission Aditya L1 on September 2 at 11:50 AM IST from Sriharikota at Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to study coronal heating and solar wind acceleration, coupling and dynamics of the solar atmosphere, solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy, and initiation of coronal mass ejection (CME), flares, and near-earth space weather. Ahmedabad: With only 10 days remaining for the completion of one lunar day, Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre (SAC) on Sunday said that the Chandrayaan-3's rover module Pragyan, moving on the surface of the moon, is in a "race against time" and that the ISRO scientists are working to cover a maximum distance of the uncharted South pole through the six-wheeled rover. The scientist said that "real work" starts only after a soft landing on the moon's surface. India took a giant leap on August 23, as the Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully landed on the moons South pole, making it the first country to have achieved the historic feat. The country became the fourth after the US, China, and Russia to have successfully landed on the moons surface. "On August 23, we achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with scientists of ISRO to congratulate them. But, the real work started after rover Pragyan rolled out of the lander Vikram," Desai said. The Director of the Space Applications Centre, one of the major centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said that the moon mission's three main objectives were: soft landing on the lunar surface, movement of the Pragyan rover and obtaining science data via payloads, attached to the six-wheeled rover and lander Vikram. "Our two main objectives have been accomplished successfully, but our third objective is underway," the scientist said. Observing that the Pragyan rover is in a race against time, he said,"Our focus is to make the rover cover as much distance of the moon's South pole as possible so that it conducts more experiments and we obtain data here on earth." "We have only 14 days in total for this mission, which is equal to one day on the moon, so four days have been completed. The more experiments and research we can do in the remaining ten days will be important. We are in a race against time because in these 10 days, we have to do maximum work and all the ISRO scientists are working on it," Desai said. Stressing the difficulties being faced by scientists, he said, the rover has covered only 12 metres on the lunar surface against a prescribed distance of 30 metres per day. We are also facing problems regarding the movement of the rover as some of the services are not available here, resulting in issues in visibility," he said, adding that the Pragyan has covered 12 metres on the lunar surface against a prescribed distance of 30 metres per day. "That's why in the remaining days, efforts will be on to cover 300-400 meters distance through the rover," he added. Desai said that the four payloads on the lander Vikram are performing their work and their initial operations have been completed. "The initial operations of the four payloads, including the Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) payload, which will probe plasma and ion emission there, have been completed," he said. Earlier on Sunday, ISRO said the Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander module has successfully begun doing its set of experiments and subsequently relaying them back to the country's space agency's headquarters. In its latest update, ISRO on Sunday put out the first observations recorded by the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander. Chandras Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload was attached to measure the thermal conductivity and temperature on the moon. The payload was developed by a team led by the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), VSSC in collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. Taking note of this, the Director of the Space Applications Centre said, "Another important ChaSTE payload, which ISRO also detailed, suggested that a temperature of 50-55 degrees centigrade has been felt on the lunar surface." ISRO, on Sunday, shared a graph on X, formerly Twitter, which showed the change in temperature on the moons surface and underneath. At a depth of 8 cm, the payload recorded temperature as low as (-) 10 degrees centigrade. With the gradual rise towards the surface, the temperature too could be seen rising. Above the surface, the graph showed a relative stagnancy in temperature between 50-60 degrees centigrade. "This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway," ISRO said. Meanwhile, Desai also told ANI that if the payloads could survive the long night, when the temperature reaches (-) 120 degrees centigrade to (-) 150 degrees centigrade, then it will be a bonus point. LANZHOU, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan kicked off a joint air force training exercise on Monday within Chinese territory as part of efforts to further boost training and coordination between the two militaries and deepen their exchange and cooperation on military technology. Codenamed "Shaheen (Eagle) - X," it is the 10th joint training exercise between the Chinese and Pakistani air forces. The exercise will focus on training in typical combat scenarios such as joint air defense and joint countermeasures. The two sides will send fighters, early warning aircraft and several other types of aircraft, as well as ground forces such as ground-to-air missiles and radar and signal troops to participate in the exercise. Chinese naval aviation units will also be involved in the training. The "Shaheen (Eagle)" series between the two countries started in March 2011. New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday hit out at those "unable to digest the contribution" of Jawaharlal Nehru that led to the setting up of ISRO and asserted that the India's first prime minister used to encourage the scientific approach. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said, "Nehru used to promote scientific approach. Those who are unable to digest his contribution in the setting up of ISRO should listen to his speech on the foundation day of TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research)." Ramesh also shared a video from Nehru's speech at the event. "Unlike the person who gave knowledge about the science of clouds providing a shield from radar, he (Nehru) did not just talk big but took big decisions," Ramesh said in an apparent swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress and the BJP have been engaged in a war of words over Nehru and other Congress prime ministers' contribution to India's space programme with the opposition party highlighting its leaders' efforts and the ruling party asserting that major strides have been made in this sector post 2014. After Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the Moon, the Congress had said it is a collective success of every Indian and ISRO's achievement reflects a saga of continuity and is truly fantastic. The Congress has said India's space journey began in 1962 with the formation of INCOSPAR which was the result of the farsightedness of Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, along with enthusiastic support from the country's first prime minister. Later, in August 1969, Sarabhai established the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). NEW DELHI: Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, the National President of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, has put forth a new demand, suggesting that the Moon be recognized as a "Hindu Rashtra" before any other religious or national claims are made. This proposal comes in the wake of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 achieving a historic milestone by successfully landing on the lunar south pole on August 23. The Hindu spiritual leader has called upon the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assert India's sovereignty over the Moon and advocate for a parliamentary resolution to formalize this stance. Expressing his sentiments in a video message shared on micro-blogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), he stated, "I desire that India proclaims the Moon as a Hindu Rashtra through a resolution in the Parliament." , 3 " " , , , / pic.twitter.com/HPbifYFZzX Swami Chakrapani Maharaj (@SwamyChakrapani) August 27, 2023 Swami Chakrapani Maharaj also conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for christening the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 as "Shiv Shakti Point." He further opined that this location should be developed as the capital of the hypothetical Hindu nation established on the Moon. His caption read, "The Moon should be designated as Hindu Sanatan Rashtra by a parliamentary decree, and the Shiv Shakti Point should evolve into its capital at the spot where Chandrayaan 3's landing occurred. This step will prevent individuals with a jihadist mindset from accessing it." The Hindu seer, Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, has grabbed eyeballs in the past for his unusual pronouncements. During the initial wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Swami Chakrapani Maharaj and his organization, All India Hindu Mahasabha, organized a "gaumutra party." In 2018, amidst the devastating floods in Kerala, he proclaimed that individuals who consumed beef in the state should not receive assistance. Earlier this year, he established a "Dharma Censor Board" to monitor content in Bollywood films, web series, and music videos that might be deemed offensive to the Hindu religion. In 2018, the leader of All India Hindu Mahasabha controversially stated that flood victims in Kerala who consumed beef should be ineligible for aid. During the Prime Minister's recent visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters, he declared that the region where Chandrayaan-3s Vikram lander touched down would be named Shiv Shakti. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon has triggered Indias annual festive season ahead of schedule, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday. He attributed this achievement to the support of the domestic industry in providing components for the mission. Addressing global business leaders at the B20 India summit, the Prime Minister remarked, You are here at a time when our entire nation is in a celebratory mood. Our extended festive season, in a sense, has commenced earlier. This festive period holds significance for both our society and the business world. It began on August 23 this time. In a noteworthy accomplishment for ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 safely landed near the lunar south pole at 6:04 PM on August 23, establishing India as the first country to achieve this feat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the crucial G20 summit. During the call, Putin expressed his inability to attend the G20 summit and informed PM Modi that Russia would be represented by FM Sergey Lavrov. "President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov," said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues. "The two leaders reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg," said the PMO. While expressing an understanding of Russias decision, PM Modi thanked President Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 Presidency. "The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," said the statement. The G20 summit will be held in Delhi on September 9 and 10. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year. G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State or Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and, in 2009, was designated the premier forum for international economic cooperation. New Delhi: Former union minister and MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday attacked Home Minister Amit Shah after he asked Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to resign over the issue of laal diary (red diary). "In Rajasthan, Amit Shah targets Gehlot over a 'red diary'. Where is the red diary Amit ji? Produce it. Have you forgotten about the 'Birla-Sahara diaries' where the black deeds were 'written' not hidden?" Sibal wrote on X while referring to Shahs remarks against the Chief Minister during a programme in Rajasthan on Saturday. Rajasthan : Amit Shah targets Ghelot over a red diary The colour of the diary is red but inside black deeds are hidden.. Where is the red diary Amit ji ? Produce it Have you forgotten about the Birla- Sahara diaries where the black deeds were written not hidden ? Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 27, 2023 Shah, who was in Gangapur in the poll-bound state, to participate in the Kisan Sammelan had said: "Nowadays, Gehlot is very much afraid of red colour and red diary because black deeds are hidden inside the red diary, the black book record of crores of rupees black business is in the red diary. If you have even an iota of shame left, resign and contest polls." Earlier this month, the BJP had slammed the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot after he sacked minister Rajendra Gudha who had released three pages of the 'red diary' and accused the ruling Congress of corruption. Assembly elections in Rajasthan are scheduled to be held later this year. It is likely that corruption will be among the major issues of the BJP in the upcoming polls to take on the Gehlot government. New Delhi: Reliance industries chairman Mukesh Ambani announced today to launch Jio AirFiber on September 19, 2023 on Ganesh Chaturthi. Jio AirFiber aims to provide last-mile internet connectivity to the remotest parts of the country. Reliance Industries held its Annual General Meeting on August 28, 2023. Chairman Mukesh Ambanis wife Nita Ambani stepped down from the non-executive director post from the immediate effect, clearing the way for the younger generation to wield the helm. Their children Isha, Anant, and Akash have been appointed as the new non-executive directors in the board. How Jio AirFiber Is Different From Jio Fiber? Jio Fiber is a high speed, broadband connection which uses optical-fibers to provide the access of the internet. However, Jio AirFiber doesnt need physical wiring to provide internet access. How to Use Jio AirFiber? The user needs a router and antenna to access the service. You just have to plug it in, and thats it. The service provides a very easy way to quickly connect your home or office to gigabit-speed internet. What Price AirFiber Will Be Available? The company hasnt revealed any further information such as pricing or availability apart from the launch date. It also offers a range of other services, including JioTV, JioCinema, and JioSaavn. It can be accessed using the JioFiber Set-up box. AMMAN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Jordanian Armed Forces said on Monday that it had shot down a drone in the eastern military zone that attempted to illegally cross the border into Jordan from Syria. The border guard forces, in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Department and other military security units, detected on Sunday the unmanned drone and shot it down inside the Jordanian territories, said an official military source in a statement. It added that the drone was handed over to relevant authorities, without mentioning whether it carried drugs or weapons. The statement noted that it was the third such incident this month. Over the past few months, Jordan has intercepted several drones seeking to smuggle narcotics and arms into the kingdom and thwarted several infiltration attempts. MEHTARLAM/HERAT, Afghanistan, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested four people on the charge of drug smuggling in Laghman Province and in Herat Province, provincial authorities said Monday. According to the statement of the provincial police headquarters of Laghman, the alleged smugglers in Laghman were attempting to sell the contraband to drug addicts in different parts of the country, but police identified them on Sunday and took them into custody for further investigations. Herat's counterpart said that the alleged smuggler in Herat was attempting to take 14 kg of crystal used in manufacturing heroin out of the provincial capital of Herat City and was arrested on Monday morning. The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight against poppy cultivation and opium trade in the war-torn country. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for continued international support for Mali after the planned withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from the country. Mali's political and peace process is at a critical juncture while the UN peacekeeping mission, known as MINUSMA, is withdrawing from the country. The international community should put the overall peace and stability of Mali and the region first, help Mali address challenges of all kinds, and facilitate deeper cooperation between the United Nations and Mali in the new context, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. There is a need to continue to support the political and peace process in Mali, he told the Security Council. At present, Mali is facing many difficulties as the authorities are preparing for general elections, promoting political reform, and implementing the peace agreement. The international community should respect Mali's sovereignty and ownership and provide constructive support based on Mali's actual needs. China encourages regional organizations to strengthen communication with Mali in order to create synergy, he said. MINUSMA is withdrawing from Mali and the UN Secretariat is formulating a withdrawal plan. The mission's camps are scattered across the country with a large number of personnel and equipment, making the task of withdrawal a heavy one. MINUSMA and the UN Secretariat should strengthen communication with the Malian government and the troop-contributing countries and refine plans for the handover of camps, withdrawal of personnel and the liquidation of assets. Ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers and UN assets is a top priority, said Dai. China commends the active counter-terrorism efforts of the Malian authorities, he said. At present, the political situations in the countries in the Sahel region are volatile. Terrorism and extremist forces are taking advantage of the volatility, threatening regional stability, he noted. "The countries in the region should resolve their disputes and differences and unite to meet the challenges. After the withdrawal of MINUSMA, the international community should not stand aside and do nothing with regard to the efforts by Mali and the countries in the region to counter terrorism and maintain stability. Instead, it should continue to provide supporting equipment, logistics and funding and enhance the capacity of the Malian authorities to combat terrorism and protect civilians," he said. There's also a need to continue to support the countries of West Africa and the Sahel region in maintaining the momentum of counter-terrorism and security cooperation, revitalizing cooperation mechanisms and maintaining common security, he said. Efforts should also be made to address the root causes of conflict. The UN agencies should provide more support in poverty reduction, development, food security, and the protection of women and children. International humanitarian agencies and major donors should maintain the scale of assistance to Mali and avoid attaching any political conditions to their assistance, he said. WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Monday set March 4, 2024 for former President Donald Trump's trial on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. That is one day before "Super Tuesday," a potentially decisive date in the Republican presidential nominating contest, when more than a dozen states, from California to Texas, will pick the party's candidate for the 2024 election. In a hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected trial dates proposed by both the Justice Department and Trump's legal team. Earlier, special counsel Jack Smith had asked for Trump's trial to begin on Jan. 2, 2024, while the former president's lawyers had asked for a trial date in April 2026. "I want to note here that setting a trial date does not depend and should not depend on the defendant's personal or professional obligations," Chutkan said. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. He has been indicted in four cases -- two by the Justice Department, and two by state prosecutors in New York and Georgia, seperately. The federal election subversion prosecution is one of four criminal cases against him. A New York judge has set the trial date of March 25 for the criminal case against the former president surrounding the hush money payments to an adult film star. In Florida, the trial on charges that Trump mishandled classified documents after leaving office has been set for May 2024. The federal judge's latest decision could have a crucial impact on Trump's bid for recapturing the White House as well as the Republican presidential nominating calendar. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Despite the ongoing military conflict in Sudan, three UN agencies have been providing relief, ranging from cash to health care, in four separate border states, a UN spokesman said on Monday. Teams from the UN Refugee Agency distributed cash assistance in Gedaref state to more than 830 Sudanese families forced to flee the conflict, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Gedaref shares a border with Ethiopia. In White Nile state, on the border with South Sudan, the UN Children's Fund and partners launched a child survival campaign, said the spokesman. Some 43,000 children under the age of 5 are receiving measles vaccinations. Children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are treated immediately after their health screening, he said. In West Darfur state, on the border with Chad, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) deployed health and social workers to support thousands of displaced and vulnerable women and girls with reproductive health care and protection services, including for survivors of gender-based violence, said the spokesman. In eastern Sudan, UNFPA on Sunday delivered enough reproductive health supplies to support 150,000 women and girls for three months at the Port Sudan Maternity Hospital, said Dujarric. TUNIS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ten wildfires have erupted in five Tunisian provinces in the past 24 hours, forcing the evacuation of 11 families, the Tunisian civil protection services said on Monday. "These wildfires broke out in Jendouba and Beja provinces in northwestern Tunisia, in Bizerte in the north, in the central province of Kairouan and in Ariana province in grand Tunis," local radio station Mosaique FM quoted Spokesman for Civil Protection Moez Triaa as saying. Triaa stated that civil protection units are actively engaged to rapidly contain the fires and safeguard populated areas. The extent of the damages remains to be assessed. In the province of Jendouba, the fires "spread widely and destroyed a large area of the forests," said the Tunisian official, adding that these fires posed a threat to residential areas, prompting 11 families to evacuate. The fires were likely caused by the hot, dry weather that has swept across Tunisia in recent days. Temperatures have reached as high as 50 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. KHARTOUM, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Monday started running state affairs in his other capacity as chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council from Port Sudan, the capital city of the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan, amid increasing speculations that he intends to form a caretaker government, or a war government. In his first speech since the armed clashes broke out between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in mid-April, Al-Burhan closed the door to any political settlement with the RSF. Addressing the soldiers of Flamingo naval base in the military area of the Red Sea region on Monday, Al-Burhan said that "there will be no agreement with any party that betrayed the Sudanese people, and the efforts will be focused on defeating the enemy." Al-Burhan's remarks came as if in response to an initiative proposed by the RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on Sunday. Dagalo calls for reaching a long-term cease-fire agreement and forming a democratic, civil government on the basis of fair and free elections at all levels. Sudanese media on Monday expected that Al-Burhan would issue a decision to form a war government in place of the current interim government. Sudan Today News portal on Monday quoted informed sources as saying that Al-Burhan is heading to form "a war government," which is expected to be announced in the coming days and headquartered in Port Sudan. Meanwhile, Sudanese politicians and analysts have expressed different opinions regarding the establishment of a war government. While some regarded the move as practical, others believed it would further complicate the situation. "There are about 14 safe and stable Sudanese states, and therefore, there must be a government to run the country's affairs under the current situation," Abdel-Rahim Al-Sunni, a Sudanese political analyst, told Xinhua on Monday. "The impact of the war, the collapsed economic situation, and the current security condition require a war government of competence and experience," he added. Amjad Farid, the Sudanese politician and advisor to former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, said millions of Sudanese people remained in the country need an effective body to run their health, education, food and security affairs. "This proposed government to be formed is not a political government, but a government of a technical nature," Farid said on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. In contrast, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and the opposition coalition Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) warned that forming a new government would deepen national divisions, cautioning that it would lead to the establishment of another parallel authority. Ibrahim al-Mirghani, a leading figure in FFC, further suggested on his X page that "all parties should work to stop the clashes first before seeking to form a government." In the meantime, Mohamed Kabbashi, a professor of political science at Alzaiem Alazhari University in Khartoum, on Monday told Xinhua that the time is not suitable to form an emergency government, citing "complications created by the war that cannot be surpassed by forming a war government." Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the SAF and RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. More than 4.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to the conflict, according to the latest update by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. VIENTIANE, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has strived to find effective ways to address the country's economic woes amid challenges as the government's two-day cabinet monthly meeting for August took up many agendas to bolster the economy, local media reported. The meeting, which concluded on Friday, focused on agendas aimed at bolstering revenue collection, generating and managing foreign currency, and ensuring easy access to finances for businesses in order to ramp up trade and investment, according to a Laopattana report on Monday. During the meeting, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone directed relevant authorities to strictly inspect and accurately certify the quality and quantity of minerals being mined in order to maximize the state's benefits, while simultaneously preserving the environment. In addition, the cabinet ordered authorities to roll out Visit Lao Year 2024 and to make a push to improve infrastructure, tourism sites, accommodation, tourism activities, and production of souvenirs. The government has set a target of attracting 2.7 million foreign tourists and generating 401 million U.S. dollars in tourism revenue in 2024. To make it easier for businesses to access finances and to attract investments, the cabinet told the Lao central bank, to create conditions that are conducive to easy access to financing, said the report. The meeting also reviewed progress made in realizing credit policies, which are aimed at stimulating the economy and distributing finances to businesses at local levels. MOSCOW, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held phone talks Monday on the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Summit and bilateral cooperation. Noting the importance of the agreements reached during the 15th BRICS Summit held recently in Johannesburg, South Africa, the two leaders said the expansion of the bloc will contribute to its growing global influence, the Kremlin said. They further exchanged views regarding the upcoming Group of 20 Summit to be held in New Delhi. Putin congratulated Modi on the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon, and reaffirmed readiness to strengthen cooperation in the space sector. The leaders also discussed bilateral trade ties, and cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors. INTERLAKEN, Switzerland, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- In the alpine town of Interlaken, the 2023 Swiss Alpine Wrestling Festival took place on Sunday, brimming with rousing cheers and rapturous applause despite the cold wind and intermittent showers. The event witnessed as many as 120 best wrestlers of Switzerland competing for the strongest in the sawdust. Traditional folk performances were also staged during the festival. Alight with excitement, Patrick Betschart from the Central Swiss Wrestling Federation, said, "the emotions are so great here and there are so many spectators at this wrestling festival." "It's wonderful to be able to compete here in this atmosphere and to show the best Schwingsport (Swiss wrestling)," said another wrestler Marc Jorger. The festival, dating back to 1805, is held every six years and deemed the largest gathering of Switzerland's finest traditions and customs. In this article, we are going to discuss the 20 Countries with the most alcohol deaths. You can skip our detailed analysis of the global alcohol industry, the economic cost of excessive alcohol consumption, the role of ride-sharing apps in preventing drunk driving, and the rise of sober tourism, and go directly to 5 Countries with Most Alcohol Deaths. No matter how you look at it, alcohol abuse is among the biggest killers in the world. In 1990, alcohol use was the 13th most relevant risk factor for deaths worldwide. In 2019, it had risen to the 8th most relevant risk factor, responsible for over 2.4 million deaths from various alcohol-attributable causes in the world. There is also some disagreement in the scientific community about the effects of alcohol on cardiovascular disease in individuals over 65. Some studies suggest that small amounts of alcohol may offer protection from cardiovascular disease, while other research shows that alcohol may contribute to it. The Global Alcohol Industry: In 2019, the global alcohol consumption, measured in liters of pure alcohol per person of 15 years of age or older, was 5.5 liters, which is a 4.7% relative decrease from 5.7 liters in 2010. According to Allied Market Research, the global alcoholic beverages market size was valued at $1.62 trillion in 2021, and the market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2031, with a CAGR of 2.2% in the forecast period. Economic Cost of Excessive Alcohol Consumption: A recent worldwide overview showed that the economic costs of harm due to alcohol amounted to $1,306 per adult, or 2.6% of the global GDP. About 38.8% of these are incurred as direct costs, while an approximately 61% were due to the losses in productivity. As we stated in our article 30 Drunkest Cities in America in 2023 excessive use of alcohol costs the U.S. economy almost $250 billion per year. The federal government picks up roughly $100 billion of the tab, largely through Medicare and Medicaid payments. Story continues Preventing Drunk Driving by Ride-Sharing: Every day, 28 people lose their lives to drunk drivers in the U.S. The impact impaired driving has on our society is emotionally damaging, costly, and often life altering. A new research confirms that using ride-sharing services such as Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) can reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roads, potentially leading to fewer alcohol-related crashes. According to a study at the University of Texas, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)s presence in a city reduced the rate of drinking and driving crashes. The retrospective study analyzed DUI arrests and serious motor vehicle traumas in Houston between 2007 and 2019. It discovered substantial decreases in both DUI arrests and motor vehicle injuries after Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) entered the market in 2014. Another research at the University of California, analyzing traffic fatality data from the NHTSA, found that using Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) saved 214 lives from alcohol-related fatalities and 494 total lives in 2019. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)s revenue in the second quarter jumped 14% on a YoY basis. The ride-hailing company ranks among Ken Fishers Top 15 Growth Stock Picks. The Rise of Sober Tourism: A high proportion of well-established vacation rituals seem to revolve around alcohol, from the preflight tipple in the airport lounge to the post-dinner nightcap at the hotel bar. But this could be about to change as travel is now under the influence of the growing sober-curious movement, giving rise to new ways of exploring the world without the risk of a hangover. Sober travel is no longer just for people in recovery from an alcohol-use disorder. Booze-free vacations are now gaining momentum with other travelers as well and the tourism industry is embracing this trend vehemently. We Love Lucid, which launched in 2019, and Hooked, founded in 2021, are among the alcohol-free tour operators that have debuted in recent years. They give people the opportunity to join like-minded travelers on booze-free holidays filled with invigorating activities. A 2021 survey by the Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) found that 50% of travelers were likely to opt for a non-alcoholic drink over a beer or a cocktail, leading the company to roll-out an alcohol-free beverage program across several of its U.S. properties. Through the Zero Proof, Zero Judgement program, restaurant and bar teams at many Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) locations have enhanced their beverage menus with inventive non-alcoholic cocktails, many created with Ritual Zero Proof and Fever-Tree products. Miranda Breedlove, national director of bars and lifestyle operations at Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H), said: Were seeing travelers increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical well-being, so we are thrilled to offer this new beverage program that provides delicious and flavorful non-alcoholic cocktails. Ultimately, its about providing an incomparable hospitality experience thats reimagined with intentional options for guests who choose not to drink or to drink less. With that said, here are the Countries with the Highest Rate of Alcohol Deaths. 20 Countries with Most Alcohol Deaths Copyright: akz / 123RF Stock Photo Methodology: To collect data for this article, we have referred to the IHME Global Burden of Disease report, looking for Countries with the Highest Rate of Premature Deaths due to Alcohol. The following countries have been ranked by their estimated annual number of deaths that are from all causes attributed to alcohol use, per 100,000 people. 20. Kenya Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 64.3 Alcohol abuse in Central Kenya is perceived to be a major problem due to high levels of consumption, ease of availability, and affordability. Earlier this year, Kenyas deputy president tried to take a radical step to reduce alcohol abuse in the countrys central region by saying that county governments should only allow one pub per town. 19. Guinea-Bissau Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 64.6 Guinea-Bissau is a tropical country on West Africas Atlantic coast thats known for national parks and wildlife. Despite being the same size as Maryland, Guinea-Bissau is the 5th largest producer of cashews in the world. Cashew wine and cana de cajeu (rum made from the fruit of cashew) are popular traditional drinks in the country. 18. Guyana Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 67.4 The problem of alcohol abuse and addiction is a global one and in Guyana, the number of persons being arrested for drunk driving, aggressive and violent behavior, and deaths as a result of alcohol is alarming. Among Guyanese youth, on average, males take their first drink at 11.9 years old and females at 12.5 years. Those statistics are the worst in the Caribbean. 17. Burkina Faso Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 68.8 Burkina Faso is a victim of an underdeveloped political system that extends to its alcohol laws. With no legal minimum age limit for off-premise purchases, children aged 13 and over can get their hands on alcoholic beverages. Burkina Faso ranks 17th among Countries with the Highest Rate of Alcohol Deaths per Year. 16. Moldova Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 70.3 In the Republic of Moldova, alcohol is readily accessible to the whole population, even children, leading to high consumption levels and a number of alcohol-related negative health and economic consequences. Moldova ranks among the Top Alcohol Drinking Countries in the World. 15. Belarus Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 70.5 Belarus has a serious drinking problem and nearly 20,000 people die in the country every year due to alcohol-related conditions. Despite the large number of government policy initiatives that authorities claimed were controlling the problem, alcohol consumption in Belarus grew rapidly up to 2010, when it reached the highest in the world. Belarus ranks among the Most Alcoholic Countries in 2023. 14. Tanzania Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 74.1 Alcohol use is a significant problem among young people in northern Tanzania. Factors that contribute to alcohol abuse include the abundance of home brewers, lifestyles that are dominated by social pressures, and traditional expectations such as the excessive consumption of alcohol at weddings, funerals, and other distinct occasions. 13. Cambodia Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 74.9 Cambodia has a particularly weak policy framework to regulate the alcohol industry when compared to other international settings. Although a national legal framework on alcohol sponsored by the Ministry of Health attempts to regulate the alcohol industry, the law is yet to be finalized. There is no minimum drinking age and no limitations on the sale of alcohol. Cambodia ranks among countries with the most deaths related to alcohol. 12. Russia Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 77 Alcoholism has been a problem throughout the countrys history because drinking is a pervasive, socially acceptable behavior in the Russian society and a major source of revenue for the government. Since 2011, Russia has taken an active role in implementing the recommendations of the EAPA to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by further increasing excise taxes, raising the minimum unit price of alcohol, and substantially reducing the availability of retail alcohol. Russia also ranks among the Top Countries for Vodka Consumption. 11. Ukraine Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 77.1 Ukraine falls in the highest WHO category of years of life lost due to alcohol use. According to the British Defense Ministry, alcohol abuse was also among the non-combat causes of many deaths among Russian troops deployed in Ukraine. 10. Rwanda Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 78.5 Delinquency, coupled with alcohol consumption, is a serious problem in Rwanda, which requires much attention because the two go hand-in-hand and the government spends a lot of money on rehabilitating addicts. Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in the East African country. Rwanda sits among countries with most alcohol deaths per year worldwide. 9. Gabon Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 80.7 Drinking is an extremely popular pastime in Gabon, particularly in rural areas, and its often easier to find a bar than something to eat. Regab is the national beer of Gabon, brewed by the only brewing company of the country since 1966. Gabon sits among Countries that Drink the Most Beer per Capita. 8. Central African Republic Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 82 The Central African Republic had a per capita consumption of 1.99 liters of pure alcohol in 2019. Sub-Saharan Africa has long been characterized as a region with weak alcohol policies, high proportions of abstainers and heavy episodic drinkers. The Central African Republic ranks among the top 10 countries with most alcohol deaths. 7. Zambia Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 83.9 Though Zambia possesses a robust legal discourse surrounding alcohol, the lack of enforcement of these policies such as the age of drinking, the prohibition on unlicensed facilities, or the hours at which bars may open contributes to the high rate of alcohol abuse in the country. Moreover, the low cost of alcohol in Zambia, due to market distortions and the prevalence of home brewing, enables it to be widely accessible. 6. Eswatini Alcohol Deaths per 100,000 People: 86.6 Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Drinking is a very common pastime among Swazi men. Although the countrys women are discouraged from drinking excessively, cultural events such as the marula ceremony and songs indicate that alcoholism is rife also among Swazi women. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Countries with Most Alcohol Deaths. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Countries with Most Alcohol Deaths is originally published on Insider Monkey. HAMBURG, Germany, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ -- 3B Scientific, a leading manufacturer and marketer of medical simulation products and anatomical models for healthcare education, announces today that it has reached an agreement to acquire iNNOGING Medical. 3b Scientific Logo (PRNewsfoto/3B Scientific) iNNOGING Medical has developed the pioneering cloud-based SaaS solution e Sono for ultrasound simulation that enables users to train and analyze ultrasound scans, anywhere, anytime using any internet-connected device on real-life scenarios as if the patient was right next to them. Led by CEO Adi Baruch and CTO Eliad Moshe, iNNOGING Medical was built by a highly experienced, innovative group of industry and tech leaders, with a shared vision of revolutionizing the way ultrasound image analysis is trained for the improvement of ultrasound diagnosis worldwide. Todd A. Murray, CEO of 3B Scientific, shared: "We're extremely excited to have iNNOGING Medical join our growing 3B Scientific family. Their innovative approach to digitally training ultrasound skills with e Sono is truly impressive. Together, we will work towards revolutionizing the field of sonography training. Our shared goal is to make a profound impact on healthcare education worldwide." Adi Baruch, co-founder and CEO of iNNOGING Medical, commented: "We are incredibly excited to join forces with 3B Scientific, embarking on our journey to redefine the landscape of digital ultrasound simulation with e Sono. Together with the development strength and global reach of 3B Scientific, we aim to revolutionize how healthcare professionals acquire and train their ultrasound skills. This partnership marks a pivotal step forward in our commitment to advance ultrasound training around the world." About the 3B Scientific Group 3B Scientific, established in 1948 in Hamburg, Germany, is a global provider of state-of-the-art medical simulators, catering to medical education training across all levels. Building on an extensive range of top-quality educational and simulation products, the 3B Scientific Group of Companies has established a strong presence in over 120 countries worldwide. Using this wide-reaching platform, 3B Scientific continues to drive its mission forward: advancing the delivery of medical and healthcare education worldwide. Story continues For further insights into 3B Scientific, visit www.3bscientific.com. About iNNOGING Medical Founded in 2018 in Israel, iNNOGING Medical has undergone four years of technological development. The company successfully addressed a critical technology gap in ultrasound diagnosis and turned it into a web-based SaaS ultrasound simulator. The e Sono ultrasound simulator empowers medical students and practitioners to practice real ultrasound scenarios via the internet, from any location, without the need for specialized equipment. This solution designed to accommodate an unlimited number of users and includes both basic content packages and a smart curriculum creator. Driven by innovative cutting-edge technology, iNNOGING Medical is dedicated to revolutionizing the ultrasound simulation market. To learn more about iNNOGING Medical, visit www.3bscientific.com/innoging. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2167288/3B_Scientific_Logo.jpg Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3b-scientific-acquires-innoging-medical-301910979.html SOURCE 3B Scientific Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/28/c0616.html By Brendan Pierson (Reuters) -3M on Monday agreed to pay $6.01 billion to settle nearly 260,000 lawsuits by current and former U.S. military service members who say they suffered hearing loss from using the company's earplugs, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The deal comes after a failed attempt by 3M earlier this year to move the lawsuits, which had grown into the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history, into bankruptcy court in the hope of limiting its liability. The money will be paid out mostly over the next five years, the person familiar with the agreement said. 3M shares had risen 5% on Monday on earlier reports that a settlement was imminent. Some analysts' estimates of the company's potential liability from the earplug litigation had been as high as $10 billion. A 3M spokesperson and lawyers for the service members did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Combat Arms earplugs were made by Aearo Technologies, a company 3M acquired in 2008. They were used by the U.S. military in training and combat from 2003 to 2015, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Plaintiffs in the lawsuits claim that the company hid design flaws, fudged test results and failed to provide instructions for the proper use of the earplugs, leading to hearing damage. The lawsuits were consolidated before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida federal court in 2019. At its height, the litigation accounted for about 30% of all federal court cases nationwide. Of 16 earplug cases that have gone to trial, 3M has lost 10, with about $265 million being awarded in total to 13 plaintiffs. Aearo filed for bankruptcy in July 2022, with 3M pledging $1 billion to fund its liabilities stemming from the earplug lawsuits. 3M argued that the mass tort litigation was unfair because Rodgers had kept scientific evidence favorable to the company out of trials and allowed thousands of "unvetted" claims to swell the court's docket. Story continues However, a bankruptcy judge in June dismissed the bankruptcy, finding that Aearo was not in enough financial distress to justify it. Monday's settlement comes just two months after 3M announced a tentative $10.3 billion deal with a host of U.S. public water systems to resolve claims of water pollution by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, known as "forever chemicals." That agreement is not final, and 22 U.S. states and territories are seeking to block it, saying it does not adequately hold the company accountable. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) Stocks inched higher on Monday morning as a busy week of economic data, including updated prints on inflation and the labor market, awaits investors in the coming days. But before the economic onslaught, several news stories were driving action on individual stocks to start the week on Yahoo Finance's trending tickers page. 3M Company Shares of 3M Company (MMM) rose roughly 4% on Monday after the Wall Street Journal reported the company was close to a settlement on claims from hundreds of thousands of veterans over faulty earplugs. 3M would pay $5.5 billion in the settlement, according the Journal. Citi managing director Andrew Kaplowitz believes the $5.5 billion number is lower than the range of $5 billion-$10 billion that investors had been expecting and could be a catalyst for the stock. 3M logos are seen on a face mask and its packaging in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on Jan. 11, 2022. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) "With the potential settlement amount toward the lower end of expectations, we view the announcement as a potential positive for MMM," Kaplowitz wrote in a new note on Monday. "Equally importantly, we think the potential settlement could mark another step in MMM alleviating its legal burden and moving away from litigation noise that has been weighing on MMMs valuation and could, in our view, be received favorably by investors." 3M shares entered Monday's trading session down nearly 18% year-to-date. XPeng Shares of Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng (XPEV) rose about 2% after the company said it will pay up to $744 million for DiDi Global's electric car development business. As part of the deal, XPeng plans to launch a brand new smart EV brand. The first car in that brand, an A-class Smart EV, is expected to be released in 2024. "XPENG's A-class Smart EV products under the new brand will not only significantly increase our scale, but also accelerate the adoption of our Smart EV technologies in the mass market segment, bringing our technologies to a much broader customer base," said He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of XPENG, in a press release. Story continues Other EV companies including Tesla (TSLA) and Nio (NIO) initially popped on the news. Nio is expected to report earnings on Tuesday. Rite Aid Rite Aid (RAD) stock remained on the Yahoo Finance trending page after news broke late Friday that the company is preparing a bankruptcy filing. The stock was up about 6% in mid-morning trade on Monday before giving back most of its gains on the day. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to Yahoo Finance that bankruptcy planning is underway, with part of that plan likely to include shuttering more than 400 stores. The company was sued by the US government in April over its failure to detect what the Department of Justice called "red flags" around its filling of prescriptions for opioids and other painkillers. The bankruptcy filing could help alleviate the costs owed to claimants in the opioid case and also limit costs attached to shutting down stores. Revenue in Rite Aid's most recent quarter, the first quarter of its fiscal year 2024, fell about 7% compared to the year prior to $5.65 billion. Its net loss in the quarter totaled $306 million. Shares of the retailer sank more than 50% on the news during Friday's trading session and are now down nearly 98% over the last five years. Josh Schafer is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. 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 Acorda Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ACOR) experienced a daily loss of 11.31% and a three-month gain of 21.76%. The stock's per-share loss stands at 21.35. This article aims to answer the question: Is Acorda Therapeutics fairly valued? Let's delve into a comprehensive valuation analysis of the company. Company Overview Acorda Therapeutics Inc is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing therapies to restore function and improve the lives of people with neurological disorders. The company markets Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder), approved in the U.S. for intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in people with Parkinson's disease treated with carbidopa/levodopa. Acorda Therapeutics also markets branded Ampyra (dalfampridine) Extended-Release Tablets, 10 mg to improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis. With a current stock price of $13.1 and a market cap of $16.30 million, the company's GF Value, an estimation of fair value, is $14. This comparison between the stock price and the GF Value lays the foundation for a deeper exploration of the company's value. Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Understanding GF Value The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our proprietary method. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: Historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio, and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at. GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth. Future estimates of the business performance. We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. Story continues According to GuruFocus Value calculation, the stock of Acorda Therapeutics is estimated to be fairly valued. If the price of a stock is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. At its current price of $13.1 per share and the market cap of $16.30 million, Acorda Therapeutics stock is estimated to be fairly valued. Because Acorda Therapeutics is fairly valued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be close to the rate of its business growth. Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Link: These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk. Financial Strength Investing in companies with low financial strength could result in permanent capital loss. It's important to review a company's financial strength before deciding whether to buy shares. Looking at the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage can give a good initial perspective on the company's financial strength. Acorda Therapeutics has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.14, which ranks worse than 80.19% of 1050 companies in the Drug Manufacturers industry. Based on this, GuruFocus ranks Acorda Therapeutics's financial strength as 2 out of 10, suggesting a poor balance sheet. Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Profitability and Growth Investing in profitable companies carries less risk, especially in companies that have demonstrated consistent profitability over the long term. Typically, a company with high profit margins offers better performance potential than a company with low profit margins. Acorda Therapeutics has been profitable 4 years over the past 10 years. During the past 12 months, the company had revenues of $116.90 million and Loss Per Share of $21.35. Its operating margin of -19.05% is worse than 73.62% of 1035 companies in the Drug Manufacturers industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks Acorda Therapeutics's profitability as poor. One of the most important factors in the valuation of a company is growth. Long-term stock performance is closely correlated with growth according to GuruFocus research. Companies that grow faster create more value for shareholders, especially if that growth is profitable. The average annual revenue growth of Acorda Therapeutics is -37.2%, which ranks worse than 95.83% of 911 companies in the Drug Manufacturers industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth is 0%, which ranks worse than 0% of 887 companies in the Drug Manufacturers industry. ROIC vs WACC Another way to look at the profitability of a company is to compare its return on invested capital and the weighted cost of capital. Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. We want to have the return on invested capital higher than the weighted cost of capital. For the past 12 months, Acorda Therapeutics's return on invested capital is -6.76, and its cost of capital is 16.3. Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Conclusion In conclusion, the stock of Acorda Therapeutics is estimated to be fairly valued. The company's financial condition is poor, and its profitability is poor. Its growth ranks worse than 0% of 887 companies in the Drug Manufacturers industry. To learn more about Acorda Therapeutics stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here. To find out the high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In this dynamic digital era, technology stands as a pivotal force driving society progress. Tbay, an Africa's top digital trading platform, brings fresh hope into Africa continent's education landscape through its remarkable innovation and mission of charity. Tbay has been implementing the "Donating 1,000 Schools "program in Africa since April, 2020, completing its first charity event in Nigeria. In July, 2023, Tbay has successfully donated 45 schools across 5 countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda, laying a solid foundation for the future plan. Tbay aims to complete donations for 100 schools by early 2024. The Evolution of Tbay's Charity Event Journey Reflecting upon Tbay's educational donations across African schools, it's evident that giving back to society is an important part of Tbay's mission. Tbay actively collaborates with local governments, educational institutions, and community leaders, fully investigating on local educational needs. Tbay's team engages directly with schools, interacting closely with teachers and students to get their persistence for education. Collaborating with local partners, Tbay carefully selects target schools for donations for those in need. Tbay's donations covered a wide range of materials, including stationery, sports equipment, life essentials, electronic products. These donations significantly enhanced students' learning and living conditions. Tbay also organized extracurricular activities to foster positive interactions among teachers and students, promoting their learning interests and physical abilities. The original intention and purpose of the "Donating 1,000 Schools " program is to provide support and resources to schools in Africa, creating a better learning environment for the younger generation and laying a solid foundation for their personal future development. This program has had a profound and positive impact among African students, not only offering them educational resources, but also sparking their curiosity and creativity. Story continues Empowering African Education and Economic Growth through Digital Technology Tbay firmly believes in the transformative power of technology. Through the internet and digital economy, Tbay has played a vital role in driving African economic development, facilitating digital transformation, and nurturing new talents. Technology has elevated education efficiency, kindling students' creativity, and encouraging them to explore unknown fields. Moreover, Tbay has established a secure, trustworthy global gift card trading platform that serves customers across Europe, America, Africa, and other over 100 countries, connecting gift card buyers and sellers worldwide for a safe and convenient digital shopping experience. Additionally, Tbay assists small and medium-sized businesses in Africa to integrate into the digital economy, expanding their business scope and market participation, thereby positively contributing to sustainable economic growth. Future Charity Event Plans and the Vision of the 'Donating 1,000 Schools Plan' Tbay will continue its pivotal role for charity event in Africa. The vision of the "Donating 1,000 Schools" program extends to covering more African nations and regions, offering assistance to more schools, and creating numerous opportunities for thousands of students. Tbay's sense of social responsibility transcends mere donations, actively engaging in resolving African social issues. Tbay's charity dedication is just one facet of its diverse mission. Beyond charity events, Tbay will persist in exploring innovations in the technology fields. By merging digital technology with philanthropic objectives, Tbay remains a benchmark for industry development and societal progress, and commits to bringing more developmental opportunities to Africa, utilizing digital transactions as an engine for economic prosperity, generating business opportunities, and driving economic growth. Conclusion The rapid development of the digital economy, driven by information technology, has revolutionized e-commerce industry. Tbay, a globally renowned digital technology platform and Africa's top gift card online trading platform, has gained favor from 500,000 users through innovative technology and efficient services, making global gift card trading simpler. Tbay continues to expand its e-commerce blueprint, exploring diversified business models that will benefit more global users in the near future. "Donating 1,000 Schools" program represents Tbay's first charity project, exemplifying the fusion of technology and altruism, instilling hope into Africa's education. This positive endeavor not only highlights Tbay's mission in the digital era but also propagates a tide of positive philanthropic influence, bringing more vigor into Africa's future. Tbay website: https://tbay.store/ Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/africas-top-tech-company-tbay-empowering-africa-education-301910960.html SOURCE Tbay AIChE Grant from chemical engineering society will support research on the data-storage potential of DNA NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) will present its 2023 Langer Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence to Albert J. Keung, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University. The fellowship which is endowed by the AIChE Foundation is named for biomedical pioneer Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Langer Prize awards an unrestricted grant of up to $100,000 to enable creative researchers and engineering entrepreneurs in their early careers to pursue potentially game-changing innovations with transformative societal impact. Dr. Keung who is pursuing the use of modified DNA as a substrate for data storage will receive the Langer Prize and present an associated lecture on Monday, November 6, during the 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting, taking place November 510 in Orlando, Florida. Kristi Anseth, the Tisone Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado and Chair of the Langer Prize selection committee, said, We were impressed by Dr. Keungs exceptional record of achievements and his creative approaches to solve important problems. The proposed technology is innovative and should help unlock the storage potential of DNA. In acknowledging the Langer Prize honor, Keung said, I am very thankful for this fellowship program, and for its camaraderie and resources, to help accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship. I am also thankful for the trainees in my group and the collaborators that have led us to this point in developing technologies. Im also excited about how the fellowship can help move forward their legacies and involvement in entrepreneurship as well. Keungs research group at the University of North Carolina is studying how information is stored and accessed in biological systems. The team focuses on the engineering of DNA, which is already being used as the information substrate in engineering molecular diagnostics, as well as for the production of biofuels, cancer immunotherapies, and vaccines. Keungs team sees potential beyond these applications, including the use of DNA to address challenges in data storage and computation, programmable materials, and climate mitigation. To that end, Keung co-founded DNAli Data Technologies, Inc., with a mission to drive the expansion of a DNA-based economy. Among the technologies that Keung has licensed to DNAli Data Technologies, a key technology is the modification of DNA oligos created through sustainable enzymatic synthesis. Keung will discuss this work in his Langer Prize lecture on November 6. Story continues Albert Keung has previously been recognized with the National Institutes of Healths Avenir Award, the American Chemical Societys Synthetic Biology Young Innovator Award, the National Science Foundations CAREER Award, and the Goodnight Early Career Innovator Award, among others. He is a chemical engineering alumnus of Stanford University and the University of California. Berkeley, and he was a postdoctoral fellow in biomedical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Information about the Langer Prize fellowship, including the application process, is available at www.aiche.org/langerprizes. The deadline for 2024 fellowship applications is February 15, 2024. To learn about the endowment campaign for the Langer Prize, contact Lisa Lanzkowsky at lisal@aiche.org. About AIChE The Global Home of Chemical Engineers AIChE is a professional society of more than 60,000 chemical engineers in 110 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities and government using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as energy, sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, nanotechnology and chemical plant safety and security. More information about AIChE is available at www.aiche.org. Contact: Gordon Ellis Email: gorde@aiche.org Long-established in the Biotechnology industry, Akebia Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:AKBA) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 20.78%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 19.52%. However, fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Akebia Therapeutics Inc. Is Akebia Therapeutics Inc (AKBA) Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth What Is the GF Score? The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank. Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Akebia Therapeutics Inc the GF Score of 58 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential. Understanding Akebia Therapeutics Inc Business Akebia Therapeutics Inc is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with a market cap of $258.26 million and sales of $271.03 million. The company operates in the business of developing and commercializing novel therapeutics for people with kidney disease. Its portfolio includes Auryxia (ferric citrate), a medicine approved and marketed in the United States for the control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease and the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, in adult patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Vafseo (vadadustat), an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase, is approved in Japan for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, in adult patients. The company also has HIF-PH inhibitors in preclinical development. Story continues Is Akebia Therapeutics Inc (AKBA) Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth Financial Strength Breakdown Akebia Therapeutics Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company has an interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 381 companies in the Biotechnology industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five. The company's Altman Z-Score is just -6.93, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.69 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-Ebitda ratio is 11.51, which is above Joel Tillinghast's warning level of 4 and is worse than 92.74% of 248 companies in the Biotechnology industry. Tillinghast said in his book Big Money Think's Small: Biases, Blind Spots, and Smarter Investing that a high debt-to-Ebitda ratio can be a red flag unless tangible assets cover the debt. Profitability Breakdown Akebia Therapeutics Inc's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. The company's Gross Margin has also declined over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 96.26; 2019: 56.62; 2020: -0.20; 2021: 28.18; 2022: 71.02. This trend underscores the company's struggles to convert its revenue into profits. Growth Prospects A lack of significant growth is another area where Akebia Therapeutics Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -17.3 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 76.08% of 765 companies in the Biotechnology industry. Stagnating revenues may pose concerns in a fast-evolving market. Lastly, Akebia Therapeutics Inc predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency. Is Akebia Therapeutics Inc (AKBA) Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth Next Steps Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. Investors should exercise caution and conduct further research before making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. The U.S. Department of Transportation said Monday it is fining American Airlines $4.1 million for unlawfully keeping passengers stuck in planes on the tarmac for lengthy periods of time. American Airlines violated the DOT's rule prohibiting airlines for keeping passengers on planes for tarmac delays lasting three hours or more, the department said in a statement. During delays of this length, airlines are required to allow passengers to deplane. The fine is the largest civil penalty ever issued for tarmac delay violations, according to the agency. Passengers are owed more than $2.5 billion in refunds related to the delays. Between 2018 and 2021, 43 domestic American flights sat on the tarmac for lengthy periods of time without allowing passengers to deplane, a violation of Transportation Department rules, the agency's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection found. "This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. "Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, DOT will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable." American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There are exceptions to the federal rules aimed at deterring airlines from keeping travelers confined on departing flights. For example, airlines aren't required to allow people to deplane if there are legitimate safety reasons to keep them on board. But the Transportation Department's investigation found that none of the exceptions to the tarmac delay rule applied to the 43 flights in question. The airline also did not provide customers with food or water, which is required, during the delays, according to the agency. Most of the delays, which affected roughly 5,800 passengers, occurred at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the regulators said. Kem takes on lead role at ABF to ensure commitment to national security and development of domestic supply chain AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- American Battery Factory Inc. (ABF), an emerging battery manufacturer leading the development of the first network of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell gigafactories in the United States, today announced the appointment of former Major General John S. Kem as president. He joins the company in the head leadership role alongside recently appointed CEO Jim Ge. Kem's 35-year Army career spanned numerous positions including commanding the Europe District and the Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He will draw on his expertise enhancing national and global security in his capacity as president. Logo for American Battery Factory, based in American Fork, Utah (PRNewsfoto/American Battery Factory) "At the forefront of ABF's vision is to serve safe, reliable and efficient energy to a variety of markets including data centers, telecommunications and cellular network, healthcare providers, municipalities, the U.S. military and more," said Kem. "I am honored to join the company in this capacity and to help fulfill this vision of making energy independence a reality for the United States. Together, we will create solutions for the most complex energy transition issues the world has ever faced." Kem's experience includes numerous key positions at the Pentagon as well as international organizations. He served as the Commandant of the U.S. Army War College, focusing on educating U.S. and international leaders to operate at the strategic-enterprise level. As Commanding General of the Northwestern Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, he led a geographically dispersed organization in civil works, military construction and environmental restoration covering 14 states as well as the Columbia and Missouri River basins. In his other command assignments, Kem was responsible for over $1B in Army and Air Force construction in Europe and Africa and served in Afghanistan as the head of the joint engineering team that managed the design and construction of over $7B of Afghan police and Army facilities. Kem also served as a fellow on the U.S. Senate Appropriations defense and military construction subcommittees. In addition, he taught microeconomics and macroeconomics as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the United States Military Academy. Story continues By developing a U.S.-centric LFP battery cell supply chain and reducing dependence on global sources, ABF will improve U.S. economic competitiveness, drive equitable job creation and help meet national security and defense mandates. The company will support the federal directive to diversify the supply chain through its commitment to sourcing North American raw materials and through R&D to identify and develop new battery cell chemistries and technologies. In addition, the company will provide safe, reliable battery cells for use in critical infrastructure and for defense projects requiring innovations essential to military preparedness. "We are building and attracting a world-class management team, workforce and strategic partner network, and having John Kem join our company as president is the culmination of these efforts," said Jim Ge, CEO of ABF. "With his invaluable experience, we will navigate the development of the first network of LFP battery cell gigafactories in the country. ABF will continue to bring together entrepreneurs and scientific experts to enhance an unrivaled foundation for the most innovative battery cells for energy storage solutions." ABF is beginning the first phase of development on its gigafactory in Tucson, Arizona, with plans to break ground within the next few months. The site will serve as the company's official headquarters and will be the country's largest gigafactory to produce LFP battery cells. Investment and support from strategic partners will allow ABF to transform today's energy paradigm, opening the window for using software and technology to manage an unlimited inventory of clean energy sources. AMERICAN BATTERY FACTORY American Battery Factory Inc., a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer, is developing the first-ever network of safe LFP cell gigafactories in the United States. The company is dedicated to making energy independence and clean energy a reality for the United States by creating a domestic battery supply chain. Along with creating domestic manufacturing jobs, ABF will play a crucial role in meeting federal and state government climate change initiatives and "Made-in-USA" national security requirements. For more information on American Battery Factory, please visit www.americanbatteryfactory.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-battery-factory-names-army-veteran-john-s-kem-president-301911203.html SOURCE American Battery Factory SAO PAULO, Brazil, August 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--APsystems, the global leader in multiplatform solar MLPE devices, is proud to announce the opening of its new branch in Brazil, reaffirming its commitment to the Latin American market. With almost a decade of experience in the region and a physical presence for the past seven years, APsystems is proud to expand its operations in Brazil to better support its customers and demonstrate its dedication to meeting the unique needs of the Brazilian market. "We are thrilled to strengthen our presence in Brazil and build on our deep understanding of the region's solar needs," said Mariani Pereira, Brazil Country Manager at APsystems. "Our expanded local operations will enable us to provide our customers with superior service, support, and the most advanced microinverter solutions, tailored specifically to the Brazilian market." APsystems has been consistently recognized by EUPD Research as a Top PV Inverter Brand in Brazil, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence in product quality and customer satisfaction. With a keen understanding of the unique demands of the Brazilian market, APsystems has developed a diverse range of microinverter solutions that cater to the specific needs of customers in Brazil. APsystems' DS3 and QT2 microinverter product lines set industry benchmarks in terms of performance and compatibility. With five models available in Brazil - DS3-LV, DS3-H, DS3D, QT2-220, and QT2D - APsystems offers the widest range of microinverters in the region, and will soon be adding to its product portfolio with its APstorage PCS battery inverter charger. Notably, these microinverters boast the highest input amperage on the market (20A), making them fully equipped and future-facing to handle the next generation of high-capacity PV modules. "By opening our new branch in Brazil, we demonstrate our long-term investment in the country's solar energy future," stated Olivier Jacques, President of Global Business Units at APsystems. "We understand the unique needs of the Brazilian market and are dedicated to fulfilling them with industry-leading products and technology. We're proud to continue driving the success of solar projects throughout the region." Story continues With over 60,000 unique solar installations in Brazil already monitored on the EMA platform, APsystems has proven its expertise in delivering advanced, reliable solar solutions to the country. APsystems will soon be introducing its APstorage PCS battery inverter. As the company expands its global operations, it remains committed to offering high-quality products built to meet all the necessary standards and certifications for the Brazil market. APsystems will be exhibiting at the upcoming Intersolar South America event, the largest solar event in Latin America, held August 29-31 in Sao Paulo. Attendees can visit the Ecori Energia Solar & APsystems booth, located at G6.55 in the green pavilion, and learn more about APsystems investment in Brazil and the latest advancements in solar microinverter technology. About APsystems APsystems is the #1 global multi-platform MLPE solution provider, offering microinverter, energy storage and rapid shutdown devices for the solar PV industry. APsystems brands include APsmart and APstorage. Founded in 2010, APsystems encompasses 4 global business units serving customers in over 100 countries. With millions of units sold producing more than 3TWh of clean, renewable energy, APsystems continues to be a leader in the ever-growing solar MLPE segment. APsystems LATAM is based in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Sao Paulo, Brazil; APsystems USA is based in Austin, Texas; APsystems EMEA is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Lyon, France; APsystems APAC is based in Jiaxing and Shanghai, China, and Sydney, Australia. APsystems is publicly traded on the SSE. (Stock name: Yuneng Technologies, Co. Ltd., Stock code: 688348.) Learn more at https://apsystems.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828807008/en/ Contacts APsystems Jason Higginson, 206-774-eight-five-two-four Sr. Director of Marketing media@APsystems.com APsystems.com Mukesh Ambani, Asias richest man from India, said on Monday that his Reliance Industries Ltd. is exploring blockchain-based platforms and central bank digital currencies (CBDC). See related article: The Digital Rupee JFS (Jio Financial Services) will consolidate its payment infrastructure, with a ubiquitous offering for both consumers and merchants further driving digital adoption for India, Ambani said on Monday at Reliance Industries annual shareholders meeting, the biggest annual event of Indias largest private-sector company. JFS products will not just compete with current industry benchmarks but also explore pathbreaking features such as blockchain-based platforms and CBDC, he said. Ambanis Reliance entered the digital financial products space with the incorporation of Jio Financial Services Limited (JFS) on July 25, a non-banking financial company registered with the Reserve Bank of India, the nations central bank. On July 26, JFS announced an agreement to form Jio BlackRock, a 50:50 joint venture with BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, as a partner. JFS and BlackRock said they are targeting an initial investment of US$150 million each in the joint venture. In February, Reliance Retail, the retail branch of Fortune Global 500 firm Reliance Industries, said that it has started accepting digital rupee payments to become the largest Indian firm to adopt the nations CBDC. Reliance Retail had partnered with ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and fintech firm Innoviti Technologies to launch in-store digital rupee payments. Indias central bank rolled out retail CBDC pilot trials in 13 cities last December, after introducing its wholesale CBDC pilot last November. Australian Finance Group Limited (ASX:AFG) has announced that on 22nd of September, it will be paying a dividend ofA$0.041, which a reduction from last year's comparable dividend. The yield is still above the industry average at 7.3%. See our latest analysis for Australian Finance Group Australian Finance Group's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions Impressive dividend yields are good, but this doesn't matter much if the payments can't be sustained. The last payment made up 77% of earnings, but cash flows were much higher. This leaves plenty of cash for reinvestment into the business. The next year is set to see EPS grow by 25.2%. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 67%, which would make us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend, despite the levels currently being quite high. Australian Finance Group's Dividend Has Lacked Consistency Looking back, Australian Finance Group's dividend hasn't been particularly consistent. If the company cuts once, it definitely isn't argument against the possibility of it cutting in the future. The dividend has gone from an annual total of A$0.0426 in 2015 to the most recent total annual payment of A$0.107. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 12% over that duration. It is great to see strong growth in the dividend payments, but cuts are concerning as it may indicate the payout policy is too ambitious. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited Growing earnings per share could be a mitigating factor when considering the past fluctuations in the dividend. It's not great to see that Australian Finance Group's earnings per share has fallen at approximately 2.3% per year over the past five years. A modest decline in earnings isn't great, and it makes it quite unlikely that the dividend will grow in the future unless that trend can be reversed. It's not all bad news though, as the earnings are predicted to rise over the next 12 months - we would just be a bit cautious until this can turn into a longer term trend. Story continues Our Thoughts On Australian Finance Group's Dividend Overall, the dividend looks like it may have been a bit high, which explains why it has now been cut. The payments haven't been particularly stable and we don't see huge growth potential, but with the dividend well covered by cash flows it could prove to be reliable over the short term. We don't think Australian Finance Group is a great stock to add to your portfolio if income is your focus. Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For example, we've identified 2 warning signs for Australian Finance Group (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing. Is Australian Finance Group not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. In the weeks ahead, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Ribeiro Solar will finalize the acquisition process, enabling BayWa r.e. Solar Trade to extend an expanded offering to the Brazilian market. CURITIBA, Brazil, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ -- Today, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Ribeiro Solar, a solar distribution company operating exclusively in Brazil. This move solidifies BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's foothold in the Brazilian solar energy market, while also strengthening its existing solar distribution operations throughout the Americas, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico. L - R Liciany Ribeiro, CEO of Ribeiro Solar; Frank Jessel, Global Director of the Solar Trade division at BayWa r.e.; and Daniel Marino, Director of Solar Trade in the Americas at BayWa r.e. The three leaders shake hands to celebrate BayWa r.e. Solar Trade announcing the signing of an agreement to acquire Ribeiro Solar, a solar distribution company operating exclusively in Brazil. With a shared commitment to clean energy and empowering solar installers, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Ribeiro Solar are strategically aligning their expertise to drive the adoption of clean energy solutions. By leveraging Ribeiro Solar's deep market knowledge and extensive installer network within the Brazilian solar industry, alongside BayWa r.e.'s global solar distribution capabilities, the collaboration aims to support solar installers with high-quality products, comprehensive training, and a strong service record. This integration combines Ribeiro Solar's established presence and expertise with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's track record of serving over 17,000 solar contractor customers worldwide. Ribeiro Solar is headquartered in greater Curitiba in the south of Parana with warehouse distribution hubs in Parana, Rio Grande do Sul e Pernambuco, allowing for efficient storage, inventory management, and timely delivery of solar products to customers across Brazil. BayWa r.e.'s global supply chain reach will enable Ribeiro Solar to benefit from global scale while continuing to provide best in class support to installers in Brazil. "The expansion of BayWa r.e. into the Brazilian market compliments the company's continued growth into the Americas," said Daniel Marino, Director of Solar Trade in the Americas at BayWa r.e. "Ribeiro Solar's deep-rooted expertise and strong market presence will be instrumental in driving our success in Brazil, and we look forward to combining our strengths to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the country." Story continues "We are very grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the BayWa r.e. team, a respected global player in the solar market. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growth, innovation, and technical excellence, which in turn will benefit our valued clients. Together, we will make a greater impact in the renewable energy market, delivering enhanced value and sustainable solutions," said Liciany Ribeiro, CEO of Ribeiro Solar. As one of the world's largest distributors of solar components, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade has a strong track record of delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. Building on its international presence in more than 30 countries, the company provides integrated solutions to installers and technical companies for residential, commercial, and industrial-scale PV projects. About BayWa r.e. At BayWa r.e. we r.e.think energy -- how it is produced, stored and can be best used to enable the global renewable energy transition that is essential to the future of our planet. We are a leading global developer, service supplier, distributor and solutions provider and have brought over 5.5 GW of energy online and manage over 10 GW of assets. We are also an Independent Power Producer with an expanding energy trading business. BayWa r.e. works with businesses worldwide to provide tailored renewable solutions. Operating 100% carbon neutral, we are also committed to our own sustainability journey. About Ribeiro Solar In 2024, Ribeiro will commemorate its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of excellence in the industry. The Solar unit, spearheaded by Liciany Ribeiro, was established in 2015, bringing tried-and-true Ribeiro values into an unexplored market. Since then, Ribeiro Solar has garnered a prominent reputation within Brazil's dynamic and ever-evolving renewable energy scene. The company excels in delivering innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology to its clients. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and a customer-centric approach, Ribeiro Solar continues to drive advancements in the renewable energy landscape. BayWa r.e. renewable energy Logo (PRNewsfoto/BayWa r.e. renewable energy GmbH) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baywa-re-solar-trade-marks-brazilian-market-entry-with-acquisition-of-ribeiro-solar-301910647.html SOURCE BayWa r.e. USA LLC Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/28/c6990.html OLDWICK, N.J., August 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new approach in determining rates for policies issued through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Risk Rating 2.0, appears to shifting more premium into the U.S. private flood insurance market, according to a new AM Best special report. From a geographic standpoint, a significant amount of flood premium remains concentrated in the Atlantic Hurricane Basin. Seven of the eight U.S. states with more than $100 million in private and public flood premium are located within this region. The lone state not located there is California, which has now experienced two major flooding events in 2023, in addition to a magnitude 5.1 earthquake during that last event. "The California floods and mudslides earlier this year will pose a good test of the private flood market," said Christopher Graham, senior industry analyst, AM Best. "California has a larger share of flood DPW in the private market than any other state with at least $100 million in DPW." Business insurance appears to be driving the increase in the purchase of private flood insurance, driven by the need for larger policy limits, according to the Bests Special Report, "U.S. Private Flood Market Growing, Especially Commercial Property." The goal of the Risk Rating 2.0 system, implemented in 2021, was to improve flood premium determination so that it reflected actual, up-to-date flood risk based on higher quality information. In doing so, it has led to private insurance coverage being more competitive, as the number of insurers offering this has more than quadrupled from 47 in 2016 to 198 in 2022, according to the report. In calendar year 2022, which included nine months of the new rating plan, private flood direct premiums written (DPW) jumped by 24%, while federal flood DPW declined by almost 12%. According to the report, AM Best expects that 2023 results will provide a clear indication as to how the private market is handling the flood risk. Further rate increases to NFIP policyholders, currently capped at 18% per year until the true risk rate is reached, should lead to more insureds moving to private insurers. Story continues The NFIP has remained saddled with debt since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, despite a move by Congress to cancel $16 billion of debt in 2018. The NFIPs 2022 cumulative debt level of $20.5 billion is expected to worsen due to Hurricane Ian, with another subpar year expected to prevent the program from repaying its debt to the U.S. Treasury. To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=335073 . AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230828145773/en/ Contacts Christopher Graham Senior Industry Analyst, Industry Research and Analytics +1 908 882 1807 christopher.graham@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com David Blades Associate Director, Industry Research and Analytics +1 908 882 1659 david.blades@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com Meet The CEIBS MBA Class Of 2024 More than 93% of CEIBS MBA Class of 2023 found work within three months of graduation, according to the Shanghai-based B-schools newly released employment report; the vast majority of jobs were in mainland China. File photo Jobs are not scarce if youre an MBA graduating from one of Chinas premier business schools. But the type of job most China Europe International Business School grads secured in 2023 changed dramatically and overall salaries have dropped. CEIBS released its MBA Class of 2023 employment report August 18 showing that technology is not the dominant industry for grads for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic, with manufacturing taking over the top spot, up an incredible 10 percentage points in one year. Finance was second at 16.5% of the class, and tech slipped into a tie with healthcare for third at 15.4%, down more than 9 points from 2022. But the most alarming news for those who see Chinas business schools as a canary in the coal mine for the Asia super-giants economy: median salaries for 2023 CEIBS graduates dropped below pre-pandemic levels after surging to new heights just one year ago. Source: CEIBS IN ONE YEAR, MEDIAN SALARIES FOR CEIBS MBAs DROPPED 8% Economic trouble looms in China right now. On Friday (August 25), Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index slid into a bear market after falling more than 20% from its January peak. The Chinese yuan had a bad week, too, falling to its lowest level since 2007. Not all is doom and gloom, but for those with a vested interest in the success of Chinas leading B-school talent and its economy as a whole CEIBS employment contains some red flags. Foremost among them: tech took a major tumble as a career destination, dropping to 15.4% of the class from 24.5% in 2022 and more than 30% two years ago. Median tech salaries also fell. Tech had been the top industry for CEIBS MBAs since well before the coronavirus pandemic and in two recovery years after 2020. Story continues What took over as a top industry for CEIBS MBAs in 2023? Manufacturing, which surged to 17.6% of the class from just 7.6% in 2022. Yet CEIBS grads median manufacturing salary collapsed from 616,600 ($84,571) to 500,000 ($68,579), a drop of about 19%. This along with declines in median tech and healthcare salaries the latter from 740,000 ($101,496) to 625,500 ($85,792), a drop of about 15% lowered CEIBS overall class median to 441,000 ($60,486) from 480,000 ($65,835), a one-year decline of more than 8%. Median other guaranteed compensation also declined slightly year-to-year (see table at the bottom of this page). Source: CEIBS CEIBS GRADS WORKING ELSEWHERE AMID CHINAS FLATTENING ECONOMY CEIBS, which has a main campus in Shanghai and satellite campuses in Beijing, Shenzhen, Zurich in Switzerland, and Accra in Ghana, was established by the Chinese government and European Union in 1994, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the EFMD serving as founding executive partners. Chinas only business school to originate from government-level collaboration, CEIBS offers MBA, Finance MBA, EMBA, Global EMBA, Hospitality EMBA, DBA (Switzerland), and Executive Education programs. It was the first business school on the Chinese mainland to be accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB. CEIBS has been the No. 1 MBA program in Asia in The Financial Times global ranking for seven consecutive years, with an overall ranking of 20th in 2023, and has been ranked in the FTs top 5 for its global EMBA for five consecutive years. Poets&Quants ranked CEIBS MBA program 14th in 2023, up from 18th in 2022. Robust rankings have helped the overwhelming number of CEIBS grads find work, with 95.9% reporting job offers three months after graduation, up slightly from 2022, and 93.8% accepting, same as last year but down slightly from the pre-pandemic MBA Class of 2019. But CEIBS has seen its share of problems since 2020, including controversy over its handling of enrollment and class instruction amid a lengthy China-wide pandemic shutdown, and it may be reverberations from this that caused CEIBS MBA class size to shrink for four straight years from a high of 179 in 2019 to just 123 in the Class of 2023 a drop-off of more than 30%. (CEIBS MBA Class of 2024 is just 120 students, but the schools most recent class is up to 133 students.) In another sign of regional issues impacting the school, employment inside China declined to just 77.7% of CEIBS 2023 grads, down from 84% in 2022 and more than 86% in 2019. Asia-Pacific-bound grads increased in one year by more than 3 percentage points, to 13.1%, and those finding work in Europe or the U.S. jumped to 9.2% of the class from 6% in 2022. Source: CEIBS SHIFTS IN ENROLLMENT & JOB TITLES Amid these uncertainties, other kinds of change have given CEIBS something to brag about. For the first time in the Class of 2023, the school achieved gender parity, with women comprising 50% of that MBA class up nearly 10 percentage points in one year. CEIBS has been among the leaders in womens MBA enrollment in China and Asia, with around 40% in the years before and after the pandemic; the most recent class is 47% women. International enrollment, too, took a big leap in the 2023 class, to more than 38% from around 33% in the 2022 class and 28.5% in 2019s. This corresponds with a decline in mainland Chinese enrollment at CEIBS, which dropped to 59.1% of the 2023 class from 66.3% in 2022. Increasingly, CEIBS MBA students come from non-business, non-engineering backgrounds: Those with Language & Arts majors in undergrad jumped to nearly 16% of the latest class, up from just 3.8% a year earlier. Meanwhile, the actual roles of CEIBS graduates have shifted, with Manager (36.7%) and Professional (25.3%) continuing to lead but Director surging to more than 10% of the class from 7.1%, and General Manager/Vice General Manager jumping to 5.1% from less than 2% two years ago. Those going into the Leadership Development Program, designed for mid-level management staff with three or more years of managerial experience, declined to 15.2% of the class from 17.2% in 2022; LDP grads had comprised 18.5% of CEIBS MBAs in 2019. CEIBS MBA EMPLOYMENT 2019-2023 CEIBS 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Job Offers at 3 Months 95.9% 95.6% 96.8% 92.8% 94.9% Job Acceptances at 3 Months 93.8% 93.8% 95.5% 91.4% 94.3% Class Size 123 157 172 175 179 Industry Manufacturing 17.6%, Financial Services 16.5%, Healthcare 15.4%, Tech 15.4%, CPG 7.7%, Consulting 6.6% Tech 24.5%, Financial Services 22.6%, Healthcare 19.8%, Consulting 11.3%, Manufacturing 7.6%, CPG 3.8% Tech 30.1%, Healthcare 18.3%, Financial Services 15.1%, Manufacturing 10.3%, Consulting 9.5%, CPG 6.3% Tech 23.6%, Financial Services 19.7%, Healthcare 13.4%, Manufacturing 13.4%, Consulting 9.4% Tech 23%, Financial Services 21.6%, Healthcare 12.8%, Manufacturing 11.5%, Consulting 8.1% Position Manager 36.7%, Professional 25.3%, Leadership Development Program 15.2%, Director 10.1%, GM/Vice GM 5.1%, Assistant Manager 3.8%, Other 3.8% Manager 39.4%, Professional 27.3%, Leadership Development Program 17.2%, Director 7.1%, Assistant Manager 3%, Supervisor 1%, Other 5% Manager 46.2%, Professional 16.2%, Leadership Development Program 16.2%, Assistant Manager 7.7%, Director 6.8%, GM/Vice GM 1.7%, Other 1.8% NA Manager 42.5%, Leadership Development Program 18.5%, Professional 18.5%, Director 10.3%, Assistant Manager 4.1%, GM/Vice GM 4.1%, Supervisor 2% Location of Job Mainland China 77.7%, Asia Pacific 13.1%, Europe/America 9.2% Mainland China 84.0%, Asia Pacific 10.0%, Europe/America 6.0% Mainland China 83.3%, Asia Pacific 13.5%, Europe/America 3.2% Mainland China 56.5%, Asia Pacific 26.1%, Europe/America 10.6% Mainland China 86.2%, Asia Pacific 11%, Europe/America 2.8% Median Base Salary 441,000 ($60,481) 480,000 ($65,829) 420,000 ($57,601) NA 450,000 ($61,715) Range 145,200-1,333,228 ($19,913-$182,844) 180,000-971,000 ($24,656-$133,167) 70,000-1,400,000 ($9,600-$192,002) NA 107,000-1,080,000 ($14,674-$148,116) Median Other Guaranteed Compensation 99,500 ($13,648) 100,000 ($13,714) 85,800 ($11,767) NA 100,000 ($13,714) Range 12,000-600,000 ($1,646-$82,298) 7,200-350,000 ($987-$48,000) 2,000-400,000 ($274-$54,858) NA 9,600-900,000 ($1,317-$123,430) Women 50% 40.1% 40.1% 40.0% 40.2% International Students 38.3% 33.1% 33.1% 31.4% 28.5% Countries of Origin 21 Mainland China 59.1%, Hong Kong & Taiwan 2.5%, Asia Pacific 9.2%, Europe 11.7%, America 17.5% 27 Mainland China 66.3%, Hong Kong & Taiwan 0.6%, Asia Pacific 14%, Europe 9.6%, America 8.9%, Africa 0.6% 23 Mainland China 62.8%, Hong Kong & Taiwan 4.1%, Asia Pacific 19.2%, America 8.1%, Europe 4.7%, Africa 1.1% 17 Mainland China 63.4%, Hong Kong & Taiwan 5.1%, Asia Pacific 15.4%, America 10.9%, Europe 5.1% 22 Mainland China 66.5%, Hong Kong & Taiwan 5.0%, Asia Pacific 16.8%, America 7.2%, Europe 3.9%, Africa 0.6% Pre-MBA Industries Financial Services 20%, Tech 14.2%, Manufacturing 11.7%, Consulting 10%, Healthcare 7.5% Financial Services 19.8%, Manufacturing 16.6%, Tech 13.4%, Consulting 13.4%, Healthcare 5.7% Financial Services 26.8%, Tech 12.8%, Manufacturing 11.6%, Consulting 10.5%, Healthcare 7% Financial Services 24%, Tech 16%, Manufacturing 13.7%, Consulting 12%, Healthcare 9.7% Tech 16.2%, Financial Services 14.5%, Consulting 12.8%, Manufacturing 11.7%, Healthcare 6.7% Undergrad Majors Business & Management 42.5%, Science & Engineering 30%, Language & Arts 15.8%, Other 11.7% Business & Management 46.5%, Science & Engineering 36.3%, Language & Arts 3.8%, Other 13.4% Business & Management 50%, Science & Engineering 32.6%, Language & Arts 4.6%, Other 12.8% Business & Management 40%, Science & Engineering 40%, Language & Arts 10.9%, Other 9.1% Science & Engineering 40.8%, Business & Management 37.4%, Language & Arts 7.3%, Other 14.5% SOURCE: CEIBS See CEIBS 2023 MBA employment report here. DONT MISS THE P&Q INTERVIEW: DOMINIQUE TURPIN, CEIBS EUROPEAN PRESIDENT and MEET THE CEIBS MBA CLAS OF 2024 The post Big Trouble In China? CEIBS 2023 MBA Median Salary Slips Below Pre-Pandemic Levels appeared first on Poets&Quants. What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? In a perfect world, we'd like to see a company investing more capital into its business and ideally the returns earned from that capital are also increasing. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So on that note, Brisbane Broncos (ASX:BBL) looks quite promising in regards to its trends of return on capital. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Brisbane Broncos is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.14 = AU$6.1m (AU$58m - AU$13m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023). Therefore, Brisbane Broncos has an ROCE of 14%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Entertainment industry average of 9.5% it's much better. Check out our latest analysis for Brisbane Broncos roce While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you want to delve into the historical earnings, revenue and cash flow of Brisbane Broncos, check out these free graphs here. What Can We Tell From Brisbane Broncos' ROCE Trend? Brisbane Broncos has not disappointed with their ROCE growth. The figures show that over the last five years, ROCE has grown 63% whilst employing roughly the same amount of capital. Basically the business is generating higher returns from the same amount of capital and that is proof that there are improvements in the company's efficiencies. On that front, things are looking good so it's worth exploring what management has said about growth plans going forward. Story continues The Bottom Line On Brisbane Broncos' ROCE To sum it up, Brisbane Broncos is collecting higher returns from the same amount of capital, and that's impressive. Since the stock has returned a staggering 118% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence. Before jumping to any conclusions though, we need to know what value we're getting for the current share price. That's where you can check out our FREE intrinsic value estimation that compares the share price and estimated value. While Brisbane Broncos may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Zimbabwe's President-elect Mnangagwa commends citizens for peaceful election Xinhua) 09:11, August 28, 2023 Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa addresses the media at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Aug. 27, 2023. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected for a second five-year term, after garnering 52.6 percent of the total votes cast in the Aug. 23-24 elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced on Saturday. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) HARARE, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday commended citizens for their peaceful conduct during the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections held on Aug. 23 and 24. "As the people of Zimbabwe, we have demonstrated that we are a mature democracy," Mnangagwa said in his first public address to the media at state house in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, after being announced the winner. He was re-elected for his second and final five-year term, after garnering 52.6 percent of the total votes cast, according to the results announced by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba late Saturday. According to ZEC, Mnangagwa beat 10 other presidential contestants after polling 2,350,711 votes, constituting 52.6 percent of the total 4,468,668 valid votes cast. His main rival and opposition Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, got 44 percent of the valid votes cast, after getting 1,967,343 votes, according to Chigumba. "The elections have come and gone. I am humbled by the trust and confidence that you my fellow country men and women have reposed on me, to once again serve as President of our great country Zimbabwe," said Mnangagwa. He took the opportunity to thank the various election observer missions that witnessed the electoral process without bias. Now that the election period is over, Mnangagwa urged the nation to remain united towards national developmental aspirations. "There is much more work to be done. Together, as one united people we shall continue on the growth trajectory witnessed over the last five years. No one and no place will be left behind," Mnangagwa said. He further urged the nation to remain vigilant and jealously guard the prevailing peaceful and tranquil environment. "That which unites us is much greater than that which could ever divide us," Mnangagwa said. "I further call on us all to return to work with a greater sense of purpose towards increased production and productivity across all sectors," he added. He also thanked other contestants in the election, saying "there are no winners or losers; but one united people of Zimbabwe." Mnangagwa said after a successful first five year term, the thrust of his government now would be to ensure the consolidation of the country's food security. According to ZEC, voter turnout in this year's election was 68.9 percent in the presidential election. Mnangagwa's ruling ZANU-PF party won the majority of the 210 parliamentary seats. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa addresses the media at State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Aug. 27, 2023. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected for a second five-year term, after garnering 52.6 percent of the total votes cast in the Aug. 23-24 elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced on Saturday. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Buc-ee's, a Texas-based convenience store/gas station chain known for its Texas-sized locations, is planning a store near Madison that would be among the world's largest. Buc-ee's (pronounced "Bucky's") hopes to obtain final approval this year for a massive store in DeForest, northwest of the Interstate 39/90/94 and Highway V interchange. The village Planning and Zoning Commission this fall will likely review Buc-ee's proposal for site approval, said Alex Allon, DeForest community development director. It received a conditional use permit in March. A Buc-ee's executive couldn't be reached for more information. Construction on the $20 million, 74,000-square-foot project is expected to begin in May, according to a notice at constructionjournal.com. Buc-ee's is known for operating huge travel centers. Its new Sevierville, Tennessee, store is the world's largest convenience store with 74,707 square feet, according to the company's website. The DeForest Bucee's would be roughly the size of eight of Kwik Trip's new larger stores including one which opened a year ago in the town of Lisbon at Highway 164 and Highway Q. It would have 631 parking spaces. Buc-ee's is known for its massive convenience stores, including this one in Sevierville, Tennessee. It's planning its first Northern store near Madison. Buc-ee's is working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on making "appropriate improvements" at the DeForest interchange to help accommodate the project, according to Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes. The company also is working with the state Department of Natural Resources regarding wetlands at the proposed development site, those minutes said. Buc-ee's operates 46 stores in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. All but 12 of those are in Texas. The DeForest Buc-ee's would be the first location outside the South. It's on Dane County's northern edge and about 39 miles from travel magnet Wisconsin Dells. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Story continues 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 Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Buc-ee's plans one of world's largest convenience stores near Madison In the realm of wise investors and business moguls, Charlie Munger, the billionaire business partner of Warren Buffett, is a source of valuable advice. His interests span wide, but they all converge on a singular focus: the pursuit of wealth, happiness and the avoidance of making dumb mistakes. During the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. annual meeting, Buffett expressed his desire to be born in the present day, considering it a superior world compared to any before. He acknowledged that modern communication may sometimes make it seem worse than it is. Nonetheless, he emphasized that, despite its challenges, the world is a remarkable place. Dont Miss: In response, Munger shared a slightly less optimistic view than Buffett. He stated, "I think the best road ahead to human happiness is to expect less. I think it's going to get tougher." Munger cautioned against an influx of young, brilliant minds into wealth management, deeming it a perilous trend for American society. "We dont need as many wealth managers as we have," he said. Buffett, adding his perspective, remarked on Munger's birth year of 1924, to which Munger replied with a chuckle, "Yes, I would hate to go back to that. I like more wealth managers who are merely reflecting the fact that there's more wealth. But I don't like everybody going into wealth management. I think the world's a little crazy now." This comes at a time when its easier than ever for investors to manage their own wealth. Companies like Aries and Robinhood Markets Inc. allow anyone to be their own money manager and invest in public markets. Aries, despite being a private startup, is also open for anyone to invest in the startup itself. Story continues Together, Buffett and Munger have transformed Berkshire Hathaway into a financial powerhouse worth over $500 billion. They invest in exceptional companies they have no intention of selling, which has reaped immense rewards. Their steadfast trust in enterprises like The Coca-Cola Co. has generated billions in profit over the decades. For Munger, "old values" such as honor, trust, hard work and frugality are the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. He often mentions the significance of choosing the right spouse as life's most crucial decision and insists that financial prosperity necessitates living within one's means. Both partners firmly believe that taking the high road in capitalism yields greater rewards because there is less competition on that path. Over the years, they have emphasized that while the company can afford to lose a lot of money, it cannot afford to lose even a fraction of trust. Reputation is everything. Munger has also distilled two essential life guidelines. First, he champions lifelong learning as the key to happiness and wealth. He dedicates the majority of his time to reading and contemplation, finding immense satisfaction in it. His goal? To absorb the grand ideas from various academic fields and apply them judiciously to his thinking. He believes that appropriating great ideas is relatively simple, and the real challenge lies in avoiding foolishness. This commitment to lifelong learning has only become more valuable as Munger, at age 99, continues his investment journey. See more on startup investing from Benzinga: Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. This article Charlie Munger's Less-Than-Optimistic Advice: 'I Think The Best Road Ahead To Human Happiness Is To Expect Less' originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. businessmen with bowler hats and briefcases marching to illustrate worker productivity Artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT will open the door to a four-day week and French-style working practices, the boss of one of the worlds biggest recruiters has said. Jean JC Townend, president of Adecco in the UK and Ireland, said that chatbots are expected to increase such significant productivity gains that the working week could be shortened as a result. She said: I would put my money on ChatGPT giving us a four-day week. If you can get computers to do the really repetitive, boring parts of jobs that humans dont like to do, then you can put the human on top to do the really creative, interesting parts. Productivity means either higher salaries or it means the ability to work less and receive the same salary. Britain is facing a productivity crisis with the UK at risk of being overtaken by the rest of the world in terms of living standards. On current projections Poland will overtake the UKs gross domestic product by 2030, as the country transforms itself into a tech and manufacturing powerhouse. In 2021, an American worker was 26pc more productive than their British counterpart, producing $74.80 (58.30) per hour worker versus $59.20 per hour for a UK worker. Fears of the impact of a four-day working week on productivity have already led to crackdowns on the public sector. A Cambridgeshire council was ordered to stop its four-day week experiment in June after local government minister Lee Rowley warned the authority it was potentially breaking laws that guarantee services for local residents. Yet Adeccos Ms Townend suggested a four-day week could lead to French-style labour market practices. She said: If you have a four-day working week we get what happened in France. When they changed the working hours laws more people went into the workforce, and people also took on extra jobs. So it actually increased the demand for jobs. Unemployment in France is running at 7.2pc, compared with 4.2pc in the UK. ChatGPT itself faces growing challenges as public interest in the technology wanes. Software developers, seen as a key customer demographic for AI-powered productivity enhancement services, are turning their backs on it. Story continues A third of UK developers do not trust the accuracy of AI tools, according to a recent survey by developer website Stack Overflow. Two in five developers do not plan on using the technology at all, despite it powering services such as Microsofts GitHub Copilot code-writing AI, one of the Big Tech companys flagship AI products. 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. Bridging the Financial Divide: Chimoney Pioneers Global Payouts for the Unbanked Population Toronto, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the age of digital payments and online transactions, millions of people around the world still find themselves excluded from the global financial system. The unbanked population, those without access to traditional banking services, face significant challenges in receiving payments, especially from international sources. Enter Chimoney, a global payouts platform with a vision to bridge this financial gap and empower the unbanked. Uchi Uchibeke, Founder and CEO of Chimoney Founded by Uchi Uchibeke, a Nigerian immigrant with firsthand experience of the difficulties faced by the unbanked population, Chimoney is on a mission to revolutionize global payments. "With Chimoney, businesses can pay one or one million people anywhere in the world with the click of a button using just an email or phone number," says Uchibeke, who was inspired to create Chimoney after facing challenges in paying winners from various countries during an AfricaHacks community event. Chimoney's platform enables individuals without bank accounts to receive payments through alternative methods like mobile money, airtime, and crypto. This not only fosters financial inclusion but also provides new opportunities for economic empowerment, especially for remote workers and individuals in developing countries. As the world continues to embrace remote work and online communities, the need for efficient global payouts becomes increasingly evident. Chimoney's platform addresses this need by allowing businesses to send bulk payouts to emails, phone numbers, or even Twitter handles. Recipients can then cash out to their preferred method, including bank accounts, gift cards, cryptocurrency, mobile money, or airtime. Chimoney's innovative approach has already garnered attention from major partners and investors. The company recently secured a spot in the prestigious Techstars Toronto Accelerator program, which is known for backing high-potential startups with a global vision. Uchibeke's inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming a fintech CEO in Canada is a testament to the impact that Chimoney aims to achieve. Story continues Uchi knows firsthand the challenges of financial exclusion. He moved to Canada for school and experienced the difficulties of not being able to pay tuition due to government and financial uncertainty in Nigeria. After working at Shopify, RBC, and IBM, and founding AfricaHacks, Uchibeke founded Chimoney to address the challenges he faced and empower others. Chimoney's vision for economic empowerment is resonating with investors and partners alike. With its innovative platform, ambitious mission, and backing from investors like Techstars, Chimoney is poised to make a significant impact on the global payments landscape. Chimoney's participation in the Techstars program represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate its growth, develop strategic partnerships, and make a lasting impact on global payments and financial inclusion. With the support of Techstars, Chimoney is poised to revolutionize the way people transact globally and create a more inclusive financial ecosystem. The upcoming integration of the Interledger Protocol (ILP) into Chimoney's platform will further enhance its potential for financial inclusion. By enabling payments received to Interledger Payment pointers in Chimoney wallets to be cashed out to various supported options, the company contributes to the growth of the Interledger network and the broader financial ecosystem. As Chimoney continues to expand its reach and empower the unbanked population, the company remains committed to its vision of economic empowerment and financial inclusion. By breaking down barriers and providing access to global payments, Chimoney is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable world. CONTACT: Chimoney Faheed A team@chimoney.io +1 647-933-0831 260 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON, M5J 2N3, Canada In the busy streets of Hong Kongs Central district the lunchtime queues snake around the swanky Japanese restaurants where high-end sushi can sell at $150 a pop just for a tasting menu. At Fumi, one of the more popular joints, the floors are packed with over a hundred people chattering away and chowing down. Its just as busy as ever, says Thomason Ng, Fumis general manager. Only a small portion of people have asked where the food is from. Theyre here for the dining experience and great hospitality alongside the food. The great economies of Asia are clashing over the sea once again, but from the look of these customers either nobody told them, or they simply dont care. The move by Japan, the worlds third-largest economy, to release more than 1 million metric tons of treated radioactive waste water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea has prompted a furious response from its neighbor and longtime rival China, the worlds second-largest economy. Soon after Japan began pumping the water into the ocean on Thursday, China announced that it would ban all seafood imports from its neighbor vastly extending earlier restrictions it had implemented on sea food imports from Fukushima prefecture in the wake of the plants meltdown in 2011. Even as the import ban kicked in, tables were filled at Japanese restaurant Fumi in Hong Kong on August 24, 2023. - Kathleen Magramo/CNN Hours before Chinas announcement, the Asian financial center of Hong Kong a semi-autonomous Chinese city imposed its own ban on aquatic product imports from 10 Japanese regions including Tokyo and Fukushima. But while the well-heeled, international crowds populating Hong Kongs sushi joints may have largely shrugged off the local governments warnings, on the Chinese mainland the publics reaction has been rather less forgiving. Calls for boycott Chinese media traditional and social has exploded with anger at Japans actions, with several state media outlets running critical editorials and opinion polls. A hashtag blasting the release gained more than 800 million views on the Chinese social media platform Weibo within just a few hours of Thursdays release. Story continues China insists the ban is necessary to prevent the risk of radioactive contamination of food and has accused Japan of an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that disregards the international public interest. It has repeatedly rejected Japans claims that the water has been adequately treated and contains negligible amounts of radioactivity. Many users on Chinese social media or at least the vocal ones appear to support their governments position, while many more have called on authorities to go a step further with a more wide-ranging boycott. We should ban all Japanese products, read one top comment on Weibo. The Japanese are irresponsible, read another. Japanese entities suffered a wave of harassment phone calls originating from China, prompting Japans vice foreign minister Masataka Okano to summon the Chinese ambassador over what he called an extremely regrettable and worrisome situation. In a statement on Monday, the ministry also urged the Chinese government to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in China. Experts say the strength of the response in part reflects the long history of animosity between the two Asian giants, which dates back to and beyond World War II and includes a variety of maritime territorial disputes. Calls for boycotts of Japan are relatively frequent, breaking out whenever old grievances rear their heads or territorial disputes flare, they point out. In 2012, trade relations sank to a low point when Japan nationalized a group of islands in the East China Sea claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing, fueling violent anti-Japanese protests across cities in China. The boycotts turned into violent attacks against Japanese-owned or branded factories in China as well as automakers and home appliance retailers. Hitting where it hurts That level of vitriol is not present this time round or at least not yet even if the ban appears designed to hit Japan where it hurts. Despite their bitter histories, Japanese cuisine is hugely popular in many parts of China and business is booming. There were 789,000 Japanese restaurants in China in 2022, with the sector valued at around $25 billion and growing. There are actually more Japanese restaurants in China now than there were before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Those restaurants are likely to be hit hard by the ban, as are trade ties more generally. Last year, Japan exported seafood worth about $942.4 million (137.7 billion yen) to China its top trading partner, while Hong Kong accounted for another approximately $432.3 million (63.2 billion yen), according to the Japanese government. Then there is the Japanese fishing industry to think about, with local fisherman reeling from what they see as disastrous publicity. The JF Fishermans Cooperative Association, a nationwide body representing fishermen, has urged Tokyo to take immediate action to address the reputational damage that has already been caused by rumors. Fishermen nationwide are feeling increasingly anxious at this very moment, said the groups chairman, Masanobu Sakamoto, following a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. We fishermen hold only one hope, namely that our fishing industry will continue to operate in peace, Sakamoto added. Not remotely harmful Critics have accused China and Hong Kong of hype and double standards, suggesting they are using the issue to score political points over a regional rival at the expense of scientific rigor. The state-owned electricity firm Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) points out that in the years since the 2011 disaster the contaminated wastewater has been continually treated to filter out all the removable harmful elements and that it will be processed for a second time and highly diluted before being released over a period of decades. The process will remove almost all radionuclides from the wastewater, apart from tritium a naturally occurring form of hydrogen that is the weakest of all of radioactive isotopes. Many scientists back Tokyos position that the water being released is safe. In Fukushima, TEPCO says that some 7,800 cubic meters of water containing 1.1 trillion becquerels of tritium will be released in the initial 17-days of release. Thats equivalent to 0.003 grams of tritium the weight of about 10 strands of human hair said Nigel Marks, an expert on radioactive waste and an associate professor at Curtin University in Australia. By contrast, he says, theres currently about 8,400 grams of tritium already in the Pacific Ocean. Its not even remotely harmful, Marks said, adding that people are exposed to more radiation on an airplane flight. (Japans release is) completely consistent with past practice all over the world. Theres 60 years worth of scientific data of releasing tritium into waterways exactly like this and typically at far higher quantities, and nothing has ever happened. Much more tritium has been released by normally operating nuclear power plants into the north Pacific Ocean from China, South Korea, and Taiwan, said David Krofcheck, a physics lecturer at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Tritium is produced naturally as part of our normal environmental background radiation, and it travels via rain or rivers into the worlds oceans. The water release is designed to have seven times less tritium per liter than is recommended for drinking water by the World Health Organization, Krofcheck said. According to a study by the Japanese government, Chinas own Fuqing nuclear power plant discharged 52 trillion becquerels of tritium in 2020. But these discussions are largely missing from Chinas state media coverage and on its heavily censored internet. A number of articles trying to explain the science behind the discharge including one from a Chinese nuclear expert who formerly worked at a government-linked institute have been scrubbed after gaining traction on social media. A drop in the economic ocean? While some critics are accusing China of hyping the risks, there are others who wonder too if it has overestimated how much leverage it ultimately has over its neighbor. China is Japans top seafood export market but it accounts for only 15-20% of Japans food exports, and food exports account for only 1% of Japans total exports, said Stefan Angrick, senior economist at Moodys Analytics. To put this into context, even in a worst case scenario involving a Chinese ban on all food imports from Japan, the direct impact on Japanese GDP would be about 0.04%, Angrick added. Thats not to say Japan neednt be concerned. It is. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reportedly strongly requested via diplomatic channels that China immediately overturn the ban. But Tokyo may be barking up the wrong tree if it thinks arguments about the science will sway China. Fei Xue, a senior analyst covering Asia at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), said the reactions of regional governments to Japans actions have largely reflected the status of their diplomatic ties with Tokyo. Still, Fei too thought that the bans from China and Hong Kong would have limited impact on Japanese trade. Seafood exports accounted for just 0.3% of Japans total goods exports in 2022, among which shipments to mainland China and Hong Kong represented 35.8% of the total amount. Consequently, even considering the reputational damage for Japanese seafood products, Japans overall exports will not be materially undermined, Fei said. So long and thanks for all the fish Back in Hong Kong, it remains hard to detect any lingering sense of either concern or outrage at Japans actions. Indeed, the release appears to have had very little effect whatsoever on the appetites of the crowds queueing round the restaurants in the Central district. Part of the reason for this may be that chefs and restaurateurs saw the ban coming, with Hong Kong authorities hinting from the start of the year that it was on the horizon. Many responded by widening their supply lines, sourcing their seafood from suppliers in Japans Hokkaido, Kyushu and Kagoshima regions which are not covered by Hong Kongs ban as well as from Norway, Australia and Canada. Because of that the menu at Fumi hasnt needed to change much, except for a little card letting diners know that the restaurant has followed the new import controls and sourced its ingredients from around the world. At a shopping mall nearby, diner Cara Man, 33, was tucking into her lunch at sushi chain Senryo. She said that people still craved their favorite Japanese dishes, regardless of the news. People might start paying more attention to the radiation levels in their food if there are reports of people getting sick, but that isnt happening right now, she said. So well probably keep eating Japanese cuisine like nothing happened. CNNs Francesca Annio and Emi Jozuka contributed reporting. Sign up for CNNs Meanwhile in China newsletter which explores what you need to know about the countrys rise and how it impacts the world. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com city am City AM owed more than 200,000 to upmarket hotels and restaurants ahead of its 1.5m takeover by the protein shake tycoon Matt Moulding. The London freesheet, which was snapped up by Mr Mouldings THG last month, collapsed into administration owing more than 2.4m. The companys creditors include Boisdale, a Scottish-themed fine dining restaurant and whisky bar with venues in Canary Wharf and Belgravia. City AM has close ties to the chain, to which it owed 36,000 for hosting a cryptocurrency summer party. Harry Owen, the newspapers former chief operating officer, is now executive director at Boisdale and the company held its Christmas parties at the venue. The paper also owed more than 100,000 to the Leonardo Royal Hotel in St Pauls, where it has previously held awards ceremonies, as well as tens of thousands of pounds to catering companies. City AMs largest debt is almost 1m owed to HMRC relating to VAT, PAYE and employees national insurance, which is expected to be repaid in full. It also owed 750,000 to lender Metro Bank, up to 75pc of which is expected to be recovered. The debts, revealed in filings by administrator BDO, illustrate the state of the freesheets finances prior to its collapse. The newspaper was left reeling by Covid lockdowns, which decimated advertising revenues and hit its key readership of London commuters. THGs takeover of City AM has raised eyebrows given Matt Mouldings history of tirades against the media - Kevin Holt The crisis forced City AM to stop printing in 2020. While the paper is now back in distribution, it has been hit by surging newsprint costs and the shift to home working, and is no longer printed on Fridays. While revenues rose to 6.1m last year, the company lost a further 584,000 and its debts ballooned to 2.5m. Bosses secured an agreement in principle with an investor early this year to receive additional funding in exchange for a 25pc stake in the business. But negotiations broke down and City AM ultimately agreed a 1.5m pre-pack administration deal with THG, which owns brands including Lookfantastic and Myprotein. Story continues The filings show City AMs finances were so stretched that it would have been unable to pay salaries and critical suppliers in July. Concerns that key employees would leave prompted THG to transfer 92,500 to meet the payments. THGs takeover of City AM has raised eyebrows in the industry given Mr Mouldings previous tirades against both the media and the City of London. Sources close to the business have insisted that City AM will remain editorially independent, while highlighting the potential commercial opportunities for THG. It is understood that City AM is now hiring for around a dozen new roles increasing its workforce by almost a third and has splashed out on new equipment. THG also plans to use its digital expertise to launch a new app for the title next month. 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. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to reprice its previously announced non-brokered private placement to raise up to $2,000,000 in gross proceeds (the "Offering"). The Offering will now consist of up to 10,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half (1/2) common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share for a two-year term, for an exercise price of $0.25 during the first 12-month period after the closing of the Offering and $0.30 during the subsequent 12-month period after the closing of the Offering. In the event that the 20-day volume weighted average price of the common shares listed on the TSX Venture Exchange is above $0.30 in the first 12-month period after the closing of the Offering, or $0.35 during the subsequent 12-month period, the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated, in whole or in part at the discretion of the Company, to any date or dates, as the case may be, that is 30 days after the first date such threshold is met. The Offering is available to all existing shareholders of Copper Fox who, as of the close of business on July 17, 2023 (the "Record Date"), held shares (and who continue to hold such shares as of the closing date) in accordance with the provisions of the "existing security holder exemption" contained in the various corresponding blanket orders and rules of participating jurisdictions (the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"). Copper Fox is also making the Offering available to subscribers under a number of available prospectus exemptions, including the accredited investor exemption, family and close personal friends and business associates of directors and officers of the Company. Story continues The Company advises that there are conditions and restrictions when subscribers are relying upon the Existing Security Holder Exemption, including, among other criteria: (a) the subscriber must be a shareholder of the Company on the Record Date (and still be a shareholder), (b) be purchasing the Units as a principal - for his or her own account and not for any other party, and (c) may not purchase more than $15,000 value of securities from the Company in any 12-month period. There is an exception to the $15,000 subscription limit. In the event that a subscriber wishes to purchase more than a $15,000 value of securities, then he or she may do so provided that the subscriber received suitability advice from a registered investment dealer, and, in this case, subscribers will be asked to confirm the registered investment dealer's identity and employer. Subscribers purchasing Units using the Existing Security Holder Exemption will need to represent in writing that they meet the requirements of the Existing Security Holder Exemption. There is no minimum subscription amount. As the Existing Security Holder Exemption contains certain restrictions and is only available in certain jurisdictions in Canada, others that do not qualify under the Existing Security Holder Exemption may qualify to participate under other prospectus exemptions, such as the accredited investor exemption. Should the Offering be over-subscribed, it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Company. Additionally, in the event of an imbalance of large subscriptions compared to smaller subscriptions, management reserves the right in its discretion to reduce large subscriptions in favour of smaller shareholder subscriptions. The closing of the Offering has been extended and is now expected to close by September 8, 2023. In accordance with applicable securities legislation, securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of the completion of the Offering. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to continue exploration and development activities on Copper Fox's 100% owned Van Dyke, Eaglehead, Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte projects, the $330,000 final payment for the Eaglehead project, working capital and general corporate and administrative purposes of the Company. The Offering may include one or more subscriptions by insiders of the Company, including a subscription by Mr. Ernesto Echavarria, a director, insider, and a control person of the Company (as defined by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of a minimum of 6,000,000 Units. Subscriptions completed by insiders in the Offering, including the subscription by Mr. Echavarria, may constitute a "Related Party Transaction" under Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange which adopts Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a policy of the TSX Venture Exchange. In completing such transactions, Copper Fox intends to rely on the applicable exemptions from the valuation requirement and minority security holder approval requirements available under Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that the participation in the private placement by insiders will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. As part of its continuous refinement of operations, the Company is conducting an internal evaluation to identify potential opportunities to optimize its corporate structure. This review is focused on considering strategies for the distinct and efficient management of its mineral properties located in Arizona and British Columbia. This assessment is purely exploratory, and there is no assurance the Company will undertake any form of corporate reorganization. About Copper Fox Copper Fox is a Tier 1 Canadian resource company focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. The principal assets of Copper Fox and its wholly owned subsidiaries, being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc., are the 100% ownership of the Van Dyke oxide copper project located in Miami, AZ, the 100% interest in the Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte porphyry copper exploration projects located in Arizona, the 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project and the 100% owned Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project each located in northwestern British Columbia. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at copperfoxmetals.com. For additional information contact Jason Shepherd at 1-844-464-2820 or Lynn Ball at 1-403-264-2820. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart President and Chief Executive Officer Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described in this news release 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. This news release is not for distribution in the United States or over United States newswires. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-Looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements about: the expected size and terms of the Offering and the use of the proceeds therefrom; the anticipated closing time of the Offering; the terms of the subscription agreements to be executed by shareholders relying on the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"; the expected subscription by one or more insiders, including Mr. Echavarria in the Offering; the exemptions in MI 61-101 intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox in completing the Offering; and the possible corporate reorganization. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox has made numerous assumptions. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include the possibility that: approval for the Offering will not be obtained from the TSX Venture Exchange; the Offering will not complete at the time or in the amount expected, or at all; Mr. Echavarria will not subscribe for the number of Units currently expected, or at all; and the exemptions intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox under MI 61-101 in completing the Offering may not be available. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178598 (Bloomberg) -- Xpeng Inc.s shares soared after it agreed to buy Didi Global Inc.s smart-car development arm in a deal that both eliminates a potential competitor in the crowded electric-vehicle market and gives it a tech-savvy partner in a new venture. Most Read from Bloomberg The HK$5.84 billion ($744 million) all-stock deal will see Didi emerge with a 3.25% stake in Xpeng, according to an exchange filing Monday. Xpeng shares surged more than 16% in Hong Kong trading before paring gains to close 11% higher. Its American depositary receipts gained 5% by 4:27 a.m. in New York. As part of the deal, Xpeng plans to launch a new EV brand in partnership with Didi in 2024. Dubbed Project MONA, the cars will target the mass market segment with a price tag of around 150,000 yuan or about $20,000. The partnership comes just over a month after Xpeng received a $700 million investment from German auto giant Volkswagen AG to jointly develop EVs for the Chinese market and should help ease investor concerns about sluggish sales in the face of intensifying competition from the likes of Nio Inc., BYD Co. and Tesla Inc. Read More: Tesla Started a China Price War That May Destroy Some Carmakers Xpeng, which has invested heavily in autonomous driving features, said it would explore collaborations with Didi on fleet management, marketing, insurance, charging facilities, robotaxis and international markets. What Bloomberg Intelligence says: Xpengs partnership with Chinas largest shared-mobility company Didi, including acquiring the latters EV project assets, might enable the startup automaker to enhance its autonomous-driving algorithms by tapping intensive vehicle-generated data from Didis mobility platform. Near-term margin pressure persists, yet increasing technology service revenue and greater scale from a new mass-market brand may support Xpengs first annual profit in 2026. Joanna Chen & Steve Man Story continues For Didi, the deal marks a retreat from the car-making business, once considered a potential driver of growth for the car-hailing company. Chinese technology leaders, including Didi and Xiaomi Corp., have been trying to inch into the capital-intensive EV boom, with a bet to make the cars more intelligent with autonomous driving and other personalized interactive features. Yet the already over-crowded market has made it even tougher for the late-comers to obtain a manufacturing license and gain market share. Didi, once feted as the national champion that pushed Uber Technologies Inc. out of the country, was driven off New Yorks main bourse after Chinese regulators launched investigations into the security of its data. The company is gradually resuming its car-hailing expansion. Investors have been counting on Didi coming out of the penalty box. More than a year after exiting the New York Stock Exchange following Beijings tech crackdown, the Chinese ride-hailing firm boasts a market value around $15 billion. Thats larger than just about any other firm whose shares are primarily quoted over-the-counter in the US, and even puts it among the top ranks of NYSE-listed firms American Depositary Receipts, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Chinas Tech Crackdown Is Ending. What Does It Mean?: QuickTake Nine-year-old Xpeng just reported a wider-than-expected quarterly loss as it struggles to ramp up deliveries. It has stoked investor concern with its sales decline and weak margins, and was forced to delay its profitability target and overhaul internal management. Didi could increase its stake in Xpeng to 5% if the new mass-market brand reaches 100,000 deliveries for two consecutive years, according to the agreement. --With assistance from Peter Elstrom, Linda Lew and Farah Elbahrawy. (Updates prices in second paragraph, adds ADR performance.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") announces the signing and completion of a subscription agreement ("Agreement") with In2Metals Explorer S.a r.l. ("In2Metals") in respect of Akh Gold Ltd. ("Akh Gold"). In2Metals is beneficially owned by the Egyptian Sawiris family who, through the Agreement, is underlining its commitment to invest directly and proactively into the development of Egypt's mining sector. In2metals is an affiliate of the Company's cornerstone shareholder La Mancha Investments S.a r.l. ("La Mancha"). Under the Agreement In2Metals has acquired an 80.1% interest in and assumed management control of the Company's subsidiary Akh Gold, through the subscription for US$10 million in new Akh Gold shares ("Subscription") over a four year period (the "Transaction"). The proceeds from the Subscription will be applied to fund exploration of Akh Gold's projects in Egypt. Elemental Altus will receive US$1.5 million in cash pursuant to the Agreement, a 1.5% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty across Akh Gold's current projects in Egypt and will retain a 19.9% equity interest in Akh Gold upon completion of the US$10 million Subscription, with pro rata co-funding rights thereafter. Highlights: New royalties created in Egypt with US$10 million to be invested by In2Metals in Akh Gold Elemental Altus to receive: 1.5% NSR royalty on current licences and licence applications totalling 1,914km 2 Cash of US$1.1 million on closing and US$0.4 million on or before August 30, 2024 Milestone payment of US$5 million on definition of a 3 million ounce resource Rights to co-fund its 19.9% equity interest in Akh Gold following the Subscription In2Metals selected following a competitive process with multiple potential counterparties In2Metals is led by Gerard de Hert, the former SVP of Exploration for Endeavour Mining and is beneficially owned by the Sawiris family The Sawiris family have a distinguished track record in telecoms, media, real estate and mining in Egypt and across Africa Through Akh Gold, Elemental Altus established a portfolio of prospective targets in Egypt: Channel sampling at the Wadi Dubur project includes 6.80 g/t Au over 18.0m Wadi Dubur is located 35km west of the Sukari gold mine of Centamin Plc Over 200 hard rock workings and 260km 2 of alluvial workings mapped to date Egyptian government recently announced a framework for future exploitation agreements Story continues Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "We are delighted to undertake this royalty generation transaction with In2Metals, which is an affiliate of La Mancha and beneficially owned by the distinguished Egyptian Sawiris family. One of our core objectives for Akh Gold was to attract the strongest possible partner. We selected In2Metals following a competitive process, which included multiple potential counterparties. We believe that they have the technical expertise, industry network, regional standing and access to capital required to advance the projects in the most rapid and efficient manner, as well as attract further investment into Egypt's gold mining sector. "In addition to receiving US$1.5 million in cash and retaining a 19.9% equity interest in Akh Gold, the transaction creates a significant 1.5% NSR royalty across 1,914km2 of licences and licence applications in Egypt. The Eastern Desert is underlain by prospective Arabian-Nubian geology and hosts several notable gold discoveries. These include the 14-million-ounce Sukari open pit and underground gold mine, operated by Centamin plc which is located approximately 35km from Akh Gold's Wadi Dubar project. This transaction further underscores our capacity to generate royalties and realise value in frontier gold belts and follows our recent royalty generation transactions in Mali and Ethiopia. Following the completion of these transactions Elemental Altus will not have any active funding commitments to, or substantial costs associated with, generative activities." Gerard de Hert, CEO of In2Metals, commented: "We are delighted to make this initial investment in Egypt's gold mining sector through our strategic transaction with Elemental Altus. The Sawiris family will directly increase their control over the exploration activities in Egypt by funding the next stages of exploration, and will hold an initial 80.1% interest in Akh Gold. In2Metals intends to quickly advance the prospective portfolio of projects through drilling with its talented team. We believe that Akh Gold is well positioned to make new discoveries which we hope will ultimately contribute to the realisation of Egypt's resource potential. Furthermore, with the recent announcement by the Ministry of Petroleum that a framework has been agreed with Barrick Gold Corp and Centamin Plc on the key commercial, fiscal, and legal terms for future Exploitation Agreements, we believe that Egypt's mining sector is now well positioned to attract long term international investment." The Transaction constitutes a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). However, the transaction is exempt from the formal valuation requirement of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, and is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirement of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61- 101 as the fair market value of the transaction is not more than 25% of Elemental Altus' market capitalization. Frederick Bell CEO and Director Corporate & Media Inquiries: Jacy Zerb, VP Investor Relations Direct: +1 604-243-6511 ext. 2700 j.zerb@elementalaltus.com Elemental Altus is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca or contact 604-653-9464. TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties, as well as generating royalties on new discoveries. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Qualified Person Steven Poulton, Executive Chairman for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian 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. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the use of the proceeds of the Subscription, the future growth, development and focus of Akh Gold, the successful advancement of Akh Gold's projects, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178647 In an interview this year, Tosca Musk, entrepreneur and sister of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, shed light on the unexpected burdens that come with her famous last name. While speaking to the Daily Mail, Tosca discussed the misconceptions and financial pressures she faces because of her sibling's astronomical wealth. She is the younger sister of the richest man in the world who has a net worth of around $230 billion, according to Forbes. Tosca, renowned for her role as founder of the streaming service and production company Passionflix, shared a particular incident that highlighted these issues. She revealed that when she sought to secure a location for her ventures, she was initially quoted $5,000 per day. As soon as her identity was recognized, the rate mysteriously skyrocketed to $25,000. Musk expressed her frustration, stating that such assumptions were hardly equitable. Dont Miss: "The location was going to cost $5,000 a day. But when they heard my name and assumed we were rich, they decided to charge us $25,000," she told the Daily Mail, emphasizing the unfairness of such treatment. "Everyone assumes my eldest brother pays for everything, but he does not." When questioned about whether Elon Musk offers support, either through financial means or business advice, Tosca Musk found herself in a delicate position. She described it as a "double-edged sword," carefully navigating the complexities of her relationship with the tech billionaire. "Well, it's a double-edged sword for me to say whether my brother has helped in any way. If I say no, then people will say he does not support me at all, and if I say yes, they'll think he paid for everything," Musk said. Story continues She went on to express her hope that Elon Musk takes an interest in her work, asserting, "But I hope he watches the films. They are definitely an education service for men in how to behave with women." Contrary to popular belief, the Musk siblings, including her brothers Elon and Kimbal, did not grow up wealthy. They spent their formative years in South Africa alongside their mother, Maye Musk. Maye Musk made the courageous decision to divorce their abusive father, Errol, when the Musk children were ages 5, 7 and 8. As a single mother, Maye took on the task of holding down five jobs to provide for her family. Her determination eventually led her to become a successful model and the author of the bestselling memoir "A Woman Makes A Plan." For Tosca, the lessons learned from her mother were invaluable. Maye Musk's relentless work ethic and commitment to independence left a lifelong impression on her children. Even today, Maye strives to attend all her children's events. Tosca says she often meets people who try to use her connection to her famous brother for their own benefit. She can easily spot when they're not being honest, and she's determined not to let them take advantage of her. See more on startup investing from Benzinga: Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. This article Elon Musk's Little Sister Says She Is Overcharged Because People Assume Her Brother Pays For Everything Despite Being the Richest Man in The World, He Doesn't originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Extroverts in the workplace suck': This employee blasted corporate culture on Reddit saying management holds workers back for being introverts but is it true? Corporate culture isnt for everyone. One Reddit user made that clear in a recent post highlighting how modern work was designed for extroverts rather than introverts. Im a good worker, wrote a Redditor with the username justavoicewithno. [I] have always been told by upper management; however, Im an introvert and dont do anything besides work. Don't miss Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey invest in this asset to keep their wealth safe you may want to do the same in 2023 Here's how much money the average middle-class American household makes how do you stack up? Super-rich Americans are snatching up prime real estate abroad as US housing slumps but here's a sharp way to invest without having to move overseas They go on to explain how they avoided any volunteer work, social gatherings, dinner parties or friend requests from co-workers because they didnt want to spend any of their leisure time to deal with people Id rather not. I just want to do what Im paid for and go home, the original post reads. The comment section was split, but some users echoed these sentiments. Extroverts in the workplace suck, wrote one commenter. I guess some extroverts are unaware of how uncomfortable/draining it is to have kumbaya moments all the time, wrote another. Is the modern workplace really skewed towards extroverts, and does this have consequences that could impact an employees earning potential? Extroverts do have it easier According to an article from the Cleveland Clinic, an introvert is someone who thinks more internally, which means they think better alone and prioritize alone time. An extrovert, by contrast, draws their energy from socializing and interacting with the outside world. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that extroverts enjoy a greater advantage over their introverted peers in the modern workplace. The 2019 study, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, found that extroversion had plenty of advantages at work, but the greatest benefits were in four specific areas: motivational, emotional, interpersonal and performance-related. Story continues Simply put, those who worked better in groups thrived in corporate environments. Theres more research that identified another layer of potential advantages for this privileged group of social butterflies: more pay over time. Read more: This janitor in Vermont built an $8M fortune without anyone around him knowing. Here are the 2 simple techniques that made Ronald Read rich and can do the same for you Researchers found in 2018 that men with above-average levels of extroversion were likely to have higher incomes. Over the duration of a person's career, this benefit could be worth $500,000, according to the research. Clearly, people who love office parties and socializing large groups enjoy a leg up in the modern workplace. But the rise in remote work could shift the balance of power. Work from home Spurred on by the pandemic, working from home for at least a portion of the week has become the norm. Many offices throughout the largest cities in America are still vacant, even as corporate giants have been pleading with workers to come back to in-person work. If the trend continues, introverts could finally see the culture gap diminish with a decrease in after-work drinking sessions and small talk with co-workers in the parking lot as more employees prioritize spending their precious free time with their friends and family. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. (Bloomberg) -- Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou ended months of speculation by joining a crowded race to become Taiwans next president in the process upending an election that will have wide-ranging implications for security in the Western Pacific. Most Read from Bloomberg Despite trailing the three other candidates in polling, Gou declared his candidacy for the vote in January 2024 at a briefing in Taipei on Monday. For his bid to become official, he will need to secure the signatures of around 290,000 voters. Over the past seven years, Ive witnessed Taiwan go from being prosperous to being on the brink of falling off a cliff in many aspects, including the economy, national defense and foreign affairs, he said. If we dont pull back now, it will be too late to save Taiwan from falling. We have to take down the Democratic Progressive Party. Ironically, his entry into the race may make a DPP victory more likely. Gous candidacy puts him in direct competition with the two candidates who support closer ties between Taiwan and China: Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan Peoples Party. All three are up against Vice President Lai Ching-te, the ruling DPP candidate who champions Taiwans status as an independent country. With Taiwan caught in the middle of an increasingly fractious relationship between the US and China, the outcome of the election will likely determine the direction of ties between Washington, Beijing and Taipei for years to come. See: Taiwans Gou Says Apple Among Reasons China Wont Pressure Him Beijing makes no effort to hide its disdain for Lai, signaling its likely to keep pressuring the DPP government if he wins the election in January. Lai has in the past described himself as a worker for Taiwan independence. Hes recently toned down that rhetoric, but that hasnt stopped China from branding him a liar whos election could compel them to take military action. Story continues Even before Mondays formal announcement, Gou has made no secret of his desire to be president. Throughout his campaign, he has leaned heavily into his goal of starting peace talks with Beijing, a strategy aimed at winning over voters who hope to eventually see some kind of unification. But by adding his name to the ballot, he is likely to take votes away from the other candidates who are campaigning on improving relations with Beijing. If Gou runs, the rest of us are done for, Ko said in an interview with Chung Tien Television earlier this month. Lai Ching-te would 100% win. We wouldnt even need to hold the election. Lai could pop the champagne right away. The KMT called Gous announcement extremely regrettable in a statement Monday, reminding the Foxconn founder he had previously promised to back their candidate Hou until the end. No matter for what reason, he shouldnt go back on his repeated promises in black and white, it said. The party also warned any of its members they would face disciplinary proceedings if they campaigned on Gous behalf. As things stand, Gous pathway to the Presidential Office appears to be limited. Just 15.2% of respondents would vote for him, according to a July poll by Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, a private think tank. That left him trailing Lai, with a support rating of 33.9%, Ko on 20.5% and Hous 18%. This raises the prospect of opposition contenders joining forces to present a stronger challenge to Lai. While Ko and Hou had initially ruled out the possibility, Ko said last week he may be open to teaming up with one of the other hopefuls. Gou made similar remarks at Mondays announcement. Out of concern for Taiwans geopolitical and economic situation, and strong belief in Taiwans democracy, Ive been attempting to bring all the opposition parties together over the past few months, he said, noting however that his efforts had made zero progress so far because the other candidates have their own considerations. Gou has tried for the presidency before. In 2019, the tycoon handed over Foxconns day-to-day operations to new management to run an ultimately unsuccessful bid. Gou criticized the DPP in an opinion piece in the Washington Post in July for causing tensions with Beijing, and called for Taiwan and China to resume direct talks under the one-China framework, a reference to the notion that Taiwan is a part of China. The DPP rejects the claim, viewing the island as an already de facto independent nation. Gou has amassed the bulk of his roughly $7 billion fortune from having his Foxconn make various gadgets for the likes of Apple Inc. and Sony Group Corp. in China since the late 1980s. The majority of Apples iconic handsets are still assembled in Foxconns main manufacturing hub in central China, a massive campus thats dubbed iPhone city. --With assistance from Betty Hou. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Francesca Gino and Harvard Business School Known as a fierce litigator, Andrew Miltenberg has been hired by Harvard Business Schools Francesca Gino Harvard Business School Professor Francesca Gino has hired a high-profile litigator to represent her in a $25 million lawsuit she filed against Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar, Harvard and a blog that accused her of research fraud. Andrew Miltenberg, a founding partner of New-York-based Nesenoff & Miltenberg, rose to national prominence for defending college men accused of sexual assault. His defense of The subject of a New York Times profile in 2017, Miltenberg is known as a fierce litigator who has represented more than 1,000 students and over 250 faculty members and administrators in disciplinary and tenure hearings in more than 40 states. The vast majority of those student cases involved charges of sexual assault and sexual harassment. GINOS LAWYER HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A FIERCE LITIGATOR WHO IS AS FLAMBOYANT AS A CONSERVATIVE GRAY SUIT His cases have generated attention from national news media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, CBS Sunday Morning, New York Magazine, The Huffington Post, Fox News, and National Public Radio. If you were to ask my mother, she would defend me, he once quipped to an interviewer who asked him about being known as the rape-guy lawyer. Miltenberg, who has spent much of his career on business litigation, including defamation claims, prefers to be known as the due-process guy. Despite his high profile, he has been described as a soft-spoken attorney who seems as flamboyant as a conservative gray suit. In representing Gino, he has taken on yet another highly controversial causealleging defamation, breach of contract and gender discriminationthat is getting international attention. THE PROFESSIONAL AND REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE TO GINO HAS BEEN DEVASTATING Francesca Gino and Harvard Business School Francesca Gino Story continues An award-winning behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School, Gino has been accused of fabricating data in at least four published research papers, and possibly many more. A spate of news articlesfuled by the blog Data Coladahave detailed instances in which Gino is accused of fabricating data and manipulating results. In her lawsuit, however, she disputes that she has done anything wrong and has sued for defamation and breach of contract. After a three-person investigation committee found her guilty of research misconduct, Dean Datar placed Gino on unpaid administrative leave, taken away all her benefits, including healthcare, banned her from campus and Harvards publishing platforms, and began the process of stripping her of tenure. Professor Gino is a brilliant and highly esteemed researcher and is looking forward to proving her innocence, says Miltenberg. In the course of her career, she has collaborated with many in her field and is looking forward to definitively establishing her innocence, both to her peers and the public. While declining to address the firms legal strategy, Miltenberg predictably maintains that Ginos case is strong. At the time of the investigation, Professor Gino was dedicating her time to her duties as a full time professor at the business school, he adds. As laid out in the Complaint, she was not given sufficient time to defend herself and was given documents by the investigation committee piecemeal. The defamation, contract, and Title IX claims are strong. The legal merits of the case are solid.ing a lot of media attention. The legal merits of the case are solid. HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOLS PROCESS FOR INVESTIGATING THE FRAUD CLAIMS WAS INHUMANE AND CRUEL The lawyer argues that the process Harvard Business School used to both investigate claims of research fraud and to discipline Gino was broken. It also violated the universitys past procedures in how they deal with tenured professors who are accused of misconduct, adds Miltenberg. Harvard Business schools process for investigating the allegations ofraud violated Professor Ginos contractual rights. A faculty member should get prompt notice of the allegation and be subjected to an employee policy that has been vetted. They created something for her and kept her in the dark of the allegations for three months. At the end of the proceeding, Dean Datar read a letter to Professor Gino with the his decision, and did not permit her to respond. The U.S. District Court in Boston has issued summons to Dean Datar, Harvard, and the three authors of the blog Data Colada for a response to the charges made in Ginos suit. Miltenberg is unable to estimate a timeframe for the lawsuit. Litigation is a long process, he says. In October there will be an answer or response to the complaint. We are still at the beginning steps. It may seem long because of the media interest in the case but this is just the earliest step. Miltenberg would not say whether he or his client would entertain a settlement if offered by Harvards lawyers. We are litigators, he says. We dont take cases that we dont think are meritorious. HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL DEAN DEFENDS ACTIONS TO FACULTY Harvard has declined comment on the lawsuit, but in an email to Harvard Business School faculty, Dean Datar defended his decision to discipline Gino. I ultimately accepted the investigation committees recommended sanctions, which included immediately placing Professor Gino on administrative leave and correcting the scientific record (a measure incumbent on every responsible academic institution when research misconduct is found), Datar added. I did so after consulting confidentially with a small number of individuals at HBS and Harvard, including senior faculty members here at the School, as is permitted by our policy. The sanctions reflect a shared belief that the misconduct represented a significant violation of academic integrity and that the evidence not only met but surpassed the applicable preponderance of evidence standard. I shared my conclusions with Professor Gino and, in accordance with our policy and consistent with University practice, began implementing the institutional actions. Miltenbergs response to the deans message to faculty. Dean Datars email to faculty leaves many questions unanswered. For example, why was a brand new policy put in place in 2021 for Professor. Gino, and yet it was only now in 2023 being shared with faculty?, he asks. And furthermore, why were faculty not consulted at all on this new policy? Why specifically was Harvard abandoning its former policy and tailoring a new one specifically for Professor Gino? And why, after they rushed to put it in place, did Harvard fail to follow that policy as stated? DONT MISS: WHAT FRANCESCA GINOS HARVARD LAWSUIT SAYS ABOUT DATA COLADAS FRAUD ALLEGATIONS or THE ACADEMIC MOB COMES FOR A HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL THOUGHT LEADER The post Francesca Gino Has Hired A Fierce Litigator To Handle Her Lawsuit Against Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar appeared first on Poets&Quants. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (FSE: FR20) (OTCQB: FRERF) ("Fremont" or the "Company") has amended the terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). The amended Offering will consist of up to 20,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.17 per share for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital, to undertake an initial drill campaign at the Company's Vardenis project located in central Armenia, advance the Urasar project and to repay a loan in the amount of $200,000 cash to Dennis Moore (the President and CEO of the Company). Closing of the Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period under Canadian securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, as applicable. Pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") the Company advises that the loan repayment to Dennis Moore constitutes a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation requirements contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 and the minority shareholder approval requirements contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on specified markets and the fair market value of the loan repayment to Mr. Moore does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. Story continues Project Updates The Company is pleased to announce it has signed a binding term sheet to sell its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Lithaur Inc. ("Lithaur") to a private Australian-based group. Lithaur owns Fremont's Nevada lithium assets. The terms, which are subject to completion of a definitive agreement by September 15, 2023, are as follows: A one-time payment of US$100,000 within 45 days of signing of the binding term sheet; A 2% NSR in favour of Fremont on each of four projects, with a right for the purchaser to buy half of each NSR for US$2M (on each project); Assumption of up to US$125,000 of debt owed by Lithaur and assumption of all ongoing Nevada-based lithium costs post Sept 1, 2023; A firm commitment to take the Lithaur assets public via IPO or RTO on the Australian or a Canadian stock market within 12 months of the signing of the binding term sheet; Fremont to receive 30% of the publicly traded equity and the right to appoint one director to Lithaur's board upon completion of such listing; and, In case of a sale of Lithaur or its assets to a third party in lieu of an IPO/RTO, 30% of the proceeds of such sale will be paid to Fremont. The Company also expects to shift focus from its Nevada projects to its Armenian copper-gold projects over the next 12 months. The Company recently entered into an option agreement to acquire up to 100% of Mendia Resources Corp. ("Mendia"), an Armenian corporation, from Mendia's sole shareholder. Mendia holds the exploration license over the Vardenis project (see June 6, 2023 news release for further details). The Vardenis project is located in central Armenia and Fremont expects to commence drilling on that project by October, 2023. Geophysical surveys and drill road construction are in progress. The Company has filed a geological report (the "Report") with the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), which has been prepared in accordance with Form 43-101F1 by Buddy Doyle of Lithosphere Services Inc. The Report has been filed in connection with the acquisition of Mendia which Fremont is treating as a fundamental acquisition pursuant to policy 5.3 of the Exchange. About Fremont Gold Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of potential world-class mineral opportunities within the central Tethyan belt of Armenia. Fremont is seeking strategic alternatives for its other projects located in Nevada. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Dennis Moore President and CEO, interim Chairman For further information, contact: Telephone: +351 9250 62196 www.fremontgold.net https://twitter.com/GoldFremont https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, any information contained in this news release may be a forwardlooking statement that reflects the Company's current views about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forwardlooking statements by the words "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "potential" and "seek", or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. Forwardlooking statements may include statements regarding the Offering, the Armenian projects, the Nevada projects, entering into a definitive agreement in connection with the sale of Lithaur and completion of the sale of Lithaur, potential growth opportunities, and capital requirements. Although the Company believes to have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. The Company cannot assure that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forwardlooking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forwardlooking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178653 Aerial view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower and Spree river Olaf Scholz is considering imposing a three-year rent freeze on Germanys landlords as his ruling Social Democratic party attempts to ease the strain of the cost of living crisis on tenants. Landlords could be forced to repay rents deemed usurious, if the rate charged is more than 20pc above the typical local level, in areas with limited supplies of homes. Rules already in place to limit rent rises will also be tightened, under the plans, as furnished apartments and homes let for temporary use are not always covered by the restrictions. Verena Hubertz, a senior SDP politician, told the German national Bild am Sonntag: We need a breather for tenants we need a rent freeze for the next three years. The partys parliamentarians are meeting on Monday to hammer out new policies to cut living costs, with rents on the agenda. The measure is on the table in view of the enormous rent increases in recent years and the drastically increasing ancillary and heating costs caused by the war, Ms Hubertz said. Of Germanys 41 million households, almost half live in rented accommodation, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). Just over a fifth own their own home, the OECD found. Official statistics show that the average tenant household spent almost 28pc of their income on rents last year. The IFO Institute, an influential economic think tank, estimates that rents in Germany will rise by an average of 7.2pc per year over the next decade. In 2020 a five-year rent freeze came into force in Berlin, locking most payments at their 2019 level and even reducing the monthly payments of tenants deemed to be overpaying for their accommodation. But the Federal Constitutional Court, the highest court in the land, ultimately struck the measure down in 2021, ruling that the local authority did not have the power to impose the cap. Economists typically reject rent controls on the basis that the policy undermines the supply and quality of rental properties available for tenants as landlords cut investment. Story continues In the UK, Labours shadow housing secretary criticised rent control policies this summer. Lisa Nandy said: When house building is falling off a cliff and buy to let landlords are leaving the market, rent controls that cut rents for some, will almost certainly leave others homeless. 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. Globe International Limited (ASX:GLB) is reducing its dividend to A$0.05 on the 22nd of Septemberwhich is 69% less than last year's comparable payment of A$0.16. The yield is still above the industry average at 8.4%. View our latest analysis for Globe International Globe International's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions If the payments aren't sustainable, a high yield for a few years won't matter that much. Prior to this announcement, the company was paying out 124% of what it was earning, however the dividend was quite comfortably covered by free cash flows at a cash payout ratio of only 41%. Generally, we think cash is more important than accounting measures of profit, so with the cash flows easily covering the dividend, we don't think there is much reason to worry. Over the next year, EPS could expand by 0.03% if recent trends continue. Under the assumption that the dividend will continue along recent trends, we think the payout ratio could be 59% which would be quite comfortable going to take the dividend forward. Globe International's Dividend Has Lacked Consistency Globe International has been paying dividends for a while, but the track record isn't stellar. If the company cuts once, it definitely isn't argument against the possibility of it cutting in the future. The annual payment during the last 8 years was A$0.06 in 2015, and the most recent fiscal year payment was A$0.18. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 15% per annum over that time. Despite the rapid growth in the dividend over the past number of years, we have seen the payments go down the past as well, so that makes us cautious. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited Growing earnings per share could be a mitigating factor when considering the past fluctuations in the dividend. Although it's important to note that Globe International's earnings per share has basically not grown from where it was five years ago, which could erode the purchasing power of the dividend over time. So the company has struggled to grow its EPS yet it's still paying out 124% of its earnings. This gives limited room for the company to raise the dividend in the future. Story continues Our Thoughts On Globe International's Dividend Overall, the dividend looks like it may have been a bit high, which explains why it has now been cut. In the past, the payments have been unstable, but over the short term the dividend could be reliable, with the company generating enough cash to cover it. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks. It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. For example, we've picked out 4 warning signs for Globe International that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Golden Minerals Co (AUMN). The stock, which is currently priced at 1.02, recorded a gain of 12.09% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 76.57%. The stock's fair valuation is $9.58, as indicated by its GF Value. Understanding GF Value The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: 1. Historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at. 2. GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth. 3. Future estimates of the business performance. We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. Golden Minerals Co (AUMN): A Smart Investment or a Value Trap? An In-Depth Exploration However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Golden Minerals Co should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score of 2, Altman Z-score of -50.49, and a Beneish M-Score of 0.43 that exceeds -1.78, the threshold for potential earnings manipulation. These indicators suggest that Golden Minerals Co, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making. Story continues Decoding the Piotroski F-score, Altman Z-score, and Beneish M-score The Piotroski F-score, created by accounting professor Joseph Piotroski, is a tool used to assess the strength of a company's financial health. The score is based on nine criteria that fall into three categories: profitability, leverage/liquidity/ source of funds, and operating efficiency. The overall score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating healthier financials. Golden Minerals Co's current Piotroski F-Score, however, falls in the lower end of this spectrum, indicating potential red flags for investors. Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk. Developed by Professor Messod Beneish, the Beneish M-Score is based on eight financial variables that reflect different aspects of a company's financial performance and position. These are Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), Gross Margin (GM), Total Long-term Assets Less Property, Plant and Equipment over Total Assets (TATA), change in Revenue (?REV), change in Depreciation and Amortization (?DA), change in Selling, General and Admin expenses (?SGA), change in Debt-to-Asset Ratio (?LVG), and Net Income Less Non-Operating Income and Cash Flow from Operations over Total Assets (?NOATA). Golden Minerals Co: A Comprehensive Overview Golden Minerals Co is an exploration stage company engaged in the mining, construction, and exploration of precious metals and mineral properties. It owns and operates Velardena and Chicago precious metals mining properties and associated oxide and sulfide processing plants in the State of Durango, Mexico, the El Quevar exploration property in the province of Salta, Argentina, and a diversified portfolio of precious metals and other mineral exploration properties located in or near historical precious metals producing regions of Mexico. The company's business is structured into two divisions, Mexico operations, and Corporate Exploration and Other. Golden Minerals Co (AUMN): A Smart Investment or a Value Trap? An In-Depth Exploration This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc (NYSE:HE). The stock, which is currently priced at 13.68, recorded a gain of 41.59% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 62.2%. The stock's fair valuation is $50.25, as indicated by its GF Value. Understanding the GF Value The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance. We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. Is Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap Considering the Risks However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Hawaiian Electric Industries should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 0.9. These indicators suggest that Hawaiian Electric Industries, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making. Story continues Decoding the Altman Z-Score Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk. Introduction to Hawaiian Electric Industries Hawaiian Electric Industries is the parent company of three Hawaii-based regulated utilities and Hawaii's American Savings Bank. The utilities provide electricity on the five islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Nearly 40% of electricity in its service territory comes from renewable energy; this portion is growing rapidly as the state has set a goal of 100% by 2045. This is the income breakdown of Hawaiian Electric Industries: Is Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap Hawaiian Electric Industries's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers A dissection of Hawaiian Electric Industries's Altman Z-score reveals Hawaiian Electric Industries's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress. Conclusion: A Potential Value Trap Despite the attractive valuation, the low Altman Z-score of Hawaiian Electric Industries suggests a potential value trap. Investors should consider this risk factor and conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision. GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen . This article first appeared on GuruFocus. There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse. Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals (LON:HEMO) shareholders should be worried about its 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. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. View our latest analysis for Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals Does Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals Have A Long Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. As at December 2022, Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals had cash of UK2.5m and no debt. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through UK3.3m. That means it had a cash runway of around 9 months as of December 2022. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. As it happens, the company's cash burn reduced by 3.3% over the last year, which suggests that management may be mindful of the risks of their depleting cash reserves. Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. Story continues How Hard Would It Be For Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals To Raise More Cash For Growth? Even though it has reduced its cash burn recently, shareholders should still consider how easy it would be for Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Since it has a market capitalisation of UK18m, Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals' UK3.3m in cash burn equates to about 18% of its market value. As a result, we'd venture that the company could raise more cash for growth without much trouble, albeit at the cost of some dilution. Is Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals' Cash Burn A Worry? Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Summing up, we think the Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals' cash burn is a risk, based on the factors we mentioned in this article. On another note, Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals has 6 warning signs (and 4 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 interesting companies, 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. About 1,100 workers at General Motors' joint-venture battery plant in northeast Ohio got a raise starting Monday. On Sunday afternoon, the UAW and Ultium Cells LLC confirmed that the union-represented workforce at the plant near Lordstown, Ohio, ratified an interim wage increase by an acceptance vote of 97.6%. The agreement, reached late last week, gives an immediate pay increase averaging 25% to all current Ultium Cells hourly employees. That means for someone at starting wage of $16.50 an hour, it is now increased to a little more than $20 an hour. In addition to the hourly rate boost, all eligible employees will receive back pay for every hour worked since Dec. 23, when the workforce chose to unionize. Any current employee who has worked since that date can get $3,000 to $7,000 in back pay based on hours worked. "There is still a lot of work ahead in the bargaining process, including a wage package which will not only be life changing for the hourly workforce, but transform our work from just a job to a career," Josh Ayers, chairman of UAW Local 1112, which represents the hourly workers at the plant, said in a statement. "Ultium Cells can and should be a highly desirable place to work." Ultium Cells is the joint venture owned by GM and battery maker LG Energy Solution. It makes battery cells for the EV batteries GM uses in its new EVs powered by the Ultium propulsion system. That includes the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Chevrolet Blazer EV, which started shipping to dealers late last month. The hourly workforce at Ultium Cells voted to unionize the plant near Lordstown, Ohio, in December after the union and the company spent months at odds over the organizing process. Ultium Ohio Plant Director Kareem Maine said the vote to ratify the interim wage increase reinforces that Ultium and the union are making progress toward a comprehensive agreement, "which will lead to a meaningful contract for our team members. This interim wage increase is a positive first step in the right direction. Story continues The UAW International said in a statement the interim wage increase passed by a vote of 895 to 22. It added that negotiations for a complete first contract will continue. UAW members at Ultium are proving that we can raise standards at the electric vehicle facilities coming on line across America, said UAW President Shawn Fain in a statement. This agreement is an important step forward, but its only the first step. We will keep fighting at Ultium and all EV plants to win the same strong pay and safety standards that generations of autoworkers have won at GM, Ford and Stellantis. Fain has been critical of joint ventures, which he sees as a strategy whereby a company can circumvent the union's negotiated wages and benefits in its national contract by starting a new business the joint venture with a new workforce. Utlium Cell's wages and working conditions have been contentious during negotiations. The bargaining team traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this summer to talk to policymakers "about issues such as exposure to chemicals that are not yet regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and how employees are getting sick and passing out," Fain said during a Facebook Live presentation earlier this summer. He has advocated pulling that workforce into the national agreement the union has with GM, Ford and Stellantis so that hourly workers at Ultium Cells get similar pay and benefits. A spokesman for the UAW said Fain's position has not changed in that he continues to seek agreements with battery makers that are on par with the national agreement in terms of pay, safety and other benefits. UAW President Shawn Fain gives a Facebook Live update on the strike authorization vote on August 25, 2023 from UAW Local 862, which represents the hourly workforce at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. On Friday, during a Facebook Live presentation, Fain again said, "To Ultium and Genera Motors, this wage increase is just a start. These battery plant workers deserve the same wages and benefits that all our members have fought for ... they deserve nothing less." Separately, the UAW is renegotiating its national contract that covers some 150,000 UAW members across the Detroit Three. The current contract expires at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14. Industry experts have said any lucrative agreement at this Ultium plant likely signals that Ultium's two other plants one being built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and the other in Lansing will likely also vote yes for union representation. All three Ultium plants will be near GM assembly plants, which are already union-represented. GM will build a fourth battery plant in New Carlisle, which is about 15 miles west of South Bend, Indiana, with partner Samsung SDI, due to open in 2026. More: UAW members practice picketing: As deadline nears, autoworkers are 'ready to strike' More: UAW says authorization for strike against Detroit 3 overwhelmingly approved: What's next Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hourly workers at GM joint venture get a wage increase starting Monday CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Latin America stop of Huawei Network Summit (HNS) 2023, two events related to commercial markets took center stage: a "Connectivity Upgrade, Business Win-Win" keynote and a "Build High-Quality Connections to Achieve Business Win-Win" session. Over 100 customers and partners from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, as well as other countries and regions, attended the events, sharing their thoughts on commercial market prospects and win-win cooperation strategies. During these events, Huawei Data Communication (Huawei Datacom) unveiled its high-quality IP network solutions with three distinctive traits versatile, premium, and cost-effective for diverse industries like public service, education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Huawei Datacom invests strategically in product R&D for commercial markets by building on its years of experience in enterprise business and leadership in infrastructure innovation. At HNS, Saul Arjona Bueno, CTO of Huawei's Latin America Enterprise Network Solutions, unveiled future-proof network solutions for five scenarios in the Latin America commercial markets. Subsequently, Francisco Jose Fuster Montiel, CTO of Huawei's Mexico Enterprise Business Department, delved deep into these network solutions together with attending customers and partners. High-quality government office network solution : Integral to this solution, one AP ensures a smooth 1080p video conference of 30 to 50 channels, without any lags. High-quality primary and secondary school network solution : With its simplified network architecture, this solution enables fiber-to-the-room and facilitates network evolution over the next 5 to 10 years. It just takes 3 days to deploy the network for one school building. High-quality hotel network solution : A core part of this solution, Huawei APs draw on smart antenna technology to ensure more focused Wi-Fi signals and deliver 30% greater coverage range than omnidirectional antennas. More importantly, Huawei's lossless roaming technology ensures zero roaming disconnections and zero network complaints from guests. High-quality small and midsize hospital network solution : As part of this solution, Huawei's IoT-capable APs enable Wi-Fi and IoT converged deployment. Specifically, one AP provides both Wi-Fi coverage and IoT connectivity, making it easy to expand healthcare IoT use cases while improving the quality of hospital services. High-quality retail network solution: A unique component of this solution is Huawei's 6-in-1 gateway NetEngine AR5710 router which helps to lower network investments by 30% for retail stores. Story continues At the event, Luis E. Juarez, Director of Security One at Mainbit and Hector Cabrera, Executive Director at NGN also shared their successful practices of cooperating with Huawei in commercial markets. By leveraging Huawei's high-quality IP network offerings, MainBit and NGN help their customers quickly address network pain points and enjoy the ultimate network experience. Huawei's high-quality IP network offerings have been proven valuable in numerous customers across diverse industries such as public service, education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail in more than 100 countries and regions. As a trusted partner for digital transformation, Huawei Datacom is committed to becoming a key contributor to the ICT infrastructures of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, Huawei Datacom keeps integrating technologies into specific enterprise scenarios and helping global SMEs to lay a solid digital foundation for their digital transformation journey. About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will work towards ubiquitous connectivity and inclusive network access, laying the foundation for an intelligent world; provide diversified computing power where you need it, when you need it, to bring cloud and intelligence to all four corners of the earth; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; and redefine user experience with AI, making it smarter and more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, on the go, in the office, having fun, or working out. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-network-summit-2023-latin-america-high-quality-connectivity-contributes-to-win-win-benefits-in-commercial-markets-301910888.html SOURCE Huawei By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Intel on Monday said a new data center chip coming out next year will handle more than double the amount of computing work that can be done for each watt of power used, part of a broader industry push to lower electricity consumption. At a semiconductor technology conference held at Stanford University in Silicon Valley, Intel said its "Sierra Forest" chip will have 240% better performance per watt than its current generation of data center chip, the first time the company has disclosed such figures. The data centers that power the internet and online services consume huge amounts of electricity, and technology firms are increasingly facing pressure to hold steady or reduce the amount of energy they use. That has pushed chip companies to focus on how to get more computing work done per chip. Ampere Computing, a startup founded by ex-Intel executives, was first to market with a chip focused on handling cloud computing work efficiently. Intel and rival Advanced Micro Devices have followed suit by announcing similar products, with AMD's offering hitting the market in June. Intel, which has lost market share to AMD and Ampere in data centers, said on Monday its "Sierra Forest" chip is on track to arrive next year. The company is for the first time splitting its data center chips into two categories: A "Granite Rapids" chip that will focus on performance but consume more power, and the more efficient "Sierra Forest" chip. Ronak Singhal, a senior fellow at Intel, said the company's customers can consolidate older software onto a smaller number of computers inside a data center. "I may have things that are four or five, six years old. I can get power savings by moving something that's currently on five, 10 or 15 different servers into a single" new chip, Singhal said. "That density drives their total cost of ownership. The higher the density, the fewer systems they need." (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Key Insights The projected fair value for Water Intelligence is UK5.51 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Water Intelligence's UK4.20 share price signals that it might be 24% undervalued Analyst price target for WATR is US$9.00, which is 63% above our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Water Intelligence plc (LON:WATR) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Water Intelligence The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$6.27m US$6.62m US$6.91m US$7.14m US$7.35m US$7.52m US$7.68m US$7.82m US$7.96m US$8.09m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 7.40% Est @ 5.59% Est @ 4.33% Est @ 3.44% Est @ 2.82% Est @ 2.39% Est @ 2.09% Est @ 1.88% Est @ 1.73% Est @ 1.62% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.2% US$5.8 US$5.8 US$5.6 US$5.4 US$5.2 US$5.0 US$4.7 US$4.5 US$4.3 US$4.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$50m Story continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.4%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.2%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$8.1m (1 + 1.4%) (7.2% 1.4%) = US$141m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$141m ( 1 + 7.2%)10= US$70m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$120m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK4.2, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 24% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Water Intelligence as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.986. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Water Intelligence Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the British market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Looking Ahead: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Water Intelligence, we've compiled three relevant elements you should assess: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Water Intelligence . Future Earnings: How does WATR's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the AIM every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is HUYA Inc (NYSE:HUYA). The stock, currently priced at 2.74, recorded a gain of 11.38% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 18.6%. The stock's fair valuation is $3.86, as indicated by its GF Value. Understanding GF Value The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should be traded. It is calculated based on historical multiples, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance. Investing in HUYA (HUYA): Navigating the Thin Line Between Value and Trap Investor Considerations Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with HUYA Inc (NYSE:HUYA) should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score and a Beneish M-Score of -1.47 that exceeds -1.78, the threshold for potential earnings manipulation. These indicators suggest that HUYA, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making. Company Overview Established in 2011, HUYA is the largest online game livestreaming company in China. Headquartered in Guangzhou, HUYA primarily provides livestreamed videos on esports games such as League of Legends and Honor of Kings and collects virtual tips from viewers. Its products include the Huya Live platform in China and Nimo TV in Southeast Asia and South America. As of the end of 2021, HUYA was a subsidiary of Tencent, which owned 47% of its equity stake and held 70% of the voting power. Investing in HUYA (HUYA): Navigating the Thin Line Between Value and Trap Financial Analysis Looking at the historical data from the past three years, there appears to be a rising trend in HUYA's days sales outstanding (DSO). An uptick in DSO might indicate aggressive revenue recognition practices, and in some cases, potential earnings manipulation. By examining the past three years of HUYA's historical data, we find that its Gross Margin has contracted by 12.46%. Such a contraction in the gross margin can negatively impact the company's profitability. Analyzing HUYA's asset quality ratio over the past three years, an increase might signal underlying issues, such as capitalizing normal operating expenses or goodwill impairment. Story continues Investing in HUYA (HUYA): Navigating the Thin Line Between Value and Trap Conclusion Despite its attractive valuation, the financial indicators of HUYA (NYSE:HUYA) suggest that it may be a potential value trap. The company's rising DSO, contracting Gross Margin, and increasing asset quality ratio all signal potential financial distress and possible earnings manipulation. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in HUYA. To find out the high quality companies that may deliver above average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Assyrians and Yazidis Pledge to Forge Stronger Ties From left: Robert DeKelaita, Princess Mayan Khairy Bek, Prince Hazim Tahseen Bek, Peter BetBasoo ( AINA) Chicago (AINA) -- Prince Hazim Tahseen Bek, Yazidi prince in Iraq and around the world, and the head of the Yazidi Supreme Spiritual Council, met with Assyrians in Chicago on Friday, August 25. The Prince is on tour to visit the Yazidi communities in America. The largest community is in Lincoln, Nebraska with a population of 6,000. A smaller community of 300 lives in Nashville, Tennessee. The meeting focused on the shared experience of the two communities under ISIS, which committed genocide against Assyrians and Yazidis, and future cooperation initiatives for addressing issues facing the two communities in Iraq. After an introduction by Mr. Glenn Younan, the President of the Assyrian American Association, Mr. Robert DeKelaita, the Director of the Assyrian American Chamber of Commerce and an advisor of the Nineveh Project of the Chaldean Community Foundation, stated that both the Assyrians and Yazidis had endured much pain. He mentioned that the Assyrian people have deep sympathy for Yazidi suffering, particularly since 2014 when ISIS invaded the Nineveh Plain. Mr. DeKelaita pointed out that, more importantly, the two communities need to come together to form a stronger lobby by sharing information and advocating for the recognition of their rights. Specifically, he highlighted the need to gather support for Article 125 of the Iraqi constitution, which grants minorities the right to administer their affairs within a legal framework in Iraq. ( AINA) Mr. Peter BetBasoo, the head of the Assyrian International News Agency, delivered his welcoming remarks and focused on the shared tragedies the two communities have endured, stating: On June 10, 2014, a day that shall live in infamy, ISIS captured the city of Mosul and set off a chain reaction of events that would have devastating consequences for Assyrians and Yazidis: Assyrians (also known as Chaldeans and Syriacs) fled Mosul. 45 Assyrian institutions in Mosul, churches, monasteries and cemeteries, were destroyed, occupied, converted to mosques, converted to ISIS headquarters or shuttered. Non-Sunni Muslim groups in Mosul -- primarily Yazidis and also Shabaks and Turkmen -- were targeted by ISIS. Most fled. Water and electricity to the Nineveh Plain were cut off by ISIS. Mosul fell under Sharia law. 200,000 Assyrian fled from Baghdede (Qaraqosh), Bartella, Karamles and dozens of Assyrian villages and towns in the Nineveh Plain north of Mosul. Most have not returned. 150,000 Yazidis fled from Sinjar and Zumar. 40,000 were trapped on Shingal mountain. Thousands died from exposure. Thousands were killed by ISIS and sold into slavery. Assyrian and Yazidi women were violated and sold into sexual slavery. Dr. John Michael urged the Prince to work for the cause of his people by also supporting the rights of the Assyrians. He stressed the need for both communities to swiftly assert their rights, particularly by supporting administrative rights under Article 125 of the Iraqi constitution. ( AINA) Prince Hazem had previously visited the Chaldean Community Foundation and met with its President, Mr. Martin Manna, under whose leadership the Foundation has engaged the community in Iraq. They have also pushed for genocide legislation currently pending in the US Congress and explored partnership opportunities to aid Iraq's minority communities. The Prince highlighted the effects of the genocide on the Yazidis: 200,000 still living in refugee camps in Iraq 160,000 emigrated to Europe 1,268 murdered 68 cultural sites destroyed 2,700 orphans 2,760 women and girls still missing 3,548 women and girls forced into sexual slavery Of the one million Yazidis who were living in Iraq before the ISIS genocide only about 650,000 remain. Significant emigration has occurred to the West. The Yazidi population in various countries is: Iraq 650,000 Germany 200,000 Russia 40,586 Syria 40,000 Armenia 35,272 Georgia 12,174 France 7,000 Sweden 6,000 Turkey 4,000 United States 3,700 Belgium 6,500 Australia 3,500 Canada 3,000 Netherlands 2,000 UK 1,000 Highlighting the genocide and its lingering effects, the Prince's wife, princess Mayan Khairy Bek, said of the 6,400 Yazidi women that were captured by ISIS, 3,000 have been released by payment of ransom, but there is no money to ransom out the others. According to the Princess, women suffered the greatest brunt of the ISIS genocide. She also said the Iraqi government has done nothing to help the Yazidis and other internally displaced minorities, with NGOs shouldering the brunt of the aid. ( AINA) The Princess strongly emphasized that Yazidis, Assyrians and other groups must not lose their ancestral lands. This is an ongoing issue which AINA has covered extensively. An issue of mutual concern to Assyrians and Yazidis is the forced conversion to Islam of children of mixed religious marriages. Children are forcefully converted to the religion of the Muslim parent -- father or mother. This law is based on Islamic law. On a positive note, the Prince stated that Assyrians and Yazidis and other non-Muslim groups are no longer categorized as religious groups under Iraqi law but as ethnic minorities ("components"). Yazidis and Assyrians have always lived in peace, harmony and cordial friendship. In fact, genetic studies show they are the only indigenous peoples in Iraq and the only two groups in Iraq who are related, "Northern Iraq [Syriac] and Northern Iraq [Yazidi] clustered together, but away from the other Northern Iraqi populations analyzed in the current study." The meeting concluded with pledges from both communities to forge stronger relations and work cooperatively for the rights of their communities. Key Insights Using the Dividend Discount Model, Ricegrowers fair value estimate is AU$12.38 Current share price of AU$6.65 suggests Ricegrowers is potentially 46% undervalued When compared to theindustry average discount to fair value of 47%, Ricegrowers' competitors seem to be trading at a greater discount In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Ricegrowers Limited (ASX:SGLLV) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. See our latest analysis for Ricegrowers Step By Step Through The Calculation As Ricegrowers operates in the food sector, we need to calculate the intrinsic value slightly differently. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. The dividend is expected to grow at an annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We then discount this figure to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.0%. Relative to the current share price of AU$6.7, the company appears quite good value at a 46% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) Story continues = AU$0.5 / (6.0% 2.0%) = AU$12.4 dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Ricegrowers as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Ricegrowers Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for SGLLV. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Ricegrowers, there are three fundamental aspects you should further examine: Risks: For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Ricegrowers (1 is a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SGLLV's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Irwin Naturals LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Irwin Naturals Inc. (CSE: IWIN) (OTC: IWINF) (FRA: 97X) (Irwin or the Company) reported its financial results for its second quarter of fiscal 2023, the period ended June 30, 2023, on www.sedar.com. Financial Highlights for Q2 2023 Q2 revenue was $22.1 million, up 1.5% from $21.8 million in Q2 2022. Income from operations decreased $2.4 million from $0.5 million in Q2 2022 to a loss of $1.9 million in Q2 2023. The decrease is primarily attributed to the continued startup costs related to the Companys 2022 and 2023 Acquisitions at Irwin Naturals Emergence. Financial Highlights for Year to Date June 30, 2023 Completed the acquisition of Serenity Health, LLC, one of the leading ketamine clinics in Louisville, KY on February 17, 2023. Announced the successful acquisition of Keta Media, LLC, dba Ketamine Media, the nation's foremost advertising company dedicated to raising awareness about the clinical use of ketamine, on March 17, 2023. Operational Highlights Irwin Naturals has continued its expansion into the high-growth cannabis and psychedelics sectors. During the first half of 2023, the Companys partners launched the first products to the continental cannabis market and has signed ten brand licensing deals that will see Irwin Naturals products enhanced with THC being offered in places like California, Colorado, Mississippi, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Canada. Additionally, to date, the Company has completed multiple clinic acquisitions and one advertising company specializing in ketamine clinics. The Company will continue to build upon this solid foundation and make the necessary investments to support our growth objectives within the psychedelics sector. Sean Sand, CFO, stated, During the first half of 2023, we successfully launched our branded licensing initiative in our cannabis sector. Sales have exceeded our expectations and we look forward continuing our licensing efforts in the space. We also continued to expand our mental health footprint through the acquisition of an industry leading marketing and patient acquisition platform, Ketamine Media, enabling greater treatment availability and market expansion. Story continues About Irwin Naturals Irwin Naturals has been a household name and best-in-class nutraceutical company since 1994. It is now leveraging its brand into both the cannabis and psychedelic sectors. On a mission to heal the world with plant medicine, Irwin has operated its nutraceutical business profitably for over 28 years1. The growing portfolio of products is available in more than 100,000 retail doors across North America, where 80% of households know the Irwin Naturals brand2. In 2018, the Company first leveraged its brand to expand into the cannabis industry by launching hemp-based CBD products into the mass market. The Company is now leveraging its famous halo of brand trust to become, perhaps, the first household name brand to offer THC-based products. Its rapidly growing national chain of psychedelic mental health clinics is called Irwin Naturals Emergence. For investor-related information about the Company, please visit ir.irwinnaturals.com/. To contact the Companys Investor Relations department, please call toll-free at (800) 883-4851 or send an email to Investors@IrwinNaturals.com. Klee Irwin ________________________________ Klee Irwin Chief Executive Officer T: 310-306-3636 investors@irwinnaturals.com Regulatory Overview The following is a brief summary of regulatory matters concerning ketamine in the United States (US). Under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 811) (the "CSA"), ketamine is currently a Schedule III drug as well as being listed under the associated Narcotic Control Regulations, and psilocybin is currently a Schedule I drug. Most US States have enacted Controlled Substances Acts (State CSAs) which regulate the possession, use, sale, distribution, and manufacture of specified drugs or categories of drugs and establish penalties for State CSA violations and form the basis for much state and local drug laws enforcement activity. State CSAs have either adopted drug schedules identical or similar to the federal CSA schedules or, in some instances, have incorporated the federal scheduling mechanism. Among other requirements, some US States have established a prescription drug monitoring or review programs collect information about prescription and dispensing of controlled substances for the purposes of monitoring, analysis and education. In the United States, facilities holding or administering controlled substances must be registered with the US Drug Enforcement Agency ("DEA") to perform this activity. As such, medical professionals and/or the clinics in which they operate, as applicable, are also required to have a DEA license to obtain and administer ketamine (a "DEA License"). While ketamine is a controlled substance in the United States, it is approved for general anesthetic induction under the US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Once a drug is approved for use, physicians may prescribe that drug for uses that are not described in the products labelling or that differ from those tested by the manufacturer and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"). Licensed medical practitioners may prescribe ketamine legally in Canada or the United States where they believe it will be an effective treatment in their professional judgment. Please see Irwins filing statement on its SEDAR profile for more information on the regulatory environment and regulations surrounding the US THC industry. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of management of the Company with respect to performance, business and future events. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "intends", "anticipates", "targeted", "continues", "forecasts", "designed", "goal", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Irwin Naturals, Inc. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA - Reconciliation The Company defines EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as per the table below. It should be noted that these performance measures are not defined under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other entities. The Company believes that these measures are useful financial metrics as they assist in determining the ability to generate cash from operations. Investors should be cautioned that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings or cash flows as determined under IFRS. The reconciling items between net earnings, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) (in thousands) 2023 2022 $ Change % Change 2023 2022 $ Change % Change Statement of Profit Net (loss) income $ (5,402 ) $ 111 $ (5,513 ) % (100.0 +) $ (13,100 ) $ 1,692 $ (14,792 ) % (100.0 +) Interest expense, net 786 111 675 100.0 + 1,297 360 937 100.0 + Income tax (recovery) expense (2,551 ) 283 (2,834 ) (100.0 +) (3,190 ) 979 (4,169 ) (100.0 +) Depreciation and amortization 746 426 320 75.1 1,515 831 684 82.3 EBITDA (6,421 ) 931 (7,352 ) (100.0 +) (13,478 ) 3,862 (17,340 ) (100.0 +) Foreign currency translation adjustments 1 1 100.0 + 3 3 100.0 + Gain on contingent consideration (5,764 ) (263 ) (5,501 ) 100.0 + (6,154 ) (263 ) (5,891 ) 100.0 + Intangible assets impairment 1,848 1,848 100.0 + 5,587 5,587 100.0 + Goodwill impairment 9,112 9,112 100.0 + 11,922 11,922 100.0 + Adjusted EBITDA $ (1,224 ) $ 668 $ (1,892 ) % (100.0 +) $ (2,120 ) $ 3,599 $ (5,719 ) % (100.0 +) Irwin Naturals, Inc. Consolidated Interim Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share amounts) June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 ASSETS Current assets: Cash $ 5,943 $ 800 Trade receivables, net 15,826 21,311 Inventory 20,809 22,506 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,806 2,932 Notes receivable from related parties, current 265 255 Total current assets 45,649 47,804 Non-current assets: Property and equipment, net 335 271 Right-of-use assets 4,261 4,194 Notes receivable from shareholders 6,967 6,014 Notes receivable from related parties, non-current 250 Goodwill 12,028 10,215 Intangible assets, net 4,192 7,677 Deferred tax asset 5,562 2,367 Other non-current assets 277 259 Total non-current assets 33,872 30,997 TOTAL ASSETS $ 79,521 $ 78,801 LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Trade and other payables $ 17,392 $ 17,997 Reserve for returns 648 2,036 Lease liabilities, current 2,012 1,817 Line of credit, net of debt issuance costs 26,231 16,448 Notes payable due to acquiree 4,875 Notes payable, current 42 36 Total current liabilities 51,200 38,334 Non-current liabilities: Lease liabilities, non-current 2,471 2,529 Notes payable, non-current 668 498 Contingent consideration 6,154 Notes payable due to acquiree 6,125 Deferred tax liability 983 983 Total non-current liabilities 10,247 10,164 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 61,447 $ 48,498 EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Class B Shares, 320,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding $ 13,750 $ 13,750 Subordinate Voting Shares, 3,373,493 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 7,943 7,068 Multiple Voting Shares, 18,240 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 59 59 Proportionate Voting Shares, 2,085,200 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 5,610 5,610 Warrants reserve 30 30 Accumulated other comprehensive income (12 ) 3 Retained (deficit) earnings (16,262 ) (3,324 ) Total controlling interest 11,118 23,196 Noncontrolling interest 6,956 7,107 TOTAL EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST 18,074 30,303 TOTAL LIABILTIES AND EQUITY $ 79,521 $ 78,801 Irwin Naturals, Inc. Consolidated Interim Statements of Profit and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Expressed in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share amounts) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Operating revenue $ 22,129 $ 21,809 $ 44,635 $ 44,403 Cost of sales (12,243 ) (12,250 ) (23,642 ) (23,798 ) Gross profit 9,886 9,559 20,993 20,605 Selling, general and administrative expenses 11,737 9,054 24,309 17,574 Income (loss) from operations (1,851 ) 505 (3,316 ) 3,031 Other (income) expenses: Interest expense, net 786 111 1,297 360 Loss (gain) on foreign currency exchange 1 3 Goodwill impairment 9,112 11,922 Intangible assets impairment 1,848 5,587 Intangible assets amortization 119 319 Gain on contingent liabilities (5,764 ) (6,154 ) Total other (income) expenses 6,102 111 12,974 360 Net (loss) income before income taxes (7,953 ) 394 (16,290 ) 2,671 Income tax (recovery) expense (2,551 ) 283 (3,190 ) 979 Net (loss) income (5,402 ) 111 (13,100 ) 1,692 Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest (79 ) 72 (151 ) 351 Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interest (5,323 ) 39 (12,949 ) 1,341 Comprehensive Income Net (loss) income $ (5,402 ) $ 111 $ (13,100 ) $ 1,692 Foreign currency translation adjustments (32 ) (12 ) (14 ) (8 ) Total comprehensive (loss) income (5,434 ) 99 (13,114 ) 1,684 Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest (79 ) 72 (151 ) 351 Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to controlling interest $ (5,355 ) $ 27 $ (12,963 ) $ 1,333 (Loss) earnings per share, controlling interest basic $ (1.57 ) $ 0.03 $ (3.84 ) $ 1.12 (Loss) earnings per share, controlling interest diluted $ (1.57 ) $ 0.00 $ (3.84 ) $ 0.00 Weighted average number of shares outstanding basic 3,383,180 1,200,402 3,370,764 1,200,202 Weighted average number of shares outstanding diluted 3,383,180 322,472,356 3,370,764 321,927,492 Irwin Naturals, Inc. Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Expressed thousands of US dollars) Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 2022 Net (loss) income $ (13,100 ) $ 1,692 Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,515 831 Gain on contingent consideration (6,154 ) (263 ) Goodwill impairment 11,922 Intangible assets impairment 5,587 Change in allowance for doubtful accounts 149 37 Change in inventory reserve (96 ) (975 ) Change in deferred tax assets (3,195 ) 55 Notes receivable from shareholders (900 ) (900 ) Notes receivable from related parties (260 ) (155 ) Interest (income) expense, net (49 ) 12 Changes to working capital: Trade receivables 6,680 2,494 Inventory 1,792 (1,861 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 137 177 Trade and other payables (123 ) (1,549 ) Reserve for returns (1,387 ) (323 ) Other non-current assets (3 ) (75 ) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,515 (803 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (5,834 ) 164 Purchases of property and equipment (26 ) (29 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (5,860 ) 135 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from line of credit 55,536 46,102 Payments to line of credit (45,132 ) (43,233 ) Payments to notes payable (117 ) (1,098 ) Payments of debt issuance costs (748 ) Payments on operating leases (947 ) (729 ) Purchase of treasury stock (93 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 8,499 1,042 Effect of foreign exchange on cash (11 ) Net increase in cash 5,143 374 Cash at beginning of the year 800 625 Cash at period end $ 5,943 $ 999 _________________________ 1 Under several corporate structures, Klee Irwin has operated the Irwin brand profitably since 1994, as measured by EBITDA adjusted for extraordinary costs. 2 Consumer brand recognition information is based on a formal Company survey with a sample size of 500 randomly selected adults Team members of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill circle up Monday before the grand opening of the new Columbia fast-casual chain restaurant on Grindstone Parkway. A popular Kansas City area restaurant known for its Hawaiian plate lunch-inspired menu now is officially open in Columbia. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill wants to bring its core tenets of ohana, or family, and the aloha spirit to Columbia, said Josh Roan, launch manager. "We had a lot of great feedback in the Kansas City market to bring one to Columbia," he said, adding that he has heard stories of people driving to the Blue Springs location from Columbia just for the food, or on the way to events in Kansas City. "We are excited to be here in Columbia. The community has been very welcoming. We know it has taken a while to get to this point." Guests were lined up around Hawaiian Bros Island Grill and then some Monday in anticipation of the new Columbia fast-casual chain restaurant opening on Grindstone Parkway. The restaurant held soft opening events Friday and Saturday for first responders, teachers, students and other local business owners. There was a mix of about 60% who knew of and had eaten at a Hawaiian Bros before and the rest were first-time visitors, Roan said. Visitors at the head of line Monday, which wrapped all the way around the building, also had a smattering of those who already knew what the restaurant offered and brand new guests. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. "There aren't many places open (in Columbia) after 10 p.m. (We can) give a guest a chance to get fresh food fast at late night, with no freezers or fryers, that is a quality product at an affordable price for the amount of food you get," Roan said. Hawaiian Bros can take orders online, through its app as well as in-person and the drive-thru. For those who order ahead for pickup, staff members will bring the food out to your car, Roan said. The restaurant also will be available through delivery apps Grubhub, Door Dash and Uber Eats. The Columbia location at 1401 Grindstone Parkway had a slightly bumpy road from property acquisition to Monday's opening. This partially was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the company having trouble finding people to complete the remodeling work, Roan said. It is the 45th location and is owned by the company instead of being a franchise. The building formerly was a Jack in the Box and before that a Taco Bueno. Story continues Brian Downs cooks up some of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill teriyaki chicken Monday for its plate-lunch inspired menu. He has helped with the opening of 20 different locations, including the one in Columbia on Grindstone Parkway. "We can only find so many people to build a Hawaiian Bros. It is kind of what we ran into," Roan said. "... The shell is all the same, but we have new everything in the building. We repaved the parking lot and we have some things still in progress. As far as everything else, it's brand new. "We like the outside to look just as good as the inside." Hawaiian Bros was created by brothers Tyler and Cameron McNie. The first location was in Belton, Missouri. The McNies originally come from the West Coast, but Midwest friends from Kansas City inspired them to bring a version of their family's Hawaiian grill restaurant here, Roan said. Terrell Christian, center, a guest at Hawaiian Bros Island Grill opening day Monday, excitedly opens the $500 gift card he received as being among the first 100 customers. Gift card values ranged from $25 to $500. Joining him are Quin Blankenship, from left, and Ashwin Garlapaty, with Hawaiian Bros staff in back. The McNie family took trips to Hawaii when they were young and often ate plate lunches. That is what they wanted to bring back to the contiguous U.S., Roan said. About 200 staff took a trip to Hawaii last year. "We went to a taro field. We did a lot of charitable work on the islands," Roan said. "(This was when) we were at about 30 locations. That trip showed why our values are our values. We call ourselves island-inspired, because we are not Hawaiian. We are trying to create that vibe. To do that, our menu consists of the island-inspired cuisine of the plate lunch." The dining room of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill starts to fill up with guests Monday for the fast-casual chain restaurant's grand opening on Grindstone Parkway. The core components of a plate lunch are a protein, rice and macaroni salad. "We have no freezers. No fryers. Everything is fresh. It comes off the grill and goes to your plate," Roan said. More: Delia's Mexican Grill expands with new Columbia location off Stadium Boulevard There are different styles of teriyaki chicken, including a couple of spicier varieties, slow roasted luau pork, or seasoned steamed vegetables. A mix of two proteins can be selected for an additional charge. "Ingredients are Hawaiian as much as we can. The teriyaki sauce was developed in Hawaii. Numerous testings," Roan said. Music duo Uke 66, also known as Karen and Rick Maxson, perform Monday at the opening of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill on Grindstone Parkway in Columbia. Guests can get additional sides if they desire and in case of a gluten allergy can replace the macaroni salad with a different side. Additional options are pineapple chunks, a small portion of steamed vegetables or a spam musubi, a glazed slice of spam with rice and wrapped with a strip of nori seaweed. Dessert is a fat-, gluten- and dairy-free pineapple soft serve. Beverages include Hawaiian Sun tropical fruit drinks or typical fountain drinks. "Right now, we are the fastest, fast-casual restaurant in the nation to date. Our drive-thru times start to finish are (90 seconds) if you know what you are ordering. Our goal is to keep that going," Roan said, adding if there ever is an issue, there is a customer satisfaction team to address it. "Before, it was Cameron and Tyler reaching out when we had five locations." More: 37 lunches for $10 or less in Columbia Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Island-inspired Hawaiian Bros Island Grill opens in Columbia (Bloomberg) -- Japan delayed the launch of a rocket carrying a lunar lander less than 30 minutes before its scheduled take off Monday as bad weather continued to plague the mission. Most Read from Bloomberg The H2-A, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agencys most reliable heavy payload rocket, was originally set to launch Saturday morning carrying an advanced imaging satellite and a lightweight lander slated to reach the moon as early as January. The launch time was first pushed back to Sunday, and then Monday amid concerns about the weather. The launch could happen as early as Friday depending on weather conditions, a spokesperson for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. which is responsible for building and launching the craft told reporters. While the company didnt announce a new date, the launch window is open until September 15. If and when it launches, Japan will become the latest nation to aim for the moon after a Russian spacecraft last week crashed into the lunar surface and Indias Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the lunar south pole. Following a woeful year marred by costly setbacks, Japan is looking to turn the tide in favor of its battered space program as it falls further behind Elon Musks SpaceX. (Updates with Mitsubishi Heavy briefing.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Last year, the Republican National Committee (RNC) filed a lawsuit against Google accusing it of political bias over its Gmail spam filters. Now, a federal judge has dismissed that lawsuit, noting that Google was effectively protected by Section 230 of US law, and that the RNC had not "sufficiently pled that Google acted in bad faith" by filtering out campaign emails, The Washington Post has reported. According to the lawsuit, Google intentionally marked "millions" of RNC emails as spam, so the group sought reimbursement for "donations it allegedly lost as a result" of that. As evidence, it cited a study finding that Gmail was more likely than Yahoo and other mail systems to mark Republican emails as spam. (One of the study's authors told the Post last year that its findings were cherry-picked.) Calling the lawsuit a "close case," US District Court judge Daniel Calabretta said the RNC had "failed to plausibly allege its claims" that Google's spam filtering was done in bad faith. Google said that the emails in questions were likely flagged as spam because of user complaints, and cited RNC domain authentication issues and frequent mailouts as other potential issues. The court also decided that RNC emails could be deemed "objectionable" based on the CAN-SPAM Act, and the fact that Google flagged them as such was covered by Section 230, which provides immunity to online platforms from civil liability based on third-party content. All that said, the judge said Republicans could still amend the lawsuit to better establish a lack of good faith by Google. Interestingly, during last year's mid-term US elections, Google created a loophole allowing political campaigns to dodge Gmail spam filters. However, the RNC reportedly didn't take advantage of the program. Google has since ended the experiment, following largely negative feedback from the public. Logitech International S.A. (VTX:LOGN) will increase its dividend from last year's comparable payment on the 27th of September to $1.06. This makes the dividend yield 1.8%, which is above the industry average. See our latest analysis for Logitech International Logitech International's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions A big dividend yield for a few years doesn't mean much if it can't be sustained. The last dividend was quite easily covered by Logitech International's earnings. This indicates that a lot of the earnings are being reinvested into the business, with the aim of fueling growth. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 70.3% over the next year. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 34% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward. Logitech International Has A Solid Track Record The company has a sustained record of paying dividends with very little fluctuation. The annual payment during the last 10 years was $0.22 in 2013, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $1.2. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 18% a year over that time. It is good to see that there has been strong dividend growth, and that there haven't been any cuts for a long time. The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow Some investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. We are encouraged to see that Logitech International has grown earnings per share at 10% per year over the past five years. Shareholders are getting plenty of the earnings returned to them, which combined with strong growth makes this quite appealing. We Really Like Logitech International's Dividend In summary, it is always positive to see the dividend being increased, and we are particularly pleased with its overall sustainability. The company is easily earning enough to cover its dividend payments and it is great to see that these earnings are being translated into cash flow. All in all, this checks a lot of the boxes we look for when choosing an income stock. Investors generally tend to favour companies with a consistent, stable dividend policy as opposed to those operating an irregular one. However, there are other things to consider for investors when analysing stock performance. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Logitech International that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Bonvests Holdings fair value estimate is S$0.90 Bonvests Holdings' S$1.01 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate The average discount for Bonvests Holdings' competitorsis currently 24% Does the August share price for Bonvests Holdings Limited (SGX:B28) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Bonvests Holdings The Method We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$23.1m S$25.7m S$27.8m S$29.6m S$31.2m S$32.5m S$33.6m S$34.6m S$35.6m S$36.5m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 15.10% Est @ 11.16% Est @ 8.41% Est @ 6.48% Est @ 5.13% Est @ 4.18% Est @ 3.52% Est @ 3.06% Est @ 2.74% Est @ 2.51% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 10% S$21.0 S$21.2 S$20.9 S$20.2 S$19.3 S$18.3 S$17.2 S$16.1 S$15.1 S$14.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$183m We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 10%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = S$36m (1 + 2.0%) (10% 2.0%) = S$463m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$463m ( 1 + 10%)10= S$178m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is S$362m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$1.0, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Bonvests Holdings as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.607. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Bonvests Holdings Strength Net debt to equity ratio below 40%. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Hospitality market. Current share price is above our estimate of fair value. Opportunity B28's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders. Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine B28's earnings prospects. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Bonvests Holdings, we've compiled three additional elements you should look at: Risks: For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Bonvests Holdings that you should be aware of. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for B28's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. MANITOWOC Felician Village a continuing care campus in Manitowoc that provides housing and services for seniors through rehabilitation, independent living, assisted living and long-term care has named a new president and CEO. Luke Schubert will assume the role beginning Sept. 5, a news release said. He will replace Frank Soltys, who has been serving as president/CEO. Soltys has been at Felician Village since 2013 and was announced as senior vice president, senior living and health care for Felician Services, Inc., earlier this year. Soltys will be assisting with the transition in leadership to Schubert, the news release said. Schubert has more than 15 years of experience in long-term care and senior living. He will report to the local board of directors. Two Rivers barber retires: Two Rivers barber John Antonie hangs up sheers for last time after 66 years. 'I love it, and I love the people. I will miss them,' he says. Before accepting the Felician Village position, Schubert was regional director of operations for Rennes Group, providing senior living locations throughout northeast Wisconsin. In that role, he was primarily responsible for the strategic leadership and fiscal management of the companys 601-bed skilled nursing portfolio, inpatient and outpatient therapy options, and campus marketing plans. Luke Schubert Schubert was also the campus administrator for the Brown County Community Treatment Center. He oversaw a skilled nursing facility, inpatient psychiatric hospital and CBRF facility. Before that, he served in leadership positions at Brookview Meadows Senior Living in Green Bay, Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville and Golden Living Center in Muscoda. Schubert is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a bachelors degree in health care administration with an emphasis in long-term care. He is enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program at Rasmussen University. He and his wife Annie both grew up in Wisconsin and have raised their two children, Liam and Rory, in Green Bay, where they reside. Story continues Schubert, the release said, is looking forward to his new role at Felician Village and becoming active in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers communities. Lakeshore holiday tradition returns: Magical Trolley Ride to the North Pole is back in Manitowoc, and more news in weekly dose Serving this great mission as the president/CEO of Felician Village will be an honor, Schubert said in the release. I have been increasingly impressed with Felician Village in each opportunity to get to know the organization and the people associated with it during the interview process. I couldnt be more excited to join my skills and experience with such a talented group of people in serving this historic organization. Michael Etheridge, chairman of the Felician Village Board of Directors, said in the release: One of the factors that led us to select Mr. Schubert was his extensive experience in senior living communities similar to Felician Village. Our board is confident that Mr. Schubert will be able to quickly apply strategic leadership to our organization. Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Felician Village senior living in Manitowoc names new president, CEO Assyrian Patriarch Visits Metropolitan of Sweden On Thursday, August 24, 2023, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia welcomed the Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East H.H. Mar Awa III Royel, accompanied by his Bishop in Western Europe H.G. Mar Awraham Youkhanis and his Bishop in Scandinavia and Germany H.G. Mar Odisho Oraham. Metropolitan Cleopas initially conveyed to his esteemed visitors the heartfelt greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and then gave them a tour of the church, informed them about the history and the restoration work done in the church premises and welcomed them to the church premises, at the Museum of Hellenic-Christian Heritage, where a one-hour discussion was held on current issues. In conclusion, His Eminence presented the Patriarch and his entourage with the bilingual commemorative study on the Ecumenical Patriarch's Visit to Stockholm in 2019, the trilingual version of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, as well as a collection of the Ecumenical Patriarch's homilies in English. In return, the Patriarch referred to the importance of the dialogue with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, asked His Eminence to convey his greetings to the Ecumenical Patriarch, expressed his admiration for the result of the restoration work of the Cathedral and offered a blessing cross as a gift, from Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan and the headquarters of his ecclesiastical Eparchy. After the speeches and the exchange of gifts, there was a small reception, offered by the President of the Philoptochos Ladies Society of the Cathedral Mrs. Fotini Batsela. ATLANTA Mark Meadows testified Monday in federal court that his job as Donald Trumps White House chief of staff was so wide-ranging that he routinely called officials about issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan or at-home COVID-19 tests, along with results of the 2020 election. I certainly believed it was part of my role, Meadows said at the hearing before U.S. District Judge Steve Jones.. Serving the president of the United States, and I want to be clear with his honor, takes all kinds of forms. Jones held the hearing to gather evidence about Meadows request to move his criminal racketeering charges with Trump from Fulton County Superior Court to federal court. Meadows lawyers argued that his federal job protected him from state-level charges. During his testimony, Meadows also disputed two acts described in the indictment as part of his participation the alleged criminal enterprise. He denied asking a Trump political aide for a memo and he said a text allegedly sent to one Georgia official was sent to another person. One of Meadows' lawyers, George Terwilliger, said the decision to move the case to federal court is at the lowest evidentiary burden you can imagine." If he went out and shot a protester in Lafayette Park, that would obviously be a violation, Terwilliger said. Prosecutors in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office contend Meadows couldnt be acting under his federal authority because federal law bars officials from working on politics. Mr. Meadows came before the court today unprepared to define his duties, Francis McDonald Wakeford said. The scope of government duties ends when you reach political activities. Jones said he needed to take some time to reach a decision because it could set a precedent. He said if he hasn't ruled by Sept. 6, that Meadows would have to be arraigned. The decision could have broad impact. Four other co-defendants have also asked to move their cases from state to federal court. Meadows has asked for his charges to be dismissed in federal court. Story continues Here is what we know about the case: Then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks with reporters at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Washington. What did lawyers argue about Meadows' role? Meadows is charged with racketeering and soliciting Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office for participating in Trump's call Jan. 2, 2021, asking to "find" enough votes for him to win the state. Raffensperger testified the call sounded like a campaign call rather than from government officials. Those were Trump campaign lawyers, so I thought it was a campaign call, Raffensperger said of participants on the call. Terwilliger walked Meadows through his duties as chief of staff, setting appointments, arranging calls and setting time limits on meetings. Terwilliger asked about actions Meadows took that are cited in the indictment, including traveling Dec. 22, 2020, to the Cobb County Civic Center to try to observe an audit of ballot signatures or sending texts to investigators who monitored the election. In each case, Meadows said he engaged in the activity in his role as chief of staff. He said he considered ensuring fair elections part of his job. I thought there were additional things that needed to be investigated, Meadows said. Anne Cross, one of the prosecutors, asked Meadows whether Trump ever asked him to do something outside his role. I dont know that I did anything outside the scope of my role as chief of staff that weve discussed here today, Meadows said. I cant come up with an example. US President Donald Trump walks with Chief of Staff Mark Meadows after returning to the White House from an event at the WWII memorial in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2020. Donald Trump was indicted August 14, 2023 on charges of racketeering and a string of election crimes after a sprawling two-year probe into his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden in the US state of Georgia, according to a court filing. The indictment named a number of co-defendants including Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who pressured local legislators over the result after the election, and Trump's White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Judge questions Meadows about role as chief of staff Jones, the judge, asked Meadows about the extent of his role under Article 2 of the Constitution, which set up the executive branch. But Meadows said he wasnt learned enough to say. Jones also asked what kinds of communications Meadows would have with state officials. Meadows said he routinely spoke with governors and secretaries of agriculture about subjects other than the election. Meadows said he would call other officials about issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan or at-home COVID-19 tests. There were times when I felt like my phone number was plastered over every bathroom in America, Meadows said. The phone calls just kept coming. What does the indictment say about Meadows? The indictment cites several steps in addition to the Raffensperger call that Meadows took to try to overturn the election. Meadows joined Trump in asking political aide John McEntee sometime during December 2020 to prepare a memo outlining the strategy for Vice President Mike Pence, in his role as Senate president, to reject electoral votes from certain states during the congressional count on Jan. 6, 2021, and returning them to state legislatures. Pence refused to participate. Meadows denied under oath Monday asking for the memo. When this came out in the indictment, it was the biggest surprise for me, Meadows said. Me asking Johnny McEntee for this kind of a memo just didnt happen. Meadows visited the Cobb County Civic Center in Georgia on Dec. 22, 2020, seeking to observe the audit of ballot signatures being performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the secretary of states office. Local officials prevented him from viewing the audit, which was not open to the public. The next day, Meadows arranged for Trump to call Watson and claim he won the state by hundreds of thousands of votes, according to the indictment. Trump told Watson that when the right answer comes out youll be praised, according to the indictment. Meadows sent Watson a text on Dec. 27 asking if there was a way to speed up Fulton county signature verification if the Trump campaign provided financial assistance, according to the indictment. Meadows testified Monday he didn't text Watson, but rather Jordan Fuchs, the secretary of states chief of staff. The indictment charged former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows with violation of Georgia's RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer. What is each side arguing about a move to federal court? Meadows' lawyers contend the Constitutions supremacy clause protects federal officials from state-level charges while carrying out their duties of office. The lawyers cited a Supreme Court decision in 1890 about the provision that prohibited suits under state law against federal officials carrying out their executive duties. Meadows' lawyers also argued that the allegations in the indictment such as visiting a Cobb County vote-auditing site and setting up a presidential phone call arent illegal. "The States prosecution of Mr. Meadows threatens the important federal interest in providing the President of the United States with close, confidential advice and assistance, firmly entrenched in federal law for nearly 100 years," Meadows' lawyers said in one filing. But Willis called the request "meritless" and "futile." She argued that Meadows acknowledged his activities cited in the indictment were political rather than official duties of his post. "Having admitted that all of his pertinent activity is political, the defendant has acknowledged that all of the activity falls outside the scope of his duties and his 'color of office' because he could never, as Chief of Staff, engage in such political activity without violating a federal statute," Willis wrote in her argument. "The defendant fails to satisfy the first requirement for removal because he has stated his actions are, by definition, of a type that can never be taken 'under color of office,' or even bear a 'connection' or 'association' to such office. The inquiry can end there." Meadows disputed that his actions were political and said it wouldn't matter if they were. "While the state's characterization of Mr. Meadows's conduct and official duties are largely irrelevant at the removal stage, they are also wrong," his lawyers Terwilliger, John Moran and Michael Francisco said in a filing. "Neither the duties of the Chief of Staff nor the laws and Constitution of the United States draw a clean line between federal authority, on the one hand, and elections and politics, on the other." Jeffrey Clark declined to be fully interviewed by a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Jeffrey Clark, David Shafer, Shawn Still, Cathy Latham also asked to move cases Five co-defendants including Meadows have each argued the Constitution protected them from state prosecution for carrying out their official duties. Jeffrey Clark, a former assistant attorney general, was charged wtih attempting to make false statements for drafting a letter misstating Justice Department findings about Georgia's election. David Shafer, the Georgia Republican Party chairman, faces eight charges including for being an alternate elector and allegedly making false statements. Shawn Still, who is now a state senator, faces seven charges related to being an alternate elector. Cathy Latham faces 11 charges related to being an alternate elector and for conspiracy to allegedly tamper with Coffee County election equipment. Clark drafted the letter on Dec. 28, 2020, for acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to sign and send to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders. The letter falsely said the department identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple States, including the State of Georgia, according to the indictment. Clarks lawyer, Harry MacDougald, called the accusations scurrilous. Shafer argued that serving as a Republican presidential elector chosen in March 2020, he was a federal official acting in his official capacity. He seeks to present several federal defenses to his actions, including official immunity, supremacy clause immunity and the First Amendment. Neither the state of Georgia nor any of its localities has the authority to prosecute Mr. Shafer for these actions, and this Court should exercise its clear authority to correct this injustice and halt this unlawful and unconstitutional attempted prosecution now, his lawyers Craig Gillen and Holly Pierson wrote. Still described himself as the owner of his family's pool construction business in the Atlanta area who was chosen as a Republican presidential elector in March 2020, months before the election. Still said he relied on lawyers who told him to meet with Shafer and other alternate electors in case Trump's legal challenges were upheld in court. "Thus, Mr. Still, acting as a presidential elector, was a federal officer," his lawyer, Thomas Bever, said in a court filing. "Mr. Still, as a presidential elector, was also acting at the direction of the incumbent President of the United States." Latham was another alternate elector who is also charged with several conspiracy counts dealing with the alleged tampering with Coffee County election equipment. She also argued her post as elector protected her from local prosecution. "The purpose of the statute is to protect federal officers from interference by hostile state courts, and to provide a federal forum where the officers must raise defenses arising from their official duties, and where they can receive a fair trial on the merits free from local interests or prejudice," her lawyer, William Cromwell, wrote in a court filing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Meadows testifies Georgia charges target official federal duties GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 28, 2023 /CNW/ -- On August 25th, GAC Group released its 2023 semi-annual report, showing a total operating revenue of 233.532 billion yuan in the first half of the year. According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, from January to June, China exported a total of 2.14 million vehicles, overtaking Japan as the biggest exporter of cars. As GAC Group looks to the future, international business has become a central focus. GAC Internationalizes with the Release of the "1551" Strategy Moving forward, GAC Group has formulated a "1551" internationalization strategy that is guided by "1" goal of achieving 50 million in sales by 2030 and gaining a firm foothold in the "5" major markets of Europe, Asia-Pacific, CIS, Middle East and Africa, and Central and South America; this will be done through prioritizing "5" brand core values, including brand internationalization, product globalization and localization, sales and service integration, and ecological diversification. The plan will implement "1" system of global organization and talent guarantee mechanism for constructing an overseas business community. GAC Group aims to establish a branch office in the West European market through the introduction of pure electric vehicles. For the Asia-Pacific market, the company will focus on introducing fuel, hybrid, and pure electric vehicles and establishing production bases in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and more. For the Middle East and Africa, the Dubai branch will continue to develop Gulf region markets while simultaneously operating existing Nigeria and Tunisia SKD factories, and promoting CKD operations in Egypt and South Africa. For the Central and South American market, the newly established Mexico branch will strengthen regional operations and management. Development of CIS markets will concentrate on Russia, with a short-term focus on CBU, while being attentive to local production possibilities. Story continues AION New Energy Vehicles Enter Thailand A leader in the field of new energy vehicles, GAC AION boasts sustained high overseas sales and significant growth and progress. The firm signed a cooperation deal with a distributor in Thailand in June, officially announcing its entry into the Thai market. GAC Group will continue to be driven by technological innovation, promoting its globalization and accelerating its operations to a global scale. Working with talents and partners worldwide, it is continually helping to build a bright future for Chinese automobiles overseas. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moving-towards-globalization-gac-groups-latest-internationalization-strategy-revealed-301911211.html SOURCE GAC MOTOR Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/28/c6362.html shapecharge / Getty Images Ask financial experts how much you should be socking away for retirement, and you may hear a wide range of numbers. Ten percent of your income. Fifteen percent. Twenty or more. How about zero? Im a Financial Advisor: Heres How Often You Should Check Your Retirement Account Balance Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement Putting little to no money into your retirement savings obviously isnt a viable long-term strategy. However, its probably what you should be doing if you dont have a few financial fundamentals taken care of, experts say. Jake Heisler, a certified financial planner with Quaker Wealth Management in Moorestown, New Jersey, generally likes 10-15% as a retirement savings goal. But thats contingent on a few factors. Are your cash reserves in a good place, that is 3-6 months? Heisler asked hypothetically. Is your debt under control? How about student loans? Rob Williams, CFP and director of financial planning at Charles Schwab, also advises a fundamentals first approach. We recommend 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund to provide stability before you start investing, Williams said. He also stresses the importance of taking full advantage of your company-sponsored retirement plan, if you have one. And those high-interest credit cards? If youre maintaining a high balance, pay that off before you start saving, Williams said. Ready To Get Started? Lets say you do have those high-interest credit cards paid off. Your debt is under control, youre getting your full match on a 401(k), and you have at least a few months of emergency funds stashed away. When it comes to savings, what then? As is usually the case in personal finance, how much you should set aside for the future will depend on your age, your life circumstances, and what type of lifestyle you hope to have when you retire. Heislers 10-15% figure (which may include a 401(k) match) may make sense for someone in their twenties. Or it may not, if that person doesnt feel settled on a path ahead. Story continues If youre not really set on your lifestyle, youre newer to your job, you might also want to look at something more liquid, Heisler said. If youre young and single, saving is still important. But you have more flexibility. Social Security: No Matter Your Age, Do Not Claim Benefits Until You Reach This Milestone He added that particularly in the gig economy with its sometimes-less-reliable jobs, younger investors should be careful not to tie their wealth up too much. When it comes to savings in general, he gives millennials high marks. We tend to knock millennials for not doing certain things, said Heisler, a Gen Xer. But they seem to get that part right. In addition to concerns about tying up wealth too soon, 10-15% can be pretty daunting for someone just starting out. The same can be said of the old system of laying out 50% of your money for essentials, 30% for discretionary things and 20% for savings. If you can swing it, though, its possible to put yourself in a very strong position with aggressive savings in your younger years. Williams acknowledged that many people start at closer to 2-3%. He suggests at least getting the employee match in your first job, and shooting for 10-15% savings in your twenties, with half of that from a company match, if youre able. If you start in your twenties at 10-15% and maintain that, youre going to have a well-funded retirement, Williams said. If youre in your thirties and havent started saving yet, you may have to think higher than 10-15%, Williams said. If youre in the same situation in your forties, the numbers might look like 25-30%, if you want to have high confidence that youll be able to maintain the lifestyle you want. Those general guidelines and recommended percentages havent changed much, at least for the last 30 years or so. Since the 1990s, there has been an increased focus on saving. More people had pensions back then, Williams said, and people didnt live as long. Is 75% of Your Income Still a Good Retirement Goal? Maybe for some people, experts say. But be ready to spend more than planned. Thats where a financial advisor really comes into play, Heisler said. Maybe 75% is the average for across the country. Most of our clients dont see a reduction in spending during retirement. Its usually the other way around. Sometimes it goes up, with travel and medical expenses. Williams recommends getting a rough snapshot by looking at your current income minus your retirement savings and expecting to need at least the same amount. Like Heisler, he offered a plug for getting expert help. Talk with a financial planner and run your own numbers, Williams said. Look at what kind of lifestyle you want to live. That should tell you how much you want to save. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much of Every Paycheck Should Go Into Your Retirement Savings, According to Experts Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. So when we looked at the ROCE trend of Murray & Roberts Holdings (JSE:MUR) we really liked what we saw. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Murray & Roberts Holdings: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.25 = R767m (R8.9b - R5.9b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022). Thus, Murray & Roberts Holdings has an ROCE of 25%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Construction industry average of 11%. View our latest analysis for Murray & Roberts Holdings roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Murray & Roberts Holdings compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Murray & Roberts Holdings. How Are Returns Trending? We're pretty happy with how the ROCE has been trending at Murray & Roberts Holdings. The data shows that returns on capital have increased by 198% over the trailing five years. That's not bad because this tells for every dollar invested (capital employed), the company is increasing the amount earned from that dollar. Speaking of capital employed, the company is actually utilizing 56% less than it was five years ago, which can be indicative of a business that's improving its efficiency. Murray & Roberts Holdings may be selling some assets so it's worth investigating if the business has plans for future investments to increase returns further still. Story continues On a side note, we noticed that the improvement in ROCE appears to be partly fueled by an increase in current liabilities. Essentially the business now has suppliers or short-term creditors funding about 66% of its operations, which isn't ideal. And with current liabilities at those levels, that's pretty high. The Bottom Line In a nutshell, we're pleased to see that Murray & Roberts Holdings has been able to generate higher returns from less capital. However the stock is down a substantial 95% in the last five years so there could be other areas of the business hurting its prospects. In any case, we believe the economic trends of this company are positive and looking into the stock further could prove rewarding. One more thing: We've identified 4 warning signs with Murray & Roberts Holdings (at least 1 which is a bit concerning) , and understanding these would certainly be useful. If you'd like to see other companies earning high returns, check out our free list of companies earning high returns with solid balance sheets here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Pressure infusion cuff Global Market Insights 2023, Analysis and Forecast to 2028, by Manufacturers, Regions, Technology, Application, Product Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo This report offers a comprehensive exploration of the global Pressure Infusion Cuff market, providing in-depth insights into the market size from 2018 to 2022, accompanied by the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during that period. Furthermore, the report presents a forward-looking perspective, forecasting the market's size until the conclusion of 2028, along with the projected CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Geographical Insights: The report delves into the market's geographical dynamics, providing an exhaustive analysis of supply-demand patterns, major players, and pricing trends across key regions. The regions covered encompass North America, South America, Asia & Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA), each meticulously scrutinized to provide a comprehensive view from 2018 to 2028. Country-level Breakdown: Highlighting the impact of pivotal countries within each region, the report identifies key countries that wield significant influence over the Pressure Infusion Cuff market. These countries include global economic powerhouses such as the United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN countries, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, CIS countries, and Brazil. Competitive Landscape: The report presents an extensive analysis of global key players and emerging contenders in the Pressure Infusion Cuff market. Each competitor's profile offers vital insights, including company information, core business details, SWOT analysis, sales volume, revenue, pricing, gross margin, and market share. Segmentation Analysis: Applications Segment: Hospitals Clinics Others Types Segment: 500 ml 1000 ml Other Key Companies Profiled: Smiths Medical ERKA Spengler VBM Medizintechnik Statcorp Sarstedt Armstrong Medical Rudolf Riester Nuova Friedrich Bosch Story continues Data Breakdown: Base Year: 2023 Historical Data: 2018 to 2022 Forecast Data: 2023 to 2028 Expert Insights: This comprehensive report stands as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders seeking profound insights into the Pressure Infusion Cuff market. Its detailed analysis of market trends, competitors, and regional dynamics empowers businesses to make informed decisions for their future endeavors. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rq2f0i 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 press@researchandmarkets.com 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 Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navigating-pressure-infusion-cuff-market-trends-2023-2028-forecast-and-geographical-insights-301911116.html SOURCE Research and Markets This storefront at 4218 Washington Rd. in Evans will the new home for Trulieve, a chain of medical marijuana dispensaries. A new cannabis dispensary is headed to the Augusta area; a new cookie shop is opening off Walton Way Extension; and a pair of charities are celebrating milestones to fill jobs and to fill stomachs. Here's a brief look at openings, closings and other changes in Augusta-area business: Trulieve WHERE THERES SMOKE: Columbia County will be one of the newest locations of a dispensary chain that sells medicinal marijuana. The website for cannabis retailer Trulieve lists 4218 Washington Rd. in Evans as the future address of its fifth Georgia location. It will occupy Unit 1 of a recently constructed multitenant commercial strip opposite the shopping center anchored by Academy Sports. Trulieve was one of the first two cannabis dispensaries to be granted a license by the state of Georgia to sell medicinal marijuana. Since establishing its first store in Macon earlier this year, other Trulieves have opened in Marietta, Newnan and Pooler. Columbus also is on the companys list for future Georgia dispensaries. When Trulieve acquired rival Harvest Health Harvest & Recreation in 2021, Trulieve became the nations largest cannabis company at the time but was later overtaken. Curaleaf is widely considered the biggest currently, with a market cap of $2.34 billion. Dirty Dough Cookies ANOTHER SWEET DEAL: Plans appear on-schedule to bring a new sweet-shop chain specializing in cookies to the Augusta area and its not Crumbl. Dirty Dough Cookies franchisees Mike and Maycie Ralphs visited the companys home office in Utah in July to undergo training to learn how to manage their forthcoming location at 3602 Exchange Ln. in Augusta, just off Walton Way Extension. The new store will open in a new commercial strip between a McAlisters Deli and a Vs Barbershop. What makes it Dirty? It refers to the fillings, layers and other mix-ins that comprise one of the business over-the-top cookies. From its website: Driven by the belief that the best people and cookies go deeper than what you see on the surface, we focus on whats inside. Thats what really matters. Story continues The Augusta Dirty Dough is so far one of just two publicly announced for Georgia. The other, in Roswell, is expected to open in September. Golden Harvest Food Bank ROOM FOR MORE: A regional food bank is cutting the ribbon Aug. 29 on its renovated and updated Volunteer and Administration Center. Golden Harvest Food Bank is holding the ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the charitys Augusta campus, 3310 Commerce Dr. The volunteer packing and sorting area has been renovated, and a new entrance "to better share our mission with the community, as well as increased office and conference room space," Golden Harvest said in a statement. The second phase of renovations - the construction of the Produce Rescue Center across the street from the food banks main campus - is scheduled to be complete in 2024. Salvation Army ON THE JOB: A charity has received a grant from Bank of America to improve peoples job skills. This $10,000 grant will significantly enhance The Salvation Army's Job Skills Training Program, a three-month initiative aimed at empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve self-sufficiency and career success, the nonprofit said in a statement. The check presentation ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 1 during the Job Skills Training Program graduation at the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Now Opening: Medical marijuana dispensary coming to Columbia County Studies presented at World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery show Etiometrys clinical intelligence platform supports efficient escalation and safe de-escalation decisions to enhance patient outcomes and reduce length of stay BOSTON, August 28, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Etiometry, the leader in clinical decision-support software, shares exciting new study results from ten hospitals, including Boston Childrens Hospital, Childrens of Alabama, Childrens National Hospital and St. Louis Childrens Hospital, that demonstrate the significant impact its platform has on outcomes for critically ill patients. Physician researchers presented their findings at the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Key data highlights include: Etiometry utilization reduced time on mechanical ventilation by 22% and decreased hospital length of stay in these patients by 19%. Etiometry utilization reduced time on vasoactive medications by 18%. Etiometrys Hyperlactatemia Index provides early warning for elevated lactic acid, alerting the care team to potentially impaired oxygen delivery. The studies utilized Etiometrys FDA-cleared Risk Analytics, Automated Clinical Pathways and Quality Improvement App to address pressing challenges in critical care settings, which are often the most complex and expensive units in the hospital. Etiometrys Risk Analytics provide an individualized assessment of the patients condition, bringing attention to patients who need it most and revealing insight into the cause of potential deterioration or improvement to a patient's state. When paired with the platforms Clinical Pathway Automation, care teams can achieve the elusive balance of individualized and standardized care to support quality initiatives like ICU liberation. Mechanical Ventilation Management Extubation failure is associated with significant morbidity, including prolonged total ventilation time and longer hospital length of stay. Extubation readiness trials (ERTs) are used to guide clinicians when a patient is ready to extubate, and these manual workflows are cumbersome for staff. Etiometry automates this process, providing clinicians with alerts when a patient is eligible for an ERT, and automatically tracks performance throughout the spontaneous breathing trial. The study presented at WCPCCS analyzed before and after deployment of Etiometrys automated ERT pathway on patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and found that using Etiometry reduced time on mechanical ventilation by 22%. Story continues Study Title: Automated Extubation Readiness Tool is Associated with Improved Outcomes Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery 747 patients were included in the analysis Research led by Santiago Borasino MD, MPH, Donald M. James Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, and Section Head of Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical Director, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, of Childrens of Alabama Weaning of Vasoactive Medications Vasoactive medication is crucial for hemodynamic management after cardiac surgery, but its use carries risks of complications and requires close monitoring and individual patient management for appropriate care de-escalation. Until now, there have been no clinical trials exploring the use of algorithms in the safe de-escalation of care. Etiometrys IDO2 Index, a non-invasive algorithm that predicts the probability of inadequate oxygen delivery, was paired with Etiometrys clinical pathway automation capability to evaluate its potential to prompt earlier weaning of vasoactive medication support. The findings reveal the new automated standardized workflow in Etiometry informed data-driven decisions leading to an 18% reduction of time with vasoactive infusions. Study Title: Use of a Risk Analytic Algorithm to Inform Weaning from Vasoactive Medication in Patients Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery 851 patients enrolled Research led by Joshua Salvin, MD, MPH, Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist, Attending, Department of Cardiology of Boston Childrens Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Early Warning of Hyperlactatemia Pediatric patients after cardiac surgery are predisposed to develop low cardiac output syndrome. Serum lactate is a well-defined marker of inadequate systemic oxygen delivery which can be a major risk for organ failure. Researchers utilized Etiometrys HLA Index to monitor inadequate perfusion and identify risk of HLA or hyperlactatemia (elevated lactic acid). Etiometrys HLA Index showed a strong positive association with elevated lactic acid, providing the bedside clinician with an early, non-invasive warning of impaired oxygen delivery. Study Title: A Near Real Time Risk Analytics Algorithm Predicts Elevated Lactate Levels in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Patients: 3,496 enrolled patients compared to 58,168 lactic acid test results Research led by Ahmed M. Asfari, MD, MSHA, Pediatric Cardiologist, Cardiac Critical Care at Childrens of Alabama and Assistant Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham "Were grateful to the physician researchers whove utilized our platform and our superb team of data scientists, engineers and clinical specialists to tackle key challenges of a stressful, high-acuity environment, such as the ICU. The data are compelling, especially in terms of how our clinical intelligence can enhance patient care," said Shane Cooke, CEO of Etiometry. "We look forward to supporting many more research and quality improvement initiatives." Etiometry continues to expand its capabilities. This year, the company announced two software releases with several customer-driven enhancements, achieved two FDA clearances for its risk algorithms and continues to enable collaboration among clinicians to support standardization of care with automated clinical pathways. "Through our tools, automated reporting and support, we are committed to not only deploying our clinical decision support system technology into care, but equally important - enabling the measurement of their performance," said Evan Butler, Co-founder of Etiometry and Chief Operating Officer. "These studies are a testament to the unique capability we can provide our ICUs." Through Thursday, Aug. 31, WCPCCS attendees have the opportunity to engage in person with Etiometrys experts, delve into the platforms functionalities and experience live demonstrations that showcase its transformative potential. Those not in attendance can request an online demo at Etiometry.com/GetYourView. About Etiometry Founded in 2010, Etiometry is the leader in clinical decision-support software designed to help clinicians in the intensive care setting make data-based decisions regarding their patients care and treatment. The companys technologies provide valuable clinical insight and analysis to support early recognition of subtle changes in patients conditions to avoid complications and speed recovery. Etiometry has nine FDA clearances and four Health Canada approvals and CE markings. With roots in pediatric ICUs, Etiometry is utilized by some of the worlds top academic medical centers as well as leading childrens hospitals ranked by US News and World Report and Newsweek. Etiometry is committed to improving patient outcomes, increasing clinical efficiency, and lowering the cost of care through the more effective use of data. The Etiometry Platform is the only critical care software solution that reveals deep insights into patient physiology, helping critical care teams deliver standardized and individualized care - and provides the ability to automate care escalation and de-escalation decisions. It is designed to facilitate the use of all available data to support the anticipation and management of the dynamic condition of patients requiring intensive care. To learn more, visit www.etiometry.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230825290878/en/ Contacts Gina O'Connell 651-983-8391 goconnell@etiometry.com Company Logo Dublin, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Pharmacogenomics Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global pharmacogenomics market is poised for robust growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of personalized medicine in healthcare. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular ailments, respiratory disorders, and renal conditions, has escalated the demand for personalized treatments tailored to these diseases, contributing to the expansion of the pharmacogenomics market. Additionally, the influx of research and development activities and the entry of companies into the personalized medicine arena are set to create promising opportunities for market growth. A notable example is Infosys Limited's launch of personalized medicine solutions for the pharmaceutical industry in 2020, aiming to transform processes and drive better business outcomes. Addressing Adverse Drug Reactions The escalating rate of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) has sparked interest in precision medicine and pharmacogenomics. ADRs encompass medication-related side effects that persist during clinical use, affecting patients' quality of life and even leading to morbidity and mortality. The proliferation of medications and polypharmacy to treat various disorders, particularly among the elderly, has contributed to global ADR occurrences. Precision medicine and pharmacogenomics offer a viable solution by identifying patients who require specific therapeutic modules to optimize treatment while minimizing the risk of ADRs. With significant efforts to tackle this pressing issue, the global pharmacogenomics market is poised for substantial growth. Increasing Research & Development Activities Growing research and development initiatives aimed at developing treatments and drugs tailored to an individual's genetic makeup and environmental factors are creating promising growth opportunities for the market. The foundation of pharmacogenomics lies in precision medicine, and the rising adoption of personalized medicine further bolsters the market's growth prospects. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as academic and research institutions worldwide, are increasing their investments in research and development funds, conducting clinical trials, and directing their efforts towards pharmacogenomics-related activities. Story continues For example, the National Institute of Health reported that research and development spending on cancer genomics increased from USD 861 million in 2016 to USD 1,220 million in 2022. Similar trends in research and development are observed globally. The Israel Precision Medicine Partnership (IPMP) awarded USD 9.9 million in funding for 11 projects focused on personalized medicine research in 2021, covering areas such as cancers, Crohn's disease, and rare disorders. Market Segmentation The global pharmacogenomics market is segmented based on technology, service, application, end-user, and region. Technology categories include PCR, sequencing, microarray, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and others. Services encompass genotyping, SNP identification, pharmacogenetic testing, and more. Applications span drug discovery, oncology, neurology and psychiatry, pain management, cardiovascular diseases, and others. End-users are divided into hospitals & clinics, biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies, and others. Geographically, North America, particularly the United States, dominates the market due to increased research and development activities. Key Players Leading players in the global pharmacogenomics market include: Abbott Laboratories, Inc. Illumina, Inc. Thermo Fischer Scientific, Inc. AstraZeneca PLC F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Becton, Dickinson and Company Eurofins Scientific SE Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. Qiagen N.V. PerkinElmer, Inc. Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited Agilent Technologies, Inc. Myriad Genetics, Inc. Admera Health, LLC Report Scope The report provides comprehensive insights into the global pharmacogenomics market, its segments, and industry trends. It categorizes the market based on technology, service, application, end-user, and region. Geographical regions covered include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. The report also highlights the dominance of the United States in the North American market due to its research and development initiatives. Conclusion The global pharmacogenomics market is set to experience robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of personalized medicine and the demand for tailored treatments for chronic diseases. The market's segmentation and the influence of research and development activities provide valuable insights into its expansion trajectory. As companies and institutions invest in pharmacogenomics-related research, clinical trials, and initiatives, the market is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare by offering personalized solutions that leverage an individual's genetic makeup and environment. Key Topics Covered 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Pharmacogenomics Market 5. Voice of Customer 6. Global Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 7. North America Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 8. Europe Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 9. Asia Pacific Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 10. South America Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 11. Middle East and Africa Pharmacogenomics Market Outlook 12. Market Dynamics 13. Market Trends & Developments 14. Competitive Landscape 15. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bckign About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com 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 Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of LiveHire Limited (ASX:LVH), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. See our latest analysis for LiveHire LiveHire Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The insider Richard Smith made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$305k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.22 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.059). It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. While LiveHire insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. They paid about AU$0.14 on average. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! LiveHire is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. LiveHire Insiders Bought Stock Recently It's good to see that LiveHire insiders have made notable investments in the company's shares. Not only was there no selling that we can see, but they collectively bought AU$80k worth of shares. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence. Insider Ownership Of LiveHire 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. LiveHire insiders own about AU$5.2m worth of shares. That equates to 25% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. Story continues So What Do The LiveHire Insider Transactions Indicate? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. Insiders likely see value in LiveHire shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. To assist with this, we've discovered 4 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of LiveHire. 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. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Record Resources Inc. (TSXV: REC) reports that it has entered into an agreement to acquire preferred shares from a private equity fund that owns and is developing a gold exploration property in Djibouti, Africa. The agreement is with the African Minerals Exploration & Development Fund III Sicar (AMED Fund III) registered in Luxembourg and Red Sea Gold B.V. and Nurtureex B.V., both of Utrecht, Netherlands. Red Sea and Nurtureex are AMED's operating entities and are the developers of the Djibouti gold project. These parties collectively control 69% of Thani Stratex Djibouti Limited (TSDL). It is TSDL that holds the mining claims in Djibouti. AMED Funds is a group of private equity funds that have invested in various mineral projects in Africa, some of which have already been successfully sold to third parties. AMED Fund's team is composed of highly experienced professionals in the mining and exploration industry with an impressive track record and network of partners. The sponsoring partner of AMED Funds is Rudolph de Bruin, an international mining industry veteran with decades of successful mining and exploration experience, who was recently involved in a consortium that acquired Canada Fluorspar (NL) Inc and its fluorspar mine in St Lawrence, Newfoundland. Pursuant to the agreement, Record will acquire half of AMED's preferred shares in the Djibouti project in return for investing US$7.5 million in exploration and development expenses over a three-year period. A first investment of US$2.5 million is due 12 months following execution of the agreement and at the two consecutive 12-month anniversaries thereafter. A co-operatorship agreement, to govern the development of the property, will be entered into once Record has made a first investment of US$1 million. Record holds a First Right of Refusal on the asset enabling it to bid on a takeover before another party. Story continues The preferred shares to be acquired by Record constitutes half of the preferred shares to be owned by AMED Funds. Following the transaction, AMED Funds will own 69 percent of the Djibouti project. Following the earning of its interest, Record will own half of the preferred shares and AMED Funds will own the other half. Furthermore, the preferred shares have a conversion feature which prescribes that the holder receive a maximum of two times their investment before a distribution is made to other shareholders at the time of a sale or buy-out and then convert into common shares on a 1:1 basis. AMED and, in turn Red Sea Gold and Nurturex own 69 % of Thani Stratex Djibouti Ltd (TSDL) a private, British Virgin Islands registered company with Exploration and Reconnaissance Permits in The Republic of Djibouti. TSDL was formed by AMED and other investors to develop the Djibouti opportunity. TSDL has built a portfolio of permits in the Republic of Djibouti and has been successful at advancing their development quickly according to a 43-101-compliant work report produced in 2022 (source: James Wilson, geologist, NMDG, Krugersdorp, South Africa). US$11 million has been spent on the property to date and 15,000 metres of exploration drilling has been completed. According to Wilson's report: "The TSDL project portfolio has developed from early-stage, grassroots exploration towards mineral resource definition in a relatively short space of time. Mineral resource estimates have been made for 5 prospect zones for a total of 598,010 ounces/gold grading 1.4 grams per tonne in inferred mineral resource category. "Twenty exploration targets have been identified which could potentially add over 500,000 ounces to the resource base." Table 1.1. Mineral Resource Estimate for the Pandora and Red Horn Prospects Prospect Resource Category Tonnage S.G. Grade Au g/t Ounces Au Pandora Inferred 1 888 563 2.5 2.1 125 650 Pyrrha Inferred 662 062 2.5 1.9 41 198 Red Horn Inf1 Inferred 4 984 188 2.5 2.2 356 356 Red Horn Inf2 Inferred 1 852 750 2.5 0.5 28 743 Red Horn Inf3 Inferred 3 493 313 2.5 0.4 46 062 Total Inferred 12 880 875 2.5 1.4 598 010 Table 1.2. Exploration Target volumes for the TSDL portfolio Prospect Category Tonnage S.G. Grade Au g/t Ounces Au All prospects Exploration target 34 702 081 2.5 0.5 607 452 "We are looking to move quickly to building a 70,000 ounce per year gold operation," said Michael Judson, Record Resource, Chairman. "It is a large and shallow gold occurrence amenable to an open-pit mining. There is the potential to a scale up to a 200,000 ounce per year operation." Other Corporate News: Record Resources Inc. (formerly known as Record Gold Corp and Silk Road Energy Inc.) wishes to clarify omissions from its news release of August 10, 2022. Omitted from the previous disclosure is that, as part of the Kenogami East transaction, Melba Mining Company Ltd. owns a 2% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) on the asset. Half of this NSR can be purchased by Record Resources for $500,000. On September 6, 2023 the company will hold a Special Meeting of Shareholders to approve: (1) The Grenfell Gold Property transaction; (2) The purchase price of the transaction. As previously disclosed (February 23, 2023 news release) the non-arms-length transaction with Pelangio Exploration Inc is pursuant to a conveyance agreement executed on August 23, 2022. Record Resources has agreed to exchange its option agreement with Pelangio Exploration Inc. (PX.V) in return for 40 million shares of Record Resources at a price of $0.05 per share. The Grenfell transaction requires the approval of the company's disinterested shareholders. This vote follows the submission of the NI 43-101-compliant geological report to the TSX Venture Exchange and shareholders. The company stands by its original disclosure that the Kenogami East transaction with Melba Mining Company Ltd. constitutes an asset acquisition. The purchase price, as previously disclosed, is one million shares of the company and a cash payment of $50,000. Qualified Person: Edward Procyshyn, P.Geo, a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. For more information please contact: Michael C. Judson, Chairman & CEO Record Resources Inc. T. +1-514-865-5496 Website: www.recordgoldcorp.com Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release 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 the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178589 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. SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentucky based small batch distillery New Riff partnered with Speakeasy Co, the leading DTC eCommerce platform in the alcohol industry, launching an online storefront in April 2023. New Riff bottle lineup Founded in 2014, New Riff is 100% family owned, allowing the distillery the freedom to pursue quality, with no short-term thinking, or compromise. Speakeasy empowers partners to own their growth in the spirits industry, providing exceptional customer service from the first website visit to delivery of the product. New Riff and Speakeasy are now aligned to deliver New Riff's award-winning whiskies with Speakeasy's customized shopping experience. By partnering with Speakeasy, New Riff can seamlessly deliver its private barrel selections, a differentiator for the brand in the industry. The private barrel program allows small groups, parties, or companies to taste 3-5 blends and end the selection process with a personalized barrel and bottles. New Riff utilizes Speakeasy's centralized fulfillment to ship the customized product back to participants of that exclusive tasting. "With Speakeasy's recent expansion to the East Coast, the fulfillment possibilities really appealed to us," said Ken Lewis, founder and president of New Riff. "We're a family-owned distillery with a growing reputation in the industry. It's incredible to carry our new riff on an old tradition into national markets we haven't already reached." "While we host hundreds of brands on our platforms, we find inspiration in each one," said Josh Jacobs, CEO and co-founder of Speakeasy. "New Riff being a family-owned, nationally renowned brand demonstrates the dedication to customer experiences, developing expertise in house, and taking no shortcuts. We're looking forward to growing our partnership and learning from each other." Currently, New Riff offers 11 bottled spirits on the Speakeasy platform. To start your private barrel experience, reach out to select@newriffdistilling.com . Learn more and place an order for exceptional whiskies and gins here: https://shop.newriffdistilling.com/ . Story continues About New Riff (Newport, KY): Kentucky born and urban bred, New Riff is an independently-owned distillery in Northern Kentucky the gateway to bourbon country. In 2014, founder Ken Lewis, a visionary Kentucky liquor retailer and entrepreneur, saw a need for a new riff on an old tradition when it came to Kentucky bourbon. The Newport, Ky., distillery produces bourbon, rye and Kentucky Wild Gin. Bourbon and rye are made with traditional sour mash methods and bottled-in-bond without chill filtration. Bourbon and rye are also available in single barrel selections, and the distillery boasts a popular private barrel selection program. New Riff sources its water from an aquifer under the distillery, accessed via a 100' deep private well and providing water with four times as much dissolved minerals than found in other water supplies. New Riff believes in transparency, so all products feature an age statement and the mashbills are public. The modern venue hosts a variety of events and offers an on-site bar, The Aquifer. https://newriffdistilling.com/ About Speakeasy Co: Speakeasy Co. is a technology company and eCommerce platform for the Wine & Spirits industry that ships beverage alcohol brands directly to consumers. The centralized fulfillment model enables brands to sell directly to consumers from their own respective online storefronts without disrupting the three-tier system. Brands are given the opportunity to own their growth and user experience from beginning to end, in addition to owning their data and analytics of their target customer. For more information, please visit www.SpeakeasyCo.com or check out our Instagram and LinkedIn . Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-riff-utilizes-alcohol-dtc-platform-speakeasy-co-for-private-barrel-program-301911351.html SOURCE Speakeasy Co MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SHEBA, a Mars, Incorporated pet food brand, has completed the SHEBA Hope Advocate Program, bringing together two Indonesian hosts and five global advocates from the SHEBA Hope Grows Collective, UK, Germany, USA and Southeast Asia (SEA) to work on the world's largest global reef restoration program. The SEA representative was Alif Kazman, a marine biologist from Malaysia. The program is part of a global reef restoration movement, SHEBA Hope Grows. Alif Kazman, a marine biologist from Malaysia representing Southeast Asia in SHEBA Hope Grows Advocate 2023 The advocates concluded their 10-day adventure at the SHEBA Hope Reef in Bontosua, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. They had the opportunity to work with the local community, received practical restoration training and restored an area of coral reef using Reef Stars, the 'hero' of the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System. "As a young scientist, it was an honor for me to be selected as a SHEBA Hope Advocate representing SEA. It was eye-opening to see the scale of the SHEBA Hope Reef and its impact on the local community, researchers and field officers to support reef restoration. I am eager to impart knowledge about marine conservation to my peers and the younger generation," said Alif. "We are thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the world's largest coral reef restoration program. The SHEBA brand is a proud part of the Mars family driven by our purpose to create a better world for pets. It's more than simply a cat food company; their global movement Hope Grows is inspiring change to protect the environment, our climate and local communities," stated Dr. Susan Wan, General Manager, Mars Petcare Indonesia. "The SHEBA Hope Advocate Program has received positive response globally. With over 250 applications from the US, UK, Germany, and Southeast Asia, including over 50 applications from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, we are delighted with the final seven advocates selected based on their passion for ocean conservation," said Philippa Mansell, Indonesia Marine Program Lead, Mars Sustainable Solutions. Story continues SHEBA is also collaborating with selected retailers in Malaysia to collect donations for the iconic SHEBA Hope Reef. For every purchase of any SHEBA product, RM 0.50 will be donated to the SHEBA Hope Reef. This limited promotion is available in Giant stores nationwide for offline shoppers (until 31st Oct 2023), and in Lazada Malaysia (Whiskas and Pedigree Flagship Store) for online shoppers (until 21st Nov 2023). www.sheba.com.my/kelestarian. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sheba-hope-advocate-program-the-next-phase-in-the-worlds-largest-global-reef-restoration-initiative-301911027.html SOURCE SHEBA One of Pennsylvania's largest employers is expanding its footprint in Ohio. Altoona-based gas station and convenience store chain Sheetz will build a $145 million food preparation and distribution facility in Findlay, Ohio, about 45 miles south of Toledo. The center will underpin the companys continued market growth throughout the United States; the project is expected to create 700 jobs in the region over five years. Sheetz worked closely with local and state economic development organizations to put the plan in motion, and Findlay City Council unanimously favored the move, said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday lauded the companys decision to build in Findlay, a city of roughly 40,000 people. Other Sheetz distribution facilities are located in Claysburg, Blair County and Burlington, North Carolina. Altoona-based Sheetz will build a $145 million food preparation and distribution facility in Findlay, Ohio about 45 miles south of Toledo. Sheetz stores have been extremely well received in the Ohio communities where theyve expanded, and this new, advanced facility will improve efficiencies for the company both here at home and throughout the Midwest while creating good-paying jobs in the Findlay area, DeWine said. Sheetz, a 24-hour, family-owned business founded in 1952, is quickly approaching 700 stores spanning six states. The company last year announced plans to launch more than two dozen new stores in western Pennsylvania alone in the next few years. Its set to open its first Michigan location, too. Were excited to bring new opportunities to the area as we continue to expand throughout the state of Ohio and into Michigan in 2025, said Sheetz CEO Travis Sheetz. Findlay is located in the heart of this new growth area and will play a big role in the future of Sheetz. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Sheetz plans $145 million Ohio distribution center to broaden Midwest reach Beijing may need to rethink its strategies in the South China Sea to avoid further isolation, observers said, after Washington signed deals with Japan and South Korea on expanding security cooperation. But as it seeks to forge closer economic ties and make peace with its Southeast Asian neighbours, there may be few options available to Beijing over the South China Sea since major compromises are deemed unlikely, they added. The assessment was made in response to the recent trilateral summit at Camp David between US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The three leaders formalised their joint commitment at the meeting to consult each other on security threats. As a result, China now faces some of its worst geopolitical dilemmas of recent years. The summit was considered a watershed moment for Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy of using Washington-led alliances to counter China's growing influence. Some Chinese media described the Camp David meetting as a "half-step away" from forming a Nato in Asia. In a move that could further rattle Beijing, it has also been reported that Biden will visit Hanoi next month to bolster ties with Vietnam. Politico cited three sources as saying the two former wartime foes are expected to upgrade their relationship to a strategic partnership during the visit, which is likely to take place in mid-September. The partnership would see priority "given to enhancing bilateral trade and investment, including e-commerce and the digital economy, and building robust supply chains through 'friend-shoring'", according to Carl Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia who specialises in Vietnamese affairs. Story continues Thayer said closer ties between Washington and Hanoi could raise the alarm in Beijing, which sees a stable neighbourhood as a top diplomatic priority, particularly amid its geopolitical competition with the US. "Beijing will continue to pressure Vietnam not to take steps that will harm China's interests, but China is constrained in its reaction lest it forces Vietnam closer to the US," said Thayer. "Privately, China's leaders will have to reassess whether their step up in pressure against Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea this year was counterproductive," he said. "This reassessment is now all the more urgent following the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit and the impending elevation in US-Vietnam relations." As US President Joe Biden, left, courts China's Southeast Asian neighbours, including Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, right, China will be getting increasingly rattled. Photo: Reuters alt=As US President Joe Biden, left, courts China's Southeast Asian neighbours, including Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, right, China will be getting increasingly rattled. Photo: Reuters> Zhang Mingliang, a Southeast Asian affairs specialist at Jinan University in Guangzhou, said it was likely that Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, which has been a vocal critic of Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, would find a "mini-Nato" in Asia palatable. "However, in order to avoid irritating its neighbour in the north, Vietnam will be cautious in its rhetoric but spare no efforts to support 'Asia's Nato' through practical actions," Zhang said. In a joint statement after the Camp David meeting, the three countries reaffirmed their support for the central role played by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but also went further in criticising China's "dangerous and aggressive behaviour supporting unlawful maritime claims" in the South China Sea. The criticism was apparently referring to a confrontation earlier this when after the Chinese coastguard fired water cannon to block a Philippine ship from resupplying troops stationed on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies in Hainan, said the strategic coordination between the US, Japan and South Korea could have an impact in the South China Sea. There could be an "encouragement effect" to rival claimants in Southeast Asia, Chen said. "[The Camp David summit] also sent a signal to Southeast Asia's claimants there are many supporters to their claims and these countries may contend against China," he said. "Increasingly, eyes would be turned to the South China Sea and more external powers, such as Australia, Canada and Europe would join, adding more uncertainties in the region." But Chen said Beijing is unlikely to bow to pressure. "I don't think there's any room for China to pull back any more, unless it allows all the uninhabited islands to be occupied by other countries, which is impossible." Amid hostile competition between China and the US as well as the prolonged Ukraine war, countries in the region are facing an "increasingly polarised environment" that has forced them to adjust their foreign policies, Thayer said. In December, Vietnam elevated its relationship with South Korea to a comprehensive strategic partnership, on a par with Russia, India and China, and it is expected to upgrade its ties with Australia to the same level. "It is not coincidental that South Korea and Australia are treaty allies of the United States. South Korea's importance is enhanced by the recent trilateral summit with Japan and the US," Thayer said. 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. The Space Florida board of directors decided Monday to make a Space Force colonel its next president and CEO. The board chaired by Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nunez opted to move forward with contract negotiations with Col. Robert A. Long, one of three finalists to replace Frank DiBello, who has been leading the states aerospace economic development entity since 2009. DiBello, who is retiring, made $325,000 a year. Long is the commander for Space Launch Delta 30 and the Western Launch and Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Its a similar role to the Space Launch Delta 45 group leader who oversees launches from the Space Coast. The role has him overseeing $8.4 billion in assets and a $280 million annual budget and 11,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel, according to the Space Force. Its great to have run one of the largest installations in the Space Force and in the Department of the Air Force overall, as well as one of the busiest spaceports that we have in the country right now, Long said during his initial interviews with the Space Florida CEO search committee back in June. He reportedly retired from the military in July. He spent 23 years with the Air Force before transitioning to the Space Force. The great thing about the Space Force and the Air Force before that was the space community is relatively small. So I had an opportunity to be stationed out in Patrick and Cape Canaveral, he said. So Ive experienced the launch business from that side as well. He met his wife when stationed in Brevard County. So thats whats largely bringing us back. But we love that part of Florida. The Space Coast is great. And so its an exciting opportunity for us, he said. Part of his pitch to become the next Space Florida leader was to grow the states relationship with the burgeoning Space Force presence, which includes the addition of the military branchs training headquarters STARCOM and its warfighting and training group known as Delta 10 coming to Patrick Space Force Base. Story continues Those two things going to Patrick are going to be really vital in the near-term and create a great opportunity, Long said, especially in concert with defense simulation work going on in Orlando. He isnt all about the Space Coast, though, noting that the state needs to pursue more launch capability with a potential future that could grow to as many as 400 launches a year. Capacity is going to be an issue, he said. Its simply going to get full at some point. You might as well take advantage of Floridas geographic location to do that, whether thats the Panhandle, further to the south or even up north. Floridas space economy as Space Floridas role in it has been one that hes been eyeing from California, seeing how that organization has really enabled and empowered the local economy there, and the growth especially after the shuttle program sunset about a decade ago and just to see the job creation and the economic growth that Space Florida has turbocharged really has been awesome. Theres a little bit of jealousy on my account from the West Coast trying to figure out how we can kind of emulate that and really bring that to bear here, he said. But he said he was interviewing for the Space Florida opportunity as he was approaching retirement from the Space Force. It also gives me an opportunity as I leave military service and serving the country, I get to give back a public service role, he said. So theres a lot of great things that all came together for me. I thought that this was an opportunity worth pursuing overall. Long-established in the Business Services industry, Staffing 360 Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:STAF) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 9.1%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -22.33%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Staffing 360 Solutions Inc. Staffing 360 Solutions Inc (STAF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Metrics Understanding the GF Score The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank. Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Staffing 360 Solutions Inc the GF Score of 51 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential. Staffing 360 Solutions Inc: A Snapshot Staffing 360 Solutions Inc operates in the international staffing sector. It is engaged in the execution of an international buy-integrate-build process through the acquisition of domestic and international staffing organizations. The company carries its business through the reportable Commercial- U.S.; Professional- U.S. and Professional-UK segments. Geographically, the group has business operations in the U.S, UK, and Canada. With a market cap of $3.45 million and sales of $244.92 million, the company has an operating margin of -1.41%. Story continues Staffing 360 Solutions Inc (STAF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Metrics Financial Strength Analysis Staffing 360 Solutions Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 0 positions it worse than 0% of 787 companies in the Business Services industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five. The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just 0.49, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.05 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 4.43, which is worse than 96.4% of 888 companies in the Business Services industry. A high debt-to-equity ratio suggests over-reliance on borrowing and vulnerability to market fluctuations. Profitability Analysis Staffing 360 Solutions Inc's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. Staffing 360 Solutions Inc's Operating Margin has declined over the past five years ((-330.04%)), as shown by the following data: 2018: 0.61; 2019: 0.22; 2020: -2.84; 2021: -2.12; 2022: -1.41. Additionally, Staffing 360 Solutions Inc's Gross Margin has also declined over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 18.51; 2019: 17.35; 2020: 17.02; 2021: 17.12; 2022: 17.46. This trend underscores the company's struggles to convert its revenue into profits. Growth Prospects A lack of significant growth is another area where Staffing 360 Solutions Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -61.5 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 98.98% of 981 companies in the Business Services industry. Stagnating revenues may pose concerns in a fast-evolving market. Lastly, Staffing 360 Solutions Inc predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency. Staffing 360 Solutions Inc (STAF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Metrics Conclusion Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While Staffing 360 Solutions Inc has a commendable history, its current financial indicators suggest that it may struggle to maintain its performance in the future. Investors should consider these factors when making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen This article first appeared on GuruFocus. A tractor-trailer hauling an oversized load in the U.S. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Ohio-based Republic Steel has been ordered to pay nearly $4.6 million to a Pennsylvania trucking company and its affiliate after a federal jury determined that the steel mill breached its contract by failing to pay the companies millions of dollars in outstanding invoices for transportation services the carriers provided in 2019 and 2020. The decision, which came after a three-day trial that ended July 12, awarded nearly $2.5 million in favor of Beemac Inc., doing business as Beemac Trucking, and nearly $2 million for Deemac Services, both of Ambridge, Pennsylvania. It was upheld by U.S. District Court Judge William S. Stickman IV on Aug. 10. According to court documents, Republic Steel agreed to Beemac and Deemacs transportation services for specific lanes offered by the companies in 2019 and 2020, but the steel manufacturer refused to make payment of the amounts for the companies transportation services for the two years pursuant to the agreement. Attorney Daniel McLane, who represented Beemac and Deemac, said the suits had separate dockets but were consolidated for trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. We are pleased with the jurys verdict and the attention they paid to this case, McLane told FreightWaves. Were excited to now move forward and continue to provide the great services we do in this industry. Republic announces layoffs after $4.6M verdict The same day Stickman entered the final judgment against Republic Steel, a subsidiary of Mexico-based Grupo Simec, the steel mill announced plans to indefinitely cease steel production at some of its plants in North America, including Canton and Lackawanna, New York, laying off nearly 500 workers. Attorneys for Republic Steel did not respond to FreightWaves request seeking comment about the verdict or the timing of the layoffs at two of its steel mills. Bill Teets, communications director for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, confirmed the agency did receive a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act) about the layoffs in Canton, but that the letter didnt reach the agency until 12 days after the closure, on Aug. 22. Story continues It appears it was mailed to the wrong address and was delayed in getting it to us, Teets told FreightWaves. The notification, obtained by FreightWaves, states that Republic Steel has encountered sudden and unforeseen business circumstances that will force the company to temporarily idle its steelmaking operations. Affected positions at Republic Steels facility in Canton, Ohio, according to the companys WARN Act notice. (Screenshot) Beemac Trucking and Deemac, a 3PL, originally filed suit in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in September 2020, before the complaint was moved to federal court later that same month. Prior to going to trial, McLane said the parties underwent a mediation process but that it was unsuccessful. According to its website, Beemac and Deemac were founded by Rick Macklin in the mid-1980s. Beemac, which has more than 400 truck drivers, later formed an employee stock ownership program in 2019. Will Republic Steel appeal? McLane, a partner with Duane Morris, said he hasnt heard whether Republic Steel plans to file an appeal in the case, but the company has 30 days from the judges final order, which would be around Sept. 10 I do not know their [Republic Steel] intentions. I guess well have to wait and see, McLane said. Do you have a news tip to share? Send me an email or message me @cage_writer on Twitter. Your name will not be used without your permission. Read more articles here: Former North Carolina trucking company employee accused of embezzling over $900K Postal service contractor cutting 660 jobs Truckers deal with fallout after fraudsters steal DOT numbers Werner driver survives kidnapping, deadly shootout when his rig is stolen The post Steel mill ordered to pay $4.6M to trucking company, affiliate appeared first on FreightWaves. grant shapps Forcing British households to adopt luxury heat pumps risks triggering a backlash akin to a rebellion by Germans over the countrys boiler ban, the UKs biggest gas network operator has warned. Angela Needle, director of strategy at Cadent Gas, warned that ruling out the option of using hydrogen for heating homes risked leaving consumers with just one option, heat pumps, which remained far too expensive for most households. She pointed to controversy in Germany over a ban on buying new gas boilers from 2024, dubbed the heat hammer by critics, adding: Heat pumps are a luxury product for folks whove got 13,000 in the bank. Forcing one solution on everybody will be politically very difficult and I think youve seen with Germany, with the heat hammer, that its not going to be a vote winner. You can see how its happening with the off-grid issue at the minute, people being told that from 2026, they cant have an oil boiler anymore. I would argue that the cost of hydrogen will have to come down significantly to be affordable. But I think therell be a combination Just flicking to a binary answer is not going to be helpful. She also insisted that hydrogen was a practical option, pointing to tests carried out by Cadent which have looked at using both existing and new gas pipelines to carry hydrogen to homes and found that only small changes would be necessary. Cadent, which serves the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and north London, is already undertaking a multibillion-pound programme to replace metal gas pipes with plastic ones that are suitable for carrying hydrogen, subject to approval from the Health and Safety Executive. Ms Needle said: We want to be able to use the existing infrastructure that weve all paid for, which silently delivers energy all day, every day, without a huge amount of disruption. And we do worry that the gas network is being ignored. Her comments come after Grant Shapps, the Energy Security Secretary, said he was not convinced that piping hydrogen into millions of British homes, instead of natural gas, was a practical option. Story continues There was a time when people thought you will just have something that looks like a gas boiler and well feed hydrogen into it, he said in July. The problem is youd have to replace a lot of piping and weve got to produce the green hydrogen to make the whole thing stack up. In another blow to companies such as Cadent, which want existing gas infrastructure to be used for hydrogen, ministers have also abandoned a planned hydrogen trial in Whitby following a backlash from residents. Another trial, in Redcar, may still go ahead but has not yet been confirmed. Some energy experts have also dismissed hydrogen as an overly expensive solution for residential heating, because of the relatively high energy requirement to produce it and the low efficiency of burning it. Greg Jackson, the chief executive of Octopus Energy, has compared it to flushing the toilet with champagne. Instead, the Government is urging households to get electrically powered heat pumps, with ministers aiming for 600,000 of the devices to be installed per year by 2028. However, uptake remains relatively low, with only 33,000 installed last year, largely due to an average cost of 13,000 for installation a figure that can be reduced by 5,000 with a government grant. Ms Needle said the setback in Whitby was disappointing but insisted that residents had not only rejected hydrogen boilers but heat pumps as well. As part of the trial, to join a test hydrogen grid, households would have been disconnected from the mains gas network and either given a hydrogen-burning boiler or a heat pump for free. Ms Needle said: Our experience of Whitby was that it wasnt about hydrogen, it was about change and consumers didnt want to change. If it was a heat pump trial, it would probably be the same issue. The biggest issue is people just dont want to be first. She urged the Government to provide more clarity to gas operators about the potential future of hydrogen for heating and to consumers about the proposed switch to heat pumps. She added: Its a huge ask of people. And I can understand concerns, because youre really talking about changing their home. Phil Hurley, chief executive of the Heat Pump Association, said the cost of heat pumps would fall over time as demand for them ramped up and more plumbers were trained to install them. For example, he said the ban on off-grid oil boilers would stimulate sales as well as a ban on installing gas boilers in new-build homes from 2025. Mr Hurley added: The reality is that the Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions and at the moment, heat pumps are an established technology that can deliver that. Costs are an ongoing challenge and we also need to fix the disparity between the electricity and gas prices. But as demand for heat pumps grows, and more [plumbers] are trained, installation costs will come down. A Government spokesman said: We recognise how hydrogen has the potential to be an option to decarbonise homes, alongside heat pumps and heat networks, and can have a key role to play in supporting industry to decarbonise. We are also investigating what role other solutions could play in decarbonising those properties where hydrogen or heat pumps may not be suitable. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Dispatch, the industry-leading car shipping platform, announced today the company has joined global tech innovation hub 1871 's 2023 Supply Chain Innovation Lab as a Late-Stage Partner. The Innovation Lab connects growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate tech businesses that want to solve the most significant challenges and opportunities in Supply Chain. 1871's Supply Chain Innovation Lab consists of four immersive weeks to connect growth-stage and late-stage startups, corporates, and VCs who use supply chain technology. Super Dispatch (PRNewsfoto/Super Dispatch) As a pioneer in the auto transport industry, Super Dispatch has delivered more than 20 million cars in the U.S. and Canada. The company has also developed significant innovations for the automotive supply chain and disrupted legacy infrastructure with a modern, all-in-one platform, creating a better way to move cars. Bek Abdullayev, Super Dispatch Founder and Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement around the selection, noting, "Super Dispatch is excited to join the 1871 Innovation Lab. This invitation further sets us apart as an industry expert, which we aim to be daily." Abdullayev continued, "We'll use this exposure and connection to expand our impact on the auto transport community." As a Late-Stage Partner, Super Dispatch will participate in the Innovation Lab, which allows companies to: Emerge as a showcased thought leader Network with peers and leaders in the industry Mentor future industry leaders Connect with industry leaders and up-and-coming companies disrupting the industry Explore curated connections between potential partners across maturity curve (growth to corporate) Amplify brand at the Supply Chain Summit Starting as an app, and now as a robust car-hauling platform, Super Dispatch connects the auto transport industry through best-in-class technology backed by real people enabling brokers, carriers, and shippers to move cars faster, smarter, and easier. Story continues The company recently launched Auto Transport Co-Pilot , the first-of-its-kind video podcast offering a dedicated conversation for the auto transport industry. About Super Dispatch Super Dispatch, founded in 2013, is the end-to-end shipping platform backed by a digital suite of tools built to make the lives of auto transport industry professionals easier. Connecting shippers, brokers, and carriers with innovative software enables them to move cars faster while managing and growing their businesses. Super Dispatch is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, please visit our website or contact a Super Dispatch representative at social@superdispatch.com . About 1871 1871 is Chicago's innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage, late stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/super-dispatch-joins-1871s-2023-supply-chain-innovation-lab-as-late-stage-partner-301910441.html SOURCE Super Dispatch Surinames President Chan Santokhi had pinned his hopes on a massive oil boom to reinvigorate the former Dutch colonys crisis-prone economy. Those hopes were dashed when French energy supermajor TotalEnergies delayed the billion-dollar final investment decision (FID) for Block 58 offshore Suriname. Concern over drilling results and a high gas-to-oil ratio for the five discoveries made since 2020 were cited as the reasons for the delay. That delay, with the FID originally slated for 2022, has delayed the first oil in Suriname, which in recent years has been roiled by political unrest and a deep economic crisis. This is weighing on the national government in Paramaribo, which is struggling with a debt crisis and extreme double-digit inflation. The origin of Surinames economic crisis can be found in the 10-year regime of former president and convicted murderer Desi Boutrese. Rampant corruption, malfeasance and excess spending left Suriname in a fiscally weakened state that was exacerbated by the 2020 pandemic, which hit the South American country of less than seven hundred thousand particularly hard. Suriname lingered in debt default for more than three years, with Paramaribo forced to obtain a $688 million bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in exchange for implementing mandated economic reforms to rein in spending. Key to those measures was Paramaribo floating the Suriname dollar, removing fuel subsidies, reining in public wage spending and implementing a plan to phase out electricity subsidies. Those reforms, along with a spiraling cost of living and rampant double-digit inflation, triggered by the central bank devaluing the Suriname Dollar by 30% prior to it being floated, sparked riots where protestors stormed the National Assembly. Those events sparked fears of rising political instability in a country of around 600,000 people, where over 40% live in poverty. It was feared that heightened instability would derail efforts to renegotiate Surinames sovereign debt, although Paramaribo was able to strike a deal with creditors during May 2023. A full-blown political crisis will also exacerbate Surinames economic plight, which is sharply impacting the former Dutch colony. Inflation remains extremely high, hitting a worrying 65.4% for April 2023 and then declining to 54% during June 2023. This is weighing heavily on Paramaribos planned economic recovery while causing the cost of living to spiral out of control. Story continues While there are signs of some hard-fought economic victories emerging, Surinames economy is still weighed down by the excesses of the Boutrese years and the fallout from the 2020 pandemic. It is for these reasons President Santokh is hungrily eyeing the vast petroleum wealth believed to be contained beneath Surinames territorial waters. Paramaribo hopes to replicate the tremendous oil boom underway in neighboring Guyana, which is benefiting from a massive petroleum-driven economic windfall that saw the former British colony emerge as the worlds fastest-growing economy. Those plans were delivered a harsh blow in 2022 when TotalEnergies delayed the crucial billion-dollar FID required for developing Block 58 offshore Suriname. The development of Block 58, after a lengthy delay, appears back on track. TotalEnergies 50% partner in the block APA Corporation, consistently reported solid results for the appraisal wells being drilled at the Sapakara and Krabdagu discoveries. Source: APA Corporation Second-Quarter 2023 Financial & Operational Supplement. In the latest development, appraisal drilling at the Krabdagu-3 well confirmed the resource identified by the Krabdagu discovery well extends 14 kilometers to the south. The data gathered from the Krabdagu discovery and appraisal wells is being analyzed to determine the size of the petroleum fairway identified, which APA claims is greater than 25 kilometers. According to a February 2023 statement by APA, more than 800 million barrels of oil resources have been identified at the Sapakara and Krabdagu discoveries. In APAs second quarter 2023 results, the company stated an oil hub project for the Sapakara and Krabdagu discoveries is currently being scoped. APA is also pursuing establishing an LNG platform in offshore Suriname. The gas, which will be a byproduct of drilling in offshore Suriname, will initially be reinjected to enhance oil recovery with a view to exporting LNG in the long-term. For some time, there has been considerable speculation that the prolific petroleum fairway contained in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana extends through the northern segment of the neighboring Corentyne Block into Block 58. Source: Frontera Corporate Presentation March 2023. The latest drilling results announced by APA coupled with the Kawa-1 and Wei-1 discoveries made by CGX Energy in the northern section of the Corentyne Block indicate this could very well be the case. If that assumption proves correct, it will support earlier estimates that Block 58 could contain as much as 6.5 billion barrels of exploitable oil resources. That will make the block an invaluable asset that is capable of supporting an oil boom in Suriname on the scale of that is being enjoyed by Guyana. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com DUBLIN, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Theravance Biopharma, Inc. ("Theravance Biopharma" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TBPH) today announced new ampreloxetine data in neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) will be presented at the 2023 International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders (MDS), taking place August 27-31, 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Theravance Biopharma Logo (PRNewsfoto/Theravance Biopharma, Inc.) "The data presented at this meeting continue to support ampreloxetine's potential to deliver a consistent and durable benefit to MSA patients with nOH with a favorable safety and tolerability profile," said Roy Freeman, MBChB, Professor of Neurology, Director, Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "MSA is a rare, debilitating disease and many MSA patients suffer from symptoms related to poor blood pressure control that have a significant impact on their quality of life."1 Data will be presented in a poster session on Monday, August 28, 2023, starting at 1:00 PM Central European Time (7:00 AM EDT / 4:00 AM PDT / 11:00 AM GMT): Category: Clinical Trials and Therapy in Movement Disorders (non-PD) (non-Dystonia) Freeman R, et al. Abstract 7 An Analysis of Subgroups of Multiple System Atrophy Patients from Ampreloxetine Phase 3 Trials Borin M, et al. Abstract 3 A Multiple-dose Thorough QT Study to Evaluate the Effect of Ampreloxetine on Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Subjects Findings Presented at the 2023 MDS Congress: Ampreloxetine demonstrated the following benefits in MSA (multiple system atrophy) patients from studies 0169 [SEQUOIA] and 0170 [REDWOOD]: Clinically-meaningful and nominally statistically significant (p< 0.05) improvements over placebo were observed in the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OHSA) composite score [LS mean difference: -1.6 (95% CI: -2.7, -0.5)] and in the overall Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) composite score [LS mean difference: -1.2 (95%CI: -2.3, -0.2)] in Study 0170. Post-hoc analysis of Study 0170 indicated a consistent benefit of ampreloxetine relative to placebo across MSA subgroups including MSA sub-type (MSA-P and MSA-C), sex, age, time since MSA diagnosis, time since nOH onset, and the global MSA disability scale (UMSARS Part IV). Subgroup benefits of ampreloxetine ranged from 0.5 to 2.2 point improvements relative to placebo across all subgroup categories and were demonstrated on the OHSA and OHQ composite scores. Ampreloxetine was well-tolerated with similar adverse event rates compared to placebo during the placebo-controlled periods of both Study 0169 and Study 0170. Story continues In a separate single-center study evaluating ampreloxetine's effects on cardiac repolarization compared to placebo, 72 healthy subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. At therapeutic (10 mg QD) and supratherapeutic (40 mg QD) doses of ampreloxetine, no clinically relevant effect on the Q-Tc interval, a measure of heart rhythm, was observed in this study, further supporting the cardiovascular safety of ampreloxetine. About Ampreloxetine Ampreloxetine, an investigational, once-daily norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in development for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). The unique benefits of ampreloxetine treatment reported in MSA patients from Study 0170 included an increase in norepinephrine levels, a favorable impact on blood pressure, clinically meaningful and durable symptom improvement, and no signal for supine hypertension. The company has been granted an orphan drug designation in the US and, if results support it, plans to file an NDA for full approval based on the Phase 3 CYPRESS study. About CYPRESS (Study 0197), a Phase 3 Study Study 0197 (NCT05696717) is currently enrolling. This is a registrational Phase 3, multi-center, randomized withdrawal study to evaluate the efficacy and durability of ampreloxetine in participants with MSA and symptomatic nOH after 20 weeks of treatment; the primary endpoint of the study is change in the Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment (OHSA) composite score. The Study includes four periods: screening, open label (12-week period, participants will receive a single daily 10 mg dose of ampreloxetine), randomized withdrawal (eight-week period, double-blind, placebo-controlled, participants will receive a single daily 10 mg dose of placebo or ampreloxetine), and a long-term treatment extension. Secondary outcome measures include change from baseline in Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activity Scale (OHDAS) item 1 (activities that require standing for a short time) and item 3 (activities that require walking for a short time). About Study 0170, a Phase 3 Study Study 0170 ( NCT03829657 ) was a 22-week Phase 3 study comprised of a 16-week open-label period and a 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal period. This study followed study 0169, a Phase 3, four week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of ampreloxetine in patients with symptomatic nOH. The primary endpoint for Study 0170 of treatment failure at week 6 was defined as a worsening of both Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment Scale (OHSA) question #1 and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) scores by 1.0 point. After Study 0169 did not meet its primary endpoint, the Company took actions to close out the ongoing clinical program including Study 0170. The study was more than 80% enrolled (n=128/154 planned) despite stopping early. The primary endpoint was not statistically significant for the overall population of patients which included patients with Parkinson's disease, pure autonomic failure and MSA (odds ratio=0.6; p-value=0.196). The pre-specified subgroup analysis by disease type suggests the benefit seen in patients receiving ampreloxetine was largely driven by MSA patients (n=40). An odds ratio of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.05, 1.22) was observed in MSA patients indicating a 72% reduction in the odds of treatment failure with ampreloxetine compared to placebo. The benefit to MSA patients was observed in multiple endpoints including OHSA composite, Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activities Scale (OHDAS) composite, Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) composite and OHSA #1 (read more about the data here ). About Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Symptomatic Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (nOH) MSA is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement and balance and disrupts the function of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls body functions that are mostly involuntary. One of the most frequent autonomic symptoms associated with MSA is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (nOH).2 There are approximately 50,000 MSA patients in the US3 and 70-90% of MSA patients experience nOH symptoms.4 Despite available therapies, many MSA patients remain symptomatic with nOH. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a rare disorder defined as a fall in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg, within 3 minutes of standing. Severely affected patients are unable to stand for more than a few seconds because of their decrease in blood pressure, leading to cerebral hypoperfusion and syncope. A debilitating condition, nOH results in a range of symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, blurry vision, weakness, trouble concentrating, and head and neck pain. About Theravance Biopharma Theravance Biopharma, Inc.'s focus is to deliver Medicines that Make a Difference in people's lives. In pursuit of its purpose, Theravance Biopharma leverages decades of expertise, which has led to the development of FDA-approved YUPELRI (revefenacin) inhalation solution indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ampreloxetine, its late-stage investigational norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in development for symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, has the potential to be a first in class therapy effective in treating a constellation of cardinal symptoms in multiple system atrophy patients. The Company is committed to creating/driving shareholder value. For more information, please visit www.theravance.com . THERAVANCE BIOPHARMA, THERAVANCE, and the Cross/Star logo are registered trademarks of the Theravance Biopharma group of companies (in the U.S. and certain other countries). YUPELRI is a registered trademark of Mylan Specialty L.P., a Viatris company. Trademarks, trade names or service marks of other companies appearing on this press release are the property of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements This press release will contain certain "forward-looking" statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, statements relating to goals, plans, objectives, expectations and future events. Theravance Biopharma intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of such statements include statements relating to: the Company's goals, designs, strategies, plans and objectives, the Company's regulatory strategies and timing of clinical studies (including the data therefrom), the potential characteristics, benefits and mechanisms of action of the Company's product and product candidates, the Company's expectations for product candidates through development and potential regulatory approval and commercialization (including their differentiation from other products or potential products) and the Company's expectations regarding its allocation of resources and maintenance of expenditures. These statements are based on the current estimates and assumptions of the management of Theravance Biopharma as of the date of this press release and are subject to risks, uncertainties, changes in circumstances, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results of Theravance Biopharma to be materially different from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, risks related to: whether the milestone thresholds can be achieved, delays or difficulties in commencing, enrolling or completing clinical studies, the potential that results from clinical or non-clinical studies indicate the Company's product candidates or product are unsafe, ineffective or not differentiated, risks of decisions from regulatory authorities that are unfavorable to the Company, dependence on third parties to conduct clinical studies, delays or failure to achieve and maintain regulatory approvals for product candidates, risks of collaborating with or relying on third parties to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize products, and risks associated with establishing and maintaining sales, marketing and distribution capabilities with appropriate technical expertise and supporting infrastructure, ability to retain key personnel, the impact of the Company's recent restructuring actions on its employees, partners and others, the ability of the Company to protect and to enforce its intellectual property rights, volatility and fluctuations in the trading price and volume of the Company's shares, and general economic and market conditions. Other risks affecting the Company are in the Company's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2023, and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. In addition to the risks described above and in Theravance Biopharma's filings with the SEC, other unknown or unpredictable factors also could affect Theravance Biopharma's results. No forward-looking statements can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from such statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Theravance Biopharma assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements on account of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 1 Disclosure: Dr. Freeman is a consultant serving as an advisor for drug development and clinical trial design for Theravance Biopharma. 2 https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/multiple-system-atrophy/ 3 UCSD Neurological Institute (25K-75K, with ~10K new cases per year); NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (15K-50K). 4 Delveinsight MSA Market Forecast (2023); Symptoms associated with orthostatic hypotension in pure autonomic failure and multiple systems atrophy, CJ Mathias (1999). Contact: investor.relations@theravance.com 650-808-4045 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/theravance-biopharma-to-present-new-ampreloxetine-data-at-the-2023-international-congress-of-parkinsons-disease-and-movement-disorders-301911054.html SOURCE Theravance Biopharma, Inc. Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com? So should Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). We'll start by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves in order to calculate its cash runway. See our latest analysis for Core Lithium Does Core Lithium Have A Long Cash Runway? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. In December 2022, Core Lithium had AU$126m in cash, and was debt-free. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through AU$150m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 10 months from December 2022. Importantly, analysts think that Core Lithium will reach cashflow breakeven in around 22 months. Essentially, that means the company will either reduce its cash burn, or else require more cash. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is Core Lithium's Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Because Core Lithium isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. Its cash burn positively exploded in the last year, up 307%. Given that sharp increase in spending, the company's cash runway will shrink rapidly as it depletes its cash reserves. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. 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 Core Lithium To Raise More Cash For Growth? Given its cash burn trajectory, Core Lithium shareholders should already be thinking about how easy it might be for it to raise further cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. 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. Core Lithium's cash burn of AU$150m is about 17% of its AU$864m market capitalisation. As a result, we'd venture that the company could raise more cash for growth without much trouble, albeit at the cost of some dilution. How Risky Is Core Lithium's Cash Burn Situation? Even though its increasing cash burn makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Core Lithium's cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Shareholders can take heart from the fact that analysts are forecasting it will reach breakeven. We don't think its cash burn is particularly problematic, but after considering the range of factors in this article, we do think shareholders should be monitoring how it changes over time. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Core Lithium you should be aware of, and 1 of them is potentially serious. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. 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. Highlights New outcropping spodumene bearing pegmatite discovered 2km west of Mikisiw pegmatite which sampled up to 5% Li 2 O from outcrop The new discovery (M-2) is on the 25km LCT trend in the Ruby Hill West Project M-2 is approximately 400m from a historical drill hole drilled in the 90s that intersected 30m of pegmatite (unassayed for lithium) Benz's 25km lithium trend predominantly undercover so further mapping and sampling required to discover potential additional pegmatites along the trend Exploration program on the Li-pegmatite trend will resume in early September Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (the Company or Benz) is pleased to report the discovery of a new area of outcropping spodumene bearing pegmatites discovered along the 25km lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite trend at Ruby Hill West in Quebec, Canada. The new discovery, M-2, is located approximately 2km west of the recently announced Mikisiw discovery1 which returned samples of up to 5% Li 2 O at outcrop. The M-2 pegmatite outcrop is located 400m from a historical diamond drill hole (DDH 90-EM-003) drilled by Kingswood Explorations 1985 Limited in 1990 that intersected 30m of muscovite- bearing pegmatite from 140.5m - 171.7m depth and was not assayed for lithium. Figure 1: Location of the new M-2 outcrop spodumene pegmatite discovery along the 25km+ lithium trend. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/178646_2575ebeb840ae96e_001full.jpg Following the identification of the 25km pegmatite trend, the Company selected areas for soil sampling and further prospecting, including the Mikisiw M-1 and M-2 areas. All available datasets were compiled including historical drilling where the pegmatite intersection in DDH 90 EM-003 warranted further investigation in this area. The Company notes that the position of this drill hole is approximate. Story continues Benz Executive Chairman, Evan Cranston, said, "The discovery of a new spodumene-bearing outcrop of pegmatite 2km west of the Mikisiw lithium pegmatite supports the assumption for LCT pegmatites extending through the Ruby Hill West Property on a specific trend that is located near the northern contact of the granite and greenstone belt. "M-2 is a very exciting discovery given its proximity to a historical drill hole that intersected a 30m thick pegmatite in 1990 that was not assayed for lithium. Our team is starting to understand the controls for lithium in this completely unexplored greenstone belt and we are excited to continue the exploration and uncovering further outcrops along our unexplored trend." The pegmatite outcrops on the Ruby Hill West pegmatite trend tend to be under a thin layer of moss and vegetation. The Company is currently clearing some of the discovered outcrops and exposing substantial pegmatites. Figure 2: A substantial pegmatite outcrop at Ruby Hill West following removal of the layer of moss and vegetation. Drilling in the vicinity of this outcrop intersected 26.4m at 1.01% Li2O from 7.4m (see announcement dated 1 August 2022). NB this outcrop was discovered after the maiden drill program due to it being under shallow cover and covered in snow. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/178646_2575ebeb840ae96e_002full.jpg Figure 3: The newly discovered spodumene bearing pegmatite outcrop at M-2. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/178646_2575ebeb840ae96e_003full.jpg The pegmatite outcrop measures 1m x 10m and is mostly covered in moss and shallow glacial till. Spodumene crystals exposed so far are pale green and measure up to 5cm - 7cm long. The outcrop was sampled and more work will be conducted in this area in September. Grab samples from this outcrop and others in the immediate vicinity were sent for analysis at the SGS laboratory in Val D'or and the analytical results are currently pending. These will be released to market when available. Figure 4: Spodumene crystals within the newly discovered pegmatite outcrop. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/178646_2575ebeb840ae96e_004full.jpg Benz will resume on ground exploration work in early September along the Ruby Hill West lithium trend. The recent summer field program was severely impacted by forest fires, with the region closed to any work in the field for about 1 and a half months. All restrictions have now been lifted and exploration can resume. This release was prepared under supervision and approved by Dr. Danielle Giovenazzo, P. Geo, acting as Benz's qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 for the reporting of exploration and drilling results. This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp. For more information please contact: Evan Cranston Executive Chairman, Benz Mining Corp. Telephone: +61 8 6143 6702 Email: info@benzmining.com Dannika Warburton Principal Investability Partners Email: benzmining@investability.com.au Telephone: +61 401 094 261 About Benz Mining Corp. Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX:BNZ) brings together an experienced team of geoscientists and finance professionals with a focused strategy to unlock the immense mineral potential of the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Northern Quebec, which is prospective for gold, lithium, nickel, copper, and other high-value minerals. Benz is earning a 100% interest in the former producing high grade Eastmain gold mine, Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East projects in Quebec and owns 100% of the Windy Mountain project. At the Eastmain Gold Project, Benz has identified a combination of over 380 modelled in-hole and off-hole DHEM conductors over a strike length of 6km which is open in all directions (final interpretation of some of the conductors still pending). In 2021, Benz confirmed the presence of visible spodumene in a pegmatite at the Ruby Hill West Project, indicating lithium mineralisation which Benz intends to further explore in 2022. Benz tenure over Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt simplified geology. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/178646_2575ebeb840ae96e_005full.jpg About Eastmain Gold Project The Eastmain Gold Project, situated on the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada, currently hosts a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant resource of 1Moz at 6.1g/t gold (Indicated: 384koz at 9.0g/t gold, Inferred: 621koz at 5.1g/t gold). The existing gold mineralisation is associated with 15-20% semi-massive to massive pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in highly deformed and altered rocks making it amenable to detection using electromagnetic techniques. Multiple gold occurrences have been identified by previous explorers over a 12km long zone along strike from the Eastmain Mine with very limited but highly encouraging testing outside the existing resource area. About Ruby Hill West Lithium Project The Ruby Hill West Lithium project is a surface occurrence of spodumene bearing pegmatite within the Ruby Hill West project, located 50km due west of the Eastmain exploration camp. The occurrence was first sampled in 2016 by Eastmain Resources and then by Quebec government geologists in 2018. Only limited sampling was conducted by both groups. In March 2022 Benz conducted a drilling program at the Ruby Hill West lithium pegmatite prospect and reported a 31.2m at 0.9% Li 2 O interval of visible spodumene rich pegmatite in the drilling (ASX & TSX-V releases dated 29 April 2022 "Multiple spodumene pegmatites intersected at Ruby Hill West"). Competent Person's Statement: The information in this announcement that relates to current exploration results is based on and fairly represents information and supporting information compiled by Dr Danielle Giovenazzo who is a P. Geo. of the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec, a Recognised Professional Organisation under the JORC Code. Dr Giovenazzo is a consultant for the Company and has sufficient experience in the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and qualifies as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Dr Giovenazzo holds securities in Benz Mining Corp and consents to the inclusion of all technical statements based on his information in the form and context in which they appear. The information in this announcement that relates to historical exploration results was first reported to the ASX in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.7. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements. The mineral resource estimate in this announcement was reported by the Company in accordance with listing rule 5.8 on 24 May 2023. The Company confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the previous announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change because of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains regulatory approval. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. 1 Announcement dated 3 August 2023: New high grade LCT pegmatite discovered at Ruby Hill West To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178646 JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueNet Communications Corp., an industry leading outside plant engineering and professional services company supporting the telecommunications market, announces the introduction of Digital Twin Technology to augment its service offerings. This groundbreaking mobile mapping solution marks a significant milestone in TrueNet Communications' commitment to delivering innovative and holistic solutions to meet current and future needs. It also represents TrueNet's expansion of services into industries including energy delivery networks, and urban, transportation and utility infrastructures. TrueNet Communications logo With Digital Twin Technology, TrueNet can visualize and analyze field assets in ways that were previously impossible, while simultaneously ensuring data is captured in usable outputs for future needs like predictive modeling and analysis. It's powered by state-of-the-art LiDAR and specialty photogrammetry drones that collect data and generate 3D digital replicas, or "digital twins," of field assets and environments. From optimizing network performance to enhancing infrastructure management, TrueNet's Digital Twin Technology is poised to revolutionize how companies operate. "Innovation is intrinsic to who we are and how we operate at TrueNet. We're proud to be on the forefront of finding ways to leverage new technologies, like Digital Twin Technology, to support our customers with advanced, end-to-end solutions," says Erich Schlegel, TrueNet's Chief Executive Officer. "Our customers can expect to feel the benefits of our Digital Twin approach by having access to more robust and accurate data that will enhance their overall experience." Digital Twin will be available in the fall of 2023 in the continental U.S. and Canada. For questions about how Digital Twin Technology can benefit your business, please contact Bill Emison, Digital Twin Technology Sales Specialist, at (303) 884-6004 or wemison@truenetcommunications.com , or visit www.truenetcommunications.com/digital-twin/ . Story continues About TrueNet Communications Corp. TrueNet Communications Corp. is an industry leading outside plant (OSP) engineering, construction, and professional services company serving the largest telecommunications service providers and multi-service operators (MSOs) in North America. Since 1985, the company has provided advanced outside plant solutions by utilizing the latest innovative, exclusive, automation tools across the United States and Canada. In 2016, TrueNet was acquired by Fujitsu, one of the world's largest IT and Network services companies, adding world-class expertise and resources as a total network solution provider. TrueNet Communications Corp. is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information, visit www.truenetcommunications.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/truenet-communications-to-transform-network-and-infrastructure-management-with-digital-twin-technology-301910639.html SOURCE TrueNet Communications Long-established in the Travel & Leisure industry, Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 0.84%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 25.23%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Royal Caribbean Group. Unraveling the Challenges Ahead for Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) Deciphering the GF Score The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank. Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Royal Caribbean Group the GF Score of 66 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential. Understanding Royal Caribbean Group's Business Royal Caribbean Group, with a market cap of $25.34 billion, operates as the world's second-largest cruise company. It runs 64 ships across five global and partner brands in the cruise vacation industry, with 10 more ships on order through 2026. The company's brands include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. It also has a 50% investment in a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The company's sales stand at $12.01 billion, with an operating margin of 11.4%. However, the divestiture of its Azamara brand in the first quarter of 2021 may impact its future performance. Story continues Unraveling the Challenges Ahead for Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) Financial Strength Breakdown Royal Caribbean Group's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 0.91 positions it worse than 84.71% of 556 companies in the Travel & Leisure industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just 0.7, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.04 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 6.25, which is worse than 94.9% of 667 companies in the Travel & Leisure industry. A high debt-to-equity ratio suggests over-reliance on borrowing and vulnerability to market fluctuations. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-Ebitda ratio is 7.29, which is above Joel Tillinghast's warning level of 4 and is worse than 75.39% of 573 companies in the Travel & Leisure industry. Growth Prospects A lack of significant growth is another area where Royal Caribbean Group seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -12.7 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 71.65% of 769 companies in the Travel & Leisure industry. Stagnating revenues may pose concerns in a fast-evolving market. Lastly, Royal Caribbean Group predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency. Unraveling the Challenges Ahead for Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) Conclusion Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While Royal Caribbean Group has a rich history and a strong market presence, its current financial health and growth prospects raise concerns about its ability to outperform in the future. Investors should consider these factors when making investment decisions. GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) has been making waves in the stock market with a daily gain of 5.31%, and a 3-month gain of 4.92%. Its Earnings Per Share (EPS) stands at 0.6. But is this medical device producer fairly valued? This article delves into the valuation analysis of Boston Scientific, providing you with insights to make informed investment decisions. Company Overview Boston Scientific Corp (NYSE:BSX) is renowned for its production of less invasive medical devices. These devices are inserted into the human body through small openings or cuts, aiding in various medical procedures such as angioplasty, cardiac rhythm management, interventional oncology, and more. The company's devices are marketed globally to healthcare professionals and institutions, with foreign sales accounting for nearly half of its total sales. Currently, Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) trades at $53.46 per share, with a market cap of $78.30 billion. But how does this stock price compare to its intrinsic value? The GF Value, a proprietary measure of a stock's fair value, provides an answer. Unveiling Boston Scientific (BSX)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Understanding the GF Value The GF Value is a unique measure of a stock's intrinsic value, calculated considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. It provides a fair value line indicating the ideal trading value of the stock. For Boston Scientific, the GF Value stands at $50.15, suggesting that the stock is fairly valued at its current trading price. This fair valuation indicates that the long-term return of Boston Scientific's stock is likely to align closely with the rate of its business growth. Unveiling Boston Scientific (BSX)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Link: These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk. Financial Strength Investing in companies with poor financial strength can pose a high risk of permanent capital loss. Therefore, understanding a company's financial strength, including its cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage, is crucial. Boston Scientific's cash-to-debt ratio is 0.05, ranking worse than 95.66% of companies in the Medical Devices & Instruments industry. However, its overall financial strength is 6 out of 10, indicating fair financial health. Story continues Unveiling Boston Scientific (BSX)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Profitability and Growth Investing in profitable companies, particularly those with consistent profitability over the long term, is generally less risky. Boston Scientific has been profitable for 6 out of the past 10 years, with an operating margin of 16.58%, ranking better than 77.58% of companies in its industry. The company's overall profitability rank is 6 out of 10, indicating fair profitability. However, the company's growth ranks worse than 53.16% of companies in its industry, with a 3-year average annual revenue growth rate of 5%, and a 3-year average EBITDA growth rate of 7.4%. ROIC vs WACC Comparing a company's Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) to its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) provides another perspective on its profitability. If the ROIC is higher than the WACC, the company is creating value for shareholders. Over the past 12 months, Boston Scientific's ROIC was 4.6, while its WACC was 7.77. Unveiling Boston Scientific (BSX)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Conclusion In conclusion, Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) appears to be fairly valued. The company's financial condition and profitability are fair, albeit with growth that ranks below more than half of the companies in its industry. To learn more about Boston Scientific stock, check out its 30-Year Financials here. To discover high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, visit GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. CF Industries Holdings Inc (NYSE:CF) has been in the spotlight recently, with a daily gain of 3.62%, a three-month gain of 21.44%, and an impressive Earnings Per Share (EPS) of 12.08. But, is the stock modestly undervalued? We will delve into its valuation analysis to answer this question. Let's explore further. Company Overview CF Industries Holdings, a leading nitrogen fertilizer producer and distributor, operates seven nitrogen facilities in North America and has joint venture interests in the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago. With low-cost U.S. natural gas as its feedstock, CF Industries Holdings is one of the lowest-cost nitrogen producers globally. The company is also investing in carbon-free blue and green ammonia, an alternative fuel to hydrogen. With a current stock price of $76.25 per share and a market cap of $14.70 billion, the company's GF Value stands at $90.02, indicating that the stock is modestly undervalued. Unveiling CF Industries Holdings (CF)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Understanding the GF Value The GF Value is a proprietary measure of a stock's intrinsic value. It is calculated based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher. CF Industries Holdings' stock appears to be modestly undervalued based on the GuruFocus Value calculation. Because CF Industries Holdings is relatively undervalued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be higher than its business growth. Unveiling CF Industries Holdings (CF)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Link: These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk. Financial Strength Investing in companies with strong financial strength reduces the risk of permanent loss. The cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage are great ways to understand a company's financial strength. CF Industries Holdings has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.99, which is better than 57.94% of 233 companies in the Agriculture industry. The overall financial strength of CF Industries Holdings is 7 out of 10, indicating fair financial strength. Story continues Unveiling CF Industries Holdings (CF)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Profitability and Growth Investing in profitable companies, especially those with consistent profitability and high profit margins, is less risky. CF Industries Holdings has been profitable 9 over the past 10 years. Over the past twelve months, the company had a revenue of $8.70 billion and an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $12.08. Its operating margin is 41.09%, which ranks better than 95.61% of 228 companies in the Agriculture industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks the profitability of CF Industries Holdings at 9 out of 10, indicating strong profitability . Long-term stock performance is closely correlated with growth. Companies that grow faster create more value for shareholders, especially if that growth is profitable. The average annual revenue growth of CF Industries Holdings is 38.3%, which ranks better than 83.41% of 217 companies in the Agriculture industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth is 53.9%, which ranks better than 83.98% of 206 companies in the Agriculture industry. ROIC vs WACC Comparing a company's return on invested capital (ROIC) to its weighted cost of capital (WACC) can evaluate its profitability. Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. If the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it indicates that the company is creating value for shareholders. Over the past 12 months, CF Industries Holdings's ROIC was 28.16, while its WACC came in at 9.93. Unveiling CF Industries Holdings (CF)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide Conclusion Overall, CF Industries Holdings (NYSE:CF) stock appears to be modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is strong. Its growth ranks better than 83.98% of 206 companies in the Agriculture industry. To learn more about CF Industries Holdings stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here. To find out the high quality companies that may deliever above average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. VERSES AI Inc. Three-Year Research Initiative Sets the Stage for Commercialization of Urban Air Mobility in Smart Cities across the Europe Union VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERSES AI Inc. (CBOE:VERS) (OTCQX:VRSSF) ("VERSES'' or the "Company), a cognitive computing company specializing in the next generation of artificial intelligence, today announced the successful completion of Flying Forward 2020 (FF2020). The three-year project that began in November 2020 was funded by the European Union to test the viability of autonomous drones across five European cities. The final two trial cities, Oulu, Finland and Tartu, Estonia, join the three other sites Eindhoven, Netherlands, Milan, Italy, and Zaragoza, Spain in demonstrating essential digital infrastructure for governing autonomous drones. VERSES platform, KOSM, was deployed in Oulu to map navigation routes and landing zones in urban areas based on 5G/6G signal strength as well as inspect locations such as winter roads and parking spaces while in Tartu, KOSM was implemented for preventative maintenance by automatically monitoring solar panels. Todays conclusion went extremely well, said Guido Maria Magliano, VERSES AI, Director of Operations. In order to unlock the tremendous latent value of autonomous systems, public and private stakeholders need a radically new approach to interoperability, governance and coordination and we believe VERSES platform, running on open standards deployed alongside our partners, proves that the EUs vision for a smarter world with safer AI powered vehicles has been demonstrated through a wide variety of use cases is now possible, necessary and at hand. The FF2020 consortium includes 12 global partners, working in concert to define a governance model, a regulatory framework, a geospatial digital infrastructure, a Digital Toolbox, an Identity of Things (IDoT) scheme and interoperability frameworks for autonomous drones. These deliverables were identified in the scope of the program as foundational to enabling a vast array of unmanned drone use cases including emergency response, surveillance, last mile delivery and taxi drones which collectively represent significant commercial value in efficiency, effectiveness and safety. Straits Research estimates that the commercial drone market is expected to reach USD $1.2 trillion by 2030. Story continues Were thrilled with our results of the program and their validation of how VERSES technology has paved the way for legally compliant commercialization not just for autonomous drones but for autonomous vehicles, sensors and AI powered systems of all kinds, said Gabriel Rene, Founder and CEO of VERSES. Learn more about how VERSES is providing guidance for governments on the importance of governance of Artificial Intelligence by reading The Future of Global AI Governance , a recent collaboration between VERSES and DENTONS, the worlds largest law firm. About VERSES VERSES is a cognitive computing company specializing in next-generation Artificial Intelligence. Modeled after natural systems and the design principles of the human brain and the human experience, VERSES flagship offering, GIA , is an Intelligent Assistant for anyone powered by KOSM , a network operating system enabling distributed intelligence. Built on open standards, KOSM transforms disparate data into knowledge models that foster trustworthy collaboration between humans, machines and AI, across digital and physical domains. Imagine a smarter world that elevates human potential through innovations inspired by nature. Learn more at VERSES , LinkedIn , and Twitter . About Flying Forward 2020 Flying Forward 2020 (FF2020) is a three-year research and innovation project funded by the European Union, under grant agreement number 101006828. The project focuses on creating a state of the art Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem for autonomous drone missions. It includes a governance model and framework, a regulatory framework, a geospatial digital infrastructure, a Digital Toolbox, an Identity of Things (IDoT) scheme and several interoperability frameworks. The solutions developed during the project will be tested in five living labs across Europe: Eindhoven, Milan, Zaragoza, Tartu and Oulu. For more information, visit www.ff2020.eu . Media Inquiries on behalf of the Company Eric Holder, VERSES AI Inc., Director of Communications, press@verses.ai Investor Relations Inquiries Leo Karabelas, Focus Communications, President, info@fcir.ca , 416-543-3120 Forward-Looking Statements Cautionary Note This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the Company's ongoing work with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue working with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020, and that the Companys operations will not be adversely impacted by COVID-19 or the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks relating to the Company ceasing its work with autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS through Flying Forward 2020 at any time, adverse changes in funding of Flying Forward 2020 or legislation relating to the autonomous drone flights operating BVLOS, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the lack of access to capital or financing when required, the loss of key personnel, the Company could face technology or software disruptions, unanticipated costs, risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets and other risk factors disclosed in the Companys disclosure record on www.sedar.com under the Companys profile. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Colorado's paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program takes effect in January, and state officials will explain how the program works during a meeting Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Larimer County Administrative Services Building. Colorado voters in 2020 approved the program to provide paid leave to anyone needing time off to take care of themselves or a family member with a serious health condition or growing family. The program takes effect Jan. 1, although employees and employers split the costs and have been paying premiums through payroll deductions since January this year. Eligible workers can get up to 12 weeks of pay (16 weeks in case of certain childbirth complications) on a sliding scale based on earnings, with lower wage earners receiving up to 90% of their wages. Employees can use the leave continuously, intermittently, or through a reduced work schedule. Premiums amount to 0.9% of an employees' wages with the employer and employee each paying half. Similar to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which protects employees' jobs if they take unpaid time off to care for themselves or family members, the state program pays employees a percentage of their wages during their time off and still protects their jobs. Colorados average weekly wage increased on July 1. That means that when FAMLI benefit payments become available in January, those payments will be based on the new state average of $1,421.16. Thats an increase of more than $70 from the current average. That's important because FAMLI benefits are based on a sliding scale relative to the statewide average weekly wage. While payments will be based on a higher average in 2024, premiums will remain at 0.9% of wages. Learn more in Fort Collins The meeting will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Larimer County Administrative Services Building, room 155, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: This Larimer County meeting will explain Colorado's paid family leave Wells Fargo, the fourth largest U.S. bank, agreed to pay the SEC $35 million to settle charges that the firm overcharged about 11,000 investment advisory accounts with $26.8 million in advisory fees. Financial advisors from Wells Fargo and firms it acquired allegedly negotiated reduced preset fees with their clients but failed to implement them, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This cost their customers millions of dollars, the SEC stated. The company overcharged some clients who opened accounts before 2014 for extra fees through December 2022. The firm reimbursed the affected clients about $40 million for extra fees with interest. The firm also failed to use proper compliance measures to guarantee customers only paid agreed-upon fees and werent unduly charged, according to the agency. Gurbir Grewal, director of the SECs Enforcement Division, explained that the penalty underscores the need for firms growing their businesses through acquisition to ensure that their growth does not come at the expense of client protection. Wells Fargo agreed to pay the fine without admitting or denying the charges. Investment advisers must adopt and implement policies and procedures to ensure that they honor their agreements with all of their clients, including legacy clients of predecessor firms, he said. Wells Fargo spokesperson Caroline Szyperski said in an email the firm was glad to resolve the issue: The process that caused this issue was corrected nearly a decade ago. And, as noted in the settlement documents, Wells Fargo Advisors conducted a thorough review of accounts and has fully reimbursed affected customers. The bank reportedly had about 12,000 advisors in its practice at the end of 2022, according to Barrons, though as of April 2023, it ceased reporting advisor head count as part of its earnings reports. Its a regular practice for financial advisors to negotiate advisory fees with clients, but in this case some clients never actually got the agreed upon discount. Story continues This isnt the firms first legal troubles on the federal level. Wells Fargo was ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to pay $1.7 billion for mismanaging more than 16 million consumer accounts last year, in addition to more than $2 billion to reimburse consumers. Federal officials said at the time it was the largest fine ever imposed by the agency, and the bank continues to operate under strict asset cap restrictions. The scandal also led to the ouster of two executives deemed responsible for the scandal, CEO John Stumpf, and Carrie Tolstedt, former head of Wells Fargo & Co.s Community Bank. In May, Tolstedt reached a $3 million settlement with the SEC over fraud charges, without admitting the allegations. In 2020, Stumpf paid a $17.5 million fine and accepted a lifetime ban from the banking industry; Tolstedt, also banned, faces up to 16 months in prison. Contact Lucy Brewster at lucy.brewster@etf.com Permalink | Copyright 2023 etf.com. All rights reserved Workers at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue in Chicago the largest Starbucks in the world rejected union membership in a vote held Friday and Saturday by the National Labor Relations Board. Employees at the 35,000-square-foot roastery rejected the union in a 119-90 vote, according to the labor board. Staff at the flagship roastery filed for a union election last month with Starbucks Workers United, the Service Employees International Union affiliate representing Starbucks workers. The Michigan Avenue roastery, a five-story tourist draw at 646 N. Michigan Ave., opened in a former Crate & Barrel store in 2019. The caffeine emporium offers elaborate coffee-based drinks and cocktails as well as pastries baked in house. It was the coffee giants sixth roastery in the world when it opened four years ago. Two other U.S. roasteries, located in Starbucks Seattle hometown and in New York, unionized last spring. In a news release, Starbucks Workers United alleged the company engaged in illegal union-busting at the Chicago roastery, which Starbucks denies. We are pleased that our Chicago Roastery partners share our belief that we are accomplishing more to improve the partner experience working directly together than would be accomplished through the divisive tactics of the union, said Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull. In a statement, Starbucks Workers United said it had filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB alleging the company had held mandatory captive audience and one-on-one meetings in the run-up to the election and that it had engaged in illegal surveillance of union activities. Starbucks did everything possible to stop workers from having a free and fair election, the union said. Starbucks said it believes the unions allegations are meritless and that actions taken were both lawful and in alignment with the (National Labor Relations Act). The company said any conversations that involved discussion of union organizing were optional for roastery employees. Story continues Workers United should respect the right for all partners to share their experiences and beliefs related to union representation and should recognize the outcome of this properly conducted election, Trull said. The loss at the Chicago roastery, which would have added about 240 baristas, mixologists, retail staff and customer service workers to the unions ranks, is symbolically challenging for the Starbucks union at a vulnerable point in its campaign, said Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research at Cornells School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Though the Starbucks campaign has logged a high win rate as of early August, the union had won more than 80% of elections held those wins have slowed down, Bronfenbrenner said. The approximately 350 unionized Starbucks stores represent only a small fraction of the companys 9,300 company-owned stores in the U.S. Though the Starbucks union campaign won its first election in late 2021, no cafe has yet bargained a first contract. Regional officials for the labor board have issued complaints alleging the company has failed to bargain in good faith with the union at numerous cafes around the country, which Starbucks denies. The company says it is the union that has failed to bargain in good faith with the company. Workers United has also faced decertification petitions at 17 unionized cafes, Starbucks said, including at its roastery in New York. Workers can file decertification petitions, which seek to force a second union election, one year after unionization if they do not yet have a contract. The petition at the New York roastery was dismissed because of complaints issued against Starbucks alleging labor law violations there, according to labor board filings. The worker who filed the petition has since requested review of that decision. The Starbucks campaign inspired an organizing wave across the country, but they are taking on a huge employer store by store by store, Bronfenbrenner said. The store-by-store approach means most bargaining units organized by the Starbucks campaign are much smaller than the Chicago roastery, with many involving votes of just 15 or 20 baristas. The size of the roastery makes it more difficult to organize than a typical neighborhood cafe, Bronfenbrenner said. Chiquita Robinson, a baker at the roastery, said she voted against the union because she felt as if she could address any problems she had at work with management herself. When she first started working at the roastery, she said, she was being underpaid and her manager resolved the situation, getting her a raise. You have to speak up to speak out, said Robinson, who said she had worked at the roastery since it opened four years ago. Closed mouths dont get fed. Robinson, who said she felt the union campaign had divided the roastery, also noted that Starbucks had continued to pay roastery staff when stores were closed early in the pandemic. We dont need a union, she said. They take good care of us. Kyra Supnet, a mixologist at the roastery who voted for the union, said the company had engaged in a campaign to discourage yes votes, including by holding meetings in which managers pulled out tears and by giving out snacks stickered with messages encouraging no votes. Every Gatorade bottle was stickered, said Supnet, a member of the staffs organizing committee who said she has worked at the roastery for a little over a year. Supnet said she believes the companys messaging eroded support for the union push. Reflecting on the unions campaign, she noted the size and design of the roastery made it difficult to organize. Were all separated by floors, she said. Its really hard to gauge who knows who and who can talk to who. Nationally, Starbucks has pushed back hard against the union drive, which launched in Buffalo, New York, in 2021. The company has been found in violation of a range of labor laws by administrative law judges over the course of the campaign, including in Chicago, where a judge ruled the company had threatened workers at two cafes and illegally fired a Hyde Park barista who led the union push at his neighborhood store. Starbucks has appealed that ruling and generally denies allegations and findings of lawbreaking. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2023) - Zedcor Inc. (TSXV: ZDC) (the "Company" or "Zedcor") is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the opportunity to provide mobile security services for the Ottawa O-Line Light Rapid Transit ("LRT") expansion. Currently, Zedcor is providing a total of 15 MobileyeZ security towers to 3 entities associated with Kiewit Corporation. Sites being secured include equipment storage yards, light maintenance and storage facilities and five LRT stations under construction on the O-Train West Extension. Over the next month, the Company anticipates that this will expand to 20 MobileyeZ security towers and peak demand for this project will be up 26 MobileyeZ. Construction for the western extension is expected to be completed in late 2026. Todd Ziniuk, President and CEO said: "We are extremely pleased to be awarded this opportunity. This further solidifies our expansion across Canada as we provide technology enabled security services to help reduce costs and provide better security solutions to critical infrastructure projects. Kiewit Corporation is a repeat customer whom Zedcor has provided services to on critical infrastructure projects in Western Canada. With Zedcor's expansion to Eastern Canada, we are now able to provide them with MobileyeZ throughout the country. This agreement demonstrates that our clients recognize that Zedcor's MobileyeZ are uniquely equipped to provide better security to linear construction projects than traditional security guards and that our unparalleled service model drives repeat business." In addition to the Company's award of the O-Line LRT expansion, Zedcor is also pleased to announce that it has been awarded the mobile security contract for the Canadian National Exhibition ("CNE"). The CNE is an annual event that takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto for three weeks with approximately 1.5 million visitors. Zedcor's MobileyeZ will be used for afterhours security as well as enhancing internal surveillance capabilities during operating hours, which will be handled by CNE's on site security team, allowing the CNE to respond to and review for potential customer and employee safety or liability incidents. Providing MobileyeZ for large events such as the CNE provides Zedcor the opportunity to showcase our equipment, technology and capabilities outside of traditional security in a highly visible environment. Story continues About Zedcor Inc. Zedcor Inc. is a Canadian public corporation and is currently the parent company to Zedcor Security Solutions Corp. Zedcor is a technology enabled business that is changing how physical security services are provided to businesses. Zedcor operates throughout Canada with service centers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The Company operates a fleet of over 700 proprietary MobileyeZ security towers, equipped with high resolution, technology-based cameras, and monitors fixed site locations for customers across various industries. Video from security towers and fixed site locations is streamed to the Company's central monitoring station where video alarms are live verified and responded to based on customer requirements. Zedcor also offers high level security guard services to enterprise level customers who are looking to supplement video-based security for valuable, high risk, or mission critical operational assets. Forward-Looking Statements and Information Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Forward-Looking statements or information can be identified by terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "budget", "should", "project", or similar words suggesting future outcomes or expectations. In particular, forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release, include, but are not limited to, the expansion of Zedcor's Security and Surveillance business, fleet expansion, marketing of security services and expansion of Zedcor's service offering to other geographic regions. Although the Company believes that the expectations implied in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements or information because the Company can give no assurance that such statements or information will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of assumptions about the future and uncertainties, including current forecasts and utilization. Although management of the Company believes these expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements or information to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will be proved to be correct, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. For this purpose, any statements or information contained herein that are not statements or information of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements or information and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new contrary information, future events or any other reason, unless the Company is required by any applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. For further information contact: Todd Ziniuk President & Chief Executive Officer P: 403-930-5432 E: tziniuk@zedcor.ca Amin Ladha Chief Financial Officer P: 403-930-5435 E: aladha@zedcor.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178509 Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley has notified the Lincoln Airport Authority that he plans to audit the use of $3 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds on a failed airline. In a letter to airport Executive Director David Haring dated Friday, Foley said his office had "received concerns regarding millions of dollars in funding" to Red Way Airlines. Red Way earlier this week announced that it will cease operations at the end of the month after less than three months in business. As part of a deal to start new service at the Lincoln Airport in June, Red Way received a revenue guarantee backed by $3 million in leftover American Rescue Plan Act funds $1.5 million each from the county and city. The money was meant to be used to supplement startup losses the airline incurred in its first months. However, former airport authority board member Nick Cusick, who resigned last month, told the Journal Star the airline had already used more than $2 million in its first two months of operation. It's not clear whether it will be entitled to any more money. Foley, in his letter, said his office will be auditing all funding received by Red Way and all expenditures made by the Lincoln airport authority on behalf of or in relation to Red Way's Nebraska operations. In a statement, John Olsson, chairman of the airport authority, said the airport already had been planning to do its own audit of the Red Way operations, and the board, "looks forward to cooperating with the State Auditor, as well as our community partners the Lancaster County Board and the Lincoln City Council to coordinate all efforts to ensure a transparent audit process moving forward. Red Way was a creative solution the airport came up with after having trouble finding another airline to start service at its newly remodeled and expanded terminal. The airline was technically providing charter service through Global Crossing Airlines, although to customers, it looked and operated like a regular commercial airline. Service began in early June to seven cities, and though the airline seemed to be doing well, flying more than 13,000 total passengers in June and July, it was apparently bleeding money. Red Way used more than $900,000 from the incentive fund in June, and Cusick told the Journal Star it withdrew even more than that in July. What was left was deemed to be not enough to safely get them to the finish line, Cusick said, causing Red Way to make the decision to pull the plug. In a Facebook post Wednesday, Red Way said it faced "insurmountable challenges as a small startup," and the "compounding of costs and lack of resources have made it impossible for us to sustain operations." The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners issued a written statement on Wednesday, saying it is deeply disappointed and troubled at this unexpected and sudden turn of events. The board said there are many unanswered questions regarding the Red Way project, (and it) looks forward to receiving a full accounting of this situation as the Lincoln Airport Authority charts a new path forward to serve our community. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird declined to comment on Wednesday. Photos: First Red Way flight departs from Lincoln Airport President Joe Bidens designation of a new national monument near the Grand Canyon prohibits mining of most uranium deposits within the monument, a decision made amid renewed interest in accelerating the building of carbon-free nuclear power plants in the U.S., which need uranium to fuel reactors. Indeed, domestic uranium processing is once more burgeoning, said industry experts, who noted that U.S. production rose by more than 800% in 2022 compared to 2021. In raw numbers, though, the increase in domestic production can only sufficiently power a single reactor for a few months. The U.S. imports uranium from other countries to fill its needs. A Denver-based company could benefit from the boom in domestic uranium production. With Russias recent invasion of Ukraine, theres a lot more interest in trying to restore some of these capabilities here in the United States, Curtis Moore, senior vice president of marketing for Energy Fuels, said in an interview with The Gazette. Thats why this facility is just so important right now. The facility Moore referred to is the White Mesa Mill, near Blanding, Utah, which is the only licensed, conventional uranium mill left in the U.S. and is also owned by Energy Fuels, which processes ore for uranium, vanadium and rare earth metals. The company is in the midst of expanding its rare earth materials refining to include separation of mixed rare earth oxides into high-purity individual metals suitable for manufacturing. We really think that San Juan County (Utah) is on the cusp of becoming this clean energy hub for the United States, where were producing the raw materials that we need for many of the clean energy technologies that were developing today from renewable energy to electric vehicles to nuclear power, Moore said. The mill, built in 1980, has been processing uranium since but has changed hands several times. Energy Fuels took ownership of the mill in 2012. The mill employs about 60 people and half of them are Native Americans from the surrounding Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo nations, he said. In January, Energy Fuels sold about $18.1 million, or some 300,000 pounds of natural, unenriched yellowcake, also called U308, to the new federal uranium reserve created by the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration formed and funded by Congress to stockpile U.S. origin uranium. Energy Fuels also owns the only remaining active, permitted uranium mine out of more than 50 ore bodies previously discovered inside the new Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona. New mines in what is now a national monument were halted by then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in 2014. Salazar, who is from Colorado, implemented a 20-year mining moratorium that was set to expire next year. While designation as a national monument by law precludes all future mining claims, it doesnt affect existing mineral rights, including mines established prior to the 2014 withdrawal of the area for mining by Salazar, according to a fact sheet from the White House on the designation. The U.S. Department of Energy said there are 3,446 abandoned, defense-related uranium mines in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico remnants of the uranium mining boom of the 1950s. The Biden administration said the designation is part of Bidens goal to conserve and restore 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, and maintains the nearly 1 million acres are sacred to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples. This is Bidens fifth National Monument designation. By comparison, President Bill Clinton designated 19, Theodore Roosevelt 17, and Jimmy Carter 15. Carter designated more than 55,800,000 acres, mostly in Alaska, according to the National Park Service. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. A 2020 report by the Congressional Research Service showed the federal government already owns and controls roughly 640 million acres or about 28% of the 2.27 billion acres of land in the United States. While environmentalists voice concerns about the environmental impacts of mining, experts point out that minerals must be mined where they are found. Some of the richest areas in the U.S. for uranium lie in western states, according to the Uranium Producers of America. In the area of the new monument, uranium is found in breccia pipes vertical geologic features that do not require open pit mining like some other metals such as copper do. A typical pipe is about 300 feet in diameter and may extend downward as many as 3,000 feet, Energy Fuels Moore said. Using classic shaft mining, Moore said that the entire mine site is only about 17 acres in size. Once the uranium ore has been removed, the shaft will be capped, and the entire site reclaimed. The Grand Canyon Trust, long-time opponents of uranium mining, said in a 2021 blog post by Amber Reimondo, the organizations energy director, the mines shaft penetrated a shallow aquifer, resulting in over 40 million gallons and counting of water being pumped out of the shaft since 2013. The blog post said, Recent scientific research has concluded that water from shallow aquifers percolated into the deeper Redwall-Muav aquifer at unknown locations south of the Grand Canyon. The Redwall-Muav aquifer is the source of the largest spring in the Grand Canyon. The blog post provided no links to the research. The blog post added, In reality, no one has investigated to determine whether fractures in the area could allow contaminated water to seep through the walls of the mine shaft and reach the Redwall-Muav Aquifer. The blog post called for deep monitoring wells to be drilled around the mine to determine the direction of the groundwater flow and to immediately detect contamination. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is quoted in the blog post as saying there is over 1,000 feet of impermeable rock layers between the bottom of the mine shaft and the Redwall-Muav Aquifer, while also claiming that the U.S. Geological Survey suggests that shallow groundwater could be mixing with deeper groundwater near the mine. A 2023 multi-modal online poll of 600 likely 2024 General Election voters in Arizona by Impact Research, which describes itself as a proud ally and asset to progressive causes and campaigns around the globe, reported that 81% of those polled agreed that protecting Arizonas clean water supply was very important. The report, apparently commissioned by the Grand Canyon Trust, went on to say that 49% of those polled thought it is very important for Congress to protect the Grand Canyon from uranium mining than to create more drilling and mining jobs. There are currently an estimated 13 million pounds of uranium in breccia pipes in Northern Arizona, according to the Uranium Producers of America. The U.S. today, with 94 commercial power reactors, has an annual requirement of about 50 million pounds and continues to be the worlds largest consumer of uranium, according to the World Nuclear Association. Moore said in 2022 about 47% of all the uranium used in U.S. nuclear reactors was imported from four countries. More than 11 million pounds came from Canada, about 10 million pounds was from Kazakhstan, about 4.8 million pounds was from Russia, and 4.4 million pounds was from Uzbekistan. Moore said uranium from the latter three of those countries is controlled by Russia. In 2021, U.S. uranium production was about 21,000 pounds of U308, said Moore. Truly, thats pretty much zero in the grand scheme of things. The U.S. consumes about 45 million pounds of yellowcake every year. U.S. uranium production went from 21,000 pounds to 194,000 pounds in 2022, said Moore. But even 194,000 pounds isnt that much, Moore said. Thats only enough to fuel maybe a single reactor for six months. And Ill say that our company produced the lions share of that 2022 production. We produced 162,000 pounds of yellowcake last year at the White Mesa Mill. So, thats probably 80% of the 194,000 pounds that happened last year throughout the U.S. Historically, uranium production in the U.S. peaked in 1980 at about 44 million pounds. In 2013, U.S. uranium mines produced about 4.6 million pounds, less than 10% of the annual uranium required to fuel the current commercial reactors. Is the Biden administration close to a decision on whether to change federal laws around marijuana, with potential major ramifications for the drug's use and the cannabis industry's ability to access, among other things, financing? Some believe that decision, which could, at a minimum, involve putting cannabis in the same category as prescription drugs, could take place as soon as the end of this year or sometime early in 2024. In October 2022, President Joe Biden issued a statement on marijuana enforcement, pardoned individuals convicted at the federal level of simple possession and asked governors to do the same for state offenses. Third on Bidens list was a request to the U.S. Attorney General and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. That followed an October 2021 request from U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, and Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to remove cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Administration's list of controlled substances. The last time the executive branch looked at the issue was under President Obama in July 2016, but Bidens letter last year noted an international treaty at the time that resulted in a denial of the drug's de-scheduling by the Drug Enforcement Administration. However, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs decided in December 2020 on a close 27 to 25 vote to reduce restrictions on cannabis tied to the treaty, and some of the signatories, including Canada and Uruguay, have since legalized cannabis completely. More than 50 member states of the United Nations have also adopted medicinal cannabis programs. Currently, marijuana is listed in the U.S. under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances. Thats the same classification that includes heroin, ecstasy, peyote and LSD. The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 was part of the Nixon administrations war on drugs that also included the establishment of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The law stipulates five schedules, with Schedule 1 reserved for drugs with the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Scant research However, after more than 50 years of prohibition, attitudes around medical uses for cannabis have changed. The Food and Drug Administration, for example, approved synthetic THC-based medications for treating nausea in cancer patients and for those with AIDS, as well as two CBD-based liquid medications for treating rare forms of epilepsy in children. Despite those approvals, both the DEA and FDA firmly adhere to the Schedule 1 classification. Until recently, scientific research around the effects of cannabis has been scarce due to its classification as a Schedule 1 drug. Only in the last two years has the Drug Enforcement Administration started to loosen its restrictions on who can produce cannabis for scientific research and medical purposes. At the moment, only one university is allowed by the DEA to supply cannabis for research purposes. The National Academies of Science pointed out that despite growing acceptance of marijuana in many states, "evidence regarding the short- and long-term health effects of cannabis use remains elusive." "Unlike other controlled substances, such as alcohol or tobacco, no accepted standards for safe use or appropriate dose are available to help guide individuals as they make choices regarding the issues of if, when, where, and how to use cannabis safely and, in regard to therapeutic uses, effectively," the group said. A 2020 letter from the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said "marijuana impairs short-term memory and judgment and distorts perception" and, as a result, "can impair performance in school or at work and make it dangerous to drive." "It also affects brain systems that are still maturing through young adulthood, so regular use by teens may have negative and long-lasting effects on their cognitive development, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and possibly interfering with their well-being in other ways," the letter said, adding, "Also, contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive, and its use during adolescence may make other forms of problem use or addiction more likely." Researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus recently pointed to studies showing that very potent marijuana is associated with psychosis, but that it also offers some benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression. The researchers, who noted that the health implications of the trend toward high potency marijuana are "not well understood," screened about 66,000 studies and identified 452 that are relevant. Indeed, they cautioned that the evidence does not provide an accurate picture of how risk for adverse outcomes varies with concentration or other indicators of THC dose. One study cited by researchers concluded that any cannabis use or daily consumption or any initiation prior to age 15 and high potency use are "all associated with earlier age of first onset of psychosis." The researchers also saw a "moderate amount of evidence" that high potency marijuana offers beneficial outcomes in particular cases, specifically in obsessive-compulsive disorder, where one study found reductions in compulsions, intrusions, and anxiety; palliative care symptoms, in which patients self-reported improvement in neuropathic pain, insomnia, and depressive symptoms; and, in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, where a self-reported questionnaire study found an association between higher-dose consumption of medical cannabis and reduction in ADHD medication. Biden has echoed the concerns over the gaps in research, calling marijuana's current classification a "significant barrier to further medical research because researchers are severely limited in their ability to access the substance. The president, along with Congress, has already taken steps to promote medical research on cannabis. Last December, he signed into law the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, a bill co-sponsored by then-U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Arvada, which would establish a new registration process for conducting research on marijuana and for manufacturing marijuana products for research purposes and drug development. In a tweet last October, Biden said that having cannabis classified at Schedule 1 made no sense. But he gave little indication of just where he thought it should be. Even some who are opposed to legalization back the idea of more medical research. More research needed Luke Niforatos, the executive vice president for Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told Colorado Politics he expects to see a lot more medical research on marijuana-based medications, and "that's a good thing." That said, the group wants marijuana to stay right where it is at Schedule 1. "We don't expect it to change, and from a scientific perspective, (it) makes no sense to change," he said. "What we've learned from the science ... it's not something that has medical value," he said, noting the FDA has approved formulations with THC, and "we expect to continue to see medicine work through the FDA process," especially with the medical marijuana act that the group supported last year. "It's not that we can't have marijuana as medicine right now. There's an industry pushing for it to be rescheduled" despite it never qualifying as medication, as most people understand what medicine is for the past century, he said. Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, who has long advocated for more limitations on marijuana potency, said, "Anything we do should be thoughtful." She said the primary consideration should be to protect kids. "I don't want people to go to jail," she told Colorado Politics, and said she is opposed to criminalizing the drug as a way of dealing with addiction. "It's hard to put the genie back in the bottle. The problem for me is that we've commercialized it, and that commercialization has led to perverting the product," creating edibles that are high in potency, for example, she said. "I would welcome the FDA getting involved in regulating, and that we could do research with federal dollars on these products." Amabile said today people can claim whatever they want about what the drug does but, with FDA involvement, those claims could be evaluated. A recommendation by year's end Many experts believe Biden will want to make a decision about de-scheduling or rescheduling cannabis before he completes his first term of office. Thats based in part on comments by health department secretary Xavier Becerra, who said in June he hopes to have a recommendation ready by years end. The process of reevaluating cannabis for potential de-scheduling (or even moving to a lower schedule) works like this: the Department of Health and Human Services would evaluate cannabis, based on eight criteria that includes its public health risks, several criteria around abuse and scientific evidence of its pharmacological effect. If the health secretary recommends de-scheduling, the attorney general would have to agree, according to this analysis. However, if the health secretary recommends rescheduling or keeping it as Schedule 1 drug, the attorney general is not bound to that decision. Two weeks ago, Anne Milgram, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, spoke at a U.S. House hearing about rescheduling, telling lawmakers her agency must first conduct its own evaluation process before making a scheduling decision. But whether that means moving cannabis to a lower schedule, or taking it off the schedule entirely, as cannabis advocates are clambering for, is the biggest question of all. 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. The differences are huge. A 'double edged' sword Peter Marcus, communications director for Terrapin Care Station, calls the notion of rescheduling marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 a double-edged sword. Everything were hearing indicates the Biden administration will reschedule rather than deschedule, Marcus told Colorado Politics. His guess is the administration could drag it out into the election season. While it wouldnt be the worst thing to change it to Schedule 3, thats not what needs to happen, Marcus said. The biggest advantage in changing the classification is what happens to the taxes the marijuana industry pays. Businesses are allowed to deduct the cost of doing business for taxing purposes, which can include everything from computers to mortgages, utilities, wages and other supplies. Those deductions, however, arent allowed for the cannabis industry under something known as Internal Revenue Service regulation 280E. That regulation came into play in the 1970s, when drug dealers were setting up limited liability companies and then deducting their business costs, including drugs, from their taxes. In response, the IRS came up with regulation 280E, which says no deduction or credit shall be allowed for any trade or business if that business traffics in controlled substances under either Schedule I or II of the Controlled Substances Act. Were cannabis to be rescheduled to Schedule III, or de-scheduled, cannabis businesses could start deducting business expenses. Truman Bradley of the Marijuana Industry Group said 280E is truly crushing the industry." "The only organization actually making money off of cannabis right now is the federal government in the form of unfair taxes, he said. No other industry in the country faces a tax burden this severe, Bradley said. But getting rid of the 280E regulation would could lead to a flood of cash into the cannabis market, Marcus said, adding that would benefit large businesses but not so good for mom-and-pop stores. Marcus said investors hold extra cash and could squeeze out those smaller businesses through consolidation and changes in pricing. Thats the double-edged sword, Marcus said. Niforatos said the pharmaceutical industry is already in, pointing to the purchase last December by Teva Israel, a branch of Teva Pharmaceuticals, of a medical cannabis company. Closer to home, last week, Tilray Wellness, the world's largest cannabis company, announced one of its divisions had signed a distribution agreement with Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, which owns the Breckenridge Brewery brand, along with Bud Light. This could lead to expansion into the United States of the company's CBD-infused beverages. In the wake of that news, Forbes reported the company's strategy is to bring in products "that could quickly support cannabis extensions if the United States de-criminalizes the drug." A boon for marijuana banking Rescheduling would notably help with banking woes, long a problem for the industry. Marcus said it isnt that cannabis businesses cant bank they can, but they get hit with exorbitant fees from the banking industry. A rescheduling or de-scheduling of the drug would mean fees would come down, and credit card companies would relax their restrictions. The changes to the industry wouldnt happen overnight, Marcus said. There would likely be years of rulemaking first from the Food and Drug Administration, which would approve products, as well as from the DEA. The FDA has brought up another issue: the potential for big pharmaceuticals coming into the industry, Marcus said. Theyve been sitting on the sidelines this whole time when it comes to the production of cannabis products, Marcus said. Once marijuana is rescheduled (or de-scheduled), the pharmaceutical industry will make their own push for their own products with the Food and Drug Administration, Marcus said. The entry of pharmaceutical industry into the cannabis industry is part the downside of rescheduling, Marcus claimed. Would people purchase their cannabis in a pharmacy? he asked. Marcus believes the Biden administration wont go all the way to descheduling the drug. The president doesnt want to see marijuana legalized, he said. Its personal because of his son. (Hunter Biden has a well-documented history of alcohol and drug abuse, writing about it in a 2021 memoir.) Ultimately the most appropriate place for cannabis is not on a list of controlled substances, Bradley of the Marijuana Industry Group said. Weve been in the drug war a long time, said Wanda James, who with her husband owns Simply Pure, the first African-American licensees for a cannabis dispensary. James is also a regent for Congressional District 1 for the University of Colorado. James said she has seen first hand the effects of the war on drugs, with a brother who was sent to a Texas prison at age 17 for possessing four ounces of marijuana. He's now working alongside her at Simply Pure. She said shes happy for incremental change, although she worries about the potential for unintended consequences. James said she would want greater access to banking beyond procuring credit cards or paying lower banking fees. No business can survive under Schedule I, James said, pointing out that she paid more than $40,000 in banking fees annually. Its not really banking, James said, adding her business is allowed to have a depository, which means the bank picks up the money, puts it into a vault and the company can write checks against it. And thats it, James said. What cannabis companies dont have, in addition to access to credit cards, is access to lines or credit. For example, Denver recently required dispensaries to lock up their products in a vault at night. That remodeling cost is about $75,000 per store for a store of less than 1,000 square feet. Where do I get that money? James asked. She could go to someone who could finance outside of a bank, but that investor would want 30% of her business. I cant get a loan, I cant get a line of credit to help with these unfunded mandates, James said. Two people have died of the West Nile virus in El Paso County this year amid an "early and intense" mosquito season, public health officials said. Since the first human case of the virus was reported in the county on Aug. 1, the number has spiked to 18 as of Monday, including the two deaths, according to the El Paso County Public Health Department. Not only are the cases the first in two years, they soar above the number of cases reported in the last decade combined. El Paso County saw just nine positive cases between 2013-2021, and no cases were reported last year. According to Colorado Department of Health and Environment data, the last West Nile-related death in the county was in 2003. The surge follows a spring and summer of heavy precipitation, including historic rains in May and June, that brought about more standing water and, consequently, thriving mosquito breeding grounds. West Nile virus returns season to season as mosquitoes feed on infected birds, and then on humans, EPCPH co-medical director Bernadette Albanese told the county Board of Public Health on Wednesday. Statewide, 11 deaths have been reported across Weld, Pueblo, Boulder, Jefferson, La Plata and, now, El Paso counties, according to Annemarie Harper, communications director for the Colorado Department of Health and Environments Disease Control and Public Health Response. The state's first death from the virus occurred in Weld County earlier this month. Of the 122 people confirmed by CDPHE to be infected statewide, 73 have been hospitalized up from 43 last week, according to previous reporting by the Denver Gazette. Public health data provided to The Gazette on Monday shows that, of the countys 18 confirmed cases, which span from Falcon to Northgate to Old Colorado City, 83% contracted the virus locally. The message to the public is that infected mosquitos are probably all over the county, Albanese said. Not only have cases increased dramatically from recent years, the 2023 seasons peak came weeks earlier than is typical, Albanese said. Most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and early September, but cases peaked by mid-July and early August, officials said. On average, Colorado as a whole would normally have seen less than 10 cases by this point in the year. Most people who get infected with West Nile virus via a mosquito bite don't end up showing symptoms, though some can ultimately develop an illness with deadly potential. According to Haley Zachary, EPCPH communicable disease program manager, the county breaks down cases by symptom severity to better understand how and why different population groups are affected and better "target them for messaging" on mitigating risk. Currently, 67% of the county's confirmed cases exhibit "neuroinvasive" symptoms, where the virus impacts the brain and central nervous system and can cause encephalitis or meningitis. Zachary said the neuroinvasive symptoms typically affect people over 55. Those with certain health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants are at greater risk of becoming symptomatic in some way. Zachary encouraged residents to use some kind of insect repellent, especially when mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. People can also wear long sleeves and pants and socks to avoid bites and should drain any standing water near their homes. Just a tablespoon of water is enough to become a mosquito breeding habitat," Zachary said, meaning even the smallest pools water caught in flowerpots, bird feeders, sidewalk cracks or tree stumps can boost the mosquito population. All charges against the Fountain man accused of killing his girlfriend and staging it as a suicide were dismissed on Monday after the autopsy report for Joslyn Teetzel was released, and her death was ruled a suicide. At a press conference held Monday afternoon Kirby described the 22 days he spent in jail accused of a crime he is no longer believed to have committed as "traumatizing," and openly questioned if he would ever be able to move on. "Our children lost both their mother and father because of the Fountain Police Department's failure to investigate," Kirby said. "I have yet to be able to grieve with my twins because they have restricted me from seeing them. My family and I have been torn apart and devastated because of the Fountain Police Department's actions." Despite the dismissal of Miles Kirby's case, the Teetzel family alleged in court that Kirby remains responsible for Teetzel's death, even if indirectly. Prior to Kirby's case being dismissed by El Paso County Judge Samuel Evig, members of Teetzel's family spoke to the court including Teetzel's oldest daughter to describe the abuse Teetzel allegedly suffered at the hands of Kirby. Teetzel's oldest daughter (not biologically related to Kirby), who is just 10 years old, informed Evig that the evening before Teetzel's death Kirby physically assaulted her by hitting her and throwing her against the stairs, something she said was a common occurrence in the household over the past four years. "Miles (Kirby) told her (Teetzel) to 'go kill herself or he would do it himself,'" Teetzel's daughter said through tears to Judge Evig. Teetzel's older brother Chris Teetzel also spoke to the court, stating that the alleged abuse suffered by his sister at the hands of Kirby is what ultimately led to her death. "Miles (Kirby) was responsible," Chris Teetzel said to open his statement to the court. "Josyln (Teetzel) did not deserve this ... This is not over." As Teetzel's daughter and brother voiced accusations of abuse to the court, Kirby could be seen at the defense table sat between his attorneys shaking his head in disagreement with the claims. Kirby attended Monday morning's hearing out of custody after being granted a $100,000 personal recognizance (PR) bond by Judge Evig earlier this month. He did not speak to the court during the proceedings. At a Monday afternoon press conference following his case being dismissed, Kirby denied having ever abused Teetzel, and denied the claims of Teetzel's daughter in court that he had hit her the night prior to Teetzel's death. "I was not violent," Kirby said. "I loved her (Teetzel), and I miss her dearly." "We 100% disagree with that (allegations of abuse), we don't believe that happened," Daniel Kay, Kirby's attorney, added. When asked why Teetzel's daughter would make up those claims, Kirby said that the girl is often "dramatic" and that she is being influenced by Teetzel's side of the family. Prosecuting attorney Christina Perroni elaborated on the statement of Chris Teetzel and informed the court that despite the motion to dismiss charges, an investigation into Teetzel's death remains open. The case was dismissed by Evig without prejudice, meaning charges can be filed against Kirby under the same allegations at a later date despite the case dismissal. "Ethically, we can't go forward with the charges of first-degree murder and tampering," Perroni said. "There are still questions that need to be answered." Kay said during the press conference that he "absolutely does not" expect any new or additional charges to be filed against Kirby despite the case being closed without prejudice. Kay provided a copy of Teetzel's autopsy report to The Gazette that confirms the El Paso County Coroner's Officer ruled Teetzel's death a suicide by hanging on Aug. 21. "The initial history, scene investigative findings, available video surveillance footage, and injuries observed on postmortem examination strongly suggested homicide due to strangulation," the autopsy report written by Jarod Murdoch states. Murdoch goes on to state that the investigation and review in the days after Teetzel's death, including the discovery of a video of Teetzel allegedly walking into the shed alone prior to her death, contributed to his final determination that Teetzel's death was a suicide. The autopsy also reports that Teetzel had the following non-fatal injuries at the time of her death: - Contusion of left cheek 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. - Abrasions of chin - Abrasions of left wrist and left third finger - Abrasions and contusions of lower extremities Kirby at the press conference claimed these noted injuries from the coroner's office did not come via abuse, but via "self-mutilation" on the part of Teetzel. Kay at the hearing Monday morning expressed anger on behalf of his client over the Fountain Police Department "rush to judgement" in charging Kirby. "This case should never have been brought before the court," Kay said to Judge Evig. Kay specifically expressed anger with the Fountain Police Department acquiring the video of Teetzel entering the shed alone and still going ahead with a murder charge against his client. Perroni informed the court that the Fountain Police Department did not acquire the video until after charges were filed against Kirby. "Well maybe they (the Fountain Police Department) should have waited (to press charges)," Kay said in response. Kirby attorneys critical of PD Kay said during the press conference that he is unsure when the Fountain Police Department acquired the video of Teetzel walking alone to the shed because they still have yet to receive discovery from the prosecution. Cindy Hyatt, another attorney representing Kirby, spoke at length about the investigation from the Fountain Police Department at the Monday evening press conference. Specifically, Hyatt took ire with the findings of Fountain police Detective Brian Cristiani that Teetzel had two separate pronounced ligature marks on her neck, which led to Kirby's arrest. "To base an arrest for first-degree murder on some officers unsupported, wild guess is unconscionable," Hyatt said. "They didn't have all the information they needed to make a decision of this magnitude, and they screwed up. "If something like this were to happen it's not shocking that it would be the Fountain Police Department that would be the investigating agency," Hyatt added when asked what Kirby's arrest said about the standards of the Fountain Police Department's criminal investigations. When asked about the change of opinion from the coroner's office earlier this month, the Fountain Police Department sent a response, which said in part: Miles Kirby was arrested on July 27, 2023, based on information and evidence obtained at that point in the investigation. There are many components to an investigation and the Fountain Police Department worked collaboratively with the El Paso County Coroner's Office, District Attorney's Office, and the courts to reach the best possible conclusion based on the information we knew at the time. The evidence the Fountain Police Department collected during the investigation has not changed. Once the new information was obtained from the El Paso County Coroner's Office it is our obligation to turn over that information to the District Attorney's Office, and it's their decision to proceed however they see fit. Fountain police spokesperson Lisa Schneider declined to comment further when asked by The Gazette for additional information about the open investigation into Kirby. Evig granted the motion for dismissal, but before doing so apologized to the family of Teetzel. "I can't imagine the pain you are undergoing, and I am so sorry," Evig said directly to Teetzel's family. Evig added that while he can't comment on if the charges against Kirby represented a rush to judgement by the Fountain Police Department or not, he said it is "unusual" that a first-degree murder case is being dismissed prior to a trial. Hyatt and Kay said during the press conference that they had never seen a first-degree murder case be dismissed just over a month after charges were initially filed. Kirby's defense attorneys requested that case remain unsealed despite the dismissal of charges to continue to be able to receive discovery. Evig set for a hearing in 35 days where the case will be automatically sealed unless either set of attorneys object to the sealing prior to then. Hyatt confirmed at the press conference that the reason for doing so was due to the lack of discovery sent by the prosecution at the time of the hearing. The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office spokesperson Howard Black declined to comment when asked by The Gazette for more information on the open investigation. "As stated in court today this is still an active and ongoing investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment at this time," Black said. Across the 8.3 million acres of Bureau of Land Management property in Colorado, land is leased for recreation, grazing, oil and gas drilling, logging and soon perhaps conservation. The proposal to add conservation leases that would allow for land restoration has drawn support from the environmental community, while also sparking questions about practicality from conservationists and ranchers. The BLM said conservation leases as part of a new Public Lands Rule would not exclude other uses, such as grazing, a point that opponents question. But at the same time the leases would allow outside groups to do restoration projects that would be protected for set a period, likely a maximum of 10 years, a time period that has drawn skeptics. The agency could also grant conservation leases to businesses who are required to mitigate expected environmental impacts from projects, such as building a transmission line, oil or gas wells or solar panels. As pressure on our public lands continues to grow, the proposed Public Lands Rule provides a path for the BLM to better focus on the health of the landscape, ensuring that our decisions leave our public lands as good or better off than we found them," Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning said in a news release. For example, the agency would be bound to protect intact landscapes and restore degraded habitat in the proposed rule. The draft rule generated more than 216,000 public comments that the BLM is reviewing ahead of releasing a final rule next year, said Brian Hires, a spokesman for BLM headquarters. A random sampling of 10,000 public comments taken by the Center for Western Priorities found 92% of them supported the rule, 4.5% opposed it and 3.5% were neutral, according to a news release. The center supports conservation. Alison Gallensky, conservation geographer with Rocky Mountain Wild in Denver, is among those who supports elevating conservation on BLM land to qualify as a use, alongside grazing and drilling, and considers it a step forward for the agency. "Conservation has not been considered one of the core uses," she said. Locally, BLM land extends west of Colorado 115 south of Colorado Springs and is common between Canon City and Salida, but the agency plays a more significant role on the Western Slope. For example, the BLM's Grand Junction Field Office manages 1 million acres of land, where oil and gas production contributes significantly to the economy. Mesa County commissioners critiqued the BLM for not holding a stakeholder process ahead of the proposal's release, including overly vague language and introducing ideas that it may not have the staff or funding to manage. "Capacity of BLM staff to assume additional management responsibilities is subject to scrutiny and raises valid concerns," the letter said. 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. Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis said he would like to see the Congress consider such major changes to the BLM's responsibilities, rather than allowing an agency to introduce such a sweeping change that in his opinion would give conservation priority over other uses. While the BLM has said conservation leases would not take priority, Davis and other critics point to language in the rule that states other leases could overlap conservation leases only if later activities are compatible with conservation, to prove the conversation could take priority. Paonia rancher Mark Roeber, who shares many concerns with the Mesa County commissioners, is opposing the rule as the president of the Public Lands Council, a group that advocates for cattle and sheep producers who hold grazing permits. He is concerned about the potential for conversation leases to last 10 years or longer and potentially exclude grazing the whole time. "This is a way to put livestock grazing basically out of business," he said. On behalf of the BLM, Hires said, the agency would not "remove or negate existing valid rights, such as grazing." On the other side of the issue, Josh Osher, public policy director for Western Watersheds Project, said the rule is not bad as a whole but could stand to see some substantial improvements, particularly around conservation leasing. The leasing proposal might not have much interest from outside groups such as nonprofits to fund habitat restoration if the land may only be protected for 10 years. "Who is going to do that? ... Put in that kind of effort when they dont know in the long term its going to remain?" he said. For example, the Gunnison sage-grouse, a threatened bird in Colorado, has seen population declines because of habitat loss. Restoring the necessary sage brush for the bird takes decades, Osher said. Instead of temporary leases, the BLM could allow conservation nonprofits to buy grazing permits from willing sellers and permanently retire them, he said. Such a model has worked around other public lands and it ensures the land has conservation value, he said. Such work can mitigate the long, slow environmental impacts of grazing, he said, such as soil compaction, erosion and over-widening of streams. When streams are widened the flows become shallower, dirtier and warmer. Cattle also contribute to the loss of streamside vegetation, such as aspens and cottonwoods. Protecting riparian areas is important because a vast majority of wildlife depend on those corridors, he said. He also questioned the idea of using conservation leasing as part of the mitigation companies must do to offset damage from projects. Osher would like to see the compensatory land provide permanent benefits, such as providing a conservation on easement that would prohibit future development on private land. Protecting private land would provide additional benefit compared to working on public land that already has set protections. "We get a lot of bang for our buck when we restore private land," he said. SueSues Concessions, a popular food stand at the Colorado State Fair, will wrap just about anything in bacon, according to manager Candice Thibodeaux. It offers bacon-wrapped chicken, hot dogs, jalapeno peppers and other gastronomic delights. But one of its biggest sellers is a large piece of bacon, a half-inch in thickness on a stick. Theres just something about food on a stick, said Thibodeaux, a native of Louisiana. People love it. Jared Kennemer, whose concession stand offers chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a skewer, agrees. Food on a stick is hugely popular, Kennemer said. Its portable, easy and good! In addition to the carnival rides, this years State Fair is a veritable feast for the senses, offering rodeos, monster truck rallies, a demolition derby, musical acts, livestock shows and much more. But the food stands are every bit as popular as the biggest fair attraction, according to several owners and managers. And while theres plenty of business to go around, theres an element of competition in the food-stand game. People want to see what new thing we can put on a stick, Kennemer said. And if we dont have anything new and different, a lot of customers will move on. 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. Adrian Dixon, who said he has attended fairs in 10 states, has seen squid, waffles and even spaghetti and meatballs on a stick. But this is my favorite, said Dixon, holding up a piece of fried meat on a skewer. Deep-fried alligator on a stick. For some people, a food immediately becomes tastier and more fun when its on a stick, Dixon said. Its a part of the fair atmosphere, he said. You go to a show, play some games, ride a few rides and get some food on a stick. It all goes together. Depending on the entree, food on a stick is more convenient than other concessions, Kennemer said. A regular hot dog on a bun, with chili, onions and mustard, is a mess, he said. And you cant really eat it while youre walking. But you can munch on a corn dog while you walk around the fairgrounds, and when youre done you just toss the stick in the trash. Neatness and convenience arent a factor when eating, say, a skewered pork chop. But they are wildly popular just the same, said a concession worker who declined to give her name. People just like them this way, she said. Some customers have told me that they almost never eat pork chops at home, or at a restaurant. But as soon as they get to the fair, they come looking for us. Food on a stick also offers the rare opportunity to burn calories while ingesting them, Dixon said. We my family and I will probably walk 15 or 20 thousand steps while were here, so Ill burn this off today, Dixon said of his deep-fried alligator on a stick. Thats my theory, anyway. Although a former Arapahoe County judge admitted to racial bias and received a high-profile public censure two years ago for her misconduct, Colorado's second-highest court agreed there was no evidence Natalie T. Chase harbored bias against a Hispanic father specifically when she terminated his parental rights. A three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals decided on Thursday that under state Supreme Court precedent, Chase's use of the N-word elsewhere and her statement from the bench that "all lives matter" were not sufficient grounds to reverse Chase's decision in the case of the father, identified as E.R. "This record does not demonstrate actual bias. There was no evidence of comments or actions specific to former Judge Chase with regard to father or the children," wrote Judge Rebecca R. Freyre in the panel's Aug. 24 opinion. At the same time, Freyre labeled as "disturbing" E.R.'s allegations that multiple racist incidents took place within the government agency representing E.R.'s children. She advised that E.R. could file a new motion in the trial court to explore those allegations further. Case: People in the Interest of S.M. Decided: August 24, 2023 Jurisdiction: Arapahoe County Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Rebecca R. Freyre (author) David Furman Alex J. Martinez* Background: Former Arapahoe judge's bias did not affect Hispanic father's case, judge concludes *Sueanna P. Johnson participated in case but recused prior to decision The case raised a novel question in the wake of Chase's extraordinary discipline: What happens to a judge's decisions when she admits publicly to exhibiting bias? Chase, who was a district court judge until her resignation in 2021, ended the legal relationship between E.R. and his children after deeming him unfit and out of compliance with his treatment plan. Days before E.R.'s case was scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeals panel, the Colorado Supreme Court accepted Chase's resignation and publicly reprimanded her. Chase had admitted to using the N-word in front of court employees and voiced from the bench her opinion that "all lives matter" a phrase used by those skeptical of the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. The Court of Appeals panel sent E.R.'s case back to Arapahoe County and ordered a different judge to review whether Chase's termination decision was tainted with bias in light of the revelations. Before Kenneth M. Plotz, a retired judge assigned to the case, could hold a hearing, the state Supreme Court stepped in to provide guidance. In People in the Interest of A.P., decided in June 2022, the Supreme Court clarified that Chase's censure alone could not be grounds for reversing her decisions. "Only when a judge was actually biased will we question the reliability of the proceedings result," wrote Justice William W. Hood III. During the hearing in E.R.'s case, his lawyers questioned expert witnesses who described some of Chase's original decisions as unorthodox and argued the termination process failed to account for E.R.'s Hispanic culture. However, Plotz felt obligated to follow the A.P. decision and only look at whether Chase's actions amounted to bias. He saw none. Returning to the Court of Appeals, E.R. made two arguments. First, he believed Plotz should have considered evidence of racism within the Arapahoe County office of the guardian ad litem, which was the legal representative of E.R.'s children. E.R.'s attorneys presented allegations to Plotz that a Hispanic attorney in the office was called a racist slur and that a "Pocahontas doll" in the office was named after an American Indian caseworker. 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. Because Chase relied on the guardian ad litem for her decision making, E.R.'s attorney argued, any racial bias in that office was relevant. Second, E.R. contended the A.P. case did not evaluate whether the U.S. Constitution requires actual evidence of a judge's bias. Perhaps, observed Freyre during oral arguments in July, but she "can't see a way around" the state Supreme Court's decision. "What former Judge Chase admitted to was racial animus towards African American people, but not Hispanics. And your client is Hispanic," she told E.R.'s lawyer. Katayoun A. Donnelly responded on behalf of E.R. that she was only seeking an analysis of whether a judge who is biased, as Chase was, presents a broader risk of partiality "too high to be constitutionally tolerable." The government countered that even if the Supreme Court did not consider the constitutional implications, the Court of Appeals was bound by the A.P. decision. "What type of evidence would the county accept to support actual bias?" asked Judge Sueanna P. Johnson. Jordan Lewis, assistant county attorney, responded that there could be allegations a judge said or did something to exhibit bias. Johnson wondered if that threshold was unrealistic. "We would hope that judicial officers are not outwardly saying inappropriate things during judicial proceedings," she said. "So, how is that going to be reflected in the record?" Ultimately, the panel agreed the state Supreme Court had spoken, and E.R. needed to establish Chase was biased in his specific case. At most, he showed a "generalized bias within the system" or a bias in the guardian ad litem's office, Freyre wrote. However, regarding the racist incidents potentially within the GAL, "we find the allegations described in fathers offer of proof disturbing," Freyre wrote, adding that E.R. could file another motion in the trial court to review those separately. After oral arguments, Johnson recused herself from the case upon realizing she had a friendship with Plotz, the Court of Appeals' clerk told Colorado Politics. There are no written procedures for recusal, but the court will substitute another judge in those circumstances. Retired Supreme Court Justice Alex J. Martinez replaced Johnson before the panel issued its decision. Two years after she ordered the Bureau of Land Management to redo its search for documents in response to an environmental group's open records request, a federal judge now agrees the agency largely complied with the order. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix originally found BLM did not fulfill its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act and had conducted a subpar search. She also ruled the agency failed to properly justify why it redacted hundreds of pages of documents pertaining to BLM's amendment of a resources management plan in southwestern Colorado. Last month, after reviewing BLM's latest efforts, Mix agreed the agency had mostly done what it needed to. "While the Court found that the prior search resulted in a selective and restrictive use of search terms," she wrote on July 20, "the parameters of this search appear to comply with the Order." Mix still determined, however, that BLM insufficiently justified its decision to withhold a single record, which she ordered disclosed in its entirety. The lawsuit against BLM originated in 2019, when the conservation group Rocky Mountain Wild alleged the agency violated federal law by withholding requested records. At the time, BLM was preparing to amend its Tres Rios Resource Management Plan, covering southwestern Colorado. Rocky Mountain Wild sought information about BLM's plans to designate certain land an "area of critical environmental concern" (ACEC). "I am filing this request because it is important for our members and citizens in the region to understand how the BLM has analyzed ACEC designation for areas that will either support recovery or negatively impact the (threatened) Gunnison sage-grouse," Megan Mueller, senior conservation biologist with Rocky Mountain Wild, wrote to BLM. BLM gave Rocky Mountain Wild 10,541 pages of records, 783 of which included redactions. Still, Rocky Mountain Wild alleged BLM had withheld documents it was required to disclose. In 2021, Mix partially agreed. She noticed that the government employees who searched for documents did not mirror each other's search terms or techniques. 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. The "decision to leave the search parameters to each custodian resulted in a disjointed search where each custodian used different terms and/or phrases to identify records and/or different repositories based on how each interpreted the FOIA request," she wrote. Mix also identified a key employee who had not searched her files at all. As a result, Mix ordered a new search. She further directed BLM to more precisely justify why it withheld certain documents under an exception to the Freedom of Information Act governing "deliberative process privilege." Under the law, BLM was not required to disclose opinions, recommendations or advice the government was considering. The purpose is to avoid misleading the public about considerations that are not ultimately relied upon. However, BLM needed to state the harm if such information was disclosed and why the information would lead to that harm. BLM, Mix decided, had not taken that final step. Within months, BLM redid its search and updated its rationale for withholding information. The new search uncovered 803 pages of records and public comments that BLM should have given to Rocky Mountain Wild. More than 18 months later, Mix confirmed BLM's actions satisfied her order. "The agency thus linked the harm to the specific information in the withheld documents," she wrote, and BLM "now provides the context for why the matter being discussed could cause the expressed harm." However, BLM noted it withheld one attachment to an email that encompassed employees' discussion about the ACEC draft. Disclosure of the attachment would "chill employees' willingness to engage in frank, back-and-forth discussions," the agency wrote. That was not a specific enough reason, Mix concluded, and ordered the attachment disclosed. In January 2020, while the lawsuit was ongoing, BLM designated 14,335 acres as ACEC in southwestern Colorado. The agency explained its decision was intended to protect "important cultural resources" and rare plants. Two resident groups said this week they are worried that a mayor- and City Council-sponsored "listening tour" intended to gather resident feedback isn't receptive to all community input. Integrity Matters and the Pine Creek Village Neighbors raised concerns this week that the format of six in-person listening sessions being hosted in each council district to inform the strategic plan Mayor Yemi Mobolade must submit to residents limits "robust" public participation and violates Colorado open meetings law. "We aren't against a conversational discussion, but when you're driving the discussion, you're limiting the amount of topics people can speak to," Integrity Matters founder Dana Duggan said at Friday evening's listening session hosted at Liberty High School. The city has adopted a "World Cafe"-style approach to lead each listening session, officials told Integrity Matters members in emails obtained this week by The Gazette. The structured process is formatted to best guide dialogue among large groups, city spokeswoman Vanessa Zink said by phone Friday morning. The method splits the group into smaller roundtables. "It has been built with such intention. We want people to come, but we have to have a way to be able to guide conversations and make it productive," Zink said. During the fourth listening session in District 2 (on the Springs' north side) Friday evening, 15 tables were spread out in the school cafeteria; 13 of them sat between six to 11 people each, and two tables remained empty. Each table included a facilitator to guide conversation among residents on issues like infrastructure, public safety and economic vitality, which Mobolade has identified as key focus areas. Table facilitators at the listening sessions include a mix of city staff, event volunteers and some Council of Neighbors and Organizations-trained facilitators, Community Affairs Adviser Thomas Thompson said in a Wednesday email to Integrity Matters members, obtained by The Gazette. After roundtable discussions, residents share their feedback with Mobolade and councilmembers during a "spotlight" period. On Friday, residents gave their input on public safety and the need for more police and wildfire evacuation planning; on the need for more infrastructure to support the city's booming growth; and cautioned against overdevelopment, among other subjects. About 20 people from Integrity Matters, the Pine Creek neighborhood and the city's west side silently protested against recently approved and proposed developments, as well as CONO's partnership in the listening sessions. Integrity Matters said in emails to Mobolade and city staff this week the format doesn't allow residents to share their input on other topics not identified as key focus areas. The group suggested officials adopt an "open mic" forum at the sessions. "There's lots of different ways to run these meetings, and this is what we chose," Zink said by phone Friday, adding the listening sessions are not town halls. "... We are trying to help focus discussion a bit. We're not trying to keep (residents) from discussion other topics. If they get off topic, that's OK, too." Integrity Matters and Pine Creek Village Neighbors said they were concerned that online registration for Friday's listening session was at capacity by midweek, allowing only up to 200 people to participate in the roundtable discussions. Ahead of the session, the groups asked the city to relocate to the high school's gymnasium, which they said could comfortably fit up to 2,000 people. 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. They also urged the city to livestream the listening sessions. "How is that listening to your citizens, when we have over 86,000 residents in District 2?" the Pine Creek Village Neighbors wrote in a Thursday email addressed to Mobolade, using population statistics from the city clerk's final 2020 City Council district report. Duggan said she believed more people would have attended Friday, but may have tried to register for the listening session and found it was full. "People aren't going to show up if they can't register. They discouraged a whole bunch of attendance," she said. Limiting the number of residents who can attend and participate violates Colorado's open meetings law, members of both groups said this week. According to a summary on the Colorado General Assembly website, the law "generally requires any state or local governmental body to discuss public business or to take formal action in meetings that are open to the public." The state defines a meeting as a gathering called to "discuss public business," whether the meeting is held in person, by phone, electronically or by other means. Zink said the city is not "planning on turning anyone away" from the listening sessions, even if they are unable to register. "No matter the space, 200 (people) for this format is really the best participatory number. That doesn't mean we're not going to make space for others to come. They can still participate in conversations," she said. Residents can also complete an online survey as part of the tour; can email Mobolade their feedback on any city-related topic to inform the city's updated strategic plan; and can share their input during public comment sessions at the City Council's regular meetings, she said. Integrity Matters and Pine Creek Village Neighbors also objected to CONO's participation in the listening sessions, saying the organization does not represent all residents. Zink said the city partnered with the organization to run the listening sessions because it is involved in neighborhood and community outreach. The final two in-person listening sessions are scheduled for Friday in northwest Colorado Springs and Sept. 8 in southeast Colorado Springs. On Sept. 9, the city will host a virtual citywide listening session. For more information on the Listening Tour, visit coloradosprings.gov/ListeningTour. The last time the federal government shut down, many employees needed to halt their work until Congress and the White House resolved the funding dispute. For Susan Prose, a lawyer with the U.S. Attorney's Office at the time, it was reportedly her "personal hell." Kevin Traskos, a supervisor in the office, said after a few weeks he heard from Prose's husband, Kent. "His plea: You have to find a way to get Susan back to work," Traskos recalled on Friday. "And I remain convinced that somehow, Kent was behind a congressional deal a few weeks later." In May, Prose began work as a magistrate judge on Colorado's federal trial court. Last week, she held her ceremonial swearing-in, known as an investiture, at the Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse in downtown Denver. Unlike district judges, who the president appoints and the U.S. Senate confirms for life, magistrate judges are screened by a selection panel, hired by the district judges and serve for eight-year terms. "Judge Prose, through her work at the U.S. Attorney's Office, was very familiar to us on the court," said Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer. "I will say that having an attorney be familiar to the judges sometimes familiarity can breed contempt. But let me assure you that with Susan Prose, that was not the case." Prose grew up in Kansas where her father, Virgil W. Begesse, was an injured World War II veteran who became a probate judge despite not having a law degree. "In all of his years as a judge, I never heard a negative comment about Virgil from any lawyer appearing before him," said Prose. She began playing classical piano, and her musical skills took her to Benedictine College. Prose met her future husband at Benedictine, but the two were apart during graduate school, with Prose going to Yale Law. They married and moved to Colorado, where Susan Prose became a lawyer in private practice and Kent Prose was an investigator in Denver. "By day, Susan worked a fancy 17th Street style of law, while by night I worked a Colfax Ave. style of law in bars and motels and alleyways," Kent Prose described. 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. Susan Prose joined the Jefferson County Attorney's Office, where she was involved in the county's response to the Columbine High School massacre. In particular, Prose represented the county in a lawsuit from The Denver Post seeking recordings made by the teenage shooters. She then began working at the U.S. Attorney's Office, defending the federal government from lawsuits including the civil rights claims of incarcerated people. "What Susan did was different," said Traskos, her former colleague. "Shed drive for hours down there (to the prison), sit beside them, talk about their cases and their claims, and also talked about their lives. Over time, they came to trust Susan." In December, the court announced Prose would succeed Nina Y. Wang, the first magistrate judge in Colorado to become a district judge. While magistrate judges tend to focus more on administrative and preliminary matters, they perform most of the same functions as the district judges, including handling civil cases on their own. Prose recently heard a request from a plaintiff to recuse herself from a case because of her prior government work. The plaintiff, who is asserting civil rights and whistleblower claims against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, argued Prose's prior defense of the federal government against similar allegations "can and does create the appearance of judicial bias, partiality and impropriety." Reading the case law and concluding she had no obligation to recuse, her "prior job title" did not compromise her impartiality, Prose responded. Prose offered compliments, both abstract and concrete, to each of the other magistrate judges on the court. Michael E. Hegarty has an "uncanny ability to negotiate just and fair settlements," Prose said, because he "understands that what we see on the surface is just a sliver of the depths of a human being." Scott T. Varholak is capable of "smart, insightful legal writing and (an) ability to manage a courtroom in a way that is both efficient and wise," said Prose. S. Kato Crews has a "high intellect and unfailing grace," with a "well-ordered soul that has been spoken of by the great philosophers and theologians." N. Reid Neureiter, continued Prose, has "sensitivity and care for all who appear in his court." Maritza Dominguez Braswell of Colorado Springs possesses "intellectual vibrancy." James M. Candelaria of Durango was the only person Prose said she does not know well, but "your reputation precedes you." Attendees heard about Prose's habit of working long hours. Traskos likened her to "an Energizer Bunny." He also disclosed Prose knows a "weird amount about Civil War battles." "I feel sure that if you can travel back in time to that little Kansas town where Susan was growing up and talk to the people there," Traskos said, "and told them that someday Virgs daughter would grow up to be a judge, theyd say, 'That sounds about right.'" In attendance at the Denver courthouse were all of the active district judges; Judge Allison H. Eid of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit; Colorado Court of Appeals Judges Terry Fox, Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov and Karl L. Schock; Denver District Court Judge Kandace C. Gerdes; U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan; and Federal Public Defender Virginia L. Grady. Afterward, there was a reception at the 10th Circuit's courthouse, which Prose paid for herself. Momentum for political settlement increases amid continuing armed clashes in Sudan Xinhua) 09:17, August 28, 2023 KHARTOUM, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- The rare public appearance of Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council and general commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), in Port Sudan on Sunday prompted speculations that the move was aimed at finding a political settlement between the two warring parties. On the same day, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo presented a political vision for a comprehensive solution to the Sudanese crisis. Dagalo called on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to reach a long-term ceasefire agreement combined with the principles of a comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of Sudan's wars. He further stressed the importance of forming a democratic, civil government based on fair and free elections at all levels to enable all Sudanese to actively and truly participate in determining their political destiny. Meanwhile, the National Umma Party (NUP), a major party in the opposition coalition Forces of Freedom and Change Alliance, announced its support to stop the war and achieve peace. "If Al-Burhan's exit came with arrangements and understandings to stop the war, achieve peace and return to the democratic path, then we will support it in a manner that restores the seized rights of the Sudanese people and fulfills their aspirations for a decent life," NUP leader Fadlallah Burma Nasir said on his Facebook page on Sunday. In the meantime, the armed clashes between the two sides continued. The independent Sudan Tribune news portal reported on its website that the SAF on Sunday intensified its air and artillery strikes against the RSF posts in various areas of the capital Khartoum. The SAF has repulsed three RSF attacks at the army's armored corps camp in the Al-Shajara military area, south of Khartoum. The camp has been a major target for the RSF, where it had made several attempts to control it over last week. The SAF warplanes also targeted the RSF positions around Khartoum International Airport and the army's General Command in central Khartoum, an eyewitness told Xinhua. The Eastern Nile Emergency Room, east of Khartoum, announced in a statement on Sunday that several citizens were injured at Al-Haj Yousif neighborhood due to the falling of shells. Similarly, South Khartoum Emergency Room said in a statement that 7 citizens were killed when a shell fell in the vicinity of the central market in southern Khartoum. Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. More than 4 million people have fled from their homes -- 3.2 million people were displaced internally and close to 900,000 have crossed the border into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and other countries, according to the latest UN estimates. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Welcome to Court Crawl, Colorado Politics' roundup of news from the third branch of government. One of Colorado's newest federal judges held her formal swearing-in ceremony last week and the state Supreme Court cleared the path for voters to weigh in on a ballot measure, with questions lingering about its constitutionality. Pianist, Civil War buff, judge U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Prose joined Colorado's federal bench in May. The daughter of a small-town probate judge in Kansas, Prose spent many years defending the federal government from litigation, including from prisoners filing civil rights lawsuits. The life-tenured district judges voted last year to appoint Prose to the seat of now-U.S. District Court Judge Nina Y. Wang. "Judge Prose, through her work at the U.S. Attorney's Office, was very familiar to us on the court," said Chief Judge Philip A. Brimmer at Prose's formal swearing-in ceremony on Friday. "I will say that having an attorney be familiar to the judges sometimes familiarity can breed contempt. But let me assure you that with Susan Prose, that was not the case." In her personal life, Prose is an accomplished pianist and is interested in Civil War battles. Although she began her new job just under four months ago, she is not the newest member of the court. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathryn A. Starnella was sworn in earlier this month and will hold her own public ceremony in the fall. Across the entire federal bench, there are two current vacancies: a part-time magistrate judge seat in Grand Junction, following Gordon P. Gallagher's appointment as a district judge, and a district judgeship in which the nominee, U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews, is still awaiting Senate confirmation. A premature challenge The Colorado Supreme Court declined to say whether Proposition HH, a property tax relief measure that also affects spending and taxpayer refunds, violates the state constitution's single-subject rule. Instead, the justices decided the ballot title that voters will see is acceptable, and the time to challenge the contents of the measure is after voters approve it in November if they approve it at all. Heard on appeal The state Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether a road rage suspect was interrogated in custody without the required Miranda warning. The justices also signaled they may intervene in two cases currently in the trial courts. A Douglas County judge let a man represent himself at trial, even though he didn't understand the proceedings and was under the impression he was ineligible for a lawyer. The state's Court of Appeals overturned his convictions. Arapahoe County prosecutors committed misconduct by suggesting the defendant was guilty because he exercised his constitutional right to silence, the Court of Appeals concluded. In federal news 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. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit found that Colorado's regulations on highway-adjacent signage, which differentiate between paid and unpaid advertising, do not violate the First Amendment. The 10th Circuit reinstated a conservative group's challenge to Colorado's campaign finance regulations that apply to organizations advocating on ballot initiatives. A jury will decide whether a manufacturing company illegally tried to stifle competition for its product when a competitor entered the market, the 10th Circuit ruled in reversing a trial judge's order. A federal judge did not follow the rules when he penalized a plaintiff for not following the rules, the 10th Circuit found. Because the U.S. Supreme Court has not authorized this type of claim, a federal prisoner may not sue prison officials for allegedly contaminating his food and making him sick. An incarcerated man may pursue his retaliation claim against a prison dentist, who allegedly became enraged when he learned the plaintiff filed a complaint over his substandard dental care. Former Denver mayoral candidate Lisa Calderon may proceed with her retaliation claim against the city for allegedly terminating her organization's contract in response to her statements about discrimination, a judge ruled. Vacancies and appointments Applications are due by Sept. 15 to succeed retiring Denver District Court Judge Shelley I. Gilman, who has spent more than 25 years on the bench. Applications are due by Aug. 30 to be a part-time Denver County Court magistrate. The job entails handling traffic cases, civil protection orders, small claims and arraignments. Miscellaneous proceedings The man accused of murdering 10 people at a Boulder King Soopers in 2021 is now competent to stand trial. Prosecutors have dropped sentence-enhancing charges against two police officers accused of causing the 2019 death of Elijah McClain in Aurora. See you in September The Court Crawl will be on break for Labor Day and will return later in September. A federal judge earlier this month warned a trio of Gunnison landlords who have spent three years largely ignoring an anti-discrimination order that they cannot avoid their obligations any longer. U.S. District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher informed David Welch, John Welch and Ruth Welch that whether they actually violated federal law in renting their property is now irrelevant. The Welches agreed to take certain steps to remedy their alleged discrimination and, even in the face of multiple court orders, the government reported and the family admitted they have not held up their end of the deal. "It needs to start, and it needs to start now," Gallagher told the family of landlords. "It's the courts for the United States of America saying you have to do something, whether you like it or not." Although Gallagher directed the Welches to provide certain details to the government within 10 days of the hearing, their latest filing with the court appeared to once again fall short of complying with the order. Beginning in early 2020, the Welches entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in response to allegations that they were denying or discouraging families with children from renting in their 12-unit complex at 1412 W. Gunnison Ave. Among other things, the Welches agreed to advertise their property with the phrase "families with children welcome to apply" and provide records of rental inquiries and applications to the government. But the Welches went silent, prompting HUD to go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to seek enforcement of the consent decree. Last year, the 10th Circuit restarted the three-year monitoring period and told the Welches to begin complying. For more than a year, the case sat in Colorado's federal trial court. Initially, after the Welches failed to appear at a hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter recommended holding them in contempt. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico, who is overseeing the case, held off on imposing punishment after HUD indicated it may be making progress with the Welches. By spring 2023, any move toward compliance evaporated. Domenico told the Welches he would fine them $150 per day and potentially jail them if they continued to ignore their obligations. In an unusual move, Domenico set a hearing for Aug. 18 outside of the federal courthouse in Gunnison County, where the Welches live. Domenico arranged for Gallagher, who is stationed in Grand Junction, to come to town and speak to the Welches in person. Zeyen J. Wu, the attorney for HUD, told Gallagher that "nothing" has happened in the case, and it was time to force the Welches to change their advertising and report to the government as they originally agreed to do. 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. "It's been four years," he said. "This is not the way that we'd prefer to spend our time, but that we do have an interest in, again, enforcing the law in particular in this case, the Fair Housing Act, a civil rights law." When Gallagher asked the Welches to explain their side of the story, Ruth Welch, who handles rentals at the property and has hung up on multiple calls from Colorado Politics, admitted she was "guilty" of ignoring the family's obligations. "I'm guilty of not doing the reporting, not getting back to Mr. Wu. And he's been very nice," she said. "It's just that I have neglected to do the reporting that he requested, and I take responsibility for that." Ruth Welch also claimed she "never, ever advertised against children," but an agency investigation found the Welches ran advertisements requiring tenants to be at least 35 years old, "no exceptions." Gallagher said he would leave it to Domenico to decide whether to hold the Welches in contempt. But he explained that, regardless of whether the Welches thought it was a good idea to enter into the consent decree, they had no choice at this point. "And that's not to be rude, but I'm pretty blunt about things," Gallagher said. "You've agreed to do certain things and agreed not to do other things." He told the Welches their advertising in the Gunnison Country Shopper, which has not incorporated the required family-inclusive language, must contain the agreed-upon wording exactly. They must also provide the government with a list of rental inquiries and detailed information about their tenants. "I've never seen a court put somebody in jail for this," Gallagher said. "But at some point, the court's going to say, 'Enough is enough,' and the punishments are going to start happening." Gallagher ordered the Welches to give HUD a list of their tenants by Aug. 28 that includes renters' contact numbers, email addresses and the "family mixture" of each household. Ruth Welch filed a letter with the court on Aug. 24 that contained the number of people per unit, but otherwise failed to comply with Gallagher's order. An Aurora man who threatened to shoot Gov. Jared Polis pleaded guilty to retaliation charges on Monday and was sentenced to four years of probation. Jeromie Rose, 42, admitted to leaving two voicemails on Polis' front desk line on June 20, threatening the governor's life. In the voicemails, Rose said, "I'm gonna f------ fire a whole bunch of rounds right in your f------ head, right in your f------ house. And then you'll see, then you'll understand," according to an arrest affidavit. Rose said he left the voicemails for Polis because he no longer qualified for food stamps, according to a news release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Rose also pleaded guilty to threatening an Adams County prosecutor. The release said that on March 12, Rose left a voicemail at the Adams County District Attorney's Office for the prosecutor, saying, "If I ever see him again, I probably will beat the hell out of him, if not kill him." 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. Rose pleaded guilty on Monday to two felony charges: retaliation against an elected official and retaliation against a prosecutor. He was sentenced to two concurrent four-year sentences of probation. Rose must also undergo a mental health evaluation and comply with mental health treatment. "Public service is an honor that comes with certain sacrifices, but personal safety is not one of them, said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason. The defendants actions here were not only outrageous, they were dangerous and they were criminal. Threatening violence against a public official fundamentally undermines the social fabric of society. Rose has a history of making these kinds of threats. He was convicted of harassment for threatening to kill Northglenn police officers in 2017, KDVR reported. For more than a decade, congressional town halls have been a partisan flashpoint in Colorado, though traces of that contentious history were nowhere to be found on a recent sunny morning in the crowded community room at a facility for active older adults in Brighton. Instead of the chanting and angry questions that once routinely confronted members of the state's congressional delegation at their town halls, more than 60 community members, local officials and facility residents joined U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a spirited discussion mostly devoted to issues important to seniors, including the future of Social Security and Medicare. The harsh words instead landed outside the meeting, in a flurry of news releases from across the aisle that blasted Caraveo for sharing the spotlight with her party's leader. Caraveo was elected last year to represent Colorado's new 8th Congressional District by a slim majority, and all indications are that she'll face a difficult and expensive reelection bid next year in a seat pegged as a toss-up by election experts and both national parties. The House majority could hinge on the results in the district, which covers parts of Adams, Weld and Larimer counties, stretching from the suburbs north of Denver though rural and exurban stretches to Greeley. Drawn by the state's independent redistricting commission to be competitive, the district is nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans and boasts the highest concentration of Hispanic voters in the state. With the assistance of Brighton City Manager Michael Martinez, Caraveo and Jeffries fielded questions for an hour at Eagle View Adult Center, covering topics ranging from the mental health crisis and gun violence to the role healthy food can play in combating the obesity epidemic. "Back at home, I grew up in the cornerstone Baptist Church and had a Sunday school teacher who once said to me, 'Jeffries, on the question of public speaking, always remember: Be brief, be bright and be gone," Jeffries said at the outset, drawing laughter and setting the tone for the event. Serving his sixth term representing a district in Brooklyn, Jeffries stands to become the first Black speaker of the House if Democrats win the majority in the chamber in next year's election. It was a far cry from the tense town halls conducted by Colorado's members of Congress during the early days of the Obama and Trump administrations, which regularly spawned front-page stories about lawmakers facing down hordes of unhappy constituents if the lawmakers held town halls at all. In an incident that drew national attention, Republican Mike Coffman, who represented the Aurora-based 6th Congressional District, ducked out the back of a library in early 2017. He cut short a scheduled town hall after protesters swarmed the event to let him know about then-President Donald Trump's plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Coffman lost his bid for a sixth term the next year. Republican Cory Gardner won his first term in the House in 2010 on a wave of discontent fueled by the tea party movement's anger at town halls over then-President Barack Obama's signature health care legislation. By the time Trump took office, however, Gardner was in the U.S. Senate and quickly put the regular town meetings he'd been holding on hold after left-leaning activists adopted the same tactics his supporters had used to pressure Democrats. While he eventually gave in barnstorming the Front Range to hold three traditional town halls in a single day in August 2017 Gardner was met with steady criticism for the remainder of his term for declining to hold traditional town halls open to the public. He lost his bid for reelection to the Senate in 2020. During this year's August congressional recess, most of the Democratic members of Colorado's delegation have scheduled a barrage of in-person town halls, though the state's three Republican House members are instead showing up for appointments with various constituent groups in meetings that aren't announced in advance or open to the public. Caraveo, for instance, held a joint town hall in Northglenn with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet that drew more than 300 people the night before the smaller gathering in Brighton with Jeffries. This month, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper had a town hall in Grand Junction, U.S. Rep. Jason Crow held a town hall at a senior residential facility in Arapahoe County and U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen held town halls at both ends of her district, in Arvada and Canon City. U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is planning to hold something he's pioneered known as a service town hall bringing together constituents to do something in the community, like trail maintenance or sprucing up a community center in Fort Collins. At their town hall in Brighton, Caraveo and Jeffries opened with pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare in the face of pressure from some House Republicans they said have been pushing to raise eligibility requirements or trim benefits. 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. As a doctor caring for our community, Ive seen firsthand how these programs protect our parents and grandparents," said Caraveo, a Thornton pediatrician. Her father, she noted, retired after working construction for 51 years but didn't save much for retirement. "He always said he had four piggy banks in the four kids that he put through college," Caraveo said. "And so Social Security is something that he relies on every single day to have a dignified retirement, and he relies on Medicare for his health care." Jeffries made a similar point. An important part of the American dream, "particularly when it comes to retirement with grace and dignity, is Social Security and Medicare. And, notwithstanding the efforts by some in Washington to take away those hard-earned benefits from you, our promise and your congresswoman is fighting to make sure that we never let anyone take away your Social Security and your Medicare, not now, not ever." After the town hall concluded and attendees lined up to have their pictures taken with Caraveo and Jeffries, Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca, a Democrat and Caraveo ally, said she was satisfied with what she'd heard. "I'm very pleased with the work that Congress is doing," Baca said. "I know that there are some challenges working across the aisle, but I'm very confident in the delegation. They'll get things done for our citizens." The Republican candidate already running against Caraveo, however, denounced the event before it happened. "Caraveo's willingness to campaign with a New York City liberal whose radical agenda would destroy the suburbs and small towns that make up CO-08 is exactly why she'll be a one-term congresswoman next year," Weld County Commissioner Scott James said in a statement released in advance of the town hall. On the day Jeffries and Caraveo held the town hall, James' campaign and the National Republican Congressional Committee, which has been berating Caraveo since she took office, amped up their critiques. Seizing on remarks Jeffries made a day earlier at a roundtable on gun violence prevention with Neguse on the University of Colorado's Boulder campus, the Republicans turned their attack to the Second Amendment. Describing his determination to press for tougher gun control legislation while Republicans control the House, according to Colorado Public Radio, Jeffries said: We got diabolical intensity on the other side. I say to folks back in Washington, we have to be prepared to match and exceed that diabolical intensity with righteous intensity. The NRCC claimed in a release that Jeffries had called all gun owners "diabolical" and took umbrage over it. James' campaign more accurately characterized Jeffries' remarks as directed at conservative gun control opponents but nonetheless expressed outrage over the possibility the Democratic leader thought all gun owners were "diabolical." How climate change exacerbates air pollution (and its health impacts) Published: 08/24/2023 A conversation with Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow Minghao Qiu on how climate change drives air pollution and harms human health By Jamie Hansen, Communications Manager As our climate changes, we know that air pollution from wildfire smoke will get worse. But how much worseand what will it mean for our health? These are questions that guide the work of Minghao Qiu, PhD, a Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow hosted by the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Hes spent his fellowship year in the lab of Marshall Burke, PhD, modeling how climate change might influence air pollution levelsand how increased air pollution from wildfires, dust, and the burning of fossil fuels might affect peoples health. Minghao Qiu presents a poster on his work at the Stanford Global Health Research Convening in 2023. This summer, he published a study finding that drought in the Western US drives increased reliance on fossil fuels for energy as water for hydropower dries up. This leads to increased air pollution and deaths from poor air quality, he and his colleagues found. Now, he and Burke are investigating the relationship between climate change, air pollution, and health on a national and global scale. One project will assess how climate change will influence the amount of particulate matter pollution from wildfires in the United States. They hope to show how various levels of air pollution, under different global warming scenarios, will impact diseases and death. One thing we know for sure is that wildfire smoke is really bad for respiratory diseases such as asthma, he said. Im interested in quantifying this and understanding who is most vulnerable under climate change. We hope these findings can have huge impacts on how communities protect themselves against future wildfire smoke. An even larger undertaking just underway aims to assess the global impacts of climate change on all particulate matter pollution, including that from wildfires, dust, and fossil fuel emissions. Its going to be really challenging, but we feel this urgency because most current assessments of the cost of climate change do not include air pollution, Qiu said. We see this as a huge understatement of the societal cost of carbon emissions. In the fall, Qiu will join Stony Brook University as an assistant professor shared between the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and the Program of Public Health. He says his year as a planetary fellow has helped him prepare for this work at the intersection of climate change and human health. Qiu spoke about his timely research and what were learning about the connections between climate change, pollution, and health. Youre an environmental scientist by training, working in a lab focused on environmental impactsyet this fellowship is based in the Stanford School of Medicine. How has this interdisciplinary fellowship informed your research? Through this fellowship, Ive had many interactions with School of Medicine faculty and public health experts. Ive caught up with cutting-edge evidence on how air quality affects various aspects of human health. As a result, Ive been able to make my research more practical and applicable for medical providers and public health practitioners. Ive also discovered new dimensions of my research through such interactions. For instance, my colleague Alandra Lopez, also a Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow, investigates how chemicals in soil can end up in wildfire smoke and cause negative health outcomes. So not only does the quantity of smoke matterits composition does too. This is something I wouldnt have been thinking about if I hadnt had a chance to work so closely with Alandra. Whats the most surprising thing youve learned? Ive been really surprised by the magnitude of the changes in air pollution levels caused by wildfires. About one-third of all particulate matter pollution in the United States now comes from wildfire smokewildfires that are more intense and common because of climate change. For the western U.S., that number is closer to 50 percent. Ive been really surprised by the magnitude of the changes in air pollution levels caused by wildfires. About one-third of all particulate matter pollution in the United States now comes from wildfire smokewildfires that are more intense and common because of climate change. For the western U.S., that number is closer to 50 percent. Minghao Qiu Its interesting to think about this in the context of all air pollution in the U.S. Over the past few decades, overall air quality had improved dramatically due to the Clean Air Act. But a forthcoming publication by Marshall Burke shows that the progress made by the Clean Air Act is now being reversed due to the increase in wildfires. Your work surfaces some grim findings on how increasing drought and wildfires will harm our collective health and well-being. What gives you hope? Were quantifying how bad the problem is, but I hope this work can ultimately inform how people respond. As this situation gets worse and worse, people are becoming much more aware and interested in finding solutions. For instance, the wildfire smoke affecting the Midwest and East Coast this summer has spurred a lot of attention and interest in addressing this challenge. How do you hope your research might help our response to climate change? I think my work can be useful in two broad areas: adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation is important because at this point were stuck with this problem for at least a few decades, even if we take quick action to reduce carbon emissions. Carbon dioxide lives in the atmosphere for a while, and this means temperatures will keep rising for at least 1020 years. We need a better understanding of the scope of the pollution and the health risks to inform new policies and protective measures such as wearing masks, and the installation of filters in homes and schools. Carbon dioxide lives in the atmosphere for a while, and this means temperatures will keep rising for at least 1020 years. We need a better understanding of the scope of the pollution and the health risks to inform new policies and protective measures such as wearing masks, and the installation of filters in homes and schools. Minghao Qiu, PhD The Iowa National Guard announced Monday that the 1133rd Transportation Company will return home soon after a successful mission in Poland. The 1133rd, based out of Mason City and Iowa City, deployed in November. The transportation company's 160 members were deployed in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce. Capt. Kevin Waldron, deputy public affairs officer, said an official homecoming ceremony date has not been set, but he expects the company to return to Iowa in the near future. An exact return date was not available. According to the release, "The official homecoming ceremony, marking the return of these brave soldiers, will take place later this year. However, we expect that families, friends, and community members will be able to welcome their soldier home this month." The company's mission focused on providing logistical support, transportation services and assistance to local communities during their time of need. "Their efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the overall response capabilities and stabilization in the region," according to the press release. The unit left Mason City on Nov. 6 for its mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas, to complete final training and readiness checks before deploying overseas. In February the company received its deployment orders for Poland. People lined the streets of Mason City in November waving flags and holding encouraging signs as the unit pulled out of town for what was expected to be a year-long assignment. During its deployment, the 1133rd logged more than 1.5 million miles driven over the course 10 months. DES MOINES Franklin County sheriff's deputies were justified in the June fatal shooting of a man who pointed what turned out to be a pellet gun at them, then thanked them for shooting him. The Iowa Attorney General's Office found that Franklin County deputies Chase Weinandy and Ben Baskerville were justified in the shooting of Matthew T.J. Davis, 30, on June 20. In a report issued Monday, the office concluded that the actions of the deputies, who shot Davis after he drunkenly aimed a gun at them, were legally justified and that no criminal charges are warranted. The Attorney Generals conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that on the evening of June 20, Franklin County dispatch received two 911 calls reporting that Davis, the callers former partner, was at her home, intoxicated, suicidal, and armed with a gun. At the time, the callers minor son was inside the home and alone. The 911 caller also reported that Davis said he wanted to be shot by police. Two Franklin County deputies were dispatched to the residence and found Davis in the driveway with a gun. The deputies immediately instructed Davis to drop his weapon and pleaded with him to do so at least 17 times. Bodycam footage showed that Davis then approached the deputies and aimed his gun at them, at which point the deputies opened fire. After securing Davis weapon, the deputies rendered medical aid and called for an ambulance. During this time, the report states, Davis stated to the deputies, Thank you for shooting me. Davis died while enroute to the hospital. The report is issued under the Attorney Generals independent authority under Iowa Code to investigate or prosecute conduct of law enforcement that results in death. As higher education grapples with AI technology making its way into classrooms, some Iowa educators are embracing what they see as a tool for learning and a chance to hop on ever-more prevalent technology. Professors at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa are incorporating AI, or artificial intelligence, into their curriculum in the hopes of teaching students its benefits and drawbacks, and how to properly use different programs to their fullest. After ChatGPT launched in November 2022, ISU associate English professor Abram Anders developed the Artificial Intelligence and Writing course, which he believes an increasing number of students will want to take in the future. I thought, by next fall, everyones going to want to know how to use these tools, everyones going to be worried about learning how to use these tools, and wouldnt it be amazing if we already had a course in place where a faculty member like myself could learn alongside students learn what the challenges are, what the pain points are, what the opportunities are, Anders said. Then wed be really well positioned, not just to teach students the skills, but also to respond (to them) as an institution. Instructor says hell learn alongside students Anders and his students will look at the history of AI and writing technologies, understanding machine learning and language models, and how to use different tools and applications to get the best results throughout the course. They will create their own project using AI tools, with support from Anders. Students of all kinds are joining Anderss class, from underclassmen to those seeking masters degrees, studying subjects ranging from industrial engineering to linguistics to creative writing. While hes been following generative AI for a while, Anders said the class will help him learn new ways of using AI tools as students utilize them for their own projects. Its an exciting atmosphere, and can be a creative free-for-all depending on how students implement what they learn, he said. Theres been both wariness and excitement from those in higher education toward AI tools in writing, Anders said, and the focus so far has been mitigating harm in terms of academic dishonesty and ethics. However, hes seeing more curiosity from faculty and students about how to best use AI to expand and improve upon their work. Each of Iowas regent universities has released guidance aimed at helping educators adapt to AI tool usage in the classroom. The universities are encouraging educators to set expectations with students about if and when utilizing tools like ChatGPT is allowed. Theyre also giving tips on where instructors could incorporate AI tools into their lessons if they wish. Business students can try AI University of Iowa business communications associate professor Pamela Bourjaily is adapting by incorporating AI language tool ChatGPT into her classs three main writing assignments this fall semester. She test-ran using the technology the semester after it launched, and said she found it useful, as long as students know how to use it correctly. Alongside writing concepts and other lessons, over the course of the semester Bourjaily will teach students a recipe for using ChatGPT, ensuring that students know the right steps, constraints and other information needed to generate the best responses. ChatGPT and other AI tools arent like Google, she said you shouldnt just enter in one prompt and use the generated response. Using ChatGPT if they so choose, students will create a revision plan for a business email, create their own business document and then a slide deck report. If students dont wish the use ChatGPT in their assignments, Bourjaily said she will accommodate. Im doing this because Im teaching business communication, and generative AI will be ubiquitous in the workplace at some point, Bourjaily said. In some places, it already is. When she first brought up ChatGPT as a potential tool in class, she found that around a quarter of her students were already using it surreptitiously, and they were happy to be able to speak about their experiences openly. A smaller group of students had no interest in using it, and a couple had never even heard of the program. AI concerns not limited to ethics When it comes to concerns surrounding AI tools, Bourjaily said she worries less about academic integrity than about proprietary data or other private information being loaded into ChatGPT and students not questioning potential biases in AI-generated content. She likened the program to a calculator or an Excel spreadsheet it doesnt matter so much if the students themselves are making the calculations or physically writing responses, as long as the piece is meeting objectives and the needs of their audience. However, Bourjaily said she is making sure students know they are fully responsible for their work, even if it is AI-generated. If the material is incorrect or doesnt meet the criteria of the assignment, the program will not be blamed. In teaching about how to correctly use ChatGPT, Bourjaily hopes to curb problems in the program like biases and hallucinatory facts. Often-heard criticisms of generative AI programs include made-up sources in writing and human biases showing up in media. One example Anders gave was of AI-generated images showing stereotyped faces and bodies. I think having these activities and assignments will reinforce to them that I care about their success and their ability to navigate the future, because my class is about preparing them for the future, Bourjaily said. Anders has also heard criticisms of AI in higher education and writing, including ethical concerns of inputting writing and research into a program that will save that data and use it to generate more material. Some educators have spoken about the potential to put student essays into language programs in order to generate feedback on writing, but privacy issues arent yet solved. AI tools still have plenty of problems that people are right to be concerned about, Anders said, but he believes that many of them will be solved over time. As internet technology becomes more intertwined with peoples jobs and lives, its important to learn how to correctly and ethically use them in order to gain their benefits. I think one of the one things I would emphasize is that these tools, I think, are really going to help undergraduates and all kinds of professionals do incredible work that they would find difficult to do otherwise, Anders said. So as difficult and real as many of those problems and challenges are, there is this huge upside that I think is worth fighting for. Across Virginia, COVID-19 is making a slight comeback, but so far the local hospital hasnt seen an uptick in patients with the virus. In the commonwealth, overall hospital admissions are up 22% in a week, according to Friday data from the Virginia Department of Health. The number of beds occupied for COVID-19 patients increased by 72%, Linda Scarborough, a spokesperson for the health department, told the Register & Bee on Friday. The figures are still low and are no need to sound alarm bells, experts caution. Currently, people 70 and older represent the demographic being hospitalized the most. Hospital data is now considered to be the determining factor in how COVID-19 is spreading within a community. At this time we have not had an uptick, Dr. Sheranda Gunn-Nolan, market chief medical officer with Sovah Health, told the Register & Bee. But now with school back in session, she believes in the next two to four weeks they will see an increase for most viral illness. Likewise, flu season is just around the corner and with that I suspect a new season of COVID, she said. Statewide, cases are up 300% compared to July 1, but still remain extremely low by historical standards. However, that data unlike early in the pandemic doesnt tell the full picture. The numbers of cases being reported are actually greater as many of those testing at home are not being reported, Dr. Scott Spillmann, director of the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District, told the newspaper. There is still some level of immunity and the silver lining is that the variants appear to be taking on a seasonal pattern. This marks the third summer of a rise in cases, attributed to new variants, summer travel and heat waves, which cause more people to stay inside, Scarborough explained. We are at a much better place when it comes to COVID-19 thanks to immunizations, tests and treatments, she said. In the state, the dominant variants are the Omicron subvariants XBB.1.16 and the newer variant EG.5. There are no indications currently that these variants pose any greater risk to our communities, Scarborough said. The nudge upward in cases comes at a time when vaccinations are at a near standstill. In Danville, only 11.44% of the population is considered up-to-date on vaccines, according to health department data. Over in Pittsylvania County, its about 9.96%. Locally, residents 75 to 84 are have received the latest boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine, data indicates. As for vaccine rates, Id love to have a high vaccination rate especially going into fall and winter but we respect the personal choices of the population, Gunn-Nolan said. We will continue to provide care for everyone, no matter the vaccination status and really hope everyone is able to navigate a safe fall/winter. A Sovah Health-Danville, typically patients with COVID-19 that have to be admitted are unvaccinated or havent been boosted. This argues to the need for ensuring the public stays up to date with booster recommendations especially in lieu of the new variants, Gunn-Nolan said. Scarborough explained the COVID-19 vaccines help the body develop protection from the virus that causes the illness. While not eliminating the possibility of contracting COVID-19, being up to date on the vaccines drastically lowers the risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying. There is going to be an update to the vaccine which is very encouraging in advance of the winter season, Spillmann said. We will continue to promote and recommend that our community take advantage of getting the vaccine. Scarborough also reminds that the sometimes forgotten preventive steps still play a key role is keeping any virus at bay, including frequently washing hands. All of these together can make a difference in preventing the spread of the virus, she said. Danville Police Chief Scott Booth is the finalist for Roanoke's open chief position. Residents will have a chance to meet Booth at a 6 p.m. Wednesday open house at Berglund Hall in the Berglund Center. The open house is the last step toward a formal job offer. Booth has served as Danville's chief since 2018 but he's been featured in two other police chief searches over the last year. Booth was previously a finalist for the police chief position in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in January, but was not selected for the job. Before that, he was a finalist for chief of police in Aurora, Colorado, in September 2022, but withdrew his name from consideration. Booth has stayed relatively close to Virginia throughout his law enforcement career. Booth got his start in law enforcement at the Richmond Police Department in 1996, according to a page on the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website. In 2015, he began working for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in Washington, D.C. "In July of 2017, he took a position with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security where he served as the Deputy Federal Security Director for the Charlotte, NC region, coordinating transportation security efforts for the Federal Government," according to Booth's page on the Virginia DCJS website. Since 2020, Booth has been a member of the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. He currently serves as the commission's vice chairman. The Monday afternoon city press release announcing Booth and the open house stated that Booth "has a proven track-record of leading the Danville Police Department in community engagement and crime reduction." Almost exactly a month ago, Booth received the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award, making him one of several Danville public servants to receive recognition from the National Gang Crime Research Center for their efforts to reduce gang-related violence. Booth is the only Roanoke finalist who has moved forward to the community open house stage of the interview process, city Communications & Community Engagement Specialist Carol Corbin told The Roanoke Times on Monday. "I look forward to introducing Chief Booth to the community on Wednesday and completing the recruitment process so that he is able to join us as soon as practical," City Manager Bob Cowell said in the Monday afternoon press release announcing Booth as the finalist. The city hasn't formally offered Booth the police chief job, yet, though if that happens, it will come after Wednesday's open house. An Aug. 9 press release from the city indicated that an offer to a candidate was expected by Sept. 1. That is still the case, Corbin confirmed Monday. Danville Register & Bee reporter John Crane contributed to this report. GREENSBORO A lawsuit alleging violation of open meetings law by the Guilford County Board of Education can proceed, a judge ruled this week. The suit was filed by Republican Michael Logan and two GOP members of the Guilford County school board against the other school board members and the Board of Education as a whole. The three plaintiffs are suing over the majority-Democrat boards appointment of Republican Bill Goebel to a school board seat the plaintiffs say rightfully belongs to Logan. They claim the actions leading to Goebels appointment violated open meetings law. In their complaint, they allege Chairwoman Deena Hayes-Greene held a series of small meetings with the other six Democratic board members of the school board to determine if they would support appointing Goebel to fill the seat. Under open meetings law, those conversations should not have happened outside a publicly announced meeting, they say. The attorney for the defendants argued in an email earlier this month that there was no violation of the Open Meeting Law. As a legal remedy to the alleged open meetings violation, Logan and board members Crissy Pratt and Linda Welborn ask the court to order Goebel not to serve on the board and to void his appointment. Its possible that request could be moot, given that the North Carolina General Assembly recently passed a law to strip Goebel of his seat. The three are also seeking court costs, as well as a declaration that the open meetings laws were violated, and asking for the court to order the Democratic members of the board not to, hold secret serial meetings to subvert open public meetings. Responding to a motion by the defendants to dismiss the case, Superior Court Judge Brad Long ruled this week that Logan, Welborn and Pratt can proceed with the claims as individuals, although not in their official capacity as school board members. In an email, the defendants attorney, Michael Crowell stressed the judges action did not mean the plaintiffs had won the lawsuit. It means only that the judge decided they had made sufficient claims to be able to go to trial, he wrote. Whether the open meetings law was violated will be determined after witnesses are heard and other evidence is introduced and considered to determine what actually occurred. Even if the open meetings law was not followed, it does not automatically void the appointment, it will be in the courts discretion whether that is the proper remedy, he wrote. In a separate email, the plaintiffs attorney Jonathan Kreider wrote, Judge Long has determined that, if our allegations are true, that the actions taken by the defendants would violate North Carolina open meetings laws. If the allegations are true, the judge could then void the appointment of Mr. Goebel, he wrote. Further, the judge could issue an injunction that would prevent the Democrat members of the Board of Education and Mr. Goebel from further and future violations of the open meetings laws, namely, secret serial meetings between them that are not noticed, not public, and amount to the majority of the Board conducting the peoples business in secret. The political warring over the school boards District 3 seat dates back to December. State law charged the Guilford County GOP with choosing a successor to Republican Pat Tillman. They picked Logan, a longtime educator. However, the school boards Democratic members repeatedly voted to reject Logan, eventually issuing a joint statement calling him out over social media posts that they viewed as representative of bigotry and racial prejudice. The General Assembly then passed a law intended to help Logan secure the post. Instead, at the very school board meeting when Logan assumed he would take the seat, the boards attorney revealed an interpretation of the new law that few saw coming: The GOPs nomination was no longer valid, because while the old law stated that just the executive committee members from District 3 could vote on the nominee, the new law removed that provision. The board attorney told the board that, without a valid nominee, they were free to choose Tillmans successor. That lead to the boards Democrats swiftly voting Goebel into office. Logan and the two other Republican school board members then sued. Originally, their lawsuit also claimed that the boards action not to seat Logan was illegal, but the latest version of that suit drops that claim, instead just focusing on the open meetings law complaint. And once again, the General Assembly has stepped in, passing a law last week to strip Goebel of the seat, and open it up for the county GOP to pick a successor. Goebel and his attorney say the provision removing him violates the state constitution, and is therefore invalid. He said, if the district will have him, hes planning to stick around. Reached by phone Thursday, Goebel said he still hasnt heard back from the school district on whether he is considered on or off the board at this point. Hes still attending district events as a board member. He said board attorney Jill Wilson, in an email sent to the whole board, said something to the effect thats theres nothing to do right now, prior to the boards next meeting. Thats currently scheduled for Sept. 19. Goebel said his impression is Wilson is still trying to figure things out, as far as what her stance will be on the matter. The Guilford County GOP executive committee plans to conduct a meeting on Aug. 30 to elect a nominee to fill the District 3 seat. Cone Health is reaching out to the public again as part of its appeal of state health regulatory approval for a $246 million community hospital to be operated in Greensboro by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Cone ran a full-page ad Sunday in the Winston-Salem Journal and News & Record that posed the question: Can more hospitals actually result in less care? Yes, they actually can. Regulators informed Baptist on July 26 that it has proven the overall need for the proposed 36-bed hospital at 2909 Horse Pen Creek Road. The approval became public Aug. 9. Cone, which operates the only Greensboro hospital, vigorously opposes the Baptist application. Cone submitted an immediate appeal rather than wait up to 30 days. The N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings said Monday a final decision is due 270 days after the filing of Cones appeal on Aug. 24. depending on whether continuances or extensions are given by the administrative law judge. The proposed hospital is 2.1 miles from a Cone facility that opened in May 2022 a 160,000-square-foot MedCenter Greensboro facility at 3518 Drawbridge Parkway. The $97 million Cone facility includes an emergency department, ambulatory care center, imaging, physical therapy, cardiology, wellness programs and 13 overall services. We maintained that the projected hospital is about profits over patients, Cone said in the ad. Its very location indicated a market-driven strategy versus a needs-based solution. Cone said in a statement Monday that the ads are a way to keep this issue in the mind of consumers. After all, they are the ones who could see higher health care costs as the result of a poor decision by the state. Cone said that over the next several weeks, we plan to use a variety of ways reminding consumers what is at stake. Building a small hospital in an affluent part of Greensboro isnt about competition. It is about syphoning off people with premium health insurance. Everyone gets to pay for it. Baptist has projected construction commencing by December 2024 with a goal of opening by July 2026. It would have at least 152 full-time equivalent employees at full capacity. However, the appeal puts on hold the issuing of the certificate of need. This is a poor decision for everyone needing health care in this area, Cone chief executive Mary Jo Cagle said in an Aug. 9 statement. Neither Atrium nor Baptist could be immediately reached for comment on the Cone ad. Baptist spokesman Joe McCloskey said Aug. 9 the system is pleased with the states decision and we are eager to move forward. But, out of respect for the process, we are reserving additional comment at this time. Cone said in the ad that its appeal has support from Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and other community leaders. Vaughan spoke at a public hearing on the proposal that while she supports a second Greensboro hospital, she prefers that it operate in the east Greensboro area. This ad campaign is unlikely to sway regulators who make decisions based on hard facts, and not emotional appeals to public pressure, said Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, an economics professor at Winston-Salem State University. This is more of a marketing ploy than anything else. Cone response The purpose of the states CON laws is to limit or prevent duplication of medical services within a community. The laws also serve as a disincentive to for-profit health-care providers to open facilities. The 36 beds would be transferred from Baptist-operated High Point Medical Center, rather than be newly created in the county. The proposed facility also would feature no more than 12 observation beds, two procedure rooms, 20 emergency department bays, two fixed CT scanners, one general radiology X-ray unit, one fluoroscopy X-ray unit, two ultrasound units, one SPECT scanner, one mammography unit and one fixed MRI unit. In their 49-page analysis of the Baptist application, regulators indicated they did not view the proposed hospital as providing duplicative services, and that those services are needed in the community. Yet, Cone asks in its ad that knowing that the plans also call for the inclusion of a helipad begs the question why here? There is a level 2 trauma center just minutes away at Moses Cone Hospital. Baptist has the Triads only level 1 trauma center for adults. Cone answered its question by saying the answer is likely to carry patients who required advanced medical care, that the proposed facility will be unequipped to provide, to Winston-Salem. Who do you think will be asked to foot the bill for that very expensive 10-minute helicopter ride? Patients and their families, of course? Atrium and Baptist have said patients will be transferred to the Winston-Salem hospital if they require a high-level care beyond the services provided at the proposed Greensboro hospital. Its not all that different a transfer than how most of the community hospitals operated by Atrium, Baptist, Cone and Novant Health Inc. send high-level care patients to their main campuses. Cone finished the ad with saying In our view, profits over patients is fundamentally backward. People in our community already have options when it comes to health care, Cagle said. This decision runs counter to how CON is supposed to work. Atrium proposal Atrium said in its application that opening Greensboro Medical Center would be complementary and supplementary to Cones health care. Approval of Greensboro Medical Center will enable Greensboro to match the other top five North Carolina cities in hosting multiple hospital systems and having local hospital competition, which will be a benefit to local residents, according to the Atrium application. Baptist officials noted the High Point facility has improved with the opening of a high-risk obstetrics clinics, enhanced intensive care units and advanced technologies, including robotic surgical techniques. Kevin High, Baptists president, was the presenter for the proposal. He touted that an Atrium- and Baptist-affiliated Greensboro hospital would provide a high quality of care, safety and services, particularly to lower-income patients. This project is about how to most effectively improve access to acute care services in Guilford County, High said. This project is perfectly aligned with the basic principles of the state Medical Facilities Plan that serves to determine health care needs in regions across the state. All residents in Guilford County would have access to our quality of care, regardless of ability to pay. Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers has released photos of a suspect in the Aug. 24 slaying of a woman in the Adams Farm development, and says the man should be considered armed and dangerous. Rogers said the suspect appears to be in his mid-20s and stands 6 to 64 tall. He has a slender build, and was seen driving a white Chevrolet Colorado with a white camper top covering the bed. Police have found the vehicle, but not the suspect, and are warning people not to approach him but to call 911 if they see him. The Guilford County Sheriffs Office said the suspect is wanted in the death of a woman on Aug. 24 in the 5600 block of Wellsley Drive West. The womans niece was seriously injured. The names of the two victims have not been released. When deputies responded, they found that the woman had died. The niece was taken to a local hospital and was described afterwards as being in stable condition. Sheriffs officials are asking anyone with information to call Greensboro Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000 or Detective D. Duncan at 336-641-5968. Were it not for a handful of Democratic state lawmakers, the death penalty might have been a thing of the past in Montana. I caught a lot of heat for that, recalls Tom Jacobson, sitting on the back porch of his Cascade home watching the Missouri River as it creeps past cottonwood groves and hay fields on its way to Great Falls. The former legislator was one of three moderate Democrats who voted against the 2015 bill to abolish capital punishment. It died on a tie vote in the House, the last time the Legislature came remotely close to tossing out the states death penalty. Fellow Democrats were livid. But Jacobson, who until last year was one of just two Great Falls lawmakers representing his party, said hed vote the same way today. Vote your conscience, vote your constituents and then vote your caucus, Jacobson says, paraphrasing a maxim among politicians. ... For me, it was more about, what would my constituents want? Thats the 40,000-voter question for the Montana Democratic Party, which over the last decade went from holding seven legislative seats in Great Falls and surrounding Cascade County to holding zero today. The 2024 elections are still more than a year away, but already national attention is focusing on Montana, where Democrat Jon Testers reelection bid will be one of several expected to determine control of the U.S. Senate. And one constant of the states recent political history is that no Democrat has won a statewide federal office without winning Cascade County. But the last time a Democrat won over the increasingly red county was in 2018, when Tester captured 51% of the 35,000 voters who turned out. In 2020, Democrat Steve Bullock, then termed out of the governor's office, took just 44% of Cascade County in his failed attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. That contest, during a presidential election year, brought out an additional 5,000 voters. Joe Biden failed to break 40%. Hailing from neighboring Chouteau County, Tester has consistently been able to attract crossover Republican voters who have eluded other Democratic candidates. But in recent years, Montanans have increasingly strayed from their historical tendency to split tickets. People are much more intensely partisan than they used to be, and I think that really plays out in places like Great Falls, Jessi Bennion, a political science professor at Montana State University, said. Were certainly going to see that tested with Tester with the race in 2024. Tester campaign manager Shelbi Dantic declined an interview request, but wrote in an emailed statement: Jon Tester won Cascade County in all three of his U.S. Senate campaigns because the folks there are his neighbors, and know his record of fighting for their community from standing up for our veterans to ensuring Malmstrom has the resources it needs to keep America safe. New doors opening In 2014, Montana Democrats won five state House seats and one Senate seat in the Great Falls area, with one holdover Democrat already in the Senate (state senators serve four-year terms). Fast forward to 2020, and not a single legislative Democrat on the ballot won in Cascade County. Same in 2022. The party has similarly lost legislative ground in Yellowstone County, which includes Billings and is more demographically similar to Great Falls than the college towns of Missoula and Bozeman. But the erosion of Democratic influence over the course of the decade has been more incremental there. The party currently holds four Billings-area legislative seats, compared with seven seats after the 2014 election. Earlier this month, the Montana Democratic Party chose Great Falls for the first stop in its Legislative Listening Tour. About 50 people crowded into the basement of the citys public library to hear from Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, of Belgrade, and Democratic Rep. Mary Caferro, of Helena, who both pitched a focus on issues like affordable housing, child care and tax fairness when knocking doors and talking to voters. Those resonated across the board it doesnt matter what party youre in, Flowers told the audience. And if were making a commitment at the door that those are the things that were going to fight for, we know theyre important to you. Theyre important to us. That can transcend party lines, and it should. Of the attendees who spoke up to ask questions or talk strategy, many were former elected Democrats or local members of the party. Former Great Falls Mayor Randy Gray noted the decline of local union membership in Great Falls, a trend seen elsewhere across the state. The elimination of unions was a major event in my lifetime in this town, and it is still dogging us, Gray said. But theres opportunities for new doors opening in the future, and we just have to keep that in mind. Seated next to Gray, Chris Christiaens, who served as a Democrat in the Legislature for nearly two decades, suggested it comes down to candidates needing to get their faces in front of voters. His last term ended in 2002. Its working doors, and the more time you work the doors and the more people understand your actions, and give you the chance to ask questions, you will win, Christiaens said. I went through my district every election a minimum of three times for every single house. Jasmine Taylor, who ran unsuccessfully against Great Falls Republican Rep. Lola Sheldon Galloway in 2020, challenged the state party to do more to support local legislative candidates. I think what weve experienced, especially in Cascade County, is that there hasnt been support here, that the party has supported the safe seats and thats where they invested their time, their money and their resources, Taylor said. ... I know that this last election, we have candidates in this room that knocked their district two or three times, and they still lost. And not everyone was on board with Flowerss and Caferros focus on kitchen-table issues. David Saslav noted that advocacy for the unhoused did not appear on Flowers list nor did climate change or LGBTQ issues. And I would say those are probably three of my top five, the local Democrat said. So Im thinking that we need to be looking at a wider tent, not a smaller tent. Those would be on my list, also, if I were compiling my own, Flowers responded. Its a difficult line to walk, to keep the message simple and pointed and resonating with a broad population, and still keep the tent open and wide. Cutting through the noise in 2024 The chair of the Cascade County Democrats, Helena Lovick, says there are disagreements within the party over whether to emphasize kitchen table issues versus what she calls a "looming crisis" of climate change, or the loss of reproductive rights for women. She encourages candidates to "speak from your heart" and connect with voters on whatever issues they care about. "Talk to them from a place of compassion about whatever it is that fires you up," Lovick says. She sees hope for Democrats in 2024, but acknowledges they lost significant ground over the last decade. The Great Falls' population is older than other urban areas in the state, she notes, and its residents tend to be the "blue collar" types who drifted away from the party as union membership declined. But top of her list is the erosion of local coverage in the citys daily newspaper. She says local Democrats have struggled to adapt to the rise of social media as a political messaging tool. "I think the way we can reach persuadable voters is really by pointing out the record of what Republicans have been doing in our state," Lovick says. She points to the affordable housing crisis and proposals to undercut union membership as examples that would resonate with Great Falls voters. Jacobson and former Sen. Carlie Boland were the last two Great Falls Democrats to serve in the 2021 session. Republicans flipped both of those seats in 2022, completing their takeover of Cascade Countys legislative delegation. He lost his reelection bid by about 400 votes to a political newcomer, while Cascade County Republican Wendy McKamey decisively won to flip the other formerly Democratic Senate seat. Asked why he couldnt pull off another win last year, Jacobson shrugs and peers across the river before offering a handful of theories: The decline of unions, who historically supported Democrats; the decline of traditional media; the ever-growing influence of national partisan issues in local politics. Plus, it was an especially bad year for Democrats across the state. Four years earlier hed pulled 58% of the vote to defeat the son of Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, the same year Rosendale lost the U.S. Senate race to Tester. Id hit the doors and it would be Biden this, Biden that but I want to talk about things that actually impact Great Falls, he says, adding that in 2018, his campaign signs would sometimes share real estate with yard signs supporting Trumps candidacy two years earlier. I think it goes back to people getting more and more entrenched in their tribe. Thats been reflected in recent election results, with less variation between top-of-the-ticket races, like Trump-versus-Biden, and the partisans at the local level. Great Falls Republican state Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick sees the increased polarization of U.S. politics as helping to drive that trend. It's one thing he and Lovick agree on. It seems we live in our own separate worlds anymore, and we dont talk to anybody, the Senate Majority leader says, seated in his office at a Great Falls law firm. I mean, were very isolated. But he also thinks local Democrats like Jacobson have been hamstrung by the national partys focus. When I think of the Democratic Party platform, I think, what are they gonna talk about? Fitzpatrick says. Theyre gonna talk about gay rights, theyre gonna talk about climate change, theyre gonna talk about race, right? I just dont think that resonates with the typical Great Falls, Cascade County voter. Jacobson said he hasnt ruled out a legislative run in 2024. Thats when the new legislative district map goes into effect, following the decennial reapportionment process that wrapped up earlier this year. The new map will be less hostile to Democrats than the old one. The six Great Falls House districts are blockier, and although they all lean Republican, history suggests the right Democrats could pick up some of them. Bullock narrowly won two of the districts in his 2020 bid for U.S. Senate. He was within 1% in two others. Tester won them all in 2018. And Democrats and Republicans both expect having Tester on the ballot will boost down-ballot candidates next year. Fitzpatrick remembers barely winning his district in 2012, when both Tester and former Gov. Steve Bullock were running. Both Democrats have typically outperformed their party, picking up enough votes from Republican voters to eke out wins in close contests. They had staff everywhere, they were driving the vote out, Fitzpatrick said. ... It was all just a surge of people that theyd registered and driven out to the ballots. I mean, I remember pulling up the voter list, and I just remember having a panic attack, like where did all these people come from? Jacobson offers up another anecdote, in which he knocks on a door and homeowner wants to talk Second Amendment issues. As a pro-gun Democrat, he chats the voter up about his own arsenal, but then warns the guy, Youre probably going to get a postcard from the NRA, saying Tom Jacobson got an F grade. So he pulls out the National Rifle Association questionnaire, and walks through the no votes that earned him the ire of the firearms advocacy group. Voting against arming teachers, allowing guns in bars, allowing guns in other public places. But he says the pro-gun voter would agree with those votes. Then Id say, Well, I guess youd get an F from the NRA too, Jacobson says. At the most hyper-local level, on the threshold of a voters door, theres room for nuance. He shrugs again. But the message is, Democrats want to take your guns away. DECATUR A line of red tractors, both old and new, weaved through the countryside Monday morning during a trek from Farmer City to Progress City USA in Decatur. In all, about 70 Farmall tractors made the trip and will be on display at this year's Farm Progress Show, which begins its three-day run in Decatur on Tuesday. Exhibits are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. Derek Harms, 47, was one of the farmers driving his 1947 Farmall M in the tractor drive. It was originally my grandpas, he said about his tractor. He bought it new. The tractor is special to Harms. The tractor was sold awhile back, but Harms said he found it, purchased and restored it more than 25 years ago. And this is a great day, Harms said about the drive. It was a little cool taking off, but you couldnt ask for a better day. Russell Buhr from Flatville parked his 1948 Farmall M among the others. This is a chance of a lifetime to be in the Farm Progress Show, on the grounds and with all red tractors, he said. Thats just special for Farmall. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Farmall tractors, which were first produced in the Illinois city of Rock Island. Nearly 100 red tractors are on display at the north end of Progress City to honor the anniversary. Almost 70, to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Farm Progress Show, were driven by their owners during the tractor drive. Some of the farmers have about three tractors, but theyre driving just one, said Abby Coers, marketing director at Central Illinois Ag. The parade of tractors began at 8 a.m. Monday at Central Illinois Ag in Farmer City. The 45-mile drive took approximately four hours. According to Coers, the goal was to have a tractor on display from every year. So theres a lot of history here, she said. The tractors are work, as well as fun, for Bill Stacey, 49, who works on Farmall equipment as an ag technician at Central Illinois Ag in Clinton. I was born and raised on a farm, he said. But Ive been where Im at for 25 years now. Stacey displayed his 1949 Farmall M, one of many red tractors still in working order. Theres probably over a hundred here, he said. The city of Rantoul celebrated the tractor company at the Half Century of Progress Show, which highlights working vintage tractors, over the weekend. The connection was a natural fit for the Farm Progress Show, said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events director. Some of those tractors are even older than our 70-year-old show, he said. Its kind of nice to take a look back as well. The pre-show display was a nice break for the vendors and organizers, Jungmann said. It was a nice little surprise during a busy day to see a little bit of history driving past, he said. Mount Auburn farmer Calvin Elder, 71, has a history with Farmall tractors. Its what I grew up on, he said. Parked among the red tractors were just a few from Elders collection, including a 1930 Regular and a 1939 F-14. Ive got a 41 H thats on the farm, he said. Ive got a 52 Super M that I grew up on. Elder not only collects the life-size Farmall tractors, he also makes cast iron model replicas. And I repair them, he said. But I dont make as many Farmalls anymore because theres too much competition. Some tractors are more special to the Mount Auburn farmer. Elder purchased a 1955 Farmall 300 during a neighbors farm auction to honor his late friend. I promised him Id keep it. And I still have it, Elder said. So when Im driving it, Im never alone. 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Watch now: What to know about this years Farm Progress Show Watch now: What is headlining the 2021 Farm Progress Show Projects to rehabilitate and reuse two former Wise County coal sites will divide more than $4 million in grant funds. Last week the Lonesome Pine Regional Industrial Facilities Authority received $2.5 million from the Virginia Department of Energys Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant program for something called Project Thoroughbred, located in the city of Norton. In a separate ceremony, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority received $1.7 million from the Virginia Department of Energys AMLER grant program to prepare sites near the town of Wise to host light manufacturing. The Norton site was a former coal storage facility that will now store grains grown by Appalachian farmers to be used in the craft beverage market. Its great to see how our agricultural sector in Southwest Virginia will benefit from the redevelopment of an abandoned coal loadout facility, said U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th. The funds awarded to Project Thoroughbred will allow for the development of a Southwest grain terminal, positively impacting the agriculture base and craft beverage industry in the region. Project Thoroughbred will reclaim the historic coal loading facility into a grain processing, storage and distribution terminal. This facility will allow local farmers to expand their growing season and bring in more income. Specialty grains sell at a rate of 30-percent more per bushel than feed quality grains. Two of the industries that Southwest Virginia is built on are coming together in Project Thoroughbred, said Virginia Energy Deputy Director Will Clear. An old coal loadout facility is getting a new life and Virginias farmers are gaining a new opportunity in growing these specialty grains. Appalachian Grains is selling and marketing the grain grown in Southwest Virginia counties. Because most of these specialty grains are imported from out of state, locally sourcing the product greatly reduces food miles, costs and carbon footprint. With the distribution facility located in Norton, it will serve as a central location from which malt producers, breweries and distilleries throughout the Southeast United States will source specialty grains. This regional grain terminal is essential to Southwest Virginias plan to capitalize on the craft beverage industrys need for locally sourced specialty grains, said Appalachian Grains founder Will Payne. Aggregating the regions grain at this facility will not only give our farmers confidence that there is a market but allow us to scale production to meet growing industry demands. Project Thoroughbred also creates an ongoing workforce training program at Mountain Empire Community College. Working with the growers to set the curriculum and offering internships at the terminal, students will leave with a grains certification to be able to continue their career as more grains are grown to meet demand. Near Wise, the Elam Farm Industrial site is a former mining area that is being repurposed. The redevelopment of abandoned mine land has the potential to bring new business and jobs to Southwest Virginia, Griffith said in a separate statement. This $1.7 million grant will do just that, helping to build infrastructure on the Elam Farm Industrial site, ensuring it is pad ready. Once complete, the site should attract large scale economic development projects, positively impacting Wise County for years to come. The future development is located within the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park. The grant will allow the county to build an access road and install important infrastructure such as public water and sewer and natural gas utilities. Flat developable land with infrastructure is an issue in our coalfields when finding homes for new business, Clear said. Wise County leaders recognized that need and found the opportunity to create multiple developments that will produce new job opportunities for the region. The Elam Farm Industrial Site is located on a coal mine that closed in 1975. Once construction is completed, the county will be able to market multiple developable sites for light manufacturing facilities. The development of business-ready sites is a necessity for localities to be competitive in attracting new industries, said Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin. This project will speed up the construction to open-for-business timeline from years to months. We are proud of our relationship with Virginia Energy, and we are grateful for the support from the AMLER program for this significant project. The AMLER program originated in a federal omnibus bill in 2017, Virginia Energy has received $10 million annually for economic development on abandoned mine lands The program is administered by the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement. The grants are managed by Virginia Energys Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. BRISTOL, Va. Citing concerns about traffic and access, the Bristol Virginia City Council last week unanimously rejected a request to rezone a 3-acre tract next to the Bristol Casino. The council agreed with its Planning Commission, which unanimously did not recommend approval of a proposal to rezone the Grove Park Drive site from R-2 residential to B-3 general business. Grove Park is a residential area straddling the state line with about 25 houses in Bristol Tennessee and four in Bristol Virginia. The site is accessible primarily through Bristol Tennessee streets and Grove Park is a hilly, two-lane, residential street. The lot, owned by R.S. Roberts, lies at the bottom of the hill along the street and is adjacent to the former Bristol Mall property at the rear of the property. Rezoning would also require a road be constructed on the site and any development would require water and sewer service, While the property does adjoin the Bristol Casino property and a B-3 zoning district there is currently no vehicular access between the two, city Director of Community Development and Planning Jay Detrick told the council. A request for a zoning map amendment does not require an applicant what specific use they would want with the newly rezoned property so any land use permitted in the B-3 could legally be constructed. Council found little to like in the request. Ive really tried to have an open mind about this but weve heard a lot of concerns from neighbors about this access, coming from Grove Park, the size of that road, the terrain, so I have some concerns about that, Councilman Anthony Farnum said. Councilman Michael Pollard said the property wasnt suitable for B-3 zoning or at least not at this time. Things could change in the future. Vice Mayor Becky Nave said she has heard from all sides but especially residents in that area. My biggest concern would be the traffic coming because that will increase as the Hard Rock opens with the bigger casino and hotel next year, that traffic is going to double, she said. Councilman Jake Holmes said Grove Park was definitely a residential area. Last fall the council approved a city initiative to rezone about 45 acres north of the casino from residential to B-3 business allowing residents to remain but giving them future options if they wanted to sell property to be developed. Also last year, the council approved a plan to build a boutique hotel in the subdivision that abuts the northern side of the casino property. The difference in this and the property we rezoned that may be a hotel on Gate City Highway or other properties, those are easily accessible from public roads that would be commercial areas. I understand completely why this owner would want to do this. Theyre trying to increase the marketability of the property, but it almost feels like an answer in search of a question. No one but the owner has asked for this. The owner didnt address the council but told the Planning Commission he had absolutely no plans to develop the site. An Albemarle County man has been convicted of disorderly conduct after admitting to placing a noose around the neck of the University of Virginias statue of Greek poet Homer. Far from the act of racism many first believed it to be, 35-year-old Shane Michael Dennis said the noose was meant to be a protest of the abuse and sexualization of children. The statue, officially called Blind Homer and his Student Guide, depicts the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey with a young Egyptian assistant at his feet something Dennis counsel said his client found extremely problematic. Dennis pleaded guilty earlier this month in Albemarle County General District Court to disorderly conduct with no additional jail time. The trouble began on the evening of Sept. 7, 2022, about two weeks after university classes began, when police got a report of a noose hanging from the neck of the statue of Homer on the Lawn in front of Old Cabell Hall. After reviewing surveillance footage, UVa police placed the blame on a man wearing jeans and a dark-colored jacket and declared the incident a hate crime. The facts available indicate that this was an act intended to intimidate members of this community, wrote President Jim Ryan in an open letter issued the afternoon after the noose was found. Ryan suggested that the noose was an act of racism. A noose is a recognizable and well-known symbol of violence, most closely associated with the racially motivated lynchings of African Americans, Ryan continued. The combination of those factors led University public safety officials to determine that this incident met the criteria of a hate crime and that a community alert was required. University officials said they sought the assistance of the FBI. At a mid-September rally students said university leaders werent doing enough to fight White supremacy. Within two weeks, there were reports of two additional breaches of the peace. In one incident, rocks were reportedly thrown through a window at the office for African American Affairs. In another, a flag depicting an owl and a check for $888.88 was found at the schools Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. Speculation ran wild that someone or some group was intending to intimidate students of color. The combination of incidents so jarred some students that the schools police chief and chief operating officer issued a joint statement to quell fears and tamp rumors. Neither of these two is connected to each other or to the noose that was found around the Homer statue, wrote Police Chief Tim Longo and COO J.J. Davis. The cryptic offering left at the memorial, in particular, was later revealed to be an actual donation left by a UVa alumnus who is a member of Wise Investment Philanthropy, a group which completes random acts of kindness. The individual who threw the rocks was later apprehended and charged with vandalism but cleared of committing a racist hate crime, the school said. In Long and Davis statement, the pair announced a $2,000 reward later bumped to $10,000 via an anonymous pledge for information leading to the apprehension of the noose culprit. They released grainy images of the suspect caught on camera and also revealed that the noose was not the only item left at the statue that night. Because of the anxiety around Grounds we want to let all of you know that one document found at the scene was a flyer that advertised a student-led social event that had already transpired and was completely unrelated to this incident, they wrote. Another document recovered was marked with the phrase TICK TOCK. Just when the case appeared to stall, the culprit made a return trip to Homer by the morning of Oct. 22 to leave a few more items, including a letter inside an envelope, a Christian cross, a civil peace flag which resembles a pale version of the Stars and Stripes, and a Guy Fawkes mask, the kind made popular by the Anonymous hacker group. The letter enclosed in the envelope suggested that while the statue was designed in 1907 by renowned sculptor Moses Ezekial to celebrate the blind poet, it in fact glorified pedophilia. If you live in reality you will see an old man with a nude adolescent boy in between his legs. By this time, James Bacon, executive director of conservative alumni group the Jefferson Council, questioned, Is it still a hate crime if the perp was protesting pedophilia? According to the charging documents, it was. Dennis was arrested on Oct. 24 and charged with displaying a noose to intimidate, a felony, and held without bail. This was not his first bout with the local legal system. In late 2016, he was accused of forcibly kissing a customer at a therapeutic floating center. He was found not guilty of assault at trial in Charlottesville General District Court. On the UVa charge, Dennis complicated matters for himself by refusing to answer an Albemarle judges questions or sign papers during his first courtroom appearance, resulting in a contempt charge and conviction. After 10 nights in jail, a woman named in court papers as Kristin Leanne Morgan promised a $10,000 bond. As part of his pretrial release, Dennis, a military veteran, was ordered to initiate and maintain mental health treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dennis returned to Albemarle County General District Court on Aug. 3 with Justin Corder, his lawyer, to plead no contest to a count of disorderly conduct. He received a six-month sentence with all jail time suspended and ordered to remain on good behavior for a year. Upon investigation, it became apparent that this case was not a racially motivated hate crime, as many initially feared, and that Mr. Dennis simply never harbored any racially motivated intent of any kind, Corder told The Daily Progress in an email. Instead, Mr. Dennis intended to protest what he considered to be an extremely problematic public statue glorifying the abuse and sexualization of children. Dennis appears to have moved out of his rented Charlottesville Fashion Square-area townhouse. The Daily Progress efforts to reach him were not successful. He has been banned from university property. Stephen Childers fought back tears as he stood outside the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams plant in Taylorsville Monday morning. Childers, a leather cutter who worked for the furniture maker off-and-on for the last two decades, found out through social media over the weekend the plant would be closing. The news was confirmed by an official notice from the company. I really loved that job, Childers said. (The closing) hurt a lot of peoples feelings. In addition to the main plant in Taylorsville, the company is also closing a framing plant in Hiddenite and distribution center in Iredell County. Company founder Mitchell Gold estimated in an interview Monday morning the closings will affect a total of around 800 nationwide. Alexander County Public Information Officer Gary Herman said the total employment impact in Alexander and Iredell counties is 533. Gold said his understanding is that the company is ceasing operations because the companys bank accused the company of being in technical default and abruptly suspended credit. The bank had gotten to the point where they did not want to continue financing the company, Gold said. Gold and partner Bob Williams founded the company in 1989. Gold said he and Williams are devastated and kind of furious also. I am broken-hearted, Gold said. I am especially heartbroken over what this means to our employees, what this means to our vendors and what this means to our customers, what this means to our community. Gold said neither he nor Williams currently own the company. He said the company is now owned by The Stephens Group based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Gold said he left the role of CEO in 2019 and has been under contract with the company to perform work as needed. He said he has not been involved with the company for most of that period but was brought back in last April to assist interim CEO Chris Moye. He praised the interim CEO, saying that Moye has done an extraordinary job of trying to save the company. Gold added, It was just out of his control. County leaders said in a statement they are working with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, NCWorks and local companies to support those who have lost jobs. The sudden closure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Alexander County is devastating news to many of the citizens and families that rely on employment there, and our hearts go out to them, Alexander County Commissioner Marty Pennell said via the statement. He added, I want to challenge our local industries to publicize job openings and reach out to these folks who have lost their job at no fault of their own. Some local companies have already begun to answer that call, with Craftmaster Furniture, Schneider Mills and Paragon Films inviting laid-off workers to apply. HICKORY Seniors Morning Out participants will enjoy a variety of activities in September including the opportunity to participate in Shake, Rattle and Roll Junk Drumming with the Hickory Music Factory at all five of the sites. These performances are supported by the United Arts Council of Catawba County through the North Carolina Arts Council, with funding from the state of North Carolina. Any resident of Catawba County who is 60 or older is invited to join Seniors Morning Out, which is held Monday through Thursday mornings at five locations. A hot, nutritious lunch is served each day. Programs are free to participants, who may pick and choose which days to attend. Bus transportation to and from the sites is available in some locations. September program highlights include the following: At the Newton site at First Presbyterian Church, 701 N. Main Ave., Newton: Sept. 7, musical performance by Cameron Matthews; Sept. 11, Shake Rattle and Roll Junk Drumming with Rick Cline, Hickory Music Factory; Sept. 12, musical performance by Ulysses Long; Sept. 14, Nathan Hedrick performing old-time rock; Sept. 18, GERD education with Liliana Adrian, Catawba Valley Health System; Sept. 21, musical performance by Charles Ballard; Sept. 25, crafts with Amanda Bentley; Sept. 27, neurocognitive disorders and basics of dementia with Vaya Health. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, call Danielle Hicks at 828-455-4133 at least two days in advance. At the West Hickory site at West Hickory Senior Center, 400 17th St. SW, Hickory: Sept. 7, chair volleyball; Sept 12, discussion about seizures with Carolyn Thompson, Catawba Valley Health System; Sept. 14, musical performance by Papa Grey Beard; Sept. 19, cooking class, fall cone smores; Sept. 20, timeless trivia: convertibles, hot Rods, and classic rides with Jennifer Williams; Sept. 21, Shake, Rattle, and Roll Junk Drumming with Rick Cline, Hickory Music Factory; Sept. 26, neurocognitive disorders and basics of dementia with Vaya Health; Sept. 27, crafts make a fall pumpkin. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, call Suzi Caesar at 828-323-8746 at least two days in advance. At the East Hickory site at First United Methodist Church, 311 Third Ave. NE, Hickory: Sept. 5, chair volleyball; Sept. 12 neurocognitive disorders and basics of dementia with Vaya Health; Sept. 18, discussion about seizures with Carolyn Thomas, Catawba Valley Health System; Sept. 20, musical performance by Cameron Matthews; Sept. 21, crafts painting a fall canvas tree; Sept. 25, Shake, Rattle, and Roll Junk Drumming with Rick Cline, Hickory Music Factory; Sept. 26, timeless trivia: convertibles, hot rods, and classic rides with Jennifer Williams; Sept. 28, cooking class butter finger cake. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, call LaDonna Ledford at least two days in advance at 828-320-5963. At the Catawba site at Center Church, 4945 Sherrills Ford Road, Catawba: Sept. 7, learn CPR with Melanie Sigmon, Catawba County EMS; Sept. 14, Library to Go with Sam Woolhiser, Catawba County Library; Sept. 18, Shake, Rattle, and Roll Junk Drumming with Rick Cline, Hickory Music Factory; Sept. 19, crafts with Tonya Jarnac; Sept. 21, musical performance by Papa Grey Beard; Sept. 26, discussion about seizures with Liliana Adrian, Catawba Valley Health System; Sept. 27, musical performance by Kim Dagerhardt; Sept. 28, neurocognitive disorders and basics of dementia with Vaya Health. If you would like to attend any of these programs, call Kayla Smith at 828-320-0434 at least two days in advance. At the Maiden site at the Maiden Community Center, 207 E. Klutz St., Maiden: Sept. 5, neurocognitive disorders and basics of dementia with Vaya Health; Sept. 6, Shake, Rattle, and Roll Junk Drumming with Rick Cline, Hickory Music Factory; Sept. 11, cooking with Teresa Slaughter, banana cream pie cookies; Sept. 12, Advance Directives Part 2 with Julie Packer, Carolina Caring; Sept. 13, musical performance by Charles Ballard; Sept. 18, cooking class: cottage cheese ice cream; Sept. 20, crafts: easy DIY pumpkin decor with Suzan and Lisa; Sept. 28, musical performance by Sentimental Journey. If you would like to attend any of these programs, call Lisa Adams at 828-320-5966. Seniors Morning Out is operated by Senior Nutrition Services of Catawba County Social Services and is in need of volunteers to assist with the program between 8:30 a.m. and noon, Monday through Thursday. Call 828-695-5610 if interested. In addition to SMO, Senior Nutrition Services operates Meals on Wheels and related programs in the county. You can volunteer as little as 1.5 hours a month. To find out more, call Senior Nutrition Services at 828-695-5610 during regular business hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays. For the latest updates, like their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MealsonWheelsofCatawbaCounty, or visit their website at http://www.MealsonWheelsofCatawbaCounty.org. Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services is a United Way funded partner. The Hill County Commissioners Court approved tax abatement agreements for two solar projects and created reinvestment zones that will allow the county to consider two more agreements with solar companies at a meeting held Tuesday, August 22. The votes were not unanimous, as Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Holcomb voted against all of the proposals, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Scotty Hawkins voted against one of the reinvestment zones. As the projects have steadily come before the court, County Judge Justin Lewis has repeatedly said that he cannot find any authority that the county has to ban the projects and he doesn't want to tell landowners what to do with their land. The best the county can do, the judge has said, is to bring the companies to the table with a tax abatement agreement, contractually obligating them to repair any damage caused to county roads and allowing the county to add other requirements, such as setbacks and barriers for neighboring landowners. Texas Acting Attorney General Angela Colmenero issued an opinion Wednesday, August 16, backing up that assessment, stating that Texas law does not give county governments the authority to ban solar farms. Franklin County asked for an opinion on the matter after it tried to implement a ban at the request of residents. The two tax abatement agreements before the court Tuesday were with Leitsol Solar, a project involving about 1,100 acres west of Hillsboro on the south side of Highway 22, and Midpoint Solar, involving about 640 acres in the northwestern portion of the county between Covington and Blum. Brutus was back on Caesar's side, but not for long. Caesar made his kingly ambitions clear, publicly refusing the crown from Mark Antony, but accepting the title of "dictator for life" and ruling from a golden throne. Something had to be done to save the republic from Caesar's tyranny, and Brutus was the one to do it. Together with Cassius, Brutus began recruiting allies in a plot to depose Caesar. Advertisement "How did they identify suitable conspirators?" asks Tempest. "It's not something you can just drop into conversation 'Hey, do you want to kill Caesar?'" Instead, it was the custom of the time to ask rhetorical questions to spark philosophical debate. What do you do when a leader has too much power? Is it right to disturb a state of peace, especially if it leads to another civil war? That's likely how Brutus and Cassius hashed out their 20 or so co-conspirators in the Senate. What about Mark Antony, Caesar's right-hand man; should they kill him, too? "Brutus said, absolutely not," says Tempest. "If we kill Antony, we can't justify it on the grounds of murdering a tyrant. Others argued that Mark Antony was too dangerous to keep alive, and that certainly came back to bite Brutus later." " " The Eid Mar ("Ides of March") denarius, issued by Marcus Junius Brutus in 43 or 42 B.C.E. The front of the coin features a portrait of Marcus Brutus. The two daggers on the reverse differ to show more than one person was involved in the slaying. Classical Numismatic Group, Inc./Wikipedia/Public Domain On the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E., Caesar was fatally stabbed 23 times in the Senate. The historian Suetonius wrote two versions of Caesar's death. In the first, the dictator accepted his murder in silence, burying his head in his toga and collapsing into its folds. In the second version, Caesar was more defiant and had strong words for Brutus, the almost-son who delivered the final dagger. In Greek, Caesar says, "Kai su, teknon," which translates literally as "You too, child." In Shakespeare's famous play, the line is written in Latin as "Et tu, Brute?" This literally means "And you, Brutus?" and is often taken as a vulnerable question: "Even you, Brutus?" or "You, too, my child?" But Tempest reads it as a curse along the lines of "Back atcha, kid," or "What goes around comes around." No question mark here; rather, an exclamation. "Teknon means 'kid,' and it's not a biological connection, but derogatory," says Tempest. "Even though Suetonius favors the first version of Caesar's death the one where he falls in silence the idea that Caesar actually went down cursing Brutus is a Caesar I can believe in." Though 2023 has largely been a financial disappointment for dairy farmers, those effects have been somewhat buffered by the strong milk prices received through much of last year. Thats reflected in the final analysis of the farms that participated in the Cornell Pro-Dairy Dairy Farm Business Summary in 2022, as farms of all sizes reported, on average, net farm income that at least doubled compared to 2021. The summary helps farm managers track historical farm financial data, and there were 129 farms that participated in both 2021 and 2022. In the complete report for last years data, Pro-Dairy team members Jason Karszes and Lauren Augello outline business factors that affected farms of less than 500 cows, 500 to 999 cows, 1,000 to 1,499 cows, and over 1,500 cows in both years. Net farm income without appreciation are the numbers that stand out, with all farms averaging a 178% jump in 2022 compared to 2021. Farms of 500 to 999 cows were the high mark in that category, recording a 202% climb in net farm income. Those with less than 500 cows recorded the smallest bump, but net farm income still rose 125% there. Of course, the other half of that story is that input costs remained high for much of the year. Prices paid for purchased feed, machinery, crops, labor, and general expenses were up across the board. Karszes and Augello also divided the farm size categories into quintile ranges for each expense area to compare how the best- and worst-performing farms of each size stacked up to each other. The highest feed and crop expenses per hundredweight (cwt.) of milk sold was recorded by the lowest group of farms with less than 500 cows at $12.87 per cwt. The lowest feed and crop expense per cwt. was recorded by the most efficient farms of more than 1,500 cows at $7.93. Labor costs and efficiency are another significant area of focus for dairy farmers, especially in New York where overtime restrictions exist. In every farm size category, milk sold per worker rose from 2021 to 2022. In the two mid-size farm categories, this was supported by having more cows per worker (1,000 to 1,400 cows up 1.2%; 500 to 999 cows 1.9% higher). In the other two categories, cows per worker was essentially steady, dipping 0.3% among the largest herds and 0.2% in the smallest ones. However, the less than 500 cows category was the only one to see a decline in average herd size, falling 1%. Average number of cows was up 3% in the three other categories. Though just a snapshot in time of these farms, the summary illustrates well the trends occurring in our industry and provides relevant benchmarks for other dairies looking to evaluate their operations. You can read the full report here. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023 August 24, 2023 CHARLOTTE To close out its 75th anniversary celebration, which kicked off last November, Discovery Place has announced an extended run for one of its most popular exhibitions to-date Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes as well as new featured exhibitions and adult programming coming to Discovery Place Science. From bringing back our premier adult science event, Science on the Rocks, to hosting the largest and most popular exhibition in recent history, Discovery Place has had an extraordinary anniversary year, said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place president and CEO. As we begin closing out this celebratory year, we look forward to building upon our adult science offerings and bringing in new featured exhibitions for guests of all ages. In addition, the organization will help ASTC celebrate its 50th anniversary when Discovery Place Science hosts the 2023 ASTC annual conference Oct. 7-10. As the premier annual event for science-engagement professionals, Discovery Place is proud to serve as this years host and welcome participants from member organizations around the world to learn from and connect with one another. More information about this years ASTC conference can be found here: https://www.astc.org/astc-2023/registration/ Featured exhibitions at Discovery Place Science in 2023-24: Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes on exhibition now through Jan. 1, 2024. A New Moon Rises will open Friday, Sept. 29, in the Tryon Street Lobby. With amazing, large-scale, high-resolution photographs of the lunar surface taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), A New Moon Rises offers unique visual data to help answer our questions about the moon. Dogs! A Science Tail will open at Discovery Place Science on Feb. 3, 2024 and run through May 5. Exploring the bond between humans and dogs, the exhibition features immersive experiences that invite guests to see, hear, think and smell like a dog. Perfect for families, children and animal lovers of all ages. Ultimate Dinosaurs: Meet a New Breed of Beasts will land at Discovery Place Science on June 21, 2024 and give guests the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology that puts a new twist on bringing these prehistoric creatures to life in the 21st century. The exhibition reveals a new breed of dinosaurs unfamiliar to popular imagination a fascinating study of species that guests may not have encountered before and will be at Discovery Place Science through Sept. 8. In addition to a new slate of exhibitions, Discovery Place Science will expand upon its adult science offerings this year with the return of Science on Screen in Discovery Place Theatre on Friday, Oct. 13, featuring Ghostbusters and special guest speaker (TBA) plus an adults-only Macabre Masquerade costume party on Saturday, Oct. 21. To stay up to date on all that Discovery Place has to offer, including special events, new planetarium shows, IMAX documentaries and Hollywood feature films, visit discoveryplace.org. Identity security company CyberArk's vice president of Red Team services Shay Nahari is committed to giving enterprises the tools to find the holes in their security before the bad guys do, and prepare them on what to do should an attack happen. With data breaches making the news more and more - both due to the increasing sophistication of attackers as well as mandatory data breach legislation requiring disclosure - boards around the globe are increasingly looking to penetration testing and cyber insurance for protection. Yet, these can only go so far; and while penetration testing is valuable, the ethical nature of the engagement means the white-hat hacker is constrained in what they touch and what they break. The bad guys have no such limitations upon them. Thus here comes Shay Nahari and his Red Team at CyberArk, assisting organisations in detecting and reacting to targeted attacks using adversary simulation and advanced real-life tactics and techniques. His team bring a wealth of deep experience in combating threats, especially within financial institutions. Nahari himself comes from a technical background including time in the Israeli army, and now he and his team are building up CyberArks own specialised IP and capabilities. This cumulative expertise means the team has pretty much seen it all. And, whats more, often the complexity of the diverse tech stacks within such enterprises makes it easier for the threat actors to gain privileged access to sensitive data. For example, Nahari explains, the bad actors can steal session cookies to bypass security controls - with vast ramifications when were speaking about the SWIFT terminal at the bank. The attacker can make transfers by stealing two different cookies from two different people; they can circumvent the entire security stack and perform arbitrary wire transfers. And thats only the start. Knowing your environment is vulnerable is one thing; mitigating these known risks is another. And by far and away, being able to identify the threats, detect when you are being compromised, and respond appropriately is another. Its this latter set of skills that a regular penetration test wont impart, and where you need the experience of the CyberArk Red Team. In fact, Nahari explains, one common misconception in business today is that security is an IT concern. Yes, he says, five years ago the typical target for an identity attack was the IT administrator with keys to the network and server infrastructure. Today, it's different; identity theft has proliferated and firewalls are no longer the protection they once were due to the growth of remote working and working from home. The bad guys have got smarter and recognised every identity is a privileged identity. Why pursue the IT admin when the financial controller may possibly be easier to compromise and with full access to payroll, billing, bank accounts, and more. Thus, the first attack for an identity compromise attack can really be any employee who is able to connect from anywhere. We must stop thinking about identity in traditional ways, Nahari says, with the concept of IT admins being privileged on the network, vs. other users being non-privileged. "Start thinking about multi-privileged users, he says. There is financial info, SalesForce, consumer data, PII (personally identifiable information) Every single user in your environment is privileged in some way. Of course, basic security hygiene must always be in place, Nahari says. These are things like multi-factor authentication and application controls and how you manage your identity. However, today we all have hundreds of identities, so managing and securing that sprawl becomes a much more difficult challenge at scale. Compound that with the complexity and silos within an enterprises tech stack, and the relentless desire from bad actors to access your data for criminal purposes, and it almost seems hopeless how you can ever hope to keep this all secure. Fortunately, you're not on your own. Shay Nahari and his Red Team at CyberArk have your back, and with real-world attack simulations, they can help any organisation not only deal with known flaws but be prepared for the unknown ones too. COMPANY NEWS: Claroty, the cyber-physical systems protection company, and partner Vector Technology Solutions (VTS), a digital solutions business and a subsidiary of New Zealand energy company Vector, recently hosted three roundtable discussions among top C-suite executives in New Zealands critical infrastructure sector, including PowerNet, Electra, Aurora Energy and Unison. Travelling to Wellington, Napier and Christchurch, the discussion focused on the current threat landscape, particularly in New Zealands Energy sector. The group also discussed potential changes to New Zealands resilience policy and regulatory landscape. In 2021-2022, the New Zealand Cybersecurity Centre reported 350 incidents affecting nationally significant organisations, with a rise in attacks from state-sponsored actors since the previous year. New Zealand is unique amongst other Five Eyes nations in that our legislative environment for the cyber security of critical infrastructure entities is relatively under developed with voluntary guidelines and coordination across the sector playing a key role. Critical infrastructure providers such as electricity distributors should be continuing to evolve in the context of the changing threat landscape (including potential changes to legislative requirements). Special guests on the panel included Vector's chief information security officer, Aaron McKeown, and Admiral Michael S. Rogers, a retired four-star admiral of the United States Navy who served as the second commander of the United States Cyber Command while also serving as the 17th director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and as chief of the Central Security Service (CSS). The discussion revealed the pros and cons of new legislation and leveraged Admiral Rogers experience with US cyber policy to encourage smaller electricity distributors in New Zealand to start discussing their security posture collectively. The attendees agreed that a sector-based approach in building a secure ecosystem was a critical mechanism to ensure the overall uplift of the cyber posture of the industry. Key challenges facing NZ distribution businesses - Cyber professionals within energy distribution businesses must continue to perfect the art of communicating risk and threats across all levels of the organisation from boards to employees. This is critical to secure the necessary funding and resources CISOs need to improve their organisations cyber posture; - CIOs and CISOs cant drive cyber security alone, they need buy in from all levels of the organisation to ensure the human firewall is as strong as the OT/IT security; - Third-party security poses a significant risk to energy distributors, given there are numerous partners and partner platforms in the energy supply chain; - Ransomware remains one of the biggest risks to electricity distributors and other organisations globally. Admiral Rogers said, Successful breaches into critical infrastructure are not if but when. Organisations know its only a matter of time before attackers get into their networks, but building overall resilience is the key to reducing the damage - specifically, techniques to stop attackers moving laterally throughout the network once inside. Vector chief information security officer Aaron McKeown said, More collaboration is key to uplifting cyber security across the whole energy sector. While there are some structured forums such as Control Systems Security Information Exchange (CSSIE) that allow for the sharing of cyber-related information between organisations, informal roundtable discussions like these present an invaluable opportunity for industry leaders to exchange important ideas and insights on the complex cyber security landscape today. The roundtables delivered by Claroty and VTS encouraged valuable information sharing and best practice which will benefit the EDBs and cyber posture for the industry moving forward. About Claroty Claroty empowers organisations to secure cyber-physical systems across industrial, healthcare, and commercial environments: the Extended Internet of Things (XIoT). The companys unified platform integrates with customers existing infrastructure to provide a full range of controls for visibility, risk and vulnerability management, threat detection, and secure remote access. Backed by the worlds largest investment firms and industrial automation vendors, Claroty is deployed by hundreds of organizations at thousands of sites globally. The company is headquartered in New York City and has a presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit claroty.com. About Vector Technology Solutions Vector Technology Solutions (VTS), a subsidiary of Vector, is a digital solutions business that takes products to market developed internally as part of Vectors digital transformation. VTS is exploring opportunities in New Zealand and globally for key priority solutions including cyber security and Diverge (which has been co-developed through our strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services). About Vector Vector is an innovative New Zealand energy company which runs a portfolio of businesses delivering energy and communication services to more than 600,000 residential and commercial customers across New Zealand and the Pacific. Vector has a leading role in creating a new energy future through its Symphony strategy which puts customers at the heart of the energy system. Vector is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange with ticker symbol VCT. Its majority shareholder, with voting rights of 75.1%, is Entrust. For further information, visit www.vector.co.nz. GUEST OPINION: Forget quiet quitting. The latest trend is quiet hiring. Rather than hiring new staff, employers are turning to technology to enable employee career growth, providing new opportunities to elevate and evolve their current roles. Quiet hiring refers to a process of unearthing new talent without recruiting fresh full-time employees. The idea behind it is that an organisation acquires new skills without hiring any new full-time staff. Recent research from SS&C Blue Prism found that 41% of Australian businesses are turning to automation to support staff to perform tasks. Digitalisation is a recognised necessity in todays business world. But in the current economic conditions, transformation becomes even more important. Our research found that 68% of businesses in Australia are likely to make changes to their business model to contest with the economic climate. Whilst quiet hiring has the potential to help businesses adapt to thrive in challenging conditions and tackle skills shortages, you need the right tools to get you to that point. In a myriad of legacy business systems and outdated processes, organisations need to fundamentally change the way work gets done in order for quiet hiring to succeed. Intelligent automation can help realise where those opportunities are to reimagine work, whilst continuing to optimise processes and support employees in their day-to-day work. How will quiet hiring shape the workforce? Quiet hiring isnt just a win for the organisation. The aim of quiet hiring is to give employees more meaning and more responsibility than their current job description. Close to half (46%) of Australian businesses say the primary use of automation is to remove repetitive tasks, so that workers can focus on more valuable work. Quiet hiring is about upskilling employee in growth and learning new skills to extend their careers and giving them more opportunities. For an organisation, quiet hiring is cost-effective when the economic outlook is uncertain, and it also helps to boost employee engagement and retention. Bridging the ongoing skills gap without hiring additional full-time employees gives organisations the time to avoid financial strain, as well as the flexibility to implement core talent against the businesss high priority areas. The labour challenge and need to empower employees While this is going on, intelligent automation must be implemented to take on work from those employees whose roles may be evolving. Organisations need to assess their current state of automation and identify areas of ineffectiveness and inefficiency before they evolve employee roles. Process mining, a technique using data-driven analysis software, can be used to discover opportunities for automation. From there, a roadmap that prioritises integration and scale needs to be clearly defined and the right work culture needs to be fostered. Done the right way, organisations realise their automation potential, improving customer and employee experience, driving innovation, and enhancing revenue streams along the way. In call centres and admin roles, digital workers can reduce resolution times and call times, as well as manual computing tasks on excel. Digital customer service agents are given a 360-degree view of every customer they interact with, as digital workers source information from across systems and databases, then provide it to the agent in a single, easy-to-use, consolidated interface. Agents can rapidly resolve issues with all the required information at their fingertips. Digital workers deal with simple customer requests, which enables service agents to give customers with more complicated enquiries the time they need and deserve. Such service is critical for customer retention and only made possible by scaled automation. Backlogged queues of customer tickets are culled thanks to faster resolution times and digital workers end-to-end resolution of simple cases, not to mention the ability to operate at full capacity 24/7. Developing an intelligent automation roadmap and fostering the right culture An intelligent automation roadmap is critical for the success the success of quiet hiring. Without one, automation efforts tend to be haphazard and inefficient, reducing returns and benefits, and costing unnecessary time. Organisations need to determine what they want to achieve from their quiet hiring and digital transformation, how much are they willing to invest, and within what timeframe. Is quiet hiring the answer to the great resignation? Some people suggest quiet hiring will lead to job losses, however despite the turbulent economic outlook, only one in 10 Australian businesses intends to reduce the size of its workforce. Quiet hiring is a promise to focus on internal talent to allow staff to address emerging priorities and complete more fulfilling tasks. Additionally, this allows for upskilling opportunities and has a great impact on employee retention. Organisations are also rewarding the high-performance employees with raises and promotions, as automation helps create new opportunities internally. When your organisation is looking at moving towards quiet hiring, intelligent automation needs to be involved as a key enabler. GUEST OPINION: We need leaders who are willing to create change: David Thodey to explore Australias faltering innovation productivity at The Tax Summit 2023. Australias digital readiness slipped last year (to 16th globally), presenting a major opportunity to strengthen capabilities, particularly among businesses, and prepare for change. Ahead of the event, The Tax Summit 2023, hosted by The Tax Institute, David Thodey AO calls on budding innovators and changemakers to prepare for the evolving digital world. One of Australias best-known business leaders, Thodey is currently Chair of cloud-based accounting software Xero and has previously led Telstra and IBM in the region, along with sitting on the boards of CSIRO and Ramsay Health Care. He is a passionate technologist and is well-regarded for his insights and global expertise in innovation, digital transformation and telecommunications. As the world grapples with the hastening pace of change, Thodey reveals the following key insights for leaders to unlock a fresh approach to innovation: 1. Turn ideas into reality. Often, innovators and entrepreneurs have great ideas, however don't give themselves enough time to explore them so they never translate into reality. Australia scores in the worlds top 10% for our science and research but only rank #35 in our commercialisation. Simply give it a go to bring these ideas to fruition. Its hard and risky, but the rewards are enormous. 2. Invest in your leadership journey. In corporate Australia, the traditional models of hierarchical leadership no longer work in a digital age where information flows quickly. To make decisions fast and create value for clients, people need to invest in their leadership journey. The first step is knowing what type of person you are and then embracing self-learning and vulnerability to continue to grow. 3. Embrace learning. Technology will only keep rapidly changing lean in and embrace this opportunity. Keep learning, keep driving forward and keep putting yourself in situations where you can be exposed to new ideas to progress yourself, such as conferences. Thodey said, Technology-enabled innovation will continue to radically change our society and economy. Realistically, were at best 35% through an enormous global transformation. Ultimately, its about the enablement of doing things differently, whether using technology to deliver a better product, service or something at a lower cost. Many accountants and tax professionals are at the leading digital edge for the industry, but we must ensure everyone comes along for the journey. Speaking at The Tax Summit is an opportunity to connect with the industry on topics that are important for all Australians. Taxation is essential to support our quality of life and contributes to a great society. I want to see Australia grow and prosper to realise this potential. The Tax Institutes President, and Chair of The Tax Summit Organising Committee, Marg Marshall, said, We are thrilled to have one of Australias most respected business voices join us at this years event. Not only is David an experienced leader and technologist, he deeply understands the world of tax and accounting to help attendees navigate the digital frontier and beyond. At the event, attendees will hear expert insights on technology, leadership and the issues affecting the industry, as well as connect with peers in person to share their learnings. Were coming together to Spark Change as a whole. Thodey joins a compelling speaker lineup of the nation's most forward-thinking minds, including Karen Payne, CTA, Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman; Victoria Lanyon, Senior Associate at King & Wood Mallesons; Australian Sporting Legend Kevin Sheedy; and many more. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), The Tax Summit 2023 brings together taxation specialists, lawyers, accountants, newcomer tax professionals and business leaders as well as anyone with an interest in the latest issues impacting businesses on a local and global scale. The Tax Institute is the leading forum for the tax community in Australia. It is committed to furthering tax education, representing its members and continuously improving the tax system for the benefit of all. Register now to hear more insights from Thodey at The Tax Summit. For more information on The Tax Summit and its line-up of more than 70 expert speakers, covering topics including economics, property, business, global tax developments and technology, please see the full program or get in touch. About David Thodey AO David Thodey is a compelling and content-rich speaker with a wealth of business wisdom. David Thodey is Chair of Xero and a Director of Ramsay Health Care. Until recently, he was also Chair of the Commonwealth Science, Industry & Research Organisation (the national research organisation for Australia) and Tyro. In 2020 Mr Thodey was appointed Deputy Chair of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The commission is designed to better coordinate the efforts within and between the public and private sectors. Mr Thodey was appointed to lead the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service in 2019 and also conducted a review of the Federal Financial Relationship between the Commonwealth and the State of NSW. David is also Chair of the Climate Leaders Coalition and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. About The Tax Institute The Tax Institute is the leading forum for the tax community in Australia. Our reach includes membership of 10,000 tax professionals from commerce and industry, academia, government and public practice and 40,000 Australian business leaders, government employees and students. We are committed to representing our members, shaping the future of the tax profession and continuous improvement of the tax system for the benefit of all, through the advancement of knowledge, member support and advocacy. Read more at taxinstitute.com.au. Australian-listed technology company Spacetalk has reported results for the year ended 30 June 2023, reporting revenue (ARR) growth of 33% to $8.3m compared to the prior year, which it says was supported by strong Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) subscriber growth since launch in November 2022. Spacetalk Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Simon Crowther, said Spacetalk had delivered pleasing financial and operational performance with Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth of 33% to $8.3m compared to prior year, supported by strong MNVO growth since launch in November 2022, and MVNO subscribers grew by 14,720, contributing $1.4m in FY23. revenue. Crowther said that on an annualised basis, MVNO revenue is $2.6m, contributing 31% of June 23 ARR, while FY23 recurring revenue as a proportion of total revenue grew by 15ppts to 54%, demonstrating the shift in mix from hardware to a subscription-based model. Our clean temporary wind down of loss-making UK, EU, and US operations has resulted in significant cost savings, while selling excess legacy Adventurer 1 inventory generated cash and freed up space for our exciting new products. Our turnaround is well progressed and is starting to deliver solid tangible results. We recorded strong normalised 2H23 EBITDA of -$0.6m, an improvement of +$1.8m on 1H23. I am confident that with the new products that are planned for launch in FY24, together with the strong foundation set in 2H23 , Spacetalk is set for sustainable revenue and cash flow growth in the future." Spacetalk (ASX:SPA) also announced a non-renounceable Rights Issue on a 1-for-2.5 basis to raise up to a further 2.73 million through the issue of 124.4 million shares at an issue price of $0.022 per share and 62.2 million free attaching options exercisable at $0.035 and expiring on 22 September 2025 (Options). Spacetalk said Veritas Securities Limited acted as lead manager to the Placement announced to ASX on 24August 2023, and will act as lead manager to the Rights Issue and will receive up to 6% of the total combined capital raised as the fee for this service, plus 4,000,000 options and a further 1 option for every $1.50 raised, exercisable at $0.035 and expiring on 22 September 2025, subject to shareholder approval. The Rights Issue is underwritten to $850,000 by Tiga Trading Pty Ltd and Thorney Technologies Ltd," said in a statement to the ASX. The Underwriter has a relevant interest in 18,197,974 Shares and 9,098,987 Options through its interest in TIGA Trading Pty Ltd, a Shareholder of the Company. The Underwriter has agreed to subscribe for its full Entitlement under the Offer in respect of all of the Shares in which it has a relevant interest and to subscribe for 20,438,410 Shares and 10,219,205 New Options under the shortfall offer. The Underwriter will receive one (1) option for every one (1) Share subscribed for and issued in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement between the Company and the Underwriter, on the same terms and conditions as the Options (Underwriter Options), subject to Shareholder Approval. In the event that Shareholder Approval is not obtained by the Company for the issuance of the Underwriter Options, the Company will pay a fee of 8% of the underwritten sum to the Underwriter," Spacetalk concluded. Chloe Rees has joined human capital management consultancy Smart WFM as its head of customer success. She already has made strides to help Smart WFM secure contracts, which include an Australian insurance provider and a gaming resorts organisations where she engaged with clients to accelerate their business case for HR transformation. Internally, Rees is also strengthening Smart WFMs broader partnership model developing relationships with key leaders in HR, payroll and workforce management. Chloes deep HR tech insights and experience across a variety of industries mean she can help major organisations understand and unpack all the complex moving parts within transformation projects, said Smart WFM CEO Jarrod McGrath. Its a layer of support that isnt easily found with vendors or other partners and its been a major lift for our customers straight away. Prior to Smart WFM, Rees worked with companies Coles, Allianz, Ambulance Victoria, and AAMI. Her primary focus is aligning customers operating models and processes with workforce management (WFM) and human capital management (HCM) technologies that make sense for their business and people. Industrial landscape challenges Rees appointment comes at a time where Australian employers are facing increased scrutiny from the Fair Work Ombudsman, as cases of underpayments by big employers have skyrocketed. Underpayments are usually accidental, resulting from a mix of complicated awards, poor timekeeping methodologies, manual payroll processes and inadequate payroll controls, said Rees. Automating these processes, where possible, is a natural next step for most employers to mitigate risk, become more strategic in their WFM practices, and improve employee experience. The challenge is implementing the technology the right way that most effectively harnesses it to complement the organisations operating model and business objectives, she added. Now, more than ever, Australian companies need partners who not only have a deep and specialised understanding of the technology, but who also understand the bigger picture. Rees new role will allow McGrath to focus on expanding Smart WFMs business and developing resources for customers and the industry. This includes a modern learning institute to equip people with the right amount of digital muscle to lead world-class companies and adapt to unexpected changes such as AI. In our industry, theres a tendency to drop and run once the sales cycle is complete, leaving customers in the dark, said McGrath. Weve never subscribed to that and thats why Chloe is such a good fit. Shes been on the customer side when its gone right and when those frustrations are there, and understanding those challenges from a customer perspective is critical for a customer-centric organisation like Smart WFM. Working closely with McGrath, Rees will also form part of the strategy team featuring chief operating officer Rob Scott, regional services director Geoff Davey, and advisory and governance lead Nick Stonefield. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. During a visit to Australia in 1958 as the Cold War was heating up, Britain's Prime Minister Harold Macmillan expressed the hope that diplomacy and negotiation could defuse the worsening hostility between the Soviet bloc and the West. "I still believe with Sir Winston Churchill that jaw-jaw is better than war-war," he told an audience in Canberra. Macmillan was paraphrasing his predecessor, who had actually said, during a 1954 visit to the White House, that "meeting jaw to jaw is better than war." But Macmillan's paraphrase was catchy, and his words have been erroneously attributed to Churchill ever since. We now know, of course, that jaw-jaw didn't end the Cold War. Decades of diplomatic engagement, detente, and invocations of "peaceful coexistence" never came close to resolving the deep-rooted competition between Washington and Moscow. The two rivals never directly faced each other in battle, but indirectly they fought multiple bloody proxy wars in Korea, Vietnam, Angola, Afghanistan, and Nicaragua, among others in which tens of thousands of lives were lost. What finally finished the Cold War was the internal collapse of the Soviet Union, which led the Kremlin to abandon its longtime goal of world domination. To put it bluntly, the conflict ended because one side clearly won and the other side clearly lost. That is how major international conflicts virtually always conclude through victory, not negotiation. "Of the more than two dozen great-power rivalries over the past 200 years, none ended with the sides talking their way out of trouble," writes Michael Beckley, a professor of political science at Tufts University, in the new issue of Foreign Affairs. "Instead, rivalries have persisted until one side could no longer carry on the fight or until both sides united against a common enemy." It is an enduring misconception that countries get caught up in fierce rivalries because of misunderstandings, failures of empathy, or hawkish domestic politics. Not so, says Beckley. Rival nations feud not because they don't understand each other "but because they know each other all too well. They have genuine conflicts of vital and indivisible interests." Those conflicts often involve territorial disputes or overlapping spheres of influence. But equally common are clashes between rivals who "espouse divergent ideologies" and who regard the success of the other side's values and beliefs "as a subversive threat to their own way of life." In that Canberra speech 65 years ago, Macmillan, despite hoping that "jaw-jaw" would calm the Cold War's increasing acrimony, articulated clearly why it wouldn't. "Two opposing ways of life are ranged against each other," he said. "These cannot be reconciled and we must accept the fact that this great division of the world may last." That was the essence of the Cold War that lasted until 1990 not, as liberals often claimed, a lack of detente or excessive military spending or (as Jimmy Carter notoriously claimed) an "inordinate fear of Communism" by Americans. As long as both camps the totalitarian communists of the Soviet empire and the capitalist democracies of NATO were determined to prevail, peace remained impossible. According to data cited by Beckley, there have been 27 great-power rivalries since 1816. Those struggles lasted, on average, for more than 50 years and more than two-thirds of them "culminated in war, with one side beating the other into submission." Ruthless though it may sound, crushing an enemy's will to prevail is the best and surest way to end a conflict and establish peace. It was not summit meetings, international conferences, peace movements, concessions for the sake of appeasement, or the League of Nations that finally put to rest the decades-long Anglo-German rivalry and the even more ancient enmity between France and Germany. It was the devastating defeat of Germany by the Allies in 1945, and the end of Berlin's aim of ruling Europe, that paved the way for Germany's transformation into a free, stable, and peaceable democracy. Beckley's essay is written in the context of the present US-China rivalry. He notes that multiple analysts have been voicing the opinion that "if only the United States would talk more to China and accommodate its rise, the two countries could live in peace." In their view, there is no need for Washington and Beijing to clash and risk a nuclear war over Taiwanese autonomy, a military buildup in East Asia, the enslavement of Uyghur Muslims, or the theft of US technology. The rivalry between the two countries could be ratcheted down so the advocates of engagement argue if only the American people and their leaders would be more sensitive to Chinese concerns and less susceptible to what one critic calls "hysteria and alarmism" about the Chinese Communist Party. But that's a fantasy. China is not interested in winding down or compromising away its conflict with the United States. It is interested in getting what it wants. And what Beijing wants, Beckley, writes is for "the United States to end arms sales to Taiwan, slash the overall US military presence in East Asia, share US technology with Chinese companies . . . [and] stop promoting democracy in China's neighborhood." More fundamentally, it wants to establish hegemony over its part of the world and to not be hectored about human rights. As a result, all signs point to an enduring rivalry between the two great powers. As with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the US focus must be on containing China's aggression. That makes it much more important to deter China's bad behavior than to reassure Beijing of America's goodwill. For example, there should be no ambiguity whatsoever about Washington's determination to defend Taiwan from any Chinese attack. US weapons should be pouring into the island and the American military presence in the region should be beefed up now, not when an invasion is imminent. In November 1993, a meeting of Chinese foreign- and military-policy specialists produced a detailed report that began: "Whom does the Communist Party of China regard as its international archenemy? It is the United States." For decades, the Soviet Union saw the United States in the same light. But the US-Soviet Cold War didn't last forever. The US-China rivalry need not either. Congress and the White House should be pursuing a strategy toward China modeled on the Reagan administration's winning playbook against the USSR: Keep up the pressure until the communist system is undermined by its own inherent weaknesses. As things stand, Chinese growth is stalling, its population is shrinking, its debt is soaring, and its trade is being impeded by restrictions imposed from abroad. What is called for now is not jaw-jaw. It is for the US to stay the course, maintaining its deterrence and unapologetically defending Western interests, until victory is achieved. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission." A layer of the Boom Supersonic-NASA collaboration was peeled open last week with a study concluding that potential supersonic passenger markets exist in about 50 established routes. NASA did not specify the routes in its Aug. 22 blog. The space agency is investigating the business case for supersonic passenger air travel aboard aircraft that could theoretically travel between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535 to 3,045 mph at sea level). By comparison, large commercial airliners cruise at roughly 600 mph or about 80% the speed of sound. Since supersonic flight over land is prohibited in the United States and most countries, the NASA findings addressed transoceanic travel, including high-volume North Atlantic routes and those crossing the Pacific. Boom officials projected its Overture aircraft could serve at least 600 existing international flights when it announced plans for a $500 million superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. Boom projects having at least 1,761 jobs when the factory is at full production capacity in 2030. The company has created a superfactory blog on its website that is providing written and visual construction updates Overture is being designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 over water or twice the speed of todays fastest commercial aircraft with a range of 4,250 nautical miles. At those speeds, flying from Miami to London in just under five hours and Los Angeles to Honolulu in three hours are among the possibilities, Boom has said. NASAs Quesst mission, with its X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, aims to provide data to regulators that would help change the overland supersonic flight rules. These new studies will both refresh those looks at technology roadmaps and identify additional research needs for a broader high-speed range, said Lori Ozoroski, a project manager for NASAs Commercial Supersonic Technology project. Taking flight NASA said its Advanced Air Vehicles program is progressing to the next phase of high-speed travel research, which includes issuing two 12-month contracts for companies to develop concept designs and technology roadmaps. The roadmaps will explore air travel possibilities, outline risks and challenges and identify needed technologies to make Mach 2-plus travel a reality. Boeing is leading the first team, with partners that include Exosonic, GE Aerospace, Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies and others. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is directing the second team, with partners Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, Boom Supersonic and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies. Boom and Northrop Grumman are also collaborating on a special mission variant of Overture after ongoing identification and investigation of use cases that will benefit the U.S. Defense Department. Time is a strategic advantage in high consequence scenarios, from emergency evacuations to disaster response, said Blake Scholl, Booms chief executive and founder, in a statement. This collaboration between Boom and Northrop Grumman unlocks the potential for Overture to provide the U.S. and our allies with an unmatched high-speed capability when and where its most needed. NASA said the Boeing and the Northrop Grumman teams will develop roadmap elements to include airframe, power, propulsion, thermal management and composite materials that can hold up under high-supersonic speeds. They also will create non-proprietary designs for concept vehicles. Once the industry engagement phase is completed, NASA and its partners will decide whether to continue the research with their own investments. The design concepts and technology roadmaps are really important to have in our hands when the companies are finished, said Mary Jo Long-Davis, a manager of NASAs Hypersonic Technology Project. We are also collectively conscious of the need to account for safety, efficiency, economic and societal considerations. Its important to innovate responsibly so we return benefits to travelers and do no harm to the environment. Overtures role Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from Day One, running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Booms XB-1, a demonstrator aircraft, was rolled out in 2020 and is being prepped for its first flight in Mojave, Calif. According to Boom executive Kathy Savitt, the Overture timeline will go like this: beginning equipment installation in 2024, assembly in 2025, first rollout in 2026, first test flight in 2027, Federal Aviation Administration certification in 2029 and then first passenger flights later in 2029. Kevin Baker, PTIs executive director, said construction of the 400,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024. Overture will be powered by four wing-mounted engines that enable the airliner to cruise at Mach 1.7 over water and just under Mach 1 over land. Boom said the four-engine design reduces noise while decreasing costs for airline operators. Overtures contoured fuselage has a larger diameter toward the front of the aircraft and a smaller diameter toward the rear. Boom has applied this design technique to minimize drag and maximize fuel efficiency at supersonic speeds. The aircrafts gull wings are sculpted to enhance supersonic performance, as well as improve subsonic and transonic handling, Boom has said. Importantly, the wing shaping also helps ensure safety and stability at any speed. Officials with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are still determining how to guide district staff on the so-called Parents Bill of Rights in the classroom. The Republican-dominated General Assembly overrode Gov. Roy Coopers veto on Aug. 15, less than two weeks before the start of the 2023-24 school year. The law has several pages of mandates including one that requires teachers to notify parents if their child wants to use a different pronoun or name than what is used in school records. Superintendent Tricia McManus said Monday that school leaders dissected the bill from top to bottom at a meeting last week and are in the process of developing guidance for the 4,000 teachers in the district. The school district is also waiting to hear from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction on how to proceed. Some language in the bill is open to interpretation, McManus said. Until the district gets more clarification, it is asking teachers to take any questions they may have to their building leaders, who have been given training on the topic, McManus said. Whatever guidance it develops, the school district will support children, she said. I can tell you right now, were always going to do whats right for children, and we have to make sure all children feel included, feel safe and feel a sense of belonging in their school, she said. And if theres anything thats going to go against that, we are not in favor of that. So weve got to make sure that always is our driving force as we implement what that bill is going to look like. Back to school Monday. Be patient. The handoff has been inevitable ever since that May day in 2010 when R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. announced that it would stop making cigarettes at Whitaker Park. At its peak, the plant, which opened in 1961 and cost more than $270 million in todays dollars to build, employed more than 2,000 workers. The jobs paid well and provided security for families across generations; Reynolds, as always, proved to be a foundational plank of the local economy. The global tobacco industry had changed dramatically through the years, a formality since the landmark 1964 Surgeon Generals report on Smoking and Health. Production of Camels, Salems and Winstons shifted to the 2-million square-foot plant in Tobaccoville. Whitaker Park (mostly) sat idle awaiting a transition to a new, higher use. For a while, it seemed as if the plant would be refitted to allow Cook Medical, which bought a 850,000 square-foot section of the plant for $4 million, to expand its operation. We see Whitaker Park as an impact project in that we are converting a facility that manufactured cigarettes into a modern facility producing life-saving medical devices, Barry Slowey, president of Cooks Winston-Salem location, said in January 2019. Weve been in Winston-Salem since 1983, and acquiring the Whitaker Park facility signifies a renewed commitment to this community. The move seemed fitting as Winston-Salem, like other cities built on the Pride in Tobacco ethos, moved to diversify its economy. And the medical field with the increasing prominence of what used to be known as the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center was a natural target. Cooks plans never came to be as the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the American workplace. (Ironic that disease changed the plans of a company that manufactured medical devices.) The shift opened a door for Purple Crow, another homegrown Winston-Salem company, to step in, however, as we learned last week. Purple Crow, in case you're unaware, has its origins in the late 1980s when the Calhoun brothers recognized opportunity within the growing Hispanic community. Phil and Nat Calhoun, graduates of the former Piedmont Bible College and the sons of missionary parents, saw value in providing familiar foods from Mexico to our new neighbors and by hiring from the growing Hispanic workforce. It was brilliant. The Purple Crow brand formally launched in 1995 and grew along with the community to the point where it needed a facility the size of the one Cook Medical wanted to sell. The company, through an incentives request to the city, said it plans to add 274 jobs at an average salary of $72,000 to its existing workforce of 300 local employees. In addition, itll spend $50 million in capital investment. (The request, a standard ask by Big Business these days, is for up to $694,000 in performance-based incentives over five years.) If the sale goes through as expected, the evolution of Whitaker Park from state-of-the-art cigarette manufacturing plant to medical devices to a food-services company built on demographic shifts will continue. Could any of the citys movers and shakers have foreseen such a transition way back in 1961 when Whitaker Park opened its doors? Its unlikely. But change, like death and taxes, is inevitable. And so, too, is the repurposing of an old standard. Day One headaches and hassles Its early yet today was the first day of classes for the 2023-24 school year for most Triad school districts but the confusion and frustration caused by moving tens of thousands of students to hundreds of schools is just beginning. Teachers, parents and students enrolled in the Alamance-Burlington School System have seen plans roiled by the discovery of mold in some 21 buildings (out of 37) that will require more than $1 million in remediation. In Stokes County, the Board of Education is still wrestling with hard decisions about school consolidation closings forced by a budget crunch. And school officials in Guilford and Forsyth counties, like their colleagues in every other district across the state, continue to deal with problems large and small caused by shortfalls in the number of employees. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools were short 59 school bus drivers 27 hopefuls applied within the past two weeks but did not have the proper CDL certification to get behind the wheel right away. At least 3,000 students will be late getting to (and home from) school today. Mold, a shortage of teachers and bus drivers and budget cuts are squeezing public education. Welcome back. Brandy Trapp was ready. Shed painted walls and bought pint-sized furniture and amassed toys and blocks and giant primary-colored numbers all the pieces and parts and equipment and plans she needed to make her dream a reality. At least thats what she thought. The dream: to open a child care business called Creative Minds Early Learning Center in a commercial area surrounded by apartments and big trees in southeast Lincoln, across the street from Edgewood Shopping Center. The reality: That wasnt going to happen just yet, and it wasnt going to be easy. Shed leased the building at 5521 Shady Creek Court in January where a child care center had previously been located and by April was ready to apply for her child care license. She hoped to be open by May. She dropped the application in the mail and (in what might have been fate foreshadowing troubles to come) immediately realized she forgot to add postage. So she waited there until the mail carrier came and fixed that problem. The others werent so easy. Weeks later, she got a letter from the state saying she forgot to include her certificate of zoning in her application. She called the city and found out her business wasnt zoned for a child care facility, despite the fact that her lease said that was the only use allowed. My dream quickly became a nightmare, she said. She spent the next two months battling bureaucracy and getting different answers from different agencies and from different people in the same city departments. She filed papers, tried to do what she was told to do, went before the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission then the City Council and ultimately opened in July. But the protracted process, and uncertainty about getting the special permit, meant she couldnt launch her website, or advertise for hiring or enrollment and that hurt her ability to open at full strength. Shes convinced she still wouldnt be open had it not been for a regular customer in the Press Box, which her parents own, who suggested she call then-City Councilman Richard Meginnis, who also knew her family. Meginnis helped assemble other council members, as well as officials from the citys building and safety and planning departments, and he contacted Anne Brandt, the executive director of Lincoln Littles, a nonprofit that advocates for quality child care. They helped immensely, Trapp said. Everybodys been beyond supportive and helpful ... Honestly, I wouldnt have known what to do or who to call, she said. Unfortunately its all who you know, not what you know. Trapp said she doesnt think it should be like that and shes not alone. Last week, the City Council approved a number of amendments to zoning ordinances, including one expanding areas where child care facilities can operate without a special permit including in commercial areas like the one where Trapps business is located. The permits are still required in residential areas. And in October, many of those same city officials who met to help Trapp will gather with Brandt to look for ways to expedite the process to make it easier for other child care providers. In Lincoln, Brandt said, more than 74% of children 5 years and younger need care because parents in the household work. That means that of the roughly 22,000 children of that age in the Capital City, three-quarters of them could potentially need child care. Because of that we need to be able to support businesses that want to get into (child care) to make sure theres not unnecessary hurdles that need to be cleared, she said. *** Trapp lived in Arizona and managed retail stores until she got pregnant and moved home in 2015 to be closer to family. Her son, she said, made her realize a passion for early childhood education. She enrolled in an early childhood education program at Southeast Community College in January 2020 and spent the next two years taking classes online in the middle of a global pandemic. She graduated in December 2022 with a 4.0 GPA. She applied for a few jobs, then decided what she really wanted to do was open her own business. Unbeknownst to Trapp, the building she leased was in a commercial area that required a special permit to operate a child care business. It was a fact that had apparently been overlooked with the previous child care business, even though years earlier the building owner had applied for the special permit then withdrew it. She tried hard to be prepared. Before sending the application for her child care license to the state, shed asked several inspectors with state licensing as well as a local health and fire inspector to take a look and see if she needed to do anything more before the official inspection to comply with the licensing requirements. They told her it looked good. But now she had to get a building permit which required filing paperwork showing she complied with all the health and safety requirements. And on paper, in part because she didnt realize what the city wanted, she didnt pass the inspections. Although the inspectors whod seen her business earlier continued to try to help, she got different answers from others. It was just confusing, she said. No ones on the same page. She submitted a layout of her business, not realizing it wasn't the technical site plans required. An inspector told her federal rules required she put in a drinking fountain, so she had to tear up her newly painted walls, working at night with her son in tow. She had to add a fire-protectant coating to the walls. She had to put a different fire door on her utility closet and make other changes where she kept the mop. I was at a loss, she said. Every day was so stressful. Every time there was an issue with an inspection, she said, she had to start at the beginning of the building permit process. She made the changes necessary, but the Lincoln Littles folks and the city officials shed met helped streamline the process for her. They dont give instructions on how you go through building and safety, she said. You just have to guess. Lincoln Littles' Brandt said there are many different agencies that child care providers have to work with, and they all have certain requirements. Each one of these entities is just doing their job, but its not necessarily user-friendly, she said. Lincoln Littles can help by being a place where providers can come to get help and answers and, she said, hopefully help streamline the process by getting everyone in the same room and hearing the challenges facing both city agencies and child care providers. Were trying to get agencies to talk to each other, she said. Theyre just saying what they know and adhering to what their rules are. What we need is communication within the agencies about what it looks like in real time for people going through the process. Planning Director David Cary said his department had already been considering making zoning rules more flexible for child care facilities, and Trapps situation was the latest example that convinced them to make changes. Chad Blahak, director of building and safety, said having Lincoln Littles as a resource is a great option for people. Many developers who apply for building permits know the system well, but for those who dont it can be challenging. The five or six employees who work on building permits do their best, but the city issues about 4,000 building permits a year, he said. The majority go through without a problem, and Blahak said he gets involved with just a few where there are issues, such as in Trapps case, which was an unusual situation. *** Eventually, Trapp got her building permit, the blessing of the Planning Commission and City Council, and her child care license and was able to open her doors at Shady Creek Court. She has seven children now and will get an eighth on Sept. 1, but shes licensed for 75. She will need to hire more staff, but wants to get the word out about her business and what she has to offer. Because she wants to succeed, she said, for her son, her family and the community. Her hope: to help change the system and make it better for providers and children. At Creative Minds, children are in mixed-age groups and move to different open learning centers, rather than staying in one room all day. I really want to make a change in child care and what I believe child care could or should be, she said. Top Journal Star photos for August 2023 The Richardson County Sheriff's Office said 60-year-old Joel Schutte of Holstein was westbound on Nebraska 8 just west of the intersection of Nebraska 105 about 2:45 Friday afternoon when his GMC Canyon entered the ditch on the north side of the highway, rolled and wound up in the ditch on the south side of the road. The Iowa Attorney Generals Office has found that the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, police officers who fatally shot a homicide suspect in July were justified. The officers who shot 41-year-old Matthew Briggs on July 8 fired at him only after he aimed a shotgun at them from the car he had stolen, a report from the Attorney Generals Office said. The report found that Lt. Chad Geer of the Council Bluffs Police Department and Lt. Martin Stiles of the Omaha Police Department were legally justified in their use of lethal force and that no criminal charges are warranted. The Attorney Generals Office concurred with a report issued by the Pottawattamie County Attorneys Office in July that found both officers justified in the use of deadly force in the case. Briggs, 41, was suspected in a string of felony assaults and a homicide in Omaha before he reportedly stole a car and led police on a multi-county high-speed chase. The string of incidents involving Briggs began in the early-morning hours of July 8 when Omaha police responded to reports of a stabbing. Briggs had reportedly forced entry into the home of an ex-girlfriend, cut her and threatened her with a gun. He then went to the home of a different ex-girlfriend, who was not home, and repeatedly drove his car into her garage, according to Omaha police. Shortly before 7 a.m., police received information that Briggs had shot and killed someone in the Regency neighborhood. At 9927 Essex Drive, police found Greg Donsbach, 52, shot to death inside his home. Briggs was quickly identified as a suspect in the assaults and killing of Donsbach, and law enforcement began a citywide search for Briggs. His car was later found running and abandoned in a ravine near Mandan Park in South Omaha at about 1 p.m. As officers were completing their search of Mandan Park at about 3:30 p.m., an armed carjacking was reported about a mile south of the park in Sarpy County in which Briggs had stolen a blue Toyota Camry. Officers then began a pursuit of the stolen car, which lasted more than 20 minutes as Briggs traveled from Bellevue into Council Bluffs. The pursuit ended when an officer was able to bring the car to a stop using a PIT maneuver, a tactic in which an officer hits the back of a fleeing vehicle to cause it to spin out. Once the car was stopped, Briggs pointed a shotgun at officers, at which point both Geer and Stiles fired at him, the report said. Briggs was taken to the hospital, with CPR in progress, where he later died. Top Journal Star photos for August 2023 Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced Saturday that the Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers who were sent to the U.S.-Mexico border last month to aid authorities in efforts to counter immigration and drug trafficking are expected to return home Friday. The 61 soldiers have been stationed there since Aug. 2 to provide additional observation and reporting near the border to assist Texas law enforcement involved in Operation Lone Star. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched the operation in March 2021, deploying resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to the border in an effort to secure the area. Nebraska is one of 14 states that has recently sent troops and resources to support the operation. The other states are Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Texas. This month's deployment marked the fourth time a Nebraska governor has sent state troopers to the border and the second time this year. Pillen in May deployed 10 members of the Nebraska State Patrol to the border to assist with drone surveillance operations. This summer's deployments could cost the state as much as $2.6 million, according to State Budget Director Lee Will. Pillen defended the expense after visiting the border with Nebraska National Guard Adj. Gen. Craig Strong last week. The two met with troops and got a security briefing from Abbott. Based on what I saw today, the cost of the two recent deployments of National Guard troops and State Patrol troopers is worth the prevention of having illegal drugs and criminals pour through the southern border at ever-increasing numbers each day, Pillen said during his trip. Photos: Jim Pillen marks 100 days in governor's office RACINE Jerstad-Agerholm elementary students and staff will be in a different building this upcoming school year, and they seem excited for the opportunity. Because of construction occurring at Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School, about 400 elementary students will attend school at Janes Elementary in 2023-24 before returning to Jerstad-Agerholm in 2024-25. Racine Unified officials determined it was best to have elementary students in one building for the entire school year, and it worked out that Janes was available nearby. The thing we cared about most was giving teachers and students a consistent learning space, one that could be uninterrupted and one that could accommodate learning, said Danny Hernandez, Jerstad-Agerholm principal. Janes, 1425 N. Wisconsin St., was closed during the 2022-23 school year but remained set up for classroom learning, and custodial staff quickly brought the building up to speed this summer. Classes start Sept. 5, and an open house will take place at Janes on Aug. 31 from 5-7 p.m. for students and families. As part of Racine Unifieds 30-year, $1 billion capital referendum, the elementary portion of Jerstad-Agerholm is receiving an addition and upgrades, and the middle school portion is being renovated. The cost is estimated to be $55.87 million, and work is expected to be done by August 2024. The first phase began in June after the school year ended and is scheduled to be finished in January. The second phase is scheduled for January through August 2024. Jerstad-Agerholm middle school students are expected to temporarily move into the upgraded elementary portion when renovation work occurs on the middle school portion starting in January. Hernandez said improvements were needed at the Jerstad-Agerholm building, 3535 LaSalle St. The renovations include a new gym, new kitchen, larger main office, new furniture and upgraded bathrooms. I dont think theres any question about this facility needing a facelift, Hernandez said. With the K-8 school having two buildings for a year, an elementary principal will be at Janes every school day. Hernandez said he and the other three principals will rotate so at least two principals are at Janes every day. The building will unofficially be called Janestad in 2023-24. Janes and Jerstad-Agerholm are a little more than two miles apart. Peter Reynolds, RUSD chief operations officer, said all Jerstad-Agerholm elementary students will have the option to ride a school bus to Janes this school year. There also will be separate middle school and elementary school bus routes for the two buildings. Jerstad-Agerholm elementary staff like Melissa Latham and Mark Sommer appear eager for the upcoming school year and know that the changes will result in an upgraded building next year. There are some challenges associated with getting over to Janes, but I think for the most part our teachers have responded positively, Hernandez said. They understand the assignment and the ultimate reward is coming back to a facility that is remarkable. Challenges include deciding what classroom materials to transfer to Janes and staff not working in the same building. Sommer, a Jerstad-Agerholm elementary school counselor, said it might take time for older students used to Jerstad-Agerholm to adjust to Janes. For the 4K students who Latham teaches, this upcoming school year will be their first in a classroom setting, so the building likely wont make a difference. To help teachers adjust, administrators scheduled times for instructors to visit Janes during the summer to set up their classrooms. Latham and Sommer recently spent time at Janes to unpack their rooms and tour the school. They appreciated that the building was already set up and said the amazing custodial staff did a great job preparing it. Hernandez said teachers have generally been flexible and understanding about the changes and have responded wonderfully to the moving process. Teachers make your building what it is, and our teachers deserve a lot of credit for going through that process, Hernandez said. The acclimation for staff has already taken place, and now were gearing toward planning and welcoming back students. Close Construction crews work at Racine Unified School District's Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School on Aug. 3. Work continues in the library at Julian Thomas Elementary, 930 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, on Thursday, Aug. 3. Construction work occurs in the elementary section of Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School on Thursday, Aug. 3. Because of the construction, about 400 elementary students will attend school at Janes Elementary in 2023-24 before returning to Jerstad-Agerholm in 2024-25. Crews work at Hammes Field, 7345 Washington Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 3. Referendum-funded work at Hammes Field is scheduled to be completed in November at a cost of $10.32 million. Peter Reynolds, left, is the Racine Unified chief operations officer, and Ryan Schmidt is a senior project manager at CG Schmidt, the firm working on referendum projects with RUSD. Seven photos showing progress of Racine Unified's referendum-funded construction work Check out photos taken Aug. 3 showing progress of work at Hammes Field, Starbuck, Julian Thomas and Jerstad-Agerholm schools. Construction crews work at Racine Unified School District's Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School on Aug. 3. Work continues in the library at Julian Thomas Elementary, 930 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, on Thursday, Aug. 3. Construction work occurs in the elementary section of Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School on Thursday, Aug. 3. Because of the construction, about 400 elementary students will attend school at Janes Elementary in 2023-24 before returning to Jerstad-Agerholm in 2024-25. Crews work at Hammes Field, 7345 Washington Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 3. Referendum-funded work at Hammes Field is scheduled to be completed in November at a cost of $10.32 million. Peter Reynolds, left, is the Racine Unified chief operations officer, and Ryan Schmidt is a senior project manager at CG Schmidt, the firm working on referendum projects with RUSD. RACINE Going back to school isnt just for children. The citys Growing Residents Opportunities and Wealth program is offering a $1,500 scholarship to adults who enroll in and complete YWCA of Southeast Wisconsins 5.09 High School Equivalency Diploma program. We are working with the YWCA to help hundreds of residents earn a high school equivalency diploma to improve their financial future, Mayor Cory Mason said. Together, we can grow and transform Racine. Using American Rescue Plan funds, the scholarships have been offered since 2021 and will be available until the money runs out. While enrollment in the HSED program is free, participants can use the scholarship money to pay for things such as transportation and childcare. Former program participant Lanuasia Shannon, 20, said the scholarship was an incentive to finally get a high school equivalency diploma. The teachers are very helpful, she said. They work with you through everything. If you dont understand anything they will help you through it so you do understand it. Shannon plans to pursue a career as a firefighter, something the citys Youth Employment Program will be able to help with. Patrick Ventura said he is participating in the program to provide a better life for his children. Ventura enrolled alongside his girlfriend, Jazmine Zavala, during an orientation earlier this month at Gateway Technical College. We both kind of had rough pasts, Ventura said. Growing up, we werent really able to stay focused and we always werent clear minded either. Now were trying to find the time, even though we have a newborn. Were a little more clear minded as being adults and trying to set goals for ourselves. Ventura said he would like to obtain a commercial driver license and start a business, as well as attend college once he completes the program. I think its (the scholarship) a great opportunity, he said. It gives people some type of motivation, because they have something to look forward to, as in money, and its hard times right now. Instruction is offered in both English and Spanish, and classes are available mornings, evenings and virtually. In-person classes are at Mitchell School, 2701 Drexel Ave., in the evenings. The average time to complete the course is about 20 weeks. To register, visit bit.ly/3P2PGah. For more information about the the GROW Racine scholarship, visit growracine.org/hsed-scholarships RACINE A new nonprofit organization hosted a block party Saturday at Pritchard Park to celebrate its launch and introduce itself to the community. Lovingkindness Transitional Services, which provides assistance to individuals transitioning from homelessness into housing, is a branch of Lovingkindness Homes. Both were started by Lakesha Davis. About 25 years ago, Davis moved to Wisconsin to escape domestic violence and found herself homeless. While staying at the Shalom Center in Kenosha, Davis decided to find a way to create a better environment and create a clear path toward success. From that point, I started to educate myself financially and with education to learn how to get myself out of that situation, she said. I just took it all in and want to give it back to people. This is how you move from homelessness to home-owning to business-owning. This is the blueprint and I just wanted to share that with everyone. In 2020, Davis purchased a house to rent to low-income tenants. Since then, she has purchased two more homes. She decided to start Lovingkindness Transitional Services after noticing that some of he tenants had trouble paying their rent because of issues with employment or transportation, or because they had been convicted of a crime and lacked resources. We decided we needed a nonprofit to help them in that transitional period, so we didnt have to evict them or have them move out, Davis said. I wanted to help my tenants, but after I began the program, I noticed so many more people that needed that transitional help, so thats why we broadened our reach. Davis goal is to provide housing, transportation and employment assistance to anyone in the community who needs it. She (Davis) is gearing this toward everybody every human, regardless of race, religion and ethnicity, said Kelly Martin, president of the organizations board. Some people lose jobs, some have medical issues, they get laid off and end up homeless. Davis said that people facing homelessness often dont know where to go to find help. We wanted to become the resource for people who need assistance, she said. The block party included several small businesses and community resources that Lovingkindness Transitional Services plans to work with, such as the citys Growing Residents Opportunities and Wealth, to provide assistance. Davis said that goal of the block party was to let residents know that they do not have to suffer alone or in silence, and that resources are available to help people through transitional periods in their lives. Where rich Americans give the most to charity Where rich Americans give the most to charity Key findings 1. Provo-Orem, UT 2. Logan, UT-ID 3. Rome, GA 4. Dalton, GA 5. St. George, UT 6. Columbus, GA-AL 7. Salt Lake City, UT 8. Macon, GA 9. Albany, GA 10. Ogden-Clearfield, UT Killeen, TX (76540) Today Periods of wind driven rain this morning. Remaining cloudy this afternoon. High 46F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Some clouds. Low around 35F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. 1. Yes. If KHA cant continue to run it, the city should step in. Its a necessary asset to the area. 2. Yes. The city already uses it as a warming and cooling center. It would be a smart move. 3. No. It may be in the citys interest to help subsidize insurance for the center, but nothing more. 4. No. The city doesnt need the added burden of staffing and insuring the center. Its a bad idea. 5. Unsure. It may be seem like a good idea, but other options should be explored as well. Vote View Results Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer whose self-given nickname stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill," played a cat and mouse game with investigators and reporters for decades before he was caught. But Rader gradually faded from view after his 2005 arrest, as he served one life term for each of the 10 people he was convicted of killing. He made headlines again this week, though, because he was named the prime suspect in an Oklahoma teen's 1976 disappearance and a Missouri woman's 1990 killing. Here's a look at how Rader spread fear and was eventually caught and convicted: WHAT IS THE LATEST NEWS? The investigation into whether Rader, 78, was responsible for additional crimes started with the reexamination of the disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader who was last seen at a laundromat in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Rader worked for ADT Security Systems at the time, and the bank across the street was getting a new security system. Law enforcement has been unable to determine, though, whether Rader was the one who installed it. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden told KAKE-TV that he decided to investigate a possible link between Rader and Kinney's disappearance when he learned that Rader had included the phrase "bad laundry day" in his writings. Undersheriff Gary Upton said the investigation "spiraled out from there" into other unsolved murders and missing persons cases." They include the the death of 22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber, whose body was discovered in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri. An autopsy revealed she had been raped, strangled and restrained with different bindings about two months before her body was found. As part of the investigation, authorities conducted a dig this week near Rader's former Kansas property in Park City. Rader's attorney, Rob Ridenour, said he had no comment. WHO WAS BTK? BTK first struck in 1974 and stoked fears throughout the 1970s in the Wichita area. The earliest known crimes linked to the BTK strangler date to Jan. 15, 1974, when Joseph Otero, 38, his 34-year-old wife, Julie, and their 11- and 9-year-old children were found dead in their home. After strangling three other women that decade, he began seeking attention. "How about some name for me, its time: 7 down and many more to go," he wrote in a letter to a TV station. BTK killed again in 1985, 1986 and 1991, although some of the crimes weren't linked to him initially. And then suddenly, with no explanation, he fell off the radar and the killings stopped. HIS REEMERGENCE: BTK resurfaced in March 2004 the 30th anniversary of the first crimes with a letter to The Wichita Eagle that included photos of the 1986 strangulation of Vicki Wegerle and a photocopy of her missing driver's license. Her case had not been linked to BTK until then. Among the materials the BTK killer sent to the media were a cryptic word puzzle mailed to KAKE-TV that included dozens of hidden words, including a grouping of letters spelling ``D. Rader," the street number of his address, 6220, and the types of jobs that could be used to gain entry into homes. The break in the case came after a computer disk the killer had sent was traced to Rader's church. RADER'S ARREST: At the time of Rader's arrest, he was a married father of two, a Boy Scouts leader and active member of a Lutheran church. The former Air Force sergeant had lived in the Wichita area almost his entire life, earning a criminal justice degree at a local university. Rader never became a police officer, though, instead going into code enforcement. His job allowed him to issue citations for minor infractions such as unkempt lawns. THE TRIAL AND AFTERMATH: When he pleaded guilty, Rader admitted in court that he would "troll" for victims on his off-time, then stalk and kill them. He said he referred to them as "projects," telling the court that sexual fantasies drove him to kill. He has not been accused of sexually assaulting his victims, but he admitted that he had masturbated over some of them. Rader later told KAKE-TV that a "demon" got inside of him at a young age. "I have a lot of remorse. I'm very sorry for them. It is something I wouldn't want to happen to my family," he said. Kansas didn't have the death penalty at the time of the killings, so the 10 life terms was the harshest sentence possible. ___ A look at some of the most notorious serial killers in the US since 1970 1970-2005: Samuel Little February-May 1971: Juan Corona 1972-1978: John Wayne Gacy 1974-1991: Dennis Rader 1975-1998: Robert L. Yates Jr. 1976-1977: David Berkowitz 1976-1986: Joseph James DeAngelo 1977-1978: Angelo Buono Jr. and Kenneth A. Bianchi 1977-1978: Ted Bundy 1978-1992: Jeffrey Dahmer 1978-1995: Theodore Kaczynski 1979-1981: Wayne B. Williams 1983: Henry Lee Lucas 1984-1985: Richard Ramirez 1984-1985: Charles Ng and Leonard Lake 1985-2007: Lonnie David Franklin Jr. 1989-1990: Aileen Wuornos 1989-1993: Joel Rifkin 1990-1993: Heriberto Seda 1997-1999: Angel Maturino Resendiz 2002: Lee Boyd Malvo and John Allen Muhammad 2005-2006: Mark Goudeau 2007-2009: Anthony Sowell 2014: Darren Deon Vann The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, in collaboration with Carthage College, Gateway Technical College, Herzing University, Kenosha Unified School District, Racine Unified School District and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will host its 2023 Healthcare Careers Day on Wednesday, Oct. 18. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the UW-Parkside Student Center Ballroom. Registration for the 2023 Healthcare Careers Day is now open for both employers and attendees. Healthcare Careers Day is an opportunity for healthcare-related employers from Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois to share career information and internship and job opportunities with high school and college students as well as adult job seekers in the Kenosha & Racine area. UWP, Carthage, Gateway, & Herzing will lead presentations to provide students with overview of healthcare-related degree programs offered. Additional community-based agencies will have tables of information on financial support programs and services to help with educational training, credentials, and degree completion. Information sessions will take place in various locations on campus. Attendees will learn about a variety of high demand healthcare-related careers in the region, the educational credentials needed to enter those fields, and will be able to speak directly with representatives from healthcare organizations who are hiring for internships and full-time jobs. There will also be information sessions for high schoolers and adult job seekers on education, training programs, and resources to support students in obtaining the educational credentials needed for various healthcare jobs. This event is open to Kenosha area college students currently enrolled at UW-Parkside, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College, and Herzing University in any healthcare related major. Adult job seekers who are interested in completing their degree or obtaining the credentials needed for a career in healthcare and High school students who are interested in healthcare careers post-graduation are also welcome to attend. Employers interested in registering for this fair can use the link https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/42577/employer_preview?token=BUtbkkLqe9Dt9pP02HtN4gSHR5upmULoZ2qUtiG7deB002nQWBtN2A College students interested in registering should contact their college career centers or register on Handshake. Employers can contact Linda Bevec directly at Bevec@gmail.com for questions about registering. Community members interested in healthcare jobs, can contact Napoleon Hardy at the Department of Workforce Development to register: Napoleon.Hardy@dwd.wisconsin.gov. NORTHERN MICHIGAN MARQUETTE, Mich. -- Mitchell Fugate of Kenosha graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, cum laude, from Northern Michigan University. MUSIC ACADEMY EGG HARBOR -- Nicolas Strichartz, of Kenosha spent two weeks in Door County studying at Birch Creek Music Performance Center. Strichartz, a student at Indian Trail High School and Academy, was among 55 other musicians from throughout the country to attend the Big Band Jazz II session during the academy. The center hosts the residential summer music academy for advanced young musicians. UW-MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE -- Florin Saitis of Pleasant Prairie has received a $10,000 scholarship as part of undergraduate research program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. The scholarships offer students access to the knowledge and skills needed to explore cancer discoveries from the frontlines and pursue careers in cancer research. Saitis is a UW-Milwaukee student marjoing in biological sciences. CULVER'S SCHOLARSHIP MADISON -- Erin Bartelson of Burlington has been awarded a $1,000 Culver's 4-H Scholarship, the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation has announced. Bartelson has been active in her 4-H club in Racine County for 11 years. Her projects include sewing, photography, foods & nutrition, swine, and dairy. Shes held multiple leadership positions including club officer, county junior leader, Racine County 4-H Board of Directors member, Cloverbuds Day Camp Counselor, and delegate to multiple state and national 4-H leadership conferences. She is graduating from Burlington High School and plans to attend Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science, with the goal of pursuing her dream to become a veterinarian. She has been involved in National Honor Society, DRIVEN Student Leadership program, and FFA. UW-EAU CLAIRE EAU CLAIRE -- The following Kenosha County area students graduated in May from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (listed by hometown, with degree and major): Bristol: Kelsey Kurylo, Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science; and Madison Zerr, Business, Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration. Kenosha: Julia Arturi, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing; Gianna Hoppenjan, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management' and Alexander Zanotti, Bachelor of Science in Political Science. New Munster: Riley Noonan, Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies. Pleasant Prairie: Connor Garland, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Communication; Rachel Ricchio, Bachelor of Arts in Communication; and Alexander Zanotti, Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Silver Lake: Haley Lamberson, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. Stacey Gabriel and Tim Wolfe want to give Wisconsinites access to legal cannabinoid products. About a year ago, the couple decided to open their first business with a storefront in downtown Chippewa Falls. Their goal was to set up a shop that would sell both cannabis products and smoke shop wares. The couple, who are engaged to be married, have launched Calm and Collected Cannabis Co. at 508 N. Bridge St. The store hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting Aug. 18. It sells cannabis tinctures, gummies, creams, flowers and candles, along with glassware, incense and tobacco products. All of the stores cannabis products are sourced from Wisconsin, including Steves Hemp in Eau Claire, Sunny Skies CBD in Durand, Sutherland CBD in Superior, Stacks Family Farm and Carbon Cannabis from La Crosse. It also features glassware like pipes, bubblers and bongs from U.S. artists. Most of the smaller pieces were made in Wisconsin, while the larger glassware is all made in the U.S. The duo took a risk on the business. Neither has managed, or owned, a small business before. Wolfe spent 25 years working in the automotive industry, he said. Gabriel worked in customer service, as well as working in grocery stores and bartending, she said. But both wanted a change. Since opening, business has been good, Wolfe said. But getting there wasnt easy. Calm and Collected Cannabis Co. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday Address: 508 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Contact: 534-220-7033, stacey@calmandcollectedcannabisco.com Everything from setting up credit card merchants to bank accounts was a little overwhelming, the couple admitted. Gabriel said there were numerous long nights in trying to navigate the world of small business. Picking the name is always the hardest part, Wolfe said. It was a battle. It was hard, Gabriel said. It was a struggle, getting approvals, permits and bank accounts. It was cannabis, so nobody would want to work with us. Wolfe said one of the difficulties he experienced working in the automotive industry during the pandemic was changes in customer service. It was one reason he decided to move into business ownership. Nobody wants to come in and get a big, fat bill for their car. How do you do that and then get a five-star review? That was hard, he said. But I can say now, we can say, that no single person walks through the door upset to be here. Gabriel added: And they walk out even happier. Gabriel said it was the location that they fell in love with after spending a lot of time looking for a proper home for the new business. Theyd been looking at lots of real estate in the area before finding the Bridge Street location. Wed seen a lot of other places and this place was just like, we walked in and we knew it was going to be great and open, and thats what we wanted: open, inviting. We wanted people to come in and feel welcome, she said. She said she believes their products help people. We get a lot of older people that are looking for pain relief, she said. Anxiety and sleep problems are other issues that cause people to seek cannabis products, Wolfe said. We want people to come in and feel free to ask questions. Were here to help, Gabriel said. If we dont know something, an answer to your question, well find out. We text with our vendors all the time who are super responsive. Dont be afraid to come in and discuss your questions with us. Although recreational marijuana recently became legal in Minnesota, the couple said they dont see it having much impact on their business. Itll be awhile before we start seeing dispensaries pop up, Wolfe said. He also said that Chippewa Falls is far enough from the Minnesota border that he doesnt foresee there being an impact on Calm and Collected Cannabis Co. either way. THC levels are lower in the products sold in Wisconsin compared to what can be offered in states where recreational marijuana is legal, such as Minnesota. But Gabriel said customers who want to explore cannabis products without breaking Wisconsin state laws will be satisfied. She also said she supports Minnesotas move toward legalization. I would say that were excited. As many more as we can get, lets just keep going, she said. Im maybe hoping that Wisconsin will get their butts in gear. Scooters Coffee celebrated its grand opening of its new location in Winona on Friday. The chain is well-known across the nation with locations in 29 states, including two drive-thrus nearby in Onalaska and Holmen. The Winona community gave the drive-thru business a warm welcome Friday, as employees stayed busy with serving a constant flow of customers. Franchise owner Brett Cipperley said he has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Winona residents. Cipperley is new to the area, as he moved to Winona about a month and a half ago from Nebraska to open the new Scooters location, which has provided about 32 new jobs. Cipperley, who had only traveled through Winona a few times before on the way to Wisconsin, said he wanted to open a Scooters Coffee because, I havent had a better coffee in my life, and I figured I wanted to be a part of the whole Scooters idea. Scotter's Coffee Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Address: 1800 W. Service Drive, Winona Information: 507-474-0543, www.scooterscoffee.com He originally had a general interest in opening a Scooters somewhere, but the corporation proposed opening one in Winona. He thought it was a great opportunity to fill the then-vacant space at 1800 W. Service Drive. He said the communitys reaction so far to the business has been overwhelmingly amazing. I havent had any negative reactions from the community. Everybodys been so wonderful, Cipperley said. He said he has heard great reviews so far about the business drinks, including the new drinks for kids that are offered. The menu isnt just full of beverages, though, as people can also grab a bite to eat, including pastries and other breakfast items. Cipperley believes the coffee shop will stand out in Winona, which is already home to many other coffee spots throughout the city, because of the brands promise of amazing people serving amazing drinks amazingly fast. LONDON Members of a Canadian First Nation held a spiritual ceremony on Monday at a Scottish museum to begin the homeward journey of a totem pole stolen almost a century ago. The 36-foot pole is being restored by the National Museum of Scotland to the Nisgaa Nation in northern British Columbia one of the first times a British museum has returned artifacts to any of North Americas Indigenous peoples. The museum agreed last year to return the pole, which has been on display in the Edinburgh building since 1930. Nisgaa researchers say it was taken without consent in 1929 by an anthropologist who sold it to the museum. Chief Earl Stephens, who has the Nisgaa cultural name Simoogit Niisjoohl, said that in Nisgaa culture, we believe that this pole is alive with the spirit of our ancestors. After nearly 100 years, we are finally able to bring our dear relative home to rest on Nisgaa lands, he said. Carved from red cedar in the 1860s, the pole includes family crests and animal and human figures. It commemorates the Nisgaa warrior Tsaawit and stood outside his relatives home for 70 years before being removed while villagers were away for the annual hunting season. After Mondays ceremony attended by delegates from the Nisgaa, the museum and the Scottish and Canadian governments, workers will erect scaffolding around the pole, which will be carefully removed, packed and flown next month on a Canadian air force plane to British Columbia. It is slated to go on display in the Nisgaa Museum in the Nass Valley alongside scores of other artifacts recovered from museums. Amy Parent, a member of the Nisgaa Nation and associate professor of education at Simon Fraser University, said it was a very historic moment for our nation and for Scotland. Museum director Chris Breward said teams had been working for months on the complex task of carefully lowering and transporting the pole. We are pleased to have reached the point where that work is now underway, and we are delighted to have welcomed the Nisgaa delegation to the museum before we bid the pole farewell, he said. U.K. museums face multiple calls to return items taken from around the world during the period of the British Empire, including friezes that once adorned the Parthenon in Athens and the Benin bronzes from West Africa. Sure, go ahead and exempt diapers, baby strollers and other child care products from Wisconsins sales tax. Diapers are definitely a necessity for young families. And Wisconsin already exempts other essential products such as groceries and prescription drugs from its sales tax. Just dont think for a second that this Republican proposal somehow addresses the states child care crisis. So much more must be done to ensure children have quality care while their parents work. A real and much bigger solution is needed for families and our economy by early spring. Thats when more than $700 million in federal funding to stabilize Wisconsins child care industry during the pandemic is expected to run out. Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, and Sen. Jesse James, R-Altoona, recently proposed exempting baby products cribs, monitors, safety locks, breast pumps, bottles and more from Wisconsins 5% sales tax. They say it could save parents an estimated $37 million over two years. The state could certainly afford it. State leaders didnt come close to spending all of a protected $7 billion surplus when they finalized a two-year state budget this summer. Wisconsin is still expected to have a $4 billion surplus at the end of the current budget on June 30, 2025, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Republicans who support Wisconsins strict and outdated ban on abortion may see the sales tax exemption on baby products as a way to show support for families with newborns. Their tax-exemption bill also is being reintroduced just as the governor seeks legislative action to address the looming end to federal subsidies for child care providers. But saving $5 a month on $100 in diapers, while helpful, isnt going to make or break a family budget. What Wisconsin parents really need especially mothers and fathers with modest incomes is better access to quality, affordable child care near their homes or jobs. During the pandemic, the federal government subsidized higher wages for child care workers at thousands of providers across Wisconsin to keep them open. This helped retain staff who worried about exposure to the virus. Children were last to get vaccines. More than a quarter of early childhood providers in Wisconsin would have closed without the federal grants, according to a survey of 1,200 operators in December. Nearly a third said they could be forced to shut down if economic conditions dont improve. Nearly two-thirds reported staff shortages, due in part to low pay and burnout. Child care workers now earn a median wage of just $12.66 an hour, which is higher than before the pandemic, thanks to the federal support. When the federal dollars disappear potentially during the spring semester of school in early 2024 falling wages could exacerbate staffing shortages and reduce capacity further. Already, more than half of providers report longer waitlists for parents seeking to enroll their children. Thats not a pretty picture for Wisconsins families. And even before the pandemic, the child care industry was struggling. Gov. Tony Evers recently called for the Legislature to spend $340 million next year to stabilize the child care system, essentially using state dollars to replace the federal funding thats going away. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, dismissed the governors plan as unsustainable. Vos has a point. The state cant backfill every fading federal relief program that was tied to the pandemic. But whats the Republicans alternative solution to the long-standing child care crisis in Wisconsin that COVID-19 starkly revealed? Saving $5 on diapers? The average cost for child care in the state is $12,500 per kid. Thats more than tuition at UW-Madison. Struggling parents need help. So do the child care providers who engage children with positive learning and play while their parents are at work. The child care industry is crucial to maintaining Wisconsins workforce and keeping our economy strong. If Republicans want to ease the tax burden on young parents, increasing the child tax credit would do more than narrowly trimming the sales tax. When the federal government increased its child tax credit during the pandemic, distributing half the money in six monthly payments, child poverty in America fell by 30%. That didnt just help parents afford child care. It helped some afford to stay home with their toddlers. But the pressing need now is direct support for child care providers and workers so facilities stay open and staffed. If Republican lawmakers dont like the Democratic governors proposal and wont even discuss it in special session, as the governor requested whats their counter proposal? Wisconsin is waiting. Members of the Lake Geneva Lions Club recently donated $5,000 to the Geneva Lake Museum to help support a renovation project to the museum building. The museum board plans to use the funds to install a wheelchair elevator in the building. The Geneva Lake Museum building is located in the former Wisconsin Power and Light Waterworks Department facility. The building is grandfathered in and is not required to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards. However, museum officials want to bring the building up to standards to help make it more accessible to patrons. The Geneva Lake Museum was moved into the building in 2004. Dear W.C., My brother has always struggled with his mental disability. When he was a child, my mother refused to admit he needed extra help with schoolwork and keeping his emotions in check. When he was about 9 years old, she realized he needed special education when he still could not read or do basic math. He went as far as he could in special education but still could not hold down a job. He finally got into a program that helps him work part-time. This is helpful since he still lives with our mother, and he helps to care for her since she has become sick. I help as much as I can, but I am not able to help financially. I make sure their bills are paid each month. Unfortunately, last months utility bill was especially high, and they do not have enough money to pay it. I have been sharing our toiletries over the past few weeks because they could not afford to buy any. I feel terrible but I am a single mother with two children, and we barely get by each month. I know my brother is also suffering from pain in his jaw. He has had a bad tooth for some time, and I worry that it is infected. I am sorry that I am asking for so much help, but I just dont know where else to turn. Dear Readers, I hear that so often in the desperate letters we receive, I dont know where else to turn. Thanks to all of You this family was able to turn to The Time is Now to Help for assistance. I called this worried sister to find out more about her brother and her mother, and how we could help. She answered her phone on the first ring and admitted she was relieved it was The Time is Now to Help calling and not a bill collector. When I heard this I tried to ask her about her own financial struggle as I sensed she was having a hard time but did not want to ask for herself. She answered, I wrote this letter for my brother. I cannot accept any help for myself. I accepted her answer but knew I would come back to her situation later. She answered all my questions about her brother and her mothers income and expenses. She stated that she helped them to pay their bills online and keep things organized since her mother had become quite ill and her brother was caring for her. She admitted that her brother struggled with keeping paperwork organized and needed help with bill paying and budgets. He was very good at keeping their mother fed when they had food in the house, clean and living in a clean apartment. We talked about her brothers teeth, and I arranged for him to see a dentist we had used in the past that I knew would be reasonable and provide a good quality of dental care. As he was beginning to feel ill and in so much pain, they would get him in for care quickly. We then talked about their overdue bills and what had caused a shortfall this past month. The high utility bill was due to the need for air condition over the past month, especially since the mother had been struggling to breathe during the days of poor air quality. The brother and mother had not realized how high that would make their utility bill. They also had made several trips to the emergency room and needed new medications that had high copays. All these expenses had made the budget that had been so carefully planned by the sister fail over the past few months. Together, we would put them back on track. We would pay two months rent, pay their high utility bill, provide dental care for the brother and provide gift cards for food and toiletries. This assistance would ease the strain of the additional expenses they had incurred and allow them to begin the next month anew. When I asked the sister if there was anything else we could do for them, she hesitated before answering, No. That is more than I could hope for. Thank you from all of us. When I asked if there was anything we could do to help her and her children, she began to cry. She did not want to ask for help, yet I knew she needed it. With encouragement she finally admitted her car needed service and was on the verge of breaking down. The loss of her car would be devastating as she needed it for work and for all the doctors appointments for her mother and brother. After some more discussion, I arranged for her car to be serviced and included gift cards for food, school supplies for the children, clothing and gas. The sister cried tears of relief for her brother and herself as we together removed their pains and stress of poverty. Thank you and God Bless you for making this and all our assistance possible. Health & Happiness, Love & GOD Bless Everyone, Sal Please Help: There are many coming to us in desperation. Our good fellow creations need our compassion. Together we make a big difference. Make checks payable to: The Time Is Now to Help, P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The Time Is Now to Help is a federally recognized 5013 charitable organization. You will receive a tax deductible, itemized thank you receipt showing how 100% of your donation was used for providing poverty relief. Please visit our website for more information, to read more of our past and current columns and/or to make a donation: www.timeisnowtohelp.org. A Very Special Thank You: Kunes Family Foundation, Lake Geneva Area Realty, Jeff Martin, Paper Dolls, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuberth, Kunes Country Auto Group, Martin Group, John Stensland and family, Paul Ziegler, Ziegler Charitable Foundation, Hometown Auto Exchange, The Premium Package, Kathleen and Brian Hurdis Charitable Fund, The Harold and Bernice DeWeerd Family Foundation, The Holmgren Charity Fund, FairwynSymphony Bay Give Back Program, Leroy and Barbara Madsen, Chapel on the Hill, Noreen Studnicka, Robert Zelenski, Gene and Linda Krauklis, Michael and Kathe Beach, Church of Jesus Christ LDS, Ron and Jacque Wuttke, Stanley Roelker, William and Jean Isaacson, George Cokins, John and Rita Race, David Greenawalt, Sarah Wootton, Karin Collamore, Gregory Swanson, Kelly Tomaske, Jennifer Aikin Rich Steinbarth, Jeanne Allen, all of our anonymous donors and ALL of you who support The Time Is Now to Help donation boxes. Anyone who would like a Time Is Now donation box in your business, please call (262) 249-7000. Memorials: Connie Cook, in memory of Shirley Wuerth. Prayer Chain: The power of prayer and positive thoughts comes from the true healer, our Lord answering our prayers. Please pray for healing for the following people: Brian, Mike, Sylvia, Megan, Kayla, Maria C., Betty, Scott, Annie, Marilyn, Brandon, Helen, Dennis, Mary, Joseph, Jordan, Jean, Tom L., Dr. Peter, Alyce, Matthew, Pam E., Jenene B., John S., Patricia H., Darlene, Ron K., Marian K., Judy, Wendy, Eric, Anthony, Mary, Charlie, Tom P., Christina, Billy, Mike, Cheryl, Bryan E., and Ellie. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR MONDAY AUGUST 28, 2023 Geopolitical Confrontation Must End! Aug. 27, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The expansion of the BRICS process, including most prominently the planned January 2024 expansion of the BRICS into the BRICS 11, is among the most important developments in the world today. It is willful blindness (or, often, willful deception) that prevents those in NATO nations from recognizing that a new paradigm is taking shape in the world. The most crucial paradox to unravel today is the seeming contradiction between the rise of such new institutions as the BRICS and the decline of the predominantly trans-Atlantic West. The rise of China, the independence of Russia, the potential for resolving conflicts that have divided Southwest Asia: All of these are treated as a threat by the Anglo-American world, when indeed, they are opportunities to advance a better type of self-interest. The true self-interest of the United States, of the EU nations, of NATO-land, does not lie in maintaining superiority by preventing the growth of others, like the quintessential oligarch Zeus of Aeschyluss Prometheus trilogy. Instead, it lies in advancing the common cause of humanity, in a modern world in which military conflict truly can become a thing of the past. Take for example the visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China. Her visit may result in a few small changes that might be called improvements. But such measures would be akin to re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, because U.S.-China relations are dominated by the fact that the Anglo-American establishment sees Chinas rise as the greatest threat in the world. Another sign of the times is the visit by U.S. envoy Molly Phees strip to Africa. In Abuja, Nigeria, she invited President Tinubu, who is also the rotating Chairman of ECOWAS, to a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next month. Why? U.S. support for ECOWAS and regional leadership in responding to the situation in Niger is on the agenda. She is quoted as saying, President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership. If accurate, this would reflect both the general lack of U.S. interest in the continent experiencing the highest rates of population growth and potential economic growth, and an unhealthy fixation on military affairs. The only African leader Biden wants to meet with is one whom he hopes to convince to take military action in Niger! In contrast, consider the BRICS process. According to figures compiled from CEIC Data and the World Bank at The Cradle, the BRICS 11 countries have a total GDP of $29.2 trillion, a total GDP (PPP) of $59.8 trillion, and a debt of only $8.9 trillion. In comparison, the G7 nations have a total GDP of $43.5 trillion, a GDP (PPP) of $48.5 trillion, and a total debt of $55.5 billion (with the U.S. and Japan having a debt-to-GDP ratio above 100%). The BRICS 11 will hold nearly half of the worlds proven oil reserves. BRICS 11 members Egypt and the U.A.E., and prospective member Bangladesh, all joined the New Development Bank in March of this year. Who else wants to join BRICS? Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Guinea, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia, Cuba, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, Nigeria, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, and Turkiye. Meanwhile, the pathetic British propaganda sheet The Economist is further demonstrating its wickedness by running its regular China-is-about-to-collapse feature (the current cover reads Xis Failing Model: Why He Wont Fix Chinas Economy), perhaps in competition with the noted perennial predictor of Chinas collapse, Gordon Chang. The West must resolutely reject the British Empire viewpoint. Helga Zepp-LaRouche explains how in her August 20 Appeal to the Citizens of the Global North: However, this requires that we in the West demonstrate unequivocally that we are ready for honest cooperation. Above all, this includes giving up the concept of expanding NATO into a global NATO, and working specifically on a new international security and development architecture that takes into account the interests of all nations, including Russia, Ukraine, China and all other states. I have formulated ten principles on this topic, the aspects that such a new architecture must take into account. Our entire future, that of the nations of the Global South, and not least of all world peace, will depend on whether we can win enough forces in the European nations and the U.S.A. to seize the extraordinary opportunity that presents itself in the possibility of cooperation with the BRICS-Plus States. We are currently experiencing an epochal change of the kind that happens maybe once in a thousand years, and the great thing is that we can all help shape this new era through our contribution. We can help end the shameful phase of colonialism and begin a human chapter in universal history. Indias decision to halt some rice exports to prevent high prices at home has had affects stretching across Asia to Africa, observers say. Rice prices in Kenya, for example, jumped when Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is a big producer of fertilizer. That problem combined with years of little rain in the Horn of Africa hurt East Africas rice production. Low-cost rice from India helped fill Africas needs, feeding hundreds of thousands of people who live in poor areas of Nairobi on less than $2 a day. But the price of a 25-kilogram container of rice in Kenya has risen by more than 12 percent, or more than $14 since June. Importers there say they have not received shipments from India. Fifty-one-year-old Francis Ndege has been selling rice to the poor in Nairobi for 30 years. He said, Im really hoping the imports keep coming. Cutting food exports is part of Indias effort to keep prices at home low to prevent widespread public anger at the government. The restrictions, however, take 9.5 million metric tons off the worldwide market. That is about a fifth of rice exports worldwide. An inflection point In addition to Indias moves, the Associated Press reports that Vietnams rice export prices have reached a 15 year high. And Russia, which had earlier agreed to permitted agricultural exports from Ukraine, withdrew a United Nations-supported deal last month. Beau Damen works with natural resources in Bangkok for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. He said the world is at an inflection point. Even before India restricted rice exports, countries were buying rice with the expectation that supplies would soon be limited. Some observers worry that other nations will follow India. The AP reports that the United Arab Emirates has suspended rice exports to preserve supplies although it is not a supplier. Other observers worry that bad weather will affect rice harvests. They are saying the El Nino ocean event could affect harvests in many countries. El Nino is a warm southern Pacific Ocean current that affects weather across a large area of the world. It takes place regularly but is difficult to predict. Rice demand in Africa growing In Africa, rice consumption has been growing regularly. Most countries depend heavily on imports. Some African nations with growing populations are trying to grow their own rice. But the results have not been what some had hoped. Amadou Khan is a 52-year-old unemployed father of five children in Dakar. He said his children eat rice with every meal except breakfast. He said his family is just getting by. Seventy percent of Senegals imported rice comes from India, but it is now too costly. So, Khan is buying rice grown at home which is two-thirds the price. Senegals agriculture ministry said more than half of the countrys demand is grown locally. The ministry said Senegal is not far from being self-sufficient. Asian countries grow and use 90 percent of the worlds rice. But even in Asia, some countries are struggling. The Philippines, for example, had an estimated 22 percent of its yearly production damaged by Typhoon Doksuri. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the Philippines is the second largest rice importer after China. No one wants to take the risk Indias export restrictions and production problems blamed on the weather there make it an undependable export partner. That is what Ashok Gulati of the Indian Council for Research and International Economic relations said. He added, Thats not good for the export business because it takes years to develop these markets. Vietnam hopes to make gains during the current market movements. With prices high, it hopes to increase production. The Agriculture Ministry also wants to use more land in the Mekong Delta to grow rice. The Philippines is negotiating with Vietnam to get favorable prices. Vietnam also wants to target Britain, which gets rice from India. Thailand is another big rice producer. The government expects to export more rice this year than last. Exports in the first six months of 2023 were 15 percent higher than the same period last year. But the situation in India has farmers and traders worried. Charoen Laothamatas is president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association. He said farmers are raising prices for unmilled rice and mill operators, who process the rice, are unwilling to sell it. The millers want to get the best price under current market conditions. Lack of clarity about supplies leaves exporters unsure about prices and leads to an unwillingness to sell. As a result, Laothamatas noted, No one wants to take the risk. Im Dorothy Gundy. And Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Mario Ritter, Jr. adapted this Associated Press report for VOA Learning English. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story inflection point n. (math) the point where a process changes suddenly or in an important way consumption n. the act of using or buying some product self-sufficient adj. able to live or operate without assistance from others unmilled adj. grain that is not processed with machinery to remove undesirable parts of the seed The sounds come from stone carvers who still work on a craft that has been passed down for generations - even after the local source of stone was used up. The village burial area, or cemetery, is filled with meter-high statues of religious figures and other beautiful stone objects. Generations of stone carvers in Chimalhuacan also created much of the stonework found on buildings and parks in the capitals downtown. While carvers in other areas long ago turned to mechanical devices, the workers here use only hammers and other special hand tools. Many are self-taught, but some, like Tomas Ugarte, age 86, learned in the traditional way. This method of rock cutting has been passed down between family members, dating back about five generations. The rock cutters are generally older. There were about 600 official stone carvers about 10 years ago. Now, there are probably only around 300, said Carolina Montesinos Mendoza of the state office that supports traditional skills. The carvers are dying and their children generally do not want to take up the trade. Still, the stone carvers keep the old traditions alive. Many people in the area use stone mortars and pestles made by the stone carvers. Known as molcajetes in Spanish, these bowl-like objects are the basic tool for making salsas. Rev. Alberto Sandoval, who has known the stone workers since 1990, described them as the backbone of the community." Most of the carvers have individual work areas at home, which provide them with some money. They sell carvings for prices ranging from $500 to $2,000. But the stone carvers often do not sell much. Unlike many craftspeople who want to see their works shown in museums, the carvers here work free of charge to create and maintain carvings for the local cemetery. They also work for free at decorating and repairing the stonework at the 250-year-old local church, Santa Maria de Guadalupe. One of the earliest signs of the stone carvers work is a carved stone on the ground reading Xochiaca, home of the stone carvers. It does not have a date. The writing talks about a time when the lake that once covered much of the valley still touched Xochiaca. Builders would come looking for carvings and ship them to Mexico City on ships over the lake. Juan Alfaro Bastidas, 75, is a carver, just as his father and grandfather were. He remembers going into the rock mines, or quarries, by candlelight to get blocks of stone. But the quarries are just a memory now. The land where the quarries stood was sold for housing developments. Now, the carvers truck in stone from other states to the north and to the west, but sometimes from as far away as the southern state of Yucatan. They get some help from the local government and local people. The neighbors have helped us out with donations of 100 or 200 pesos ($6 to $12). The people of the town buy the stone, said Bastidas. Asked if the trade will survive, carver Mario Olivares read a poem written on the church wall: Your art, your tradition, your culture and the nobility of the people keep the soul of this town alive. Im John Russell. Fabiola Sanchez and Gerardo Carrillo reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________ Words in This Story carve v. to make a sculpture or design by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of craft -- n. : an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands mortar n. a heavy, deep bowl in which seeds, spices, etc., are pounded or crushed with a heavy tool (called a pestle) pestle n. the heavy tool that goes with a mortar museum n. a building in which interesting and valuable things are collected and shown to the public decorate v. to make (something) more attractive usually by putting something on it Scientists say they have discovered new evidence that cloud activity on Neptune is linked to atmospheric changes on the planet caused by the sun. Researchers say the evidence is based on observations collected by several telescopes over a period of nearly 30 years. Data was collected by the Hubble Space Telescope operated by the American space agency NASA as well as the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the Lick Observatory in California. Astronomers recorded atmospheric changes on Neptune as they examined the cloud data. The researchers found that the changes followed the suns natural cycle. Each natural cycle, known as the solar cycle, lasts about 11 years. During this cycle, the suns magnetic field completely flips. This means the suns north and south magnetic poles change places. They then flip back after another 11 years. Before the flip, a major increase in solar activity happens. This can send powerful collections of solar particles shooting through space. The scientists who examined the telescope data said they found that Neptune appeared brightest in 2002, then dimmed in 2007. The planet became bright again in 2015, but then darkened in 2020 to the dimmest level ever observed. The team said the observations also showed Neptune lost nearly all of its clouds beginning in 2019. Astronomers at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) led the research. They recently reported their findings in a study in the publication Icarus. Imke de Pater is a retired professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley and was the lead writer of the study. She said in a statement she was surprised by how quickly clouds disappeared on Neptune. She noted cloud activity had dropped sharply within a few months. Even four years later, the images we took this past June showed the clouds havent returned to their former levels, said Erandi Chavez. She is a student at Harvard Universitys Center for Astrophysics who took part in the study while at UC Berkeley. This is extremely exciting and unexpected, Chavez said. She noted the finding was unusual since Neptunes previous period of low cloud activity was not nearly as dramatic and prolonged. Neptune, about four times wider than Earth, is the eighth and most distant major planet orbiting our sun, NASA says. It receives sunlight with only about 0.1 percent intensity of our planet. For this reason, the researchers found it surprising that Neptune would be heavily influenced by solar activity. The planet also receives intense winds that can blow around clouds. The scientists looked at images captured by the different telescopes. They discovered clear patterns between seasonal changes in Neptunes cloud cover and the solar cycle. The team found that during periods when the sun gave off more intense ultraviolet (UV) light, more clouds appeared on the planet two years later. De Pater said the newly discovered data provides "the strongest evidence yet that Neptune's cloud cover correlates with the suns cycle." He added the findings "support the theory that the sun's UV rays, when strong enough, may be triggering a photochemical reaction that produces Neptunes clouds." Photochemical is a term relating to how chemicals are affected by light. The researchers are continuing to follow cloud activity on Neptune. They noted that the latest images taken of the planet, in June 2023, showed clouds started to return. The team says this finding further strengthens their evidence. This is because the scientists see a link between the increasing cloud cover and the release of intense UV light over the past two years. The researchers say further study is needed to confirm their latest results. They say the research will be important not only for learning more about Neptune, but can also help scientists gain a better understanding of how similar planets outside our solar system behave. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from NASA, the University of California, UC Berkeley and the W.M. Keck Observatory. Quiz - Study: Neptunes Disappearing Clouds Linked to Solar Cycle Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________ Words in This Story cycle n. a series of events that happen in a particular order and are often repeated flip v. to turn something onto a different side dim adj. not bright or clear dramatic adj. very sudden or noticeable prolonged adj. continuing for a long time pattern n. a particular way something is done or repeated correlate v. link pieces of information or things together trigger v. to make something begin to happen Japan's discharge plan places country in "defendant's seat" 09:17, August 28, 2023 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily On August 24th, the Japanese government unilaterally started releasing nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, in disregard of strong criticism and opposition from the international community. Japan's actions blatantly transfer the risk of nuclear pollution to the rest of the world, prioritizing Japan's own interests over the long-term well-being of regional and global populations. It fully exposes Japan's selfishness and arrogance, and will place the country in the defendant's seat, facing long-term accusations and condemnation from the international community. The ocean sustains humanity. Japan's pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people's health. For the past two years and more, the legitimacy, legality and safety of Japan's ocean discharge plan has been questioned over and over again by the international community. Japan has yet to address major international concerns such as the long-term reliability of the purification facility, the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, and the effectiveness of the monitoring arrangement. Yet it has painstakingly tried to create the illusion that discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is safe and harmless, and has even unreasonably blamed neighboring countries for expressing legitimate concerns. This shows Japan's selfishness and arrogance. Japan's unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water has permanently labeled the country as a "saboteur of the ecological system" and "polluter of the global marine environment." This unilateral decision seriously deviates from basic international justice. The handling of the nuclear-contaminated water must be undertaken with an attitude and spirit reflecting profound responsibility to all of humanity. However, Japan's actions completely contradict this. The international community sees it clearly that Japan has not exhausted all safe ways of disposal, seriously addressed domestic and foreign doubts and opposition, or sincerely communicated with neighboring countries. Japan chose the discharge plan based on economic considerations, and will impose unnecessary risks on neighboring countries and the world at large. The Fukushima nuclear accident which took place 12 years ago was a major catastrophe that already caused the leakage of large amounts of radioactive substances into the ocean. There could be a man-made secondary disaster to the local people and the whole world if Japan chooses to dump the water into the ocean just to serve Japan's selfish interests. By unilaterally discharging the nuclear-contaminated water to gain short-term domestic benefits at the cost of damaging shared international interests, Japan shows a lack of benevolence and justice, and this will become a major stain of Japan that's difficult to erase. Japan's unilateral decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water seriously violates the country's international legal obligations. Under general international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan has obligations to take all measures to prevent marine pollution, notify and fully consult with potentially affected countries, assess and monitor environmental impacts, take preventive measures to minimize danger, ensure transparency of information, and cooperate internationally. Recently, Japan has frequently cited the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report on the discharge plan, attempting to use it as a "pass" to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water. It is known to all that the IAEA functions as an international organization that promotes safe, reliable and peaceful use of nuclear technology, and is not an appropriate body to assess the long-term impacts of nuclear-contaminated water on marine environment and biological health. Moreover, Japan restricted the IAEA technical working group's mandate from the start, rejecting assessment of other disposal options and not evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of the water treatment system. Under these circumstances, the IAEA report cannot prove the legitimacy or legality of Japan's discharge, nor does it absolve Japan of its moral responsibilities and international legal obligations. Japan's attempts to use the report for whitewashing further expose its lack of confidence and insincerity. The ocean belongs to all humanity. To forcibly start the ocean discharge is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act in disregard of the global public interest. The Japanese side must understand that false propaganda cannot whitewash its wrongdoings, and damaging shared international interests will have consequences. The Chinese government puts people first, and its measures taken to safeguard food safety and the health of the Chinese people are necessary and reasonable. Japan should revoke its wrong decision and halt the discharge as soon as possible, sincerely communicate with neighboring countries, and handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner to avoid further unpredictable destruction and harm to the global marine environment. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) The fight for racial equality in the United States moved a step closer to victory today as Martin Luther King spoke of his dream for freedom in an address to thousands of Americans. Reverend King was greeted with rapturous applause as he delivered his heart-felt words to a 250,000-strong crowd of civil rights protesters at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. He spoke of the need to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. He promised that the struggle for equality would continue until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. Rev King, who has worked tirelessly for an end to racial discrimination through non-violent means, spoke repeatedly of his dream for equality. I have a dream, he said. I have a dream that my 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. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be engulfed, every hill shall be exalted and every mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. Dr King, who is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) first came to prominence in 1955 when he led a 382-day bus boycott in an attempt to end segregation on city buses. Since then he has endured numerous arrests, violent harrassment and a bomb attack on his home. But his struggle continues and it is believed todays speech will have a lasting impact on all who heard it. Courtesy BBC News In context The Rev Martin Luther King spearheaded the campaign against segregation and racial discrimination in the United States. But his crusade was cut dramatically short, when he was assassinated on 4 April 1968 in the southern US city of Memphis, Tennessee, aged 39. He was shot in the neck by a rifle bullet as he stood on a balcony from where he was to lead a march of sanitation workers protesting against low wages and poor working conditions James Earl Ray was convicted of his murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. But he later retracted his confession and said he had been only a minor player in a conspiracy. However, his appeals for a new trial were rejected and he died in prison in 1998. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is the latest member of President Joe Bidens Cabinet to visit China as his administration tries to mend the deteriorating ties between the worlds two largest economies. She promises to be practical without compromising the U.S. push to responsibly manage that economic relationship. Raimondo plans meetings with Chinese officials and U.S. business leaders in Beijing and Shanghai in an effort to promote a healthy competition, a competition on a level playing field, playing by the rules. Im also very realistic and clear-eyed about the challenges. And the challenges are significant, she told reporters before leaving Washington yesterday (Macau time) on a trip that ends Wednesday. The secretary said she wants to find actionable, concrete steps where we can move forward on the commercial relationship, but she offered few details. One matter to be discussed is promoting Chinese travel and tourism to the United States, with Raimondo noting the recent easing of restrictions on large Chinese groups visiting the U.S. Raimondos visit, like the July trip by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, is meant to show the administrations willingness to partner with China on economic development at a time of escalating tensions on foreign policy and national security and as Washington bolsters alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the European Union. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a two-day stop in Beijing in June, the highest-level meetings in China in the past five years. Blinken met with President Xi Jinping and the two agreed to stabilize U.S.-China ties, but better communications between their militaries could not be agreed upon. There are divisions around the economy, too, particularly after the imposition of U.S. foreign investment controls that have stung numerous Chinese companies. China has accused the U.S. of using the cover of risk reduction to carry out decoupling and chain-breaking, and has increased its own trade in Asia. The controls pertain to advanced computer chips, microelectronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence. The U.S. says the effort stemmed from national security goals rather than economic interests, and that the categories covered were intentionally narrow. The U.S. moves are meant to blunt Chinas ability to use American investments in its technology companies to upgrade its military, while preserving broader levels of trade that are vital to both nations. But Chinas Ministry of Commerce said it has serious concern about Bidens executive order. Raimondo said the U.S. was not interested in containing Chinas economic development. We want the Chinese economy to prosper. We do not want to contain or hold back China, she said. We do need to protect our national security, and were going to use our export controls to the fullest extent possible to do that. She said attempts to boost the U.S. economy by promoting manufacturing, a centerpiece of Bidens 2024 reelection campaign, does not mean, at all, that we want to decouple from Chinas economy. And I plan to make that very clear in my meetings. The U.S. and China share a large, dynamic, growing economic relationship, Raimondo said. And both of our countries in fact, the entire world need us to manage that relationship responsibly. Raimondo added that she is seeking to have a stable commercial relationship, and the core to that is regular communication. Its hard to solve problems in any relationship if you dont communicate. And lack of communication results in rising tensions and a spiral to a bad place, Raimondo said. Chinas Ministry of Commerce has said Raimondos visit came at the invitation of Minister Wang Wentao. China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Friday news conference, when asked about Raimondos travels, that China and the US are in touch about bilateral engagement and exchange. Biden said at a recent fundraiser in Utah for his reelection campaign that China was a ticking time bomb. Raimondo said she spoke with Biden before leaving for China and that he asked her to convey the message that theres benefit to communicating to reduce tensions. That does not mean compromise, said Raimondo, who added: Im not going to pull my punches, but I intend to be practical. The commerce secretary said she spoke before her trip with top U.S. labor leaders and more than 100 industry executives who are anxious to do business with China but were increasingly concerned by the countrys nonmarket practices, which makes competing for global business difficult. We all know that China has not followed through on the economic reforms that it has promised, Raimondo said. And its clearly continuously committed to using non-market trade and investment practices, and that forces us to defend our businesses and workers. WILL WEISSERT, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP China will extend the preferential tax policy for overseas talent working in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to Dec. 31, 2027 to support the areas development, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Friday. High-calibre overseas talent and professionals in short supply who work in the Greater Bay Area will receive subsidies from Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality to offset the difference between the individual income tax on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong. The subsidies will be exempt from individual income tax, said the circular. Related A founder and former president of the Macau Journalists Association, Ng Sio Ngai, passed away at 4:20am on Aug. 25 at the government hospital, the association announced in a statement. Born and raised in Shiqi, Zhongshan City, Ng came to Macau aged 18 before starting her nearly four-decade career as a journalist in the 1980s. The veteran journalist witnessed and recorded with her pen the signing of the Portuguese-Chinese Joint Declaration, the discussions and the promulgation of the Basic Law, as well as the how promises made to Macau have appeared after the establishment of the Special Administrative Region. She first worked at Tai Chung Daily and later moved to Va Kio Daily as a senior reporter. She also spent long years writing social critique for Son Pou. The association described her column articles as strong and expressive against social demerits. The association also described her as honest and friendly. Ng was also founder of local independent media outlet All About Macau, which has been critical on social issues. According to another announcement made by the news outlet, during her time fighting her illness, Ng did not give up her responsibility, and continued to diligently manage the outlet. The news outlet described Ng as both a teacher and friend who had inspired and protected the team. Having her in the industry has been a fortune, the news outlet added. AL Hong Kong movie star Aaron Kwok is preparing his return to the Guia Circuit this November, being expected to take part in the TCR Asia Challenge, one of the five races scheduled to take place during the first weekend of this years event. The announcement came over the weekend from the Shell Teamwork Lynk & Co team, which said in a statement that they had listed Hong Kong megastar Aaron Kwok as a guest driver to participate in 2023 TCR China event in October at Zhuzhou, China, and compete in the 70th Macau Grand Prix in November. The statement came after rumors started on social media after Kwok was seen racing in the last round of the joint Macau and Hong Kong automobile associations touring car race in Guangdong International Circuit sporting the number 88 and the Chinese name of the renowned actor. The last time that Kwok raced in Macau was precisely 10 years ago during the 60th edition of the GP. He was taking part, at the time, in the Audi R8 LMS Cup race. Kwok will drive one of the teams Lynk & Co 03 TCR this time around. RM Following a nearly identical saga 12 years ago, some people in Macau have rushed to purchase table salt after Japan started discharging wastewater from Fukushimas nuclear power plant. The same rush happened 12 years ago, also related to the Great East Japanese Earthquake, which took tens of thousands of lives and caused millions of monetary losses. People in Macau started reaching for table salt everywhere after the news of damage at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima began spreading. There were rumors that salt is able to either absorb nuclear radioactivity or obstruct its effect on human bodies. This salt run started last Thursday when the Japanese government began discharging the water from the nuclear plants. The run lasted for some days and most supermarkets in town have empty shelves of table salt, except for premium salt. It was also reported that some supermarkets had imposed purchase limits ranging from one to five packs of salt per person. Commenting on the situation, salt suppliers told local media that the citys salt supplies are stable. The empty shelves at supermarkets were only caused by workforce shortages and delays in restocking, they said. A supplier said that supermarkets have limited space and usually do not have large stock in their storage. Meanwhile, suppliers need time to deliver stocks to supermarkets, which had thus created a window period. The supplier called on the public to stay calm and rational, adding that this run was caused by people not understanding the origins of salt sold in the city. Salt available in Macau comes from a wide variety of origins, including but not limited to mainland China and New Zealand, so the supplier suggested people not worry. On the other hand, Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) has also issued a statement to assure the public of the stable supply of salt in Macau. The bureau said that the current stock is good for 39 days for the whole population. It also recommended that members of the public stay calm and not overstock salt. It will be constantly in touch with suppliers to guarantee the normal supply of salt, the bureau added in the statement. The bureau has also stressed that actions would be taken to prevent speculation of salt prices at the retail level, but said that retailers have been responding positively towards the bureaus requests for the timely restocking of the consumable. The Macao Customs Service, meanwhile, has devoted additional efforts to stopping banned Japanese produce and related products from entering the city, as was stated in a statement from the service. With this said, it can be understood that salt from certain areas in Japan will not be able to enter Macau. On the other hand, in mainland China, there has also been a run on salt. Media reports note that retailers both online and offline reported a shortage in the supply of table salt. Measures similar to those taken by Macau authorities against speculations and profiteering are also imposed by national authorities, according to the same report. Meanwhile, state news agency Xinhua cited Chinese salt manufacturers as assuring the public of the stable supply of salt across the mainland. MGTO: raising Japan travel alert possible, if necessary Director of Tourism Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said over the weekend that her bureau is closely monitoring the situation in Japan and, in particular, information released by Chinese authorities, and that travel alerts concerning Japan may be raised when necessary. The local food safety bureau has banned import of produce and related products from 10 prefectures or areas in Japan. Food souvenirs brought by tourists will also be banned. But the government has no plan to shrink the scale of its international tourist musketeer initiative but dropping Japan. The tourism director highlighted that Japan is a critical source market of Macau. Roadshows in the country are being prepared and there is no plan for suspension for the time being. * Salt run Govt assures salt supply is ample as consumers ramp up their buying after Fukushima nuclear wastewater release * Jockey Club | DICJ refrains from commenting on MJC saga * Economy | Macau sees a GDP upturn of 117% Y-o-Y in Q2 * Hong Kong movie star Aaron Kwok is preparing his return to the Guia Circuit this November, being expected to take part in the TCR Asia Challenge * DSAT warns over escalated congestions on new taxi licenses * Explainer: At Fukushima Daiichi, decommissioning the nuclear plant is far more challenging than water release DOWNLOAD PDF Monday, August 28, 2023 edition no. 4317 Sands China Ltd. recently opened a collateral exhibition to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents at Sands Gallery, in support of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023. Behind the Forms: Aesthetics of Contemporary Art Trio Exhibition by Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit features outstanding artworks from these three talented artists. Through their different creative techniques, they demonstrate their own understandings of various topics around Macaus economic development spectrum, data texture, belief and value. Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd., said, The curator, art coordinator, artists and designer of this exhibition were all born and bred in Macao. This is a celebration of Made in Macao contemporary art shining on the international stage of Art Macao. Three cutting-edge artists have displayed their memories of Macao, feelings for the country, and passion for art, and have demonstrated the profound cultural heritage of Macao. Lok Hei, president of the Macau Artist Society, said, We are pleased that the three local artists exhibition is being showcased at Sands Gallery for Art Macao. As always, the Macau Artist Society has brought together local artists, especially young ones, with the aim of fostering their development. They are going to inspire more people in town to engage in spiritual pursuits that will enrich their lives. With a theme of Forms, the exhibition aims to promote the appreciation of the aesthetics of contemporary art to the public. Exhibition curator Kitman Leong remarked that the theme is an entry point for understanding the three different artists from a stylistic point of view. We want to let the audience know more about contemporary art through this exhibition. They use different visual art approaches to create exclusive visual forms. Other than appreciating the art, we would also like to let the audience explore the concept, value, or logic behind the forms, said Leong. For the curator, this exhibition aims to emphasize the nature of art, in this era when AI can drive art. Meanwhile, commenting on their works, artist Lai said, We are thrilled with Sands Chinas support for local artists in this years edition of Art Macao by inviting us to showcase our artworks at Sands Gallery. It is truly an encouraging move. Lai has been paying attention to the city and the small town where he grew up during his creative process. He says that as time is a conceptual word without substance, he seeks to describe time in a visual way through painting. The strokes of his paintings capture a state, and that state is an exact period of time that carries a sense of place. I actually painted some traditional-style tiles that were old, peeling or faded a condition that has been experienced for a long time. I want to express the concept of time through this state, he said. Lai has also hailed Sands China for providing local artists a platform for their exhibitions with a lot of freedom. We were 100% able to present our works in our own way and to use our own concepts of artwork in this exhibition. This is a great opportunity, said the artist. Dr. Wong said, We established Sands Gallery to promote exchange, mutual learning and enhancement of culture and art. I am very pleased to take the opportunity presented by Art Macao, which promotes the diversity of Macaos arts to the world, to help outstanding young local artists attract the attention of international media and the art world, aiding them to step onto the international stage with this collateral exhibition. For artist Leong, he believes this exhibition is a valuable opportunity to promote their artworks, stating that Sands China remains a strong springboard for young artists to promote their own works and the art of Macau. Leongs works are mainly inspired by his observations of peoples consumption habits, which drove him to contemplate the relationship between art, consumption and values. Leis artworks, on the other hand, present a sense of virtual reality prevailing in contemporary society. The local artist tried to construct the rhythmic dynamics of this virtual dimension with an artificial spectrum and use repeated patterns to create a mood of monotony and meaninglessness. Echoing similar sentiments with Lai and Leong, Lei expressed his gratitude to Sands China for providing us with such a good exhibition venue. In this way, the public can get in touch with the artistic creations of Macau artists. In addition to Behind the Forms, Sands China is supporting Art Macao 2023 with a special exhibition titled Meet the Magic: In celebration of Disney 100 by Philip Colbert and Jason Naylor at The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao, and also with The Genesis of Rationality, a commissioned work by Ung Vai Meng on display at Art Macaos Invitational Exhibition by Local Artists. Regarded as the pioneer of Macaus art industry, Ung will share his ideas on contemporary art with up-and-coming local art talent at a Sands China event in September. Islamic State extremists have almost doubled the territory they control in Mali in less than a year, and their al-Qaida-linked rivals are capitalizing on the deadlock and perceived weakness of armed groups that signed a 2015 peace agreement, United Nations experts said in a new report. The stalled implementation of the peace deal and sustained attacks on communities have offered the IS group and al-Qaida affiliates a chance to re-enact the 2012 scenario, they said. Thats the year when a military coup took place in the West African country and rebels in the north formed an Islamic state two months later. The extremist rebels were forced from power in the north with the help of a French-led military operation, but they moved from the arid north to more populated central Mali in 2015 and remain active. In August 2020, Malis president was overthrown in a coup that included an army colonel who carried out a second coup and was sworn in as president in June 2021. He developed ties to Russias military and Russias Wagner mercenary group whose head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was reportedly killed in a plane crash on a flight from Moscow this week. The 2015 peace agreement was signed by three parties: the government, a pro-government militia and a coalition of groups who seek autonomy in northern Mali. The panel of experts said in the report circulated Friday that the impasse in implementing the agreement especially the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants into society is empowering al-Qaida-linked Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, known as JNIM, to vie for leadership in northern Mali. Sustained violence and attacks mostly by IS fighters in the Greater Sahara have also made the signatories to the peace deal appear to be weak and unreliable security providers for communities targeted by the extremists, the experts said. JNIM is taking advantage of this weakening and is now positioning itself as the sole actor capable of protecting populations against Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, they said. The panel said Malis military rulers are watching the confrontation between the IS group and al-Qaida affiliate from a distance. The experts cited some sources as saying the government believes that over time the confrontation in the north will benefit Malian authorities, but said other sources believe time favors the terrorists whose military capacities and community penetration grow each day. In less than a year, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has almost doubled its areas of control in Mali, the panel said, pointing to its control now of rural areas in eastern Menaka and large parts of the Ansongo area in northern Gao. In June, Malis junta ordered the U.N. peacekeeping force and its 15,000 international troops to leave after a decade of working on stemming the jihadi insurgency The Security Council terminated the missions mandate on June 30. The panel said the armed groups that signed the 2015 agreement expressed concern that the peace deal could potentially fall apart without U.N. mediation, thereby exposing the northern regions to the risk of another uprising. The U.N. force, known as MINUSMA, played a crucial role in facilitating talks between the parties, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the agreement, and investigating alleged violations, the panel said. The 104-page report painted a grim picture of other turmoil and abuses in the country. EDITH M. LEDERER, UNITED NATIONS, MDT/AP TORNADOES | MANUFACTURED DWELLINGS Many were not just killed at home. They were killed by their homes. Angela Eason had visited Brenda Odoms' tidy mobile home before. It was a place where Odoms, who had many tragedies in her life, felt safe. In March, a tornado ripped through the small Mississippi town of Rolling Fork, and people in mobile or manufactured homes were hit the hardest. Inside a mobile morgue, Eason, the county coroner, examined Odoms. Odoms was found just outside of her collapsed mobile home that was tossed around by a tornado. Blunt force trauma killed her. "The one place she felt safe she was not," Eason said. Fourteen people died in that tornado; nine of them, including Odoms, were in uprooted manufactured or mobile homes. Disproportionate danger Tornadoes in the United States are disproportionately killing more people in mobile or manufactured homes, especially in the South, often victimizing some of the most socially and economically vulnerable residents. Since 1996, tornadoes have killed 815 people in mobile or manufactured homes, representing 53% of all the people killed at home during a tornado, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration analysis of tornado deaths. Meanwhile, less than 6% of America's housing units are manufactured homes. While the dangers of tornadoes to mobile homes have long been known, and there are ways to mitigate the risk, the percentage of total tornado deaths that happen in mobile homes has been increasing. Part of the problem is that federal housing rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards, including anchoring, apply only in hurricane zones, which is most of Florida and then several counties along the coast. Those are not the areas where tornadoes usually hit. Auburn University engineering professor David Roueche called manufactured homes in noncoastal places "death traps compared to most permanent homes" when it comes to tornadoes. A deadly year So far this year, at least 45 of the 74 people killed in the U.S. by tornadoes were in some form of manufactured housing when they died, according to NOAA data. The manufactured housing industry which disputes that there's any disproportionate danger insists on calling the structures manufactured homes if they are built after hurricane-based federal standards in 1976 and mobile homes if they are built before, saying age of the home matters. Tornado experts say most tornadoes should be survivable. "You just have to be in some structure that's attached to the ground. And then no matter what the tornado throws at you, you have really good odds," NOAA social scientist Kim Klockow-McClain said. What happens in a tornado "The whole structure is rolling or flying through air. You've got dressers falling on top of you. You've got the entire structure that's trying to crush you," said Roueche. The South has mobile homes scattered about the countryside in ones and twos, making centralized tornado shelters less effective and likely to be built, said Villanova University tornado expert Stephen Strader and Northern Illinois meteorology professor Walker Ashley. Anchoring mobile homes to the ground is key and the strongest anchoring is more expensive, said former Alabama emergency official Jonathan Gaddy, a professor at Idaho State University. "Nobody can fix the problem and still make money. That's the bottom line," Gaddy said. Improvements in federal codes that took effect in 1976, 1994 and 2008 make a big difference, Manufactured Home Institute Chief Executive Officer Lesli Gooch said, arguing the NOAA data the AP analyzed and that scientists use lump different ages of manufactured homes together. Strader said Gooch's argument that newer mobile homes are safer is proven wrong by a study he and Roueche did of a March 2019 tornado in Alabama: 19 of the 23 deaths were in manufactured homes, all built after 1994 and all due to lack of anchoring. Regions with lax standards One of the big problems is that the federal rules that call for tougher manufactured home standards apply only in hurricane zones. Most tornado-prone areas, including almost all of Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Mississippi, are in the zone with the most lax standards. A lack of shelters is another problem. A relatively new law in Alabama gives liability protection to buildings like churches and stores that open up as a shelter if specifically built shelters aren't available. When this year's first deadly tornado struck outside Montgomery, Alabama, Autauga County had about 30 minutes' warning but no "safer places" to send people, said former emergency management chief Ernie Baggett. Seven people in mobile homes died: "It's like a house of cards. They just crumble," Baggett said. The tornado continued into neighboring Elmore County, which had already set off its 30 warning sirens and opened up 16 churches and other safer places. People went into the temporary shelters. Homes were destroyed, but no one died. NEW YORK Coco Gauff already was down a set on Day 1 of the U.S. Open when she found herself locked in a marathon of a 30-point, 25-plus-minute game to begin the second set. Sure, there still was plenty of time to come back Monday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but this felt pivotal. The 19-year-old from Florida had lost her past two Grand Slam matches including a first-round exit at Wimbledon last month and did not want to leave quietly or quickly this time. With thousands of partisan fans getting rowdier by the moment, the sixth-seeded Gauff finally converted on her eighth break point of that game, and wound up beating German qualifier Laura Siegemund 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 and reaching the second round at Flushing Meadows. Once she had the lead, the biggest frustration for Gauff was the way Siegemund would make her wait to play the next point. Siegemund repeatedly took her sweet time and, early in the last set, was warned by chair umpire Marijana Veljovic. Brad Gilbert, who is one of two coaches working with Gauff lately, shook his head at how long it took Veljovic to intervene, and his reaction drew a smile from Gauff. But serving while ahead 3-0 in that set, Gauff had enough and went over to make her case. "She's never ready when I'm serving. ... How is this fair?" Gauff told Veljovic. "I'm going a normal speed. Ask any ref here. ... I've been quiet the whole match. ... Now it's ridiculous. I don't care what she's doing on her serve, but (on) my serve, she has to be ready." Gauff wound up dropping that game but then not another. Later, Siegemund was docked a point for delaying, which put Gauff up 5-1. That prompted Siegemund to argue her case to Veljovic "I can't go to the towel anymore?" and drew some jeers from the crowd. There was another hiccup for Gauff toward the finish: She served for the match at 5-2 in the third, but double-faulted three times. Those were her only double-faults of the entire 2-hour, 51-minute match. In the end, she held on, and it was Gauff's 12th victory in 13 matches since the disappointing showing at the All England Club. This recent run includes the two biggest titles of the American's career and a win over No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Gauff and Swiatek could meet in the quarterfinals next week. Looking ready for a serious defense of her U.S. Open title, Swiatek won Monday's first match in Ashe she needed all of 58 minutes to dismiss Rebecca Peterson 6-0, 6-1 but otherwise, the going was rough for some of the highest-seeded players. The No. 4 man, Holger Rune, was bounced 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 by the 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena; the No. 8 woman, Maria Sakkari, lost 6-4, 6-4 to the 71st-ranked Rebeka Masarova. Sakkari said afterward she was bothered by the odor of marijuana in the air. "The smell. Oh, my gosh," Sakkari told the chair umpire in the first set. "It was weed." Rune had his own complaint before the match. The two-time major quarterfinalist, a 20-year-old considered part of the next generation of stars in men's tennis, was not thrilled about being sent out to compete on Court 5, posting a map of the tournament grounds to help his supporters find the place. "I just didn't expect to play on that court," Rune said afterward. "That's obviously disappointing, but not going to blame the court on the loss." Other seeded players exiting included the No. 16 woman, Veronika Kudermetova, who lost to American Bernarda Pera 7-5, 6-4, and the No. 25 man, Alexander Bublik, eliminated by 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Thiem, who's had a series of injuries, hadn't won a Grand Slam match since the 2021 Australian Open, dropping seven in a row until Monday. "It's a pretty special victory. ... Especially here at the U.S. Open," Thiem said, "with all the past and all the memories I have here." At the deli counter of Hmong Legacy Market on Madison's South Side, you'll find piping hot bowls of beef pho, whole roasted tilapia with herbs and chili and sesame rice balls filled with mung beans and coconut. Ze Yang, one of the owners of the independent Asian grocery, stirs a pot of squash curry that is half as tall as she is. "I feel food is the one thing that connects people," she said. "You can do without other things, but you can't do without food, and it has the ability to connect, tell a story, just bring people together." Yang's family have continued to be the only employees at the market since it opened in 2016. If you visit, you'll likely find Yang or one of her six children working the front register, ringing up match a layer cake or bottles of pad Thai sauce for customers. Walk to the deli in the back of the market and one of Yang's high-school-aged children may be chatting with boba-tea-drinking friends before grabbing a fried vegetable egg roll or a slice of crispy pork belly for someone at the counter. The story of Hmong Legacy Market and the family behind it is not only one of freshly prepared food from various Asian cultures, including Japanese, Korean, and, of course, Hmong. It's also about the power of persistence. Three decades passed before Yang said her family's dream of starting a business materialized. From refugee to farmer In the 1980s, Yang, less than 10 years old at the time, lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her family had escaped Laos during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, one group of six in the over 100,000 Hmong refugees who fled. The nation she left behind was now communist, and the ethnic Hmong population, who have distinct language and cultural traditions unique from Lao, were enemies of the state. Many Hmong people sided with the royal government and the U.S. in opposing communism, eager to preserve their autonomy and land. "I remember being hungry and always a lot of dirt," Yang said about her two years in the refugee camp with her family. "We would crave sweets and fun stuff, but you don't get that. Only the basics. Only for survival." Then, in 1991, Yang said her family secured the papers to immigrate to the U.S., sponsored by a distant uncle who had made the trip years earlier as an orphan and had settled in central California. So, Yang and her three younger siblings packed the few belongings they had and took a flight to the West Coast. Upon arrival, they all packed into their uncle's apartment. "It was my first time, culture shock," Yang said. "You see all these different people, and I was really scared." Yang said she remembers sitting at her uncle's kitchen table, eating ramen noodles for most meals, the cheapest food her parents could find at the grocery store. "We didn't have anything," Yang said. "My parents didn't know English. Without education or language, there were all kinds of barriers." But, Yang said, her parents could farm. They had experience growing crops back in Laos, so they rented out an acre near her uncle's apartment, where they would harvest green beans, tomatoes and peppers to sell and ship out to larger companies, wholesalers and distributors. After school, Yang would help on the farm, too, and remembers trying to catch quick breaks in the shade while monitoring the plants. "I remember it was really hard to find shade and then the tomatoes," Yang said, "You would wipe them off and eat them." Move to Wisconsin But, after six years in California, Yang said her family knew they needed another option a place with better public schools and more economic opportunities. They heard musings that a life in the Midwest could be the solution from cousins who had settled in Madison. So, Yang's family left again. "We wanted to go somewhere where we can make a difference, so that's why we moved here," Yang said. Wisconsin is one of the most popular destinations for Hmong Americans. Among the over 300,000 Hmong people in the U.S., a majority live in Wisconsin, California or Minnesota, according to Pew Research Center data. Once here, Yang said her parents worked multiple jobs in restaurants and factories. Her dad trained to be a carpenter, and her mom took English classes in the evenings. "They worked very, very hard to make ends meet," Yang said. Seeing her parents strive to make a life for themselves in the U.S. ultimately inspired Yang to become a teacher. She wanted to help kids of immigrants adjust to school better. "That's why I wanted to do what I do," Yang said. "Helping younger students with school assignments, interpreting parent-teacher conferences, because I was the first one. No one was doing it for me. But I could do it for my brothers and sisters." Yang studied education at Edgewood College and MATC and then spent 15 years working as a bilingual resource specialist in public schools, helping students and their families who had recently immigrated to Madison adjust to life in America. The Madison School District has over a dozen bilingual resource specialists covering languages from Arabic to Nepali. Family business But, along the way, one dream always remained. Yang's family had bought a house, built a family and put their kids through school, but they still wanted to fulfill their entrepreneurial drive. To them, food was always essential, Yang said. They would journey to grocery stores in town, hopefully seek out the "Asian food" section and then walk away with a container of beige rice noodles. She said they wanted a place where people from and outside of the Hmong community could gather, enjoy homemade dishes and buy pantry staples from across the continent of Asia. So, when the location at 2119 Fish Hatchery Rd. went on the market, and they discovered the prior owners were Hmong, too, they knew they wanted the space, Yang said. "We are always a place where people can identify, go and shop and hang out," Yang said. "A space to support and to give back to the community of Madison." By 2016, they began stocking the shelves, amassing a wide variety of products spring roll skin the size of a human face, bamboo shoot chili oil, rice seasoning with seaweed and sesame, mango mochi, papaya salad, ginger pork sausages and traditional Hmong celebratory clothing. Through word of mouth, more people started journeying to the market for groceries, a hot meal or takeout. In 2021, the market also partnered with Public Health Madison and Dane County to become a mobile COVID vaccination clinic. Moving forward, Yang said there is a reason "legacy" is in the name of the market. She wants the spirit of the store to continue and grow well into the future. "It's hard to run a store just by yourself. We all rely on family," Yang said. "But, my hope, vision and dream for the business is that the market could continue to improve and grow." Listen: Ze Yang alks about the path her family took to open Hmong Legacy Market. Point your camera at the QR code and click on the link. ATHENS, Greece More than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from several European countries backed by a fleet of water-dropping aircraft, tackled the remnants of three major wildfires in Greece Sunday, two of which have been raging for days. Greece has been plagued by daily outbreaks of dozens of fires over the past week as gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions combined to whip up flames and hamper firefighting efforts. Across the country, firefighters battled 105 wildfires on Sunday, with 46 of them having broken out in the 24 hours between Saturday evening and Sunday evening, the fire department said. Authorities are investigating the causes of the blazes, with arson suspected in some. The Texas ranch where Gilda Jackson trains and sells horses has been plagued by grasshoppers this year, a problem that only gets worse when the hatch quickens in times of heat and drought. Jackson watched this summer as the insects chewed through a 35acre pasture she badly needs for hay; what they didn't destroy, the sun burned up. Irrigation might have saved Jackson's hay, but she and her husband rejected the idea about 10 years ago over the cost: as much as $75,000 for a new well and all the equipment. But now with an extended drought and another U.S. heat wave this week that will broil her land about an hour northwest of Dallas for days in 100-degree-plus temperatures Jackson said she is "kind of rethinking." Many other farmers and ranchers in the U.S. might be forced to do the same in coming decades, according to recent research into the expected effects of the rising heat and more frequent weather extremes associated with climate change. That's if they even can. Some places in the U.S. are already struggling with groundwater depletion, such as California, Arizona, Nebraska and other parts of the central Plains. "There's no surprise that in the future when it gets hotter and there's more demand for water, people are going to be using more water," said Jonathan Winter, an associate professor of geography at Dartmouth College and an author on a new study on future U.S. irrigation costs and benefits in Communications Earth & Environment. Winter and his team used a computer model to look at how heat and drought might affect crop production by the middle and end of this century, given multiple scenarios for the emissions of warming greenhouse gases. In places like California and Texas where "everyone is dropping their straw into the glass" of groundwater, as Winter put it, current levels of irrigation won't be viable in the long term because there isn't enough water. But use of irrigation may grow where groundwater supply isn't presently an issue. Expensive investment In much of the Midwest, including the corn and soybean-rich states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and the Dakotas, farmers might see a benefit in the next 50 years from installing irrigation infrastructure. That's an expensive investment, and whether it will pay off may depend on humans' ability to stem the worst effects of climate change. A worst-case scenario would involve one generation investing in costly irrigation equipment, only for the next to see them fail to keep crops alive through extreme heat and weather. There are many irrigation methods for row crops, but the most common is pivot irrigation the long strands of pipes mounted on wheels that are pulled in a circle around a water source to sprinkle water onto a field. The equipment can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus the cost of drilling a new well if needed, along with the electricity to pull up the water. But if the system boosts yields and provides a return of $50 an acre or more, it can pay off well for a farmer, said Brady Brewer, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University. While scientists are confident in the warming effects of greenhouse gas emissions, precipitation is harder to nail down, especially in the Midwest, said Dave Gochis, a senior scientist with the National Center for Atmospheric Research who was not involved with Winter's study. Climate change produces more weather extremes, meaning both an increased risk of flash droughts quick, intense periods of short-term heat and dry weather and more heavy rain and flooding events as precipitation increases with more water in the atmosphere. "That means we need to be more nimble and agile in how we manage water resources," Gochis said. Brewer hasn't seen much increased interest in irrigation from Midwest farmers yet. So far, a surplus of water has been the bigger issue in many places, but if yields start showing losses in the coming years due to worsening heat and flash droughts, "that's when farmers will invest," he said. 'A moving target' Farmers who don't choose irrigation, for now, might cope by planning ahead. They could choose different crops with different water needs from season to season or be compensated for fallowing fields in times of water stress. Or they might use tools like the one developed by North Carolina State researchers Sankar Arumugam, a professor, and Hemant Kumar, a Ph.D. candidate. They recently helped create a computer modeling tool, outlined in the journal Water Resources Research, which they hope will help farmers and water managers use a combination of seasonal forecasts and other data to find a sweet spot for balancing crop revenue and water use. In the Southeast, where they focused their work and where water resources are plentiful, "it's more of a proactive strategy" for people who already have irrigation equipment, Arumugam said, "so that we don't overexploit the resources that are in place." Irrigation, used responsibly, can be part of adapting to climate change, but "it's a moving target," Winter said. He called for supporting farmers who have to make hard decisions as they adapt to climate change. But he also urged action to limit climate change's worst effects. Farmers need resources to make adjustments, but especially in the West, "there's only so much water," he said. Jacob Blake Jr., the Black man shot by a Kenosha Police officer three years ago this week, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Kenosha, the former police chief and officers involved in the incident. Blake, a now 32-year-old Cook County resident, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The defendants are listed as the city, former Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis; Rusten Sheskey, the officer who shot Blake; along with officers Brittany Meronek, Vincent Arenas and unknown "John and Jane Doe" officers employed by the police department. The lawsuit calls for a jury trial for judgment against the defendants for an unspecified amount of damages, attorney's fees, court costs and fees, and any further relief a court deems proper. Blake was shot during a police response to a domestic disturbance that left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. Sheskey, who is white, shot Blake after Blake resisted arrest during the disturbance and appeared to turn toward Sheskey with a knife in the 2800 block of 40th Street in the Wilson Heights neighborhood. Blake, who was wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant at the time, was shot near his children. The Aug. 23, 2020, shooting left Blake a former Kenosha County resident and father of two who worked as an armed security guard in Illinois severely injured. The incident sparked days of violence and vandalism in downtown Kenosha and sparked headlines across the globe. Local prosecutors later cleared Sheskey of any criminal wrongdoing and later dropped the sexual assault charge against Blake as part of a plea deal. Blake filed the civil rights lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Sheskey had used excessive force on him. That lawsuit was dropped last year. The new lawsuit cites Section 1983 of U.S. Title 42 for deprivation of rights, equal protection and excessive force, according to court documents. "This complaint tells the story of how this avoidable tragedy led to irreparable harm to Mr. Blake due to a culture of policing that validated the excessive force which he was a victim of," the lawsuit states. The suit lists five claims for relief: use of excessive force (against city and officers), failure to train and supervise (against city and Miskinis), denial of equal protection (against city and officers), failure to protect (against officers) and indemnification (against all). "(The) individual defendants acted maliciously and/ or with reckless disregard and/or with deliberate indifference towards Mr. Blake or in an intentional disregard of his rights, his life and as such all defendants should be liable for any and all punitive damages suffered by petitioners," the lawsuit states. City Administrator John Morrissey said he was only alerted to the lawsuit by media reports Thursday afternoon and could not comment. If you want to find Carlos Aguilar and his arepas truck, listen for the salsa music. Youll find him on Library Mall most weekdays in his Caracas Arepas food cart. Within shouting distance, his brother Luis runs Caracas Empanadas, recognizable by its Venezuelan flag colors of yellow, blue and red. I like working here because Im doing what I like cooking and Im helping people, Carlos Aguilar said. I like the music ... I play salsa music all the time. In the roughly eight months the brothers have owned the food trucks, their focus has been on customers and food. Theres a feeling to that, its like, you know youve done your work ... just for that little empanada, he said. It brings a lot of people a lot of memories of their childhood, too. The Caracas trucks have been a staple on Library Mall and on Capitol Square during the Dane County Farmers Market since Venezuelan native Luis Dompablo started the business in 2008. Dompablo had been managing indoor plants at office buildings, but the recession wiped out about half his income, said his husband and co-owner, David Piovanetti. Read the series: Dompablos family and friends had been telling him that the empanadas he cooked from his mothers recipes were so good that they should be spread outside the family kitchen. Everybody around him said why dont you just do what you love, and thats cooking, Piovanetti said. Growing a following The business was so successful that the couple added an arepas truck in 2018 and renamed the company Caracas Empanadas y Mas. Arepas, popular in Venezuela and Columbia, are half-opened pockets of grilled ground maize dough filled with various ingredients, from shredded beef and cheese to sweet plantains, avocados and black beans. The trucks drew a following around Madison for years. But after 14 years, Dompablo and Piovanetti were looking to retire. So in December, they tapped the Aguilars to take over the business. We love them like family, said Piovanetti, who officiated Carlos Aguilars wedding. Theres nobody else that we would want to take over the business more than them. Piovanetti met Luis Aguilar when Piovanetti was a teacher at Middleton High School and Aguilar was a student. Luis started working the empanadas truck in 2015 after graduation. Brother Carlos had previously worked for the business. Dompablo taught Luis Aguilar how to make various garnishes and ingredients for the business, like its signature thin, green sauce guasacaca that consists of cilantro, onions, green peppers, garlic and vinegar and is served in a translucent white bottle at both food trucks. Preserving a legacy The Aguilar brothers are from El Salvador, but they preserved Dompablos Venezuelan menus since they have a devoted fan base of UW students and Madisonians, Luis Aguilar said. The empanadas are made at a separate commercial kitchen and fried on-site, while the arepas are fully crafted in Carlos food truck. But the Aguilar brothers hope to add another food truck focused on food from their native El Salvador, namely the countrys hallmark pupusas, a dish of grilled dough similar to arepas but fully enclosed around combinations of cheese, meat, plantains and other fillings. The brothers had a lot to learn, from applying for city licenses to sorting out insurance and taxes. Or even just trying to remember how much tape, paper, heat lamps, light bulbs and napkins Dompablo would purchase ahead of large events like Taste of Madison. What makes the journey worth it, Luis Aguilar said, is getting to interact with customers. When someone is happy, I know Ive done my job right, he said. A smile is very contagious. Luis, 28, studied engineering and culinary arts at Madison Area Technical College and now lives in Edgerton. His mother came to the U.S. in 2008 and spent two years petitioning to bring Luis, Carlos and their brother. The brothers parents live in Wisconsin, and their grandmother lives in Texas. A lot of their family is still in El Salvador. I have a passion for food. Thats the thing. And now that I get to own this something that I worked with for so long and I know how people feel about my food, thats a great feeling, you know, it really is, Aguilar said. I really like interacting with people. On the menu The Caracas Empanadas menu features a series of regular, specialty and dessert empanadas, which are fried dough filled with various combined ingredients, from pulled pork, chicken and beef to beans, rice and vegetables. Churros, also common in Venezuela, are available too. The most popular menu item is the pabellon empanada. Pabellon is a traditional Venezuelan dish of black beans, rice, a ripe plantain and shredded beef. But having grown up in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, Luis Aguilar said he favors the La Rica empanada which has ground beef, a ripe plantain and cincho cheese for its similarities to a Salvadoran dish he grew up eating. Plantains are a popular ingredient in El Salvador and throughout many Latin American countries. In El Salvador there is a similar dish like that, instead, (its) the whole fried plantain, scooped from the middle with a spoon, and you fill it up with ground beef, cheese and cream cheese, he said, acting out the scooping process with his hands. La Rica is also one that, when I eat it, it brings me back to my childhood. Aguilar also grew up eating pastelitos the Salvadoran equivalent of an empanada at local restaurants, ordering a plate of 10 or 15 with his friends. Family connection Part of the brothers fondness for cooking comes from their grandmother, who was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and fled the country to El Salvador during a property-seizing conflict under a dictatorship in the 1940s, Carlos Aguilar, 32, said. She has always cooked traditional Nicaraguan dishes for the family, like indio viejo, a stew of shredded beef and plantain slices served with white rice. I go (to Texas) for the holidays, and when I go there, the first thing is, Grandma, teach me something new, teach me a recipe that I dont know, like pico de gallo, but the one that you made, Luis Aguilar said. Caracas Empanadas y Mas has secured a vendor spot at the future Madison Public Market that could open in spring 2025. The brothers are planning to have at that location a Venezuelan menu including the well-known empanadas and arepas but also a smaller Salvadoran menu, featuring pupusas, grilled fish and yuca con chicharron, a dish of boiled yuca root served with fried pork belly and curtido, a sour coleslaw-like mix of sliced cabbage, carrots and onions. And theyll keep focusing on the customers. My favorite, favorite part is when someone comes back after they try my food and they tell me how amazing that was, Luis Aguilar said. Im even getting a little bit of chills. Close dZi Little Tibet Namgyal Ponsar and Tharten Tsering A Tibetan restaurant to serve as a gathering place for Madison's Himalayan region communities and others Photo: John Hart, State Journal Tamaleria el Poblano Reyna and Waldo Gonzalez Tamales and other traditional food from the state of Puebla, Mexico AfriqueCaribe Bits & Bites Sher Osinowo Ethnic soul food drawing from West African, Caribbean, Key West and Deep South influences TK's Noodles Tounhia, Tou Tong and Tou Kou Khang A noodle bar that serves custom vermicelli noodle bowls, spring rolls, pho and bubble tea Yakub Kazi Middle Eastern cooking techniques, Indian flavors, local ingredients and an interesting visual display. Curtis & Cake Monica O'Connell Small-batch baked goods and confections inspired by the tastes of the American South Photo: Beth Skogen Madre Yerba Morena Taylor-Benell Organic body care products including body butter, baby powder and sun protection; jewelry that uses cloth from Africa; freestyle henna tattoos Yaseen Handicrafts Nausheen Qureishi Silk and cotton tops; scarves and garments using shibori, a Japanese technique for dyeing; hand-stitched and embroidered footwear from India; leather jackets and bags P & L Family Vietnamese restaurant specializing in banh mi, Vietnamese coffee, bubble tea, smoothies and desserts Perfect Imperfections Jasmine Banks Natural body care, including sugar scrub, deodorants, soaps and body oils Photo: Amber Arnold, State Journal Julia's Tortillas Jessica Ruiz Galindo Tortillas made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients QB's Magnetic Creations Judy Cooper Magnetic badge holders, brooches, eyeglass holders and specialty promotional items Mai Vang A restaurant serving family recipes using products sourced from her farm and other local farms Otavalo Art Julio and Aida Cachiguango Traditional handmade Andean crafts such as alpaca knitwear, instruments and jewelry, and traditional music performances Brown Rice and Honey Kristina Stanley Vegan deli and bakery items using foraged, local and tribal-sourced ingredients; retail American Indian-produced ingredients and products Photo: Audre Rae Photography Savvy Pet Foods & Meat Market Laura Riggs Dog food, treats and toys made from humanely raised, locally sourced meat; custom meals for pets with food sensitivities Ugly Apple Cafe Laurel Burleson A breakfast and lunch spot that uses locally sourced seconds and extras; jams and pickles featuring little-used or -known fruits and vegetables Bodega Nana Lucas Benford A greengrocer offering value-added goods, grocery basics, and rotating daily food specials Afreeka Wear Kossi Apaloo A clothing line including embroidered and screen-printed T-shirts, polos and hats Caracas Empanadas Luis Dompablo Traditional Venezuelan food using locally sourced ingredients Maipa Ly Tong-Pao and family Hmong and Southeast Asian-inspired foods, including egg rolls, barbecue skewers, Asian coleslaw and sandwiches Madame Chu Josey Chu Southeast Asian sauces, snacks and meals to go Photo: John Hart, State Journal Artesan Fruit Eder Valle and family Fruit sculptures for events and gourmet frozen fruit pops SuperCharge! Foods Jamaal Stricklin, Matt Roellig, P.T. Bjerke, TJ DiCiaula A juice and smoothie bar made from microgreens grown at an indoor vertical farm in Madison Libros for Kids, Books for Ninos Araceli Esparza A childrens bookstore that carries bilingual books and local authors, also offering children's programming and all-ages storytelling nights Off the Block Pizza Donale Richards and Will Green A new frozen and ready-to-eat pizza product from nonprofit Mentoring Positives Taco Sunrise Gaylene Norfleet American-style tacos with comfort-food flavors Melly Mell's Catering Carmell Jackson Healthy soul food and desserts, including locally sourced ingredients, to go Alfredo and Alma Aleman Foods including the unique tacos acorazados from their hometown of Morelos, Mexico Meet the entrepreneurs being groomed for the Madison Public Market If the 30 entrepreneurs in the Madison Public Market's MarketReady program are any indication, the market will be a crossroads of cultural diversity. The program is offering this group of local chefs, bakers, artisans and specialty retailers extra support as they prepare to grow their businesses into the market, which is expected to open in 2019 at the corner of East Washington Avenue and First Street. Here's a snapshot of each of the 30 entrepreneurs and their big -- or small -- ideas. Most of the photos were submitted by the entrepreneurs for MarketReady. dZi Little Tibet Namgyal Ponsar and Tharten Tsering A Tibetan restaurant to serve as a gathering place for Madison's Himalayan region communities and others Photo: John Hart, State Journal Tamaleria el Poblano Reyna and Waldo Gonzalez Tamales and other traditional food from the state of Puebla, Mexico AfriqueCaribe Bits & Bites Sher Osinowo Ethnic soul food drawing from West African, Caribbean, Key West and Deep South influences TK's Noodles Tounhia, Tou Tong and Tou Kou Khang A noodle bar that serves custom vermicelli noodle bowls, spring rolls, pho and bubble tea Yakub Kazi Middle Eastern cooking techniques, Indian flavors, local ingredients and an interesting visual display. Curtis & Cake Monica O'Connell Small-batch baked goods and confections inspired by the tastes of the American South Photo: Beth Skogen Madre Yerba Morena Taylor-Benell Organic body care products including body butter, baby powder and sun protection; jewelry that uses cloth from Africa; freestyle henna tattoos Yaseen Handicrafts Nausheen Qureishi Silk and cotton tops; scarves and garments using shibori, a Japanese technique for dyeing; hand-stitched and embroidered footwear from India; leather jackets and bags P & L Family Vietnamese restaurant specializing in banh mi, Vietnamese coffee, bubble tea, smoothies and desserts Perfect Imperfections Jasmine Banks Natural body care, including sugar scrub, deodorants, soaps and body oils Photo: Amber Arnold, State Journal Julia's Tortillas Jessica Ruiz Galindo Tortillas made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients QB's Magnetic Creations Judy Cooper Magnetic badge holders, brooches, eyeglass holders and specialty promotional items Mai Vang A restaurant serving family recipes using products sourced from her farm and other local farms Otavalo Art Julio and Aida Cachiguango Traditional handmade Andean crafts such as alpaca knitwear, instruments and jewelry, and traditional music performances Brown Rice and Honey Kristina Stanley Vegan deli and bakery items using foraged, local and tribal-sourced ingredients; retail American Indian-produced ingredients and products Photo: Audre Rae Photography Savvy Pet Foods & Meat Market Laura Riggs Dog food, treats and toys made from humanely raised, locally sourced meat; custom meals for pets with food sensitivities Ugly Apple Cafe Laurel Burleson A breakfast and lunch spot that uses locally sourced seconds and extras; jams and pickles featuring little-used or -known fruits and vegetables Bodega Nana Lucas Benford A greengrocer offering value-added goods, grocery basics, and rotating daily food specials Afreeka Wear Kossi Apaloo A clothing line including embroidered and screen-printed T-shirts, polos and hats Caracas Empanadas Luis Dompablo Traditional Venezuelan food using locally sourced ingredients Maipa Ly Tong-Pao and family Hmong and Southeast Asian-inspired foods, including egg rolls, barbecue skewers, Asian coleslaw and sandwiches Madame Chu Josey Chu Southeast Asian sauces, snacks and meals to go Photo: John Hart, State Journal Artesan Fruit Eder Valle and family Fruit sculptures for events and gourmet frozen fruit pops SuperCharge! Foods Jamaal Stricklin, Matt Roellig, P.T. Bjerke, TJ DiCiaula A juice and smoothie bar made from microgreens grown at an indoor vertical farm in Madison Libros for Kids, Books for Ninos Araceli Esparza A childrens bookstore that carries bilingual books and local authors, also offering children's programming and all-ages storytelling nights Off the Block Pizza Donale Richards and Will Green A new frozen and ready-to-eat pizza product from nonprofit Mentoring Positives Taco Sunrise Gaylene Norfleet American-style tacos with comfort-food flavors Melly Mell's Catering Carmell Jackson Healthy soul food and desserts, including locally sourced ingredients, to go Alfredo and Alma Aleman Foods including the unique tacos acorazados from their hometown of Morelos, Mexico Top Chef, the 17-year-old Bravo reality cooking show, was in Madison over the weekend for filming of its upcoming season. The programs are scheduled to air in 2024, but representatives of the show havent been more specific. Members of the media who sat in on some of the filming Sunday arent allowed to give away locations or other details of the show until closer to the air date. Top Chef judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and host Kristen Kish sat down with reporters individually Sunday to talk about their experiences filming in Wisconsin. Kish, the shows season 10 winner, is the new host for the program as it enters its 21st season. It was Colicchios first time in Madison. He said he didnt get out a lot, but was impressed with the Dane County Farmers Market, one of the filming locations where contestants gathered food for a challenge. The farmers market was exceptional, he said. Colicchio said he wished he wouldve been in a position to buy and cook some of the amazing vegetables but he was staying in a hotel. I thought it was a really great scene, a good place to watch people. He said he loved that most of the people only walked in one direction. Everybody was really nice. There were a lot of people. A few people asked for pictures, but a lot of people just came up and said, Hey, thanks for being here. Great energy here Simmons, a food writer and cookbook author who lives in New York City, was in Madison in 2017 as part of a book tour, but said it was in the middle of winter and she was 2 months pregnant and not feeling her best. This has been totally different. Ive had a blast, Simmons said after Sundays filming. Its such a lovely town. ... Theres just a lot of great energy here. She said she was particularly impressed with the farmers market, which she said lived up to its hype. Quite honestly, Ive never seen anything like it. Simmons had heard a lot of buzz about Mickies Dairy Bar, so her husband and 5-year-old son went at 9 a.m. Sunday and brought back some rhubarb coffee cake and chili eggs. Everything was delicious, she said. Her 9-year-old daughter is also in town with her, but didnt go out for breakfast because she likes to stay with Simmons through the hair and makeup process in the morning. Thats her favorite thing, Simmons said. Traveling the state The show was in Milwaukee before Madison, and Simmons said shed never been there and was curious because she knew nothing about the city. A close friend she went to college with lives there and was able to take her out to experience the city as an insider. The chef community seems really nice everywhere we go, Simmons said. Whats special about Top Chef is we come in and we work so closely with so many chefs in town that it gives us an opportunity to get to know it from their angle. During the Madison visit, Colicchio was in a group of seven who went to dinner at the Tornado Steak House, where he ordered the duck breast and bunches of shrimp cocktails. The Top Chef star said he was in Milwaukee years ago and had dinner with Chef Paul Bartolotta, co-founder and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, for the anniversary of one of the Bartolotta restaurants. He said hes also been to the Kohler Food & Wine festival in Kohler twice. Food traditions Colicchio said he likes to describe his annual six-week Top Chef filming commitments as like going away to summer camp. You have your camp friends, and theres all the crew. A lot of the crew have been here for years. ... And then when youre done, you go away and youll see them again next year. Wisconsin will be the location for the upcoming season, but the show will do its finale somewhere else, he said. Last season, the show started in London, but ended in Paris. Colicchio said his favorite location for the show has been Singapore because its so different, but hes also appreciated Italy, Mexico, Hawaii and Juneau, Alaska. When Top Chef picks a location, he said, its not about the restaurants. Were not going for a restaurant experience. We look for a lot of food traditions. And everywhere in this country, theres great food traditions. And it usually is associated with the immigrant past and present. Colicchio said they film a lot in restaurants because they have kitchens, but the show works in the field, too, where the producers and crew stage create makeshift kitchens. In the show, which has gotten Emmy, James Beard and Critics Choice awards, chefs from across the country compete for the Top Chef title. Kish, who was adopted from South Korea at 4 months old and grew up in Kentwood, Michigan, said one of the highlights of her time in Madison was finding Zas Exotic Snacks, an international candy and snack shop at 515 University Ave. Thats my jam, she said. I had a great time. They have Cheetos from Japan. They have candy from all over the world. Its pretty fantastic. When Wes Brown sought out children's books for his two young sons, he made sure to seek titles that reflected the family he and his husband were building. He found that in one called The Family Book, a 2003 picture book by Todd Parr. It depicts families of all kinds: the traditional nuclear family, but also families with one parent or step-parents, as well as adoptive families and same-sex parents like Brown and his husband. But across the country, books and lessons that represent different families and identities are increasingly the target of conservative pushback even when they're for the youngest of learners. Parr's book for preschoolers and early readers is often among those challenged by parents and activists. It is important my kids are definitely exposed to that, Brown said. What these parents are really doing is demonstrating how fragile their worldview is, that a childrens book is enough to shatter it. Efforts to ban books have been surging at school and public libraries. Of the bans targeting picture books, about three-quarters are books that address LGBTQ+ themes and roughly half are stories that mention race, said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. Theres legislation out there that could lead to felony offenses and criminalization, (teacher) decertification, Meehan said. Objections to the titles often involve arguments that they are not age-appropriate. In some of the many challenges Parr's book has faced over the years, opponents have taken issue with a line that reads, Some families have two moms or two dads, saying it was not suitable for young children. Educators and free-speech advocates said the books often simply acknowledge the existence of different identities. That's crucial, they say, to help young children develop empathy and an understanding of themselves especially for children whose families include people of color or LGBTQ+ relatives. The disputes have spilled over into classrooms. In Wake County, North Carolina, a preschool teacher resigned last year after an uproar over flashcards that depicted LGBTQ+ families, to teach colors based on the characters' clothing. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, replaced the state's early childhood learning director in April over the use of a guide for preschool teachers. The governor denounced the guide as teaching woke concepts because of language about inclusion and structural racism. The book comes from the National Association for the Education of Young Children the nonprofit professional association for early childhood education, which accredits day cares and preschools. The fourth edition of the group's Developmentally Appropriate Practice Book says in part that children begin to see how they are represented in society in preschool and that the classroom should be a place of affirmation and healing. The Alabama official's ouster was the most prevalent example of how censorship and restrictions on teaching are extending beyond the K-12 sphere into early learning, said Leah Austin, president and CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute. Research has found that children as young as 6 months old can perceive race-based differences. Limiting content denies children opportunities to learn about themselves, and to relate to other people, Austin said. For young children, having access to books that interest them is also a crucial factor in becoming strong readers and battling disparities in literacy rates, said Michelle Martin, a youth and childrens services professor at the University of Washington. Although the diversity of children's books has grown in recent years, representation is still lagging. Martin recalled growing up in South Carolina, where her parents had to drink from segregated water fountains. As a child, she had little choice but to read books that depicted stories far removed from her experiences. There were really limited books that my generation had that reflected who we are, she said. Those books are beginning to be much more widely published, and those are the ones that are being targeted. In Florida, where Brown and his family live, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has pushed through legislation that bans mentions of gender identity and sexuality in classrooms for all grades, including public pre-K programs. Supporters of the law say parents, not teachers, should be broaching those subjects with their children. For gay people of his generation, Brown recalled, building a family often felt like a remote possibility. When he and his husband first started dating in 2002, it was illegal in the state of Florida for gay couples to adopt a child. It was like a dream, but it's a dream that's so far off, he said. It's like, I want to fly like Superman. You don't even really think it's something you can have." The couple revisited the question in their 30s and decided to pursue adoption. Brown said he and his husband know it is inevitable for their sons, now ages 5 and 7, to encounter questions about having two dads. These laws are actually not meant to keep people from talking about sexuality, he said It is to prevent queer families from being talked about, the queer experience from being talked about. It is very much aimed at us. First lady Jill Biden is coming to Madison on Thursday to highlight early cancer detection and attend a fundraiser with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Her event will cap off a three-week run of national political figures, including President Joe Biden and Republican presidential nominees, seeking support in battleground Wisconsin as the 2024 campaign heats up. Its the second visit from the Bidens to the Madison area this year. The president visited DeForest in February to deliver his first public speech after his State of the Union address. The first lady will arrive at the Dane County Regional Airport on Thursday before she and Baldwin, D-Madison, participate in an event to highlight the importance of early cancer screenings and improving access to them. Next, Biden, a lifelong teacher, will give a speech at an educator appreciation event with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers. In the evening, Biden and Baldwin will attend a fundraiser in the city. A White House statement doesnt specify which candidate the political finance event will benefit. Like the president, Baldwin is seeking reelection in 2024. While Biden has plenty of Republican opponents seeking to replace him, Baldwin only has one announced opponent a 40-year-old university student with no political experience. How Biden's approval rating compares to other major world leaders How Biden's approval rating compares to other major world leaders #20. Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea #19. Karl Nehammer, Austria #18. Mark Rutte, Netherlands #17. Jonas Gahr Store, Norway #16. Leo Varadkar, Ireland #15. Olaf Scholz, Germany #14. Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland #13. Rishi Sunak, United Kingdom #12. Ulf Kristersson, Sweden #11. Fumio Kishida, Japan #10. Pedro Sanchez, Spain #9. Alexander De Croo, Belgium #8. Joe Biden, United States #7. Justin Trudeau, Canada #6. Giorgia Meloni, Italy #5. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil #4. Anthony Albanese, Australia #3. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico #2. Alain Berset, Switzerland #1. Narendra Modi, India Don't believe the prevailing narrative out of Ohio following the defeat of Issue 1 on Aug. 8. This proposed constitutional amendment would have elevated the threshold to amend the state's constitution to 60% of the popular vote. The rationale was straightforward: Ohio is one of 10 states allowing its constitution to be changed by citizen-initiated petitions with only a 50% vote. This has led to a bloated state constitution packed with special-interest political agendas. The same document that safeguards free speech and religious liberty also has enshrined the specific plots of land where the Toledo Hollywood Casino must be located essentially forever. My public-policy organization, the Center for Christian Virtue, encouraged a "yes" vote. Unfortunately, the ballot question failed. About 57% voted "no," and 43% voted "yes." In the background of this debate was another proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize abortion, potentially up to birth and without the mother's parents' consent. Unsurprisingly, after the loss of Issue 1, American commentators in the media, including friends on the right, jumped on this as an opportunity to opine about abortion politics. They used this as a microcosm of how the pro-life position is not a winner and is a political drain on the conservative movement. They tried to claim we lost because of the abortion issue. But this misses a very different, more interesting and important story. The debate over elevating the threshold to amend the state constitution to 60% is decades old in Ohio. In fact, five years ago when this proposal was put forward, the resolution was cosponsored by a Republican and a Democrat. The fundamental message of the "no" campaign on Aug. 8 had absolutely nothing to do with abortion. The name of the campaign was "One Person One Vote." Its organizers ran a very effective, if not manipulative, ad campaign targeted at core Republican and conservative voters, claiming this amendment would "end majority rule" and steal their voice. One infamous ad paid for by Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Freedom even ended with the slogan "Stop the Steal." Not "Protect Abortion Rights." Not "Abortion is Awesome." But "Stop the Steal," which was a rallying cry for Donald Trump supporters who questioned the results of the 2020 election. The Issue 1 opposition's most potent ad had a pair of scissors cutting up the U.S. Constitution, with no mention of "reproductive rights" or abortion pills. In Ohio, to say protecting unborn children and their mothers is a losing issue is nonsensical. Look no further than Gov. Mike DeWine. When DeWine ran in 2018, he boldly promised to sign the Heartbeat Bill to ban abortion once a heartbeat is detected in an unborn child. The issue came up at all three of DeWine's gubernatorial debates. DeWine won the election and proceeded to sign the life-saving bill. In 2022, his opponent tried to hang this issue around his neck and she did so effectively. But instead of being a weight to drag him down, it was more like a gold medal. DeWine won reelection by more than 40 percentage points, winning 85 out of Ohio's 88 counties. Add all this up, and it shows the actual narrative that's much more Ohio-specific but does have national implications. Opponents to Issue 1 recognized that their positions on critical social issues are so unpopular that they had to use their significant financial advantage to change the topic to win. You will see this on full display in the coming months in the U.S. Senate race in Ohio. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, is up for reelection and rehearsing his aw-shucks, union-guy, let's-graba-beer-and-talk-about-the-Browns shtick. In truth, he's hoping to do everything he can to ignore that he votes with Joe Biden 98% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight. And so it will go with the abortion debate in Ohio. The abortion industry's only hope to win is if they can effectively downplay or ignore their proposal's extreme and broad nature and convince Ohioans that this isn't an attack on parental rights. Baer is the president of the Center for Christian Virtue. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Mini-Cassia CROP Hunger Walk set for Sept. 9 The 2023 Mini-Cassia CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk, one of just four scheduled in Idaho and the only in the Magic Valley, will be Saturday, Sept. 9, at Riverside Park in Heyburn. Proceeds from CROP Hunger Walks help to provide food and fund self-help programs in the United States and more than 80 other countries to address the causes of poverty and powerlessness, according to a news release. A full 25% of money raised will remain in the Mini-Cassia area and benefit five local agencies: The Minidoka and Cassia County senior centers for their Meals on Wheels programs, Open Hearts Food Pantry in Rupert, Hope Community Food Pantry in Paul, and Community Food Share in Burley. There were more than 800 Walks in the U.S. last year. The other scheduled Walks in Idaho this year are in Bonners Ferry (Sept. 23), Boise (Oct. 15) and Caldwell (Oct. 15), according to the CROP website. For more information, to walk or form a team of walkers, call Colleen Parkin at 208-431-0569 or Barbara Ward at 208-670-3305. To sponsor a walker or make a donation, go online to events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/events/burleyid. Intermountain Gas files to decrease prices by 20.6% Intermountain Gas Company has asked to decrease its prices by an average of 20.6%, or $86.9 million, effective Oct. 1, in its annual purchased gas cost adjustment with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The proposed change to residential and commercial rates is based on Intermountains estimated decrease in gas commodity costs for the upcoming year, according to a news release. The typical residential customer would see a monthly decrease of $11.96, or 19.3%, while the average commercial customer would see a decrease of $72.88, or 24.4%, per month, the release said. A copy of the applications are available for review at the PUC offices in Boise, on its homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov, and on the Intermountain website at www.intgas.com. Intermountain serves about 412,500 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 74 communities across southern Idaho. Gatlin Brothers to play Thursday in Burley The Grammy Award-winning Gatlin Brothers, who have performed for the last eight U.S. presidents, will play at the King Fine Arts Center in Burley on Thursday. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. The Texas trios hits include All the Gold in California, Broken Lady, and Statues Without Hearts, to name a few plus their chart-topping single Houston (Means Im One Day Closer to You, is ranked among Billboards 100 greatest all-time country songs. The brothers Larry, Steve and Rudy have been performing for nearly 70 years, with appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Oprah, Hee-Haw, The Merv Griffin Show and others. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to gatlinbrothers.com. Idaho digital equity draft plan open for public comment The Idaho Commission for Libraries has partnered with Boise State Universitys Idaho Policy Institute to create a five-year statewide Digital Access for All Idahoans Plan to serve as a benchmark and roadmap for achieving digital equity in Idaho. The draft of the DAAI Plan is ready for review and public comment through Sept. 8. To view the draft and for more information, go online to https://libraries.idaho.gov/digital-access-for-all-idahoans/. To comment, complete the online form at https://forms.office.com/g/cAk6iLYRkQ; email digitalskills@libraries.idaho.gov; or mail to Idaho Commission for Libraries, Attn: DAAI Draft Plan Comments, 325 W. State St. Boise, 83702. A revised plan will be available in October. Also: The Ridge and Rock Base Camp Childrens Ministry will begin again on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Burley, 2262 Highland Ave. The ministry, open to all children in kindergarten through sixth grade, will meet every Wednesday night. For more information, call the church at 208-878-7613. will begin again on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Burley, 2262 Highland Ave. The ministry, open to all children in kindergarten through sixth grade, will meet every Wednesday night. For more information, call the church at 208-878-7613. The Minidoka County Historical Society and Museum will host its monthly community night on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Dan Davidson, manager of the Minidoka Irrigation District since 2012 and past president of the Idaho Water Users Association, will be the featured speaker. For more information, call the museum at 208-436-0336. When Republican Sen. Tammy Nichols of Middleton reads the words far-right extremists in a political commentary, she knows that the side she generally represents won the debate. They have already lost the argument, so its not worth my time to try to bring any kind of logical conversation into the discussion, she told me. (The writers) are going from trying to have a conversation to getting personal about it. She has a point. Influence peddlers who employ labels essentially are speaking to the choir those who agree that those far-right extremists are a menace to society. But name-calling mostly does nothing to sway people on the right. I call it label lynching. Its when they disagree with you, but dont have a solid argument, so they label you. It was a tactic used during the times of Karl Marx, or Nazi Germany when they attacked the Jews. When I hear that (far-right extremist), and its directed at me, it reinforces to me that Im on the right track, Nichols said. What weve learned is that the name-calling and bullying we heard on the school playground has not ended. People grow up, but they bring some of the names with them. I remember those rough days on the playgrounds in Osburn. Here was one of the stoppers: Oh, yeah. Well, your mother wears Army boots. Fast forward some 60 years and its right-wing extremists, or fake news media. Theres nothing new about name-calling in politics. From the conservative side of the fence, any Republican that doesnt score high on the Idaho Freedom Foundation index is labeled a RINO. Former President Donald Trump, the pride of the GOP, has turned name-calling into an art form. During my early days of political reporting in Idaho, writers often used the term ultra-conservative to arbitrarily describe those who were perceived to be to the right (or far right) of center. Of course, that term applied only to Republicans; Democrats were never branded as ultra-liberals or liberals in general. When somebody calls me a far-right extremist, I throw back the question. What does that mean? And they cant define it, Nichols says. Is a far-right extremist someone who upholds the constitution, believes in limited government, or stands up for peoples rights? Those are the things I stand for. So, I dont accept the label. Quote Those extremists might be an election or two from being the undisputed mainstream in Idaho. In the Idaho Statesman recently, an editorial suggested that far-right extremists ran off a Post Falls educator, Karen Lauritzen, who was selected as Idahos teacher of the year. The teacher apparently had friendly views toward the LGBTQ community, Black Lives Matter, transgender rights and the United Nations agenda. Not surprisingly, Nichols had a different view than the Statesmans editorial board. They used the term far-right extremists, but they didnt label the teacher as anything for pushing a radical agenda. She wasnt labeled as a far-left extremist. But they tell you about these right-wing extremists without telling you who they are or why they are extremists. If the teacher doesnt fit in with Idaho, then I say good riddance. But those concerns are not just in Idaho. There are plenty of parents everywhere who are riled up with the LGBTQ and transgender agenda pushes that are happening in education. The Statesman apparently has its own idea about whats radical in the political world. But its probably closer to mainstream within the Idaho Republican Party, which largely has been taken over by conservatives. That transformation has been by design. In Nichols view, conservatives worked hard on the grassroots levels of the GOP, while the so-called establishment was asleep at the wheel. The efforts resulted in former Rep. Dorothy Moon taking over as the party chair and former congressional candidate Bryan Smith of Idaho Falls moving in as national committeeman. The establishment wants to maintain the status quo, but thats what has been causing the demise in some states, Nichols says. Colorado is an example of what can happen in a few short years. People were not engaged and not on the ground educating voters, getting people to run for office, taking stances and being vocal. Those that are doing this are being labeled as right-wing extremists. Those extremists might be an election or two from being the undisputed mainstream in Idaho. Editorial and column writers might think about visiting some school playgrounds for fresh name-calling material. Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be in Henry County on Wednesday to attend a press conference where whats been billed as a major economic development announcement will be made. Mark Heath, president and CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation sent notice of the event on Friday. Youngkin is expected to make the announcement at the Commonwealth Centre for Advanced Training (CCAT) at 870 Commonwealth Crossing Parkway in Ridgeway at 2 p.m. Henry County Public Information Officer Brandon Martin followed shortly after Youngkins release with an announcement that the Henry County Board of Supervisors will have a special called meeting at CCAT at 1:30 p.m., prior to Younkins scheduled appearance. Although nothing has been stated about what the announcement will entail, there has been excited anticipation about the prospects of Commonwealth Crossings latest development. The development of Lot #2 is currently in the engineering and environmental phases, which includes gaining the appropriate permits needed to start the physical work, Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner told the Bulletin on Friday. Once completed, Lot #2 will be a 200-acre site, with 157 acres suitable for building. It will be the only site in Virginia over 100 acres with all utilities and rail in place. Wagoner said Henry County will eagerly welcome Youngkin to Henry County for a significant economic development announcement an exciting boost for our community. From investigating countless cases involving workplace bullies, Ive seen a common theme emerge from the targets of that behavior. A workplace bully can be a supervisor, peer, subordinate or even a customer/client. If your employee tells you things in the following list are happening, listen to the employee and investigate thoroughly. 1. Work means misery. Although many people dont look forward to going to work because its work, after all targets of bullying report a feeling of extreme dread, anxiety and doom. Some report having a panic attack when they pull into the parking lot. One said she drove an hour to work, vomited in the bushes and then turned around and drove home. Another employee said she woke up at 2 a.m. just to pray for the bully so God could fix whatever is in his life that is causing him to treat her like this. 2. Chaos. The targeted employee will report feeling like being on a hamster wheel always running to go somewhere, but not knowing where exactly. The bully changes the rules and expectations on the fly and all the time. The target frantically tries to keep up with the whim of the bully while desperately trying not to upset the bully. The bully is setting the target up to fail, so the target will fail. Its impossible to succeed when the bully hides and changes what success looks like. 3. Manipulation. The bully has manipulated up the chain quite well, and everyone above the bully thinks the bully is wonderful, competent and sees no issue. The target will report that the bully has manipulated human resources, so that when the target goes to HR to complain, the bully has already predisposed HR into thinking the target is the problem. 4. Gaslighting. The target will report that the bully will say, I didnt tell you to do X or You have my full support to do Y or You have full autonomy. Meanwhile, none of that is accurate. The bully is fully in control of everything the target is doing and is giving the target no autonomy to make any decisions or to do the job. All of this leaves the target to wonder, Is this me? Am I the problem? 5. Micromanagement. The bully takes an interest in every movement of the target from the targets daily activities to the targets arrival time, departure time, lunch and break schedule. The bully is watching and placing extreme attention on the target all the time. 6. Gossip and lies. At the start of the target working for the organization, the bully confided in the target, saying things such as Your coworker Alice is an alcoholic; Fred has depression; Sally is on a final warning. This seems strange to the target, but the bully is trying to lure in the target to gain trust, and also pit employees against one another. 7. Constant criticism and undermining. No matter what the target does, its wrong. Always. The bully will tell the employee to do x and then the employee will do x, but the bully will become unhinged that the employee did x not y. 8. Yelling. This is not always the case, but the bully is frequently described as aggressive and will raise his/her voice. Sometimes, however, the bully is described as nice nasty, in which the person is super sweet on the outside, but incredibly passive aggressive and manipulative in action. 9. Belittling and humiliation. In public meetings and in private, the bully will engage in conduct that is demeaning, condescending and belittling undermining and humiliating the target. 10. The employees family knows about the bully. Targets will report that their friends and family know about the bully, and they have been trying to persuade the target to report the bully, quit or change departments. Family and friends will notice a physical change in the appearance of the targets, referring to them as a shell of their former selves. Unfortunately, the bully has eroded the employees self-esteem so much that the employee has now lost so much confidence that its hard to look for other work. The bully has convinced the target that the target is worthless or incompetent. 11. The employee is suddenly on medication/in therapy. For the first time in the targets life, the target is sudden on anti-anxiety medicine, anti-depressants, high blood pressure medicine, seeing a therapist or taking leave. One employee told me recently that she contemplated suicide. 12. Its an abusive relationship. The target feels bad reporting the bully. When the good times are good, they are really good. But when the bad times are bad, they are really bad. This is why it is a classic abusive relationship created by the bully. Sometimes the bully is really supportive. The targeted employee will have a difficult time explaining specifically what has happened because its constant and all the time. This makes it difficult to investigate and what makes organizations wrongly take no action against the bully. When an investigation happens and there are no consequences to the bully, the bully becomes emboldened, feeling untouchable. Employees bullied at work face extreme trauma. While no law protects against workplace bullying, organizational policies should be sufficient to hold bullies accountable, and bullies should be removed from the workplace. Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected for a second and final five-year term in office, with the elections commission saying the incumbent won 52.6% of the vote compared with 44% for challenger Nelson Chamisa, but the outcome has been rejected by the opposition and questioned by observers. The 80-year-old, who took over from longtime leader Robert Mugabe after a 2017 army coup, was widely expected to secure re-election despite Zimbabwes continuing economic crisis, with analysts attributing this situation to the contest being heavily skewed in favor of the deeply entrenched ruling ZANU-PF party. The results were announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) late Saturday (26 August), which was much earlier than expected following another troubled vote marred by delays that fueled opposition accusations of rigging and voter suppression in the southern African country with a history of violent and disputed elections. Mnangagwas victory meant the ZANU-PF party retained the governmental leadership it has held for all 43 years of Zimbabwes history since the nation was re-named following independence from white minority rule in 1980. Within minutes of the ZECs announcement, an opposition party spokesperson said that they would reject the results as hastily assembled without proper verification. Promise Mkwananzi, a spokesman for the Chamisas Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) said his party cannot accept the results because it had not signed the final tally, which he described as false. Foreign poll monitors have said that the elections had failed to meet regional and international standards, with the head of the European Unions observer mission slamming the vote because it took place in a climate of fear. The Angolan authorities have arrested a 52-year-old Portuguese man following the seizure of 9,760 cartons of juice whose expiry dates had expired and were allegedly adulterated. According to a statement from the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC), the boxes of Froote juice, produced in a factory called Future Group Industrial, in Luanda, were seized early the week-end and had expiry dates of January, February, May and July. The seizure is the result of a public complaint made through a video circulated on social networks, about the existence of a factory where the expiry dates of Froote brand juice were being washed in order to subsequently adulterate them, the press release said. On site, the authorities found that the product had expired and there were strong suspicions that part of the batch had already been put on the market. The goods seized are valued at around 20 million kwanzas (22,000 euros). Following the events, the Portuguese citizen representing the company was arrested, who will be brought before the Public Prosecutors Office for further proceedings, while actions continue to be taken to fully clarify this crime, SIC said. The President of Renamo, the main opposition force in Mozambique, threatened this Saturday August 26 to stop the country if a member of that party is killed, days after the mayor of Nampula denounced an alleged assassination attempt. If one of Renamos members is killed, we will bring this country to a halt. We have that strength, declared Ossufo Momade, quoted last Saturday by the local media. At issue is a complaint by the president of the Nampula City Council, Paulo Vahanle, who accused a member of the High Individuals Protection Unit, in plain clothes, of trying to eliminate him during a public event, a version denied by the police, who claim that the agent in question was on duty. The President of Renamo accuses the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) of being involved in the alleged assassination attempt, complaining that he suffered a similar attack a few years ago. This is a project by the Frelimo party. Frelimo wants to try to annihilate some members of Renamo () Im going to make an appeal to the Head of State: we need to correct these situations, said Ossufo Momade, adding that peace is under threat. And its a disgrace for the President himself and for Mozambique, he stressed. The alleged assassination attempt took place on Tuesday during the celebrations for the 67th anniversary of the city of Nampula, according to the mayor. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considers that Equatorial Guinea has completed its process of integration into the CPLP after ending the death penalty, a condition of access. The President of the Portuguese Republic said on Sunday August 27 that Equatorial Guinea has completed the process of joining the Portuguese Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), after ending the death penalty, one of the conditions for access. I myself, and the Prime Minister more emphatically, refer to the step taken by Equatorial Guinea in welcoming [the end of] the death penalty, which was a decisive obstacle, which has been there since 2013, 10 years ago now, to this path to integration, said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the final joint press conference with the head of Government, Antonio Costa, of the CPLP summit, which took place on Sunday in Sao Tome. Equatorial Guineas integration roadmap is mentioned in Sao Tome and Principes declaration and means that it is a process that has taken a long time and has achieved this good result, admitted the Portuguese Head of State, pointing out that, at the same time, there has been an acceleration in the process of teaching Portuguese. Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony that made Portuguese its official language in 2014, committed to teaching the language and ending the death penalty, conditions for access to the CPLP, made in 2014. On Saturday, Equatorial Guineas Foreign minister told media that the country wanted the presidency of the organization, but Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recalled on Sunday that there was already a commitment made at the summit two years ago in Luanda to give that title to Bissau. Now, as for the future and the possibility of a country that has been singled out for violating human rights and disrespecting the opposition being president of the CPLP, the Portuguese Head of State said that everything will depend on the context. The CPLP, which includes Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor, is holding its 14th Conference of Heads of State and Government in Sao Tome and Principe, under the slogan Youth and Sustainability. Libyas Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush has been suspended by her countrys PM for meeting her Israeli peer Eli Cohen in Rome last week though the two countries do not have diplomatic relations. Ms. Mangoush fled to Turkey following the Israeli announcement of the meeting which sparked anger in Libya. She will also be subject to an investigation before a panel. Israels statement on the meeting said the ministers had discussed possible cooperation but Libyas Foreign Ministry said it was an unprepared, casual encounter during a meeting at Italys Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Libyan ministrys statement said the interaction did not include any discussions, agreements or consultations. The meeting was facilitated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Israels foreign ministry said, stressing they had discussed possible cooperation and Israeli aid in humanitarian issues, agriculture, and water management. Libya has been in turmoil for years, with the country split between the interim internationally recognized government in Tripoli and a rival one in the east. The Government of National Unity was installed in early 2021 through a U.N.-backed peace process but its legitimacy has been challenged since early 2022 by the eastern-based parliament after a failed attempt to hold an election. Libyas Presidential Council, which functions as head of state, issued a statement on Sunday asking GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah for clarification on what had taken place in Italy. The Council said the meeting between the two foreign ministers does not reflect the foreign policy of the Libyan state, does not represent the Libyan national constants and is a violation of Libyan laws. For its part, the High State Council, which holds an advisory role in Libyan politics, voiced its surprise over the meeting and said those responsible should be held accountable. 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: After a heart attack, elderly adults have better odds for improved health and survival if all major heart vessels are cleared, not just the one that caused the heart attack. Because these patients often have other medical conditions and may be frail, doctors frequently opt to open only the "culprit" blood vessel and leave other partially blocked vessels alone. But new research on more than 1,400 patients aged 75 and older found that clearing all these vessels lowers the one-year risk for death, having another heart attack or stroke, or needing another procedure. "This could be a real change in the practice because the actual standard of care in most older patients is just to treat the culprit lesion, because physicians are worried about complications. Basically, the idea was that the prognosis was worse if we do more," said lead researcher Dr. Simone Biscaglia, an interventional cardiologist at Ferrara University Hospital in Italy. "What we found in the study is the exact opposite," Biscaglia said. "Complete revascularization should be pursued in older patients with heart attack and multi-vessel disease." Other experts agree that treating all the arteries that are significantly blocked should become the standard of care regardless of a patient's age. "Recent clinical trials have established that in patients with a heart attack complete revascularization by treating all significant coronary blockage is superior to just focusing on treating the culprit artery," said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center in Los Angeles. Most of these trials have focused on younger patients, he said. The findings in this trial "are impressive and suggest the complete revascularization strategy in heart attack is superior to a culprit lesion-only approach in patients age 75 or older," Fonarow said. "Together with prior studies, this approach is further established as the standard of care." For the study, Biscaglia and his colleagues randomly assigned 1,445 men and women, half of them older than 80, to have only the culprit heart artery unblocked or all the major blocked arteries opened. Among patients who had all their narrowed heart arteries opened, 9% died or had another heart attack within a year, compared with 14% of patients who only had one artery openeda 36% reduction in risk, the researchers found. For all the outcomes assessed togetherdeath, another heart attack or stroke, or needing another procedure16% in the complete revascularization group had one of these outcomes, compared with 21% of those who had only one artery unblocked. That was a 27% reduction in risk. Moreover, the procedure was equally safe in both groups of patients, the researchers noted. "This study adds more credibility to a practice that has already been used in younger patients," said Dr. Gaurav Rao, an interventional cardiologist at Northwell Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. "So this does change practice in dealing with patients who are over 75 years of age." After a heart attack, these older patients "are going to benefit from complete revascularization rather than fixing only the culprit vessel and they are going to do better in the long run," he added. The report was published online Aug. 26 in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented simultaneously at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Amsterdam. More information: Simone Biscaglia et al, Complete or Culprit-Only PCI in Older Patients with Myocardial Infarction, New England Journal of Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2300468 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Rural area. Credit: University of Missouri Rural Missourians often face more disparities in health outcomes than their urban and suburban counterparts, in part from challenges accessing health carea problem amplified in recent years by a growing physician shortage. But a new study at the University of Missouri found that health and health care organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, as they recognize these services contribute to a person's overall health. In the study published in Professional Case Management, MU researchers interviewed various health care organizations serving rural Missouri about their care coordination; organizations included behavioral health, federally qualified health centers and hospitals. Researchers sought to better understand the challenges that rural Missourians face in accessing health care, as well as the innovative solutions care coordinators and social services implemented to help overcome them. The findings shed light on new roles health care organizations must play to improve health outcomes of rural Americans by providing basic services. "Transportation was the most commonly reported barrier addressed, particularly in rural areas where you have to travel farther distances, especially if you need specialized care, and the physician shortages in rural areas have made this barrier even worse," said Julie Kapp, an associate professor in the MU College of Health Sciences and lead author on the study. "Some families might just have one car that everyone shares, the car might not be reliable, or if families are working long hours while juggling household responsibilities, missing work to drive long distances might not be possible." Additionally, Kapp said Uber and Lyft do not operate in some rural areas, where residents often don't have access to bus, train or subway systems. The research team found that 100% of the organizations interviewed provided assistance with transportation, while 86% provided support or referrals for mental health care, 79% provided food assistance, 71% provided housing assistance, and 50% provided dental assistance. Researchers also explored how these organizations were implementing the 10 essential characteristics of care coordination that were recommended five years ago by the Journal of American Medical Association. These recommendations emphasize patient-centered, team-based processes that incorporate comprehensive assessments of patients' health and psychosocial needs. The most implemented recommendation among the interviewed organizations was proactively planning for transitions of care, while the least implemented recommendation was using an electronic health information system that facilitates communication. Collecting this information helps researchers identify both success stories that other organizations can learn from as well as areas for improvement. "One of the main takeaways of this research is that health care is much more broad today than before, and it incorporates basic social services that are often not thought of as health care related," said Beau Underwood, a doctoral student in the MU College of Arts and Science's Truman School of Government and Public Affairs who collaborated with Kapp on the study. "We need to think beyond just what happens in the doctor's office, and part of that is thinking about if patients have transportation to get to the doctor's office in the first place, or if there is even a physician in the patient's area." Kapp said food insecurity or lack of broadband internet can also serve as barriers in rural areas, particularly for lower-income families. "Doctors often recommend prescription medications be taken on a full stomach, but for someone struggling with food insecurity, that might not always be an option," Kapp said. "Telehealth is often marketed as a possible solution in rural areas, and it can definitely be a convenient option, but lack of broadband internet access can be a challenge, although MU and the UM System have made great strides to help in this area." While the COVID-19 pandemic intensified some of the barriers for rural Missourians accessing health care, the research team identified innovative solutions that could potentially be expanded in the future. "One organization we interviewed talked about partnering with a local food bank and dropping off the food at the patients' door with contactless delivery," Kapp said. "Another created their own transportation system when the one in their area shut down during the beginning of the pandemic. There was also an organization that would proactively call patients in between appointments and ask how they were doing or if they needed anything, which decreased the likelihood of missed appointments." More information: Julie M. Kapp et al, Practice Perspectives on Care Coordination in Rural Settings, Professional Case Management (2023). DOI: 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000679 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: Ambulances are parked in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The city's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Christian Glass was a geology geek, a painter and a young man beset by a mental health crisis when he called 911 for help getting his car unstuck in a Colorado mountain town last year. Convinced that supernatural beings were after him, he balked when sheriff's deputies told him to get out of his car. The officers shouted, threatened and coaxed, body camera video shows. Glass prayed: "Dear Lord, please, don't let them break the window." They did, and the 22-year-old grabbed a small knife. Then he was hit with bean bag rounds, stun gun charges and, ultimately, bullets that killed him and led to a murder charge against one deputy and a criminally negligent homicide charge against another. As part of a $19 million settlement this spring with Glass' parents, Colorado's Clear Creek County this month joined a growing roster of U.S. communities that respond to nonviolent mental health crises with clinicians and EMTs or paramedics, instead of police. The initiatives have spread rapidly in recent years, particularly among the nation's biggest cities. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June, The AP found. Funding sources vary. Simon and Sally Glass comfort each other during an emotional news conference in Denver on Sept. 13, 2022. Two Colorado sheriffs deputies needlessly escalated a fatal standoff with their son, Christian Glass, who was shot and killed while experiencing a mental health crisis. As part of a $19 million settlement this spring 2023 with Glass parents, Colorados Clear Creek County in August 2023 joined a growing roster of U.S. communities that respond to nonviolent mental health crises with clinicians and EMTs or paramedics, instead of police. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert, File "If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, law enforcement is not what they need," said Tamara Lynn of the National De-Escalation Training Center, a private group that trains police to handle such situations. There's no aggregate, comprehensive data yet on the programs' effects. Their scope varies considerably. In Denver, just an hour's drive from where Glass was killed, a program called STAR answered 5,700 calls last year and is often cited as a national model. Its funding has totaled $7 million since 2021. In New York, a more than $40 million-a-year program dubbed B-HEARD answered about 3,500 calls last year, and mental health advocates criticize it as anemic. Representatives from some other cities were frank about challengesstaffing shortages, acclimating 911 dispatchers to sending out unarmed civilians, and moreat a conference in Washington, D.C., this spring. 911 dispatch trainee Loren Bengston works at a computer in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The city's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Still, officials in places including New York see no-police teams as an important shift in how they address people in crisis. "We really think that every single B-HEARD response is just a better way that we, the city, are providing care to people," said Laquisha Grant of the New York Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health. Federal data is incomplete, but various studies and statistics show that mentally ill people make up a substantial proportion of those killed by police. Often, the dead are people of color, though Glass was not. The alternative approach dates back decades but gained new impetus from calls for wide-ranging police reform after the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In Denver, STAR responders arrive in a van stuffed with everything from medical gear to blankets to Cheez-Its. In one recent instance, they spent three hours with a Denver newcomer who was living on the streets. The team helped him get a Colorado ID voucher, groceries, and medications and took him to a shelter. Activists participate in a rally to call for peer-led, non-police response to mental health crisis calls, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in New York. The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from some nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians. Initiatives in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, and Houston had combined annual budgets topping $123 million as of June 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer "It's really about meeting the needs of the community and making sure we are sending the right experts, so we can actually solve the problem," says Carleigh Sailon, a former STAR manager who now works elsewhere. STAR responded to 44% of calls deemed eligible last year, said Evan Thompkin, a STAR program specialist. A Stanford University study found that petty crime reports fell by a third and violent crime stayed steady in areas that STAR served in its earliest phase. Throughout the program's three years, police have never been called for backup due to safety concerns but have helped direct traffic, Thompkin said. New York plans to expand its two-year-old B-HEARD program citywide. Officials note that its social workers and EMTs resolve about half of calls by talking to people or taking them to social service or community health centers, rather than hospitals. 911 dispatcher Nick Arcuri takes a call in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The city's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Grant credits the program with "providing people with more options and letting people know that they can stay safely in their homes, in their communities, with the connection to the right resources." Officials say B-HEARD answered 53% of "eligible" calls in the last six months of 2022, according to the most recent available data But those calls are relatively few. Staffers answered about 2% of all mental health crisis calls citywide last year. Even within the program's limited territory, it fielded 16% of such calls from July-December 2022. Grant says the city is exploring whether more calls could qualify. John Barrett, however, wanted to go to a hospital to get some physical and mental health problems checked out one June day. He asked 911 for an ambulance, but police came, he said. Then two other people showed up in bulletproof vests and face masks. WellPower clinician Jane Lemaux loads supplies into a STAR van in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Activists participate in a rally to call for peer-led, non-police response to mental health crisis calls, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in New York. The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from some nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians. Initiatives in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, and Houston had combined annual budgets topping $123 million as of June 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer Chris Richardson, associate director of criminal justice services at WellPower, is interviewed in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. WellPower's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Leigh Foster, who supervises paramedics in Denver's alternative policing program, works at an ambulance bay in the city on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Leah Faria, right, with the Woman's Community Justice Association participates in a rally to call for peer-led, non-police response to mental health crisis calls, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in New York. The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from some nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians. Initiatives in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, and Houston had combined annual budgets topping $123 million as of June 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer Keys hang on a wall at an ambulance bay in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The city's STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert A woman walks past an ambulance bay as a STAR van exits in Denver on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The STAR program uses clinicians and EMTs or paramedics to respond to nonviolent mental health crises, instead of police. Data gathered by The Associated Press show at least 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are hosting or starting such programs, sometimes called civilian, alternative or non-police response teams. They span from New York and Los Angeles to Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, and boast annual budgets that together topped $123 million as of June 2023, the AP found. Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Peipert Activist Ashley Conrad, foreground, participates in a rally to call for peer-led, non-police response to mental health crisis calls, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in New York. The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from some nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians. Initiatives in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Columbus, Ohio, and Houston had combined annual budgets topping $123 million as of June 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer "Between them and the police being there, I was just totally terrified," recalled Barrett, 45, a former door technician. He said he learned only by asking that they were with B-HEARD. (Teams can be summoned by on-scene police, and staffers are allowed to wear ballistic vests.) The city mental health office said it couldn't discuss any individual responses. Barrett ultimately got an ambulance to a hospital. "I'm saving money for an Uber next time," he said. 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Researchers led by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, have examined how a dementia diagnosis impacts medication use patterns in older adults. In a paper, "Changes in the Use of Long-Term Medications Following Incident Dementia Diagnosis," published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a large cohort study revealed several unexpected findings, including increased overall medication use in the year following an incident dementia diagnosis. Despite the recognized importance of simplifying medication regimens and reducing the risk of adverse drug events in individuals with dementia, the study found that deprescribing guidelines and efforts are not effectively implemented at the expected levels. This suggests a potential gap in clinical practice, where deprescribing guidelines and efforts may not be effectively implemented in the care of patients with dementia. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect millions of individuals in the US, leading to significant challenges in managing medications and treatment decisions. Older adults with dementia often have multiple chronic conditions, complicating their medication regimens. Existing clinical guidelines recommend tailoring treatments based on comorbidities, potential benefits, and patient goals. The impact of a dementia diagnosis on medication use patterns and deprescribing is not understood. The study analyzed 266,675 adults with incident dementia and 266,675 as a control from a national sample of Medicare Part D beneficiary pharmacy claims from 2010 to 2019. New incident dementia cases were identified using validated diagnosis codes. Patients with dementia were matched with controls based on various demographic and medication-related factors. Medication use patterns were assessed before and after dementia diagnosis, and analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in medication use over time. Specific prescription trends Patients with dementia showed an increase in anti-dementia medications, which is expected as these drugs are prescribed explicitly for dementia management. There was an unexpected increase in central nervous system-active medications following a dementia diagnosis. This contradicts professional guidelines and raises concerns, as these medications can adversely affect cognitive function and are not typically recommended. Many CNS-active medications have been identified as potentially inappropriate due to their association with increased risk of falls, worsening cognitive function, and other adverse drug events. Some cardiometabolic medications, like antihypertensives and insulins, immediately increased use following diagnosis. While anticholinergic medication use decreased slightly in the cohort with dementia, it was still being prescribed, even though these drugs are known to have potential adverse cognitive effects. The authors conclude, "The findings suggest missed opportunities to reduce burdensome polypharmacy by deprescribing long-term medications with high safety risks or limited likelihood of benefit or that may be associated with impaired cognition." More information: Timothy S. Anderson et al, Changes in the Use of Long-Term Medications Following Incident Dementia Diagnosis, JAMA Internal Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3575 Journal information: JAMA Internal Medicine 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: It's always a good idea to use caution when having some summer funand that includes preventing burns from barbecues and other heat sources. An expert from UT Southwestern Medical Center offers tips for avoiding heat-related pitfalls, including grilling and metal playground equipment during extreme outdoor temperatures. "Concrete, metal and even plastic surfaces sitting in the sun are hot enough to burn, and children are particularly at risk," said Dr. Samuel Mandell, associate professor of surgery at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. Mandell, who spoke in a hospital news release, specializes in burn care. According to UT Southwestern, contact burns from hot surfaces result in about 70,000 emergency room visits a year in the United States. And concrete is one surprising example, reaching 125 degrees when the air temperature is a far cooler 77 degrees. Barbecue grill or stove accidents are also a common source of burn injuries. More than 10,700 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year between 2018 and 2022, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. "When grilling food outside, remember that grillsboth gas and charcoalare an open source of flame and a potential danger," said Mandell, who is also director of the Parkland Regional Burn Center in Dallas. Some ways to be safe are to always wear shoes on hot concrete or asphalt, particularly if you have neuropathy. Be aware of children and pets around sun-drenched surfaces, Mandell cautions. This includes concrete, toys, playground equipment and car seats. If someone falls or collapses on hot pavement, check for burns on the skin. Showing off that new grill and recipe? Mandell offers these important grilling safety tips: Never leave a lit grill unattended. Make sure to designate a 3-foot or greater area around the grill for children and pets to avoid. This can help prevent burns or accidentally knocking over the grill. Do not lean directly over the grill. Use caution with dangling clothing, such as scarves, shirttails and apron strings. Consider flame-retardant oven mitts and long utensils to avoid burns. Do not use gasoline to start a fire in the grill. Don't pour water directly on hot coals, Mandell advised. The steam can rise unexpectedly and scald your skin. Smother grease fires with a lid or an appropriate fire extinguisher. This should always be kept near the grill. Make sure charcoal fluid is out of the reach of children and pets and away from any source of heat, including grills and fire pits. Do not try moving a hot grill. Wait for coals to cool before disposing of them. It's also important to avoid toxic fumes from charcoal. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. Never burn charcoal indoors or in garages, tents, RVs, campers or other enclosed spaces. More information: The U.S. Fire Administration has more on burn prevention. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Prasugrel monotherapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents is not superior to dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for major bleeding but is non-inferior for cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or high bleeding risk (HBR), according to late breaking research presented in a Hot Line session August 26 at ESC Congress 2023. Very short (one to three months) durations of DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy has been shown to reduce bleeding events without increasing cardiovascular events compared with standard durations of DAPT after PCI using drug-eluting stents. However, the incidence of major bleeding events within the 1-month mandatory DAPT period after PCI remains high in real clinical practice, particularly in patients with ACS or HBR. In single-arm studies, aspirin-free prasugrel or ticagrelor monotherapy following successful new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation was not associated with any stent thrombosis in selected low-risk patients with or without ACS. Removing aspirin from the DAPT regimen might reduce bleeding events early after PCI without compromising the risk of cardiovascular events. However, the efficacy and safety of this strategy has not been proven in randomized trials. ESC guidelines recommend six months of DAPT in HBR patients with ACS and 12 months of DAPT in non-HBR patients with ACS after PCI. In patients with non-ACS, one to three months of DAPT is recommended in HBR patients after PCI. STOPDAPT-3 investigated the efficacy and safety of aspirin-free prasugrel monotherapy compared with 1-month DAPT with aspirin and prasugrel in patients with ACS or HBR undergoing PCI with cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stents. From January 2021 to April 2023, the study enrolled 6,002 patients with ACS or HBR from 72 centers in Japan. Just before PCI, patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to prasugrel (3.75 mg/day) monotherapy or to DAPT with aspirin (81100 mg/day) and prasugrel after a loading dose of prasugrel 20 mg in both groups. There were two primary endpoints: 1) major bleeding events (defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] type 3 or 5) at one month for superiority; and 2) cardiovascular events (a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, or stroke) at one month for non-inferiority. The major secondary endpoint was a composite of the co-primary bleeding and cardiovascular endpoints (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, definite stent thrombosis, stroke, or major bleeding) at one month representing net clinical benefit. The full analysis set population consisted of 5,966 patients (no-aspirin group: 2,984 patients; DAPT group: 2,982 patients). The average age was 71.6 years and 23.4% were women. At one month, the no-aspirin strategy was not superior to DAPT for the co-primary bleeding endpoint (4.47% vs. 4.71%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.20; p for superiority=0.66). The no-aspirin strategy was non-inferior to DAPT with a relative 50% margin for the co-primary cardiovascular endpoint (4.12% vs. 3.69%; HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87-1.45; p for non-inferiority=0.01). There was no between-group difference in the incidence of all-cause death (2.28% vs. 2.11% in the no-aspirin and DAPT groups, respectively). The major secondary endpoint occurred in 7.14% patients in the no-aspirin group and 7.38% patients in the DAPT group, with no between-group difference, indicating a similar effect on net clinical benefit for both groups. There was an excess of any coronary revascularization (1.15% vs. 0.57%) and definite or probable stent thrombosis (0.71% vs. 0.44%) in the no-aspirin group compared with the DAPT group, while definite stent thrombosis was not different between the two groups (0.47% vs. 0.37%). In a subgroup analysis stratified by ACS and non-ACS, the excess risk of cardiovascular events in the no-aspirin group compared with the DAPT group was seen in patients with ACS, but not in those without ACS. Study author Dr. Masahiro Natsuaki of Saga University, Japan said, "The aspirin-free strategy compared with the DAPT strategy failed to reduce major bleeding within one month after PCI, but it was non-inferior for the co-primary cardiovascular endpoint with a relative 50% margin. Aspirin used for a limited period of one month after PCI as a component of DAPT might have exerted a protective effect on vulnerable coronary lesions, particularly in patients with ACS, without a large increase in major bleeding. DAPT should remain the standard strategy for PCI even in the new-generation drug-eluting stent era." 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: SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein three domains and location of Mac1 in SARS-CoV-2 genome. (A) Cartoon diagram illustrating the different domains of SARS-CoV-2 nsp3. (B) Schematic of the SARS-CoV-2 genome with location of Mac1, indicating the area of the Mac1 deletion and the point mutations that were engineered. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302083120 Research from the University of Kansas published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences could hasten development of a new class of vaccines aimed at SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anthony Fehr, associate professor of molecular biosciences, led research into a protein dubbed "Mac1," which has intrigued molecular bioscientists as an antiviral target because it's known to help confer virulence, or the power to cause disease. Results have spurred several groups, including the Fehr lab, to begin developing novel inhibitors of Mac1. "We've built up a body of literature showing this gene is critical for the virus to cause disease," Fehr said. "To better understand this protein, we use what's called reverse genetics, where we can delete or mutate this gene so it no longer functions in the context of the actual virus. While we've done this in a lot of different coronaviruses, we hadn't actually explored this in SARS-CoV-2 until just recently. This paper really describes our efforts to get rid of this protein Mac1 in SARS-CoV-2 and really see what's happening." Studying how SARS-CoV-2 behaved in mouse models, Fehr's collaborator at Oklahoma State, Rudra Channappanavar and his group, found that without Mac1, the virus barely had an impact on the health of mice. "If you look at the mouse data, we find that every mouse survived and showed no real signs of disease when they were infected with the virus without this gene, whereas when we give mice the normal viruswe would call it the 'wild-type' virusevery mouse dies," Fehr said. "So, there's a huge discrepancy in the ability of those viruses to cause disease. These results further demonstrate that Mac1 is a strong target for the development of novel antiviral therapies." What's more, Fehr and his co-authors found the virus, without the Mac1 protein, induced a robust initial immune response in mice, the kind of biological response researchers look for in a vaccine target. "That first response you have to a virus, called an innate immune response, is dramatically increased in this infection," said the KU researcher. "When we infect the mice, this further improves the adaptive immune response, which is that T- and B-cell response we get that produces antibodies and antiviral T-cells later onthat can really protect us from future disease." Fehr and Channappanavar have already shown that prior infection with the attenuated virus can be protective for mice from a future infection. "Right now, we're really looking at further developing this virus into a live attenuated vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and we're working on different strategies with minor modifications to this virus to make it even better," he said. "We think this is a great start to developing a vaccine that we think would have longer lasting immunity." Administration of intranasal vaccine. Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fehr said such a vaccine could be administered intranasally, targeting the lung, giving it advantages over today's recommended vaccine regimen based on mRNA technology. "One of the major problems with the current vaccines is that we give them in your armwhen you give a vaccine in your arm or your muscle, you don't really get great immune responses in your lungs," he said. "We think that live-attenuated vaccines given intranasally can improve that response." Additionally, live-attenuated COVID-19 vaccines could last longer than current vaccines requiring boosters. "I don't want to diss mRNA vaccinesthey're great," Fehr said. "But they're not particularly long-lasting. We're finding their immunity wanes over the course of time. Live-attenuated viruses have been around for decades, and many of them are very effective and last very long. We can get a lot of live-attenuated vaccines as children, and we never have to take them again because they last our lifetime." According to Fehr, a live-attenuated vaccine would target parts of the virus more likely to remain the same from variant to variant. "All the current vaccines out there are really focused on a small portion of that spike glycoprotein that's on the outside surface of the virus," Fehr said. "There are a lot of parts of that that don't change, and they're sensitive to the current vaccines. But if there are changes in the spike protein, will those vaccines keep working? Mostly, they do. But some of them do lose efficacy." Fehr said a whole-virus vaccine, like the one his lab is investigating, could target regions of the genome that don't change from variant to variant. "It could reduce what I call 'variant chasing' that we have with a lot of our different vaccines now," he said. "Hopefully this approach targeting the Mac1 could be beneficial in preventing disease from future variants." Fehr's KU collaborators were lead author Yousef M. Alhammad, a former postdoctoral researcher, along with postdoctoral researcher Srivatsan Parthasarathy, doctoral students Joseph O'Connor, Catherine Kerr and Jessica Pfannenstiel; and Robert Unckless, associate professor of molecular biosciences, Edward & Thelma Wohlgemuth Faculty Scholar and director of the KU Center for Genomics. They were joined by co-authors Roshan Ghimire, Debarati Chanda, Caden Miller, Sunil More and Rudragouda Channappanavar from Oklahoma State University and Sonia Zuniga and Luis Enjuanes of the National Centre for Biotechnology, Campus Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain. "I'm really proud of this group. We all came together, worked really hard and produced some really great science," Fehr said. More information: Yousef M. Alhammad et al, SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 is required for IFN antagonism and efficient virus replication in cell culture and in mice, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302083120 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Annie Jackson can't know whether her sister Grena Prude might have survived had an ambulance been more readily available when she went into cardiac arrest on May 10. But Jackson is convinced her sister would have at least had a chance. Prude, 55, died at the steps of Carrollton City Hall, less than a half-mile from her county's only ambulance station. When someone called 911 to get her help, two ambulances were on duty: One was transporting a patient to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 45 minutes away, and the other a patient to Columbus, Mississippi, a 30-minute drive. "It was a horrible situation," said Vicky McCrory, supervisor of the nonprofit Pickens County Ambulance Service, but not an isolated one. There have been multiple similar tragedies. That single ambulance station in Carrollton serves all of Pickens County, dispatching one and sometimes two ambulances to serve just under 20,000 residents spread across 900 square miles. The farthest reaches of the county line are 25 to 30 miles away on two-lane country roads. In rural areas where hospitals have shuttered, like Pickens County, the nearest surviving facilities are long drives away, ambulance coverage is sparse, and residents in the throes of medical emergencies often find their situations even more precarious. In May, the rural health research and policy centers released the results of an effort by the Maine Rural Health Research Center to document coverage gaps in the availability of ambulance services across the countrywhat the researchers refer to as "ambulance deserts." They define those deserts as places where people live more than 25 minutes from the nearest station. The study found that in the 41 states for which data was available, 4.5 million people lived in an ambulance desert. Six in 10 lived in the South. Alabama had 315,000 people living at such a distance, ranking second highest behind North Carolina. But a closer look into emergency services in Pickens County reveals a grimmer situation. In March 2020, the 56-bed Pickens County Medical Center shut its doors, with administrators citing an unsustainable financial situation and a declining patient volume. Those living along the periphery of Pickens County must wait nearly a half-hour for an ambulance to arrive. Patients must then ride up to an hour to reach a hospital, in either Tuscaloosa or Columbus. State Route 86 runs through downtown Carrollton, past the courthouse and City Hall. To the north are the tapering hills of Appalachia; to the south, the Black Belt region. "Everybody here knows everybody," said Terrence Windham, mayor of Aliceville, a town roughly 10 miles south of Carrollton. And, seemingly, everyone has heard of the death of Grena Prude. Julia Boothe is a longtime family physician in the town of Reform, situated about 10 miles north of Carrollton, and a recent president of the state medical association. Boothe said it's not uncommon for people to decide there's no point in calling 911. Some instead show up in her office in a condition well beyond what "a family medicine practice in a rural area of 1,500 people" is equipped to handle. "People don't understand the severity of what's going on" in these rural areas, she said. At one time, the county had the resources to deploy three ambulances. "Now," McCrory said, "we're lucky to have one unit." The closure of the hospital, she said, has meant a loss of some $250,000 a year in revenue for the ambulance service. Further, Boothe said, "the stress and strain" of working in the county make it difficult to recruit emergency medical crewsnot to mention health care providers of any specialty. This critical shortage of services reflects what's happened to so many rural communities across the U.S. after decades of dwindling resources. In 1979, when Bill Curry returned home to Pickens County to practice medicine, funeral homes provided the only ambulance service. "A hearse, literally, would come to the scene of an auto accident or to somebody's house or wherever there was a need for somebody to get transported to a hospital," recalled Curry, now a professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. "The training was pretty minimal, and the interventions were almost none. It was just pick up and go." "When we developed the hospital, we said, "Well, we really need a modern ambulance service, and so that's how we came up with what they have today," Curry said. James Parker grew up in Pickens County; his dad ran a feed-and-seed store and raised cattle. Parker had mentors growing up, including Curry, who were prominent in the community and pillars of the hospital. They allowed him to shadow them and nudged him into medicine. He returned home after graduating from medical school in 2000 and has been practicing there since. He laments the loss of the hospital. "You know, folks love to call a little hospital a band-aid station, but that's a big band-aid that worked," Parker said. "So many success stories of our little hospital." But with advances in medical technologyallowing more procedures to be performed on an outpatient basisand an unfavorable payer mix, the old model was deemed no longer feasible. Community leaders believed they had a viable plan to revitalize the hospital. "I thought it was an excellent option," Boothe said. They requested $10 million from the state legislaturewhich then became $8 millionto reopen the emergency room and operate an adolescent mental health facility that would serve kids from across the state. Here, it seemed, was the answer to a need for Pickens County and beyond. Boothe has had young patients who "sat in emergency rooms for over seven days waiting on an admission to an adolescent bed." Some ultimately had to be transferred out of the state. The $8 million was still in the state budget when it passed the House in April, but, in the eleventh hour, the Senate scuttled the cash infusion. The issues related to the need for rural emergency care highlight another concern. The authors of the May report on ambulance deserts wrote that the "declining numbers of rural hospitals and ambulance services imply that remaining ambulance services are being tasked to play a greater role in delivering more sophisticated emergency services." "Ambulance services were never intended to take the place of emergency departments," McCrory said. "I just feel like health care all the way around is failing here, and in other rural areas, too." The researchers also noted the fragmented nature of ambulance services, particularly in rural areas. Boothe talks of a potential solution whereby three ambulance stations would be spaced across Pickens County and Lamar County, on its northern border. But that's not an easy maneuver. "Of all the poorly designed aspects of our health care system," said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, "EMS is tops." On a sweltering day in late July, several dozen Pickens County residents and officials traveled 2 hours to the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. They stood on the steps to protest lawmakers' decision not to fund their hospital. Aliceville Mayor Windham was among them. There's a sense in Pickens County that rural communities such as his don't show up on the radar in Montgomery, he said. He and his neighbors' ongoing mission "is to let the Alabama Legislature know that we are real, live human beingsand we are really suffering." Morgan, of the rural health association, has witnessed the ripple effects of the loss of essential rural health care servicesthe consequences for a community's health and the health of its economy. "Rural health care," he said, "is like a tundra. You trample on it, it's really tough to get it to come back." Annie Jackson joined her neighbors on the steps of the state Capitol that July morning. After traveling hours away from home, she stepped off a chartered bus in downtown Carrollton, less than a hundred yards from where her sister Grena died. She paused and pointed up the road toward the nearby West Alabama Animal Hospital. "We have our animal hospital up here," Jackson said. "The animals have a hospital. But we do not. What does that say for us?" 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Annie Doubleday doesn't want her work to scare people. It's already unsettling when wildfire smoke descends upon a community, when eyes burn and throats scratch and people trickle into emergency rooms. She'd rather people see her research, which ties wildfire smoke to an increased risk of emergency department visits, as a step toward protecting themselves. "I think it's useful to see it as more information, and use that to help us figure out what we can do to protect ourselves," said Doubleday, who completed the research while working toward her doctorate in environmental health at the UW and now works on air quality for the Washington State Department of Health. "For me the takeaway is we're all at risk of health impacts. Obviously some more than others, such as those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, but we all should be taking steps to reduce exposure and watching for any symptoms." That's the crux of two papers recently published in Environmental Research: Health by researchers at the University of Washington, which found an increased risk of hospital service encounters in the days following wildfire smoke events. Taken together, their findings suggest that wildfire smoke poses a risk to people of all ages, not just young children and older adults. The researchers found that the risk of respiratory-related emergency department encounters increased most sharply for those between the ages of 19 and 64. The findings suggest that public health messaging should also target younger and middle-aged adults, who may not see themselves as vulnerable to wildfire smoke. "We do have this younger age group in there who may think they're invincible, or that the risk messaging doesn't apply to them because they're not very young or elderly," said Tania Busch Isaksen, teaching professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UW and co-author of both papers. Isaksen is also co-director of the Collaborative on Extreme Event Resilience, which has produced a string of papers on the risks of wildfire smoke. "Knowing that essentially all age groups are at risk of negative health outcomes during wildfire smoke events is an important finding and a shift in how we think of who is vulnerable in our population during these events," Busch Isaksen said. "I expect these results will be informative to public health risk communication strategies aimed at reducing wildfire smoke exposure in all age groups through behavior change such as limiting time outdoors, actively cleaning your indoor air, etc. " The first study, led by Doubleday and published May 25, analyzed emergency department (ED) data from hospitals across Washington state. It found an increased risk of respiratory-related ED visits, including visits for asthma, in the five days following a smoke event. Researchers also observed a delayed increase in the odds of cardiovascular-related ED visits. The analysis also found a correlation between the amount of smoke in the air and the risk of ED encounters. For every 10 gm3 increase in the concentration of fine particle pollutionPM 2.5 or particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smallerthe odds of ED visits rose accordingly. The second study, led by recent UW graduate Daaniya Iyaz, is among the first to document the health effects of wildfire smoke on children in Washington state. Published June 15, it analyzed 15 years of data from Seattle Children's Hospital's emergency department and in-patient hospital admissions, comparing rates of visits on days with and without smoke. Researchers linked wildfire smoke events to a 7% increase in the odds of all-cause hospital admissions. Notably, the odds of hospitalization remained elevated in the week after smoke events, highlighting the need to monitor children's symptoms well after exposure. "We definitely want to be more cognizant of exposure when it comes to children during wildfire smoke season," said Iyaz, who earned a master's in environmental health from the UW and now works in extreme heat mitigation for King County. "After children are exposed to wildfire smoke, keep monitoring symptoms for a couple of days, because they can lag, especially if there are underlying health conditions that might contribute." The study did not find any change in visits to the emergency department, which researchers attributed to the unique population served by Seattle Children's. As a Level I trauma center, the hospital draws medically complicated cases from across the region, so its patients may be at greater risk of hospitalization than the general population. Parents may also be more likely to bring a sick child to the nearest emergency room, where their visit wouldn't be captured by this specific dataset. Even before these papers were published, the findings began to show real-world impacts on public health. Iyaz designed an easy-to-read summary of how smoke can affect children's health, so patients' families can better prepare for future events. "Wildfire smoke days are relatively new, and not all people may understand them," Iyaz said. "If people aren't aware of what wildfire smoke is and the impacts it can have, that makes it more important to meet communities where they are and talk about what the health effects can be." More information: Annie Doubleday et al, Wildfire smoke exposure and emergency department visits in Washington State, Environmental Research: Health (2023). DOI: 10.1088/2752-5309/acd3a1 Daaniya Iyaz et al, Association between wildfire smoke exposure and Seattle, Washington Pediatric Hospital services, 20062020, Environmental Research: Health (2023). DOI: 10.1088/2752-5309/acd2f6 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by optical coherence tomography (OCT) reduces adverse cardiac events in patients with bifurcation lesions, according to late breaking research presented in a Hot Line session August 27 at ESC Congress 2023. In approximately 15%20% of coronary revascularizations performed by PCI, the lesion is located in a branch point (bifurcation) of the coronary arteries. PCI involving a bifurcation lesion is often technically challenging, angiographic ambiguity is high and the prognosis is worse than for treatment of simpler lesions. OCT is a newer high-resolution intravascular imaging modality that allows for detailed characterization of atherosclerosis and of the treatment steps during PCI. OCTOBER was the first adequately powered clinical trial to examine whether routine use of OCT during PCI of complex bifurcation lesions improves clinical outcomes compared to standard practice with angiographic guidance and optional use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in left main bifurcations. Patients with complex bifurcation lesions requiring PCI were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to OCT-guided PCI or angiography-guided PCI. OCT-guided PCI was performed according to a detailed treatment protocol which included stepwise evaluation of (1) lesion preparation, (2) lesion length, (3) reference sizes, (4) lesion coverage, (5) stent expansion, (6) malapposition, (7) wire positions, and (8) ostial results. Investigators received training and core lab feedback on OCT-guided procedures throughout the trial. In the angiography-guided arm, the use of IVUS was allowed in cases requiring treatment of left main artery stenosis. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization, after two years. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, cardiac death, target lesion myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. All endpoints were adjudicated by an independent clinical endpoint committee blinded to treatment allocation. The trial included 1,201 patients from 38 heart centers across 13 European countries. A total of 600 patients were allocated to OCT-guided PCI and 601 patients were allocated to angiography-guided PCI. The average age of participants was 66 years, and 21% of patients in both groups were women. The primary endpoint of MACE after two years occurred in 10.1% of patients in the OCT-guided PCI group and 14.1% of patients in the angiography-guided PCI group, for a Kaplan-Meier estimated hazard ratio (HR) of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.98, p=0.035). Differences in secondary clinical endpoints after two years did not reach statistical significance, but the trial was not powered for these endpoints. All-cause death occurred in 2.4% and 4.0% of patients in the OCT-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI arms, respectively, for a HR of 0.56 (95% CI 0.28-1.10). Cardiac death occurred in 1.4% and 2.6% of patients in the OCT-guided PCI and angiography-guided PCI groups, respectively, for a HR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.22-1.25). Target lesion myocardial infarction occurred in 7.8% and 8.5% patients in the OCT-guided and angiography-guided arms, respectively, for a HR of 0.90 (95% CI 0.60-1.34), while target lesion revascularization occurred in 3.1% and 5.0% patients, respectively, for an HR of 0.63 (95% CI 0.35-1.15). There were no apparent differences in procedural safety, but the volume of contrast and the procedure time were both increased with OCT-guided PCI compared with angiography-guided PCI. Study author Dr. Lene Nyhus Andreasen of Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark said, "The OCTOBER trial demonstrated that in patients with complex bifurcation lesions, OCT-guided PCI was associated with better outcomes after two years than angiography-guided PCI. Procedures using OCT guidance were safe but took longer and the investigators used more contrast. "In the angiography-guided arm, IVUS was also used in approximately one in five cases, which reflects current clinical practice for complex PCI procedures in many centers. The results suggest that routine use of structured OCT guidance during PCI of complex bifurcation lesions should be considered to improve prognosis." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Study design. This paper is about sub-study 4. Credit: Lung Cancer (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107312 A new study shows that patients can experience reduced co-determination and insufficient information about their cancer treatment, while doctors face pressure to give treatment they do not consider useful. Shared decision-making is the norm in the patient's health care service but may be difficult to accomplish. A new study in Norway has investigated what needs and challenges patients with advanced lung cancer, their relatives, nurses, and doctors experience when deciding on a treatment plan. "Continuity in the patient-health care personnel relationship and familiarity with each other were emphasized as absolutely fundamental when trying to make the best possible decisions," says associate professor at the University of Bergen and senior author of the article, Margrethe Aase Schaufel. Patients do not understand that they can refrain from treatment. The study participants reported that it was difficult to communicate and understand complicated assessments of what further cancer treatment may entail in terms of benefits and harms. "Although patients could be satisfied with the follow-up and treatment recommended by the doctor, information was also given about situations where they had not understood that they could refrain from life-prolonging treatment which resulted in a significantly reduced quality of life," Schaufel says. Doctors feel pressured to give treatment that could be harmful. Some patients experienced having to fight for more treatment than what the doctor thought was advisable. And doctors reported pressure to give treatment that could be useless and harmful. "The doctors expressed a need for tools that provide more reliable knowledge about treatment tolerance and effect for the individual patient," says Schaufel. 'We need measures that can ensure enough time to dialog and communication' The study concludes that it is difficult to develop a so-called decision aid for advanced lung cancer that will be able to solve the challenges and needs reported by stakeholders, especially when there is great uncertainty related to the effect of several lines of treatment in advanced disease. "Measures are called for that can ensure continuity in the patient-health care professional relationship and enough time for dialog, communication training for clinicians to increase the patient autonomy, and better scoring tools for treatment tolerance," Schaufel concludes. The findings are published in the journal Lung Cancer. More information: Silje Orstad et al, "The challenge is the complexity"A qualitative study about decision-making in advanced lung cancer treatment, Lung Cancer (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107312 Journal information: Lung Cancer This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Pharmacies have long been considered a cornerstone of community health care, but they're closing in record numbers across the country. A new study led by researchers at the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine sheds light on the alarming impact these closures are having, especially on medically underserved areas. "Pharmacy closures disproportionately affect underserved neighborhoods, deepening existing health disparities," said lead study author Dr. Omolola Adepoju, a clinical associate professor and director of research at the Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute. The work is published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE. "Our study underscores the need for targeted solutions to ensure equitable access to health care for all." For most communities, pharmacies are vital health care hubs that offer a range of services beyond just the dispensing of medications. They also provide critical immunizations, medical education and advice. According to a previous study from the University of Illinois at Chicago, from 2009 to 2015, nearly 10,000 pharmacies in the U.S. closed, including one in four pharmacies in low-income areas. That trend has continued as more people are ordering prescriptions online and independent pharmacies are excluded from preferred pharmacy networks. The result, Adepoju says, are pharmacy deserts in communities that need them most. "Pharmacies have always been the frontline health care access points for families in medically underserved areas, but that's going away," Adepoju said. "In these areas, which are mostly minority communities with serious socioeconomic challenges, it is adding to existing health care disparities. " Distance between the center of census block groups and the nearest pharmacies (planar Euclidean distance calculated in ArcMap) and real street network (calculated using Google Map) at various distance percentiles, and B) Bland-Altman plot showing the difference and average distances of the planner Euclidean and real street network methods. Credit: PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289284 Similar to food deserts, pharmacy deserts are described as low-income, urban neighborhoods with no pharmacy within a mile for people with a vehicle, or within a half-mile for people without a vehicle. In Houston's Third Ward neighborhood, the study found the nearest pharmacy was two miles away, or four-times further than more affluent neighborhoods nearby, like Midtown, where residents had three pharmacies within a mile. "That added distance can have serious consequences," said study co-author Adebosola Karunwi, a third-year medical student from Houston. "A diabetic who faces a long walk or multiple bus rides to get their insulin prescription filled might not do it, instead skipping doses or blood tests." Adepoju and Karunwi hope their study serves as a call to action by highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts from policy makers, health care providers and community stakeholders to ensure every person, regardless of their means, has equal access to the crucial services. "We must address this issue by considering not just the economic impact of closures but also the broader health outcomes of the affected communities," Adepoju said. "Our research provides critical insights that can inform policy decisions and improve equitable health care access." To help close the gap in pharmacy access, the researchers suggest improving partnerships between health care and prescription providers and better identification of patients with limited access. Additionally, they urge community leaders to lobby for pharmacy expansion and to apply for government funding to establish pharmacies in existing spaces, such as churches and community centers. "We're already seeing hospitals using services like UberHealth to deliver medications and get people to their appointments," Karunwi said. "But more needs to be done. In this day and age, there's no reason anyone shouldn't be able to get the health care they deserve." More information: Omolola E. Adepoju et al, Rethinking access to care: A spatial-economic analysis of the potential impact of pharmacy closures in the United States, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289284 Journal information: PLoS ONE A week before Missoula public school teachers would open their own doors to students, doors opened for them at the University of Montanas Learning and Belonging (LAB) School. Like the preschoolers in the classrooms during the school year, a clutch of early kindergarten teachers, elementary principals and administrators explored some new classrooms, looking to better understand early education in Missoula. Organizers of the LAB school explained how they encourage active learning, with children free to move from messy art activities to organized tea parties, to basic wooden blocks in the classrooms. Areas are organized with posters explaining the purposes of activities to both encourage early literacy for students and better explain the value of them to parents and educators. We didnt just put blocks out because blocks are fun, LAB Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education Allison Wilson explained. Instead, it helps model that intention behind selection of materials, with these being some opportunities that you can intentionally hope to facilitate and organize while children are engaging with them. The classrooms are for a lot more than fun, too. A recent survey led by the nonprofit United Way demonstrated a long-present need for more early education in Missoula. The survey found less than half of the citys young children arrive fully prepared for kindergarten. Kindergarten readiness is a key indicator of long-term outcomes in education, health and income. The survey looked at teacher assessments of childrens physical, emotional and academic skills, and found 42% of all Missoula County students were fully ready for kindergarten entering the fall academic year in 2022; 38% of students were partially ready and 20% of students were not ready. That indicated to us that as a city and as a county, more than 50% of our students are not getting access to high-quality early-childhood experiences that are preparing them for kindergarten, MCPS P-12 Academic and Community Services Director Barbara Frank said. And from an economic perspective as a city were lacking many preschool seats for students. About 50% of our students dont even have access to affordable, low-barrier early-childhood programs. Grace Decker, Missoula coordinator with United Ways Zero to Five program that centers on early childhood education, said with the assessment that in some cases Missoula kindergarten classes have seen roughly 80% of students fully ready for kindergarten. At the same time though, theres classes where not a single student is assessed as ready. Improving kindergarten readiness The tour marked more than the anticipated beginning of the school year, representing the first day of a collaborative partnership between Missoula County Public Schools and UM. Both institutions seek ways to improve early education in Missoula. The collaboration grew out of a $2.6 million grant that will enable MCPS to add three new early kindergarten classrooms this year and the LAB School to add a new kindergarten. The expansion and partnership has been a dream for many on the tour, with it being the first of many back-and-forth visits between the two institutions to share ideas. Were really thrilled to have an opportunity to work with MCPS, UM Dean of the College of Education Dan Lee told MCPS staff in what was described as the one grown-up learning space in the LAB School. It will be the room where future trainings and discussions are held between the two institutions. I dont see this as being some one-way street, Lee said. We really want to make early childhood education grow in this state. So, as your first partner were thrilled to make this work. Since starting the early kindergarten program in 2019, MCPS has only had two classrooms at Jefferson Center, taking a maximum of 18 students each. The classes serve 4-year-olds and some 5-year-olds whose birthday is during the school year. Frank said theres been a waitlist of several people every year, with the school having to prioritize enrollment for lower-income families as a result. Weve always had more demand for those spaces than weve been able to offer, Frank said. The three new classrooms will be at Franklin, Lowell and Russell elementary schools. Frank wants to see an additional classroom at Hawthorne Elementary School by next year to make the early kindergarten program more widespread across Missoula neighborhoods. Decker said family income is one of the most important factors in determining kindergarten readiness alongside the ability to attend early education and what kind of resources parents have available. The survey stated cost as the most common barrier for early childhood education, with 24% of parents reporting early childhood education as too expensive. The area where poverty rates are the highest in Missoula, in the Heart of Missoula neighborhood, had the lowest kindergarten readiness rate of 8%. Its really clear that getting more kids access to early care and education is going to ensure that more kids will be ready to thrive when they get to kindergarten and beyond, Decker, who also serves on the MCPS Board of Trustees, said. New beginnings Montana is one of four states in the nation that dont have a state-run preschool program, along with neighboring states Idaho, South Dakota and Wyoming. This leaves school districts and communities to consider their own options when it comes to early education. School districts teaching an early kindergarten curriculum have increased over the past several years. According to a report from the Office of Public Instruction, the number of Montana districts offering any early education curriculum has gone from 23 districts in 2015 to 88 districts in 2022. According to Frank, a grant like the $2.6 million from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation received earlier this year is one of the only ways possible to start an early kindergarten program in public schools in Montana. After a year of grant funding, the students in the early kindergarten program will be considered as part of the total enrolled school number. The grant also supported a new transitional kindergarten for ages 4 to 6 at the LAB School, which previously only served preschoolers. The LAB school is also looking at expanding to first and second grade in the next couple years. The transitional kindergarten encompasses that in-between window, Wilson with the LAB School said. It captures those children who are just slightly too young to start kindergarten that first year or might be eligible but on the younger end. Thats important because in early childhood, thats a really critical window of development and so it offers that opportunity to serve that age group. The grant and collaboration between MCPS and the LAB School comes with a new MCPS position of early literacy director that will focus on further implementing the new early kindergarten classrooms and then teaching instructional methods to increase reading proficiency. The position comes after a bill passed in the last legislative session aiming to bolster early literacy in Montana. One of the bills findings was that too many children in Montana are not reading-proficient by third grade. Wilson said it will allow districts to more fully create early literacy and preschool programs. Funding will begin to be allocated in August of next year. Our hope this year in partnership with MCPS is that we can really build out what that will look like in action with that intentional focus on early literacy, Wilson said. Not just for the benefit of our partnership, but as a model for other communities, too. Wilson said the partnership represents a huge step forward for them both. It is going to benefit the quality of learning opportunities for young children and their families in our community, Wilson said. Frank with MCPS said the early kindergarten program has resulted in some of their highest-scoring students on the readiness assessment. The collaboration will allow for early child education to become a priority in both UM programming and at MCPS. We absolutely believe more high-quality preschool seats we can add as a community, whether its us adding it or private partners or other nonprofits adding these seats, that kindergarten readiness score is going to be turned up, Frank said. Our partnership is impacting early childhood education, but on a bigger scale, its really trying to build some strong teacher education programs for future Missoula teachers. A Helena woman will return overseas next week for missions that involve the people of Ukraine and Syrian refugees. Valerie Hellermann, executive director of Hands On Global, will leave Sept. 4 and be gone for five weeks. Hellerman said she will meet up with the team of her nonprofit group and attend a conference in the United Kingdom with international partners to discuss the current situation in Ukraine. From there she will go into Ukraine and drop off orthopedic supplies to doctors in Lviv and then go to Turkey to work with Syrian refugees at Hatay, Turkey, on the Turkey/Syrian border. She plans to drop off supplies that will be used by Syrians in 13 refugee camps. She said there are plans to have a mobile OB-GYN and a pediatric clinic. Theres apparently a lot of sick kids, she said. The 71-year-old Hellermann, who turns 72 on Sept. 7, said she was nervous about the trip to Ukraine because of the bombing. She said she and her team will personally drop off the medical supplies to doctors in Lviv. She said she scuttled plans to make it an educational trip for other surgeons because of the heightened danger. Hellermann said the length of this trip is similar to trips she has taken before. Its long, its hard, I dont like being away that long, but it takes a while to set clinics up, the former nurse said. Hellermann notes Syria has been in a civil war for more than a decade. She said a earthquake struck in February. Her friends on the ground tell her it will be 10 years until things are back to normal. She said she has assembled a team of 14, including doctors, nurses and three support personnel. This will be Hellermanns fourth trip overseas to help the people of Ukraine. She said Monday in a telephone interview that colleagues have told her there are a lot of injuries there right now. She said she will likely return in January, noting February will be the two-year anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Hellermann said she plans on blogging about her trip. Hands on Global Inc., a nonprofit, primarily provides basic health care to underserved and refugee communities in remote locations. To donate to Hands on Global, go to: https://handsonglobal.org/donate/ The annual Metis celebration complete with a powwow, parade, music, dance and panel discussions in Lewistown will look a little different this year. On Friday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m., the multi-day celebration will kick off with a Metis memorial unveiling. In French, the word Metis, (pronounced may-tee) refers to someone with mixed ancestry, and the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana is largely comprised of Metis people. Canada recognizes the Metis as one of the original inhabitants of its land, but in the U.S., Metis contributions to history have been largely ignored. Metis history is not taught in school, said Alisa Herodes, Little Shell councilwoman who helped mobilize fundraising efforts for the memorial. It seems like you step over the 49th parallel in Canada and say Metis and nobody bats an eye. Its the norm there, and the thing is, the Metis existed before the 49th parallel. In 1879, 25 Metis families founded Lewistown in central Montana. Chris La Tray, a Metis writer who was recently named Montana poet laureate, said Lewistown was an ideal location for Metis people at the time. People recognized life was changing, La Tray said. We were buffalo hunters, and buffalo were being eliminated. People were thinking about being traders, and Big Spring Creek was a spot you could do both. There was still a lot of game, so a lot of buffalo hunting tribes were congregating there. When the community was founded in the 1800s, the Metis had a cemetery on a piece of land that was later absorbed by a settler. The settler wanted the graves moved off the land, so in 1894, the Metis people were exhumed from their original burial site and placed in two large unmarked graves. La Tray said there are at least 70 Metis people buried in the unmarked graves, about 30 of whom have been identified. Now, the unmarked graves sit inside the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, a Catholic cemetery in Lewistown, and thanks to fundraising efforts within the Little Shell community, on Friday, a memorial recognizing the unmarked graves and Metis history will be unveiled. This is a piece of critical Indigenous western history that has been overlooked, said La Tray, who will speak at the event on Friday. This is part of the reckoning thats beginning to happen, slowly but surely, in U.S. history, as it relates to colonialism and the erasure of Indigenous contributions to our history. Herodes said the fundraising effort amassed hundreds of donations totaling $75,000, and the tribe offered to donate the stone for the memorial. When the tribe offered, I totally teared up, she said. I never even thought to ask. Herodes said when she chose a color for the stone, she saw a terracotta/cream color labeled buckskin it was perfect. I just thought, Thats our color! she said. Thats it. Clement Chartier, a Metis leader from Canada, Candi Zion, who wrote, In Between People: The Metis of Central Montana, and Norman Fleury, a world Michif language expert, will also be speaking at the memorial unveiling. For more information on the event, visit the Metis Celebration Lewistown Montana Facebook page. CONNELLY SPRINGS A child was airlifted Saturday after a fall at a popular Burke County waterfall. Rescuers were called out to High Shoals Falls at South Mountains State Park for a fall around 5 p.m., said Matthew Chapman, fire inspector for Burke County Emergency Management. They discovered a child had fallen about 10-12 feet at High Shoals Falls, Chapman said. The child had serious but not life-threatening injuries, Chapman said. High Shoals Falls is an 80-foot waterfall within South Mountains State Park, according to information from the North Carolina State Parks website. The child was airlifted to a trauma center by Mountain Area Medical Airlift, he said. Responders included Burke County EMS, South Mountains State Park Rangers, South Mountains Fire Rescue, Enola Fire & Rescue and Burke County Emergency Management. Last month, North Carolinas engineer licensing board disciplined the designer of Hickorys fallen arches by reprimanding him and fining him $5,000. Paul Gilham, the engineer who designed the arches which fell only months after installation in February 2022, initially faced a different penalty: a one-year suspension of his license. This information and other details about the investigation into the arch collapse are revealed in documents from the N.C. Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Here is a look at some key information from the documents: Gilhams punishment In July, the N.C. Board of Examiners posted its final decision revealing the penalties against Gilham, who serves as the president and chief engineer of Oregon-based Western Wood Structures. He was, ultimately, reprimanded and issued a $5,000 fine. But the documents show he originally faced more severe discipline. A review committee of the licensing board warned Gilham in a notice in February that they found sufficient evidence to support a charge of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct and would recommend the full board sanction Gilham by suspending his license for one year. Gilham had the option of requesting a settlement conference, which he did. Following that process, the settlement committee recommended the revised penalty of a reprimand and $5,000 fine. Andrew Ritter, the executive director of the licensing board, said the discussions of the settlement conference are confidential. He added that the $5,000 penalty is the highest fine the board has authority to impose. Inappropriate and flawed The documents lay out the most detailed public account so far of Gilhams perspective on the arch collapse and his response to the claims made against him. In a letter addressed to the licensing board in July 2022, Gilham denied the specific allegations against him, which included claims he improperly factored wind loads and that he wrongly analyzed the arches separately rather than modeling them as a single structure. At the same time, Gilham also acknowledged some fault in the design. He wrote that his own analysis found the computer model used to design the elements and connections for the arches was inappropriate and flawed. Specifically, Gilham said he mistakenly included a compressed cable in the analysis which should have been removed. This analysis yielded results (deflections and member forces) that were significantly smaller than the result obtained from the analysis performed with the cable removed, Gilham wrote. This misanalysis was a contributing cause of the collapse of the decorative arches. I am currently working through counsel with representatives of the city of Hickory to remedy this failure. Gilham also sat for an interview with the boards investigator where he indicated that he probably should have said no thank you to the job but at the time he thought he could make the arch design work, according to a summary of the interview. In an email after that interview, the investigator questioned whether Gilham was planning to license his company, Western Wood, with the board. According to the boards records, Pauls company has never been licensed to operate in North Carolina, yet the company name was used on the plans and other documents he prepared for this project, the investigator wrote in the email. Tom Davis, Gilhams attorney, said Gilham was not planning to license the business with the board because it was a construction company not entitled to be licensed by the board of examiners. He added that Western Wood has been registered to do business in North Carolina. This did not appear to be satisfactory to the licensing board, which listed Gilhams association with firm that is not licensed as required by (state law) among his violations in the disciplinary order from July. The value of the loss is clear Gilham and Western Wood are among the parties facing lawsuits from the city of Hickory in connection with the collapse of the Hickory arches. Neill Grading & Construction Co., Dane Construction and WSP USA Environment and Infrastructure are the others. In a February email to the board investigator, Gilhams attorney Tom Davis addressed the lawsuit, saying at one point the city has not been able to quantify the damages it allegedly suffered. He continued: Part of the citys problem with their damages calculation appears to center on the fact that some of the funding/financing of the project originated with the NCDOT. The city has not been able to determine if those funds are nonrefundable grant funds or funds which are reimbursable to NCDOT. Asked to respond to the statement in the email, Hickory Deputy City Manager Rodney Miller said: The value of the loss is clear. We are not sure what the defendants attorneys are referring to in the email he references. Elsewhere in the documents, Carl Burchette, the attorney for Hickory, said preliminary estimates suggest damages of more than $1 million. The arches themselves cost around $750,000. Public confidence was lost Hickory Public Works Director Steve Miller was also among those interviewed as part of the investigation. Miller described the fall of the arches as a shock and told investigators he did not know why the arches fell. He stated that the city had no idea winds of less than 35 miles per hour could bring the arches down when they were designed to withstand 100 mph winds, according to the interview summary. Miller also addressed the question of whether there would be any new arches in Hickory. He stated that the work is still under warranty but for many citizens, public confidence was lost and the city doesnt want the arches rebuilt, according to the interview summary. The doctor whose story was told in the Hulu limited series Dopesick is coming to Morganton to be part of a forum on substance use disorders and opioid addiction. Dr. Stephen Loyd will be the featured guest at the second community forum on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at CoMMA Performing Arts Center. The first community forum featured Dopesick author Beth Macy. The community forum is sponsored by the Burke County Health Department, UNC Health Blue Ridge and Olive Branch Ministry. Loyd will share his own story of dealing with addiction and the science behind substance misuse, according to information from the health department. Loyd inspired Michael Keatons character, Dr. Samuel Finnix, in the Emmy-winning Hulu series, Dopesick. Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson will be interviewing Loyd during the forum. Tilson serves as the state health director and the chief medical officer for North Carolina. Tilson has a background in pediatrics for 26 years at Wake County Health Department, a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University, and has provided insight into the opioid epidemic. She is expected to bring an insightful view and explorative questions for Loyd, according to the release. A release from the health department said Loyd is the host of the SeventyX7 podcast with his son, Heath, and the staff of Cedar Recovery in Lebanon, Tennessee. They discuss the science behind addiction and the stories that change the way the US treats opioid use disorder. Our first community forum was very successful and Beth proved to be a powerful speaker, Danny Scalise, director of the health department, said in the release. Im looking forward to hearing Dr. Loyd speak. He is well-known in the substance use disorder circles and is very knowledgeable about the subject. Loyd is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a degree in biology and earned his medical degree at East Tennessee State University, where he also completed his internship in internal medicine. He currently is a member of the Tennessee delegation to the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative, the University of Tennessees Planning Summit for Opioid and Addiction (SOAR), and the Northeast Region Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Task Force, the release said. The event is free and doors open at 5 p.m., with the program starting at 6 p.m. An ASL interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing will be available. The release said people can earn Continuing Medical Education credits by attending the event. In decades past, Butte boasted 10 Catholic churches within its city limits. As the years passed, one by one, four of those neighborhood churches, Sacred Heart, Holy Savior, St. Lawrence, and St. Mary would close its doors. After this past weekend, add two more to that list. On Saturday and Sunday, dozens of Butte Catholics attended the final Masses said at Butte Catholic Community Centrals St. Joseph Church and St. John the Evangelist Church. The main celebrant for the services was Bishop Austin Vetter of the Diocese of Helena, who told members of both congregations that they had every right to feel anger, disappointment and frustration, because it was a day of sadness. Something we love has to change, but theres a home for you always in His church, said Bishop Vetter. You are not forgotten. Over the last year or so, the Diocese of Helena had asked church officials in Butte to evaluate the needs of each individual parish and requested their input when planning for the future. No bishop wants to close the doors of a church, said Bishop Vetter. But its my responsibility to be the caretaker and make hard decisions. Dan Bartleson, communications director with the Helena diocese, noted in a phone interview that closing the two churches was by no means an easy decision for the bishop to make, but a necessary one. The closures of the two parishes will help address some challenging financial realities for those two parishes, said Bartleson. Operating six parishes with Buttes population, it became just too difficult. Unfortunately, the closures are a nationwide trend not just for Catholic churches, but other denominational churches, as well. Fifty years ago, the Butte City Directory listed 40 churches of all denominations. At present, that figure is now at 26. According to a May 22, 2023 article from National Public Radio, the average congregation size across the United States has also dropped dramatically, in some cases more than half. Further proof was shared by the Pew Research Center, which estimated that three-in-10 adults have no religious affiliation. Here in Butte, its not that reality hadnt set in for the parishioners of these two Catholic churches. Collectively, they knew of the hardships both churches had been facing prior and following the death of Father Bob Hall, who oversaw both parishes. Father Hall died Oct. 28, 2022, and because of the decreasing number of priests, no replacement was found. Bartleson noted that changes can be painful to parishioners. There is a history and family ties connected to these churches, Bartelson said. Bartelson is right. There is a definite history behind both churches. St. Joseph Church was established in 1902, and its congregation was made up of a melting pot of people, including the Polish, Germans, French, Irish, and Slavic-born. A fire destroyed the original church, along with the school, on Feb. 1, 1911, but all were quickly rebuilt. Ironically, St. Johns came to be because the parish of St. Joseph was not big enough to hold its growing congregation. The expanding Catholic population of Buttes south side also needed to be addressed. So, the newest church was organized in March 1917, and dedicated on Jan. 6, 1918. Its congregation grew and 31 years later, a larger edifice, said to be marked by simplicity of its beauty, replaced the original church. For the men and women that attended St. Josephs and St. Johns, these churches were an integral part of their lives, and for many, from childhood to present day. Henry and Colleen (Nolan) Klobucar were married at St. Joseph Church in 1967, all three of their children were baptized there, and daughter Melissa married Gary Burt on July 23, 1994, at St. Joes. Five generations of my family have been part of this church, said Colleen. Thats unique. As adults, the husband and wife taught Catholic education to the churchs younger parishioners and were members of the first group of Eucharistic ministers. Its such a sad day, said Henry. Joe Lee, who was baptized, received his first Holy Communion, and confirmed at St. Josephs, was also an altar boy from sixth through eighth grade. You knew everyone through the church, said Lee, and everyone got along like a family. For Mary Kay Maloney, St. Josephs, church and school, was where she made not just lifelong friendships, but lifelong memories. A 1967 graduate of the grade school, for Maloney, the church had always felt like home to her. Its as familiar to me as my mothers front room, said Maloney. Susan Paynter, who was the office manager at St. Johns, knows there is nothing she or any other parishioner can do to stop the closure of St. Johns, but she will miss working and worshiping there. She also misses the late Father Bob Hall, who was not only her boss, but her friend, too. Memories of the times spent with Father Hall and his mother, Helen, surfaced as she and her friend, Terry Streit, looked around the church. Christmas time was the best time, as Father Halls mother and me would decorate the tree and Terry would do the manger, recalled Paynter. I loved this church, said Streit. Its another part of history lost. Streit will especially miss gazing at the crucifix, which she found especially unique. The lighting in that church was really something, too, Streit said. Through the years, Gary Shea spent countless hours inside St. Johns. Its where he was baptized, had his First Holy Communion, and was confirmed. It was our family church and played a significant part in our lives, said Shea. The church helped create a bond within our family which is what a church does. The church was such a constant in his formative years that as an adult, he continued to attend Mass at St. Johns Its a sad day, said Shea, but I do understand the reasons why. Mass had just ended at St. Johns. Outside stood Colleen Boyle and Patty McGeehan, the two women gazing upwards towards the church. St. Johns was their childhood parish. Its just so unbelievable, said Boyle. It really makes me sad. The women described the last Mass as the end of a wonderful era that both were lucky to have experienced. Im glad we were here, said Boyle. The memories were wonderful, added McGeehan. As for the churches, now closed, both will be put up for sale to pay off outstanding debts. St. Josephs Church also includes a former residence and furnishings; St. Johns includes a house, former convent, and parking lot. Its sad, it really is, said Bishop Vetter, but we had to do something. When asked if any other Butte churchs fate was questionable, the bishop replied, There are no plans to close another church. By Mallorie Snider | Aug 28, 2023 Pictured from left to right: Murray State students Ava Isaacs, Kassidi Metcalf, and Annalyn Harper along with Dr. Brian Parr, dean of the Murray State University Hutson School of Agriculture. MURRAY, Ky. Fifty-five students, including three students from Murray State University, have been selected to receive scholarships totaling $2,000 each through the GROWMARK Foundation. More than 500 students from across the United States and Ontario, Canada, applied for the scholarships. Students who received the scholarships will have those funds available for the fall 2023 semester. Murray State students Annalyn Harper (Colfax, Illinois), Ava Isaacs (Thompsonville, Illinois) and Kassidi Metcalf (Albion, Illinois) have each been chosen to receive a $2,000 scholarship. "At GROWMARK, we recognize the value of investing in students pursuing careers in agriculture or business-related fields. By doing so, we not only assist students in achieving their academic goals but also cultivate a potential future workforce for GROWMARK and FS member cooperatives, said Mark Orr, CEO of GROWMARK, Inc. The GROWMARK Foundation was formally incorporated in 2005 and supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organizations. The Foundation is focused on programs and activities which support: the vitality of the industry of agriculture; agriculture education and consumer understanding of agriculture's contributions to society and the economy; agricultural leadership development; and education about the benefits of the cooperative way of doing business. The GROWMARK System has been involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts, including youth and young leader education and development and scholarships, for decades. More information is available at GROWMARK.com. How would you feel if you suddenly lost your health insurance? Frightened? Vulnerable? Well, 4 million Americans, including families with small children, have just faced that terrifying reality. All were on state Medicaid programs, many joining during the pandemic when they lost their jobs and their insurance coverage. Despite returning to work, they were allowed to stay on Medicaid without income review until May. Now the states are required to review their eligibility to continue. In the coming months, more people will face this reality. Many went back to work but continued to be on Medicaid instead of having a paycheck deduction for employer-provided insurance. They can ignore the renewal packets that come in the mail if they opt for employer-provided insurance. But others work in low-paying jobs that dont offer health insurance. Or they have no income at all. They need to respond immediately when receiving the renewal request packet to verify their eligibility. Many people arent responding, perhaps because they already have other insurance or they are confused by the notification. Perhaps they have moved and never received the information. Even worse, in the rush to reassess eligibility, many states have been overwhelmed by the review process. In fact, CMS, the federal agency that is responsible for health services, has just sent a letter to 36 states reprimanding them for long call-center wait times, complicated procedures and lack of follow-up. According to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately three-fourths of the dis-enrollments since the process began in early spring were because the renewal packets were not returned. But among those who did return their renewal packets, two-thirds successfully renewed their coverage. This doesnt seem to be a political issue. Both red states and blue states are accused in this bureaucratic nightmare. Caught in the middle, though, are millions of Americans who are barely scraping by. If uninsured in a health care emergency, they will run to hospital emergency rooms, which are required to treat and stabilize health problems but not to provide further care. Some will receive bills for treatment, which will likely result in collections. And in rising health insurance premiums for all of us. Medicaid solutions If you know someone who is being taken off Medicaid, please let them know through local community groups that there is help available. Each state has a program for low- or no-income adults and children, setting its own income limits. There may also be separate programs for children only, with higher income cutoffs. Dont assume you wont qualify. If you were already on Medicaid, the first step is to return the re-enrollment package you received in the mail, despite its seeming complexity. There is no time limit or open enrollment period for Medicaid, but you must act promptly to prevent dis-enrollment. And if you think you were mistakenly removed, you can immediately reapply. 'Obamacare' health insurance marketplace One alternative for people who earn more than their states income limit for Medicaid is Obamacare. Its a mistaken assumption that these Affordable Care Act plans are too expensive. In fact, according to HealthInsurance.org, an online consumer resource site, there are actually free Silver plans with excellent coverage available to people with up to about $20,000 in annual income. And free or low-cost coverage for people with higher incomes in many areas. Income limits are much higher if families have children. You can find your own plan and cost in every state using their calculator at www.healthinsurance.org/Obamacare/subsidy-calculator. And if you go to the government website Healthcare.gov, you can search specific plans and apply online. If your state of residence is one of those maintaining its own health insurance marketplace, youll be connected to your state marketplace website. Health care is one of those confusing topics that make your eyes glaze over especially at the moment you lose coverage from your job or through this new Medicaid review. Louise Norris, health policy analyst at HealthInsurance.org, says they are trying desperately to keep people from falling through the cracks during this unsettling period. She notes, We all agree that people who are no longer eligible should be taken off Medicaid, but its important to do that without dis-enrolling people who are still eligible. States need to cut through the reapproval bottlenecks. And people who are uninsured need to understand these additional resources, which I hope you will share. Thats the Savage Truth. Terry Savage is a registered investment adviser and the author of four best-selling books, including "The Savage Truth on Money." Email her at terry@terrysavage.com. A University of North Carolina faculty member was shot and killed as students and faculty barricaded themselves in dorm rooms, offices and classrooms for hours until a lockdown was lifted. The Energy Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, and Kenya Power CEO, Joseph Siror, have been summoned by the National Assembly Committee on Energy. They are expected to appear before the committee on Thursday, August 31 to provide explanations regarding the countrywide power outage that took place last Friday. Under the leadership of Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, the Energy Committee wants the two to give a detailed explanation of the circumstances that precipitated the recent power outage, which had repercussions across multiple regions, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The summons follows a statement issued by Kenya Power, in which they clarified that they had to restore Ugandas interconnector to bolster the efforts aimed at restoring power supply across the nation. The power distributor explained that they resorted to utilizing electricity from the Seven Forks Hydro power stations to initiate the process of restoration while awaiting the reinstatement of power from Uganda. Furthermore, Kenya Power clarified that the electricity generated by the Seven Forks Hydro power stations requires more time for the restoration process compared to the faster option of electricity imported from Uganda (UETCL). However, due to its unavailability at that particular time, they opted for the former solution. Kenya has experienced three nationwide blackouts between January 11, 2022, and August 25, 2023. The Government has come up with a comprehensive plan to tap resources in the blue economy to transform the lives of Kenyans. President William Ruto noted that the country has a lot of resources in the blue economy, which remain untapped. Speaking during the official launch of Mulukhoba fish landing site in Budalangi, Busia County, on Saturday, Dr Ruto said the sector will play an important role in the provision of employment opportunities for the youth. The blue economy will be an economic game changer for this country. We are going to integrate the sector for food security and employment opportunities for our people, said President Ruto. He said the facilitys cold room will process more than 10 tonnes of fish in a day. The improved refrigeration will help maintain a long shelf life and guarantee quality of fish from Busia and the neighboring counties, he said. President Ruto said there was a comprehensive plan to restock Lake Victoria with fingerlings to shore up fishing stocks. Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Ababa Namwamba (Sports), Salim Mvurya (Mining, Blue Economy, Maritime Affairs), Ezekiel Machogu (Education), Eliud Owalo (ICT) and Susan Nakhumicha (Health), Busia Governor Paul Otwoma, a host of Principal Secretaries, MPs and MCAs. In Busia Town, President Ruto officially opened the Busia County Teaching and Referral Hospital Surgical Ward that is complete with a General Surgical Unit, Orthopedic Surgery Unit and Paediatric Unit with a combined bed capacity of more than 90. The reorientation of our medical services, placing community health promoters at the centre of our Plan, advances early detection and prevention of diseases, assuring all Kenyans especially those at the grassroots accessible, quality and affordable care, he said. Later, at Alupe University in Teso South, he officially opened the institutions Academic Block and Library. He also presided over the launch of Lurambi affordable housing project in Lurambi constituency, Kakamega County. We are building 4,000 houses in Lurambi that will create employment opportunities for over 10,000 youth, he said. The Deputy President said the Government was on course in delivering its pledges and reducing the cost of living. We pledged to serve all Kenyans equally and deliver our promises and we are on course, he said. Mr Mudavadi asked leaders from the political to be united and serve Kenyans. Mvurya said the Government was exploiting the potentiality of the sector to create jobs. He said plans were underway to transform Beach Management Units (BMUs) into savings and credit cooperative societies. Two stars of beloved St. Helena Drama productions like The Wizard of Oz, Once Upon a Mattress and Thoroughly Modern Millie are working on a new play together. The twist? This ones being staged not at St. Helena High School but in New York City, where Mia Pelosi and Lucy Harrington are looking to make their mark on the worlds most prominent and competitive theatrical scene. Download the Napa Valley Register's free news app Easily access the very latest local news that matters in an app built for you. Read, see, and hear exclusive commentary, stunning photography, SuperMarket 86, written by Pelosi and directed by Harrington, is slated to run Oct. 10-14 at Teatro LATEA in Manhattans Lower East Side, as part of the New York Theater Festival. Its about a cashier and four girls who get stuck in a supermarket during a storm and spend a long night learning about each other and about themselves. Pelosi compared it to John Hughes 1985 film The Breakfast Club. Things are revealed, and they all leave a little different from when they walked in, Pelosi said. The pair launched a GoFundMe campaign last week to raise money for costumes, props, sets, crew and rehearsal space. Within a few days theyd exceeded their $3,000 goal with help from St. Helena school faculty members and other longtime supporters of St. Helena Drama. I was blown away by all the support, Pelosi said. Pelosi and Harrington started studying drama and choir in sixth grade with St. Helena Drama Director Patti Coyle. I am thrilled that both of these talented alumni are continuing to pursue their passion for theater and are working together in the Big Apple, Coyle said. There is no stopping them now. SuperMarket 86 premiered last winter at New York Universitys Experimental Theater Wing, as Pelosis senior project. She went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree in drama from NYUs highly selective Tisch School of the Arts. When she got the opportunity to stage an expanded version of it for the New York Theater Festival, she needed someone to direct it, so she turned to her old St. Helena friend Lucy Harrington. Harrington participated in St. Helena Drama until her junior year, when she transferred to Justin-Siena High School in Napa. She was also active with Cafeteria Kids Theater, including one of the lead performances in 2017s Shrek the Musical. She kept in touch with Pelosi on her way to earning a bachelors degree in theater at Northwestern University another top program and was planning to move from Chicago to New York. Harrington appreciated the plays theme of young people, two of them former couples, connecting in unexpected ways. Theyre all at places in life that theyre not super happy with, Harrington said. They come to understand their situations in a different way. They feel a connection that enables them to dream bigger or see themselves in a new light. The off-stage roles of writing and directing might come as a surprise to St. Helena audiences who remember Pelosi and Harrington for their acting and singing. Pelosi had written songs and co-directed St. Helena Dramas 12 Angry Jurors with Sofia Osborne in 2018, and she said singing is still her biggest passion. It wasnt until she spent the summer of 2022 in a theater program in Amsterdam that she was inspired to start writing. The program encouraged students to create their own work, be it dance, song or drama. My roommates advice was just to write a page, Pelosi said. So I did, and then I kept going and it became something I thoroughly enjoyed. Im trying to be as versatile as possible as an artist. Harrington has directed four shows since 2021, including a large-scale production of Matilda that incorporated circus and acrobatic elements. When she moves to New York she hopes to support the development of new shows by emerging artists. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work on a new play, especially one written by my best friend from home, Harrington said. To help fund the upcoming production of SuperMarket 86, go to gofundme.com/f/supermarket-86-at-the-new-york-theatre-festival. If you happen to be in New York in October, tickets are available at newyorktheaterfestival.com/supermarket-86. Photos: SH Drama presents 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' Mia Pelosi Frank Lenney and Lucy Harrington Millie, Jimmy and Miss Flannery Cast and crew Sofia Osborne The Priscilla Girls Dance Gabby Gomez At the Napa Farmers Market, most of our customers come to see my farms stand, Sun Tracker Farm, during the summer knowing they can find the rare but delicious Charentais melon. Even though we grow seven different varieties of mind-blowing melons, Charentais is our hook crop. Customers come specifically for these melons, and while they are at our stand, they buy a few more things. Unfortunately, this year the cascading pile of Charentais melon was replaced by a mystery melon. This melon was orange, it was sweet, but it was not a Charentais. Starting in March, we start seeding hundreds of melon plants every two weeks in hopes to provide the good people of Napa (and elsewhere) melons from June to October. That means almost four months pass between when we first seed our melons and when we harvest them. This year we noticed our first few successions of Charentais melons looked a little off less vigorous, poor germination, etc. After seeing this pattern over several successions, we called the seed distribution company and asked for a fresh batch of seed (which they luckily provided). Despite this, we still anticipated a good Charentais harvest. Then June arrived, and we only had a handful of Charentais melon in our beds. Instead, our Charentais beds consisted of a mystery melon and some sort of Sharlyn melon. When I walked our still-maturing melon successions I found that four future successions, meaning nearly 2,000 melon plants, were of this mystery mix. The few Charentais we harvested came from seed leftover from the previous season, and all the other plants came from the batch of seed that looked a little off. Charentais are the crop that attracts our customers in the summer, and they represent tens of thousands of dollars in sales. We were hopeful that the new batch of seed would be real Charentais, but in the meantime we were saddled with sellable but not profitable melons. Two months later I can share that yes, we lost significant income from this mystery melon. I tracked a dip in sales as soon as our table became dominated by the mystery melon, despite the fact that our wonderful customers embraced this story and bought our melons anyways. The true question is, who is to blame in this story? The farmer, the seed distributer, or the seed producer? Of the three protagonists, who stepped up, who did their job, and who paid the price? The farmers: For months the farmer planned their season, ordered seed, prepared their soil and beds, sowed seed, transplanted, watered, weeded, and most importantly, paid their bills. I may be biased, but in this story the farmers, did not do anything wrong, and ultimately, they lost significant income. The seed distributor: The seed distributor bought seed from a trusted seed producer. They received an order and shipped the seed. When the farmers raised concerns about the seed quality, the distributor found new seed. After the discovery of the mixed mystery melons, they offered a refund and future discount, and vowed to reach out to the seed producer. In all they made a valiant effort to correct the wrong, they refunded a few hundred dollars, apologized, and tried to figure out what went so wrong. Ultimately some of the blame and some of the pain of this situation was felt by the seed distributor. The seed producer: The seed producer grew, packaged, and sold seed that was not what it should be. When contacted, they did not respond. No income was lost by the seed producer, and no one took responsibility for the error. What I truly want to share with this story is a pattern that all farmers face. Time and time again, we farmers plan, invest, rise to the challenge, and do our jobs. We do everything right but suddenly, someone elses mistake and inability to do their job causes farmers cascading consequences. Stories like these are not an exception, they are a rule. Even though I am a young farmer, I have already lost thousands of dollars to people in the farm-adjacent world failing to do their jobs. Be it the hatchery that didnt administer a vaccine and caused most our chickens to die, the loan officers that failed to process our paperwork before a deadline, or the sales reps that sold us the entirely wrong product. Sometimes our friends ask us to leave the farm, to take a break but what they dont realize is we cannot hit pause on a farm. If we take a break, things die, meaning farmers are always on, they are always vigilant, they always show up. For the pencil pusher in the office, the small error here and there may seem nothing, but they dont know the harm they cause farmers downstream. We invest so much time, money, and effort into what we do, and in a moment all this work can be thwarted. These setbacks are grappled and tackled by all farmers, every year. They always will and always can overcome them. That said, you as customers can support you framers by hearing and appreciating these kinds of stories, and providing your support in any way you can. As part of his working visit to Slovenia, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Sunday visited Debeli Rtic rehabilitation center, informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia. Accompanied by Samuel Zbogar, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, FM Mirzoyan got acquainted with the aforesaid rehabilitation center's activities, initiatives, and the program for Armenian children. The ambassador of Austria to Slovenia and the representative of the Slovenian Red Cross were also in attendance. Within the framework of this program implemented with the assistance of the Enhancing Human Security (ITF) organization of Slovenia, the latters Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and the permanent representation of Austria to the OSCE, Debeli Rtic rehabilitation center accept, between August 26 and September 3, a total of 17 children from Armenia and its border areas. The program is implemented as a continuation of the project "Psychological-social rehabilitation of children, victims of the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh" launched by the aforementioned rehabilitation center in the fall of 2022, as a result of which 11 children underwent a medical rehabilitation program at this center. RFE/RL: US supports EU monitoring mission in Armenia, embassy says Hurricane Otis kills at least 48 people in Mexico $135M to be allocated for needs of those forcibly displaced from Karabakh, Armenia PM says Armenia nationals can now open bank accounts in Russia in simplified manner Armenia MFA former spox shares video of Russian peacekeepers withdrawal from Karabakh 202-million-year-old dragonfly fossil discovered in UK Armenia premier: I hope arrangements for opening border with Turkey will be implemented in near future Pashinyan: Current world orders collapse is serious threat to Armenia Armenia labor, social affairs minister is in Iran, memorandum to be signed on highly qualified workforce exchange Armenia PM: 3 main principles of signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan have been agreed upon Armenia defense minister attends Beijing Xiangshan Forum opening ceremony in China (PHOTOS) Biden, Netanyahu discuss ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza Arab, Muslim users of social media unhappy with ongoing supply of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel Attempts are being made to destabilize situation in Russias Dagestan from outside, leader Melikov says 20 people injured, 2 in critical condition after mass riots at Russias Makhachkala airport Kamala Harris: US has no plans of sending combat troops to Israel, Gaza Russia researchers develop water evaluation system using smartphones Russias Makhachkala airport closed until November 6 France releases city electric cars that can be driven without driver's license Thugs attack bus carrying women, children in Russias Makhachkala Anti-Israel protest in Russias Dagestan, crowd storms into Makhachkala airport Slovenia donates 120,000, through Red Cross, to forcibly displaced people from Karabakh Overall 3342 children died in Gaza since start of war Israel bombs areas near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza Palestinian Red Crescent: Israel demands evacuation of Gaza hospital UN peacekeeper wounded in Lebanese shelling Israel Armenians newspaper: Situation in Israel still difficult Iran President: Zionists were defeated, forced to retreat Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza exceeds 8000 Azerbaijani Defense Minister also visits China Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza kill 13 civilians Israeli army names main priority UN Secretary General criticizes Israel again Building of Jewish cultural center is set on fire in Russia UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting Russian MoD: Crimea was attacked by 36 Ukrainian drones at night Armenian Defence Minister leaves for China Forcibly displaced teachers from Artsakh can continue work in Armenia Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 42 Israeli PM deletes controversial post from social media, apologizes Israeli opposition leader, National Security Minister criticize PM At least 331 Israeli soldiers killed since start of war with Hamas Baku arrests Iranian spies who wanted to create Kerime state in Azerbaijan Lemkin Institute calls on UN to prepare proper mission to Artsakh Moscow, Ankara effectively coordinate efforts to tackle important regional issues Israeli army boosts contingent in Gaza, enters deeper into enclave Aide to Aliyev, Iran Ambassador discuss Azerbaijani-Armenian relations US Eisenhower aircraft carrier enters Mediterranean Sea Road accident in Armenia leaves 2 dead Iranian President: Israel has crossed the red lines Artsakh President: Russian side was in observers position Armenia Security Council Secretary meets assistants to US Secretary of State, France President Armenia PM sends condolences to Kazakh President over mine accident Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 33 Russian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministries confirm the need for normalization between Baku and Yerevan Hamas ready to release eight hostages at Russia's request RA Economy Ministry, JP Morgan discuss international market accessibility Hamas says there is no progress in hostage negotiations Germany ready to send over 1 thousand military personnel to Middle East Fatal car accident occurs in Yerevan Tunis President says Palestinians have right to stand firm against Israel Armenia Economy Minister, British Chamber of Commerce reps discuss coop Israel promises to allow trucks carrying aid into Gaza Erdogan: Israel should end madness and stop attacks on Gaza If Gaza is destroyed, it will create catastrophe for decades, if not centuries Palestinian Red Cross loses contact with all workers in Gaza IDF expands area of ground operations in Gaza north Moldovan President explains increasing of defense spending US, Israeli defense ministers discuss military operations in Gaza Chinese FM calls Taiwan independence biggest challenge for Sino-US relations US may not have enough funds to help Ukraine, Israel at once IDF expands ground operations in Gaza Strip US calls its strikes on targets in Syria message for Iran Iran warns of potential new fronts against US Armenia says yes to UN resolution on Gaza truce UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Israel-Hamas truce UAVs, missiles attack US base in Syria Israeli army says its actions are not ground invasion Jordanian FM on Gaza ground war: Catastrophe for years to come The Washington Post: US calls on Israel to rethink Gaza ground invasion Georgia legislature head: There are positive developments for signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement CoE congress adopts declaration on humanitarian situation in Karabakh, neighbouring cities and regions Lindsey Snell: Armenians who stayed in Karabakh aren't allowed to speak to their loved ones without being monitored Charles Michel: EU leaders announced they intend to continue mediation on Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement Armenia parliament speaker: Very possible that there will be some positive change soon in relations with Turkey Eurasian Development Bank issued bonds on Armenia stock exchange for first time Pashinyan to Szijjarto: Armenia-Hungary dialogue continuity is important Hungary FM does not answer question about vetoing EU statement on Azerbaijan military aggression against Karabakh Armenia official: I dont share assessment that we are further aggravating relations with Russia Armenia deputy FM on Lavrov statement: Those maps were provided to parties by various mediators Hungary FM speaks positively about Armenia's possible joining Black Sea electric cable project Peter Szijjarto: Hungary is ready to contribute to protection of Christian heritage in Karabakh Melanie Joly: EU monitoring mission in Armenia ensures vital stability in South Caucasus. FM: Armenia's participation in Black Sea power cable project is under consideration Canada FM: I was moved by strength, courage of Armenian women who fled Karabakh (PHOTOS) Armenia FM, US official discuss regional security issues Caucasian leopard spotted in Armenias Zangezur Biosphere Complex Imedi TV: Armenia, Azerbaijan PMs meet in Georgia Sanctions are only way to stop Azerbaijan aggression against Armenia, European Parliament member says Armenia, Hungary FMs tete-a-tete kicks off in Yerevan NEWS.am and PRADIX digital marketing agency have joined forces to unveil a new solution in Armenias online advertising market. A new advertising network is designed to cater to the diverse interests of micro-businesses, small and medium-sized businesses, or simply people who sell a service or product. In todays fast-paced business environment, effective product and service promotion is crucial to secure market positioning. All the popular platforms are full of ads which results in a surge in advertising costs. Considering the mentioned points, PRADIX and NEWS.am proudly present one of the most competitive online advertising solutions tailored for the Armenian market. What is PRADIX Ad Network? It is an online banner and video advertising platform boasting 4 different sizes and formats to meet the diverse advertising needs: SuperTop, InRead, Quadratic, Video: SuperTop Ad SuperTop is a banner ad displayed at the top of a website visible on both desktop and mobile versions. With expansive dimensions of 1260x250 pixels, it is one of the best options to provide brand presence and captivate the attention of consumers. InRead Ad InRead ads that are displayed on the website within editorial content present an exceptional impression rate. Available both on desktop and mobile versions, this format is a great tool for promotion. Quadratic Ad Quadratic is an alternative to one of the most popular 300x250 pixel ads on Google, but it has a 300x300 pixel size, which leaves more room for content creation. This option is also the most budget-friendly providing an opportunity to launch a month-long campaign with only 7,500 drams. Video Ad Video advertising is a fiercely competitive domain in the Armenian market. With a budget of 30,000 drams, you can launch a month-long campaign and gain recognition in the Armenian market. All of the mentioned ad types already have non-standard options. Who benefits from using the PRADIX network? Low prices of the PRADIX network can attract representatives of any industry. For example, a person selling an apartment has posted an ad, but there are very few callers. With a small budget, it is possible to place an advertisement on this network, and it will be distributed on NEWS.am, the most-visited news website in Armenia. The same applies to car importers, real estate agents, and sellers on Wildberries, Ozon, Amazon, or other platforms. They need promotion of their stores outside of those platforms and the PRADIX network is a powerful tool to amplify their visibility beyond the marketplaces. Another advantage of PRADIX is that the network sells traffic from abroad, for example, traffic coming from the United States, at affordable Armenian prices. It is hardly possible to find an alternative in any other network as it is clear that the American or European traffic is much more expensive than the Armenian one. The same prices in the PRADIX network enable the users to carry out cost-effective advertising campaigns in Armenia but for the U.S. market as the advertisement displayed on NEWS.am will be visible mainly to the American-Armenians. How to start advertising with PRADIX online network? Launching an efficient advertising campaign with PRADIX is simpler than ever. Follow the sequence of steps: Contact us by e-mail [email protected] or call +37496303313, Provide a detailed description of the company, its activities, and information about advertised products or services, If you have ready-to-use advertising files, feel free to submit them. Alternatively, the company's experts will do it for you, Get the ad approval and proceed with the online payment, Once the stages are completed, the ad will be activated. Why is it important to follow the points above? Proper organization of work, accountability, and handling of each client's case requires written communication through one channel. Correspondence, particularly via e-mail, serves as a reliable channel to send and receive all the necessary information and to preserve the history of communication between the agency and the client. In addition, there are many "fake ads" in the modern online advertising market. At PRADIX, we check the advertiser's data, the authenticity of the advertisement, alignment with our policies, and ensure the offers are genuine. Summary The potential for retail and online sales development in Armenia is huge, and the stakeholders seek useful tools to get the most out of their campaigns. NEWS.am and PRADIX are sure that the cutting-edge platform will be a good solution for entrepreneurs and will help them achieve optimal results from their marketing endeavors. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Monday met with Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, in Slovenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The interlocutors discussed the possibilities of expanding the bilateral agenda and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, expressing readiness to take steps towards more effective use of the existing potential. The sectors of trade, economy, science, education, culture, as well as areas of innovation and high technologies, were indicated as promising directions for cooperation. In this context, the importance of expansion of effective cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency was emphasized. During the meeting, the issues on regional security were touched upon. Minister Mirzoyan briefed his counterpart on the details of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan's 8-month-long illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, drawing attention to the severe challenges unfolded for particularly vulnerable groups - children, women, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, in conditions of the acute shortage of food, medicine and essential goods. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia highlighted that by its actions Azerbaijan not only is grossly violating the fundamental norms of international humanitarian law and human rights, but also is showing clear disrespect to the Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, by keeping the Lachin corridor blocked. Reaffirming the commitment of Armenia to the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus, Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that the official Bakus pattern of behavior is hindering the efforts of Armenia and the international community in this direction. We have never been against negotiations with Azerbaijan; the only issue is the format and topics. David Babayan, advisor to the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President and former foreign minister of Artsakh, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. He added that these negotiations should proceed with the participation of mediators so that they are not presented as an intra-Azerbaijani dialogue. "Besides, it is necessary to have people from outside who can dispel any speculations. A meeting without mediators will further complicate the situation, especially now when Azerbaijan senses its impunity," he said. According to Babayan, in the aforesaid negotiations, emphasis should be placed on the current humanitarian situation in Artsakh, and there is no possibility to discuss political issues because the parties have opposing views in this regard. "There are no definite dates yet, but the sooner [these negotiations take place], the better. Political issues can be discussed in critical cases when we ourselves decide which of the four scenarios we choose," said Babayan. The advisor of the Artsakh president reminded that one of these scenarios is the preservation of the status quo, which, according to him, is impossible. "And if the above-mentioned scenario is possible, then this is different. The second scenario is to be part of Azerbaijan, which is unacceptable to us [i.e. Artsakh]. Therefore, two scenarios remain: a struggle that we do not know how it will end, and a biblical emigration [of the Artsakh Armenians] without accepting humiliating conditions. We must be realistic, preserve our dignity. And it is very important to stay away from demagogues," David Babayan concluded. The road leading from Akna (Aghdam) to Stepanakert is just a logistical road, and we do not know if and when it will be operational. But if the opening of this road is connected with the opening of the Lachin corridor, and even more so, if the Lachin corridor is substituted by this road, then this will be a disaster and the end of Artsakh. David Babayan, advisor to the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President and former foreign minister of Artsakh, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am. "After that, the concept of a corridor will disappear, and the people [of Artsakh], if necessary, will not even be able to escape, will not be able to leave. The matter of opening [the road from Azerbaijans Aghdam town to Artsakh capital Stepanakert] should not become political," he said. According to the advisor of the Artsakh president, the matter of substituting one road with another is also a geopolitical matter, and the attempt to implement that plan will be linked to Azerbaijans wish to suffocate Artsakh as soon as possible. Babayan explained that those who were supposed to leave Artsakh, including students and medical patients who are in critical condition, are leaving Artsakh now. "Citizens of other countries are also leaving. But this is a very small percentage of people in Artsakh. The [Russian] peacekeepers [in Artsakh] were asked to at least transport the university students and patients. The Red Cross is also working," emphasized the advisor to the Artsakh President. But he did not rule out that Azerbaijan may stop this category of people as well and announce that it will not let anyone go, or it may abduct people again. "Everything is possible," added David Babayan. Accompanied by the Russian peacekeeping contingent, another transfer of civilians from Artsakh to Armenia was carried out Monday. According to the preliminary data, 170 persons were transported accompanied by the peacekeeping contingent. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan wrote about this on Facebook. He added as follows: Around 13:00, persons heading to Armenia reached the illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint located next to the Hakari Bridge in the Lachin corridor. According to the information received by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, Alen Nelsonovich Sargsyan, born in 2001, was abducted by force and coercion and taken away in an unknown direction by the representatives of the Azerbaijani border and other services. In addition, other 5 persons from Artsakh were taken to a special room near the checkpoint for interrogation by the representatives of the border and other services of Azerbaijan. During the interrogation, various questions were asked: sport activities, the purpose of the trip to Armenia, the economic situation in Armenia and Artsakh, etc. According to the information received, two more persons from the pre-agreed lists Vahe Hovsepyan and Levon Grigoryan did not cross the illegal checkpoint. However, it is not possible to establish a connection with them. All three citizens are students of the educational institutions in the Republic of Armenia. We have numerously noted that the illegal checkpoint located near the Hakari bridge poses a direct and irrefutable threat to the physical existence and protection of the fundamental rights of the civilian population of Artsakh. The abduction of Vagif Khachatryan and Alen Sargsyan irrefutably proves that the so-called checkpoint has turned into a tool for serving the Azerbaijani criminal arbitrariness, through which Azerbaijanis arbitrarily kidnap and deprive civilians of their freedom. 120,000 people are kept under the blockade, deprived of humanitarian access and the possibility of protection of their basic human rights. The international legal and political guarantees from both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Russian peacekeepers are practically insufficient to protect the rights of the population of Artsakh, including the right to free and safe movement. Taking into account the commitments made by these two actors, the Human Rights Defender demands that they take all possible measures to ensure the safety of the humanitarian movement of the population of Artsakh and the immediate return of the abducted persons. Otherwise, without such guarantees, the transportation of civilians should be stopped. The Staff of the Human Rights Defender continues to collect facts in connection with the incident, about which we will make an additional statement. The collected facts will be summarized and presented to the international organisations and other international actors with a mandate to protect human rights. 23:30 Patole said, Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan of 'Chale Jao' (Quit India) to the British from Mumbai (in 1942). "Likewise, the slogan of the Modi government 'Chale Jao'...'BJP 'Chale Jao' will be given at the INDIA meeting in Mumbai. The logo of the bloc will be unveiled on August 31," he said. He said six chief ministers, including Nitish Kumar (Bihar), Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal) and Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and presidents of various other parties will be present at the gathering. "The INDIA alliance has many capable candidates for the post of Prime Minister, but the BJP has no candidate for the top post," Patole claimed. The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president said Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar has made it clear that some NCP leaders, including his nephew and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, have joined hands with the BJP because of fear of ED (Enforcement Directorate) action and not for development of the state. The first meeting of the anti-BJP bloc was held in June in Patna, while the second gathering in Bengaluru in July finalised its name -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The grouping has been formed with an aim of taking on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 parliamentary polls. -- PTI National opposition alliance Indian National Developmental Inclusuive Alliance (INDIA) will give the slogan of 'BJP(BJP Go Away)' during its upcoming two-day conclave in Mumbai, said Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Monday.He said the grouping has many capable candidates for the post of prime minister and claimed some parties which are currently constituents of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may switch over to INDIA.Key leaders of the anti-BJP bloc, which has more than two dozens parties now, will gather in a luxury hotel in suburban Mumbai on August 31 and September 1 in what will be their third huddle since coming together on a common platform for the first time in June in Patna.Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Patole said senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and chief ministers of half a dozen states, among others, will attend the meeting.The gathering will also see the unveiling of the grouping's logo and opposition leaders will discuss their agenda ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he said. France to ban wearing of abaya dresses in schools The education minister said the garment violated France's strict secular laws in education. Photo: Shutterstock French authorities are to ban the wearing in school of abaya dresses worn by some Muslim women, the education minister said on Sunday, arguing the garment violated France's strict secular laws in education. "It will no longer be possible to wear an abaya at school," Education Minister Gabriel Attal told TF1 television, saying he would give "clear rules at the national level" to school heads ahead of the return to classes nationwide from September 4. (AFP) Deadly Greek 'megafire' one of Europe's worst in years A building near Athens that was left in ruins by one of Greece's wildfires. Photo: AP Hundreds of Greek firefighters were battling a huge blaze on Monday that has killed at least 20 people over the past 10 days, Europe's deadliest wildfire so far this summer as record-setting heatwaves unleash blazes across the continent. The fire, which began near the city of Alexandroupolis, has raged uncontrolled in northeastern Greece's Evros region, turbocharged by near-gale force winds and high temperatures. All but one of the victims killed so far were irregular migrants hiding in the forest. "It is the definition of what we call a megafire," government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told a regular briefing. The European Union-backed Copernicus Climate Change Service said the Evros blaze had burned more than 77,000 hectares of land, making it one of the biggest on European soil in years. "We tried to wet the land with hoses a bit, for protection, but the water was evaporating in no time," says 40-year-old beekeeper Michalis Tsolakis, who lost 350 beehives in the village of Kirki, in Evros region. "t just wasn't possible to save anything." Marinakis said the country's climate crisis and civil protection minister and other senior government ministers had visited the area to assess the damage. Lawmakers were expected to discuss the impact of the devastating fires and state preparedness in parliament on Thursday. Firefighting forces from Cyprus, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria and Slovakia have been assisting Greece's efforts to put out the blazes in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a wildfire on the outskirts of Athens that began last Tuesday had abated, the fire brigade said. Scores of people have had to flee their homes across Greece as hundreds of wildfires erupted across the country in the second major fire outbreak of this summer. In July, some 20,000 foreign tourists were evacuated from the island of Rhodes, where a wildfire burned resorts and hotels. (Reuters) Chip major Qualcomm has announced a Snapdragon G Series handheld gaming portfolio that unlocks a range of options for playing the console first games. The Snapdragon G Series handheld gaming portfolio now spans three tiers: G1, G2 and G3, with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Platform as the newest processor. "The new generation of Snapdragon G Series powered devices will be the best place for gamers to play their favorite titles, offering them the ability to choose from the cloud, console, Android, or PC while on the go, said Mithun Chandrasekhar, senior director of product management, Qualcomm. Snapdragon G1 is designed to power fanless handheld gaming devices for game streaming, whether local or via the cloud. Snapdragon G1 is focused on lag-free connectivity and battery life, so players can stream their favorite console and PC games for longer periods of time. The first member of the Snapdragon G1 family is the Snapdragon G1 Gen 1 Platform, which has a Qualcomm Kryo CPU (8 Core) paired with the Qualcomm Adreno A11 GPU to enable high-quality handheld game-streaming devices. Snapdragon G2 is built to unlock full-featured mobile and cloud gaming, with a highly optimized processor and cutting-edge 5G and Wi-Fi 6/6E from Qualcomm FastConnect 6700 Mobile Connectivity System. The first product in this tier is the Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 Platform, featuring the latest Kryo CPU (8 Core), a gaming-optimized Adreno A21 GPU, and the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System, said the company. Snapdragon G3 is the flagship tier, powered by Snapdragon G3x Gen 1. The devices built on the Snapdragon G3 enable best-in-class gaming experiences across a broad spectrum of gaming ecosystems. The Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 Platform has a Kryo CPU (8 Core) and Adreno A32 GPU, offering over 30 percent faster CPU performance and a 2 times faster GPU performance compared to its predecessor. AyaNeo, Huaqin, Inventec, Thundercomm, and other companies are collaborating with Qualcomm on handheld gaming devices powered by Snapdragon G Series Platforms. Entrepreneurs invited to Southern Illinois 2023 Business Plan Competition at SIU by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. If youre ever considered entrepreneurship, heres your chance to bring your business idea to life. Southern Illinoisans can win cash prizes and valuable development services to help make their business ideas a reality in the Southern Illinois 2023 Business Plan Competition, thanks to Regions Bank and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I believe that the Business Plan Competition offers local entrepreneurs a remarkable platform to shine, said Melissa Ray Roach, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU. It not only celebrates innovation and creativity with real prize money, but it also provides a supportive environment to learn, grow and connect. This competition is more than just a chance to win; its an opportunity to refine ideas, receive valuable feedback and build a strong foundation for success. Were here to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and drive positive change in our region. New or expanding business concepts welcome Any entrepreneur with a new business concept or pre-venture plan is welcome to enter, as are start-up or existing for-profit small businesses focused on innovative ideas, products or services. The deadline to sign up is 11:59 p.m. Sept. 10. The Illinois Small Business Development Center and Business Incubator Programs at SIU will provide business plan assistance to competitors. Contestants should be located in one or more of these Southern Illinois counties: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson. Showcase will feature announcement The winners will be announced during the SIU Research Parks Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, set for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. Judges from diverse backgrounds will choose the winners based on written business plans, financials, pitches, target market identification and impact, market need, commercialization potential, business model, innovation and creativity, and presentation. The announcement of the business plan competition winners will be the highlight of the showcase, said Lynn Andersen Lindberg, executive director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development and the SIU Research Park. Were very excited about the opportunity to work with Regions Bank to jump-start several emerging or expanding small businesses and celebrate the innovation that is taking place throughout Southern Illinois. Whos eligible Individuals and teams may enter. Competitors must attend three workshops in coming weeks, submit a comprehensive business plan and deliver a compelling 90-second pitch of their concept to win a share of $20,000 in prize money and in-kind services. Local competitions will be held the week of Oct. 13 in Marion, Mt. Vernon, Red Bud and Carbondale and the regional final competition will take place at Dunn-Richmond in Carbondale the week of Nov. 13. Contestants must also adhere to a few other requirements: They cant be affiliated with government entities, nonprofit organizations, public or private schools, or universities and colleges. No one can be involved with cannabis, gambling or lobbying activities nor any activities which are prohibited by state or federal law. All contestants must register to become a client of the Illinois SBDC. This is free of charge. Find all of the details about the business plan competition and register online. The SIU Research Park, in partnership with Regions Bank and SI Now, is hosting the competition. Other sponsors include the Illinois SBDC at SIU, SIU Carbondale, First Southern Bank, Saline County Industrial Development Co, Legence Bank, Randolph County Economic Development, Jefferson County Development Corp., Southern Illinois University Foundation, EThOs Small Business Incubator & Coworking Spaces in Marion, Arthur Agency, Clearwave Fiber and Legal Advocacy Headquarters. They reviewed major global and domestic macroeconomic and financial developments, and issues of inter-regulatory coordination relating to the Indian financial sector activities of various technical groups under its purview. It resolved to remain vigilant against any build-up in vulnerabilities in all segments of the Indian financial system as well as in the broader economy, especially from global spillovers in a dynamic and uncertain world, and to preserve financial system stability for attaining strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. The meeting was attended by the members of the sub-committee -- TV Somanathan, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Expenditure; Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services; Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Revenue; Manoj Govil, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); Debasish Panda, Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI); Among others are Deepak Mohanty, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA); K. Rajaraman, Chairman, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), Ravi Mittal, Chairman, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI); Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank - Michael Debabrata Patra, M. Rajeshwar Rao, T. Rabi Shankar, Swaminathan J. and Executive Director of the Reserve Bank - O. P. Mall. (ANI) Man finds career in building model trains People's Daily Online) 09:18, August 28, 2023 The classic 8K electric locomotive model was imported by China in the 1980s. Of the many model trains produced by Zhong Yan's team over the years, the 8K has remained one of the most popular. The 1:87 scale model of the 18-meter-long 8K locomotive contains over 800 parts. The cab knobs and headlight bulbs match the actual locomotives, with many tiny components showing exceptional precision. Photo shows a model train built by Zhong Yan's team. (Photo/Huang Nanfei) Zhong, born in Liuzhou city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, grew up immersed in mechanical engineering through his ancestry and fathers professions. Zhong's lifelong passion for trains persisted even after he grew up and went abroad. After earning his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the U.S. in 2010, he worked as a mechanical engineer at a local company. Through this experience, he came to realize that model trains were not just children's toys, but rather a niche industry with an extensive community of enthusiasts spanning all ages, and model trains constituted a far-reaching cultural market with impressive revenue across a mature, established supply chain. In 2012, Zhong returned to China. Initially, he was the domestic sales agent for foreign model train brands. "As I was doing this, I saw clear discrepancies between Chinese-made models and European, American, Japanese brands. But I remained undeterred, believing that domestic products could eventually win favor, too," he said. Photo shows Zhong Yan at work. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Zhong shared his ideas with his business partner, and they immediately came to an agreement, later starting a company called "Changming," meaning "long whistling sound of a train." To launch his business, Zhong sold his house, while his maternal grandmother and paternal grandmother emptied their savings. His whole family pitched in to propel his venture. When tackling the 8K locomotive, Zhong independently handled the entire design and production process. He relentlessly pursued the retiring 8K trains, visiting museums and rail authorities in Beijing, Datong and Tianjin to photograph the locomotives over 5,000 times. To recreate the intricate undercarriage components, he obtained permission to take photos under the chassis. When he came out, he was covered in grime. Zhongs tireless efforts proved worthwhile. In over a year, Zhong's 6K and 8K models debuted to immediate acclaim from enthusiasts, selling out within a week. Zhong's entrepreneurial journey has spanned 11 years. In 2020, he introduced an investment project to Liuzhou, his hometown. The upcoming HXN5B model is a flagship release from Zhong's company. This China-Europe freight train edition comes outfitted with customized embellishments, including nameplates and exterior paint schemes. Photo shows a model train built by Zhong Yan's team. (Photo/Huang Nanfei) To accurately reflect the real locomotive, the main components are built separately. Refined lighting, electronics, and functional details evoke the vivid sensations of a working train. Zhong's company has launched over 100 model train products, covering representative locomotives in China's railway history such as the Dongfeng diesel locomotive series and Hexie electric locomotive series, as well as famous Chinese high-speed train models like Fuxing and Hexie bullet trains. In the first half of this year, the company's model train sales reached nearly 20 million yuan ($2.75 million), with overseas sales accounting for 10 percent, with models being sold in Japan, Europe, the U.S. and other markets. With the rapid development of China's railways, model trains have become an important medium for promoting Chinese railway culture. Zhong and his team hope their model trains can help more people understand China's railway development and culture. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Actor R Madhavan on Monday morning applauded actors Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Raima Sen and Pallavi Joshi after watching director Vivek Agnihotris upcoming film The Vaccine War at the special screening held in the United States of America. Taking to Instagram, Madhavan shared a post and penned a long note which read, Just saw THE VACCINE WAR and totally blown out of my mind by the spectacular sacrifices and achievements of the Indian scientific community, which made Indias very first vaccine and kept the nation safe during the most challenging period, told by a Master Storyteller @vivekagnihotri who makes you cheer, applaud, weep, and euphoric, all at the same time. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwd8n8HPj1c/ While praising the star cast, the Tanu Weds Manu actor wrote, Stellar performances by the entire cast,@pallavijoshiofficial@anupampkher#Nanapathekar@raimasen(and every single one of them )so beautifully depict the sacrifices and the sheer grit of our Indian scientists ( ladies) aptly and impact-fully. Take a huge bow team#TheVaccineWar.. the Indian scientific community owes your debt of gratitude as we to them. go see the film in the theaters and make sure to buy a ticket for your superwoman helped you survive the lockdown..The domestic helps and the lovely women. The Vaccine War is likely to 'open certain chapters about Indian bio-scientists and indigenous vaccines'. The film also pays tribute to the dedication of the medical fraternity and scientists during the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Helmed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film stars Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Raima Sen and Pallavi Joshi in the lead roles. The film is all set to hit the theatres on September 28. Marking the 77th Independence Day, Vivek shared the film's teaser. The brief clip gave a glimpse of the activities of scientists involved with the BBV152 vaccine, also known as Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research National Institute of Virology. Speaking about the film Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri earlier said, "When The Kashmir Files was postponed during COVID lockdown, I started researching on it. Then we started researching with the scientists of ICMR & NIV who made our own vaccine possible. Their story of struggle and sacrifice was overwhelming and while researching we understood how these scientists fought a war waged against India not just by foreign agencies but even our own people. Yet, we won against superpowers by making fastest, cheapest and safest vaccine. I thought this story must be told so that every Indian can feel proud of their country." (ANI) Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently paid a visit to the well-known hilltop temple devoted to Lord Venkateswara in Andhra Pradesh Tirupati, to offer prayers. She looked simple and elegant dressed in traditional attire as she arrived for the darshan. The actor often visits the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple. Last year she went there to celebrate her birthday and also offered prayers a few months ago. The temple is devoted to Venkateswara, a manifestation of Vishnu who is thought to have come to earth to deliver humanity from the trials and tribulations of the Kali Yuga. As a result, the location has been given the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, and the local god is known as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. On the work front, Janhvi was seen in Bawaal opposite Varun Dhawan. 'Bawaal' is directed by Nitesh Tiwari, who is best known for helming blockbusters like 'Dangal' and 'Chhichhore'. The film is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War 2. The film has Varun playing a history teacher who takes Janhvi Kapoor's character on a trip to Europe to visit World War Two sites. It was shot in Paris, Berlin, Poland, Amsterdam, Krakow, Warsaw along with Lucknow and two other cities in India. The film's crew had more than 700 people with action directors and stuntmen hired from Germany. The film was released on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video on July 21. She also walked the ramp for internationally acclaimed designer Gaurav Gupta on day 3 of the India Couture Week 2023 in Delhi. The diva was dressed in a shiny electric blue lehenga skirt that she paired with a blue blouse. Her long cape added a dramatic yet beautiful touch to her showstopper look. In the coming months, her fans can see her in 'Mr and Mrs Mahi' opposite RajKummar Rao. She also has 'Ulajh' in her kitty, co-starring Roshan Mathew and Gulshan Devaiah. (ANI) The Odisha police arrested five men in a gang robbery and recovered Rs 1.2 Crore cash after they staged a raid impersonating as CBI staff in Odisha's capital city, said an official. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhubaneswar Prateek Singh the police on Sunday arrested five men, after they had staged a raid at a home in Bhubaneswar on August 2. The police stated that the five accused impersonated as CBI agents and made off with Rs 1.7 Crore in cash while holding the hostages at gunpoint. The accused have been identified as Hemanta Kumar Dhir (32),Sanatan Nahak aka Sana (42), Arbaz Khan aka Bitu (22), Sanjaya Mallik aka Kalia (36) and Raja aka Ajmer Alli (48), said police. Giving information about the robbery DCP Prateek Singh said, "On August 2, the complainant and his son were at home when five well-dressed men landed at their doorstep at around 8 pm. The five accused then identified themselves as CBI officers and pulled out a fake court order to enter the complainant's house." After entering the house, the goons tied the hands of the father and son and gagged their mouths. They took around Rs 1.7 crore in cash and some gold jewellery from the house, DCP Prateek Singh said. Police received a complaint the next morning (August 3) and formed a special team to crack the case. The special squad and Infocity police jointly worked to trace the robbers. During a search at the complainant's house, police found a bag that belonged to a man, who used to work as a driver at the complainant's house. While the driver is on the run, the police dug into his mobile phone records and detained some suspects. After sustained interrogation, the police got evidence against the accused and learnt about the modus operandi. The driver, who is still on the run, was aware of the presence of huge amount of cash at the complainant's house. He hatched a conspiracy to rob the house and contacted his associates. While nine people were involved in the robbery, five of them (excluding the driver) entered the complainant's house, the DCP said. We are looking for four other members including the driver. Efforts are on to recover more money from them, DCP Singh said. (ANI) As the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) is celebrating its 26th foundation day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that she is filled with pride and nostalgia. Taking to social media platform X, former called Twitter, West Bengal Chief Minister said, "I am filled with pride and nostalgia as we celebrate #TMCPFoundationDay across Bengal! As a former student leader, I understand the power of students and youth in shaping our nation. To all the young and passionate minds in Chhatra Parishad: your commitment to our shared vision warms my heart." "Together, we will continue to champion the values of democracy and progress for a brighter INDIA!" she added. TMCP, the student wing of All India Trinamool Congress, was founded on August 28, 1998, months later Mamata Banerjee formed Trinamool Congress, following her difference with the Congress, on January 1, 1998. Banerjee broke away from the Congress with an objective to oust the then Left Front regime from power. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee also wished TMCP workers on the occasion. "Best wishes to my young colleagues, whose unwavering commitment serves as the fulcrum of our party's strength and progress on the occasion of #TMCPFoundationDay! In the coming days, our student leaders will be the architects of change, leading INDIA into a new era of harmony," Abhishek posted on X. Mamata Bannerjee and Abhishek Bannerjee are expected to attend the third meeting of the newly formed INDIA alliance in Mumabi at the end of this month. The TMC won 22 of the 42 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from West Bengal. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Monday took suo motu cognizance on the rape of a minor girl allegedly committed by Delhi Government official Premoday Khakha and directed Delhi Police to ensure the identity of the victim is protected. The Delhi Police last week arrested Premoday Khakha (51) in the matter, an official of the Delhi governments Women and Child Development Department, for allegedly raping the minor over several months and impregnating her. The police had also arrested Khakha's wife, Seema Rani (50), under the allegation that she gave abortion pills to the minor child. Both accused are presently in judicial custody until September 6. The bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, while taking suo motu cognizance, directed the Delhi Police to ensure the identity of the minor victim is protected and not revealed in any manner. The Court also asked Delhi Police counsel about the action it has taken with regard to the girl's disclosure that she was raped by some other people as well. The counsel representing Delhi Police then said they would investigate that aspect. After the court's query, the Delhi Police counsel apprised the bench that the health condition of the child victim is still critical and that she suffered a seizure on Sunday. Counsel representing the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also apprised the court that the commission has also taken cognizance of the matter. Counsel for NCPCR said it will also file a response in the matter and further alleged that there have been certain anomalies in compliance with the rules. Noting the submissions, the bench of the Delhi High Court said it would pass a detailed order. While sending the accused into judicial custody, the trial court recently also called for the medical board examination report related to the vasectomy of alleged accused Premoday Khakha. Advocate U S Gautam, Counsel for the accused, told the media that the court has called for the report of the medical board related to the vasectomy of Khakha. The lawyer also claimed that the allegations made against Premoday Khakha regarding the pregnancy of the victim are baseless. He said the allegations against his client were false as the accused had a vasectomy done and all the other remaining tests, including the potency test, have also been completed by the police within 24 hours of arrest. Earlier on Monday last week, Khakha, who was the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of the Delhi government, was suspended. Delhi Police last week lodged FIR under rape, molestation, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, causing hurt, causing miscarriage without consent, criminal conspiracy, common intention, and under the Pocso Act. (ANI) Rajasthan Congress Screening Committee President Gaurav Gogoi along with other party leaders held a meeting in Jaipur in view of the upcoming assembly elections in the state on Monday. State Unit President Govind Singh Dotasara and co-incharge Amrita Dhawan were also present during the meeting. Cabinet ministers Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Mamta Bhupesh, Tikaram Julie, Govindram Meghwal, Ramesh Meena, Murari Lal Meena, were also the names who reached the Congress War Room in Jaipur to attend the meeting. While attending the meeting, cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas said The Congress party runs on the voice of the public, keeping in mind what the common man thinks, what the public representative should be in his eyes, the Congress gives tickets keeping all these things in mind. Today BJP leaders abuse Congress everyday and the public is abusing BJP because the gas cylinder which Gehlot government is providing in Rajasthan for 500, the central government is charging 1100 to 1200 for it. Rajasthan is scheduled to go to the polls later this year with the BJP and the incumbent Congress locked in a straight fight. Women and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh said The chairman of the screening committee has come here and I think this will give more strength to the election process. Along with the discussion about what is happening, the Government's Vision 2030 and the issues with which it should go among the public and serve the public, all these issues will be discussed. There is an atmosphere in favour of Congress in Rajasthan, therefore a large number of candidates are coming forward in every assembly constituency. The leaders who came to attend the meeting said that the atmosphere in Rajasthan is in favour of the Congress and this time the Congress will definitely win the elections and repeat the government. Cabinet Minister Govind Ram Meghwal, who came to attend the meeting, said He has taken the pulse of the candidates and workers by going to different areas. This time there is enthusiasm among the people regarding the plans of the state government and there is displeasure with the way BJP made fun of the constitution in the whole country. The ticket will be given to any one, whoever gets the ticket, everyone will stand with him and send him after winning. Earlier, in June, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced free electricity on the consumption of up to 100 units per month, ahead of the state elections. In 2018 the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member house. The Congress led by Ashok Gehlot formed the government with the support of Independents and the BSP. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate officials in connection with the cash for jobs scam case was produced in the MP/MLAs special Court in Chennai today. The Court was surrounded with high police security even as Senthil Balajis advocates were waiting outside the court. Jailed Minister Senthil Balaji was then produced before Justice Ravi of the MLA/MP Special Court for further proceedings. Earlier, on August 25, The special court for MP/MLAs extended Senthil Balaji's judicial custody till August 28 and instructed the jail authorities to produce Senthil Balaji physically on August 28 for further proceedings. Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Senthil Balaji under PMLA for cash for jobs scam, on June 14. After dramatic scenes in hospital and a legal battle between ED and Senthil Balaji's advocates, the Supreme Court ordered the ED to take Senthil Balaji into custody to question him. After 5 days of questioning by ED in the Nungambakkam ED office, he was produced before the sessions court in Chennai on August 12. Later the sessions court transferred the case to the special court for MP/MLAs. He however continues to be a Minister without portfolio. Senthil Balaji, after his arrest, had complained of chest pain, and was subsequently taken to a government hospital in Chennai. He was later allowed by the Madras High Court on June 15 to be shifted to a private hospital of his choice, and was later taken from the Tamil Nadu government's Multi Super Speciality Hospital to Kauvery Hospital at Alwarpet. Doctors treating him had recommended a bypass surgery. Since his second remand period was valid till July 19, Balaji was shifted to prison immediately after his discharge from the hospital. Arrested by the ED in a cash-for-jobs scam case, he was taken from Kauvery Hospital to Puzhal prison. (ANI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday clarified his stance on the possibility of accepting the role of national convener of the INDIA bloc if offered. He stated, I dont want to become anything. He further added that he has no such desire and just wants to unite all the political parties ahead of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While speaking to ANI, when asked if he would accept the role of convener if offered, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "I don't want to become anything. I have been telling you this again and again. I have no such desire. I just want to unite everyone." Meanwhile, when asked about the INDIA Coalition meeting in Mumbai and Nitish Kumar being made the national convener of the INDIA bloc Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said, all parties are working together and there will be discussions on the agenda. Parties can join, and whatever decision everyone makes will be acceptable to everyone. Meanwhile while speaking to reporters on Sunday Nitish Kumar had hinted at the possible expansion of the alliance with a few more regional parties expected to join hands with the alliance. "We will discuss the INDIA alliance's strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Mumbai. Seat sharing and other issues are also on our agenda for the meeting. A few more political parties will join our coalition. I want to unite the maximum number of parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am working in that direction" said Nitish Kumar The INDIA alliance meeting is going to be held in Mumbai on August 31 and September 1.In the scheduled meeting the logo of the INDIA bloc is also likely to be unveiled. The alliance is also expected to name a convener and the Bihar Chief Minister is said to be a frontrunner for the position. Nitish Kumar played a key role in bringing together the various opposition parties to form the INDIA alliance. A total of 26 to 27 parties are likely to participate in the third meeting of the newly formed opposition alliance in Mumbai. (ANI) The Supreme Court has recently opined that the concerned government may seek reports by a qualified psychologist after interacting with or interviewing the convict who has applied for premature release as it suggested various aspects to be considered while dealing with such applications. A bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and Prashant Kumar Mishra's suggestions came while disposing of a petition filed by a murder convict seeking appropriate direction to the authorities concerned to prematurely release him. The top court has directed the Remission Board to reconsider the petitioner Rajo alias Rajwa alias Rajendra Mandal's application for remission afresh, considering the reports of the police and other authorities, the post-prison record of the petitioner, the remissions earned (including that which is earned for good conduct) his age, health condition, family circumstances, and his potential for social engagement, in a positive manner. While deciding the petition, the court also suggested various parameters to be considered, when dealing with the application of remission. "The Board thus should not entirely rely either on the presiding judge or the report prepared by the police. In this courts considered view, it would also serve the ends of justice if the appropriate government had the benefit of a report contemporaneously prepared by a qualified psychologist after interacting/interviewing the convict that has applied for premature release," the top court said in its August 25's order. "The Bihar Prison Manual, 2012 enables a convict to earn remissions, which are limited to one-third of the total sentence imposed. Special remission for good conduct, in addition, is granted by the rules. If a stereotypical approach in denying the benefit of remission, which ultimately results in premature release, is repeatedly adopted, the entire idea of limiting incarceration for long periods (sometimes spanning a third or more of a convicts lifetime and in others, result in an indefinite sentence), would be defeated. This could result in a sense of despair and frustration among inmates, who might consider themselves reformed but continue to be condemned in prison," the court said. The top court said, "In each case, the appropriate government has to be cognizant of the latent (not always) prejudices of the crime, that the police as well as the investigating agency, may be citing especially in a case such as the present one, where the slain victims were police personnel themselves, i.e., members of the police force." "These biases may inform the report, and cannot be given determinative value. Doing so will potentially deflect the appropriate government from the facts relevant for consideration for premature release, and instead, focus almost entirely upon facts which evoke a retributive response," the top court further added. Apart from the other considerations, the appropriate government should while considering the potential of the convict to commit crimes in the future, whether there remains any fruitful purpose of continued incarceration, and the socio-economic conditions, review: the convicts age, state of health, familial relationships and the possibility of reintegration, the extent of earned remission, the top court opined. The top court also suggested that to look into aspects like whether the convict has attained any educational qualification whilst in custody, volunteer services offered, job/work done, jail conduct, whether they were engaged in any socially aimed or productive activity, and the overall development as a human being. The petitioner in the matter was serving a sentence of life imprisonment in a murder case and approached the court seeking appropriate direction to the first respondent to prematurely release him, on the ground that he has been in custody for 24 years without a grant of remission or parole. He was convicted on May 24 2001 by a local court for killing three persons including two police personnel. After the completion of the mandatory 14 years actual imprisonment and 20 years of custody with remission, the petitioners case (application dated 14.04.2021) was considered by the Remission Board on May 19, 2021. The Petitioner said that the Board rejected his application for premature release despite a favourable report by the Probation Officer and Superintendent of Police noting the adverse report by the Presiding Judge. (ANI) Supreme Court Advocate Vineet Jindal on Monday filed a complaint with Delhi Police against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya over his remarks on the Hindu religion. SC's lawyer said that the statements made by SP leader Maurya are provocative and defamatory with the intent to promote enmity between groups on the grounds of religion and a cognizable offence. Earlier today Swami Prasad on X (former Twitter) said that, "The roots of Brahminism are very deep and the reason for all the disparity is also Brahminism itself. There is no religion called Hindu, Hinduism is just a hoax." "There is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, tribals and backward people of this country by calling the same Brahmin religion as Hindu religion, which is actually Brahmin religion. If there was Hindu religion then tribals would have been respected, Dalits would have been respected, backward people would have been respected but what an irony," he further posted. Reacting to these remarks, SC advocate Jindal in his police complaint said, "We are a secular country which believes in the law of the land which secures and ensures equality among all people irrespective of their caste, race and religion but the influential public figures who have an indelible impact on generations now and generations to come but if would indulge in inciting statements like Maurya made, its a mere disregard of secularism in our country." "By his words, he is targeting the whole Hindu community, which is derogatory in nature and incites hatred between the particular communities. The contents of the statement made by the Maurya clearly show his intent to disrespect towards the Hindu religion to outrage religious feelings insult the Hindu religion and instigate enmity between different groups on thegrounds of religion," the complaint further read. SC advocate asked the Delhi Police to register FIR under sections 153A and B, 295A, 298 and 505 of the Indian Penal Code. "The accused by making the above-cited statement has committed offences u/s153A and B, 295A,298 and 505 of I.P.C which are cognizable offences and very serious in nature. A screenshot of the statement shared by Maurya on his Twitter account is attached. I, therefore, request you to lodge an FIR against him under the above-said section. I am also requesting you to lodge an FIR against him and take strict legal action," the complaint read. (ANI) Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Monday said that the logo of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will be unveiled on August 31- the next meeting of the alliance in Mumbai. Talking to ANI, Patole also confirmed the participation of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. In this meeting, Sonia ji, Malluikarjun Khargeji, and Rahul Gandhiji will participate. Full preparations have been done on behalf of MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi). This meeting will give a big message to the country. The logo of the INDIA alliance will also be unveiled here on the 31st (August), Patole said. The third meeting of the Opposition bloc is scheduled to take place on August 31 and September 1 in Maharashtras Mumbai. INDIA or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a group of 26 opposition parties, including theCongress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The first meeting of the joint opposition convened in Bihars Patna on June 23 and the second meeting was held in Karnatakas Bengaluru on July 17-18. The third meeting is slated to be in Maharashtra's Mumbai on August 31-September 1. According to Congress sources, as many as 27 political parties will be participating in the next meeting of theOpposition. Swabhimani Shetkari Saghtana (SSS) has been also invited to the third meeting of the INDIA alliance that follows Patna and Bengaluru, the source said. SSS, a former ally of the BJP is led by Raju Shetti, a former two-time MP from Hatkanangale in Maharashtras Kolhapur district There were 26 parties at the last meeting in Bengaluru held on July 17-18, while in first such meeting convened in Patna on June 23 saw participation of leaders of 15 political parties. According to sources, a decision is likely to be taken on the sub-committee and group public meeting for the alliance at the state level. Also, a convenor of theINDIAcoalition is likely to be appointed in the Mumbai meeting, a source said. At their meeting in Mumbai to be hosted by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), the alliance leaders will strategise their next course of action against the BJP-led Central government. Uddhav Thackeray is set to host a dinner at the venue on August 31 and a press conference will be held post the meeting on September 1. (ANI) Reacting to the recent announcements made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on reducing prices of electricity bills and providing LPG cylinders at the cost of Rs 450, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat on Monday said that the defeat of BJP government is certain in the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh irrespective of the tactics he employs. Speaking to ANI, Brinda Karat said, "It is very clear that the BJP government of Madhya Pradesh is departing and only two months are left for the government. Now they are remembering and saying that we are giving Shagun to our sisters on Rakhi. You didn't give Shagun for 5 years and now today you are talking about Shagun (Freebies)." "For five years Shivraj government looted the pockets of sisters by increasing the prices of gas cylinders. Today most of the women are not able to afford the cylinder as it costs Rs 1100 and now the MP government is giving at Rs 450," she added. She further stated the farewell journey of MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has begun now. "The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is making a mockery of people but I want to say that Shivraj Singh government's defeat is certain. Whatever Chouhan ji does, but now his farewell journey has started in Madhya Pradesh," the CPI leader said. Earlier, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday announced to give Rs 250 over and above their monthly dole of Rs 1,000 for beneficiaries under the CM Ladli Behna Yojana in poll-bound state as a Rakhee gift. Shivraj Singh Chouhan further said that this was a special allowance from the CM for 1.25 crore women. He also said that the state government will provide domestic gas cylinders for Rs 450 for the month of Sawan, and efforts would be made to provide gas cylinders at the same subsidized rate in the future as well. Madhya Pradesh is among the five states where assembly elections are scheduled to be held later this year. In the 2018 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Congress emerged as the single largest party with 114 seats and BJP got 109 seats. Nonetheless, in 2020, the Congress government lost the majority followed by the resignations of some MLAs. After this, the BJP formed the government in the state and Shivraj Singh Chouhan was reinstated as the Chief Minister. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Attorney General of India R Venkataramani to talk to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha over the suspension of senior lecturer Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who was allegedly suspended by J-K authorities for arguing before the apex court against abrogation of Article 370. At the outset of the hearing of pleas against scrapping Article 370, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan told a five-judge Constitution bench that Bhat was suspended from his job by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after he argued before the apex court. "He took leave for two days. Argued before this court and went back and was suspended," Sibal said. Bhat had argued before the apex court on August 24 as petitioner in person in the case. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai and Surya Kant, asked Venkataramani to talk to the J-K Lieutenant Governor and look into the issue. The apex court asked AG to look into the issue saying, "This should not happen. Someone arguing before this court gets suspended." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said after the news of Bhat's suspension was published in a newspaper, he checked with the J-K administration and he was informed that there were various reasons behind Bhats suspension including that he had been regularly filing petitions before different courts. Reacting to this, Sibal replied, "Then, he would have been suspended earlier, why now. I have the suspension order of Bhat and it says that he has argued before this court and therefore the suspension. This is not fair. This is not how democracy should function." The apex court said if there are other reasons then it is another matter but if a person gets suspended in close proximity of arguing before this court, then it needs to be looked into. The J-K administration removed Bhat from his place of posting in Srinagar and was attached to the office of the Director of School Education, Jammu, while a senior official was appointed as an inquiry officer to conduct an in-depth inquiry into his conduct, according to an official order. During the period of suspension, he shall remain attached in the office of Director of School Education, Jammu. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that government officials should prioritize resolving the issues of people. Listening to the grievances of more than 500 people at the Janata Darshan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed all the District Magistrates and other officers of the state to prioritize resolving the problems of the general public. "Officials who hesitate to solve the problems of the public will not be spared under any circumstances. The officials must reach their offices on time to solve the issues of people on a priority basis. Every possible help should be extended in a time-bound manner," CM Yogi said. Instructing the officials to dispose of matters related to revenue and police with complete transparency and fairness, he said, "Injustice should not be done to anyone. Every victim should be treated with empathy." On the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed senior officials to be particularly attentive to scheduling public engagements across all departments. "Officers should be present at their offices during these interactions. In case an officer is not present in their office, they should delegate this responsibility to a subordinate, ensuring that the issues of the public are addressed with priority," he said. He further mentioned that the State government stands with the needy who face obstacles in accessing medical treatment due to financial constraints. "Individuals should feel free to share issues with the government as there is no dearth of funds for the treatment of the sick," CM Yogi said. Most of the cases at the Janata Darshan were related to illegal occupation of properties, property disputes, family feuds, and seeking financial assistance for treatment. During the Janata Darshan, instructions were given to police officers not to delay cases falling under police administration, but rather to resolve them within specified timeframes. Additionally, these cases should be managed at the police station level to strengthen public confidence in the police force," CM Yogi said. (ANI) The Supreme Court has given permission to Bihar politician Prabhunath Singh to appear virtually on September 1 for hearing on quantum of sentence in a matter pertaining to a 1995 double murder case. "The applicant/respondent No. 2 is permitted to appear virtually through video conferencing on 01.09.2023 for hearing on the question of sentence, instead of the physical appearance, as directed vide judgment dated 18.08.2023," the top court said in its Friday order. On August 18, the apex court held Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Prabhunath Singh guilty in a 1995 double murder case and overturned Patna High Court's order acquitting him. On August 18, the court fixed September 1 as the next date of hearing and said that the accused Prabhunath Singh be produced before this Court in custody. The court also pulled up the prosecuting agency and said that the tainted investigation shows the high-handedness of the accused-Respondent Singh, who was a powerful person, being a sitting M.P. of the ruling party. The top court had said that Prabhunath Singh is liable to be convicted under Sections 302 and 307 IPC for committing culpable homicide amounting to murder and attempt to murder. A bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, AS Oka, and Vikram Nath convicted Prabhunath Singh in the double murder case. The court noted that there was sufficient evidence to show his involvement in the case. "Accused-respondent no.2 (Prabhunath Singh) is thus convicted under Sections 302 and 307 IPC for the murders of Daroga Rai and Rajendra Rai and also for the attempt to murder injured Smt. Devi," the top court said and directed the Secretary, Department of Home, State of Bihar and the Director General of Police, Bihar to ensure that Prabhunath Singh (Respondent No. 2) is taken into custody forthwith and produced before this Court to be heard on the question of sentence. The court fixed September 1 as the next date of hearing and said that the accused Prabhunath Singh be produced before this Court in custody. The court was hearing an appeal against the Patna High Court order dated December 2021 confirming the judgment of the Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court in Patna dated October 24 2008 acquitting Singh and others of all the charges. Two men were killed near a polling booth in Chhapra in March 1995. According to the prosecuting agency, the men were allegedly shot dead for not voting as per Singhs instructions. FIR was registered on March 25 1995 at the Police Station Masrakh (Panapur) District Saran at Chapra in Bihar under Sections 147, 148, 149/307 of Indian Penal Code, 18601 and Section 27 of the Arms Act. Later on, Section 302 IPC was added as two out of three injured died during treatment. The said FIR was registered based on the statement of one of the injured Rajendra Rai, who subsequently succumbed to injuries. (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press China will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test result from incoming travelers starting Wednesday. It is a milestone toward ending the virus restrictions imposed in China since early 2020. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced the change at a briefing Monday. A scuffle broke out between Congress spokesperson Koustav Bagchi and the supporters of West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over slogans raised in support of junior party leader Bagchi in the presence of the state Congress chief. Speaking to reporters, Koustav Bagchi said, "Am I outside the party? Is my fight, not that of the party? I would like to ask for justice from the party workers. This can't go on." "There are many who are working for the Trinamool Congress in secret by being present in the party. I have fought for the party day in and day out, I have been arrested for the party's sake," Bagchi claimed. Top Congress leaders including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had come to the city on the occasion of the 70th Chhatra Parisad Foundation Day on Monday. Chhatra Parishad is the student wing of the Congress party. It has been claimed that supporters of Koustav Bagchi tried to barge into Adhir Ranjan's office raising slogans in support of Bagchi. This took the supporters of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by surprise who protested and a scuffle broke out between the two groups. (ANI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will launch an innovative comic book titled "Lets Move Forward" at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi on August 29. Developed jointly by NCERT and UNESCO, the comic book focuses on promoting adolescent health and well-being.The comic book is aligned with the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) initiated under Ayushman Bharat. SHWP, a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education and Health and Family Welfare, aims to provide health education, disease prevention, and better access to healthcare services in schools.The "Lets Move Forward" comic book covers essential themes related to adolescent health and wellbeing. Its interactive approach imparts crucial life skills and health knowledge. The book will be available in multiple languages.The launch anticipates positive implications for schools and health departments across the nation, contributing to a healthier and empowered generation. The e-copy of the comic book will be made available on the MoE, NCERT, UNESCO and DIKSHA website. (ANI) For the first time, scientists at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have examined the molecular genetics of tomato plants' defence mechanisms against a destructive "young" Southern African virus. The well-known tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is known to be resistant to individuals who carry the Ty-1 gene. When tomato plants carrying the Ty-1 gene are infected with the virtually unheard-of tomato curly stunt virus (ToCSV), UJ researchers looked into what happens. They discovered a connection between Ty-1 gene activity, viral DNA methylation, and ToCSV tolerance in plants. The research is published in Frontiers in Plant Science. To find out more about how that happens, they used lab techniques called bisulfite conversion and PCR amplification, coupled with a next-generation whole genome virus sequencing approach. Young virus travelling: Many pathogens attack tomato plants, which produce the third biggest vegetable crop in the world, after potatoes and cassava. Tomato curly stunt virus originated in South Africa about 30 years ago and is spread by whitefly. The virus can destroy an entire tomato crop, especially if enough plants are infected at a young stage. It has been found in neighbouring country Mozambique also. The young tomato curly stunt virus (ToCSV) is similar to the established tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) at the DNA level. But relatively little is known about any tools the tomato plants can use to defend themselves against ToCSV, says Dr Farhahna Allie, lead author on the study. Dr Allie is a researcher in the UJ Department of Biochemistry. Trojan horse trick inside plants: Viruses have been attacking plants since the dawn of time. But they still have to trick the plants, to replicate themselves and causing disease, says Dr Gerrit Koorsen, co-author on the study. Geminiviruses like ToCSV do not have the capacity to make copies of themselves, and then to spread elsewhere. They are completely reliant on the plant for that. The virus has to trick the plant into thinking that the plant is making more of its own DNA. So the virus is like a Trojan Horse inside the plant. The plant is replicating viral DNA without knowing it, taking care of the infection and spreading the disease caused by the virus, he says. Attacking DNA inside the virus: In the ongoing battle between plants and viruses, plants have discovered that it is very effective to focus their counter-attack on the DNA inside viruses. For the study, the researchers used a variety of tomato that is susceptible to ToCSV, and another variety that can tolerate it. The susceptible variety has a number of defences in its toolbox against other pathogens, but it cannot overcome ToCSV, says Allie. ToCSV can fully infect this variety. Studying the way in which plants respond to a new virus like ToCSV is crucial to identifying ways of breeding resistant crops. Resistance gene Ty-1: The tolerant tomato variety has a similar genetic background to the susceptible variety, but it is better at switching on the Ty-1 resistance gene, which the susceptible variety struggles to do, says Allie. The Ty-1 gene is known to be the major resistance gene in tomatoes against tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The young virus ToCSV is similar to the TYLCV in terms of its genome, and Ty-1 may therefore well be responsible for tolerance or resistance against ToCSV too. As a first step to explore the link between resistance and tolerance and the Ty-1 gene, we wanted to see whether the tolerant plant uses the DNA methylation tool to combat tomato curly stunt disease, she says. Switching off viral DNA: Imagine the DNA of one tomato curly stunt virus as a tiny rubber band, says Koorsen. When the whitefly feeds on the plant, the fly transfers thousands of these DNA rubber bands into the cells of the plant. Lets compare a cell of a plant that is susceptible to ToCSV, with a cell of a tomato plant that can tolerate ToCSV to some extent. In the tolerant plant cell the Ty-1 gene is very active. Given the data we analysed in this study, we think Ty-1 activity may be linked to the ability of plants to tag specific areas on the viral DNA rubber band, and switch them off, so the virus cannot make more if itself inside the plant cell, says Koorsen. The tags are methyl groups. Each methyl group is one carbon and three hydrogen atoms. The tags attach to C-G, C-H-H and C-H-G letter sequences on the viral DNA. The tagging process is called methylation, a known defence mechanism in plants. Over time, in a tolerant plant cell, one then sees more and more tags on critical parts of the viruses DNA, and the virus either stops replicating or replicates slowly. This is called epigenetic silencing caused by methylation. Meanwhile, in the susceptible plant cell, the Ty-1 resistance gene is less active. So the thousands of infecting viruses from the whitefly can replicate inside the plant cell. Over time, there are more and more viruses in the plant, and the plant becomes completely infected. Speeding up defences: We now have one part of the tomato defence toolbox. Im excited to explore what other defence tools the tomato plants have and how the tools come together, says Allie. Because the battle between viruses and plants is never-ending, tomato curly stunt virus will eventually mutate, tomato plants will fight back, and emerging computational techniques will create new options in plant breeding, says Koorsen. So far, the defences of one variety of tomatoes have been compared with that of another variety using standard statistical analyses, he adds. Koorsen looks forward to exploring Machine Learning (ML) and emerging AI methods to compare tomato varieties also. Im excited for how we can use those to gain more insight into plant defences, using the gigabytes of biological data generated in studies like this, he says. (ANI) Alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin must have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that there can be no peace negotiation with Putin on Ukraine, CNN reported. Johnson wrote in an op-ed, speculating about Prigozhins last moments, a few days after a plane carrying the Wagner boss crashed in a field northwest of Moscow. The reason behind the plane crash remains uncertain, but the US and Western intelligence officials told CNN that it was deliberate. It cant have been more than a few seconds between the explosion aboard the otherwise reliable Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, and the moment the Russian thug blacked out in his vertiginous acceleration to earth; and yet in that instant I am certain that he knew with perfect clarity what had happened, Johnson wrote, according to CNN. He knew whose hidden hand was sending him 28,000 ft down, to be immolated with the rest of his Wagner group companions in a fireball in the countryside of the Tver region north of Moscow and then on downwards, of course, for the shade of Prigozhin: down, down to Hades and the Tartarean pit below. The former UK PM went on to say that the man allegedly behind the killing of Prigozhin was the very same man who authorised, for instance, the poisonings in the UK of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal. As the detonation sucked the air out of the aircrafts cabin, I would wager that the last thought in the doomed dome of Prigozhins skull was Putin!, preceded by one of the many profanities in which the former jailbird and hotdog salesman was so fluent, Johnson wrote, as reported by CNN. Prigozhin is believed to have died in a plane crash exactly two months after he instigated a brief uprising in Russia. Whether the Wagner group can continue to exist without Prigozhin has been questioned by experts. The death of Wagner mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash has been confirmed by Russias Investigative Committee on Sunday. In his first remarks on Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhins death in a plane crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called him a talented businessman who made some mistakes," Al Jazeera reported. Johnson referred to Prigozhin's belief that Putin would pardon him for opposing his government as the "height of conceit" in his opinion piece. As we watch the chilling footage of that plane spiraling to earth, we are witnessing something historic. This is the violent liquidation on TV of his enemies by an existing head of state. I cannot think of another example of such ostentatious and uninhibited savagery by a world leader not in our lifetimes, Johnson wrote. The mask is now fully off. Putin stands exposed as a gangster, and his absurd televised tribute to the dead Wagnerites is straight from the pages of The Godfather, Johnson concluded, CNN reported. (ANI) Since 19th-century legislation eliminated any traditional Catholic influence from public education, France has strictly prohibited religious signs in state-run schools and has struggled to modernise regulations to meet with a rising Muslim population. The wearing of huge crosses, Jewish kippas, or Islamic headscarves is not permitted in French public schools, according to Al Jazeera. Both the 2004 and 2010 bans on full face veils in public spaces infuriated a large portion of the nation's five million-strong Muslim population. I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools, Al Jazeera reported quoting Education Minister Gabriel Attals interview with TV channel TF1. When you walk into a classroom, you shouldnt be able to identify the pupils religion just by looking at them. The decision was made following months of discussion on the wearing of abayas at French schools, where women have traditionally been prohibited from donning the hijab. The ban had been promoted by the right and extreme right, who claimed it would violate civil liberties. Abayas, in contrast to headscarves, were in the grey region and had not yet been banned. Clothing alone is not "a religious sign," according to the French Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM), a national organisation that represents numerous Muslim organisations. Across the political spectrum, from left-wingers preserving the liberal ideas of the Enlightenment to far-right conservatives seeking a bulwark against the rising influence of Islam in French society, the defence of secularism is a rallying cry in France, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) After combined patrolling of the Pacific Ocean with Chinese warships for more than three weeks, manoeuvres that came close to the US West Coast, the Russian Navy ships have returned, Al Jazeera reported. On Sunday, Al Jazeera reported citing Interfax news agency, that warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet crossed more than 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) through the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Bering Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. A region known in Russia as the Kurils and in Japan as the Northern Territories, which has been the source of decades of tension between the neighbours, was traversed by the Russian-Chinese detachment during the patrol as it travelled along the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. A part of the Aleutian Islands archipelago was also surrounded by Russian and Chinese warships. The Commander Islands, which are close to the Kamchatka Peninsula, are a part of Russia, but the majority of the Aleutian Islands are owned by the US state of Alaska. In what looked to be the largest such flotilla to approach US coastlines, 11 Russian and Chinese ships travelled near to the Aleutian Islands, according to a Wall Street Journal report from early August. According to the newspaper, which cited US officials, the ships never sailed into US territorial waters. Al Jazeera reported, citing Interfax, that the exercise included some of the largest warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet. During the patrol, joint anti-submarine and anti-aircraft exercises were carried out. A search was made for submarines of a mock enemy using helicopters and aircraft of naval aviation from both sides. Mock missile firing was carried out at a detachment of mock enemy ships, the news agency said. China participated in a massive joint exercise with Russia in September that involved almost 2,000 personnel, 300 military vehicles, 21 combat planes, and three vessels. According to the Russian defence ministry, the Vostok 2022 (East 2022) exercise included more than 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 weaponry units, including 140 planes and 60 warships. It was conducted at numerous sites in Russia's Far East and the Sea of Japan, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Libya's prime minister Sunday night suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush from her role after her recent meeting with Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen sparked anger in the country, The Times of Israel reported. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh stated in a formal document released by his office that he had directed the formation of an investigating panel to look into Mangoush over the meeting, according to The Time of Israel. The Times of Israel is a Tel Aviv-based online newspaper founded in 2012 to document developments in Israel, the Middle East and around the Jewish world. Shortly after Israel released a press release announcing and applauding the sit-down, the nation's Foreign Ministry also quickly released a statement denying any formal meeting had occurred. The unexpected turn of events led others to wonder if Israel had made Sunday's announcement without contacting Mangoush and Tripoli or if the Libyan government had abruptly changed its position on the issue in response to domestic uproar. Additionally, it seemed to dispel the idea that the countries' relations had meaningfully improved, as suggested by the Israeli declaration. The latest developments were made public at midnight local time, but the Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ministry had earlier claimed that Cohen and Mangoush had spoken last week in Italy during the two countries' first-ever official summit of top diplomats to examine the potential for collaboration and the protection of Jewish heritage sites in Libya. The conference also discussed Israeli assistance with agricultural, water management, and other issues, the ministry stated. Cohen referred to the gathering as "historic" and a "first step" in forging relations between the nations. In its own communique, the Libyan Foreign Ministry said that what happened in Rome was an unofficial and unprepared casual meeting, during a meeting with the Italian foreign minister, and it did not include any discussions, agreements or consultations. Rather, the minister affirmed Libyas constants on the Palestinian issue in a clear and unambiguous manner, it added. It asserted that it, categorically denies the reported exploitation by the Hebrew and international press and their attempt to confer upon the incident the character of meetings, or even arranging or just considering holding such meetings. It declared its complete and absolute rejection of normalization with the Zionist entity and affirmed its full commitment to the national constants on the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, while adhering to the position of Jerusalem being the eternal capital of Palestine, as reported by The Times of Israel In his earlier comments, Cohen said that the size and strategic location of Libya provides enormous importance and enormous potential for the State of Israel to establish ties with it. I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for our countries with such ties, as well as the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyan Jewry, including renovating synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country. Before the majority of its members fled in the years after the creation of the State of Israel, Libya had a substantial Jewish population. It's claimed that there are no Jews left in Libya now, The Times of Israel reported. (ANI) Radio Pakistan is the national public broadcaster in Pakistan. In the meeting, KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali assured the minority delegation of his full cooperation to resolve the problems being faced by educational institutes managed by Christian churches in the province. Further, according to Radio Pakistan, Governor Haji also acknowledged the role of the Christian community in the development of the education sector in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He also expressed his regret over the Jaranwala incident and expressed his support for the minority Christian community in the country, Radio Pakistan reported. A total of 19 churches were fully gutted and 89 Christian houses burnt down in the recent violence targeting the Christian community in Jaranwala in Faisalabad, according to a fact-finding report of the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), reported Radio Pakistan. The HRFP report stated that on August 16, a mob in Jaranwala attacked churches and members of the Christian community. A total of 19 churches were gutted while 2 more churches and some prayer rooms and community halls were also damaged. The report stated that over 10,000 Christians hid in sugarcane and other fields during the first nights of the attack. (ANI) Despite Pakistan's former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that his brother Nawaz Sharif will return to the country this October, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Khursheed Shah said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo who is battling health-related issues has no plans to do so, Geo News reported. Talking to local media on Sunday, Khursheed Shah said, Nawaz Sharifs health is not good, he might not come." Responding to a question, the PPP leader further said, Nawaz Sharifs health can deteriorate. Earlier, on Friday (last week), Pakistan's former PM held a press conference in London after his meeting with Nawaz and floated a new date for his elder brothers homecoming. Flanked by the three-time prime minister, the PML-N president had announced, Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in October [2023] and lead the election campaign. He, however, did not confirm a specific date of Nawazs homecoming, as per Geo News. Nawaz Sharif departed Pakistan in November 2019 for medical treatment following his conviction in a corruption case. He has not returned since and faces multiple cases in Pakistan. He was deemed an absconder the following February. Later in 2020, courts declared him as a proclaimed offender. Reports of Nawazs return once again started making the rounds, earlier this month but no official announcement was made from the PML-N supremo himself. Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Review of Judgments and Orders Act, 2023 was "unconstitutional", crashing all the hopes of Nawaz Sharif, who was seeking to challenge his lifetime disqualifications, Geo News reported. This decision has created a cloud of uncertainty for Nawaz Sharif to come back to his homeland. But, PML-N seems to be confident about Nawaz Sharif's return. Over the last year, especially since the ouster of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and the change at the helm in April 2022, at several points, some PML-N leaders claimed that the senior Sharif is coming back to Pakistan next month, as per Dawn. (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press Brynn Schulte nearly died twice when she was a baby, at one point needing emergency surgery for massive bleeding in her brain. No one knew what was wrong until a test that looked at her full genetic blueprint found a rare bleeding disorder called factor XIII deficiency an early diagnosis that saved her life. You have this hopeless feeling when you dont really know whats going on, said her father, Mike Schulte. Casting a wide net really made a world of difference figuring this out quickly and getting her the right care that she needed almost immediately. Brynn, now 4, got the genetic testing as part of a clinical trial, the results of which were published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Whole genome tests are nearly twice as good as narrower tests at unearthing genetic abnormalities that can cause disease in infants the study found 49% of abnormalities, compared to 27% with more commonly used tests targeting particular types of genetic diseases. Whole genome tests could solve the problem of doing several narrowly targeted tests on babies, which still might not find the disorder. Experts caution there are some issues, because labs vary in how they interpret results, and whole genome tests are costlier and less likely to be covered by insurance. But researchers envision that whole genome tests eventually will be used for millions of hospitalized babies with confounding, sometimes life-threatening conditions. According to the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, around 350 million people worldwide live with rare disorders, and about 80% of the more than 7,000 conditions are genetic. Ive been doing clinical trials of babies for over 40 years, said study author Dr. Jon Davis, chief of newborn medicine at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Its not often that you can do something that you feel is going to really change the world and change clinical practice for everyone. The night after Brynn was born, her mother Lindsay noticed her skin was gray, her breathing labored. Blood had pooled beneath Brynn's scalp, causing two bulges on her head. Doctors transferred her to the neonatal intensive care unit at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, where she got blood transfusions and tests for different bleeding problems. She improved and went home only to wind up back in the hospital when she was about a month old for the massive brain bleed. A doctor warned she likely wouldnt make it. A pastor prayed with the family. After her surgery, Brynn stayed in the NICU for two months. At various points, doctors thought she might have a vascular problem or a mass in her liver. Everybody was very unsettled because nobody knew what the heck was going on, Lindsay Schulte recalled. I dont think we slept. I mean, watching your child nearly die in front of your eyes twice is a memory Ill never erase. Then the Schultes learned about the clinical trial, which involved 400 hospitalized infants. Brynn and both parents got the whole genome testing. The diagnosis came in less than a week: She had the rare bleeding disorder, which affects an estimated 1 in 2 million to 1 in 3 million live births, and another condition causing a severe reaction to certain anesthesia drugs. Doctors said that diagnosis would likely have been delayed or even missed with multiple narrower tests. Many babies in the trial had genetic variants that narrower tests just couldnt detect, said Dr. Jill Maron, a study author and chief of pediatrics at Women & Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. Thats because targeted tests cover maybe 1,700 out of 20,000 genes, so whole genome testing simply captures more things, said Dr. Paul Kruszka of GeneDx, a company that provides whole genome testing but wasnt involved in the study. Another child in the clinical trial, 2-year-old Cash Denaro of Oceanside, California, was found to have a genetic condition called Noonan syndrome, which involves heart defects, developmental delays and other problems. His mom, Amanda Denaro, said that with the diagnosis, we know what they think he may be delayed on, so we can work on these more not just kind of push it under the rug. Broader access to full genome tests is necessary if more kids are going to be helped, experts like Maron said. Full genome tests generally cost about three times more than narrower tests, she said, and aren't covered by Medicaid in most states. Then there's the question of interpreting test results: More than 40% of the time in the study, labs found the same genetic variant, but one considered it the cause of disease while the other saw it as insignificant. Philip Brooks at the National Institutes of Health, which helped pay for the research, said it remains a topic to be addressed. One reason for the differing interpretations is that science is moving so quickly linking genes to disorders and there isn't a comprehensive international system where doctors can check for the latest information, said Mara Aspinall, who teaches biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University. She was not involved in the study. Despite such hurdles, some kids are already benefitting from whole genome testing. It made all the difference in ensuring Brynn got the right treatment so she could thrive, said Dr. Cristina Tarango, her hematologist at Cincinnati Childrens. Today, Brynn lives like any active preschooler except for regular infusions of factor XIII replacement. On a recent morning, Lindsay Schulte put Sleeping Beauty on the television and laid Brynn on a blanket on the kitchen counter. A visiting nurse took blood from a port implanted in her chest and Schulte slowly administered the medication through a syringe. Like usual, Brynn chose the bandage to put over her port one featuring a cat from her favorite show. All done! her mom chirped, and soon Brynn was running barefoot across a couch, gleefully chasing her older brother. Taiwan-based technology company, Foxconn founder Terry Gou, on Monday, announced his bid for the 2024 Presidential election, Taiwan News reported. At press conference today, Terry Gou said that he had entered into the election race as an independent candidate. Earlier, he announced his bid in 2019 but dropped out after he failed to win the nomination for Taiwan's main opposition party, Kuomingtang (KMT). In the past week, Gou held private meetings with Taiwan Peoples Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je and KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, discussing the possibility of a united ticket, though Gous announcement today has put to rest any such speculation. Gou needs to collect around 3,00,000 signatures within 45 days to officially enter the election race, as per Taiwan News. "If you give me four years as president, I will guarantee 50 years of peace," said Gou. He also pledged not to allow Taiwan to become another Ukraine and would work hard to revitalize Taiwans economy. Following his speech, he took a number of questions from reporters in the audience. One of the reporters asked if his involvement in Hon Hai (Foxconn) could make him susceptible to manipulation and coercion from Chinese authorities. Gou sidestepped the question by saying that he has delegated these duties to successors, is not involved in the day-to-day activities of these companies, and would refrain from such actions for four years. "Hon Hai has 10 million shareholders. Each person who owns a single share is like a chairman. So if you freeze these assets, you are taking from all of these shareholders, including people in New York, London, and elsewhere," The election in Taiwan has been an issue for China, according to the officials in the island nation. Officials in Taiwan have described Chinas recent military drill around the island country as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of the nation's presidential elections next year, Al Jazeera reported. Taiwanese Vice President William Lai, the frontrunner in the January election and the one who made a stopover in the US during his visit to Paraguay said in an interview broadcast late on Saturday that it was not up to China to decide who wins the election. Its not who China likes today, and then they can assume the post. This goes against the spirit of Taiwans democracy, and represents huge damage to Taiwans democratic system, he said in the interview that was conducted while he was in New York last week, as per Al Jazeera. Even Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said that China should hold its own election instead of shaping Taipei. "The #PRC has made it clear it wants to shape #Taiwans coming national election. Well, its up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door. Look, #China should hold its own elections; Im sure its people would be thrilled," Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said on microblogging site X (formerly known as Twitter). (ANI) US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo who met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on Monday and said that the relations between Washington and Beijing are profoundly important, CNN reported today. The economic relationship between the United States and China is one of the most significant in the world. We share over USD 700 billion of trade, Raimondo said in Beijing. The US Commerce Secretarys visit to Beijing and Shanghai that ends on Wednesday follows visits by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Climate Envoy John Kerry. It is profoundly important that we have a stable economic relationship, which is to the benefit of both of our countries. And in fact what the world expects of us. Its a complicated relationship. Its a challenging relationship. We will of course disagree on certain issues, but I believe that we can make progress if we are direct, open and practical, Raimondo was cited as saying. The US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is in on a four- day visit to Beijing, aimed at boosting business ties between the world's two largest economies while declaring American national security trade measures off-limits for debate. According to CNN, Chinas Minister of Commerce endorsed the call of working with Washington and added that bilateral relations were important not just to the two countries, but to the rest of the world. Both the officials expressed optimism, with Raimondo noting that their teams had worked together over the summer to set up new information exchanges and working groups that would pave the way for more engagement between both sides. The US official added that she would not compromise or negotiate on any matters related to national security. But the vast majority of US-China trade was not related to national security, she said. Wang agreed, saying he saw most trade between the two economies as benign. This visit comes at a time when ties between the US and China are deteriorating. The visits from US officials are part of US President Joe Biden's call to deepen communications between the US and China, to responsibly manage the relationship, communicate directly about areas of concern, and work together to address global challenges. Recently, both nations got into the chip war as China imposed export controls on the overseas sales of gallium and germanium, elements essential to making semiconductors, CNN Business reported. China's trump card is seen as the counter-attack to potential US tightening of AI chip ban. Biden has signed an executive order banning American investments in key technology industries that could be used to enhance Beijings military capabilities, The New York Times reported. Biden's decision comes as the latest in a series of moves putting further distance between the US and China. Even China doesn't like US interaction with Taiwan. China on Wednesday said it opposes any form of official interaction between the US and Taiwan. Chinas Foreign Ministry urged the US to abide by the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqus. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and the Taiwan region, firmly opposes any visit by Taiwan independence separatists to the US in any name or under whatever pretext, and firmly opposes any form of US connivance and support for 'Taiwan independence' separatists and their separatist activities, Chinas Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference. Recently, the visit of Taiwan's Vice President William Lai to the United States triggered China to launch a military exercise around the Taiwan border and threatened Taiwan with further consequences. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai had made two stops in the United States as part of a trip to Paraguay when he returned to Taipei. Lai's transits through the United States have enraged Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of their country while the latter called itself a sovereign and independent country and not part of the former, according to Al Jazeera. The diplomatic relations between China and the US have been downgraded since the Chinese spy balloon incident. (ANI) Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama returned to his home in exile in Dharmashala after his successful visit to Ladakh. Hundreds of Tibetans including monks and nuns gather at Kangra airport on Monday morning to give a warm welcome to their beloved spiritual leader. Tibetan artists welcomed him with traditional opera dance and songs. Speaking to media persons at Kangra airport, the Dalai Lama said that he returned to Dharamshala after visiting Laddakh and he is in good health. Dalai Lama left Dharamshala on July 8 and returned after spending over a month in Ladakh. Tenzin Tsundue, an exiled Tibetan said, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is approaching Dharamshala after his visit to Ladakh. He is coming back after about two months and we have come here to see him and to welcome him. He is our spiritual leader and its really important to see him and to welcome him here in Dharamshala. Tenzin Nyidon, an exile Tibetan said, We all are gathered here today as his holiness the dalai lama is approaching here after his Laddakh visit and we all are very happy to welcome him and to see him. Even though we live in Dharamshala, we feel very blessed and happy to see him whenever he goes somewhere or returns here, so we come here to get his blessings." While staying in Ladakh, the Dalai Lama drove from Shewatsel Phodrang into Leh city, where he made a pilgrims visit to the Jokhang, the principal temple there, according to the Dalai Lama's website. Having arrived in Ladakh, His Holiness told the gathering, today, Ive come here to the Jokhang. We all rely on the following verse from Entering the Bodhisattva Way. He also visited the Tibetan Childrens Village (TCV) on July 26, where the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering and said, My Dharma brothers and sisters, he began. Today, you presented your songs and dances with delight, confidence and pride. More importantly, you have done so with heartfelt faith. Id like to thank you." Tibetans have a special bond with Chenrezig, the Great Compassionate One. Since the time of King Songtsen Gampo, we have had our own written language. Then, during the reign of Trisong Detsen, the great Abbot and foremost scholar of Nalanda, Shantarakshita was invited to the Land of Snow. He advised that since we had our own language, we should translate Indian Buddhist literature from Sanskrit and Pali into Tibetan," he added. During his stay in Ladakh, he also isited the Great Buddha Statue at Stok and Ladakhi Muslim Community, as per the Dalai Lama's website. (ANI) Pakistans Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad granted bail to the human rights lawyer and daughter of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shireen Mazari, Imaan Mazari in a sedition case, ARY News reported on Monday. In the hearing, ATC Judge Abu Al-Hasanat Zul-Qarnain, granted bail to Mazari against the surety bonds of Rs 30,000. According to ARY News, the court also read the speech script given by Iman Mazari at a rally. Meanwhile, the prosecution opposed the decision claiming that the forensic examination of the speech needed to be conducted. Earlier, Islamabad Police confirmed that the human rights lawyer and the daughter of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shireen Mazari, Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir has been arrested for investigation, Dawn News reported. The arrest came hours after Imaan Zainab Mazari Hazir posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that some unknown persons were breaking into her house. Islamabad Police informed about the development on X and said, Islamabad Capital Police has arrested Ali Wazir and Iman Mazari. Both the accused were wanted by the Islamabad Police for investigation. All action will be taken in accordance with law. The news issued by the Public Relations Department of Islamabad Capital Police should be accepted as correct. No one is authorized to give a statement from a police station. Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader and federal minister, Shireen Mazari alleged that police personnel and people dressed in plain clothes, abducted her daughter Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir from her house in an overnight raid on Sunday, Geo News reported. Strongly condemning the incident, Mazari termed it an act of abduction and state fascism.She alleged that the personnel barged into her house by breaking down the front door, Geo News reported. Expressing her dismay, she further stated that during the overnight action, the personnel not only apprehended her daughter but also confiscated security cameras, Imaan's laptop, and phone. Notably, in May, prominent PTI leader and former federal minister Shireen Mazari quit PTI and politics in the wake of the May 9 violence that erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and also strongly condemned the violence. Mazari has been arrested multiple times since the May 9 incidents. After the court ordered her release, she was taken away in a vehicle without a number plate, Dawn reported. Mazari was presented by the police in court in a case related to inciting party supporters in Kharian on May 9. (ANI) The Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Afghanistan has said that more than 700 Afghan refugees have returned from Iran, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. The Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations on Monday in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that around 774 Afghan refugees arrived in Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province. Out of the 774 returnees, around 622 people have been referred to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office for assistance, according to the Taliban-appointed Islam Qala border posts officer, Khaama Press reported. Previously, the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations had said that approximately 2,589 Afghan refugees had returned from Iran to Afghanistan. The development comes amidst reports that Afghan migrants in Pakistan and Iran have been detained, deported and mistreated due to a lack of legal residency documents. In many cases, these actions were taken by the authorities of these countries, according to Khaama Press report. The severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the escalating poverty levels have resulted in increased migration and challenges with regards to unemployment and residency issues in neighbouring nations. This has resulted in some migrants returning to Afghanistan voluntarily. Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the majority of Afghans have sought migration due to security reasons, prosecution, lack of job opportunities and the economic situation amid a severe humanitarian crisis in the country. Earlier this month,Afghan refugees in Pakistan expressed concern over continued detentions by the countrys police, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported. They said the Pakistani police asked them for bribes after arresting them. An Afghan refugee in Pakistan said, The refugees who lack visas in Pakistan are being detained by the police. Some of these refugees have been returned to Afghanistan and some are being released based on money," TOLO News reported. The Afghan refugee said, In recent times, the Pakistan police have been treating the Afghan refugees with improper conduct and they even search the houses of the people.Talibans consul in Karachi, Abdul Jabar Takhari, said that more than 40 Afghan refugees have been released from prisons in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Takhari said that the refugees had been arrested due to the lack of legal documents. He said, "Around 44 Afghans were released from various prisons in Sindh province of Pakistan and they have been taken to the country via Chaman," according to TOLO News report. (ANI) Dunya News is a 24-hour Urdu language news television channel from Pakistan. PTI Chiefs lawyer Naeem Panjutha informed about the development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and said, The court has dismissed the FIR registered against Imran Khan in Bijli Road police station in Quetta, once again Imran Khan has been red-faced in a false case, congratulations to all of Pakistan for the victory of justice. According to Dunya News, Imran Khan was charged with the murder in June and has been facing over 100 cases since his ouster in a parliamentary vote of confidence in April 2022, after he fell out with the country's powerful military. Meanwhile, the PTI chairman continues to be in Attock jail after a trial court in Islamabad sentenced him to three years in prison in connection with the Toshakhana case earlier this month. The court also imposed an 100,000 Pakistani Rupees fine after he was found guilty of concealing proceeds of Toshakhana (state depository) gifts that he received from foreign dignitaries as the prime minister of the country from 2018 to 2022. Subsequently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified him for five years from holding public office following his conviction. (ANI) Days after it was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be physically attending next months G20 Summit in India, Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov on Monday said that the Presidential office will soon announce who will represent his country. This is obviously not my prerogative to make any announcement and statement as regards the presidential schedule. We have seen the Press Secretary who came on record as regards the Presidential schedule in connection with the G20, said Alipov. I would suggest that we wait for the official announcement that will be made by the presidential office. As regards his participation in the G20 and what format it will be, who is going to represent Russia at the summit, I think that such an announcement will be made shortly, Russias ambassador to India said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had on Thursday told Russian media that Putin is not planning to attend the G20 Summit to be held under Indian presidency on September 9-10 in New Delhi and that the emphasis now is a special military operation indicating the conflict with Ukraine. Putin had also skipped the recent summit of BRICS countries in South Africa and addressed the gathering via video link. Meanwhile, Alipov hailed the remarkable expansion of the BRICS grouping at the recently concluded summit in Johannesburg and stated that the decisions taken towards strengthening the grouping are important. The BRICS summit that has just included in South Africa has been a very remarkable one. The decisions taken are very important towards strengthening the BRICS as a grouping that aims towards an inclusive cooperation with everyone, which aims towards an equal cooperation with all the countries in the world, said the Russian envoy. Alipov said that BRICS grouping reflects the desire of the member countries and of the future member countries towards a more open, multilateral, equal, inclusive world order. I would counter the viewpoint, according to which, some put the BRICS in a (similar) position to other major cooperation groups in the world like the G7 or even NATO. NATO is a military alliance, BRICS is not obviously, said Alipov. We have been very open and very forthcoming when we say that BRICS does not put itself in a position to any other country in particular or any other grouping particularly. It reflects the desire of the member countries and of the future member countries towards more open, multilateral, equal, inclusive world Order that would enhance the role of the developing world in world politics and in decision making on various issues of global importance, he said. Putin had virtually participated in the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg this week. Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia will become members of the grouping in January 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Thursday during the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africas Johannesburg. Speaking by video link to leaders of the group, the Russian President repeated the Kremlin narrative that his invasion, condemned by Ukraine and the West as an imperialist land grab, was a forced response by Russia to Kyiv's and Washington's hostile actions, as reported by Reuters. "Our actions in Ukraine are dictated by only one thing - to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas," Putin said, referring to the eastern part of Ukraine where Russian proxies have been fighting the Ukrainian army since 2014. (ANI) The British Air Traffic Control Service on Monday faced a "technical issue," resulting in flight delays and significant disruption to air travel in and out of the UK, The New York Times reported. In a statement, the National Air Traffic Service said, "We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety," The New York Times reported. It further said that engineers were working to fix the fault. The European air control agency, Eurocontrol, said that the UK was facing a "flight data processing system failure" with "very high individual delays," The New York Times reported. The agency further said, "Currently there is no indication of when a solution for the failure will be available so no improvements for flights entering UK airspace are foreseen in the near future." The Scottish airline Loganair on Monday said that there had been "a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning," The New York Times reported. The Glasgow-based airline said that it was "hopeful" of being able to operate the majority of intra-Scotland flights based on local coordination and with a minimum of disruption and added that "north-south and international flights may be subject to delays." (ANI) India and Bangladesh held the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue on Monday in Dhaka, where the two nations agreed to enhance their defence cooperation including increasing the bilateral exercises. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh on August 27-28, 2023. He co-chaired the meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division. The Ministry of Defence said in an official release, "The Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Bangladesh is the highest institutionalized interactive mechanism between both the countries." In the dialogue, both the countries highlighted its significance in chartering the future course of the relations between the two Armed Forces. Both the countries reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation during the meeting. "Both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing defence cooperation engagements. The talks covered the existing bilateral exercises and both sides agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises," the statement added. Shri Giridhar Aramane and Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman acknowledged the fruitful dialogue and emphasized that both countries are looking forward to continued engagement based on the common understanding reached at the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue. The statement further said, "The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and the increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of the relations of both countries." The two-day Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bangladesh was held in New Delhi where both sides discussed issues relating to customs cooperation and cross-border trade facilitation, finance ministry informed in an official release. The meeting was co-chaired by Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, India and Member (Customs: Audit, Modernization and International Trade), National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh. In the 14th JGC meeting, both countries discussed a host of bilateral issues such as the opening of new land customs stations, easing port restrictions, development of road and rail infrastructure, pre-arrival exchange of customs data and a bilateral agreement on customs cooperation. India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of othercommonalities. The excellent bilateral ties reflect an all-encompassing partnership based onsovereignty, equality, trust, and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership. In 2021 India and Bangladesh jointly commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1971War fought shoulder-to-shoulder by the armed forces of both countries. In the defence sector, significant bilateral exchanges took place during this period, with incoming and outgoing visits of the Chiefs of the Indian and Bangladesh Armed Forces. In July 2022, the Indian Army Chief, on the invitation of his counterpart, paid a visit to Bangladesh; his first foreign visit since assuming charge, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Moreover, the 4th Annual Defence Dialogue and 3rd Tri-Services Talks were held from August 8-10, 2022 in New Delhi to comprehensively review ongoing cooperation. (ANI) The (federal) Liberal government has often been accused of cozying up to China, even during the kidnapping fiasco of the two Michaels. The government says it would be "irresponsible" to "disengage" from our second biggest trading partner. Let's look behind the numbers. According to Statistics Canada, last year Canada bought $129 billion in goods from China. Of that amount, $100 billion was for telecommunications gear, consumer goods and car parts, items that, arguably, we could easily source, perhaps at a higher price granted, from somewhere else or better yet, make ourselves. Hello BlackBerry, hello Magna. In exchange, China bought only $29 billion worth of goods from Canada. What was the top Canadian commodity exported to China last year? Coal. Last year, Ottawa approved the sale of $3.5 billion worth of coal and coal products to China. So, (Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau states there is "no business case" in selling natural gas to either Japan or Europe but he is certainly content to sell billions of dollars worth of coal to China every year. As a side note, China burns more coal than the rest of the world combined and is building new coal-fired electricity plants as fast as it can. It has more than doubled its greenhouse-gas emissions over the past 20 years, while we in Canada show how unserious we are about saving the environment by implementing a job-killing carbon tax, gifting $30 billion to VW and Chrysler and banning plastic straws and garbage bags. As another side note, this week Steven Guilbeault, our federal environment and climate change minister, is off to China for the annual conference of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, of which he is executive vice-chair. We'll see how much cooperation is on offer from China with respect to the environment (or any other topic for that matter). Lloyd Vinish, Kelowna Pakistan's high-powered investigation team, formed to probe the Askari Tower attack case, will again interrogate former prime minister Imran Khan over the incident. The former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was previously also grilled by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) over the May 9 attack. Khan's supporters raided and attacked the government and military buildings namely, Askari Tower, Shadman police station, Jinnah House, and offices of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on May 9.The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has chosen to question the former prime minister of Pakistan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Imran Khan, in the Askari Tower attack case, according to reports cited by ARY News on Monday. The former prime minister is currently in jail after being given a sentence in the Toshakhana criminal case by a district court in Islamabad. According to information, the JIT looking into the events of May 9 has asked the court for permission to question the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader in the Askari Tower arson case, reported ARY News. Citing sources ARY News reported that, Dr Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, head of the JIT and SSP Investigation Lahore, will question the former prime minister alongside the committee members. Following approval from the court, the team would go to Attock Jail, according to the sources. The PTI head was questioned earlier by the joint investigation team, which was established to look into the May 9 incidents, in six cases in Attock Jail on Friday, sources said. The former prime minister has denied the allegation that he has encouraged violence, saying he was detained and had no communication with his supporters. On May 9, after the PTI chairman in the Al-Qadir Trust case was taken into custody on the grounds of the Islamabad High Court, violent demonstrations broke out. (ANI) Following Pakistan Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar held an emergency meeting on Sunday over inflated-power bills, consumers continued to stage protests in the country on Monday as the government would hold another round of meeting today to discuss the issue, reported Dawn. The public has taken to the streets since Saturday over exorbitant electricity bills on the back of a significant increase in the national average tariff. The outage provoked the interim PM Kakar to take notice and summon an 'emergency' meeting on Sunday. However, the conclusion has not been announced and the meeting remained inconclusive. Adding to this, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said that another round would take place today, according to Dawn. He said that today he would hold a detailed consultation with provincial chief ministers on the inflated power bills for July and the implementation of measures for energy conservation. Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said, Meeting on power will continue for the whole day on Monday (today) in which some relief will be given to electricity consumers." We have very limited space between primary surplus and current account deficit to give relief to people. But we have to do something in this regard, the caretaker minister added. Solangi further said that the interim prime minister was considering several options to reduce the sufferings of power consumers but he could not share details with the media till they reach a final decision on this matter, reported Dawn. He added that the government could not tolerate that the poor were paying heavily inflated bills while the elite class and officers of various institutions were getting free electricity. Kakar also said, "It is not possible that while people face difficulties, high-ranked officials and the prime minister continue to consume free electricity paid for with the taxes people pay. PMO release a statement and said, "We will not take any step in haste that will harm the country. We will take measures that will not further burden the national exchequer and will facilitate the consumers." Kakar also directed rthe relevant departments and ministries to submit the details of the officers who were enjoying free electricity, Dawn reported. He said, I represent the common man" and pledged that the measures would be implemented to minimise electricity consumption at the PM House and Pakistan Secretariat. Caretaker PM Kakar also asked the electricity distribution companies to submit a roadmap to prevent electricity theft. The statement further added that the relevant authorities were directed to submit a short-, medium- and long-term plan for reforms in the power sector as soon as possible," reported Dawn. Moreover, in response to growing public criticism, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) agreed on Sunday to stage a nationwide strike against rising electricity rates on September 2. The decision was taken during a Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) gathering at Mansoorah, Lahore, under the leadership of party leader Sirajul Haque. The spokesperson stated that Sirajul Haque will meet with trade associations tomorrow and that everyone in the nation will take part in the strike. He also praised businesspeople and dealers for their support of strikes. The protest was also staged in Pakistans Rawalpindi where the protesters raised slogans against Islamabad Electric Supply company. The publication reported that protests were also staged in Lahore, Attock, Peshawar, Quetta, Taunsa, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rahim Yar Khan and Multan against the inflated electricity bills. A large number of people participated in the demonstrations. Earlier, a report pointed out that Pakistan is burdened with costly plants and commitments that people have been struggling to pay for, The News International reported. (ANI) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday reserved a verdict on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's plea seeking suspension of sentence by the trial court's Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. The Islamabad High Court will announce the verdict on Tuesday at 11 am (local time). A two-member bench - Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, heard the plea. During the hearing, the Election Commission of Pakistan's lawyer, Amjad Parvez, who was not able to appear before the court due to ill health at the last hearing on Friday, presented his arguments in the case. Last week, the court had adjourned the hearing till Monday at the request of his assistant counsel. The court had ordered the ECP lawyer to present arguments on Monday. It had also asked theelectoral authority to make alternative arrangements due to the unavailability of the lawyer.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyerLatif Khosa completed his arguments in the last hearing, according to Geo News report. Earlier this month, a trial court sentenced Imran Khan to three years in prison and imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000. He challenged the verdict and approached the Islamabad High Court for his release and suspension of the conviction. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan had filed a private complaint against Imran Khan in the same case. Under the rules governing Toshakhana, government officials can keep gifts if they have a low worth while they pay a reduced fee to the government for extravagant items, Geo News reported. Toshakhana has been the subject of intense scrutiny since the allegations emerged that Imran Khan purchased the gifts he received as Pakistan's Prime Minister at throwaway rates and sold them in the markets for profits. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has been accused of misusing his position as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018-2022 to purchase and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits to other nations and were worth over Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 140 million. The gifts included watches given by a royal family. Government officials have alleged that Imran Khan's aides sold them in Dubai, Geo News reported. Furthermore, seven wristwatches - six made by watchmaker Rolex, and the "Master Graff limited edition" worth PKR 85 million were among the gifts. Pakistan's then-National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf forwarded a reference to the Election Commission asking it to investigate the matter. In October last year, the ECP declared Imran Khan guilty of corrupt practices and registered a complaint in Islamabad Court. (ANI) Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan (MQM-P) convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has warned that protests against inflated power bills could turn into riots. He said that his party would join people on the streets if relief was not given to people, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Speaking at a press conference in Bahadurabad on Sunday, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that it was time to review the national power supply policy, which he stressed was in favour of certain classes and exploited the poor. "We are concerned that this anger over inflated power bills can turn into a riot. This is a major crisis and it is time to take drastic measures," he said, according to Dawn report. He further said, "Otherwise we will be left with no option but to take to the streets and support peoples demands." Siddiqui termed power bills a "burden on consumers" and stressed that people were becoming "rebels" and Pakistan was heading towards civil disobedience. He said that the power sector's circular debt was due to the incompetence and failure of successive governments, Dawn reported. At the same press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar said that a "state within a state" would be created if the protests continued. On Friday, people took to the streets in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Toba Tek Singh and other areas against power bills, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. In Karachi, the Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional, Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan and the citys trader community criticized the government for paying no attention to the plight of the ordinary people. A large number of people held a protest at Rawalpindis Liaquat Bagh against the increased electricity bills, ARY News reported. People in Attock closed the main highway, disrupting traffic between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. MQM-P leaders also backed the demand for fresh delimitation before the general polls. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said, "The general elections should be held following a fresh delimitation of constituencies in line with the results of the 2023 census." He said, "We want to reiterate that we want fair and transparent elections as soon as possible." Siddiqui said that it is not a "bad deal" if there is a delay of a few weeks or months in holding fair elections. Siddiqui said that fake representatives were imposed on the city in elections conducted in 2018. He stressed that no one should be deprived of their right to representation. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that a resolution for Crimea could be achieved through diplomatic negotiations instead of resorting to military actions, according to Al Jazeera. As the war between Ukraine and Russia entered its 541st day, the Ukrainian President asserted that a "political solution for Crimea would be preferable" as it would involve fewer deaths. In a Sunday interview that was published by a number of Ukrainian media sources on Monday morning, Zelenskyy stated, When we are at the administrative borders of Crimea, I think it is possible politically to force the demilitarisation of Russia on the territory of the peninsula," reported Al Jazeera. However, he highlighted that he did not want to move the conflict onto Russian soil, stressing that the aim is to liberate the territories of Ukraine and that entering Russia would jeopardise vital Western backing, Al Jazeera reported. Moreover, the Kremlin has dismissed the prospect of renewing the Black Sea grain deal as a second Ukrainian ship passes through a temporary corridor, Al Jazeera reported. The prospects for the renewal of the grain deal depend on the actual implementation, not just in words, of the promises, the pledges given to the Russian side, which means implementing the part of the deal pertaining to Russia, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Earlier this month, Kyiv announced a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea to release cargo ships that have been trapped in its ports since Russia invaded. But Peskov said, That [temporary corridor] is a totally different matter, [to the grain deal] and our defence ministry is monitoring it as necessary. Earlier today, at least two people were killed and five others were injured after Russia launched a missile strike on a Ukrainevillage, CNN reported citing a senior Ukrainian official. Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President's office, said the strike caused an explosion at an oil mill in the village ofHoholeve. Local officials said search operations and the removal of rubble are ongoing. Meanwhile, theRussian Defense Ministry told reporters that its Air Defense Troops have foiled Kyiv's attempt to attackRussian territory with an aircraft-type drone and shot it down in the Moscow Region, as per TASS News Agency. "On August 28, at about 4:30 am Moscow time, the Air Defense Troops foiled another attempt of the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack on Russian territory with an aircraft-type drone. It was destroyed in the air over the territory of the Lyubertsy district of the Moscow Region," the ministry said. On February 24, 2022,Russiainvaded 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 capturedUkrainian soldiers. Earlier in July,Russiawithdrew from the Black Sea Grain initiative, an agreement that had permitted Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports a year ago, despite the war, to help alleviate a global food crisis. (ANI) More than 6,000 people and 455 animals were evacuated to safe places in the past 24 hours from different parts of Punjab's districts in Pakistan after strong water currents from the Sutlej River entered adjacent areas, Pakistan-based Dawn reported citing rescue services. In an update on Monday, Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Ganda Singh Wala situated along Sulemanki Headworks was facing medium-level floods at a declining level. The authority said that the districts currently at risk includedKasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Pakpattan, and Vehari, according to Dawn report. As the flooding in the Sutlej River continues, 254 boats and more than 1,000 rescuers were posted to the flooded regions, Dawn reported citing Rescue Punjab Spokesperson Farooq Ahmad. Ahmad said that 1263 people and 339 animals were evacuated from Bahawalpur. Farooq Ahmad said that 1,740 people have been evacuated from Pakpattan. According to Farooq Ahmad, 1,519 people and 20 animals have been evacuated from Kasur. Ahmad said that 1,202 people and 63 animals were evacuated from Vehari. Similar operations were being carried out inMultan, Sahiwal, Rajanpur, Khanewal, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, Lodhran and Okara. According to the rescue service, 112,137 people have been evacuated from impacted regions and 151,300 have been moved to safer locations from July 9 to August 27, Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said floods have been reported in areas adjacent to Sutlej since August 17. The PDMA said that 95 medical camps had been set up across the province and were providing medical facilities to people in impacted areas. The PDMA said that so far, more than 36,000 people have been provided medical treatment. It further said, "Apart from that, 178 relief camps are also functioning in the affected districts." On Sunday, peak discharge in Sutlej at Empress Bridge was 130,000 cusecs which flooded the Weaslan, Sahlan and Lal De Goth settlements, Dawn reported. The people along with their livestock were evacuated before the breaches occurred. However, the standing crops were submerged over a vast area. Flood had impactedLodhran districts Kahror Pucca tehsil located on the other side of the river.(ANI) It has been two years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and the mass migration of artists in the country since then, has hampered the artistic growth of the country, especially women, reported Khaama Press. The Taliban's return to power had a significant impact on all seven kinds of art and drove many artists out of Afghanistan. The Afghan art scene has suffered an irreparable hit as a result of the widespread emigration of artists. Professors and professionals in the arts, especially those who specialise in painting, have left the nation, but other painters who haven't had the chance to leave are still working in secret, Khaama Press reported. The Taliban's obvious hostility to the arts has deterred artists from continuing their work. Samira Gohari, a painter who specialises in realism, told Khaama Press News Agency that the interim government's takeover has made her less motivated to engage in this industry. In recent decades, Afghanistan has seen a relative increase in all seven art disciplines. Like other areas of the arts, painting has drawn interest and its own fan base. Overall, the emergence of the Taliban had a profound impact on art, including painting, isolating artists, especially female painters. The music department was eliminated from Kabul University's College of Fine Arts during the establishment of the Talibans interim administration, and what is now known as the "Islamic Emirate" has taken over with its ideology of "composition and song, reported Khaama Press. Moreover, other art forms have also been heavily suppressed in the past two years. The organisation reintroduced a strict ban on girls attending secondary schools after seizing control in August 2021. The depressing trend continued in December 2022, when limitations were expanded to include women and girls, prohibiting them from attending universities and from working for non-governmental organisations and assistance organisations, Khaama Press reported. TheTalibancontinues to impose further restrictions on women's rights despite significant international pressure and pleas from human rights organisations and aid organisations. They now forbid women from entering theme parks, travelling alone without a male companion, and even using public restrooms. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], August 28 (ANI/WAM): The emirate of Sharjah is gearing up to host the first-ever Gulf-Iraq Business Forum on September 26 and 27, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This landmark event is an initiative of the Federation of GCC Chambers and is being organised in partnership with the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). Furthermore, the forum has received significant endorsement from the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Vice Chairman of FCCI and Chairman of SCCI, emphasised that the forum's main objective is to delve into investment prospects from both regions and foster these opportunities, aiming to establish robust economic ties between Gulf and Iraqi entities. All the organisers of the forum are enthusiastic about amplifying trade exchanges between the two regions and rolling out innovative strategies for economic diversification and growth. Additionally, we look forward to creating a platform for the exchange of expertise, particularly in education and training, as these areas are fundamental in shaping and refining individuals' skills." Al Owais noted that the forum, hosted by the SCCI, marks a significant addition to the longstanding bilateral ties between the GCC countries and Iraq, which are rapidly evolving across various sectors. Notably, the GCC nations stand out as some of Iraq's paramount trading allies in the broader Arab region and the Middle East specifically. The value of this forum cannot be overstated. It presents unparalleled opportunities for companies and investment entities, especially with influential decision-makers from both sides actively participating. The forum benefits immensely from the unwavering support of the GCC General Secretariat, various chambers of commerce, and other governmental departments within the GCC. Al Owais concluded his statement by saying, Given the extensive experience and vast investment possibilities that Gulf countries bring to the table, there's no doubt that we'll see increased avenues for cooperation and investment. We are hopeful and optimistic that this forum will not only achieve tremendous success this year but will also become an annual beacon for the Gulf and Iraqi business communities to explore mutual investment prospects and strengthen collaborative efforts. (ANI/WAM) A Chinese-Australian writer who has been imprisoned in China for more than four years has expressed his fear that he would pass away in prison after an enormous cyst was discovered on his kidney, CNN reported. Accused of spying, the Australian citizen and democracy campaigner named Yang Hengjun was imprisoned in 2019 while visiting family in China and was charged with espionage, which he has refused. A Beijing court held his trial in secret in 2021 but a verdict has been repeatedly delayed. Yang, 58, said in a letter to his followers last Thursday that he has been dealing with discomfort and pain in his kidney for a few months. According to the letter, a doctor informed Yang that he has a kidney-squeezing cyst of 10 centimetres (almost 4 inches) following a recent physical, CNN reported. If something happens with my health and I die in here, people outside wont know the truth, Yang said in the message. If something happens to me, who can speak for me?, he said in the letter, according to CNN. InMay2021,YangwaschargedwithespionageinBeijingandiscurrentlyawaitingadecision. Theverdicthasbeenannouncedtentimes,eachtimeforthreemonths,andtheupcominglikelydecisiondateisOctober9. Feng Chongyi, Yang's friend and former PhD dissertation supervisor at the University of Technology, Sydney, encouraged the Australian government to work with other governments to pressure China to release Yang on medical parole.Yang Hengjun has been subjected to arbitrary detention in China by Chinese secret police for more than four years and his life is in danger, he said, according to CNN. Human rights campaigners have time and again accused the ruling Communist Party of China of committing widespread abuses in the name of security, steps which include confining people to internment camps, forcibly separating families and carrying out forced sterilization. Yang, a Chinese national by birth, had previously held a position in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Despite having Australian citizenship, Yang spent the majority of his time there, according to CNN. (ANI) The Pakistan caretaker government has banned the provision of supplementary grants except in the case of severe natural calamities, reported Dawn. The interim government has tightened the fiscal policy and has set firm conditions for diverting funds to other objectives until an elected government takes charge. The Ministry of Finance told all ministries, divisions and associated departments and entities in a memorandum, "No Supplementary Grants for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level in FY24 (current fiscal year) will be approved in order to remain within the approved budgetary allocation, at least until the formation of a new government after the elections (except if needed to respond to a severe natural disaster)." It said cases for supplementary grants, even in severe natural disasters, would be considered where no funds could be made available through reappropriation. In that case, the technical supplementary grants would be taken up once the principal accounting officer leading the entity concerned provides a certificate that all avenues had been exhausted and this would need to be verified by the relevant accounting organisation, reported Dawn. Moreover, such supplementary grants would be provided if the principal accounting officer provides valid justification and potent reasons for demanding the grant and the finance ministry's expenditure supports the justifications. The expenditure wing will further examine cases in detail and submit recommendations for consideration by the budget wing which will then process the cases and products in a data process report along with fiscal space available for the approval of funds for diversion. Then the finance secretary will process such requests for approval of the cabinet and its Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). Once the federal cabinet approves this, the principal accounting officer will submit a schedule for the grants duly endorsed by the expenditure wing. All entities and ministries have been directed that if the amount authorised for a particular service for the current financial year is insufficient or that a need has arisen for expenditure upon some new service not included in the approved budget documents, the principal accounting officers would follow a tight mechanism for the reassigning of funds, Dawn reported. It further said that the principal accounting officers have been provided additional funds to meet the funding requirements of this year's ad-hoc relief allowance announced in the budget for the current fiscal year under a separate cost centre in each grant demand. Moroever, these officers have been directed to reappropriate funds in consultation with the finance ministry only for ad-hoc relief allowance to cost centres of divisions, attached departments and subordinate offices within respective demands for grants no later than Aug 31. (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press An internal memo shows the federal government is looking for ways to bring more infant formula products to market shelves while it overhauls the way baby formula is regulated to prevent future shortages. Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula, imported from Puerto Rico, is for sale at a Stew Leonard's grocery store in Yonkers, New York, June 10, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ted Shaffrey An internal memo shows the federal government is looking for ways to bring more infant formula products to store shelves while it overhauls the way it is regulated to prevent future shortages. Many parents still struggle to find the right formula for their babies at a reasonable price after last year's temporary shutdown of a U.S.-based manufacturing plant caused a major shortage of shipments to Canada. The government is expected to reveal its long-term plans to deal with the problem this fall as part of an overhaul of outdated rules that govern how Canada approves infant formula products. Those changes could take years, so the government is considering a stopgap that would exempt products from certain requirements. The plans are laid out in a heavily redacted memo to the deputy health minister in April, which The Canadian Press obtained through the Access to Information Act. For now, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have relaxed the enforcement of some rules to allow for the import of 70 baby formula products from countries with similar standards until Dec. 2024. A large police contingent and rescue teams have arrived at the scene of the tragedy, and the deceased corpses and injured people have been taken to a nearby hospital, according to a police spokesperson. Earlier, when terrorists assaulted Lakki Marwat's Saddar police station, at least four police officersincluding a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)were murdered and six others were injured. According to information, terrorists with powerful weapons attacked the Saddar police station, injuring five officers, ARY News reported. The attackers used cover of darkness to flee the site after exchanging fire in retaliation. DSP Iqbal Momand left for the crime scene after learning about the incident, however, his armoured vehicle was also the target of explosives. According to ARY News, DSP Iqbal Momand and three other police officersWaqar, Ali Marjan, and Karamullahwere killed as a result. The bodies of the police officers who were injured, as well as those killed, have been transported to the hospital by police and rescue personnel. According to a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police spokesman, the police responded to suspicious activity near the Bakhmal police station when terrorists fired on the police team before fleeing the scene. (ANI) Ben Chlebnikow never imagined he would live to be more than a century old. In fact, there was a time when the 104-year-old Army veteran, who celebrated his birthday at the Creekside Village in Hagerstown on Aug. 17, questioned whether he would live past the age of 25. Seventy-seven years later, tears well in his eyes when he recounts the moment he and his fellow soldiers returned to U.S. soil having survived enemy artillery fire in Europe at the tail end of World War II and witnessed the aftermath of the Holocaust. We kneeled down and kissed the soil. Thats true. We did, he said. We couldnt believe it was over. Many times, I feared Id never make it back to the United States, but I did. Ben Chlebnikow, a resident of Creekside Village in Hagerstown, smiles with his granddaughter, Hannah Chlebnikow, recently at the care home. Ben Chlebnikow, a WWII veteran and former Mack Trucks employee, turned 104 on Aug. 17. Recollections of the end of WWII Chlebnikows year-long tour as a technician with the 177th Field Artillery Battalion was fraught with peril from the start. He vividly remembers boarding a filthy British ship in Ireland that was part of a convoy of 50 vessels taking Allied servicemen across the English Channel into France. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The German submarines, they didnt know where they were, he said. Were sitting in the middle of the English Channel, the propeller broke and were sitting there like dead ducks. They could have picked us off like (we were) sitting on a fence, but God was with us. He arrived in the European theater on May 8, 1945, the day German forces surrendered, but he said his unit encountered pockets of Nazi resistance on the way from Austria to Munich. We had to set the (artillery) guns up. I guess there was a couple of pockets they missed or something. I was in the 177th Field Artillery, and we had three guns, and I was in Company A, and I was assigned for hooking up the telephone wires for the men on the frontline, he said. The guy on the frontline would tell them where the shells were landing, and of course the Germans were shooting back at us. And like I say, if you can hear them, youre OK. Its the bombs coming over you you dont hear that will kill you. "We set up the guns and fired I dont know how many rounds. What we were shooting at, you dont know in the field artillery. When we strung the wires up, you could hear them shooting at us, and thank God I came back safe and sound. There were many other times when Chlebnikow felt threatened by the possibility of continued Nazi resistance, such as when his unit ordered German soldiers in Munich to surrender their weapons for destruction, but he did not end up confronting serious problems the rest of the time he served in the Armys postwar operations. We were the victors, and they listened to us, he recalled. We had a little trouble now and then, but not much. In addition to fearing for his own life, Chlebnikow, himself the son of a Russian Jewish immigrant, bore witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. The ovens were still warm when I went through the Dachau Prison, he recounted. It smelled like fried Crisco. I couldnt eat fried eggs when I came home for months, a year or more. I kept thinking of that smell. I dont know how people lived there. Dachau was the concentration camp where they burned all the people. Growing up in the Great Depression Before the war, Chlebnikows life in his hometown, Patterson, N.J., wasnt especially easy. His mother died when he was 7 years old, leaving his older sister with the primary responsibility of raising him. His father lost the hardware store he owned during the Great Depression, causing his family to subsequently lose their home. Chlebnikow recalls one or two winters during the Depression when his family ran out of coal to heat their home and had to resort to burning their furniture. It was very cold, he said. We burned all the chairs in the house; we burned the dining room table; we burned the piano. Anything that had wood on it, we burned in the stove in the basement to stay warm. He remembers earning one cent for every newspaper he sold and a nickel for every grocery delivery he completed as a child. During his sophomore and junior years of high school, he worked on a farm milking cows before and after school every day. Sometime after graduating from East Side High School in Patterson, he saw a newspaper ad from the Curtiss-Wright airplane manufacturing company offering to hire anyone who could learn to use certain engineering tools. He took classes at a local trade school to get up to speed, got hired by the company and started on a career path that would see him become an accomplished machinist and mechanical engineer in the manufacturing field. His career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army in April 1944, a few months after he married his first wife. Mack Trucks job leads to Hagerstown When he returned from the war, he settled into family and work life. He and his wife had three sons. He was laid off from his job with Curtiss-Wright in 1960, but soon started working for Mack Trucks where he said he was responsible for several inventions that improved manufacturing. He also was a computer pioneer of sorts. In 1980, I told the boss we had 85 engineers. I said the days coming when the computer will take over and you wouldnt need us, he said. That departments all done on computers (now). I saw that coming, and I went to Hagerstown Community College, and I took some courses on the computer. It was his job with Mack Trucks that brought Chlemnikow to Hagerstown when the company moved part of its manufacturing operations here in the early 1960s. He built a house across the street from Pangborn Elementary School. His wife died a few years later, but he soon remarried and then adopted his second wifes two boys. He said raising five boys who each needed something to drive as teenagers led to his decades-long hobby working on Volkswagen cars, which he cited as a factor contributing to his longevity. That was my therapy every night. I knew that car inside out, he said. I rebuilt over 100 engines, took them apart. I knew every washer, nut, bolt. I had all the wrenches; I had all the tools; I had all the books. He added that his sons only helped with the repairs by standing by to hand him wrenches. His granddaughter, Hannah Chlebnikow, said he at one point held seven Volkswagens in his name and the Volkswagen dealership would call him to answer questions they didnt know. Family meals a treat In addition to his mechanical interests, Ben Chlebnikow was very involved with his synagogue, the Congregation Bnai Abraham in Hagerstown. For 20 years, he oversaw maintenance for its two buildings and assisted with the upkeep of the cemetery. He said he is particularly proud of installing new computerized natural gas boilers, which he says reduced the congregations annual heating bill by about a third. He retired from Mack Trucks in 1987, then formed his own small engineering company so he could continue working as a consultant for Mack on special projects until he retired for good in 1994. Hannah Chlebnikow said that in addition to his five sons, he has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, in all of whom he takes an active interest. We always had family gatherings, and he was always there, she recalled of her childhood. If he can sit around a table and be in person with his family eating a meal, that is what he did, and he always treated us to it. If we went out to dinner, he was picking up the tab. He would not let you do it. She remembers him being present for many of her big moments at sporting and college events, which was especially important to her because her father, Ben Chlebnikows oldest son, died from cancer at the age of 64. She also noted that her grandfather paid for her and all his of grandchildren to go to college. Hes very generous. I dont even know a way to describe just how amazing and thoughtful he is, she said. A force to be reckoned with at Creekside Ben Chlebnikows second wife died in 1992, but he started dating again, and still does, though he was quick to note he has been dating just one woman that entire time. At the age of 99, he was featured in Hagerstown Magazine for his impressive workout routine. But within a year of that article, he lost his left leg due to circulation problems, and has been wheelchair bound since. He did continue his swimming routine after his amputation but had to stop when Creekside closed its pool for budget reasons a development with which he was none too pleased. Hannah Chlebnikow said her grandfather keeps himself busy these days by being active in the politics of the care home. Through persistent demands, he arranged for a bus to take residents to the local library once a month, got the rugs cleaned on a more frequent basis and secured snack bowls for the common areas. He agreed with his granddaughter that hes a force to be reckoned with. When I go to a meeting, you know Im there, he said. Since returning from his war service, hes never made time for putting up with the things in life he didnt enjoy. The secret to success is doing what you enjoy doing. If you dont enjoy it, get out, do what you want to do, he said, adding, I guess the good Lord will take me when He wants me. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown WWII veteran Ben Chlebnikow turns 104 An 11-year-old Port Orange girl who texted 911 operators to falsely report that her friend had been kidnapped by an armed man was arrested Wednesday. Prosecutors have formally filed two misdemeanor charges in juvenile court against the 11-year-old Port Orange girl accused of sending fake 911 texts claiming her friend was abducted by an armed kidnapper. Prosecutors filed charges of false report of a crime and misuse of the 911 system against Ava Rose Langone. She appeared with her parents and her attorney in juvenile court on Monday. Her defense attorney, Jeremy Buckmaster, entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf. Buckmaster said he was working with prosecutors on resolving the case and needed more time. Circuit Judge A. Kathleen McNeilly set the next hearing for Sept. 18. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "I think that the home detention is appropriate based on her age," McNeilly said. The 11-year-old made no statements in court as she stood between her parents, Amanda and Michael Langone, facing the judge. Her parents asked through their attorney questions regarding the terms of the 11-year-old's home detention. The judge said she could go to school, as the girl has been doing. Other than school, she must be at home or be with her parents. "She can go anywhere with her parents," McNeilly said. "She just cannot be out on her own." The mother said she worked from home so she can supervise her. The judge said the girl's grandmother could also supervise her. The girl's parents and attorney declined comment after the hearing. Initially charged with a felony The Volusia Sheriffs Office initially charged the girl with making a false police report concerning using a firearm in a violent manner, which is a felony, and misuse of 911, a misdemeanor. The case sent law enforcement scrambling on July 26 when the girl reported that her 14-year-old friend had been taken by an armed kidnapper driving a white van traveling south on Interstate 95 in Oak Hill, the sheriffs office stated. The girl was released to her parents at a juvenile detention hearing on July 27. Normally, law enforcement officials do not release the name of juvenile offenders. But under state law, the name, age, photo and other identifying information of juveniles charged with what amounts to a felony can be released. False kidnapping report The girl sent a message to police saying she was in a blue Jeep following the kidnappers van on I-95 in Oak Hill. Multiple deputies responded, along with police from Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange. A sheriffs helicopter also joined the search for the suspect and the van. For 90 minutes, the girl texted updates including a description of the suspect, whom she reported had a gun, sheriff's spokeswoman Laura Williams said. Deputies and police found no suspect or van, but they did find the girl at her home in Port Orange after tracing the messages. The girls father told deputies she was at home. As deputies approached the girl, her cellphone rang when 911 dispatchers called. She was transported to the Family Resource Center for processing, then transferred to the Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Daytona Beach, Williams said. The sheriff's office stated previously that it will seek restitution for the cost of the resources used in the response to her texts. Spokesman Andrew Gant wrote that that the rate for Air One, the helicopter, is $625.29 an hour. The sheriff's office will seek $1,246.29 for all costs, including the helicopter. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Port Orange girl, 11, charged with 2 misdemeanors in fake 911 text case Be skeptical of predictions about the outcome of the 2024 elections. I say this, because as someone who quite often is asked to make such predictions on TV or in columns like this one, I long ago came to realize there is every incentive for commentators to sound certain and very little cost to being wrong. For the punditerati, that is a good thing, because we are wrong so frequently. But if you are actually trying to figure out what is likely to happen in next years elections, it can be a problem. Trump Must Go to Jail if Convicted No doubt you are already familiar with the most popular rock-solid prognostications about the next 15 months in American politics: Donald Trump will definitely be the Republican nominee; Joe Biden will certainly head the Democratic ticket; Americans will continue not to fully appreciate all the good Biden has done; bad news will be good news for Trump; Republicans will try to impeach Biden for having fathered Hunter; Democrats will clutch their pearls and take to their fainting couches in response to MAGA scorched-earth tactics. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement But, there are problems with all that. First, the one thing we know about 2024 is that it will be unlike any election year in U.S. history. We have never had a major party candidate facing (currently) 91 felony counts and seven trials (and counting). We dont know how a daily stream of revelations about Trumps legal travails will impact the electorate. We dont know how he will react to the process, and how the courts will react to him. Quite apart from all that, the stakes for this election are higher than for any other since 1860. Trump has already stated he wants to radically remake the U.S. government in ways that will bring us closer to outright autocracy. The GOP wants to strip away crucial rights from women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. If MAGA has its way, America will be a much more illiberal society starting January 2025. Apart from these factors, there are a host of developments that could take place between now and next November that would substantially impact or even alter the results of next falls elections. The late former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld might have called them the unknown unknowns. They represent developments we might not expect but which very well might have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Some are longshots. But all are plausible enough that they ought to leave us a bit more humble about our ability to predict our political future. Here are 11 of them: Trump is disqualified. There has been a recent surge of activity by prominent legal scholars from across the political spectrum arguing that because Trump supported the Jan. 6 insurrection he is, by virtue of Article 3 of the 14th Amendment, ineligible to serve as president. Political activists are working to translate these opinions into action. Whether these objections to Trumps candidacy will work is unclear. Undoubtedly they will be tested in the courts. But the point here is that they could work and if they did, of course, they would throw the GOP nomination up for grabs. Former President Donald Trump golfing in August 2023. Mike Stobe/Getty Images There is a candidate health scare. If Trump runs against Biden we will see a race with the highest average candidate age in history. Both men are roughly in the same chronological zip code, around 80, and that means that both are vulnerable to potential health reversals or scares. Trump is obese, prone to fits of anger and is under enormous stress given his legal problems. Biden, though fit, could also get ill or stumble at an inopportune moment and, in either case, it is likely their health would immediately become a major issue. If they could no longer run or their recoveries kept them from the campaign trail for any protracted period of time, the negative political consequences could be significant. President Joe Biden speaks at Camp David near Thurmont, Maryland on Aug. 18, 2023. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Trump is convicted of one or more crimes. Of all the possibilities on this list, this seems the most probable. While most of the cases against the ex-president are likely to drag on for some time due to the stalling tactics of his lawyers, it is not inconceivable that one or two of them could go to trial before the election. The most likely of these might be the Jan. 6-related prosecution by Special Counsel Jack Smith. We have never seen an ex-president on trial. We have never seen an ex-president convicted of serious felonies. We have never seen an ex-president running for re-election face serious jail time or have his voting rights stripped away because he is a convicted felon. Yes, some of Trumps supporters might still vote for him post-conviction. But almost half of all Republicans and most independents and Democrats would not. It would be a game-changer. Georgia Indictment Digs Much Deeper Into Trumps Conspiracy to Overturn 2020 Election Than DOJs Trump could melt down and make his legal peril even greater. No one who has observed Donald Trump for even a brief period of time would be surprised if in the course of the campaign and of his trials, he made his legal situation worse by violating terms of his pretrial release or even committing new crimes (the dude obstructs justice and intimidates witnesses like the rest of us breathe). Thus, although Trump has miraculously survived as a viable candidate while racking up indictments like a particularly brazen or inept mob boss, while his situation is bad, it could get even worse. And who knows where the tipping point comes for MAGA nation? How many indictments for serious crimes is too many for even the sheeplike, characterless, flock of Republican Party leaders? Trump, by his behavior in the wake of his recent indictments, seems almost determined to find out. Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23, 2023. Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images A new candidate could enter the GOP race and catch fire. Currently Trump leads the GOP field by a massive amount. Not only is that shocking given his record of crime, corruption, and general odiousness, but it is a reflection on the pathetically low quality of the pool of candidates who are running against Trump. (I added the quotation marks because clearly some of the fieldlike former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley or South Carolina Sen. Tim Scottmay be running to be Trumps vice-presidential running mate, which is remarkable given his efforts to promote mob violence against his last veep.) But what if a Trump candidacy seems more problematic and the opportunity to defeat him seems clearer or the only way toward a possible GOP victory? What if that leads someone like Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to enter the race? Yes, Youngkin is just the country club version of the rest of the GOP throng. But authoritarians in fleece vests could be appealing to a broader cross section of the country than spray-tanned serial criminals. GOP donors of note are already considering this scenario so it cant be ruled out. Trump flees the country. OK, OK, I get it. This seems outlandish. Trump even took to Truth Social to make fun of the idea. But if Trump faces actual prison time, do you think it wont cross his mind? He has his own plane. He has friends overseas. He has money. Would the Secret Service, with its shoddy track record of late, even stop him from going? Certainly, it cant be ruled out. After all, Trump has even fantasized out loud about his desire to be in some country other than the U.S. The Right Needs to Ask: Why Do These Racists Keep Getting Hired by Us? An extremist act of violence. With all the talk of weaponizing aspects of government, the real clear and present danger to America remains actual weaponsespecially when they are in the hands of right-wing extremists. To just name a few recent incidents, there have been threats against judges in the Trump cases, against President Biden, and random acts of violence committed by right-wing nuts who were triggered by something as benign as a rainbow flag. This is our new and deeply troubling reality. As we get closer to the election, as the Trump trials get more and more attention, as the potential for a big MAGA defeat rises, who knows what we can expect? The only certainty, and in this case it is a certainty, is that more violence is in storeand some of it potentially could have major political and social consequences. Ukrainian servicemen fire small multiple launch rocket systems towards Russian troops near a front line in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine Aug. 19, 2023. Viacheslav Ratynsky/Reuters Intensified foreign election interference. Vladimir Putin has only one real hope to salvage his disastrous war in Ukraine: the re-election of the apple of his eye Donald Trump. Does that mean the Russian leader is likely to pull out all the stops in support of Trump? It seems highly likely. Whether that would constitute more disinformation or even more active measures we can only speculate now. But not to expect and prepare for such intervention would seem downright irresponsible. A sudden major turn in the war in Ukraine or in Russias leadership. The war in Ukraine may be distant to most Americans now, but if there were notable Russian gains, Republicans would surely use them as a political cudgel with which to beat up on Biden foreign policy. Admittedly, that seems unlikely given the fact that the Biden administration has forged an excellent record in Ukraine. But wars are volatile by nature and setbacks can happen in the blink of an eye. We need to be aware that Russia, for example, has targeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Similarly, of course, we know Putins grip on leadership has been challenged recently and were there to be political turmoil in Russia it would pose a big new challenge for the Biden teamand might very well distract or eliminate an important source of support for Trump. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and his wife Jaime Green as they tour the fire-ravaged town of Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii on Aug. 21, 2023. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters A natural disaster. This summer has seen devastating and, in many cases, unprecedented natural disasters worldwideincluding in the U.S. As extreme weather continues to batter us, the possibility of a major disaster or series of disasters that could impact everything from the political standing of affected leaders to the ability of voters to participate in elections is a real one. Its Time to Give Kamala Harris Her Due The usual disruptive suspects. A bad turn in the economy (or a very good one) could certainly impact this coming election cycle. So too could an unexpected military crisis (see Iran or the straits of Taiwan). These x-factor or black swan events loom as spoilers over every set of predictions we might make. They remain a factor here. These 11 examples are, of course, merely illustrative. We also know the Supreme Court is capable of making decisions that inflame electorates (see Dobbs) and that pollsters regularly misgauge the national mood resulting in seeming surprises (that really are just evidence that the pollsters got it wrong). And then there are the real unknown unknowns, the wild developments that even speculative columns like this one are unwilling to address. Take for example the recent revelations about aliens. After all, if they are true and they have seen the mess we are making of things here on this Earth, surely they must have considered and could be planning to act on the notion that we are long overdue for a planetary makeover. 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. In the federal case probing former President Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, prosecutors have turned over 12.8 million documents to the former presidents legal team as part of discovery, prosecutors said Monday. Trump faces four criminal charges in Washington, D.C., tied to his actions after losing the 2020 election, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan set a trial date of March 4 in the case a date strongly objected to by Trumps legal team, which argued that it would take substantially more time than that to get familiar with discovery and ensure the former president is adequately represented. A quarter of the 12.8 million documents are associated with Trumps campaign or political action committees that have supported it, according to prosecutor Molly Gaston. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Transcripts of grand jury testimony and accompanying exhibits make up 5 million of the documents, and 3 million documents originated from the Secret Service, she said. But Trump has had access functionally to about two-thirds of the total documents, Gaston said. Some 7.8 million documents are from entities associated with the defendant, from National Archives documents to open-source material like tweets, Truth Social posts or information made public by the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the Capitol attack. The government also produced 47,000 key documents to the defense, including an annotated indictment Gaston said is a road map to the governments case. The government originally proposed a trial date of Jan. 2 in the D.C. case, while defense attorneys suggested an April 2026 date. Trump attorney John Lauro said going to trial on the governments timeline would be a violation of the oath to do justice due to the avalanche of information turned over in discovery. Briefs filed by Trumps legal team ahead of the hearing balked at the total pages, creating a graphic that stacked them next to monuments and suggesting they would take years to read. Prosecutors countered that Trumps public comments about the case makes the need to quickly proceed to trial more necessary. He has publicly disparaged witnesses, he has attacked the court and citizens of the District of Columbia which is our jury pool, Gaston said, adding that Trump is accused of historic crimes: attempting to overturn the presidential election disenfranchise millions of Americans and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Chutkan said she doesnt doubt for a minute that Trumps team has worked diligently on his case, but said his attorneys have a very different estimate of the time needed to prepare for trial. After Chutkan set the March 4 date following a tense debate over the time Trumps team would need time to review evidence Lauro said the March 4 date is inconsistent with President Trumps right to due process. Mr. Trump is entitled to a defense that is reasonably prepared; it would be a miscarriage of justice if they dont get that kind of defense, he said. And theyre going to get it, Chutkan replied. I intend to ensure he gets it. Updated 1:45 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. In the federal case probing former President Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, prosecutors have turned over 12.8 million documents to the former presidents legal team as part of discovery, prosecutors said Monday. Trump faces four criminal charges in Washington, D.C., tied to his actions after losing the 2020 election, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan set a trial date of March 4 in the case a date strongly objected to by Trumps legal team, which argued that it would take substantially more time than that to get familiar with discovery and ensure the former president is adequately represented. A quarter of the 12.8 million documents are associated with Trumps campaign or political action committees that have supported it, according to prosecutor Molly Gaston. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Transcripts of grand jury testimony and accompanying exhibits make up 5 million of the documents, and 3 million documents originated from the Secret Service, she said. But Trump has had access functionally to about two-thirds of the total documents, Gaston said. Some 7.8 million documents are from entities associated with the defendant, from National Archives documents to open-source material like tweets, Truth Social posts or information made public by the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the Capitol attack. The government also produced 47,000 key documents to the defense, including an annotated indictment Gaston said is a road map to the governments case. The government originally proposed a trial date of Jan. 2 in the D.C. case, while defense attorneys suggested an April 2026 date. Trump attorney John Lauro said going to trial on the governments timeline would be a violation of the oath to do justice due to the avalanche of information turned over in discovery. Briefs filed by Trumps legal team ahead of the hearing balked at the total pages, creating a graphic that stacked them next to monuments and suggesting they would take years to read. Prosecutors countered that Trumps public comments about the case makes the need to quickly proceed to trial more necessary. He has publicly disparaged witnesses, he has attacked the court and citizens of the District of Columbia which is our jury pool, Gaston said, adding that Trump is accused of historic crimes: attempting to overturn the presidential election disenfranchise millions of Americans and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Chutkan said she doesnt doubt for a minute that Trumps team has worked diligently on his case, but said his attorneys have a very different estimate of the time needed to prepare for trial. After Chutkan set the March 4 date following a tense debate over the time Trumps team would need time to review evidence Lauro said the March 4 date is inconsistent with President Trumps right to due process. Mr. Trump is entitled to a defense that is reasonably prepared; it would be a miscarriage of justice if they dont get that kind of defense, he said. And theyre going to get it, Chutkan replied. I intend to ensure he gets it. Updated 1:45 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Two 13-year-olds have been arrested after a shooting that left one juvenile dead and an Ohio mall locked down, according to police. According to a Columbus police report, officers were called to the Easton Town Center, Sunday, Aug. 27 around 6:15 p.m. after reports of a shooting. As you can imagine, very chaotic scene, multiple calls coming in describing groups of people all running in various directions, Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said during a news conference streamed by WCMH. Albert said within one minute of getting the call, a special duty officer was on scene and found the juvenile victim outside of the mall with a gunshot wound. First responders gave him CPR and he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There are a number of juveniles, people under 18, children, that were involved in this incident at Easton. I dont know an exact number, but there were a lot of children at Easton, Columbus Police Deputy Chief Greg Bodker said at the news conference. The Columbus Dispatch reported that one security guard said they had never seen so many teens and young adults at the mall. Several people who had to be evacuated took to social media to voice their concerns and experience. My girls was at the movies when this happened! Im glad theyre safe but my 6 year old was in a state of shock. They had to evacuate in the middle of the movie, one woman wrote on Facebook. You hear it on the news but you never know when youre right in the midst of it running with your children to avoid bullets. Thanking God for protection over my family, one woman wrote of her experience. 13 year olds should be looking for Xbox controllers and girls, not guns, another Facebook user posted. At least two firearms were recovered at the scene, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Two 13-year-olds were arrested some time after the shooting, police told WBNS. One is facing a murder charge, and another is charged with obstruction of justice, according to authorities. Police have not detailed how the suspects were arrested, but did say during the news conference that several people were initially detained. They also reiterated how important it is to make sure kids are not getting their hands on guns. Parents, I need you to step up. Know where your kids are, who theyre with, and if theyre involved with any violent activities. Do they have firearms? Go through their backpacks, go through their rooms, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said during the news conference. Although murder is one of the charges where a teenager can be tried as an adult in Ohio, the law doesnt allow anyone under the age of 14 to have their case elevated to adult court, so the 13-year-olds case will stay in juvenile court, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Police are not releasing the name or age of the victim at this time. Update: Restaurant mass shooting leaves 2 dead and 5 others injured, Kentucky cops say Mom in custody dispute kills young son, teen daughter and herself, Florida police say Baby-shower shooting leaves 25-year-old man dead, three others injured, Ohio cops say About 150 people are out of Gastonias largest homeless encampment after trash and crime near the site raised concerns among city leaders. The operator told Gaston County reporter Ken Lemon he thought the city would eventually shut him down, so he acted first. PAST COVERAGE: New rules for Gastonia homeless camp after deadly shooting Most of the people living at the camp on North Oakland Street got the evacuation order last week. Pastor Moses Colbert has allowed people to sleep around his church on North Oakland Street for two years. The city of Gastonia was already suing his ministry over trash on the property. Colbert said he learned the city planned to ask a judge to evacuate the encampment. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its heartbreaking because I got to deal with all these folks trying, telling me, What did I do wrong? They did nothing wrong, Colbert said. LaDay Seber has been homeless for 20 years and lived there until Monday. You had people die here, Seber said. He said people have overdosed in this camp and someone was killed. I think this was a blessing, Seber said about the evacuation. Seber met with operators of a drug treatment group, which is offering temporary housing. Several groups are helping evacuees, and officials said they are stunned at the number of people who need assistance. Ive never seen anything like this, said Shelia Toler, a peer support specialist. Its just a sad day, said Sherri Dobbins, who experiences homelessness. Dobins said she became homeless because of relationship issues and health problems. You have sleep here and sleep there. And here, we had a place to come home to every night, she said. Some people have been sleeping on mattresses in tents and others on pallets. (We are) scared just because we have to leave the comfort of what we all knew, Dobins said. Lemon spoke with one of the pastors of the church who said the next step is to clean up, which could take several weeks. VIDEO: New rules for Gastonia homeless camp after deadly shooting A 19-year-old driver died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday in Elk Grove, the second such crash in the city this month. The motorist was traveling westbound on Bilby Road at a high rate of speed at 12:44 a.m. when the vehicle hit the curb and then crashed into a tree, the Elk Grove Police Department said in a news release. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sacramento County Coroners Office will release the identity after next of kin has been notified. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family during this difficult time, the Elk Grove Police Department said. It was not known if alcohol or drugs were a factor in Sundays crash. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the departments traffic bureau at 916-478-8148. A 34-year-old driver was killed Aug. 7 after his vehicle struck a tree on Elk Grove Boulevard near West Taron Drive. This weekend, a similar crash killed a 21-year-old man and uninjured his juvenile passenger after their car struck a tree on Florin Road in the Pocket section of Sacramento. Re. R. Thiessen's letter Didn't want the PM here (Castanet, Aug. 25) It can only be a good thing that the prime minister saw firsthand the scale of the destruction and the ordeal that evacuees are experiencing. It will likely help with support in the long run. If he had stayed in Ottawa, anti-(Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau types would be critizising him for being too aloof and uncaring to visit the scene of a large-scale tragedy. The federal government can't win with these people, especially when one considers (Conservative party Leader) Pierre Poilievre's tax-cutting, Libertarian stance. Do you really think that alternative would be better? His entire platform is taken from the U.S. Republicans, and its theme is "you're on your own." Neil Jones, Kamloops The Yermak-McFaul International Expert Group has found that China is the main supplier of critical components for Russian drones. The group proposes to tighten control over foreign components used by Russia in its UAVs. Source: Office of the President of Ukraine Details: The Russian army most frequently uses three models of drones: Shahed-136/131, Lantset and Orlan-10. Russia still relies heavily on foreign-made components, particularly microelectronics, to manufacture its drones. 174 foreign components removed from three models of UAVs used by Russian troops on the battlefield in Ukraine were examined by a group on sanctions against Russia, headed by the Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and Michael McFaul , Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the group's research, China is the main supplier of critical components for Russian drones, accounting for 67% of shipments, with 17% of them going through Hong Kong. Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates account for 5% and 2% of components, respectively. Components, including CPUs, chips, transistors, and other critical ones, made in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and other countries, were also found in the drones. The International Expert Group's report says many parts are available through publicly accessible platforms, making regulatory oversight difficult. In view of this, the group's experts called on manufacturers to do more to prevent Russia from accessing their products bypassing economic sanctions. Ukraine proposes to harmonise sanctions lists between partner countries, unify lists of dual-use goods based on harmonised system codes, and expand the categories of goods subject to sanctions based on harmonised system codes. The Office of the President believes that companies should develop clearer guidelines for compliance, and governments should investigate the activities of known companies that do not comply with the sanctions policy. It is recommended to strengthen cooperation between producers and authorities in order to improve compliance with sanctions and implement effective restrictive measures. Experts believe that the use of anti-money laundering (AML) mechanisms can strengthen export control measures, as sanctions circumvention often has similarities with money laundering. This can help identify structures in third countries that are important for the production and export of military products to Russia, especially if the production takes place outside the sanctioned coalition. 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! Two high school students are dead and a third juvenile is in critical condition after a shooting Sunday night in Braddock. The Woodland Hills superintendent tells Channel 11 the two victims were high school seniors. The Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office identified the two victims as Rimel Williamson, 17, and Nazir Parker, 17. At around 11 p.m., an Allegheny County Housing Authority officer was in the of Margaretta Street and Center Street when he heard multiple gunshots. He found two males who had been shot several times dead on Center Street, according to Allegheny County police. A third male was located inside a residence with gunshot wounds to the chest and buttocks. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is in critical but stable condition. Allegheny County Housing Authority Police tell Channel 11 he is a juvenile. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Channel 11 spoke to Parkers grandmother, who is still in disbelief that her grandson was shot and killed. Im going to miss that smile. Im going to miss him calling me, talking to me, and calling me and saying, Grandma, I love you. She said her family officially found out that Parker was one of the teens shot on Monday morning. I would like to let whoever did this, that we are working and trying so hard to find out who I dont see someone walking away from this, she added. Allegheny County Police Departments Homicide Unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous. The school district released the following statement: Dear students, parents and families of the Woodland Hills School District, Our hearts are broken this morning as we learn details of the tragic shooting yesterday in Braddock. Incidents like these are what we work tirelessly to prevent. As we pray for and support the families impacted by this violence, we also wanted to make everyone aware of help we can offer through this time. This morning and for the next few weeks, additional services for both students and staff will be present and in place. School must go on, but families who choose to keep their child home to help deal with the loss will have the absence excused. Our collective grief must today be the anchor that holds us together so we can help our children and each other. The mourning and heart ache we feel must turn our pain into action to stop these violent acts. Superindentent Dr. Castagna Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Pittsburgh Public Safety aware of use of force by officers during arrest, incident under review Pittsburgh police trying to find missing 13-year-old last seen in Beechview area Saturday 24-year-old killed in wrong-way crash on Route 43 in Washington County VIDEO: Protest held in Garfield in support of suspect in standoff situation DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The Gun Violence Prevention Team held a vigil and a call to action in response to the shooting that killed two people and injured several others Sunday morning. It was at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church.Aug 27, 2023 Two people died and five were injured Sunday after an early morning shooting at a restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky in what police said appears to have started between restaurant-goers and people on the street. About 3 a.m. Sunday, Louisville Metro Police Department officers responded to a shooting call at Southern Restaurant and Lounge, where they found a man had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to information from police spokesperson Dwight Mitchell and local media outlets. Boston parade shooting: At least 7 injured in shooting during Boston parade, police say Mayor addresses shooting Several other people were taken to the University of Louisville Hospital., the Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network reported. One man died earlier in the day from his injuries, said Greenberg. Four others are recovering. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement As of Sunday night no suspect information was available, police reported. "Our thoughts are with these victims and their families," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said at a Sunday afternoon news conference. A sixth person was located at Jewish Hospital, and their condition was unknown, police said. Police commander Maj. Shannon Lauder told local media at a news conference Sunday morning that the sixth person's injury may have been due to a fall related to the shooting. 5 Things podcast: Families mourn Jacksonville shooting victims, Tropical Storm Idalia forms Some 200-300 people at restaurant Lauder also said that the shooting started between restaurant-goers and people on the street. There were no other details on how the violence started, outlets reported. There were approximately 200 to 300 people at the location, police officials said at the conference. Louisville fire officials previously determined that the facility's capacity is 105 people, Lt. Col. Ryan Bates said Sunday afternoon. There have been other measures to address problems at the Southern Restaurant and Lounge, Greenberg said. The mayor and the building's landlord have worked together to terminate the lease, which will take effect Aug. 31. Brad Silveria, the local Alcohol Beverage Control administrator, has also reached out to state officials to apply for termination of the establishment's license. If granted, business operations would cease immediately, Silveria said. Doug Yeager played the flute at the Gun Violence Prevention Teams vigil and a call to action in response to the shooting that killed two people and injured several others Sunday morning. It was at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church.Aug 27, 2023 Joy Henry, Moms Demand Action, talks at the Gun Violence Prevention Teams vigil and a call to action in response to the shooting that killed two people and injured several others Sunday morning. It was at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church.Aug 27, 2023 Greenberg called on Metro Council to start conversations with the city administration and the community to determine whether some bars should be allowed to stay open until 4 a.m. "We will enforce our laws and ordinances," Greenberg said. "There are too many of these incidents happening in the middle of the night when bars and clubs are the only businesses that are still open. We must do more to address our gun violence epidemic." This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Shooting at Louisville's Southern Restaurant & Lounge: 2 dead, 5 hurt A Broward County, Florida, sheriffs fire rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment complex Monday morning, leaving two people dead and two others injured. Authorities identified the dead as Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Capt. Terryson Jackson, who was in the helicopter, and an unnamed adult woman who lived in the apartment complex. The crash occurred near an airfield just north of Fort Lauderdale as the helicopter was on its way to an emergency call, authorities said. A helicopter goes down in Pompano Beach, Florida, on Monday, August 28. - Courtesy Buck Daily At approximately 8:46 a.m., emergency personnel responded to a call of an aircraft alert located southwest of the Pompano Beach Airpark. The helicopter involved in the crash is a BSO Fire Rescue helicopter. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue transported two people to an area hospital, the Broward County Sheriffs department said in a news release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement A total of three Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue personnel were on board the helicopter that crashed into a structure following an in-flight fire one-half mile from Pompano Beach Airpark, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Just before it crashed, the aircraft was smoking and on fire near the rear, video posted to CNN affiliate WPLG appeared to show. The helicopter's tail rotor is seen in the backyard of a home after the crash. - Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service/Getty The two injured victims are being treated at the hospital and do not have life-threatening injuries and are listed in fair condition, officials said. Terryson Jackson, 50, had worked in fire rescue in Broward County for 19 years, according to a Facebook post from the sheriffs office. Broward County fire rescue Capt. Terryson Jackson, a flight paramedic who died in the crash. - Broward County Sheriff's Office/AP As a flight paramedic, he impacted the community daily, providing critical patients with the highest pre-hospital care, reads the post. He consistently showed an unmatched passion for the job. He always provided expert care, compassion and reassurance to those during their most significant time of need. CNNs Gregory Wallace and Zoe Sottile contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Police in Pennsylvania are investigating an accident that left a woman dead on her 22nd birthday, reports say. Hannah Adams was riding an ATV in West Carroll Township around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, when she lost control and crashed into a dumpster and a parked car, according to WTAJ. Adams was driving the ATV with two passengers on it. One of the passengers was injured, while the other was not hurt, according to a crash report from the Pennsylvania State Police. The injured passenger had to be flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital, the Tribune-Democrat reported. Several people have taken to social media to express their condolences and grief after learning of the fatal accident. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement One Facebook user wrote, 4 years ago today we were singing happy birthday to you, to today saying happy birthday to you in heaven. I just cant wrap my head around this Hannah. It just seems unreal to me. You would turn my worst days into the most tremendous days ever, another person wrote on Facebook. The crash report says all three passengers were not restrained at the time. Adams was not wearing a helmet, and speed was determined to be a factor in the accident, according to WTAJ. The accident is being investigated by the state police out of Ebensburg, and the coroners officer is awaiting a toxicology report, WTAJ reported. Man riding ATVs with his dad dies in crash on challenging trail, Utah officials say Teen riding minibikes with brother is killed by cable tied across path, Vegas cops say Ex-boyfriend struck and killed woman with go-kart while she was on ATV, AZ cops say Three-year-old twin siblings who were hurt Saturday in a shooting were passengers in a car crash while on the way to a South Carolina hospital, according to the Florence County Sheriffs Office. The twins injuries are not believed to be life threatening, the sheriffs office said Monday in a news release. At about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a call from an area hospital where two juvenile gunshot victims were brought into the emergency room for treatment, the sheriffs office said. At the hospital, deputies learned the 3-year-old twins were shot while at a home at 1332 Rockwood Lane, according to the release. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The toddlers were unsupervised when one of them found an unsecured gun and fired the weapon, the sheriffs office said. Both twins were injured, as one child was shot in the foot and the other in the thigh, according to the release. After the shooting Daquan Travezz Butler, who had custody of the children at the time, was taking them to the hospital when his vehicle was involved in a collision, the sheriffs office said. Information about the crash was not available, and there was no word on any injuries caused during the wreck. A passerby stopped to help and drove Butler and the twins to the hospital, according to the release. In the past nine years, Butler has been convicted on multiple speeding charges and for other traffic violations, Florence County court records show. Butler, who investigators said left the toddlers unsupervised, was charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, according to the release. He was taken to the the Florence County Detention Center Saturday night, before being released Sunday on a $10,000 surety bond for the combined charges, jail records show. If convicted on the felony charges, Butler faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison on each charge, according to South Carolina law. Despite the arrest, an investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, the sheriffs office said. The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution, Sheriff TJ Joye said in the release. But with that right comes the responsibility to keep firearms out of the hands of children or others not authorized to possess them. Parents, please make sure your firearms are secured to prevent incidents like this from happening. Louisiana Health Department cited 30 restaurants in Slidell and New Orleans for critical conditions, including more than 16 that dont have food safety certificates to ensure their kitchens meet health standards. Louisiana waits a week after the inspection to release the reports. These restaurants were inspected between Aug. 8 and 18. Restaurants are cited for critical violations that are more likely to lead to food contamination or illness and must be corrected immediately. These violations are similar to a C grade in Mississippis restaurant inspection grading system. Non-critical violations are issues that could become critical if left uncorrected, according to the Retail Food Inspection website, and should be corrected by the next regular inspection, or according to the compliance schedule. Among these violations could be dirty walls or floors, plumbing not maintained and food stored where it is exposed to splash, dust or other contamination. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement These restaurants were cited for critical violations: Slidell Sogo Japanese Restaurant, 3091 Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 14. It was cited for: Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch (repeat) Corrected on site were: Employees was drinking in food preparation area or other area where food equipment were stored Raw animal food not separated from ready to eat, or placed above ready to eat (repeat) Raw animal food with different cooking temperatures not separated to prevent cross contamination (repeat) It also had six non-critical violations, three of them repeat. All critical violations were corrected for a follow-up inspection Aug. 17. Which Wich, 664 Town Center Parkway, Slidell, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 14. It was cited for: Cold-holding temperatures not 41 degrees or below Solution for warehousing not 200 ppm at 75 degrees Corrected on site was employee was eating in a food preparation area or where food or equipment was stored. It also had one non-critical violation Western Steel convenience store at 2060 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell had a follow-up inspection Aug. 14. It was cited for No current food safety certificate. Corrected during the inspection was flies present (repeat) It also had one non-critical violation. Brunos Taqueria, 2060 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 10. It was cited for seven critical violations: Food prepared on premises held for more than 24 hours not date market Food cold holding temperature not at 41 degrees or below No current food safety certificate. Raw animal food not separated from ready to eat food Equipment or utensils not constructed of approved materials Flies present Corrected on site was hot water provided to all fixtures and equipment It also had four non-critical violations. Check this - Follow-up inspection Aug. 14, no violations (repeat) The Soda Shop, 301 Cousin St., Slidell, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 16. It was cited for improper chlorine sanitizer concentration for warewashing. Corrected during the inspection were: Food prepared on premises and held under refrigeration not disposed of after seven days Raw animal food not separated from, or placed above, ready to eat food It also had four non-critical violations. New Orleans Elizabeths Restaurant, 601 Gallier St., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 14. It was cited for: Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch Warewashing equipment used as food contact surfaces are not cleaned as required dish racks Three compartment sink not used in proper sequence to wash, rinse, sanitize Corrected during the inspection were: Cold holding temperatures not at 41 degrees of lower Approved cooling method not used to meet temperatures Roaches present recent pest control It also had 11 non-critical violations. Corner Oyster House, 500 St. Peter St., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 15. It had five critical violations, four of which were corrected during the inspection. It was cited for: Backflow prevention device not installed on threaded faucet where a hose is attached. Corrected on site were: Food prepared on premises and held under refrigeration was not disposed of after 7 days Raw animal foods with different cooking requirements are not separated to prevent cross contamination (repeat) Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch can opener (repeat) Three compartment sink not used in proper sequence to wash, rinse, sanitize Chemicals stored with or above food or equipment It also had 12 non-critical violations, eight of them repeat violations. Juniors, 789 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 10. It had was cited for: Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch soda gun Approved sanitizer not used during warewashing Corrected during the inspection was: Employee did not wash hands and exposed portions of arms. It also had three non-critical violations. Schiros Deli and Bar, 2483 Royal St., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 14. It was cited for: Food prepared on premises and held for more than 24 hours not date marked (repeat) Food not prepared with least possible manual contact, with suitable utensils and on surfaces that were cleaned, rinsed and sanitized prior to use to prevent cross-contamination Raw animal foods with different cooking temperatures not separated to prevent cross contamination Roaches are present Corrected during the inspection was: Direct connection between the drainage system and a drain line originating from food handling equipment It also had 10 non-critical violations. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, 400 Lafayette St., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 8. It was cited for: Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to site and touch- ice machine. Corrected during the inspection was cold holding temperatures not at 41 degrees or lower. There were also four non-critical violations. Magazine Pizza, 1068 Magazine St., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 16. It was cited for: No current food safety certificate Food Contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch - soda machine. Corrected during the inspection were: Food packaging not in good condition - dented can Employee did not wash hands and exposed portions of arms while handling food It also had five non-critical violations. Caesars Superdome had violations at two locations during routine/renewal inspections Aug. 17. Crown Royal Signature Kitchen was cited for a rusty grill. It also had five non-critical violations. North Endzone Feature Bar at the Superdome was cited for hot not water provided to the hand sink. It also had three non-critical violations. Munch Factory, 6514 Congress Dr., New Orleans, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 10. It was cited for: Hand-washing sink is not located for convenient use by all employees in the food preparation and/or the utensil washing areas. Corrected on site were: Potentially hazardous food prepared on premises not disposed of after seven days Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch - ice machine Three compartment sink not used in proper sequence to wash, rinse and sanitize It also had 15 non-critical violations. South Philly Steak and Fries, 500 Port of New Orleans Pl., had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 15. It was cited for Food contact surfaces and utensils are not clean to sight and touch ice machine. Corrected during the inspection was Chemicals stored above food equipment, a repeat offense. It also had two non-critical violations. Ristorante Flippo, 1917 Ridgelake Dr., Metairie, had a routine/renewal inspection Aug. 18. It was cited for: Hot water not provided to all fixtures as required utliity mop sink. Corrected during the inspection were: Food prepared on premises and held for more than 24 hours not date market inside all reach refrigerators Food contact surfaces and utensils not clean to sight and touch - interior of the ice machine wall It also had 22 non-critical violations No safety certificate These restaurants were cited for no food safety certificate held by owner or designated employee: Burger King, 120 Brownswitch Road, Slidell Chicken Salad Chick, 1522 Gause Blvd., Slidell Panda Express, 1638 Gause Blvd., Slidell (repeat) Avenue Cafe, 1907 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans The Avenue Pub, 1732 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans The Chicory, 610 S. Peters St., New Orleans Great American Cookies Riverwalk, 500 Port of New Orleans (repeat) New Orleans Pelican Cafe, 5800 Airline Drive, Metairie Parish Parlor, 1912 Magazine St., New Orleans Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken, 5757 Read Blvd., New Orleans The Ruby Slipper, 2802 Magazine St., New Orleans Sukothai Restaurant, 2200 Royal St., New Orleans (also 13 non-critical violations) Tutti Frutti Lakeview, 6300 Canal Blvd., New Orleans Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris, 227 Bourbon St., New Orleans (repeat) Waffle House, 11951 I-10 Service Road, New Orleans We Dats Chicken & Shrimp, 9820 Lake Forest Blvd., New Orleans Netflix subscribers love a thriller. That's why the streaming service's head honchos keep commissioning, producing, and releasing them at such a furious rate. Some are fantastic, like David Fincher's Mindhunter, others are compelling and procedural, such as The Lincoln Lawyer, and others have missed the mark, like the daft The Devil In Ohio. Then there are those that the critics love, but that weren't accompanied by splashy marketing budgets or big starry casts, and so they go under the radar. And it's those we're interested in today. As you saw in the headline, these weren't just mild hits with critics, but gained perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes so here are six thrillers and dramas to get stuck into on Netflix. The Snow Girl A still from Netflix drama The Snow Girl Released at the start of this year, La Chica De Nieve, or The Snow Girl, is a thriller with a classic set-up. The story centers around the disappearance of Amaya Martin, a six-year-old, who went missing in 2010 during the annual Cavalcade of Magi festival in Malaga. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Many years later, Miren Rojo, an intern who is bored with her menial role at a local newspaper, leans about the case and decides to take matters into her own hands and get to the bottom of the mystery. Based on Javier Castillos novel of the same name, the disappearance, as you might expect, quickly turns into a tangled web that lands Miren in deep trouble. Critics praised the storytelling and the agility of the narrative, with the story's many time jumps woven in skilfully, and every twist carefully plotted. Rough Diamonds A still from Netflix's Rough Diamonds When you think of Belgian crime solving, it may well be that your mind goes straight to Hercule Poirot, but this new Netflix drama has something to say about that Set in the city of Antwerp, Rough Diamonds follows Kevin Janssens' Noah Wolfson, a young man who decided to forsake his Orthodox Jewish upbringing and moved away to start a new life. But, after the suicide of his younger brother, Yanki, he is compelled to return. After he arrives, Noah reconnects with the Orthodox community and quickly discovers that his family's diamond-trading business is being squeezed by both the right side of the law a young, ambitious local prosecutor and the wrong side of the law, in the shape of a vicious new gang. Critics praised the show's complex story arcs as well as branding it a high-quality slice-of-crime drama, giving it a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Law According to Lidia Poet A still from Netflix's The Law According to Lidia Poet Let's head to northern Italy in the late 1880s for another critical smash. Loosely based on the life of Lidia Poet, the first modern female lawyer in Italy, the show, which has been commissioned for a second season already, is a stylish romp. We follow Poet as she tries to enroll as a practising lawyer, only to be told her presence is illegal and she is to be disbarred. While she prepares an appeal, Poet finds a job at her brother Enrico's law firm, where, naturally, she ends up getting more involved than her older brother had planned, with a new case to dive into each episode. Critics praised star Matilda de Angelis' presence and energy in the role, while also talking up its style and swagger. There's always a spot in our lives for a good courtroom drama, as our eager wait for The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 proves and here's a bunch more to enjoy, in fact. Katla A still from Netflix's Katla Next, we're bound for rural Iceland for a seriously eerie mystery. Set in the small town of Vik, a tiny place in the shadow of the titular Katla volcano, the show begins following some hardy survivors who remain a year after an eruption of the Katla made the town basically unhabitable. One seemingly ordinary day, a woman who apparently disappeared 20 years earlier returns to the village, looking as she did back then, apart from being caked in ash. If that wasn't enough, more victims of the volcano begin to return, causing locals and experts to team up to find just what was going on. Reviewers adored the show, particularly the unexpected plot turns and the performances of the key cast, leading to its 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Red Rose A still from BBC's Red Rose When Eleven, the production company that gave us Netflix's coming-of-age drama Sex Education, announced a new teen drama, you might have expected something in the same wheelhouse. As it turned out, they delivered something much, much bloodier. Written by "The Clarkson Twins," whose credits include The Wheel Of Time and The Haunting Of Bly Manor, Red Rose is a contemporary teen drama set in the UK town of Bolton, just outside Manchester. It follows a group of close friends who are trying to enjoy their final summer before they head to college, until one of the gang decides to download a mysterious app called "Red Rose", which begins to make increasingly gruesome demands Critics have lavished praise on the show, with comparisons to Black Mirror and The Exorcist frequently dished out. Either way, it's landed maximum points on Rotten Tomatoes. You Don't Know Me A still from Netflix drama You Don't Know Me Originally airing on the BBC in the UK and adapted from Imran Mahmood's bestselling book, You Don't Know Me is a searing thriller. Told over four breathless parts and written by Vigil creator Tom Edge, the show stars Samuel Adewunmi as an unnamed defendant who stands accused of murdering a gangster named Jamil. The evidence against him is overwhelming and everyone in the courtroom believes the trial will only go one way, but when Adewunmi starts to talk, the trial suddenly becomes wide open. Starring Sophie Wilde, Bukky Bakray, Roger Nsengiyumva and Tuwaine Barrett alongside Adewunmi, this is a courtroom thriller like nothing you've seen before. Critics were gripped and very taken with the performances, particularly Adewunmi. You might also like An arrest has been made after police said a man taking a walk to a LaGrange park took a deadly turn. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It was around 8 a.m. on Monday when LaGrange officers were called to Sunny Point Access on Mooty Bridge Road in regard to a person shot. When police arrived, they found a man, later identified as Kenneth Stanley Dial, 69, dead from gunshot wounds. Around 9 p.m. LaGrange Police said they arrested Billy Joe Tyler III for the murder of Dial. TRENDING STORIES: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement LaGrange officials learned that Dial had come to the park to walk earlier in the morning, which was routine for him. According to the police department, an acquaintance of Dial, who also went inside the park to walk, found him just before 8 a.m. and called 911 for help. Witnesses in the area reported to authorities hearing gunshots around 7:30 a.m. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Monday night, police arrested Tyler on Park Avenue and charged him with the Murder of Kenneth Dial. He was taken to the LaGrange Police Department and later to the Troup County Jail. The investigation determined that Tyler attempted to rob Dial before shooting him and leaving the area. Tyler was on active felony probation for a Robbery that occurred in the Metro Atlanta area. IN OTHER NEWS: You may remember them as the guidance counselor, and their office as the place you went when you needed a correction made to your schedule. But times and titles have changed. The professionals now known as school counselors may have a hand in scheduling, but they also support students in many other ways. School counselors work involves way more than just schedule changes and consoling crying students, Danielle Schultz, a middle school counselor in Pennsylvania, told HuffPost. They currently find themselves on the front lines of the youth mental health crisis. Young peoples distress was exacerbated by the pandemic, but had already been on the rise for years. In 2019, over a third of all adolescents, and half of female adolescents, reported such persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year that they couldnt participate in their regular activities, according to a survey on youth health and behavior by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number had risen significantly over the previous decade, as did the number of youth who reported thoughts of suicide. The 2021 data show those numbers continuing to climb. In schools, the stakes are high. Whenever a student says something that makes a teacher or a fellow student wonder if they are considering harming themselves or someone else, the school counselor (or their colleague, the social worker) is called upon to do a threat or suicide assessment and determine whether the student is in immediate danger. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Friendship drama or scheduling may have been past perceptions of issues that students may seek out a school counselor for, Steve Sharp, a middle school counselor in Pennsylvania, told HuffPost. But mental health is the top concern that students bring to him today. One benefit of mental health concerns being so widespread, however, is that theres a growing normalization and destigmatization of students caring for their mental health, Sharp said. Parents and teachers may have not yet registered this trend. I think parents typically think the most common issues with kids are surface level, either about friends, social groups, social media, or academic concerns, Lissett Bohannon, a former high school counselor in Texas, told HuffPost. Likewise, she said, teachers may assume that students are coming in with concerns about grades. The reality is that students top concerns run much wider and deeper. HuffPost reached out to a number of school counselors to ask them the top reasons that students visit their office. 1. A Safe Space Bohannon said her top priority is simply listening, and hearing the issue from the student lens. For students who are not accustomed to naming and articulating their feelings, this can take some practice. Some students have told me that they are never asked about certain feelings throughout the day, so its hard for them to put into words how or why they feel a certain way, Bohannon said. As a school counselor, I would really just focus on creating a safe place for the student to open up. Their inexperience is also sometimes just a product of their youth. It can be confusing and difficult for students to understand their emotions when they may be experiencing this emotion for the first time, she explained. These brand-new emotions may lead them to behaviors that are not typical for them, and many times, students have a hard time understanding or explaining what is going on within themselves. Some of the feelings they may be experiencing may only show up at certain times or have certain triggers, and for a lot of students, learning these triggers is all new. 2. Pressure From Family Looming college applications give students plenty of reason to worry about grades, but the pressure to succeed academically also comes from home. Particularly for immigrant students, and those who will be the first generation in their family to attend college, the weight of expectation may be a heavy one. Students often feel that they must succeed in order to honor their families sacrifices. Many of my students struggle with the idea of disappointing their parents, and opening up about feelings of anxiety or depression can be scary for them to bring up at home, Bohannon said. 3. Identifying Feelings In Order To Change Behavior A teacher who is struggling with a student in the classroom might hope that having the student speak with the counselor would put an end to a troublesome behavior and it may but rehashing the behavior and why it was wrong probably wont be the counselors starting point. Behavior is communication and its the result of what one is thinking and feeling, Casey OBrien Martin, an elementary school counselor in Massachusetts and author of Skills For Big Feelings, told HuffPost. Im often working with kids to teach them that their thoughts impact their feelings, which then influences their behavior, she said. So, Im starting by teaching them how to identify if their thoughts are helpful or unhelpful, and then how to change those unhelpful thoughts, which then impacts their feelings and this, in turn, influences their behavior. All of this means adults shouldnt expect to see changes overnight. We dont have a magic wand, OBrien Martin said. Behavioral change and social-emotional change is slow, deep work and it takes time. 4. A Sounding Board Sharp noted that students are becoming more conversant in the language of mental health, and may strategically reach out to a counselor for help navigating a challenge. Increasingly, Im connecting with students who speak maturely and insightfully regarding their emotional experiences, are proactive seeking to check-in regarding their emotional health, or simply seeking to coordinate the skills or behavioral health services theyre receiving outside of schools and reflecting on how that applies to school, he said. 5. Anxiety OBrien Martin said one of the issues she sees most frequently is anxiety, often showing up around the ages of 6 and 7. When anxiety does occur, it can materialize in some unexpected ways. These may include: oppositional or aggressive behavior, school refusal, separation anxiety, inattention, phobias, avoidance, control issues, tantrums, elopement, worrying what if thoughts, and more, she explained. Sometimes, parents allow kids to avoid things that make them anxious in order to ease their anxiety but, in the long-run, this can actually make anxiety worse, she cautioned. When we let our kids avoid situations that make them anxious, it stops them from mastering the skills they need to learn to cope with those feelings, OBrien Martin said. While a true phobia will need to be addressed with a therapist, in many instances its best to give kids an opportunity to overcome a challenge. If your child is having a hard day at school, its natural to want to dismiss them from school, but the healthier choice is to give them the tools to cope with their feelings, she said. OBrien Martin suggested that you validate your kids feelings and affirm their strength by saying, for example, I know this is hard and I know you can do hard things, or I know you have the tools to deal with your big feelings! 6. Anger One big feeling that can lead to issues at school is anger. We have lots of conversations about how anger is not an issue that is out of their control, its a feeling that they are learning to manage. So we spend time reframing that automatic thought and phrase into something helpful like, I am learning to handle hard times and strong feelings, Laura Filtness, an elementary school counselor in Tennessee, told HuffPost. With anger and other emotions, Filtness said she works with students on the skills of mindfulness and understanding what they can and cant control. Taking a moment to be present and thoughtful helps them respond instead of reacting impulsively, Filtness said. We also discuss the idea of control, and how they can make changes to improve their situation, she added. At the same time, we acknowledge that there are things they cannot control, and we work on coping strategies for those situations. 7. Navigating Peer Conflict Of course, there are still plenty of kids who end up in the counselors office because of a conflict with a classmate. In these situations, counselors emphasize dealing with conflict in a healthy way. As grown-ups we often want to run away from and avoid conflict but its so much healthier to teach kids ways to deal with their conflicts and how to solve problems, OBrien Martin said. For minor problems with peers, I find its useful to teach kids to use I-statements: I feel ___ when you ___. Could you please ___? When students come in with a peer conflict, she continued, Im often reflecting the problem back to them to solve because its much more empowering for them. ... Ill say, I know youre a problem solver! How do you think we should handle this situation? And often theyll tell me what they need to do like apologize, use a coping skill, or use an I-statement. Related... An American Airlines plane taxis to the gates of Terminal C at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Sunday, July 23, 2023. (Smiley N. Pool/Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) U.S. aviation regulators fined Fort Worth-based American Airlines $4.1 million for violating federal laws for leaving passengers on the tarmac too long, with most of the three-hour-plus delays happening at DFW International Airport. The Department of Transportation investigation that followed the carrier from 2018 to 2021, found that American allowed 43 domestic flights to sit on the tarmac for long periods of time without allowing passengers to get off. Its the largest fine ever issued for tarmac delay violations, which came along with a cease and desist order, according to the DOT. Of the $4.1 million, $2.05 million will be credited to American for compensation provided to passengers on the affected flights. Advertisement This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers, said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Secretary in a statement. Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, DOT will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable. Of the 43 flights, which impacted 5,821 travelers, the department found none of the exceptions to tarmac delay rule, which include safety and security exceptions. On one of the 43 flights, passengers werent provided food and water. During a tarmac delay, airlines are required to provide travelers with a snack and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of a tarmac delay. Advertisement Sarah Jantz, spokeswoman for American, said the carrier takes its responsibility to comply with all Department of Transportation requirements very seriously. While these delays were the result of exceptional weather events, the flights represent a very small number of the 7.7 million flights during this time period, Jantz said. We have since apologized to the impacted customers and regret any inconvenience caused. American has adopted some new strategies to cut down on tarmac delays, such as the use of the Hub Efficiency Analytics Tool, or HEAT, to shift arrivals and departures around severe weather, Jantz said. The carrier has also built smart gating technology that reduces taxiway congestion and the time aircraft spend waiting for available gates. The tool uses real-time routing, runway information and other data, along with machine learning, to automatically assign aircraft to the nearest available gate. According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are required to begin to move the airplane to a location where passengers can get off before three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights, for all flights departing from a U.S. airport. More than three-quarters of Americans say in a poll released Monday that President Biden is too old to be effective if reelected to the White House. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs survey found that Americans were more likely to say age would be a problem for Biden rather than former President Trump, who is just a few years younger than his successor. According to the poll, 77 percent of Americans including 89 percent of Republicans and 69 percent of Democrats said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. The AP noted that the negative view of Bidens age is held across age groups, not just by younger people. On the other hand, about half of Americans said Trump is too old for the White House, and Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say Trumps age makes him ineffective for office. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Democrats, Republicans and independents all said they wanted to see age limits imposed on the presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court, pollsters found. About two-thirds of Americans surveyed backed an age limit for the White House and Congress, as well as a mandatory retirement age for justices. Sixty-six percent support age limits for presidential candidates, 68 percent support limits for the House and the Senate and 67 percent support a mandatory retirement age for the Supreme Court. The poll was conducted among 1,165 U.S. adults Aug. 10-14 and has a margin of sampling error of 3.8 percentage points. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. While excavating a floodplain in England, archaeologists stumbled upon an ancient site where hunter-gatherers once dined, danced and performed rituals. The site, which dates back to 6,000 B.C., functioned as a Mesolithic mecca, seasonally drawing large groups from far-flung corners of northern Britain. Its not a very typical site, Fraser Brown, an archaeologist who worked on the excavation, told McClatchy News. We knew we had something pretty unusual. It was uncovered by happenstance. While digging up a narrow stretch of land near Carlisle to make way for a road, archaeologists with Oxford Archaeology began pulling up troves of prehistoric artifacts. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement For months, a team of more than 50 people sieved a muddy area the size of a football field, ultimately unearthing over 300,000 artifacts, including flint arrowheads and wooden tridents. A wooden trident discovered at the site Its certainly one of the largest lithic assemblages ever recovered in Britain, Brown said. Based on the findings, archaeologists surmised the area, once an island on the Eden River, was occupied by hunter-gatherers during the spring or winter months. Large groups of prehistoric people traveled to the island from over 100 miles away, likely fishing the river during a time of year when food was scarce. At a time when people generally lived in small family bands, its likely that more than 100 early Britons took refuge on the island at a time. You can use ethnographic analogy to imagine all the other things which would be happening in the background, which would include feasting, gossiping and storytelling, Brown said. Hundreds of pieces of ochre, a type of clay, were also discovered. It would have been ground into a red pigment used for a number of practical and ceremonial purposes. Ochre fragment discovered at the site The ochre was probably not for everyday use, Brown said. People probably painted themselves for hunting rituals or dance or for burial rights. The material has been used by hunter-gatherers to make dye, bug repellent, sunscreen, glue and even medicine, Andrew Needham, a lecturer in early prehistory at the University of York, told McClatchy News. To fashion body paint, it was typically mixed with animal fat. When it came to funerals, it was usually sprinkled into open graves, Needham said. When people look at the Mesolithic and prehistoric people they can be quite two-dimensional, imagining them as widgets wandering the landscape looking for food, Brown said. But, of course theyre just people like you and I, Brown said, and theyre going to have very rich social and cultural lives, and because they dont have much materiality, perhaps even more so in terms of their imaginations, stories and myths. After the hunter-gatherers, the island was also used by Neolithic farmers around 3,800 B.C., proving it had some sort of lasting appeal, Brown said. Even the Romans, thousands of years later, decided to put down roots in the area. They constructed Hadrians Wall, the northern boundary of their sprawling empire, just a stones throw away. Stone wall uncovered in Italy was a Roman temple 2,000 years ago. See what remains Decapitated skulls full of cavities and gems from ancient Maya uncovered in Mexico Bumpy baby creature found on sky islands in Vietnam and discovered as new species Eight U.S. Marines are still hospitalized following a deadly aircraft crash in Australia over the weekend that killed three of their comrades. Northern Territory Police said in a Monday update that the eight Marines are still recovering but did not say what condition they were in. Emergency responders will remain at the site of the crash for the next 10 days to carry out an investigation into the cause of the crash. Northern Territory Incident Controller Matthew Hollamby said responders are now in the recovery phase and working closely with police to for a respectful recovery operation of the three deceased US Marines. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragedy, and we will do everything in our power to provide answers and closure to the families and loved ones of those involved, Hollamby said in a statement. An MV-22B Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft designed for transportation of troops and equipment, crashed Sunday morning on Australias Melville Island. The hybrid aircraft dove into a jungle and burst into flames. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid his respects to the victims Sunday. These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today, with the other troops who were injured in the crash, and with the entire USMC family, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The crash occurred during a major military exercise called Exercise Predators Run, which is being held collectively between the armed forces of Australia, U.S., Malaysia and the Philippines. About 150 Marines are currently in nearby Darwin for the exercise as part of a troop rotation in the Australian city. The crash had injured 20 people, all of whom were taken to the nearby Royal Darwin hospital, with 12 discharged by Monday. Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles would not comment on the condition of the eight remaining Marines during a press briefing Monday. But Fyles praised responders for getting the 20 patients from an extremely remote location on an island into our tertiary hospital within a matter of hours. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Westbound lanes of Interstate 84 in Oregon are open again after two semi trucks were fished out of the Columbia River. And were off! the Oregon Department of Transportation posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. I-84 ... is now open after a morning of fishing the #ColumbiaRiver for semi-trucks. (We caught two.) Delays were expected to last for a while in the westbound lanes after a closure started at 7 a.m. between Biggs Junction and Celilo. In total, the closure lasted about six hours. Getting them out of the river was delicate work that required a lot of coordination, the department said. In total, two semi cabs as well as four trailers needed to be moved out of the river. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The operation required divers to make sure that the pieces didnt get stuck on the rocks. Trucks and a large crane hauled the two large trucks out of the river, according to pictures posted on X, formally known as Twitter. Traffic was detoured around the section of interstate between Biggs Junction and Celilo. The two trucks crashed into the river starting late Friday night, according to posts from the Sherman County Sheriffs Office. The first semi which was hauling two trailers from Titan Freight Systems, went through the guardrail. Its unclear what the truck was hauling, but the driver was able to escape the cab and swim to the shore, the sheriffs office said. Then a matter of hours later, a second truck, this one hauling two empty tankers, also went into the river. That driver was able to wade to the shoreline. The sheriffs office didnt say why the drivers lost control in that area. The Oregon State Police are investigating the crashes. Check the status of the highway at tripcheck.com. 89 children remain in frontline settlements in Donetsk Oblast and are to be evacuated in the coming weeks. Source: Pavlo Kyrylenko , Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on air during the 24/7 national joint newscast, quoted by Suspilne Quote: "All services are working hard on the hottest fronts, namely Kramatorsk and Bakhmut districts, settlements along the line of contact. Since August 2022, there has been a mandatory evacuation of children in the region, and in March 2023, the government approved the decision regarding forced evacuation and is working on it." Details: Kyrylenko said that today, 89 children remain in the frontline areas of the oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He added that very difficult efforts are being made to persuade parents to leave with their children. "We tell the parents of the children about the possible dire consequences of staying under fire, and if they refuse to evacuate, they are warned that they may face administrative and criminal liability," he 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! Kelly Wert, a cosmetic therapist and co-owner of The Laser Loft, does laser hair removal on Rebecca Conley on Tuesday, Aug. 22. Wert, who has lived in Newark for 23 years, opened The Laser Loft in Gahanna with Dr. Bill Luft 18 years ago. NEWARK She came upon a career she never expected and loves it. "Growing up, I didn't have a clear idea of my future path," Kelly Wert said. "My journey was marked by exploration and a willingness to learn. Entering college without a concrete plan, I felt the weight of uncertainty, but this didn't deter me. Deep inside, I knew that whatever I pursued, it would involve helping people." Today, Wert is a cosmetic therapist and co-owner (with Dr. Bill Luft) of The Laser Loft in Gahanna. "Cosmetic therapists are trained in both electrolysis and laser hair removal," Wert said. "Unlike most nurses, cosmetic therapists have in-depth training and are specialists in hair removal. Its truly a special niche sought out by a wide range of people looking to eliminate the hassle of hair removal." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Wert grew up in a small town called Kersey in north central Pennsylvania. She graduated from high school in 1988, then earned a degree with a focus on industrial organizational psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She and her husband, Tom, moved to Newark 23 years ago. "Raised by blue-collar parents who hadnt pursued higher education, my determination and drive were evident even as a child," she said. "My blue-collar upbringing made me a hard worker. Despite the limitations of growing up in a small town, I knew I wanted to do something that would make a meaningful difference. I was sociable and tenacious, which helped me excel in school and as a cheerleader." After college, Wert was a district manager for Kinkos in Columbus. Then, life took an unexpected turn. "I took a much-needed staycation," she said, "and visited an electrologist named Mary to help me get rid of some unwanted hair. Little did I know when I made my appointment that Mary would be the one who inspired my new career as a cosmetic therapist. I quit my great paying job and went back to school to remove hair for a living. People thought I was crazy when I told them I was leaving a very successful career of 11 years with Kinkos to remove peoples hair." "I graduated from cosmetic therapy school," she said, "and started searching for a space to start my own hair removal business. As luck would have it, one of the places I called happened to own a laser and was looking for a cosmetic therapist. I started working for Dr. Bill Luft in 2005, and eventually we became business partners and opened The Laser Loft 18 years ago." Ann Langenbrunner is a customer and longtime friend. "Plain and simple, Kelly is a go-getter," Langenbrunner said. "She is passionate and driven about her business and helping people. Shes a visionary entrepreneur who has lobbied for her industry and mentored others who have followed her path. She has built The Laser Loft into a professional and beautifully designed environment. Kelly and her staff are top notch." "Nineteen years ago," Wert said, "I would never have imagined laser hair removal would be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S. Ive gone from working one day a week to having a team of nine employees." "I wouldnt change a thing!" she summed. "Being a cosmetic therapist is fun and very rewarding. I love helping people. Its hard to not like a job where all your customers are happy, and you deliver life changing results." About The Laser Loft For more information about The Laser Loft, visit www.laserloftsalon.com. Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs whether they're unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at advocate@newarkadvocate.com. This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Aces: Kelly Wert delivers 'life changing results' at The Laser Loft The American Civil Liberties Union says Indiana's new law prohibiting gendering affirming care for inmates violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union on Monday launched a suit targeting a newly enacted Indiana law prohibiting gender affirming surgery to transgender prison inmates. In the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the civil rights group claims a decision made by the state's Department of Corrections under the provisions of the new law violates the constitutional rights of an inmate who is seeking relief from gender dysphoria. The ACLU claims the law, known as HEA 1569, violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, asserting that courts "have consistently found" that people who experience gender dysphoria cannot simply be denied care. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The law states the DOC may not use its own resources to facilitate gender-affirming surgeries. "The DOC cannot deny necessary treatment to incarcerated people simply on the basis that they are transgender. To do so is a form of discrimination," Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana legal director, said in a statement. "Gender-affirming care is life-saving care. If the Legislature can deny a form of healthcare arbitrarily, they could just as easily deny other lifesaving treatments to people who are incarcerated," he said. The suit states that Autumn Cordellione, also known as Jonathan Richardson, an adult transgender female prisoner now confined in a male institution, was diagnosed in 2020 with gender dysphoria and was prescribed a female hormone and testosterone blocker. While the hormones "have helped to ameliorate the debilitating symptoms of her gender dysphoria, they have not relieved these symptoms entirely insofar as she continues to experience serious depression and anxiety," and thus gender-affirming surgery is now necessary to ameliorate the dysphoria, the ACLU noted. The new statute was enacted on July 1 while Cordellione was on a waiting list to be evaluated for treatment She has identified as a female since age 6 and has "engaged in self-harm and has attempted suicide because she could not stand the fact that her sex at birth fails to match the fact that she is a woman and cannot tolerate her male body," the suit says. The legal action is the fifth filed by the ACLU so far this year targeting recent legislation on sexual orientation passed by Indiana's Republican-dominated Legislature, the Indianapolis Star reported. The rights group earlier sued to block HB 1608, which outlaws conversations around "human sexuality" in schools and instructs teachers to notify parents if a student requests a name or pronoun inconsistent with their sex. A federal judge last month turned aside the ACLU's request for an injunction against that measure, which critics have dubbed Indiana's version of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. That decision is now under appeal. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas is urging a federal judge to impose a severe injunction against the Kansas Highway Patrol to block future violations of drivers constitutional rights. Under the rule, troopers would need to receive training and keep detailed records about traffic stops, among other requirements. Federal Judge Kathryn Vratil proposed the injunction last month when she issued a scathing ruling that found the states top law enforcement agency had waged war on motorists and violated their 4th Amendment rights through the use of the Kansas two-step. In the practice, troopers would take a couple steps away from a stopped drivers car at the end of a traffic stop before returning to begin a voluntary interaction with the driver continuing to probe them and buy time for backup and drug sniffing dogs to arrive. The ACLU is representing drivers whose vehicles were searched because of the two-step and have argued the injunction is needed to eliminate the risk that those drivers rights are violated again. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a filing last week the Kansas Attorney Generals office, representing KHP, argued that Vratils proposed injunction was unnecessary and created too much of an administrative burden on the agency. Under the proposed injunction, troopers would have to document all stops, detentions and searches including information on the duration of the stop and how it ended. They would need to get approval from a supervisor for consensual searches and let drivers know they can revoke consent at any point. The patrol would also be required to give officers a single consistent supervisor who worked the same hours as that officer, provide at least 24 hours of training on stops and hire a special master to oversee their compliance with all the requirements. Though the patrol argued the injunction was unnecessary because existing legal remedies were sufficient, the ACLU said in a brief Monday that Vratil had already found that the injunction was appropriate and the best way to avoid more violations of drivers rights. Paying damages to drivers whose rights were violated, the ACLU wrote, would not guarantee the agency would stop the practice in the future. Otherwise, the KHP would be able to openly flout the Fourth Amendments requirements so long as it could afford to remunerate the rare plaintiff who files a successful damages claim, the filing said. Additionally, the ACLU argued that the proposed terms of the injunction specifically answered problems identified in court. KHP had argued that requirements around staffing of troopers and supervisors were impossible given the agencys existing staffing and budget. A requirement that troopers alert their supervisors before initiating a search would impede upon their work as law enforcement officers, they argued, and they called the requirement that they inform drivers they can revoke consent for a search overkill. Obtaining permission from supervisors, the ACLU argued, would help prevent the sorts of unconstitutional searches that resulted from the two-step, and requiring supervisors to work the same days as their troopers, they said, aligned with best practices. Notice to drivers that they can revoke consent, the ACLU said, was necessary because under these circumstances many motorists would not know that they could decline to answer additional questions from the officer or decline a search of their vehicle. A hearing on the terms of the injunction is scheduled for next month. LOS ANGELES Coming soon to the Los Angeles airwaves: A provocative campaign blasting a city ballot measure that would require hotels to rent vacant rooms to homeless people. The newly-launched website television ad, dubbed Hotel Hell, will be paired with a new television ad that depicts a homeless man panhandling with an ice bucket in a hotel hallway and washing his laundry in a pool. Over jaunty music, a narrator asserts the proposal would be funny, if it wasnt so scary. Its the first big salvo by opponents to the proposal championed by Unite Here Local 11, the powerful hospitality union currently embroiled in a contract standoff with Los Angeles and Orange County hotels. The dispute has led to two months of ongoing rolling strikes in the region. The ballot initiative will go before voters next March, after the Los Angeles City Council voted to place it on the ballot instead of enacting the controversial ordinance. It takes aim at the hotel industry in a number of ways, including requiring that if a new hotel project demolishes or converts existing housing, the developers must build affordable units on or near the new hotel site. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The most controversial part of the measure, however, pertains to hotel vacancies. Hotels would have to report empty rooms to the citys housing department. The city would then use pre-paid vouchers to place homeless people in those available rooms. Hotels would receive a fair market rate from the city for the rooms and would be barred from refusing to admit someone using a voucher. Such a plan would turn hotels into homeless shelters, claims the new ad campaign, which is produced by the Center for Union Facts, a longtime antagonist to organized labor. The commercials are airing Tuesday and Thursday in the Los Angeles market during the Today show and Good Morning America as part of a larger six-figure campaign against the hotel workers union. Charlyce Bozzello, the groups communications director, would not say if the effort was backed by hotel developers, who are expected to vigorously oppose the initiative. She noted that as a non-profit group, the center does not disclose its funders and said the Hotel Hell campaign was CUFs initiative were running this on our end. The group timed its campaign launch ahead of Labor Day in order to underscore how the measure could put hotel workers, including those represented by the union, in harms way. Unions are trying to celebrate their workers and the great things they accomplished. In our opinion, Local 11 has a funny way of showing it, Bozzello said. Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, denounced CUF as an anti-worker, anti-union organization. Theyre nefarious. No one really knows who funds them, Petersen said. Its a bunch of right-wing psychos who have nothing better to do than make poor people even more poor. Petersen was unfazed by the pushback, noting that the union collected more than 126,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot, far more than what was required. He said he was confident voters would support it in March. When housing is on the ballot, it wins, he said. Adam Sandler has shared a heartwarming tribute to his Happy Gilmore co-star Bob Barker , who died over the weekend. Barker died of natural causes at his home in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles on Saturday morning (26 August). He was 99. Tributes have flooded in following news of Barkers death, with Sandler being the latest celebrity to remember the late TV presenter. Barker retired in 2007 after hosting the hit CBS game show The Price is Right since 1972. "The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet, funny guy to hang out with," Sandler wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us! The Uncut Gems star, 56, accompanied his post with photographs of him and Barker together. Barker starred in Sandlers 1996 golfing comedy Happy Gilmore as himself, appearing in the film when he was paired with Sandlers character in the Pepsi Pro-Am tournament. The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us! pic.twitter.com/hhZvYAQUK3 Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) August 26, 2023 Tensions between the two characters come to a head during the tournament when the duo fall to the bottom of the standings, leading Barkers trademark likability to slip. The two get into a brawl on the golf course, with Barker announcing: I dont want a piece of you. I want the whole thing. Gilmore appears to get the better of Barker with a tackle that sends them both tumbling down the hill. Its at this point that Sandler utters the films most iconic line, a spin on Barkers Price is Right catchphrase: The price is wrong, b****. Barker, however, springs up out of nowhere to kick Gilmore in the face, restarting the fight, which ends with him saying: Now youve had enough, b****. Happy Gilmore (Universal) In 2015, Barker and Sandler stepped back into their much-loved characters for Comedy Centrals Night of Too Many Stars, which raised money to benefit autism programs. The duo continued their fisticuffs, only this time in a hospital, using bedpans as weapons. One year later, the same year Barker stepped down from presenting The Price is Right, Sandler participated in a CBS special celebrating Barkers legendary career. Game show host Bob Barker poses amongst a sea of prizes at the "Price is Right" 6,000th show taping on February 12, 2004 at the CBS Television Studio, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images) The Click star recited a poem written in honour of the TV presenter. During his career, Barker won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, received an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999 and was inducted into the Television Academys Hall of Fame in 2004. Barker was also known for his support of animal rights causes. He donated $5m (3.98m) to the anti-whaling Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which named one of their ships after him. In 2013, Barker donated $1m (795,500) to move three captive elephants from the Toronto Zoo to a sanctuary in California. Barker had said it was his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, who was behind his fight to help animals. Gideon died of lung cancer in 1981 and he never remarried. She was ahead of her time. She really was, said Barker of his late wife. She stopped wearing fur coats before anyone was stopping. She became a vegetarian before people were becoming vegetarian. And I gradually did the same thing with her. A Chicago TV news crew reporting on a string of robberies in the citys West Town community became the story themselves when they were robbed at gunpoint early Monday. A reporter and photographer for Spanish-language TV station Univision Chicago were filming just before 5 a.m. in the 1200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue when three men wearing ski masks and brandishing firearms robbed them at gunpoint, according to the station. Advertisement They were approached with guns and robbed, said Luis Godinez, vice president of news at Univision Chicago. Mainly it was personal items, and they took a camera. The Chicago police identified the victims as a 28-year-old male and 42-year-old male. They were outside when the three men drove up in a gray sedan and black SUV. After taking the items, the armed robbers fled southbound in their vehicles. No injuries were reported and no one is in custody, the police said. Advertisement Univision Chicago, the local TV affiliate of international media company TelevisaUnivision, is not disclosing the names of the reporter and photographer to protect their privacy, Godinez said. Theyre OK, and were working on it together as a team, Godinez said. The news crew was taping a story about robberies in the West Town community that was slated to run on the morning news. The footage they shot was in the stolen TV camera, and the story never made it on the air, Godinez said. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Godinez said the station took a different approach with a general story about the recent robberies that aired on the 5 p.m. newscast. The incident involving its own news crew was mentioned, but the station doesnt want to make it a focal point of its coverage. We dont want to make the story about us, because there were other robberies that occurred within that same period, he said. The robbery was the second to hit a Chicago TV news crew this month. On Aug. 8, a WLS-Ch.7 photographer was assaulted and robbed while preparing to cover a weekday afternoon news conference on the West Side, the station reported. Raza Siddiqui, president of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians Local 41, which represents TV photographers in Chicago, is sounding the alarm on the growing threats to the safety of those who cover the news. Advertisement Our news photographers and reporters provide a very important public service in keeping our community informed, Siddiqui said in an emailed statement. We are committed to making sure that their safety comes first. We have talked to the photographer who was robbed today and he is thankfully safe and in good spirits. rchannick@chicagotribune.com (KRON) Rep. Adam Schiff was in Half Moon Bay on Thursday to attend a roundtable discussion intended to bring attention to the conditions faced by farmworkers in the region. At the event, which was hosted by the nonprofit ALAS, the Burbank representative heard from survivors of the deadly mass shootings at the mushroom farms earlier this year. Schiff also spent time touring the San Mateo County coast on Thursday to learn more about the impacts of climate change on the region, according to the Half Moon Bay Review. The California Senatorial candidate also reportedly traveled to Pacifica where he surveyed damage from the winter storms back in January, including a damaged pier, along with vulnerable seawalls and streets. Porter, Warren accuse tax prep firms of undermining new IRS effort on electronic free file tax returns We need to find ways to live without burning fossil fuels, Schiff told the HMB Review. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement As he reportedly also did at a campaign stop in Santa Cruz two days earlier, Schiff spoke about his ability to work across the aisle, even with Republicans who have targeted him in Congress. You have to compartmentalize, Schiff said. In terms of fundraising, Schiff has thus far outshone his two main rivals in the race to fill Dianne Feinsteins Senate seat. Schiff, who graduated from Monte Vista High School in Danville, has raised $8.2 million in the second quarter of this year. According to the Los Angeles Times, thats roughly double the combined total raised by his two main rivals, Orange County Rep. Katie Porter and East Bay Rep. Barbara Lee. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. By Dhwani Pandya and Aditya Kalra MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian billionaire Gautam Adani 's plan to rehouse a million people living in one of Asia's biggest slums is fuelling worries among residents about his capacity to deliver amid high-profile financial setbacks and allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's allies afforded him favourable treatment. The Dharavi slum, about three-quarters the size of New York's Central Park, featured in Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning 2008 movie "Slumdog Millionaire". Its open sewers and shared toilets, close to Mumbai's international airport and high-rises housing foreign companies, stand in contrast to India's development boom. Adani is at the helm of plans to redevelop Dharavi after the Maharashtra state government in July approved his $614 million contract bid to overhaul the slum, which is known for producing leather goods, following years of failed attempts. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Adani Group aims to demolish what it describes in legal documents as an area of "unhygienic, deplorable" conditions and build new towers on state-owned land to accommodate residents and their businesses. Consultancy Liases Foras estimates Adani may invest up to $12 billion on remaking Dharavi and in return get development rights that could yield revenue of up to $24 billion. Only those who already lived in Dharavi before 2000, mostly ground-floor residents, will get free homes within the redevelopment. About 700,000 inhabitants of mezzanine and upper floors are considered ineligible by the government and will be offered units up to 10 kilometers away, which they say could require them to pay upfront costs or higher rents. The overhaul, poised to start around September, comes at a tumultuous time for Adani. The tycoon was the world's third-richest person until January, when - despite his denials - allegations by U.S. short seller Hindenburg of improper dealings wiped $150 billion off his group's market valuations. In interviews with Reuters, some Dharavi residents cited the billionaire's financial troubles as contributing to their concerns. A fresh threat to Adani's plans is a legal challenge from rival bidder SecLink Technologies Corporation. The Dubai-based consortium, which says it is backed by Bahrain's royal family, alleges Maharashtra improperly cancelled an original 2018 tender, for which SecLink bid highest, and restarted the process with new terms in 2022 so that Adani could win, according to court papers reviewed by Reuters. The current state government, ruled by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, is contesting the case. Last month, a Mumbai court allowed SecLink to add Adani to its lawsuit, forcing the conglomerate to defend its position before judges. In an 809-page filing last month challenging Adani and the state, reported by Reuters for the first time, the eight-member consortium said Maharashtra's modified bidding process was "politically motivated" and "tailor made to suit" Adani Group. Those changes, according to SecLink, included doubling a bidder's required net worth to $2.4 billion and capping consortium members at two instead of eight previously. Adani, in a non-public submission to judges before an Aug. 31 hearing, denied SecLink's allegations and argued the case should be thrown out in the interest of development. Maharashtra said in a submission that SecLink's claims were "baseless" and that officials had followed "proper process" in cancelling the earlier tender, according to a Reuters review of non-public filings related to the case. It said it restarted the process because it added another land parcel to the project after the 2018 tender had closed. Adani Group, SecLink, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Modi's office did not respond to questions from Reuters for this report. HINDENBURG FALLOUT Modi and Adani both hail from the western state of Gujarat. Their opponents and critics often allege the meteoric rise of Adani's ports-to-energy empire was partly due to his close relations with, and favourable treatment by, administrations run by Modi's BJP and its allies. The duo have repeatedly denied impropriety. The opposition Congress party has seized on the Dharavi dispute to put pressure on Modi and the BJP ahead of 2024 national elections, accusing Maharashtra's government of handing Adani an advantage. "The fact that it is associated with Adani will automatically result in snowballing into a political controversy," said Sandeep Shastri, director of academics at India's NITTE Education Trust. Hindenburg's report and ensuing regulatory scrutiny of Adani have sowed mistrust among some in Dharavi, according to representatives of thousands of local families, and 25 other residents and business owners interviewed by Reuters. "People have doubts regarding Adani's image after the Hindenburg incident. There are issues of trustworthiness," said Rajendra Korde, president of Dharavi Redevelopment Committee, which is calling for public consultation. In early August, about 300 opposition supporters and residents gathered in Dharavi to object to Adani's involvement. Some bore banners showing Adani's face with a red cross, shouting, "Remove Adani, Save Dharavi". Many told Reuters they were troubled by Adani Group's financial setbacks, including the collapse in its valuations. "If something like that happens again, and if he is not able to complete the project, where will people like us go," said Radha Pawar, a 50-year-old airport cleaner. 'COLOSSAL' CHALLENGE Adani, 61, in a July video address said the group had raised funds since Hindenburg's report and that investors supported its governance and capital allocation practices. Still, in a blog post last month, Adani acknowledged that rebuilding Dharavi presented "colossal" challenges - though he hoped the area in future would produce "millionaires without the slumdog prefix". Under the plan, the tycoon will need to create larger apartments of 300-350 square feet, with the state recommending fittings of foreign glass brands like France's Saint-Gobain. SVR Srinivas, who heads the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, said efforts would be made to minimize disruption. But residents remain jittery. Mohammad Hasmat Ullah has lived in Dharavi since 1995 but runs an embroidery business from a rented upper floor, making his place ineligible for a free replacement. He earns $145 a month to support his family, including seven children. "We are worried that Adani will throw us out of here," said Ullah, 44, sitting inside his workshop accessed by a narrow, steep staircase. "If Adani gives us a place to work and stay, it's good. Otherwise, we will be forced to go back to our village." (Reporting by Dhwani Pandya and Aditya Kalra; Additional reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi and Francis Mascarenhas; Editing by David Crawshaw) The Ukrainian Air Force destroyed four of the six missiles that Russia launched at Ukraine on the night of 27-28 August. Source: Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram Quote: "As a result of combat operations, four aerial targets were destroyed: two Kalibr cruise missiles and two Kh-59 guided missiles." Details: In total, the Russians fired six sea- and air-launched missiles at Ukraine. The Russians fired four Kalibr cruise missiles from a frigate in the Black Sea near Feodosiia. Two Kh-59 guided missiles were also launched from two Su-34 aircraft, which the occupiers sent in the direction of Kryvyi Rih from the airspace of occupied Kherson Oblast. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Air Force noted that a civilian industrial facility in Poltava Oblast was hit. It is also reported that the Air Force carried out more than 10 airstrikes against the Russians over the past day. Background: On the night of 27-28 August, the Air Force warned of a missile threat in Kyiv and several oblasts of 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! A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II fly in formation with the XQ-58A Valkyrie low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle over the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground testing range, Ariz., during a series of tests Dec. 9, 2020. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James Cason The Air Force has requested $5.8 billion in its budget to build AI-driven collaborative combat aircraft . The autonomous aircraft are ideal for completing suicide missions and protecting pilots, the Air Force says. Human rights advocates say letting technology take lives crosses a moral boundary. The Air Force is seeking a multibillion-dollar budgetary allowance to research and build at least a thousand, but possibly more, unmanned aircraft driven by AI pilots, according to service plans. The XQ-58A Valkyrie aircraft, a potential contender for the Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program, is meant to serve as a robotic wingman to human-piloted aircraft able to provide cover and maneuver around in scenarios where a flesh-and-blood pilot might struggle, The New York Times reported. And they're ideal for suicide missions in which a human would be unlikely to return. Later this year, the craft will be tested in a simulation where it will create its own strategy to chase and kill a target over the Gulf of Mexico, the Times reported. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Insider previously reported the Valkyrie can cruise at 550 mph. Its operational altitude is 45,000 feet with a range of 3,000 nautical miles. There are also other research and development efforts underway. The budgetary estimate, which Congress has not yet approved, lists $5.8 billion in planned expenses over five years to build collaborative combat aircraft, systems like Valkyrie. The request comes after several years of test flights by the Air Force of the Valkyrie platform in which the vehicle has been used as a datalink for F-22s, F-35s, and the Air Force's Skyborg program, which is an artificial intelligence-enabled system to control unmanned aircraft. The Times, citing congressional expectations, reported that the costs of the Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft will be between $3 million and $25 million depending on their status as expendable, attritable, or exquisite. Even the higher-end figure is far less than a manned aircraft with a pilot, both of which are valuable to the force. Air Force and Department of Defense representatives did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Kratos Defense, which makes the Valkyrie, would not comment on collaborative combat aircraft, citing the classified nature of the program. While the Air Force's next generation air dominance family of systems effort, which is focused on delivering air superiority through the development of a crewed next-generation fighter jet supported by uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft, has garnered widespread military support, human rights advocates are concerned that the unmanned war machines included in the plan pave the way to a "Terminator"-style dystopian future. "You're stepping over a moral line by outsourcing killing to machines by allowing computer sensors rather than humans to take human life," Mary Wareham, the advocacy director of the arms division of Human Rights Watch, a proponent of international limits on autonomous lethal weapons, told the Times. Other AI-weapons opponents, such as the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, call these advancements "slaughterbots" because algorithmic decision-making in weapons allows for faster combat that can increase the threats of rapid conflict escalation and unpredictability as well as the risk of creating weapons of mass destruction. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said as far back as 2019 that "machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement are politically unacceptable, morally repugnant and should be prohibited by international law." Correction: August 28, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated the Valkyrie's status within the next generation air dominance program, misidentified it as a later model of the 1960s bomber of the same name, and mischaracterized some details of the collaborative combat aircraft program. Read the original article on Business Insider Holidaymakers are facing days of travel chaos after a technical fault with the UKs air traffic control system left hundreds of thousands of airline passengers stranded or delayed. The outage on one of the busiest days of the year left traffic controllers inputting flight paths manually after their digital systems went down in a network-wide computer failure. An estimated 1,200 flights to and from the UK were cancelled, according to The Independents travel expert Simon Calder, while thousands more were delayed. National Air Traffic Services (Nats) said at 3:15pm that it had identified and remedied the technical issue, but later warned the ensuing disruption could last further into the week. Nats also said the failure would be investigated very thoroughly. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Around one million passengers had been due to fly to and from the UK on the Monday bank holiday, figures suggests with many facing delays of up to 12 hours. Have you been affected by delays? If so email andy.gregory@independent.co.uk Key Points Air traffic control failure causes chaos at UK airports Technical issue identified and remedied, National Air Traffic Services says More than 500 flights cancelled so far... ... As one million passengers booked onto UK flights today Bank holiday flight cancellations top 1,200 with 200,000 passengers stranded 21:45 , Stephanie Cockroft In the worst single days disruption to UK flying since the Icelandic volcano in 2010, an estimated 200,000 passengers will be waking up on Tuesday morning where they did not intend to be, Simon Calder writes. On one of the busiest days of the year for travellers, the UK air-traffic control system failed for several hours grounding more than 1,200 flights, and delaying thousands more. The Independent has calculated the figures using information from the aviation data service Flightradar24. 50,000 passengers hit by Gatwick cancellations alone - Simon Calder 21:27 , Stephanie Cockroft At least 300 flights have been cancelled to and from the UKs second-busiest airport, London Gatwick, as a result of Mondays air-traffic control failure. The Independent has identified more than 200 cancellations on easyJet alone, including many longer flights to destinations including Egypt, Turkey and Cyprus. British Airways has grounded around 30 flights to and from Gatwick, including multiple flights to the Canary Islands and Turkey. Vueling, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Norwegian and TAP Portugal also cancelled flights. Londoner Julian Eccles has lost half of his four-day trip to central Italy and Lake Garda. His easyJet flight from Gatwick to Ancona was cancelled and he had to book with TUI to Verona on Wednesday morning instead. British journalist faces being stuck in France for up to six days 21:02 , Andy Gregory A British journalist who faces being stuck in France for up to six days due to the technical issue affecting air traffic control systems said there is uncertainty over who will pay for the extended stay. Rory Dollard, 40, cricket correspondent at PA Media, said he and other passengers stuck at Bergerac Dordogne Perigord Airport have heard absolutely nothing about what caused the technical fault, which led to his Ryanair flight not taking off. He added that he was told it may take up to six days before he and his family - wife Joanne, 40, and children Emily, 10, and Arthur, eight - can return home to Skipton, North Yorkshire. He said: Ive never been in a situation like this before and because of the language barrier, its hard to work out exactly whos responsible for which part of the cost. If you need to find a hotel for the next five/six nights, whos paying for this? Is it Ryanair? Is it your insurer? Is it somebody else? He added that he could miss covering three England matches, while his wife, who is a social worker, could face delays to important cases. Beyond fed up: Family stuck in Rome until Wednesday 20:38 , Andy Gregory Gemma Breslaw, her husband and their two children aged four and five had been told they were facing awful delays of 12 hours at the airport in Rome, where they witnessed lots of angry people shouting at the staff. However, they were eventually told their flight was cancelled hours after their planned take-off time. Despite having found a hotel in Rome, the family were unable to find a flight to take them back to Gatwick until 7am on Wednesday. Describing herself as beyond fed up and annoyed, she told The Independent: Who wants that flight with two little kids?! But she joked that she would try to enjoy Rome from their Marriot Park hotel while her husband moans about [missing] work. Some time before flights return to normal, warns NATS 20:15 , Andy Gregory National Air Traffic Services operations director Juliet Kennedy has issued a new video statement. She said: First of all, Id like to apologise for the impact on peoples travel plans today. The issue we had earlier meant that our automatic system which provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route wasnt working. Instead, to manage safety, we had to limit the number of flights we could manage. Our teams worked hard to resolve the problem and Im pleased to say it was fixed earlier on this afternoon. However it will take some time for flights to return to normal. And we will continue to work with the airlines and the airports to recover the situation. Our absolute priority is safety and we will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today. A message from our Operations Director about todays disruption. pic.twitter.com/C4LWX7VyM8 NATS (@NATS) August 28, 2023 Surrey GP stuck in France with no replacement flight for three days 19:54 , Andy Gregory David Hill, a 61 year old GP in Surrey, and his wife had been staying with friends in the south of France for a weekend break, and he had been set to fly home from Nice at 7:45pm in order to be back for appointments with his patients at 8:30am until 7pm on Tuesday. But as the chaos unfolded, the Hills were faced with hours of uncertainty. As their departure time changed initially to 6am on Tuesday, they booked a hotel for the night but were told shortly afterwards that their flight had been changed again to 2am, before it was again shifted to 4:30am. Eventually, their flight was cancelled, with no replacements available until Thursday and EasyJet saying they were unable to help them find a hotel, Mr Hill told The Independent. BA has cancelled more than 150 flights from Heathrow 19:29 , Simon Calder The Independent has calculated from the British Airways website that BA has cancelled more than 150 flights from its main base, London Heathrow. At least three transatlantic flights have been grounded: to Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto. Among domestic and European destinations, the routes with the most cancellations linked Heathrow with: Amsterdam, Athens, Edinburgh, Milan, Nice and Paris. BA says all customers travelling today and tomorrow can rebook flights for later date 19:02 , Andy Gregory British Airways has said that any customers due to travel today or tomorrow can move their flights to a later date free of charge, subject to availability. The airline said in a statement: Like all airlines using UK airspace, our flights have been severely disrupted as a result of a major issue experienced by NATS Air Traffic Control on Monday 28 August. While NATS has now resolved the issue, it has created significant and unavoidable delays and cancellations. If you are due to fly with us on Monday 28 August, please do not travel to the airport without checking the status of your flight, as it may no longer be operating. You can do this by visiting Manage My Booking and checking your email inbox. If you are at the airport waiting to board your flight, please continue to check flight information boards and your email for further updates. Any customers due to travel on Monday 28 August or Tuesday 29 August can move their flights free of charge to a later date, subject to availability. We are also rebooking customers onto alternative airlines where possible and have stood up additional colleagues in our call centres to assist our customers. Man confronted with prospect of 12-hour delays after being mugged on holiday 18:35 , Andy Gregory David Miller, a 47-year-old, had been especially keen to get home to Chester having been mugged on holiday in Barcelona only to find himself facing 12-hour delays upon arriving at the airport. While the captain of their British Airways flight ordered passengers to embark anyway in the hope of securing an earlier departure slot, he had warned those onboard to brace for a delay of at least four hours, despite being told that some of the NATS systems had been brought back online. While he was expected back at work on Tuesday, Mr Miller told The Independent that if his flight landed too late, he would be forced to stay overnight at Heathrow. Mr Miller praised the pilot for keeping passengers well updated, and sounded unperturbed by the wait himself as he joked: Everyones jovial, the air cons on. Stranded German couple consider taking train from London to Stuttgart 18:22 , Andy Gregory A German couple are considering returning home by train after their flight from London to Stuttgart was cancelled as a result of the UKs air traffic control chaos. We are waiting for any information and checking if we can go back by train or anything, I dont know. Somehow we have to get back home, said Myria Mebold, 36. Asked if BA was helpful she replied: No, they didnt know anything at all. They said the system doesnt work and they cant give any information and we have to come back at 6pm and maybe then they can give more information. It was a nice day in London but now it is starting to get annoying. She said the flight had been delayed to leave the UK after 1am on Tuesday, but planes cannot land at Stuttgart during the night. My flight from a UK or EU airport is cancelled. What can I expect? 18:09 , Simon Calder Whatever the cause of a cancellation, and regardless of the amount of notice that is given, you can insist upon replacement transport: the airline must get you to your destination as soon as possible if that is what you want. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says that means that, if a flight is available on the original day of travel, the passenger must be booked on it even if it is on a rival carrier. You are entitled to re-routing, under comparable transport conditions, to their final destination at the earliest opportunity. The term re-routing is unhelpful, since it implies finding a different route to the destination. On a link such as Manchester-Dublin or Barcelona-Gatwick, with around a dozen flights a day on multiple airlines, there may be no need to change the route. If you are flown to a different arrival airport, the airline must also meet reasonable onward travel costs. If you are flown to Luton rather than Gatwick, you could claim the 38 train fare but not a 150 taxi (unless you are in a party of four). On occasion a train (eg Eurostar from Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris to London) or even a rental car may be more appropriate. You have two further options. The first is an alternative flight at a time to suit you in the future though the cancelling airline can reasonably require you to travel on one of its services. The other is a full refund, including any return segment if it is on the same ticket. Flights still affected despite resolution of technical issue, transport secretary acknowledges 17:59 , Andy Gregory Transport secretary Mark Harper has acknowledged that, despite the technical issue being resolved, flights are still unfortunately affected. Despite @NATS resolving the technical issue behind todays air traffic control issues, flights are still unfortunately affected. Id encourage all passengers to read @UK_CAAs guidance & be aware of their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled https://t.co/K4coeXbUCX Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) August 28, 2023 What to do if your UK flight has been delayed today 17:30 , Andy Gregory Your airline has to let you choose between a refund or an alternative flight if your flight is covered by UK law, regardless of when the cancellation is announced. You are also entitled to refreshments if youre stuck at the airport for a prolonged amount of time. My colleague Rachel Flynn has more details here: UK flight delays: What to do if youre flying today Flights at Heathrow to remain significantly disrupted' 17:16 , Andy Gregory Flights will remain significantly disrupted for the rest of Monday despite the technical issue with air traffic control being resolved, a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said. They said: We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating. Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock-on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected. Passengers look at the departures board at Heathrow Airport (AP) Watch: What is happening with the bank holiday flight disruption? 17:04 , Andy Gregory What happens next if my airline says it cant deliver an alternative flight today? 16:56 , Simon Calder If the cancelling carrier does not carry out its duty, obliging you to make your own arrangements, then you can expect reasonable costs to be refunded. That means booking the cheapest alternative ticket possible, staying in a budget hotel if there is one, etc. You must keep all your receipts, of course. If the alternative travel is expensive (eg only business class is available) you will need to be able to show evidence of that, perhaps with screenshots. Caught in the air-traffic control nightmare? Your rights when flights go wrong 16:55 , Andy Gregory Hundreds of thousands of passengers booked to travel to or from the UK have had their flights cancelled or delayed after the air-traffic control system was hit by a technical issue. Here, The Independents travel expert Simon Calder explains what you can do if you are caught up in the chaos: Caught in the air-traffic control nightmare? Your rights when flights go wrong 11-year-old boy over the moon as pilot on grounded plane gives him tour of cockpit 16:54 , Andy Gregory With planes grounded, pilots have been keeping families entertained on the tarmac by giving children tours of the cockpit while they wait for news of a possible departure. Gwen Magarotto told The Independent that her son Spencer and his family were forced to sit it out on the tarmac at Corfu after their flight to Exeter was delayed. But for her 11-year-old grandson Danny, who adores planes, the experience became the highlight of his holiday after the kind pilot allowed him to sit in the planes cockpit while explaining what all of the various dials and mechanisms were. Ms Margarotto said her grandson had been over the moon, but was soon left freezing once their plane finally touched down back in Exeter following their holiday in the Greek sun. 11-year-old Danny was over the moon to be shown round the cockpit as the Magarottos flight was held on the tarmac (Spencer Magarotto) An absolute nightmare: F1 fans stranded in Schiphol Airport' 16:46 , Andy Gregory Ashleigh Blaney, a 34-year-old finance assistant from Glasgow had been in Amsterdam watching the Dutch Grand Prix with her brother, both of whom are now currently stranded in Schiphol Airport. While they had been due to fly to Glasgow at 1:45pm, they were notified eventually at 3pm that their EasyJet flight had been cancelled. Ms Blaney told The Independent that they had been queueing for over an hour in border control in an attempt to exit the airport, and that no one could tell them where they could pick up their checked-in luggage, describing the situation as an absolute nightmare. While they have managed to rebook their flight tomorrow, it will arrive in Edinburgh instead and there are no hotels available on the EasyJet app, Ms Blaney said. Her brother, who had been due to fly to Gran Canaria at 6am tomorrow, will no longer be able to make his trip. A happy travel story: Gabby Logan boarded and heading home 16:34 , Andy Gregory Broadcaster Gabby Logan, who earlier said she was facing possible delays of 12 hours, has now announced that she is boarded and heading home, adding: We are very lucky to be flying home tonight. A happy travel story; we are boarded and heading home. Credit where its due @British_Airways you have been so fantastic with your communication and updates and our crew have been brilliant on this flight. We are very lucky to be flying home tonight. Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 28, 2023 The presenter revealed previously that she was stuck on the runway at Budapest having been away from home for three weeks. On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait. Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 28, 2023 However, a fellow passenger on the flight who said they had been planning exotic rail journeys across Europe to get us back to the UK while stuck in the terminal has written to The Independent to say: Dont hold your breath for take-off. BA tells passengers no flights will take off until 6pm 16:28 , Andy Gregory British Airways told passengers on Monday afternoon that no flights would take off until 6pm and all check-in desks were closed. Lawrence Sinclair, 26, who works for a holiday company, said he had to book on to a new BA flight to Gothenburg in Sweden, which leaves at 8.50pm, after his earlier flight was cancelled. He said: I dont know if the later flight is going to go or not. I was supposed to go at 3.50pm. Hopefully I will fly at 8.50pm but that is going to be delayed, isnt it. Its annoying, Im going to see my girlfriend in Sweden, but if I dont go today Ill go tomorrow. A British Airways staff member speaks to a passenger at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 (REUTERS) A view shows the departures board at London Heathrow Terminal 3 (REUTERS) A diary of disruption 16:25 , Simon Calder Cass Helstrip, managing director of White Tiger PR was booked to depart from Biarritz to London Stansted at 4.20pm today with her husband and four-year-old. This is how her day unfolded: 1pm: We caught the bus from San Sebastian to Biarritz airport and arrived. Sat down and reading emails only to see an alert re all airspace being shut in UK. Nothing on Ryanair app or at airport. 1.30pm: Husband Al started Googling news and seeing that planes being delayed / cancelled. I was refreshing Ryanair app constantly nothing. Panicking! 1.50pm: Al noticed Ryanair website reporting flights being cancelled due to ATC still nothing on Ryanair app. 2.30pm: Get first notification through on app which is that flights are cancelled. Suggests changing flight but app not working properly so unable to change flight. 2.40pm: I am trying to speak to Ryanair on chat to change flight urgently seeing everyone else around me panicking and trying to book new flights. Ryanair chat crashes and cant get hold of anyone anymore. 2.42pm: Husband realised hotel prices going through roof so books cosmopolitan hotel for 180 other people who booked 10 mins after us couldnt get anything for less than 300. 2.45pm: Lady has spoken to Ryanair and says because of backlog of flights flight that we are likely to be able to reschedule to will be delayed / cancelled. 2.50pm: Refresh app and now its working to change flights but now all flights are full for Tuesday. We panic and realise we will need to train and the trains will likely fill as well. We book trains from Biarritz to Paris (350) at 10am tomorrow morning and then book Eurostar website crashes as well and price goes up an extra 170 based on demand. We pay 550 for Eurostar tickets for tomorrow at 16.15 for 2 adults and 1 x four year old. 3pm: Email alert comes through from Ryanair saying flight is delayed till 17.50 causes mass confusion and everyone panics having paid hundreds of pounds to book alternate flights etc. 3.15 Email comes through saying flight is cancelled. We sit in dismay for a bit deciding safest to wait a little longer before leaving. Leave airport at 15.45 and now at hotel. Suella Braverman offers sympathies to those facing disruption 16:20 , Andy Gregory Home secretary Suella Braverman has offered her sympathy with anyone impacted by the air traffic control problems. This issue is evolving right now, as we speak, she told broadcasters. What we do know is that there has been a national outage at national air traffic control and that this has affected UK air space. It will affect all incoming and outgoing flights and also those aircraft which are in the UK air space right now. I am very cognisant that this will disrupt peoples travel plans those who are waiting to arrive in the UK, those waiting to depart, and I do sympathise with any disruption they may be experiencing. BA urges short-haul passengers not to travel to airport without checking flight 16:05 , Andy Gregory British Airways has urged short-hall passengers not to travel to the airport without checking whether their flight has been cancelled, as the airline warned of significant change to its schedule. In a statement, BA said: Like all airlines using UK airspace, our flights are being severely disrupted my a major issue affected NATS Air Traffic Control. As a result, we have had to make a significant change to our schedule today. If you are travelling on a short-haul service today, Monday August 28, please do not travel to the airport without checking the status of your flight, as it may no longer be operating. Breaking: Technical issue identified and remedied, National Air Traffic Services says 15:57 , Andy Gregory National Air Traffic Services (Nats) has identified and remedied the technical issue which has caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled, the company has announced. We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible, the company said in a statement. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the systems performance as we return to normal operations. The flight planning issue affected the systems ability to automatically process flight plans, meaning that flight plans had to be processed manually which cannot be done at the same volume, hence the requirement for traffic flow restrictions. Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. More than 500 flights to and from UK cancelled so far 15:33 , Simon Calder As engineers work to fix the air-traffic control system failure, the scale of the travel chaos is becoming apparent. The aviation analyst Cirium says 232 flights have been cancelled departing UK airports so far today, equivalent to around 8 per cent of all departures. Inbound to the UK, 271 flights have been cancelled arriving into UK airports equivalent to around 9 per cent of arrivals. Those numbers are certain to increase as delays extend leading to pilots and cabin crew running out of hours in which they are able to fly. Tui warns of significant delays' 15:25 , Andy Gregory Tui has warned of significant delays due to the air traffic control outage. In a reply to a passenger asking if their flight on Tuesday morning is likely to be delayed, Tui posted on Twitter/X, saying: Due to an air traffic control outage across UK airports, we expect that this may cause significant delays to some of our flights. We would like to advise customers to monitor the departure boards or your emails for further updates. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. UK airspace remains open, says transport secretary 15:17 , Andy Gregory Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports: The transport secretary has said UK airspace remains open but restrictions are in place. Mark Harper said: UK airspace remains open but traffic flow restrictions are in place. NATS is working at pace to fix this and Aviation Minister Charlotte Vere and I are doing all we can to support them. In the meantime, passengers should contact their airline for up to date flight information. UK airspace remains open but traffic flow restrictions are in place.@NATS is working at pace to fix this and Aviation Minister @CharlotteV and I are doing all we can to support them. In the meantime, passengers should contact their airline for up to date flight information. https://t.co/RxqPhicsbK Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) August 28, 2023 One million passengers booked on UK flights today 15:02 , Andy Gregory According to the aviation analyst Cirium, a total of 6,103 flights were due to arrive or depart from UK airports today with a combined capacity of 1,083,000 seats. While not every flight will be sold out, loads on such a key day for departures and arrivals are expected to be extremely heavy. It is likely, therefore, that one million passengers are booked to arrive or depart. Many of them are families returning from holidays in the Mediterranean or beyond and many more will be expected back at work after the bank holiday weekend. One million people are likely booked to arrive and depart in the UK today (REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska) Fault identified? 14:58 , Simon Calder A well-placed airline source says that Nats, the air-traffic provider, has identified the problem and that a fix may be put in place soon. Even if the issue is immediately solved, the disruption so far to schedules means long delays and cancellations will continue for the rest of the day. With so little slack in the system especially for flights returning from the Mediterranean some travellers could find their journey home cannot take place for days. UK fault having major knock-on in Ireland, minister warns 14:56 , Andy Gregory Irish transport minister Jack Chambers has warned of a major knock-on impact on flights to and from Ireland as a consequence of the UK air traffic control fault. Theres traffic flow restrictions have been introduced to maintain safety in the sky and it will have significant impacts on passengers flying in and out of Dublin, and there are multiple slot restrictions, Mr Chambers told RTE Radio One. So, wed encourage customers to contact their airline for an update but it will have a major impact on Irish travel because, obviously, the nature and the proximity to UK space. There will be an impact and delays of several hours for many passengers, and wed encourage them to contact their airlines. Technical fault means flight plans being input manually, says Nats 14:52 , Andy Gregory The technical fault is affecting Nats ability to automatically process flight plans, the air traffic control services provider has said in its latest statement. Until our engineers have resolved this, flight plans are being input manually which means we cannot process them at the same volume, hence we have applied traffic flow restrictions, the company said. Our technical experts are looking at all possible solutions to rectify this as quickly as possible. Our priority is ensuring every flight in the UK remains safe and doing everything we can to minimise the impact. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight. We are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. (SWNS) Pilot warned passengers situation is unprecedented, journalist says 14:47 , Andy Gregory A journalist caught up in the delays in Palma hoping to fly to Gatwick says passengers have been told by the pilot that this is an unprecedented situation. Three hours later and still on the tarmac after our flight was delayed due to air traffic control issues affecting the UK. Pilot told us this is an unprecedented situation and something hes never seen before, said Georgia Ziebart, a producer at Sky News. Now being moved off the plane back into the terminal, after running out of hot food onboard - @easyJet insisting flight still isnt cancelled. Staff saying the airport is in chaos due to the number of flights delayed. Georgia Ziebart (@GeorgiaaZiebart) August 28, 2023 Heathrow: cancellations and long delays 14:43 , Simon Calder Dozens of cancellations are now under way at London Heathrow, the UKs busiest airport. European airlines flying from nearby cities were first to instigate cancellations of flights due to arrive at Heathrow on Monday afternoon. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings have grounded flights from Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Air France and its partner KLM have axed departures from Paris and Amsterdam respectively to Heathrow. British Airways has started to cancel long- and short-haul flights. The Independent understands that European links to Copenhagen, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris and Prague have been grounded, along with transatlantic flights to Chicago and Philadelphia. Dozens more flights have been apparently rescheduled to the early hours of Tuesday morning, when Heathrow does not normally have any departures. A huge network failure has hit UK air traffic control (SWNS) Flight delays extremely concerning for passengers, says Labour 14:39 , Andy Gregory Labours shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said news of delays to flights in and out of the UK was extremely concerning for air passengers. Extremely concerning for passengers travelling in and out of the UK on one of the busiest days of the year. UK airspace is not closed but significant delays expected thanks to a technical fault. Surprised not to see our Transport Secretary make a statement yet. https://t.co/yzfcjoV0ma Louise Haigh (@LouHaigh) August 28, 2023 Rishi Sunak urged to convene Cobra meeting over air traffic control fault 14:37 , Andy Gregory Rishi Sunak has been urged to convene a Cobra meeting after a technical fault hit air traffic control in the UK. Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: Rishi Sunak and his ministers need to get a grip on this issue urgently and hold a Cobra meeting. Millions of holidaymakers could be facing huge disruption in the coming days due to this fault and we cant risk this Government being missing in action yet again. Brits need to know that the government is doing all it can to make sure people arent hit with major delays and disruptions in the coming days. Ryanair cancelling flights in and out of Dublin 14:35 , Sam Rkaina Ryanair and Aer Lingus have cancelled a number of flights out of and returning to Dublin Airport as a result of air traffic control issues in the UK. Services are also understood to be impacted at Cork. The Aer Lingus airline said: Due to a failure of the UK air traffic control flight planning systems, which is outside of Aer Lingus control, there are severe restrictions on all flights into the UK and flying over UK airspace today. We would ask you to check the status of your flight before coming to the airport today as delays and cancellations are likely. Ryanair said: Due to another UK ATC failure, Ryanair will be forced to delay/cancel a number of flights to/from the UK today, Aug 28. All affected passengers will be notified of their options to change flights (free of charge) to another Ryanair flight or receive a full refund. We sincerely apologise for this UK ATC failure which is beyond Ryanairs control and is affecting all airlines operating to/from the UK. Shannon Airport said the forced restriction of aircraft flow has resulted in the cancellation of the outbound (FR1182) and inbound (FR1183) Ryanair Gatwick service. A spokesperson for Shannon Airport has advised all passengers due to travel from Shannon to check the status of their flight with their airline in advance of travelling. UK airspace is not closed, NATS says 13:19 , Rachel Flynn The National Air Traffic Service confirmed in a statement that the UK airspace is not closed, despite reporting a technical issue. It said: We are continuing to work hard to resolve the technical issue. To clarify, UK airspace is not closed, we have had to apply air traffic flow restrictions which ensures we can maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Flights to Gatwick delayed overnight amid flight chaos 13:12 , Rachel Flynn Flights travelling into Gatwick have been delayed overnight as UK travel chaos continues. A flight from Olbia, Italy to Gatwick was originally due to set off at 9pm this evening but has since been delayed to depart just after 3am. One lady took to Twitter to ask the flight provider, Easyjet, if she would be receiving accommodation for her and her two young children. Over three thousand flights due to depart UK airports today, one of the busiest days of the year 13:05 , Rachel Flynn On one of the busiest days for UK airports this year, 3,049 flights are due to depart UK airports today, according to Cirium, the aviation analytics company, with a further 3,054 flights scheduled to arrive in the UK. Holiday goers are advised to presume their flight today is still going ahead, despite warnings of major delays. A British Airways flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh due to set off at 7:15 pm has been delayed by over seven hours, with no indication of when the technical issue will be fixed. Gabby Logan among those affected 13:01 , Sam Rkaina Sports presenter Gabby Logan is among those caught up in the chaos. Tweeting around noon on Monday, she wrote: On a plane on the runway at Budapest airport. After almost 3 weeks away from home I am hours from hugging my family. And have just been told UK airspace is shut. We could be here for 12 hours. So we sit on the plane and wait. Like many other passengers Ms Logan is now facing long delays before reaching her destination. Nb Its allowing traffic in theres already airborne but nothing else to take off. Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 28, 2023 Now regretting my decision to miss breakfast. Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 28, 2023 Airlines warning of network wide failure 12:53 , Sam Rkaina Airline Loganair warned customers they may experience delays as a network-wide failure has affected air-traffic control systems on Monday morning. The Glasgow-based airline posted on X, formerly Twitter: There has been a network-wide failure of UK air traffic control computer systems this morning. Although we are hopeful of being able to operate most intra-Scotland flights on the basis of local co-ordination and with a minimum of disruption, north-south and international flights maybe subject to delays. If you are flying with us today, please check our website for the latest information about your flight before setting off for the airport. Technical issue is to blame 12:53 , Sam Rkaina National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it is experiencing a technical issue and has applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. It said in a statement: We are currently experiencing a technical issue and have applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety. Engineers are working to find and fix the fault. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Planes gather at Heathrow and Gatwick as air traffic control failure hits UK 12:50 , Sam Rkaina Flightradar24 data shows planes gathered at Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Monday, 28 August, as an air traffic control failure hit the UK. Hundreds of thousands of airline passengers faced potential delays and cancellations on Bank Holiday Monday, one of the busiest days of the year. Aircraft on the ground were being held and planes already in the air were likely to be diverted to other airports in Europe. Don't want to lose your bags when flying next time? An airport staffer says you should make sure to remove old baggage stickers from your luggage. The staffer said the system could scan an old sticker by accident and direct your bags elsewhere. An Ontario International Airport staffer advised travelers to take any old stickers from past trips off their luggage to avoid losing their bags when flying. "Let's say you flew American, and then a month later, you flew Southwest. Well, there's a little sticker that goes on for American, that tells the computer that it should go there," an unnamed staffer said in a TikTok video posted on August 23. "So if your month-old American sticker is on there, there's a chance it scans it instead of this one. It just depends how it's clocked and where the stuff is. It might end up over there and not get on the plane," the staffer continued. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Some people on TikTok were grateful to the staffer for sharing the pro tip. "Something I never thought about but makes so much sense," read one comment on TikTok. "WHERE has this man with this information been our whole lives?!!!! This is NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION!" another person wrote on TikTok. Losing one's luggage while traveling has become increasingly commonplace after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Spanish insurer Mapfre SA, lost luggage claims in the summer of 2022 were 30% higher than in the same period in 2019. US airlines lost, delayed, or damaged nearly 219,795 bags in April, per the Department of Transportation's Air Travel Consumer Report in June. That's on par with the 219,723 bags mishandled in April 2022, per the DOT. A representatives for the Ontario International Airport told Insider that they strived to be "informational but also fun and casual" with their social media content. "We wanted to give our audience a behind the scenes look at the airport and share some fun facts that they might not know," the representative said. "We like to interview all employees, from administration to airside operations. Everyone has an interesting story or fact to share." Editor's note: August 29, 2023 This story has been updated with responses from the Ontario International Airport. Read the original article on Insider DURHAM The man found stabbed to death Saturday in his home, according to authorities, is described by those who knew him as thoughtful, intelligent and active in the Republican Party in New Hampshire. Alex Talcott, 41, was found deceased in his 98 Bennett Road home on Saturday by police who launched an investigation into what they called his "suspicious death." Town Administrator Todd Selig said that because he oversees the police department, which is investigating the incident, he felt it would be inappropriate for him to provide a comment on Talcott. Alexander Talcott, 41, was found deceased in his 98 Bennett Road home in Durham on Saturday in what has been determined to be a homicide. "But we can confirm that Alex Talcott was active in local affairs on and off over the years having served on both the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Economic Development Committee at different times," said Selig. "Alex had not been on local boards for several years, however." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Durham resident Carden Welsh served with Talcott on the Economic Development Committee. "We were shocked to hear about this," said Welsh. "When I heard there had been an incident and a police presence on Bennett Road, I thought, 'I hope it wasn't Alex.' But, of course it was." Welsh said the Bennett Road area is a quiet, residential location, the kind of place where people always say it couldn't happen here. Having worked with Talcott on the town's Economic Development Committee, Welsh said he found him to be an "impactful person." "He was always well prepared," said Welsh. "He was very thoughtful, very intelligent and always willing to offer his opinions and thoughts." Talcott is listed as a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association. His bio information there lists him as a graduate of Notre Dame law school, practicing in the areas of real estate, finance and small business. Talcott also was a former state director of the Republican National Lawyers Association, said the groups current New Hampshire chair, William OBrien. We will forever honor Alexs selfless dedication and profound contributions to our shared vision of liberty through legal processes, OBrien said in a statement. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations within the RNLA and the greater legal community. Until 2021, Talcott was a part-time instructor at the University of New Hampshires Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, where he taught corporate finance and business law. We are deeply saddened to learn about the sudden death of Alex Talcott, the university said in a statement Monday. Our thoughts are with Alexs family at this difficult time. Latest on investigation Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley, on Monday, said the investigation is ongoing and that there was nothing further to report. Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley said his department has been advised to refer all inquiries to the attorney general's staff. New Hampshire chief medical examiner Dr. Jennie Duval determined Talcotts death was caused by a stab wound to his neck and the manner of death was homicide, the attorney general's office announced Sunday night. The investigation includes looking into whether the person who stabbed Talcott acted in self defense, officials said. The parties involved in the incident have been identified and based on the information known to investigators there is no danger to the public, officials said. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Alex Talcott, lawyer found stabbed to death in Durham NH home House impeachment managers, led by state Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, answer questions at a Capitol news conference on May 29. Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune In new allegations revealed Wednesday, Texas House investigators accused suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton of engaging in a complex cover-up to hide his relationship with real estate investor Nate Paul as senior aides grew increasingly concerned about Paxtons willingness to use his office to benefit Paul. The subterfuge allegedly included Paxton and Paul creating an Uber account under an alias so they could meet each other and so the attorney general could visit the woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. And once Paxton learned several high-ranking officials in his office reported his behavior to the FBI, the House impeachment managers alleged, he took immediate steps to cover up his relationship with Paul, including wiring a $122,000 payment to a Paul-affiliated company in an effort to hide home renovations that Paul had provided for free. The allegations, outlined in a series of filings with the Texas Senates court of impeachment, shed new light on the relationship between Paul and Paxton that is at the core of his impeachment proceedings. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Among the new claims: Top deputies in the attorney generals office persistently warned Paxton that Paul was a crook and that there was no merit to his claims that he had been unfairly treated by law enforcement, and that the two met at least 20 times in spring and summer 2020, sometimes discussing the FBI investigation into Pauls faltering real estate empire. Paxton blindly accepted Pauls conspiracy, impeachment managers alleged. Senior Staff urged Paxton to stay away. But when it came to Paul, Paxton was immune to reason. Paul was arrested in June on federal felony charges of lying to financial institutions to secure business loans. Responding to Paxtons pretrial motions that seek to dismiss all 20 articles of impeachment, including four that will not be included in the Sept. 5 impeachment trial, House managers also detailed multiple actions in which Paxton allegedly sought to use his office to benefit Paul. They alleged that Paxton conducted a sham criminal investigation into Pauls adversaries, routinely overriding concerns from agency staff who told him that Paul was a criminal and that Paxton needed to get away. Instead, House managers alleged, Paxton became increasingly entangled in Pauls web of deceit and went to great lengths to hide his relationship with Paul using a burner phone and secret email accounts, ditching his security detail and using the fake Uber name to be ferried to his lovers or Pauls properties more than a dozen times. In response to Pauls favors including allegedly employing the woman and paying to remodel Paxtons home Paxton continually abused the power of his office to advance Pauls aims, House managers alleged. In one instance, Paxton allegedly told agency staff that he did not want the office to assist law enforcement in any way with an investigation into Paul, who Paxton claimed was being railroaded and needed unprecedented access to sensitive information about his case. After meeting with alarmed senior staff, Paxton allegedly demanded files about Pauls criminal case that included an unredacted FBI letter that identified individuals involved in a 2019 raid on Pauls home and businesses. Paxton held onto the file for more than a week, House managers wrote. Ultimately, OAG did not disclose the information to Paul. But Paxton did. In another instance, Paxton was accused of issuing a legal opinion that staved off a pending foreclosure sale of Pauls businesses at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. House investigators cited two agency employees who said they were forced to work through the night to produce the opinion while Paxton frequently called them. Paxton sounded like someone was holding him hostage, one of the staffers told investigators. The opinion, which Paxton allegedly edited himself, was published at 1 a.m. Aug. 2, 2020, and said foreclosure proceedings posed a public health threat despite the states open for business mantra throughout the pandemic, managers said. The next day, managers alleged, Paul cited the opinion to successfully delay the foreclosures. It is hard to imagine a more blatant abuse of Paxtons office, House managers wrote. Paxtons legal team had filed more than a dozen motions to dismiss all articles of impeachment, often arguing that the underlying allegations were baseless or fell under the legitimate duties of the attorney generals office. His attorneys also accused the Texas House of trying to overturn the will of voters who reelected Paxton to a third term last year despite various public scandals dating to 2015. One argument stressed that Paxton cannot be impeached for alleged misconduct that predated his most recent election under the so-called prior-term doctrine. And they downplayed some of the allegations he faces, saying that, even if true, they are not severe enough to warrant his removal from office. Paxtons lawyers also attacked two bribery-related impeachment articles, saying there was no evidence of a quid pro quo and that Paxtons ties to Paul were nothing more than a personal relationship with a constituent and that the constituent found something the Attorney General did to be agreeable in some way. Under rules adopted by the Senate, any pretrial motion to dismiss or quash an article of impeachment must be voted on by senators. A majority 16 senators can approve dismissal of an article, placing an early test on the determination of the chambers 19 Republicans to allow a trial on the allegations. Those votes are set to be taken shortly after the trial begins in September. In a written response, filed with the Senate on Tuesday and made public Wednesday, the impeachment team challenged other pretrial assertions from Paxtons lawyers, who claimed the articles of impeachment were deficient because they failed to list specific laws that Paxton allegedly broke. Impeachable offenses need not be indictable crimes, the House team argued. Impeachment in Texas seeks to protect against conduct that undermines the integrity of the office, disregards constitutional duties and oaths of office, abuses government process and power, and adversely impacts the system of government. Whats more, the team argued, many of the articles listed particular crimes, and several detailed how Paxton abused his office for his own personal benefit or that of Nate Paul and business entities controlled by Paul. More broadly, the managers emphasized that the impeachment trial is not a criminal or civil proceeding, as Paxtons side has implied. In one new filing, the managers wrote that an impeachment trial is a unique, if not mostly Political, with a capital P, proceeding i.e., an action by the representatives of the people challenging official actions that are contrary to the public interest. That view aligns with the view that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate and is acting as judge in the impeachment trial, offered in a TV interview Tuesday. Its not a criminal trial. Its not a civil trial. Its a political trial, Patrick told the Fox affiliate in Houston. The House managers also asked the Senate to dismiss Paxtons motion to quash the articles or return them to the House to add more detail to the allegations. The managers said the demand shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how impeachment works, arguing that the Texas Constitution does not require the level of detail common in a civil or criminal proceeding. A person can be impeached without an indictment, therefore Paxton does not have any right to demand more details, the managers said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program. By Tom Hals (Reuters) - Efforts by Donald Trump allies to move Georgia's criminal case charging the former U.S. president with trying to overturn an election to federal court is raising legal questions that could delay a trial, which may be a key part of their strategy. On Monday, Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, who was charged alongside the former president with trying to subvert the results of the 2020 election, will argue his case should be heard in federal court rather than in Fulton County Superior Court, where it was filed. If Meadows succeeds, he would be tried before a broader jury pool that includes the congressional district of conservative firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene , rather than jurors solely from Fulton County, which voted for Joe Biden in 2020 by nearly a 3-1 margin. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement State law would still apply if the case is moved to federal court. The president including Trump if he is elected could not pardon any defendant. Other defendants, including former Department of Justice official Jeffrey Clark , have also filed papers citing a law known as the Federal Officer Removal Statute in a bid to transfer their cases. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, is likely to do so as well, legal experts said. A spokesperson for the Fulton County district attorney declined to comment and attorneys for Meadows, Shafer and Trump did not respond to a request for comment. The removal cases will be heard by a federal judge in the Northern District of Georgia and could tie up the case in appeals if denied, legal experts said. "The request for removal is definitely going to delay this trial and be complicated and messy," said Eric Segall, a professor at Georgia State College of Law. The removal question is just one of many that are likely to be litigated before a trial, adding to uncertainty about prosecutors' request for a trial date within the next few months. DELAY AS A TACTIC Trump, who has a history of using delay as a legal tactic, is also trying to move upcoming criminal trials in New York and Washington to other courts. He is also defending a criminal indictment in Miami. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Trump and 18 others with racketeering in a scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, which was won by President Joe Biden. No defendants have entered a plea in the Georgia case. Willis accused Meadows of furthering a conspiracy by, among other things, joining Trump in urging Georgia's secretary of state to change vote totals. The federal officer removal law protects people from state prosecution for carrying out official federal duties. The statute requires a defendant to prove they were an officer of the United States or acting at an officer's direction, that the alleged acts were part of their official duties and that they have a federal legal defense. Meadows argued in federal court papers filed last week that the acts described in the indictment fall squarely within the duties of a chief of staff: assisting the president by arranging meetings and making phone calls. Prosecutors countered that Meadows was carrying out political activities - which U.S. government employees are barred from doing under a federal law known as the Hatch Act. Meadows in his court papers also said his political activity was protected speech under the U.S. Constitution. 'NOT RELATED' TO OFFICIAL ACTS The removal issue has come up before in a Trump criminal case. The former president failed to remove a case by Manhattan's district attorney that accused Trump of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal on the eve of the 2016 election. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in July found that "hush money paid to an adult film star is not related to a president's official acts" and sent the case back to state court. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and appealed the ruling to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Legal experts said the accused acts in the Georgia case are more plausibly related to official duties than the hush money payments in the New York case. If U.S. District Judge Steve Jones in Atlanta agrees, he would next examine if Meadows has a federal defense. Meadows argued as a defense that he is immune under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which is similar to the removal law. It says that if a person were carrying out duties placed on them by federal law, they cannot be prosecuted for committing a state crime. "In other words, if you actually successfully remove the case, then it probably gets dismissed," said Josh Blackman, a law professor at the South Texas College of Law. However, just because Meadows has a defense, that does not mean it would necessarily apply to the specific actions cited in the indictment. Legal experts said Jones could allow the case to proceed in federal court and address immunity at a later hearing. If he determines immunity did not apply to the accused actions, the jury trial would take place in federal court, with the broader jury pool. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; editing by Noeleen Walder, Amy Stevens and Stephen Coates) Workers on July 14, 2023, celebrate their announcement that Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune) Workers at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue the largest Starbucks in the world rejected union membership in a vote held Friday and Saturday by the National Labor Relations Board. Employees at the 35,000-square-foot roastery rejected the union in a 119-90 vote, according to the labor board. Staff at the flagship roastery filed for a union election last month with Starbucks Workers United, the Service Employees International Union affiliate representing Starbucks workers. Advertisement The Michigan Avenue roastery, a five-story tourist draw at 646 N. Michigan Ave., opened in a former Crate & Barrel store in 2019. The caffeine emporium offers elaborate coffee-based drinks and cocktails as well as pastries baked in house. It was the coffee giants sixth roastery in the world when it opened four years ago. Two other U.S. roasteries, located in Starbucks Seattle hometown and in New York, unionized last spring. Advertisement In a news release, Starbucks Workers United alleged the company engaged in illegal union-busting at the Chicago roastery, which Starbucks denies. We are pleased that our Chicago Roastery partners share our belief that we are accomplishing more to improve the partner experience working directly together than would be accomplished through the divisive tactics of the union, said Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull. In a statement, Starbucks Workers United said it had filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB alleging the company had held mandatory captive audience and one-on-one meetings in the run-up to the election and that it had engaged in illegal surveillance of union activities. Starbucks did everything possible to stop workers from having a free and fair election, the union said. Starbucks said it believes the unions allegations are meritless and that actions taken were both lawful and in alignment with the (National Labor Relations Act). The company said any conversations that involved discussion of union organizing were optional for roastery employees. Workers United should respect the right for all partners to share their experiences and beliefs related to union representation and should recognize the outcome of this properly conducted election, Trull said. The loss at the Chicago roastery, which would have added about 240 baristas, mixologists, retail staff and customer service workers to the unions ranks, is symbolically challenging for the Starbucks union at a vulnerable point in its campaign, said Kate Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education research at Cornells School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Though the Starbucks campaign has logged a high win rate as of early August, the union had won more than 80% of elections held those wins have slowed down, Bronfenbrenner said. The approximately 350 unionized Starbucks stores represent only a small fraction of the companys 9,300 company-owned stores in the U.S. Advertisement Though the Starbucks union campaign won its first election in late 2021, no cafe has yet bargained a first contract. Regional officials for the labor board have issued complaints alleging the company has failed to bargain in good faith with the union at numerous cafes around the country, which Starbucks denies. The company says it is the union that has failed to bargain in good faith with the company. Workers United has also faced decertification petitions at 17 unionized cafes, Starbucks said, including at its roastery in New York. Workers can file decertification petitions, which seek to force a second union election, one year after unionization if they do not yet have a contract. The petition at the New York roastery was dismissed because of complaints issued against Starbucks alleging labor law violations there, according to labor board filings. The worker who filed the petition has since requested review of that decision. The Starbucks campaign inspired an organizing wave across the country, but they are taking on a huge employer store by store by store, Bronfenbrenner said. The store-by-store approach means most bargaining units organized by the Starbucks campaign are much smaller than the Chicago roastery, with many involving votes of just 15 or 20 baristas. The size of the roastery makes it more difficult to organize than a typical neighborhood cafe, Bronfenbrenner said. Chiquita Robinson, a baker at the roastery, said she voted against the union because she felt as if she could address any problems she had at work with management herself. When she first started working at the roastery, she said, she was being underpaid and her manager resolved the situation, getting her a raise. Advertisement You have to speak up to speak out, said Robinson, who said she had worked at the roastery since it opened four years ago. Closed mouths dont get fed. Robinson, who said she felt the union campaign had divided the roastery, also noted that Starbucks had continued to pay roastery staff when stores were closed early in the pandemic. We dont need a union, she said. They take good care of us. Kyra Supnet, a mixologist at the roastery who voted for the union, said the company had engaged in a campaign to discourage yes votes, including by holding meetings in which managers pulled out tears and by giving out snacks stickered with messages encouraging no votes. Every Gatorade bottle was stickered, said Supnet, a member of the staffs organizing committee who said she has worked at the roastery for a little over a year. Supnet said she believes the companys messaging eroded support for the union push. Reflecting on the unions campaign, she noted the size and design of the roastery made it difficult to organize. Advertisement Were all separated by floors, she said. Its really hard to gauge who knows who and who can talk to who. Nationally, Starbucks has pushed back hard against the union drive, which launched in Buffalo, New York, in 2021. The company has been found in violation of a range of labor laws by administrative law judges over the course of the campaign, including in Chicago, where a judge ruled the company had threatened workers at two cafes and illegally fired a Hyde Park barista who led the union push at his neighborhood store. Starbucks has appealed that ruling and generally denies allegations and findings of lawbreaking. The suspect in Andrea Vazquezs kidnapping and murder is reportedly scared after being hit with multiple felonies. Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with murder, kidnapping and attempted rape in connection with the death of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday. Vazquez was randomly kidnapped while on a date with her boyfriend at Penn Park in Whittier. While Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in the parked car, an armed man approached them and began shooting. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned, he discovered blood near it and Vazquez was gone. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Vazquezs body was found the following day in Moreno Valley. Mr Esparzas attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez told FOX11 that the 20-year-old was scared. Everyone in this case is in shock, and everyone who knows him cant believe that he has been charged with this crime, Mr Rodriguez told the network in a statement, adding that Mr Esparza is just beginning to understand what is going on. Key points Son of LA County fire captain pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquez murder Andrea Vasquez was yanked out of a car and shot, police say Vazquez was 'randomly targeted', police says Who is the suspect accused of Andrea Vazquezs murder? Andrea Vazquezs alleged murdered is scared, attorney says Tuesday 29 August 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Esparzas attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez told FOX11 that the 20-year-old was scared after being charged with multiple felonies including the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Everyone in this case is in shock, and everyone who knows him cant believe that he has been charged with this crime, Mr Rodriguez told the network in a statement, adding that Mr Esparza is just beginning to understand what is going on. FOX11 reported last week that Mr Esparza had allegedly confessed to investigators to kidnapping Vazquez before his arrest. Mr Esparza, the son of an LA fire captain, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is being held without bond. Andrea Vazquezs family completely destroyed by teens murder Tuesday 29 August 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco Vazquezs sister Edlyn Vazquez posted a tribute for the slain teen on Thursday. My sweet angel ... Im completely destroyed. Words cannot describe this pain, Ms Vaquez wrote on Facebook. I love you with all my heart and my soul ... Until we meet again beautiful baby. Ms Vazquez had led public pleas for her sisters safe return after she was kidnapped and shot over the weekend. Suspect randomly picked someone hanging out at the park, police say Tuesday 29 August 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco Police arrested Gabriel Esparza in connection with Andrea Vazquezs death. This was a completely random act of violence, there is nothing to suggest that there was any kind of affiliation. Whittier Police Department public information officer Thomas Mattson told Fox 11. The suspect just randomly picked someone who was hanging out at the park and committed this heinous act. Andrea Vazquezs alleged killer to appear in court again in October Tuesday 29 August 2023 08:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying last week. Prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect, according to a criminal complaint submitted in Los Angeles Superior Court. Mr Esparza is expected in court again on 25 October. Andrea Vazquezs sister managed to track her location following kidnapping Tuesday 29 August 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco Shortly after 20-year-old Andrea Vazquez was attacked and kidnapped, her sister Edlyn managed to track her location using Apples Find My iPhone feature and began following it. However, she lost it a few minutes later. I tracked it to ... going down the 60. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and thats the last known location that I have of her, she said, according to ABC7. Vazquez was later found dead in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where Edlyn said she tracked her location and the family found traces of blood. ICYMI: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Tuesday 29 August 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez WATCH: Family reacts to death of Andrea Vazquez Tuesday 29 August 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquezs GoFundMe tops $40,000 Monday 28 August 2023 22:50 , Andrea Blanco A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $40,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act. I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Andrea Vazquez was kidnapped while sitting in a car with her boyfriend Monday 28 August 2023 18:28 , Andrea Blanco The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Officers were alerted to a shooting and kidnapping incident located at the parking stalls area at 13950 Penn Street in Whittier. Vasquezs sister, Edlyn, with whom she lives in Los Angeles, put out a plea on Facebook for the publics help in finding her. My sister was shot and kidnapped at Penn Park, she wrote. Her last location shows Moreno Valley. We dont know her condition. Please I am begging, if anyone has information, or the heart to share this, please please contact me and repost. Vazquezs body was found by police on Monday night. Her family was informed the following day. Suspect just beginning to understand what is going on, attorney says Monday 28 August 2023 15:49 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Esparzas attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez told FOX11 that the 20-year-old was scared after being charged with multiple felonies including the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Everyone in this case is in shock, and everyone who knows him cant believe that he has been charged with this crime, Mr Rodriguez told the network in a statement, adding that Mr Esparza is just beginning to understand what is going on. FOX11 reported last week that Mr Esparza had allegedly confessed to investigators to kidnapping Vazquez before his arrest. Mr Esparza, the son of an LA fire captain, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is being held without bond. DA vows to seek justice for Andrea Vazquezs family Monday 28 August 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco Our hearts ache for the devastating loss of a young life. The heinous nature of this crime, involving the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of an innocent young woman, shocks our community to its core, District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement. My office will work tirelessly to hold Gabriel Esparza accountable for his callous actions against Ms. Vasquez and her partner. In these moments of profound sorrow, I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Vasquezs family as they cope with this painful tragedy. Who is Andrea Vazquezs alleged killer? Monday 28 August 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco On Tuesday 22 August, police announced an update on the case as a suspect was taken into custody. Detectives from the Whittier Police Department and the LADA Community Violence Reduction Team arrested Gabriel Esparza, a 20-year-old man and Whittier resident, in connection with the kidnapping and shooting of Vazquez. Mr Esparza was taken into custody at his workplace in the city of Lakewood and booked into the Whittier Police Department jail on charges of murder and kidnapping. He is being held without bail. During his arrest, officers recovered a weapon and Esparzas White Toyota Tacoma truck which are believed to have been used at the time of the shooting. This relentless investigation and yesterdays arrest were made possible by the dedication and commitment of our investigations division, with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, Downey Police Department, La Habra Police Department and the LADA Investigations Bureau Community Violence Reduction Team, police said in a statement. Gabriel Esparza, 20, charged with murder and kidnapping of Andrea Vasquez (WPD) WATCH: Community hold vigil for Andrea Vazquez Monday 28 August 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco Police say suspect arrested in Vazquezs death had no connection to her Monday 28 August 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been arrested in connection with the crime. Mr Esparza is facing charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held without bail. At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, Whittier police said in a statement. DA vows to seek justice for Andrea Vazquez Monday 28 August 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Our hearts ache for the devastating loss of a young life. The heinous nature of this crime, involving the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of an innocent young woman, shocks our community to its core, District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement. My office will work tirelessly to hold Gabriel Esparza accountable for his callous actions against Ms. Vasquez and her partner. In these moments of profound sorrow, I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Vasquezs family as they cope with this painful tragedy. ICYMI: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Monday 28 August 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez WATCH: Family reacts to death of Andrea Vazquez Sunday 27 August 2023 18:00 , Andrea Blanco Suspect pleads not guilty in first court appearance Sunday 27 August 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, the 20-year-old son of a Los Angeles County fire captain, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday afternoon. Prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect, according to a criminal complaint submitted in Los Angeles Superior Court. These also include attempted murder, kidnapping to commit another crime, assault with intent to commit a felony, and two counts of attempted forcible rape. Andrea Vazquez was kidnapped while sitting in a car with her boyfriend Sunday 27 August 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Officers were alerted to a shooting and kidnapping incident located at the parking stalls area at 13950 Penn Street in Whittier. Vasquezs sister, Edlyn, with whom she lives in Los Angeles, put out a plea on Facebook for the publics help in finding her. My sister was shot and kidnapped at Penn Park, she wrote. Her last location shows Moreno Valley. We dont know her condition. Please I am begging, if anyone has information, or the heart to share this, please please contact me and repost. Vazquezs body was found by police on Monday night. Her family was informed the following day. Victims body found in vegetation field Sunday 27 August 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco Following Andrea Vazquezs horror kidnapping, a huge search was launched to try to find the missing 19-year-old. That search ended in tragedy on Monday 21 August when, at around 11.50pm local time, authorities combing the area of Moreno Valley made a gruesome discovery. Police said that the teens body had been found in a vegetation field off Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley. The investigation remains ongoing but police said that it appears that the attack on Vazquez and her boyfriend was randomly targeted. Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Sunday 27 August 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquez was with her boyfriend at a California park when a gunman ambushed them and kidnapped the teen. The desperate search to save her has now ended in tragedy. The Independents Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Police say that suspect randomly picked someone hanging out at the park' Sunday 27 August 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco Police arrested Gabriel Esparza in connection with Andrea Vazquezs death. This was a completely random act of violence, there is nothing to suggest that there was any kind of affiliation. Whittier Police Department public information officer Thomas Mattson told Fox 11. The suspect just randomly picked someone who was hanging out at the park and committed this heinous act. ICYMI: California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead Saturday 26 August 2023 21:00 , Andrea Blanco A California woman who was reportedly shot and abducted from her boyfriends car in a park near Los Angeles has been found dead, police have confirmed. The body of Andrea Vazquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood. The Independents Graeme Massie reports: California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead WATCH: Questions remain surrounding Andrea Vazquezs death Saturday 26 August 2023 18:00 , Andrea Blanco Son of LA County fire captain pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquez murder Saturday 26 August 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape. LA County fire captains son pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquezs murder live GoFundMe for Andrea Vazquez raises over $39k Saturday 26 August 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $39,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act. I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Andrea Vazquezs sister managed to track her location following kidnapping Saturday 26 August 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco Shortly after 20-year-old Andrea Vazquez was attacked and kidnapped, her sister Edlyn managed to track her location using Apples Find My iPhone feature and began following it. However, she lost it a few minutes later. I tracked it to ... going down the 60. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and thats the last known location that I have of her, she said, according to ABC7. Vazquez was later found dead in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where Edlyn said she tracked her location and the family found traces of blood. WATCH: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Saturday 26 August 2023 06:00 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquezs sister opens up about devastating loss Saturday 26 August 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco Vazquezs sister Edlyn Vazquez posted a tribute for the slain teen on Thursday. My sweet angel ... Im completely destroyed. Words cannot describe this pain, Ms Vaquez wrote on Facebook. I love you with all my heart and my soul ... Until we meet again beautiful baby. Ms Vazquez had led public pleas for her sisters safe return after she was kidnapped and shot over the weekend. Vazquezs remains were found by the Whitter Police Department in Moreno Valley on Monday night. Victims body was found in Moreno Valley on Monday night Saturday 26 August 2023 03:00 , Andrea Blanco The body of Andrea Vazquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood. Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning. The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend. Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood nearby and Ms Vazquez gone. Whittier Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as a suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping. So far there is no motive discovered behind the attack and officials believe she was randomly targeted. Vazquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos. Andrea Vazquezs family thanks community for support Saturday 26 August 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, Diana Ortiz, a cousin of Vazquez, told FOX11 on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened Son of LA County fire captain pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquez murder Friday 25 August 2023 20:27 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape. Andrea Vazquezs family completely destroyed by teens murder Friday 25 August 2023 16:15 , Andrea Blanco Vazquezs sister Edlyn Vazquez posted a tribute for the slain teen on Thursday. My sweet angel ... Im completely destroyed. Words cannot describe this pain, Ms Vaquez wrote on Facebook. I love you with all my heart and my soul ... Until we meet again beautiful baby. Ms Vazquez had led public pleas for her sisters safe return after she was kidnapped and shot over the weekend. Vazquezs remains were found by the Whitter Police Department in Moreno Valley on Monday night. Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Friday 25 August 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquez was with her boyfriend at a California park when a gunman ambushed them and kidnapped the teen. The desperate search to save her has now ended in tragedy. The Independents Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Suspect randomly picked someone hanging out at the park, police say Friday 25 August 2023 12:30 , Andrea Blanco Police arrested Gabriel Esparza in connection with Andrea Vazquezs death. This was a completely random act of violence, there is nothing to suggest that there was any kind of affiliation. Whittier Police Department public information officer Thomas Mattson told Fox 11. The suspect just randomly picked someone who was hanging out at the park and committed this heinous act. Suspect pleads not guilty in first court appearance Friday 25 August 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, the 20-year-old son of a Los Angeles County fire captain, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday afternoon. Prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect, according to a criminal complaint submitted in Los Angeles Superior Court. These also include attempted murder, kidnapping to commit another crime, assault with intent to commit a felony, and two counts of attempted forcible rape. ICYMI: California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead Friday 25 August 2023 09:00 , Andrea Blanco A California woman who was reportedly shot and abducted from her boyfriends car in a park near Los Angeles has been found dead, police have confirmed. The body of Andrea Vazquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood. The Independents Graeme Massie reports: California woman shot and kidnapped from boyfriends car found dead Andrea Vazquez was kidnapped while sitting in a car with her boyfriend Friday 25 August 2023 06:30 , Andrea Blanco The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Officers were alerted to a shooting and kidnapping incident located at the parking stalls area at 13950 Penn Street in Whittier. Vasquezs sister, Edlyn, with whom she lives in Los Angeles, put out a plea on Facebook for the publics help in finding her. My sister was shot and kidnapped at Penn Park, she wrote. Her last location shows Moreno Valley. We dont know her condition. Please I am begging, if anyone has information, or the heart to share this, please please contact me and repost. Vazquezs body was found by police on Monday night. Her family was informed the following day. Victims body found in vegetation field Friday 25 August 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco Following Andrea Vazquezs horror kidnapping, a huge search was launched to try to find the missing 19-year-old. That search ended in tragedy on Monday 21 August when, at around 11.50pm local time, authorities combing the area of Moreno Valley made a gruesome discovery. Police said that the teens body had been found in a vegetation field off Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley. The investigation remains ongoing but police said that it appears that the attack on Vazquez and her boyfriend was randomly targeted. Who is Andrea Vazquezs alleged killer? Friday 25 August 2023 03:30 , Andrea Blanco On Tuesday 22 August, police announced an update on the case as a suspect was taken into custody. Detectives from the Whittier Police Department and the LADA Community Violence Reduction Team arrested Gabriel Esparza, a 20-year-old man and Whittier resident, in connection with the kidnapping and shooting of Vazquez. Mr Esparza was taken into custody at his workplace in the city of Lakewood and booked into the Whittier Police Department jail on charges of murder and kidnapping. He is being held without bail. During his arrest, officers recovered a weapon and Esparzas White Toyota Tacoma truck which are believed to have been used at the time of the shooting. This relentless investigation and yesterdays arrest were made possible by the dedication and commitment of our investigations division, with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, Downey Police Department, La Habra Police Department and the LADA Investigations Bureau Community Violence Reduction Team, police said in a statement. Gabriel Esparza, 20, charged with murder and kidnapping of Andrea Vasquez (WPD) GoFundMe for Andrea Vazquezs family tops $36,000 Friday 25 August 2023 02:00 , Andrea Blanco A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $20,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act. I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description. As of Thursday evening, the fundraiser had raised $36,000. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! WATCH: Andrea Vasquez's family seeks justice Friday 25 August 2023 00:30 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquezs family completely destroyed by teens murder Thursday 24 August 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco Vazquezs sister Edlyn Vazquez posted a tribute for the slain teen on Thursday. My sweet angel ... Im completely destroyed. Words cannot describe this pain, Ms Vaquez wrote on Facebook. I love you with all my heart and my soul ... Until we meet again beautiful baby. Ms Vazquez had led public pleas for her sisters safe return after she was kidnapped and shot over the weekend. Vazquezs remains were found by the Whitter Police Department in Moreno Valley on Monday night. DA vows to seek justice for Andrea Vazquez Thursday 24 August 2023 21:30 , Andrea Blanco Our hearts ache for the devastating loss of a young life. The heinous nature of this crime, involving the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of an innocent young woman, shocks our community to its core, District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement. My office will work tirelessly to hold Gabriel Esparza accountable for his callous actions against Ms. Vasquez and her partner. In these moments of profound sorrow, I send my deepest condolences to Ms. Vasquezs family as they cope with this painful tragedy. Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Thursday 24 August 2023 20:30 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquez was with her boyfriend at a California park when a gunman ambushed them and kidnapped the teen. The desperate search to save her has now ended in tragedy. The Independents Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Andrea Vazquezs alleged killer enters not-guilty plea Thursday 24 August 2023 19:34 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez. Mr Esparza entered a not-guilty plea when he made his first court appearance for the brutal slaying on Wednesday. Prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect, according to a criminal complaint submitted in Los Angeles Superior Court. Andrea Vazquezs family open up about devastating loss Thursday 24 August 2023 17:23 , Andrea Blanco Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, a cousin of Vazquez told FOX11 on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened Andrea Vazquezs GoFundMe tops $34,000 Thursday 24 August 2023 16:20 , Andrea Blanco A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $20,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act. I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $34,258. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Loved ones mourn teens senseless death Thursday 24 August 2023 15:17 , Andrea Blanco Andrea Vazquezs family members have opened up about her loss, just days after the teen was kidnapped and shot while on a date with her boyfriend at Penn Park in the city of Whittier. Vazquezs body was later found in Moreno Valley. Its a terrible day for me today, Vazquezs mother Ana told CBS News. I had a lot of hope to find her alive, hoping that God gave me the miracle and nothing happened. Watch: Vigil held for Andrea Vazquez Thursday 24 August 2023 14:01 , Graeme Massie ICYMI: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Thursday 24 August 2023 12:00 , Graeme Massie The horror unfolded just after midnight on Sunday 20 August when Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park in Whittier, police said. Her boyfriend told police that an armed suspect then approached their vehicle and fired a weapon in their direction, police said. Vazquezs boyfriend fled the scene and when he returned he discovered blood near his car and his girlfriend missing. Vazquez has been kidnapped from the scene. Faiza Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Son of LA County fire captain pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquez murder Thursday 24 August 2023 10:04 , Graeme Massie Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been charged with multiple felonies including murder, kidnapping and attempted rape. Son of LA County fire captain pleads not guilty to Andrea Vazquez murder Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Thursday 24 August 2023 07:50 , Graeme Massie Andrea Vazquez was with her boyfriend at a California park when a gunman ambushed them and kidnapped the teen. The desperate search to save her has now ended in tragedy. What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Family is experiencing grief and pain beyond description Thursday 24 August 2023 06:03 , Graeme Massie Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning. This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description. The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend. Vigil held for Andrea Vazquez Thursday 24 August 2023 04:00 , Ariana Baio On Tuesday evening, members of the community held a candlelight vigil for 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez who was kidnapped and killed on 20 August. Friends, family and associates of Vazquez gathered in Penn Park, where she was last seen. Police say suspect arrested in Vazquezs death had no connection to her Wednesday 23 August 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been arrested in connection with the crime. Mr Esparza is facing charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held without bail. At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, Whittier police said in a statement. Read polices latest statement on Andrea Vazquez case Wednesday 23 August 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio Body of Andrea Vazquez found in vegetation field Wednesday 23 August 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio Police in California said that the body of Andrea Vazquez was found in a vegetation field near Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley. Throughout the investigation, an ongoing search for Andrea Vazquez took place in large open land areas of Moreno Valley. At 11:50 p.m. on August 21, 2023, detectives located the body of Andrea Vasquez in a vegetation field off Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley, police said in a statement. Her body was found after she was kidnapped by a suspect. Police say Andrea Vazquez was randomly targetted Wednesday 23 August 2023 18:40 , Ariana Baio Authorities in the Whittier Police Department said they believe the suspect who kidnapped and shot Andrea Vazquez was randomly targetted. Vazquez was with her boyfriend in a parked car when the suspect approached them armed with a firearm. At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, the statement from police read. Timeline in Andrea Vazquez case Wednesday 23 August 2023 17:45 , Ariana Baio 20 August Sometimes after 12am: An armed suspect approaches Andrea Vazquez and a male companion in a parked vehicle in the parking stall of Penn Park. The suspect begins shooting and takes Vazquez. 21 August 3pm: Gabriel Esparza, 20, arrested in connection to the shooting and kidnapping of Vazquez 11.50pm: Detective locate the body of Andrea Vazquez in a field off of Alessandro Boulevard and Merwin Street in Moreno Valley Sister of Andrea Vazquez posts tribute Wednesday 23 August 2023 17:10 , Ariana Baio Ambushed at an LA park, kidnapped and her body dumped in a field: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? Wednesday 23 August 2023 16:40 , Ariana Baio It was a Sunday night and a young couple were sitting together in a car at a park near Los Angeles. What happened next was something straight out of a horror movie except this was real life. A gunman suddenly opened fire on the couple before pulling 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez from the car. Vazquezs boyfriend escaped the gunfire but returned to the vehicle to find she had been kidnapped. After an intensive one-day search, the harrowing incident culminated in despair as Vazquezs body was found in a field and a suspect who has no known connection to the couple was arrested for her murder. Fazia Saqib reports: What we know about kidnap and murder of Andrea Vazquez Local official thanks police and sends prayers to Andrea Vazquez family Wednesday 23 August 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio Sister of Andrea Vazquez says she tracked her location after kidnapping Wednesday 23 August 2023 15:30 , Ariana Baio Edlyn Vazquez, the sister of Andrea Vazquez, said after her sister was kidnapped on Sunday she began tracking her location. Andrea was the target of a random act of violence when she was suddenly kidnapped from the parking lot of a park in Los Angeles. Andreas boyfriend was with her when an armed man approached them and began shooting. The man took Andrea in his car after the boyfriend fled. Ms Vazquez told ABC7 that using Apples Find My iPhone feature she tracked her sisters location. I tracked it to... going down the [Route] 60, Ms Vazquez said. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and that the last known location that I have of her. Authorities found Andreas body in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley on Monday night. Andrea Vazquez case being presented in court today Wednesday 23 August 2023 15:00 , Ariana Baio Officials from the Whittier Police Department said they expect to present the case of Andrea Vazquezs death to the Los Angeles County District Attorney today. Police did not provide any further detail other than the date the case was being presented. GoFundMe for Andrea Vazquez raises over $20k Wednesday 23 August 2023 14:30 , Ariana Baio A GoFundMe for the family of Andrea Vazquez has raised over $20,000 in memory of the 19-year-old who was the victim of a random violent act. I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea, the GoFundMe creator, Diana Ortiz, wrote in the description. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $22,055. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We are just trying to process this, family say Wednesday 23 August 2023 14:00 , Andrea Blanco Weve been here praying with my aunt and my uncle, a cousin of Vazquez told FOX11 on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we were notified of Andrea being found. We are devastated. My uncle and my aunt are heartbroken. We have good strong family support so we are just here trying to process this, its hard. She was our baby cousin, just 19 years old. Such a senseless act, it shouldnt have happened Andrea Vazquez was yanked out of a car and shot Wednesday 23 August 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco Officials say that the body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning. This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock, said Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective and advocate for the family. Their pain and grief is beyond description. The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sat in a parked car with her boyfriend. Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood near it and Ms Vasquez had gone. Police say suspect arrested in Vazquezs death had no connection to her Wednesday 23 August 2023 12:00 , Andrea Blanco Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been arrested in connection with the crime. Mr Esparza is facing charges of murder and kidnapping and is currently being held without bail. At this time, it appears that Andrea Vazquez and her male companion were randomly targeted by the suspect at Penn Park, Whittier police said in a statement. Andrea Vazquez studied fashion design and was passionate about cosmetology Wednesday 23 August 2023 11:00 , Andrea Blanco Vasquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos. Emily Martinez, a relative of Vazquez, told Fox News Digital before her body was found on Monday that the 19-year-old had been working with her sister Edlyn, who is a lash artist. Ms Martinez had described Vazquez as a beautiful person who was liked by everyone who met her. (Whittier Police Department) Murder investigation will be presented to DAs office on Wednesday Wednesday 23 August 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco Whittier police said evidence suggested Vazquezs kidnapping and shooting was random. A weapon was recovered from the scene and officials are searching Mr Esparzas car for evidence. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday. Andrea Vazquez's sister managed to track her location, she says Wednesday 23 August 2023 09:15 , Stuti Mishra Shortly after 20-year-old Andrea Vazquez was attacked and kidnapped, her sister Edlyn managed to track her location using the Apples Find My iPhone feature and began following it. However, she soon lost it a few minutes later. I tracked it to ... going down the 60. I started following it and the location stopped in Moreno Valley, and thats the last known location that I have of her, she said, according to ABC7. Vazquez was later found dead in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where Edlyn said she tracked her location and the family found traces of blood. WATCH: Andrea Vazquezs family had issued desperate pleas before tragic developments on Tuesday Wednesday 23 August 2023 08:30 , Stuti Mishra Before Vazquezs body was found on Monday night, her family pleaded with the public for information regarding her whereabouts. All we know about Gabriel Esparza, the main suspect in Andrea Vazquez's death Wednesday 23 August 2023 07:30 , Stuti Mishra Whitter Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as the main suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping. Police said Mr Esparza, a Whittier resident, was arrested at his job on Monday in the city of Lakewood. He has since been booked into the Whittier Police Department and is being held without bail. So far no motive has been discovered and officials believe Andrea Vazquez was "randomly targeted". Investigators have recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the slaying, as well as the suspects vehicle, a 2013 White Toyota Tacoma truck, was also recovered. Police say that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office on Wednesday. What happened to Andrea Vazquez? All we know so far Wednesday 23 August 2023 06:46 , Stuti Mishra The body of Andrea Vazquez, 19, was discovered in an open field in Moreno Valley, not far from where her family say her phone last pinged and they found traces of blood. Officials say that her body was found late on Monday night and that the victims family were informed on Tuesday morning. The victim was shot and kidnapped from Penn Park in Whittier after she had been sitting in a parked car with her boyfriend. Investigators say that the boyfriend fled the gunfire and when he returned to the vehicle he discovered blood nearby and Ms Vazquez gone. Whittier Police Department say that they have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza as a suspect in the case and charged him with murder and kidnapping. So far there is no motive discovered behind the attack and officials believe she was "randomly targeted". Vazquez was a fashion design student at Fullerton College and also worked at a mall in Cerritos. An Iowa man was sentenced to 2 years in prison for threatening Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman. Do you think former President Donald Trump or groupies like U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and Kari Lake feel even a teeny tiny bit responsible when another gullible dope is sentenced to prison for threats against Arizona officials after falling for the conspiracy theories and BS about rigged elections? Naah me neither. Im guessing these political flamethrowers, and many like them all across the country, have convinced themselves that they have nothing to do with the intimidation, harassment and death threats that have rained down on the Maricopa County supervisors, Recorder Stephen Richer, Gov. Katie Hobbs and on and on. On Monday, an Iowa man was sentenced to 2 years in prison for threats against Supervisor Clint Hickman and former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Others will go to prison for death threats Among other things, Mark Rissi left a voicemail message for Hickman saying in part, Youre gonna die, you piece of [expletive]. Were going to hang you. Were going to hang you. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Yeah, not exactly the brightest bulb in the MAGA marquee. This comes on the heels of a Massachusetts man who has pleaded guilty to sending a message to an Arizona government website warning then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs to resign or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated. This dope could get five years in the slammer. And that came after a man enflamed by the conspiracy nonsense disseminated about Arizonas elections was caught and sentenced to 3 years in prison for threatening the lives and families of Richer and County Attorneys Office Civil Division Chief Tom Liddy. Trump made it OK to spew violent rhetoric We know how this all got started. At least we know how it all became accepted. It became OK for Republicans to spew violent rhetoric the moment Trump scored big with the GOP base by talking about how Mexico was sending us drug dealers, criminals and rapists. Since then, he has demonized just about everyone he views as a threat. Montini: Why the prosecution of a bomb threat is no bombshell And that attitude has spread to his political sycophants like Biggs and Lake (and a whole bunch more.) This explains why Biggs felt comfortable tweeting out after Trump was indicted, We have now reached the war phase. Eye for an eye. And it explains how Lake at a Republican Party gathering in Georgia said she had a message for Attorney General Merrick Garland, special counsel Jack Smith, President Joe Biden and the media. What about Lake, others who spread lies? Lake said, If you want to get to President Trump, youre going to have to go through me, and youre going to have to go through 75 million Americans just like me. And Im going to tell you, most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA. Thats not a threat, thats a public service announcement. That kind of vitriol has consequences. It puts good people at risk. These ongoing prosecutions hopefully send a message to the dopes who fall for the lies. But what about the politicians spreading the bogus conspiracies who inspire them? They still dont seem to have gotten any message. How many stooges have to go to prison before the agitators back off? Would that even happen if someone died? Wait dont answer that. Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com. For more opinions content, please subscribe. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump, Biggs and Lake's election lies send another idiot to prison Here's the latest news from Austin Peay State University. School of Nursing to welcome new students The School of Nursing will celebrate incoming nursing students with a Welcome to Nursing Stethoscope Ceremony on Tuesday in Clement Auditorium from 3:45-5 p.m. Students will receive essential nursing supplies to help them start their journey in the program. These supplies include a Littman stethoscope, pen light, scissors and a bag for their essential materials. An APSU nursing student in the McCord Building's nursing lab during the Spring 2018 semester. The event highlights students who have been accepted into the nursing program and are about to begin their first semester in Fall 2023. Therefore, every incoming nursing student will receive funding from the McCampbell Helping Hands Fund. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement With this introductory ceremony, the nursing program hopes to show students that Austin Peay strives to support them throughout their collegiate experience. The event is free for incoming Austin Peay nursing students and their families. A tour of the McCord Building and refreshments will be provided immediately following the event. Alumnus talks artistry ahead of Nashville exhibition Alumnus Khari Turner (2019), a Wisconsin native and accomplished artist who first ventured to Clarksville to bring the iconic Gov mascot to life, was featured on the recent Govs on the Go podcast. Turner graduated from the Department of Art + Design in May 2019 and went on to attend graduate school at Columbia University. His work has been featured in many exhibitions, juried shows and residencies, and he was recently interviewed about his accomplishments on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Khari Turner, Wisconsin native and artist. Right now, [my] work is about history [and] the body as a body of water, Turner said. It doesnt matter who you are youre mostly water, regardless of skin, gender or identity. Those concepts are reflected in Turners upcoming exhibition, Resonance, which will be hosted from Sept. 2-30 at The Red Arrow Gallery in Nashville in collaboration with artist Donte K. Hayes. He is currently working to build his artwork into a narrative about those who died in the Middle Passage, a stage of the Atlantic slave trade, surviving as beings made entirely of water. Turners artwork has also been showcased on the cover of Austin Peays Zone 3 literary journal, as part of Hulus 2020 Woke Art Fest and in publications from InStyle to Forbes. 'Distinguished Professorship' winners announced The College of Business announced the 2023 AJ Taylor Distinguished Professorship Award winners on Aug. 18, signaling the beginning of a new academic year for the college. The award is presented annually to two exceptional business faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and research. The 2023 recipients are: Excellence in Teaching: Dr. John Volker, professor of management Excellence in Research: Dr. Tim Self, assistant professor of hospitality management To mark the occasion, each honoree received a special plaque and academic stipend to support their educational aspirations. For more information about the 2023 AJ Taylor Distinguished Professorship Award winners, contact Elaina Russell at russelle@apsu.edu. College of Arts and Letters presents Distinguished Alumni Awards Dr. William "Buzz" Hoon, dean of APSU's College of Arts and Letters (at right), presents Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts (center) with a Distinguished Alumni Award. The College of Arts and Letters recently announced six recipients of the 2022-2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards, one from each department within the college. Award winners are chosen annually for their exceptional achievements, significant contributions to their fields, dedicated service to their community and unwavering loyalty to the university. "The Distinguished Alumni Awards showcase the remarkable talent and outstanding achievements of our alumni," said Dr. Buzz Hoon, dean of the College of Arts and Letters. "We are thrilled to honor these individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also remained connected to their alma mater and have made significant contributions to their communities." This years recipients include: Rusty Mitchell Christian Hodges Joe Pitts Emily Pitts-Donahoe Sgt. Samuel Barlow Dr. Walter Riley Braem. APSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from APSU News and Communications department. This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: APSU Mondays: New nurses, artist featured, professor awards A man serving time in an Arizona prison on for an unrelated offense faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with a 2021 killing in San Juan County. Francisco Vasquez Jr., 28, was charged with first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to a news release from the San Juan County Sheriffs Office. The release states that sheriffs detectives investigating the murder of 56-year-old William Billy Dixon on Aug. 9, 2021, on County Road 3400 in San Juan County recently obtained statements from two witnesses who named Vasquez as the shooter in Dixons killing. During a subsequent interview with Vasquez, the detectives obtained a confession from him for Dixons murder, according to the release. We are very proud of the hard work put in by our detectives to solve this brutal crime, investigations Capt. Kevin Burns of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office stated in the release. The investigation and arrest are a testament to the ceaseless effort by these detectives to hold this menace accountable. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the release, the initial investigation into Dixons death produced no results. Detectives found him dead of an apparent gunshot wound on the morning of Aug. 9, 2021, outside a mobile home on County Road 3400, but were unable to identify a suspect after executing numerous search warrants and conducting several interviews. New evidence and witness statements surfaced earlier this year, the release states, connecting Vasquez to Dixons killing. Vasquez had moved to Arizona after Dixons death, where he was arrested on an armed robbery charge and is serving time for that offense at a state prison in Douglas, Arizona. On Aug. 22, Detective Cody Decker of the Sheriff's Office traveled to Douglas to interview Vasquez at the prison, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Vasquez waived his Miranda rights and eventually described in detail how he had shot Dixon twice in the head early on the morning of Aug. 9, 2021, at the residence on County Road 3400, the affidavit states. Vasquez allegedly told Decker he shot Dixon because he believed he had raped a female friend of his, the document states. Vasquez later repeated the story without changing any of the details, Decker writes in the affidavit. Dustin OBrien of the San Juan County District Attorneys Office said the countys warrant for Vasquez will be outstanding until he is returned here for booking. The timetable for his return depends largely on whether Vasquez chooses to contest his extradition, OBrien said. Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e. This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Francisco Vasquez Jr. faces murder charge in death of William Dixon With a historic suite of four criminal indictments now under his belt, former President Donald Trump's schedule for the coming year seems full to the point of bursting, thanks to a cavalcade of pending court dates, presidential campaign stops and the possibility that he may see the inside of a jail cell. Nevertheless, as a new investigation into efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election begins to pick up steam, there's a growing chorus of experts and commentators predicting that members of Trump's inner circle, and perhaps even Trump himself, could be facing yet another slate of criminal charges. This time it could be in Arizona, where Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is probing into a "fake elector" effort by Republicans similar to that which factored heavily in Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis' recent indictment of Trump and others. Could Arizona become the next legal front in the ongoing effort to hold Trump accountable for his alleged electoral misconduct? What the commentators said "We are investigating the fake electors situation," Mayes confirmed during a press conference earlier this month, tentatively comparing her work to "what just happened in Georgia and in Michigan," where multiple officials have been charged for their involvement in plans to submit slates of unaccredited electors, according to Arizona's 12 News. While promising a "thorough and professional investigation," Mayes cautioned patience in light of the other states' indictments, insisting the work would be done "on our timetable as justice demands." As CBS News noted, questions of "how long the investigation has been underway, its status and its scope" are, for the time being, "not clear." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The secretive nature of Mayes' work hasn't stopped Arizona's current Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs and her Republican predecessor, Jan Brewer, from predicting charges. Calling herself an "advocate for holding folks involved in trying to overturn the will of the voters in the 2020 election accountable," Hobbs told Phoenix's Fox 10 that "this is part of that" while stressing "accountability at the top level." Brewer offered a similar forecast, telling the network that she expects Mayes is "going to move forward on some kind of disciplinary action." Former GOP gubernatorial nominee and potential 2024 senate candidate Kari Lake also predicted an Arizona indictment against Trump "ASAP," alleging without proof that the Biden administration has, and will likely use, the authority to "order" Hobbs and Mayes to file state charges. Former Arizona GOP Chair Kelli Ward is of "particular interest to investigators as of late," Rolling Stone reported, with one source telling the publication that investigators are "moving aggressively" on that front. Prosecutors are also looking into former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, focusing on a "number of notable meetings and phone calls, including a late November 2020 meeting with members of Arizona's state legislature convened by the Trump legal team," according to a separate Rolling Stone report. It was at this meeting that Trump associates allegedly "aired bogus claims of voter fraud and lobbied lawmakers to 'take over' the state's selection of electors." What next? "Many of us perked up" after Arizona was "mentioned" several times in Willis' Georgia indictment, University of Arizona Law Professor Christopher Griffin told KGUN, although he downplayed any direct link. Arizona has also played a major role in Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation and subsequent indictment of Trump, including text messages obtained by Talking Points Memo that detailed how "Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and former Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward were among those who played key roles in elements of the alleged conspiracy from the moment Smith said it began." While Arizona state officials have publicly insisted their investigation is focused mainly on the fake electors conspiracy, investigators' interest in Giuliani suggests prosecutors are moving "higher up on the food chain" than the fake electors themselves, Rolling Stone reported. Still, with the investigation in its early phase, it's unclear "whether the state attorney general's office intends to mount as aggressive and far-reaching" a probe as Willis' in Georgia. For now, if Arizona officials are looking into Trump himself, it seems like any action on that front is a ways away. You may also like Homepage In May, Reason wrote about Steven Hedrick, a resident of Holiday Island, Arkansas, who rents out roll-away dumpsters. Renters get a dumpster delivered, which they fill, and Hedrick hauls it away. Business was gooduntil April 2022, when the Holiday Island City Council passed Ordinance 2022-004, mandating that residents and businesses use Carroll County Solid Waste (CCSW) for all trash pickup and disposal services. Last week, Hedrick filed a lawsuit against the city in the Carroll County Circuit Court on behalf of himself and his business, X-Dumpsters, claiming that the provision violates the state constitution. The lawsuit says that Hedrick offers "different and supplementary" services and does not compete with CCSW's weekly trash pickup service. Hedrick initially believed that as a county-licensed solid waste hauler who doesn't provide weekly trash pickup, the ordinance did not apply to his business. But the city said otherwise, and he received multiple notices threatening him with citations if he provided any further services within Holiday Island. Letters from the mayor and the city's code enforcement officer "asserted that the presence of his dumpsters on property not his own was sufficient to violate the Ordinance." Since receiving the letters, Hedrick has ceased operating in Holiday Island, renting only to county residents outside the city. In May, Hedrick told Reason that he was turning down "two or three jobs a week" due to the ordinance. Worse still, he felt a "moral obligation" to refer them to his competitor even though CCSW "is not prompt with their deliveries." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In a video produced by the Goldwater Institute, the free market public policy and litigation organization that is representing him, Hedrick said this was "the most frustrating part," that "I've got to send my business to my competitor that's actually got their boot on my neck." In his lawsuit, Hedrick contends that the ordinance constitutes a monopoly, which "violates the anti-monopoly clause and the due process clause of the Arkansas Constitution." Article II, Section 19 of the Arkansas Constitution states that monopolies "are contrary to the genius of a republic, and shall not be allowed." Goldwater Institute staff attorney Adam Shelton told Reason in May that while the state can require people to use a particular trash pickup service, "what the government can't do is say that that person has the exclusive right to collect all solid waste, and no other individual or no other business entity can collect solid waste in the city." After the ordinance passed, Mayor Dan Kees wrote in a blog post that it was necessary "to mitigate the growing problem of illegal dumping in Holiday Island" since "the City does not have the resources to supervise the operations of several other haulers." But Hedrick's lawsuit says that he is licensed by the county and "is in good standing." It further contends that Holiday Island has not provided "any rational connection to the public health, safety, welfare, or general prosperity" to justify the monopoly. An email to Kees requesting comment received an out-of-office reply that referred senders to another city official, who had not responded by press time. Hedrick is seeking a declaratory judgment finding the ordinance unconstitutional and an injunction against its enforcement. Past that, he only seeks nominal damages, attorney's fees, and the freedom to continue his work. According to the lawsuit, he "simply wants to provide Holiday Island residents reliable and affordable ad-hoc solid waste removal service." "If it's not something that is causing damage or harm to others," Hedrick says, "you shouldn't have to ask permission to put food on your table." The post Arkansas Business Owner Sues Over Government Garbage Monopoly appeared first on Reason.com. Two Arkansas fugitives were arrested by Caddo Parish Sheriff's deputies over the weekend. According to the sheriff's office, Joseph Demarquez D. Dennis, 21, and King James Copeland, 25, were wanted out of Miller County, Arkansas, on felony gun charges. The pair were arrested following a vehicle pursuit that started in Texarkana, Arkansas and ended in North Caddo Parish. At approximately 6 p.m. Aug. 26, Caddo deputies were notified that two men wanted by the Miller County Sheriff's Office were traveling in a white van with a Louisiana license plate and heading southbound on I-49. Deputies responded to mile marker 241 and deployed a tire deflation device to stop the suspects' approaching vehicle. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement According to the sheriff's office, Copeland attempted to avoid the deflation device and drove the vehicle into the median crashing the vehicle into a line of trees. The pair than escaped the vehicle and fled on foot into the woods south of Mira, Louisiana. More: Former Shreveport Police Lieutenant charged with wire fraud for claiming unworked overtime Deputies were sent on a search and Dennis was found in the woods nearly two hours later, and Copeland was found just before 11 p.m. walking in the 15000 block of Hosston/Rodessa Road by an off-duty deputy. Deputies located several firearms, including a stolen AK-47 pistol, an AR-15-style pistol and drugs during the search. Copeland was charged with four counts of Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Hit and Run, No Driver's License and In-State Fugitive for unrelated warrants issued by the Shreveport Police Department. Out-of-state charges are pending from Miller County. Dennis was charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Schedule I Narcotics, and Resisting Arrest. He also faces out-of-state charges from Miller County. Both men were booked into the Caddo Correctional Center. Read: Caddo Parish coroner identifies 55th homicide victim in Shreveport Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Arkansas fugitives found in Caddo Parish by sheriff deputies A faculty member was killed by a shooter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, police said Monday. Shortly after 1 p.m. EDT, UNC Police received a 911 call about shots fired at the Caudill Labs building on campus, UNC Police Chief Brian James said at a news conference Monday evening. The Caudill Labs building, close to the center of campus, houses a chemistry department. Upon arrival, police discovered that a faculty member had been shot and killed. James said police would not be offering any further details about the victim as they work to contact the victim's family members. The faculty member was the only fatality in the shooting, and no other injuries were reported, James said. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Police identified a suspect and he was taken into custody at 2:31 p.m. Police will not release the name of the suspect until formal charges are filed, James said. Law enforcement respond to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after the university locked down and warned of an armed person on campus. / Credit: Hannah Schoenbaum / AP After the suspect was apprehended, a campus-wide lockdown that had been prompted by the shooting remained in place while police confirmed the suspect's identity and conducted a search for the weapon, which has still not been located, James said. Police gave the all-clear to students at UNC shortly after 4 p.m., but said, "Remain away from Caudil Labs." It is still too early to know the motive for the shooting, and the investigation is expected to last several weeks. UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz offered his condolences to the family of the deceased faculty member. "I am devastated and saddened by today's shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring and research every day. This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus," Guskiewicz said in a statement. Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger said Monday was a "sad day" for the campus and town. "We are heartbroken for the UNC students, faculty, and staff whose sense of safety on their beautiful campus was shattered by the day's events and for those children, teachers, and staff who had to lock down on their first day back to our local schools," Hemminger said in a statement. Classes and campus events at UNC were canceled for the rest of Monday and all of Tuesday. Other schools in the area announced at 3:40 p.m. EDT that they had also received the all-clear to allow students to leave. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in North Carolina wrote on social media that the "dismissal process will now begin for elementary & middle school students. High schools will dismiss at their normal time." Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement that he has spoken to authorities and pledged all available resources to help find the suspected shooter. "I have spoken with Orange County Sheriff Blackwood and Dept. of Public Safety Secretary Buffaloe and pledged all stat resources to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus," he wrote on social media. Spanish soccer federation asks Luis Rubiales to resign after unwanted kiss What China's economic slump could mean for U.S. Marking 60 years since the March on Washington The Army is considering outfitting a "robot dog" unmanned robot with its new infantry rifle to "explore the realm of the possible" for future close combat, a service spokesman told Military.com. Bhavanjot Singh, a senior scientific technical manager at the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), first mentioned potentially arming a Ghost Robotics-manufactured Vision 60 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) with the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle during a late July reception with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as Janes first reported earlier this month. The Army has already experimented with mounting an M4A1 carbine on a Q-UGV, according to Janes. But testing the new Sig Sauer XM7 rifle would mark a new frontier for the use of the unmanned robots meant to emulate some of the skills of man's best friend. Read Next: Army to Test Out its New Guns in Extreme Environments ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "The unique capability of the dog is the ability to traverse different types of terrain that wheeled vehicles may not be able to go," Singh reportedly told lawmakers. When asked about Singh's remarks, DEVCOM spokesman Tim Ryder told Military.com that Army Futures Command "continues to explore the application of human machine integration," while cautioning that the development of a prototype doesn't indicate the weaponized robot dogs will be deployed downrange. "While advanced technology demonstrations -- in this case, related to the Next Generation Squad Weapon and unmanned ground vehicles -- allow us to explore the realm of the possible when it comes to transformative capabilities for future combat formations, they don't necessarily represent or result in formal service-wide research programs or investments," Ryder said in an email. Using 6.8mm ammo, the XM7 rifle and its sister weapon, the XM250 automatic rifle, were adopted under the NGSW program in 2022 to replace the M4 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon respectively in Army arsenals within the next decade. While already popular among U.S. special operations forces, Military.com previously reported that some soldiers expressed concern that the XM7 is too large and heavy to function effectively as a standard infantry rifle. Meanwhile, robot dogs like the Vision 60 Q-UGV have become an increasingly common fixture across the U.S. military, performing functions like enhancing perimeter security at various installations; augmenting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for troops in remote environments; and even carrying out some explosive ordnance disposal tasks at the behest of their uniformed operators. While semi-autonomous and remotely controlled weapons platforms are already established tools in the U.S. military's toolkit, the prospect of arming robot dogs and sending them into hostile territory alongside U.S. troops has triggered controversy in the robotics industry. Half a dozen robotics companies, including leading firm Boston Dynamics, released a letter last October calling on global militaries to abstain from weaponizing their technology. "We believe that adding weapons to robots that are remotely or autonomously operated, widely available to the public, and capable of navigating to previously inaccessible locations where people live and work, raises new risks of harm and serious ethical issues," the companies said. "Weaponized applications of these newly-capable robots will also harm public trust in the technology in ways that damage the tremendous benefits they will bring to society." Those concerns haven't stopped defense contractors from developing novel combinations of unmanned ground robots and weapons systems. In October 2021, Ghost Robotics and SWORD International unveiled a so-called Special Purpose Unmanned Rifle robot dog equipped with a 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual conference in Washington, D.C. One year later, a viral video from Chinese defense contractor Kestrel Defense showed an unmanned aerial vehicle airdropping a robot dog armed with a Chinese 5.8x42mm QBB-97 light machine gun onto a rooftop during a training simulation. Thus far, officials with the Army's robotics program have said that the service likely won't deploy unarmed mechanized canines alongside soldiers for another decade at least. Multi-legged ground robots "have some promises which we've identified, primarily from a mobility standpoint. ... [But] there are limitations to them as well from an endurance [perspective], as well as the payload capability and power of how much they can support," Milot Resyli, the chief of dismounted robotic systems at DEVCOM's Ground Vehicle Systems Center, told C4ISRNET this past October. When armed versions are eventually employed, the Defense Department remains committed "to developing and employing all weapon systems, including those with autonomous features and functions, in a responsible and lawful manner," Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks wrote this past January as part of the Pentagon's latest update to DoD Directive 3000.09, "Autonomy in Weapons Systems," which dictates rules for buying autonomous systems. Related: Portland Air National Guard Unit Is First to Test Out Robot Dog for Base Security